bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Many human pharmaceuticals are weak inhibitors of the cytochrome P450 system in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) liver S9 fractions
Authors: Pihlaja Tea , Oksanen Timo , Vinkvist Netta , Sikanen Tiina
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Pharmaceutical residues are widely detected in aquatic environment and can be taken up by nontarget species such as fish. The cytochromes P450 (CYP) represent an important detoxification mechanism in fish, like in humans. In the present study, we assessed the correlation of the substrate selectivities of rainbow trout CYP1A and CYP3A homologues with those of human, through determination of the half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of a total sixteen human pharmaceuticals toward CYP1A-like ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) and CYP3A-like 7-benzyloxy-4-trifluoromethylcoumarin O-debenzylase (BFCOD) in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) liver S9 fractions (RT-S9).

Methods

The inhibitory impacts (IC50) of atomoxetine, atorvastatin, azelastine, bimatoprost, clomethiazole, clozapine, desloratadine, disulfiram, esomeprazole, felbinac, flecainide, orphenadrine, prazosin, quetiapine, sulpiride, and zolmitriptan toward the EROD and BFCOD activities in RT-S9 were determined using the IC50 shift assay, capable of identifying time-dependent inhibitors (TDI). Additionally, the nonspecific binding of the test pharmaceuticals to RT-S9 was assessed using equilibrium dialysis.

Results

Most test pharmaceuticals were moderate to weak inhibitors of both EROD and BFCOD activity in RT-S9, even if most are noninhibitors of human CYP1A or CYP3A. Only bimatoprost, clomethiazole, felbinac, sulpiride, and zolmitriptan did not inhibit either activity in RT-S9. EROD inhibition was generally stronger than that of BFCOD and some substances (atomoxetine, flecainide, and prazosin) inhibited selectively only EROD activity. The strongest EROD inhibition was detected with azelastine and esomeprazole (unbound IC50 of 3.8 ± 0.5 µM and 3.0 ± 0.8 µM, respectively). None of the test substances were TDIs of BFCOD, but esomeprazole was a TDI of EROD. Apart from clomethiazole and disulfiram, the nonspecific binding of the test pharmaceuticals to the RT-S9 was extensive (unbound fractions <0.5) and correlated well (R2 = 0.7135) with their water-octanol distribution coefficients.

Discussion

The results indicate that the P450 interactions in RT-S9 cannot be explicitly predicted based on human data, but the in vitro data reported herein can shed light on the substrate selectivity of rainbow trout CYP1A1 and CYP3A27 in comparison to their human homologues. The IC50 concentrations are however many orders of magnitude higher than average environmental concentrations of pharmaceuticals. The time-dependent EROD inhibition by esomeprazole could warrant further research to evaluate its possible interlinkages with hepatotoxic impacts on fish.
Generating m-Ary Gray Codes and Related Algorithms
Authors: Bouyuklieva Stefka , Bouyukliev Iliya , Bakoev Valentin , Pashinska-Gadzheva Maria
Published: July 2024

In this work, we systematize several implementations of the Gray code over an alphabet with m≥2 elements, which we present in C code so that they can be used directly after copying from the text. We consider two variants—reflected and modular (or shifted) m-ary Gray codes. For both variants, we present the ranking and unranking functions, as well as algorithms for generating only a part of the code, more precisely the codewords between two given vectors. Finally, we give algorithms that generate a maximal set of non-proportional vectors of length n over the given alphabet in a Gray code.
Normalization of Web of Science Institution Names Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Jia Zijie , Fang Zhijian , Zhang Huaxiong
Published: July 2024

Academic evaluation is a process of assessing and measuring researchers, institutions, or disciplinary fields. Its goal is to evaluate their contributions and impact in the academic community, as well as to determine their reputation and status within specific disciplinary domains. Web of Science (WOS), being the most renowned global academic citation database, provides crucial data for academic evaluation. However, due to factors such as institutional changes, translation discrepancies, transcription errors in databases, and authors’ individual writing habits, there exist ambiguities in the institution names recorded in the WOS literature, which in turn affect the scientific evaluation of researchers and institutions. To address the issue of data reliability in academic evaluation, this paper proposes a WOS institution name synonym recognition framework that integrates multi-granular embeddings and multi-contextual information.
Market Participation and Farmers’ Adoption of Green Control Techniques: Evidence from China
Authors: Jijue Wulai , Xiang Junlan , Yi Xin , Dai Xiaowen , Tang Chenming , Liu Yuying
Published: July 2024

