bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
OsWRKY76 positively regulates drought stress via OsbHLH148-mediated jasmonate signaling in rice
Authors: Zhang Mingxing , Zhao Ranran , Huang Kai , Wei Zhiqi , Guo Boya , Huang Shuangzhan , Li Zhao , Jiang Wenzhu , Wu Tao , Du Xinglin
Published: April 2023

Drought stress is a major environmental threat that limits plant growth and crop productivity. Therefore, it is necessary to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind drought tolerance in crops. Here, OsWRKY76 positively regulated drought stress in rice. OsWRKY76 expression was induced by PEG treatment, dehydration stress, and exogenous MeJA rather than by no treatment. Notably, OsWRKY76 knockout weakened drought tolerance at the seedling stage and decreased MeJA sensitivity. OsJAZ12 was significantly induced by drought stress, and its expression was significantly higher in OsWRKY76-knockout mutants than in wild-type ZH11 under drought stress. Yeast two-hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays showed that OsWRKY76 interacted with OsJAZ12. OsWRKY76 weakened the interaction between OsbHLH148 and OsJAZ12 in yeast cells. The OsJAZ12 protein repressed the transactivation activity of OsbHLH148, and this repression was partly restored by OsWRKY76 in rice protoplasts. Moreover, OsDREB1E expression was lower in OsWRKY76-knockout mutants than in wild-type ZH11 under drought stress, but it was upregulated under normal growth conditions. Yeast one-hybrid, electrophoretic mobility shift, and dual-luciferase assays showed that OsWRKY76 and OsbHLH148 bound directly to the OsDREB1E promoter and activated OsDREB1E expression in response to drought stress. These results suggest that OsWRKY76 confers drought tolerance through OsbHLH148-mediated jasmonate signaling in rice, offering a new clue to uncover the mechanisms behind drought tolerance.
TaSPL14-7A is a conserved regulator controlling plant architecture and yield traits in common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Cao Lina , Li Tian , Geng Shuaifeng , Zhang Yinhui , Pan Yuxue , Zhang Xueyong , Wang Fang , Hao Chenyang
Published: April 2023

Plant architecture is a crucial influencing factor of wheat yield and adaptation. In this study, we cloned and characterized TaSPL14, a homologous gene of the rice ideal plant architecture gene OsSPL14 in wheat. TaSPL14 homoeologs (TaSPL14-7A, TaSPL14-7B and TaSPL14-7D) exhibited similar expression patterns, and they were all preferentially expressed in stems at the elongation stage and in young spikes. Moreover, the expression level of TaSPL14-7A was higher than that of TaSPL14-7B and TaSPL14-7D. Overexpression of TaSPL14-7A in wheat resulted in significant changes in plant architecture and yield traits, including decreased tiller number and increased kernel size and weight. Three TaSPL14-7A haplotypes were identified in Chinese wheat core collection, and haplotype-based association analysis showed that TaSPL14-7A-Hap1/2 were significantly correlated with fewer tillers, larger kernels and higher kernel weights in modern cultivars. The haplotype effect resulted from a difference in TaSPL14-7A expression levels among genotypes, with TaSPL14-7A-Hap1/2 leading to higher expression levels than TaSPL14-7A-Hap3. As favorable haplotypes, TaSPL14-7A-Hap1/2 underwent positive selection during global wheat breeding over the last century. Together, the findings of our study provide insight into the function and genetic effects of TaSPL14 and provide a useful molecular marker for wheat breeding.
The rise of lobbying and interest groups in the states during the Progressive Era
Authors: Chamberlain Adam , Strickland James , Yanus Alixandra B.
Published: April 2023

The postbellum rise of voluntary, federated associations set the stage for modern pressure politics in the American states, yet the connection between associations and lobbying in this era is grossly understudied. Relying on associations' own records and a new dataset of state lobbyists, we explore this relationship more deeply, documenting how federated associations gained membership, created political agendas, and lobbied state legislators for reform. To understand better the processes linking group strength with direct lobbying, we present descriptive case studies of the Grange (agriculture), the “Big Four” railroad brotherhoods (skilled labor), and the American Bankers' Association (finance). Our findings reveal how group strength, measured by association membership or local organizing, was not always related to the choice to lobby legislatures directly. These findings suggest pathways for future research comparing Progressive Era associations to one another, as well as showing how their actions parallel those of modern pressure groups. This analysis also paves the way for a more robust temporal understanding of lobbying in the American states.
The development of the 5Cs of positive youth development in a school year: A 3-wave longitudinal study of Slovenian youth during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Kozina Ana , Wiium Nora
Published: April 2023

