bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exogenous Hemin alleviated cadmium stress in maize (Zea mays L.) by enhancing leaf photosynthesis, AsA-GSH cycle and polyamine metabolism
Authors: Piao Lin , Wang Yong , Liu Xiaoming , Sun Guangyan , Zhang Shiyu , Yan Junyao , Chen Yang , Meng Yao , Li Ming , Gu Wanrong
Published: September 2022

Cadmium (Cd) stress is one of the principal abiotic stresses that inhibit maize growth. The research was to explore (hemin chloride) Hemin (100 μmol L−1) on photosynthesis, ascorbic acid (AsA)-glutathione (GSH) cycle system, and polyamine metabolism of maize under Cd stress (85 mg L−1) using nutrient solution hydroponics, with Tiannong 9 (Cd tolerant) and Fenghe 6 (Cd sensitive) as experimental materials. The results showed that Hemin can increase leaf photosynthetic pigment content and ameliorate the ratio of Chlorophyll a/chlorophyll b (Chla/Chlb) under Cd stress. The values of ribose 1, 5-diphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBPcase) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPCase), and total xanthophyll cycle pool [(violoxanthin (V), antiflavin (A) and zeaxanthin (Z)] increased, which enhancing xanthophyll cycle (DEPS) de-epoxidation, and alleviating stomatal and non-stomatal limitation of leaf photosynthesis. Hemin significantly increased net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (gs), transpiration rate (Tr), photochemical quenching coefficient (qP), PSII maximum photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm), and electron transfer rate (ETR), which contributed to the improvement of the PSII photosynthetic system. Compared with Cd stress, Hemin can reduce thiobartolic acid reactant (TBARS) content, superoxide anion radical (O2−) production rate, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) accumulation, and the extent of electrolyte leakage (EL); decreased the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) content and increased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT); slowed the decrease in dehydroascorbic acid reductase (DHAR) and monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR) activity and the increase in glutathione reductase (GR) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity in leaves; promoted the increase in AsA and GSH content, decreased dehydroascorbic acid (DHA) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG), and increased AsA/DHA and GSH/GSSG ratios under Cd stress. Hemin promoted the increase of conjugated and bound polyamine content, and the conversion process speed of free putrescine (Put) to free spermine (Spm) and spermidine (Spd) in maize; decreased polyamine oxidase (PAO) activity and increased diamine oxidase (DAO), arginine decarboxylase (ADC), ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) and S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase (SAMDC) enzyme activities in leaves under Cd stress.
Synchronization between music dynamics and heart rhythm is modulated by the musician’s emotional involvement: A single case study
Authors: Sebastiani Laura , Mastorci Francesca , Magrini Massimo , Paradisi Paolo , Pingitore Alessandro
Published: September 2022

In this study we evaluated heart rate variability (HRV) changes in a pianist, playing in a laboratory, to investigate whether HRV changes are guided by music temporal features or by technical difficulty and/or subjective factors (e.g., experienced effort). The pianist was equipped with a wearable telemetry device for ECG recording during the execution of 4 classical and 5 jazz pieces. From ECG we derived the RR intervals series (tachogram), and, for each piece, analyzed HRV in the time (RR, RMSSD, Stress Index) and frequency domains (Total spectral power) and performed non-linear analysis (Multiscale Entropy). We also studied the correlation (Pearson) between the time course of music volume envelope and tachogram. Results showed a general reduction of parasympathetic and an increase of sympathetic activity, with the greatest changes during the classical pieces execution, the pianist appraised as more demanding than the jazz ones. The most marked changes occurred during the most technically/emotionally demanding piece, and correlation analysis revealed a negative association between music volume envelope time course and tachogram only for this piece, suggesting a modulation of the limbic system on the synchronization between heart rhythm and music temporal features. Classical music was also associated with the increase of entropy (1st scale) with respect to rest, indicating its effectiveness in driving flexible, healthy, heart dynamics. In conclusion, HRV seems modulated not only by the music temporal features, but also by the pianist’s emotional involvement, which is greatly influenced, in a non-trivial manner, by the technical demands and musician expertise.
Phonological development in American Sign Language-signing children: Insights from pseudosign repetition tasks
Authors: Gu Shengyun , Chen Pichler Deborah , Kozak L. Viola , Lillo-Martin Diane
Published: September 2022

In this study, we conducted a pseudosign (nonce sign) repetition task with 22 children (mean age: 6;04) acquiring American Sign Language (ASL) as a first language (L1) from deaf parents. Thirty-nine pseudosigns with varying complexity were developed and organized into eight categories depending on number of hands, number of simultaneous movement types, and number of movement sequences. Pseudosigns also varied in handshape complexity. The children’s performance on the ASL pseudosign task improved with age, displaying relatively accurate (re)production of location and orientation, but much less accurate handshape and movement, a finding in line with real sign productions for both L1 and L2 signers. Handshapes with higher complexity were correlated with lower accuracy in the handshape parameter. We found main effects of sequential and simultaneous movement combinations on overall performance. Items with no movement sequence were produced with higher overall accuracy than those with a movement sequence. Items with two simultaneous movement types or a single movement type were produced with higher overall accuracy than those with three simultaneous movement types. Finally, number of hands did not affect the overall accuracy. Remarkably, movement sequences impose processing constraints on signing children whereas complex hands (two hands) and two simultaneous movement types do not significantly lower accuracy, indicating a capacity for processing multiple simultaneous components in signs. Spoken languages, in contrast, manifest greater complexity in temporal length. Hearing children’s pseudoword repetition still displays high levels of accuracy on disyllabic words, with complexity effects affecting only longer multisyllabic words. We conclude that the pseudosign repetition task is an informative tool for studies of signing children’s phonological development and that sheds light on potential modality effects for phonological development.
Associations of muscle-strengthening exercise with overweight, obesity, and depressive symptoms in adolescents: Findings from 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance system
Authors: Shi Jizu , Gao Mingjun , Xu Xiao , Zhang Xuyang , Yan Jin
Published: September 2022

