bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differences in Cognitive-Perceptual Factors Arising From Variations in Self-Professed Paranormal Ability
Authors: Drinkwater Kenneth Graham , Dagnall Neil , Denovan Andrew , Williams Christopher
Published: June 2021

This study examined whether scores on indices related to subclinical delusion formation and thinking style varied as a function of level of self-professed paranormal ability. To assess this, the researchers compared three groups differing in personal ascription of paranormal powers: no ability, self-professed ability, and paranormal practitioners (i.e., Mediums, Psychics, Spiritualists, and Fortune-Tellers). Paranormal practitioners (compared with no and self-professed ability conditions) were expected to score higher on paranormal belief, proneness to reality testing deficits, emotion-based reasoning, and lower on belief in science. Comparable differences were predicted between the self-professed and no ability conditions. A sample of 917 respondents (329 males, 588 females) completed self-report measures online. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) revealed an overall main effect. Further investigation, using discriminant descriptive analysis, indicated that paranormal practitioners scored higher on proneness to reality testing deficits, paranormal belief, and emotion-based reasoning. Belief in science did not meaningfully contribute to the discriminant function. Overall, results were consistent with previous academic work in the domains of paranormal belief and experience, which has reported that paranormal-related cognitions and perceptions are associated with factors related to subclinical delusion formation (i.e., emotion-based/intuitive thinking).
Factors That Influence Perceived Organizational Support for Emotional Labor of Chinese Medical Personnel in Hubei
Authors: Zeng Zhi , Wang Xiaoyu , Bi Haoran , Li Yawen , Yue Songhua , Gu Simeng , Xiang Gaoyue
Published: June 2021

At the outbreak of coronavirus disease in Wuhan, China, 42,322 medical personnel from other provinces and municipalities in China volunteered to rush to Hubei to assist their colleagues. Their all-out efforts contributed to Hubei finally winning the fight to prevent and control the pandemic. The aim of this study is to explore the influence of perceived organizational support on the emotional labor of medical personnel in Hubei Province. A group of 170 medical personnel from (tertiary) hospitals who participated in the pandemic aid operation in Hubei completed self-administered questionnaires, including the perceived organizational support scale, emotional labor scale, and professional identity scale. This study used Pearson's correlation in SPSS to analyze the three variables of organizational support, emotional labor, and professional identity. Organizational support and emotional labor (r = 0.443, P < 0.01), organizational support and professional identity (r = 0.631, P < 0.01), and emotional labor and occupational identity (r = 0.511, P < 0.01) showed a significant positive correlation. The bootstrapping mediating effect test was used to determine the overall mediating effect of occupational identity. Occupational identity was a complete mediating effect between organizational support and emotional labor. The results show that a strong sense of organizational support can promote higher emotional labor among medical workers in Hubei Province. A strong sense of organizational support will also promote a stronger professional identity; further, a strong professional identity completely mediates the effect of perceived organizational support on emotional labor. These results infer that in emergency medical and health services, medical personnel can realize a high sense of organizational support, which could enhance their professional identity; this enables them to combine their professional goals with organizational goals more actively and to finally pay higher emotional labor to achieve organizational goals.
The State of Music Therapy Studies in the Past 20 Years: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Li Kailimi , Weng Linman , Wang Xueqiang
Published: June 2021

Purpose: Music therapy is increasingly being used to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals. However, publications on the global trends of music therapy using bibliometric analysis are rare. The study aimed to use the CiteSpace software to provide global scientific research about music therapy from 2000 to 2019.

Methods: Publications between 2000 and 2019 related to music therapy were searched from the Web of Science (WoS) database. The CiteSpace V software was used to perform co-citation analysis about authors, and visualize the collaborations between countries or regions into a network map. Linear regression was applied to analyze the overall publication trend.

Results: In this study, a total of 1,004 studies met the inclusion criteria. These works were written by 2,531 authors from 1,219 institutions. The results revealed that music therapy publications had significant growth over time because the linear regression results revealed that the percentages had a notable increase from 2000 to 2019 (t = 14.621, P < 0.001). The United States had the largest number of published studies (362 publications), along with the following outputs: citations on WoS (5,752), citations per study (15.89), and a high H-index value (37). The three keywords “efficacy,” “health,” and “older adults,” emphasized the research trends in terms of the strongest citation bursts.

