bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The prevalence of gestational syphilis in Malawi between 2014 and 2022: spatiotemporal modeling of population-level factors
Authors: Chirombo James , Majamanda Annielisa , Gunsaru Vester , Yosefe Simeon , Ozituosauka Washington , Mchoma Christina , Morroni Chelsea , Chipeta Effie , MacPherson Peter , Freyne Bridget
Published: January 2024

Background

Mother-to-child transmission of syphilis remains high especially in the WHO AFRO region with a prevalence of 1.62%, resulting in a congenital syphilis rate of 1,119 per 100,000 live births. Elimination efforts can be supported by an understanding of the spatial and temporal changes in disease over time, which can identify priority areas for targeted interventions aimed at reducing transmission.

Methods

We collated routine surveillance data from health facilities and covariate data from demographic and health surveys conducted in Malawi between 2014 and 2022. We fitted a Bayesian hierarchical mixed model with spatial and temporally structured random effects to model the district-level monthly counts of maternal syphilis notifications as a function of individual- and district-level predictors. We then generated district-level spatiotemporally explicit risk profiles to estimate the effect of individual- and district-level covariates on maternal syphilis notifications and to identify hotspot areas.

Results

Overall, the national prevalence of maternal syphilis increased from 0.28% (95% CI: 0.27–0.29%) in 2014 to peaking in 2021 at 1.92% (95% CI: 1.89–1.96%). Between 2020 and 2022, there was a decline in prevalence, with the most significant decline seen in Zomba District (1.40, 95% CI: 1.12–1.66%). In regression models, a one percentage point increase in district-level antenatal HIV prevalence was associated with increased maternal syphilis (prevalence ratio [PR]: 1.15, 95% credible interval [CrI]: 1.10–1.21). There was also an increased prevalence of maternal syphilis associated with an increased district-level mean number of sex partners (PR: 1.05, 95% CrI: 0.80–1.37). The number of districts with a high prevalence of maternal syphilis also increased between 2014 and 2022, especially in the southern region, where most had a high probability (approaching 100%) of having high maternal syphilis (defined as relative risk >1 compared to the standard population of women aged 15–49 years) in 2022.

Conclusion

Maternal syphilis prevalence in Malawi shows an increasing upward trend, with an estimated six times relative increase between 2014 and 2022 (0.28% to 1.73%) and strong associations with higher district-level HIV prevalence. Controlling syphilis depends on reaching vulnerable populations at the sub-national level, which may be disproportionately affected. Our findings support the move to integrate the elimination of mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of syphilis programs with existing prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV programs.
Estimating the disability adjusted life years associated with COVID-19 in Iran for the first 2 years of the pandemic
Authors: -Bokaie Saied , Daneshi Salman , Bahonar Alireza , Haghdoost AliAkbar , Barfar Eshagh , Patrick Moran Declan
Published: January 2024

Background

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), on 11 March 2020. Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) combine the impact of morbidity and mortality, allowing for comprehensive comparisons of the population. The purpose of this study was to estimate DALYs due to COVID-19 in Iran for the first 2 years of the pandemic.

Methods

DALYs were estimated as the sum of Years of Life Lost (YLLs) and Years Lived with Disability (YLDs) associated with COVID-19 in Iran from 19 February 2020 to 20 March 2022. The life expectancy for COVID-19 YLL estimations was based on the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 study.

Results

There were 15,639,243 outpatients and 1,170,602 hospitalized confirmed cases, of which 120,965 deaths were as a direct result of COVID-19. DALYs were estimated to be 2,376,552. Overall, YLL contributed to 99.34% of the DALYs, while the remaining 0.66% was attributed to YLD.

Conclusion

COVID-19 had a significant impact on population health in Iran during the first 2 years of the pandemic; this study provides a comprehensive depiction of COVID-19’s burden and is helpful for comparing its impact with other diseases in the population and across populations.
Assessing the impact of COVID-19 interventions on the hand, foot and mouth disease in Guangdong Province, China: a Bayesian modeling study
Authors: Zhang Li , Yang Fen , Zhu Zhihua , Zeng Weilin , Rong Zuhua , Hu Jianxiong , Li Xing , Zhao Jianguo , Zeng Biao , Li Yihan , Quan Yi , Zhang Qian , Huang Zitong , Li Yuye , Huang Xing , Zheng Wenyuan , Xu Jiaqing , Li Yan , Chen Qing , Xiao Jianpeng , Zhang Meng
Published: January 2024

Background

The non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) against COVID-19 may have affected the transmission of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD). We aimed to assess the impact of the NPIs on HFMD in the high epidemic area of HFMD, Guangdong Province.

Methods

The data of HFMD cases, etiological information, and meteorological factors in Guangdong from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2021, were collected. Using a Bayesian structural time series (BSTS) model integrated counterfactual framework, we assessed the effect of NPIs on HFMD by different intervention periods, populations (gender, age, occupation), and cities. We further explored the correlation between the reduction of HFMD and socioeconomic factors in 21 cities.

