bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interactive Effects between Zinc and Selenium on Mineral Element Accumulation and Fruit Quality of Strawberry
Authors: Huang Siyu , Gao Linyan , Fu Guohai , Du Sen , Wang Qi , Li Huafen , Wan Yanan
Published: September 2023

In this study, we evaluated zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) biofortification in strawberry fruits under substrate and soil cultivation, along with their effects on mineral element accumulation and fruit quality. To achieve this, foliar Zn (0.1% and 0.2%) and Se (0.003% and 0.006%) fertilizers were applied separately or in combination at the initial flowering stage. The Zn and Se contents in strawberry fruits increased with the spraying dosage. Compared to the control, the Zn content in the first batch of Zn-treated strawberries increased by 36.9–109% and 27.1–102% under substrate and soil cultivation, respectively, while Se increased by 313–444% and 21.3–53.3%, respectively. However, foliar Zn application could not ensure long-term sustainability as Zn in strawberries gradually decreased in the two subsequent batches, while Se was more stable. Compared to the control, the Se content in the three batches of Se2 (0.006%)-treated strawberries grown in soil increased by 32.9%, 124%, and 109%, respectively. Meanwhile, compared to Se alone, the Zn–Se combined application decreased the Se content in strawberries by 61.2–77.6% and 24.9–45.7% under substrate and soil cultivation, respectively, while low doses of Se promoted Zn enrichment (by 8.62–40.9%) and high doses inhibited it (by 13.2–28.9%) under substrate cultivation. Moreover, the copper content in strawberries under substrate cultivation after the Se1 (0.003%) treatment was significantly higher (by 75.0%) than that in the control. A positive correlation was observed between Cu and Zn contents in strawberries under both substrate and soil cultivation. A consistent positive impact was also observed on fruit quality. The Se2 (0.006%) treatment caused an increase in ascorbic acid content (by 37.2%) in strawberry fruits. The soluble sugar content increased by 36.3% after the Zn1 (0.1%) treatment. The present study provides a practical basis for the biofortification of strawberries with Zn and Se.
Effect of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes on the Carbon and Nitrogen Cycling Processes in Saline Soil
Authors: Zuo Yutian , Wei Chenchen , Hu Yue , Zeng Wenzhi , Ao Chang , Huang Jiesheng
Published: September 2023

Soil salinization is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed in current agricultural production. In this study, we utilized novel materials, unfunctionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT-OH), to explore the effects of soil carbon and nitrogen cycles in saline soil. We set up four treatments, which were exposed to two exposure doses of 1 g/kg and 1 μg/kg and two MWCNT types of functionalized MWCNT-OH and unfunctionalized MWCNT. Our results demonstrate that exposure of saline soil to 1 g/kg functionalized MWCNT-OH significantly increased the soil inorganic nitrogen (p < 0.05), while also promoting the soil microbial biomass. This exposure can also potentially enhance greenhouse gas emissions from saline soil. Moreover, exposure to MWCNTs significantly increased the proportion of Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria, two dominant phyla (p < 0.05), which in turn improved their contribution to the carbon and nitrogen cycling processes within saline soil. High exposure dose treatments (1 g/kg) significantly increased the abundance of functional genes associated with carbon metabolism, carbon fixation, methane metabolism, and nitrogen cycling processes within saline soil. In contrast, low exposure dose treatments (1 μg/kg) had no significant effect on the abundance of functional genes related to nitrogen cycling, but significantly increased the abundance of special functional genes related to carbon cycling. Redundancy analysis revealed that the microbial community composition within saline soil was significantly impacted by the soil total carbon, total nitrogen, and nitrate nitrogen content. Furthermore, it was observed that over 80% of the carbon and nitrogen cycling processes within the saline soil were contributed by the dominant phyla. In summary, our research confirms the potential applicability of MWCNTs within saline soil. Notably, exposure of saline soil to 1 g/kg functionalized MWCNT-OH exhibited the most significant promoting effect on the carbon and nitrogen cycles.
Phytotoxic and Insecticidal Activity of Industrial Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Extracts against Plodia interpunctella Hübner—A Potential Sunflower Grain Protectant
Authors: Prvulović Dejan , Gvozdenac Sonja , Latković Dragana , Peić Tukuljac Marijana , Sikora Vladimir , Kiprovski Biljana , Mišan Aleksandra , Chrysargyris Antonios , Tzortzakis Nikolaos , Ovuka Jelena
Published: September 2023

The biological activity (contact and contact-digestive toxicity, repellent and fumigant effects, effect on the insect’s development and life cycle parameters) of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) ethanolic extract was assessed against Plodia interpunctella, the most destructive storage pest of sunflower. Additionally, the study aimed to examine the phytotoxic activity of the extract in order to assess its potential as a sunflower grain protectant. Phytotoxicity assessment was based on the effect on germination energy and seed germination and the activity of antioxidative enzymes, enzymes of the polyphenolic metabolism, and the intensity of lipid peroxidation in sunflower seedlings. The antioxidant capacity and content of phenolic compounds (total phenolics and total tannins) were also measured in seedlings. In the experiments, 70% ethanolic extract of dried flowering buds of industrial hemp (variety Helena) was applied at 0.5%, 1.0% and 2.0% concentrations directly on sunflower seeds. Ethanol solution (70%) was the control. The hemp extract (1% and 2%) revealed medium repellence for P. interpunctella larvae (L3–4) while at 2% concentration it caused 42.5% larval mortality after 72 h. Moreover, the insect’s development was prolonged and fecundity significantly reduced in hemp treatments. The extract did not exhibit fumigant activity. Germination energy and germination of sunflower seeds were stimulated in treatment with 2% hemp extract, while most biochemical parameters of the seedlings were not significantly affected by the hemp extract.
Diversity and Heterosis of Leaf Anatomical Traits in Backcross 1 (BC1) Derived from Interspecific Hybridization between Commercial Cane (Saccharum spp. Hybrid) and Wild Type (S. spontaneum)
Authors: Wiangwiset Kanlayanee , Dermail Abil , Piwpuan Narumol , Songsri Patcharin , Jongrungklang Nakorn
Published: September 2023

