bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extraction of Inulin from Andean Plants: An Approach to Non-Traditional Crops of Ecuador
Authors: Escobar-Ledesma Freddy R. , Sánchez-Moreno Vanessa E. , Vera Edwin , Ciobotă Valerian , Jentzsch Paul Vargas , Jaramillo Lorena I.
Published: November 2020

Inulin is a polysaccharide of fructose widely used in the food and pharmaceutical industry due to its physicochemical properties and technological applications. Inulin from jicama (Smallanthus sonchifolius) and cabuya (Agave americana) was obtained. The steps for inulin obtention were: raw material preparation, extraction and purification. The extraction conditions were determined using a random design with three levels of stirring speed (0, 130 and 300 rpm), and a 32 factorial experimental design with three levels of temperature (40, 60 and 80 °C) and solid:liquid ratio (1:2, 1:3 and 1:5 S:L). The results showed that the best extractions conditions for jicama were 130 rpm, 75 °C, 1:5 S:L and 25 min; while for cabuya were 80 °C, 300 rpm, 1:5 S-L and 100 min. The weight average molecular weight of inulin from jicama and cabuya were 5799.9 and 4659.75 g/mol, respectively. The identity of the obtained inulin from jicama and cabuya were confirmed by infrared (IR) and Raman spectroscopy. In addition, scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetry analyses were performed to characterize both inulins.
Comprehensive Characterization of Linalool-HP-β-Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complexes
Authors: Rodríguez-López María Isabel , Mercader-Ros María Teresa , Lucas-Abellán Carmen , Pellicer José Antonio , Pérez-Garrido Alfonso , Pérez-Sánchez Horacio , Yáñez-Gascón María Josefa , Gabaldón José Antonio , Núñez-Delicado Estrella
Published: November 2020

The objective of the present study is to obtain linalool- cyclodextrin (CDs) solid complexes for possible applications in the food industry. For this purpose, a detailed study of linalool complexation was carried out at different pH values, to optimize the type of CDs and reaction medium that support the highest quantity of encapsulated linalool. Once demonstrated the ability of hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CDs), to form inclusion complexes with linalool (KC = 921 ± 21 L mol−1) and given their greater complexation efficacy (6.788) at neutral pH, HP-β-CDs were selected to produce solid inclusion complexes by using two different energy sources, ultrasounds and microwave irradiation, subsequently spraying the solutions obtained in the Spray Dryer. To provide scientific solidity to the experimental results, the complexes obtained were characterized by using different instrumental techniques in order to confirm the inclusion of linalool in the HP-β-CDs hydrophobic cavity. The linalool solid complexes obtained were characterized by using 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (ROSEY), differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry. Moreover, the structure of the complex obtained were also characterized by molecular modeling.
The Renal Clearable Magnetic Resonance Imaging Contrast Agents: State of the Art and Recent Advances
Authors: Li Xiaodong , Sun Yanhong , Ma Lina , Liu Guifeng , Wang Zhenxin
Published: November 2020

The advancements of magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents (MRCAs) are continuously driven by the critical needs for early detection and diagnosis of diseases, especially for cancer, because MRCAs improve diagnostic accuracy significantly. Although hydrophilic gadolinium (III) (Gd3+) complex-based MRCAs have achieved great success in clinical practice, the Gd3+-complexes have several inherent drawbacks including Gd3+ leakage and short blood circulation time, resulting in the potential long-term toxicity and narrow imaging time window, respectively. Nanotechnology offers the possibility for the development of nontoxic MRCAs with an enhanced sensitivity and advanced functionalities, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided synergistic therapy. Herein, we provide an overview of recent successes in the development of renal clearable MRCAs, especially nanodots (NDs, also known as ultrasmall nanoparticles (NPs)) by unique advantages such as high relaxivity, long blood circulation time, good biosafety, and multiple functionalities. It is hoped that this review can provide relatively comprehensive information on the construction of novel MRCAs with promising clinical translation.
In-Vivo Antidiabetic Activity and In-Silico Mode of Action of LC/MS-MS Identified Flavonoids in Oleaster Leaves
Authors: Mechchate Hamza , Es-Safi Imane , Bourhia Mohammed , Kyrylchuk Andrii , El Moussaoui Abdelfattah , Conte Raffaele , Ullah Riaz , Ezzeldin Essam , Mostafa Gamal A. , Grafov Andriy , Bekkari Hicham , Bousta Dalila
Published: November 2020

