bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental and Numerical Investigations on the Mixing Process of Supercritical Jet Injected into a Supersonic Crossflow
Authors: Zhou Wenyuan , Xing Kai , Dou Suyi , Yang Qingchun , Xu Xu
Published: October 2022

The mixing process and distribution characteristics of a supercritical endothermic hydrocarbon fuel (EHF) jet injected into a supersonic crossflow were investigated by experimental and numerical methods, respectively. The schlieren system and acetone planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) optical system were used to capture the flow-field structural characteristics and instantaneous plume. The mixture and real gas models were employed to calculate the interaction of a transverse jet and supersonic crossflow and reveal a good accuracy with the experimental results. The mixing efficiency and total pressure loss were analyzed based on the numerical results. The results indicate that the supercritical-state EHF directly changes to a gaseous state as it enters the supersonic crossflow from the injector. The EHF jet plume boundary increases with the increasing momentum flux ratio (q). As the streamwise and spanwise distance increases, the traverse heights and expand width increase, and the EHF jet plume presents a semicircle shape in the cross-sectional plane. With the increase in the traverse direction, the concentration distribution shows a fast and then slow power exponential decreasing law; the highest concentration point starts from the near-wall region and rises in the transverse direction with the flow distance increasing. For the same injection condition, the higher the inflow Mach number, the higher the mixing efficiency. For the same Ma, the mixing efficiency is better for the case with low injection pressure and high injection temperature. The total pressure loss is greater in the higher Ma, and high injection pressure conditions cause greater total pressure loss.
A Policy-Reuse Algorithm Based on Destination Position Prediction for Aircraft Guidance Using Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Wang Zhuang , Ai Yi , Zuo Qinghai , Zhou Shaowu , Li Hui
Published: October 2022

Artificial intelligence for aircraft guidance is a hot research topic, and deep reinforcement learning is one of the promising methods. However, due to the different movement patterns of destinations in different guidance tasks, it is inefficient to train agents from scratch. In this article, a policy-reuse algorithm based on destination position prediction is proposed to solve this problem. First, the reward function is optimized to improve flight trajectory quality and training efficiency. Then, by predicting the possible termination position of the destinations in different moving patterns, the problem is transformed into a fixed-position destination aircraft guidance problem. Last, taking the agent in the fixed-position destination scenario as the baseline agent, a new guidance agent can be trained efficiently. Simulation results show that this method can significantly improve the training efficiency of agents in new tasks, and its performance is stable in tasks with different similarities. This research broadens the application scope of the policy-reuse approach and also enlightens the research in other fields.
Multi-Scenario Trajectory Optimization for Vertical Takeoff and Vertical Landing Vehicles Using the Gauss Pseudospectral Method
Authors: Liu Yang , Li Chenyang , Zhu Xiongfeng , Han Qiulong , Cui Peng , Zhang Dongdong
Published: October 2022

Vertical takeoff and vertical landing (VTVL) vehicles, based on throttling liquid rocket engines, are attracting increasing attention for their validation of guidance and control techniques during landing. However, validation requires the vehicle to fly in a special trajectory with multiple constraints. Propellant consumption should be carefully calculated for the purpose of carrying more experimental devices during the flight, which makes conducting minimum-propellant trajectory optimization a necessity. This study focuses on the optimization of VTVL vehicles based on a throttling liquid rocket engine. Three flight scenarios applicable to this vehicle are proposed, namely, VTVL vehicles without horizontal movement, VTVL vehicles with horizontal movement, and vertical takeoff and autonomous landing with horizontal movement. Trajectory optimization using the Gauss pseudospectral method (GPM) was conducted during the abovementioned flight scenarios. The results show that the GPM provides excellent solutions for trajectory optimization in the different scenarios. In VTVL vehicles with horizontal movement, vertical takeoff, and autonomous landing with horizontal movement scenarios, the thrust appears in a similar bang–bang control. Meanwhile, in VTVL vehicles without a horizontal movement scenario, the thrust appears like a segmented bang–bang control, which we call regulative bang–bang control. Moreover, by introducing the thrust derivative into the optimization objective using a weighted method, thrust fluctuation can be restrained. To ensure the compatibility of switching the flight among the three scenarios, the carried propellant mass should be decided based on the third flight scenario.
Morphological Features of Winter Rape Cultivars Depending on the Applied Growth Stimulators
Authors: Sikorska Anna , Gugała Marek , Zarzecka Krystyna , Domański Łukasz , Mystkowska Iwona
Published: October 2022

Currently, in agricultural engineering, plant growth regulators or biostimulants, immunity stimulants or bacterial vaccines are becoming standard elements in the production technology of many types of field, fruit and vegetable crops. The research was based on a three-year field experiment carried out in 2018–2021 at the Agricultural Experimental Station of northeastern Poland. The aim of the research was to determine the effect of biostimulators containing microorganisms and micro and macro elements, phosphorus and potassium and silicon on the morphological features of the leaf rosette and the increase in fresh and dry mass of the above-ground part of the rosette and the root system of three winter rape cultivars. The conducted research showed that the application of the organic preparation Ugmax significantly increased the number of rosette leaves (by an average of 13.9%), the length of the tap root (by an average of 2.3 cm), root neck diameter (by an average of 4.2%), fresh and dry weight of the above-ground part of the rosette (by an average of 6.0% and 6.6%) and fresh weight of the root system (by an average of 0.88 g) compared to the control variant. The hybrid morphotypes that were restored compared to the population cultivar Chrobry were characterized by a weaker autumn development of the leaf rosette.
Partial Substitution of Chemical Fertilizers with Organic Supplements Increased Wheat Productivity and Profitability under Limited and Assured Irrigation Regimes
Authors: Khan Imad , Amanullah  , Jamal Aftab , Mihoub Adil , Farooq Omer , Farhan Saeed Muhammad , Roberto Mancinelli , Radicetti Emanuele , Zia Adil , Azam Muhammad
Published: October 2022

