bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An exercise prescription for patients with lung cancer improves the quality of life, depression, and anxiety
Authors: Lei Juntian , Yang Jianyu , Dong Lei , Xu Jilai , Chen Jing , Hou Xiao , Bai Zhenmin
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Lung cancer has the highest rates of morbidity and mortality among all cancers. Patients with lung cancer inevitably confront psychosocial discomforts and progressively experience depression and anxiety that potentially impact the clinical outcomes [e.g., quality of life (QoL)]. These mental disorders in patients with lung cancer may effectively be alleviated with prescribed Chinese traditional mind-body exercises. This study aimed to determine the effect of the exercise prescription containing Chinese traditional mind-body exercise on QoL, depression, and anxiety in patients with lung cancer.

Methods

In this study, 52 patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) recruited from the China-Japan Friendship Hospital were divided into two groups, namely, the experimental group (N = 26) and the control group (N = 26). The experimental group was treated with an 8-week exercise prescription containing aerobic and resistance training. The control group received the usual care during the study period. The QoL, depression, and anxiety were separately investigated using EORTC QLQ-C30, EORTC QLQ-LC13, the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), and the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) at baseline and post-intervention. The scores of questionnaires were analyzed using the paired sample and independent sample t-tests to explore the intragroup and intergroup differences, respectively.

Results

The EORTC QLQ-C30 scores for physical functioning, role functioning, emotional functioning, and global QoL in the experimental group at post-intervention were significantly higher than those at baseline. The EORTC QLQ-C30 scores for fatigue, pain, dyspnea, and insomnia in the experimental group at post-intervention were significantly lower than those at the baseline. The SDS scores (baseline: 57.74 ± 8.77 vs. post-intervention: 51.42 ± 7.31, p < 0.05) and the SAS scores (baseline: 56.63 ± 9.39 vs. post-intervention: 49.16 ± 7.83, p < 0.05) in the experimental group at post-intervention were significantly lower than those at baseline.

Conclusions

The 8-week exercise prescription containing moderate-intensity Baduanjin (5 days per week) can effectively alleviate QoL, depression, and anxiety in patients with NSCLC. Our exercise prescription is an effective supportive treatment for lung cancer patients with depression and anxiety.

Clinical trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1900025121).
Spatial-temporal heterogeneity and driving factors of PM2.5 in China: A natural and socioeconomic perspective
Authors: She Yuanyang , Chen Qingyan , Ye Shen , Wang Peng , Wu Bobo , Zhang Shaoyu
Published: November 2022

Background

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5), one of the major atmospheric pollutants, has a significant impact on human health. However, the determinant power of natural and socioeconomic factors on the spatial-temporal variation of PM2.5 pollution is controversial in China.

Methods

In this study, we explored spatial-temporal characteristics and driving factors of PM2.5 through 252 prefecture-level cities in China from 2015 to 2019, based on the spatial autocorrelation and geographically and temporally weighted regression model (GTWR).

Results

PM2.5 concentrations showed a significant downward trend, with a decline rate of 3.58 μg m−3 a−1, and a 26.49% decrease in 2019 compared to 2015, Eastern and Central China were the two regions with the highest PM2.5 concentrations. The driving force of socioeconomic factors on PM2.5 concentrations was slightly higher than that of natural factors. Population density had a positive significant driving effect on PM2.5 concentrations, and precipitation was the negative main driving factor. The two main driving factors (population density and precipitation) showed that the driving capability in northern region was stronger than that in southern China. North China and Central China were the regions of largest decline, and the reason for the PM2.5 decline might be the transition from a high environmental pollution-based industrial economy to a resource-clean high-tech economy since the implementation the Air Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan in 2013.

Conclusion

We need to fully consider the coordinated development of population size and local environmental carrying capacity in terms of control of PM2.5 concentrations in the future. This research is helpful for policy-makers to understand the distribution characteristics of PM2.5 emission and put forward effective policy to alleviate haze pollution.
Prevalence of waterpipe smoking and its associated factors among adolescents aged 12–16 years in 73 countries/territories
Authors: Ma Chuanwei , Yang Hui , Zhao Min , Magnussen Costan G. , Xi Bo
Published: November 2022

Introduction

To describe the recent prevalence of, and trends in, waterpipe smoking and to examine its associated factors among adolescents aged 12–16 years in 73 countries/territories (hereafter “countries”).

Methods

Data from 72 countries that had conducted a Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) in 2010–2019 and from the National Youth Tobacco Survey in the United States in 2019 were used to assess the recent prevalence of waterpipe smoking and to examine its associated factors among adolescents aged 12–16 years. Data from 38 countries that had carried out at least 2 surveys from 2000 to 2019 were used to determine trends in the prevalence of waterpipe smoking among adolescents.

Results

The recent prevalence of current waterpipe smoking (on 1 day during the past 30 days) among adolescents was 6.9% (95%CI 6.4–7.5). The prevalence was highest in the European region (10.9%, 9.9–11.8) and Eastern Mediterranean region (10.7%, 9.5–11.9), but lowest in the Western Pacific region (1.9%, 1.4–2.4). The prevalence of current waterpipe smoking increased or remained unchanged in 19 (50%) of 38 countries, but decreased in the remaining 19 countries (50%). Parental smoking, closest friends' smoking, secondhand smoke exposure, tobacco advertisement exposure, not being taught the dangers of smoking, particularly cigarette smoking, were positively associated with adolescent waterpipe smoking.

