bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Why age categories in youth sport should be eliminated: Insights from performance development of youth female long jumpers
Authors: Rüeger Eva , Javet Marie , Born Dennis-Peter , Heyer Louis , Romann Michael
Published: January 2023

Long-term sports participation and performance development are major issues in popular sports and talent development programs. This study aimed to provide longitudinal trends in youth female long jump performance development, participation, and relative age effects (RAEs), as longitudinal data for female athletes are missing. 51′894 season’s best results of female long jump athletes (n = 16′189) were acquired from the Swiss Athletics online database and analyzed within a range of 6–22 years of age. To examine longitudinal performance development and RAEs, data from athletes who participated in at least three seasons were selected (n = 41′253) and analyzed. Performance development was analyzed using age groups (AGs) and exact chronological age (CA) at competition. Differences between performances of birth quarters were analyzed using 83% confidence intervals (CIs) and smallest worthwhile change. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CI were used to quantify RAEs. With the traditional classification into age groups (AG), performances of athletes born between January and March (Q1) were significantly better than those born between October and December (Q4) from U8 to U17. Using exact CA resulted in similar performances in Q1 and Q4 until the U20 age category. The peak of participation was reached in the U12 category, and then decreased until the U23 category with a substantial drop at U17. Significant RAEs were observed from U8 to U19 and at U22. RAEs continuously decreased from U8 (large effect) to U14 (small effect). The present results show that differences in performance arise from the comparison of athletes in AGs. Thus, going beyond AGs and using exact CA, Q4 athletes could benefit from a realistic performance comparison, which promotes fair performance evaluation, un-biased talent development, realistic feedback, and long-term participation.
Phylogenetic and expression analyses of HSF gene families in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and characterization of TaHSFB4-2B under abiotic stress
Authors: Yun Liu , Zhang Yan , Li Shi , Yang Jingyu , Wang Changyu , Zheng Lanjie , Ji Li , Yang Jiaheng , Song Linhu , Shi Yong , Zheng Xu , Zhang Zhiyong , Gao Jie
Published: January 2023

The heat shock transcription factors (HSFs) family is widely present in eukaryotes including plants. Recent studies have indicated that HSF is a multifunctional group of genes involved in plant growth and development, as well as response to abiotic stresses. Here we combined the bioinformatic, molecular biology way to dissect the function of Hsf, specifically HsfB4 in wheat under abiotic stresses. In this study, we identified 78 TaHSF genes in wheat (Triticum aestivum) and analyzed their phylogenetic relationship and expression regulation motifs. Next, the expression profiles of TaHSFs and AtHSFs were analyzed in different tissues as well as in response to abiotic stress. Furthermore, to explore the role of HSFB4 in abiotic stress response, we cloned TaHSFB4-2B from the wheat variety, Chinese Spring. Subcellular localization analysis showed that TaHSFB4-2B was localized in the nucleus. In addition, We observed TaHSFB4-2B was highly expressed in the root and stem, its transcription was induced under long-term heat shock, cold, and salinity stress. Additionally, overexpression of TaHSFB4-2B suppressed seed germination and growth in Arabidopsis with salinity and mannitol treatment. It also modulated the expression of stress-responsive genes, including AtHSP17.8, AtHSP17.6A, AtHSP17.6C, CAT2, and SOS1, under both normal and stress conditions. From these finding, we propose that TaHSFB4-2B act as a negative regulator of abiotic stress response in the plant.
The persistent impact of drought stress on the resilience of summer maize
Authors: Jing Lanshu , Weng Baisha , Yan Denghua , Zhang Shanjun , Bi Wuxia , Yan Siying
Published: January 2023

Crop resilience refers to the adaptive ability of crops to resist drought at a certain level. Currently, most of the research focuses on the changes in root or photosynthesis traits of crops after drought and rehydration. Still, the persistence effect (drought period (T2) - rehydration period (T3) - harvest period (T4)) of drought stress on crops and quantitative estimation of resilience is still unclear. Field experiments were conducted in this study to determine the persistence effects on above-ground and below-ground growth indicators of summer maize at different levels and durations of drought. Next, an evaluation method for integrated resilience of summer maize was proposed, and a quantitative assessment of integrated resilience was made by Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and resilience index calculation. The results showed that the resilience of summer maize decreased with increasing drought levels, which persisted until harvest. Although summer maize resilience was strong after rewatering under light drought (DR1), declined after sustained rewatering. At the same time, production had decreased. However, a specific drought duration could improve the resilience of summer maize under light drought conditions. In particular, leaf biomass and root growth in the 30-50 cm layer could be enhanced under long duration light drought (LDR1), thus improving summer maize resilience and yield. Thus, under water shortage conditions, a certain level and duration drought could improve the resilience and yield of summer maize, which would persist until harvest. Clarifying the persistent effects on the growth indicators of summer maize and quantitatively evaluating the resilience of summer maize could improve agricultural food production and water use efficiency.
Chromosome-scale genomics, metabolomics, and transcriptomics provide insight into the synthesis and regulation of phenols in Vitis adenoclada grapes
Authors: Cheng Guo , Wu Daidong , Guo Rongrong , Li Hongyan , Wei Rongfu , Zhang Jin , Wei Zhiyong , Meng Xian , Yu Huan , Xie Linjun , Lin Ling , Yao Ning , Zhou Sihong
Published: January 2023