Interspecific hybridization between commercial and wild canes followed by backcrossing may transfer favorable alleles responsible for drought tolerance in sugarcane. Our study aimed to assess the distribution of BC1 individuals on leaf anatomy and to classify them regarding heterosis values. Five BC1 populations were established using a commercial Saccharum spp. hybrid as a donor female and the F1 interspecific hybrids as recurrent males. Leaf anatomy included leaf thickness (LT), cuticle thickness (CT), the vertical length of bulliform cell (VBC), stomatal crypt depth (SCD), percent CT, percent VBC, and percent SCD. The anatomical traits of BC1 showed high phenotypic variations, and all populations can be divided into three groups based on their heterosis values. Heterosis seemed to be genotype and trait dependent as the estimates varied considerably across populations and observed traits, ranging from negative on LT to positive on VBC. Group I (BC1-1) showed positive heterosis on percent CT, percent VBC, and percent SCD. Dendrogram analysis revealed that some clones in population BC1-1 were promising regarding stalk weight and leaf anatomy, making them desirable for further clone selections. Backcrossing with commercial canes resulted in higher BC1 means than their mid-parents despite low heterosis on leaf anatomy.
Effect of Enhanced Organic Material Addition during Reductive Soil Disinfestation on Disease Resistance, Yield Increase, and Microbial Community in Flue-Cured Tobacco
Authors: Luo Chaosheng , Ding Huiqiong , Li Yuanyuan , Liu Taiqin , Dong Yan
Published: September 2023

The addition of organic materials is pivotal for the efficacy of reductive soil disinfestation (RSD). However, data on the influence of varying amounts of organic matter during RSD on soil-borne disease mitigation, yield increase, and rhizosphere microecological health in the current flue-cured tobacco season remain limited. This study analyzed various organic material addition rates (CK, G0.8, G1.0, and G1.2) at two experimental sites (K and Y). The results indicated that increasing the application of organic material improved the soil physicochemical properties (pH, AN, AP, AK, OM, and C/N), mitigated the severity of black shank and Fusarium root rot, and amplified the tobacco yield. The K/YG1.2 treatment significantly reduced the Shannon and Sobs fungal indices across both sites, and enhanced the relative abundance of the bacteria Actinobacteria, Chloroflexi, Firmicutes, and Acidobacteriota, while decreasing the relative abundance of Ascomycota. The bacterial genera were predominantly represented by Sphingomonas and Bacillus, whereas the fungal genera were represented by Saitozyma, Mortierella, and Fusarium. The addition of organic materials during RSD substantially decreased the relative abundance of Mortierella and Fusarium. Using FUNGGuild and Tax4Fun to evaluate the application of adding organic matter during the RSD process, we identified that rhizosphere fungi in high application rates of flue-cured tobacco were primarily saprophytic or pathogenic saprophytes, which were mainly involved in the metabolism, environmental information processing, genetic information processing, and cellular processes. The results of the two experimental sites indicate that applying 15 t·ha−1 (K/YG1.2) of solid residues such as vegetables during RSD emerges as the optimal choice. This strategy is highly effective in guaranteeing the sterilization and pest control effect of the RSD process, facilitating the reconstruction of microbial community diversity, lowering pathogen abundance, managing soil-borne diseases that are prevalent in the current flue-cured tobacco season, and leading to an increase in tobacco yield.
Effects of Atom Search-Optimized Thornthwaite Potential Evapotranspiration on Root and Shoot Systems in Controlled Carica papaya Cultivation
Authors: Concepcion Ronnie , Baun Jonah Jahara , Janairo Adrian Genevie , Bandala Argel
Published: September 2023

Potential evapotranspiration (PET) indicates if a cultivation area is suitable for planting. Currently, site-specific PET models that are based on large geographic regions are vulnerable to inaccurate predictions as a result of climate change and sudden changes in the environmental abiotic stressors that affect plant growth. For the aim of promoting the papaya Sinta F1 cultivar, the study optimized the standard Thornthwaite PET model by integrating three advanced physics-based metaheuristics and evolutionary computing, namely atom search (ASO), differential evolution (DE), and multiverse (MVO) optimizers. The PET value was optimized through minimization as a function of air temperature, light intensity, heat index, and extended heat index. As the PET value approaches 0, it indicates that there is more soil-water content that can be absorbed by plants. Based on the four cultivation treatments (uncontrolled, ASO, DE, and MVO) exposed in three replicates within 90 days, the ASO-optimized Thornthwaite PET-treated (ASOTh) papaya plants resulted in the highest chlorophyll a and b concentrations, densest stomatal density, concentrated root and stem xylem and phloem vessels, considerable root and stem length, most formed leaf count, and strongest action potentials coming from stem membrane for both light and dark periods. This proves the applicability of the intelligent process in modifying the Thornthwaite model for plant growth promotion. Also, through the developed ASOTh, the stem length and thickness ratio was improved for mechanical stability to facilitate more branching leaves and potential fruits during the fruiting stage, and the chlorophyll a and b ratio was enhanced, which naturally extended the light energy band for photosynthesis. Overall, the newly developed ASOTh model may be used to grow papaya seedlings year-round anywhere on Earth if there is a control system to regulate the environmental setting inside the growth chamber.
‘Soil and Plant Nutrition’—A Section of Agronomy: Advances and Perspectives
Authors: Głąb Tomasz
Published: September 2023