Conclusions: The overall trend in music therapy is positive. The findings provide useful information for music therapy researchers to identify new directions related to collaborators, popular issues, and research frontiers. The development prospects of music therapy could be expected, and future scholars could pay attention to the clinical significance of music therapy to improve the quality of life of people.
The Heterogeneity of Selective Mutism: A Primer for a More Refined Approach
Authors: Kearney Christopher A. , Rede Melanie
Published: June 2021

Selective mutism is a persistent and debilitating psychiatric disorder in which a child fails to speak in situations where speaking is expected. Although listed as an anxiety disorder, the multifaceted and heterogeneous nature of selective mutism indicates that a more accurate conceptualization may be as a neurodevelopmental disorder. This article serves as a primer of historical and clinical presentations, empirical clinical profiles, clinical distinctions, assessment, and treatment related to the complexity of selective mutism. The article includes a brief discussion of selective mutism within a developmental psychopathology perspective with an eye toward reformed efforts for prevention, assessment, and treatment regarding this population.
Relationships Between Sleep Problems and Stress Coping Strategies Adopted by Nurses Including Socio-Occupational Factors
Authors: Kowalczuk Krystyna , Krajewska-Kułak Elżbieta , Sobolewski Marek
Published: June 2021

Introduction: The health of nurses has a direct impact on the quality of care and health outcomes for patients. The length and quality of sleep as well as the intensity of perceived stress have an impact on the health of nurses. An appropriate stress coping strategy can reduce the impact of stress and mitigate its negative consequences.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate relationships between excessive sleepiness and insomnia in interaction with selected socio-occupational factors and stress coping strategies among nurses.

Material and Method: The cross-sectional study was conducted among 448 nurses working in hospitals in Podlasie Province in Poland. Mini-Cope inventory - the polish adaptation of Carver's BriefCope was used for measuring coping with stress. Sleep problems were assessed using the Athens Insomnia Scale and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale.

Results: The most frequent used coping strategies were active strategies (active coping, planning). The least-used were avoidant strategies (behavioral disengagement, substance use). Excessive sleepiness affected 38% of surveyed, while insomnia 33%. Excessive sleepiness was most strongly related with behavioural disengagement (R2 = 18.6%), substance use (R2 = 17.5%), humour (R2 = 13.8%) and denial (R2 = 12.0%) while insomnia with substance use (R2 = 17.5%) and self-blame (R2 = 15.9%). Nurses with tertiary education experiencing sleep problems less frequently used the strategy of humour, behavioural disengagement, substance use and religion than with lower education. Nurses working in interventional wards experiencing excessive sleepiness used the strategy of humour, religion and positive reframing less often than those working in other wards while those suffering from insomnia used the strategy of humour more often than those working in other wards.

Conclusions: The implementation of avoidant and support-seeking and emotion-oriented stress coping strategies by nurses were associated with the sleep problems. Tertiary education discourages nurses with sleep problems from using avoidant coping strategies and devoting themselves to religion. Education and improvement of the quality of sleep may prevent nurses from resorting to stress coping strategies that have a detrimental effect on their health and well-being.
International Expert Opinions and Recommendations on the Use of Melatonin in the Treatment of Insomnia and Circadian Sleep Disturbances in Adult Neuropsychiatric Disorders
Authors: Palagini Laura , Manni Raffaele , Aguglia Eugenio , Amore Mario , Brugnoli Roberto , Bioulac Stéphanie , Bourgin Patrice , Micoulaud Franchi Jean-Arthur , Girardi Paolo , Grassi Luigi , Lopez Régis , Mencacci Claudio , Plazzi Giuseppe , Maruani Julia , Minervino Antonino , Philip Pierre , Royant Parola Sylvie , Poirot Isabelle , Nobili Lino , Biggio Giovanni , Schroder Carmen M. , Geoffroy Pierre A.
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Insomnia and circadian rhythm disorders, such as the delayed sleep phase syndrome, are frequent in psychiatric disorders and their evaluation and management in early stages should be a priority. The aim of this paper was to express recommendations on the use of exogenous melatonin, which exhibits both chronobiotic and sleep-promoting actions, for the treatment of these sleep disturbances in psychiatric disorders.

Methods: To this aim, we conducted a systematic review according to PRISMA on the use of melatonin for the treatment of insomnia and circadian sleep disorders in neuropsychiatry. We expressed recommendations for the use of melatonin in psychiatric clinical practice for each disorder using the RAND/UCLA appropriateness method.

Results: We selected 41 studies, which included mood disorders, schizophrenia, substance use disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorders, autism spectrum disorders, neurocognitive disorders, and delirium; no studies were found for both anxiety and eating disorders.

Conclusion: The administration of prolonged release melatonin at 2–10 mg, 1–2 h before bedtime, might be used in the treatment of insomnia symptoms or comorbid insomnia in mood disorders, schizophrenia, in adults with autism spectrum disorders, neurocognitive disorders and during sedative-hypnotics discontinuation. Immediate release melatonin at <1 mg might be useful in the treatment of circadian sleep disturbances of neuropsychiatric disorders.
Chlamydia trachomatis Screening and Treatment in Pregnancy to Reduce Adverse Pregnancy and Neonatal Outcomes: A Review
Authors: Adachi Kristina N. , Nielsen-Saines Karin , Klausner Jeffrey D.
Published: June 2021

