bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Where we live matters: a comparison of chronic pain treatment between remote and non-remote regions of Quebec, Canada
Authors: Audet Claudie , Zerriouh Meriem , Nguena Nguefack Hermine Lore , Julien Nancy , Pagé M. Gabrielle , Guénette Line , Blais Lucie , Lacasse Anaïs
Published: February 2024

Objective

Where a person lives is a recognized socioeconomic determinant of health and influences healthcare access. This study aimed to compare the pain treatment profile of persons with chronic pain (CP) living in remote regions to those living in non-remote regions (near or in major urban centers).

Methods

A cross-sectional study was performed among persons living with CP across Quebec. In a web-based questionnaire, participants were asked to report in which of the 17 administrative regions they were living (six considered “remote”). Pain treatment profile was drawn up using seven variables: use of prescribed pain medications, over-the-counter pain medications, non-pharmacological pain treatments, multimodal approach, access to a trusted healthcare professional for pain management, excessive polypharmacy (≥10 medications), and use of cannabis for pain.

Results

1,399 participants completed the questionnaire (women: 83.4%, mean age: 50 years, living in remote regions: 23.8%). As compared to persons living in remote regions, those living in non-remote regions were more likely to report using prescribed pain medications (83.8% vs. 67.4%), a multimodal approach (81.5% vs. 75.5%), experience excessive polypharmacy (28.1% vs. 19.1%), and report using cannabis for pain (33.1% vs. 20.7%) (bivariable p < 0.05). Only the use of prescribed medications as well as cannabis remained significantly associated with the region of residence in the multivariable models.

Discussion

There are differences in treatment profiles of persons with CP depending on the region they live. Our results highlight the importance of considering remoteness, and not only rurality, when it comes to better understanding the determinants of pain management.
Intestinal mucosal barrier: a potential target for traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Liu Jiahui , Wei Xiunan , Wang Tong , Zhang Miaomiao , Gao Ying , Cheng Yan , Chi Lili
Published: February 2024

Graphical Abstract

This review presents the progress of traditional Chinese medicines in treating CVD by repairing the intestinal mucosal barrier
Operational experience with Adaptive Gain Integrating Pixel Detectors at European XFEL
Authors: Sztuk-Dambietz Jolanta , Rovensky Vratko , Klujev Alexander , Laurus Torsten , Trunk Ulrich , Ahmed Karim , Meyer Olivier , Möller Johannes , Parenti Andrea , Raab Natascha , Shayduk Roman , Sikorski Marcin , Ansaldi Gabriele , Bösenberg Ulrike , Luis Lopez M. , Muenich Astrid , Preston Thomas R. , Schmidt Philipp , Stern Stephan , Bean Richard , Madsen Anders , Gelisio Luca , Hauf Steffen , Gessler Patrick , Wrona Krzysztof , Graafsma Heinz , Turcato Monica
Published: February 2024

The European X-ray Free Electron Laser (European XFEL) is a cutting-edge user facility that generates per second up to 27,000 ultra-short, spatially coherent X-ray pulses within an energy range of 0.26 to more than 20 keV. Specialized instrumentation, including various 2D X-ray detectors capable of handling the unique time structure of the beam, is required. The one-megapixel AGIPD (AGIPD1M) detectors, developed for the European XFEL by the AGIPD Consortium, are the primary detectors used for user experiments at the SPB/SFX and MID instruments. The first AGIPD1M detector was installed at SPB/SFX when the facility began operation in 2017, and the second one was installed at MID in November 2018. The AGIPD detector systems require a dedicated infrastructure, well-defined safety systems, and high-level control procedures to ensure stable and safe operation. As of now, the AGIPD1M detectors installed at the SPB/SFX and MID experimental end stations are fully integrated into the European XFEL environment, including mechanical integration, vacuum, power, control, data acquisition, and data processing systems. Specific high-level procedures allow facilitated detector control, and dedicated interlock systems based on Programmable Logic Controllers ensure detector safety in case of power, vacuum, or cooling failure. The first 6 years of operation have clearly demonstrated that the AGIPD1M detectors provide high-quality scientific results. The collected data, along with additional dedicated studies, have also enabled the identification and quantification of issues related to detector performance, ensuring stable operation. Characterization and calibration of detectors are among the most critical and challenging aspects of operation due to their complex nature. A methodology has been developed to enable detector characterization and data correction, both in near real-time (online) and offline mode. The calibration process optimizes detector performance and ensures the highest quality of experimental results. Overall, the experience gained from integrating and operating the AGIPD detectors at the European XFEL, along with the developed methodology for detector characterization and calibration, provides valuable insights for the development of next-generation detectors for Free Electron Laser X-ray sources.
Selection and purification of Li2CO3 precursor for bolometric double beta decay experiments
Authors: Shin KeonAh , Byeon Chorok , Choe JunSeok , Gileva Olga , Kim Yena , Kim Yeongduk , Lee Eunkyung , Lee Moo Hyun , Yeon Hyojin
Published: February 2024

