bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing nursing education to bolster nurse governance: insights from nurse managers
Authors: Choi Sujin
Published: September 2023

Aim

In South Korea, the level of nursing governance is moving toward shared governance. This study sought to explore nursing education contents in undergraduate nursing programs necessary to improve the governance of nurses from the perspectives of nurse managers.

Methods

The study employs thematic analysis following the guidelines outlined in the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research utilizing a qualitative research design. Our investigation involves general or tertiary hospital nurse managers intending to gain valuable insights and perspectives.

Results

Interview data from 14 nurse managers were analyzed. A total of one main and four sub-themes were derived from the qualitative data analysis. Analysis revealed the main theme, “occupational socialization.” The four sub-themes were education on “nurse–patient and nurse-colleague communicative interaction,” “humanity,” “career development,” and “nurses as politicians.”

Conclusion

The findings are valuable in suggesting critically needed educational content in undergraduate nursing programs to improve nursing governance. Future research should investigate the effects of the abovementioned themes on nursing governance among clinical nurses or nursing students for several years of follow-up data collection.
Influence of phylogenetic, environmental, and behavioral factors on the gut bacterial community structure of dung beetles (Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) in a Neotropical Biosphere Reserve
Authors: Jácome-Hernández Alberto , Lamelas Araceli , Desgarennes Damaris , Huerta Carmen , Cruz-Rosales Magdalena , Favila Mario E.
Published: September 2023

Gut bacteria help dung beetles metabolize nutrients contained and synthesize those unavailable in their food, depending on the ecological scenario in which they develop. However, less is known about the influence of environmental and behavioral factors on the taxonomic composition of bacterial gut communities in Scarabaeinae beetles. To address this research topic, we analyzed 13 tropical dung beetle species in the Los Tuxtlas Biosphere Reserve, Mexico, to understand how the beetle tribe, habitat, food preference, food relocation, and parental care influence the composition of gut bacterial communities. We found that the beetle tribe is the primary factor impacting the taxonomic composition of gut bacterial communities. Among them, Deltochilini displayed the highest variability in diversity due to the different combinations of habitat and food preferences among its species. On the other hand, the other tribes studied did not exhibit such variable combinations. Habitat emerged as the second most influential factor, with forest-dwelling beetles displaying higher diversity. This can be attributed to the heterogeneous environments within tropical forests, which offer a greater diversity of food resources. In contrast, grassland beetles, living in more homogeneous environments and relying on cow feces as their main food source, exhibited lower diversity. Our findings suggest a correlation between bacterial diversity and food resource availability in complex habitats, such as tropical forests, which offer a wider array of food sources compared to simpler environments like grasslands.
Effects of partial substitution of chemical fertilizer with organic manure on the activity of enzyme and soil bacterial communities in the mountain red soil
Authors: Lu Zerang , Zhou Yun , Li Yongmei , Li Chunpei , Lu Mei , Sun Xuemei , Luo Zhizhang , Zhao Jixia , Fan Maopan
Published: September 2023

Introduction

The partial substitution of chemical fertilizer with organic manure takes on a critical significance to enhancing soil quality and boosting sustainable agricultural development. However, rare research has studied the effects of partial substitution of chemical fertilizer with organic manure on soil bacterial community diversity and enzyme activity in maize field in the mountain red soil region of Yunnan.

Methods

In this study, four treatments were set up in which chemical fertilizer (the application rates of N, P2O5 and K2O were 240, 75 and 75 kg·ha−1, respectively) was substituted by 10% (M10), 20% (M20), 30% (M30) and 40% (M40) of organic manure with equal nitrogen, as well as two control treatments of single application of chemical fertilizer (M0) and no fertilization (CK). The maize (Zea mays L.) crop was sown as a test crop in May 2018. The effects of partial substitution of chemical fertilizer with organic manure on soil physicochemical properties, soil bacterial community diversity and enzyme activity were studied.

Results

The activities of Cellulase (CBH), Invertase (INV) and β-glucosidase (BG) increased with the increase of organic manure substitution ratio. The activities of β-1,4-N-acetylglucosaminidase (NAG), Urease (URE), and leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) also had the same trend, but the highest activities were 159.92 mg·g−1·h−1, 66.82 mg·g−1·h−1 and 143.90 mg·g−1·h−1 at 30% substitution ratio. Compared with CK and M0 treatments, Shannon index increased notably by 82.91%–116.74% and 92.42%–128.01%, respectively, at the organic manure substitution ratio ranging from 10% to 40%. Chao1 and ACE index increased significantly at the organic manure substitution ratio ranging from 10% to 30%. Proteobacteria was the dominant phylum in all treatments, the relative abundance of Proteobacteria decreased as the organic manure substitution ratio increased. Redundancy analysis showed that microbial biomass C was the main factor affecting the bacterial community composition under partial replacement of chemical fertilizer treatment, while Actinobacteria was the main factor affecting the enzyme activity. In addition, the maize yield of M30 and M40 treatments was significantly higher than that of CK and M0-M20 treatments, and the yield of M30 treatment was the highest, reaching 7652.89 kg·ha−1.

