bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safety and quality of feed for piglets
Authors: Kulmakova N , Magomadov T , Kostomakhin N , Semenov V , Mudarisov R
Published: December 2021

The results of research on the safety and quality of compound feed of domestic producers for piglets have been presented in the article. The materials for the investigation were 4 samples of the starting complete feed for piglets of main domestic producers. Organoleptic characteristics of compound feed for piglets met the requirements of Federal standard 34109-2017. The assessment of the total bacterial contamination showed that sample No. 3 (the feed plant “VEGA”) has the maximum level of contamination, and the lowest level in sample No. 1 - new feeding technologies plant. The content of toxic elements in compound feed did not exceed their maximum permissible level and met the requirements of Federal standard 34141-2017. The level of radionuclides in compound feed did not exceed their maximum permissible level and corresponded to the standards provided for in the instructions on radiological quality control of feed of the Ministry of Justice No. 831 on 14.04.1995. Thus, the analysis of samples of the starting compound feed of domestic producers for piglets on organoleptic, physic and chemical, bacteriological and sanitary-mycological indicators, for the presence of toxic elements and radionuclides showed that all samples meet the requirements of safety and quality.
The effect of an antioxidant on the hematological profile of birds
Authors: Kuzmina N N , Yu Petrov O , Semenov V G , Boronin V V
Published: December 2021

The research is devoted to the study of the influence of the modern antioxidant of the flavonoid group ‘Dihydroquercetin’ as part of the feed combination on the hematological profile and biochemical parameters of the blood of broiler chickens of the KOBB-500 cross. The content of hemoglobin and erythrocytes in the blood of broilers receiving dihydroquercetin increased, which indicates an increase in the intensity of redox processes in the body. The number of leukocytes in all groups was normal, but in the experimental groups their decrease was noted, which indicates the therapeutic and immunostimulating effect of the drug. Evaluation of protein metabolism by the content of total protein and the fraction of albumin in the blood serum showed its positive dynamics within the normal physiological values, which characterizes an increase in the intensity of assimilation processes in the bird’s body. The metabolism of carbohydrates was assessed by the content of glucose in it, and a decrease in its level indicates its increased consumption as an energy component for metabolic processes associated with intensive growth of chickens. An increase in the activity of alkaline phosphatase by 1.3-1.8 times is associated with the active growth of chickens.
Influence of new feeding technology of milk dromedary camels on their dairy productivity
Authors: Baimukanov A B , Semenov V G , Alibayev N N , Ermakhanov M N , Abuov G
Published: December 2021

The research aims to determine the influence of the new technology of feeding dromedary female camels on their dairy productivity. Milk camels of the I control group were kept in conditions of pasture with supplementary feeding of 3 kg of wheat bran, milk camels of the II experimental group, in addition to the main diet - pasture forage, received additional feeding with 3 kg of concentrated feed, consisting (wt.%): a mixture of grain waste - 50, cotton husk - 10, wheat - 25 and barley - 15 with a total nutritional value of 1.0 feed units, 9.46 megajoule of metabolizable energy and 90.5 g of digestible protein. Studies have shown that the dairy productivity of experimental groups of milk female camels gradually increases from the beginning of the lactation period. For 12 months of the lactation period, the dairy productivity of dairy camels in the control group was 2995.3 liters, in the II experimental group - 3236.2 liters in the III experimental group - 3467.9 liters. The average fat content of camel milk from sucking dromedary female camels, depending on the level of feeding, averages 4.22-4.39%.
Development of a complex anti-radiation protective drug
Authors: Vagin K , Gaynutdinov T , Idrisov A , Rakhmatullina G , Ishmukhametov K , Gallyamova M , Nizamov R , Vasilevsky N , Semenov V
Published: December 2021

The article reports results of development of a drug for the prevention and treatment of radiation lesions in animals based on radio modified microorganisms E. coli PL-6 and B. bifidum 1. Aimed at target changing of metabolism, bacteria were exposed to gamma irradiation at doses from 1 to 20 kGy, studying the interaction of microorganisms in the consortium, as well as the safety of produced drugs. Irradiation of E. coli at a dose of 2 kGy led to the appearance of individual cells with polymorphism and having a length exceeding the initial size by 3-7 times. The irradiation of B. bifidum 1 at a dose of 4 kGy contributed to the formation for atypical, polychromic cells, multiple darkening of pigment granules and cell fragments as a result of destruction of microorganisms. The original E. coli PL-6 did not produce the enzymes superoxide dismutaseand catalase, but the metabolites of radiomodified strains of E. coli PL-6 (R10) contained 0.97±0.09 m.c.M/g SOD and 27.38±0.59 mcat/g/ml of catalase activity. In the metabolites of radio-resistant bifidobacteria, as compared with the initial ones, a 1.45-fold excess of peroxidase was recorded.
Mathematical model of colostrum defrosting in super-high-frequency generator equipped
Authors: Ershova I , Prosviryakova M , Mikhailova O , Novikova G , Samarin G , Poruchikov D , Storchevoy V
Published: December 2021

