bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA and Degradome Profiling Uncover Defense Response of Fraxinus velutina Torr. to Salt Stress
Authors: Liu Jian Ning , Ma Xinmei , Yan Liping , Liang Qiang , Fang Hongcheng , Wang Changxi , Dong Yuhui , Chai Zejia , Zhou Rui , Bao Yan , Wang Lichang , Gai Shasha , Lang Xinya , Yang Ke Qiang , Chen Rong , Wu Dejun
Published: April 2022

Soil salinization is a major environmental problem that seriously threatens the sustainable development of regional ecosystems and local economies. Fraxinus velutina Torr. is an excellent salt-tolerant tree species, which is widely planted in the saline-alkaline soils in China. A growing body of evidence shows that microRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in the defense response of plants to salt stress; however, how miRNAs in F. velutina exert anti-salt stress remains unclear. We previously identified two contrasting F. velutina cuttings clones, salt-tolerant (R7) and salt-sensitive (S4) and found that R7 exhibits higher salt tolerance than S4. To identify salt-responsive miRNAs and their target genes, the leaves and roots of R7 and S4 exposed to salt stress were subjected to miRNA and degradome sequencing analysis. The results showed that compared with S4, R7 showed 89 and 138 differentially expressed miRNAs in leaves and roots, respectively. Specifically, in R7 leaves, miR164d, miR171b/c, miR396a, and miR160g targeting NAC1, SCL22, GRF1, and ARF18, respectively, were involved in salt tolerance. In R7 roots, miR396a, miR156a/b, miR8175, miR319a/d, and miR393a targeting TGA2.3, SBP14, GR-RBP, TCP2/4, and TIR1, respectively, participated in salt stress responses. Taken together, the findings presented here revealed the key regulatory network of miRNAs in R7 responding to salt stress, thereby providing new insights into improving salt tolerance of F. velutina through miRNA manipulation.
Depression, Anxiety, Insomnia, and Quality of Life in a Representative Community Sample of Older Adults Living at Home
Authors: Kennair Leif Edward Ottesen , Hagen Roger , Hjemdal Odin , Havnen Audun , Ryum Truls , Solem Stian
Published: April 2022

Background

The aim of the study was to explore symptoms of anxiety and depression, insomnia, and quality of life in a Norwegian community sample of older adults.

Methods

A representative sample (N = 1069) was drawn from home-dwelling people of 60 years and above, living in a large municipality in Norway (Trondheim).

Results

Based on established cut-off scores, 83.7% of the participants showed no symptoms of anxiety/depression, 12% had mild symptoms, 2.7% moderate symptoms, 1.5% showed severe symptoms of anxiety/depression. A total of 18.4% reported insomnia symptoms. Regarding health-related quality of life, few participants reported problems with self-care, but pain and discomfort were common (59%). Depression/anxiety, insomnia, and health-related quality of life showed moderate to strong associations.

Discussion

The results suggest a close interplay between anxiety/depression, insomnia, and health-related quality of life in older adults.
Aberrant Neural Response to Social Exclusion Without Significantly Greater Distress in Youth With Bipolar Disorder: Preliminary Findings
Authors: Roybal Donna J. , Cosgrove Victoria E. , Kelley Ryan , Smallwood Shoukry Rachel , Larios Rose Marie , Novy Blake , Chang Kiki D. , Garrett Amy S.
Published: April 2022

Background

Little is known about the effects of social exclusion on youth with bipolar disorder (BD). Understanding these effects and the functional neural correlates of social exclusion in youth with BD may establish differences from healthy youth and help identify areas of intervention.

Methods

We investigated brain function in 19 youth with BD and 14 age and gender matched healthy control (HC) participants while performing Cyberball, an fMRI social exclusion task. Whole brain activation, region-of-interest, and functional connectivity were compared between groups and examined with behavioral measures.

Results

Compared with the HC group, youth with BD exhibited greater activation in the left fusiform gyrus (FFG) during social exclusion. Functional connectivity between the left FFG and the posterior cingulate/precuneus was significantly greater in the HC compared with the BD group. For the HC group only, age and subjective distress during Cyberball significantly predicted mean FFG activation. No significant differences in distress during social exclusion were found between groups.

Conclusion

Although preliminary due to small sample size, these data suggest that youth with BD process social exclusion in a manner that focuses on basic visual information while healthy youth make use of past experiences to interpret current social encounters. This difference may account for the social cognitive issues experienced by youth with BD, which can lead to more severe anxiety and mood symptoms.
Network Analysis of Time Use and Depressive Symptoms Among Emerging Adults: Findings From the Guizhou Population Health Cohort Study
Authors: Ma Zhihao , Zhao Fouxi , Wang Yiying , Liu Tao , Chao Naipeng
Published: April 2022

Background

To date, the relationship between diverse time use behaviors and depression status among emerging adults have not been disentangled in the literature. Therefore, if and how the time displacement mechanism activates depressive symptoms among emerging adults remains unclear.

Methods

To fill this gap in the literature, we employed a network analysis to make estimations. The emerging adult sample (N = 1,811) was collected by the Guizhou Population Health Cohort Study. Time use behaviors were measured by an adaption of the self-administered International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and depressive symptoms were assessed using the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9).

