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Hein Heckroth - Bühnenbildner, Filmdesigner, Maler. Bausteine einer Werkbiografie
(2025)
Hein Heckroth (1901–1970) war als Bühnenbildner, Kostümentwerfer, Produktionsdesigner, Maler und Zeichner ein bedeutender Akteur im Kunstleben seiner Zeit. Er schuf die Ausstattung für Theaterproduktionen ersten Ranges, zum Beispiel für das von Kurt Jooss choreografierte Tanzdrama Der grüne Tisch (1932). Der legendäre Ballettfilm The Red Shoes (1948) erhielt durch Heckroths Entwürfe sein Gepräge und brachte ihm den Oscar in der Kategorie „Best Art Direction (Color)“ ein. Doch obwohl Heckroth als Szenograf über Jahrzehnte mit vielen Theater- und Filmgrößen aufs Engste zusammenarbeitete und als Maler wiederholt – auch posthum – durch Ausstellungen gewürdigt wurde, ist die Landkarte seiner ruhelosen und wechselvollen Karriere noch voller weißer Flecken. Das Buch trägt dazu bei, Heckroths Werkbiografie weiter und tieferdringend zu erkunden und ihn als einen exemplarischen Akteur der Moderne greifbar zu machen. In den einzelnen Beiträgen geht es deshalb sowohl um die Rekonstruktion biografischer Stationen Heckroths als auch um eine differenzierte Einordnung des Künstlers und seines vielgestaltigen Schaffens in die historischen Kontexte.
Immediate dam-sourced colostrum provision reduces calf mortality - management practices and calf mortality in large dairy herds
(2024) Keller, Steffi; Donat, Karsten; Söllner-Donat, Stefanie; Wehrend, Axel; Klassen, Anne
Background: Farm-specific management practices greatly impact calf mortality rates. This cross-sectional study aimed to analyse the association between calf mortality and management practices in large dairy farms. A total of 93 dairy farms were voluntarily included in the study. All farms reared their own youngstock, and all but one kept more than 100 dairy cows. From March 2017 to March 2018, calf management practices were monitored during a farm visit, and farm managers were surveyed regarding calving procedures, neonate management, and environmental factors. Data were collated and analysed in conjunction with the 2017 calf mortality rate, as determined for each farm by using data from the German database of animal origin and movement (HI-Tier). All variables from the topics of colostrum supply, calf feeding, housing, health related information and calving preparation of the cows that resulted in P ≤ 0.1 in the analysis of variance were assumed to be associated with the calf mortality rate and were considered for a general linear mixed regression model. Results: According to the data from the HI-Tier database of the 93 study herds from 2017, 54,474 calves were born alive and 3,790 calves died within the first six months of life. The calf mortality rate was lower on farms where calves were immediately provided with dam-sourced colostrum. Farm managers perceiving dust as the primary factor precipitating respiratory disease on the farm was positively associated with calf mortality. Regularly replacing bucket teats correlated with lower calf mortality rates compared to replacing them only upon detection of abrasion. Conclusions: The study findings suggest that feeding calves with dam-sourced colostrum can potentially reduce overall calf mortality within the herd. This management practice holds comparable importance to ensuring successful passive transfer through timely and adequate colostrum feeding. Moreover, maintaining a low dust environment for the calves and consistently replacing bucket teats play significant roles in promoting better overall calf health.
