bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Dietary Phosphorus Deficiency and High Phosphorus Content on the Growth Performance, Serum Variables, and Tibia Development in Goslings
Authors: Li Ning , He Jiayi , Chen Hao , Chen Yuanjing , Chen Lei , Yang Haiming , Xu Lei , Wang Zhiyue
Published: November 2022

Understanding how dietary phosphorus (P) regulates the growth and skeletal development of goslings is essential for fully utilizing P in the production of geese. We aimed to study the effects of dietary P deficiency and high P content on growth performance, serum variables, tibia quality, and mRNA expression of osteogenesis-related genes in tibia to reveal how dietary P regulates bone development in goslings. Two hundred and sixteen one-day-old Jiangnan White male geese were fed corn-soybean meal diets for 14 days. The diets were set with the same calcium (Ca) level (0.80%) and three non-phytate P (NPP) levels: 0.08% (P deficiency), 0.38% (P control), and 0.80% (P high content). Each treatment consisted of six replicates with 12 goslings in each replicate. The P deficient group had a high cumulative mortality of 26.67% with lower body weight (BW), average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily gain (ADG), serum P contents, tibia width, tibia length, tibia fresh weight at d 14 as compared with the control and high P content group (p ≤ 0.05). Dietary P deficiency caused a reduction in the goslings’ tibia strength, tibia ash content, tibia Ca content, and tibia P content during d 4–d 14 (p < 0.05). The P deficiency reduced tibia mRNA expression of osteoprotegerin (OPG) and runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) on d 7 (p < 0.05), whereas up-regulated serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, calcitonin (CT) content, and the tibia mRNA ratio of receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RNAKL)/OPG during d 7–d 14 (p < 0.05). The serum 1,25-(OH2)D3 content, serum bone Gla-protein (BGP), and the mRNA relative expression of RNAKL and BGP in tibia were decreased in the NPP 0.08% and 0.80% groups compared with the control on d 14 (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary P deficiency induced acute rickets in goslings as early as the fourth day. A P deficiency hindered the tibia and body growth partly due to poor skeletal calcification caused by a down-expression of osteogenesis-related genes regulated by high serum ALP activity and calcitonin contents and lower serum BGP and skeletal P contents.
The Sliding Frictional Properties of Untreated and Extrusion-Exploded Wheat and Rice Straw
Authors: Wang Xing , Zhao Chengshun , Ji Zhangchi , Ju Dianming , Gao Chuang , Chen Haitao , Li Longhai
Published: November 2022

Knowledge about the frictional characteristics of materials is required for equipment design, either to exploit the friction or to overcome it. This paper deals with studying the coefficients of sliding friction of non-treated and extrusion-exploded wheat straw and rice straw on mild steel and aluminum surfaces and the effects of several factors, including the moisture content (at five levels 35, 45, 55, 65, and 75%), normal pressure (at the following five levels: 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 kPa), and length (at the following five levels: 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 mm). Through the use of a statistical analysis method, we found that the moisture content, normal pressure, and interactions between them had statistically significant effects on the coefficient of sliding friction (p < 0.01). The coefficient of sliding friction was much larger than that of rice straw on both contact surfaces, and the coefficient values of both straw samples on the aluminum surface were notably higher than those on mild steel. A significantly higher value was found for the coefficient of sliding friction of extrusion-exploded straw compared with that of untreated straw on both surfaces. As the normal pressure increased from 2 to 10 kPa, the coefficient of sliding friction decreased first, and then increased sharply, finally fluctuating slowly for both kinds of straw and on both tested surfaces, with the maximum value was observed at a normal pressure of 6 kPa. When the length increased from 30 to 150 mm, a slightly linear upward trend was observed for the coefficient of sliding friction of untreated wheat straw, and the coefficient of sliding friction of untreated rice straw initially increased and then decreased.
Rodents in Crop Production Agricultural Systems—Special Issue
Authors: Aulicky Radek
Published: November 2022

Rodents are among the major pests that have accompanied human society and agriculture since ancient times [...]
Investigations of Multiple Approaches to Reduce Green Spot Incidence in ‘WA 38’ Apple
Authors: Sheick Ryan , Serra Sara , Rudell David , Musacchi Stefano
Published: November 2022

A pre-harvest apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) disorder named “green spot” (GS) was recently identified on ‘WA 38’ apples. Previous work indicated a tentative association between GS and fruit mineral imbalance, and an influence of rootstock selection on GS frequency; however, the specific causes, risk factors, and mitigation steps have not been explored. In this study, the role of microclimate, modified using netting or fruit bagging, on GS incidence in ‘WA 38’ apples over two years on two different dwarfing rootstocks, ‘Geneva 41’ (‘G.41’) and ‘Malling 9-Nic29’ (‘M.9’), was investigated. Early season fruit bagging reduced GS appearance, but netting showed mixed results between year and rootstock. Rootstock selection influenced GS incidence, especially in the 2021 season. Fruit mineral analyses highlighted some differences of mineral composition between symptomatic and asymptomatic apples, which helped to corroborate earlier reports; however, within the full context of these results, it is not clear that nutrient imbalance directly influences disorder incidence. Further work to understand the mechanisms behind GS emergence should consider environmental factors, including light, humidity, and wind, as well as anatomical features of ‘WA 38’ fruit, such as lenticel morphology and physiology.
Nitrogen Availability Drives Mycorrhizal Effects on Wheat Growth, Nitrogen Uptake and Recovery under Salt Stress
Authors: Giambalvo Dario , Amato Gaetano , Borgia Davide , Ingraffia Rosolino , Librici Calogero , Lo Porto Antonella , Puccio Guglielmo , Ruisi Paolo , Frenda Alfonso S.
Published: November 2022

The arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis is generally considered effective in improving salt tolerance in plants; however, the advantages it offers can vary greatly depending on the context in which it occurs; furthermore, the mechanisms underlying these responses are still unclear. A study was conducted to investigate the role of nitrogen (N) availability on the effectiveness of AM symbiosis in durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) plants grown under salt stress. Plants were grown in pots in the absence or in presence of salt stress (soil electrical conductivity of 1.50 and 13.00 dS m−1, respectively), with or without AM fungi inoculation (Rhizophagus irregularis and Funneliformis mosseae), varying the N dose supplied (0 or 80 mg N per pot). Results indicate that AM symbiosis can alleviate the detrimental effects of salt stress on the growth of durum wheat only when plants are grown under sufficient N availability in soil; in such conditions mycorrhizal symbiosis determined an improvement of leaf traits (leaf area, SLA, stability of plasma membranes and SPAD), N uptake, N fertilizer recovery and water use efficiency. On the contrary, when wheat plants were grown in conditions of N deficiency, the mycorrhizal symbiosis had no effect (under salt stress) or even depressive effect (under unstressed condition) on plant growth and N uptake, highlighting how, in some cases, competition for nutrients between plants and AM can arise. This study suggests that N availability in the soil can drive the effects of AM symbiosis in assisting the plant with containing saline stress.
Applying Trait-Based Modeling to Achieve Functional Targets during the Ecological Restoration of an Arid Mine Area
Authors: Hou Jian , Wu Menghan , Feng Haobo
Published: November 2022

(1) Background: Because ecosystem degradation has become a global phenomenon which seriously affects the health of natural ecosystems and human well-being, restoration of degraded ecosystems has attracted increasing attention. However, many of the methods used in current ecological restoration work have rarely combined ecological restoration practices with the quantitative goal of restoring ecosystem function. (2) Methods: In this study, based on the conceptual framework of response-effect traits and Community Assembly by Trait Selection model (CATS model), a restoration strategy for a degraded abandoned mine in Wuhai City, China has been provided. This restoration strategy connected the ecosystem function targets to the appropriate recovery species and their required abundances. (3) Results: The results showed that a relative abundance ratio of 8:2 for S. grandis to B. dasyphylla was best for a shady slope, while a 6:4 ratio of K. tragus to B. dasyphylla was best for repair on a sunny slope of the degraded mine area. (4) Conclusion: This study provides a typical example of applying ecological theory in practice that will be useful for current and future studies and applications. This approach will ensure that governance efforts to restore degraded ecosystems are effective and efficient.
Effects of Applying Different Organic Materials on Grain Yield and Soil Fertility in a Double-Season Rice Cropping System
Authors: Yang Jing , Liao Bin , Fang Changyu , Sheteiwy Mohamed S. , Yi Zhenxie , Liu Sichao , Li Chao , Ma Guozhu , Tu Naimei
Published: November 2022

Double-cropping rice cultivation reduces soil fertility, and the extensive use of chemical fertilizers has harmful effects on both the environment and grain yield. The application of organic materials could be used as a practical strategy to maintain soil fertility and improve grain yield in a double-season rice cropping system. For this purpose, field experiments with six growing seasons over three years, from 2016 to 2018, were conducted to assess the effects of five organic materials (biochar, Chinese milk vetch, rice straw, rapeseed cake fertilizer, and manure) on the grain yield and soil fertility, aiming to save about 25% of the chemical nitrogen (N) fertilizer required for all rice growing stages. The result showed that, compared with CK (the most common dose of fertilizer in this study region; 100% chemical fertilizer without organic fertilizer), the grain yield and soil fertility of double-cropped rice were increased after applying organic fertilizers for three consecutive years. Specifically, the CRC treatment (Chinese milk vetch (10.77 t ha−1 in fresh)/rice straw (26.51 t ha−1 in fresh) + 75% chemical fertilizer) showed significantly higher rates of effective panicles (4.65–10.92%) and annual grain yield (8.00–8.82%). The total N, total phosphorus (P), total potassium (K), alkaline N, and available P content in the CRC soil were significantly increased by 11.85%, 12.22%, 15.08%, 23.32%, and 41.04%, respectively, relative to CK. The decomposition of the applied Chinese milk vetch and rice straw combined with 75% chemical fertilizer resulted in more soil humus (9.50 g kg−1), humic acid (3.19 g kg−1), fulvic acid (3.26 g kg−1), and active organic carbon (5.78 g kg−1) and a significantly higher carbon pool management index (13.5%), as well as significantly higher soil urease activity (18.10%) and acid phosphatase activity (17.64%). Therefore, in this study, Chinese milk vetch (10.77 t ha−1 in fresh) in the early rice season/rice straw (26.51 t ha−1 fresh) in the late rice season + 75% chemical fertilizer treatment was the optimal dose for the double-season rice cropping system. It resulted in higher rice yields and has the potential to be used for more sustainable soil fertility.
Synchrotron-Radiation-Based Fourier Transform Infrared Microspectroscopy as a Tool for the Differentiation between Staphylococcal Small Colony Variants
Authors: Al-Bakri Amal G. , Dahabiyeh Lina A. , Khalil Enam , Jaber Deema , Kamel Gihan , Schleimer Nina , Kohler Christian , Becker Karsten
Published: November 2022

