bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Emerging Roles of Diacylglycerol Kinase (DGK) in Plant Stress Tolerance, Growth, and Development
Authors: Kue Foka Idrice Carther , Ketehouli Toi , Zhou Yonggang , Li Xiao-Wei , Wang Fa-Wei , Li Haiyan
Published: September 2020

Diacylglycerol kinase (DGK) is recognized as the key enzyme of the lipid signaling pathway, which involves the transduction of messages from hormones, neurotransmitters, and immunologic and growth factors. Regarding their essential role in animal physiology, many plant biologists have predicted a similar enzymatic influence in plants. However, a small number of recent studies have revealed the complexity of the involvement of DGK genes in the modulation of plant growth, development, and adaptation in both biotic and abiotic stress conditions. Here, we describe recent discoveries on the role of DGK genes in the plants’ responses to biotic or abiotic stressors. Moreover, we discuss how DGK enzymes regulate plant cellular activities during the adaptation of plants to a readily changing environment. DGK is an enzyme that plays a pivotal role in plant lipid signaling, by catalyzing the phosphorylation of the diacylglycerol (DAG) to phosphatidic acid (PA), which is a crucial molecule in a plant’s metabolic network, leading to its response to various external stresses. DGK enzymes are the principal moderators of PA generation in plant cells; this consequently affects its derived products—hence, enabling their activities in lipid signaling networks and cell homeostasis. Thus, understanding the DGK operational mode and interactions between the production and accumulation of PA would constitute a significant advancement in investigating the mechanism of stress adaptation in plants.
Assessment of the Potential of Trichoderma spp. Strains Native to Bagua (Amazonas, Peru) in the Biocontrol of Frosty Pod Rot (Moniliophthora roreri)
Authors: Leiva Santos , Oliva Manuel , Hernández Elgar , Chuquibala Beimer , Rubio Karol , García Flor , Torres de la Cruz Magdiel
Published: September 2020

The use of native Trichoderma strains has been proposed as a sustainable alternative to control cocoa diseases. The aim of this study was to assess indigenous Trichoderma strains from Bagua Province, Peru, with reference to their antagonistic characteristics in vitro and their potential for in vitro biocontrol against frosty pod rot (FPR) disease. A total of 199 strains were assessed for in vitro mycoparasitism, antibiosis, and potential antagonism. The effect of four strains was evaluated in vitro using epidemiological variables, yield, and efficacy at two sites (Copallín and La Peca). Significant differences (p < 0.05) were reported for all variables evaluated in vitro and in vitro. Mycoparasitism ranged from 32% to 100%, antibiosis from 33.36% to 57.92%, and potential antagonism from 42.36% to 78.64%. All strains were found to affect the in vitro-assessed parameters in addition to enhancing the productive yield. The efficiency ranged from 38.99% to 71.9% in Copallín, and 45.88% to 51.16% in La Peca. The CP24-6 strain showed the highest potential for biocontrol under field conditions when considering its effect on both sites.
Water-Use Efficiency of Forage Crops in the Southeastern United States
Authors: Gelley Christine H. , Ashworth Amanda J. , Keyser Patrick D. , Nave Renata L. G. , Rhinehart Justin D.
Published: September 2020

Preparing agricultural producers to cope with volatile weather changes, specifically drought, requires a better understanding of forage water-use efficiency (WUE) potentials. Options to improve farm resiliency to drought may include the use of C4 annual and perennial forages, which have greater production efficiency during drought than commonly used C3 forages. Our objective was to measure WUE through real-time gas exchange measurements of photosynthesis and transpiration in (1) a greenhouse study and (2) under field-grazing conditions. Growth parameters, instantaneous water use efficiency (iWUE), and mass-based WUE (mWUE) data were collected under greenhouse conditions in Study 1 for the following species: crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis cv. ‘Red River’), switchgrass (Panicum virgatum cv. ‘Alamo’), big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii cv. ‘OZ-70’), indiangrass (Sorghastum nutans cv. ‘Rumsey’), eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides cv. ‘Pete’), bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon cv. ‘Vaughn’s #1’), sorghum-sudangrass (Sorghum bicolor (L.) × Sorghum sudanese (P.) cv. ‘Greengrazer’), and tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort). Study 2 occurred from 2014 to 2016, and evaluated iWUE of crabgrass, switchgrass, bermudagrass, eastern gamagrass, and a big bluestem/indiangrass mix under field conditions. Overall, in situ iWUE of crabgrass, switchgrass, eastern gamagrass, and bermudagrass did not differ, while iWUE of the big bluestem/indiangrass was less than switchgrass and crabgrass, an advantage for these species if the standardized precipitation index drops below zero. Bermudagrass, switchgrass, sorghum-sudangrass, pearl millet, and indiangrass had comparable mWUE values under greenhouse-simulated drought. These results will aid in the development of forage species recommendations for mitigating drought and improving resiliency.
Evaluation of the Changes in Thermal, Qualitative, and Antioxidant Properties of Terebinth (Pistacia atlantica) Fruit under Different Drying Methods
Authors: Abbaspour-Gilandeh Yousef , Kaveh Mohammad , Fatemi Hamideh , Hernández-Hernández José Luis , Fuentes-Penna Alejandro , Hernández-Hernández Mario
Published: September 2020

