bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling the Dispersion of Seafloor Massive Sulphide Mining Plumes in the Mid Atlantic Ridge Around the Azores
Authors: Morato Telmo , Juliano Manuela , Pham Christopher K. , Carreiro-Silva Marina , Martins Inês , Colaço Ana
Published: July 2022

It is increasingly recognised that deep-sea mining of seafloor massive sulphides (SMS) could become an important source of mineral resources. These operations will remove the targeted substrate and produce potentially toxic plumes from in situ seabed excavation and from the return water pumped back down to the seafloor. However, the spatial extent of the impact of deep-sea mining is still uncertain because few field experiments and models of plume dispersion have been conducted. In this study, we used three-dimensional hydrodynamic models of the Azores region together with a theoretical commercial mining operation of polymetallic SMS to simulate the potential dispersal of plumes originating from different phases of mining operations, and to assess the magnitude of potential impacts. Although the model simulations presented here were subject to many caveats, they did reveal some important patterns. The model projected marked differences among sites making generalisations about plume-dispersal patterns in mid-ocean ridges difficult. Nevertheless, the models predicted large horizontal and vertical plume-dispersals above the thresholds adopted. Persistent plumes (temporal frequency >50%, i.e., 6 months out of 12 months) were projected to disperse an average linear distance of 10 to 20 km, cover an area of 17 to 150 km2, and extend more than 800 m in the water column. In fact, the model projected that plumes may disperse beyond the licensed mining areas, reach the flanks and summits of nearby topographic features, and extend into the bathypelagic, mesopelagic, and epipelagic environments. Modelled plume-dispersal overlaps with the predicted distribution of cold-water corals and with existing fishing activities. These potential impacts would be of particular concern in regions such as the Azores, where local populations are highly dependent on the sea for their livelihoods. The findings of this study are an important initial step towards understanding the nature and magnitude of deep-sea mining impacts in space and time.
The Transcription Factor Pou3f1 Sheds Light on the Development and Molecular Diversity of Glutamatergic Cerebellar Nuclear Neurons in the Mouse
Authors: Wu Joshua Po Han , Yeung Joanna , Rahimi-Balaei Maryam , Wu Sih-Rong , Zoghbi Huda , Goldowitz Dan
Published: July 2022

The cerebellar nuclear (CN) neurons are a molecularly heterogeneous population whose specification into the different cerebellar nuclei is defined by the expression of varying sets of transcription factors. Here, we present a novel molecular marker, Pou3f1, that delineates specific sets of glutamatergic CN neurons. The glutamatergic identity of Pou3f1+ cells was confirmed by: (1) the co-expression of vGluT2, a cell marker of glutamatergic neurons; (2) the lack of co-expression between Pou3f1 and GAD67, a marker of GABAergic neurons; (3) the co-expression of Atoh1, the master regulator required for the production of all cerebellar glutamatergic lineages; and (4) the absence of Pou3f1-expressing cells in the Atoh1-null cerebellum. Furthermore, the lack of Pax6 and Tbr1 expression in Pou3f1+ cells reveals that Pou3f1-expressing CN neurons specifically settle in the interposed and dentate nuclei. In addition, the Pou3f1-labeled glutamatergic CN neurons can be further classified by the expression of Brn2 and Irx3. The results of the present study align with previous findings highlighting that the survival of the interposed and dentate CN neurons is largely independent of Pax6. More importantly, the present study extends the field’s collective knowledge of the molecular diversity of cerebellar nuclei.
Electrical Impedance Analysis for Lung Cancer: A Prospective, Multicenter, Blind Validation Study
Authors: Yang Dawei , Gu Chuanjia , Gu Ye , Zhang Xiaodong , Ge Di , Zhang Yong , Wang Ningfang , Zheng Xiaoxuan , Wang Hao , Yang Li , Chen Saihua , Xie Pengfei , Chen Deng , Yu Jinming , Sun Jiayuan , Bai Chunxue
Published: July 2022

Hypothesis

Patients with cancer have different impedances or conductances than patients with benign normal tissue; thus, we can apply electrical impedance analysis (EIA) to identify patients with cancer.

Method

To evaluate EIA’s efficacy and safety profile in diagnosing pulmonary lesions, we conducted a prospective, multicenter study among patients with pulmonary lesions recruited from 4 clinical centers (Zhongshan Hospital Ethics Committee, Approval No. 2015-16R and 2017-035(3). They underwent EIA to obtain an Algorithm Composite Score or ‘Prolung Index,’ PI. The classification threshold of 29 was first tested in an analytical validation set of 144 patients and independently validated in a clinical validation set of 418 patients. The subject’s final diagnosis depended on histology and a 2-year follow-up.

Results

In total, 418 patients completed the entire protocol for clinical validation, with 186 true positives, 145 true negatives, 52 false positives, and 35 false negatives. The sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic yield were 84% (95% CI 79.3%-89.0%), 74% (95% CI 67.4%-79.8%), and 79% (95%CI 75.3%-83.1%), respectively, and did not differ according to age, sex, smoking history, body mass index, or lesion types. The sensitivity of small lesions was comparable to that of large lesions (p = 0.13). Four hundred eighty-four patients who underwent the analysis received a safety evaluation. No adverse events were considered to be related to the test.

