bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Agricultural Medium in Hydroponic System on Growth and yield of Two Hybrids of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)
Authors: Nasih Hayder Bahjat , Abdulrahman Harith B. , Ghassan J. Z.
Published: August 2022

The experiment was conducted from 16 November 2020 to 21 January 2021 at Nursery of the Directorate of Agriculture Kirkuk / Kirkuk governate to study the effect of using different agricultural medium such as peat moss, perlite and peat moss + perlite on growth and yield of two hybrids of lettuce in a hydroponics system under plastic house protected structure. Specifically, The research used two factors, first factor is different of agricultural medium viz., peat moss, perlite and peat moss + perlite. Second factor is Two hybrids of lettuce viz, Fajer and Nader. Results showed that the lettuce planted in peat moss had the greatest number of leaves, heaviest stem and marketing head and highest total yield with a value 47.33 leaf plant-1, 42.10 g, 539.53 g and 5830.80 kg house-1. The data collected revealed that the Fajer hybrid recorded significant increment in all studied characteristics except percentage of dry matter in root and marketing yield. Fajer hybrid planted in peat moss obtained maximum values in all studied characteristics compared to other treatments. On contrast, Nader hybrid planted in peat moss + perlite obtained minimum values in these characteristics.
Effect of Foliar Spray with Yeast Suspension and Foliartal Nutrient Solution on the Mineral Content of Tissue Lime Seedlings Citrus limon L.
Authors: Abdulkareem Ali Adil , Hussien Nahla Hamoody
Published: August 2022

This study was done in green house of college of Agricultural engineering sciences during the season 2019-2020 to study the effect of the foliar spray with yeast suspension, nutrition solution (Foliartal) and their interaction on some leaf nutrients contents of (citrus limonL.) lime seedling was produced from the tissue culture lab. Studied factors were three level (0,7 and 10) g.L-1and (0,3 and 5) ml.L-1of yeast suspension and foliartal nutrient respectively treatments were distributed in Randomized Completely Block Design (RCBD) with two replicates the test LSD used in order to compare between means at 0.05% probability. the results showed that treatments 10 g.L-1of yeast suspension gave the highest values (1.57, 0.24, 1.48, 7.44 and 0.53,)% and (19.31, 114.63, and 28.42)mg.kg-1for N,P,K,C, Mg, Mn,Fe and Zn respectively the foliar nutrient at 5 ml.L-1gave significantly increased in all this characters which (1.5, 0.28, 1.44, 7.10 and 0.52)% and (18.64, 115.35 and 29.33) mg.kg-1for characters respectively, also the interaction between yeast suspension10 g.L-1+ foliartal nutrient 5 ml.L-1 gave the highest increment was (1.77, 1.62, 7.91 and 0.56) % and (20.89, 131.69 and 33.12) mg.kg-1respectively except phosphor percentage was highest value 0.29 % with (10 g.L-1+3ml.L-1) while the control treatments (0 g.L-1+ 0 ml.L-1) gave lower number of leaf mineral contents.
Gamma Rays Impacts in Qualitative Traits of Camel Meat in Different Area - Iraq
Authors: Ahmed Al-Perkhdri Adnan Shakor
Published: August 2022

With the aim of studying the effect of gamma rays on chemical and sensory properties in camel meat in Iraq, camel meat was exposed to doses: 0, 3, 5 and 7 kg of gamma radiation released by the radioactive isotope Cobalt 60. The basic ingredients of camel meat were estimated after direct irradiation. The sensory evaluation of the camel meat was carried out after it was cooked well in the pan, so that the X-treated samples were compared with the control group samples. The chemical properties of treated and untreated samples were assessed immediately after irradiation and 2, 4 and 6 weeks after the start of storage. No moral effect of irradiation was observed in the ratio of moisture, crude protein, and fat and pH value and quantity of Thiobarbituric acid (TBA) value while the moral effect of irradiation was recorded in both the rate of volatile nitrous bases VBN and peroxide values, where the amount of VBN in camel meat increased after irradiation, and the peroxide values decreased as a result of radiation treatment. The results of the sensory estimation showed no significant differences between processed or untreated camel meat.
Genetic Diversity and Identification of MC1R SNPs Association with Colors in Iraqi Local Ducks
Authors: Jaffar Azhar A. , Abdulkareem Ali A.
Published: August 2022

