bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of PBAT Biodegradable Mulch Film Extract on Seed Germination and Seedlings Metabolism of Tobacco
Authors: Gao Weichang , Lin Zhenyan , Cai Kai , Pan Wenjie , Li Han , Liu Yanxia , Peng Dai , Fei Jiangchi
Published: September 2022

Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) biodegradable mulch film (PBAT-BMF) is gradually applied in agricultural production, but its potential ecological risks have not been studied so far. In this paper, methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) was used to extract organic compounds from PBAT-BMF to evaluate its effects on tobacco seed germination and seedling metabolism. The results showed that six organic compounds were found in the extract of PBAT-BMF, among which the content of diisopropylphenyl isocyanate was the highest at 557.27 μg g−1. A germination test showed that the extract scan inhibited the germination of tobacco seeds. The germination time was 1 d later than the control(CK), and the germination percentage and germination energy were non-significantly decreased by 2.50% and 1.00%. In contrast, the extracts significantly affected the root length, and seedlings height (p < 0.01), decreased by 0.24 cm and 0.28 cm, respectively. A metabolic analysis revealed that the extracts have a certain stress effect on tobacco seedlings and showed an up-regulating effect on soluble sugar, critical organic acid, biogenic amine, and down-regulating alkaloid, which indicated that the carbon and nitrogen metabolism pathway of the tricarboxylic acid cycle and alkaloid synthesis were disturbed. These results indicated that organic compounds extracted from PBAT-BMF had stress effects on germination and the growth of tobacco seeds, which significantly changed the metabolism pathway. This study can provide a theoretical basis for the development and application of PBAT-BMF.
Breeding Peaches for Brown Rot Resistance in Embrapa
Authors: Dini Maximiliano , Raseira Maria do Carmo Bassols , Scariotto Silvia , Ueno Bernardo
Published: September 2022

Brown rot, caused by Monilinia spp., is the main stone fruit disease. Major efforts to detect sources of resistance are being applied by several breeding programs worldwide. The main objective of this study was to seek sources of brown rot resistance, as well as to study the segregation, estimate the heritability, verify the possible existence of the maternal effect, and estimate the genetic advances. For this purpose, 20 parents and 303 seedlings, representing 16 breeding families, and ‘Bolinha’ (control) have been phenotyped for fruit reaction to brown rot using wounded and non-wounded inoculation procedures in 2015–2016, 2016–2017, and 2017–2018 growing seasons. Wounded fruits were very susceptible to brown rot incidence, however, the incidence and severity of non-wounded fruits showed high variability among the evaluated genotypes. Conserva 947 and Conserva 1600 and their progeny, had lower disease incidence and severity than most of the evaluated genotypes. Genetic gain estimation was −5.2 to −30.2% (wounded fruits) and between −15.0 to −25.0% (non-wounded fruits) for brown rot resistance. Selected genotypes were equal to or better than ‘Bolinha’ in relation to brown rot resistance, with several of them far superior in fruit quality than ‘Bolinha’, demonstrating the progress of the Embrapa Peach Breeding Program.
Effects of Traditional Ethnic Minority Food Culture on Genetic Diversity in Rice Landraces in Guizhou Province, China
Authors: Liu Chunhui , Wang Yanjie , Jiao Aixia , Ma Xiaoding , Cui Di , Li Xiaobing , Han Bing , Chen Huicha , Ruan Renchao , Xue Dayuan , Han Longzhi
Published: September 2022

Ethnic minorities living in Guizhou Province, China, have produced numerous rice landraces that are rich in genetic variations. Studying the genetic diversity and population structure of rice landraces in Guizhou has therefore become a topic of great research interest. However, the influence of ethnic minorities and their traditional food cultures on rice landraces remains unclear. We analyzed the genetic diversity of 598 rice landraces using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Furthermore, we analyzed the nucleotide variations between two similar populations collected during two different time periods using a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) haplotype analysis of six unlinked nuclear loci. The three major results were as follows: (1) The genetic diversity index of rice landraces in six ecologically distinct rice farming zones of Guizhou Province was high (He = 0.7721), and Southwest Guizhou, which has a large population of ethnic minorities, is the center of genetic diversity of rice landraces in the province; this region had the highest He at 0.7823 and the highest polymorphic information content (PIC) at 0.7562. (2) A neighbor-joining (NJ) phylogenetic tree and a model of the population structure showed that the rice landraces from the southwest, south, and southeast of Guizhou had unique genetic structures and genetic backgrounds, which are closely related to the traditional diet cultures of the local ethnic minorities. (3) A nucleotide variation analysis of similar rice landraces collected in 1980 and 2015 revealed that, after 35 years of domestication by ethnic minorities, the original dominant haplotypes were well-preserved; the frequency of the most favorable haplotypes gradually increased to adapt to the traditional food culture. This study is expected to promote the protection and sustainable utilization of rice landraces from this unique region and to provide valuable germplasm materials and information for future rice breeding and basic research efforts.
Rubisco Small Subunits’ Genome-Wide Identification and Their Function from Gene Expression to Rubisco Activity and Photosynthesis among Peanut Genotypes under Different Nitrogen Levels
Authors: Wang Xiaohui , Kong Xiangjun , Li Lijie , Jia Peipei , Cheng Xiangguo , Zhang Xiaotian , Zhang Lei , Xue Huiyun , Khan Aziz , Zhang Zhiyong
Published: September 2022

Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) is a critical protein for photosynthesis. With small subunits, RBCSs catalyze the fixation of CO2 onto ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP). However, the gene characteristics of peanut RBCSs, and the relationship between their expression and peanut growth under nitrogen (N)-deficiency conditions are not yet known. This study targeted the impact of sufficient N (5 mmol/L NO3−) and deficient N (0.1 mmol/L NO3−) on peanut seedlings’ growth, physiology, and molecular aspects. Herein, eight RBCS protein encoding genes were identified in the peanut genome, and their characteristics were described. The leaf areas of Yu Hang Hua 1 (YH1) and An Hua 3 (AH3) were reduced significantly after 10 days while “Pu Ke Hua 18” (PK18) and “Luo Hua 4087” (LH4087) had higher N-deficiency adaptations in the initial N-deficiency stage. The Rubisco carboxylation activities of YH1 and PK18 were significantly increased after 5 days of N-deficiency stress while they decreased under 15 days of N-deficiency conditions. Furthermore, the qRT-PCR results showed that the expressions of AhRBCS 1/5 and AhRBCS2/6 had negative relationships with the morpho-physiological traits of peanut under low-N stress. This study provides the biological information of peanut RBCSs and lays a theoretical foundation for N utilization in crop plants.
Soil Biochar Application: Assessment of the Effects on Soil Water Properties, Plant Physiological Status, and Yield of Super-Intensive Olive Groves under Controlled Irrigation Conditions
Authors: De la Rosa José María , Campos Paloma , Diaz-Espejo Antonio
Published: September 2022

The effects of olive waste biochar and green compost as soil amendments on soil physical properties, as well as on physiological parameters and yield of a super-intensive olive crop cultivated under deficit irrigation conditions, were investigated in south-west Spain during the 2021 growing season. Thus, soils were amended with 40 t ha−1 of olive pomace waste biochar, green-compost, or a biochar-compost mixture (50% w/w), and no amended plots were used as control. On a bi-monthly basis, soil pH, water holding capacity, humidity, and resistance to penetrability were determined. In addition, various indicators of the physiological status and water stress of the plant were also monitored. Finally, the olive yield per tree was measured. Results showed that biochar application was the most effective amendment for increasing soil moisture and reducing soil compaction. The latter was evidenced by the significant reduction of the resistance to the penetrability of the amended soils. Plants of the amended plots showed better leaf water potential. In addition, values of the net photosynthesis rate, the average intrinsic water-use efficiency, and the maximum rate of electron transport in the time before the harvest improved significantly in the trees from the biochar-amended plots, for which olive fruit yields increased by about 15% in comparison with the other treatments. Nevertheless, the estimated net oil yield per tree was similar because the olives from the biochar-amended trees contained more moisture. This field trial shows for the first time that by providing the soil with biochar from olive crop waste as an organic amendment, having high water retention capacity, porosity, and stability, it would be possible to reduce the irrigation water needed and maintain plant yields.
Yield Advantage and Economic Performance of Rice–Maize, Rice–Soybean, and Maize–Soybean Intercropping in Rainfed Areas of Western Indonesia with a Wet Climate
Authors: Erythrina Erythrina , Susilawati Susilawati , Slameto Slameto , Resiani Ni Made Delly , Arianti Forita Dyah , Jumakir Jumakir , Fahri Anis , Bhermana Andy , Jannah Asmanur , Sembiring Hasil
Published: September 2022

Cereals–soybean intercropping is not well studied, despite the importance of these crops in increasing agricultural profitability and ensuring nutritional and food security in Southeast Asia. We compared different intercropping practices (IPs) with monocropping practices (MPs) for their yield and economic performance by small-scale farms without mechanization. The treatments were IPs of rice–maize, rice–soybean, or maize–soybean compared with MPs of rice, maize, or soybean as sole crops, across three provinces in the rainfed areas of western Indonesia with a wet climate. Our results show that the yield advantages using the land equivalent ratio of the IPs were 44% for rice–maize, 54% for rice–soybean, and 63% for maize–soybean compared to MPs. Rice equivalent yield, maize equivalent yield, and the gross margin under IPs were significantly higher per cycle than under MPs; IPs provided a substantially lower cost of production and of paid workers. Compared to just rice, there were additional net return gains of USD 160 and USD 203 ha−1 per cycle under rice–maize and rice–soybean intercropping. Maize–soybean intercropping resulted in an additional net return gain of USD 153 ha−1 compared to just maize. These results suggest there is considerable potential for small farmers to increase their yields and profits by intercropping in rainfed areas with a wet climate.
Thifluzamide, Fludioxonil, and Clothianidin as Seed Treatment Can Efficiently Control Major Soil-Borne Diseases, Aphids (Aphidoidea spp.), and Residue Distribution in the Field
Authors: Chen Chao , Wang Xumiao , Yin Shanshan , Wang Chao , Ren Xuexiang , Gao Quan , Cao Haiqun
Published: September 2022