This study aims to investigate the effect of different drying methods on the thermal, qualitative, and antioxidant properties and pH of terebinth. To perform the experiments in this study, the hot air (HA), infrared (IR), microwave (MW), hot air–infrared (IR–HA), and hot air–microwave drying (MW–HA) methods were considered. The results showed that the minimum drying time was obtained by the hot air–microwave (MW–HA) method. However, the lowest specific energy consumption (SEC) and the highest energy efficiency (ηe) were obtained by the MW method. Considering the color criteria, the best method was obtained by the MW–HA method. The highest amount of rehydration ratio (RR) and the lowest shrinkage (Sb) of the dried terebinth samples were obtained using the MW dryer compared with other drying methods. The MW and MW–HA methods resulted in higher contents of total phenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant capacity (AntiOX) than other methods. According to the results of this study, the most effective drying method for terebinth was determined to be the MW and MW-HA methods.
Strategies for Improved Yield and Water Use Efficiency of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) through Simplified Soilless Cultivation under Semi-Arid Climate
Authors: Michelon Nicola , Pennisi Giuseppina , Myint Nang Ohn , Dall’Olio Giacomo , Batista Lucrecia Pacheco , Salviano Adeodato Ari Cavalcante , Gruda Nazim S. , Orsini Francesco , Gianquinto Giorgio
Published: September 2020

Simplified soilless cultivation (SSC) systems have globally spread as growing solutions for low fertility soil regions, low availability of water irrigation, small areas and polluted environments. In the present study, four independent experiments were conducted for assessing the applicability of SSC in the northeast of Brazil (NE-Brazil) and the central dry zone of Myanmar (CDZ-Myanmar). In the first two experiments, the potentiality for lettuce crop production and water use efficiency (WUE) in an SSC system compared to traditional on-soil cultivation was addressed. Then, the definition of how main crop features (cultivar, nutrient solution concentration, system orientation and crop position) within the SSC system affect productivity was evidenced. The adoption of SSC improved yield (+35% and +72%, in NE-Brazil and CDZ-Myanmar) and WUE (7.7 and 2.7 times higher, in NE-Brazil and CDZ-Myanmar) as compared to traditional on-soil cultivation. In NE-Brazil, an eastern orientation of the system enabled achievement of higher yield for some selected lettuce cultivars. Furthermore, in both the considered contexts, a lower concentration of the nutrient solution (1.2 vs. 1.8 dS m−1) and an upper plant position within the SSC system enabled achievement of higher yield and WUE. The experiments validate the applicability of SSC technologies for lettuce cultivation in tropical areas.
Crambe (Crambe abyssinica Hochst): A Non-Food Oilseed Crop with Great Potential: A Review
Authors: Samarappuli Dulan , Zanetti Federica , Berzuini Sara , Berti Marisol T.
Published: September 2020

Crambe (Crambe abyssinica Hochst) is an oilseed crop in the Brassicaceae family. Crambe’s ability to survive in diverse environmental conditions, its unique oil composition, the high oil content, suitability for the production of slip agents for plasticizers, the capacity to be easily included in common crop rotations, and its adaptability to equipment used for small grain cultivation has renewed the interest in this emerging crop. Crambe is considered one of the main sources of erucic acid, which can be up to 60% of its seed oil content. Erucic acid (C22:1) is a fatty acid with industrial importance since it is used to produce erucamide, key ingredient in the plastic industry. Inclusion of crambe into crop rotations can be beneficial because of its short life cycle, low fertility requirements, resistance to pest and diseases, and relative drought tolerance. Currently high erucic acid rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) (HEAR) is the principal source for erucic acid. However, the risk of contaminating food quality rapeseed (i.e., canola) by cross-pollination and the negative impact on climate, due to high inputs, are potential limitations to expand HEAR cultivation. Crambe has thus great potential to, at least, partially replace HEAR as a source of erucic acid, if the current knowledge-gap in agronomic management and crop improvement (seed yield and quality) can be addressed. Seed yield needs to be increased to be able to compete with HEAR. In addition, reducing glucosinolates and fiber in crambe meal may increase its inclusion in monogastrics rations. The objective of this review was to compile and summarize new and existing information on agricultural practices in crambe production and management to identify gaps in knowledge and areas for future research to increase the cultivation of crambe.
Gene Expression and miRNA Regulation Changes in Leaves of Rice Backcross Introgression Lines
Authors: Cao Aqin , Wang Ruihua , Wang Jianbo
Published: September 2020

High-throughput sequencing was used to distinguish the gene and miRNA expression profiles in the leaves of three progenies from a rice backcross introgression line (BC2F12) and their parents (Oryza sativa and wild rice, O. longistaminata). A total of 33,419 genes and 513 miRNAs were identified in two parents and three lines, and the majority of the genes and miRNAs were commonly expressed. The results show that 10.23% to 17.94% of the genes were differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the progenies compared with those of the two parents, and the majority of them were up-regulated. Of the miRNAs, 12.56% to15.43% were differentially expressed in the progeny/O. sativa comparisons and the majority of which were up-regulated, while 42.02% to 45.21% of miRNAs were differentially expressed in the progeny/O. longistaminata comparisons, of which nearly half were down-regulated. Most of the DEGs and differentially expressed miRNAs showed expression levels close to that of O. sativa, indicating that the expression of genes and miRNAs in progenies was closely related to their chromosome complements and that the miRNAs were more susceptible than the genes to the effects of genomic composition. Furthermore, a larger number of target genes were predicted in the progeny/O. longistaminata comparisons. Finally, we found that the expression of some genes and miRNAs might increase the possibility for abiotic stress responses and adaptation in progenies. Together, our findings increase the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of hybridization and backcrossing on the expression levels of genes and miRNAs in rice leaves.
Temporal Response to Drought Stress in Several Prunus Rootstocks and Wild Species
Authors: Martínez-García Pedro José , Hartung Jens , Pérez de los Cobos Felipe , Martínez-García Pablo , Jalili Sara , Sánchez-Roldán Juan Manuel , Rubio Manuel , Dicenta Federico , Martínez-Gómez Pedro
Published: September 2020