Results

The results revealed that the time displacement mechanism of emerging adults differed from that of adolescents. Sleep duration was not crowded out by other activities, while the time spent on computer use was found to be negatively related to time spent on heavy work activities. Moreover, computer use behavior triggered three depressive symptoms (“Anhedonia,” “Guilt,” and “Motor”), but inhibited “Suicide.” The results of the directed acyclic graph revealed that females and heavy drinkers were at risk of depression.

Limitations

The study sample was confined to only one province, which may limit its generalizability. The cross-sectional design impeded the ability to draw causal inferences.

Conclusion

Our results enhance the current understanding of the internal mechanism of how time use behaviors influence depressive symptoms among emerging adults.
The COVID-19 Pandemic and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Emotional Impact on Healthcare Professions
Authors: De Pasquale Concetta , Conti Daniela , Dinaro Carmela , D'Antoni Rosa Alessia , La Delfa Elena , Di Nuovo Santo
Published: April 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic, which began in March 2020, has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people around the world in just a few months, putting at great risk the commitment of healthcare workers unprepared to manage a worldwide phenomenon at great risk. In the early stages especially, medical staff had to deal with the pandemic at the expense of their physical and mental health, putting them particularly at risk for experiencing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study aims to analyze the psychopathological aspects associated with PTSD, focusing on the emotional impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare professionals compared with a control group. The sample analyzed over 2 months, from March to May 2021, included 214 participants into two groups, i.e., healthcare professionals (N = 107) and a control group (N = 107). The online assessment instrument used consisted of an anonymous questionnaire, assembled ad hoc with demographic information and different standardized assessment scales (e.g., Fear of COVID-19 scale, Profile of Mood States, and Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey), while a further section of the survey used the DSM-5 criteria to investigate Posttraumatic stress disorder (e.g., COVID-19—PTSD). The results reported that healthcare professionals had a consistent perception of stress (mean = 26.18, SD = 14.60), but not at a level significantly higher than other categories of workers (mean = 25.75, SD = 14.65; t = 0.20, p = 0.84). However, they showed less emotional disturbance than the control sample, better anxiety management skills, and lower levels of depressive disorder and mental confusion. Specifically, the healthcare professionals showed a condition of emotional exhaustion (T = 0.64, D = 0.74, A = 0.62, S = 0.75, C = 0.64) and depersonalization (T = 0.41, D = 0.52, A = 0.49, S = 0.60, C = 0.40), which is common in the burnout syndrome. In conclusion, the results obtained are useful in understanding the determinants of the emotional involvement of healthcare professions and the risk of burnout syndrome and, therefore, for planning activities and support paths for these workers who are particularly at risk during prolonged and pervasive crises, such as the pandemic.
#funnypoliticians: How Do Political Figures Use Humor on Twitter?
Authors: Mendiburo-Seguel Andrés , Alenda Stéphanie , Ford Thomas E. , Olah Andrew R. , Navia Patricio D. , Argüello-Gutiérrez Catalina
Published: April 2022

Social media has increased its popularity among politicians. If they wish to succeed in the political arena, politicians need to present themselves to citizens as attractive individuals through these platforms. This study examined how politicians present themselves using humor on Twitter. We analyzed tweets (n = 6,443) from 27 politicians to determine their use of different types of humor and its relationship with age, gender, or political position. We also present changes in humor use in relation to the publication of a political survey in which politicians who were part of this study were evaluated. Results showed politicians' use of humor is relatively low in frequency and primarily aggressive. Politicians who are male, younger, and in the opposition tend to use more aggressive humor. We discuss the results considering the role of aggressive humor in political messages. Based on the analyses of tweets and the publication of the survey, we propose as a hypothesis for future studies that politicians' use of humor on Twitter could be affected by the publication of these kinds of surveys.
Multiple Spinal Tuberculosis with Severe Kyphosis: A Case Report
Authors: Chen Liyi , Liu Chong , Ye Zhen , Liang Tuo , Huang Shengsheng , Chen Jiarui , Chen Tianyou , Li Hao , Chen Wuhua , Sun Xuhua , Yi Ming , Jiang Jie , Guo Hao , Zhan Xinli
Published: April 2022

Background

The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical efficacy of a patient with multiple tuberculosis of the spine combined with severe kyphosis.

Case Summary

A 56-year-old male patient presented with low back pain with numbness and fatigue in both lower extremities for 5 months. Chest and back showed intermittent acid pain. The patient had not a history of constitutional symptoms. Preoperative X-ray and CT examination revealed multiple vertebral segmental bone destruction, multiple abscess calcification, and severe kyphosis. Preoperative MRI examination showed that the tuberculous abscess broke through the spinal canal and compressed the spinal cord and nerve roots. The patient underwent posterior lumbar abscess debridement, expanded decompression of the spinal canal, and nerve lysis in our hospital. The operation time was 70 min, and the intraoperative blood loss was 200 ml. The postoperative drainage volume was 250 ml. The patient was hospitalized for a total of 13 days, and the patient’s vital signs were stable before and after surgery. The patient was satisfied with the treatment.

