bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accelerometer-derived physical activity and sedentary behaviors in individuals with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes: A cross-sectional study from the Danish nationwide DD2 cohort
Authors: Domazet Sidsel L. , Tarp Jakob , Thomsen Reimar W. , Højlund Kurt , Stidsen Jacob V. , Brønd Jan C. , Grøntved Anders , Nielsen Jens Steen
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Habitual physical activity behaviors of individuals with new-onset type 2 diabetes are largely unknown. We aimed to investigate accelerometer-derived physical activity behaviors in individuals with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes. We also examined sociodemographic and health-related correlates of a high-risk physical activity profile.

Methods

This cross-sectional study used data from 768 participants enrolled in an intervention study nested within the Danish Centre for Strategic Research in Type 2 diabetes (DD2) cohort. Physical activity was assessed by 24-h dual monitor accelerometry. Prevalence ratios of having a high-risk physical activity profile were estimated using Poisson regression adjusted for age and sex.

Results

Study participants spent on average 9.7 (25th and 75th percentiles, 8.3; 11.1) hours/day sitting, walked for 1.1 (0.8; 1.6) hours/day and accumulated 4,000 (2,521; 5,864) steps/day. Still, 62% met the recommendations for physical activity. Characteristics associated with a high-risk physical activity profile (observed in 24.5% of participants) included older age, higher body mass index (BMI), unemployment, retirement, comorbidities, and current smoking. Hence, participants aged 60–69, 70–79 and 80+ years had prevalence ratios of 2.12 (95% CI 1.31; 3.42), 1.99 (1.18; 3.34) and 3.09 (1.42; 6.75) for a high-risk activity profile, respectively, versus participants <50 years. BMI values of 30–39 and 40+ were associated with 1.83 (1.06; 3.15) and 3.38 (1.88; 6.05) higher prevalence ratios compared to normal-weight. Unemployment or retirement was associated with 1.62 (1.09; 2.41) and 2.15 (1.37; 3.39) times higher prevalence ratios, compared to individuals in the working force. Having a Charlson Comorbidity Index score of 1–2 or 3+ was associated with 1.36 (1.03–1.79) and 1.90 (1.27–1.84) higher prevalence ratios, while current smoking was associated with a prevalence ratio of 1.72 (1.25; 2.35) compared to never smokers.

Conclusion

This study shows that 62% of individuals with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes met the recommendations for physical activity. Still, the majority of participants were also highly sedentary and accumulated very few daily steps, emphasizing the need for focusing on both increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary behaviors in the prevention of diabetes-related complications. Individuals with a high-risk physical activity profile were characterized by more obesity, socioeconomic inequalities, advanced age and comorbidities.

Trial registration number: NCT02015130.
Economically sustainable shade design for feedlot cattle
Authors: Maia Alex S. C. , Moura Gustavo A. B. , Fonsêca Vinicius F. C. , Gebremedhin Kifle G. , Milan Hugo M. , Chiquitelli Neto Marcos , Simão Bruno R. , Campanelli Victor Paschoal Consentino , Pacheco Rodrigo Dias Lauritano
Published: January 2023

Provision of shade reduces radiant heat load on feedlot cattle, thus reducing demand of water and energy for thermoregulation. While the positive effects of shade on animal welfare are widely known, the literature lacks data on the magnitude of its economic impacts. In this study, we propose the concept of novel shade design to prove that a correctly oriented and dimensioned roof structure, which optimizes shade to be displaced within the pens, motivates cattle to seek shade, protect them from short-wave solar radiation, and is resilient to counteract weather adverse conditions. The beneficial outcome is improvement in animal welfare and productive performance, as well as increments on financial return and sustainability. To attest these benefits, eight hundred B. indicus × Bos taurus bulls were randomly assigned in pens with or without shade from a galvanized steel-roof structure. Performance data (e.g., dry matter intake, body weight gain, feed efficiency and hot carcass weight) and heat stress indicators (e.g., subcutaneous temperature, body-surface temperature, respiratory rate and water intake) were assessed along the study period. The economic outcomes derived from shade implementation were determined using the net present value. Meteorological variables were also monitored every 1 min, and grouped in a thermal comfort index for feedlot cattle, the InComfort Index (InCI). The shade structure efficiently reduced radiant heat load on cattle in pens with shade. According to the classification of the InCI, during very hot days (InCI > 0.6; around noon with mean solar radiation above 800 W m−2 and mean air temperature above 33°C), greater proportion (80%) of animals in shaded pens were using shade. Under such circumstances, cattle in shade had water intake reduced by 3.4 L per animal, body temperature was lower by 5°C, subcutaneous temperature was lower by 1°C and respiration rate was lower by 10 breaths min−1 compared to animals in pens without shade (P = 0.0001). Although dry matter intake was similar (P = 0.6805), cattle in pens with shade had higher average daily gain reflected in a heavier hot carcass weight (8 kg animal−1; P = 0.0002). Considering an initial investment of $90 per animal to build a structure that lasts 15 years, the expected payback time is four finishing cycles (~110 days per cycle). In conclusion, this study confirms that the proposed novel shade design is economically profitable, improves performance, and enhances animal welfare.
Spatiotemporal Characteristics of Meteorological and Agricultural Droughts in China: Change Patterns and Causes
Authors: Li Lusheng , Zhao Lili , Li Yanbin
Published: January 2023

