bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi on Leaf N: P: K Stoichiometry in Agroecosystem
Authors: Wu Shanwei , Shi Zhaoyong , Huang Ming , Li Youjun , Gao Jiakai
Published: January 2023

Leaf nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) stoichiometry can reflect plant strategies of nutrient allocation, which play key roles in ensuring food security and maintaining nutrient balance in the agroecosystem. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation is an effective and green management measure affecting nutrient uptake and utilization strategies, especially in the agroecosystem. However, the interplay between AMF and leaf nutrient stoichiometry that is important for sustainable agriculture remain underexplored. Therefore, the efficacy of AMF in improving leaf nutrients of host plants in agricultural ecosystems were tested with meta-analysis by 1932 pairs of observations in research publications from 1995 to 2022. Overall analysis showed that AMF inoculation increases leaf N, P, and K by 8.75%, 24.61%, and 13.54%, respectively. Moreover, leaf P: K increased by 11.74% by AMF inocula, but leaf N: P and N: K of host plants decreased by 15.38% and 5.52%, respectively. Furthermore, the AMF effect on leaf nutrient stoichiometry was significantly regulated by species, life cycle, and growth habits of host plants. The prominent efficacy of AMF was higher for leaf P in fruit (30.06%), perennial (30.19%), and woody plants (31.6%) than other groups. Moreover, AMF effects on leaf N: P: K stoichiometry of inoculated crops varied depending on the identity of AMF. The Glomeraceae (especially Rhizophagus genera) increased more leaf P content than other AMF families. Thus, the leaf nutrient of host plants significantly increased by AMF inocula, especially leaf P content in the agroecosystem. The effect of AMF on leaf N: P: K stoichiometry was related to plant species, plant life cycle, plant growth habits, and the identity of AMF. These findings highlight the response of AMF to the strategies of nutrient in host plants and provide a theoretical and applicable way for better crop yield and sustainable agriculture.
A Micro-Scale Approach for Cropland Suitability Assessment of Permanent Crops Using Machine Learning and a Low-Cost UAV
Authors: Radočaj Dorijan , Šiljeg Ante , Plaščak Ivan , Marić Ivan , Jurišić Mladen
Published: January 2023

This study presents a micro-scale approach for the cropland suitability assessment of permanent crops based on a low-cost unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with a commercially available RGB sensor. The study area was divided into two subsets, with subsets A and B containing tangerine plantations planted during years 2000 and 2008, respectively. The fieldwork was performed on 27 September 2021 by using a Mavic 2 Pro UAV equipped with a commercial RGB sensor. The cropland suitability was performed in a two-step classification process, utilizing: (1) supervised classification with machine learning algorithms for creating a vegetation mask; and (2) unsupervised classification for the suitability assessment according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) land suitability standard. The overall accuracy and kappa coefficients were used for the accuracy assessment. The most accurate combination of the input data and parameters was the classification using ANN with all nine input rasters, managing to utilize complimentary information regarding the study area spectral and topographic properties. The resulting suitability levels indicated positive suitability in both study subsets, with 63.1% suitable area in subset A and 59.0% in subset B. Despite that, the efficiency of agricultural production can be improved by managing crop and soil properties in the currently non-suitable class (N1), providing recommendations for farmers for further agronomic inspection. Alongside low-cost UAV, the open-source GIS software and globally accepted FAO standard are expected to further improve the availability of its application for permanent crop plantation management.
PhoD Harboring Microbial Community and Alkaline Phosphatase as Affected by Long Term Fertilization Regimes on a Calcareous Soil
Authors: Lu Peng , Zhang Yamei , Ji Bingjie , Yan Yuan , Wang Zhengpei , Yang Min , Zhang Shulan , Yang Xueyun
Published: January 2023

Organic phosphorus (Po) may play a vital role in phosphorus availability via its mineralization by alkaline phosphatase (ALP), being encoded by phoD gene, in calcareous soil. Understanding the effects of long-term fertilization on the community of phoD harboring bacteria and the related alteration of the P availability owing to the changes in ALP secretion may offer a chance to elucidate the Po contribution to soil available P. Based on a long-term experiment, we analyzed the phoD gene harboring microbial diversity, abundance and composition, ALP and Po forms, and their relationship. The treatments involved were control without any fertilizers (CK), synthetic nitrogen and potassium (NK), synthetic nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK), NPK and crop stalk return (SNPK), and NPK plus organic manure (MNPK). Fertilization increased the abundance and diversity of phoD gene harboring microbial over CK. Those receiving NPK and NPK treatments integrated with organic supplements significantly improved the relative abundance of Proteobacteria but decreased Gemmatimonadetes at the phylum level, while all fertilized treatments appreciably increased the relative abundance of Lysobacter but decreased that of Gemmatirosa and Afipia, at the genus level. SNPK and MNPK treatments noticeably increased the relative abundance of Methylobacter but reduced Pseudomonas and Streptomyces relative to those receiving synthetic fertilizer treatments. Long-term fertilization markedly raised ALP activity, which was significantly and positively correlated with the relative abundance of the phylum Proteobacteria as represented by the genera Methylobacterium and Lysobacter. ALP was closely associated with moderately labile Po, followed by enzyme P, recalcitrant Po, and labile Po. The changes in phoD bacteria and ALP were mainly driven by soil organic carbon, Olsen P and pH. We concluded that the long-term fertilization, especially the addition of organic supplements, profoundly modified the soil properties and subsequently changed the diversity and relative abundance of phoD gene harboring bacteria, which promoted the activity of ALP, and thus the mineralization of various forms of Po (mainly moderately labile Po) to enhance the P availability.
Life Cycle Assessment of Carbon Footprint of Green Tea Produced by Smallholder Farmers in Shaanxi Province of China
Authors: He Mingbao , Li Yingchun , Zong Shixiang , Li Kuo , Han Xue , Zhao Mingyue
Published: January 2023

