bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hepatoprotective effects of bioactive compounds from traditional herb Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum Linn) against galactosamine-induced hepatotoxicity in rats
Authors: Kamel Fatemah O. , Karim Shahid , Bafail Duaa Abdullah Omer , Aldawsari Hibah Mubarak , Kotta Sabna , Ilyas U. K.
Published: October 2023

Ocimum sanctum L. (Tulsi; Family: libiaceae), also known as “The Queen of herbs” or “Holy Basil,” is an omnipresent, multipurpose plant that has been used in folk medicine of many countries as a remedy against several pathological conditions, including anticancer, antidiabetic, cardio-protective, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, and adaptogenic actions. This study aims to assess O. sanctum L.’s hepatoprotective potential against galactosamine-induced toxicity, as well as investigate bioactive compounds in each extract and identify serum metabolites. The extraction of O. sanctum L as per Ayurveda was simultaneously standardized and quantified for biochemical markers: rutin, ellagic acid, kaempferol, caffeic acid, quercetin, and epicatechin by HPTLC. Hepatotoxicity was induced albino adult rats by intra-peritoneal injection of galactosamine (400 mg/kg). The quantified hydroalcoholic and alcoholic extract of O. sanctum L (100 and 200 mg/kg body weight/day) were compared for evaluation of hepatoprotective potential, which were assessed in terms of reduction in histological damage, change in serum enzymes such as AST, ALT, ALP and increase TBARS. Twenty chemical constituents of serum metabolites of O. sanctum were identified and characterized based on matching recorded mass spectra by GC-MS with those obtained from the library-Wiley/NIST. We evaluated the hepatoprotective activity of various fractions of hydroalcoholic extracts based on the polarity and investigated the activity at each phase (hexane, chloroform, and ethyl acetate) in vitro to determine how they affected the toxicity of CCL4 (40 mM) toward Chang liver cells. The ethyl acetate fraction of the selected plants had a higher hepatoprotective activity than the other fractions, so it was used in vacuum liquid chromatography (VLC). The ethyl acetate fraction contains high amounts of rutin (0.34% w/w), ellagic acid (2.32% w/w), kaempferol (0.017% w/w), caffeic acid (0.005% w/w), quercetin (0.038% w/w), and epicatechin (0.057% w/w) which are responsible for hepatoprotection. In comparison to standard silymarin, isolated bioactive molecules displayed the most significant hepatoprotective activity in Chang liver cells treated to CCl4 toxicity. The significant high hepatoprotection provided by standard silymarin ranged from 77.6% at 100 μg/ml to 83.95% at 200 μg/ml, purified ellagic acid ranged from 70% at 100 μg/ml to 81.33% at 200 μg/ml, purified rutin ranged from 63.4% at 100 μg/ml to 76.34% at 200 μg/ml purified quercetin ranged from 54.33% at 100 μg/ml to 60.64% at 200 μg/ml, purified epicatechin ranged from 53.22% at 100 μg/ml to 65.6% at 200 μg/ml, and purified kaempferol ranged from 52.17% at 100 μg/ml to 60.34% at 200 μg/ml. These findings suggest that the bioactive compounds in O. sanctum L. have significant protective effects against galactosamine-induced hepatotoxicity.
Phenethyl isothiocyanate and dasatinib combination synergistically reduces hepatocellular carcinoma growth via cell cycle arrest and oxeiptosis
Authors: Strusi Gabriele , Suelzu Caterina M. , Horwood Nicole , Münsterberg Andrea E. , Bao Yongping
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer, which is among the most lethal tumours. Combination therapy exploits multiple drugs to target key pathways synergistically to reduce tumour growth. Isothiocyanates have been shown to possess anticancer potential and to complement the anticancer activity of other compounds. This study aimed to investigate the potential of phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) to synergise with dasatinib, improving its anticancer potential in HCC.

Methods: MTT, 3D spheroids and clonogenic assays were used to assess the combination anti-tumour effect in vitro, whereas a murine syngeneic model was employed to evaluate the combination efficacy in vivo. DCFDA staining was employed to evaluate the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), while flow cytometry and Western blot assays were used to elucidate the molecular mechanism of the synergistic activiy.

Results: PEITC and dasatinib combination exhibited a synergistic effect in vitro and in vivo. The combination induced DNA damage and oxidative stress through the production of ROS, which led to the formation of a premature CDK1/Cyclin B1 complex associated with induction of mitotic catastrophe. Furthermore, ROS activated oxeiptosis, a caspase-independent form of programmed cell death.