Conclusion

For the patient with multiple spinal tuberculosis complicated with severe kyphosis and multiple calcified abscesses in this study, we considered performing abscess debridement to relieve the symptoms of back pain and achieved good clinical efficacy.
Characterization of the circRNA–miRNA–mRNA Network to Reveal the Potential Functional ceRNAs Associated With Dynamic Changes in the Meat Quality of the Longissimus Thoracis Muscle in Tibetan Sheep at Different Growth Stages
Authors: Bao Gaoliang , Zhao Fangfang , Wang Jiqing , Liu Xiu , Hu Jiang , Shi Bingang , Wen Yuliang , Zhao Li , Luo Yuzhu , Li Shaobin
Published: April 2022

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have a regulatory role in animal skeletal muscle development. In this study, RNA sequencing was performed to reveal the temporal regularity of circRNA expression and the effect of the circRNA–miRNA–mRNA ceRNA regulatory network on the meat quality of longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle in Tibetan sheep at different growth stages (4 months old, 4 m; 1.5 years old, 1.5 y; 3.5 years old, 3.5 y; 6 years old, 6 y). There were differences in the carcass performance and meat quality of Tibetan sheep at different ages. Especially, the meat tenderness significantly decreased (p < 0.05) with the increase of age. GO functional enrichment indicated that the source genes of the DE circRNAs were mainly involved in the protein binding, and myofibril and organelle assembly. Moreover, there was a significant KEGG enrichment in the adenosine 5′-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway, as well as the calcium signaling pathway, regulating the pluripotency of the stem cells. The circRNA–miRNA–mRNA ceRNA interaction network analysis indicated that circRNAs such as circ_000631, circ_000281, and circ_003400 combined with miR-29-3p and miR-185-5p regulate the expression of LEP, SCD, and FASN related to the transformation of muscle fiber types in the AMPK signaling pathway. The oxidized muscle fibers were transformed into the glycolytic muscle fibers with the increase of age, the content of intramuscular fat (IMF) was lowered, and the diameter of the muscle fiber was larger in the glycolytic muscle fibers, ultimately increasing the meat tenderness. The study revealed the role of the circRNAs in the transformation of skeletal muscle fiber types in Tibetan sheep and its influence on meat quality. It improves our understanding of the role of circRNAs in Tibetan sheep muscle development.
First Detection of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617.2 (Delta) Variant of Concern in a Symptomatic Cat in Spain
Authors: Barroso-Arévalo Sandra , Sánchez-Morales Lidia , Pérez-Sancho Marta , Domínguez Lucas , Sánchez-Vizcaíno José M.
Published: April 2022

Natural and experimental SARS-CoV-2 infection in pets has been widely evidenced since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the numerous affected animals, cats are one of the most susceptible species. However, little is known about viral pathogenicity and transmissibility in the case of variants of concern (VOCs) in animal hosts, such as the B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant first detected in India. Here, we have identified the B.1.617.2 (Delta) VOC in a cat living with a COVID-19 positive owner. The animal presented mild symptoms (sneezing) and a high viral load was detected in the oropharyngeal swab, suggesting that an active infection was occurring in the upper respiratory tract of the cat. Transmission from the owner to the cat occurred despite the human being fully vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2. This study documents the first detection of B.1.165.2 VOC in a cat in Spain and emphasizes the importance of performing active surveillance and genomic investigation on infected animals.
Effects of Different Oligosaccharides on Growth Performance and Intestinal Function in Broilers
Authors: Chang Ling , Ding Yanan , Wang Yushi , Song Zehe , Li Fei , He Xi , Zhang Haihan
Published: April 2022

Objective

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different oligosaccharides on the growth performance and intestinal function in broilers.

Methods

A total of 360 1-day-old yellow-feather chickens were randomly divided into 5 groups and fed with a basal diet supplemented with 50 mg/kg chlortetracycline (ANT), 3 g/kg isomalto-oligosaccharide (IMO), 3 g/kg raffinose oligosaccharide (RFO), and 30 mg/kg chitooligosaccharide (COS). The experiment lasted for 56 days, with 1–28 days as the starter phase and 29–56 days as the grower phase.

Results

The results showed that dietary supplementation with RFO and COS significantly improved average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) (p < 0.05). Relative to the control group, diets supplemented with oligosaccharides dramatically increased the level of serum IgM (RFO, COS), T-SOD (COS), and GSH-Px (IMO and RFO) and the expression of ZO-1(IMO) and claudin-1 (RFO) (p < 0.05). Adding antibiotics or oligosaccharides to the diet could remarkedly increase the villus height and villus height (VH)/crypt depth (CD) ratio of each group (p < 0.05). Through the ileum α-diversity analysis and comparison of OTU number in each group showed that the microbial richness of the IMO group increased in the starter phase, and that of the RFO and CSO group increased in the grower phase. Additionally, compared with the control group, IMO supplementation increased the level of ileum sIgA (p < 0.05) and the content of valeric acid (p < 0.05) in the cecum.