Prunus species are important crops in temperate regions. In these regions, drought periods are predicted to occur more frequently due to climate change. In this sense, to reduce the impact of climate warming, obtaining new tolerant/resistant cultivars and rootstocks is a mandatory goal in Prunus breeding. Therefore, the current study assembled three Prunus species including almond, (P. dulcis Mill D.A. Webb), apricot (P. armeniaca L.) and peach (P. persica L.) to model the temporal effects of drought. A hybrid peach × almond and a wild almond-relative species Prunus webbii were also included in the study. Physiological traits associated with photosynthetic activity, leaf water status, and chlorophyll content were assessed under three watering treatments. Results showed that effects of time, genotype, and treatment interact significantly in all traits. In addition, results confirmed that P. webbii have a greater tolerance to drought than commercial rootstocks. However, “Real Fino” apricot showed the fastest recovery after re-irrigation while being one of the most affected cultivars. In addition, from the better response to these watering treatments by the almond genotypes, two different trends were observed after re-irrigation treatment that clearly differentiate the response of the almond cultivar “Garrigue” from the rest of Prunus genotypes. A better characterization of the short-term drought response in Prunus, an accurate and more efficient evaluation of the genotype effect was obtained from the use of mixed models considering appropriate variance–covariance structures. Although the advantages of these approaches are rarely used in Prunus breeding, these methodologies should be undertaken in the future by breeders to increase efficiency in developing new breeding materials.
Increasing Sustainability of Growing Media Constituents and Stand-Alone Substrates in Soilless Culture Systems—An Editorial
Authors: Sabatino Leo
Published: September 2020

Peat-free growing media constituents and stand-alone substrates are the basis for the economic and ecological efficiency of the soilless culture system. Nevertheless, divergence between the model and practice still exists, coming from large gaps in the knowledge of alternative organic materials and of their effects on crop performance. A more detailed understanding of these topics is necessary to increase the soilless culture management capacity. In this respect, this critical review collects research outcomes concerning the sustainability of soilless culture and growing media constituents and their impact on the environment. In particular, the review covers designated articles stressing the pros and cons of soilless culture and growing media constituents, the exploitation of different organic materials and their economic and environmental relevance.
Effect of Concentrate Supplementation on the Expression Profile of miRNA in the Ovaries of Yak during Non-Breeding Season
Authors: Xie Jianpeng , Kalwar Qudratullah , Yan Ping , Guo Xian
Published: September 2020

Yak (Bos grunniens) is an important and remarkable livestock species that survives in the challenging environment of the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau. However, its growth rate is slower and reproductive potential is generally lower than cattle. Meanwhile, it has been reported that enhanced nutrition improves the reproductive efficiency of animals. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of concentrate supplementation on the miRNA expression profile in the ovaries of yak during the non-breeding season. The study displayed that non-breeding season supplementation significantly improved growth performance, serum biochemical indicators, and reproductive hormone concentrations in yaks. In this study, we also examined the differential expression analysis of miRNA in the ovaries of yak during non-breeding seasons using Illumina Hiseq sequencing technology. As a result, 51 differentially expressed miRNAs were found in the experimental group (CS) and control group (CON). Gene Ontology (go) and Kyoto Genome Encyclopedia (KEGG) analysis of target genes showed that beta-alanine metabolism; tryptophan metabolism; sphingolipid metabolism; alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism; and the inositol phosphate metabolism pathway attracted our attention. Based on qRT-PCR, seven miRNAs were assessed to verify the accuracy of the library database. We predicted and identified potential miRNA target genes, including LEP, KLF7, VEGFA, GNAQ, GTAT6, and CCND2. miRNA and corresponding target genes may regulate yaks’ seasonal reproduction through their nutritional status. This study will provide an experimental basis for improving the reproductive efficiency of yaks by supplementation in the non-breeding season.
Trefoil Factor Family Member 2 (TFF2) as an Inflammatory-Induced and Anti-Inflammatory Tissue Repair Factor
Authors: Ghanemi Abdelaziz , Yoshioka Mayumi , St-Amand Jonny
Published: September 2020

Trefoil factor family member 2 (TFF2) is known for its involvement in mucosal repair. Whereas it is overexpressed during inflammatory processes, adding TFF2 leads to an anti-inflammatory effect that would contribute to create the microenvironment required for tissue repair. These properties present TFF2 with a homeostatic pattern during inflammatory processes as illustrated by selected examples.
Identification of the PA1113 Gene Product as an ABC Transporter Involved in the Uptake of Carbenicillin in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1
Authors: Hulen Christian , Racine Pierre-jean , Chevalier Sylvie , Feuilloley Marc , LOMRI Nour-Eddine
Published: September 2020

The resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to antibiotics is multi factorial and complex. Whereas efflux pumps such as MexAB-OprM have been thought to predominate, here we show that a novel ATP Binding Cassette (ABC) transporter that mediates influx of carbenicillin from the periplasm to the cytoplasm and away from its cell wall target plays an important role in the resistance of P. aeruginosa to this antibiotic. Treatment of P. aeruginosa with verapamil, an inhibitor of ABC transporters in eukaryotic cells, increases its sensitivity to carbenicillin. Using amino acid sequence homology with known verapamil protein targets as a probe, we determined that the PA1113 gene product, an ABC transporter, mediates carbenicillin uptake into the bacterial cytoplasm. Docking and pharmacological analyses showed that verapamil and carbenicillin compete for the same site on the PA1113 gene protein, explaining the inhibitory effect of verapamil on carbenicillin uptake, and furthermore suggest that the PA1113 ABC transporter accounts for about 30% of P. aeruginosa carbenicillin resistance. Our findings demonstrate that the PA1113 gene product helps mediate carbenicillin resistance by transporting it away from its cell wall target and represents a promising new therapeutic target.
Evidence of the Practice of Self-Medication with Antibiotics among the Lay Public in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Scoping Review
Authors: Aslam Adeel , Gajdács Márió , Zin Che Suraya , Ab Rahman Norny Syafinaz , Ahmed Syed Imran , Zafar Muhammad Zeeshan , Jamshed Shazia
Published: September 2020

The current scoping review is an attempt to explore the key reasons, determinants, patterns and prevalence related to self-medication with antibiotics (SMA) among the lay public. An online search was conducted using Google Scholar, Science Direct, ProQuest and PubMed. A two-phase mapping approach was used. In the first phase, studies were screened. In the second phase, the data were extracted from selected studies followed by the assessment of data quality. A total of 24 studies were included; 20 were cross-sectional, 3 were qualitative and one was observational. The most common indications were flu, cough, common colds, sore throat, diarrhea, toothache and fever. The most common determinants reported were past good experience and suggestions from friends or relatives. The use of SMA was observed to be more frequent in younger aged individuals belonging to low- or middle-income groups. The prevalence rate was reported to be high among the South Asian lay public and may be a major contributor to antibiotic resistance. In conclusion, this scoping review identifies a need for education campaigns and mass media campaigns to strengthen lay public awareness about the side effects and risks associated with SMA. In addition to this, there is a need to implement strict policies by government agencies to restrict over the counter availability of antibiotics.
Antimicrobial Consumption and Resistance in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Jordan: Results of an Internet-Based Global Point Prevalence Survey
Authors: Abu Hammour Khawla , AL-Heyari Esraa , Allan Aya , Versporten Ann , Goossens Herman , Abu Hammour Ghayda’ , Manaseer Qusai
Published: September 2020

Background: The Global Point Prevalence Survey (Global-PPS) provides a standardised method to conduct surveillance of antimicrobial prescribing and resistance at hospital level. The aim of the present study was to assess antimicrobial consumption and resistance in a Jordan teaching hospital as part of the Global-PPS network. Methods: Detailed antimicrobial prescription data were collected according to the Global Point Prevalence Survey protocol. The internet-based survey included all inpatients present at 8:00 am on a specific day in June–July 2018. Resistance data were based on microbiological results available on the day of the PPS. Results: Data were collected for 380 patients admitted to adult wards, 72 admitted children, and 36 admitted neonates. The overall prevalence of antimicrobial use in adult, paediatric, and neonatal wards was 45.3%, 30.6%, and 22.2% respectively. Overall, 36 patients (7.4%) were treated for at least one healthcare-associated infection (HAI). The most frequent reason for antimicrobial treatment was pneumonia. Cephalosporins and carbapenems were most frequent prescribed among adult (50.6%) and paediatric/neonatal wards (39.6%). Overall resistance rates among patients treated for a community or healthcare-associated infection was high (26.0%). Analysis of antibiotic quality indicators by activity revealed good adherence to treatment guidelines but poor documentation of the reason for prescription and a stop/review date in the notes. Conclusion: The present study has established baseline data in a teaching hospital regarding the quantity and quality of prescribed antibiotics in the hospital. The study should encourage the establishment of tailor-made antimicrobial stewardship interventions and support educational programs to enhance appropriate antibiotic prescribing.
Can the One Health Approach Save Us from the Emergence and Reemergence of Infectious Pathogens in the Era of Climate Change: Implications for Antimicrobial Resistance?
Authors: Gudipati Smitha , Zervos Marcus , Herc Erica
Published: September 2020

