bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disentangling the Possible Drivers of Indri indri Microbiome: A Threatened Lemur Species of Madagascar
Authors: Correa Federico , Torti Valeria , Spiezio Caterina , Checcucci Alice , Modesto Monica , Borruso Luigimaria , Cavani Luciano , Mimmo Tanja , Cesco Stefano , Luise Diana , Randrianarison Rose M. , Gamba Marco , Rarojoson Nianja J. , Sanguinetti Maurizio , Di Vito Maura , Bugli Francesca , Mattarelli Paola , Trevisi Paolo , Giacoma Cristina , Sandri Camillo
Published: August 2021

Research on the gut microbiome may help with increasing our understanding of primate health with species’ ecology, evolution, and behavior. In particular, microbiome-related information has the potential to clarify ecology issues, providing knowledge in support of wild primates conservation and their associated habitats. Indri (Indri indri) is the largest extant living lemur of Madagascar. This species is classified as “critically endangered” by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, representing one of the world’s 25 most endangered primates. Indris diet is mainly folivorous, but these primates frequently and voluntarily engage in geophagy. Indris have never been successfully bred under human care, suggesting that some behavioral and/or ecological factors are still not considered from the ex situ conservation protocols. Here, we explored gut microbiome composition of 18 indris belonging to 5 different family groups. The most represented phyla were Proteobacteria 40.1 ± 9.5%, Bacteroidetes 28.7 ± 2.8%, Synergistetes 16.7 ± 4.5%, and Firmicutes 11.1 ± 1.9%. Further, our results revealed that bacterial alpha and beta diversity were influenced by indri family group and sex. In addition, we investigated the chemical composition of geophagic soil to explore the possible ecological value of soil as a nutrient supply. The quite acidic pH and high levels of secondary oxide-hydroxides of the soils could play a role in the folivorous diet’s gut detoxification activity. In addition, the high contents of iron and manganese found the soils could act as micronutrients in the indris’ diet. Nevertheless, the concentration of a few elements (i.e., calcium, sulfur, boron, nickel, sodium, and chromium) was higher in non-geophagic than in geophagic soils. In conclusion, the data presented herein provide a baseline for outlining some possible drivers responsible for the gut microbiome diversity in indris, thus laying the foundations for developing further strategies involved in indris’ conservation.
Inoculation With Ectomycorrhizal Fungi and Dark Septate Endophytes Contributes to the Resistance of Pinus spp. to Pine Wilt Disease
Authors: Chu Honglong , Wang Haihua , Zhang Yanan , Li Zhumei , Wang Chunyan , Dai Dongqin , Tang Ming
Published: August 2021

Pine wilt disease (PWD) is a deadly disease to pines (Pinus spp.) worldwide. The occurrence of PWD can reduce the relative abundance of root ectomycorrhizal fungi (ECMF) and dark septate endophytes (DSE). However, the effects of exogenous ECMF/DSE inoculation on the rhizosphere microbial community structure of Pinus tabulaeformis infected by pine wood nematode (PWN) is little known. Here, we tested how ECMF/DSE may improve resistance to PWD by quantifying microbial carbon biomass and soil enzymatic activity among different treatments at 6 and 9 months after PWN infection. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) was used to study the microbial community structure at 3, 6, and 9 months after PWN infection in the rhizosphere of P. tabulaeformis seedlings inoculated with ECMF/DSE. The results showed that exogenous ECMF/DSE inoculation reduced the disease severity caused by PWN infection. After PWN infection, the rhizosphere microbial carbon of seedlings inoculated with Amanita vaginata, Suillus bovinus, Gaeumannomyces cylindrosporus, and Paraphoma chrysanthemicola was 38.16, 49.67, 42.11, and 96.05% higher than that of the control group, respectively. Inoculation of ECMF/DSE inhibited the decrease of rhizosphere microbial biomass caused by PWN infection. The richness and diversity of P. tabulaeformis rhizosphere fungi at 9 months were reduced by PWN infection but partially recovered by the exogenous fungi (ECMF/DSE) inoculation except for P. chrysanthemicola, which indicates a role of ECMF/DSE in maintaining stability of the microbial community. Inoculation with ECMF/DSE increased the beneficial bacterial (Thauera sp., Mesorhizobium sp., etc.) and fungal groups (Tomentella ellisii, Wilcoxina mikolae, etc.) of in the rhizosphere. In summary, exogenous ECMF/DSE inoculation could increase P. tabulaeformis resistance to PWD probably by improving the rhizosphere microenvironment.
Hepadnaviral Lymphotropism and Its Relevance to HBV Persistence and Pathogenesis
Authors: Coffin Carla S. , Mulrooney-Cousins Patricia M. , Michalak Tomasz I.
Published: August 2021

