Group Level Research Articles

Absolute versus Relative Poverty and Wealth: Cooperation in the Presence of Between-Group Inequality

Abstract While inequality in resource endowments has been shown to affect cooperation levels in groups, much of this evidence comes from studies of within-group inequality. In an online public goods experiment, we instead examine the effects of payoff-irrelevant inequality in resources between groups on cooperation within equal groups, i.e. the effect of mere exposure to inequality. When all groups are poor or rich, their contribution behaviour is very similar. Relative inequality, when poor and rich groups coexist, leads to lower contributions in rich groups. We find suggestive evidence that this may be related to stereotypes about the rich contributing less than the poor.

Bioelectrical stimulation therapy for muscle injuries in aerobics athletes

This article aims to explore the recovery effect of the bioelectrical stimulation therapy on muscle injuries in aerobics athletes. Non-invasive medical techniques are adopted to activate muscle tissue through electrical currents, promoting muscle contraction ability and functional recovery. This article selects 100 aerobics athletes with muscle injuries through questionnaire surveys and interviews. The Modulo Plus electrical stimulation device is used, and personalized treatment plans are set. Muscle changes before and after treatment are monitored using electromyography and ultrasound technology. In the single-blind experiment, in the fourth week, the pain score of the experimental group decreases to 2.4 points; the functional recovery score increases to 75.2 points; the flexibility measurement reaches 19.2 cm. In the case-control study, the bioelectrical stimulation therapy cures all athletes in the sixth week, exceeding the conventional therapy’s 35 patients, and has a lower recurrence rate. In the cohort study, athletes who use the bioelectrical stimulation therapy for a long time have a shorter average recovery time of 15.3 days and a recurrence rate of 16%. In the muscle recovery experiment, in the eighth week after treatment, the electromyographic activity level of the experimental group increases to 58.6 μV; the muscle thickness increases to 4.3 mm; the echo intensity increases to 63.1 dB; the fatigue characteristic score drops to 2.1. These data indicate that the bioelectrical stimulation therapy has significant effects in reducing pain, promoting functional recovery, improving flexibility, shortening recovery time, and reducing recurrence rates and pain scores, thereby providing an effective treatment option for the recovery of muscle injuries in aerobics athletes.

Pentoxifylline improves anemia through its novel effect on hypoxia-inducible factor-2 alpha in hemodialysis patients: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

ABSTRACT Objectives This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial aimed to prospectively examine the effect of pentoxifylline (PTX) on hypoxia-inducible factor-2 alpha (HIF-2α) and its role in controlling anemia in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Methods Eighty patients on HD were randomized to receive 400 mg of PTX or placebo twice daily for 6 months. The hemoglobin (Hb) and other hematologic parameters, the weekly erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs), and the ESA resistance index (ERI) were assessed monthly during the study. The HIF-2α, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs.CRP) were measured before and after the intervention. Results In the pentoxifylline group, an appreciable increase in Hb from 9.7 (9.3, 10.3) g/dl to 10.5 (9.3, 11.4) g/dl and hematocrit (Hct) from 31.3 (29.6, 32.4)% to 33.2 (29.4, 35.9)% was observed after one month of PTX administration, and this effect was maintained over the study time (p < 0.001). This was along with a decrease in the ESA doses required from 8000 (8000, 11500) IU/wk to 4000 (2000, 8000) IU/wk (p < 0.001), and an improvement in the ERI from 11.6 (8.07, 16.97) IU/kg/wk/g/dl to 5.79 (2.01, 10.09) IU/kg/wk/g/dl (p < 0.001). Additionally, the HIF-2α increased significantly at the end of the intervention in patients who received PTX from 3245.35 (2886.8, 4691.56) pg/ml to 7208.75 (5382, 9182.7) pg/ml, while TGF-β1 and hs.CRP decreased significantly from 657.78 (539.78, 1146.62) pg/ml and 88.08 (39.93, 100.4) mg/l to 329.94 (228.67, 793.18) pg/ml and 48.65 (34.44, 84.61) mg/l, respectively. The percent changes in HIF-2α, TGF-β1, and hs.CRP levels in the pentoxifylline group were also statistically significant in comparison with the placebo group. Conclusions PTX could be a promising agent for correcting anemia in HD patients via increasing HIF-2α levels. Clinical trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov, February 2023, registry number: NCT05708248.

