bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HCV Interplay With Mir34a: Implications in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Badami Ester , Carcione Claudia , Chinnici Cinzia Maria , Tinnirello Rosaria , Conaldi Pier Giulio , Iannolo Gioacchin
Published: January 2022

Since its identification, HCV has been considered one of the main causes of hepatitis and liver cancer. Currently, the molecular mechanisms of HCC development induced by HCV infection have not been sufficiently clarified. The recent discovery of novel treatments that inhibit HCV replication gave rise to new questions concerning HCC mechanisms. In particular, the HCV eradication mediated by new direct-acting antiviral (DAAs) drugs does not exclude the possibility of de novo HCC development; this finding opened more questions on the interplay between liver cells and the virus. Different groups have investigated the pathways leading to cancer recurrence in patients treated with DAAs. For this reason, we tried to gain molecular insights into the changes induced by HCV infection in the target liver cells. In particular, we observed an increase in microRNA34a (miR34a) expression following HCV infection of HCC cell line Huh7.5. In addition, Huh7.5 treated with extracellular vesicles (EVs) from the previously HCV-infected Huh7.5 underwent apoptosis. Since miR34 expression was increased in Huh7.5 EVs, we hypothesized a paracrine mechanism of viral infection mediated by miR34a cargo of EVs. The balance between viral infection and cell transformation may raise some questions on the possible use of antiviral drugs in association with antineoplastic treatment.
Multi-Omics Analyses Revealed GOLT1B as a Potential Prognostic Gene in Breast Cancer Probably Regulating the Immune Microenvironment
Authors: Liu Junping , Zhang Wei , Cai Wanxia , Chen Yumei , Cai Xiaozhong , Tang Donge , Tang Min , Dai Yong
Published: January 2022

As recently reported by The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), breast cancer has the highest incidence of all cancers in 2020. Many studies have revealed that golgi apparatus is closely associated with the development of breast cancer. However, the role of golgi apparatus in immune microenvironment is still not clear. In this study, using RNA-Seq datasets of breast cancer patients from the public database (n = 1080), we revealed that GOLT1B, encoding a golgi vesicle transporter protein, was significantly higher expressed in human breast cancer tissues versus normal tissues. Besides, we verified GOLT1B expression in five breast cancer cell line using our original data and found GOLT1B was significantly up-regulated in MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, SKBR3. Subsequently, we identified GOLT1B as a potential independent prognostic factor for breast cancer. After a multi-omics analysis, we uncovered that the higher expression of GOLT1B in breast cancer tissues versus normal tissues might be due to the amplification of GOLT1B and altered phosphorylation of its potential transcriptional factors, including JUN and SIN3A. Subsequently, we discovered that GOLT1B potentially regulated the immune microenvironment basing on the finding that its expression was closely related to the tumor microenvironment score and infiltration of immune cells. Moreover, we revealed that GOLT1B might affect the overall survival rates of breast cancer through regulating the immune cell infiltration. Finally, we disclosed the potential pathways involved in the functions of GOLT1B in breast cancer, including metabolism and ECM-receptor interaction pathways. To sum up, we identified GOLT1B as a potential prognostic gene for breast cancer and disclosed its role in regulating the immune microenvironment.
A Model for Identifying Optimal Patients for Primary Tumor Resection in Patients With Metastatic Bladder Cancer
Authors: Hu Jintao , Zheng Zhenming , Zheng Junjiong , Xie Weibin , Su Huabin , Yang Jingtian , Xu Zixin , Shen Zefeng , Yu Hao , Fan Xinxiang , Kong Jianqiu , Han Jinli
Published: January 2022

Background

A survival benefit was observed in metastatic bladder cancer patients who underwent primary tumor resection, but it was still confusing which patients are suitable for the surgery. For this purpose, we developed a model to screen stage M1 patients who would benefit from primary tumor resection.

Methods

Patients with metastatic bladder cancer were screened from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database (2004–2016) and then were divided into surgery (partial or complete cystectomy) group and non-surgery group. To balance the characteristics between them, a 1:1 propensity score matching analysis was applied. A hypothesis was proposed that the received primary tumor resection group has a more optimistic prognosis than the other group. The multivariable Cox model was used to explore the independent factors of survival time in two groups (beneficial and non-beneficial groups). Logistic regression was used to build a nomogram based on the significant predictive factors. Finally, a variety of methods are used to evaluate our model.

Results

A total of 7,965 patients with metastatic bladder cancer were included. And 3,314 patients met filtering standards, of which 545 (16.4%) received partial or complete cystectomy. Plots of the Kaplan–Meier and subgroup analyses confirmed our hypothesis. After propensity score matching analysis, a survival benefit was still observed that the surgery group has a longer median overall survival time (11.0 vs. 6.0 months, p < 0.001). Among the surgery cohort, 303 (65.8%) patients lived longer than 6 months (beneficial group). Differentiated characteristics included age, gender, TNM stage, histologic type, differentiation grade, and therapy, which were integrated as predictors to build a nomogram. The nomogram showed good discrimination in both training and validation cohorts (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC): 0.806 and 0.742, respectively), and the calibration curves demonstrated good consistency. Decision curve analysis showed that the nomogram was clinically useful. Compared with TNM staging, our model shows a better predictive value in identifying optimal patients for primary tumor resection.