Conclusion

Electrical impedance analysis is a safe and efficient tool for risk stratification of pulmonary lesions, especially for patients with a suspicious lung lesion.
Relationship Between Hardiness and Social Anxiety in Chinese Impoverished College Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Moderation by Perceived Social Support and Gender
Authors: Cheng Xiaoshuang , Liu Jingxuan , Li Jun , Hu Ziao
Published: July 2022

During the COVID-19 epidemic, quarantine and financial disadvantages might exacerbate social anxiety among impoverished college students. Based on the hardiness model and the social support buffering model, the present study proposed and verified a dual moderation model to investigate the effects of hardiness on social anxiety and the moderating roles of gender and perceived social support. The hardiness scale, the perceived social support scale, and the social anxiety subscale of the self-consciousness scale were administered to 673 Chinese college students aged 18 to 23 years who were recognized as impoverished by the Chinese authorities and provided with funding. The results revealed that (1) hardiness had a significant negative effect on social anxiety, (2) perceived social support moderated the effect of hardiness on social anxiety, and (3) gender moderated the effect of hardiness on social anxiety. The dual moderated model proposed in the study provides practical implications for helping impoverished college students cope with social anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Cross-Sectional Study of Depression, Anxiety, and Insomnia Symptoms in People in Quarantine During the COVID-19 Epidemic
Authors: Lin Chun , Fu Xiaohong
Published: July 2022

Objective: To investigate the status and influential factors of depression, anxiety, and insomnia among people in quarantine during COVID-19.

Methods: Data was collected from August 2020 to November 2021 through an online survey of 1,360 people in a quarantined hotel. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) were used to assess different mental symptoms.

Results: 19.9% (n = 270), 17.6% (n = 239) and 7.1% (n = 97) of participants had depression, anxiety and insomnia. Married (OR = 0.641, 95% CI = 0.450–0.915) was a protective factor for depression. Chronic disease (OR = 2.579, 95% CI = 1.416–4.698) was a risk factor for insomnia. No psychiatric medication history was a protective factor for depression (OR = 0.227, 95% CI = 0.068–0.757) and insomnia (OR = 0.240, 95%CI = 0.078–0.736). Female, history of mental illness, low moods at check-in, and partial/cannot understand the quarantine policies were risk factors for anxiety, depression, and insomnia.

Conclusion: People in quarantine had problems with depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Female, low moods at check-in, and partial/cannot understand the quarantine policies had significant impacts. It is necessary to help quarantined people understand quarantine policies, reduce negative emotions and improve sleep quality.
The Relative Importance of Vulnerability and Efficiency in COVID-19 Contact Tracing Programmes: A Discrete Choice Experiment
Authors: Wang Yi , Faradiba Dian , Del Rio Vilas Victor J. , Asaria Miqdad , Chen Yu Ting , Babigumira Joseph Brian , Dabak Saudamini Vishwanath , Wee Hwee-Lin
Published: July 2022

Objectives: This study aims to assess the trade-offs between vulnerability and efficiency attributes of contact tracing programmes based on preferences of COVID-19 contact tracing practitioners, researchers and other relevant stakeholders at the global level.

Methods: We conducted an online discrete choice experiment (DCE). Respondents were recruited globally to explore preferences according to country income level and the prevailing epidemiology of COVID-19 in the local setting. The DCE attributes represented efficiency (timeliness, completeness, number of contacts), vulnerability (vulnerable population), cooperation and privacy. A mixed-logit model and latent class analysis were used.

Results: The number of respondents was 181. Timeliness was the most important attribute regardless of country income level and COVID-19 epidemiological condition. Vulnerability of contacts was the second most important attribute for low-to-lower-middle-income countries and third for upper-middle-to-high income countries. When normalised against conditional relative importance of timeliness, conditional relative importance of vulnerability ranged from 0.38 to 0.42.

Conclusion: Vulnerability and efficiency criteria were both considered to be important attributes of contact tracing programmes. However, the relative values placed on these criteria varied significantly between epidemiological and economic context.
Adaptive IDS for Cooperative Intelligent Transportation Systems Using Deep Belief Networks
Authors: Almalki Sultan Ahmed , Abdel-Rahim Ahmed , Sheldon Frederick T.
Published: July 2022

The adoption of cooperative intelligent transportation systems (cITSs) improves road safety and traffic efficiency. Vehicles connected to cITS form vehicular ad hoc networks (VANET) to exchange messages. Like other networks and systems, cITSs are targeted by attackers intent on compromising and disrupting system integrity and availability. They can repeatedly spoof false information causing bottlenecks, traffic jams and even road accidents. The existing security infrastructure assumes that the network topology and/or attack behavior is static. However, the cITS is inherently dynamic in nature. Moreover, attackers may have the ability and resources to change their behavior continuously. Assuming a static IDS security model for VANETs is not suitable and can lead to low detection accuracy and high false alarms. Therefore, this paper proposes an adaptive security solution based on deep learning and contextual references that can cope with the dynamic nature of the cITS topologies and increasingly common attack behaviors. In this study, deep belief networks (DBN) modeling was used to train the detection model. Binary cross entropy was used as a loss function to measure the prediction error. Two activation functions were used, Relu and Softmax, for input–output mapping. The Relu was used in the hidden layers, while the Sigmoid was used in the last layer to map the real vector to output between 0 and 1. The adaptation mechanism was incorporated into the detection model using a moving average that monitors predicted values within a time window. In this way, the model can readjust the classification thresholds on-the-fly as appropriate. The proposed model was evaluated using the Next Generation Simulation (NGSIM) dataset, which is commonly used in such related works. The result is improved accuracy, demonstrating that the adaptation mechanism used in this study was effective.
Linear Computation Coding: A Framework for Joint Quantization and Computing
Authors: Müller Ralf Reiner , Gäde Bernhard Martin Wilhelm , Bereyhi Ali
Published: July 2022

