bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A first approach for the micropropagation of the medicinal halophyte Polygonum maritimum L. and phenolic profile of acclimatized plants
Authors: Custódio Luísa , Slusarczyk Sylwester , Matkowski Adam , Castañeda-Loaiza Viana , Fernandes Eliana , Pereira Catarina , Rodrigues Maria João
Published: August 2022

Polygonum maritimum L. (sea knotgrass) belongs to a genus commonly used in folk medicine to treat inflammation-related disorders. In vitro pharmacological studies have confirmed these properties that were ascribed to bioactive flavonoids, such as myricetin and quercetin glycosides. Therefore, this study aimed at establishing a micropropagation procedure for sea knotgrass for obtaining standardized materials for its potential commercial cultivation. For that, a complete plant regeneration protocol was developed by improving shoot multiplication from nodal explants, rooting and acclimatization procedures, followed by the assessment of the phenolic profile of the in vitro-produced plants. The combination of 3 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) + 0.1 mg/L indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) induced the maximum shoot formation (10.3), which was significantly increased from the first to the second cycle (18.3). The best rooting capacity was observed on shoots derived from the control medium (100%), followed by 2 mg/L kinetin (KIN) (97%) and 3 mg/L BA + 0.1 mg/L IAA (90%); however, the shoot number at the end of the rooting phase was higher on shoots derived from 3 mg/L BA + 0.1 mg/L IAA (6.16). The plant growth regulators used in the multiplication phase influenced survival in the acclimatization process, and plants derived from the control medium had the highest survival percentage (63.1%). Acetone extracts made from aerial organs of micropropagated sea knotgrass showed a predominance of the flavonoid myricetin-3-O-rhamnoside (8.135 mg/g). Overall, the halophyte sea knotgrass was successfully micropropagated showing its potential as a medicinal crop for the extraction of bioactive molecules.
ZAT10 plays dual roles in cadmium uptake and detoxification in Arabidopsis
Authors: Dang Fengfeng , Li Yajing , Wang Yanfeng , Lin Jinhui , Du Shenxiu , Liao Xinyang
Published: August 2022

Cadmium (Cd) is a harmful heavy metal that is risky for plant growth and human health. The zinc-finger transcription factor ZAT10 is highly conserved with ZAT6 and ZAT12, which are involved in Cd tolerance in plants. However, the definite function of ZAT10 in Cd tolerance remains uncertain. Here, we demonstrated that ZAT10 negatively regulated Cd uptake and enhanced Cd detoxification in Arabidopsis. The expression of ZAT10 in plants is induced by Cd treatment. The zat10 mutant plants exhibited a greater sensitivity to Cd stress and accumulated more Cd in both shoot and root. Further investigations revealed that ZAT10 repressed the transcriptional activity of IRT1, which encodes a key metal transporter involved in Cd uptake. Meanwhile, ZAT10 positively regulated four heavy metal detoxification-related genes: NAS1, NAS2, IRT2, and MTP3. We further found that ZAT10 interacts with FIT, but their regulatory relationship is still unclear. In addition, ZAT10 directly bound to its own promoter and repressed its transcription as a negative feedback regulation. Collectively, our findings provided new insights into the dual functions of ZAT10 on Cd uptake and detoxification in plants and pointed to ZAT10 as a potential gene resource for Cd tolerance improvement in plants.
Are virtual anime endorsers a new type of endorser? Examining product involvement as a moderating role
Authors: Liang Huai-Liang , Yang Feng-Hua
Published: August 2022

Virtual anime endorsement has been prevalent as an advertising strategy, and many companies invest massive amounts of money into virtual endorsements. While previous studies have found that endorser-product congruence is related to consumer brand attitude and purchase intention, it is not known whether moderate incongruence between a virtual anime endorser and a product has a positive influence on brand attitude and purchase intention. This study developed a 1 × 2 experiment to investigate the influences of virtual anime endorser–product congruence and moderate the endorser–product incongruence on consumer brand attitude and purchase intention. Product involvement played a key moderating role in the relationships of virtual anime endorser–product congruence and the endorser–product incongruence with consumer attitudes. A total of 919 participants were recruited from animation-related venues and stores in Taiwan. The findings of this study validated the interaction effects of virtual anime endorser-product congruence and incongruence on these two consumer responses, i.e., brand attitude and purchase intention. This study further investigated the moderating effect of product involvement in the relationships of virtual anime endorser–product congruence and moderate the endorser–product incongruence with consumer responses. The findings of this study provide a valuable reference regarding endorsers and product patterns through which enterprises can maximize their value.
The psychosocial burden of visible disfigurement following traumatic injury
Authors: Sarwer David B. , Siminoff Laura A. , Gardiner Heather M. , Spitzer Jacqueline C.
Published: August 2022