Climate change has become a controversial topic in today’s media despite decades of warnings from climate scientists and has influenced human health significantly with the increasing prevalence of infectious pathogens and contribution to antimicrobial resistance. Elevated temperatures lead to rising sea and carbon dioxide levels, changing environments and interactions between humans and other species. These changes have led to the emergence and reemergence of infectious pathogens that have already developed significant antimicrobial resistance. Although these new infectious pathogens are alarming, we can still reduce the burden of infectious diseases in the era of climate change if we focus on One Health strategies. This approach aims at the simultaneous protection of humans, animals and environment from climate change and antimicrobial impacts. Once these relationships are better understood, these models can be created, but the support of our legislative and health system partnerships are critical to helping with strengthening education and awareness.
Haematology and Serum Biochemical Indices of Lambs Supplemented with Moringa oleifera, Jatropha curcas and Aloe vera Leaf Extract as Anti-Methanogenic Additives
Authors: Akanmu Abiodun Mayowa , Hassen Abubeker , Adejoro Festus Adeyemi
Published: September 2020

Medicinal plants have been found to be effective in a wide range of applications in ruminant animals. However, some plant extracts may be toxic to animals, depending on their seconday metabolite composition and dose, and therefore, animal trials are needed to validate their safety when used as anti-methanogenic additives. This study investigated the effect of three plant extracts used as anti-methanogenic dietary additives, on the haematology and serum biochemical parameters in sheep. Methanolic extracts of Moringa oleifera (MO), Jatropha curcas (JC) and Aloe vera (AV) were orally dosed as experimental treatments for 75 days to sheep, and their effect on the haematology and serum biochemical parameters of SA Mutton Merino (SAMM) lambs were compared with sheep on a control treatment without any additive treatment. Extracts of MO, JC and AV were extracted in 100% methanol, freeze-dried, and reconstituted in distilled water. A total of 40 lambs were ranked according to their body weight into a group of four and one sheep at a time was randomly allocated into four dietary treatments which include a control treatment, and treatment with either MO, JC or AV extract. Lambs were drenched twice daily with doses equivalent to 50 mg/kg dry matter intake (DMI) based on previous week feed consumption. Blood samples were collected via jugular vein puncture and analysed for haematology and serum biochemistry parameters, using standard procedures. The results of the haematological analysis showed that most haematological parameters were not affected by plant extract used as anti-methanogenic additives (p > 0.05), except for higher white blood cell (WBC) and lymphocytes counts recorded in control lambs and lambs in the AV treatment. All serum biochemical properties (except alkaline phosphatase) were not different (p > 0.05) between the control and lambs treated with plant extracts. Alkaline phosphatase was influenced by the plant extract (p < 0.05), with lambs receiving MO, JC and AV having lower alkaline phosphatase concentrations compared to lambs on the control diet without any additive. The result of the study showed that extracts of MO, JC and AV were not toxic to sheep when used as antimethanogenic additives at the recommended dose of 50 mg/kg dry matter feed which had proved previously to be effective in reducing enteric methane emission. Therefore, these plant extracts could be used safely as alternative dietary additives to reduce enteric methane emission and boost the productivity of SA Mutton Merino sheep.
Hercynine, Ergothioneine and Redox State in Stallion’s Seminal Plasma
Authors: Sotgia Salvatore , Taras Andrea , Zinellu Angelo , Cherchi Raffaele , Mangoni Arduino A , Carru Ciriaco , Bogliolo Luisa
Published: September 2020

The dependence of a stallion’s spermatozoa on oxidative phosphorylation for energy requirements results in an unconventional relationship between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and fertility. In such a scenario, antioxidant activity must be finely controlled and not affect the essential functions of ROS. Some in vivo evidence suggests that the naturally occurring antioxidant ergothioneine (ERT) interferes with the critical roles of ROS/reactive nitrogen species (RNS) in pro-oxidant states but not in healthy tissues. The measurement of ERT in seminal plasma collected from 14 stallions (five Anglo-Arab, five Sella Italiano and four Thoroughbreds of which three are Arabian and one English) aged 16 ± 6 years (range 6–25 years) confirms that ERT is present at high concentrations in this biological fluid, between 16.80 and 971.48 µmol/L. Although the presence of high ERT concentrations in the seminal plasma of a stallion has long been known, its exact biological role is uncertain. This might be due to the peculiar antioxidant cycle of ERT, specifically its rapid recovery, which potentially masks concentration fluctuations and, therefore, the extent of its physiological effects. The measurement of the ERT precursor and redox metabolite hercynine (ERY) may overcome such issues, as ERY does not undergo regeneration processes. ERY was detectable and measurable in the seminal plasma of all stallions at a median concentration of 7.50 (IQR 15.26) nmol/L. The analysis of the association between the ERT and ERY, as well as with other established antioxidants such as glutathione and cysteine, suggests that ERT may play a major role in the antioxidant machinery of seminal plasma, and that ERY might serve as a new combined marker of oxidative stress and semen quality.
Maternal N-Acetylcysteine Therapy Prevents Hypertension in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat Offspring: Implications of Hydrogen Sulfide-Generating Pathway and Gut Microbiota
Authors: Hsu Chien-Ning , Hou Chih-Yao , Chang-Chien Guo-Ping , Lin Sufan , Tain You-Lin
Published: September 2020

