bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oxidants and Antioxidants Synergistically Activate Immuno-Responses During Tumorgenesis
Authors: Yuan Kui , Liu Weilu , Guo Wen , Zhang Lili , Liu Yawei , Zhao Ming
Published: June 2022

The human immune system possesses powerful surveillance functions to find and eliminate tumor cells. Several steps are involved, such as uptake and presentation of tumor antigens by dendritic cells (DCs) in order to activate T cells, trafficking and infiltration of the tumor with T cells and, finally, recognition and killing of tumor cells. Tumor cells release a number of soluble mediators that may disrupt these steps, thereby creating tolerance or immune escape. We previously published data on a rat animal model showing 1, 2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) to inhibit DCs activation and enhance T regulatory cells (Treg) expression, ultimately inducing colon carcinogenesis. By feeding rats with mustard seeds (MS), the animals’ immune system shifted from a Th2 to a Th1 pattern, Tregs were inhibited and DCs activation enhanced. In the present study, we tried to isolate the functional fractions of MS and, to our surprise, we found that the oxidant and antioxidant fractions of MS showed synergistic effect on the activation of DCs and CD8+ effector T cells. Neither of the fractions alone, however, had any inhibitory effect on DMH-induced colon carcinogenesis. Differently from the antioxidant fraction, the oxidant fraction activated DCs (CD11c+CD80+, CD11c+CD86+), but not the CD8+ effector T cells. By adding Vitamin E, an acknowledged antioxidant, the oxidant fraction then became able to activate both spleenic DCs and effector T cells (CD8+CD28+). Taken together, these data suggest that the MS oxidant fraction might play an important role in activation of DCs, while also showing that oxidative signals may induce depletion of effector T cells. Addition of the antioxidant MS fraction, or Vitamin E, might restore the survival of effector T cells and eventually help eradicate tumor cells. Thus, MS oxidants, which normally are regarded as having negative effects, may actually function synergistically with antioxidants to prevent chemical-induced carcinogenesis. Keywords: Oxidants; Antioxidants; Immuno-responses; Mustard seeds; Colorectal cancer; Chemoprevention; T cells; Dendritic cells Abbreviations: AITC: Allyl Isothiocyanate; APCs: Antigen-Presenting Cells; CTLs: Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes; DCs: Dendritic Cells; DMH: 1, 2-Dimethylhydrazine; EGCG: Epigallocatechin Gallate; LPO: Lipid Peroxides ; MDA: Malondialdehyde; MHC: Major Histocompatibility Complex; MS: Mustard Seeds; MSE1: Ether Extract of Mustard Seeds; MSE2: Ethanolic Extract of Mustard Seeds; PBS: Phosphate-Buffered Saline; RBC: Red Blood Cell; ROS: Reactive Oxygen Species; TCRs: T Cell Receptors; Treg : T Regulatory Cells; VitE : Vitamin E
Comparison of the Effects of Cucurbitaceae Seeds Oils and Refined Palm Oil in the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease Risk
Authors: Ouattara Howele , Albert Atsamo Donatien , Ouattara Bazoumana , Kone Vazoumana , Kati Coulibaly Seraphin
Published: June 2022

Palm oil, the most oil consumed in the world, because of its high saturated fatty acid content, is nowadays recognized to enhance Cardiovascular disease risk (CVD). In this study, we sought to propose Cucurbitaceae seeds oils (CSO) as reducing CVD risk and a good source of income. Then, physicochemical parameters, composition and nutritional value of Citrullus lanatus seeds oil (HCL), Lagenaria siceraria seeds oil (HLS), Cucumeropsis mannii seeds oil (HCM) were compared to that of Refined palm oil (RPO) and among them. Four diets, conformed to that proposed by AIN-93G but differing to the oil, were formulated by using one of the CSO extracted or RPO. These diets served to feed four homogeneous groups of young rats (six per group) during 45 days. Diets consumption and efficacy were evaluated. Blood sample, collected at the end of the experimentation, were used to measure out heamatological parameters, glyceamia, urea, creatinine, lipids parameters, Aspartate Aminotransferase, Alanine Aminine Transferase, sodium and calicium. Peroxide index and specific gravity were in accordance to the norm. Free fatty acid content of RPO and HLS were in the norm but acid values of the fourth oils were lower than the safe limit for consumption. Grading of most unsaturated fatty acid content was HCL, HCM, RPO and HLS respectively. Plasma parameters, organ weight and the coefficients calculated were not different (p > 0.05) to each other, but according to atherogenicity index, the grading of high inducing cardiovascular disease was HCM, RPO, HCL and HLS respectively. Without no technological treatment CSO compete with RPO. There are possibility that refined CSO reduced CDV than RPO. Keywords: Citrullus lanatus seeds oil ; Refined palm oil ; Physicochemical parameters ; Composition ; Nutritional value ; Cardiovascular disease risk; Rat Abbreviations CVD: Cardiovascular Disease Risk ; CSO: Cucurbitaceae Seeds Oils; RPO: Refined Palm Oil; HDI: Refined palm oil « Dinor »; HLS: Lagenaria siceraria seeds oil ; HCL: Citrullus lanatus seeds oil; HCM: Cucumeropsis mannii seeds oil; RHDI: Diet in which oil used is refined palm oil; RHCL: Diet in which oil used is Citrulus lanatus oil; RHLS: Diet in which oil used is Lagenaria siceraria oil; RHCM: Diet in which oil used is Cucumeropsis mannii oil; RHDI: Diet in which oil used is refined palm oil; RHCL: Diet in which oil used is Citrulus lanatus oil; RHLS: Diet in which oil used is Lagenaria siceraria oil; RHCM: Diet in which oil used is Cucumeropsis mannii oil; ASAT: Aspartate Aminotransferase; ALAT: Alanine Aminine Transferase
Sodium Levels in Pre-packaged Foods and Beverages Sold in Jamaica: A Label Analysis
Authors: Hall Prudence , Kerr Kevon , Gray Brown Annalee , Soares-Wynter Suzanne
Published: June 2022