Results

A total of 351,217 HFMD cases were reported and 455,327 cases were averted in Guangdong Province during 2020–2021 with a reduction of 84.94% (95%CI: 81.63–87.22%) in 2020 and 29.49% (95%CI: 15.26–39.54%) in 2021. The impact of NPIs on HFMD differed by age and gender. The effects of NPIs were more remarkable for children aged 0–2 years and scattered children. We found that the relative reductions in 21 cities were related to the composition ratio of children and COVID-19 incidence.

Conclusion

The reduction of HFMD incidence was significantly associated with COVID-19 NPIs, and school closure was an effective intervention to prevent HFMD outbreaks. Our findings will contribute to the development of HFMD prevention and control measures.
A survey on the role of artificial intelligence in managing Long COVID
Authors: Ahmad Ijaz , Amelio Alessia , Merla Arcangelo , Scozzari Francesca
Published: January 2024

In the last years, several techniques of artificial intelligence have been applied to data from COVID-19. In addition to the symptoms related to COVID-19, many individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection have described various long-lasting symptoms, now termed Long COVID. In this context, artificial intelligence techniques have been utilized to analyze data from Long COVID patients in order to assist doctors and alleviate the considerable strain on care and rehabilitation facilities. In this paper, we explore the impact of the machine learning methodologies that have been applied to analyze the many aspects of Long COVID syndrome, from clinical presentation through diagnosis. We also include the text mining techniques used to extract insights and trends from large amounts of text data related to Long COVID. Finally, we critically compare the various approaches and outline the work that has to be done to create a robust artificial intelligence approach for efficient diagnosis and treatment of Long COVID.
Young children associate buying with feeling richer
Authors: Kappes Heather Barry
Published: January 2024

From an early age, children begin to make decisions about buying things they want, or refraining from buying (e.g., to save up for something better). However, it was unclear how these decisions affect their feelings about their economic resources: does buying make children feel richer or poorer? This manuscript describes three studies that address this gap, with children ages 4 through 12 in the United Kingdom and United States. Older children thought that a child who bought something was richer than a child who refrained from buying, even if the target child was still able to accomplish their goal (Study 1). And for children as young as 4, imagining buying something (compared to imagining refraining from buying) predicted and led to imagining themselves feeling richer (Studies 2–3). The magnitude of the effect of buying vs. refraining on feeling rich did not change appreciably through age 12. These findings complement previous research which looked at children's judgments of their family's social status, by showing that children's feelings about their economic resources also fluctuate in response to actions (buying vs. refraining) that impact those resources. This work contributes to an understanding of how feelings of wealth emerge in childhood and has useful implications for adults who want to support children in developing financial skills.
Tripartite relationship of urban planning, city growth, and health for sustainable development in Akure, Nigeria
Authors: Bayode Taye , Siegmund Alexander
Published: January 2024

We live in an urban planet. As the world continues to urbanize, urban development that support the health and wellbeing of city dwellers is far more important than ever before to achieve sustainable development targets. This study explores the complex relationship among urban planning, city growth, and health as critical drivers of sustainable development in the rapidly growing nodal city of Akure, Nigeria. The study provides a four-decade spatio-temporal model of urban Land Use Land Cover (LULC) changes in Akure between the years 1984 and 2023 from acquired Landsat satellite imageries. The result shows more than 20% net change increase in developed LULC classes between the study years. A strong positive correlation exists between the years covered in the analyses and urban development (r = 0.93, p = 0.002), and a strong negative relationship with the forest land use (r = −0.94, p = 0.002) with potential debilitating impacts on residents’ health, green infrastructures and the city’s sustainability in the future. Furthermore, results of key informant interviews (KIIs) of officials of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development (MPPUD) in Akure, Ondo State, unveil various views on the “place of health” in urban planning practices in Akure. A lack of synergy between urban planners and public health practitioners in the city and limiting scope of functions of urban planning on the impact of health in Akure were observed. Thus, we recommend the integration of a sustainable urban planning approach as a guide to manage the city.
Restorative justice as customized creativity: Tinker Bell’s magic
Authors: Talbert Bonnie
Published: January 2024

While many scholars have noted a rise in boredom coinciding with the emergence of modern capitalism, philosophers have long maintained that boredom is part of the horizon of human experience. Although specific social conditions may exacerbate it, boredom will never be completely eradicated. Nevertheless, its presence indicates that something is not right. Recently, cultural criminology has highlighted that boredom and monotony can trigger criminal behavior. If boredom is a contributing factor to crime, then I propose that creative, restorative justice processes can serve as an effective antidote. These practices aim to make things right by establishing obligations that restore the dignity and meaning of a victim’s life.
Social status qualifiers: dimensions and determinants of factors shaping social status for women and men in Sweden
Authors: Ulfsdotter Eriksson Ylva , Larsson Bengt
Published: January 2024

