Addressing food insecurity: An exploration of wheat production expansion

Wheat plays a crucial role in global food security, serving as a vital food crop that feeds billions of people worldwide. Currently, Russia and Ukraine are responsible for exporting approximately 25% of the world's wheat, making any issues in these regions a cause for concern regarding global wheat supply. The problems faced in these areas have led to a surge in wheat prices worldwide. Consequently, it becomes necessary to explore alternative regions that can compensate for the decline in wheat production and supply. This study focuses on wheat production and yield in major producing countries, utilizing the GYGA (Global Yield Gap Atlas) protocol for predictions. The findings reveal a global wheat production gap of 270,378,793 tons. Notably, the largest gap in irrigated wheat production exists in countries like China, India, Pakistan, Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Egypt, and Azerbaijan. Additionally, the rainfed wheat production gap on a global scale amounts to 545,215,692 tons, with Russia, the USA, Kazakhstan, Australia, Ukraine, China, Turkey, Canada, India, and France having the most significant production gaps. Through boundary line analysis, specific criteria were identified for suitable areas of irrigated and rainfed wheat cultivation. For irrigated conditions, the temperature range of 3000 to 7000 GDD (Growing Degree Days) and a temperature seasonality of 3 were determined as favorable. Under rainfed conditions, the suitable areas encompass a temperature range of 2000 to 4000 GDD, an aridity index exceeding 600, and a temperature seasonality of 2. Thirteen countries possess extensive agricultural land within the climatic codes favorable for irrigated wheat cultivation. Approximately 50% of the agricultural lands within these countries, corresponding to the total arable area for irrigated wheat, fall within the climatic codes 3403, 5403, 5303, 4303, 5503, 5203, 3503, 3303, and 4103. China, the United States, Ukraine, Russia, and Iran are the top five countries with favorable lands for irrigated wheat cultivation. Similarly, fourteen countries have significant agricultural lands within the favorable climatic codes for rainfed wheat cultivation. Around 52% of the agricultural lands within these countries are within the climatic codes 3702, 2702, 2802, and 4602. France, Germany, Britain, Poland, and Denmark possess the highest potential to expand rainfed wheat cultivation areas within these favorable climate codes, with respective areas of 2.7, 2.6, 1.6, and 0.9 million hectares. According to the study, the North China Plain emerges as a primary region for increasing irrigated wheat production, both in terms of cultivated area and yield potential. For rainfed conditions, the European continent stands out as a significant region to enhance wheat production.

Contrasting allelic effects for pistachio salinity tolerance in juvenile and mature trees

Breeding perennial tree crops often requires prediction of mature performance from juvenile data. To assess the utility of juvenile screens to predict salinity tolerance of mature pistachio trees, we compared performance of 3-month ungrafted seedlings and 4-year-old grafted rootstocks under salinity stress. The QTL allele associated with higher salt exclusion from seedling leaves conferred lower growth in saline field conditions, suggesting that mapping QTL in seedlings may be easier than discerning the optimal allele for field performance.

Towards an integrated blood pressure self-monitoring solution for stroke/TIA in Ireland: a mixed methods feasibility study for the TASMIN5S IRL randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Optimising blood pressure (BP) control is one of the most important modifiable risk factors in preventing subsequent stroke where the risk increases by one-third for every 10 mmHg rise in systolic BP. This study evaluated the feasibility and potential effectiveness of blood pressure self-monitoring with planned medication titration, to inform a definitive trial of the intervention, in patients with a previous stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA).

METHODS

Patients with a history of stroke/TIA and sub-optimal BP control were invited to take part in a mixed methods feasibility study for a randomised controlled trial. Those meeting the inclusion criteria with systolic BP >130 mmHg were randomised to a self-monitoring intervention group or usual care group. The intervention involved self-monitoring BP twice a day for 3 days within a 7-day period, every month, following text message reminders. Treatment escalation, based on a pre-agreed plan by the general practitioner (GP) and patient, was initiated according to the results of these readings. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with patients and clinicians and analysed thematically.