Crop wastes could be applied in conjunction with synthetic fertilizers to satisfy crop nutritional needs and enhance soil fertility. A field experiment was carried out during winter 2019–2020 at the AMK Research Farm (Palatoo) Mardan, KPK (Pakistan) to investigate the combined effect of phosphorous (PS) and organic sources (OSs) on wheat productivity under different irrigation regimes. The experimental factors were: two irrigation regimes (limited and full irrigation), three inorganic sources of phosphorus (triple super phosphate (TSP), single super phosphate (SSP) and di-ammonium phosphate (DAP)) applied at 90 kg ha−1, and three organic amendments (farmyard manure (FYM), mung bean residue (MBR), and canola residue (CR)) applied at a rate of 10 t ha−1. A control plot (no phosphorus or organic supply) was included. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications was adopted. Among the fertilization strategies, SSP + FYM outperformed all other P fertilizers combined with legume or nonlegume residues in terms of grains per spike−1 (52), thousand-grain weight (41.6 g), biological yield (9.7 t ha−1), and grain yield (4 t ha−1). Under full irrigation, improved yield, yield components, and profits were obtained compared to the limited irrigation regime. Three clusters were obtained after applying an Agglomerative Hierarchical Clustering (AHC), and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) conferred the positive effects of inorganic P with FYM on the wheat yield and its related parameters. This study indicated that the productivity of wheat under the SSP + FYM fertilization strategy was found to be more economical with respect to the benefit–cost ratio (BCR). The combined application of SSP + FYM was more profitable in terms of a higher BCR (3.25) than other treatments under the full irrigation regime.
Characteristics of Progenies Derived from Bidirectional Avena sativa L. and Avena fatua L. Crosses
Authors: Koroluk Aneta , Sowa Sylwia , Paczos-Grzęda Edyta
Published: October 2022

Crossing genetically distant forms is widely used in breeding programs and allows the introduction of beneficial features from the wild into cultivated species. In this study, agronomic traits of two F2 segregating populations derived from crosses in both directions between A. sativa cv. Sam and A. fatua ‘51532’, as well as their parental forms, were phenotyped and statistically compared. Almost all mean values of the analysed features in the populations ranged between the values of the two parental forms. In both F2 populations, high variability of the traits was observed. The plant height was strongly correlated with the length of the first inernode below the panicle in all populations except parental form ‘51532’. An intermediate correlation between the plant height and the panicle length could be observed only for ‘Sam’ and ‘Sam’ × ‘51532’. The segregation of non-shattering to shattering phenotypes of the progeny confirmed a single gene inheritance of the trait. Additionally, in both combinations, transgressive forms in terms of some phenotypic traits were observed. The direction of crosses had no impact on the values of characterised parameters. During the interspecific crosses, new breeding lines and cultivars are obtained, enriched with specific qualitative and quantitative properties. The genetic distinctness between crossed species often prevents the formation of desired hybrids but also enables obtaining superior genotypes with traits exceeding the parental forms. Even though efficient crossbreeding with A. fatua is demanding, looking for new germplasm in wild ancestors is crucial for expanding the Avena genetic pool and developing long-term strategies beneficial to modern oat breeding.
Comparative Study on Pollen Viability of Camellia oleifera at Four Ploidy Levels
Authors: Zhao Rui , Xu Linjie , Xu Xiangshuai , Li Yanmin , Xiao Shixin , Yuan Deyi
Published: October 2022

Oil tea (Camellia oleifera Abel.) is one of the most important woody edible oil tree species in China, with intraspecific polyploid. In order to study the variation in pollen size and vigor of C. oleifera at ploidy level, four ploidy covers a total of 32 types of Camellia pollens as the material for the experiment. The results showed that the pollen sizes of diploid, tetraploid, hexaploidy, and octaploid were positively correlated with the ploidy level. Pollen viability of C. oleifera was determined by fluorescein diacetate (FDA) dye solution staining and medium containing 10% sucrose, 0.01% boric acid, and 1% agar germination in vitro, which indicated that the pollen viability and germination rate of the hexaploid were relatively high among the four ploidy levels, at 79.69% and 71.78% respectively. The pollen vigor of diploid NR-3, tetraploid DP43, hexaploid CJ-12, and octoploid YNYC-1 was higher than that of other materials with the same ploidy level. Knowledge of different ploidy pollen sizes and pollen viability provides basic information for formulating pollen breeding plans and pollination methods of C. oleifera.
The Quality and Productivity of Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) Improved by the Inoculation of PGPR Bacillus velezensis BS89 in Field Experiments
Authors: Chebotar Vladimir K. , Chizhevskaya Elena P. , Vorobyov Nikolai I. , Bobkova Veronika V. , Pomyaksheva Lyubov V. , Khomyakov Yuriy V. , Konovalov Sergey N.
Published: October 2022