Comparative evaluation of the modulatory role of 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D3 on endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced effects in 2D and 3D cultures of the intestinal porcine epithelial cell line IPEC-J2
(2024) Wen, Gaiping; Eder, Klaus; Ringseis, Robert
Background: The use of conventional two-dimensional (2D) culture of the porcine intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) line IPEC-J2 in animal nutrition research has the disadvantage that IEC function is studied under unphysiological conditions, which limits the ability of transferring knowledge to the in vivo-situation. Thus, the aim of the present study was to establish a more convincing and meaningful three-dimensional (3D) culture of IPEC-J2 cells, which allows to study cell function in a more tissue-like environment, and to compare the effect of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress inducer tunicamycin (TM) on ER stress indicators and the expression of tight junction proteins (TJP), inflammatory and apoptosis-related genes and the modulatory role of 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D3 (1,25D3) on these parameters in 2D and 3D cultures of IPEC-J2 cells. Results: A published protocol for 3D culture of Caco-2 cells was successfully adopted to IPEC-J2 cells as evident from fully differentiated 3D IPEC-J2 spheroids showing the characteristic spherical architecture with a single layer of IPEC-J2 cells surrounding a central lumen. Treatment of 2D IPEC-J2 cells and 3D IPEC-J2 spheroids with TM for 24 h markedly increased mRNA and/or protein levels of the ER stress target genes, heat shock protein family A (Hsp70) member 5 (HSPA5) and DNA damage inducible transcript 3 (DDIT3), whereas co-treatment with TM and 1,25D3 did not mitigate TM-induced ER stress in IPEC-J2 cells in the 2D and the 3D cell culture. In contrast, TM-induced expression of pro-inflammatory [interleukin-6 (IL6), IL8] and pro-apoptotic genes [BCL2 associated X, apoptosis regulator (BAX), caspase 3 (CASP3), CASP8] and genes encoding TJP [TJP1, claudin 1 (CLDN1), CLDN3, occludin (OCLN), cadherin 1 (CDH1), junctional adhesion molecule 1 (JAM1)] was reduced by co-treatment with TM and 1,25D3 in 3D IPEC-J2 spheroids but not in the 2D cell culture. Conclusions: The effect of 1,25D3 in the IPEC-J2 cell culture is dependent on the culture model applied. While 1,25D3 does not inhibit TM-induced expression of genes involved in inflammation, apoptosis and TJP in conventional 2D cultures of IPEC-J2 cells, TM-induced expression of these genes is abrogated by 1,25D3 in the more meaningful 3D IPEC-J2 cell culture model.
Conservation of the dehiscence zone gene regulatory network in dicots and the role of the SEEDSTICK ortholog of California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) in fruit development
(2024) Lotz, Dominik; Rössner, Le Han; Ehlers, Katrin; Kong, Doudou; Rössner, Clemens; Rupp, Oliver; Becker, Annette
Background: Fruits, with their diverse shapes, colors, and flavors, represent a fascinating aspect of plant evolution and have played a significant role in human history and nutrition. Understanding the origins and evolutionary pathways of fruits offers valuable insights into plant diversity, ecological relationships, and the development of agricultural systems. Arabidopsis thaliana (Brassicaceae, core eudicot) and Eschscholzia californica (California poppy, Papaveraceae, sister group to core eudicots) both develop dry dehiscent fruits, with two valves separating explosively from the replum-like region upon maturation. This led to the hypothesis, that homologous gene regulatory networks direct fruit development and dehiscence in both species. Results: Transcriptome analysis of separately collected valve and replum-like tissue of California poppy yielded the SEEDSTICK (STK) ortholog as candidate for dehiscence zone regulation. Expression analysis of STK orthologs from dry dehiscing fruits of legumes (Vicia faba, Glycine max and Pisum sativum) shows their involvement in fruit development. Functional analysis using Virus-Induced Gene Silencing (VIGS) showed premature rupture of fruits and clarified the roles of EscaSTK: an evolutionary conserved role in seed filling and seed coat development, and a novel role in restricting cell divisions in the inner cell layer of the valve. Conclusion: Our analysis shows that the gene regulatory network described in Arabidopsis is significantly different in other dicots, even if their fruits form a dehiscence zone at the valve margins. The ortholog of STK, known to be involved in ovule development and seed abscission in Arabidopsis, was recruited to a network regulating fruit wall proliferation in California poppy. There, EscaSTK allows fruit maturation without premature capsule rupture, highlighting the importance of proper endocarp development for successful seed dispersal.
