bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Network analysis of anxiety and depression in the functionally impaired elderly
Authors: Yang Tianqi , Guo Zhihua , Cao Xiaoqin , Zhu Xia , Zhou Qin , Li Xinhong , Wang Hui , Wang Xiuchao , Wu Lin , Wu Shengjun , Liu Xufeng
Published: December 2022

Background

Evidence from previous studies has confirmed that functionally impaired elderly individuals are susceptible to comorbid anxiety and depression. Network theory holds that the comorbidity emerges from interactions between anxiety and depression symptoms. This study aimed to investigate the fine-grained relationships among anxiety and depression symptoms in the functionally impaired elderly and identify central and bridge symptoms to provide potential targets for intervention of these two comorbid disorders.

Methods

A total of 325 functionally impaired elderly individuals from five communities in Xi'an, China, were recruited for our investigation. The GAD-7 and PHQ-9 were used to measure anxiety and depression, respectively. SPSS 22.0 software was used for descriptive statistics, and R 4.1.1 software was used for network model construction, expected influence (EI) evaluation and bridge expected influence (BEI) evaluation.

Results

In the network, there were 35 edges (indicating partial correlations between symptoms) across the communities of anxiety and depression, among which the strongest edge was A1 “Nervousness or anxiety”-D2 “Depressed or sad mood.” A2 “Uncontrollable worry” and D2 “Depressed or sad mood” had the highest EI values in the network, while A6 “Irritable” and D7 “Concentration difficulties” had the highest BEI values of their respective community. In the flow network, the strongest direct edge of D9 “Thoughts of death” was with D6 “Feeling of worthlessness.”

Conclusion

Complex fine-grained relationships exist between anxiety and depression in functionally impaired elderly individuals. “Uncontrollable worry,” “depressed or sad mood,” “irritable” and “concentration difficulties” are identified as the potential targets for intervention of anxiety and depression. Our study emphasizes the necessity of suicide prevention for functionally impaired elderly individuals, and the symptom “feeling of worthlessness” can be used as an effective target.
Evaluation of a machine learning algorithms for predicting the dental age of adolescent based on different preprocessing methods
Authors: Shen Shihui , Yuan Xiaoyan , Wang Jian , Fan Linfeng , Zhao Junjun , Tao Jiang
Published: December 2022

Background

Machine learning (ML) algorithms play a key role in estimating dental age. In this study, three ML models were used for dental age estimation, based on different preprocessing methods.

Aim

The seven mandibular teeth on the digital panorama were measured and evaluated according to the Cameriere and the Demirjian method, respectively. Correlation data were used for decision tree (DT), Bayesian ridge regression (BRR), k-nearest neighbors (KNN) models for dental age estimation. An accuracy comparison was made among different methods.

Subjects and methods

We analyzed 748 orthopantomographs (392 males and 356 females) from eastern China between the age of 5 and 13 years in this retrospective study. Three models, DT, BRR, and KNN, were used to estimate the dental age. The data in ML is obtained according to the Cameriere method and the Demirjian method. Coefficient of determination (R2), mean error (ME), root mean square error (RMSE), mean square error (MSE) and mean absolute error (MAE), the above five metrics were used to evaluate the accuracy of age estimation.

Results

Our experimental results showed that the prediction accuracy of dental age was affected by ML algorithms. MD, MAD, MSE, RMSE of the dental age predicted by ML were significantly decreased. Among all the methods, the KNN model based on the Cameriere method had the highest accuracy (ME = 0.015, MAE = 0.473, MSE = 0.340, RMSE = 0.583, R2 = 0.94).

Conclusion

The results show that the prediction accuracy of dental age is influenced by ML algorithms and preprocessing method. The KNN model based on the Cameriere method was able to infer dental age more accurately in a clinical setting.
The role of pharmaceutical industry in building resilient health system
Authors: Saxena Kanika , Balani Sunita , Srivastava Pallavi
Published: December 2022

Objectives

This study explores the interrelationship among the current sustainability agenda of the pharmaceutical industry, based on the United Nation sustainable development goals (SDGs), the elements of the Joint External Evaluation (JEE) tool, and the triad components of the One Health approach.

Methods

A cross-walk exercise was conducted to identify commonalities among SDGs, JEE assessment tool, and One Health approach. An in-depth study of 10 global pharmaceutical firms' corporate sustainability reports and COVID-19 response plan for 2019–2020 was also conducted.

Results

The result of the exercise showed the existence of a direct and indirect relationship among the SDGs, elements of JEE assessment tool, and One Health approach. For example, both no poverty (SDG 1) and zero hunger (SDG 2) are linked with food safety targets under the JEE and with human and animal health under the One Health approach.

Conclusion

This study adds a new dimension emphasizing the possibility of tailoring the pharmaceutical industry's activities under the sustainability agenda to strengthen global health security while remaining consistent with the One Health approach.
Parental smartphone addiction and adolescent smartphone addiction by negative parenting attitude and adolescent aggression: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Doo Eun-Young , Kim Ji-Hye
Published: December 2022

Introduction

This study aimed to examine the mediating role of negative parenting attitudes and adolescent aggression in the relationship between parents' and adolescents' smartphone addiction.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional descriptive study that used data from the 2018 Korean Children and Youth Panel Survey. The study involved 2,360 adolescents (1,275 boys, 54.0%, mean age 14.52 ± 0.33 years) and their parents (2,148 mothers, 91.0%), who used smartphones. Adolescents completed questionnaires assessing negative parenting attitudes, aggression, and smartphone addiction while parents completed questionnaires assessing their sociodemographic characteristics and smartphone addiction.