Small colony variants (SCVs) are clinically significant and linked to persistent infections. In this study, synchrotron-radiation-based Fourier transform infrared (SR-FTIR) is used to investigate the microspectroscopic differences between the SCVs of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and diabetic foot Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) in two main IR spectral regions: (3050–2800 cm−1), corresponding to the distribution of lipids, and (1855–1500 cm−1), corresponding to the distribution of protein amide I and amide II and carbonyl vibrations. SR-FTIR successfully discriminated between the two staphylococcal species and between the SCV and the non-SCV strains within the two IR spectral regions. Combined S. aureus SCVs (SCVhMu) showed a higher protein content relative to the non-SCV wild type. Complemented S. aureus SCV showed distinguishable differences from the SCVhMu and the wild type, including a higher content of unsaturated fatty acids. An increase in the CH2/CH3 ratio was detected in S. epidermidis SCV samples compared to the standard control. Protein secondary structure in standard S. epidermidis and SCVs consisted mainly of an α-helix; however, a new shoulder at 1635 cm−1, assigned to β-sheets, was evident in the SCV. In conclusion, SR-FTIR is a powerful method that can discriminate between staphylococci species and to differentiate between SCVs and their corresponding natural strains.
A Novel Machine Learning-Based Point-Score Model as a Non-Invasive Decision-Making Tool for Identifying Infected Ascites in Patients with Hydropic Decompensated Liver Cirrhosis: A Retrospective Multicentre Study
Authors: Würstle Silvia , Hapfelmeier Alexander , Karapetyan Siranush , Studen Fabian , Isaakidou Andriana , Schneider Tillman , Schmid Roland M. , von Delius Stefan , Gundling Felix , Triebelhorn Julian , Burgkart Rainer , Obermeier Andreas , Mayr Ulrich , Heller Stephan , Rasch Sebastian , Lahmer Tobias , Geisler Fabian , Chan Benjamin , Turner Paul E. , Rothe Kathrin , Spinner Christoph D. , Schneider Jochen
Published: November 2022

This study is aimed at assessing the distinctive features of patients with infected ascites and liver cirrhosis and developing a scoring system to allow for the accurate identification of patients not requiring abdominocentesis to rule out infected ascites. A total of 700 episodes of patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis undergoing abdominocentesis between 2006 and 2020 were included. Overall, 34 clinical, drug, and laboratory features were evaluated using machine learning to identify key differentiation criteria and integrate them into a point-score model. In total, 11 discriminatory features were selected using a Lasso regression model to establish a point-score model. Considering pre-test probabilities for infected ascites of 10%, 15%, and 25%, the negative and positive predictive values of the point-score model for infected ascites were 98.1%, 97.0%, 94.6% and 14.9%, 21.8%, and 34.5%, respectively. Besides the main model, a simplified model was generated, containing only features that are fast to collect, which revealed similar predictive values. Our point-score model appears to be a promising non-invasive approach to rule out infected ascites in clinical routine with high negative predictive values in patients with hydropic decompensated liver cirrhosis, but further external validation in a prospective study is needed.
Changes in Antibiotic Prescribing Patterns in Danish General Practice during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Register-Based Study
Authors: Nymand Camilla Rask , Thomsen Janus Laust , Hansen Malene Plejdrup
Published: November 2022

The World Health Organization expressed concern that antimicrobial resistance would increase during the COVID-19 pandemic due to the excessive use of antibiotics. This study aimed to explore if antibiotic prescribing patterns in general practices located in the North Denmark Region changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study was conducted as a registry-based study. Data was collected for every antibiotic prescription issued in general practices located in the North Denmark Region during the first year of the pandemic (1 February 2020 to 31 January 2021) and the year prior to the pandemic (1 February 2019 to 31 January 2020). Data were compared regarding antibiotic agents and the type of consultation linked to each antibiotic prescription. Results showed that antibiotic prescriptions decreased by 18.5% during the first pandemic year. The use of macrolides and lincosamides, along with combinations of penicillins and beta-lactamase -sensitive penicillins, was reduced the most. Face-to-face consultations related to an antibiotic prescription decreased by 28.5%, while the use of video consultations increased markedly. In Denmark, COVID-19 restrictions have contributed to both a lower consumption of antibiotics and a change in prescription patterns in general practice. Probably some of the COVID-19 -preventing initiatives could be of importance moving forward in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.
Detection of an Enterococcus faecium Carrying a Double Copy of the PoxtA Gene from Freshwater River, Italy
Authors: Cinthi Marzia , Coccitto Sonia Nina , Morroni Gianluca , D’Achille Gloria , Brenciani Andrea , Giovanetti Eleonora
Published: November 2022