Conclusions

In summary, the addition of oligosaccharides in diet can improve the immune function and antioxidant capacity and improve intestinal health of broilers.
Answering Causal Questions Using Observational Data : Achievements of the 2021 Nobel Laureates in Economics
Authors: Hermann Zoltán , Horváth Hedvig , Lindner Attila
Published: April 2022

In the 1980s and 1990s, the field of labour economics was at the forefront of combining economic theory, high-level econometric methods and new data sources. The 2021 Nobel Prize in Economics was awarded to David Card, Joshua Angrist and Guido Imbens, who played key roles in this research, for their “empirical contributions to labour economics” (Card) and “methodological contributions to the analysis of causality relationships” (Angrist and Imbens), according to the citation. These methodological innovations are now applied in all fields of economics and in many other social science disciplines. Credible empirical analysis has transformed economics from a rather theoretical discipline into a discipline dominated by empirical results, where even the most fundamental theories can be rejected on the basis of empirical results. In this paper, we review the main methodological achievements of this period, also known as the credibility revolution, illustrated by some economic applications.
Banking Sector Exposures to Climate Risks : Overview of Transition Risks in the Hungarian Corporate Loan Portfolio
Authors: Ritter Renátó
Published: April 2022

Risks arising from climate change can have a serious impact on the operation of the financial system. In this study, the credit exposures of banks and bank branches operating in Hungary are assessed using two methodologies. To put the results of the analysis into context, they are compared with the results of the survey conducted by the European Banking Authority using the same methodologies. Based on both methodologies, Hungarian institutions may be exposed to the negative effects of climate change at a higher rate than their counterparts in the European Union. Using the two methods together, risk groups were formed, on the basis of which 1.2 per cent of Hungarian institutions were classified in the upper quartile and more than 55 per cent of the banking system was classified in the upper-middle quartile. The methods presented can help not only assess the banking system’s transition exposures at the systemic level, they can also be used to assess corporate credit exposures at the institutional level.
Feeling the Heat: Mortgage Lending and Central Bank Options
Authors: Baranyai Eszter , Banai Ádám
Published: April 2022

Extreme heat periods due to the changing climate are having a negative impact on many areas of the economy. In our study, we look at how much US mortgage lending is originated in the areas that are most vulnerable to future heat waves, and what central bank and supervisory authority actions could mitigate the resulting risk. From our results, we see that proportionally more lending flows into the areas that are likely to be most exposed to heat in the future. Population and economic output are relatively higher in these areas, and thus climate risk is less of a factor in lending decisions. However, lenders reject proportionately slightly more mortgage applications in the counties that are expected to be the hottest. Central bank and supervisory authority measures to support climate objectives are therefore of key importance. These could include, for example, central bank asset purchase programmes to support sustainable construction, especially in areas vulnerable to climate change, or the development of collateral management along similar lines. Coordination between the different authorities is also important because of the limitations of central bank actions.
A Comparative View of Agri-Environmental Indicators and Stakeholders’ Assessment of Their Quality
Authors: Spânu Ionuț-Alexandru , Ozunu Alexandru , Petrescu Dacinia Crina , Petrescu-Mag Ruxandra Malina
Published: April 2022

The degree to which economic goals have been prioritized over environmental and social objectives has caused dissatisfaction with conventional agricultural practices and stimulated the adoption of sustainable farming methods. One way to consider the multidimensionality of sustainable agriculture is to refer to indicators, more precisely, to agri-environmental indicators (AEIs). This study provides a comparative overview of the 28 AEIs of the European Union (EU) and those of the OECD and FAO, additionally revealing how these 28 indicators are reflected in the literature regarding agri-environmental indicators. Furthermore, since much of human behavior is influenced by perceptions, it was critical to reveal the stakeholders’ assessment of the 28 AEIs based on four criteria (“Availability”, “Relevance”, “Target-oriented”, and “Operational simplicity”). The stakeholders’ opinions of the 28 AEIs were assessed using the evaluation matrix. The highest overall evaluation considering the four criteria was received by “Irrigation” and “Soil quality indicators”. The study concludes that tripartite cooperation between stakeholders—farmers, agri-environmental researchers, and policymakers—is needed to successfully implement the AEIs of the EU.
Utilization of Plant Genetic Resources of Bambara Groundnut Conserved Ex Situ and Genetic Diversification of Its Primary Genepool for Semi-Arid Production
Authors: Pasipanodya Josephine Tafadzwa , Horn Lydia Ndinelao , Achigan-Dako Enoch Gbenato , Musango Rudo , Sibiya Julia
Published: April 2022

Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc) is a nutritious and drought-tolerant crop that is native to Africa. Currently, it possesses a cosmopolitan distribution across the semi-arid agro-ecologies of Africa and its cultivation has extended to other regions, particularly in the drier parts of Asia and Indonesia. Due to historic neglect, research on the crop and policy prioritization in national breeding programs is lagging; hence, varietal development is in its infancy. Farmers rely on traditional landraces, which are characterized by low productivity and yield. Breeding for moisture stress adaptation and high yield is crucial to improve its productivity and adequate genetic diversity is desired to strengthen resiliency for climate adaptation and nutritional and food security. Nevertheless, thousands of plant genetic resources (PGRs) conserved in several genebanks are still not being fully utilized to reintroduce lost diversity into farmers’ fields and pre-breeding activities. The exploitation of ex situ conserved PGRs has been minimal due to a lack of extensive genetic characterization. Thus, to harness utilization of the PGRs in genetic improvement programs, holistic strategies including the traditional genomic resources and participatory-led trait discoveries are needed to bridge the gap between conservation and utilization of ex situ germplasm. This review focuses on the PGRs of bambara, methods to widen genetic diversity, genomic resources, and high-throughput phenotyping to enhance the utilization of genetic resources in pre-breeding programs, and approaches to identify useful adaptive features for yield and drought.
Biomass Accumulation and Technical and Economic Efficiency of Potassium Sources Applied via Fertigation to Corn
Authors: Cabral Filho Fernando Rodrigues , Soares Frederico Antonio Loureiro , Alves Daniely Karen Matias , Teixeira Marconi Batista , Cunha Fernando Nobre , Silva Edson Cabral da , Costa Cícero Teixeira Silva , Silva Nelmício Furtado da , Cunha Gabriela Nobre , Cavalcante Wendson Soares da Silva
Published: April 2022

