bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Bacillus sp. in Reducing Chemical Inputs for Sustainable Crop Production
Authors: Sales Luziane Ramos , Rigobelo Everlon Cid
Published: November 2024

Bacillus species have emerged as promising agents for reducing chemical input in sustainable crop production. These bacteria possess diverse abilities, including nutrient cycling, phytohormone production, and stress tolerance enhancement in plants. Recent advances in omics technologies have revolutionized the understanding of Bacillus sp. biology and expanded their potential applications. Bacillus-based products have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer requirements while maintaining or improving crop yields. However, their field performance may be inconsistent, highlighting the need for further research to optimize formulations and delivery methods. The compatibility with other agricultural inputs varies depending on the specific chemicals and conditions involved. The introduction of Bacillus sp. can significantly affect the soil microbiome, potentially promoting plant growth and microbial diversity. Strain specificity and host compatibility play crucial roles in determining the success of host–parasite interactions. The regulatory and safety aspects require further investigation to ensure the safe and sustainable use of Bacillus species in various applications. The integration of Bacillus-based products into existing crop management systems, following the principles of Integrated Pest Management and Integrated Crop Management, is essential for their successful implementation. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge on Bacillus sp. for reducing chemical inputs for sustainable crop production, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for future research and application.
Effects of Straw and Green Manure Addition on Crop Yield, Soil Properties and CH4 Emissions: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Jia Qi , Zheng Hongjun , Shi Zhaoji , Liu Xing , Sun Daolin , Zhang Jiaen
Published: November 2024

The incorporation of organic amendments is widely acknowledged for its capacity to enhance soil fertility and boost crop productivity. However, whether the addition of organic amendments can improve soil quality and crop production, simultaneously causing methane emissions in paddy fields, deserves further investigation. In this meta-analysis, the effects of different organic amendments on soil nutrient levels, rice yield and CH4 emissions were evaluated in paddy fields based on 328 observations from 77 field trial studies. Our results revealed that the addition of organic amendments significantly increased soil organic carbon (9.47%), microbial biomass carbon (21.13%), microbial biomass nitrogen (28.91%), urease (25.07%) and β-glucosidase (24.41%). Moreover, straw addition significantly increased the CH4 emissions by 152.68% and rice yield by 7.16%; green manure addition significantly increased CH4 emissions by 71.62% and rice yield by 10.09%, respectively. Although both increased the CH4 emissions, green manure had the ability to improve the availability of N, which could improve rice uptake. The regression results showed that the variation in crop yield, soil nutrients and CH4 emissions are influenced through the types and quality of organic amendments. Overall, this study suggests that organic amendments are beneficial in maintaining soil quality and improving rice yield, whereas it also increased the CH4 emissions. These meta-analysis results may provide some references for optimizing organic amendments incorporated into the soil to sustain soil fertility and crop production while mitigating soil constraints and methane emissions.
Effect of Biochar and Wood Distillate on Vegeto-Productive Performances of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Plants, var. Solarino, Grown in Soilless Conditions
Authors: Agosti Anna , Nazeer Samreen , Del Vecchio Lorenzo , Leto Leandra , Di Fazio Andrea , Hadj-Saadoun Jasmine , Levante Alessia , Rinaldi Massimiliano , Dhenge Rohini , Lazzi Camilla , Cirlini Martina , Chiancone Benedetta
Published: November 2024

Nowadays, tomato, a commercially important crop, is increasingly cultivated in a soilless cultivation system to counteract climate change. Normally, this system uses cocopeat as a substrate, but its high cost and environmental impact have led to growing interest in alternatives like biochar (BC). In addition, biostimulants, such as wood distillate (WD), a pyrolysis by-product, are increasingly being used to improve fruit yield and quality. BC was used to partially replace (2% and 5%) cocopeat in growth bags for soilless tomato cultivation. Moreover, WD (3 mL/L) was distributed in the substrate every two weeks. The effect of BC and WD on tomato plant growth, fruit quality, and substrate microbial community was investigated. The integration of BC and WD into a soilless growing system for tomato cultivation can improve the fruit quality and influence the microbial activity of the substrate. Replacing part of the cocopeat in the substrate with BC and using an agri-waste-derived biostimulant represent a step forward in making agriculture more sustainable.
Utilising Reclaimed Water for Papaya (Carica papaya L.) Cultivation in Cape Verde: A Detailed Case Study
Authors: Mendoza-Grimón Vanessa , Amorós Regla , Fernández-Vera Juan Ramón , Lopes da Veiga Ernestina , Palacios-Díaz Maria del Pino
Published: November 2024