Oxazolidinones are valuable antimicrobials that are used to treat severe infections due to multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-positive bacteria. However, in recent years, a significant spread of clinically relevant linezolid-resistant human bacteria that is also present in animal and environmental settings has been detected and is a cause for concern. This study aimed to investigate the presence, genetic environments, and transferability of oxazolidinone resistance genes in enterococci from freshwater samples. A total of 10 samples were collected from a river in Central Italy. Florfenicol-resistant enterococci were screened for the presence of oxazolidinone resistance genes by PCR. Enterococcus faecium M1 was positive for the poxtA gene. The poxtA transfer (filter mating and aquaria microcosm assays), localization (S1-PFGE/hybridization), genetic context, and clonality of the isolate (WGS) were analyzed. Two poxtA copies were located on the 30,877-bp pEfM1, showing high-level identity and synteny to the pEfm-Ef3 from an E. faecium collected from an Italian coastal area. The isolate was able to transfer the poxtA to enterococcal recipients both in filter mating and aquaria microcosm assays. This is—to the best of our knowledge—the first detection of an enterococcus carrying a linezolid resistance gene from freshwater in Italy.
Design of Antimicrobial Peptides with Cell-Selective Activity and Membrane-Acting Mechanism against Drug-Resistant Bacteria
Authors: Park Seong-Cheol , Son Hyosuk , Kim Young-Min , Lee Jong-Kook , Park Soyoung , Lim Hye Song , Lee Jung Ro , Jang Mi-Kyeong
Published: November 2022

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) can combat drug-resistant bacteria with their unique membrane-disruptive mechanisms. This study aimed to investigate the antibacterial effects of several membrane-acting peptides with amphipathic structures and positional alterations of two tryptophan residues. The synthetic peptides exhibited potent antibacterial activities in a length-dependent manner against various pathogenic drug-resistant and susceptible bacteria. In particular, the location of tryptophan near the N-terminus of AMPs simultaneously increases their antibacterial activity and toxicity. Furthermore, the growth inhibition mechanisms of these newly designed peptides involve cell penetration and destabilization of the cell membrane. These findings provide new insights into the design of peptides as antimicrobial agents and suggest that these peptides can be used as substitutes for conventional antibiotics.
Pathogenicity Islands in Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Clinical Isolate of the Globally Disseminated O25:H4-ST131 Pandemic Clonal Lineage: First Report from Egypt
Authors: Zakaria Azza S. , Edward Eva A. , Mohamed Nelly M.
Published: November 2022

Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is the main etiological agent of urinary tract infections (UTIs). The pathogenesis of UTIs relies upon UPEC’s acquisition of virulence determinants that are commonly inserted into large chromosomal blocks which are termed ‘pathogenicity islands’ (PAIs). In this study, we investigated the virulence-associated genes embedded in the chromosome of a UPEC Egyptian strain, EC14142. Additionally, we present a detailed characterization of the PAIs in the EGY_EC14142 chromosome. The isolate displayed a multidrug-resistant phenotype, and whole genome sequencing indicated that it belonged to the globally disseminated O25:H4-ST131 pandemic lineage and the H30-Rx clade. EGY_EC14142 carried genes that are responsible for resistance to aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, extended-spectrum β-lactams, macrolides, folate pathway antagonists, and tetracyclines. It encoded five PAIs with a high similarity to PAI II536, PAI IV536, PAI V536, PAI-536-icd, and PAIusp. The genome analysis of EGY_EC14142 with other closely related UPEC strains revealed that they have a high nucleotide sequence identity. The constructed maximum-likelihood phylogenetic tree showed the close clonality of EGY_EC14142 with the previously published ST131 UPEC international isolates, thus endorsing the broad geographical distribution of this clone. This is the first report characterizing PAIs in a UPEC Egyptian strain belonging to the globally disseminated pandemic clone O25:H4-ST131.
HMOX1 Promotes Ferroptosis in Mammary Epithelial Cells via FTH1 and Is Involved in the Development of Clinical Mastitis in Dairy Cows
Authors: Zhang Quanwei , Bai Xu , Lin Ting , Wang Xueying , Zhang Bohao , Dai Lijun , Shi Jun , Zhang Yong , Zhao Xingxu
Published: November 2022

Ferroptosis is associated with inflammatory diseases as a lethal iron-dependent lipid peroxidation; its role in the development of clinical mastitis (CM) in dairy cows is not well understood. The aim of this study was to identify differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) associated with iron homeostasis and apoptosis, and to investigate further their roles in dairy cows with CM. The results suggested that ferroptosis occurs in the mammary glands of Holstein cows with CM. Using data-independent acquisition proteomics, 302 DEPs included in 11 GO terms related to iron homeostasis and apoptosis were identified. In particular, heme oxygenase-1 (HMOX1) was identified and involved in nine pathways. In addition, ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1) was identified and involved in the ferroptosis pathway. HMOX1 and FTH1 were located primarily in mammary epithelial cells (MECs), and displayed significantly up-regulated expression patterns compared to the control group (healthy cows). The expression levels of HMOX1 and FTH1 were up-regulated in a dose-dependent manner in LPS induced MAC-T cells with increased iron accumulation. The expression levels of HMOX1 and FTH1 and iron accumulation levels in the MAC-T cells were significantly up-regulated by using LPS, but were lower than the levels seen with Erastin (ERA). Finally, we deduced the mechanism of ferroptosis in the MECs of Holstein cows with CM. These results provide new insights for the prevention and treatment of ferroptosis-mediated clinical mastitis in dairy animals.
Systematical Characterization of the Cotton Di19 Gene Family and the Role of GhDi19-3 and GhDi19-4 as Two Negative Regulators in Response to Salt Stress
Authors: Zhao Lanjie , Li Youzhong , Li Yan , Chen Wei , Yao Jinbo , Fang Shengtao , Lv Youjun , Zhang Yongshan , Zhu Shouhong
Published: November 2022

