bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum metabolomics analysis in patients with alcohol dependence
Authors: Zhang Yanjie , Sun Yajun , Miao Qin , Guo Shilong , Wang Qi , Shi Tianyuan , Guo Xinsheng , Liu Shuai , Cheng Guiding , Wang Chuansheng , Zhang Ruiling
Published: April 2023

Objective

Alcohol dependence (AD) is a chronic recurrent mental disease caused by long-term drinking. It is one of the most prevalent public health problems. However, AD diagnosis lacks objective biomarkers. This study was aimed to shed some light on potential biomarkers of AD patients by investigating the serum metabolomics profiles of AD patients and the controls.

Methods

Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC–MS) was used to detect the serum metabolites of 29 AD patients (AD) and 28 controls. Six samples were set aside as the validation set (Control: n = 3; AD group: n = 3), and the remaining were used as the training set (Control: n = 26; AD group: n = 25). Principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PCA-DA) were performed to analyze the training set samples. The metabolic pathways were analyzed using the MetPA database. The signal pathways with pathway impact >0.2, value of p <0.05, and FDR < 0.05 were selected. From the screened pathways, the metabolites whose levels changed by at least 3-fold were screened. The metabolites with no numerical overlap in their concentrations in the AD and the control groups were screened out and verified with the validation set.

Results

The serum metabolomic profiles of the control and the AD groups were significantly different. We identified six significantly altered metabolic signal pathways, including protein digestion and absorption; alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism; arginine biosynthesis; linoleic acid metabolism; butanoate metabolism; and GABAergic synapse. In these six signal pathways, the levels of 28 metabolites were found to be significantly altered. Of these, the alterations of 11 metabolites changed by at least 3-fold compared to the control group. Of these 11 metabolites, those with no numerical overlap in their concentrations between the AD and the control groups were GABA, 4-hydroxybutanoic acid, L-glutamic acid, citric acid and L-glutamine.

Conclusion

The metabolite profile of the AD group was significantly different from that of the control group. GABA, 4-hydroxybutanoic acid, L-glutamic acid, citric acid, and L-glutamine could be used as potential diagnostic markers for AD.
Preliminary findings on the effect of childhood trauma on the functional connectivity of the anterior cingulate cortex subregions in major depressive disorder
Authors: Rong Bei , Gao Guoqing , Sun Limin , Zhou Mingzhe , Zhao Haomian , Huang Junhua , Wang Hanling , Xiao Ling , Wang Gaohua
Published: April 2023

Objectives

Childhood trauma (CT) is a known risk factor for major depressive disorder (MDD), but the mechanisms linking CT and MDD remain unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of CT and depression diagnosis on the subregions of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) in MDD patients.

Methods

The functional connectivity (FC) of ACC subregions was evaluated in 60 first-episode, drug-naïve MDD patients (40 with moderate-to-severe and 20 with no or low CT), and 78 healthy controls (HC) (19 with moderate-to-severe and 59 with no or low CT). The correlations between the anomalous FC of ACC subregions and the severity of depressive symptoms and CT were investigated.

Results

Individuals with moderate-to severe CT exhibited increased FC between the caudal ACC and the middle frontal gyrus (MFG) than individuals with no or low CT, regardless of MDD diagnosis. MDD patients showed lower FC between the dorsal ACC and the superior frontal gyrus (SFG) and MFG. They also showed lower FC between the subgenual/perigenual ACC and the middle temporal gyrus (MTG) and angular gyrus (ANG) than the HCs, regardless of CT severity. The FC between the left caudal ACC and the left MFG mediated the correlation between the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) total score and HAMD-cognitive factor score in MDD patients.

Conclusion

Functional changes of caudal ACC mediated the correlation between CT and MDD. These findings contribute to our understanding of the neuroimaging mechanisms of CT in MDD.
Early effects of COVID-19 on maternal and child health service disruption in Mozambique
Authors: Augusto Orvalho , Roberton Timothy , Fernandes Quinhas , Chicumbe Sérgio , Manhiça Ivan , Tembe Stélio , Wagenaar Bradley H. , Anselmi Laura , Wakefield Jon , Sherr Kenneth
Published: April 2023

This article is part of the Research Topic ‘Health Systems Recovery in the Context of COVID-19 and Protracted Conflict'

Introduction

After the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic, more than 184 million cases and 4 million deaths had been recorded worldwide by July 2021. These are likely to be underestimates and do not distinguish between direct and indirect deaths resulting from disruptions in health care services. The purpose of our research was to assess the early impact of COVID-19 in 2020 and early 2021 on maternal and child healthcare service delivery at the district level in Mozambique using routine health information system data, and estimate associated excess maternal and child deaths.

Methods

Using data from Mozambique's routine health information system (SISMA, Sistema de Informação em Saúde para Monitoria e Avaliação), we conducted a time-series analysis to assess changes in nine selected indicators representing the continuum of maternal and child health care service provision in 159 districts in Mozambique. The dataset was extracted as counts of services provided from January 2017 to March 2021. Descriptive statistics were used for district comparisons, and district-specific time-series plots were produced. We used absolute differences or ratios for comparisons between observed data and modeled predictions as a measure of the magnitude of loss in service provision. Mortality estimates were performed using the Lives Saved Tool (LiST).