Hypertension can come from early life. N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a hydrogen sulfide (H2S) precursor as well as an antioxidant, has antihypertensive effect. We investigated whether maternal NAC therapy can protect spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) male offspring against hypertension. The pregnant rats were assigned to four groups: SHRs without treatment; Wistar Kyoto (WKY) without treatment; SHR+NAC, SHRs received 1% NAC in drinking water throughout pregnancy and lactation; and, WKY+NAC, WKY rats received 1% NAC in drinking water during pregnancy and lactation. Male offspring (n = 8/group) were killed at 12 weeks of age. Maternal NAC therapy prevented the rise in systolic blood pressure (BP) in male SHR offspring at 12 weeks of age. Renal cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulphurtransferase (3MST) protein levels and H2S-releasing activity were increased in the SHR+NAC offspring. Maternal NAC therapy increased fecal H2S and thiosulfate levels in the SHR+NAC group. Additionally, maternal NAC therapy differentially shaped gut microbiota and caused a distinct enterotype in each group. The protective effect of maternal NAC therapy against hypertension in SHR offspring is related to increased phylum Actinobacteria and genera Bifidobacterium and Allobaculum, but decreased phylum Verrucomicrobia, genera Turicibacter, and Akkermansia. Several microbes were identified as microbial markers, including genera Bifidobacterium, Allobaculum, Holdemania, and Turicibacter. Our results indicated that antioxidant therapy by NAC in pregnant SHRs can prevent the developmental programming of hypertension in male adult offspring. Our findings highlight the interrelationships among H2S-generating pathway in the kidneys and gut, gut microbiota, and hypertension. The implications of maternal NAC therapy elicited long-term protective effects on hypertension in later life that still await further clinical translation.
SIRT1/SIRT3 Modulates Redox Homeostasis during Ischemia/Reperfusion in the Aging Heart
Authors: Zhang Jingwen , Ren Di , Fedorova Julia , He Zhibin , Li Ji
Published: September 2020

Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is the central cause of global death in cardiovascular diseases, which is characterized by disorders such as angina, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease, finally causing severe debilitating diseases and death. The increased rates of morbidity and mortality caused by I/R are parallel with aging. Aging-associated cardiac physiological structural and functional deterioration were found to contribute to abnormal reactive oxygen species (ROS) production during I/R stress. Disturbed redox homeostasis could further trigger the related signaling pathways that lead to cardiac irreversible damages with mitochondria dysfunction and cell death. It is notable that sirtuin proteins are impaired in aged hearts and are critical to maintaining redox homeostasis via regulating substrate metabolism and inflammation and thus preserving cardiac function under stress. This review discussed the cellular and functional alterations upon I/R especially in aging hearts. We propose that mitochondria are the primary source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that contribute to I/R injury in aged hearts. Then, we highlight the cardiomyocyte protection of the age-related proteins Sirtuin1 (SIRT1) and Sirtuin1 (SIRT3) in response to I/R injury, and we discuss their modulation of cardiac metabolism and the inflammatory reaction that is involved in ROS formation.
NHERF1 Loss Upregulates Enzymes of the Pentose Phosphate Pathway in Kidney Cortex
Authors: Bushau-Sprinkle Adrienne , Barati Michelle T. , Gagnon Kenneth B. , Khundmiri Syed Jalal , Kitterman Kathleen , Hill Bradford G. , Sherwood Amanda , Merchant Michael , Rai Shesh N. , Srivastava Sudhir , Clark Barbara , Siskind Leah , Brier Michael , Hata Jessica , Lederer Eleanor
Published: September 2020

(1) Background: We previously showed Na/H exchange regulatory factor 1 (NHERF1) loss resulted in increased susceptibility to cisplatin nephrotoxicity. NHERF1-deficient cultured proximal tubule cells and proximal tubules from NHERF1 knockout (KO) mice exhibit altered mitochondrial protein expression and poor survival. We hypothesized that NHERF1 loss results in changes in metabolic pathways and/or mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to increased sensitivity to cisplatin nephrotoxicity. (2) Methods: Two to 4-month-old male wildtype (WT) and KO mice were treated with vehicle or cisplatin (20 mg/kg dose IP). After 72 h, kidney cortex homogenates were utilized for metabolic enzyme activities. Non-treated kidneys were used to isolate mitochondria for mitochondrial respiration via the Seahorse XF24 analyzer. Non-treated kidneys were also used for LC-MS analysis to evaluate kidney ATP abundance, and electron microscopy (EM) was utilized to evaluate mitochondrial morphology and number. (3) Results: KO mouse kidneys exhibit significant increases in malic enzyme and glucose-6 phosphate dehydrogenase activity under baseline conditions but in no other gluconeogenic or glycolytic enzymes. NHERF1 loss does not decrease kidney ATP content. Mitochondrial morphology, number, and area appeared normal. Isolated mitochondria function was similar between WT and KO. Conclusions: KO kidneys experience a shift in metabolism to the pentose phosphate pathway, which may sensitize them to the oxidative stress imposed by cisplatin.
Oxidative Stress in Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Dubois-Deruy Emilie , Peugnet Victoriane , Turkieh Annie , Pinet Florence
Published: September 2020