Vitis adenoclada is a wild grape unique to China. It exhibits well resistance to heat, humidity, fungal disease, drought, and soil infertility. Here, we report the high-quality, chromosome-level genome assembly of GH6 (V. adenoclada). The 498.27 Mb genome contained 221.78 Mb of transposable elements, 28,660 protein-coding genes, and 481.44 Mb of sequences associated with 19 chromosomes. GH6 shares a common ancestor with PN40024 (Vitis vinifera) from approximately 4.26–9.01 million years ago, whose divergence occurred later than Vitis rotundifolia and Vitis riparia. Widely-targeted metabolome and transcriptome analysis revealed that the profiles and metabolism of phenolic compounds in V. adenoclada varieties significantly were differed from other grape varieties. Specifically, V. adenoclada varieties were rich in phenolic acids and flavonols, whereas the flavan-3-ol and anthocyanin content was lower compared with other varieties that have V. vinifera consanguinity in this study. In addition, ferulic acid and stilbenes content were associated with higher expressions of COMT and STSs in V. adenoclada varieties. Furthermore, MYB2, MYB73-1, and MYB73-2 were presumably responsible for the high expression level of COMT in V. adenoclada berries. MYB12 (MYBF1) was positively correlated with PAL, CHS, FLS and UFGT.Meanwhile, MYB4 and MYBC2-L1 may inhibit the synthesis of flavan-3-ols and anthocyanins in two V. adenoclada varieties (YN2 and GH6). The publication of the V. adenoclada grape genome provides a molecular foundation for further revealing its flavor and quality characteristics, is also important for identifying favorable genes of the East Asian species for future breeding.
School engagement profiles in Chilean secondary students
Authors: de Toro Ximena , Saracostti Mahia , Lara Laura , Miranda Horacio , Miranda-Zapata Edgardo
Published: January 2023

School engagement is considered a key variable in promoting educational trajectories. Previous research shows that maintaining high levels of school engagement is fundamental, given its association with multiple academic results and lower-risk behaviors. This article aims to show how school engagement profiles (based on the behavioral, affective, and cognitive subdimensions) relate to academic achievement (math and language), contextual factors (family, teachers, and peer support), and gender. This study involved 527 students enrolled in the 1st year of secondary education in public schools in Chile. All students came from vulnerable schools. Our study used cluster analysis to identify students’ profiles. We identified the existence of three different profiles of school engagement (high, medium, and low) considering the three subdimensions of school engagement (behavioral, affective and cognitive). Secondly, ANOVA analysis showed differences in language and math academic achievement scores between the profiles, where higher engagement students showed higher academic performance in language and math. These findings are consistent with previous studies showing that contextual factors strongly influence school engagement and better behavioral engagement in female than male students. It will discuss the pertinence of person-centered approaches focusing on combinations of variables within students rather than taking each variable as the focal point when analyzing goals. These techniques are a favorable methodological alternative to investigate why some students have better results than others instead of just ranking students by their performance. It will conclude with some future lines of research and practical implications.
The influence of gaze direction on time perception: From the perspective of social perception
Authors: Ren Weicong , Guo Xiujuan , Huang Jinfeng , Liu Qingjun , Zhang Zhijie
Published: January 2023

Gazing is important during communication, which is a type of body language that differs from culture to culture. The present study investigated the influence of direct and averted gaze directions on the perceived duration of gazing among same-race and other-race faces. The gaze direction effect, in which direct-gazing faces were perceived to be longer than averted-gazing faces were, was found in the same-race condition but not in the other-race condition. The results could promote our understanding of the underlying mechanism of the gaze direction effect based on the perception of interpersonal social interaction.
Association between perceived exertion and executive functions with serve accuracy among male university tennis players: A pilot study
Authors: Kuroda Yuta , Ishihara Toru , Mizuno Masao
Published: January 2023

Serve in tennis is a very important strokes and is positively correlated with the rankings of the Association of Tennis Professionals ranking. This study investigated the associations between time-course changes in the ratings for perceived exertion, executive function, and second serve accuracy during 30-min tennis exercise sessions. Eleven Japanese male tennis players participated in the study, and their executive function and second serve performance were evaluated using the paper version of the Stroop Color and Word Test, followed by a serve performance test. The participants took part in a 30-min tennis exercise program and performed the Stroop Color and Word Test, heart rate (HR) check, and second serve accuracy test before and after the tennis exercise. Pearson correlation was used to determine the relationships between the ratings for perceived exertion, interference scores on Stroop Color and Word Test performance, and second serve performance. Post exercise, the rating of perceived exertion tended to correlate with serve accuracy (r = −0.57, p = 0.07) and interference score (r = 0.65, p = 0.03). The pre-to-post changes in second serve accuracy were negatively associated with the changes in interference score (r = −0.54, p = 0.08) and interference score in the posttest (r = −0.73, p = 0.01). The results suggest that time-course changes in executive function when playing tennis are positively associated with the accuracy of the second serve. These findings expand the previous knowledge regarding the positive association between time-course changes in executive functions and percentage of points won when playing tennis by including more specific skills (i.e., second serve accuracy).
Associations between personality and musculoskeletal disorders in the general population: A systematic review protocol
Authors: Quirk Shae E. , Koivumaa-Honkanen Heli , Honkanen Risto J. , Mohebbi Mohammadreza , Kavanagh Bianca E. , Heikkinen Jeremi , Williams Lana J.
Published: January 2023