Conclusion: PEITC showed to enhance dasatinib action in treating HCC with increased production of ROS that induced cell cycle arrest followed by mitotic catastrophe, and to induce oxeiptosis. These results highlight the role that ITCs may have in cancer therapy as a complement of clinically approved chemotherapeutic drugs.
Natural products modulate NLRP3 in ulcerative colitis
Authors: Xue Jia-Chen , Yuan Shuo , Hou Xiao-Ting , Meng Huan , Liu Bao-Hong , Cheng Wen-Wen , Zhao Ming , Li Hong-Ben , Guo Xue-Fen , Di Chang , Li Min-Jie , Zhang Qing-Gao
Published: October 2023

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a clinically common, progressive, devastating, chronic inflammatory disease of the intestine that is recurrent and difficult to treat. Nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) is a protein complex composed of multiple proteins whose formation activates cysteine aspartate protease-1 (caspase-1) to induce the maturation and secretion of inflammatory mediators such as interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18, promoting the development of inflammatory responses. Recent studies have shown that NLRP3 is associated with UC susceptibility, and that it maintains a stable intestinal environment by responding to a wide range of pathogenic microorganisms. The mainstay of treatment for UC is to control inflammation and relieve symptoms. Despite a certain curative effect, there are problems such as easy recurrence after drug withdrawal and many side effects associated with long-term medication. NLRP3 serves as a core link in the inflammatory response. If the relationship between NLRP3 and gut microbes and inflammation-associated factors can be analyzed concerning its related inflammatory signaling pathways, its expression status as well as specific mechanism in the course of IBD can be elucidated and further considered for clinical diagnosis and treatment of IBD, it is expected that the development of lead compounds targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome can be developed for the treatment of IBD. Research into the prevention and treatment of UC, which has become a hotbed of research in recent years, has shown that natural products are rich in therapeutic means, and multi-targets, with fewer adverse effects. Natural products have shown promise in treating UC in numerous basic and clinical trials over the past few years. This paper describes the regulatory role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in UC and the mechanism of recent natural products targeting NLRP3 against UC, which provides a reference for the clinical treatment of this disease.
Genome-wide association study to identify novel loci and genes for Fusarium root rot resistance in sweet potato using genotyping-by-sequencing
Authors: Kim Tae Hwa , Kim Sujung , Park Won , Woo Koan Sik , Lee Keunpyo , Chung Mi Nam , Lee Young Hoon , Lee Hyeong-Un , Lee Kyo Hwui , Nam Sang-Sik , Jo Hyun , Lee Jeong-Dong
Published: October 2023

Fusarium root rot, caused by Fusarium solani, is a major post-harvest disease in sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.). An effective strategy for controlling this disease is the development of resistant varieties. In this study, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted on 96 sweet potato genotypes to identify novel candidate loci and dissect the genetic basis of Fusarium root rot resistance. Genotyping was performed using genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS), and 44,255 SNPs were identified after filtering. The genotypes (n = 96) were evaluated through resistance tests in 2021 and 2022, separately and combined. The GWAS identified two significant SNP markers (LG3_22903756 and LG4_2449919) on chromosomes 3 and 4 associated with Fusarium root rot resistance, respectively. Lesion length showed significant differences between homozygous A and G alleles of LG3_22903756, which can potentially be used to develop molecular markers for selecting accessions resistant to Fusarium root rot. Expression analysis of 11 putative genes flanking the significant SNPs revealed the alteration in the expression of nine genes, indicating their possible involvement in Fusarium root rot resistance. The results of this study will aid in the marker-assisted selection and functional analysis of candidate genes for Fusarium root rot resistance in sweet potatoes.
Extra- and intranuclear heat perception and triggering mechanisms in plants
Authors: Yang Xiaolong , Guan Hongling , Yang Yinghua , Zhang Yiting , Su Wei , Song Shiwei , Liu Houcheng , Chen Riyuan , Hao Yanwei
Published: October 2023

The escalating impact of global warming on crop yield and quality poses a significant threat to future food supplies. Breeding heat-resistant crop varieties holds promise, but necessitates a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying plant heat tolerance. Recent studies have shed light on the initial events of heat perception in plants. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of the recent progress made in unraveling the mechanisms of heat perception and response in plants. Calcium ion (Ca2+), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and nitric oxide (NO) have emerged as key participants in heat perception. Furthermore, we discuss the potential roles of the NAC transcription factor NTL3, thermo-tolerance 3.1 (TT3.1), and Target of temperature 3 (TOT3) as thermosensors associated with the plasma membrane. Additionally, we explore the involvement of cytoplasmic HISTONE DEACETYLASE 9 (HDA9), mRNA encoding the phytochrome-interacting factor 7 (PIF7), and chloroplasts in mediating heat perception. This review also highlights the role of intranuclear transcriptional condensates formed by phytochrome B (phyB), EARLY FLOWERING 3 (ELF3), and guanylate-binding protein (GBP)-like GTPase 3 (GBPL3) in heat perception. Finally, we raise the unresolved questions in the field of heat perception that require further investigation in the future.
Nocturnal selective pressures on the evolution of human musicality as a missing piece of the adaptationist puzzle
Authors: Varella Marco Antonio Correa
Published: October 2023

