bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Delayed Diagnosis and Diagnostic Pathway of ALS Patients in Portugal: Where Can We Improve?
Authors: Falcão de Campos Catarina , Gromicho Marta , Uysal Hilmi , Grosskreutz Julian , Kuzma-Kozakiewicz Magdalena , Oliveira Santos Miguel , Pinto Susana , Petri Susanne , Swash Michael , de Carvalho Mamede
Published: October 2021

Background: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease with unsatisfactory treatment options. Best management and recruitment into clinical trials requires early diagnosis. However, diagnosis is often delayed. Analysis of the diagnostic pathway and identification of the causes of diagnostic delay are imperative.

Methods: We studied a cohort of 580 ALS patients followed up in our ALS clinic in Lisbon. Demographic, disease, and sociocultural factors were collected. Time from first symptom onset to diagnosis, the specialist's assessment, and investigations requested were analyzed. Predictors of diagnostic delay were evaluated by multivariate linear regression, adjusting for potential confounders.

Results: The median diagnostic delay from first symptom onset was 10 months. Spinal-onset, slower disease progression, cognitive symptoms at onset, and lower income were associated with increased diagnostic delay. Most patients were first assessed by general practitioners. Patients who were first evaluated by a neurologist were more likely to be correctly diagnosed, decreasing time to diagnosis. Electromyography was decisive in establishing the diagnosis.

Conclusions: Late referral from non-neurologists to a neurologist is a potentially modifiable factor contributing to significant diagnostic delay. Educational interventions targeted to non-neurologists physicians, in order to increase awareness of ALS and, consequently, promote early referral to a neurologist at a tertiary center, will be important in reducing diagnostic delay.
Making Cognitive Niches Explicit: On the Importance of External Cognitive Representations in Accounting for Cumulative Culture
Authors: Hohol Mateusz , Wołoszyn Kinga , Brożek Bartosz
Published: October 2021

Cumulative transmission and innovation are the hallmark properties of the cultural achievements of human beings. Cognitive scientists have traditionally explained these properties in terms of social learning and creativity. The non-social cognitive dimension of cumulative culture, the so-called technical reasoning, has also been accounted for recently. These explanatory perspectives are methodologically individualistic since they frame cumulative and innovative culture in terms of the processing of inner cognitive representations. Here we show that going beyond methodological individualism could facilitate an understanding of why some inventions are disseminated in a stable form and constitute the basis for further modifications. Drawing on three cases of cognitive history of prominent achievements of Antiquity, i.e., Homerian epics, Euclidean geometry, and Roman law, we investigate which properties of cognitive artifacts shaped cognitive niches for modifying original cognitive tasks or developing new ones. These niches both constrained and enabled the cognitive skills of humans to promote cumulative culture and further innovations. At the same time, we claim that “wide cognition,” incorporating both intracranial resources and external cognitive representations, constitutes a platform for building explanations of cognitive phenomena developing over a historical time scale.
Neuronal Activity in the Sciatic Nerve Is Accompanied by Immediate Cytoskeletal Changes
Authors: Yehuda Bossmat , Gradus Pery Tal , Ophir Efrat , Blumenfeld-Katzir Tamar , Sheinin Anton , Alon Yael , Danino Noy , Perlson Eran , Nevo Uri
Published: October 2021

Mechanical events and alterations in neuronal morphology that accompany neuronal activity have been observed for decades. However, no clear neurophysiological role, nor an agreed molecular mechanism relating these events to the electrochemical process, has been found. Here we hypothesized that intense, yet physiological, electrical activity in neurons triggers cytoskeletal depolymerization. We excited the sciatic nerve of anesthetized mice with repetitive electric pulses (5, 10, and 100 Hz) for 1 and 2 min and immediately fixed the excised nerves. We then scanned the excised nerves with high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and quantified cytoskeletal changes in the resulting micrographs. We demonstrate that excitation with a stimulation frequency that is within the physiological regime is accompanied by a significant reduction in the density of cytoskeletal proteins relative to the baseline values recorded in control nerves. After 10 Hz stimulation with durations of 1 and 2 min, neurofilaments density dropped to 55.8 and 51.1% of the baseline median values, respectively. In the same experiments, microtubules density dropped to 23.7 and 38.5% of the baseline median values, respectively. These changes were also accompanied by a reduction in the cytoskeleton-to-cytoplasm contrast that we attribute to the presence of depolymerized electron-dense molecules in the lumen. Thus, we demonstrate with an in vivo model a link between electrical activity and immediate cytoskeleton rearrangement at the nano-scale. We suggest that this cytoskeletal plasticity reduces cellular stiffness and allows cellular homeostasis, maintenance of neuronal morphology and that it facilitates in later stages growth of the neuronal projections.
Beverages Consumption and Oral Health in the Aging Population: A Systematic Review
Authors: Zupo Roberta , Castellana Fabio , De Nucci Sara , Dibello Vittorio , Lozupone Madia , Giannelli Gianluigi , De Pergola Giovanni , Panza Francesco , Sardone Rodolfo , Boeing Heiner
Published: October 2021