There is growing evidence of the comorbidity between personality disorder (PD) and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). However, there are no systematic reviews including critical appraisal and meta-analyses that identify, evaluate, and synthesize the available evidence on these associations. Therefore, we present here a protocol of the methodology to undertake a systematic review, with the objective to evaluate associations between PD and MSDs in epidemiological population-based studies. A systematic review of observational studies will be conducted. A complete search strategy will be developed in consultation with a health librarian. To identify peer-reviewed literature, the search will be translated for, and implemented in Medline Complete, CINAHL Complete, and PsycINFO via the EBSCOhost platform from 1990 to the present. Gray literature will be identified. Studies will be eligible if they examine general population participants aged 15 years and over. Associations of interest are the presence of threshold or positive screen according to the DSM-V/5 (groupings: any, Clusters A, B, C, specific PD) or ICD-10 for PD in relation to arthritis, back/neck conditions, fibromyalgia, osteopenia/osteoporosis, and/or “any” of these MSDs. Data extraction and critical appraisal will be conducted in line with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidance for systematic reviews of etiology and risk. The results from all studies will be presented in tables, text, and figures. A descriptive synthesis will present the characteristics of included studies, critical appraisal results, and descriptions of the main findings. Where appropriate, meta-analyses will be performed. If heterogeneity (e.g., I2 = 50%) is detected, subgroup/sensitivity analysis may be used to explore the possible sources. The systematic review does not require ethics approval. The proposed systematic review will strengthen the evidence base on what is known regarding associations between PD and MSDs by identifying, evaluating, and synthesizing the findings of existing observational studies including meta-analyses, where appropriate.
Comparative efficacy of various art therapies for patients with dementia: A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Liu Qian , Wang Fang , Tan Lixia , Liu Li , Cheng Hong , Hu Xiuying
Published: January 2023

Background

Dementia have brought great challenges to patients, families and society. Numerous art therapies for patients with dementia have been developed in recent years. However, it is still unclear which art therapy represents the optimal strategy for promoting physical and mental health.

Objectives

To compare the efficacy of various art therapies in improving cognitive function, activity of daily living, depression, anxiety, agitation behavior and quality of life, and rank the art therapies for practice consideration.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was performed in eight electronic databases from their inception to April 2022. Two authors independently completed study selection, data extraction, and assessed methodological quality according to the revised version of the Cochrane tool (RoB 2). Comparative evaluation of different art therapies’ effect was performed by conducting network meta-analysis. The study protocol was registered at PROSPERO.

Results

A total of 39 randomized controlled trials involving 2801 participants were included. Calligraphy therapy (MD = 4.39) and reminiscence therapy (MD = 2.53) significantly improved cognitive function compared with the usual care, and reminiscence therapy (MD = 1.75) significantly enhanced cognitive function compared with music therapy. Horticultural therapy significantly decreased agitation behavior compared with the usual care (MD = −31.34), music therapy (MD = −26.66), reading therapy (MD = −28.44) and reminiscence therapy (MD = −27.32). In addition, calligraphy therapy (MD = 9.00) improved quality of life compared with the usual care.

Conclusion

Calligraphy therapy might be the most effective art therapy for improving cognitive function and quality of life. Horticultural therapy might be the best art therapy for decreasing agitation behavior. Health-care professionals could consider applying these art therapies to improve cognitive function, agitation behavior and quality of life in patients with dementia.
The effect of cognitive behavioral therapy on future thinking in patients with major depressive disorder: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Amano Mizuki , Katayama Nariko , Umeda Satoshi , Terasawa Yuri , Tabuchi Hajime , Kikuchi Toshiaki , Abe Takayuki , Mimura Masaru , Nakagawa Atsuo
Published: January 2023

Background

Pessimistic thinking about the future is one of the cardinal symptoms of major depression. Few studies have assessed changes in pessimistic thinking after undergoing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). A randomized clinical trial (RCT) was conducted with patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) to determine whether receiving a course of CBT affects pessimistic future thinking using a future thinking task.

Methods

Thirty-one patients with MDD were randomly assigned to either CBT (n = 16) or a talking control (TC) (n = 15) for a 16-week intervention. The main outcomes were the change in response time (RT) and the ratio of the responses for positive valence, measured by the future thinking task. Secondary outcomes included the GRID-Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, the Beck Depression Inventory-Second Edition (BDI-II), the Dysfunctional Attitude Scale (DAS), and the word fluency test (WFT).