Since the discovery of hepatitis B virus (HBV) over five decades ago, there have been many independent studies showing presence of HBV genomes in cells of the immune system. However, the nature of HBV lymphotropism and its significance with respect to HBV biology, persistence and the pathogenesis of liver and extrahepatic disorders remains underappreciated. This is in contrast to studies of other viral pathogens in which the capability to infect immune cells is an area of active investigation. Indeed, in some viral infections, lymphotropism may be essential, and even a primary mechanism of viral persistence, and a major contributor to disease pathogenesis. Nevertheless, there are advances in understanding of HBV lymphotropism in recent years due to cumulative evidence showing that: (i) lymphoid cells are a reservoir of replicating HBV, (ii) are a site of HBV-host DNA integration and (iii) virus genomic diversification leading to pathogenic variants, and (iv) they play a role in HBV resistance to antiviral therapy and (v) likely contribute to reactivation of hepatitis B. Further support for HBV lymphotropic nature is provided by studies in a model infection with the closely related woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV) naturally infecting susceptible marmots. This animal model faithfully reproduces many aspects of HBV biology, including its replication scheme, tissue tropism, and induction of both symptomatic and silent infections, immunological processes accompanying infection, and progressing liver disease culminating in hepatocellular carcinoma. The most robust evidence came from the ability of WHV to establish persistent infection of the immune system that may not engage the liver when small quantities of virus are experimentally administered or naturally transmitted into virus-naïve animals. Although the concept of HBV lymphotropism is not new, it remains controversial and not accepted by conventional HBV researchers. This review summarizes research advances on HBV and hepadnaviral lymphotropism including the role of immune cells infection in viral persistence and the pathogenesis of HBV-induced liver and extrahepatic diseases. Finally, we discuss the role of immune cells in HBV diagnosis and assessment of antiviral therapy efficacy.
Bacillus cabrialesii BH5 Protects Tomato Plants Against Botrytis cinerea by Production of Specific Antifungal Compounds
Authors: Zhou Lu , Song Chunxu , Muñoz Claudia Y. , Kuipers Oscar P.
Published: August 2021

The gray mold caused by the phytopathogen Botrytis cinerea presents a threat to global food security. For the biological regulation of several plant diseases, Bacillus species have been extensively studied. In this work, we explore the ability of a bacterial strain, Bacillus cabrialesii BH5, that was isolated from tomato rhizosphere soil, to control the fungal pathogen B. cinerea. Strain B. cabrialesii BH5 showed a strong antifungal activity against B. cinerea. A compound was isolated and identified as a cyclic lipopeptide of the fengycin family by high-performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) that we named fengycin H. The fengycin H-treated hyphae of B. cinerea displayed stronger red fluorescence than the control, which is clearly indicating that fengycin H triggered the hyphal cell membrane defects. Moreover, root inoculation of tomato seedlings with BH5 effectively promoted the growth of tomato plants. Transcription analysis revealed that both BH5 and fengycin H stimulate induced systemic resistance of tomato plants via the jasmonic acid signaling pathway and provide a strong biocontrol effect in vivo. Therefore, the strain BH5 and fengycin H are very promising candidates for biological control of B. cinerea and the associated gray mold.
Modeling Parkinson’s Disease: Not Only Rodents?
Authors: Shadrina Maria , Slominsky Petr
Published: August 2021

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common chronic progressive multifactorial neurodegenerative disease. In most cases, PD develops as a sporadic idiopathic disease. However, in 10%–15% of all patients, Mendelian inheritance of the disease is observed in an autosomal dominant or autosomal recessive manner. To date, mutations in seven genes have been convincingly confirmed as causative in typical familial forms of PD, i.e., SNCA, LRRK2, VPS35, PRKN, PINK1, GBA, and DJ-1. Family and genome-wide association studies have also identified a number of candidate disease genes and a common genetic variability at 90 loci has been linked to risk for PD. The analysis of the biological function of both proven and candidate genes made it possible to conclude that mitochondrial dysfunction, lysosomal dysfunction, impaired exosomal transport, and immunological processes can play important roles in the development of the pathological process of PD. The mechanisms of initiation of the pathological process and its earliest stages remain unclear. The study of the early stages of the disease (before the first motor symptoms appear) is extremely complicated by the long preclinical period. In addition, at present, the possibility of performing complex biochemical and molecular biological studies familial forms of PD is limited. However, in this case, the analysis of the state of the central nervous system can only be assessed by indirect signs, such as the level of metabolites in the cerebrospinal fluid, peripheral blood, and other biological fluids. One of the potential solutions to this problem is the analysis of disease models, in which it is possible to conduct a detailed in-depth study of all aspects of the pathological process, starting from its earliest stages. Many modeling options are available currently. An analysis of studies published in the 2000s suggests that toxic models in rodents are used in the vast majority of cases. However, interesting and important data for understanding the pathogenesis of PD can be obtained from other in vivo models. Within the framework of this review, we will consider various models of PD that were created using various living organisms, from unicellular yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and invertebrate (Nematode and Drosophila) forms to various mammalian species.
Optimal Combinations of AT(N) Biomarkers to Determine Longitudinal Cognition in the Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Lin Rong-Rong , Xue Yan-Yan , Li Xiao-Yan , Chen Yi-He , Tao Qing-Qing , Wu Zhi-Ying
Published: August 2021

Background: National Institute on Aging—Alzheimer's Association (NIA-AA) proposed the AT(N) system based on β-amyloid deposition, pathologic tau, and neurodegeneration, which considered the definition of Alzheimer's disease (AD) as a biological construct. However, the associations between different AT(N) combinations and cognitive progression have been poorly explored systematically. The aim of this study is to compare different AT(N) combinations using recognized biomarkers within the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) cohort.