‘Soil and Plant Nutrition’ is a peer-reviewed and open-access section of Agronomy (ISSN 2073-4395) [...]
Sources of Resistance to Powdery Mildew in Wild Barley (Hordeum vulgare subsp. spontaneum) Collected in Jordan, Lebanon, and Libya
Authors: Czembor Jerzy H. , Czembor Elzbieta
Published: September 2023

Barley powdery mildew (BPM) is caused by the pathogen Blumeria hordei (Bh) and can lead to severe yield loss. Plant pathologists are looking for new sources of resistance to BPM. Barley accessions, including the wild subspecies Hordeum vulgare subsp. spontaneum (Hvs), are stored in many gene banks and are often a valuable source of economically important characteristics. The wild barley Hvs could be a valuable resistance source for BPM. The aim of the presented investigation was to detect new sources of BPM resistance in 81 accessions of Hvs collected in Jordan (46), Lebanon (24), and Libya (11). European differential isolates of BPM were used, and resistant single plant lines were selected for use from fifteen accessions from Jordan and Libya. These resistant single plant lines were tested for the presence of specific resistance genes using a differential set of Bh isolates. Hypotheses about the presence of specific resistance genes were made by comparing the reaction spectra of the tested lines with those of differential lines. After an analysis of the obtained results, it was concluded that all 31 tested single plant lines of Hvs had genes for resistance that are not represented in the barley differential set for resistance genes to Bh. Twenty-six lines of Hvs selected from accessions originated in Jordan and Libya showed resistance reactions to all isolates used. These lines will be further tested as new sources of effective resistance and used in barley prebreeding programs.
Predicting Crop Evapotranspiration under Non-Standard Conditions Using Machine Learning Algorithms, a Case Study for Vitis vinifera L. cv Tempranillo
Authors: Egipto Ricardo , Aquino Arturo , Costa Joaquim Miguel , Andújar José Manuel
Published: September 2023

This study focuses on assessing the accuracy of supervised machine learning regression algorithms (MLAs) in predicting actual crop evapotranspiration (ETc act) for a deficit irrigated vineyard of Vitis vinifera cv. Tempranillo, influenced by a typical Mediterranean climate. The standard approach of using the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) crop evapotranspiration under standard conditions (FAO-56 Kc-ET0) to estimate ETc act for irrigation purposes faces limitations in row-based, sparse, and drip irrigated crops with large, exposed soil areas, due to data requirements and potential shortcomings. One significant challenge is the accurate estimation of the basal crop coefficient (Kcb), which can be influenced by incorrect estimations of the effective transpiring leaf area and surface resistance. The research results demonstrate that the tested MLAs can accurately estimate ETc act for the vineyard with minimal errors. The Root-Mean-Square Error (RMSE) values were found to be in the range of 0.019 to 0.030 mm·h⁻¹. Additionally, the obtained MLAs reduced data requirements, which suggests their feasibility to be used to optimize sustainable irrigation management in vineyards and other row crops. The positive outcomes of the study highlight the potential advantages of employing MLAs for precise and efficient estimation of crop evapotranspiration, leading to improved water management practices in vineyards. This could promote the adoption of more sustainable and resource-efficient irrigation strategies, particularly in regions with Mediterranean climates.
Enhanced Neural Network for Rapid Identification of Crop Water and Nitrogen Content Using Multispectral Imaging
Authors: Peng Yaoqi , He Mengzhu , Zheng Zengwei , He Yong
Published: September 2023

Precision irrigation and fertilization in agriculture are vital for sustainable crop production, relying on accurate determination of the crop’s nutritional status. However, there are challenges in optimizing traditional neural networks to achieve this accurately. This paper aims to propose a rapid identification method for crop water and nitrogen content using optimized neural networks. This method addresses the difficulty in optimizing the traditional backpropagation neural network (BPNN) structure. It uses 179 multi−spectral images of crops (such as maize) as samples for the neural network model. Particle swarm optimization (PSO) is applied to optimize the hidden layer nodes. Additionally, this paper proposes a double−hidden−layer network structure to improve the model’s prediction accuracy. The proposed double−hidden−layer PSO−BPNN model showed a 9.87% improvement in prediction accuracy compared with the traditional BPNN model. The correlation coefficient R2 for predicted crop nitrogen and water content was 0.9045 and 0.8734, respectively. The experimental results demonstrate high training efficiency and accuracy. This method lays a strong foundation for developing precision irrigation and fertilization plans for modern agriculture and holds promising prospects.
Evaluation of the Effect of Induced Endotoxemia on ROTEM S® and Platelet Parameters in Beagle Dogs Anaesthetized with Sevoflurane
Authors: Kutter Annette P. N. , Joerger Fabiola B. , Riond Barbara , Steblaj Barbara
Published: September 2023

