bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cannabidiol Isolated From Cannabis sativa L. Protects Intestinal Barrier From In Vitro Inflammation and Oxidative Stress
Authors: Cocetta Veronica , Governa Paolo , Borgonetti Vittoria , Tinazzi Mattia , Peron Gregorio , Catanzaro Daniela , Berretta Massimiliano , Biagi Marco , Manetti Fabrizio , Dall’Acqua Stefano , Montopoli Monica
Published: April 2021

The relevance and incidence of intestinal bowel diseases (IBD) have been increasing over the last 50 years and the current therapies are characterized by severe side effects, making essential the development of new strategies that combine efficacy and safety in the management of human IBD. Herbal products are highly considered in research aimed at discovering new approaches for IBD therapy and, among others, Cannabis sativa L. has been traditionally used for centuries as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory remedy also in different gastrointestinal disorders. This study aims to investigate the effects of different C. sativa isolated compounds in an in vitro model of intestinal epithelium. The ability of treatments to modulate markers of intestinal dysfunctions was tested on Caco-2 intestinal cell monolayers. Our results, obtained by evaluation of ROS production, TEER and paracellular permeability measurements and tight junctions evaluation show Cannabidiol as the most promising compound against intestinal inflammatory condition. Cannabidiol is able to inhibit ROS production and restore epithelial permeability during inflammatory and oxidative stress conditions, suggesting its possible application as adjuvant in IBD management.
The Endocannabinoid Anandamide Attenuates Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome by Downregulating miRNA that Target Inflammatory Pathways
Authors: Sultan Muthanna , Alghetaa Hasan , Mohammed Amirah , Abdulla Osama A. , Wisniewski Paul J. , Singh Narendra , Nagarkatti Prakash , Nagarkatti Mitzi
Published: April 2021

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is defined as a type of respiratory failure that is caused by a variety of insults such as pneumonia, sepsis, trauma and certain viral infections. In this study, we investigated the effect of an endocannabinoid, anandamide (AEA), on ARDS induced in the mouse byStaphylococcusEnterotoxin B (SEB). Administration of a single intranasal dose of SEB in mice and treated with exogenous AEA at a dose of 40 mg/kg body weight led to the amelioration of ARDS in mice. Clinically, plethysmography results indicated that there was an improvement in lung function after AEA treatment accompanied by a decrease of inflammatory cell infiltrate. There was also a significant decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-2, TNF-α, and IFN-γ, and immune cells including CD4+T cells, CD8+T cells, Vβ8+T cells, and NK+T cells in the lungs. Concurrently, an increase in anti-inflammatory phenotypes such as CD11b + Gr1+ Myeloid-derived Suppressor Cells (MDSCs), CD4 + FOXP3 + Tregs, and CD4+IL10 + cells was observed in the lungs. Microarray data showed that AEA treatment in ARDS mice significantly altered numerous miRNA including downregulation of miRNA-23a-3p, which caused an upregulation of arginase (ARG1), which encodes for arginase, a marker for MDSCs, as well as TGF-β2, which induces Tregs. AEA also caused down-regulation of miRNA-34a-5p which led to induction of FoxP3, a master regulator of Tregs. Transfection of T cells using miRNA-23a-3p or miRNA-34a-5p mimics and inhibitors confirmed that these miRNAs targeted ARG1, TGFβ2 and FoxP3. In conclusion, the data obtained from this study suggests that endocannabinoids such as AEA can attenuate ARDS induced by SEB by suppressing inflammation through down-regulation of key miRNA that regulate immunosuppressive pathways involving the induction of MDSCs and Tregs.
REL-1017 (Esmethadone) Increases Circulating BDNF Levels in Healthy Subjects of a Phase 1 Clinical Study
Authors: De Martin Sara , Gabbia Daniela , Folli Franco , Bifari Francesco , Fiorina Paolo , Ferri Nicola , Stahl Stephen , Inturrisi Charles E. , Pappagallo Marco , Traversa Sergio , Manfredi Paolo L.
Published: April 2021

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a neurotrophin widely expressed in the central nervous system, exhibits important effects on neural plasticity. BDNF has been implicated in the mechanism of action of ketamine, a N-methyl-d-aspartic acid receptor (NMDAR) antagonist with rapid anti-depressant effects in humans. REL-1017 (esmethadone), the d-optical isomer of the racemic mixture d-l-methadone, is devoid of clinically relevant opioid activity at doses expected to exert therapeutic NMDAR antagonistic activity in humans. The present study was conducted to ascertain the effects of oral administration of 25 mg of REL-1017 for 10 days on plasma BDNF in healthy subjects confined to an inpatient unit for a phase 1 clinical trial. We observed an increase in post-treatment BDNF plasma levels compared to pre-treatment levels. Post-treatment, Day 10 BDNF plasma levels ranged from 2 to 17 times pre-treatment levels in the 25 mg REL-1017 treatment group, whereas in the placebo group, BDNF plasma levels remained unchanged (p = 0.028). Diastolic blood pressure decreased significantly in subjects treated with REL-1017, while no effect could be observed in the placebo group. In conclusion, the administration of 25 mg REL-1017 significantly increased BDNF plasma levels and significantly decreased diastolic blood pressure in healthy subjects confined to an inpatient unit for a phase 1 clinical trial.
Bone-to-Brain: A Round Trip in the Adaptation to Mechanical Stimuli
Authors: Gerosa Laura , Lombardi Giovanni
Published: April 2021

