bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome-Wide Investigation of N6-Methyladenosine Regulatory Genes and Their Roles in Tea (Camellia sinensis) Leaves During Withering Process
Authors: Zhu Chen , Zhang Shuting , Zhou Chengzhe , Xie Siyi , Chen Guangwu , Tian Caiyun , Xu Kai , Lin Yuling , Lai Zhongxiong , Guo Yuqiong
Published: June 2021

N6-methyladenosine (m6A), one of the internal modifications of RNA molecules, can directly influence RNA abundance and function without altering the nucleotide sequence, and plays a pivotal role in response to diverse environmental stresses. The precise m6A regulatory mechanism comprises three types of components, namely, m6A writers, erasers, and readers. To date, the research focusing on m6A regulatory genes in plant kingdom is still in its infancy. Here, a total of 34 m6A regulatory genes were identified from the chromosome-scale genome of tea plants. The expansion of m6A regulatory genes was driven mainly by whole-genome duplication (WGD) and segmental duplication, and the duplicated gene pairs evolved through purifying selection. Gene structure analysis revealed that the sequence variation contributed to the functional diversification of m6A regulatory genes. Expression pattern analysis showed that most m6A regulatory genes were differentially expressed under environmental stresses and tea-withering stage. These observations indicated that m6A regulatory genes play essential roles in response to environmental stresses and tea-withering stage. We also found that RNA methylation and DNA methylation formed a negative feedback by interacting with each other’s methylation regulatory genes. This study provided a foundation for understanding the m6A-mediated regulatory mechanism in tea plants under environmental stresses and tea-withering stage.
The Dark is Rising: Contrasting the Dark Triad and Light Triad on Measures of Political Ambition and Participation
Authors: Peterson Rolfe Daus , Palmer Carl L.
Published: June 2021

A growing body of research suggests a significant relationship between dark personality traits and political behavior. While the personality characteristics of Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy (labeled the Dark Triad) are associated with a range of political attitudes, research has not tested the Dark Triad in combination with the emerging use of the comparable Light Triad of personality. This paper sets up an exploration of the competing influences of light and dark personality traits on political participation and ambition. Our analyses corroborate that Dark Triad traits are significantly related to ambition and political participation. Consistent with prior research, the dark personality traits remain predominant. However, there are significant effects for some Light Triad traits as well. Our findings have implications for a deeper understanding of the mix of personality traits that drive political behavior and expand upon the normative discussion of who is, in fact, political.
Working Memory Load Effects on the Tilt Aftereffect
Authors: Mei Gaoxing , Cen Mofen , Luo Xu , Qiu Shiming , Pan Yun
Published: June 2021

Prolonged exposure to an oriented stimulus causes a subsequent test stimulus to be perceived as tilted in the opposite direction, a phenomenon referred to as the tilt aftereffect (TAE). Previous studies have demonstrated that high-level cognitive functions such as attention can modulate the TAE, which is generally well-known as a low-level perceptual process. However, it is unclear whether working memory load, another high-level cognitive function, could modulate the TAE. To address this issue, here we developed a new paradigm by combining a working memory load task with a TAE task. Participants firstly remembered a stream of digits (Experiment 1) or four color-shape conjunctions (Experiment 2) under high/low load conditions, and then recognized the probe stimuli (digits or a color-shape conjunction), which were presented at the center of an adapting grating. After the recognition task (i.e., the adaptation stage), participants performed an orientation judgment task to measure their TAEs. The result of Experiment 1, where the load stimuli were digits, showed that the magnitude of the TAEs were reduced under the condition of the high working memory load compared to that of the low working memory load. However, we failed to replicate the finding in Experiment 2, where the load stimuli were color-shape conjunctions. Together, our two experiments provided mixed evidence regarding the working memory load effects on the TAE and further replications are needed in future work.
Reward Design for Customer Referral Programs: Reward–Product Congruence Effect and Gender Difference
Authors: Hu Hai-hua , Zhang Xin-Mu
Published: June 2021

Referral reward design is the core component of customer referral programs, which are often applied to recruit new customers. This research investigates the effectiveness of utilitarian vs. hedonic rewards in terms of referral generation. Through one field study and two laboratory studies, we demonstrate a reward–product congruency effect; that is, utilitarian rewards, compared with hedonic rewards, yield a higher referral likelihood for utilitarian products, while the opposite holds true for hedonic products. However, such a congruency effect would be crippled by gender segmentation. When males make referral decisions toward hedonic products, the effectiveness of utilitarian rewards is at least equal to that of hedonic rewards. When females make referral decisions toward utilitarian products, there is no difference in effectiveness between utilitarian and hedonic rewards. These findings provide novel insights into referral reward design.
Big Changes Start With Small Talk: Twitter and Climate Change in Times of Coronavirus Pandemic
Authors: Gaytan Camarillo Mariana , Ferguson Eamonn , Ljevar Vanja , Spence Alexa
Published: June 2021