The paper analyses the longitudinal pathways for the 5Cs of positive youth development outcomes (Competence, Confidence, Character, Caring, Connection) in a school context during the COVID-19 pandemic. The theoretical framework for the paper is provided by the Positive youth development (PYD) perspective, which focuses on the importance of the interplay between individual characteristics and contexts. In the period of adolescence, school and its characteristics are one of the most influential contexts for the promotion of positive youth development. Therefore, the paper focused on the changes in the 5Cs in one school year using the methodology of longitudinal research (latent growth modeling) with three measurement points (beginning of the school year, middle of the school year, and the end of the school year). We used a sample of Slovenian youth (N = 1241 participants; 59,5% female; Mage = 15.35, SD = 1.21) who participated in the PYD-SI-MODEL study and responded to the PYD questionnaire during the current COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, we tested whether the development of the 5Cs in a school year differed by gender, age, and school level (lower-secondary, upper-secondary). The results indicated a significant decrease in Connection, Caring, and Character from the beginning to the end of the school year and an increase in Competence and Confidence in the same period. Significant intercept-slope interactions were detected in Confidence and Connection indicating that their higher initial level is associated with a more stable trajectory throughout the school year. In addition, we found that gender and school level play a significant role in several of the pathways while age was not a significant covariate with any of the Cs. The study is the first to test 5Cs pathways in one school year, using Slovenian data. In addition to the important role of contexts on positive developmental outcomes, the study highlights the significance of 5Cs promotion in pandemic times as much as in more stable times.
Decision-making styles during stressful scenarios: The role of anxiety in COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Marques da Rocha Mariana Castro , Malloy-Diniz Leandro Fernandes , Romano-Silva Marco Aurélio , Joaquim Rui Mateus , Serpa Alexandre Luiz de Oliveira , Paim Diaz Alexandre , de Paula Jonas Jardim , Costa Danielle Souza , Silva Antônio Geraldo da , Pinto André Luiz de Carvalho Braule , de Miranda Débora Marques
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Decision-making is not purely rational but highlighted by the influence of intuitive and emotional processes. Recently, researchers have focused more attention on understanding which environmental and personal features influence decision-making processes, and how.

Objective and methods

On this study, we investigate whether Trait Anxiety moderates the impact of Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms reported during COVID-19 pandemic on decision-making styles.

Results

The study included 1,358 Brazilian participants (80% women) aged between 20 and 74 (M = 41.11; SD = 11.23) who responded to an online survey between May and August of the year 2021 of COVID-19 pandemic to The State–Trait Anxiety Inventory, The Decisions Styles Scale, The Impact of Event Scale – Revised and questions related to COVID-19. Through moderation analysis, we observed that experiencing PTS is associated with a higher tendency to biased/heuristic decision-making processes.

Discussion

Trait Anxiety seems to influence how people respond to PTS symptoms on decision-making related processes. Subjects with higher Trait Anxiety reported lower tendency to appeal to rationality, especially under higher reported levels of PTS. Meanwhile, lower Trait Anxiety subjects exhibited more reason-based decision-making under higher rates of PTS. This work contributes to a deeper understanding of the interplay among environmental and individual differences on decision-making styles and helps to identify factors of vulnerability for poorer cognitive functioning on stressful scenarios.
Pathway of effects of adverse childhood experiences on the poly-drug use pattern among adults using drugs: A structural equation modeling
Authors: Li Jing , He Jianhui , Wang Pei , Li Jiashuang , Zhang Yunjia , You Jing , Chongsuvivatwong Virasakdi
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with an increased risk of poly-substance use among drug-using adults. However, there is a paucity of literature on a direct or indirect relationship between ACEs and drug use patterns. We thus aimed to identify the pathway of effects of ACEs on drug use patterns in adults by the structural equation model (SEM).

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted by respondent-driving sampling and consecutive sampling among adult drug users in Southwest China in 2021. Descriptive, univariate, and SEM analyses were performed by R software 4.2.1.

Results

Of 406 participants recruited from a drug abuse clinic, the average age was 34 years. The majority of the participants were male patients (98.3%) from ethnic minorities (79.6%), who were unmarried (71.6%) and employed (81.2%). Nearly 95.5% experienced ACEs with 46.6% of them reporting four or more ACEs. The median value of self-perception of drug abuse score, friend drug use score, and drug use score was 8.0 (3.0, 11.0), 1.0 (0.0, 1.0), and 1.0 (1.0, 2.0) respectively. In the confirmatory analysis part of SEM, the construct of latent variables fitted well with the data. Poly-drug use was significantly and directly affected by three predictors including monthly incomes (β = 0.09), friend drug use (β = 0.50), and ACEs (β = 0.11). The indirect effect of ACEs passing through self-perception of drugs (β = 0.09) was not significant.

Discussion

ACEs have an independent and direct effect on the drug user for poly-drug use apart from the effect of drug-using friends and family income.
Sedentary time of university students before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: Risk groups and pre-pandemic predictors using cross-sectional and longitudinal data
Authors: Heller Sebastian , Kalo Kristin , Werner Antonia M. , Eisenbarth Laura , Reichel Jennifer L. , Mülder Lina M. , Schäfer Markus , Letzel Stephan , Simon Perikles , Rigotti Thomas , Dietz Pavel
Published: April 2023

Background

The present study aimed to (1) assess and compare sedentary time (ST) of university students before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, (2) examine risk groups with regard to ST and the “extent of change” in ST (from before to during the pandemic) in association with sociodemographic (gender, age), study-related (degree aspired to, field of study, semester), and pre-pandemic physical health-related [pre-pandemic physical activity (PA) and ST levels, pre-pandemic BMI class] variables, and (3) investigate whether the change in ST was predicted by these variables.