The paper is devoted to development and parameters studying of two-resonator super-high-frequency (SHF) generator based on continuous flow principle of action. It is equipped with two quasi-stationary toroidal resonators; so it allows to separate such processes of cattle colostral milk treatnent as defrosting and heating and thus to ensure both the electromagnetic safety and the high electric field strength. In order to improve efficiency of the cattle colostrum defrosting/heating performed by its exposure to the super-high frequency electromagnetic field, the methodology was developed for the SHF generator designing. It includes, firstly, development & studying of mathematical models based on due consideration of the phase transitions and, secondly, the structural designing of the SHF generator working chamber with examination of its effective operating modes. The mathematical model is proposed of the electromagnetic waves interaction with the raw material (colostral milk) being in different physical states. With aid of the electric field strength control (by the generators power changing) and the gap adjustment in the capacitor part of the resonators (by smooth movement of the common perforated base), it is possible to achieve the equipment capacity up to 170… 200 L/h. The energy expenses are 0.025 (kWh)/kg.
State support for agricultural sector: challenges and development prospects
Authors: Abrosimova M , Litvinova O , Filippova S , Gordeeva L , Nesterova N , Semenova A , Pushkarenko R , Brenchagova S
Published: December 2021

Nowadays agricultural production is experiencing certain difficulties that negatively affect the profitability of agricultural organizations. Despite all the efforts of the state and its attempts to support agricultural producers, one can observe a decrease in production volumes of some types of products, as well as a lack of high-tech equipment. These challenges can be solved by improving the tools and by methods of regulating the activities of agricultural organizations. The implementation of new state control scientific approaches, primarily financial and credit, informative consulting and personnel issues of agricultural sector, will help overcome negative trends. The priority task of strengthening the state stimulating role in control of inter-farm relations in the regional agricultural sector is state support for the development of peasant (farm) households and cooperation in agriculture, while maintaining the existing level of support for medium and large agricultural. The article presents an assessment of the effectiveness of public investments in the development of agriculture on the example of the Chuvash Republic, which indicates a decrease in the effectiveness of the selected forms of support for the agricultural sector. There is a growing need to develop new tools to stimulate the innovative development of the agro-industrial complex.
Wheel drive with integrated differential
Authors: Kazakov Yu , Batmanov V , Pavlov V , Medvedev V
Published: December 2021

The performance indicators of wheeled arable machine-tractor units, which are accelerated on the working gear, depend on the operating modes of the wheels during this period. When the wheel is skidding, soil lumps break down in the contact spot, the soil structure is destroyed. Based on the system analysis of the wheels operation, the method of their improvement is justified by continuous control of the eccentric point of application of the driving torque and external load. As a result of the analysis for the first time, a soil-sparing wheel mover with the properties of a differential, a tangential force regulator and clearance regulator was developed. In the case of an eccentric application of a vertical load and a longitudinal pushing force, one of the satellites of the wheeled planetary gearbox is the leading and bearing one. The purpose of the article is to analyze the factors influencing the automatic adaptation of the wheel drive to changing operating conditions. It is established the relationship between the driving moment and the rolling resistance moment, the moments of inertia of the wheel and the drive gear of the integrated differential.
Towards a mathematical model of plant growth
Authors: Maksimov I , Apaseev A , Maksimov V , Alekseev E , Pushkarenko N , Maksimov N
Published: December 2021

Mankind has long been interested in the growth of plants, even in the Middle Ages, Leonardo da Vinci observed the seasonality of growth and some features of plant forms. In recent years, many agricultural producers have begun to implement a coordinate (precise) farming system. In this regard, there is a need to improve methods for assessing and managing the growth of agricultural crops. To assess the functioning of the system “plant - soil - air [[CHECK_DOUBLEQUOT_ENT]] (P-S-A), the concept of plant growth potential is introduced, which is the ratio of the power spent on the formation of a unit of vegetation mass. The paper considers the theoretical prerequisites for determining the growth potential. Since the operational management of the formation of the crop yield is an important task in crop production, the functioning of the P-S-A system during the growing season is proposed to be evaluated by dimensionless coefficients, which represent the ratio of the substance mastered by plants to the incoming one. The product of these coefficients in terms of light-heat-food-gas-and moisture supply represents the reliability of the P-S-A system, and allows you to evaluate and effectively manage the technological process of the growth of cultivated plants during the growing season.
Accounting support for justification of hop production costs under government granting
Authors: Ivanov E A , Yu Malinina L , Pushkarenko N N , Korotkov A V
Published: December 2021