Behavioural scientists have been studying public perceptions to understand how and why people behave the way they do towards climate change. In recent times, enormous changes to behaviour and people’s interactions have been brought about by the worldwide coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, unexpectedly and indefinitely; some of which have environmental implications (e.g., travelling less). An innovative way to analyse public perceptions and behaviour is with the use of social media to understand the discourse around climate change. This paper focuses on assessing changes in social media discourse around actions for climate change mitigation over time during the global pandemic. Twitter data were collected at three different points during the pandemic: February (time 1), June (time 2), and October 2020 (time 3). By using machine learning techniques, including recurrent neural networks (RNN) and unsupervised learning Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) topic modelling, we identified tweets mentioning actions to mitigate climate change. The findings identified topics related to “government actions,” “environmental behaviours,” “sustainable production,” and “awareness,” among others. We found an increase in tweets identified as “action tweets” relating to climate change for time 2 and time 3 compared with time 1. In addition, we found that the topic of energy seemed to be of relevance within the public’s perceptions of actions for climate change mitigation; this did not seem to change over time. We found that the topic of “government actions” was present across all time points and may have been influenced by political events at time 1, and by COVID-19 discourse at times 2 and 3. Moreover, topic changes over time within Twitter indicated a pattern that may have reflected restrictions on mobility as these tended to focus on individual and private sphere behaviours rather than group and public sphere behaviours. Changes in topic patterns may also reflect an increase in salience of certain behaviours (e.g., shopping), which may have received increased attention due to lockdown restrictions. Considering restrictions and adaptability challenges people face in times of a global pandemic may help to identify how to support sustainable behaviour change and the likely persistence of these changes.
Cross-Generational Differences in Independence and Interdependence: Discrepancies Between Their Actual and Ideal Selves in the Japanese Cultural Context
Authors: Hashimoto Hirofumi
Published: June 2021

The current study examined cross-generational differences in both independent and interdependent self-construal. Two studies using samples from across Japan that included a wide age range demonstrated that, with increasing age, Japanese respondents scored higher on independence, which was measured by a self-expression scale, and lower on interdependence, as measured by a rejection avoidance scale. Furthermore, these cross-over effects were not observed with regard to participants' preferences (i.e., the ideal state of the self), but were only observed in their actual selves (i.e., the actual state of the self). These results suggest that the Japanese, especially younger generations, cannot help but behave in an interdependent way despite being eager to be independent.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Mental Health Problems Among Healthcare Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hao Qinjian , Wang Dahai , Xie Min , Tang Yiguo , Dou Yikai , Zhu Ling , Wu Yulu , Dai Minhan , Wu Hongmei , Wang Qiang
Published: June 2021

Objective: The purpose of this meta-analysis was to summarize the prevalence and risk factors of mental health problems among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: We applied an optimized search strategy across the PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, PsycINFO, and four Chinese databases, with hand searching supplemented to identify relevant surveys. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they were published in peer-reviewed literature and used a validated method to assess the prevalence and risk factors of mental health problems among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Heterogeneity was quantified using Q statistics and the I2 statistics. The potential causes of heterogeneity were investigated using subgroup analysis and meta-regression analysis. Sensitivity analysis was performed to examine the robustness of the results.

Results: We pooled and analyzed data from 20 studies comprising 10,886 healthcare workers. The prevalence of depression, anxiety, insomnia, post-traumatic stress symptoms, phobia, obsessive–compulsive symptoms, and somatization symptoms was 24.1, 28.6, 44.1, 25.6, 35.0, 16.2, and 10.7%, respectively. Female and nurses had a high prevalence of depression and anxiety. Frontline healthcare workers had a higher prevalence of anxiety and a lower prevalence of depression than the those in the second-line. Furthermore, the proportion of moderate–severe depression and anxiety is higher in the frontline. Additionally, four studies reported on risk factors of mental health problems.

Conclusions: In this systematic review, healthcare workers have a relatively high prevalence of depression, anxiety, insomnia, post-traumatic stress symptoms, phobia, obsessive–compulsive symptoms, and somatization symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic, and focus should be on the healthcare workers at high risk of mental problems. Mental health problems in healthcare workers should be taken seriously, and timely screening and appropriate intervention for the high-risk group are highly recommended.

Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42020179189.
Dynamics of Perceived Positive Changes and Indicators of Well-Being Within Different Phases of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Büssing Arndt , Rodrigues Recchia Daniela , Dienberg Thomas , Surzykiewicz Janusz , Baumann Klaus
Published: June 2021

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, people reported about fears, depressive states, and phases of loneliness. However, there have also been positively experienced changes in terms of awareness of nature, reflection of life, more intensive relationships, meaningful digital media usage to connect with others, and interest in spirituality. We were interested in the dynamics of these indicators directly after the first lockdown, the summer months and during the second wave of the pandemic with its second lockdown, and how they relate to the perceived restrictions, fears, and worries.

Method: Survey with standardized questionnaires, i.e., Perceived Changes Questionnaire, WHO-Five Well-being Index, Brief Multidimensional Life Satisfaction Scale, Awe/Gratitude scale. Participants were categorized as cohort 1 (June 2020; n = 1,333), cohort 2 (July to September 2020, n = 823), and cohort three (October 2020 to January 2021, n = 625).

