bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Presence of Antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in Domestic Cats in Istanbul, Turkey, Before and After COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Yilmaz Aysun , Kayar Abdullah , Turan Nuri , Iskefli Onur , Bayrakal Alper , Roman-Sosa Gleyder , Or Erman , Tali Hasan Emre , Kocazeybek Bekir , Karaali Ridvan , Bold Dashzeveg , Sadeyen Jean-Remy , Lukosaityte Deimante , Chang Pengxiang , Iqbal Munir , Richt Juergen A. , Yilmaz Huseyin
Published: October 2021

Recent studies demonstrated that domestic cats can be naturally and experimentally infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). This study was performed to investigate the presence of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies within the domestic cat population in Istanbul, Turkey, before the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, from 155 cat sera analyzed, 26.45% (41/155) tested positive in the spike protein-ELISA (S-ELISA), 28.38% (44/155) in the receptor-binding domain-ELISA (RBD-ELISA), and 21.9% (34/155) in both, the S- and RBD-ELISAs. Twenty-seven of those were also positive for the presence of antibodies to feline coronavirus (FCoV). Among the 34 SARS-CoV-2-positive sera, three of those were positive on serum neutralization assay. Six of the 30 cats before COVID-19 and 28 of the 125 cats during COVID-19 were found to be seropositive. About 20% of ELISA-positive cats exhibited mainly respiratory, gastrointestinal, and renal signs and skin lesions. Hematocrit, hemoglobin, white blood cells, lymphocyte, and platelet numbers were low in about 30% of ELISA-positive cats. The number of neutrophils and monocytes were above normal values in about 20% of ELISA-positive cats. The liver enzyme alanine aminotransferase levels were high in 23.5% ELISA-positive cats. In conclusion, this is the first report describing antibodies specific to SARS-CoV-2 antigens (S and RBD) in cats in Istanbul, Turkey, indicating the risk for domestic cats to contract SARS-CoV-2 from owners and/or household members with COVID-19. This study and others show that COVID-19-positive pet owners should limit their contact with companion animals and that pets with respiratory signs should be monitored for SARS-CoV-2 infections.
Anticoccidial Activity of Qinghao Powder Against Eimeria tenella in Broiler Chickens
Authors: Wang Ling , Guo Wenzhu , Haq Shahbaz Ul , Guo Zhiting , Cui Dongan , Yang Feng , Cheng Feng , Wei Xiaojuan , Lv Jiawen
Published: October 2021

Artemisia annua (AAH) is traditionally used as an anti-malarial, expectorant and antipyretic Chinese medicine. The aim of this study was to explore the therapeutic effect of Qinghao Powder (QHP) on chicken coccidiosis, evaluate the safe dosage of QHP, and provide test basis for clinical medication. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and thin-layer chromatography (TLC) were used to detect artemisinin in Qinghao Powder (QHP) for quality control. The level of artemisinin in QHP was 81.03 mg/g. A total of 210 chicks (14 days of age) were divided randomly into seven groups: three QHP treatments (0.15, 0.30, and 0.60 g/kg), a toltrazuril control (1.00 mL/L), a sulfachloropyrazine sodium control (SSC, 0.30 g/L), an E. tenella-infected control, and a healthy control group. All the groups were inoculated orally with 7 × 104E. tenella oocysts except for the healthy control group. After seven days of administration, compared with the infected control group, chicks which were administered QHP, SS, and toltrazuril showed less bloody feces, oocyst output, and cecal lesions, and the protection rates were improved. The maximum rBWG and ACI were found in the SS-medicated group, followed by the groups medicated with 0.60 and 0.30 g/kg QHP. Therefore, a 0.30 g/kg dose level of QHP in the feed was selected as the recommend dose (RD) in the target animal safety test, in which 80 broiler chicks (14 days of age) were randomly divided into four major groups (I-healthy control group; II-1× RD; III-3× RD; IV-6× RD), with each group subdivided into two subgroups (A and B) consisting of 10 chicks each. After 7-day (for sub-group A) or 14-day (for sub-group B) administration, compared with the healthy control, treatment-related changes in BWG, feed conversion ratio (FCR), relative organ weight (ROW) of the liver, WBC counts, and levels of RBC, HGB, ALT, AST, and TBIL were detected in the 3× and 6× RD groups. No differences were noted in necropsy for all doses, and histopathological examinations exhibited no QHP-associated signs of toxicity or abnormalities in the liver or kidney. The findings suggest that QHP at a dose of 0.30 g/kg feed would be appropriate for therapy and intermittent treatment of E. tenella-infected chicks, the dosage in clinical applications should be set according to the recommended dose to ensure animal safety.
Managing African Swine Fever: Assessing the Potential of Camera Traps in Monitoring Wild Boar Occupancy Trends in Infected and Non-infected Zones, Using Spatio-Temporal Statistical Models
Authors: Bollen Martijn , Neyens Thomas , Fajgenblat Maxime , De Waele Valérie , Licoppe Alain , Manet Benoît , Casaer Jim , Beenaerts Natalie
Published: October 2021