As one of the leading segments of modern agriculture in the Russian Federation, the hop production is currently on the rise and upscales its activities every year. This is largely facilitated by strong financial government support. The purpose of this study is to examine the main theoretical and methodological aspects of organizing the appropriate production accounting to provide the common approaches to cost justification while filing of applications by hop farms for grants. To reveal the main scientific provisions, such techniques and methods as observation, induction and deduction, analysis and synthesis, observation, comparison and other were used. The findings of the study point to the fact that no updated regulatory framework for accounting of costs in hop farms is available, and the issue of the structure and content of the incurred cost information carrier has not been completely elaborated within the government grant issuing mechanism. A small number of international and Russian studies to determine the essential characteristics of hops as a biological asset has a negative impact on the arrangement of the accounting process. The article suggests the methodology for organizing cost accounting by the main agro-technological stages of hop management and cultivation.
Evaluating the digitalization potential of agro-industrial sector of Russia
Authors: Afanaseva O , Elmov V , Ivanov E , Makushev A
Published: December 2021

Best practices of farmers using modern digital technologies demonstrate high results achieved both in crop production and in animal husbandry. Efficiency is expressed in increasing the yield, labor productivity, reducing costs, and what is more, in preserving soil fertility and protecting the environment. However, the need to digitize managerial and analytical processes based on Big Data, Data Science implementation and the ability to interpret the obtained analytical material and make qualified decisions based on a scientific approach are often missed the memo. In light of this, the purpose of the study was to analyze the readiness of various company unit categories employed in the agro-industrial complex of Russia to use big data and process it. Based on the results obtained, a matrix for determining the potential for the transition of companies to the use and analytics of Big Data was built. According to the results of which, it can be argued that, on average, about 45% of the analyzed companies have a high potential for the transition to digital development, and an average level of potential is 24%. In the context of the categories of farms, the results for the surveyed agricultural cooperatives, traders and exporters are higher than the average indicators.
The use of biopreparations in the therapy of mastitis in cows
Authors: Semenov V G , Stepanova A V , Kondruchina S G , Ivanova T N , Lukina N M , Tolstova S L , Semenov A A , Biryukova D E , Matveeva E S , Aldyakov A V
Published: December 2021

With the aim of improving productive potential of black pied cattle, preventing and treating clinical mastitis we used biopreparations developed by scientists of the Federal State Budgetary Establishment of Higher Education ‘Chuvash State Agrarian University’: Prevention-N-E and Prevention-N-B-S, as well as Mastinol, homeopathic medicinal product for treatment of mastitis. It follows from the results of our studies that the biological preparations used in the experiments did not influence the physiological condition of animals but activated cell factors of non-specific organism protection. The most obvious effect was demonstrated by Prevention-N-B-S, rather than Prevention-N-E, however this difference was insignificant (P>0.05). Prevention of mastitis in cows with Prevention-N-B-S biopreparation turned out to be more effective than with Prevention-N-E and Mastinol. Recovery of one cow of the 1st experimental group treated by Prevention-N-E took place in 4±0.08 days, which is 7±52 less than in the 3rd experimental group, where Mastinol was used. Atrophy of an udder lobe was observed in one cow in the 3rd experimental group. As a result, the issue of pathogenetic therapy of mastitis in cows is still relevant and we plan to solve it with the use of immunostimulants.
Effect of shell disinfection with AQUALYTE (NEUTRAL ANOLYTE) on inactivation of Salmonella enteritidis and quality of edible eggs
Authors: Kozak S S , Semenov V G
Published: December 2021

The results of studies, conducted by a number of scientists, prove that chicken eggs can cause food poisoning, as well as poultry. To prevent foreign microfloraingress into egg products, scientists have developed a number of methods aimed at the pathogenic microflora inactivation on the surface of the table eggs shells; nevertheless, the search for new methods is an urgent task. The article describes the results of the studies on the effect of disinfecting the shells of table eggs using AQUALYTE NEUTRAL ANOLYTE (NA) on the eggs quality. NA disinfecting activity was studied using cambric test objects. For the purposes of studying NA disinfecting efficiency, an experimental contamination of the surface of the table eggs shells with a test culture of Salmonella enteritidis was made. It was established that disinfection of the table eggs shells with 100% (2 min exposure) and 50% (5 min exposure) NA solutions provides Salmonella inactivation on the shell, and it does not affect the veterinary and sanitary parameters of eggs.
Prevention of transport stress in the realization of the adaptive potential of pigs
Authors: Gladkih L P , Semenov V G , Tyurin V G , Nikitin D A , Yakimov A V , Uspeshnyi A V , Mikhailov N S
Published: December 2021

The article presents the results of research on the realization of the adaptive, productive and reproductive potential of pigs by immunoprophylaxis of transport stress with Pigstim preparations. The transport stress prevention for replacement gilts with immunotropic drugs PigStim-C and PigStim-M contributed to their adaptive and reproductive potential realization by reducing the age of first insemination by 7.7-9.0 days and increasing its fertility, increasing the number of liveborns by 6.8-8.5% and reducing the number of stillborn piglets by 50 and 25%, increasing the viability by 1.72-3.32% and growth rate of piglets during the suckling period by 2.9- 4.0% and reducing the weaning-to-insemination period by 6.4 and 8.5%. The immunoprophylaxis of transport stress in weaned pigs ensured their adaptive and productive potential in long-term growing completion and store feeding period by increasing the live weight of stores by the end of growing completion by 1.66 and 2.55 kg and feeding period by 1.23 and 3.17 kg, reducing the incidence by 5.0 and 4.0% and increasing the viability of the livestock by 2.0%, increasing the effectiveness of therapeutic measures.
Influence of biopreparations on the postnatal period of highly productive cows
Authors: Semenov V G , Simurzina E P , Kondruchina S G , Tyurin V G , Kuznetsov A F , Sofronov V G , Volkov A H , Mudarisov R M , Kulmakova N I , Musaev S A
Published: December 2021