Isolated and multiple causes of equine dystocia
(2024) Ellerbrock, Markus; Krohn, Judith; Büttner, Kathrin; Wehrend, Axel
Background: Dystocia is rare in horses, but is life-threatening for mares and foals. Therefore, veterinary research depends on up-to-date data to optimise equine dystocia management. In addition, knowledge of the prognosis of equine dystocia is necessary to advise animal owners. This retrospective study of equine dystocia aimed to enrich existing datasets with up-to-date information. For the first time, the focus was on the causes of dystocia that occurred alone or in combination. Over a period of 10 years, 72 cases of dystocia were analysed using a standardised, predetermined diagnosis code. Results: Of the 72 cases of dystocia, an isolated cause of dystocia was identified in 37 cases (51.4%) and 35 mares showed a combination of two or more causes (48.6%). Foetal causes were significantly more frequent origin of dystocia (66/69) than maternal causes (3/66) (P < 0.0001). Incorrect posture of the foetal forelimbs and head was the most common combination at 25.7%. The most common isolated cause of dystocia was incorrect posture of the foetal forelimbs (18.9%). A foetotomy was performed in 68% of cases. A caesarean section or an extraction was performed in 13.9% of the cases. Three mares died before any obstetric care was provided. Nine mares (12.5%) were not discharged alive. 73 foals were delivered of which 55 were already dead before veterinary treatment began. In relation to the total number of births in which the foetus was alive at the start of obstetric care, the foetal mortality rate was 61.1% and 88.9% by the time the mare was discharged. Conclusions: It has been demonstrated for the first time that multiple causes of dystocia in horses are almost as common as isolated causes of dystocia. Neonatal mortality remains high, indicating that the timely detection and treatment of dystocia has the highest priority.
Dynamics of the human bile acid metabolome during weight loss
(2024) Schmid, Andreas; Liebisch, Gerhard; Burkhardt, Ralph; Belikan, Hannah; Köhler, Sebastian; Steger, Daniel; Schweitzer, Leonie; Pons-Kühnemann, Jörn; Karrasch, Thomas; Schäffler, Andreas
Bile acids (BA) are supposed to cause metabolic alterations after bariatric surgery (BS). Here we report the longitudinal dynamics of the human BA metabolome by LC–MS/MS after BS versus low calory diet (LCD) in two obesity cohorts over 12 months. Rapid and persistent oscillations of 23 BA subspecies could be identified with highly specific patterns in BS vs. LCD. TCDCA, GLCA, and TLCA represent most promising candidates for drug development.
A global patent dataset of bioeconomy-related inventions
(2024) Kriesch, Lukas; Losacker, Sebastian
Many governments worldwide have proposed transitioning from a fossil-based economy to a bioeconomy to address climate change, resource depletion, and other environmental concerns. The bioeconomy utilizes renewable biological resources across all sectors and is strongly founded on scientific advances and technological progress. Given that the bioeconomy spans multiple sectors, industries, and technological fields, tracking it is challenging, and both policymakers and researchers lack a comprehensive understanding of the bioeconomy transition’s progress. We aim to solve this problem by providing a dataset on patents, a commonly used indicator to study the development of novel knowledge and technological change, that identifies bioeconomy-related inventions. We leverage the advanced semantic understanding embedded in pre-trained transformer models to identify bioeconomy-related patents based on patent abstracts, and we use a topic modelling approach to identify several coherent technological fields within the corpus of bioeconomy patents. The dataset can be linked to other patent databases and therefore provides rich opportunities to study the technological knowledge base of the bioeconomy.
Anogenital distance on MRI does not correlate to surgical diagnosis of endometriosis in patients without prior abdominal surgery
(2024) Harth, Sebastian; Metze, Lena; Leufkens, Daniel; Roller, Fritz C.; Brose, Alexander; Zeppernick, Felix; Meinhold-Heerlein, Ivo; Krombach, Gabriele A.
