bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Behaviour of Zoo-Housed Red Pandas (Ailurus fulgens): A Case-Study Testing the Behavioural Variety Index
Authors: Spiezio Caterina , Altamura Mariangela , Weerman Janno , Regaiolli Barbara
Published: May 2022

The red panda is listed as “endangered” in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, due to the rapid population decline. Improving our knowledge on the red panda biology and ethology is necessary to enhance its husbandry and breeding in zoos. Behavioural variety, intended as the presence of a wide array of species-specific behaviour, has been considered a positive welfare index in zoo-housed animals. The aim of this study was to describe the behaviour of two pairs of zoo-housed red pandas, one of them with an offspring, and to investigate the behavioural variability using the Behavioural Variety Index (BVI). Behavioural data from two zoo-living male–female pairs were collected. A continuous focal animal sampling method was used to collect individual and social behaviours of the two pairs. Forty-eight 30 min sessions per subject were carried out. For the BVI, a list of species-specific behaviours previously reported in the red panda was prepared and compared with the behavioural repertoire of the subjects of the study. First, species-specific behaviours were recorded, and no abnormal behaviour was reported. The percentages of time spent on different activities (e.g., routine behaviours, exploratory/territorial behaviours, consumption behaviours, locomotive behaviours, social behaviours, maternal behaviours) were similar to time budgets reported in the red panda, with routine behaviours (resting, comfort and vigilance) being the most performed in both pairs. Moreover, the BVI suggested that each red panda performed on average 73% of the behaviours described in previous literature on this species. In conclusion, studying the behavioural variety of red pandas in zoos can be a useful tool for assessing their welfare as well as improving our knowledge on the behavioural repertoire of a species that is difficult to observe in the wild.
Determinants of Soil Bacterial Diversity in a Black Soil Region in a Large-Scale Area
Authors: Niu Jiacheng , Tang Huaizhi , Liu Qi , Cheng Feng , Zhang Leina , Sang Lingling , Huang Yuanfang , Shen Chongyang , Gao Bingbo , Niu Zibing
Published: May 2022

Soils in black soil areas are high in organic matter and rich in nutrients. Soil microorganisms are particularly critical to cultivated land. The objective of this study was to explore the influencing factors of soil bacterial diversity under special regional conditions in a black soil region. In this study, the cultivated land in a black soil area was used as the study area and a random forest was used to map the bacterial abundance in the black soil area based on 1810 sample points. DbMEM analysis was used to quantify the spatial effect of the black soil area and to identify the influencing factors of soil bacterial abundance in the black soil area in combination with soil properties, terrain, and climate. Results of a variation division showed that broad (8.336%), AT (accumulated temperature, 5.520%), and pH (4.184%) were the main factors affecting soil bacterial diversity. The broad effect was more significant in the spatial effect, which may be related to the local landscape configuration. Overall, our research showed that the influencing factors of soil bacteria will be affected by regional characteristics.
Global Crystallographic Texture of Freshwater Bivalve Mollusks of the Unionidae Family from Eastern Europe Studied by Neutron Diffraction
Authors: Pakhnevich Alexey , Nikolayev Dmitry , Lychagina Tatiana , Balasoiu Maria , Ibram Orhan
Published: May 2022

The crystallographic texture of the whole valves of bivalve mollusks from the family Unionidae Unio pictorum Linnaeus, 1758 and Anodonta cygnea Linnaeus, 1758 is studied using pole figures measured using neutron diffraction. The use of neutron diffraction, in contrast to X-rays, makes it possible to study the valves without destroying them. Thus, we can discuss the study of the global texture of the entire valve. It was revealed that the pole figures of aragonite in the valves repeat their shape. The pole density maxima for U. pictorum from the Danube Delta and the Gulf of Finland in the Baltic Sea, living at different salinities and temperatures, differs by 0.41 mrd. The maximum value of the crystallographic texture for A. cygnea from the Danube Delta was also measured (5.07 mrd). In terms of texture sharpness, it surpasses the shell of marine bivalve mollusks, which are partially or completely composed of aragonite. Although U. pictorum and Mya arenaria Linnaeus, 1758 have different microstructures, their pole figures are very similar in isolines pattern, but differ in pole density maxima. No relationship was found between the crystallographic texture and the microstructure in U. pictorum. In addition, we report good qualitative agreement between aragonite X-ray pole figures of Sinanodonta woodiana Lea, 1834 from the Czech river Luznice, and neutron pole figures of U. pictorum from the Danube Delta.
A Minimal Input Engine Friction Model for Power Loss Prediction
Authors: Delprete Cristiana , Gastaldi Chiara , Giorio Lorenzo
Published: May 2022

The minimization of friction losses in internal combustion engines is a goal of primary importance for the automotive industry, both to improve performance and to comply with increasingly stringent legislative requirements. It is therefore necessary to provide designers with tools for the effective estimation of friction losses from the earliest stages of design. We present a code for the estimation of friction losses in piston assembly that uses semianalytical models that require only strictly necessary geometric and functional inputs for the representation of components. This feature renders the code particularly suitable for the preliminary design phase. Furthermore, models ensure reduced computation times while maintaining excellent predictive capabilities, as demonstrated by the numerical–experimental comparison.
Study of the Self-Locking Characteristics of the Swing Scraper of an Elliptical Rotor Scraper Pump
Authors: Cao Yang , Zhang Tiezhu , Zhang Hongxin , Zhang Zhen , Yang Jian , Liu Baoquan
Published: May 2022