The recent spreading of African swine fever (ASF) over the Eurasian continent has been acknowledged as a serious economic threat for the pork industry. Consequently, an extensive body of research focuses on the epidemiology and control of ASF. Nevertheless, little information is available on the combined effect of ASF and ASF-related control measures on wild boar (Sus scrofa) population abundances. This is crucial information given the role of the remaining wild boar that act as an important reservoir of the disease. Given the high potential of camera traps as a non-invasive method for ungulate trend estimation, we assess the effectiveness of ASF control measures using a camera trap network. In this study, we focus on a major ASF outbreak in 2018–2020 in the South of Belgium. This outbreak elicited a strong management response, both in terms of fencing off a large infected zone as well as an intensive culling regime. We apply a Bayesian multi-season site-occupancy model to wild boar detection/non-detection data. Our results show that (1) occupancy rates at the onset of our monitoring period reflect the ASF infection status; (2) ASF-induced mortality and culling efforts jointly lead to decreased occupancy over time; and (3) the estimated mean total extinction rate ranges between 22.44 and 91.35%, depending on the ASF infection status. Together, these results confirm the effectiveness of ASF control measures implemented in Wallonia (Belgium), which has regained its disease-free status in December 2020, as well as the usefulness of a camera trap network to monitor these effects.
β-Mannanase Supplementation as an Eco-Friendly Feed Strategy to Reduce the Environmental Impacts of Pig and Poultry Feeding Programs
Authors: Hickmann Felipe M. W. , Andretta Ines , Létourneau-Montminy Marie-Pierre , Remus Aline , Galli Gabriela M. , Vittori Juliano , Kipper Marcos
Published: October 2021

Little is still known about the environmental impacts of exogenous enzyme supplementation in pig and poultry feeding programs. Thus, this study aimed to assess the potential environmental impacts of producing feeds for pigs and broilers by simulating the effects of β-mannanase Hemicell™ HT supplementation through energy savings during diet formulation. Life-cycle assessment standards were applied to simulate a cradle-to-feed mill gate scope. The functional units used were the production of 1 kg of the enzyme and 1 kg of feed at a feed mill gate located in Concórdia, Santa Catarina, Brazil. Climate change, eutrophication, and acidification were the chosen environmental impact categories. Energy savings through β-mannanase supplementation were assessed by different metabolizable energy (ME) matrices (45 or 90 kcal of ME/kg of feed) during diet formulation in different grain production scenarios (Southern and/or Central-West origin). A total of 28 feeds were formulated based on the nutritional requirements and feeding programs described in the Brazilian Tables for Poultry and Swine. The least-cost formulation method was used based on real price averages practiced in a local industry over 12 months. The production of 1 kg of β-mannanase was associated with the emission of 1,800 g of CO2-eq, 4.53 g of PO4-eq, and 7.89 g of SO2-eq. For pig feeds, β-mannanase supplementation mitigated both climate change and eutrophication impacts up to 8.5 and 1.4% (45 kcal of ME/kg of feed) or up to 16.2 and 2.7% (90 kcal of ME/kg of feed) compared to control diets formulated without the enzyme. For broiler feeds, these impacts were mitigated up to 5.6 and 1.1% (45 kcal of ME/kg of feed), respectively. On the other hand, the effect of using β-mannanase on the acidification impact was not consistent among feeds/species. Overall, β-mannanase supplementation reduced the amount of soybean oil in feed formulas, which is associated with high environmental impacts. Consequently, the potential impacts of climate change and eutrophication associated with producing feeds for pigs and broilers were substantially mitigated. These results suggest that β-mannanase supplementation is an eco-friendly feed strategy to reduce the environmental impacts of pig and poultry feeding programs.
Therapeutic Effects of Ethanolic Extract of Polygonum limbatum meism Against Reproductive Toxicity Induced by Cadmium in Male Guinea Pigs (Cavia porcellus)
Authors: Menkem Brice , Vemo Bertin Narcisse , Tsambou Megnimeza Martine Astride , Fonou Tadiesse Lavoisier , Dongmo Nguedia Arius Baulland , Boufack Judith Laure , Chongsi Margaret Mary Momo , Kenfack Augustave
Published: October 2021

This study aimed at evaluating the therapeutic effects of ethanolic extract of Polygonum limbatum meism (EEPLM) on the reproductive parameters of male Guinea pigs exposed to cadmium chloride. Thirty-six male guinea pigs were randomly assigned to six treatment groups (with six animals per group). Group 1 (DW) received distilled water orally; group 2 (Cd), negative control, was treated with cadmium chloride at a dose of 26.25 mg/kg body weight (bw); while group 3 (VitC), positive control, was given 26.25 mg of cadmium chloride/kg bw and 100 mg of vitamin C, and groups 4, 5, and 6 were treated, respectively, with EEPLM at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg bw in addition to cadmium chloride (26.25 mg/kg bw). After 90 days, all animals were sacrificed, and data related to reproduction, toxicity, and oxidative stress were collected. Results revealed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) of serum levels of creatinine, urea, alanine, and aspartate amino transferases in guinea pigs treated with cadmium chloride and EEPLM compared to the negative control group (Cd). The weight of the bulbo-urethral gland was significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in animals exposed to cadmium chloride and treated with vitamin C or EEPLM compared to the negative control (Cd). Guinea pigs orally receiving cadmium chloride and EEPLM showed significantly (p < 0.05) increased motility, sperm count, spermatozoa with entire plasma membrane, and percentage of normal spermatozoa with reference to the negative control (Cd). The serum level of testosterone increased insignificantly (p > 0.05) in animals given cadmium and EEPLM compared to the negative control (Cd). Animals co-administered cadmium chloride and EEPLM recorded a significantly (p < 0.05) reduced level of MDA, activities of SOD, and total peroxidases compared to the group that received cadmium chloride (Cd) only. In conclusion, cadmium chloride induced reproductive impairments by generating oxidative stress. However, the administration of EEPLM can mitigate these adverse effects due to its antioxidant properties.
A Novel Lateral Flow Assay for Rapid and Sensitive Nucleic Acid Detection of Avibacterium paragallinarum
Authors: Huo Caiyun , Li Donghai , Hu Zhenguo , Li Guiping , Hu Yanxin , Sun Huiling
Published: October 2021

