bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The association between procalcitonin and acute kidney injury in patients stung by wasps
Authors: Zhang Xuepeng , Feng Yunxia , Wang Kai , Qiu Tong , Zhou Jiangyuan , Che Guowei , Chen Siyuan , Ji Yi
Published: August 2023

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the status of serum procalcitonin (PCT) in patients stung by wasps and evaluate the association between PCT levels and acute kidney injury (AKI).

Methods: Patients stung by wasps admitted to two tertiary hospitals between January 2017 and December 2020 were screened for enrollment. We evaluated serum PCT levels on admission in patients stung by wasps. The patients were divided into an AKI group and a non-AKI group. A logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between PCT status and AKI. The performance of PCT concentrations in predicting the occurrence of AKI was evaluated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC).

Results: A total of 138 patients were enrolled, and 66 patients suffered AKI. PCT levels were elevated in 78.99% of patients stung by wasps. Nearly half of the patients (47.83%) developed AKI. PCT levels were correlated with creatinine levels on admission (r = 0.787, 95% CI: 0.713–0.844). PCT levels in patients with AKI were higher than those in patients without AKI (p < 0.001). After adjustment for covariates, PCT levels on admission were independently associated with AKI (OR: 1.575, 95% CI: 1.071–2.317, p = 0.021). The AUROC of PCT levels on admission was 0.837 (95% CI, 0.771–0.902, p < 0.001). A PCT level of 0.57 μg/L was the cutoff for maximizing the Youden index; the specificity was 79.45%, and the sensitivity was 73.43%.

Conclusion: Serum PCT levels may be a potential biomarker of AKI in patients stung by wasps.
ROS-mediated waterlogging memory, induced by priming, mitigates photosynthesis inhibition in tomato under waterlogging stress
Authors: Niu Lifei , Jiang Fangling , Yin Jian , Wang Yinlei , Li Yankai , Yu Xiaqing , Song Xiaoming , Ottosen Carl-Otto , Rosenqvist Eva , Mittler Ron , Wu Zhen , Zhou Rong
Published: August 2023

With global climate change, the frequency and intensity of waterlogging events are increasing due to frequent and heavy precipitation. Little is known however about the response of plants to repeated waterlogging stress events. The aim is to clarify physiological regulation mechanisms of tomato plants under repeated waterlogging stress, and whether Trichoderma harzianum can alleviate waterlogging injury. We identified two genotypes of tomato, ‘MIX-002’ and ‘LA4440’, as waterlogging tolerant and sensitive genotypes, respectively, based on plant biomass accumulation. The two tomato genotypes were subjected to a waterlogging priming treatment for 2 days (excess water for 1 cm above substrate surface) followed by a recovery stage for 2 days, and then a second waterlogging stress for 5 days (excess water for 1 cm above substrate surface) followed by a second recovery stage for 3 days. Leaf physiological, plant growth parameters, and the expression of five key genes were investigated. We found that the two genotypes responded differently to waterlogging priming and stress in terms of photosynthesis, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and osmotic regulatory mechanisms. Waterlogging stress significantly increased H2O2 content of ‘MIX-002’, while that of ‘LA4440’ had no significant change. Under waterlogging stress, photosynthesis of the two genotypes treated with waterlogging priming returned to the control level. However, Trichoderma harzianum treatment during the second recovery stage did not show positive mitigative effects. The plants of ‘LA4440’ with priming showed lower peroxidase (POD) activity and proline content but higher H2O2 content than that without priming under waterlogging stress. Under waterlogging stress with priming as compared to without priming, SODCC2 was downregulated in two tomatoes, and AGR2 and X92888 were upregulated in ‘MIX-002’ but downregulated in ‘LA4440’. Overall, the two tomato genotypes exhibited distinct photosynthetic, ROS and osmotic regulatory mechanisms responding to the waterlogging stress. Waterlogging priming can induce stress memory by adjusting stomatal conductance, sustaining ROS homeostasis, regulating osmotic regulatory substances and key gene expressions mediated by H2O2, and thus alleviate the damage on tomato photosynthesis when waterlogging reoccurred.
Experimental and meta-analytic evidence that source variability of misinformation does not increase eyewitness suggestibility independently of repetition of misinformation
Authors: O’Donnell Rachel , Chan Jason C. K. , Foster Jeffrey L. , Garry Maryanne
Published: August 2023

Considerable evidence has shown that repeating the same misinformation increases its influence (i.e., repetition effects). However, very little research has examined whether having multiple witnesses present misinformation relative to one witness (i.e., source variability) increases the influence of misinformation. In two experiments, we orthogonally manipulated repetition and source variability. Experiment 1 used written interview transcripts to deliver misinformation and showed that repetition increased eyewitness suggestibility, but source variability did not. In Experiment 2, we increased source saliency by delivering the misinformation to participants via videos instead of written interviews, such that each witness was visibly and audibly distinct. Despite this stronger manipulation, there was no effect of source variability in Experiment 2. In addition, we reported a meta-analysis (k = 19) for the repeated misinformation effect and a small-scale meta-analysis (k = 8) for the source variability effect. Results from these meta-analyses were consistent with the results of our individual experiments. Altogether, our results suggest that participants respond based on retrieval fluency rather than source-specifying information.
Why multiple intelligences theory is a neuromyth
Authors: Waterhouse Lynn
Published: August 2023

