bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The intensifying requirements for white clover cultivar change
Authors: Clifford P.T.P. , Sparks G.A. , Woodfield D.R.
Published: March 2021

For the last five years an average 14,761 ha of white clover has been grown for seed, with 77%, 8% and 15% sown in public cultivars, New Zealand and overseas proprietary cultivars, respectively. The area presently contaminated by proprietaries is estimated at 20,000 ha. New Zealand requirements for cultivar-change are more effective than OECD requirements. The five-year break period enables successful cultivar change in 90% of cases and is improved further when buried seed counts were used prior to sowing to indicate paddocks with unacceptable buried seed load. Current isolation distances appear adequate with virtually all foreign pollen deposition occurring within 24m of the pollen source. Capture of additional public cultivar area (77%) by proprietary cultivars will rely on increasing the seed yields of proprietary cultivars by approximately 25%. This is realisable through greater attention to the environmental requirements of each cultivar and through better technology transfer between head licencees and growers. Keywords: buried seed, crop areas, cultivar-change requirements, public cultivars, proprietary cultivars, seed production, Trifolium repens L., white clover
Trends in the global marketing of white clover cultivars
Authors: Mather R.D.J. , Melhuish D.T. , Herlihy M.
Published: March 2021

White clover (Trifolium repens L.) is the dominant legume of temperate pastures, having been improved by breeding since the 1930s. The 1994 OECD Register lists 93 cultivars, with a further 25-30 cultivars also known to commerce. Therefore, in excess of 100 cultivars are available to fulfil a world annual market of 8500-10,500 MT. Globally, New Zealand is the major white clover production region, providing 50- 55% of the seed. Other key production regions are Denmark, USA and South America. Consumption of white clover has been relatively static for some time, ranging from 8000-10,000 MT per annum. Between 55-60% of the seed is used in the northern hemisphere (approx. 40% by Western Europe - UK, France, Germany). USA, South America and New Zealand all consume similar tonnages annually (approx. 1000-2000 MT each) with smaller tonnages used in Australia. One cultivar, Grasslands Huia, has dominated the world white clover seed market for many years and it still remains the world's major cultivar by volume. However, in the last 10 years its position has come under increasing pressure from New Zealand and international proprietary cultivars. Eventually proprietary cultivars with improved agronomic performance will supersede the consumption of commodity/public white clovers in those countries where national listing is required to obtain release and recommended listing is need to ensure successful marketing. Despite this, Grasslands Huia will continue for many years to play a major role in supplying markets where national listing is not a prerequisite to release and price is a major factor in purchase decisions. Keywords: commodity cultivar, global market, Grasslands Huia, leaf size, market share, production trends, proprietary cultivar, seed industry, Trifolium repens L., white clover
The key to successful second year white clover seed crops
Authors: Mccloy B.L. , White S.R.
Published: March 2021

In recent years there has been an increase in the number of white clover seed crops taken for a second harvest. Traditionally yields from second year crops are substantially lower than first year crops. A trial was established investigating techniques to increase yields in second year crops. The trial was located in a dryland crop of white clover (cv. Grasslands Demand) 4 km east of Methven, mid Canterbury. It involved 10 herbicide treatments and 8 'inter-row' treatments arranged in a split block design. Number of mature flower heads were recorded on all treatments at harvest as an indirect estimate of yield. Additionally, selected treatments were cut and collected using a rotary type mower, threshed, and machine dressed for direct estimates of seed yield. Flower number and machine dressed seed yield were significantly (P
Establishing and maintaining a toxin-free pasture: a review
Authors: Hume D.E.
Published: March 2021

This paper reviews how new pastures may become contaminated with perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) infected with wild-type fungal endophytes (Neotyphodium lolii). These wild-type endophyte strains may be toxic to domestic livestock. Sources are from seed (natural reseeding, buried seed, sown seed, in dung, hay, carried on farm machinery) and survival of existing infected ryegrass plants. In particular, seed in soil and dung are reviewed. Contamination may occur both pre- and postestablishment. It is recommended that steps should be taken to minimise contamination from all sources when establishing new pastures. Although normal establishment practices for successful rapid establishment of weed-free pastures (e.g., cropping, fallow, herbicides) will minimise the risk of contamination, a number of cases highlight that extra time (e.g., 18-24 months planning rather 6- 12 months) and consideration of all sources of contamination is needed to minimise risk. Once established, further measures should be taken to prevent seed being transferred in dung or hay. This has implications when establishing pastures with endophyte-free ryegrasses, ryegrasses with selected non-toxic endophytes, a new ryegrass cultivar, or other grasses (e.g., tall fescue), whether for grazing by animals or for seed production. Keywords: endophyte, endophyte survival, faeces, Lolium perenne, natural reseeding, Neotyphodium lolii, pasture establishment, perennial ryegrass, seed burial, seed survival, tall fescue
"Non-toxic" endophytes in ryegrass and their effect on livestock health and production
Authors: Fletcher L.R.
Published: March 2021

