bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perlecan: a review of its role in neurologic and musculoskeletal disease
Authors: Lavorgna Tessa R. , Gressett Timothy E. , Chastain Wesley H. , Bix Gregory J.
Published: June 2023

Perlecan is a 500 kDa proteoglycan residing in the extracellular matrix of endothelial basement membranes with five distinct protein domains and three heparan sulfate chains. The complex structure of perlecan and the interaction it has with its local environment accounts for its various cellular and tissue-related effects, to include cartilage, bone, neural and cardiac development, angiogenesis, and blood brain barrier stability. As perlecan is a key contributor to extracellular matrix health involved in many tissues and processes throughout the body, dysregulation of perlecan has the potential to contribute to various neurological and musculoskeletal diseases. Here we review key findings associated with perlecan dysregulation in the context of disease. This is a narrative review article examining perlecanâ€™s role in diseases of neural and musucloskeletal pathology and its potential as a therapeutic index. Literature searches were conducted on the PubMed database, and were focused on perlecan’s impact in neurological disease, to include ischemic stroke, Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and brain arteriovenous malformation (BAVM), as well as musculoskeletal pathology, including Dyssegmental Dysplasia Silverman-Handmaker type (DDSH), Schwartz-Jampel syndrome (SJS), sarcopenia, and osteoarthritis (OA). PRISMA guidelines were utilized in the search and final selection of articles.Increased perlecan levels were associated with sarcopenia, OA, and BAVM, while decreased perlecan was associated with DDSH, and SJS. We also examined the therapeutic potential of perlecan signaling in ischemic stroke, AD, and osteoarthritic animal models. Perlecan experimentally improved outcomes in such models of ischemic stroke and AD, and we found that it may be a promising component of future therapeutics for such pathology. In treating the pathophysiology of sarcopenia, OA, and BAVM, inhibiting the effect of perlecan may be beneficial. As perlecan binds to both Î±-5 integrin and VEGFR2 receptors, tissue specific inhibitors of these proteins warrant further study. In addition, analysis of experimental data revealed promising insight into the potential uses of perlecan domain V as a broad treatment for ischemic stroke and AD. As these diseases have limited therapeutic options, further study into perlecan or its derivatives and its potential to be used as novel therapeutic for these and other diseases should be seriously considered.
Metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses reveal the effects of grafting on blood orange quality
Authors: Yang Lei , Chen Yang , Wang Min , Hou Huifang , Li Shuang , Guan Ling , Yang Haijian , Wang Wu , Hong Lin
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Blood orange (Citrus sinensis L.) is a valuable source of nutrition because it is enriched in anthocyanins and has high organoleptic properties. Grafting is commonly used in citriculture and has crucial effects on various phenotypes of the blood orange, including its coloration, phenology, and biotic and abiotic resistance. Still, the underlying genetics and regulatory mechanisms are largely unexplored.

Methods

In this study, we investigated the phenotypic, metabolomic, and transcriptomic profiles at eight developmental stages of the lido blood orange cultivar (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck cv. Lido) grafted onto two rootstocks.

Results and discussion

The Trifoliate orange rootstock provided the best fruit quality and flesh color for Lido blood orange. Comparative metabolomics suggested significant differences in accumulation patterns of metabolites and we identified 295 differentially accumulated metabolites. The major contributors were flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignans and coumarins, and terpenoids. Moreover, transcriptome profiling resulted in the identification of 4179 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and 54 DEGs were associated with flavonoids and anthocyanins. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis identified major genes associated to 16 anthocyanins. Furthermore, seven transcription factors (C2H2, GANT, MYB-related, AP2/ERF, NAC, bZIP, and MYB) and five genes associated with anthocyanin synthesis pathway (CHS, F3H, UFGT, and ANS) were identified as key modulators of the anthocyanin content in lido blood orange. Overall, our results revealed the impact of rootstock on the global transcriptome and metabolome in relation to fruit quality in lido blood orange. The identified key genes and metabolites can be further utilized for the quality improvement of blood orange varieties.
Optimized management strategy increased grain yield, promoted nitrogen balance, and improved water productivity in winter wheat
Authors: Xu Haicheng , Liu Mei , Tang Yuhai , Zhao Fei , Cao Wenchao , He Mingrong , Peng Dianliang , Dai Xinglong
Published: June 2023

