bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oxytocin and secretin receptors – implications for dry eye syndrome and ocular pain
Authors: Lopez Jacqueline B. , Chang Chih-Chiun , Kuo Yien-Ming , Chan Matilda F. , Winn Bryan J.
Published: August 2022

Dry eye syndrome, a form of ocular surface inflammation, and chronic ocular pain are common conditions impacting activities of daily living and quality of life. Oxytocin and secretin are peptide hormones that have been shown to synergistically reduce inflammation in various tissues and attenuate the pain response at both the neuron and brain level. The oxytocin receptor (OXTR) and secretin receptor (SCTR) have been found in a wide variety of tissues and organs, including the eye. We reviewed the current literature of in vitro experiments, animal models, and human studies that examine the anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive roles of oxytocin and secretin. This review provides an overview of the evidence supporting oxytocin and secretin as the basis for novel treatments of dry eye and ocular pain syndromes.
Sleep disturbances and sleep patterns in children with tic disorder: A case-control study
Authors: Mi Yunhui , Zhao Runzhi , Sun Xiaoning , Yu Pingbo , Wang Wenqin , Li Jijun , Liang Zhenwen , Wang Hui , Wang Guanghai , Sun Kexing
Published: August 2022

Study objectives

To characterize sleep disturbances and sleep patterns in children with Tic disorder (TD), and explore their association with TD severity and types.

Methods

A case-control study was conducted in 271 children with TD recruited from a clinical setting and 271 non-TD children recruited from a primary school, matched by age (mean = 8.47 years, SD = 1.53 years) and gender (15.1% female). The Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) was used to assess sleep patterns and sleep disturbances. The TD types and severity were assessed with the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS).

Results

The TD children scored higher on CSHQ total score than non-TD group (t = 29.50, p < 0.001) and demonstrated severer global sleep disturbance. Compared to non-TD children, TD children presented with increased risks for global sleep disturbance (aOR: 1.95; 95% CI = 1.20–3.06), and most specific sleep disturbances, including bedtime resistance (aOR: 3.15; 95% CI = 1.96–5.06), sleep onset delay (aOR: 3.43; 95% CI = 1.58–7.46), sleep anxiety (aOR: 2.83; 95%CI = 1.83–4.38), parasomnias (aOR: 3.68; 95% CI = 2.02–6.62), night waking (aOR: 9.29; 95% CI = 2.64–32.65), sleep disordered breathing (aOR: 1.72; 95% CI = 1.03-2.90) and daytime sleepiness (aOR: 1.72; 95% CI = 1.09–2.74). Children with mild and moderate tics, Provisional Tic Disorder (PTD), Chronic Tic Disorder (CTD) and Tourette Syndrome (TS) presented with more global and more specific sleep disturbances. In addition, combined ADHD, etc.

Conclusion

Children with TD are major risks for increased sleep disturbances, especially for those with severe and chronic symptoms. Furthermore, comorbid ADHD increases risk in certain areas of sleep. These findings highlight the importance to consider sleep outcomes in the assessment and treatment for children with TD.
Developing a Core Outcome Set for the Evaluation of Antibiotic Use in Prelabor Rupture of Membranes: A Systematic Review and Semi-Structured Interview
Authors: Liu Dan , Wu Lin , Luo Jiefeng , Li Siyu , Liu Yan , Zhang Chuan , Zeng Linan , Yu Qin , Zhang Lingli
Published: August 2022

Background: Prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM) is associated with maternal and neonatal infections. Although guidelines suggest prophylactic antibiotics for pregnant women with PROM, the optimal antibiotic regimen remains controversial. Synthesizing the data from different studies is challenging due to variations in reported outcomes.

Objective: This study aimed to form the initial list of outcomes for the core outcome set (COS) that evaluates antibiotic use in PROM by identifying all existing outcomes and patients’ views.

Methods: Relevant studies were identified by searching PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, and VIP databases. We also screened the references of the included studies as a supplementary search. We extracted basic information from the articles and the outcomes. Two reviewers independently selected the studies, extracted the data, extracted the outcomes, and grouped them into domains. Then, semi-structured interviews based on the potential factors collected by the systematic review were conducted at West China Second Hospital of Sichuan University. Pregnant women who met the diagnostic criteria for PROM were enrolled. Participants reported their concerns about the outcomes. Two researchers identified the pregnant women’s concerns.

Results: A total of 90 studies were enrolled in this systematic review. The median outcomes in the included studies was 7 (1–31), and 109 different unique outcomes were identified. Pre-term PROM (PPROM) had 97 outcomes, and term PROM (TPROM) had 70 outcomes. The classification and order of the core outcome domains of PPROM and TPROM were consistent. The physiological domain was the most common for PPROM and TPROM outcomes. Furthermore, 35.1 and 57.1% outcomes were only reported once in PPROM and TPROM studies, respectively. Thirty pregnant women participated in the semi-structured interviews; 10 outcomes were extracted after normalized, and the outcomes were reported in the systematic review. However, studies rarely reported pregnant women’s concerns.