Conclusion

Therefore, the partial substitution of chemical fertilizer with organic manure can improve soil biological characteristics, while increasing bacterial community diversity and soil enzyme activity. Therefore, a thirty percent organic manure substitution was determined as the optimal substitution ratio for maize farmland in the mountain red soil area of Yunnan, China.
Multisite rTMS combined with cognitive training modulates effective connectivity in patients with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Qin Yuanyuan , Ba Li , Zhang Fengxia , Jian Si , Tian Tian , Zhang Min , Zhu Wenzhen
Published: September 2023

Purpose

To investigate the effective connectivity (EC) changes after multisite repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) combined with cognitive training (COG).

Method

We selected 51 patients with mild or moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD) and delivered 10 Hz rTMS over the left dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and the lateral temporal lobe (LTL) combined with COG or sham stimulation for 4 weeks. The selected AD patients were divided into real (real rTMS+COG, n = 11) or sham (sham rTMS+COG, n = 8) groups to undergo neuropsychological assessment, resting-state fMRI, and 3D brain structural imaging before (T0), immediately at the end of treatment (T4), and 4 weeks after treatment (T8). A 2 × 3 factorial design with “time” as the within-subjects factor (three levels: T0, T4, and T8) and “group” as the between-subjects factor (two levels: real and sham) was used to investigate the EC changes related to the stimulation targets in the rest of the brain, as well as the causal interactions among seven resting-state networks based on Granger causality analysis (GCA).

Results

At the voxel level, the EC changes from the left DLPFC out to the left inferior parietal lobe and the left superior frontal gyrus, as well as from the left LTL out to the left orbital frontal cortex, had a significant group × time interaction effect. At the network level, a significant interaction effect was identified in the increase in EC from the limbic network out to the default mode network. The decrease in EC at the voxel level and the increase in EC at the network level were both associated with the improved ability to perform activities of daily living and cognitive function.

Conclusion

Multisite rTMS combined with cognitive training can modulate effective connectivity in patients with AD, resulting in improved ability to perform activities of daily living and cognitive function.
Depolarization shift in the resting membrane potential of inferior colliculus neurons explains their hyperactivity induced by an acoustic trauma
Authors: Hsiao Chun-Jen , Galazyuk Alexander V.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Neuronal hyperactivity has been associated with many brain diseases. In the auditory system, hyperactivity has been linked to hyperacusis and tinnitus. Previous research demonstrated the development of hyperactivity in inferior colliculus (IC) neurons after sound overexposure, but the underlying mechanism of this hyperactivity remains unclear. The main goal of this study was to determine the mechanism of this hyperactivity.

Methods

Experiments were performed on CBA/CaJ mice in a restrained, unanesthetized condition using intracellular recordings with sharp microelectrodes. Recordings were obtained from control (unexposed) and unilaterally sound overexposed groups of mice.

Results

Our data suggest that sound exposure-induced hyperactivity was due to a depolarizing shift of the resting membrane potential (RMP) in the hyperactive neurons. The half width of action potentials in these neurons was also decreased after sound exposure. Surprisingly, we also found an RMP gradient in which neurons have more hyperpolarized RMPs with increasing depth in the IC. This gradient was altered in the overexposed animals.
Structural characterization and antioxidant activity of processed polysaccharides PCP-F1 from Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua.
Authors: Zhao Yuanyuan , Wang Zhen , Fu Ranze , Xie Ruonan , Wang Bin , Li Qinglin
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua. (PC) is a traditional Chinese herb with a history of use in both food and medicine. For clinical use, processed PC pieces are most commonly used, while present research has focused on crude PC polysaccharides (PCPs).

Methods

In this study, a new polysaccharide, PCP-F1, with a molecular weight of 37.46 kDa, was separated from four-time processed PCPs by column chromatography and evaluated by antioxidant activity. It was composed of glucose, mannose, galactose, rhamnose, and galacturonic acid with a molar ratio of 3.5: 2.5: 1.3: 1.8: 0.8.

Results and Discussion

The methylation analysis and two-dimensional NMR measurement revealed that the configuration of PCP-F1 contained nine residues in the primary structural unit by the chain of →3)-α-D-Glcp, →2)-α-D-Glcp (6→, →1)-ꞵ-D-Glcp (2→, →2)-α-D-GalAp (3,4→, →1) -ꞵ-D-Manp (3→, →2)-α-D-Glcp (3→, branched for →3)-α-D-Glcp, →2)-ꞵ-D-Galp (4→, →1)-ꞵ-D-Glcp (2→, →2,4)-α-D-Manp (6→, →3)-α-L-Rhap (4→. Radical scavenging assays indicated that PCP-F1 could scavenge radicals with a high scavenging rate, suggesting PCP-F1 possesses good antioxidant activity. The study confirms the importance of processed PC and offers the potential for exploiting it as a functional food.
Influence of body composition assessment with bioelectrical impedance vector analysis in cancer patients undergoing surgery
Authors: Cai Bin , Luo Lan , Zhu Chenping , Meng Liping , Shen Qing , Fu Yafei , Wang Mingjie , Chen Sue
Published: September 2023

Background

Malnutrition is common in patients undergoing surgery for cancers and is a risk factor for postoperative outcomes. Body composition provides information for precise nutrition intervention in perioperative period for improving patients’ postoperative outcomes.

