bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3D DenseNet Deep Learning Based Preoperative Computed Tomography for Detecting Myasthenia Gravis in Patients With Thymoma
Authors: Liu Zhenguo , Zhu Ying , Yuan Yujie , Yang Lei , Wang Kefeng , Wang Minghui , Yang Xiaoyu , Wu Xi , Tian Xi , Zhang Rongguo , Shen Bingqi , Luo Honghe , Feng Huiyu , Feng Shiting , Ke Zunfu
Published: May 2021

Background

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is the most common paraneoplastic syndromes of thymoma and closely related to thymus abnormalities. Timely detecting of the risk of MG would benefit clinical management and treatment decision for patients with thymoma. Herein, we developed a 3D DenseNet deep learning (DL) model based on preoperative computed tomography (CT) as a non-invasive method to detect MG in thymoma patients.

Methods

A large cohort of 230 thymoma patients in a hospital affiliated with a medical school were enrolled. 182 thymoma patients (81 with MG, 101 without MG) were used for training and model building. 48 cases from another hospital were used for external validation. A 3D-DenseNet-DL model and five radiomic models were performed to detect MG in thymoma patients. A comprehensive analysis by integrating machine learning and semantic CT image features, named 3D-DenseNet-DL-based multi-model, was also performed to establish a more effective prediction model.

Findings

By elaborately comparing the prediction efficacy, the 3D-DenseNet-DL effectively identified MG patients and was superior to other five radiomic models, with a mean area under ROC curve (AUC), accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 0.734, 0.724, 0.787, and 0.672, respectively. The effectiveness of the 3D-DenseNet-DL-based multi-model was further improved as evidenced by the following metrics: AUC 0.766, accuracy 0.790, sensitivity 0.739, and specificity 0.801. External verification results confirmed the feasibility of this DL-based multi-model with metrics: AUC 0.730, accuracy 0.732, sensitivity 0.700, and specificity 0.690, respectively.

Interpretation

Our 3D-DenseNet-DL model can effectively detect MG in patients with thymoma based on preoperative CT imaging. This model may serve as a supplement to the conventional diagnostic criteria for identifying thymoma associated MG.
High Incidence of Gestational Trophoblastic Disease in a Third-Level University-Hospital, Italy: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Capobianco Giampiero , Tinacci Elettra , Saderi Laura , Dessole Francesco , Petrillo Marco , Madonia Massimo , Virdis Giuseppe , Olivari Alessandro , Santeufemia Davide Adriano , Cossu Antonio , Dessole Salvatore , Sotgiu Giovanni , Cherchi Pier Luigi
Published: May 2021

Introduction

to assess incidence, prognosis and obstetric outcome of patients treated for gestational trophoblastic disease GTD in a twenty-year period. Incidence, prognosis and obstetric outcome of gestational throphoblastic disease

Methods

retrospective study.

Results

Fifty-four cases of GTD: 46 (85.18%) cases of Hydatidiform mole (HM); 8 cases of Persistent Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia (GTN) (14.81%): 6/8 cases (75%) GTN not metastatic; 2/8 cases (25%) GTN metastatic. In both cases, the metastases occurred in the lungs. In 3 out of 8 GTN cases (37.5%) a histological picture of choriocarcinoma emerged. The incidence of GTD cases treated from 2000 to 2020 was 1.8 cases per 1000 deliveries and 1.3 cases per 1000 pregnancies. Of the 54 patients, 30 (55.56%) presented showed normal serum hCG levels without the need for chemotherapy. On the other hand, 24 patients (44.44%) developed a persistent trophoblastic disease and underwent adjuvant therapy. The negative prognostic factors that affected the risk of persistence of GTD were: serum hCG levels at diagnosis > 100,000 mUI/ml; characteristic “snow storm” finding at the ultrasound diagnosis; a slow regression of serum hCG levels during follow-up; the persistence of high serum hCG levels (especially if > 1000 mUI/ml one month after suction curettage) that was the main risk factor for resistance to first-line chemotherapy. There were 10 pregnancies in total following treatment. Patients’ survival in our study was 100%.

Discussion

Although GTD is a rare disease, its incidence was 1.3 cases per 1,000 pregnancies in Sardinia, Italy, higher if compared with mean national and worldwide incidence.
Sagittal Jaw Relationship of Different Types of Cleft and Non-cleft Individuals
Authors: Alam Mohammad Khursheed , Alfawzan Ahmed Ali , Haque Sanjida , Mok Pooi Ling , Marya Anand , Venugopal Adith , Jamayet Nafij Bin , Siddiqui Ammar A.
Published: May 2021