Results: Participants perceived changes in specific attitudes and behaviors, which have impacted their well-being and life satisfaction. Compared to their experiences directly after the first wave of the pandemic (cohort 1), well-being (Hedge's g = 0.83) and life satisfaction (g = 0.63) decreased during the second wave (cohort 3) and participants' stressors increased (g = −0.94). At the same time, positive perceptions such as Nature/Silence/Contemplation (g = 0.67), Spirituality (g = 0.62), Relationships (g = 0.55), and Digital media usage declined (g = 0.31), but not Reflections on life (g = −0.03). In cohort 3, the proportion of persons relying on their faith as a strong hold was declining also in nominally religious persons. Awe/Gratitude was among the best predictors of perceived positive changes, indicating a resource which is nevertheless declining during the second wave of the pandemic (g = 0.60).

Conclusions: Several perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors have changed, particularly during the second wave of the pandemic, which had a strong influence on psychological health. Although Awe/Gratitude was confirmed as the best predictor of perceived positive changes, this resource may not buffer against the negative outcomes of the pandemic but helps to recognize the still positive aspects in life. There is a need for new and not yet defined public health communities that could focus on persons which are affected in their physical, mental, social, and spiritual health and well-being due to the pandemic.
Emergency Psychiatric Consultations During and After the COVID-19 Lockdown in Italy. A Multicentre Study
Authors: Balestrieri Matteo , Rucci Paola , Amendola Davide , Bonizzoni Miki , Cerveri Giancarlo , Colli Chiara , Dragogna Filippo , Ducci Giuseppe , Elmo Maria Giuseppa , Ghio Lucio , Grasso Federico , Locatelli Clara , Mencacci Claudio , Monaco Leonardo , Nicotra Alessandra , Piccinini Giulia , Pischiutta Livia , Toscano Marco , Vaggi Marco , Villari Vincenzo , Vitalucci Alberto , Castelpietra Giulio , Bondi Emi
Published: June 2021

Aims:The aim was to analyse the psychiatric consultations in nine Italian hospital emergency departments, by comparing the lockdown and post-lockdown periods of 2020 with the equivalent periods of 2019.

Methods:Characteristics of psychiatric consultations, patients, and drug prescriptions were analyzed. Joinpoint models were used to identify changes in the weekly trend of consultations.

Results:A 37.5% decrease in the number of consultations was seen during the lockdown period and 17.9% after the lockdown. The number of individual patients seen decreased by 34.9% during the lockdown and 11.2% after the lockdown. A significant change in the number of consultations from week 11 to week 18 occurred, followed by a gradual increase. There was a higher percentage of patients with previous psychiatric hospitalizations during the lockdown period (61.1 vs. 56.3%) and a lower percentage after the lockdown (59.7 vs. 64.7%). During the lockdown there was a large increase in psychiatric consultations for substance use disorders, whereas more consultations for manic episodes occurred after the lockdown. A 3.4% decrease was observed in consultations for suicidal ideation and planning during the lockdown, followed by an upward rebound after the lockdown, along with an increase in consultations for suicide attempts. During lockdown antipsychotic and benzodiazepine prescriptions increased by 5.2 and 4.1%, respectively. After the lockdown, the number of compulsory hospitalizations was higher than in 2019.

Conclusions:We observed a decrease of psychiatric consultations during and after the lockdown. There was an increase in consultations for manic episodes and suicidality after the lockdown. The focus of psychiatric services must remain high particularly in this latter period.
Problematic Internet Use Was Associated With Psychological Problems Among University Students During COVID-19 Outbreak in China
Authors: Xie Xinyan , Zhu Kaiheng , Xue Qi , Zhou Yu , Liu Qi , Wu Hao , Wan Zihao , Zhang Jiajia , Meng Heng , Zhu Bing , Song Ranran
Published: June 2021

Background: As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic progressed globally, school closures and home quarantine may cause an increase in problematic Internet use among students in universities. Such a traumatic stress event may also contribute to the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depressive, and anxiety symptoms. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of PTSD, depressive, and anxiety symptoms as well as the predictive role of problematic Internet use in the above-mentioned psychological problems in university students.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted through an online survey of 8,879 students in China between April 20 and April 26, 2020. The presence of PTSD, depressive, and anxiety symptoms and problematic Internet use were evaluated using PTSD Checklist for DSM-5, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression 9-item scale, the generalized anxiety disorder 7-item scale, and the Young diagnostic questionnaire, respectively. Sociodemographic information and the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward COVID-19 data were also collected.

Results: A total of 4,834 (54.4%) participants were female, and 7,564 (85.2%) were undergraduate students. A total of 615 students (6.9%) reported PTSD symptoms; 5.2% (465) and 10.1% (896) reported moderate to severe depressive and anxiety symptoms, respectively. The problematic Internet use was significantly associated with higher risk of PTSD, depressive, and anxiety symptoms (odds ratio 2.662 [95% CI, 2.239–3.165], odds ratio 4.582 [95% CI, 3.753–5.611], odds ratio 3.251 [95% CI, 2.814–3.757], respectively; all P < 0.001). Lower attitude and practice scores also contributed to the risk of depressive, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: Psychological problems should be paid more attention, and problematic Internet use may be a predictor when screening high-risk students for psychological problems. Our results will aid in timely psychological screening, which is meaningful in the prevention and intervention of psychological problems.
A Comparative Study of Efficacy and Functionality of Ten Commercially Available Wrist-Hand Orthoses in Healthy Females: Wrist Range of Motion and Grip Strength Analysis
Authors: Aranceta-Garza Alejandra , Ross Karyn
Published: June 2021

Objective:Wrist-hand orthoses (WHOs) are prescribed for a range of musculoskeletal/neurological conditions to optimise wrist/hand position at rest and enhance performance by controlling its range of motion (ROM), improving alignment, reducing pain, and optimising grip strength. The objective of this research was to study the efficacy and functionality of ten commercially available WHOs on wrist ROM and grip strength.