A neuromyth is a commonly accepted but unscientific claim about brain function. Many researchers have claimed Howard Gardner’s multiple intelligences (MI) theory is a neuromyth because they have seen no evidence supporting his proposal for independent brain-based intelligences for different types of cognitive abilities. Although Gardner has made claims that there are dedicated neural networks or modules for each of the intelligences, nonetheless Gardner has stated his theory could not be a neuromyth because he never claimed it was a neurological theory. This paper explains the lack of evidence to support MI theory. Most important, no researcher has directly looked for a brain basis for the intelligences. Moreover, factor studies have not shown the intelligences to be independent, and studies of MI teaching effects have not explored alternate causes for positive effects and have not been conducted by standard scientific methods. Gardner’s MI theory was not a neuromyth initially because it was based on theories of the 1980s of brain modularity for cognition, and few researchers then were concerned by the lack of validating brain studies. However, in the past 40 years neuroscience research has shown that the brain is not organized in separate modules dedicated to specific forms of cognition. Despite the lack of empirical support for Gardner’s theory, MI teaching strategies are widely used in classrooms all over the world. Crucially, belief in MI and use of MI in the classroom limit the effort to find evidence-based teaching methods. Studies of possible interventions to try to change student and teacher belief in neuromyths are currently being undertaken. Intervention results are variable: One research group found that teachers who knew more about the brain still believed education neuromyths. Teachers need to learn to detect and reject neuromyths. Widespread belief in a neuromyth does not make a theory legitimate. Theories must be based on sound empirical evidence. It is now time for MI theory to be rejected, once and for all, and for educators to turn to evidence-based teaching strategies.
Diverging effects of mentalization based treatment for patients with borderline personality disorder and schizophrenia: an explorative comparison
Authors: Weijers Jonas G. , van Kaam Fleur , Selten Jean-Paul , de Winter Remco F. P. , ten Kate Coriene
Published: August 2023

Introduction

There is robust evidence that both patients with schizophrenia (SCZ) and borderline personality disorder (BPD) display mentalizing difficulties. Less is known however about differences in the way mentalization based treatment (MBT) impacts mentalizing capacity in SCZ and BPD patients. This study compares the impact of MBT on mentalizing capacity in individuals with SCZ and BPD.

Method

The thematic apperception test was used to measure mentalizing capacity. It was administered at the beginning and end of treatment to 26 patients with SCZ and 28 patients with BPD who enrolled in an 18-month long MBT program. For comparison a sample of 28 SCZ patients who did not receive MBT was also included. Using the social cognition and object-relations system, these narratives were analyzed and scored. Missing data was imputed and analyzed using intention-to-treat ANCOVAs with post-treatment measures of mentalizing capacity as dependent variables, group type as independent variable and baseline mentalizing capacities as covariates.

Results

Results showed that patients with BPD showed significantly more improvement on several measures of mentalizing, including complexity of representation (ηp2 = 0.50, ppooled < 0.001), understanding of social causality (ηp2 = 0.41, ppooled < 0.001) and emotional investment in relationships (ηp2 = 0.41, ppooled < 0.001) compared to patients with SCZ who received MBT. No differences were found regarding affect-tone of relationships (ηp2 = 0.04, ppooled = 0.36). SCZ patients who received MBT showed greater performance on understanding of social causality (ηp2 = 0.12, ppooled = 0.01) compared to SCZ patients who did not receive MBT, but no differences were observed on complexity of representations, capacity for emotional investment or affect-tone of relationships.

Discussion

Patients with BPD performed better after receiving MBT on three dimensions of mentalizing capacity than SCZ patients who received MBT. Remarkably, SCZ patients who received MBT performed better on one dimension of mentalizing capacity compared to SCZ patients who did not receive MBT. Whereas MBT for BPD clearly involves improvement on most aspects of mentalizing, MBT for SCZ seems to thwart a further decline of other-oriented, cognitive mentalizing. Treatment goals should be adapted toward these disorder-specific characteristics.
Drug exporter expression correlates with group 3 innate lymphoid cell resistance to immunosuppressive agents
Authors: Omar Said Z. , Haverkate Nienke J. E. , van Hoeven Vera , Blom Bianca , Hazenberg Mette D.
Published: August 2023

