bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Small Area Variations in Dietary Diversity Among Children in India: A Multilevel Analysis of 6–23-Month-Old Children
Authors: Jain Anoop , Wang Weiyu , James K. S. , Sarwal Rakesh , Kim Rockli , Subramanian S. V.
Published: February 2022

Dietary diversity is an important indicator of child malnutrition. However, little is known about the geographic variation of diet indicators across India, particularly within districts and across states. As such, the purpose of this paper was to elucidate the small area variations in diet indicators between clusters within districts of India. Overall, we found that clusters were the largest source of variation for children not eating grains, roots, and tubers, legumes and nuts, dairy, vitamin A-rich vegetables and fruits, and other vegetables and fruits. We also found positive correlations between the district percent and cluster standard deviations of children not breastfeeding or eating grains, roots, and tubers, but negative correlations between the district percent and cluster standard deviation for the remaining seven outcomes. These findings underscore the importance of targeting clusters to improve child dietary diversity.
Varying Dietary Component Ratios and Lingonberry Supplementation May Affect the Hippocampal Structure of ApoE–/– Mice
Authors: Shepilov Dmytro , Kovalenko Tatiana , Osadchenko Iryna , Smozhanyk Kateryna , Marungruang Nittaya , Ushakova Galyna , Muraviova Diana , Hållenius Frida , Prykhodko Olena , Skibo Galyna
Published: February 2022

Objective

This study aimed to investigate and compare the morphological and biochemical characteristics of the hippocampus and the spatial memory of young adult ApoE–/– mice on a standard chow diet, a low-fat diet (LFD), a high-fat diet (HFD), and an HFD supplemented with lingonberries.

Methods

Eight-week-old ApoE–/– males were divided into five groups fed standard chow (Control), an LFD (LF), an HFD (HF), and an HFD supplemented with whole lingonberries (HF+WhLB) or the insoluble fraction of lingonberries (HF+InsLB) for 8 weeks. The hippocampal cellular structure was evaluated using light microscopy and immunohistochemistry; biochemical analysis and T-maze test were also performed. Structural synaptic plasticity was assessed using electron microscopy.

Results

ApoE–/– mice fed an LFD expressed a reduction in the number of intact CA1 pyramidal neurons compared with HF+InsLB animals and the 1.6–3.8-fold higher density of hyperchromic (damaged) hippocampal neurons relative to other groups. The LF group had also morphological and biochemical indications of astrogliosis. Meanwhile, both LFD- and HFD-fed mice demonstrated moderate microglial activation and a decline in synaptic density. The consumption of lingonberry supplements significantly reduced the microglia cell area, elevated the total number of synapses and multiple synapses, and increased postsynaptic density length in the hippocampus of ApoE–/– mice, as compared to an LFD and an HFD without lingonberries.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that, in contrast to the inclusion of fats in a diet, increased starch amount (an LFD) and reduction of dietary fiber (an LFD/HFD) might be unfavorable for the hippocampal structure of young adult (16-week-old) male ApoE–/– mice. Lingonberries and their insoluble fraction seem to provide a neuroprotective effect on altered synaptic plasticity in ApoE–/– animals. Observed morphological changes in the hippocampus did not result in notable spatial memory decline.
Preconception Dietary Patterns and Associations With IVF Outcomes: An Ongoing Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Wu Shanshan , Zhang Xudong , Zhao Xinyang , Hao Xinyao , Zhang Siwen , Li Pingping , Tan Jichun
Published: February 2022

There is a lack of research on preconception diet and reproductive outcomes conducted in the Chinese population using individual assessment. Between April 2017 and April 2020, 2,796 couples undergoingin vitrofertilization treatment were recruited in this ongoing prospective cohort, and 1,500 eligible couples were included in the final analysis. A validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used to evaluate the maternal preconception diet. Other lifestyle factors, including smoking status, psycho-mental status, sleep quality, and physical activity, were also assessed. Five dietary patterns were identified using principal component analysis, namely “Fruits-Vegetables-Dairy-Eggs,” “Fish/Seafood-Animal blood,” “Tubers-Beans-Cereals,” “Puffed food-Candy-Bakery,” and “Dried Fruits-Organs-Rice.” After adjusting for multiple confounders, we detected that the women who are more inclined to the “Fruits-Vegetables-Dairy-Eggs” pattern and less adherent to the “Tubers-Beans-Cereals” were more likely to achieve normally fertilized eggs and transferable embryos. Regarding pregnancy outcomes, we observed that a lower “Puffed food-Candy-Bakery” score and a higher “Dried fruits-Organs-Rice” score were related to a higher likelihood to achieve biochemical pregnancy. In terms of pregnancy complications, an inverse association between “Fish/Seafood-Animal blood” and hypertensive disorders was observed. We further clustered the dietary patterns based on the proportion of food groups consumed and found that dairy intake was beneficial to embryo quality, while frequent rice consumption was associated with a higher risk of macrosomia. Notably, in the stratified analysis, we observed that the positive relationship between the “Fruit-Dairy-Vegetables-Eggs” score and normal fertilization and the inverse association of the “Fish/Seafood-Animal blood” score with hypertensive disorders during pregnancy were exhibited only among women with body mass index ≥25 kg/m2. In conclusion, pre-treatment diets might be an important target for intervention to achieve a better reproductive outcome.
Adverse Events Reporting of Clinical Trials in Exercise Oncology Research (ADVANCE): Protocol for a Scoping Review
Authors: Luo Hao , Schumacher Oliver , Galvão Daniel A. , Newton Robert U. , Taaffe Dennis R.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Adequate, transparent, and consistent reporting of adverse events (AEs) in exercise oncology trials is critical to assess the safety of exercise interventions for people following a cancer diagnosis. However, there is little understanding of how AEs are reported in exercise oncology trials. Thus, we propose to conduct a scoping review to summarise and evaluate current practice of reporting of AEs in published exercise oncology trials with further exploration of factors associated with inadequate reporting of AEs. The study findings will serve to inform the need for future research on standardisation of the definition, collection, and reporting of AEs for exercise oncology research.