The increasing costs of agricultural production and environmental concerns reinforce the need to reduce resource inputs. Improvements in nitrogen (N) use efficiency (NUE) and water productivity (WP) are critical for sustainable agriculture. We aimed to optimize management strategy to increase wheat grain yield, promote N balance, and improve NUE and WP. A 3-year experiment was conducted with four integrated treatments: conventional practice treatment (CP); improvement of conventional practice treatment (ICP); high-yield management treatment (HY), which aimed for maximizing grain yield regardless of resource inputs cost; and integrated soil and crop system management treatment (ISM), which aimed for testing an optimal combination of sowing date, seeding rate, and fertilization and irrigation management. The average grain yield for ISM was 95.86% of that for HY and was 5.99% and 21.72% higher than that for ICP and CP, respectively. ISM promoted N balance as relatively higher aboveground N uptake, lower inorganic N residue, and lowest inorganic N loss. The average NUE for ISM was 4.15% lower than that for ICP and was remarkably higher than that for HY and CP by 26.36% and 52.37%, respectively. The increased soil water consumption under ISM was mainly due to its increased root length density. Along with a high level of grain yield, ISM obtained a relatively adequate water supply due to the effective use of soil water storage, thereby increasing the average WP by 3.63%–38.10% in comparison with other integrated management treatments. These results demonstrated that optimized management strategy (appropriately delaying sowing date, increasing seeding rate, and optimizing fertilization and irrigation management) used under ISM could promote N balance and improve WP while increasing grain yield and NUE in winter wheat. Therefore, ISM can be considered a recommendable management strategy in the target region.
Validation of genes affecting rice mesocotyl length through candidate association analysis and identification of the superior haplotypes
Authors: Wang Yamei , Liu Hongyan , Meng Yun , Liu Jindong , Ye Guoyou
Published: June 2023

Mesocotyl is an essential organ of rice for pushing buds out of soil and plays a crucial role in seeding emergence and development in direct-seeding. Thus, identify the loci associated with mesocotyl length (ML) could accelerate breeding progresses for direct-seeding cultivation. Mesocotyl elongation was mainly regulated by plant hormones. Although several regions and candidate genes governing ML have been reported, the effects of them in diverse breeding populations were still indistinct. In this study, 281 genes related to plant hormones at the genomic regions associated with ML were selected and evaluated by single-locus mixed linear model (SL-MLM) and multi-locus random-SNP-effect mixed linear model (mr-MLM) in two breeding panels (Trop and Indx) originated from the 3K re-sequence project. Furthermore, superior haplotypes with longer mesocotyl were also identified for marker assisted selection (MAS) breeding. Totally, LOC_Os02g17680 (explained 7.1-8.9% phenotypic variations), LOC_Os04g56950 (8.0%), LOC_Os07g24190 (9.3%) and LOC_Os12g12720 (5.6-8.0%) were identified significantly associated with ML in Trop panel, whereas LOC_Os02g17680 (6.5-7.4%), LOC_Os04g56950 (5.5%), LOC_Os06g24850 (4.8%) and LOC_Os07g40240 (4.8-7.1%) were detected in Indx panel. Among these, LOC_Os02g17680 and LOC_Os04g56950 were identified in both panels. Haplotype analysis for the six significant genes indicated that haplotype distribution of the same gene varies at Trop and Indx panels. Totally, 8 (LOC_Os02g17680-Hap1 and Hap2, LOC_Os04g56950-Hap1, Hap2 and Hap8, LOC_Os07g24190-Hap3, LOC_Os12g12720-Hap3 and Hap6) and six superior haplotypes (LOC_Os02g17680-Hap2, Hap5 and Hap7, LOC_Os04g56950-Hap4, LOC_Os06g24850-Hap2 and LOC_Os07g40240-Hap3) with higher ML were identified in Trop and Indx panels, respectively. In addition, significant additive effects for ML with more superior haplotypes were identified in both panels. Overall, the 6 significantly associated genes and their superior haplotypes could be used to enhancing ML through MAS breeding and further promote direct-seedling cultivation.
Comparing COVID-19 metaphors in Chinese and English social media with critical metaphor analysis
Authors: Xu Qingshu
Published: June 2023

Metaphors extracted from COVID-19-related online texts offer a unique lens for examining how individuals perceive the pandemic. Users from distinct linguistic backgrounds may select varying source domains to discuss COVID-19, with these choices influenced by multiple factors. Utilizing Critical Metaphor Analysis (CMA) theory and employing the Metaphor Identification Procedure VU (MIPVU), this study conducts a comparative analysis of Chinese and English COVID-19-related metaphors derived from social media platforms, specifically Twitter and Weibo. The findings reveal both commonalities and distinctions between the metaphors employed in Chinese and English texts. Commonalities encompass the widespread use of war and disaster metaphors in both sets of texts. Distinctions are characterized by a higher prevalence of zombie metaphors in English texts and classroom metaphors in Chinese texts. These similarities and differences can be attributed to varying socio-historical factors, as well as the active choices of users to express their values and judgments.
Differences and similarities in personality functioning across different types of eating disorders
Authors: Rohde Jens , Obbarius Alexander , Voigt Barbara , Sarrar Lea , Biesenthal-Matthes Silke , Kind Clara-Sophia , Rose Matthias , Hofmann Tobias
Published: June 2023

Objective

The classification of anorexia nervosa (AN) into subtypes is relevant due to their different symptomatology. However, subtypes (restricting type: AN-R; purging type: AN-P) differ also in terms of their personality functioning. Knowledge about these differences would allow for better treatment stratification. A pilot study indicated differences in structural abilities that can be assessed by the operationalized psychodynamic diagnosis (OPD) system. The aim of this study was therefore to systematically explore differences in personality functioning and personality between the two AN subtypes and bulimia nervosa (BN) using three personality (functioning) constructs.