Background

Previous studies have focused on the opposite relation between muscle strength, obesity, and depression in adults. Moreover, the evidence has indicated that obesity and depression in adults might be significantly decreased with Muscle Strength Exercise (MSE) albeit it might be insufficient. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the association between MSE, adiposity, and depression among United States adolescents.

Materials and methods

This cross-sectional study used the Youth Risk Behavioral Survey (YRBS) data. In YRBS, a cluster sample was used, and the investigation was divided into three stages. The study surveyed 13,677 high school students and conducted self-reported questionnaires on sex, grade, race/ethnicity, MSE days, overweight, obesity, and depressive symptoms. The study got the nationally representative population of American students in Grade 9 to 12 (around 12–18 years).

Results

A total of 13,677 participants (female = 6,885, male = 6641) were included in the final analysis. The participants meeting the guidelines’ requirements seemed more likely to be obese than those not meeting (OR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.06–1.55). There was no statistical significance in the relations between the MSE guidelines and overweight and depression (OR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.73–1.01: OR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.83–1.06). For all the participants, the prevalence of those conforming to MSE was 30.1%. One-fifth of the participants reported no MSE per week, 7.8% reported 3 days of MSE per week, and 7.7% reported 7 days.

Conclusion

The main finding of this study indicated a positive relationship between the normative MSE required in guidelines and low-level obesity. Beyond that, the evidence was insufficient to confirm the positive links between MSE and depression among American adolescents. Our study could offer evidence for future MSE interventions in adolescents.
Approach–Avoidance pattern of attentional bias in individuals with high tendencies toward problematic Internet pornography use
Authors: Wang Jianfeng , Huang Yalian
Published: September 2022

Attentional bias plays a vital role in the occurrence and development of addictive behaviors. However, little is known about attentional processes in problematic Internet pornography use (PIPU), and previous studies have reported mixed results. The current study examined the components of attentional processing to sexual stimuli using an exogenous cueing task designed to differentiate between attentional engagement and disengagement. Two different stimulus presentation times (100 and 500 ms) were used to present the pornographic and neutral images to differentiate the early and late stages of attentional bias. Individuals with high (n = 40) and low (n = 40) PIPU tendencies were compared. The results demonstrated that individuals with high tendencies toward PIPU showed enhanced attentional engagement with pornographic stimuli in the early stage of attentional processing (100 ms), followed by attentional avoidance in the late stages of attentional processing (500 ms). Moreover, the severity of PIPU symptoms was positively correlated with attentional engagement scores in the short picture-time trials (100 ms) and weakly negatively correlated with attentional disengagement scores in the long picture-time trials (500 ms). This approach–avoidance pattern of attentional biases is in line with a recent theoretical model that emphasizes that appetitive and aversive motivational processes jointly determine attentional bias.
Association between social capital and self-rated health among community-dwelling older adults
Authors: Bai Zhongliang , Yang Jing , Wang Zijing , Cao Wenwen , Cao Chenglin , Hu Zhi , Chen Ren
Published: September 2022

Background

It is less known about whether the association of social capital with self-rated health (SRH) varies by the presence of health conditions and how social capital, together with other variables, is linked to self-rated health in later life.

Objectives

This article aimed to explore the association of social capital with self-rated health and to examine whether the association varies among older people with and without health conditions, with a special focus on how social capital and relevant factors have an effect on self-rated health among community-dwelling older adults.

Methods

Cross-sectional data were obtained from a survey that commenced from July to September 2017 in Anhui Province. Data on socio-demographic information, social capital (six dimensions), and self-rated health were analyzed. Binary logistic regression and classification and regression tree (CART) models were used to estimate the association.

Results

Based on the findings, we found that social capital regarding less social support (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.21–2.04), and less reciprocity (AOR = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.29–2.31) were associated with self-rated health among general older adults. Social capital as measured by less social participation (AOR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.06–2.27), less cohesion (AOR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.42–0.94), and less reciprocity (AOR =1.77, 95% CI: 1.17–2.68) were linked to self-rated health among older people with health conditions. While social capital regarding less social support (AOR = 2.15, 95% CI: 1.39–3.33) was related to self-rated health among older people without health conditions. We observed the interacting effect of social capital in the CART model, an implication that much focus should be geared toward vulnerable subgroups, especially depressed and lonely older people, as they have low reciprocity and little cohesion.