Anogenital distance (AGD) is regarded as a potential biomarker for endometriosis, and a measurement on MRI images has been found to be promising. This study aimed to evaluate the measurement of AGD on MRI to predict the surgical diagnosis of endometriosis. We included 127 patients who received an MRI for endometriosis between October 2018 and February 2023. AGD was measured on MRI by two readers (MRI-AGD-AC: clitoris to anus; MRI-AGD-AF: posterior fourchette to anus). The feasibility and interobserver reliability of AGD measurements were evaluated. Differences in AGD between patient groups were analyzed. The intraclass correlation coefficient estimates indicated a good to excellent reliability of MRI-AGD-AC (0.92; 95% CI: 0.83–0.95) and a poor to good reliability of MRI-AGD-AF (0.68; 95% CI: 0.27–0.83). No statistically significant differences in the mean MRI-AGD-AC and MRI-AGD-AF in patients with and without surgical diagnosis of DIE (p = 0.413; p = 0.110), peritoneal endometriosis with and without DIE (p = 0.641; p = 0.323), and ovarian endometriosis (p = 0.155; p = 0.150) were found. The AUC ranged from 0.475 (95% CI: 0.365–0.584) to 0.586 (95% CI: 0.454–0.718). Thus, AGD does not constitute a valuable biomarker for patients with clinically suspected endometriosis.
Hyperflexing the horse’s neck: a systematic review and meta-analysis
(2024) König von Borstel, Uta; Kienapfel, Kathrin; McLean, Andrew; Wilkins, Cristina; McGreevy, Paul
The article reports a meta-analysis of 58 peer-reviewed studies investigating on dorsoventral hyperflexion of the neck in horses, a practice under substantial public and scientific scrutiny for the past two decades. The following databases were last searched on 28.05.2023: CAB, Google Scholar, Web of Science, NAL/Agricola, PubMed and ScienceDirect. After evaluating the conclusions of each study, we performed statistical analyses to establish a consensus on welfare and performance (performance marks, kinematics and musculoskeletal) outcomes in horses performing with a hyperflexed head and neck posture (HNP). The analysis revealed that a significant majority of the articles (75% of n = 36; Z = 3.00; P>|Z|=0.0027) expressed concerns about the welfare of horses working in this posture. Parameters such as dressage training level, prior experience, duration, and method of achieving the hyperflexed posture did not influence welfare concern conclusions significantly (P > 0.1). Therefore, it appears that the practice impairs welfare regardless of how it is imposed. A concurrent assessment of the weight of evidence for performance benefits showed inconclusive results: approximately one-quarter of the studies showed benefits and one-quarter detrimental effects, while the largest proportion (44%) showed no significant effect on performance. On balance, it appears that the costs associated with hyperflexed HNPs exceed potential benefits.
Characterization of a GDS(L)-like hydrolase from Pleurotus sapidus with an unusual SGNH motif
(2024) Fingerhut, Miriam A.; Henrich, Lea; Lauber, Christiane; Broel, Niklas; Ghezellou, Parviz; Karrer, Dominik; Spengler, Bernhard; Langfelder, Kim; Stressler, Timo; Zorn, Holger; Gand, Martin
The GDS(L)-like lipase from the Basidiomycota Pleurotus sapidus (PSA_Lip) was heterologously expressed using Trichoderma reesei with an activity of 350 U L−1. The isoelectric point of 5.0 was determined by isoelectric focusing. The novel PSA_Lip showed only 23.8–25.1%, 25.5%, 26.6% and 28.4% identity to the previously characterized GDSL-like enzymes phospholipase, plant lipase, acetylcholinesterase and acetylxylan esterase, from the carbohydrate esterase family 16, respectively. Therefore, the enzyme was purified from the culture supernatant and the catalytic properties and the substrate specificity of the enzyme were investigated using different assays to reveal its potential function. While no phospholipase, acetylcholinesterase and acetylxylan esterase activities were detected, studies on the hydrolysis of ferulic acid methyl ester (~ 8.3%) and feruloylated carbohydrate 5-O-transferuloyl-arabino-furanose (~ 0.8%) showed low conversions of these substrates. By investigating the hydrolytic activity towards p-nitrophenyl-(pNP)-esters with various chain-lengths, the highest activity was determined for medium chain-length pNP-octanoate at 65 °C and a pH value of 8, while almost no activity was detected for pNP-hexanoate. The enzyme is highly stable when stored at pH 10 and 4 °C for at least 7 days. Moreover, using consensus sequence analysis and homology modeling, we could demonstrate that the PSA_Lip does not contain the usual SGNH residues in the actives site, which are usually present in GDS(L)-like enzymes.