Background: Olea europea L. subsp. europaea var. sylvestris (Mill) Lehr (Oleaster) is a wild endemic olive tree indigenous to the Mediterranean region. Olea europea leaves represent a natural reservoir of bioactive molecules that can be used for therapeutic purposes. Aim of the study: This work was conducted to study antidiabetic and antihyperglycemic activities of flavonoids from oleaster leaves using alloxan-induced diabetic mice. The mode of action of flavonoids against eight receptors that have a high impact on diabetes management and complication was also investigated using molecular docking. Results: During 28 days of mice treatment with doses 25 and 50 mg/kg b.w, the studied flavonoids managed a severe diabetic state (<450 mg/dL), exhibiting a spectacular antidiabetic and antihyperglycemic activity, and improved mice health status compared to diabetic control. The in-silico mode of action of oleaster flavonoids revealed the inhibition of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), Dipeptidyl-peptidase 4 (DPP4), α-Amylase (AAM), α-Glucosidase inhibition, Aldose reductase (AldR), Glycogen phosphorylase (GP), and the activation of free fatty acid receptor 1 (FFAR1). Conclusion: The findings obtained in the present work indicate that the flavonoids from the oleaster may constitute a safe multi-target remedy to treat diabetes.
Repurposing Auranofin and Evaluation of a New Gold(I) Compound for the Search of Treatment of Human and Cattle Parasitic Diseases: From Protozoa to Helminth Infections
Authors: Feng Liwen , Pomel Sébastien , Latre de Late Perle , Taravaud Alexandre , Loiseau Philippe M. , Maes Louis , Cho-Ngwa Fidelis , Bulman Christina A. , Fischer Chelsea , Sakanari Judy A. , Ziniel Peter D. , Williams David L. , Davioud-Charvet Elisabeth
Published: November 2020

Neglected parasitic diseases remain a major public health issue worldwide, especially in tropical and subtropical areas. Human parasite diversity is very large, ranging from protozoa to worms. In most cases, more effective and new drugs are urgently needed. Previous studies indicated that the gold(I) drug auranofin (Ridaura®) is effective against several parasites. Among new gold(I) complexes, the phosphole-containing gold(I) complex {1-phenyl-2,5-di(2-pyridyl)phosphole}AuCl (abbreviated as GoPI) is an irreversible inhibitor of both purified human glutathione and thioredoxin reductases. GoPI-sugar is a novel 1-thio-β-d-glucopyranose 2,3,4,6-tetraacetato-S-derivative that is a chimera of the structures of GoPI and auranofin, designed to improve stability and bioavailability of GoPI. These metal-ligand complexes are of particular interest because of their combined abilities to irreversibly target the essential dithiol/selenol catalytic pair of selenium-dependent thioredoxin reductase activity, and to kill cells from breast and brain tumors. In this work, screening of various parasites—protozoans, trematodes, and nematodes—was undertaken to determine the in vitro killing activity of GoPI-sugar compared to auranofin. GoPI-sugar was found to efficiently kill intramacrophagic Leishmania donovani amastigotes and adult filarial and trematode worms.
Discovery of Novel Indolealkylpiperazine Derivatives as Potent 5-HT1A Receptor Agonists for the Potential Future Treatment of Depression
Authors: Zhu Chen , Li Xinwei , Peng Weiqing , Fu Wei
Published: November 2020

Depression is a severe psychiatric disorder that affects over 100 million people worldwide. 5-HT1A receptor agonists have been implicated in the treatment of a variety of central nervous system diseases, especially depression. In this study, based on FW01, a selective potent 5-HT1AR agonist discovered via dynamic pharmacophore-based virtual screening, a series of indolealkylpiperazine derivatives with a benzamide moiety were designed and synthesized by the modification of the amide tail group as well as indole head group of FW01. Among all tested compounds, 13m displayed potent agonistic activity towards 5-HT1AR with an EC50 value of 1.01 nM. Molecular docking studies were performed to disclose the mechanism of its potent agonistic activity and high selectivity. Finally, the activation model of 5-HT1AR induced by 13m was proposed.
Aminodextran Coated CoFe2O4 Nanoparticles for Combined Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Hyperthermia
Authors: Khizar Sumera , Ahmad Nasir M. , Ahmed Naveed , Manzoor Sadia , Hamayun Muhammad A. , Naseer Nauman , Tenório Michele K. L. , Lebaz Noureddine , Elaissari Abdelhamid
Published: November 2020

Aminodextran (AMD) coated magnetic cobalt ferrite nanoparticles are synthesized via electrostatic adsorption of aminodextran onto magnetic nanoparticles and their potential theranostic application is evaluated. The uncoated and aminodextran-coated nanoparticles are characterized to determine their hydrodynamic size, morphology, chemical composition, zeta potential and magnetization. The aminodextran containing cobalt ferrite nanoparticles of nanometer size are positively charged in the pH range from 3 to 9 and exhibit saturation magnetization of 50 emu/g. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) indicates capability for diagnostics and a reduction in intensity with an increase in nanoparticle amount. The hyperthermia capability of the prepared particles shows their potential to generate suitable local heat for therapeutic purposes. There is a rise of 7 °C and 9 °C at 327 kHz and 981 kHz respectively and specific absorption rates (SAR) of aminodextran-coated nanoparticles are calculated to be 259 W/g and 518 W/g at the given frequencies larger than uncoated nanoparticles (0.02 W/g). The development of novel aminodextran coated magnetic cobalt ferrite nanoparticles has significant potential to enable and improve personalized therapy regimens, targeted cancer therapies and ultimately to overcome the prevalence of nonessential and overdosing of healthy tissues and organs.
Soluble Whey Protein Hydrolysate Ameliorates Muscle Atrophy Induced by Immobilization via Regulating the PI3K/Akt Pathway in C57BL/6 Mice
Authors: Shin Ji Eun , Park Seok Jun , Ahn Seung Il , Choung Se-Young
Published: November 2020