To investigate whether the craniofacial sagittal jaw relationship in patients with non-syndromic cleft differed from non-cleft (NC) individuals by artificial intelligence (A.I.)-driven lateral cephalometric (Late. Ceph.) analysis. The study group comprised 123 subjects with different types of clefts including 29 = BCLP (bilateral cleft lip and palate), 41 = UCLP (unilateral cleft lip and palate), 9 = UCLA (unilateral cleft lip and alveolus), 13 = UCL (unilateral cleft lip) and NC = 31. The mean age was 14.77 years. SNA, SNB, ANB angle and Wits appraisal was measured in lateral cephalogram using a new innovative A.I driven Webceph software. Two-way ANOVA and multiple-comparison statistics tests were applied to see the differences between gender and among different types of clefts vs. NC individuals. A significant decrease (p < 0.005) in SNA, ANB, Wits appraisal was observed in different types of clefts vs. NC individuals. SNB (p > 0.005) showed insignificant variables in relation to type of clefts. No significant difference was also found in terms of gender in relation to any type of clefts and NC group. The present study advocates a decrease in sagittal development (SNA, ANB and Wits appraisal) in different types of cleft compared to NC individuals.
Case Report: Severe Hyponatremia in Infants With Urinary Tract Infection
Authors: Abu Bakar Karmila , Jalaludin Muhammad Y. , Zainal Nur , Woon Sze L. , Mohd Zikre Nurwahida , Samingan Nurshadia , Ab Rahman Syaza , Eng Caroline S. Y.
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Many reports on investigations and treatments in UTI, however little, have been mentioned with regard to electrolyte abnormalities. Secondary pseudohypoaldosteronism (PHA) in UTI, though less common, is a known association. Features include hyponatremia and concomitant hyperkalemia.

Objectives: We aim to highlight these uncommon sequelae in UTI to avoid incorrect diagnosis and unnecessary investigations.

Study Design: Clinical data of patients admitted and referred to a pediatric nephrologist at the University Malaya Medical Center between May 2019 and October 2020 were collated and elaborated.

Results and Discussion: We report three infants with hyponatremia and hyperkalemia during UTI episodes. Two infants were known to have posterior urethral valve (PUV) before the onset of UTI and one infant had UTI, which led to investigations confirming the diagnosis of bladder vaginal fistula. The electrolyte derangements were temporary and resolved within 48 to 72 h of treatment with intravenous fluid and appropriate antibiotic therapy. Out of three, only one had a hormonal study, which confirms PHA. Reduced aldosterone activity could be due to absolute reduction in aldosterone titer or lack of aldosterone responsiveness at tubular (other tissues) level. In the latter, aldosterone titer is elevated. The infant in our cohort who had hormonal evaluation had the mentioned electrolyte abnormalities with a markedly elevated aldosterone titer. This demonstrated defective action of the hormone at the level of mineralocorticoid receptor. Although the remaining two infants had no confirmatory hormonal study, all of them recovered within 48 h of hospital admission, after receiving appropriate management for the primary problem, which was UTI. We observed a slower recovery of hyponatremia in relation to hyperkalemia, but none of these infants required salt replacement upon discharge.

Conclusion: Infants with severe UTI and deranged electrolytes should be screened for structural abnormality and vice versa. Not all infants require hormonal screening, but those who required prolonged salt replacement or showed involvement of other systems warrant further evaluation.
Process Evaluation of Implementing a Pharmacist-Led Intervention to Improve Adherence to Antihypertensive Drugs Among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in Indonesian Community Health Centers
Authors: Alfian Sofa D. , van Boven Job F. M. , Iskandarsyah Aulia , Abdulah Rizky , Hak Eelko , Denig Petra
Published: May 2021

Introduction: A pharmacist-led intervention in Community Health Centers (CHCs) in Indonesia targeted at patients with type 2 diabetes non-adherent to antihypertensive drugs resulted in a significant improvement in adherence to these drugs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the process of implementation this intervention intended to improve adherence to antihypertensive drugs from both the pharmacist and the patient perspective.

Methods: Using the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance) framework, we conducted a focus group among pharmacists (N = 5) and a survey among patients with complete follow-up (N = 44) participating in the intervention group.

Results: All pharmacists adopted the provided training and found support tools useful. The pharmacists implemented the intervention as intended (adequate intervention fidelity >69%). Factors relevant for implementation included having sufficient time and confidence, home visits for specific patients, multidisciplinary collaboration, and availability of a personal counseling room. To maintain the intervention, the need for practical guidance and support from health care authorities was mentioned. Most patients (96%) were satisfied with the information provided by the pharmacists and they believed the tailored counselling was helpful. Most patients (84%) reported that the duration of counselling was sufficient. The large majority of patients would like to receive the counselling regularly.

Conclusion: Positive effects of the pharmacist-led intervention can be explained by adequate levels of reach, adoption and implementation in the participating CHCs. For successful implementation and maintenance in Indonesia or other low-and middle-income countries, sufficient training, resources, multidisciplinary collaboration, guidance and support from health care authorities are expected to be important.
Orbital Selectivity in Electron Correlations and Superconducting Pairing of Iron-Based Superconductors
Authors: Yu Rong , Hu Haoyu , Nica Emilian M. , Zhu Jian-Xin , Si Qimiao
Published: May 2021

Electron correlations play a central role in iron-based superconductors. In these systems, multiple Fe 3d-orbitals are active in the low-energy physics, and they are not all degenerate. For these reasons, the role of orbital-selective correlations has been an active topic in the study of the iron-based systems. In this article, we survey the recent developments on the subject. For the normal state, we emphasize the orbital-selective Mott physics that has been extensively studied, especially in the iron chalcogenides, in the case of electron filling n∼6. In addition, the interplay between orbital selectivity and electronic nematicity is addressed. For the superconducting state, we summarize the initial ideas for orbital-selective pairing and discuss the recent explosive activities along this direction. We close with some perspectives on several emerging topics. These include the evolution of the orbital-selective correlations, magnetic and nematic orders, and superconductivity as the electron filling factor is reduced from 6 to 5, as well as the interplay between electron correlations and topological band structure in iron-based superconductors.
Strong Response of Stem Photosynthesis to Defoliation in Mikania micrantha Highlights the Contribution of Phenotypic Plasticity to Plant Invasiveness
Authors: Zheng Jin , Zhang Tai-Jie , Li Bo-Hui , Liang Wei-Jie , Zhang Qi-Lei , Cai Min-Ling , Peng Chang-Lian
Published: May 2021