This paper describes the preparation of radiopure lithium carbonate powder for the needs of low-background research, in particular, AMoRE-II, the second phase of a search for the neutrinoless double-beta decay (0νDBD) of the 100Mo isotope using over 100 kg of 100Mo contained in 200 kg of ultra-pure Li2100MoO4 bolometric crystals. About 150 kg of pure Li2CO3 powder is required to synthesize the crystals. The desired radiopurity for the lithium powder is 40K below 100 mBq/kg, and Th/U and Ra are at a few mBq/kg. Several commercially available powders were tested with ICP-MS and HPGe detectors at the Center for Underground Physics (CUP) of the Institute for Basic Science in Korea. The lowest purity of the tested products was 99.99%. The results of the powders’ radioassay at CUP showed that none of the tested products were suited for the 0νDBD search application. A special purification technology had to be developed to remove the original contamination of the powder with potassium (K), thorium (Th), uranium (U), and radium (Ra). Lithium carbonate crystallization via carbonization technique was inefficient in removing radiochemical impurities. Lithium formate fractional recrystallization effectively removed Ra, K, and Th, but the synthesis of the final lithium carbonate product had a low yield and required the introduction of additional chemicals. The analysis results of raw and purified powders, the decontamination efficiency, and plans are described in the article.
The interactions between ineffective erythropoiesis and ferroptosis in β-thalassemia
Authors: Lin Siyang , Zheng Yanping , Chen Meihuan , Xu Liangpu , Huang Hailong
Published: February 2024

In Guangxi, Hainan, and Fujian Province in southern China, β-thalassemia is a frequent monogenic hereditary disorder that is primarily defined by hemolytic anemia brought on by inefficient erythropoiesis. It has been found that ineffective erythropoiesis in β-thalassemia is closely associated with a high accumulation of Reactive oxygen species, a product of oxidative stress, in erythroid cells. During recent years, ferroptosis is an iron-dependent lipid peroxidation that involves abnormalities in lipid and iron metabolism as well as reactive oxygen species homeostasis. It is a recently identified kind of programmed cell death. β-thalassemia patients experience increased iron release from reticuloendothelial cells and intestinal absorption of iron, ultimately resulting in iron overload. Additionally, the secretion of Hepcidin is inhibited in these patients. What counts is both ineffective erythropoiesis and ferroptosis in β-thalassemia are intricately linked to the iron metabolism and Reactive oxygen species homeostasis. Consequently, to shed further light on the pathophysiology of β-thalassemia and propose fresh ideas for its therapy, this paper reviews ferroptosis, ineffective erythropoiesis, and the way they interact.
Suspension cell cultures of Panax vietnamensis as a biotechnological source of ginsenosides: growth, cytology, and ginsenoside profile assessment
Authors: Titova Maria V. , Lunkova Maria K. , Tyurina Tatiana M. , Prudnikova Olga N. , Popova Elena V. , Klychnikov Oleg I. , Metalnikov Pavel S. , Ikhalaynen Yuri A. , Vasileva Elizaveta N. , Rodin Igor A. , Nosov Alexander M.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Panax vietnamensis is a valuable medicinal plant and a source of a broad spectrum of biologically active ginsenosides of different structural groups. Overexploitation and low adaptability to planation cultivation have made this species vulnerable to human pressure and prompted the development of cell cultivation in vitro as a sustainable alternative to harvesting wild plants for their bioactive components. Despite high interest in biotechnological production, little is known about the main factors affecting cell growth and ginsenoside biosynthesis of this species under in vitro conditions. In this study, the potential of cell cultures of P. vietnamensis as a biotechnological source of ginsenosides was was assessed.

Methods

Six suspension cell lines that were developed from different sections of a single rhizome through a multi-step culture optimization process and maintained for over 3 years on media with different mineral salt base and varying contents of auxins and cytokinins. These cell lines were evaluated for productivity parameters and cytological characteristics. Ginsenoside profiles were assessed using a combination of the reversed-phase ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–Orbitrap–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–Orbitrap–MS/MS) and ultra-performance liquid chromatography–time of flight–mass spectrometry (UPLC–TOF–MS).

Results

All lines demonstrated good growth with a specific growth rate of 0.1–0.2 day−1, economic coefficient of 0.31–0.70, productivity on dry weight (DW) of 0.30–0.83 gDW (L·day)−1, and maximum biomass accumulation varying from 10 to 22 gDW L−1. Ginsenosides of the protopanaxadiol (Rb1, Rb2/Rb3, malonyl-Rb1, and malonyl-Rb2/Rb3), oleanolic acid (R0 and chikusetsusaponin IV), and ocotillol (vinaginsenoside R1) groups and their isomers were identified in cell biomass extracts. Chikusetsusaponin IV was identified in P. vietnamensis cell culture for the first time.