China is a major producer of green tea, and most of its green tea production comes from small farmers. Accessing the carbon emission status of this group can provide data support and a decision-making basis for the realization of carbon neutrality in China’s tea industry. In this study, the life cycle assessment method was used to analyze the carbon footprint of green tea produced by smallholder farmers in Liugou Village, Hanzhong City, Shaanxi Province. The results showed that the carbon emission intensity of green tea for its entire life cycle was 32.90 kg CO2eq kg−1 dry tea, and the carbon emission intensities of its consumption, processing, and cultivation were 14.90, 7.94, and 6.97 kg CO2eq kg−1, respectively. In the processing stage, emissions during steaming and drying accounted for 57%. The use of coal, complicated processing procedures, and older equipment were the main reasons for the high emissions in the processing stage. In the cultivation process, emissions mainly came from fertilizer production and its application in the field. The energy consumption of boiling water resulted in high carbon emissions in the consumption stage. This study suggests that building a scientific fertilization system for tea gardens, optimizing processing equipment and energy utilization structure, and cultivating the concept of low-carbon consumption will be the keys to promoting smallholder farmers to reduce carbon emissions. This study further emphasizes that we should focus on carbon emissions caused by the production processes of small farmers.
Rotary Ripper: A Possible Solution to Increase the Efficiency of Tillage Operations
Authors: Varani Massimiliano , Mattetti Michele
Published: January 2023

Manufacturers are looking for innovative solutions to improve the sustainability of their products in terms of environmental, economic, and social issues. Many studies demonstrate that conservative tillage techniques can be more advantageous for the environment and farmer profits than conventional tillage techniques. However, conservative tillage tools have certain disadvantages, including challenging weed control and stagnation issues in humid conditions due to low soil porosity at depth. In this study, field tests were conducted comparing the performances of a conventional tillage technique, using a ripper and a rotary tiller, and the usage of an innovative rotary ripper (Rotoripper). The comparison was performed in terms of energy requirements, through data acquisition during tillage operations, tilled soil quality, through soil sieving and cone penetration tests, and ownership costs, through acquired field data and literature databases. The results indicate that increased porosity of the soil in the deepest layer and increased cost-effectiveness are the main advantages attainable with the use of the Rotoripper instead of conventional tillage equipment. However, because of the low soil segregation level achieved with the Rotoripper, additional tillage activities are required before planting.
Performance of Nitrogen Fertilization and Nitrification Inhibitors in the Irrigated Wheat Fields
Authors: Torabian Shahram , Farhangi-Abriz Salar , Qin Ruijun , Noulas Christos , Wang Guojie
Published: January 2023

Effective nitrogen (N) management practices are critical to sustain crop production and minimize nitrate (NO3−) leaching loss from irrigated fields in the Columbia Basin (U.S.), but studies on the applied practices are limited. Therefore, from 2014 to 2016, two separate field studies were conducted in sandy loam soils in the region to evaluate the performance of various N fertilizers in spring and winter wheat. The treatments consisted of two nitrification inhibitors (NIs) (Instinct® II and Agrotain® Ultra) in combination with two N fertilizers (urea and urea ammonium nitrate [UAN]) under two application methods (single vs. split-application) and two rates (100% vs. 85% of growers’ standard). The results from these field trials demonstrated that N fertilizer treatments did not affect wheat grain yield (GY) and grain protein (GP). In the spring wheat trial, higher NH4⁺-N content but lower NO3−-N content was observed in the UAN treatments (0–30 cm). However, the application of NIs had no considerable effect on soil N content. In the winter wheat trial, the split N application generally reduced NO3−-N and total mineral nitrogen (TMN) content, especially at 30–60 cm, in comparison to a single application. The use of Instinct® II tended to reduce NO3−-N and TMN contents, while Agrotain® Ultra was not effective in inhibiting nitrification. Our findings suggest that more studies on the effectiveness of NIs and N applications would enable growers to optimize N use efficiency and crop production in the region.
A Preliminary Study on the Interplay between the Serum Levels of Neurotransmitters and Thyroid Hormones for the Evaluation of the Behavioral Phenotype of Dogs
Authors: Cocco Raffaella , Arfuso Francesca , Giannetto Claudia , Piccione Giuseppe , Cesarani Alberto , Pulina Giuseppe , Sechi Sara
Published: January 2023