Conclusion

This work demonstrates that social capital may be relevant in devising programs and measures to improve self-rated health among community-dwelling older adults with comorbidity.
Factors associated with renal function state transitions: A population-based community survey in Taiwan
Authors: Tsai Ming-Hsien , Lin Ming-Yen , Hsu Chen-Yang , Yen Amy Ming-Fang , Chen Tony Hsiu-Hsi , Chiu Sherry Yueh-Hsia , Hwang Shang-Jyh
Published: September 2022

Background

Understanding renal function state transition risk and associated factors in community residences is vital for appropriate preventive and care actions. We aim to investigate factors affecting renal function state transitions through 10-year longitudinal community screening surveys.

Methods

The prospective cohort study included participants who attended the screening program ≥2 times from 2001 to 2009 and were divided into two cohorts: those with baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥60 (n = 46,278) and those with eGFR 59–30 mL/min/1.73 m2 (n = 4,656). We applied the illness-death model to identify associated factors with eGFR <60 and death for the cohort with baseline eGFR ≥60 and eGFR <30 and death for that with baseline eGFR ≥59–30.

Results

Among the followed-up participants, 3,018 (6.5%) in the cohort of baseline eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and 322 (6.9%) in the cohort of eGFR 59–30 mL/min/1.73 m2 experienced renal function state transition during a median over 7-year follow-up. Besides eGFR and grade of proteinuria, diabetes mellitus (adding nearly 50% hazard rate) is the main factor associated with both state transitions. Other early-phase eGFR state transition risk factors were metabolic syndrome score, triglyceride, uric acid, fasting blood sugar, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Males, poor hemoglobin, high triglyceride, and high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were all linked with the late-phase eGFR state transition hazard rate.

Conclusion

The study developed the state transition functions for community participants with varying renal function levels. Further actions to develop precision screening plans and services that incorporate personal risk factors and state transition risks are necessary.
Polyphyly in widespread Salmonella enterica serovars and using genomic proximity to choose the best reference genome for bioinformatics analyses
Authors: Cherchame Emeline , Ilango Guy , Noël Véronique , Cadel-Six Sabrina
Published: September 2022

Salmonella is the most common cause of gastroenteritis in the world. Over the past 5 years, whole-genome analysis has led to the high-resolution characterization of clinical and foodborne Salmonella responsible for typhoid fever, foodborne illness or contamination of the agro-food chain. Whole-genome analyses are simplified by the availability of high-quality, complete genomes for mapping analysis and for calculating the pairwise distance between genomes, but unfortunately some difficulties may still remain. For some serovars, the complete genome is not available, or some serovars are polyphyletic and knowing the serovar alone is not sufficient for choosing the most appropriate reference genome. For these serovars, it is essential to identify the genetically closest complete genome to be able to carry out precise genome analyses. In this study, we explored the genomic proximity of 650 genomes of the 58 Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovars most frequently isolated in humans and from the food chain in the United States (US) and in Europe (EU), with a special focus on France. For each serovar, to take into account their genomic diversity, we included all the multilocus sequence type (MLST) profiles represented in EnteroBase with 10 or more genomes (on 19 July 2021). A phylogenetic analysis using both core- and pan-genome approaches was carried out to identify the genomic proximity of all the Salmonella studied and 20 polyphyletic serovars that have not yet been described in the literature. This study determined the genetic proximity between all 58 serovars studied and revealed polyphyletic serovars, their genomic lineages and MLST profiles. Finally, we enhanced the open-access databases with 73 new genomes and produced a list of high-quality complete reference genomes for 48 S. enterica subsp. enterica serovars among the most isolated in the US, EU, and France.
Clinico-epidemiological and sociodemographic profile of patients with hemophilia in the Brazilian Amazon: High prevalence of hepatitis C infection and its possible corrrelation with inhibitor development
Authors: Santos Enzo Miranda , Silva Jean de Melo , Barbosa Anderson Nogueira , Pontes Gemilson Soares
Published: September 2022

Hemophilia is a recessive genetic disease caused by a mutation on the X chromosome that has been linked to a high risk of transfusion-transmitted infections, especially sexually transmitted infections. The purpose of this retrospective study was to characterize the clinical and epidemiological profile and describe the prevalence of sexually transmitted viral infections in patients with hemophilia in the Northern Brazilian state of Amazonas. We assessed clinical, laboratory and sociodemographic data of hemophiliac patients (n = 311) for the period 2011–2019. The majority of the study population was composed of people with a low level of education aged 21–30 years old. The prevalence of HCV, HBV, and HTLV-1/2 infections among the study population were 10.52, 0.52, and 1.05%, respectively. No HIV infection was found among the patients. Between 2011 and 2015 the prevalence of HCV increased by over 100% and the incidence peaked in 2013. The severe hemophilia was associated with the presence of inhibitor factor (Odds Ratio [OD] 9.83; 95% IC: 3.41–27.62, p < 0.0001) or target joint (OD 6.59; 95% IC: 3.27–13.34, p < 0.0001). The presence of inhibitor was positive and significantly correlated with HCV infection (r = 1.00, p < 0.0001). Our results showed that HCV infection is highly prevalent in patients with hemophilia and might be involved in the development of inhibitors. Thus, these data provide new insights into the clinical and epidemiological profile of patients suffering from hemophilia in the Northern Brazilian state of Amazonas.
Smartphone overdependence and quality of life in college students: Focusing on the mediating effect of social withdrawal
Authors: Park Ji Hwan , Choi Jeong Min
Published: September 2022

