bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The wedge-pentahedra method (WPM): Topographic reduction of local terrain in the context of solar system surface gravimetry and robotic exploration
Authors: Noeker Matthias , Karatekin Özgür
Published: September 2022

In classical gravimetry, different corrections are applied, e.g. to correct for the measurement elevation above a reference plane and the gravitational attraction of the material lying between the measurement point and reference plane. Additionally, and especially in non-flat regions, a correction for the topography is generally needed. While this contribution is relatively small on spherical celestial objects, it can be more important for irregularly shaped bodies, such as small bodies or some natural satellites. With the surface gravity being much smaller, the relative importance of the topographic correction increases, while the approximation errors of the surface will become larger. In this work, the novel Wedge-Pentahedra Method (WPM) for topographic correction for (near-) surface gravimetric measurements and simulations is presented that allows precise topographic corrections for asteroids and natural satellites. For a first study, the WPM is applied to the Martian moon Phobos. Taking an exemplary surface location, a high-resolution artificial terrain is added to the surrounding, and the gravitational influence of this topography compared to the original surface is assessed. It is found that the influence of topography on the surface gravity of a small body such as Phobos can be in the order of a few percent, making it an important correction not only for surface gravity science, but likewise for landing and surface operations, to best ensure the mission success. Therefore, the here presented WPM opens a manifold of possible future applications in the context of Solar System exploration, regarding both space science and space technology.
Operationalizing resilience planning, theory, and practice: Insights from U.S. seaports
Authors: Kalaidjian Ellis , Becker Austin , Pinel Sandra
Published: September 2022

Academics and practitioners advocate climate change resilience planning to guide seaport management, business continuity planning, capital improvements, and so forth. Yet, questions of whether resilience planning interventions influence seaports' planning cultures and result in better prepared organizations remain underexplored. Through 10 cases of U.S. seaport resilience planning, this research explored the benefits and challenges of resilience planning and whether such efforts can enhance the adaptive capacity of a complex, multi-layered system such as a seaport. Results suggested that resilience planning interventions enhanced, inter alia, seaports' social capital with their internal and external stakeholders, and that seaports frequently identified and pursued infrastructure-related resilience enhancement strategies after completing resilience planning. Even when the sponsors of such studies intended an operational and business resilience purpose, they stated benefits consistent with adaptive management and resilience planning theories. Further, while key informants emphasized the strengthened relationships with stakeholders as benefits, they also frequently cited them as key challenges that require deliberative guidance and resources to help stakeholders effectively use products from resilience planning. Additional takeaways captured in this research provide valuable insights that can inform guidance materials designed to help seaports undertake their climate resilience-building endeavors.
Clinical effect of day case arthroscopic surgery in tibial-eminence fracture in adults using button plates
Authors: Xu Xiaohui , Wang Huayi , Cui Fengguo , Guo Feng
Published: September 2022

Background

The tibial-eminence fracture (TEF) is an anterior cruciate-ligament avulsion fracture with a low incidence. Many surgical techniques have been described, but none of them allow early functional exercise, and there are many postoperative complications.

Purposes

This study aimed to evaluate the early clinical efficacy and complications of day case arthroscopic-surgery treatment of adult TEF with button plates.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed patients with TEF treated with arthroscopic surgery. Clinical subjective evaluation included International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective score, Lysholm Knee Score, and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score. Knee joint scores were evaluated by Lysholm score. Clinical objective assessment included the Lachman test, anterior-drawer test (ADT), IKDC, and range of motion. We assessed patient quality of life using a life summary table. Assessment of fracture healing and internal fixation was based on lateral x-rays of the knee joint. We measured and evaluated patient satisfaction at the last follow-up in accordance with Marsh criteria.

Results

At final follow-up (average follow-up time, 28.23 ± 3.14 months), we evaluated results from 22 patients (22 knees). Average patient age during surgery was 33.64 ± 6.96 years. Average time from injury to surgery was 6.59 ± 1.47 h. Postoperative function was better than pre-operative function in all patients. IKDC subjective score, Lysholm score, and VAS score were better at final follow-up than before surgery. Differences in Lachman test and ADT scores before and after surgery were statistically significant. According to Intra-articular button position classification, 6 patients (6 knees) showed ideal position (A), 16 patients (16 knees) showed nearly ideal position (B), and none of the patients had nonideal position (C). The fractures of 22 patients healed completely; 2 patients had a 5°–10° knee joint dysfunction, and 1 had an abnormal knee sound. According to intra-articular button position classification, the rate of ideal position was 100%. Patient satisfaction rate was 81.8%.

Conclusion

Day surgery using double-button plates to treat TEF could achieve anatomical reduction, power and stability, as well as good clinical efficacy.
Prognostic value of glucose to lymphocyte ratio for patients with renal cell carcinoma undergoing laparoscopic nephrectomy: A multi-institutional, propensity score matching cohort study
Authors: Ni Jinliang , Li Ziye , Song Wei , Zhang Houliang , Wang Yidi , Zhang Yifan , Zhang Haipeng , Yang Guangcan , Xie Jun , Wang Keyi , Peng Bo , Mao Weipu
Published: September 2022

Background

We evaluated the prognostic value of preoperative blood glucose to lymphocyte ratio (GLR) in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients who underwent laparoscopic nephrectomy through a multi-institutional clinical study.

