Effect of diet and nonesterified fatty acid levels on global transcriptomic profiles in circulating peripheral blood mononuclear cells in early lactation dairy cows

After calving, lipid mobilization caused by increased nutrient demands for lactation leads to elevated circulating concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA). Excessive NEFA levels have previously been identified as a major risk factor for postpartum immunosuppression. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in global transcriptomic gene expression of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in dairy cows offered different early lactation diets (high concentrate, n = 7; medium, n = 8; or low, n = 9) and with differing circulating levels of NEFA. Cows were classified as having NEFA concentrations of either <500 µM (low, n = 6), 500 to 750 µM (medium, n = 8) or >750 µM (high, n = 10) at 14 d in milk. Plasma urea concentrations were greater for cows on the high concentrate diet but β-hydroxybutyrate and glucose concentrations did not differ significantly between either dietary treatments or NEFA groups. Cows with high NEFA weighed more at drying off and suffered greater body condition score loss after calving. The PBMC were isolated at 14 d in milk, and RNA was extracted for RNA sequencing. Differential gene expression was analyzed with DESeq2 with q-value for false discovery rate control followed by Gene Ontology Enrichment. Although there were no differentially expressed genes associated with lactation diet, 304 differentially expressed genes were identified between cows with high and low circulating NEFA, with 118 upregulated and 186 downregulated. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis demonstrated that biological adhesion and immune system process were foremost among various PBMC functions which were altered relating to body defenses and immunity. High NEFA concentrations were associated with inhibited cellular adhesion function by downregulating 20 out of 26 genes (by up to 17-fold) related to this process. Medium NEFA concentrations altered a similar set of functions as high NEFA, but with smaller enrichment scores. Localization and immune system process were most significant, with biological adhesion ranking only eleventh. Our results demonstrated that increased circulating NEFA concentrations, but not diet, were associated with immune system processes in PBMC in early lactation cows. Leukocyte cell-to-cell adhesion was inhibited when the NEFA concentration exceeded 750 µM, which would reduce the efficiency of diapedesis and so contribute to decreased body defense mechanisms and predispose animals to infection.

Identification of hepatosensitive region and their neural connections in the hippocampus of rats

BACKGROUND

Visceral function localization of the brain is very complex. For many years, people have been actively exploring the neural mechanism regulating visceral and substance metabolism, clarifying the complex relationship between the brain and peripheral nervous system related to the regulation of visceral activity, and analyzing its complex neural pathways. The brain is the advanced center of visceral function regulation. As an advanced center for substance metabolism and visceral regulation, the hippocampus is crucial for regulating visceral function. The liver is the core organ of material metabolism, and its afferent signals are mainly projected to the Nucleus of the solitary tract(NTS) through vagus nerve, and then they are projected to the hypothalamus and limbic system.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We placed a stereotaxic instrument on the head of each rat and performed craniotomy to open a window above the left hippocampus. We used gold-plated tungsten electrodes to monitor hippocampal neuronal discharges. Grounding was achieved using screws and silver wire. We electrically stimulated the liver branch of the vagus nerve and observed changes in hippocampal neuron discharges using a biological method; in this way, we identified hepatosensitive hippocampal region. We injected FluoroGold into this region and related brain areas. After 3 days, the rats were sacrificed and perfused; the hippocampi were fixed, dehydated, frozen, sectioned, and subjected to fluorescence microscopy.

RESULTS

Nerve discharge frequency and amplitude significantly increased in the hippocampal CA3 region (AP: -4.9, ML: -5.1, DV: -5.0 mm). After FluoroGold was injected into the left hepatosensitive region in the hippocampus, labeled cells were found in the contralateral hippocampus, ipsilateral piriform cortex (PC), locus coeruleus (LC) and bilateral lateral hypothalamus (LHA); fluorescence in the ipsilateral hypothalamus was stronger than that of the contralateral hypothalamus. FluoroGold was injected into the LHA, PC, and LC; no labeled cells were found in the hippocampal CA3 region or in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

The hippocampal CA3 area of rats may contain a hepatosensitive region that plays important roles in the regulation of liver and other organ function. These region may receive input from the LHA, PC, and LC.