Lysine and arginine methylation of transcription factors
(2024) Giaimo, Benedetto Daniele; Ferrante, Francesca; Borggrefe, Tilman
Post-translational modifications (PTMs) are implicated in many biological processes including receptor activation, signal transduction, transcriptional regulation and protein turnover. Lysine’s side chain is particularly notable, as it can undergo methylation, acetylation, SUMOylation and ubiquitination. Methylation affects not only lysine but also arginine residues, both of which are implicated in epigenetic regulation. Beyond histone-tails as substrates, dynamic methylation of transcription factors has been described. The focus of this review is on these non-histone substrates providing a detailed discussion of what is currently known about methylation of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), P53, nuclear receptors (NRs) and RELA. The role of methylation in regulating protein stability and function by acting as docking sites for methyl-reader proteins and via their crosstalk with other PTMs is explored.
Domestic and irrigation water quality on the southern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro
(2024) Codalli, Fabia; Shagega, Frank; Breuer, Lutz; Munishi, Subira; Jacobs, Suzanne
This study assessed the water quality for drinking and irrigation purposes on the southern slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro during the dry season under low flow conditions. Fifty-one samples covering eight different water sources (i.e., stream water from natural and anthropogenic impacted streams, domestic water, spring water, rainfall, groundwater, lake water and water from irrigation canals) were collected in a snapshot sampling campaign over 10 days in February 2023. First, physical, chemical and biological parameters were analysed and compared with Tanzanian and international drinking and irrigation water quality requirements. The samples were then ranked according to their suitability for drinking and/or irrigation using water quality indices (WQI). All drinking water quality parameters except for E. coli and turbidity were within the permissible limits. A generalised problem of faecal contamination was found in the study area, including in domestic water, highlighting the need to identify sources of contamination and remediate them before distribution. The drinking water quality index (DWQI) classified 89% of the samples as unsuitable and 11% as excellent for drinking. Irrigation water quality parameters were within the guidelines of restriction of use except for pH in 5 samples. In contrast to the DWQI, the vast majority of the water samples (88%) can be used for irrigation without restrictions according to the irrigation water quality index (IWQI). The suitability of water for irrigation was also assessed using three indices, i.e., Kelley’s Index, Soluble Sodium Percentage and Magnesium Ratio, which indicated potential problems with excess of sodium (about 30% of the samples) and magnesium (about 20%). Further studies combining suitability indices, soil characteristics and crop types are recommended to assess water quality for irrigation use.
Understanding nuclear mRNA export: Survival under stress
(2024) Seidler, Johanna Franziska; Sträßer, Katja
Nuclear messenger RNA (mRNA) export is vital for cell survival under both physiological and stress conditions. To cope with stress, cells block bulk mRNA export while selectively exporting stress-specific mRNAs. Under physiological conditions, nuclear adaptor proteins recruit the mRNA exporter to the mRNA for export. By contrast, during stress conditions, the mRNA exporter is likely directly recruited to stress-specific mRNAs at their transcription sites to facilitate selective mRNA export. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of nuclear mRNA export. Importantly, we explore insights into the mechanisms that block bulk mRNA export and facilitate transcript-specific mRNA export under stress, highlighting the gaps that still need to be filled.