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is often complicated by graft versus host disease (GvHD), an alloreactive immune response triggered by tissue damage. Interleukin (IL)-22 producing type 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3) protect epithelial tissues against chemo(radio)therapy-induced damage, suppress alloreactive T cells and mitigate acute GvHD symptoms after allogeneic HCT. Relatively high numbers of ILC before and after allogeneic HCT has been associated with significantly reduced tissue damage and less acute GvHD. While most transplantation conditioning and GvHD prophylaxis regimens are aimed at eliminating host and alloreactive donor lymphocytes, the effect of these regimens on ILC remain elusive. Here, we studied the effect of conditioning chemotherapy and immunosuppressive agents on the survival, proliferation, activation and function of human ILC3 in vitro. Tonsil-derived ILC3 were activated and incubated with agents commonly used to prevent and treat GvHD. While fludarabine, rapamycin, mycophenolic acid and prednisolone suppressed ILC3 to a similar degree as T cells, the effect of other agents, including cyclosporine A, methotrexate, imatinib, ibrutinib and ruxolitinib, was milder on ILC3 than on T cells. ILC3 are less sensitive to immunosuppressants potentially because of their expression of functionally active ATP Binding Cassette Subfamily B Member 1 (ABCB1) drug exporter proteins. This suggests less intracellular accumulation of immunosuppressive agents, which renders ILC3 resistant to these compounds. The present findings may help to develop strategies to simultaneously maintain the tissue protective properties of ILC3 and at the same time suppress alloreactive lymphocytes, which is important in the prevention and treatment of acute GvHD.
The importance of wild edible plant and macrofungi diversity to attain food security for the tribes of eastern India—a quantitative study
Authors: Mandal Suman Kalyan , Saha Sathi , Saha Saradindu
Published: August 2023

Background

Inventorization and promotion of traditionally used local flora can be a better option to gain a wide range of alternative edible resources and multiple nutritional benefits. A perusal of literature highlighted the poor nutritional status of the tribal community living in eastern India and pointed out the potential lack of information regarding locally available wild edible resources.

Objective

Present study aimed to document detailed information on wild edibles of eastern India, evaluate their cultural significance, and understand their role in achieving food security for the local tribes.

Materials and methodology

Traditional knowledge of wild edibles was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Standard protocols were followed for collecting data. The collected data were analyzed using specific statistical tools like Relative frequency of citation (RFC), and Cultural food significance index (CFSI) to identify the most cited and culturally significant species. Jaccard similarity index (JI) was used to check the similarity of food plant use in different localities and adjoining areas of the laterite region in eastern India.

Results

A total of 2,603 citations were made by the 153 participants for 83 types of wild edibles spread across 48 families. Among the 83 species, 65 species were angiosperms, three species were pteridophytes and the rest 15 were from fungal groups. The RFC value ranged from 0.04 to 0.76, and Madhuca longifolia (L.) J.F.Macbr. was identified as the most frequently cited species (FC = 116; RFC = 0.76). The Cultural food significance index (CFSI) value varied from 0.2 to 844, and thirteen wild edibles like Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott, Enydra fluctuans Lour., Marsilea vestita Hook. & Grev., Termitomyces heimii Natarajan, etc. were identified as culturally most important in the locality.

Conclusion

Present study concludes that the local flora and macrofungi diversity is a treasure trove for fulfilling human hunger and gaining enough nutritional benefit. Scientific and sustainable utilization of these wild edibles can be a wise step to attain multiple health benefits and food security for the tribal community of eastern India. Moreover, culturally accepted species can be opted as a good source for bioprospecting nutraceuticals.
A Novel Machine-Learning Approach to Predict Stress-Responsive Genes in Arabidopsis
Authors: Nazari Leyla , Ghotbi Vida , Nadimi Mohammad , Paliwal Jitendra
Published: August 2023

This study proposes a hybrid gene selection method to identify and predict key genes in Arabidopsis associated with various stresses (including salt, heat, cold, high-light, and flagellin), aiming to enhance crop tolerance. An open-source microarray dataset (GSE41935) comprising 207 samples and 30,380 genes was analyzed using several machine learning tools including the synthetic minority oversampling technique (SMOTE), information gain (IG), ReliefF, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), along with various classifiers (BayesNet, logistic, multilayer perceptron, sequential minimal optimization (SMO), and random forest). We identified 439 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), of which only three were down-regulated (AT3G20810, AT1G31680, and AT1G30250). The performance of the top 20 genes selected by IG and ReliefF was evaluated using the classifiers mentioned above to classify stressed versus non-stressed samples. The random forest algorithm outperformed other algorithms with an accuracy of 97.91% and 98.51% for IG and ReliefF, respectively. Additionally, 42 genes were identified from all 30,380 genes using LASSO regression. The top 20 genes for each feature selection were analyzed to determine three common genes (AT5G44050, AT2G47180, and AT1G70700), which formed a three-gene signature. The efficiency of these three genes was evaluated using random forest and XGBoost algorithms. Further validation was performed using an independent RNA_seq dataset and random forest. These gene signatures can be exploited in plant breeding to improve stress tolerance in a variety of crops.
A Hybrid Simulation and Reinforcement Learning Algorithm for Enhancing Efficiency in Warehouse Operations
Authors: Leon Jonas F. , Li Yuda , Martin Xabier A. , Calvet Laura , Panadero Javier , Juan Angel A.
Published: August 2023