Papaya (Carica papaya L.) is essential for food security, providing economic benefits in tropical and subtropical regions. However, its high water requirements pose challenges, especially in water-scarce areas like Cape Verde. This study hypothesises that reclaimed water (RW) irrigation can promote papaya production and investigates how water can be managed to ensure sustainability and increase agricultural productivity. An experiment was conducted using Carica papaya L. var Solo-nº8, focusing on subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) with RW. Three irrigation treatments were compared, namely, T1: RW with SDI; T2: RW with drip irrigation (DI); and T3: conventional water (CW) with SDI. The study evaluated crop yields and water use efficiency (WUE) over 13 months, monitoring soil and water quality and papaya growth and yields. Despite quality concerns, RW maintained soil fertility and ensured sustainable reuse. Papaya demonstrated high adaptability and productivity under experimental conditions. T1 significantly increased the cumulative fruit yield (69 t/ha) compared to T2 (65 t/ha) and T3 (62.7 t/ha). T1 also had the highest WUE (5.97 kg/m3), demonstrating the effectiveness of RW and SDI in optimising water use. The results indicate that RW can be a viable alternative to conventional water sources, providing new insights into sustainable agricultural practices and improving food security in arid and semi-arid regions.
Morphoanatomic and Physiological Characterization of Cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) Genotypes in the South of Bahia, Brazil
Authors: Alonso Rogerio S. , Gomes Fábio P. , Silva Delmira C.
Published: November 2024

Cocoa tree genotypes (Theobroma cacao L.) were studied and characterized in terms of their morphoanatomical and physiological attributes in a non-stressful environment, as these attributes are of fundamental importance to understanding the plant’s relationship with the environment. Therefore, the objective of this study is to describe morphoanatomical and physiological patterns that can differentiate the seven cocoa genotypes, evaluated under the same conditions of temperature, humidity, and light. The genotypes remained in a greenhouse for 40 days, where sample collection procedures were carried out to analyze gas exchange parameters, such as net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration; growth parameters, such as dry weight, height, and leaf area; and the anatomy of leaves and stems via root, stem, and leaf dimensions and histochemistry. The cluster divided the genotypes into six groups. The Ipiranga-01, CCN-10, and PH-16 genotypes were grouped since they presented the highest means of anatomical variables and photosynthetic parameters. The PS-1319 genotype was segregated from the others for having the lowest physiological parameter values. CCN-51 and Cepec-2002 were grouped due to their similarity only in the internal concentration of CO2, while Ipiranga-01, CCN-10, SJ-02, and PH-16 were grouped due to having higher physiological parameters and morphoanatomical variables. The results indicated an intergenotypic variation in physiological and morphoanatomical variables, serving as a basis for the six genotype groups.
The Timing of Phosphorus Availability to Corn: What Growth Stages Are Most Critical for Maximizing Yield?
Authors: Ampong Kwame , Penn Chad J. , Camberato James J.
Published: November 2024

Phosphorus (P) is critical for maximizing agricultural production and represents an appreciable input cost. Geologic sources of P that are most easily mined are a finite resource, while P transported from agricultural land to surface waters contributes to water quality degradation. Improved knowledge of P timing needs by corn (maize) can help inform management decisions that increase P use efficiency, which is beneficial to productivity, economics, and environmental quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate P application timing on the growth and yield components of corn. Corn was grown in a sand-culture hydroponics system that eliminated confounding plant–soil interactions and allowed for precise control of nutrient availability and timing. All nutrients were applied via drip irrigation and were therefore 100% bioavailable. Eight P timing treatments were tested using “low” (L) and “sufficient” (S) P concentrations. In each of the three growth phases, solution P application levels were changed or maintained, resulting in eight possible combinations, LLL, LLS, LSL, LSS, SLL, SSL, SLS, and SSS, where the first, second, and third letters indicate P solution application levels from planting to V6, V6 to R1, and R1 to R6, respectively. All other nutrients were applied at sufficient levels. Sacrificial samples were harvested at V6, R1, and R6 and evaluated for various yield parameters. Plants that received sufficient P between V6 and R1 produced a significantly higher grain yield than plants that received low P between V6 and R1 regardless of the level of P supply before V6 or after R1. The grain yield of plants that received sufficient P only between V6 and R1 did not differ significantly from plants that received only sufficient P (SSS), due to (1) a greater ear P concentration at R1; (2) an efficient remobilization of assimilates from the stem and leaf to grains between R1 and R6 (source–sink relationship); (3) a higher kernel/grain weight; and (4) less investment into root biomass.
Farm and Animal Factors Associated with Morbidity, Mortality, and Growth of Pre-Weaned Heifer Dairy Calves in Southern Brazil
Authors: Olmos Antillón Gabriela , Fruscalso Vilmar , Hötzel Maria José
Published: November 2024

