bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor Pharmaco-Omics: Mechanisms and Prediction
Authors: Nguyen Thanh Thanh L. , Liu Duan , Ho Ming-Fen , Athreya Arjun P. , Weinshilboum Richard
Published: January 2021

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a standard of care for the pharmacotherapy of patients suffering from Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). However, only one-half to two-thirds of MDD patients respond to SSRI therapy. Recently, a “multiple omics” research strategy was applied to identify genetic differences between patients who did and did not respond to SSRI therapy. As a first step, plasma metabolites were assayed using samples from the 803 patients in the PGRN-AMPS SSRI MDD trial. The metabolomics data were then used to “inform” genomics by performing a genome-wide association study (GWAS) for plasma concentrations of the metabolite most highly associated with clinical response, serotonin (5-HT). Two genome-wide or near genome-wide significant single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) signals were identified, one that mapped near the TSPAN5 gene and another across the ERICH3 gene, both genes that are highly expressed in the brain. Knocking down TSPAN5 and ERICH3 resulted in decreased 5-HT concentrations in neuroblastoma cell culture media and decreased expression of enzymes involved in 5-HT biosynthesis and metabolism. Functional genomic studies demonstrated that ERICH3 was involved in clathrin-mediated vesicle formation and TSPAN5 was an ethanol-responsive gene that may be a marker for response to acamprosate pharmacotherapy of alcohol use disorder (AUD), a neuropsychiatric disorder highly co-morbid with MDD. In parallel studies, kynurenine was the plasma metabolite most highly associated with MDD symptom severity and application of a metabolomics-informed pharmacogenomics approach identified DEFB1 and AHR as genes associated with variation in plasma kynurenine levels. Both genes also contributed to kynurenine-related inflammatory pathways. Finally, a multiply replicated predictive algorithm for SSRI clinical response with a balanced predictive accuracy of 76% (compared with 56% for clinical data alone) was developed by including the SNPs in TSPAN5, ERICH3, DEFB1 and AHR. In summary, application of a multiple omics research strategy that used metabolomics to inform genomics, followed by functional genomic studies, identified novel genes that influenced monoamine biology and made it possible to develop a predictive algorithm for SSRI clinical outcomes in MDD. A similar pharmaco-omic research strategy might be broadly applicable for the study of other neuropsychiatric diseases and their drug therapy.
Characterization of Formononetin Sulfonation in SULT1A3 Overexpressing HKE293 Cells: Involvement of Multidrug Resistance-Associated Protein 4 in Excretion of Sulfate
Authors: Liu Fanye , Pei Shuhua , Li Wenqi , Wang Xiao , Liang Chao , Yang Ruohan , Zhang Zhansheng , Yao Xin , Fang Dong , Xie Songqiang , Sun Hua
Published: January 2021

Formononetin is one of the main active compounds of traditional Chinese herbal medicine Astragalus membranaceus. However, disposition of formononetin via sulfonation pathway remains undefined. Here, expression-activity correlation was performed to identify the contributing of SULT1A3 to formononetin metabolism. Then the sulfonation of formononetin and excretion of its sulfate were investigated in SULT1A3 overexpressing human embryonic kidney 293 cells (or HKE-SULT1A3 cells) with significant expression of breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) and multidrug resistance-associated protein 4 (MRP4). As a result, formononetin sulfonation was significantly correlated with SULT1A3 protein levels (r = 0.728; p < 0.05) in a bank of individual human intestine S9 fractions (n = 9). HEK-SULT1A3 cells catalyzed formononetin formation of a monosulfate metabolite. Sulfate formation of formononetin in HEK-SULT1A3 cell lysate followed the Michaelis-Menten kinetics (Vmax = 13.94 pmol/min/mg and Km = 6.17 μM). Reduced activity of MRP4 by MK-571 caused significant decrease in the excretion rate (79.1%–94.6%) and efflux clearance (85.3%–98.0%) of formononetin sulfate, whereas the BCRP specific inhibitor Ko143 had no effect. Furthermore, silencing of MRP4 led to obvious decrease in sulfate excretion rates (>32.8%) and efflux clearance (>50.6%). It was worth noting that the fraction of dose metabolized (fmet), an indicator of the extent of drug sulfonation, was also decreased (maximal 26.7%) with the knockdown of MRP4. In conclusion, SULT1A3 was of great significance in determining sulfonation of formononetin. HEK-SULT1A3 cells catalyzed formononetin formation of a monosulfate. MRP4 mainly contributed to cellular excretion of formononetin sulfate and further mediated the intracellular sulfonation of formononetin.
Characterizing COVID-19 Transmission: Incubation Period, Reproduction Rate, and Multiple-Generation Spreading
Authors: Zhang Lin , Zhu Jiahua , Wang Xuyuan , Yang Juan , Liu Xiao Fan , Xu Xiao-Ke
Published: January 2021