Materials and Methods

The ADVANCE (ADverse eVents reporting of clinicAl trials iN exerCise oncology rEsearch) study will be conducted and reported following the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews guideline. Any type of clinical trial involving an exercise intervention in people living with and beyond cancer with a full-text report in English will be included. Six electronic databases (Embase, PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science Core Collection, SPORTDiscus, and CINAHL Plus) will be searched for studies. Two independent review authors will assess eligibility of identified studies, chart data using pre-established extraction forms, and evaluate adequacy of reporting of AEs-related data against a 20-item scoring checklist derived from the CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) harms extension. We will summarise results using descriptive and inferential analysis methods.

Ethics and Dissemination

No ethics approval will be required to conduct the ADVANCE study owing to inclusion of only published data. The study results will be disseminated via publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at national and internationa  conferences.

Systematic Review Registration

Open Science Framework: https://osf.io/NXEJD/ (doi:10.17605/OSF.IO/NXEJD).
TMI-1, TNF-α-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor, Protects Against Paclitaxel-Induced Neurotoxicity in the DRG Neuronal Cells In Vitro
Authors: Kim Yesul , Jung Young-Hoon , Park Seung-Bin , Kim Heekee , Kwon Jae-young , Kim Hae-kyu , Lee Hyeon-Jeong , Jeon Soeun , Kim Eunsoo
Published: February 2022

Background: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) negatively impacts cancer survivors’ quality of life and is challenging to treat with existing drugs for neuropathic pain. TNF-α is known to potentiate TRPV1 activity, which contributes to CIPN. Here, we assessed the role of TMI-1, a TNF-α-converting enzyme inhibitor, in paclitaxel (PAC)-induced neurotoxicity in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cells.

Materials and Methods: Immortalized DRG neuronal 50B11 cells were cultured and treated with PAC or PAC with TMI-1 following neuronal differentiation. Cell viability, analysis of neurite growth, immunofluorescence, calcium flow cytometry, western blotting, quantitative RT-PCR, and cytokine quantitation by ELISA were performed to determine the role of TMI-1 in neurotoxicity in neuronal cells.

Results: PAC administration decreased the length of neurites and upregulated the expression of TRPV1 in 50B11 cells. TMI-1 administration showed a protective effect by suppressing inflammatory signaling, and secretion of TNF-α.

Conclusion: TMI-1 partially protects against paclitaxel-induced neurotoxicity by reversing the upregulation of TRPV1 and decreasing levels of inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in neuronal cells.
Combined Use of Bicyclol and Berberine Alleviates Mouse Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Li Hu , Liu Nan-Nan , Li Jian-Rui , Dong Biao , Wang Mei-Xi , Tan Jia-Li , Wang Xue-Kai , Jiang Jing , Lei Lei , Li Hong-Ying , Sun Han , Jiang Jian-Dong , Peng Zong-Gen
Published: February 2022

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), ranging from simple steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), is a liver disease worldwide without approved therapeutic drugs. Anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective drug bicyclol and multi-pharmacological active drug berberine, respectively, have shown beneficial effects on NAFLD in murine nutritional models and patients, though the therapeutic mechanisms remain to be illustrated. Here, we investigated the combined effects of bicyclol and berberine on mouse steatosis induced by Western diet (WD), and NASH induced by WD/CCl4. The combined use of these was rather safe and better reduced the levels of transaminase in serum and triglycerides and cholesterol in the liver than their respective monotherapy, accompanied with more significantly attenuating hepatic inflammation, steatosis, and ballooning in mice with steatosis and NASH. The combined therapy also significantly inhibited fibrogenesis, characterized by the decreased hepatic collagen deposition and fibrotic surface. As per mechanism, bicyclol enhanced lipolysis and β-oxidation through restoring the p62-Nrf2-CES2 signaling axis and p62-Nrf2-PPARα signaling axis, respectively, while berberine suppressed de novo lipogenesis through downregulating the expression of acetyl-CoA carboxylase and fatty acid synthetase, along with enrichment of lipid metabolism-related Bacteroidaceae (family) and Bacteroides (genus). Of note, the combined use of bicyclol and berberine did not influence each other but enhanced the overall therapeutic role in the amelioration of NAFLD. Conclusion: Combined use of bicyclol and berberine might be a new available strategy to treat NAFLD.
Wheel-Running Facilitates Phase Advances in Locomotor and Peripheral Circadian Rhythm in Social Jet Lag Model Mice
Authors: Oneda Satoshi , Cao Siyuan , Haraguchi Atsushi , Sasaki Hiroyuki , Shibata Shigenobu
Published: February 2022