Results

Parents' smartphone addiction was directly and indirectly related to adolescents' smartphone. Additionally, negative parenting attitudes and adolescent aggression played serial mediating roles in the relationship between parents' smartphone addiction and adolescent smartphone addiction.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that it is necessary to consider parental smartphone addiction, parenting attitude, and adolescent aggression, when developing interventions to prevention smartphone addiction among adolescents. Moreover, it highlighted the importance of developing healthy parenting environment that includes parents' healthy smartphone use and positive parenting to prevent adolescents' smartphone addiction.
Association between inflammatory markers and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in obese children
Authors: Duan Yamei , Luo Jiayou , Pan Xiongfeng , Wei Jia , Xiao Xiang , Li Jingya , Luo Miyang
Published: December 2022

Background

Given the high prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in obese children, non-invasive markers of disease to date are still limited and worth exploring.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the association between inflammatory markers and NAFLD in obese children.

Methods

We performed a case-control study in Hunan Children's Hospital from September 2020 to September 2021. Study participants were children with obesity diagnosed with NAFLD by abdominal ultrasound examination. Mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, and platelet counts were extracted from medical records and inflammatory cytokines were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between inflammatory markers and NAFLD. We also used receiver operating characteristic curve analysis to assess the discriminative ability of inflammatory cytokines for NAFLD.

Results

Two hundred and sixty-seven obese children were enrolled, including 176 NAFLD patients and 91 simple obesity controls. Multivariable logistic model indicated that increased interleukin (IL)-1β [odds ratio (OR) = 1.15, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04–1.27], IL-6 (OR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.07–1.53), and IL-17 (OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.02–1.07) levels were significantly associated with NAFLD. In contrast, we observed non-significant associations for IL-8, IL-12, IL-21, IL-32, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR), mean platelet volume (MPV), and platelet distribution width (PDW) with NAFLD. The area under the curves (AUCs) of IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-17 to discriminate obese children with or without NAFLD were 0.94, 0.94, and 0.97, respectively.

Conclusions

Our results indicated that IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-17 levels were significantly associated with NAFLD. These inflammatory cytokines may serve as non-invasive markers to determine the development of NAFLD and potentially identify additional avenues for therapeutic intervention.
The serotonin receptor 5-HT2A modulates lifespan and protein feeding in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Munneke Allyson S. , Chakraborty Tuhin S. , Porter Saige S. , Gendron Christi M. , Pletcher Scott D.
Published: December 2022

The conserved neurotransmitter serotonin has been shown to be an important modulator of lifespan in specific nutritional contexts; however, it remained unclear how serotonin signaling influences lifespan under normal conditions. Here, we show that serotonin signaling through the 5-HT2A receptor influences lifespan, behavior, and physiology in Drosophila. Loss of the 5-HT2A receptor extends lifespan and induces a resistance to changes in dietary protein that are normally detrimental to lifespan. 5-HT2A−/− null mutant flies also display decreased protein feeding and protein content in the body. Therefore, serotonin signaling through receptor 5-HT2A is likely recruited to promote motivation for protein intake, and chronic reduction of protein-drive through loss of 5-HT2A signaling leads to a lower protein set-point adaptation, which influences physiology, decreases feeding, and increases lifespan. Our findings reveal insights into the mechanisms by which organisms physiologically adapt in response to perceived inability to satisfy demand.
Expressiveness of real-time motion captured avatars influences perceived animation realism and perceived quality of social interaction in virtual reality
Authors: Fraser A. D. , Branson I. , Hollett R. C. , Speelman C. P. , Rogers S. L.
Published: December 2022

Using motion capture to enhance the realism of social interaction in virtual reality (VR) is growing in popularity. However, the impact of different levels of avatar expressiveness on the user experience is not well understood. In the present study we manipulated levels of face and body expressiveness of avatars while investigating participant perceptions of animation realism and interaction quality when disclosing positive and negative experiences in VR. Moderate positive associations were observed between perceptions of animation realism and interaction quality. Post-experiment questions revealed that many of our participants (approximately 40%) indicated the avatar with the highest face and body expressiveness as having the most realistic face and body expressions. The same proportion also indicated the avatar with the highest face and body expressiveness as being the most comforting and enjoyable avatar to interact with. Our results suggest that higher levels of face and body expressiveness are important for enhancing perceptions of realism and interaction quality within a social interaction in VR using motion capture.
Thermoregulation mechanisms and perspectives for validating thermal windows in pigs with hypothermia and hyperthermia: An overview
Authors: Gómez-Prado Jocelyn , Pereira Alfredo M. F. , Wang Dehua , Villanueva-García Dina , Domínguez-Oliva Adriana , Mora-Medina Patricia , Hernández-Avalos Ismael , Martínez-Burnes Julio , Casas-Alvarado Alejandro , Olmos-Hernández Adriana , Ramírez-Necoechea Ramiro , Verduzco-Mendoza Antonio , Hernández Astrid , Torres Fabiola , Mota-Rojas Daniel
Published: December 2022