Hundreds of thousands of individuals experience traumatic injuries each year. Some are mild to moderate in nature and patients experience full functional recovery and little change to their physical appearance. Others result in enduring, if not permanent, changes in physical functioning and appearance. Reconstructive plastic surgical procedures are viable treatments options for many patients who have experienced the spectrum of traumatic injuries. The goal of these procedures is to restore physical functioning and reduce the psychosocial burden of living with an appearance that may be viewed negatively by the patient or by others. Even after receipt of reconstructive procedures, many patients are left with residual disfigurement. In some, disability and disfigurement may be so profound that individuals are candidates for vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) procedures, i.e., the transplantation of a vascularized human body part containing multiple tissue types (skin, muscle, bone, nerves, and blood vessels) as an anatomical and/or structural unit. This narrative review paper summarizes the literature on the psychosocial burden experienced by those who have visible disfigurement. While many of these individuals experience stigma and discrimination, relatively few studies have employed a stigma framework to understand the psychosocial sequelea. This paper briefly addresses this framework. Last, particular focus is given to the psychosocial issues of individuals with particularly severe injuries who are potential candidates for VCA procedures.
New research tools suggest a “levels-less” image of the behaving organism and dissolution of the reduction vs. anti-reduction dispute
Authors: Bickle John , De Sousa André F. , Silva Alcino J.
Published: August 2022

A kind of “ruthless reductionism” characterized the experimental practices of the first two decades of molecular and cellular cognition (MCC). More recently, new research tools have expanded experimental practices in this field, enabling researchers to image and manipulate individual molecular mechanisms in behaving organisms with an unprecedented temporal, sub-cellular, cellular, and even circuit-wide specificity. These tools dramatically expand the range and reach of experiments in MCC, and in doing so they may help us transcend the worn-out and counterproductive debates about “reductionism” and “emergence” that divide neuroscientists and philosophers alike. We describe examples of these new tools and illustrate their practical power by presenting an exemplary recent case of MCC research using them. From these tools and results, we provide an initial sketch of a new image of the behaving organism in its full causal-interactive complexity, with its molecules, cells, and circuits combined within the single system that it is. This new image stands in opposition to the traditional “levels” image of the behaving organism, and even the initial sketch we provide of it here offers hope for avoiding the dreary metaphysical debates about “emergence” and “downward causation,” and even the reduction vs. anti-reduction dispute, all dependent upon the familiar “levels” image.
A mental health survey among young front-line clinicians in high-risk areas during the COVID-19 sporadic epidemic in China
Authors: Suo Xingbo , Zhang Yang , Liu Qingxia , Zhao Gaofeng , Zhu Yanan , Liu Yan , Zhai Jinguo
Published: August 2022

Background

The sporadic coronavirus disease (COVID-19) epidemic has placed enormous psychological stress on people, especially clinicians. The objective of this study was to examine depression, anxiety, quality of life (QOL), and related social psychological factors among young front-line clinicians in high-risk areas during the COVID-19 sporadic epidemic in China and to provide a reference for formulating reasonable countermeasures.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, demographic information, COVID-19-related questions, anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, GAD-7), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9, PHQ-9), insomnia (Insomnia Severity Index, ISI), stress (Perceived Stress Scale-10, PSS-10), and QOL (World Health Organization Quality of Life-brief version, WHOQOL-BREF) were collected. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to test the relationships between anxiety and/or depression and other related problems. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to test the relationships among factors influencing QOL.

Results

A total of 146 young front-line clinicians were included. The prevalence rates of depression, anxiety, and anxiety-depression comorbidity were 37.7% (95% CI = 29.7–45.6%), 26.0% (95% CI = 18.8–33.2%), and 24.0% (95% CI = 17.0–31.0%), respectively. Severe stress (OR = 1.258, 95% CI = 1.098–1.442, P < 0.01) and insomnia (OR = 1.282, 95% CI = 1.135–1.447, P < 0.01) were positively correlated with depression. Severe stress (OR = 1.487, 95% CI = 1.213–1.823, P < 0.01) and insomnia (OR = 1.131, 95% CI = 1.003–1.274, P < 0.05) were positively correlated with anxiety. Severe stress (OR = 1.532, 95% CI = 1.228–1.912, P < 0.01) was positively correlated with anxiety-depression comorbidity. However, insomnia (OR = 1.081, 95% CI = 0.963–1.214, P > 0.05) was not correlated with anxiety-depression comorbidity. The belief that the vaccine will stop the COVID-19 pandemic (OR = 0.099, 95% CI = 0.014–0.715, P < 0.05) was negatively correlated with anxiety and anxiety-depression comorbidity (OR = 0.101, 95% CI = 0.014–0.744, P < 0.05). Severe stress (B = −0.068, 95% CI = −0.129 to −0.007, P < 0.05) and insomnia (B = −0.127, 95% CI = −0.188 to −0.067, P < 0.01) were negatively correlated with QOL. The belief that the vaccine could provide protection (B = 1.442, 95% CI = 0.253–2.631, P < 0.05) was positively correlated with QOL.