Combined seed treatment with neonicotinoids and fungicides offers a potential control measure for pest management at the wheat seeding stage. In this study, a novel, highly-efficient seed-coating agent was prepared using thifluzamide, fludioxonil, and clothianidin as its active components and other additives (abbreviated to TFC). Laboratory experiments and field trials revealed a positive effect on germination, plant height, and root length, with 90% control efficiency on wheat sharp eyespots and aphid infestations. Meanwhile, the distribution of thifluzamide, fludioxonil, and clothianidin residues in the wheat plants at harvest was below 0.05 mg/kg both at the recommended dosage and at 2.0 times the recommended dose. Furthermore, an artificial soil assay of biotoxicity in earthworms revealed a low level of toxicity at LC50 > 10 mg/kg. Overall, these findings suggest that TFC has the potential to control major soil-borne diseases and pest infestations in wheat, offering an environmentally-friendly alternative to more toxic pesticides.
Response of Laying Hens to Repletion and Depletion in Dietary Balanced Protein
Authors: Nóbrega Ingryd Palloma Teodósio da , Reis Matheus de Paula , Lizana Rony Riveros , Moura Thaila Fernanda de , Teofilo Guilherme Ferreira da Silva , Bittencourt Letícia Cardoso , Sakomura Nilva Kazue
Published: September 2022

This study was carried out to investigate the response of laying hens given a repletion or depletion in dietary balanced protein (BP) during the laying phase period. At the beginning of the rearing period (eight w-old), four-hundred pullets were equally distributed and received one of two experimental feeds: 1-Low BP (L) and 2-High BP (H). For the laying period (19 to 102 w-old), four feeding programs were designed based on the same treatments for rearing phases (LL, HH, LH, HL), where subsequent letters indicate the feed received during the rearing and laying period, respectively. The performance responses, egg quality, and body composition were periodically collected during the laying period. Two-way ANOVA repeated measures analysis was applied to evaluate the data. Nonlinear regression models with groups were used to compare treatments in the laying phase, with the treatments being the group evaluated. All performance traits were somehow influenced by the level of BP in the feed (p < 0.050). Hens subjected to the repletion treatment (LH) demonstrated a recovery in performance after 38 w-old. The opposite result was observed for hens on the depletion treatment (HL). All egg components were affected by dietary BP (p < 0.050). Laying hens demonstrated a limited capacity to overcome a reduction in dietary BP during production, but they were able to recover from a previous deficient feed once they were given an opportunity to do so.
Unravelling the Diversity and Abundance of the Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) Faecal Resistome and the Phenotypic Antibiotic Susceptibility of Indicator Bacteria
Authors: Dias Diana , Hipólito Dário , Figueiredo Ana , Fonseca Carlos , Caetano Tânia , Mendo Sónia
Published: September 2022

The WHO considers that antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is among the ten greatest global public health risks of the 21st century. The expansion of human populations and anthropogenically related activities, accompanied by the fragmentation of natural habitats, has resulted in increased human–wildlife interaction. Natural ecosystems are therefore subjected to anthropogenic inputs, which affect the resistome of wild animals. Thus, urgent multisectoral action is needed to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals following the One Health approach. The present work falls within the scope of this approach and aims to characterize the AMR of the faecal microbiome of the red fox (Vulpes vulpes), an opportunistic and generalist synanthropic species whose abundance has been increasing in urban and peri-urban areas. A high number of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) were screened and quantified using a high-throughput qPCR approach, and the antimicrobial susceptibility of cultivable E. coli and Enterococcus spp. were assessed interpreted with both ECOFFs and clinical breakpoints. The most abundant ARGs detected confer resistance to trimethoprim and tetracyclines, although the first were absent in one of the locations studied. Several ARGs considered to be threats to human health were identified in high relative abundances (blaTEM, ermB, aadA, tetM, tetW, tetL, drfA1 and drfA17), especially in the geographical area with greater anthropogenic influence. Although at a low percentage, resistant and multidrug-resistant (MDR) E. coli and Enterococcus spp. were isolated, including one MDR E. coli showing resistance to 12 antimicrobials from 6 different classes.
Sheep in the Vineyard: Suitability of Different Breeds and Potential Breeding Objectives
Authors: Conrad Lucas , Hörl Jakob , Henke Maverick , Luick Rainer , Schoof Nicolas
Published: September 2022

Protecting a breed of sheep is simple when there is demand for its breed traits, but new market options are often hard to find. In general, grazing sheep are able to take over some viticultural work. Here, we address a new and promising integrated crop-livestock system that involves the integration of sheep in the vineyard during the growing season. Using sheep in a vineyard entails opportunities but also risks, such as the current lack of information, specifically in relation to breed traits. In our survey, we evaluated 26 breeds for their suitability for grazing as long as possible in Central European vineyards during the growing season. First, the breed traits required were identified. Then, 94 flock book breeders were interviewed about specific breed traits. The height of a sheep’s muzzle is particularly important for assessing the suitability of a breed, as it defines the potential impact on the foliage area during the growing season. To determine the height of the muzzle, 179 flock book animals were measured. We found that the most important breeding objective for a new breed of sheep is the inability to stand on two legs. Adult animals of the breed Shropshire, and among these especially the shorter-legged Danish type, and Southdown, show a widespread inability to stand on two legs. Ouessant sheep are able to do so, yet are suitable with some limitations. Due to their extraordinarily small size, their reach is limited, as is their grazing performance. Thus, three of the 26 breeds studied here seem suitable for use in the most widespread vine training systems of Central Europe during the growing season. Targeted breeding could further improve the suitability of sheep for viticulture. Our findings could help to protect breeds and breed traits.
Marine-Sulfated Polysaccharides Extracts Exhibit Contrasted Time-Dependent Immunomodulatory and Antiviral Properties on Porcine Monocytes and Alveolar Macrophages
Authors: Hervet Caroline , Bussy Frédérick , Le Goff Claude , Ménard Déborah , Collén Pi Nyvall , Goff Matthieu Le , Meurens François , Bertho Nicolas
Published: September 2022