Avibacterium paragallinarum, the pathogen of infectious coryza, caused a highly contagious respiratory disease that poses a serious threat to chickens. Hence, it is necessary to do diagnostic screening for Av. paragallinarum. Existing technologies have been used for Av. paragallinarum testing, which, however, have some drawbacks such as time consuming and expensive that require well-trained personnel and sophisticated infrastructure, especially when they are limitedly feasible in some places for lack of resources. Nucleic acid hybridization-based lateral flow assay (LFA) is capable of dealing with these drawbacks, which is attributed to the advantages, such low cost, rapid, and simple. However, nucleic acid determination of Av. paragallinarum through LFA method has not been reported so far. In this study, we developed a novel LFA method that employed gold nanoparticle probes to detect amplified Av. paragallinarum dsDNA. Compared with agarose gel electrophoresis, this LFA strip was inexpensive, simple- to- use, and time- saving, which displayed the visual results within 5–8 min. This LFA strip had higher sensitivity that achieved the detection limit of 101 CFU/ml compared with 102 CFU/ml in agarose gel electrophoresis. Besides, great sensitivity was also shown in the LFA strip, and no cross reaction existed for other bacteria. Furthermore, Av. paragallinarum in clinical chickens with infectious coryza were perfectly detected by our established LFA strip. Our study is the first to develop the LFA integrated with amplification and sample preparation techniques for better nucleic acid detection of Av. paragallinarum, which holds great potential for rapid, accurate, and on-site determination methods for early diagnosis of Av. paragallinarum to control further spreading.
Low Number of Owner-Reported Suspected Transmission of Foodborne Pathogens From Raw Meat-Based Diets Fed to Dogs and/or Cats
Authors: Cammack Nicole Renee , Yamka Ryan Michael , Adams Vicki Jean
Published: October 2021

The aim of this worldwide survey was to determine owner-reported frequency of pathogen transmission to humans living in or in contact with households feeding their pets raw, minimally processed (MP) diets. A total of 5,611 responses were gathered from 62 countries with 77.1% of households feeding only MP diets to dog and/or cat(s) with no confirmed cases of pathogen transmission or infection by laboratory testing. Eleven households (0.20%; 95% CI, 0.10–0.36) were classified as having experienced “probable” transmission, and 20 households (0.36%; 95% CI, 0.22–0.56) were classified as having experienced “possible” transmission to result in a total of 31 households (0.55%; 95% CI, 0.38–0.79) being identified as potential cases of transmission. The remainder of households (n = 5,580 = 99.45%; 95% CI, 99.21–99.62) were not considered to have experienced potential transmission of foodborne pathogens based on their responses to the survey. The most frequently reported pathogens were Salmonella (n = 11, 0.2%), Campylobacter (n = 6, 0.1%), and Escherichia coli (n = 4, 0.1%), with the most common age group being adults age 18–65 (n = 29, 78.4% of cases). Beef and chicken were the most common proteins reported as being fed in case households, although this was not associated with pathogen transmission. Households feeding a greater number of different protein sources, including pork, turkey, duck, rabbit, and salmon, were associated with decreased risk of pathogen transmission. Additional risk factors associated with pathogen transmission included preparing either MP diets in a separate location, with different utensils than human food, mixing MP diets with dry (kibble) diets and feeding a limited variety of protein sources. Based on the results of this survey, confirmed pathogen transmission from MP diets to humans appears to be rare. We conclude that potential or probable cases of pathogen transmission is likely dependent upon hygiene and food safety measures, and more education surrounding food safety should reduce risk.
Molecular Prevalence of Anaplasma marginale and Ehrlichia in Domestic Large Ruminants and Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus Ticks From Southern Luzon, Philippines
Authors: Galay Remil L. , Llaneta Carina R. , Monreal Maria Karla Faye B. , Armero Antero L. , Baluyut Arianne Bel D. , Regino Czarina Marie F. , Sandalo Kristina Andrea C. , Divina Billy P. , Talactac Melbourne R. , Tapawan Lennox P. , Mojares Maarten Czar L. , Alvarez Cherry R. , Mago Emmanuel R. , Encarnacion Noemi D. , Andoh Masako , Tanaka Tetsuya
Published: October 2021

Anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis are tick-borne rickettsial diseases that cause significant economic losses in the livestock industry worldwide. Although bovine anaplasmosis is known to be endemic in the Philippines, epidemiological data is fragmented. Moreover, little is known about bovine ehrlichiosis in the country. In this study, the prevalence of Anaplasma marginale and Ehrlichia in cattle and water buffalo from provinces in the southern part of Luzon, Philippines, was investigated through PCR. Blood samples from 620 animals comprised of 512 cattle and 108 water buffalo and 195 tick samples were subjected to nested PCR targeting the groESL gene of Anaplasmataceae. Positive samples were further subjected to another nested PCR and conventional PCR to amplify the A. marginale groEL gene and the Ehrlichia dsbA gene, respectively. Selected A. marginale-positive samples were also subjected to nested PCR targeting the msp5 gene. Regardless of the animal host, the overall prevalence in blood samples obtained was 51.9% for Anaplasmataceae, 43% for A. marginale, and 1.1% for Ehrlichia. No water buffalo were positive for Ehrlichia. Meanwhile, 15.9, 6.7, and 2% of the tick samples, all morphologically identified as Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, were positive for Anaplasmataceae, A. marginale, and Ehrlichia, respectively. Sequence analysis of selected A. marginale msp5 amplicons showed that the isolates from the region share 94–98% identity to reported A. marginale from other countries. The phylogenetic tree showed clustering of isolates in the region and a close relationship with A. marginale isolates from other countries. Sequences of Ehrlichia amplicons from cattle and ticks were 97–100% similar to reported Ehrlichia minasensis isolates. This study showed the high prevalence of A. marginale in Luzon, Philippines, and provided the first molecular evidence of E. minasensis in the country.
Case Report: Orchiopexy in Two Poodle Dogs and Its Effect on Their Sperm Quality Parameters
Authors: Mahiddine Feriel Yasmine , Kim Min Jung
Published: October 2021