Specific anatomical characteristics make the porcine species especially sensitive to extreme temperature changes, predisposing them to pathologies and even death due to thermal stress. Interest in improving animal welfare and porcine productivity has led to the development of various lines of research that seek to understand the effect of certain environmental conditions on productivity and the impact of implementing strategies designed to mitigate adverse effects. The non-invasive infrared thermography technique is one of the tools most widely used to carry out these studies, based on detecting changes in microcirculation. However, evaluations using this tool require reliable thermal windows; this can be challenging because several factors can affect the sensitivity and specificity of the regions selected. This review discusses the thermal windows used with domestic pigs and the association of thermal changes in these regions with the thermoregulatory capacity of piglets and hogs.
The interaction of feeding an eubiotic blend of essential oils plus 25-hydroxy-vit-D3 on performance, carcass characteristics, and dietary energetics of calf-fed Holstein steers
Authors: Latack Brooke C. , Carvalho Pedro H. V. , Zinn Richard A.
Published: December 2022

Bans on the use of ionophores in several regions of the world has led to a need to identify alternative feed additivies to be added in cattle diets. Essential oil blends have been identified as a potential alternative to ionophores in feedlot diets. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a supplemental a blend of essential oils and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 on growth performance, energetic efficiency, and carcass characteristics in calf-fed Holstein steers. Ninety Holstein steer calves (123 ± 7 kg; 4 months old) were randomly assigned to 18 pens (5 steers/pen; 6 pens/treatment). Dietary treatments consisted of a steam-flaked corn-based diet supplemented with (DM basis): (1) no additives (CON); (2) 30 mg/kg DM of monensin (MON); (3) 200 mg/kg DM of a mixture of essential oils plus 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (EO+HYD). There were no treatment effects (P > 0.05) on initial, intermediate and final cattle live weight; moreover, cattle had similar (P > 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) and dry matter intake (DMI) among dietary treatments. However, during the first 112 days of feed, calf-fed Holstein steers supplemented with EO+HYD had a greater (P ≤ 0.05) gain to feed ratio (G/F) than cattle fed the control diet but similar (P > 0.05) G/F to cattle supplemented with MON. However, there was no effect (P > 0.05) of dietary treatments on 112 to 286 d and the overall G/F ratio of calf-fed Holstein steers. Calf-fed Holstein steers supplemented with EO+HYD had greater (P ≤ 0.05) estimated net energy for maintenance (NEm) and net energy for gain (NEg) based on cattle growth performance than cattle fed the CON diet. Cattle supplemented with MON had an intermediate and similar (P > 0.05) NEm and NEg compared to the other two dietary treatments. However, when observed vs. expected NEm and NEg were calculated, cattle supplemented with MON and EO+HYD had greater efficiency of dietary energy utilization than cattle fed the CON diet. Calf-fed Holstein steers supplemented with MON had greater (P < 0.05) fat thickness than EO+HYD supplemented steers, and both were intermediate (P ≥ 0.05) to that of cattle fed the CON diet. There were no other effects (P > 0.05) on kidney, pelvic and heart fat, longissimus area, marbling score, and retail yield. The health status of cattle and liver abscesses or liver scars at slaughter were similar (P > 0.05). We conclude that supplementing calf-fed Holstein steers with MON or EO+HYD for over 285 days increased dietary net energy utilization for maintenance and gain of the diet by 3 and 4%, respectively, compared to non-supplemented steers.
First detection and molecular characteristics of bopivirus from goats in China
Authors: Yang Youwen , Abi Kehamo , Li Yanmin , Yang Chen , Yang Falong
Published: December 2022

A metavirome analysis was performed and detected bopivirus in the diarrhoeal fecal samples of goats in China. A total of 136 fecal samples were collected from yeanlings between the dates of June 2021 and January 2022 in Sichuan province, China. Moreover, “Bopivirus B” strains were detected by a specific RT-PCR targeting the 3D gene of the virus. The results showed that the overall detection rate of “Bopivirus B” was 19.12% (26/136). Additionally, there was a higher detection rate (24.05%, 19/79) in the fecal samples collected from yeanlings with diarrhea compared to those from asymptomatic animals (12.28%, 7/57). In these samples, no other common diarrhea-causing pathogens were detected except for three enteric viruses, namely caprine enterovirus, caprine kobuvirus and caprine hunnivirus (with detection rates of 13.97, 13.97, and 8.82%, respectively). Subsequently, full-length VP4, VP2, VP3, and VP1 genes from “Bopivirus B”-positive samples were amplified, cloned, sequenced, and analyzed. The phylogenetic analysis performed on the VP1 genes revealed that the identified bopivirus belonged to genotype B1 (seven strains) and B2 (three strains) and presented a high genetic diversity. Furthermore, a complete genome sequence of a “Bopivirus B” strain (SWUN/B1/2022) was obtained using PCR from fecal sample of a diarrhoeal yeanling. The complete genome was 7,309 nucleotides in length with a standard picornavirus genome organization, and shares 93.10% and 91.10% nucleotide similarity with bopivirus B1 genotype strain ovine/TB14/2010-HUN and bopivirus B2 genotype strain goat/AGK16/2020-HUN, respectively. According to the species classification criteria put forward by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses and VP1 genotype, the strain SWUN/B1/2022 belongs to the bopivirus B1. This strain has unique amino acid substitutions in the VP4, VP2, VP3, and VP1 genes. Moreover, genomic recombination analysis revealed that this strain may be a minor parental strain of bopivirus B1 ovine/TB14/2010-HUN. Evolutionary analysis based on the 2C and 3CD genes revealed that the new bopivirus B1 strain SWUN/B1/2022 presents a unique evolutionary pattern. This study provided evidence to suggest that “Bopivirus B” is circulating with substantial genetic diversity in goats in China at present, and the mixed infection of “Bopivirus B” with other enteric viruses should be considered to be a composite factor in the occurrence of viral diarrhea in goats.
Comparative evaluation of sedative and anti-nociceptive effects of epidural romifidine, romifidine–lidocaine, and lidocaine in donkeys (Equus asinus)
Authors: Marzok Mohamed , Almubarak Adel I. , Babiker Hussein , Kandeel Mahmoud , El-Hawari Sayed Fathi , El-khodery Sabry
Published: December 2022