Discussion

These results suggest that suspension cell cultures of Vietnamese ginseng have a high potential for the biotechnological production of biomass containing ginsenosides, particularly of the oleanolic acid and ocotillol groups.
The mediating role of intention of learning behaviour in learning behaviour
Authors: Li Xianhui , Wang Zhanjun , Xie Jingyu
Published: February 2024

Improving the quality of postgraduate study is one that must be addressed with the increase in the number of postgraduate students. This study aims to analyse the effects of learning attitude, learning motivation and self-efficacy on learning behaviour through the intention of learning behaviour, and the effect of learning behaviour on learning outcome. Measurements were made on 560 postgraduate students after the development of a scale. The scale was analysed for reliability and exploratory factor analysis using SPSS software. The date were then analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM) analysis techniques with path analysis and bootstrap methods. The results of the study showed that students’ attitudes towards learning and self-efficacy had a significant indirect on learning behaviour through the mediating involvement of intention to learn behaviours, and learning behaviour had a significant effect on learning outcome. Therefore, there is a need to improve learning behaviour by improving students’ intention to learn behaviour so that they can have good learning outcome.
Addressing disparities in European cancer outcomes: a qualitative study Protocol of the BEACON project
Authors: Ferraris Giulia , Coppini Veronica , Monzani Dario , Grasso Roberto , Kirac Iva , Horgan Denis , Pietrobon Ricardo , Galvão Victor , Pravettoni Gabriella
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Health disparities represent a crucial factor in cancer survival rates, awareness, quality of life, and mental health of people receiving a cancer diagnosis and their families. Income, education, geographic location, and ethnicity are some of the most important underlying reasons for health disparities in cancer across Europe. Costs of healthcare, access to information, psycho-oncological support options, integration of cancer research and innovative care, and multidisciplinary cancer teams are the main target areas when it comes to addressing disparities in the cancer context. As part of the Beacon Project (BEACON), we developed a protocol for a qualitative study to explore and identify any relevant reasons for cancer inequalities and disparities in Europe.

Methods

Our four stakeholders namely, cancer patients, healthcare providers, researchers, and policymakers will be recruited online, facilitated by collaborative efforts with cancer organizations from various European countries, including but not limited to Italy, Croatia, Estonia, and Slovenia. Qualitative online focus group discussions for each stakeholder will be conducted and transcribed. Subsequently, thematic analysis will be used to identify reasons and aspects that may contribute to the existing disparities in cancer outcomes at various levels of engagement and from different stakeholders’ perspectives. Results from focus groups will inform a subsequent Delphi study and a SWOT analysis methodology.

Discussion

Although advances in medical research, cancer screening and treatment options are constantly progressing, disparities in access to and awareness of healthcare in cancer patients are even more noticeable. Thus, mapping the capacity and capability of cancer centres in the European Union, creating decision support tools that will assist the four stakeholders’ information needs and improving the quality of European cancer centres will be the main objectives of the BEACON project. The current protocol will outline the methodological and practical procedures to conduct online focus group discussions with different stakeholders.
Digital clock drawing test reflects visuospatial ability of older drivers
Authors: Yamauchi Satsuki , Kawano Naoko , Shimazaki Kan , Shinkai Hiroko , Kojima Masae , Shinohara Kazumitsu , Aoki Hirofumi
Published: February 2024

Objectives

To keep older drivers safe, it is necessary to assess their fitness to drive. We developed a touch screen-based digital Clock Drawing Test (dCDT) and examined the relationship between the dCDT scores and on-road driving performance of older drivers in a community-setting.

Methods

One hundred and forty-one community-dwelling older drivers (range; 64–88 years old) who participated in this study were included in the analysis. Participants completed the dCDT, the Mini-Mental State Examination-Japanese (MMSE-J), and an on-road driving assessment. We examined the relationship between dCDT scores using the method by Rouleau et al. (maximum 10 points) and the on-road driving performance based on a driving assessment system originally developed by Nagoya University.

Results

Multiple regression analyses showed that errors in the driving test were associated with dCDT score for the items “confirmation,” “turning left” and “maintains driving lane position”.

Discussion

This study confirmed the relationship between the dCDT score and driving errors, such as confirmation, turning left and maintaining driving lane position. The increase in these errors indicates a decline in visuospatial ability while driving. The dCDT score may reflect older drivers’ visuospatial abilities while driving.
Enjoying art: an evolutionary perspective on the esthetic experience from emotion elicitors
Authors: Serrao Fabrizio , Chirico Alice , Gabbiadini Alessandro , Gallace Alberto , Gaggioli Andrea
Published: February 2024

The ubiquity of human art prompted evolutionary psychologists to explore its origins as a potential adaptation to the environment. Here we focus on emotionally charged art and posit that affective affordances embedded into some artworks play a pivotal role in explaining why these artworks are enjoyed from an evolutionary perspective. Such features, recurring in various art forms, are interpreted as cues to the emotional state of others, enabling art consumers to engage in empathetic experiences and vicarious emotions. We explore the adaptive value of deriving pleasure from vicarious emotions, while also addressing the seemingly counterintuitive enjoyment of artworks that evoke negative emotions. We discuss the appreciation of vicarious emotions irrespective of their valence and maintain this appreciation to hold adaptive significance for three key reasons. Firstly, it aids art consumers in refining their interpretational schemes of internal states, potentially enhancing emotional regulation skills. Secondly, it contributes to a deeper understanding of the emotions of others, thereby fostering emotional intelligence and empathy. Lastly, the enjoyment of affectively charged artworks reinforces social cohesion by harmonizing the emotions of group members. This perspective provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the evolutionary underpinnings of the human capacity for art appreciation and emotional engagement.
Utero-ovarian transposition before pelvic radiation in a patient with rectal cancer: a case report and systemic literature review
Authors: Huber Daniela , Simonson Colin , Fournier Ian , Dischl-Antonioni Irma , Pena Rios Francisco Javier , Francey Isaline , Surbone Anna , Hurni Yannick
Published: February 2024

Objective

To describe a case of utero-ovarian transposition (UOT) before pelvic radiation in a patient with rectal cancer and provide a systematic literature review on all reported cases of UOT.