Conclusions

The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and even anxiety-depression comorbidity was high among young front-line clinicians in high-risk areas during the COVID-19 sporadic epidemic in China. Various biological and psychological factors as well as COVID-19-related factors were associated with mental health issues and QOL. Psychological intervention should evaluate these related factors and formulate measures for these high-risk groups.
How does mindfulness relate to benign/malicious envy? The mediating role of resilience, internal locus of control and self-esteem
Authors: Dong Xia , Li Xiaojun , Jiang Xinsheng , Xiang Yanhui
Published: August 2022

The present study aimed to explore the roles of resilience, internal locus of control, and self-esteem in the link between mindfulness and benign/malicious envy (BE/ME). Nine hundred ninety-one participants (299 males, 692 females; mean age = 19.05 ± 1.54) completed a survey that assessed mindfulness, internal locus of control, resilience, self-esteem, and BE/ME. The results suggest that resilience, internal locus of control, and self-esteem independently mediate the relationship between mindfulness and BE/ME. Additionally, “internal locus of control → resilience” and “self-esteem → resilience” play chain mediating roles in the relationship between mindfulness and BE/ME. Namely, mindfulness is positively associated with resilience via improving internal control and self-esteem, thereby inhibiting malicious envy and promoting benign envy. The present study advances our knowledge of the mindfulness reperceiving theory, and thus provides a new explanation for the inhibition of negative emotions from the perspective of resilience, internal locus of control, and self-esteem.
Factors influencing the outcome of integrated therapy approach in schizophrenia: A narrative review of the literature
Authors: Giordano Giulia M. , Brando Francesco , Pezzella Pasquale , De Angelis Maria , Mucci Armida , Galderisi Silvana
Published: August 2022

The integration of pharmacotherapy with psychosocial interventions has an important role to play in the improvement of functional outcome of subjects with schizophrenia (SCZ), in all stages of the disorder. It is essential for the adequate management of unmet therapeutic needs, such as negative symptoms and cognitive dysfunctions which account for most of the functional impairment of subjects with SCZ and do not respond to available antipsychotics. Enhancing the knowledge on factors involved in the effectiveness of integrated treatment plans is an important step forward for SCZ care. This review aims to identify factors that might influence the impact of integrated treatments on functional outcome. Most studies on the impact of psychosocial treatments on functional outcome of subjects with SCZ did not control for the effect of prescribed antipsychotics or concomitant medications. However, several factors relevant to ongoing pharmacological treatment might influence the outcome of integrated therapy, with an impact on the adherence to treatment (e.g., therapeutic alliance and polypharmacotherapy) or on illness-related factors addressed by the psychosocial interventions (e.g., cognitive dysfunctions or motivational deficits). Indirect evidence suggests that treatment integration should consider the possible detrimental effects of different antipsychotics or concomitant medications on cognitive functions, as well as on secondary negative symptoms. Cognitive dysfunctions can interfere with participation to an integrated treatment plan and can be worsened by extrapyramidal or metabolic side effects of antipsychotics, or concomitant treatment with anticholinergics or benzodiazepines. Secondary negative symptoms, due to positive symptoms, sedation, extrapyramidal side effects or untreated depression, might cause early drop-out and poor adherence to treatment. Researchers and clinicians should examine all the above-mentioned factors and implement appropriate and personalized integrated treatments to improve the outcome of SCZ.
Is flushing necessary during building closures? A study of water quality and bacterial communities during extended reductions in building occupancy
Authors: Greenwald Hannah , Kennedy Lauren C. , Ehde Aliya , Duan Yanghua , Olivares Christopher I. , Kantor Rose , Nelson Kara L.
Published: August 2022

Drinking water stagnation can lead to degradation of chlorine residual, bacterial growth (including of opportunistic pathogens and nitrifiers), and metals release from plumbing materials; however, few studies have characterized building water quality and bacterial communities during the extended stagnation periods that occurred during COVID-19 pandemic-related building closures. Additionally, despite a lack of evidence-based guidance, flushing fixtures has been recommended to restore building water quality. We aimed to evaluate the impacts of reduced building occupancy (>2 months) and weekly restorative flushing on drinking water quality, bacterial communities, and the occurrence of undesirable microorganisms in three university buildings. Reduced occupancy led to diminished chloramine and elevated intact cell counts, but values remained stable after additional weeks of limited water use. Flushing temporarily improved water quality, with chlorine and cell counts remaining stable for at least 1 day but returning to levels measured prior to flushing within 1 week. Alpha diversity was lower under more stagnant conditions, and fixture identity, not flushing, was the most influential factor on bacterial community composition, suggesting a strong influence from local biofilm. Although Mycobacterium, Legionella, Pseudomonas, Nitrosomonas, and Nitrospira were detected in samples via amplicon sequencing, concentrations measured via qPCR of M. avium complex, L. pneumophila, P. aeruginosa, and ammonia-oxidizing bacteria were very low or were undetected, supporting that stagnation alone did not lead to high occurrence of undesirable microorganisms. Findings from this study contribute to our understanding of the effects of stagnation on building water microbiomes and the efficacy of flushing to improve water quality. Under the conditions of this case study, repeated flushing on a weekly timescale during low occupancy periods was not sufficient to maintain chlorine residual and prevent bacterial growth in fixtures. Building managers need to weigh the temporary water quality benefits of flushing against the labor and water resources required considering local context.
Revisiting the δ Scuti star FG Virginis using Kepler K2 and TESS data
Authors: Guzik Joyce A. , Jackiewicz Jason , Hedlund Anne M.
Published: August 2022