Background: High salt intake is the main dietary risk factor for hypertension, one of the five leading causes of death, among Jamaicans. A large share of available pre-packaged products are ultra-processed, containing sodium well in excess of recommended healthy thresholds. Policymakers are advocating for reformulations and devising public education strategies to reduce sodium content which requires an understanding of the amount and variety of sodium compounds being used in products. Procedures: This study describes the sodium content of 5,008 pre-packaged products using food label analysis. Products were divided into 15 foods and 4 beverage categories. Descriptive statistics were used to present sodium data. Additionally, a keyword search for the terms “salt” and “sodium” was done to identify the type and variety of sodium-containing ingredients in each product. Findings: Approximately, 44% of products were high in sodium. In addition to salt (sodium chloride), other sources of sodium included 27 sodiumcontaining chemical additives identified from the ingredient listing. Ready-to-heat/eat foods, animal meat products, dry spices, seasoning, spreads and sauces contained the most sodium per serving. There was high variability in mean sodium levels within and across food and beverage categories. Conclusions: Overall, a large share of pre-packaged products in Jamaica are ultra-processed emphasizing the urgency for product reformulations and policies towards healthier levels of sodium. Keywords: Sodium; Food label; Blood pressure; Hypertension; Packaged foods; Beverages; Jamaica; Sodium reduction; Reformulation; Food policy
Characterization of naked mole‐rat hematopoiesis reveals unique stem and progenitor cell patterns and neotenic traits
Authors: Emmrich Stephan , Trapp Alexandre , Tolibzoda Zakusilo Frances , Straight Maggie E , Ying Albert K , Tyshkovskiy Alexander , Mariotti Marco , Gray Spencer , Zhang Zhihui , Drage Michael G , Takasugi Masaki , Klusmann Jan‐Henning , Gladyshev Vadim N , Seluanov Andrei , Gorbunova Vera
Published: June 2022

Naked mole rats (NMRs) are the longest‐lived rodents yet their stem cell characteristics remain enigmatic. Here, we comprehensively mapped the NMR hematopoietic landscape and identified unique features likely contributing to longevity. Adult NMRs form red blood cells in spleen and marrow, which comprise a myeloid bias toward granulopoiesis together with decreased B‐lymphopoiesis. Remarkably, youthful blood and marrow single‐cell transcriptomes and cell compositions are largely maintained until at least middle age. Similar to primates, the primitive stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) compartment is marked by CD34 and THY1. Stem cell polarity is seen for Tubulin but not CDC42, and is not lost until 12 years of age. HSPC respiration rates are as low as in purified human stem cells, in concert with a strong expression signature for fatty acid metabolism. The pool of quiescent stem cells is higher than in mice, and the cell cycle of hematopoietic cells is prolonged. By characterizing the NMR hematopoietic landscape, we identified resilience phenotypes such as an increased quiescent HSPC compartment, absence of age‐related decline, and neotenic traits likely geared toward longevity.
Igualdad de oportunidades y justicia distributiva: Un análisis de los planes de gobierno de los principales candidatos participantes en el proceso electoral costarricense en el año 2018 desde la filosofía política de John Rawls
Authors: Aguilar Ramírez Esteban
Published: June 2022

El presente artículo pretende analizar, desde las ideas de igualdad de oportunidades y justicia distributiva presentes en la filosofía política de John Rawls, la manera en que los partidos políticos más votados en las elecciones del año 2018 abordaron el problema de la crisis económica y fiscal en sus planes de gobierno, en términos de una resolución justa para todas las personas habitantes del país. Por ese motivo nos enfocaremos en los segmentos de los planes de gobierno que hagan referencia a temas como el desempleo, la educación o la salud pública (vitales dentro de la idea de la igualdad de oportunidades), así como aquellos que hagan referencia a la reforma fiscal, el sistema tributario y la distribución de la riqueza (justicia distributiva). Teniendo claro que dentro de la teoría rawlsiana la justicia distributiva es imprescindible para garantizar la justa igualdad de oportunidades.
Reseña histórica después de veinticinco años de experiencia en el trabajo de asistencia veterinaria en comunidades indígenas de Costa Rica: una mirada hacia el pasado y una proyección hacia el presente
Authors: Villalobos Solís María José , Rodríguez Barahona Julia V.
Published: June 2022

Since 1994, the School of Veterinary Medicine (EMV) of the National University (UNA) has participated in numerous extension activities in indigenous communities. Initially, two groups were created to attend to the veterinary needs in these areas. However, in 2009, both groups came together to obtain a more complementary action. In the first period (1994-2009), communities were visited, providing castration services and ovariohysterectomies combined with deworming services (external and internal), application of vitamins, and more specific treatments. The communities have been visited an average of two (Dr. Carlos Calleja Grau) to six times a year (Dr. Julio Murillo Barrantes), with an interval of 2 to 4 days, and approximately 300 animals were attended annually. In the second period (2009-2019), costs were reduced. Because of the working conditions and in attention to the current animal welfare laws and the requirements of the College of Veterinarians, surgical procedures were reduced and focused on prophylactic medicine. This also favored the increase in the frequency of tours (an average of 12-15 per year), with a duration of 1-3 days and 1000 animals attended per year. However, in both situations, for the 25 years of the project’s work, the increasing need to preserve adequate animal health in these compromised areas and the fundamental role of professionals in public health to solve zoonotic or enzootic diseases have been recognized.
Record of melanism in Tamandua tetradactyla (Pilosa: Myrmecophagidae) in Perú
Authors: Portillo Alejandro , Sibille Stefanía , Panaifo Nadia
Published: June 2022