Methods

We performed a prospective collection and revision of clinical, intraoperative, and postoperative data from a patient who underwent UOT. In addition, a systematic review of the literature available to date on all cases of UOT was realized, and 14 patients from 10 articles were included.

Results

We reported the case of a 28-year-old nulligravida patient who was diagnosed with a low-grade rectal adenocarcinoma and underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, followed by transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME). Before starting neoadjuvant oncological therapies, the patient underwent laparoscopic UOT. The intervention was performed without complications, and the patient received neoadjuvant oncological treatments as planned. TaTME and uterus repositioning were completed six weeks after the end of radiotherapy. No complications were observed during the first 9 postoperative months. Adequate utero-ovarian perfusion was assessed by Doppler ultrasound, cervicovaginal anastomosis appeared to have healed correctly, and the patient experienced menstrual bleeding. Data from the literature review of all reported cases of UOT were presented and discussed.

Conclusions

UOT represents a valuable option to preserve fertility in patients requiring pelvic radiotherapy. This study provides additional evidence on the feasibility and safety of performing UOT.
Application of Genetic Algorithms for Periodicity Recognition and Finite Sequences Sorting
Authors: Zhassuzak Mukhtar , Akhmet Marat , Amirgaliyev Yedilkhan , Buribayev Zholdas
Published: February 2024

Unpredictable strings are sequences of data with complex and erratic behavior, which makes them an object of interest in various scientific fields. Unpredictable strings related to chaos theory was investigated using a genetic algorithm. This paper presents a new genetic algorithm for converting large binary sequences into their periodic form. The MakePeriod method is also presented, which is aimed at optimizing the search for such periodic sequences, which significantly reduces the number of generations to achieve the result of the problem under consideration. The analysis of the deviation of a nonperiodic sequence from its considered periodic transformation was carried out, and methods of crossover and mutation were investigated. The proposed algorithm and its associated conclusions can be applied to processing large sequences and different values of the period, and also emphasize the importance of choosing the right methods of crossover and mutation when applying genetic algorithms to this task.
Object Detection in Autonomous Vehicles under Adverse Weather: A Review of Traditional and Deep Learning Approaches
Authors: Tahir Noor Ul Ain , Zhang Zuping , Asim Muhammad , Chen Junhong , ELAffendi Mohammed
Published: February 2024

Enhancing the environmental perception of autonomous vehicles (AVs) in intelligent transportation systems requires computer vision technology to be effective in detecting objects and obstacles, particularly in adverse weather conditions. Adverse weather circumstances present serious difficulties for object-detecting systems, which are essential to contemporary safety procedures, infrastructure for monitoring, and intelligent transportation. AVs primarily depend on image processing algorithms that utilize a wide range of onboard visual sensors for guidance and decisionmaking. Ensuring the consistent identification of critical elements such as vehicles, pedestrians, and road lanes, even in adverse weather, is a paramount objective. This paper not only provides a comprehensive review of the literature on object detection (OD) under adverse weather conditions but also delves into the ever-evolving realm of the architecture of AVs, challenges for automated vehicles in adverse weather, the basic structure of OD, and explores the landscape of traditional and deep learning (DL) approaches for OD within the realm of AVs. These approaches are essential for advancing the capabilities of AVs in recognizing and responding to objects in their surroundings. This paper further investigates previous research that has employed both traditional and DL methodologies for the detection of vehicles, pedestrians, and road lanes, effectively linking these approaches with the evolving field of AVs. Moreover, this paper offers an in-depth analysis of the datasets commonly employed in AV research, with a specific focus on the detection of key elements in various environmental conditions, and then summarizes the evaluation matrix. We expect that this review paper will help scholars to gain a better understanding of this area of research.
Grey-Box Modeling and Decoupling Control of a Lab Setup of the Quadruple-Tank System
Authors: Garrido Juan , Garrido-Jurado Sergio , Vázquez Francisco
Published: February 2024

The quadruple-tank system (QTS) is a popular educational resource in universities for studying multivariable control systems. It enables the analysis of the interaction between variables and the limitations imposed by multivariable non-minimum phase zeros, as well as the evaluation of new multivariable control methodologies. The works utilizing this system present a theoretical model that may be too idealistic and based on erroneous assumptions in real-world implementations, such as the linear behavior of the actuators. In other cases, an identified linear model is directly provided. This study outlines the practical grey-box modeling procedure conducted for the QTS at the University of Cordoba and provides guidance for its implementation. A configurable nonlinear model was developed and controlled in a closed loop using different controllers. Specifically, decentralized control, static decoupling control, and simplified decoupling control were compared. The simulation designs were experimentally validated with high accuracy, demonstrating that the conclusions reached with the developed model can be extrapolated to the real system. The comparison of these three control designs illustrates the advantages and disadvantages of decoupling in certain situations, especially in the presence of non-minimum phase zeros.
Geographical Types and Driving Mechanisms of Rural Hollowing-Out in the Yellow River Basin
Authors: Fu Zhanhui , Yang Yahan , Wang Lijun , Zhu Xiaoyong , Lv Hui , Qiao Jiajun
Published: February 2024