Besides the classical ones (support/protection, hematopoiesis, storage for calcium, and phosphate) multiple roles emerged for bone tissue, definitively making it an organ. Particularly, the endocrine function, and in more general terms, the capability to sense and integrate different stimuli and to send signals to other tissues, has highlighted the importance of bone in homeostasis. Bone is highly innervated and hosts all nervous system branches; bone cells are sensitive to most of neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, and neurohormones that directly affect their metabolic activity and sensitivity to mechanical stimuli. Indeed, bone is the principal mechanosensitive organ. Thanks to the mechanosensing resident cells, and particularly osteocytes, mechanical stimulation induces metabolic responses in bone forming (osteoblasts) and bone resorbing (osteoclasts) cells that allow the adaptation of the affected bony segment to the changing environment. Once stimulated, bone cells express and secrete, or liberate from the entrapping matrix, several mediators (osteokines) that induce responses on distant targets. Brain is a target of some of these mediator [e.g., osteocalcin, lipocalin2, sclerostin, Dickkopf-related protein 1 (Dkk1), and fibroblast growth factor 23], as most of them can cross the blood-brain barrier. For others, a role in brain has been hypothesized, but not yet demonstrated. As exercise effectively modifies the release and the circulating levels of these osteokines, it has been hypothesized that some of the beneficial effects of exercise on brain functions may be associated to such a bone-to-brain communication. This hypothesis hides an interesting clinical clue: may well-addressed physical activities support the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases?
Culture, Sex, and Group-Bias in Trait and State Empathy
Authors: Zhao Qing , Neumann David L. , Yan Chao , Djekic Sandra , Shum David H. K.
Published: April 2021

Empathy is sharing and understanding others’ emotions. Recently, researchers identified a culture–sex interaction effect in empathy. This phenomenon has been largely ignored by previous researchers. In this study, the culture–sex interaction effect was explored with a cohort of 129 participants (61 Australian Caucasians and 68 Chinese Hans) using both self-report questionnaires (i.e., Empathy Quotient and Interpersonal Reactivity Index) and computer-based empathy tasks. In line with the previous findings, the culture–sex interaction effect was observed for both trait empathy (i.e., the generalized characteristics of empathy, as examined by the self-report questionnaires) and state empathy (i.e., the on-spot reaction of empathy for a specific stimulus, as evaluated by the computer-based tasks). Moreover, in terms of state empathy, the culture–sex interaction effect further interacted with stimulus traits (i.e., stimulus ethnicity, stimulus sex, or stimulus emotion) and resulted in three- and four-way interactions. Follow-up analyses of these higher-order interactions suggested that the phenomena of ethnic group bias and sex group favor in empathy varied among the four culture–sex participant groups (i.e., Australian female, Australian male, Chinese female, and Chinese male). The current findings highlighted the dynamic nature of empathy (i.e., its sensitivity toward both participant traits and stimulus features). Furthermore, the newly identified interaction effects in empathy deserve more investigation and need to be verified with other Western and Asian populations.
Non-medical Use of Prescription Gabapentinoids (Gabapentin and Pregabalin) in Five European Countries
Authors: Fonseca Francina , Lenahan William , Dart Richard C. , Papaseit Esther , Dargan Paul I. , Wood David M. , Guareschi Marilena , Maremmani Icro , Auriacombe Marc , Farré Magí , Scherbaum Norbert , Torrens Marta
Published: April 2021

Background: Non-medical use (NMU) of prescription GABA analogs (pregabalin and gabapentin) has been reported especially in opiate dependent persons. However, by now the prevalence of NMU of gabapentinoids in the general population has not been sufficiently evaluated. The aim of this research paper is to determine the prevalence of prescription GABA analog NMU and associated demographics in five European countries with special detail of Spain.

Methods: The RADARS Survey of Non-Medical Use of Prescription Drugs Program (NMURx) is a harmonized series of contemporaneous cross-sectional surveys of adults conducted in multiple countries. NMURx collects data from the general population in each participating country about NMU of prescription drugs, illicit drugs, and associated demographics. NMU was defined as “using a medication without a doctor's prescription or for any reason other than what was recommended by their doctor.” Responses from Spain (4Q2017, n=10,062) were analyzed in detail. Comparative data were available from France, Germany, Italy, and UK. Responses were collected using non-probability quota sampling and post-stratification population weighting was applied to reflect the national distributions of adults, based on age, gender, and census region. Rates of NMU and associated demographics were reported as rate of past 90-day NMU per 100,000 adult population with 95% confidence intervals.

Results: Germany (1,197 per 100,000 adult population [95% CI: 1,004.3–1,379.1]) and United Kingdom (1,067 per 100,000 adult population [95% CI: 851.3–1,283.2]) presented the highest prevalence of gabapentinoids NMU. In Spain the prevalence of past 90 days GABA analog NMU was: 344.4, 95% (CI 204.8–484.0), with male predominance. Those who non-medically use GABA analogs had a higher prevalence of lifetime chronic pain, lifetime illicit drug use, and previous substance abuse treatment. In Spain, 20% of respondents who ever have used gabapentinoids, reported a lifetime NMU; the prevalence was higher for pregabalin 624 (6.2%) than for gabapentin 444 (4.4%). The main reasons for use were to self-treat pain and other medical conditions.