A total of 112 dogs (49 males and 63 females) belonging to different breeds (i.e., Boxer, Cirneco dell’Etna, Fonni’s Dog, Labrador, Crossbreed, German Shepherd, Pit Bull, Shar-Pei, Yorkshire) were analyzed to compare the serum concentration of serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, prolactin, beta-endorphins, thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and assess whether these parameters can be correlated with the behavioral phenotype of the investigated breeds. T4 was above or below the threshold in 61% and 14% of dogs, respectively; T3, in contrast, 41% of dogs showed values below the limit, while 26% above it. TSH was within the reference range in 58% of dogs; 94% of the dogs had prolactin in the reference range and only five animals showed values above the limit. For beta-endorphins, 49% of dogs had values above the limit, while 46% had values within the reference range. Serotonin and dopamine values below physiological limits were found in 62% and 70% of dogs, respectively. Finally, 61% of the dogs showed norepinephrine values within the reference range. The study confirmed that the assessment of the serum values of hormones and neurotransmitters in dogs could be useful to better understand the behavioral phenotype of the animal and could be useful for breeders and trainers for the selection of the most suitable subjects for specific tasks.
A Recognition Method of Ewe Estrus Crawling Behavior Based on Multi-Target Detection Layer Neural Network
Authors: Yu Longhui , Guo Jianjun , Pu Yuhai , Cen Honglei , Li Jingbin , Liu Shuangyin , Nie Jing , Ge Jianbing , Yang Shuo , Zhao Hangxing , Xu Yalei , Wu Jianglin , Wang Kang
Published: January 2023

There are some problems with estrus detection in ewes in large-scale meat sheep farming: mainly, the manual detection method is labor-intensive and the contact sensor detection method causes stress reactions in ewes. To solve the abovementioned problems, we proposed a multi-objective detection layer neural network-based method for ewe estrus crawling behavior recognition. The approach we proposed has four main parts. Firstly, to address the problem of mismatch between our constructed ewe estrus dataset and the YOLO v3 anchor box size, we propose to obtain a new anchor box size by clustering the ewe estrus dataset using the K-means++ algorithm. Secondly, to address the problem of low model recognition precision caused by small imaging of distant ewes in the dataset, we added a 104 × 104 target detection layer, making the total target detection layer reach four layers, strengthening the model’s ability to learn shallow information and improving the model’s ability to detect small targets. Then, we added residual units to the residual structure of the model, so that the deep feature information of the model is not easily lost and further fused with the shallow feature information to speed up the training of the model. Finally, we maintain the aspect ratio of the images in the data-loading module of the model to reduce the distortion of the image information and increase the precision of the model. The experimental results show that our proposed model has 98.56% recognition precision, while recall was 98.04%, F1 value was 98%, mAP was 99.78%, FPS was 41 f/s, and model size was 276 M, which can meet the accurate and real-time recognition of ewe estrus behavior in large-scale meat sheep farming.
Enhancing Milk Production by Nutrient Supplements: Strategies and Regulatory Pathways
Authors: Pan Fengguang , Li Peizhi , Hao Guijie , Liu Yinuo , Wang Tian , Liu Boqun
Published: January 2023

The enhancement of milk production is essential for dairy animals, and nutrient supplements can enhance milk production. This work summarizes the influence of nutrient supplements—including amino acids, peptides, lipids, carbohydrates, and other chemicals (such as phenolic compounds, prolactin, estrogen and growth factors)—on milk production. We also attempt to provide possible illuminating insights into the subsequent effects of nutrient supplements on milk synthesis. This work may help understand the strategy and the regulatory pathway of milk production promotion. Specifically, we summarize the roles and related pathways of nutrients in promoting milk protein and fat synthesis. We hope this review will help people understand the relationship between nutritional supplementation and milk production.
Farmers’ Views and Tools Compared with Laboratory Evaluations of Parasites of Meat Goats in French West Indies
Authors: Cabaret Jacques , Mercier Mélodie , Mahieu Maurice , Alexandre Gisèle
Published: January 2023

Gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) are a major health problem in tropical goat husbandry. The control of GIN has been nearly exclusively reliant on the use of anthelmintic treatments. Their wide use has provoked the appearance and diffusion of anthelmintic resistance. Therefore, there is a need to use anthelmintics only when they are really needed. This strategy of targeted selective treatment (TST) has been recommended. The selection of animals to be treated has been based either on the objective measures of GIN intensity (fecal nematode egg counts) performed in the laboratory or on indirect assessment such as anemia (FAMACHA©), diarrhea score or weight gains, particularly in sheep. The roughness of hair has also been proposed in goats. These indicators can be handled by the farmer. Their opinion on the importance of GINs, and the indicators that they are ready to accept and use have very rarely been studied. Goat for meat production is important in the French West Indies (especially in Guadeloupe) and GIN infection may significantly alter this production. Eighteen farmers participated in semi-directive interviews in order to appreciate their relation to goat GIN infection and the solutions they considered. Seventeen farms were investigated for fecal nematode egg counts, FAMACHA©, body score, and roughness of hair. The average infection by GINs was high (average fecal egg count 1562 and standard deviation 2028) with a wide range from one farm to another (from 0 to 25,000 eggs of GIN per gram of feces). The Haemonchus genera was predominant (54%), followed by Trichostrongylus (37%) and Oesophagostomum (9%). Young goats were less infected than adult goats since they were not yet grazing; males were more infected than females; and the Creole breed was more infected than the other breeds. Among the farming types, the professional ones were less infected compared with the traditional or mixed agriculture and husbandry farms. Those using targeted selective treatment did not have a significantly higher GIN infection than those treating the whole herd. Most of the characteristics were related and multivariate analysis could not match the intensity of GIN infection with any parameter. The frequency of anthelmintic treatments was negatively related to the use of body score, FAMACHA©, and hair roughness. The use of semi-directive interviews provided a wider understanding of the strategies and problems of farmers. The farmers valued their animals very much and diseases, in general, were a preoccupation, whereas parasites were not a major issue for traditional farmers. This is due to the important use of indicators and the belief in their value that gives comfort to the farmers that the parasites are being controlled. The extension services have well diffused the practice of indicators to the goat farmers of Guadeloupe, with some depending less on anthelmintics to control the gastrointestinal nematodes by using targeted selective treatments.
Long-Term Assessment of Captive Chimpanzees: Influence of Social Group Composition, Seasonality and Biographic Background
Authors: Pascual Arnau , Kalcher-Sommersguter Elfriede , Riba David , Crailsheim Dietmar
Published: January 2023