Methods

Two online surveys were conducted among students at the University of Mainz, Germany—the first in 2019 (before the pandemic) and the second in 2020 (during the pandemic). Participants of both surveys were included in a longitudinal sample. With the longitudinal sample's data, paired t-tests, single factor, and mixed analyses of variances were used to examine group differences in ST and the “extent of change” in ST. A linear regression analysis was computed to investigate the influence of the abovementioned sociodemographic, study-related, and pre-pandemic physical health-related variables on the change in ST.

Results

Of the N = 4,351 (pre-pandemic) and N = 3,066 (in-pandemic) participants of the online surveys, N = 443 entered the longitudinal sample. ST increased by 1.4 h/day to critical levels (≥8 h/day) in all subgroups analyzed—even among students who were highly physically active before the pandemic. Students with a low pre-pandemic ST had the largest increase in ST. Pre-pandemic PA level negatively predicted the change in ST.

Conclusion

Even during a global pandemic lockdown, individuals who were previously more physically active and had less ST showed more health-promoting behavior in terms of ST. Therefore, it can be stated that efforts to promote PA and reduce ST are always valuable. Since ST increased and was worryingly high in all subgroups analyzed, all university students should be targeted by multidimensional approaches to tackle ST and promote their health.
Exploring the utility of robots as distractors during a delay-of-gratification task in preschool children
Authors: Bharatharaj Jaishankar , Pepperberg Irene M. , Sasthan Kutty Senthil Kumar , Munisamy Achudhan , Krägeloh Chris
Published: April 2023

The development of executive function (EF) in children, particularly with respect to self-regulation skills, has been linked to long-term benefits in terms of social and health outcomes. One such skill is the ability to deal with frustrations when waiting for a delayed, preferred reward. Although robots have increasingly been utilized in educational situations that involve teaching psychosocial skills to children, including various aspects related to self-control, the utility of robots in increasing the likelihood of self-imposed delay of gratification remains to be explored. Using a single-case experimental design, the present study exposed 24 preschoolers to three experimental conditions where a choice was provided between an immediately available reward and a delayed but larger reward. The likelihood of waiting increased over sessions when children were simply asked to wait, but waiting times did not increase further during a condition where teachers offered activities as a distraction. However, when children were exposed to robots and given the opportunity to interact with them, waiting times for the majority of children increased with medium to large effect sizes. Given the positive implications of strong executive function, how it might be increased in children in which it is lacking, limited, or in the process of developing, is of considerable import. This study highlights the effectiveness of robots as a distractor during waiting times and outlines a potential new application of robots in educational contexts.
Sport-related concussion disclosure in women's rugby—A social identity approach
Authors: Ryan Lisa , Daly Ed , Blackett Alexander D.
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Sport-related concussion (SRC) is a risk of collision sports such as women's rugby. To support appropriate SRC diagnosis and management, an understanding of the factors that encourage SRC disclosure is necessary. To date, research has focused on ascertaining individual player knowledge and attitudes towards SRC disclosure.

Methods

We chose to investigate the potential influence of group identification effects by examining the role of social identity on SRC disclosure in elite women's rugby. Seventeen elite players from the United Kingdom and Ireland were interviewed and their transcripts thematically analysed.

Results

The data highlighted that the players shared a very strong social identity as women in rugby and were acutely aware that their experiences were different to their male counterparts. The shared social identity had both positive and negative implications for SRC disclosure. The players interviewed did not feel comfortable disclosing their symptoms to their coach and often felt that medical staff either did not listen to them or were unavailable to them. Mediators such as communication, trust in medical teams, perceived pressure, positive injury management experience, and player role models were identified.

Discussion

This research could be utilised to inform sport psychology interventions to enhance SRC disclosure in elite women's rugby.
Evaluation of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Burnout Syndrome Among Healthcare Workers in Taizhou, China
Authors: Tung Tao-Hsin , Yang Yu-Pei , Zhang Mei-Xian , Chen Hai-Xiao , Pan Shuang-Jun
Published: April 2023

Objectives: To evaluate COVID-19 burnout syndrome among healthcare workers in Taizhou, China.

Methods: A total of 1,103 qualified healthcare workers in Taizhou were included in the study. The Maslach Burnout Inventory–General Survey (MBI-GS) was used to assess burnout syndrome.

Results: Among the healthcare workers surveyed, 25.9% experienced COVID-19 burnout syndrome, including 22.3% and 3.6% with mild and moderate burnout, respectively. Multivariate linear regression models revealed associations with emotional exhaustion among healthcare workers, as follows: occupation, education level and professional qualifications. Professional efficacy was impacted by the pandemic, as follows: sex and occupation. The following factors were associated with cynicism among healthcare workers: occupation and underlying disease. Occupation (medical technician vs. physician, β = −7.40, 95% confidence interval: −12.09 to −2.71, p = 0.002) was significantly related to MBI-GS scores after adjusting for confounding factors.