Prickly Ash Seeds Improve the Ruminal Epithelial Development and Growth Performance of Hu Sheep by Modulating the Rumen Microbiota and Metabolome

It is known that the addition of feed rich in bioactive components to animal diets will affect rumen fermentation parameters and flora structure. However, research on the regulatory effects of prickly ash seeds (PASs) during rumen development or on the rumen microbiome and its metabolites in sheep is limited. The current study was designed to explore the effects of PASs on sheep rumen development and growth performance using metagenomics and metabolomics. Eighteen 3-month-old Hu lambs were randomly allotted to three different dietary treatment groups: 0% (basal diet, CK), 3% (CK with 3% PAS, low-dose PAS, LPS), and 6% (CK with 6% PAS, high-dose PAS, HPS) PASs. The lambs were slaughtered to evaluate production performance. Our results showed that dietary PAS addition improved the average daily gain and reduced the F/G ratio of the experimental animals. Additionally, the height and width of the rumen papilla in the treatment groups were significantly higher than those in the CK group. The fermentation parameters showed that the levels of acetate and butyrate were significantly higher in the LPS group than in the CK and HPS groups. The propionate levels in the HPS group were significantly higher than those in the CK and LPS groups. Metagenomics analysis revealed that PAS dietary supplementation improved the abundance of Clostridiales and Bacteroidales and reduced the abundance of Prevotella, Butyrivibrio, and Methanococcus. Metabolomic analyses revealed that increased metabolite levels, such as those of serotonin, L-isoleucine, and L-valine, were closely related to growth-related metabolic pathways. The correlations analyzed showed that papilla height and muscular thickness were positively and negatively correlated with serotonin and L-valine, respectively. Average daily gain (ADG) was positively and negatively correlated with L-valine and several Prevotella, respectively. In addition, muscular thickness was positively correlated with Sodaliphilus pleomorphus, four Prevotella strains, Sarcina_sp_DSM_11001, and Methanobrevibacter_thaueri. Overall, PAS addition improved sheep growth performance by regulating beneficial microorganism and metabolite abundances, facilitating bacterial and viral invasion resistance.

Reliability and utility of blood glucose levels in the periodontal pockets of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional study

Background Several studies have measured gingival blood glucose (GBG) levels, but few have confirmed systematic bias using Bland–Altman analysis. This study compared the effectiveness of GBG levels with that of fingertip blood glucose (FTBG) levels using Bland–Altman and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses. Methods A total of 15 healthy volunteers and 15 patients with type 2 diabetes were selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Each group comprised eight male and seven female participants. The GBG and FTBG levels were measured using a self-monitoring blood glucose device after periodontal examination. Pearson’s product‒moment correlation and simple linear regression analyses were performed. In addition, Bland‒Altman analysis was also performed to assess the degree of agreement between the two methods. ROC analysis was conducted to determine the sensitivity, specificity, and cutoff values for patients with diabetes. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was used to identify significant differences. Results The mean GBG and FTBG levels were 120 ± 44.8 mg/dL and 137 ± 45.1, respectively, for the whole sample. The mean GBG and FTBG levels were 145 ± 47.2 mg/dL and 163 ± 49.1, respectively, in the diabetes group. The mean GBG and FTBG levels in the nondiabetes group were 95.3 ± 25.2 and 111 ± 18.8, respectively. Patients with diabetes were more likely to have a probing pocket depth (PPD) of ≥4 mm at the sampled site. Pearson’s product‒moment correlation and simple linear regression analyses revealed a significant correlation between the GBG and FTBG measurements. Bland–Altman analysis revealed that GBG and FTBG measurements differed significantly among all participants; however, no significant differences were observed among the patients with diabetes (mean difference (MD) ± standard deviation (SD) = −18.1 ± 34.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) [−37.0 to 0.88]) or among the participants with a PPD of ≥4 mm (MD ± SD = −15.2 ± 30.4, 95% CI [−30.8 to 0.43]). The sensitivity, specificity, and cutoff values of the GBG measurements for detecting diabetes were 80%, 93%, and 123.5 mg/dL, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and cutoff values of the FTBG measurements for detecting diabetes were 73%, 87%, and 134.0 mg/dL, respectively. No significant differences were observed between the AUCs (0.078, 95% CI [−0.006 to 0.161]). Conclusions The GBG measurements aligned with the FTBG measurements in the patients with diabetes and among the participants with a PPD of ≥4 mm. Patients with diabetes were more likely to have a PPD of ≥4 mm at the sampled site, GBG levels can be used to screen for type 2 diabetes in dental clinics.