Chlamydial trachomatisinfection has been associated with adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes such as premature rupture of membranes, preterm birth, low birth weight, conjunctivitis, and pneumonia in infants. This review evaluates existing literature to determine potential benefits of antenatal screening and treatment ofC. trachomatisin preventing adverse outcomes. A literature search revealed 1824 studies with 156 full-text articles reviewed. Fifteen studies were selected after fulfilling inclusion criteria. Eight studies focused on chlamydial screening and treatment to prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes such as premature rupture of membranes, preterm birth, low birth weight, growth restriction leading to small for gestational age infants, and neonatal death. Seven studies focused on the effects of chlamydial screening and treatment on adverse infant outcomes such as chlamydial infection including positive mucosal cultures, pneumonia, and conjunctivitis. Given the heterogeneity of those studies, this focused review was exclusively qualitative in nature. When viewed collectively, 13 of 15 studies provided some degree of support that antenatal chlamydial screening and treatment interventions may lead to decreased adverse pregnancy and infant outcomes. However, notable limitations of these individual studies also highlight the need for further, updated research in this area, particularly from low and middle-income settings.
Shifting From Sectoral to Integrated Surveillance by Changing Collaborative Practices: Application to West Nile Virus Surveillance in a Small Island State of the Caribbean
Authors: Geffroy Mariana , Pagès Nonito , Chavernac David , Dereeper Alexis , Aubert Lydéric , Herrmann-Storck Cecile , Vega-Rúa Anubis , Lecollinet Sylvie , Pradel Jennifer
Published: June 2021

After spreading in the Americas, West Nile virus was detected in Guadeloupe (French West Indies) for the first time in 2002. Ever since, several organizations have conducted research, serological surveys, and surveillance activities to detect the virus in horses, birds, mosquitoes, and humans. Organizations often carried them out independently, leading to knowledge gaps within the current virus' situation. Nearly 20 years after the first evidence of West Nile virus in the archipelago, it has not yet been isolated, its impact on human and animal populations is unknown, and its local epidemiological cycle is still poorly understood. Within the framework of a pilot project started in Guadeloupe in 2019, West Nile virus was chosen as a federative model to apply the “One Health” approach for zoonotic epidemiological surveillance and shift from a sectorial to an integrated surveillance system. Human, animal, and environmental health actors involved in both research and surveillance were considered. Semi-directed interviews and a Social Network Analysis were carried out to learn about the surveillance network structure and actors, analyze information flows, and identify communication challenges. An information system was developed to fill major gaps: users' needs and main functionalities were defined through a participatory process where actors also tested and validated the tool. Additionally, all actors shared their data, which were digitized, cataloged, and centralized, to be analyzed later. An R Shiny server was integrated into the information system, allowing an accessible and dynamic display of data showcasing all of the partners' information. Finally, a series of virtual workshops were organized among actors to discuss preliminary results and plan the next steps to improve West Nile Virus and vector-borne or emerging zoonosis surveillance. The actors are willing to build a more resilient and cooperative network in Guadeloupe with improved relevance, efficiency, and effectiveness of their work.
Finding the Right Balance: A Social Norms Intervention to Reduce Heavy Drinking in University Students
Authors: Wolter Christine , Lesener Tino , Thomas Tobias Alexander , Hentschel Alicia-Carolin , Gusy Burkhard
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Heavy alcohol consumption constitutes a major health risk among University students. Social relationships with peers strongly affect University students' perception of the drinking behavior of others, which in turn plays a crucial role in determining their own alcohol intake. University students tend to overestimate their peers' alcohol consumption – a belief that is associated with an increase in an individual's own consumption. Therefore, we implemented a social norms intervention with personalized normative feedback at a major University in Germany to reduce and prevent excessive drinking among University students.

Methods: Our intervention was part of a regular health monitoring survey. We invited all enrolled University students to take part in this survey on two occasions. A total of 862 University students completed the questionnaire, 563 (65.3%) of which received e-mail-based feedback upon request concerning their peers' and their own alcohol consumption. For the intervention group (n = 190) as well as the control group (no feedback requested; n = 101), we included only University students in the evaluation who overestimated their peers' alcohol use and indicated above average consumption of the peers. We applied analyses of variance to assess intervention effects with regard to the correction of overestimated group norms as well as University students' drinking behavior.

Results: Within the intervention group, we observed a significantly larger reduction of the previously overestimated behavioral norms compared to the control group (p < 0.001; ηp2 = 0.06). With regard to behavioral outcomes the intervention group showed a significantly larger reduction in the AUDIT-C score (p = 0.020; ηp2 = 0.03).