This paper proposes an Elliptical Rotor Scraper Pump (ERSP) to address traditional displacement pump defects, such as complex structures, poor self-sealing, low volume utilization, and considerable noise, etc. The ERSP utilizes a swing scraper instead of one rotor in a conventional multirotor pump or reciprocating moving vanes in a traditional vane pump and can achieve high-pressure output through pressure self-sealing. The swing scraper can divide the working chamber into high- and low-pressure rooms. Due to the small swing amplitude of the scraper, the ERSP has low operating noise. The ERSP rotor with an elliptical shape can significantly improve pump volume utilization, thus, forming a kind of fluid pump without a distribution valve, high pressure, and compact structure, and can work efficiently at high speed. This paper establishes a three-dimensional model and mathematical model for the ERSP, then develops the mathematical relationship between the scraper rotation angle and rotor rotation angle and carries out the simulation analysis based on MSC ADAMS. Then, the self-locking characteristics of the ERSP are studied through a force analysis of the swing scraper. Finally, our research group designs and produces a prototype based on existing research and verifies the superiority of the ERSP and the correctness of the non-self-locking condition through experiments. The results in this paper provide a reference for research on the self-locking characteristics of fluid rotor pumps and engineering optimization, which has great significance to the development of fluid power machinery.
A Compatible Design of a Passive Exoskeleton to Reduce the Body–Exoskeleton Interaction Force
Authors: Zhou Nengbing , Liu Yali , Song Qiuzhi , Wu Dehao
Published: May 2022

In the research and development of a passive exoskeleton, the body–exoskeleton coupling mode is a key point to reduce the interaction force and realize the efficient assistance of the exoskeleton. The purpose of this paper was to explore a cooperative movement mode between human and passive exoskeleton for reducing the body–exoskeleton interaction force. Firstly, through the research of the body–exoskeleton interactive mode, we analyzed the kinematic and dynamic constraint of the exoskeleton and established a dynamic model of the body–exoskeleton system. On this basis, the characteristic of the body–exoskeleton interaction force was analyzed; then, we put forward a mode that uses human gravity and load weight to maintain the stability of the exoskeleton’s movement to achieve the goal of reducing the interaction force. Based on the human–exoskeleton integrated mode, we constructed a mechanical model and simulated the change in interaction force in this mode; the simulation results showed that the interaction force at the lower leg was 98.5% less than that of the pure mechanical exoskeleton. Finally, we developed a prototype that was made of plastic parts and finished the experiment by walking with a load of 30 kg. The experimental results showed that this mode reduced the body–exoskeleton interaction force by 65.1%, which verified the effectiveness of the body–exoskeleton coupling mode preliminarily. The research results provided a new analytical approach for the design of a passive exoskeleton, and its improvement effect could be extended from the lower leg of the body–exoskeleton to the thigh or trunk, and guide the design of a passive exoskeleton.
High-Precision Laboratory Dryer for Characterization of the Drying Behavior of Agricultural and Food Products
Authors: Reyer Sebastian , Awiszus Sebastian , Müller Joachim
Published: May 2022

To reduce the energy consumption during the drying of agricultural and food products, the optimization of the drying process with regard to the drying behavior and the quality of the end products is necessary. Therefore, much effort is spent designing and developing dryers to study the drying behavior of a wide range of products. This often results in a trade-off between measurement accuracy and the sufficient production of dried material required for the product quality analysis. Therefore, a laboratory dryer was developed consisting of three high-precision drying columns, each able to process 600 g of sample mass, and a flatbed dryer that can be loaded with 20 kg of fresh product. Drying curves could be recorded simultaneously by electronic balances in the three precision dryers and the flatbed dryer. The high-precision laboratory dryer HPD TF3+ proved to be suitable for establishing drying curves for a defined temperature, rel. humidity and velocity of the drying air.
Asymptotic Normality in Linear Regression with Approximately Sparse Structure
Authors: Jokubaitis Saulius , Leipus Remigijus
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we study the asymptotic normality in high-dimensional linear regression. We focus on the case where the covariance matrix of the regression variables has a KMS structure, in asymptotic settings where the number of predictors, p, is proportional to the number of observations, n. The main result of the paper is the derivation of the exact asymptotic distribution for the suitably centered and normalized squared norm of the product between predictor matrix, X, and outcome variable, Y, i.e., the statistic ∥X′Y∥22, under rather unrestrictive assumptions for the model parameters βj. We employ variance-gamma distribution in order to derive the results, which, along with the asymptotic results, allows us to easily define the exact distribution of the statistic. Additionally, we consider a specific case of approximate sparsity of the model parameter vector β and perform a Monte Carlo simulation study. The simulation results suggest that the statistic approaches the limiting distribution fairly quickly even under high variable multi-correlation and relatively small number of observations, suggesting possible applications to the construction of statistical testing procedures for the real-world data and related problems.
Neural Adaptive Fixed-Time Attitude Stabilization and Vibration Suppression of Flexible Spacecraft
Authors: Yao Qijia , Jahanshahi Hadi , Moroz Irene , Alotaibi Naif D. , Bekiros Stelios
Published: May 2022