Understanding the regional variations and mechanisms of rural hollowing-out in the Yellow River Basin (YRB) is crucial to guiding regional rural revitalization. However, further quantitative evaluation and analysis are essential to address the issue of rural hollowing-out caused by the decrease in rural population and expansion of residential land in the YRB at different spatio-temporal scales. Based on China’s census data and residential areas extracted from remote sensing images, the rural hollowing-out in the YRB is classified into five types: smart development type (SDT), human–-land recession type (HRT), population loss type (PLT), land expansion type (LET), and human–land–vacant waste type (HLW). Then, the influential features shaping the spatial diversity of rural hollowing-out types are examined, and the feature importance values at different spatio-temporal scales are assessed using the XGBoost model. The results of rural hollowing-out in the YBR indicate that (1) the geographical types of rural hollowing-out in the YRB are dominated by the HRT type and show significant heterogeneity and distribution at different spatio-temporal scales. At different time stages, the number of counties dominated by HRT in lower reaches accounts for 57% of the total counties, whereas the number of counties in the middle reaches is only 37%. Compared to the rural hollowing-out results from 2000 to 2010, the number of counties dominated by PLT and HLW from 2010 to 2020 in the middle reaches increased by 19% and 16%, respectively. (2) Precipitation had a positive effect on the variability of the rural hollowing-out distribution results based on the feature importance values, whereas agricultural productivity had a negative effect and exhibited a decreasing trend. In the entire study area, economic non-agriculturalization had a negative impact, but the topographic relief was positively correlated with the rural hollowing-out results of regional areas, and the intensity of its effect showed an increased trend from 2000 to 2020. (3) The evaluation results in the entire study area show that the main functional type and the distance from provincial capitals are the most important factors affecting rural hollowing out. Compared to other factors, the level of non-agricultural economic development has a greater impact on the spatio-temporal differentiation of rural hollowing types in different Yellow River basins. Given the significant effect of non-agricultural economic development in the evaluation of regional rural hollowing-out, it can provide methodological and indicator references for the evaluation of rural hollowing-out in different regions.
Correction: Olagunju et al. Pleurotus ostreatus Can Significantly Improve the Nutritive Value of Lignocellulosic Crop Residues. Agriculture 2023, 13, 1161
Authors: Olagunju Lydia K. , Isikhuemhen Omoanghe S. , Dele Peter A. , Anike Felicia N. , Essick Brandon G. , Holt Nathan , Udombang Nkese S. , Ike Kelechi A. , Shaw Yasmine , Brice Rosetta M. , Orimaye Oluteru E. , Wuaku Michael , Anele Uchenna Y.
Published: February 2024

Authors would like to correct an error in the GC conditions for VFA analysis [...]
Growth Performance and Osmolyte Regulation of Drought-Stressed Walnut Plants Are Improved by Mycorrhiza
Authors: Wen Yue , Zhou Li-Jun , Xu Yong-Jie , Hashem Abeer , Abd_Allah Elsayed Fathi , Wu Qiang-Sheng
Published: February 2024

This study aims to evaluate whether a selected arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus, Diversispora spurca, improves growth in drought-stressed walnut (Juglans regia L. cv. Qingxiang) plants and whether this improvement is associated with changes in osmolyte (fructose, glucose, sucrose, soluble protein, proline, and betaine) levels. After 60 days of soil drought treatment (50% of maximum field water-holding capacity), root D. spurca colonization rate and soil mycelium length decreased by 13.57% and 64.03%, respectively. Soil drought also inhibited the growth performance of aboveground (stem diameter, leaf number, leaf biomass, and stem biomass) and underground (root projected area, surface area, and average diameter) parts, with uninoculated plants showing a stronger inhibition than D. spurca-inoculated plants. D. spurca significantly increased these growth variables, along with aboveground part variables and root areas being more prominent under drought stress versus non-stress conditions. Although drought treatment suppressed the chlorophyll index and nitrogen balance index in leaves, mycorrhizal inoculation significantly increased these indices. Walnut plants were able to actively increase leaf fructose, glucose, sucrose, betaine, and proline levels under such drought stress. Inoculation of D. spurca also significantly increased leaf fructose, glucose, sucrose, betaine, proline, and soluble protein levels under drought stress and non-stress, with the increasing trend in betaine and soluble protein being higher under drought stress versus non-stress. Drought stress dramatically raised leaf hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels in both inoculated and uninoculated plants, while mycorrhizal plants presented significantly lower H2O2 levels, with the decreasing trend higher under drought stress versus non-stress. In conclusion, D. spurca symbiosis can increase the growth of drought-stressed walnut plants, associated with increased osmolyte levels and decreased H2O2 levels.
Effect of Previous Crop on the Structure of Bacterial and Fungal Communities during the Growth of Vicia faba L. spp. minor
Authors: Baćmaga Małgorzata , Wyszkowska Jadwiga , Borowik Agata , Kucharski Jan
Published: February 2024