Objection

The aim was to determine changes in parameters of body composition and nutritional status of cancer patients during perioperative period.

Methods

A total of 92 patients diagnosed with cancer were divided into gastrointestinal and non-gastrointestinal cancer group according to different cancer types. The patients body composition assessed by bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) on the day before surgery, postoperative day 1 and 1 day before discharge. The changes between two groups were compared and the correlation between body composition and preoperative serum nutritional indexes was analyzed.

Results

The nutritional status of all patients become worse after surgery, and phase angle (PA) continued to decrease in the perioperative period. Fat-free mass (FFM), fat-free mass index (FFMI), skeletal muscle mass (SMM), extracellular water (ECW), total body water (TBW), hydration, and body cell mass (BCM) rise slightly and then fall in the postoperative period in patients with gastrointestinal cancer, and had a sustained increase in non-gastrointestinal patients, respectively (P<0.05). Postoperative body composition changes in patients with gastrointestinal cancer are related to preoperative albumin, pre-albumin, hemoglobin, and C-reactive protein (P<0.05), whereas postoperative body composition changes in patients with non-gastrointestinal cancer are related to age (P<0.05).

Conclusions

Significant changes in body composition both in patients with gastrointestinal cancer and non-gastrointestinal cancer during perioperative period are observed. Changes in body composition for the cancer patients who undergoing surgery are related to age and preoperative serum nutrition index.
Newborn hearing screening program in China: a narrative review of the issues in screening and management
Authors: Wen Cheng , Huang Li-Hui
Published: September 2023

Hearing loss is one of the most common sensory disorders in humans. The purpose of this review is to summarize the history and current status of newborn hearing screening in China and to investigate future developmental trends in newborn hearing screening with the intention of sharing experiences and providing a reference for other populations. In the 1980s, the research on hearing monitoring for high-risk infants led to the gradual development of newborn hearing screening in China. With the continuous improvement of screening technology, the newborn hearing screening program was gradually extended to the whole country and became a government-led multidisciplinary public health program. Genetic screening for deafness has been incorporated into newborn hearing screening in many regions of China to help screen for potential and late-onset deafness in newborns. In the future, it is necessary to further establish and improve whole life-cycle hearing screening and healthcare, conduct screening for congenital cytomegalovirus infection, and create a full-coverage, whole life course hearing screening and intervention system. Screening for deafness in China has been marked by 40 years of achievements, which have been a source of pride for entrepreneurs and comfort for patients and their families. Managing hearing screening data information more efficiently and establishing a quality control index system throughout the whole screening process are of paramount importance. The genetic screening for concurrent newborn hearing and deafness has a great clinical importance for the management of congenital deafness and prevention of ototoxicity. A hearing screening and intervention system across the whole life course should be developed.
Coordination of carbon assimilation, allocation, and utilization for systemic improvement of cereal yield
Authors: Liang Xiao-Gui , Gao Zhen , Fu Xiao-Xiang , Chen Xian-Min , Shen Si , Zhou Shun-Li
Published: September 2023

The growth of yield outputs is dwindling after the first green revolution, which cannot meet the demand for the projected population increase by the mid-century, especially with the constant threat from extreme climates. Cereal yield requires carbon (C) assimilation in the source for subsequent allocation and utilization in the sink. However, whether the source or sink limits yield improvement, a crucial question for strategic orientation in future breeding and cultivation, is still under debate. To narrow the knowledge gap and capture the progress, we focus on maize, rice, and wheat by briefly reviewing recent advances in yield improvement by modulation of i) leaf photosynthesis; ii) primary C allocation, phloem loading, and unloading; iii) C utilization and grain storage; and iv) systemic sugar signals (e.g., trehalose 6-phosphate). We highlight strategies for optimizing C allocation and utilization to coordinate the source–sink relationships and promote yields. Finally, based on the understanding of these physiological mechanisms, we envisage a future scenery of “smart crop” consisting of flexible coordination of plant C economy, with the goal of yield improvement and resilience in the field population of cereals crops.
Haplotype blocks for genomic prediction: a comparative evaluation in multiple crop datasets
Authors: Weber Sven E. , Frisch Matthias , Snowdon Rod J. , Voss-Fels Kai P.
Published: September 2023