Conclusion: There was considerable inconsistency in outcomes selection and reporting in studies about antibiotics in PROM. An initial core outcomes set for antibiotics in PROM was formed.
Relationship Between Linezolid Exposure and the Typical Clinical Laboratory Safety and Bacterial Clearance in Chinese Pediatric Patients
Authors: Huo Ben-Nian , Wu Yue-E. , Shu Ling , Zhang Ruo-Qi , Xiao Jian-Wen , Li Qian-Bo , Zhao Wei , Jia Yun-Tao , Song Lin
Published: August 2022

Objectives: There have been limited studies concerning the safety and efficacy of linezolid (LZD) in children. This study aimed to evaluate the association between LZD exposure and clinical safety and efficacy in Chinese pediatric patients.

Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included patients ≤18 years of age who received ≥3 days of LZD treatment between 31 January 2015, and 31 December 2020. Demographic characteristics, medication information, laboratory test information, and bacterial culture results were collected from the Hospital Information System (HIS). Exposure was defined as AUC24 and calculated by the non-linear mixed-effects modeling program (NONMEM), version 7.2, based on two validated population pharmacokinetic models. Binary logistic regression analyses were performed to analyze the associations between AUC24 and laboratory adverse events, and receiver operating characteristic curves were used to calculate the cut-off values. Efficacy was evaluated by bacterial clearance.

Results: A total of 413 paediatric patients were included, with an LZD median (interquartile range) dose, duration, clearance and AUC24 of 30.0 (28.1-31.6) mg/kg/day, 8 (4‒15) days,1.31 (1.29-1.32) L/h and 81.1 (60.6-108.7) mg/L·h, respectively. Adverse events associated with TBil, AST, ALT, PLT, hemoglobin, WBC, and neutrophil count increased during and after LZD treatment when compared with before medication (p < 0.05), and the most common adverse events were thrombocytopaenia (71/399, 17.8%) and low hemoglobin (61/401, 15.2%) during the LZD treatment. Patients with AUC24 higher than 120.69 mg/L h might be associated with low hemoglobin 1–7 days after the end of the LZD treatment, and those with an AUC24 higher than 92.88 mg/L∙h might be associated with thrombocytopaenia 8–15 days after the end of the LZD treatment. A total of 136 patients underwent bacterial culture both before and after LZD treatment, and the infection was cleared in 92.6% (126/136) of the patients, of whom 69.8% (88/126) had AUC24/MIC values greater than 80.

Conclusion: Hematological indicators should be carefully monitored during LZD treatment, especially thrombocytopaenia and low hemoglobin, and a continuous period of monitoring after LZD withdrawal is also necessary. Since the AUC24 cut-off values for laboratory adverse events were relatively low, a trade-off is necessary between the level of drug exposure required for treatment and safety, and the exposure target (AUC24/MIC) in pediatric patients should be further studied, especially for patients with complications and concomitant medications.
Identification of TaBADH-A1 allele for improving drought resistance and salt tolerance in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Yu Ming , Yu Yang , Guo Sihai , Zhang Mingfei , Li Nan , Zhang Shuangxing , Zhou Hongwei , Wei Fan , Song Tianqi , Cheng Jie , Fan Qiru , Shi Caiyin , Feng Wenhan , Wang Yukun , Xiang Jishan , Zhang Xiaoke
Published: August 2022

Drought and salt stress can strongly affect the growth and development of wheat. Wheat adapts to drought and salt stress through osmotic regulation. Betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase (BADH) is a key enzyme in the synthesis of betaine, an osmotic regulator. We cloned a region of the TaBADH-A1 promoter and genomic DNA that included the introns and exons, from four Chinese wheat cultivars. Following the analysis of TaBADH-A1 genomic DNA and promoter sequence polymorphisms of 4 cloned and 15 cultivars from the database, 7 haplotypes of TaBADH-A1 gene were identified. We divided the 7 haplotypes with a 254 bp insertion or deletion (indel) into two main alleles, BADH-A1a and BADH-A1b. Meanwhile, a molecular marker was developed based on the 254 bp indel of the third intron of TaBADH-A1 gene. Expression levels of BADH-A1b were found to be significantly higher than those of BADH-A1a under drought and salt stress conditions. Betaine accumulation was significantly higher in wheat containing BADH-A1b compared to BADH-A1a under drought and salt stress. We also identified that the average relative germination and survival rates of wheat with the BADH-A1b allele were significantly higher than wheat with the BADH-A1a allele. The results reveal that wheat containing BADH-A1b has stronger drought and salt tolerance than wheat with BADH-A1a. Meanwhile, the geographic distribution and frequency of the TaBADH-A1 locus alleles indicate that BADH-A1a has been preferred in Chinese wheat breeding programs, while BADH-A1b, associated with favorable stress tolerance, has been neglected. The results of this study provide evidence for an excellent candidate allele for marker-assisted selection of new wheat cultivars with increased salt tolerance and drought resistance.
Virulence of Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici in Brazil, South Africa, Turkey, Russia, and Australia
Authors: Kloppe Tim , Boshoff Willem , Pretorius Zacharias , Lesch Driecus , Akin Beyhan , Morgounov Alexey , Shamanin Vladimir , Kuhnem Paulo , Murphy Paul , Cowger Christina
Published: August 2022