Phenotypic plasticity affords invasive plant species the ability to colonize a wide range of habitats, but physiological plasticity of their stems is seldom recognized. Investigation of the stem plasticity of invasive plant species could lead to a better understanding of their invasiveness. We performed pot experiments involving defoliation treatments and isolated culture experiments to determine whether the invasive speciesMikania micranthaexhibits greater plasticity in the stems than do three non-invasive species that co-occur in southern China and then explored the mechanism underlying the modification of its stem photosynthesis. Our results showed that the stems ofM. micranthaexhibited higher plasticity in terms of either net or gross photosynthetic rate in response to the defoliation treatment. These effects were positively related to an increased stem elongation rate. The enhancement of stem photosynthesis inM. micrantharesulted from the comprehensive action involving increases in the Chla/bratio, D1 protein and stomatal aperture, changes in chloroplast morphology and a decrease in anthocyanins. Increased plasticity of stem photosynthesis may improve the survival ofM. micranthaunder harsh conditions and allow it to rapidly recover from defoliation injuries. Our results highlight that phenotypic plasticity promotes the invasion success of alien plant invaders.
Automatic Facial Expression Recognition in Standardized and Non-standardized Emotional Expressions
Authors: Küntzler Theresa , Höfling T. Tim A. , Alpers Georg W.
Published: May 2021

Emotional facial expressions can inform researchers about an individual's emotional state. Recent technological advances open up new avenues to automatic Facial Expression Recognition (FER). Based on machine learning, such technology can tremendously increase the amount of processed data. FER is now easily accessible and has been validated for the classification of standardized prototypical facial expressions. However, applicability to more naturalistic facial expressions still remains uncertain. Hence, we test and compare performance of three different FER systems (Azure Face API, Microsoft; Face++, Megvii Technology; FaceReader, Noldus Information Technology) with human emotion recognition (A) for standardized posed facial expressions (from prototypical inventories) and (B) for non-standardized acted facial expressions (extracted from emotional movie scenes). For the standardized images, all three systems classify basic emotions accurately (FaceReader is most accurate) and they are mostly on par with human raters. For the non-standardized stimuli, performance drops remarkably for all three systems, but Azure still performs similarly to humans. In addition, all systems and humans alike tend to misclassify some of the non-standardized emotional facial expressions as neutral. In sum, emotion recognition by automated facial expression recognition can be an attractive alternative to human emotion recognition for standardized and non-standardized emotional facial expressions. However, we also found limitations in accuracy for specific facial expressions; clearly there is need for thorough empirical evaluation to guide future developments in computer vision of emotional facial expressions.
Do Living Arrangements and Social Network Influence the Mental Health Status of Older Adults in Malaysia?
Authors: Hamid Tengku Aizan , Din Hazwan Mat , Bagat Mohamad Fazdillah , Ibrahim Rahimah
Published: May 2021

Living arrangement has been reported to have a significant influence on several mental health statuses of older adults, but their social network may confound this association. This study is aimed at examining the interactive effect of living arrangements and social network on the mental health status among older adults in Malaysia. A total of 2,188 Malaysian older adults living nationwide were included in this cross-sectional study. Participants were classified into four groups according to their living arrangements (living alone or not living alone) and social network size (assessed using Lubben's Social Network Scale-6). Poor social network was defined as the lowest quartile (fourth quartile) of the score. Mental health statuses, which include flourishing in life, life satisfaction, cognitive functions, loneliness, depression, and perceived stress, were measured. Multiple linear regression models, adjusted for age, gender, education, and comorbidities, revealed that a good social network was significantly associated with an increase on the flourishing scale scores, regardless of living arrangements. Not living alone and having good social network was significantly associated with increased Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores and decreased loneliness scores. This study found that living arrangements are not always a risk factor for the mental health status of older adults. However, it may be confounded by the level of their social networks. The results suggested that the effects of social network may exceed the impact of living arrangements. It is recommended that health professionals pay more attention to the social networks of older Malaysians to harness its benefits in improving their mental health status.
Reliability of a Protocol to Elicit Peak Measures Generated by the Lower Limb for Semi-recumbent Eccentric Cycling
Authors: Walsh Joel A. , Stapley Paul J. , Shemmell Jonathan , McAndrew Darryl J.
Published: May 2021