In modern plant breeding, genomic selection is becoming the gold standard for selection of superior genotypes. The basis for genomic prediction models is a set of phenotyped lines along with their genotypic profile. With high marker density and linkage disequilibrium (LD) between markers, genotype data in breeding populations tends to exhibit considerable redundancy. Therefore, interest is growing in the use of haplotype blocks to overcome redundancy by summarizing co-inherited features. Moreover, haplotype blocks can help to capture local epistasis caused by interacting loci. Here, we compared genomic prediction methods that either used single SNPs or haplotype blocks with regards to their prediction accuracy for important traits in crop datasets. We used four published datasets from canola, maize, wheat and soybean. Different approaches to construct haplotype blocks were compared, including blocks based on LD, physical distance, number of adjacent markers and the algorithms implemented in the software “Haploview” and “HaploBlocker”. The tested prediction methods included Genomic Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (GBLUP), Extended GBLUP to account for additive by additive epistasis (EGBLUP), Bayesian LASSO and Reproducing Kernel Hilbert Space (RKHS) regression. We found improved prediction accuracy in some traits when using haplotype blocks compared to SNP-based predictions, however the magnitude of improvement was very trait- and model-specific. Especially in settings with low marker density, haplotype blocks can improve genomic prediction accuracy. In most cases, physically large haplotype blocks yielded a strong decrease in prediction accuracy. Especially when prediction accuracy varies greatly across different prediction models, prediction based on haplotype blocks can improve prediction accuracy of underperforming models. However, there is no “best” method to build haplotype blocks, since prediction accuracy varied considerably across methods and traits. Hence, criteria used to define haplotype blocks should not be viewed as fixed biological parameters, but rather as hyperparameters that need to be adjusted for every dataset.
Two jasmonic acid carboxyl methyltransferases in Gossypium hirsutum involved in MeJA biosynthesis may contribute to plant defense
Authors: Teng Dong , Jing Weixia , Lv Beibei , Huang Xinzheng , Zhao Danyang , Kou Junfeng , Liu Xiaohe , Dhiloo Khalid Hussain , Zhang Yongjun
Published: September 2023

Jasmonic acid (JA) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA), the crucial plant hormones, can induce the emission of plant volatiles and regulate the behavioral responses of insect pests or their natural enemies. In this study, two jasmonic acid carboxyl methyltransferases (JMTs), GhJMT1 and GhJMT2, involved in MeJA biosynthesis in Gossypium. hirsutum were identified and further functionally confirmed. In vitro, recombinant GhJMT1 and GhJMT2 were both responsible for the conversion of JA to MeJA. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) measurement indicated that GhJMT1 and GhJMT2 were obviously up-regulated in leaves and stems of G. hirsutum after being treated with MeJA. In gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, MeJA treatment significantly induced plant volatiles emission such as (E)-β-ocimene, (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate, linalool and (3E)-4,8-dimethyl-1,3,7-nonatriene (DMNT), which play vital roles in direct and indirect plant defenses. Moreover, antennae of parasitoid wasps Microplitis mediator showed electrophysiological responses to MeJA, β-ocimene, (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate and linalool at a dose dependent manner, while our previous research revealed that DMNT excites electrophysiological responses and behavioral tendencies. These findings provide a better understanding of MeJA biosynthesis and defense regulation in upland cotton, which lay a foundation to JA and MeJA employment in agricultural pest control.
A phenomenological study of compassion satisfaction among social work educators in higher education
Authors: Shubair Sultan A. , Miller Ben , Zelenko Jean
Published: September 2023

Background

Compassion satisfaction (CS) is a phenomenon that has been studied among the helping professions, such as nursing and social work and has been linked to stress, burnout, compassion fatigue, and vicarious trauma. Social work educators may also experience these same issues, yet more research is needed on how they might counter the negative impacts associated with this type of work by utilizing their experiences of CS.

Objectives

A phenomenological study was carried out to explore and describe how social work educators in higher education experiences CS.

Methods

Eleven in-depth interviews with social work educators were conducted, and constructivist grounded theory techniques were utilized to analyze the data.

Results

Social work educators experienced CS within the education and personal realms, which encompassed four different elements: achievement, support, balance, and empathy.

Discussion

The four elements of CS were utilized by social work educators in this study as coping strategies to enhance their experience of CS, thus encountering threats to CS, such as institutional barriers, interaction with administrators and colleagues, and work overload.

Conclusion

Interventions fostering compassion satisfaction and reducing compassion fatigue, burnout, and stress should be considered, including interventions that increase the sense of accomplishment, promote holistic self-care, encourage administrative and collegial support, and improve work-life balance.
Similarity-based reasoning in conceptual spaces
Authors: Douven Igor , Verheyen Steven , Elqayam Shira , Gärdenfors Peter , Osta-Vélez Matías
Published: September 2023

Whereas the validity of deductive inferences can be characterized in terms of their logical form, this is not true for all inferences that appear pre-theoretically valid. Nonetheless, philosophers have argued that at least some of those inferences—sometimes called “similarity-based inferences” —can be given a formal treatment with the help of similarity spaces, which are mathematical spaces purporting to represent human similarity judgments. In these inferences, we conclude that a given property pertains to a category of items on the grounds that the same property pertains to a similar category of items. We look at a specific proposal according to which the strength of such inferences is a function of the distance, as measured in the appropriate similarity space, between the category referenced in the premise and the category referenced in the conclusion. We report the outcomes of three studies that all support the said proposal.
The monoid-now: a category theoretic approach to the structure of phenomenological time-consciousness
Authors: Taguchi Shigeru , Saigo Hayato
Published: September 2023