The aim of this study was to assess how soil use and the cultivation of Triticum aestivum spp. vulgare L. (Sw), Triticum aestivum spp. spelta L. (Ww), Zea mays L. (M), and Brassica napus L. (Wr) impacts soil microbiota. This study consisted of a pot experiment over 120 days, until Vicia faba spp. minor seeds and pods reached the developmental stage of growth. This study showed that T. aestivum spp. vulgare L. grown in the soil sown with faba beans had a beneficial effect on the development of organotrophic bacteria, actinobacteria, and fungi. Regardless of the previous crop and soil cultivation method, r-strategists were found among the organotrophic bacteria and fungi, whereas K-strategists were found among the actinobacteria. All soils sown with faba beans were primarily colonized by bacteria belonging to the phylum Actinobacteriota (represented by the genus Cellulosimicrobium) and fungi belonging to the phylum Ascomycota. In the soil sown with field faba beans from the cultivation of Sw and Wr, the soil was dominated by Mortierella genus fungi; that of Ww was dominated by Cladosporium, and that of M was dominated by Alternaria. The results of this study provide new insights into the influence of previous crops and further cropping with faba bean on the quantitative and qualitative composition of the soil microbiota.
Occurrence and Levels of Mycotoxins in On-Farm-Stored Sesame in Major Growing Districts of Ethiopia
Authors: Alemayehu Samuel , Abera Fetien Abay , Ayimut Kiros-Meles , Harvey Jagger , Mahroof Rizana , Subramanyam Bhadriraju , Ulmer Jonathan , Edema Richard
Published: February 2024

Mycotoxins in sesame seeds pose a significant risk to both food safety and Ethiopia’s economy. The purpose of this study was to determine the presence and concentrations of mycotoxins in sesame seeds kept on farms in Ethiopia’s key sesame-producing areas. Purposive sampling was used to obtain 470 sesame seed samples from farmers′ storage facilities in five important districts. Total aflatoxin (AFT), ochratoxin A (OTA), total fumonisin (FUM), and deoxynivalenol (DON) were identified using both a lateral flow reader and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The analysis revealed that all samples contained mycotoxins to varying degrees, with AFT and DON being particularly common. AFT levels varied between 2.5 and 27.8 parts per billion (μg/kg), averaging 13.8 μg/kg, while OTA concentrations were between 5.0 and 9.7 μg/kg, averaging 7.1 μg/kg. Total fumonisin levels spanned from 300 to 1300 μg/kg, averaging 800 μg/kg. DON was found in the range of 560 to 700 μg/kg. Notably, 96.8% of the samples fell within the safe range for AFT, FUM, and DON mean levels as defined by the Federal Drug Administration’s maximum limits. The co-occurrence rates of AFT-OTA, DON-OTA, AFT-FUM, FUM-DON, and FUM-OTA were observed at 44.0%, 38.3%, 33.8%, 30.2%, 29.8%, and 26.0%, respectively. Around 37.2% of the samples showed signs of fungal infection, and seed germination rates varied between 66.8% and 91.1%. The Limmu district exhibited higher total aflatoxin levels, greater kernel infection, and reduced germination rates compared to other districts. The Wollega sesame variety was more susceptible to kernel infection, had higher total aflatoxin levels, and lower germination rates compared to other varieties. Additionally, the age of the grain significantly affected (p < 0.05) both kernel infection and germination. Current storage practices in Ethiopia’s primarily sesame-growing districts are conducive to the growth of mycotoxin-producing fungi. Given the public health implications of mycotoxin levels in sesame, it is imperative for stakeholders to collaborate in identifying and implementing secure and effective storage solutions to preserve both the quantity and quality of sesame at the smallholder farmer level. This study underscores the necessity for improved storage technologies to safeguard sesame quality and diminish the risk of mycotoxin contamination.
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography–Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Tandem Mass Spectrometry-Based Profiling Reveals Anthocyanin Profile Alterations in Berries of Hybrid Muscadine Variety FLH 13-11 in Two Continuous Cropping Seasons
Authors: Yuzuak Seyit , Ballington James , Li Gui , Xie De-Yu
Published: February 2024

FLH 13-11 is an F1 interspecific hybrid muscadine grape genotype that was developed to produce new anthocyanins for pigment color stability. This hybrid resulted from a cross between ‘Marsh’ (Vitis munsoniana) and ‘Magoon’ (V. rotundifolia) and has been cultivated for the wine and juice industry. This report characterizes anthocyanins produced in fully ripe berries and reveals a significant difference in total anthocyanin contents from two continuous cropping seasons. High-performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) and HPLC–quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-qTOF-MS/MS) were used to profile anthocyanins in berries. The resulting data showed that fourteen anthocyanins were detected, six from 2011 and nine from 2012, with only one produced in both seasons. However, the anthocyanidin profiles of the berries were the same. Five anthocyanins were annotated as diglucosides of anthocyanidins based on MS/MS features, including delphinidin 3,5-diglucoside produced in both seasons, cyanidin 3,5-diglucoside mainly formed in 2011, petunidin 3,5-diglucoside, malvidin 3,5-diglucoside, and peonidin 3,5-glucoside only detected in 2012. Also, three anthocyanidin-diglucoside-like anthocyanins and three monoglucosides, including peonidin 3-glucoside, delphinidin 3-glucoside like, and pelargonidin 3-glucoside-like anthocyanins, were detected in 2011 and 2012, respectively. These results indicate that FLH 13-11 can produce both anthocyanidin-diglucosides and -monoglucosides, and their biosynthesis is closely dependent on cropping years.
Selection of Durum Wheat and SSR Markers for Organic Farming in Central Italy Using AMMI Analysis
Authors: Urbanavičiūtė Ieva , Bonfiglioli Luca , Pagnotta Mario A.
Published: February 2024