NaYF4:Yb/Tm@SiO2-Dox/Cur-CS/OSA nanoparticles with pH and photon responses

Stimulus-triggered drug delivery systems (DDSs) based on lanthanide-doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) have attracted significant attention for treating cancers due to their merits of high drug availability, precisely controlled drug release, and low side-effects. However, such DDSs usually exhibit a single stimulus-response, which may limit the efficiency of cancer treatment. To extend response types in a single DDS, we construct NaYF₄:Yb/Tm@SiO₂-doxorubicin (Dox)/curcumin (Cur)-chitosan (CS)/2-Octen-1-ylsuccinic anhydride (OSA) nanoparticles with core-shell structures. Our method is based on the exploration of the synergistic effect of UCNPs and multiple drugs. In particular, the NaYF₄:Yb/Tm is used to convert near-infrared light to visible light, activating Cur photosensitizers to produce singlet oxygen for photodynamic therapy, while CS/OSA responds to a low pH environment to release cancer drugs, including Dox and Cur for chemotherapy through breaking a free carboxyl group. The results show that the UCNPs with a 40 nm diameter, 23 nm thick mesoporous SiO₂, and 19/1 mol% Yb³⁺/Tm³⁺concentrations could continuously release Dox and Cur at a pH value of 6.5 within 6 h after the excitation of a 980 nm-wavelength CW laser. Our study provides a promising approach for developing efficient DDSs for cancer treatment.

Relationships between metabolic profiles and gene expression in liver and leukocytes of dairy cows in early lactation

Homeorhetic mechanisms assist dairy cows in the transition from pregnancy to lactation. Less successful cows develop severe negative energy balance (NEB), placing them at risk of metabolic and infectious diseases and reduced fertility. We have previously placed multiparous Holstein Friesian cows from 4 herds into metabolic clusters, using as biomarkers measurements of plasma nonesterified fatty acids, β-hydroxybutyrate, glucose and IGF-1 collected at 14 and 35 d in milk (DIM). This study characterized the global transcriptomic profiles of liver and circulating leukocytes from the same animals to determine underlying mechanisms associated with their metabolic and immune function. Liver biopsy and whole-blood samples were collected around 14 DIM for RNA sequencing. All cows with available RNA sequencing data were placed into balanced (BAL, n = 44), intermediate (n = 44), or imbalanced (IMBAL, n = 19) metabolic cluster groups. Differential gene expression was compared between the 3 groups using ANOVA, but only the comparison between BAL and IMBAL cows is reported. Pathway analysis was undertaken using DAVID Bioinformatic Resources (https://david.ncifcrf.gov/). Milk yields did not differ between BAL and IMBAL cows but dry matter intake was less in IMBAL cows and they were in greater energy deficit at 14 DIM (-4.48 v -11.70 MJ/d for BAL and IMBAL cows). Significantly differentially expressed pathways in hepatic tissue included AMPK signaling, glucagon signaling, adipocytokine signaling, and insulin resistance. Genes involved in lipid metabolism and cholesterol transport were more highly expressed in IMBAL cows but IGF1 and IGFALS were downregulated. Leukocytes from BAL cows had greater expression of histones and genes involved in nucleosomes and cell division. Leukocyte expression of heat shock proteins increased in IMBAL cows, suggesting an unfolded protein response, and several key genes involved in immune responses to pathogens were upregulated (e.g., DEFB13, HP, OAS1Z, PTX3, and TLR4). Differentially expressed genes upregulated in IMBAL cows in both tissues included CD36, CPT1, KFL11, and PDK4, all central regulators of energy metabolism. The IMBAL cows therefore had greater difficulty maintaining glucose homeostasis and had dysregulated hepatic lipid metabolism. Their energy deficit was associated with a reduced capacity for cell division and greater evidence of stress responses in the leukocyte population, likely contributing to an increased risk of infectious disease.

Spinal schwannoma causes acute subarachnoid haemorrhage: A case report and literature review

BACKGROUND

Spinal schwannomas that arise from spinal nerve root sheaths are the most common intradural extramedullary spinal tumours and are often accompanied by nerve roots or spinal cord irritation symptoms. The phenomenon of spinal schwannoma causing subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) is rare, with ependymoma of the conus medullaris accounting for most cases.