Little study has yet been made of the effect of different beverages on oral health outcomes in the aging population. The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the association between different beverages, including alcohol intake, coffee, milk, tea, and sugary drinks, and a cluster of oral health outcomes, including periodontal disease, oral dysbiosis, and tooth loss in older adults. The literature was screened from the inception up to May 2021 using six different electronic databases. Two independent researchers assessed the eligibility of 1308 retrieved articles regarding inclusion criteria; only 12 fitted the eligibility requirements, representing 16 beverage entries. A minimum age of 60 was the inclusion criterion. No exclusion criteria were applied to outcomes assessment tools, recruiting facilities (hospital or community), general health status, country, and study type (longitudinal or cross-sectional). The consumption of alcoholic beverages was expressed as alcohol intake in all eligible studies, thereby replacing alcoholic beverages in the analysis. The quality of evidence was judged as moderate for alcohol and low or very low for beverages. In regard to oral health in the elderly, the review identified information on alcohol (56.25%), followed by coffee (18.75%), milk (12.50%), tea (6.25%), and sugary drinks (6.25%). Alcohol, sugary drinks, and coffee were found to be related to tooth loss. Periodontal disease was inversely related to coffee and milk, but fostered by alcohol consumption. In one article, tea but not coffee seemed to improve oral microbiota. In summary, alcohol seems to be a driver for tooth loss and periodontal disease in the aging population. However, more research is needed to gain a more solid knowledge in this research area.

Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, PROSPERO, Identifier: CRD42021256386.
Circulating Tumor Cells: A Promising Biomarker in the Management of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Wu Jiangtao , Zhu Huijun , Gao Feifei , Wang Rensheng , Hu Kai
Published: October 2021

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignancy that arises from the mucosal epithelium of the nasopharynx, and its prognosis is relatively favorable. The 5-year overall survival rate in patients with locally advanced NPC currently exceeds 80%, but the development of individualized diagnosis and treatment at the molecular level is relatively lacking. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) is the generic term for tumor cells that are present in the peripheral blood circulation. As a new biomarker with good clinical application prospects, the detection of CTCs has the advantages of being non-invasive, simple, and repeatable. By capturing and detecting CTCs in peripheral blood and monitoring the dynamic variation of its type and quantity, we can assess the biological characteristics of tumor in a timely manner and evaluate the therapeutic effect and prognosis of patients in advance, which will help to develop individualized treatments of tumors. The primary purposes of this review were the clinical application of CTCs in tumor stage determination, treatment efficacy evaluation, and prognosis prediction of NPC. In addition, we estimated the correlation between Epstein-Barr virus infection and CTCs and analyzed the difference in karyotypes and specific markers expressed on CTCs. We believe that our study will provide new insights and biomarkers for the individualized treatment of patients with NPC.
IL-7 and CCR2b Co-Expression-Mediated Enhanced CAR-T Survival and Infiltration in Solid Tumors
Authors: Li Guangchao , Zhang Qing , Han Zeping , Zhu Yangmin , Shen Huijuan , Liu Zhi , Zhou Zhao , Ding Wen , Han Siqi , He Jinhua , Yin Zhao , Zhou Jie , Ou Ruiming , Luo Min , Liu Shuang
Published: October 2021

Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cells are not effective in solid tumor treatment due to reduced invasion and expansion, and short survival time. This study aimed to explore whether interleukin (IL)-7 and CCR2b expression could improve GD2-CAR-T cell survival and infiltration in neuroblastoma and melanoma treatment. IL-7 and CCR2b were inserted into the classical second-generation CAR structure to construct 7×2b CAR. The 7×2b CAR-T cell phenotypes were evaluated by flow cytometry and the chemokine levels by ELISA. The 7×2b CAR-T cell migration and anti-tumor abilities were detected by Transwell assay and animal experiments in vivo. We report that compared with that of CAR-T cells, 7×2b CAR-T cell IL-7 secretion and CCR2b expression did not affect the T cell surface expression of CAR or CAR-T specificity and efficacy against tumor cells. The 7×2b CAR-T cells could induce IFN-γ secretion in GD2-positive tumor cells, killing them as well as conventional CAR-T cells. Moreover, IL-7 and CCR2b co-expression enhanced the 7×2b CAR-T cell survival and migration. Similar to conventional CAR-T, 7×2b CAR-T cells could also inhibit tumor growth and increase IFN-γ, Gzms-B, and IL-2 expression. Finally, unlike in mice injected with CAR-T cells, CD3 expression was the most abundant in the spleen and tumor tissues in mice injected with 7×2b CAR-T cells. Our study demonstrates that IL-7 and CCR2b co-expression in GD2-CAR-T cells exhibit stronger anti-tumor activity than classical second-generation CAR-T cells, shedding light on the potential novel GD2-positive neuroblastoma and melanoma treatment approach.
Deep Learning-Based Computer-Aided Detection System for Automated Treatment Response Assessment of Brain Metastases on 3D MRI
Authors: Cho Jungheum , Kim Young Jae , Sunwoo Leonard , Lee Gi Pyo , Nguyen Toan Quang , Cho Se Jin , Baik Sung Hyun , Bae Yun Jung , Choi Byung Se , Jung Cheolkyu , Sohn Chul-Ho , Han Jung-Ho , Kim Chae-Yong , Kim Kwang Gi , Kim Jae Hyoung
Published: October 2021

Background

Although accurate treatment response assessment for brain metastases (BMs) is crucial, it is highly labor intensive. This retrospective study aimed to develop a computer-aided detection (CAD) system for automated BM detection and treatment response evaluation using deep learning.