How the window of visibility varies around polar angle.

Contrast sensitivity, the amount of contrast required to discriminate an object, depends on spatial frequency (SF). The contrast sensitivity function (CSF) peaks at intermediate SFs and drops at other SFs. The CSF varies from foveal to peripheral vision, but only a couple of studies have assessed how the CSF changes with polar angle of the visual field. For many visual dimensions, sensitivity is better along the horizontal than the vertical meridian and at the lower than the upper vertical meridian, yielding polar angle asymmetries. Here, for the first time, to our knowledge, we investigate CSF attributes around polar angle at both group and individual levels and examine the relations in CSFs across locations and individual observers. To do so, we used hierarchical Bayesian modeling, which enables precise estimation of CSF parameters. At the group level, maximum contrast sensitivity and the SF at which the sensitivity peaks are higher at the horizontal than vertical meridian and at the lower than the upper vertical meridian. By analyzing the covariance across observers (n = 28), we found that, at the individual level, CSF attributes (e.g., maximum sensitivity) across locations are highly correlated. This correlation indicates that, although the CSFs differ across locations, the CSF at one location is predictive of that at another location. Within each location, the CSF attributes covary, indicating that CSFs across individuals vary in a consistent manner (e.g., as maximum sensitivity increases, so does the corresponding SF), but more so at the horizontal than the vertical meridian locations. These results show similarities and uncover some critical polar angle differences across locations and individuals, suggesting that the CSF should not be generalized across isoeccentric locations around the visual field.

Managing knowledge and sustainability in resource constrained disaster environments

AbstractOrganizations use both tangible and intangible resources for their existence to achieve sustainable development goals. Organizational knowledge mainly comprises of tacit knowledge held by employees. It becomes more critical when the situations are unpredictable, for example in rescue/disaster projects involving human lives at risk. Tacit knowledge utilization has been understudied particularly in such environments bounded by resource constraint and sustainability issues. This qualitative research attempts to fill this gap by collecting data from the knowledge workers in a large public sector non‐profit rescue organization. The study reveals various individual level, group level, organizational level, community level, and situational level factors, which impact the tacit knowledge utilization of rescue workers to properly execute emergency life threatening rescue operations and sustainability issues.

Early behavioral indicators of aberrant feces in newly-weaned piglets.

Post-weaning diarrhea (PWD) is a frequently occurring health and welfare issue in weaned piglets. Behavioral changes indicating impaired health may be detectable before the onset of signs and could be useful to detect the development of PWD early, enabling targeted and timely interventions. Current algorithms enable automated behavioral classification on the group level, while PWD may not affect all piglets in one pen and individual level analysis may be required. Therefore, this study aimed to assess whether changes in pen activity or individual piglet behavior can be early indicators of the occurrence of PWD. During 3 replicated rounds, 72 piglets (Sus scrofa domestica, Landrace x Large White) weaned at 27days of age, were housed in 4 pens with 6 piglets each. Individual fecal color and consistency were scored (0-5; ≥ 3 considered as aberrant feces) six times during the first two weeks post-weaning using rectal swabs. Additionally, using a similar scoring scale, feces on the pen floor were assessed daily. Two methods were applied for behavioral scoring. Individual behaviors (eating, drinking, standing, walking; n = 48) were scored manually and instantaneously with a five-minute interval from videos of the first two rounds, while pen activity (eating, drinking, moving; n = 12) was analyzed automatically and continuously using a commercially available algorithm from videos of all three rounds. Piglets showing a relatively higher proportion of standing behavior one day before fecal scoring had increased odds of an aberrant fecal color score (odds ratio (OR): 4.8; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.5-15.3). Furthermore, odds of aberrant colored feces increased in pens where piglets showed more moving activity two days before (OR: 6.14; 1.26 < 95%CI < 29.84), which was also found for fecal consistency (OR: 4.77; 95%CI: 1.1-21.6). Our results indicate that increased standing in individual piglets and an increased moving activity on the pen level may be important behavioral indicators of PWD before the onset of diarrhea. Further development of current algorithms that can identify behavioral abnormalities in groups, from the pen to the individual level, may therefore be a promising avenue for improved and targeted health and welfare monitoring.