As a standard clean production technology, the wide use of green control techniques (GCT) helps improve the quality of agricultural products and protect the environment. However, the level of application of GCT by Chinese farmers is not high. The market, as the ultimate place to realize the value of grain and the returns of grain farmers, plays an essential part in promoting GCT. Based on survey data from grain farmers in Sichuan Province, China, this study used a conditional mixed process (CMP) model to examine the effect of farmers’ market participation on their GCT adoption behavior and a mediated effects model to test the impact mechanism. The study further explored the effect of farmers’ market participation capability on their GCT adoption behavior. The results showed that (1) farmers’ market participation could significantly increase the likelihood of adopting GCT. (2) Market participation could influence farmers’ adoption behavior through agricultural income, market information, and green cognition. (3) Further research found that farmers were more likely to adopt GCT if their market participation capability was strong. These findings highlight the fact that developing countries have increased their efforts to encourage farmers to participate in markets and to enhance their market participation capability, thereby facilitating the adoption of GCT by farmers.
A Review of Precision Irrigation Water-Saving Technology under Changing Climate for Enhancing Water Use Efficiency, Crop Yield, and Environmental Footprints
Authors: Lakhiar Imran Ali , Yan Haofang , Zhang Chuan , Wang Guoqing , He Bin , Hao Beibei , Han Yujing , Wang Biyu , Bao Rongxuan , Syed Tabinda Naz , Chauhdary Junaid Nawaz , Rakibuzzaman Md.
Published: July 2024

Water is considered one of the vital natural resources and factors for performing short- and long-term agricultural practices on Earth. Meanwhile, globally, most of the available freshwater resources are utilized for irrigation purposes in agriculture. Currently, many world regions are facing extreme water shortage problems, which can worsen if not managed properly. In the literature, numerous methods and remedies are used to cope with the increasing global water crises. The use of precision irrigation water-saving systems (PISs) for efficient water management under climate change is one of them and is a highly recommended approach by researchers. It can mitigate the adverse effects of changing climate and help enhance water use efficiency, crop yield, and environmental footprints. Thus, the present study aimed to comprehensively examine and review PISs, focusing on their development, implementation, and positive impacts on sustainable water management. In addition, we searched the literature using different online search engines and reviewed and summarized the main results of the previously published papers on PISs. We discussed the traditional irrigation method and its modernization for enhancing water use efficiency, PIS monitoring and controlling, architecture, data sharing communication technologies, the role of artificial intelligence for irrigation water-saving, and the future prospects of the PIS. Based on the brief literature review, the present study concluded that the future of PISs seems bright, driven by the need for efficient irrigation water management systems, technological advancements, and increasing environmental awareness. As the water scarcity problem intensifies due to climate change and population growth, the PIS is poised to play a critical role in optimizing and modernizing water usage, increasing water use efficiency, and reducing environmental footprints, thus ensuring sustainable agriculture development.
The Potential of Grape Polyphenols Additive in Pig Nutrition: Chemical Structure, Bioavailability and Their Effect on Intestinal Health of Pigs
Authors: Proca Andrei Claudiu , Horodincu Loredana , Solcan Carmen , Solcan Gheorghe
Published: July 2024

The recognition of the necessity for employing natural additives in animal feed has grown alongside the ban on antibiotics in the animal feed sector. Grapes, as well as by-products of the wine-making industry (grape marc and seed extracts), possess biologically active chemical constituents that can be used to improve animal production by incorporating them into animal feed. Grapes are a valuable resource of polyphenols, especially flavonoids, stilbenes and phenolic acids, most of them showing therapeutic or health-promoting properties. The purpose of this review is to elucidate the impact of polyphenols on animal gut health. The first section of the review discusses the chemical structure of the major polyphenols in grapes and the polyphenols’ bioavailability and metabolism in pigs. The second and major part of the review reviews the results of investigations into the antioxidant, antimicrobial and prebiotic effects of grape polyphenols in pig diets, as well as their regulation of intestinal barrier functions through signalling pathways and intestinal responses. All of this is supported by previous research, findings and conclusions. There are fewer recorded pig studies, but the inclusion of up to 9% grape by-products resulted in improved performance with an increased mean daily gain. Ultimately, this analysis concluded that supplementation of pigs with grape phenolic compounds as natural feed additives enhanced their antioxidant capacity, improved humoral and cellular immune responses, and promoted gut ecosystem biodiversity and the overall production performance in pigs.
The Role of Human Resource Management in Agricultural Labor-Saving Technologies: An Integrative Review and Science Mapping
Authors: Qorri Dejsi , Pergéné Szabó Enikő , Felföldi János , Kovács Krisztián
Published: July 2024

The integrative role of human resource management continues to rise as a topic in sustainable and smart agriculture. This dual focus emphasizes new solutions for agricultural businesses and rural areas, incorporating academic concepts with practical implementations to address the pressing challenges coming from the implementation of labor-saving technologies. The study employs the integrative review method, along with science mapping of literature. After a careful selection of studies from the Scopus database, we included 149 papers for our analysis. Our findings suggest that the overall scholarly work has been concentrated on the topics of entrepreneurship and organizational structure. We conclude that the literature is mostly directed toward sustainability development goals such as gender, diversity, and youth. The current trends topics are “collective action” and “artificial intelligence”. Furthermore, our study offered insights into developing and emerging themes, trends, and future directions. The HRM functions that play a pivotal role in the adoption of labor-saving technology adoption are knowledge management, change management, labor allocation, sustainability allocation, and regulatory compliance. Moreover, we provided the practical implementation of the HRM roles and future directions. This study benefits agricultural researchers, agricultural managers, and policymakers because it gives a comprehensive and interdisciplinary perspective.
The Impact of Factor Price Change on China’s Cotton Production Pattern Evolution: Mediation and Spillover Effects
Authors: Zhang Xuewei , Zhou Xiqing , Liu Haimeng , Zhang Jinghao , Zhang Jingde , Wei Suhao
Published: July 2024