Methods

A total of N = 110 inpatients with AN-R (n = 28), AN-P (n = 40), or BN (n = 42) were recruited in three clinics for psychosomatic medicine. Assignment to the three groups was performed using a comprehensive questionnaire validated for diagnostic purposes (Munich-ED-Quest). Personality functioning was examined using OPD Structure Questionnaire (OPD-SQ), personality by using the Personality Inventory for DSM-5–Brief Form and Big Five Inventory-10. (M)ANOVAs were used to examine differences across eating disorder groups. In addition, correlation and regression analyses were conducted.

Results

We observed differences on several sub- and main scales of the OPD-SQ. Whereas patients with BN showed the lowest levels, AN-R patients displayed the highest levels of personality functioning. On some sub- and main scales, such as “affect tolerance,” the subtypes of AN differed from BN, whereas on the scale “affect differentiation,” AN-R, differed from the other two groups. The total eating disorder pathology score of the Munich-ED-Quest best predicted overall personality structure [stand. β = 0.650; t(104) = 6.666; p < 0.001] and self-regulation [stand. β = 0.449; t(104) = 3.628; p < 0.001].

Discussion

Our findings confirm most of the results of the pilot study. These findings can facilitate the development of stratified treatment approaches for eating disorders.
The impacts of diagnosis-intervention packet payment on the providers’ behavior of inpatient care—evidence from a national pilot city in China
Authors: Ding Yi , Yin Jia , Zheng Chao , Dixon Simon , Sun Qiang
Published: June 2023

Background

In 2020, the Chinese government developed and implemented an innovative case-based payment method under the regional global budget called the diagnosis-intervention packet (DIP) payment to pay for inpatient care. This study aims to assess the changes to inpatient care provision in hospitals after the DIP payment reform was implemented.

Methods

This study used inpatient medical costs per case, the proportion of the out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditure in inpatient medical costs, and the average length of stay (LOS) of inpatient care as outcome variables, and conducted an interrupted time series analysis to evaluate changes after the DIP payment reform. January 2021 was taken as the intervention point when a national pilot city of the DIP payment reform in the Shandong province began using the DIP payment to pay for inpatient care of secondary and tertiary hospitals. The data used in this study were obtained from the aggregated monthly claim data of inpatient care of secondary and tertiary hospitals.

Results

Compared to the pre-intervention trend, the inpatient medical costs per case, the proportion of the OOP expenditure in inpatient medical costs both in tertiary and secondary hospitals significantly decreased after the intervention. After the intervention, the reduction in the inpatient medical costs per case, the proportion of the OOP expenditure in inpatient medical costs in tertiary hospital were both higher than those in secondary hospital (p < 0.001). The average LOS of inpatient care in secondary hospital significantly increased after the intervention, and it immediately increase 0.44 day after intervention (p = 0.211). Moreover, the change of average LOS of inpatient care in secondary hospital after intervention was opposite to that in tertiary hospital, it had no statistical difference (p = 0.269).

Conclusion

In the short term, the DIP payment reform could not only effectively regulate provider behavior of inpatient care in hospitals, but also improves the rational allocation of the regional healthcare resources. However, the long-term effects of the DIP payment reform need to be investigated in the future.
The EPIDIA4Kids protocol for a digital epidemiology study on brain functioning in children, based on a multimodality biometry tool running on an unmodified tablet
Authors: Douet Vannucci Vanessa , Marchand Théo , Hennequin Alexandre , Caci Hervé , Staccini Pascal
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Neurodevelopment and related mental disorders (NDDs) are one of the most frequent disabilities among young people. They have complex clinical phenotypes often associated with transnosographic dimensions, such as emotion dysregulation and executive dysfunction, that lead to adverse impacts in personal, social, academic, and occupational functioning. Strong overlap exists then across NDDs phenotypes that are challenging for diagnosis and therapeutic intervention. Recently, digital epidemiology uses the rapidly growing data streams from various devices to advance our understanding of health’s and disorders’ dynamics, both in individuals and the general population, once coupled with computational science. An alternative transdiagnostic approach using digital epidemiology may thus better help understanding brain functioning and hereby NDDs in the general population.

Objective

The EPIDIA4Kids study aims to propose and evaluate in children, a new transdiagnostic approach for brain functioning examination, combining AI-based multimodality biometry and clinical e-assessments on an unmodified tablet. We will examine this digital epidemiology approach in an ecological context through data-driven methods to characterize cognition, emotion, and behavior, and ultimately the potential of transdiagnostic models of NDDs for children in real-life practice.

Methods and analysis

The EPIDIA4Kids is an uncontrolled open-label study. 786 participants will be recruited and enrolled if eligible: they are (1) aged 7 to 12 years and (2) are French speaker/reader; (3) have no severe intellectual deficiencies. Legal representative and children will complete online demographic, psychosocial and health assessments. During the same visit, children will perform additionally a paper/pencil neuro-assessments followed by a 30-min gamified assessment on a touch-screen tablet. Multi-stream data including questionnaires, video, audio, digit-tracking, will be collected, and the resulting multimodality biometrics will be generated using machine- and deep-learning algorithms. The trial will start in March 2023 and is expected to end by December 2024.