Drought is complex and is also one of the main disasters affecting China. Exploring the response of agricultural drought and meteorological drought to climatic factors helps us to understand the causes of drought. In this paper, we evaluated the temporal and spatial characteristics of soil drought and meteorological drought (SMD) and explored their responses to climatic factors and latent heat fluxes (LHF), and then explained their variation from the perspective of atmospheric circulation. The following results were obtained. (1) Meteorological drought has gradually increased in the Liaohe River Basin, on the North China Plain, and on the Loess Plateau while average soil moisture has been maintained at only approximately 25%. The impacts of drought are very serious in these regions. (2) LHF response to short time-scale (3-month scale) drought performance is high in the dry season, and the regions with high correlation coefficients are spatially distributed and concentrated in the monsoon climate zone. The regions with high correlation coefficients between drought and LHFs on long time scales (12-month scale) are concentrated in the coastal basin of southeast China. (3) Short- and long-term SMDs showed highly responsive and significant relationships with PDO, showing variations in the southeast coastal basin, the Pearl River basin, the northwest inland basin and the eastern part of the Heilongjiang basin, with a maximum correlation coefficient of 0.21 (p < 0.01). The short-term SMD in the northwestern inland region was significantly negatively correlated with AMO (correlation coefficient of −0.19, p < 0.01). the Nino3.4 index is significantly positively correlated with the SMD in the southeast coastal region of China, with a maximum correlation coefficient of 0.23 (p < 0.01). The decrease in convective precipitation led to a stronger association between soil and meteorological drought and climatic factors. This study helps to reveal the changing patterns of SMDs and can also be used globally to identify the local development patterns of drought under climate change.
Efficacy of Lactic Acid Bacteria as a Biocontrol Agent against Anthracnose (Persea americana Miller) Decay in Avocado (Persea americana) cv Fuerte Fruit
Authors: Mpeluza Azola Siwaphiwe , Akinola Stephen Abiola , Shoko Tinotenda , Remize Fabienne , Sivakumar Dharini
Published: January 2023

Anthracnose disease is still a threat to avocado fruit quality, and the use of fungicide (Plochloraz®) for its control has generated safety concerns that necessitate the search for alternatives. Therefore, the efficiency of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from fresh fruits and vegetables as biocontrol agents against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides was investigated in this study. Weissella cibaria 21 (LAB 21), Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides 56 (LAB 56), Weissella confusa 17 (LAB 17), Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 75 (LAB 75), and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 171 (LAB 171) were evaluated in vitro as potential biocontrol agents to replace the Prochloraz® that is currently used in susceptible avocado (Persea americana Miller) Fuerte fruit. To confirm the biocontrol activity of the selected LAB strains, the antagonistic growth, spore germination, LAB recovery, nutrient competition, acid tolerance, and biofilm formation were assessed. In fruit treated with a LAB cell suspension, curatively inoculated with C. gloeosporioides, or naturally infected avocado cv Fuerte fruit, the epicatechin content and expression of defense-related genes (PAL, LOX, AVFADl 2–3, AVFAEL, and FLS) were compared with Prochloraz® and sterile water (control) treatments. With LAB 56, LAB 75, and LAB 21, significant inhibition of radial mycelial growth (MGI) (>90%) and spore germination (100%) was observed similar to those due to Prochloraz®. The MGI increased with a reduction in nutrient concentration. LAB strains reduced anthracnose disease incidence and severity compared with Prochloraz® and were the highest in LAB 21 and LAB 56. The LAB 21 and LAB 56 strains produced strong biofilms against C. gloeosporioides. In contrast to LAB 56, the control, and Prochloraz®, and LAB 21 had the highest epicatechin content (406 mg/g) and upregulated the PAL, AVFADl 2–3, AVFAEl, and FLS genes, thereby reducing the incidence of anthracnose in avocado fruit. As a result, LAB 21 suspensions can be used as an alternative to Prochloraz® in the control of anthracnose disease.
Forecasting of Hypoallergenic Wheat Productivity Based on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Remote Sensing Approach—Case Study
Authors: Kulig Bogdan , Waga Jacek , Oleksy Andrzej , Rapacz Marcin , Kołodziejczyk Marek , Wężyk Piotr , Klimek-Kopyra Agnieszka , Witkowicz Robert , Skoczowski Andrzej , Podolska Grażyna , Grygierzec Wiesław
Published: January 2023

Remote sensing methods based on UAV and hand-held devices as well have been used to assess the response to nitrogen and sulfur fertilization of hypoallergenic genotypes of winter wheat. The field experiment was conducted using the split-split-plot design with three repetitions. The first factor was the two genotypes of winter wheat specified as V1 (without allergic protein) and V2 (with allergic protein), and the second factor was three doses of sulfur fertilization: 0, 20 and 40 kg S per ha. The third factor consisted of six doses of nitrogen fertilization: 0, 40, 60, 80, 100 and 120 kg N·ha−1. Monitoring the values of the indicators depending on the level of nitrogen and sulfur fertilization allowed the results to be used in yield forecasting, assessment of plant condition, LAI value, nutritional status in the cultivation of wheat. The maximum yield should be expected at doses of 94 and 101 kg N ha−1 for genotypes V1 and V2, respectively, giving yields of 5.39 and 4.71 Mg ha−1. On the basis of the tested vegetation indices, the highest doses of N should be applied using the normalized difference RedEdge (NDRE), and the lowest ones based on the enhanced vegetation index (EVI), and, in the latter case, a reduction in yield of more than 200 kg ha−1 in the V2 genotype should be taken into account.
Losing the Plot: The Impact of Urban Agriculture on Household Food Expenditure and Dietary Diversity in Sub-Saharan African Countries
Authors: Sangwan Navjot , Tasciotti Luca
Published: January 2023