Results

Regarding the main outcomes, the CBT group showed reduced RT for the positive valence (within-group Cohen’s d = 0.7, p = 0.012) and negative valence (within-group Cohen’s d = 0.6, p = 0.03) in the distant future condition. The ratio of positive valence responses in both groups for all temporal conditions except for the distant past condition increased within group (distant future: CBT: Cohen’s d = 0.5, p = 0.04; TC: Cohen’s d = 0.8, p = 0.008; near future: CBT: Cohen’s d = 1.0, p < 0.001; TC: Cohen’s d = 1.1, p = 0.001; near past: CBT: Cohen’s d = 0.8, p = 0.005; TC: Cohen’s d = 1.0, p = 0.002). As for secondary outcomes, the CBT group showed greater improvement than the TC group regarding the need for social approval as measured by the DAS (p = 0.012).

Conclusion

Patients with MDD who received CBT showed a reduced RT for the positive and negative valence in the distant future condition. RT in the future thinking task for depressed patients may be a potential objective measure for the CBT treatment process. Because the present RCT is positioned as a pilot RCT, a confirmatory trial with a larger number of patients is warranted to elucidate the CBT treatment process that influences future thinking.

Clinical trial registration

https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/icdr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000021028, identifier UMIN000018155.
Ten-year hospitalization trends in Mexico: Examining the profile of national and transient and migrants
Authors: Leyva-Flores René , Aracena-Genao Belkis , Bustamante Nirma D. , Bojorquez Ietza , Cortés-Alcalá Ricardo , Gómez-López Diana , Pérez-Sastré Miguel Adonai
Published: January 2023

Aim

In Mexico, as in other societies, migrants are seen as over-users of health services. However, the extent, distribution, and trends of use over time are unknown. Evidence is needed to inform health policies and improve health services for foreign patients. The objective of this study was to examine factors associated with the distribution and trends of Mexican and foreign resident hospitalizations in Mexican public hospitals from 2010 to 2020.

Methods

A graphical and statistical analysis (descriptive and correlational) of discharge trends in public hospitals was carried out. Hospitalization trends were analyzed by country of habitual residence (Mexico, US, Central and South America, and Other Continents), age, sex, primary discharge category, and region of service delivery. Adjusted Poisson modeling was used to examine the factors associated with annual hospitalizations of Mexican and foreign residents.

Results

Between 2010 and 2020, there were 26,780,808 hospitalizations in Mexican public hospitals. Of these, 0.05% were of foreign residents. Hospitalizations for Mexican residents remained stable from 2010 to 2019, while those for foreign residents trended upward over the same period. In 2020, hospitalizations of Mexican residents fell by 36.6%, while foreign resident hospitalizations fell by 348.8%. The distribution of hospitalizations by sex was higher among females for all categories of habitual residence, except among US residents. Obstetric discharges were the most common reason for hospitalization among Mexican residents (42.45%), Central and South American residents (42.24%), and residents from Other Continents (13.73%). The average hospital stay was 2 days. Poisson regression confirmed these results, showing that hospitalizations was higher among women (except among foreign residents) and in the ≤ 17 age group. Poisson modeling also showed that trauma injury was the leading cause of discharge for foreign residents after obstetric causes.

Discussion

It is unlikely the upward trend in hospitalizations among foreign residents in Mexico from 2010 to 2019 affected the Mexican public health system, given the small proportion (0.05%) of hospitalizations and the brief length of hospital stay. The increased number of hospitalizations during the study period may be explained by local and national measures to facilitate foreign residents' access to hospital services, while the decrease in hospital utilization in 2020 is likely associated with COVID-19. Geographic location and the most frequent primary discharge categories of hospitalizations within each population could provide evidence for modifications to public health policy in Mexico.
Mothers of small-bodied children and fathers of vigorous sons live longer
Authors: Valge Markus , Meitern Richard , Hõrak Peeter
Published: January 2023

Life-history traits (traits directly related to survival and reproduction) co-evolve and materialize through physiology and behavior. Accordingly, lifespan can be hypothesized as a potentially informative marker of life-history speed that subsumes the impact of diverse morphometric and behavioral traits. We examined associations between parental longevity and various anthropometric traits in a sample of 4,000–11,000 Estonian children in the middle of the 20th century. The offspring phenotype was used as a proxy measure of parental genotype, so that covariation between offspring traits and parental longevity (defined as belonging to the 90th percentile of lifespan) could be used to characterize the aggregation between longevity and anthropometric traits. We predicted that larger linear dimensions of offspring associate with increased parental longevity and that testosterone-dependent traits associate with reduced paternal longevity. Twelve of 16 offspring traits were associated with mothers' longevity, while three traits (rate of sexual maturation of daughters and grip strength and lung capacity of sons) robustly predicted fathers' longevity. Contrary to predictions, mothers of children with small bodily dimensions lived longer, and paternal longevity was not linearly associated with their children's body size (or testosterone-related traits). Our study thus failed to find evidence that high somatic investment into brain and body growth clusters with a long lifespan across generations, and/or that such associations can be detected on the basis of inter-generational phenotypic correlations.
Repeated variate stress increased voiding frequency and altered TrpV1 and TrpV4 transcript expression in lower urinary tract (LUT) pathways in female mice
Authors: Sidwell Amanda B. , McClintock Celia , Beča Katharine I. , Campbell Susan E. , Girard Beatrice M. , Vizzard Margaret A.
Published: January 2023