Safety and Immunogenicity of Intranasal Razi Cov Pars as a COVID-19 Booster Vaccine in Adults: Promising Results from a Groundbreaking Clinical Trial

Protective antibodies in the upper respiratory tract prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the community. Intranasal vaccines could raise the specific secretory IgA and IgG levels. This is a single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of Razi Cov Pars (RCP) intranasal recombinant protein subunit COVID-19 vaccine as a booster in adults. We compared specific IgG and IgA levels in the intranasal RCP group (n = 97) versus placebo (n = 96) in serum, saliva, and nasal mucosal secretions on days 0 and 14 and reported their Geometric Mean Ratios (GMR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). We showed significant increases in IgA and IgG anti-RBD in the nasal mucosa in the RCP group, but their increase was not detectable in the serum and saliva. Anti-spike IgA in the nasal mucosa also increased in the RCP group compared to the placebo. This increase against the COVID-19 variant Omicron was also similar to that of the Wuhan. We detected no serious adverse reactions or anaphylaxis and all adverse events resolved completely during the follow-up period and were similar in both groups. Intranasal RCP is safe, stimulates the respiratory mucosal immunity, and could be a booster on various COVID-19 vaccines and be effective against new virus variants.

Predictors of the effectiveness to first-line CTLA4-Ig in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: the FIRST registry.

This study aimed to elucidate which bio-naïve patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are suitable for treatment with CTLA4-Ig. This study enrolled 953 patients with RA who were administered their first biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (CTLA4-Ig, n = 328; tumour necrosis factor inhibitor [TNFi], n = 625) from July 2013 to August 2022. The primary outcome was the Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) remission rate at week 24 in each group, adjusted using Propensity Score-based Inverse Probability of Treatment Weighting (PS-IPTW). After minimizing selection bias using PS-IPTW, the CDAI remission showed no significant difference between the CTLA4-Ig and TNFi groups (p= 0.464). Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified low baseline Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI) scores as a contributing factor to the CDAI remission rate at week 24 in both groups, along with high baseline anti-citrullinated peptide antibody (ACPA) levels in the CTLA4-Ig group. However, among patients with high baseline HAQ-DI scores and low baseline ACPA levels (≦57.2), the CDAI remission rate was significantly higher in the TNFi group (29.8%) compared with the CTLA4-Ig group (5.9%, p< 0.0001). Among patients with high baseline HAQ-DI scores and ACPA levels (>57.2), the CDAI remission rate was significantly higher in the CTLA4-Ig group (35.6%) compared with the TNFi group (22.1%, p= 0.0057). Bio-naive RA patients with low HAQ-DI scores showed high treatment efficacy with no significant difference between CTLA4-Ig and TNFi. Among patients with high baseline HAQ-DI scores, TNFi and CTLA4-Ig were more likely to be effective in those with lower and higher baseline ACPA levels, respectively.

Effects of simplicial centrality on robustness of higher-order multiplex world trade networks

Abstract World trade networks are exhaustively described by pairwise interactions, and overlook higher-order structure from the outcome of collective interactions at the level of groups of nodes like multilateral trade agreements. To address this limitation, \textcolor{red}{we collect multiplex world trade networks, including the bilateral regional trade agreement network, which represents pairwise interactions; the multilateral regional trade agreement network, which naturally represents a higher-order network structure; and the import and export trade network, which represents pairwise interactions and additional complexities.} The analysis of simplicial centrality, including degree, closeness, and subgraph at 0, 1, and 2-simplex \textcolor{red}{levels, reveals that intra-level correlations are high, while inter-levels may exhibit significant disparities.} Nodes with low centrality at higher-order levels could influence network robustness due to the diversity of interactions and higher-order dependencies. Simplicial centrality on robustness of multiplex world trade networks under random and targeted attacks reveals that the complex connectivity of higher-order levels renders them more vulnerable post-attack. An optimization strategy of the rebalancing of network centrality is proposed to enhance the robustness, and the simulation shows risks posed to central nodes are minimized and opportunities for peripheral nodes to partake in global trade are broadened.