A case of melanism in Tamandua tetradactyla (Myrmecophagidae) is recorded, based on an individual observed in the Huánuco Department, Peru. Two previous records are found in the iNaturalist database. With this record, the number of melanistic mammal species in Peru increases to four. It should be noted that cases of melanism in this species have already been reported in the Neotropics.
In vitro bioprospecting of rhizospheric fungi associated to cactus (Opuntia cochenillifera) to plant growth promotion
Authors: Silva João Manoel da , Silva Paula Cibelly Vilela da , Dalbon Viviane Araújo , Massahud Regla Toujaguez la Rosa , Santos Tania Marta Carvalho dos , Lima Gaus Silvestre de Andrade
Published: June 2022

This study aimed to evaluate in vitro the plant growth promotion capacity of rhizospheric fungi from Opuntia cochenillifera. The isolates were submitted to phosphate solubilization, acetic acid-3-indole (AIA) production, antagonism against phytopathogens, and growth under water activity. All test results were subjected to statistical analysis. The studied isolates were able to solubilize phosphate, being F04 (Aspergillus sp.) and F05 (Coprinellus radians) the ones that presented the highest solubilization indices. As to produce AIA, F02 (Penicillium sp.) and F07 (Aspergillus sp.) were the most promising. All isolates could inhibit the growth of Colletotrichum sp. and Fusarium sp. Water restriction provided mycelial growth for all isolates. Therefore, these characteristics confer characteristics as growth promoters in plants.
Intravenous sodium ferric gluconate complex for pediatric inpatients with iron deficiency anemia or after acute blood loss
Authors: Hassan Nabil , Reischman Diann , Lyon Jessica , Jacobs Carissa , Sterken David , Boville Brian
Published: June 2022

Background: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a frequent finding in hospitalized pediatric patients. Sodium ferric gluconate complex (SFGC) has been in use at our institution for rapid replenishment of iron in patients unable to take or tolerate oral iron. Objective: Evaluate efficacy of SFGC, and incidence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Methods: Retrospective review of SFGC infusions in hospitalized patients <18 years with IDA, or after acute blood loss between January 1st 2008 and April 20th 2015. Results: Sixty-five inpatients received 1586 infusions in 738 courses of daily 1-3 mg/kg infusions followed by laboratory tests within 2-4 days. Mean number of infusions per course was 2.06±1.08, mean dose per course 4.6±3.1 mg/kg, and mean age was 8.43±6.64 years. 18.4% of the courses were administered to infants, and 24.4% to children 1-<7 years. The largest patient diagnoses group was gastrointestinal diseases (175 of 738, 23.7%), of those 64.6% (113) were inflammatory bowel disease. Comparing pre to post infusion values, there were significant increases in iron saturation, ferritin, reticulocyte count, and hemoglobin in all diagnoses and age groups. 85.8% of the courses were accompanied by erythropoietin injections. Those who received erythropoietin had higher reticulocyte count and lower ferritin levels compared to those who did not receive it (59.16±70.75 vs. 8.32±75.11, p=.005 and 81.61±179.01 vs. 134.84±117.87, p=.027 respectively). Two patients had transient hypotension but completed the infusions. Conclusion: SFGC infusions rapidly improved iron studies, and induced hematopoiesis in all age and diagnoses groups, and without significant ADRs. Safety in neonates needs further examination.
Food Insecurity and Childhood Obesity: A Systematic Review
Authors: St. Pierre Christine , Ver Ploeg Michele , Dietz William H. , Pryor Sydney , Jakazi Chioniso S. , Layman Elizabeth , Noymer Deborah , Coughtrey-Davenport Tessa , Sacheck Jennifer M.
Published: June 2022

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Addressing food insecurity while promoting healthy body weights among children is a major public health challenge. Our objective is to examine longitudinal associations between food insecurity and obesity in US children aged 1 to 19 years.

METHODS

Sources for this research include PubMed, CINAHL, and Scopus databases (January 2000 to February 2022). We included English language studies that examined food insecurity as a predictor of obesity or increased weight gain. We excluded studies outside the United States and those that only considered the unadjusted relationship between food security and obesity. Characteristics extracted included study design, demographics, methods of food security assessment, and anthropometric outcomes.

RESULTS

Literature searches identified 2272 articles; 13 met our inclusion criteria. Five studies investigated the relationship between food insecurity and obesity directly, whereas 12 examined its relationship with body mass index or body mass index z-score. Three studies assessed multiple outcomes. Overall, evidence of associations between food insecurity and obesity was mixed. There is evidence for possible associations between food insecurity and obesity or greater weight gain in early childhood, for girls, and for children experiencing food insecurity at multiple time points. Heterogeneity in study methods limited comparison across studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence is stronger for associations between food insecurity and obesity among specific subgroups than for children overall. Deeper understanding of the nuances of this relationship is critically needed to effectively intervene against childhood obesity.
Ética para una vida incierta: buscando ser escuchado a través de las voluntades anticipadas en el contexto covid-19
Authors: Jiménez Retana Randall , Morera Quesada Georgina
Published: June 2022