To achieve high corn yield, optimal amounts of nutrients that can be extracted by the crop must be supplied at adequate proportions. Vinasse from sugarcane ethanol production can be applied as a soil fertilizer to corn crops in ethanol production plants. In this context, the present study compared the effects of mineral potassium fertilization with potassium chloride and organic fertilization with concentrated sugarcane vinasse on corn dry matter and grain yield and explored the technical and economic efficiency of these sources. The experiment was carried out at the experimental station of the Federal Institute Goiano, Rio Verde Campus, Brazil. The experiment followed a randomized block design in a 2 × 4 factorial scheme, with three replicates. The treatments comprised two sources of potassium, namely concentrated vinasse and potassium chloride, applied at four doses of potassium, representing 0%, 50%, 100%, and 200% of the recommended rate for corn. The dry matter accumulation of corn throughout the crop cycle, yield components at harvest, and technical and economic efficiency of the applied potassium sources were measured. Neither potassium dose nor its source affected leaf, stem, and aboveground dry matter accumulation at harvest. Regardless of the potassium source, the 100% dose produced higher cob dry mass, grain dry mass, grain dry mass per ear, grain yield, number of bags of 60 kg ha−1 produced per hectare, and harvest index. The agronomic efficiency of vinasse compared to potassium chloride was 68.5% at the 100% dose of the recommendation, showing enough potential as an organic fertilizer in corn crop.
Relationship between Freezing Tolerance and Leaf Growth during Acclimation in Winter Wheat
Authors: Jaškūnė Kristina , Armonienė Rita , Liatukas Žilvinas , Statkevičiūtė Gražina , Cesevičienė Jurgita , Brazauskas Gintaras
Published: April 2022

Winter hardiness is influenced by many environmental factors, and freezing tolerance is among the main ones, rendering the phenotypic selection of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under field conditions a difficult task due to the irregular occurrence or absence of winter damage in field trials. Plant growth in response to low temperatures during the acclimation period might be used as an indirect approach to assess freezing tolerance. Thirteen winter wheat cultivars were investigated for autumn and spring growth and winter hardiness under field conditions for two growing seasons. Additionally, a precise and non-destructive technique was applied to study leaf growth at a high temporal resolution accompanied by a freezing tolerance test under laboratory and semi-field conditions. The results of the study revealed variations in thermal growth patterns among the 13 winter wheat cultivars. The cultivars with the lower base temperature (Tb) values, in particular ‘Lakaja DS’ and ‘Sedula DS’, grew slower and, thus, had a lower response to temperature increases (SlpLER-T) than the fast-growing cultivars, such as ‘Simano” and ‘KWS Ferrum’, whose SlpLER-T values were stronger and whose Tb values were higher. A correlation analysis of the investigated traits showed a clear association between leaf growth parameters and freezing tolerance, indicating a certain level of genetic adaptation to growth cessation under low temperatures, and which confirmed that these are important factors for explaining the freezing tolerance of different cultivars. The evaluated freezing tolerance (LT30) showed a strong negative correlation (r = −0.82 ÷ −0.89, p = 0.01) to winter hardiness scores from the field experiment, supporting the essential contribution of growth rate patterns to winter hardiness. The findings provide novel information for the development of winter-hardy wheat cultivars that are adapted to the future environments.
Distinguishing Malicious Drones Using Vision Transformer
Authors: Jamil Sonain , Abbas Muhammad Sohail , Roy Arunabha M.
Published: April 2022

Drones are commonly used in numerous applications, such as surveillance, navigation, spraying pesticides in autonomous agricultural systems, various military services, etc., due to their variable sizes and workloads. However, malicious drones that carry harmful objects are often adversely used to intrude restricted areas and attack critical public places. Thus, the timely detection of malicious drones can prevent potential harm. This article proposes a vision transformer (ViT) based framework to distinguish between drones and malicious drones. In the proposed ViT based model, drone images are split into fixed-size patches; then, linearly embeddings and position embeddings are applied, and the resulting sequence of vectors is finally fed to a standard ViT encoder. During classification, an additional learnable classification token associated to the sequence is used. The proposed framework is compared with several handcrafted and deep convolutional neural networks (D-CNN), which reveal that the proposed model has achieved an accuracy of 98.3%, outperforming various handcrafted and D-CNNs models. Additionally, the superiority of the proposed model is illustrated by comparing it with the existing state-of-the-art drone-detection methods.
Threats of Longline Fishing to Global Albatross Diversity
Authors: Petrossian Gohar A. , Pires Stephen F. , Sosnowski Monique , Venu Prabha , Olah George
Published: April 2022