The aim of the study was to reveal the variation in the polymorphisms of Melancortin 1 receptor (MC1R) gene and relationship of SNP with colors in Iraqi local duck, in addition to identifying some of molecular characteristics of this gene and identifying the differences in the amino acids of MC1R gene and their differences between the white and gray local duck lines, two local duck lines were selected with 14 white and 14 gray birds, was chosen a region with size 515 bp MC1R gene, where designed the primer of; (Forward primer 5’-, GCTCTTCATGCTGCTGATGG -3, and Reverse primer 5’-, GGCAGGTGACGATGAGGATG -3) by relying on the reference copy under the accession number KU234624.1, the results with PCR technique and electrophoresis proved success of amplification process and fragment was 515 bp. After analyzing sequence of nitrogenous bases for the studied fragment for MC1R gene, two changes were observed in nitrogenous bases, which is known as single nucleotide formation (SNP). The two sites for studied fragment recorded with accession numbers for our study are LC480442.55G> A and LC480443.328C> T. It was observed that the first change site did not lead to any change in the amino acid (valine) at the 126th site of peptide chain of MC1R gene, while the second site resulted in an occurrence change in the amino acid arginine to cysteine at position 217 of peptide chain of the gene. The results showed, it was found that sites of changes in nitrogenous bases were found in both white and gray lines of local ducks, while the study did not show any correlation between these sites with the color of ducks. The results of some molecular tests of the MC1R gene showed that rate of change of nitrogenous bases and the genetic variation for studied frgament is very small when comparing the haplotypes and phylogenetic tree of the animals in this study, and the animals from other countries such as China, it was observed that local ducks possess same nucleotide sequence, which means possibility of dependence origin of local duck of Chinese ducks. The fragments obtained in this study for MC1R gene were recorded at global gene bank sites in NCBI, EMBL and DDBJ under independent accession numbers for our Iraqi local animals which LC480442, LC480443, LC480444, and LC480445.
Effect of Different Levels of Red Sumac Powder Rhus Coriria L. on Productive Performance, Coefficient of Digestion And Some Rumen Fluid Characteristics of Awassi Lambs Females
Authors: Hussein Salih Najem , Alsalam Mohammad Mohaiman Abd , Aljumaily Mwaffuk Hussein , Mohammed Mohammed Saleh , Abass Kasim Sakran
Published: August 2022

The main aim of this study is to find out the effect of adding different levels of sumac powder in the diets of female Awassi lambs. The field experiment lasted three months, in which 12 female Awassi lambs were used at the age of 4 months with a weight rate of (16.48 ± 1.39) kg, and distributed randomly into 4 treatments at a rate of 3 replicated / treated females The experimental animals were fed individually in cages with dimensions of 2.5 * 1.5 The animals of the first treatment (T1) were fed on a diet without adding 0% of sumac powder, the second treatment (T2) were fed on a diet with 1% sumac powder added to it The third (T3) I was fed on a legume plus 3% sumac powder, the fourth treatment (T4) I fed it on a leech with 5% sumac powder added to it. The results showed that there were no significant differences between the transactions in growth rates, including the final weight as it was limited between (23.14 - 23.84) kg and the rates of increase and the rate of daily weight gain (104, 98, 102, 102) g / day for the four treatments, respectively. As for the feed conversion efficiency, it reached (6.2, 6.4, 6.2, 6.1) kg of feed / kg increase in live weight, respectively. The results also indicated a significant improvement (P<0.01) in the material digestibility factor with an increase in the level of sumac powder, it reached (75.44, 78.17, 79.77, 82.68%) and the organic matter reached (76.95, 80.47, 82.02, 84.50)%, and the protein digestibility factor reached (73.63, 75.10, 76.79, 79.22%), and in the digestibility factor of ether extract, and that this improvement was in line with the increase in sumac powder level, as it reached (61.61, 63.95, 68.08, 70.09)% for the four treatments respectively. Whereas, the results indicated that there were no significant differences in a number of rumen fluid characteristics, including pH values, ammonia concentration, protozoa numbers and bacteria numbers.
Effect of Fed Omega-3 Addition on Milk Production and Some Reproductive Standards in Cypriot Goats
Authors: Al-Abbasy Emad Gh. , Noaman Abdulla I.
Published: August 2022

This study was conducted at the Ruminant Research Station of the Agricultural Research Department/ Ministry of Agriculture, which is located in Abu Ghraib area, for the period from 12 April 2018 to 26 December 2018. This experiment included 27 Cypriot goats with a weight of 34-48 kg. They were randomly distributed into three groups of equal number (Nine goat in each group). The first group (T1) control group (T2) the second group was given 20 ml / Omega -3 per animal and the third group (T3) was given 40 ml / Omega -3 per animal. The results showed that there was a proper effect of treatment with omega-3 on milk production of Cypriot goats during October, November and December. The third treatment was properly superior (P≤0.05) at a rate of 1.62 ± 52.30, 1.76 ± 36.00 and 2.00 ± 33.71 kg for the first treatment (Control), which that recorded during the same months 1.80 ± 28.00, 1.10 ± 19.44 and 1.68 ± 18.90 kg, respectively. The results of the current study also indicate a significant increased (P≤0.05) for the third treatment was given 40 ml omega-3 in the fertility rate of Cypriot goats that reached 80% compared to the control group whose fertility rate reached 60%, the results showed that the percentage of fertility increased significantly (P≤0.05) for goats in the third group to 90%, while the group T2 and T1 scored 70%, also the percentage of births improved significantly (P≤0.01) among the goats in the third group that were given 40 ml of omega-3 by a rate of 90 % Compared to the group T1 and T2 as it reached 60%. The results showed no significant effect of omega-3 on the percentage of twins, as it reached group T1 and T2 as it reached 35% compared to group T3 33%. The results indicated a significant decrease on a silent estrus percentage for goats in the third group T3 when given 40 ml of omega-3 to 20% compared to the group T2 and T1 at a rate of 40%. The results also showed a significant improvement in the number of births per abdomen among goats of the third group, which gave 40 ml of omega-3 as the rate was 1.20 compared to the groups T1 and T2 as they reached 0.70 and 1.0, respectively. The omega-3 administration of goats was not reported to have any significant effect on the pregnancy duration of three groups, it appears through the results of the study, that is giving omega-3 has significantly increased dramatically the reproductive performance and a lesser degree the productive performance of Cypriot goats in Iraq.
Effect of Adding Pomegranate Peel Extracts on the Stability of Grape Seeds Oil During Storage
Authors: Ahmed Al-Janabi Ahmed Muhsin Ali , Yassin Sabra Saad
Published: August 2022