Discussion

We hypothesize that the biometrics and digital biomarkers will be capable of detecting early onset symptoms of neurodevelopment compared to paper-based screening while as or more accessible in real-life practice.
Impact of hearing aid technology level at first-fit on self-reported outcomes in patients with presbycusis: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Houmøller Sabina Storbjerg , Wolff Anne , Tsai Li-Tang , Narayanan Sreeram Kaithali , Hougaard Dan Dupont , Gaihede Michael Lyhne , Neher Tobias , Godballe Christian , Schmidt Jesper Hvass
Published: June 2023

To provide clinical guidance in hearing aid prescription for older adults with presbycusis, we investigated differences in self-reported hearing abilities and hearing aid effectiveness for premium or basic hearing aid users. Secondly, as an explorative analysis, we investigated if differences in gain prescription verified with real-ear measurements explain differences in self-reported outcomes. The study was designed as a randomized controlled trial in which the patients were blinded towards the purpose of the study. In total, 190 first-time hearing aid users (>60 years of age) with symmetric bilateral presbycusis were fitted with either a premium or basic hearing aid. The randomization was stratified on age, sex, and word recognition score. Two outcome questionnaires were distributed: the International Outcome Inventory for Hearing Aids (IOI-HA) and the short form of the Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ-12). In addition, insertion gains were calculated from real-ear measurements at first-fit for all fitted hearing aids. Premium hearing aid users reported 0.7 (95%CI: 0.2; 1.1) scale points higher total SSQ-12 score per item and 0.8 (95%CI: 0.2; 1.4) scale points higher speech score per item, as well as 0.6 (95%CI: 0.2; 1.1) scale points higher qualities score compared to basic-feature hearing aid users. No significant differences in reported hearing aid effectiveness were found using the IOI-HA. Differences in the prescribed gain at 1 and 2 kHz were observed between premium and basic hearing aids within each company. Premium-feature devices yielded slightly better self-reported hearing abilities than basic-feature devices, but a statistically significant difference was only found in three out of seven outcome variables, and the effect was small. The generalizability of the study is limited to community-dwelling older adults with presbycusis. Thus, further research is needed for understanding the potential effects of hearing aid technology for other populations. Hearing care providers should continue to insist on research to support the choice of more costly premium technologies when prescribing hearing aids for older adults with presbycusis.

Clinical Trial Registration:https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/, identifier NCT04539847.
Failed in aging? Queering in living with dementia
Authors: Keller Valerie
Published: June 2023

This article explored the ways in which living with dementia brings potentials to queer the concept of “successful aging” and associated notions of being human. Regarding the progressive development of dementia, it can be assumed that people affected, no matter how hard they try, will sooner or later fail to age successfully. They increasingly become a symbol of what is called the “fourth age” and are framed as an essentialized other. Based on statements of people with dementia, it will be examined to what extent the position on the outside enables people affected to abandon societal guiding ideals and undermine hegemonic-dominant notions of aging. It is shown how they develop life-affirming ways of being-in-the-world that run counter to the idea of the rational, autonomous, consistent, active, productive, and healthy human beings.
Case report: Self-performed orthopedic exams in telehealth treatment of a youth athlete with acute rotator cuff strain
Authors: Wang Yuxuan , Yi Nuo , Ericksen Hayley M. , Zhang Wupeng
Published: June 2023

Background

Sports-related rotator cuff muscle injury is one of the most prevalent pathologies affecting overhead sports athletes. Since the COVID-19 pandemic and its subsequent stay-at-home protocols, physical therapy has transited into a new realm of telehealth. Current evidence regarding examining and managing RTC strain in telehealth physical therapy is minimal.

Case presentation

A self-referred 14-year-old female Chinese semi-professional tennis player presented with an acute right RTC strain. The mechanism of injury involved forehand strokes with left trunk rotation. No ligamentous or labral damage was observed on Magnetic Resonance Imagining. The individualized care plan included virtual partner-assisted assessment, online instructions on therapeutic exercises, and education with psychosocial considerations.

Outcome and follow-up

After a 6-week intervention, the patient demonstrated complete shoulder range of motion, full muscle strength, complete return-to-practice, 0% Quick DASH disability index, and 6/68 on the Tampa Scale for kinesiophobia.

