Number Of Crossings Research Articles

Conjectures About Wheels Without One Edge with Paths and Cycles

The crossing number cr(G) of a graph G is the minimum number of edge crossings over all drawings of G in the plane. The main aim of this paper is to give the crossing numbers of the join products G*+Pn and G*+Cn for the connected graph G* obtained by removing one edge (incident with the dominating vertex) from the wheel W5 on six vertices, and where Pn and Cn are paths and cycles on n vertices, respectively. Finally, we also introduce four new conjectures concerning crossing numbers of the join products of Pn and Cn with Wm∖e obtained by removing one edge (of both possible types) from the wheel Wm on m+1 vertices.

Jianghua Kucha black tea containing theacrine attenuates depression-like behavior in CUMS mice by regulating gut microbiota-brain neurochemicals and cytokines

Theacrine and theaflavins are known for their potential to mitigate depression and cognitive impairment. Jianghua Kucha black tea (JH) contains both compounds, yet its antidepressant properties are seldom documented. This study evaluated the effects of JH on depression in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) mice and explored the underlying mechanisms through integrative analyses of gut microbiota and fecal metabolomics. JH was found to significantly alleviate CUMS-induced depression-like behavior by improving body weight, food intake, 1% sucrose preference, immobility time, and numbers of crossings and standings compared to Zhuyeqi black tea (ZYQ), which contains theaflavins. JH notably altered the gut microbiota composition, enriching genera such as Turicibacter, Faecalibaculum, Akkermansia, and Desulfovibrio, while inhibiting genera norank_f__Muribaculaceae and Lactobacillus. Additionally, JH modified the fecal metabolite profile, characterized by increased levels of several secondary bile acids (BAs) and decreased levels of several purine intermediate metabolites. Furthermore, JH upregulated levels of monoamine neurotransmitters (5-HT and DA) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), while downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α in brain tissue. These findings suggested that JH could mitigate CUMS-induced depression-like behavior, potentially by modulating gut microbiota composition and function, as well as brain neurochemicals and cytokines.

Computing Hive Plots: A Combinatorial Framework

Hive plots are a graph visualization style placing vertices on a set of radial axes emanating from a common center and drawing edges as smooth curves connecting their respective endpoints. In previous work on hive plots, assignment to an axis and vertex positions on each axis were determined based on selected vertex attributes and the order of axes was prespecified. Here, we present a new framework focusing on combinatorial aspects of these drawings to extend the original hive plot idea and optimize visual properties such as the total edge length and the number of edge crossings in the resulting hive plots. Our framework comprises three steps: (1) partition the vertices into multiple groups, each corresponding to an axis of the hive plot; (2) optimize the cyclic axis order to bring more strongly connected groups near each other; (3) optimize the vertex ordering on each axis to minimize edge crossings. Each of the three steps is related to a well-studied, but NP-complete computational problem. We combine and adapt suitable exact and heuristic algorithmic approaches, implement them as an instantiation of our framework, and show in a case study how it can be applied in a practical setting. Furthermore, we conduct computational experiments to gain further insights regarding the algorithmic choices of our framework. The code of the implementation and a prototype web application can be found on OSF.

An individual‐based model trained on multiple data sources estimates population connectivity and facilitates aggregation of harvest management units

Abstract Management boundaries are often delimited by political and social factors, whereas animal movements are affected by ecological and geophysical constraints. Thus, understanding connectivity among distinct management units is of considerable importance, particularly for harvested species, where quotas set in ignorance of connectivity may fail to meet management goals. We constructed an individual‐based model (IBM) to better understand wild turkey movements at large scales, benefiting from multiple data sources that are often available for harvested species. We built an IBM from spring seasonal movements of wild turkey, using data from ringed, radio‐, and GPS‐marked turkeys captured in Maine, USA. Our IBM accommodated variation in individual turkey response to landscape connectivity metrics and identified emergent migratory connectivity dynamics among harvest management regions. We calculated a low degree of connectivity among wildlife management districts (WMD) which, in combination with the substantial number of boundary crossings observed, indicated a more diffuse distribution of turkeys among WMDs. Synthesis and applications: Estimates of turkeys moving between districts provided a clear delineation of where immigration was strongest, identifying which WMDs should be managed as singular population units. This approach has widespread utility for any species or system where harvest management decisions are made at finer spatial scales than the movement dynamics affecting population processes.