Results

All maternal and child health care service indicators that we assessed demonstrated service delivery disruptions (below 10% of the expected counts), with the number of new users of family planing and malaria treatment with Coartem (number of children under five treated) experiencing the largest disruptions. Immediate losses were observed in April 2020 for all indicators, with the exception of treatment of malaria with Coartem. The number of excess deaths estimated in 2020 due to loss of health service delivery were 11,337 (12.8%) children under five, 5,705 (11.3%) neonates, and 387 (7.6%) mothers.

Conclusion

Findings from our study support existing research showing the negative impact of COVID-19 on maternal and child health services utilization in sub-Saharan Africa. This study offers subnational and granular estimates of service loss that can be useful for health system recovery planning. To our knowledge, it is the first study on the early impacts of COVID-19 on maternal and child health care service utilization conducted in an African Portuguese-speaking country.
Gut distress and intervention via communications of SARS-CoV-2 with mucosal exposome
Authors: Moon Yuseok
Published: April 2023

Acute coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been associated with prevalent gastrointestinal distress, characterized by fecal shedding of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA or persistent antigen presence in the gut. Using a meta-analysis, the present review addressed gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Despite limited data on the gut–lung axis, viral transmission to the gut and its influence on gut mucosa and microbial community were found to be associated by means of various biochemical mechanisms. Notably, the prolonged presence of viral antigens and disrupted mucosal immunity may increase gut microbial and inflammatory risks, leading to acute pathological outcomes or post-acute COVID-19 symptoms. Patients with COVID-19 exhibit lower bacterial diversity and a higher relative abundance of opportunistic pathogens in their gut microbiota than healthy controls. Considering the dysbiotic changes during infection, remodeling or supplementation with beneficial microbial communities may counteract adverse outcomes in the gut and other organs in patients with COVID-19. Moreover, nutritional status, such as vitamin D deficiency, has been associated with disease severity in patients with COVID-19 via the regulation of the gut microbial community and host immunity. The nutritional and microbiological interventions improve the gut exposome including the host immunity, gut microbiota, and nutritional status, contributing to defense against acute or post-acute COVID-19 in the gut–lung axis.
COVID-19 vaccination status, side effects, and perceptions among breast cancer survivors: a cross-sectional study in China
Authors: Xu Yali , Li Linrong , Li Xiaomeng , Li Haolong , Song Yu , Liu Yongmei , Chen Chang , Zhan Haoting , Wang Zhe , Feng Xinxin , Liu Mohan , Wang Yingjiao , Liu Guanmo , Qu Yang , Li Yuechong , Li Yongzhe , Sun Qiang
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Breast cancer is the most prevalent malignancy in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, vaccination data of this population are limited.

Methods

A cross-sectional study of COVID-19 vaccination was conducted in China. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess factors associated with COVID-19 vaccination status.

Results

Of 2,904 participants, 50.2% were vaccinated with acceptable side effects. Most of the participants received inactivated virus vaccines. The most common reason for vaccination was “fear of infection” (56.2%) and “workplace/government requirement” (33.1%). While the most common reason for nonvaccination was “worry that vaccines cause breast cancer progression or interfere with treatment” (72.9%) and “have concerns about side effects or safety” (39.6%). Patients who were employed (odds ratio, OR = 1.783, p = 0.015), had stage I disease at diagnosis (OR = 2.008, p = 0.019), thought vaccines could provide protection (OR = 1.774, p = 0.007), thought COVID-19 vaccines were safe, very safe, not safe, and very unsafe (OR = 2.074, p < 0.001; OR = 4.251, p < 0.001; OR = 2.075, p = 0.011; OR = 5.609, p = 0.003, respectively) were more likely to receive vaccination. Patients who were 1–3 years, 3–5 years, and more than 5 years after surgery (OR = 0.277, p < 0.001; OR = 0.277, p < 0.001, OR = 0.282, p < 0.001, respectively), had a history of food or drug allergies (OR = 0.579, p = 0.001), had recently undergone endocrine therapy (OR = 0.531, p < 0.001) were less likely to receive vaccination.

Conclusion

COVID-19 vaccination gap exists in breast cancer survivors, which could be filled by raising awareness and increasing confidence in vaccine safety during cancer treatment, particularly for the unemployed individuals.
Validity of a new sport-specific endurance test in artistic gymnastics
Authors: Mkaouer Bessem , Amara Samiha , Bouguezzi Raja , Ben Abderrahmen Abderraouf , Chaabene Helmi
Published: April 2023

Introduction

General and particularly sport-specific testing is an integral aspect of performance optimization in artistic gymnastics. In artistic gymnastics, however, only non-specific field tests have been used to assess endurance performance (e.g., Multistage Shuttle Run Test; Cooper's Test).