Cotton is an important agricultural crop and strategic resource. China is currently the country with the largest global cotton production and consumption, but few studies have systematically analyzed the dynamic relationship between factor price change (FPC) and cotton production pattern evolution (CPPE). Based on provincial panel data from the main cotton planting areas from 1985 to 2021, this paper used spatial econometric models to empirically analyze the impact of FPC including labor price, production material cost, and mechanical cost on CPPE from the perspective of mechanical substitution difficulty. The findings are that (1) FPC significantly affected CPPE, specifically the rise of labor price induced the demand for mechanical substitution, resulting in a significant cotton agglomeration effect; (2) spatial econometric analysis found that FPC had a significant spatial spillover effect on CPPE in adjacent regions; and (3) the transfer analysis found that higher mechanical substitution difficulty exerted an inhibitory effect on cotton planting, leading to a gradual shift of the main cotton planting areas from the Yangtze River Basin and Yellow River Basin with high labor prices to the Northwest Inland region with lower labor prices. Updating the production technology and improving the efficiency of cotton specialization are effective strategies. The results are valuable for policy making related to the development of China’s cotton industry.
Design and Experiment of Ordinary Tea Profiling Harvesting Device Based on Light Detection and Ranging Perception
Authors: Huan Xiaolong , Wu Min , Bian Xianbing , Jia Jiangming , Kang Chenchen , Wu Chuanyu , Zhao Runmao , Chen Jianneng
Published: July 2024

Due to the complex shape of the tea tree canopy and the large undulation of a tea garden terrain, the quality of fresh tea leaves harvested by existing tea harvesting machines is poor. This study proposed a tea canopy surface profiling method based on 2D LiDAR perception and investigated the extraction and fitting methods of canopy point clouds. Meanwhile, a tea profiling harvester prototype was developed and field tests were conducted. The tea profiling harvesting device adopted a scheme of sectional arrangement of multiple groups of profiling tea harvesting units, and each unit sensed the height information of its own bottom canopy area through 2D LiDAR. A cross-platform communication network was established, enabling point cloud fitting of tea plant surfaces and accurate estimation of cutter profiling height through the RANSAC algorithm. Additionally, a sensing control system with multiple execution units was developed using rapid control prototype technology. The results of field tests showed that the bud leaf integrity rate was 84.64%, the impurity rate was 5.94%, the missing collection rate was 0.30%, and the missing harvesting rate was 0.68%. Furthermore, 89.57% of the harvested tea could be processed into commercial tea, with 88.34% consisting of young tea shoots with one bud and three leaves or fewer. All of these results demonstrated that the proposed device effectively meets the technical standards for machine-harvested tea and the requirements of standard tea processing techniques. Moreover, compared to other commercial tea harvesters, the proposed tea profiling harvesting device demonstrated improved performance in harvesting fresh tea leaves.
Ammonia Emissions and Building-Related Mitigation Strategies in Dairy Barns: A Review
Authors: Vitaliano Serena , D’Urso Provvidenza Rita , Arcidiacono Claudia , Cascone Giovanni
Published: July 2024

In this systematic review, the PRISMA method was applied to examine publications from the last two decades that have investigated the noxious gaseous emissions from dairy barns. The aim was to analyse the outcomes from literature studies estimating the quantities of polluting gases produced in dairy barns, with a specific focus on ammonia (NH3) emissions. Various studies, among those reviewed, have used mixed effects models, mass balance approaches and dispersion methods, revealing significant variability due to different experimental protocols and environmental contexts. Key challenges include the lack of standardised measurement techniques and the limited geographical coverage of research, particularly in climatically extreme regions. This review also explores proposed methods to reduce the associated effects through mitigation strategies. Estimation of NH3 emissions is significantly influenced by the complex interactions between several factors; including animal management practices, such as controlling animal behavioural activities; manure management, like utilising practices for floor manure removal; the type of structure housing the animals, whether it is naturally or mechanically ventilated; and environmental conditions, such as the effects of temperature, wind speed, relative humidity, and ventilation rate on NH3 release in the barn. These influential components have been considered by researchers and targeted mitigation strategies have been identified. Despite growing attention to the issue, gaps in the scientific literature were identified and discussed, particularly regarding the analysis of mitigation strategies and their long-term impacts (i.e., environmental, economic and productivity-wise). The purpose of this review is to help improve research into sustainable agricultural practices and technological innovations, which are fundamental to reducing NH3 emissions and improving air quality in agricultural environments.
Intercropping Systems: An Opportunity for Environment Conservation within Nut Production
Authors: Moreira Bruna , Gonçalves Alexandre , Pinto Luís , Prieto Miguel A. , Carocho Márcio , Caleja Cristina , Barros Lillian
Published: July 2024