Human consciousness is characterized by constant transitions in time. On the other hand, what is consciously experienced always possesses the temporal feature of “now.” In consciousness, “now” constantly holds different contents, yet it remains “now” no matter how far it goes. This duality is thematized in Husserlian phenomenology as “the standing-streaming now.” Although this phrase appears contradictory in everyday language, it has a structure that can be clearly understood and formalized. In this paper, we show that this structure can be described as a monoid in category theory. Furthermore, monoids can be transformed into the coslice category, which corresponds to the way of perceiving present moments as juxtaposed in succession. The seemingly contradictory nature of the “now” as both flowing and standing can be precisely structured and comprehended through the monoid, while the perspective of the “now” as discrete points on a timeline can be effectively formalized using the coslice category. This framework helps us more precisely understand the differences between ordinary consciousness and meditative consciousness, specifically the experience of the “eternal now.” We illustrate how the meditative states of consciousness presented in the early Buddhist scriptures (Pali Canon) and Dōgen’s Shōbōgenzō remarkably reflect a monoid structure.
An assessment of O3-related health risks and economic losses in typical regions of China
Authors: Song Xiaowei , Hao Yongpei
Published: September 2023

Introduction

As one of the key areas for air pollution prevention and control in China, the Fenwei Plain is experiencing serious near-surface O3 pollution, which is a key issue that needs to be solved urgently.

Methods

Based on pollutant concentration monitoring data and meteorological and health data over the same period, this study analyzed the temporal and spatial characteristics, the relationships with meteorological factors of O3 pollution, and the health effects and economic losses caused by exposure to O3 pollution using environmental health risk and environmental value assessment methods in 11 cities on the Fenwei Plain in China from 2014 to 2020.

Results

The results showed that O3 pollution has become increasingly serious on the Fenwei Plain in recent years. The annual average concentration of O3_8h_max showed an overall upwards trend, with an increase of 32.39% in 2020 compared to 2014. The mean concentrations observed in summer were the highest, followed by spring and autumn, and the lowest was in winter. The O3 concentration had a significant positive correlation with air temperature and sunshine hours. The evaluation results of the impact of air pollution on population health showed that the number of premature deaths caused by O3 pollution fluctuated and increased during 2014–2020. In 2020, the numbers of total, cardiovascular and respiratory deaths attributable to O3 pollution on the Fenwei Plain were 6,867 (95% CI: 3,739–9,965), 3,652 (95% CI: 1,363–5,905), and 1,257 (95% CI: 747–2,365), respectively, and the total number of premature deaths related to O3 exposure increased by 48.05% compared with 2014. The health and economic losses attributed to O3 pollution on the Fenwei Plain during the study period were 44.22 (95% CI: 22.17–69.18), 47.16 (95% CI: 23.64–73.77), 68.28 (95% CI: 34.27–106.31), 114.44 (95% CI: 57.42–177.76), 110.85 (95% CI: 55.45–172.52), 116.41 (95% CI: 58.24–180.74), and 116.81 (95% CI: 58.00–180.88) billion yuan, respectively. In Linfen City, the increasing rate of the number of premature deaths reached 283.39% because the O3 concentration increased greatly.

Discussion

Due to high O3 concentrations and obvious population growth in Xi’an, the problems of premature death and health and economic losses attributed to O3 concentrations exceeding the standard value are prominent.
Effect of bihemispheric transcranial direct current stimulation on distal upper limb function and corticospinal tract excitability in a patient with subacute stroke: a case study
Authors: Shiba Takahiro , Mizuta Naomichi , Hasui Naruhito , Kominami Yohei , Nakatani Tomoki , Taguchi Junji , Morioka Shu
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Activation of the unaffected hemisphere contributes to motor function recovery post stroke in patients with severe upper limb motor paralysis. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been used in stroke rehabilitation to increase the excitability of motor-related areas. tDCS has been reported to improve upper limb motor function; nonetheless, its effects on corticospinal tract excitability and muscle activity patterns during upper limb exercise remain unclear. Additionally, it is unclear whether simultaneously applied bihemispheric tDCS is more effective than anodal tDCS, which stimulates only one hemisphere. This study examined the effects of bihemispheric tDCS training on corticospinal tract excitability and muscle activity patterns during upper limb movements in a patient with subacute stroke.

Methods

In this single-case retrospective study, the Fugl–Meyer Assessment, Box and Block Test, electromyography, and intermuscular coherence measurement were performed. Intermuscular coherence was calculated at 15–30 Hz, which reflects corticospinal tract excitability.

Results

The results indicated that bihemispheric tDCS improved the Fugl–Meyer Assessment, Box and Block Test, co-contraction, and intermuscular coherence results, as compared with anodal tDCS. Discussion: These results reveal that upper limb training with bihemispheric tDCS improves corticospinal tract excitability and muscle activity patterns in patients with subacute stroke.
In Oceans, Lakes And Ponds, Living Things Can Become What They Eat
Authors: Fedder Zachary J. F. , Smith David R.
Published: September 2023

Most of the world’s rich variety of life, called biodiversity, cannot be seen by the naked eye. But just because it is small does not mean it is boring or unimportant! Tiny organisms known as microbes, which are often made up of only a single cell, have many impressive abilities and weird qualities. A lot of the microbial diversity we observe today was made possible by the sharing of DNA between different species through a process called endosymbiosis—in which one organism (the endosymbiont) becomes trapped inside another (called the host). Indeed, an ancient endosymbiotic event resulted in the chloroplasts that trees and green algae use to convert sunlight into energy, for example. Chloroplasts were then passed along, like Pokémon cards, to other organisms through more recent endosymbiotic events, causing an explosion of photosynthesis across the microbial world.
Insects—Nature’s Hidden Gems
Authors: Ong Xin Rui , Priyadarshana Tharaka S. , Tay Li Si , Yim Marx Wen-Han , Goh Alexis , Fung Louisa May , Slade Eleanor M.
Published: September 2023