The circadian clock maintains our health by controlling physiological functions. Social jet lag is one factor that can disrupt the body clock. This is caused by the difference in sleeping hours between weekdays when we live according to social time and holidays when we live according to our body clock. The body clock can be altered by exercise, nutrition, and stress, and several studies have reported that these factors can be used to improve a disturbed body clock. Here we focused on exercise and examined whether continuous wheel-running could improve the disordered body clock in a mouse model that mimics social jet lag. The results showed that the wheel-running exercise group showed faster synchronization of the onset of activities on weekdays which had been delayed by social jet lag and the results were even more pronounced in the high-fat diet feeding condition. Also, when the expression rhythms of the clock genes were examined, they experienced a sudden time shift in the advance light condition or social jet lag condition, it was found that the wheel-running group had a higher ability to adapt to the advance direction. Thus, it is possible that the effective inclusion of exercise in human, especially those who eat high-fat foods, life can improve the disordered body clock in terms of social jet lag.
Photochemical Efficiency of Photosystem II in Inverted Leaves of Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] Affected by Elevated Temperature and High Light
Authors: Wang Cong , Gu Qiuli , Zhao Lianjia , Li Chunyan , Ren Jintao , Zhang Jianxin
Published: February 2022

In summer, high light and elevated temperature are the most common abiotic stresses. The frequent occurrence of monsoon exposes the abaxial surface of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] leaves to direct solar radiation, resulting in irreversible damage to plant photosynthesis. In this study, chlorophyll a fluorescence was used to evaluate the functional status of photosystem II (PSII) in inverted leaves under elevated temperature and high light. In two consecutive growing seasons, we tested the fluorescence and gas exchange parameters of soybean leaves for 10 days and 15 days (5 days after recovery). Inverted leaves had lower tolerance compared to normal leaves and exhibited lower photosynthetic performance, quantum yield, and electron transport efficiency under combined elevated temperature and high light stress, along with a significant increase in absorption flux per reaction center (RC) and the energy dissipation of the RC, resulting in significantly lower performance indexes (PIABS and PItotal) and net photosynthetic rate (Pn) in inverted leaves. High light and elevated temperature caused irreversible membrane damage in inverted leaves, as photosynthetic performance parameters (Pn, PIABS, and PItotal) did not return to control levels after inverted leaves recovered. In conclusion, inverted leaves exhibited lower photosynthetic performance and PSII activity under elevated temperature and high light stress compared to normal leaves.
Why Do Heterosporous Plants Have So Few Chromosomes?
Authors: Kinosian Sylvia P. , Rowe Carol A. , Wolf Paul G.
Published: February 2022

The mechanisms controlling chromosome number, size, and shape, and the relationship of these traits to genome size, remain some of the least understood aspects of genome evolution. Across vascular plants, there is a striking disparity in chromosome number between homosporous and heterosporous lineages. Homosporous plants (comprising most ferns and some lycophytes) have high chromosome numbers compared to heterosporous lineages (some ferns and lycophytes and all seed plants). Many studies have investigated why homosporous plants have so many chromosomes. However, homospory is the ancestral condition from which heterospory has been derived several times. Following this phylogenetic perspective, a more appropriate question to ask is why heterosporous plants have so few chromosomes. Here, we review life history differences between heterosporous and homosporous plants, previous work on chromosome number and genome size in each lineage, known mechanisms of genome downsizing and chromosomal rearrangements, and conclude with future prospects for comparative research.
Letter-Like Shape Recognition in Preschool Children: Does Graphomotor Knowledge Contribute?
Authors: Seyll Lola , Content Alain
Published: February 2022

Based on evidence that learning new characters through handwriting leads to better recognition than learning through typing, some authors proposed that the graphic motor plans acquired through handwriting contribute to recognition. More recently two alternative explanations have been put forward. First, the advantage of handwriting could be due to the perceptual variability that it provides during learning. Second, a recent study suggests that detailed visual analysis might be the source of the advantage of handwriting over typing. Indeed, in that study, handwriting and composition –a method requiring a detailed visual analysis but no specific graphomotor activity– led to equivalent recognition accuracy, both higher than typing. The aim of the present study was to assess whether the contribution of detailed visual analysis is observed in preschool children and to test the variability hypothesis. To that purpose, three groups of preschool children learned new symbols either by handwriting, typing, or composition. After learning, children performed first a four-alternative recognition task and then a categorization task. The same pattern of results as the one observed in adults emerged in the four-alternative recognition task, confirming the importance of the detailed visual analysis in letter-like shape learning. In addition, results failed to reveal any difference across learning methods in the categorization task. The latter results provide no evidence for the variability hypothesis which would predict better categorization after handwriting than after typing or composition.
Sophisticated Statistics Cannot Compensate for Method Effects If Quantifiable Structure Is Compromised
Authors: Birney Damian P. , Beckmann Jens F. , Beckmann Nadin , Stemler Steven E.
Published: February 2022

