bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integration of Phenomics and Metabolomics Datasets Reveals Different Mode of Action of Biostimulants Based on Protein Hydrolysates in Lactuca sativa L. and Solanum lycopersicum L. Under Salinity
Authors: Sorrentino Mirella , Panzarová Klára , Spyroglou Ioannis , Spíchal Lukáš , Buffagni Valentina , Ganugi Paola , Rouphael Youssef , Colla Giuseppe , Lucini Luigi , De Diego Nuria
Published: February 2022

Plant phenomics is becoming a common tool employed to characterize the mode of action of biostimulants. A combination of this technique with other omics such as metabolomics can offer a deeper understanding of a biostimulant effect in planta. However, the most challenging part then is the data analysis and the interpretation of the omics datasets. In this work, we present an example of how different tools, based on multivariate statistical analysis, can help to simplify the omics data and extract the relevant information. We demonstrate this by studying the effect of protein hydrolysate (PH)-based biostimulants derived from different natural sources in lettuce and tomato plants grown in controlled conditions and under salinity. The biostimulants induced different phenotypic and metabolomic responses in both crops. In general, they improved growth and photosynthesis performance under control and salt stress conditions, with better performance in lettuce. To identify the most significant traits for each treatment, a random forest classifier was used. Using this approach, we found out that, in lettuce, biomass-related parameters were the most relevant traits to evaluate the biostimulant mode of action, with a better response mainly connected to plant hormone regulation. However, in tomatoes, the relevant traits were related to chlorophyll fluorescence parameters in combination with certain antistress metabolites that benefit the electron transport chain, such as 4-hydroxycoumarin and vitamin K1 (phylloquinone). Altogether, we show that to go further in the understanding of the use of biostimulants as plant growth promotors and/or stress alleviators, it is highly beneficial to integrate more advanced statistical tools to deal with the huge datasets obtained from the -omics to extract the relevant information.
Nutritional Characterization and Untargeted Metabolomics of Oyster Mushroom Produced Using Astragalus membranaceus var. mongolicus Stems and Leaves as Substrates
Authors: Zeng Xu , Li Jiaxue , Lyu Xinkai , Chen Xiao-Mei , Guo Shunxing
Published: February 2022

Astragalus membranaceus var. mongolicus (AMM) is an edible and medicinal material and is commonly used in East Asia. According to the pharmacopeia of China, the dried root of AMM is medicinal. However, the aerial parts of AMM are always directly discarded after harvest. The stems and leaves are also rich in active compounds, including saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, and polysaccharides. To rationally use resources, waste products from AMM stems and leaves are useful substrates for edible fungus cultivation. Here, oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus var. florida) was cultivated on a basal substrate supplemented with AMM stems and leaves (AMM group). The nutritional and chemical composition of the fruiting body were analyzed by metabolomics and chemometrics. Our results showed that AMM addition to the substrate affected the fresh weight, moisture, fat, protein, and element concentrations, and amino acid composition of oyster mushroom. Moreover, 2,156 metabolites were detected and annotated based on the metabolomics data, of which 680 were identified as differentially expressed metabolites. Many active phytometabolites previously identified in AMM herbs were also detected in the metabolomics of oyster mushroom from AMM group, including 46 terpenoids, 21 flavonoids, 17 alkaloids, 14 phenylpropanoids, and 3 fatty acids. In summary, our results imply that oyster mushroom cultured with AMM stems and leaves might have very high nutritional therapy health care value.
CYP2D6 Genetic Variation and Antipsychotic-Induced Weight Gain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wannasuphoprasit Yanisa , Andersen Stig Ejdrup , Arranz Maria J. , Catalan Rosa , Jurgens Gesche , Kloosterboer Sanne Maartje , Rasmussen Henrik Berg , Bhat Anjali , Irizar Haritz , Koller Dora , Polimanti Renato , Wang Baihan , Zartaloudi Eirini , Austin-Zimmerman Isabelle , Bramon Elvira
Published: February 2022

Background

Antipsychotic-induced weight gain is a contributing factor in the reduced life expectancy reported amongst people with psychotic disorders. CYP2D6 is a liver enzyme involved in the metabolism of many commonly used antipsychotic medications. We investigated if CYP2D6 genetic variation influenced weight or BMI among people taking antipsychotic treatment.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and a random effects meta-analysis of publications in Pubmed, Embase, PsychInfo, and CENTRAAL that had BMI and/or weight measurements of patients on long-term antipsychotics by their CYP2D6-defined metabolic groups (poor, intermediate, normal/extensive, and ultra-rapid metabolizers, UMs).

Results

Twelve studies were included in the systematic review. All cohort studies suggested that the presence of reduced-function or non-functional alleles for CYP2D6 was associated with greater antipsychotic-induced weight gain, whereas most cross-sectional studies did not find any significant associations. Seventeen studies were included in the meta-analysis with clinical data of 2,041 patients, including 93 poor metabolizers (PMs), 633 intermediate metabolizers (IMs), 1,272 normal metabolizers (NMs), and 30 UMs. Overall, we did not find associations in any of the comparisons made. The estimated pooled standardized differences for the following comparisons were (i) PM versus NM; weight = –0.07 (95%CI: –0.49 to 0.35, p = 0.74), BMI = 0.40 (95%CI: –0.19 to 0.99, p = 0.19). (ii) IM versus NM; weight = 0.09 (95% CI: –0.04 to 0.22, p = 0.16) and BMI = 0.09 (95% CI: –0.24 to 0.41, p = 0.60). (iii) UM versus EM; weight = 0.01 (95% CI: –0.37 to 0.40, p = 0.94) and BMI = –0.08 (95%CI: –0.57 to 0.42, p = 0.77).