Methods: A total of 341 participants were classified into cognitively unimpaired (CU; n = 200) and cognitively impaired (CI; n = 141) groups according to the clinical manifestations and neuropsychological tests. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Aβ42 and amyloid-PET ([18F]flutemetamol) were used as biomarkers for A; CSF phosphorylated tau (p-tau) and tau-PET ([18F]flortaucipir) were used as biomarkers for T; CSF total tau (t-tau), hippocampal volume, temporal cortical thickness, [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET, and plasma neurofilament light (NfL) were used as biomarkers for (N). Binary biomarkers were obtained from the Youden index and publicly available cutoffs. Prevalence of AT(N) categories was compared between different biomarkers within the group using related independent sample non-parametric test. The relationship between AT(N) combinations and 12-year longitudinal cognition was assessed using linear mixed-effects modeling.

Results: Among the CU participants, A–T–(N)– was most common. More T+ were detected using p-tau than tau PET (p < 0.05), and more (N)+ were observed using fluid biomarkers (p < 0.001). A+T+(N)+ was more common in the CI group. Tau PET combined with cortical thickness best predicted cognitive changes in the CI group and MRI predicted changes in the CU group.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that optimal AT(N) combinations to determine longitudinal cognition differ by cognitive status. Different biomarkers within a specific component for defining AT(N) cannot be used identically. Furthermore, different strategies for discontinuous biomarkers will be an important area for future studies.
Atherosclerosis: The Culprit and Co-victim of Vascular Dementia
Authors: Huang Ya-Ting , Hong Fen-Fang , Yang Shu-Long
Published: August 2021

Vascular dementia (VD), a cerebrovascular disease which causes cognitive impairment, is one of the significant factors that affects the quality of senectitude. Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory syndrome and closely associated with VD. Analyzing the role of AS in VD contribute greatly to its early detection and prevention, but their relationship has not been integrated into a complete network. This review summarizes AS biomarkers as VD predictors for the first time and describes the direct mechanisms of AS causing VD from five aspects: vascular morphogenesis, hemodynamic change, neurovascular unit damage (NVU), oxidative stress, and microRNA (miRNA). Finally, it discriminates the relationship between AS and VD in common risk factors which can be disease or some molecules. In particular, these data imply that the role of AS in VD is not only a pathogenic factor but also a comorbidity in VD. This review aims to bring new ideas for the prediction and treatment of VD.
SNARE Regulatory Proteins in Synaptic Vesicle Fusion and Recycling
Authors: Sauvola Chad W. , Littleton J. Troy
Published: August 2021

Membrane fusion is a universal feature of eukaryotic protein trafficking and is mediated by the soluble N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) family. SNARE proteins embedded in opposing membranes spontaneously assemble to drive membrane fusion and cargo exchange in vitro. Evolution has generated a diverse complement of SNARE regulatory proteins (SRPs) that ensure membrane fusion occurs at the right time and place in vivo. While a core set of SNAREs and SRPs are common to all eukaryotic cells, a specialized set of SRPs within neurons confer additional regulation to synaptic vesicle (SV) fusion. Neuronal communication is characterized by precise spatial and temporal control of SNARE dynamics within presynaptic subdomains specialized for neurotransmitter release. Action potential-elicited Ca2+ influx at these release sites triggers zippering of SNAREs embedded in the SV and plasma membrane to drive bilayer fusion and release of neurotransmitters that activate downstream targets. Here we discuss current models for how SRPs regulate SNARE dynamics and presynaptic output, emphasizing invertebrate genetic findings that advanced our understanding of SRP regulation of SV cycling.
Tumor Blood Flow Is a Predictor of Radiotherapy Response in Patients With Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Cao Xiujuan , Song Jian , Xu Juan , Gong Guanzhong , Yang Xinhua , Su Ya , Wang Lizhen , Bai Xiaodong , Hu Man , Yin Yong
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate tumor blood flow (TBF) as a predictor of radiotherapy response for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

Materials and Method

A total of 134 patients were divided into two groups, the complete response (CR) group and the partial response (PR) group based on RECIST 1.1 recommendations. The statistical difference was evaluated for pre- and mid- or post-treatment TBF and changes of TBF for tumors and metastatic lymph nodes between CR and PR, respectively. The receiver operation characteristic (ROC) curve was utilized to evaluate the accuracy of TBF in predicting the response of radiation therapy. The association between TBF and SUVmax was also investigated.

Results

The reduction of TBF in CR was significantly lower than that in PR for primary tumors (P <0.001) and metastatic lymph nodes (P <0.001). The multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that the reduction of TBF is an independent predictor of the response of radiation therapy for primary tumors (P <0.001) and metastatic lymph nodes (P <0.001). The accuracy of TBF reduction in predicting the response of radiation therapy was 0.817 in primary tumors and 0.924 in metastatic lymph nodes, respectively. No significant correlation was observed between the TBF values and SUVmax of primary tumors (r = -0.008, P = 0.954) and metastasis lymph nodes (r = -0.061, P = 0.652).