Urban agriculture (UA) is proposed as a solution to the social and economic challenges presented by cities by providing urban households with food and income using environmentally friendly food production techniques. To date, most analysis of UA has been based on single-city studies. This paper aims to contribute to the literature by using a cross-country approach and by analysing household level data from nine sub-Saharan countries—Burkina Faso (2014), Ethiopia (2013), Ghana (2009), Malawi (2013), Niger 2014, Nigeria (2012), Tanzania (2010) and Uganda (2013). This paper sets out to answer three questions; the first investigates which are the main characteristics of households engaged in urban agriculture; the second looks at the role played by UA in diversifying household diets and reducing household food expenditure; the third examines the heterogeneity in the impact of UA across the food expenditure distribution. Using an inverse-probability weighted regression adjustment method, the results show that households engaged in agriculture reduced expenditure on food and modified their food expenditure profile by spending more on protein rich food -nuts, legumes, fruits, dairy products, meat and poultry. The study also finds substantial variation on the impact of UA across the food expenditure distribution.
Introgression of Seedling Plant Resistance to Leaf Rust from Agropyron cristatum into Wheat by Induced Homoeologous Recombination
Authors: Cabrera Adoración , Porras Rafael , Palomino Carmen , Sillero Josefina Carmen
Published: January 2023

Agropyron cristatum (P genome) is a Triticeae species from the wheat tertiary gene pool which has economic importance as forage and also displays traits beneficial to wheat. Resistance to leaf rust was previously mapped to the short arm of chromosome 1P (1PS) in A. cristatum by the development of a compensating Robertsonian translocation involving chromosome arm 1PS and the long arm of wheat chromosome 1B (1BL). In this study, chromosome arm 1PS was engineered using the ph1b mutation to induce 1BS/1PS homoeologous recombination and to obtain new translocations with shortened fragments of chromosome arm 1PS. Two translocations with different alien fragment sizes were identified by genomic in situ hybridization, wheat 1BS- and 1PS-specific molecular markers and gene-specific markers for glutenin, Glu-B3 and gliadin Gli-B1 seed storage protein. One translocation (called type 1) replaces a proximal segment of 1PS chromatin, and the other (called type 2) replaces a distal 1PS segment and introduces the Glu-B3 and Gli-B1 wheat storage protein loci. Six specific EST-STS markers for chromosome arm 1PS amplified PCR products in the recombinant type 2 translocation line. Resistance analysis showed that the type 2 translocation was highly resistant to a virulent race of leaf rust pathogen. The new wheat–A. cristatum translocations obtained yield material with seedling plant resistance to leaf rust and seed storage protein loci.
Dynamics of Structural Dry Matter, Water Soluble Carbohydrates and Leaf Senescence Mediate the Response of Winter Wheat Yield to Soil Cover and Water Availability
Authors: Zhang Runze , Zhang Caiyun , Lei Tong , Xu Jiaxing , Zhang Panxin , Hu Changlu , Sadras Victor , Yang Xueyun , Zhang Shulan
Published: January 2023

Plastic film mulching often increases the yield of winter wheat in the Loess Plateau of China, but the physiological mechanisms are unclear, especially in response to the interaction between mulch and water supply. In this study, we investigated the interactive effects of initial soil water (dry, moderate, and wet), soil cover (plastic mulch, bare soil), and seasonal conditions on the dynamics of dry matter partitioning, water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC), and flag leaf senescence, and their relations with yield and its components. Plastic mulch increased dry matter accumulation at anthesis and maturity relative to bare soil, with no interaction with season or initial soil water. Allocation of dry matter to leaf, stem, and spike did not change with soil cover. Compared with bare soil, mulch increased WSC accumulation by 14% at anthesis and its translocation by 16%. Soil cover did not influence the senescence of flag leaf after anthesis as indicated by similar dynamics of the C:N ratio. Grain yield was higher under plastic mulch than bare soil in two out of three seasons, and was associated with a higher translocation amount of WSC and post-anthesis dry matter that linked grain weight, grain number, and harvest index.
Monitoring of the Endangered Cave Salamander Speleomantes sarrabusensis
Authors: Cogoni Roberto , Di Gregorio Milos , Cianferoni Fabio , Lunghi Enrico
Published: January 2023

In this study, we performed the first monitoring activities on one of the most endangered amphibians in Europe, the Sette Fratelli cave salamander Speleomantes sarrabusensis. The data presented here are derived from two monitoring activities aiming to assess the status and abundance of four populations of S. sarrabusensis. With the first monitoring, we surveyed the well-known population occurring within artificial springs during the period 2015–2018, providing monthly data on the number of active individuals. With the second monitoring performed during spring to early summer of 2022, we surveyed four populations at three time points (the one from artificial springs and three from forested areas) and we provided the first estimation of the populations’ abundance. Furthermore, we analyzed for the first time the stomach contents from a population of S. sarrabusensis only occurring in forested environments. With our study, we provided the first information on the abundance of different populations of S. sarrabusensis, representing the starting point for future status assessments for this endangered species.
Characterization of Type I and Type III Collagen in the Intramuscular Connective Tissue of Wuzhumuqin Sheep
Authors: He Xige , Wu Qiong , Xue Wenjun , Wu Rihan , Huang Yajuan , Chen Lu , Han Yunfei , Wu Jindi , Borjigin Gerelt , Sha Rina
Published: January 2023