Discussion

This case report demonstrated that telehealth is an accessible and cost-effective option for youth tennis athletes with RTC strain. This unique case showed a detailed roadmap from examination to discharge of this plan of care. There are also barriers including test and measure validity, and communication difficulties to be considered. Despite the challenges, this case was a good example of telehealth being an effective, repeatable, and cost-efficient option for patients with poor healthcare access.
Dynamics of nutrient elements and potentially toxic elements during composting with different organic wastes
Authors: Gao Yiman , Wang Shuhan , Tan Wenbing , Xi Beidou
Published: June 2023

The presence and bioavailability of potentially toxic elements in the soil–plant system are major limitations to the application of compost to agricultural soils. In this study, the content changes of nutrients and potentially toxic elements in four organic wastes, namely household waste, sewage sludge, chicken manure, and cow/sheep manure, were analyzed during composting, and the quality of compost products was assessed in view of their impact on the environment. The objective of this study was to determine the evolution of 21 metal elements, including macroelements (Na, K, Ca, Mg), microelements (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Mo, Ni), and potentially toxic elements (Ti, Al, Cr, Cd, Pb, Sb, Li, Co, Be, In, and Sn) during composting. Results showed that the contents of these elements varied considerably between different organic wastes. The contents of some elements (Na, K, Ca, Fe, Ti, Cu) increased substantially after composting due to organic matter decomposition and weight loss, whereas other elements (Mg, Co, Mo, Cr, In) decreased due to water leaching. The compost obtained was characterized by heavy metal contents not exceeding the permissible limits. Principal component analysis (PCA) was carried out to further analyze the relationships between the studied elements in different organic waste and compost products. The PCA results revealed that the macroelements (Na, K, Ca, Mg) contents negatively correlated with PC1, whereas microelements and potentially toxic elements positively correlated with PC1. From the results of the PCA, it was possible to classify the different compost products.
A century of “Camel Research”: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Kandeel Mahmoud , Morsy Mohamed A. , Abd El-Lateef Hany M. , Marzok Mohamed , El-Beltagi Hossam S. , Al Khodair Khalid M. , Soliman Wafaa E. , Albokhadaim Ibrahim , Venugopala Katharigatta N.
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Bibliometrics is a quantitative analytic strategy used to assess the unit of publications per each field of research. Bibliometric studies are commonly employed to examine the current research climate, potential developments, and development trends in certain domains. In this work, the major contributors to camel research throughout the past century are discussed, along with the funding sources, academic institutions, scientific disciplines, and countries that contributed to “Camel Research”.

Methods

The Web of Science (WOS) database was used to retrieve the publications based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) instructions.

Results

There are 7,593 articles dedicated to camel research on the Web of Science (as of August 1st, 2022). Three stages were involved in the publication of a study on camels. At the beginning, from 1877 to 1965, there were fewer than ten new publications per year. The second stage comprised 100 publications per year (1968–2005). Since 2010, nearly 200 new papers have been published each year. King Saud and King Faisal universities contributed > (0.08) of the total publications. While more than 1,000 funding agents were retrieved, the Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) showed the greatest rate of funded projects (0.17). Camel research was included in 238 scientific disciplines. The top disciplines were Veterinary Sciences (0.39), Agriculture Dairy Animal Science (0.144), and Food Science Technology (0.087).

Conclusion

There has been an increase in interest in camels in recent years, but the research trends in camel health and production need greater support.
The local skin cellular immune response determines the clinical outcome of sarcoptic mange in Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica)
Authors: Valldeperes Marta , Granados José Enrique , Pérez Valentín , López-Olvera Jorge Ramón , Ráez-Bravo Arián , Fandos Paulino , Pérez Jesús M. , Mentaberre Gregorio , Tampach Stefania , Soriguer Ramón C. , Espinosa José
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Sarcoptic mange, caused by Sarcoptes scabiei, is a disease with implications for wildlife conservation and management. Its severity depends on the host’s local skin immune response, which is largely unknown in Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica), a mountain ungulate dramatically affected by mange. In this species, the clinical outcome of sarcoptic mange varies among individuals, and the local immune response could be key to controlling the infestation. This study aims to characterize the local cellular immune response and its relationship with the clinical outcome.

Methods

Fourteen Iberian ibexes were experimentally infested with S. scabiei and six more served as controls. Clinical signs were monitored, and skin biopsies were collected from the withers at 26, 46, and 103 days post-infection (dpi). The presence and distribution of macrophages (including M1 and M2 phenotypes), T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, plasma cells, and interleukine 10 were quantitatively evaluated using immunohistochemical techniques.

Results

An inflammatory infiltrate that decreased significantly from 26 to 103 dpi was observed in all the infested ibexes. The predominant inflammatory cell population in the skin of the mangy ibexes was formed by macrophages (mainly the M2 phenotype) followed by T lymphocytes, with lower numbers of B lymphocytes and plasma cells. Three clinical courses were identified: total recovery, partial recovery, and terminal stage. The inflammatory infiltrates were less pronounced in the fully recovered ibexes than in those that progressed to the terminal stage throughout the study.