Conclusions: The risk of NMU of gabapentinoids should not be neglected. Subjects with a history of chronic pain and lifetime substance use disorders had an increased risk of NMU of gabapentinoids.
Geographic Drivers of Antimicrobial Use and Resistance in Pigs in Khon Kaen Province, Thailand
Authors: Huber Laura , Hallenberg Gunilla Ström , Lunha Kamonwan , Leangapichart Thongpan , Jiwakanon Jatesada , Hickman Rachel A. , Magnusson Ulf , Sunde Marianne , Järhult Josef D. , Van Boeckel Thomas P.
Published: April 2021

In Thailand, pig production has increased considerably in the last decades to meet a growing demand for pork. Antimicrobials are used routinely in intensive pig production to treat infections and increase productivity. However, the use of antimicrobials also contributes to the rise of antimicrobial resistance with potential consequences for animal and human health. Here, we quantify the association between antimicrobial use and resistance rates in extensive and intensive farms with a focus on geographic proximity between farm and drugstores. Of the 164 enrolled farms, 79% reported using antimicrobials for disease prevention, treatment, or as a feed additive. Antimicrobial-resistant E. coli were present in 63% of farms. These drugs included critically important antimicrobials, such as quinolones and penicillins. Medium-scale farms with intensive animal production practices showed higher resistance rates than small-scale farms with extensive practices. Farms with drug-resistant Escherichia coli were located closer to drugstores and a had a higher proportion of disease than farms without drug-resistant E. coli. We found no association between the presence of resistance in humans and antimicrobial use in pigs. Our findings call for actions to improve herd health to reduce the need for antimicrobials and systematic training of veterinarians and drugstore owners on judicious use of antimicrobials in animals to mitigate resistance.
A Simulation of the Use of High Throughput Sequencing as Pre-Screening Assay to Enhance the Surveillance of Citrus Viruses and Viroids in the EPPO Region
Authors: Licciardello Grazia , Ferraro Rosario , Scuderi Giuseppe , Russo Marcella , Catara Antonino F.
Published: April 2021

Citrus are affected by many viruses and viroids, some globally widespread and some restricted to particular countries or areas. In this study, we simulated the use of high throughput sequencing (HTS) and the bioinformatic analysis of small interfering RNAs (siRNA) as a pre-screening method to guide bioindexing and molecular detection to enhance the surveillance survey of some key or emerging citrus viruses, such as non-European citrus tristeza virus isolates (non-EU CTV), citrus tatter leaf virus, citrus leprosis virus, citrus yellow mosaic virus, and citrus bark cracking viroid, present in the EPPO lists, and the citrus yellow vein clearing virus. The HTS’s ability to detect other citrus viroids was also evaluated. The results demonstrate that HTS provides a comprehensive phytosanitary status of citrus samples either in single and multiple infections of viruses and viroids. It also provides effective information on citrus tristeza virus mixed infections despite not being able to identify the non-EU variants of the virus. Bioindexing checks each single virus infection but does not differentiate viroids on the Etrog citron indicator and is time-consuming. Molecular assays are valuable as confirmation tests of viruses and viroids but many pairs of primers are needed for a full screening and new or non-target pathogens remain undetected. In addition, the genomes of two isolates of the citrus yellow vein clearing virus and the citrus tatter leaf virus, detected in a sample from China, are described.
Using UAV Borne, Multi-Spectral Imaging for the Field Phenotyping of Shoot Biomass, Leaf Area Index and Height of West African Sorghum Varieties under Two Contrasted Water Conditions
Authors: Gano Boubacar , Dembele Joseph Sékou B. , Ndour Adama , Luquet Delphine , Beurier Gregory , Diouf Diaga , Audebert Alain
Published: April 2021

Meeting food demand for the growing population will require an increase to crop production despite climate changes and, more particularly, severe drought episodes. Sorghum is one of the cereals most adapted to drought that feed millions of people around the world. Valorizing its genetic diversity for crop improvement can benefit from extensive phenotyping. The current methods to evaluate plant biomass, leaves area and plants height involve destructive sampling and are not practical in breeding. Phenotyping relying on drone based imagery is a powerful approach in this context. The objective of this study was to develop and validate a high throughput field phenotyping method of sorghum growth traits under contrasted water conditions relying on drone based imagery. Experiments were conducted in Bambey (Senegal) in 2018 and 2019, to test the ability of multi-spectral sensing technologies on-board a UAV platform to calculate various vegetation indices to estimate plants characteristics. In total, ten (10) contrasted varieties of West African sorghum collection were selected and arranged in a randomized complete block design with three (3) replicates and two (2) water treatments (well-watered and drought stress). This study focused on plant biomass, leaf area index (LAI) and the plant height that were measured weekly from emergence to maturity. Drone flights were performed just before each destructive sampling and images were taken by multi-spectral and visible cameras. UAV-derived vegetation indices exhibited their capacity of estimating LAI and biomass in the 2018 calibration data set, in particular: normalized difference vegetative index (NDVI), corrected transformed vegetation index (CTVI), seconded modified soil-adjusted vegetation index (MSAVI2), green normalize difference vegetation index (GNDVI), and simple ratio (SR) (r2 of 0.8 and 0.6 for LAI and biomass, respectively). Developed models were validated with 2019 data, showing a good performance (r2 of 0.92 and 0.91 for LAI and biomass accordingly). Results were also promising regarding plant height estimation (RMSE = 9.88 cm). Regression plots between the image-based estimation and the measured plant height showed a r2 of 0.83. The validation results were similar between water treatments. This study is the first successful application of drone based imagery for phenotyping sorghum growth and development in a West African context characterized by severe drought occurrence. The developed approach could be used as a decision support tool for breeding programs and as a tool to increase the throughput of sorghum genetic diversity characterization for adaptive traits.
Effects of Semiarid Wheat Agriculture Management Practices on Soil Microbial Properties: A Review
Authors: Rodgers Hannah R. , Norton Jay B. , van Diepen Linda T. A.
Published: April 2021