Desde este artículo se propone la reflexión sobre las voluntades anticipadas en el contexto de pandemia por Covid-19, provocado por el virus SARS-COV-2. Se expone la importancia que tiene para las personas, llegado el momento de reconocer la cercanía de la muerte o la probabilidad de que acontezca, contar con la certeza de tener el derecho de decidir sobre situaciones que espera que sucedan en dicho contexto; o bien que no sucedan. En este sentido se trabaja el concepto de las voluntades anticipadas desde tres aristas filosóficas concretas: la ética de una vida incierta, la construcción del individuo independiente y la construcción moral del sujeto. Se sitúa la reflexión sobre las voluntades anticipadas como el recurso que puede resolver la ruta para lograr dicha proyección y, además, se describen las condiciones que serían favorecedoras para llevar a buena ejecución dichas intenciones. Se plantea el papel que pueden cumplir las personas cercanas, de confianza y el valor de su presencia, su compromiso y su honestidad en este proceso. Se reconoce que el tema de voluntades anticipadas no solo tiene un impacto en quien las plantea sino que, de no haberse entendido su función y su fundamento ético, puede impactar de manera profunda a quienes las aplican.
Rafael Francisco Osejo: ¿Un hombre de ciencia de su época?
Authors: Amador Jorge A.
Published: June 2022

La construcción de las sociedades actuales ha sido posible gracias a los aportes de numerosos personajes a la política, a la economía, a las artes y a las ciencias. Considerado uno de los actores del proceso de independencia de Costa Rica, el bachiller Rafael Francisco Osejo tuvo una prolífica vida como político, educador y abogado; sin embargo, es relativamente poco lo que se conoce sobre su aporte al desarrollo de la ciencia de su época. Aquí se analizan sus escritos al tenor de la ciencia del periodo para responder a la pregunta: ¿fue Osejo un hombre de ciencia de su época? Se examinan y discuten sus dos principales obras relacionadas con temas como sismología, astronomía, matemática, física y meteorología, investigando, como complemento, los contenidos de algunas de las obras que este personaje tenía en su biblioteca. Osejo fue un personaje muy bien informado y educado en el conocimiento científico de su época. Logró, como hombre de ciencia, una activa participación personal e institucional en el inicio de una relevante época científica en el país.
El cuerpo, el sexo y la política: consecuencias del uso de la educación sexual como tema electoral en Costa Rica
Authors: Sánchez Hernández Carolina
Published: June 2022

El presente texto reflexiona sobre los efectos a largo plazo de una campaña política que versó sobre temas vinculados al cuerpo y la sexualidad. El propósito del artículo es analizar la manera en la que una discusión populista con fines electorales durante la campaña política de 2018 en Costa Rica, derivó en precedentes jurídicos que marcaron un retroceso en el derecho a la educación sexual estatal, dirigida a las personas menores de edad. Se plantea una revisión documental y un análisis descriptivo de eventos mediáticos y pronunciamientos de la Sala Constitucional sobre el tema. Se evidencian una serie de consecuencias que restringen el acceso a la ciudadanía sexual de las personas y vulnera sus posibilidades de acceder a la información, reaccionar ante la violencia o prevenir situaciones de riesgo para su vida, limitando de manera importante el ejercicio de sus derechos humanos.
Огляд схем та циклів абсорбційних холодильних машин комерційного призначення малої енергетики
Authors: Морозюк Л.І. , Куколєв А.К.
Published: June 2022

В статті представлено огляд схем та циклів абсорбційних машин, що можуть працювати в режимах холодопостачання комерційних систем малої енергетики на засадах енергозбереження. Розглянуто машини з двома температурними рівнями отримання холоду, що мають підвищений попит на ринку обладнання, та їх схемно-циклові рішення. Представлені схемно-циклові рішення з одним та двома кругообігами розчину у термохімічному компресорі. Встановлено, що у першій схемі реалізується принцип енергозбереження: тепло гарячої частини абсорбера використовується для обігріву холодного кінця генератора. Пара холодоагенту з випарників поглинається у відповідних за тиском абсорберах. Розчин, рухаючись послідовно через генератор та абсорбери, здійснює єдиний замкнений кругообіг. Зворотність системи підвищується, якщо використовувати розширену регенерацію тепла – генерацію розчину забезпечити одночасно частиною тепла абсорбції і частиною тепла ректифікації. У другій схемі робочий процес у термохімічному компресорі здійснено з двома роздільними кругообігами розчину: першим – в інтервалі низьких концентрацій і високих температур, другий – в інтервалі високих концентрацій і низьких температур. Виникає перевищення температур абсорбції і ректифікації у першому кругообігу над температурами генерації у другому кругообігу. Виконано енергетичний аналіз циклів згідно до схем, що розглянуто, з використанням класичних методик холодильної техніки. Визначено ексергетичну ефективність схемно-циклових рішень, з урахуванням виробництва холоду на двох температурних рівнях. Порівнянням за основними характеристиками виявлено позитивні та негативні показники машин, їх спроможність забезпечити енергозбереження у комерційних підприємствах, що використовують утилізоване тепло відновлювальних та нетрадиційних джерел енергії малої енергетики
Efffects of Rhizobium Inoculation, Sulphur and Zinc Nutrients on Yield and Yield Componets of Chickpea (Cicer aritienum L.) at Gewane, Northeastern Ethiopia
Authors: TEHULIE Nuru Seid
Published: June 2022