Methods

This study aimed to examine the validity of a new sport-specific endurance test in artistic gymnastics. Fourteen elite-level gymnasts (i.e., eight males and six females) participated in this study. The newly developed artistic gymnastics-specific endurance test (AGSET) was conducted on two different occasions seven days apart to determine its reliability. To assess the concurrent validity of AGSET, participants performed the multistage shuttle run test (MSRT). Maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) and respiratory exchange ratio (RER) were directly assessed using a portable gas analyzer system during both protocols. Additionally, the total time maintained (TTM) during the AGSET, maximum heart rate (HRmax), maximal aerobic speed (MAS), and blood lactate concentration (BLa) during the two protocols were collected.

Results

The main findings indicated that all variables derived from the AGSET (i.e., VO2max, MAS, HRmax, BLa, and RER) displayed very good relative (all intraclass correlation coefficients [ICC] > 0.90) and absolute (all typical errors of measurement [TEM] < 5%) reliability. Further, results showed that the ability of the AGSET to detect small changes in VO2max, MAS, BLa, and RER was good (smallest worthwhile change [SWC0.2] > TEM), except HRmax (SWC0.2 < TEM). Additionally, results showed a nearly perfect association between the VO2max values derived from the AGSET and MSRT (r = 0.985; coefficient of determination [R²] = 97%) with no statistically significant differences (p>0.05). The mean (bias) ± 95% limits of agreement between the two protocols were 0.28 ± 0.55 mlminkg-1.

Discussion

AGSET seems to present very good reliability and concurrent validity for assessing endurance performance in elite artistic gymnastics. In addition, the newly developed protocol presents a good ability to detect small changes in performance.
Powering battery sustainability: a review of the recent progress and evolving challenges in recycling lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Zheng Panni , Young David , Yang Tairan , Xiao Yunhao , Li Zheng
Published: April 2023

As the global consumption of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) continues to accelerate, the need to advance LIB recycling technologies and create a more robust recycling infrastructure has become an important consideration to improve LIB sustainability and recover critical materials to reuse in new LIB production. Battery collection, sorting, diagnostics, and second-life usage all contribute to the LIB logistics network, and developments in each of these areas can improve the ultimate recycling and recovery rate. Recent progress in LIB recycling technology seeks to increase the amount of valuable metal compounds, electrode materials, and other LIB components that are recoverable and that can be redeployed in new LIB production or other markets. This review establishes an overview of these developments and discusses the strengths and weaknesses of each major recycling technology. Of particular note are the differences in recycling technology and infrastructure requirements created by various LIB markets, as well as the techno-economic considerations for different recycling methods based on the evolving LIB formats and component compositions.
Rivaroxaban vs. warfarin for the treatment and prevention of venous thromboembolism: A meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Zhuang , Song Dan , Wang Liang , Wang Changfeng , Zhou Jie , Sun Jiali , Guo Lei
Published: April 2023

Background

Anticoagulant treatment is used to treat and prevent venous thromboembolism (VTE). However, the relative effectiveness of newer anticoagulants vs. warfarin has not been appraised.

Objective

The aim was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of rivaroxaban for VTE in comparison to warfarin.

Materials and methods

From January 2000 until October 2021, all related studies were collected by EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, PubMed and Web of Scienceand. During the review process, two reviewers independently analyzed the included studies, including quality evaluation, screening and data extraction. We focused on VTE events as our primary outcomes.

Results

In total, 20 trials were retrieved. These studies involved 230,320 patients, of which 74,018 received rivaroxaban and 156,302 received warfarin. Compared with warfarin, the incidence of VTE in rivaroxaban is significantly lower (risk ratio (RR) 0.71, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.61, 0.84]; P < 0.0001, random effect model), and signiﬁcantly reduced major [RR: 0.84, 95% CI (0.77, 0.91); P < 0.0001, fixed effect model] and nonmajor [RR: 0.55, 95% CI (0.41, 0.74); P < 0.0001, fixed effect model] bleeding. No signiﬁcant differences in all-cause mortality between the two groups [RR: 0.68, 95% CI (0.45, 1.02); P = 0.06, fixed effect model].

Conclusion

Rivaroxaban significantly reduced the incidence of VTE compared to warfarin in this meta-analysis. In order to verify these findings, larger sample sizes are required in well-designed studies.
Long-term effect of transurethral partial cystectomy with a 2-micrometer continuous-wave laser for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Lu Yongliang , Jiang Sinan , Yin Xiaotao , Guo Jiaxiang , Zhu Xiaoying , Ma Han , Zhang Guohui , Yu Hualiang , Xiao Yi , Yang Yong
Published: April 2023

Purpose

We have reported the efficacy and safety of 2-micrometer continuous-wave laser cystectomy of non-muscle invasive bladder tumor (NMIBC) (J Urol. 2009;182:66–9). In this study, we evaluated the long-term outcomes of patients with NMIBC who underwent transurethral partial cystectomy with a 2-micrometer continuous-wave laser, and explored the risk factors for tumor recurrence.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of patients with NMIBC planned to undergo transurethral partial cystectomy with a 2-micrometer continuous-wave laser at the Fourth Medical Center of the PLA General Hospital between January 2012 and December 2014. The primary outcome was bladder cancer recurrence.

