bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relationship between the high-risk disordered eating and social network navigation among Saudi college females during the COVID pandemic
Authors: Raja N Alotaibi Abdulaziz , Osman Nermin A. , Alqethami Abdullah Muidh , Abd El-Fatah Nesrin Kamal
Published: September 2022

Background

Disordered eating behaviors (DEBs) are complex health issues that may lead to negative physical and mental health outcomes among college students. More studies should be directed toward the screening of DEBs. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of DEBs among Saudi female university students and their association with social networking site (SNSs) usage and composite lifestyle behaviors during the unprecedented period of COVID-19.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 445 females recruited using stratified random sampling. The participants self-reported demographic, social, medical, and lifestyle data and completed the validated Arabic version of the Eating Attitudes Test-26, Social Networking Sites (SNSs) Usage Questionnaire, Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale, and Body Shape Questionnaire.

Results

The prevalence of DEBs was 27.2% among the female students at Taif University. From the pre-pandemic period until the current time, the DEBs-risk group had a significantly higher SNS navigation rate (36.4%) than the normal group (20.4%) (X2 = 30.015, p = 0.001). The regression analysis revealed that females with a significant body image concern, higher number of SNSs friends, and frequent visits to SNSs, and those seeking social-dependent information in relation to weight loss/dieting were more likely to develop DEBs (Overall Model: Chi-Square X2 = 158.071, p < 0.000**).

Conclusions

SNSs usage and DEBs were associated during the COVID-pandemic. However, the composite lifestyle score did not demonstrate a significant association with DEBs among the female students at Taif University. Investigating the magnitude of DEBs and understanding the role of SNS are essential for preventing disordered eating among young females.
Association between famine exposure in early life and risk of hospitalization for heart failure in adulthood
Authors: Chen Chao-lei , Wang Jia-bin , Huang Yu-qing , Feng Ying-qing
Published: September 2022

Background

Few studies have reported the association of early life exposure to famine with the risk of heart failure. The current study aimed to investigate whether exposure to famine in early life is associated with a higher risk of hospitalization for heart failure in adulthood.

Methods

We used data from participants included in the sub-cohort of the China Patient-centered Evaluative Assessment of Cardiac Events Million Persons Project in Guangdong Province. Specific years of birth were used to define the famine-exposed group (born during the famine of 1959–1962), the pre-famine group (born before the famine [1954–1957], and the post-famine group (born after the famine [1964–1967]). Multivariable-adjusted generalized linear models were used to examine the associations of early life famine exposure with the risk of hospitalization for heart failure.

Results

A total of 36,212 participants were enrolled in this analysis with a median age of 57.4 years and 37.5% of them were men. Compared with the post-famine group, famine births and pre-famine births were associated with increased risk of heart failure (OR: 1.96 [1.56–2.48] and OR: 1.62 [1.07–2.47], respectively). When compared with the age-balanced non-exposed group, the famine-exposed group was also significantly associated with increased risk of heart failure (OR: 1.32 [1.11–1.57]). The associations were stronger in participants with better economic status and in participants with hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia (P for interaction < 0.05).

Conclusion

Early life exposure to the Chinese famine is associated with an elevated risk of hospitalization for heart failure in adulthood.
Data to improve air quality environmental justice outcomes in South Chicago
Authors: Illgner Tara , Lad Nikita
Published: September 2022

This brief provides data for policy changes on the intersection of polluting industrial facilities, marginalized communities, and the dearth of air-quality monitors in those communities of South Chicago. The allocation of air-quality monitors is determined by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA). Our data demonstrate that the air quality and subsequent health of Chicago's marginalized communities are chronically threatened by the expansion of polluting industries coupled with inadequate air-quality monitoring. The methods of data analysis presented here can be similarly applied to analyze air-quality disparities in communities beyond Chicago, including those that have been victims of environmental injustice stemming from redlining. Such data can be used to support Environmental Justice (EJ) advocacy and goals by informing remedial actions and policies of regulatory bodies, such as the IEPA, to reduce disproportionate air-quality burdens through increased monitoring. The generated maps may be used to direct plans for assessing and mitigating the effects of air pollution on human health.
The serial changes of Neutrophile-Lymphocyte Ratio and correlation to weight loss after Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy
Authors: Chi Po-Jui , Wu Kun-Ta , Chen Po-Jen , Chen Chung-Yen , Su Yu-Chieh , Yang Chung-Yi , Chen Jian-Han
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This study aims to identify the pre- and postoperative changes in the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and its correlations to clinical characteristics in obese patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG).

Method

Retrospectively, we included patients who has undergone LSG in our institution between January 2019 and April 2021. A total of 100 patients whose body mass index over 32.5 and received primary laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy without infectious condition were included.

Results

There was a significant decline in NLR (T0 vs. POM3 2.21 vs. 1.78, p = 0.005), neutrophil (T0 vs. POM3 5369 vs. 4050, p < 0.001) and lymphocyte count (T0 vs. POM3 2440: 2100, p < 0.001, respectively) at postoperative 3 months (POM3) compared to preoperative (T0) levels, but similar between POM3 and POM6. The declined counts (Neutrophile vs. Lymphocyte 1445.5/µl vs. 323.5/µl, p < 0.001) and percentage (Neutrophile vs. Lymphocyte 25.11% vs. 13.07%, p < 0.001) of neutrophile are higher than lymphocyte from T0 to POM3, but similar in POM3 and POM6. Preoperative NLR has a significant correlation with the preoperative body weight, preoperative insulin level, and excessive body weight loss (EBWL) at POM3. Preoperative NLR <2.36 had a sensitivity of 67.6% and a specificity of 62.5% in predicting successful weight loss (EBWL > 37.7%) at POM3 (AUC = 0.635, p = 0.032).