Methods

We included 214 consecutive MRI examinations of 147 patients with BM obtained between January 2015 and August 2016. These were divided into the training (174 MR images from 127 patients) and test datasets according to temporal separation (temporal test set #1; 40 MR images from 20 patients). For external validation, 24 patients with BM and 11 patients without BM from other institutions were included (geographic test set). In addition, we included 12 MRIs from BM patients obtained between August 2017 and March 2020 (temporal test set #2). Detection sensitivity, dice similarity coefficient (DSC) for segmentation, and agreements in one-dimensional and volumetric Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology Brain Metastases (RANO-BM) criteria between CAD and radiologists were assessed.

Results

In the temporal test set #1, the sensitivity was 75.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 69.6%, 79.9%), mean DSC was 0.69 ± 0.22, and false-positive (FP) rate per scan was 0.8 for BM ≥ 5 mm. Agreements in the RANO-BM criteria were moderate (κ, 0.52) and substantial (κ, 0.68) for one-dimensional and volumetric, respectively. In the geographic test set, sensitivity was 87.7% (95% CI: 77.2%, 94.5%), mean DSC was 0.68 ± 0.20, and FP rate per scan was 1.9 for BM ≥ 5 mm. In the temporal test set #2, sensitivity was 94.7% (95% CI: 74.0%, 99.9%), mean DSC was 0.82 ± 0.20, and FP per scan was 0.5 (6/12) for BM ≥ 5 mm.

Conclusions

Our CAD showed potential for automated treatment response assessment of BM ≥ 5 mm.
The Asthma Family Tree: Evaluating Associations Between Childhood, Parental, and Grandparental Asthma in Seven Chinese Cities
Authors: Yu Hongyao , Su Fan , Wang Le-Bing , Hemminki Kari , Dharmage Shyamali C. , Bowatte Gayan , Bui Dinh , Qian Zhengmin , Vaughn Michael G. , Aaron Hannah E. , Xiong Shimin , Shen Xubo , Zhou Yuanzhong , Zhou Peien , Zeng Xiao-Wen , Chen Gongbo , Yang Bo-Yi , Hu Li-Wen , Dong Guang-Hui
Published: October 2021

Objective:To evaluate the associations between childhood, parental, and grandparental asthma.

Methods:We studied 59,484 children randomly selected from 94 kindergartens, elementary, and middle schools in seven Chinese cities from 2012 to 2013, using a cross-sectional survey-based study design. Information on their and their family members' (parents, paternal grandparents, and maternal grandparents) asthma status were reported by children's parents or guardians. Mixed effects logistic regressions were used to assess hereditary patterns of asthma and mediation analysis was performed to estimate the potential mediation effect of parents on the association between grandparental asthma and childhood asthma.

Results:The magnitude of ORs for childhood asthma increased as the number of family members affected by asthma increased. Among children who had one family member with asthma, childhood asthma was associated with asthma in maternal grandmothers (OR: 2.08, 95% CI: 1.67–2.59), maternal grandfathers (OR: 2.08, 95% CI: 1.71–2.53), paternal grandmothers (OR: 2.40, 95% CI: 1.93–2.99), and paternal grandfathers (OR: 2.59, 95% CI: 2.14–3.13). Among children who had two family members with asthma, the highest asthma risk was found when both parents had asthma (OR: 15.92, 95% CI: 4.66–54.45). Parents had a small proportion of mediation effect (9–12%) on the association between grandparental asthma and childhood asthma.

Conclusions:Grandparents with asthma were associated with childhood asthma and parents with asthma partially mediated the association.
Soluble Interleukin-2 Receptor Level as a Marker of Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis in Children With Severe Dengue
Authors: Singh Dhirendra , Raghunathan Veena , Dhaliwal Maninder , Rastogi Neha , Chadha Ritu , Yadav Satya Prakash
Published: October 2021

Dengue induced-hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is increasingly recognized as an important cause of secondary HLH. Early identification of dengue HLH and directed therapy for HLH may help to alter the outcomes in critically ill patients. Soluble interleukin-2 receptor (IL2R) is a useful inflammatory marker and is seen to correlate with HLH disease activity. There is scarcity of data on IL2R in pediatric dengue patients with HLH. All patients (age < 18 years) with severe dengue confirmed by positive dengue IgM ELISA admitted to PICU were retrospectively enrolled. Patientswere screened for presence of HLH according to HLH 2004 criteria. Hemogram, ferritin, fibrinogen, liver, and renal function tests were noted. Patients who met four or more HLH criteria were treated with steroids and IL2R levels were sent to confirm the diagnosis of HLH. Out of 15 patients, nine patients met the criteria of HLH. IL2R levels were high in all HLH patients (mean 51,711, range 18,000–98,715 pg/mL). Mean ferritin levels were high in the HLH group as compared to non-HLH group (mean ferritin 34,593 vs. 3,206 ng/mL; p-value 0.004). Liver dysfunction was notably higher in the HLH group compared to non-HLH group (mean alanine aminotransferase 6,621 U/L vs. 165.6 U/L; p-value 0.04, mean aspartate aminotransferase 2,145 U/L vs. 104.2 U/L; 0.04, bilirubin level 4.2 mg/dL vs. 0.7 mg/dL; p-value 0.03). Four patients in the HLH group had acute kidney injury (AKI) and two required renal replacement therapy in the form of sustained low efficiency dialysis (SLED). Requirement for invasive ventilation was exclusively seen in HLH group and three patients developed ARDS. Two patients each in HLH and non-HLH group had shock requiring vasoactive therapy in addition to fluids. Mean days of ICU and hospital stay were higher in HLH group vs. non-HLH group but not statistically significant (6.4 vs. 4.4; p-value 0.32 and 8.44 vs. 5.6; p-value 0.18 days, respectively). All children in HLH group received steroids as per HLH protocol. In the HLH group, seven survived while two died. In the non-HLH group, all five patients survived. We concluded that IL2R levels are high in dengue HLH and useful for definitive diagnosis. Early recognition of this condition in severe dengue and prompt steroid therapy improves chances of better outcome.
Integration of Transcriptomics and Metabolomics Reveals the Responses of Sugar Beet to Continuous Cropping Obstacle
Authors: Huang Weijuan , Sun Donglei , Wang Ronghua , An Yuxing
Published: October 2021