Methods

A total of 420 patients with RCC from three medical centers from 2014 to 2019 were included in this study. The effect of GLR on overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) in RCC patients was assessed by Kaplan-Meier survival curves, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. Moreover, a 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) analysis of different GLR groups was utilized to further confirm the prognostic ability of GLR.

Results

The optimal cut-off value for GLR was 6.8. Patients were divided into high GLR and low GLR groups according to the optimal cut-off value. GLR was significant association with diabetes, cardiovascular disease and AJCC stage. High GLR predicted adverse OS (P = 0.002) and CSS (P < 0.01) in RCC patients. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that high GLR was an independent prognostic factor for OS [hazard ratio (HR): 2.389, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.136–5.027, P = 0.008] and CSS (HR: 3.474, 95% CI, 1.555–7.761, P = 0.002). After PSM analysis of the patients in the high GLR and low GLR groups, high GLR still predicted poor OS (P = 0.021) and CSS (P = 0.037).

Conclusions

High GLR is associated with adverse prognosis in RCC patients, and GLR can serve as an independent prognostic marker for OS and CSS in RCC patients receiving laparoscopic nephrectomy.
Case Report: Diagnosis of vertebral alveolar echinococcosis upon next-generation sequencing in a suspected tuberculosis
Authors: Song Tiange , Peng Shengkun , Zhou Xiaoli , Jiang Li , Zhang Jie
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Alveolar echinococcosis (AE), caused by larval stages of Echinococcus multilocularis, is a rare zoonotic disease that mainly involves the liver. The diagnosis of extrahepatic AE is usually difficult. Here, we describe a rare case of vertebral alveolar echinococcosis with a suspected history of spinal tuberculosis, diagnosed by metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS).

Case Presentation

A 44-year-old woman presented with repetitive neck and back pain, with a surgical history of suspected spinal tuberculosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed cystic masses in the craniocervical junction region and effusion around lumbar vertebrae. Multiple culture tests were performed to detect tuberculosis and other pathogens through puncture of the effusion and of cerebrospinal fluid, but the results were all negative. Finally, mNGS of the effusion fluid was performed and Echinococcus multilocularis were detected. The results were further confirmed by Sanger sequencing.

Conclusion

This case emphasizes a role of mNGS in the diagnosis of infectious diseases with unknown pathogen. As a newly emerged sensitive and accurate diagnostic strategy, mNGS provides clinicians an opportunity to clarify pathogens in complicated infectious cases, especially in patients with a history of multiple infections.
Risk factors influencing swine influenza A virus infection in South Korea: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence and seroprevalence
Authors: Lee Simin , Ntakiyisumba Eurade , Seol Jae-Won , Won Gayeon
Published: September 2022

The past and current burden of swine influenza A viruses (swIAV) must be estimated since pigs act as mixing vessels and are considered a potential source of newly emerging IAV variants. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to integrate data on the prevalence and seroprevalence of swIAV in South Korean domestic pigs and evaluate important risk factors that influence these outcomes. Eight databases were searched for studies that evaluated the prevalence and seroprevalence of swIAV in South Korean pigs using a specified search string; twenty-seven eligible studies were identified after application of a set of pre-determined inclusion criteria by three authors. The reported prevalence and seroprevalence were pooled separately in proportions between 0 and 1, using a random-effect meta-analysis. To identify and quantify potential sources of heterogeneity, subgroup, and meta-regression analyses were conducted using covariates (publication type, swIAV subtype, growth stage of pigs, sampling region, publication year, sampling season, facility, detection method, sample type, and sample size). The overall prevalence and seroprevalence in domestic pigs were 0.05 [95% confidence intervals (CIs): 0.05–0.12] and 0.35 (95% CIs: 0.14–0.63), respectively. To identify the impact of covariates on effect size, a suitable meta-regression model was determined using predictor importance estimates with corrected Akaike information criterion values. Consequently, the best-fit model included two covariates, publication year and sample size, which were significantly associated with high heterogeneity in the subgroup analysis. Furthermore, data visualization depicted a significant non-linear association between swIAV prevalence and seroprevalence and specific growth stages of pigs. These findings suggest that the periodic monitoring of pigs at different growth stages in large farms may help to establish the status of swIAV-spread across species in the region, and thereby minimize pandemic risk.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of isopropoxy benzene guanidine against Clostridium perfringens in an intestinal infection model
Authors: Lu Yixing , Yang Liuye , Zhang Wanying , Li Jie , Peng Xianfeng , Qin Zonghua , Zeng Zhenling , Zeng Dongping
Published: September 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of isopropoxy benzene guanidine (IBG) against C. perfringens based on pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) modeling in broilers. The PK parameters of IBG in the plasma and ileal content of C. perfringens-infected broilers following oral administration at 2, 30, and 60 mg/kg body weight were investigated. in vivo PD studies were conducted over oral administration ranging from 2 to 60 mg/kg and repeated every 12 h for 3 days. The inhibitory Imax model was used for PK/PD modeling. Results showed that the MIC of IBG against C. perfringens was 0.5–32 mg/L. After oral administration of IBG, the peak concentration (Cmax), maximum concentration time (Tmax), and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) in ileal content of broilers were 10.97–1,036.64 mg/L, 2.39–4.27 h, and 38.31–4,266.77 mg·h/L, respectively. After integrating the PK and PD data, the AUC0 − 24h/MIC ratios needed for the bacteriostasis, bactericidal activity, and bacterial eradication were 4.00, 240.74, and 476.98 h, respectively. For dosage calculation, a dosage regimen of 12.98 mg/kg repeated every 12 h for 3 days was be therapeutically effective in broilers against C. perfringens with MIC ≤ 2 mg/L. In addition, IBG showed potent activity against C. perfringens, which may be responsible for cell membrane destruction. These results can facilitate the evaluation of the use of IBG in the treatment of intestinal diseases in broilers caused by C. perfringens.
Protective effects of selenized yeast on the combination of cadmium-, lead-, mercury-, and chromium-induced toxicity in laying hens
Authors: Wu Caimei , Song Jingping , Li Lang , Jiang Yuxuan , Applegate Todd J. , Wu Bing , Liu Guangmang , Wang Jianping , Lin Yan , Zhang Keying , Li Hua , Wu Fali , Bai Shiping
Published: September 2022