Discussion

Waterpipe smoking among adolescents remains a major public health issue worldwide, especially in the regions of Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean. Effective prevention and control strategies and measures are needed to curb the epidemic of adolescent waterpipe smoking.
Knowledge, attitude, acceptance, and practice of COVID-19 vaccination and associated factors complemented with constructs of health belief model among the general public in South Gondar, Ethiopia: A community-based study
Authors: Yisak Hiwot , Ambaw Birhanie , Belay Emaway , Desalegn Tsion , Getie Adanech , Asrat Meswat , Guangul Asrate , Seid Tigist , Zewde Edgeit Abebe , Assefa Mengesha , Ewunetei Amien
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Understanding the epidemiological dynamics of disease control, as well as the effectiveness, compliance, and success of the vaccination program requires an understanding of the local population's knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding the Corona Virus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice toward COVID-19 vaccination and associated factors among the general public.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in the South Gondar Zone, among residents above the age of 18 years. The study used objective measures and the constructs of the Health Belief Model. Binary logistic regression was used and the result of the final model was presented in terms of adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), and statistical significance was taken and considered at a P-value < 0.05.

Results

The study was conducted on 1,111 study participants. The mean age is 30.83 ± 7.106. About 575 (51.8%) of the respondents have good knowledge about the COVID-19 vaccination and 43.4% have a positive attitude toward COVID-19 vaccination. About 361 (32.5%) of the respondents were willing to take the vaccine if it is available and 113 (10.2%) of them were vaccinated. Participants with a positive attitude and good knowledge, those with a secondary level of education AOR = 5.70, 95% CI (2.60–12.60), those with a monthly income of >2,000 birr AOR = 6.30, 95% CI (2.50–15.60), those having a television (TV), and those who use Facebook AOR = 17.70, 95% CI (10.10–30.90) had a higher level of acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination. The Health Belief Model's constructs of perceived susceptibility AOR = 1.53, 95% CI (1.26–1.85), perceived benefit AOR = 1.49, 95% CI (1.28–1.75), and cues to action AOR = 0.54, 95% CI (0.45–0.65) were all linked to COVID-19 vaccine acceptability.

Conclusion

The level of acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination is much lower. Having a positive attitude score and good knowledge score, level of education, monthly income, presence of TV, the use of Facebook, and knowing the means of transmission of COVID-19 increase the level of acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination.
Poverty in old age in times of COVID-19—Empirical results from Austria
Authors: Richter Lukas , Heidinger Theresa
Published: November 2022

Early in the pandemic, researchers were cautioning that COVID-19 and the associated health policy countermeasures would have an increased negative impact on groups that were already vulnerable before the pandemic. One of these groups are older people affected by poverty, who according to official figures make up 13.9% of older population in Austria. Even before the pandemic, their living situation was considered precarious. Not without reason, this group has been identified as a high-risk group of the pandemic, due to their increased likelihood of severe COVID-19 related illness and their limited monetary resources and thus lower chances of coping with the pandemic. Nevertheless, research on this group has remained sparse to date. Therefore, the aim of the study is to focus on older people (60+ years) below the poverty line and to compare them with non-poor individuals. Data from the SHARE (Survey of Health Aging and Retirement in Europe) project is used, combining data from the two SHARE Corona Surveys (summer 2020 and summer 2021) and the SHARE Corona Special Austria Survey (December 2020) to gain the most complete picture of life situation during the pandemic. Results demonstrate that older people in poverty were more likely to report poor subjective health before as well as during the pandemic yet were significantly more likely to refuse vaccination against COVID-19, despite adhering to other measures against the pandemic to the same extent as non-poor people. Restrictions in the health care system affected both groups equally and no significant differences in the frequency of social contacts could be found. However, older people below the poverty line were significantly more likely to rely on social support to obtain necessities during the pandemic and were less likely to use the internet. Together, these results point out that disadvantage exist for the older poor in some but not all areas of life during the pandemic. This paper is aimed at providing first insights into the lives of poor older persons during a taxing time and may perhaps inspire more in-depth study of this particularly understudied population.
Acceptability of rectal self-sampling in non-clinical venues for chlamydia and gonorrhea testing among men who have sex with men: A cross-sectional study in Shenzhen, China
Authors: Weng Rongxing , Ning Ning , Zhang Chunlai , Wen Lizhang , Ye Jianbin , Wang Honglin , Li Jing , Chen Xiangsheng , Cai Yumao
Published: November 2022

Background

Rectal Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infections among men who have sex with men (MSM) have become an increasingly important concern. The study aimed to explore (1) the acceptability of rectal self-sampling for chlamydia and gonorrhea testing among MSM in non-clinical venues in Shenzhen city, China; (2) factors associated with the acceptability of rectal self-sampling; and (3) factors associated with rectal CT and NG infections, respectively.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted in two non-clinical settings in Shenzhen, China, from April 2021 to October 2021. Mixed-effects logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the factors associated with acceptance of rectal self-collection for CT and NG testing.