Intervention effects of Naoxintong capsules on psychological and cardiac status in depressed rats after heart failure

Abstract Background Depression is a common clinical phenomenon in the patients with heart failure (HF). In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), diseases in the brain and heart are thought to be correlated and interact. Naoxintong capsules (NXT) has been used for treating cardio-cerebrovascular diseases, while its therapeutic effect on depression after HF remains unclear. Objective The aim of the study is to evaluate the intervention effect of NXT on depression after HF. Methods Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned into the following 5 groups: sham, model, NXT (250, 1000 mg/kg), and valsartan (8 mg/kg). Coronary artery occlusion was performed to induce HF and subsequent depression in rats. The cardiac function was evaluated by echocardiography, hematoxylin-eosin staining, and Masson trichrome staining. The sucrose preference test and Morris water maze test were carried out to assess the depressive behaviors in rats. The ultrastructure of hippocampal CA1 neurons was observed and the levels of corticotropin-releasing hormone in the hypothalamus, brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the cortex, and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in the plasma were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The levels of dopamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine, norepinephrine, and γ-aminobutyric acid in the hippocampus were measured by UPLC-QQQ-MS. Results NXT reduced myocardial injury and pathological changes in the cardiac tissue and increased the left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular fractional shortening, and cardiac output. NXT increased the sugar preference rate and number of crossings and shortened the escape latency. Furthermore, the NXT treatment restored the levels of corticotropin-releasing hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, dopamine, and γ-aminobutyric acid to the baseline values. Conclusions NXT not only demonstrates cardioprotective effect but also attenuates depression in the rats after HF. It may exert the antidepressant effect by inhibiting the hyperactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and recovering the levels of neurotrophic factors and neurotransmitters.

The influence of separating cycles in drawings of K 5 ∖ e in the join product with paths and cycles

Abstract The crossing number cr(H) of a graph H is the minimum number of edge crossings over all drawings of H in the plane. Let H ∗ be the connected graph of order five isomorphic to K 5 ∖ e obtained by removing one edge from the complete graph K 5. The main aim of the paper is to give the crossing numbers of the join products H ∗ + Pn and H ∗ + Cn , where Pn and Cn are the path and the cycle on n vertices, respectively. The proofs are done with the help of a suitable classification of a large number of drawings of the graph H ∗ in view of the existence of a separating cycle of two possible types.

The effect of pinching and leaf defoliation on plant root architecture and bulb characteristics in lilium

In plants, leaves are the most important organs together with roots in terms of plant development. The effects of leaf defoliation and pinching on root architecture and bulb development were determined in lilies 'Vong' cultivar. For this purpose, leaf defoliation was determined as 0, 25%, 50%, 100%, and pinching was performed. Root length (cm), root surface area (cm2), root volume (cm3), root diameter (mm), number of tips, number of forks, and number of crossings in root architecture were measured. The effect of bulb properties was also determined in main bulb diameter (mm), bulb fresh weight (g), bulb dry weight (g), and bulbil diameter (mm). Leaf defoliation was found to affect root growth negatively. As the defoliation rate increased, the root architectural features decreased compared to the control. In contrast to leaf defoliation, the pinching application significantly increased root length (7568 cm), root surface area (9254 cm2), root volume (176 cm3), number of tips (8553), number of forks (40106), and number of crossings (7950). However, it had no effect on root diameter in two applications. In addition, while leaf defoliation decreased bulb characteristics, pinching application significantly increased bulb fresh weight (54.24 g), bulb dry weight (4.43 g), and bulb diameter (19.43 mm). It was also determined that the application that reduced the bulb fresh weight, bulb dry weight and bulb diameter the most was 100% leaf defoliation. As a result, it was found that pinching is the best method to ensure healthy root growth and bulb development, suggesting that it can be recommended for growing lilium bulbs.