Endotoxemia is thought to induce severe changes in coagulation status. In this study, blood samples from six beagle dogs receiving 1 mg/kg E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) intravenously were analyzed to describe the concurrent changes in platelet count, platelet function assessed with impedance thromboaggregometry, thromboelastometry and d-dimers during artificially induced endotoxemia and its therapy with fluids and vasopressors at five timepoints (baseline, after LPS and 30 mL/kg Ringer’s acetate, during noradrenaline ± dexmedetomidine infusion, after a second fluid bolus and a second time after vasopressors). Results were analyzed for changes over time with the Friedman test, and statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. We found decreased platelet count and function and changes in all platelet-associated rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) variables indicating hypocoagulability, as well as increases in d-dimers indicating fibrinolysis within one hour of intravenous administration of LPS, with partial recovery of values after treatment and over time. The fast changes in platelet count, platelet function and ROTEM variables reflect the large impact of endotoxemia on the coagulation system and support repeated evaluation during the progress of endotoxemic diseases. The partial recovery of the variables after initiation of fluid and vasopressor therapy may reflect the positive impact of the currently suggested therapeutic interventions during septic shock in dogs.
African Swine Fever: The State of the Art in Italy
Authors: Pavone Silvia , Iscaro Carmen , Dettori Annalisa , Feliziani Francesco
Published: September 2023

African swine fever (ASF) is a severe viral disease of domestic pigs and Eurasian wild boars (Sus scrofa) caused by the African swine fever virus (ASFV). ASF is endemic in sub-Saharan Africa, where 24 genotypes of the virus have been reported. Between the late 1950s and the early 1980s, genotype I ASFV emerged in Europe, including Italy. In June 2007, a second ASF epidemic wave caused by genotype II was registered, involving several European and extra-European countries, including Italy in 2022. The present paper aims to provide the state of the art of ASF in Italy, describing the course of ASF in wild boars and domestic pigs as an example of multiple concurring different scenarios. Sardinia is coping with the last phase of the eradication of the disease by applying the exit strategy. Conversely, four clusters of infection located in North, Central, and South Italy are still ongoing. The unique and complex Italian experience in ASF-controlling may be useful to increase know-how on the efficacy of strategies and measures, as well as issues that could be further improved.
Influence of Perch-Provision Timing on Anxiety and Fearfulness in Laying Hens
Authors: Anderson Mallory G. , Johnson Alexa M. , Jacobs Leonie , Ali Ahmed B. A.
Published: September 2023

Perches can enhance laying hen welfare, but their effectiveness might be age-dependent. We investigated early and late perch access effects on anxiety and fear in pullets through attention bias (AB) and tonic immobility (TI) tests. Pullets (n = 728) were raised with or without multi-level perches: CP (continuous perch access: 0–37 weeks), EP (early perch access: 0–17 weeks), LP (late perch access: 17–37 weeks), and NP (no perch access). AB was conducted in weeks 21 and 37 (n = 84/week), and TI was performed in weeks 20, 25, and 37 (n = 112/week). CP hens fed quicker than EP, LP, and NP in AB at weeks 21 and 37 (p ≤ 0.05). CP and NP feeding latencies were stable, while EP and LP fed faster at week 37 (p ≤ 0.05). CP had the shortest TI at week 20 (p < 0.05). CP and LP had the shortest TI in weeks 25 and 37 (all p ≤ 0.05). Unlike NP, CP reduced anxiety and fear. Adding perches during laying (LP) raised anxiety at week 21, adapting by week 37, and removing pre-laying perches (EP) worsened fear at weeks 20 and 25 and anxiety at week 21, recovering by week 37. Adding or removing perches prior to the lay phase increased fear and anxiety, an effect that disappeared by week 37 of age. Our study indicates that continuous perch access benefits animal welfare compared to no perch access at all.
Effect of Different Dietary Lipid Sources on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, and Intestinal Health in Weaned Pigs
Authors: Yang Wenjuan , Jiang Fei , Yu Bing , Huang Zhiqing , Luo Yuheng , Wu Aimin , Zheng Ping , Mao Xiangbing , Yu Jie , Luo Junqiu , Yan Hui , He Jun
Published: September 2023

To investigate the effects of lipid sources on growth performance and intestinal health, 72 weaned pigs were randomly allocated to three treatments. Pigs were fed with a corn–soybean meal diet containing 2% soybean oil (SO), or fish–palm–rice oil mixture (FPRO), or coconut–palm–rice oil mixture (CPRO). The trial lasted for 28 days; blood and intestinal tissue samples were collected. The results showed that the crude fat digestibility of the FPRO group was higher than that of the SO and CPRO groups (p < 0.05). The FPRO group also had higher digestibility of dry matter, ash, and gross energy than the SO group (p < 0.05); compared to the SO group, the serum interlukin-6 (IL-6) concentration was decreased. Interestingly, the FPRO and CPRO groups had higher villus height than the SO group in the jejunum and ileum, respectively (p < 0.05). Moreover, the FPRO group had higher Lactobacillus abundance than the SO group in the colon and cecum (p < 0.05). Importantly, the expression levels of tight junction protein ZO-1, Claudin-1, and Occludin in the duodenal and ileal mucosa were higher in the FPRO group than in the SO and CPRO groups (p < 0.05). The expression levels of nutrient transporters such as the CAT-1, PepT1, FATP1, and SGLT1 were higher in the FPRO group than in the SO group (p < 0.05). The improved digestibility and intestinal epithelium functions, as well as the reduced inflammatory cytokines, in the FPRO and CPRO group suggest that a mixed lipid source such as the FPRO deserves further attention.
Effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus DSM7133 on Intestinal Porcine Epithelial Cells
Authors: Palkovicsné Pézsa Nikolett , Kovács Dóra , Somogyi Fanni , Karancsi Zita , Móritz Alma Virág , Jerzsele Ákos , Rácz Bence , Farkas Orsolya
Published: September 2023

