bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contemporaneous symptom networks and correlates during endocrine therapy among breast cancer patients: A network analysis
Authors: Jing Feng , Zhu Zheng , Qiu Jiajia , Tang Lichen , Xu Lei , Xing Weijie , Hu Yan
Published: March 2023

Background

Endocrine therapy-related symptoms are associated with early discontinuation and quality of life among breast cancer survivors. Although previous studies have examined these symptoms and clinical covariates, little is known about the interactions among different symptoms and correlates. This study aimed to explore the complex relationship of endocrine therapy-related symptoms and to identify the core symptoms among breast cancer patients.

Methods

This is a secondary data analysis conducted based on a multicenter cross-sectional study of 613 breast cancer patients in China. All participants completed the 19-item Chinese version of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Endocrine Subscale (FACT-ES). Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to identify significant factors. A contemporaneous network with 15 frequently occurring symptoms was constructed after controlling for age, payment, use of aromatase inhibitors, and history of surgery. Network comparison tests were used to assess differences in network structure across demographic and treatment characteristics.

Results

All 613 participants were female, with an average age of 49 years (SD = 9.4). The average duration of endocrine therapy was 3.6 years (SD = 2.3) and the average symptom score was 18.99 (SD = 11.43). Irritability (n = 512, 83.52%) and mood swings (n = 498, 81.24%) were the most prevalent symptoms. Lost interest in sex (mean = 1.95, SD = 1.39) and joint pain (mean = 1.57, SD = 1.18) were the most severe symptoms. The edges in the clusters of emotional symptoms (“irritability-mood swings”), vasomotor symptoms (“hot flashes-cold sweats-night sweats”), vaginal symptoms (“vaginal discharge-vaginal itching”), sexual symptoms (“pain or discomfort with intercourse-lost interest in sex-vaginal dryness”), and neurological symptoms (“headaches-dizziness”) were the thickest in the network. There were no significant differences in network structure (P = 0.088), and global strength (P = 0.330) across treatment types (selective estrogen receptor modulators vs. aromatase inhibitors). Based on an evaluation of the centrality indices, irritability and mood swings appeared to be structurally important nodes after adjusting for the clinical covariates and after performing subgroup comparisons.

Conclusion

Endocrine therapy-related symptoms are frequently reported issues among breast cancer patients. Our findings demonstrated that developing targeted interventions focused on emotional symptoms may relieve the overall symptom burden for breast cancer patients during endocrine therapy.
Comprehensive proteome, phosphoproteome and kinome characterization of luminal A breast cancer
Authors: Yang Ganglong , Zuo Chenyang , Lin Yuxiang , Zhou Xiaoman , Wen Piaopiao , Zhang Chairui , Xiao Han , Jiang Meichen , Fujita Morihisa , Gao Xiao-Dong , Fu Fangmeng
Published: March 2023

Background

Breast cancer is one of the most frequently occurring malignant cancers worldwide. Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) and invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) are the two most common histological subtypes of breast cancer. In this study, we aimed to deeply explore molecular characteristics and the relationship between IDC and ILC subtypes in luminal A subgroup of breast cancer using comprehensive proteomics and phosphoproteomics analysis.

Methods

Cancer tissues and noncancerous adjacent tissues (NATs) with the luminal A subtype (ER- and PR-positive, HER2-negative) were obtained from paired IDC and ILC patients respectively. Label-free quantitative proteomics and phosphoproteomics methods were used to detect differential proteins and the phosphorylation status between 10 paired breast cancer and NATs. Then, the difference in protein expression and its phosphorylation between IDC and ILC subtypes were explored. Meanwhile, the activation of kinases and their substrates was also revealed by Kinase-Substrate Enrichment Analysis (KSEA).

Results

In the luminal A breast cancer, a total of 5,044 high-confidence proteins and 3,808 phosphoproteins were identified from 10 paired tissues. The protein phosphorylation level in ILC tissues was higher than that in IDC tissues. Histone H1.10 was significantly increased in IDC but decreased in ILC, Conversely, complement C4-B and Crk-like protein were significantly decreased in IDC but increased in ILC. Moreover, the increased protein expression of Septin-2, Septin-9, Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A1 and Kinectin but reduce of their phosphorylation could clearly distinguish IDC from ILC. In addition, IDC was primarily related to energy metabolism and MAPK pathway, while ILC was more closely involved in the AMPK and p53/p21 pathways. Furthermore, the kinomes in IDC were primarily significantly activated in the CMGC groups.