Intramuscular connective tissue (IMCT) collagen is an important factor in meat quality. This study analyzed the characteristics of type I and III collagen in the IMCT of the semitendinosus (SD) and longissimus dorsi (LD) of Wuzhumuqin sheep at different growth stages (6, 9, 12, and 18 months). Utilizing sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), collagen types I and III were successfully isolated and shown to contain an intact triple helix structure. Immunofluorescence revealed that these collagens were located in the endomysium and perimysium. Collagen-related genes were significantly expressed in sheep aged 9 and 12 months. The amino acid content increased with age in type I collagen whereas it decreased in type III collagen. Furthermore, type III collagen contained more hydroxyproline (Hyd) than type I collagen. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed that the thermal stability of collagen increased with age, accompanied by a decrease in solubility. Semitendinosus muscle had more collagen cross-linkages than LD muscle due to the high pyridinoline (Pyr) content in the endomysium. Finally, a correlation analysis highlighted the multiple correlations between characteristics in different types of collagen during sheep growth. In summary, the collagen characteristics in the IMCT of sheep were impacted by collagen type, muscle type, and age. Furthermore, the various correlations between these characteristics may play an important role in the development of IMCT.
Effects of the In Ovo Administration of L-ascorbic Acid on the Performance and Incidence of Corneal Erosion in Ross 708 Broilers Subjected to Elevated Levels of Atmospheric Ammonia
Authors: Mousstaaid Ayoub , Fatemi Seyed Abolghasem , Elliott Katie Elaine Collins , Levy April Waguespack , Miller William Wadd , Olanrewaju Hammad A. , Purswell Joseph L. , Gerard Patrick D. , Peebles Edgar David
Published: January 2023

Effects of the in ovo injection of various levels of L-ascorbic acid (L-AA) on the performance and corneal erosion incidence in Ross 708 broilers exposed to 50 parts per million (ppm) of atmospheric ammonia (NH3) after hatch were determined. A total of 1440 Ross 708 broiler embryos were randomly assigned to 4 treatments: non-injected (control), 0.85% sterile saline-injected (control), or saline containing 12 or 25 mg of L-AA. At hatch, 12 male chicks were randomly assigned to each of 48 battery cages with 12 replicate cages randomly assigned to each treatment group. All birds were exposed to 50 ppm of NH3 for 35 d and the concentration of NH3 in the battery cage house was recorded every 20 s. Mortality was determined daily, and mean body weight (BW), BW gain (BWG), average daily BW gain (ADG), and feed intake, as well as feed conversion ratio (FCR), were determined weekly. From 0 to 35 d of post-hatch age (doa), six birds from each cage were selected and sampled for eye erosion scoring. Incidences of corneal erosion were significantly higher at 21 and 28 doa in comparison to those at 14 and 35 doa, and at 21 doa, birds in the saline-injected group exhibited a higher incidence of corneal erosion compared to all other treatment groups. The in ovo injection of 12 mg of L-AA increased BWG (p = 0.043) and ADG (p = 0.041), and decreased FCR (p = 0.043) from 0 to 28 doa in comparison to saline-injected controls. In conclusion the in ovo administration of 12 mg of L-AA may have the potential to improve the live performance of broilers chronically exposed to high aerial NH3 concentrations, but further study is needed to determine the physiological and immunological factors that may contribute to this improvement.
Targeting Enterococci with Antimicrobial Activity against Clostridium perfringens from Poultry
Authors: García-Vela Sara , Ben Said Laila , Soltani Samira , Guerbaa Ramzi , Fernández-Fernández Rosa , Ben Yahia Houssem , Ben Slama Karim , Torres Carmen , Fliss Ismail
Published: January 2023

Necrotic enteritis (NE), caused by Clostridium perfringens, is an emerging issue in poultry farming. New approaches, other than antibiotics, are necessary to prevent NE development and the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria. Enterococci are commensal microorganisms that can produce enterocins, antimicrobial peptides with activities against pathogens, and could be excellent candidates for protective cultures. This study aimed to screen and characterize Enterococcus strains of poultry origin for their inhibitory activity against C. perfringens. In total, 251 Enterococcus strains of poultry origin plus five bacteriocin-producing (BP+) E. durans strains of other origins were screened for antimicrobial activity against the indicator C. perfringens X2967 strain using the “spot on the lawn” method. We detected thirty-two BP+ strains (eleven Enterococcus faecium, nine E. gallinarum, eight E. faecalis, three E. durans, and one E. casseliflavus). We further studied the antimicrobial activity of the supernatants of these 32 BP+ strains using agar well diffusion and microtitration against a collection of 20 C. perfringens strains. Twelve BP+ enterococci that were found to exhibit antimicrobial activity against C. perfringens were characterized using whole genome sequencing. Among these, E. faecium X2893 and X2906 were the most promising candidates for further studies as protective cultures for poultry farming. Both strains belong to the sequence type ST722, harbor the genes encoding for enterocin A and enterocin B, do not possess acquired resistance genes, do not carry plasmids, and present the acm gene, which is implicated in host colonization. Further research is needed to determine the utility of these strains as protective cultures.
In Vitro and In Vivo Synergism of Fosfomycin in Combination with Meropenem or Polymyxin B against KPC-2-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae Clinical Isolates
Authors: Ribeiro Aghata Cardoso da Silva , Chikhani Yohanna Carvalho dos Santos Aoun , Valiatti Tiago Barcelos , Valêncio André , Kurihara Mariana Neri Lucas , Santos Fernanda Fernandes , Minarini Luciene Andrade da Rocha , Gales Ana Cristina
Published: January 2023