Psychological stress is associated with urinary bladder dysfunction (e.g., increased voiding frequency, urgency and pelvic pain); however, the mechanisms underlying the effects of stress on urinary bladder function are unknown. Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels (vanilloid family) may be potential targets for intervention due to their distribution in the LUT and role in pain. Here, we examine a model of repeated variate stress (RVS) of 2 week (wk) or 4 wk duration in female mice and its effects on bladder function, anxiety-like behavior, and TRPV transcript expression in urinary bladder and lumbosacral spinal cord and associated dorsal root ganglia (DRG). Using continuous infusion, open-outlet cystometry in conscious mice, RVS significantly (p ≤ 0.05) decreased infused volume and intermicturition interval. Bladder pressures (threshold, average, minimum, and maximum pressures) were unchanged with RVS. Quantitative PCR demonstrated significant (p ≤ 0.05) changes in TrpV1 and TrpV4 mRNA expression between control and RVS cohorts in the urothelium, lumbosacral spinal cord, and DRG. Future directions will examine the contribution of TRP channels on bladder function, somatic sensation and anxiety-like behavior following RVS.
The pharmacokinetic and residue depletion study of eugenol in carp (Cyprinus carpio)
Authors: Xu Yidan , Jiao Yaqin , Yang Jian , Tan Aijuan , Ou Deyuan , Song Xuqin , Lv Shiming
Published: January 2023

Introduction

The pharmacokinetic profile and residue depletion of eugenol in carp (Cyprinus carpio) tissues and plasma were performed by a convenient and reliable high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method.

Methods

The eugenol in carp tissues and plasma was extracted with a mixed solution of acetonitrile and methanol. N-hexane was used to remove lipid impurities. The method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic and residue elimination of eugenol in carp after the carp was administered a medicated bath.

Results

The average recoveries of eugenol in tissues and plasma fortified with four concentration levels were 69.0–106.6% and 80.0–86.7%, respectively. The relative standard deviations were < 8.9%. The limit of detection (LOD) was 0.01 μg/g in tissue and 0.008 μg/ml in plasma, respectively. The pharmacokinetic parameter of Cmax for eugenol in plasma at the concentrations of 20, 35, and 75 mg/L were 10.86, 17.21, and 37.32 mg/L, respectively. The t1/2 values were 3.68, 4.22, and 9.31 h. After the investigation of the anesthetic effect, 35 mg/L of eugenol was the optimal concentration for anesthesia. The highest accumulation concentration of eugenol in carp is in the liver and the lowest is in the muscle. In addition, the eugenol in tissue was eliminated rapidly and at a lower level than the LOD at 48 h. According to the residue elimination, the withdrawal time of eugenol was suggested at 5.2 days.

Discussion

These results indicate that the developed method had good linearity and accuracy, and is sensitive enough for the monitoring of eugenol residue in carp. The half-life of eugenol decreased with the increase in drug concentration and the eugenol was eliminated rapidly in carp tissues. 35 mg/L eugenol was recommended as an anesthetic in carp due to its favorable anesthetic effect and no mortality. This study will contribute to the establishment of MRL regulation and setting a withdrawal period.
On the Study of Thermal-Propulsive Systems for Regional Aircraft
Authors: Figueiras Iara , Coutinho Maria , Afonso Frederico , Suleman Afzal
Published: January 2023

Life without mobility is inconceivable. To enable this connectivity, one must find a way to progress towards a more sustainable transportation. In the aviation industry, a comprehensive understanding of greening technologies such as electrification of the propulsion system for commercial aircraft is required. A hybrid-electric propulsion concept applied to a regional aircraft is studied in the context of the FutPrInt50 project. To this end, the hybrid-electric propulsive system components are modeled, validated, and evaluated using computational and experimental data presented in the literature. The components are then assembled to construct the three powertrains for the hybrid-electric propulsion systems (Series, Parallel and Turboelectric) and parametric studies are carried out to study the influence of various battery parameters and hybridization factor. The performance results for a simple mission profile are generated. Together with a thermal management system, multi-objective optimization studies for the different architectures are then performed, with the power hybridization factor as the design variable and minimization of total mass and emissions as objective functions.
Preserving Saccharina latissima and Porphyra umbilicalis in Multinutrient Blocks: An In Vitro Evaluation
Authors: Marcos Carlos N. , de Evan Trinidad , Molina-Alcaide Eduarda , Novoa-Garrido Margarita , Weisbjerg Martin Riis , Carro María Dolores
Published: January 2023