The use of simulation and reinforcement learning can be viewed as a flexible approach to aid managerial decision-making, particularly in the face of growing complexity in manufacturing and logistic systems. Efficient supply chains heavily rely on steamlined warehouse operations, and therefore, having a well-informed storage location assignment policy is crucial for their improvement. The traditional methods found in the literature for tackling the storage location assignment problem have certain drawbacks, including the omission of stochastic process variability or the neglect of interaction between various warehouse workers. In this context, we explore the possibilities of combining simulation with reinforcement learning to develop effective mechanisms that allow for the quick acquisition of information about a complex environment, the processing of that information, and then the decision-making about the best storage location assignment. In order to test these concepts, we will make use of the FlexSim commercial simulator.
Finite-Time Control for Dual Three-Phase Hybrid Excitation Synchronous Machine Based on Torque Sensorless Current Coordinative Strategy
Authors: Dai Bin , Wu Zixing
Published: August 2023

In this paper, the finite time speed regulation problem is investigated for a dual three-phase hybrid excitation synchronous machine (DTP-HESM) without a torque meter. The electromagnetic torque estimation required in the current coordinative strategy is obtained through the disturbance estimation technology. This method increases fault tolerance and reduces the cost as well as complexity of the DTP-HESM system. In contrast to the existing controllers in the speed loop, the non-singular terminal sliding mode control method is adopted to ensure the finite-time convergence of speed tracking in the whole speed region. To achieve better dynamic performance in the presence of lumped disturbances, including unknown load torque and unmodeled dynamics, the disturbance estimations are introduced into the sliding mode variable to establish a composite speed regulating controller. Simulations and experiments are carried out to validate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
Combustion Characteristics of a Swirl-Radial-Injection Composite Fuel Grain with Applications in Hybrid Rockets
Authors: Wang Ruoyan , Lin Xin , Wang Zezhong , Wu Kun , Zhang Zelin , Luo Jiaxiao , Li Fei , Yu Xilong
Published: August 2023

The combustion characteristics of a swirl-radial-injection composite fuel grain were experimentally and numerically investigated. This composite grain permits swirl-radial oxidizer injection based on three hollow helical blades, each having a constant hollow space allowing uniform oxidizer injection into the main chamber along the axial direction. The oxidizer enters from channel inlets located along a hollow outer wall. This wall, together with the three blades, is fabricated as one piece from acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene using three-dimensional printing. Paraffin-based fuel is embedded in the spaces between adjacent blades. Firing tests were conducted with gaseous oxygen as the oxidizer, using oxidizer mass flow rates ranging from 7.45 to 30.68 g/s. Paraffin-based fuel grains using conventional fore-end injection were used for comparison. Regression rate boundaries were determined taking into account the erosion of the oxidizer channels. The data show that the regression rate was significantly increased even at the lower limit. Images of the combustion chamber flame and of the exhaust plume were also acquired. The flame was found to be concentrated in the main chamber and a smoky plume was observed, consistent with the high regression rate. A three-dimensional simulation was employed. The present design was found to improve fuel/oxidizer mixing and combustion efficiency compared with a fuel grain using fore-end injection. Both the experimental results and numerical simulations confirmed the potential of this swirl-radial-injection fuel grain.
Optimization of Shifting Quality for Hydrostatic Power-Split Transmission with Single Standard Planetary Gear Set
Authors: Xu Zhaorui , Wang Jiabo , Yang Yanqiang , Wang Guangming , Fu Shenghui
Published: August 2023

To improve the driving comfort of continuously variable transmission (CVT) tractors, the shifting quality of hydrostatic power-split transmission with a standard planetary gear set was optimized. Firstly, the powertrain of the CVT and two shift strategies, direct-shift and bridge-shift, were introduced; then, a dynamic model of tractor shifting was constructed, and the models of key components such as wet clutches and proportional pressure valves were experimentally verified. Finally, the control parameters of the above two shifting strategies were optimized, and the acceleration impact and sliding energy loss caused by them were compared. The results showed the following: the minimum peak acceleration of the bridge-shift method was 0.385807 m/s2; the energy consumption of the bridge-shift method was significantly lower than that of the direct-shift method; the sliding friction work of clutches decreased by 14.92% and 75.84%, respectively, while their power loss decreased by 22.82% and 74.48%, respectively.
Advancements and Innovations in Harnessing Microbial Processes for Enhanced Biogas Production from Waste Materials
Authors: Das Ankita , Das Sandeep , Das Nandita , Pandey Prisha , Ingti Birson , Panchenko Vladimir , Bolshev Vadim , Kovalev Andrey , Pandey Piyush
Published: August 2023