Cryptorchidism is a common congenital abnormality encountered in veterinary clinics. The treatment of choice for this condition is a surgical procedure named orchiectomy or orchidectomy, where the retained testicle is removed. Surgical placement and fixation of the cryptorchid testicle into the scrotum, referred to as orchiopexy, is used in humans. However, due to the hereditary nature of cryptorchidism in dogs, this treatment option has not been proposed in veterinary clinics. Two adult Poodle dogs were referred to our research facility for a sperm parameter evaluation check. The two dogs were unilateral cryptorchid dogs treated with orchiopexy before the age of 6 months. Their sperm kinematics and morphology were within normal ranges, and their libido and testicles sizes were normal. Treatment of unilateral cryptorchidism by orchiopexy in dogs before the age of 6 months successfully restored spermatogenic function and sperm quality-related parameters. However, due to the nature of this condition, orchiectomy remains the treatment of choice.
Dietary Supplementation With Didancao (Elephantopus scaber L.) Improves Meat Quality and Intestinal Development in Jiaji Ducks
Authors: Hu Chengjun , Gu Lihong , Li Mao , Ji Fengjie , Sun Weiping , Wang Dingfa , Peng Weiqi , Lin Dajie , Liu Quanwei , Dai Haofu , Zhou Hanlin , Xu Tieshan
Published: October 2021

Didancao (Elephantopus scaber L.) has been used as a traditional herbal medicine and has exhibited a beneficial role in animal health. This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with E. scaber on growth performance, meat quality, intestinal morphology, and microbiota composition in ducks. A total of 480 Jiaji ducks (42 days old, male:female ratio = 1:1) were randomly assigned to one of four treatments. There were six replicates per treatment, with 20 ducks per replicate. The ducks in the control group (Con) were fed a basal diet; the three experimental groups were fed a basal diet supplementation with 30 (T1), 80 (T2), and 130 mg/kg (T3) of E. scaber. After a 48-day period of supplementation, growth performance, meat quality, intestinal morphology, and microbiota composition were evaluated. The results showed that no differences were observed in the final body weight, average daily feed intake, and average daily gain among the four groups. Compared with that in the Con group, the feed conversion in the T1 and T2 groups was increased significantly; the T2 group was shown to decrease the concentration of alanine aminotransferase in serum; the T3 group was lower than the Con group in the concentration of aspartate aminotransferase and was higher than the Con group in the concentration of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol. The highest concentration of creatinine was observed in the T1 group. The T2 group was higher than the Con group in the contents of Phe, Ala, Gly, Glu, Arg, Lys, Tyr, Leu, Ser, Thr, Asp, and total amino acids in the breast muscle. Moreover, the T2 group was higher than the Con group in the contents of meat C18:2n−6 and polyunsaturated fatty acid. The concentration of inosinic acid in the T1, T2, and T3 groups was significantly higher than that in the Con group. However, the Con group was higher than the T2 or T3 group in the Zn content. The T2 group was lower than the Con group in the jejunal crypt depth. The T3 group was higher than the Con group in the ileal villus height and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth. In addition, the T3 group had a trend to significantly increase the abundance of Fusobacteria. Compared with the Con group, the T1 and T2 groups displayed a higher abundance of Subdoligranulum. Collectively, dietary supplementation with 80 mg/kg of E. scaber improves meat quality and intestinal development in ducks.
Sobre el IV Congreso Internacional de Constructivismo en Psicoterapia
Authors: Miró Maria Teresa
Published: October 2021

Comentario sobre el congreso de constructivismo celebrado en Buenos Aires durante los primeros días de julio de 1994.
Comentario bibliográfico.
Authors: Howard George S.
Published: October 2021

La oveja negra y los primos besos: cómo nos moldean nuestras historias familiares de Elisabeth Stone. Medios narrativos para fines terapéuticos de Michael White y David Epston Entre psicología y psicoterapia: una poética de la experiencia de Miller Mair.
El análisis de la demanda. Una doble perspectiva, social y pragmática.
Authors: Villegas Besora Manuel
Published: October 2021

La psicoterapia, como actividad profesional pertenece al grupo de las profesiones de ayuda. Comparte con ellas algunos aspectos comunes, a la vez que presenta aspectos diferenciales propios, entre los que se encuentra la especificidad de la demanda. Este artículo considera el análisis de la demanda desde dos perspectivas: psico-social, la primera, relativa al proceso mismo de solicitar y prestar ayuda; y pragmática, la segunda, centrada en el análisis de las modalidades discursivas, que determinan que una demanda de ayuda pueda ser entendida y atendida psicoterapéuticamente.
Interacciones personales y psicoterapia de grupo.
Authors: Fernández Alvárez Héctor
Published: October 2021