Efficient plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) used as biofertilizers and biological control agents are promising substitutes for minimizing the application of synthetic agrochemicals in crop production. We studied the effect of PGPR strain Bacillus velezensis BS89 alone and in combination with three forms of nitrogen fertilizers (ammonium nitrate, carbamide, and ammonium sulfate) on the productivity of two strawberry varieties in three-year field experiments. We first showed that the application of PGPR Bacillus velezensis BS89 on strawberries demonstrated the same effect as the application of nitrogen fertilizers. Use of the strain BS89 increased the chlorophyll content in plant leaves by 2.7–6.8%, and also increased the yield of berries by 6.7–36.4% for cv. Rusich and 7.5–19.3% for cv. Troitskaya depending on the form of nitrogen fertilizer. The best results in the yield of strawberry plants of the cv. Rusich were achieved in the variant BS89 + ammonium nitrate (41.9–57.4%), and the cv. Troitskaya—in the BS89 + carbamide variant (8.1–38.8%). Three-year use of strain BS89 for cv. Rusich resulted in an increase of runner’s weight by 212.1%, and also the weight of the roots by 120%, thereby significantly improving the mineral nutrition of plants. This is mainly associated with the plant growth-promoting activity of Bacillus velezensis BS89, which was able to produce a high amount of IAA—494.1 µg/mL. We believe that the PGPR strain BS89 can be successfully used for growing strawberries. However, each variety requires careful selection of the composition of nitrogen fertilizers and analysis of the compatibility of fertilizers and the PGPR strain.
Guided Filtered Sparse Auto-Encoder for Accurate Crop Mapping from Multitemporal and Multispectral Imagery
Authors: Hamidi Masoumeh , Safari Abdolreza , Homayouni Saeid , Hasani Hadiseh
Published: October 2022

Accurate crop mapping is a fundamental requirement in various agricultural applications, such as inventory, yield modeling, and resource management. However, it is challenging due to crop fields’ high spectral, spatial, and temporal variabilities. New technology in space-borne Earth observation systems has provided high spatial and temporal resolution image data as a valuable source of information, which can produce accurate crop maps through efficient analytical approaches. Spatial information has high importance in accurate crop mapping; a Window-based strategy is a common way to extract spatial information by considering neighbourhood information. However, crop field boundaries implicitly exist in image data and can be more helpful in identifying different crop types. This study proposes Guided Filtered Sparse Auto-Encoder (GFSAE) as a deep learning framework guided implicitly with field boundary information to produce accurate crop maps. The proposed GFSAE was evaluated over two time-series datasets of high-resolution PlanetScope (3 m) and RapidEye (5 m) imagery, and the results were compared against the usual Sparse Auto Encoder (SAE). The results show impressive improvements in terms of all performance metrics for both datasets (namely 3.69% in Overal Accuracy, 0.04 in Kappa, and 4.15% in F-score for the PlanetScope dataset, and 3.71% in OA, 0.05 in K, and 1.61% in F-score for RapidEye dataset). Comparing accuracy metrics in field boundary areas has also proved the superiority of GFSAE over the original classifier in classifying these areas. It is also appropriate to be used in field boundary delineation applications.
Effect of Nitrogen Application on Root and Yield Traits of Chinese Spring Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under Drip Irrigation
Authors: Wang Rongrong , Wang Haiqi , Jiang Guiying , Liu Jianguo , Yin Haojie , Xie Bingying , Che Ziqiang , Jiang Feng , Zhang Ting
Published: October 2022

To clarify the regulatory effects of different N fertilizer treatments on the root morphology, physiological characteristics, and assimilate accumulation of drip-irrigated spring wheat under the northern border climate, we used strong wheat Xinchun 38 (cv. XC 38) and medium gluten wheat Xinchun 49 (cv. XC 49) as test materials in 2019 and 2020, and cultivated them in soil columns at Nck (300 kg·ha−1), A1 (240 kg·ha−1), A2 (210 kg·ha−1), and N0 (0 kg·ha−1). We also studied the effects of N application on root morphological characteristics, key enzymes of N metabolism, antioxidant enzymes, dry matter accumulation distribution, and yield of drip-irrigated wheat. The results showed that the root morphological characteristics, key enzymes of nitrogen metabolism, antioxidant enzymes, shoot dry matter accumulation, spike dry matter, and yield all showed an increasing and then decreasing trend with increasing nitrogen application. Among them, A1 treatment showed the best root length density (RLD), root volume density (RVD), root mass density (RMD), nitrate reductase (NR), glutamine synthetase (GS), glutamate synthetase (GOGAT), glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), root activity, shoot dry matter accumulation, spike dry matter, and yield, which were significantly higher than other treatments. The malondialdehyde (MDA) content decreased by 3.36–15.70% compared with other treatments. Correlation analysis showed that yields were positively correlated with RLD, RVD, RMD, GS, and GPT and negatively correlated with MDA. Nitrogen treatments and varietal intercropping had significant effects on RLD, root activity, NR, GS, GPT, POD, and yield. Therefore, moderate N reduction (240 kg·ha−1) under the drip irrigation pattern in Xinjiang can improve the morphological characteristics and physiological functions of wheat roots, promote the distribution and transport of dry matter to spikes, and facilitate yield formation.
Male and Female Hormone Reading to Predict Pregnancy Percentage Using a Deep Learning Technique: A Real Case Study
Authors: Shboul Lara , Fram Kamil , Sharaeh Saleh , Alshraideh Mohammad , Shaar Nancy , Alshraideh Njwan
Published: October 2022