RESULTS

Of those identified, 47% (32/68) attended for assessment. Of those assessed, 15 were eligible for recruitment and were consented and randomised to the intervention or control group on a 2:1 basis. Of those randomised, 93% (14/15) completed the study and there were no adverse events. Systolic BP was lower in the intervention group at 3 months. Participants found the intervention acceptable and easy to use. GPs found it easy to incorporate into their practice activity without increasing workload.

CONCLUSIONS

TASMIN5S, an integrated blood pressure self-monitoring intervention in patients with a previous stroke/TIA, is feasible and safe to deliver in primary care. A pre-agreed three-step medication titration plan was easily implemented, increased patient involvement in their care, and had no adverse effects. This feasibility study provides important information to inform a definitive trial to determine the potential effectiveness of the intervention in patients post-stroke or TIA.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN57946500 . Registered on 12/08/2019.

309 A FRAILTY CENSUS OF INPATIENTS AGED 65 AND OVER ADMITTED TO A MODEL 4 HOSPITAL

Background

Frailty is a risk factor for in-hospital mortality, long hospital stay and functional decline at discharge. Profiling the prevalence and level of frailty within the acute hospital setting is vital to ensure evidence-based practice and service development within the construct of frailty.

Methods

All patients aged ≥65 years and admitted to a medical or surgical inpatient setting, were screened over a 12-hour period (08:00-20:00) using validated frailty and co-morbidity scales. Age and Gender Demographics, Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), Charlson Co-morbidity Index (CHI) and admitting specialty (Medical/Surgical) were collected. The data was fully anonymised and ethical approval was granted. Descriptive statistics were used to profile the cohort and Chi-squared tests applied for comparisons.

Results

Within a sample of 413 patients, 291(70%) were ≥65yrs. Of this cohort, 202(70%) were ≥75yrs. 207(71%) utilised in-patient medical services and 121(41%) surgical services while 37(12%) used both. The mean CFS was 6 indicating moderate frailty levels and the mean CCI score was 4 denoting moderate co-morbidity. Overall: 195(67%) had moderate-severe frailty (CSF ≥6) while 218 (75%) had moderate-severe co-morbidity (CCI Mod 3-4, Severe ≥5). Associations with age >75 and frailty (p=0.001) and medical service usage and frailty (p=0.004) were established. No significant differences were observed across genders for CFS (p=0.110) and CCI (p=0.465).

Conclusion

There is a high prevalence of frailty and co-morbidity within the admitted patient cohort ≥65yrs. Overcrowding across the hospital system and higher levels of frailty and comorbidity will contribute to increased lengths of stay and the need for specialist intervention, particularly for those ≥75yrs who represented 70% of patients screened. With an increased focus on the integration of care for older adults across care transitions, there is a clear need for expansion of frailty-based services and staff training in frailty care across the hospital and community setting.

Advances in Rootstock Breeding of Nut Trees: Objectives and Strategies

The production and consumption of nuts are increasing in the world due to strong economic returns and the nutritional value of their products. With the increasing role and importance given to nuts (i.e., walnuts, hazelnut, pistachio, pecan, almond) in a balanced and healthy diet and their benefits to human health, breeding of the nuts species has also been stepped up. Most recent fruit breeding programs have focused on scion genetic improvement. However, the use of locally adapted grafted rootstocks also enhanced the productivity and quality of tree fruit crops. Grafting is an ancient horticultural practice used in nut crops to manipulate scion phenotype and productivity and overcome biotic and abiotic stresses. There are complex rootstock breeding objectives and physiological and molecular aspects of rootstock-scion interactions in nut crops. In this review, we provide an overview of these, considering the mechanisms involved in nutrient and water uptake, regulation of phytohormones, and rootstock influences on the scion molecular processes, including long-distance gene silencing and trans-grafting. Understanding the mechanisms resulting from rootstock × scion × environmental interactions will contribute to developing new rootstocks with resilience in the face of climate change, but also of the multitude of diseases and pests.