Global population growth and intensive agriculture have both contributed negatively to the environment. As a result, there is increasing interest in the use of sustainable alternatives is increasing to promote better use of natural resources and create an equilibrium between agriculture and the environment. Intercropping, the simultaneous cultivation of multiple crops, aims to optimize land use economically while enhancing biodiversity through plant–microorganism interactions, thereby boosting crop productivity. This practice has particularly benefited nut production by combining the nutrient-sequestering capacity of trees with continuous annual crop production, improving soil nutrient and water utilization. Intercropping systems not only enhance nut yield and quality but also offer economic advantages to farmers. This review synthesized the existing literature with the aim of highlighting not only the positive aspects that intercropping brings to the production of nuts, but also the challenges and limitations faced in different regions when it comes to agricultural production.
Effect of Tomato Grafting onto Novel and Commercial Rootstocks on Improved Salinity Tolerance and Enhanced Growth, Physiology, and Yield in Soilless Culture
Authors: Alqardaeai Thabit , Alharbi Abdulaziz , Alenazi Mekhled , Alomran Abdulrasoul , Elfeky Ahmed , Osman Mohamed , Obadi Abdullah , Aldubai Abdulhakim , Ortiz Nathaly Rodriguez , Melino Vanessa , Tester Mark , Pailles Yveline
Published: July 2024

Grafting high-yielding tomato varieties onto stress-tolerant rootstocks can mitigate the adverse effects of saline water irrigation on plant tomato productivity in arid regions like Saudi Arabia. This study investigates the efficacy of grafting tomatoes onto both novel and commercial rootstocks to enhance salinity tolerance and its impact on growth, physiological parameters, and yield in a soilless culture system. The experiment involved two water quality levels, 2 (S1) and 4 (S2) dS m−1, two growth media types, volcanic rock (M1) and sand (M2), and six grafting treatments: Tone Guitar F1 non-grafted (G1) (commercial scion), grafted onto itself (G2), Tone Guitar F1* Maxifort F1 (G3) (commercial rootstock), and grafting the scion onto three novel rootstocks, X-218 (G4), X-238 (G5), and Alawamiya365 (G6). Growth, physiology, photosynthetic pigments, and yield improved with lower salinity (2 dS m−1) in volcanic rock and with the grafting treatments (G2–G6) compared to the non-grafted treatment (G1). The best results were achieved with the S1M1G5 treatment, where yield increased by 53% compared to the lowest yield in non-grafted plants grown in sand under higher salinity (S2M2G1). All studied traits were adversely affected under high salinity (S2) in sandy media, with the G1 treatment resulting in the lowest values for these traits.
Digestate from an Agricultural Biogas Plant as a Factor Shaping Soil Properties
Authors: Rolka Elżbieta , Wyszkowski Mirosław , Żołnowski Andrzej Cezary , Skorwider-Namiotko Anna , Szostek Radosław , Wyżlic Kinga , Borowski Mikołaj
Published: July 2024

In the context of a circular economy, special attention should be paid to the rational management of biodegradable waste. Currently, a potentially valuable waste material, rich in ingredients available to plants, is digestate, obtained as a by-product in agricultural biogas plants. The presented study aimed to determine the impact of digestate (DIG) from an agricultural biogas plant on soil reaction (pH), electrical conductivity (EC), sorption properties (SBC, HAC, CEC, BS), and chemical composition of soil. The research was based on a pot experiment in which increasing doses of liquid (LD) and solid (SD) forms of DIG were used in corn cultivation, balanced in terms of the amount of N introduced into the soil. The composition of DIG varied and depended on the LD or SD form. The LD was characterized by a lower pH value and higher EC compared to the SD form. The LD contained much less TC, fewer macroelements, and fewer trace elements. The application of LD significantly increased in the soil the content of TC, Ntot, available K, P, Fe, and Mn, and exchangeable cations K+. The SD significantly increased the content of available P, Mg, and Mn and exchangeable cations Ca2+ and Mg2+ in the soil. Both forms of digestate increased the total content of heavy metals (Cu, Cr, Pb, and Ni) in the soil. However, they did not pose a threat to the environment concerning their legally permissible levels.
Effects of Land Use Change on Soil Aggregate Stability and Erodibility in the Karst Region of Southwest China
Authors: Li Meiting , Wang Keqin , Ma Xiaoyi , Fan Mingsi , Song Yali
Published: July 2024