The effect of adding pomegranate peel extract to Grape seed oil and studying the effect of addition on the stability of oil during storage period and comparing the results with a sample of grape seed oil during the storage period fortified with the same percentage of BHA. It was found that the addition process improved the physicochemical properties of oil, as it was noted that the value of peroxide number of oil which treated with pomegranate extract amounted to 34.07 μg / g, while the value of the same characteristic for the oil treated with BHA was 28.02 μg / g It was found from study of the rest of traits that their value was less than that of the untreated grape seed oil, and it was found that the absorption of light was less in the treated oil than in the untreated oil. total phenols. And the rest of the characteristics, but it is not having ability of BHA, which works to maintain levels of physicochemical properties within acceptable limits almost.
Effect of Adding Different Vitamin D3 Concentrations on Chilled Storage of Awassi Ram Semen
Authors: Abed Bresm Mohammed Hakim , Hassan Habeeb Hayder Mohammed
Published: August 2022

Prolong semen quality following the chilled process is important for assistant reproductive techniques such as artificial insemination. The objective of the current study is to evaluate the effect of adding different concentrations of vitamin D3 to the Tris-egg yolk extender on some semen parameters stored at 5ºC. Three Awassi rams were used in this study. Semen samples were collected pooled and diluted with an egg-yolk extender (1:10). Four Aliquots were divided into three treatments with vitamin D3 (T1= 0.02, T2=0.004, T3= 0.002 gm) and one control (T0). All samples were chilled to 5ºC. Samples were estimated at time h0 and after 24, 48,72, and 96 hours following treatment. Individual motility, dead sperm, abnormal sperm, and hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST) was used in this study. The individual motility significantly decreased in T1 compared to T0, T2, and T3 in all studded hours. Also, the individual motility in T3 was significantly greater at h48, h72, and h96, compared to T0, T1. The dead sperm was significantly greater in T1 on h0 compared to T0, T2, and T3. The HOST test was significantly greater in T0, T2, and T3 on h0 compared to T1. In conclusion, low vitamin D3 supplementation to the Awassi semen might potentiate the individual motility for up to 72 hours and trend to enhance some semen parameters.
Isolation, Phenotypic and Molecular Identification of Actinomycetes From Soil and Evaluation of Their Efficiency in Control of the Pathogen Botrytis cinerea Caused Gray Rot Disease on Eggplant
Authors: Hassan Abdullah Abdulkareem , Mahmoud Abdullah Fadhil
Published: August 2022

The current study included the isolation of 29 isolates of Actinomycetes from soil samples that collected from different regions of Salah Al-Din Governorate, including districts (Samarra, Tikrit, Balad, Sharqat, Tuz and Ishaqi). The results of the antagonism of these isolates against the pathogenic fungusBotrytiscinereashowed the superiority of isolates S2, S5, Sh3, Sh1 and T2 on other isolates, the inhibition zone of the pathogenic fungus was 2.4, 2.2, 2.2, 2.1 and 1.9 cm, respectively. These isolates were identified using microscopic and biochemical tests, as well as their diagnosis molecularly to the species level using the nucleotide sequence analysis technique of 16S rRNA gene. All isolates belonged to the genusStreptomycessp., the similarity percentage of the isolates ranged from (99.47-99.62%) with theStreptomycesspp. recorded in the database of the World GenBank. The above isolates were identified asStreptomyces kanamyceticus, S.hygroscopicus, S.achromogenes, S.atratus and S.griseus, respectively, and registered in the database of the World GenBank in NCBI. The filtrates of Streptomyces sp. grown in various media included; Glycerol Tyrosine Medium, Glycerol Yeast Extract Medium, Glycerol Aspargine Medium, Starch-Minerals Medium and Starch Peptone Yeast Extract Medium against pathogenic fungusB.cinerea, the results showed that theS.kanamyceticusfiltrate recorded the highest inhibition rate in all media except Starch Mineral medium, which reached 8.13 and 8.66, 4.73, 4.46 and 5.46 mm, respectively. The effectiveness of some active substances with antifungal activity produced from theStreptomycesspp. was estimated, which included the antibiotic Fungichromin, chitinase and beta-glucanase, the results showed the production of fangichromin fromS.kanamyceticus,S.hygroscopicus, andS.achromogenesonly, which reched to 6.76, 6.66 and 5.4 μg/ml, respectively, on the othe hand, all isolates recorded the activity of chitinase and beta-glucanase, the highest activities were 0.895 and 1.254 units/ml inS.kanamyceticus, respectively.
The Combined Effect of Bio-Fertilizers, Coconut Endosperm Fluid and Amino Acids Tryptophan on the Vegetative Growth Characteristics of Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.)
Authors: Jaafar Mahdi S. , Mustafa Alnaimi Sala Basim Ismael
Published: August 2022