Background

Local and regional anesthetic procedures are valuable tools in veterinary practice. Caudal epidural administration of local anesthetic agents is widely reported for surgical interventions of the tail, anus, rectum, vulva, vagina, urethra, and bladder in the standing horse. Epidural analgesia is also obtained using various drugs such as alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonists, dissociative anesthetics, and opioids. The present study evaluates the anti-nociceptive and sedative effects of epidural administration of romifidine, a romifidine–lidocaine combination, and lidocaine alone in donkeys.

Materials and methods

In a randomized prospective study, twenty-four healthy adult donkeys were assigned to four groups (three experimental and one control;n= 6) received either 50 μg/kg of romifidine, 0.30 mg/kg of lidocaine, combined romifidine (50 μg/kg) and lidocaine (0.30 mg/kg) diluted in 0.9% sterile normal saline solution to a total injection volume of 12 ml, or an equivalent volume of sterile saline epidurally. After epidural injection of each treatment, the onset, degree, and duration of sedation and anatomical extension of anti-nociception were documented. Observations began immediately (time 0) pre-administration and at 5, 15, 30, 45, 60, and 30-min intervals subsequently until 210 min after drug injection. Time to onset of perineal analgesia was documented every minute after the epidural injection by evaluating the animal's response to pinpricks.

Results

Only romifidine and romifidine-lidocaine induced mild to moderate sedation. Romifidine, romifidine-lidocaine, and lidocaine induced complete bilateral caudal epidural analgesia with loss of sensation in the perineum, tail, inguinal region, caudal aspect of the upper hind limb, chest areas, and extended distally to the dorsal metatarsal area. Sedation lasted longer (p< 0.05) with romifidine (160 ± 15.4 min) than with romifidine-lidocaine (141.6 ± 13.2 min). Longer-lasting analgesia (p< 0.05) was obtained with romifidine (158.3 ± 9.8 min) and romifidine-lidocaine (165 ± 9.4 min) than with lidocaine (75.8 ± 8 min).

Conclusions

Epidural administration of a single dose of romifidine or a combination of romifidine-lidocaine produced mild to moderate sedation and complete anti-nociception in the perineal and inguinal regions of donkeys. The clinical usefulness of epidural romifidine or romifidine-lidocaine combinations to perform obstetric procedures in donkeys needs to be assessed.
Pheromones, binding proteins, and olfactory systems in the pig (Sus scrofa): An updated review
Authors: Sankarganesh Devaraj , Kirkwood Roy N. , Nagnan-Le Meillour Patricia , Angayarkanni Jayaraman , Achiraman Shanmugam , Archunan Govindaraju
Published: December 2022

Pigs utilize multimodal communication for reproductive and other behaviors, and chemical communication is one of the key components. The success of reproduction relies on chemical communication favored by the steroid pheromones from boar saliva. These steroids were proven to be involved in advancing puberty in gilts (the boar effect) and in promoting estrus behaviors in gilts/sows, thereby helping to detect estrus and facilitating the timing of artificial insemination. The steroid pheromones bound with carrier proteins are evidenced in the mandibular (submandibular) salivary secretions of the boar. These salivary steroids bind with carrier proteins in the nasal mucus and vomeronasal organ (VNO) of the sows, eventually triggering a cascade of activities at the olfactory and endocrine levels. Besides steroid pheromones, pig appeasing pheromones (from mammary skin secretions of sows) have also been demonstrated to bind with carrier proteins in the nasal mucus and VNO of the piglets. Thus far, four different proteins have been identified and confirmed in the nasal mucus and VNO of pigs, including odorant binding proteins (OBPs), salivary lipocalin (SAL), pheromaxein, and Von Ebner's Gland Protein (VEGP). The critical roles of the chemosensory systems, main olfactory systems and VNO, have been comprehensively reported for pigs. This review summarizes the current knowledge on pheromones, their receptor proteins, and the olfactory systems of porcine species.
Secure Control of Networked Inverted Pendulum Visual Servo Systems Based on Active Disturbance Rejection Control
Authors: Wu Dakui , Lu Qianjiang
Published: December 2022