Agricultural management decisions on factors such as tillage, fertilization, and cropping system determine the fate of much of the world’s soils, and soil microbes both mediate and respond to these changes. However, relationships between management practices and soil microbial properties are poorly understood, especially in semiarid regions. To address this knowledge gap, we reviewed research papers published between 2000 and 2020 that analyzed soil microorganisms in semiarid wheat fields. We aimed to determine if and how soil microbial properties reliably respond to management, and how these properties indicate long-term changes in soil health, carbon (C) sequestration, and crop yield. We found that reducing tillage increases microbial activity as much as 50% in upper soil layers and stratifies both bacteria and fungi by depth. Higher cropping intensity (reduced fallow) increases C storage, microbial activity, and biomass, and particularly fungal biomass, which can be three times greater under continuous wheat than wheat-fallow. Chemical and organic fertilizers both increase bacterial biomass, though only organic inputs provide lasting benefits by promoting C storage and increasing fungal as well as bacterial biomass. We found microbial properties to be sensitive indicators of long-term changes in soil health and productivity, and formed recommendations on appropriate sampling, analysis, and interpretation of microbial data depending on the system studied.
Integrated Transcriptome and Metabolome Analysis Reveals an Essential Role for Auxin in Hypocotyl Elongation during End-of-Day Far-Red Treatment of Cucurbita moschata (Duch. Ex Lam.)
Authors: Liu Qi , Zhang Hanqing , Mei Yanhao , Li Qi , Bai Yahui , Yu Huibin , Xu Xiaodong , Ma Jianxiang , Wu Yongjun , Yang Zhenchao
Published: April 2021

Long, robust hypocotyls are important for facilitating greenhouse transplant production. The use of far-red light at the end of the day (end-of-day far-red, EOD-FR) is known to prompt hypocotyl elongation, but the mechanism of EOD-FR-mediated hypocotyl elongation in pumpkin remains unclear. Here, we found that hypocotyl length, parenchymal cell size in hypocotyls, and plant IAA levels were significantly greater in pumpkin after EOD-FR treatment. This effect was counteracted by the application of the polar auxin transport inhibitor 1-N-naphthylphthalamic acid. Integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis of pumpkin hypocotyls revealed that the expression of auxin-related genes changed significantly after EOD-FR treatment, and the contents of the auxin biosynthetic precursors tryptophan and indole were also significantly higher. Our results show that auxin plays an essential role in EOD-FR-mediated hypocotyl elongation, shed light on the mechanisms of EOD-FR mediated hypocotyl elongation, and provide a theoretical basis for the use of EOD-FR in facility cultivation.
Olfactory Response of Mahanarva spectabilis (Distant, 1909) (Hemiptera: Cercopidae) to Volatile Aqueous Extracts of Plant Origin Applied to Elephant Grass Plants (Pennisetum purpureum Schum)
Authors: Nascimento Vinícius Ferraz , Auad Alexander Machado , de Resende Tiago Teixeira
Published: April 2021

In this study, we evaluate the olfactory responses of Mahanarva spectabilis adults to aqueous extracts from the following non-host plants for the pest insect: garlic (Allium sativum L.), rue (Ruta graveolens L.), cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum J. Presl), lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus Stapf.), clove (Syzygium aromaticum L.), star anise (Illicium verum Hook.f), eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus Labill.), tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.), and thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) applied to the host plant, elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.). The bioassays were performed using a Y olfactometer, and the combinations of the plant extracts applied to the host plant were tested against fresh air and against the host plant without the extract. The results show that the extracts of tobacco and star anise were non-attractive to M. spectabilis adults. The extracts from the remaining plants did not alter the response of M. spectabilis to the host plant.
Mineral and Antioxidant Attributes of Petroselinum crispum at Different Stages of Ontogeny: Microgreens vs. Baby Greens
Authors: El-Nakhel Christophe , Pannico Antonio , Graziani Giulia , Giordano Maria , Kyriacou Marios C. , Ritieni Alberto , De Pascale Stefania , Rouphael Youssef
Published: April 2021