Sarcopenia, a loss of skeletal muscle mass and function, is prevalent in older people and associated with functional decline and mortality. Protein supplementation is necessary to maintain skeletal muscle mass and whey protein hydrolysates have the best nutrient quality among food proteins. In the first study, C57BL/6 mice were subjected to immobilization for 1 week to induce muscle atrophy. Then, mice were administered with four different whey protein hydrolysates for 2 weeks with continuous immobilization. Among them, soluble whey protein hydrolysate (WP-S) had the greatest increase in grip strength, muscle weight, and cross-sectional area of muscle fiber than other whey protein hydrolysates. To investigate the molecular mechanism, we conducted another experiment with the same experimental design. WP-S significantly promoted the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway and inhibited the PI3K/Akt/forkhead box O (FoxO) pathway. In addition, it increased myosin heavy chain (MyHC) expression in both the soleus and quadriceps and changed MyHC isoform expressions. In conclusion, WP-S attenuated muscle atrophy induced by immobilization by enhancing the net protein content regulating muscle protein synthesis and degradation. Thus, it is a necessary and probable candidate for developing functional food to prevent sarcopenia.
In Utero HIV Exposure and the Early Nutritional Environment Influence Infant Neurodevelopment: Findings from an Evidenced Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: White Marina , Connor Kristin L.
Published: November 2020

The developing brain is especially vulnerable to infection and suboptimal nutrition during the pre- and early postnatal periods. Exposure to maternal human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and antiretroviral therapies (ART) in utero and during breastfeeding can adversely influence infant (neuro) developmental trajectories. How early life nutrition may be optimised to improve neurodevelopmental outcomes for infants who are HIV-exposed has not been well characterised. We conducted an up-to-date evidence review and meta-analysis on the influence of HIV exposure in utero and during breastfeeding, and early life nutrition, on infant neurodevelopmental outcomes before age three. We report that exposure to maternal HIV infection may adversely influence expressive language development, in particular, and these effects may be detectable within the first three years of life. Further, while male infants may be especially vulnerable to HIV exposure, few studies overall reported sex-comparisons, and whether there are sex-dependent effects of HIV exposure on neurodevelopment remains a critical knowledge gap to fill. Lastly, early life nutrition interventions, including daily maternal multivitamin supplementation during the perinatal period, may improve neurodevelopmental outcomes for infants who are HIV-exposed. Our findings suggest that the early nutritional environment may be leveraged to improve early neurodevelopmental trajectories in infants who have been exposed to HIV in utero. A clear understanding of how this environment should be optimised is key for developing targeted nutrition interventions during critical developmental periods in order to mitigate adverse outcomes later in life and should be a priority of future research.
Practices of Ritualization in a Dutch Hospice Setting
Authors: Weegen Kim , Hoondert Martin , van der Heide Agnes , Timmermann Madeleine
Published: November 2020

In this article, we explore rituals and ritualized care practices in a hospice in the Netherlands. The research is guided by two research questions. First, we want to know what kind of rituals and ritualized care practices are taking place in the hospice. Second, we aim to understand these practices from a cultural perspective, i.e., to what cultural values do these practices refer? We distinguish five types of ritual: (1) care practices in the morning; (2) meals; (3) care practices in the evening; (4) care practices in the dying phase; (5) a farewell ritual after a patient has died. Ritualization takes place in various degrees and forms, depending on changes in the state of liminality. Analysis of ritualized care practices shows that everyday care practices are enriched with non-instrumental elements that have a strong symbolic meaning, referring to the cultural value of the ‘good death’.
Detecting and Tracking Moving Airplanes from Space Based on Normalized Frame Difference Labeling and Improved Similarity Measures
Authors: Shi Fan , Qiu Fang , Li Xiao , Zhong Ruofei , Yang Cankun , Tang Yunwei
Published: November 2020

The emerging satellite videos provide the opportunity to detect moving objects and track their trajectories, which were not possible for remotely sensed imagery with limited temporal resolution. So far, most studies using satellite video data have been concentrated on traffic monitoring through detecting and tracking moving cars, whereas the studies on other moving objects such as airplanes are limited. In this paper, an integrated method for monitoring moving airplanes from a satellite video is proposed. First, we design a normalized frame difference labeling (NFDL) algorithm to detect moving airplanes, which adopts a non-recursive strategy to deliver stable detection throughout the whole video. Second, the template matching (TM) technique is utilized for tracking the detected moving airplanes in the frame sequence by improved similarity measures (ISMs) with better rotation invariance and model drift suppression ability. Template matching with improved similarity measures (TM-ISMs) is further implemented to handle the leave-the-scene problem. The developed method is tested on a satellite video to detect and track eleven moving airplanes. Our NFDL algorithm successfully detects all the moving airplanes with the highest F1 score of 0.88 among existing algorithms. The performance of TM-ISMs is compared with both its traditional counterparts and other state-of-the-art tracking algorithms. The experimental results show that TM-ISMs can handle both rotation and leave-the-scene problems. Moreover, TM-ISMs achieve a very high tracking accuracy of 0.921 and the highest tracking speed of 470.62 frames per second.
Exploring Impact of Spatial Unit on Urban Land Use Mapping with Multisource Data
Authors: Dong Xuanyan , Xu Yue , Huang Leping , Liu Zhigang , Xu Yi , Zhang Kangyong , Hu Zhongwen , Wu Guofeng
Published: November 2020