This paper investigates secure control of Networked Inverted Pendulum Visual Servo Systems (NIPVSSs) based on Active Disturbance Rejection Control (ADRC). Firstly, considering the network- and image-induced delays in conjuction with computational errors caused by image processing and image attacks, the model of NIPVSSs is established. Secondly, the limitations of the traditional Single-Input-Single-Output (SISO) ADRC used in NIPVSSs with disturbance are revealed. The limitations are that the ESO used in the traditional SISO ADRC brings large steady-state error, and the NLSEF used in the traditional SISO ADRC can achieve stable control of pendulum angle, but cannot achieve stable control of cart position. Thirdly, a new Single-Input-Multi-Output (SIMO) ADRC method is proposed for NIPVSSs with disturbance. In the new SIMO ADRC method, the new ESO is designed by introducing additional first and second derivatives of error to reduce the steady-state error. In addition, the new NLSEF is developed by taking both the calculated cart position and pendulum angle as inputs to achieve dual stable control of pendulum angle and cart position. Finally, combined with the designed ADRC parameter-tuning strategy, the results from simulation and real-world experiments confirm the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed method.
Effects of Lake Sediment on Soil Properties, Crop Growth, and the phoD-Harboring Microbial Community
Authors: Zhong Feng , Bai Naling , Chu Xiangqian , He Yu , Zhang Hanlin , Li Haibo
Published: December 2022

Removal of lake sediment has been shown to be an effective method for lake restoration. High phosphorus (P) content makes it possible for lake sediment to provide fertility for agricultural production. However, little research has focused on the responses of the soil-phosphorus-related microbial community to the sediment-derived fertilizer enriched in phosphorus content. The phoD-harboring gene, important to the global phosphorus cycle, encodes alkaline phosphatase hydrolyzing organic P in soil. Accordingly, a plot experiment was performed to compare the effects of four different fertilization treatments—no-fertilizer control (CK), 50% chemical fertilization with compressed sediment (CS), 50% chemical fertilization with original lake sediment (S), and conventional chemical fertilization treatment (CT)—on the phoD gene community using QPCR and high-throughput sequencing analysis. Relationships among soil physicochemical properties, phoD-harboring microbial community abundance and composition were also evaluated. Results showed that compared to CT, CS significantly increased soil organic matter (SOM) content by 20.29%, and S enhanced the humus content by 20.75% (p < 0.05). There was no significant influence on phoD gene microbial community richness (Chao1 and Sobs indexes) and diversity (Shannon index) between all treatments. The CS treatment significantly altered the phoD community structure and enhanced the Chinese cabbage yield by 40.19% (p < 0.05). Pearson analysis showed that phoD gene abundance (copy number) had significant and negative relationships with SOM, total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), available nitrogen (AN), available phosphorus (AP), and the Chao1 index. Redundancy analysis showed that shifts in the phoD community structure were related to soil physicochemical properties (SOM, TN, TP, AN, AP, and humus) rather than soil pH. In conclusion, the compressed sediment can be used in farmland since it optimizes the phoD-harboring microbial community abundance, composition, and structure, and thus significantly increases the Chinese cabbage yield.
Host Susceptibility of CIMMYT’s International Spring Wheat Lines to Crown and Root Rot Caused by Fusarium culmorum and F. pseudograminearum
Authors: Özdemir Fatih
Published: December 2022

The destructive soilborne Fusarium species is one of the most serious challenges facing agriculture. Mycotoxins produced by Fusarium spp. can induce both acute and chronic toxic effects on humans and animals. Massive investments have been made in the last few decades to develop an appropriate management strategy to control Fusarium species in cereals, particularly in wheat, using genetic resistance and other practices, with varied outcomes. The purpose of this research was to find new sources of resistance to both Fusarium culmorum and F. pseudograminearum, which are wheat’s most destructive pathogens in seedlings and adult plants stages. In this study, 26 lines were selected and promoted from a total of 200 spring wheat germplasm received from CIMMYT Mexico plus 6 local check lines. The 32 lines were screened for their resistance reactions to both Fusarium species under different environmental conditions. The discriminant factorial analysis indicated that 7, 12, and 5 were resistant lines against F. culmorum under field, greenhouse, and growth room conditions, respectively. Four lines, L12, L19, L21, and L26, were found to be jointly resistant at the adult and seedling stages in the field and greenhouse. On the other hand, only moderately resistant lines were found for F. pseudograminearum but not completely resistant, which was limited to growth room conditions. Interestingly, five lines (L10, L13, L17, L25, and L28) have shown resistant properties to both Fusarium species. To further evaluate the yield performance of the best-selected 26 lines plus 6 check lines, field trials were conducted under ± F. culmorum inoculum. The highest yield values were obtained from three check lines, as well as the L26, which showed consistency in its reaction to F. culmorum under both field and greenhouse conditions, and produced a high yield (5342 kg/ha). Based on the result obtained, L26 showed a high potential to improve wheat yield and resistance to F. culmorum-caused root and crown rot; therefore, it should be used in wheat crossing programs. Having Fusarium-resistant varieties will ultimately reduce crown rot symptoms and increase grain quality by reducing mycotoxin levels.
The Crop Production Capacity of Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.)—A New Field Crop for Russia in the Non-Chernozem Zone of Moscow’s Urban Environment
Authors: Shitikova Aleksandra V. , Kukharenkova Olga V. , Khaliluev Marat R.
Published: December 2022