Conclusion

Our systematic review of cohort studies suggested that CYP2D6 poor metabolizers have higher BMI than normal metabolizers, but the data of cross-sectional studies and the meta-analysis did not show this association. Although our review and meta-analysis constitutes one of the largest studies with comprehensively genotyped samples, the literature is still limited by small numbers of participants with genetic variants resulting in poor or UMs status. We need further studies with larger numbers of extreme metabolizers to establish its clinical utility in antipsychotic treatment. CYP2D6 is a key gene for personalized prescribing in mental health.
Women and Men Differ in Relative Strengths in Wisdom Profiles: A Study of 659 Adults Across the Lifespan
Authors: Treichler Emily B. H. , Palmer Barton W. , Wu Tsung-Chin , Thomas Michael L. , Tu Xin M. , Daly Rebecca , Lee Ellen E. , Jeste Dilip V.
Published: February 2022

Wisdom is a multi-component trait that is important for mental health and well-being. In this study, we sought to understand gender differences in relative strengths in wisdom. A total of 659 individuals aged 27–103 years completed surveys including the 3-Dimensional Wisdom Scale (3D-WS) and the San Diego Wisdom Scale (SD-WISE). Analyses assessed gender differences in wisdom and gender’s moderating effect on the relationship between wisdom and associated constructs including depression, loneliness, well-being, optimism, and resilience. Women scored higher on average on the 3D-WS but not on the SD-WISE. Women scored higher on compassion-related domains and on SD-WISE Self-Reflection. Men scored higher on cognitive-related domains and on SD-WISE Emotion Regulation. There was no impact of gender on the relationships between wisdom and associated constructs. Women and men have different relative strengths in wisdom, likely driven by sociocultural and biological factors. Tailoring wisdom interventions to individuals based on their profiles is an important next step.
Driving Mechanism Model for the Supply Chain Work Safety Management Behavior of Core Enterprises—An Exploratory Research Based on Grounded Theory
Authors: Zhou Qiaomei , Mei Qiang , Liu Suxia , Zhang Jingjing , Wang Qiwei
Published: February 2022

Guiding core enterprises to participate in supply chain work safety governance is an innovative mode of work safety control, which has an important impact on improving the work safety level of small and medium-sized enterprises in the supply chain. Through in-depth interviews, the grounded theory is adopted to explore the driving factors of work safety management behaviors of core enterprise. It is found that the work safety management behavior of the core enterprise is driven by both internal and external factors. External driving factors are the main category of institutional pressure composed of regulatory pressure, normative pressure, and cognitive pressure. Internal driving factors are divided into the main category of behavioral awareness and the behavioral capability of the core enterprises. The behavioral awareness is composed of responsibility sense, problem cognition and behavioral effect perception. The behavioral capability is composed of safety management strength and safety coordination capability. Institutional pressure, behavioral awareness, and behavioral capability all influence the work safety management behavior of core enterprise in supply chain significantly, but with different ways and paths. On this basis, the driving mechanism model of the above three main categories on the work safety management behavior in core enterprise supply chain is explored. The research can provide targeted policy ideas and implementation paths for the government to formulate effective guiding policies to promote the work safety management behavior of core enterprise.
The Impact of Broadcasters on Consumer’s Intention to Follow Livestream Brand Community
Authors: Wang Wei , Huang Minxue , Zheng Shiyong , Lin Liangtong , Wang Lei
Published: February 2022

As the essence of livestream e-commerce is social commerce, building a livestream brand community and attracting brand followers are the key aspects to achieving sustained revenue. For many companies, inviting celebrities has become a shortcut to attract new followers. Considering the unsustainability and high cost of the celebrity host mode, some companies switched to using their own branded broadcasters to attract followers. However, as branded broadcasters lack a fan base, choosing the suitable broadcaster type has become a challenge in livestream e-commerce. The motivation of consumers to follow brand livestream accounts is mainly to obtain potential value by embedding them in social networks. Therefore, based on motive theory, this research explores how different broadcaster types affect consumer’s intention to follow a livestream brand community. Results from the analysis of secondary data from livestream platforms and two laboratory experiments reveal that (1) celebrities contribute more to consumer’s intention to follow than branded broadcasters, and utilitarian (vs. hedonic) products can strengthen the effect of branded (vs. celebrity) broadcasters on attracting potential followers. (2) Moreover, branded (vs. celebrity) broadcasters can promote consumer’s intention to follow a livestream brand community by satisfying consumer’s need for informational (vs. emotional) value during utilitarian (vs. hedonic) product evaluation. This research analyzes the differential effects of different types of broadcasters on livestream brand community building. The findings can deepen the understanding of the consumer’s behavior of following brand livestream communities and provide companies with suggestions on broadcaster selection in livestream e-commerce.
Determining Predictors of Weight Loss in a Behavioral Intervention: A Case Study in the Use of Lasso Regression
Authors: Lupton-Smith Carly , Stuart Elizabeth A. , McGinty Emma E. , Dalcin Arlene T. , Jerome Gerald J. , Wang Nae-Yuh , Daumit Gail L.
Published: February 2022

Objective

This study investigates predictors of weight loss among individuals with serious mental illness participating in an 18-month behavioral weight loss intervention, using Lasso regression to select the most powerful predictors.