The goal of this study was to see how a combination of Rhizobium inoculant, S, and Zn nutrients affected chickpea nodulation and yield (Cicer arientinum L.) at Gewane, northeastern Ethiopia. The experiment included 12 treatments arranged in factorial combination of levels of inoculation (Rhizobium inoculated, un-inoculated), three rates of S (0, 15, 30 kg Sulphur ha-1) and rates of Zn (0, 1.5 kg Zinc ha-1). The treatment becomes laid out in randomized complete block design with 3 replications.  Analysis of variance showed that yield and yield associated parameters (main branches, number of pod, quantity of seed, hundred seed weight, grain and straw yield), crop phenology (days to 50% flowering and days to physiological maturity), nodulation scores (nodule amount, nodule volume, nodule dry weight, effective nodule and nodulation score), N and P uptake at both locations had been significantly affected by the treatments. The best (1775.5 kg ha-1) suggest rate of seed yield over locations changed into acquired from blended costs of rhizobium and 30 kg S ha-1 which led to 28 % (389 kg ha-1) growth over the control. Consequently, rhizobium inoculation with rate of 30 kg S ha-1is recommended for chickpea production on the experimental site.
Mycorrhizal Role in Phosphorus Metabolism
Authors: POP MOLDOVAN Victoria , VIDICAN Roxana , CORCOZ Larisa , STOIAN Vlad
Published: June 2022

The roots of the plants are in contact with a substrate, and biotic and abiotic factors influence their functioning and development. The most known microorganisms associated with plant roots are soil fungi, which are adapted to the soil's living environment, called mycorrhizae. Arbuscular mycorrhizae are the most common of these associations. In agricultural ecosystems, the constant use of technologies has resulted in a progressive reduction of mycorrhizal diversity. Due to this phenomenon, soil presents a lower potential for the development of multi-level hyphal networks which implies reduced connections between all individuals of a single species. Mycorrhizas offer benefits for the host plant, including mineral nutrition, increased drought tolerance, and protection against pathogens. They play a significant role in acquiring the necessary nutrients (especially phosphorus and nitrogen) from soil to their host plants, as these nutrients may have low mobility in most soils. Plants take up phosphorus from soil indirectly through the hyphal network that can reach outside from the root depletion area. Mycorrhizal association increases the accumulation of nitrogen in the plant as a result of the competition of hyphae for the organic mineralized form of this element.
Effect of Polysaccharides on the Physical, Rheological and Thermal Properties of a Balanced Canine Food
Authors: PRINCIPAL Admin , ROSALES-HERNÁNDEZ Jessica María , ROSAS-FLORES Walfred , MEDRANO-ROLDÁN Hiram , PÁMANES-CARRASCO Gerardo Antonio , HERRERA-TORRES Esperanza , REYES-JÁQUEZ Damián
Published: June 2022

The structuring of food is mainly done through a complex set of various food materials, such as proteins, polysaccharides, lipids, minerals, and water. Among these components, proteins and polysaccharides are the most used materials in food processing. In extrusion processing, the molecular interactions between its main components play a synergistic role in the achieved structure by performing specific functions in food that affect the sensory, physicochemical, and functional properties. In this research, food for pet animals based on beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), fodder corn (Zea mays L.), polished rice (Oryza Sativa), and polysaccharides as inulin, sodium alginate, and/or a native microbial exopolysaccharide from mining waste, was designed and evaluated. To produce the pellet, a single-screw extruder at 140 rpm and 140°C at the exit zone and the effects of the moisture content [13-18%] and concentration of each polysaccharide [0.3-0.9%] on the physicochemical properties of the food were evaluated. The obtained responses were: 1.16-1.4 for expansion index, 0.8-1.7 g/cm3 for bulk density, 1.5-7.4 g/g for water absorption index, 8.8-12.6% for water solubility index, and 8.8-35 N for hardness. According to the recorded values, native exopolysaccharides can provide better physicochemical characteristics than commercial polysaccharides.
Analysis of Major Royal Jelly Proteins Stability and Ligand Binding by Differential Scanning Fluorimetry
Authors: MUREŞAN Carmen Ioana , DEZMIREAN Daniel S. , SUHAROSCHI Ramona , POP Oana L. , BORSAI Orsolya
Published: June 2022

Royal jelly (RJ) is produced by the hypopharingeal and mandibular glands of bees. Up to 90% of the RJ proteins are the major royal jelly proteins (MRJPs) that exhibit biological properties. Protein stability is of interest for biotechnology and can be explored by using differential scanning fluorimetry (DSF). We tested the stability by using a fluorescence dye (SYPRO® Orange,1:1000 dilution) in the presence of different ligands for MRJP1 and MRJP2 at 2 µM concentration. The fluorescence intensities (FI) were measured using the Real-Time PCR System and were fitted as a function of temperature according to the Boltzmann equation to determine the melting temperature (Tm) at which the amount of folded and unfolded protein is equal. In general, ligands stabilize the protein when binding to it and increase the Tm. Due to the increased starting fluorescence of the oligomeric MRJP1, the Tm values were only determined for monomeric MRJP1 and MRJP2. ATP, histamine, and thiamine were shown to determine an increase of Tm for the monomeric MRJP1 in 20 mM Tris-HCl, pH 7.4, 150 mM NaCl. For the ligand ATP, the minimum limit of binding starts at 1.5 mM concentration, for the ligand Histamine it starts at 0.6 mM concentration, while for the ligand Thiamine it starts at 3 mM concentration.
The Impact of Mash pH and Exogenous Phosphorolytic Enzymes on the Release of Inositol Phosphates, Fermentable Sugars and Polypeptide Profile in the Technology of Buckwheat Beer
Authors: PRINCIPAL Admin , DULIŃSKI Robert , PONIEWSKA Dagmara
Published: June 2022