The globally distributed causal agent of powdery mildew on wheat, Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici (Bgt), is one of the most rapidly adapting plant pathogens and requires monitoring for shifts in virulence to wheat resistance (Pm) genes. Virulence frequencies were assessed in a total of 346 Bgt isolates from several countries that had either lately recorded increasing powdery mildew epidemics (Brazil, South Africa, and Australia) or not recently been surveyed (Turkey and Russia). The results were compared to previously published surveys of United States and Egyptian Bgt (390 isolates). Many of the Pm genes that have potentially been employed longer (Pm1a–Pm17) were shown to have lost effectiveness, and the complexity of virulence to those genes was higher among Brazilian isolates than those from any other country. Some cases of high virulence frequency could be linked to specific Pm gene deployments, such as the widespread planting of cultivar Wyalkatchem (Pm1a) in Australia. Virulence was also assessed to a set of Pm genes recently introgressed from diploid and tetraploid wheat relatives into a hexaploid winter wheat background and not yet commercially deployed. The isolate collections from Fertile Crescent countries (Egypt and Turkey) stood out for their generally moderate frequencies of virulence to both the older and newer Pm genes, consistent with that region’s status as the center of origin for both host and pathogen. It appeared that the recently introgressed Pm genes could be the useful sources of resistance in wheat breeding for other surveyed regions.
Exploring tranquility: Eastern and Western perspectives
Authors: Christoffersen Vincent Ringgaard , Škodlar Borut , Henriksen Mads Gram
Published: August 2022

Although tranquility is a fundamental aspect of human life, the experiential nature of tranquility remains elusive. Traditionally, many philosophical, religious, spiritual, or mystical traditions in East and West have strived to reach tranquil experiences and produced texts serving as manuals to reach them. Yet, no attempt has been made to compare experiences of tranquility and explore what they may have in common. The purpose of this theoretical study is to explore the experiential nature of tranquility. First, we present examples of what we consider some of the most central experiences of tranquility in Eastern and Western traditions. For the sake of simplicity, we sort these examples into four categories based on their experiential focus: the body, emotions, the mind, and mysticism. Second, we offer an exploratory account of tranquility, arguing that the different examples of tranquility seem to share certain experiential features. More specifically, we propose that the shared features pertain both to the content or quality of the tranquil experiences, which involves a sense of presence and inner peace, and to the structure of these experiences, which seems to involve some degree of detachment and absorption.
The practice of psychological well-being education model for poor university students from the perspective of positive psychology
Authors: Luo Ling
Published: August 2022

Poor university students are a special group. Social development provides many positive factors for poor university students’ personality and psychological development, but negative factors are also accompanied by them, which affect the psychological health of poor university students. University students are in a period of rapid physical and mental development, and it is an important issue that colleges and universities need to solve psychological well-being education. We hope to find out the aspects that can be studied in the irregularity of various factors that affect college students’ mental health. BP neural network is a typical model of artificial neural network. Based on the BP algorithm and the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation of the psychological well-being prediction system for poor university students, this paper systematically summarizes the concept of psychological well-being, the factors that affect psychological well-being, and the related research done by predecessors on psychological well-being. Using the international psychological well-being scale SCL-90 to comprehensively consider the psychological well-being status of poor university students and select the optimized BP algorithm to establish a psychological well-being prediction model, and implement it and compare it with other models to reflect its superiority. Data were collected and analyzed by means of a questionnaire. The regression model was used to analyze the relationship between mindfulness, rumination and psychological well-being. The mediation index fitted by the model reached 0.9. The model can reflect the real situation of the data, that is, rumination plays a partial mediating role in the effect of mindfulness on psychological well-being. The introduction of this psychological prediction model into the psychological well-being education of poor university students not only helps to improve the educational concept and expand the educational approach, but also helps to achieve the goal of psychological well-being education for poor university students, thereby promoting the improvement of the psychological quality of poor university students.
Repurchase intentions of new e-commerce users in the COVID-19 context: The mediation role of brand love
Authors: Ding Yi , Tu Ruonan , Xu Yahong , Park Sung Kyu
Published: August 2022

The use of e-commerce has exploded due to the impact of COVID-19. People with no experience in e-commerce prior to the COVID-19 pandemic began online shopping for their safety following the pandemic outbreak. As such, these newly joined customers have played a vital role in the rapid development of e-commerce. Maintaining these customers and increasing their repurchase intention is a core issue for e-commerce platform companies. Thus, using new e-commerce users as the participants, this study investigated the structural relationship between brand experience, brand emotional factors (brand attachment and brand love), brand loyalty, and repurchase intention with brand love as the mediator. Research on the multidimensional brand experience (i.e., sensory, emotional, behavioral, and cognitive) from Chinese customers’ perspective is still lacking, and our study attempts to fill this gap. A structured questionnaire and hypotheses were designed based on studies and survey of 310 respondents from China in this study. The study results show that, first, the four dimensions of brand experience have a significant positive correlation with brand emotion, with brand cognitive experience having the greatest impact on consumer brand emotion. Second, the influence of brand emotion on brand loyalty is positive and significant, and brand attachment has a stronger influence than brand love on brand loyalty. In addition, brand loyalty has a positive effect on repurchase intention. Finally, brand love plays a mediating role on the relationship between brand attachment and brand loyalty. To enhance customers’ brand attachment and love for e-commerce platforms, companies must enhance customers’ interest and curiosity in their products. And companies will improve their services to customers by introducing artificial intelligence algorithms to increase customers’ repurchase intention, which will ultimately increasing their profitability. This study contributes to the development of e-commerce platform companies.
Characteristics of global retractions of schizophrenia-related publications: A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Chen Pan , Li Xiao-Hong , Su Zhaohui , Tang Yi-Lang , Ma Yi , Ng Chee H. , Xiang Yu-Tao
Published: August 2022