En este artículo se describe el funcionamiento de los grupos terapéuticos en base a una serie de premisas que regulan su conformación y a la dinámica de sus interacciones.
¿Y si un geniecillo me estuviese engañando todo el rato? Convicciones de autoengaño y trastornos inducidos por la psicoterapia.
Authors: Semerari Antonio
Published: October 2021

Se propone la descripción de un síndrome inducido por la psicoterapia. Este síndrome se caracteriza por: 1) sensación subjetiva de confusión ansiosa; 2) procesos de pensamiento de tipo autorreflexivo invasores e inconclusos; 3) inhibición en las elecciones y decisiones. Se plantea la hipótesis que a la base de este trastorno existe la convicción del paciente de poseer una tendencia general al autoengaño. Se discute el modo en que los procesos cognitivos implicados en la relación terapéutica puedan generar tal convicción. Finalmente se discute la hipótesis según la cual los trastornos inducidos por la psicoterapia se manifiestan esencialmente como trastornos de la actividad autorreflexiva.
Comunicación de calidad en la pareja y en las relaciones interpersonales
Authors: Roche Olivar Roberto
Published: October 2021

El presente artículo presenta un modelo sobre comunicación de calidad en la pareja, y su posible adaptación a las relaciones interpersonales en general, basado en una taxonomía de factores influyentes a partir de sus componentes operativos. Todo ello dentro de un Programa para el Diagnóstico de la Comunicación de Pareja y su Optimización que contempla la evaluación y una fase posterior de técnicas para su mejora.
El uso de la escultura en la terapia de pareja
Authors: Espina Alberto
Published: October 2021

En este artículo el autor desarrolla el concepto de “escultura” aplicado a las relaciones de pareja, describiendo los diferentes tipos de escultura, las técnicas psicodramáticas útiles en el proceso terapéutico y cómo analizar las interacciones surgidas durante el desarrollo de las esculturas. También hace referencia a la utilidad diagnóstica, pronóstica y terapéutica de la escultura y ejemplifica con una sesión de terapia de pareja cómo se desarrolla el proceso y sus implicaciones teóricas.
Evaluation of Anti-Icing Performance for an NACA0012 Airfoil with an Asymmetric Heating Surface
Authors: Fukudome Koji , Tomita Yuki , Uranai Sho , Mamori Hiroya , Yamamoto Makoto
Published: October 2021

Heating devices on airfoil surfaces are widely used as an anti-icing technology. This study investigated the aerodynamic performance with a static heating surface based on the modified extended Messinger model. The predicted ice shape was validated through a comparison with the experimental results for HAARP-II. A reasonable agreement was found for both the icing area and the ice mass on the suction surface. Then, the prediction method was adopted for an NACA0012 airfoil at an attack angle of 4.0∘ under a glaze ice condition. An asymmetric heating area was imposed on the suction and pressure surfaces considering a temperature of 10∘C near the leading edge. As a result of heating, the round ice formation when was no longer observed, and the formed ice volume decreased. However, bump-shaped pieces of ice were formed downstream of the heater owing to runback water; these bump-shaped pieces of ice formed on the suction surface significantly increased the flow drag and reduced the lift. The results indicated that extending the heating area on the suction surface can improve the aerodynamic performance. Consequently, the overall aerodynamic performance is deteriorated by adding static heating compared to the case without heating.
The Progress of Aerodynamic Mechanisms Based on Avian Leading-Edge Alula and Future Study Recommendations
Authors: Bao Han , Song Bifeng , Yang Wenqing , Xuan Jianlin , Xue Dong
Published: October 2021

Birds in nature have many unique devices to help them acquire excellent flight abilities under various complex flight conditions. One of the unique devices is the leading-edge alula, located at the junction of the arm wing and the hand wing of most birds. It often spreads out during takeoff and landing, probably playing a similar role to high-lift devices in fixed-wing aircraft. This paper analyzed and reviewed the results of current research on leading-edge alula, finding some important factors, such as the complex flapping motions, flexibility, and the plane and section shape of the wing, that have been ignored in current research to a certain extent. These would greatly affect the conclusions obtained. Hence, for a deeper understanding of the aerodynamic mechanisms and functions of the alula, some new study predictions for future research are presented. In addition, the feasible models and methods for further research based on these predictions are discussed and proposed. For example, the higher-accuracy LES or hybrid LES/RANS method and the combinations of these methods with wind-tunnel experiments using PIV technology are recommended.
Detection of Fusarium Head Blight in Wheat Ears Using Continuous Wavelet Analysis and PSO-SVM
Authors: Huang Linsheng , Wu Kang , Huang Wenjiang , Dong Yingying , Ma Huiqin , Liu Yong , Liu Linyi
Published: October 2021

Fusarium head blight, caused by a fungus, can cause quality deterioration and severe yield loss in wheat. It produces highly toxic deoxynivalenol, which is harmful to human and animal health. In order to quickly and accurately detect the severity of fusarium head blight, a method of detecting the disease using continuous wavelet analysis and particle swarm optimization support vector machines (PSO-SVM) is proposed in this paper. First, seven wavelet features for fusarium head blight detection were extracted using continuous wavelet analysis based on the hyperspectral reflectance of wheat ears. In addition, 16 traditional spectral features were selected using correlation analysis, including two continuous removal transformed spectral features, six differential spectral features, and eight vegetation indices. Finally, wavelet features and traditional spectral features were used as input features to construct fusarium head blight detection models in combination with the PSO-SVM algorithm, and the results were compared with those obtained using random forest (RF) and a back propagation neural network (BPNN). The results show that, under the same feature variables, the PSO-SVM detection method gave an overall higher accuracy than the BPNN detection method, while the overall accuracy of the RF detection model was the lowest. The overall accuracy of the RF, BPNN and PSO-SVM detection models with wavelet features was higher by 3.7%, 2.9% and 8.3% compared to the corresponding methodological models with traditional spectral features. The detection model with wavelet features combining the PSO-SVM algorithm gave the highest overall accuracies (93.5%) and kappa coefficients (0.903) in the six monitoring models. These results suggest that the PSO-SVM algorithm combined with continuous wavelet analysis can significantly improve the accuracy of fusarium head blight detection on the wheat ears scale.
Directed Synthesis of Humic and Fulvic Derivatives with Enhanced Antioxidant Properties
Authors: Volikov Alexander , Mareev Nikita , Konstantinov Andrey , Molodykh Alexandra , Melnikova Sofia , Bazhanova Alina , Gasanov Mikhail , Nikolaev Evgeny , Zherebker Alexander , Volkov Dmitry , Zykova Maria , Perminova Irina
Published: October 2021