Conclusion

This study suggests that the reduction of TBF is a promising parameter for evaluating the response of radiation therapy.
Sex-Specific Effects of Respiratory Muscle Endurance Training on Cycling Time Trial Performance in Normoxia and Hypoxia
Authors: Chambault Julie , Grand Grégorine , Kayser Bengt
Published: August 2021

Objectives: We tested the hypotheses that respiratory muscle endurance training (RMET) improves endurance cycling performance differently in women and men and more so in hypoxia than in normoxia.

Design: A prospective pre–post cross-over study with two testing conditions.

Methods: Healthy and active women (seven, 24 ± 4 years, mean ± standard deviation [SD]) and men (seven, 27 ± 5 years) performed incremental cycling to determine maximum oxygen consumption (VO2peak) and power output (Wpeak) and on different days two 10-km cycling time trials (TTs) in normoxia and normobaric hypoxia (FiO2, 0.135, ~3,500 m equivalent), in a balanced randomized order. Next they performed supervised RMET in normoxia (4 weeks, 5 days/week, 30 min/day eucapnic hyperpnea at ~60% predicted maximum voluntary ventilation) followed by identical post-tests. During TTs, heart rate, ear oximetry reading, and Wpeak were recorded.

Results: The VO2peak and Wpeak values were unchanged after RMET. The TT was improved by 7 ± 6% (p < 0.001) in normoxia and 16 ± 6% (p < 0.001) in hypoxia. The difference between normoxic and hypoxic TT was smaller after RMET as compared with that before RMET (14% vs. 21%, respectively, p < 0.001). All effects were greater in women (p < 0.001). The RMET did not change the heart rate or ear oximetry reading during TTs.

Conclusion: We found a greater effect of RMET on cycling TT performance in women than in men, an effect more pronounced in hypoxia. These findings are congruent with the contention of a more pronounced performance-limiting role of the respiratory system during endurance exercise in hypoxia compared with normoxia and more so in women whose respiratory system is undersized compared with that of men.
Interplay Among Hydrogen Sulfide, Nitric Oxide, Reactive Oxygen Species, and Mitochondrial DNA Oxidative Damage
Authors: Huang Dandan , Jing Guangqin , Zhang Lili , Chen Changbao , Zhu Shuhua
Published: August 2021

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), nitric oxide (NO), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) play essential signaling roles in cells by oxidative post-translational modification within suitable ranges of concentration. All of them contribute to the balance of redox and are involved in the DNA damage and repair pathways. However, the damage and repair pathways of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) are complicated, and the interactions among NO, H2S, ROS, and mtDNA damage are also intricate. This article summarized the current knowledge about the metabolism of H2S, NO, and ROS and their roles in maintaining redox balance and regulating the repair pathway of mtDNA damage in plants. The three reactive species may likely influence each other in their generation, elimination, and signaling actions, indicating a crosstalk relationship between them. In addition, NO and H2S are reported to be involved in epigenetic variations by participating in various cell metabolisms, including (nuclear and mitochondrial) DNA damage and repair. Nevertheless, the research on the details of NO and H2S in regulating DNA damage repair of plants is in its infancy, especially in mtDNA.
Association of Different Forms of Child Maltreatment With Peer Victimization in Mexican Children and Adolescents
Authors: Martín-Babarro Javier , Toldos M. Paz , Paredes-Becerra Lorena , Abregu-Crespo Renzo , Fernández-Sánchez Juan , Díaz-Caneja Covadonga M.
Published: August 2021

Objective: To examine the relationship between exposure to multiple forms of child abuse and neglect within the family context and peer victimization at school, accounting for the moderator effect of sex and educational level.

Methods: Two thousand four hundred fifteen children and adolescents, aged 9 to 15 years, attending public schools in Mexico completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form and a modified version of the Olweus' Bully/Victim Questionnaire. We used linear regression models to assess the association of five different forms of child abuse (emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, and emotional and physical negligence) with three forms of peer victimization (direct, indirect, and cyberbullying).

Results: Direct forms of child abuse within the family (i.e., emotional, physical, and sexual abuse), but not neglect, were significantly and positively associated with a risk for peer victimization. In the fully adjusted models, emotional abuse was significantly associated with the three types of peer victimization: [indirect b = 0.48, t = 6.75, p < 0.001, direct (b = 0.47, t = 4.89, p < 0.001), and cyberbullying (b = 0.85, t = 5.45, p < 0. 001)]; while physical abuse was positive and significantly associated with direct victimization (b = 0.29, t = 3.28, p < 0.001). Boys suffering from sexual abuse within the family context showed higher levels of all subtypes of peer victimization. Students attending secondary school who suffered from sexual abuse showed higher levels of indirect victimization than did students attending primary schools.