Discussion: Our study confirms previous research whereupon personalized, gender-specific and selective normative feedback is effective for alcohol prevention among University students. However, University students still overestimated their peers' alcohol intake after the intervention. Furthermore, we did not reach high-risk groups (University students with the highest alcohol intake) since no feedback was requested. Future studies should address factors influencing the impact of the intervention and reachability of selective groups.
Embodied Computational Evolution: Feedback Between Development and Evolution in Simulated Biorobots
Authors: Hawthorne-Madell Joshua , Aaron Eric , Livingston Ken , Long John H.
Published: June 2021

Given that selection removes genetic variance from evolving populations, thereby reducing exploration opportunities, it is important to find mechanisms that create genetic variation without the disruption of adapted genes and genomes caused by random mutation. Just such an alternative is offered by random epigenetic error, a developmental process that acts on materials and parts expressed by the genome. In this system of embodied computational evolution, simulated within a physics engine, epigenetic error was instantiated in an explicit genotype-to-phenotype map as transcription error at the initiation of gene expression. The hypothesis was that transcription error would create genetic variance by shielding genes from the direct impact of selection, creating, in the process, masquerading genomes. To test this hypothesis, populations of simulated embodied biorobots and their developmental systems were evolved under steady directional selection as equivalent rates of random mutation and random transcriptional error were covaried systematically in an 11 × 11 fully factorial experimental design. In each of the 121 different experimental conditions (unique combinations of mutation and transcription error), the same set of 10 randomly created replicate populations of 60 individuals were evolved. Selection for the improved locomotor behavior of individuals led to increased mean fitness of populations over 100 generations at nearly all levels and combinations of mutation and transcription error. When the effects of both types of error were partitioned statistically, increasing transcription error was shown to increase the final genetic variance of populations, incurring a fitness cost but acting on variance independently and differently from genetic mutation. Thus, random epigenetic errors in development feed back through selection of individuals with masquerading genomes to the population’s genetic variance over generational time. Random developmental processes offer an additional mechanism for exploration by increasing genetic variation in the face of steady, directional selection.
Working Together on Diverse Tasks: A Longitudinal Study on Individual Workload, Presence and Emotional Recognition in Collaborative Virtual Environments
Authors: Khojasteh Negar , Won Andrea Stevenson
Published: June 2021

Numerous studies have shown the potential benefits of collaborative virtual environments (CVEs) for distributed teams. However, there are few longitudinal studies on collaboration in immersive virtual environments, and existing studies mostly examine how pairs or groups adapt over time. In a longitudinal study, we examined what does and does not change over time as individual users adapt to collaboration in virtual environments. In our mixed-methods, exploratory study, we matched 20 participants in random pairs over five sessions. We assigned each participant to complete a different collaborative task, with a different partner, in each session. Our quantitative data analysis and qualitative interview data show that adaptation to VR increased significantly over time. Presence ratings did not show change over time, but participants reported developing new ways to communicate in VR. We also identified patterns indicating a relationship between a person’s emotional state and their partner’s ability to recognize their emotion. We conclude with a discussion of our findings and provide design implications and future directions for designers and researchers in the field.
Prelude to Simulations of Loop Quantum Gravity on Adiabatic Quantum Computers
Authors: Mielczarek Jakub
Published: June 2021

The article addresses the possibility of implementing spin network states, used in the loop quantum gravity approach to Planck scale physics on an adiabatic quantum computer. The discussion focuses on applying currently available technologies and analyzes a concrete example of a D-Wave machine. It is introduced a class of simple spin network states which can be implemented on the Chimera graph architecture of the D-Wave quantum processor. However, extension beyond the currently available quantum processor topologies is required to simulate more sophisticated spin network states. This may inspire new generations of adiabatic quantum computers. A possibility of simulating loop quantum gravity is discussed, and a method of solving a graph non-changing scalar (Hamiltonian) constraint with the use of adiabatic quantum computations is proposed. The presented results establish a basis for the future simulations of Planck scale physics, specifically quantum cosmological configurations, on quantum annealers.
The Role of Trunk Training for Physical Fitness and Sport-Specific Performance. Protocol for a Meta-Analysis
Authors: Saeterbakken Atle Hole , Andersen Vidar , Behm David George , Cumming Kristoffer Toldnes , Prieske Olaf , Solstad Tom Erik Jorung , Shaw Matthew , Stien Nicolay
Published: June 2021

The trunk (core) muscles are involved in daily functions (i. e., stabilizing the body in everyday tasks) and force generation of the limbs during athletic tasks such as kicking, throwing, or running. Even though trunk training is a popular means for improving physical fitness and athletic performance, the direct relationship of improved trunk function (i.e., stability, strength, or endurance), fitness and sport-specific performance is not conclusive. The aim of this proposed review is to evaluate the effects of trunk training on physical fitness and sport-specific performance, and to examine potential subject-related (e.g., age, sex) and trunk training-related moderator variables (e.g., training period, training frequency) for performance changes. We will conduct a systematic literature search in Web of Science, MEDLINE (via EBSCO) and SportDiscus. Relevant papers will be screened independently by two reviewers in two stages: (1) title and abstracts and (2) the full text of the remaining papers. A third reviewer will resolve possible disagreements. Data extraction and risk of bias of the included studies will be performed in addition to the PEDro scoring to judge the quality of the studies. A meta-analysis will be conducted to determine the efficacy of trunk training to increase physical fitness and sport-specific performance measures. In addition, subgroup univariate analyses were computed for subject-related (i.e., age, sex, performance level) and training-related moderator variables (i.e., training period, training frequency, training sessions, session duration). The results of this proposed systematic review and meta-analysis will assess the effects of trunk training on physical fitness and sport-specific and identify which subject-related and training-related moderate variables of trunk training modality might be beneficial for performance gains. This knowledge has potential importance for athletes and coaches in sports.
Physical and Structural Characterization of Underutilized Climate-Resilient Seed Grains: Millets, Sorghum, and Amaranth
Authors: Geisen Sarah , Krishnaswamy Kiruba , Myers Rob
Published: June 2021