The objective of this study was to investigate the toxic effects of a combination of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and chromium (Cr) on laying performance, egg quality, serum biochemical parameters, and oxidative stress of laying hens, as well as the alleviating action of dietary supplementation of selenized yeast. A total of 160 Lohmann pink-shell laying hens (63-week-old) were randomly divided into four treatments with 10 replicates of four hens each. The treatments were the corn–soybean meal basal diet (control; CON), the CON diet supplemented with 0.4 mg selenium (Se)/kg from selenized yeast (Se); combined heavy metals group: the basal diet supplemented with 5 mg Cd/kg, 50 mg Pb/kg, 3 mg Hg/kg, and 5 mg Cr/kg (HEM), and the HEM diet supplemented with 0.4 mg Se/kg from selenized yeast (HEM+Se). The experimental period lasted for 12 weeks. The HEM diet decreased hen-day egg production, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and egg white quality (P < 0.05), but increased (P < 0.05) glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (AST) activity in the serum. HEM induced higher malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the serum, liver, and ovary and significantly decreased (P < 0.05) the activity of total superoxide dismutase (SOD) and tended to decrease glutathione S-transferase (GST) (P = 0.09) in the serum. Meanwhile, HEM significantly decreased (P < 0.05) activity of SOD, GST, glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and glutathione (GSH) in the liver, and the activity of GPX and GSH in the ovary. Se addition of 0.4 mg/kg significantly (P < 0.05) improved hen-day egg production and FCR and decreased AST concentration and increased some enzyme activity in the serum, liver, and ovary. In conclusion, dietary HEM exposure depressed laying performance, and egg white quality was likely due to an impaired antioxidant capacity, disrupted hepatic function, and elevated HEM accumulation in the egg yolk and egg white of laying hens. Se addition of 0.4 mg/kg ameliorated toxic effects of HEM on laying performance, oxidative stress, and hepatic function.
Regulatory effects of differential dietary energy levels on spermatogenesis and sperm motility of yellow-feathered breeder cocks
Authors: Xue Fuguang , Liu Yifan , Lv Ziyang , Zhang Jian , Xiong Shiyuan , Zha Liqing , Liu Zhiyu , Shu Jingting
Published: September 2022

The semen quality of breeder cocks profoundly impacted the numbers of matched layer hens and the economic benefits of the poultry industry. Adequacy and balance of poultry nutrition, especially the energy provision, critically modulated the reproductive potential of breeder cocks, however, the underlying mechanism was still unclear. For the purpose of this study, a total of 90 yellow-feathered 13-week-old roosters with the same age in days and similar body weight (1,437 ± 44.3 g) were selected and randomly divided into the low energy diet (LE), the moderate energy diet (ME), and the high energy diet (HE) treatments. The phenotypic parameters related to reproduction include semen quality, fertility, and hatchability, and the testis morphological parameters, including seminiferous epithelium length (SEL), seminiferous tubule perimeter (STP), seminiferous tubule area (STA), and Johnsen score, were measured to investigate the regulatory effects of different energy diets on reproductive performances. Furthermore, spermatogenesis and sperm motility-related genes, which included the sry-related high mobility group box (SOX) gene family and sperm-associated antigen (SPAG) gene family, and mitochondria apoptosis-related genes, such as Cyt-C, Bcl-2, and Bax, were measured to determine the underlying mechanism of energy on the reproductive performances. The The results showed that the gonadosomatic index and sperm motility in the ME treatment significantly increased compared with the LE treatment. Chickens in the ME treatment showed a preferable performance of testis development, especially a significant increment of SEL and Johnsen Score, compared with the LE and HE treatments. Finally, spermatogenesis-related genes, which included SPAG6, SPAG16, SOX5, SOX6, and SOX13, and apoptosis-related genes of mitochondria, such as the Cyt-C and Bcl-2, were significantly upregulated in the ME treatment. This study concluded that proper energy provision stimulated regular energy metabolism for spermatogenesis and sperm capacitation, which finally increased semen quality and reproductive performances of breeder cocks.
Plasma interferon-γ concentration: a potential biomarker of disease activity of systemic chronic active Epstein-Barr virus infection
Authors: Uemura Yu , Ohashi Ayaka , Yoshimori Mayumi , Nishio Miwako , Hirakawa Tsuneaki , Shimizu Norio , Wada Naomi , Imadome Ken-Ichi , Arai Ayako
Published: September 2022