This study investigates morbidity, mortality, and weight gain in pre-weaned female dairy calves, which pose economic and animal welfare challenges for farms, particularly in family-run operations in southern Brazil. We aimed to identify the rates and factors associated with these outcomes in Alto Uruguai, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, tracking 547 calves from 70 farms across 27 municipalities from July 2015 to September 2016. We assessed calf-rearing practices, nutrition, health, and the environment using farmer questionnaires, direct observations, and systematic weight and health monitoring of female calves from birth to weaning. The association between predictors and perinatal mortality (stillbirths and deaths within 24 h), postnatal mortality (deaths from 25 h after birth to weaning), calf morbidity, and weight gain was analysed through regression models. The participating farms had 25 (9–70) (median and range) lactating cows and produced 411 (96–1631) L/d of milk (median and range). Total mortality rate was 6.8% (median 0, range 0–50%/range), of which 2.4% (median 0, range 0–50%/range) was perinatal and 4.5% (median 0, range 0–40%/range) postnatal. Average morbidity was one case for every five calves born alive (106/538), 83% of which were reported as diarrhoea cases. Weight gain was 570 ± 212 g/d (mean and standard deviation). The postnatal mortality rate was highest in the first few weeks of life and among calves with at least one case of diarrhoea. Younger and winter/spring-born calves became sick more frequently. The calves of purebred bulls, fed with cow’s milk, which received at least 4 L of milk and 0.5 kg of feed daily, had greater weight gain. The calf mortality rate was at the lower end of the range reported in international research. The main disease affecting calves was diarrhoea, and weight gain was insufficient for calves to double their weight by the time they were weaned. The results of the present study suggest that the quality of the management adopted in calf rearing in many of the family-run dairy farms of southern Brazil may be compromising the welfare, health, performance, and survival of the calves and possibly the productivity of dairy herds.
Effect of Oat Hay as a Substitute for Alfalfa Hay on the Gut Microbiome and Metabolites of Yak Calves
Authors: Gu Yingchao , An Lele , Zhou Yanan , Xue Guoliang , Jiao Yang , Yang Deyu , Liu Shujie , Cui Zhanhong
Published: November 2024

To evaluate the impact of different roughages on the intestinal microbiota of yak calves, we fed them oat hay in substitution of alfalfa hay, in addition to milk replacer and starter powder. Twenty-one 45-day-old male yak calves were selected and randomly assigned to three groups: the milk replacer + starter + alfalfa hay group (AH), the milk replacer + starter + oat hay group (OH), and the milk replacer + starter + mixed hay group (AO), in which the alfalfa hay and oat hay were administered in a 1:1 ratio. All calves in the three groups were fed the same milk replacer and an equivalent amount of dry matter. The formal experiment commenced after a 21-day pre-test period and lasted for 120 days. Following the experiment, the contents of the jejunum and colon were collected to investigate the intestinal microbiota and metabolites using 16S rRNA sequencing and LC-MS metabolomics. The result showed that the AO group had greater final body weights overall than the AH group and OH group (p < 0.05). The AH group and OH group had considerably greater feed-to-gain ratios than the AO group (p < 0.05). At the phylum level, the OH group exhibited an increased relative abundance of Bacteroidota and Spirochaetota in the jejunum (p < 0.05). The relative abundance of Actinobacteriota in the colon was increased in the AO group (p < 0.05). At the genus level, the AO group exhibited a decreased abundance of Clostridium sensu_stricto_1 (p < 0.05), and the OH group showed an increased abundance UCG-005 and Alistipes in the jejunum. There were many differential metabolites in the OH group and AO group compared to the AH group, and the different metabolites of the OH group were associated with the metabolic pathways of the nervous system, sensory system, amino acid metabolism, and lipid metabolism in the jejunum and with lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and the nervous system in the colon. In the AO group, these metabolites were associated with the digestive system and the translation and metabolism of cofactors in the jejunum and with the metabolism of cofactors and vitamins in the colon. In summary, it is feasible to replace alfalfa hay with oat hay based on milk replacer and starter. The combination of the two forages enhanced nutrient absorption, improved immune function, maintained the internal homeostasis of yak calves, and was more beneficial to their growth and development.
Immunomodulatory Effects of the Tobacco Defensin NaD1
Authors: Finkina Ekaterina I. , Bogdanov Ivan V. , Shevchenko Olga V. , Fateeva Serafima I. , Ignatova Anastasia A. , Balandin Sergey V. , Ovchinnikova Tatiana V.
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: Defensins are important components of the innate plant immune system, exhibiting antimicrobial activity against phytopathogens, as well as against fungi pathogenic to humans. Along with antifungal activity, plant defensins are also capable of influencing various immune processes, but not much is known about these effects. In this study, we investigated the immunomodulatory effects of the tobacco defensin NaD1, which possesses a pronounced antifungal activity. Methods and Results: We showed that NaD1 could penetrate the Caco-2 polarized monolayer. Using a multiplex assay with a panel of 48 cytokines, chemokines and growth factors, we demonstrated that NaD1 at a concentration of 2 μM had immunomodulatory effects on human dendritic cells and blood monocytes, mainly inhibiting the production of various immune factors. Using the sandwich ELISA method, we demonstrated that NaD1 at the same concentration had a pronounced immunomodulatory effect on unstimulated THP-1-derived macrophages and those stimulated by bacterial LPS or fungal zymosan. NaD1 had a dual effect and induced the production of both pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β as well as anti-inflammatory IL-10 on resting and pro-inflammatory THP-1-derived macrophages. We also found that the immunomodulatory effects of the tobacco defensin NaD1 and the pea defensin Psd1 differed from each other, indicating nonuniformity in the modes of action of plant defensins. Conclusions: Thus, our data demonstrated that the tobacco defensin NaD1 exhibits different immunomodulatory effects on various immune cells. We hypothesized that influence on human immune system along with antifungal activity, could determine the effectiveness of this peptide under infection in vivo.
Protective Contribution of Rosmarinic Acid in Rosemary Extract Against Copper-Induced Oxidative Stress
Authors: Kola Arian , Vigni Ginevra , Lamponi Stefania , Valensin Daniela
Published: November 2024