This study examines the mediating role of social withdrawal in the relationship between smartphone overdependence and quality of life in college students. These three factors were assessed in 125 college students enrolled at a college in South Jeolla Province, South Korea, from September to November 2019. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 27.0, including regression to test the research hypothesis and a Sobel test to assess the significance of the mediation. It was found that social withdrawal completely mediates the relationship between smartphone overdependence and quality of life in college students. Several means of improving the quality of life of college students are identified based on this finding. First, colleges could provide financial support for community programs such as membership training and club activities. Second, an in-college system could be built that enables early intervention in cases of social withdrawal in students. Third, closely linked programs could be designed to provide effective professional counseling to college students experiencing strong social withdrawal. Fourth, college faculty could receive psychoeducation on social withdrawal. Fifth, as various mediating variables may exist in the relationship between smartphone overdependence and quality of life and only social withdrawal was considered in this study, subsequent studies could consider the effects of more diverse psychological and social variables.
Impact of urban green space on self-rated health: Evidence from Beijing
Authors: Zhan Dongsheng , Zhang Qianyun , Kwan Mei-Po , Liu Jian , Zhan Bochuan , Zhang Wenzhong
Published: September 2022

As a crucial component of urban green space (UGS), urban parks have been found to be closely associated with the health of urban residents. Drawing on a large-scale survey, “International First-class Harmonious and Livable Capital”, in Beijing conducted in 2018, this paper examines the impact of subjective and objective characteristics of UGS on residents' self-rated health (SRH) by using a binary logistic regression model. The results indicate that the overall SRH status of urban residents in Beijing is relatively good, with 73.8% of the respondents reporting good SRH. The perceived quality of UGS and objectively measured accessibility to UGS are positively associated with residents' SRH, but the subjective indicator of UGS has a greater impact on SRH than the objective indicator of UGS. In terms of influencing mechanisms, social interaction and air quality perception were the two major mediators of UGS that affected residents' SRH. The heterogeneity analysis suggests that objective accessibility to different types of urban parks has mixed effects on residents' SRH. Access to high-quality parks is positively associated with residents' SRH, whereas access to common parks has a negative impact on residents' SRH. Our findings provide important policy implications for optimizing urban park design and improving the quality of urban park provision according to human needs in the Beijing Metropolitan Area.
Dependence of the global dayside reconnection rate on interplanetary magnetic field By and the earth’s dipole tilt
Authors: Reistad Jone Peter , Holappa Lauri , Ohma Anders , Gabrielse Christine , Sur Dibyendu , Asikainen Timo , DeJong Anna
Published: September 2022

In the recent years, significant attention has been given to the combined effect of Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF) duskward component (By) and dipole tilt on the global magnetosphere-ionosphere system response. Numerous studies have pointed out that when the Earth’s magnetic dipole is tilted away from the Sun (negative dipole tilt during northern winter), and IMF has a positive By component, the effects on ionospheric currents, particle precipitation, ionospheric convection, and average size of the auroral oval, is significantly more enhanced, compared to when IMF By is negative. Furthermore, this IMF By polarity effect reverses when Earth’s dipole is tilted in the opposite direction. The underlying cause has remained unclear. Our analysis shows that substorms tend to be stronger during the same IMF By and dipole tilt polarity combination. Taken together with earlier results showing also more frequent substorms during the same conditions, our observations suggests that when IMF By and dipole tilt have opposite signs, there is a more efficient global dayside reconnection rate. We also show analysis of the occurrence frequency of periods of Steady Magnetospheric Convection, substorm onset latitude, and the isotropic boundary of proton precipitation, that are all consistent with our conclusion that the combination of IMF By and dipole tilt polarity affect the global dayside reconnection rate.
Comparison of surgical outcomes between patients undergoing trans-oral endoscopic thyroid surgery combined with trans-thoracoareolar approach and conventional open surgery
Authors: Shi Youyuan , Zhang Lu , Liu Chang , Wang Yong , Zhang Hailin , Lin Xiuan
Published: September 2022

Over the past decades, remote-access thyroid surgery has been widely developed in the treatment of thyroid carcinoma, which can help patients to avoid cosmetically displeasing scarring. In this research, we collected and review our experience with endoscopic thyroidectomy with neck dissection via trans-thoracoareolar approach combined with trans-oral approach over a 3-year period. They were all diagnosed with thyroid carcinoma, and two of them had a complication of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. No patients were dissatisfied with the postoperative cosmetic results. One patient had numbness in the lower lip, but the symptom disappeared 1 month later. No infection, hemorrhage, or air embolism occurred. Pain and numbness in the endoscopic thyroid surgery group were slighter than in those who had open surgery. The present study aims to compare the feasibility and safety of trans-thoracoareolar approach combined with trans-oral approach to conventional open surgery.
Biochemical, urinary, and acid-base profile in cattle treated with maintenance enteral electrolyte solutions containing calcium propionate, propylene glycol or glycerol
Authors: Ermita Pedro Ancelmo Nunes , Viana Rinaldo Batista , Avanza Marcel Ferreira Bastos , Teixeira Raffaela Bertoni Cavalcanti , Silva José Ricardo Barboza , Monteiro Lorena Chaves , Costa Caio Monteiro , Bento Lucas Drumond , Mendes Paulo Vinicius da Costa , Ferreira Ermita Dayana Alersa Conceição , Carvalho Brenda Ventura Lopes , Moreira Nadyne Souza , de Souza Maria Carolina Neves , Ribeiro Filho José Dantas
Published: September 2022