Systemic chronic active Epstein-Barr virus infection (sCAEBV) is an intractable disease that present activated EBV-infected T- or NK-cells and their clonal proliferation. When inflammatory symptoms persist and proceed, a lethal complication of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) develops, but its biomarker to represent the pathophysiology and an effective agent to cure have not been developed as of today. It is known that interferon-γ (IFN-γ) level in the peripheral blood increases in HLH correlatedly with the disease condition and that antagonistic anti-IFN-γ antibody is effective against HLH. We examined the plasma level of IFN-γ to investigate its role in the disease condition of sCAEBV. sCAEBV was diagnosed based on the criteria conforming to the definition of sCAEBV in the WHO classification issued in 2017. As it was previously reported, disease activity was defined as the condition positive for any one of the followings: fever, liver dysfunction, progressive skin lesions, vasculitis, and uveitis. Eighteen sCAEBV patients were examined. Their plasma IFN-γ levels were significantly higher than those of healthy donors. The levels in sCAEBV patients with disease activity were higher than those without disease activity. The mRNA expression of IFNG was detected in EBV-infected cells of all patients. We also detected a correlation between plasma IFN-γ levels and mRNA levels of EBV-infected cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. These results suggest that EBV-infected cells produce IFN-γ in sCAEBV. Although the difference was not significant, the patients whose plasma IFN-γ levels at diagnosis were higher than 40 pg/mL tended to result in poorer survival than those with lower levels. We concluded that plasma IFN-γ is a potential biomarker that indicates disease activity of sCAEBV. Further study shall confirm its significance.
A Study on the Scale Effect According to the Reynolds Number in Propeller Flow Analysis and a Model Experiment
Authors: Go Yeong-Ju , Bae Joon-Hwan , Ryi Jaeha , Choi Jong-Soo , Lee Chung-Ryeol
Published: September 2022

The demand for new propeller designs has increased alongside the development of new technology, such as urban aircraft and large unmanned aerial vehicles. In order to experimentally identify the performance of a propeller, a wind tunnel that provides the operating flow is essential. However, in the case of a meter class or larger propeller, a large wind tunnel is required and the related equipment becomes heavy; therefore, it is difficult to implement in reality. For this reason, propeller studies have been conducted via reduced models. In this case, it is necessary to investigate the different performance outputs between the full- and model-scale propellers due to the size difference. In the current study, a method is proposed to investigate the difference in the aerodynamic performance caused by the difference in propeller scale using VLM and RANS calculations, and the differences are analyzed. The wind tunnel test also verified the propeller performance prediction method. The boundary of aerodynamic performance independent of the Reynolds number could be predicted through the VLM based on the ideal fluid assumption. From the RANS calculations, it was possible to present the difference in the aerodynamic performance when propellers of the same geometry with different ratios were operated using different Reynolds numbers. It was confirmed that each numerical method matched well with the wind tunnel test results in the range of the advance ratio that produced the maximum efficiency, and from the results, it was possible to observe the change in aerodynamic performance that differed according to the scale change.
Evaluating New Liquid Storable Bipropellants: Safety and Performance Assessments
Authors: Carlotti Stefania , Maggi Filippo
Published: September 2022

Conventional storable bipropellants make use of hydrazine and its derivatives as fuels and nitrogen tetroxide as an oxidizer. In recent years, the toxicity character of these chemicals pushed the propulsion community towards “green” alternatives. Several candidates have been proposed among existing and newly developed chemicals, highlighting the need for a common and robust selection methodology. This paper aims at reviewing the most important selection criteria in the field of toxicity and discusses how to objectively define a green propellant, considering both the health and environmental hazards caused by the chemicals. Additionally, consistent figures of merit in the field of safety and handling operations and performance are proposed. In particular, operating temperatures, flammability and stability issues are discussed in the framework of physical hazards and storage requirements, while vacuum impulses, adiabatic flame temperature and sooting occurrence of the investigated couples are compared to the UDMH/NTO benchmark case. Hydrogen peroxide and nitrous oxide, and light hydrocarbons, alcohols and kerosene are selected from the open literature as promising green oxidizers and fuels, respectively. The identified methodology highlights merits and limitations of each chemical, as well as the fact that the identification of a universally best suited green couple is quite impractical. On the contrary, the characteristics of each propellant lead to a scenario of several “sub-optimal” couples, each of them opportunely fitting into a specific mission class.
Promoting Sustainable Utilization and Genetic Improvement of Indonesian Local Beef Cattle Breeds: A Review
Authors: Widyas Nuzul , Widi Tri Satya Mastuti , Prastowo Sigit , Sumantri Ika , Hayes Ben J. , Burrow Heather M.
Published: September 2022