Conclusion

There was a significant decline in NLR, neutrophil, and lymphocyte count from T0 to POM3, but similar between POM3 and POM6. The declined counts and percentage of neutrophile are higher than lymphocyte. Preoperative NLR shows the potential to be used as a prognostic biomarker for predicting successful weight loss at POM3 after LSG. Further studies could be designed to evaluate the value of prediction in successful outcome after LSG and figure out the relationship between the changes of neutrophil function and oncogenesis.
High Per Parameter: A Large-Scale Study of Hyperparameter Tuning for Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Sipper Moshe
Published: September 2022

Hyperparameters in machine learning (ML) have received a fair amount of attention, and hyperparameter tuning has come to be regarded as an important step in the ML pipeline. However, just how useful is said tuning? While smaller-scale experiments have been previously conducted, herein we carry out a large-scale investigation, specifically one involving 26 ML algorithms, 250 datasets (regression and both binary and multinomial classification), 6 score metrics, and 28,857,600 algorithm runs. Analyzing the results we conclude that for many ML algorithms, we should not expect considerable gains from hyperparameter tuning on average; however, there may be some datasets for which default hyperparameters perform poorly, especially for some algorithms. By defining a single hp_score value, which combines an algorithm’s accumulated statistics, we are able to rank the 26 ML algorithms from those expected to gain the most from hyperparameter tuning to those expected to gain the least. We believe such a study shall serve ML practitioners at large.
Effect of Local Momentum Ratio on Spray Windward Distribution of a Gas–Liquid Pintle Injector Element
Authors: Jin Xuan , Yang Yang , Cao Xiaomei , Wu Jinshui
Published: September 2022

The variable-area pintle injector has unique geometry and spray characteristics compared to traditional coaxial injectors, and is advantageous for weight lightening and deep throttling of liquid rocket engines. To obtain an accurate prediction of the spray windward distribution of a gas–liquid pintle injector with discrete radial orifices, a pintle injector element using air and water as simulants was designed for spray experiments in the atmospheric environment. The air-film injection pressure drop and water-jet injection orifice diameter were both adjusted for a wide variance range from 0.19 to 2.85 for the local momentum ratio. Backlight imaging was adopted for shooting the frozen spray pattern from one side, and a new dimensionless parameter, i.e., the spray fraction, was defined to quantitatively analyze the time-averaged windward boundary band. The dimensionless spray windward boundary band model for a circular-orifice jet and the corresponding derivative formula of the spray half angle were summarized through parameter study. The predicted results of empirical models were in good agreement with the experimental results. It was found that when the local momentum ratio was about 1, the spray distribution range basically overlapped with the coverage scope of gas film with uniform liquid mist.
A Blockchain Protocol for Authenticating Space Communications between Satellites Constellations
Authors: Torky Mohamed , Gaber Tarek , Goda Essam , Snasel Vaclav , Hassanien Aboul Ella
Published: September 2022

Blockchain has found many applications, apart from Bitcoin, in different fields and it has the potential to be very useful in the satellite communications and space industries. Decentralized and secure protocols for processing and manipulating space transactions of satellite swarms in the form of Space Digital Tokens (SDT) can be built using blockchain technology. Tokenizing space transactions using SDTs will open the door to different new blockchain-based solutions for the advancement of constellation-based satellite communications in the space industry. Developing blockchain solutions using smart contracts could be used in securely authenticating various P2P satellite communications and transactions within/between satellite swarms. To manage and secure these transactions, using the proposed SDT concept, this paper suggested a blockchain-based protocol called Proof of Space Transactions (PoST). This protocol was adopted to manage and authenticate the transactions of satellite constellations in a P2P connection. The PoST protocol was prototyped using the Ethereum blockchain and experimented with to evaluate its performance using four metrics: read latency, read throughput, transaction latency, and transaction throughput. The simulation results clarified the efficiency of the proposed PoST protocol in processing and verifying satellite transactions in a short time according to read and transaction latency results. Moreover, the security results showed that the proposed PoST protocol is secure and efficient in verifying satellite transactions according to true positive rate (TPR), true negative rate (TNR), and accuracy metrics. These findings may shape a real attempt to develop a new generation of Blockchain-based satellite constellation systems.
Viewpoint of Chitosan Application in Grapevine for Abiotic Stress/Disease Management towards More Resilient Viticulture Practices
Authors: Singh Rupesh Kumar , Ruiz-May Eliel , Rajput Vishnu D. , Minkina Tatiana , Gómez-Peraza Rosa Luz , Verma Krishan K. , Shekhawat Mahipal S. , Pinto Catia , Falco Virgilio , Quiroz-Figueroa Francisco Roberto
Published: September 2022