Conclusion: Child abuse within the family context seems to be associated with the risk of peer victimization. Preventive strategies to address bullying and promote resilience should take family factors into account. Interventions for high-risk families might be useful to prevent child multi-victimization.
Neural Networks Trained via Reinforcement Learning Stabilize Walking of a Three-Dimensional Biped Model With Exoskeleton Applications
Authors: Liu Chujun , Audu Musa L. , Triolo Ronald J. , Quinn Roger D.
Published: August 2021

Our group is developing a cyber-physical walking system (CPWS) for people paralyzed by spinal cord injuries (SCI). The current CPWS consists of a functional neuromuscular stimulation (FNS) system and a powered lower-limb exoskeleton for walking with leg movements in the sagittal plane. We are developing neural control systems that learn to assist the user of this CPWS to walk with stability. In a previous publication (Liu et al., Biomimetics, 2019, 4, 28), we showed a neural controller that stabilized a simulated biped in the sagittal plane. We are considering adding degrees of freedom to the CPWS to allow more natural walking movements and improved stability. Thus, in this paper, we present a new neural network enhanced control system that stabilizes a three-dimensional simulated biped model of a human wearing an exoskeleton. Results show that it stabilizes human/exoskeleton models and is robust to impact disturbances. The simulated biped walks at a steady pace in a range of typical human ambulatory speeds from 0.7 to 1.3 m/s, follows waypoints at a precision of 0.3 m, remains stable, and continues walking forward despite impact disturbances and adapts its speed to compensate for persistent external disturbances. Furthermore, the neural network controller stabilizes human models of different statures from 1.4 to 2.2 m tall without any changes to the control parameters. Please see videos at the following link: 3D biped walking control.
Case Report: High-Definition 4K-3D Exoscope for Removal of an Orbital Cavernous Hemangioma Using a Transpalpebral Approach
Authors: Peron Stefano , Paulli Stefano , Stefini Roberto
Published: August 2021

Background: Cavernous hemangioma, also known as cavernous vascular malformation (CVM), is the most common primary lesion of the orbit in adults. The management of these lesions is challenging and is strongly dependent on their location, as well as the patient's symptoms and expectations. The trans-palpebral approach is currently used in surgery for orbital tumors, anterior skull base tumors, and even more, orbital reconstruction, because of its well-demonstrated esthetic advantages. Similarly, the use of magnification can be provided by surgical loupes, microscope, or more recently, endoscope, which is well-documented for its advantages in terms of minimal invasiveness and safety. In the last years, the use of exoscopes in microsurgery has been proposed due to their greater and sharper intraoperative magnification, but never for the removal of orbital tumors.

Clinical Presentation: We describe a case of a 38-year-old woman with a right orbital intraconic CVM removed using an inferior transpalpebral approach performed under 4K-3-dimensional (4K-3D) exoscopic vision. Navigation and ultrasound were also used, with the former allowing better identification of the lesion within the orbit and the second overcoming the limitations of navigation, in terms of the retraction on the ocular globe before or just after periorbital incision.

Conclusion: The use of a 4K-3D exoscope allowed us to perform the surgery safely, thanks to the high magnification and definition of anatomical details, with the surgeon operating in an upright, comfortable position. The CVM was completely removed with excellent results from both functional and esthetic points of view.
Efficacy of Tigecycline and Linezolid Against Pan-Drug-Resistant Bacteria Isolated From Companion Dogs in South Korea
Authors: Kim Dong-Hyun , Kim Jung-Hyun
Published: August 2021

The emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria in companion animals is an increasing concern in view of the concept of One Health. The antimicrobials linezolid (LZD) and tigecycline (TGC) are effective against multidrug-resistant bacteria isolated from humans; however, thus far, no previous study has evaluated the efficacy of these drugs against bacteria isolated from companion animals. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of LZD and TGC against bacteria that were isolated from companion dogs and showed resistance to all classes of antimicrobial agents. Clinical samples (auditory channel, eye, skin, and urine) were collected from dogs that visited the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital of Konkuk University (Seoul, South Korea) from October 2017 to September 2020. In total, 392 bacterial isolates were obtained, of which 85 were resistant to all classes of antimicrobial agents tested and were, therefore, considered potentially pan-drug resistant (PDR). The susceptibility of isolates to LZD and TGC was determined by the disk diffusion method and interpreted using the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. In total, 95.6% (43/45) and 97.8% (44/45) of gram-positive isolates were susceptible to LZD and TGC, respectively, whereas 82.5% (33/40) of gram-negative isolates were sensitive to TGC. In conclusion, both agents showed favorable efficacy, with the susceptibility rates for all potential PDR bacteria, except Pseudomonas spp., ranging from 72.7 to 100%. Thus, these drugs may serve as excellent antimicrobial options for veterinary medicine in the future.
A General Cooperative Optimization Approach for Distributing Service Points in Mobility Applications
Authors: Jatschka Thomas , Raidl Günther R. , Rodemann Tobias
Published: August 2021