Redox moieties, which are present in the molecular backbone of humic substances (HS), govern their antioxidant properties. We hypothesized that a directed modification of the humic backbone via incorporation of redox moieties with known redox properties might provide an efficient tool for tuning up antioxidant properties of HS. In this work, hydroquinonoid and hydronaphthoquinonoid centres were used, which possess very different redox characteristics. They were incorporated into the structure of coal (leonardite) humic acids CHA) and peat fulvic acids (PFA). For this goal, an oxidative copolymerization of phenols was used. The latter was induced via oxidation of hydroquinones and hydroxynapjtaquinones with a use of Fenton’s reagent. The structure of the obtained products was characterized using NMR and FTIR spectroscopy. H/D labelling coupled to FT ICR mass spectrometry analysis was applied for identification of the reaction products as a tool for surmising on reaction mechanism. It was shown that covalent -C-C- bond were formed between the incorporated redox centers and aromatic core of HS. The parent humic acids and their naphthoquinonoid derivatives have demonstrated high accepting capacity. At the same time, fulvic acids and their hydroquinonoid derivatives have possessed both high donor and high antioxidant capacities. The kinetic studies have demonstrated that both humic acids and their derivatives showed much slower kinetics of antioxidant reactions as compared to fulvic acids. The obtained results show, firstly, substantial difference in redox and antioxidant properties of the humic and fulvic acids, and, secondly, they can serve as an experimental evidence that directed chemical modification of humic substances can be used to tune and control antioxidant properties of natural HS.
Effects of Genotype and Climatic Conditions on the Oil Content and Its Fatty Acids Composition of Carthamus tinctorius L. Seeds
Authors: Zemour Kamel , Adda Ahmed , Labdelli Amina , Dellal Abdelkader , Cerny Muriel , Merah Othmane
Published: October 2021

Safflower seeds provide an oil rich in mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Its adaptation to drought and high temperatures makes it an alternative for the development of oleaginous crops in semi-arid areas. This study examines the oil content and the chemical composition of seed oil from three safflower accessions (Gila, Halab, Touggourt) cultivated over three years (2015, 2016 and 2017) in a semi-arid area in Tiaret (West of Algeria). Under these semi-arid conditions, characterized by low rainfall and high temperatures, seed oil content remained relatively high and was composed mainly of unsaturated fatty acids, with their ratio to saturated fatty acids reaching an average value of 9. Seed oil content varies between 22.8% and 28.4% among the genotypes and throughout the three years. The extracted oil consists essentially of unsaturated fatty acids, linoleic and oleic acids, poly and monounsaturated, respectively. Their contents over the three years vary between 75% and 79.3% for linoleic acid and between 10.2% and 14.7% for oleic acid. The saturated fatty acids content of the oil reached a maximum value of 9%. They consist mainly of palmitic acid, of which the average genotypic content varies between 6.6% and 7.15% depending on all grown years. The results obtained may assist in better understanding the response of cultivars under rainfed conditions and could be helpful for breeders with regards to introduction into selection programs.
Management of Iron and Manganese Toxicities of Lentil Crops Grown in Central Chile
Authors: Amigo Ramón , Méndez-Espinoza Ana María , Schwember Andrés R. , Cornejo Jorge , Baettig Ricardo , Cabeza Ricardo A.
Published: October 2021

Iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) toxicity is a widespread problem in lentil production in the coastal dryland of Chile. Increasing the soil pH by liming with CaCO3 or incrementing grain yields through nitrogen fertilization can help the plants to reduce metal concentration. Thus, the main objective of this work was to evaluate two different fertilization strategies (lime (CaCO3) and nitrogen (N) additions) to reduce Fe and Mn toxicities in lentils. Lentils grown under field conditions with the highest Fe and Mn concentrations showed toxicity symptoms, but without grain yield reductions. In a pot experiment using the same soil as in the field with toxicity symptoms, the dry matter (DM) produced at the end of the trial was higher in the plants that received N while the lowest DM production was recorded in those plants treated with lime. In particular, higher root DM sustained the growth of the N-fertilized shoots, which also positively affected the grain yields being 33% higher than the control treatment (no fertilization addition). In the plants fertilized with N, the Fe and Mn levels in the shoots were lower than the control plants and those grown in soils treated with lime, but showed higher concentrations of Fe and Mn in roots. In parallel, roots exhibited high concentrations of Fe and Mn that were 13- and 9-fold higher than in the shoots. Additionally, a significant decrease of 29% in Mn concentration in the grains of plants treated with N was reported. Overall, our results suggest that an increase in DM of lentils by the addition of N can reduce the Mn concentration on leaves to a level that is likely under the threshold that causes toxicity in plant tissues. Finally, we conclude that the increase of Fe and Mn in the roots may be connected to the reduction of these metals on leaves.
Effect of Pesticide and Humic Preparation on the Soil Structure during Pea and Chickpea Cultivation
Authors: Bezuglova Olga , Gorovtsov Andrey , Grinko Artem , Kartashev Semyon , Klimenko Alexander , Lykhman Vladimir , Patrikeev Evgeny , Polienko Elena
Published: October 2021