Biogas production from waste materials has emerged as a promising avenue for sustainable energy generation, offering a dual benefit of waste management and renewable energy production. The selection and preparation of waste feedstocks, including agricultural residues, food waste, animal manure, and municipal solid wastes, are important for this process, while the microbial communities are majorly responsible for bioconversions. This review explores the role of complex microbial communities and their functions responsible for the anaerobic digestion of wastes. It covers the crucial physiological processes including hydrolysis, acidogenesis, acetogenesis, and methanogenesis, elucidating the microbial activities and metabolic pathways involved in the prospects of improving the efficiency of biogas production. This article further discusses the influence of recent progress in molecular techniques, including genomics, metagenomics, meta-transcriptomics, and stable isotope probing. These advancements have greatly improved our understanding of microbial communities and their capabilities of biogas production from waste materials. The integration of these techniques with process monitoring and control strategies has been elaborated to offer possibilities for optimizing biogas production and ensuring process stability. Microbial additives, co-digestion of diverse feedstocks, and process optimization through microbial community engineering have been discussed as effective approaches to enhance the efficiency of biogas production. This review also outlines the emerging trends and future prospects in microbial-based biogas production, including the utilization of synthetic biology tools for engineering novel microbial strains and consortia, harnessing microbiomes from extreme environments, and integrating biogas production with other biotechnological processes. While there are several reviews regarding the technical aspects of biogas production, this article stands out by offering up-to-date insights and recommendations for leveraging the potential of microbial communities, and their physiological roles for efficient biogas production. These insights emphasize the pivotal role of microbes in enhancing biogas production, ultimately contributing to the advancement of a sustainable and carbon-neutral future.
Design and Testing of Bionic-Feature-Based 3D-Printed Flexible End-Effectors for Picking Horn Peppers
Authors: Deng Lexing , Liu Tianyu , Jiang Ping , Qi Aolin , He Yuchen , Li Yujie , Yang Mingqin , Deng Xin
Published: August 2023

To solve the problems of poor adaptability and large sizes of pepper harvesting machinery in facility agriculture to enhance the efficiency and quality of pepper harvesting and ultimately boost farmers’ income, several flexible end-effectors were designed. These end-effectors were tailored to the unique morphologies of horn peppers, drawing inspiration from biomimicry. Subsequently, we conducted experimental verification to validate their performance. Four biological features, namely, the outer contours of a Vicia faba L. fruit, an Abelmoschus esculentus fruit, the upper jaw of a Lucanidae, and a Procambarus clarkii claw, were selected and designed using 3D software. In order to ascertain the structural viability and establish the initial design framework for the test end-effector, a simulation analysis to evaluate the strength and deformation of the flexible end-effector under various pepper-picking conditions was conducted. PLA material and 3D printing technology were used to create the end-effector, and, together with the mobile robotic arm platform ROSMASTER X3 PLUS, they were used to build a test prototype; a pepper tensile test was performed to pre-determine the reasonableness of the picking program, and then a prototype was created for the actual picking of the peppers to compare the picking effectiveness of several types of flexible end-effectors. In six experiments, each flexible end was harvested for 120 horn peppers. The Vicia faba L. flexible end-effector had the lowest average breakage rate. The average breakage rate was 1.7%. At the same time, it had the lowest average drop rate. The average drop rate was 3.3%. The test results indicated that the flexible end-effector that emulated the outer contour characteristics of the Vicia faba L. fruit demonstrated the most favorable outcomes. This design exhibited high working efficiency and the lowest rates of fruit breakage and fruit drops, surpassing both the artificial and traditional machine picking methods and effectively fulfilling the requirements for pepper-picking operations in facility agriculture.
Application Progress of UAV-LARS in Identification of Crop Diseases and Pests
Authors: Zhao Gaoyuan , Zhang Yali , Lan Yubin , Deng Jizhong , Zhang Qiangzhi , Zhang Zichao , Li Zhiyong , Liu Lihan , Huang Xu , Ma Junjie
Published: August 2023

Disease and pest stress is one of the important threats to crop growth and development, which have a very adverse impact on crop yield and quality every year, even leading to crop failure. Currently, the use of plant protection unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for pesticide spraying is the most effective means of controlling crop diseases and pests. However, the areas where crop pests and diseases occur are often presented in “point-like” or “patchy” forms, and the UAV’s full-coverage spraying method results in a great waste of pesticides. Therefore, there is an urgent need to research a method for identifying the area of diseases and pest stress to achieve precise targeted spraying, in order to reduce the amount of pesticides used and improve their utilization. By analyzing the low-altitude remote sensing images of crop fields taken by UAVs, real-time pesticide spraying prescription maps can be generated to meet the demand for precise targeted spraying. This review focuses on the actual needs of precise targeted spraying by plant protection UAVs. Firstly, the RS monitoring mechanism of crop diseases and pests by UAVs is studied. Secondly, a comprehensive investigation of the literature on UAV Low-altitude Remote Sensing (UAV-LARS) technology for monitoring and identifying crop diseases and pests is conducted, summarizing the research progress in monitoring and identifying crop diseases and pests, especially in wheat, cotton, and rice. Finally, the key issues to be addressed and the future development direction of UAV-LARS monitoring of crop diseases and pests are proposed.
Identification and Fine Mapping of Osdsm3, a Drought-Sensitive Gene in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Deng Chenwei , Zhang Yingxin , Wang Beifang , Wang Hong , Xue Pao , Cao Yongrun , Sun Lianping , Cheng Shihua , Cao Liyong , Chen Daibo
Published: August 2023