Parsley is an aromatic herb native to the Mediterranean region and treasured for its phytochemical profile and bioactive properties. Developmental stage at harvest is a factor that modulates the nutritional quality of vegetables, including young greens. Accordingly, an experiment under strictly controlled conditions was carried out to compare the mineral macronutrient and phytochemical composition as well as the antioxidant activity of plain-leaf parsley (Petroselinum crispum cv. Comune 2) at two different harvest maturity stages, microgreens and baby greens. Macronutrients, carotenoids (lutein and β-carotene) and polyphenols were quantified through ion chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode-array detector (HPLC-DAD) and UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), respectively. Microgreens accumulated more potassium and phosphorus, whereas baby greens accumulated more calcium and magnesium, and 65.5% less nitrate. In addition, microgreens provided 1.8-fold more lutein and 2.8-fold more β-carotene, whereas baby greens provided 183.6% more total ascorbic acid, 64.2% more total polyphenols and 170.3% higher hydrophilic antioxidant activity. Based on the culinary and phytonutritive scope of the consumers, different harvest maturity stages can be opted for and production schemes designed. Future studies are warranted to appraise the importance of ontogeny as a determinant factor for the composition and bioactive value of additional micro-herb genotypes, including underutilized Mediterranean species.
Yield-Related Traits of 20 Spring Camelina Genotypes Grown in a Multi-Environment Study in Serbia
Authors: Kuzmanović Boris , Petrović Sofija , Nagl Nevena , Mladenov Velimir , Grahovac Nada , Zanetti Federica , Eynck Christina , Vollmann Johann , Jeromela Ana Marjanović
Published: April 2021

Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz is one of the oldest oilseed crops in Europe. Over the last twenty years, it has reemerged as a very promising alternative oilseed crop. Camelina has broad environmental adaptability, a wide range of resistances to pests and diseases, low-input requirements, and multiple industrial and feed applications exist for its seed oil and meal. In a multi-environment study conducted in Serbia, seven yield-related traits, including plant height (PH), height to the first branch (HFB), number of lateral branches (NLB), number of seed capsules per plant (NSCP), number of seeds per plant (NSP), mass of seeds per plant (MSP), and the total percentage of oil in the seed (TPOS), were analyzed in 20 spring camelina accessions. The combination of two years, two locations, and two sowing dates (autumn and spring) resulted in eight different environments across which the performance of the accessions was evaluated. The aims of the study were (a) to provide a phenotypic characterization and performance evaluation of the camelina accessions, (b) to identify correlations between the selected traits, and (c) to determine the effect of environmental factors on the traits. Environments contributed to the largest proportion in the total variance, explaining approximately 90% of the variance for all traits, except for NLB (70.96%) and TPOS (42.56%). The additive main effects and multiplicative interaction model (AMMI) showed that the weather conditions, and seeding dates were the most influential environmental factor. Location had a minor to moderate effect on the investigated traits. Lines CK3X-7 and Maksimir had the highest seed yields, and CK2X–9 and CJ11X–43 had the highest seed oil contents. All four lines had good adaptability and yield stability, making them the most suitable candidates for cultivation in the environmental conditions of Serbia in southeastern Europe. The present results reveal a potential for developing higher-yielding camelina cultivars with increased seed oil content and improved adaptability to various environmental conditions.
Response of Chosen American Asparagus officinalis L. Cultivars to Drip Irrigation on the Sandy Soil in Central Europe: Growth, Yield, and Water Productivity
Authors: Rolbiecki Roman , Rolbiecki Stanisław , Figas Anna , Jagosz Barbara , Prus Piotr , Stachowski Piotr , Kazula Maciej J. , Szczepanek Małgorzata , Ptach Wiesław , Pal-Fam Ferenc , Sadan Hicran A. , Liberacki Daniel
Published: April 2021

The aim of this study was to verify the response of 13 American asparagus cultivars cultivated for green spear on surface postharvest drip irrigation. Irrigation, used to compensate for periodic deficiencies in precipitation, allows for high- and good-quality crops for many species. The field experiment was carried out in 2006–2008 on a very light sandy soil in central Europe (Poland). Irrigation treatments were applied using the tensiometer indications. Water requirements of asparagus were calculated on the base of reference evapotranspiration and crop coefficients. The following evaluations were made: Height, diameter, and number of summer stalks, as well marketable yield, weight, and number of consumption green spears. Drip irrigation applied for 2 years (2006–2007) in the postharvest period had a positive effect on all studied traits in both summer stalks and green spears in 2007–2008. A significant increase in the height, number, and diameter of summer stalks, as well an increase in the marketable yield, weight, and number of green spears was observed for most of the cultivars. In general, postharvest drip irrigation of asparagus cultivated in very light sandy soil significantly contributes to the increase in productivity of American cultivars of this species.
Hot Pressurized Liquid Extraction of Polyphenols from the Skin and Seeds of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Negra Criolla Pomace a Peruvian Native Pisco Industry Waste
Authors: Allcca-Alca Erik E. , León-Calvo Nilton C. , Luque-Vilca Olivia M. , Martínez-Cifuentes Maximiliano , Pérez-Correa José Ricardo , Mariotti-Celis María Salomé , Huamán-Castilla Nils Leander
Published: April 2021