Sugar beet is vulnerable to years of continuous cropping, and allelopathy is one of the important factors leading to continuous cropping disorder. To explore the physiological and molecular mechanisms behind continuous cropping obstacles on sugar beet, this study combined transcriptomics and metabolomics to analyze the effects of different years of continuous cropping on metabolite changes, differential gene expression, and root exudate regulation in sugar beet. We collected sugar beet’s root samples from 1–, 3–, and 5-year continuous cropping systems for metabolome and transcriptome analyses. Our data revealed that T3 and T5 had 50 and 33 metabolites significantly different from T1, respectively. The autotoxic substance salicylaldehyde was found to continuously accumulate in root exudates with increasing years of continuous cropping. Sucrose was highly reduced in T3 (4.05-fold decrease) and T5 (2.01-fold decrease) compared to T1. Respectively, 2,660 and 3,515 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were significantly regulated in T3 and T5 compared to T1. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses showed that metabolic pathways and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites were perturbed in T3 and T5 vs. T1. Integrated metabolomics analyses identified 73 DEGs involved in enriched metabolic pathways, all of which were the oxidation-reduction process pathways. In conclusion, this study provides evidence that continuous cropping obstacles can change the metabolome and transcriptome of sugar beet, affecting its growth and quality.
Petal Cellular Identities
Authors: Cavallini-Speisser Quentin , Morel Patrice , Monniaux Marie
Published: October 2021

Petals are typified by their conical epidermal cells that play a predominant role for the attraction and interaction with pollinators. However, cell identities in the petal can be very diverse, with different cell types in subdomains of the petal, in different cell layers, and depending on their adaxial-abaxial or proximo-distal position in the petal. In this mini-review, we give an overview of the main cell types that can be found in the petal and describe some of their functions. We review what is known about the genetic basis for the establishment of these cellular identities and their possible relation with petal identity and polarity specifiers expressed earlier during petal development, in an attempt to bridge the gap between organ identity and cell identity in the petal.
The Effect of Filial Piety and Cognitive Development on the Development of Adolescents' Depressive Symptoms: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Pan Yingqiu , Tang Ruheng
Published: October 2021

The present study aims to investigate the pathways through which filial piety and cognitive development work on the development of depressive symptoms in adolescents as well as the trigger of adolescents' depressive symptoms (e.g., academic pressure). Two hundred fifty-seven Chinese adolescents (128 females and 129 males) participated in the study from Grade 7 to Grade 9. Results showed that both filial piety and cognitive autonomy significantly contribute to the development of adolescents' depressive symptoms and academic pressure. But reciprocal filial piety (RFP) and authoritarian filial piety (AFP) as two coexisting aspects of filial piety contribute to depressive symptoms in opposite directions. RFP provides significant protection against adolescents' depressive symptoms directly and indirectly through promoting the development of adolescents' cognitive autonomy and alleviating adolescents' academic pressure. In contrast, AFP positively contributes to adolescents' depressive symptoms by hindering the development of cognitive autonomy and intensifying academic pressure.
Structural Modeling on the Determinants of Effectiveness of SOPs Containing COVID-19 in Mass Gatherings
Authors: Basit Abdul , Scholz Miklas , Niazi Abdul Aziz Khan , Qazi Tehmina Fiaz , Shaukat Muhammad Zeeshan , Rao Zia-ur-Rehman , Mahmood Asif
Published: October 2021

The study is aimed to analyze the determinants of the effectiveness of SOPs in mass gatherings for containing COVID-19. The overall design of the study involves a literature review, data collection by field survey, structural modeling, and analysis. The study is built on the experts' opinion of a focus group (representing people who recently participated in and are responsible for mass gatherings). The study uses the discussion of the literature review to identify the determinants, interpretive structural modeling (ISM) for developing and analyzing a structural model, and Matrice d'Impacts Croises Multiplication Appliquée a un Classement (MICMAC) for corroboration of results of the ISM/classification of determinants. From the literature review, a list of determinants is generated and verified by a panel of experts. The results of the ISM revealed that the determinants “legal environment of the country,” “practicability of SOPs,” “perceived benefit of adapting SOPs,” and “possibilities of avoiding gathering” occupied the top of the model, therefore, they are less critical determinants, whereas “nature of gathering” occupied the bottom of the model, and is thus the most critical determinant. The remaining determinants form the middle of the model, and are therefore moderately severe. The results of MICMAC show that the determinant “perceived benefit of adapting SOPs” is dependent, “nature of gathering” is independent, and all others are linked. The results of MICMAC implicitly substantiate the findings of the ISM. The overall results of the study show that “nature of gathering” is the key determinant. This research does not require a priori theory since it is a theory-building study that uses an inductive approach. It is based on real data and it is useful for local authorities, organizers, participants (attendees/visitors) of mass gatherings, health officials/regulators, researchers, and the community at large. This study has fundamental importance for planning and preparing for such events while ensuring the minimum risk of COVID-19 transmission.
The Impact of the Interactivity of Internet Celebrity Anchors on Consumers’ Purchase Intention
Authors: Sun Weiguo , Gao Wei , Geng Ruoshi
Published: October 2021