Chitosan is a biopolymer with various favorable properties (biotic/abiotic stress mitigation, qualitative improvement, bio-fertilizer, bio-stimulant and postharvest management) to meet multiple agricultural objectives. Grapevine is an important crop and has an enormous impact on the world’s economy due to its derived products, notably the different wine styles. In viticulture, chitosan application made significant developments towards higher contents of beneficial metabolites in grape berries as well as stress and postharvest management during recent decades, although the reports are limited. Recent investigations by our group demonstrated chitosan as a potential elicitor molecule at a molecular level and opened the possibility to use chitosan for trunk disease management; moreover, there are not yet any methods to combat trunk diseases in grapevine. The present viewpoint aimed to summarize the different aspects of chitosan application in grapevine in facilitating the development of inclusive and more integrated sanitary viticulture practices in a sustainable manner.
Diversification of Agricultural Output Intensity across the European Union in Light of the Assumptions of Sustainable Development
Authors: Zakrzewska Aneta , Nowak Anna
Published: September 2022

The strength of the bond between agriculture and the natural environment is measured by output intensity. This work aimed to evaluate the diversity of agriculture across the European Union in terms of agricultural output intensity from the perspective of the assumptions of the concept of sustainable development. Surveys were conducted using selected indicators based on data derived from EUROSTAT, FAOSTAT, and FADN from 2010–2019. The adopted indicators were used for developing a ranking of member states according to output intensity, which, in confrontation with the level of agricultural efficiency, can form a basis for an individual approach to the development strategies of respective member states. Their findings imply that, in the analyzed period, differences in output intensity among member states declined insignificantly. From 2010 to 2019, most countries forming the so-called ‘old 15′ featured higher output intensity than new member states. The Netherlands and Malta recorded the highest cost of intermediate consumption per 1 ha of utilized agricultural area. By contrast, agricultural production was the least intensive in Bulgaria. Land productivity was also very strongly variable. The difference between the old and new member states was clearly marked. Dutch agriculture reached the highest land productivity from 2010 to 2019, where agricultural production levels per 1 ha were five times higher than on average in the European Union.
Economic and Agricultural Impacts of Building a Dam—Evidence from Natural Experience of the Three-Gorges Dam
Authors: Li Jiajia , Liao Liuyuan , Dai Xiaowen
Published: September 2022

As the largest dam in the world, the impacts of the Three-Gorges Dam (TGD) on economy and agriculture in the counties along the Yangtze River in China have been subject to debates for a long time, but no conclusions have been made. This paper employs panel data with a wide variety of economic and agricultural variables for 751 counties over the period from 1997 to 2010, which covers the whole building period of the TGD. By calculating the distance of these counties to the dam site and applying the differences-in-differences (DID) method, the results generally imply that the TGD negatively affected economic growth in the downstream counties along the mainstream river. Conversely, counties located closer to the dam site in the upstream received economic benefits. Regarding its effects on agricultural productions, cotton yields of the upstream were negatively affected by building the TGD, while oil production planted in the upstream region were stimulated to grow since the functioning of the dam in 2003. This study proves both the economic and agricultural advantages/disadvantages of the dam in different construction periods for different locations of counties, and sheds light on policy implications for compensating the counties from economic and agricultural lenses due to the TGD construction.
Pattern and Major Reasons of Cattle Red Offal Condemnation in the Slaughterhouse of the Arid Region of El Oued (Algeria)
Authors: Hadef Ahmed , Righi Souad , Boucheikhchoukh Mehdi , Bouzid Chams Eddine
Published: September 2022

Bovine red offal is one of the main sources of animal proteins. The monitoring of the sanitary status of these foods is mandatory to protect human and animal health against transmitted diseases. The aim of this study was to establish an epidemiological situation of these diseases in the El Oued region. To do so, the registries of red offal seizures from three successive years (2018–2020) of 14,478 slaughtered cattle were retrospectively analyzed. The results showed a continuous evolution of the number of red offal seizures cases mainly in the liver and the lungs. The annual average prevalence of lung lesions increased progressively from 3.45% in 2018 to 10.50% in 2020 while a decrease of about 1% in pulmonary and hepatic hydatid cysts prevalence was observed. For liver diseases, the frequency of seizures increased, also predominately fasciolosis which reached 2.8% in 2020. Concerning tuberculosis, the prevalence did not show significant variations. These findings confirm the value of hygienic control along the entire red offal production chain and the need to strengthen zoonotic diseases prevention to reduce economic losses and to safeguard public health in this arid developing region.
Spatial and Temporal Variability of ETo in Xinjiang Autonomous Region of China during 1957–2017
Authors: Jia Yanhui , Shen Xiaojun , Yi Ruochen , Song Ni
Published: September 2022