Ryegrass/endophyte associations have been developed which produce peramine, but not the endophyte toxins ergovaline or lolitrem B. Sheep grazing these ryegrasses in small paddocks and in a systems trial over three years gained weight as rapidly as those grazing endophyte-free ryegrass, and showed none of the adverse responses associated with grazing ryegrass naturally infected with wild-type endophyte (Neotyphodium lolii). Growth rates, rectal temperatures, respiration rates, serum prolactin concentrations, ryegrass staggers scores and scores for dag burdens were equivalent for the selected endophyte and nil endophyte treatments, whereas sheep grazing the wild-type endophyte treatment were adversely affected for all parameters. This was reflected in calculated gross margins for the systems trial of only $605 per hectare for the wild-type endophyte treatment compared with over $700 per hectare for each of the other treatments. To date there have been no conclusive studies of non-toxic endophyte with cattle. Keywords: AR1, dags, endophyte, ergovaline, liveweight gain, lolitrem B, Lolium perenne, Neotyphodium, peramine, perennial ryegrass, prolactin, sheep
Endophyte toxins and performance of spring-calving dairy cows in Northland
Authors: Blackwell M.B. , Keogh R.G.
Published: March 2021

An on-farm trial was carried out at Te Hana, in Northland, to measure milk production responses in 2 groups of 16 spring-calving, 3-year-old Holstein-Friesian cows maintained throughout the trial on pastures with or without the ryegrass endophyte toxins, ergovaline and lolitrem B. The trial began in October 1997, with second calving cows balanced for calving date and production worth. Milk volumes of all cows were recorded for 10 consecutive days each month followed by a herd test in which milk volume, protein, fat and lactose contents were determined from milk samples. There were no differences in milk volume or milk solids production in the October and November measurement periods. In December, the group grazing toxin-free (-Ev) pastures produced 24% more milk than the group grazing toxincontaining (+Ev) pastures. These differences increased progressively as the trial proceeded, until terminated in mid-April. Throughout the trial period the -Ev group produced 23% and 19% more milk and milk solids, respectively, than the +Ev group. A rise in levels of the endophyte toxins in ryegrass coincided with the start of differences in milking performance. A toxin-free maize based supplement was fed to both groups during the January to March period to maintain the trial when pasture growth was insufficient. A negative correlation was found between milk production of the +Ev group in January and the prevailing temperature and humidity conditions during the night. Keywords: endophyte toxins, ergovaline, lolitrem B, milk production, Neotyphodium, Northland, ryegrass
Ewe reproductive performance and growth rate of suckling-lambs on endophyte-infected perennial ryegrass pasture
Authors: Watson R.H. , Keogh R.G. , Mcdonald M.F.
Published: March 2021

Two groups (n=39) of Romney breeding ewes were maintained under the same grazing management on either endophyte-infected (E+) or endophytefree (E-) perennial ryegrass pasture for two years (1997-1998) following a one-year equilibration period. The ewes were naturally mated in March each year and ovulation rate at 1st mating was measured, and conception and the number of lambs born and weaned were recorded. All ewes were weighed monthly and lamb growth rates were determined between birth and weaning. Mean mating date was delayed by 1.8 days (P
Some production outcomes when management practices and deer behaviour interact
Authors: Pollard J.C. , Stevens D.R.
Published: March 2021

There are three key times during the year when deer management interacts with behavioural needs to influence pr oductivity. At calving time , average neonatal losses are 10-12%. The most common causes of perinatal mortality are dystocia, starvation and misadventure. Observational studies have shown that loss of contact between the hind and calf, calf beating by hinds and entanglement of calves in fences are consequences of calving environments with high stocking densities, that lack vegetative or topographical cover, allow disturbance by humans, or provide unfamiliar social or environmental conditions. Weaning is a second critical production phase when management affects pr oductivity. Early post-weaning growth rates in calves weaned before the rut are not influenced readily by feed quality. Reducing weaning stress using management tools such as confining the calves indoors for a few days, or adding some unrelated hinds to the weaned group can improve weight gains at this time. Another option is to delay weaning until the calves are older. Mating time is a third critical period dur ing which management needs to take behavioural needs into account. Appr opriate stag-hind ratios and management at mating that increase the chances of conception have been identified. Suitable social conditions at mating differ between yearling and adult hinds. Fence line pacing is frequently observed at the above three critical times and can occur at other times of the year in response to unfavourable conditions. Pacing consumes energy and contributes to erosion and fence maintenance requirements. Attention to the behavioural needs of deer can help improve performance through appropriate management systems. Keywords: behaviour, calving, fence pacing, management, mating, weaning
Analisis Stabilitas Transien Tegangan dan Frekuensi pada Sistem Pembangkit Listrik Tenaga Uap
Authors: Novfowan Anang Dasa , Kusuma Wijaya , Mieftah Mochammad
Published: March 2021