Hippocampal iron overload and spatial reference memory impairment: Insights from a rat model

BackgroundBrain iron overload may induce neuronal death and lead to cognitive impairment. The hippocampus is a critical limbic structure involved in memory. This study aimed to investigate iron overload and its role in hippocampal damage and memory impairment using a rat model. MethodsYoung rats (2 weeks old) received intraperitoneal injections of high-dose iron solution (Group H, n = 10), low-dose iron solution (Group L, n = 10) and normal saline as control (Group D, n = 5). The Morris water maze (MWM) test was performed on all rats to evaluate their spatial reference memory by assessing their escape latency time and number of platform crossing. The iron content and neuronal damage in hippocampal tissue sections of the rats were assessed semi-quantitatively using diaminobenzidine (DAB)-enhanced Perl’s Prussian blue (PPB) staining, and their correlation with spatial reference memory performance was evaluated. ResultsThe escape latency in Group H was significantly longer compared to Groups L and D (P < 0.05). The number of platform crossings was significantly lower in Group H than in Group L or D (P < 0.001). The neuronal cells in Group H had more brown iron deposits than those of Groups L and D. There were significant correlations between the severity of structural damage in the hippocampal tissue and the number of platform crossings (P1 = 0.001 for Group H; P2 = 0.043 for Group L). ConclusionThis study showed an association between hippocampal iron-induced structural damage and spatial reference memory impairment in a rat model. This work should advance our understanding of hippocampal iron overload on cognitive functioning.

Dopamine and D1 receptor in hippocampal dentate gyrus involved in chronic stress-induced alteration of spatial learning and memory in rats

There is increasing evidence that chronic stress (CS), which occurs when the body is exposed to prolonged stressors, significantly impairs learning and memory. Dopamine (DA) plays a critical role in learning and memory in the hippocampus through the activation of D1-like receptors (D1R). However, the specific roles of DA and D1R in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG), particularly in relation to CS-induced changes in spatial learning and memory, are not well understood. In this study, we established a CS rat model through the random application of various stressors. We assessed spatial learning and memory using the Morris water maze (MWM) and measured DA concentration and the amplitude of field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSP) in the DG during the MWM test in freely moving rats. We also examined the involvement of D1R in spatial learning and memory by microinjecting its antagonist (SCH23390) into the DG, and then analyzed the expressions of phosphorylated (p-) Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), protein kinase A (PKA), and cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) in the DG using western blot. During the MWM test, compared with the control group, the escape latency was increased, and the percentage of distance in target quadrant and the number of platform crossings were decreased, in addition, the increase of fEPSP amplitude in the DG was significantly attenuated in CS group. In the control group, the DA concentration in the DG was significantly increased during the MWM test, and this response was enhanced in the CS group. Microinjection of SCH23390 into the DG significantly improved the spatial learning and memory impairments in CS rats, and reversed the inhibitory effect of CS on increase of fEPSP amplitude in the DG during the MWM test. Furthermore, SCH23390 partially reversed the inhibitory effects of CS on the expressions of p-CaMKII, p-PKA, and p-CREB in the DG. Our findings suggest that overactivation of the DA-D1R system in the hippocampal DG impairs spatial learning and memory and related synaptic plasticity in CS rats via downregulation of PKA-CREB signaling pathway.