Seaweeds could be alternative feedstuffs for ruminants, but their utilization in practical feeding is difficult because they deteriorate rapidly. We investigated the possibility of preserving Saccharina latissima and Porphyra umbilicalis in multinutrient blocks (MB), which is a cost-effective preservation method for high-moisture feeds. Three different MB were prepared: without seaweed (control; CMB), with 25% of fresh S. latissima (SLMB), and with 36% of fresh P. umbilicalis (PUMB). Both seaweeds and MB were fermented in vitro with ruminal fluid from sheep. The nitrogen and fiber content of P. umbilicalis was 4- and 4.5-fold greater, respectively, than in S. latissima, but P. umbilicalis produced less gas than S. latissima. Both CMB and PUMB had similar in vitro dry matter degradability (65.8 and 65.1%, respectively), but SLMB had lower values (p < 0.05; 58.2%). There were no differences among MB in methane and total VFA production, but the VFA pattern was shifted to acetate in SLMB and to butyrate in PUMB. The results indicate that multinutrient blocks could be a feasible option to preserve and store seaweeds for ruminant feeding without compromising ruminal fermentation, but in vivo studies are needed to assess the effects on intake and animal performance.
Effect of Different Immersion Tank Water Temperatures on the Microbiological Quality of Rabbit Carcasses
Authors: Silva José Luiz Martins , de Vasconcelos Marta Liliane , Oliveira Joyce Graziella , da Fonseca Danielle de Cássia Martins , Marino Elizangela Domenis , Vasconcellos Alenia Naliato , Nascimento Luciana Oliveira , da Cruz Gomes Marcia Delgado , Vaz Andreia Cristina Nakashima , de Souza Bruna Maria Salotti , Vidal Ana Maria Centola
Published: January 2023

The pre-chilling of rabbit carcasses in an immersion tank directly interferes with microbial control. Therefore, this study was developed to examine the influence of different pre-chill tank water temperatures (4, 7, and 10 °C) on the microbiological quality of rabbit carcasses. Samples of rabbit carcasses and water and ice from the pre-chiller tank were collected; mesophilic aerobic heterotrophic microorganisms (MES), enterobacteria (EC), and coagulase-positive Staphylococcus (CPS) were counted; and the presence of Salmonella spp. was investigated. After the carcasses were immersed in the pre-chiller, there was a significant increase (p < 0.05) in MES (38.69 and 88.06 Log CFU·mL−1 at 4 and 10 °C, respectively) and EC (3.20, 4.15, and 4.84 Log CFU·mL−1 at 4, 7, and 10 °C, respectively). The average EC count tended to increase after the carcasses were immersed in the pre-chiller at different temperatures, but this increase was not significant. Water samples showed MES, EC, and CPS counts only after the immersion of the carcasses; however, the presence of these microorganisms was not detected in any of the ice samples. Salmonella spp. was not identified in the analyzed samples. The microorganisms analyzed at the three pre-chiller water temperatures evaluated did not multiply on the surface of the rabbit carcasses or in the pre-chiller water after carcass immersion. This study showed that none of the three pre-chilling temperatures were able to reduce the count of indicator microorganisms in the carcasses of rabbits. These data provide scientific support to discuss the need for specific norms and guidelines for rabbit meat production.
Intercropped Plants Provide a Reservoir of Predatory Mites in Coffee Crop
Authors: Ferla Júlia J. , Araújo Gustavo J. de , Venzon Madelaine , Nascimento Pedro H. M. G. , Kalile Milena O. , Pancieri Shauanne D. , Cardoso André C. , Martins Elem F. , Ferla Noeli J. , Pallini Angelo
Published: January 2023

Conservation biological control of pests may be achieved using a variety of integrated strategies based on crop diversification. We investigated whether the insertion of the intercropped plants species (IPS) Inga edulis, Senna macranthera, and Varronia curassavica modified the abundance of mites, their feeding behavior, and the dissimilarity of predator and herbivore mites over a gradient of distance from the IPS on coffee. To accomplish this, we recorded the mite species on coffee plants along transects of 16 m extending from the IPS, including on the IPS. A total of 8946 specimens were sampled. Tenuipalpidae was the most abundant family on coffee, followed by Tydeidae, while Eriophyidae was the most abundant on the IPS, followed by Phytoseiidae. The abundance and richness of mites differed between their feeding behavior and distance. The dissimilarity of predators and herbivores increased along a gradient of distance. Furthermore, the IPS harbored several mite species and the diversity of predator and herbivore mites among the IPS was different. The findings suggest that the intercropped plant species can attract and serve as a reservoir of predatory mites on coffee crops, which could improve the biocontrol of pest mites on coffee.
Testing of Roller-Crimper-and-Undercutting-Blade-Equipped Prototype for Plants Termination
Authors: Sportelli Mino , Frasconi Christian , Gagliardi Lorenzo , Fontanelli Marco , Raffaelli Michele , Sbrana Massimo , Antichi Daniele , Peruzzi Andrea
Published: January 2023

The use of roller crimpers to terminate plants and obtain a natural mulch before cash crop establishment has been identified as a valid and sustainable approach to control weeds. Several enhancements have been evaluated to improve and speed up plant termination to avoid delays in cash crop planting and consequent yield losses, which can occur with standard roller crimpers. In the present study, a new prototype machine provided with a roller crimper and an undercutting blade, allowing it to simultaneously crimp plant stems and cut root systems, has been designed, realized, and tested. The aim of the research was therefore to evaluate the effectiveness of the prototype for plant termination and to compare it with a commercial roller crimper. The termination was performed on a spontaneous vegetation cover (weeds). A monophasic exponential decay model to evaluate the weed termination rate over time was performed. The fitted model showed that the prototype is able to achieve a greater and faster weed devitalization compared to the commercial roller crimper, with a lower plateau (0.23 vs. 5.35 % of greenness of plant material, respectively) and higher constant of decay (1.45 vs. 0.39 day−1, respectively). Further studies are needed to evaluate the prototype’s effectiveness in relation to different soil textures, moisture conditions, and amounts of plant biomass to manage, to further improve the machine and extend its use in a broad range of situations, including cover crop termination.
A Review of Plastic Contamination Challenges and Mitigation Efforts in Cotton and Textile Milling Industries
Authors: Adeleke Adeyemi Adegoke
Published: January 2023