Direct-write 3D printing and characterization of a GelMA-based biomaterial for intracorporeal tissue

We develop and characterize a biomaterial formulation and robotic methods tailored for intracorporeal tissue engineering (TE) via direct-write (DW) 3D printing. Intracorporeal TE is defined as the biofabrication of 3D TE scaffolds inside of a living patient, in a minimally invasive manner. A biomaterial for intracorporeal TE requires to be 3D printable and crosslinkable via mechanisms that are safe to native tissues and feasible at physiological temperature (37 °C). The cell-laden biomaterial (bioink) preparation and bioprinting methods must support cell viability. Additionally, the biomaterial and bioprinting method must enable the spatially accurate intracorporeal 3D delivery of the biomaterial, and the biomaterial must adhere to or integrate into the native tissue. Current biomaterial formulations do not meet all the presumed intracorporeal DW TE requirements. We demonstrate that a specific formulation of gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA)/Laponite^®/methylcellulose (GLM) biomaterial system can be 3D printed at physiological temperature and crosslinked using visible light to construct 3D TE scaffolds with clinically relevant dimensions and consistent structures. Cell viability of 71%-77% and consistent mechanical properties over 21 d are reported. Rheological modifiers, Laponite^® and methylcellulose, extend the degradation time of the scaffolds. The DW modality enables the piercing of the soft tissue and over-extrusion of the biomaterial into the tissue, creating a novel interlocking mechanism with soft, hydrated native tissue mimics and animal muscle with a 3.5-4 fold increase in the biomaterial/tissue adhesion strength compared to printing on top of the tissue. The developed GLM biomaterial and robotic interlocking mechanism pave the way towards intracorporeal TE.

Combining gene expression programming and genetic algorithm as a powerful hybrid modeling approach for pear rootstocks tissue culture media formulation

BACKGROUND

Predicting impact of plant tissue culture media components on explant proliferation is important especially in commercial scale for optimizing efficient culture media. Previous studies have focused on predicting the impact of media components on explant growth via conventional multi-layer perceptron neural networks (MLPNN) and Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) methods. So, there is an opportunity to find more efficient algorithms such as Radial Basis Function Neural Network (RBFNN) and Gene Expression Programming (GEP). Here, a novel algorithm, i.e. GEP which has not been previously applied in plant tissue culture researches was compared to RBFNN and MLR for the first time. Pear rootstocks (Pyrodwarf and OHF) were used as case studies on predicting the effect of minerals and some hormones in the culture medium on proliferation indices.

RESULTS

Generally, RBFNN and GEP showed extremely higher performance accuracy than the MLR. Moreover, GEP models as the most accurate models were optimized using genetic algorithm (GA). The improvement was mainly due to the RBFNN and GEP strong estimation capability and their superior tolerance to experimental noises or improbability.

CONCLUSIONS

GEP as the most robust and accurate prospecting procedure to achieve the highest proliferation quality and quantity has also the benefit of being easy to use.

Effects of Passive- and Active-Modified Atmosphere Packaging on Physio-Chemical and Quality Attributes of Fresh In-Hull Pistachios (Pistacia vera L. cv. Badami)

The effects of passive- and active-modified atmosphere packaging (passive- and active-MAP) were investigated on the physio-chemical and quality attributes of fresh in-hull pistachios stored at 4 ± 1 °C and 90 ± 5% R.H. Fresh pistachios were packaged under each of the following gas combinations: active-MAP1 (AMA1) (5% O₂ + 5% CO₂), AMA2 (5% O₂ + 25% CO₂), AMA3 (5% O₂ + 45% CO₂), AMA4 (2.5% O₂ + 5% CO₂), AMA5 (2.5% O₂ + 25% CO₂), and AMA6 (2.5% O₂ + 45% CO₂), all balanced with N₂, as well as passive-MAP (PMA) with ambient air (21% O₂ + 0.03% CO₂ + 78% N₂). Changes in quality parameters were evaluated after 0, 15, 30 and 45 days of storage. Results demonstrated that AMA6 and PMA had significantly lower (7.96 Log CFU g^-1) and higher (9.81 Log CFU g^-1) aerobic mesophilic bacteria counts than the other treatments. However, the AMA6 treatment decreased, kernel chlorophyll and carotenoid content, hull antioxidant capacity, and anthocyanin content. The PMA treatment produced a significant weight loss, 0.18%, relative to the other treatments. The active-MAP treatments were more effective than the passive-MAP in decreasing weight loss, microbial counts, kernel total chlorophyll (Kernel TCL), and kernel carotenoid content (Kernel CAC). The postharvest quality of fresh in-hull pistachios was maintained best by the AMA3 (5% O₂ + 45% CO₂ + 50% N₂) treatment.