Fosfomycin disodium is a potential therapeutic option to manage difficult-to-treat infections, especially when combined with other antimicrobials. In this study, we evaluated the activity of fosfomycin in combination with meropenem or polymyxin B against contemporaneous KPC-2-producing K. pneumoniae clinical isolates (KPC-KPN). Synergistic activity was assessed by checkerboard (CKA) and time–kill (TKA) assays. TKA was performed using serum peak and trough concentrations. The activity of these combinations was also assessed in the Galleria mellonella model. Biofilm disruption was assessed by the microtiter plate technique. CKA resulted in an 8- to 2048-fold decrease in meropenem MIC, restoring meropenem activity for 82.4% of the isolates when combined with fosfomycin. For the fosfomycin + polymyxin B combination, a 2- to 128-fold reduction in polymyxin B MIC was achieved, restoring polymyxin B activity for 47% of the isolates. TKA resulted in the synergism of fosfomycin + meropenem (3.0–6.7 log10 CFU/mL decrease) and fosfomycin + polymyxin B (6.0–6.2 log10 CFU/mL decrease) at peak concentrations. All larvae treated with fosfomycin + meropenem survived. Larvae survival rate was higher with fosfomycin monotherapy (95%) than that observed for fosfomycin + polymyxin B (75%) (p-value < 0.0001). Finally, a higher biofilm disruption was observed under exposure to fosfomycin + polymyxin B (2.4–3.4-fold reduction). In summary, we observed a synergistic effect of fosfomycin + meropenem and fosfomycin + polymyxin B combinations, in vitro and in vivo, against KPC-KPN, as well as biofilm disruption.
Encapsulated Essential Oils Improve the Growth Performance of Meat Ducks by Enhancing Intestinal Morphology, Barrier Function, Antioxidant Capacity and the Cecal Microbiota
Authors: Bao Hongduo , Xue Yongqiang , Zhang Yingying , Tu Feng , Wang Ran , Cao Yu , Lin Yong
Published: January 2023

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of encapsulated essential oils (EOs) on the gut microbiota, growth performance, intestinal morphology, antioxidant properties and barrier function of meat-type ducks. A total of 320 male Cherry Valley ducks (1 day old), were randomly assigned to four dietary experimental groups with eight replicates of ten ducks each. The groups consisted of the CON group (basal diet), the HEO group (basal diet + EO 1000 mg/kg), the LEO group (basal diet + EO 500 mg/kg), and the ANT group (basal diet + chlortetracycline 50 mg/kg). Our findings indicated that ducks fed with EO 1000 mg/kg had greater average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily gain (ADG), and body weight (BW) and a lower feed conversion ratio (FCR) than the other groups. The serum concentration of TG reduced in the HEO (p > 0.05) and LEO (p < 0.05) groups on day 42, while the concentration of CHOL increased with the EO concentration in the LEO (p > 0.05) and HEO (p < 0.05) groups. No differences were observed in the ileal mucosa for the activities of SOD, MPO and GSH-PX after EO dietary treatment. Dietary supplementation with EOs significantly increased the villus heights (p < 0.01) and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth (c/v) in the duodenum and jejunum of ducks. Moreover, the mRNA expressions of Claudin1 and Occludin in the jejunal mucosa were observed to be higher in the LEO and HEO groups rather than the CON and ANT groups on d 42. The α diversity showed that the HEO group improved the bacterial diversity and abundance. The β diversity analysis indicated that the microbial structures of the four groups were obviously separated. EO dietary supplementation could increase the relative abundance (p < 0.01) of the Bacteroidetes phylum, Bacteroidaceae family, and Bacteroides, Desulfovibrio, Phascolarctobacterium, and Butyricimonas genera in the cecal microbiota of ducks. We demonstrated significant differences in the bacterial composition and functional potential of the gut microbiota in ducks that were fed either an EO diet or a basal diet. Therefore, supplemented EOs was found to have a positive effect on the growth performance and intestinal health of ducks, which was attributed to the improvement in cecal microbiota, intestinal morphology, and barrier function.
Dietary Zinc Is Associated with Cardiac Function in the Older Adult Population
Authors: Szadkowska Iwona , Kostka Tomasz , Wlazeł Rafał Nikodem , Kroc Łukasz , Jegier Anna , Guligowska Agnieszka
Published: January 2023