Objectives

The growing rate of retraction of scientific publications has attracted much attention within the academic community, but there is little knowledge about the nature of such retractions in schizophrenia-related research. This study aimed to analyze the characteristics of retractions of schizophrenia-related publications.

Materials and methods

The Web of Science was searched for eligible studies. A bibliometric analysis was conducted to describe the characteristics of the retractions using R software and Excel 2019. Content analysis was conducted to examine the essential components of retraction notices.

Results

A total of 36 retracted publications with 415 citations were identified from 1997 to 2021, of which, 83.3% occurred in the last decade. The overall retraction rate was 0.19%, with most of them (29; 80.56%) from the United Kingdom. The retractions were published in 33 journals, and the 2020 IFs ranged between 0.17 and 49.96 (Median = 3.93). The retractions involved 21 research areas, particularly in Psychiatry (19; 52.78%), Neurosciences and Neurology (10; 27.78%), and Psychology (7; 19.44%). Data issues (17; 42.22%), administrative errors of the publishers (5; 13.89%), and study design (4; 11.11%) were the top three reasons for retractions.

Conclusion

This study provides an insight into retractions of schizophrenia-related publications. Institutional governance should be further strengthened to improve the scrutiny of publications, prevent continuing citations, and erroneous propagation after retraction.
Poultry diseases diagnostics models using deep learning
Authors: Machuve Dina , Nwankwo Ezinne , Mduma Neema , Mbelwa Jimmy
Published: August 2022

Coccidiosis, Salmonella, and Newcastle are the common poultry diseases that curtail poultry production if they are not detected early. In Tanzania, these diseases are not detected early due to limited access to agricultural support services by poultry farmers. Deep learning techniques have the potential for early diagnosis of these poultry diseases. In this study, a deep Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model was developed to diagnose poultry diseases by classifying healthy and unhealthy fecal images. Unhealthy fecal images may be symptomatic of Coccidiosis, Salmonella, and Newcastle diseases. We collected 1,255 laboratory-labeled fecal images and fecal samples used in Polymerase Chain Reaction diagnostics to annotate the laboratory-labeled fecal images. We took 6,812 poultry fecal photos using an Open Data Kit. Agricultural support experts annotated the farm-labeled fecal images. Then we used a baseline CNN model, VGG16, InceptionV3, MobileNetV2, and Xception models. We trained models using farm and laboratory-labeled fecal images and then fine-tuned them. The test set used farm-labeled images. The test accuracies results without fine-tuning were 83.06% for the baseline CNN, 85.85% for VGG16, 94.79% for InceptionV3, 87.46% for MobileNetV2, and 88.27% for Xception. Finetuning while freezing the batch normalization layer improved model accuracies, resulting in 95.01% for VGG16, 95.45% for InceptionV3, 98.02% for MobileNetV2, and 98.24% for Xception, with F1 scores for all classifiers above 75% in all four classes. Given the lighter weight of the trained MobileNetV2 and its better ability to generalize, we recommend deploying this model for the early detection of poultry diseases at the farm level.
Evaluating the efficacy of virtual prenatal counseling for genitourinary anomalies
Authors: Moran George W. , Schoenfeld Daniel , Movassaghi Miyad , Finkelstein Julia B.
Published: August 2022

Introduction and Objectives

The standardization of fetal sonography has enabled early detection of genitourinary anomalies and referral for prenatal counseling with pediatric urologists. Prenatal urologic consultation can determine the need for antenatal and postnatal intervention, assuage parental anxiety, and establish continuity of care. The COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant increase in virtual visits (VVs). Our aim was to characterize a cohort of patients who underwent prenatal VVs with pediatric urologists and to assess adherence to prenatal recommendations for neonatal urologic care.

Materials and Methods

Data were collected through retrospective chart review of all patients receiving prenatal virtual consultation for genitourinary anomalies at our institution from July 1, 2020 to September 30, 2021. Data collected include maternal and gestational age at the time of prenatal imaging and VV, diagnosis of the fetus and neonate, and adherence to pediatric urological recommendations.

Results

During the study period, there were 70 prenatal VVs for 69 singleton and 1 twin gestation. 84 prenatal genitourinary diagnoses were made in these 71 cases. Of the 56/71 children known to have been born by the time of analysis, there are 63 postnatal genitourinary diagnoses. Postnatal diagnoses were consistent (38/56, 68%) or partially consistent (16/56, 29%) with prenatal diagnoses in 54/56 neonates (96%). There was 100% adherence to the postnatal imaging and antibiotic recommendations. One patient failed to attend the postnatal visit and one patient is due for repeat postnatal imaging to determine the necessity of follow-up.