Conclusion: COVID-19 burnout syndrome was common among healthcare workers in Taizhou, China, and its impact was more burdensome to physicians.
Impact of Light on Horticultural Crops
Authors: Bantis Filippos , Koukounaras Athanasios
Published: April 2023

Light is an essential factor for the growth and quality of horticultural plants and its effects depend upon parameters such as duration, intensity and quality [...]
Scale Insects and Natural Enemies Associated with Conilon Coffee (Coffea canephora) in São Paulo State, Brazil
Authors: Souza Ivana Lemos , de Paulo Hágabo Honorato , de Siqueira Matheus Alves , Costa Valmir Antonio , Wengrat Ana Paula Gonçalves da Silva , Peronti Ana Lúcia Benfatti Gonzalez , Martinelli Nilza Maria
Published: April 2023

Several insect pests are related to the cultivation of conilon coffee, Coffea canephora (Rubiaceae), including (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha). Coccoids damage plants by sucking their sap, producing honeydew, and transmitting viruses. Parasitoids and predators are natural enemies that regulate the insect population and can be used in mealybug biological control. This study aimed to survey scale insects and natural enemies associated with C. canephora in the city of Jaboticabal, São Paulo State, Brazil. Two species of mealybugs from the family Coccidae and three from the family Pseudococcidae were collected in different plant structures. Natural enemies collected comprised hymenopteran parasitoids from the families Aphelinidae, Eulophidae, Encyrtidae, and Perilampidae; predator beetles of the family Coccinellidae; dipterans from the family Cecidomyiidae; and thrips of the family Aeolothripidae. This is the first report of the mealybug species Coccus brasiliensis, Pseudococcus longispinus, and Pseudococcus cryptus; of the parasitoids Coccophagus rusti, Aprostocetus sp., Aenasius advena, Aenasius fusciventris, Aenasius pseudococci, and Perilampus sp.; and of the predators Cycloneda conjugata, Pseudoazya nana, Diadiplosis coccidivora, Diadiplosis sp., and Franklinothrips vespiformis, associated with C. canephora. Knowledge of mealybug species and their respective natural enemies will contribute to biological control strategies in planning the integrated management of mealybugs associated with conilon coffee.
Impact of Biomass Recycling and Fertilization on Soil Microbiological Characteristics and Wheat Productivity in Semi-Arid Environment
Authors: Yadav Govind Kumar , Dadhich Sunil Kumar , Yadav Rajendra Kumar , Kumar Rajesh , Dobaria Jalpa , Paray Bilal Ahamad , Chang Soon Woong , Ravindran Balasubramani
Published: April 2023

In India, 700 million tons of agricultural waste generated annually is burned by farmers in the fields, which decreases biological activity in soil. The issue of handling the enormous amounts of crop residues that emerge from increased crop output might be resolved by composting. However, different crop residues improve soil physico-chemical and biological properties in different ways. Crop residue incorporation and fertilization (NPK) impact crop productivity due to changes in soil microbial biomass carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous, and the soil enzymatic activity. A field experiment was conducted for two years (2020–2021 and 2021–2022), which comprises five partially composted crop residues treatments viz., control, clusterbean straw, groundnut shell, pearlmillet husk, and sesame stover (added at rate of 5 t ha−1), and four fertilization (NPK) treatments viz., control, 75% RDF, 100% RDF, and 125% RDF. The microbial biomass carbon (MBC), microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN), microbial biomass phosphorus (MBP), enzymatic activities in soil and wheat yield were studied under a semi-arid environment (India). Data showed that the continuous application of crop residues and fertilizer significantly affected MBC, MBN, MBP, and soil enzymatic activity after two years of experimentation in a semi-arid region environment. The highest levels of microbial biomass (viz, MBC, MBN, MBP) and enzyme activities were noticed in the sesame stover and 125% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) treatments. Therefore, this study highlights the need for restoring crop residue for effective soil management. The crop residue and NPK fertilization are more efficient in improving the soil’s microbial properties and the yield of wheat.
Physico-Chemical Analysis of Vermicompost Mixtures
Authors: Saba Zinzi , Magwaza Lembe S. , Sithole Nkanyiso J. , Mditshwa Asanda , Odindo Alfred O.
Published: April 2023

The study evaluated the physical and chemical characteristics of vermicompost mixtures to optimize nutrient extraction. Three compost mixtures (chicken plus horse (CH+H), chicken plus cattle (CH+C), and cattle plus horse (C+H)) were selected for quality evaluation at three extraction times: 24, 48, and 72 h. The results showed differences (p < 0.05) in nutrient concentration of compost teas in different compost mixtures. The interaction between treatments and extraction time showed a significant effect (p < 0.05) on nutrients except in P, K, Ca, and EC. The nutrients were higher at 48 h after extraction. The pH was observed to increase slightly with extraction time. C+H had more percentage of moisture content (44.79%) than other mixtures. This mixture was the most preferred by worms, i.e., it had the greater size and number of worms. The results suggested that the presence of oxygen in extraction and high temperatures affects ammonium availability in compost tea as they trigger nitrifying bacteria. Due to the decrease in some nutrients’ concentration (NO3, P, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, and Cu) at 72 h, it was concluded that 48 h is the best time to extract nutrients from compost mixtures to produce good quality compost using aerobic extraction method.
Review: Recent Applications of Gene Editing in Fish Species and Aquatic Medicine
Authors: Gutási Anikó , Hammer Sabine E. , El-Matbouli Mansour , Saleh Mona
Published: April 2023