Metabolomics Study by Amino and Organic Acid Profiling Analyses in Pre- and Post-Milling Barley Using Gas Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Barley (Hordeum vulgare) is a major cereal grain grown in temperate climates globally and provides various nutrients in a peeled form after milling. However, milling causes changes in nutritional composition, including metabolites. Thus, a metabolomics study was conducted to monitor the changes in nutritional composition before and after the milling of Hordeum vulgare seeds (Saechalssal, Hinchalssal, and Yeongbaekchal) focusing on the development and application of new analytical methods for organic acids (OA) and amino acids (AA). Profiling analyses of OAs and AAs were performed using GC-MS/MS. This analytical method showed good linearity (r ≥ 0.995) with limit of detection (0.1 ng, 21.2 ng) and limit of quantitation (0.3 ng, 63.6 ng), respectively. Repeatability varied from 0.1 to 12.4 (% RSD) and accuracy varied from –12.3 to 14.8 (% RE), respectively. Altered levels of 36 metabolites (16 OAs, 20 AAs) were monitored post-milling and compared with pre-milling in the three Hordeum vulgare cultivars. Radar plots of OAs and AAs to corresponding mean levels of each pre-milling group in the three Hordeum vulgare cultivars were easily distinguished from those in each post-milling group. The pre-and post-milling groups of the three Hordeum vulgare cultivars were completely separated by partial least square discriminant analysis, and the lysine, cysteine, glutamic acid, asparagine, 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid, and citric acid were significantly different. Therefore, this study will be useful for monitoring altered metabolites following milling and discrimination of varieties.

Increased DNMT1 acetylation leads to global DNA methylation suppression in follicular granulosa cells during reproductive aging in mammals

With increasing age, the reproductive performance of women and female animals declines. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying ovarian aging and age-related fertility decline remain unclear. Granulosa cells (GCs) are suspected to play an important role in reproductive aging, and their proliferation, apoptosis, and steroid hormone secretion are used to determine the fate of follicles and ovarian function. First, we found that the proliferative ability of GCs from the old mouse group (10-month-old) decreased compared with that from the young mouse group (6-week-old), and cell cycle arrest occurred in old mice. To investigate changes in protein modification, we compared the levels of protein acetylation in GCs from young and old mice. We found that the K1118, K1120, K1122, and K1124 sites of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) were increasingly acetylated with age, resulting in a decrease in DNMT1 protein expression. Therefore, we performed whole-genome methylation sequencing of GCs in the two groups and found that the CG methylation levels in the old group were lower than those in the young group. Furthermore, the inhibition of DNMT1 expression in GCs resulted in cell cycle arrest. This study revealed the dynamics and importance of protein acetylation and DNA methylation in GCs during reproductive aging. The findings provide a theoretical basis for studying the mechanism of reproductive aging in mammals.

Impact of bone marrow nucleated cell subfractions on transplant outcomes in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

ABSTRACT Objectives Our previous study showed that a high pre-transplant nucleated cell count in the bone marrow is associated with increased non-relapse mortality (NRM) and decreased overall survival (OS) in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in remission. In this retrospective multicenter study, we aimed to examine the association between nucleated cell subfractions and transplant outcomes using the same patient cohort as our previous study. Methods This study included patients with ALL who underwent their first allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) between 2010 and 2022. The patients were stratified into high and low cell group levels to compare transplant outcomes using cutoff values for predicting OS in each subfraction determined using receiver operating curves. Results In the cohort of 134 patients, the median values for myeloid, erythroid, monocyte, and lymphocyte series were 16,860/µL (468–229,296), 15,584/µL (34–246,992), 1,446/µL (70–25,296), and 4,215/µL (90–33,856), respectively. Discussion The univariate analysis showed that the groups with high levels of myeloid cells (≥38,000/µL, n = 48), erythroid cells (≥25,000/µL, n = 45), and monocyte cells (≥4,200/µL, n = 44) were all associated with worse 3-year OS and higher NRM than the low-level groups. These findings were confirmed by using multivariate analysis. The high cell count group showed a higher incidence of NRM associated with acute graft-versus-host disease or immunological disorders. Conclusion High myeloid, erythroid, and monocytic cell levels in the bone marrow before allo-HSCT may independently increase the risk of NRM and reduce OS.