Insects are the largest group of animals in the world—there are over a million species of insects, and they live just about everywhere! Insects provide essential services for us and for ecosystems, such as pollination, nutrient recycling, and pest control. Yet, most of us pay little attention to insects. Worryingly, insects also face many threats and, across the globe, their populations are at risk. Understanding insects, their importance in ecosystems, and the threats they face is vital for protecting these amazing creatures. In this article, we highlight our close relationships with insects, and the human activities that impact insect populations. We also present some of the current research efforts to better understand and protect insects and suggest some simple steps that each of us can do to support them.
Soil carbon plays a role in the climate impact of diet and its mitigation: the Finnish case
Authors: Saarinen Merja , Heikkinen Jaakko , Ketoja Elise , Kyttä Venla , Hartikainen Hanna , Silvennoinen Kirsi , Valsta Liisa , Lång Kristiina
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Diet has a significant impact on the consumer’s climate impact, and a radical global change in the food system is necessary. However, the change needs to be interpreted and adapted to local conditions.

Methods

To support national climate policy, we evaluated current Finnish diet and its four alternatives: “current diet”; “meat to half diet”; “meat to a third diet”; “a diet rich in fish and milk”; and “a vegan diet”. We created the FoodMin model to simultaneously address both climate impacts and nutrient uptake and to combine carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from soil organic matter (SOM) degradation with dietary climate impact assessments. As a well-established assessment method remains lacking, product group-specific estimates for the CO2 emissions of SOM origin were produced in two different ways, based on long-term observational data or by modelling with the Yasso07. We also examined, using three scenarios, how much the achievement of soil carbon (C) balance in Finnish production could affect the climate impact of the diet.

Results and Discussion

The climate impact of the current diet was 6.0 kg CO2 per person per day, and for alternative diets, the change compared with the current diet was −14%, −20%, −31%, and −39% respectively, for “meat to half” (5.2 kg CO2 eq. per person per day), “meat to third” (4.8), “a diet rich in fish and milk” (4.2), and “the vegan diet” (3.7). SOM-derived CO2 emissions from domestic fields accounted for 18% of the climate impact of the current diet and up to 23% of alternative diets. In terms of the soil C-balance scenarios, all actions together could mean a 3–13% reduction in the climate impact of the diet: the more products of animal origin, the more reduction opportunities in the diet. With the change in diet, these measures could reduce the climate impact of diets by 13–41%. The nutritional value of a “diet rich in fish and milk” was the best. The study revealed that SOM-induced CO2 emissions and SOM-related activities play a very important role in the climate impact of the diet and its mitigation; they cannot be ignored in dietary assessments in addition to direct product choices.
Effects of nano-selenium on cecum microbial community and metabolomics in chickens challenged with Ochratoxin A
Authors: Fang Manxin , Hu Wei , Liu Ben
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a widely distributed mycotoxin. Nano-selenium (Nano-Se) is an emerging form of selenium known for its superior bioavailability, remarkable catalytic efficiency, and robust adsorbing capacity. Despite these characteristics, its impact on the microbial community and metabolomics in the cecum of chickens exposed to OTA has been infrequently investigated. This research examined the microbiota and metabolomic alterations linked to OTA in chickens, with or without Nano-Se present.

Methods

A cohort of 80 healthy chickens at the age of 1 day was randomly distributed into four groups of equal numbers, namely the Se cohort (1 mg/kg Nano-Se), the OTA cohort (50 μg/kg OTA), the OTA-Se cohort (50 μg/kg OTA + 1 mg/kg Nano-Se), and the control group. Each chicken group’s caecal microbiome and metabolome were characterized using 16S rRNA sequencing and Liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC–MS) analyses.

Results and discussion

Our results showed that the on day 21, the final body weight was significantly reduced in response to OTA treatments (p < 0.05), the average daily gain in the OTA group was found to be inferior to the other groups (p < 0.01). In addition, Nano-Se supplementation could reduce the jejunum and liver pathological injuries caused by OTA exposure. The 16S rRNA sequencing suggest that Nano-Se supplementation in OTA-exposed chickens mitigated gut microbiota imbalances by promoting beneficial microbiota and suppressing detrimental bacteria. Moreover, untargeted metabolomics revealed a significant difference in caecal metabolites by Nano-Se pretreatment. Collectively, the dataset outcomes highlighted that Nano-Se augmentation regulates intestinal microbiota and associated metabolite profiles, thus influencing critical metabolic pathways, and points to a possible food-additive product.
Polisemia czuć pozostałością synestezji? – próba wyjaśnienia
wieloznaczności czasownika
Authors: Piotrowska Agnieszka Ewa
Published: September 2023

This article attempts to explain the causes of the formation and preservation of the polysemy of the verb czuć (to feel, to smell, to taste, to see) by using the knowledge of synesthesia from various scientific disciplines. The ambiguity of the verb can be justified by the metaphorical extension of the concrete senses over abstract ones and the preservation of the remains of the original way of sensing when, at a certain stage, the received stimuli and the accompanying emotions or thoughts are not differentiated or specified. D. Buttlerowa clarifies that such a situation is a reflection of the synthetic and sensational perception of the world characterising the old ethne and every human being in infantry and early childhood. The combination of impressions coming from different senses facilitates learning, memorising and acquiring language early in life. Giving consideration to research from various disciplines of science permits the discernment of the reasonability to preserve the ambiguity of czuć and understanding of its cause rather than perceiving it as an example of denying the tendency for clarity and precision in language.