Understanding the transmission process is crucial for the prevention and mitigation of COVID-19 spread. This paper contributes to the COVID-19 knowledge by analyzing the incubation period, the transmission rate from close contact to infection, and the properties of multiple-generation transmission. The data regarding these parameters are extracted from a detailed line-list database of 9,120 cases reported in mainland China from January 15 to February 29, 2020. The incubation period of COVID-19 has a mean, median, and mode of 7.83, 7, and 5 days, and, in 12.5% of cases, more than 14 days. The number of close contacts for these cases during the incubation period and a few days before hospitalization follows a log-normal distribution, which may lead to super-spreading events. The disease transmission rate from close contact roughly decreases in line with the number of close contacts with median 0.13. The average secondary cases are 2.10, 1.35, and 2.2 for the first, second, and third generations conditioned on at least one offspring. However, the ratio of no further spread in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generations are 26.2, 93.9, and 90.7%, respectively. Moreover, the conditioned reproduction number in the second generation is geometrically distributed. Our findings suggest that, in order to effectively control the pandemic, prevention measures, such as social distancing, wearing masks, and isolating from close contacts, would be the most important and least costly measures.
Improved Vision-Based Detection of Strawberry Diseases Using a Deep Neural Network
Authors: Kim Byoungjun , Han You-Kyoung , Park Jong-Han , Lee Joonwhoan
Published: January 2021

Detecting plant diseases in the earliest stages, when remedial intervention is most effective, is critical if damage crop quality and farm productivity is to be contained. In this paper, we propose an improved vision-based method of detecting strawberry diseases using a deep neural network (DNN) capable of being incorporated into an automated robot system. In the proposed approach, a backbone feature extractor named PlantNet, pre-trained on the PlantCLEF plant dataset from the LifeCLEF 2017 challenge, is installed in a two-stage cascade disease detection model. PlantNet captures plant domain knowledge so well that it outperforms a pre-trained backbone using an ImageNet-type public dataset by at least 3.2% in mean Average Precision (mAP). The cascade detector also improves accuracy by up to 5.25% mAP. The results indicate that PlantNet is one way to overcome the lack-of-annotated-data problem by applying plant domain knowledge, and that the human-like cascade detection strategy effectively improves the accuracy of automated disease detection methods when applied to strawberry plants.
The Physiological and Molecular Mechanism of Abscisic Acid in Regulation of Fleshy Fruit Ripening
Authors: Bai Qian , Huang Yun , Shen Yuanyue
Published: January 2021

The ripening of fleshy fruits is coupled with the degradation of both chlorophyll and cell walls, as well as changes in the metabolism of phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, starch/sucrose, and carotenoids. These processes are controlled by phytohormones and other factors, including abscisic acid (ABA), ethylene, auxin, polyamines, sugar, and reactive oxygen species. The ripening of climacteric fruits is controlled by ethylene and non-climacteric fruit ripening is regulated mainly by ABA. Also, ABA and ethylene may interact in both types of fruit ripening. ABA concentrations in fleshy fruits are regulated in response to developmental and environmental cues and are controlled by the relative rates of ABA biosynthesis and catabolism, the former mainlyvia9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenases (NCEDs) and β-glucosidases and the latterviaABA 8'-hydroxylases (CYP707As) and β-glycosyltransferases. In strawberry fruit ripening, ABA is perceivedviaat least two receptors, Pyrabactin resistance (PYR)/PYR-like (PYL) and putative abscisic acid receptor (ABAR), which are linked separately to the conserved signaling pathway ABA-FaPYR1-FaABIl-FaSnRK2 and the novel signaling pathway ABA-FaABAR-FaRIPK1-FaABI4. Downstream signaling components include important transcription factors, such as AREB (ABA responsive element binding protein)/ABF (ABRE binding factors ABA responsive factor), ethylene response factor (ERF), and V-myb Myeloblastosis viral oncogene homolog (MYB), as well as ripening-related genes. Finally, a comprehensive model of ABA linked to ethylene, sugar, polyamines, auxin and reactive oxygen species in the regulation of strawberry fruit ripening is proposed. Next, new integrated mechanisms, including two ABA signaling pathways, ABA and ethylene signaling pathways, and ABA/ethylene to other phytohormones are interesting and important research topics in ripening, especially in non-climacteric fruits.
What Research Evidence Is Valid for Psychotherapy Research?
Authors: Philips Björn , Falkenström Fredrik
Published: January 2021

Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) have contributed to improved clinical practice with increased use of effective and life-saving treatments for severe diseases. However, the EBM model is less suitable for psychotherapy research than for pharmacological research and somatic medicine. The randomized controlled trial (RCT) design is an example of experimental methodology, which inevitably has more imperfections in psychotherapy research because psychotherapy RCTs cannot use double-blinding and the treatments tested are composite treatment packages. Long-term psychotherapy for severe and complex mental disorders is especially difficult to study with an RCT design. During the last decades, advanced analytic methods have been developed in psychotherapy process research, which enables investigation of causal connections regarding change mechanisms in psychotherapy. Therefore, we propose that the top of the research evidence hierarchy for psychotherapy should encompass: (1) RCT for circumscribed disorders, (2) cohort studies for complex disorders, and (3) advanced process studies for change mechanisms.
On Nash Equilibria in Non-Cooperative All-Optical Networks
Authors: Bilò Vittorio , Flammini Michele , Moscardelli Luca
Published: January 2021