This paper proposes a novel neural adaptive fixed-time control approach for the attitude stabilization and vibration suppression of flexible spacecraft. First, the neural network (NN) was introduced to identify the lumped unknown term involving uncertain inertia, external disturbance, torque saturation, and elastic vibrations. Then, the proposed controller was synthesized by embedding the NN compensation into the fixed-time backstepping control framework. Lyapunov analysis showed that the proposed controller guaranteed the stabilization of attitude and angular velocity to the adjustable small neighborhoods of zero in fixed time. The proposed controller is not only robust against uncertain inertia and external disturbance, but also insensitive to elastic vibrations of the flexible appendages. At last, the excellent stabilization performance and good vibration suppression capability of the proposed control approach were verified through simulations and detailed comparisons.
Optimum Design of Reinforced Concrete Folded Plate Structures to ACI 318-11 Using Soft Computing Algorithm
Authors: Yousif Sayed , Saka Mehmet Polat , Kim Sanghun , Geem Zong Woo
Published: May 2022

In this paper, an optimum design algorithm is presented for reinforced concrete folded plate structures. The design provisions are implemented by ACI 318-11 and ACI 318.2-14, which are quite complex to apply. The design variables are divided into three classes. The first class refers to the variables involving the plates, which are the number of supports, thicknesses of the plates, configurations of longitudinal and transverse reinforcement, span length of each plate, and angle of inclination of the inclined plates. The second class consists of the variables involving the auxiliary members’ (beams and diaphragms) depth and breadth and the configurations of longitudinal and shear reinforcement. The third class of variables can be the supporting columns, which involve the dimensions of the column along each axis and the configurations of longitudinal and shear reinforcement. The objective function is considered as the total cost of the folded plate structure, which consists of the cost of concrete, reinforcement, and formwork that is required to construct the building. With such formulation, the design problem becomes a discrete nonlinear programming problem. Its solution is obtained by using three different soft computing techniques, which are artificial bee colony, differential evolution, and enhanced beetle antennae search. The enhancement suggested makes use of the population of beetles instead of one, as is the case in the standard algorithm. With this novel improvement, the beetle antennae search algorithm became very efficient. Two folded plate structures are designed by the proposed optimum design algorithm. It is observed that the differential evolution algorithm performed better than the other two metaheuristics and achieved the cheapest solution.
Node Screening Method Based on Federated Learning with IoT in Opportunistic Social Networks
Authors: Shen Yedong , Gou Fangfang , Wu Jia
Published: May 2022

With the advent of the 5G era, the number of Internet of Things (IoT) devices has surged, and the population’s demand for information and bandwidth is increasing. The mobile device networks in IoT can be regarded as independent “social nodes”, and a large number of social nodes are combined to form a new “opportunistic social network”. In this network, a large amount of data will be transmitted and the efficiency of data transmission is low. At the same time, the existence of “malicious nodes” in the opportunistic social network will cause problems of unstable data transmission and leakage of user privacy. In the information society, these problems will have a great impact on data transmission and data security; therefore, in order to solve the above problems, this paper first divides the nodes into “community divisions”, and then proposes a more effective node selection algorithm, i.e., the FL node selection algorithm based on Distributed Proximal Policy Optimization in IoT (FABD) algorithm, based on Federated Learning (FL). The algorithm is mainly divided into two processes: multi-threaded interaction and a global network update. The device node selection problem in federated learning is constructed as a Markov decision process. It takes into account the training quality and efficiency of heterogeneous nodes and optimizes it according to the distributed near-end strategy. At the same time, malicious nodes are screened to ensure the reliability of data, prevent data loss, and alleviate the problem of user privacy leakage. Through experimental simulation, compared with other algorithms, the FABD algorithm has a higher delivery rate and lower data transmission delay and significantly improves the reliability of data transmission.
Operator Calculus Approach to Comparison of Elasticity Models for Modelling of Masonry Structures
Authors: Gürlebeck Klaus , Legatiuk Dmitrii , Webber Kemmar
Published: May 2022

The solution of any engineering problem starts with a modelling process aimed at formulating a mathematical model, which must describe the problem under consideration with sufficient precision. Because of heterogeneity of modern engineering applications, mathematical modelling scatters nowadays from incredibly precise micro- and even nano-modelling of materials to macro-modelling, which is more appropriate for practical engineering computations. In the field of masonry structures, a macro-model of the material can be constructed based on various elasticity theories, such as classical elasticity, micropolar elasticity and Cosserat elasticity. Evidently, a different macro-behaviour is expected depending on the specific theory used in the background. Although there have been several theoretical studies of different elasticity theories in recent years, there is still a lack of understanding of how modelling assumptions of different elasticity theories influence the modelling results of masonry structures. Therefore, a rigorous approach to comparison of different three-dimensional elasticity models based on quaternionic operator calculus is proposed in this paper. In this way, three elasticity models are described and spatial boundary value problems for these models are discussed. In particular, explicit representation formulae for their solutions are constructed. After that, by using these representation formulae, explicit estimates for the solutions obtained by different elasticity theories are obtained. Finally, several numerical examples are presented, which indicate a practical difference in the solutions.
The Due Window Assignment Problems with Deteriorating Job and Delivery Time
Authors: Qian Jin , Zhan Yu
Published: May 2022