Researchers rely on psychometric principles when trying to gain understanding of unobservable psychological phenomena disconfounded from the methods used. Psychometric models provide us with tools to support this endeavour, but they are agnostic to the meaning researchers intend to attribute to the data. We define method effects as resulting from actions which weaken the psychometric structure of measurement, and argue that solution to this confounding will ultimately rest on testing whether data collected fit a psychometric model based on a substantive theory, rather than a search for a model that best fits the data. We highlight the importance of taking the notions of fundamental measurement seriously by reviewing distinctions between the Rasch measurement model and more generalised 2PL and 3PL IRT models. We then present two lines of research that highlight considerations of making method effects explicit in experimental designs. First, we contrast the use of experimental manipulations to study measurement reactivity during the assessment of metacognitive processes with factor-analytic research of the same. The former suggests differential performance-facilitating and -inhibiting reactivity as a function of other individual differences, whereas factor-analytic research suggests a ubiquitous monotonically predictive confidence factor. Second, we evaluate differential effects of context and source on within-individual variability indices of personality derived from multiple observations, highlighting again the importance of a structured and theoretically grounded observational framework. We conclude by arguing that substantive variables can act as method effects and should be considered at the time of design rather than after the fact, and without compromising measurement ideals.
Age and Auditory Spatial Perception in Humans: Review of Behavioral Findings and Suggestions for Future Research
Authors: Russell Michael Keith
Published: February 2022

It has been well documented, and fairly well known, that concomitant with an increase in chronological age is a corresponding increase in sensory impairment. As most people realize, our hearing suffers as we get older; hence, the increased need for hearing aids. The first portion of the present paper is how the change in age apparently affects auditory judgments of sound source position. A summary of the literature evaluating the changes in the perception of sound source location and the perception of sound source motion as a function of chronological age is presented. The review is limited to empirical studies with behavioral findings involving humans. It is the view of the author that we have an immensely limited understanding of how chronological age affects perception of space when based on sound. In the latter part of the paper, discussion is given to how auditory spatial perception is traditionally conducted in the laboratory. Theoretically, beneficial reasons exist for conducting research in the manner it has been. Nonetheless, from an ecological perspective, the vast majority of previous research can be considered unnatural and greatly lacking in ecological validity. Suggestions for an alternative and more ecologically valid approach to the investigation of auditory spatial perception are proposed. It is believed an ecological approach to auditory spatial perception will enhance our understanding of the extent to which individuals perceive sound source location and how those perceptual judgments change with an increase in chronological age.
Examining the Relationship Between Basic Psychological Needs and Athlete Identity During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Parker Patti C. , Beeby Adam M. , Daniels Lia M.
Published: February 2022

Objectives

During COVID-19 athletes have had games canceled, seasons postponed, and social supports lost. These changes negatively impact their motivation, and potentially identity, as athletes. We draw on self-determination theory to examine motivation in sport and its relationship with athlete identity during COVID-19.

Design

A cross-sectional study design was employed consisting of online quantitative surveys.

Method

We gathered background engagement and motivation data from 115 athletes involved in organized sport. They responded to questions on basic psychological needs satisfaction (competence, relatedness, autonomy) and athlete identity.

Results

When reflecting on their basic psychological needs during the pandemic, most athletes considered them important. Athletes' competence and relatedness in sport were associated with social-related athlete identity, but not autonomy. Only relatedness in sport was associated with exclusivity-related social identity.

Conclusions

Using a self-determination theoretical lens, our findings contribute to understanding athlete motivation and identities when sport is interrupted.
Arthroscopic Lesser Trochanter Osteoplasty, Quadratus Femoris Debridement, and Sciatic Neurolysis via Posterior Approach for Ischiofemoral Impingement
Authors: Zhang Qingguo , Han Dawei , Ying Liwei , Ye Lingchao , Yang Xiangdong , Liu Peihong , Zhou Xiaobo , Tung Tao-Hsin
Published: February 2022