We consider the problem of determining a routing in all-optical networks, in which some couples of nodes want to communicate. In particular, we study this problem from the point of view of a network provider that has to design suitable payment functions for non-cooperative agents, corresponding to the couples of nodes wishing to communicate. The network provider aims at inducing stable routings (i.e., routings corresponding to Nash equilibria) using a low number of wavelengths. We consider three different kinds of local knowledge that agents may exploit to compute their payments, leading to three corresponding information levels. Under complete information, the network provider can design a payment function, inducing the agents to reach a Nash equilibrium mirroring any desired routing. If the price to an agent is computed only as a function of the wavelengths used along connecting paths (minimal level) or edges (intermediate level), the most reasonable functions either do not admit Nash equilibria or admit very inefficient ones, i.e., with the largest possible price of anarchy. However, by suitably restricting the network topology, a constant price of anarchy for chains and rings and a logarithmic one for trees can be obtained under the minimal and intermediate levels, respectively.
The Effect of Mineral and Organic Fertilization on Common Osier (Salix viminalis L.) Productivity and Qualitative Parameters of Naturally Acidic Retisol
Authors: Šiaudinis Gintaras , Karčauskienė Danutė , Aleinikovienė Jūratė , Repšienė Regina , Skuodienė Regina
Published: January 2021

One of the potential options for sewage sludge as an alternative organic material is the fertilization of energy crops. To evaluate the effect of granulated sewage sludge and mineral fertilization N60P60K60 on common osier’s (Salix viminalis L.) biomass productivity and soil parameters, field trials were held in Western Lithuania’s naturally acidic Retisol (WB 2014; pHKCl 4.35–4.58). After four years of cultivation and dependent on fertilization type, common osier dry matter (DM) yield varied from 49.60 to 77.92 t ha−1. Higher DM yield was related to an increased number of stems/plants. The application of a 90 t ha−1 sewage sludge rate had a significant and positive impact on common osier productivity, as well as on the increment of soil organic carbon, total N, and mobile P2O5 content in the upper 0–30 cm soil layer. The use of both sewage sludge rates (45 and 90 t ha−1) had a similar impact on soil bulk density, water-stable aggregates, and the active soil microbial biomass. Annual mineral fertilization had little effect on the parameters studied. When growing common osier in Retisol, 45 t ha−1 of a single sewage sludge rate was enough to maintain both plant and soil productivity.
African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV) in Poland in 2019—Wild Boars: Searching Pattern
Authors: Frant Maciej , Gal Anna , Bocian Łukasz , Ziętek-Barszcz Anna , Niemczuk Krzysztof , Woźniakowski Grzegorz
Published: January 2021

African swine fever (ASF) was introduced to Poland in 2014. Despite the implementation of preventive actions focused on the reduction of wild boar populations and the introduction of biosecurity rules in domestic pig farms, the disease has been continuously spreading to new areas. The aim of this paper was to analyze the dynamics of ASFV spread in wild boar populations in Poland and to summarize the 2019 epidemiological situation. Using a logistic regression model, it has been shown that there is a significant correlation between the month, ASF affected area and ASF prevalence among wild boars. According to EU definitions, Part II and Part III zones had a total of 3065 (65.2%) ASF-positive death wild boars. In addition, there were 36 post-accident (road-killed) wild boars (2.6%) and 612 hunted animals (1.5%) in this area. These results showed the importance of passive surveillance and its advantages overactive surveillance in ASF control and prevention. The data indicated a greater chance of a positive result in the winter months (January, February, March) than in reference September, where the ASF prevalence was the lowest. This observation confirms the preliminary theory about the seasonality of the disease in wild boar populations and its connection with winter.
A Novel Semiautomatic Flesh Peeling and Seed Removing Mechanism for Dried Longan
Authors: Li Cheng-Han , Hsu Yu-Ting , Hsieh Chun-Hung , Cheng Ching-Wei
Published: January 2021

Longans, which are produced in tropical countries, are rich in nutrients and high in commercial value. To extend their shelf life, fresh longans are roasted to dry them out. For the convenience of cooking applications, the dried longan pulp is peeled and seeded beforehand. Presently, this is done manually; thus, this research aims to automate this process. A cutting tool with a serrated bending angle is used to cut the dried longan pulp, and then the longan is fixed by a lifting mechanism. The pulp is breached with a cutting tool and this breach is pushed up against a 6 mm hole in the silicone soft plate of the lifting mechanism to separate out the seed by squeezing. Commercially available dried longans are used in this experiment. The cutting surface width of the cutter designed in this study is 20 mm, and the serration bending angle is 30°. This cutter operates at a speed of 29 cm/s on dried longan pulp, attaining a success rate of 85%. The lifting mechanism also presented in this study fixes the dried longan and uses a squeezing motion to separate the flesh from the seed with a silicone soft plate. Here, a lifting speed of 28 mm/s achieves the highest rate of success at peeling, and the success rate of pulp-and-seed separation can reach 86.7%.
Spatial Distribution of Soil Nutrients in Farmland in a Hilly Region of the Pearl River Delta in China Based on Geostatistics and the Inverse Distance Weighting Method
Authors: Wang Rumi , Zou Runyan , Liu Jianmei , Liu Luo , Hu Yueming
Published: January 2021