Keywords: perception – polysemy – czuć – semantic archaism
“Multi-Objective and Multi-Level Optimization: Algorithms and Applications”: Foreword by the Guest Editor
Authors: Caramia Massimiliano
Published: September 2023

Decision making in real-world applications frequently calls for taking into account multiple goals to come up with viable solutions [...]
A Method for Selection of Coffee Varieties Resistant to Fusarium stilboides
Authors: Alworah Getrude Okutoyi , Ogendo Joshua Ondura , Mafurah Joseph Juma , Gichuru Elijah Kathurima , Miano Douglas Watuku , Okumu Otieno Oliver
Published: September 2023

Fusarium bark disease (FBD) of coffee caused by Fusarium stilboides Steyaert has been associated with yield losses and tree death in coffee-growing countries, including Kenya. Varietal resistance is of utmost importance in managing the disease, and the continued increase in host resistance is considered sufficient to control the disease. Therefore, this study investigated the response of four coffee cultivars to F. stilboides. Fifteen hypocotyls from Coffea arabica (Ruiru 11, Batian and SL 28), plus two other coffee species, Coffea canephora (Robusta coffee) and Coffea liberica (Liberica coffee), were inoculated with various concentrations of three F. stilboides isolates (NRF 930/18, TN002B (I), BS008B (A)) using both the injection and drenching methods. The stem injection method was performed by injecting one microliter of the F. stilboides spore solution into the hypocotyl. In the drenching method, coffee seedlings had their roots cut and transplanted in a transplanting mixture, after which 10 mL of the F. stilboides spore solution was applied to the soil surface in each pot. The inoculated hypocotyls were incubated at 24 ± 2 °C for 105 days. The plants were watered regularly as necessary while the development of symptoms was observed and assessed weekly. Disease severity was evaluated using a modified scale of 0–4, while incidence was scored as a percentage of infected seedlings. Coffee seedlings inoculated with F. stilboides developed symptoms such as wilting, stunted growth and defoliation. In the first season, the coffee cultivars of Ruiru 11 and Liberica inoculated with Fusarium stilboides had pronounced severity compared to other cultivars. In the second season, the coffee cultivars Batian and Ruiru 11 had pronounced severity compared to other cultivars. The isolate TN002B (I) was observed to be highly virulent as compared to other isolates. The variation in response to disease infection exhibited by the four cultivars presents a key input in breeding programs for resistance to F. stilboides.
Potential Use of Wheat Straw, Grape Pomace, Olive Mill Wastewater and Cheese Whey in Mixed Formulations for Silage Production
Authors: D’Alessandro Angela Gabriella , Dibenedetto Roberta Savina , Skoufos Ioannis , Martemucci Giovanni
Published: September 2023

Two experiments were conducted to investigate the chemical and fermentative characteristics of by-product-mixed silages consisting of wheat straw (WS), grape pomace (GP), olive mill wastewater (OMWW) and cheese whey (CW) at 7, 30 and 90 days. The silage formulations were based on a ratio of 60% solids (WS + GP) and 40% liquids (CW + OMWW), with the addition of water (W) where necessary to achieve 40% of liquids. In experiment 1, the effects of the inclusion of GP or CW in a mixture of WS and OMWW were studied according to two silage formulations: SIL-A, WS40% + OMWW5% + GP20% + W35%; SIL-B, WS60% + OMWW5% + CW35%. In experiment 2, the effects of two levels of CW and the inclusion of OMWW in mixed silages based on WS, GP, and CW were studied according to four silage formulations: SIL-C, WS40% + GP20% + CW20% + W20%; SIL-D, WS40% + GP20% + CW20% + OMWW5% + W15%; SIL-E, WS40% + GP20% + CW35% + W5%; SIL-F, WS40% + GP20% + CW35% + OMWW5%. In experiment 1, the silage formulation affected the chemical composition showing a greater (p < 0.05) content of DM in SIL-B; crude protein, ether extract and ADL contents were higher (p < 0.05) in SIL-A. In experiment 2, no differences (p > 0.05) in the chemical characteristics of the silages were found. In both of the experiments, the chemical composition and total phenol content did not change (p > 0.05) during the ensiling period. Fermentative characteristics were not affected (p > 0.05) by the by-product combination nor the ensiling period and proved to be adequate for good-quality silages. The Flieg’s scores at D30 and D90 were greater than a 100 score in all the experimental silages, leading to the conclusion that WS, GP, OMWW and CW can be effective for producing silage.
Alleviation of Water-Deficit Stress on Seed Germination of Barley and Fenugreek in a Sandy Soil Using Superabsorbent Polymer
Authors: Ali Rehab R. S. , Nassar Ibrahim N. , Ghallab Ahmed , Ali Esmat F. , Alqubaie Ahmad I. , Rady Mostafa M. , Awad Ahmed A. M.
Published: September 2023