Differences in land use type and chronological age affect soil properties and plant community characteristics, which may influence soil structural stability and erodibility. However, knowledge on the effects of soil physicochemical properties on soil aggregate stability and erodibility at different land use years is limited. This study selected five land use types: corn field (Year 38th-y), corn intercropped with cabbage field (Year 38th-y + b), fruit and meridian forest (Year 6th-jgl), naturally restored vegetation (Year 6th-zr), and artificial forest (Year 7th-rgl) in the karst landscape of the Chishui River Basin in Yunnan Province. We aimed to identify the influencing factors of soil stability and erodibility under different land use time series. The results indicated that the mean weight diameter (MWD), the geometric mean diameter (GMD), and soil structural stability index (SSI values) were highest in Y6th-zr and lowest in Y7th-rgl. Conversely, the erodibility K value was lowest in Y6th-zr, suggesting that the soil structure in Y6th-zr exhibited greater stability, whereas soil stability in Y7th-rgl was lower. Redundancy and throughput analyses revealed that organic carbon and water-stable aggregates > 2.0 mm content had higher vector values. Soil bulk density, total nitrogen, organic carbon, and soil texture content were the main factors contributing to soil stability variation (0.338–0.646). Additionally, total nitrogen, organic carbon, total phosphorus, and soil texture content drove the variation in K values (0.15–1.311). Natural vegetation restoration measures can enhance soil structure to a certain extent. These findings highlight changes in soil aggregate stability and erodibility over different land use durations. The research results have important theoretical and practical significance for understanding the differences in soil erosion and soil restoration under different land use patterns in the karst landscapes of southwest China.
Mechanism of Interaction between Earthworms and Root Parameters on Cambisol
Authors: Kochiieru Mykola , Veršulienė Agnė , Shatkovska Kateryna , Feiza Virginijus , Seibutis Vytautas
Published: July 2024

Plants respond to their environment through adaptations; for example, earthworms that create heterogeneity can lead to local adaptation of roots. This research identifies a mechanism to explain plant responses to earthworms and how these mechanisms are related. Our results show that tillage intensity has a negative effect on earthworms and root volume. The mean root volume and earthworm biomass under conventional tillage were lower than in reduced tillage and no-tillage. The root volume and the root diameter in the field with residues were higher than in the field without residues, while the root length density and earthworm biomass in the field with residues were lower than in the field without residues. This study demonstrates that the mean of the root length density and biomass of the earthworms were higher in sandy loam than in loam. Therefore, sand content had a positive effect on root length density (R2 = 0.72, p < 0.01) and earthworm biomass (R2 = 0.74, p < 0.01). Earthworm biomass had a positive effect on root volume (R2 = 0.54, p < 0.05) and length density (R2 = 0.88, p < 0.01). This confirms our hypothesis on the effect of earthworms on root systems.
Nutritional Value of Coloured Flesh Potato Tubers in Terms of Their Micronutrient Content
Authors: Zarzecka Krystyna , Ginter Agnieszka , Gugała Marek , Durakiewicz Waldemar
Published: July 2024

The aim of this study was to compare Fe, Zn, Mn, Al and Li contents in table potato tubers, obtained from seven potato cultivars with different flesh colour, and one cultivar characterised by light-coloured flesh. The study material consisted of potato tubers produced in a one-factor field experiment carried out at the Agricultural Experimental Station in Zawady belonging to the University of Siedlce, Poland (52°03′ N, 22°33′ E) in 2021–2023. The following cultivars were tested: Eurostar (light yellow flesh), Rote Emmalie and Herbie 26 (red flesh), Provita, Salad Blue, Blaue Annelise, Vitelotte Noire and Bora Valley (purple and blue flesh). The study showed that the genetic characteristics of the cultivars determined the nutrient content and uptake with tuber yield. Of the tested minerals which are important for human nutrition (Fe, Zn, Mn), red and purple cultivars accumulated more Fe than the light yellow-fleshed Eurostar. Zn content was the highest in red-fleshed cultivars compared with light and purple-fleshed cultivars. Mn content was the highest in the tubers of the light yellow-fleshed Eurostar and lowest in red Rote Emmalie. Fe, Zn, Mn and Al contents and uptake with tuber yield were influenced by weather conditions during the growing season.
Influence of Lateral Length and Residual Chlorine Concentration on Soil Nitrogen and Soil Enzyme Activities under Drip Irrigation with Secondary Sewage Effluent
Authors: Hao Fengzhen , Wang Zhen , Zhen Zhilei
Published: July 2024

Chlorination has been demonstrated to be an effective method for the prevention and reduction in emitter biological blockage in drip irrigation systems. The injected chlorine dose is generally determined by chlorine concentration at the terminal of the laterals which may lead to a high concentration of residual chlorine at the front of the system and bring detrimental impact to the soil environment and growth of crops, especially in large irrigation units with long laterals. A two-season experiment was undertaken to determine the effects of chlorine disinfection and lateral length on soil NO3-N, enzyme activities, and maize yield under wastewater drip irrigation. The experiments were constructed with lateral lengths ranging from 20 to 80 m and injection chlorine concentrations at the end of laterals ranging from 2 to 6 mg L−1. Lateral length had a major impact on enzyme activities in the partial growth stage, although the effects of lateral length and chlorine concentration on soil nitrogen content and maize yield were negligible. Enzyme activity and soil nitrogen concentration decreased throughout the lateral length as a result of chlorination. A higher detrimental impact on soil characteristics and maize yield is probably going to result from a high concentration of chlorine and a long lateral length mode. The maize yield peaked at L80 with a concentration of 2 mg L−1 chlorine, while it peaked at L40 with 6 mg L−1 chlorine concentration. A chlorination scheme with long lateral length and low chlorine concentration is recommended in consideration of maize yield and minimizing potential negative effects on the soil environment.
Immunohistochemical Detection of Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase in Spontaneous Mammary Carcinomas of 96 Pet Rabbits
Authors: Schöniger Sandra , Degner Sophie , Schandelmaier Claudia , Aupperle-Lellbach Heike , Zhang Qian , Schildhaus Hans-Ulrich
Published: July 2024