Ischiofemoral impingement (IFI) syndrome is considered the narrowing of the ischiofemoral space (IFS), leading to pathological changes in the quadratus femoris and sciatic nerve, causing posterior hip and sciatica-like pain. Open or arthroscopic resection of the lesser trochanter to enlarge the IFS is the main surgical procedure. However, there is a lack of research on isolated IFI, and currently known surgical procedures are at risk of weakening the flexion strength of the hip joint. In this study, four patients, who were diagnosed with isolated IFI and had undergone arthroscopic treatment with partial resection of the lesser trochanter, debridement of the quadratus femoris, and decompression of the sciatic nerve, were reviewed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to describe the management of IFI using a series of surgical procedures via a posterior approach as an effective treatment option. The outcomes of this study broadened the strategies for IFI management.
Safety Evaluation of a Medical Congress Held During the COVID-19 Pandemic—A Prospective Cohort
Authors: Sumer Johannes , Flury Domenica , Kahlert Christian R. , Mueller Nicolas J. , Risch Lorenz , Nigg Susanne , Seneghini Marco , Vernazza Pietro , Schlegel Matthias , Kohler Philipp
Published: February 2022

Objectives: During the COVID-19 pandemic, few scientific congresses have been held on-site. We prospectively evaluated the safety concept of the congress of the Swiss Societies of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Hygiene.

Methods: The congress was held in Geneva (Switzerland) while local COVID-19 incidence (with SARS-CoV-2 wild type circulating) was 65/100,000 population (September 2020). A rigorous safety concept was implemented. Congress attendees filled out a questionnaire to assess risk perception, exposures, symptoms and diagnoses of SARS-CoV-2 before, during and after the congress. Dried blood spots were taken on-site and 4 weeks later to detect SARS-CoV-2 seroconversions.

Results: Of 365 congress attendees, 196 (54%) either answered the questionnaire (N = 150) or provided baseline and follow-up blood samples (N = 168). None of the participants reported a positive PCR in the 2 weeks after the congress. Five of 168 (3%) participants were seropositive at follow-up, all of which had already been positive at baseline.

Conclusion: Findings indicate that congresses with a rigorous safety concept may take place, even in areas with moderately-high COVID-19 activity. Whether this holds true in vaccinated populations and with more transmissible viral variants circulating remains unclear.
Factors Influencing COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance in High Income Countries Prior to Vaccine Approval and Rollout: A Narrative Review
Authors: Steffens Maryke S. , Bullivant Bianca , Bolsewicz Kasia , King Catherine , Beard Frank
Published: February 2022

Objectives: Acceptance and high uptake of COVID-19 vaccines continues to be critical for controlling the COVID-19 pandemic. This narrative review aimed to summarise findings on factors influencing acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines in the period leading up to the approval and rollout.

Methods: We conducted a narrative review of literature published in 2020 on factors influencing acceptance of hypothetical COVID-19 vaccines in adults in high income countries with well-established health systems.

Results: Facilitators of acceptance included confidence in vaccine safety and effectiveness, high COVID-19 disease risk perception and trust in health authorities and other vaccine stakeholders, including government. Barriers included safety and effectiveness concerns, perceived scientific uncertainty, low disease risk perception, and low trust in authorities and other stakeholders.

Conclusion: Evidence on facilitators and barriers to COVID-19 vaccine acceptance, at a time prior to vaccine rollout, can help health authorities address hesitancy and may inform approaches to support acceptance of novel pandemic vaccines in the future. Future research should include in-depth qualitative research to gather more nuanced evidence.
A Systematic Literature Review about Team Diversity and Team Performance: Future Lines of Investigation
Authors: Patrício Lurdes , Franco Mário
Published: February 2022

This study aims to identify the different research paths that help us understand the emerging aspects explaining how team diversity influences team performance. We also present future lines of investigation that could help us to understand this theme. The study is a systematic literature review (SLR) of articles collected from the Web of Science (WoS) database, within management or business categories, published between 1996 and 2020, considering knowledge diversity, team heterogeneity, team wisdom, cross-functional project teams, and team composition. This study enables the systematization of the existing literature. The framework presented is based on the reviewed articles and explains the articulation of the concepts of team diversity and team performance based on three literature clusters, namely: (1) Team Knowledge Diversity, (2) Diversity Effects and (3) Desirable Outcomes of Diversity. Therefore, this work enriches the systematization of the academic literature on this topic, providing an original framework and a future research agenda organized by literature cluster.
Effects of Silage-Based Diets and Cattle Efficiency Type on Performance, Profitability, and Predicted CH4 Emission of Backgrounding Steers
Authors: Khakbazan Mohammad , Block Hushton C. , Huang John , Colyn Jeff J. , Baron Vern S. , Basarab John A. , Li Changxi , Ekine-Dzivenu Chinyere
Published: February 2022