Electrical energy generated also comes from several energy, namely water, steam, nuclear, etc. In Indonesia the type ofsteam power plant is a type of power plant that is widely used, where one of the crucial problems that are often encountered in this generation system, namely the problem of stability. The stability of the electric power system is the ability of the system to return to normal or steady operation after a large load load switching or interference. Disruption or load switching that exist in the system must be muted and aligned in a certain time to be said to be stable. Causes of instability are disruptions in the form of large capacity load switching, and the type of interference. One aspect that affects the stability itself is the transient stability. The transient stability is related to the sudden influx of large-capacity loads and affect the performance of the generator, therefore it is necessary to analyze the voltage and frequency transient stability for the evaluation of the capability of the electrical system so that the system maintains the continuity of the supply of electrical energy to the load normally. Based on the research results, the current flowing before the disturbance of 98.9 A and current disturbance of 145.2 kA. This causes the voltage response to decrease 50% of the nominal, and the frequency increases to 50.36 Hz. The time required from the disturbance condition to a stable condition within 5 seconds.
Pemasangan Lampu Sorot dan Led Strip Dengan Pengoperasian Otomatis di Gapura Klaster SPI Sukun Kota Malang
Authors: Fahmi Hakim Muhammad , Ridzki Imron , Sukamdi  , Mudjiono  , Kurniawan Bakti Indra
Published: March 2021

Pemasangan lampu sorot dan LED strip dengan pengoperasian otomatis di gapura pintu masuk perumahan Klaster SPI RT.10 RW.04 Kelurahan Bandungrejosari Kecamatan Sukun Kota Malang didasari dengan tidak adanya lampu penerangan yang terdapat pada tulisan Klaster Sukun Pondok Indah (SPI) sehingga banyak tamu ataupun kurir yang tidak mengetahui adanya perumahan tersebut. Dengan adanya pemasangan lampu sorot dan LED strip diharapkan tulisan di gapura Klaster Sukun Pondok Indah terang dan dapat terlihat sehingga tamu ataupun kurir bisa langsung mengetahui adanya perumahan tersebut. Kemudian masyarakat bisa melihat ketika pemasangan lampu sorot dan LED strip dengan pengoperasian secara otomatis, harapannya masyarakat bisa memasang instalasi lampu penerangan secara otomatis di rumah masing – masing dengan benar dan sesuai dengan standar. Kemudian masyarakat tidak perlu setiap harinya mengoperasikan ON/OFF lampu sorot dan LED strip. Dengan begitu manfaat dari dari pemasangan lampu sorot dan LED strip dengan pengoperasian secara otomatis masyarakat tidak perlu ON/OFF lampu penerangan setiap waktu.
Påverkar covid-19 lärares betygs- och bedömningspraktik?
Authors: Ekström Lind Linda , Wilhelmsson Cornelia , Martin Bylund Anna , Stenliden Linneá
Published: March 2021

Svensk gymnasieskola övergår 18 mars 2020 till distansundervisning med anledning av covid-19. Eleverna deltar hemifrån och lärarna arbetar antingen på skolan eller hemma. Grundskolan är fortsatt öppen och lärarna, och majoriteten elever, vistas i skolan. Rådande restriktioner anger att de med symtom ska vara hemma (Utbildningsdepartementet, 2020), vilket gör att vissa grundskoleelever deltar på distans. Därmed förändras skolpraktiken inom båda skolformerna: lärare och elever befinner sig i samma tid - arbetar utifrån befintligt schema - men separeras helt eller delvis fysiskt. Nu väcks nya frågor kring bedömning och betygsättning. Under vårterminen brukar elever få möjlighet att bekräfta eller höja sina prestationer. Hur ska detta ske när lärare och elever är åtskilda vid bedömningstillfällena? Betydelsefullt är att betygsättning genomförs på ett trovärdigt och rättssäkert sätt. Därför belyser vi hur lärare utifrån ett rättssäkerhetsperspektiv agerar i relation till bedömning och betygsättning i en förändrad skolpraktik.
Одонтологические особенности итальянцев и итальянско-русских метисов
Authors: Харламова Наталья Владимировна , Дзини Стефания , Халдеева Наталия Ивановна , Хохлов Никита Викторович
Published: March 2021

Статья посвящена публикации одонтологических данных, дающих представление о физическом облике потомков итальянцев, переселившихся в Крым в XIX веке. Данные получены в ходе полевых выездов С. Дзини и Н.В. Хохлова в 2016–2019 годах в г. Керчь. Описание собранных зубных слепков проводилось по принятой в отечественной физической антропологии программе А.А. Зубова. Установлено, что одонтологические особенности итальянских мигрантов могут быть соотнесены с характеристиками западного одонтологического ствола с усилением отдельных «восточных» признаков: коленчатой складки метаконида, признаков одонтоглифики: 2 med III, 2 pa/pr 3, 1prd/1med 3. Особенности материала, его сбора и практическое отсутствие необходимых сравнительных данных не позволяют сделать конкретных выводов об истоках миграций. В то же время детально представленные особенности зубной морфологии «итальянцев Крыма» закладывают основу для дальнейшего изучения потомков переселенцев из Италии в Россию и для обсуждения вопросов биологической интеграции и ассимиляции по данным физической антропологии.