Fingerprint Pattern Feature Extraction for Loop Fingerprint Pattern Identification by Zhang-Suen and Stentiford Thinning Method

Every fingerprint that a human possesses must have a fingerprint pattern and must be unique. Each pattern has a ridge pattern that will not change as long as there is no change due to an accident or injury. This ridge pattern can be used as biometric recognition. Based on the ridge pattern owned, the fingerprint pattern is divided into 4 patterns, including the tented arch pattern, the whorl pattern, the loop pattern (ulnar loop and radial loop). The stage of fingerprint pattern recognition begins by looking for minutiae (termination and bifurcation) points on the fingerprint using the Crossing Number (CN) method. Before searching for CN, the fingerprint image must be processed using the Otsu and Zhang-Suen or Stentiford Thinning methods. Thinning is used to facilitate the extraction of minutiae in fingerprint images. The last stage in obtaining the minutiae point is classified by the Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) method. The results obtained from the test data were 30 images, 24 images could be classified correctly, and 4 images could not be recognized. The accuracy rate of the fingerprint pattern identification system is 80%.

Anxiolytic-like effect of daidzin possibly through GABAA receptor α2 and α3 subunits interaction pathway: In vivo and in silico studies

The soy plant-derived isoflavone daidzin (DZN) has diverse biological activities, including neuroprotective (e.g., memory-enhancing and antiepileptic) effects. This study emphasizes evaluating the anxiolytic effect of DZN on mice. Additionally, in silico investigations were also carried out to check the potential molecular mechanisms for the anxiolytic effect of DZN. For this, adult male Swiss albino mice were intraperitoneally (i.p.) treated with DZN (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg) with or without the standard GABAergic agonist drug diazepam (DZP: 2 mg/kg) and/or antagonist drug flumazenil (FLU: 0.1 mg/kg) and checked for different locomotor behaviors using various mouse models. The molecular docking study of DZN was conducted against GABAA receptor subunits. Findings suggest that DZN dose-dependently and significantly (p <0.05) increased locomotor activities such as the number of field crosses, hole crosses, swings, grooming, and light residence time while decreasing the rearing of the animals. With DZP, it significantly (p <0.05) reduced the test parameters, while altering these parameters with FLU. Our molecular docking studies demonstrate that DZN has a strong binding affinity of −7.4 and −6.9 kcal/mol for α2 and α3 subunits of the GABAA receptor, respectively, whereas the standard drugs DZP and FLU showed binding affinities between −6.0 and −6.7 kcal/mol for these subunits. Taken together, DZN augmented the anxiolytic effect of DZP while reducing the effect of FLU in mice. We suppose that DZN may show anxiolytic-like effects on Swiss mice, possibly through α2 and α3 subunits of the GABAA receptor interaction pathway.

Genomic-inferred cross-selection methods for multi-trait improvement in a recurrent selection breeding program

The major drawback to the implementation of genomic selection in a breeding program lies in long-term decrease in additive genetic variance, which is a trade-off for rapid genetic improvement in short term. Balancing increase in genetic gain with retention of additive genetic variance necessitates careful optimization of this trade-off. In this study, we proposed an integrated index selection approach within the genomic inferred cross-selection (GCS) framework to maximize genetic gain across multiple traits. With this method, we identified optimal crosses that simultaneously maximize progeny performance and maintain genetic variance for multiple traits. Using a stochastic simulated recurrent breeding program over a 40-years period, we evaluated different GCS methods along with other factors, such as the number of parents, crosses, and progeny per cross, that influence genetic gain in a pulse crop breeding program. Across all breeding scenarios, the posterior mean variance consistently enhances genetic gain when compared to other methods, such as the usefulness criterion, optimal haploid value, mean genomic estimated breeding value, and mean index selection value of the superior parents. In addition, we provide a detailed strategy to optimize the number of parents, crosses, and progeny per cross that can potentially maximize short- and long-term genetic gain in a public breeding program.

Study on the Effects of Acupuncture with the "Yizhi Tiaoshen" Acupoint Formula on Blood Oxygen Metabolism and Neural Function in Key Brain Regions of AD Rats.