Human musicality exhibits the necessary hallmarks for biological adaptations. Evolutionary explanations focus on recurrent adaptive problems that human musicality possibly solved in ancestral environments, such as mate selection and competition, social bonding/cohesion and social grooming, perceptual and motor skill development, conflict reduction, safe time-passing, transgenerational communication, mood regulation and synchronization, and credible signaling of coalition and territorial/predator defense. Although not mutually exclusive, these different hypotheses are still not conceptually integrated nor clearly derived from independent principles. I proposeThe Nocturnal Evolution of Human Musicality and Performativity Theoryin which the night-time is the missing piece of the adaptationist puzzle of human musicality and performing arts. The expansion of nocturnal activities throughout human evolution, which is tied to tree-to-ground sleep transition and habitual use of fire, might help (i) explain the evolution of musicality from independent principles, (ii) explain various seemingly unrelated music features and functions, and (iii) integrate many ancestral adaptive values proposed. The expansion into the nocturnal niche posed recurrent ancestral adaptive challenges/opportunities: lack of luminosity, regrouping to cook before sleep, imminent dangerousness, low temperatures, peak tiredness, and concealment of identity. These crucial night-time features might have selected evening-oriented individuals who were prone to acoustic communication, more alert and imaginative, gregarious, risk-taking and novelty-seeking, prone to anxiety modulation, hedonistic, promiscuous, and disinhibited. Those night-time selected dispositions may have converged and enhanced protomusicality into human musicality by facilitating it to assume many survival- and reproduction-enhancing roles (social cohesion and coordination, signaling of coalitions, territorial defense, antipredatorial defense, knowledge transference, safe passage of time, children lullabies, and sexual selection) that are correspondent to the co-occurring night-time adaptive challenges/opportunities. The nocturnal dynamic may help explain musical features (sound, loudness, repetitiveness, call and response, song, elaboration/virtuosity, and duetting/chorusing). Across vertebrates, acoustic communication mostly occurs in nocturnal species. The eveningness chronotype is common among musicians and composers. Adolescents, who are the most evening-oriented humans, enjoy more music. Contemporary tribal nocturnal activities around the campfire involve eating, singing/dancing, storytelling, and rituals. I discuss the nocturnal integration of musicality’s many roles and conclude that musicality is probably a multifunctional mental adaptation that evolved along with the night-time adaptive landscape.
Helping themselves and helping others: how the passage of time influences why mothers with addictions take part in research
Authors: Crawford Karen , Russell Lynda , Graham Sharon , Turner Fiona
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Women with addiction issues are under-researched, despite previous evidence that women’s needs are less understood than men’s and that services can overlook gender-specific issues. The majority of women in treatment are mothers and a significant number have contact with child welfare services. The voices of these women are needed to shape and influence evidence-based treatment and service development.

Aim

To examine reasons and rationale for participation in research in mothers with addiction issues and involvement with the child welfare system.

Method

Reflexive thematic analysis was used on interview transcripts from two qualitative studies. Individual themes from each study were combined and analysed to develop themes covering both studies and at different timepoints in process of child welfare assessment or removal of child/ren.

Results

Three themes were identified (1) altruism; (2) personal benefit; and (3) empowerment. These mothers wanted to help with research. However, they also participated with the hope that this might facilitate the return of their children or help them to access support or services. A change over time was evident and, in those further down the line from child removal, there was a stronger want for their voices to be heard in order to advocate for other women and create change in services.
Electrode montage for transcranial direct current stimulation governs its effect on symptoms and functionality in schizophrenia
Authors: Yamada Yuji , Narita Zui , Inagawa Takuma , Yokoi Yuma , Hirabayashi Naotsugu , Shirama Aya , Sueyoshi Kazuki , Sumiyoshi Tomiki
Published: October 2023

Backgrounds

Patients with schizophrenia suffer from cognitive impairment that worsens real-world functional outcomes. We previously reported that multi-session transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) delivered to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) improved daily living skills, while stimulation on the left superior temporal sulcus (STS) enhanced performance on a test of social cognition in these patients. To examine the region-dependent influence of tDCS on daily-living skills, neurocognition, and psychotic symptoms, this study compared effects of anodal stimulation targeting either of these two brain areas in patients with schizophrenia.

Methods

Data were collected from open-label, single-arm trials with anodal electrodes placed over the left DLPFC (N = 28) or STS (N = 15). Daily-living skills, neurocognition, and psychotic symptoms were measured with the UCSD performance-based skills assessment-brief (UPSA-B), Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS), and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), respectively. After baseline evaluation, tDCS (2 mA × 20 min) were delivered two times per day for 5 consecutive days. One month after the final stimulation, clinical assessments were repeated.

Results

Performance on the UPSA-B was significantly improved in patients who received anodal tDCS at the left DLPFC (d = 0.70, p < 0.001), while this effect was absent in patients with anodal electrodes placed on the left STS (d = 0.02, p = 0.939). Significant improvement was also observed for scores on the BACS with anodal tDCS delivered to the DLPFC (d = 0.49, p < 0.001); however, such neurocognitive enhancement was absent when the STS was stimulated (d = 0.05, p = 0.646). Both methods of anodal stimulation showed a significant improvement of General Psychopathology scores on the PANSS (DLPFC, d = 0.50, p = 0.027; STS, d = 0.44, p = 0.001).