The article is devoted to the dental morphology of the so-called “Italians of Crimea”. They represent a group of descendants of Italian migrants, who moved to the Black Sea and Sea of Azov regions, to the Crimean peninsula in particular, in the 19th and the beginning of the 20th centuries. The data were collected in the city of Kerch, during field works conducted by S. Zini and N.V. Khokhlov in 2016–2019. The dental wax casts were described according to the A.A. Zubov system. The expression of dental non-metric traits falls into the variation of the Caucasoid (Western) dental complex with some traits that are more frequent among Mongoloid populations: deflecting wrinkle, odontogliphic patterns – 2 med III, 2 pa/pr 3, 1prd/1med 3. The specificity of the collected material and the actual absence of comparative data do not allow us to draw any particular conclusions about the exact origins of the migration flows and ancestors of the modern Italians of Crimea. At the same time, the detailed data on the dental morphology of the Italians of Crimea facilitate further studies of the descendants of the Italians who migrated to Russia, provide material to discuss issues related to biological integration and assimilation based on physical anthropology data.
Методология исследования праздничной культуры в работе Хулио Каро Бароха «Карнавал»
Authors: Павлова Анна Николаевна
Published: March 2021

В статье исследуется методология известного испанского антрополога, историка, языковеда и фольклориста Хулио Каро Барохи (1914–1995), примененная им для анализа праздничной культуры Испании. Прослежена эволюция научных взглядов Каро Барохи. Если в начале своей карьеры, до гражданской войны в Испании, а также в первое десятилетие после нее основным для ученого был метод культурного диффузионизма, сформировавшийся, главным образом под влиянием Хосе Мигеля Барандиана, «патриарха баскской этнографии», то затем под влиянием Рэдклифа Брауна и Бронислава Малиновского его интересы сместились в сторону функционального метода. Однако, спустя некоторое время Каро разочаровывается и в функционализме, что побудило его приступить к поискам собственного метода научного анализа, названного самим Каро «историческим структурализмом». Однако часто исторический компонент в его исследованиях преобладает, и в этом случае исследователь критикует структурализм за антиисторизм. Показаны преимущества данного научного подхода по сравнению с другими методами, применяемыми в социокультурной антропологии. Для своего анализа Каро Бароха выбирает серию праздничных и маскарадных шествий, преимущественно зимнего цикла и анализирует их с точки зрения антрополога, давая описания тех или иных ритуалов, интерпретируя их с исторической и антропологической перспективы, также приводя сравнения с подобными африканскими и европейскими празднованиями.

The paper studies the methodology of the famous Spanish anthropologist, historian, linguist and folklorist Caro Baroja (1914-1995) applied to his analysis of the festive culture of Spain. The study traces the evolution of the scientific views of Caro Baroja. At the beginning of his career before the Civil war in Spain and during the first decade after it the main method he applied was cultural diffusionism, which was formed mainly under the influence of Jose Miguel Barandian, the patriarch of the Bask ethnography. Afterwards his interest shifted to the functional method under the influence of Alfred Radcliffe-Brown and Bronislaw Malinowsky. However, later Caro Baroja was disappointed with the functionalism, and that led him to search his new method of scientific analysis. Caro Baroja calls it “historic structuralism”. Though often the historic component in his studies predominates, and the researcher criticizes structuralism for its antihistorism. The advantages of this method as compared with other methods applied in socio-cultural anthropology are shown. For his analysis Caro Baroja chooses a series of festive and masquerade processions mainly of the winter cycle and analyses them from the point of view of an anthropologist, describing some rituals, interpreting them in terms of historic and anthropological perspectives, comparing them with similar African and European festivals.
Role of intestinal microbiota in colorectal carcinogenesis (review)
Authors: Sukhina M. A. , Lyagina I. A. , Safin A. L. , Frolov S. A. , Kashnikov V. N.
Published: March 2021

The aim of the review is to show possible links between intestinal microbiota and colorectal carcinogenesis, to describe the procarcinogenic properties of microorganisms associated with the development or proliferation of colorectal cancer. The gut microbiota plays a leading role in metabolism, providing important metabolites to the macroorganism. In humans, there is a spatial variability in the qualitative and quantitative microbiota composition. The intestinal microbiota provides the colony resistance, protecting it from colonization by opportunistic and pathogenic microorganisms. There is more and more data on the role of the gut microbiota in the development of colorectal cancer. The profound study of the gut microbiome in various populations is required, which will allow to identify other microorganisms associated with the development or proliferation of colorectal cancer. It can be used as biomarkers for colorectal cancer screening and predicting the response to immunotherapy.
Ogilvie syndrome (acute colon pseudo-obstruction) in surgical practice (review)
Authors: Aliev S. A. , Aliyev E. S.
Published: March 2021

The aim of the review was to describe the evolution of scientific ideas about the syndrome of pseudo-obstruction of the large intestine (Ogilvie syndrome), taking into account the etiopathogenesis, clinical manifestations, the incidence of the disease, the state-of-art in diagnosis and treatment. The paper presents an analysis of the literature on the pseudoobstruction of the colon (Ogilvie syndrome) – the acute dilatation of the colon in the absence of any mechanical obstruction. The essence of the concept, the correctness of the notation, definitive criteria, terminology, pathophysiological and pathogenetic aspects of the disease according to the literature are described. The diagnostic and treatment algorithms are correctly described with an assessment of their effectiveness in accordance with the principles of evidence-based medicine. Despite the large number of publications devoted to Ogilvie syndrome and the increased awareness of doctors of various specialties on this pathology, its diagnostics is still difficult and often untimely.
Doppler-guided hemorrhoidal dearterialization. Technical evolution and results of treatment (review)
Authors: Zagriadskiǐ E. A. , Tolstyh V. S.
Published: March 2021