CASE REPORT

A 45-year-old man was admitted to our hospital due to progressive lower limb weakness and sudden back pain after hard physical work. The patient had not been able to walk for 2hours upon admission. An emergency magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan showed that the spinal cord at the C6-T4 level was severely compressed by a subdural mass. During the emergency operation, exploration of the dura and arachnoid mater revealed a fresh blood clot covering a tumour located on the ventral side of the spinal cord. The size of the tumour was approximately 3×2×1cm without adhesion to the surrounding tissue, but the drainage vein was ruptured. Postoperative pathology showed that the tumour was a schwannoma with areas of fresh haemorrhage and focal necrosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Spinal schwannomas presenting with SAH are rare events. In our opinion, spinal pathology with rapid progression of neurological symptoms requires early diagnosis and emergency management. Complete excision of haemorrhagic tumours is the goal of treatment to prevent recurrence, which can effectively avoid irreversible damage to the spinal cord resulting from spinal cord compression.

Impact of co-morbidity on reoperation or death within 90 days of surgery for oesophageal cancer

Background

The impact of preoperative co-morbidity on postoperative outcomes in patients with oesophageal cancer is uncertain. A population-based and nationwide cohort study was conducted to assess the influence of preoperative co-morbidity on the risk of reoperation or mortality within 90 days of surgery for oesophageal cancer.

Methods

This study enrolled 98 per cent of patients who had oesophageal cancer surgery between 1987 and 2015 in Sweden. Modified Poisson regression models provided risk ratios (RRs) with 95 per cent confidence intervals (c.i.) to estimate associations between co-morbidity and risk of reoperation or death within 90 days of oesophagectomy. The RRs were adjusted for age, sex, educational level, pathological tumour stage, neoadjuvant therapy, annual hospital volume, tumour histology and calendar period of surgery.

Results

Among 2576 patients, 446 (17.3 per cent) underwent reoperation or died within 90 days of oesophagectomy. Patients with a Charlson Co-morbidity Index (CCI) score of 2 or more had an increased risk of reoperation or death compared with those with a CCI score of 0 (RR 1.78, 95 per cent c.i. 1.44 to 2.20), and the risk increased on average by 27 per cent for each point increase of the CCI (RR 1.27, 1.18 to 1.37). The RR was increased in patients with pulmonary disease (RR 1.66, 1.36 to 2.04), cardiac disease (RR 1.37, 1.08 to 1.73), diabetes (RR 1.50, 1.14 to 1.99) and cerebral disease (RR 1.40, 1.06 to 1.85).

Conclusion

Co-morbidity in general, and pulmonary disease, cardiac disease, diabetes and cerebral disease in particular, increased the risk of reoperation or death within 90 days of oesophageal cancer surgery. This highlights the value of tailored patient selection, preoperative preparation and postoperative care.

Super-factors associated with transmission of occupational COVID-19 infection among healthcare staff in Wuhan, China

BACKGROUND

Globally, there have been many cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among medical staff; however, the main factors associated with the infection are not well understood.

AIM

To identify the super-factors causing COVID-19 infection in medical staff in China.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted between January 1st and February 30th, 2020, in which front-line members of medical staff who took part in the care and treatment of patients with COVID-19 were enrolled. Epidemiological and demographic data between infected and uninfected groups were collected and compared. Social network analysis (SNA) was used to establish socio-metric social links between influencing factors.

FINDINGS

A total of 92 medical staff were enrolled. In all participant groups, the super-factor identified by the network was wearing a medical protective mask or surgical mask correctly (degree: 572; closeness: 25; betweenness centrality: 3.23). Touching the cheek, nose, and mouth while working was the super-factor in the infected group. This was the biggest node in the network and had the strongest influence (degree: 370; closeness: 29; betweenness centrality: 0.37). Self-protection score was the super-factor in the uninfected group but was the isolated factor in the infected group (degree: 201; closeness: 28; betweenness centrality: 5.64). For family members, the exposure history to Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market and the contact history to wild animals were two isolated nodes.