This paper reviews the literature relevant to the breeding of cattle grazed in tropical environments and particularly Indonesia. The aim is to identify new breeding opportunities for cattle owned by Indonesia’s smallholder farmers, whilst also conserving unique local cattle beef breeds. Crossbreeding has been practiced extensively in Indonesia, but to date there have been no well-designed programs, resulting in many mixed-breed animals and no ability to determine their genetic composition, productive capabilities or adaptation to environmental stressors. An example of within-breed selection of Bali cattle based on measured live weight has similarly disregarded other productive and adaptive traits. It is unlikely that smallholder farmers could manage effective crossbreeding programs due to the complexities of management required. However, a tropically adapted composite breed(s) could perhaps be developed and improved using within-breed selection. Establishing reference population(s) of local breeds or composites and using within-breed selection to genetically improve those herds may be feasible, particularly if international collaborations can be established to allow data-pooling across countries. The use of genomic information and a strong focus on all economically important traits in practical breeding objectives is critical to enable genetic improvement and conservation of unique Indonesian cattle breeds.
Antigenotoxic and Antimutagenic Potentials of Proline in Allium cepa Exposed to the Toxicity of Cadmium
Authors: Purcarea Cornelia , Laslo Vasile , Memete Adriana Ramona , Agud Eliza , Miere (Groza) Florina , Vicas Simona Ioana
Published: September 2022

This study was conducted to evaluate whether the application of proline as a potential osmoprotectant at different doses could improve the genotoxic and mutagenic effects caused by plant exposure to cadmium salts. For this purpose, the Comet assay was used, which allows the rapid detection of DNA damage shortly after its occurrence, before the DNA is repaired, as well as the discrimination of the DNA damage limited to specific cells in a heterogeneous population. After treatment of Allium cepa roots with 75µM CdSO4·H2O (Cd sample), a DNA percentage of 35.24% was recorded in the tail. In the samples treated first with proline and then with cadmium (pre-treatment group), the percentage DNA in the tail was reduced by 24.8% compared with the Cd sample. Instead, in the post-treatment group (samples treated first with cadmium and then with proline), the percentage DNA in the tail was reduced by 69.04% compared with the Cd sample. All cadmium treatments induced chromosomal aberrations (CAs). Compared with the CAs values obtained after Cd treatment, the reduction was 75.6% in the pre-treatment group and 55.39% in the post-treatment group. The results of this study highlighted that exogenous application of proline alleviated the genotoxic effect of cadmium.
Relationships between Dairy Cows’ Chewing Behavior with Forage Quality, Progress of Lactation and Efficiency Estimates under Zero-Concentrate Feeding Systems
Authors: Leiber Florian , Moser Florian N. , Ammer Stefanie , Probst Johanna K. , Baki Cem , Spengler Neff Anet , Bieber Anna
Published: September 2022

Adaptivity of eating and rumination behavior are assumed to play a particular role for cows in low-input systems, because they are more frequently challenged by altering forage quality. The present study examined relations between forage quality, chewing behavior and efficiency estimates in dairy cows from Swiss zero-concentrate organic farming systems. A total of 102 Swiss Fleckvieh cows on two organic dairy farms were observed during one full production year. Each farm was visited eight times. At each visit, up to 45 cows were equipped with RumiWatch® (Itin and Hoch GmbH, Liestal, Switzerland) sensor head collars, from which eating and rumination time and the frequency of activity changes were obtained for 48 h. Milk from one complete day was analyzed individually. All offered roughages (pasture herbage, grass silages and hay) were sampled at each visit and analyzed for crude fiber, crude protein and net energy, and a feed quality score was calculated. Metabolic production efficiency was estimated based on entire lactation data, and feed efficiency was estimated based on the individual farm visits. Lactation stage and forage quality significantly affected the chewing sensor variables. Eating time increased and rumination time decreased with the improved nutritive quality of feed. Coefficients of variance of the factor animal in the sensor variables showed a contribution of the individual cow to chewing behavior. Significant correlations between chewing sensor variables and efficiency estimates were not found. In conclusion, chewing behavior under on-farm conditions in low-input dairy farms alters during lactation and during changing forage quality, with significant animal effects, indicating potential for new phenotypes, albeit with no indications for efficiency.
New Antifungal Compound, 6-Pentyl-α-Pyrone, against the Maize Late Wilt Pathogen, Magnaporthiopsis maydis
Authors: Degani Ofir , Gordani Asaf
Published: September 2022

6-pentyl-α-pyrone (6-PP) is a powerful Magnaporthiopsis maydis antifungal compound, recently discovered when the potent growth medium of Trichoderma asperellum was analyzed. Despite its high potential in plate assay, it was not inspected for plant treatment prevention. Late wilt disease, caused by the fungus M. maydis, threatens commercial maize production in high-risk areas. Thus, the search for control options against the pathogen is one of the top priorities in Israel, Egypt, and other countries. Disease-resistant maize genotypes can reduce the damages. Yet, aggressive variants of the fungus can overcome host resistance. The current study aimed at inspecting T. asperellum and its secreted metabolite, pure 6-PP, against the pathogen in plants over a full growth period. First, adding T. asperellum directly to seeds with sowing provides significant protection to sprouts (up to 42 days) in a growth room, with more than two-fold growth promotion and reduced pathogen root infection (detected by real-time PCR). The same procedure applied in a commercial field was less beneficial in rescuing the plants’ growth and yield. Still, it reduced the cobs’ symptoms by 11% and resulted in nine-fold lower levels of the pathogen’s DNA in the stem tissue. Second, the T. asperellum purified 6-PP compound (30 µg/seed) was used in seed coating and tested against the T. asperellum secretory metabolites’ crude (diluted to 50%). At the season’s end, these treatments improved plant biomass by 90–120% and cob weight by 60%. Moreover, the treatments significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the symptoms (up to 20%) and pathogen infection (94–98%). The current study’s results reveal the potential of 6-PP as a new fungicide against M. maydis. Such a treatment may protect maize plants from other soil diseases.
Life-Cycle Energy, Economic, and Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Diversified Sweet-Potato-Based Cropping Systems in South China
Authors: Tang Chaochen , Jiang Bingzhi , Ameen Asif , Mo Xueying , Yang Yang , Wang Zhangying
Published: September 2022