This study contributes to our understanding of what lifestyle factors affect the social status of women and men in contemporary postmaterialist societies. We examine the dimensions and determinants of social status qualifiers among Swedish people using a survey of 1,650 Swedish respondents who ranked the importance of 14 qualifiers for the social status of a woman and a man. The analysis showed surprisingly strong similarities in what factors affect the social status of women and men – both in the importance of individual status qualifiers and in the three underlying status dimensions: The highest-ranked dimension included status qualifiers related to external material resources and properties. The second most important dimension comprised interactional resources such as manners, looks, being married and having children. The third dimension concerned the importance of interest and engagement in politics, the environment, and fine art, which were of the least importance for social status. The few significant differences in ascriptions of status for a woman or a man were rather gender stereotypical. In addition, the analysis revealed some significant differences in status perceptions among the respondents: Gender, class, educational background, and country of birth were among the main determinants of such differences.
Strengthening channeling policy: the Finnish approach to protecting domestic online gambling market
Authors: Järvinen-Tassopoulos Johanna , Marionneau Virve , Egerer Michael
Published: January 2024

Many jurisdictions struggle to curb offshore gambling as established approaches to gambling regulation no longer apply to online gambling. This study aimed to examine the arguments used by Finnish stakeholders who discussed channeling as a tool to curb offshore gambling and the monopolistic gambling regime as a sustainable framework to tackle the issue of offshore gambling. In total, 18 Finnish public servants employed in ministries in charge of gambling matters and representatives of Veikkaus, the state-owned gambling company, were interviewed for the purpose of this study. Channeling was described by the interviewees as an important policy tool but without a regulatory framework to block offshore operation, it would remain an ideal type of political strategy. Beside the monopolistic gambling regime, the pros and cons of a potential licensing regime were discussed. This study showed that legislative and regulatory changes form a lengthy political process; the decrease of the market share of online gambling marked the beginning of a new era in Finland’s gambling policy.
Who cares about the carers? A call to action on behalf of mothers of disabled children
Authors: Pearson Alison
Published: January 2024

This ‘perspective’ article is an urgent call to action on behalf of mothers (and indeed fathers) of disabled children in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. In doing so draws attention to the ‘perfect storm’ experienced by United Kingdom-based parents of reduced support and increased stress, coupled with the effects of isolation. It also illuminates some of the impact of actions taken, and not taken, during and after the pandemic and the enduring effects for working parent-carers. In doing so I argue that, despite facing these extreme challenges, these parents have been a neglected group from both a policy and research perspective. The call to action therefore extends to society, employers, and to the research community.
Research on China’s agricultural product sales transformation: online marketing mix strategy and performance on post pandemic area
Authors: Zhang Yaqiong
Published: January 2024

At the end of 2019, the sudden outbreak of the pandemic brought a significant impact on the sales of agricultural products in China and all over the world. To reduce the unmarketable problem caused by the pandemic in the agricultural industry, operators who used to focus on offline sales changed their marketing strategy and began to build online sales channels through e-commerce platforms and adopt various online marketing strategies to improve their marketing performance. Furthermore, the performance of online marketing of agricultural products is affected by the interaction of multiple factors in the complex environment. This study aims to distinguish between the performance of different online marketing strategies by using necessary comparative analysis (NCA) and qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) method, to help operators to grasp the critical elements of the online marketing of agricultural products, and how configuration effective impact the online marketing performance. The results show that: (1) NCA’s results show that a single online marketing dimension cannot constitute the necessary conditions for producing high marketing performance of agricultural products, but e-commerce broadcasting, visual effects and government cooperation play an obvious role in improving marketing performance. (2) online marketing performance is influenced by the interaction of various strategies, and no single factor has a significant effect on it. (3) a good online marketing performance configuration path is divided into four, namely “the government cooperation—e-commerce broadcasting” domination; “the government cooperation—visual effects—e-commerce broadcasting” leading; “customer relationship—the government cooperation—visual effects—e-commerce broadcasting” leading; “platform number—visual effects—e-commerce broadcasting” leading. (4) There are four driving paths with no-good online marketing performance, and there is a causal asymmetric relationship of the driving paths with good online marketing performance. This study provides management enlightenment for agricultural operators on how to effectively improve the performance of online marketing, help operators to solve practical problems, and facilitate the development of agricultural e-commerce.
Ishimozuku (Sphaerotrichia firma) lipids containing fucoxanthin suppress fatty liver and improve short chain fatty acid production in obese model mice
Authors: Shibata Masaki , Fukuda Satoru , Terasaki Masaru , Maeda Hayato
Published: January 2024