Albatrosses are among the most threatened seabird species. Often entangled in gillnets or hooked while longline fishing gear is being set, albatrosses are affected by fishing. This is assumed to be especially true in cases where illegal longline fishing vessels are involved, as they are less likely to implement the bycatch mitigation measures implemented to reduce the risk of albatrosses being caught on their hooks. This is the assumption that was tested in the current study, which uses environmental criminology as its guiding theoretical framework. Using the spatial units of one-half-degree by one-half-degree longitude/latitude cells, this research examined the patterns of concentration of potentially illegal longlining efforts and their relationships to commercially sought-out and illegally caught (i.e., CRAAVED—concealable, removable, abundant, accessible, valuable, enjoyable, disposable) fish species concentrations, as well as their effects on the average risk of albatrosses. The results indicated that (a) potentially illegal longlining activity is spatially concentrated; (b) this concentration is exhibited in areas with the highest concentrations of the presence of CRAAVED fish; and (c) the average risk score of albatrosses, as measured by their International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List status, is significantly higher in the areas where illegal longlining vessels are found controlling for the activities of legal longlining vessels. These findings provide strong grounding that illegal longline fishing poses a particularly serious threat to the survival of albatrosses. These activities, however, are not randomly spread across the vast oceans, but rather are highly spatially concentrated. Therefore, the bird conservation lobby should work closely with regional fisheries management organizations to devise and implement targeted interventions aimed at reducing potential illegal longline fishing, which, in turn, will likely have positive effects on albatrosses.
Standardised Sampling Approach for Investigating Pathogens or Environmental Chemicals in Wild Game at Community Hunts
Authors: Maaz Denny , Gremse Carl , Stollberg Kaya C. , Jäckel Claudia , Sutrave Smita , Kästner Carolyn , Korkmaz Birsen , Richter Martin H. , Bandick Niels , Steinhoff-Wagner Julia , Lahrssen-Wiederholt Monika , Mader Anneluise
Published: April 2022

Wildlife may host pathogens and chemicals of veterinary and public health relevance, as well as pathogens with significant economic relevance for domestic livestock. In conducting research on the occurrence and distribution of these agents in wildlife, a major challenge is the acquisition of a sufficient number of samples coupled with efficient use of manpower and time. The aim of this article is to present the methodology and output of a sampling approach for game animals, which was implemented from 2017/18 to 2020/21 at drive hunts in Brandenburg, Germany. The central element was a framework agreement with the BImA, whereby federal forest officials and other hunters collected most of the samples during field dressing. Further samples of game carcasses were obtained by scientists during subsequent gathering at a collection point. Altogether, 3185 samples from 938 wild ungulates of four species were obtained for various studies analysing—in this case—food-borne agents in game animals. Sampling was representative and reflected the proportional distribution of ungulate species hunted in Brandenburg. Hunting district and hunting season strongly influenced hunting bag and hence sampling success. This sampling approach was demonstrated to be a suitable basis for monitoring programs, that can be adapted to other regions.
Intramuscular Fat Selection in Rabbits Modifies the Fatty Acid Composition of Muscle and Liver Tissues
Authors: Zubiri-Gaitán Agostina , Blasco Agustín , Ccalta Ruth , Satué Katy , Hernández Pilar
Published: April 2022

This study was conducted on two rabbit lines divergently selected for intramuscular fat (IMF) content in the Longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) muscle. The aim was to estimate the direct response to selection for IMF after 10 generations, and the correlated responses in carcass quality traits, meat fatty acid content, liver fat and its fatty acid content, and in plasma metabolic markers related to liver metabolism. Selection for IMF content was successful, showing a direct response equivalent to 3.8 SD of the trait after 10 generations. The high-IMF line (H) showed a greater dissectible fat percentage than the low-IMF line (L), with a relevant difference (DH-L = 0.63%, Pr = 1). No difference was found in liver fat content (DH-L = −0.04, P0 = 0.62). The fatty acid content of both LTL muscle and liver was modified after selection. The LTL muscle had greater saturated (SFA; DH-L = 5.05, Pr = 1) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA; DH-L = 5.04, Pr = 1) contents in the H line than in the L line. No relevant difference was found in polyunsaturated fatty acids content (PUFA; Pr = 0.05); however, greater amounts of C18:2n6 (DH-L = 3.03, Pr = 1) and C18:3n3 (DH-L = 0.56, Pr = 1) were found in the H than in the L line. The liver presented greater MUFA (DH-L = 1.46) and lower PUFA (DH-L = −1.46) contents in the H than in the L line, but the difference was only relevant for MUFA (Pr = 0.86). The odd-chain saturated fatty acids C15:0 and C17:0 were more abundant in the liver of the L line than in the liver of the H line (DH-L = −0.04, Pr = 0.98 for C15:0; DH-L = −0.09, Pr = 0.92 for C17:0). Greater concentrations of plasma triglycerides (DH-L = −34) and cholesterol (DH-L = −3.85) were found in the L than in the H line, together with greater plasma concentration of bile acids (DH-L = −2.13). Nonetheless, the difference was only relevant for triglycerides (Pr = 0.98).
Influencing Elimination Location in the Domestic Cat: A Semiochemical Approach
Authors: Kasbaoui Naïma , Bienboire-Frosini Cécile , Monneret Philippe , Leclercq Julien , Descout Estelle , Cozzi Alessandro , Pageat Patrick
Published: April 2022