Methods

Data were analyzed from the intervention group of the ACHIEVE trial, an 18-month behavioral weight loss intervention in adults with serious mental illness. Lasso regression was employed to identify predictors of at least five-pound weight loss across the intervention time span. Once predictors were identified, classification trees were created to show examples of how to classify participants into having likely outcomes based on characteristics at baseline and during the intervention.

Results

The analyzed sample contained 137 participants. Seventy-one (51.8%) individuals had a net weight loss of at least five pounds from baseline to 18 months. The Lasso regression selected weight loss from baseline to 6 months as a primary predictor of at least five pound 18-month weight loss, with a standardized coefficient of 0.51 (95% CI: −0.37, 1.40). Three other variables were also selected in the regression but added minimal predictive ability.

Conclusions

The analyses in this paper demonstrate the importance of tracking weight loss incrementally during an intervention as an indicator for overall weight loss, as well as the challenges in predicting long-term weight loss with other variables commonly available in clinical trials. The methods used in this paper also exemplify how to effectively analyze a clinical trial dataset containing many variables and identify factors related to desired outcomes.
Visuospatial Working Memory Tasks May Not Reduce the Intensity or Distress of Intrusive Memories
Authors: Badawi Amalia , Steel Zachary , Berle David
Published: February 2022

Cognitive interventions involving visuospatial tasks, such as the game “Tetris” have demonstrated efficacy in reducing the frequency of intrusive memories. However, it remains unclear whether these tasks also reduce the perceived intensity and distress of these memories. We investigated whether either of two visuospatial tasks: a Tetris intervention or Digital Corsi task, following the viewing of an analog trauma (film) resulted in decreased intensity and distress for intrusive memories over the following week, when compared to a control condition. Participants (n = 110) were randomly assigned to task conditions after viewing the film. Linear mixed models indicated no between-group differences for reductions in intensity or distress over the course of the week. These findings highlight an important boundary to the benefits of such visuospatial tasks, in that while they may be associated with reductions in intrusion memory frequency, individuals may nonetheless continue to experience distress when intrusions do occur.
Exposure to GABAA Receptor Antagonist Picrotoxin in Pregnant Mice Causes Autism-Like Behaviors and Aberrant Gene Expression in Offspring
Authors: Kotajima-Murakami Hiroko , Hagihara Hideo , Sato Atsushi , Hagino Yoko , Tanaka Miho , Katoh Yoshihisa , Nishito Yasumasa , Takamatsu Yukio , Uchino Shigeo , Miyakawa Tsuyoshi , Ikeda Kazutaka
Published: February 2022

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by impairments in social interaction and restricted/repetitive behaviors. The neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) through GABAAreceptor signaling in the immature brain plays a key role in the development of neuronal circuits. Excitatory/inhibitory imbalance in the mature brain has been investigated as a pathophysiological mechanism of ASD. However, whether and how disturbances of GABA signaling in embryos that are caused by GABAAreceptor inhibitors cause ASD-like pathophysiology are poorly understood. The present study examined whether exposure to the GABAAreceptor antagonist picrotoxin causes ASD-like pathophysiology in offspring by conducting behavioral tests from the juvenile period to adulthood and performing gene expression analyses in mature mouse brains. Here, we found that male mice that were prenatally exposed to picrotoxin exhibited a reduction of active interaction time in the social interaction test in both adolescence and adulthood. The gene expression analyses showed that picrotoxin-exposed male mice exhibited a significant increase in the gene expression of odorant receptors. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis showed a strong correlation between social interaction and enrichment of the “odorant binding” pathway gene module. Our findings suggest that exposure to a GABAAreceptor inhibitor during the embryonic period induces ASD-like behavior, and impairments in odorant function may contribute to social deficits in offspring.
Higher Risk of Mortality and Virologic Failure in HIV-Infected Patients With High Viral Load at Antiretroviral Therapy Initiation: An Observational Cohort Study in Chongqing, China
Authors: Zhou Chao , Zhang Wei , Lu Rongrong , Ouyang Lin , Xing Hui , Shao Yiming , Wu Guohui , Ruan Yuhua
Published: February 2022

Background

Viral load (VL) is a strong predictor of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease progression. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of high baseline VL on antiretroviral therapy (ART) outcomes among HIV-infected patients.

Methods

This retrospective study observed HIV-infected patients who had baseline VL test at ART initiation between 2015 and 2019 in Chongqing, China. Cox proportional hazards regression and logistic regression models were used to evaluate the effects of baseline VL on Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related mortality and virologic failure, respectively.

Results

The cohort included 7,176 HIV-infected patients, of whom 38.7% had a baseline VL ≥ 100,000 copies/mL. Of the patients who died during follow-up, 58.9% had a baseline VL ≥ 100,000 copies/mL. Compared with a baseline VL < 10,000 copies/mL, ART initiation at VL ≥ 100,000 copies/mL was significantly associated with the AIDS-related death (adjusted hazard ratio, AHR = 1.4) and virologic failure (adjusted odds ratio, AOR = 2.4). Compared with patients with a baseline VL < 10,000 copies/mL, patients on the recommended first-line regimen with a VL ≥ 100,000 copies/mL at ART initiaition had higher mortality rate (5.1 vs. 1.7 per 100 person-years), but there was no significant difference in the mortality accoding to the initial VL level among patients on second-line ART (2.8 vs. 2.7 per 100 person-years). ART initiation ≤ 30 days after HIV diagnosis was associated with a lower risk of AIDS-related death (AHR = 0.6).