FG Virginis is a δ Scuti variable star that was the target of several ground-based multisite photometric campaigns from 1992 to 2004. Over 75 pulsation frequencies were detected (Breger et al., Astron. Astrophys., 2005, 435, 955–965), more than for any other δ Sct star before the era of space photometry. FG Vir was observed for 52 days in 30-minute cadence photometry by the NASA Kepler spacecraft K2 mission in 2016, and for 23 days in 2-minute cadence photometry by the NASA TESS spacecraft in 2021. We present light curves and amplitude spectra obtained from these space missions. We find around 30 significant frequencies in the K2 data, and more than 100 significant frequencies in the TESS data. There is good correspondence between the first 10 or so highest-amplitude modes found in the K2 and TESS data and those found from the ground-based multisite campaigns, although the amplitude order is slightly different, indicating some stability in mode frequencies and amplitudes spanning 20 years. However, the 9th highest-amplitude mode of Breger et al. has moved down considerably in amplitude rank, while the 35th highest-amplitude mode has moved up to near the top ten as seen in both the K2 and TESS data. We find several low frequencies between 0.3 and 3 cycles per day in the TESS data that were not detected using the ground-based data. If low-frequency pulsations are confirmed, FG Vir would be classified as a δ Sct/γ Dor hybrid variable star. We also review stellar model results and some of the challenges for asteroseismology for this well-studied δ Sct star.
TEVAR and EVAR, the unknown knowns of the cardiovascular hemodynamics; and the immediate and long-term consequences of fabric material on major adverse clinical outcome
Authors: Sultan Sherif , Acharya Yogesh , Soliman Osama , Parodi Juan Carlos , Hynes Niamh
Published: August 2022

This review discusses the impact of endovascular aneurysm repair on cardiovascular (CV) hemodynamics and the role of stent-graft material, i.e., polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) vs. polyester in post-procedural outcomes. Endovascular aneurysm repair has been widely employed in the last decades for thoracic and abdominal aneurysm repair. However, aortic endografts are stiff and alter the native flow hemodynamics. This failure to simulate the native aorta could lead to added strain on the heart, manifesting as increased left ventricular strain, higher pulse pressure, and congestive heart failure later. This could result in adverse CV outcomes. Also, evidence is mounting to support the implication of stent-graft materials, i.e., PTFE vs. polyester, in adverse post-procedural outcomes. However, there is an absence of level one evidence. Therefore, the only way forward is to plan and perform a randomised controlled trial to demonstrate the alterations in the CV hemodynamics in the short and long run and compare the available stent-graft materials regarding procedural and clinical outcomes. We believe the best solution, for now, would be to reduce the stented length of the aorta. At the same time, in the longer term, encourage continuous improvement in stent-graft materials and design.
Effects of Stroke Amplitude and Wing Planform on the Aerodynamic Performance of Hovering Flapping Wings
Authors: Li Hao , Nabawy Mostafa R. A.
Published: August 2022

In this paper, the effects of stroke amplitude and wing planform on the aerodynamics of hovering flapping wings are considered by numerically solving the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations. The wing planform geometry is represented using a beta-function distribution for an aspect ratio range of 3–6 and a dimensionless radial centroid location range of 0.4–0.6. Typical normal hovering kinematics has been employed while allowing both translational and rotational durations to be equally represented. The combined effects of stroke amplitude with wing aspect ratio and radial centroid location on the aerodynamic force coefficients and flow structures are studied at a Reynolds number of 100. It is shown that increasing the stroke amplitude increases the translational lift for either small aspect ratio or large radial centroid location wings. However, for high aspect ratio or low radial centroid location wings, increasing the stroke amplitude leads to higher lift coefficients during the translational phase only up to a stroke amplitude of 160°. Further increase in stroke amplitude results in reduced translational lift due to the increased wingtip stall effect. For all the cases considered, the lift and drag coefficients of the rotational phase decrease with the increase of stroke amplitude leading to decreased cycle-averaged force coefficients. Furthermore, it is found that the significant reduction in the rotational drag as the stroke amplitude increases leads to a consistently increasing aerodynamic efficiency against stroke amplitude for all aspect ratio and radial centroid location cases.
Meta-Analysis of Effects of Melatonin Treatment on Plant Drought Stress Alleviation
Authors: Wang Yuzhe , Gun Siyu , Li Yaoyu , Qu Laiye
Published: August 2022

Due to the increasing frequency of extreme drought events worldwide in recent years, improving the adaptability of plants to arid environments has become an important research topic. In particular, many studies have investigated the effects of melatonin on drought stress mitigation in plants. However, most of these studies were limited in terms of the number of sampling sites or regional scale, and thus we lack a comprehensive understanding of the effects of the exogenous application of melatonin on drought stress mitigation in plants on a global scale. In this study, we integrated previous research into the physiological and growth effects of melatonin application in arid environments worldwide and analyzed the response of plants to different melatonin concentrations, application methods, and different drought degrees in order to provide a scientific basis for promoting the use of melatonin in alleviating plant drought stress. The data used in this study were obtained from the “Web of Science” database, where the keywords “drought & melatonin” were used to search the relevant literature. In total, 61 valid publications with 140 data sets were retrieved. A meta-analysis was performed using the data with no melatonin treatment as the control group and melatonin treatment as the experimental group. Melatonin application significantly increased the plant biomass, chlorophyll content, and antioxidant enzyme activity to alleviate the damage caused by drought stress. The accumulated biomass and accumulation of chlorophyll in plants varied with the melatonin concentration. The threshold value range was identified as 80–120 μmol L−1, and the effect of melatonin on the accumulation of biomass and chlorophyll decreased gradually above this range. In addition, the effects of various spraying methods on the mitigation of drought stress in plants differed significantly. Soil application had greater effects on reactive oxygen species scavengers in plants than foliar spraying. Moreover, the plant leaf membrane lipid peroxidation degree was relatively low, and the plant body chlorophyll content was higher under soil application than foliar spraying, and the cumulative biomass was lower than that with foliar spraying. The effects of melatonin on mitigating plant drought stress also varied under different drought levels when using the same melatonin concentration and application method. Soil irrigation is most effective if the main aim is to improve plant stress resistance and the below-ground root biomass, but foliar spraying is most effective for increasing photosynthesis and plant biomass.
Changes in Dry Matter and Carbon, Nitrogen, and Sulfur Stocks after Applications of Increasing Doses of Pig Slurry to Soils with Tifton-85 for Six Years in Southern Brazil
Authors: Santos Cristiano , Loss Arcângelo , Piccolo Marisa de Cássia , Girotto Eduardo , Ludwig Marcos Paulo , Decarli Julia , Torres José Luiz Rodrigues , Lourenzi Cledimar Rogério , Brunetto Gustavo
Published: August 2022