Conclusions

A practical predictive model was created and verified, which might be used to identify the optimal candidates for the partial or complete cystectomy group of the primary tumor among metastatic bladder cancer.
The Applications of Gold Nanoparticles in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Cancer
Authors: Yang Zhijing , Wang Dongxu , Zhang Chenyu , Liu Huimin , Hao Ming , Kan Shaoning , Liu Dianfeng , Liu Weiwei
Published: January 2022

In recent years, the morbidity and mortality of gastrointestinal cancer have remained high in China. Due to the deep location of the gastrointestinal organs, such as gastric cancer, the early symptoms of cancer are not obvious. It is generally discovered at an advanced stage with distant metastasis and lymph node infiltration, making it difficult to cure. Therefore, there is a significant need for novel technologies that can effectively diagnose and treat gastrointestinal cancer, ultimately reducing its mortality. Gold nanoparticles (GNPs), a type of nanocarrier with unique optical properties and remarkable biocompatibility, have the potential to influence the fate of cancer by delivering drugs, nucleic acids to cancer cells and tissues. As a safe and reliable visualization agent, GNPs can track drugs and accurately indicate the location and boundaries of cancer, opening up new possibilities for cancer treatment. In addition, GNPs have been used in photodynamic therapy to deliver photosensitizers, as well as in combination with photothermal therapy. Therefore, GNPs can be used as a safe and effective nanomaterial in the treatment and diagnosis of gastrointestinal cancer.
The Addition of Ferritin Enhanced the Prognostic Value of International Prognostic Index in Diffuse Large B‐Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Shen Ziyuan , Zhang Shuo , Zhang Meng , Hu Lingling , Sun Qian , He Chenlu , Yan Dongmei , Ye Jingjing , Zhang Hao , Wang Ling , Gu Weiying , Miao Yuqing , Liu Qinhua , Ouyang Changli , Zhu Junfeng , Wang Chunling , Zhu Taigang , Huang Shuiping , Sang Wei
Published: January 2022

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a highly heterogeneous non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and the prognosis of DLBCL patients is widely affected by multivariables. Clinical-factors-based prognostic systems stratify the prognosis of DLBCL with certain limitations, and the value of ferritin on the prognosis of DLBCL is unclear. In this study, 225 cases were retrieved from 4 centers of Huaihai Lymphoma Working Group (HHLWG) as the derivation cohort, and 66 cases were from the other 6 centers of HHLWG as external validation cohort. X-Tile program divided ferritin into three groups when applying 175.00 and 391.90 μg/L as the optimal cutoff points. Based on multivariable analysis, ferritin appeared to be a stronger predictor. A total of three variables (ferritin, age, and lactate dehydrogenase) were included for the development of the nomogram. The C-indexes were 0.73 and 0.70 in the derivation and validation cohort, and the calibration curve showed the consistency between the nomogram prediction and the actual observation. In conclusion, Ferritin-based nomogram enhanced the prognostic value of IPI in DLBCL.
Understanding the Emerging Link Between Circadian Rhythm, Nrf2 Pathway, and Breast Cancer to Overcome Drug Resistance
Authors: Bevinakoppamath Supriya , Ramachandra Shobha Chikkavaddaragudi , Yadav Anshu Kumar , Basavaraj Vijaya , Vishwanath Prashant , Prashant Akila
Published: January 2022

The levels of different molecules in the cell are rhythmically cycled by the molecular clock present at the cellular level. The circadian rhythm is closely linked to the metabolic processes in the cells by an underlying mechanism whose intricacies need to be thoroughly investigated. Nevertheless, Nrf2 has been identified as an essential bridge between the circadian clock and cellular metabolism and is activated by the by-product of cellular metabolism like hydrogen peroxide. Once activated it binds to the specific DNA segments and increases the transcription of several genes that play a crucial role in the normal functioning of the cell. The central clock located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the anterior hypothalamus synchronizes the timekeeping in the peripheral tissues by integrating the light-dark input from the environment. Several studies have demonstrated the role of circadian rhythm as an effective tumor suppressor. Tumor development is triggered by the stimulation or disruption of signaling pathways at the cellular level as a result of the interaction between cells and environmental stimuli. Oxidative stress is one such external stimulus that disturbs the prooxidant/antioxidant equilibrium due to the loss of control over signaling pathways which destroy the bio-molecules. Altered Nrf2 expression and impaired redox balance are associated with various cancers suggesting that Nrf2 targeting may be used as a novel therapeutic approach for treating cancers. On the other hand, Nrf2 has also been shown to enhance the resistance of cancer cells to chemotherapeutic agents. We believe that maximum efficacy with minimum side effects for any particular therapy can be achieved if the treatment strategy regulates the circadian rhythm. In this review, we discuss the various molecular mechanisms interlinking the circadian rhythm with the Nrf2 pathway and contributing to breast cancer pathogenesis, we also talk about how these two pathways work in close association with the cell cycle which is another oscillatory system, and whether this interplay can be exploited to overcome drug resistance during chemotherapy.
DDIT: An Online Predictor for Multiple Clinical Phenotypic Drug-Disease Associations
Authors: Lu Lu , Qin Jiale , Chen Jiandong , Wu Hao , Zhao Qiang , Miyano Satoru , Zhang Yaozhong , Yu Hua , Li Chen
Published: January 2022

Background: Drug repurposing provides an effective method for high-speed, low-risk drug development. Clinical phenotype-based screening exceeded target-based approaches in discovering first-in-class small-molecule drugs. However, most of these approaches predict only binary phenotypic associations between drugs and diseases; the types of drug and diseases have not been well exploited. Principally, the clinical phenotypes of a known drug can be divided into indications (Is), side effects (SEs), and contraindications (CIs). Incorporating these different clinical phenotypes of drug–disease associations (DDAs) can improve the prediction accuracy of the DDAs.