While the world is facing food and nutritional challenges leading to the multifaceted burden of malnutrition (underweight and overweight), there is a need to sustainably diversify and explore underutilized crops. Climate-resilient crops, which have the potential to withstand climate crises, have drought resistance, and provide healthy foods with essential vitamins and minerals. Ancient seed grains like amaranth, millets, and sorghum are highly nutritious seed grains that are underutilized, and there is a need for comprehensive research into their properties. This study will specifically investigate amaranth alongside barnyard, finger, kodo, little, pearl, proso millets, and sorghum. Physical and structural properties of the ancient seed grains can provide useful data for storage and food processing. The angle of repose, porosity, and water activity of the grains varied from 19.3° to 23.9°, 3.6 to 17.4%, and 0.533 to 0.660 at 25.5°C, respectively. Additionally, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used to observe the surface characteristics and overall shape of each grain. SEM images of the millets shows the impact of dehulling on the surface morphology of the grains (little, barnyard, proso, and kodo millets). This calls for research and development of novel food processing technologies to minimize loss and damage during processing of climate-resilient crops.
Alleviating Environmental Health Disparities Through Community Science and Data Integration
Authors: Ramírez-Andreotta Mónica D. , Walls Ramona , Youens-Clark Ken , Blumberg Kai , Isaacs Katherine E. , Kaufmann Dorsey , Maier Raina M.
Published: June 2021

Environmental contamination is a fundamental determinant of health and well-being, and when the environment is compromised, vulnerabilities are generated. The complex challenges associated with environmental health and food security are influenced by current and emerging political, social, economic, and environmental contexts. To solve these “wicked” dilemmas, disparate public health surveillance efforts are conducted by local, state, and federal agencies. More recently, citizen/community science (CS) monitoring efforts are providing site-specific data. One of the biggest challenges in using these government datasets, let alone incorporating CS data, for a holistic assessment of environmental exposure is data management and interoperability. To facilitate a more holistic perspective and approach to solution generation, we have developed a method to provide a common data model that will allow environmental health researchers working at different scales and research domains to exchange data and ask new questions. We anticipate that this method will help to address environmental health disparities, which are unjust and avoidable, while ensuring CS datasets are ethically integrated to achieve environmental justice. Specifically, we used a transdisciplinary research framework to develop a methodology to integrate CS data with existing governmental environmental monitoring and social attribute data (vulnerability and resilience variables) that span across 10 different federal and state agencies. A key challenge in integrating such different datasets is the lack of widely adopted ontologies for vulnerability and resiliency factors. In addition to following the best practice of submitting new term requests to existing ontologies to fill gaps, we have also created an application ontology, the Superfund Research Project Data Interface Ontology (SRPDIO).
Food and Nutrition Insecurity in Venezuelan Migrant Families in Bogotá, Colombia
Authors: Pico Rocio , del Castillo Matamoros Sara , Bernal Jennifer
Published: June 2021

Venezuela has had the largest migration in recent history, with 4.8 million people displaced due to sociopolitical, economic, electrical blackouts, and health crises. Nine out of 10 migrants are facing food insecurity during the COVID19 pandemic. Colombia has received the largest number of Venezuelans migrants, counting officially 1,764,883 to date. This study aims to analyze the changes in the migration process regarding the availability, access, and food consumption of Venezuelan migrants in Bogotá, before and after their arrival. This study uses a naturalistic approach, with a convenience sample (n= 15 families) who participated in in-depth semi-structured interviews about their experiences related to diet and nutrition, and the migratory process. Information was recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using grounded theory. Findings reflect that Venezuelan migrants leave the country due to severe lack of access to food which in turn affects the supply, acquisition, consumption, and nutritional status: “The main reason I left Venezuela was that I couldn't get groceries like milk to feed my granddaughter. When that happened, I couldn't stand it anymore.”After arrival in Colombia, dimensions of food and nutrition security, such as availability, physical and economic access, and consumption improved. However, families are still struggling to acquire basic food items. Households have access to a culturally adequate diet, but with insufficient nutritional quality, as noted by one participant: “The biggest difference is that in Venezuela you can't get the groceries to feed your whole family with the salary that you get. Here in Bogota, you can buy cheap food, to feed the whole family.”After their arrival, migrants still face difficulties that include legal issues, finding a place to stay, employment, access to high-quality foods, and xenophobia. They have regained the freedom to choose the food they want to buy in a dignified and socially accepted way; two elements that were no longer possible in Venezuela.
Characterization of a Broad-Host-Range Lytic Phage SHWT1 Against Multidrug-Resistant Salmonella and Evaluation of Its Therapeutic Efficacy in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Tao Chenglin , Yi Zhengfei , Zhang Yaodong , Wang Yao , Zhu Hong , Afayibo Dossêh Jean Apôtre , Li Tao , Tian Mingxing , Qi Jingjing , Ding Chan , Gao Song , Wang Shaohui , Yu Shengqing
Published: June 2021