In the domestic cat, elimination at an inappropriate location is considered by cat owners and non-cat owners as an undesirable behaviour. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of a semiochemical formulation, reconstituted volatile fraction of cat anal gland secretions on the elimination behaviour of domestic cats. The study was conducted in four catteries, which housed 33 cats, using 37 litter trays and followed a randomised crossover design using the litter tray as the experimental unit. The parameters studied included daily elimination (urine plus stools) weight, urine weight, stool weight, elimination type and urine/stool quantity scoring. The parameters were analysed using GLMM with SAS 9.4 software. Four out of the six parameters studied showed a treatment effect, consistently in favour of cats defecating significantly less in the litter trays sprayed with the treatment versus litter trays sprayed with the control (elimination weight p = 0.0199; elimination type p = 0.0251; stool weight p = 0.0005 and stool quantity p = 0.003). These results demonstrate that an intraspecific semiochemical message originating from cat anal glands influences cats’ defecation location.
Preliminary Findings on How Different Management Systems and Social Interactions Influence Fecal Glucocorticoid Metabolites in White Rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum)
Authors: Martínez Leticia , Silván Gema , Cáceres Sara , Caperos Jose Manuel , Fernández-Morán Jesús , Casares Miguel , Crespo Belén , de Andrés Paloma Jimena , Illera Juan Carlos
Published: April 2022

White rhinoceroses (Ceratotherium simum) are the most social and gregarious species of all rhinoceroses known worldwide. One of the most critical effects of elevated glucocorticoid concentrations, especially in threatened species, is its relation to chronic stress, which could potentially lead to immunosuppression and reduced reproductive activity. Our aim is to determine how different social environments and management systems might be influencing the secretion of fecal glucocorticoids in white rhinoceroses. We have analyzed the concentration of fecal glucocorticoid metabolites in 658 fecal samples from 14 white rhinoceroses, seven free-ranging rhinos, and seven rhinos from two different managed captive populations. HPLC techniques were used to determine the main glucocorticoid metabolite found in this species, and a competitive EIA was used to establish fecal 5α-pregnan-3 3β, 11β, 21-triol-20-oneglucocorticoid metabolite (fGCM) levels. Our results reveal that management systems and social interactions had an influence on fGCM levels, suggesting that the more restrictive the management and social conditions are, the higher the glucocorticoid concentrations that are found. Additionally, sex was also found to influence fGCM levels, as in females, fGCM concentrations were higher than in males. We conclude that the analysis of glucocorticoids in relation to other factors is a powerful tool to assess adrenocortical response in white rhinoceros in order to broaden the knowledge of their reproductive biology and improve the management of the species.
Effect of Ginger Powder on Production Performance, Antioxidant Status, Hematological Parameters, Digestibility, and Plasma Cholesterol Content in Broiler Chickens
Authors: Al-Khalaifah Hanan , Al-Nasser Afaf , Al-Surrayai Tahani , Sultan Hanan , Al-Attal Dalal , Al-Kandari Rawan , Al-Saleem Haya , Al-Holi Aisha , Dashti Fatma
Published: April 2022

The effect of dietary ginger powder on the production performance, digestibility, hematological parameters, antioxidant status, dietary oxidation stability, and plasma cholesterol content of broiler chickens was investigated. Ginger powder was included in the diet at 0, 5, 10, or 15 g/kg. Total antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde in sera samples, superoxide dismutase activity, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and malondialdehyde in liver samples, and the peroxide value and acid value of the stored diets were evaluated. The results showed that ginger inclusion significantly improved antioxidation indices in broiler sera and liver. Total body weight gain in ginger-supplemented birds was higher than that of control birds (p < 0.048). Supplementing the broiler chickens with ginger powder reduced total feed consumption (p < 0.031). White blood cell counts and the percentage of heterophils in the blood were increased in birds that received ginger supplementation (p < 0.001). The inclusion of ginger in the diet improved dry matter digestibility, crude protein utilization, crude fiber utilization, and ether extract utilization. In addition, blood cholesterol, triglyceride, and very low-density lipoprotein levels were decreased (p < 0.001), and high-density lipoprotein and levels were increased, following the inclusion of ginger in the diet (p < 0.001).
Docosahexaenoic Acid Alleviates Palmitic Acid-Induced Inflammation of Macrophages via TLR22-MAPK-PPARγ/Nrf2 Pathway in Large Yellow Croaker (Larimichthys crocea)
Authors: Xu Dan , Cui Kun , Li Qingfei , Zhu Si , Zhang Junzhi , Gao Shengnan , Hao Tingting , Mai Kangsen , Ai Qinghui
Published: April 2022