Drought poses a significant constraint on rice production, and, in this study, we have discovered a novel drought-sensitive mutant, designated as dsm3, arising from the progenies of indica rice variety Zhonghui8015 treated with ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS). Under drought stress conditions, dsm3 exhibited characteristic withered leaf tips, accompanied by increased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and H2O2, a reduced net photosynthetic rate (Pn), and decreased activity of peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Genetic analysis revealed that the withered leaf tip phenotype was governed by a single recessive gene, designated as Osdsm3. To begin with, Osdsm3 was initially mapped to the short arm of chromosome 1 through a cross involving dsm3 and 02428. Subsequently, utilizing a population of 2591 F2 individuals, we narrowed down the location of Osdsm3 to a 78 Kb interval, encompassing 13 open reading frames (ORFs). Sequencing analysis unveiled a mutation (1275G → A) in the exon of the candidate gene (LOC_Os01g10680), leading to premature translation termination. Moreover, a quantitative RT-PCR assay demonstrated a high expression of OsDSM3 in the panicle and sheath, with a significant upregulation of drought-stress-related genes under drought conditions. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that Osdsm3 shares evolutionary homology with UNE1, an intracellular transport protein found in Arabidopsis thaliana. Subcellular studies further confirmed that OsDSM3 resides in the cytoplasm. In conclusion, the forthcoming cloning of Osdsm3 holds promise for delving deeper into the molecular mechanisms governing rice drought resistance.
Agrobacterium rhizogenes-Mediated Genetic Transformation and Establishment of CRISPR/Cas9 Genome-Editing Technology in Limonium bicolor
Authors: Li Qianqian , Liu Shuang , He Xuxia , Li Haiyun , Lyu Shanhua , Fan Yinglun
Published: August 2023

Limonium bicolor is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Plumbaginaceae family. It can be used as a dried flower or in cut flower arrangements and serves as a model recretohalophyte. Its genome sequencing has been recently completed. However, the research on L. bicolor is limited by the absence of a highly efficient genetic transformation system. In this study, we established a highly efficient Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated L. bicolor genetic transformation method. The transgenic hairy roots were induced from the hypocotyl of L. bicolor using A. rhizogenes strain K599 harboring pRdGa4Cas9 plasmid (which carries an expression cassette of 35S::DsRed2). The transgenic shoots were regenerated from hairy root segments (~0.1 cm diameter), and induction efficiency was achieved at 100%. The transgenic shoots with 4–5 rosette leaves were directly planted into the soil to induce the transgenic roots. Therefore, transgenic plantlets were produced. The DsRed2 can be used as a reliable reporter gene in screening transgenic plantlets. Furthermore, we also established a CRISPR/Cas9 system in L. bicolor employing the A. rhizogenes-mediated genetic transformation approach. The highly efficient transformation method and CRIPSP/Cas9 system established will provide a valuable tool for functional genomics investigation and trait improvement in L. bicolor.
Landscape Pattern Identification and Ecological Risk Assessment Employing Land Use Dynamics on the Loess Plateau
Authors: Chang Sen , Dai Zhen-Zhong , Wang Xing , Zhu Zhi-Yuan , Feng Yong-Zhong
Published: August 2023

The Loess Plateau region is characterized by fragmented habitats and ecological vulnerability. Analyzing the changes in land use and ecological risk within the region is of great significance for promoting high-quality development of the Loess Plateau. The study utilized land use data from 2000, 2010, and 2020 in the Loess Plateau region to assess the spatio-temporal variation in land use patterns and landscape ecological risks, aiming to provide valuable references and decision support for ecological risk management and sustainable development in the area. The results indicated that the main land use types in the region are grassland and cropland. From 2000 to 2020, forest, grassland, and water areas increased by 1.39 × 106, 6.25 × 105, and 7.09 × 104 ha, respectively. The impervious area increased rapidly, growing from 9.77 × 104 ha in 2000 to 1.85 × 106 ha in 2020. The cropland decreased by 1.82 × 106 ha from 2000 to 2020, with 4.61 × 105, 4.95 × 106, and 8.91 × 105 ha of cropland converted to forest, grassland, and impervious area, respectively. The fragmentation of the ecological landscape in the region has decreased, and the diversity and richness of landscape types have increased. The fragmentation of cropland, forest, and grassland has decreased, and landscape patches have become more concentrated. High-value areas of landscape ecological risk in the region show a trend of continuous aggregation, altering the dispersion pattern of high-risk areas. Currently, high-risk areas of landscape ecology in the Loess Plateau region are mainly concentrated in northern Shaanxi and some areas along the Yellow River, such as Yulin, Yan’an, Ordos, and others. Currently, the ecological environment remains a bottleneck constraining the high-quality development of the Loess Plateau. It is necessary to persist in coordinated governance and ecological engineering construction, and improving the quality of ecological environment is a prerequisite for consolidating the social foundation and leading the high-quality development of the ecological industry on the Loess Plateau.
Response of Photosynthesis in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Cultivars to Moderate Heat Stress at Meiosis and Anthesis Stages
Authors: Zhang Jie , Tan Daniel K. Y. , Shaghaleh Hiba , Chang Tingting , Alhaj Hamoud Yousef
Published: August 2023