Inappropriate use of antibiotics has accelerated to the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria, becoming a major health threat. Moreover, bacterial biofilms contribute to antibiotic resistance and prolonged infections. Bacteriophage (phage) therapy may provide an alternative strategy for controlling multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. In this study, a broad-host-range phage, SHWT1, with lytic activity against multidrug-resistant Salmonella was isolated, characterized and evaluated for the therapeutic efficacy in vitro and in vivo. Phage SHWT1 exhibited specific lytic activity against the prevalent Salmonella serovars, such as Salmonella Pullorum, Salmonella Gallinarum, Salmonella Enteritidis, and Salmonella Typhimurium. Morphological analysis showed that phage SHWT1 was a member of the family Siphoviridae and the order Caudovirales. Phage SHWT1 had a latent period of 5 min and burst size of ~150 plaque-forming units (PFUs)/cell. The phage was stable from pH 3-12 and 4–65°C. Phage SHWT1 also showed capacity to lyse Salmonella planktonic cells and inhibit the biofilm formation at optimal multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, and 100, respectively. In addition, phage SHWT1 was able to lyse intracellular Salmonella within macrophages. Genome sequencing and phylogenetic analyses revealed that SHWT1 was a lytic phage without toxin genes, virulence genes, antibiotic resistance genes, or significant genomic rearrangements. We found that phage SHWT1 could successfully protect mice against S. enteritidis and S. typhimurium infection. Elucidation of the characteristics and genome sequence of phage SHWT1 demonstrates that this phage is a potential therapeutic agent against the salmonellosis caused by multidrug-resistant Salmonella.
Pharmacokinetics and Immunogenicity of Frunevetmab in Osteoarthritic Cats Following Intravenous and Subcutaneous Administration
Authors: Walters Rodney R. , Boucher Joseph F. , De Toni Flavia
Published: June 2021

Osteoarthritis and other degenerative joint diseases are common causes of chronic pain in cats. Frunevetmab is a felinized monoclonal antibody that binds to nerve growth factor (NGF) and provides relief from pain by blocking the receptor-mediated signaling cascade induced by NGF. Results from three studies were combined to provide an overview of frunevetmab pharmacokinetics (PK) and immunogenicity. The objective of the first study was to establish the pharmacokinetic parameters resulting from intravenous (IV) and subcutaneous (SC) administration of frunevetmab to the feline patient population at 3 mg/kg. Ten adult cats with naturally-occurring osteoarthritis were administered frunevetmab in a crossover design at 28 day intervals. Non-compartmental pharmacokinetic analysis of the plasma concentration-time data showed that the half-life was 10.1 ± 1.9 days after IV dosing and the SC bioavailability was 60.3 ± 15.8% with maximum drug levels observed at 3–7 days after dosing. Plasma samples were collected at ~28 days after dosing during two field safety and effectiveness studies of cats with degenerative joint disease. The doses ranged from 1.0 to 2.8 mg/kg; 2 or 3 doses were administered either SC/IV, SC/SC, or SC/SC/SC. The data from these studies along with the data from the laboratory pharmacokinetic study were analyzed using non-linear mixed-effects (NLME) modeling. The model closely predicted the trough concentrations from the two field studies, including the IV treatment in the pilot field study. The trough concentrations were predicted to be close to steady-state after 2 doses. A second objective was to determine the incidence and clinical relevance of frunevetmab immunogenicity. A three-tier anti-drug antibody assay (screen, confirm, titer) was developed and validated. Immunogenicity was assessed in 259 frunevetmab-treated animals enrolled in the two field studies. Only 4 of these animals (1.5%) appeared to develop immunogenicity to frunevetmab. None of the four exhibited adverse events attributed to immunogenicity and no impact on drug levels or efficacy was observed in three of the animals. In the placebo animals, 2.3% (3/131) appeared to develop treatment-emergent immunogenicity. Overall, frunevetmab administration resulted in a very low incidence of treatment-emergent immunogenicity with no safety findings and minimal effect on drug exposure and efficacy.
An Eleven-Year Survey on Field Disease Susceptibility of Citrus Accessions to Colletotrichum and Alternaria Species
Authors: Vitale Alessandro , Aiello Dalia , Azzaro Antonino , Guarnaccia Vladimiro , Polizzi Giancarlo
Published: June 2021