Porcine respiratory complex syndrome has a strong economic impact on the swine breeding sector, as well as a clear repercussion on the wellbeing of the animals, leading to overuse of antimicrobial molecules. Algal extracts used in short-term treatments are empirically recognized by farmers as having a positive effect on pigs’ health, however, their mechanisms of action are not well known and more research is needed. Herein we studied the short and median term impact of three algal extracts, in vitro, on the pro-inflammatory and antiviral responses of porcine primary blood monocytes and alveolar macrophages, as well as the susceptibility of the treated cells to infection by Porcine Respiratory and Reproductive Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) and the Aujeszky’s Disease Virus (ADV). All extracts presented a pro-inflammatory short-term effect, associated for two of them, with an inhibition of the PRRSV replication. Conversely, the three extracts presented an anti-inflammatory median term effect, with no impact on PRRSV replication. The observed immune modulation prompts us to test, in vivo, the anti-PRRSV action of algal extracts and strengthen the interest for this natural resource.
Y Chromosome Haplotypes Enlighten Origin, Influence, and Breeding History of North African Barb Horses
Authors: Radovic Lara , Remer Viktoria , Krcal Carina , Rigler Doris , Brem Gottfried , Rayane Ahmed , Driss Khadija , Benamar Malak , Machmoum Mohamed , Piro Mohammed , Krischke Diana , Butler-Wemken Ines von , Wallner Barbara
Published: September 2022

In horses, demographic patterns are complex due to historical migrations and eventful breeding histories. Particularly puzzling is the ancestry of the North African horse, a founding horse breed, shaped by numerous influences throughout history. A genetic marker particularly suitable to investigate the paternal demographic history of populations is the non-recombining male-specific region of the Y chromosome (MSY). Using a recently established horse MSY haplotype (HT) topology and KASP™ genotyping, we illustrate MSY HT spectra of 119 Barb and Arab-Barb males, collected from the Maghreb region and European subpopulations. All detected HTs belonged to the Crown haplogroup, and the broad MSY spectrum reflects the wide variety of influential stallions throughout the breed’s history. Distinct HTs and regional disparities were characterized and a remarkable number of early introduced lineages were observed. The data indicate recent refinement with Thoroughbred and Arabian patrilines, while 57% of the dataset supports historical migrations between North Africa and the Iberian Peninsula. In the Barb horse, we detected the HT linked to Godolphin Arabian, one of the Thoroughbred founders. Hence, we shed new light on the question of the ancestry of one Thoroughbred patriline. We show the strength of the horse Y chromosome as a genealogical tool, enlighten recent paternal history of North African horses, and set the foundation for future studies on the breed and the formation of conservation breeding programs.
Comparison of Different Copromicroscopic Techniques in the Diagnosis of Intestinal and Respiratory Parasites of Naturally Infected Dogs and Cats
Authors: Colombo Mariasole , Morelli Simone , Damiani Donatella , Del Negro Maria Antonella , Milillo Piermarino , Simonato Giulia , Barlaam Alessandra , Di Cesare Angela
Published: September 2022

Several copromicroscopic techniques, including tools belonging to the FLOTAC group, are available for the qualitative and/or quantitative diagnosis of canine and feline parasitoses. The present study was carried out to compare the diagnostic performance of different copromicroscopic methods for detecting common intestinal and extra-intestinal parasites of dogs and cats. Fecal samples of 100 dogs and 105 cats were randomly selected from different regions of Italy. All samples were subjected to conventional flotation, McMaster, Mini-FLOTAC, and Baermann. Fifty-six dogs and twenty-five cats were found positive to at least one technique, and, among them, flotation (55% and 20.9% of the dogs and cats, respectively) and Mini-FLOTAC (52% and 20.9% of the dogs and cats, respectively) detected the highest number of positive samples. Larvae of the feline metastrongyloids Aelurostrongylus abstrusus and Troglostrongylus brevior were identified only using the Baermann test in two (1.9%) and one (0.9%) cat respectively. No larvae were found with the Baermann examination of dog feces or any of the other methods. The present results show that the Mini-FLOTAC represents a possible alternative to conventional flotation in clinical settings for the detection of intestinal and respiratory parasites e.g., Toxocara spp., Toxascaris leonina, Ancylostomatidae, Cystoisospora spp., Trichuris vulpis and Capillaria spp., although Baermann’s test remains the most recommended technique for the diagnosis of infections caused by metastrongyloid lungworms.
Silage Mixtures of Alfalfa with Sweet Sorghum Alter Blood and Rumen Physiological Status and Rumen Microbiota of Karakul Lambs
Authors: Wang Jiao , Cheng Long , Chaudhry Abdul Shakoor , Khanaki Hassan , Abbasi Imtiaz H. R. , Ma Yi , Abbasi Farzana , Guo Xuefeng , Zhang Sujiang
Published: September 2022