Conclusions

ART initiation with VL ≥ 100,000 copies/mL was associated with a significantly greater risk of mortality and virologic failure. Optimizing the ART regimen and initiating ART early may help to reduce mortality effectively among patients with a high baseline VL. VL testing for all HIV patients is recommended at HIV diagnosis or on ART initiation.
Models of Intervention: Helping Agents and Human Users Avoid Undesirable Outcomes
Authors: Weerawardhana Sachini , Whitley Darrell , Roberts Mark
Published: February 2022

When working in an unfamiliar online environment, it can be helpful to have an observer that can intervene and guide a user toward a desirable outcome while avoiding undesirable outcomes or frustration. The Intervention Problem is deciding when to intervene in order to help a user. The Intervention Problem is similar to, but distinct from, Plan Recognition because the observer must not only recognize the intended goals of a user but also when to intervene to help the user when necessary. We formalize a family of Intervention Problems and show that how these problems can be solved using a combination of Plan Recognition methods and classification algorithms to decide whether to intervene. For our benchmarks, the classification algorithms dominate three recent Plan Recognition approaches. We then generalize these results to Human-Aware Intervention, where the observer must decide in real time whether to intervene human users solving a cognitively engaging puzzle. Using a revised feature set more appropriate to human behavior, we produce a learned model to recognize when a human user is about to trigger an undesirable outcome. We perform a human-subject study to evaluate the Human-Aware Intervention. We find that the revised model also dominates existing Plan Recognition algorithms in predicting Human-Aware Intervention.
Emotional Atmosphere’s Role on People’s Application of Their Emotional Intelligence in the Fight Against COVID-19
Authors: Nyamai Dinah Katindi
Published: February 2022

Emotional intelligence has been associated not only with young people’s academic achievement but also with their ability to deal with harmful emotional states such as anxiety and stress. Limited research, however, has focused on influences of the emotional atmosphere on young people’s application of their emotional intelligence. This article seeks to provoke debates about the role played by accidental lessons arising from learning institutions emotional atmosphere on young people’s ability to apply their emotional intelligence in the fight against life crises such as COVID-19. The target population was 617 young people, aged 15–35 years, and the researcher used Yamane’s sample calculation formula in determining the sample size, which was 243. The researcher used two main data collection tools: a closed-ended questionnaire with 14 items and an interview guide with 10 open-ended questions. The validity of the 14-item questionnaire was determined by experts, whereas its reliability was determined using Cronbach α, which gave a reliability coefficient of 0.91. The clarity of the interview guide items was determined by two research experts. The results of both quantitative and qualitative indicated that conducive emotional atmospheres increase people’s mastery of their feelings as well as spur one’s capacity to endure discomforts associated with crises. The implication here is that we ignore the power welded by accidental lessons arising from emotional atmosphere at our peril.
Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Subtypes Based on Immunologic and Hallmark Gene Sets in Tumor and Non-tumor Tissues
Authors: Yin Ji , He Xinling , Xia Hui , He Lu , Li Daiying , Hu Lanxin , Zheng Sihan , Huang Yanlin , Li Sen , Hu Wenjian
Published: February 2022

Background

Non-tumor tissue has a significant impact on the prognosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Previous studies for HNSCC have mainly focused on tumor tissue, greatly neglecting the role of non-tumor tissue. This study aimed to identify HNSCC subtypes and prognostic gene sets based on activity changes of immunologic and hallmark gene sets in tumor and adjacent non-tumor tissues to improve patient prognosis.

Methods

In the study, we used gene set variation analysis (GSVA) to estimate the relative enrichment of gene sets over the sample population, and identified relevant subtypes of HNSCC by Cox regression analysis and the non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) method. The representative gene sets were identified by calculating the differential enrichment score of gene sets between each of the two subgroups, intersecting them, and screening them using univariate Cox regression analysis. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis was used to screen out potential prognostic gene sets and establish a risk model. Finally, genes encompassed in each prognostic gene set were obtained and subjected to enrichment analysis and protein–protein interaction (PPI) in tumor and non-tumor tissues.

Results

We identified three subtypes of HNSCC based on gene sets in tumor and non-tumor tissues, and patients with subtype 1 had a higher survival rate than subtypes 2 and 3. The subtypes were related to the survival status, pathological stage, and T stage of HNSCC patients. In total 450 differentially gene sets and 39 representative gene sets were obtained by calculating the differential enrichment score of gene sets between each of the two subgroups, intersecting them, and screening them using univariate Cox regression analysis. The prognostic model was constructed by LASSO regression analysis, including five prognostic gene sets. Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that different risk groups and the five prognostic gene sets were associated with survival status in the model. Finally, enrichment analysis and PPI indicated that non-tumor and tumor tissues affect the prognosis of HNSCC patients in different ways.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we provide a novel insight for rational treatment strategies and precise prognostic assessments based on tumor and adjacent non-tumor tissues, suggesting that more emphasis should be placed on changes in adjacent non-tumor and tumor tissues, rather than just the tumor itself.
Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Signaling Synergizes with TLR/NF-κB-Signaling for Induction of IL-22 Through Canonical and Non-Canonical AhR Pathways
Authors: Ishihara Yasuhiro , Kado Sarah Y. , Bein Keith J. , He Yi , Pouraryan Arshia A. , Urban Angelika , Haarmann-Stemmann Thomas , Sweeney Colleen , Vogel Christoph F. A.
Published: February 2022