Results

Of the 306 MSM who were offered to perform rectal self-sampling, 133 (43.46%) accepted, and 96.24% (128/133) of them successfully provided a valid rectal sample. The prevalence of urogenital CT and NG infections among 303 MSM was 4.29 and 0.66%, respectively. The prevalence of rectal CT and NG infections among 128 participants was 31.25 and 9.38%, respectively. Participants having been diagnosed with HIV infection showed a higher acceptance of rectal self-collection for CT and NG testing.

Conclusion

This study reported that rectal self-sampling in non-clinical venues for CT and NG testing among MSM was barely acceptable and feasible in China. Most CT and NG infections would have been missed if urethral screening was offered alone, which implies that the CT and NG screening should be scaled up in the above setting. Integrating free CT tests into regular STI interventions for MSM could also be considered.
Urban (in) security in an emerging human settlement: Perspectives from Hopley Farm Settlement, Harare, Zimbabwe
Authors: Matamanda Abraham R. , Mphambukeli Thulisile N.
Published: November 2022

This article examines the urban (in) security landscape in a postcolonial emerging human settlement in Africa. Hopley Farm Settlement is used as a case study focusing on the perspectives of this urban (in) security on spatial justice. This study contributes to the emerging scholarship on African cities that focuses on urban security, which is increasingly becoming a critical issue owing to multiple socioeconomic, political, and environmental risks inherent in Africa. We argue that the poor residing in emerging human settlements are victimized mainly and subjected to different forms of violence exposing them to urban (in) securities. This insecurity makes it challenging to achieve the envisaged sustainable development goal that aspires to create safe and resilient cities and settlements by 2030. The study employed an exploratory phenomenological research design where data were collected from 450 questionnaires administered to residents and 20 in-depth interviews with residents from Hopley. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The study maps Hopley's (in) security terrain, focusing on different parameters that bring insights to the security scape of the settlement. The strategies employed by the community to navigate this complex terrain are explored in light of infrastructural violence theory, which brings insights into spatial justice. The findings reveal that the envisaged mixed used settlement form considers urban security in the design of Hopley. However, the realities of the settlement show complex urban insecurities, including unsafe living environments, political victimization, lack of tenure, crime and violence that manifest even through severe cases such as murder and rape. Marginalization of the poor is thus prevalent in this community and calls for the government to reconsider the planning, development, and management of emerging settlements where the poor reside in the shadow of the state.
Big data and development sociology: An overview and application on governance and accountability through digitalization in Tanzania
Authors: Schwitter Nicole , Pretari Alexia , Marwa William , Lombardini Simone , Liebe Ulf
Published: November 2022

The digital revolution and the widespread use of the internet have changed many realms of empirical social science research. In this paper, we discuss the use of big data in the context of development sociology and highlight its potential as a new source of data. We provide a brief overview of big data and development research, discuss different data types, and review example studies, before introducing our case study on active citizenship in Tanzania which expands on an Oxfam-led impact evaluation. The project aimed at improving community-driven governance and accountability through the use of digital technology. Twitter and other social media platforms were introduced to community animators as a tool to hold national and regional key stakeholders accountable. We retrieve the complete Twitter timelines up to October 2021 from all ~200 community animators and influencers involved in the project (over 1.5 million tweets). We find that animators have started to use Twitter as part of the project, but most have stopped tweeting in the long term. Employing a dynamic difference-in-differences design, we also do not find effects of Oxfam-led training workshops on different aspects of animators' tweeting behavior. While most animators have stopped using Twitter in the long run, a few have continued to use social media to raise local issues and to be part of conversations to this day. Our case study showcases how (big) social media data can be part of an intervention, and we end with recommendations on how to use digital data in development sociology.
The social costs of pesticide use in France
Authors: Alliot Christophe , Mc Adams-Marin Delphine , Borniotto Diana , Baret Philippe V.
Published: November 2022

The modern agricultural production system relies heavily on the use of synthetic pesticides, but over the course of recent decades various concerns have been raised on the associated negative externalities touching a variety of dimensions, such as human health and the environment. Yet, the magnitude of those effects is still unclear and data availability is scattered and heterogenous across dimensions, regions, and time. The public sector is called upon to develop and implement strategies to face those externalities and their associated social costs. This study aims to provide an assessment of social costs of pesticides in France in the prospect of an integration to the public budget spending, helping public authorities to identify financial flows of public funding with an impact perspective, within a methodological framework based on the social norms at the core of the public system. The results show that the social costs attributable to synthetic pesticide use in France amounted to 372 million euros, of which environmental costs are estimated at least at 291.5 million euros, health costs at least at 48.5 million euros, regulation at least at 31.9 million euros and public financial support to the sector at least at 0.4 million euros. For comparison, this total value of social costs represents more than 10% of the annual budget in 2017 of the French Ministry of Agriculture and Food (3,587 million euros). The analysis can be used as a monitoring indicator for the implementation of public policies in the context of the growing social and environmental issues they face.
Detection of human case of dengue virus 2 belonging to sylvatic genotype during routine surveillance of fever in Senegal, Kolda 2021
Authors: Dieng Idrissa , Sagne Samba Niang , Ndiaye Mignane , Barry Mamadou Aliou , Talla Cheikh , Mhamadi Moufid , Balde Diamilatou , Toure Cheikh Talibouya , Diop Boly , Sall Amadou Alpha , Fall Gamou , Loucoubar Cheikh , Faye Oumar , Faye Ousmane
Published: November 2022