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are subcellular messengers in signal transductions pathways with both beneficial and deleterious roles. ROS are generated as a by-product of mitochondrial respiration or metabolism or by specific enzymes such as superoxide dismutases, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, peroxiredoxins, and myeloperoxidases. Under physiological conditions, the low levels of ROS production are equivalent to their detoxification, playing a major role in cellular signaling and function. In pathological situations, particularly atherosclerosis or hypertension, the release of ROS exceeds endogenous antioxidant capacity, leading to cell death. At cardiovascular levels, oxidative stress is highly implicated in myocardial infarction, ischemia/reperfusion, or heart failure. Here, we will first detail the physiological role of low ROS production in the heart and the vessels. Indeed, ROS are able to regulate multiple cardiovascular functions, such as cell proliferation, migration, and death. Second, we will investigate the implication of oxidative stress in cardiovascular diseases. Then, we will focus on ROS produced by NAPDH oxidase or during endothelial or mitochondrial dysfunction. Given the importance of oxidative stress at the cardiovascular level, antioxidant therapies could be a real benefit. In the last part of this review, we will detail the new therapeutic strategies potentially involved in cardiovascular protection and currently under study.
Spatial Stiffness Analysis of the Planar Parallel Part for a Hybrid Model Support Mechanism
Authors: Gu Jiawei , Xie Zhijiang , Wu Xiaoyong
Published: September 2020

The hybrid aircraft model support mechanism is subjected to six directional forces in the experiment, and high spatial stiffness requirement of the parallel part is the guarantee for the stability of the aircraft model. The purpose of this paper is to obtain a planar parallel part with relatively good spatial stiffness and to explore the influence of components on the stiffness characteristics. We employed screw theory and virtual work principle to establish the spatial stiffness model of two possible parallel parts for the support mechanism. The stiffness characteristics of the two parallel mechanisms were evaluated by a desired trajectory sub-workspace deformation distribution and two novel stiffness indexes. According to deformation distributions of the sub-workspace, the deformation of typeI is smaller than that of type II. The proposed indexes indicate that the influence of the hydraulic cylinder range on the stiffness of type II is more significant; RVR of ASI is 263.5%, RVR of CSI is 18.1%. These reveal type I has better spatial stiffness than type II. The reason is that the guideway of type I provides a part of the ability to resist external forces.
An Improved Grey Wolf Optimizer Based on Differential Evolution and OTSU Algorithm
Authors: Liu Yuanyuan , Sun Jiahui , Yu Haiye , Wang Yueyong , Zhou Xiaokang
Published: September 2020

Aimed at solving the problems of poor stability and easily falling into the local optimal solution in the grey wolf optimizer (GWO) algorithm, an improved GWO algorithm based on the differential evolution (DE) algorithm and the OTSU algorithm is proposed (DE-OTSU-GWO). The multithreshold OTSU, Tsallis entropy, and DE algorithm are combined with the GWO algorithm. The multithreshold OTSU algorithm is used to calculate the fitness of the initial population. The population is updated using the GWO algorithm and the DE algorithm through the Tsallis entropy algorithm for crossover steps. Multithreshold OTSU calculates the fitness in the initial population and makes the initial stage basically stable. Tsallis entropy calculates the fitness quickly. The DE algorithm can solve the local optimal solution of GWO. The performance of the DE-OTSU-GWO algorithm was tested using a CEC2005 benchmark function (23 test functions). Compared with existing particle swarm optimizer (PSO) and GWO algorithms, the experimental results showed that the DE-OTSU-GWO algorithm is more stable and accurate in solving functions. In addition, compared with other algorithms, a convergence behavior analysis proved the high quality of the DE-OTSU-GWO algorithm. In the results of classical agricultural image recognition problems, compared with GWO, PSO, DE-GWO, and 2D-OTSU-FA, the DE-OTSU-GWO algorithm had accuracy in straw image recognition and is applicable to practical problems. The OTSU algorithm improves the accuracy of the overall algorithm while increasing the running time. After adding the DE algorithm, the time complexity will increase, but the solution time can be shortened. Compared with GWO, DE-GWO, PSO, and 2D-OTSU-FA, the DE-OTSU-GWO algorithm has better results in segmentation assessment.
Mini Wind Harvester and a Low Power Three-Phase AC/DC Converter to Power IoT Devices: Analysis, Simulation, Test and Design
Authors: Pozo Borja , Araujo José Ángel , Zessin Henrik , Mateu Loreto , Garate José Ignacio , Spies Peter
Published: September 2020

Wind energy harvesting is a widespread mature technology employed to collect energy, but it is also suitable, and not yet fully exploited at small scale, for powering low power electronic systems such as Internet of Things (IoT) systems like structural health monitoring, on-line sensors, predictive maintenance, manufacturing processes and surveillance. The present work introduces a three-phase mini wind energy harvester and an Alternate Current/Direct Current (AC/DC) converter. The research analyzes in depth a wind harvester’s operation principles in order to extract its characteristic parameters. It also proposes an equivalent electromechanical model of the harvester, and its accuracy has been verified with prototype performance results. Moreover, unlike most of the converters which use two steps for AC/DC signal conditioning—a rectifier stage and a DC/DC regulator—this work proposes a single stage converter to increase the system efficiency and, consequently, improve the energy transfer. Moreover, the most suitable AC/DC converter architecture was chosen and optimized for the best performance taking into account: the target power, efficiency, voltage levels, operation frequency, duty cycle and load required to implement the aforementioned converter.
Augmented Tikhonov Regularization Method for Dynamic Load Identification
Authors: Jiang Jinhui , Tang Hongzhi , Mohamed M Shadi , Luo Shuyi , Chen Jianding
Published: September 2020