Ishimozuku (Sphaerotrichia firma) is one species of edible brown algae in Japan. The lipids contain rich of fucoxanthin and n-3 unsaturated fatty acids. This study analyzed dietary Ishimozuku lipid components and the effects on fatty liver and intestinal metabolite component production in obese model mice. Fatty acid composition and fucoxanthin contents of Ishimozuku lipids were analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. Ishimozuku lipids contained fucoxanthin about 44.71 ± 0.02 mg/g. KK-Ay mice were fed with high-fat diet (Control) and a high-fat diet + 0.5% Ishimozuku lipid diet (Ishimozuku) for 4 weeks. Liver triglyceride contents and serum triglyceride concentrations were significantly lower in the Ishimozuku group than in the Control group. Results show that acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) and stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD-1) mRNA expression were suppressed in the livers of Ishimozuku group mice. Furthermore, short chain fatty acid amounts in the cecal contents were greater in the Ishimozuku group mice. These results suggest that dietary Ishimozuku lipid components suppress liver lipid accumulation. Results also indicate Ishimozuku lipid components improve the balance of the intestinal microflora, which is disturbed by a high fat diet, and which promotes short chain fatty acid accumulation in the intestine. That accumulation is related to lipid and glucose metabolism.
Duramesh registry study: short-term outcomes using mesh suture for abdominal wall closure
Authors: Hackenberger Paige N. , Mittal Mehul , Fronza Jeffrey , Shapiro Michael
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Sutures are flexible linear elements that join tissue and maintain their hold with a surgeon-created knot. Tension at the suture/tissue interface can cut the very tissues that sutures are designed to hold, leading to dehiscence and incisional hernia formation. A new suture design (Duramesh, Mesh Suture Inc., Chicago, IL) was approved for marketing by the United States Food and Drug Administration in September 2022. The multiple filaments of the mesh suture are designed to diffuse tension at the suture/tissue interface thereby limiting pull-through. The macroporosity and hollow core of the mesh suture encourage fibrovascular incorporation for a durable repair. We created the first registry and clinical report of patients undergoing mesh suture implantation to assess its real-world effectiveness.

Methods

A patient registry was created based on institutional implant logs from January to August 2023 at an integrated health-care system. Operative reports were reviewed by the study team to verify use of “Duramesh” by dictation. Retrospective chart review was conducted to evaluate patient and surgical characteristics, follow-up, and short-term outcomes of interest. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-squared analysis with Microsoft Excel and GraphPad Prism.

Results

Three hundred seventy-nine separate implantations by 56 surgeons across 12 (sub) specialties at a university hospital and two community hospitals were performed. Mesh suture was used for treatment of the abdominal wall in 314 cases. Follow-up averaged 80.8 ± 52.4 days. The most common abdominal wall indications were ventral hernia repair (N = 97), fascial closure (N = 93), abdominal donor site closure from autologous breast reconstruction (N = 51), and umbilical hernia repair (N = 41). Mesh suture was used in all Centers for Disease Control (CDC) wound classifications, including 92 CDC class 2 or 3 abdominal operations. There were 19 surgical site infections (6.1%) and 37 surgical site events (11.8%).

Conclusions

Short-term registry data demonstrates the wide diversity of surgical disciplines and scenarios in which mesh suture has been used to date. The early adoption of mesh suture into practice highlights that consequences of suture pull-through influence operative decision making. As this is the first interim report of the Duramesh mesh suture registry, follow-up is too short for characterization of long-term durability of abdominal wall closures.
Enhancing immune response, antioxidant capacity, and gut health in growing beagles through a chitooligosaccharide diet
Authors: Cheng Guoqiang , Hu Tingting , Zeng Yu , Yan Liangchun , Liu Yanglu , Wang Yongjin , Xia JieYing , Dong Han , Chen Dong , Cheng Tingting , Peng Guangneng , Zhang Li
Published: January 2024

Chitooligosaccharides (COS) have attracted significant attention due to their unique biological activities, water solubility, and absorbable properties. The objective of the present study was to investigate the impact of COS-supplemented diets on the immune response, antioxidative capacity, hematology, serum biochemistry, and modulation of intestinal microbiota in growing beagles. Twelve weaning male beagles (6 weeks old; weighing 3.6 ± 0.6 kg) were fed either a control diet (food without COS, n = 6) or a COS-supplemented diet (n = 6) twice daily for 7 weeks. Blood samples collected at weeks 4 and 7 indicated that hematology and serum biochemistry remained unaffected by COS supplementation. Compared with the control group, the test group showed higher levels of serum antibodies against the canine distemper virus and parvovirus, higher levels of immunoglobulin A, G, and M, and increased activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase. In addition, COS was observed to modulate the intestinal flora by enhancing the presence of probiotics, such as Muribaculaceae, Prevotellaceae_Ga6A1_group, Lactobacillus, Collinsella, Blautia, and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group. In summary, a COS-supplemented diet could effectively improve dog health by regulating immune function and antioxidant responses and modulating intestinal microbiota. This study highlights the potentiality of using COS as a valuable nutraceutical for growing dogs.
Blood collection under anesthesia, peripheral blood cells, plasma biochemistry, and plasma protein electrophoresis in a living fossil: the Spotted Ratfish (Hydrolagus colliei)
Authors: Morón-Elorza Pablo , David Hugo , Batista Hugo , Quina Vanessa , Baylina Nuria , Pereira Nuno
Published: January 2024