The current study focuses on a novel and recently popular internet phenomenon – celebrity livestreaming marketing. As one of the primary advantages of livestreaming marketing by Internet celebrities, we propose that the timely interactivity of Internet celebrities plays an important role in consumers’ purchase intention. Based on stimulus-organism-response theory, this paper further identifies social presence and flow experience as mediators and the consistency of Internet celebrities’ image and product image as a moderator and constructs an influence model of Internet celebrities’ interactivity on consumers’ purchase intention. The responses of a sample of 277 participants were collected by a questionnaire survey. SPSS and Amos were used to analyse the data. The results show that consumers’ social presence and flow experience mediate the positive impact of the interactivity of Internet celebrity anchors on influencing consumers’ purchase intention. However, there is no significant moderating effect of the consistency of Internet celebrities’ image and product image on the relationship between social presence or flow experience and purchase intention. A discussion and implications are offered.
Chinese Tertiary-Level English as a Foreign Language Teachers’ Emotional Experience and Expression in Relation to Teacher-Student Interaction
Authors: Xie Xinfeng , Jiang Guiying
Published: October 2021

The present study examines the emotional experience and expression of Chinese tertiary-level English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers and their interaction with their students. Data were drawn from semi-structured in-depth interviews with 10 EFL teachers recruited from seven universities of different levels in China and were analyzed in light of Emotional Geography Theory. The results reveal that Chinese tertiary-level EFL teachers experience more negative emotions than positive ones. The emotions most frequently reported by them are anger, enjoyment, anxiety, disappointment, and ambivalence. When it comes to emotional expressions, Chinese tertiary-level EFL teachers tend to display positive emotions by following the emotional rules of school settings. This study also uncovers that EFL teaching in Chinese universities is characterized by EFL teachers’ physical and moral distance from but political closeness to students, all of which are the sources of EFL teachers’ negative emotions. The need for providing positive psychology intervention for EFL teachers is then suggested.
Skeletal Muscle Adaptations to Exercise Training in Young and Aged Horses
Authors: Latham Christine M. , Owen Randi N. , Dickson Emily C. , Guy Chloey P. , White-Springer Sarah H.
Published: October 2021

In aged humans, low-intensity exercise increases mitochondrial density, function and oxidative capacity, decreases the prevalence of hybrid fibers, and increases lean muscle mass, but these adaptations have not been studied in aged horses. Effects of age and exercise training on muscle fiber type and size, satellite cell abundance, and mitochondrial volume density (citrate synthase activity; CS), function (cytochrome c oxidase activity; CCO), and integrative (per mg tissue) and intrinsic (per unit CS) oxidative capacities were evaluated in skeletal muscle from aged (n = 9; 22 ± 5 yr) and yearling (n = 8; 9.7 ± 0.7 mo) horses. Muscle was collected from the gluteus medius (GM) and triceps brachii at wk 0, 8, and 12 of exercise training. Data were analyzed using linear models with age, training, muscle, and all interactions as fixed effects. At wk 0, aged horses exhibited a lower percentage of type IIx (p = 0.0006) and greater percentage of hybrid IIa/x fibers (p = 0.002) in the GM, less satellite cells per type II fiber (p = 0.03), lesser integrative and intrinsic (p≤ 0.04) CCO activities, lesser integrative oxidative phosphorylation capacity with complex I (PCI; p = 0.02) and maximal electron transfer system capacity (ECI+II; p = 0.06), and greater intrinsic PCI, ECI+II, and electron transfer system capacity with complex II (ECII; p≤ 0.05) than young horses. The percentage of type IIx fibers increased (p < 0.0001) and of type IIa/x fibers decreased (p = 0.001) in the GM, and the number of satellite cells per type II fiber increased (p = 0.0006) in aged horses following exercise training. Conversely, the percentage of type IIa/x fibers increased (p ≤ 0.01) and of type IIx fibers decreased (p ≤ 0.002) in young horses. Integrative maximal oxidative capacity (p ≤ 0.02), ECI+II (p ≤ 0.07), and ECII (p = 0.0003) increased for both age groups from wk 0 to 12. Following exercise training, aged horses had a greater percentage of IIx (p ≤ 0.002) and lesser percentage of IIa/x fibers (p ≤ 0.07), and more satellite cells per type II fiber (p = 0.08) than young horses, but sustained lesser integrative and intrinsic CCO activities (p≤ 0.04) and greater intrinsic PCI, ECI+II, and ECII (p≤ 0.05). Exercise improved mitochondrial measures in young and aged horses; however, aged horses showed impaired mitochondrial function and differences in adaptation to exercise training.
HCG Trigger After Failed GnRH Agonist Trigger Resulted in Two Consecutive Live Births: A Case Report
Authors: Liest Sara , Riishede Christiansen Iben , Prætorius Lisbeth , Bogstad Jeanette , Freiesleben Nina la Cour , Pinborg Anja , Løssl Kristine
Published: October 2021

Background: Failed gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist trigger with no oocyte retrieved during aspiration of several follicles is a rare but recurrent situation that can be rescued by the termination of the aspiration procedure, retriggering by human chorion gonadotropin (hCG), and repeated oocyte pickup 36 h later. Failed GnRH agonist trigger is frustrating and unsatisfactory, and fertility doctors must be aware of possible hCG retriggering and retained opportunity for successful cycle outcome.