Conclusions

Our research provides insights into the molecular characterization of IDC and ILC and contributes to discovering novel targets for further drug development and targeted treatment.
Case report: Aplasia cutis congenita of the scalp with bone defect and an exposed sagittal sinus in a trisomy 13 newborn
Authors: AlMatrafi Faisal Rashed , Al-Shammari Ahmad Ayed , Al Nefily Raed Mohamed , AlAnazi Rawan Abdulrahman , Abdulwahab Abdulrahman Hamed , Ammar Ahmed Sabry
Published: March 2023

Aplasia cutis congenita (ACC) is a heterogeneous disorder with a rarely reported incidence of 0.5–1 in 10,000 births. ACC can be associated with physical defects or syndromes that may help in the diagnosis, prognosis, and further evaluation of the patient. Trisomy 13 is one of the most common fetal life-limiting diagnoses associated with ACC of membranous-type scalp. The patient was born at 35 weeks of gestation via a cesarean section due to fetal distress. Upon admission to our hospital, her pertinent physical examination revealed a newborn girl with dysmorphic facial features, including widely separated eyes, downward slanting of the palpebral fissure, microphthalmia, retrognathia, and low-set ears. She had an area of loss of scalp skin and skull bone with seen brain tissue and an exposed sagittal sinus that was 6 by 5 cm in size. She had a clenched fist, overlapping fingers, and rocker bottom feet. Precordium auscultation revealed medium-pitched high-grade continuous murmur heard best at the pulmonary position with a harsh machinelike quality that often radiated to the left clavicle. Laboratory investigations include basic labs, and the TORCH screen was negative. On the 9th day of life, a chromosomal analysis showed a female karyotype with three copies of chromosome number 13 (trisomy 13) in all 20 metaphase cell counts. The patient was managed with a moist gauze dressing, topical antibiotic ointment, and povidone-iodine. However, a multidisciplinary team agreed on a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order with no further surgical intervention as the survival rate of trisomy 13 is poor. In this article, we report a case of aplasia cutis congenita of the scalp with dura and bone defect and an exposed sagittal sinus in a newborn diagnosed with trisomy 13. It emphasizes the importance of ACC-associated syndrome, which has high mortality prior to surgical intervention.
The m6A-regulation and single cell effect pattern in sunitinib resistance on clear cell renal cell carcinoma: Identification and validation of targets
Authors: Deng Yanxi , Wang Fang , Wu Xinhui , Du Kangming , Yang Qing , Xia Ting
Published: March 2023

Background: Sunitinib is the main target drug for clear cell renal cell carcinoma. However, the effect of sunitinib is often limited by acquired drug resistance.

Methods: The open-accessed data used in this study were obtained from different online public databases, which were analyzed using the R software. The RNA level of specific genes was detected using quantitative Real-Time PCR. Sunitinib-resistant cell lines were constructed based on protocol get from the previous study. Colony formation and Cell Counting Kit-8 assays were applied to detect cell proliferation ability.

Results: In this study, through publicly available data and high-quality analysis, we deeply explored the potential biological mechanisms that affect the resistance of sunitinib. Detailed, data from GSE64052, GSE76068 and The Cancer Genome Atlas were extracted. We identified the IFITM1, IL6, MX2, PCOLCE2, RSAD2 and SLC2A3 were associated with sunitinib resistance. Single-cell analysis, prognosis analysis and m6A regulatory network were conducted to investigate their role. Moreover, the MX2 was selected for further analysis, including its biological role and effect on the ccRCC microenvironment. Interestingly, we noticed that MX2 might be an immune-related gene that could affect the response rate of immunotherapy. Then, in vitro experiments validated the overexpression of MX2 in sunitinib-resistance cells. Colony formation assay indicated that the knockdown of MX2 could remarkably inhibit the proliferation ability of 786-O-Res and Caki-1-Res when exposed to sunitinib.

Conclusion: In summary, through publicly available data and high-quality analysis, we deeply explored the potential biological mechanisms that affect the resistance of sunitinib. MX2 was selected for further analysis, including its biological role and effect on the ccRCC microenvironment. Finally, in vitro experiments were used to validate its role in ccRCC.
Non-coding RNAs: The recently accentuated molecules in the regulation of cell autophagy for ovarian cancer pathogenesis and therapeutic response
Authors: Peng Bi , Li Jing , Yan Yuanliang , Liu Yuanhong , Liang Qiuju , Liu Wei , Thakur Abhimanyu , Zhang Kui , Xu Zhijie , Wang Jian , Zhang Fan
Published: March 2023

Autophagy is a self-recycling and conserved process, in which the senescent cytoplasmic components are degraded in cells and then recycled to maintain homeostatic balance. Emerging evidence has suggested the involvement of autophagy in oncogenesis and progression of various cancers, such as ovarian cancer (OC). Meanwhile, the non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) frequently regulate the mRNA transcription and other functional signaling pathways in cell autophagy, displaying promising roles in human cancer pathogenesis and therapeutic response. This article mainly reviews the cutting-edge research advances about the interactions between ncRNAs and autophagy in OC. This review not only summarizes the underlying mechanisms of dynamic ncRNA-autophagy association in OC, but also discusses their prognostic implications and therapeutic biomarkers. The aim of this review was to provide a more in-depth knowledge framework exploring the ncRNA-autophagy crosstalk and highlight the promising treatment strategies for OC patients.
Monitoring for a new I3 resistance gene-breaking race of F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (Fusarium wilt) in California processing tomatoes following recent widespread adoption of resistant (F3) cultivars: Challenges with race 3 and 4 differentiation methods
Authors: Swett Cassandra L. , Del Castillo Múnera Johanna , Hellman Elizabeth , Helpio Erin , Gastelum Megan , Lopez Raymundo Elver , Johnson Heather , Oguchi Rino , Hopkins Aimee , Beaulieu Justine , Rodriguez Fernando
Published: March 2023

Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (Fol), causes losses in tomato production worldwide, with major impacts on Californian tomato processing. Single-gene resistance is the primary management tool, but its efficacy has been compromised following the emergence of two successive resistance-breaking races, which, in California, emerged within 12 years of resistance deployment. Fol race 3-resistant (F3) processing tomato cultivars (containing the I3 resistance gene) were deployed in the state starting in approximately 2009. The emergence of a new resistance-breaking race (which would be called race 4) is imminent, and early detection will be critical to delay the spread while new resistance is sought. The detection of Fol race 4 is challenged by the lack of validated, rapid, and accurate diagnostic tools. In evaluating in planta phenotyping methods, this study found that rapid seedling phenotyping is not reliable and generates false positives for nonpathogens. Longer (10 weeks) mature plant assays are the most reliable, but may not be sufficiently timely. As an additional challenge, based on field and greenhouse studies, Fol race 3 can cause symptoms in resistant F3 cultivars at frequencies greater (30%) than expected for off-types (<2%). We developed a three-F3 cultivar in planta assay to overcome the challenges this posed to differentiating Fol race 3 and Fol race 4. Using the assay, we determined that all putative resistance-breaking cases were Fol race 3; Fol race 4 was not detected in these early survey efforts. These results highlight the need for developing rapid Fol race 4 detection tools and a better understanding of the factors underlying inconsistent I3 gene expression in Fol race 3.
A latent profile analysis of subjective exercise experiences among physically vulnerable college students and psychiatric symptoms correlates during three phases of the COVID-19 pandemic in Wuhan, China
Authors: Li Jinglin , Xiao Ming , Huang Hongyuan , Liu Huinan
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Physical activity among college students since the COVID-19 pandemic was well studied; however, subjective exercise experience and the emotional response toward physical exercise received less attention.

Methods

The present study used latent profile analysis (LPA) to explore the latent class of subjective exercise experience among physically vulnerable college students who scored 59 points or less in tests under the National Student Physical Health Standard. Three non-duplicated samples at different stages of the COVID-19 pandemic were collected in March 2020 (N = 127), March 2021 (N = 118), and November 2021 (N = 206) respectively. Psychometrically validated scales, namely, Subjective Exercise Experiences Scale (SEES), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) were used to measure subjective exercise experience, anxiety symptoms, and depressive symptoms.

Results and discussion

LPA revealed a 3-class solution for the subjective exercise experience of physically unfit students, namely, the “negative experience group” (30.82%), the “fatigue group” (41.91%), and the “positive experience group” (27.27%). Multinomial regression showed that probable anxiety [odds ratio (OR) = 0.12] was associated with the overall negative exercise experience while probable depression (OR = 0.19) was associated with psychological fatigue. Women (OR = 0.496) were more likely to experience overall negative exercise experience, and the outbreak of the COVID- 19 (OR = 2.14) pandemic influenced the psychological distress of the subjective exercise experience compared with the other two phases in the post-COVID- 19 era. Our findings provided significant implications for physical education targeting university students that interventions should be tailored differently for three profiles of the subjective exercise experience.
On the need for metaphysics in psychedelic therapy and research
Authors: Sjöstedt-Hughes Peter
Published: March 2023

The essential proposal of this text is that psychedelic-induced metaphysical experiences should be integrated and evaluated with recourse to metaphysics. It will be argued that there is a potential extra benefit to patients in psychedelic-assisted therapy if they are provided with an optional, additional, and intelligible schema and discussion of metaphysical options at the integrative phase of the therapy. This schema (the “Metaphysics Matrix”) and a new Metaphysics Matrix Questionnaire (“MMQ”) stemming therefrom will be presented, the latter of which can also be used as an alternative or additional tool for quantitative measurement of psychedelic experience in trials. Metaphysics is not mysticism, despite some overlap; and certainly not all psychedelic experience is metaphysical or mystical—all three terms will be defined and contrasted. Thereafter psychedelic therapy will be presented and analysed in order to reveal the missing place for metaphysics. Metaphysics, with epistemology (theory of knowledge) and axiology (ethics and aesthetics), is a defining branch of Philosophy. Metaphysics, in contrast to mysticism, is considered to be based on argument rather than pure revelation. Thus, in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy one sees here the potential bridge between reason-based philosophy and practical therapy—or, more broadly, with psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy there is the potential and mutually beneficial fusion of philosophy with practical science.
Exploring the association of addiction-related genetic factors with non-suicidal self-injury in adolescents
Authors: Guo Zhichao , Liu Yilin , Wang Chengjuan , Li Shujun , Yu Lei , Wu Wenzhi , You Xu , Zhang Yunqiao , Teng Zhaowei , Zeng Yong
Published: March 2023

Background

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is self-injurious behavior without suicidal intent commonly seen in the adolescent population and poses a serious threat to the life safety of adolescents. Related researches suggest a possible correlation between addiction and the occurrence of NSSI. This study aimed to explore the correlation between addiction and NSSI from a molecular biological perspective by analyzing the differential expression of addiction-related genes in NSSI patients.

Methods

(1) The association between addiction and non-suicidal self-injury in a Chinese adolescent population was verified with the help of questionnaires on substance and non-substance addictions and non-suicidal self-injury among 1,329 adolescents in China, (2) Screening for key genes associated with addiction by bioinformatics analysis, and (3) RT-qPCR experiment was performed to validate key genes and Receiver Operating Characteristic curves were plotted for target genes.