Design:Randomised comparative functional study of the wrist/hand with and without WHOs.

Participants:Ten right-handed female participants presenting with no underlying condition nor pain affecting the wrist/hand which could influence motion or grip strength. Each participant randomly tested ten WHOs; one per week, for 10 weeks.

Main outcome measures:The primary outcome was to ascertain the impact of WHOs on wrist resting position and flexion, extension, radial, and ulnar deviation. A secondary outcome was the impact of the WHOs on maximum grip strength and associated wrist position when this was attained.

Results:From the 2,400 tests performed it was clear that no WHO performed effectively or consistently across participants. The optimally performing WHO for flexion control was #3 restricting 86.7%, #4 restricting 76.7% of extension, #9 restricting 83.5% of radial deviation, and #4 maximally restricting ulnar deviation. A grip strength reduction was observed with all WHOs, and ranged from 1.7% (#6) to 34.2% (#4).

Conclusion:WHOs did not limit movement sufficiently to successfully manage any condition requiring motion restriction associated with pain relief. The array of motion control recorded might be a contributing factor for the current conflicting evidence of efficacy for WHOs. Any detrimental impact on grip strength will influence the types of activities undertaken by the wearer. The design aspects impacting wrist motion and grip strength are multifactorial, including: WHO geometry; the presence of a volar bar; material of construction; strap design; and quality of fit. This study raises questions regarding the efficacy of current designs of prefabricated WHOs which have remained unchanged for several decades but continue to be used globally without a robust evidence-base to inform clinical practise and the prescription of these devices. These findings justify the need to re-design WHOs with the goal of meeting users' needs.
Outcome of Mini-Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in Patients Under the Age of 18: An Experience With 112 Cases
Authors: Hosseini Mohammad Mehdi , Irani Dariush , Altofeyli Ala'a , Eslahi Ali , Basiratnia Mitra , Haghpanah Abdolreza , Adib Ali , Ahmed Faisal
Published: June 2021

Purpose: Renal calculi are becoming more common among children. Although, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is the first choice in this age group, minimal invasive surgeries, such as percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), are indicated for some patients. Recently, PCNL devices have become smaller in size with acceptable efficacy and lower complications. We evaluated the outcomes and complications of mini-PCNL (MPCNL) surgery in our referral training centers.

Materials and Methods: Between September 2012 and January 2020, a total of 112 children under the age of 18, who had shown failure of ESWL, and/or their parents refused to do it, underwent MPCNL (15 Fr). The patients' profiles were reviewed for data collection including preoperative and stone data, operation information, and postoperative complications.

Results: Of 112 patients, 69 were boys, and 43 were girls. Their mean age was 8.6 years (14 months to 18 years). Mean stone size was 20 mm (14–34 mm). Seventy-four cases had renal pelvic stone, 22 had pelvis and lower pole, and 16 had staghorn. The mean operation time was 65 min (35–100 min), and mean radiation time was 0.6 min (0.2–1.4 min). Low-grade fever was detected in 14 patients (12.5%). Four patients needed blood transfusion and two had increased creatinine, which improved with conservative management. One patient developed urosepsis that resolved with antibiotic therapy. None of the patients had kidney perforation or other organ injury or death. Early stone-free rate (SFR) after operation was 90.2% (101 patients). Six patients had residual fragment <5 mm, which passed spontaneously in 2 weeks after operation (total SFR 95.3%). Three patients underwent second-look nephroscopy, and ureteroscopy was done for two patients due to migrated stone fragments to the distal ureter.

Conclusion: MPCNL is recommended as a safe alternative option for treatment of the nephrolithiasis in children with good outcome and acceptable complications.
The Scientific Value of Abstracts on Prostate Cancer Presented at the European Association of Urology Congresses
Authors: Ataei Jasmin , Bach Christian , Javan Aida , Vögeli Thomas-Alexander , Grafe Christina , Rahnama'i Mohammad Sajjad
Published: June 2021

Background: Scientific congresses are an important medium for presenting recent clinical findings. Publication of abstracts allows wider dissemination.

Objectives: To determine the publication rates of prostate cancer abstracts presented at the annual congress of the European Association of Urology (EAU).

Design, Setting, and Participants: All abstracts with the term prostate cancer or carcinoma presented at the congress of the European Association of Urology from 2015 to 2018 were analyzed. We captured their publication rate, journal impact factor and time to publication. Moreover, we formulated a scoring system to determine the grade of discrepancy between the conclusions mentioned in the congress abstract and published abstract.

Results: A total of 834 abstracts presented at EAU annual meeting included prostate cancer or carcinoma in their title. We recorded a publication rate of 56.8% with 474 of the 834 abstracts being published with a mean time of 12.5 months.