Results

A total of 75 patients were enrolled. Sixty-two (82.7%) were male. The patients were 59.8 ± 12.9 years of age. The mean operation time was 38.7 ± 20.4 min. No Clavien grade >2 complications occurred. The duration of catheter indwelling was 3.6 ± 1.8 days. The hospital stay was 6.0 ± 2.3 days. The median follow-up was 80 months. A total of 17 patients had a recurrence during follow-up, and the recurrence-free survival (RFS) rate was 77.3%. In the multivariable analysis, the tumor risk group were independently associated with the recurrence of NMIBC (p = 0.026).

Conclusions

After TURBT with a 2-micrometer continuous-wave laser, RFS was 77.3% at the median follow-up of 80 months. All complications were mild. Only tumor risk group was independently associated with the recurrence of NMIBC.
Performance of two clinical fluorescence imaging systems with different targeted and non-targeted near-infrared fluorophores: a cadaveric explorative study
Authors: Chiti Lavinia E. , Husi Benjamin , Park Brian , Beer Patricia , D'Orchymont Faustine , Holland Jason P. , Nolff Mirja C.
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence-guided surgery is increasingly utilized in humans and pets. As clinical imaging systems are optimized for Indocyanine green (ICG) detection, the usage of targeted dyes necessitates the validation of these systems for each dye. We investigated the impact of skin pigmentation and tissue overlay on the sensitivity of two NIR cameras (IC-FlowTM, VisionsenseTM VS3 Iridum) for the detection of non-targeted (ICG, IRDye800) and targeted (AngiostampTM, FAP-Cyan) NIR fluorophores in an ex vivo big animal model.

Methods

We quantitatively measured the limit of detection (LOD) and signal-to-background ratio (SBR) and implemented a semi-quantitative visual score to account for subjective interpretation of images by the surgeon.

Results

VisionsenseTM VS3 Iridum outperformed IC-FlowTM in terms of LOD and SBR for the detection of all dyes except FAP-Cyan. Median SBR was negatively affected by skin pigmentation and tissue overlay with both camera systems. Level of agreement between quantitative and semi-quantitative visual score and interobserver agreement were better with VisionsenseTM VS3 Iridum.

Conclusion

The overlay of different tissue types and skin pigmentation may negatively affect the ability of the two tested camera systems to identify nanomolar concentrations of targeted-fluorescent dyes and should be considered when planning surgical applications.
Metabolic signature of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis infected and infectious dairy cattle by integrating nuclear magnetic resonance analysis and blood indices
Authors: Massaro Andrea , Tata Alessandra , Pallante Ivana , Bertazzo Valentina , Bottazzari Massimo , Paganini Laura , Dall'Ava Brunella , Stefani Annalisa , De Buck Jeroen , Piro Roberto , Pozzato Nicola
Published: April 2023

The early diagnosis ofMycobacterium aviumsubsp.paratuberculosis(MAP) is one of the current challenges of farmers and veterinarians. This work aimed to investigate the changes in metabolic levels associated with natural MAP infection in infected and infectious dairy cattle. The study included sera from 23 infectious/seropositive, 10 infected but non-infectious/seronegative, and 26 negative Holstein Fresian cattle. The samples were selected from a collection of samples gathered during a prospective study. The samples were analyzed by quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and routine blood chemistry. The blood indices and the1H NMR data were concatenated by low-level data fusion, resulting in a unique global fingerprint. Afterwards, the merged dataset was statistically analyzed by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), which is a shrinkage and selection method for supervised learning. Finally, pathways analysis was performed to get more insights on the possible dysregulated metabolic pathways. The LASSO model achieved, in a 10 time repeated 5-fold cross-validation, an overall accuracy of 91.5% with high values of sensitivity and specificity in classifying correctly the negative, infected, and infectious animals. The pathway analysis revealed MAP-infected cattle have increased tyrosine metabolism and enhanced phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis. The enhanced synthesis and degradation of ketone bodies was observed both in infected and infectious cattle. In conclusion, fusing data from multiple sources has proved to be useful in exploring the altered metabolic pathways in MAP infection and potentially diagnosing negative animals within paratuberculosis-infected herds.
Evaluation of thermoregulation of horses (Equus caballus) submitted to two methods of post-exercise cooling, in hot and humid climate conditions, in the Eastern Amazon
Authors: Lisboa Bruna Rafaela Ferreira , Silva Jamile Andréa Rodrigues da , Silva Welligton Conceição da , Barbosa Antônio Vinícius Corrêa , Silva Lilian Kátia Ximenes , Lourenço-Júnior José de Brito
Published: April 2023