This article scientifically studies the direct impact of climate problems on the time transition of reference crop evapotranspiration in the Xinjiang Autonomous Region of China from 1957 to 2017, which is conducive to formulating irrigation scheduling and adaptive capacity countermeasures. The objective of this study is to investigate the impacts of climate change on ETo for the cotton growing seasons. The meteorological data were collected from 48 meteorological stations in the region and analyzed using the Mann–Kendall test and linear trend. The results show the following points: (1) the ETo decreases from low to high elevations, and with the increase in northern latitude. (2) The annual mean ETo and average values of ETo during the growing seasons for cotton exhibited two abrupt changes in the period 1957–2017, with the first abrupt change in 1995 to 1999 and the second abrupt change in 2006 to 2011. (3) The ETo in Xinjiang of China demonstrates a decreasing trend during 1957–1996; a significant decreasing trend during 1997–2008; and a significant increasing trend during 2009–2017.
Design and Experimental Testing of a Control System for a Solid-Fertilizer-Dissolving Device Based on Fuzzy PID
Authors: Song Xiuhua , Li Hong , Chen Chao , Xia Huameng , Zhang Zhiyang , Tang Pan
Published: September 2022

To overcome the problem of poor uniformity of solid-fertilizer-dissolving devices due to lag of fertilizer dissolution, a closed-loop control system based on fuzzy proportional-integral-derivative (PID) was designed and tested. A fertilizer concentration regulation model was then established according to the results. In this system, the control core was an STM32 used to feed back the fertilization concentration by detecting the electrical conductivity. For real-time adjustment of the fertilizer flow rate and water flow rate, a fuzzy PID control algorithm was utilized to compare the detected concentrations with the set concentrations. The linear relationships between quantities such as the fertilizer rate and PWM frequency, water flow rate and PWM duty ratio of the direct-current pump, and fertilizer concentration and electrical conductivity were all established to calibrate the system. The influence of the fertilizer flow rate and water flow rate on fertilizer concentration was determined by the control variable test method. The results showed a positive linear relationship between fertilizer concentration and fertilizer flow rate, while a reverse linear relationship was established between fertilizer concentration and water flow rate. After the introduction of the control system into the self-developed solid-fertilizer-dissolving device, the fertilizer concentration fluctuated near the set concentration in a range of no more than 1 g/L. After the disturbance of the fertilization device, the control system fine-tuned the device with a steady-state error of about 0.55 g/L after the system reached stability. The control system designed in this study was shown to run normally with good stability, speed, and accuracy, and with improved fertilization uniformity of the solid-fertilizer-dissolving device. This study lays the foundation for further study of fertilization control systems. It also provides a reference for the development of precise and intelligent fertigation.
Comparison of Shuttleworth–Wallace and Dual Crop Coefficient Method for Estimating Evapotranspiration of a Tea Field in Southeast China
Authors: Yan Haofang , Huang Song , Zhang Jianyun , Zhang Chuan , Wang Guoqing , Li Lanlan , Zhao Shuang , Li Mi , Zhao Baoshan
Published: September 2022

Determination of evaporation (E) and transpiration (T) in tea fields separately is important in developing precise irrigation scheduling and enhancing water use efficiency. In this study, the Shuttleworth–Wallace (S-W) model was applied to simulate the variations of E and T based on the data from 2015 to 2018 in a tea field in southeast China. The dual crop coefficient (D-K) method recommended by FAO-56 was also applied to calculate E and T, using the same data set to compare with the S-W model. The measured crop coefficient (Kc) ranged from 0.43 to 1.44 with the average value was 0.90 during 1–150 DOY (days of year), and the measured Kc tended to be stable with the average value of 0.83 during 151–365 DOY in 2015. The S-W model estimated ETc with root mean square error (RMSE) and R2 of 0.45 mm d−1 and 0.97, while for the D-K method the values were 0.61 mm d−1 and 0.95. Therefore, both approaches could estimate the E and T separately in tea fields in southeast China, however, the D-K method had a slightly poorer accuracy compared to the S-W model in the estimation of ETc.
The Metarhizium anisopliae Strains Expressing dsRNA of the NlCHSA Enhance Virulence to the Brown Planthopper Nilaparvata lugens
Authors: Hu Jun , Cui He , Hong Mingsheng , Xia Yuxian , Zhang Wenqing
Published: September 2022

Metarhizium anisopliae is a broad-spectrum entomopathogenic fungus with large-scale applications in pest control; however, its slow-killing action is a limiting factor. To enhance fungal virulence, we constructed transgenic M. anisopliae strains that expressed dsRNA targeting the chitin synthase gene A in the brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens (NlCHSA). The transcription of NlCHSA was suppressed in N. lugens infected by transgenic M. anisopliae strains. Consequently, the cumulative mortality of N. lugens caused by those transgenic strains was increased by 34.7–40.0% on day 6 after inoculation, and their median lethal times (LT50) were about 50% compared to the wild-type strain. Our results demonstrate that dsRNA expression in M. anisopliae caused RNA silencing in the host insect after infection and hence greatly enhanced the fungal virulence, highlighting a new strategy for augmentation of fungal virulence against sucking pests.
Differential Responses of Dominant Plants to Grazing in Typical Temperate Grassland in Inner Mongolia
Authors: Wan Dongli , Wan Yongqing , Wang Yunfeng , Yang Tingting , Li Fang , Wuriliga  , Ding Yong
Published: September 2022