Conclusion: Approximately, 57% of the prostate cancer abstracts presented at the EAU congress are published in peer reviewed journals. This acceptance rate indicates the high distribution and dissemination of these abstracts.
A Focus Group Study of Canadian Dairy Farmers' Attitudes and Social Referents on Antimicrobial Use and Antimicrobial Resistance
Authors: Cobo-Angel Claudia , LeBlanc Stephen J. , Roche Steven M. , Ritter Caroline
Published: June 2021

As part of broader actions to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR), health authorities have promoted the reduction of antimicrobial use (AMU) in food animals. Farmers' attitudes and receptivity to reduction of AMU appear to be variable and context specific. Our research objectives were to gain insight into Canadian dairy farmers' attitudes toward AMU, AMR, and AMU-reduction in the dairy industry, and to explore drivers and barriers to change AMU, including the influence of social referents. We conducted seven focus groups with 42 farmers in two provinces of Canada (New Brunswick and Ontario) and used thematic analysis to identify, analyze, and report patterns in the data. Our results indicate that farmers usually rely on their previous experience and judgement of individual cases of disease when making decisions related to AMU. External referents included other farmers, family members, and veterinarians. However, veterinarians were generally only consulted for unusual cases. Participants in this study expressed that maintaining cattle welfare is their responsibility, and that they were not willing to jeopardize animal welfare in order to reduce AMU. In addition, farmers regarded the cost of investment in improved facilities to prevent disease as an important barrier to reduce AMU. Finally, the majority of participants considered themselves to be low users of antimicrobials and perceived a small role of AMU on dairy farms in AMR. In conclusion, farmers from this study showed self-reliance to decide about AMU on their farms and considered animal-related and economic factors in these decisions. There was a general lack of knowledge of how to reduce AMU without investing in facilities, and there is an opportunity to motivate increased involvement of the veterinarian in AMU-related decisions. These results should be considered to design and refine antimicrobial stewardship programs for dairy farms.
The Preferences of Different Cultivars of Lettuce Seedlings (Lactuca sativa L.) for the Spectral Composition of Light
Authors: Frąszczak Barbara , Kula-Maximenko Monika
Published: June 2021

The spectrum of light significantly influences the growth of plants cultivated in closed systems. Five lettuce cultivars with different leaf colours were grown under white light (W, 170 μmol m−2 s−1) and under white light with the addition of red (W + R) or blue light (W + B) (230 μmol m−2 s−1). The plants were grown until they reached the seedling phase (30 days). Each cultivar reacted differently to the light spectrum applied. The red-leaved cultivar exhibited the strongest plasticity in response to the spectrum. The blue light stimulated the growth of the leaf surface in all the plants. The red light negatively influenced the length of leaves in the cultivars, but it positively affected their number in red and dark-green lettuce. It also increased the relative chlorophyll content and fresh weight gain in the cultivars containing anthocyanins. When the cultivars were grown under white light, they had longer leaves and higher value of the leaf shape index. The light-green cultivars had a greater fresh weight. Both the addition of blue and red light significantly increased the relative chlorophyll content in the dark-green cultivar. The spectrum enhanced with blue light had positive influence on most of the parameters under analysis in butter lettuce cultivars. These cultivars were also characterised by the highest absorbance of blue light.
Phytochemical Content and Antioxidant Activity of Ancient Majorca and Carosella (Triticum aestivum L.) Wheat Flours
Authors: Marrelli Mariangela , Sprovieri Pasqualina , Conforti Filomena , Statti Giancarlo
Published: June 2021

Two locally grown ancient wheat varieties named Carosella and Majorca (Triticum aestivum L.) were studied for their phytochemical contents and biological activities. Four different types of flour obtained from each variety were investigated. Carosella and Majorca samples showed high concentration of polyphenol content and high antioxidant activity. Among the different types of flour obtained by different grindings (whole wheat, 2, 1, and 0), whole wheat showed the highest antioxidant activity expressed as inhibition of DPPH radical, with an IC50 value of 0.008 mg/mL for Carosella and 0.011 mg/mL for Majorca. The total polyphenol content ranged from 11.72 to 14.34 g/kg in Carosella samples and from 11.96 to 13.67 g/kg in Majorca samples. The results of this study reveal that the two wheat varieties, Carosella and Majorca, could be considered potential sources of antioxidant agent and could play a major role in human health.
Open Intellectual Property Models for Plant Innovations in the Context of New Breeding Technologies
Authors: Kock Michael A.
Published: June 2021

Plant related innovations are critical to enable of food security and mitigate climate change. New breeding technologies (NBTs) based on emerging genome editing technologies like CRISPR/Cas will facilitate “breeding-by-editing” and enable complex breeding targets—like climate resilience or water use efficiency—in shorter time and at lower costs. However, NBTs will also lead to an unprecedented patent complexity. This paper discusses implications and potential solutions for open innovation models.
The Impact of Dietary Curcumin on the Growth Performance, Intestinal Antibacterial Capacity, and Haemato-Biochemical Parameters of Gilthead Seabream (Sparus aurata)
Authors: Ashry Ahmed M. , Hassan Aziza M. , Habiba Mahmoud M. , El-Zayat Ahmed , El-Sharnouby Mohamed E. , Sewilam Hani , Dawood Mahmoud A.O.
Published: June 2021