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) is a promising food and industrial crop that plays an important role in China’s agricultural poverty relief strategy. Selecting an appropriate cropping system for sweet-potato production could simultaneously achieve energy, economic, and environmental benefits. Therefore, the comprehensive assessment of diversified sweet-potato-based cropping systems (i.e., sweet potato monoculture (SP), continuous sweet potato cropping (SPSP), sweet potato–rice (SPRI), sweet potato–maize (SPMA), and sweet potato–potato (SPPO)) in South China was conducted with a field survey and life-cycle assessment. The data were collected quantitatively using a questionnaire for face-to-face interviewing of 70 farmers. The results indicated that the annual crop yield (sweet potato equivalent yield) of five cropping systems was in increasing order as SPPO > SPSP > SPMA > SPRI > SP. The SPMA system exhibited the highest net energy (499.09 GJ/ha) and energy rate (7.77). The SPSP system performed better in energy efficiency (0.90 kg/MJ), net return (140,284 CNY/ha), benefit to cost rate (3.20), and eco-efficiency (45 CNY/kg CO2-eq). The annual greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions of five cropping systems ranked from lowest to highest as follows: SP < SPRI < SPSP < SPMA < SPPO. With comprehensive consideration, extended rotation systems (e.g., SPMA, SPRI, and SPSP) are proposed because they could effectively reduce GHG emissions while maintaining or even increasing the system’s productivity (ensuring food safety) in South China.
Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Parents and Pediatricians Regarding Antibiotic Use among Children: Differences in Relation to the Level of Education of the Parents in the Republic of Srpska Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Mijović Biljana , Aćimović Jela , Đaković Dević Jelena , Kralj Julija , Lučić Samardžija Vesna , Djermanović Mirjana , Milić Marija , Vujić-Aleksić Vesna , Perić Simić Snežana , Joksimović Bojan
Published: September 2022

Antibiotics are often misused, especially for the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) in children, where their use is unnecessary and leads to antimicrobial resistance. This study sought to explore the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of parents and pediatricians on the use of antibiotics among children and whether the level of education of parents has an impact on their KAP. The research was carried out among 1459 parents of children under 6 years of age and among 18 pediatricians. Sixty percent of pediatricians (61.1%) were prescribed antibiotics daily in their practice. Most of the surveyed parents (98.4%) state that doctors are their main source of information when deciding on the use of antibiotics in the treatment of their children. Parents with a higher level of education use television less often as a source of information when making this decision compared to parents with a lower level of education (p = 0.039, i.e., p = 0.003). The majority of parents (80.7%) knew that Panklav (amoxicillin/clavulanic acid) is an antibiotic, while 52.5% identified Pancef (cefixime) as an antibiotic. Parents with a higher level of education correctly identified antibiotics significantly more often (p < 0.001). This study shows that in the Republic of Srpska, parents have adequate knowledge about antibiotics, especially those with a higher level of education, who show better KAP when it comes to antibiotic use.
Dimethyl Fumarate Triggers the Antioxidant Defense System in Human Retinal Endothelial Cells through Nrf2 Activation
Authors: Manai Federico , Amadio Marialaura
Published: September 2022

Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is a well-known activator of Nrf2 (NF-E2-related factor 2), used in the treatment of psoriasis and multiple sclerosis. The mechanism of action consists in the modification of the cysteine residues on the Nrf2-inhibitor Keap1, thus leading to the dissociation of these two proteins and the consequent activation of Nrf2. Considering the paucity of evidence of DMF effects in the context of retinal endothelium, this in vitro study investigated the role of DMF in human retinal endothelial cells (HREC). Here, we show for the first time in HREC that DMF activates the Nrf2 pathway, thus leading to an increase in HO-1 protein levels and a decrease in intracellular ROS levels. Furthermore, this molecule also shows beneficial properties in a model of hyperglucose stress, exerting cytoprotective prosurvival effects. The overall collected results suggest that DMF-mediated activation of the Nrf2 pathway may also be a promising strategy in ocular diseases characterized by oxidative stress. This study opens a new perspective on DMF and suggests its potential repositioning in a broader therapeutical context.
NCOA4 Regulates Iron Recycling and Responds to Hepcidin Activity and Lipopolysaccharide in Macrophages
Authors: Guggisberg Cole A. , Kim Juyoung , Lee Jaekwon , Chen Xiaoli , Ryu Moon-Suhn
Published: September 2022