The study investigated the effects of feeding mixtures of alfalfa (AF) and sweet sorghum (SS) at different ratios of silages in terms of the physiological status of blood and rumen, and rumen microbiota in lambs. A total of 30 four-month-old male Karakul lambs with 25.5 ± 1.4 kg mean initial body weight were randomly allocated to five groups, with six lambs in each group. Five experimental diets containing 40% of one of the five AF–SS mixed silages (containing 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80% AF on a fresh weight basis, respectively) and 60% of other ingredients were formulated. Overall, the results showed that the mixed silage with more AF tended to increase serum antioxidant capacity, dry matter (DM) intake, and rumen fermentation metabolites. The AF–SS mixed silages containing AF at 60% and 80% caused a significant linear increase (p < 0.05) in the activity of total antioxidant capacity. The superoxide dismutase in the Karakul lamb responded with significant linear and quadratic increases (p < 0.01) as the ratio of AF was increased in the AF–SS mixed silages. Feeding diets with AF in silage mixtures at the ratio of 60% significantly increased (p < 0.05) the concentration of ruminal total volatile fatty acids (tVFA), acetate, and ammonia-N. However, no statistical significance (p > 0.05) was found in the alpha diversity of rumen microbes among the tested groups (p > 0.05). Principal coordinates analysis could clearly discriminate the differences between the five groups (p = 0.001). The relative abundance of Firmicutes in the rumen were significantly higher with AF at 40% in the AF–SS silage-based diet than those with AF at 0%, and 20% ratios. The abundance of Ruminococcus_albus had a significant linear increase (p < 0.05), as the ratio of AF in the AF–SS mixed silages was increased. In conclusion, the best beneficial effect on the physiological status of the blood and rumen, DM intake, and rumen microbiota in lambs came from those that consumed the diet containing the AF–SS mixed silage with 60% AF.
Looking beyond the Shoal: Fish Welfare as an Individual Attribute
Authors: Torgerson-White Lauri , Sánchez-Suárez Walter
Published: September 2022

Welfare is an individual attribute. In general, providing captive nonhuman animals with conditions conducive to good welfare is an idea more easily applied when dealing with few individuals. However, this becomes much harder—if not impossible—under farming conditions that may imply high numbers of animals living in large group sizes. Although this is a problem inherent to intensive animal farming, it is possibly best exemplified in fish farming, for these practices often rely on extremely high numbers. In this paper we review evidence supporting the notion that fishes are individuals and fish welfare should thus also be considered at the individual level, examine the current state of welfare assessment in the aquaculture industry, evaluate these practices in light of individualized terrestrial animal welfare assessment methods, and make recommendations regarding research that could lead to a better understanding of how to provide each individual fish with good welfare in captivity.
Potentiation of Antibiotic Action and Efflux Pump Inhibitory Effect on Staphylococcus aureus Strains by Solasodine
Authors: da Silva Ana Raquel Pereira , Costa Maria do Socorro , Araújo Nara Juliana Santos , de Freitas Thiago Sampaio , de Almeida Ray Silva , Barbosa Filho José Maria , Tavares Josean Fechine , de Souza Erlânio Oliveira , de Farias Pablo Antonio Maia , Pinheiro Jacqueline Cosmo Andrade , Coutinho Henrique Douglas Melo
Published: September 2022

A worrisome fact is the increase in microbial resistance, which has as its main cause the indiscriminate use of antibiotics. Scientific studies have investigated bioactive compounds such as steroidal sapogenins, in the perspective of new beneficial alternatives for the control of bacterial resistance. Therefore, the objective of this work was to verify the antibacterial activity as well as the modifying action of antibiotics associated with solasodine and its ability to inhibit the efflux pump mechanism in strains of Staphylococcus aureus. Tests were performed to verify the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). In addition, the action-modifying potential of antibiotics and the inhibitory capacity of the efflux pump NorA and MepA through synergistic effects on the antibiotic and ethidium bromide were evaluated. Solasodine showed significant results for the standard bacteria with an MIC of 512 μg/mL, and when associated with the antibiotics gentamicin and nofloxacin for the multidrug-resistant bacteria S. aureus 10, Escherichia coli 06, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 24, it showed a 50% reduction in MIC. The association of solasodine with the antibiotic ciprofloxacin against S. aureus K2068 (MepA) showed synergism, with a reduction in the MIC of the antibiotic from 64 μg/mL to 40 μg/mL, and also a reduction in the MIC when the antibiotic was used in conjunction with the efflux pump inhibitors. Solasodine may be acting on the mechanism of action of the antibiotic, as it has shown a potentiating effect when associated with antibiotics, inducing a reduction in the MIC against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Therefore, this study demonstrated significant results for the potentiating action of solasodine when associated with antibiotics of clinical importance.
Scavenging Capacity of Extracts of Arrabidaea chica Leaves from the Amazonia against ROS and RNS of Physiological and Food Relevance
Authors: de Siqueira Francilia Campos , Barbosa-Carvalho Anna Paula Pereira , Costa Leitão Deusa do Socorro Teixeira , Furtado Kalebe Ferreira , Chagas-Junior Gilson Celso Albuquerque , Lopes Alessandra Santos , Chisté Renan Campos
Published: September 2022