Objective: In this case report, we present a woman who experienced failed GnRH agonist trigger and rescue hCG retrigger followed by two consecutive live births after frozen-thawed single blastocyst transfers.

Methods: A case report.

Results: Two healthy children were born in 2018 and 2020, respectively as a result of controlled ovarian stimulation for IVF, failed GnRH agonist trigger followed by hCG re-trigger, and successful retrieval of 25 oocytes.

Conclusion: Retriggering with hCG after failed GnRH agonist trigger can result in consecutive live births, and such knowledge can prevent cycle cancellation and patient discouragement. Knowledge on retriggering with hCG and consecutive live births after failed GnRH agonist trigger can prevent cycle cancellation and patient discouragement.
Analysis of Urban Energy Resources to Achieve Net-Zero Energy Neighborhoods
Authors: Hachem-Vermette Caroline , Singh Kuljeet
Published: October 2021

This paper summarizes a methodology developed to optimize urban-scale energy mix. An optimal capacity estimation method based on energy credits is proposed, the objective of which is to plan renewable and alternative energy sources to yield zero (or positive) year-end energy credits. Several renewable and alternative energy resources are considered, including photovoltaic systems, solar thermal collectors, wind turbines, waste to energy (WtE) potential, as well as thermal seasonal storage. The methodology employs several energy simulation and optimization tools, including Energy Plus, TRNSYS and MATLAB. The optimization employs a non-linear process that uses objective function, boundaries and non-linear/linear constraints as input. The methodology is demonstrated on a hypothetical mixed-use neighborhood, designed to achieve high-energy performance objectives, with three scenarios of energy operations: 1) all electric, 2) all-electric except for DHW, and 3) DHW and space heating arenon-electric. The pilot location of this mixed-use neighborhood, including residential and commercial buildings, is Calgary (AB, Canada). For the all-electric scenario, PV systems implemented in all available south facing roof areas together with a limited number of wind turbines can achieve NZE status. For the other two scenarios, solar thermal collectors coupled to borehole thermal storage (STC and BTES) need to be considered. Although in all cases of the considered scenarios waste-based energy is not required, it can be used to shave the peak electric load, reducing the stress on the grid. This methodology can be employed for the design of an integrated urban energy systems, in different neighborhood designs, to achieve energy self-sufficient, or energy positive status.
Plant Nitrogen Uptake From Insect Frass Is Affected by the Nitrification Rate as Revealed by Urease and Nitrification Inhibitors
Authors: Watson Conor , Preißing Timo , Wichern Florian
Published: October 2021

Insect protein production is considered a sustainable alternative to livestock protein which furthermore utilizes waste streams. Its production can have positive but also potentially negative environmental effects, which require evaluation. Frass, the byproduct of insect production, is regarded an efficient organic fertilizer or soil amendment. However, several studies report negative frass effects on plant growth and nitrogen (N) cycling. Therefore, a pot trial was carried out which sought to understand N release from frass and subsequent growth and nutrient uptake of Italian ryegrass. Mealworm frass (MWF) or buffalo worm frass (BFW) was applied at two rates (1.5 and 3% w/w) to a soil-sand mix. To evaluate N release processes, frass was applied alone, with a nitrification inhibitor (NI), a urease inhibitor (UI), or both (NI+UI). Plant N, nutrient uptake and soil inorganic N were measured at the experiment's end. To gauge whether altered N fluxes induced changes in the microbial community, soil microbial biomass, bacterial/archaeal abundances and ergosterol content as a fungal biomarker, were determined. Both frass types and application rates stimulated microbial growth and N mineralization. The 3% rate inhibited seed germination, possibly due to salinity or ammonia toxicity. At the 1.5% rate, both frass types were effective fertilizers. MWF led to higher biomass and nutrient uptake, owing to its higher extractable nutrient concentrations. The 3% rate caused nitrite accumulation in the absence of NI. NI improved plant biomass, nutrient uptake, stimulated archaeal and bacterial abundances and prevented nitrite accumulation. UI reduced N mineralization, showing that a substantial fraction of frass organic N is ureic. UI enhanced fungal contribution to the microbial biomass, revealing the importance of bacteria in frass N mineralization processes when UI is not applied. NI and UI combined, induced greater N release from frass than UI or NI alone. Our study demonstrated the usefulness of NI and UI in studying N release from frass. NI can improve plant N uptake and minimize N losses following frass application, reducing its potentially negative effects. UI can retard N release from frass, allowing its application as a slow-release fertilizer, but should not be used concurrently with NI.
Fertilization with Municipal Wastewater Phosphorus Adsorbed to Alginate Beads: Results from a Pot Experiment with Italian Ryegrass
Authors: Pawelec Krzysztof , Siwek Hanna , Kitczak Teodor , Włodarczyk Małgorzata
Published: October 2021