The first - already published - stage of the project, which conducted optimization of the temperature mashing program, yielded promising results in the form of an increase in the pool of bioactive myo-inositol by 50% in buckwheat wort supplemented with phosphorolytic enzymes. In this study, it was possible to enhance this effect by adjusting the pH of the mash close to the optimal for phytases, which resulted in a nearly 3-fold increase in myo-inositol concentration, while anti-nutritional phytate was reduced by nearly 75% with a mash pH value at 5.0 and supplementation with a cocktail of commercial phosphorolytic enzymes: Finase P and Finase AP. Changes in the polypeptide profile observed in subsequent wort at a reduced pH of the mash indicate the dominant position of polypeptides in the middle range of molecular weights (10-45 kDa). Ion chromatography coupled with amperometric and conductometric detection modes was used to observe the profile of the key components and the changes that occur in fermentation broths at different pH ranges.
Determination of Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae from Chicken Meat by Advanced Modified ISO 21528-1:2017 Method
Authors: KEVENK Tahsin Onur , ARAS Zeki
Published: June 2022

Antibiotic resistance is critical today, and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) are the current reflection of this threat in terms of public health. Our study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a known ISO method used to detect of CREs in chicken meat sold in the Aksaray Region. A total of 150 chicken samples (50 drumsticks, 50 breasts, and 50 wings) were analyzed in terms of CRE by modifying the ISO 21528-1:2017 method. For this purpose, meropenem and ertapenem powders were added into buffered peptone water and Violet Red Bile Glucose Agar at the resistance levels determined in EUCAST. At the same time, target DNA extraction was performed from all samples with a tissue isolation kit (Hybrigen) and stored for PCR to support and strengthen our results to compare the cultural method's results. According to the results of the cultural procedure, the existing flora of chicken meats was suppressed by antibiotic supplements, and no suspicious colonies were detected. Likewise, CRE was not detected in DNA samples obtained from 150 chicken meat samples. Carbapenem resistance, described as the last fortress, is today's significant public health problem. According to our results, CRE was not isolated in 150 chicken meat samples offered for sale in our region.
Analysis of the Market Participation and Consumption of Vigna unguiculata in Ibadan Metropolis of Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: OJEDOKUN Ajibola Olajide , YESUFU Olufemi Adedotun
Published: June 2022

This study was carried out to analyse the market participation and consumption of Vigna unguiculata in Ibadan Metropolis of Oyo State, Nigeria. Primary data were collected from a total of 300 households in 4 Local Government Areas of the State using multistage sampling technique. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and double-hurdle regression model. Age of household head, sex of household head, marital status, years of household head education and primary occupation of household head influenced market participation while years of education, total expenditure, price of cowpea and its attributes such as weevil damage tolerance and presence of foreign particles influenced consumption of cowpea. This study recommends that for consumers to participate in the market and consumption of cowpea, then research and breeding institutes should endeavor to develop cowpeas with the required qualities; and that policy makers should target policies that are pricing-related through subsidization.
Phenotypic and Biochemical Characterisation of the Newly Developed Cultivar of Momordica charantia – Brâncuşi
Authors: VÎNĂTORU Costel , MUŞAT Bianca , BRATU Camelia , NEGOŞANU Geanina , POPESCU Matilda , ŞOMOIAG Cristian
Published: June 2022

Our study aimed to carry out a phenotypic and biochemical characterization of the newly-developed cv. of Momordica charantia namely BRÂNCUȘI. Momordica charantia contains biologically active plant chemicals as confirmed by the latest studies. Our germplasm collection consists of 30 varieties, from which BRÂNCUŞI variety was bred by repeated individual selection. The working methods consisted in phenotypic and biometrical observations. The biochemical analyses were performed by organoleptic and physico chemical examinations of 3 variants of processed fruit: powder, paste and dried fruit. BRÂNCUŞI variety presents a distinct phenotypic expressiveness with white immature fruit and the highest yield per plant, of 9.2 kg. The highest percentage of total invert sugar, 1.18 % but also carbohydrates 69.4 % was obtained in the fine powder variant, which outlines a specific direction of use with numerous benefits in human nutrition and health. BRÂNCUŞI variety has distinct phenotypic characteristics that confer uniqueness compared to other varieties.
Potential of Cover Crops to Control Arthropod Pests in Organic Viticulture
Authors: RANCA Aurora , FRAGNIERE Anne Laure , ENE Sergiu Ayar , MODIC Špela , ROSSI Vittorio , CAFFI Tito , Razinger Jaka , RODRIGO SANTAMALIA Eugenia , WIPF Daniel
Published: June 2022

Plant diversity has the potential to conserve beneficials and thereby naturally controlling arthropod pests. Beneficials’ activity can be increased by pollen-rich plant species. Here we aimed to develop innovative viticultural systems that naturally control arthropod pests, by increasing plant diversity within vineyards planting of selected cover crops. The experimental vineyards were set-up in Chablis (France), Piacenza (Italy), Murfatlar (Romania), Manče (Slovenia), Valencia (Spain) and Nyon (Switzerland). Each vineyard was divided in a traditional and innovative subplot and monitored in 2019 and 2020. The effect of cover crops on arthropods was assessed according to a common protocol using visual samplings and specific traps. Analysing the obtained data, there were no statistically significant differences in the abundance of sampled arthropod pests in the innovative and the traditional systems. Yet, two of five studied pest species tended to be less abundant in the innovative systems. Regarding arthropod beneficials, flying parasitoids and bees tended to benefit from the planting of cover crops in the innovative compared to the traditional systems. Alike, predators such as spiders and carabids were more abundant in vineyards with understorey vegetation. Overall, the arthropod biodiversity seems to benefit from the planting of cover crops but without necessarily favouring pest suppression.
“In-vivo” and “in-vitro” Experiments on the Influence of Compost Preparations and Heavy Metals on Soil Enzymes Activities and Soil Health
Authors: SCHALLER Klaus , OSTERFELD Karl Hermann
Published: June 2022