Conclusion

These results indicate the importance of selecting brain regions as a target for tDCS according to clinical features of individual patients. Anodal stimulation of the left DLPFC may be advantageous in improving higher level functional outcomes in patients with schizophrenia.

Trial registration

These studies were registered within the University hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry [(24), UMIN000015953], and the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials [(28), jRCTs032180026].
Is brain perfusion correlated to switching mood states and cognitive impairment in bipolar disorder type I? A longitudinal study using perfusion imaging approach
Authors: Estudillo-Guerra Maria Anayali , Linnman Clas , Galvez Victor , Chapa-Koloffon Gina , Pacheco-Barrios Kevin , Morales-Quezada Leon , Flores Ramos Monica
Published: October 2023

Type I Bipolar disorder (BD-I) is a neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by manic or mixed-featured episodes, impaired cognitive functioning, and persistent work and social functioning impairment. This study aimed to investigate within-subject; (i) differences in brain perfusion using Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) between manic and euthymic states in BD-I patients; (ii) explore potential associations between altered brain perfusion and cognitive status; and (iii) examine the relationship between cerebral perfusion and mania symptom ratings. Seventeen adult patients diagnosed with BD-I in a manic episode were recruited, and clinical assessments, cognitive tests, and brain perfusion studies were conducted at baseline (mania state) and a follow-up visit 6 months later. The results showed cognitive impairment during the manic episode, which persisted during the euthymic state at follow-up. However, no significant changes in brain perfusion were observed between the manic and euthymic states. During mania, trends toward decreased perfusion in the left cerebellum and right superior parietal lobule were noted. Additionally, trends indicated a higher perfusion imbalance in the left superior and middle frontal gyrus during mania and the right superior and middle frontal gyrus during euthymia. No significant correlations existed between brain perfusion, mania symptom ratings, and cognitive performance, indicating that symptomatology might represent more than neural hemodynamics. These findings suggest that cognitive impairment may persist in BD-I patients and highlight the need for therapeutic interventions targeting cognitive deficits. More extensive studies with extended follow-up periods are warranted further to investigate brain perfusion and cognitive functioning in BD-I patients.
Age and mental health moderate the association between environmental concern (EC) and smoking frequency: smoking as a polluting behavior
Authors: Kang Weixi
Published: October 2023

It is well-recognized that smoking is detrimental to the environment. However, much less is understood about smoking behavior from an environmental perspective with a focus on environmental concern (EC). This study aims to establish the association between EC and smoking frequency in smokers and test whether age and mental health moderate such an association. Obtained by analyzing data using regressions on smokers (N = 3,599) from Understanding Society: the UK Household Longitudinal Study (UKHLS), which is a representative sample in the UK, the results revealed that age and mental health moderate the association between EC and smoking frequency. This association is important to understand because smoking pollutes the environment, and very few studies have looked at smoking behavior from an environmental perspective.
Aging at home: factors associated with independence in activities of daily living among older adults in Norway—a HUNT study
Authors: Redzovic Skender , Vereijken Beatrix , Bonsaksen Tore
Published: October 2023

Background

Maintaining independence in activities of daily living (ADL) is essential for the well-being of older adults. This study examined the relationship between demographic and living situation factors and ADL independence among community-dwelling older adults in Norway.

Methods

Data was collected in Norway between 2017 and 2019 as part of the fourth wave of the ongoing Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT) survey, sent to all citizens in Trøndelag county over 20 years of age, which is considered representative of the Norwegian population. Included in the current cross-sectional study were 22,504 community-living individuals aged 70 years or older who completed the survey and responded to all items constituting the ADL outcome measure. Group differences in ADL independence were examined with Chi Square tests, while crude and adjusted associations with ADL independence were examined with logistic regression analyses. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results

The participants reported a high degree of independence in primary ADL and slightly lower in instrumental ADL. In the fully adjusted analyses, ADL independence was associated with lower age, female gender, higher levels of education and income, higher subjective well-being, having no chronic or disabling disease, and having someone to talk to in confidence. Surprisingly, women who were married had higher likelihood of ADL independence than unmarried women, whereas married men had lower likelihood of ADL independence than unmarried men.

Conclusion

In addition to known demographic and disease-related factors, the social context affects independence in ADL even in a society that offers advanced health and homecare services to all older adults equally. Furthermore, the same social setting can have differential effects on men and women. Despite the healthcare system in Norway being well-developed, it does not completely address this issue. Further improvements are necessary to address potential challenges that older adults encounter regarding their social connections and feelings of inclusion. Individuals with limited education and income are especially susceptible to ADL dependency as they age, necessitating healthcare services to specifically cater to this disadvantaged demographic.
The quality and reliability of TikTok videos on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Lai Yongkang , He Zixuan , Liu Yilong , Yin Xiaojing , Fan Xuanming , Rao Ziang , Fu Hongyu , Gu Lun , Xia Tian
Published: October 2023

Background

Lifestyle modification is the cornerstone of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) prevention and treatment. Short video platforms can facilitate easier access to health information for patients, thereby influencing lifestyle changes. An increasing number of individuals rely on online platforms to acquire health-related information about NAFLD. However, the quality of information regarding NAFLD on these platforms remains unclear.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the quality of information about NAFLD on TikTok.