Leymus chinensis, Stipa grandis, Artemisia frigida, and Cleistogenes squarrosa are the dominant plant species in typical temperate grasslands in Xilingol. Intensive studies related to overgrazing, which resulted in a dominant plant shift, have been carried out in recent years, but the ways in which these four species respond to different grazing intensities remain elusive. In this study, the contents of primary metabolites, secondary metabolites, and phytohormones in the leaves of these species under five grazing intensities were assayed and compared. The results showed that A. frigida contained higher amounts of lignin, while C. squarrosa contained higher amounts of total flavonoids than the other species. Leymus chinensis showed a different accumulation of cellulose and tannin in response to grazing, compared with the other three species. Stipa grandis and A. frigida increased in soluble protein contents in response to different grazing treatments. In particular, the contents of phytohormones, such as abscisic acid, salicylic acid, and gibberellins, were markedly changed under grazing. Leymus chinensis exhibited different abscisic acid and gibberellins accumulation patterns compared with the other species, under the different grazing intensities. Patterns of salicylic acid accumulation were similar (except under light and moderate grazing intensities in A. frigida) among the four species. The results indicated that the four species differed in adaptive strategies to cope with the different grazing intensities, and phytohormones played important roles in coordinating the regulation of their growth and grazing tolerance. This study provides a foundation for elucidating the mechanisms of overgrazing-induced degradation of the Xilingol grassland.
Establishment of an ELISA Method for Quantitative Detection of PAT/pat in GM Crops
Authors: Liu Weixiao , Meng Lixia , Liu Xuri , Liu Chao , Jin Wujun
Published: September 2022

The phosphinothricin N-acetyltransferase gene (pat) is widely used to confer resistance to the herbicide phosphinothricin for genetically modified (GM) crops. A quantitative sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is developed to detect PAT/pat in GM crops. Two anti-PAT/pat monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), 1F5-1F2 and 1B6-2D3, with titers of 1:1,024,000 and 1:896,000, respectively, against overexpressed His-PAT/pat, were screened out, raised, and characterized. An ELISA method was established with the 1F5-2F2 mAb for capture and the biotin-labeled 1B6-2D3 mAb for detection of PAT/pat. The linear detection range of the method was approximately 1.5625–12.5 ng/mL, with a sensitivity of 0.085 ng/mL and a coefficient of variation (CV) less than 5.0%. No cross-reactivity was found with other herbicide resistance proteins, especially PAT/bar. The established sensitive and specific ELISA was successfully applied in the detection of PAT/pat expression in GM crops.
Responses of Tobacco Growth and Development, Nitrogen Use Efficiency, Crop Yield and Economic Benefits to Smash Ridge Tillage and Nitrogen Reduction
Authors: Zheng Bufan , Jing Yongfeng , Zou Yidong , Hu Ruiwen , Liu Yongjun , Xiao Zhipeng , He Fei , Zhou Qiyun , Tian Xiangshen , Gong Jia , Li Juan , Rang Zhongwen
Published: September 2022

Long-term rotary tillage leads to thinning of the soil layer and low nitrogen use efficiency of crops, resulting in a decrease in crop yield and quality. Therefore, a new alternative method to improve nitrogen use efficiency of crops needs to be found urgently. Here, we analyzed the effects of a new smash ridge tillage method combined with reduced nitrogen application on tobacco growth and development, and nitrogen use efficiency and its economic benefits. The results showed that, compared with conventional tillage and nitrogen application of 180 kg N ha−1, smash ridge tillage and a 30% reduction in nitrogen rate resulted in greater root length density, more primary lateral roots and greater rooting depth in the subsoil. It is also beneficial to maintain a high level of biomass and nitrogen accumulation in the later growth period, increasing the output value of tobacco by CNY 1588.35 ha−1 and reducing the cost by CNY 974.1 ha−1 on average in two years. In conclusion, our study highlights the economic benefits of smash ridge tillage and nitrogen reduction for tobacco growth and development, and considers them an effective method for improving agricultural productivity and nitrogen use efficiency.
Mixtures of Commercial Lentil Cultivars Show Inconsistent Results on Agronomic Parameters but Positive Effects on Yield Stability
Authors: Lorenzetti Elisa , Carlesi Stefano , Bàrberi Paolo
Published: September 2022

Cultivar mixtures are a useful tool to enhance cultivated biodiversity to buffer crop biotic and abiotic stresses. There are multiple pieces of evidence of mixture advantages in terms of pathogen control and increase in yield amount, stability and quality. Lentil represents a founder crop in the Mediterranean, yet it experiences strong yield fluctuations in the face of abiotic stresses. The present study aims to assess the mixing ability of four Italian commercial lentil lines in terms of yield amount and stability, nodule number, total lentil biomass and sensitivity to weeds. Since there is very limited information on lentil genotype traits, two-, three- and four-cultivar mixtures were designed with a trait-blind approach and compared to sole cultivars. The nodule number was mainly influenced by cultivar and weather; no interaction between cultivars was observed. Treatments were differently sensitive to weeds, but the effect of spatial heterogeneity prevailed over that of the cultivar. The average yield stability of all mixtures was significantly higher than pure stands, but in terms of yield amount, individual mixtures either outperformed or were outperformed by pure stands. Against our expectations, cultivar mixtures showed the most advantages in the most productive year: likely, the reason lies in the supposed low genetic diversity of commercial lentil lines in Italy. We encourage further research, taking into account the diversity of Italian lentil landraces, in order to gain a broader genetic base for the implementation of a trait-based approach, which may lead to better-performing mixtures.
Nitrogen Fertilizer and Sowing Density Affect Flag Leaf Photosynthetic Characteristics, Grain Yield, and Yield Components of Oat in a Semiarid Region of Northwest China
Authors: Ju Zeliang , Liu Kaiqiang , Zhao Guiqin , Ma Xiang , Jia Zhifeng
Published: September 2022