In Brazil, the study on equine thermoregulation has not shown considerable advances, moreover, in the Amazon, this is a little explored aspect. This study aims to evaluate the thermoregulation of horses submitted to two methods of post-exercise cooling, in the climatic conditions of the Eastern Amazon. The experiment was conducted at Centro Hipico, Ananindeua, Para, for 15 days. Ten male horses, castrated of the Brazilian breed, aged 13 years and with an average weight of 482.3 kg were used. Equestrianism, which was exercised with pre-established protocol in the arena and track, for 30 min. After the exercise, the animals were divided into two groups for application of the treatments, which were two cooling methods, such as a bath with water at room temperature (about 25°C) and a hiper cooling method (6–9°C). During the experimental period, air temperature (AT) and relative humidity (RH) data were recorded and the Temperature and Humidity Index (THI) was calculated. Data from the rectal temperature (RT), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR) and Body surface temperature (BST) of the animals were also measured at three moments: before exercise, after exercise and after applying the cooling methods. The adaptability index used was the Benezra Thermal Comfort Index (BTCI). The BST was performed with the help of infrared thermograph, which were the left side of the neck, thorax, rump, and right side to the armpi, before the exercise, after the exercise and after applying the cooling methods. The statistical design was completely randomized. Analysis of variance was performed using the GLM Procedure of SAS 9.1.3. After the application of the cooling techniques in the animals, the AT and THI were higher and the highest RH values were found before the exercise (87.21%). The highest RT, RR, HR, BST, and BTCI values were observed after exercise. There was no significant dierence (P > 0.05) between cooling methods. There was a highly significant and positive correlation (P < 0.01) between all physiological variables (RT, RR, HR, and BST) and the Iberian Index with AT and THI and negative with RH (P < 0.01), thus demonstrating the influence of the environment on the thermoregulation of animals. It is concluded the evaluation of stress, welfare and thermoregulation of horses submitted to two methods of post-exercise cooling, in the climatic conditions of the Eastern Amazon, demonstrated that the studied cooling methods showed to reduce the rectal temperature, the respiratory rate, the heart rate and the body surface temperature with equal efficiency. However, in terms of practical ease of use, the room temperature water cooling method has proven to be more practical.
Welfare implications on management strategies for rearing dairy calves: A systematic review. Part 2 – Social management
Authors: Carulla Patricia , Villagrá Arantxa , Estellés Fernando , Blanco-Penedo Isabel
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Raising a healthy calf up to puberty is essential for optimal farm performance. It is therefore, it is necessary to promote animal welfare from the three spheres during this short period. Social management has been postulated as essential in lowering stress and consequently improving calf welfare during this period. Only the health sphere has been studied for a long time, but more recent studies have recently promoted positive experiences and emotional states from affective states or cognitive judgment and natural living spheres. A systematic review of different management strategies in rearing dairy calves according to the three spheres of animal welfare has been conducted using an electronic search strategy.

Methods

The analysis and extraction of information from the studies were performed according to a protocol. From 1,783 publications screened, only 351 met the inclusion criteria.

Results

The publications identified in the search can be divided into two main groups, feeding and social management, based on the main topic of the publication. This review provides an overview of social management, understood as the calf’s interaction with others around it.

Discussion

Primary social management issues that emerged were social housing with congeners, separation from the mother and human-animal interaction, distributed in the three broad spheres of animal welfare. The review highlights unresolved questions about how social management practices affect the three spheres of animal welfare at this life stage and the need to standardize good socialization practices for this stage. In conclusion, all the information shows that social housing has improved animal welfare from affective states, cognitive judgment, and natural living spheres. However, gaps in research were identified in relation to the optimal time to separate the calf from the mother, the optimal time to group with conspecifics after birth and group size. Further research on positive welfare through socialization are needed.
Immune phenotype is differentially affected by changing the type of bovine respiratory disease vaccine administered at revaccination in beef heifers
Authors: Reddout Cassidy , Hernandez Lily P. , Chase Christopher C. L. , Beck Paul , White Frank , Salak-Johnson Janeen L.
Published: April 2023

During preconditioning, modified-live vaccines are frequently administered to beef calves before weaning. In this study, we began to characterize the immune phenotype of calves that received a modified-live vaccination at 3–4 months of age and then either received the same modified-live or an inactivated vaccine upon arrival at the feedlot (weaning) and 28 days post-arrival (booster). Innate and adaptive immune measures were assessed before revaccination and 14 and 28 days post. Heifers that received three doses of the modified-live vaccine exhibited a relatively balanced immune response based on increases in mean cytokine concentrations (IL-17, IL-21) and total immunoglobulin-G (IgG) and subsets IgG1 and IgG2, which are related to both arms of the adaptive immune system. Conversely, heifers that received one dose of modified live and two doses of the inactivated vaccine had a more robust neutrophil chemotactic response and greater serum-neutralizing antibody titers, resulting in an enhanced innate immune and a skewed proinflammatory response. These results indicate that the revaccination protocol used after initial vaccination with a modified-live vaccine differentially influences the immune phenotype of beef calves, with three doses of modified live inducing potentially immune homeostasis and a combination of modified live and inactivated vaccines inducing a skewed immune phenotype. However, more research is needed to determine the protective efficacy of these vaccination protocols against disease.
Enhancing Seismic Resilience of Existing Reinforced Concrete Building Using Non-Linear Viscous Dampers: A Comparative Study
Authors: Riaz Raja Dilawar , Malik Umair Jalil , Shah Mati Ullah , Usman Muhammad , Najam Fawad Ahmed
Published: April 2023