Cement Viscosity and Application Time Lead to Significant Changes in Cement Penetration and Contact Surface Area
(2024) Fölsch, Christian; Schirmer, Julia; Glameanu, Cosmin; Ishaque, Bernd; Fonseca Ulloa, Carlos Alfonso; Harz, Torben; Rickert, Markus; Martin, John Ryan; Scherberich, Jan; Steinbart, Jessica; Krombach, Gabriele; Paul, Christian; Kühn, Klaus-Dieter; Jahnke, Alexander
Background: Application time and viscosity are factors that can significantly affect the properties of bone cement and implant fixation. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of different application times of 2 different cements on mechanical parameters, cement interdigitation, and cement distribution. Methods: P.F.C. Sigma tibial trays were cemented with high-viscous Palacos R and medium- to low-viscous Simplex P in an open-cell model. The application was performed at different times within the manufacturer’s specifications. Cement interdigitation and micromotion were measured with computed tomography scan using a novel method. Results: Significant differences of insertion forces were found at all times of cement application. Cement penetration decreased with increasing pressure and viscosity. No significant differences were shown for micromotion between Palacos R and Simplex P except for an increase for Simplex P from 3 to 7 minutes at the bone-cement interface. Simplex P appeared to trap air at the implant-cement interface at 3 minutes and increased at 7 minutes. Conclusions: Cement distribution and intrusion of Palacos R and Simplex P decreased with time. Simplex P trapped air at the implant-cement interface, decreasing the amount of contact at the implant-cement interface, which is worrisome for long-term implant fixation. Given the significant changes in cement properties after mixing, it is necessary for surgeons to understand the viscosity and timing of cement application to achieve optimal cement penetration and surface contact area to potentially decrease implant loosening. High-viscous Palacos R should be applicated immediately with doughing time and medium-viscous Simplex P for about 4 minutes considering a threshold of minimum pressure.
Do sensorimotor insoles improve gait safety in patients with Parkinson’s disease on a short scale?
(2024) Maurer, Lisa K.; Maurer, Heiko; König, Manuel; van Munster, Marlena; Haen, Saskia; Pedrosa, David J.
Introduction: Parkinson’s disease (PD) often leads to gait abnormalities, increasing the risk of falls and affecting daily life. Sensorimotor insoles aim to enhance foot sensitivity, potentially improving gait stability. Methods: This study examined whether there are short-term effects of sensorimotor insoles on neural activation (measured by EEG), kinematic gait parameters (speed, cadence, step length, and step-length variability), and subjective gait stability in PD patients. Sixteen individuals suffering from PD completed a gait task while wearing sensorimotor and placebo insoles, respectively. Results: The results showed no significant changes in kinematic parameters with the sensorimotor insoles. Subjective ratings of gait stability and attentional control of gait improved on average with the sensorimotor insoles, but again did not reach statistical significance. There was no significant reduction in alpha-band activity, indicating no improvement in sensorimotor processing. Conclusion: The immediate impact of sensorimotor insoles on sensorimotor processing and gait characteristics in PD patients remains inconclusive. The small sample size limited the statistical power, highlighting the need for larger studies to comprehensively assess efficacy. Further research should investigate the long-term effects and potential benefits on disability measures in PD patients.