Semi-recumbent eccentric (ECC) cycling is increasingly used in studies of exercise with healthy and clinical populations. However, workloads are generally prescribed using measures obtained during regular concentric cycling. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to quantify the reliability of measures derived from a protocol that elicited peak ECC torque produced by the lower limb in a semi-recumbent position. Experiments were carried out on a dynamometer in a seated, semi-recumbent position identical to that of a custom-built ECC cycle, a modified Monark recumbent cycle. Thirty healthy participants completed two testing sessions. Each session comprised three series of six repetitions of a peak ECC torque protocol (PETP) on an isokinetic dynamometer. Absolute and relative reliability of peak torque, power, angle of peak torque, and work (recorded for each repetition) was determined using coefficient of variation (CV) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), respectively. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), muscle soreness, and perceived effort (PE) were recorded pre-PETP, immediately post-PETP, and 1-min post each PETP. The protocol showed absolute reliability values <15% for mean peak (CV = 10.6–12.1) torque, power (CV = 10.4–12.3), angle of peak torque (CV = 1.2–1.4), and work (CV = 9.7–12.1). Moderate to high between-test relative reliability is reported for mean and highest torque (ICC = 0.84–0.95; ICC = 0.88–0.98), power (ICC = 0.84–0.94; ICC = 0.89–0.98), and work (ICC = 0.84–0.93; ICC = 0.88–0.98), respectively. Within-session peak torque, peak power, and peak work showed high relative reliability for mean (ICC = 0.92–0.95) and highest (ICC = 0.92–0.97) values. Overall, the PETP test provides a reliable way of determining peak ECC torque specific to semi-recumbent ECC cycling that may be used to prescribe workloads for this form of exercise.
Herpesviruses in Reptiles
Authors: Okoh God'spower Richard , Horwood Paul F. , Whitmore David , Ariel Ellen
Published: May 2021

Since the 1970s, several species of herpesviruses have been identified and associated with significant diseases in reptiles. Earlier discoveries placed these viruses into different taxonomic groups on the basis of morphological and biological characteristics, while advancements in molecular methods have led to more recent descriptions of novel reptilian herpesviruses, as well as providing insight into the phylogenetic relationship of these viruses. Herpesvirus infections in reptiles are often characterised by non-pathognomonic signs including stomatitis, encephalitis, conjunctivitis, hepatitis and proliferative lesions. With the exception of fibropapillomatosis in marine turtles, the absence of specific clinical signs has fostered misdiagnosis and underreporting of the actual disease burden in reptilian populations and hampered potential investigations that could lead to the effective control of these diseases. In addition, complex life histories, sampling bias and poor monitoring systems have limited the assessment of the impact of herpesvirus infections in wild populations and captive collections. Here we review the current published knowledge of the taxonomy, pathogenesis, pathology and epidemiology of reptilian herpesviruses.
Machine Learning Predicts Outcomes of Phase III Clinical Trials for Prostate Cancer
Authors: Beacher Felix D. , Mujica-Parodi Lilianne R. , Gupta Shreyash , Ancora Leonardo A.
Published: May 2021

The ability to predict the individual outcomes of clinical trials could support the development of tools for precision medicine and improve the efficiency of clinical-stage drug development. However, there are no published attempts to predict individual outcomes of clinical trials for cancer. We used machine learning (ML) to predict individual responses to a two-year course of bicalutamide, a standard treatment for prostate cancer, based on data from three Phase III clinical trials (n = 3653). We developed models that used a merged dataset from all three studies. The best performing models using merged data from all three studies had an accuracy of 76%. The performance of these models was confirmed by further modeling using a merged dataset from two of the three studies, and a separate study for testing. Together, our results indicate the feasibility of ML-based tools for predicting cancer treatment outcomes, with implications for precision oncology and improving the efficiency of clinical-stage drug development.
A Hybrid Incremental Nonlinear Dynamic Inversion Control for Improving Flying Qualities of Asymmetric Store Configuration Aircraft
Authors: Ji Chang-ho , Kim Chong-sup , Kim Byoung-Soo
Published: May 2021

Highly maneuverability fighter aircrafts are equipped with various weapons for successful air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. The aircraft has abrupt transient response due to ejection force generated when store of one wing is launched and the movement of lateral center-of-gravity (YCG) changing by the mass distribution of both wings after launched. Under maintaining 1 g level flight with manual trim system in the asymmetric store configuration, the aircraft causes unexpected roll motion for the pure longitudinal maneuver because the change of AoA and airspeed changes the amount of trim for level flight of the aircraft. For this reason, the pilot should continuously use the roll control stick input to maintain level flight. This characteristic increases the pilot’s workload and adversely affects the flying qualities of the aircraft, which is a major cause of deteriorating mission efficiency for combat maneuver. In this paper, we propose a hybrid control that combines model- and sensor-based Incremental Nonlinear Dynamic Inversion (INDI) control based mathematical model of the supersonic advanced trainer to minimize the transient response of the aircraft when the store is launched and to effectively reduce the unexpected roll motion that occurs for the pure longitudinal maneuvering in the asymmetric store configuration. As a result of the frequency- and time-domain evaluation, the proposed control method can effectively reduce the transient response for store launch and minimize unexpected roll motion for the pure longitudinal maneuver. Therefore, this control method can effectively improve flying qualities and mission efficiency by reducing the pilot’s workload in the operation of the asymmetric store configuration.
Towards a Circular Economy in the Aviation Sector Using Eco-Composites for Interior and Secondary Structures. Results and Recommendations from the EU/China Project ECO-COMPASS
Authors: Bachmann Jens , Yi Xiaosu , Tserpes Konstantinos , Sguazzo Carmen , Barbu Lucia Gratiela , Tse Barbara , Soutis Constantinos , Ramón Eric , Linuesa Hector , Bechtel Stéphane
Published: May 2021