After the catastrophic destruction of the October 2005 Kashmir earthquake, the first building code of Pakistan was developed in 2007. The sole purpose of the building code of Pakistan (BCP) was to incorporate advancements in earthquake-resistant design to fortify structures and ensure the safety of citizens against future seismic events. After 2007, the BCP was not revised till 2021 to include the changes over time. However, the recently updated version of BCP 2021 highlights that the seismicity of many regions in Pakistan is high, which is not truly reflected in the BCP 2007. Therefore, the advancements in earthquake-resistant design due to the growing concerns about the potential risks of seismicity in the region have been incorporated into the updated version of the BCP. However, there are concerns among researchers that many structures designed on the 2007 code may need seismic fortification. Therefore, the current study focuses on the seismic fortification of existing systems that were developed using previous codes. Non-linear viscous fluid dampers are used to improve the seismic resilience of existing structures. This study compares the seismic performance of an existing reinforced concrete building with and without non-linear viscous dampers and subjected to a non-linear dynamic analysis. The performance of the building is evaluated in terms of story displacement, story drift, story acceleration, and energy dissipation mechanisms. Adding the non-linear fluid viscous dampers in the structure caused a decrease in the inter-story drift by around 31.16% and the roof displacement was reduced by around 36.58%. In addition to that, in a controlled structure, more than 70% of energy was dissipated by the fluid viscous dampers. These results indicate that adding the non-linear fluid viscous dampers to the existing structure significantly improved the vibration performance of the system against undesirous vibrations. The outcomes of this study also provide a very detailed insight into the usage of non-linear viscous dampers for improving the seismic performance of existing buildings and can be used to develop effective strategies to mitigate the impact of seismic events on already built structures.
The Impact of Temperature on the Surface Colour of Gas Turbine Blades Heated in the Presence of Kerosene
Authors: Kułaszka Artur , Błachnio Józef , Borowczyk Henryk
Published: April 2023

The reliability and operational safety of an aircraft engine gas turbine are extremely important in terms of its operation. In the course of operation, these turbines undergo complex thermal, mechanical, aerodynamic, and chemical exhaust gas loads. Due to such a load, particularly acting upon the rotor blades, they undergo various damages. Therefore, the maintenance processes continuously strive for enhancing diagnostic methods in order to improve the sensitivity and reliability of damage identification. The basic diagnostic method is a visual one, supported by an optoelectronic device. It only enables determining the fact of a damage, e.g., mechanical, thermal, or chemical. The turbine blade material degradation degree is very difficult to assess in a nondestructive manner in the course of engine operation. No objective, and yet nondestructive, diagnostic method enabling the assessment of blade alloy structural changes has been developed so far. Therefore, a thesis was put forward that it was possible to apply the visual method and correlate its results with the results of gas turbine blade microstructural change tests, which would enable detecting early damage phases and assessing their fitnesses. The tests were conducted with the laboratory method. The authors received new blades of the SO-3 aircraft gas turbine engine made of the EI-867 WD alloy and then subjected them to heating in a laboratory furnace, over a temperature range of T = 1123–1523 K, in increments of 100 K. Cooling took place in the furnace. Prior to and after heating, the blades were subjected to visual testing. Blade surface colour is a diagnostic symptom which indicates a change in the blades’ technical condition. The images were analysed using software developed for the MATLAB environment. The extracted surface image features are presented in the form of brightness distribution histograms for individual colour components RGB(red, green, and blue) and grayscale Sz. Histogram parameters — average value, standard deviation, maximum value and its position — were calculated. In consequence of conducted studies, it was concluded that an increase in blade heating temperature entailed changes in individual RGB colours and the grayscale (Sz) of their surface images, which indicate the overheating intensity.
Effect of Rotary Speed on Soil and Straw Throwing Process by Stubble-Crushing Blade for Strip Tillage Using DEM-CFD
Authors: Yuan Yiwen , Wang Jiayi , Zhang Xin , Zhao Shuhong
Published: April 2023

Strip tillage is a widely used land preparation approach for effective straw management in conservation agriculture. Understanding the dynamic throwing process during the stubble-crushing operation has important implications for seedbed preparation. However, the airflow generated by the high-speed rotation of stubble-crushing blades has yet to be considered. We established a coupled DEM-CFD simulation model and explored the dynamic motion of soil particles varied with their initial depth (at 0, 20, 40, 60, 80 mm depth) and surface straw under different blade rotary speeds (270, 540, 720, and 810 rpm) based on the model. The coupled model simulation results were proved to be well correlated with the field test results by the field high-speed camera test. The simulation results showed that airflow had a significant effect on the longitudinal displacement of straw (p < 0.05). An increase in rotary speed could increase the longitudinal and lateral throwing displacement of soil particles and straw and increase the blade–soil–straw interaction, while there was no directional effect on the vertical motion. The lateral movement of soil particles decreased with increasing soil particle depth. The stubble-crushing operation allowed the exchange of deep and shallow soil layers, as well as the burial of straw. Plain, straight stubble-crushing blades with a rotary speed of 540 rpm were able to form the optimal seeding row with a width of 80.86 mm. The simulation results were useful for assessing the design solutions of high-speed rotational tools and evaluating seedbed preparation practices.
Analysis of Near-Infrared Spectral Properties and Quantitative Detection of Rose Oxide in Wine
Authors: Bai Xuebing , Xu Yaqiang , Chen Xinlong , Dai Binxiu , Tao Yongsheng , Xiong Xiaolin
Published: April 2023