This report describes the safe and effective handling under anesthesia, blood collection and main clinical pathology values determination for three adult Spotted Ratfish (Hydrolagus colliei) (two males and one female) successfully maintained under human care for more than 20 years. The anesthetic MS-222 diluted in tamponed salt water at 50 ppm provided deep narcosis with mean induction and recovery times of 5 and 20 min, allowing safe handling and blood collection in the three animals sampled. Major leukocyte types were similar to other teleost and elasmobranch species, identifying lymphocytes as the predominant leukocyte (75.5%), followed by the fine eosinophilic granulocytes (10.25%), the coarse eosinophilic granulocytes (9.75%), and a small percentage of monocytes (5.50%). Plasma biochemistry values in this species were like those seen in elasmobranchs, with the highest levels of blood urea nitrogen described in any Chondrichthyes (mean 679.7 mmol/l). Plasma protein electrophoresis analysis in the Spotted Ratfish showed five consistent fractions, like those previously described in other fish species, with a negligible quantity of proteins migrating in the region equivalent to albumin, and with fraction 4 (mean 53.20%) as the predominant fraction. Despite the limitations imposed by the small sample size and the challenging access to the studied species under human care, this study will shed light on and enhance clinical knowledge regarding Ratfish handling, anesthesia, blood collection, and analysis. It aims to deliver a comprehensive clinical pathology description, presenting valuable data for professionals engaged in the care and management of Chimaerans.
Exploring possible benefits of Litsea cubeba Pers. extract on growth, meat quality, and gut flora in white-feather broilers
Authors: Luo Yankai , Bi Yuchen , Xu Ziyun , Shan Linxian , He Jun , Wang Kedan , Zhou Zhengjiang , Yu Lihui , Jiang Xingjiao , Yang Jiangrui , Yu Lijun , Gao Rui , Wei Jingran , Du Xiaocui , Liu Yan , Fang Chongye
Published: January 2024

White-feather broiler chickens are the dominant species in global poultry meat production. Yet there is growing concern about their health, quality, and growth efficiency. While feed additives, often antibiotics or synthetic chemicals, are used to maintain the health of the animals, drug resistance limits their use. Litsea cubeba (Lour.) Pers., a traditional Chinese herb with antibiotic-like benefits but without the risk of drug resistance, has not yet been explored as an additive to broiler diets. In the present study, broilers of the AA+ hybrid strain were randomly divided into three groups of 16: a control group (regular feed), a low-dose group (1.25 g/kg added L. cubeba extract), and a high-dose group (2.50 g/kg added L. cubeba extract). After 35 days, we found that the extract had no effect on growth. However, gut flora analysis revealed that both doses of the extract had a positive influence on amino acid content and minor unsaturated fatty acids, thus improving the flavor and nutritional value of the meat. These findings suggest that L. cubeba extract, at either dose, could serve as a sustainable alternative to antibiotics, thus reducing the risk of drug resistance while improving meat quality, nutrition, and flavor.
Consecuencias en Latinoamérica de la aplicación de obstáculos técnicos a las importaciones
Authors: Maldonado-Molina Esteban Sebastián , Tonon-Ordóñez Luis
Published: January 2024

La aplicación de barreras técnicas al comercio en América Latina puede ser tanto positiva como negativa. Para analizar el tema y profundizar en la literatura existente, se estableció como objetivo determinar cuáles son los obstáculos técnicos que se han aplicado en los países latinoamericanos y su efecto en empresas exportadoras e importadoras de productos. Para esto, se realizó una revisión sistemática de literatura basada en el método PRISMA; en las bases de datos: Scopus, Dialnet, Scielo, SpringerLink y Redalyc, de las cuales se obtuvieron 518 resultados, entre artículos, informes y libros relacionados con el campo de la investigación. Estos resultados fueron filtrados para obtener una lista de 55 fuentes que eran relevantes para la construcción del tema. Se concluye que los principales efectos sobre las importaciones son: aumentos de costos; reducción del consumo; protección de la industria nacional; desigualdad en el comercio internacional y posibles consecuencias para la calidad de los productos nacionales y extranjeros.
Numerical Investigation on the Evolution Process of Different Vortex Structures and Distributed Blowing Control for Dynamic Stall Suppression of Rotor Airfoils
Authors: Li Guoqiang , Yi Shihe , Li Binbin , Zhang Xin
Published: January 2024

The influencing characteristic for the evolution mechanism of a dynamic stall vortex structure and distributed blowing control on rotor airfoils was investigated. Based on the moving-embedded grid method, the finite volume scheme, and Roe’s FDS scheme, a simulation method for the unsteady flow field of a pitch-oscillating airfoil was established. The flow field of the NACA63-218 airfoil was calculated using Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations. The evolution processes of different vortex structures during dynamic stall and the principal controlled vortex mechanism affecting aerodynamic nonlinearity were analyzed based on the pressure contours Cp and Q of the flow field structure and the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of the wall pressure distribution. The research indicated that dynamic stall vortices (DSVs) and shear layer vortices (SLVs) were the major sources of the increase in aerodynamic coefficients and the onset of nonlinear hysteresis. Building upon these findings, the concept of distributed blowing control for DSVs and shear layer vortices (SLVs) was introduced. A comparative analysis was conducted to assess the control effectiveness of dynamic stall with different blowing locations and blowing coefficients. The results indicated that distributed blowing control effectively inhibited the formation of DSVs and reduced the intensity of SLVs. This led to a significant decrease in the peak values of the drag and pitch moment coefficients and the disappearance of secondary peaks in the aerodynamic coefficients. Furthermore, an optimal blowing coefficient existed. When the suction coefficient Cμ exceeded 0.03, the effectiveness of the blowing control no longer showed a significant improvement. Finally, with a specific focus on the crucial motion parameters in dynamic stall, the characteristics of dynamic stall controlled by air blowing were investigated. The results showed that distributed air blowing control significantly reduced the peak pitching moment coefficient and drag coefficient. The peak pitching moment coefficient was reduced by 72%, the peak drag coefficient was reduced by 70%, and the lift coefficient hysteresis loop area decreased by 46%. Distributed blowing jet control effectively suppressed the dynamic stall characteristics of the airfoil, making the unsteady load changes gentler.
Overexpression of the Rubus idaeus Polygalacturonases Gene RiPG2 Accelerates Fruit Softening in Solanum lycopersicum
Authors: Li Tiemei , Guo Xiao , Chen Yuxiao , Li Jing , Yu Caihong , Guo Zhifeng , Yang Guohui
Published: January 2024