The global increase in the demand for fertilizers and thus phosphorus (P) contributes to the depletion of P reserves and the need to recycle this element. This paper presents the results of a pilot-scale experiment on the possibility of using a fertilizer preparation containing alginate, Fe and P (AFP) obtained in the process of P adsorption from sludge water on a hydrogel alginate adsorbent cross-linked with iron (III) ions. The influence of AFP on the growth of a model plant of the Italian ryegrass (Lolium perenne cv. Turtetra) was examined in comparison with differentiated mineral fertilization (MF) under the conditions of a pot experiment. The two fertilizers produced similar crop yields of the tested plant and had similar plant and soil macro- and micro-elements, except for the content of Fe and Cu in ryegrass, which was significantly higher with AFP fertilization. Further research on the use of the proposed sorbent for large-scale P recycling in an uncontrolled field environment should include acceptable limits for multivalent metal concentrations in wastewater, the mechanical/thermal stability, and the effectiveness of AFP under field conditions and a cost competitiveness. AFP has the potential to compete with mineral fertilizers for P fertilization, and this technology is in line with the EU circular economy vision.
Mining Middle Eastern and Central Asian Barley Germplasm to Understand Diversity for Resistance to Puccinia hordei, Causal Agent of Leaf Rust
Authors: Mehnaz Mehnaz , Dracatos Peter M. , Park Robert F. , Singh Davinder
Published: October 2021

Vast collections of barley germplasm have been established and conserved in various global gene banks. These collections hold tremendous genetic diversity for resistance genes to Puccinia hordei, a causal agent of barley leaf rust. This study was undertaken to discover, characterize and postulate the known Rph genes (resistance to Puccinia hordei) and identify novel sources of ASR (all-stage resistance) and APR (adult plant resistance) to P. hordei. A core set of 315 barley lines were rust-tested as seedlings for their response to eight Australian pathotypes of P. hordei and genotyped with molecular markers linked to the known characterised ASR and APR genes. These tests led to the postulation of ASR leaf rust resistance genes Rph1, Rph2, Rph3, Rph9.am, Rph12, Rph15, Rph19 and Rph25 singly or in combination. Field tests revealed that the vast majority of lines (84%) carried APR. Genotyping of the APR-carrying lines with markers bPb-0837, Ebmac0603 and sun43-44 identified lines that likely carry the known APR genes Rph20, Rph23 and Rph24 singly or in combination. Thirty-nine per cent of the lines were negative for all the three markers and were thus postulated to carry uncharacterized APR. The sources of resistance identified in this study provide a valuable resource to breeders for further utilization and diversifying the genetic basis of leaf rust resistance in barley.
Alternative Herbicides for Controlling Herbicide-Resistant Annual Bluegrass (Poa annua L.) in Turf
Authors: Barua Rajesh , Boutsalis Peter , Kleemann Samuel , Malone Jenna , Gill Gurjeet , Preston Christopher
Published: October 2021

Poa annua is a cosmopolitan, cool-season grass species regarded as one of the most significant weeds of turfgrass. It is mainly controlled by herbicides; however, repeated use of herbicides in golf turf has resulted in the evolution of multiple-herbicide resistant P. annua. Four field experiments were performed in autumn and spring in golf turf to identify effective herbicide options to control multiple herbicide-resistant P. annua. In herbicide resistance screening, the trial site population (SA1) was found to be susceptible to amicarbazone and terbuthylazine, but resistant to simazine and metribuzin at the field rate of each herbicide. Consistent with the results of the pot study, the PSII-inhibiting herbicides amicarbazone and terbuthylazine provided the best control (80–100%) of P. annua in both autumn and spring trials with minimal damage to the turf. In contrast, the other two PSII-inhibiting herbicides, metribuzin and simazine, were relatively ineffective in controlling P. annua in the field. Indaziflam also performed well in both autumn trials and reduced P. annua occurrence by >75%. Pyroxasulfone and s-metolachlor only provided moderate weed control in both the autumn and spring trials, reducing P. annua occurrence by 50%. Among the nine different herbicides, amicarbazone and terbuthylazine were found to be most effective for spring and autumn application in turf. As resistance to some PSII-inhibiting herbicides has already evolved in this field population, the use of amicarbazone and terbuthylazine needs to be integrated with other herbicide modes of action and non-chemical tactics to delay the onset of resistance to them.
Non-Inversion Tillage as a Chance to Increase the Biodiversity of Ground-Dwelling Spiders in Agroecosystems: Preliminary Results
Authors: Topa Elżbieta , Kosewska Agnieszka , Nietupski Mariusz , Trębicki Łukasz , Nicewicz Łukasz , Hajdamowicz Izabela
Published: October 2021