Wild chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) live in flexible fission–fusion societies with frequent changes in both group size and composition. These changes depend mostly on resource availability and individual social preferences yet in captivity are determined by housing organizations. During a period of seven years, we observed a group of sanctuary chimpanzees, focusing on how they adapted to changes in the group composition over time. Using linear mixed models (LMMs), factors such as group size, sex ratio, seasonality, and the individuals’ sex and origin (wild caught vs. captive born) were considered in order to evaluate the impact on the chimpanzees’ activity levels, the occurrence of undesired behaviors (abnormal and self-directed behaviors) and the social grooming networks. Our results indicate that the activity levels and the occurrence of undesired behaviors were impacted by changes in group composition and the individuals’ biographic background. The colder season was marked by higher levels of activity and more time spent grooming. Moreover, it was the individuals’ origin but not changes in group composition that affected social grooming, with wild-caught chimpanzees grooming far less frequently. Long-term observations are essential to evaluate, predict and detect potential benefits and/or issues of housing conditions while considering the social and physical environment.
Assessment of the Plans to Optimize Antimicrobial Use in the Pediatric Population in Catalan Hospitals: The VINCat Pediatric PROA SHARP Survey
Authors: Guarch-Ibáñez Borja , Fernández-Polo Aurora , Hernández Sergi , Velasco-Arnaiz Eneritz , Giménez Montse , Sala-Castellvi Pere , Pineda Valentí , Melendo Susana ,   VINCat Pediatric PROA Group
Published: January 2023

In Spain, many programs have been introduced in recent years to optimize antimicrobial stewardship in pediatric care (known as pediatric PROA). However, information on the current situation of these programs is scarce. The present study assesses current antimicrobial use in pediatric care in the hospitals of Catalonia affiliated with the VINCat pediatric PROA group. Between December 2020 and January 2021, an electronic survey related to the design and use of PROA was administered to members of PROA teams in our hospital network. The survey was conducted at 26 hospitals. Twelve percent of the hospitals had pediatric PROA in operation, 42% were included in adult PROA, and 46% carried out pediatric PROA activities but not as part of an established program. At 81%, the pediatric PROA team included a pediatrician, in 58% a pharmacist, and in 54% a microbiologist. The main activities were monitoring the use of antimicrobials and bacterial resistance. Twenty-seven percent measured indicators regularly. The VINCat Pediatric PROA group’s hospitals have implemented measures for optimizing antimicrobial stewardship, but few have a pediatric PROA program in place. Specific measures and indicators must be defined, and the resources available should be increased. The development of pediatric PROA should be monitored in the coming years.
Characterization of Dextran Biosynthesized by Glucansucrase from Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides and Their Potential Biotechnological Applications
Authors: Du Renpeng , Yu Liansheng , Sun Meng , Ye Guangbin , Yang Yi , Zhou Bosen , Qian Zhigang , Ling Hongzhi , Ge Jingping
Published: January 2023

Glucansucrase was purified from Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides. The glucansucrase exhibited maximum activity at pH 5.5 and 30 °C. Ca2+ significantly promoted enzyme activity. An exopolysaccharide (EPS) was synthesized by this glucansucrase in vitro and purified. The molecular weight of the EPS was 3.083 × 106 Da. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy showed that the main structure of glucan was 97.3% α-(1→6)-linked D-glucopyranose units, and α-(1→3) branched chain accounted for 2.7%. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation of dextran showed that its surface was smooth and flaky. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) of dextran revealed a chain-like microstructure with many irregular protuberances in aqueous solution. The results showed that dextran had good thermal stability, water holding capacity, water solubility and emulsifying ability (EA), as well as good antioxidant activity; thus it has broad prospects for development in the fields of food, biomedicine, and medicine.
Oxidative Stress Markers in Urine and Serum of Patients with Bladder Cancer
Authors: Galiniak Sabina , Mołoń Mateusz , Biesiadecki Marek , Mokrzyńska Agnieszka , Balawender Krzysztof
Published: January 2023