Enteral fluid therapy administered in continuous flow through the naso-ruminal route for long periods with electrolyte solutions is safe and effective in cattle. The aim of this study was to carry out a comparative assessment between maintenance enteral electrolyte solutions containing calcium propionate, propylene glycol or glycerol administered in continuous flow in cattle. Six heifers were used and the study was carried out in a 6 × 3 crossover design, in which each animal received three different treatments: enteral electrolyte solution containing calcium propionate (ESCaP), enteral electrolyte solution containing glycerol (ESGly) and enteral electrolyte solution containing propylene glycol (ESPrG). Solutions were administered at a rate of 15 mL kg−1 h−1 for 12 h. Serum and urinary biochemical assessment; urinary volume, pH, and specific gravity; and blood gas analysis were measured at 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 24 h. All three enteral electrolyte solutions expanded blood volume and increased urine volume without causing electrolyte imbalances. ESCaP caused mild reversible metabolic alkalosis while the most significant glycemic potential was observed in electrolyte solutions containing propylene glycol (ESPrG) and calcium propionate (ESCaP).
Evaluation of the Mass and Aerodynamic Efficiency of a High Aspect Ratio Wing for Prospective Passenger Aircraft
Authors: Kretov Anatolii , Tiniakov Dmytro
Published: September 2022

The application of the wings with a high aspect ratio for future-oriented transport category aircraft is being considered. Such a solution makes it possible to increase fuel efficiency by reducing induced drag. This goal is achieved by increasing the wingspan, when the wings made of composite materials are used. The wings of an increased span complicate the arrangement of the aircraft in the existing infrastructure of airports. To eliminate this drawback, the application of folding wingtips was considered. The effect of such a folding device on the mass of the airplane was estimated. The approach to estimating the mass of composite structures with folding wingtips has been proposed. A conceptual assessment of the Boeing 737 and A-320 aircraft with higher aspect ratio composite wings was performed.
The Study of Electrical Energy Power Supply System for UAVs Based on the Energy Storage Technology
Authors: Pham Khac Lam , Leuchter Jan , Bystricky Radek , Andrle Milos , Pham Ngoc Nam , Pham Van Thuan
Published: September 2022

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are increasingly attracting investment and development attention from many countries all over the world due to their great advantages. However, one of the biggest challenges for researchers is the problem of supplying energy to UAVs to ensure they can operate for a longer time. Especially in the case of rotary wings, they consume more energy than other UAV types as the motors need to spend a lot of energy to operate in order to overcome the gravity of the earth. The article aims to research power supply, energy consumption on UAVs, and a method of taking advantage of external energy sources to provide power for the operation of UAVs and discuss UAVs’ structure, categories, and control. Two experiments were conducted separately to evaluate the energy consumption of UAVs and the energy conversion from external energy sources to electrical energy. A test bench was designed to evaluate and determine the maximum efficiency using regenerative braking mode. The measuring device was manufactured to measure the necessary parameters to calculate the energy consumption and performance of the system. Experimental numerical results show that energy conversion from external sources is one of methods that can help increase the flight time of the UAV.
A Framework of Development-Oriented Poverty Alleviation Implementation Projects in Rural China: The Case of Jinggu County
Authors: Fan Jun , Luo Sichuan , Jintrawet Attachai , Fan Xingming , Guo Ruijia
Published: September 2022

Although the literature concerning poverty is rich in theory and policy suggestion, the implementation of poverty alleviation is still poorly studied. This study aims to answer the question of what could be considered a good framework for poverty alleviation and how to implement it in rural areas. Based on China’s experience, we here conceptualize an implementation framework and process by using a systemic approach. A five-year case study of over fourteen thousand poor households is used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the framework and process. The case study results show that poverty alleviation measures have been successfully implemented following the framework and process, and the absolute poverty is eliminated. Key characteristics of China’s poverty alleviation program, such as people-centered philosophy, pro-poor development, functional institution, systematic anti-poverty measures, and social mobilization may be useful for other poverty alleviation implementation approaches. The novel implementation framework and process, and pro-poor development strategy in this study can provide valuable experience for other poverty alleviation programs, and more similar poverty alleviation programs would make a significant contribution to the shared Sustainable Development Goals.
Functional and Comparative Analysis of Two Subtypes of Cofilin Family on Cattle Myoblasts Differentiation
Authors: Sun Yujia , Ma Yaoyao , Wu Xinyi , Zhao Tianqi , Lu Lu , Yang Zhangping
Published: September 2022