Soil nutrients are essential factors that reflect farmland quality. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are essential elements for plants, while silicon is considered a “quasi-essential” element. This study investigated the spatial distribution of plant nutrients in soil in a hilly region of the Pearl River Delta in China. A total of 201 soil samples were collected from farmland topsoil (0–20 cm) for the analysis of total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus (AP), available potassium (AK), and available silicon (ASi). The coefficients of variation ranged from 47.88% to 76.91%. The NSRs of TN, AP, AK, and ASi were 0.15, 0. 07, 0.12, and 0.13, respectively. The NSRs varied from 0.02 to 0.20. All variables exhibited weak spatial dependence (R2 < 0.5), except for TN (R2 = 0.701). After comparing the prediction accuracy of the different methods, we used the inverse distance weighting method to analyze the spatial distribution of plant nutrients in soil. The uniform spatial distribution of AK, TN overall showed a trend of increasing from northeast to southwest, and the overall spatial distribution of AP and ASi showed that the northeast was higher than the southwest. This study provides support for the delimitation of basic farmland protection areas, the formulation of land use spatial planning, and the formulation of accurate farmland protection policies.
Effect of Paddy-Upland Rotation System on the Net Greenhouse Gas Balance as the Sum of Methane and Nitrous Oxide Emissions and Soil Carbon Storage: A Case in Western Japan
Authors: Hasukawa Hiroyuki , Inoda Yumi , Toritsuka Satoshi , Sudo Shigeto , Oura Noriko , Sano Tomohito , Shirato Yasuhito , Yanai Junta
Published: January 2021

To investigate the effect of paddy-upland (PU) rotation system on greenhouse gas emissions, methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions were monitored for three years for a PU rotation field (four cultivations (wheat-soybean-rice-rice) over three years) and continuous paddy (CP) field on alluvial soil in western Japan. Soil carbon storage was also calculated using an improved Rothamsted Carbon (RothC) model. The net greenhouse gas balance was finally evaluated as the sum of CO2eq of the CH4, N2O and changes in soil carbon storage. The average CH4 emissions were significantly lower and the average N2O emissions were significantly higher in the PU field than those in the CP field (p < 0.01). On CO2 equivalent basis, CH4 emissions were much higher than N2O emission. In total, the average CO2eq emissions of CH4 plus N2O in the PU field (1.81 Mg CO2 ha−1 year−1) were significantly lower than those in the CP field (7.42 Mg CO2 ha−1 year−1) (p < 0.01). The RothC model revealed that the changes in soil carbon storage corresponded to CO2eq emissions of 0.57 and 0.09 Mg CO2 ha−1 year−1 in the both fields, respectively. Consequently, the net greenhouse gas balance in the PU and CP fields were estimated to be 2.38 and 7.51 Mg CO2 ha−1 year−1, respectively, suggesting a 68% reduction in the PU system. In conclusion, PU rotation system can be regarded as one type of the climate-smart soil management.
Stacking Resistance Genes in Multiparental Interspecific Potato Hybrids to Anticipate Late Blight Outbreaks
Authors: Rogozina Elena V. , Beketova Mariya P. , Muratova Oksana A. , Kuznetsova Mariya A. , Khavkin Emil E.
Published: January 2021

Stacking (pyramiding) several resistance genes of diverse race specificity in one and the same plant by hybridization provides for high and durable resistance to major diseases, such as potato late blight (LB), especially when breeders combine highly efficient genes for broad-spectrum resistance that are novel to the intruding pathogens. Our collection of potato hybrids manifesting long-lasting LB resistance comprises, as a whole, the germplasm of 26 or 22 Solanum species (as treated by Bukasov and Hawkes, respectively), with up to 8–9 species listed in the pedigree of an individual hybrid. This collection was screened with the markers of ten genes for race-specific resistance to Phytophthora infestans (Rpi genes) initially identified in S. demissum (R1, R2, R3a, R3b, and R8), S. bulbocastanum/S. stoloniferum (Rpi-blb1/ Rpi-sto1, Rpi-blb2, Rpi-blb3) and S. venturii (Rpi-vnt1). The hybrids comprised the markers for up to four-six Rpi genes per plant, and the number of markers was significantly related to LB resistance. Nevertheless, a considerable portion of resistance apparently depended on presently insufficiently characterized resistance genes. Bred from these multiparental hybrids, the advanced lines with the stacks of broad-specificity Rpi genes will help anticipate LB outbreaks caused by rapid pathogen evolution and the arrival of new pathogen strains.
Selection of New Late-Season Mandarin Cultivars Based on Sensory Changes and Consumer Acceptance after Fruit Cold Storage
Authors: Tarancón Paula , Giménez-Sanchis Adrián , Aleza Pablo , Besada Cristina
Published: January 2021

Late-season mandarins are normally cold-stored to prolong the commercial season. Thus, it is necessary to investigate poststorage consumer acceptance to predict the potential success of new late-season mandarin varieties on the market. The aim of the present work was to evaluate consumer response to three new late-season cultivars preselected in the IVIA breeding programme (Omet, Matiz and Tri-703) after different cold storage periods. The three new cultivars were compared to commercial cultivars Orri, Nadorcott and Ortanique, all of which are widely available in stores. A multidisciplinary approach was used to determine the main changes during storage at 1 °C for up to one month: (1) analysis of physico-chemical parameters; (2) description of the sensory profile by semitrained assessors by the Free Choice Profile technique; (3) evaluation of consumer acceptability and purchase intention. Our results showed that the sensory changes that fruit underwent during storage depended on the variety; these changes allowed us to understand why consumer preferences varied during storage. Of the three new cultivars, two (Omet and Tri-703) showed the greatest potential for success. However, while Tri-703 can be stored for one month, Omet should not be stored longer than 15 days due to its susceptibility to manifest skin damage during storage. Of the commercial cultivars, internal Orri quality was keenly appreciated by consumers, while Ortanique was considered the most attractive variety. The multidisciplinary approach followed in this study proved to be a potent tool for selecting varieties that should be implemented in selection processes of breeding programmes.
Process Optimization for Ultrasound-Assisted Starch Production from Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Setyaningsih Widiastuti , Karmila  , Fathimah Rohmah Nur , Cahyanto Muhammad Nur
Published: January 2021

Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) has been optimized to improve the current cassava starch production by conventional maceration for the extraction method. Evaluation of several extraction parameters disclosed significant effects (p < 0.05) by three studied factors (ultrasound power, x1; pulse duty-cycle, x2; and solvent to sample ratio, x3). Subsequently, a Box-Behnken design (BBD) in conjunction with response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to optimise the three factors at three levels: x1 (30, 60, 90%), x2 (0.3, 0.6, 0.9 s−1), and x3 (10:1, 20:1, 30:1). The model built for the RSM was validated through the coefficient of determination (R2 > 0.95), prediction error (2.12%), and lack-of-fit (0.71) values. The model validation suggested that the RSM was adequate for the observed data at the 95.0% confidence level. The optimum yield of cassava starch extraction was achieved by applying 90% for ultrasound power, pulse duty-cycle of 1.0 s−1, and solvent to sample ratio of 30:1 with 10 min extraction time. Finally, the UAE produced starch with a purity of 88.36% and a lower viscosity than the commercial sample due to the granules’ size alteration. Hence, apart from speeding up the extraction process, UAE was worthwhile for the starch modification that could maintain the viscosity at a lower value (1920 cP) than the commercial starch (1996 cP) at the highest studied temperature treatment of 70 °C.
Forage Potential of Cereal/Legume Intercrops: Agronomic Performances, Yield, Quality Forage and LER in Two Harvesting Times in a Mediterranean Environment
Authors: Bacchi Monica , Monti Michele , Calvi Antonio , Lo Presti Emilio , Pellicanò Antonio , Preiti Giovanni
Published: January 2021

The crop yield and quality of seven annual forages (four grasses and three legumes) in sole crop and in mixtures (ratio 50:50) for oat (Avena sativa L.), Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.), triticale (x Triticosecale Wittmack), barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), pea (Pisum sativum L.), berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) and common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) were evaluated in a two-year field experiment adopting two harvesting times, green fodder and silage. The main bio-agronomic traits, dry matter forage yield (DMY) and quantity of crude protein (CP) were determined in both sole crop and intercrop. The land equivalent ratio (LER) was used for evaluating biological efficiency and competitive ability of the intercrops. Our results showed that the total calculated LER for fodder and protein yields was always greater than one and corresponded to crop yield advantages of 16.0% and 11.5%, respectively. Our data also highlighted the low competitive ability of the ryegrass in intercrop, which achieved the lowest yield among all the mixtures. Conversely, the same grass showed the best green fodder quality, due to the high incidence of the legume, equal (on average) to 46%. Triticale and barley, harvested for silage (hard dough stage), provided the best quantitative and qualitative results both in sole crop and intercropped with common vetch and pea, determined mainly by the cereal grain.
Genome Wide Identification and Analysis of the R2R3-MYB Transcription Factor Gene Family in the Mangrove Avicennia marina
Authors: Pradhan Seema , Shyamli P Sushree , Suranjika Sandhya , Parida Ajay
Published: January 2021

Drought and salinity stress have become the major factors for crop yield loss in recent years. Drastically changing climatic conditions will only add to the adverse effects of such abiotic stresses in the future. Hence, it is necessary to conduct extensive research to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that regulate plants’ response to abiotic stress. Halophytes are plants that can grow in conditions of high salinity and are naturally resistant to a number of abiotic stresses. Avicennia marina is one such halophyte, which grows in tropical regions of the world in areas of high salinity. In this study, we have analysed the role of R2R3-MYB transcription factor gene family in response abiotic stress, as a number of transcription factors have been reported to have a definite role in stress manifestation. We identified 185 R2R3 MYB genes at genome-wide level in A. marina and classified them based on the presence of conserved motifs in the protein sequences. Cis-regulatory elements (CREs) present in the promoter region of these genes were analysed to identify stress responsive elements. Comparative homology with genes from other plants provided an insight into the evolutionary changes in the A. marinaR2R3 MYB genes. In silico expression analysis revealed 34 AmR2R3 MYB genes that were differentially regulated in the leaves and root tissue of A. marina subjected to drought and salinity stress. This study is the first report of the R2R3 MYB gene family in the A. marina genome and will help in selecting candidates for further functional characterisation.
Assessment of the Possibilities of Using Cross-Linked Polyacrylamide (Agro Hydrogel) and Preparations with Biostimulation in Building the Quality Potential of Newly Planted Apple Trees
Authors: Kapłan Magdalena , Lenart Agnieszka , Klimek Kamila , Borowy Andrzej , Wrona Dariusz , Lipa Tomasz
Published: January 2021