Spiders (Araneae) create abundant and diverse assemblages in many agroecosystems, where they play a crucial role as the main group of predators and pest controllers. However, seasonal disturbance in the agricultural environment (e.g., harvesting or ploughing) affects spider assemblages. The main aim of this research was to compare assemblages of Araneae colonising cereal fields cultivated under two different systems of soil tillage: conventional with ploughing and non-inversion tillage. The research covered plantations of triticale, wheat, and barley, situated in northeastern Poland. Ground-dwelling spiders were captured into modified pitfall traps filled up to 1/3 height with an ethylene glycol solution. In total, 6744 spiders representing 67 species classified in 13 families were caught. The traps were emptied every two weeks from the end of April until the end of July. A total of 2410 specimens representing 55 species were captured in the fields with simplified cultivation, while the remaining 4334 specimens representing 49 species were trapped in conventional fields where ploughing was performed. The Shannon diversity (H’) and evenness (J’) indices reached higher values in the fields without ploughing. According to IndVal Erigone, dentipalpis and Bathyphantes gracilis were signifi-cantly characteristic (p < 0.05) for non-inversion soil tillage, whereas six species, Oedothorax apicatus, Pardosa prativaga, Pardosa paludicola, Pachygnatha clerki, Dicimbium nigrum brevisetosum, and Clubiona reclusa, were typical of soil tillage with ploughing. The research showed that simplification of soil tillage in cereal fields improves the biodiversity of arachnofauna in agricultural ecosystems. The use of conventional tillage systems with ploughing promotes agrobiontic species of the families Linyphiidae and Lycosidae.
Fermented Corn–Soybean Meal Mixed Feed Modulates Intestinal Morphology, Barrier Functions and Cecal Microbiota in Laying Hens
Authors: Liu Yinglu , Feng Jia , Wang Yamin , Lv Jing , Li Jinghe , Guo Lijuan , Min Yuna
Published: October 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of fermented corn–soybean meal mixed feed on intestinal barrier function and cecal microbiota in laying hens. A total of 360 Jingfen No.6 laying hens (22 wk-old) were assigned to 4 dietary treatments, which were offered basal diets (without antibiotics) containing 0, 4, 6 and 8% of fermented mixed feed respectively. The results showed that the pH value and anti-nutritional factor concentrations in fermented mixed feed were lower than those in unfermented feed (p < 0.05). Moreover, fermentation in the feed significantly increased the crude protein content (p < 0.05). Supplementation with fermented feed significantly reduced the crypt depth and increased the villi height:crypt depth ratio of duodenum and jejunum (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, fermented feed increased the secretory immunoglobulin A content and MUC2 mRNA expression of jejunum (p < 0.05). These beneficial effects were exhibited at the addition level ≥6% and microbial composition of caeca in the control, and so 6% fermented feed groups were analyzed. The structure of the gut microbiota was remarkably altered by additions, characterized by increased abundances of some health-promoting bacteria, such as Parasutterella, Butyricicoccus and Erysipelotrichaceae (p < 0.05). In summary, fermented mixed feed modulated cecal flora, subsequently contributing to improvements in intestinal morphology and barrier functions in laying hens.
Effects of Different Levels of Inclusion of Apulo-Calabrese Pig Meat on Microbiological, Physicochemical and Rheological Parameters of Salami during Ripening
Authors: Ambrosio Rosa Luisa , Smaldone Giorgio , Di Paolo Marika , Vollano Lucia , Ceruso Marina , Anastasio Aniello , Marrone Raffaele
Published: October 2021

This study focused on the characterization of salami produced with meat from different pig breeds. The aim consisted in evaluating the added value of the inclusion of Apulo-Calabrese meat in the production of salami, which was characterized by production until the end of maturation (1, 30, 60, and 120 days). The experimental design involved three types of salami, two of which were produced by partial inclusion of 50 and 75% of the Italian breed pork meat (S50 and S75, respectively). Physicochemical (pH, aw, fatty acid analysis, and malondialdehyde concentration), rheological parameters (texture analyses and color measurement), and bacterial biodiversity were evaluated. Results showed that the partial inclusion of Apulo-Calabrese meat influences the fatty acid profile of final products, which were characterized by a higher percentage of monounsaturated fatty acids compared to traditional salami; however, due to the high content of unsaturated fatty acids, S50 and S75 showed higher values of secondary lipid oxidation up to the 120th day. The linoleic and palmitic acid content significantly affected hardness and brightness. Overall, the ripening process was able to control the microbiological profile and the S50 formulation appeared as a suitable choice that could satisfy consumers for nutritional expectations and sensory profiles.
Evaluation of Dimensional Changes during Postcuring of a Three-Dimensionally Printed Denture Base According to the Curing Time and the Time of Removal of the Support Structure: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Doh Re-Mee , Kim Jong-Eun , Nam Na-Eun , Shin Seung-Ho , Lim Jung-Hwa , Shim June-Sung
Published: October 2021

This study attempted to determine the dimensional stability of maxillary and mandibular edentulous denture bases constructed using three-dimensional (3D) printing systems based on stereolithography and digital light processing according to the postcuring treatment time and the removal time of the support structure. Three-dimensional printing of the designed denture base file was performed using two types of 3D printing photocurable resin (standard gray resin (Formlabs) (Somerville, MA, USA) and MAZIC D resin (Vericom) (Anyang, Korea)) and their compatible 3D printers (Form3 (Formlabs) and Phrozen Shuffle (Phrozen) (Hsinchu City, Taiwan)). Different postcuring times (no postcuring, and 15, 30, 45, and 60 min) and times of removal of the support structure were set for each group. Data relating to the denture bases in all groups were obtained using 3D scanning with a tabletop scanner after postcuring. All acquired data were exported to 3D analysis software, and the dimensional changes during postcuring of the denture base were analyzed using RMSE (root-mean-square error) values. It could be confirmed that the dimensional changes increased with postcuring time, and the accuracy was higher in the maxilla than in the mandible. The accuracy was highest for the group in which the postcuring process was performed while the support structure was present.