CONCLUSION

High self-protection score was the main factor that prevented medical staff from contracting COVID-19 infection. The main factor contributing to COVID-19 infections among medical staff was touching the cheek, nose, and mouth while working.

Graphene-based dual-mode modulators

Mode-division multiplexing (MDM) has attracted broad attention as it could effectively boost up transmission capability by utilizing optical modes as a spatial dimension in optical interconnects. In such a technique, different data channels are usually modulated to the respective carriers over different spatial modes by using individual parallel electro-optic modulators. Each modulated channel is then multiplexed to a multi-mode waveguide. However, the method inevitably suffers from a high cost, large device footprint and high insertion loss. Here, we design intensity and phase dual-mode modulators, enabling simultaneous modulations over two channels via a graphene-on-silicon waveguide. Our method is based on the exploration of co-planar interactions between structured graphene nanoribbons (GNs) and spatial modes in a silicon waveguide. Specifically, the zeroth-order transverse electric (TE₀) and first-order transverse electric (TE₁) modes are modulated separately and simultaneously by applying independent driving electrodes to different GNs in an identical modulator. Our study is expected to open an avenue to develop high-density MDM photonics integrated circuits for tera-scale optical interconnects.

Learning-based denoising for polarimetric images

Based on measuring the polarimetric parameters which contain specific physical information, polarimetric imaging has been widely applied to various fields. However, in practice, the noise during image acquisition could lead to the output of noisy polarimetric images. In this paper, we propose, for the first time to our knowledge, a learning-based method for polarimetric image denoising. This method is based on the residual dense network and can significantly suppress the noise in polarimetric images. The experimental results show that the proposed method has an evident performance on the noise suppression and outperforms other existing methods. Especially for the images of the degree of polarization and the angle of polarization, which are quite sensitive to the noise, the proposed learning-based method can well reconstruct the details flooded in strong noise.

Relationships between air particulate matter capture efficiency and leaf traits in twelve tree species from an Italian urban-industrial environment

Air pollution in the urban environment is widely recognized as one of the most harmful threats for human health. International organizations such as the United Nations and the European Commission are highlighting the potential role of nature in mitigating air pollution and are now funding the implementation of Nature-Based Solutions, especially at the city level. Over the past few decades, the attention of the scientific community has grown around the role of urban forest in air pollution mitigation. Nevertheless, the understanding on Particulate Matter (PM) retention mechanisms by tree leaves is still limited. In this study, twelve tree species were sampled within an urban park of an industrial city. Two techniques were used for leaf analysis: Vacuum/Filtration and Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, in order to obtain a quali-quantitative analysis of the different PM size fractions. Results showed that deposited PM loads vary significantly among species. Different leaf traits, including micro and macromorphological characteristics, were observed, measured and ranked, with the final aim to relate them with PM load. Even if no significant correlation between each single leaf characteristic and PM deposition was observed (p > 0.05), multivariate analysis revealed relationships between clusters of leaf traits and deposited PM. Thus, by assigning a score to each trait, an Accumulation index (Ai) was calculated, which was significantly related to the leaf deposited PM load (p ≤ 0.05).

[Characteristics and clinical significance of pulmonary function test and KL-6 in ASSD-ILD and IPF]