Drought-induced 19 (Di19) protein is a Cys2/His2 (C2H2) type zinc-finger protein, which plays a crucial role in plant development and in response to abiotic stress. This study systematically investigated the characteristics of the GhDi19 gene family, including the member number, gene structure, chromosomal distribution, promoter cis-elements, and expression profiles. Transcriptomic analysis indicated that some GhDi19s were up-regulated under heat and salt stress. Particularly, two nuclear localized proteins, GhDi19-3 and GhDi19-4, were identified as being in potential salt stress responsive roles. GhDi19-3 and GhDi19-4 decreased sensitivity under salt stress through virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS), and showed significantly lower levels of H2O2, malondialdehyde (MDA), and peroxidase (POD) as well as significantly increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. This suggested that their abilities were improved to effectively reduce the reactive oxygen species (ROS) damage. Furthermore, certain calcium signaling and abscisic acid (ABA)-responsive gene expression levels showed up- and down-regulation changes in target gene-silenced plants, suggesting that GhDi19-3 and GhDi19-4 were involved in calcium signaling and ABA signaling pathways in response to salt stress. In conclusion, GhDi19-3 and GhDi19-4, two negative transcription factors, were found to be responsive to salt stress through calcium signaling and ABA signaling pathways.
Vitamin C Deficiency Exacerbates Dysfunction of Atherosclerotic Coronary Arteries in Guinea Pigs Fed a High-Fat Diet
Authors: Skovsted Gry Freja , Skat-Rørdam Josephine , Frøkiær Amalie Pihl , Jensen Henrik Elvang , Tveden-Nyborg Pernille , Lykkesfeldt Jens
Published: November 2022

Vitamin C (vitC) deficiency has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease; while several putative mechanistic links have been proposed, functional evidence supporting a causal relationship is scarce. In this study, we investigated how vitC deficiency affects coronary artery vasomotor function and the development of coronary atherosclerotic plaques in guinea pigs subjected to chronic dyslipidemia by a high-fat diet regime. Female Hartley guinea pigs were fed either a control (low-fat diet and sufficient vitC) (N = 8) or a high-fat diet with either sufficient (N = 8) or deficient (N = 10) vitC for 32 weeks. Guinea pigs subjected to the high-fat diet developed significant atherosclerotic plaques in their coronary arteries, with no quantitative effect of vitC deficiency. In isolated coronary arteries, vasomotor responses to potassium, carbachol, nitric oxide, or bradykinin were studied in a wire myograph. Carbachol, bradykinin, and nitric oxide mediated relaxation in the coronary arteries of the control group. While vasorelaxation to carbachol and nitric oxide was preserved in the two high-fat diet groups, bradykinin-induced vasorelaxation was abolished. Interestingly, bradykinin induced a significant contraction in coronary arteries from vitC-deficient guinea pigs (p < 0.05). The bradykinin-induced contraction was unaffected by L-NAME but significantly inhibited by both indomethacin and vitC, suggesting that, during vitC deficiency, increased release of arachidonic acid metabolites and vascular oxidative stress are involved in the constrictor effects mediated by bradykinin. In conclusion, the present study shows supporting evidence that poor vitC status negatively affects coronary artery function.
Combined Treatment (Ultraviolet-C/Physapruin A) Enhances Antiproliferation and Oxidative-Stress-Associated Mechanism in Oral Cancer Cells
Authors: Peng Sheng-Yao , Yen Ching-Yu , Lan Ting-Hsun , Jeng Jiiang-Huei , Tang Jen-Yang , Chang Hsueh-Wei
Published: November 2022

Physapruin A (PHA), a Physalis peruviana-derived withanolide, exhibits antiproliferation activity against oral and breast cancer cells. However, its potential antitumor effects in combined treatments remain unclear. This investigation focused on evaluating the impact of the combined treatment of ultraviolet-C with PHA (UVC/PHA) on the proliferation of oral cancer cells. The UVC-caused antiproliferation was enhanced by combination with PHA in oral cancer (Ca9-22 and CAL 27) but not normal cells (SG), as evidenced by ATP detection, compared with UVC or PHA alone. UVC/PHA showed a greater extent of subG1 increase, G2/M arrest, annexin-V-assessed apoptosis, caspase 3/7 activation, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the UVC or PHA treatment of oral cancer compared to normal cells. Moreover, the mitochondrial functions, such as mitochondrial superoxide bursts and mitochondrial membrane potential destruction, of oral cancer cells were also enhanced by UVC/PHA compared to UVC or PHA alone. These oxidative stresses triggered γH2AX and 8-hydroxyl-2’-deoxyguanosine-assessed DNA damage to a greater extent under UVC/PHA treatment than under UVC or PHA treatment alone. The ROS inhibitor N-acetylcysteine reversed all these UVC/PHA-promoted changes. In conclusion, UVC/PHA is a promising strategy for decreasing the proliferation of oral cancer cells but shows no inhibitory effect on normal cells.
Evaluation of the Anxiolytic and Anti-Epileptogenic Potential of Lactuca Serriola Seed Using Pentylenetetrazol-Induced Kindling in Mice and Metabolic Profiling of Its Bioactive Extract
Authors: Ullah Muhammad Ihsan , Anwar Rukhsana , Kamran Shahzad , Gul Bazgha , Elhady Sameh S. , Youssef Fadia S.
Published: November 2022