The high susceptibility of raspberries to softening restricts the development of the raspberry industry. The primary causes of fruit softening are the breakdown of components linked to the cell wall and the destruction of the cell wall structure itself. Polygalacturonase (PG), a key enzyme that catalyzes pectin degradation, plays a critical role in fruit softening. However, there are currently limited studies on the mechanism of PG genes in raspberry fruit softening. In this study, a PG gene, RiPG2, was isolated from raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.). ‘Polka’ fruits and tomato plants overexpressing RiPG2 were obtained by Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated leaf disc transformation to elucidate the role of RiPG2 in fruit softening. The total length of the RiPG2 gene is 1185 bp, and the gene encodes a total of 394 amino acids. The GFP fusion protein was expressed at the chloroplast under laser confocal microscopy, indicating that the RiPG2 protein is localized to the chloroplasts. Phenotypic analysis revealed that the fruit firmness of three strains was considerably less than that of controls, but PG enzyme activity was increased. Overexpression of RiPG2 altered the content of cell wall components, with an increase in water-soluble pectin (WSP) and ion-bound pectin (ISP) but a decrease in protopectin, cellulose, hemicellulose, and covalently bound pectin (CSP). In addition, RiPG2 positively regulated the expression of cell wall metabolism-related genes such as SlEXP1, SlTBG4, SlXTH5, and SlPL. These results suggest that the RiPG2 gene regulates the structure and composition of the cell wall and acts synergistically with other cell wall metabolism-related genes to promote fruit softening. This study provides a new candidate gene for molecular breeding to improve raspberry firmness.
Paddy-Lilium Crop Rotation Improves Potential Beneficial Soil Fungi and Alleviates Soil Acidification in Lilium Cropping Soil
Authors: Wen Li , Huang Fengqiu , Rao Zhongxiu , Cheng Kaikai , Guo Yong , Tang Haiming
Published: January 2024

Lilium growth is severely impeded by continuous cropping, and crop rotation is essential to reducing the detrimental effects of monocultures. Soil (0–20 cm) was collected in three Lilium cropping patterns in Longshan County, Hunan Province, including continuous Lilium cropping (Lilium), corn upland rotation with Lilium (Corn), and paddy rotation with Lilium (Rice). Using Illumina high-throughput sequencing technology, the fungal ribosomal DNA internal-transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) was examined to evaluate the features of soil fungi communities among three cropping patterns. Crop rotation has an impact on soil properties and the microbial community. Rice soil has a significantly higher pH than Lilium and corn soil, while corn and rice soil have a greater total nitrogen and total phosphorus content than Lilium soil. Rotation cropping clearly shifted the fungi community diversity based on the results of principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) and nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMDS). Ascomycota was the most prevalent phylum, with the highest levels in Lilium soil. Genetic analysis revealed that paddy rotation led to a clear reduction in or non-detection of eight potentially pathogenic fungal genera and a noticeable accumulation of eight beneficial fungal genera compared to Lilium continuous cropping. Fungi communities and their abundant taxa were correlated with soil pH and nutrients. Altogether, we propose that rice rotation, with its ability to mitigate soil acidification, reducing pathogenic and accumulating beneficial communities, may be an effective strategy for alleviating the continuous cropping barrier.
Sodium Carbonate Pulping of Wheat Straw—An Alternative Fiber Source for Various Paper Applications
Authors: Steffen Friedrich , Kordsachia Tamas , Heizmann Tobias , Eckardt Maximilian Paul , Chen Yue , Saake Bodo
Published: January 2024