Rosemary extract (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a natural source of bioactive compounds with significant antioxidant properties. Among these, rosmarinic acid is celebrated for its potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and neuroprotective properties, making it a valuable component in both traditional medicine and modern therapeutic research. Neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s are closely linked to oxidative damage, and research indicates that rosmarinic acid may help protect neurons by mitigating this harmful process. Rosmarinic acid is able to bind cupric ions (Cu2+) and interfere with the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by copper through Fenton-like reactions. This study aims to further evaluate the contribution of rosmarinic acid within rosemary extract by comparing its activity to that of isolated rosmarinic acid. By using a detailed approach that includes chemical characterization, antioxidant capacity assessment, and neuroprotective activity testing, we have determined whether the combined components in rosemary extract enhance or differ from the effects of rosmarinic acid alone. This comparison is crucial for understanding whether the full extract offers added benefits beyond those of isolated rosmarinic acid in combating oxidative stress and Aβ-induced toxicity.
Numerical Solutions to the Variational Problems by Dijkstra’s Path-Finding Algorithm
Authors: Arunthong Thanaporn , Rianthakool Laddawan , Prasanai Khanchai , Takuathung Chakrit Na , Chomkokard Sakchai , Wongkokua Wiwat , Jinuntuya Noparit
Published: November 2024

In this work, we propose the general idea of using a path-finding algorithm to solve a variational problem. By interpreting a variational problem of finding the function that minimizes a functional integral as a shortest path finding, we can apply the shortest path-finding algorithm to numerically estimate the optimal function. This can be achieved by discretizing the continuous domain of the variational problem into a spatially weighted graph. The weight of each edge is defined according to the function of the original problem. We adopt the Moser lattice as the discretization scheme since it provides adjustable connections around a vertex. We find that this number of connections is crucial to the estimation of an accurate optimal path. Dijkstra’s shortest path-finding algorithm was chosen due to its simplicity and convenience in implementation. We validate our proposal by applying Dijkstra’s path-finding algorithm to numerically solve three famous variational problems, i.e., the optical ray tracing, the brachistochrone, and the catenary problems. The first two are examples of problems with no constraint. The standard Dijkstra’s algorithm can be directly applied. The third problem is an example of a problem with an isoperimetric constraint. We apply the Lagrangian relaxation technique to relax the optimization in the standard Dijkstra algorithm to incorporate the constraint. In all cases, when the number of sublattices is large enough, the results agree well with the analytic solutions. In all cases, the same path-finding code is used, regardless of the problem details. Our approaches provide more insight and promise to be more flexible than conventional numerical methods. We expect that our method can be useful in practice when an investigation of the optimal path in a complex problem is needed.
Latent Graph Attention for Spatial Context in Light-Weight Networks: Multi-Domain Applications in Visual Perception Tasks
Authors: Singh Ayush , Bhambhu Yash , Buckchash Himanshu , Gupta Deepak K. , Prasad Dilip K.
Published: November 2024

Global contexts in images are quite valuable in image-to-image translation problems. Conventional attention-based and graph-based models capture the global context to a large extent; however, these are computationally expensive. Moreover, existing approaches are limited to only learning the pairwise semantic relation between any two points in the image. In this paper, we present Latent Graph Attention (LGA), a computationally inexpensive (linear to the number of nodes) and stable modular framework for incorporating the global context in existing architectures. This framework particularly empowers small-scale architectures to achieve performance closer to that of large architectures, making the light-weight architectures more useful for edge devices with lower compute power and lower energy needs. LGA propagates information spatially using a network of locally connected graphs, thereby facilitating the construction of a semantically coherent relation between any two spatially distant points that also takes into account the influence of the intermediate pixels. Moreover, the depth of the graph network can be used to adapt the extent of contextual spread to the target dataset, thereby able to explicitly control the added computational cost. To enhance the learning mechanism of LGA, we also introduce a novel contrastive loss term that helps our LGA module to couple well with the original architecture at the expense of minimal additional computational load. We show that incorporating LGA improves performance in three challenging applications, namely transparent object segmentation, image restoration for dehazing and optical flow estimation.
Correlation Between Sunlight Exposure Time and Cataract Prevalence in Korean Adults
Authors: Jang Hee-Jeong , Kang Joong-Gu
Published: November 2024