Extending storage potential of de-hulled fresh pistachios in passive-modified atmosphere

BACKGROUND

The effects of passive modified-atmosphere packaging (passive-MAP) on the postharvest quality of de-hulled fresh pistachios (Pistacia vera L. cv. Kerman) stored at cold temperature (0 ± 0.5 °C) and 90 ± 1% relative humidity was investigated with fruits under ambient air condition as the control treatment. The fruit quality parameters measured included kernel firmness, color values (L^* , a^* , b^* , h°, and C^* ), weight loss, fungal decay and marketability, ethylene production, respiration rate, and sensory characteristics at 0, 30, 60, and 105 days of storage. The carbon dioxide (CO₂ ) and oxygen (O₂ ) concentrations in the package headspace were monitored during storage.

RESULTS

A modified atmosphere of 0.95-3.35% O₂ and 23.17-29.82% CO₂ was achieved in the passive-MAP treatment. Fruit respiration rates increased significantly relative to controls throughout storage (P ≤ 0.01). However, storage had no significant effect on ethylene production rates. Additionally, passive-MAP-stored fruits maintained firmness, shell lightness, kernel color, and sensory quality with minimum weight loss and fungal decay, compared with the control.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrate storage life of fresh pistachios in passive-MAP can be extended up to 105 days, compared with 30 days in ambient conditions. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Resveratrol supplementation significantly influences obesity measures: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

This study aimed to summarize earlier randomized controlled trials on the effects of resveratrol supplementation on body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and fat mass (FM). We searched PubMed, SCOPUS, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar from inception to April 2018 using relevant keywords. All clinical trials investigating the effects of resveratrol supplementation on BW, BMI, WC and FM in adults were included. Overall, 28 trials were included. Pooled effect sizes suggested a significant effect of resveratrol administration on weight (weighted mean differences [WMD]: -0.51 kg, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.94 to -0.09; I²  = 50.3%, P = 0.02), BMI (WMD: -0.17 kg m^-2 , 95% CI: -0.32, -0.03; I²  = 49.6%, P = 0.02) and WC (WMD: -0.79 cm, 95% CI: -1.39, -0.2; I²  = 13.4%, P = 0.009), respectively. However, no significant effect of resveratrol supplementation on FM was found (WMD: -0.36%, 95% CI: -0.88, 0.15; I²  = 0.0%, P = 0.16). Findings from subgroup analysis revealed a significant reduction in BW and BMI in trials using resveratrol at the dosage of <500 mg d^-1 , those with long-term interventions (≥3 month), and performed on people with obesity. Taken together, the data suggest that resveratrol supplementation has beneficial effects to reduce BW, BMI and WC, but not FM.

Squishy nanotraps: hybrid cellulose nanocrystal-zirconium metallogels for controlled trapping of biomacromolecules

A brick-and-mortar-like ultrasoft nanocomposite metallogel is formed by crosslinking cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) with ammonium zirconium carbonate (AZC) to trap and reconfigure dextran, a model biomacromolecule.

Probiotic Yogurt Culture Bifidobacterium Animalis Subsp. Lactis BB-12 and Lactobacillus Acidophilus LA-5 Modulate the Cytokine Secretion by Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells from Patients with Ulcerative Colitis

BACKGROUND

There are some evidences for the immunomodulation disorders in the response to intestinal microbiota in inflammatory bowel disease. Yogurt is a fermented milk product made with a starter culture consisting of different probiotics which could be colonized in intestine. However, the role of probiotics in the aetiopathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC) has not been clarified. To determine how the immune system responds to these bacteria this study was planned.