Hemorrhoidectomy is considered as the “gold standard” for hemorrhoidal disease, but is associated with a long rehabilitation period. For this reason, 20 years ago, an innovative method for hemorrhoids was developed – Doppler-guided hemorrhoidal dearterialization. The aim of the work is to analyze the literary data of the use of Doppler-guided dearterialization for hemorrhoidal disease, the technical evolution of the method and the analysis of the results. An analysis of the literature shows that Dopplerguided dearterialization is a safe and effective method for hemorrhoidal disease. The combination of dearterialization with transanal mucopexy improves outcomes in patients with hemorrhoids III and IV stages. However, good results can be obtained not in all forms of hemorrhoidal disease. The efficacy depends on the peculiar features of the anorectal zone vascularization, the degree of destruction of the suspensory ligaments of the internal hemorrhoidal plexus and the degree of enlargement of the external hemorrhoid plexus. The adequacy of the dearterialization and mucopexy requires an objective control for assessment of the procedure.
An Esrrb and Nanog Cell Fate Regulatory Module Controlled by Feed Forward Loop Interactions
Authors: Sevilla Ana , Papatsenko Dimitri , Mazloom Amin R. , Xu Huilei , Vasileva Ana , Unwin Richard D. , LeRoy Gary , Chen Edward Y. , Garrett-Bakelman Francine E. , Lee Dung-Fang , Trinite Benjamin , Webb Ryan L. , Wang Zichen , Su Jie , Gingold Julian , Melnick Ari , Garcia Benjamin A. , Whetton Anthony D. , MacArthur Ben D. , Ma’ayan Avi , Lemischka Ihor R.
Published: March 2021

Cell fate decisions during development are governed by multi-factorial regulatory mechanisms including chromatin remodeling, DNA methylation, binding of transcription factors to specific loci, RNA transcription and protein synthesis. However, the mechanisms by which such regulatory “dimensions” coordinate cell fate decisions are currently poorly understood. Here we quantified the multi-dimensional molecular changes that occur in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) upon depletion of Estrogen related receptor beta (Esrrb), a key pluripotency regulator. Comparative analyses of expression changes subsequent to depletion of Esrrb or Nanog, indicated that a system of interlocked feed-forward loops involving both factors, plays a central part in regulating the timing of mESC fate decisions. Taken together, our meta-analyses support a hierarchical model in which pluripotency is maintained by an Oct4-Sox2 regulatory module, while the timing of differentiation is regulated by a Nanog-Esrrb module.
Knockout of NOS2 Promotes Adipogenic Differentiation of Rat MSCs by Enhancing Activation of JAK/STAT3 Signaling
Authors: Qin Aiping , Chen Sheng , Wang Ping , Huang Xiaotao , Zhang Yu , Liang Lu , Du Ling-Ran , Lai De-Hua , Ding Li , Yu Xiyong , Xiang Andy Peng
Published: March 2021

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are a heterogeneous population of cells that possess multilineage differentiation potential and extensive immunomodulatory properties. In mice and rats, MSCs produce nitric oxide (NO), as immunomodulatory effector molecule that exerts an antiproliferative effect on T cells, while the role of NO in differentiation was less clear. Here, we investigated the role of NO synthase 2 (NOS2) on adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation of rat MSCs. MSCs isolated from NOS2-null (NOS2–/–) and wild type (WT) Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats exhibited homogenous fibroblast-like morphology and characteristic phenotypes. However, after induction, adipogenic differentiation was found significantly promoted in NOS2–/– MSCs compared to WT MSCs, but not in osteogenic differentiation. Accordingly, qRT-PCR revealed that the adipogenesis-related genes PPAR-γ, C/EBP-α, LPL and FABP4 were markedly upregulated in NOS2–/– MSCs, but not for osteogenic transcription factors or marker genes. Further investigations revealed that the significant enhancement of adipogenic differentiation in NOS2–/– MSCs was due to overactivation of the STAT3 signaling pathway. Both AG490 and S3I-201, small molecule inhibitors that selectively inhibit STAT3 activation, reversed this adipogenic effect. Furthermore, after high-fat diet (HFD) feeding, knockout of NOS2 in rat MSCs resulted in significant obesity. In summary, NOS2 is involved in the regulation of rat MSC adipogenic differentiation via the STAT3 signaling pathway.
From Metabolic Syndrome to Neurological Diseases: Role of Autophagy
Authors: Maiuolo Jessica , Gliozzi Micaela , Musolino Vincenzo , Carresi Cristina , Scarano Federica , Nucera Saverio , Scicchitano Miriam , Bosco Francesca , Ruga Stefano , Zito Maria Caterina , Macri Roberta , Bulotta Rosamaria , Muscoli Carolina , Mollace Vincenzo
Published: March 2021