This study analyzed the survey data of the ophthalmic examination of the 5th National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to investigate the relationship between the prevalence of cataracts in Koreans and exposure to sunlight in daily life. From January to December, 952 people in 192 districts were classified into a 2–5 h group and a group of more than 5 h of sunlight exposure, and statistical analysis using SMS version 26, including the chi-square test and logistic regression analysis, was conducted. Results: The gender difference was that women had a higher incidence of cataracts when the exposure time to sunlight was 2 to 5 h (46.7% for men, 53.3% for women, p < 0.001) and men had a higher incidence of cataracts when it was more than 5 h (62.3% for men, 36.8% for women, p < 0.001). The incidence increased significantly after age 45 for the groups of both 2 to 5 h (65.8% for men, p < 0.001) and 5 h or more (80% for p < 0.001) of sunlight exposure. In the group with 2 to 5 h of sunlight exposure, the prevalence of cataracts was high in people living in large cities, such as 52 people in Seoul (10.8%) and 63 people in Busan (13.1%), while in the group with 5 h or more, the incidence of cataracts was significantly higher in people living in rural areas, such as 36 people in Gangwon Province (7.7%) and 85 people in North Gyeongsang Province (18.1%). Through this, it was confirmed that Koreans had a higher incidence of cataracts when exposed to sunlight for more than 5 h, and differences according to socio-demographic characteristics could be identified in the case of a sunlight exposure time of 2 to 5 h or more.
Study on the Hydrodynamic Effects of Bridge Piers Under Velocity-Type Pulse Ground Motion Based on Different Characteristic Periods
Authors: Yun Gaojie , Liu Chunguang
Published: November 2024

This study was based on a target spectrum (GB183062015) and synthesized different characteristic periods, pulse ground motions, and non-pulse ground motions utilizing EQsignal v1.2.1 software. It also investigated the dynamic behaviors of bridge piers in seismic motions with varying characteristic periods, pulse and non-pulse effects, and the influence of 0 m and 10 m water depths. The findings indicated that the peak acceleration and stress behaviors vary significantly under different characteristic periods of ground motion. The maximum error in peak acceleration behavior of a bridge pier under ground motions of varying characteristic periods is 19.25%, while the maximum error in peak stress response is 11.35%. The acceleration and stress behaviors of a bridge pier under pulse ground motion action are more considerable than those under non-pulse seismic motion action. When the characteristic period is 0.40 s, the maximum error in peak acceleration of the bridge pier structure under pulse seismic motion and non-pulse seismic motion action is 86.08%, with the maximum error of the peak stress reaches 80.68%. The existence of water serves to minimize the natural frequency of the bridge pier. The pulse effects result in a maximum error of 40.49% for the peak acceleration and a maximum discrepancy of 323.08% for the peak stress of the bridge pier. The hydrodynamic effects result in a maximum error of 33.51% for the acceleration peak and 12.90% for the stress peak of the bridge pier. The effect of the pulse symptoms on the dynamic behavior of the bridge pier is considerably more pronounced than that of the hydrodynamic effects, with an intricate and complex influencing mechanism. In bridge flood protection and seismic design and optimization, it is essential to consider the impact of pulse seismic motion with varying characteristic periods.
Observation and Numerical Simulation of Cross-Mountain Airflow at the Hong Kong International Airport from Range Height Indicator Scans of Radar and LIDAR
Authors: Chan Ying Wa , Lo Kai Wai , Cheung Ping , Chan Pak Wai , Lai Kai Kwong
Published: November 2024

Apart from headwind changes, crosswind changes may be hazardous to aircraft operation. This paper presents two cases of recently observed crosswind changes from the range height indicator scans of ground-based remote sensing meteorological equipment, namely an X-band microwave radar and a short-range LIDAR. Both instruments have a range resolution down to around 30 m, allowing the study of fine-scale details of the vertical profiles of cross-mountain airflow at the Hong Kong International Airport. Rapidly evolving winds have been observed by the equipment in tropical cyclone situations, revealing high levels of turbulence and vertically propagating waves. The eddy dissipation rate derived from radar spectrum width indicated severe turbulence, with values exceeding 0.5 m2/3 s−1. In order to study the feasibility of predicting such disturbed airflow, a mesoscale meteorological model and a computational fluid dynamics model with high spatial resolution are used in this paper. It is found that the mesoscale meteorological model alone is sufficient to capture some rapidly evolving airflow features, including the turbulence level, the waves, and the rapidly changing wind speeds. However, the presence of reverse flow could only be reproduced with the use of a building-resolving computational fluid dynamics model. This paper aims at providing a reference for airports to consider the feasibility of performing high-resolution numerical simulations of rapidly evolving airflow to alert the pilots in advance for airports in complex terrains and the setup of buildings.
Bayesian and Non-Bayesian Inference to Bivariate Alpha Power Burr-XII Distribution with Engineering Application
Authors: Ramadan Dina A. , Hasaballah Mustafa M. , Abd-Elwaha Nada K. , Alshangiti Arwa M. , Kamel Mahmoud I. , Balogun Oluwafemi Samson , El-Awady Mahmoud M.
Published: November 2024