Here we introduce the new concept of computation coding. Similar to how rate-distortion theory is concerned with the lossy compression of data, computation coding deals with the lossy computation of functions. Particularizing to linear functions, we present an algorithmic approach to reduce the computational cost of multiplying a constant matrix with a variable vector, which requires neither a matrix nor vector having any particular structure or statistical properties. The algorithm decomposes the constant matrix into the product of codebook and wiring matrices whose entries are either zero or signed integer powers of two. For a typical application like the implementation of a deep neural network, the proposed algorithm reduces the number of required addition units several times. To achieve the accuracy of 16-bit signed integer arithmetic for 4k-vectors, no multipliers and only 1.5 adders per matrix entry are needed.
Deep Reinforcement Learning for Stability Enhancement of a Variable Wind Speed DFIG System
Authors: Kosuru Rahul , Liu Shichao , Shi Wei
Published: July 2022

Low-frequency oscillations are a primary issue for integrating a renewable source into the grid. The objective of this study was to find sensitive parameters that cause low-frequency oscillations and design a Twin Delayed Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (TD3) agent controller to damp the oscillations without requiring an accurate system model. In this work, a Q-learning (QL)-based model-free wind speed DFIG was designed on the rotor-side converter (RSC), and a QL-based model-free DC-link voltage regulator was designed on the grid-side converter (GSC) to enhance the stability of the system. In the next step, the TD3 agent was trained to learn the system dynamics by replacing the inner current controllers of the RSC, which replaced the QL-based model. In the first stage, the conventional PSS and Proportional–Integral (PI) controllers were introduced to both the RSC and GSC. Then, the system was trained to become model-free by replacing the PSS and the PI controller with a QL algorithm under very small wind speed variations. In the second stage, the QL algorithm was replaced with the TD3 agent by introducing large variations in wind speed. The results reveal that the TD3 agent can sustain the stability of the DFIG system under large variations in wind speed without assuming a detailed control structure beforehand, while QL-based controllers can stabilize the doubly fed induction generator (DFIG)-equipped wind energy conversion system (WECS) under small variations in wind speed.
Does Loading Ammonium to Sorbents Affect Plant Availability in Soil?
Authors: Foereid Bente , Szocs Julia
Published: July 2022

Sorption to cheap sorbents can be used to concentrate nutrients from liquid waste streams and make them into fertilisers. In this study we assess how plant available is ammonium nitrogen (N) sorbed to three sorbents, and if the potential for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions after a non-growing season is affected by sorption. Ammonium-N labelled with N15 was sorbed to biochar, bentonite and zeolite. Treatments where N was sorbed and where N and sorbents were applied separately were tested in a pot experiment with wheat, and soil samples were then frozen and dried to simulate non-growing seasons. After thawing and re-wetting, GHG emissions from the soil were assessed. There was no difference between sorption treatments in biomass or N uptake or fertiliser N left in the soil, and little difference between sorption treatments in gas emissions after the non-growing seasons was seen. We conclude that ammonium applied sorbed to these sorbents is as plant available as ammonium applied the conventional way. GHG emissions at the beginning of the next season are also not affected by ammonium applied sorbed.
Assessment of Water Productivity Enhancement and Sustainability Potential of Different Resource Conservation Technologies: A Review in the Context of Pakistan
Authors: Shahid Muhammad Adnan , Chauhdary Junaid Nawaz , Usman Muhammad , Qamar Muhammad Uzair , Shabbir Abdul
Published: July 2022

Agriculture is the major economic sector in Asian countries and the majority of their population depends on it. In addition to the largest irrigation system in the Indus basin, Pakistan is suffering from water shortages that are affecting the overall crop production of the country. Different resource conservation technologies (RCTs) such as precision land leveling (PLL), raised bed planting (RBP), and different high-efficiency irrigation systems (HEISs) can be opted for better water productivity. In this study, the potential of these RCTs has been explored to enhance production and save irrigation water through their sustainable adoption. Based on studies by different researchers, water savings up to 47% and yield increases up to 35% have been reported under PLL, while water savings up to 50% and about 10–33% yield increases were observed under RBP. Similarly, under different HEISs, water savings up to 80% and yield increases up to 53% have been reported compared with crops sown under conventional farming. Based on the findings of the researchers regarding RCTs, these have been proved as progressive sowing techniques for better productivity under the limited available water scenario. The detailed review in this paper concludes that RCTs resulting in the improvement of gravity irrigation methods, viz., PLL and RBP, have a great potential of adoption and water productivity improvement at the regional scale in developing countries such as Pakistan, while high-cost HEISs can also be promoted at limited scale among progressive farmers for high-value agriculture.
Stoichiometry of Soil, Microorganisms, and Extracellular Enzymes of Zanthoxylum planispinum var. dintanensis Plantations for Different Allocations
Authors: Li Yitong , Yu Yanghua , Song Yanping
Published: July 2022