This study was carried out in the field during the two winter seasons (2020-2019) and (2021-2020) in the experimental field of the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences-University of Baghdad (Al-Jadriya), with the aim of improving the efficiency and productivity of the vegetative growth characteristics of cumin (Turkish variety) under the influence of Iraqi conditions. The experiment included a two-factor study, the first with four levels of biofertilizers (without vaccine, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Azospirillum brasilense and the mixture between the two fertilizers), and the second with a combination of five levels that included two treatments (15 and 30 ml L-1) each of coconut endosperm fluid and tryptophan with One metering treatment for both (spray with distilled water only). The experiment was carried out by arranging the split panels according to a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results of the study showed the superiority of plants treated with the spray combination (30 ml-1 each) in the presence of the mixture between the two fertilizers in the height of the main stem (27.53 and 29.33 cm), the number of main branches (9.13 and 9.67 plant branches-1) and the dry weight of the vegetative (9.99 and 9.99 9.96 g plant-1), fresh weight of the vegetative (20.55 and 43.95 g plant-1), relative growth rate (0.044 and 0.050 g-1 day-1), crop growth rate (1.903 and 2.292 g m2 day-1) and leaves of total chlorophyll (0.052 and 0.047 mg 100 g-2 of fresh weight) compared to uncontaminated and unsprayed plants for both seasons, respectively.
Effect of Aspergillus flavus on Seed Germination and Seedlings Growth of Barley and Some of Associated Weeds
Authors: Ali Al-Shebly Hayder Azeez
Published: August 2022

The research was conducted during the 2021 growing season which included a series of experiments to investigate the effect the fungus Aspergillus flavus presence on germination and growth of barley and some barley weeds including annual ryegrass Lolium rigidum, darnel Lolium temulentum and yellow sweet clover Melilotus officinalis. Results of isolation and identification of fungi associated with seedlings roots of barley and the weeds showed that A. flavus was the most prevalent fungus associated with roots and surrounding soil recording the highest frequency among all the found fungi. In plastic pots, Aspergillus flavus was added to the potting soil and tested for its the effect on seed germination and seedlings growth of barley and weeds under study. The results showed after 20 days of planting that the fungus led to an increase in the percentage of germination and fresh weight and lengths of barley seedlings while the presence of the fungus decreased germination and seedlings growth of studied weeds with the highest negative impact on the darnel. Incubation at different temperatures were tested for their effects on A. flavus growth, and results showed that the fungus grows higher when incubated at relatively high temperatures (25-35°C), while the lowest growth was at 15 °C and the fungus did not grow at 10 °C.
The Response of Three Barley Cultivars to Cumin Extract at Different Soaking Times and the Identification of the Active Compounds Using GCMS
Authors: Ibrahim Mohammed A. , Hayawi Jassim A. , Sultan Fatima I.
Published: August 2022

The research was carried out at the Agricultural Technical College / Mosul, to study the effect of cumin extract on barley culture with three factors, the first is (comparator and cumin extract), the second is the duration of soaking (6 and 12) hours, and the third is barley varieties (local, rayhan, zanbaqa), using the design of (CRD) and three replicates. At the end of the research, the data were recorded and analyzed according to the SAS program, and the different averages were distinguished by different alphabets, and the results were: Cumin extract was significantly superior to the control treatment in all studied traits, except for the number of roots. The duration of (12) hours was significantly superior to the duration of (6) hours in the wet and dry weight of the seedling. The barley zanbaqa cultivar outperformed the local and rayhan cultivars in all the studied traits. The interaction between cumin extract and the duration of (12) hours achieved significant superiority in all the studied traits. The interaction between cumin extract and zanbaqa cultivar was significantly superior in seedling wet weight, root length and vegetative length. The interaction between the period (12) hours and the zanbaqa variety caused a significant superiority in all the studied traits. The interaction between cumin extract, duration (12) hours, and zanbaqa cultivar was significantly superior to the rest of the interactions in wet and dry weight and root length.. The active compounds separated from the aqueous extract of cumin were diagnosed by GCMS and it was found that there are 9 compounds, 2 of which are phenolic and 7 of which are fatty acids.
Response of Corn at Different Levels of Nitrogen Fertilizer and Cultivation Distances
Authors: Alsharifi Mohamed Yousif M. , Atab Huda A. , Alwan Alsharifi Salih K.
Published: August 2022

Study the response of the corn crop / Bohooth 106 cultivar, at different levels of nitrogen fertilizer (NF) and cultivation distances (CD). were tested under three levels of nitrogen fertilizer NF of 200, 250 and 300 kgN.ha-1, and two levels CD of 15 and CD of 20 cm The split -split plot arrangement in RCBD with three replications was used. The results showed that the NF of 300 kgN.ha-1 was significantly superior to the other two levels of NF of 200 and 250 kgN.ha-1 in all studied conditions. Soil characteristics(SBD and TSP), plant and root parameters (RL, RDFW and PDFW) and yield and plant growth parameters (PVI, PH, LA and GY). The CD of 20 cm was meaningfully best than of CD of 15 cm in all studied conditions.
A study Some Technical Indicators Under Impact Tillage Depth and Disk harrow Angle of the Compound Machine
Authors: Mankhi Abbas A. , Jebur Hussein A.
Published: August 2022

The research included studying the effect of different plowing depths (10,20and30) cm and three angles of the disc harrows (18,20and25) when they were combined in one compound machine consisting of a triple plow and disc harrows tied within one structure. Draft force, fuel consumption, practical productivity, and resistance to soil penetration. The results indicated that the plowing depth and disc angle had a significant effect on all studied parameters. The results showed that when the plowing depth increased and the disc angle increased, leads to increased pull force ratio, fuel consumption, resistance to soil penetration, and reduce the machine practical productivity.
The Impact of Fiscal Policy on the Agricultural Domestic Product in Iraq for the Period 1990 – 2020
Authors: Abdulhussain Ali J. , Abd Miqdad Jassim , Mousa Hayder Talib
Published: August 2022