High temperature has seriously impacted the production of wheat in many countries. We examined four wheat cultivars (PBW343, Berkurt, Janz, and Attila) under heat stress (35/25 °C) and control treatments (23/15 °C) for 3 days at the meiosis and anthesis stages to evaluate the response and recovery of the four cultivars to heat stress and the relationship between photosynthetic parameters related to heat tolerance. Photosynthetic activity in all cultivars declined in plants that were treated at 35 °C, even for only 1 d compared with control plants. However, the differences among the four cultivars were obvious in net photosynthetic rate (Pn). At meiosis, the reduction of Pn in Berkut and PBW343 was lower and could nearly fully recover after 3 d of recovery and showed higher heat tolerance characteristics. The highest reduction in Pn occurred in Janz, which did not recover completely after 3 d of recovery. The same trend was observed at the anthesis stage, but Pn in all cultivars could not fully recover. Taking transpiration rate (Tr), stomatal conductance (gs), intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci), and limitation of stomatal conductance (Ls) into account, results suggested the decline in Pn under heat stress was mainly caused by non-stomatal restriction. In parallel with the decline in Pn, the maximum photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm) decreased. In addition, both the maximum rate of net photosynthesis (Pmax) and the light saturation point declined after heat stress in all cultivars. However, the relevant photosynthetic parameters of PBW343 and Berkut recovered more quickly at both the meiotic and flowering stages. In summary, there were significant differences in the adaptability of different cultivars to high temperatures, with Berkut and PBW343 being more adaptable to heat stress than Janz and Attila. These may be used as valuable resources for further studies in breeding to understand the physiological mechanisms of heat sensitivity. This paper provides detailed information on the ecophysiological responses of wheat under heat stress.
The Role of Host Species in Experimental Ferlavirus Infection: Comparison of a Single Strain in Ball Pythons (Python regius) and Corn Snakes (Pantherophis guttatus)
Authors: Pees Michael , Möller Annkatrin , Schmidt Volker , Schroedl Wieland , Marschang Rachel E.
Published: August 2023

Ferlaviruses are a cause of respiratory disease in snakes. Four genogroups (A, B, C, and tortoise) have been described. Disease development is believed to depend on virus, host, and environment-specific factors. There is evidence of transmission of individual strains between genera and families of reptiles. A genogroup B virus previously used in a transmission study with corn snakes (Pantherophis guttatus) was applied intratracheally in ball pythons (Python regius) using the same protocol as for the corn snakes. Ball pythons became infected, with initial mild clinical signs noted four days post infection (p.i.), and the virus was detected first in the lungs on day 4 and spread to the intestine, pancreas, kidney and brain. Hematology showed an increase in circulating lymphocytes which peaked on day 28 p.i. Antibodies were detected beginning on day 16 and increased steadily to the end of the study. In comparison to corn snakes, ball pythons exhibited milder clinical signs and pathological changes, faster development of and higher antibody titers, and a hematological reaction dominated by lymphocytosis in contrast to heterophilia in corn snakes. These differences in host reaction to infection are important to understand ferlavirus epidemiology as well as for clinical medicine and diagnostic testing.
Modeling the Wintering Habitat Distribution of the Black Stork in Shaanxi, China: A Hierarchical Integration of Climate and Land Use/Land Cover Data
Authors: Tuohetahong Yilamujiang , Lu Ruyue , Gan Feng , Li Min , Ye Xinping , Yu Xiaoping
Published: August 2023

Species distribution models (SDMs) are effective tools for wildlife conservation and management, as they employ the quantification of habitat suitability and environmental niches to evaluate the patterns of species distribution. The utilization of SDMs at various scales in a hierarchical approach can provide additional and complementary information, significantly improving decision-making in local wildlife conservation initiatives. In this study, we considered the appropriate spatial scale and data resolution to execute species distribution modeling, as these factors greatly influence the modeling procedures. We developed SDMs for wintering black storks at both the regional and local scales. At the regional scale, we used climatic and climate-driven land use/land cover (LULC) variables, along with wintering occurrence points, to develop models for mainland China. At the local scale, we used local environmental variables and locally gathered wintering site data to develop models for Shaanxi province. The predictions from both the regional and local models were then combined at the provincial level by overlapping suitable areas based on climatic and local conditions. We compared and evaluated the resulting predictions using seven statistical metrics. The national models provide information on the appropriate climatic conditions for the black stork during the wintering period throughout China, while the provincial SDMs capture the important local ecological factors that influence the suitability of habitats at a finer scale. As anticipated, the national SDMs predict a larger extent of suitable areas compared to the provincial SDMs. The hierarchical prediction approach is considered trustworthy and, on average, yields better outcomes than non-hierarchical methods. Our findings indicate that human-driven LULC changes have a significant and immediate impact on the wintering habitat of the black stork. However, the effects of climate change seem to be reducing the severity of this impact. The majority of suitable wintering habitats lie outside the boundaries of protected areas, highlighting the need for future conservation and management efforts to prioritize addressing these conservation gaps and focusing on the protection of climate refuges.
Why All Healthy Laboratory Animals Should Be Rehomed, No Matter How Small
Authors: Van Loo Pascalle L. P. , Janssens Monique R. E.
Published: August 2023