This study aimed to assess the potential of Lactuca serriola (Asteraceae) seed n-hexane, chloroform, methanol, and aqueous extracts as anticonvulsant, sedative, anticonvulsant and antiepileptic agents in Swiss albino mice. Different doses of each extract were evaluated for the anxiolytic potential using the hole-board, the elevated plus maze and the light/dark test. A phenobarbitone-induced sleep test was employed for the evaluation of sedative potential. Acute anticonvulsant activity was evaluated by picrotoxin and strychnine-induced convulsion models. All extracts significantly reduced the number of head dips where n-hexane extract (400 mg/kg) showed 96.34% reduction in the tendency of head dipping when compared with the control. Mice treated with extracts preferred elevated plus maze open arms and were shown to lack open arms evasion, especially n-hexane extract (400 mg/kg)—which showed 456.14%—increased the duration of open arm stay with the respective control group. By reducing sleep latency and greatly lengthening sleep duration, L. serriola enhanced the effects of barbiturate-induced sleep. A significant increase in convulsion latency and decrease in convulsions induced by picrotoxin and strychnine duration was observed in all extract-treated groups. All the extracts exhibited anti-epileptogenic potential as the seizure score in pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced kindling in mice was reduced significantly. Maximum protection was afforded by chloroform extract that reduced the seizure score by 79.93% compared with the PTZ group. Chloroform executed antioxidant effect by elevating super oxide dismutase (SOD) by 126%, catalase (CAT) by 83.53%, total glutathione (tGSH) by 149%, and reducing malondialdhyde (MDA) levels by 36.49% in the brain tissues that is further consolidated by histopathological examination. Metabolic profiling of the most active chloroform extract using Gas chromatography coupled with mass showed the presence of 16 compounds. This anti-epileptic activity was further confirmed via in silico molecular modelling studies in the active site Gamma-aminobutyric acid aminotransferase (GABA-AT) where all of the tested metabolites illustrated a potent inhibitory potential towards GABA-AT with hexadecanoic acid, 15-methyl-, methyl ester followed by octadecanoic acid, methyl ester showed the best fitting. The results indicated the possible anxiolytic and anti-epileptogenic potential of the plant and further consolidated the ethnopharmacological use of L. serriola seeds.
Cysteamine Supplementation In Vitro Remarkably Promoted Rumen Fermentation Efficiency towards Propionate Production via Prevotella Enrichment and Enhancing Antioxidant Capacity
Authors: Wu Qichao , Chen Hewei , Zhang Fan , Wang Weikang , Xiong Fengliang , Liu Yingyi , Lv Liangkang , Li Wenjuan , Bo Yukun , Yang Hongjian
Published: November 2022

Cysteamine (CS) is a vital antioxidant product and nutritional regulator that improves the productive performance of animals. A 2 × 4 factorial in vitro experiment was performed to determine the effect of the CS supplementation levels of 0, 20, 40, and 60 mg/g, based on substrate weight, on the ruminal fermentation, antioxidant capacity, and microorganisms of a high-forage substrate (HF, forage:corn meal = 7:3) in the Statistical Analysis System Institute. After 48 h of incubation, the in vitro dry matter disappearance and gas production in the LF group were higher when compared with a low-forage substrate (LF, forge hay:corn meal = 3:7), which was analyzed via the use of the MIXED procedure of the HF group, and these increased linearly with the increasing CS supplementation (p < 0.01). With regard to rumen fermentation, the pH and acetate were lower in the LF group compared to the HF group (p < 0.01). However, the ammonia N, microbial crude protein, total volatile fatty acids (VFA), and propionate in the LF group were greater than those in the HF group (p < 0.05). With the CS supplementation increasing, the pH, ammonia N, acetate, and A:P decreased linearly, while the microbial crude protein, total VFA, and propionate increased linearly (p < 0.01). Greater antioxidant capacity was observed in the LF group, and the increasing CS supplementation linearly increased the superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, total antioxidant capacity, glutathione, and glutathione reductase, while it decreased the malondialdehyde (p < 0.05). No difference occurred in the ruminal bacteria alpha diversity with the increasing CS supplementation, but it was higher in the LF group than in the HF group (p < 0.01). Based on the rumen bacterial community, a higher proportion of Bacteroidota, instead of Firmicutes, was in the LF group than in the HF group. Furthermore, increasing the CS supplementation linearly increased the relative abundance of Prevotella, norank_f_F082, and Prevotellaceae_UCG-001 under the two substrates (p < 0.05). Prevotella, norank_f_F082, and Prevotellaceae_UCG-001 were positively correlated with gas production, rumen fermentation, and antioxidant capacity in a Spearman correlation analysis (r > 0.31, p < 0.05). Overall, a CS supplementation of not less than 20 mg/g based on substrate weight enhanced the rumen fermentation and rumen antioxidant capacity of the fermentation system, and it guided the rumen fermentation towards glucogenic propionate by enriching the Prevotella in Bacteroidetes.
Comprehensive Effect of Carbon Tetrachloride and Reversal of Gandankang Formula in Mice Liver: Involved in Oxidative Stress, Excessive Inflammation, and Intestinal Microflora
Authors: Wei Yuanyuan , Wang Huiru , Zhang Yannan , Gu Jinhua , Zhang Xiuying , Gong Xuhao , Hao Zhihui
Published: November 2022