In the past decade Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, C. karstii, and Alternaria alternata represent emerging fungal pathogens on citrus in the Mediterranean basin. Selection of tolerant Citrus germplasm offers evaluable long-term solution and should be considered as promising alternative to limit synthetic fungicide application to manage Alternaria and Colletotrichum infections in Citrus groves. In this study, the high variability of pre-harvest disease symptoms among 37 Citrus accessions was investigated in Italy in the most representative Sicilian production districts covering 1500 ha and including 20 homogeneous areas over an eleven-year survey period (2010–2020). Early fruit drop, brown spot, and anthracnose on fruit and leaves, pre-harvest fruit drop, and twig blight and defoliation associated to Alternaria and Colletotrichum spp. were identified on oranges, mandarins, and lemons. Comprehensively, first extensive data obtained herein on field susceptibility within “Tarocco” blood orange group to above disease symptoms clearly indicate as “Tarocco Nucellare 57-1E-1,” “Tarocco Tapi,” “Tarocco Sant’Alfio,” and “Tarocco Catania” accessions should be preferred to remaining Tarocco ones. A broad degree of tolerance or susceptibility was also observed within other Citrus group as it happens for tolerant lemon “Femminello Zagara Bianca,” thus demonstrating a putative resource for further studies to employ in a breeding program for genetic improvement of Citrus.
Influence of High Tunnel Microclimate on Fruit Quality and Calcium Concentration in ‘Santina’ Sweet Cherries in a Mediterranean Climate
Authors: Blanco Victor , Zoffoli Juan Pablo , Ayala Marlene
Published: June 2021

The use of protective covers, such as high tunnels, is recognized as an effective technology to reduce rain-induced fruit cracking in sweet cherries; however, there is a lack of information concerning the effects of this production system on the fruit’s mineral concentration, quality, and postharvest life. This study assesses the feasibility of using high tunnels on ‘Santina’ sweet cherries under the Mediterranean climate of the Central Valley of Chile to obtain earlier harvests of high-quality fruit with long storage life. The study included two plots: Plot 1 during the 2018/2019 growing season, and Plot 2 during the 2019/2020 growing season. High temperatures and relative humidity inside the high tunnels during bloom and fruit set decreased fruit yield, particularly in Plot 1. On average, trees inside the high tunnels were harvested 11 days earlier than those in the open. Fruit from covered trees were significantly larger (13%) and softer (10%) than those from the outside. Fruit quality characteristics, such as soluble solids concentration and titratable acidity, were not affected by high-tunnel-protected cultivation. Fruit from covered and uncovered trees maintained the firmness differences obtained at harvest between treatments, but showed similar postharvest quality after 45 days at 0 °C and a further 3 days at 20 °C on the other characteristics. The covered fruit had lower Ca concentrations (7.7 mg 100 g−1) and higher K:Ca, Mg:Ca, and N:Ca ratios. Significant relationships were found between Ca or K:Ca and fruit firmness at harvest. Lower Ca concentrations in the fruit may explain the lower firmness of fruit grown under plastic covers. There were no differences between covered and uncovered cherries in either cracking susceptibility or induced pitting. ‘Santina’ cherries were very sensitive to pitting damage, but this is not associated with the fruit’s Ca concentration. The results obtained show that high tunnels influenced fruit yield, development, and quality, and emphasize that the fruit’s Ca concentration under this growing condition plays a significant role in the firmness of ‘Santina’ sweet cherries.
Flood Risk and Adaptation Strategies for Soybean Production Systems on the Flood-Prone Pampas under Climate Change
Authors: Smolenaars Wouter Julius , Paparrizos Spyridon , Werners Saskia , Ludwig Fulco
Published: June 2021

In recent decades, multiple flood events have had a devastating impact on soybean production in Argentina. Recent advances suggest that the frequency and intensity of destructive flood events on the Argentinian Pampas will increase under pressure from climate change. This paper provides bottom-up insight into the flood risk for soybean production systems under climate change and the suitability of adaptation strategies in two of the most flood-prone areas of the Pampas region. The flood risk perceptions of soybean producers were explored through interviews, translated into climatic indicators and then studied using a multi-model climate data analysis. Soybean producers perceived the present flood risk for rural accessibility to be of the highest concern, especially during the harvest and sowing seasons when heavy machinery needs to reach soybean lots. An analysis of climatic change projections found a rising trend in annual and harvest precipitation and a slight drying trend during the sowing season. This indicates that the flood risk for harvest accessibility may increase under climate change. Several adaptation strategies were identified that can systemically address flood risks, but these require collaborative action and cannot be undertaken by individual producers. The results suggest that if cooperative adaptation efforts are not made in the short term, the continued increase in flood risk may force soybean producers in the case study locations to shift away from soybean towards more robust land uses.
Metabolic Responses of Two Contrasting Lentil Genotypes to PEG-Induced Drought Stress
Authors: Foti Chrysanthi , Kalampokis Ioannis F. , Aliferis Konstantinos A. , Pavli Ourania I.
Published: June 2021