Oxidative stress is defined as an imbalanced state of the production of reactive oxygen species and antioxidant capacity that causes oxidative damage to biomolecules, leading to cell injury and finally death. Oxidative stress mediates the development and progression of several cancer diseases, including bladder cancer. The aim of our study was to determine markers of levels of the oxidative stress in serum and urine in the same patients in parallel in serum and urine. Furthermore, we tried to estimate the associations between oxidative stress markers and the type of cancer, its clinical stage and grade, as the well as correlations between serum and urinary markers in patients with bladder cancer. Sixty-one bladder cancer and 50 healthy volunteers as a control group were included. We determined the serum and urine levels of advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), Amadori products, total antioxidant capacity, total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative status index (OSI), and malondialdehyde. We confirm that almost all markers are elevated in serum and urine from patients with bladder cancer than from healthy subjects. Moreover, we did not find differences in the level of oxidative stress markers and the type of tumor, its clinical stage, and grade. We noted correlations between serum and urinary biomarkers, in particular TOS and OSI. Our results clearly indicate the participation of oxidative stress in the development of bladder cancer.
The Role of Acetyl Zingerone and Its Derivatives in Inhibiting UV-Induced, Incident, and Delayed Cyclobutane Pyrimidine Dimers
Authors: Srivastava Jyoti , Young Montana M. , Yadav Vipin Kumar , Phadatare Pravin R. , Meyer Thomas A. , Chaudhuri Ratan K. , Premi Sanjay
Published: January 2023

Cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) are ultraviolet radiation (UV)-induced carcinogenic DNA photoproducts that lead to UV signature mutations in melanoma. Previously, we discovered that, in addition to their incident formation (iCPDs), UV exposure induces melanin chemiexcitation (MeCh), where UV generates peroxynitrite (ONOO−), which oxidizes melanin into melanin-carbonyls (MCs) in their excited triplet state. Chronic MeCh and energy transfer by MCs to DNA generates CPDs for several hours after UV exposure ends (dark CPD, dCPDs). We hypothesized that MeCh and the resulting dCPDs can be inhibited using MeCh inhibitors, and MC and ONOO− scavengers. Here, we investigated the efficacy of Acetyl Zingerone (AZ), a plant-based phenolic alkanone, and its chemical analogs in inhibiting iCPDs and dCPDs in skin fibroblasts, keratinocytes, and isogenic pigmented and albino melanocytes. While AZ and its methoxy analog, 3-(4-Methoxy-benzyl)-Pentane-2,4-dione (MBPD) completely inhibited the dCPDs, MBPD also inhibited ~50% of iCPDs. This suggests the inhibition of ~80% of total CPDs at any time point post UV exposure by MBPD, which is markedly significant. MBPD downregulated melanin synthesis, which is indispensable for dCPD generation, but this did not occur with AZ. Meanwhile, AZ and MBPD both upregulated the expression of nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathways genes including Xpa, Xpc, and Mitf. AZ and its analogs were non-toxic to the skin cells and did not act as photosensitizers. We propose that AZ and MBPD represent “next-generation skin care additives” that are safe and effective for use not only in sunscreens but also in other specialized clinical applications owing to their extremely high efficacy in blocking both iCPDs and dCPDs.
Fusarium Fungi and Mycotoxins in Bee Pollen Collected in Lithuania
Authors: Sinkevičienė Jolanta , Tarasevičienė Živilė , Tamutis Vytautas
Published: January 2023

This paper presents the results of a study which was aimed at determining the concentration of Fusarium fungi and their mycotoxins in fresh bee pollen, stored for different periods. The analysed parameters included palynological analysis, moisture content, fungal counts, identification and toxigenic profiles. In this study, 45 bee pollen samples collected from the same apiary families were investigated. Palynological analysis determined six plant families, among which Brassicaceae prevailed. The number of detected isolates in the bee pollen during the study period ranged from 3.5 × 103 to 9.1 × 104 cfu g−1. During the study, the most prevalent fungal genera of Alternaria, Cladosporium and Yeasts were found in fresh bee pollen. The significantly highest amounts of fungal colonies were determined after 3 days of storage of undried pollen. Fusarium fungal genera were detected in 46% of all studied samples, with levels ranging from 101 cfu g−1. After 3 days of storage, the most significant Fusarium spp. increase (17.03%) was detected. F. graminearum and F. sporotrichioides prevailed during the whole period of the study. The highest concentrations of mycotoxins ZEN (280 µg kg−1) and DON (120 µg kg−1) were found after 3 days of pollen storage. The results of the present study report the importance of microbiological and mycotoxicological analyses in monitoring bee pollen from the initial stages of its production process.
3D Modeling of a Virtual Built Environment Using Digital Tools: Kilburun Fortress Case Study
Authors: Tytarenko Ihor , Pavlenko Ivan , Dreval Iryna
Published: January 2023

The reliable reconstruction of cultural or historical heritage objects is an urgent problem for humanity. It can be successfully solved using up-to-date 3D modeling tools. The proposed technique allows for modeling virtual environments at an even higher level. This study aimed to develop an approach for designing historical heritage objects with sufficient accuracy using a built environment. The Kilburun Fortress was chosen as the object of study. The modeling procedure includes monitoring the object’s territory, analyzing archival, librarian, and cartographic sources, and further modeling and reproducing the research object in a virtual environment using various software tools. The following stages were implemented during this study: analysis and processing of preliminary data (analysis of plans and schemes, overlapping maps); the scaling of graphical objects for the reliable reproduction of the studied object; the design of a working 3D model using AutoCAD and SketchUp; the rendering and final processing of textures using Quixel; and visualization using Twinmotion. As a result, a model of the historical heritage object was created using 3D means. The model can also be integrated into ArchiCAD and Revit software.
Effect of Compost Derived from Urban Waste on Chard (Beta vulgaris L., var cycla) Yield and Soil GHG Fluxes in a Mediterranean Agricultural System
Authors: Castaldi Simona , Bertolini Teresa , Vannini Andrea , Marinari Sara , Chilosi Gabriele
Published: January 2023