The article presents the research findings from the analysis of the growth, development, and yield formation characteristics as well as grain amino acid composition of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.). The aim of this research was to assess the adaptability of quinoa, a new alternative crop for the Non-Chernozem conditions of Moscow’s urban region. Five quinoa cultivars were tested, namely Brighest Brillian, Red Faro, Cherry Vanilla, Titicaca, and Regalona and were grown on sod-podzolic soil with wide-row hill-drop planting. For four years, the quinoa cultivars produced high yields without fertilizer and pesticide application—on average, 2.08–2.59 tons of grain per hectare—with a high content of protein and essential amino acids, primarily valine, lysine, and threonine. The Cherry Vanilla and Regalona cultivars had the highest grain yield on average (2.59 and 2.39 t/ha, respectively). Being able to produce crops in years with different temperatures and moisture supply, they were described as cultivars with high flexibility. However, none of the studied cultivars provided a sustained yield. The total protein content in the quinoa grains grown in 2020 ranged from 12.50 to 13.96% with high essential amino acids scores, such as valine, lysine, and threonine. The cultivar Red Faro was characterized by the highest ecological plasticity, stability, and resistance to the environmental conditions of Moscow’s urban region.
Exogenous Diethylaminoethyl Hexanoate Highly Improved the Cold Tolerance of Early japonica Rice at Booting
Authors: Wang Shiqiang , He Dengmei , Yang Shanwei , Yin Dawei , Zhao Haihong , Xiao Changliang
Published: December 2022

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is highly sensitive to cold stress, which leads to large reductions in rice yield at the booting stage. In this study, Kongyu131 and Kenjiandao6 rice cultivars with different levels of cold stress sensitivity were sprayed with diethylaminoethyl hexanoate (DA-6) concentrations of 500, 200, 20, 2, 0.2, and 0 mg/L one day before undergoing cold water stress (CWS). We analyzed changes in yield and its factors, dry matter production, stem characteristics, and physiological and biochemical characteristics of the rice plants. The results showed that DA-6 increased peroxidase activity, delayed nitrogen and chlorophyll degradation, maintained soluble protein and potassium contents, and suppressed the accumulation of malondialdehyde in the leaves of both cultivars under CWS. DA-6 also increased the phosphorous content and superoxide dismutase activity in Kenjiandao6 under CWS; however, in Kongyu131, DA-6 increased the soluble sugar content. In addition, DA-6 treatment increased the weight of the panicle at maturity, and of the leaf, panicle, and stem-sheath at heading in both cultivars. The lengths of the panicle, the top first internode, the export rate of stem-sheath, translocation rate of stem-sheath, and export of stem-sheath from heading to maturity were increased in Kenjiandao6; however, in Kongyu131, DA-6 increased the dry weight ratio of panicle to total plant and reduced the dry weight ratio of stem-sheath to total plant at maturity. Furthermore, DA-6 improved yield in both cultivars, mainly by increasing the grain weight in the inferior grains (IG) and middle grains (MG) under CWS. DA-6 increased the grain weight in the IG and MG in Kenjiandao6 mainly by enhancing the seed setting rate and number of filled grains (NFG) in the IG and MG, and in Kongyu131 by improving the NFG in MG and IG. The optimal concentration of DA-6 to alleviate CWS was 2 mg/L. In conclusion, exogenous DA-6 was effective for maintaining dry matter production and physiology in two early japonica rice cultivars under CWS at booting, thereby improving cold tolerance and enhancing yield. The less cold-tolerant cultivar Kenjiandao6 was more sensitive to the effects of DA-6 and displayed better results than the more cold-tolerant cultivar Kongyu131.
Evaluation of the Agronomic Efficiency of Azospirillum brasilense Strains Ab-V5 and Ab-V6 in Flood-Irrigated Rice
Authors: Mattos Maria Laura Turino , Valgas Ricardo Alexandre , Martins Jose Francisco da Silva
Published: December 2022

The rational use of nitrogen fertilization is fundamental, not only to increase recovery efficiency, but also to increase crop productivity and reduce the production costs and risks of environmental impacts. In the State of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil, irrigated rice productivity can surpass 8 tonne·ha−1 as a result of the technification of the crop and favorable environmental conditions, yet there is great variability in the agronomic efficiency of chemical nitrogen fertilizers, which rarely exceed 50% of the applied dose. Biological nitrogen fixation is one of the technological alternatives for reducing the use of nitrogen in this crop. In this study, the agronomic efficiency of Azospirillum brasilense strains Ab-V5 and Ab-V6 in terms of biological nitrogen fixation in flood-irrigated rice cultivars in a lowland agroecosystem was evaluated through five field experiments. A. brasilense combined with reduced nitrogen fertilization (reduction of 30 kg N·ha−1) increased the dry mass of the aerial part of rice plants by 3.2%, and promoted an increase in N concentration in stems and leaves and in the N content exported by grains by 43% and 27.5%, respectively, in relation to the absence of N and inoculant, and promoted an average increase of 30% in rice production.
A Rare Configuration origin of the Superior Thyroid, Lingual and Facial Arteries in a Pentafurcated Common Carotid Artery
Authors: Zaccheo Fabrizio , Mariotti Francesco , Guttadauro Alessandro , Passaretti Alfredo , Campogrande Maria Elisabetta , Petroni Giulia , Cicconetti Andrea
Published: December 2022

Detailed knowledge about the normal anatomy and its variations is a necessity in good clinical and surgical practice. The case we are reporting here shows a rare configuration origin of the superior thyroid, lingual and facial arteries arising directly from a pentafurcated common carotid artery. A fresh frozen latex-infiltrated cadaver was dissected. The superior thyroid artery, the lingual artery and the facial artery were found to be directly detached from the common carotid artery as terminations of the five terminal rami variations. The current classifications of anatomical variants are discussed in detail in relation to this case.
Populations of NK Cells and Regulatory T Cells in the Endometrium of Cycling Mares—A Preliminary Study
Authors: Jaworska Joanna , de Mestre Amanda M. , Wiśniewska Joanna , Wagner Bettina , Nowicki Arkadiusz , Kowalczyk-Zięba Ilona , Wocławek-Potocka Izabela
Published: December 2022