The ability to precisely map urban land use types can significantly aid urban planning and urban system understanding. In recent years, remote sensing images and social sensing data have been frequently used for urban land use mapping. However, there still remains a problem: what is the best basic unit for fusing remote sensing images with social sensing data? The aim of this study is to explore the impact of spatial units on urban land use mapping, with remote sensing images and social sensing data of Shenzhen City, China. Three different basic units were first applied to delineate urban land use types, and for each unit, a word dictionary was built by fusing natural–physical features from high spatial resolution (HSR) remote sensing images and the socioeconomic semantic features from point of interest (POI) data. The latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) algorithm and random forest methods were then applied to map the land use of the Futian district—the core region of Shenzhen. The experiment demonstrates that: (1) No matter what kind of spatial unit, it is beneficial to fuse multisource data to improve the performance. However, when using different spatial units, the importances of features are different. (2) Using block-based spatial units results in the final map looking the best. However, a great challenge of this approach is that the scale is too coarse to handle mixed functional areas. (3) Using grid- and object-based units, the problem of mixed functional areas can be better solved. Additionally, the object-based land use map looks better from our visual interpretation. Accordingly, the results of this study could give other researchers references and advice for future studies.
Assessing the Effectiveness of Supplemental Irrigation to Improve Soil Moisture in an Arid Ecosystem with an Emphasis on Climate Change: A Case Study from the State of Kuwait
Authors: Alqallaf Ahmed , Al-Anzi Bader , Alabdullah Meshal
Published: November 2020

Arid ecosystems are extremely vulnerable to climate change, which is considered one of the serious global environmental issues that can cause critical challenges to the hydrological cycle in arid ecosystems. This work focused on assessing the effectiveness of supplemental irrigation to improve the actual soil moisture content in arid ecosystems and considering climate change impacts on soil moisture. The study was conducted at two fenced protected sites in Kuwait. The first site is naturally covered with Rhanterietum epapposum, whereas the other study site is a supplemented irrigated site, containing several revegetated native plants. The results showed that supplemental irrigation highly improved soil moisture (∆SM) during the winter season by >50%. However, during the summer season, the rainfed and irrigated site showed low ∆SM due to the high temperature and high evapotranspiration (ET) rates. We also found that ∆SM would negatively get impacted by climate change. The climate change projection results showed that temperature would increase by 12%–23%, ET would increase by 17%–19%, and precipitation would decrease by 31%–46% by 2100. Such climate change impacts may also shift the current ecosystem from an arid to a hyper-arid ecosystem. Therefore, we concluded that irrigation is a practical option to support the ∆SM during the low-temperature months only (spring and winter) since the results did not show any progress during the summer season. It is also essential to consider the possibility of future shifting in ecosystems and plant communities in restoration and revegetation planning.
The Impact of a Multitasking-Based Virtual Reality Motion Video Game on the Cognitive and Physical Abilities of Older Adults
Authors: Li Xiaoxuan , Niksirat Kavous Salehzadeh , Chen Shanshan , Weng Dongdong , Sarcar Sayan , Ren Xiangshi
Published: November 2020

This study demonstrates how playing a well-designed multitasking motion video game in a virtual reality (VR) environment can positively impact the cognitive and physical health of older players. We developed a video game that combines cognitive and physical training in a VR environment. The impact of playing the game was measured through a four-week longitudinal experiment. Twenty healthy older adults were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (i.e., game training) or a control group (i.e., no contact). Participants played three 45-min sessions per week completing cognitive tests for attention, working memory, reasoning and a test for physical balance before and after the intervention. Results showed that compared to the control group, the game group showed significant improvements in working memory and a potential for enhancing reasoning and balance ability. Furthermore, while the older adults enjoyed playing the video game, ability enhancements were associated with their intrinsic motivation to play. Overall, cognitive training with multitasking VR motion video games has positive impacts on the cognitive and physical health of older adults.
Creating a Comprehensive Method for the Evaluation of a Company
Authors: Horak Jakub , Krulicky Tomas , Rowland Zuzana , Machova Veronika
Published: November 2020

For investment purposes, the evaluation of a company is not only a matter for a company itself, but also for shareholders and external persons. There are many methods for evaluating a company. This contribution therefore focuses on the creation of a comprehensive method for the evaluation of an industrial enterprise, one that can be used to predict potential future bankruptcies, using a dataset of financial statements of active companies and those in liquidation in the period 2015–2019. Artificial neural networks were used to process the data, specifically logistic regressions from the data processed in the Statistica and Mathematica software programmes. The results showed that the models created using the Mathematica software are not applicable in practice due to the parameters of the obtained results. In contrast, the artificial neural structures obtained using the neural network model in the Statistica software were prospective due to their performance, which is almost always above 0.8, and the logical economic interpretation of the relevant variables. All the generated and retained networks show excellent performance and few errors. However, one of the artificial structures, network no. 4 (MLP 16-16-2), produces better results than the others. Overall, accuracy is almost 81%. In the case of the classification of companies capable of surviving financial distress, accuracy is almost 90%, with that for the classification of companies at risk of going into bankruptcy at nearly 55%.
Cooperative Optimization Model of BRT Speed and Timing Based on Dual Station at an Intersection
Authors: Zhang Peng , Gao Shuangxi , Wang Pengfei , Li Wenquan
Published: November 2020