We introduce the augmented Tikhonov regularization method motivated by Bayesian principle to improve the load identification accuracy in seriously ill-posed problems. Firstly, the Green kernel function of a structural dynamic response is established; then, the unknown external loads are identified. In order to reduce the identification error, the augmented Tikhonov regularization method is combined with the Green kernel function. It should be also noted that we propose a novel algorithm to determine the initial values of the regularization parameters. The initial value is selected by finding a local minimum value of the slope of the residual norm. To verify the effectiveness and the accuracy of the proposed method, three experiments are performed, and then the proposed algorithm is used to reproduce the experimental results numerically. Numerical comparisons with the standard Tikhonov regularization method show the advantages of the proposed method. Furthermore, the presented results show clear advantages when dealing with ill-posedness of the problem.
Fluid Simulation with an L0 Based Optical Flow Deformation
Authors: Li Kun , Qi Na , Zhu Qing
Published: September 2020

Fluid simulation can be automatically interpolated by using data-driven fluid simulations based on a space-time deformation. In this paper, we propose a novel data-driven fluid simulation scheme with the L0 based optical flow deformation method by matching two fluid surfaces rather than the L2 regularization. The L0 gradient smooth regularization can result in prominent structure of the fluid in a sparsity-control manner, thus the misalignment of the deformation can be suppressed. We adopt the objective function using an alternating minimization with a half-quadratic splitting for solving the L0 based optical flow deformation model. Experiment results demonstrate that our proposed method can generate more realistic fluid surface with the optimal space-time deformation under the L0 gradient smooth constraint than the L2 one, and outperform the state-of-the-art methods in terms of both objective and subjective quality.
Enhancement of Visible-Light Photocatalytic Efficiency of TiO2 Nanopowder by Anatase/Rutile Dual Phase Formation
Authors: Chen Yi-Jia , Lin Tse-Shan
Published: September 2020

Visible-light photocatalytically active titanium oxide (TiO2) nano-powder was synthesized by a flat-flame chemical vapor condensation method. The formation of TiO2 consisting of different ratios of anatase and rutile phases was controlled by two parameters: the acetylene flow rate (C2H2, 600 sccm and 800 sccm) and the acetylene/oxygen flow ratio (C2H2/O2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5, and 1:6). The location of the photonic center was identified for visible-light absorption, which is in the anatase grains. The photonic center on the surface of anatase grains happens to be the nucleation site for rutile in an oxygen-deficient environment. The visible-light absorption could be attributed to the formation of defect levels related to the photonic center within the band gap of anatase. The major role of the mixed-phase structure of TiO2 in the enhancement of visible-light photocatalytic activity is in the enhancement of carrier separation and not of light harvest, for the powder produced in this study.
Bearing Fault Diagnosis Based on Improved Convolutional Deep Belief Network
Authors: Liu Shuangjie , Xie Jiaqi , Shen Changqing , Shang Xiaofeng , Wang Dong , Zhu Zhongkui
Published: September 2020

Mechanical equipment fault detection is critical in industrial applications. Based on vibration signal processing and analysis, the traditional fault diagnosis method relies on rich professional knowledge and artificial experience. Achieving accurate feature extraction and fault diagnosis is difficult using such an approach. To learn the characteristics of features from data automatically, a deep learning method is used. A qualitative and quantitative method for rolling bearing faults diagnosis based on an improved convolutional deep belief network (CDBN) is proposed in this study. First, the original vibration signal is converted to the frequency signal with the fast Fourier transform to improve shallow inputs. Second, the Adam optimizer is introduced to accelerate model training and convergence speed. Finally, the model structure is optimized. A multi-layer feature fusion learning structure is put forward wherein the characterization capabilities of each layer can be fully used to improve the generalization ability of the model. In the experimental verification, a laboratory self-made bearing vibration signal dataset was used. The dataset included healthy bearings, nine single faults of different types and sizes, and three different types of composite fault signals. The results of load 0 kN and 1 kN both indicate that the proposed model has better diagnostic accuracy, with an average of 98.15% and 96.15%, compared with the traditional stacked autoencoder, artificial neural network, deep belief network, and standard CDBN. With improved diagnostic accuracy, the proposed model realizes reliable and effective qualitative and quantitative diagnosis of bearing faults.
An Open Source Framework Approach to Support Condition Monitoring and Maintenance
Authors: Campos Jaime , Sharma Pankaj , Albano Michele , Ferreira Luis Lino , Larrañaga Martin
Published: September 2020

This paper discusses the integration of emergent ICTs, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), the Arrowhead Framework, and the best practices from the area of condition monitoring and maintenance. These technologies are applied, for instance, for roller element bearing fault diagnostics and analysis by simulating faults. The authors first undertook the leading industry standards for condition-based maintenance (CBM), i.e., open system architecture–condition-based maintenance (OSA–CBM) and Machinery Information Management Open System Alliance (MIMOSA), which has been working towards standardizing the integration and interchangeability between systems. In addition, this paper highlights the predictive health monitoring methods that are needed for an effective CBM approach. The monitoring of industrial machines is discussed as well as the necessary details are provided regarding a demonstrator built on a metal sheet bending machine of the Greenbender family. Lastly, the authors discuss the benefits of the integration of the developed prototypes into a service-oriented platform, namely the Arrowhead Framework, which can be instrumental for the remotization of maintenance activities, such as the analysis of various equipment that are geographically distributed, to push forward the grand vision of the servitization of predictive health monitoring methods for large-scale interoperability.