Conclusions

Prenatal VVs promoted effective counseling of genitourinary anomalies and were associated with impressive postnatal adherence to prenatal recommendations. This is, to our knowledge, the first study to assess the impact of prenatal virtual pediatric urological consultation on postnatal adherence to prenatal recommendations. Future study will benefit from survey of the patient VV experience and evaluation of the relative merits of virtual versus in-person prenatal visits in a prospective, randomized fashion.
The effect of silver nanoparticles toward properties and antibacterial activity of silver-alginate nanocomposite films
Authors: Susilowati Endang , Mahardiani Lina , Hardini Retno Duwi
Published: August 2022

Preparation of silver-alginate nanocomposite films as an antibacterial material has been carried out through the casting method of colloidal nanocomposite silver-alginate. Colloidal was made by chemical reduction of AgNO3 precursor salts using microwave irradiation with alginate as a stabilizer and reducing agent and NaOH as an accelerator. The appearance of a brownish yellow color, due to the addition of variation of AgNO3, and the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) phenomenon were identified by UV-Vis spectrophotometer, indicating that silver nanoparticles have been formed. The properties of obtained silver nanoparticles was then examined. The shape and size distribution of silver particles were determined based on the image on transmission electron microscopy (TEM), chemical properties (FTIR), mechanical, crystallinity (XRD), and surface morphology (SEM). Testing of antibacterial activity was performed on silver-alginate nanocomposite films using the diffusion method for gram-positive (S. aureus and MRSA) and gram-negative (E. coli and ESBL) bacteria. The results showed that based on the UV-Vis spectrophotometer characterization results, the LSPR phenomenon appeared at the absorption peak of 401.01–409.00 nm, denoting silver nanoparticles with a spherical shape of 3–22 nm have been formed. Further, the presence of silver nanoparticles affected the mechanical properties of the film, where the tensile strength of the film tended to decrease with the increase in the silver nanoparticles concentration while the crystallinity increased. Next, based on the SEM results the nanocomposite films of silver-alginate had a rough and porous structure. The nanocomposite film had antibacterial activity against E. coli, S. aureus, ESBL, and MRSA. The antibacterial activity film was affected by the concentration of silver nanoparticles.
Recent Research Advances in the Development of Chalkiness and Transparency in Rice
Authors: Fan Peng , Xu Jian , Wei Haiyan , Liu Guodong , Zhang Zhenzhen , Tian Jinyu , Zhang Hongcheng
Published: August 2022

The appearance quality of rice represent the primary concern of consumers when choosing rice, as well as a necessary condition for high-quality rice. In the past, the focus of attention on rice appearance quality was mainly on chalkiness, and most previous reviews on rice appearance quality focused on the chalky phenotype of rice, while some more generalized chalkiness as the only indicator of rice appearance quality. This paper objectively analyses the definitions and interrelationships of rice appearance quality indicators at the present stage. Then, the formation mechanism and research status of rice appearance quality were analyzed from three aspects: endosperm structure, genetic background, and endosperm material basis. The two indicators (chalkiness and transparency) were selected, having the greatest influence on appearance, as the starting point. On this basis, the problems in the current research on rice appearance quality were analyzed and relevant suggestions are put forward, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for the overall improvement of rice appearance quality under large-scale production conditions.
Three Methods of Site-Specific Yield Mapping as a Data Source for the Delineation of Management Zones in Winter Wheat
Authors: Stettmer Matthias , Mittermayer Martin , Maidl Franz-Xaver , Schwarzensteiner Jürgen , Hülsbergen Kurt-Jürgen , Bernhardt Heinz
Published: August 2022

In this study, three digital, site-specific, yield-mapping methods for winter wheat were examined, and their precision was evaluated. The crop yields of heterogeneous fields at three locations were determined on a site-specific basis using a yield-recording system composed of a combine harvester and algorithms based on reflection measurements made via satellites, as well as a tractor-mounted sensor. As a reference, the yield was determined with a plot harvester (ground truth data). The precision of the three methods was evaluated via statistical indicators (mean, median, minimum, maximum, and standard deviation) and correlation analyses between the yield of the ground truth data and the respective method. The results show a yield variation of 4.5–10.9 t ha−1 in the trial fields. The yield of the plot harvester was strongly correlated with the yield estimate from the sensor data (R2 = 0.71–0.75), it was moderately correlated with the yield estimate from the satellite data (R2 = 0.53–0.68), and it ranged from strongly to weakly correlated with the yield map of the combine harvester (R2 = 0.30–0.72). The absolute yield can be estimated using sensor data. Slight deviations (<10%) in the absolute yield are observed with the combine harvester, and there are clear deviations (±48%) when using the satellite data. The study shows differences in the precision and accuracy of the investigated methods. Further research and optimization are urgently needed to determine the exactness of the individual methods.
Herbage and Silage Quality Improved More by Mixing Barley and Faba Bean Than by N Fertilization or Stage of Harvest
Authors: Angeletti Francesco G. S. , Mariotti Marco , Tozzi Beatrice , Pampana Silvia , Saia Sergio
Published: August 2022