This study aims to investigate the near-infrared spectral properties of Rose Oxide (4-Methyl-2-(2-methyl-1-propenyl) tetrahydropyran) in wine, establish a quantitative detection, and build relationships between the chemical groups of Rose Oxide and near-infrared characteristic bands, so as to provide ideas and references for the near-infrared detection of a low-content aroma substance in wine. In total, 133 samples with different wine matrices were analyzed using Fourier transform–near-infrared (FT-NIR) spectroscopy. Min–max normalization (MMN), principal component analysis (PCA), and synergy interval partial least squares regression (Si-PLSR) were used for pre-processing, outlier rejection, analysis of spectral properties, and modeling. Finally, the quantitative detection model was established using the PLSR method and the wine sample containing Rose Oxide was verified externally. Eight subintervals (4000–4400 cm−1, 4400–4800 cm−1, 5600–6000 cm−1, 6000–6400 cm−1, 6400–6800 cm−1, 6800–7200 cm−1, 7200–7600 cm−1, 8400–8800 cm−1) were determined as the characteristic band intervals of Rose Oxide in the NIR region. Among them, 5600–6000 cm−1 was assigned to the first overtone C–H stretching in tetrahydropyran ring and methyl as well as the combination C–H stretching of the CH3 function groups, 6000–6400 cm−1 was assigned to the first overtone C–H stretching of the C–H=group and the combination C=C stretching in isobutyl, and 8400–8800 cm−1 was assigned to the second overtone C–H stretching and C–O stretching in tetrahydropyran ring as well as the C–H stretching vibration in methyl. In addition, 4000–4800 cm−1, 6400–6800 cm−1, and 7200–7600 cm−1 were assigned to the C–H stretching vibration, while 6400–7600 cm−1 was assigned to the C–O stretching vibration. The training result showed that the calibration model (rcv2 of 0.96 and RMSECV of 2.33) and external validation model (rcv2 of 0.84 and RMSECV of 2.72) of Rose Oxide in wine were acceptable, indicating a good predictive ability. The spectral assignment of Rose Oxide provides a new way for the NIR study of other terpenes in wine, and the use of the established Si-PLSR model for the rapid determination of Rose Oxide content in wine is feasible.
Influence of Nano-Chitosan Loaded with Potassium on Potassium Fractionation in Sandy Soil and Strawberry Productivity and Quality
Authors: Abd-Elrahman Shaimaa Hassan , El-Gabry Yasser Abd El-Gawad , Hashem Fadl Abdelhamid , Ibrahim Mohamed F. M. , El-Hallous Ehab I. , Abbas Zahid Khorshid , Darwish Doaa Bahaa Eldin , Al-Harbi Nadi Awad , Al-Qahtani Salem Mesfir , Taha Noura Mohamed
Published: April 2023

Under sandy soil conditions, increasing the efficiency of potassium (K) fertilizers is considered to be a major limiting factor for improving the productivity and quality of fruit crops. In this context, utilizing nanotechnology has emerged as a novel technique to increase the efficiency of K applications. In our study, two field trials were conducted, in two consecutive seasons (2019/2020 and 2020/2021), to compare the effects of nano-chitosan loaded with K as a foliar treatment with those of conventional soil applications of K on plant growth, yield, and quality of strawberry plants grown in sandy soil. Strawberry plants were treated with 12 different treatments, which were replicated three times in a randomized complete block design in each growing season. Potassium sulfate (K2SO4, 48% K2O) was applied to the soil at a rate of 150.0 kg acre−1 (recommended rate, 100%). Meanwhile, the spraying of nano-chitosan loaded with K was applied at 1000 mg L−1 as a control. In addition, K2SO4 was applied either individually or in combination at the rate of 112.5 or 75.0 kg acre−1 with four nano-chitosan-K dosages (250, 500, 750, and 1000 mg L−1). After harvesting, soil samples were collected and prepared to determine K fractions. As well, plant samples were collected to determine the vegetative growth parameters and the foliage content of NPK and chlorophyll. Eventually, the yield traits and quality parameters were evaluated. A principal component analysis was conducted to determine the interrelationships of the treatments’ averages and their effects on yield components and quality traits. A combined analysis was performed for the two studied seasons and the values were the mean of six replications. The results indicated that the application of common K fertilizer (150.0 kg K2SO4 acre−1) resulted in the maximum increase in soluble and exchangeable K in the soil, which was comparable to those observed with 112.5 kg K2SO4 acre−1 + 1000 mg L−1 nano-chitosan-K and 112.5 K2SO4 acre−1 + 750 mg L−1 nano-chitosan-K. The total yield, marketable yield, and fruit firmness were all significantly increased by the latter two treatments compared to the control group. Furthermore, plots treated with 112.5 kg K2SO4 acre−1 + 1000 mg L−1 nano-chitosan-K significantly increased the total soluble solids, vitamin C levels, acidity, total sugar, and anthocyanin levels in strawberry fruits. In conclusion, under sandy soil conditions, the utilization of nanoparticles could be an indispensable tool for manipulating fertilization management when cultivating strawberries. The K status of the soil was improved by applying 75% of the recommended dose of mineral K in combination with 1000 or 750 mg L−1 of nano-chitosan-K, without compromising strawberry yield or quality.
Removing Harmful Pericarp Character of Weedy Rice as the First Step of Domestication towards Direct-Seeding Rice Using CRISPR/Cas9-Targeted Mutagenesis
Authors: Kong Mengyao , He Xiaotong , Yin Zhendong , Chen Xianshu , Zhang Yujie , Shi Zhihua , Song Xiaoling , Qiang Sheng , Dai Weimin
Published: April 2023