Plantations with different allocation patterns significantly affect soil elements, microorganisms, extracellular enzymes, and their stoichiometric characteristics. Rather than studying them as a continuum, this study used four common allocations of plantations: Zanthoxylum planispinum var. dintanensis (hereafter Z. planispinum) + Prunus salicina, Z. planispinum + Sophora tonkinensis, Z. planispinum + Arachis hypogaea, and Z. planispinum + Lonicera japonica plantations, as well as a single-stand Z. planispinum plantation as a control. Soil samples from depths of 0–10 and 10–20 cm at the five plantations were used to analyze the element stoichiometry, microorganisms and extracellular enzymes. (1) One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that the contents of soil organic carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) of Z. planispinum + L. japonica plantation were high, while those of calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) were low compared to the Z. planispinum pure plantation; soil microbial and enzyme activities were also relatively high. Stoichiometric analysis showed that soil quality was good and nutrient contents were high compared to the other plantations, indicating that this was the optimal plantation. (2) Two-way ANOVA showed that stoichiometry was more influenced by plantation type than soil depth and their interaction, suggesting that plantation type significantly affected the ecosystem nutrient cycle; soil microbial biomass (MB) C:MBN:MBP was not sensitive to changes in planting, indicating that MBC:MBN:MBP was more stable than soil C:N:P, which can be used to diagnose ecosystem nutrient constraints. (3) Pearson’s correlation and standardized major axis analyses showed that there was no significant correlation between soil C:N:P and MBC:MBN:MBP ratios in this study; moreover, MBN:MBP had significant and extremely significant correlations with MBC:MBN and MBC:MBP. Fitting the internal stability model equation of soil nutrient elements and soil MBC, MBN, and MBP failed (p > 0.05), and the MBC, MBN, and MBP and their stoichiometric ratios showed an absolute steady state. This showed that, in karst areas with relative nutrient deficiency, soil microorganisms resisted environmental stress and showed a more stable stoichiometric ratio. Overall stoichiometric characteristics indicated that the Z. planispinum + L. japonica plantation performed best.
Genetic Pool of the Cultivated Pear Tree (Pyrus spp.) in the Canary Islands (Spain), Studied Using SSR Molecular Markers
Authors: Velázquez-Barrera María Encarnación , Ramos-Cabrer Ana María , Pereira-Lorenzo Santiago , Ríos-Mesa Domingo José
Published: July 2022

The Canary Islands have an enormous richness of crops and varieties, many of them traditional or local, selected for decades by farmers based on the most desirable characteristics. Pear trees were introduced to the Canary Islands presumably in the first years after their Conquest in the 15th century, reaching a high degree of diversification. In this study, to determine the genetic identity of the genus Pyrus in the Canary Islands for conservation purposes, 266 pear accessions from the islands of Tenerife, La Palma and Gran Canaria were characterized with 18 SSRs, in addition to 190 genotypes from Galicia, Asturias, wild and commercial varieties as references to detect possible synonyms, genetic relationships and the possible genetic structure. We identified 310 unique genotypes, both diploid and putative triploid, 120 of them present only in the Canary Islands (39%, with 50% clonality). The population structure of the genotypes was analyzed by STRUCTURE 2.3.4 software (Pritchard Lab, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA). The dendrogram, by using the Jaccard coefficient and principal component analysis (PCoA), separated the analyzed genotypes into stable groups. One of these groups was formed only by Canarian varieties present at lower altitudes, showing adaptation to low chilling requirements with a significant positive correlation (0.432, p < 0.01). This first study of the pear germplasm in the Canary Islands reflects the importance of the group of local cultivars and their need for conservation given they are adapted to their peculiar climatic conditions and have a low number of chill units.
Agroecological Screening of Copper Alternatives for the Conservation of Soil Health in Organic Olive Production
Authors: Kir Alev , Cetinel Barbaros , Sevim Didar , Gungor Feriste Ozturk , Rayns Francis , Touliatos Dionysios , Schmutz Ulrich
Published: July 2022