Objective: To study the characteristics and clinical significance of pulmonary function test and kerbs von den lungen 6 (KL-6) in anti-synthetase syndrome related interstitial lung disease (ASSD-ILD) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Methods: The clinical data of 43 patients with ASSD-ILD (ASSD-ILD group) from May 2015 to May 2017 were collected retrospectively, including 12 males and 31 females, and 34 patients with IPF (IPF group) treated in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University during the same period, including 28 males and 6 females, were also included. The basic information, and the value of pulmonary function test [pulmonary function parameters included the forced vital capacity expressed as percent predicted (FVC%pred), the forced expiratory volume in 1 second expressed as percent predicted (FEV(1)%pred), the ratio of FVC to FEV(1) (FVC/FEV(1)), the peak expiratory flow expressed as percent predicted (PEF%pred), the forced expiratory flow at 25%, 50%, 75% of FVC as percent predicted (FEF(25)%pred, FEF(50)%pred, and FEF(75)%pred), the maximum mid-expiratory flow as percent predicted (MMEF% pred), and the diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide as percent predicted (DLCO% pred)], and serum KL-6 level in ASSD-ILD and IPF were compared. Results: The FEV(1)%pred, FEF(50)%pred, FEF(75)%pred, and MMEF%pred values in ASSD-ILD group were significantly lower than those in IPF group (all P<0.05), while the FVC% pred, FVC/FEV(1), PEF% pred, FEF(25)%pred, and DLCO% pred values in ASSD-ILD group had no significant difference compared with IPF group (all P>0.05). There was no significant difference in serum KL-6 level between ASSD-ILD group and IPF group [(1 169±911) vs (1 210±908) U/ml, t=0.62, P=0.463]. Follow-up analysis showed that the serum KL-6 level of ASSD-ILD patients who died within two years was significantly higher than that of survivors [(2 060±1 168) vs (1 042±858) U/ml, t=2.93, P=0.041]. The serum KL-6 level of patients who died within two years of IPF patients was also significantly higher than that of patients who survived [(1 767±865) vs (1 089±894) U/ml, t=2.53, P=0.026]. The serum KL-6 level in ASSD-ILD group was negatively correlated with FVC%pred (r=-0.43, P=0.004), FEV(1)%pred (r=-0.39, P=0.010) and DLCO% pred (r=-0.41, P=0.006). There was no correlation between serum KL-6 level and pulmonary function test indexes in IPF group (all P>0.05). Conclusions: There is difference in pulmonary function test between ASSD-ILD patients and IPF patients. High serum KL-6 level will be predictive of poor prognosis.

Temperature compensation of optical alternating magnetic field sensor via a novel method for on-line measuring

The variation of environment temperature is a crucial problem for optical magnetic field sensors based on the magneto-optical crystal. In this paper, we propose a novel temperature compensation method for optical alternating magnetic field measuring by analyzing the demodulation principle and establishing the temperature compensation model, which can implement the functions of temperature compensation and on-line measuring simultaneously. Both the temperature and the alternating magnetic field flux density can be obtained only by adding two magnet rings on the magnetic field sensor. The experimental phenomenon agrees well with the temperature characteristics of the magneto-optical crystal and the theoretical compensation model. The experimental results demonstrate that this sensor has excellent stability whose max relative fluctuation is only 0.7402% in the range of 0-4 mT under a constant temperature. In the temperature compensation experiment of 0 °C, 20 °C and 40 °C, the sensor shows strong temperature robustness that the max absolute and relative errors are 0.07 mT and 3.50%, respectively. Meanwhile, compensation efficiency reaches 83.968%, which can effectively avoid temperature crosstalk to a large extent. Additionally, it has a better compensation performance whose max absolute and relative errors are 0.15 mT and 1.66% in the broader range of 0-16 mT when the actual temperature is accurately known.

[Application value of different lymph node staging system in predicting prognosis of patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma]