Exploring the effects of acupuncture at the "Yizhi Tiaoshen" acupoint on blood oxygen metabolism and neurological function changes in the brain regions of AD model rats. The AD model was replicated by intraperitoneal injection of D-galactose combined with bilateral hippocampal CA1 injection of Okadaic acid (OA). Thirty rats with successfully replicated model were selected through Morris water maze experiment and randomly divided into model group, donepezil hydrochloride group, and acupuncture group, with 10 rats in each group. After treatment, fNIRs were used to detect changes in Oxy Hb, Deoxy Hb, and Total Hb in the cerebral cortex of rats in each group, in order to evaluate the neurological function changes in key brain areas. The escape latency of the donepezil hydrochloride group and the acupuncture group was shortened, the number of crossings through the original platform increased, and the duration of stay in the quadrant where the original platform was located was prolonged. Based on fNIRs detection, the main differential channels of blood oxygen metabolism in AD rats were identified as 2-2 and 8-7, corresponding to the prefrontal and parietal lobes, respectively. The concentrations of Oxy Hb and Total Hb were significantly increased in both treatment groups, while the concentration of Deoxy Hb was significantly decreased. Acupuncture with the "Yizhi Tiaoshen" acupoint formula and donepezil hydrochloride can improve the learning and memory function of AD rats, and its mechanism may be related to improving blood oxygen metabolism in the prefrontal and parietal regions and protecting neuronal function.

Undeterred: Understanding Repeat Migration in Northern Central America

Executive Summary U.S. efforts to control unauthorized crossings of its southwest border have long rested on the idea of deterrence — if migrants know that a border is dangerous to cross and the likelihood of deportation is high, they will be dissuaded from trying in the first place. Despite the seemingly intuitive logic of this strategy, and the billions of dollars invested in it, deterrence efforts largely have failed, with the number of border crossings in recent years exceeding those of 30 years ago. To understand why this decades-old, bipartisan deterrence strategy has proven ineffective, we focus on individuals from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras who have previous migration experience, with a vast majority of them seeking entry into the U.S. These individuals have direct knowledge of the difficulties and dangers a border crossing poses, yet many report plans to try to cross the border again. To understand why they persist, we rely on survey data specifically collected to better understand the root causes of international migration. We find that citizens with previous migration experience are significantly more likely to report plans to emigrate, in particular women, younger cohorts, and those at the bottom of the economic ladder. In contrast, family reunification does not appear to play a significant role in driving the migration intentions of those with a prior migration experience. Further, deportation does not deter migrants from trying again, as individuals who have been deported are just as likely to report plans to emigrate again as those who returned to their home countries voluntarily and those who never reached their destination. Most importantly, our research indicates that human insecurity is at the core of why Central Americans who have migrated in the past are more likely to report migration plans for the future. Both the threat of violence and food insecurity are central drivers of their persistent predisposition to embark on the journey again. Individuals remain undeterred in their efforts to escape their country because upon returning to that country, they confront the same conditions that led them to attempt to flee in the first place. We draw two main policy implications from our research. First, the U.S. government should continue its prioritization of investments in tackling the root causes of forced migration through the empowerment of civil society organizations and the channeling of foreign aid to marginalized communities affected by human insecurity, such as those suffering food insecurity or fearing violence. The main objective of these investments should be to improve the living conditions of individuals, giving them a viable option of remaining in their country. Second, the U.S. must invest greater resources in its immigration system to reduce the current backlog of asylum cases, and expand H2-a and -b visa programs to provide a more expansive legal path to migration. Facilitating a legal pathway to immigrants who face heightened human insecurity, like the potential repeat migrants in our study, would prevent further deaths that lay at the hands of a border policy focused on deterrence.