The need to replace antibiotics in aquafeed is increasing, and alternative safe substances are now encouraged for sustainable aquaculture activity. Curcumin is regarded as a multifunctional feed additive with growth-promoting and immunostimulant potential. Thus, this study evaluated dietary inclusion of curcumin at rates of 0, 1.5, 2, 2.5, and 3% in the diets of Gilthead seabream for 150 days. The results showed an improved final body weight, weight gain, specific growth rate, and feed conversion ratio in fish treated with curcumin, in a dose-dependent manner. The highest growth performance was observed in fish fed a diet supplemented with 3% curcumin. The results also showed lowered activity of pathogenic bacteria (Vibrio spp. and Faecal coliform) in the intestines of Gilthead seabream fed a diet with curcumin inclusion, in a dose-dependent manner. The hematological indices were within the normal range for healthy fish, without meaningful effects except for hematocrit, hemoglobin, red blood cells (RBCs), and white blood cells (WBCs), which were markedly increased by dietary curcumin. Phagocytic activity was obviously enhanced by dietary curcumin, compared with the control. The biochemical blood metabolites related to liver function (alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT)), renal tissue (urea), and total cholesterol were within the normal values, without significant differences. Overall, the inclusion of curcumin at a rate of 2–3% improved the growth performance and well-being of Gilthead seabream.
Association between the Polymorphisms of fads2a and fads2b and Poly-Unsaturated Fatty Acids in Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)
Authors: Zhang Yan , Sun Xiao-Qing , Ye Yu-Qing , Wang Qi , Li Qing-Song , Zhao Ran , Wang Hong-Wei , Li Jiong-Tang
Published: June 2021

Fatty acid desaturase 2 (fads2) is one of the rate-limiting enzymes in PUFAs biosynthesis. Compared with the diploid fish encoding one fads2, the allo-tetraploid common carp, one most important food fish, encodes two fads2 genes (fads2a and fads2b). The associations between the contents of different PUFAs and the polymorphisms of fads2a and fads2b have not been studied. The contents of 12 PUFAs in common carp individuals were measured, and the polymorphisms in the coding sequences of fads2a and fads2b were screened. We identified five coding single nucleotide polymorphisms (cSNPs) in fads2a and eleven cSNPs in fads2b. Using the mixed linear model and analysis of variance, a synonymous fads2a cSNP was significantly associated with the content of C20:3n-6. One non-synonymous fads2b cSNP (fads2b.751) and one synonymous fads2b cSNP (fads2b.1197) were associated with the contents of seven PUFAs and the contents of six PUFAs, respectively. The heterozygous genotypes in both loci were associated with higher contents than the homozygous genotypes. The fads2b.751 genotype explained more phenotype variation than the fads2b.1197 genotype. These two SNPs were distributed in one haplotype block and associated with the contents of five common PUFAs. These results suggested that fads2b might be the major gene responding to common carp PUFA contents and that fads.751 might be the main effect SNP. These cSNPs would be potential markers for future selection to improve the PUFA contents in common carp.
Effects of Exogenous 6-Phytase (EC 3.1.3.26) Supplementation on Performance, Calcium and Phosphorous Digestibility, and Bone Mineralisation and Density in Weaned Piglets
Authors: Tous Núria , Tarradas Joan , Francesch Maria , Font-i-Furnols Maria , Ader Peter , Torrallardona David
Published: June 2021

Phosphorus (P) is an essential mineral for growing piglets, which is poorly accessible in vegetable feedstuffs as it is stored as phytates. Thus, phytase supplementation is essential to increase P availability. Two experiments were conducted to evaluate a novel 6-phytase (EC 3.1.3.26) in weaned pigs fed low-P diets. In each experiment, one hundred and twenty piglets were fed a positive control (PC; adequate in Ca and P), a negative control (NC; limiting in Ca and P), or NC supplemented with 125, 250, or 500 FTU/kg of phytase (NC125, NC250, and NC500, respectively). P content was lower in diets of Experiment 1 than diets of Experiment 2. In Experiment 1, piglets offered PC or phytase diets had higher growth and efficiency compared with NC diets. In Experiment 2, similar effects were obtained, but the effects were less significant. In both experiments, P and Ca ATTD and bone density were significantly increased with phytase supplementation. Moreover, PC and NC500 had higher P concentrations and lower alkaline phosphatase activity in plasma than NC. To conclude, supplementation with the new 6-phytase at doses up to 500 FTU/kg enhanced P utilization, growth performance, and bone density in piglets fed P-limiting diets.
The Modulation of Functional Status of Bovine Spermatozoa by Progesterone
Authors: Denisenko Vitaly , Chistyakova Irena , Volkova Natalia , Volkova Ludmila , Iolchiev Baylar , Kuzmina Tatyana
Published: June 2021