In this research, we present a new distribution, which is the bivariate alpha power Burr-XII distribution, based on the alpha power Burr-XII distribution. We thoroughly examine the key features of our newly developed bivariate model. We introduce a new class of bivariate models, which are built with the copula function. The statistical properties of the proposed distribution, such as conditional distributions, conditional expectations, marginal distributions, moment-generating functions, and product moments were studied. This was accomplished with two datasets of real data that came from two distinct devices. We employed Bayesian, maximum likelihood estimation, and least squares estimation strategies to obtain estimated points and intervals. Additionally, we generated bootstrap confidence intervals and conducted numerical analyses using the Markov chain Monte Carlo method. Lastly, we compared this novel bivariate distribution’s performance to earlier bivariate models, to determine how well it fit the real data.
Stability and Bifurcation Analysis for the Transmission Dynamics of Skin Sores with Time Delay
Authors: Wang Yanan , Zhang Tiansi
Published: November 2024

Impetigo is a highly contagious skin infection that primarily affects children and communities in low-income regions and has become a significant public health issue impacting both individuals and healthcare systems. A nonlinear deterministic model based on the transmission dynamics of skin sores (impetigo) is developed with a specific emphasis on the time delay effects in the infection and recovery processes. To address this complexity, we introduce a delay differential equation (DDE) to describe the dynamic process. We analyzed the existence of Hopf bifurcations associated with the two equilibrium points and examined the mechanisms underlying the occurrence of these bifurcations as delays exceeded certain critical values. To obtain more comprehensive insights into this phenomenon, we applied the center manifold theory and the normal form method to determine the direction and stability of Hopf bifurcations near bifurcation curves. This research not only offers a novel theoretical perspective on the transmission of impetigo but also lays a significant mathematical foundation for developing clinical intervention strategies. Specifically, it suggests that an increased time delay between infection and isolation could lead to more severe outbreaks, further supporting the development of more effective intervention approaches.
Response Analysis and Vibration Suppression of Fractional Viscoelastic Shape Memory Alloy Spring Oscillator Under Harmonic Excitation
Authors: Guo Rong , Meng Na , Wang Jinling , Li Junlin , Wang Jinbin
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the dynamic behavior and vibration mitigation of a fractional single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) viscoelastic shape memory alloy spring oscillator system subjected to harmonic external forces. A fractional derivative approach is employed to characterize the viscoelastic properties of shape memory alloy materials, leading to the development of a novel fractional viscoelastic model. The model is then theoretically examined using the averaging method, with its effectiveness being confirmed through numerical simulations. Furthermore, the impact of various parameters on the system’s low- and high-amplitude vibrations is explored through a visual response analysis. These findings offer valuable insights for applying fractional sliding mode control (SMC) theory to address the system’s vibration control challenges. Despite the high-amplitude vibrations induced by the fractional order, SMC effectively suppresses these vibrations in the shape memory alloy spring system, thereby minimizing the risk of catastrophic events.
Hypothalamic Regulation of Cardiorespiratory Functions: Insights into the Dorsomedial and Perifornical Pathways
Authors: Carrillo-Franco Laura , González-García Marta , Morales-Luque Carmen , Dawid-Milner Marc Stefan , López-González Manuel Víctor
Published: November 2024

The dorsomedial hypothalamus nucleus (DMH) plays a pivotal role in the orchestration of sympathetic nervous system activities. Through its projections to the brainstem and pontomedullary nuclei, it controls heart rate, contractility, blood pressure, and respiratory activity, such as timing and volumes. The DMH integrates inputs from higher brain centers and processes these signals in order to modulate autonomic outflow accordingly. It has been demonstrated to be of particular significance in the context of stress responses, where it orchestrates the physiological adaptations that are necessary for all adaptative responses. The perifornical region (PeF), which is closely associated with the DMH, also makes a contribution to autonomic regulation. The involvement of the PeF region in autonomic control is evidenced by its function in coordinating the autonomic and endocrine responses to stress, frequently in conjunction with the DMH. The DMH and the PeF do not function in an isolated manner; rather, they are components of a comprehensive hypothalamic network that integrates several autonomic responses. This neural network could serve as a target for developing therapeutic strategies in cardiovascular diseases.
Population Genetic Characteristics of Siberian Roe Deer in the Cold Temperate Forest Ecosystem of the Greater Khingan Mountains, Northeast China
Authors: Liu Xinxin , Hong Yang , Guo Jinhao , Zhang Ning , Zhou Shaochun , Jin Lu , Ma Xiaoqian , Yuan Ziao , Du Hairong , Zhang Minghai , Wang Jialong
Published: November 2024