Diagnosing gynecological diseases is a significant difficulty for the medical sector. Numerous patients visit gynecological clinics for pregnancies as well as for other illnesses, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, ovarian cysts, endometritis, menopause, and others. In relation to pregnancy, patients, whether they are men, women, or both, may experience a variety of issues. As a result, in this research, we developed a proposed method that makes use of artificial neural networks (ANN) to help gynecologists predict the success rate of a pregnancy based on the reading of the pregnancy hormone ratio in the blood. The ANN was used in this test in the lab as a group of multiple perceptrons or neurons at each layer; however, in the final hidden layer, the genetic algorithm (GA) and Bat algorithm were used instead. These two algorithms are fit and appropriate for optimizing the models that are aimed to estimate or predict a value. As a result, the GA attempts to determine the testing cost using equations and the Bat algorithm attempts to determine the training cost. To improve the performance of the ANN, the GA algorithm collaborates with the Bat algorithm in a hybrid approach in the hidden layer of ANN; therefore, the pregnancy prediction result of using this method can be improved, optimized, and more accurate. Based on the flexibility of each algorithm, gynecologists can predict the success rate of a pregnancy. With the help of our methods, we were able to run experiments using data collected from 35,207 patients and reach a classification accuracy of 96.5%. These data were gathered from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Hospital University of Jordan (HUJ). The proposed method aimed to predict the pregnancy rate of success regardless of whether the data are comprised of patients whose pregnancy hormones are in the normal range or of patients that suffer from factors favoring sterility, such as infections, malformations, and associated diseases (e.g., diabetes).
Cladomorphus petropolisensis, a New Species of Stick Insect from the Atlantic Forest, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Costa Jane , Mallet Jacenir R. S. , Takiya Daniela Maeda
Published: October 2022

Cladomorphus petropolisensis sp. nov., a new species of stick insect from Petrópolis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is herein described and compared to the other sympatric species, C. phyllinus Gray, 1835 (Phasmatidae, Cladomorphinae). The description of the new species is supported by morphological and molecular evidence. Kimura-2-parameter (K2P) intraspecific COI divergences among the holotype of C. petropolisensis sp. nov. and C. phyllinus individuals ranged from 2.9% to 4.4%, which are suggestive of distinct species, especially when considering that all Cladomorphus individuals studied were collected in the Petrópolis municipality. The new species can be distinguished from C. phyllinus Gray, 1835 by several characteristics: smaller size, the presence of two spines on the hind femora, the relative longer length of the ovipositor, and spiny tegument, especially in the mesonotum, sculpturing of the operculum of the egg.
Condensed and Hydrolyzable Tannins for Reducing Methane and Nitrous Oxide Emissions in Dairy Manure—A Laboratory Incubation Study
Authors: Min Byeng Ryel , Willis Will , Casey Kenneth , Castleberry Lana , Waldrip Heidi , Parker David
Published: October 2022

The objectives of this study were to (1) examine the effects of plant condensed (CT) and hydrolyzable tannin (HT) extracts on CH4 and N2O emissions; (2) identify the reactions responsible for manure-derived GHG emissions, and (3) examine accompanying microbial community changes in fresh dairy manure. Five treatments were applied in triplicate to the freshly collected dairy manure, including 4% CT, 8% CT, 4% HT, 8% HT (V/V), and control (no tannin addition). Fresh dairy manure was placed into 710 mL glass incubation chambers. In vitro composted dairy manure samples were collected at 0, 24, 48, and 336 h after the start of incubation. Fluxes of N2O and CH4 were measured for 5-min/h for 14 d at a constant ambient incubation temperature of 39 °C. The addition of quebracho CT significantly decreased the CH4 flux rates compared to the tannin-free controls (215.9 mg/m2/h), with peaks of 75.6 and 89.6 mg/m2/h for 4 and 8% CT inclusion rates, respectively. Furthermore, CT significantly reduced cumulative CH4 emission by 68.2 and 57.3% at 4 and 8% CT addition, respectively. The HT treatments failed to affect CH4 reduction. However, both CT and HT reduced (p < 0.001) cumulative and flux rates of N2O emissions. The decrease in CH4 flux with CT was associated with a reduction in the abundance of Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria.
Epidemiological Study of the Occurrence of Typhus Group Rickettsia Natural Infection in Domiciliated Dogs from a Rural Community in South-Eastern Mexico
Authors: Torres-Castro Marco , Reyes-Novelo Enrique , Bolio-González Manuel , Lugo-Caballero Cesar , Dzul-Rosado Karla , Colunga-Salas Pablo , Sánchez-Montes Sokani , Noh-Pech Henry , Puerto Fernando I. , Rodríguez-Vivas Roger Iván
Published: October 2022