Community-level trophic characteristics and interactions between native and non-native fish: The example of the Lower Pearl River Basin of China

Aquatic ecosystems can harbour more than one non-native fish species and this can represent a threat due to trophic interactions with native fishes. However, research on interactions amongst multiple co-occurring native and non-native fish remains scarce. In this study, 551 organisms from 44 native fish, 11 non-native fish, 35 macroinvertebrates (of which one was non-native), together with 162 samples of basal resources were collected from six rivers of the Lower Pearl River Basin of China. Nitrogen and carbon stable isotope analysis was used to calculate community-wide trophic metrics and the degree of trophic overlap between native and non-native fish at both the community and functional feeding group level, together with diet composition. At the community level, there was a high degree of trophic niche overlap between native and non-native fish as a result of similarities in trophic characteristics. At the functional feeding group level, both native and non-native functional feeding groups demonstrated the capacity to occupy the niche space of each other. A significant trophic niche overlap, exceeding 50%, was found between non-native detritivorous and omnivorous fish, suggesting competition. The difference in diet composition between some native and non-native fish depended on the category of diet source across the rivers, suggesting dietary segregation. Albeit limited, the present findings suggest that trophic interaction between native and non-native fish is likely to reach a dynamic equilibrium status in the community owing to trophic segregation of fish species and the antagonistic effects amongst non-native fish.

Asymmetry of attentive networks contributes to adult Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) pathophysiology.

Diffusion imaging studies in Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have revealed alterations in anatomical brain connections, such as the fronto-parietal connection known as superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF). Studies in neurotypical adults have shown that the three SLF branches (SLF I, II, III) support distinct brain functions, such as attention and inhibition; and that their pattern of lateralization is associated with attention performance. However, most studies in ADHD have investigated the SLF as a single bundle and in children; thus, the potential contribution of the lateralization of the SLF branches to adult ADHD pathophysiology remains to be elucidated. We used diffusion-weighted spherical deconvolution tractography to dissect the SLF branches in 60 adults with ADHD (including 26 responders and 34 non-responders to methylphenidate, MPH) and 20 controls. Volume and hindrance modulated orientational anisotropy (HMOA), which respectively reflect white matter macro- and microstructure, were extracted to calculate the corresponding lateralization indices. We tested whether neurotypical controls differed from adults with ADHD, and from treatment response groups in sensitivity analyses; and investigated associations with clinico-neuropsychological profiles. All the three SLF branches were lateralized in adults with ADHD, but not in controls. The lateralization of theSLFI HMOA was associated with performance at the line bisection, not that of the SLF II volume as previously reported in controls. Further, an increased left-lateralization of the SLF I HMOA was associated with higher hyperactivity levels in the ADHD group. Thus, an altered asymmetry of the SLF, perhaps especially of the dorsal branch, may contribute to adult ADHD pathophysiology.

Knowledge State of Two Endemic Varieties of Dioscorea cayenensis-rotundata with Yellow Flesh ("Kounougbé" and "Kangba") Cultivated in the Gbêkê Region and the Level of Chemical Weeding Use

Background: Yam is the main staple food in Ivory Coast and plays a crucial role in food security. However, indigenous yellow-fleshed varieties of the Dioscorea cayenensis-rotundata species, such as "Kounougbé" and "Kangba" are gradually being abandoned in favor of modern varieties. Study Design: A study was conducted in the departments of Bouaké, Béoumi, Sakassou, and Botro, in the Gbêkê region, to assess the knowledge of these varieties, the preference for their tubers, and the use of chemical weeding. Results: The chi-square (χ²) test of independence showed that variables gender, age group, ethnic group and educational level influence significantly (P &lt; 0.05) the knowledge level of "Kounougbé" and "Kangba" varieties. This knowledge level is relatively high in the different departments. The study revealed that uneducated people have better knowledge (83.97%) of these varieties. It also indicated that people aged at least 55 years old have a very good knowledge of these varieties. Moreover, the survey revealed that the natives are more familiar with "Kounougbé" and "Kangba" varieties with a rate of 92.68%. Concerning the characteristics preference for said varieties tubers and chemical weeding use, they impact meaningfully (P &lt; 0.05) the age group variable. People at least 55 years old have the highest preference and use of chemical weeding levels with respective rates of 98.61% and 41.46%. Conclusion: This study constitutes a source of basic data which would contribute to the revaluation of endemic varieties of yellow-fleshed yam.