The article describes the results of comparative studies on the influence of new immunostimulants on the course of postnatal recovery of the cows under conditions of intensive milk production technology. Injections of PS-2 (group 1) and Prevention-N-E (group 2) at a dose of 10 ml forty, twenty and ten days before calving, and a injection of PDE at a dose of 20 ml with E-Selenium of 10 ml (group 3) twenty days before calving prevent the occurrence of obstetric and gynecological pathology, improve reproductive qualities, as compared to the control group, where no biologicals were injected. This fact impacts the acceleration of the first heat onset by 13.7-21.1 days, the conception rate by 0.5-0.7 times, the service period by 16-29.9 days. A positive effect of the tested agents on metabolic processes, morphological and biochemical blood parameters, nonspecific immunological reactivity of the organism was also established. All these factors led to an increase in milk productivity for 305 days of lactation by 186-478 kg, at the same time, milk quality indicators improved correspondingly. Thus, biological preparations PS-2 and Prevention-N-E are highly effective means of preventing obstetric and gynecological pathology.
Improving the quality of broiler meat when using sea buckthorn meal in feed
Authors: Seregin I G , Kozak S S , Semenov V G , Kozak Yu A , Boronin V V
Published: December 2021

Sea buckthorn berries and products of their processing, including meal, have certain prospects in improving broiler meat production. The present paper contains materials on feeding broilers with sea buckthorn meal in the amount of 0.4-0.6% of the basic diet of chickens. Meal was added to the feed of broilers starting with Day 14 and up to Day 49 of age. The feed intake (basic diet), clinical condition of chickens, daily weight gains and preslaughter live weight were considered. The study was carried out by comparing to the group of chickens of the same age that received additional 0.4-0.6% feed instead of 0.4-0.6% of sea buckthorn meal. At the age of 49 day s all chickens were slaughtered for further study of meat characteristics comparing to meat of broilers of the control group. The use of sea buckthorn meal in feeds during 35 days in the amount of about 0.6% of the basic diet provided1 1% increase of daily weight gain of broilers compared to the control group and improved consumer as well as veterinary and sanitary meat characteristics.
Influence of the probiotic preparation Immunoflor on the physiological status of a young chicken of a productive herd of egg cross
Authors: Semenov V G , Boronin V V , Kosyaev N I , Kozak S S , Ivanov N G , Ivanova R N , Ivanova E N
Published: December 2021

The article presents the results of studies of the effectiveness of the use of the complex probiotic preparation Immunoflor in young hens of egg cross. In the course of the research work, it was found that the use of the probiotic preparation Immunoflor does not affect the clinical and physiological state of the body of young chickens, but at the same time reduces the incidence, mortality and increases the safety of the chickens by enriching and balancing the poultry diet, reducing the conversion feed, optimization of digestion, stimulation of the development of positive microflora in the gastrointestinal tract. The use of the complex probiotic preparation Immunoflor in the diet of young chickens at a dose of 15 g/t of water and 15 g/t of feed contributes to an increase in the number of erythrocytes, leukocytes and hemoglobin concentration, activation of cellular and humoral factors of nonspecific resistance of the body of chickens, providing a normal physiological state and homeostasis.
Development of the technology of production of cheese ‘Suluguni’ for farms
Authors: Larionov G , Kayukovab O , Semenov V
Published: December 2021

The aim of the research is the development of a technology for the production of ‘Suluguni’ cheese for farms from milk of cows. Investigations of the chemical composition and physicochemical properties of cows’ milk were carried out using by ultrasonic method. It was found that the mass fraction of protein in milk is 3.19±0.02%, fat is from 4.32±0.06% to 5.07±0.08%. For the production of cheese, milk was standardized. The protein content in normalized milk is 3.37±0.02%, fat - 2.84±0.03%. The ratio of the mass fraction of protein and fat in normalized milk was 1.00:1.19. It was found that the milk of cows meets the requirements for raw materials for the production of cheese. We have developed a technology for the production of brine cheese ‘Suluguni’, which consists of the following operations: receiving milk, preparing milk for making cheese, fermenting, curdling and processing the curd, setting grain, drying, cheddaring, melting, forming a cheese head, salting, storing, transportation and sale of products. Cheese meets the requirements for organoleptic, physicochemical and microbiological indicators. The research results make it possible to recommend to farms the technology for the production of ‘Suluguni’ cheese with cheddaring and thermomechanical processing of the cheese mass.
Effect of FW conditions on mechanical and microstructural characteristic of AA6061/SiC/Graphite hybrid composites joint by empirical relationship
Authors: Senthilkumar J , M Bakkiyaraj , Balasubramanian M , Loganathan T G
Published: December 2021