The use of recycled materials as soil amendments and fertilizers is an important priority in the agronomic sector to valorize waste from a circular economic perspective and reduce waste disposal, reduce dependence on external inputs, and provide better climate change mitigation options. In this study, we evaluated the agroecological performance of compost derived from recycled organic matrices of urban waste (mixed composted amendment, MCA) of the metropolitan area of Rome. MCA is available in big quantities and might represent an interesting option to substitute conventional mineral nitrogen fertilizer (CF). The effect of MCA, CF, and a combination of both (MIX 1:1) was tested on crop yield and greenhouse gas emissions in a field trial on a common Mediterranean crop (Swiss chart, one season, two crop cycles). The MCA effect on crop yield was positive and comparable to CF and MIX treatments, while MCA treatment showed the lower soil mineral nitrogen (N) content. GHG emissions in the MCA treatment were comparable to those observed in CF and MIX, being overall quite low. The soil acted as a weak net CH4 sink in all treatments (−12.6 ± 6.1 μg CH4 m−2 h−1); no differences in CO2 emissions between MCA and CF or MIX treatments were observed (range 0.1−0.2 g m−2 h−1). The N2O emission intensity of MCA was slightly lower than MIX and CF treatments (0.09, 0.011, and 0.011 g N2O kg−1 crop dry weight, respectively). Overall, MCA seemed a valid alternative to CF for the tested agro-environmental indicators in the spring/summer Mediterranean conditions.
Preparation, Characterization of New Antimicrobial Antitumor Hybrid Semi-Organic Single Crystals of Proline Amino Acid Doped by Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Almufarij R. S. , Ali A. E. , Elbah M. E. , Elmaghraby N. S. , Khashaba M. A. , Abdel-Hamid H. , Fetouh H. A.
Published: January 2023

Proline is water soluble amino acid extensively used in drug delivery systems. Compounds of cobalt (Co) transition metal have potent antimicrobial and anticancer activities. However, a drug delivery system combining proline cobalt is not reported yet. For the first time, new hybrid semi-organic single crystals of proline cobalt chloride (PCC) are prepared. The novelty of the article is also that single crystal proline cobalt chloride showed potent antimicrobial and antitumor activity. Doping of PCC by Ag0NPs significantly increased these biological activities. The anisotropic magnetic properties of single crystals can mitigate the cytotoxicity of Ag0NPs on normal cells. Silver nanoparticles (Ag0NPs) improved the crystal habits and physicochemical properties. Ag0NPs showed the best performance, paramagnetic materials n-type semiconductors due to delocalized excess electrons of Ag0NPs incorporated in the crystal lattice interstitially. Crystals have high absorptivity for UV-radiation electromagnetic radiation. Ag0NPs enhanced AC electrical conductivity up to 2.3 × 104 Ω cm−1 due to high electron density. Proline doped crystals are obtained in good purity as triclinic unit cell with having anisotropic magnetism. PCCAg0NPs crystal exhibited: high antimicrobial activities to various bacterial and fungal species, inhibition zone (mm): 21, 25, 24, 26, 30, 28, 12, and 46 for S. aureus, E. faecalis, S. typhi, E. coli, P. aerugino, K. pneumoniae, A. braselienses, and C. albicans, respectively, in comparison to ciprofloxacin antibiotic (23, 0, 26, 26, 25, 0, 0, 0) for the same tested species, respectively; higher cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells (IC50 22.1 μM) than the reference drug cisplatin (IC50 11.7 μM); and lower cytotoxicity to normal healthy lung cells MRC-5, (IC50 145.5 μM) than cisplatin (IC50 30.2 μM). Hence, this crystal is a candidate for chemotherapy of breast cancer.
Alterations in Gut Microbiota Composition in Patients with COVID-19: A Pilot Study of Whole Hypervariable 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing
Authors: Mańkowska-Wierzbicka Dorota , Zuraszek Joanna , Wierzbicka Adrianna , Gabryel Marcin , Mahadea Dagmara , Baturo Alina , Zakerska-Banaszak Oliwia , Slomski Ryszard , Skrzypczak-Zielinska Marzena , Dobrowolska Agnieszka
Published: January 2023