Effects of mechanical defoliation and pinching applications on plant growth and root system analysis with machine learning in boxwoods

The effects of mechanical defoliation and pinching (1 cm tip cutting) on Buxus plant growth, nutrient mobilization, and root architecture were determined. When 100% defoliation was applied, the highest increase rates of 80.3% in shoots and 88% in leaves were observed compared to the control group. In contrast, the overall effects of defoliation and pinching were negative, with 100% defoliation having the most negative effects. The chlorophyll content of the newly formed young leaves was also 50% lower with 100% defoliation. Leaves and root nutrient mobilization changed significantly, depending on the effects of defoliation and pinching. Apart from a very small increase in root length and number of forks, the effects of the treatments were negative, with 100% defoliation having the greatest negative effect on root development. Most affected was the number of crossings, which was 78% lower than in the control. In addition, machine learning (ML) algorithms were used in the study, including multilayer perceptron, J48, PART, and logistic regression. The input variables were evaluated to model and predict the root features. The performance values of the ML algorithms were noted in the following order: Logistic Regression&gt; PART&gt; J48&gt; MultilayerPerceptron. As the severity of defoliation increased, the losses of the plant also increased. However, boxwood has mechanisms to compensate for these losses even when it suffers complete defoliation.

Metal(loid) uptake and physiological response of Coix lacryma-jobi L. to soil potentially toxic elements in a polluted metal-mining area

Coix lacryma-jobi L. is a traditional medicinal plant in east Asia and is an important crop in Guizhou province, southwest China, where there are elevated levels of soil mercury and arsenic (As). Exposure to multiple potentially toxic elements (PTEs) may affect plant accumulation of metal(loid)s and food safety in regions with high geological metal concentrations. Field experiments were conducted to study the effects of PTEs on metal(loid) accumulation and physiological response of C. lacryma in different plant parts at three pollution levels. Total root length, number of root tips, number of branches, and number of root crosses increased with increasing pollution level, with increases in highly polluted areas of 44.2, 57.0, 79.6, and 97.2%, respectively, compared to lightly polluted areas. Under multi-element stress the activity of C. lacryma antioxidant oxidase showed an increase at low and medium PTE concentrations and inhibition at high concentrations. The As contents were all below the maximum limit of cereal food contaminants in China (GB 2762-2022, As < 0.5 mg kg−1). The stems had high Tl bioconcentration factors but the translocation factors from stem to grain were very low, indicating that the stems may be a key plant part restricting Tl transport to the grains. C. lacryma increased root retention and reduced the transport effect, thus reducing metal accumulation in the grains. C. lacryma adapted to PTE stress through root remodeling and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities.

Reversal of high-fat diet-induced cognitive impairment and oxidative stress in the brain through Zingiber officinale supplementation.

Obesity is a significant health concern that is correlated with various adverse health outcomes. Diet-induced obesity (DIO) is associated with impaired cognitive function. Pharmacological treatments for obesity are limited and may have serious adverse effects. Zingiber officinale (ZO) has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, in addition to metabolic effects. This study aimed to assess the effects of Zingiber officinale supplementation on cognitive function, anxiety levels, neurotrophin levels, and the inflammatory and oxidative status in the cortex following DIO in mice. Two-month-old male Swiss mice were fed DIO or standard chow for 4 months and subsequently subdivided into the following groups (n = 10 mice/group): (i) control - vehicle (CNT + vehicle); (ii) CNT supplemented with ZO (CNT + ZO); (iii) obese mice (DIO + vehicle); and (iv) obese mice supplemented with ZO (DIO + ZO) (n = 10). Zingiber officinale extract (400mg/kg/day) was administered for 35 days via oral gavage. The DIO + vehicle group exhibited impaired recognition memory. The CNT + ZO group presented a greater number of crossings in the open field. No difference between the groups was observed in the plus maze test. DIO + vehicle increased the DCFH and carbonylation levels in the cortex. The DIO + vehicle group presented a reduction in catalase activity. The expression of inflammatory or neurotrophin markers in the cerebral cortex was not different. In conclusion, our findings indicate that supplementation with ZO reverses the cognitive impairment in DIO mice and enhances the antioxidant status of the cerebral cortex.