Agricultural meat composition and quality are not independent of the effects of skeletal muscle growth and development in animals. Cofilin is distributed extensively in muscle and non-muscle cells, and its function is tightly regulated in the cell. Cofilin has two variants in mammals, cofilin-1 (CFL1, non-muscle type) and cofilin-2 (CFL2, muscle type), and has a dual function on skeletal muscle fibers. Our study examined the expression pattern of CFL1 and CFL2 in different fetal bovine, calf, and adult cattle tissues. The content of the CFL2 gene increased significantly with the increase in cattle age in muscle tissues; CFL1 showed the opposite trend. In muscle tissues, DNA methylation levels of CFL1 and CFL2 were high in fetal bovine, and the mRNA level of CFL2 was significantly lower compared to CFL1. However, DNA methylation levels of CFL2 were lower than CFL1, and the mRNA level of CFL2 was remarkably higher compared to CFL1 in adult cattle. Overexpression of CFL1 or knockdown CFL2 reduced the expression levels of muscle differentiation markers, i.e., MYOD, MYOG, and MYH3. Overexpression of CFL2 or knockdown CFL1 stimulated the expression of these marker genes. Therefore, CFL2 may be superior to CFL1 as a candidate gene for subsequent research on cattle genetics and breeding.
Long-Term Wheat-Soybean Rotation and the Effect of Straw Retention on the Soil Nutrition Content and Bacterial Community
Authors: Kong Dejie , Ren Chengjie , Yang Gaihe , Liu Nana , Sun Jiao , Zhu Jinxia , Ren Guangxin , Feng Yongzhong
Published: September 2022

Straw retention and wheat-soybean rotation play critical role in maintaining soil quality. However, the correlation between bacterial diversity and community structure, and soil nutrients is unknown, and a systematic understanding of their responses to straw retention is lacking. In the field experiment, the straw retention treatments included no straw (NS), half straw (HS), and total straw (TS) retention during long-term wheat-soybean rotation. The mean contents of soil total nitrogen (TN), nitrate-N (NO3−-N), and microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN) increased by 15.06%, 21.10%, and 38.23%, respectively, with straw retention relative to NS, while that of ammonium-N (NH4+-N) reduced by 3.68%. The concentration of carbon components increased as straw retention increased. The levels of soil dissolved organic carbon (DOC), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), and soil organic carbon (SOC) increased by 4.34%, 7.63%, and 9.34%, respectively, with straw retention relative to NS. Soil bacterial alpha diversity was reduced with straw retention. Soil pH and nutrient content were identified as the main factors affecting the soil microbial diversity and structure at the phylum level. Accordingly, straw retention and soybean-wheat rotation enable sustainable agriculture in the dryland of northern China.
Grazing Effects on Seedling Emergence in Contrasting Wet and Dry Year in a Semiarid Grassland
Authors: He Yuhui , Liu Xinping
Published: September 2022

Seedlings are a crucial part of the plant community and the basis of vegetation restoration and regeneration. Grazing and climate change are two main factors contributing to vegetation changes in semiarid grasslands. However, the effects of grazing on seedling emergence with rainfall variation are not clearly understood. This study aimed to address how seedling abundance and the emergence dynamics of annuals respond to grazing with rainfall changes in different years. We conducted a seedling investigation experiment in a grassland along a grazing intensity gradient (light grazing—LG; moderate grazing—MG; heavy grazing—HG) in contrasting wet and dry years. The results showed that MG increased the seedling richness of grasses and forbs in the wet year, but increasing grazing resulted in a decline in forb richness in the dry year. Seedling abundance of grasses was enhanced under MG, while seedling abundance of forbs was higher under HG. The monthly emergence dynamics were generally in a single peak pattern, but the peak time of seedling emergence for forbs advanced under HG. Seedling abundance of whole annuals increased with grazing in the wet year but was much higher under MG in the dry year. Our results suggest that more judicious grazing management based on rainfall variation and functional composition of the plant community should be undertaken to facilitate grassland restoration.
Adsorptive Analysis of Azo Dyes on Activated Carbon Prepared from Phyllanthus emblica Fruit Stone Sequentially via Hydrothermal Treatment
Authors: Suhas  , Kushwaha Sarita , Tyagi Inderjeet , Ahmed Jahangeer , Chaudhary Shubham , Chaudhary Monika , Stephen Inbaraj Baskaran , Goscianska Joanna , Karri Rama Rao , Sridhar Kandi
Published: September 2022