Arrabidaea chica, a medicinal plant found in the Amazon rainforest, is a promising source of bioactive compounds which can be used to inhibit oxidative damage in both food and biological systems. In this study, the in vitro scavenging capacity of characterized extracts of A. chica leaves, obtained with green solvents of different polarities [water, ethanol, and ethanol/water (1:1, v/v)] through ultrasound-assisted extraction, was investigated against reactive oxygen (ROS) and nitrogen (RNS) species, namely superoxide anion radicals (O2•−), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), hypochlorous acid (HOCl), and peroxynitrite anion (ONOO−). The extract obtained with ethanol–water presented about three times more phenolic compound contents (11.8 mg/g) than ethanol and water extracts (3.8 and 3.6 mg/g, respectively), with scutellarein being the major compound (6.76 mg/g). All extracts showed high scavenging efficiency against the tested ROS and RNS, in a concentration-dependent manner with low IC50 values, and the ethanol–water extract was the most effective one. In addition, all the extracts were five times more efficient against ROO• than Trolox. Therefore, the extracts from A. chica leaves exhibited high promising antioxidant potential to be used against oxidative damage in food and physiological systems.
Antioxidant Baccharis trimera Leaf Extract Suppresses Lipid Accumulation in C. elegans Dependent on Transcription Factor NHR-49
Authors: Souza Flávia Roberta Monteiro , Silva Giovanna Melo Martins , Cadavid Cesar Orlando Muñoz , Lisboa Lucas dos Santos , Silva Maylla Maria Correia Leite , Paiva Weslley Souza , Ferreira Marcelo José Pena , de Paula Oliveira Riva , Rocha Hugo Alexandre Oliveira
Published: September 2022

Obesity is a global public health problem that is associated with oxidative stress. One of the strategies for the treatment of obesity is the use of drugs; however, these are expensive and have numerous side effects. Therefore, the search for new alternatives is necessary. Baccharis trimera is used in Brazilian folk medicine for the treatment of obesity. Here, B. trimera leaf extract (BT) showed antioxidant activity in seven in vitro tests, and it was not toxic to 3T3 murine fibroblasts or Caenorhabditis elegans. Furthermore, BT reduces the intracellular amount of reactive oxygen species and increases C. elegans survival. Moreover, these effects were not dependent on transcription factors. The inhibition of fat accumulation by BT in the C. elegans model was also investigated. BT reduced lipid accumulation in animals fed diets without or with high amount of glucose. Furthermore, it was observed using RNA interference (iRNA) that BT depends on the transcription factor NHR-49 to exert its effect. Phytochemical analysis of BT revealed rutin, hyperoside, and 5-caffeoylquinic acid as the main BT components. Thus, these data demonstrate that BT has antioxidant and anti-obesity effects. However, further studies should be conducted to understand the mechanisms involved in its action.
Inhibitory Effect on Nitric Oxide Release in LPS-Stimulated Macrophages and Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Croton linearis Jacq. Leaves
Authors: García Díaz Jesús , González Fernández Rosalia , Escalona Arranz Julio César , Llauradó Maury Gabriel , Méndez Rodríguez Daniel , De Vooght Linda , Molina Enrique , Tuenter Emmy , Pieters Luc , Cos Paul
Published: September 2022

Oxidative stress is an important component of many diseases including cancer, along with inflammatory and neurodegenerative processes. Natural antioxidants have emerged as promising substances to protect the human body against reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. The present study evaluates the inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 murine macrophages and the free radical scavenging activity of Croton linearis Jacq. leaves. UPLC-QTOF-MS analysis identified 18 compounds: nine alkaloids with a morphinane, benzylisoquinoline or aporphine nucleus, and nine O-glycosylated-flavonoids with quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin as the aglycones. The crude extract (IC50 21.59 µg/mL) and the n-hexane fraction (IC50 4.88 µg/mL) significantly reduced the NO production in LPS-stimulated macrophages but with relatively high cytotoxicity (CC50 75.30 and CC50 70.12 µg/mL, respectively), while the ethyl acetate fraction also showed good activity (IC50 40.03 µg/mL) without affecting the RAW 264.7 cell viability. On the other hand, the crude extract, as well as the dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions, showed better DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging activities. Considering the chemical composition and the activity observed for Croton linearis leaves, they may be considered a good source of antioxidants to combat oxidative damage-related diseases.
The Status of Oxidative Stress in Patients with Alcohol Dependence: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yang Mi , Zhou Xiaofei , Tan Xi , Huang Xincheng , Yuan Lu , Zhang Zipeng , Yang Yan , Xu Min , Wan Ying , Li Zezhi
Published: September 2022