Discussion

The results suggest an exacerbated but effective Th1-type cellular immune response controlling mange in Iberian ibex. Furthermore, the local immune response appears to determine the variability of the clinical responses to S. scabiei infestation in this species. This first report on the progression of local skin immune cells is relevant not only for individuals but also for population management and conservation.
Fine ultrastructural features of germ cells and spermatozoa during spermatogenesis in the European grayling, Thymallus thymallus (Teleostei, Salmoniformes, Salmonidae)
Authors: Dadras Hadiseh , Dadras Faranak , Imentai Aiman , Malinovskyi Oleksandr , Pěnka Tomáš , Kolářová Jitka , Policar Tomáš
Published: June 2023

This study aimed to examine the ultrastructure of spermatogenic stages and mature spermatozoa in the European grayling, Thymallus thymallus. The testes were examined microscopically with a transmission electron microscope to find out details of the structure and morphology of the grayling germ cells, spermatozoa and some somatic cells. The grayling testis has a tubular shape, with cysts or clusters of germ cells within seminiferous lobules. The spermatogenic cells, including spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and spermatids, can be found along seminiferous tubules. There are electron-dense bodies in germ cells from the primary spermatogonia to secondary spermatocyte stages. These undergo mitosis to reach the secondary spermatogonia stage, when they form primary and secondary spermatocytes. Spermatids undergo three different stages of differentiation during spermiogenesis, characterized by the level of chromatin condensation, elimination of cytoplasm, and the occurrence of the flagellum. The midpiece of spermatozoa is short and contains spherical or ovoid mitochondria. The sperm flagellum has an axoneme with nine doublets of peripheral microtubules and two central microtubules. The result of this study is valuable to be used as a standard reference for germ cell development, which is of great importance to get a clear insight into the process of grayling breeding practice.
Reinforcement Learning in a New Keynesian Model
Authors: Deák Szabolcs , Levine Paul , Pearlman Joseph , Yang Bo
Published: June 2023

We construct a New Keynesian (NK) behavioural macroeconomic model with bounded-rationality (BR) and heterogeneous agents. We solve and simulate the model using a third-order approximation for a given policy and evaluate its properties using this solution. The model is inhabited by fully rational (RE) and BR agents. The latter are anticipated utility learners, given their beliefs of aggregate states, and they use simple heuristic rules to forecast aggregate variables exogenous to their micro-environment. In the most general form of the model, RE and BR agents learn from their forecasting errors by observing and comparing them with each other, making the composition of the two types endogenous. This reinforcement learning is then at the core of the heterogeneous expectations model and leads to the striking result that increasing the volatility of exogenous shocks, by assisting the learning process, increases the proportion of RE agents and is welfare-increasing.
Fully Parallel Homological Region Adjacency Graph via Frontier Recognition
Authors: Díaz-del-Río Fernando , Sanchez-Cuevas Pablo , Moron-Fernández María José , Cascado-Caballero Daniel , Molina-Abril Helena , Real Pedro
Published: June 2023

Relating image contours and regions and their attributes according to connectivity based on incidence or adjacency is a crucial task in numerous applications in the fields of image processing, computer vision and pattern recognition. In this paper, the crucial incidence topological information of 2-dimensional images is extracted in an efficient manner through the computation of a new structure called the HomDuRAG of an image; that is, the dual graph of the HomRAG (a topologically consistent extended version of the classical RAG). These representations are derived from the two traditional self-dual square grids (in which physical pixels play the role of 2-dimensional cells) and encapsulate the whole set of topological features and relations between the three types of objects embedded in a digital image: 2-dimensional (regions), 1-dimensional (contours) and 0-dimensional objects (crosses). Here, a first version of a fully parallel algorithm to compute this new representation is presented, whose timing complexity order (in the worst case and supposing one processing element per 0-cell) is O(log(M×N)) , M and N being the height and width of the image. Efficient implementations of this parallel algorithm would allow images to be processed in real time, as well as permit us to uncover fast algorithms for contour detection and segmentation, opening new perspectives within the image processing field.
Reducing Chemical Fertilizer Application in Greenhouse Vegetable Cultivation under Different Residual Levels of Nutrient
Authors: Zhou Nannan , Chen Yujiao , Wang Jiajia , Yang Wenbin , Wang Ying
Published: June 2023

Excessive chemical fertilizer application in greenhouse vegetable cultivation results in environmental risks and residual nutrients in the soil. Conventional plot experiments conducted in one field cannot recommend fertilizer reduction to farmers when the residual nutrient levels were various among different fields. In this study, nine plot experiments were simultaneously conducted in nine greenhouse fields where the soils could reflect different residual levels of nutrient, with two application rates (100 and 0%) for each nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizer. The results showed that fertilizer reduction did not decrease vegetable yield when soil nitrate, Olsen–phosphorus, and exchangeable potassium were ≥173.3, 45.8, and 93.1 mg kg−1, respectively. However, no N treatment decreased vegetable yields in fields 1–3 because the inadequately residual nitrate (≤103.9 mg kg−1) in these fields led to low nitrate absorbed from sources other than chemical fertilizer, high recovery efficiencies of N, and high productivity of N absorbed from chemical fertilizer. Residual nitrate that soil EC could reflect was the limiting factor of yield under fertilizer reduction. This study indicated that reducing fertilizer in greenhouse vegetable cultivation should be based on the residual level of nutrients in the soil, which is meaningful in agricultural sustainability and environmental safety.
Drones in Plant Disease Assessment, Efficient Monitoring, and Detection: A Way Forward to Smart Agriculture
Authors: Abbas Aqleem , Zhang Zhenhao , Zheng Hongxia , Alami Mohammad Murtaza , Alrefaei Abdulmajeed F. , Abbas Qamar , Naqvi Syed Atif Hasan , Rao Muhammad Junaid , Mosa Walid F. A. , Abbas Qamar , Hussain Azhar , Hassan Muhammad Zeeshan , Zhou Lei
Published: June 2023