Methods: We develop Drug Disease Interaction Type (DDIT), a user-friendly online predictor that supports drug repositioning by submitting known Is, SEs, and CIs for a target drug of interest. The dataset for Is, SEs, and CIs was extracted from PREDICT, SIDER, and MED-RT, respectively. To unify the names of the drugs and diseases, we mapped their names to the Unified Medical Language System (UMLS) ontology using Rest API. We then integrated multiple clinical phenotypes into a conditional restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM) enabling the identification of different phenotypes of drug–disease associations, including the prediction of as yet unknown DDAs in the input.

Results: By 10-fold cross-validation, we demonstrate that DDIT can effectively capture the latent features of the drug–disease association network and represents over 0.217 and over 0.072 improvement in AUC and AUPR, respectively, for predicting the clinical phenotypes of DDAs compared with the classic K-nearest neighbors method (KNN, including drug-based KNN and disease-based KNN), Random Forest, and XGBoost. By conducting leave-one-drug-class-out cross-validation, the AUC and AUPR of DDIT demonstrated an improvement of 0.135 in AUC and 0.075 in AUPR compared to any of the other four methods. Within the top 10 predicted indications, side effects, and contraindications, 7/10, 9/10, and 9/10 hit known drug–disease associations. Overall, DDIT is a useful tool for predicting multiple clinical phenotypic types of drug–disease associations.
Integrating Network Analysis and Metabolomics to Reveal Mechanism of Huaganjian Decoction in Treatment of Cholestatic Hepatic Injury
Authors: Dong Qin , Chen Jiao , Jiang Yan-Ping , Zhu Zong-Ping , Zheng Yong-Feng , Zhang Jin-Ming , Zhang Zhen , Chen Wen-Qing , Sun Shi-Yi , Pang Lan , Yan Xin , Liao Wan , Fu Chao-Mei
Published: January 2022

Huaganjian decoction (HGJD) was first recorded in the classic “Jing Yue Quan Shu” during the Ming dynasty, and it has been extensively applied in clinical practice to treat liver diseases for over 300 years in China. However, its bioactive constituents and relevant pharmacological mechanism are still unclear. In this study, a strategy integrating network analysis and metabolomics was applied to reveal mechanism of HGJD in treating cholestatic hepatic injury (CHI). Firstly, we observed the therapeutic effect of HGJD against CHI with an alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT) induced CHI rat model. Then, we utilized UPLC-Q-Exactive MS/MS method to analyze the serum migrant compounds of HGJD in CHI rats. Based on these compounds, network analysis was conducted to screen for potential active components, and key signaling pathways interrelated to therapeutic effect of HGJD. Meanwhile, serum metabolomics was utilized to investigate the underlying metabolic mechanism of HGJD against CHI. Finally, the predicted key pathway was verified by western blot and biochemical analysis using rat liver tissue from in vivo efficacy experiment. Our results showed that HGJD significantly alleviated ANIT induced CHI. Totally, 31 compounds originated from HGJD have been identified in the serum sample. PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 signaling pathway related to GSH synthesis was demonstrated as one of the major pathways interrelated to therapeutic effect of HGJD against CHI. This research supplied a helpful strategy to determine the potential bioactive compounds and mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine.
Systems Pharmacology Modeling Identifies a Novel Treatment Strategy for Bortezomib-Induced Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Bloomingdale Peter , Meregalli Cristina , Pollard Kevin , Canta Annalisa , Chiorazzi Alessia , Fumagalli Giulia , Monza Laura , Pozzi Eleonora , Alberti Paola , Ballarini Elisa , Oggioni Norberto , Carlson Louise , Liu Wensheng , Ghandili Mehrnoosh , Ignatowski Tracey A. , Lee Kelvin P. , Moore Michael J. , Cavaletti Guido , Mager Donald E.
Published: January 2022

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neurotoxicity is a common dose-limiting side effect of several cancer chemotherapeutic agents, and no effective therapies exist. Here we constructed a systems pharmacology model of intracellular signaling in peripheral neurons to identify novel drug targets for preventing peripheral neuropathy associated with proteasome inhibitors. Model predictions suggested the combinatorial inhibition of TNFα, NMDA receptors, and reactive oxygen species should prevent proteasome inhibitor-induced neuronal apoptosis. Dexanabinol, an inhibitor of all three targets, partially restored bortezomib-induced reduction of proximal action potential amplitude and distal nerve conduction velocity in vitro and prevented bortezomib-induced mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia in rats, including a partial recovery of intraepidermal nerve fiber density. Dexanabinol failed to restore bortezomib-induced decreases in electrophysiological endpoints in rats, and it did not compromise bortezomib anti-cancer effects in U266 multiple myeloma cells and a murine xenograft model. Owing to its favorable safety profile in humans and preclinical efficacy, dexanabinol might represent a treatment option for bortezomib-induced neuropathic pain.
Children’s Views About Their Future Career and Family Involvement: Associations With Children’s Gender Schemas and Parents’ Involvement in Work and Family Roles
Authors: Endendijk Joyce J. , Portengen Christel M.
Published: January 2022