Methods

A total of 497 videos were retrieved from TikTok. The basic video information, including the video source, was extracted. Two independent raters evaluated the quality and reliability of the videos using the Global Quality Score system and a modified DISCERN tool. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to compare video quality across sources.

Results

NAFLD-related videos on TikTok were divided into three groups according to the uploader: health professionals, medical institutions, and science bloggers. Overall, the quality of NAFLD videos on TikTok was not satisfactory. Before PSM, there were no significant differences in video quality or content between the three groups. After PSM, the quality of NAFLD videos from health professionals was significantly better than the videos created by other groups. Besides, the videos of health professionals outperformed those of medical institutions and science bloggers in terms of the definition of disease, risk factors, and treatment, but were inferior to those of medical institutions considering the symptoms and tests of NAFLD.

Conclusion

The quality of NAFLD-related videos on TikTok needs improvement. Compared with videos created by science bloggers and medical institutions, videos from health professionals may provide accurate guidance on the treatment and prevention of NAFLD.
Anxiety and depression and health-related quality of life among adults with migraine: a National Population-Based Study
Authors: Alwhaibi Monira , Balkhi Bander , AlRuthia Yazed
Published: October 2023

Background

Adults who suffer from migraines are highly susceptible to mental illnesses that may have significant association with their HRQoL. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate how anxiety and depression related to HRQoL in adults with Migraine.

Methods

Data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey for 2017 to 2020 were used to identify adult patients 18 years of age and older with a migraine diagnosis. The Physical and Mental Component Summary (PCS & MCS) scores from the SF-12 were used to calculate HRQoL. To adjust for a wide range of variables, multivariate linear regressions were used to evaluate the association between depression and anxiety and HRQoL among adults with migraine.

Results

Among the 1,713 identified adults with migraines, 11.2% experienced depression, 14.6% experienced anxiety, and 13.7% had both conditions. Compared to migraineurs who had only migraine, adults with comorbid depression and anxiety had the lowest mean scores on the PCS and MCS. Additionally, migraineurs who had depression had significantly lower HRQoL MCS scores (depression: β = −7.552, p < 0.001), and those with anxiety had significantly lower HRQoL MCS scores (anxiety: β = −4.844, p < 0.001) compared to those without these comorbidities. Notably, individuals with migraines who exercise had higher scores on both PCS and MCS than those who did not exercise.

Conclusion

This nationally representative sample provides insights into the associations between depression and anxiety with poor HRQoL among individuals with migraines. Additionally, it revealed the negative impact of concurrent chronic diseases, and poor socioeconomic status on HRQoL, while emphasizing the beneficial effects of regular exercise. This study highlights the clinical, policy, and public health implications for improving healthcare planning, resource allocation, and promoting lifestyle changes to reduce depression and anxiety in migraine sufferers.
The association between perchlorate in drinking water and height and weight of children and adolescents in Southwest China: a retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Guo Hongyu , Zong Shimiao , Yong Li , Jiang Yang , Qin Ling , Zhou Liang , Ren Qiaoqiao , Gao Xufang , Kang Fayang , Huang Wei , Chen Jianyu , Zhang Li
Published: October 2023

Objective

To investigate the association between the concentration of perchlorate in drinking water and the height and weight of children and adolescents in Sichuan Province.

Methods

Perchlorate in the drinking water of 24 counties in Sichuan Province from 2021 to 2022 was detected and analyzed, 66 drinking water samples were collected, and the content of perchlorate in drinking water during the wet season and dry season was detected by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography in series. The linear mixed effect model was used to estimate the relationship between perchlorate in drinking water and the height and weight of 144,644 children and adolescents, and 33 pieces of local average wage data were used as confounding factors for quality control.

Results

After controlling the age, gender, and local economic situation, we found that the concentration of perchlorate in drinking water increased by 10 μg/L is associated with a 1.0 cm decrease in height and a 1.6 kg decrease in weight in children and adolescents (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The concentration of perchlorate in drinking water may be negatively correlated with the height and weight of children.
Large and powerful or small and lovely: opinions of first-generation agricultural entrepreneurs on agribusiness success factors
Authors: Garima  , Dhingra Atul , Bishnoi Dalip K. , Lemma Habtamu R. , Lamba Ritu
Published: October 2023