Results

(1) Substance and non-substance addictions were all significantly correlated with non-suicidal self-injury, (2) Four target genes: SERPINA3, SLC14A1, RPS6 and RPS3A were screened by bioinformatics technique, and (3) Relative quantitative analysis by RT-qPCR revealed that the expression levels of SLC14A1 (p < 0.01), RPS6 (p < 0.05) and RPS3A (p < 0.01) were significantly higher in NSSI patients than in healthy controls.

Conclusion

(1) The significant association between addiction and NSSI exists in the Chinese adolescent population and (2) Addiction-related genes SLC14A1, RPS6, and RPS3A are differentially expressed in adolescents with NSSI. The genes have the potential to become biological markers for the diagnosis of NSSI.
Teaching extent and military service improve undergraduate self-assessed knowledge in disaster medicine: An online survey study among Swedish medical and nursing students
Authors: Robinson Yohan , Ragazzoni Luca , Della Corte Francesco , von Schreeb Johan
Published: March 2023

Background

The purpose of this study was to identify the possible needs for undergraduate disaster medicine education in Sweden and to make informed recommendations for the implementation of disaster medicine content in medical and nursing schools in Sweden.

Methods

An online survey was distributed to undergraduate medical and nursing students through the directors of all medical and nursing programs at Swedish universities. The survey contained demographic questions, as well as questions about the amount of disaster medical education and previous experience with rescue, police, or military services. The final survey page contained self-assessments of disaster medical knowledge. Comparative statistics were applied between nursing and medical students, those with previous military service, and those without, as well as between universities.

Results

A total of 500 medical and 408 nursing students participated in this study. A median of 2 h of disaster medicine education was provided to senior medical students and 4 h was provided to senior nursing students. Senior medical students scored their disaster medical knowledge lower than nursing students (t-test, p < 0.001). A proportion of 1% had served in rescue services or police, and 7% of the participants had a history of military service, of which 67% served in a medical role. Those who had served in rescue services, police, or the armed forces had a higher self-assessed disaster medical knowledge base than those who had not (p < 0.007 and p < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

Most medical and nursing students in this study rated their disaster medical knowledge as insufficient. The correlation between the amount of disaster medical education and self-assessed disaster medical knowledge should influence and help direct Swedish educational policies.
Mercury intoxication and ophthalmic involvement: An update review
Authors: de los Santos Cristian , Pastor J. Carlos , Calonge Margarita
Published: March 2023

Human intoxication after mercury exposure is a rare condition that can cause severe damage to the central nervous, respiratory, cardiovascular, renal, gastrointestinal, skin, and visual systems and represents a major public health concern. Ophthalmic involvement includes impaired function of the extraocular muscles and the eyelids, as well as structural changes in the ocular surface, lens, retina, and optic nerve causing a potential irreversible damage to the visual system. Although, there are many pathways for poisoning depending on the mercury form, it has been suggested that tissue distribution does not differ in experimental animals when administered as mercury vapor, organic mercury, or inorganic mercury. Additionally, visual function alterations regarding central visual acuity, color discrimination, contrast sensitivity, visual field and electroretinogram responses have also been described widely. Nevertheless, there is still controversy about whether visual manifestations occur secondary to brain damage or as a direct affectation, and which ocular structure is primarily affected. Despite the use of some imaging techniques such as in vivo confocal microscopy of the cornea, optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the retina and optic nerve, and functional tests such as electroretinography has helped to solve in part this debate, further studies incorporating other imaging modalities such as autofluorescence, OCT angiography or adaptive optics retinal imaging are needed. This review aims to summarize the published structural and functional alterations found in the visual system of patients suffering from mercury intoxication.
A 1-DOF Modular Robotic Hand Inspired by Human Two-Arm Cooperative Handling Strategy
Authors: Liu Yuhang , Zhao Maocheng , Hua Hongliang
Published: March 2023

In the present article, a 1-DOF modular robotic hand inspired by a human two-arm cooperative handling strategy was presented to achieve flexible applications in robotic object grasping. The presented modular robotic hand was characterized as 1-DOF, modular, symmetrically designed and partly soft. The soft finger could produce independent elastic deformation and adapt to the object surface passively without the additional requirement of control. The modular hand is based on bus control technology, and up to 254 modular hands can be controlled simultaneously. The above characteristic of the modular hand could greatly improve the application flexibility of the robotic end-effector. The modularity of the robotic hand makes the multi-hand cooperative operation possible, which is a potential technology to eliminate the position error of the object. Based on the modular hand, a double-hand and quadruple-hand end-effector was developed, and some experimental tests were performed to verify its versatility and operating performance. The operating stability was also verified by kinematic modeling and numerical simulation.
Moderate Nitrogen Reduction Increases Nitrogen Use Efficiency and Positively Affects Microbial Communities in Agricultural Soils
Authors: Tang Jianghua , Su Lili , Fang Yanfei , Wang Chen , Meng Linyi , Wang Jiayong , Zhang Junyao , Xu Wenxiu
Published: March 2023