The study aimed at the impact of fiscal policy tools on the agricultural domestic product in Iraq for the period 1990-2020 through economic, statistical and standard analysis, after taking an overview of a set of concepts about fiscal policy, its objectives and tools in addition to analysis Reality economic for the output local agricultural The applied study showed the analysis of the impact between the financial policy tools ( public spending, tax revenues, public revenues) on agricultural domestic product through economic and standard analysis, and the results showed that the increase in public revenues has a significant impact on agricultural domestic product and this is consistent with The logic of economic theory, either Public spending, although its impact is not significant, but the result is positive, and tax revenues came in an inverse relationship with agricultural domestic product and this is consistent with economic theory. Finally, raising the proportion of the country’s public revenue contribution and supporting the agricultural domestic product by increasing the proportion of allocations belonging to the agricultural sector, which has a positive impact on the economy in particular and is considered part of the fiscal policy steps.
Effect of Agricultural Medium on the Qualitative Characteristics of Two Hybrids of Lettuce (Lactuca Sativa L.) in Hydroponics System
Authors: Nasih Hayder Bahjat , Abdulrahman Harith B. , Ghassan J. Z.
Published: August 2022

This study aimed to determine the most effective agricultural medium used in the growth and yield of lettuce in a hydroponics system under plastic house protected structure. Specifically, the study aimed to know the effect of using different agricultural medium such as peat moss, perlite and peat moss + perlite on growth and yield of two hybrids of lettuce. The experiment was conducted from 16 November 2020 to 21 January 2021 at Nursery of the Directorate of Agriculture Kirkuk / Kirkuk governate. The research used two factors, first factor is different of agricultural medium viz., peat moss, perlite and peat moss + perlite. Second factor is Two hybrids of lettuce viz, Fajer and Nader. The experiment was laid out according to the Randomized Complete Blocking Design (RCBD) with split plot arrangement in three replicates. The Duncan Multiple Range test at 5% level of probability was used for the comparison among means. Results showed that the lettuce planted in peat moss had the greatest content of the middle and internal leaves of chlorophyll. And the proportion of phosphorous, potassium, iron, nitrate and pigment Beta-carotene, percentage and density and refractive index of oil in the leaves. The data collected revealed that the Fajer hybrid recorded significant increment in all studied characteristics except content of the external leaves of chlorophyll and the percentage of nitrogen, protein and sugars in the leaves. Fajer hybrid planted in peat moss obtained maximum values in all studied characteristics compared to other treatments. On contrast, Nader hybrid planted in peat moss + perlite obtained minimum values in these characteristics.
Spatial patterning of PCL µ-scaffolds directs 3D vascularized bio-constructs morphogenesis in vitro
Authors: Pedram Parisa , Mazio Claudia , Imparato Giorgia , Netti Paolo A , Salerno Aurelio
Published: August 2022

Modular tissue engineering (mTE) strategies aim to build three-dimensional tissue analogues in vitro by the sapient combination of cells, micro-scaffolds (μ-scaffs) and bioreactors. The translation of these newly engineered tissues into current clinical approaches is, among other things, dependent on implant-to-host microvasculature integration, a critical issue for cells and tissue survival in vivo. In this work we reported, for the first time, a computer-aided modular approach suitable to build fully vascularized hybrid (biological/synthetic) constructs (bio-constructs) with micro-metric size scale control of blood vessels growth and orientation. The approach consists of four main steps, starting with the fabrication of polycaprolactone μ-scaffs by fluidic emulsion technique, which exhibit biomimetic porosity features. In the second step, layers of μ-scaffs following two different patterns, namely ordered and disordered, were obtained by a soft lithography-based process. Then, the as obtained μ-scaff patterns were used as template for human dermal fibroblasts and human umbilical vein endothelial cells co-culture, aiming to promote and guide the biosynthesis of collagenous extracellular matrix and the growth of new blood vessels within the mono-layered bio-constructs. Finally, bi-layered bio-constructs were built by the alignment, stacking and fusion of two vascularized mono-layered samples featuring ordered patterns. Our results demonstrated that, if compared to the disordered pattern, the ordered one provided better control over bio-constructs shape and vasculature architecture, while minor effect was observed with respect to cell colonization and new tissue growth. Furthermore, by assembling two mono-layered bio-constructs it was possible to build 1 mm thick fully vascularized viable bio-constructs and to study tissue morphogenesis during 1 week of in vitro culture. In conclusion, our results highlighted the synergic role of μ-scaff architectural features and spatial patterning on cells colonization and biosynthesis, and pave the way for the possibility to create in silico designed vasculatures within modularly engineered bio-constructs.
Valley-magnetophonon resonance for interlayer excitons
Authors: Smirnov Dmitry S , Holler Johannes , Kempf Michael , Zipfel Jonas , Nagler Philipp , Ballottin Mariana V , Mitioglu Anatolie A , Chernikov Alexey , Christianen Peter C M , Schüller Christian , Korn Tobias
Published: August 2022