The aim is to describe the Typhus group (TG) Rickettsia infection in dogs and to identify factors associated with this infection. We collected blood samples and gathered exposure and clinical data of 142 dogs from a rural community of Yucatan. The Rickettsia group was determined by semi-nested PCR. Generalized linear models with binomial error distribution were used to model the associated factors from the dog sample for risk ratio (RR) estimation. Thirty-four dogs (23.9%) showed molecular evidence of TG Rickettsia DNA. The multivariate model showed that mixed-breed dogs (RR = 0.06) and dogs that had received antiparasitic treatment (RR = 0.049) had a lower risk of getting infected, taking as reference the purebred group and the non-treated dogs, respectively. Looking at variable interactions, adult dogs without outdoor activities had a lower infection risk than puppies (RR = 0.26). Among dogs with antiparasitic treatment, females had a higher infection risk than male dogs (RR = 26.2). The results showed enzootic TG Rickettsia circulation in dogs of a rural community. The factors outdoor activities, age and previous antiparasitic treatment, as well as the clinical variables signs of hemorrhages and epistaxis, were associated with a less chance of natural infection in the studied dogs. Prevention and control of the enzootic transmission risk of TG Rickettsia should help to reduce the potential zoonotic transmission of this pathogen.
Comparison of Commercial Poultry Semen Extenders Modified for Cryopreservation Procedure in the Genetic Resource Program of Czech Golden Spotted Hen
Authors: Petričáková Kristýna , Janošíková Martina , Ptáček Martin , Zita Lukáš , Savvulidi Filipp Georgijevič , Partyka Agnieszka
Published: October 2022

Spermatozoa cryoconservation represents an important strategy for partial in vitro or rescue programs designed for threatened livestock populations. The procedure for the semen cryopreservation of the Czech Golden Spotted Hen was proposed due to the lower fertilization rate of poultry semen compared to mammalian species. The aim of this study was to compare commercial extenders designed for liquid storage preservation with the use of a predefined cryoprotectant, and, thus, to propose an important tool for the procedure of the semen cryopreservation of the Czech Golden Spotted Hen. Ejaculates were sampled from four roosters during five semen collection days. The samples were frozen in Poultry media®, Raptac® and NeXcell® extenders supplemented with a 9% N-methylacetamide (NMA) cryoprotectant. Sperm parameters of the total motility (MOT; %), plasma membrane and acrosome intactness (PAI; %), plasma membrane damage (%), acrosome damage (%) and cells with plasma membrane and acrosome damage (%) were assessed using a mobile mCASA analyzer and flow cytometer after the cryopreservation of the insemination doses (IDs). For Poultry media® (PAI = 51.11%; MOT = 23.58%) and Raptac® (PAI = 52.04%; MOT = 23.13%) extenders with the addition of an NMA cryoprotectant, the comparable results were detected after thawing. For NexCell® media, the results were poor (PAI = 7.07%; MOT = 3.83%). Our results indicated two extenders suitable for the cryopreservation procedure, with the applied modification.
Canine Socialisation: A Narrative Systematic Review
Authors: McEvoy Victoria , Espinosa Uri , Crump Andrew , Arnott Gareth
Published: October 2022

There are over 10 million pet dogs in the UK alone, and they have become a member of modern human families. If not properly socialised as puppies, dogs have a higher risk of problematic behaviours during adulthood, yet socialisation studies are lacking. Much of the experimental research was carried out at least 50 years ago, and the importance of socialisation was demonstrated so clearly that further studies with unsocialised controls would be deemed unethical. In this review, the aim was to evaluate all literature relevant to canine socialisation. This review used PRISMA-P guidelines to identify 29 studies: 14 were questionnaire-based studies (two of which also had a testing element), 15 included some form of experimental manipulation relating to socialisation, and one was a purely observational study. Based on this literature review, we recommend future research into minimum necessary socialisation levels, as well as breed differences in the timing of effective socialisation. Such studies will help owners and breeders produce well-adjusted adult dogs.
Dairy Buffalo Behavior: Calving, Imprinting and Allosuckling
Authors: Mota-Rojas Daniel , Bragaglio Andrea , Braghieri Ada , Napolitano Fabio , Domínguez-Oliva Adriana , Mora-Medina Patricia , Álvarez-Macías Adolfo , De Rosa Giuseppe , Pacelli Corrado , José Nancy , Barile Vittoria Lucia
Published: October 2022

Maternal behavior, in water buffalo and other ruminants, is a set of patterns of a determined species, including calving, imprinting, and suckling. This behavior is mainly triggered by hormone concentration changes and their interactions with their respective receptors in the brain, particularly oxytocin. These chemical signals also influence mother–young bonding, a critical process for neonatal survival that develops during the first postpartum hours. Currently, dairy buffalo behavior during parturition has rarely been studied. For this reason, this review aims to analyze the existing scientific evidence regarding maternal behavior in water buffalo during calving. It will address the mechanisms of imprinting, maternal care, and allosuckling strategies that may influence the survival and health of calves.
The Supplementation of FloraMax-B11 Did Not Affect the Bile Acid Neosynthesis and the Enterohepatic Circulation in Broiler Chickens
Authors: Kpodo Kouassi R. , Chaudhari Atul , Schreier Lori L. , Miska Katarzyna B. , Proszkowiec-Weglarz Monika
Published: October 2022