Excessive nitrogen fertilizer usage in agricultural often leads to negative ecological and production gains. Alterations in the physical and chemical properties and microbial community structure of agricultural soils are both the cause and consequence of this process. This study explored the perturbation of soil properties and microorganisms in agricultural soils by different nitrogen levels. Soil total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and total potassium decreased in the shallow soil layer with decreasing nitrogen. Changes in nitrogen affected soil organic matter, pH, bulk density, and water content. However, a moderate reduction in nitrogen did not cause significant yield loss; the increased nitrogen use efficiency was the main reason, attributed to the available phosphorus and potassium. Short-term changes in nitrogen had limited effects on soil microbial community structure. Bacteria were more susceptible to perturbation by nitrogen changes. Nitrogen reduction increased the relative abundance of MND1 (1.21%), RB41 (1.96%), and Sphingomonas (0.72%) and decreased Dongia (0.3%), Chaetomium (0.41%), and Penicillium (0.5%). Nitrogen reduction significantly increased the bacteria functional composition of aerobic ammonia oxidation (4.20%) and nitrification (4.10%) and reduced chemoheterotrophy (2.70%) and fermentation (4.08%). Available phosphorus specifically drove bacterial community structure variation in the shallow soil layers of moderate nitrogen reduction treatments. Steroidobacter, RB41, Gemmatimonas, Ellin6067, Haliangium, and Sphingomonas were the main component nodes in this community structure. These results provide insights into the study of nitrogen and microorganisms in agricultural soils.
Machine-Learning Approach to Non-Destructive Biomass and Relative Growth Rate Estimation in Aeroponic Cultivation
Authors: Åström Oskar , Hedlund Henrik , Sopasakis Alexandros
Published: March 2023

We train and compare the performance of two machine learning methods, a multi-variate regression network and a ResNet-50-based neural network, to learn and forecast plant biomass as well as the relative growth rate based onfrom a short sequence of temporal images from plants in aeroponic cultivation. The training dataset consists of images of 57 plants taken from two different angles every hour during a 5-day period. The results show that images taken from a top-down perspective produce better results for the multi-variate regression network, while images taken from the side are better for the ResNet-50 neural network. In addition, using images from both cameras improves the biomass estimates from the ResNet-50 network, but not those from the multivariatemulti-variatemultivariate regression. However, all relative growth rate estimates were improved by using images from both cameras. We found that the best biomass estimates are produced from the multi-variate regression model trained on top camera images using a moving average filter resulting in a root mean square error of 0.0466 g. The best relative growth rate estimates were produced from the ResNet-50 network training on images from both cameras resulting in a root mean square error of 0.1767 g/(g·day).
Does Digital Inclusive Finance Development Affect the Agricultural Multifunctionality Extension? Evidence from China
Authors: Wang Yafei , Liu Jing , Huang Huanhuan , Tan Zhixiong , Zhang Lichen
Published: March 2023

This paper constructs a comprehensive index system for agricultural multifunctionality extension to measure the agricultural multifunctionality development level in 30 sample provinces in China from 2011 to 2019, builds a model to explain theoretically and test empirically the impact of digital inclusive finance on agricultural multifunctionality extension using Peking University Digital Inclusive Finance Index, and discusses the moderating role of rural human capital in the above process. The main findings include: (1) The rapid increase in the development level of agricultural multifunctionality presents typical regional differences in several regions of China, showing the gradient characteristics of the eastern part higher than the central part and the central part higher than the western part. (2) Digital inclusive finance can significantly promote the agricultural multifunctionality extension, and significantly contribute to the growth of agricultural product supply, economic development and social security functions, while having a particular inhibitory effect on ecological environment function. (3) The width of coverage and depth of use of digital inclusive finance can affect agricultural multifunctionality extension. The digitalization degree inhibits agricultural multifunctionality extension. (4) Rural migratory human, educational human and healthy human capitals are significant positive moderators of the impact of digital inclusive finance on agricultural multifunctionality extension.
Design and Mechanical Analysis of a Cam-Linked Planetary Gear System Seedling Picking Mechanism
Authors: Jin Xin , Zhang Bo , Suo Hongbin , Lin Cheng , Ji Jiangtao , Xie Xiaolin
Published: March 2023

This study designed a cam-linked planetary gear system automatic seedling picking mechanism to address unstable operation and issues of high damage to the substrate caused by the picking mechanism of the dryland vegetable seedling transplanter. Through an analysis of the kinematic principle of the structure and the establishment of the kinematic model, computer-aided analysis software was developed using Visual Basic 6.0. Consequently, a set of structural parameter values satisfying the target trajectory was derived employing the human–computer interaction method, and the 3D model was designed. The model was imported into Adams for kinematic simulation, and the seedling picking mechanism’s trajectory during the operation was obtained through simulation. Modal analysis of the model was performed using Ansys, and the first six-order modal vibration patterns and modal frequencies of the seedling picking mechanism were obtained under the simulated working environment. The results confirmed that no resonance occurred during the operation. Comparisons of the seedling picking needle trajectory with the idle test revealed that the theoretical, simulated, and test trajectories were approximately identical. This proved the reliability of the theoretical design of the seedling picking mechanism, the machining of the parts, and the test bench construction. The success rates of seedling picking were 97.66, 96.09, 93.75, and 90.63% at 90, 100, 110, and 120 plants/min, respectively, with rates of substrate damage of 4.43%, 6.73%, 9.57%, and 14.37%, respectively. Thus, the experimental results confirmed that the operating parameters of the cam-linked planetary gear system seedling picking mechanism satisfied the design requirements.
Amino Acids Content in Brassica napus L. and × Triticosecale Wittm. ex A. Camus on Soil Contaminated with Fluorine
Authors: Szostek Radosław , Wyszkowski Mirosław , Ciećko Zdzisław
Published: March 2023