For mammary carcinomas in pet rabbits, prognostic biomarkers are poorly defined, and treatment is limited to surgical excision. Additional treatment options are needed for rabbit patients for which surgery is not a suitable option. In human breast cancer, the immunosuppressive enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) represents a prognostic biomarker and possible therapeutic target. This retrospective immunohistochemical study examined IDO1 in 96 pet rabbit mammary carcinomas with known mitotic count, hormone receptor status, and percentage of stromal tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Tumors were obtained from 96 pet rabbits with an average of 5.5 years. All rabbits with reported sex (n = 88) were female or female-spayed. Of the carcinomas, 94% expressed IDO1, and 86% had sparse TILs consistent with cold tumors. Statistically significant correlations existed between a higher percentage of IDO1-positive tumor cells, lower mitotic counts, and increased estrogen receptor expression. The threshold for significance was IDO1 staining in >10% of tumor cells. These results lead to the assumption that IDO1 expression contributes to tumorigenesis and may represent a prognostic biomarker and possible therapeutic target also in pet rabbit mammary carcinomas. They also support the value of rabbits for breast cancer research.
Combined Effect of Nigella sativa and Kefir on the Live Performance and Health of Broiler Chickens Affected by Necrotic Enteritis
Authors: Manjunatha Vishal , Nixon Julian E. , Mathis Greg F. , Lumpkins Brett S. , Güzel-Seydim Zeynep B. , Seydim Atif C. , Greene Annel K. , Jiang Xiuping
Published: July 2024

Coccidiosis and necrotic enteritis (NE) are prevalent poultry ailments worldwide, leading to decreased live performance and elevated mortality rates without antibiotic usage. This study evaluated Nigella sativa (black cumin) seeds (BCS) and kefir as alternatives to antibiotics for broilers. An in vivo study over a 28-day period, using 384 Cobb 500 male broilers organized into six treatment groups as part of a completely randomized block experimental design was conducted. Each treatment group included eight replicates, with each replicate containing eight birds. The treatments included positive control, negative control, antibiotic control, 5% BCS in feed, 20% kefir in drinking water, and a combination of 5% BCS and 20% kefir. NE was induced in broilers by administering ~5000 oocysts of Eimeria maxima orally on day 14, followed by inoculation with about 108 CFU/mL of Clostridium perfringens (Cp) (strain Cp#4) on days 19, 20, and 21. Live performance metrics including feed intake, body weight gain, and feed conversion were assessed in broilers. Additionally, NE disease outcomes such as lesion scores, mortality rates, and Cp populations in cecum were determined during the study. The BCS, kefir, and the combination had no detrimental effect on broiler live performance. BCS-treated and combination groups had lower NE scores (p > 0.05) in comparison to the positive control and exhibited no significant difference (p > 0.05) from antibiotic control. Additionally, treatment groups and antibiotic control were not significantly different (p > 0.05) in mortality, whereas the BCS and kefir combination significantly reduced (p < 0.05) mortality to 14.1% compared to 31.3% for the positive control. C. perfringens vegetative cells significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in treatments with BCS, kefir, and their combination on days 22 and 28 compared to the positive control. On day 22, Cp sores were significantly lower (p < 0.05) for the kefir and combination treatments compared to the positive control. In conclusion, BCS and kefir successfully reduced C. perfringens infection and mortality without any detrimental impact on broiler live performance with the combined treatment being the most effective. These results suggest that BCS and kefir could serve as potential alternatives to antibiotics in managing NE.
Antimicrobial Activity of Water-Soluble Silver Complexes Bearing C-Scorpionate Ligands
Authors: Mahmoud Abdallah G. , Sousa Sílvia A. , Guedes da Silva M. Fátima C. , Martins Luísa M. D. R. S. , Leitão Jorge H.
Published: July 2024

The novel hydrosoluble silver coordination polymer [Ag(NO3)(μ-1κN;2κN′,N″-TPMOH)]n (1) (TPMOH = tris(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethanol) was obtained and characterized. While single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of compound 1 disclosed an infinite 1D helical chain structure in the solid state, NMR analysis in polar solvents confirmed the mononuclear nature of compound 1 in solution. Compound 1 and the analogue [Ag(μ-1κN;2κN′,N″-TPMS)]n (2) (TPMS = tris(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)methane sulfonate) were evaluated with regard to their antimicrobial activities towards the Gram-negative Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Burkholderia contaminans, the Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus, and the fungal species Candida albicans and Candida glabrata. Compound 1 exhibited minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 2 to 7.7 µg/mL towards the tested Gram-negative bacteria, 18 µg/mL towards the Gram-positive S. aureus, and 15 and 31 µg/mL towards C. albicans and C. glabrata, respectively. Compound 2 was less effective towards the tested bacteria, with MIC values ranging from 15 to 19.6 µg/mL towards the Gram-negative bacteria and 51 µg/mL towards S. aureus; however, it was more effective against C. albicans and C. glabrata, with MIC values of about 6 µg/mL towards these fungal species. The toxicity of compounds 1 and 2 was assessed by evaluating the survival of the Caenorhabditis elegans model organism to concentrations of up to 100 µg/mL. The value of 50% lethality (LD50) could only be estimated as 73.2 µg/mL for compound 1 at 72 h, otherwise LD50 was >100 µg/mL for both compounds 1 and 2. These results indicate compounds 1 and 2 as novel silver complexes with interesting antimicrobial properties towards bacterial and fungal pathogens.
Apple Blossom Agricultural Residues as a Sustainable Source of Bioactive Peptides through Microbial Fermentation Bioprocessing
Authors: Tonini Stefano , Tlais Ali Zein Alabiden , Filannino Pasquale , Di Cagno Raffaella , Gobbetti Marco
Published: July 2024