Palmitic acid (PA) is a saturated fatty acid (SFA) that can cause an inflammatory response, while docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is always used as a nutritional modulator due to its anti-inflammatory properties. However, the potential molecular mechanism is still not completely elucidated in fish. Herein, the PA treatment induced an inflammatory response in macrophages of large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea). Meanwhile, the mRNA expression of Toll-like receptor (TLR)-related genes, especially tlr22, and the phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway were significantly upregulated by PA. Further investigation found that the PA-induced inflammatory response was suppressed by tlr22 knockdown and MAPK inhibitors. Moreover, the results of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) agonist and inhibitor treatment proved that PPARγ was involved in the PA-induced inflammation. PA treatment decreased the protein expression of PPARγ, while tlr22 knockdown and MAPK inhibitors recovered the decreased expression. Besides, the PA-induced activation of Nrf2 was regulated by p38 MAPK. Furthermore, DHA-executed anti-inflammatory effects by regulating the phosphorylation of the MAPK pathway and expressions of PPARγ and Nrf2. Overall, the present study revealed that DHA alleviated PA-induced inflammation in macrophages via the TLR22-MAPK-PPARγ/Nrf2 pathway. These results could advance the understanding of the molecular mechanism of the SFA-induced inflammatory response and provide nutritional mitigative strategies.
Indapamide Increases IRS1 Expression and Modifies Adiponectin/NLRP3/PPARγ Crosstalk in Type 2 Diabetic Rats
Authors: Samaha Mahmoud M. , Helal Manar G. , El-Sherbiny Mohamed , Said Eman , Salem Hatem A.
Published: April 2022

The current study aimed to evaluate the anti-diabetic effects of canagliflozin (CANA) and indapamide (INDA) and their impacts as adiponectin modulators in experimentally induced type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). T2DM was associated with a significant rise in blood glucose level and HbA1C%, andreduced adiponectin and insulin secretions. Moreover, the malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in both the epididymal adipocytes and soleus muscle significantly escalated, while the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and epididymal adipocyte Nrf2 expression significantly declined. Moreover, serum TNF-α, epididymal adipocyte’s NOD-like receptor protein 3, NLRP3, NF-κB and CD68 expressions markedly escalated, and serum IL-10 significantly declined. Furthermore, there was a significant escalation in PPARγ expression in epididymal adipocytes, with a significant reduction in soleus muscle’s expression of IRS1. CANA and INDA treatments markedly reduced blood glucose levels, increased adiponectin and insulin secretion, enhanced anti-oxidant defenses, and reduced oxidative burden, with marked anti-inflammatory impact. Interestingly, the impact of indapamide on DM indices and oxidative and inflammatory changes was comparable to that of canagliflozin. Nevertheless, indapamide had a superior effect compared to canagliflozin on HbA1c%, expression of IRS1 and reduction of NF-κB and CD68 expressions. INDA could be effective in regulating T2DM, with underlined anti-diabetic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. INDA increased IRS1 expression and modified adiponectin/NLRP3/PPARγ crosstalk. The impacts of INDA are comparable to those of the standard anti-diabetic drug CANA.
Physiological, Biochemical and Molecular Response of Different Winter Wheat Varieties under Drought Stress at Germination and Seedling Growth Stage
Authors: Vuković Rosemary , Čamagajevac Ivna Štolfa , Vuković Ana , Šunić Katarina , Begović Lidija , Mlinarić Selma , Sekulić Ramona , Sabo Nikolina , Španić Valentina
Published: April 2022

Due to climate change in recent years, there has been an increasing water deficit during the winter wheat sowing period. This study evaluated six Croatian winter wheat varieties’ physiological, biochemical, and molecular responses under two drought stress levels at the germination/seedling growth stage. Lipid peroxidation was mainly induced under both drought stress treatments, while the antioxidative response was variety-specific. The most significant role in the antioxidative response had glutathione along with the ascorbate-glutathione pathway. Under drought stress, wheat seedlings responded in proline accumulation that was correlated with the P5CS gene expression. Expression of genes encoding dehydrins (DHN5, WZY2) was highly induced under the drought stress in all varieties, while genes encoding transcription factors were differentially regulated. Expression of DREB1 was upregulated under severe drought stress in most varieties, while the expression of WRKY2 was downregulated or revealed control levels. Different mechanisms were shown to contribute to the drought tolerance in different varieties, which was mainly associated with osmotic adjustment and dehydrins expression. Identifying different mechanisms in drought stress response would advance our understanding of the complex strategies contributing to wheat tolerance to drought in the early growth stage and could contribute to variety selection useful for developing new drought-tolerant varieties.
Cocoa Bar Antioxidant Profile Enrichment with Underutilized Apples Varieties
Authors: Francini Alessandra , Fidalgo-Illesca Carmen , Raffaelli Andrea , Romi Marco , Cantini Claudio , Sebastiani Luca
Published: April 2022

The impact of dried apples (Malus × domestica Borkh.) addition on improving the antioxidant characteristics of dark chocolate was evaluated. The antioxidant activity was measured through DPPH scavenging activity and showed an increase in the cocoa bar with ‘Nesta’ dry apple (17.3% vs. 46.8%) in comparison to cocoa mass. The 15 polyphenols analyzed by UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS indicated great variability among the apple varieties. Quercetin was detected in the highest concentrations (ranged from 753.3 to 1915.5 µg g−1), while the lowest were for kaempferol 7-O-glucoside, measured only in ‘Mora’ and ‘Nesta’ cocoa bars (from 0.034 to 0.069 µg g−1, respectively). P-coumaric acid, trans-ferulic acid, and chlorogenic acid contribute largely to the antioxidant activity in cocoa bars. Principal component analysis shows that a cocoa bar with the addition of ‘Nesta’ dry apple differ from others due to its higher content of polyphenols (1614 ± 61.8 mg gallic acid equivalents per 100 g). In conclusion, data confirm that cocoa bars with dry apples might be considered as a polyphenol-enriched food.