The aim of this study is to identify the effects of progesterone (PRG) on the capacitation and the acrosome reaction in bovine spermatozoa. The fresh sperm samples were incubated with and without capacitation inductors (heparin, dibutyryl cyclic adenosine monophosphate (dbcAMP)), hormones (prolactin (PRL), PRG), inhibitors of microfilaments (cytochalasin D) and microtubules (nocodazole) during capacitation and acrosome reactions. The functional status of spermatozoa was examined using the chlortetracycline assay. Supplementation of heparin stimulated capacitation in the presence and absence of PRG. Cytochalasin D blocked the stimulating effect of heparin on capacitation. The addition of PRL during capacitation (without PRG) did not affect the functional status of spermatozoa, while in PRG-treated cells PRL stimulated the acrosome reaction. PRL (with and without PRG) increased the acrosome reaction in capacitated cells. These PRL-dependent effects were inhibited by nocodazole. During the acrosome reaction, in presence of dbcAMP, PRG decreased the proportion of acrosome-reacted cells compared to PRG-untreated cells. This effect in PRG-treated cells was canceled in the presence of nocodazole. In conclusion, PRG under the action of PRL and dbcAMP determines the changes in the functional status of native sperm cells, which indicates PRG modulating effect on the indicators of post-ejaculatory maturation of spermatozoa.
Dietary Synbiotics Can Help Relieve the Impacts of Deltamethrin Toxicity of Nile Tilapia Reared at Low Temperatures
Authors: Gewaily Mahmoud S. , Abdo Safaa E. , Moustafa Eman M. , AbdEl-kader Marwa F. , Abd El-Razek Ibrahim M. , El-Sharnouby Mohamed , Alkafafy Mohamed , Raza Sayed Haidar Abbas , El Basuini Mohammed F. , Van Doan Hien , Dawood Mahmoud A. O.
Published: June 2021

The optimal water temperature for the normal growth of Nile tilapia is between 26 and 28 °C, and the toxicity of pesticides is strongly related to water temperature. An alternate approach to augmenting the resistance of fish to ambient water toxicity and low water temperature via synbiotic feeding was proposed. In this study, fish were allocated into four groups with 10 fish in each replicate, where they were fed a basal diet or synbiotics (550 mg/kg) and kept at a suboptimal water temperature (21 ± 2 °C). The prepared diets were fed to Nile tilapia for 30 days with or without deltamethrin (DMT) ambient exposure (15 μg/L). The groups were named control (basal diet without DMT toxicity), DMT (basal diet with DMT toxicity), synbiotic (synbiotics without DMT toxicity), and DMT + synbiotic (synbiotics with DMT toxicity). The results displayed upregulated transcription of catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and interferon (IFN-γ) genes caused by DMT exposure and synbiotic feeding when compared with the controls. Moreover, HSP70 and CASP3 genes displayed increased transcription caused by DMT exposure without synbiotic feeding. However, fish fed with synbiotics showed downregulated HSP70 and CASP3 gene expressions. The transcription of IL-1β and IL-8 genes were also decreased by DMT exposure, while fish fed synbiotics showed upregulated levels. DMT exposure resulted in irregular histopathological features in gills, intestine, spleen, and liver tissues, while fish fed synbiotics showed regular, normal, and protected histopathological images. Our results indicated that dietary synbiotics ameliorated histopathological damages in DMT-exposed tilapia through alleviation of oxidative stress and inflammation as well as enhancing the immunity.
Oxidative Stress Signaling in Blast TBI-Induced Tau Phosphorylation
Authors: Wang Chunyu , Shao Changjuan , Zhang Li , Siedlak Sandra L. , Meabon James S. , Peskind Elaine R. , Lu Yubing , Wang Wenzhang , Perry George , Cook David G. , Zhu Xiongwei
Published: June 2021

Traumatic brain injury caused by blast is associated with long-term neuropathological changes including tau phosphorylation and pathology. In this study, we aimed to determine changes in initial tau phosphorylation after exposure to a single mild blast and the potential contribution of oxidative stress response pathways. C57BL/6 mice were exposed to a single blast overpressure (BOP) generated by a compressed gas-driven shock tube that recapitulates battlefield-relevant open-field BOP, and cortical tissues were harvested at different time points up to 24 h after blast for Western blot analysis. We found that BOP caused elevated tau phosphorylation at Ser202/Thr205 detected by the AT8 antibody at 1 h post-blast followed by tau phosphorylation at additional sites (Ser262 and Ser396/Ser404 detected by PHF1 antibody) and conformational changes detected by Alz50 antibody. BOP also induced acute oxidative damage at 1 h post-blast and gradually declined overtime. Interestingly, Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) were acutely activated in a similar temporal pattern as the rise and fall in oxidative stress after blast, with p38 showing a similar trend. However, glycogen synthase kinase-3 β (GSK3β) was inhibited at 1 h and remained inhibited for 24 h post blast. These results suggested that mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) but not GSK3β are likely involved in mediating the effects of oxidative stress on the initial increase of tau phosphorylation following a single mild blast.
Pimozide and Imipramine Blue Exploit Mitochondrial Vulnerabilities and Reactive Oxygen Species to Cooperatively Target High Risk Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Wang Zhengqi , Mi Tian , Bradley Heath L. , Metts Jonathan , Sabnis Himalee , Zhu Wandi , Arbiser Jack , Bunting Kevin D.
Published: June 2021