Heterobilayers consisting of MoSe2 and WSe2 monolayers can host optically bright interlayer excitons with intriguing properties such as ultralong lifetimes and pronounced circular polarization of their photoluminescence due to valley polarization, which can be induced by circularly polarized excitation or applied magnetic fields. Here, we report on the observation of an intrinsic valley-magnetophonon resonance for localized interlayer excitons promoted by invervalley hole scattering. It leads to a resonant increase of the photoluminescence polarization degree at the same field of 24.2 Tesla for H-type and R-type stacking configurations despite their vastly different excitonic energy splittings. As a microscopic mechanism of the hole intervalley scattering we identify the scattering with chiral TA phonons of MoSe2 between excitonic states mixed by the long-range electron hole exchange interaction.
Energetic disorder impacts energy-level alignment of alpha-sexithiophene on hydrogen-terminated silicon and silicon oxide
Authors: Chen Botong , Hu Jiaxin , Wang Qi , Duhm Steffen
Published: August 2022

The energy-level alignment at hybrid organic-inorganic interfaces is decisive for the performance of (opto-)electronic devices. We use ultraviolet and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS and XPS) to measure the energy-level alignment of vacuum-sublimed α-sexithiophene (6 T) thin films with HF-etched n-type Si(100) and with Si with a native oxide layer (SiOx). The 6 T thin films induce a small (<0.1 eV) downwards band bending into both substrates as shown by XPS. The well-ordered growth of 6 T on Si leads to a relatively narrow density of states (DOS) distribution of the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) as shown by UPS. Furthermore, the Fermi-level comes to lie at rather mid-gap position and, consequently, no energy-level bending occurs in the 6 T layer. Structural disorder in the 6 T thin film on SiOx leads to a broad HOMO DOS distribution and to tailing states into the energy gap. Consequently, downwards energy-level bending (by around 0.20 eV) takes place in the 6 T layer.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Remote Behavioral Interventions Facilitated by Health Care Providers at Improving Medication Adherence in Cardiometabolic Conditions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chilala Chimweta I , Kassavou Aikaterini , Sutton Stephen
Published: August 2022

Background

Although cardiometabolic conditions account for over 32% of all global deaths, nearly half of the patients with cardiometabolic conditions do not take medication as prescribed. Remote behavioral interventions have been shown to potentially improve adherence in these patients and further support cost effective clinical practice.

Purpose

To evaluate the effectiveness of remote behavioral interventions at improving treatment adherence and to explore behavioral intervention components associated with it.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and Web of Science in April 2021. Random-effects meta-analyses were utilized.

Results

In total, 40 studies, including 24,672 participants, were included. The overall quality of evidence, assessed using the RoB2 tool, was low. The intervention had a small (odds ratios [OR] = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.47, 1.96, N = 4823 p < .001) to moderate effect (SMD = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.38, 0.76, N = 20,271, p < .001) on the dichotomous and continuous outcomes, respectively. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was reduced by 3.71 mmHg (95% CI: 3.99, 3.43, N = 6,527, p < .001) and participants receiving the intervention were twice more likely to achieve blood pressure (BP) control (OR = 2.14, 95% CI: 1.61, 2.84, N = 1,172, p < .001). Generally, HBA1c decreased by 0.25% (95% CI: 0.33, 0.17, N = 6,734, p < .001), whereas low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol dropped by 6.82 mg/dL (95% CI: 8.33, 5.30, N = 4,550, p < .001) in favor of the intervention. There was a trend suggesting a potential positive effects on reducing visits to emergency department (OR=0.76, 95% CI: 0.57, 1.01, N = 4,182) and mortality rates (OR=0.78, 95% CI: 0.42, 1.42, N = 1,971), and no risk for hospital readmission (OR=1.00, 95% CI: 0.83, 1.20, N = 5,402), favoring the intervention.

Conclusions

Despite low quality of evidence, remote consultations are effective at improving medication adherence and clinical indicators, and potentially cost-effective solution for health care services.
Lower Preoperative Verbal Memory Performance Is Associated with Delirium after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kaźmierski Jakub , Miler Piotr , Pawlak Agnieszka , Woźniak Joanna , Frankowska Emilia , Nowakowska Karina , Kuchta Katarzyna , Pazdrak Michał , Woźniak Katarzyna , Magierski Radosław , Krejca Michał , Wilczyński Mirosław
Published: August 2022

Objective

Cognitive impairment constitutes one of the major risk factors of delirium after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery; however, it is unclear whether only patients with global cognitive decline are at increased risk for delirium or if individuals with preserved global cognitive functions but impairments in specific cognitive domains are also more vulnerable to developing delirium. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the neurocognitive status of patients scheduled for CABG surgery with the use of an advanced computerized cognitive battery (CNS Vital Signs) and to investigate possible associations between impaired performance in selective cognitive areas and the risk of postoperative delirium development.

Methods

The study enrolled 127 participants with a median age of 67 years (IQR: 63–71). Postoperative delirium developed in 32 (25%) patients.

Before surgery, the patients were screened for global cognitive impairment with the use of the Mini-Mental State Examination Test, and the individuals were asked to perform the CNS Vital Signs battery to investigate 12 specific cognitive domains. The Confusion Assessment Method and the Memorial Delirium Assessment Scale were used to screen for a diagnosis of delirium postoperatively.