The elderly is a group at particularly high cardiovascular risk. The coexistence of chronic diseases and use of multiple medications creates the need to look for non-pharmacological agents to improve cardiovascular health in that population. In view of reports on the potential role of zinc in enhancing pathways of myocardial tissue repair, the aim of this study was to evaluate the association between dietary zinc intake and cardiac structure and function in individuals of advanced age. The study group included 251 community-dwelling patients, with a median age of 80 years. Dieta 6.0 software was used for calculation of zinc consumption. Percentage of Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for zinc correlated with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (r = 0.196, p < 0.05), left ventricular mass index (r = −0.137, p < 0.05) and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) (r = 0.153, p < 0.05), while zinc density did so with E/E’ ratio (r = −0.127, p < 0.05). In a multiple stepwise regression analysis, the best determinants of LVEF were %RDA for zinc (p = 0.014; β = 0.143), presence of coronary artery disease (p < 0.001; β = −0.39) and age (p = 0.036; β = −0.12). Furthermore, %RDA for zinc (p = 0.009; β = 0.16), female sex (p = 0.005; β = −0.171), beta-blocker use (p = 0.024; β = −0.136), body mass index (p = 0.008; β = 0.16) and heart rate (p = 0.0006; β = −0.209) had an independent effect on TAPSE. In conclusion, in individuals of very advanced age, lower zinc intake is associated with poorer cardiac function. Therefore, increasing the recommended zinc intake in this group deserves consideration.
Modification of 6,7-Dichloro-5,8-Quinolinedione at C2 Position: Synthesis, Quantum Chemical Properties, and Activity against DT-Diaphorase Enzyme
Authors: Kadela-Tomanek Monika , Bębenek Ewa , Chrobak Elwira
Published: January 2023

This research presents a synthesis and characterization of new 6,7-dichloro-5,8-quinolinedione derivatives with various groups at the C2 position. Chemical structures were examined by the spectroscopic methods. The quantum chemical parameters calculated using the DFT method showed that these derivatives are highly reactive towards the nucleophilic target. The molecular electrostatic potential map (MEP) showed that nucleophilic regions are localized near the nitrogen atom and the formyl group. Introduction of the hydroxyl or formyl groups at the C2 position led to the formation of an additional nucleophilic region. New compounds were tested as substrates for the NQO1 protein. An enzymatic study showed that derivatives are a good substrate for the NQO1 enzyme. Moreover, it was shown that the enzymatic conversion rates depend on the type of substituent at the C2 position of the 5,8-quinolinedione scaffold. A molecular docking study was used to study the interaction between new derivatives and the NQO1 protein. The arrangement and type of interactions between derivatives and the NQO1 enzyme depended on the type of substituent at the C2 position. A derivative with the hydroxyl group at this position was found to form an additional hydrogen bond between the formyl group and the tyrosine.
Factors Affecting Implementation of Radiological Protection Aspects of Imaging in Radiotherapy
Authors: Martin Colin John , Gros Sebastien , Kron Tomas , Wood Tim J. , Vassileva Jenia , Small William , Min Ung Ngie
Published: January 2023

Dramatic improvements in radiotherapy equipment have allowed radiation fields to be conformed to tumours for more accurate treatment. Successful delivery often requires imaging at every treatment fraction, a method known as image guided radiation therapy (IGRT). But increased X-ray imaging exposes patients to doses that carry risks of inducing second cancers in normal tissues. Therefore, reductions in high-dose treatment margins achieved with IGRT must be balanced against detriments from greater imaging doses. ICRP Task Group 116 has been set up to prepare guidance on radiological protection aspects of IGRT. Factors affecting the optimization of radiological protection are the modalities used, the frequency of imaging, the image acquisition parameters influencing image quality and radiation dose, and the volume of normal tissue included in the images. The Task Group has undertaken two projects: (1) a snapshot survey of radiotherapy imaging practices across six continents, which has shown that use of kV cone beam CT (CBCT) increases with Human Development Index for the country; and (2) a project looking at ways for measuring CBCT doses that could be applied more widely. The results highlight the need for raising awareness of imaging doses, and development of the dose quantities displayed on imaging equipment used in radiotherapy.
An Additive Chen Distribution with Applications to Lifetime Data
Authors: Méndez-González Luis Carlos , Rodríguez-Picón Luis Alberto , Pérez-Olguín Ivan Juan Carlos , Vidal Portilla Luis Ricardo
Published: January 2023

This paper presents a lifetime model with properties representing increasing, decreasing, and bathtub curve shapes for failure rates. The proposed model was built based on the additive methodology, for which the Chen distribution was used as the base model, thus introducing the Additive Chen Distribution (AddC). An essential feature of AddC is this model’s excellent flexibility in describing failure rates with non-monotonic behavior or with the shape of a bathtub curve concerning other current models. Statistical properties of AddC are presented and analyzed for different fields of study. For the estimation of AddC’s parameters, the maximum likelihood method (MLE) was used. Three case studies in different fields of application are presented, from which AddC is compared against other probability distributions with similar properties. The results show that AddC offers competitive results.
Systemic Metabolomic Profiles in Adult Patients with Bacterial Sepsis: Characterization of Patient Heterogeneity at the Time of Diagnosis
Authors: Mosevoll Knut Anders , Hansen Bent Are , Gundersen Ingunn Margareetta , Reikvam Håkon , Bruserud Øyvind , Bruserud Øystein , Wendelbo Øystein
Published: January 2023