Antimicrobial resistance is one of the biggest health challenges nowadays. Probiotics are promising candidates as feed additives contributing to the health of the gastrointestinal tract. The beneficial effect of probiotics is species/strain specific; the potential benefits need to be individually assessed for each probiotic strain or species. We established a co-culture model, in which gastrointestinal infection was modeled using Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. enterica serovar Typhimurium). Using intestinal porcine epithelial cells (IPEC-J2), the effects of pre-, co-, and post-treatment with Lactobacillus (L.) rhamnosus on the barrier function, intracellular (IC) reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, proinflammatory cytokine (IL-6 and IL-8) response, and adhesion inhibition were tested. E. coli- and S. Typhimurium-induced barrier impairment and increased ROS production could be counteracted using L. rhamnosus (p < 0.01). S. Typhimurium-induced IL-6 production was reduced via pre-treatment (p < 0.05) and post-treatment (p < 0.01); increased IL-8 secretion was decreased via pre-, co-, and post-treatment (p < 0.01) with L. rhamnosus. L. rhamnosus demonstrated significant inhibition of adhesion for both S. Typhimurium (p < 0.001) and E. coli (p < 0.001 in both pre-treatment and post-treatment; p < 0.05 in co-treatment). This study makes a substantial contribution to the understanding of the specific benefits of L. rhamnosus. Our findings can serve as a basis for further in vivo studies carried out in pigs and humans.
Real-Time Monitoring of Antibiotics in the Critically Ill Using Biosensors
Authors: Mishi Ruvimbo Dephine , Stokes Michael Andrew , Campbell Craig Anthony , Plaxco Kevin William , Stocker Sophie Lena
Published: September 2023

By ensuring optimal dosing, therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) improves outcomes in critically ill patients by maximizing effectiveness while minimizing toxicity. Current methods for measuring plasma drug concentrations, however, can be challenging, time-consuming, and slow to return an answer, limiting the extent to which TDM is used to optimize drug exposure. A potentially promising solution to this dilemma is provided by biosensors, molecular sensing devices that employ biorecognition elements to recognize and quantify their target molecules rapidly and in a single step. This paper reviews the current state of the art for biosensors regarding their application to TDM of antibiotics in the critically ill, both as ex vivo point-of-care devices supporting single timepoint measurements and in vivo devices supporting continuous real-time monitoring in situ in the body. This paper also discusses the clinical development of biosensors for TDM, including regulatory challenges and the need for standardized performance evaluation. We conclude by arguing that, through precise and real-time monitoring of antibiotics, the application of biosensors in TDM holds great promise for enhancing the optimization of drug exposure in critically ill patients, offering the potential for improved outcomes.
Optimized Single-Step Recovery of Lipophilic and Hydrophilic Compounds from Raspberry, Strawberry and Blackberry Pomaces Using a Simultaneous Ultrasound-Enzyme-Assisted Extraction (UEAE)
Authors: Davidson Morag , Louvet François , Meudec Emmanuelle , Landolt Cornelia , Grenier Karine , Périno Sandrine , Ouk Tan-Sothéa , Saad Naïma
Published: September 2023

An ultrasound-enzyme-assisted extraction (UEAE) was optimized to extract, simultaneously, the hydrophilic and lipophilic compounds from three berry pomaces (raspberry, strawberry and blackberry). First, an enzyme screening designated a thermostable alkaline protease as the most suitable enzyme to recover, in an aqueous medium, the highest yields of polyphenols and oil in the most efficient way. Secondly, the selected enzyme was coupled to ultrasounds (US) in sequential and simultaneous combinations. The simultaneous US–alkaline enzyme combination was selected as a one-single-step process and was then optimized by definitive screening design (DSD). The optimized parameters were: US amplitude, 20% (raspberry pomace) or 70% (strawberry and blackberry pomaces); pH, 8; E/S ratio, 1% (w/w); S/L ratio, 6% (w/v); extraction time, 30 min; temperature, 60 °C. Compared to conventional extractions using organic solvents, the UEAE extracted all the polyphenols, with around 75% of the active polyphenols (measured by the DPPH● method) and up to 75% of the initial oil from the berry pomaces. Characterized lipophilic compounds were rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), tocols and phytosterols. The polyphenolics were analyzed by UPLC-MS/MS; characteristic ellagitannins of the Rosaceae family (sanguiin H-6 or agrimoniin, sanguiin H-10, …) and ellagic acid conjugates were found as the major components.
Novel Heme Oxygenase-1 Inducers Palliate Inflammatory Pain and Emotional Disorders by Regulating NLRP3 Inflammasome and Activating the Antioxidant Pathway
Authors: Pérez-Fernández Montse , Suárez-Rojas Irene , Bai Xue , Martínez-Martel Ignacio , Ciaffaglione Valeria , Pittalà Valeria , Salerno Loredana , Pol Olga
Published: September 2023