This paper considers the single machine scheduling problem with due window, delivery time and deteriorating job, whose goal is to minimize the window location, window size, earliness and tardiness. Common due window and slack due window are considered. The delivery time depends on the actual processing time of past sequences. The actual processing time of the job is an increasing function of the start time. Based on the small perturbations technique and adjacent exchange technique, we obtain the propositions of the problems. For common and slack due window assignment, we prove that the two objective functions are polynomial time solvable in O(nlogn) time. We propose the corresponding algorithms to obtain the optimal sequence, window location and window size.
Balancing Privacy Risk and Benefit in Service Selection for Multiprovision Cloud Service Composition
Authors: Liu Linyuan , Zhu Haibin , Chen Shenglei
Published: May 2022

The popularity of cloud computing has fueled the growth in multiprovision cloud service composition (MPCSC), where each cloud service provider (CSP) can fulfill multiple tasks, i.e., offer multiple services, simultaneously. In the MPCSC, users would rather disclose some private data for more benefits (e.g., personalized services). However, the more private data is released, the more serious the privacy risk faced by users. In particular, the multiservice provision characteristic of MPCSC further exacerbates the privacy risk. Therefore, how to balance the privacy risk and benefit in service selection for MPCSC is a challenging research problem. In this paper, firstly we explore the service selection problem of balancing privacy risk and benefit in MPCSC (SSBM), then we propose an improved Kuhn–Munkres (KM) algorithm solution to the SSBM problem. Furthermore, we conduct a series of simulation experiments to evaluate the proposed approach. The experimental results show that the proposed approach is both efficient and effective for solving the SSBM problem.
A Mean Convergence Theorem without Convexity for Finite Commutative Nonlinear Mappings in Reflexive Banach Spaces
Authors: Haruna Lawal Yusuf , Ali Bashir , Shehu Yekini , Yao Jen-Chih
Published: May 2022

This paper investigates the Bregman version of the Takahashi-type generic 2-generalized nonspreading mapping which includes the generic 2-generalized Bregman nonspreading mapping as a special case. Relative to the attractive points of nonlinear mapping, the Baillon-type nonlinear mean convergence theorem for finite commutative generic 2-generalized Bregman nonspreading mappings without the convexity assumption is proved in the setting of reflexive Banach spaces. Using this result, some new and well-known nonlinear mean convergence theorems for the finite generic generalized Bregman nonspreading mapping, the 2-generalized Bregman nonspreading mapping and the normally 2-generalized hybrid mapping, among others, are established. Our results extend and generalize many corresponding ones announced in the literature.
Pulmonary Coccidioidomycosis: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Alčauskas Tadas , Zablockienė Birutė , Zablockis Rolandas , Svetikas Linas , Bilotaitė Laura , Jančorienė Ligita
Published: May 2022

Coccidioidomycosis is an infectious disease caused by Coccidioides immitis or C. posadasii fungus. Humans usually get infected by inhaling spores risen from the soil. Although in 60 percent of cases symptoms are absent, remaining patients can develop various manifestations of the disease, from flu-like symptoms to severe dissemination or meningitis. In endemic regions (California, Arizona, Mexico, Central, and South America), pulmonary coccidioidomycosis causes 25% of community-acquired cases of pneumonia. We present the first registered case of pulmonary coccidioidomycosis in Lithuania. Clinical presentation, pathogenesis, treatment options, and diagnostic alternatives are discussed.
Metabolite Signature in the Carriers of Pathogenic Genetic Variants for Cardiomyopathy: A Population-Based METSIM Study
Authors: Ravi Rowmika , Fernandes Silva Lilian , Vangipurapu Jagadish , Maria Maleeha , Raivo Joose , Helisalmi Seppo , Laakso Markku
Published: May 2022

Hypertrophic (HCM) and dilated (DCM) cardiomyopathies are among the leading causes of sudden cardiac death. We identified 38 pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant carriers for HCM in three sarcomere genes (MYH7, MYBPC3, TPMI) among 9.928 participants of the METSIM Study having whole exome sequencing data available. Eight of them had a clinical diagnosis of HCM. We also identified 20 pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant carriers for DCM in the TTN gene, and six of them had a clinical diagnosis of DCM. The aim of our study was to investigate the metabolite signature in the carriers of the pathogenic or likely pathogenic genetic variants for HCM and DCM, compared to age- and body-mass-index-matched controls. Our novel findings were that the carriers of pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants for HCM had significantly increased concentrations of bradykinin (des-arg 9), vanillactate, and dimethylglycine and decreased concentrations of polysaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and lysophosphatidylcholines compared with the controls without HCM. Additionally, our novel findings were that the carriers of pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants for DCM had significantly decreased concentrations of 1,5-anhydrogluticol, histidine betaine, N-acetyltryptophan, and methylsuccinate and increased concentrations of trans-4-hydroxyproline compared to the controls without DCM. Our population-based study shows that the metabolite signature of the genetic variants for HCM and DCM includes several novel metabolic pathways not previously described.
Widely Targeted Metabolic Profiling Reveals Differences in Polyphenolic Metabolites during Rosa xanthina f. spontanea Fruit Development and Ripening
Authors: Sun Yanlin , Yang Yu , Zhou Meichun , Luo Le , Pan Huitang , Zhang Qixiang , Yu Chao
Published: May 2022