This study explored the impact of starter-assisted fermentation on apple blossoms to enhance their potential as a source of antioxidant and antifungal molecules. Fructobacillus fructosus PL22 and Wickerhamomyces anomalus GY1 were chosen as starters owing to their origin and promising ability to modify plant secondary metabolites. An initial assessment through microbiological and physicochemical analyses showed superior outcomes for starter-assisted fermentation compared to the spontaneous process. Enzymatic hydrolysis of proteins, primarily controlled by starters, orchestrated the generation of new low-molecular-weight peptides. W. anomalus GY1 also induced modifications in the phenolic profile, generating a diverse array of bioactive metabolites. These metabolic changes, particularly the release of potentially bioactive peptides, were associated with significant antioxidant activity and marked antifungal efficacy against three common mold species. Our results shed light on the potential of microbial starters to valorize agricultural wastes and convert them into a valuable resource for industry.
Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1α Affects Yak Oocyte Maturation and Early Embryonic Development by Regulating Autophagy
Authors: Ma Xin , Wang Meng , Wang Jinglei , Han Xiaohong , Yang Xiaoqing , Zhang Hui , Zhong Donglan , Qiu Shantong , Yu Sijiu , Wang Libin , Pan Yangyang
Published: July 2024

In animal assisted reproductive technology, the production of high-quality oocytes is crucial. The yak, having lived in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau for an extended period, has reproductive cells that are regulated by hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α). This study aimed to investigate the impact of HIF-1α on yak oocyte maturation and early embryonic development in vitro through the regulation of autophagy. The in vitro maturation process of yak oocytes involved the addition of the HIF-1α inducer DFOM and the inhibitor LW6 to examine their effects on yak oocyte maturation, early embryonic development, cell autophagy, cytochrome P450s (CYP450s) enzyme expression, and cumulus diffusion factors. The findings revealed that DFOM significantly upregulated the expression of HIF-1α, resulting in increased the cumulus diffusion area, elevated first polar body expulsion rate of oocytes, enhanced mitochondrial and actin levels, decreased ROS production, and reduced early apoptosis levels of oocytes. Moreover, DFOM promoted the expression of autophagy-related proteins, CYP450s enzymes, and cumulus diffusion factors, thereby enhancing oocyte maturation and early embryonic development. Conversely, LW6 exhibited opposite effects. The inhibition of autophagy levels with 3-MA during DFOM treatment yielded similar outcomes. Furthermore, reducing autophagy led to increased apoptosis levels at all stages of early embryonic development, as well as a significant decrease in total cell number and ICM/TE ratio of blastocysts. Studies have shown that during the in vitro maturation of yak oocytes, HIF-1α can affect the cumulus expansion area of oocytes by regulating autophagy, the first polar body excretion rate, mitochondrial level, actin level, ROS and early apoptosis level, the CYP450s enzyme, and the expression of cumulus expansion factors, thereby improving the in vitro maturation and early embryonic development of yak oocytes. These findings offer valuable insights into the reproductive regulation mechanism of yaks in hypoxic environments and suggest potential strategies for the advancement of yak assisted reproductive technology.
Anthocyanin-Rich Berry Extracts Affect SN-38-Induced Response: A Comparison of Non-Tumorigenic HCEC-1CT and HCT116 Colon Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Schmutz Cornelia , Plaza Crepelle , Steiger Franziska , Stoirer Natascha , Gufler Judith , Pahlke Gudrun , Will Frank , Berger Walter , Marko Doris
Published: July 2024

Chemotherapy with irinotecan (CPT-11), the pro-drug of the highly cytotoxic SN-38, is among the standard-of-care treatments for colorectal cancer. To counteract undesired toxic side effects on healthy tissue such as the intestinal epithelium, the use of preparations rich in polyphenols with anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties such as anthocyanins has been proposed. In the present study, the question of whether non-tumorigenic human epithelium cells (HCEC-1CT) can be protected against the cytotoxic impact of SN-38 by anthocyanin-rich polyphenol extracts without compromising the desired therapeutic effect against tumor cells (HCT-116) was addressed. Hence, single and combinatory effects of anthocyanin-rich polyphenol extracts of elderberry (EB), bilberry (Bil), blackberry (BB) and black currant (BC) with the chemotherapeutic drug SN-38 were investigated. Out of the extracts, BB showed the most potent concentration-dependent cytotoxicity alone and in combination with SN-38, with even stronger effects in non-tumorigenic HCEC-1CT cells. In cytotoxic concentrations, BB decreased the level of DNA/topoisomerase I covalent complexes in HCEC-1CT cells below base level but without concomitant reduction in SN-38-induced DNA strand breaks. The herein reported data argue towards an interference of anthocyanins with successful treatment of cancer cells and a lack of protective properties in healthy cells.
Analyzing the Impact of Accumulated Training Shots on Electromyography Parameters in Trained Archery Athletes: Exploring Fatigue and Its Association with Training Practices
Authors: Naderza Weronika , Niespodziński Bartłomiej , Studnicki Rafał
Published: July 2024