Chronic pain caused by persistent inflammation is current in multiple diseases and has a strong negative impact on society. It is commonly associated with several mental illnesses, which can exert a negative influence on pain perception, and needs to be eradicated. Nevertheless, actual therapies are not sufficiently safe and effective. Recent reports demonstrate that the induction of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) enzyme produces analgesic effects in animals with osteoarthritis pain and reverses the grip strength loss caused by sciatic nerve crush. In this research, we evaluated the potential use of three new HO-1 inducers, 1m, 1a, and 1b, as well as dimethyl fumarate (DMF), for treating persistent inflammatory pain induced by the subplantar injection of complete Freud’s adjuvant and the functional deficits and emotional sickness associated. The modulator role of these treatments on the inflammatory and antioxidant pathways were also assessed. Our findings revealed that repeated treatment, for four days, with 1m, 1a, 1b, or DMF inhibited inflammatory pain, reversed grip strength deficits, and reversed the linked anxious- and depressive-like behaviors, with 1m being the most effective. These treatments also suppressed the up-regulation of the inflammasome NLRP3 and activated the expression of the Nrf2 transcription factor and the HO-1 and superoxide dismutase 1 enzymes in the paw and/or amygdala, thus revealing the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacity of these compounds during inflammatory pain. Results suggest the use of 1m, 1a, 1b, and DMF, particularly 1m, as promising therapies for inflammatory pain and the accompanying functional disabilities and emotional diseases.
Phenolics and Terpenoids Profiling in Diverse Loquat Fruit Varieties and Systematic Assessment of Their Mitigation of Alcohol-Induced Oxidative Stress
Authors: Yan Qun-Jiao , Chen Yun-Yi , Wu Man-Xi , Yang Han , Cao Jin-Ping , Sun Chong-De , Wang Yue
Published: September 2023

To compare and investigate the phenolic compounds in the peel and flesh of loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) and evaluate their ability to protect against alcohol-induced liver oxidative stress, we employed a combination of ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) to qualitatively and quantitatively analyze 22 phenolics and 2 terpenoid compounds in loquat peel and flesh extracts (extraction with 95% ethanol). Among these, six compounds were identified for the first time in loquat, revealing distinct distribution patterns based on variety and tissue. Various chemical models, such as DPPH, FRAP, ORAC, and ABTS, were used to assess free radical scavenging and metal ion reduction capabilities. The results indicate that peel extracts exhibited higher antioxidant capacity compared with flesh extracts. Using a normal mouse liver cell line, AML-12, we explored the protective effects of loquat extracts and individual compounds against ethanol-induced oxidative stress. The findings demonstrate the enhanced cell viability and the induction of antioxidant enzyme activity through the modulation of Nrf2 and Keap1 gene expression. In a C57/BL6 mouse model of alcohol-induced liver damage, loquat extract was found to alleviate liver injury induced by alcohol. The restoration of perturbed serum liver health indicators underscored the efficacy of loquat extract in reclaiming equilibrium. The culmination of these findings significantly bolsters the foundational knowledge necessary to explore the utilization of loquat fruit extract in the creation of health-focused products.
Unlocking the Bioactive Potential of Pomegranate Peels: A Green Extraction Approach
Authors: Grillo Giorgio , Capaldi Giorgio , Radošević Kristina , Jakopović Željko , Markov Ksenija , Brncic Mladen , Gallina Lorenzo , Calcio Gaudino Emanuela , Cravotto Giancarlo
Published: September 2023

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is well known for its high content of bioactives, including polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins, which have been shown to exhibit a wide range of biological activities, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer effects. It is worth noting that the majority of these molecules are found in the peels, which are usually disposed of after processing, causing a significant amount of waste, amounting to more than 3.6 million t/y. This work investigates microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) in water for the recovery of antioxidants from pomegranate peels (PP), including the optimisation of temperature and extraction times. The total phenolic, anthocyanin, flavonoid, and tannin contents of the recovered extracts were determined, as well as their antioxidant activities, which were found to be 356.35 mgGAE/gExtr, 303.97 µgCy3G/gExtr, 37.28 mgQE/gExtr, 56.48 mgGAE/gExtr, and 5.72 mmolTE/gExtr, respectively (according to the adopted reference). All results were compared with those obtained using a conventional protocol. In addition, the potential for water recycling by means of downstream nanofiltration in optimised MAE was investigated, leading to overall water reuse of approx. 75%. Power consumption (20.92 W/mgGAE) and common green metrics, Reaction Mass Efficiency (RME), E-Factor, and the Process Mass Intensiti/efficiency (PMI, PME), were considered in evaluating the proposed PP valorisation strategy. Finally, the biological activities of the main products were assessed. The antimicrobial properties of the PP extracts against three Gram-positive and three Gram-negative bacteria and their antiproliferative activity towards human cancer cells were tested. S. aureus bacteria was the most susceptible to the PP extracts. All tested products displayed antiproliferative activity against HeLa cells when higher concentrations were tested, with D-PP/NF (obtained from dried PP and sequential nanofiltration) being the most effective. This result was also confirmed via clonogenic analysis, which generally indicated the possible anti-cancer activity of pomegranate peel extracts obtained using this green approach.
Evaluation of Vitamin E Isoforms in Placental Tissue and Their Relationship with Maternal Dietary Intake and Plasma Concentrations in Mother–Infant Dyads
Authors: Jhamb Ishani , Freeman Alyssa , Lotfi Michelle R. , VanOrmer Matthew , Hanson Corrine , Anderson-Berry Ann , Thoene Melissa
Published: September 2023