Enriching soils with composts and organic waste material will be necessary because high C soils have strong climate change resilience and guarantee stable yields. Annually ≈1 billion tons of agricultural waste is produced which can be brought back to soils after adequate treatment and can relieve atmosphere from CO2. In a field trial municipal solid waste compost (MSW), sphagnum peat (WT), and black peat (HT) were tested. Basic soil parameters pH, C-content and plant nutrients (K, Mg) are significantly increased by MSW. WT and HT were uninfluential. Similar effects are found for microelements Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu. MSW increased microelements significantly.
Retrospective Study on the Prevalence of Gastro-esophageal Reflux in Brachycephalic and Non-Brachycephalic Dogs Anesthetized for CT Examination
Authors: LUPU Vlad Traian , PUȘCOI Iulia Gabriela , TUDOR Niculae
Published: June 2022

Gastro-esophageal reflux is the return of gastric contents in the esophagus, phenomenon that can be identified in dogs under general anesthesia, but also in dogs without anesthesia, due to disorders of the distal esophageal sphincter. The aim of the present study was the comparative assessment of the incidence of gastro-esophageal reflux in brachycephalic and non-brachycephalic dogs. The medical records were evaluated for 98 dogs, presented with different pathologies of the spine. The animals were subjected to a standardized anesthetic protocol and CT scan. Following the analysis of the acquired CT images, it was found that gastro-esophageal reflux was present in 31 brachycephalic dogs (31/46; 67.39%) and in 9 non-brachycephalic dogs (9/52; 17.31%), respectively. There was an increased predisposition of the brachycephalic breeds regarding the occurrence of gastro-esophageal reflux, using identical anesthesia and positioning protocols.
Studies Regarding the Detection of Sulfonamide Residues and Evaluation of the Level of Contamination in Poultry Meat
Authors: VESA Gabriela Valentina , GHEIŢI-HEGHEDUŞ Anette Iudit , MIHAIU Marian , COLOBĂŢIU Liora Mihaela , BRATFELAN Dariana , CIOCA Ana Andreea
Published: June 2022

The excessive or uncontrolled use of antibiotics in poultry farming can lead to contaminated food products. Subsequently, the human consumption of products contaminated with these substances increases the global phenomenon of antibiotic resistance. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method suitable for the determination of sulfonamide residues in poultry meat and to check the presence of residues in random samples. The level of antimicrobial resistance was identified in order to evaluate the current stage and to estimate the tendency of this phenomenon. The HPLC method validation was performed in accordance with Commission Regulation (EC) No 657/2002 of 14 August 2002 Samples of fresh meat collected from a poultry slaughterhouse were analysed using the validated method in order to reveal the level of contamination. The data from EFSA was collected and analysed following the antimicrobial resistance for isolates of Salmonella spp., E. coli and Campylobacter spp. The method had good selectivity, linearity (R2 ≥ 0.99), precision (<6%), recoverybetween 97.7-109.6% and low limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) Sulfaquinoxaline residues were present in 2 samples and the level of contamination did not exceed the Maximum Residue Level (31.98 ± 5.18 µg/kg and 23.70 ± 3.84 µg/kg). The analysis of data from EFSA highlighted the general presence of antimicrobial resistance especially for the following antibiotics: ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, nalidixic acid, ampicillin, sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim. The present study brings a contribution to the process of stopping antibiotic resistance through new methods of monitorization of sulfonamide residues. The statistical data shows that there is a direct correlation between the market availability of antibiotics used in poultry farming and the occurrence of antibiotic resistance.
Dynamic Evaluation of the Quality Parameters of Raw Buffalo Milk Using a High-Performance Equipment
Authors: NIKOLAU Filippos Georgios , FAT Alina Ioana , NEGRILA Alexandra , ILEA Arghir , MIHAIU Romolica , MIHAIU Marian , DAN Sorin Daniel
Published: June 2022

The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality parameters of raw buffalo milk, by determining the physicochemical parameters with major impact in terms of milk quality, number of somatic cells and total number of viable counts, at the level of a commercial farm. Over a period of 12 months, samples of raw buffalo milk were collected and analyzed from a farm authorized for the production of buffalo milk, resulting in a dynamic evaluation of quality parameters. The raw milk samples were analyzed using the - CombiFossTM7 equipment. which analyzes all the parameters necessary for official controls of milk production and quality. The averages for the results of the physicochemical parameters fat, protein, lactose, total solids and urea were 8.821 g/100 g, 4.400 g/100 g, 4.291 g/100 g, 17.93 g/100g and 27.08 mg/dL, respectively. Even if the gross composition does not exceed the allowed limits, the TVC exceeded the European standards in the case of 58.3% of the analyzed samples, the annual average being 2059.65x1000 cfu/ml. The value of the SCC average obtained was 304.85x1000 cells/ml, in accordance with the European standard. The values of SCC and TVC are increasing during the sheltering period, which means poor hygiene conditions.
Incidence of Canine Hip Dysplasia in Radiology Department of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca (October 2019 - June 2021)
Authors: LUCACI Felix Daniel , PURDOIU Robert Cristian , PAȘTIU Anamaria Ioana , LĂCĂTUȘ Radu , TURCU Carmen Maria , COCOSTÎRC Vlad , PUSTA Dana Liana
Published: June 2022