Feed costs are the largest expense in commercial beef production. Increasing cattle (Bos taurus) feed efficiency should reduce feed costs and increase beef profitability. This study used data from two years of a backgrounding trial conducted in Lacombe, Alberta, Canada. The evaluation looked at economic and predicted CH4 emission impacts of diet quality and cattle efficiency type in backgrounding systems. The hypothesis was that diet quality from use of barley (Hordeum vulgare c.v. Canmore) or triticale (xTriticosecale c.v. Bunker) silage-based diets and cattle efficiency type defined by residual feed intake would interact to affect profitability and CH4 emissions. Effects of diet and cattle efficiency type on profitability and CO2e emissions were assessed using statistical and stochastic risk simulation. The profitability of beef backgrounding was affected by cattle efficiency type and diet quality with higher quality barley silage also lowering CO2e emissions. The difference in certainty equivalent (CAD~30 steer−1) of efficient steers on barley silage and inefficient steers on barley silage or efficient or inefficient steers on triticale silage supports a beef backgrounding producer focus on diet quality and cattle efficiency type. This study did not address potential agronomic differences, including yield, which could provide nuance to forage choice.
Outcomes of Pulsed Electric Fields and Nonthermal Plasma Treatments on Seed Germination and Protein Functions
Authors: Attri Pankaj , Okumura Takamasa , Koga Kazunori , Shiratani Masaharu , Wang Douyan , Takahashi Katsuyuki , Takaki Koichi
Published: February 2022

To meet the needs of the hungry population, it is critical to boost agricultural product production while minimizing contaminated waste. The use of two nonthermal technologies, pulsed electric field (PEF) and nonthermal plasma (NTP), is increasing every day. As both PEF and NTP are relatively newer areas, there is limited knowledge about these two technologies and their modes of action. Studies showed that PEF treatment on the plant seeds helps germination and seedling growth. The positive impact of PEF intensity is highly dependent on the seed coat type and plant species. Another nonthermal technology, NTP, affects seed germination, seedling growth, yield, and resilience to abiotic stress when generated at varying pressures with and without different feed gases. Early germination, germination rate, and germination percentage were all improved when the seedlings were treated with NTP. Similarly to the PEF treatment, NTP had a negative or no effect on germination. This review examined the effects of PEF and NTP on seed germination and analyzed the situation and mechanism behind the positive or negative effect. Deactivation of proteins and enzymes to extend the shelf life of beverages is another prominent application of PEF and NTP. The interaction of PEF and NTP with proteins aids in understanding the microscopic mechanism of these technologies. Therefore, we covered in this review the potential structural and functional changes in proteins/enzymes as a result of PEF and NTP, as well as a comparison of the benefits and drawbacks of these two technologies.
Morpho-Physiological and Transcriptome Analyses Provide Insights into the Wizened Bud Formation in Pear Trees
Authors: Du Wei , Shi Chunmei , Hussain Syed Bilal , Li Mingqiu , Fan Jing , Chen Qiliang , Zhang Jingguo , Liu Yongzhong , Yang Xiaoping , Hu Hongju
Published: February 2022

Wizened buds are frequently observed in pear (Pyrus spp.) trees, which greatly reduces the yield. However, little is known about the mechanism of wizened bud formation. Here, we analyzed physiological and transcriptomic differences between normal buds and wizened buds of ‘710’ pear trees. The results indicated that the sorbitol and boron (B) contents, during bud differentiation, were significantly reduced in wizened buds. The microscopic observation and transcriptome analysis revealed that the collapse of the organ structure and cell wall loosening process may have a close relation with wizened bud formation. Moreover, reduced transcript levels of PpyMYB39.1 and its downstream genes (PpyHT1, PpyHT2, PpyPMEI1 and PpyPMEI2) were found in wizened buds. However, the transcript levels of pentose and glucuronate interconversion pathway genes (PpyPME3, PpyPL18.1, PpyPL18.2, PpyPG1 and PpyPG2) and the concentration of pectin-degradation-related enzymes were increased in wizened buds. Correspondingly, the pectin concentration was significantly reduced in wizened buds. Taken together, PpyMYB39.1 may promote pectin degradation and decrease carbohydrate transport by regulating its downstream genes and is supposed to play a vital role in the wizened bud formation resulting from the cell wall loosening process. Our study provides fundamental insights into wizened bud formation and strategies to reduce the wizened bud occurrence in pear trees.
Zoonoses and Wildlife: One Health Approach
Authors: González-Barrio David
Published: February 2022

Throughout history, wildlife has been an important source of infectious diseases transmissible to humans [...]
Fruit-Derived Anthocyanins: Effects on Cycling-Induced Responses and Cycling Performance
Authors: Copetti Cândice L. K. , Diefenthaeler Fernando , Hansen Fernanda , Vieira Francilene G. K. , Di Pietro Patricia F.
Published: February 2022

Previous evidence has shown that the consumption of fruit-derived anthocyanins may have exercise benefits. This review aimed to summarize the effects of fruit-derived anthocyanins on cycling-induced responses and cycling performance. Medline, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, and SPORTDiscus online databases were searched. Nineteen articles met the inclusion criteria. The fruit-derived anthocyanins used in these studies were from cherry (n = 6), blackcurrant (n = 8), pomegranate (n = 2), açai (n = 1), and juçara fruit (n = 2), and were offered in juice, pulp, powder, freeze-dried powder, and extract form. The supplementation time ranged from acute consumption to 20 days, and the amount of anthocyanins administered in the studies ranged from 18 to 552 mg/day. The studies addressed effects on oxidative stress (n = 5), inflammation (n = 4), muscle damage (n = 3), fatigue (n = 2), nitric oxide biomarkers (n = 2), vascular function (n = 2), muscle oxygenation (n = 2), performance (n = 14), substrate oxidation (n = 6), and cardiometabolic markers (n = 3). The potential ergogenic effect of anthocyanin supplementation on cycling-induced responses seems to be related to lower oxidative stress, inflammation, muscle damage, and fatigue, and increased production of nitric oxide, with subsequent improvements in vascular function and muscle oxygenation leading to improved performance. In addition, the observed increase in fat oxidation can direct nutritional strategies to change the use of substrate and improve performance.
Probing Cell Redox State and Glutathione-Modulating Factors Using a Monochlorobimane-Based Microplate Assay
Authors: Ishkaeva Rezeda A. , Zoughaib Mohamed , Laikov Alexander V. , Angelova Plamena R. , Abdullin Timur I.
Published: February 2022