This article presents a cooperative optimization approach (COA) for distributing service points for mobility applications, which generalizes and refines a previously proposed method. COA is an iterative framework for optimizing service point locations, combining an optimization component with user interaction on a large scale and a machine learning component that learns user needs and provides the objective function for the optimization. The previously proposed COA was designed for mobility applications in which single service points are sufficient for satisfying individual user demand. This framework is generalized here for applications in which the satisfaction of demand relies on the existence of two or more suitably located service stations, such as in the case of bike/car sharing systems. A new matrix factorization model is used as surrogate objective function for the optimization, allowing us to learn and exploit similar preferences among users w.r.t. service point locations. Based on this surrogate objective function, a mixed integer linear program is solved to generate an optimized solution to the problem w.r.t. the currently known user information. User interaction, refinement of the matrix factorization, and optimization are iterated. An experimental evaluation analyzes the performance of COA with special consideration of the number of user interactions required to find near optimal solutions. The algorithm is tested on artificial instances, as well as instances derived from real-world taxi data from Manhattan. Results show that the approach can effectively solve instances with hundreds of potential service point locations and thousands of users, while keeping the user interactions reasonably low. A bound on the number of user interactions required to obtain full knowledge of user preferences is derived, and results show that with 50% of performed user interactions the solutions generated by COA feature optimality gaps of only 1.45% on average.
Cattle Manure Application and Combined Straw Mulching Enhance Maize (Zea mays L.) Growth and Water Use for Rain-Fed Cropping System of Coastal Saline Soils
Authors: Zhang Yifu , Wang Wancheng , Yuan Wei , Zhang Ruihong , Xi Xiaobo
Published: August 2021

Appropriate agronomic management is vital for the soil fertility and crop output of coastal salt-affected farmlands. Cattle manure incorporation and straw mulching are targeted as effective methods that can improve soil structure and stimulate crop growth, respectively. However, the combined application of manure and straw into salt-affected soils is less documented, especially with limited water supplement. In this study, a 3-year field experiment (2016–2018) was conducted in Binhai district, Tianjin, China to evaluate the effects of traditional tillage without manure and straw mulching application (TT), cattle manure incorporation (CM), straw mulching (SM), and CM combined with SM (CM + SM) on soil physiochemical properties, maize (Zea mays L.) growth, and water use efficiency. TT represented traditional cultivation in the study area without manure and straw application, as a control. All four treatments were carried out in a randomized block design with three replicates. The results demonstrate that CM treatment relieved salinity, decrease bulk density, and thereby stimulated root development. SM also has the advantage of improving salinity via 3-year implementation. Throughout the 3-year cultivation, CM + SM crop yields increased by >14.3% and grain water use index (GWUI) improved by >14.7% in comparison to TT treatment due to the improvement in soil properties. These benefits in soil properties, crop yield, and water use are important for minimizing salt constraints and realizing regional agro-ecological values.
Weed Responses to Crop Residues Management in a Summer Maize Cropland in the North China Plain
Authors: Zhang Jin , Wu Lan-Fang , Li Bin-Bin
Published: August 2021

Crop residues management has great effects on weeds in croplands. To understand the weed responses to crop residues management and weeds impact on crop yield, a field trial with three crop residues management strategies has been conducted in the North China Plain since 2008. Weed community composition and structure across the species, morphological types, life forms, and community levels were investigated during 2019–2020. The results show that the field with crop residues retention significantly decreased weed density than that in the field with no crop residues retention. Furthermore, total crop residues retention significantly decreased weed density than half crop residues retention. Compared with no crop residues retention, the weed aboveground dry matter in the field with total and half crop residues retention significantly decreased. Meanwhile, the maize grain yield significantly increased, resulting from weeds decreased with crop residues retention on the field. Negative correlations were found between maize grain yield and the density and aboveground dry matter of monocotyledonous weeds. These findings indicate that long term crop residues retention under conventional tillage might be an effective agronomic practice to retard weed growth. However, the mechanism of crop residues retention on weed control is still needed to research.
Experimental Economics in Agriculture: A Review of Worldwide Research
Authors: Mesa-Vázquez Ernesto , Velasco-Muñoz Juan F. , Aznar-Sánchez José A. , López-Felices Belén
Published: August 2021

Over the last two decades, experimental economics has been gaining relevance in the research of a wide range of issues related to agriculture. In turn, the agricultural activity provides an excellent field of study within which to validate the use of instruments employed by experimental economics. The aim of this study is to analyze the dynamics of the research on the application of experimental economics in agriculture on a global level. Thus, a literature review has been carried out for the period between the years 2000 and 2020 based on a bibliometric study. The main results show that there has been a growing use of experimental economics methods in the research on agriculture, particularly over the last five years. This evolution is evident in the different indicators analyzed and is reflected in the greater scientific production and number of actors involved. The most relevant topics within the research on experimental economics in agriculture focus on the farmer, the markets, the consumer, environmental policy, and public goods. These results can be useful for policy makers and researchers interested in this line of research.
Tolerance of Wheat to Soil Sodicity Can Be Better Detected through an Incremental Crop Tolerance Approach and Ascertained through Multiple Sowing Times
Authors: Dowla Mirza A. N. N. U. , Sharma Darshan L. , Reeves Karyn , Smith Rosemary
Published: August 2021