Substantial gender disparities in career advancement are still apparent, for instance in the gender pay gap, the overrepresentation of women in parttime work, and the underrepresentation of women in managerial positions. Regarding the developmental origins of these gender disparities, the current study examined whether children’s views about future career and family involvement were associated with children’s own gender schemas (gender stereotypes, gender identity) and parents’ career- and family-related gender roles. Participants were 142 Dutch families with a child between the ages of 6 and 12 years old (M = 9.80, SD = 1.48, 60% girls). The families had different compositions (1 parent, 2 parents, 1 to 3 children). Children completed a computer task assessing gender stereotypes about toys and questionnaires on gender identity (i.e., felt similarity to same- and other-gender children) and their views about future career and family involvement. Parents reported their occupation, work hours, and task division in the home, which were combined in a composite variable reflecting gender-typicality of career and family involvement. Generalized estimation equations were used to take into account dependency between family members. Results revealed that parents’, and especially mothers’, gender-typical career and family involvement was associated with children’s gender-typical views about future career and family involvement. In addition, children’s felt similarity to the same gender was associated with children’s gender-typical expectations about career and family involvement. These findings suggest that parents’ career, work hours, and task division in the home, together play an important role in how their children envision their future work and family roles. Children themselves also play an active role in developing this vision for the future by their own gender identity, specifically by how similar they feel to individuals of the same gender. To reduce gender disparities in the occupational and domestic domain, programs need to be designed that focus on parental role modeling in the family as well as children’s gender identity development.
Retroperitoneal Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy for Horseshoe Kidney: A Case Report
Authors: Zhang Dongxu , Lu Youyi , Sun Fengze , Yao Huibao , Wu Jitao , Wang Jipeng
Published: January 2022

Background

Horseshoe kidney (HSK) has always been a challenge for urologists depending on its particular anatomy. We report a case of renal tumor in a patient with HSK, who underwent tumor resection by retroperitoneal robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.

Case Presentation

A 47-year-old man with HSK presented to our hospital with a solid renal mass. Computed tomography urography (CTU) showed a 4.3 × 4.4-cm mass in the upper pole of the right kidney. The patient received retroperitoneal robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy on the basis of CT three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions.

Conclusion

The present case report highlights the feasibility of retroperitoneal robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for horseshoe kidney and the advantages of preoperative CT scan with three-dimensional reconstructions.
Temperature Anisotropy Instabilities Stimulated by the Solar Wind Suprathermal Populations
Authors: Lazar Marian , López R.A. , Shaaban Shaaban Mohammed , Poedts Stefaan , Yoon Peter Haesung , Fichtner Horst
Published: January 2022

This review paper compiles recent results obtained by the present group of authors describing the effects of suprathermal populations present in space plasmas (up to a few keVs) on temperature anisotropy instabilities. Of particular interest are the electromagnetic cyclotron and firehose excitations, which play a major role in limiting temperature anisotropy, resulting, for instance, from the adiabatic expansion of the solar wind. Relying on a rigorous modeling and interpretation of the observed velocity distributions, both theoretical models and numerical simulations indicate a systematic stimulation of these excitations in the presence of suprathermal populations of electrons or protons. Moreover, the enhanced fluctuations react back on particles, and determine a faster and deeper relaxation of their anisotropy. The present comparative analysis suggests that previous studies, considering only quasi-thermal low-energy populations, may have significantly underestimated these excitations and their implications in various applications in space plasmas.
Gramatyka języka polskiego Jana Otrębskiego
Authors: Jasińska Katarzyna , Piwowarczyk Dariusz R.
Published: January 2022

This paper describes a forgotten historical grammar book of Polish, which
was published in the form of a multiplied typescript as a compilation of notes
from the lectures delivered by Jan Otrębski at the Stefan Batory University of
Vilnius in the 1930s. The notes were compiled by Otrębski’s student, Józef
Trypućko. The study was published in 1933 and 1934 in two parts: one and
three. Part two probably remained in the form of a manuscript. In the opinion of
the authors, the study, although incomplete, provides an insight in the content
of Otrębski’s lectures and the teaching of the historical grammar of Polish in
Vilnius in the 1930s. It presents also the scholar’s innovative hypotheses, which
cannot be found in the historical grammar books of that time.
Fałsz ujawniony. O aprobatywnych czasownikach fałszu
Authors: Zaucha Joanna
Published: January 2022