Results

In multivariate models, a lower score of verbal memory-assessed preoperatively was independently associated with the risk of postoperative delirium development. Other independent predictors of delirium included more advanced age, gender female, depression, postoperative pyrexia, and the presence of extracorporeal circulation.

Conclusions

As decreased verbal memory constitutes an independent risk factor for postoperative delirium, a verbal memory test may be a useful predictor of postoperative delirium development.
A Protective Role of NOD2 on Oxazolone-induced Intestinal Inflammation Through IL-1β-mediated Signalling Pathway
Authors: Secher Thomas , Couturier Aurélie , Huot Ludovic , Bouscayrol Helene , Grandjean Teddy , Boulard Olivier , Hot David , Ryffel Bernhard , Chamaillard Mathias
Published: August 2022

Background and Aims

NOD2 has emerged as a critical player in the induction of both Th1 and Th2 responses for potentiation and polarisation of antigen-dependent immunity. Loss-of-function mutations in the NOD2-encoding gene and deregulation of its downstream signalling pathway have been linked to Crohn’s disease. Although it is well documented that NOD2 is capable of sensing bacterial muramyl dipeptide, it remains counter-intuitive to link development of overt intestinal inflammation to a loss of bacterial-induced inflammatory response. We hypothesised that a T helper bias could also contribute to an autoimmune-like colitis different from inflammation that is fully fledged by Th1 type cells.

Methods

An oedematous bowel wall with a mixed Th1/Th2 response was induced in mice by intrarectal instillation of the haptenating agent oxazolone. Survival and clinical scoring were evaluated. At several time points after instillation, colonic damage was assessed by macroscopic and microscopic observations. To evaluate the involvement of NOD2 in immunochemical phenomena, quantitative polymerase chain reaction [PCR] and flow cytometry analysis were performed. Bone marrow chimera experimentation allowed us to evaluate the role of haematopoietic/non-hematopoietic NOD2-expressing cells.

Results

Herein, we identified a key regulatory circuit whereby NOD2-mediated sensing of a muramyl dipeptide [MDP] by radio-resistant cells improves colitis with a mixed Th1/Th2 response that is induced by oxazolone. Genetic ablation of either Nod2 or Ripk2 precipitated oxazolone colitis that is predominantly linked to a lack of interferon-gamma. Bone marrow chimera experiments revealed that inactivation of Nod2 signalling in non-haematopoietic cells is causing a biased M1-M2 polarisation of macrophages and a decreased frequency of splenic regulatory T cells that correlates with an impaired activation of CD4 + T cells within mesenteric lymph nodes. Mechanistically, mice were protected from oxazolone-induced colitis upon administration of MDP in an interleukin-1- and interleukin-23-dependent manner.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that Nod2 signalling may prevent pathological conversion of T helper cells for maintenance of tissue homeostasis.
A Protection Motivation Theory Approach to Understanding How Fear of Falling Affects Physical Activity Determinants in Older Adults
Authors: Preissner Christian Erik , Kaushal Navin , Charles Kathleen , Knäuper Bärbel
Published: August 2022

Objectives

This study applied an extended Protection Motivation Theory to investigate the relative importance of fear of falling (FoF) among motivational and intentional determinants of physical activity (PA) behavior.

Methods

Older U.S. adults (N = 667, 65+) were surveyed using online research panels and completed measures of self-efficacy and response efficacy (coping appraisal), perceived vulnerability and perceived severity (threat appraisal), FoF, autonomous motivation, intention, physical health, and past PA level.

Results

Our structural equation model showed that past PA level and health predicted intention via cognitive constructs. PA and health predicted FoF and motivation via threat and coping appraisal. FoF did not directly predict intention.

Discussion

Results from this sample provide support for the predictive effects of threat appraisal on fear. However, findings suggest that FoF may not be of great importance for the formation of PA intention compared with an established habit of being physically active and a subsequently fostered coping appraisal and motivation.
Language and Persuasion: Human Dignity at the European Court of Human Rights
Authors: Fikfak Veronika , Izvorova Lora
Published: August 2022

Although the concept of human dignity is absent from the text of the European Convention on Human Rights, it is mentioned in more than 2100 judgments of the European Court of Human Rights. The judges at the Court have used dignity to develop the scope of Convention rights, but also to signal to respondent states just how serious a violation is and to nudge them toward better compliance. However, these strategies reach dead ends when the Court is faced with government submissions that are based on a conception of dignity that is different from the notion of human dignity relied on by the Court. Through empirical analysis and by focusing on Russia, the country against which the term dignity is used most frequently, the paper maps out situations of conceptual contestation and overlap. We reveal how the Court strategically uses mirroring, substitutes dignity for other Convention values, or altogether avoids confrontation. In such situations, the Court’s use (and non-use) of dignity becomes less about persuading states to comply with the Convention and more about preserving its authority and managing its relationship with states.
Effect of increasing zinc supplementation on post-transit performance, behavior, blood and muscle metabolites, and gene expression in growing beef feedlot steers
Authors: Heiderscheit Katie J , Hansen Stephanie L
Published: August 2022