Endometrial immune cells are essential to support uterine functions across the estrous cycle and in preparation for pregnancy. It has been acknowledged that changes in phenotype and/or numbers of lymphocytes, such as regulatory T cells (Tregs) and NK cells, might result in lower fertility in women and mice. Little is known about equine endometrial immune cells across the estrous cycle. Here, we compared the populations of endometrial Tregs and NK cells in estrus and diestrus in mares. Endometrial biopsy and blood samples were taken in estrus and diestrus from 11 mares ages 4–12 years. Flow cytometry with anti-CD4, -CD25 and -FOXP3 and anti-NKp46 and -CD3 antibodies was used to determine the populations of Tregs and NK cells, respectively. The concentration of progesterone was measured with chemiluminescence immunoassay. The results were analyzed with paired Student t tests. The mean percentage of endometrial CD4+FOXP3+ Tregs was 13.7 ± 6.2% in diestrus and 14.5 ± 5.9% in estrus, while the mean percentage of endometrial CD4+FOXP3+CD25+ Tregs changed from 3.6 ± 2.1% in diestrus to 2 ± 2% in estrus (p = 0.0947). The mean proportion of CD3−NKp46+ lymphocytes in the endometrium was not significantly different, with 6 ± 1% in estrus and 6.5 ± 1.4% in diestrus. There was a large variation in the percentage of NK cells between mares of 2.1–12.7%. This study showed, for the first time, the presence of CD4+FOXP3+CD25+ Tregs and CD3−NKp46+ NK cells in the endometrium of non-pregnant cycling mares. The percentage of Tregs, and to a greater extent NK cells, showed large fluctuations between mares. Both Tregs and NK cells might be important for the preparation of the endometrium for semen deposition and pregnancy; however, further research is required.
Genotypic Distribution and the Epidemiology of Multidrug Resistant Tuberculosis in Upper Northern Thailand
Authors: Saikaew Sukanya , Thongprachum Aksara , Pongsararuk Rodjana , Thanraka Aungkana , Kunyanone Naowarat , Chaiyasirinroje Boonchai , Luangsook Praphan , Butr-Indr Bordin , Phunpae Ponrut , Wattananandkul Usanee
Published: December 2022

The epidemiology and genotypes of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), a global public health threat, remain limited. The genotypic distribution and factors associated with MDR-TB in upper northern Thailand between 2015 and 2019 were investigated. The DNA sequencing of rpoB, katG, and inhA promoter of 51 multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates revealed nine patterns of the rpoB gene mutation distributed in seven provinces. The S531L mutation was the most common mutation in all provinces. The rpoB mutation in Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, and Lampang was highly diverse compared to other areas. Here, the mutation profiles that have yet to be reported in northern Thailand (H526P, Q513P, and H526C) were detected in Chiang Rai province. The S315T katG mutation was the most common genotype associated with INH resistance, especially in Chiang Mai and Lampang. Further analysis of data from 110 TB patients (42 MDR-TB and 68 drug-susceptible TB) revealed that <60 years of age was a significant factor associated with MDR-TB (OR = 0.316, 95% CI 0.128–0.784, p = 0.011) and ≥60 years of age was a significant factor associated with the S315T katG-mutation (OR = 8.867, 95% CI 0.981–80.177, p = 0.047). This study highlighted the necessity for continuous surveillance and risk factor monitoring for effective control of MDR-TB.
Citrus Essential Oils in Aromatherapy: Therapeutic Effects and Mechanisms
Authors: Agarwal Pooja , Sebghatollahi Zahra , Kamal Mehnaz , Dhyani Archana , Shrivastava Alpana , Singh Kiran Kumari , Sinha Mukty , Mahato Neelima , Mishra Awdhesh Kumar , Baek Kwang-Hyun
Published: December 2022

Citrus is one of the main fruit crops cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Approximately half (40–47%) of the fruit mass is inedible and discarded as waste after processing, which causes pollution to the environment. Essential oils (EOs) are aromatic compounds found in significant quantities in oil sacs or oil glands present in the leaves, flowers, and fruit peels (mainly the flavedo part). Citrus EO is a complex mixture of ~400 compounds and has been found to be useful in aromatic infusions for personal health care, perfumes, pharmaceuticals, color enhancers in foods and beverages, and aromatherapy. The citrus EOs possess a pleasant scent, and impart relaxing, calming, mood-uplifting, and cheer-enhancing effects. In aromatherapy, it is applied either in message oils or in diffusion sprays for homes and vehicle sittings. The diffusion creates a fresh feeling and enhances relaxation from stress and anxiety and helps uplifting mood and boosting emotional and physical energy. This review presents a comprehensive outlook on the composition, properties, characterization, and mechanism of action of the citrus EOs in various health-related issues, with a focus on its antioxidant properties.
Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor α Attenuates Hypertensive Vascular Remodeling by Protecting Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells from Angiotensin II-Induced ROS Production
Authors: Liu Ye , Duan Yan , Zhao Nan , Zhu Xinxin , Yu Xiaoting , Jiao Shiyu , Song Yanting , Shi Li , Ma Yutao , Wang Xia , Yu Baoqi , Qu Aijuan
Published: December 2022