Pig slurry (PS) has been used as soil fertilizer due to its nutrient and organic matter contents, which may improve soil nitrogen, carbon, and sulfur stocks. The objective of this work was to evaluate the best PS dose that favors the increase in dry matter production and carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and sulfur (S) contents and stocks after applications of PS to soils with Tifton-85 for six years. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with four replications, in a hay-producing area under a clayey Typic Hapludox in southern Brazil. The treatments consisted of annual applications of organic and mineral fertilizers at rates based on their N contents, using PS (100, 200, 300, and 400 kg ha−1) and urea (200 kg ha−1), and a control without N application. Samples of the soil in 0–5, 5–10, and 10–30 cm layers were collected in March 2019 and evaluated for soil bulk density and N, C, and S contents and stocks. The Tifton-85 dry matter production was evaluated using samples from three cuts carried out between 2012/2013 and 2017/2018 agricultural years. The applications of increasing doses of PS in Tifton-85 pastures over six years increase linearly the dry matter and soil organic C, N, and S stocks in the 0–30 cm layer. The PS rate equivalent to 100 or 200 kg ha−1 of N is recommended for increasing soil C, N, and S stocks, since it resulted in C, N, and S stocks equal to or higher than the control and mineral (urea) treatments.
The Short-Term Effects of Amendments on Nematode Communities and Diversity Patterns under the Cultivation of Miscanthus × giganteus on Marginal Land
Authors: Stefanovska Tatyana , Skwiercz Andrzej , Pidlisnyuk Valentina , Zhukov Oleksandr , Kozacki Dawid , Mamirova Aigerim , Newton Robert Ato , Ust’ak Sergey
Published: August 2022

The short-term effects of soil amendments on the structure, diversity and function of a nematode community of Miscanthus × giganteus was investigated. Crop was cultivated on marginal, nutrient-poor land amended with biochar in single and double doses (BD1 and BD2), biogas digestate (D), sewage sludge (SS), and hemicellulose waste (HW). Sampling was done after planting, in the middle and end of vegetation; morphology-based approach was used. 28 nematode taxa were identified, including 5 bacterivores genera, 4 fungivores genera, 5 herbivores genera (11 species), 2 omnivores genera, 5 predators genera. The general linear models, correspondence analysis and clustering were applied for evaluation. The total abundance of nematode taxa Filenchus, Dorylaimus, Cephalobus, Panagrolaimus, Aphelenchus, and Ditylenchus was depended on the sampling time and amendments. The incorporation of amendments affected nematode food web and resulted in suppression of plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs). It was revealed that community structure was more mature for SS, less stable for D and had inconclusive effects for BD1, BD2, and HW. Using amendments ensured pest control benefits which is important given concern that PPNs can inflict crop damage during increased cultivation of M × g. Further research is needed to examine amendments which can minimise PPNs without reducing populations of nitrogen-fixing bacterivores and fungivores.
Breeding and Agronomic Evaluation of Jilv 20, a New Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) Cultivar
Authors: Tian Jing , Fan Baojie , Zhu Zhendong , Liu Changyou , Wang Shen , Wang Lixia , Wang Yan , Shi Huiying , Zhang Zhixiao , Su Qiuzhu , Shen Yingchao , Cao Zhimin
Published: August 2022

Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.), one of the most widely grown edible legumes in Asia, plays important roles in the improvement of agricultural cultivation systems as well as human diets. As an understudied crop, however, most mungbean varieties are characterized by unstable yields, poor disease resistance, and unsuitability for mechanical harvesting, thereby leading to a low production income. We, therefore, developed Jilv 20, a new mungbean cultivar with a dull seed coat, by crossing Bao 942-34 with Weilv 9002-341. After 11 years of selection and evaluation, Jilv 20 has shown wide adaptability, early maturity, high yield, halo blight resistance, and suitability for mechanical harvesting. The growth period of Jilv 20 is 79.5 and 66.7 days in the spring and summer sowing seasons, respectively, and the average plant height is approximately 56.4 cm. In this study, average yields were 1737.9, 1532.3, and 2045.1 kg/hm2 in northern spring-sowing, northern summer-sowing, and southern sites, respectively; these values were respectively 27.83%, 28.48%, and 6.96% higher than those of control cultivar Zhonglv 5, which has been popular in past decades because of its wide adaptability. The average protein and starch contents of Jilv 20 seeds were 25.0% and 49.56%, respectively. Further application and extension of Jilv 20 in China should contribute to mungbean production, breeding, and industrial development.
Plant Growth Inhibitory Activity and the Response of Different Rootstocks to Soil Sickness Syndrome in Japanese Pear Tree
Authors: Toya Tomoaki , Oshida Masayoshi , Appiah Kwame Sarpong , Takita Jun , Fujii Yoshiharu
Published: August 2022