The study was conducted to determine the influence of fluorine soil contamination (100, 200 and 300 mg kg−1 of soil) on the levels of exogenous amino acids (ExAAs) and endogenous amino acids (EnAAs) in the above-ground parts of winter oilseed rape and spring triticale grain. Fluorine soil contamination had a much more pronounced influence on the content of the tested amino acids in spring triticale grain than in the above-ground parts of winter oilseed rape. Soil contamination with fluorine had the greatest influence on leucine (Leu), arginine (Arg) and lysine (Lys), alanine (Ala), glycine (Gly) and glutamic acid (Glu), increasing their content, and on tyrosine (Tyr), methionine (Met) and aspartic acid (Asp), decreasing their concentration in the winter oilseed rape above-ground parts. Under the influence of fluorine soil contamination, an increase in the content of Arg, phenylalanine (Phe), histidine (His), Leu, Tyr, Gly, serine (Ser), Asp and especially, proline (Pro) and Glu, and a decrease in the level of Met and cysteine (Cys) in spring triticale grain have been confirmed. The highest fluorine contamination (300 mg kg−1 of soil) had the most favourable influence on the total amino acid content in the spring triticale. The lowest fluorine dose (100 mg kg−1 of soil) had the same effect in winter oilseed rape. Spring triticale protein had a higher nutritive value than that of winter oilseed rape. Fluorine soil contamination caused a gradual increase in the nutritive value of protein in spring triticale grain (in contrast to rape).
Foliar Spray Inoculation with Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria Associated with Nitrogen Doses in Megathyrsus maximus cv. BRS Zuri
Authors: Freitas Gabriela da Silva , Moreira Adônis , Prudencio Marcelo Falaci , Heinrichs Reges , Nogueira Marco Antonio , Hungria Mariangela , Soares Filho Cecílio Viega
Published: March 2023

This study evaluated the combined effect of foliar spray inoculation with plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) and nitrogen doses on the yield, development, and nutritive value of Megathyrsus maximus cv. BRS Zuri. The experimental design was randomized blocks with four replications, with repeated measures in time. Foliar inoculation of two bacteria (Azospirillum brasilense Ab-V5 (CNPSo 2083) and Ab-V6 (CNPSo 2084) and Pseudomonas fluorescens (CNPSo 2799)) and 40 and 80 kg ha−1 N (urea) rates, in addition to the control (without inoculation and N fertilization), were applied. In the rainy season, at the level of 40 kg ha−1 of N, inoculation of both A. brasilense and P. fluorescens increased, respectively, the tiller number by 33% and 25% (22 February), and the N accumulated in tissues by 42% and 25% (22 January), while in the previous year (21 February) the beneficial effects of both bacteria were observed in the percentage of leaf blade and in the true digestibility in vitro. When the foliar spray was inoculated with A. brasilense Ab-V5 and Ab-V6 and P. fluorescens CNPSo 2799, with 80 kg N ha−1, the root system of Zuri grass increased by 61% and 30%, respectively.
Effect of Growth Factors and Hormones during In Vitro Growth Culture of Cumulus-Oocyte-Complexes Derived from Small Antral Follicles in Pigs
Authors: Kim Minji , Park Ji-Eun , Lee Yongjin , Lee Seung-Tae , Lee Geun-Shik , Hyun Sang-Hwan , Lee Eunsong , Lee Joohyeong
Published: March 2023

This study evaluated the effect of various growth factors and hormones in an in vitro growth (IVG) medium on the in vitro maturation (IVM) and developmental competence of oocytes derived from small antral follicles (SAFs) in pigs. Cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) derived from SAFs were either untreated or treated with epidermal growth factor (EGF), insulin-like factor-1 (IGF-1), insulin, or growth hormone (GH) for 2 days of IVG. Following IVG, COCs were cultured for maturation, and IVM oocytes were induced for parthenogenesis (PA). During IVG, the nuclear maturation of oocytes was significantly increased by the insulin treatment compared to other treatments. Moreover, the insulin treatment significantly increased blastocyst formation after PA relative to the No-IVG, control, EGF, and GH treatments. The cumulus expansion score after IVG-IVM was significantly higher in the insulin group than in the other groups. The glutathione (GSH) contents in IVM oocytes were increased through treatment with IGF, insulin, and GH compared to those of No-IVG oocytes. The level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in IVM oocytes in all treatment groups was significantly lower after IVG culture than in the No-IVG group. The maturation-promoting factor (MPF) activity after IVM in the insulin-treated oocytes was significantly higher than that of the oocytes treated with EGF, IGF-1, and GH. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that insulin treatment during IVG culture improves the maturational and developmental competence of oocytes derived from SAFs in pigs through its effect on cumulus cell expansion and cytoplasmic microenvironments, such as GSH, ROS, and MPF activity.
Effect of TiO2 Nanoparticle on Bioaccumulation of ndl-PCBs in Mediterranean Mussels (Mitilus galloprovincialis)
Authors: Gallocchio Federica , Moressa Alessandra , Pascoli Francesco , Vetri Alessia , Toffan Anna , Pretto Tobia , Arcangeli Giuseppe , Angeletti Roberto , Ricci Antonia
Published: March 2023