Soil sodicity is a significant crop production constraint around the world. Inherited tolerance is a precursor to pre-breeding and breeding tolerant cultivars. However, high yield per se and seasonal variability are potential limitations to identify real tolerance rather than escape correctly. To minimise this risk, we generated yield, yield components and supporting data at two times of sowing (TOS) of 15 lines representing four quadrants of a biplot from a sodic- vs. non-sodic yield dataset of 112 wheat lines trialled in the previous year. Data from sodic and non-sodic sites were investigated using three analytical approaches namely, simple ratio of yield (REI), ratio of genotypic effects (TI) after excluding site effects, and the incremental crop tolerance (ICT) reflected as deviation from regression. REI and TI produced similar results showing ninelines to be tolerant, but only four lines namely, Scepter, Condo, WA345, and WA134 passed the ICT test. The tolerance comparison at the two TOSs differentiated lines tolerant at either or both TOSs. Association of Yield-ICT with leaf tissue mineral analysis and ICT for morphological traits was genotype specific, thus not usable invariably for detection of tolerant germplasm. Hence, we conclude that (i) focussing on yield rather than yield components or tissue tests, (ii) following the ICT approach, and (iii) evaluation at multiple sowing times will provide an accurate and rigorous test for identifying inherited tolerance that breeders and physiologists can reliably use. We anticipate our suggested approach to be applicable globally across crops.
Bacterial Contamination of Equine Dentistry Equipment—Effect of Cleaning and Disinfection
Authors: Alsing-Johansson Todd , Pedersen Anja , Bergström Karin , Sternberg-Lewerin Susanna , Penell Johanna , Bergh Anna
Published: August 2021

Equine dentistry has developed immensely and human dental equipment, such as handpieces, are often used. Measures to avoid the spread of infectious microorganisms are important, but this is challenging since handpieces are difficult to decontaminate. Thus, it is necessary to develop effective IPC measures in equine dentistry. The aim of this study was to contribute to the evidence needed for future evidence-based guidelines on IPC by investigating hygiene in equine dentistry. Used handpieces and dummies (i.e., handpieces not used during dental procedure, reflecting environmental bacterial contamination) and the head support were sampled each day before the first patient, for each patient after treatment, and after decontamination. All equipment was sampled with 3M TM Swab Samplers and the head support additionally sampled with dip slides. After dental procedures, the detected bacterial load was often high on used handpieces, dummies, and the head support. After decontamination, handpieces did not meet the criteria for high-level disinfected equipment. In all but one case decontamination of the head support resulted in a lowered bacterial load. There is a great need for evidence-based guidelines on hygiene in equine dentistry, including IPC measures, to decrease the risk of spreading infectious microorganisms between patients, facilities, and stables.
How Management System Affects the Concentration of Retinol and α-Tocopherol in Plasma and Milk of Payoya Lactating Goats: Possible Use as Traceability Biomarkers
Authors: Roncero-Díaz Mercedes , Panea Begoña , Argüello Anastasio , Alcalde María J.
Published: August 2021

The retinol and α-tocopherol concentrations were quantified (μg/mL) using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in both plasma and milk of goats from three management systems. The aim was to investigate if the compounds pass from feed to animals’ fluids and to evaluate their potential use as feeding regime biomarkers. A total of 45 Payoya dams were distributed in three groups according to management system during the first month of lactation: mountain grazing (MG), cultivated meadow (CM) and total mixed ration (TMR). TMR group had higher concentrations of retinol in both plasma (25.92 ± 3.61 at 30 days postpartum) and milk (8.26 ± 0.79 at 10 days postpartum), and they were also the unique animals whose milk contained detectable concentrations of α-tocopherol (3.15 ± 0.19 at parturition). However, MG and CM goats showed higher plasma concentrations of α-tocopherol (64.26 ± 14.56 and 44.65 ± 5.75 at 30 days postpartum, respectively). These results could imply differences in the bioavailability of supplemented vitamin A and natural β-carotene and between the natural/synthetic forms of α-tocopherol. An inverse relationship between the fluids (plasma/milk) in the contents of α-tocopherol and retinol was observed as lactation progressed. Since 80% of the animals were correctly classified using a discriminant analysis based on these vitamins, these compounds could be used as traceability biomarkers of feeding system, but further studies are necessary to know the possible passage to kid meat.
Processor-in-the-Loop Architecture Design and Experimental Validation for an Autonomous Racing Vehicle
Authors: Tramacere Eugenio , Luciani Sara , Feraco Stefano , Bonfitto Angelo , Amati Nicola
Published: August 2021