It is crucial to consider the importance of the microbiome and the gut–lung axis in the context of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This pilot study examined the fecal microbial composition of patients with COVID-19 following a 3-month recovery. Using for the first time metagenomic analysis based on all hypervariable regions (V1-V9) of the 16S rRNA gene, we have identified 561 microbial species; however, 17 were specific only for the COVID-19 group (n = 8). The patients’ cohorts revealed significantly greater alpha diversity of the gut microbiota compared to healthy controls (n = 14). This finding has been demonstrated by operational taxonomic units (OTUs) richness (p < 0.001) and Chao1 index (p < 0.01). The abundance of the phylum Verrucomicrobia was 30 times higher in COVID-19 patients compared to healthy subjects. Accordingly, this disproportion was also noted at other taxonomic levels: in the class Verrucomicrobiae, the family Verrucomicrobiaceae, and the genus Akkermansia. Elevated pathobionts such as Escherichia coli, Bilophila wadsworthia, and Parabacteroides distasonis were found in COVID-19 patients. Considering the gut microbiota’s ability to disturb the immune response, our findings suggest the importance of the enteric microbiota in the course of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This pilot study shows that the composition of the microbial community may not be fully restored in individuals with SARS-CoV-2 following a 3-month recovery.
Correlative Fluorescence and Raman Microscopy to Define Mitotic Stages at the Single-Cell Level: Opportunities and Limitations in the AI Era
Authors: Voros Csaba , Bauer David , Migh Ede , Grexa Istvan , Végh Attila Gergely , Szalontai Balázs , Castellani Gastone , Danka Tivadar , Dzeroski Saso , Koos Krisztian , Piccinini Filippo , Horvath Peter
Published: January 2023

Nowadays, morphology and molecular analyses at the single-cell level have a fundamental role in understanding biology better. These methods are utilized for cell phenotyping and in-depth studies of cellular processes, such as mitosis. Fluorescence microscopy and optical spectroscopy techniques, including Raman micro-spectroscopy, allow researchers to examine biological samples at the single-cell level in a non-destructive manner. Fluorescence microscopy can give detailed morphological information about the localization of stained molecules, while Raman microscopy can produce label-free images at the subcellular level; thus, it can reveal the spatial distribution of molecular fingerprints, even in live samples. Accordingly, the combination of correlative fluorescence and Raman microscopy (CFRM) offers a unique approach for studying cellular stages at the single-cell level. However, subcellular spectral maps are complex and challenging to interpret. Artificial intelligence (AI) may serve as a valuable solution to characterize the molecular backgrounds of phenotypes and biological processes by finding the characteristic patterns in spectral maps. The major contributions of the manuscript are: (I) it gives a comprehensive review of the literature focusing on AI techniques in Raman-based cellular phenotyping; (II) via the presentation of a case study, a new neural network-based approach is described, and the opportunities and limitations of AI, specifically deep learning, are discussed regarding the analysis of Raman spectroscopy data to classify mitotic cellular stages based on their spectral maps.
Flexible Label-Free Platinum and Bio-PET-Based Immunosensor for the Detection of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Blasques Rodrigo Vieira , de Oliveira Paulo Roberto , Kalinke Cristiane , Brazaca Laís Canniatti , Crapnell Robert D. , Bonacin Juliano Alves , Banks Craig E. , Janegitz Bruno Campos
Published: January 2023

The demand for new devices that enable the detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) at a relatively low cost and that are fast and feasible to be used as point-of-care is required overtime on a large scale. In this sense, the use of sustainable materials, for example, the bio-based poly (ethylene terephthalate) (Bio-PET) can be an alternative to current standard diagnostics. In this work, we present a flexible disposable printed electrode based on a platinum thin film on Bio-PET as a substrate for the development of a sensor and immunosensor for the monitoring of COVID-19 biomarkers, by the detection of L-cysteine and the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, respectively. The electrode was applied in conjunction with 3D printing technology to generate a portable and easy-to-analyze device with a low sample volume. For the L-cysteine determination, chronoamperometry was used, which achieved two linear dynamic ranges (LDR) of 3.98−39.0 μmol L−1 and 39.0−145 μmol L−1, and a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.70 μmol L−1. The detection of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein was achieved by both square wave voltammetry (SWV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) by a label-free immunosensor, using potassium ferro-ferricyanide solution as the electrochemical probe. An LDR of 0.70−7.0 and 1.0−30 pmol L−1, with an LOD of 0.70 and 1.0 pmol L−1 were obtained by SWV and EIS, respectively. As a proof of concept, the immunosensor was successfully applied for the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in enriched synthetic saliva samples, which demonstrates the potential of using the proposed sensor as an alternative platform for the diagnosis of COVID-19 in the future.
The Peripheral Immune Traits Changed in Patients with Multiple System Atrophy
Authors: Gong Zhenxiang , Gao Rong , Ba Li , Liu Yang , Hou Hongyan , Zhang Min
Published: January 2023

A growing body of evidence suggests immune involvement in the pathology of multiple system atrophy (MSA). Research on detailed peripheral immune indices, however, is relatively sparse, and is one of the intriguing aspects of MSA yet to be elucidated. A total of 26 MSA patients and 56 age-and sex-matched healthy controls (HC) were enrolled in the current case-control study to delineate the peripheral immune traits of MSA patients. The ratio of CD4+/CD8+ T cells, natural killer cells, CD28 expression on both CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells increased in MSA patients compared to HC, but CD8+ T cells and active marker (HLA-DR) expression on total T cells decreased (p < 0.05). This study sheds light on the dysregulation of cellular immunity in MSA, pointing to future mechanistic research.
Executive Function Deficits and Borderline Personality Disorder Symptomatology in a Nonclinical Adult Sample: A Latent Variable Analysis
Authors: Veerapandian Keisha D. , Tan Gabriel X. D. , Majeed Nadyanna M. , Hartanto Andree
Published: January 2023