Alcohol-induced oxidative stress (OS) plays a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of alcohol dependence (AD). This meta-analysis was aimed at investigating the changes in the levels of OS biomarkers in AD patients. We included relevant literature published before 1 April 2022, from the PubMed, Web of Science, and EBSCO databases following PRISMA guidelines. Finally, 15 eligible articles were enrolled in this meta-analysis, including 860 patients and 849 controls. Compared with healthy controls, AD patients had lower activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) enzymes, and lower levels of albumin, while levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), vitamin B12, homocysteine, and bilirubin were significantly increased in serum/plasma samples of AD subjects (all p < 0.05). In male patients, the activities of SOD and GPx were increased in serum/plasma but decreased in erythrocytes (all p < 0.05). The opposite trends in the level of SOD and GPx activities in serum/plasma and erythrocytes of male patients could be used as the biomarker of alcohol-induced OS injury, and the synergistic changes of MDA, vitamin B12, albumin, bilirubin, and homocysteine levels should also be considered.
Introduction of a More Glutaredoxin-like Active Site to PDI Results in Competition between Protein Substrate and Glutathione Binding
Authors: Saaranen Mirva J. , Alanen Heli I. , Salo Kirsi E. H. , Nji Emmanuel , Kärkkäinen Pekka , Schmotz Constanze , Ruddock Lloyd W.
Published: September 2022

Proteins in the thioredoxin superfamily share a similar fold, contain a -CXXC- active site, and catalyze oxidoreductase reactions by dithiol-disulfide exchange mechanisms. Protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) has two -CGHC- active sites. For in vitro studies, oxidation/reduction of PDI during the catalytic cycle is accomplished with glutathione. Glutathione may act as electron donor/acceptor for PDI also in vivo, but at least for oxidation reactions, GSSG probably is not the major electron acceptor and PDI may not have evolved to react with glutathione with high affinity, but merely having adequate affinity for both glutathione and folding proteins/peptides. Glutaredoxins, on the other hand, have a high affinity for glutathione. They commonly have -CXFC- or -CXYC- active site, where the tyrosine residue forms part of the GSH binding groove. Mutating the active site of PDI to a more glutaredoxin-like motif increased its reactivity with glutathione. All such variants showed an increased rate in GSH-dependent reduction or GSSG-dependent oxidation of the active site, as well as a decreased rate of the native disulfide bond formation, with the magnitude of the effect increasing with glutathione concentration. This suggests that these variants lead to competition in binding between glutathione and folding protein substrates.
Towards Zero-Shot Flow-Based Cyber-Security Anomaly Detection Framework
Authors: Komisarek Mikołaj , Kozik Rafał , Pawlicki Marek , Choraś Michał
Published: September 2022

Network flow-based cyber anomaly detection is a difficult and complex task. Although several approaches to tackling this problem have been suggested, many research topics remain open. One of these concerns the problem of model transferability. There is a limited number of papers which tackle transfer learning in the context of flow-based network anomaly detection, and the proposed approaches are mostly evaluated on outdated datasets. The majority of solutions employ various sophisticated approaches, where different architectures of shallow and deep machine learning are leveraged. Analysis and experimentation show that different solutions achieve remarkable performance in a single domain, but transferring the performance to another domain is tedious and results in serious deterioration in prediction quality. In this paper, an innovative approach is proposed which adapts sketchy data structures to extract generic and universal features and leverages the principles of domain adaptation to improve classification quality in zero- and few-shot scenarios. The proposed approach achieves an F1 score of 0.99 compared to an F1 score of 0.97 achieved by the best-performing related methods.
Galerkin Finite Element Process for Entropy Production and Thermal Evaluation of Third-Grade Fluid Flow: A Thermal Case Study
Authors: Shahzad Faisal , Jamshed Wasim , Tag El Din El , Safdar Rabia , Mohd Nasir Nor , Ibrahim Rabha , Hussain Syed , Ullah Ikram , Hafeez Muhammad , Krawczuk Marek
Published: September 2022

A fluid’s moving class improves its heat transmission capability, as well as its rigidity, owing to multivariate molecule suspension. In this way, nanofluids are superior to common fluids. In this study, we evaluated the features of ease and heat transfer. Furthermore, we investigated permeable media, heat source, variable heat conductivity, and warm irradiation results. A mathematical technique known as the Galerkin finite element (G-FEM) approach was used to solve the supervising conditions. Third-grade nanofluid (TGNF), which consists of two types of nanoparticles (NPs), single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT), and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) distributed in a base liquid of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) water, was used for this examination. The main conclusion of this study is that MWCNT-CMC nanofluid has a higher heat transfer velocity than SWCNT-CMC nanofluid. The entropy of the framework can be increased by adjusting the thermal conductivity. Additionally, we found that increasing the main volume section decreases the speed but increases the dispersion of atomic energy. In order to separately account for the development properties of inertial forces and shallow heat dispersion forces, Reynolds and Brinkman values can be used to accelerate the entropy rate of the heating framework.
Study on Siphon Drainage Capacity of Slopes with Long-Horizontal Pipe Sections
Authors: Zhang Yingqiu , Sun Hongyue , Shang Yuequan
Published: September 2022