This paper presents a binary integer linear programming model based on a dual station at an intersection to make BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) go through the intersection without stopping. This paper first gives the setting of the BRT dual station at the intersection and compares the average BRT delay of the single and dual station at the intersection. Through comparison, it is found that dual station can optimize BRT operations, but there is still room for further optimization. Therefore, this paper establishes a 01 linear programming model based on a dual station. The model takes the shortest travel time of BRT as the optimization objective, and takes the selection of the dual station, green light time of the intersection and cycle time as optimization variables. The case analysis and results show that, compared with the current situation, the average intersection delay of signal priority method, simple dual station method and method proposed in this paper are reduced by 3.51 s (8.6%), 17.27 s (42.17%) and 35.99 s (87.89%); compared with the current situation, the average stopping times at intersection of the signal priority method, simple dual station method and the method proposed in this paper are reduced by −3 (−9.4%), 2 (6.2%) and 23 (71.8%), respectively. Under the control of the method proposed in this paper, the average intersection delay is 4.96 s, and the average stopping times at the intersection is 0.18. This shows that the optimization model proposed in this paper can greatly reduce BRT delay and parking times. The setting of dual station makes the two stations symmetrical to each other, which conforms to the name of the journal. This paper belongs to the field of Symmetry and other scientific disciplines and engineering.
Further Studies of the Supersymmetric NJL-Type Model for a Real Superfield Composite
Authors: Cheng Yifan , Dai Yan-Min , Faisel Gaber , Kong Otto C. W.
Published: November 2020

This is a sequel to our earlier paper presenting a supersymmetric Nambu–Jona–Lasinio (NJL)-type model for a real superfield composite. The model in the simplest version has only a chiral superfield (multiplet), with a strong four-superfield interaction in the Kähler potential that induces a real two-superfield composite with vacuum condensate. The latter can have supersymmetry breaking parts, which we have shown to bear nontrivial solutions under a standard nonperturbative analysis for a Nambu–Jona–Lasinio-type model on a superfield setting. In this article, we generalize our earlier analysis by allowing a supersymmetric mass term for the chiral superfield, as well as possible θ2 components for the soft supersymmetry breaking part of the condensate. We present admissible nontrivial vacuum solutions and an analysis of the resulted low energy effective theory with components of the composite becoming dynamical. The determinant of the fermionic modes is shown to be zero, illustrating the presence of the expected Goldstino.
Development of a Treatment Protocol for Cobra (Naja naja) Bite Envenoming in Dogs
Authors: Adhikari Ranjith , Suriyagoda Lalith , Premarathna Amal , De Silva Niranjala , Dangolla Ashoka , Mallawa Chandima , Silva Indira , Gawarammana Indika
Published: November 2020

There is limited information on clinical profiles, treatment, and management aspects of Indian cobra (Naja naja) bite envenoming in dogs in Sri Lanka. Dogs with cobra bites presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH), University of Peradeniya, were prospectively studied over a period of 72 months; local and systemic clinical manifestations and hematological abnormalities were recorded. We studied 116 cobra bite envenomings in dogs. A grading system was established using a combination of anatomical site of fang marks, as well as local and systemic clinical manifestations. Accordingly, treatment strategies were established using Indian polyvalent antivenom (AVS). Pain and swelling at the bite site were major clinical signs observed, while neurotoxic manifestations (mydriasis, wheezing, and crackles) were detected in most dogs. Leukocytosis was observed in 78% of them. Statistical analysis revealed that the grading scores obtained were compatible to initiate AVS administration according to the severity. The minimum number required was 2 AVS vials (range 2–12). Almost 20% of the dogs developed wheezing, crackles, hypersalivation, restlessness, and dyspnea as adverse reactions to AVS treatment. Necrotic wounds on bitten anatomical sites developed in 19% of the dogs and 2.5% developed acute kidney injuries as a consequence of envenoming crisis. Despite treatment, 3% of dogs died. No dry bites were recorded.
Anti-S1 MERS-COV IgY Specific Antibodies Decreases Lung Inflammation and Viral Antigen Positive Cells in the Human Transgenic Mouse Model
Authors: Abbas Aymn T. , El-Kafrawy Sherif A. , Sohrab Sayed Sartaj , Tabll Ashraf A. , Hassan Ahmed M. , Iwata-Yoshikawa Naoko , Nagata Noriyo , Azhar Esam I.
Published: November 2020

The Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) was identified in 2012 and causes severe and often fatal acute respiratory illness in humans. No approved prophylactic and therapeutic interventions are currently available. In this study, we have developed egg yolk antibodies (immunoglobulin Y (IgY)) specific for MERS-CoV spike protein (S1) in order to evaluate their neutralizing efficiency against MERS-CoV infection. S1-specific immunoglobulins were produced by injecting chickens with purified recombinant S1 protein of MERS-CoV at a high titer (5.7 mg/mL egg yolk) at week 7 post immunization. Western blotting and immune-dot blot assays demonstrated that the IgY antibody specifically bound to the MERS-CoV S1 protein. Anti-S1 antibodies were also able to recognize MERS-COV inside cells, as demonstrated by an immunofluorescence assay. Plaque reduction and microneutralization assays showed the neutralization of MERS-COV in Vero cells by anti-S1 IgY antibodies and non-significantly reduced virus titers in the lungs of MERS-CoV-infected mice during early infection, with a nonsignificant decrease in weight loss. However, a statistically significant (p = 0.0196) quantitative reduction in viral antigen expression and marked reduction in inflammation were observed in lung tissue. Collectively, our data suggest that the anti-MERS-CoV S1 IgY could serve as a potential candidate for the passive treatment of MERS-CoV infection.
Ocular Manifestations of West Nile Virus
Authors: Rousseau Antoine , Haigh Oscar , Ksiaa Imen , Khairallah Moncef , Labetoulle Marc
Published: November 2020

Ocular manifestations are a feature of West Nile virus infection. They mostly occur in association with severe neuroinvasive disease. Linear chorioretinitis is suggestive of the diagnosis and may raise diagnostic suspicion when associated with evocative systemic signs, and in an epidemic context. Various other less specific inflammatory ocular manifestations have been reported, including anterior uveitis, occlusive retinal vasculitis, optic neuritis, and diplopia. The pathophysiology of ocular disease remains unclear, but it reflects the neuroinvasiveness of the disease. Although ocular involvement most often resolves without visual sequelae, some patients may have permanent loss of vision, adding to the need for the development of a specific treatment and/or vaccines.
PRODUCTIVE QUALITIES OF CAUCASIAN BROWN AND CROSSBRED WITH SWISS YOUNG ANIMALS
Authors: ЧАВТАРАЕВ Р.М. , ХОЖОКОВ А.А. , АЛИЛОВ М.М. , ШАРИПОВ Ш.М.
Published: November 2020

В статье приведены результаты исследований роста и развития чистопородного кавказского бурого и помесного (кавказская бурая × швицкая) молодняка и воспроизводительной способности телок. Помесные телки при рождении имели живую массу 26,7 кг, а чистопородные — 23,9 кг, то есть преимущество в пользу первых составило 2,8 кг. Различия в показателях живой массы сохранялись и в последующие периоды — в 18-месячном возрасте разница в пользу помесей составляла уже 9,8 кг. Разница в живой массе бычков при рождении составила 2,3 кг, а в 18 мес — 8,3 кг. Помесный молодняк имел преимущество по высотным промерам в возрасте 18 мес на 0,3—1,2 см, а по широтным (ширине, глубине и обхвату груди) — на 0,3—1,9 см. Помесные животные имели более удлиненное туловище на 2,0 см. Продолжительность их стельности в среднем была на 2,1 дня больше (280,4) по сравнению с чистопородными. По показателю крупноплодности бычки, полученные от помесных первотелок, превзошли чистопородных на 1,9%, а телки — на 1,6%. Живая масса первотелок опытной группы была на 16,2 кг больше, чем в контрольной — 385,4 кг против 369,2 кг. За фактическую лактацию помесные первотелки имели удой выше, чем чистопородные, на 96,9 кг, по выходу молочного жира превосходство было на 3,5 кг и белка — на 3,0 кг.

The article presents the results of research on the growth and development of purebred Caucasian brown and crossbred (Caucasian brown × Swiss) young animals and the reproductive capacity of heifers. Crossbred heifers at birth had a live weight of 26.7 kg, and purebred — 23.9 kg, that is, the advantage in favor of the first was 2.8 kg. Differences in live weight indicators persisted in subsequent periods — at 18 months of age, the difference in favor of crossbreeds was already 9.8 kg. Differences in the live weight of calves at birth were 2.3 kg, and at 18 months — 8.3 kg. Crossbred youngsters had an advantage in height measurements at the age of 18 months by 0.3—1.2 cm, and in latitudinal measurements (width, depth and chest circumference) — by 0.3—1.9 cm. Crossbred animals had a more elongated body by 2.0 cm. The duration of their pregnancy was on average 2.1 days longer (280.4) compared to purebreds. In terms of the large-fruited bulls obtained from crossbred heifers, purebred exceeded by 1.9% and heifers by 1.6%. The live weight of cows in the experimental group was 16.2 kg more than in the control 385,4 kg vs 369,2 kg. In terms of milk yield for actual lactation, crossbred first — born calves had a higher yield than purebred calves by 96.9 kg, in terms of milk fat yield, the superiority was 3.5 kg and protein — 3.0 kg.
Biologization is the way to sustainable development of Crimean garden agrocenoses
Authors:   The Labour Red Banner Order Nikitsky Botanical Gardens – National Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Klimenko O.E. , Klimenko N.N. ,   Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea, Klimenko N.I. ,   The Labour Red Banner Order Nikitsky Botanical Gardens – National Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: November 2020