Sepsis is a dysregulated host response to infection that causes potentially life-threatening organ dysfunction. We investigated the serum metabolomic profile at hospital admission for patients with bacterial sepsis. The study included 60 patients; 35 patients fulfilled the most recent 2016 Sepsis-3 criteria whereas the remaining 25 patients only fulfilled the previous Sepsis-2 criteria and could therefore be classified as having systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). A total of 1011 identified metabolites were detected in our serum samples. Ninety-seven metabolites differed significantly when comparing Sepsis-3 and Sepsis-2/SIRS patients; 40 of these metabolites constituted a heterogeneous group of amino acid metabolites/peptides. When comparing patients with and without bacteremia, we identified 51 metabolites that differed significantly, including 16 lipid metabolites and 11 amino acid metabolites. Furthermore, 42 metabolites showed a highly significant association with the maximal total Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA )score during the course of the disease (i.e., Pearson’s correlation test, p-value < 0.005, and correlation factor > 0.6); these top-ranked metabolites included 23 amino acid metabolites and a subset of pregnenolone/progestin metabolites. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering analyses based on all 42 top-ranked SOFA correlated metabolites or the subset of 23 top-ranked amino acid metabolites showed that most Sepsis-3 patients differed from Sepsis-2/SIRS patients in their systemic metabolic profile at the time of hospital admission. However, a minority of Sepsis-3 patients showed similarities with the Sepsis-2/SIRS metabolic profile even though several of them showed a high total SOFA score. To conclude, Sepsis-3 patients are heterogeneous with regard to their metabolic profile at the time of hospitalization.
Mitochondrial Modulators: The Defender
Authors: Makinde Emmanuel , Ma Linlin , Mellick George D. , Feng Yunjiang
Published: January 2023

Mitochondria are widely considered the “power hub” of the cell because of their pivotal roles in energy metabolism and oxidative phosphorylation. However, beyond the production of ATP, which is the major source of chemical energy supply in eukaryotes, mitochondria are also central to calcium homeostasis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) balance, and cell apoptosis. The mitochondria also perform crucial multifaceted roles in biosynthetic pathways, serving as an important source of building blocks for the biosynthesis of fatty acid, cholesterol, amino acid, glucose, and heme. Since mitochondria play multiple vital roles in the cell, it is not surprising that disruption of mitochondrial function has been linked to a myriad of diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and metabolic disorders. In this review, we discuss the key physiological and pathological functions of mitochondria and present bioactive compounds with protective effects on the mitochondria and their mechanisms of action. We highlight promising compounds and existing difficulties limiting the therapeutic use of these compounds and potential solutions. We also provide insights and perspectives into future research windows on mitochondrial modulators.
The Role of Zinc in Modulating Acid-Sensing Ion Channel Function
Authors: Sun Amber W. , Wu Michelle H. , Vijayalingam Madhumathi , Wacker Michael J. , Chu Xiang-Ping
Published: January 2023

Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are proton-gated, voltage-independent sodium channels widely expressed throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems. They are involved in synaptic plasticity, learning/memory, fear conditioning and pain. Zinc, an important trace metal in the body, contributes to numerous physiological functions, with neurotransmission being of note. Zinc has been implicated in the modulation of ASICs by binding to specific sites on these channels and exerting either stimulatory or inhibitory effects depending on the ASIC subtype. ASICs have been linked to several neurological and psychological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, ischemic stroke, epilepsy and cocaine addiction. Different ASIC isoforms contribute to the persistence of each of these neurological and psychological disorders. It is critical to understand how various zinc concentrations can modulate specific ASIC subtypes and how zinc regulation of ASICs can contribute to neurological and psychological diseases. This review elucidates zinc’s structural interactions with ASICs and discusses the potential therapeutic implications zinc may have on neurological and psychological diseases through targeting ASICs.
Amine Functionalized Gadolinium Oxide Nanoparticles-Based Electrochemical Immunosensor for Cholera
Authors: Kumar Ashutosh , Sarkar Tamal , Solanki Pratima R.
Published: January 2023

Herein, we report the synthesis and functionalization of gadolinium oxide nanoparticles (Gd2O3 NPs) to fabricate a highly efficient immunosensor for the detection of Vibrio cholera toxin (CT). Gd2O3 NPs were produced in a straightforward manner utilizing the microwave irradiation technique using a domestic microwave oven. X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and spectroscopic techniques were used to characterize the structural and physical aspects of Gd2O3 NPs. The Gd2O3 NPs were then functionalized with 3-(Aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES) and electrophoretically deposited onto an ITO-coated glass substrate. The anti-CT monoclonal antibodies were covalently attached to the APTES-Gd2O3/ITO electrode via EDC-NHS chemistry, followed by bovine serum albumin (BSA). For CT detection, electrochemical response experiments using BSA/anti-CT/APTES-Gd2O3/ITO immunoelectrodes were carried out (5–700 ng mL−1). The immunoelectrode demonstrated an outstanding electrochemical reaction against CT, with a sensitivity of 8.37 mA ng−1 mL cm−2 and a detection limit of 1.48 ng mL−1.
Genetic and Epigenetic Sexual Dimorphism of Brain Cells during Aging
Authors: Shirokova Olesya , Zaborskaya Olga , Pchelin Pavel , Kozliaeva Elizaveta , Pershin Vladimir , Mukhina Irina
Published: January 2023