With the scarcity of fresh water resources and the increase in labor prices, rice cultivation is changing from transplanting to direct seeding. Weedy rice is a malignant weed with strong drought tolerance in seed germination in direct-seeding rice fields. As the same species of cultivated rice (Oryza sativa L.), weedy rice (Oryza sativa f. spontanea) has the potential of domestication into direct-seeding rice with strong drought tolerance in seed germination by changing a few unfavorable traits. The red pericarp, one of the harmful traits of weedy rice, seriously affects the quality and commercial value of cultivated rice. The recently developed CRISPR/Cas9 (Clustered Regular Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) technology can accurately edit the function of genes, providing a possibility for the directed evolution. Weedy rice (WRL-162) with red pericarp was used as a mutant material. Two mutation sites, upstream and downstream of the 14 bp differential fragment of exon 6 of Rc gene, were designed using the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technique. Consequently, three mutant types in T1 generation weedy rice with CRISPR-Cas9 vector changed from red to white pericarp. One mutant type in T1 generation weedy rice with CRISPR-Cas9 vector maintained red pericarp. Comparing the wild type of weedy rice and rice variety control (Nipponbare), mutant types in T3 generation weedy rice without CRISPR-Cas9 vector significantly improved the drought resistance in seed germination. In addition, there was no significant difference in panicle number, seed setting rate per plant, grain length and width between wild type and T3 generation mutant weedy rice without CRISPR-Cas9 vector. Comparing the wild type, some mutant types in T3 generation weedy rice without CRISPR-Cas9 vector significantly decreased plant height, decreased spikelet number per main panicle, decreased plump seed number per main panicle, and increased 1000-grain weight. Our results showed that the Rc gene editing using CRISPR/Cas9 technology can not only remove the harmful pericarp character of weedy rice, but also improve drought tolerance in seed germination. This study might provide new insights for the utilization of weedy rice as germplasm resources for direct-seeding rice by precisely editing genes to remove unfavorable traits.
Vermicompost: Enhancing Plant Growth and Combating Abiotic and Biotic Stress
Authors: Rehman Sami ur , De Castro Federica , Aprile Alessio , Benedetti Michele , Fanizzi Francesco Paolo
Published: April 2023

Extensive application of agrochemicals for crop production and protection has negatively affected soil health, crop productivity, and the environment. Organic amendments have been proposed as an efficient alternative for enhancing soil and plant health. Vermicompost amendment offers a sustainable approach to plant nutrition, improving soil health and fertility. This review aims to provide key insights into the potential of vermicompost to boost crop production and protect crops from biotic and abiotic stresses without harming the environment. The role played by earthworms in improving organic matter decomposition, soil fertility, and soil microorganisms’ activity is also discussed here. The value of vermicompost is its promotion of plant growth based on its enrichment with all essential nutrients, beneficial microbes, and plant growth hormones. This review analyzes how vermicompost regulates plant growth and its role in mitigating abiotic stresses such as soil salinity and drought, as well as biotic stresses such as diseases and insect pests attack. The beneficial effects of hormones and humic substances present in vermicompost are also discussed in this review. In fact, due to its properties, vermicompost can be a good substitute for chemical fertilizers and pesticides and its usage could contribute to producing healthy, contaminant-free food for the growing population without negatively affecting the environment.
Ameliorating Effects of Biochar, Sheep Manure and Chicken Manure on Acidified Purple Soil
Authors: Chen Jingjing , Yu Junfeng , Li Zhongyi , Zhou Jia , Zhan Linqing
Published: April 2023

The proportion of acidic purple soils has increased. Consequently, an effective method for amelioration of acidic purple soils is urgently needed. A 40 day incubation experiment using apple tree biochar, fermented sheep manure and chicken manure was conducted to assess the effects of organic materials on the acidity and fertility of acidic purple soil. The results showed that application of organic materials increased soil pH and decreased soil-exchangeable acidity. All of the treatments increased soil-exchangeable and water-soluble base cations after incubation. Specifically, biochar increased soil pH and reduced exchangeable acidity more than the other two fermented manures, because biochar was rich in carbonates and other alkaline substances. The concentration of soil available K was significantly higher under biochar than manure addition, while the opposite was true for soil available P and N, with a higher increase in soil available P in the manure treatments. By evaluating the soil fertility using a fuzzy comprehensive method, it was found that the fermented livestock manure enhanced soil fertility more strongly than biochar. Considering the effectiveness of soil amendments and production cost, applying a large amount of fermented organic fertilizer is an effective approach to the amelioration of acidified purple soil.