This paper is dedicated to verbs expressing approval for actions intended to
reveal falshood. It considers four units: [ktoś] zadał kłam [czemuś] ([sb] proved
[sth] false]), [ktoś] odkłamał [coś] ([sb] put [sth] straight]), [ktoś] zdementował [coś]
([sb] denied [sth]), and [ktoś] sprostował [coś] ([sb] corrected [sth]). Predicates one
and two presuppose the falsehood of the content specifi ed in the sentence. In the
case of predicates three and four, the untruthfulness of a certain propositional
content is ascertained by the rhematic part of the meaning. It is only the verb
odkłamać (to put straight) that indicates that the content in question is a lie
(kłamstwo). In the case of other units, falsehood can be an effect of a mistake or
oversight. A characteristic feature of units two–four is also that they imply that
the agent revealing the falsehood has said something.
Despite the fact that the examined group of expressions is small, it sheds
light on the essential mechanism of speaking. Namely, it shows the signifi cance
of the inclination of discourse as such towards truth. Eradicating falsehood from
communicative interaction involves an approval for the agent’s actions that is
fused into the structure of meanings of lexemes.
Long-Term Effects of Animal Manures on Nutrient Recovery and Soil Quality in Acid Typic Hapludalf under No-Till Conditions
Authors: Ferreira Paulo Ademar Avelar , Ceretta Carlos Alberto , Lourenzi Cledimar Rogério , De Conti Lessandro , Marchezan Carina , Girotto Eduardo , Tiecher Tadeu Luis , Palermo Natália Moreira , Parent Léon-Étienne , Brunetto Gustavo
Published: January 2022

No-till farming and manure application are means of storing carbon in soil and increasing soil quality. However, the organic fertilization of no-till soils may sustain subtropical agroecosystems for only a limited period until the soil quality declines. The C, N, P, and other nutrient cycles are perturbed due to the nutrient imbalance in manures and their application on the soil surface, which poses a risk for nutrient dispersion into the environment. Long-term N-based manure application also impacts the apparent nutrient recovery (ANR) by crops and, hence, the crop quality. Our objective was to monitor changes in soil quality and to measure nutrient recovery from N-based organic fertilization in a Brazilian agroecosystem. A long-term experiment was established in May 2004 on Typic Hapludalf soil in Southern Brazil. The experiment comprised two periods: 2004–2009 and 2009–2020. The treatments were unfertilized (control), pig slurry, pig deep litter (swine manure and rice husk), cattle slurry, and mineral fertilizer (urea, triple superphosphate, and K chloride). Grain and cover crops were grown. The maize grain yield and oat biomass were used as indicators of productivity. The application of cattle slurry, pig deep litter, and pig slurry increased the grain production by 20% on average compared to mineral fertilization. Organic manuring increased the soil pH by up to one unit, while urea acidified the soil. The highest crop yields were obtained with pig deep litter, which increased the levels of P, K, Ca, Mg, and C in the soil test. Pig deep litter showed the highest N-ANR for the aboveground part of the plants. The ANRs for P, K, Ca, and Mg were also highest when pig slurry had been applied. The ANR values for the micronutrients varied widely among the organic sources but indicated large marginal offtake gains compared to mineral fertilization. The N-based fertilization with animal manures increased the rate of nutrient uptake by plants but led to an accumulation of nutrients in the soil, threatening the sustainability of the system. Manure applications must be monitored regularly to avoid the accumulation of nutrients that could impair the soil quality and become an environmental problem in the future.
The Effect of NaCl Stress on the Response of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)
Authors: Breś Włodzimierz , Kleiber Tomasz , Markiewicz Bartosz , Mieloszyk Elżbieta , Mieloch Monika
Published: January 2022

In recent decades, increasing human pressure has caused the gradual deterioration of the physical and chemical properties of water and soil. Salinity is an important factor influencing the quality of water. The aim of this comprehensive research was to determine the effect of increasing concentrations of sodium chloride, which is a salinity inducer, on the yield, photosynthesis efficiency (expressed with chlorophyll fluorescence measurement) and content of selected nutrients in the leaves of hydroponically grown lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). Experiments were conducted at the following concentrations of NaCl: 0 (control treatment), 10, 20, 40, and 60 mmol L−1. Studies were conducted in two independent seasons: spring and autumn. The plants exposed to NaCl stress modified their chemical composition by lowering the uptake of (for 60 mmol L−1 NaCl in relation to control): N (−11%), K (−35.7%), and Mg (−24.5%), while increasing the sodium content (+2400%). The Na:K ratio was significantly narrowed (from 76:1 to 2.6:1). The increase in the Cl level in the lettuce leaves may also have caused a decrease in the content of nitrates. As a result of disturbed ionic balance, the RWC was significantly reduced (−6.2%). As a result of these changes, the yield of the biomass of the aerial parts decreased (more than two-fold for the highest NaCl concentration in relation to control) whereas the dry matter content increased (+32%). The measurement of fluorescence showed significant changes at the PSII level. Salinity modified the energy flow rate (F0, FM, FV, FV/FM) as well as the specific energy flows through the reaction centre (ABS/RC, TR0/RC, ET0/RC, DI0/RC). The PSII functioning index, calculated on the basis of energy absorption (PIAbs), also changed. The salinity induced with NaCl significantly worsened the physiological reactions of the plants in the PSII, changed the ionic balance, which resulted in a significantly lower yield of the plants. Due to increasing water quality problems, it will be necessary to use, in agriculture on a much larger scale than before, saline water treatment systems (e.g., highly effective nanofiltration and/or reverse osmosis).
Fungal Phytopathogenic Spore First Assessment in an Olive Orchard of Northwestern Spain
Authors: Garrido Alejandro , Fernández-González María , Cortiñas Rodríguez Jose A. , Carrera Lucía , González-Fernández Estefanía , Almaguer-Chávez Michel , Rodríguez-Rajo Fco. Javier
Published: January 2022