Rose hips are rich in various nutrients and have long been used for food and medicinal purposes. Owing to the high phenolic content, rose hips can be used as natural antioxidants. In this study, ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was used to conduct a widely targeted metabolomics analysis on the polyphenolic components of Rosa xanthina f. spontanea in three ripening stages: unripe, half-ripe and fully ripe fruit. A total of 531 polyphenol metabolites were detected, including 220 phenolic acids, 219 flavonoids, 50 tannins and 42 lignans and coumarins. There were 160 differential metabolites between unripe and half-ripe rose hips (61 downregulated and 99 upregulated) and 157 differential metabolites between half-ripe and fully ripe rose hips (107 downregulated and 50 upregulated). The results of our study not only greatly enrich the chemical composition database of rose hips but also provide metabolomics information on the changes in polyphenolic metabolism during fruit development for the first time, which will help select the optimal harvest time of rose hips to achieve better quality.
Benthic Microbial Communities in a Seasonally Ice-Covered Sub-Arctic River (Pasvik River, Norway) Are Shaped by Site-Specific Environmental Conditions
Authors: Papale Maria , Rizzo Carmen , Giannarelli Stefania , Caruso Gabriella , Amalfitano Stefano , Aspholm Paul Eric , Maimone Giovanna , Miserocchi Stefano , Rappazzo Alessandro Ciro , Lo Giudice Angelina , Azzaro Maurizio
Published: May 2022

The Pasvik River experiences chemical, physical, and biological stressors due to the direct discharges of domestic sewage from settlements located within the catchment and runoff from smelter and mine wastes. Sediments, as a natural repository of organic matter and associated contaminants, are of global concern for the possible release of pollutants in the water column, with detrimental effects on aquatic organisms. The present study was aimed at characterizing the riverine benthic microbial community and evaluating its ecological role in relation to the contamination level. Sediments were sampled along the river during two contrasting environmental periods (i.e., beginning and ongoing phases of ice melting). Microbial enzymatic activities, cell abundance, and morphological traits were evaluated, along with the phylogenetic community composition. Amplified 16S rRNA genes from bacteria were sequenced using a next-generation approach. Sediments were also analyzed for a variety of chemical features, namely particulate material characteristics and concentration of polychlorobiphenyls, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and pesticides. Riverine and brackish sites did not affect the microbial community in terms of main phylogenetic diversity (at phylum level), morphometry, enzymatic activities, and abundance. Instead, bacterial diversity in the river sediments appeared to be influenced by the micro-niche conditions, with differences in the relative abundance of selected taxa. In particular, our results highlighted the occurrence of bacterial taxa directly involved in the C, Fe, and N cycles, as well as in the degradation of organic pollutants and toxic compounds.
Variability of Genetic Characters Associated with Probiotic Functions in Lacticaseibacillus Species
Authors: Rossi Franca , Amadoro Carmela , Pallotta Maria Luigia , Colavita Giampaolo
Published: May 2022

This study aims to explore the intra-species distribution of genetic characteristics that favor the persistence in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and host interaction of bacteria belonging to species of the Lacticaseibacillus genus. These bacterial species comprise commercial probiotics with the widest use among consumers and strains naturally occurring in GIT and in fermented food. Since little is known about the distribution of genetic traits for adhesion capacity, polysaccharide production, biofilm formation, and utilization of substrates critically important for survival in GIT, which influence probiotic characteristics, a list of genetic determinants possibly involved in such functions was created by a search for specific genes involved in the above aspects in the genome of the extensively characterized probiotic L. rhamnosus GG. Eighty-two gene loci were retrieved and their presence and variability in other Lacticaseibacillus spp. genomes were assessed by alignment with the publicly available fully annotated genome sequences of L. casei, L. paracasei, L. rhamnosus, and L. zeae. Forty-nine of these genes were found to be absent in some strains or species. The remaining genes were conserved and covered almost all the functions considered, indicating that all strains of the genus may exert some probiotic effects. Among the variable loci, a taurine utilization operon and a α-L-fucosidase were examined for the presence/absence in 26 strains isolated from infant feces by PCR-based tests. Results were variable among the isolates, though their common origin indicated the capacity to survive in the intestinal niche. This study indicated that the capacity to exert probiotic actions of Lacticaseibacillus spp. depends on a conserved set of genes but variable genetic factors, whose role is only in part elucidated, are more numerous and can explain the enhanced probiotic characteristics for some strains. The selection of the most promising probiotic candidates to be used in food is feasible by analyzing the presence/absence of a set of variable traits.
The Broad Host Range Plant Pathogen Dickeya dianthicola Shows a High Genetic Diversity
Authors: Pédron Jacques , van der Wolf Jan M. , Portier Perrine , Caullireau Emma , Van Gijsegem Frédérique
Published: May 2022