In recent years, much of the attention paid to theoretical and applied biomedicine, as well as neurobiology, has been drawn to various aspects of sexual dimorphism due to the differences that male and female brain cells demonstrate during aging: (a) a dimorphic pattern of response to therapy for neurodegenerative disorders, (b) different age of onset and different degrees of the prevalence of such disorders, and (c) differences in their symptomatic manifestations in men and women. The purpose of this review is to outline the genetic and epigenetic differences in brain cells during aging in males and females. As a result, we hereby show that the presence of brain aging patterns in males and females is due to a complex of factors associated with the effects of sex chromosomes, which subsequently entails a change in signal cascades in somatic cells.
An Interpretable Machine Learning Model to Predict Cortical Atrophy in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Conti Allegra , Treaba Constantina Andrada , Mehndiratta Ambica , Barletta Valeria Teresa , Mainero Caterina , Toschi Nicola
Published: January 2023

To date, the relationship between central hallmarks of multiple sclerosis (MS), such as white matter (WM)/cortical demyelinated lesions and cortical gray matter atrophy, remains unclear. We investigated the interplay between cortical atrophy and individual lesion-type patterns that have recently emerged as new radiological markers of MS disease progression. We employed a machine learning model to predict mean cortical thinning in whole-brain and single hemispheres in 150 cortical regions using demographic and lesion-related characteristics, evaluated via an ultrahigh field (7 Tesla) MRI. We found that (i) volume and rimless (i.e., without a “rim” of iron-laden immune cells) WM lesions, patient age, and volume of intracortical lesions have the most predictive power; (ii) WM lesions are more important for prediction when their load is small, while cortical lesion load becomes more important as it increases; (iii) WM lesions play a greater role in the progression of atrophy during the latest stages of the disease. Our results highlight the intricacy of MS pathology across the whole brain. In turn, this calls for multivariate statistical analyses and mechanistic modeling techniques to understand the etiopathogenesis of lesions.
Chemotherapeutic Activity of Pitavastatin in Vincristine Resistant B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Piktel Debbie , Moore Javohn C. , Nesbit Sloan , Sprowls Samuel A. , Craig Michael D. , Rellick Stephanie L. , Nair Rajesh R. , Meadows Ethan , Hollander John M. , Geldenhuys Werner J. , Martin Karen H. , Gibson Laura F.
Published: January 2023

B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is derived from an accumulation of malignant, immature B cells in the bone marrow and blood. Relapse due, in part, to the emergence of tumor cells that are resistant to front line standard chemotherapy is associated with poor patient outcomes. This challenge highlights the need for new treatment strategies to eliminate residual chemoresistant tumor cells. Based on the use of pitavastatin in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), we evaluated its efficacy in an REH ALL cell line derived to be resistant to vincristine. We found that pitavastatin inhibited the proliferation of both parental and vincristine-resistant REH tumor cells at an IC50 of 449 nM and 217 nM, respectively. Mitochondrial bioenergetic assays demonstrated that neither vincristine resistance nor pitavastatin treatment affected cellular oxidative phosphorylation, beta-oxidation, or glycolytic metabolism in ALL cells. In a co-culture model of ALL cells with bone marrow stromal cells, pitavastatin significantly decreased cell viability more robustly in the vincristine-resistant ALL cells compared with their parental controls. Subsequently, NSG mice were used to develop an in vivo model of B-cell ALL using both parental and vincristine-resistant ALL cells. Pitavastatin (10 mg/kg i.p.) significantly reduced the number of human CD45+ REH ALL cells in the bone marrow of mice after 4 weeks of treatment. Mechanistic studies showed that pitavastatin treatment in the vincristine-resistant cells led to apoptosis, with increased levels of cleaved PARP and protein-signaling changes for AMP-activated protein kinase/FoxO3a/Puma. Our data suggest the possible repurposing of pitavastatin as a chemotherapeutic agent in a model of vincristine-resistant B-cell ALL.
MMP-9 as Prognostic Marker for Brain Tumours: A Comparative Study on Serum-Derived Small Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: Dobra Gabriella , Gyukity-Sebestyén Edina , Bukva Mátyás , Harmati Mária , Nagy Valentina , Szabó Zoltán , Pankotai Tibor , Klekner Álmos , Buzás Krisztina
Published: January 2023

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) degrades the extracellular matrix, contributes to tumour cell invasion and metastasis, and its elevated level in brain tumour tissues indicates poor prognosis. High-risk tissue biopsy can be replaced by liquid biopsy; however, the blood–brain barrier (BBB) prevents tumour-associated components from entering the peripheral blood, making the development of blood-based biomarkers challenging. Therefore, we examined the MMP-9 content of small extracellular vesicles (sEVs)—which can cross the BBB and are stable in body fluids—to characterise tumours with different invasion capacity. From four patient groups (glioblastoma multiforme, brain metastases of lung cancer, meningioma, and lumbar disc herniation as controls), 222 serum-derived sEV samples were evaluated. After isolating and characterising sEVs, their MMP-9 content was measured by ELISA and assessed statistically (correlation, paired t-test, Welch’s test, ANOVA, ROC). We found that the MMP-9 content of sEVs is independent of gender and age, but is affected by surgical intervention, treatment, and recurrence. We found a relation between low MMP-9 level in sEVs (<28 ppm) and improved survival (8-month advantage) of glioblastoma patients, and MMP-9 levels showed a positive correlation with aggressiveness. These findings suggest that vesicular MMP-9 level might be a useful prognostic marker for brain tumours.