Friction welded AA6061 matrix hybrid composite joints were investigated to understand the process effect on the metallurgical properties with the aid of empirical relationships. SiC of 10% with the standard particle size of 25 μm and 5% graphite with the particle size of 30 μm were added into the AA6061 matrix. The investigation has 20 sets of experiments as per the matrix designed. Each process condition, namely rotation speed (N), upset load (F), and upset time (T), as well as their impact on joint properties, were investigated individually, with the estimated tensile strength correlated to their corresponding metallographic properties. The observation of this study concludes that the disparity in grain size is mainly affected by the availability of heat sources and the plasticized material during the friction stage and it is highly influenced by rotation speed. Furthermore, the lower level parameters produce the defective joint while the higher level parameters are attributed to ejecting the extensive amount of hot material from the joint interface. Finer reduction in grain size of 1.5 μm and ample plasticized material consolidation at the optimized welding conditions of 1600 rpm rotation speed, 3.5 kN upset load, and 4 s upset time were attributed to achieving the maximum tensile strength of 167 MPa.
In vitro modified microdosimetric kinetic model–based predictions for B14-150 cells survival in 450 MeV/u carbon ion beam with aluminum ridge filter for biologically optimized spread-out Bragg peak
Authors: Solovev Aleksei , Troshina Marina , Pikalov Vladimir , Saburov Vyacheslav , Chernukha Aleksandr , Moiseev Aleksandr , Koryakina Ekaterina , Potetnya Vladimir , Koryakin Sergey , Soldatov Aleksandr , Kaprin Andrey
Published: December 2021

The relative biological efficiency of particle irradiation could be predicted with a wide variety of radiobiological models for various end-points. We validate the forecast of modified Microdosimetric Kinetic Model in vitro using combined data of reference Co-60 radiation and carbon ion plateau data for specific cell line to optimize the survival function in spread-out Bragg Peak obtained with an especially designed ridge filter. We used Geant4 Monte-Carlo software to simulate the fragment contribution along Bragg curve inside water phantom, open-source toolkit Survival to predict the expected linear-quadratic model parameters for each fragment, and in-house software to form the total survival curve in spread-out Bragg Peak. The irradiation was performed at U-70 synchrotron with an especially designed Aluminum ridge filter under the control of PTW and in-house ionization chambers. The cell clonogenic assay was conducted with the B14–150 cell line. The data analysis was accomplished using scipy and CERN ROOT. The clonogenic assay represents the survival in spread-out Bragg Peak at different points and qualitatively follows the modeled survival curve very well. The quantitative difference is within 3σ, and the deviation might be explained by the uncertainties of physical modeling using Monte-Carlo methods. Overall, the obtained results are promising for further usage in radiobiological studies or carbon ion radiotherapy. Shaping the survival curve in the region of interest (i.e., spread-out Bragg Peak) is a comprehensive task that requires high-performance computing approaches. Nevertheless, the method’s potential application is related to the development of next-generation treatment planning systems for ion beams. This can open a wide range of improvements in patient treatment outcome, provide new optimized fractionation regimes or optimized dose delivery schemes, and serve as an entrance point to the translational science approach.
Equivalence between Sobolev spaces of first-order dominating mixed smoothness and unanchored ANOVA spaces on ℝ^{𝕕}
Authors: Gilbert Alexander , Kuo Frances , Sloan Ian
Published: December 2021

We prove that a variant of the classical Sobolev space of first-order dominating mixed smoothness is equivalent (under a certain condition) to the unanchored ANOVA space onRd\mathbb {R}^d, ford≥1d \geq 1. Both spaces are Hilbert spaces involvingweight functions, which determine the behaviour as different variables tend to±∞\pm \infty, andweight parameters, which represent the influence of different subsets of variables. The unanchored ANOVA space onRd\mathbb {R}^dwas initially introduced by Nichols and Kuo in 2014 to analyse the error ofquasi-Monte Carlo(QMC) approximations for integrals on unbounded domains; whereas the classical Sobolev space of dominating mixed smoothness was used as the setting in a series of papers by Griebel, Kuo and Sloan on the smoothing effect of integration, in an effort to develop a rigorous theory on why QMC methods work so well for certain non-smooth integrands withkinksorjumpscoming from option pricing problems. In this same setting, Griewank, Kuo, Leövey and Sloan in 2018 subsequently extended these ideas by developing a practicalsmoothing by preintegrationtechnique to approximate integrals of such functions with kinks or jumps.