Self-driving vehicles have experienced an increase in research interest in the last decades. Nevertheless, fully autonomous vehicles are still far from being a common means of transport. This paper presents the design and experimental validation of a processor-in-the-loop (PIL) architecture for an autonomous sports car. The considered vehicle is an all-wheel drive full-electric single-seater prototype. The retained PIL architecture includes all the modules required for autonomous driving at system level: environment perception, trajectory planning, and control. Specifically, the perception pipeline exploits obstacle detection algorithms based on Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the trajectory planning is based on a modified Rapidly-exploring Random Tree (RRT) algorithm based on Dubins curves, while the vehicle is controlled via a Model Predictive Control (MPC) strategy. The considered PIL layout is implemented firstly using a low-cost card-sized computer for fast code verification purposes. Furthermore, the proposed PIL architecture is compared in terms of performance to an alternative PIL using high-performance real-time target computing machine. Both PIL architectures exploit User Datagram Protocol (UDP) protocol to properly communicate with a personal computer. The latter PIL architecture is validated in real-time using experimental data. Moreover, they are also validated with respect to the general autonomous pipeline that runs in parallel on the personal computer during numerical simulation.
Lactation Characteristics in Alpine and Nera di Verzasca Goats in Northern Italy: A Statistical Bayesian Approach
Authors: Agradi Stella , Gazzonis Alessia , Curone Giulio , Faustini Massimo , Draghi Susanna , Brecchia Gabriele , Vigo Daniele , Manfredi Maria , Zanzani Sergio , Pulinas Luisa , Sulce Majlind , Munga Albana , Castrica Marta , Menchetti Laura
Published: August 2021

In the last three decades, we assisted in a shift in the dairy product preferences in developed countries, with an increase in goat-derived products consumption. As already seen in the bovine sector, the diffusion of goat milk consumption has led to an abandonment of the local breeds in favor of the more productive cosmopolitan breeds, with an intense reduction in the livestock biodiversity. However, in several studies, it has been shown that local breeds present unique features such as a robust behavior towards the local climate and a high quality of their dairy products. This study aims to assess the differences between the basic lactation variables (milk yield, fat %, protein %, lactose % and somatic cell count) in the Alpine goat and the local breed Verzasca goat from a Bayesian point of observation. Results indicate that the Nera di Verzasca goat has overall lactation characteristics similar toa cosmopolite breed such as the Alpine goat, except for the milk daily yield reduced with respect to Alpine goats (1.68 ± 0.84 and 2.14 ± 1.03, respectively). Moreover, the Verzasca goat showed a tendency to maintain a lower level of somatic cell count along with lactation (798 ± 1734 and 1216 ± 2828, respectively). These findings help to increase the knowledge about the Italian local goat breeds and are important in the optic of biodiversity conservation.
Actuator-Integrated Fault Estimation and Fault Tolerant Control for Electric Power Steering System of Forklift
Authors: Su Xiangxiang , Xiao Benxian
Published: August 2021

For the problem of actuator-integrated fault estimation (FE) and fault tolerant control (FTC) for the electric power steering (EPS) system of a forklift, firstly, a dynamic model of a forklift EPS system with actuator faults was established; then, an integrated FE and FTC design was proposed. The nonlinear unknown input observer (NUIO) was proposed to estimate the system states and actuator faults, and an adaptive sliding mode FTC system was constructed based on it. The gain of the observer and controller is obtained by H∞ optimization and one-step linear matrix inequality (LMI) formula operation in order to realize the overall optimal design of an FTC system. Finally, the experimental results show that when actuator failure occurs, the proposed integrated FE and FTC were more accurate than the decentralized design to estimate the system states and the actuator faults. The proposed fault-tolerant controller can more effectively restore the power assist performance of the steering power motor in case of failure and effectively ensure the safety and reliability of the forklift EPS system.
Multifunctional Ingredient from Aqueous Flavonoidic Extract of Yellow Onion Skins with Cytocompatibility and Cell Proliferation Properties
Authors: Milea Ștefania Adelina , Crăciunescu Oana , Râpeanu Gabriela , Oancea Anca , Enachi Elena , Bahrim Gabriela Elena , Stănciuc Nicoleta
Published: August 2021

Significant quantities of onion are cultivated annually, such that industrial processing leads to an appreciable amount of by-products, estimated at around 500,000 tons. Onion skins are considered an important source of naturally occurring antioxidant compounds, particularly flavonoid compounds. Our study follows the development of a sustainable solution in order to manage the by-products of yellow onion skins by designing ingredients with multifunctional activities. A green solvent aqueous extraction of flavonoids was applied to obtain a safe, flavonoid-enriched extract, yielding a total flavonoid content of 50.21 ± 0.09 mg quercetin equivalent (QE)/g dry weight (DW), and an antioxidant activity of 250.81 ± 6.76 mM Trolox/g DW. Complex biopolymeric matrices consisting of whey protein isolates, whey protein hydrolysates, maltodextrin, and pectin were further dissolved in the flavonoid-enriched aqueous extract, followed by freeze-drying. Two powders were obtained, both showing satisfactory phytochemical content and good stability during storage. The application of confocal microscopy revealed that the microscopic structure of the powders have a distribution of the bioactive compounds within the biopolymeric matrices. The in vitro digestion suggested remarkable stability in the gastric tract and a flavonoid-controlled release in the intestinal phase. A significant compatibility range of up to 1 mg/mL for both powders was found, whereas concentrations between 10 and 250 µg/mL stimulated cell proliferation after 24 h of cultivation. The powders showed satisfactory thermal and pH stability, which favors their addition to different food matrices.