The wide host range phytopathogen D. dianthicola, first described in ornamentals in the 1950s, rapidly became a threat for potato production in Europe and, more recently, worldwide. Previous genomic analyses, mainly of strains isolated from potato, revealed little sequence diversity. To further analyse D. dianthicola genomic diversity, we used a larger genome panel of 41 isolates encompassing more strains isolated from potato over a wide time scale and more strains isolated from other hosts. The phylogenetic and pan-genomic trees revealed a large cluster of highly related genomes but also the divergence of two more distant strains, IPO 256 and 67.19, isolated from potato and impatiens, respectively, and the clustering of the three strains isolated from Kalanchoe with one more distinct potato strain. An SNP-based minimal spanning tree highlighted both diverse clusters of (nearly) clonal strains and several strains scattered in the MST, irrespective of country or date of isolation, that differ by several thousand SNPs. This study reveals a higher diversity in D. dianthicola than previously described. It indicates the clonal spread of this pathogen over long distances, as suspected from worldwide seed trading, and possible multiple introductions of D. dianthicola from alternative sources of contaminations.
The Use and Effectiveness of Selected Alternative Markers for Insulin Sensitivity and Secretion Compared with Gold Standard Markers in Dietary Intervention Studies in Individuals without Diabetes: Results of a Systematic Review
Authors: Vazquez Rocha Lucia , Macdonald Ian , Alssema Marjan , Færch Kristine
Published: May 2022

Background: The gold-standard techniques for measuring insulin sensitivity and secretion are well established. However, they may be perceived as invasive and expensive for use in dietary intervention studies. Thus, surrogate markers have been proposed as alternative markers for insulin sensitivity and secretion. This systematic review aimed to identify markers of insulin sensitivity and secretion in response to dietary intervention and assess their suitability as surrogates for the gold-standard methodology. Methods: Three databases, PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane were searched, intervention studies and randomised controlled trials reporting data on dietary intake, a gold standard of analysis of insulin sensitivity (either euglycaemic-hyperinsulinaemic clamp or intravenous glucose tolerance test and secretion (acute insulin response to glucose), as well as surrogate markers for insulin sensitivity (either fasting insulin, area under the curve oral glucose tolerance tests and HOMA-IR) and insulin secretion (disposition index), were selected. Results: We identified thirty-five studies that were eligible for inclusion. We found insufficient evidence to predict insulin sensitivity and secretion with surrogate markers when compared to gold standards in nutritional intervention studies. Conclusions: Future research is needed to investigate if surrogate measures of insulin sensitivity and secretion can be repeatable and reproducible in the same way as gold standards.
Catechins as a Potential Dietary Supplementation in Prevention of Comorbidities Linked with Down Syndrome
Authors: Noll Christophe , Kandiah Janany , Moroy Gautier , Gu Yuchen , Dairou Julien , Janel Nathalie
Published: May 2022

Plant-derived polyphenols flavonoids are increasingly being recognized for their medicinal potential. These bioactive compounds derived from plants are gaining more interest in ameliorating adverse health risks because of their low toxicity and few side effects. Among them, therapeutic approaches demonstrated the efficacy of catechins, a major group of flavonoids, in reverting several aspects of Down syndrome, the most common genomic disorder that causes intellectual disability. Down syndrome is characterized by increased incidence of developing Alzheimer’s disease, obesity, and subsequent metabolic disorders. In this focused review, we examine the main effects of catechins on comorbidities linked with Down syndrome. We also provide evidence of catechin effects on DYRK1A, a dosage-sensitive gene encoding a protein kinase involved in brain defects and metabolic disease associated with Down syndrome.
Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet: Impact of Geographical Location of the Observations
Authors: Mattavelli Elisa , Olmastroni Elena , Bonofiglio Daniela , Catapano Alberico L. , Baragetti Andrea , Magni Paolo
Published: May 2022

The Mediterranean diet has emerged as a comprehensive lifestyle, including specific foods and meal composition and a set of behavioural and social features. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet has been shown to promote health and reduce the prevalence of chronic diseases. The actual implementation of the Mediterranean diet is affected by several sociocultural factors as well as geographical components. Indeed, the geographical location, such as a specific country or different areas in a country and specific latitude and climate, appears to be an important factor that may strongly affect the implementation of the Mediterranean diet or some of its principles as well as the adherence to it. Another dynamic component affecting personal nutritional choices, also regarding adherence to the Mediterranean diet and its principles, is the individual life-long trajectory of food preference and nutrition habits and awareness. In this review, we discuss the current evidence on the impact of geographical location on adherence to the Mediterranean diet.
Litter Size Reduction as a Model of Overfeeding during Lactation and Its Consequences for the Development of Metabolic Diseases in the Offspring
Authors: Souza Luana L. , Moura Egberto G. , Lisboa Patricia C.
Published: May 2022