Durum wheat is one of the main crops in the Mediterranean region, which is characterized as the hotspot of climate change, with large year-to-year weather fluctuations. Although chemical input reduction in agriculture is strongly demanded, as well as healthy food, there is still a lack of stable and high-yielding crop varieties specifically adapted for organic conditions. This study evaluates the performance of fifteen durum wheat varieties in terms of suitability for organic farming in central Italy and assesses the impact of the genotype–environment interaction (GEI) on productive and quality traits. Variety performance was evaluated in field experiments over four successive seasons. In addition, a genotypic diversity analysis of 38 microsatellites associated with traits important for organic farming was performed. The AMMI (additive main effects and multiplicative interaction) stability analysis revealed that the best and most stable genotype regarding quality traits, such as thousand-kernel weight, protein content, and test weight was the ancient variety, Senatore Cappelli. The most stable and high yield was determined for the Fuego, Iride, and Mv-Pelsodur genotypes. Moreover, SSR markers that could be used for plant breeding, targeting organic farming systems based on molecular markers and GEI results, were identified.
Bibliographic Insights into Biofilm Engineering
Authors: Chen Shan , Ding Yuanzhao
Published: February 2024

Biofilms exert a profound impact on various facets of human life. Positive instances of biofilm usage involve their capacity to immobilize pollutants such as heavy metals, while adverse cases result in infections like urinary tract infections. Therefore, the study of biofilm engineering emerges as crucial. Employing a bibliographic research approach, this paper delves into biofilm engineering, identifying key species like Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus, among others. The investigation also unveils major research subjects and corresponding institutions dedicated to biofilm research. A comprehensive understanding of biofilm engineering holds profound implications for advancing knowledge in this domain.
Concurrent Validation of MI-CAT(V), a Clinical Metrology Instrument for Veterinarians Assessing Osteoarthritis Pain in Cats, through Testing for Firocoxib Analgesic Efficacy in a Prospective, Randomized, Controlled, and Blinded Study
Authors: Delsart Aliénor , Otis Colombe , Leung Vivian S. Y. , Labelle Émilie , Moreau Maxim , Frezier Marilyn , Drag Marlene , Martel-Pelletier Johanne , Pelletier Jean-Pierre , Troncy Eric
Published: February 2024

Veterinarians face the lack of a rapid, reliable, inexpensive, and treatment-sensitive metrological instrument reflecting feline osteoarthritis (OA) pain. The Montreal Instrument for Cat Arthritis Testing, for Use by Veterinarians (MI-CAT(V)) has been refined in 4 sub-sections, and we proposed its concurrent validation. Cats naturally affected by OA (n = 32) were randomly distributed into 4 groups of firocoxib analgesic (Gr. A: 0.40; B: 0.25; C: 0.15, and P: 0.00 mg/kg bodyweight). They were assessed during Baseline, Treatment, and Recovery periods using MI-CAT(V) and objective outcomes (effort path, stairs assay compliance, and actimetry). The MI-CAT(V) total score correlated to the effort path and actimetry (RhoS = −0.501 to −0.453; p < 0.001), also being sensitive to treatment responsiveness. The pooled treatment group improved its total, gait, and body posture scores during Treatment compared to the Baseline, Recovery, and placebo group (p < 0.05). The MI-CAT(V) suggested a dose-(especially for Gr. B) and cluster-response. Cats in the moderate and severe MI-CAT(V) clusters responded to firocoxib with a remaining analgesic effect, while the mild cluster seemed less responsive and experienced a negative rebound effect. The MI-CAT(V) was validated for its OA pain severity discriminatory abilities and sensitivity to firocoxib treatment, providing a new perspective for individualized care.
Characterization of the Complete Mitochondrial Genome of Schizothorax kozlovi (Cypriniformes, Cyprinidae, Schizothorax) and Insights into the Phylogenetic Relationships of Schizothorax
Authors: Qin Qiang , Chen Lin , Zhang Fubin , Xu Jianghaoyue , Zeng Yu
Published: February 2024