Most probiotics possess bile salt hydrolase enzymes and may increase bile acid excretion and negatively affect fat digestion and absorption. Therefore, the study objective was to determine the time course effects of a commercial probiotic (P) FloraMax-B11 (FM) supplementation on bile acid neosynthesis and enterohepatic circulation in broiler chickens. Fertile Ross 708 eggs were incubated under standard commercial conditions. At hatch, chicks (n = 550) were randomly assigned to 5 treatment groups (n = 5 replicates per treatment group) with 22 birds per pen. The 5 treatment groups consisted of: control group (C, normal water from hatch to 35 days of age without supplements); P3, water supplemented with FM for the first 3 days post-hatch followed by normal water until day 35; P10, water supplemented with FM for the first 10 days post-hatch followed by normal water until day 35; P35, water supplemented with FM from hatch to day 35; and AGP, water supplemented with antibiotic growth promoter (AGP) from hatch until day 35. Ileum, liver, and plasma were collected at hatch, days 3, 10, 21, and 35 post-hatch. The relative mRNA expression of genes involved in bile acid synthesis (CYP7A1, CYP8B1, FXR, FGFR4, and FGF19) and transport (ASBT, I-BABP, OSTα, OSTβ, and BSEP) as well as ileal deoxycholic acid and plasma cholic acid were determined. There was no FM and AGP interaction for any of the response criteria. No FM or AGP effects were observed (p > 0.05) for any genes, except FGF19, which expression was increased (p < 0.0001) in AGP compared to P35. No FM or AGP effects were observed (p > 0.05) for levels of deoxycholic and cholic acids. However, all the genes, deoxycholic acid, and plasma cholic acid were affected by age (p < 0.0001). In general, the data indicate that FM did not negatively impact bile acid metabolism and enterohepatic circulation, which appeared to be age dependent. However, more research should be conducted to confirm these results and investigate the effects of FM on bile acid metabolism, fat digestion, and intestinal microbiota in broiler chickens.
Animal Reproduction: Semen Quality Assessment
Authors: Wysokińska Anna
Published: October 2022

Semen quality is of fundamental importance for successful conception and embryonic development [...]
Rational Design and In Vivo Characterization of mRNA-Encoded Broadly Neutralizing Antibody Combinations against HIV-1
Authors: Narayanan Elisabeth , Falcone Samantha , Elbashir Sayda M. , Attarwala Husain , Hassett Kimberly , Seaman Michael S. , Carfi Andrea , Himansu Sunny
Published: October 2022

Monoclonal antibodies have been used successfully as recombinant protein therapy; however, for HIV, multiple broadly neutralizing antibodies may be necessary. We used the mRNA-LNP platform for in vivo co-expression of 3 broadly neutralizing antibodies, PGDM1400, PGT121, and N6, directed against the HIV-1 envelope protein. mRNA-encoded HIV-1 antibodies were engineered as single-chain Fc (scFv-Fc) to overcome heavy- and light-chain mismatch. In vitro neutralization breadth and potency of the constructs were compared to their parental IgG form. We assessed the ability of these scFv-Fcs to be expressed individually and in combination in vivo, and neutralization and pharmacokinetics were compared to the corresponding full-length IgGs. Single-chain PGDM1400 and PGT121 exhibited neutralization potency comparable to parental IgG, achieving peak systemic concentrations ≥ 30.81 μg/mL in mice; full-length N6 IgG achieved a peak concentration of 974 μg/mL, but did not tolerate single-chain conversion. The mRNA combination encoding full-length N6 IgG and single-chain PGDM1400 and PGT121 was efficiently expressed in mice, achieving high systemic concentration and desired neutralization potency. Analysis of mice sera demonstrated each antibody contributed towards neutralization of multiple HIV-1 pseudoviruses. Together, these data show that the mRNA-LNP platform provides a promising approach for antibody-based HIV treatment and is well-suited for development of combination therapeutics.
New Insights into Listeria monocytogenes Antimicrobial Resistance, Virulence Attributes and Their Prospective Correlation
Authors: Elsayed Mahmoud E. , Abd El-Hamid Marwa I. , El-Gedawy Attia , Bendary Mahmoud M. , ELTarabili Reham M. , Alhomrani Majid , Alamri Abdulhakeem S. , Alghamdi Saleh A. , Arnout Marwa , Binjawhar Dalal N. , Al-Sanea Mohammad M. , Abousaty Amira I.
Published: October 2022

Listeriosis is one of the most common foodborne diseases caused by Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes). A poor prognosis has been recorded for the invasive listeriosis, especially neurolisteriosis. In several countries throughout the world, foodborne infections with L. monocytogenes exceeded the legal safety limits in animal sourced foods. Therefore, we decided to investigate the variability, virulence and antimicrobial resistance profiles of this pathogen. Both phenotypic and genotypic methods were used for identifying L. monocytogenes isolates and confirming their virulence profiles. The antimicrobial resistances and their correlation analysis with the existence of virulence genes were detected. Additionally, sequencing and phylogenetic analysis based on L. monocytogenes inlA and inlB genes were undertaken. The prevalence rate (11.9%) and the resistance profiles of L. monocytogenes were shocking. The multi-drug resistance (MDR) phenotypes were common among our isolates (64.9%). Fortunately, the resistance phenotypes were always associated with low virulence arrays and the MDR strains possessed low virulence fitness. Herein, the high genotypic and phenotypic diversity of L. monocytogenes isolates and their weak clonality and adaptability highlighted the difficulty in controlling and managing this pathogen. Therefore, it is important to add more restriction guidelines from national authorities on the consumption of ready to eat foods.
Outpatient Antibiotic Use and Costs in Adults: A Nationwide Register-Based Study in Finland 2008–2019
Authors: Pyörälä Elisa , Sepponen Kati , Lauhio Anneli , Saastamoinen Leena
Published: October 2022