Oat has been gaining renewed interest due to its role in a healthy human diet, in animal feed, and as a source of high value compounds with industrial applications. Nitrogen fertilization and planting density are two of the most important crop management practices that affect the formation of yield components and final yield of oat. A 2 year 3 × 5 factorial field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of nitrogen (N) fertilizer and planting density on the flag leaf photosynthetic characteristics, grain yield, and yield components under rainfed conditions. The experiment consisted of three sowing densities (60, 180, and 300 kg·ha−1) and five nitrogen fertilizer rates (0, 45, 90, 135, and 180 kg·ha−1). Results showed that the grain yield was significantly (p < 0.05) correlated with the leaf net photosynthesis rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs), intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci), transpiration rate (Tr), water-use efficiency (WUE), stomatal limitation value (Ls), chlorophyll content (SPAD value), leaf area index (LAI), panicle length, number of spikelets per panicle (NSP), number of grains per panicle (NGP), weight of grains per panicle (WGP), and 1000-kernel weight. Among the yield components, grain yield was driven by number of spikelets per panicle (NSP) and number of grains per panicle (NGP) at low (or high) planting density with low N supply, whereas, at high N supply, 1000-kernel weight was also an important factor for yield. Nitrogen fertilizer and sowing density had significant (p < 0.05) effects on the flag leaf photosynthetic characteristics, grain yield, and yield components of oat. The yield components increased and then decreased with the increase in nitrogen fertilizer, while they decreased with the increase in planting density. The maximum values (p < 0.05) of grain yield were observed in the nitrogen fertilization of 90 kg·ha−1 and sowing density of 180 kg·ha−1 treatment in both growing seasons, mainly contributing to the improved leaf photosynthesis traits (Pn, Gs, Tr, Ls, SPAD, and LAI). The combination of nitrogen fertilization of 90 kg·ha−1 and sowing density of 180 kg·ha−1 is suitable for oat production on a cool semiarid plateau or other agroecozones with similar environmental conditions.
Did Wheat Breeding Simultaneously Improve Grain Yield and Quality of Wheat Cultivars Releasing over the Past 20 Years in China?
Authors: Hu Naiyue , Du Chenghang , Zhang Wanqing , Liu Ying , Zhang Yinghua , Zhao Zhigan , Wang Zhimin
Published: September 2022

Grain yield and quality of wheat are both important components for food security. Great effort has been made in the genetic improvement of wheat grain yield in China. However, wheat grain quality (i.e., protein concentration and protein quality) has received much less attention and is often overlooked in efforts to improve grain yield. A timely summary of the recent process of wheat breeding for increasing yield and quality (which can be used to guide future breeding strategies) is essential but still lacking. This study evaluated the breeding efforts on grain yield and grain quality of 1908 wheat varieties in China over the past two decades, from 2001 to 2020. We found wheat yields show a 0.64–1.03% annual growth in the three-dominant wheat-growing regions in China. At the same time, there was no significant decrease in wheat protein concentration. Genetic yield potential was increased, and the genetic yield gap was closed. High grain yields and better quality can likely be achieved simultaneously by genomic selection in future wheat breeding.
Effects of Para-Toluenesulfonamide on Canine Melanoma Xenotransplants in a BALB/c Nude Mouse Model
Authors: Lin Chien-Teng , Lin Chuen-Fu , Wu Jui-Te , Tsai Hsiao-Pei , Cheng Shu-Ying , Liao Huei-Jyuan , Lin Tzu-Chun , Wu Chao-Hsuan , Lin Yu-Chin , Wang Jiann-Hsiung , Chang Geng-Ruei
Published: September 2022

The pharmacological pathway of para-toluenesulfonamide (PTS) restricts the kinase activity of the mammalian target of rapamycin, potentially leading to reductions in cell division, cell growth, cell proliferation, and inflammation. These pathways have a critical effect on tumorigenesis. We aimed to examine the antitumor effect of PTS or PTS combined with cisplatin on canine melanoma implanted in BALB/c nude mice by estimating tumor growth, apoptosis expression, inflammation, and metastasis. The mice were randomly divided into four groups: control, cisplatin, PTS, and PTS combined with cisplatin. Mice treated with PTS or PTS combined with cisplatin had retarded tumor growth and increased tumor apoptosis through the enhanced expression of cleaved caspase 3 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation, decreased inflammatory cytokine levels, reduced inflammation-related factors, enhanced anti-inflammation-related factors, and inhibition of metastasis-related factors. Mice treated with PTS combined with cisplatin exhibited significantly retarded tumor growth, reduced tumor size, and increased tumor inhibition compared with those treated with cisplatin or PTS alone. PTS or PTS combined with cisplatin could retard canine melanoma growth and inhibit tumorigenesis. PTS and cisplatin were found to have an obvious synergistic tumor-inhibiting effect on canine melanoma. PTS alone and PTS combined with cisplatin may be antitumor agents for canine melanoma treatment.
A Specific microRNA Targets an Elongase of Very Long Chain Fatty Acids to Regulate Fatty Acid Composition and Mitochondrial Morphology of Skeletal Muscle Cells
Authors: Wang Han , Hu Moran , Shen Zhonghao , Zhou Xiaolong , Yang Songbai , He Ke , Li Xiangchen , Yan Feifei , Zhao Ayong
Published: September 2022