We first prove the equivalence in one dimension (itself a non-trivial task), before following a similar, but more complicated, strategy to prove the equivalence for general dimensions. As a consequence of this equivalence, we analyse applying QMC combined with a preintegration step to approximate the fair price of an Asian option, and prove that the error of such an approximation usingNNpoints converges at a rate close to1/N1/N.
Nilpotent subgroups of class 2 in finite groups
Authors: Sabatini Luca
Published: December 2021

We show that every finite group

G
G

of size at least

3
3

has a nilpotent subgroup of class at most

2
2

and size at least

|

G

|

1

/

32
log
⁡
log
⁡

|

G

|

|G|^{1/32\log \log |G|}

. This answers a question of Pyber, and is essentially best possible.
Homology of sheaves via Brown representability
Authors: de Salas Fernando
Published: December 2021

We give an elementary construction of homology of sheaves from Brown representability for the dual and see how its main properties are derived easily from the construction. Comparison with Poincaré-Verdier duality and with homology of groups are also developed.
Parasitic plant, from inside out: endophytic development inLathrophytum peckoltii(Balanophoraceae) in host liana roots from tribe Paullineae (Sapindaceae)
Authors: Pellissari Lauany C O , Teixeira-Costa Luiza , Ceccantini Gregorio , Tamaio Neusa , Cardoso Leandro J T , Braga João M A , Barros Claudia F
Published: December 2021

Background and Aims

Balanophoraceae is one of the most bizarre and biologically interesting plant clades. It groups species with peculiar features that offers an opportunity for investigating several aspects of parasite plant development and morphogenesis. We analysed the development and the mature vegetative body of Lathrophytum peckoltii Eichler, focusing on the formation of the host–parasite interface. Additionally, we analysed how this parasitic interaction causes modifications to the anatomy of Paullinia uloptera Radlk and Serjania clematidifolia Cambess host roots.

Methods

Vegetative bodies of the parasite at different developmental stages were collected while infesting the roots of Sapindaceae vines. Non-parasitized host roots were also collected for comparison. Light, epifluorescence, confocal and scanning electron microscopy were used for the analysis.

Key Results

The initial cells of the vegetative axis divide repeatedly, originating a parenchymatous matrix, which occupies the space from the cortex to the vascular cylinder of the host’s root. In the peripheral layers of the matrix, located near the xylem of the host’s roots, a few cells initiate the process of wall lignification, originating the parasitic bundle. The vascular cambium of the host’s root changes the division plane and becomes composed of fusiform initials, forming the vascular bundle. The vegetative axis presents a dermal tissue similar to a phellem, a parenchymatous matrix and a vascular system with different origins.

Conclusion

The parasite reproduces by endophytic development, in a manner similar to that observed for endoparasites. The strategy of late cell differentiation could aid the parasite in avoiding early detection and triggering of defence responses by the host. This development causes changes to the host root cambial activity, leading to the establishment of direct, vessel to vessel connection between host and parasite. We associate these changes with the cambium modularity and an influx of parasite-derived hormones into the host cambium.
Maritime Territorial Disputes in Asia and the Relaxation of Cold War Tensions: The Case of Dokdo and the 1965 Japan-Korea Normalization Agreements
Authors: Schwartz Thomas A , Yoo John
Published: December 2021

This article continues the legal and historical inquiry into the dispute between Japan and Korea over Dokdo, an island that sits in the sea between the two nations, by examining the 1965 normalization agreement between Japan and Korea. Japan has argued that the agreement, in which Japan provided economic aid to Korea, settled all outstanding claims stemming from World War II between the nations, including those over territory. We analyze the meaning of international agreements by combining traditional international legal analysis with U.S. archival records, the standard tools of diplomatic history. Our conclusion from these materials is consistent with our earlier work on the 1951 San Francisco Peace Treaty. The face of the 1965 Agreement does not mention Dokdo. There are no supplemental materials to the agreement from the parties that expressly address the island. Under standard approaches to international legal interpretation, we cannot read a text to resolve an issue that it does not specifically address. Because it did not seek to change the legal status of the island, the 1965 Agreement merely requires that the analysis fall back to the 1951 San Francisco Peace Treaty, which itself did not seek to change the status quo as it existed before 1905. American diplomatic materials confirm this reading of the 1965 Agreement. The United States played an all-important role in Asian security affairs. After the Korean War, U.S. leaders in the Eisenhower, Kennedy, and Johnson administrations wanted Korea and Japan to cooperate on security issues. American leaders believed that rehabilitating Japan and encouraging Japanese aid to Korea would reduce U.S. defense burdens in Asia and support more self-sufficiency on the part of its two closest Asian allies. The U.S. sought to defer any issues that might disrupt an agreement. The United States had pursued a similar kick-the-can-down-the-road strategy in the 1951 Peace Treaty. Dokdo became one of those intractable issues that the United States successfully excluded from the 1965 Agreement and left its resolution to the future.
Frank Ramsey’s place in the history of mathematical economics: not what you think
Authors: Duarte Pedro G , Misak Cheryl
Published: December 2021