α-tocopherol is a vitamin E isoform with potent antioxidant activity, while the γ-tocopherol isoform of vitamin E exerts more pro-inflammatory effects. In maternal–fetal environments, increased plasma α-tocopherol concentrations are associated with positive birth outcomes, while higher γ-tocopherol concentrations are linked with negative pregnancy outcomes. However, little is known about tocopherol concentrations in placental tissue and their role in modulating placental oxidative stress, a process that is implicated in many complications of pregnancy. The objectives of this research are to evaluate the concentrations of α- and γ-tocopherol in placental tissue and assess relationships with maternal and umbilical cord plasma concentrations. A total of 82 mother–infant dyads were enrolled at the time of delivery, and maternal and umbilical cord blood samples and placenta samples were collected. α- and γ-tocopherol concentrations in these samples were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). γ-tocopherol concentrations demonstrated significant, positive correlations among all sample types (p-values < 0.001). Placental tissue had a significantly lower ratio of α:γ-tocopherol concentrations when compared to maternal plasma and umbilical cord plasma (2.9 vs. 9.9 vs. 13.2, respectively; p < 0.001). Additional research should explore possible mechanisms for tocopherol storage and transfer in placental tissue and assess relationships between placental tocopherol concentrations and measures of maternal–fetal oxidative stress and clinical outcomes of pregnancy.
Factors Associated with Medial Elbow Torque Measured Using a Wearable Sensor in Junior High School Baseball Pitchers
Authors: Yoshikawa Tomoya , Inui Atsuyuki , Mifune Yutaka , Nishimoto Hanako , Yamaura Kohei , Mukohara Shintaro , Shinohara Issei , Kato Tatsuo , Furukawa Takahiro , Kusunose Masaya , Tanaka Shuya , Hoshino Yuichi , Matsushita Takehiko , Kuroda Ryosuke
Published: September 2023

There are no reports investigating the relationship between shoulder range of motion (ROM) and pitching elbow torque in junior high school pitchers. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the factors associated with medial elbow torque in this population. Sixty-three junior high school baseball pitchers were recruited for this study. The participants completed a questionnaire and passive ROM measurements of shoulder abduction and horizontal adduction. All pitchers pitched three fastballs at maximum effort while wearing a wireless sensor recording pitching mechanics and elbow valgus torque for each pitch. Age (r = 0.65, p < 0.001), height (r = 0.83, p < 0.001), body weight (r = 0.82, p < 0.001), BMI (r = 0.60, p < 0.001), and ball velocity (r = 0.80, p < 0.001) were significantly positively correlated with elbow valgus torque. Participants were divided into two groups based on elbow valgus torque, >30 (high torque [HT]) and <30 N·m (low torque [LT]). Age, height, body weight, BMI, and ball velocity were significantly higher in the HT group than in the LT group. The difference between dominant and non-dominant shoulder horizontal adduction ROM was 5.3 ± 9.3° and 1.0 ± 6.4° in the HT and LT groups, respectively, which was also significantly different. Ball velocity, age, larger physique, and increased restriction of the dominant shoulder’s horizontal adduction ROM were associated with higher medial elbow torque in junior high school pitchers. This suggests that improving the dominant shoulder’s horizontal adduction ROM contributes to preventing elbow injuries.
Instability during Stepping and Distance between the Center of Mass and the Minimal Moment Axis: Effect of Age and Speed
Authors: Watier Bruno , Begue Jérémie , Pillet Hélène , Caderby Teddy
Published: September 2023

The goal of this study was to analyze instability during stepping at different speeds in young and older adults. To this aim, the anteroposterior and the mediolateral distances between the body center of mass (COM) and the minimum moment axis (MMA) were computed. A total of 15 young adults (25 y.o. [19–29]) and 15 older adults (68.7 y.o. [63–77]) volunteered for this study. For the computation of the distances, a complete biomechanical protocol combining two force platforms and a 3D motion capture analysis system was setup. The subjects were equipped with 47 reflective markers and were modeled as a frictionless multibody system with 19 segments, 18 joints and 42 degrees of freedom. They were asked to perform a series of stepping tasks at fast and spontaneous speeds. The stepping was divided into five phases, with successive swing and double-stance phases. Greater instability was observed during the swing phases. The distances reveal a significant higher instability at fast speed for both groups (p < 0.001) for all the phases compared with spontaneous speeds. The anteroposterior distance was significantly greater for older adults, highlighting greater instability compared to young adults, while no differences were observed for the mediolateral distance all along the five phases, suggesting higher risks of backward and forward falls during stepping.
Key Influencing Factors Identification in Complex Systems Based on Heuristic Causal Inference
Authors: Wu Jianping , Lu Yunjun , Li Dezhi , Zhou Wenlu , Huang Jian
Published: September 2023