Dengue virus 2 (DENV-2) was detected in a febrile patient living in Saré Yoba in the Kolda region of southern Senegal. Phylogenetic analysis based on the full coding region revealed that the virus belongs to the DENV-2 sylvatic genotype and is closely related to a strain (JF260983/99.66% identity) detected in Spain in a tourist who traveled to Guinea-Bissau (which borders the Kolda region) in 2009. This highlights a potential recent under-reported circulation of sylvatic dengue in the southern part of Senegal and calls for reinforced integrated surveillance among humans, non-human primates, and arboreal mosquitoes through a one-health approach.
Time-Optimal Trajectory Planning of 6-DOF Manipulator Based on Fuzzy Control
Authors: He Feifan , Huang Qingjiu
Published: November 2022

Currently, the teaching programming or offline programming used by an industrial manipulator can manually set the running speed of the manipulator. In this paper, to consider the running speed and stability of the manipulator, the time-optimal trajectory planning (TOTP) of the manipulator is transformed into a nonlinear optimal value search problem under multiple constraints, and a time-search algorithm based on fuzzy control is proposed, so that the end of the manipulator can run along the given path in Cartesian space for the shortest time, and the angular velocity and angular acceleration of each joint is within a limited range. In addition, a simulation model of a 6-DOF manipulator is established in MATLAB, taking a straight-line trajectory of the end of the manipulator in Cartesian space as an example, and the effectiveness and efficiency of the algorithm proposed in this paper are proved by comparing the execution time with the bisection algorithm and the traditional gradient descent method.
Managing Spodoptera Species (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Found in Brazilian Soybean Fields with Bt Soybean and Insecticides
Authors: Godoy Daniela , Pretto Venicius , Weschenfelder Marlon , de Almeida Poliana , Wendt Amanda , Palharini Ramon , Reis Alexandre , Horikoshi Renato , Dourado Patrick , Martinelli Samuel , Head Graham , Bernardi Oderlei
Published: November 2022

Genetically modified (GM) soybeans expressing Cry1A.105/Cry2Ab2/Cry1Ac (event MON 87701 × MON 89788 × MON 87751 × MON 87708) and Cry1Ac (event MON 87701 × MON 89788) from Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt) are valuable technologies for managing key lepidopteran pests of soybean in South America, but do not provide stand-alone protection against Spodoptera species. Here, we evaluated the use of these Bt soybeans and their integration with insecticides for managing Spodoptera species. Cry1A.105/Cry2Ab2/Cry1Ac soybean provided reasonable levels of protection against S. cosmioides, S. albula, and S. eridania. However, S. frugiperda had higher survival on this Bt soybean, and Cry1Ac soybean showed low lethality against all species evaluated. Spodoptera larvae that survived on Bt and non-Bt soybean showed comparable susceptibility to flubendiamide and thiodicarb in diet-overlay bioassays. Regardless of soybean plant type, the field doses of flubendiamide and thiodicarb were effective in controlling surviving Spodoptera larvae. We conclude that Cry1A.105/Cry2Ab2/Cry1Ac soybean is effective in controlling S. cosmioides and S. albula, and also has reasonable control of S. eridania, but not S. frugiperda. Cry1Ac soybean provided poor control of all Spodoptera species. Nonetheless, Spodoptera larvae surviving on both Bt and non-Bt soybean were controlled by flubendiamide and thiodicarb. Thus, integrated control tactics would provide effective management of Spodoptera species in Bt soybean fields in South America.
Airborne-Spray-Drift Collection Efficiency of Nylon Screens: Measurement and CFD Analysis
Authors: Park Jinseon , Lee Se-yeon , Choi Lak-yeong , Hong Se-woon , Noh Hyunho , Yu Seung-Hwa
Published: November 2022

Pesticide application is essential for improving crop productivity; however, undesirable pesticide drift must be mitigated because of its adverse impacts on humans, the environment and ecosystems. The collection and accurate quantification of airborne droplets are key elements involved in identifying the spatial and temporal dispersion of off-target spray movement. Various types of passive and active collectors have been deployed to measure airborne spray drift; however, the collection efficiencies of only a few samplers have been verified. This study evaluated the collection efficiency of two airborne-spray-drift collectors using an experimental drift wind tunnel. The airborne spray drifts were quantified by a total organic carbon analyser and validated by comparison to measurements using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were used to explore the effects of droplet size and wind speed on the collection performance. It was found that nylon screens, passive samplers, captured 57.9–88.1% of the airborne spray drift. These results are considered reliable and are comparable to those found in the literature. Additionally, the CFD results demonstrated that the collection efficiency increased with droplet diameter. An increase in wind speed improved the collection efficiency of fine droplets (≤100 μm diameter); however, wind speed had no significant influence on the collection of coarse droplets. These measurements, alongside the aerodynamic approach adopted in this study, can provide a comprehensive understanding of the collection performance of nylon screens.
A Faster R-CNN-Based Model for the Identification of Weed Seedling
Authors: Mu Ye , Feng Ruilong , Ni Ruiwen , Li Ji , Luo Tianye , Liu Tonghe , Li Xue , Gong He , Guo Ying , Sun Yu , Bao Yu , Li Shijun , Wang Yingkai , Hu Tianli
Published: November 2022