Recently, miR-22 has been suggested to be an important microRNA (miRNA) affecting meat quality. Studies have shown that muscle fatty acid composition and mitochondrial function are closely related to meat quality. The regulatory mechanism of miR-22 on skeletal muscle fatty acid composition and mitochondrial function is not well characterized. Therefore, we aimed to explore the effects of miR-22 on fatty acid composition and mitochondrial function in C2C12 cells. Here, it demonstrate that elevated expression of miR-22 significantly repressed fatty acid elongation and mitochondrial morphology in C2C12 myoblasts, while the knockdown of miR-22 showed opposite results. Furthermore, miR-22 targets the elongase of very long chain fatty acids 6 (ELOVL6) and represses its expression in muscle cells. Knockdown of ELOVL6 mimicked the effect of miR-22 on fatty acid composition and mitochondrial function, while overexpression of ELOVL6 restored the effects of miR-22. These findings indicate that miR-22 downregulates the elongation of fatty acids and mitochondrial morphology by inhibiting ELOVL6 expression in muscle cells, which may provide some useful information for controlling muscle lipid accumulation and mitochondrial function in livestock in the future.
Chemical Characterization of the Marking Fluid of Breeding and Non-Breeding Male Cheetahs
Authors: Tommasi Alexia , Tredoux Andreas G. J. , Koziel Jacek A. , Esposito Giulia
Published: September 2022

Scent is known to play an important role in the reproduction of cheetahs and other felids. In fact, the presence/odor of a male cheetah has been noted to trigger the estrous cycle in females. The objective of this study was to analyze the marking fluid (MF) of male cheetahs from different breeding groups to determine the composition of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present, with the aim of identifying potential pheromones relating to sexual behavior/attraction in this species. Four breeding (B; age: 8.9 ± 1.3 years old) and four non-breeding (NB; age: 5.5 ± 0.8 years old) males were selected for this study. Samples were collected into a glass beaker, transferred immediately into a 20 mL glass screw-cap vial with a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coated silicone septum, and stored until analyzed by headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. A contingency test with Fisher’s exact test, using the frequency (FREQ) procedure of SAS 9.4, was conducted to determine the difference between the number of VOCs identified per breeding group; furthermore, differences in relative concentration (RC) of the identified VOCs between breeding groups were analyzed using ANOVA for repeated measures with the GLIMMIX procedure. From the 13 MF samples analyzed, 53 VOCs were identified, and 12 were identified in all the samples. Five of these (dimethyl disulfide, benzaldehyde, acetophenone, phenol, and indole) are known to be involved in attraction/sexual behavior in mammals. Between the two groups, the RC of indole was significantly higher in the NB group, whereas the RC of dodecanoic acid was significantly higher in the B group. Although not significant, the RC of benzaldehyde was higher in the B versus the NB group. The results of this study do support the hypothesis of differences in VOCs’ between B and NB male cheetahs. However, the overlapping of age and breeding status and the diet differences could not be controlled. Still, the evidence of changes in MF composition in male cheetahs necessitates further studies on possible strategies to improve reproduction in captivity.
Prolactin Expression in the Baboon (Papio hamadryas) Eye
Authors: Garza-Rodríguez María Lourdes , Rodríguez-Sanchez Iram Pablo , González-Álvarez Rafael , Luna Maricela , Burciaga-Flores Carlos Horacio , Alcorta-Nuñez Fernando , Solis-Coronado Orlando , Bautista de Lucio Víctor Manuel , Ramírez-Correa Genaro A. , Vidal-Gutiérrez Oscar , Pérez-Ibave Diana Cristina
Published: September 2022

Prolactin (PRL) is a hormone expressed in lactotrophs cells of the pituitary gland in primates. Extra pituitary expression of PRL has been reported, including the eye; however, expression in the developing eye of primates is limited. The aim of the study was determining the expression of PRL and PRL receptor (PRLR) (mRNAs and proteins) in adult and fetal baboon (Papio hamadryas) ocular tissues. Methods: We analyzed PRL and PRLR in baboon eyes tissues by immunofluorescence. The mRNAs of PRL and PRLR were detected by RT-PCR, cDNA was cloned, and sequenced. Furthermore, we performed a phylogenetic analysis to identify the evolutionary forces that underlie the divergence of PRL and PRLR primate genes. Results: We observed the expression of PRL and PRLR (mRNAs and proteins) in all retinal cell lineages of fetal and adult baboon. PRL and PRLR fit the hypothesis of evolutionary purifying gene selection. Conclusions: mRNA and protein of PRL and PRLR are expressed in fetal and adult baboon retinal tissue. PRL may trigger autocrine and paracrine-specific actions in retinal cell lines.
A High Prevalence of Cardiopulmonary Worms Detected in the Iberian Wolf (Canis lupus): A Threat for Wild and Domestic Canids
Authors: Estévez-Sánchez Efrén , Checa Rocío , Montoya Ana , Barrera Juan Pedro , López-Beceiro Ana María , Fidalgo Luis Eusebio , Miró Guadalupe
Published: September 2022