Legume–cereal mixtures are pivotal in yielding a more balanced forage composition compared to the sole crops, due to the well-adjusted equilibrium of carbohydrate and protein. However, great attention is required in choosing the optimal ratio of the components for the mixtures and other agronomic practices (including N fertilization and stage of harvest), because they can sharply change the forage composition and quality. To fill this gap, the present research compared the herbage and silage qualities and key fermentative and nutritional traits of biomasses obtained by: (i) five mixtures (i.e., 100:0; 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100) of hybrid barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and faba bean (Vicia faba var. minor); (ii) two N barley fertilization rates (0 vs. 140 kg N ha−1); and (iii) three stages of harvest (milky, early dough and soft dough). We found that the presence of faba bean improved the forage quality, either herbage or silage, through different mechanisms. In the herbage mixtures, faba bean inclusion increased crude protein (CP), and, when compared to the fertilized barley, also water-soluble sugar (WSCs) concentration, with small effects on the relative feed values (RFV) and total digestible nutrients (TDN). In the silage, the higher the faba bean share in the mixture, the higher the RFV, the non-fibrous carbohydrates, and total and lactic acid concentrations, and the lower the pH and the hemicellulose and cellulose concentrations, particularly at the early and mid stages of harvest. These improvements were likely due to the high ability of faba bean to attain a vegetative status (i.e., low dry matter concentration) by the end of the cropping season, and to improve the organic acid production. Our results suggest that the inclusion of faba bean in a barley-based silage system can widen the window for silage harvesting, thanks to its ability to sustain the fermentation process, despite a lower WSC to CP ratio compared to the unfertilized barley. These results occurred almost irrespectively of the faba bean share in the mixture and barley fertilization. This implies that when designing intercrop mixtures, the effect of crop densities on yield should be considered more than on quality.
Diversity among Traditional Minority Red Grape Varieties According to Their Aromatic Profile
Authors: Díaz-Fernández Ángela , Díaz-Losada Emilia , Cortés-Diéguez Sandra
Published: August 2022

Free and glycosidically-bound aromatic characterization of 21 minority red grapevine varieties was carried out, along three consecutive vintages, using solid phase microextraction followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry methodology (SPME-GC-MS). The two main study aims were to evaluate the possibility of aromatically differentiated varieties based on their origin and to test the aromatic profile for being used as a chemotaxonomic tool. Based on the results obtained in this research, it would be also interesting to verify in future studies if this varietal diversity could translate into a diversification of quality products in the current globalized wine market. A volatile profile was established grouping aroma compounds into thirteen families: acids, alcohols, esters, C6 compounds, thiols, ketones, aldehydes, phenols, terpenes, C13-norisoprenoids, lactones, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and sesquiterpenes. Significant differences were found among varieties for esters, phenols, terpenes, and total compounds in the free fraction and for alcohols, acids, C6 compounds, C13-norisoprenoids, terpenes, sesquiterpenes, and total compounds in the glycosidically-bound fraction. Subtle differentiation between different groups of varieties with common genetic origin was achieved by free aromatic profile (PCA) component analysis. Nevertheless, more in-depth studies are considered necessary to confirm the usefulness of the aromatic profile as a chemotaxonomic tool.
Plant Water Use Efficiency for a Sustainable Agricultural Development
Authors: García-Tejero Iván Francisco , Durán-Zuazo Víctor Hugo
Published: August 2022

The rising shortage of water resources worldwide in crop-producing regions and the need for irrigation optimisation call for sustainable water savings. That is, the allocation of irrigation water will be an ever-increasing source of pressure because of vast agricultural demands under changing climatic conditions. Consequently, irrigation has to be closely linked with water-use efficiency with the aim of boosting productivity and improving food quality, singularly in those regions where problems of water shortages or collection and delivery are widespread. The present Special Issue (SI) contains 19 original contributions addressing water-use efficiency under challenging topic of sustainable irrigation management to meet water scarcity conditions. These papers cover a wide range of subjects, including (i) interaction mineral nutrition and irrigation in horticultural crops, (ii) sustainable irrigation in woody fruit crops, (iii) medicinal plants, (iv) industrial crops, and (v) others devoted to remote sensing techniques and crop water requirements, genotypes for drought tolerance, and agricultural management platform. The studies have been carried out in both field and laboratory surveys, as well as modelling studies, and a wide range of geographic regions are also covered. The collection of these manuscripts presented in this SI updates and provides a relevant knowledge contribution for efficient saving water resources.
Spatiotemporal Uncertainty and Sensitivity Analysis of the SIMPLE Model Applied to Common Beans for Semi-Arid Climate of Mexico
Authors: Servin-Palestina Miguel , López-Cruz Irineo L. , Zegbe-Domínguez Jorge A. , Ruiz-García Agustín , Salazar-Moreno Raquel , Medina-García Guillermo
Published: August 2022