Thiol compounds including predominantly glutathione (GSH) are key components of redox homeostasis, which are involved in the protection and regulation of mammalian cells. The assessment of cell redox status by means of in situ analysis of GSH in living cells is often preferable over established assays in cell lysates due to fluctuations of the GSH pool. For this purpose, we propose a microplate assay with monochlorobimane (MCB) as an available fluorescent probe for GSH, although poorly detected in the microplate format. In addition to the new procedure for improved MCB-assisted GSH detection in plate-grown cells and its verification with GSH modulators, this study provides a useful methodology for the evaluation of cell redox status probed through relative GSH content and responsiveness to both supplemented thiols and variation in oxygen pressure. The roles of extracellular interactions of thiols and natural variability of cellular glutathione on the assay performance were emphasized and discussed. The results are of broad interest in cell biology research and should be particularly useful for the characterization of pathological cells with decreased GSH status and increased oxidative status as well as redox-modulating factors.
Grapevine Wastes: A Rich Source of Antioxidants and Other Biologically Active Compounds
Authors: Baroi Anda Maria , Popitiu Mircea , Fierascu Irina , Sărdărescu Ionela-Daniela , Fierascu Radu Claudiu
Published: February 2022

Wine production is one of the most critical agro-industrial sectors worldwide, generating large amounts of waste with negative environmental impacts, but also with high economic value and several potential applications. From wine shoots to grape pomace or seeds, all of the wastes are rich sources of bioactive compounds with beneficial effects for human health, with these compounds being raw materials for other industries such as the pharmaceutical, cosmetic or food industries. Furthermore, these compounds present health benefits such as being antioxidants, supporting the immune system, anti-tumoral, or preventing cardiovascular and neural diseases. The present work aims to be a critical discussion of the extraction methods used for bioactive compounds from grapevine waste and their beneficial effects on human health.
The Role of Selenoprotein Tissue Homeostasis in MetS Programming: Energy Balance and Cardiometabolic Implications
Authors: Ojeda María Luisa , Carreras Olimpia , Nogales Fátima
Published: February 2022

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element mainly known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties, as it is part of the catalytic center of 25 different selenoproteins. Some of them are related to insulin resistance (IR) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) generation, modulating reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the energetic sensor AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK); they can also regulate the nuclear transcription factor kappa-B (NF-kB), leading to changes in inflammation production. Selenoproteins are also necessary for the correct synthesis of insulin and thyroid hormones. They are also involved in endocrine central regulation of appetite and energy homeostasis, affecting growth and development. MetS, a complex metabolic disorder, can appear during gestation and lactation in mothers, leading to energetic and metabolic changes in their offspring that, according to the metabolic programming theory, will produce cardiovascular and metabolic diseases later in life. However, there is a gap concerning Se tissue levels and selenoproteins’ implications in MetS generation, which is even greater during MetS programming. This narrative review also provides an overview of the existing evidence, based on experimental research from our laboratory, which strengthens the fact that maternal MetS leads to changes in Se tissue deposits and antioxidant selenoproteins’ expression in their offspring. These changes contribute to alterations in tissues’ oxidative damage, inflammation, energy balance, and tissue function, mainly in the heart. Se imbalance also could modulate appetite and endocrine energy balance, affecting pups’ growth and development. MetS pups present a profile similar to that of diabetes type 1, which also appeared when dams were exposed to low-Se dietary supply. Maternal Se supplementation should be taken into account if, during gestation and/or lactation periods, there are suspicions of endocrine energy imbalance in the offspring, such as MetS. It could be an interesting therapy to induce heart reprogramming. However, more studies are necessary.
AT-BOD: An Adversarial Attack on Fool DNN-Based Blackbox Object Detection Models
Authors: Elaalami Ilham A. , Olatunji Sunday O. , Zagrouba Rachid M.
Published: February 2022