Aim: To systematically evaluate the effect of Gandankang (GDK) aqueous extract in alleviating acute and chronic liver injury. Forty-one chemical compounds were identified by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-linear trap quadrupole-orbitrap-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS) from GDK. All dosages of GDK and Biphenyl diester (BD) improved CCl4-induced acute and chronic liver injury. GDK curbed liver fibrosis and blocked the NF-κB pathway to effectively inhibit the hepatic inflammatory response. Additionally, GDK treatment reduced the abundance of Phascolarctobacterium, Turicibacter, Clostridium_xlva, Atoprostipes, and Eubacterium, in comparison with those in the CCl4 mice and elevated the abundance of Megamonas and Clostridium_IV as evident from 16S rDNA sequencing. Correlation analysis showed that the abundance of Eubacterium and Phascolarctobacterium was positively correlated with inflammation, fibrosis, and oxidation indexes. This indicates that GDK ameliorates chronic liver injury by mitigating fibrosis and inflammation. Nrf2 pathway is the key target of GDK in inhibiting liver inflammation and ferroptosis. Eubacterium and Phascolarctobacterium played a vital role in attenuating liver fibrosis.
Physical and Oxidative Water-in-Oil Emulsion Stability by the Addition of Liposomes from Shrimp Waste Oil with Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Authors: Pascual-Silva Carolina , Alemán Ailén , López-Caballero María Elvira , Montero María Pilar , Gómez-Guillén María del Carmen
Published: November 2022

Liposomes made of partially purified phospholipids (PL) from Argentine red shrimp waste oil were loaded with two antioxidant lipid co-extracts (hexane-soluble, Hx and acetone-soluble, Ac) to provide a higher content of omega-3 fatty acids. The physical properties of the liposomes were characterized by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of the lipid extracts and liposomal suspensions were evaluated in terms of Superoxide and ABTS radical scavenging capacities and TNF-α inhibition. Uni-lamellar spherical liposomes (z-average ≈ 145 nm) with strong negative ζ potential (≈ −67 mV) were obtained in all cases. The high content of neutral lipids in the Hx extract caused structural changes in the bilayer membrane and decreased entrapment efficiency regarding astaxanthin and EPA + DHA contents. The liposomes loaded with the Hx/Ac extracts showed higher antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity compared with empty liposomes. The liposomal dispersions improved the physical and oxidative stability of water-in-oil emulsions as compared with the PL extract, inducing pronounced close packing of water droplets. The liposomes decreased hydroperoxide formation in freshly made emulsions and prevented thio-barbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) accumulation during chilled storage. Liposomes from shrimp waste could be valuable nanocarriers and stabilizers in functional food emulsions.
Overview of the Mechanisms of Oxidative Stress: Impact in Inflammation of the Airway Diseases
Authors: Albano Giusy Daniela , Gagliardo Rosalia Paola , Montalbano Angela Marina , Profita Mirella
Published: November 2022

Inflammation of the human lung is mediated in response to different stimuli (e.g., physical, radioactive, infective, pro-allergenic or toxic) such as cigarette smoke and environmental pollutants. They often promote an increase in inflammatory activities in the airways that manifest themselves as chronic diseases (e.g., allergic airway diseases, asthma, chronic bronchitis/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or even lung cancer). Increased levels of oxidative stress (OS) reduce the antioxidant defenses, affect the autophagy/mitophagy processes, and the regulatory mechanisms of cell survival, promoting inflammation in the lung. In fact, OS potentiate the inflammatory activities in the lung, favoring the progression of chronic airway diseases. OS increases the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), including superoxide anions (O2−), hydroxyl radicals (OH) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), by the transformation of oxygen through enzymatic and non-enzymatic reactions. In this manner, OS reduces endogenous antioxidant defenses in both nucleated and non-nucleated cells. The production of ROS in the lung can derive from both exogenous insults (cigarette smoke or environmental pollution) and endogenous sources such as cell injury and/or activated inflammatory and structural cells. In this review, we describe the most relevant knowledge concerning the functional interrelation between the mechanisms of OS and inflammation in airway diseases.
Quercetin Ameliorates Renal Injury and Pyroptosis in Lupus Nephritis through Inhibiting IL-33/ST2 Pathway In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Chen Hsin-Yuan , Chiang Yi-Fen , Hong Yong-Han , Shieh Tzong-Ming , Huang Tsui-Chin , Ali Mohamed , Chang Hsin-Yi , Wang Kai-Lee , Hsia Shih-Min
Published: November 2022