European paper mills are currently facing the question of whether recovered paper, their main raw material, will be available in sufficient quantities and an acceptable quality in the future. An alternative to recovered paper or wood fiber is the use of agricultural residues such as wheat straw. Sodium carbonate-based straw pulping processes have the advantage of not requiring recausticizing for chemical recovery, which reduces investment and operating costs. With the addition of oxygen, delignification can be significantly improved to provide pulps suitable for bleaching. This study compares the pulping of wheat straw using sodium carbonate, sodium carbonate + oxygen, and sodium carbonate + sodium hydroxide + oxygen. Pulping parameters such as temperature, retention time, and chemical charge were varied, and their influence on pulp properties was studied. The use of sodium carbonate alone produced pulps with high yields of up to 72% and comparably high burst and compressive strength. The addition of oxygen and small amounts of sodium hydroxide produced pulps with a high initial brightness of 42 %ISO and a low kappa number (18), still at high pulp yields of 62%. These pulps were two-stage bleached to achieve brightness levels of up to 73 %ISO.
ARMOSA Model Parametrization for Winter Durum Wheat Cultivation under Diverse Cropping Management Practices in a Mediterranean Environment
Authors: Garofalo Pasquale , Parlavecchia Marco , Giglio Luisa , Campobasso Ivana , Vonella Alessandro Vittorio , Botta Marco , Tadiello Tommaso , Tucci Vincenzo , Fornaro Francesco , Leogrande Rita , Vitti Carolina , Perego Alessia , Acutis Marco , Ventrella Domenico
Published: January 2024

In anticipation of climate changes, strategic soil management, encompassing reduced tillage and optimized crop residue utilization, emerges as a pivotal strategy for climate impact mitigation. Evaluating the transition from conventional to conservative cropping systems, especially the equilibrium shift in the medium to long term, is essential. ARMOSA, a robust crop simulation model, adeptly responds to varied soil management practices such as no tillage, minimum tillage, and specific straw management options such as chopping and incorporating crop residue into the soil (with or without prior nitrogen and water addition before ploughing). It effectively captures dynamic fluctuations in total organic carbon over an extended period. While challenges persist in precisely predicting grain yield due to climatic intricacies, ARMOSA stands out as a valuable and versatile tool. The model excels in comprehending and simulating wheat cultivar responses in dynamic agricultural ecosystems, shedding light on phenological patterns, biomass accumulation, and soil organic carbon dynamics. This research significantly advances our understanding of the intricate complexities associated with past wheat cultivation in diverse environmental conditions. ARMOSA’s ability to inform decisions on conservation practices positions it as a valuable asset for researchers, agronomists, and policymakers navigating the challenges of sustainable agriculture amidst climate change. Its real-world significance lies in its potential to guide informed decisions, contributing to global efforts in sustainable agriculture and climate resilience.
Assessment of Blue Water Migration and Efficiency in Water-Saving Irrigation Paddy Rice Fields Using the Water Flow Tracking Method
Authors: Wu Mengyang , Cui Simeng , Qiu Liting , Zhang Pingping , Cao Xinchun
Published: January 2024

Although irrigation systems largely sustain global agricultural production, their efficiency is often alarmingly low. While irrigation water (blue water) is critical for the water-saving irrigation of rice with a high water demand, the process and efficiency of irrigation water utilization need clarification. In this study, we examined the three commonly used irrigation and drainage patterns (frequent shallow irrigation (FSI), wet and shallow irrigation (WSI), and rain-catching and controlled irrigation (RCI)) in rice fields. We developed a tracking method for irrigation water flow decomposition, which includes irrigation water evapotranspiration (IET), irrigation water drainage (IDR), irrigation water leakage (IPC), and irrigation water field residual (IRE). Using this method, we established an irrigation water efficiency evaluation index system and a comprehensive evaluation method. Our tracking method is relevant to describing the irrigation water performance under varying irrigation and drainage patterns. The results revealed that the average irrigation water input for the three irrigation and drainage patterns between 2015 and 2018 was roughly 312.5 mm, wherein IET accounted for 148 mm. However, more than 50% of the irrigation water outflow, comprising IDR, IPC, and IRE, exceeded the total amount of irrigation water input. The mean values of the gross irrigation efficiency (GIE), net irrigation efficiency (NIE), and effective consumption ratio (ECR) for all treatments in the three-year period were 0.63, 0.47, and 0.75, respectively. Additionally, the irrigation water use efficiency was significantly higher in dry years compared to wet years. The fuzzy composite rating values of the three irrigation and drainage models from 2015 to 2018 were RCI, WSI, and FSI, in descending order, under varying precipitation conditions. The RCI patterns maintained a high composite rating value (greater than 3.0) under different precipitation conditions. Previous efficiency calculations disregarded the blue–green water migration process and did not differentiate the blue–green water flow direction in agricultural fields, creating significant biases in the outcomes. This study’s method offers a new approach to evaluate the use of blue water resources in farmland.
Allergenicity and Conformational Diversity of Allergens
Authors: Seidler Clarissa A. , Zeindl Ricarda , Fernández-Quintero Monica L. , Tollinger Martin , Liedl Klaus R.
Published: January 2024