The intensification of agricultural production, which involves the use of highly productive plant varieties, high-performance equipment, high doses of mineral fertilizers and pesticides leads to soil degradation and environmental contamination. In this regard, alternative methods of agricultural production replace agricultural intensification. To increase the sustainability and environmental friendliness of garden agrocenoses it is necessary to reduce the chemical load and intensify biological processes by planting green manure crops and perennial herbs, as well as increase microbial diversity through application of microbial fertilizers. We offer the use of various methods of gardening biologization: sod-humus or green manure row spacing systems with different grasses and microbial fertilizers. We conducted comprehensive studies of the effect of MP on the growth and productivity of seedlings of stone fruit plants. The most effective MPs, their doses and methods of application for growing grafted annual seedlings of peach, cherry, apricot and cherry plum, as well as their effect on soil properties, have been determined. A joint positive effect of soil sodding with a mixture of cereal-bean perennial herbs and the use of MP on soil properties and ampelocenosis state in the foothill Crimea was established. In general, the use of biologization elements can increase soil fertility and fruit plants and grapes productivity by 10- 20 %.
Composition of microbial communities of leached chernozem depending on agricultural crops
Authors:   Voronezh State University, Khatuntseva Yu.Yu. , Cherepukhina I.V. ,   All-Russian Research Institute of Sugar Beet and Sugar named after A.L. Mazlumov, Gorbunova N.S. ,   Voronezh State University, Gromovik A.I. ,   Voronezh State University
Published: November 2020

A large role in the creation of soil fertility and water-resistant structure, in the processes of humus synthesis and mineralization, as well as in the provision of agricultural plants with elements of mineral nutrition, belongs to soil microorganisms. For leached chernozem, the influence of field crops on the main groups of microorganisms, which are involved in the formation of effective and potential soil fertility, and associated enzymes was established. The purpose of the work is to study the effect of agricultural plants on the structure of the microbial community of the soil and the activity of enzymes involved in the formation of effective and potential soil fertility. Soil samples were taken from the 0-25 cm layer. They differed in anthropogenic load: virgin soil and soil where crops were cultivated. To count the number of soil microorganisms in the crops and their rhizospheres, we used the method of culturing successive dilutions of the soil suspension on selective nutrient media. The catalase activity of the soil was determined by the gasometric method. It is based on measuring the decay rate of hydrogen peroxide when it is interconnected with the soil in terms of the amount of oxygen released. The method for determining phosphatase activity is based on the quantitative calculation of inorganic phosphorus, which is formed by the breakdown of organic phosphorus compounds under the action of phosphatases.
Field test of the spores of entomopathogenic fungi Lecanicillium muscarium against Adelges on conifers of the Botanical Garden of Peter the Great
Authors:   Komarov Botanical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Varfolomeeva E.A. , Mitina G.V. ,   All-Russian institute of plant protection (FSBSI VIZR), Choglokova A.A. ,   All-Russian Institute of Plant Protection (FSBSI VIZR)
Published: November 2020

Adelgids are dangerous sucking pests of the conifers. Adelges pectinatae pectinatae and Pineus cembrae (Cholodkovsky, 1888) are noted throughout the Botanical Garden of Peter the Great on the conifers Abies sibirica, Pinus sibirica, and Pinus Banksiana. The application of entomopathogenic fungi that can penetrate into the galls of adelgids allows decreasing the usage of the chemical pesticides. Strain G-033 VIZR, which is effective against sucking insects and mites, was examined. Conifers infected by the adelgids were sprayed with the blastospore suspension (titer – 5x107 spores/ml). The number of Adelges galls was counted before treatment and weekly for a month. The effectiveness of spores on the 7th and 10th day was 20-44 %; the effectiveness of the chemical insecticide Actara was 52-99 %. By the end of the observations, the effectiveness of the biolpesticide reached 92-98% at all species of trees and was at the level of the chemical reference. The effect of the application of spores was registered over the next month. The ability of L. muscarium to cause mycosis was proved by isolating strain G-033 VIZR from the galls of Adelges infected by fungus. The strain G-033 VIZR of L. muscarium showed high efficiency and a prolonged effect on the Adelgids population of two species A. pectinatae pectinatae and P. cembrae.
Efficiency of Azotobacter vinelandii 10702 in winter wheat crops
Authors:   Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea, Kameneva I.A. , Yakubovskaya A.I. ,   Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea, Radchenko L.A. ,   Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea, Gritchin M.V. ,   Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea, Radchenko A.F. ,   Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea
Published: November 2020

In field experiments we studied the effect of the promising strain A. vinelandii 10702 (Crimean collection of microorganisms of the FSBSI “Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea” (http://ckp-rf.ru/usu/507484/)) on plant productivity and biological activity of winter wheat rhizosphere. Pre-sowing seed inoculation positively influenced the indicators of biological activity in the plant rhizosphere. Over the years of research, seed inoculation ensured yield increase by 7.2% for wheat variety ‘Lada’, ‘Odesskaya’ grown by biologized cultivation technology (BCT) and 8.0% – by intensive cultivation technology (ICT); the same for variety ‘Podolyanka’ was 6.1 % and 7.6%, respectively. The yield increase for variety ‘Zamozhnist’ grown by BCT and ICT in adverse weather conditions in 2012 was 17.1 and 11.7%, respectively. Thus, seed inoculation with a promising strain A. vinelandii 10702 is an effective method of biologization of the technology for winter wheat cultivation.
Impact of microbial preparations on the activity of rhizosphere and the productivity of oil flax under no-till
Authors:   Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea, Melnichuk T.N. , Gongalo A.A. ,   Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea, Egovtseva A.Yu. ,   Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea, Abdurashytova E.R. ,   Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea, Turin E.N. ,   Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea
Published: November 2020