India’s economy is based on agriculture, so agricultural entrepreneurship has the potential to boost economic growth, diversify national income, and create many jobs and business opportunities. The goal of this paper, then, is to find out what first-generation agricultural entrepreneurs think about the things that make an agribusiness successful. The data were collected from 22 districts in four geographical zones (East Zone, West Zone, North Zone, and South Zone) in the state of Haryana. Both a 5-point Likert scale and a 7-point semantic differential scale were used to rate the items. The data was looked at using both descriptive statistics and the Friedman nonparametric test. In this study, we found that the majority of first-generation agribusiness owners were men, and they tended to be sole proprietors of small businesses with fewer than 10 employees. The finding also indicates that advanced storage and transportation facilities, market information, product quality, cutting-edge technology, and the careful management of financial resources are the topmost necessities for the successful operation of any agribusiness. The study also found that the size of the firm has a positive and statistically significant impact on the opinions of first-generation agripreneurs on business and production, marketing, competition, and financial and human resource management. The study recommends that policymakers and development agencies should focus on providing support to agripreneurs in terms of infrastructure, market access, and technological advancements. Additionally, efforts should be made to encourage more first-generation agripreneurs to enter the agribusiness sector by providing them with the necessary resources and training.
Long-term outcome after colic surgery: retrospective study of 106 horses in the USA (2014–2021)
Authors: Matthews Lisbeth B. , Sanz Macarena , Sellon Debra C.
Published: October 2023

Objective

To determine long-term survival rate, defined as survival to 1 year after discharge from the hospital, and rate of return to prior athletic, breeding, or other function in horses undergoing colic surgery at the first presentation at one referral hospital in the Pacific northwest region of the United States.

Procedures

Records were reviewed for all horses that underwent colic surgery between October 2014 and October 2021. Owners of horses that survived to discharge were contacted to obtain follow-up information via internet-based questionnaire or telephone interview. The percentage of horses that survived to 1 year after discharge, rates of return to function, and complications occurring after hospital discharge were determined. The possible association of patient signalment, lesion type, and surgical procedures with long-term survival was examined with Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests. Overall satisfaction was indicated on a scale of 1 (unsatisfied) to 5 (very satisfied).

Results

Of 185 horses that underwent surgical intervention for colic and met the inclusion criteria, 134 horses recovered from anesthesia, with 106 of these recovered horses (79.1%) surviving to discharge. Of the 71 horses for which follow-up information was obtained, 61 horses survived to 1 year after discharge (long-term survival rate of 85.9%). There were no demographic, lesion type, or surgical procedure variables significantly associated with long-term survival. Prior to surgery, 59/71 horses (83.1%) were engaged in some type of athletic activity. After surgery, 44/61 horses (72.1%) were reported to be athletically active. Only one horse was reported to be retired from athletic activity as a direct result of a complication from surgery. Overall satisfaction with the decision to proceed with colic surgery was rated by all respondents as 4 or 5.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

The long-term survival for this sample of horses was similar to previously published reports of long-term survival after colic surgery. Horses that survived to hospital discharge were highly likely to remain alive and be athletically active 1 year later. There were no factors related to the signalment of the horse, the specific cause of colic, or the surgical procedures performed that were significantly associated with likelihood of survival.
Octopus-Inspired Robotic Arm Powered by Shape Memory Alloys (SMA)
Authors: Deshpande Shubham , Almubarak Yara
Published: October 2023

Traditional rigid grippers that are used for underwater systems lack flexibility and have lower degrees of freedom. These systems might damage the underwater environment while conducting data acquisition and data sampling. Soft robotics, which is mainly focused on creating robots with extremely soft materials are more delicate for the grasping of objects underwater. These systems tend to damage the underwater ecosystem in the least possible way. In this paper, we have presented a simplified design of a soft arm inspired by the octopus arm actuated by coiled Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) using completely flexible lightweight material. The characterization arm performance under various load and input current conditions is shown. We hope this work will serve as a basis for the future of underwater grasping utilizing soft robotics.
Seed Fatty Acid Changes Germination Response to Temperature and Water Potentials in Six Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Cultivars: Estimating the Cardinal Temperatures
Authors: Balouchi Hamidreza , Soltani Khankahdani Vida , Moradi Ali , Gholamhoseini Majid , Piri Ramin , Heydari Seyedeh Zahra , Dedicova Beata
Published: October 2023

Seed fatty acid composition can influence seed quality, followed by seed germination and optimal seedling establishment. Therefore, to find out the role of seed fatty acids in changing the cardinal temperatures of six sesame cultivars germinated at different temperatures (10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, and 45 °C) and water potentials (0, −0.2, −0.4, −0.6, −0.8, −1, and −1.2 MPa), an experiment was conducted. The dent-like, beta, and segmented models were used to analyze the data. The results showed that different cultivars at optimal temperatures show different reactions to environmental conditions; for example, the germination rate in Halil and Dashtestan2 cultivars followed the dent-like model, Darab1, Oltan, and Yellow-White followed the beta model, and Naz followed the segmented model. Based on the results, the average temperature in all water potentials of the base, sub-optimal, supra-optimum, and ceiling was determined as 12.6, 33.3, 38, and 43.9 °C, respectively, once the superior dent-like model was used. Using the superior beta model, the average temperatures in the base, optimum, and ceiling were 8.5, 31.2, and 50.5 °C. In contrast, when the segmented superior model was used, they were determined to be 7.6, 34, and 44.1 °C, respectively. According to the results, it can be stated that the Halil cultivar with more oleic acid and less linoleic acid has a higher base temperature and is more adapted to high temperatures for later cultivations. The Naz cultivar with a long biological clock is suitable for earlier cultivations. The ceiling temperature of these cultivars was also affected by the osmotic potential and decreased significantly with the increase in osmotic levels. Dashtestan2 cultivar with a high germination rate could be chosen for cultivation in water and high-temperature stress areas.
Real-Time Cattle Pose Estimation Based on Improved RTMPose
Authors: Li Xiaowu , Sun Kun , Fan Hongbo , He Zihan
Published: October 2023