The interaction of nanomaterials with pollutants in the marine environment might alter bioavailability, as well as toxicity, of both nanomaterials and pollutants, representing a risk, not only for marine organisms, but also for consumers through the marine food chain.The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) in terms of bioaccumulation and toxicity on Mediterranean mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) exposed to six-indicator non-dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (ndl-PCBs). Mussels were exposed to ndl-PCBs (20 µg/mL) (groups 3–4) or to a combination of ndl-PCBs (20 µg/mL) and TiO2NPs (100 µg/mL) (groups 5–6) for four consecutive days. TiO2NPs was detected in groups 5–6 (3247 ± 567 and 1620 ± 223 µg/kg respectively), but their presence did not affect ndl-PCBs bioaccumulation in mussels. In fact, in groups 3–4, the concentration of ndl-PCBs (ranging from 3818.4 ± 166.0–10,176 ± 664.3 µg/kg and 2712.7 ± 36.1–9498.0 ± 794.1 µg/kg respectively) was not statistically different from that of groups 5–6 (3048.6 ± 24.0–14,635.9 ± 1029.3 and 5726.0 ± 571.0–9931.2 ± 700.3 µg/kg respectively). Histological analyses showed alterations to the structure of the gill tissue with respect to the control groups, with more severe and diffuse dilatation of the central hemolymphatic vessels of the gill lamellae in groups 5–6 (treated with TiO2NPs and ndl-PCBs concurrently) compared to groups 3–4 (ndl-PCBs only). Finally, in mussels submitted to a seven-day depuration process, most TiO2NPs were eliminated, and NPs had a synergistic effect on ndl-PCBs elimination; as a matter of fact, in groups 5–6, the percentage of concentration was statically inferior to the one observed in groups 3–4. In any case, consumers might be exposed to TiO2NPs and ndl-PCBs (both concurrently and separately) if edible mussels, harvested in a contaminated environment, are consumed without a proper depuration process.
Performance of Autumn and Spring Calving Holstein Dairy Cows with Different Levels of Environmental Exposure and Feeding Strategies
Authors: Méndez Maria Noel , Grille Lucía , Mendina Graciana R. , Robinson Peter H. , Adrien María de Lourdes , Meikle Ana , Chilibroste Pablo
Published: March 2023

Environmental exposure during confinement and feeding strategy affects cow behavior, nutrient utilization, and performance. Milk production and composition, body condition score, non-esterified fatty acids, and beta-hydroxybutyrate were determined during a full lactation in cows submitted to (a) grazing + partial confinement in outdoor soil-bedded pens with shade structures (OD-GRZ); (b) grazing + partial confinement in a compost-bedded pack barn with cooling capacity (CB-GRZ); or (c) total confinement (same facilities as CB-GRZ) and fed TMR ad libitum (CB-TMR). Autumn (ACS) and spring (SCS) calving season cows were used for each treatment, except for CB-TMR (only SCS). In ACS, treatments did not differ in any variable, possibly due to mild weather. In SCS, milk production was higher in CB-TMR than CB-GRZ, which in turn produced more milk than OD-GRZ. Differences coincided with heat waves and/or heavy rains (similar grazing conditions and mixed ration DM intake). Milk fat, protein and lactose yield, protein content, and BCS were higher in CB-TMR, without differences between CB-GRZ and OD-GRZ. Cows in OD-GRZ had impaired energy metabolism. Under moderately unfavorable environmental conditions (ACS), when well-managed, OD-GRZ systems could equate to the productive response of CB-GRZ. However, in worse climatic conditions (SCS), performance could be compromised, especially when compared to TMR systems.
Phylogenetic and Spatiotemporal Analyses of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus in Guangxi, China during 2017–2022
Authors: Bai Jiaguo , Du Chen , Lu Ying , Wang Ruomu , Su Xueli , Yu Kechen , Qin Qiuying , Chen Ying , Wei Zuzhang , Huang Weijian , Ouyang Kang
Published: March 2023

Since 2010, porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) has swept across China and spread throughout the country, causing huge economic losses. In this study, 673 diarrhea samples from 143 pig farms in Guangxi during 2017–2022 were collected and detected for PEDV. Ninety-eight strains were selected for S1 gene analyses and these strains were classified into four subgroups (G1b, G2a, G2b and G2c), accounting for 1.02 (1/98), 75.51 (74/98), 16.33 (16/98) and 7.14% (7/98) of the total, respectively. Importantly, an increased number of strains in the G2c subgroup was found from 2019 onwards. Bayesian analysis revealed that Guigang may have been the epicenter of PEDVs in Guangxi. In addition, Guigang was identified as the primary hub from which PEDVs spread via two routes, namely Guigang–Wuzhou and Guigang–Laibin. Moreover, several coinfections of novel PEDV variants bearing large deletions in the partial S1 protein and PEDVs possessing an intact partial S1 protein were found in pigs. Further recombination analyses indicated that two of the strains, 18-GXNN-6 and 19-GXBH-2, originated from intra-genogroup recombination. Together, our data revealed a new profile of PEDV in Guangxi, China, which enhances our understanding of the distribution, genetic characteristics and evolutionary profile of the circulating PEDV strains in China.
Environmental Enrichment Devices Are Safe and Effective at Reducing Undesirable Behaviors in California Sea Lions and Northern Elephant Seals during Rehabilitation
Authors: Donald Kirsten , Benedetti Amanda , Goulart Vinícius Donisete Lima Rodrigues , Deming Alissa , Nollens Hendrik , Stafford Grey , Brando Sabrina
Published: March 2023