The objective of this study was to describe the prevalence of outpatient use and costs for systemic antibacterials by age and sex among adults in Finland from 2008–2019. Data from the Finnish statistical database Kelasto, containing information concerning all reimbursed medicines for 18+-year-olds during 2008–2019, were analyzed. In addition to the decreased (26%) use of systemic antibiotics, decreased use was observed in all antibiotic categories, notably including several wide-spectrum antibiotics. The use of quinolones decreased by 49% and of tetracyclines by 39%. The 10 most frequently used antibiotics covered 89% of all adult antibiotic prescriptions. Antibiotic use also decreased in every age group during the study period. Although the overall yearly costs of outpatient antibiotics during the 10-year study period decreased from EUR 36.4 million to EUR 30.7 million, the cost per prescription increased slightly. In conclusion, according to the findings of this study, concerning adults and the results of our previous study concerning children and adolescents (2008–2016), there has been a decreasing trend of outpatient antibacterial use among the whole Finnish outpatient population over the duration of nearly one decade. However, during the same time period, there has been a specific increasing trend for the Gram-negative AMR threat regarding E. coli resistance. Therefore, based on our important findings in Finland, methods other than the restriction of antibiotic use, such as new anti-infective innovations, including antibacterials, are needed as soon as possible to tackle this major global health threat—a silent pandemic.
Sepsis Team Organizational Model to Decrease Mortality for Intra-Abdominal Infections: Is Antibiotic Stewardship Enough?
Authors: Vallicelli Carlo , Santandrea Giorgia , Sartelli Massimo , Coccolini Federico , Ansaloni Luca , Agnoletti Vanni , Bravi Francesca , Catena Fausto
Published: October 2022

Introduction. Sepsis is an overwhelming reaction to infection with significant morbidity, requiring urgent interventions in order to improve outcomes. The 2016 Sepsis-3 guidelines modified the previous definitions of sepsis and septic shock, and proposed some specific diagnostic and therapeutic measures to define the use of fluid resuscitation and antibiotics. However, some open issues still exist. Methods. A literature research was performed on PubMed and Cochrane using the terms “sepsis” AND “intra-abdominal infections” AND (“antibiotic therapy” OR “antibiotic treatment”). The inclusion criteria were management of intra-abdominal infection (IAI) and effects of antibiotic stewardships programs (ASP) on the outcome of the patients. Discussion. Sepsis-3 definitions represent an added value in the understanding of sepsis mechanisms and in the management of the disease. However, some questions are still open, such as the need for an early identification of sepsis. Sepsis management in the context of IAI is particularly challenging and a prompt diagnosis is essential in order to perform a quick treatment (source control and antibiotic treatment). Antibiotic empirical therapy should be based on the kind of infection (community or hospital acquired), local resistances, and patient’s characteristic and comorbidities, and should be adjusted or de-escalated as soon as microbiological information is available. Antibiotic Stewardship Programs (ASP) have demonstrated to improve antimicrobial utilization with reduction of infections, emergence of multi-drug resistant bacteria, and costs. Surgeons should not be alone in the management of IAI but ideally inserted in a sepsis team together with anaesthesiologists, medical physicians, pharmacists, and infectious diseases specialists, meeting periodically to reassess the response to the treatment. Conclusion. The cornerstones of sepsis management are accurate diagnosis, early resuscitation, effective source control, and timely initiation of appropriate antimicrobial therapy. Current evidence shows that optimizing antibiotic use across surgical specialities is imperative to improve outcomes. Ideally every hospital and every emergency surgery department should aim to provide a sepsis team in order to manage IAI.
Long-Term Lactulose Administration Improves Dysbiosis Induced by Antibiotic and C. difficile in the PathoGutTM SHIME Model
Authors: Calatayud Marta , Duysburgh Cindy , Van den Abbeele Pieter , Franckenstein Dennis , Kuchina-Koch Angelika , Marzorati Massimo
Published: October 2022

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is the leading cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and an important nosocomial infection with different severity degrees. Disruption of the gut microbiota by broad-spectrum antibiotics creates a proper environment for C. difficile colonization, proliferation, and clinical disease onset. Restoration of the gut microbial ecosystem through prebiotic interventions can constitute an effective complementary treatment of CDI. Using an adapted simulator of the human gut microbial ecosystem, the PathoGutTM SHIME, the effect of different long-term and repeated dose lactulose treatments was tested on C. difficile germination and growth in antibiotic-induced dysbiotic gut microbiota environments. The results showed that lactulose reduced the growth of viable C. difficile cells following clindamycin treatment, shifted the antibiotic-induced dysbiotic microbial community, and stimulated the production of health-promoting metabolites (especially butyrate). Recovery of the gut microenvironment by long-term lactulose administration following CDI was also linked to lactate production, decrease in pH and modulation of bile salt metabolism. At a structural level, lactulose showed a significant bifidogenic potential and restored key commensal members of the gut ecosystem such as Lactobacillaceae, Veillonellaceae and Lachnospiraceae. These results support further human intervention studies aiming to validate the in vitro beneficial effects of lactulose on gut microbiome recovery during antibiotic exposure and CDI.
Prevention of LPS-Induced Acute Kidney Injury in Mice by Bavachin and Its Potential Mechanisms
Authors: Ban Ka-Yun , Nam Ga-Young , Kim Donghee , Oh Yoon Sin , Jun Hee-Sook
Published: October 2022