Accurate cattle pose estimation is essential for Precision Livestock Farming (PLF). Computer vision-based, non-contact cattle pose estimation technology can be applied for behaviour recognition and lameness detection. Existing methods still face challenges in achieving fast cattle pose estimation in complex scenarios. In this work, we introduce the FasterNest Block and Depth Block to enhance the performance of cattle pose estimation based on the RTMPose model. First, the accuracy of cattle pose estimation relies on the capture of high-level image features. The FasterNest Block, with its three-branch structure, effectively utilizes high-level feature map information, significantly improving accuracy without a significant decrease in inference speed. Second, large kernel convolutions can increase the computation cost of the model. Therefore, the Depth Block adopts a method based on depthwise separable convolutions to replace large kernel convolutions. This addresses the insensitivity to semantic information while reducing the model’s parameter. Additionally, the SimAM module enhances the model’s spatial learning capabilities without introducing extra parameters. We conducted tests on various datasets, including our collected complex scene dataset (cattle dataset) and the AP-10K public dataset. The results demonstrate that our model achieves the best average accuracy with the lowest model parameters and computational requirements, achieving 82.9% on the cattle test set and 72.0% on the AP-10K test set. Furthermore, in conjunction with the object detection model RTMDet-m, our model reaches a remarkable inference speed of 39FPS on an NVIDIA GTX 2080Ti GPU using the PyTorch framework, making it the fastest among all models. This work provides adequate technical support for fast and accurate cattle pose estimation in complex farm environments.
Detection of Respiratory Rate of Dairy Cows Based on Infrared Thermography and Deep Learning
Authors: Zhao Kaixuan , Duan Yijie , Chen Junliang , Li Qianwen , Hong Xing , Zhang Ruihong , Wang Meijia
Published: October 2023

The respiratory status of dairy cows can reflect their heat stress and health conditions. It is widely used in the precision farming of dairy cows. To realize intelligent monitoring of cow respiratory status, a system based on infrared thermography was constructed. First, the YOLO v8 model was used to detect and track the nose of cows in thermal images. Three instance segmentation models, Mask2Former, Mask R-CNN and SOLOv2, were used to segment the nostrils from the nose area. Second, the hash algorithm was used to extract the temperature of each pixel in the nostril area of a cow to obtain the temperature change curve. Finally, the sliding window approach was used to detect the peaks of the filtered temperature curve to obtain the respiratory rate of cows. Totally 81 infrared thermography videos were used to test the system, and the results showed that the AP50 of nose detection reached 98.6%, and the AP50 of nostril segmentation reached 75.71%. The accuracy of the respiratory rate was 94.58%, and the correlation coefficient R was 0.95. Combining infrared thermography technology with deep learning models can improve the accuracy and usability of the respiratory monitoring system for dairy cows.
First Molecular Detection of Neospora caninum in Feces of Grey Wolf (Canis lupus) and Golden Jackal (Canis aureus) Populations in Slovenia
Authors: Bandelj Petra , Kušar Darja , Šimenc Laura , Jamnikar-Ciglenečki Urška , Vengušt Gorazd , Vengušt Diana Žele
Published: October 2023

Neospora caninum is an obligate intracellular parasite that causes reproductive disorders and major economic losses in cattle, and induces neuromuscular disorders in canids. Exogenous infections are becoming increasingly important due to disease outbreaks. The sylvatic life cycle of N. caninum interferes with the domestic dog-ruminant life cycle, but understanding of it is scarce. The population of wild canids may play an important role in parasite dispersion. Feces from 42 grey wolves (Canis lupus) and 39 golden jackals (Canis aureus) were analyzed for the N. caninum Nc5 gene using a novel real-time PCR (qPCR) with a detection limit of 5 targets/µL in clinical samples. Three wolves (3/42; 7.1%) and one golden jackal (1/39; 2.6%) tested positive, which is the first detection of N. caninum in the population of grey wolves in Slovenia and the first detection of N. caninum DNA in the feces of a golden jackal. In addition to the grey wolf, we propose the golden jackal as a potential definitive host with hypothetical epidemiological importance for the sylvatic-domestic life cycle of N. caninum, due to its proximity to human habitats and its rapid expansion throughout Europe.
Exploring the Domestication Syndrome Hypothesis in Dogs: Pigmentation Does Not Predict Cortisol Levels
Authors: Platzer JoAnna M. , Gunter Lisa M. , Feuerbacher Erica N.
Published: October 2023