The pisco industry in Peru generates large amounts of grape pomace, which is a natural source of bioactive compounds with potential nutraceutical applications. Hot pressurized liquid extraction (HPLE) with water-ethanol solvent mixtures (20–60%) at high temperatures (100–160 °C) was applied to recover polyphenols from the skin and seeds of a Peruvian pisco-industry grape-pomace waste. At the same HPLE conditions (60% ethanol, 160 °C), the seed fraction extracts contained ~6 times more total polyphenol and presented ~5 times more antioxidant activity than the extract from the skin fraction. The lowest ethanol concentration (20%) and the highest temperature (160 °C) achieved the highest recovery of flavanols with 163.61 µg/g dw from seeds and 10.37 µg/g dw from skins. The recovery of phenolic acids was maximized at the highest ethanol concentration and temperature with 45.34 µg/g dw from seeds and 6.93 µg/g dw from skins. Flavonols were only recovered from the skin, maximized (17.53 µg/g dw) at 20% of ethanol and the highest temperature. The recovery of specific polyphenols is maximized at specific extraction conditions. These conditions are the same for seed and skin extractions. This alternative method can be used in other agroindustrial wastes in order to recover bioactive compounds with potential applications in the pharmaceutical and food industry.
Organo-Mineral Interactions Involved in Herbicide Sorption on Soil Amended with Peats of Different Maturity Degree
Authors: Dorado José , Almendros Gonzalo
Published: April 2021

The sorption of three herbicides (alachlor, atrazine and linuron) on samples from six peats of progressive degree of maturity (fibric, hemic or sapric types) and soil samples (dryland agricultural Calcic Luvisol amended with the peats) was determined. The extent of the sorption was examined in terms of peat maturity (up to 220 analytical descriptors of the peat material). In most cases, a sorption enhancement effect was observed in the peat–soil system compared with the sum of the sorption in peat and soil alone, i.e., a positive interaction leading to an increase in soil matrix reactive sites. The analytical characteristics of humic and bitumen peat subfractions were useful in forecasting sorption performance. This was the case for high molecular weight hydrophobic fractions, the extent of the alkyl domain in humic substances and oxygen-containing groups. Correspondence analysis illustrated how different characteristics of the peats played a distinct role in sorption in the herbicide–peat system or in the soil–peat–herbicide system. In the former system, there was a relevant bearing of parameters indicating low peat maturity, whereas in the second the sorption was mainly explained by peat colloidal properties, including the concentration and base saturation of oxygen-containing functional groups.
The Challenge of Combining High Yields with Environmentally Friendly Bioproducts: A Review on the Compatibility of Pesticides with Microbial Inoculants
Authors: Santos Mariana Sanches , Rodrigues Thiago Fernandes , Nogueira Marco Antonio , Hungria Mariangela
Published: April 2021

Inoculants or biofertilizers aiming to partially or fully replace chemical fertilizers are becoming increasingly important in agriculture, as there is a global perception of the need to increase sustainability. In this review, we discuss some important results of inoculation of a variety of crops with rhizobia and other plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB). Important improvements in the quality of the inoculants and on the release of new strains and formulations have been achieved. However, agriculture will continue to demand chemical pesticides, and their low compatibility with inoculants, especially when applied to seeds, represents a major limitation to the success of inoculation. The differences in the compatibility between pesticides and inoculants depend on their active principle, formulation, time of application, and period of contact with living microorganisms; however, in general they have a high impact on cell survival and metabolism, affecting the microbial contribution to plant growth. New strategies to solve the incompatibility between pesticides and inoculants are needed, as those that have been proposed to date are still very modest in terms of demand.
Measures Matter—Determining the True Nutri-Physiological Value of Feed Ingredients for Swine
Authors: Shurson Gerald C. , Hung Yuan-Tai , Jang Jae Cheol , Urriola Pedro E.
Published: April 2021

Many types of feed ingredients are used to provide energy and nutrients to meet the nutritional requirements of swine. However, the analytical methods and measures used to determine the true nutritional and physiological (“nutri-physiological”) value of feed ingredients affect the accuracy of predicting and achieving desired animal responses. Some chemical characteristics of feed ingredients are detrimental to pig health and performance, while functional components in other ingredients provide beneficial health effects beyond their nutritional value when included in complete swine diets. Traditional analytical procedures and measures are useful for determining energy and nutrient digestibility of feed ingredients, but do not adequately assess their true physiological or biological value. Prediction equations, along with ex vivo and in vitro methods, provide some benefits for assessing the nutri-physiological value of feed ingredients compared with in vivo determinations, but they also have some limitations. Determining the digestion kinetics of the different chemical components of feed ingredients, understanding how circadian rhythms affect feeding behavior and the gastrointestinal microbiome of pigs, and accounting for the functional properties of many feed ingredients in diet formulation are the emerging innovations that will facilitate improvements in precision swine nutrition and environmental sustainability in global pork-production systems.
Use of a Collar-Mounted Triaxial Accelerometer to Predict Speed and Gait in Dogs
Authors: Bolton Samantha , Cave Nick , Cogger Naomi , Colborne G. R.
Published: April 2021