Interleukin 22 (IL-22) is critically involved in gut immunity and host defense and primarily produced by activated T cells. In different circumstances IL-22 may contribute to pathological conditions or act as a cancer promoting cytokine secreted by infiltrating immune cells. Here we show that bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMM) express and produce IL-22 after activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) when cells are activated through the Toll-like receptor (TLR) family. The additional activation of AhR triggered a significant induction of IL-22 in TLR-activated BMM. Deletion and mutation constructs of the IL-22 promoter revealed that a consensus DRE and RelBAhRE binding element are necessary to mediate the synergistic effects of AhR and TLR ligands. Inhibitor studies and analysis of BMM derived from knockout mice confirmed that the synergistic induction of IL-22 by AhR and TLR ligands depend on the expression of AhR and Nuclear Factor-kappa B (NF-κB) member RelB. The exposure to particulate matter (PM) collected from traffic related air pollution (TRAP) and wildfires activated AhR as well as NF-κB signaling and significantly induced the expression of IL-22. In summary this study shows that simultaneous activation of the AhR and NF-κB signaling pathways leads to synergistic and prolonged induction of IL-22 by integrating signals of the canonical and non-canonical AhR pathway.
Dynamics of Gastrointestinal Activity and Ruminal Absorption of the Methane-Inhibitor, Nitroethane, in Cattle
Authors: Božic Aleksandar K. , Gutiérrez-Bañuelos Hector , Corral-Luna Agustin , Carstens Gordon , Arévalos-Sánchez Martha María , Félix-Portillo Monserrath , Muro-Reyes Alberto , Arzola-Álvarez Claudio , Anderson Robin C. , Harvey Roger B.
Published: February 2022

Nitroethane is a potent methane-inhibitor for ruminants but little is known regarding simultaneous effects of repeated administration on pre- and post-gastric methane-producing activity and potential absorption and systemic accumulation of nitroethane in ruminants. Intraruminal administration of 120 mg nitroethane/kg body weight per day to Holstein cows (n = 2) over a 4-day period transiently reduced (P < 0.05) methane-producing activity of rumen fluid as much as 3.6-fold while concomitantly increasing (P < 0.05) methane-producing activity of feces by as much as 8.8-fold when compared to pre-treatment measurements. These observations suggest a bacteriostatic effect of nitroethane on ruminal methanogen populations resulting in increased passage of viable methanogens to the lower bovine gut. Ruminal VFA concentrations were also transiently affected by nitroethane administration (P < 0.05) reflecting adaptive changes in the rumen microbial populations. Mean (± SD) nitroethane concentrations in plasma of feedlot steers (n = 6/treatment) administered 80 or 160 mg nitroethane/kg body weight per day over a 7-day period were 0.12 ± 0.1 and 0.41 ± 0.1 μmol/mL 8 h after the initial administration indicating rapid absorption of nitroethane, with concentrations peaking 1 day after initiation of the 80 or 160 mg nitroethane/kg body weight per day treatments (0.38 ± 0.1 and 1.14 ± 0.1 μmol/mL, respectively). Plasma nitroethane concentrations declined thereafter to 0.25 ± 0.1 and 0.78 ± 0.3 and to 0.18 ± 0.1 and 0.44 ± 0.3 μmol/mL on days 2 and 7 for the 80 or 160 mg nitroethane/kg body weight per day treatment groups, respectively, indicating decreased absorption due to increased ruminal nitroethane degradation or to more rapid excretion of the compound.
It Began in Ponds and Rivers: Charting the Beginnings of the Ecology of Fish Cognition
Authors: Healy Susan D. , Patton B. Wren
Published: February 2022

But fish cognitive ecology did not begin in rivers and streams. Rather, one of the starting points for work on fish cognitive ecology was work done on the use of visual cues by homing pigeons. Prior to working with fish, Victoria Braithwaite helped to establish that homing pigeons rely not just on magnetic and olfactory cues but also on visual cues for successful return to their home loft. Simple, elegant experiments on homing established Victoria's ability to develop experimental manipulations to examine the role of visual cues in navigation by fish in familiar areas. This work formed the basis of a rich seam of work whereby a fish's ecology was used to propose hypotheses and predictions as to preferred cue use, and then cognitive abilities in a variety of fish species, from model systems (Atlantic salmon and sticklebacks) to the Panamanian Brachyraphis episcopi. Cognitive ecology in fish led to substantial work on fish pain and welfare, but was never left behind, with some of Victoria's last work addressed to determining the neural instantiation of cognitive variation.
Influence of Rice Husk Biochar on Soil Nematode Community under Upland and Flooded Conditions: A Microcosm Experiment
Authors: Van Sinh Nguyen , Kato Risako , Linh Doan Thi Truc , Phuong Nguyen Thi Kim , Toyota Koki
Published: February 2022