Frank Ramsey is a towering figure in economics. His two papers published in the 1920s are responsible for his reputation as a pioneer in mathematical economics. Economists and historians of economics disagree on how to read Ramsey. One point of contention is whether he introduced the use of a representative agent or instead employed a social welfare function. We intend to clarify this question by further complicating it. It is clear from archival materials, including a previously undiscovered paper (‘Mathematical Economics’), that he was not a trailblazer in mathematical analyses of economic questions. Ramsey was a socialist who was inclined to theories of value and psychology that went beyond utility. He struggled with the tension between what is good for the individual and what is good for society. He was sure that utilitarian psychology was not an accurate basis for economics and he was sceptical of its idealizations.
Mortality analysis of arterial switch operation for transposition of the great arteries with and without ventricular septal defect
Authors: Kitamura Soichiro , Tachimori Hisateru , Murakami Arata , Kawata Hiroaki , Ichikawa Hajime , Miyata Hiroaki
Published: December 2021

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to evaluate the 90-day mortality and effect of rescue or urgent coronary revascularization in children undergoing arterial switch operation for transposition of the great arteries with and without ventricular septal defect.

METHODS

The 90-day mortality, risk factors for mortality and outcome of rescue or urgent coronary revascularization were analysed using 8 years of data from the Japan Cardiovascular Surgical Database. We only included patients with full data for all analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 1084 patients (median weight: 3.0 kg; interquartile range: 2.8–3.3) underwent arterial switch operation at a median age of 10 days (interquartile range: 7–14). The 90-day mortality (5.2%, n = 56) was ∼1.6-fold higher than 30-day mortality (3.2%, n = 35). The cause was cardiac origin in 84% of non-survivors. Fifty-nine of the 1034 patients (5.7%) required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), with successful weaning in 44% (n = 26). Univariable or multivariable analyses revealed the following risk factors for mortality: body weight at operation <2.5 kg, aortic cross-clamp time, cardiac events and ECMO (P < 0.005–0.001). Ventricular septal defect was not a risk factor.

Thirteen patients (1.2%) had either rescue or urgent coronary revascularization with salvage rates of 25% (2/8) and 100% (5/5), respectively. Only 5 ECMO patients (8%) underwent coronary revascularization with 1 survivor.

CONCLUSIONS

The 90-day mortality represented perioperative outcomes better than 30-day mortality. Patients on ECMO, which extended the survival time, had 56% 90-day mortality. Coronary revascularization showed a salvaging effect, although the case number was small.
Repair with annuloplasty only of balanced bileaflet mitral valve prolapse with severe regurgitation
Authors: Raanani Ehud , Schwammenthal Ehud , Moshkovitz Yaron , Cohen Hillit , Kogan Alexander , Peled Yael , Sternik Leonid , Ram Eilon
Published: December 2021

OBJECTIVES

Repair of severe mitral valve and mitral regurgitation (MR) in patients with degenerative bileaflet pathology can be challenging. Initial results with a ring-only repair (ROR) approach have shown promising results, but long-term outcomes in larger series are lacking. We report on outcomes of ROR in severe MR secondary to bileaflet prolapse, including Barlow’s disease.

METHODS

Eighty patients with degenerative multi-segment bileaflet disease underwent ROR for severe MR with a predominantly central regurgitant jet indicating balanced bileaflet prolapse. The main outcome measure of this study was long-term recurrent MR probability. Secondary outcomes were late mortality, reoperation and in-hospital complications.

RESULTS

The mean age was 53 ± 15 years and 54% were males. The mean ejection fraction was 59.2 ± 6.6, 24% and 40% had atrial fibrillation. Barlow’s disease was found in 77% of the patients. Minimally invasive surgery was performed in 15 patients (19%). There were no perioperative mortalities or cerebrovascular events in the entire cohort. Post-repair mild outflow tract obstruction (systolic anterior motion) was observed in 4 patients (5%) after ROR. In a mean follow-up of 60 ± 48 months, there was 1 case of death. At follow-up, there was 1 (1%) reoperation due to recurrent MR, and 4 patients who had recurrent moderate or more MR. The 10-year freedom from recurrent MR was 97%. None had severe MR at the latest follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with severe MR and a central regurgitant jet secondary to balanced multi-segment bileaflet mitral valve prolapse, ROR is a simple and efficient approach providing excellent long-term results without a substantial risk of systolic anterior motion.
Political Trust and Policy Demand in Changing Welfare States: Building Normative Support and Easing Reform Acceptance?
Authors: Goubin Silke , Kumlin Staffan
Published: December 2021

How does generalized political trust affect policy demand in changing welfare states? We simultaneously consider two possible effects. First, trust may buttress normative support, as measured by well-known items on general support for redistribution and ‘government responsibility’ in specific areas. Secondly, political trust may ease concrete reform acceptance in the context of fiscal pressure. This proposition becomes increasingly relevant as welfare states change in ways not directly addressed by traditional survey measures. We develop hypotheses about how different dimensions of normative support and reform acceptance may be unequally affected by political trust. We analyse primary three-wave panel data in a field dominated by cross-sectional analysis. The data offer standard measures of trust and support, and a new multidimensional question battery tapping reform acceptance. We find cross-sectional and longitudinal support for hypotheses predicting that political trust buttresses normative support for horizontally redistributive policies (but as hypothesized not for ‘life-course’ policies). In contrast, there is quite some cross-sectional but little longitudinal support for effects on reform acceptance. Possible exceptions involve some of the more contentious reform types and, in particular, reforms that raise user fees and taxation.
160 The obesity paradox in atrial fibrillation
Authors: Favilli Marco , Morrone Doralisa , Gentile Francesco , Guarini Giacinta , Morganti Riccardo , De Caterina Raffaele
Published: December 2021