The efficacy of soil conditioner (vermicompost tea), fertiliser (potassium silicate), and biological control agents (BCAs) as practical agroecological copper alternatives against olive leaf spot (Spilocaea oleaginea (Cast.) Hughe.) disease was investigated between 2018 and 2021 under organic management in a Mediterranean climate. In total, 9 agroecological alternatives to copper oxychloride (vermicompost tea, potassium silicate, Bacillus subtilis EU 007 WP, Platanus orientalis leaf extract, Mycorrhiza mix, seaweed commercial product, Trichoderma citrinoviride TR1, vermicompost tea+Platanus orientalis mix, Penicillium (Mouldy bread pieces)) were applied to olive trees in a randomised block design with 4 replicationsTotal water soluble phenol compounds (TWSP) were found to be the main bioindicator to assess the alternatives and their potential to phase-out copper application. Results related to TWSP indicated that copper oxychloride (control), potassium silicate and vermicompost tea showed significantly higher content of TWSP as we compared zero application of copper and other treatments. These stimulate the antioxidant capacity in olive fruits and reduce the olive leaf spot disease incidence. The pollution effect of copper was monitored during the trial to identify soil pollution in the organic in-conversion experimental land. The total annual ‘active copper’ application was 4.7 kg.ha−1.year−1 and this is in accordance with the legal organic legislation of Turkey. During the conversion period from conventional to organic management, we determined approximately 50% reduced copper content in the soil 0–30 cm depth samples in 2020 (3.70 mg.kg−1) as it is compared to those initial samples (6.43 mg.kg−1) in 2018. We conclude that alternatives to copper that are easily accessible, e.g., vermicompost tea, have a potential for use in organic olive production to replace copper in mitigating olive leaf spots. Furthermore, we find that reduced copper application in organic management with the aim to decrease copper accumulation in soil, fruits and leaves was not yet enough to reduce copper to satisfactory levels. We conclude that further research with the aim of a total replacement of copper fungicide treatments in organic and non-organic systems is needed.
Phenotypic Variability, Heritability and Associations of Agronomic and Quality Traits in Cultivated Ethiopian Durum Wheat (Triticum turgidum L. ssp. Durum, Desf.)
Authors: Dagnaw Temesgen , Mulugeta Behailu , Haileselassie Teklehaimanot , Geleta Mulatu , Tesfaye Kassahun
Published: July 2022

Quality is an important aspect of durum wheat in the processing sector. Thus, recognizing the variability of quality and agronomic traits and their association is fundamental in designing plant breeding programs. This study aimed to assess the variability, heritability, genetic advance, and correlation of some agronomic and quality traits among 420 Ethiopian durum wheat genotypes and to identify the promising genotypes with distinct processing quality attributes to produce superior quality pasta. The field experiment was conducted at two locations (Sinana and Chefe Donsa) using an alpha lattice design with two replications. Analysis of variance, chi-square test, and Shannon–Weaver diversity index revealed the existence of highly significant (p < 0.001) variation among genotypes for all studied traits. The broad-sense heritability values were ranging from 46.2% (days to maturity) to 81% (thousand kernel weight) with the genetic advance as a percent of the mean ranging from 1.1% (days to maturity) to 21.2% (grain yield). The phenotypic correlation coefficients for all possible pairs of quantitative traits showed a significant (p < 0.05) association among most paired traits. The gluten content (GC) and grain protein content (GPC) were negatively correlated with grain yield and yield-related traits and positively associated with phenological traits, while yield and phenological traits correlated negatively. The frequency distributions of amber-colored and vitreous kernels, which are preferable characters of durum wheat in processing, were highly dominant in Ethiopian durum wheat genotypes. The identified top 5% genotypes, which have amber color and vitreous kernel with high GC and GPC content as well as sufficient grain yield, could be directly used by the processing sector and/or as donors of alleles in durum wheat breeding programs.
Are Traditional Lima Bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.) Landraces Valuable to Cope with Climate Change? Effects of Drought on Growth and Biochemical Stress Markers
Authors: Martínez-Nieto M. Isabel , González-Orenga Sara , Soriano Pilar , Prieto-Mossi Josefa , Larrea Elena , Doménech-Carbó Antonio , Tofei Ana Maria , Vicente Oscar , Mayoral Olga
Published: July 2022

Agrobiodiversity and adaptability to environmental changes derived from global warming are challenges for the future of agriculture. In this sense, landraces often have high levels of genetic variation, tightly connected with the changing environmental conditions of a territory. The genus Phaseolus, with five domesticated species, is one of the most important sources of proteins, carbohydrates and micronutrients in various countries. This study aimed to compare the adaptation capacity to drought, in the vegetative growth phase, of a commercial cultivar and two landraces traditionally cultivated in the Mediterranean basin of Phaseolus lunatus (Lima bean). Growth and biochemical responses of the analysed genotypes to different water-deficit treatments were evaluated and compared. In addition, the effectiveness of the voltammetric method for evaluating stress levels in cultivated plants was tested. The studied parameters revealed that P. lunatus is a drought-tolerant species, showing similar results for the three cultivars. However, contrary to what was expected from the germination phase results, the commercial variety Peru showed some better responses under water stress conditions. Finally, the voltammetric method proved to be a good and fast tool for assessing oxidative stress in cultivated plants, showing results in agreement with total phenolic compounds and total flavonoid fluctuations.
Threats and Vulnerabilities for the Globally Distributed Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) Sea Turtle: A Historical and Current Status Evaluation
Authors: Cáceres-Farias Lenin , Reséndiz Eduardo , Espinoza Joelly , Fernández-Sanz Helena , Alfaro-Núñez Alonzo
Published: July 2022

The olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) is the most abundant of all seven sea turtles, found across the tropical regions of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans in over 80 different countries all around the globe. Despite being the most common and widely distributed sea turtle, olive ridley populations have been declining substantially for decades. Worldwide, olive ridleys have experienced a 30–50% decline, putting their populations at risk and being considered an Endangered Species by the IUCN. Natural habitat degradation, pollution, bycatch, climate change, predation by humans and animals, infectious diseases and illegal trade are the most notorious threats to explain olive ridley populations rapidly decline. The present review assesses the numerous dangers that the olive ridley turtle has historically faced and currently faces. To preserve olive ridleys, stronger conservation initiatives and strategies must continue to be undertaken. Policies and law enforcement for the protection of natural environments and reduction in the effects of climate change should be implemented worldwide to protect this turtle species.
Mast Cell Population and Histamine Content in Hypothyroid Rat Tissues
Authors: Chieffi Baccari Gabriella , Falvo Sara , Lanni Antonia , Di Fiore Maria Maddalena , Cioffi Federica , Santillo Alessandra
Published: July 2022