Overfeeding during lactation has a deleterious impact on the baby’s health throughout life. In humans, early overnutrition has been associated with higher susceptibility to obesity and metabolic disorders in childhood and adulthood. In rodents, using a rodent litter size reduction model (small litter) to mimic early overfeeding, the same metabolic profile has been described. Therefore, the rodent small litter model is an efficient tool to investigate the adaptive mechanisms involved in obesogenesis. Besides central and metabolic dysfunctions, studies have pointed to the contribution of the endocrine system to the small litter phenotype. Hormones, especially leptin, insulin, and adrenal hormones, have been associated with satiety, glucose homeostasis, and adipogenesis, while hypothyroidism impairs energy metabolism, favoring obesity. Behavioral modifications, hepatic metabolism changes, and reproductive dysfunctions have also been reported. In this review, we update these findings, highlighting the interaction of early nutrition and the adaptive features of the endocrine system. We also report the sex-related differences and epigenetic mechanisms. This model highlights the intense plasticity during lactation triggering many adaptive responses, which are the basis of the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) concept. Our review demonstrates the complexity of the adaptive mechanisms involved in the obesity phenotype promoted by early overnutrition, reinforcing the necessity of adequate nutritional habits during lactation.
The Expression Level of ABCC6 Transporter in Colon Cancer Cells Correlates with the Activation of Different Intracellular Signaling Pathways
Authors: Abruzzese Vittorio , Sukowati Caecilia H. C. , Tiribelli Claudio , Matera Ilenia , Ostuni Angela , Bisaccia Faustino
Published: May 2022

The ATP-binding cassette sub-family C member 6 transporter (ABCC6) is mainly found in the basolateral plasma membrane of hepatic and kidney cells. In hepatocarcinoma HepG2 cells, ABCC6 was involved in cell migration. In the present study, we investigated the role of ABCC6 in colon cancer evaluating the effect of Quercetin and Probenecid, inhibitors of the ectonucleotidase NT5E and ABCC6, respectively, on migration rate of Caco2 and HT29 cell lines. Both drugs reduced cell migration analyzed by scratch test. Gene and protein expression were evaluated by quantitative reverse-transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western blot, respectively. In Caco2 cells, in which ABCC6 is significantly expressed, the addition of ATP restored motility, suggesting the involvement of P2 receptors. Contrary to HT29 cells, where the expression of ABCC6 is negligible but remarkable to the level of NT5E, no effect of ATP addition was detected, suggesting a main role on their migration by the phosphatidylinositol 3′-kinase (PI3K)/Akt system. Therefore, in some colon cancers in which ABCC6 is overexpressed, it may have a primary role in controlling the extracellular purinergic system by feeding it with ATP, thus representing a potential target for a therapy aimed at mitigating invasiveness of those type of cancers.
Cytotoxic and Genotoxic Evaluation of Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles Using Moringa oleifera on MCF-7 and HUVEC Cell Lines
Authors: Alkan Hatice , Ciğerci İbrahim Hakkı , Ali Muhammad Muddassir , Hazman Omer , Liman Recep , Colă Florica , Bonciu Elena
Published: May 2022

Nowadays, green synthesized nanoparticles (NPs) are extensively investigated to explore their biological potential. They are being explored to treat different infectious and cancerous diseases. Therefore, the current study was designed to evaluate the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from the medicinal plant Moringa oleifera on breast cancer (MCF-7) and HUVEC (human umbilical vein endothelial cells) cell lines. M. oleifera-mediated AgNPs were synthesized from the M. oleifera extract (MOE) and then characterized through the use of a scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and UV–vis spectrophotometer. Biosynthesized AgNPs and MOE were employed on MCF-7 and HUVEC cell lines to evaluate their cytotoxic and genotoxic effects. More cytotoxic effects were observed by AgNPs and MOE on MCF-7 cell lines. The IC50 for biosynthesized AgNPs was found to be 5 μg/mL. DNA damage was also observed by the MOE and AgNPs on MCF-7 cell lines. However, non-significant DNA damage was observed by MOE and AgNPs on HUVEC cell lines. The findings of the current study revealed the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of biosynthesized AgNPs on MCF-7 cell lines. However, these AgNPs were considered safe for normal HUVEC cell lines.
In Vitro Anti-Proliferative, and Kinase Inhibitory Activity of Phenanthroindolizidine Alkaloids Isolated from Tylophora indica
Authors: Mostafa Ehab M. , Mohammed Hamdoon A. , Musa Arafa , Abdelgawad Mohamed A. , Al-Sanea Mohammad M. , Almahmoud Suliman A. , Ghoneim Mohammed M. , Gomaa Hesham A. M. , Rahman Fatema El-Zahraa S. Abdel , Shalaby Khaled , Selim Samy , Khan Riaz A.
Published: May 2022