The article presents the results of a 3-year experiment to study the soil structure with the combined use of insecticides and a humic preparation. Crops were peas (Pisum sativum) and chickpeas (Cicer arietinum). The experiment was carried out in 2019–2021 at the experimental fields of the Federal Rostov Agrarian Scientific Center, located in the Rostov region in the south of the European part of Russia (47°21′ N, 39°52′ E). Soil was Calcic Chernozem Loamic. The studies were carried out both without fertilization and with the use of mineral fertilizers (N40P40K40). Sowings of leguminous crops were treated with a mixture of insecticides and a humic preparation in the phase of bean formation. The humic preparation BIO-Don10 was obtained according to the authors’ technology by alkaline extraction from vermicompost—a product of manure processing by compost worms of the Eisenia foetida species. The preparation contains salts of humic acids and fulvic acids in the amount of 1.9 g/L; the concentration in the mixture with the insecticide was 0.002%. An increase in the structure and water resistance coefficients was observed. A decrease in the block fraction and an increase in the total number of agronomically valuable aggregates were substantiated. It was found that in the cultivation of legumes, the application of mineral fertilizers had a negative effect on the structure of the soil, while, when using pesticides, the structure was preserved better by the end of the growing season. The revealed patterns can be associated with the activity of microorganisms participating in the hydrolysis of organic compounds that stabilize soil aggregates.
Potato Yield Response and Seasonal Nitrate Leaching as Influenced by Nitrogen Management
Authors: Clément Chedzer-Clarc , Cambouris Athyna N. , Ziadi Noura , Zebarth Bernie J. , Karam Antoine
Published: October 2021

Nitrate leaching is of great environmental concern, particularly with potatoes grown on sandy soils. This 3-year study evaluated the effect of three N rates (100, 150, and 200 kg ha−1) of single applications of polymer-coated urea (PCU) and a 75% PCU + 25% urea mixture, plus a conventional split application of 200 kg N ha−1 of a 50% ammonium sulfate + 50% calcium ammonium nitrate mixture (CONV) on NO3−-N leaching, potato yield, and N uptake under irrigated and non-irrigated conditions on a sandy soil in Quebec (Canada). Fertilizer N application increased growing season NO3−-N leaching only under irrigation. On average, irrigation increased seasonal NO3−-N leaching by 52%. Under irrigated conditions, PCU reduced NO3−-N leaching compared to PCU + urea. However, both PCU and PCU + urea significantly increased NO3−-N leaching compared to the CONV at the equivalent N rate of 200 kg N ha−1. This was attributed to the timing of soil N availability and deep-water percolation. Total (TY) and marketable (MY) yields in the CONV were similar to those in the PCU applied at the equivalent N rate of 200 kg N ha−1. Despite lower plant N uptake, PCU resulted in greater TY and MY compared to PCU + urea. Residual soil inorganic N was greater for PCU and PCU + urea compared to the CONV, providing evidence that PCU products have the potential to increase NO3−-N leaching after the growing season. In this study, PCU was an agronomically and environmentally better choice than PCU + urea. The results also showed that the efficiency of PCU to reduce seasonal NO3−-N leaching may vary according to the timing of precipitation and irrigation.
Nitrogen Mineralization, Soil Microbial Biomass and Extracellular Enzyme Activities Regulated by Long-Term N Fertilizer Inputs: A Comparison Study from Upland and Paddy Soils in a Red Soil Region of China
Authors: Ali Sehrish , Liu Kailou , Ahmed Waqas , Jing Huang , Qaswar Muhammad , Kofi Anthonio Christian , Maitlo Ali Akbar , Lu Zhang , Liu Lisheng , Zhang Huimin
Published: October 2021

A long-term experiment (38 years) was conducted to elucidate the effects of long-term N addition on the net N mineralization in both paddy and upland soils, based on their initial soil N status, with and in connection with soil microbial biomass and N cycling extracellular enzyme activities. Two treatments without N addition CK (No fertilizer) and K (inorganic potassium fertilizer) and two treatments with N addition (inorganic nitrogen fertilizer) and NK (inorganic nitrogen and potassium fertilizer) were placed in incubation for 90 days. Results showed that the total N and soil organic carbon (SOC) contents were higher in the treatments with N application compared to the treatments without N in both paddy and upland soils. The SOC content of paddy soil was increased relative to upland soil by 56.2%, 45.7%, 61.1% and 62.2% without N (CK, K) and with N (N and NK) treatments, respectively. Site-wise, total N concentration in paddy soil was higher by 0.06, 0.10, 0.57 and 0.60 times under the CK, K, N and NK treatments, respectively, compared with upland soil. In paddy soil, soil microbial biomass nitrogen (SMBN) was higher by 39.6%, 2.77%, 29.5% and 31.4%, and microbial biomass carbon (SMBC) was higher by 11.8%, 11.9%, 10.1% and 12.3%, respectively, in CK, K, N and NK treatment, compared with upland soil. Overall, compared to upland soil, the activities of leucine-aminopeptidase (LAP) were increased by 31%, 18%, 20% and 11%, and those of N-acetyl-b-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) were increased by 70%, 21%, 13% and 18% by CK, K, N and NK treatments, respectively, in paddy soil. A significantly linear increase was found in the NO3−-N and NH4+-N concentrations during the 90 days of the incubation period in both soils. NK treatment showed the highest N mineralization potential (No) along with mineralization rate constant, k (NMR) at the end of the incubation. SMBC, SMBN, enzyme activities, NO3−-N and NH4+-N concentrations and the No showed a highly significant (p ≤ 0.05) positive correlation. We concluded that long-term N addition accelerated the net mineralization by increasing soil microbial activities under both soils.
Quantification of PD-1/PD-L1 Interaction between Membranes from PBMCs and Melanoma Samples Using Cell Membrane Microarray and Time-Resolved Förster Resonance Energy Transfer
Authors: Sánchez-Magraner Lissete , de la Fuente Miguel , Evans Charles , Miles James , Elexpe Ane , Rodriguez-Astigarraga Maddalen , Astigarraga Egoitz , Barreda-Gómez Gabriel
Published: October 2021