The most common fungal diseases of Olea europaea are olive leaf spot (Fusicladium oleagineum), anthracnose (Colletotrichum spp.) and cercospora leaf spot (Pseudocercospora cladosporioides). To know the fungal load during the vegetative olive cycle, an aerobiological and phenological study was conducted in an olive grove in North-West Spain. For the aerobiological study, the Spanish Aerobiological Network protocol was followed using a Hirst-type spore trap. The goal of the study was to assess the spore concentrations in the atmosphere of the olive grove and their relationship with the meteorological parameters by applying statistical procedures, including a Cluster analysis, Spearman’s correlation test and PCA analysis. The most abundant spores belong to Fusicladium, registering the double of values than Colletotrichum and Pseudocercospora. The hours with the highest spores’ presence were from 11:00 to 12:00 for Fusicladium and Colletotrichum, and from 17:00 to 18:00 for Pseudocercospora. The Spearman’s and PCA test showed a positive association between temperature and relative humidity with the spores’ concentrations. The combination of meteorological, phenological and aerobiological parameters is a useful tool to understand the ecological behavior of the considered phytopathogenic fungal spores in order to develop futures strategies for the integrated management of fungal olive diseases in areas at the limit of this tree distribution.
Linkage of Crop Productivity to Soil Nitrogen Dynamics under Biochar Addition: A Meta-Analysis across Field Studies
Authors: Zhang Leiyi , Zhang Meixia , Li Yantao , Li Jianling , Jing Yiming , Xiang Yangzhou , Yao Bin , Deng Qi
Published: January 2022

Biochar addition is a promising solution to improve soil nitrogen (N) availability and enhance crop productivity. However, a comprehensive understanding of the impact of soil N dynamics on crop productivity under biochar addition remains elusive. Here, we conducted a meta-analysis from 93 peer-reviewed field experiments to synthesize the linkage of crop productivity to soil N dynamics under biochar addition. The results show that biochar addition significantly enhanced crop productivity by 12.8% and plant N uptake (PNU) by 22.6%, and there was a strongly positive relationship between crop productivity and PNU. Biochar addition also significantly increased the contents of soil total N (TN), inorganic N (IN), microbial biomass N (MBN), and biological N2 fixation (BNF) by 3.34–18.7%, but reduced nitrous oxide (N2O) emission by 15.9%. Further analysis with the aggregated boosted tree model indicated that the TN and BNF played the most important roles in biochar-induced change in crop productivity. However, while crop productivity was positively correlated with TN under biochar addition, it showed a negative correlation with BNF. These findings suggest that biochar addition could enhance crop growth and productivity through increasing the soil N resource and N uptake, but this was not true for some N2-fixing crops, probably because they were usually constrained by nutrients other than N.
Control of Gas Emissions (N2O and CO2) Associated with Applied Different Rates of Nitrogen and Their Influences on Growth, Productivity, and Physio-Biochemical Attributes of Green Bean Plants Grown under Different Irrigation Methods
Authors: El-Beltagi Hossam S. , Hashem Fadl A. , Maze Mona , Shalaby Tarek A. , Shehata Wael F. , Taha Noura M.
Published: January 2022

The use of nitrogenous fertilizers in agriculture can cause uncontrolled gas emissions, such as N2O and CO2, leading to global warming and serious climate change. In this study, we evaluated the greenhouse gases emissions (GHGs) that are concomitant with applied different rates of N fertilization, such as 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%, 110%, and 120% of the recommended dose in green beans grown under three irrigation systems (surface, subsurface, and drip irrigation). The obtained results showed that GHGs were positively correlated with increasing the rate of N fertilization. Meanwhile, the subsurface irrigation system followed by drip irrigation achieved the highest significant (p ≤ 0.05) values regarding the growth and pod yield attributes. Furthermore, N supplements at 90% and/or 100% of the recommended dose under the subsurface irrigation system led to the highest concentration of chlorophyll, vitamin C, total protein, and activities of antioxidant enzymes, including catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and peroxidase (POX). Proline and pod fibers were decreased in parallel with increasing the N rate, while water use efficiency (WUE) was improved with increasing the rate of N supplements up to 100% or 110% of the recommended dose.
Part II of Finnish Agility Dog Survey: Agility-Related Injuries and Risk Factors for Injury in Competition-Level Agility Dogs
Authors: Inkilä Leena , Hyytiäinen Heli , Hielm-Björkman Anna , Junnila Jouni , Bergh Anna , Boström Anna
Published: January 2022

Dog agility is associated with a risk for sport-related injuries, but few risk factors for injury are known. A retrospective online questionnaire was used to collect data on 864 Finnish competition-level agility dogs—including 119 dogs (14%) with agility-related injury during 2019. Data included injury details, health background, experience in agility, and sport and management routines prior to the injury. Risk factors for injury were evaluated with multivariate logistic regression. The rate of competition-related injuries was 1.44 injuries/1000 competition runs. The front limb was injured in 61% of dogs. In 65% of dogs, the injury presented as lameness. The main risk factors for agility-related injury during 2019 were multiple previous agility-related injuries (OR 11.36; 95% CI 6.10–21.13), older age when starting course-like training (OR 2.04 per one year increase; 95% CI 1.36–3.05), high training frequency, diagnosis of lumbosacral transitional vertebra, and physiotherapy every two to three months compared with never. The most important protective factors were moderate competition frequency and A-frame performance technique. These associations do not confirm causality. We identified new risk factors for injury in agility. This information can be used to improve the welfare of agility dogs.
Wanna See My Dog Pic? A Comparative Observational Study of the Presentation of Animals on Online Dating Profiles in Vienna and Tokyo
Authors: Dürnberger Christian , Springer Svenja
Published: January 2022