The present work aims to provide insight into the role of the functional group in the adsorption of azo dyes namely, ethyl orange (EO), methyl orange (MO), and metanil yellow (MY), on the activated carbon (surface area 569 m2·g−1) prepared from Phyllanthus emblica fruit stone by low-pressure hydrothermal treatment (AC-HTPEFS). More specifically, this study would facilitate a better understanding of the involvement of different amino substituents (-CH3, -C2H5, phenyl group) on the adsorption of azo dye molecules. The experimental adsorption isotherms of the azo dyes quantified with different adsorbents and temperatures (25–45 °C) were utilized to know the effect of functional groups on dye adsorption. Additionally, the equilibrium data were analyzed by applying isotherm models (Freundlich, Langmuir, and Temkin) in order to elucidate the best-fit isotherm model and adsorption capacity, with the Langmuir model fitting the isotherms best as shown by the higher correlation coefficients obtained (0.984–0.994). The Langmuir monolayer adsorption capacities of EO, MO, and MY obtained at 25 °C were found to be 0.202, 0.187, and 0.158 mmol·g−1, respectively, which was attributed to the hydrophobicity and geometry of dye molecules. Moreover, adsorption kinetics conformed well with the pseudo-second-order model. The negative ΔG°, positive ΔH,° and positive ΔS° indicated the adsorption process to be favorable, endothermic, and increased randomness at the solid–liquid interface. Our findings indicate that the porous activated carbon from hydrothermally treated Phyllanthus emblica fruit stone exhibited a promising potential for the removal of azo dyes with rapid kinetics and high adsorption capacity. The present study could thus pave a way for future utilization of activated carbons produced via hydrothermal treatment techniques for wastewater applications.
Mechanism of Early Flowering in a Landrace Naked Barley eam8.l Mutant
Authors: Mao Chengzhi , Xu Jinqing , Wang Handong , Chen Tongrui , Bian Haiyan , You En , Shen Yuhu , Wang Lei
Published: September 2022

The EARLY MATURITY 8 (EAM8) gene of barley is homologous to the EARLY FLOWERING 3 (ELF3) gene in Arabidopsis, as loss-of-function mutations in this circadian clock gene promote rapid flowering. A previous study demonstrated that the early flowering phenotype of a hulless barley, Lalu, was due to allele eam8.l carrying an alternative splicing mutation in intron 3 that led to intron retention. In the present study, we verified that eam8.l encoded a truncated protein. Although EAM8 was expressed at a higher level in Lalu than in other barley lines with a longer growth period, it did not negatively regulate flowering time. This result further proved that the eam8.l protein was nonfunctional in regulating flowering in barley. The early flowering phenotype of Lalu plants was strongly dependent on the biosynthesis of gibberellin (GA). The eam8.l mutation stopped the suppression of GA biosynthesis, and Lalu accumulated excessive GA, especially in leaves. This was achieved through the upregulated expression of genes in the GA pathway, including GA20ox2, LFY1, SOC1, PAP2, and FPF3. The mutation of the EAM8 gene also abolished the inhibition of FLOWERING LOCUS T-like (FT1) gene expression at night. During the night, expression levels of the FT1 gene were higher than those during the day in Lalu. However, the GA-dependent pathway and FT1 gene mechanism are two independent pathways that promote flowering in Lalu. Alleles of EAM8, therefore, demonstrated an important breeding value in barley, which is probably effective in many other day-length-sensitive crop plants as well; thus, they could be used to tune adaptation in different geographic regions and climatic conditions, a critical issue in times of global warming.
Morphological Variation and Its Environmental Correlates in the Taihangshan Swelled-Vented Frog across the Qinling Mountains
Authors: Fu Lei , Wang Xiaoyi , Yang Shengnan , Li Chunlin , Hu Junhua
Published: September 2022

The Taihangshan swelled-vented frog (Feirana taihangnica), an endemic species to the Qinling Mountains, central China, has experienced a dramatic population decline over the last few decades. The aim of this work was to quantify morphological variation in F. taihangnica across the Qinling Mountains and examine environmental correlates of this variation of morphological traits. We implemented a hierarchical partitioning to estimate the independent contribution of each environmental variable on morphological variations. Temperature seasonality was the greatest contributor in variations of snout-vent length (SVL) and head width, and ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation of the lowest month was the most influential on both thigh length and tibia width. Then, we used generalized additive models to analyze the relationship between each environmental factor and morphological trait variations. Along the increasing of annual mean temperature, SVL decreased firstly and then increased, indicating no support for Bergmann’s rule. Furthermore, SVL was negatively correlated with annual precipitation, while positively with temperature seasonality. The mean UV-B of the highest and lowest months was positively and negatively correlated with head width, thigh length and tibia width, respectively. The results of this study help us to understand adaptive potential of this mountain frog species via morphological variations in the light of environmental changes.
Dynamics Changes of the Fecal Bacterial Community Fed Diets with Different Concentrate-to-Forage Ratios in Qinghai Yaks
Authors: Pang Kaiyue , Yang Yingkui , Chai Shatuo , Li Yan , Wang Xun , Sun Lu , Cui Zhanhong , Wang Shuxiang , Liu Shujie
Published: September 2022