The morphological features and relative number of mast cells (MCs) were studied in the skin and exorbital lacrimal glands of hypothyroid Wistar rats, Rattus norvegicus. Hypothyroidism significantly increased the number of MCs (up to 4.5-fold) and histamine content (up to 50%) in the examined tissues. The magnitude of the increase in the number of MCs was greater in the cheek skin and exorbital lacrimal glands than in the back skin. In the skin, the MCs were mainly located within the hypodermis and closely associated with the blood vessels, nerve fascicles, and adipocytes. In the exorbital lacrimal gland, which is a seromucous gland located lateral to the cheek below the ear, the MCs were distributed in the connective tissue surrounding the acini. The secretory granules of MCs showed histochemical characteristics of connective tissue MCs. They were metachromatic with Toluidine blue and safranin positive with the Alcian blue/safranin reactions. Finally, a significant increase in degranulating MCs was observed in hypothyroid tissues, relative to euthyroid tissues. At the ultrastructural level, the MCs of euthyroid rats were predominantly non-degranulating (Stage I). In hypothyroid animals, numerous MCs showed partial degranulation (Stage II–III) or were in a stage of complete degranulation. Our results concerning the skin and exorbital lacrimal gland suggested that the thyroid status might be involved in regulating the frequency and activation state of MCs.
Mixed-Effects Modelling of the Risk Factors Associated with Multiple Pregnancies in Thoroughbred Mares
Authors: Salem Shebl E. , Sinnott Alannah , Roach Jessica M. , Verheyen Kristien L. P. , de Mestre Amanda M.
Published: July 2022

Multiple pregnancies (MPs) are commonly diagnosed during breeding management of mares. Whilst some studies have reported on factors associated with the risk of MPs, few have utilised multivariable data analysis to control for confounding variables. A prospective cohort study of Thoroughbred broodmares was conducted with information collected on 27 factors. Mixed-effects logistic regression was used to determine risk factors for MPs. Mare, stallion, stud, and veterinarian were evaluated as random effects. The prevalence of MPs in 1754 mares and 2245 pregnancies was 16.06% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 14.54, 17.58). Multiple ovulations (OR = 15.57, 95% CI = 11.88, 20.53) and treatment with cloprostenol (OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.015, 1.80) were associated with increased odds of MPs following multivariable analysis. Mares that foaled at the start of the breeding season (OR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.47, 0.94), conceived at the second or more oestrus cycles (OR = 0.60, 95% CI= 0.43, 0.84), or identified with a uterine cyst (OR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.40, 0.97) were at reduced odds of conceiving MPs. Mare, stallion, stud, and veterinarian were not associated with MPs. These findings provide possible explanations as to why the prevalence of MPs but not MOs have increased over the last decade.
Reactivation of a Hospital-Based Therapy Dog Visitation Program during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Townsend Lisa , Heatwole Jennifer K. , Gee Nancy R.
Published: July 2022

This study examined human–animal interactions during the reactivation of a hospital-based therapy dog program during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected from human–dog interactions at an academic medical center in Virginia. Interaction length, participant role, age group (pediatric or adult), and observed gender were recorded. Handler adherence to human and animal safety protocols (donning personal protective equipment (PPE), using hand sanitizer, and limiting visit length) was measured. Observations from 1016 interactions were collected. t-tests and analysis of variance were conducted. Most visit recipients were healthcare workers (71.69%). Patients received longer visits than other participants (F(4880) = 72.90, p = <0.001); post hoc Bonferroni analyses (p = 0.05/4) showed that patients, both adult (M = 2.58 min, SD = 2.24) (95% C.I = 0.35–1.68) and pediatric (M = 5.81, SD = 4.38) (95% C.I. 3.56–4.97), had longer interaction times than healthcare workers (M = 1.56, SD = 1.92) but not visitors (p = 1.00). Gender differences were not statistically significant (t(552) = −0.736), p = 0.462). Hand sanitizer protocols were followed for 80% of interactions. PPE guidelines were followed for 100% of visits. Most interactions occurred with healthcare workers, suggesting that therapy dog visits are needed for this population. High adherence to COVID-19 safety protocols supports the decision to reactivate therapy animal visitation programs in hospitals. Challenges to safety protocol adherence included ultra-brief interactions and crowds of people surrounding the dog/handler teams. Program staff developed a “buddy system” mitigation strategy to minimize departures from safety protocols and reduce canine stress.
A Review of Commonly Used Methodologies for Assessing the Antibacterial Activity of Honey and Honey Products
Authors: Hossain Md Lokman , Lim Lee Yong , Hammer Katherine , Hettiarachchi Dhanushka , Locher Cornelia
Published: July 2022