The accurate and rapid acquisition of crop and weed information is an important prerequisite for automated weeding operations. This paper proposes the application of a network model based on Faster R-CNN for weed identification in images of cropping areas. The feature pyramid network (FPN) algorithm is integrated into the Faster R-CNN network to improve recognition accuracy. The Faster R-CNN deep learning network model is used to share convolution features, and the ResNeXt network is fused with FPN for feature extractions. Tests using >3000 images for training and >1000 images for testing demonstrate a recognition accuracy of >95%. The proposed method can effectively detect weeds in images with complex backgrounds taken in the field, thereby facilitating accurate automated weed control systems.
Genotype × Environment Interaction in the Coffee Outturn Index of Amazonian Robusta Cultivars
Authors: Lourenço João Luiz Resende , Rocha Rodrigo Barros , Espindula Marcelo Curitiba , Alves Enrique Anastácio , Teixeira Alexsandro Lara , Ferreira Fábio Medeiros
Published: November 2022

The coffee outturn index, understood as the relation between the cherry coffee fruit harvested from the field and its respective processed grains, is an important component of the Coffea canephora bean yield. The aim of this study was to quantify the coffee outturn index of the Amazon Robusta cultivars grown in irrigated and dryland Western Amazon environments. According to the maturation cycle of each clone, washed samples of cherry coffee were collected considering a completely randomized factorial design for characterization of the effects of genotypes, environments, and the genotype × environment (G×E) interaction. The contrasting environments of Porto Velho, RO, and Ouro Preto do Oeste, RO, Brazil, represent most of the coffee growing sites located in Am and Aw climate types, cultivated in Red and Yellow Oxisols, typical of the Western Amazon. The weight reductions through drying exhibited a G×E interaction of the complex type, which is characterized by a change in the ordering of genotypes from one environment to another, whereas the weight reductions through hulling exhibited a G×E interaction predominantly of the simple type. The reduction in weight due to drying was more affected by the environment than reduction in weight after pulping. The clones BRS1216, BRS 3220, and BRS3137 had the highest outturn index estimates and the clones BRS2314, BRS3213, and BRS2336 had the lowest outturn index estimates. The clones BRS2299, BRS3210, BRS3193, and BRS2357 had performance near the mean value of this group of genotypes. Considered together, the genotypes had a mean outturn of 24.41%, with an amplitude from 22.5% to 27.2%.
Evaluation of Advanced Mutant Restorer Lines for Enhancing Outcrossing Rate and Hybrid Seed Production of Diverse Rice Cytoplasmic Male Sterile Lines
Authors: Hamad Hassan Sh. , Ghazy Mohamed I. , Bleih Eman M. , Gewaily Elsayed E. , Gaballah Mahmoud M. , Alqahtani Mesfer M. , Safhi Fatmah A. , ALshamrani Salha M. , Mansour Elsayed
Published: November 2022

Hybrid rice seed production predominantly relies on the pollen ability of restorer lines and the stigma properties of the cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) lines. Improving the pollen ability and agronomic performance of restorer lines could be achieved using mutation to reinforce the outcrossing rate and seed set percentage of CMS lines. Two commercial restorer cultivars (Giza-178 and Giza-179) were treated with three different doses of gamma-ray; 200, 300, and 400 Gy. The derived mutant restorer lines were selfed and constantly evaluated with their corresponding parental cultivars until the M6 generation. Six promising mutant lines were chosen based on their performance to be evaluated with their parents for their pollen and agronomic characteristics. The novel-induced mutant restorer lines exhibited significant differences in all studied pollen and agronomic characteristics. The mutant restorer lines R4 and R7 exhibited superior desirable anther length (2.36 and 2.38 mm, in the same order), anther width (0.47 and 0.45 mm), pollen fertility (97.50 and 97.31%), basal pore length (218.8 and 299.5 mm), apical length (103.6 and 108.1), number of pollen grains per anther (1810 and 1832), plant height (121.8 and 115.9 cm), fertile tillers (23.50 and 18.89), number of spikelets per panicle (203.2 and 202.5), panicle length (25.34 and 24.26 cm), number of filled grains per panicle (195.5 and 191.8), seed set percentage (95.56 and 96.63%), and grain yield (11.01 and 11.36 t/ha). Based on the results of the first two seasons, the two novel promising restorers and their parental cultivars were crossed with four diverse CMS lines. The seed set percentage and hybrid seed production of the crossed CMS lines were evaluated for further two seasons. The results exposed that the combinations derived from restorer lines R4 and R7 with most of the evaluated CMS lines produced the uppermost seed set percentage outcrossing rate. Particularly in combination with CMS2, the restorer lines R4 and R7 displayed the highest seed set percentage (39.57 and 34.80%), number of tillers fertile per hill (25.31 and 23.32), seed yield (2.02 and 1.81 t/ha), and harvest index (23.88 and 22.66%). Conclusively, the derived gamma-ray-induced mutant restorer lines R4 and R7 could be exploited as a new source for ensuring desirable pollen and anther characteristics in order to improve the outcrossing rate of CMS lines and hybrid rice seed production.
Handling, Reproducing and Cryopreserving Five European Sea Urchins (Echinodermata, Klein, 1778) for Biodiversity Conservation Purposes
Authors: Paredes Estefanía , Campos Sara , Lago Alba , Bueno Tracy , Constensoux Julien , Costas Damian
Published: November 2022