Plastic contamination is a burning issue costing the global cotton and textile industries billions of dollars annually. Any time plastics from different sources end up in a cotton lint bale, the value to the textile mills plummets significantly. Various industry players have therefore made a concerted effort to find lasting solutions to the menace posed by plastic to cotton profitability and sustainability. Nevertheless, until now, there have been no up-to-date comprehensive documents detailing the numerous and ever-growing efforts committed to solving this challenge. Therefore, this article provides a detailed yet compact review of this highly dynamic subject matter. First, it puts into perspective plastic contamination in the cotton and textile industries. Then, the cotton value chain is subdivided into phases from pre-cultivation to textile mills. The root causes of plastic contamination are discussed in each stage, followed by discussions of some already developed and emerging solutions in response to the challenge by the affected industries and researchers. Concluding from the author’s perspective, the paper makes projections for the future directions of plastic mitigation efforts within the cotton and textile industries. This article also infers from the reviewed literature that research on finding alternative materials to plastic as module wrap, the development of new, effective, and all-condition plastic sensing techniques for ginning and spinning equipment, and standardized protocols for UAV in-field surveys of plastic trash are some of the areas that will be beneficial to finding a permanent solution to the challenge.
Biofertilization with PGP Bacteria Improve Strawberry Plant Performance under Sub-Optimum Phosphorus Fertilization
Authors: Valle-Romero Pedro , García-López Jesús V. , Redondo-Gómez Susana , Flores-Duarte Noris J. , Rodríguez-Llorente Ignacio D. , Idaszkin Yanina Lorena , Pajuelo Eloisa , Mateos-Naranjo Enrique
Published: January 2023

Biofertilization with plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) could optimize chemical fertilization for strawberry crop cultivation. A greenhouse study was arranged to assess the impact of an isolated PGPB consortium from halophytes on strawberry development, physiological traits, and nutritional balance subjected to two phosphorus fertilization limitation treatments (with and without insoluble phosphorus form application). Biofertilization had a positive effect on strawberry development. Thus, shoot and root biomass was c. 20 and 32% higher in inoculated plants grown with insoluble phosphorus. This effect was mediated by a positive bacterial impact on plant carbon absorption capacity and water use efficiency, through a reduction in CO2 diffusional and biochemical photosynthesis limitation. Thus, net photosynthetic rate and intrinsic water use efficiency showed increments of 21–56% and 14–37%, respectively. In addition, inoculation led to a better efficiency of the plant photochemical apparatus, as indicated by the invariable higher PSII photochemistry parameters. Furthermore, these effects correlated with improved nutritional balance of phosphorus and nitrogen, which was directly related to the beneficial impact on carbon metabolism and, consequently, on strawberries’ growth. In conclusion, we can recommend the biofertilization based on PGPB for achieving more efficient strawberry P fertilization management practices, providing high efficiency in yields.
Solid-State Fermentation of Plant Feedstuff Mixture Affected the Physiological Responses of European Seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) Reared at Different Temperatures and Subjected to Salinity Oscillation
Authors: Amaral Diogo , Filipe Diogo Moreira , Cavalheri Thais Franco , Vieira Lúcia , Magalhães Rui Pedro , Belo Isabel , Peres Helena , Ozório Rodrigo O. de A.
Published: January 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary inclusion of plant feedstuff mixture (PFM) pre-treated by solid-state fermentation (SSF) on the physiological responses of European seabass. For that purpose, two diets were formulated to contain: 20% inclusion level of non-fermented plant ingredients mixture (20Mix) and 20Mix fermented by A. niger in SSF conditions (20Mix-SSF). Seabass juveniles (initial body weight: 20.9 ± 3.3 g) were fed the experimental diets, reared at two different temperatures (21 and 26 °C) and subjected to weekly salinity oscillations for six weeks. Growth performance, digestive enzyme activities, humoral immune parameters, and oxidative stress indicators were evaluated. A reduction in weight gain, feed intake, and thermal growth coefficient was observed in fish fed the fermented diet (20Mix-SSF). Salinity oscillation led to an increase in weight gain, feed efficiency, daily growth index, and thermal growth coefficient, regardless of dietary treatment. Higher rearing temperatures also increased daily growth index. No dietary effect was observed on digestive enzymes activities, whereas rearing temperature and salinity oscillation modulated digestive enzyme activities. Oxidative stress responses were significantly affected by experimental diets, temperature, and salinity conditions. Catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities showed an interactive effect. Fish reared at 21 °C showed higher enzymatic activity when fed the 20Mix-SSF. Conversely, fish reared at 26 °C showed higher GPx activity when fed the 20Mix diet. Fish reared at 26 °C showed reduced peroxidase and lysozyme activities, while salinity fluctuation led to increased lysozyme activity and decreased ACH50 activity. ACH50 activity increased in fish fed the 20Mix-SSF. Overall, the dietary inclusion of PFM fermented by A. niger was unable to mitigate the impact of environmental stress on physiological performance in European seabass. In fact, fermented feed caused an inhibition of growth performances and an alteration of some physiological stress indicators.
Proof-of-Concept Study of an Alpha-Fetoprotein-Derived Peptide for the Management of Canine Mammary Cancer
Authors: Bennett James A. , Hohenhaus Ann , Andersen Thomas T.
Published: January 2023