Alantolactone improves cognitive impairment in rats with Porphyromonas gingivalis infection by inhibiting neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and reducing Aβ levels

Neuroinflammation caused by the chronic periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis is growing regarded as as a key factor in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Alantolactone (AL), a sesquiterpene lactone isolated from the root of Inula racemosa Hook. f, has been proven to provide various neuroprotective effects. However, whether AL can improve cognitive impairment caused by P. gingivalis infection remains unclear. In this research, a rat model of P. gingivalis infection was used to examine the neuroprotective benefits of AL. The results revealed that 6 weeks of AL treatment (50 and 100 mg/kg) shortened escape latency and increased the number of crossings over the platform location and time spent in the target quadrant of P. gingivalis-infected rats in the Morris water maze experiment. By activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, AL suppressed malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and simultaneously increased the activity of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD). Furthermore, AL lowered the presence of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNFα in the hippocampal and cortical tissues of P. gingivalis-infected rats by inhibiting astrocyte and microglial activation and NF-κB phosphorylation. AL also significantly reduced Aβ levels in the cortical and hippocampus tissues of rats infected with P. gingivalis. In conclusion, AL improved cognitive impairment in P. gingivalis-infected rats by inhibiting neuroinflammation, reducing Aβ1-42 level, and exerting antioxidative stress effects.

Once or twice? The effect of different number of video assistant referees intervention

The Chinese Football Super League (CSL) introduced the video assistant referee (VAR) in the 2018 season, but the effect of VAR intervention has not yet been analyzed. The purpose of this study is to explore how varying frequencies of VAR interventions affect performance indicators in the CSL. VAR interventions were categorised into three groups, none (VAR0 = 198), one (VAR1 = 184) and two or more (VAR2 = 194). The performance variables included scoring-related variables (goals, shots, shots in the penalty area and penalties), attacking and passing-related variables (passes, crosses and free kicks) and defensive-related variables (tackles, fouls, yellow cards and red cards). The Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to examine the differences in performance variables among the different groups. The findings of these tests revealed that VAR was used in 66% of matches in the 2019–2021 season of the CSL. There were significant differences in penalties ( p &lt; 0.01, η2 = 0.11), shots ( p &lt; 0.05, η2 = 0.03), shots in the penalty area ( p &lt; 0.01, η2 = 0.01), fouls ( p &lt; 0.01,η2 = 0.02), passes ( p &lt; 0.01,η2 = 0.05), free kicks (p &lt; 0.05, η2 = 0.01) yellow cards ( p &lt; 0.01, η2 = 0.02) and red cards ( p &lt; 0.01, η2 = 0.05), but there were no significant differences in the number of goals ( p &gt; 0.05), crosses ( p &gt; 0.05) and tackles ( p &gt; 0.05). Therefore, VAR intervention was frequently applied in the CSL during the 2019–2021 season, and the VAR interventions had various impacts on performance indicators.

Protective Effects of Teucrium polium Leaves Ethanolic Extract against Eimeria papillata-Induced Behavioral Changes in Mice

Background: Medicinal plants that are abundant in physiologically active phytochemicals have long been used in traditional medicine. Due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities, several of these can lower the chance of developing certain illnesses. Coccidiosis is a disease that affects many animals and results in large financial losses. Eimeria spp. strains that are resistant to drugs have emerged as a result of drug addiction and overuse. Therefore, Teucrium polium leaves ethanolic extract (TPLE) was assessed on behavioral performance for the animals injected with Eimeria papillata. Methods: T. polium leaves ethanolic extract (TPLE) was prepared. Also, the behavior of mice infected with the E. papillata parasite and treated with the plant extract was evaluated. In addition, eosin and hematoxylin-stained tissue sections of mice brains were made. Result: There was an improvement in the number of vertical and horizontal movements in the plant-treated group. In addition, there was an improvement in learning and memory through increased total latency time the number of crossings during the shock. Also declined the number of inertial crossings and several reinforced crossings during the shock. There were no changes in oxidative stress or brain histopathology. Our results showed that TPLE has improved the behavioral performance of mice, which promotes the conduct of numerous researches on the compounds found in plants and their effect on animal behavior and also in investigating the behavior of animals in response to infection and treatment.