Accelerometry has been used to measure treatment efficacy in dogs with osteoarthritis, although interpretation is difficult. Simplification of the output into speed or gait categories could simplify interpretation. We aimed to determine whether collar-mounted accelerometry could estimate the speed and categorise dogs’ gait on a treadmill. Eight Huntaway dogs were fitted with a triaxial accelerometer and then recorded using high-speed video on a treadmill at a slow and fast walk, trot, and canter. The accelerometer data (delta-G) was aligned with the video data and records of the treadmill speed and gait. Mixed linear and logistic regression models that included delta-G and a term accounting for the dogs’ skeletal sizes were used to predict speed and gait, respectively, from the accelerometer signal. Gait could be categorised (pseudo-R2 = 0.87) into binary categories of walking and faster (trot or canter), but not into the separate faster gaits. The estimation of speed above 3 m/s was inaccurate, though it is not clear whether that inaccuracy was due to the sampling frequency of the particular device, or whether that is an inherent limitation of collar-mounted accelerometers in dogs. Thus, collar-mounted accelerometry can reliably categorise dogs’ gaits into two categories, but finer gait descriptions or speed estimates require individual dog modelling and validation. Nonetheless, this accelerometry method could improve the use of accelerometry to detect treatment effects in osteoarthritis by allowing the selection of periods of activity that are most affected by treatment.
The Use of Colistin in Food-Producing Animals in Estonia—Vaccination as an Effective Alternative to Consumption of Critically Important Antimicrobials in Pigs
Authors: Sammul Marju , Mõtus Kerli , Kalmus Piret
Published: April 2021

Reducing the use of critically important antimicrobials in veterinary medicine is increasingly important to avoid the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance. The aim of this study was to analyse ten-year trends of colistin consumption in Estonia and to ascertain the possible association between Escherichia (E.) coli vaccination and colistin consumption in pig production. Colistin sales data (2010–2019) were collected from the wholesalers, allowing differentiation of target species. In Estonia, the amount of sold colistin increased constantly and almost doubled from 2010 to 2013, and decreased from 2013 to 2019 by 92.5% in total. On average across a ten-year study period, 89.7% of colistin was used in pig production. The number of sold doses of E. coli vaccines for pigs was very low before 2014 (<2000) and increased drastically to 2019 (362,000). According to linear time-series model with autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) the consumption of colistin in pigs decreased on average by 0.23 mg/PCU for every 10,000 E. coli vaccine doses (95% CI −0.39, −0.06; p = 0.006) over ten years. This study revealed that in pig production, vaccination against E. coli strains contributes to the expected downward trend in colistin consumption.
Heat Stress in Broiler Chickens and the Effect of Dietary Polyphenols, with Special Reference to Willow (Salix spp.) Bark Supplements—A Review
Authors: Saracila Mihaela , Panaite Tatiana Dumitra , Papuc Camelia Puia , Criste Rodica Diana
Published: April 2021

Over the last decade, there has been a growing interest in the use of a wide range of phytoadditives to counteract the harmful effects of heat stress in poultry. Willow (Salix spp.) is a tree with a long history. Among various forms, willow bark is an important natural source of salicin, β-O-glucoside of saligenin, but also of polyphenols (flavonoids and condensed tannins) with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activity. In light of this, the current review presents some literature data aiming to: (1) describe the relationship between heat stress and oxidative stress in broilers, (2) present or summarize literature data on the chemical composition of Salix species, (3) summarize the mechanisms of action of willow bark in heat-stressed broilers, and (4) present different biological effects of the extract of Salix species in different experimental models.
Reactive Carbonyl Species and Protein Adducts: Identification Strategies, Biological Mechanisms and Molecular Approaches for Their Detoxification
Authors: Aldini Giancarlo , Altomare Alessandra A.
Published: April 2021

The Special issue is composed of 13 contributions: 9 research papers and 4 reviews [...]
Pathophysiology of Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Human Spermatozoa: Focus on Energetic Metabolism, Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis
Authors: Castellini Chiara , D’Andrea Settimio , Cordeschi Giuliana , Totaro Maria , Parisi Antonio , Di Emidio Giovanna , Tatone Carla , Francavilla Sandro , Barbonetti Arcangelo
Published: April 2021

The dogma of mitochondria as the major source of energy in supporting sperm motility should be critically reconsidered in the light of several experimental data pointing to a major role of glycolysis in mammalian spermatozoa. In this light, the reported positive correlation between the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and motility of ejaculated spermatozoa cannot be explained convincingly by an impaired mitochondrial ATP generation only. Evidence has been produced suggesting that, in human sperm, dysfunctional mitochondria represent the main site of generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, in these organelles, a complex bidirectional relationship could exist between ROS generation and apoptosis-like events that synergize with oxidative stress in impairing sperm biological integrity and functions. Despite the activity of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant factors, human spermatozoa are particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress, which plays a major role in male factor infertility. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of metabolic, oxidative and apoptosis-like inter-linkages of mitochondrial dysfunction and their reflections on human sperm biology.
Oxidative Stress and Alterations of Paraoxonases in Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Simonetti Oriana , Bacchetti Tiziana , Ferretti Gianna , Molinelli Elisa , Rizzetto Giulio , Bellachioma Luisa , Offidani Annamaria
Published: April 2021