The phenanthroindolizidine alkaloid (-)-tylophorine has been reported for its significant anticancer activity working through different biomechanistic pathways. The current study aimed to evaluate the anticancer activity of phenanthroindolizidine alkaloids isolated from Tylophora indica. Six phenanthroindolizidine alkaloid (compounds 1–6) in addition to septicine (7), chlorogenic acid (8), and chlorogenic acid methyl ester (9) were isolated from Tylophora indica using different chromatographic techniques including vacuum liquid chromatography (VLC) and preparative high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The isolated compounds structures’ were determined using various spectro-analytical techniques, i.e., 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and mass spectrometry. The isolates’ structural stereochemistry and structural geometries were determined with the help of chiroptical techniques together with comparisons with the available standard samples. The in vitro anti-proliferative activity on three different cell lines, MCF-7, HepG2, and HCT-116 were evaluated. Among all the isolated compounds, tylophorinidine (5) was the most active cytotoxic agent with the lowest IC50 values at 6.45, 4.77, and 20.08 μM against MCF-7, HepG2, and HCT-116 cell lines, respectively. The bioactivities were also validated by the in vitro kinase receptors inhibition assay. Compound (5) also exhibited the highest activity with lowest IC50 values (0.6 and 1.3 μM against the Aurora-A and Aurora-B enzymes, respectively), as compared with all the isolated alkaloidal products. The structure activity relationship on the molecular properties, molecular attributes, and bioactivity levels were analyzed, interrelated, and the molecular docking studies on two different receptors, Aurora-A and Aurora-B, were determined, which provided the confirmations of the bioactivity with receptor-ligand geometric disposition, energy requirements, lipophilicity, and detailed the binding pharmacophore involvements responsible for bioactivity elicitations.
Early Growth Performance of In Vitro Raised Melia volkensii Gürke Plantlets in Response to Beneficial Microorganisms under Semi-Arid Conditions
Authors: Dushimimana Constantin , Sakha Michael Ajanja , Korir Mercy Jebiwott , Jefwa Joyce Mnyazi , Vandenabeele Jan , Magomere Titus , Mutitu Eunice Wanjiru , Mulatya Jackson , Olubayo Florence , Smagghe Guy , Werbrouck Stefaan P. O.
Published: May 2022

Before in vitro propagated Melia volkensii plants can be used for mass planting, the transition phase to in vivo conditions needs to be better controlled because too many plants are lost during acclimatization and in the field. Two experiments were set up to evaluate the effects of biological agents on the establishment of M. volkensii in vitro plantlets. The biological agents consisted of Trichotech®, Bio-cure B®, Rhizatech®, Bacillus subtilis, a Trichoderma isolate and self-isolated native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). Regarding the latter, in soil from the nursery, the number of AMF spores increased from six spores to 400 per 100 g of soil using a trap culture, in which thirteen AMF morphotypes were identified and root colonization assessed through observation of hyphae, vesicles, coils and appressoria. The first experiment was set up in the greenhouse to investigate the efficacy of the biological agents on the hardening off. In the second, a field experiment was set up to study their effect on the early establishment of the plantlets in the field compared to seedlings. All biological agents significantly (p ≤ 0.05) improved in vitro plant survival and growth compared to the control. The highest plant height and number of leaves per plant were recorded in plants treated with Rhizatech®, Native AMF, Bio-cure B® and Trichoderma isolate. The treatments with Rhizatech®, Bio-cure B® and native mycorrhiza recorded a significantly wider stem. The root diameter of the plants treated with Rhizatech® and Bio-cure B® was the largest, but the plants inoculated with the native AMF had the longest roots. Moreover, the inoculated plants generally developed multiple secondary roots. After two months, AMF had clearly colonized the acclimatized plantlets. In the field experiment, the biologicals made no difference in survival rate but did produce a significantly larger leaf area after two months, with the largest leaves recorded with Rhizatech®, native AMF and Trichotech®. They also increased the quality index of the plants from 0.21 to 0.52. The performance of in vitro grown M. volkensii plants six months after planting in semi-arid conditions in Kiambere was better than that of seedlings. Inoculation of plants increased plant height and diameter. Thus, inoculation of biological agents is an efficient approach for improving the early growth of in vitro propagated M. volkensii plants.
Associations between Integument Color and Physical and Physiological Quality in Pterodon pubescens Seeds
Authors: Vieira Medeiros Renato , de Fátima Sales Juliana , Juliane Telles Nascimento Kelly , Rúbio Neto Aurélio , Zuchi Jacson , Resende Osvaldo , Almeida Rodrigues Douglas , Almeida Rodrigues Arthur
Published: May 2022

Pterodon pubescens is a native Brazilian species typical of the cerrado biome, belonging to the Leguminosae-Papilionoideae (Fabaceae) family and popularly known as sucupira branca or faveiro. Its seeds exhibit different integument colors, which may exhibit a direct association to physiological quality related to higher germination percentage rates, vigor, and germination speed index (GSI). Therefore, selection and evaluation methods concerning P. pubescens seed quality are required for the preservation of this species. In this context, the aim of the present study was to determine the relationship between P. pubescens seed integument color and seed quality, through a combination of radiographic imaging and physiological, histochemical and biochemical assays. P. pubescens seeds were obtained from five matrices, and visually classified into four color classes, yellow, light brown, dark brown and black. The coordinates “L”, “a” and “b”, indicated by the colorimeter and the calculations of the chroma and hue angle values, verified that there was a difference in the color of the seeds, eliminating the subjectivity of the visual classification. Thus, the clearer the integuments, the greater their density, filling and α-amylase and β-amylase hydrolytic enzyme activities, the latter comprising important germination power indicators, in addition to high ascorbate peroxidase (APX) enzyme activities, responsible for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) elimination. Because of this, lighter colored seeds led to higher vigor, germination and GSI rates. The removal of darker seeds from P. pubescens seed lots guarantees higher germination rates and vigor of new plants in nurseries destined to recompose P. pubescens populations.