(1) Background: This study aimed to investigate the effects of different dietary concentrate to roughage ratios on growth performance and fecal microbiota composition of yaks by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. (2) Methods: In the present study, three diets with different dietary forage-to-concentrate ratios (50:50, 65:35, and 80:20) were fed to 36 housed male yaks. (3) Results: The result shows that Final BW, TWG, and ADG were higher in the C65 group than in the C50 and C80 groups, but the difference was not significant (p > 0.05). DMI in the C65 group was significantly higher than in the other two groups (p < 0.05). The DMI/ADG of the C65 group was lower than that of the other two groups, but the difference was insignificant (p > 0.05). At the phylum level, Firmicutes were the most abundant in the C65 group, and the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes was lower in the C65 group than in the other two groups. At the genus level, the relative abundances of Ruminococcaceae_UCG_005, Romboutsia, and Christensenellaceae_R-7 were higher in the C56 group than in the C50 and C80 groups. The relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae_NK3A20 and Rikenellaceaewas_RC9_gut is lower in the C65 group, but the difference was insignificant (p > 0.05). At KEGG level 2, the relative abundance of lipid metabolism and energy metabolism were lowest in the C50 group, and both showed higher relative abundance in the C65 group. (4) Conclusions: In conclusion, the structure of fecal microbiota was affected by different concentrate-to-forage ratios. We found that feeding diets with a concentrate-to-forage ratio of 65:35 improved yaks’ growth and energy metabolism.
Testicular Expression of Antioxidant Enzymes and Changes in Response to a Slow-Release Deslorelin Implant (Suprelorin® 4.7 mg) in the Dog
Authors: Gram Duygu Yaman , Sexton Brigid , Liman Narin , Müller Linda , Abay Murat , Gram Aykut , Balogh Orsolya
Published: September 2022

Spermatogenesis takes place in a hypoxic environment, and antioxidant enzymes protect germ and somatic cells from free radical-mediated damage. Expression of the antioxidant enzyme system in the canine testis has not yet been investigated. We hypothesized that the slow-release GnRH superagonist deslorelin 4.7 mg implant, which induces temporary reversible suppression of endocrine and germinative testicular function, would affect the testicular expression of antioxidant enzymes compared to untreated adult and prepubertal dogs. The goal of this study was to investigate and compare gene (by qPCR, in whole-tissue homogenates) and protein expression (by immunohistochemistry) of superoxide dismutase (SOD1, SOD2), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx1), and glutathione disulfide reductase (GSR) in the testes of untreated adult (CON, n = 7), prepubertal (PRE, n = 8), and deslorelin-treated (DES, n = 5, 16 weeks after implantation) dogs. We found that in DES dogs, the gene expression of SOD1 was significantly (p < 0.05) lower and GPx1 was higher than in CON, and SOD2 was higher than in PRE. Expression of all, except for the SOD2 mRNA, differed between the CON and PRE dogs. Immunohistochemistry showed distinct cell-specific localization and expression patterns for the antioxidant enzymes in each experimental group. Additionally, in the CON animals, cell-specific SOD1, CAT, and GSR expression was dependent on the stage of the seminiferous epithelium cycle. These findings confirm that members of the antioxidant enzyme system are present in normal adult and prepubertal testis as well as in the deslorelin-treated downregulated adult canine testis, and that this local antioxidant system protects developing germ cells and somatic cells from oxidative damage. Different expression patterns of antioxidant enzymes in various germ cell populations and stages of the seminiferous epithelium cycle may indicate differences in their susceptibility to oxidative stress depending on their developmental and maturation stage. The continued presence of the antioxidant enzymes in the testis of DES dogs offers protection to spermatogonia as well as Sertoli and Leydig cells from oxidative stress during temporary infertility, potentially contributing to ensure the reversibility of suppression and the return of normal spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis after the end of deslorelin treatment.
Molecular Typing Reveals Environmental Dispersion of Antibiotic-Resistant Enterococci under Anthropogenic Pressure
Authors: Farkas Anca , Coman Cristian , Szekeres Edina , Teban-Man Adela , Carpa Rahela , Butiuc-Keul Anca
Published: September 2022

As a consequence of global demographic challenges, both the artificial and the natural environment are increasingly impacted by contaminants of emerging concern, such as bacterial pathogens and their antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). The aim of this study was to determine the extent to which anthropogenic contamination contributes to the spread of antibiotic resistant enterococci in aquatic compartments and to explore genetic relationships among Enterococcus strains. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (ampicillin, imipenem, norfloxacin, gentamycin, vancomycin, erythromycin, tetracycline, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole) of 574 isolates showed different rates of phenotypic resistance in bacteria from wastewaters (91.9–94.4%), hospital effluents (73.9%), surface waters (8.2–55.3%) and groundwater (35.1–59.1%). The level of multidrug resistance reached 44.6% in enterococci from hospital effluents. In all samples, except for hospital sewage, the predominant species were E. faecium and E. faecalis. In addition, E. avium, E. durans, E. gallinarum, E. aquimarinus and E. casseliflavus were identified. Enterococcus faecium strains carried the greatest variety of ARGs (blaTEM-1, aac(6′)-Ie-aph(2″), aac(6′)-Im, vanA, vanB, ermB, mefA, tetB, tetC, tetL, tetM, sul1), while E. avium displayed the highest ARG frequency. Molecular typing using the ERIC2 primer revealed substantial genetic heterogeneity, but also clusters of enterococci from different aquatic compartments. Enterococcal migration under anthropogenic pressure leads to the dispersion of clinically relevant strains into the natural environment and water resources. In conclusion, ERIC-PCR fingerprinting in conjunction with ARG profiling is a useful tool for the molecular typing of clinical and environmental Enterococcus species. These results underline the need of safeguarding water quality as a strategy to limit the expansion and progression of the impending antibiotic-resistance crisis.