Online dating applications offer new ways for people to search for social contacts. While previous studies have indicated that the inclusion of animals in profiles can increase users’ dating success rates, the question of how many users display animals, and what kinds of animals are shown on dating profiles, has not yet been empirically investigated. Using a structured observational study of profiles in Vienna and Tokyo on a popular online dating app (n = 2400), we therefore looked at how many profiles show animals and what kinds of animals are shown. We found that 15.5% of the investigated profiles had at least one photo showing an animal. In both cities, dogs were the most frequently shown animal. Taking the cities together, they appeared in 46.4% of the animal pictures, as compared with cats at 25.7%. Other animals such as exotic animals (9.9%), farm animals (6.4%) or horses (4.6%) played a minor role. Users were significantly more likely to show cats in Tokyo (35.8%) than they were in Vienna (18.0%). We found that users in Vienna; women; and older adults were more likely to present animals on their profiles than were users in Tokyo; men; and younger users. Sexual orientation showed no significant differences in the analyses.
Automated Tracking Systems for the Assessment of Farmed Poultry
Authors: Neethirajan Suresh
Published: January 2022

The world’s growing population is highly dependent on animal agriculture. Animal products provide nutrient-packed meals that help to sustain individuals of all ages in communities across the globe. As the human demand for animal proteins grows, the agricultural industry must continue to advance its efficiency and quality of production. One of the most commonly farmed livestock is poultry and their significance is felt on a global scale. Current poultry farming practices result in the premature death and rejection of billions of chickens on an annual basis before they are processed for meat. This loss of life is concerning regarding animal welfare, agricultural efficiency, and economic impacts. The best way to prevent these losses is through the individualistic and/or group level assessment of animals on a continuous basis. On large-scale farms, such attention to detail was generally considered to be inaccurate and inefficient, but with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted technology individualised, and per-herd assessments of livestock became possible and accurate. Various studies have shown that cameras linked with specialised systems of AI can properly analyse flocks for health concerns, thus improving the survival rate and product quality of farmed poultry. Building on recent advancements, this review explores the aspects of AI in the detection, counting, and tracking of poultry in commercial and research-based applications.
Computer Vision for Detection of Body Posture and Behavior of Red Foxes
Authors: Schütz Anne K. , Krause E. Tobias , Fischer Mareike , Müller Thomas , Freuling Conrad M. , Conraths Franz J. , Homeier-Bachmann Timo , Lentz Hartmut H. K.
Published: January 2022

The behavior of animals is related to their health and welfare status. The latter plays a particular role in animal experiments, where continuous monitoring is essential for animal welfare. In this study, we focus on red foxes in an experimental setting and study their behavior. Although animal behavior is a complex concept, it can be described as a combination of body posture and activity. To measure body posture and activity, video monitoring can be used as a non-invasive and cost-efficient tool. While it is possible to analyze the video data resulting from the experiment manually, this method is time consuming and costly. We therefore use computer vision to detect and track the animals over several days. The detector is based on a neural network architecture. It is trained to detect red foxes and their body postures, i.e., ‘lying’, ‘sitting’, and ‘standing’. The trained algorithm has a mean average precision of 99.91%. The combination of activity and posture results in nearly continuous monitoring of animal behavior. Furthermore, the detector is suitable for real-time evaluation. In conclusion, evaluating the behavior of foxes in an experimental setting using computer vision is a powerful tool for cost-efficient real-time monitoring.
Microsatellite Polymorphism and the Population Structure of Dugongs (Dugong dugon) in Thailand
Authors: Poommouang Anocha , Piboon Promporn , Buddhachat Kittisak , Brown Janine L. , Kriangwanich Wannapimol , Chomdej Siriwadee , Kampuansai Jatupol , Mekchay Supamit , Kaewmong Patcharaporn , Kittiwattanawong Kongkiat , Nganvongpanit Korakot
Published: January 2022

The dugong (Dugong dugon) is an endangered species of marine mammals, so knowledge of genetic diversity of these populations is important for conservation planning within different habitats. In this study, six microsatellite markers were used to assess the genetic diversity and population structure of 77 dugongs from skin samples of stranded animals collected from 1994–2019 (69 from Andaman Sea and 8 from the Gulf of Thailand). Our results found that dugongs in the Andaman Sea had higher genetic variation than those in the Gulf of Thailand. Populations in Trang, Satun, and some areas of Krabi had highest diversity compared to other regions of Thailand. Bayesian genetic clustering analysis revealed that dugongs in Thailand consist of five genetic groups. Moreover, dugongs in the middle and lower Andaman Sea presented the greatest gene flow compared to other regions. However, based on calculation of inbreeding coefficients (Fis value = 0.239), dugong populations in the Sea of Thailand are experiencing some levels of inbreeding, and so may warrant special protections. These results provide important information for understanding the genetic status of dugongs that can lead to improved management and conservation of this endangered species.
Antimicrobial and Biocide Resistance among Feline and Canine Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius Isolates from Diagnostic Submissions
Authors: Feßler Andrea T. , Scholtzek Anissa D. , Schug Angela R. , Kohn Barbara , Weingart Christiane , Schink Anne-Kathrin , Bethe Astrid , Lübke-Becker Antina , Schwarz Stefan
Published: January 2022