Aims

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines obesity as a body mass index (BMI) of ≥ 30 kg/m2. Obesity has been established as an independent risk factor for new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF). Despite the association between obesity and major cardiovascular risk factors and outcomes, some studies showed that obesity may have a protective effect on AF-related outcomes, leading to the controversial concept of the ‘obesity paradox’. We carried out a systematic review to explore the ‘obesity paradox’, providing an overview of the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and the impact of BMI on AF-related outcomes.

Methods and results

We performed an extensive literature search, from 2000 up to 2021, using the PubMed database, with two independent reviewers (M. F. and F.G.). Discrepancies were resolved by consensus with a senior researcher (D.M.). Studies were eligible if they were RCTs and included outcome comparisons (cardiovascular death, all death, stroke, and major bleeding) with allocation to BMI. We excluded from the analysis trials in which the number of events was not reported. The effect measures of each included study were calculated and reported as hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI), visually presented in forest plots. A total of 683 studies were available for the analysis; 74 records were included after reading the title; after full reading 8 studies were eligible to be analysed. The meta-analysis of the eight selected randomized controlled clinical trials demonstrated a significantly lower risk of stroke or systemic embolism and all causes of death in obese patient (Figures 1 and 2). A meta-analysis on cardiovascular mortality was not conducted because this was reported only for three trials.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis demonstrated lower stroke and death risk with increasing BMI. Our meta-analysis included only data from RCTs. Observational studies rendered more conflicting results. Because of the few studies included, these apparently protective effects of obesity on the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation should still be interpreted with caution.
493 Prognostic value of myocardial scar and chamber enlargement at electroanatomical mapping during catheter ablation in adult congenital heart disease
Authors: Perna Francesco , Narducci Maria Lucia , Sabarese Rocco , Ruscio Eleonora , Scacciavillani Roberto , Spera Francesco Raffaele , Gianluigi Bencardino , Pinnacchio Gaetano , Pelargonio Gemma , Crea Filippo
Published: December 2021

Aims

Atrial and ventricular tachyarrhythmias are common among patients with adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) and can impair quality of life and prognosis. Catheter ablation is often the main treatment option in this population, despite anatomical hurdles. Substrate mapping findings have not been thoroughly investigated as predictors of arrhythmia recurrence success and cardiovascular clinical outcome after ablation. We sought to determine the prognostic value of myocardial scar and chamber enlargement detected at electroanatomical mapping in ACHD patients undergoing catheter ablation of tachyarrhythmias.

Methods and results

Consecutive ACHD patients undergoing catheter ablation of atrial and ventricular tachycardias using different electroanatomical mapping systems were retrospectively identified from a hospital-based database. Scar extent detected at the electroanatomical mapping, as well as the total mapped area, was calculated. Arrhythmia recurrence, hospitalization for cardiovascular (CV) reasons, and a combined endpoint (arrhythmia recurrence and/or CV hospitalization) were evaluated during the follow-up. The relationship between the aforementioned electroanatomical findings and the patients’ outcome was assessed. Twenty patients (12 male, 60%; mean age 40 ± 11 years) undergoing atrial (n = 14; 70%) or ventricular (n = 6; 30%) tachyarrhythmia were included. Acute procedural success (arrhythmia termination and/or no reinduction) was achieved in all the patients. At a mean follow-up of 171 ± 135 weeks, eight patients (40%) had arrhythmia recurrence (4/6 in the ventricular tachycardia group, 67%, 4/14 in the atrial tachycardia group, 28%). Patients with arrhythmia recurrence had a more extensive bipolar scar (P = 0.029) and a larger total mapped area (P = 0.03) than patients without recurrence, and so did the patients with the composite endpoint (P = 0.029 and P = 0.03, respectively). Patients with subsequent CV hospitalization had a larger total mapped area than patients without CV hospitalization (P = 0.017). The presence of a bipolar scar ≥22.95 cm2 predicted arrhythmia relapse (0.039) at the multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

Patients with ACHD show a high recurrence rate after catheter ablation, especially for ventricular tachycardias. A large bipolar scar at the electroanatomical mapping and total mapped area predict arrhythmia recurrence, likely due to the presence of more extensive reentry circuits. A large total mapped area, which may reflect a greater disease severity, predicts both arrhythmia recurrence and CV hospitalizations. Early referral of ACHD patients for catheter ablation may be a sound strategy in order to perform the procedure in the setting of less advanced heart disease.