Novel, well-tolerated drugs are needed for the management of canine mammary cancer. Many of these cancers are promoted in their growth by estrogen. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a ubiquitous mammalian protein that has anti-estrogenic properties. AFPep (the anti-estrogenic site of AFP) has been developed into a readily synthesizable drug. AFPep has been shown to have anti-mammary cancer activity in several models of this disease, both in cell culture and in rodents. The purpose of the study reported herein was to determine the tolerability of AFPep in normal and tumor-bearing dogs. AFPep was given to dogs via both parenteral and oral routes in a single application and in repeated daily doses. Full clinical chemistry and hematology values were determined before and after drug administration. Blood levels of the drug were achieved in dogs that had been previously found to be oncostatic in rodents. No changes in clinical chemistry, hematology, and clinical behaviors were found in dogs following drug administration. The data support the further development of AFPep for clinical use against canine mammary cancer.
Plant-Derived Xanthones against Clostridial Enteric Infections
Authors: Liu Ying , Zhu Jianfei , Qu Shaoqi , Shen Jianzhong , Zhu Kui
Published: January 2023

Intestinal bacterial infections are a major threat to human and animal health. In this study, we found plant-derived antibacterial xanthones, particularly α-mangostin (AMG) from the mangosteen peel, exhibiting extraordinary activities against Clostridium perfringens. Structure–activity relationship analysis showed that prenylation modulated the activity of xanthones. The efficacy of AMG (4, 8, 20 mg/kg body weight) was also demonstrated in the broiler chicken necrotic enteritis model infected with Clostridium perfringens. In the models (n = 6 per group), feed supplementation of AMG maintained the homeostasis of the gut microbiome by reducing the colonization of clostridia and promoting the integrity of intestinal barriers via the upregulation of mucin expression. These results suggest that plant-derived xanthones may be a potential alternative to antibiotics for treating clostridial enteric infections in the clinic.
Value-Added Compounds with Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, and Enzyme-Inhibitory Effects from Post-Distillation and Post-Supercritical CO2 Extraction By-Products of Rosemary
Authors: Luca Simon Vlad , Zengin Gokhan , Sinan Kouadio Ibrahime , Korona-Glowniak Izabela , Minceva Mirjana , Skalicka-Woźniak Krystyna , Trifan Adriana
Published: January 2023

Hydrodistillation is the main technique to obtain essential oils from rosemary for the aroma industry. However, this technique is wasteful, producing numerous by-products (residual water, spent materials) that are usually discarded in the environment. Supercritical CO2 (SC-CO2) extraction is considered an alternative greener technology for producing aroma compounds. However, there have been no discussions about the spent plant material leftover. Therefore, this work investigated the chemical profile (GC-MS, LC-HRMS/MS) and multi-biological activity (antimicrobial, antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory) of several raw rosemary materials (essential oil, SC-CO2 extracts, solvent extracts) and by-products/waste materials (post-distillation residual water, spent plant material extracts, and post-supercritical CO2 spent plant material extracts). More than 55 volatile organic compounds (e.g., pinene, eucalyptol, borneol, camphor, caryophyllene, etc.) were identified in the rosemary essential oil and SC-CO2 extracts. The LC-HRMS/MS profiling of the solvent extracts revealed around 25 specialized metabolites (e.g., caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, salvianolic acids, luteolin derivatives, rosmanol derivatives, carnosol derivatives, etc.). Minimum inhibitory concentrations of 15.6–62.5 mg/L were obtained for some rosemary extracts against Micrococcus luteus, Bacilus cereus, or Staphylococcus aureus MRSA. Evaluated in six different in vitro tests, the antioxidant potential revealed strong activity for the polyphenol-containing extracts. In contrast, the terpene-rich extracts were more potent in inhibiting various key enzymes (e.g., acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, tyrosinase, amylase, and glucosidase). The current work brings new insightful contributions to the continuously developing body of knowledge about the valorization of rosemary by-products as a low-cost source of high-added-value constituents in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmeceutical industries.
The Estimation of Trapped Modes in a Cavity–Duct Waveguide Based on the Coupling of Acoustic and Flow Fields
Authors: Ma Congcong , Niu Pingping , An Xinyu
Published: January 2023

Trapped modes that exist in the waveguide have different engineering applications. Excited acoustic modes are due to the interaction between acoustic and flow fields. To further study the influence of nonpotential flow on trapped modes for a two-dimensional cavity–duct system, a numerical simulation method that combines the finite-element method (FEM) associated with a mixed formulation of the Galbrun equation and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is proposed. The calculation model is composed of a two-dimensional waveguide with cavities and perfectly matched layers (PMLs) to limit the computational domain. The effects of the Mach number and different cavity lengths on the resonance modes are investigated.