Soil sickness syndrome in Japanese pear (Pyrus pyrifolia (Burm.f.) Nakai) affects the growth of the tree and decreases fruit yield. This study investigated the growth-inhibitory activity in Japanese pear (Pyrus pyrifolia (Burm.f.) Nakai) using the rhizosphere soil assay method to elucidate the characteristics of growth-inhibitory substances in Japanese pears. As a result, the root bark had the highest growth inhibitory activity during the growing season of the Japanese pear. For comparative analysis, the growth-inhibitory activities of Japanese apricots (Prunus mume Sieb. Et Zucc.) and figs (Ficus carica L.) were also investigated. Similar to the Japanese pear, the root bark of Japanese apricots and figs had a higher inhibition rate than the root pith. Like Japanese apricots and figs, it was inferred that the growth inhibitory substances accumulate in the bark of the Japanese pear. Furthermore, soil sickness syndrome in Japanese pear saplings did not occur when a fragment of Japanese pear shoots or thick roots was mixed with non-pear soil (soil with no history of Japanese pear cultivation). Based on these findings, it is considered that the condition of soil sickness in Japanese pear is caused by the accumulation of phenolic compounds such as arbutin, which is accumulated in the bark of the tree, secreted from the roots, and subsequently builds up in the soil. Additionally, the degree of occurrence of soil sickness syndrome depending on the rootstock was clarified. It was observed that the rate of growth inhibition was significantly higher in Pyrus betulifolia (Birchleaf pear) than in Pyrus pyrifolia (Japanese pear). Even when Japanese pear trees were planted in soils with no history of Japanese pear cultivation, the initial growth of P. betulifolia was 1.4 times that of P. pyrifolia. It is suggested that P. betulifolia is weak against soil sickness, but is excellent at initial growth itself. Our findings are important because P. pyrifolia is used for cultivation, in combination with other mitigation measures, such as soil dressing in replanted fields.
Relationship among Milk Conductivity, Production Traits, and Somatic Cell Score in the Italian Mediterranean Buffalo
Authors: Matera Roberta , Di Vuolo Gabriele , Cotticelli Alessio , Salzano Angela , Neglia Gianluca , Cimmino Roberta , D’Angelo Danila , Biffani Stefano
Published: August 2022

The measurement of milk electrical conductivity (EC) is a relatively simple and inexpensive technique that has been evaluated as a routine method for the diagnosis of mastitis in dairy farms. The aim of this study was to obtain further knowledge on relationships between EC, production traits and somatic cell count (SCC) in Italian Mediterranean Buffalo. The original dataset included 5411 records collected from 808 buffalo cows. Two mixed models were used to evaluate both the effect of EC on MY, PP and FP and EC at test-day, and the effect of EC on somatic cell score (SCS) by using five different parameters (EC_param), namely: EC collected at the official milk recording test day (EC_day0), EC collected 3 days before official milk recording (EC_day3), and three statistics calculated from EC collected 1, 3 and 5 days before each test-day, respectively. All effects included in the model were significant for all traits, with the only exception of the effect of EC nested within parity for FP. The relationship between EC and SCS was always positive, but of different magnitude according to the parity. The regression of EC on SCS at test-day using different EC parameters was always significant except when the regression parameter was the slope obtained from a linear regression of EC collected over the 5-day period. Moreover, in order to evaluate how well the different models fit the data, three parameters were used: the Average Information Criteria (AIC), the marginal R2 and the conditional R2. According to AIC and to both the Marginal and Conditional R2, the best results were obtained when the regression parameter was the mean EC estimated over the 5-day period.
Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activity of Different Honey Samples from Beekeepers and Commercial Producers
Authors: Kačániová Miroslava , Borotová Petra , Galovičová Lucia , Kunová Simona , Štefániková Jana , Kowalczewski Przemysław Łukasz , Šedík Peter
Published: August 2022

Honey contains compounds with antioxidant and antibacterial capacities, such as phenolic compounds and carotenoids. The current analysis evaluates the antioxidant and antibacterial activity of 100 honey samples from beekeepers from Slovakia and commercially purchased ones. Honey samples were diluted to 50%, 25%, 12.5%, and 6.25% concentrations. The antimicrobial activity of honey samples was evaluated against three Gram-positive, three Gram-negative bacteria, and four Candida spp. by well diffusion method. The highest antimicrobial effect of all honey concentrations was expressed as the size of the inhibition zone and was found against Pseudomonas aeruginosa among Gram-negative bacteria, Bacillus subtilis among Gram-positive bacteria, and Candida tropicalis among yeasts. Antibiotics used in the study showed the highest antimicrobial effect compared to all concentrations of honey samples. Slovakian honey from beekeepers and commercial honey samples from the Slovak market showed variable inhibitory effectiveness against microorganisms. The honey concentration of 50% was found the most effective. Lower concentrations of honey exhibited no effect against yeasts. The best antioxidant activity was found in a sample of buckwheat honey yielding 70.83% of DPPH inhibition and 2373.85 μg/g TEAC. Overall, better antioxidant activity was evaluated in honeydew honey.
Tissue Penetration of Antimicrobials in Intensive Care Unit Patients: A Systematic Review—Part I
Authors: Finazzi Stefano , Luci Giacomo , Olivieri Carlo , Langer Martin , Mandelli Giulia , Corona Alberto , Viaggi Bruno , Di Paolo Antonello
Published: August 2022