Gene editing and gene silencing techniques have the potential to revolutionize our knowledge of biology and diseases of fish and other aquatic animals. By using such techniques, it is feasible to change the phenotype and modify cells, tissues and organs of animals in order to cure abnormalities and dysfunctions in the organisms. Gene editing is currently experimental in wide fields of aquaculture, including growth, controlled reproduction, sterility and disease resistance. Zink finger nucleases, TALENs and CRISPR/Cas9 targeted cleavage of the DNA induce favorable changes to site-specific locations. Moreover, gene silencing can be used to inhibit the translation of RNA, namely, to regulate gene expression. This methodology is widely used by researchers to investigate genes involved in different disorders. It is a promising tool in biotechnology and in medicine for investigating gene function and diseases. The production of food fish has increased markedly, making fish and seafood globally more popular. Consequently, the incidence of associated problems and disease outbreaks has also increased. A greater investment in new technologies is therefore needed to overcome such problems in this industry. To put it concisely, the modification of genomic DNA and gene silencing can comprehensively influence aquatic animal medicine in the future. On the ethical side, these precise genetic modifications make it more complicated to recognize genetically modified organisms in nature and can cause several side effects through created mutations. The aim of this review is to summarize the current state of applications of gene modifications and genome editing in fish medicine.
Effects of Natural and Synthetic Astaxanthin on Growth, Body Color, and Transcriptome and Metabolome Profiles in the Leopard Coralgrouper (Plectropomus leopardus)
Authors: Zhang Junpeng , Tian Changxu , Zhu Kecheng , Liu Yong , Zhao Can , Jiang Mouyan , Zhu Chunhua , Li Guangli
Published: April 2023

Natural and synthetic astaxanthin can promote pigmentation in fish. In this study, the effects of dietary astaxanthin on growth and pigmentation were evaluated in leopard coralgrouper (Plectropomus leopardus). Fish were assigned to three groups: 0% astaxanthin (C), 0.02% natural astaxanthin (HP), and 0.02% synthetic astaxanthin (AS). Brightness (L*) was not influenced by astaxanthin. However, redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) were significantly higher for fish fed astaxanthin-containing diets than fish fed control diets and were significantly higher in the HP group than in the AS group. In a transcriptome analysis, 466, 33, and 32 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between C and HP, C and AS, and AS and HP, including various pigmentation-related genes. DEGs were enriched for carotenoid deposition and other pathways related to skin color. A metabolome analysis revealed 377, 249, and 179 differential metabolites (DMs) between C and HP, C and AS, and AS and HP, respectively. In conclusion, natural astaxanthin has a better coloration effect on P. leopardus, which is more suitable as a red colorant in aquaculture. These results improve our understanding of the effects of natural and synthetic astaxanthin on red color formation in fish.
Protective Effects of Nanoceria against Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Angiotensin II-Induced Hypertrophy in H9c2 Cardiomyoblasts
Authors: Gul Rukhsana , Dar Mushtaq A. , Nawaz Shahid , Alfadda Assim A.
Published: April 2023

Mitochondrial dysfunction triggered by increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation is involved in the pathogenesis and development of cardiac hypertrophy. Nanoceria (cerium oxide nanoparticle) has powerful ROS-scavenging properties and is considered a potential therapeutic option for curbing ROS-related disorders. Here, we explored the signaling mechanism underlying the protective effects of nanoceria against angiotensin (Ang) II-stimulated pathological response in H9c2 cardiomyoblasts. Our data revealed that pretreatment of H9c2 cardiomyoblasts with nanoceria significantly prevented Ang II-stimulated generation of intracellular ROS, aberrant expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and hypertrophy markers. Nanoceria pretreatment increased the mRNA levels of genes regulating the cellular antioxidant defense system (SOD2, MnSOD, CAT) in Ang II-treated cells. Furthermore, nanoceria restored mitochondrial function by decreasing mitochondrial ROS, increasing mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and promoting the mRNA expression of genes associated with mitochondrial biogenesis (PGC-1α, TFAM, NRF1, and SIRT3) and mitochondrial fusion (MFN2, OPA1). Collectively, these findings demonstrate the protective effects of nanoceria against Ang II-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction and pathological hypertrophy in H9c2 cells.
A Narrative Review of Lifestyle Risk Factors and the Role of Oxidative Stress in Age-Related Hearing Loss
Authors: Tang Diana , Tran Yvonne , Dawes Piers , Gopinath Bamini
Published: April 2023

Age-related hearing loss affects a significant proportion of adults aged 60 years and above, with a prevalence of 65%. This condition has a negative impact on both physical and mental well-being, and while hearing interventions can help alleviate the effects of hearing loss, they cannot completely restore normal hearing or halt the progression of age-related hearing loss. Oxidative stress and inflammation have been identified as potential contributors to this condition. By addressing modifiable lifestyle risk factors that exacerbate oxidative stress, there may be an opportunity to prevent hearing loss. Therefore, this narrative review provides an overview of the major modifiable lifestyle risk factors associated with age-related hearing loss, that is, exposure to noise and ototoxic chemicals, smoking, diet, physical activity, and the presence of chronic lifestyle diseases, and offers an overview of the role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of this condition.
Advances in the Application of Phytogenic Extracts as Antioxidants and Their Potential Mechanisms in Ruminants
Authors: Piao Minyu , Tu Yan , Zhang Naifeng , Diao Qiyu , Bi Yanliang
Published: April 2023