Biochar has the potential for improving soil properties and supporting ecological functions, but it has negative impacts on soil organisms in some cases. This study aimed to assess the effect of biochar application at rates of 0 (B0), 5 Mg ha−1 (B5), 20 Mg−1 (B20), and 40 Mg ha−1 (B40) on soil nematode community under upland and flooded conditions in a short-term microcosm experiment. After biochar application, soil was incubated for 2 to 8 weeks and nematodes were identified for community composition, trophic structures, functional guilds, maturity index and metabolic footprints. The chemical properties of the soils were also analyzed. General linear model revealed that biochar increased soil pH, EC, NO3−-N, available phosphorus, total C, and C/N ratio, particularly in the highest application rate and shifted the composition of nematodes. The greatest abundances of omnivores (Mesodorylaimus, Thornenema), predator (Nygolaimus) and functional guilds of cp5 were observed in B5, resulting in greatest structure footprint and composite footprint, (omnivorous + predator) footprint and total biomass in B5. While abundances of nematodes tended to decrease with the biochar applicate rates, the abundance of Prismatolaimus was the highest in B40. During the 8-week incubation period, the abundances of Achromadora, Alaimus, Aporcelaimellus, Cryptonchus, Mononchus, and Tobrilus remained stable in upland conditions. Under flooded conditions, the abundances of almost all taxa were markedly lower than those under upland conditions irrespective of biochar application, except for Acrobeloides, Alaimus, Aphelenchoides, and Ditylenchus. We highlighted that 5 Mg ha−1 of rice husk biochar can be the optimum in shaping the nematode community.
Effect of Fertilisation with Ash from Biomass Combustion on the Mechanical Properties of Potato Tubers (Solanum tuberosum L.) Grown in Two Types of Soil
Authors: Szpunar-Krok Ewa , Szostek Małgorzata , Pawlak Renata , Gorzelany Józef , Migut Dagmara
Published: February 2022

The aim of the research was to determine the effect of fertilising with various doses of ash from biomass combustion (D2–D6) compared to control plots and classic NPK (D1) fertiliser on the morphological and mechanical properties of potato tubers (Solanum tuberosum L.). The field experiment was carried out in the years 2019–2021 (south-eastern Poland, 49°59′ N, 21°57′ E) on two types of soil: Gleyic Chernozem (silty loam) and Haplic Luvisol (silt). The values of mechanical parameters, such as the peel and flesh punching force (FD), deformation (DR) and energy (ED) needed to destroy the test sample, were assessed. The biometric features of the tubers were also assessed. It was found that tubers obtained from the experimental fields where D3 and D4 ash fertiliser doses were applied (corresponding to doses of 188 and 282 kg∙ha−1 K) had the highest tuber yields and the highest resistance to mechanical damage under quasi-static loads. Ash from biomass combustion can be an alternative to conventional mineral fertilizers and can be used in the development of mineral fertilization plans for sustainable agriculture, which will help to solve the problem of storage of this waste.
Assessing Coagulation Parameters in Healthy Asian Elephants (Elephas maximus) from European and Thai Populations
Authors: Jesus Sónia A. , Schmidt Anke , Fickel Jörns , Doherr Marcus G. , Boonprasert Khajohnpat , Thitaram Chatchote , Sariya Ladawan , Ratanakron Parntep , Hildebrandt Thomas B.
Published: February 2022

The Asian elephant population is continuously declining due to several extrinsic reasons in their range countries, but also due to diseases in captive populations worldwide. One of these diseases, the elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) hemorrhagic disease, is very impactful because it particularly affects Asian elephant calves. It is commonly fatal and presents as an acute and generalized hemorrhagic syndrome. Therefore, having reference values of coagulation parameters, and obtaining such values for diseased animals in a very short time, is of great importance. We analyzed prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and fibrinogen concentrations using a portable and fast point-of-care analyzer (VetScan Pro) in 127 Asian elephants from Thai camps and European captive herds. We found significantly different PT and aPTT coagulation times between elephants from the two regions, as well as clear differences in fibrinogen concentration. Nevertheless, these alterations were not expected to have biological or clinical implications. We have also sequenced the coagulation factor VII gene of 141 animals to assess the presence of a previously reported hereditary coagulation disorder in Asian elephants and to investigate the presence of other mutations. We did not find the previously reported mutation in our study population. Instead, we discovered the presence of several new single nucleotide polymorphisms, two of them being considered as deleterious by effect prediction software.
Interactions between Nutrition and the “Ram Effect” in the Control of Ovarian Function in the Merino Ewe
Authors: Khaiseb P. Clemens , Hawken Penelope A. R. , Martin Graeme B.
Published: February 2022

We tested whether short-term nutritional supplementation (500 g lupin grain per head daily) would affect the response of ewes to the ram effect. Experiment 1 (end of non-breeding season): ewes were supplemented for either Days −6 to −1 relative to ram introduction (n = 24) or for 12 days after ram introduction (Days 11 to 22 of the ram-induced cycle; n = 29). Controls (n = 30) were not supplemented. Across all groups, 94–100% of ewes ovulated. Supplementation before ram introduction did not affect ovulation rate at the ram-induced ovulation but increased it during the ram-induced cycle (Control 1.37; supplemented 1.66; p < 0.05). Experiment 2 (the middle of non-breeding season): the supplement was fed for Days −5 to −1 relative to ram introduction. Again, supplementation did not increase number ovulating (Control 16/29; Supplemented 10/29) but it did increase ovulation rate at the ram-induced ovulation (Control 1.31; Supplemented 1.68; p < 0.05). In neither experiment did supplementation affect the frequency of short cycles. Supplementation before ram introduction did not improve the percentage of ewes ovulating or reduce the frequency of short cycles (so will not improve the synchrony of lambing). However, supplementation after ram introduction can increase prolificacy.
Agreement of High-Definition Oscillometry (HDO) and Invasive Blood Pressure Measurements at a Metatarsal Artery in Isoflurane-Anaesthetised Horses
Authors: Twele Lara , Neudeck Stephan , Delarocque Julien , Verhaar Nicole , Reiners Julia , Noll Mike , Tünsmeyer Julia , Kästner Sabine B. R.
Published: February 2022