The challenging severity of some infections, especially in critically ill patients, makes the diffusion of antimicrobial drugs within tissues one of the cornerstones of chemotherapy. The knowledge of how antibacterial agents penetrate tissues may come from different sources: preclinical studies in animal models, phase I–III clinical trials and post-registration studies. However, the particular physiopathology of critically ill patients may significantly alter drug pharmacokinetics. Indeed, changes in interstitial volumes (the third space) and/or in glomerular filtration ratio may influence the achievement of bactericidal concentrations in peripheral compartments, while inflammation can alter the systemic distribution of some drugs. On the contrary, other antibacterial agents may reach high and effective concentrations thanks to the increased tissue accumulation of macrophages and neutrophils. Therefore, the present review explores the tissue distribution of beta-lactams and other antimicrobials acting on the cell wall and cytoplasmic membrane of bacteria in critically ill patients. A systematic search of articles was performed according to PRISMA guidelines, and tissue/plasma penetration ratios were collected. Results showed a highly variable passage of drugs within tissues, while large interindividual variability may represent a hurdle which must be overcome to achieve therapeutic concentrations in some compartments. To solve that issue, off-label dosing regimens could represent an effective solution in particular conditions.
Mid-Regional Pro-Adrenomedullin as a Prognostic Factor for Severe COVID-19 ARDS
Authors: de Montmollin Etienne , Peoc’h Katell , Marzouk Mehdi , Ruckly Stéphane , Wicky Paul-Henri , Patrier Juliette , Jaquet Pierre , Sonneville Romain , Bouadma Lila , Timsit Jean-François
Published: August 2022

Mid-regional proadrenomedullin (MR-proADM) protects against endothelial permeability and has been associated with prognosis in bacterial sepsis. As endothelial dysfunction is central in the pathophysiology of severe SARS-CoV-2 infection, we sought to evaluate MR-proADM both as a prognostic biomarker and as a marker of bacterial superinfection. Consecutive patients admitted to the ICU for severe SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia were prospectively included and serum was bio-banked on days 1, 3, and 7. MR-proADM levels were measured blindly from clinical outcomes in batches at the end of follow-up. Among the 135 patients included between April 2020 and May 2021, 46 (34.1%) had died at day 60. MR-proADM levels on days 1, 3, and 7 were significantly higher in day-60 non-survivors. The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (0.744, p < 0.001) of day-1 MR-proADM compared favorably with the AUC ROC curve of day-1 procalcitonin (0.691, p < 0.001). Serial MR-proADM measurements on days 3 and 7 may add prognostic information. After adjusting for CRP, LDH, and lymphocyte values, day-1 MR-proADM remained significantly associated with day-60 mortality. MR-proADM concentrations were significantly higher in patients with respiratory superinfections (on days 3 and 7) and bloodstream infections (on days 1, 3, and 7) than in patients without infection. Our results suggest that MR-proADM is a good predictor of outcome in severe SARS-CoV-2 infection and could be a useful tool to assess bacterial superinfection in COVID-19 patients.
Zinc Application Mitigates Copper Toxicity by Regulating Cu Uptake, Activity of Antioxidant Enzymes, and Improving Physiological Characteristics in Summer Squash
Authors: Behtash Farhad , Abedini Fatemeh , Ahmadi Hosein , Mosavi Seyed Bahman , Aghaee Ahmad , Morshedloo Mohammad Reza , Lorenzo Jose M.
Published: August 2022

Zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) are essential micronutrients for the plant’s growth, development, and metabolism, but in high concentrations, the elements disrupt normal metabolic processes. The present study investigated the effects of different concentrations (added to a Hogland-based solution) of zinc (control, 5, 10 mg L−1 ZnSO4) and copper (control, 0.1, 0.2 mg L−1 CuSO4) on the growth characteristics and biochemical indices of summer squash (Cucurbita pepo L.). Compared with control, a single application of Cu or Zn at both concentrations significantly declined fruit yield, growth traits, pigments content, and high content of these minerals and values of stress-related indices. Increased Cu concentration in the nutritional solutions reduced the activity of ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and guaiacol peroxidase (GPX). Copper at high concentrations intensified ROS production, aggravated oxidative stresses, and decreased the plant yield and productivity. Nonetheless, combining Cu and Zn could alleviate stress intensity by boosting antioxidant enzymes, redox regulation, and a resultant diminishment in the content of H2O2, proline, malondialdehyde, and minerals. The obtained results corroborate that the co-application of zinc in Cu-contaminated areas can improve the plant’s economic yield and physiological parameters by hindering copper toxicity and enhancing the photosynthetic capacity.
Effect of Natural Antioxidants from Fruit Leaves on the Oxidative Stability of Soybean Oil during Accelerated Storage
Authors: Mansour Hanem M. M. , El-Sohaimy Sobhy Ahmed , Zeitoun Ahmed M. , Abdo Eman M.
Published: August 2022