Background: previous studies reported the involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation in the pathogenesis of inflammatory skin diseases. The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between oxidative stress and inflammation in children affected by atopic dermatitis (AD), a chronic relapsing inflammatory skin disease. Methods: levels of lipid hydroperoxides, total antioxidant capacity, and activities of the enzymes myeloperoxidase (MPO), PON1, and PON2/3 were investigated in 56 atopic pediatric patients, and compared with 48 sex-/age-matched healthy controls. Results: significantly higher levels of lipid hydroperoxides and lower values of total antioxidant potential were observed in the serum of AD children compared to that of the controls. Significant lower PON1 activities, and a significant increase in levels of MPO were observed in serum of patients, with a higher serum MPO level/PON1 paraoxonase activity ratio in patients compared to that in the controls. Significantly lower lactonase activity of PON enzymes was observed in polymorphonuclear cells isolated from AD patients. Statistically negative correlation was established between the activity of intracellular PON2/3 activity and ROS levels. Conclusions: our data confirmed that AD is associated with higher oxidative damage and a decrease in antioxidant defense. Moreover, alterations of extracellular and intracellular PON activity can promote lipoprotein dysfunction in AD patients.
Screening of Antioxidative Properties and Inhibition of Inflammation-Linked Enzymes by Aqueous and Ethanolic Extracts of Plants Traditionally Used in Wound Healing in Poland
Authors: Mainka Marta , Czerwińska Monika E. , Osińska Ewa , Ziaja Maria , Bazylko Agnieszka
Published: April 2021

A wide range of plant-derived preparations have been used against skin inflammatory disorders and as wound healing agents in traditional medicine. The purpose of the study was to determine the antioxidant activity of aqueous and 70% ethanolic extracts from eleven species of plants traditionally used in Poland to treat inflammatory skin diseases. The ability of extracts to scavenge 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and superoxide anion (O2•−), was studied. In non-cellular studies, an analysis of the anti-inflammatory effect on the activity of enzymes, such as hyaluronidase (HYAL) and lipoxygenase (LOX), was also performed. The chemical profiles of the most active extracts were achieved by applying the UHPLC-DAD-MSn method, and the sum of polyphenols in all tested extracts was determined by the colorimetric method with the Folin–Ciocalteu reagent. The scope of the extracts’ influence on enzyme activity was significantly lower than their antioxidant activity. All extracts have shown high activity in free radical scavenging against DPPH. The ethanolic extracts have shown high potential to scavenge H2O2. The study of composition showed that the main components of the tested extracts were flavonoids, such as luteolin, apigenin, kaempferol, and quercetin derivatives, as well as caffeoylquinic acids, caffeic acid, and its conjugates.
iADA*-RL: Anytime Graph-Based Path Planning with Deep Reinforcement Learning for an Autonomous UAV
Authors: Maw Aye Aye , Tyan Maxim , Nguyen Tuan Anh , Lee Jae-Woo
Published: April 2021

Path planning algorithms are of paramount importance in guidance and collision systems to provide trustworthiness and safety for operations of autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). Previous works showed different approaches mostly focusing on shortest path discovery without a sufficient consideration on local planning and collision avoidance. In this paper, we propose a hybrid path planning algorithm that uses an anytime graph-based path planning algorithm for global planning and deep reinforcement learning for local planning which applied for a real-time mission planning system of an autonomous UAV. In particular, we aim to achieve a highly autonomous UAV mission planning system that is adaptive to real-world environments consisting of both static and moving obstacles for collision avoidance capabilities. To achieve adaptive behavior for real-world problems, a simulator is required that can imitate real environments for learning. For this reason, the simulator must be sufficiently flexible to allow the UAV to learn about the environment and to adapt to real-world conditions. In our scheme, the UAV first learns about the environment via a simulator, and only then is it applied to the real-world. The proposed system is divided into two main parts: optimal flight path generation and collision avoidance. A hybrid path planning approach is developed by combining a graph-based path planning algorithm with a learning-based algorithm for local planning to allow the UAV to avoid a collision in real time. The global path planning problem is solved in the first stage using a novel anytime incremental search algorithm called improved Anytime Dynamic A* (iADA*). A reinforcement learning method is used to carry out local planning between waypoints, to avoid any obstacles within the environment. The developed hybrid path planning system was investigated and validated in an AirSim environment. A number of different simulations and experiments were performed using AirSim platform in order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed system for an autonomous UAV. This study helps expand the existing research area in designing efficient and safe path planning algorithms for UAVs.
Advanced Development of Sensors’ Roles in Maritime-Based Industry and Research: From Field Monitoring to High-Risk Phenomenon Measurement
Authors: Prabowo Aditya Rio , Tuswan Tuswan , Ridwan Ridwan
Published: April 2021

The development of human civilization over the last decade has reached a landmark as Industry 4.0 has been widely introduced. Several aspects of industry and manufacturing activities are changing due to the Internet of Things (IoT), location detection technologies, and advanced human–machine interfaces. To enact industrial affairs under those specifications, a sensor is required to transform physical events into numerical information. The use of sensors in marine applications also appears in research and studies, in which the sensor is used for both monitoring the phenomena of a designated subject and data acquisition. Achievements in quantifying complex phenomena in critical maritime designs are fascinating subjects to discuss regarding their development and current states, which may be reliable references for further research on developing sensors and related measurement analysis tools in marine, shipbuilding, and shipping fields. This comprehensive review covers several discussion topics, including the origins and development of sensor technology, applied sensor engineering in logistic and shipping activities, the hydrodynamic characterization of designed hulls, the monitoring of advanced machinery performance, Arctic-based field observations, the detection of vibration-based damage to offshore structures, corrosion control and monitoring, and the measurement of explosions on critical maritime infrastructures.