Objective: To examine the value of number of metastatic lymph nodes(NMLN), lymph node ratio(LNR) and log odds of metastatic lymph nodes(LODDS) in assessing the prognosis of patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma(ICC). Methods: The clinical and pathological data of 440 ICC patients who underwent curative-intent resection in 10 of Chinese hepatobiliary surgery centers from January 2010 to December 2018 were collected, and the deadline of follow-up was April 30th, 2019. Among them, 205 were males and 235 were females, with age of (57.0±9.9) years (range:23-83 years).Eighty-five cases (19.3%) had intrahepatic bile duct stones, and 98 cases (22.3%) had chronic viral hepatitis.The Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis. The univariate and multivariate analysis were implemented respectively using the Log-rank test and Cox proportional hazard model. Results: A total of 440 patients underwent curative-intent resection and lymphadenectomy.R0 resection were achieved in 424 cases (96.4%) and R1 resection were in 16 cases (3.6%). The results of postoperative pathological examination showed that high, moderate and poor differentiation was 4.2%(18/426), 60.6%(258/426) and 35.2%(150/426), respectively.Adenocarcinoma was seen in 90.2%(397/440) and non-adenocarcinoma was seen in 9.8%(43/440), respectively. T stage: 2 cases (0.5%) with Tis, 83 cases(18.9%) with T1a, 97 cases(22.0%) with T1b, 95 cases(21.6%) with T2, 122 cases (27.7%) with T3 and 41 cases(9.3%) with T4.The overall median survival time was 24.0 months, and the 1-,3-, and 5-year survival rate was 74.3%, 37.7% and 18.3%, respectively. Lymphatic metastasis occurred in 175 patients(39.8%), the median total number of TNLE(M(Q(R))) was 6(5), the median number of NMLN was 0(1), the median number of LNR was 0 (0.33) and the median number of LODDS was -0.70(-0.92). Rerults of univariate analysis showed that combined stones, pathological differentiation, vascular invasion, LODDS, margin and T staging affected the prognosis (all P<0.05). Rerults of multivariate analysis showed that pathological differentiation, LODDS, margin, and T staging were independent risk factors affecting the prognosis of ICC patients (all P<0.05). Conclusion: LODDS could be used as an optimal prognostic lymph node staging index for ICC, and it is also an independent risk factor for survival after curative intent resection.

Effects of miR-155 on hypertensive rats via regulating vascular mesangial hyperplasia

OBJECTIVE

Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) excessive proliferation is related to hypertension. The cell cycle inhibitory factor (p27) can arrest cell cycle, while its down-regulation is associated with hypertension. It is found that microRNA-155 (miR-155) plays a regulatory role in VSMC proliferation, while its relationship with hypertension is still unclear. Bioinformatics analysis reveals the targeted relationship between miR-155 and the 3'-UTR of p27 mRNA. This study aims to explore the role of miR-155 in regulating p27 expression, VSMC proliferation and apoptosis, and the pathogenesis of hypertension.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Dual luciferase reporter gene assay confirmed the relationship between miR-155 and p27. MiR-155, p27, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and Ki-67 expressions in the thoracic aorta media of rat hypertension model were detected. VSMCs were cultured in vitro and divided into five groups, including anti-miR-NC, anti-miR-155, pIRES2-blank, pIRES2-p27, and anti-miR-155 + pIRES2-p27 groups. Cell cycle was evaluated by using flow cytometry. Cell proliferation was detected with EdU staining. Hypertension rats were randomly divided into antagomir-155 and antagomir-control. Caudal artery systolic and diastolic pressures were measured.

RESULTS

MiR-155 targeted suppressed p27 expression. MiR-155 and Ki-67 expressions significantly enhanced, while p27 and α-SMA levels reduced in the tunica media from hypertension rats compared with control. Down-regulation of miR-155 and/or up-regulation of p27significantly declined cell proliferation and arrested cell cycle in G1 phase. Antagomir-155 injection markedly decreased systolic and diastolic pressures, elevated p27 and α-SMA expressions in media, and reduced the thickness of tunica media.

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-155 promoted VSMC proliferation by targeting p27. MiR-155 enhancement was related to hypertension. MiR-155 played a therapeutic effect on hypertension.

Effect of Cryopreservation on Plant Growth, Bulb Characteristics, and Virus Reduction of Garlic (Allium sativum L.)

BACKGROUND

Cryopreservation is a promising plant germplasm preservation technique that provides genetically stable plantlets.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether the cryopreservation protocol developed for garlic compromises the performance of the cryopreserved plants, compared to garlic plants grown in the field.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The field performance of cryopreserved garlic plantlets under in vivo conditions was compared with garlic derived from the field. We assessed both net photosynthetic rate, bulb characteristics and the efficiency of cryotherapy-induced virus eradication.

RESULTS

The superiority of the morphological traits of cryopreserved garlic increased gradually with the growth of the garlic plant. Cryopreservation also improved the net photosynthetic rate, bulb diameter (by 13.4-18.2%), bulb weight (by 37.9-50.5%), and clove number per bulb (by 25.7-63.6%). The highest virus elimination rate due to cryopreservation was 75.0% for onion yellow dwarf virus (OYDV).

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest cryopreservation as a promising method for conservation and improvement of garlic.