Siphon drainage, which is applicable in engineering as one of the effective methods to maintain slope stability, has many advantages, including no additional power requirements, simple construction, and low construction cost. However, due to topographic constraints and high farmland occupation costs, most projects inevitably use pipes with a total length of more than 100 m and horizontal sections of more than 50 m for drainage. The increase in pipe length has serious adverse effects on the siphon drainage process, limiting its drainage capacity and long-term applicability. Therefore, in slope siphon drainage, drainage efficiency and long-term effectiveness are critical factors in determining whether a particular pipe size can be used effectively for slope drainage management. This paper investigates the performance of different pipe diameters in drainage capacity, flow regime, and restarting ability under different head and pipe length combinations through theoretical analysis and extensive foot-scale model tests. It was found that a 5 mm pipe diameter, as a transitional pipe diameter between capillary and typical pipe diameter, has both capillary and gravity-dominated characteristics under different capillary and Reynolds number conditions, which can form a stable segmental plug flow while maintaining the presence of liquid film and preventing increased frictional losses along the course.
A Separated-Flow Model for 2-D Viscous Flows around Bluff Bodies Using the Panel Method
Authors: Li Rui , Soper David , Xu Jianlin , Jia Yongxing , Niu Jiqiang , Hemida Hassan
Published: September 2022

Panel methods have been applied to many fields of fluid owing to their computational efficiency. However, their applications are limited in simulating highly turbulent flow with separations due to the inviscid flow assumptions, such as those associated with train aerodynamics. Some researchers employed the wake models to simulate large vortices in the wake of trains with predetermined separation locations according to experimental results. In this paper, a modified 2-D constant source/vortex panel method for modelling the separated flow around 2-D bluff bodies is presented. The proposed separated-flow model includes the prediction of separation locations based on the integral boundary-layer method and the shear layer, and large vortices in the wake of the bluff bodies are modelled by the wake model. The proposed method is validated by comparing the calculated pressure distribution on a 2-D circular cylinder with the experimental results. The method is then applied to simulate the flow around a 2-D generic train and calculate the pressure distribution on the train. Since trains run very close to the ground, the effect of the ground configuration on the pressure distribution of the 2-D train is also investigated in this paper using the proposed method. The main contribution of the work is to present a 2-D separated-flow model with wake modelling and separation prediction. The proposed model can be used in the rapid evaluation of bluff-body aerodynamics.
Optimal Longitudinal Texture on Concrete Pavement to Reduce Lateral Vibration of Vehicles
Authors: Ryu Sungwoo , Kim Jongho , Sohn Duecksu , Bae Sungho
Published: September 2022

Since the mid-2000 s, longitudinal tinning has been applied to concrete pavements of expressways to improve the comfort and safety of road vehicle users. However, in certain longitudinal tinning sections, lateral vibrations occur during driving, which poses a safety hazard. This paper analyzes the cause behind this problem and proposes a longitudinal texturing specification that can minimize lateral vibration. To perform this analysis, the accelerations of driving vehicles and the degree of lateral vibration transmitted to panels in the vehicles were evaluated for each longitudinal texture applied in South Korea. Structural analysis was also conducted for the lateral force and moment according to the tire tread profile and longitudinal texturing specifications using the finite element method. In addition, field investigation, indoor drivability evaluation, and field application were performed to evaluate the optimal longitudinal texturing specification. The results indicate that the texture designated as 2 × 3 × 19 mm is the optimal longitudinal texture on hardened concrete pavement. However, because this specification is difficult to apply to fresh concrete, 3 × 3 × 16 mm is proposed as the optimal longitudinal texture owing to its excellent performance in the panel survey and in structural analysis.
Fault Detection of Landing Gear Retraction/Extension Hydraulic System Based on Bond Graph-Linear Fractional Transformation Technique and Interval Analytic Redundancy Relations
Authors: Cao Yuyuan , Duan Shixuan , Li Yanjun , Li Xudong , Zhao Zejian , Wang Xingye
Published: September 2022

Fault detection in the landing gear retraction/extension hydraulic system is difficult due to uncertainties in component parameters and sensor measurement values. This work lies in the introduction of linear fractional transformation technology and uncertainty analysis theory for the construction of the diagnostic bond graph of the landing gear retraction/extension hydraulic system. Thus, interval analytical redundancy relations can be derived as well as fault signature matrices. By using the fault signature matrix, existing faults can be detected and isolated preliminary. Furthermore, interval analytical redundancy relations can be used to detect system faults in detail. The analysis results of the failure cases of the internal and external leakage of the actuator and landing gear selector valve reversing stuck show that compared to the traditional analytical redundancy relations, this method takes into account the negative factors of uncertainty, so it can effectively reduce missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis; compared to the traditional absolute diagnostic threshold, the interval diagnostic threshold is more accurate and sensitive.
Improving Teleoperator Efficiency Using Position–Rate Hybrid Controllers and Task Decomposition
Authors: Han JiWoong , Yang Gi-Hun
Published: September 2022

In hazardous environments where direct human operation of machinery is not possible, such as in a nuclear power plant (NPP), teleoperation may be utilized to complete tasks safely. However, because teleoperation tasks are time consuming, complex, highly difficult, and need to be performed with incomplete information, they may increase the human operator’s cognitive load, which can affect the efficiency of the human operator as well as the completeness of the task. In this study, we propose a teleoperation system using a hybrid teleoperation controller that can increase operator efficiency for specific teleoperation tasks in complex sequences. First, we decomposed the task into a sequence of unit subtasks. For each subtask, the input space was allocated, and either position control or rate control by the hybrid controller was determined. Teleoperation experiments were conducted to verify the controller. To evaluate the efficiency improvement of the teleoperators, the completion time and NASA task-load index (NASA-TLX) were measured. Using the hybrid controller reduced the completion time and the NASA-TLX score by 17.23% and 34.02%, respectively, compared to the conventional position controller.