METHODS

Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12 (B. lactis) and Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5 (L. acidophilus) were cultivated on MRS broth. PBMCs of 36 UC patients were separated by Ficoll-Hypaque centrifugation and co-cultured with different concentrations of UV killed bacteria in RPMI-1 640 plus 10% FCS for 48/72 h. IL-10, TGF-β, IFN-γ and TNF-α were measured in supernatant of PBMCs by ELISA.

RESULTS

Both bacteria significantly augmented IL-10, TGF-β, IFN-γ and TNF-α compared to control (p<0.001). The secretion levels of IL-10 and TGF-β by B. lactis- compared to L. acidophilus-stimulated PBMCs were significantly higher (p<0.05, p<0.01 respectively). The secretion levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ by PBMCs after 72 h were significantly lower compared to 48 h stimulation by B. lactis (p<0.001, p<0.035 respectively).

CONCLUSION

These data show that both probiotics may trigger the pro- and anti-inflammatory immune response of UC patients. It seems that IL-10/TGF-β uprising by B. lactis could be the reason of TNF-α/IFN-γ reduction. Therefore albeit B. lactis still stimulates the effector Th cells but because of more stimulatory effect on Tregs, it could be a good potential therapeutic candidate for further investigation.

Circulating levels of interleukin-35 in patients with multiple sclerosis: evaluation of the influences of FOXP3 gene polymorphism and treatment program

The regulatory T (Treg) cells play a major role in the control of the autoimmunity and inflammation, and IL-35 has been described as an immunosuppressive cytokine that is mainly produced by CD4(+)FOXP3(+) Treg cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum levels of IL-35 and a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), rs3761548, in FOXP3 gene in patients with multiple sclerosis. The blood samples were collected from 140 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients (including 51 untreated and 89 treated patients) and 140 healthy subjects as a control group. The serum levels of IL-35 were measured by ELISA. The DNA was analyzed for SNP rs3761548 in FOXP3 gene using SSP-PCR. There was no significant difference between untreated MS patients and control group regarding the mean serum levels of IL-35, although this parameter was higher in untreated patients. However, the mean serum level of IL-35 in treated MS patients was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.008). The mean serum levels of IL-35 in patients who were treated with interferon-β, methylprednisolone, or with the both interferon-β and methylprednisolone were significantly higher than that in the healthy group (P < 0.01, P < 0.01, and P < 0.2, respectively). The frequencies of AA and AC genotypes at rs3761548 in the FOXP3 gene were significantly higher in MS group as compared with healthy subjects (P < 0.05). The frequency of CC genotype at rs3761548 was significantly lower in the MS group in comparison with healthy control subjects (P < 0.001). Moreover, the frequency of A allele was significantly higher whereas the frequency of C allele was significantly lower in MS patients in comparison to healthy subjects (P < 0.001). The mean serum level of IL-35 was significantly lower in MS patients or healthy subjects with AA genotype as compared with those with CC genotype at rs3761548 in FOXP3 gene (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively). These results showed higher serum levels of IL-35 in treated MS patients representing that the benefit effects of treatment may in part performed through the upregulation of the IL-35 production. The SNP rs3761548 may influence the susceptibility to MS disease and the serum levels of IL-35.

Augmenting the expression of NKp44 molecule and the natural killer activity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with malignant colorectal carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

NKp44 and NKG2D are of the main NK activating receptors involved in recognition and killing of tumors. Here we studied the stimulatory effects of PHA and/or K562 cell line on induction of NKp44 and NKG2D expression and the NK activity of PBMCs from patients with colorectal carcinoma (CRC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Peripheral blood samples were collected from 10 patients with CRC. The peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from each patient received a single stimulation with PHA or double stimulation with PHA and irradiated K562 cell line (iK562). The expression of CD56, NKG2D and NKp44 were detected by flowcytometry. The NK activity of PBMCs against a colorectal carcinoma cell line named as SW742 was determined with 51Cr-release assay.