In this work, five local sea urchin species found in European waters were studied. Four were regular species: Sphaerechinus granularis, Psammechinus miliaris, Echinus esculentus (Linnaeus, 1758) and the edible sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus; and one was an irregular species, Echinocardium cordatum. These five species of sea urchins have been studied regarding their fertility, toxicity of cryoprotecting agents, cryopreservation of different cell types and chilling injury. The baseline fertility is similar in P. lividus, P. miliaris and S. granularis. Nonetheless, the sperm:egg ratio, contact time and development of the fertilization envelope would need to be studied further on a case-by-case basis. Sperm can be maintained inactively in the gonad (4 °C), and oocytes also maintain quality in sea water (4 °C), even after 72 h. Sperm was cryopreserved for four species with some post-thaw intra specific variability, and embryo cryopreservation was only possible for S. granularis. Overall, this study provided a wider vision of the biology and reproduction of these species that will help us develop tools for their biodiversity conservation through cryopreservation.
Hair and Claw Dehydroepiandrosterone Concentrations in Newborn Puppies Spontaneously Dead within 30 Days of Age
Authors: Fusi Jasmine , Veronesi Maria Cristina , Prandi Alberto , Meloni Tea , Faustini Massimo , Peric Tanja
Published: November 2022

The latest intrauterine fetal developmental stage and the neonatal period represent the most challenging phases for mammalian offspring. Toward the term of pregnancy, during parturition, and after birth, the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis (HPA) is a key system regulating several physiologic processes, through the production of cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). This study was aimed to assess DHEA concentrations in hair and claws of 126 spontaneously dead newborn puppies, classified as premature puppies (PRE-P), stillborn puppies (STILL-P) and puppies that died from the 1st to the 30th day of life (NEON-P). The possible influence of newborn sex, breed body size, and timing of death on DHEA concentrations in both matrices was evaluated. Claw DHEA concentrations were higher in the PRE-P group when compared to STILL-P and NEON-P puppies (p < 0.05), whilst no significant differences were found in hair for all the studied factors. The results confirm the hypothesis that higher amounts of DHEA are produced during the intrauterine life in dogs, also in puppies that will die soon after birth.
Effect of the Replacement of Maize Silage and Soyabean Meal with Mulberry Silage in the Diet of Hu Lambs on Growth Performance, Serum Biochemical Indices, Slaughter Performance, and Meat Quality
Authors: Wang Mingyan , Han Haoqi , Shang Yuan , Zhang Liyang , Zhang Yu , Su Chuanyou , Lian Hongxia , Fu Tong , Gao Tengyun
Published: November 2022

Maize silage has a high demand for fertilizer and water. As an unconventional feed resource, mulberry silage has the potential to replace most maize silage and to alleviate the shortage of roughage in the mutton sheep industry in China. The purpose of this experiment was to study the effect of the replacement of maize silage and soyabean meal with mulberry silage in the diet of Hu lambs on growth performance, serum biochemical indices, slaughter performance, and meat quality. Ninety-six healthy Hu lambs were randomly divided into four groups with six replicates per group and four lambs per replicate. The amounts of 0, 20, 40, and 60% of maize silage were replaced by mulberry silage in each group (denoted as CON, L, M, and H, respectively). The results showed that replacing maize silage with mulberry silage had no significant effect on the growth performance or the slaughter performance of Hu lambs (p > 0.05). Feeding Hu lambs with mulberry silage significantly reduced serum glucose (GLU) and the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) content (p < 0.05), and it increased the content of ether extract (EE) in the longissimus dorsi muscle (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the percentage of EAA in the M and H groups was significantly lower than that in the CON and L groups (p < 0.05). In addition, in the fatty acid profile, the percentage of C16:1 in the M group was significantly increased, while the percentage of C18:0 and C20:0 were significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Based on these findings, it was recommended that 20–40% of maize silage be replaced by mulberry silage in the diet of Hu lambs.
Transcriptome Sequencing Analysis of circRNA in Skeletal Muscle between Fast- and Slow-Growing Chickens at Embryonic Stages
Authors: Zhang Genxi , Zhang Jin , Wu Pengfei , Ling Xuanze , Wang Qifan , Zhou Kaizhi , Li Peifeng , Zhang Li , Ye Hongxin , Zhang Qi , Wei Qingyu , Zhang Tao , Wang Xinglong
Published: November 2022