Honey, a naturally sweet and viscous substance is mainly produced by honeybees (Apis mellifera) from flower nectar. Honey exerts a plethora of biological and pharmacological activities, namely, antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity, because of the presence of an extensive variety of bioactive compounds. The antibacterial activity is one of the most reported biological properties, with many studies demonstrating that honey is active against clinically important pathogens. As a result, beside honey’s widespread utilization as a common food and flavouring agent, honey is an attractive natural antimicrobial agent. However, the use of neat honey for therapeutic purposes poses some problems, for instance, its stickiness may hamper its appeal to consumers and health care professionals, and the maintenance of an adequate therapeutic concentration over a sufficient timeframe may be challenging due to honey liquidity and leakage. It has motivated researchers to integrate honey into diverse formulations, for example, hydrogels, dressings, ointments, pastes and lozenges. The antibacterial activity of these formulations should be scientifically determined to underscore claims of effectiveness. Some researchers have made efforts to adapt the disc carrier and suspension test to assess the antimicrobial activity of topical products (e.g., silver-based wound dressings). However, there is currently no established and validated method for determining the in vitro antimicrobial potential of natural product-based formulations, including those containing honey as the active principle. Against the backdrop of a brief discussion of the parameters that contribute to its antibacterial activity, this review provides an outline of the methods currently used for investigating the antibacterial activity of neat honey and discusses their limitations for application to honey-based formulations.
Essential Oils as a Good Weapon against Drug-Resistant Candida auris
Authors: Fernandes Liliana , Ribeiro Rita , Costa Raquel , Henriques Mariana , Rodrigues M. Elisa
Published: July 2022

Candida auris is a recently found Candida species, mainly associated with nosocomial outbreaks in intensive care hospital settings, and unlike other Candida species, it can be transmitted through person-to-person or by contact with surfaces. C. auris is described as resistant to first-line antifungals and, consequently, associated with high mortality. Nowadays, essential oils (EOs) are known to be effective against fungal and bacterial infections. This work aimed to evaluate the effect of four EOs (tea tree, niaouli, white thyme and cajeput) against C. auris. The EO’s effect on C. auris planktonic growth was evaluated by the minimum inhibitory concentration determination and by the agar disc diffusion method. Then, the same effect was evaluated on biofilm by colony-forming units’ enumeration. The results showed that EOs were able to inhibit the C. auris planktonic growth, with an MIC50 between 0.78 and 1.56% and halos of 20–21 mm for white thyme and tea tree and 13–14 mm for cajeput and niaouli. In addition, the EOs were also able to completely inhibit biofilm formation. Moreover, white thyme and cajeput completely eradicate pre-formed biofilms, while tea tree and niaouli significantly reduce it. Thus, this work demonstrates that EOs are a possible therapeutic alternative and a future perspective for the hard fight against C. auris.
Maqui (Aristotelia chilensis (Mol.) Stuntz): A Natural Antioxidant to Improve Quality of Meat Patties
Authors: Velázquez Lidiana , Quiñones John , Inostroza Karla , Sepúlveda Gastón , Díaz Rommy , Scheuermann Erick , Domínguez Rubén , Lorenzo José M. , Velásquez Carla , Sepúlveda Néstor
Published: July 2022

Aristotelia chilensis is an endemic shrub of the South Pacific with high concentrations of bioactive compounds in its leaves and, therefore, it is highly valued. The effect of Aristotelia chilensis leaf powders (maqui leaf powders; Ma) on the quality and shelf life of beef patties during 7 days of storage was investigated. Five beef patties treatments were prepared: (1) Control without antioxidants (CT); (2) Beef patties with synthetic antioxidants plus color (250 mg/kg) (PL); (3) Beef patties with 500 ppm of maqui leaf powders (Ma500); (4) Beef patties with 1000 ppm of maqui leaf powders (Ma1000); and (5) Beef patties with 2000 ppm of maqui leaf powders (Ma2000). The quality of the beef patties was evaluated on day 0 and day 7 of storage by physicochemical analysis (moisture, ash and lipid content, color, pH, fatty acid profile and lipid oxidation) and organoleptic analysis. The addition of maqui leaf powders did not produce changes in the proximate composition of the beef patties. The pH for all treatments showed a range of 5.50–5.75 and significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed at the beginning and end of storage. The pH of the control beef patties increased during storage while the pH of the beef patties with synthetic and natural antioxidants decreased. Redness (a*) was the color indicator that was mostly affected by the inclusion of 1000 ppm and 2000 ppm powders. High lipid oxidation was observed in control samples on the seventh day of storage due to the high percentage of fat used in the formulation and the absence of any antioxidant. However, the Ma500, Ma1000, and Ma2000 treatments presented the lowest lipid oxidation rates (42.05%, 40.29%, and 43.14%, respectively) in comparison with the synthetic antioxidant (52.23%). This lipid inhibition is related to the strong antioxidant activity (29.75 µg/mL IC50 DPPH) of the maqui leaf powder due to its high content of total polyphenols (148.76 mg GAE/g), mainly characterized by having great amounts of hydroxybenzoic acids (82.5 mg GAE/g), flavonoids (7.1 mg QE/g), and hydroxycinnamic acids (3.7 mg CAE/g). Although minimal variations were observed in some individual fatty acids, and despite the trend to decrease MUFA and increase SFA with the maqui leaf powder addition, these differences were minimal and, according to the nutritional indices results, without any influence on the nutritional quality of the beef patties. The organoleptic analysis showed that the addition of maqui leaf powders did not affect the general acceptability of the new formulations. This study reports for the first time the substitution of synthetic antioxidants with Aristotelia chilensis leaves extract. Based on the results, it can be concluded that this ingredient can be used as an alternative for the production of raw meat products with clean labels.
Oral Feeding of an Antioxidant Cocktail as a Therapeutic Strategy in a Mouse Model of Rett Syndrome: Merits and Limitations of Long-Term Treatment
Authors: Baroncelli Laura , Auel Stefanie , Rinne Lena , Schuster Ann-Kathrin , Brand Victoria , Kempkes Belinda , Dietrich Katharina , Müller Michael
Published: July 2022