The research was carried out in a commercial apple orchard in southeastern Poland. The aim of the research was to evaluate the effect of fertilizer with biostimulation and humic acids with algae extracts and agrogel on the reception and growth of newly planted maiden apple trees of the ‘Gala Must’ variety. One-year-old budwoods were planted annually on the site where fruit trees had grown for 20 years. For the purpose of the experiment, old trees were grubbed up every year in autumn. The experiment assessed the growth and quality of apple trees in the fall of the first year after planting them permanently using a biostimulator in the form of fertilizer and agrogel. On the basis of 3-year studies, it was shown that the application of the assessed preparations had a positive effect on the quality parameters of the trees. The experiment showed the positive effect of the preparation with biostimulation on the best growth and quality parameters every year, which was confirmed by the multidimensional cluster analysis. The fact that the use of agrogel significantly modified the height of the evaluated apple trees in the second year of the study, when lower amounts of rainfall were recorded, is particularly noteworthy.
Effects of Leachate Fertigation and the Addition of Hydrogen Peroxide on Growth and Nutrient Balance in Dracaena deremensis Potted Plants
Authors: García-Caparrós Pedro , Velasquez Espino Cristina , Lao María Teresa
Published: January 2021

The reuse of drainages for cultivating more salt tolerant crops can be a useful tool especially in arid regions, where there are severe problems for crops water management. Dracaena deremensis L. plants were cultured in pots with sphagnum peat-moss and were subjected to three fertigation treatments for 8 weeks: control treatment or standard nutrient solution (D0), raw leachates from Chrysalidocarpus lutescens H. Wendl plants (DL) and the same leachate blending with H2O2 (1.2 M) at 1% (v/v) (DL + H2O2). After harvesting, ornamental and biomass parameters, leaf and root proline and total soluble sugar concentration and nutrient balance were assessed in each fertigation treatment. Plant height, leaf and total dry weight had the highest values in plants fertigated with leachates with H2O2, whereas root length, leaf number, RGB values and pigment concentration declined significantly in plants fertigated with leachates from C. lutescens with or without H2O2. The fertigation with leachates, regardless of the presence or absence of H2O2 increased root and leaf proline concentration. Nevertheless, root and leaf total soluble sugar concentration did not show a clear trend under the treatments assessed. Regarding nutrient balance, the addition of H2O2 in the leachate resulted in an increase in plant nutrient uptake and efficiency compared to the control treatment. The fertigation with leachates with or without H2O2 increased nitrogen and potassium leached per plant compared to plants fertigated with the standard nutrient solution. The reuse of drainages is a viable option to produce ornamental plants reducing the problematic associated with the water consumption and the release of nutrients into the environment.
Soil Texture Alters the Impact of Salinity on Carbon Mineralization
Authors: She Ruihuan , Yu Yongxiang , Ge Chaorong , Yao Huaiying
Published: January 2021

Soil salinization typically inhibits the ability of decomposer organisms to utilize soil organic matter, and an increase in soil clay content can mediate the negative effect of salinity on carbon (C) mineralization. However, the interactive effects of soil salt concentrations and properties on C mineralization remain uncertain. In this study, a laboratory experiment was performed to investigate the interactive effects of soil salt content (0.1%, 0.3%, 0.6% and 1.0%) and texture (sandy loam, sandy clay loam and silty clay soil with 6.0%, 23.9% and 40.6% clay content, respectively) on C mineralization and microbial community composition after cotton straw addition. With increasing soil salinity, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the three soils decreased, but the effect of soil salinity on the decomposition of soil organic carbon varied with soil texture. Cumulative CO2 emissions in the coarse-textured (sandy loam and sandy clay loam) soils were more affected by salinity than those in the fine-textured (silty clay) soil. This difference was probably due to the differing responses of labile and resistant organic compounds to salinity across different soil texture. Increased salinity decreased the decomposition of the stable C pool in the coarse-textured soil, by reducing the proportion of fungi to bacteria, whereas it decreased the mineralization of the active C pool in the fine-textured soil through decreasing the Gram-positive bacterial population. Overall, our results suggest that soil texture controlled the negative effect of salinity on C mineralization through regulating the soil microbial community composition.
Effects of Soybean Isoflavone and Astragalus Polysaccharide Mixture on Colostrum Components, Serum Antioxidant, Immune and Hormone Levels of Lactating Sows
Authors: Wu Hongzhi , Yang Ji , Wang Sibo , Zhang Xin , Hou Jinwang , Xu Fei , Wang Zhilong , Xu Li , Diao Xinping
Published: January 2021

The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of soybean isoflavone (SI) and astragalus polysaccharide (APS) mixture on the colostrum components, serum antioxidant, immune and hormone levels of lactating sows. A total of 72 healthy Yorkshire × Landrace lactating sows, were randomly divided into four treatments with six replicates and three lactating sows for each replicate. The control group was fed the basal diet, while the experimental groups were fed the basal diet with 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg SI and APS mixture in the form of powder, respectively. Compared with the control group, (a) the total lactation yield of the 200 mg/kg group was significantly higher (p < 0.05) at 21 days, (b) there was no significant difference in colostrum composition, (c) TG, CHO and MDA content in each treatment group were significantly decreased (p < 0.05), (d) IgA, GH, IGF-1, TNF-α and SOD contents in the 200 mg/kg group were significantly increased (p < 0.05). The SI and APS mixture could improve the average daily feed intake, lactation yield, serum antioxidant activities, immune function, and hormone levels of lactating sows, and the optimum dosage in this study was 200 mg/kg.
Preliminary Investigation on the Ameliorative Role Exerted by D-Aspartic Acid in Counteracting Ethane Dimethane Sulfonate (EDS) Toxicity in the Rat Testis
Authors: Venditti Massimo , Romano Maria Zelinda , Aniello Francesco , Minucci Sergio
Published: January 2021