RESULTS

Double stimulation of PBMCs with PHA+iK562 significantly augmented the number CD56(+) cells compared to PHA alone and non-stimulated PBMCs (P<0.000, P<0.0000; respectively). A single stimulation of PBMCs with PHA resulted in an enhancement in NKG2D and NKp44 expression from 16.6±3.3% (for non-stimulated PBMCs) to 42±5.6% and 48.1±3.8% respectively (p<0.05). Double stimulation of PBMCs augmented the NKp44 expression significantly in comparison with single stimulation with PHA (73.6±12%, p<0.05). Double stimulation of PBMCs significantly enhanced the NK activity against SW742 target cells compared to single stimulation with PHA (p<0.05).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrated that the mitogen and iK562 exposure to PBMCs can significantly improve NK activity which is co-related to the higher expression of NKp44 and NKG2D. These data may help to improve cancer immunotherapy protocols.

In vitro modulation of natural killer activity of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells against prostate tumor cell line

OBJECTIVE

Natural killer (NK) cells have long been known to be involved in the recognition and lysis of tumor cells but the mechanisms contributing to deficient NK activity in patients with cancer remains unclear. Manipulation of them is likely essential to the success of cancer immunotherapy protocols although optimal stimulation and maintenance of NK activity remains elusive. Here we studied the stimulatory effects of PHA and K562, on NK activity of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The NK activity of PBMCs against DU-145 was determined with 51Cr-release assay. The PBMCs were stimulated with PHA, either on one occasion or repetitively on three occasions (1-PHA-PBMC or 3-PHA-PBMC, respectively), and were incubated with irradiated K562 (iK562). The expression of CD56, NKG2D and MICA/B were detected on PBMCs and cell lines with flow cytometry.

RESULTS

PHA stimulation increased the proportion of CD56+ cells and upregulated NKG2D expression on 1-PHA-PBMC and 3-PHA-PBMC, but co-incubation with iK562 decreased NKG2D expression on 1-PHA-PBMC without change of NKG2D expression on the 3-PHA-PBMC. NK activity of 1-PHA-PBMC appeared to decrease with co-incubation with iK562 compared to a significant increase in activity of 3-PHA-PBMC. A similar increase in interferon-γ (IFN-γ) secretion from 3-PHA-PBMC was demonstrated compared to 1-PHA-PBMC.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrated that varying the mitogen exposure to PBMCs affect the influence of iK562 on NK activity. This effect appeared to be unrelated to the subsequent expression of NKG2D or IFN-γ secretion. These results may be beneficial in the development of future cancer immunotherapy protocols.

Effect of surfactant HLB and different formulation variables on the properties of poly-D,L-lactide microspheres of naltrexone prepared by double emulsion technique

The aim of this work was to investigate the role of HLB of emulsifier as well as volume of the internal aqueous phase (W(1)) and presence of salt in the external aqueous phase (W(2)) on the morphology, size and encapsulation efficiency of poly(D,L-lactide) microspheres containing naltrexone HCl. PLA microparticles containing naltrexone HCl, an effective opiate antagonist, were prepared by a water-in-oil-in-water emulsification-solvent evaporation procedure. One of the five different emulsifiers: span 80, span 20, tween 85, tween 80 and tween 20, with HLB values from 4-17 were added to W(1). Presence of emulsifier in W(1) resulted in smaller particles with a more dense and uniform internal structure. Incorporation of span 80 (HLB 4.3, suitable for W/O emulsions) yield the highest encapsulation efficiency. Increasing the HLB value to 8 or 11 (span 20 or tween 85) decreased the efficiency of naltrexone HCl-loading. HLB values higher than 15 (tween 80 or tween 20) increased encapsulation efficiency unexpectedly, which could be attributed to migration of these emulsifiers to the O/W(2) interface and modifying the surface properties of microparticles. Increasing the internal water phase volume from 0.2-1.8 ml resulted in larger particle size with poor encapsulation efficiency. Addition of 10% w/w NaCl to the W(2) changed the surface morphology of microspheres from a porous form to a smooth surface. It was shown that, by selecting the appropriate HLB value of emulsifier in W(1), addition of salt to W(2) and controlling the volume of W(1), one can control the encapsulation efficiency, size and morphology of microspheres.