Background: Accumulated training shots throughout a session may induce changes in electromyography (EMG) parameters of the primary muscles involved in movement in archery athletes. Thus, the aim of this study was two-fold: (i) analyze the impact of 50 and 100 archery shots on a single session on the EMG parameters of trained archery athletes; and (ii) explore the effects of training routines of the athletes to cope with fatigue induced by the accumulated shots on the EMG parameters. Methods: They were divided into two groups: those who regularly performed ≤100 shots per training session (n = 13) and those who performed >100 shots per session (n = 7). The participants were exposed to a condition involving 100 archery shots, with measurements taken at baseline, after 50, and after 100 shots. EMG was used to measure the electric potential of the deltoid (middle and posterior), trapezius (upper, middle, and lower), and infraspinatus during isometric contraction. The collected outcomes included the mean and maximal amplitude of EMG root mean square (EMGRMS, µV) and the median frequency of the raw surface EMG signal power spectrum (EMGMED, Hz). Results: The results showed significant differences for most of the analyzed muscles analyzed, specifically in the deltoid, infraspinatus, and trapezius (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Our study suggests that in most of the muscles analyzed, EMG parameters—particularly mean and maximal EMGRMS—tend to increase from baseline to 50 shots, with significant declines observed after 100 shots, indicating muscle fatigue. The training routines of the athletes do not appear to significantly influence their response to fatigue conditions.
A Variational Mode Decomposition–Grey Wolf Optimizer–Gated Recurrent Unit Model for Forecasting Water Quality Parameters
Authors: Li Binglin , Sun Fengyu , Lian Yufeng , Xu Jianqiang , Zhou Jincheng
Published: July 2024

Water is a critical resource globally, covering approximately 71% of the Earth’s surface. Employing analytical models to forecast water quality parameters based on historical data is a key strategy in the field of water quality monitoring and treatment. By using a forecasting model, potential changes in water quality can be understood over time. In this study, the gated recurrent unit (GRU) neural network was utilized to forecast dissolved oxygen levels following variational mode decomposition (VMD). The GRU neural network’s parameters were optimized using the grey wolf optimizer (GWO), leading to the development of a VMD–GWO–GRU model for forecasting water quality parameters. The results indicate that this model outperforms both the standalone GRU model and the GWO–GRU model in capturing key information related to water quality parameters. Additionally, it shows improved accuracy in forecasting medium to long-term water quality changes, resulting in reduced root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE). The model demonstrates a significant improvement in the lag of forecasting water quality parameters, ultimately boosting forecasting accuracy. This approach can be applied effectively in both monitoring and forecasting water quality parameters, serving as a solid foundation for future water quality treatment strategies.
Physical Simulation Experiment for Visualizing Pulverized Coal Transport in Propped Fractures
Authors: Liu Yufang , Yang Longbin , Song Jinxing , Shi Junke , Wang Qian
Published: July 2024

The issue of pulverized coal in coalbed methane wells during the discharge and mining process spans all stages, and it is a key factor constraining the continuous and stable discharge and production capacity of coalbed methane. Among these stages, the single-phase water flow stage features a high incidence of pulverized coal. Consequently, this paper presents a physical simulation experiment within the propped fractures during the single-phase water flow stage. The results of this study reveal the following: (1) Within the propped fracture channel, when pulverized coal is deposited along the flow line without causing blockage, the front end of the deposition exhibits a strip-like dispersion, evolving into “block deposition”, “flame-like accumulation”, “linear accumulation”, and “dispersed point-like accumulation”. (2) Agglomerated fracturing fluid can effectively mitigate the permeability damage caused by pulverized coal to the propped fractures. Both the driving speed and particle size of pulverized coal significantly influence pulverized coal transportation. The injury rate of propped fracture conductivity increases with increasing driving speeds, while the output of pulverized coal first increases and then decreases with increasing driving speed. Moreover, larger pulverized coal particle sizes result in notably greater damage to propped fracture conductivity than smaller particle sizes. Correspondingly, larger particles exhibit significantly lower output of pulverized coal compared to smaller particles, and transportation and output time are prolonged for larger particles. These findings underscore the importance of particle size and driving speed in the transportation dynamics of pulverized coal. The research results provide a theoretical basis for developing strategies for the prevention and control of pulverized coal during the single-phase water flow stage, thereby offering substantial scientific and practical value for the economic and efficient development of coalbed methane.