Simulation models are used to estimate, forecast, optimize and identify limiting factors and analyze changes in crop production. In order to obtain a functional and reliable mathematical model, it is necessary to know the source of uncertainty and identify the most influential parameters. This study aimed to carry out an uncertainty analysis (UA) and a global spatiotemporal sensitivity analysis (SA) for the parameters of the SIMPLE model, which uses 13 parameters, has two state variables and uses daily weather data to simulate crop growth and development. A Monte Carlo simulation was performed for the UA, and Sobol’s method was used for the SA. Four automatic weather stations representing the climatic conditions of the different bean-producing areas in Zacatecas, Mexico, and a four-year historical series of each station for irrigated and rainfed common bean crops were analyzed. From the UA the coefficients of variation (CV) for thermal time were 11.49% and 11.47%, for biomass the CV were 47.94% and 37.80% and for yield the CV were 49.52% and 39.70% for irrigated and rainfed beans, respectively. From the SA, the most influential parameters for irrigated beans were Tsum > Swater > Tbase > I50A > Topt and for rainfed beans, Tsum > Tbase > I50A > Topt > Swater, according to indices calculated on biomass and thermal time. In conclusion, UA was able to accurately quantify the uncertainty of the biomass, and SA allowed the identification of the most influential of the parameters of the SIMPLE model applied to a common bean crop.
Correction: Beelman et al. Soil Disturbance Impact on Crop Ergothioneine Content Connects Soil and Human Health. Agronomy 2021, 11, 2278
Authors: Beelman Robert B. , Richie John P. , Phillips Allen T. , Kalaras Michael D. , Sun Dongxiao , Duiker Sjoerd W.
Published: August 2022

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Dust Particles as a Pesticide’s Carrier in Agro-Ecosystems; Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis
Authors: Zaady Eli , Sarig Shlomo , Katra Itzhak
Published: August 2022

The agricultural landscape constitutes a mosaic of various crop plots intertwined with non-disturbed natural areas. Extensive use of pesticide spraying can pollute the natural areas, causing damage to the natural food webs. The damages to the natural systems can be temporary and cumulative. Although many studies have dealt with the results of pesticide spraying drift to the natural environment, we lack knowledge on the role of dust particle transfer of pesticides. The study aims to investigate the dust particles as pesticide carriers. It examines the presence and accumulation of pesticides in vegetation and soils of the farmlands and natural areas nearby in two different climatic zones, Mediterranean and semiarid. It was hypothesized that seasonal agricultural activities affect the transport of dust particles with pesticides. The research methods included qualitative and quantitative analyses of pesticides in a hierarchy of distances from agriculture fields into natural and nearby. The renewal of the results indicated that seasonal agricultural activity leading to the transport of dust particles was a major contribution to the spatial distribution of pesticides, in both climate zones. Here we reveal results that must be an essential principle in the use of pesticides in agricultural fields, especially in nearby uninhabited areas.
Serological Detection of Marine Origin Brucella Exposure in Two Alaska Beluga Stocks
Authors: Thompson Laura A. , Goertz Caroline E. C. , Quakenbush Lori T. , Burek Huntington Kathy , Suydam Robert S. , Stimmelmayr Raphaela , Romano Tracy A.
Published: August 2022

Among emerging threats to the Arctic is the introduction, spread, or resurgence of disease. Marine brucellosis is an emerging disease concern among free-ranging cetaceans and is less well-studied than terrestrial forms. To investigate marine-origin Brucella sp. exposure in two beluga stocks in Alaska, USA, this study used serological status as well as real-time polymerase chain reaction (rtPCR) and bacterial culture. In total, 55 live-captured–released belugas were tested for Brucella exposure in Bristol Bay (2008–2016) and 112 (8 live-captured; 104 subsistence-harvested) whales were tested in the eastern Chukchi Sea (2007–2017). In total, 73% percent of Bristol Bay live captures, 50% of Chukchi Sea live captures, and 66% of Chukchi Sea harvested belugas were positive on serology. Only 10 of 69 seropositive belugas were rtPCR positive in at least one tissue. Only one seropositive animal was PCR positive in both the spleen and mesenteric lymph node. All animals tested were culture negative. The high prevalence of seropositivity detected suggests widespread exposure in both stocks, however, the low level of rtPCR and culture positive results suggests clinical brucellosis was not prevalent in the belugas surveyed. Continued detection of Brucella exposure supports the need for long-term monitoring of these and other beluga populations.
‘Can They Take the Heat?’—The Egyptian Climate and Its Effects on Livestock
Authors: Goma Amira A. , Phillips Clive J. C.
Published: August 2022

Egypt already has conditions in summer that cause heat stress for livestock, and predicted climate changes suggest that these will be exacerbated over the course of this century. As well, extreme climatic events make the mitigation of climate change difficult but important to understand. Apart from neonates, farm animals have upper critical temperatures in the region of 25–30 °C, whereas temperatures in summer regularly exceed 40 °C for prolonged periods. The temperature and humidity data were collected half hourly to calculate Temperature Humidity Indices and demonstrate that Egyptian livestock at two centers of livestock production in the country would experience heat stress in summer for extended periods of each day. The impact of rising temperatures on livestock in Egypt was reviewed, where extensive resources to mitigate the impact are not often available. It was found that, although there are some prospects to mitigate some heat stress, by using agroforestry systems of production for example, these are unlikely to have a major impact, and reduced food security may ensue over the course of this century.
Clinical Assessment of Introducing Locoregional Anaesthesia Techniques as Part as the Intraoperative Analgesia Management for Canine Ovariohysterectomy in a Veterinary Teaching Hospital
Authors: Viscasillas Jaime , Cañón Ariel , Hernández Eva , Martínez Agustín , Marti-Scharfhausen Reyes , Lafuente Pilar , Redondo José Ignacio
Published: August 2022