Lupus nephritis (LN) is a common and serious symptom in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Tubular interstitial fibrosis is a common underlying mechanism in the development of lupus nephritis to end-stage renal failure (ESRD). Quercetin is widely proven to prevent tissue fibrosis. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the beneficial effects of quercetin on the inhibition of fibrosis and inflammation pathways in in vitro and in vivo lupus nephritis models. In the current study, MRL/lpr mice as animal models, and HK-2 human renal tubular epithelial cells were stimulated by interleukin-33 (IL-33) to mimic the cellular model of lupus nephritis. Immunohistochemical staining, immunoblotting assay, immunofluorescence staining, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assay were used. The in vivo results showed that quercetin improved the renal function and inhibited both fibrosis- and inflammation-related markers in MRL/lpr mice animal models. The in vitro results indicated that quercetin ameliorated the accumulation of fibrosis- and inflammation-related proteins in IL-33-induced HK-2 cells and improved renal cell pyroptosis via the IL33/ST2 pathway. Overall, quercetin can improve LN-related renal fibrosis and inflammation, which may offer an effective potential therapeutic strategy for lupus nephritis.
Self-Organized Fuzzy Neural Network Nonlinear System Modeling Method Based on Clustering Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Tong , Wang Zhendong
Published: November 2022

In this paper, an improved self-organizing fuzzy neural network (SOFNN-CA) based on a clustering algorithm is proposed for nonlinear systems modeling in industrial processes. In order to reduce training time and increase training speed, we combine offline learning and online identification. The unsupervised clustering algorithm is used to generate the initial centers of the network in the offline learning phase, and, in the self-organizing phase of the system, the Mahalanobis distance (MD) index and error criterion are adopted to add neurons to learn new features. A new density potential index (DPI) combined with neuron local field potential (LFP) is designed to adjust the neuron width, which further improves the network generalization. The similarity index calculated by the Gaussian error function is used to merge neurons to reduce redundancy. Meanwhile, the convergence of SOFNN-CA in the case of structural self-organization is demonstrated. Simulations and experiments results show that the proposed SOFNN-CA has a more desirable modeling accuracy and convergence speed compared with SOFNN-ALA and SOFNN-AGA.
Low-Photon Counts Coherent Modulation Imaging via Generalized Alternating Projection Algorithm
Authors: Sun Meng , Liu Tao , Barbastathis George , Qi Yincheng , Zhang Fucai
Published: November 2022

Phase contrast imaging is advantageous for mitigating radiation damage to samples, such as biological specimens. For imaging at nanometer or atomic resolution, the required flux on samples increases dramatically and can easily exceed the sample damage threshold. Coherent modulation imaging (CMI) can provide quantitative absorption and phase images of samples at diffraction-limited resolution with fast convergence. When used for radiation-sensitive samples, CMI experiments need to be conducted under low illumination flux for high resolution. Here, an algorithmic framework is proposed for CMI involving generalized alternating projection and total variation constraint. A five-to-ten-fold lower photon requirement can be achieved for near-field or far-field experiment dataset. The work would make CMI more applicable to the dynamics study of radiation-sensitive samples.
Review of Quantitative Methods for the Detection of Alzheimer’s Disease with Positron Emission Tomography
Authors: Perron Jarrad , Ko Ji Hyun
Published: November 2022

The dementia spectrum is a broad range of disorders with complex diagnosis, pathophysiology, and a limited set of treatment options, where the most common variety is Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Positron emission tomography (PET) has become a valuable tool for the detection of AD; however, following the results of post-mortem studies, AD diagnosis has modest sensitivity and specificity at best. It remains common practice that readings of these images are performed by a physician’s subjective impressions of the spatial pattern of tracer uptake, and so quantitative methods based on established biomarkers have had little penetration into clinical practice. The present study is a review of the data-driven methods available for molecular neuroimaging studies (fluorodeoxyglucose-/amyloid-/tau-PET), with emphasis on the use of machine/deep learning as quantitative tools complementing the specialist in detecting AD. This work is divided into two broad parts. The first covers the epidemiology and pathology of AD, followed by a review of the role of PET imaging and tracers for AD detection. The second presents quantitative methods used in the literature for detecting AD, including the general linear model and statistical parametric mapping, 3D stereotactic surface projection, principal component analysis, scaled subprofile modeling, support vector machines, and neural networks.
Mixed-Layer Illite-Smectite Illitization under Supercritical CO2 Conditions
Authors: Martín Domingo , Aparicio Patricia , García Susana , Maroto-Valer María Mercedes
Published: November 2022

The long-term safe storage of CO2 in geological reservoirs requires the understanding of the impact of CO2 on clay-rich sealing cap rocks. The reactivity of the mixed layer of illite-smectite was investigated to determine the reaction pathways under conditions of supercritical CO2 (scCO2) conditions in the context of geological CO2 storage. A common clay (blue marl from the Guadalquivir Tertiary basin, southern Spain) was tested under brine scCO2 conditions (100 bar and 35 °C) for 120 and 240 h. The clay sample (blue marl) contains calcite, quartz, illite, smectite, and the corresponding mixed-layer and kaolinite. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) analyses were performed. The illitization of mixed-layer illite-smectite was observed by XRD and confirmed by a variation in the content of different elements (K, Mg, Na, Ca, and Fe) of the transformation, as well as an increase in the specific surface (SSA) of the clay (36.1 to 38.1 m2/g by N2, 14.5 to 15.4 m2/g by CO2 adsorption). Furthermore, these reactions lead to mineral dissolution and secondary mineral formation along the CO2–water–clay intercalations of the source rock were responsible for a change in porosity (7.8 to 7.0 nm pore size). The implications of illitisation, mineral destruction, and precipitation processes on CO2 storage and clay layer integrity should be explored before deciding on a geological storage location.