Under current breeding conditions, multiple stressors are important challenges facing animal husbandry in achieving animal wellbeing. For many years, the use of antibiotics has been a social concern in the livestock industry. With the implementation of the non-antibiotics policy, there is an urgent need to find relevant technologies and products to replace antibiotics and to solve the problem of disease prevention during animal growth. Phytogenic extracts have the unique advantages of being natural and extensive sources, having a low residue, and being pollution-free and renewable. They can relieve the various stresses, including oxidative stress, on animals and even control their inflammation by regulating the signaling pathways of proinflammatory cytokines, improving animal immunity, and improving the structure of microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby becoming the priority choice for improving animal health. In this study, we reviewed the types of antioxidants commonly used in the livestock industry and their applicable effects on ruminants, as well as the recent research progress on their potential mechanisms of action. This review may provide a reference for further research and for the application of other phytogenic extracts and the elucidation of their precise mechanisms of action.
Standardized Sanguisorba officinalis L. Extract Inhibits Adipogenesis and Promotes Thermogenesis via Reducing Oxidative Stress
Authors: Zheng Yulong , Lee So-Yeon , Lee Yeji , Lee Tae-Kyeong , Kim Ji Eun , Kim Tae Hyeon , Kang Il-Jun
Published: April 2023

Obesity produces many health problems, including systemic oxidative stress. This study comprehensively investigated the effects of Sanguisorba officinalis L. extract (SO) as an antioxidant on abnormal lipid accumulation and oxidative stress in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice (n = 48). We evaluated the anti-adipogenic and antioxidant effects of SO on 3T3-L1 by cell viability, Oil red O staining, and NBT assays. The ameliorative effects of SO in HFD-induced C57BL/6J mice were investigated by measuring body weight, serum lipids, adipocyte size, hepatic steatosis, AMPK pathway-related proteins, and thermogenic factors. In addition, the effect of SO on oxidative stress in obese mice was evaluated by the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the production of lipid peroxidation products and ROS production in adipose tissue. We found that SO dose-dependently decreased lipid accumulation and ROS production in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. In C57BL/6J obese mice, SO (above 200 mg/kg) attenuated the HFD-induced gain in body weight and white adipose tissue (WAT) weight without affecting appetite. SO also decreased serum glucose, lipid, and leptin levels and attenuated adipocyte hypertrophy and hepatic steatosis. Furthermore, SO increased the expression of SOD1 and SOD2 in WAT, decreased ROS and lipid peroxides, and activated the AMPK pathway and thermogenic factors. In summary, SO reduces oxidative stress in adipose tissue by increasing antioxidant enzyme activity and improves obesity symptoms through AMPK-pathway-regulated energy metabolism and mitochondrial respiratory thermogenesis.
Amitraz and Its Metabolites: Oxidative Stress-Mediated Cytotoxicity in HepG2 Cells and Study of Their Stability and Characterization in Honey
Authors: Giorgini Marialuce , Taroncher Mercedes , Tolosa Josefa , Ruiz María-José , Rodríguez-Carrasco Yelko
Published: April 2023

The population decrease of bees that has been observed in recent years due to the Varroa destructor parasite may endanger the production of bee-products whose demand is on the rise. To minimize the negative effects caused by this parasite, the pesticide amitraz is commonly used by beekeepers. Based on these, the objectives of this work are to determine the toxic effects caused by amitraz and its metabolites in HepG2 cells, as well as its determination in honey samples and the study of its stability with different heat treatments commonly used in the honey industry and its relationship with the amount of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) produced. Amitraz significantly decreased cell viability by MTT assay and total protein content (PC) assay, being more cytotoxic than its metabolites. Amitraz and its metabolites caused oxidative stress by Lipid Peroxidation (LPO) production and Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) generation. Residues of amitraz and/or its metabolites were found in analyzed honey samples, with 2,4-Dimethylaniline (2,4-DMA) being the main metabolite confirmed by high-performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (HPLC-QTOF HRMS). Amitraz and its metabolites resulted as unstable even at moderate heat treatments. Additionally, a positive correlation in terms of HMF concentration in samples and the severity of heat treatment was also observed. However, quantified amitraz and HMF were within the levels set in the regulation.
Antioxidant Properties of Protein-Rich Plant Foods in Gastrointestinal Digestion—Peanuts as Our Antioxidant Friend or Foe in Allergies
Authors: Prodić Ivana , Krstić Ristivojević Maja , Smiljanić Katarina
Published: April 2023