While borderline personality disorder (BPD) symptomatology has been studied extensively in clinical populations, the mechanisms underlying its manifestation in nonclinical populations remain largely understudied. One aspect of BPD symptomatology in nonclinical populations that has not been well studied is cognitive mechanisms, especially in relation to executive functions. To explore the cognitive mechanisms underlying BPD symptomatology in nonclinical populations, we analysed a large-scale dataset of 233 young adults that were administered with nine executive function tasks and BPD symptomatology assessments. Our structural equation modelling did not find any significant relations between latent factors of executive functions and the severity of BPD symptomatology. Contrary to our hypothesis, our result suggests that deficits in executive functions were not a risk factor for BPD symptomatology in the nonclinical young adult sample.
The Relationship between Paranoid Tendencies and Cyberbullying among Chinese Adolescents: The Mediating Role of Moral Disengagement
Authors: Lin Shuangjia , Xiao Bin
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND: Cyberbullying has become an essential public health psychological issue affecting people’s lives in the online ecology. However, previous studies have rarely examined adolescent paranoia, moral cognition, and cyberbullying in association. Therefore, this study was based on cognitive-behavioral theory to investigate the relationship between child-like paranoid tendencies, cyberbullying, and moral disengagement. METHODS: This study used the Paranoia Scale, Cyberbullying Scale, and Moral Disengagement Scale to conduct an anonymous online survey of 1519 adolescents in China. RESULTS: (1) Paranoid tendencies, moral disengagement, and cyberbullying were all significantly and positively correlated. Boys showed higher rates of moral disengagement, while girls showed higher rates of paranoid tendencies. (2) The direct effect of paranoid tendency on cyberbullying was significant (β = 0.31, p < 0.01). (3) There was a mediating effect of moral disengagement in the influence of paranoid tendencies on cyberbullying, with an effect proportion of 20.5%. CONCLUSION: Adolescent cyberbullying should be regulated at the family and social levels to enhance juvenile mental health issues and help them establish proper moral standards.
Pancreatic Cancer in Chronic Pancreatitis: Pathogenesis and Diagnostic Approach
Authors: Le Cosquer Guillaume , Maulat Charlotte , Bournet Barbara , Cordelier Pierre , Buscail Etienne , Buscail Louis
Published: January 2023

Chronic pancreatitis is one of the main risk factors for pancreatic cancer, but it is a rare event. Inflammation and oncogenes work hand in hand as key promoters of this disease. Tobacco is another co-factor. During alcoholic chronic pancreatitis, the cumulative risk of cancer is estimated at 4% after 15 to 20 years. This cumulative risk is higher in hereditary pancreatitis: 19 and 12% in the case of PRSS1 and SPINK1 mutations, respectively, at an age of 60 years. The diagnosis is difficult due to: (i) clinical symptoms of cancer shared with those of chronic pancreatitis; (ii) the parenchymal and ductal remodeling of chronic pancreatitis rendering imaging analysis difficult; and (iii) differential diagnoses, such as pseudo-tumorous chronic pancreatitis and paraduodenal pancreatitis. Nevertheless, the occurrence of cancer during chronic pancreatitis must be suspected in the case of back pain, weight loss, unbalanced diabetes, and jaundice, despite alcohol withdrawal. Imaging must be systematically reviewed. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsy can contribute by targeting suspicious tissue areas with the help of molecular biology (search for KRAS, TP53, CDKN2A, DPC4 mutations). Short-term follow-up of patients is necessary at the clinical and paraclinical levels to try to diagnose cancer at a surgically curable stage. Pancreatic surgery is sometimes necessary if there is any doubt.
Region Segmentation of Whole-Slide Images for Analyzing Histological Differentiation of Prostate Adenocarcinoma Using Ensemble EfficientNetB2 U-Net with Transfer Learning Mechanism
Authors: Ikromjanov Kobiljon , Bhattacharjee Subrata , Sumon Rashadul Islam , Hwang Yeong-Byn , Rahman Hafizur , Lee Myung-Jae , Kim Hee-Cheol , Park Eunhyang , Cho Nam-Hoon , Choi Heung-Kook
Published: January 2023

Recent advances in computer-aided detection via deep learning (DL) now allow for prostate cancer to be detected automatically and recognized with extremely high accuracy, much like other medical diagnoses and prognoses. However, researchers are still limited by the Gleason scoring system. The histopathological analysis involved in assigning the appropriate score is a rigorous, time-consuming manual process that is constrained by the quality of the material and the pathologist’s level of expertise. In this research, we implemented a DL model using transfer learning on a set of histopathological images to segment cancerous and noncancerous areas in whole-slide images (WSIs). In this approach, the proposed Ensemble U-net model was applied for the segmentation of stroma, cancerous, and benign areas. The WSI dataset of prostate cancer was collected from the Kaggle repository, which is publicly available online. A total of 1000 WSIs were used for region segmentation. From this, 8100 patch images were used for training, and 900 for testing. The proposed model demonstrated an average dice coefficient (DC), intersection over union (IoU), and Hausdorff distance of 0.891, 0.811, and 15.9, respectively, on the test set, with corresponding masks of patch images. The manipulation of the proposed segmentation model improves the ability of the pathologist to predict disease outcomes, thus enhancing treatment efficacy by isolating the cancerous regions in WSIs.