Environmental enrichment devices (EEDs) have been proven to promote positive wellbeing in zoos and aquariums, and support animals’ reintroduction success; however, their use in rehabilitation centers is still limited. This pilot study investigated the safety and efficacy of three EEDs, Artificial Kelp, Horse KONG™ and Wubba Kong™, and their ability to decrease and/or eliminate undesired stereotypic behaviors or looking at staff/staff areas in seven wild California sea lions (CSLs) and eight northern elephant seals (NESs) undergoing rehabilitation in Southern California. Observers conducted instantaneous sampling once a minute during a 30-min baseline, followed by a 30-min EED implementation on one focal animal at a time. The data were analyzed with generalized linear mixed models (GLMM). All three EEDs were found to be durable and safe throughout the study. Our results show a significant reduction in stereotypical behaviors compared to no EED treatments in CSLs, with the most significant effect being with the Horse KONG™. The Wubba KONG™ and Artificial Kelp provisions also reduced the undesired behavior in both species of being focused on human caretakers. Individual preferences for specific EEDs were found within species and between species, with the NESs using EEDs more than the CSLs. This study highlights the beneficial aspect of EEDs for pinnipeds in rehabilitation centers for improving their quality of life.
Business Intentions of Australian Veterinary Students—My Business or Yours? A Cluster Analysis
Authors: Feakes Adele , Lindsay Noel , Palmer Edward , Petrovski Kiro
Published: March 2023

Little is known about veterinary entrepreneurial predisposition. Yet entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship (entrepreneurial behaviour of employees) foster business innovation and growth and support wealth creation and employment in both privately and corporately owned businesses which deliver contemporary veterinary services. We used responses from 515 final-year students in Australian entrepreneurship, nursing, and veterinary programs to capture entrepreneurial intention (EI), outcome expectations (OE-sb), entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE), and corporate/large organisation work intentions (CWIs). Veterinary respondents stood out for their high EI and high OE-sb, but low financial ESE and low CWI. Proportions of veterinary, entrepreneurship, and nursing respondents differed markedly across distinct cluster profiles representing entrepreneurial, intrapreneurial, both entrepreneurial and intrapreneurial, indifferent, and corporate employment intentions and attributes. Post hoc analysis revealed proportional cluster membership differences for respondents from different veterinary schools. Our findings raise questions regarding (1) the effectiveness of veterinary business curricula competencies which focus on expense management and (2) the implications of the mismatch of motivations and goals of new veterinary sector entrants whose low intent to work in a corporate environment is at odds with increasing corporate ownership of veterinary practices. To inform curricular change, we recommend further research to evaluate the relative impact of individual factors, admissions factors, and the formal or hidden curricula on entrepreneurial intention in veterinary final-year students.
Amoxicillin-Induced Neurotoxicity: Contribution of a Healthcare Data Warehouse to the Determination of a Toxic Concentration Threshold
Authors: Lalanne Sébastien , Bouzillé Guillaume , Tron Camille , Revest Matthieu , Polard Elisabeth , Bellissant Eric , Verdier Marie-Clémence , Lemaitre Florian
Published: March 2023

Background: Amoxicillin (AMX)-induced neurotoxicity is well described and may be associated with AMX overexposure. No neurotoxic concentration threshold has been determined thus far. A better knowledge of maximum tolerable AMX concentrations is of importance to improve the safety of high doses of AMX. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study using the local hospital data warehouse EhOP® to generate a specific query related to AMX neurotoxicity symptomatology. All patient medical reports containing a mention of neurotoxicity clinical symptoms coupled with AMX plasma concentration measurements were explored. Patients were classified into two groups according to the imputability of AMX in the onset of their neurotoxicity, on the basis of chronological and semiological criteria. A receiver-operating characteristic curve was performed to identify an AMX neurotoxic steady-state concentration (Css) threshold. Results: The query identified 101 patients among 2054 patients benefiting from AMX TDM. Patients received a median daily dose of 9 g AMX, with a median creatinine clearance of 51 mL/min. A total of 17 of the 101 patients exhibited neurotoxicity attributed to AMX. The mean Css was higher for patients with neurotoxicity attributed to AMX (118 ± 62 mg/L) than those without 74 ± 48 mg/L (p = 0.002). A threshold AMX concentration of 109.7 mg/L predicted the occurrence of neurotoxicity. Conclusions: This study identified, for the first time, an AMX Css threshold of 109.7 mg/L associated with an excess risk of neurotoxicity. This approach needs to be confirmed by a prospective study with systematic neurological evaluation and TDM.