Effects of Cassava Pellets and Enzymes Addition on Growth Performance, Meat Quality, Serum Biochemical Indices and Cecum Microbiota of Broilers

The composition of feed significantly influences the growth performance and gut microbiota of broiler chicks, impacting their overall health and productivity. This study aimed to investigate the effects of cassava pellets and enzymes supplementation on the growth performance, meat quality, serum biochemical indices, and cecal microbial community of broiler chicks. A total of 144 healthy 1-day-old AA broilers were randomly assigned to six dietary groups: basal diet (K1), basal diet + 5% cassava pellets (K2), basal diet + 10% cassava pellets (K3), basal diet + 20% cassava pellets (K4), basal diet + 20% cassava pellets + 0.3% tannase (K5), and basal diet + 20% cassava pellets + 0.3% tannase + 2500 U/kg α-amylase (K6). At 21 days, growth performance, meat quality, serum biochemical indices, and cecal microbial composition were analyzed. Compared to K1, the end weight was significantly higher in the K3 and K5 groups (P < 0.05); average daily weight gain was significantly higher in the K3 and K6 groups (P < 0.05); and the feed-to-weight ratio was lower in the K3 group (P < 0.05). Cecal microbiota analysis revealed that the Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria were the dominant phyla. Alpha diversity showed a significant increase in the Chao index in the K3 group and in the Shannon and Simpson indices in the K6 group compared to the K1 group (P < 0.05). Beta diversity indicated similar microbial compositions across groups. LEfSe analysis showed increased numbers of specific bacteria in treated groups. Serum analysis revealed significantly higher ALT levels in the K4 group and higher IBIL levels in the K5 group (P < 0.05), with Bacteroides plebeius and Megamonas positively correlated with ALT (P < 0.05). The addition of 10% cassava pellets to the diet improved the growth performance and meat quality of broilers from 1 to 21 days of age and enhanced the microbial composition, providing valuable insights for optimizing broiler diets and improving economic returns.

External Debt and Economic Growth of BRICS Nations: How can BRICS Integration help them?

This study examines the relationship between external debt and economic growth in the BRICS countries. It explores how BRICS integration can aid these economies and newly joined countries in solving the debt problem. Using the latest panel data techniques and country experiences, we employed the panel mean group method (PMG) and interrupted time series analysis (ITSA) for South Africa, who joined in 2010. Results show a negative relationship between external debt and economic growth at the group level, with mixed results for individual countries. Using individual country experiences, valid implications are drawn for debt-stressed countries like Ethiopia and oil-rich nations like Saudi Arabia. Integrating new member countries in BRICS can overhaul the existing system towards broader perspectives of reforms in global financial institutions. Integration into the BRICS association can benefit these countries through reforms in global financial institutions, fairer debt restructuring, joint investment projects, macroeconomic coordination, debt management knowledge sharing, innovative financing, and collective advocacy for debt relief to enhance stability and resilience.

Gegen Qinlian Decoction Modulates Atherosclerosis and Lipid Metabolism Through Cellular Interplay and Signaling Pathways.

The objective of this study is to investigate Gegen Qinlian decoction (GQD) effects on lipid metabolism and explore its mechanism for preventing and treating atherosclerosis. An atherosclerotic rat model was established, and after an 8-week high-fat diet, atherosclerosis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease were assessed. Subsequently, GQD was administered at low and high doses. Histopathological aortic wall changes, hepatic lipid deposition, and blood lipid changes were evaluated. ELISA indicated the influence of TNF-α and IL-13, and Western blotting revealed MerTK, ABCA1, and LXR-α expression. A foam macrophage model was established, and Cell activity was detected by the MTT method. ELISA indicated the influence of PPAR-γ. The expression of ABCA1, ABCA7, ABCG1, GAS6, MerTK, SCARB1, LXR- α and LXR-β mRNA were detected by qPCR. and Western blotting revealed MerTK and LXR-α expression. The impact of drug-containing serum of GQD on efferocytosis-related factors was studied. GQD improved atherosclerosis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and reduced serum low-density lipoprotein levels in the high-dose group. The high- and low-dose groups showed upregulated ABCA1, MerTK, and LXR-α expression in blood vessels and the liver, respectively. GQD decreased serum TNF-α and increased IL-13 levels. PPAR-γ expression was elevated in the high-, and low-dose groups. In the high-and low-dose groups, ABCA7, GAS6, SCARB1, and LXR-α, ABCA1 and MerTK, and ABCG1 gene expression were upregulated, respectively. Both low- and high-dose serum-containing drugs promoted LXR-β gene expression, and LXR-α protein expression was improved in the high-dose group. GQD improves rat atherosclerosis and hepatic lipid metabolism by regulating PPAR-γ, LXR-α, LXR-β, ABCA1, ABCA7, and ABCG1 expression and augmenting cellular intercalation through the GAS6/TAM pathway.