Object recognition is a fundamental concept in computer vision. Object detection models have recently played a vital role in various applications, including real-time and safety-critical systems such as camera surveillance and self-driving cars. Scientific research has proven that object detection models are prone to adversarial attacks. Although several proposed methods exist throughout the literature, they either target white-box models or specific-task black-box models and do not generalize on other detectors. In this paper, we proposed a new adversarial attack against Blackbox-based object detectors called AT-BOD. The proposed AT-BOD model can fool the single-stage and multi-stage detectors, where we used an optimization algorithm to generate adversarial examples depending only on the detector predictions. AT-BOD model works in two diverse ways, reducing the confidence score and misleading the model to make the wrong decision or hide the object detection models. Our solution achieved a fooling rate of 97% and a false negative increase of 99% on the YOLOv3 detector, and a fooling rate of 61% false-negative increase of 57% on the Faster R-CNN detector. The detection accuracy of YOLOv3 and Faster R-CNN under AT-BOD was dramatically reduced and reached ≤1% and ≤3%, respectively.
Defect Recognition of Roll-to-Roll Printed Conductors Using Dark Lock-in Thermography and Localized Segmentation
Authors: Zheng Haitao , Zhou Linghao , Marks Ryan , Happonen Tuomas , Kraft Thomas M.
Published: February 2022

The demand for flexible large area optoelectronic devices such as organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) and organic photovoltaics (OPVs) is growing. Roll-to-roll (R2R) printing enables cost-efficient industrial production of optoelectronic devices. The performance of electronic devices may significantly suffer from local electrical defects. The dark lock-in infrared thermography (DLIT) method is an effective non-destructive testing (NDT) tool to identify such defects as hot spots. In this study, a DLIT inspection system was applied to visualize the defects of R2R printed silver conductors on flexible plastic substrates. A two-stage automated defect recognition (ADR) methodology was proposed to detect and localize two types of typical electrical defects, which are caused by complete or partial breaks on the printed conductive wires, based on localized segmentation and thresholding methods.
Baseline Concentrations of Various Immune Biomarkers Determine Their Increase after Consumption of a Postbiotic Based on Cow’s Milk Fermented with Lactobacillus paracasei CBA L74 in Both Newborns and Young Children
Authors: Calame Wim , van Olderen Dick , Calabretta Veruska , Bottari Luca , Paparo Lorella , Bruno Cristina , Carucci Laura , Voto Luana , Coppola Serena , Budelli Andrea
Published: February 2022

Intake of a postbiotic product can support immunity depending on specific conditions of the consumer. The present study evaluates the potential impact of baseline values on the change of various immune factors (α-defensin, β-defensin, cathelicidin, and secretory IgA) after three months of consumption of a postbiotic based on cow’s milk fermented with Lactobacillus paracasei CBA L74 in a young population. For the analysis, raw data of three studies were used in a multivariate analysis applying confounding factors. One study in newborns demonstrated that intake of the postbiotic yielded an increase in the concentrations of α-defensin and secretory IgA (at least p < 0.02), while for all factors, except β-defensin, the higher the baseline values the lower the increase (at least p < 0.002). Two combined studies in young children (aged 1–4 years) showed an increase in the concentration of all factors after intake of the postbiotic (at least p < 0.003), but now showing the higher the baseline values the higher the increase after three months (at least p < 0.02) in only the postbiotic group. It is concluded that consumption of the postbiotic leads to a baseline- and age-dependent increase in the concentrations of the immune factors under study in both newborns and young children. It is hypothesized that maturation of the immune system leads to different effects on optimizing host defense factors via this postbiotic intake.
An Introduction to Quantum Model Checking
Authors: Turrini Andrea
Published: February 2022

Model checking is a well-established and widely adopted framework used to verify whether a given system satisfies the desired properties. Properties are usually given by means of formulas from a specific logic; there are several logics that can be used, such as CTL and LTL, which permit the expression of different types of properties on the branching-time or on the linear-time evolution of the system. In this paper, we will consider the problem of model checking quantum systems and present the solutions given in literature for solving such a problem with respect to different types of properties.
Automatic Screening of Bolts with Anti-Loosening Coating Using Grad-CAM and Transfer Learning with Deep Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Noh Eunsol , Hong Seokmoo
Published: February 2022

Most electronic and automotive parts are affixed by bolts. To prevent such bolts from loosening through shock and vibration, anti-loosening coating is applied to their threads. However, during the coating process, various defects can occur. Consequently, as the quality of the anti-loosening coating is critical for the fastening force, bolts are inspected optically and manually. It is difficult, however, to accurately screen coating defects owing to their various shapes and sizes. In this study, we applied deep learning to assess the coating quality of bolts with anti-loosening coating. From the various convolutional neural network (CNN) methods, the VGG16 structure was employed. Furthermore, the gradient-weighted class activation mapping visualization method was used to evaluate the training model; this is because a CNN cannot determine the classification criteria or the defect location, owing to its structure. The results confirmed that external factors influence the classification. We, therefore, applied the region of interest method to classify the bolt thread only, and subsequently, retrained the algorithm. Moreover, to reduce the learning time and improve the model performance, transfer learning and fine tuning were employed. The proposed method for screening coating defects was applied to a screening device equipped with an actual conveyor belt, and the Modbus TCP protocol was used to transmit signals between a programmable logic controller and a personal computer. Using the proposed method, we were able to automatically detect coating defects that were missed by optical sorters.