Among abiotic stresses, drought is undoubtedly one of the most severe environmental factors for a wide range of major crops, leading to considerable yield and economic losses. The adverse effects in crop yield reflect the result of a series of morphological and physiological changes but also changes in signaling pathways, transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of stress-responsive genes, and metabolic adaptations. Despite the exhausting studies elucidating plants’ metabolic response to drought, there is a knowledge gap in the biochemical mechanisms governing drought tolerance in lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.). The present study aimed to determine the fluctuations of the metabolite profiles of lentil genotypes with contrasting drought tolerance to discover possible biomarkers for screening tolerant genotypes at early growth stages. Lentil seedlings were subjected to osmotic drought stress, induced by polyethylene glycol, at two stress levels (2.5% and 5.0% PEG-6000) for a period of 20 days, while untreated plants were also included as controls. GC/ΕΙ/MS-mediated metabolic profiling was employed to monitor changes in response to osmotic drought stress. The data was subjected to OPLS-DA and OPLS-HCA for the discrimination between treatments and the discovery of trends and corresponding biomarkers. In total, the analysis yielded 150 metabolite features with highly reproducible patterns, of which the vast majority belonged to carbohydrates, carboxylic acids, and amino acids. Overall, findings highlight the differential accumulation of a series of compounds, and more importantly, the variable accumulation of certain metabolites, namely D-fructose, α,α-trehalose, myo-inositol, and L-tryptophan, in the contrasting genotypes, indicating that the adaptive metabolic responses to osmotic drought stress operate under strong genotypic dependency in lentil. Research findings provide insights into various aspects of lentil’s metabolism under drought and further offer the possibility of applying such knowledge towards effectively screening for drought-tolerant lentil germplasm at early growth stages.
Influence of the Chelation Process on the Stability of Organic Trace Mineral Supplements Used in Animal Nutrition
Authors: Byrne Laurann , Hynes Michael J. , Connolly Cathal D. , Murphy Richard A.
Published: June 2021

The effect of the chelation process on the pH-dependent stability of organic trace minerals (OTMs) used as mineral supplements in animal nutrition was assessed using analytical techniques such as potentiometry, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIRS) and amino acid profiling. The aim was to understand the influence and relative importance of the manufacturing conditions on mineral chelation and the subsequent pH stability of OTMs. A selection of OTMs were assessed over a wide pH range to account for the typical environmental changes encountered in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. In the case of proteinate type products, the potentiometric assessment of free mineral concentration indicated that the hydrolysis procedure used to generate the chelating peptides was the major influencer of the pH stability of the products. Many products are available under the umbrella term “OTMs”, including amino acid complexes, amino acid chelates, polysaccharide complexes and proteinates. Significant differences in the pH-dependent stability of a range of commercially available OTMs were observed.
Physiological and Behavioral Mechanisms of Thermoregulation in Mammals
Authors: Mota-Rojas Daniel , Titto Cristiane Gonçalves , Orihuela Agustín , Martínez-Burnes Julio , Gómez-Prado Jocelyn , Torres-Bernal Fabiola , Flores-Padilla Karla , Carvajal-de la Fuente Verónica , Wang Dehua
Published: June 2021

This review analyzes the main anatomical structures and neural pathways that allow the generation of autonomous and behavioral mechanisms that regulate body heat in mammals. The study of the hypothalamic neuromodulation of thermoregulation offers broad areas of opportunity with practical applications that are currently being strengthened by the availability of efficacious tools like infrared thermography (IRT). These areas could include the following: understanding the effect of climate change on behavior and productivity; analyzing the effects of exercise on animals involved in sporting activities; identifying the microvascular changes that occur in response to fear, pleasure, pain, and other situations that induce stress in animals; and examining thermoregulating behaviors. This research could contribute substantially to understanding the drastic modification of environments that have severe consequences for animals, such as loss of appetite, low productivity, neonatal hypothermia, and thermal shock, among others. Current knowledge of these physiological processes and complex anatomical structures, like the nervous systems and their close relation to mechanisms of thermoregulation, is still limited. The results of studies in fields like evolutionary neuroscience of thermoregulation show that we cannot yet objectively explain even processes that on the surface seem simple, including behavioral changes and the pathways and connections that trigger mechanisms like vasodilatation and panting. In addition, there is a need to clarify the connection between emotions and thermoregulation that increases the chances of survival of some organisms. An increasingly precise understanding of thermoregulation will allow us to design and apply practical methods in fields like animal science and clinical medicine without compromising levels of animal welfare. The results obtained should not only increase the chances of survival but also improve quality of life and animal production.