Fifty-four Angus-cross steers (297 kg ± 12) were stratified by body weight (BW) to pens (six steers per pen) to determine the effects of supplemental Zn on posttransit growth performance and blood and muscle metabolites. Dietary treatments started 25 d before trucking: control (CON; analyzed 54 mg Zn/kg DM), industry (IND; CON + 70 mg supplemental Zn/kg DM), and supranutritional Zn (SUPZN; CON + 120 mg supplemental Zn/kg DM). Supplemental Zn was bis-glycinate bound Zn (Plexomin Zn; Phytobiotics North America, Cary, NC). On day 0, steers were loaded onto a commercial trailer and transported in 18 h (1,822 km). Individual BW was recorded on days –26, –25, –1, and 0 (pre-transit), 1 (posttransit), 6, 27, and 28. Blood was collected on days –1, 1, 6, and 27. Longissimus thoracis biopsies were collected on days –1, 1, and 28. Daily individual feed disappearance was recorded via GrowSafe bunks. Data were analyzed using Proc Mixed of SAS with fixed effect of diet and steer as the experimental unit (growth performance, blood: n = 18 steers per treatment; muscle: n = 12 steers per treatment). Individual initial BW was used as a covariate in BW analysis. Contrast statements to test linear, quadratic, and Zn effects were used to analyze performance and blood parameters. Repeated measures analysis was used for posttransit DMI recovery and weekly posttransit DMI and Zn intake with the repeated effect of time. MetaboAnalyst 5.0 was utilized for statistical analysis of day 1 (off truck) muscle metabolites. Plasma Zn linearly increased due to Zn on days 1, 6, and 27 (P = 0.01), and off-truck (day 1) serum lactate increased over day –1 by 20%, 0%, and 20% in CON, IND, and SUPZN, respectively (Quadratic: P = 0.01). Muscle lactate tended to increase posttransit in CON and IND (P ≤ 0.07) but not SUPZN. Muscle metabolites relating to amino acid and nitrogen metabolism were increased in all treatments posttransit (P ≤ 0.02), and alanine-glucose cycle metabolites tended to increase in CON and IND (P ≤ 0.07). Steers supplemented with Zn recovered pretransit DMI quicker than CON (by d 2: P = 0.01), while IND had greater overall posttransit DMI than CON with SUPZN intermediate (P = 0.04), and Zn-fed steers had greater ADG posttransit (P = 0.04). Zinc supplementation mitigated muscle or serum lactate increases due to transit and increased posttransit ADG.
Composition and Performance of Autologous Engineered Skin Substitutes for Repair or Regeneration of Excised, Full-Thickness Burns
Authors: Boyce Steven T , Kagan Richard J
Published: August 2022

Prompt and permanent wound closure after burn injuries remains a requirement for patient recovery. Historically, split-thickness skin autograft (STAG) has served as the prevailing standard of care for closure of extensive, deep burns. Because STAG availability may be insufficient in life-threatening burns, alternatives have been evaluated for safety and efficacy of wound closure. Since the 1970s, alternatives consisting of cultured epidermal keratinocytes, and/or acellular dermal substitutes were studied and translated into services and devices that facilitated wound closure, survival, and recovery after major burns. Cultured epithelial autografts (CEA) promoted epidermal closure of wounds but were not stable during long-term recovery. An acellular dermal substitute consisting of collagen and glycosaminoglycans (C-GAG) provided more uniform dermal repair, and reduced needs for epidermal harvesting but was subject to loss from microbial contamination. More recently, an autologous engineered skin substitute (ESS) has been reported and includes a C-GAG polymer populated with fibroblasts and keratinocytes which form basement membrane. ESS can be applied clinically over a vascularized dermal substitute and generates stable wound closure that is smooth, soft, and strong. Despite these advances, no current alternatives for permanent wound closure restore the anatomy and physiology of uninjured skin. Current alternatives act by mechanisms of wound healing, not by developmental biology by which skin forms in utero with pigment, hair, sweat and sebaceous glands, microvasculature, and nerve. Until full-thickness burns are restored with all of the normal structures and functions of uninjured skin, regenerative medicine of skin will remain an ambitious aspiration for future researchers and engineers to achieve.
Bilateral Knee Dislocations in an Active Duty Service Member: A Case Report
Authors: Anies Ervin P , Sheppard Sean G , McDonald Lucas S , Bailey James R
Published: August 2022

This case highlights a staged operative approach for a patient who sustained bilateral knee dislocations and subsequent staged operative treatment and rehabilitation. This patient underwent bilateral multiligamentous knee reconstructions and left-sided peroneal nerve allografting because of complete peroneal nerve palsy. The initial treatment was bilateral medial collateral ligament reconstructions, posterolateral corner reconstructions, and capsular repairs with left leg peroneal nerve allografting and repair of avulsed biceps femoris tendon. The patient underwent physical therapy following the first stage procedure until he regained appropriate motion and soft tissue healing occurred. Subsequently, combined anterior cruciate and posterior cruciate ligament reconstructions were performed in a staged fashion to allow one leg to fully bear weight for rehabilitation purposes. With the help of a multidisciplinary surgical and rehabilitation team, the patient has regained the stability of his knees and achieved acceptable functional outcomes. A staged systematic approach to multiligamentous bilateral knee reconstruction can provide optimal pain management, obtain initial joint stability, minimize complications, and achieve acceptable functional outcomes. Surgical techniques to first restore medial and lateral structures can be utilized to provide initial valgus and varus stability while allowing for knee mobilization and, eventually, in-line ambulation, before staged anterior and posterior cruciate ligament reconstructions. This case demonstrates a multistaged approach to bilateral knee dislocations with favorable outcomes in a 23-year-old active duty patient.