Plant diseases are one of the major threats to global food production. Efficient monitoring and detection of plant pathogens are instrumental in restricting and effectively managing the spread of the disease and reducing the cost of pesticides. Traditional, molecular, and serological methods that are widely used for plant disease detection are often ineffective if not applied during the initial stages of pathogenesis, when no or very weak symptoms appear. Moreover, they are almost useless in acquiring spatialized diagnostic results on plant diseases. On the other hand, remote sensing (RS) techniques utilizing drones are very effective for the rapid identification of plant diseases in their early stages. Currently, drones, play a pivotal role in the monitoring of plant pathogen spread, detection, and diagnosis to ensure crops’ health status. The advantages of drone technology include high spatial resolution (as several sensors are carried aboard), high efficiency, usage flexibility, and more significantly, quick detection of plant diseases across a large area with low cost, reliability, and provision of high-resolution data. Drone technology employs an automated procedure that begins with gathering images of diseased plants using various sensors and cameras. After extracting features, image processing approaches use the appropriate traditional machine learning or deep learning algorithms. Features are extracted from images of leaves using edge detection and histogram equalization methods. Drones have many potential uses in agriculture, including reducing manual labor and increasing productivity. Drones may be able to provide early warning of plant diseases, allowing farmers to prevent costly crop failures.
Impacts of Corn Straw Compost on Rice Growth and Soil Microflora under Saline–Alkali Stress
Authors: Li Shenglin , Li Lixin , Wang Zhigang , Sun Jing , Zhang Hailong
Published: June 2023

Saline–alkali soil seriously inhibits crop growth and yields and threatens the sustainable development of agriculture. Corn straw compost can alleviate saline–alkali stress and improve crop growth and development. In this study, we demonstrate that corn straw compost (CSC) improved soil physicochemical properties, e.g., decreased pH and electrical conductivity (EC), but increased soil nutrients, e.g., available nitrogen and phosphorus, and soluble organic carbon, as well as activities of sucrase and urease in saline–alkali soil. CSC affected the structure of water-stable aggregates (WSA) and the composition of soil microflora in saline–alkali soil. With the increase in the content of CSC, the abundances of some genera, e.g., Thermobacillus, Thermopolyspora, and Thermobispora, were significantly increased, suggesting that they play an important role in improving soil nutrient components and physicochemical properties, which subsequently improved plant growth and development. Consequently, the biomass and yields of rice grown in saline–alkali soil were greatly improved. In conclusion, CSC can improve saline–alkali soil activities and microbial communities, thus improving crop growth and yields. Our findings provide a theoretical basis for the sustainable development of modern agriculture.
Over-Expression of Soybean GmSAUL1 Enhances Disease Resistance in Nicotiana tabacum
Authors: Li Jun-Mei , Ye Mei-Yan , Ma Xiao-Han , Wu Ni-Ni , Liu Jian-Zhong
Published: June 2023

E3 ubiquitin ligases play essential roles in plant defense responses. However, their roles in other plant species have not been investigated extensively. Here, we used a gain-of-function approach to interrogate the function of GmSAUL1 (Senescence-Associated E3 Ubiquitin Ligase 1) homologs in soybeans. Ectopic over-expression of GmSAUL1a in Nicotiana tabacum resulted in autoimmune responses that could be suppressed by high temperature, which is a hallmark of NLR (nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat protein)-mediated resistance. Interestingly, an elevated activation of NtMPK6, but reduced activation of NtMPK4, responding to flg22 treatment, was observed in these GmSAUL1a-over-expressing tobacco lines, suggesting that over-expressing GmSAUL1a activates immune signaling through activating NtMPK6, but suppressing NtMPK4 kinase activity. Collectively, these results demonstrated that GmSAUL1 plays a positive and pivotal role in soybean immunity that is likely governed by NLR proteins.
Evaluation of Parameters Which Influence Voluntary Ingestion of Supplements in Rats
Authors: Ruvira Santiago , Rodríguez-Rodríguez Pilar , Cañas Silvia , Ramiro-Cortijo David , Aguilera Yolanda , Muñoz-Valverde David , Arribas Silvia M.
Published: June 2023