This study focuses on the Siberian roe deer population in the Greater Khingan Mountains, Northeast China. The cold temperate forest ecosystem in this area is distinctive. The Siberian roe deer is a crucial ecological indicator species, and its living conditions hold significant importance for ecological balance. From the winter of 2019 to 2022, 269 fecal samples of Siberian roe deer were collected from four protected areas in the northern part of the Greater Khingan Mountains, Heilongjiang Province. These samples were comprehensively analyzed using mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite markers, combined with conservation genetics evaluation methods. The results revealed that 244 individuals were identified in the fecal samples. The results of a Cyt b genetic analysis of the samples indicated that the haplotype and nucleotide diversity were 88.1% and 20.3%, respectively. The evaluation of 14 pairs of microsatellite loci showed that the average number of alleles was 11.2, and the average expected and observed heterozygosity were 0.672 and 0.506, respectively. Therefore, the overall genetic diversity level is high, but some populations of Siberian roe deer are at risk. AMOVA analysis and STRUCTURE Bayesian clustering confirmed the existence of obvious genetic differentiation among the populations. Historical studies have shown that the HZ and SH populations underwent the earliest diffusion events, and the BJC and SL populations also exhibited related signs (HZ: Huzhong Nature Reserve in the Greater Khingan Mountains; SH: Shuanghe National Nature Reserve in Heilongjiang Province; BJC: Heilongjiang Beijicun National Nature Reserve; SL: Songling District in Heilongjiang Province). Mismatch distribution and neutral tests indicated no expansion events or bottleneck effects in the population, and the inbreeding coefficient was positive, suggesting the possibility of inbreeding. The development potential of the population in the future varies among the various local populations. This study supports the biodiversity of Siberian roe deer at the genetic level to save the population and provides important scientific basis and reference for the protection and management of Siberian roe deer.
Myo-Inositol and Its Derivatives: Their Roles in the Challenges of Infertility
Authors: Placidi Martina , Casoli Giovanni , Tatone Carla , Di Emidio Giovanna , Bevilacqua Arturo
Published: November 2024

Myo-inositol (MYO) and D-chiro-inositol (DCI) are the two most significant isomeric forms of inositol, playing a critical role in intracellular signaling. MYO is the most abundant form of inositol in nature; DCI is produced from MYO through epimerization by an insulin-dependent enzyme. Recently, it has been demonstrated that inositol may influence oocyte maturation and improve intracellular Ca2+ oscillation in the oocytes, and it has been proposed as a potential intervention for restoring spontaneous ovulation. The MYO concentration in human follicular fluid is considered a bioindicator of oocyte quality. In the ovary, DCI modulates the activity of aromatase, thus regulating androgen synthesis. Under physiological conditions, the MYO/DCI ratio is maintained at 40:1 in plasma. In women with PCOS, the MYO/DCI ratio is lowered to 0:2:1, contributing to elevated androgen production. By regulating FSH signaling, MYO administration increases the number of high-quality embryos available for transfer in poor responder patients. Finally, by acting downstream to insulin signaling, inositol administration during pregnancy may represent a novel strategy for counteracting gestational diabetes. These findings show that diet supplementation with inositol may be a promising strategy to address female infertility and sustain a healthy pregnancy.
Efficacy of Feed Additives on Immune Modulation and Disease Resistance in Tilapia in Coinfection Model with Tilapia Lake Virus and Aeromonas hydrophila
Authors: Mohamad Aslah , Yamkasem Jidapa , Paimeeka Suwimon , Khemthong Matepiya , Lertwanakarn Tuchakorn , Setthawong Piyathip , Nuez-Ortin Waldo G. , Isern Subich Maria Mercè , Surachetpong Win
Published: November 2024

Coinfections by multiple pathogens, including viruses and bacteria, have severely impacted tilapia aquaculture globally. This study evaluated the impacts of dietary supplementation on red hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) coinfected with Tilapia lake virus (TiLV) and Aeromonas hydrophila. Fish were divided into three groups: a control group on a normal diet, and two experimental groups received diets supplemented with strategy A, an organic acid blend combined with a lyso-phospholipid-based digestive enhancer, and strategy B, an organic acid blend combined with natural immunostimulants and nutrients. Following exposure to both pathogens, the fish supplemented with strategies A and B showed lower cumulative mortality rates of 50.0% and 41.7%, respectively, compared to 76.3% in the control group. Notably, fish fed with strategy B-supplemented diet displayed a stronger immune response, with a lower expression of il-8, mx, and rsad2, and showed less pathological changes in the liver, spleen, and intestines, suggesting enhanced resistance to coinfection. In contrast, fish receiving strategy A did not exhibit significant changes in the immune-related gene expression or pathogen load, but demonstrate less pathological alterations, indicating intestinal protection. These findings highlight the potential of feed additives, particularly strategy B, to reduce the impact of virus-bacterial coinfections and improve outcomes in tilapia farming.
Dose-Dependent Cognitive Decline, Anxiety, and Locomotor Impairments Induced by Doxorubicin: Evidence from an Animal Model
Authors: Amaro-Leal Ângela , Afonso Ana I. , Machado Filipa , Shvachiy Liana , Rocha Isabel , Outeiro Tiago F. , Geraldes Vera
Published: November 2024