Macrophages, via erythrophagocytosis, recycle iron from effete erythrocytes to newly developing red blood cells. Conversion of potentially cytotoxic levels of iron from its heme into nonheme form during iron recycling is safely accomplished via coordinated regulations of cellular iron transport and homeostasis. Herein, we demonstrate the roles and regulation of NCOA4 (nuclear receptor coactivator 4)-mediated ferritinophagy in macrophages after erythrophagocytosis using the mouse macrophage cell line J774 cells. Ferritin in J774 cells increased with the rise of nonheme iron by erythrocyte ingestion and declined when total cellular iron contents subsequently decreased. NCOA4, a selective autophagic cargo receptor for ferritin, was responsible for the control of cellular ferritin and total iron contents at the later stage of erythrophagocytosis. A hepcidin analog, which limits the flux of iron through iron-recycling by inhibiting iron export at the plasma membrane, repressed NCOA4 expression and led to accumulation of ferritin in the mouse macrophages. Transcriptome analyses revealed a functional association of immune response with NCOA4-dependent gene expressions, and we confirmed repression of Ncoa4 by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in J774 cells and the spleen of mice. Collectively, our studies indicate that NCOA4 facilitates cellular ferritin turnover and the release of iron by macrophages after erythrophagocytosis and functions as a regulatory target for molecular signals of systemic iron overload and inflammation. These identify macrophage NCOA4 as a potential therapeutic target for disorders of systemic iron dysregulation, including anemia of inflammation and hemochromatosis.
Lipid-Encapsuled Grape Tannins Prevent Oxidative-Stress-Induced Neuronal Cell Death, Intracellular ROS Accumulation and Inflammation
Authors: Díaz Hugo S. , Ríos-Gallardo Angélica , Ortolani Domiziana , Díaz-Jara Esteban , Flores María José , Vera Ignacio , Monasterio Angela , Ortiz Fernando C. , Brossard Natalia , Osorio Fernando , Río Rodrigo Del
Published: September 2022

The central nervous system (CNS) is particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress and inflammation, which affect neuronal function and survival. Nowadays, there is great interest in the development of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds extracted from natural products, as potential strategies to reduce the oxidative/inflammatory environment within the CNS and then preserve neuronal integrity and brain function. However, an important limitation of natural antioxidant formulations (mainly polyphenols) is their reduced in vivo bioavailability. The biological compatible delivery system containing polyphenols may serve as a novel compound for these antioxidant formulations. Accordingly, in the present study, we used liposomes as carriers for grape tannins, and we tested their ability to prevent neuronal oxidative stress and inflammation. Cultured catecholaminergic neurons (CAD) were used to establish the potential of lipid-encapsulated grape tannins (TLS) to prevent neuronal oxidative stress and inflammation following an oxidative insult. TLS rescued cell survival after H2O2 treatment (59.4 ± 8.8% vs. 90.4 ± 5.6% H2O2 vs. TLS+ H2O2; p < 0.05) and reduced intracellular ROS levels by ~38% (p < 0.05), despite displaying negligible antioxidant activity in solution. Additionally, TLS treatment dramatically reduced proinflammatory cytokines’ mRNA expression after H2O2 treatment (TNF-α: 400.3 ± 1.7 vs. 7.9 ± 1.9-fold; IL-1β: 423.4 ± 1.3 vs. 12.7 ± 2.6-fold; p < 0.05; H2O2 vs. TLS+ H2O2, respectively), without affecting pro/antioxidant biomarker expression, suggesting that liposomes efficiently delivered tannins inside neurons and promoted cell survival. In conclusion, we propose that lipid-encapsulated grape tannins could be an efficient tool to promote antioxidant/inflammatory cell defense.
Alpinumisoflavone Impairs Mitochondrial Respiration via Oxidative Stress and MAPK/PI3K Regulation in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Jang Hyewon , Ham Jiyeon , Song Jisoo , Song Gwonhwa , Lim Whasun
Published: September 2022

Alpinumisoflavone is a natural prenylated isoflavonoid extracted from the raw fruit of Cudrania tricuspidata. Several studies have reported the beneficial characteristics of alpinumisoflavone, such as its antioxidant, anti-inflammation, anti-bacterial, osteoprotective, and neuroprotective effects. Alpinumisoflavone also has anti-cancer effects on thyroid, renal, and ovarian cancers, but its therapeutic effects on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have not yet been demonstrated. We investigated the anti-cancer effects of alpinumisoflavone on HCC using human liver cancer cell lines, Hep3B and Huh7. Our results confirmed that alpinumisoflavone inhibited viability and regulated the MAPK/PI3K pathway in Hep3B and Huh7 cells. We also verified that alpinumisoflavone can depolarize the mitochondrial membrane potential and suppress the mitochondrial respiration in HCC cells. Moreover, we confirmed the dysregulation of the mitochondrial complexes I, III, and V involving mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation at the mRNA level and the accumulation of calcium ions in the mitochondrial matrix. Lastly, we demonstrated that alpinumisoflavone induced mitochondria-mediated apoptosis via regulation of the Bcl-xL and BAK proteins. This study elucidates the anti-cancer effects of alpinumisoflavone on HCC.
Protective Effects of Alpha-Lipoic Acid against 5-Fluorouracil-Induced Gastrointestinal Mucositis in Rats
Authors: Ceylanlı Deniz , Şehirli Ahmet Özer , Gençosman Sevgi , Teralı Kerem , Şah Hüseyin , Gülmez Nurhayat , Sayıner Serkan
Published: September 2022