High-definition oscillometry (HDO) over the metatarsal artery (MA) in anaesthetised horses has not yet been evaluated. This study aimed to assess agreement between HDO and invasive blood pressure (IBP) at the metatarsal artery, and to evaluate compliance with the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) consensus guidelines. In this experimental study, 11 horses underwent general anaesthesia for an unrelated, terminal surgical trial. Instrumentation included an IBP catheter in one and an HDO cuff placed over the contralateral MA, as well as thermodilution catheters. Systolic arterial pressure (SAP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), diastolic arterial pressure (DAP), and cardiac output were measured simultaneously. Normotension (MAP 61–119 mmHg) was maintained during the surgical study. Subsequently, hypotension (MAP ≤ 60 mmHg) and hypertension (MAP ≥ 120 mmHg) were induced pharmacologically. For MAP, the agreement between HDO and IBP was acceptable during normotension, while during hypotension and hypertension, IBP was overestimated and underestimated by HDO, respectively. The monitor failed to meet most ACVIM validation criteria. Consequently, if haemodynamic compromise or rapid blood pressure changes are anticipated, IBP remains preferable.
The Effects of Castration, Implant Protocol, and Supplementation of Bos indicus-Influenced Beef Cattle under Tropical Savanna Conditions on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, and Meat Quality
Authors: Huerta-Leidenz Nelson , Jerez-Timaure Nancy , Rodas-González Argenis , Sarturi Jhones Onorino , Brashears Mindy M. , Miller Markus F. , Brashears Michel Todd
Published: February 2022

The effects of castration, supplementation, and implant protocol (IP) on growth, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of grass-fed cattle were evaluated. Two experiments followed a two-way ANOVA and a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Experiment-I, 99 bulls were evaluated for: (a) supplementation (mineral (MS) or strategic protein-energy supplementation (SS), and (b) IP (repeated (day-0 and day-90) Zeranol-72 mg implantation (Zeranol–Zeranol) or Trenbolone Acetate-140 mg/Estradiol-20 mg (day-0) followed by Zeranol-72 mg (day-90) (TBA/E2–Zeranol). Experiment II, 50 animals were evaluated for: (a) IP (like Experiment-I), and (b) male class (steers vs. bulls). In Experiment-I, SS bulls had greater growth rate, carcass yield, and yield of high-valued boneless lean cuts than MS bulls, while decreasing (p < 0.05) time to harvest. Steaks from SS-bulls on TBA/E2–Zeranol IP were more (p = 0.05) tender than SS/Zeranol–Zeranol counterparts. Experiment-II bulls had greater growth than steers, but decreased (p < 0.05) carcass quality aspects. Zeranol–Zeranol increased (p < 0.01) meat tenderness of steers. Interactions (p < 0.05) affected cutability (Experiment-II) and meat sensory traits (Experiment-I/II). The SS improved growth, carcass yield, and shortened days until harvest of bulls, while TBA/E2–Zeranol IP positively affected tenderness in bull meat only. Castration improved carcass quality while the implant effects on cutability and tenderness were male-class dependent.
Persistence and Dissemination Capacities of a blaNDM-5-Harboring IncX-3 Plasmid in Escherichia coli Isolated from an Urban River in Montpellier, France
Authors: Hammer-Dedet Florence , Aujoulat Fabien , Jumas-Bilak Estelle , Licznar-Fajardo Patricia
Published: February 2022

To investigate the capacities of persistence and dissemination of blaNDM-5 within Escherichia coli and in aquatic environment, we characterized E. coli (sequence type 636) strains B26 and B28 isolated one month apart from the same urban river in Montpellier, France. The two isolates carried a pTsB26 plasmid, which sized 45,495 Kb, harbored blaNDM-5 gene and belonged to IncX-3 incompatibility group. pTsB26 was conjugative in vitro at high frequency, it was highly stable after 400 generations and it exerted no fitness cost on its host. blaNDM-5harboring plasmids are widely dispersed in E. coli all around the world, with no lineage specialization. The genomic comparison between B26 and B28 stated that the two isolates probably originated from the same clone, suggesting the persistence of pTsB26 in an E. coli host in aquatic environment.
Male Infertility and Oxidative Stress: A Focus on the Underlying Mechanisms
Authors: Aitken Robert John , Drevet Joël R. , Moazamian Aron , Gharagozloo Parviz
Published: February 2022