Cognitive impairment and anxiety are common side effects of chemotherapy, particularly with the use of doxorubicin (DOX), known as “chemobrain”. This study aimed to examine the dose-dependent effects of DOX on cognitive decline, anxiety, and locomotor activity in healthy female Wistar rats. The rats were divided into groups receiving low (2 mg/kg), intermediate (4 mg/kg), and high (5 mg/kg) doses of DOX for four weeks, alongside a control group. Behavioral tests, including open field, elevated plus maze, and Y-maze tests, assessed anxiety, locomotion, and cognitive performance, while brain tissue analysis evaluated neuroinflammation using markers such as GFAP and Iba-1. The results showed that all doses of DOX induced anxiety-like behavior, reduced locomotion, and caused neuroinflammation in the hippocampus, with more severe effects at higher doses. Notably, high-dose DOX also caused short-term memory deficits. These findings highlight the dose-dependent nature of DOX’s impact on behavior and cognition, suggesting that DOX plays a key role in the development of cognitive symptoms during chemotherapy. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind these effects and to explore potential interventions.
Small Molecule Inhibitor of Protein Kinase C DeltaI (PKCδI) Decreases Inflammatory Pathways and Gene Expression and Improves Metabolic Function in Diet-Induced Obese Mouse Model
Authors: Osborne Brenna , Patel Rekha S. , Krause-Hauch Meredith , Lui Ashley , Vidyarthi Gitanjali , Patel Niketa A.
Published: November 2024

Obesity promotes metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. PKCδI is a serine/threonine kinase which regulates cell growth, differentiation, and survival. Caspase-3 cleavage of PKCδI releases the C-terminal catalytic fragment (PKCδI_C), which promotes inflammation and apoptosis. We previously demonstrated an increase in PKCδI_C in human obese adipose tissue (AT) and adipocytes. Subsequently, we designed a small molecule drug called NP627 and demonstrated that NP627 specifically inhibited the release of PKCδI_C in vitro. Here, we evaluate the in vivo safety and efficacy of NP627 in a diet-induced obese (DIO) mouse model. The results demonstrate that NP627 treatment in DIO mice increased glucose uptake and inhibited the cleavage of PKCδI_C in the AT as well as in the kidney, spleen, and liver. Next, RNAseq analysis was performed on the AT from the NP627-treated DIO mice. The results show increases in ADIPOQ and CIDEC, upregulation of AMPK, PI3K-AKT, and insulin signaling pathways, while inflammatory pathways were decreased post-NP627 administration. Further, levels of lncRNAs associated with metabolic pathways were affected by NP627 treatment. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that NP627, a small-molecule inhibitor of PKCδI activity, is not toxic and that it improves the metabolic function of DIO mice in vivo.
Serum Leucine-Rich Alpha-2 Glycoprotein 1 Levels in Patients with Lipodystrophy Syndromes
Authors: Krienke Michelle , Kralisch Susan , Wagner Leonie , Tönjes Anke , Miehle Konstanze
Published: November 2024

Serum concentrations of leucine-rich alpha-2 glycoprotein 1 (LRG1) are elevated in several cardio-metabolic and inflammatory diseases. LRG1 also plays an important role in the development of hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance. In lipodystrophies (LDs), severe cardio-metabolic complications can be observed. The dysregulation of several adipokines plays a significant role in the clinical manifestation of this syndrome. To date, there have been no studies of LRG1 levels in non-HIV-LD patients. We performed a cross-sectional analysis of LRG1 serum levels in 60 patients with non-HIV-associated LD and in 60 age-, sex-, and BMI-matched healthy controls. Furthermore, we investigated the gene expression of Lrg1 in a mouse model of generalised LD. No significant difference was found in the median concentration of LRG1 serum levels between LD patients (18.2 ng/L; interquartile range 8.3 ng/L) and healthy controls (17.8 ng/L; interquartile range 11.0 ng/L). LRG1 serum concentrations correlated positively with CRP serum levels (p < 0.001). Lrg1 mRNA expression was downregulated in the adipose tissue, whereas in the liver, no difference in Lrg1 expression between LD and wild-type mice was detected. In summary, circulating levels of LRG1 are associated with low-grade inflammation but cannot distinguish between patients with LD and controls.
The Influence of COVID-19 in Glycemic Control: Predictive Value of Inflammation and Metabolic Parameters
Authors: Andor Minodora , Man Dana Emilia , Nistor Daciana Carmen , Buda Valentina , Dragan Simona
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: Predicting post-COVID-19 diabetes is crucial for enhancing patient care and public health. This study investigates the role of metabolic factors in predicting the glycemic outcomes in patients recovering from moderate to severe COVID-19. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 135 patients without pre-existing diabetes, selected from a cohort of 1980 individuals hospitalized between January 2020 and December 2022. Metabolic parameters, including blood glucose, Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), Triglyceride/Glucose (TyG) index, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), were assessed at discharge and followed up after 4 months (T4) and 12 months (T12). Results: Statistical analysis revealed significant correlations of initial glycemia, HOMA-IR, and hs-CRP with the subsequent glycemic levels at T4 and T12. Multiple regression analysis confirmed that initial glycemia, HOMA-IR, and hs-CRP were strong predictors of elevated glycemia, while the TyG index did not show a significant predictive value. Conventional diabetes risk factors, including body mass index (BMI) and lipid profiles, showed low predictive power for post-COVID-19 glycemia. Conclusions: This research highlights the critical role of metabolic and inflammatory pathways in managing glycemic control in COVID-19 patients. Markers like blood glucose, HOMA-IR, and hs-CRP are significant predictors of blood glucose levels, while the TyG index appears less helpful in this context. Early, targeted interventions based on these markers can improve patient outcomes and reduce the risk of post-COVID-19 complications like diabetes.