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder that typically arises from spontaneous germline mutations in the X-chromosomal methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2) gene. For the first 6–18 months of life, the development of the mostly female patients appears normal. Subsequently, cognitive impairment, motor disturbances, hand stereotypies, epilepsy, and irregular breathing manifest, with previously learned skills being lost. Early mitochondrial impairment and a systemic oxidative burden are part of the complex pathogenesis, and contribute to disease progression. Accordingly, partial therapeutic merits of redox-stabilizing and antioxidant (AO) treatments were reported in RTT patients and Mecp2-mutant mice. Pursuing these findings, we conducted a full preclinical trial on male and female mice to define the therapeutic value of an orally administered AO cocktail composed of vitamin E, N-acetylcysteine, and α-lipoic acid. AO treatment ameliorated some of the microcephaly-related aspects. Moreover, the reduced growth, lowered blood glucose levels, and the hippocampal synaptic plasticity of Mecp2−/y mice improved. However, the first-time detected intensified oxidative DNA damage in Mecp2-mutant cortex persisted. The behavioral performance, breathing regularity, and life expectancy of Mecp2-mutant mice did not improve upon AO treatment. Long-term-treated Mecp2+/− mice eventually became obese. In conclusion, the AO cocktail ameliorated a subset of symptoms of the complex RTT-related phenotype, thereby further confirming the potential merits of AO-based pharmacotherapies. Yet, it also became evident that long-term AO treatment may lose efficacy and even aggravate the metabolic disturbances in RTT. This emphasizes the importance of a constantly well-balanced redox balance for systemic well-being.
A Dietary Antioxidant Formulation Ameliorates DNA Damage Caused by γ-Irradiation in Normal Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells In Vitro
Authors: Merlin J. P. Jose , Mathavarajah Sabateeshan , Dellaire Graham , Murphy Kieran P. J. , Rupasinghe H. P. Vasantha
Published: July 2022

Antioxidants can be used as radioprotectants to reduce DNA damage due to exposure to radiation that could result in malignancies, including lung cancer. Mortality rates are consistently higher in lung cancer, which is usually diagnosed at later stages of cancer development and progression. In this preliminary study, we examined the potential of an antioxidant formulation (AOX2) to reduce DNA damage using a cell model of human normal bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B). Cells were exposed to γ-irradiation or smoke-related hydrocarbon 4[(acetoxymethyl)nitrosamino]-1 (3-pyridyl) 1-butanone (NNKOAc) to induce DNA damage. We monitored intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and evidence of genotoxic damage including DNA fragmentation ELISA, γ-H2AX immunofluorescence, and comet assays. Pre-incubation of the cells with AOX2 before exposure to γ-irradiation and NNKOAc significantly reduced DNA damage. The dietary antioxidant preparation AOX2 significantly reduced the induction of the tumor suppressor protein p53 and DNA damage-associated γ-H2AX phosphorylation by radiation and the NNKOAc treatment. Thus, AOX2 has the potential to act as a chemoprotectant by lowering ROS levels and DNA damage caused by exposure to radiation or chemical carcinogens.
Testing the Utilization of a Seismic Network Outside the Main Mining Facility Area for Expanding the Microseismic Monitoring Coverage in a Deep Block Caving
Authors: Hidayat Wahyu , Sahara David P. , Widiyantoro Sri , Suharsono Suharsono , Wattimena Ridho Kresna , Melati Sari , Putra I Putu Raditya Ambara , Prahastudhi Septian , Sitorus Eric , Riyanto Erwin
Published: July 2022

In the case of mining in an inclined intrusion using the block caving method, the highest stress is usually concentrated in the seismogenic and abutment zones, especially in the front of the sloping area. In an inclined intrusion of more than 40°, the seismometer network is usually distributed in the facility area where the footwall area is also located. This causes a limitation in microseismic monitoring due to ray coverage. In this study, we conduct a seismometer deployment outside a mining facilities area with borehole seismometers. The study aims to maximize the resolution and minimize the monitoring uncertainty of underground mines. We created two scenarios of seismometer deployment: (i) seismometers are deployed following the intrusion mining level in the mining facility area; and (ii) additional seismometers are deployed in off-facilities areas. Both areas were tested for their raypath responses and sensitivity using the Checkerboard Resolution Test (CRT). The monitoring resolution influenced by the additional borehole seismometers in the off-facilities area can be quantified. The results suggest that the additional seismometers in the off-facilities areas can increase resolution by 30% in the seismogenic and abutment zones.