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous disease with a high relapse rate. Cytokine receptor targeted therapies are therapeutically attractive but are subject to resistance-conferring mutations. Likewise, targeting downstream signaling pathways has been difficult. Recent success in the development of synergistic combinations has provided new hope for refractory AML patients. While generally not efficacious as monotherapy, BH3 mimetics are very effective in combination with chemotherapy agents. With this in mind, we further explored novel BH3 mimetic drug combinations and showed that pimozide cooperates with mTOR inhibitors and BH3 mimetics in AML cells. The three-drug combination was able to reach cells that were not as responsive to single or double drug combinations. In Flt3-internal tandem duplication (ITD)-positive cells, we previously showed pimozide to be highly effective when combined with imipramine blue (IB). Here, we show that Flt3-ITD+ cells are sensitive to an IB-induced dynamin 1-like (Drp1)-p38-ROS pathway. Pimozide contributes important calcium channel blocker activity converging with IB on mitochondrial oxidative metabolism. Overall, these data support the concept that antioxidants are a double-edged sword. Rationally designed combination therapies have significant promise for further pre-clinical development and may ultimately lead to improved responses.
Enzyme-Treated Zizania latifolia Extract Protects against Alcohol-Induced Liver Injury by Regulating the NRF2 Pathway
Authors: Chang Bo Yoon , Kim Hyung Joong , Kim Tae Young , Kim Sung Yeon
Published: June 2021

Binge drinking patterns easily produce a state of oxidative stress that disturbs liver function. Eventually, this leads to alcoholic liver disease. A safe and effective therapy for alcoholic liver disease remains elusive. Enzyme-treated Z. latifolia extract (ETZL) was studied as a potential agent for treating alcohol-induced liver disease. In addition, its underlying mechanisms were elucidated. In the binge model, ETZL was pretreated with alcohol (5 g/kg) three times at 12-h intervals. Our results showed that ETZL pretreatment decreased the serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, and TG. ETZL treatment appeared to prevent an increase in hepatic TG and MDA levels, and there was a decrease in total GSH following alcohol treatment. Histopathological examination showed that lipid droplets were significantly reduced in the ETZL group compared to the control group. ETZL also exhibited radical scavenging activity. It significantly reduced t-BHP-induced cytotoxicity and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in HepG2 cells. ETZL also enhanced NRF2 nuclear translocation and increased expression of the downstream target genes HO-1, NQO1, and GCLC as an antioxidant defense. Finally, ETZL treatment significantly reduced cell death. Our study suggests that ETZL ameliorates binge ethanol-induced liver injury by upregulating the antioxidant defense mechanism.
The H2S-Donor Erucin Exhibits Protective Effects against Vascular Inflammation in Human Endothelial and Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Martelli Alma , Piragine Eugenia , Gorica Era , Citi Valentina , Testai Lara , Pagnotta Eleonora , Lazzeri Luca , Pecchioni Nicola , Ciccone Valerio , Montanaro Rosangela , Di Cesare Mannelli Lorenzo , Ghelardini Carla , Brancaleone Vincenzo , Morbidelli Lucia , Calderone Vincenzo
Published: June 2021

Preservation of vascular wall integrity against degenerative processes associated with ageing, fat-rich diet and metabolic diseases is a timely therapeutical challenge. The loss of endothelial function and integrity leads to cardiovascular diseases and multiorgan inflammation. The protective effects of the H2S-donor erucin, an isothiocyanate purified by Eruca sativa Mill. seeds, were evaluated on human endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells. In particular, erucin actions were evaluated on cell viability, ROS, caspase 3/7, inflammatory markers levels and the endothelial hyperpermeability in an inflammatory model associated with high glucose concentrations (25 mM, HG). Erucin significantly prevented the HG-induced decrease in cell viability as well as the increase in ROS, caspase 3/7 activation, and TNF-α and IL-6 levels. Similarly, erucin suppressed COX-2 and NF-κB upregulation associated with HG exposure. Erucin also caused a significant inhibition of p22phox subunit expression in endothelial cells. In addition, erucin significantly prevented the HG-induced increase in endothelial permeability as also confirmed by the quantification of the specific markers VE-Cadherin and ZO-1. In conclusion, our results assess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects by erucin in vascular cells undergoing HG-induced inflammation and this protection parallels the preservation of endothelial barrier properties.
Hydraulic Vibration and Possible Exciting Sources Analysis in a Hydropower System
Authors: Shen Aili , Chen Yimin , Zhou Jianxu , Yang Fei , Sun Hongliang , Cai Fulin
Published: June 2021

To understand the hydraulic vibration characteristics in a traditional hydropower system and identify possible exciting sources that may induce serious hydraulic vibrations in the flow passage, experimental tests and numerical calculations were conducted for different operating conditions. The experimental results show that the pressure fluctuations are mainly related to the vortex rope phenomena in the draft tube, and the dominant frequency of pressure fluctuation is 0.2~0.4 times the runner rotational frequency (fn). The numerical results show all the attenuating factors are negative, which indicates the system itself is stable on the condition that all the hydraulic elements have steady operating performance. The free vibration analyses confirm that the frequency range of the vortex rope in the draft tube partly overlaps the natural frequencies of the hydropower system. Apart from the vortex rope, the runner rotational frequency is another common frequency that is approximately equal to the frequency of the 10th vibration mode. From the vibration mode shapes, it is inferred that a small disturbance in its frequency close or equal to a specific natural frequency of the vibration mode could induce large pressure oscillations in the tail tunnel. In light of the system’s response to different forcing frequencies, the vortex rope formed under off-design conditions and runner rotational frequency is verified to be the potential exciting source of a traditional hydropower system, and the frequency 0.2 fn is much more dangerous than other disturbances to the system.