Schizothorax kozlovi is an endemic and vulnerable fish species found in the upper Yangtze River in China. Over the past few years, the population resources of S. kozlovi have been nearly completely depleted owing to multiple contributing threats. While the complete mitochondrial genomes serve as important molecular markers for phylogenetic and genetic studies, the mitochondrial genome of S. kozlovi has still received little attention. In this study, we analyzed the characterization of the mitochondrial genome of S. kozlovi and investigated the phylogenetic relationships of Schizothorax. The complete mitochondrial genome of S. kozlovi was 16,585 bp in length, which contained thirty-seven genes (thirteen protein-coding genes (PCGs), two ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs), twenty-two transfer RNA genes (tRNAs)) and two non-coding regions for the origin of light strand (OL) and the control region (CR). There were nine overlapping regions and seventeen intergenic spacers regions in the mitochondrial genome. The genome also showed a bias towards A + T content (55.01%) and had a positive AT-skew (0.08) and a negative GC-skew (−0.20). All the PCGs employed the ATG or GTG as the start codon and TAA, TAG, or single T as the stop codon. Additionally, all of the tRNAs displayed a typical cloverleaf secondary structure, except trnS1 which lacked the D arm. The phylogenetic analysis, based on the maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) methods, revealed that the topologies of the phylogenetic tree divided the Schizothorax into four clades and did not support the classification of Schizothorax based on morphology. The phylogenetic status of S. kozlovi was closely related to that of S. chongi. The present study provides valuable genomic information for S. kozlovi and new insights in phylogenetic relationships of Schizothorax. These data could also offer fundamental references and guidelines for the management and conservation of S. kozlovi and other species of Schizothorax.
Comparison of the Regenerative Metabolic Efficiency of Lipid Extracts from Microalgae Nannochloropsis oceanica and Chlorococcum amblystomatis on Fibroblasts
Authors: Stasiewicz Anna , Conde Tiago , Domingues Maria do Rosario , Domingues Pedro , Biernacki Michał , Skrzydlewska Elżbieta
Published: February 2024

UVA radiation leads to oxidative stress and inflammation in skin cells. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effect of lipid extracts from microalgae Nannochloropsis oceanica (N.o.) (marine) and Chlorococcum amblystomatis (C.a.) (freshwater) on the redox balance and PUFA metabolism in human skin fibroblasts modified by UVA. Lipid extracts from both types of microalgae introduced into the fibroblast medium after UVA irradiation significantly reduced the level of ROS and enhanced expression of Nrf2, which increased the activity/level of antioxidants (SOD1/2, CAT, GSH, Trx). The reduction in oxidative stress was accompanied by a decrease in the level of 4-HNE, its protein adducts and protein carbonyl groups. Microalgae also reduced the activity of COX1/2, FAAH and MAGL increased by UVA, and as a consequence, the level of lipid mediators (especially after N.o.) decreased, both from the group of endocannabinoids (AEA, 2-AG, PEA) and eicosanoids (PGE2, 15d-PGJ2, TXB2, 15-HETE), acting mainly through receptors related to G protein, the expression of which increases after UVA. This further contributed to the reduction in oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory signaling at NF-κB and TNFα levels. Therefore, it is suggested that lipid extracts from both N.o. and C.a. microalgae can be used to regenerate fibroblast metabolism disturbed by UVA radiation.
Cycle Consistent Generative Motion Artifact Correction in Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography
Authors: Saleem Amal Muhammad , Jung Sunghee , Chang Hyuk-Jae , Lee Soochahn
Published: February 2024

In coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA), motion artifacts due to heartbeats can obscure coronary artery diagnoses. In this study, we introduce a cycle-consistent adversarial-network-based method for motion artifact correction in CCTA. Our methodology involves extracting image patches and using style transfer for synthetic ground truth creation, followed by CycleGAN network training for motion compensation. We employ Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) to align extracted image patches along the artery centerline with their corresponding motion-free phase patches, ensuring matched pixel correspondences and similar anatomical features for accuracy in subsequent processing steps. Our quantitative analysis, using metrics like the Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC) and Hausdorff Distance (HD), demonstrates CycleGAN’s superior performance in reducing motion artifacts, with improvements in image quality and clarity. An observer study using a 5-point Likert scale further validates the reduction of motion artifacts and improved visibility of coronary arteries. Additionally, we present a quantitative analysis on clinical data, affirming the correction of motion artifacts through metric-based evaluations.
Evaluation on Material Anisotropy of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Printed via Fused Deposition Modelling
Authors: Zohdi Nima , Nguyen Phan Quoc Khang , Yang Richard (Chunhui)
Published: February 2024

Thermoplastic polymers are widely used in industry to generate parts with reasonable production costs, lightweight, chemical stability, sustainability, and recyclability compared to other materials such as metals, metalloids, or even thermoset polymers. The innovative additive manufacturing (AM) techniques, e.g., fused deposition modelling (FDM), can be used to fabricate thermoplastic products with complex geometries and specific properties. However, the mechanical integrity of those FDM-printed plastic parts can be greatly impacted by a phenomenon named material anisotropy. In this study, an experimental study on a popular 3D printing polymer material—acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)—is performed to determine how FDM process parameters affect the mechanical properties of the printed ABS parts. This study uniquely concentrates on investigating mechanical anisotropy in FDM-printed ABS, delving into a combination of key printing parameters for a comprehensive exploration. Meanwhile, a finite-element-based numerical analysis is also utilised to numerically evaluate the influences of infill percentage and build orientations on the mechanical properties of the 3D-printed ABS materials for comparison. It generates a better understanding of material anisotropy and helps to find the optimal FDM process parameters to print high-quality ABS parts and may attract industrial interests in transitioning from traditional ABS part production methods such as injection moulding or hot pressing to additive manufacturing.