Melanoma is a carcinoma known to evade the host immune defenses via the downregulation of the immune response. One of the molecules involved in this mechanism is programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1), which interacts with its receptor, programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), expressed on T cells, leading to a reduction in cytokine release and cytotoxic activity, as well as a halt in T-cell proliferation. The approved therapeutic monoclonal antibodies, such as pembrolizumab, target the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction and are revolutionizing cancer treatments. We developed an assay that provides a quantitative readout of PD-1/PD-L1 interactive states between cell membranes of human immune cells (peripheral blood mononuclear cells, PBMCs) and PD-L1-expressing samples. For this purpose, cell membrane microarrays (CMMAs) were developed from membranes isolated from a HT144 cell line and melanoma samples, and PD-L1 expression was quantified using immunofluorescence (IF). CMMAs were incubated with cell membranes of PBMCs expressing PD-1, and the interaction with PD-L1 was quantified by time-resolved Förster resonance energy transfer, in the presence and absence of pembrolizumab as a blocking drug. The developed assay was able to quantify the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction, and this engagement was disrupted in the presence of the blocking antibody. This demonstrates the potential of the method to analyze monoclonal antibody drugs, as well as the functional states of immune checkpoint regulators. Furthermore, our findings provide evidence to support the future implementation of this methodology for both drug discovery and immune system monitoring in cancer, transplantation, and inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
Population Pharmacokinetic Modeling and Dose Optimization of Vancomycin in Chinese Patients with Augmented Renal Clearance
Authors: Zhao Sixuan , He Na , Zhang Yahui , Wang Chuhui , Zhai Suodi , Zhang Chao
Published: October 2021

Patients with augmented renal clearance (ARC) have been described as having low vancomycin concentration. However, the pharmacokinetic model that best describes vancomycin in patients with ARC has not been clarified. The purpose of this study is to determine the pharmacokinetic of vancomycin in Chinese adults and the recommend dosage for patients with different renal function, including patients with ARC. We retrospectively collected 424 vancomycin serum concentrations from 209 Chinese patients and performed a population pharmacokinetic model using NONMEM 7.4.4. The final model indicated that the clearance rate of vancomycin increased together with the creatinine clearance, and exhibited a nearly saturated curve at higher creatinine clearance. The estimated clearance of vancomycin was between 3.46 and 5.58 L/h in patients with ARC, with 5.58 being the maximum theoretical value. The central volume of distribution increased by more than three times in patients admitted to Intensive Care Unit. Monte Carlo simulations were conducted to explore the probability of reaching the target therapeutic range (24-h area under the curve: 400–650 mg·h/L, trough concentration: 10–20 mg/L) when various dose regimens were administered. The simulations indicated that dose should increase together with the creatinine clearance until 180 mL/min. These findings may contribute to improving the efficacy and safety of vancomycin in patients with ARC.
An Outbreak of tet(X6)-Carrying Tigecycline-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Isolates with a New Capsular Type at a Hospital in Taiwan
Authors: Hsieh Yu-Chia , Wu Jia-Wen , Chen Yi-Yin , Quyen Tran Lam Tu , Liao Wei-Chao , Li Shiao-Wen , Chen Yin-Cheng , Pan Yi-Jiun
Published: October 2021

Dissemination of multidrug-resistant, particularly tigecycline-resistant, Acinetobacter baumannii is of critical importance, as tigecycline is considered a last-line antibiotic. Acquisition of tet(X), a tigecycline-inactivating enzyme mostly found in strains of animal origin, imparts tigecycline resistance to A. baumannii. Herein, we investigated the presence of tet(X) variants among 228 tigecycline-non-susceptible A. baumannii isolates from patients at a Taiwanese hospital via polymerase chain reaction using a newly designed universal primer pair. Seven strains (3%) carrying tet(X)-like genes were subjected to whole genome sequencing, revealing high DNA identity. Phylogenetic analysis based on the PFGE profile clustered the seven strains in a clade, which were thus considered outbreak strains. These strains, which were found to co-harbor the chromosome-encoded tet(X6) and the plasmid-encoded blaOXA-72 genes, showed a distinct genotype with an uncommon sequence type (Oxford ST793/Pasteur ST723) and a new capsular type (KL129). In conclusion, we identified an outbreak clone co-carrying tet(X6) and blaOXA-72 among a group of clinical A. baumannii isolates in Taiwan. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first description of tet(X6) in humans and the first report of a tet(X)-like gene in Taiwan. These findings identify the risk for the spread of tet(X6)-carrying tigecycline- and carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii in human healthcare settings.