This paper explores the ethical imperative of rehoming all healthy animals of sentient species after experiments have finished or when they have become otherwise redundant. We take into account disparate perspectives in animal ethics and see how they point in the same direction. We illustrate our case with our own rehoming experience from the joint Animal Welfare Body of Utrecht University and the University Medical Centre Utrecht, the Netherlands. The primary pilot proved successful, after which the principle of rehoming became standing policy and common practice. We discuss several challenges and our responses to those through continuous evaluation of the adoption program.
Himalayan Marmot (Marmota himalayana) Redistribution to High Latitudes under Climate Change
Authors: Wang Zhicheng , Kang Yukun , Wang Yan , Tan Yuchen , Yao Baohui , An Kang , Su Junhu
Published: August 2023

Climate warming and human activities impact the expansion and contraction of species distribution. The Himalayan marmot (Marmota himalayana) is a unique mammal and an ecosystem engineer in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP). This pest aggravates grassland degradation and is a carrier and transmitter of plagues. Therefore, exploring the future distribution of Himalayan marmots based on climate change and human activities is crucial for ecosystem management, biodiversity conservation, and public health safety. Here, a maximum entropy model was explored to forecast changes in the distribution and centroid migration of the Himalayan marmot in the 2050s and 2070s. The results implied that the human footprint index (72.80%) and altitude (16.40%) were the crucial environmental factors affecting the potential distribution of Himalayan marmots, with moderately covered grassland being the preferred habitat of the Himalayan marmot. Over the next 30–50 years, the area of suitable habitat for the Himalayan marmot will increase slightly and the distribution center will shift towards higher latitudes in the northeastern part of the plateau. These results demonstrate the influence of climate change on Himalayan marmots and provide a theoretical reference for ecological management and plague monitoring.
The Applications and Mechanisms of Superoxide Dismutase in Medicine, Food, and Cosmetics
Authors: Zheng Mengli , Liu Yating , Zhang Guanfeng , Yang Zhikang , Xu Weiwei , Chen Qinghua
Published: August 2023

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is a class of enzymes that restrict the biological oxidant cluster enzyme system in the body, which can effectively respond to cellular oxidative stress, lipid metabolism, inflammation, and oxidation. Published studies have shown that SOD enzymes (SODs) could maintain a dynamic balance between the production and scavenging of biological oxidants in the body and prevent the toxic effects of free radicals, and have been shown to be effective in anti-tumor, anti-radiation, and anti-aging studies. This research summarizes the types, biological functions, and regulatory mechanisms of SODs, as well as their applications in medicine, food production, and cosmetic production. SODs have proven to be a useful tool in fighting disease, and mimetics and conjugates that report SODs have been developed successively to improve the effectiveness of SODs. There are still obstacles to solving the membrane permeability of SODs and the persistence of enzyme action, which is still a hot spot and difficulty in mining the effect of SODs and promoting their application in the future.
Antioxidant Activity of Sweet Whey Derived from Bovine, Ovine and Caprine Milk Obtained from Various Small-Scale Cheese Plants in Greece before and after In Vitro Simulated Gastrointestinal Digestion
Authors: Dalaka Eleni , Politis Ioannis , Theodorou Georgios
Published: August 2023

Whey-derived peptides have been associated with different biological properties, but most peptides are usually further hydrolyzed during the digestive process. In the present study, the antioxidant capacity of 48 samples of sweet whey (SW) derived from cheeses obtained from small-scale cheese plants made with bovine, ovine, caprine or a mixture of ovine/caprine milk was assessed using both cell-free and cell-based assays. SW digestates (SW-Ds) and a fraction (<3 kDa; SW-D-P3) thereof were obtained after in vitro digestion and subsequent ultrafiltration. Antioxidant properties using four different assays were evaluated before and after digestion. Our data showed higher values (p < 0.05) for ORAC, ABTS, FRAP and P-FRAP after in vitro digestion (SW-Ds and SW-D-P3) when compared with the corresponding values before digestion. In the non-digested SW, ORAC values were higher (p < 0.05) for the bovine SW compared with all the other samples. In contrast, the ABTS assay indicated a higher antioxidant activity for the ovine SW both before digestion and for SW-D-P3 compared with the bovine SW. The fraction SW-D-P3 of the ovine SW, using HT29 cells and H2O2 as an oxidizing agent, increased (p < 0.05) the cellular antioxidant activity. Furthermore, the same fraction of the ovine/caprine mixed SW increased, through the NF-κB pathway, the expression of SOD1 and CAT, genes implicated in the oxidative response in macrophage-like THP-1 cells. These findings indicate that SW, and particularly bovine and ovine SW, could be a candidate source for physical antioxidants in human and animal nutrition.