Previous research has found connections between pigmentation, behavior, and the physiological stress response in both wild and domestic animals; however, to date, no extensive research has been devoted to answering these questions in domestic dogs. Modern dogs are exposed to a variety of stressors; one well-studied stressor is residing in an animal shelter. To explore the possible relationships between dogs’ responses to stress and their pigmentation, we conducted statistical analyses of the cortisol:creatinine ratios of 208 American shelter dogs as a function of their coat color/pattern, eumelanin pigmentation, or white spotting. These dogs had been enrolled in previous welfare studies investigating the effect of interventions during which they left the animal shelter and spent time with humans. In the current investigation, we visually phenotype dogs based on photographs in order to classify their pigmentation and then conduct post hoc analyses to examine whether they differentially experience stress as a function of pigmentation. We found that the dogs did not differ significantly in their urinary cortisol:creatinine ratios based on coat color/pattern, eumelanin pigmentation, or white spotting, either while they were residing in the animal shelter or during the human interaction intervention. These preliminary data suggest that pigmentation alone does not predict the stress responses of shelter dogs; however, due to the small sample size and retrospective nature of the study, more research is needed.
The Antioxidant and Neuroprotective Potential of Leaves and Inflorescences Extracts of Selected Hemp Varieties Obtained with scCO2
Authors: Stasiłowicz-Krzemień Anna , Sip Szymon , Szulc Piotr , Walkowiak Jarosław , Cielecka-Piontek Judyta
Published: October 2023

Cannabis sativa, a versatile plant with numerous varieties, holds promising potential for a wide range of biological activity. As raw materials for research, we chose leaves and inflorescences of hemp varieties such as Białobrzeskie, Henola, and Tygra, which are cultivated mainly for their fibers or seeds. The choice of extraction is a key step in obtaining the selected compositions of active compounds from plant material. Bearing in mind the lipophilic nature of cannabinoids, we performed supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) extraction at 50 °C under 2000 (a) and 6000 PSI (b). The cannabinoid contents were determined with the use of the HPLC-DAD method. The antioxidant capabilities were assessed through a series of procedures, including the DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, and FRAP methods. The capacity to inhibit enzymes that play a role in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, such as acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and tyrosinase was also studied. The dominant cannabinoids in the extracts were cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA). The highest concentration of eight cannabinoids was detected in the Tygra inflorescences extract (b). The most notable antioxidant properties were provided by the Tygra inflorescences extract (b). Nonetheless, it was the Henola inflorescences extract (b) that demonstrated the most efficient inhibition of AChE and BChE, and tyrosinase was inhibited the most significantly by the Białobrzeskie inflorescences extract (b). Multidimensional comparative analysis enrolled all assays and revealed that the Henola inflorescences extract (b) showed the most substantial neuroprotective potential.
Seismic Performance of Assembled Beam–Column Connections with Modified Reactive Powder Concrete under Different Steel Fiber Types in the Critical Cast-in-Place Regions
Authors: Wang Xin , Huang Ding , Gao Qian , Cui Qinghai
Published: October 2023

Reactive powder concrete (RPC) and reinforcements have ultra-high bonding strength and, thus, a potential advantage in improving the connection performance of assembled structures. In this study, four assembled beam–column connections using modified reactive powder concrete (MRPC) under different steel fiber types in critical cast-in-place regions, as well as a monolithic concrete beam–column connection, were tested under low-cyclic loading. The results show that MRPC application in critical cast-in-place region connections significantly improved damage tolerance capacity and load-carrying capacity. End-bent short steel fibers had the most significant crack-resistance effect. Using end-bent long fibers could improve an assembled connection’s ductility by 102%. Straight steel fibers were easily pulled out and had the least inhibitory effect on cracks. Connections using wavy steel fiber had the lowest initial stiffness and shear capacity but the highest energy dissipation capacity. Using 30 mm end-bent steel fiber is recommended for comprehensive seismic performance. The Chinese code overestimated MRPC’s shear contribution. MRPC assembled connections’ crack capacity and shear capacity models were established.
Correlation Dependence between Hydrophobicity of Modified Bitumen and Water Saturation of Asphalt Concrete
Authors: Dyuryagina Antonina , Byzova Yuliya , Ostrovnoy Kirill , Lutsenko Aida
Published: October 2023

Improving the durability of asphalt concrete road surfaces by increasing their moisture resistance is an urgent task. Modified bituminous binders should be compacted into coatings with the lowest possible water saturation. The purpose of this study was to establish the effect of modifiers on the hydrophobicity of bituminous films in order to achieve minimum water saturation and to build a mathematical model of the wetting process with water. As modifiers, we used a product of amination of distillation residues of petrochemistry, waste sealing liquid (a solution of high molecular weight polyisobutylene in mineral oil), and a condensation product of polyamines and higher fatty acids. The water-repellent effect of modifiers was studied by measuring the contact angle of bituminous film with a water drop. The water saturation of asphalt concrete samples was determined by the amount of water absorbed by asphalt concrete at 20 °C. A close correlation was revealed between the hydrophobicity of modified bitumen and the water saturation of asphalt concrete. Generalized equations and a graphical representation of a function of several variables allowed for optimizing compositions by the content of modifiers to achieve the required performance properties of asphalt concrete coatings.