Skeletal muscle growth has always been the focus of the broiler industry, and circRNAs play a significant role in this process. We collected leg muscles of slow- and fast-growing Bian chicken embryos in the study at 14 (S14 and F14) and 20 (S20 and F20) days for RNA-seq. Finally, 123 and 121 differentially expressed circRNAs (DECs) were identified in S14 vs. F14 and S20 vs. F20, respectively. GO enrichment analysis for DECs obtained important biological process (BP) terms including nicotinate nucleotide biosynthetic process, nicotinate nucleotide salvage, and NAD salvage in S20 vs. F20 and protein mannosylation in S14 vs. F14. KEGG pathway analysis showed Wnt signaling pathway, Tight junction, Ubiquitin mediated proteolysis, and Notch signaling pathway were enriched in the top 20. Based on the GO and KEGG analysis results, we found some significant host genes and circRNAs such as NAPRT and novel_circ_0004547, DVL1 and novel_circ_0003578, JAK2 and novel_circ_0010289, DERA and novel_circ_0003082, etc. Further analysis found 19 co-differentially expressed circRNAs between the two comparison groups. We next constructed a circRNA-miRNA network for them, and some candidate circRNA-miRNA pairs related to skeletal muscle were obtained, such as novel_circ_0002153-miR-12219-5p, novel_circ_0003578-miR-3064-3p, and novel_circ_0010661-miR-12260-3p. These results would help to reveal the mechanism for circRNAs in skeletal muscle and also provide some guidance for the breeding of broilers.
Response of Pasture Nitrogen Fertilization on Greenhouse Gas Emission and Net Protein Contribution of Nellore Young Bulls
Authors: Lima Lais , Ongaratto Fernando , Fernandes Marcia , Cardoso Abmael , Lage Josiane , Silva Luis , Reis Ricardo , Malheiros Euclides
Published: November 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission and net protein contribution (NPC) of Nellore young bulls grazing marandu palisade grass (Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu) under three levels of pasture nitrogen (N) fertilization during backgrounding and finished on pasture or feedlot, based on concepts of sustainable intensification. The treatments were: System 1: pastures without N fertilizer during backgrounding, and animals finished on pasture supplemented with high concentrate at a rate of (20 g of concentrate per kg of body weight; P0N + PS); System 2: pastures fertilized with 75 kg N ha−1 year−1 during backgrounding and animals finished on feedlot fed a total mixed ration (TMR; P75N + F); and System 3: pastures fertilized with 150 kg N ha−1 year−1 during backgrounding, and animals finished on feedlot fed a TMR (P150N + F). During backgrounding, all pastures were managed under a continuous and put-and-take stock grazing system. All animals were supplemented with only human-inedible feed. Primary data from systems 1, 2 and 3, respectively, in the field experiment were used to model GHG emissions and NPC (a feed-food competitiveness index), considering the backgrounding and finishing phases of the beef cattle production system. Average daily gain (ADG) was 33% greater for the N fertilizer pastures, while carcass production and stocking rate (SR) more than doubled (P75N + F and P150N + F). Otherwise, the lowest GHG emission intensity (kg CO2e kg carcass−1) was from the P0N + PS system (without N fertilizer) but did not differ from the P75N + F system (p > 0.05; pastures with 75 kg N ha−1). The main source of GHG emission in all production systems was from enteric methane. Moreover, NPC was above 1 for all production systems, indicating that intensified systems contributed positively to supply human protein requirements. Moderate N fertilization of pastures increased the SR twofold without increasing greenhouse gas emissions intensity. Furthermore, tropical beef production systems are net contributors to the human protein supply without competing for food, playing a pivotal role in the food security agenda.
Effect of Methionine Analogues on Growth Performance, Serum Biochemical Parameters, Serum Free Amino Acids and Rumen Fermentation of Yaks
Authors: Zhang Xirui , Zuo Zizhen , Liu Yao , Wang Chenxi , Peng Zhongli , Zhong Jincheng , Zhang Ming , Wang Haibo
Published: November 2022

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of methionine analogues 2-hydroxy-4-methylthio butanoic acid isopropyl ester (HBMi) on growth performance, nutrient apparent digestibility, serum metabolite, serum free amino acids, and rumen fermentation parameters of yaks. Twenty-four male Maiwa yaks (252.79 ± 15.95 kg) were randomly allocated to four dietary treatments: basic diet (CON), or three HBMi (MetaSmart (MS); Adisseo Inc., Antony, France) supplementation treatments: MS1 (5 g), MS2 (10 g), and MS3 (15 g). The results showed that the increase in the supplemented MS levels linearly increased the average daily gain (p < 0.05), while the serum alkaline phosphatase activity and malondialdehyde content were increased when yaks were fed with 15 g/d MS (p < 0.05). The diet supplemented with MS linearly increased the percentages of glutamic acid and proline, and linearly or quadratically decreased the percentages of isoleucine, phenylalanine, and valine (p < 0.05). Furthermore, supplementation of 10 g/d and 15 g/d MS increased ruminal microbial crude protein (p < 0.05). The ratio of acetate to propionate in the MS2 group was lower than those in CON and MS1 groups (p < 0.05). In summary, a diet supplemented with 10 g/d MS could be an effective way to improve the growth performance of fattening yaks without negative effects.
Chlorinated Persistent Organic Pollutants (PCDD/Fs and PCBs) in Loggerhead Sea Turtles Stranded along the Central Adriatic Coast
Authors: Di Renzo Ludovica , Ceci Roberta , D’Antonio Silvia , Di Francesco Gabriella , Di Giacinto Federica , Ferri Nicola , Giansante Carla , Leva Manuela , Mariani Giulia , Olivieri Vincenzo , Pulsoni Simone , Salini Romolo , Scortichini Giampiero , Tammaro Giulio , Diletti Gianfranco
Published: November 2022