Plant by-products are safe, sustainable, and abundant natural antioxidant sources. Here we investigated the antioxidant activity of a mixture of lyophilized pomegranate, guava, and grape (PGG) leaves water extract (1:1:1) and examined its ability to retard the rancidity of soybean oil during accelerated storage at 65 °C for 30 days. To achieve this, we evaluated the oxidative stability of soybean oil enriched with PGG extract at 200, 400, and 800 ppm. We also compared the effect of PGG extract with butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) (400/100 ppm) with that of only BHT (200 ppm). We observed that 8.19 and 1.78 µg/mL of the extract could scavenge 50% of DPPH• and ABTS•, respectively, indicating its enhanced antioxidant activity. Enriching soyabean oil with the extract at 800 ppm improved its oxidative stability by reducing the acid value to 1.71 mg/g and the total oxidation to 99.87 compared to 2.27 mg/g and 150.32 in the raw oil, respectively. Moreover, PGG-800 ppm inhibited oxidation by 46.07%. Similarly, PGG-400 ppm reinforced BHT (100 ppm) to provide oxidative stability as BHT (p > 0.05), with TOTOX values of 87.93 and 79.23, respectively. PGG-800 ppm and PGG/BHT mix potently inhibited the transformation of polyunsaturated fatty acids into saturated ones. Therefore, the PGG extract might be an efficient substitute for BHT (partially or totally) during industrial processes.
Formyl-Peptide Receptor 2 Signaling Redirects Glucose and Glutamine into Anabolic Pathways in Metabolic Reprogramming of Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Pecchillo Cimmino Tiziana , Pagano Ester , Stornaiuolo Mariano , Esposito Gabriella , Ammendola Rosario , Cattaneo Fabio
Published: August 2022

Glucose and glutamine play a crucial role in the metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells. Proliferating cells metabolize glucose in the aerobic glycolysis for energy supply, and glucose and glutamine represent the primary sources of carbon atoms for the biosynthesis of nucleotides, amino acids, and lipids. Glutamine is also an important nitrogen donor for the production of nucleotides, amino acids, and nicotinamide. Several membrane receptors strictly control metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells and are considered new potential therapeutic targets. Formyl-peptide receptor 2 (FPR2) belongs to a small family of GPCRs and is implicated in many physiopathological processes. Its stimulation induces, among other things, NADPH oxidase-dependent ROS generation that, in turn, contributes to intracellular signaling. Previously, by phosphoproteomic analysis, we observed that numerous proteins involved in energetic metabolism are uniquely phosphorylated upon FPR2 stimulation. Herein, we investigated the role of FPR2 in cell metabolism, and we observed that the concentrations of several metabolites associated with the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), tricarboxylic acid cycle, nucleotide synthesis, and glutamine metabolism, were significantly enhanced in FPR2-stimulated cells. In particular, we found that the binding of specific FPR2 agonists: (i) promotes NADPH production; (ii) activates the non-oxidative phase of PPP; (iii) induces the expression of the ASCT2 glutamine transporter; (iv) regulates oxidative phosphorylation; and (v) induces the de novo synthesis of pyrimidine nucleotides, which requires FPR2-dependent ROS generation.
Antioxidant, Anti-Tumour, and Anticoagulant Activities of Polysaccharide from Calocybe indica (APK2)
Authors: Nataraj Ambika , Govindan Sudha , Ramani Prasanna , Subbaiah Krishnamoorthy Akkana , Sathianarayanan S. , Venkidasamy Baskar , Thiruvengadam Muthu , Rebezov Maksim , Shariati Mohammad Ali , Lorenzo José M. , Pateiro Mirian
Published: August 2022

The initial structural features and in vitro biological study of crude polysaccharides from Calocybe indica (CICP) extracted by hot water followed by ethanol precipitation was investigated. High-performance gel permeation chromatography, HPLC-DAD, UV, IR and NMR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and Congo red methods were used to determine structural features. The results revealed that CICP is a hetero-polysaccharide with a molecular weight of 9.371 × 104 Da and 2.457 × 103 Da which is composed of xylose, mannose, fucose, rhamnose, arabinose, galactose, and glucose. The antioxidant activity of CICP was evaluated using radical scavenging activity (three methods), reducing ability (three methods), metal chelating activity, and lipid peroxidation inhibition activity (two methods). It was found that the antioxidant capacity is concentration-dependent and EC50 values were found to be 1.99–3.82 mg/mL (radical scavenging activities), 0.78–2.78 mg/mL (reducing ability), 4.11 mg/mL (metal chelating activity), and 0.56–4.18 mg/mL (lipid peroxidation inhibition activity). In vitro anticoagulant assay revealed that CICP could prolong activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), thrombin time (TT), but not prothrombin time (PT). CICP exhibited antiproliferative activity on HeLa, PC3, HT29, HepG2, and Jurkat cell lines with IC50 (μg/mL) values of 148.40, 143.60,151.00, 168.30, and 156.30, respectively. The above findings suggested that CICP could be considered a natural antioxidant and cancer preventative.