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious complication of sepsis with a rapid onset and high mortality rate. Bavachin, an active component of Psoralea corylifolia L., reportedly has antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory effects; however, its beneficial effects on AKI remain undetermined. We investigated the protective effect of bavachin on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced AKI in mice and elucidated the underlying mechanism in human renal tubular epithelial HK-2 cells. Increased serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels were observed in LPS-injected mice; however, bavachin pretreatment significantly inhibited this increase. Bavachin improved the kidney injury score and decreased the expression level of tubular injury markers, such as neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), in both LPS-injected mice and LPS-treated HK-2 cells. LPS-induced oxidative stress via phosphorylated protein kinase C (PKC) β and upregulation of the NADPH oxidase (NOX) 4 pathway was also significantly decreased by treatment with bavachin. Moreover, bavachin treatment inhibited the phosphorylation of MAPKs (P38, ERK, and JNK) and nuclear factor (NF)-κB, as well as the increase in inflammatory cytokine levels in LPS-injected mice. Krüppel-like factor 5 (KLF5) expression was upregulated in the LPS-treated HK-2 cells and kidneys of LPS-injected mice. However, RNAi-mediated silencing of KLF5 inhibited the phosphorylation of NF-kB, consequently reversing LPS-induced KIM-1 and NGAL expression in HK-2 cells. Therefore, bavachin may ameliorate LPS-induced AKI by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation via the downregulation of the PKCβ/MAPK/KLF5 axis.
Antioxidant Potential of Resveratrol as the Result of Radiation Exposition
Authors: Rosiak Natalia , Cielecka-Piontek Judyta , Skibiński Robert , Lewandowska Kornelia , Bednarski Waldemar , Zalewski Przemysław
Published: October 2022

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of electron beam irradiation (EBI) at a dose of 25 kGy on the stability and antioxidant properties of resveratrol (RSV), a nutraceutical with clinically proven activity. The electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) method was used to evaluate the concentration of free radicals after irradiation. Minor changes in chemical structure due to free radicals induced by EBI were confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy. HPLC and HPLC-MS analysis ruled out the appearance of degradation products after irradiation. In addition, HPLC analysis confirmed the absence of trans- to cis-resveratrol conversion. Changes in the antioxidant potential of RSV after irradiation were studied using DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, and FRAP techniques. It was confirmed that EBI favorably affected the antioxidant properties of tests based on the HAT mechanism (increase in DPPH and CUPRAC tests).
Special Issue “Novel Developments in the Bioproduction of Biochemicals and Biomaterials”
Authors: de Almeida Catarina Dias , Queirós Odília
Published: October 2022

Bioprocesses with new environmentally friendly approaches, along with new perspectives that favor a transformation from conventional production routes to sustainable alternatives, as envisioned in the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, will play an important role in the near future [...]
Impact of Altering the Ratio of Black Tea Granules and Ocimum gratissimum Leaves in a Binary Infusion on Radical Scavenging Potential Employing Cell Free Models and Ex Vivo Assays
Authors: Guleria Khushboo , Sehgal Amit , Bhat Irshad Ahmad , Singh Sandeep Kumar , Vamanu Emanuel , Singh Mahendra P.
Published: October 2022

Black tea is one of the most popular beverages consumed in the world. It is stronger in taste as well as in flavour compared to other less oxidized teas. It is made from the leaves of the shrub Camellia sinensis var. assamica. Black tea can be supplemented with other plant parts to enhance its flavour and health-promoting properties. In India, Ocimum spp. leaves have been used for their medicinal properties since ancient times. These leaves can be added during black tea preparation to enhance their aroma and healing activities. O. gratissimum, known as “Scent Leaf”, is traditionally used for the management of many diseases, such as the common cold and cough. This work was designed to evaluate the antioxidant interaction between black tea and O. gratissimum (leaves) at five different ratios (1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 2:1, and 3:1). To determine the antioxidant activity, chemical-based methods and ex vivo assays were conducted. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were calculated by Folin’s reagent and aluminium chloride colorimetric assays, respectively. The antioxidant interactions were determined by the combination index (CI), using CompuSyn software. The black tea exhibited higher radical quenching activity (DPPH, ABTS, and NO) and antihaemolytic and anti-lipid peroxidation potential compared to the Ocimum gratissimum infusion. Variation in the antioxidant capability was observed for various ratios of the black tea and O. gratissimum (BT+OG) combination. The antioxidant interaction between BT and OG ranged from nearly additive to antagonistic. The total phenolic content was higher for O. gratissimum, whereas the total flavonoid content was high in black tea. The binary mixture of BT+OG at all ratios (3:1, 2:1, 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3) expressed similar phenolic and flavonoid levels. Overall, black tea and O. gratissimum displayed additive antioxidant interaction and the highest free radical scavenging potential at a 3:1 proportion in all the performed parameters.