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is extensively utilized in multivitamin formulas and anti-aging products. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential protective benefits of ALA on 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-induced gastrointestinal mucositis in Wistar albino rats. Tissues from the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine were excised, and blood sera were obtained to identify biochemical indices such as TNF-α, IL-1β, MDA, GPx, SOD, MMP-1, -2, -8, and TIMP-1. A histopathological study was also performed. The results revealed mucositis-elevated TNF-, IL-1, MDA, MMP-1, -2, -8, and TIMP-1 levels in both tissues and sera, and these values dropped dramatically following ALA treatment. Reduced SOD and GPx activities in mucositis groups were reversed in ALA-treated groups. The damage produced by mucositis in the stomach and small intestine regressed in the ALA-treated group, according to histopathological evaluation. Consequently, the implementation of ALA supplementation in 5-FU therapy may act as a protective intervention for cancer patients with gastrointestinal mucositis. In light of the findings, ALA, a food-derived antioxidant with pleiotropic properties, may be an effective treatment for 5-FU-induced gastrointestinal mucositus, and prevent oxidative stress, inflammation, and tissue damage in cancer patients receiving 5-FU therapy.
The Antioxidant and Enzyme Inhibitory Potential of n-Hexane-Extracted Oils Obtained from Three Egyptian Cultivars of the Golden Dewdrop Duranta erecta Linn. Supported by Their GC-MS Metabolome Analysis and Docking Studies
Authors: Fayez Shaimaa , Zengin Gokhan , Al-Rashood Sara T. , El Hassab Mahmoud A. , Eldehna Wagdy M. , Dall’Acqua Stefano , Eldahshan Omayma A.
Published: September 2022

Duranta erecta Linn. has a longstanding history for use in folk remedy for several disorders. Its hydroalcoholic extract has been investigated intensely in the treatment of many ailments, but to date very few data are presented to explain the pharmacological use of its oil. In this study, the chemical profiles of the leaf oils extracted from three Egyptian Duranta erecta cultivars, namely ‘Green’, ‘Golden edge’, and ‘Variegata’ are traced using GC-MS analysis. D. erecta ‘Green’ showed predominance of vitamin E (22.7%) and thunbergol (15%) whereas D. erecta ‘Golden edge’ and ‘Variegata’ contained tetratetracontane as a major component in their oils. The highest phenolic and flavonoid contents, displayed as gallic acid and rutin equivalents per gram oil, respectively, were observed in the ‘Golden edge’ and ‘Variegata’ cultivars, which was reflected by their strong DPPH and ABTS scavenging activities as well as the highest reducing power in both CUPRAC and FRAP assays. D. erecta ‘Green’ displayed better metal chelating potential, which may be attributed to its content of vitamin E. All cultivars showed similar enzyme inhibitory profiles. The best inhibition of α-glucosidase and α-amylase was observed by D. erecta ‘Green’. In silico studies of the major constituents docked on the active sites of the target enzymes NADPH oxidase, amylase, glucosidase, butyrylcholinesterase, and tyrosinase revealed high binding scores, which justified the biological activities of the tested oils.
Antioxidative Self-Assembling Nanoparticles Attenuate the Development of Steatohepatitis and Inhibit Hepatocarcinogenesis in Mice
Authors: Watahiki Takahisa , Okada Kosuke , Miura Ikuru , To Keii , Tanaka Seiya , Warabi Eiji , Kanno Naomi , Yamagata Kenji , Gotoh Naohiro , Suzuki Hideo , Ariizumi Shunichi , Tsuchiya Kiichiro , Nagasaki Yukio , Shoda Junichi
Published: September 2022

Oxidative stress (OS) contributes to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and hepatocarcinogenesis. We investigated whether antioxidative self-assembling nanoparticles (SMAPoTN) could reduce the development of NASH and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in p62/Sqstm1 and Nrf2 double knockout (DKO) mice and studied protective mechanisms. We measured disease development in male DKO mice fed a normal chow (NASH model) or a 60% high-fat diet (HFD; HCC model) with or without SMAPoTN administration for 26 weeks. SMAPoTN inhibited liver fibrosis in both groups and prevented HCC development (0% vs. 33%, p < 0.05) in the HFD group. SMAPoTN reduced OS, inflammatory cytokine signaling, and liver fibrosis. RNA-sequencing revealed that SMAPoTN decreased endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling genes in both groups, HCC driver genes, and cancer pathway genes, especially PI3K-AKT in the HFD groups. In the SMAPoTN treatment HFD group, serum lipopolysaccharide levels and liver lipopolysaccharide-binding protein expression were significantly lower compared with those in the nontreatment group. SMAPoTN improved the α-diversity of gut microbiota, and changed the microbiota composition. Oral SMAPoTN administration attenuated NASH development and suppressed hepatocarcinogenesis in DKO mice by improving endoplasmic reticulum stress in the liver and intestinal microbiota. SMAPoTN may be a new therapeutic option for NASH subjects and those with a high HCC risk.