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a critical role in defining the functional competence of human spermatozoa. When generated in moderate amounts, ROS promote sperm capacitation by facilitating cholesterol efflux from the plasma membrane, enhancing cAMP generation, inducing cytoplasmic alkalinization, increasing intracellular calcium levels, and stimulating the protein phosphorylation events that drive the attainment of a capacitated state. However, when ROS generation is excessive and/or the antioxidant defences of the reproductive system are compromised, a state of oxidative stress may be induced that disrupts the fertilizing capacity of the spermatozoa and the structural integrity of their DNA. This article focusses on the sources of ROS within this system and examines the circumstances under which the adequacy of antioxidant protection might become a limiting factor. Seminal leukocyte contamination can contribute to oxidative stress in the ejaculate while, in the germ line, the dysregulation of electron transport in the sperm mitochondria, elevated NADPH oxidase activity, or the excessive stimulation of amino acid oxidase action are all potential contributors to oxidative stress. A knowledge of the mechanisms responsible for creating such stress within the human ejaculate is essential in order to develop better antioxidant strategies that avoid the unintentional creation of its reductive counterpart.
p62-Nrf2 Regulatory Loop Mediates the Anti-Pulmonary Fibrosis Effect of Bergenin
Authors: Zeng Qian , Zhou Tingting , Zhao Feiyan , Xiong Dayan , He Bin , Hua Qingzhong , Lin Miao , Deng Lang , Sang Xiaoxue , Xie Weixi , Chen Jia , Wang Zun , Ren Lu , Luo Ziqiang , Huang Xiaoting , Liu Wei , Tang Siyuan
Published: February 2022

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) can severely disrupt lung function, leading to fatal consequences, and there is currently a lack of specific therapeutic drugs. Bergenin is an isocoumarin compound with lots of biological functions including antioxidant activity. This study evaluated the potential beneficial effects of bergenin on pulmonary fibrosis and investigated the possible mechanisms. We found that bergenin alleviated bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis by relieving oxidative stress, reducing the deposition of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and inhibiting the formation of myofibroblasts. Furthermore, we showed that bergenin could induce phosphorylation and expression of p62 and activation of Nrf2, Nrf2 was required for bergenin-induced p62 upregulation, and p62 knockdown reduced bergenin-induced Nrf2 activity. More importantly, knockdown of Nrf2 or p62 could abrogate the antioxidant activity of bergenin and the inhibition effect of bergenin on TGF-β-induced ECM deposition and myofibroblast differentiation. Thereby, a regulatory loop is formed between p62 and Nrf2, which is an important target for bergenin aimed at treating pulmonary fibrosis.
From Requirements to Source Code: Evolution of Behavioral Programs
Authors: Poliansky Roy , Sipper Moshe , Elyasaf Achiya
Published: February 2022

Automatically generating executable code has a long history of arguably modest success, mostly limited to the generation of small programs of up to 200 lines of code, and genetic improvement of existing code. We present the use of genetic programming (GP) in conjunction with context-oriented behavioral programming (COBP), the latter being a programming paradigm with unique characteristics that facilitate automatic coding. COBP models a program as a set of behavioral threads (b-threads), each aligned to a single behavior or requirement of the system. To evolve behavioral programs we design viable and effective genetic operators, a genetic representation, and evaluation methods. The simplicity of the COBP paradigm, its straightforward syntax, the ability to use verification and formal-method techniques to validate program correctness, and a program comprising small independent chunks all allow us to effectively generate behavioral programs using GP. To demonstrate our approach we evolve complete programs from scratch of a highly competent O player for the game of tic-tac-toe. The evolved programs are well structured, consisting of multiple, explainable modules that specify the different behavioral aspects of the program and are similar to our handcrafted program. To validate the correctness of our individuals, we utilize the mathematical characteristics of COBP to analyze program behavior under all possible execution paths. Our analysis of an evolved program proved that it plays as expected more than 99% of the times.
Burnout and Its Relation to Emotion Dysregulation and Social Cognition among Female Interns and Undergraduate Dental Students at King Khalid University
Authors: Chalikkandy Sandeepa , Alhifzi Raghad Sulaiman Abdulkhalig , Asiri Malak Ali Yahya , Alshahrani Raghad Saeed A. , Saeed Wejdan Nasser Ali , Alamri Sara Ghorman
Published: February 2022

Background: Burnout is a state of vital exhaustion that has a high global prevalence among dental professionals. Yet the early diagnosis of this syndrome is challenging due to its multidimensional nature. Aim: To assess burnout and its relation to emotional dysregulation and social cognition among undergraduate dental students. Methods: We mailed 148 self-administered questionnaires to all interns and undergraduate dental students belonging to the College of Dentistry’s female campus at King Khalid University, Saudi Arabia. A questionnaire was designed comprising three measuring instruments of psychological inventories to assess work-related stress, namely, burnout (Copenhagen burnout inventory questionnaire (CBI)), emotional dysregulation (emotion regulation questionnaire (ERQ)), and social cognition (interpersonal reactivity index (IRI)). We examined the difference in burnout between two cohorts (interns and undergraduates) using Student’s ‘t’ test and the association between emotional regulation/social cognition domains using Pearson’s correlation. Results: Among the participants, around 70% obtained higher scores than the cut-off points for personal and work-related domains in both groups. There was no statistically significant difference in burnout domain between the two cohorts (p > 0.05; Cohen d < 0.3). A negative correlation existed between burnout and emotion regulation, i.e., higher burnout score is associated with lesser cognitive reappraisal and more expressive suppression (CBI—personal burnout r = −0.251; r = −0.220 respectively). Social cognitive scores had various associations among interns and undergraduates, with personal distress being significantly associated with greater burnout levels among both groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The present study revealed significantly elevated burnout levels among both interns and undergraduate students. Emotional dysfunction and social cognition assessment can be a valuable adjunct in identifying this erosive syndrome. Early recognition and primordial prevention targeting burnout are strongly recommended.