Drug safety and efficacy studies frequently use oral gavage, but repetitive usage may cause problems. Administration through voluntary ingestion represents an opportunity for refinement. We aimed to develop a protocol for voluntary ingestion of gelatin-based supplements in rats, assessing the influence of age, sex, fasting (4 h), and additives (vanilla, VF; sucralose, S), and to test it in lactating dams. Three-week-old and 5-month-old Sprague-Dawley rats were placed individually in an empty cage containing a gelatin cube and trained daily (5 days/week), recording the day the whole cube was consumed (latency). Rats trained prior to gestation were offered a gelatin containing 250 mg/kg cocoa shell extract (CSE) during lactation. Rats that did not eat the cube after 8 training days were considered non-habituated, with a proportion similar in young males (7.1%), young females (11.1%), and adult females (10.3%), but significantly higher in adult males (39.3%). Excluding non-habituated rats, latency was 2–3 days, without differences between young and adult rats (p = 0.657) or between males and females (p = 0.189). VF or VF + S in the gelatin did not modify latency, while fasting significantly reduced it in females (p = 0.007) but not in males (p = 0.501). During lactation, trained females ate the CSE-gelatin within 1–5 min without litter problems. Conclusions: Acceptance of a gelatin-based supplement is negatively influenced by male sex, facilitated by fasting, and not modified by additives. Training is remembered after 2 months and does not interfere with lactation. Gelatin-based voluntary ingestion is suitable to administer drugs that need to pass through the digestive system, ensuring adequate dosage, and is important to detect non-habituated rats prior to the study. The current protocol may be implemented by training the rats in their own cage.
Distinguishing Natural Infections of the Bovine Mammary Gland by Staphylococcus from Streptococcus spp. Using Quantitative Milk Proteomics
Authors: Rešetar Maslov Dina , Thomas Funmilola Clara , Beletić Anđelo , Kuleš Josipa , Rubić Ivana , Benić Miroslav , Bačić Goran , Maćešić Nino , Eraghi Vida , Farkaš Vladimir , Lenac Roviš Tihana , Lisnić Berislav , Žubčić Damir , Potočnjak Dalibor , Mrljak Vladimir
Published: June 2023

Bovine mastitis is the most frequent disease on dairy farms, which leads to a decrease in the health welfare of the animals and great economic losses. This study was aimed at determining the quantitative variations in the milk proteome caused by natural infection by Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species in order to gain further understanding of any discrepancies in pathophysiology and host immune responses, independent of the mastitis level. After identification of Staphylococcus (N = 51) and Streptococcus (N = 67) spp., tandem mass tag (TMT)-labeled quantitative proteomic and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) techniques on a modular Ultimate 3000 RSLCnano system coupled to a Q Exactive Plus was applied on aseptically sampled milk from Holstein cows. Proteome Discoverer was used for protein identification and quantitation through the SEQUEST algorithm. Statistical analysis employing R was used to identify differentially abundant proteins between the groups. Protein classes, functions and functional-association networks were determined using the PANTHER and STRING tools and pathway over-representation using the REACTOME. In total, 156 master bovine proteins were identified (two unique peptides, p < 0.05 and FDR < 0.001), and 20 proteins showed significantly discrepant abundance between the genera (p < 0.05 and FDR < 0.5). The most discriminatory proteins per group were odorant-binding protein (higher in staphylococci) and fibrinogen beta chain protein (higher in streptococci). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed that protein kinase C-binding protein NELL2, thrombospondin-1, and complement factor I have diagnostic potential for differentiating staphylococci and streptococci intramammary infection and inflammation. Improved understanding of the host response mechanisms and recognition of potential biomarkers of specific-pathogen mastitis, which may aid prompt diagnosis for control implementation, are potential benefits of this study.
The Role of Wildlife and Pests in the Transmission of Pathogenic Agents to Domestic Pigs: A Systematic Review
Authors: Makovska Iryna , Dhaka Pankaj , Chantziaras Ilias , Pessoa Joana , Dewulf Jeroen
Published: June 2023

Wild animals and pests are important reservoirs and vectors of pathogenic agents that can affect domestic pigs. Rapid globalization, anthropogenic factors, and increasing trends toward outdoor pig production facilitate the contact between domestic pigs and wildlife. However, knowledge on the transmission pathways between domestic pigs and the aforementioned target groups is limited. The present systematic review aims to collect and analyze information on the roles of different wild animal species and pests in the spread of pathogens to domesticated pigs. Overall, 1250 peer-reviewed manuscripts published in English between 2010 and 2022 were screened through the PRISMA framework using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. A total of 84 studies reporting possible transmission routes of different pathogenic agents were included. A majority of the studies (80%) focused on the role of wild boars in the transmission of pathogenic agents to pig farms. Studies involving the role of rodents (7%), and deer (6%) were the next most frequent, whereas the role of insects (5%), wild carnivores (5%), wild birds (4%), cats (2%), and badgers (1%) were less available. Only 3.5% of studies presented evidence-based transmission routes from wildlife to domestic pigs. Approximately 65.5% of the included studies described possible risks/risk factors for pathogens’ transmission based on quantitative data, whereas 31% of the articles only presented a hypothesis or qualitative analysis of possible transmission routes or risk factors and/or contact rates. Risk factors identified include outdoor farms or extensive systems and farms with a low level of biosecurity as well as wildlife behavior; environmental conditions; human activities and movements; fomites, feed (swill feeding), water, carcasses, and bedding materials. We recommend the strengthening of farm biosecurity frameworks with special attention to wildlife-associated parameters, especially in extensive rearing systems and high-risk zones as it was repeatedly found to be an important measure to prevent pathogen transmission to domestic pigs. In addition, there is a need to focus on effective risk-based wildlife surveillance mechanisms and to raise awareness among farmers about existing wildlife-associated risk factors for disease transmission.