Vascular remodeling is the fundamental basis for hypertensive disease, in which vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) dysfunction plays an essential role. Previous studies suggest that the activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) by fibrate drugs has cardiovascular benefits independent of the lipid-lowering effects. However, the underlying mechanism remains incompletely understood. This study explored the role of PPARα in angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced vascular remodeling and hypertension using VSMC-specific Ppara-deficient mice. The PPARα expression was markedly downregulated in the VSMCs upon Ang II treatment. A PPARα deficiency in the VSMC significantly aggravated the Ang II-induced hypertension and vascular stiffness, with little influence on the cardiac function. The morphological analyses demonstrated that VSMC-specific Ppara-deficient mice exhibited an aggravated vascular remodeling and oxidative stress. In vitro, a PPARα deficiency dramatically increased the production of mitochondrial reactive oxidative species (ROS) in Ang II-treated primary VSMCs. Finally, the PPARα activation by Wy14643 improved the Ang II-induced ROS production and vascular remodeling in a VSMC PPARα-dependent manner. Taken together, these data suggest that PPARα plays a critical protective role in Ang II-induced hypertension via attenuating ROS production in VSMCs, thus providing a potential therapeutic target for hypertensive diseases.
Plant-Derived Polyphenols as Nrf2 Activators to Counteract Oxidative Stress and Intestinal Toxicity Induced by Deoxynivalenol in Swine: An Emerging Research Direction
Authors: Chen Jun , Huang Zhouyin , Cao Xuehai , Chen Xingping , Zou Tiande , You Jinming
Published: December 2022

The contamination of deoxynivalenol (DON) in feed is a global problem, which seriously threatens the productivity efficiency and welfare of farm animals and the food security of humans. Pig is the most sensitive species to DON, and is readily exposed to DON through its grain-enriched diet. The intestine serves as the first biological barrier to ingested mycotoxin, and is, therefore, the first target of DON. In the past decade, a growing amount of attention has been paid to plant-derived polyphenols as functional compounds against DON-induced oxidative stress and intestinal toxicity in pigs. In this review, we systematically updated the latest research progress in plant polyphenols detoxifying DON-induced intestinal toxicity in swine. We also discussed the potential underlying mechanism of action of polyphenols as Nrf2 activators in protecting against DON-induced enterotoxicity of swine. The output of this update points out an emerging research direction, as polyphenols have great potential to be developed as feed additives for swine to counteract DON-induced oxidative stress and intestinal toxicity.
Pathogenesis of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia: Role of Oxidative Stress from ‘Omics’ Studies
Authors: Kimble Ashley , Robbins Mary E. , Perez Marta
Published: December 2022

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) remains the most common respiratory complication of prematurity as younger and smaller infants are surviving beyond the immediate neonatal period. The recognition that oxidative stress (OS) plays a key role in BPD pathogenesis has been widely accepted since at least the 1980s. In this article, we examine the interplay between OS and genetic regulation and review ‘omics’ data related to OS in BPD. Data from animal models (largely models of hyperoxic lung injury) and from human studies are presented. Epigenetic and transcriptomic analyses have demonstrated several genes related to OS to be differentially expressed in murine models that mimic BPD as well as in premature infants at risk of BPD development and infants with established lung disease. Alterations in the genetic regulation of antioxidant enzymes is a common theme in these studies. Data from metabolomics and proteomics have also demonstrated the potential involvement of OS-related pathways in BPD. A limitation of many studies includes the difficulty of obtaining timely and appropriate samples from human patients. Additional ‘omics’ studies could further our understanding of the role of OS in BPD pathogenesis, which may prove beneficial for prevention and timely diagnosis, and aid in the development of targeted therapies.
Anti-Inflammatory and Chondroprotective Effects Induced by Phenolic Compounds from Onion Waste Extracts in ATDC-5 Chondrogenic Cell Line
Authors: Paesa Mónica , Ancín-Azpilicueta Carmen , Velderrain-Rodríguez Gustavo , Martin-Belloso Olga , Gualillo Oreste , Osada Jesús , Rodríguez-Yoldi Maria Jesús , Mendoza Gracia
Published: December 2022

Osteoarthritis is a prevalent degenerative condition that is closely related to the destruction and inflammation of cartilage. The high prevalence of this pathology exhorts researchers to search for novel therapeutic approaches. Vegetable–fruit wastes have emerged as a promising origin of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds that, in some cases, may also exert chondroprotective effects. This study aims to decipher the potential of onion waste products in the inhibition of molecular events involved in osteoarthritis. Onion extracts showed a high content of phenolic compounds and antioxidant properties. Cytocompatibility was demonstrated in the chondrogenic cell line ATDC-5, exerting viability percentages higher than 90% and a slight increase in the S phase cycle cell. The induction of inflammation mediated by the lipopolysaccharide and onion extracts’ treatment substantially inhibited molecular markers related to inflammation and cartilage degradation, highlighting the promising application of onion extracts in biomedical approaches. The in silico analyses suggested that the results could be attributed to protocatechuic, ellagic, and vanillic acids’ greater cell membrane permeability. Our work provides distinctive information about the possible application of waste onion extracts as functional components with anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective characteristics in osteoarthritis.