This study compared four methods to provide intraoperative analgesia during canine ovariohysterectomy in a veterinary teaching hospital. A retrospective study was designed to assess the nociceptive response, cardiorespiratory stability, quality of recovery and complications of four analgesic protocols: epidural analgesia (EPIDURAL group), Quadratus Lumborum block (QLB group), Transversus Abdominis Plane block (TAP group), and just systemic analgesia (GENERAL group). Undergraduate students carried out all the loco-regional techniques under the direct supervision of a qualified anaesthetist. A total of 120 cases met the inclusion criteria and were included in the study and were distributed as follows: 22, 27, 32 and 39 cases with EPIDURAL, GENERAL, QLB and TAP groups, respectively. Data were analysed with statistical software R using different statistical methods. Significant differences among groups were defined as p < 0.05. Based on our results, all the groups needed the same number of rescue analgesia during the intra-operative period. The use of loco-regional techniques anticipated a better quality of recovery compared with the general group. The EPIDURAL group showed a statistically lower expired fraction of sevoflurane. No differences were found regarding complications. In conclusion, these four analgesic methods are suitable and safe to be performed for canine ovariohysterectomy, although loco-regional techniques might have some advantages.
Effects of Barley Starch Level in Diet on Fermentation and Microflora in Rumen of Hu Sheep
Authors: Zhang Zhian , Li Fei , Ma Xiaowen , Li Fadi , Wang Zongli
Published: August 2022

This study aimed to explore the effects of different levels of barley starch instead of corn starch on the rumen fermentation and microflora when feeding a corn-based diet to Hu sheep. Thirty-two male Hu sheep equipped with permanent rumen fistulas were selected and fed in individual metabolic cages. All sheep were randomly divided into four groups (eight sheep in each group) and fed with four diets containing a similar starch content, but from different starch sources, including 100% of starch derived from corn (CS), 33% of starch derived from barley + 67% of starch derived from corn (33 BS), 67% of starch derived from barley + 33% of starch derived from corn (67 BS) and 100% of starch derived from barley (100 BS). The experimental period included a 14 d adaptation period and a 2 d continuous data collection period. The results showed that the molar proportions of acetate, isobutyrate, butyrate and isovalerate and the ratio of acetate to propionate in the 67 BS and 100 BS groups decreased compared with the CS and 33 BS groups (p < 0.001), while the molar proportions of propionate and valerate increased (p < 0.001). The combination of 33% barley starch and 67% corn starch in the diet improved the production of TVFAs (p = 0.007). The OTUs and Shannon indexes of the CS and 33 BS groups were higher than the 67 BS and 100 BS groups (p < 0.001), and the Chao1 and Ace indexes were higher than the 100 BS group (p < 0.05). In addition, the 33 BS group had increased the relative abundances of Bacteroidetes, Prevotella and Ruminococcus and the abundances of Fibrobacter succinogenes, Ruminococcus flavefaciens, Streptococcus bovis, Selenomonas ruminantium and Prevotella brevis relative to the CS group (p < 0.05). These results indicate that the substitution of 33% of the CS with BS did not change the rumen fermentation pattern relative to the CS group, and increased the richness and diversity of the rumen microbes in Hu sheep compared with other two starch substitute groups.
Structural and Metabolic Changes in Bone
Authors: Wawrzyniak Agata , Balawender Krzysztof
Published: August 2022

As an essential component of the skeleton, bone tissue provides solid support for the body and protects vital organs. Bone tissue is a reservoir of calcium, phosphate, and other ions that can be released or stored in a controlled manner to provide constant concentration in body fluids. Normally, bone development or osteogenesis occurs through two ossification processes (intra-articular and intra-chondral), but the first produces woven bone, which is quickly replaced by stronger lamellar bone. Contrary to commonly held misconceptions, bone is a relatively dynamic organ that undergoes significant turnover compared to other organs in the body. Bone metabolism is a dynamic process that involves simultaneous bone formation and resorption, controlled by numerous factors. Bone metabolism comprises the key actions. Skeletal mass, structure, and quality are accrued and maintained throughout life, and the anabolic and catabolic actions are mostly balanced due to the tight regulation of the activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. This activity is also provided by circulating hormones and cytokines. Bone tissue remodeling processes are regulated by various biologically active substances secreted by bone tissue cells, namely RANK, RANKL, MMP-1, MMP-9, or type 1 collagen. Bone-derived factors (BDF) influence bone function and metabolism, and pathophysiological conditions lead to bone dysfunction. This work aims to analyze and evaluate the current literature on various local and systemic factors or immune system interactions that can affect bone metabolism and its impairments.