Allergens are substances that cause abnormal immune responses and can originate from various sources. IgE-mediated allergies are one of the most common and severe types of allergies, affecting more than 20% of the population in Western countries. Allergens can be subdivided into a limited number of families based on their structure, but this does not necessarily indicate the origin or the route of administration of the allergen, nor is the molecular basis of allergenicity clearly understood. This review examines how understanding the allergenicity of proteins involves their structural characterization and elucidates the study of conformational diversity by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. This article also discusses allergen cross-reactivity and the mechanisms by which IgE antibodies recognize and bind to allergens based on their conformational and linear epitopes. In addition, we outline how the pH, the proteolytic susceptibility and the endosomal degradation affect the outcome of allergic reactions, and how this is correlated with conformational changes and secondary structure rearrangement events. We want to emphasize the importance of considering structural diversity and dynamics, proteolytic susceptibility and pH-dependent factors to fully comprehend allergenicity.
Evaluation of Available Energy and Standardized Ileal Digestibility of Amino Acids in Fermented Flaxseed Meal for Growing Pigs
Authors: Wei Zixi , Xu Lei , Guo Yao , Guo Baozhu , Lu Chunxiang , Sun Wenjuan , Li Yanpin , Jiang Xianren , Li Xilong , Pi Yu
Published: January 2024

Flaxseed meal (FSM) is a byproduct of flaxseed oil extraction which has rich nutritional value and can be used as a high-quality new protein ingredient. However, the anti-nutrient factor (ANF) in FSM restricts its potential application in feed. The strategy of microbial fermentation is a highly effective approach to reducing ANF in FSM and enhancing its feeding value. However, evaluation of the nutritional value of fermented flaxseed meal (FFSM) in growing pigs has not yet been conducted. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the nutritional value of FFSM in growing pigs and comparison of the effect of fermentation treatment on improving the nutritional value of FSM. Two experiments were conducted to determine the available energy value, apparent digestibility of nutrients, and standard ileal digestibility of amino acids of FSM and FFSM in growing pigs. The results showed as follows: (1) Fermentation treatment increased the levels of crude protein (CP), Ca and P in FSM by 2.86%, 9.54% and 4.56%, while decreasing the concentration of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) by 34.09% and 12.71%, respectively (p < 0.05); The degradation rate of CGs in FSM was 54.09% (p < 0.05); (2) The digestible energy (DE) and metabolic energy (ME) of FSM and FFSM were 14.54 MJ/kg, 16.68 MJ/kg and 12.85 MJ/kg, 15.24 MJ/kg, respectively; (3) Compared with FSM, dietary FFSM supplementation significantly increased the apparent digestibility of CP, NDF, ADF, Ca, and P of growing pigs (p < 0.05) and significantly increased the standard ileal digestibility of methionine (p < 0.05). These results indicate that fermentation treatment could effectively enhance the nutritional value of FSM and provide basic theoretical data for the application of FFSM in pig production.
Exploration of Extension Research to Promote Genetic Improvement in Cattle Production: Systematic Review
Authors: Menchon Patricia , Manning Jaime K. , Swain Dave L. , Cosby Amy
Published: January 2024

In the cattle industry, tools for genetic improvement play a crucial role in animal selection. The changing circumstances faced by farmers and the significant part agricultural extension plays in these changes must be considered. Despite progress in genetic selection tools and the push for their adoption through extension services, a disconnect persists between the development of new strategies and tools for genetic improvement and their adoption by livestock farmers. This systematic review is designed to globally investigate the methodology and outcomes of extension research aimed at advancing genetic improvement in beef cattle. Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, a search was conducted across four databases for studies published from January 2012 to June 2023. Twenty-one articles were selected and reviewed. The research design in the articles predominantly employed mixed methods, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative approaches. While social factors are acknowledged as influencers in the adoption process, the application of theories or frameworks from social sciences is still in its early stages. To successfully implement extension activities that promote the use of genetic tools in cattle for a specific production region, more participatory research is required where farmers are actively involved.
Active Participatory Regional Surveillance for Notifiable Swine Pathogens
Authors: Trevisan Giovani , Morris Paul , Silva Gustavo S. , Nakkirt Pormate , Wang Chong , Main Rodger , Zimmerman Jeffrey
Published: January 2024

We evaluated an active participatory design for the regional surveillance of notifiable swine pathogens based on testing 10 samples collected by farm personnel in each participating farm. To evaluate the performance of the design, public domain software was used to simulate the introduction and spread of a pathogen among 17,521 farms in a geographic region of 1,615,246 km2. Using the simulated pathogen spread data, the probability of detecting ≥ 1 positive farms in the region was estimated as a function of the percent of participating farms (20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, 100%), farm-level detection probability (10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%), and regional farm-level prevalence. At 0.1% prevalence (18 positive farms among 17,521 farms) and a farm-level detection probability of 30%, the participatory surveillance design achieved 67%, 90%, and 97% probability of detecting ≥ 1 positive farms in the region when producer participation was 20%, 40%, and 60%, respectively. The cost analysis assumed that 10 individual pig samples per farm would be pooled into 2 samples (5 pigs each) for testing. Depending on the specimen collected (serum or swab sample) and test format (nucleic acid or antibody detection), the cost per round of sampling ranged from EUR 0.017 to EUR 0.032 (USD 0.017 to USD 0.034) per pig in the region. Thus, the analysis suggested that an active regional participatory surveillance design could achieve detection at low prevalence and at a sustainable cost.