Microbial preparations improve mineral nutrition of plants, protect against phytopathogens, and increase their resistance to stress factors. The aim of our research is to study the effect of microbial preparations on the biological activity of rhizosphere and the productivity of oil flax under no-till in the Crimean Steppe. Microbiological analysis of the rhizosphere of oil flax showed that there is a tendency to increase the number of microorganisms of various ecological and trophic groups both under the conditions of the conventional farming system (CFS) and no-till when seeds are inoculated with a complex of microbial preparations (CMP). Under CFS, the number of microorganisms using mineral forms of nitrogen as nutrition increased by 28 %; pedotrophs – by 37 %; ammonifiers and oligotrophs increased under both farming systems. The total number of nitrogen fixers increased by 29 % under CFS as a result of biological preparations use, while under no-till there was only a trend towards increasing the amount of azotobacter. The number of actinomycetes increased under the influence of CMP by 50% under direct sowing; micromycetes decreased under both farming systems. The number of cellulose-degrading microorganisms increased by 18 and 27 % under no- till and CFS, respectively. The yield of oilseed flax under no-till was 0.11 t/ha (12.9 %) higher than under conventional farming system. On average, over three years (2017-2019), an increase in yield amounted to 0.12 t/ha (19%) due to the use of microbial preparations.
Influence of green manure phytomass treatment by microbial preparations on grain productivity and quality indicators of winter wheat
Authors:   Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea, Prikhodko A.V. , Kameneva I.A. ,   Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea, Yakubovskaya A.I. ,   Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea, Karaeva N.V. ,   Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea, Gritchin M.V. ,   Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea
Published: November 2020

Treatment of the triticale phytomass with the complex biological preparation KBP-5M before incorporation into the soil contributed to the activation of microbiological processes in the 0-30 cm layer. In the variants when the plant was in the phenological stage of spike emergence, we noted an increase in the content of N-NO3 by 0.19-0.46 mg per 100 g of soil; Р2О5 – up to 2.97; K2О – up to mg/100 g. The reason for that was the maximum accumulation of organic matter in the phytomass of triticale at the aforementioned stage of development (8.25-8.52 t/ha). The use of KBP-5M had a positive effect on the development of winter wheat when green manure was the preceding crop. There is a tendency to increase the density of the stalk by 13.3 %, including productive stems – by 3.9 % and the number of grains from 10 plants – by 1.7 % compared to the use of triticale plants as an organic fertilizer without the treatment with biological preparation. Despite the trend of increasing yields from 4.32 to 4.43 t/ha, no reliable yield increase was obtained. When applying KBP-5M on triticale plant residues, there was an increase in protein content by 0.3 % and gluten – by 1.1 % compared to variants without the biological preparation. According to the indicators of 1000-grain weight and hectolitre weight, there were no significant differences between the studied variants. The use of KBP-5M has been justified from an economic point of view since 277 to 1535 rubles per ha of contingent net income was obtained and the payback ratio for the use of the biological product was 1.05–5.79.
Subtype features of humus dynamics in chernozems of the center of the Russian Plain under conditions of long-term agricultural use
Authors:   Voronezh State University, Gromovik A.I. , Gorbunova N.S. ,   Voronezh State University, Cherepukhina I.V. ,   Voronezh State University, Khatuntseva Yu.Yu. ,   Voronezh State University
Published: November 2020

The long-term dynamics of the humus content and reserves in the forest-steppe and steppe chernozems of the center of the Russian Plain was studied in a series: virgin land - perennial arable land. To the greatest extent, the transformation of the humus profile of chernozems as a result of plowing is manifested in its upper part. The depth of transformation spread reaches approximately 80-90 cm. In the series of subtypes: podzolic - leached - typical - ordinary chernozems, there are differences in the amount of humus lost. Long-term plowing of these soils leads to the humus content decrease. Therefore, real (t/ha) and apparent (%) humus losses in soils during their long- term plowing can differ significantly. The greatest losses of humus were recorded in leached chernozems – 15 t/ha. In podzolic and ordinary chernozems, the loss of humus reserves was approximately the same and amounted to 13 and 14 t/ha, respectively. Typical arable soils, as a rule, contain 15 t/ha fewer humus reserves than virgin soil. The humus level of chernozems varies significantly in the first years of use, then it stabilizes at a fairly high level according to the new regime of matter and energy circulation in agrocenoses. An objective assessment of changes in the main indicators of the humus state of chernozems during their long-term agricultural use should be carried out not by the percentage of humus but by its reserves, taking into account the corresponding values of the equilibrium addition density.