Drivers and magnitude of food insecurity among rural households in southern Democratic Republic of Congo
(2024) Manyong, Victor; Nguezet, Paul Martin Dontsop; Nyamuhirwa, Dieu-Merci Akonkwa; Osabohien, Romanus; Bokanga, Mpoko; Mignouna, Jacob; Bamba, Zoumana; Adeoti, Razack
Access to adequate and nutritious food is accepted as a human right worldwide. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Kasai Oriental province is one of the most vulnerable provinces in the country in terms of food insecurity. However, its current depth of food insecurity and the root factors have not been studied. Against this background, this study used cross-sectional data from 318 households to analyze the magnitude and socioeconomic drivers of food insecurity among rural households in the province. We developed two food security indicators: the food consumption score (FCS) and household food insecurity access scale (HFIAS), and applied the ordinary least square (OLS) and the negative binomial model for the analysis. Our findings show that households rely mainly on vegetables to meet their food need, consume more energy, and have limited access to protein, vitamin, and fat-rich foods. All the surveyed households were deficient in food quantity, while 75 % were deficient in quality. The study noted that the severity of food insecurity is zone-specific and more pronounced in the Kabeya Kamwanga territory than in others. Importantly, the poverty and education levels among households associated with large household sizes were the significant determinants of food insecurity in the area. These results strongly demonstrate the need for agrifood interventions that foster education, enable efficient land use, and target poor households in the province.
Food loss analysis in Nigeria: A systematic literature review
(2024) Abulude, Ifeoluwa; Wahlen, Stefan
The issue of food loss and waste is a complex one that must be addressed if sustainable food systems are to be achieved. In the Global South, as evidenced by Nigeria, two paradoxical trends can be observed. Firstly, substantial losses of arable crops occur during the production and distribution stages. Secondly, Nigeria is affected by food scarcity, which is in part a consequence of losses occurring at these stages. In terms of food availability, Nigeria ranks 26th among African countries. In light of this context and the government's expressed interest in identifying sustainable solutions to this problem, a systematic review was conducted with the objective of consolidating the fragmented studies on food loss in the region. This review provides a foundation for understanding the causes of food loss, the preventive and reduction strategies required, and for identifying promising areas for future research. The review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Checklist 2020. Following the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 23 studies were selected for review. A thematic synthesis was employed to integrate and examine the findings of the studies. The findings indicated that maize, rice, and cassava continued to be the most prevalent food crops in Nigeria, with cultivation occurring across the entire country. We differentiate the critical loss points for different crops, which arise between the production and distribution stages. In conclusion, this review reveals that food loss in Nigeria is a multifaceted issue requiring integrated solutions that address the natural, social, and material dimensions. Further empirical research, especially qualitative studies that focus on the perspectives and practices of food system actors, is essential for developing effective interventions and policies. This approach will help achieve sustainable development of food systems and advance global food security goals.
Methodological approaches on synergies and trade-offs within the 2030 Agenda
(2024) Assubayeva, Aliya; Marco, Jorge
The world is lagging in achieving the 2030 Agenda’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing social, economic, and environmental dimensions. Meeting one target may either help or hinder meeting another, but the high number of potential interactions complicates the evaluation of synergies and trade-offs. Here, we focus on the water-energy-food nexus to assess how the knowledge of SDG interlinkages has been operationalized to inform policymaking. Specifically, we review the effectiveness of research methodologies, such as correlation analysis, network analysis, meta-analysis and literature reviews, expert-based assessments, and integrated assessment models in characterizing SDG interlinkages. Most studies indicate that synergies are more prevalent than trade-offs, but they have seldom analyzed whether such infrequent trade-offs might nevertheless have a greater impact on sustainable development. Further, existing methods do not always reveal the directionality and strength of SDG interactions or consider projections of future interlinkages such as transboundary and intergenerational spillovers. In this context, it may be worth revisiting earlier definitions of sustainable development that prioritized intergenerational aspects and future needs.