In complex systems constrained by multiple factors, it is very important to identify the key influencing factors for mastering the evolution and development law of a system and for obtaining scientific decision-making suggestions or schemes. At present, the method based on experimental simulation is limited by the difficulty of system model construction; DEMATEL (Factual Decision Trial and Evaluation Laboratory) is inevitably influenced by subjective factors. In view of this, we propose a novel model based on heuristic causal inference. By combining the network analysis in complex network science, the model defines the global/local causal pathway and the causal pathway’s length in the causal network and takes the causal pathway contribution degree as an indicator to measure the approximate causal effects. The model includes steps such as causal network learning, causal pathway contribution degree calculation, and key influencing factor identification. The model uses the Fast Causal Inference (FCI) algorithm with prior knowledge to learn the global causal network of the complex system and uses the heuristic causal inference to calculate the causal pathway contribution degree. The heuristic method draws on the idea of complex network topology analysis and measures the influence degree between variables by the number and distance of causal pathways. The key influencing factors are finally identified according to the causal pathway contribution degree. Based on the SECOM dataset, we carried out simulation experiments and demonstrated the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Effect of Different Warm-Up Durations on the Plasma Oxidative Stress Biomarkers Following Anaerobic Exercise in Amateur Handball Players
Authors: Koubaa Abdessalem , Koubaa Sirine , Elloumi Mohamed
Published: September 2023

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of three warm-up durations on post-exercise oxidative stress biomarkers, as well as recovery from the Wingate test in 14 amateur handball players. These players completed the Wingate test three times: after 5 min, after 10 min, and then after 15 min of warm-up, spread over 2 weeks with an interval of 1 week between each session. At the end of each session of the Wingate test, blood samples were taken: at rest (PR), after warming up (PWU) and immediately at the end of the test (P0), then after 10-min (P10) and after 20-min (P20) of recovery. The measured parameters are the total antioxidant status (TAS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), malondialdehyde (MDA), protein-bound-carbonyls (PCs) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARSs). The main findings revealed that anaerobic exercise induces oxidative stress, as evidenced by changes in antioxidant status and significant increases in concentrations of the majority of oxidative stress indicators (p < 0.05). At P20, plasma GPx, SOD, GR, TBARSs, and PC contents, are lower and significantly different after a 15-min warm-up than after a 10-min or 5-min warm-up. ANOVA showed a significant ”warm-up × recovery” effect on plasma GPx, SOD, GR, TBARSs, and PC contents [F(8.104) = 3.61; p < 0.001; η2p = 0.22, F(8.104): from 1.88 to 19.97; η2p: from 0.19 to 0.61: 0.05 < p < 0.001], respectively. We concluded that a 15-min warm-up was more efficient than the other duration in reducing a free radical rise, emphasizing the importance of the warm-up length on plasma oxidative stress biomarkers.
Hypergraph-Clustering Method Based on an Improved Apriori Algorithm
Authors: Chen Rumeng , Hu Feng , Wang Feng , Bai Libing
Published: September 2023

With the complexity and variability of data structures and dimensions, traditional clustering algorithms face various challenges. The integration of network science and clustering has become a popular field of exploration. One of the main challenges is how to handle large-scale and complex high-dimensional data effectively. Hypergraphs can accurately represent multidimensional heterogeneous data, making them important for improving clustering performance. In this paper, we propose a hypergraph-clustering method dubbed the “high-dimensional data clustering method” based on hypergraph partitioning using an improved Apriori algorithm (HDHPA). First, the method constructs a hypergraph based on the improved Apriori association rule algorithm, where frequent itemsets existing in high-dimensional data are treated as hyperedges. Then, different frequent itemsets are mined in parallel to obtain hyperedges with corresponding ranks, avoiding the generation of redundant rules and improving mining efficiency. Next, we use the dense subgraph partition (DSP) algorithm to divide the hypergraph into multiple subclusters. Finally, we merge the subclusters through dense sub-hypergraphs to obtain the clustering results. The advantage of this method lies in its use of the hypergraph model to discretize the association between data in space, which further enhances the effectiveness and accuracy of clustering. We comprehensively compare the proposed HDHPA method with several advanced hypergraph-clustering methods using seven different types of high-dimensional datasets and then compare their running times. The results show that the clustering evaluation index values of the HDHPA method are generally superior to all other methods. The maximum ARI value can reach 0.834, an increase of 42%, and the average running time is lower than other methods. All in all, HDHPA exhibits an excellent comparable performance on multiple real networks. The research results of this paper provide an effective solution for processing and analyzing large-scale network datasets and are also conducive to broadening the application range of clustering techniques.
Visual Ranging Based on Object Detection Bounding Box Optimization
Authors: Shi Zhou , Li Zhongguo , Che Sai , Gao Miaowei , Tang Hongchuan
Published: September 2023

Faster and more accurate ranging can be achieved by combining the object detection technique based on deep learning with conventional visual ranging. However, changes in scene, uneven lighting, fuzzy object boundaries and other factors may result in a non-fit phenomenon between the detection bounding box and the object. The pixel spacing between the detection bounding box and the object can cause ranging errors. To reduce pixel spacing, increase the degree of fit between the object detection bounding box and the object, and improve ranging accuracy, an object detection bounding box optimization method is proposed. Two evaluation indicators, WOV and HOV, are also proposed to evaluate the results of bounding box optimization. The experimental results show that the pixel width of the bounding box is optimized by 1.19~19.24% and the pixel height is optimized by 0~12.14%. At the same time, the ranging experiments demonstrate that the optimization of the bounding box improves the ranging accuracy. In addition, few practical monocular range measurement techniques can also determine the distance to an object whose size is unknown. Therefore, a similar triangle ranging technique based on height difference is suggested to measure the distance to items of unknown size. A ranging experiment is carried out based on the optimization of the detecting bounding box, and the experimental results reveal that the ranging relative error within 6 m is between 0.7% and 2.47%, allowing for precise distance measurement.