Canine hip dysplasia is characterized by joint instability, subluxation, or even luxation of the femoral head, which causes a deformation of the joint with the early production of coxarthrosis. The main purpose of the paper was to determine the incidence of canine hip dysplasia from October 2019 until June 2021 in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Cluj-Napoca. A total of 173 X-rays on the canine hips were taken between October 2019 and June 2021 in the Radiology Department of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine from Cluj-Napoca. X-rays were taken with the Roentgen TEMCO Grx machine, then imported into the RadiAnt DICOM™ program, and interpreted according to the FCI grading scheme. A total number of 88 X-rays were excluded due to different causes, thus our study presents 85 X-ray images of the hip from different breeds of dogs. From a total of 85 dogs presented in this study, 38 dogs were graded A, 10 dogs were graded B, 22 dogs were classified with grade C, with grade D were classified 6 dogs and with grade E were diagnosed 9 dogs. Out of 85 dogs examined (49 males and 36 females) more than half (N=48; 56,5%) were free from canine hip dysplasia.
Determinants of Infection as Genetic Indicators in Cows Mastitis
Authors: LUNGU Bianca Cornelia , GEORGESCU Ovidiu Ionuț , TUDOR Beatrice Ana-Maria , MIRCU Calin , BARROW Paul , BRZÓSKA Hortensja Łucja , HUȚU Ioan
Published: June 2022

The resistance to antimicrobial substances severely impacts public health and the abuse of antibiotics leads to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) or the antibiotic "resistome" (Wright, 2007). Bovine mastitis is largely diagnosed in dairy farms and is caused by a variety of pathogens including Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp. and Escherichia coli. AMR gene expression testing in bacteria involved in mastitis in dairy cows was performed. Milk samples were subjected to the California Mastitis Test. Positive samples were transferred using eSwab, cultured on Columbia blood agar and on MacConkey agar. The Qiagen DNeasy kit was used for DNA extraction and qPCRs were run using an Agilent thermocycler. In most of the samples tested (n = 42, from three different lactating farms), the presence of ampC (36 out of 42; 85.7%) and blaZ (95.2%), correlated with confirmed resistance to beta-lactam and cephalosporin antibiotics. A variable presence of other tested AMR genes was detected, including ermB, resistance to lincosamide, macrolide (35.7%), ermC (28.6%), erythromycin resistance, mecA,methicillinresistance (42.9%), and tetK, tetracyclineresistance (78.6%). The phenomenon of antimicrobial resistance is present in dairy farms in West Romania. Multiple AMR genes were detected intested samples, with the highest resistance observed to beta-lactam antibiotics and cephalosporins.
Violência autoprovocada e suicídio em pessoas que vivem com HIV/AIDS: revisão sistemática
Authors: Fernandes Hugo , Lima Daniel Vieira , Hino Paula , Taminato Mônica , Okuno Meiry Fernanda Pinto
Published: June 2022

RESUMO Objetivos: analisar as produções intelectuais sobre a violência autoprovocada e suicídio em pessoas que vivem com HIV/AIDS. Métodos: revisão sistemática, realizada entre março e abril de 2021, nas bases PubMed®/MEDLINE®, Web of Science e LILACS, subsidiada no instrumento Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology. O período delineado foi de 2011 a 2020. Resultados: identificaram-se 199 estudos, e 16 compuseram a amostra final, sendo agrupados nas categorias: Características sociodemográficas das vítimas de violência autoprovocada/suicídio e seus fatores intervenientes (apontando adultos jovens, especialmente homossexuais, com baixo suporte social e histórico de doenças mentais ou abuso de substâncias como as vítimas usuais); Medidas exitosas para prevenção/controle de suicídio em pessoas vivendo com HIV/AIDS (sugerindo acompanhamento psicossocial e clínico mais frequente daqueles em início de tratamento antirretroviral e imunodeprimidos). Conclusões: acompanhamento biopsicossocial, análise do perfil sociodemográfico e dos fatores intervenientes devem ser frequentes nesta população, para prevenção/controle do agravo.
Water soaking and benzyladenine as strategy for improving grapevine grafting success
Authors: Fayek Mohamed Ahmed , Ali Amr Ebrahim Mohamed , Rashedy Ahmed Abdelhady
Published: June 2022

Abstract The grafting of grapevines has become essential to overcome biotic and abiotic stresses because permits access to the benefits of the agronomical characteristics of different rootstocks. Stimulating the rapid formation of the grafting union is the key to grafting success. This investigation studied the effect of removing growth inhibitors through soaking in water for 24 hours versus adding growth stimulate through fast dipping in 250 mg/L benzyladenine (BA) for 30 seconds of graft wood before grafting on the grafting success of ‘Flame Seedless’ and ‘Early Sweet’ scions (Vitis vinifera) grafted onto ‘Freedom’ rootstock (Vitis champinii x 1613C). Water soaking came first and followed by treatment of 250 mg/L BA, which significantly improved the grafting success of both cultivars. Grafting success was positively associated with increasing callus formation at the grafting zone, which was accompanied with the highest total indols content, the lowest total phenols content, and peroxidase activity above and below the grafting zone. However, water soaking significantly increased total indols and decreased the total phenols content of the ungrafted cuttings. In this study, it was suggested that the application of water soaking to grafted cuttings prior to grafting is an environmentally friendly and alternative practice for synthetic growth regulators to improve grafted cuttings success.