Physiological and biochemical changes induced by drought stress during the stem elongation and anthesis stages in the Triticum genus
(2024) Pantha, Sumitra; Kilian, Benjamin; Özkan, Hakan; Zeibig, Frederike; Frei, Michael
Drought stress negatively influences the growth, development, and grain yield of wheat by disrupting its morphological, physiological, and biochemical processes. This study examined the effects of drought stress during the stem elongation and anthesis developmental stages of species within the Triticum genus along with their drought adaptation mechanisms under fully watered and drought conditions. We tested the following two hypotheses: (1) drought tolerance mechanisms for osmotic and stomatal regulation that lead to oxidative stress are correlated between the stem elongation and anthesis stages and affect grain yield loss, and (2) compared with modern cultivars, wild wheat cultivars exhibit greater drought tolerance. To test these hypotheses, a greenhouse pot experiment was conducted using 17 genotypes of wild wheat relatives and landraces, with modern cultivars included for comparison. Drought stress was induced during the stem elongation and anthesis stages until the average soil moisture was approximately 15 % and 18 %, respectively, of the pot’s water holding capacity. The soil moisture was maintained at 80–90 % for the fully watered treatment. An examination of physiological and biochemical traits revealed that drought significantly reduced stomatal conductance (gsw) and relative water content (RWC) during both developmental stages. However, significant increases occurred in the malondialdehyde (MDA) content during both stages and in the proline content during the anthesis stage. Drought stress significantly decreased the number of days to heading and anthesis, indicating that drought escape occurs under severe drought stress. Furthermore, drought significantly decreased morphological and yield-related traits, with the greatest reduction (51 %) occurring in grain yield. Weakly significant positive associations of biochemical and some physiological traits between the stem elongation and anthesis stages partially confirmed our first hypothesis, whereas our results relating to the second hypothesis were inconclusive. We observed genotype-dependent responses to drought stress during both stages for various measured traits. No associations of RWC, proline, or MDA with grain yield were found. However, stomatal conductance was negatively correlated with grain yield under drought stress at the anthesis stage. Certain wild wheat genotypes and landraces exhibited drought avoidance, escape, and tolerance mechanisms, which positively contributed to grain yield. We identified T. monococcum subsp. sinskajae, T. boeoticum and T. dicoccoides as the most drought-tolerant genotypes. The findings of this study provide important insight for understanding the drought adaptation traits and their use in wheat breeding programs.
Research note: Effect of a biotechnologically produced Pleurotus sapidus mycelium on expression of genes involved in protein synthesis and degradation in breast muscle of broilers
(2024) Schäfer, Lea; Herrero-Encinas, Javier; Rühl, Martin; Zorn, Holger; Most, Erika; Eder, Klaus; Ringseis, Robert
Recently, feeding a fungal mycelium from Pleurotus sapidus was found to reduce relative breast muscle weight of broilers. The present study tested the hypothesis that dietary inclusion of P. sapidus mycelium modulates the expression of genes involved in protein anabolic and protein catabolic pathways in breast muscle of broilers. The study included 72 male, 1-day-old Cobb 500 broilers which were randomly assigned to three groups fed three different diets containing either 0 (PSA-0), 25 (PSA-25) and 50 (PSA-50) g/kg diet P. sapidus mycelium in a three-phase feeding system for 35 days. Within the somatropic axis, the mRNA level of GHR was higher and that of IGF1R was lower in group PSA-25 than in group PSA-0 (P < 0.05). Within the mTOR signaling pathway, the mRNA level of S6K1 was higher in group PSA-25 than in group PSA-0 (P < 0.05). Within muscle growth-related genes, the mRNA level of MYOG was lower in groups PSA-25 and PSA-50 than in group PSA-0 (P < 0.05). The relative phosphorylation of proteins involved in protein anabolic pathways (S6K1, RPS6, eIF2a, AKT) did not differ across the three groups. The mRNA of most genes involved in molecular pathways of protein degradation and inhibition of protein synthesis, such as the GCN/eIF2a pathway, the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, and the autophagy-lysosomal pathway, showed no differences across the three groups. Only the mRNA level of ATG9A was higher in group PSA-25 compared to group PSA-0 (P < 0.05). These observations suggest that a modulation of these signaling pathways is unlikely to explain the reduced relative breast muscle weight in broilers. Nevertheless, future studies are necessary to exclude an effect of feeding P. sapidus mycelium on other less prominent pathways affecting skeletal muscle mass.

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