Fiber reinforced polymers play a crucial role as enablers of lightweight and high performing structures to increase efficiency in aviation. However, the ever-increasing awareness for the environmental impacts has led to a growing interest in bio-based and recycled ‘eco-composites’ as substitutes for the conventional synthetic constituents. Recently, the international collaboration of Chinese and European partners in the ECO-COMPASS project provided an assessment of different eco-materials and technologies for their potential application in aircraft interior and secondary composite structures. This project summary reports the main findings of the ECO-COMPASS project and gives an outlook to the next steps necessary for introducing eco-composites as an alternative solution to fulfill the CLEAN SKY target.
Development of a Simple and Low-Resource Regeneration System of Two Greek Tomato Varieties
Authors: Titeli Vaia Styliani , Zafeiriou Ioannis , Laskaridou Angeliki , Menexes Georgios , Madesis Panagiotis , Stavridou Evangelia , Nianiou-Obeidat Irini
Published: May 2021

Native tomato landrace varieties (Solanum lycopersicum L.) are sources of high genetic diversity and are adaptable to local environmental conditions. The in vitro propagation system can be used as a tool to produce disease-free, high-quality propagation material and preserve the unique characteristics of commercial Greek tomato varieties, such as the variety Areti and the traditional landrace variety Makedonia, both of exceptional quality and economic importance. Twenty- and 27-day-old cotyledon and leaf explants were cultivated in 4 regeneration media supplemented with 0 or 0.1 mg∙L−1 indole-3-acetic acid and 0.5 or 1 mg∙L−1 zeatin. Regeneration efficiency was dependent on variety, explant type and age, and regeneration media. Areti was a more appropriate target genetic material, exhibiting a six-fold greater response to regeneration compared to Makedonia, regardless of media and explant age. The regenerated shoots of both varieties were successfully rooted (60%) and acclimatized (98%). This regeneration protocol would be valuable in the production of propagation material for commercial and conservation practices and in breeding programs for genetic improvement.
Effect of Sowing Date on Soybean Development in South-Western Poland
Authors: Serafin-Andrzejewska Magdalena , Helios Waldemar , Jama-Rodzeńska Anna , Kozak Marcin , Kotecki Andrzej , Kuchar Leszek
Published: May 2021

Soybean is a thermophilic and photophilic plant very sensitive to weather course during the vegetation period. This trait limits soybean cultivation in higher latitude countries. This field study aimed to evaluate the effects of three sowing dates on the development, the duration of vegetative and generative stages, and the yield of two soybean cultivars (Lissabon and Merlin) under conditions in south-western Poland in the years 2016–2019. The sowing date determines the temperature and the day length available for soybean plants, influencing development and yield. Delaying the sowing date by 20 days in relation to the earliest (16–21.04) resulted in the shortening of the length of the vegetative development by 12 days and the shortening of the entire vegetation period by 14 days. The delayed sowing date (06–19.05) under the conditions of south-western Poland (Lower Silesia) contributed to a significant decrease in yield. Lissabon produced greater soybean yield than Merlin. Special attention should be paid to proper seed sowing dates in soybean agriculture practice. It is necessary to breed soybean genotypes adapted to day length and thermal conditions of the cultivation area to achieve the maximum seed yield.
Evaluation of Composted Organic Wastes and Farmyard Manure for Improving Fertility of Poor Sandy Soils in Arid Regions
Authors: Oueriemmi Houda , Kidd Petra , Trasar-Cepeda Carmen , Rodríguez-Garrido Beatriz , Zoghlami Rahma , Ardhaoui Kaouther , Prieto-Fernández Ángeles , Moussa Mohamed
Published: May 2021

Farmyard manure, an amendment traditionally used for improving the fertility of sandy soils in arid climates, is becoming scarce and expensive. Its shortage makes it necessary to evaluate, at field scale, the suitability and medium-term performance of other cheap, highly available substitutes. A field trial was established to analyze the effects of a single application of three organic residues on barley yield and nutrient uptake and selected soil properties after two consecutive harvests. Municipal solid waste compost (MSWC), sewage sludge compost (SSC) and farmyard manure (FYM) were tested at rates of 0, 20, 40 and 60 t ha−1. Adding all three organic amendments increased organic matter, cation exchange capacity and available P, Ca, Mg and K in the soil, the grain yield (up to 51%), and the barley plants’ nutrient contents. After the second harvest, a positive residual effect of the amendment was observed in plant yield (up to 77%) and nutrient contents. MSWC and SSC induced slight increases on the extractable fractions (BCR protocol) of Co, Cu and Ni, relative to the unamended soil. The results demonstrate the positive immediate and residual effect of the amendments evaluated as fertilizers for agricultural purposes.
Performance of Modern and Traditional Spelt Wheat (Triticum spelta) Varieties in Rain-Fed and Irrigated, Organic and Conventional Production Systems in a Semi-Arid Environment; Results from Exploratory Field Experiments in Crete, Greece
Authors: Wang Juan , Baranski Marcin , Korkut Recep , Kalee Hassan Ashraa , Wood Liza , Bilsborrow Paul , Janovska Dagmar , Leifert Alice , Winter Sarah , Willson Adam , Barkla Bronwyn , Leifert Carlo , Rempelos Leonidas , Volakakis Nikolaos
Published: May 2021