Metabolic syndrome is not a single pathology, but a constellation of cardiovascular disease risk factors including: central and abdominal obesity, systemic hypertension, insulin resistance (or type 2 diabetes mellitus), and atherogenic dyslipidemia. The global incidence of Metabolic syndrome is estimated to be about one quarter of the world population; for this reason, it would be desirable to better understand the underlying mechanisms involved in order to develop treatments that can reduce or eliminate the damage caused. The effects of Metabolic syndrome are multiple and wide ranging; some of which have an impact on the central nervous system and cause neurological and neurodegenerative diseases. Autophagy is a catabolic intracellular process, essential for the recycling of cytoplasmic materials and for the degradation of damaged cellular organelle. Therefore, autophagy is primarily a cytoprotective mechanism; even if excessive cellular degradation can be detrimental. To date, it is known that systemic autophagic insufficiency is able to cause metabolic balance deterioration and facilitate the onset of metabolic syndrome. This review aims to highlight the current state of knowledge regarding the connection between metabolic syndrome and the onset of several neurological diseases related to it. Furthermore, since autophagy has been found to be of particular importance in metabolic disorders, the probable involvement of this degradative process is assumed to be responsible for the attenuation of neurological disorders resulting from metabolic syndrome.
Local Substrate Heterogeneity Influences Electrochemical Activity of TEM Grid-Supported Battery Particles
Authors: Cashen Christina , Evans R. Colby , Nilsson Zach N. , Sambur Justin B.
Published: March 2021

Understanding how particle size and morphology influence ion insertion dynamics is critical for a wide range of electrochemical applications including energy storage and electrochromic smart windows. One strategy to reveal such structure–property relationships is to perform ex situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of nanoparticles that have been cycled on TEM grid electrodes. One drawback of this approach is that images of some particles are correlated with the electrochemical response of the entire TEM grid electrode. The lack of one-to-one electrochemical-to-structural information complicates interpretation of genuine structure/property relationships. Developing high-throughput ex situ single particle-level analytical techniques that effectively link electrochemical behavior with structural properties could accelerate the discovery of critical structure-property relationships. Here, using Li-ion insertion in WO3 nanorods as a model system, we demonstrate a correlated optically-detected electrochemistry and TEM technique that measures electrochemical behavior of via many particles simultaneously without having to make electrical contacts to single particles on the TEM grid. This correlated optical-TEM approach can link particle structure with electrochemical behavior at the single particle-level. Our measurements revealed significant electrochemical activity heterogeneity among particles. Single particle activity correlated with distinct local mechanical or electrical properties of the amorphous carbon film of the TEM grid, leading to active and inactive particles. The results are significant for correlated electrochemical/TEM imaging studies that aim to reveal structure-property relationships using single particle-level imaging and ensemble-level electrochemistry.
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Viral RNA Load Status and Antibody Distribution Among Patients and Asymptomatic Carriers in Central China
Authors: Yuan Youhua , Wang Huiling , Zhao Jing , Jing Nan , Xu Junhong , Li Wei , Ma Bing , Zhang Jiangfeng , Li Gang , Wang Shanmei , Li Yi , Wang Yuming , Fan Enguo , Li Li
Published: March 2021

This study aimed to monitor severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) viral loads and specific serum-antibodies (immunoglobulin [Ig] G and M) among confirmed patients and asymptomatic carriers from returning healthy travelers. The throat swabs, sputum, and stool samples from 57 hospitalized coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients and 8 asymptomatic carriers, among 170 returning healthy travelers were tested using reverse-transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction. SARS-CoV-2 IgM/IgG antibodies were detected via serum chemiluminescence assay. Sequential results showed higher viral RNA loads in the throat, sputum, and stool samples at 3–12 and 6–21 days after symptom onset among severely ill COVID-19 patients. Shorter viral habitation time (1–8 days) was observed in the oropharyngeal site and intestinal tract of asymptomatic carriers. The IgG and IgM response rates were 19/37 (51.4%) and 23/37 (62.6%) among the 29 confirmed patients and 8 asymptomatic carriers, respectively, within 66 days from symptom or detection onset. The median duration between symptom onset and positive IgG and IgM results was 30 (n=23; interquartile range [IQR]=20–66) and 23 (n=19; IQR=12–28) days, respectively. Of 170 returning healthy-travelers to China, 4.7% were asymptomatic carriers (8/170) within 2 weeks, and the IgG and IgM positivity rate was 12.8% (12/94). IgM/IgG-positivity confirmed 3 suspected SARS-CoV-2 cases, despite negative results for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Compared with other respiratory viral infectious diseases, COVID-19 has fewer asymptomatic carriers, lower antibody response rates, and a longer antibody production duration in recovered patients and the contacted healthy population. This is an indication of the complexity of COVID-19 transmission.
Dysbiosis and Implication of the Gut Microbiota in Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Huang Yinhua , Wang Zhijie , Ma Hongjie , Ji Shangli , Chen Zhongping , Cui Zekai , Chen Jiansu , Tang Shibo
Published: March 2021

The pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is commonly associated with altered gut bacteria. However, whether the microbial dysbiosis that exists in human diabetic patients with or without retinopathy is different remains largely unknown. Here, we collected clinical information and fecal samples from 75 participants, including 25 diabetic patients without retinopathy (DM), 25 diabetic patients with retinopathy (DR), and 25 healthy controls (HC). The gut microbial composition in the three groups was analyzed using 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing. Microbial structure and composition differed in the three groups. The α and β diversities in both the DM and DR groups were reduced compared with those in the HC group. Blautia was the most abundant genus, especially in the DM group. In addition, increased levels of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus and decreased levels of Escherichia-Shigella, Faecalibacterium, Eubacterium_hallii_group and Clostridium genera were observed in the DM and DR groups compared with the HC group. Furthermore, a biomarker set of 25 bacterial families, which could distinguish patients in the DR group from those in the DM and HC groups was identified, with the area under the curve values ranging from 0.69 to 0.85. Of note, Pasteurellaceae, which was increased in DM and decreased in DR compared with HC, generated a high AUC (0.74) as an individual predictive biomarker. Moreover, 14 family biomarkers were associated with fasting blood glucose levels or diabetes, with most of them being negatively correlated. In summary, our study establishes compositional alterations of gut microbiota in DM and DR, suggesting the potential use of gut microbiota as a non-invasive biomarker for clinical and differential diagnosis, as well as identifying potential therapeutic targets of diabetic retinopathy.
Improving Reporting of Clinical Studies Using the POSEIDON Criteria: POSORT Guidelines
Authors: Esteves Sandro C. , Conforti Alessandro , Sunkara Sesh K. , Carbone Luigi , Picarelli Silvia , Vaiarelli Alberto , Cimadomo Danilo , Rienzi Laura , Ubaldi Filippo Maria , Zullo Fulvio , Andersen Claus Yding , Orvieto Raoul , Humaidan Peter , Alviggi Carlo
Published: March 2021

The POSEIDON (Patient-Oriented Strategies Encompassing IndividualizeD Oocyte Number) criteria were developed to help clinicians identify and classify low-prognosis patients undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) and provide guidance for possible therapeutic strategies to overcome infertility. Since its introduction, the number of published studies using the POSEIDON criteria has increased steadily. However, a critical analysis of existing evidence indicates inconsistent and incomplete reporting of critical outcomes. Therefore, we developed guidelines to help researchers improve the quality of reporting in studies applying the POSEIDON criteria. We also discuss the advantages of using the POSEIDON criteria in ART clinical studies and elaborate on possible study designs and critical endpoints. Our ultimate goal is to advance the knowledge concerning the clinical use of the POSEIDON criteria to patients, clinicians, and the infertility community.
Gut Microbiota of Chinese Obese Children and Adolescents With and Without Insulin Resistance
Authors: Yuan Xin , Chen Ruimin , Zhang Ying , Lin Xiangquan , Yang Xiaohong , McCormick Kenneth L.
Published: March 2021

Objective

The intestinal flora of gut microbiota in obese Chinese children and adolescents with and without insulin resistance (IR) was analyzed, as well as associations between the gut microbiota and two serum cytokines related to glucose metabolism, adropin and angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4).

Methods

Clinical data, fecal bacterial composition, glucose-related hormones, and serum adipokines (adropin and ANGPTL4) were analyzed in 65 Chinese children with exogenous obesity. The composition of the gut microbiota was determined by 16S rRNA-based metagenomics and IR was calculated using the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA).

Results

The 65 obese subjects were divided into two groups: insulin sensitive (IS) (n=40, 57.5% males) or IR (n=25, 60% males). Principal coordinates analysis revealed that the gut microbiota samples from the IS group clustered together and separated partly from the IR group (p=0.008). By Mann-Whitney U-test, at a phylum level, a reduction of Firmicutes and an increase of Bacteroidetes in the IR subjects was observed. LEfSe analysis revealed that IS subject, when compared to their IR counterparts, harbored members of the order Coriobacteriales, Turicibacterales, Pasteurellales and family Turicibacteraceae, that were significantly more abundant. In contrast, the IR subjects had members of family Peptococcaceae that were significantly more prevalent than the IS subjects (all p<0.05). Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed that serum ANGPTL4 was positively associated with genus Bacteroides, Butyricimonas, and Alistipes, and adropin was positively associated with genus Anaerostipes and Alistipes, and negatively associated with genus Blautia (all p<0.05).

Conclusion

In obese children, the gut microbiome in IR subjects was significantly discordant from the IS subjects, and the abundance of some metabolism-related bacteria correlated with the serum concentrations of adropin and ANGPTL4. These observations infer that the gut microbiota may be involved in the regulation of glucose metabolism in obesity.
Finite-Element Simulation of Residual Stresses During the Processing of Lumped Burnable Absorber Fuel
Authors: Mistarihi Qusai , Ryu Ho Jin
Published: March 2021