A total of 114 Staphylococcus isolates from various infections of companion animals, including 43 feline Staphylococcus aureus, 19 canine S. aureus, 11 feline Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and 41 canine S. pseudintermedius were investigated for (i) their susceptibility to 24 antimicrobial agents and three combinations of antimicrobial agents by broth microdilution following CLSI recommendations and (ii) the corresponding resistance genes. In addition, the isolates were tested for their susceptibility to the four biocides benzalkonium chloride, chlorhexidine, polyhexanide and octenidine by a recently developed biocide susceptibility testing protocol. Penicillin resistance via blaZ was the dominant resistance property in all four groups of isolates ranging between 76.7 and 90.9%. About one quarter of the isolates (25.4%) proved to be methicillin-resistant and carried the genes mecA or mecC. Macrolide resistance was the second most prevalent resistance property (27.2%) and all isolates harbored the resistance genes erm(A), erm(B), erm(C), erm(T) or msr(A), alone or in combinations. Fluoroquinolone resistance was detected in 21.1% of all isolates tested, whereas tetracycline resistance via tet(K) and/or tet(M) occurred in 19.3% of the isolates. Resistance to last resort antimicrobial agents in human medicine was seen only in single isolates, if at all. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the four biocides showed unimodal distributions and were very similar for the four groups of staphylococci. Because of the large number of (multi)resistant isolates, antimicrobial susceptibility testing of feline and canine S. aureus and S. pseudintermedius isolates is highly recommended before the start of an antimicrobial chemotherapy. Moreover, no hints towards the development of biocide resistance were detected.
Association of blaVIM-2, blaPDC-35, blaOXA-10, blaOXA-488 and blaVEB-9 β-Lactamase Genes with Resistance to Ceftazidime–Avibactam and Ceftolozane–Tazobactam in Multidrug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Sid Ahmed Mazen A. , Khan Faisal Ahmad , Hadi Hamad Abdel , Skariah Sini , Sultan Ali A. , Salam Abdul , Al Khal Abdul Latif , Söderquist Bo , Ibrahim Emad Bashir , Omrani Ali S. , Jass Jana
Published: January 2022

Ceftazidime–avibactam and ceftolozane–tazobactam are approved for the treatment of complicated Gram-negative bacterial infections including multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Resistance to both agents has been reported, but the underlying mechanisms have not been fully explored. This study aimed to correlate β-lactamases with phenotypic resistance to ceftazidime–avibactam and/or ceftolozane–tazobactam in MDR-P. aeruginosa from Qatar. A total of 525 MDR-P. aeruginosa isolates were collected from clinical specimens between 2014 and 2017. Identification and antimicrobial susceptibility were performed by the BD PhoenixTM system and gradient MIC test strips. Of the 75 sequenced MDR isolates, 35 (47%) were considered as having difficult-to-treat resistance, and 42 were resistant to ceftazidime–avibactam (37, 49.3%), and/or ceftolozane–tazobactam (40, 53.3%). They belonged to 12 sequence types, with ST235 being predominant (38%). Most isolates (97.6%) carried one or more β-lactamase genes, with blaOXA-488 (19%) and blaVEB-9 (45.2%) being predominant. A strong association was detected between class B β-lactamase genes and both ceftazidime–avibactam and ceftolozane–tazobactam resistance, while class A genes were associated with ceftolozane–tazobactam resistance. Co-resistance to ceftazidime–avibactam and ceftolozane–tazobactam correlated with the presence of blaVEB-9, blaPDC-35, blaVIM-2, blaOXA-10 and blaOXA-488. MDR-P. aeruginosa isolates resistant to both combination drugs were associated with class B β-lactamases (blaVIM-2) and class D β-lactamases (blaOXA-10), while ceftolozane–tazobactam resistance was associated with class A (blaVEB-9), class C (blaVPDC-35), and class D β-lactamases (blaOXA-488).
Superoxide Dismutases in Eukaryotic Microorganisms: Four Case Studies
Authors: de Obeso Fernandez del Valle Alvaro , Scheckhuber Christian Quintus
Published: January 2022

Various components in the cell are responsible for maintaining physiological levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Several different enzymes exist that can convert or degrade ROS; among them are the superoxide dismutases (SODs). If left unchecked, ROS can cause damage that leads to pathology, can contribute to aging, and may, ultimately, cause death. SODs are responsible for converting superoxide anions to hydrogen peroxide by dismutation. Here we review the role of different SODs on the development and pathogenicity of various eukaryotic microorganisms relevant to human health. These include the fungal aging model, Podospora anserina; various members of the genus Aspergillus that can potentially cause aspergillosis; the agents of diseases such as Chagas and sleeping disease, Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma brucei, respectively; and, finally, pathogenic amoebae, such as Acanthamoeba spp. In these organisms, SODs fulfill essential and often regulatory functions that come into play during processes such as the development, host infection, propagation, and control of gene expression. We explore the contribution of SODs and their related factors in these microorganisms, which have an established role in health and disease.