Background: Consumer demand for organic spelt wheat has increased rapidly and production has expanded into semi-arid regions, where it was not traditionally grown. Methods: Here, we report the results of a factorial field experiment designed to compare the performance of four spelt varieties grown in rain-fed and irrigated, conventional and organic production systems in a semi-arid environment. Results: Irrigation resulted in 2.5-fold higher grain yields, a reduction in grain protein, taller plants and an increase in stem lodging. While yields of all varieties were similar and low in rain-fed production, the variety Züricher Oberländer Rotkorn (ZOR) produced the highest, Filderstolz and Oberkulmer intermediate and the variety Rubiota the lowest grain yields in irrigated systems. Organic production with chicken or sheep manure as fertilizer resulted in 15% higher yields that mineral NPK fertilizer-based conventional production protocols. Conclusions: Rain-fed spelt production results in very low yields and is therefore unlikely to be commercially viable. Results suggest that organic fertilization regimes and the variety ZOR will result in the highest yields in irrigated systems, while the two traditional spelt varieties Filderstolz and Oberkulmer will more reliably produce grain protein levels that comply with bread-making quality standards.
Predicting Seedling Emergence of Three Canarygrass (Phalaris) Species under Semi-Arid Conditions Using Parametric and Non-Parametric Models
Authors: Sousa-Ortega Carlos , Royo-Esnal Aritz , Urbano José María
Published: May 2021

The Phalaris genus includes annual weed species such as short-spiked canarygrass (Phalaris brachystachys Link.), little-seed canarygrass (Phalaris minor Retz.) and hood canarygrass (Phalaris paradoxa L.), which are especially problematic in Spain; as such, there is a need to develop models to predict the timing of their emergence. Field experiments were conducted at two different locations during two (2006/07 and 2007/08) and three (from 2005/06 to 2007/08) growing seasons. In both locations, 500 seeds of each Phalaris species were sown each growing season, simulating rain-fed cereal field conditions. In addition, the models were validated with three, four and eight independent experiments for P. brachystachys, P. minor and P. paradoxa, respectively. The emergence period of the three Phalaris species lasted between 31 and 48 days after sowing (DAS), showing two main flushes. The three cardinal points for parametric and non-parametric models were established to be between −1 °C and 1 °C for base temperature, between 9.8 °C and 11.8 °C for optimal temperature and between 21.2 °C and 23.4 °C for ceiling temperature; base water potential was estimated to be between −1 and −1.1 MPa. Both parametric and non-parametric models obtained similar results and were successfully validated in 12 out of 15 independent experiments.
Advances in Genomics-Based Breeding of Barley: Molecular Tools and Genomic Databases
Authors: Riaz Asad , Kanwal Farah , Börner Andreas , Pillen Klaus , Dai Fei , Alqudah Ahmad M.
Published: May 2021

Barley is the fourth most important cereal crop and has been domesticated and cultivated for more than 10,000 years. Breeding climate-smart and stress-tolerant cultivars is considered the most suitable way to accelerate barley improvement. However, the conventional breeding framework needs to be changed to facilitate genomics-based breeding of barley. The continuous progress in genomics has opened up new avenues and tools that are promising for making barley breeding more precise and efficient. For instance, reference genome assemblies in combination with germplasm sequencing to delineate breeding have led to the development of more efficient barley cultivars. Genetic analysis, such as QTL mapping and GWAS studies using sequencing approaches, have led to the identification of molecular markers, genomic regions and novel genes associated with the agronomic traits of barley. Furthermore, SNP marker technologies and haplotype-based GWAS have become the most applied methods for supporting molecular breeding in barley. The genetic information is also used for high-efficiency gene editing by means of CRISPR-Cas9 technology, the best example of which is the cv. Golden Promise. In this review, we summarize the genomic databases that have been developed for barley and explain how the genetic resources of the reference genome, the available state-of-the-art bioinformatics tools, and the most recent assembly of a barley pan-genome will boost the genomics-based breeding for barley improvement.
Diversity in Phenological and Agronomic Traits of Miscanthus sinensis Collected in Korea and Eastern Asia
Authors: Lim Soo-Hyun , Yook Min-Jung , Song Jong-Seok , Kim Jin-Won , Zhang Chuan-Jie , Kim Dong-Gil , Park Yeon-Ho , Lee DoKyoung , Kim Do-Soon
Published: May 2021

Four-year field experiments were conducted to investigate phenotypic traits associated with the biomass yield of 173 Miscanthus sinensis accessions collected from Korea and neighboring East Asian countries. Nine phenological and agronomic traits associated with biomass yield were assessed to investigate their phenotypic diversity and relationships with biomass yield as well as the latitudes of the M. sinensis accessions collection sites. Correlation analyses among phenological and agronomic traits, biomass yield, and collection site revealed that heading date, vegetative growth duration, leaf area, and stem growth traits (stem height, stem diameter, and stem dry weight) were closely related to biomass yield. The latitude of collection site exhibited a significant negative correlation with heading date, and heading date showed a significant positive correlation with biomass yield, indicating the high biomass potential of the accessions originating from lower latitude due to longer vegetative growth. The best biomass yield was mainly observed in M. sinensis accessions from the southern parts of Korea, such as Jeolla and Jeju provinces, with over 20 Mg DM ha−1. Agronomic traits measured in the second year after planting also showed a high correlation with biomass yield measured in the fourth year after planting. In particular, vegetative growth duration, leaf area, stem diameter, and stem dry weight measured in the second year were significantly related to the fourth-year biomass yield. Therefore, these findings suggest that agronomic traits measured in the second year can be used for screening M. sinensis genetic resources and breeding lines with high biomass yield potential.
Organic Phosphorus Substantially Contributes to Crop Plant Nutrition in Soils with Low Phosphorus Availability
Authors: Moro Hitoshi , Park Ho-Dong , Kunito Takashi
Published: May 2021