UO2–Gd2O3 fuel is mostly used as a burnable absorber fuel in the form of a homogenous mixture of Gd2O3 and UO2. More effective reactivity control can be achieved by lumping Gd2O3 within the UO2 because this enhances the spatial self-shielding factor of the burnable absorber fuel. The fabrication of lumped burnable absorber fuel containing lumped Gd2O3 spherical particles or compacts has been experimentally demonstrated using yttrium-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) as a UO2 fuel surrogate. Interfacial cracks or gaps forming under the interfacial stress that develops during the fabrication of the fuel can be eliminated by controlling the initial density of the lumped Gd2O3. In this study, this interfacial stress during the fabrication process was simulated using finite element methods. The effect of the size, shape, and initial density of the lumped Gd2O3 on the distribution and magnitude of the interfacial stress was investigated. The addition of Gd2O3 spherical particles resulted in a lower and more uniform interfacial stress distribution than the addition of cylindrical Gd2O3 compacts. The interfacial stress was increased with increasing Gd2O3 size and initial density. The calculated interfacial stress was compared with experimental results to estimate the threshold stress for crack development in a lumped burnable absorber fuel.
Dry and Wet Events in Andean Populations of Northern Peru: A Case Study of Chachapoyas, Peru
Authors: Rascón Jesús , Gosgot Angeles Wildor , Quiñones Huatangari Lenin , Oliva Manuel , Barrena Gurbillón Miguel Ángel
Published: March 2021

Climate change and population growth have heavily impacted the ecosystem’s water resources, essential for anthropogenic activities. These also apply to the Andean city of Chachapoyas, located in the north of Peru, which has gone through a substantial population increase in recent years, therefore increasing its water demand. This research aimed to assess dry and wet events from 1981 to 2019 that have taken place in Chachapoyas, by applying the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), and the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI). These events were periodically characterized, and the index relationship was determined at different timescales. The SPI and SPEI indices were calculated at the city’s only weather station for timescales of 3, 6, 12, and 24 months using climatic data. The indices showed a remarkably consistent behavior for timescales of 12 and 24 months detecting an extreme drought event in 1993, while for timescales of 3 and 6 months a severe drought event was detected in the same year. Contrastingly, there has been an increase in extreme wet events in the last decade, hence Chachapoyas is categorized between "moderate drought" and “moderate wet”. It should be noted that the indices have a high correlation between them when calculated for the same timescale. The results were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Considering the results obtained related to dry and wet events and their relation with economic activities such as environmental management, we can conclude that the SPI and SPEI indices are useful and valuable tools for local and regional governments.
From Acceptance Snapshots to the Social Acceptability Process: Structuring Knowledge on Attitudes Towards Water Reuse
Authors: Al-Saidi Mohammad
Published: March 2021

Water reuse is considered a technologically viable option to meet the increasing demands of the domestic, industrial and agricultural sectors. Alongside challenges such as environmental health, infrastructure and regulations, water reuse is often hindered by lack of acceptance and dismissive attitudes. This paper seeks to structure knowledge about acceptance of water use. It provides a systematic look at the overall reuse challenges and social attitudes towards water reuse considering the three integrative elements of water reuse, namely the water source, the technology, and the end use. It first maps the challenges and common insights that constitute the enigma of water reuse acceptance. Later, it conceptualizes acceptance as a social process consisting of the interdependent components of public perception, politicization, individual acceptance, and use adaptation. Using this conceptual framework, solutions to increasing water acceptance stemming from different bodies of acceptance studies are reviewed. The paper reiterates the need for a nuanced view on water reuse acceptance that incorporates spatio-temporal considerations as well as knowledge from different disciplines.
A Model and Simulation of the Influence of Temperature and Amplicon Length on Environmental DNA Degradation Rates: A Meta-Analysis Approach
Authors: Saito Tatsuya , Doi Hideyuki
Published: March 2021

Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis can detect aquatic organisms, including rare and endangered species, in a variety of habitats. Degradation can influence eDNA persistence, impacting eDNA-based species distribution and occurrence results. Previous studies have investigated degradation rates and associated contributing factors. It is important to integrate data from across these studies to better understand and synthesize eDNA degradation in various environments. We complied the eDNA degradation rates and related factors, especially water temperature and amplicon lengths of the measured DNA from 28 studies, and subjected the data to a meta-analysis. In agreement with previous studies, our results suggest that water temperature and amplicon length are significantly related to the eDNA degradation rate. From the 95% quantile model simulation, we predicted the maximum eDNA degradation rate in various combinations of water temperature and amplicon length. Predicting eDNA degradation could be important for evaluating species distribution and inducing innovation (e.g., sampling, extraction, and analysis) of eDNA methods, especially for rare and endangered species with small population size.
Identifying RNA N6-Methyladenine Sites in Three Species Based on a Markov Model
Authors: Pian Cong , Yang Zhixin , Yang Yuqian , Zhang Liangyun , Chen Yuanyuan
Published: March 2021

N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most common posttranscriptional modification in eukaryotic mRNAs, plays an important role in mRNA splicing, editing, stability, degradation, etc. Since the methylation state is dynamic, methylation sequencing needs to be carried out over different time periods, which brings some difficulties to identify the RNA methyladenine sites. Thus, it is necessary to develop a fast and accurate method to identify the RNA N6-methyladenosine sites in the transcriptome. In this study, we use first-order and second-order Markov models to identify RNA N6-methyladenine sites in three species (Saccharomyces cerevisiae, mouse, and Homo sapiens). These two methods can fully consider the correlation between adjacent nucleotides. The results show that the performance of our method is better than that of other existing methods. Furthermore, the codons encoded by three nucleotides have biases in mRNA, and a second-order Markov model can capture this kind of information exactly. This may be the main reason why the performance of the second-order Markov model is better than that of the first-order Markov model in the m6A prediction problem. In addition, we provide a corresponding web tool called MM-m6APred.