Herein is reported the first evidence of the protective role of D-aspartic acid (D-Asp) in preventing the toxic effect exerted by the alkylating agent ethane dimethane sulfonate (EDS) in the rat testis. We confirmed that EDS treatment specifically destroyed Leydig cells (LC), resulting in the drastic decrease of the serum testosterone level and producing morphological changes in the germinal tubules, i.e., altered organization of the epithelium, loss of cell contacts and the consequent presence of empty spaces between them, and a reduce number of spermatozoa. Moreover, an increase of TUNEL-positive germ cells, other than alteration in the protein level and localization of two LC “markers”, StAR and PREP, were observed. Interestingly, results obtained from rats pre-treated with D-Asp for 15 days before EDS-injection showed that all the considered parameters were quite normal. To explore the probable mechanism(s) involved in the protection exerted by D-Asp, we considered the increased oxidative stress induced by EDS and the D-Asp antioxidant effects. Thiobarbiturc acid-reactive species (TBARS) levels increased following EDS-injection, while no change was observed in the D-Asp + EDS treated rats. Our results showed that D-Asp may be used as a strategy to mitigate the toxic effects exerted by environmental pollutants, as endocrine disrupters, in order to preserve the reproductive function.
Dietary l-carnitine Supplementation Modifies the Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Phase Reaction in Dairy Cows
Authors: Meyer Jennifer , Kononov Susanne Ursula , Grindler Sandra , Tröscher-Mußotter Johanna , Alaedin Mohamad Taher , Frahm Jana , Hüther Liane , Kluess Jeannette , Kersten Susanne , von Soosten Dirk , Meyer Ulrich , Most Erika , Eder Klaus , Sauerwein Helga , Seifert Jana , Huber Korinna , Wegerich Anja , Rehage Jürgen , Dänicke Sven
Published: January 2021

l-carnitine plays an important role in energy metabolism through supporting the transport of activated fatty acids to the subcellular site of β-oxidation. An acute phase reaction (APR) is known as an energy consuming process. Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are often used in animal models to study intervention measures during innate immune responses such as APR. Thus, the aim of the study was to investigate the effects of dietary l-carnitine supplementation during an LPS-induced APR in mid-lactating German Holstein cows. Animals were assigned to a control (CON, n = 26) or l-carnitine group (CAR, n = 27, 25 g rumen-protected l-carnitine/cow/d) and received an intravenous injection of LPS (0.5 μg/kg body weight) at day 111 post-partum. Blood samples were collected from day 1 pre-injection until day 14 post-injection (pi). From 0.5 h pi until 72 h pi blood samplings and clinical examinations were performed in short intervals. Clinical signs of the APR were not altered in group CAR except rumen motility which increased at a lower level compared to the CON group after a period of atonia. Group CAR maintained a higher insulin level compared to group CON even up to 72 h pi which might support glucose utilization following an APR.
Erratum: Hötzel, M.J.; et al. On the Road to End Pig Pain: Knowledge and Attitudes of Brazilian Citizens Regarding Castration. Animals 2020, 10, 1826
Authors: Hötzel Maria José , Yunes Maria Cristina , Vandresen Bianca , Albernaz-Gonçalves Rita , Woodroffe Raphaela E.
Published: January 2021

The authors wish to make the following corrections to this paper [...]
Molecular Identification and mRNA Expression Profiles of Galectin-9 Gene in Red Sea Bream (Pagrus major) Infected with Pathogens
Authors: Choi Kwang-Min , Joo Min-Soo , Cho Dong-Hee , Woo Won-Sik , Kang Gyoungsik , Heo Min Jin , Kim Do-Hyung , Park Chan-Il
Published: January 2021

Galectin (Gal) is a member of a family of β-galactoside-binding lectin. The members of this family play important roles in the recognition of carbohydrate ligands and in various other biological processes. In this study, we identified the gene encoding Gal-9 in Pagrus major (PmGal-9) and analyzed its expression in various tissues after pathogen challenge. Alignment analysis revealed that the two galactose-binding lectin domains of the deduced protein were highly conserved among all the teleosts. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that PmGal-9 is most closely related to the Gal-9 gene of gilthead sea bream. PmGal-9 was ubiquitously expressed in all tissues analyzed but was predominantly expressed in the spleen, head kidney, and intestine. After challenges with major microbial pathogens (Edwardsiella piscicida, Streptococcus iniae, or red sea bream iridovirus) of red sea bream, PmGal-9 mRNA expression was significantly regulated in most immune-related tissues. These results suggested that PmGal-9 not only plays an important role in the immune system of red sea bream but is also a possible inflammatory marker for pathogenic diseases.
Mate Choice in Double-Breeding Female Great Tits (Parus Major): Good Males or Compatible Males
Authors: Fan Qianxi , E Mingju , Wei Yusheng , Sun Wei , Wang Haitao
Published: January 2021