To evaluate phosphorus (P) availability and the role of microorganisms in P dynamics in the barley rhizosphere, we constructed a rhizobox using two arable Andosols under different fertilization management regimens and cultivated barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Minorimugi) for 5 weeks. The phosphatase-labile pool of organic phosphorus (Po) was assessed using a phosphatase-addition approach in combination with chemical extraction of Po from soils. A considerable amount of inorganic P (Pi) in the NaHCO3 fraction was taken up by barley roots in a soil with high Pi availability, whereas Po, primarily phytate-like P in the NaHCO3 fraction, was hydrolyzed and then taken up by barley roots in a soil with low Pi availability. No significant utilization of either NaOH-Pi or NaOH-Po was observed for both soils during the 5-week cultivation. In the soil with low Pi availability, elevated acid phosphomonoesterase and phosphodiesterase activities, and greater utilization of Po substrates by bacteria in the Biolog ECO plate, were observed in the rhizosphere when compared with those in the bulk soil. This suggested enhanced Po hydrolysis by increased phosphatase activities to meet the P demand, making the Po an important P source for barley in the soil.
Ameliorative Effects of Boswellic Acid on Fipronil-Induced Toxicity: Antioxidant State, Apoptotic Markers, and Testicular Steroidogenic Expression in Male Rats
Authors: Tohamy Hossam G. , El-Kazaz Sara E. , Alotaibi Saqer S. , Ibrahiem Hawary S. , Shukry Mustafa , Dawood Mahmoud A. O.
Published: May 2021

The study investigated the ability of boswellic acid (BA) to alleviate the testicular and oxidative injury FPN insecticide intoxication in the male rat model. Rats were randomly assigned to six equivalent groups (six rats each) as the following: control rats orally administered with 2 mL physiological saline/kg of body weight (bwt); boswellic acid (BA1) rats orally administered 250 mg BA/kg bwt; boswellic acid (BA2) rats orally administered 500 mg BA/kg bwt; fipronil (FPN) rats orally administered 20 mg FPN/kg bwt; (FPN + BA1) rats orally administered 20 mg FPN/kg bwt plus 250 mg BA/kg bwt, and (FPN + BA2) rats orally administered 20 mg FPN/kg bwt plus 500 mg BA/kg bwt. After 60 days, semen viability percentage and live spermatozoa percentage were decreased, and a considerably increased abnormality of the sperm cells in FPN-administered rats improved substantially with the co-administration of BA. BA had refinement of the histological architecture of testes and sexual glands. Quantitative analysis recorded a noticeable decline in the nuclear cell-proliferating antigen (PCNA) percentage area. FPN triggered cell damage, which was suggested by elevated malondialdehyde and interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factors alpha, and decreased glutathione level. Proapoptotic factor overexpression is mediated by FPN administration, while it decreased the antiapoptotic protein expression. Similarly, BA has shown significant upregulation in steroidogenic and fertility-related gene expression concerning the FPN group. Pathophysiological damages induced by FPN could be alleviated by BA’s antioxidant ability and antiapoptotic factor alongside the upregulation of steroidogenic and fertility-related genes and regimented the detrimental effects of FPN on antioxidant and pro-inflammatory biomarkers.
Determining the Impact of Hogget Breeding Performance on Profitability under a Fixed Feed Supply Scenario in New Zealand
Authors: Farrell Lydia J. , Kenyon Paul R. , Tozer Peter R. , Morris Stephen T.
Published: May 2021

Hoggets (ewe lambs aged 4 to 16 months) can be bred from approximately 8 months of age for potentially increased flock production and profit, however most New Zealand hoggets are not presented for breeding and their reproductive success is highly variable. Bio-economic modelling was used to analyse flock productivity and profit in four sets of scenarios for ewe flocks with varying mature ewe (FWR) and hogget (HWR) weaning rate combinations. Firstly, hogget breeding was identified to become profitable when break-even HWRs of 26% and 28% were achieved for flocks with FWRs of 135% and 150%, respectively. Secondly, relatively smaller improvements in FWR were identified to increase profit to the same level as larger improvements in HWR. Thirdly, a high performing flock with FWR and HWR both ≥ the 90th percentile currently achieved commercially, was the most profitable flock modelled. Fourthly, a FWR was identified with which a farmer not wishing to breed hoggets could have the same profit as a farmer with a flock achieving current industry average FWR and HWR. Overall, the relative profit levels achieved by the modelled flocks suggest that more farmers should consider breeding their hoggets, though improvements in FWRs should be prioritised.
Enteric and Fecal Methane Emissions from Dairy Cows Fed Grass or Corn Silage Diets Supplemented with Rapeseed Oil
Authors: Ramin Mohammad , Chagas Juana C. , Smidt Hauke , Exposito Ruth Gomez , Krizsan Sophie J.
Published: May 2021