Thermally processed peanuts are ideal plant models for studying the relationship between allergenicity and antioxidant capacity of protein-rich foods, besides lipids, carbohydrates and phytochemicals. Peanut is highly praised in the human diet; however, it is rich in allergens (>75% of total proteins). One-third of peanut allergens belong to the products of genes responsible for the defence of plants against stress conditions. The proximate composition of major peanut macromolecules and polyphenols is reviewed, focusing on the identity and relative abundance of all peanut proteins derived from recent proteomic studies. The importance of thermal processing, gastrointestinal digestion (performed by INFOGEST protocol) and their influence on allergenicity and antioxidant properties of protein-rich plant food matrices is elaborated. Antioxidant properties of bioactive peptides from nuts were also considered. Moreover, there are no studies dealing simultaneously with the antioxidant and allergenic properties of protein- and polyphenol-rich foods, considering all the molecules that can significantly contribute to the antioxidant capacity during and after gastrointestinal digestion. In summary, proteins and carbohydrates are underappreciated sources of antioxidant power released during the gastrointestinal digestion of protein-rich plant foods, and it is crucial to decipher their antioxidant contribution in addition to polyphenols and vitamins before and after gastrointestinal digestion.
Determination of Hazardous Zone of Coal Spontaneous Combustion in Ultra-Long Working Face Based on the Gob Porosity Evolution and Flow Field Distribution
Authors: Xie Shuliang , Wang Gang , Wang Enmao , Huang Qiming , Xia Mingze
Published: April 2023

Coal fire remains one of the main hazards of underground work. Spontaneous coal fires cause serious casualties and property losses. At present, most of the studies on coal spontaneous combustion have been conducted on working faces shorter than 200 m. However, the ultra-long working face gob of shallow buried coal seam is much larger, the distribution of its flow field is more complex, and, thus, risk of spontaneous combustion in the gob is higher. Exploring the evolution law of the gob flow field of ultra-long working face to quickly determine the range of the coal spontaneous combustion hazardous zone is of great significance to the safe production of similar mines. In this study, the gas flow field distribution in the gob of an ultra-long working face was measured by buried pipeline method and oxygen concentration was used as the index. It is found that the oxygen concentration decreases with the advance of the working face. Based on the flow field distribution, the oxidation zone of the gob was determined. Meanwhile, a three-dimensional (3D) numerical model of the working face was established, and the overlying stratum collapse and porosity evolution in the gob were simulated using the particle flow software, PFC3D discrete element software, for the porosity distribution law of the gob. The obtained porosity data were then imported into FLUENT using the custom function UDF to construct a 3D grid model. The flow field distribution in the gob was then numerically simulated for the seepage and migration law of the wind flow in the gob. The results reveal an arch-shaped wind flow field distribution with a swirl shape on the intake airway side. In the strike direction, the wind flow gradually becomes weaker with the advance of the working face. In the dip direction, the wind flow seepage range on the return airway side is obviously higher than that on the intake airway side. In the vertical direction, the wind flow range in the upper gob is larger than that in the middle and lower gob. The spontaneous combustion and oxidation zone of the gob is determined to be at 140.4–313.3 m on the intake airway side, 201.2–351.6 m in the middle of the gob, and 153.2–328.1 m on the return airway side. Finally, the residual coal distribution was superimposed onto the oxygen concentration distribution to obtain the spontaneous residual coal combustion hazardous zone in the gob.
Combinations of Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) and Rue (Ruta gravolens) Plant Extracts with Lytic Phages: A Study on Interactions
Authors: Stachurska Xymena , Mizielińska Małgorzata , Ordon Magdalena , Nawrotek Paweł
Published: April 2023

The use of combined biocontrol strategies to combat bacterial-related issues is an increasingly popular approach. Therefore, a novel investigation was performed, where interactions of lytic bacteriophages (MS2, T4 and phi6) and methanolic plant extracts (Echinacea purpurea (EP) and Ruta graveolens (RG)) in the bacterial environment have been examined to understand their application potential and limitations. Due to the complexity of these interactions, many up-to-date techniques were used (microdilution method, phage extract coincubation assay, static interactions synographies and dynamic growth profile experiments in a bioreactor). As a result of our study, antagonism interactions were observed: EP and RG extracts showed antiphage and bacterial stimulating activity. Effects caused by low extract concentrations on microorganisms depended on the species of phage and bacteria, while high concentrations suppressed bacterial lysis in general. Moreover, interactions observed in the static environment differed from those performed in a dynamic environment, showing the importance of performing multiple analyses when investigating such complex mixtures.
Study on Sedimentary Evolution of the Hanjiang River Delta during the Late Quaternary
Authors: Wang Yang , Zhou Liang , Wan Xiaoming , Liu Xiujuan , Wang Wanhu , Yi Jiaji
Published: April 2023