Water deficit is one of the major limiting factors of seed crop germination and productivity. Consequently, superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) are among several technologies that enhance water use efficiency, leading to worthy seed germination. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential effect of three rates of SAPs (0.0%, 0.5%, and 1.0% w/w) on the seedling emergence of barley and fenugreek sown in a sandy soil using three replicates in a randomized complete block design. Outdoor pot experiments were conducted in Aswan Province, Egypt. The differences in the final germination percentages (FGPs) were not significant for both seeds, while the application of SAPs enhanced the seedling germination index (GI) with significant differences for both crop seeds. The application of SAP at 0.5% gave the highest GI for barley (2.47 day−1) and fenugreek (2.66 day−1) seeds. The sigmoidal function effectively described the cumulative germination percentage rates for both seeds as a function of time under the SAP levels with R2 greater than 0.992. The maximum rates were 69.4 and 64.6 day−1 for barley and fenugreek seeds at SAP 0.5%, respectively. The corresponding rates for 0.0% SAP were 11 and 12 day−1. The water germination efficiencies (WGE) were 27.76 and 30.04 cm−1 for 0.0% and 0.5% SAP for barley, while they were 23.07 and 29.9 cm−1 for fenugreek. Accordingly, SAPs could represent a promising solution for increasing moisture conservation for seed germination in a sand soil. For strategic management, barley is recommended for growth over fenugreek in a semidried soil.
Epidemiology and Control of Fungal Diseases in Crop Plants
Authors: Wang Haiguang
Published: September 2023

Crop fungal diseases are a major threat to crop health and food security worldwide. The epidemiology is the basis for effective and sustainable control of crop fungal diseases. Safe, effective, sustainable, and eco-friendly disease control measures have important economic, ecological, and social significances. This Special Issue, “Epidemiology and Control of Fungal Diseases of Crop Plants”, collected one communication and nine original research articles focusing on the identification and detection of the causal agents of alfalfa Fusarium root rot, strawberry black spot, and barley leaf stripe; the semantic segmentation of wheat stripe rust images; the image-based identification of wheat stripe rust and wheat leaf rust; the image-based identification of the severity of wheat Fusarium head blight; the development process of vanilla Fusarium wilt; the regional migration of wheat leaf rust pathogen; the early prediction of potato early blight; the screening of alternative fungicides for the control of alfalfa Fusarium root rot; and the biocontrol potential of endophytic fungi to control of cumin root rot, presenting the progress of research on the epidemiology and control of crop fungal diseases. The studies contained in this Special Issue facilitated the development of epidemiology of the related crop fungal diseases and provided some basis for control of the diseases, which is conducive to the sustainable management of these diseases.
Amino Acid Digestibility of Different Formulations of Torula Yeast in an In Vitro Porcine Gastrointestinal Digestion Model and Their Protective Effects on Barrier Function and Inflammation in a Caco-2/THP1Co-Culture Model
Authors: Verstrepen Lynn , Calatayud-Arroyo Marta , Duysburgh Cindy , De Medts Jelle , Ekmay Ricardo D. , Marzorati Massimo
Published: September 2023

Single-cell protein from torula yeast (Cyberlindnera jadinii) grown on lignocellulosic biomass has been proven to be an excellent alternative protein source for animal feed. This study aimed to evaluate the amino acid (AA) digestibility by estimating intestinal absorption from three yeast-based ingredients, produced by cultivating C. jadinii on hydrolysate, using either mixed woody species (drum- (WDI) or spray-dried (WSI)) or corn dextrose (drum-dried (DDI)) as the carbon source. Further, the protective effect of intestinal digests on activated THP1-Blue™-induced epithelial damage and cytokine profile was evaluated. Total protein content from these three ingredients ranged from 34 to 45%, while the AA dialysis showed an estimated bioaccessibility between 41 and 58%, indicating good digestibility of all test products. A protective effect against epithelial-induced damage was observed for two of the three tested products. Torula yeast cultivated on wood and drum-dried (WDI) and torula yeast cultivated on wood and spray-dried (WSI) significantly increased transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) values (111–147%, p < 0.05), recovering the epithelial barrier from the inflammation-induced damage in a dose-dependent manner. Further, WSI digests significantly reduced IL8 (250.8 ± 28.1 ng/mL), IL6 (237.9 ± 1.8 pg/mL) and TNF (2797.9 ± 216.3 pg/mL) compared to the blank control (IL8 = 485.7 ± 74.4 ng/mL, IL6 = 478.7 ± 58.9 pg/mL; TNF = 4273.5 ± 20.9 pg/mL) (p < 0.05). These results align with previous in vivo studies, supporting torula yeast-based ingredients as a high-quality protein source for pigs, protecting the intestinal barrier from inflammatory damage, and reducing the pro-inflammatory response. We provided novel insights into the mechanisms behind the health improvement of pigs fed on torula yeast-based ingredients, with potential applications for designing nutritional interventions to recover intestinal homeostasis during critical production periods, such as weaning.