Cardiopulmonary nematodes are highly pathogenic parasites affecting domestic and wild canids. As the result of conservation programs, the Iberian wolf (Canis lupus signatus) population has recently expanded, and its distribution range covers lands from where it had long disappeared. However, the exact epidemiological role of the wolf in the life cycle of zoonotic parasites causing diseases transmissible to pets and/or humans is largely unknown. This study sought to determine the diversity of cardiopulmonary nematode parasite species that affect wolves inhabiting northwestern areas of the Iberian Peninsula, and to estimate their prevalence and the relationship between these parasites and several epidemiological variables. For this purpose, we examined the cardiopulmonary systems of 57 wolves from Galicia (from the provinces A Coruña n = 15, Lugo n = 21, Ourense n =15 and Pontevedra n = 6) using techniques of dissection and cup sedimentation. Collected worms were then identified under a light microscope according to their morphological features. Three species of nematodes were detected: Angiostrongylus vasorum (the “French-heartworm”), Crenosoma vulpis and Eucoleus aerophilus, the latter being of zoonotic interest. The prevalence was 24.5% (14/57; 95% CI 13.3–35.6%) overall, 19.3% for A. vasorum (11/57; 95% CI 8.8–29.2%), 7% for C. vulpis (4/57; 95% CI 0.4–13.6%) and 3.5% for E. aerophilus (2/57; CI −1.1–9.1%). A significant relationship (p = 0.002) was found between age and the presence of C. vulpis, which was only found in juvenile animals. Furthermore, a higher prevalence of A. vasorum and/or C. vulpis was observed in wolves with a lower body condition score (40% and 20%, respectively), though the difference was not significant (p = 0.221 and p = 0.444, respectively). Our findings indicate a high “French-heartworm” and lungworm burden in the wolf population of northern Spain, and they identify a need for studies designed to elucidate the epidemiological role played by the Iberian wolf and to identify possible risks for veterinary and public health.
Subspecies Taxonomy and Inter-Population Divergences of the Critically Endangered Yellow-Breasted Bunting: Evidence from Song Variations
Authors: Bao Wenshuang , Kathait Atul , Li Xiang , Ozaki Kiyoaki , Hanada Yukihiro , Thomas Alexander , Carey Geoffrey John , Gou Jun , Davaasuren Batmunkh , Hasebe Makoto , Holt Paul Ian , Pelikan Lukas , Fan Zhongyong , Wang Siyu , Xing Xiaoying
Published: September 2022

The critically endangered Yellow-breasted Bunting has undergone population collapse globally because of illegal hunting and habitat deterioration. It was listed as critically endangered (CR) by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in 2017 and designated a Class I (highest level) national conservation bird species in China in 2021. Birdsong in the breeding season is the main communicative signal under sexual selection, and song variations have long been considered critical evidence of divergence among subspecies or populations. We compared the songs of 89 males from 18 populations to test subspecies taxonomy. We found that songs of the Yellow-breasted Bunting Emberiza aureola are subspecies specific and that three subspecies can be clearly discriminated by song divergences. Moreover, an analysis of multiple vocal traits supports the claim that insulana is distinct from aureola and ornata. Finally, at the geographic population level, populations can be clearly classified in accordance with the three subspecies, although the aureola population in Xinjiang, China is differentiated from other populations of the same subspecies. The results of this study demonstrate that all populations and subspecies are unique and should be protected to maintain intraspecies song diversity. In addition, several specific populations, such as insulana populations in Japan and the Xinjiang, China population of aureola, need to be paid special attention to prevent the extinction of unique or local taxa.
An Approach for Investigating Sexual Maturity in Wild Boar Males: Testosterone and 17β-Estradiol Analysis
Authors: Maistrelli Claudia , Schmicke Marion , Hoedemaker Martina , Siebert Ursula
Published: September 2022

Analyses of sexual steroid hormones in wild boars are rarely described. Testosterone (T) and 17β-estradiol (E2) concentrations are useful to recognize sexual maturation. As threshold values for this species are unknown, additional parameters are required. A total of 127 blood samples from wild boar males were collected to measure T and E2. Age and weight were recorded. Thirty-one epididymides were sampled too. Males were sorted into pre-and postpubertal groups based on the absence/presence of spermatozoa in epididymides and on morphological data following previous results. Forty-four males were prepubertal: the mean age and weight were 10 months and 23 kg, respectively. They showed no spermatozoa. The mean concentrations of T and E2 were 1.2 ± 1.2 ng/mL and 39.7 ± 120.3 pg/mL, respectively. Sixty-six males were postpubertal, twenty-nine of which presented spermatozoa. Their mean concentration of T was 7.6 ± 6.3 ng/mL and E2 was 664.3 ± 250.4 pg/mL. Seventeen samples could not be defined; the hormone concentrations between the two groups suggested a transitional phase consistent with puberty. Wild boars before 12 months of age had high hormone levels like older boars, indicating that they could attempt to reproduce. Hormones at the end of the mating season (January) were high so that reproduction could occur thereafter, shifting farrowing from spring to summer.