Persistent organic pollutants are widespread in the marine environment. They can bioaccumulate and biomagnify in marine organisms through the food web with a potentially toxic effect on living organisms. The sea turtle Caretta caretta is a carnivorous animal with opportunistic feeding behavior. These turtles tend to bioaccumulate pollutants through food, and hence they can be considered an indicator of chemical pollutants in the marine ecosystem. In this study, 44 loggerhead sea turtles were considered, and liver and fat tissue were sampled from each of them to investigate the levels of dioxins (PCDD/Fs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in sea turtles and their potential correlation with sex and size in terms of curved carapace length (CCL). Results suggested that these contaminants were easily bioaccumulated, and PCBs were predominant compared to dioxins in both liver and fat tissue. The congener patterns were similar to those found in sea fish. Moreover, there were no differences in the contamination levels between females and males, nor was there a correlation with the size. There is a need to harmonize the methodological approaches to better evaluate the results and trends over time and to monitor the species and indirectly the health status of the marine environment.
Mechanism and Efficacy of Cu2O-Treated Fabric
Authors: Benmamoun Zachary , Wyhopen Trent , Li You , Ducker William A.
Published: November 2022

Pathogenic bacteria can remain viable on fabrics for several days and therefore are a source of infection. Antimicrobial fabrics are a potential method of reducing such infections, and advances in antimicrobial fabrics can be enhanced by knowledge of how the fabric kills bacteria. Metal oxides have been considered and used as antimicrobial ingredients in self-sanitizing surfaces, including in clinical settings. In this work, we examine how the addition of cuprous oxide (Cu2O) particles to polypropylene fibers kills bacteria. First, we show that the addition of the Cu2O particles reduces the viability of common hospital pathogens, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Streptococcus pneumoniae, by 99.9% after 30 min of contact with the treated polypropylene. Then, we demonstrate that the main killing effect is due to the drying of the bacteria onto the cuprous oxide particles. There is also a weaker effect due to free Cu+ ions that dissolve into the liquid. Other dissolved species were unimportant. Chelation of these Cu+ ions in soluble form or precipitation removes their antimicrobial activity.
Contribution of RND-Type Efflux Pumps in Reduced Susceptibility to Biocides in Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Meyer Christina , Lucaβen Kai , Gerson Stefanie , Xanthopoulou Kyriaki , Wille Thorsten , Seifert Harald , Higgins Paul G.
Published: November 2022

Bacterial efflux pumps are among the key mechanisms of resistance against antibiotics and biocides. We investigated whether differential expression levels of the RND-type efflux pumps AdeABC and AdeIJK impacted the susceptibility to commonly used biocides in multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. Susceptibility testing and time–kill assays of defined laboratory and clinical A. baumannii strains with different levels of efflux pump expression were performed after exposure to the biocides benzalkonium chloride, chlorhexidine digluconate, ethanol, glucoprotamin, octenidine dihydrochloride, and triclosan. While the impact of efflux pump expression on susceptibility to the biocides was limited, noticeable differences were found in kill curves, where AdeABC expression correlated with greater survival after exposure to benzalkonium chloride, chlorhexidine digluconate, glucoprotamin, and octenidine dihydrochloride. AdeABC expression levels did not impact kill kinetics with ethanol nor triclosan. In conclusion, these data indicate that the overexpression of the RND-type efflux pumps AdeABC and AdeIJK contributes to the survival of A. baumannii when exposed to residual concentrations of biocides.
Antimicrobial and Cell-Penetrating Peptides: Understanding Penetration for the Design of Novel Conjugate Antibiotics
Authors: Hadjicharalambous Andreas , Bournakas Nikolaos , Newman Hector , Skynner Michael J. , Beswick Paul
Published: November 2022

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are short oligopeptides that can penetrate the bacterial inner and outer membranes. Together with cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), they are called membrane active peptides; peptides which can translocate across biological membranes. Over the last fifty years, attempts have been made to understand the molecular features that drive the interactions of membranes with membrane active peptides. This review examines the features of a membrane these peptides exploit for translocation, as well as the physicochemical characteristics of membrane active peptides which are important for translocation. Moreover, it presents examples of how these features have been used in recent years to create conjugates consisting of a membrane active peptide, called a “vector”, attached to either a current or novel antibiotic, called a “cargo” or “payload”. In addition, the review discusses what properties may contribute to an ideal peptide vector able to deliver cargoes across the bacterial outer membrane as the rising issue of antimicrobial resistance demands new strategies to be employed to combat this global public health threat.