This study evaluated potential trade-offs between enteric methane (CH4) emissions and CH4 emissions from feces of dairy cows fed grass silage or partial replacement of grass silage with corn silage, both with and without supplementation of rapeseed oil. Measured data for eight dairy cows (two blocks) included in a production trial were analyzed. Dietary treatments were grass silage (GS), GS supplemented with rapeseed oil (GS-RSO), GS plus corn silage (GSCS), and GSCS supplemented with rapeseed oil (GSCS-RSO). Feces samples were collected after each period and incubated for nine weeks to estimate fecal CH4 emissions. Including RSO (0.5 kg/d) in the diet decreased dry matter intake (DMI) by 1.75 kg/d. Enteric CH4 emissions were reduced by inclusion of RSO in the diet (on average 473 vs. 607 L/d). In 9-week incubations, there was a trend for lower CH4 emissions from feces of cows fed diets supplemented with RSO (on average 3.45 L/kg DM) than cows with diets not supplemented with RSO (3.84 L/kg DM). Total CH4 emissions (enteric + feces, L/d) were significantly lower for the cows fed diets supplemented with RSO. Total fecal CH4 emissions were similar between treatments, indicating no trade-offs between enteric and fecal CH4 emissions.
Effect of Restriction of Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics on Clostridioides difficile Infections in the University Hospital Hradec Králové
Authors: Vaverková Kristýna , Kracík Martin , Ryšková Lenka , Paterová Pavla , Kukla Rudolf , Hobzová Lenka , Špánek Roman , Žemličková Helena
Published: May 2021

Clostridioides difficile is the most common pathogen responsible for hospital-acquired diarrhea. This complication of antibiotic treatment mainly endangers the health of elder patients. Preventing the development of C. difficile infections (CDI) is still a challenge that needs to be addressed. In our study, the results of 872 C. difficile positive stool samples were used to describe the epidemiological situation affected by a change in the prescription of fluoroquinolone antibiotics. In a total, 93 of strains were typed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and capillary gel electrophoresis. Between years 2014 and 2018 the decline in the fluoroquinolones consumption was 69.3 defined daily dose (DDD) per 1000 patient-days (from 103.3 to 34.0), in same period CDI incidence declined by 1.3 cases per 10,000 patient-bed days (from 5.6 to 4.3). Results of epidemiologic and statistical analysis shows that decline in fluoroquinolones consumption has significant influence on CDI incidence and prevalence of hypervirulent strains. In the University Hospital Hradec Králové properly managed antibiotic stewardship policy has reduced CDI incidence by 23.2% and lowered rate of hypervirulent ribotypes 001 and 176.
Potential Application of Combined Therapy with Lectins as a Therapeutic Strategy for the Treatment of Bacterial Infections
Authors: Santos João Victor de Oliveira , Porto Ana Lúcia Figueiredo , Cavalcanti Isabella Macário Ferro
Published: May 2021

Antibiotic monotherapy may become obsolete mainly due to the continuous emergence of resistance to available antimicrobials, which represents a major uncertainty to human health. Taking into account that natural products have been an inexhaustible source of new compounds with clinical application, lectins are certainly one of the most versatile groups of proteins used in biological processes, emerging as a promising alternative for therapy. The ability of lectins to recognize carbohydrates present on the cell surface allowed for the discovery of a wide range of activities. Currently the number of antimicrobials in research and development does not match the rate at which resistance mechanisms emerge to an effective antibiotic monotherapy. A promising therapeutic alternative is the combined therapy of antibiotics with lectins to enhance its spectrum of action, minimize adverse effects, and reduce resistance to treatments. Thus, this review provides an update on the experimental application of antibiotic therapies based on the synergic combination with lectins to treat infections specifically caused by multidrug-resistant and biofilm-producing Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We also briefly discuss current strategies involving the modulation of the gut microbiota, its implications for antimicrobial resistance, and highlight the potential of lectins to modulate the host immune response against oxidative stress.
Insights into Emergence of Antibiotic Resistance in Acid-Adapted Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli
Authors: Sheikh Salma Waheed , Ali Ahmad , Ahsan Asma , Shakoor Sidra , Shang Fei , Xue Ting
Published: May 2021

The emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogens presents a global challenge for treating and preventing disease spread through zoonotic transmission. The water and foodborne Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) are capable of causing intestinal and systemic diseases. The root cause of the emergence of these strains is their metabolic adaptation to environmental stressors, especially acidic pH. Acid treatment is desired to kill pathogens, but the protective mechanisms employed by EHECs cross-protect against antimicrobial peptides and thus facilitate opportunities for survival and pathogenesis. In this review, we have discussed the correlation between acid tolerance and antibiotic resistance, highlighting the identification of novel targets for potential production of antimicrobial therapeutics. We have also summarized the molecular mechanisms used by acid-adapted EHECs, such as the two-component response systems mediating structural modifications, competitive inhibition, and efflux activation that facilitate cross-protection against antimicrobial compounds. Moving beyond the descriptive studies, this review highlights low pH stress as an emerging player in the development of cross-protection against antimicrobial agents. We have also described potential gene targets for innovative therapeutic approaches to overcome the risk of multidrug-resistant diseases in healthcare and industry.