Producing two broods within the same season may be a good strategy by which short-lived species can maximize reproductive success. To produce two clutches in the same breeding season and to ensure offspring quality, choosing a good mate is important for females. Previous studies on double breeding focused on the associated influencing factors, and few studies examined how females choose social mates. Good genes and genetic compatibility are the two main hypotheses of the genetic benefit that females obtain from choosing mates. Uncovering the method used in mate choice for genetic benefits adopted by double-breeding females would provide a better understanding of the life history and rules of female choice. The great tit is an optionally double-breeding species in temperate-latitude populations. Here, we used a dataset for a Chinese population monitored between 2014 and 2016 to test two hypotheses on double-breeding female mate choice. A total of 30.1% of the breeding pairs initiated second breeding attempts, always remating with the same mate. The date of the first egg of the first brood did not affect initiation of a second brood, and female individual heterozygosity slightly influenced initiation of a second breeding. Female great tits choose males with both compatible genes and good genes in double-breeding mating. Double-breeding females prefer males with large breast stripes, high heterozygosity, and lower relatedness, while tarsus length, repertoire size, and individual F are not the main factors considered by females when selecting males for double breeding. The number of offspring of the first clutch did not affect the pairing status of male great tits in double breeding. The genetic quality of offspring from double-breeding pairs was higher than that of those from single-breeding pairs (higher heterozygosity and lower individual F). Taken together, our results showed that double breeding female great tits adopt multiple methods for genetic benefits to choose mates.
Effect of Dietary L-Methionine Supplementation on Growth Performance, Carcass Traits, and Plasma Parameters of Starter Pekin Ducks at Different Dietary Energy Levels
Authors: Wu Yongbao , Tang Jing , Cao Junting , Zhang Bo , Chen Ying , Xie Ming , Zhou Zhengkui , Hou Shuisheng
Published: January 2021

A 2 × 6 factorial experiment was conducted to determine the influences of dietary metabolizable energy (ME) and methionine (Met) levels on growth performance, carcass traits, and plasma biochemical parameters of starter Pekin ducks from 1 to 21 days of age. A total of 600 one-day-old male Pekin ducklings were randomly assigned to 12 groups (six replicates each group and eight ducks per replicate) in a 2 × 6 two-factor arrangement. The basal Met levels of two basal diets (11.54 and 12.52 MJ/kg ME) were 0.31 and 0.29%, respectively. The crystalline L-Met was supplemented to yield six diets according to different supplemental levels (0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, and 0.25%). The results showed that the body weight (BW) and average daily weight gain (ADG) were increased (p < 0.05) with increasing dietary Met levels. Dietary ME levels changed from 11.54 to 12.52 MJ/kg increased the BW and ADG (p < 0.05) as well as decreased the average daily feed intake and feed to gain ratio (p < 0.05). As the dietary Met level increased, leg muscle yield increased (p < 0.05). Conversely, increasing the dietary ME level decreased the leg muscle yield (p = 0.0024) and increased abdominal fat (p < 0.001). Meanwhile, the concentrations of total cholesterol (TCHO), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) in plasma were decreased (p < 0.05) when the ME levels of diets changed from 11.54 to 12.52 MJ/kg. Meanwhile, the plasma TCHO and HDLC concentrations decreased (p < 0.05) as dietary Met levels increased. Based on the linear-broken line model, the dietary Met requirement of starter Pekin ducks from 1 to 21 days of age for optimal ADG were 0.362% (0.052% supplemental L-Met) at 11.54 MJ ME/kg and 0.468% (0.178% supplemental L-Met) at 12.52 MJ ME/kg, respectively, when crystal L-Met was supplemented to formulate the diets. This suggested that the Met requirement of starter Pekin ducks was affected by dietary ME levels. The data potentially provide theoretical support for the utilization of crystalline L-Met in duck production.
Effects of Deoxynivalenol-Contaminated Diets on Metabolic and Immunological Parameters in Broiler Chickens
Authors: Riahi Insaf , Marquis Virginie , Pérez-Vendrell Anna Maria , Brufau Joaquim , Esteve-Garcia Enric , Ramos Antonio J.
Published: January 2021

The current study was conducted to examine the effects of deoxynivalenol (DON) at different levels (5 and 15 mg/kg feed) on the metabolism, immune response and welfare parameters of male broiler chickens (Ross 308) at 42 days old. Forty-five 1 day-old broiler chickens were randomly distributed into three different dietary treatments: (1) control, (2) DON-contaminated diet with 5 mg DON/kg of feed (guidance level), and (3) DON-contaminated diet with 15 mg DON/kg of feed. Five replicated cages with three birds each were used for each treatment in a randomized complete block design. The results showed that DON was detected in excreta of birds fed contaminated diets compared with controls. The metabolite DON-3 sulphate (DON-3S) was detected in plasma and excreta in both treated groups, as well as in the liver (but only at 15 mg/kg feed). The increase in the level of DON decreased the hemoglobin concentration (p < 0.001), whereas the erythrocyte counts were only decreased at 15 mg DON/kg feed. No effect of DON on the responses to common vaccines was observed. In plasma, interleukin 8 levels in both contaminated groups were significantly higher than in the control group. The expression of interleukin 6, interleukin 1β and interferon-γ increased in jejunum tissues of broilers fed 5 mg/kg of DON compared with controls. The stress index (heterophil to lymphocyte ratio) was not affected by DON-contaminated diets compared with controls. The plasma corticosterone level was significantly lower in both DON groups compared with controls. In conclusion, DON-3S could be used as a specific biomarker of DON in different biological matrices, while the immune response in broiler chickens is stimulated by the presence of DON at the guidance level, but no adverse effect was observed on physiological stress parameters.