In recent years, coastal areas have been threatened by many potential hazards due to global warming, glacier melting and sea level rise. Understanding their evolutionary history and development trends can help predict disasters and further reduce the corresponding losses. The Hanjiang River delta in the southeastern part of China is the second largest delta in Guangdong Province and has such challenges. Studying the sedimentary evolution and delta initiation of the Hanjiang Delta is beneficial for understanding the response of the Hanjiang Delta to present and future sea level and climate changes. In this research, we drilled a series of cores from the Hanjiang subaqueous delta, which contains information on the sedimentary environment, climate change and sea level change during the late Quaternary. Combined with previous research results and under the constraint of high-precision and high-resolution AMS14C and OSL, we carried out a multi-proxy analysis that included micropaleontology and grain size to obtain information on the sedimentary environment, sea level change and climate change. We then further discussed the initiation of the Hanjiang delta and its primary factors. The Quaternary sediments began depositing in the early Late Pleistocene (MIS5), and three sedimentary cycles can be recognized from bottom to top. The dating results also indicate that the first two cycles were formed during the late Pleistocene, while the last cycle was formed during the Holocene. The initiation of the Hanjiang Delta was indicated by a progradation in the process of a transition from estuary to a typical delta. At this time, the rate of delta progradation seaward was fast, and increasing amounts of sediments moved through the third line of islands into the sea. The barrier–lagoon system began to develop in the estuary of Hanjiang during this period. With the sequential construction of the delta, the lagoon was filled and covered by delta deposition, and the barrier bar moved to the sea; thus, the barrier-coast delta depositional model was established in the study area. Since the last glacial period (LGM), the Hanjiang River Delta and other river deltas in the region seem to have experienced similar evolutionary histories, including the filling of incised paleo-valleys and estuaries in the Early Holocene and deltaic progradation in the Middle to Late Holocene, controlled by sea level change.
Computer-Based Simulated Learning Activities: Exploring Saudi Students’ Attitude and Experience of Using Simulations to Facilitate Unsupervised Learning of Science Concepts
Authors: Alhadlaq Aseel
Published: April 2023

Today, computer-based simulations are widely used in a range of industries and fields for various purposes. They are helpful in testing different scenarios and hypotheses, allowing users to explore the consequences of different decisions and actions. This study aimed to explore the university students’ attitudes and experiences of using simulations to facilitate their unsupervised (without teachers’ support) learning of science concepts. This study involved 566 university students who used online simulations so support their unsupervised learning of science content in physics, chemistry, math, earth science, and biology. The data collected via a cross-sectional survey were analyzed using parametric statistics. The participants of the study showed a high -level of engagement and satisfaction with the use of simulations for unsupervised science learning, suggesting that computer-based simulations have the potential to serve as a user-centered learning interface capable of engaging university students without the teachers’ support. This study did not find a gender-based divide in the students’ experiences. Participants’ independent learning abilities were found to have a significant positive influence on their satisfaction and engagement. The results of this study have theoretical and practical implications for science learning beyond classroom walls.
Research on Communication Stability of Inter-Cannonball Network Based on OPNET
Authors: Zhuo Zhihai , Huang Jintao , Lu Wanyu , Lu Xiangyang
Published: April 2023

In modern warfare, achieving strikes against military targets commonly involves utilizing methods such as fire coverage and missile precision guidance. While effective, fire coverage requires significant ammunition support, and missiles can be costly. Therefore, an intelligent strike solution can be an effective way to address these challenges. The inter-cannonball wireless communication network provides a solid foundation for inter-cannonball networking and joint strikes. The synergy improves the strike’s range and precision, ensuring own safety and destroying the enemy’s core with success. In this paper, the reliability of inter-cannonball group communication is studied. The vast array of activities and short striking distance of cannonballs make wireless networking between cannonballs a technological challenge. For this unique communication environment, the network of cannonballs is discussed, the self-organizing structure model of the network is proposed, the corresponding node topology is established, the protocol framework of inter-cannonball communication is presented, and the simulation parameters of the communication network are set. On this premise, discrete event simulation is performed by using the OPNET program to validate the impact of failure rate and node movement speed on the inter-cannonball network communication reliability. And the main performance indices of the inter-cannonball communication system are derived. The simulation results indicate that it can maintain basic communication stability, with wireless LAN delays of less than 100 ms, even when the node failure rate reaches 20%. The simulation verification method, on the other hand, overcomes the limitations of the real environment, optimizes the design phase, reduces research costs, and accelerates the development of intelligent cannonballs.
Automatic Detection Method of Sewer Pipe Defects Using Deep Learning Techniques
Authors: Zhang Jiawei , Liu Xiang , Zhang Xing , Xi Zhenghao , Wang Shuohong
Published: April 2023

Regular inspection of sewer pipes can detect serious defects in time, which is significant to ensure the healthy operation of sewer systems and urban safety. Currently, the widely used closed-circuit television (CCTV) inspection system relies mainly on manual assessment, which is labor intensive and inefficient. Therefore, it is urgent to develop an efficient and accurate automatic defect detection method. In this paper, an improved method based on YOLOv4 is proposed for the detection of sewer defects. A significant improvement of this method is using the spatial pyramid pooling (SPP) module to expand the receptive field and improve the ability of the model to fuse context features in different receptive fields. Meanwhile, the influence of three bounding box loss functions on model performance are compared based on their processing speed and detection accuracy, and the effectiveness of the combination of DIoU loss function and SPP module is verified. In addition, to address the lack of datasets for sewer defect detection, a dataset that contains 2700 images and 4 types of defects was created, which provides useful help for the application of computer vision techniques in this field. Experimental results show that, compared with the YOLOv4 model, the mean average precision (mAP) of the improved model for sewer defect detection are improved by 4.6%, the mAP can reach 92.3% and the recall can reach 89.0%. The improved model can effectively improve the detection and classification accuracy of sewer defects, and has significant advantages compared with other methods.