bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between urinary nickel with obesity status in adults: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Wang Gao-Xiang , Huang Bao-Li , Li Jun-Tong , Fang Ze-Bin , Feng Le-Yi , Zhao Heng-Xia , Chu Shu-Fang , Liu De-Liang , Li Hui-Lin
Published: February 2023

Objectives

The prevalence of obesity is on the rise and is connected to numerous factors. However, the relationship between obesity and nickel has never been investigated. Our study aimed to explore the association between urinary nickel and obesity Status in adults.

Methods

From the 2017–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES), 1,705 participants ≥18 years of age were enrolled. To explore further the relationship among urinary nickel, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference(WC), Weighted multivariate linear regression analyses and further subgroup analyzes were conducted.

Results

Urinary nickel does not correlate with BMI level but positively correlates with WC. In the subgroup analyzed according to sex, Urinary nickel has a positive correlation with BMI and WC in males but has a negative correlation in females. Secondary stratification analysis according to sex and race, Urinary nickel positively correlates with BMI in White males. It also positively correlates with WC in both White and Black males.

Conclusions

A correlation was found between urinary nickel levels and BMI and WC in adult males. Adult men, especially those already obese, may need to reduce nickel exposure.
Spatial network and driving factors of low-carbon patent applications in China from a public health perspective
Authors: Hu Feng , Qiu Liping , Xiang Yang , Wei Shaobin , Sun Han , Hu Hao , Weng Xiayan , Mao Lidan , Zeng Ming
Published: February 2023

Introduction

The natural disasters and climate anomalies caused by increasing global carbon emissions have seriously threatened public health. To solve increasingly serious environmental pollution problems, the Chinese government has committed itself to achieving the goals of peak carbon emissions and carbon neutrality. The low-carbon patent application is an important means to achieve these goals and promote public health.

Methods

This study analyzes the basic situation, spatial network, and influencing factors of low-carbon patent applications in China since 2001 at the provincial and urban agglomeration levels using social network analysis based on data from the Incopat global patent database.

Results

The following findings are established. (1) From the number of low-carbon patent applications, the total number of low-carbon patent applications in China increased year by year, while the number of applications in the eastern region was larger than those in the central and western regions, but such regional differences had been decreasing. (2) At the interprovincial level, low-carbon patent applications showed a complex and multithreaded network structure. In particular, the eastern coastal provinces occupied the core position in the network. The weighted degree distribution of China's interprovincial low-carbon patent cooperation network is affected by various factors, including economic development, financial support, local scientific research level, and low-carbon awareness. (3) At the urban agglomeration level, the eastern coastal urban agglomerations showed a radial structure with the central city as the core. Urban innovation capability, economic development, low-carbon development awareness, level of technology import from overseas, and informatization level are highly correlated with the weighted degree of low-carbon cooperation networks of urban agglomerations.

Discussion

This study provides ideas for the construction and governance of low-carbon technology innovation system and perspectives for theoretical research on public health and high-quality development in China.
Digital health as an enabler for hospital@home: A rising trend or just a vision?
Authors: Denecke Kerstin , May Richard , Borycki Elizabeth M. , Kushniruk Andre W.
Published: February 2023

Background

Hospital@home is a model of healthcare, where healthcare professionals actively treat patients in their homes for conditions that may otherwise require hospitalization. Similar models of care have been implemented in jurisdictions around the world over the past few years. However, there are new developments in health informatics including digital health and participatory health informatics that may have an impact on hospital@home approaches.

Objectives

This study aims to identify the current state of implementation of emerging concepts into the hospital@home research and models of care; to identify strengths and weaknesses, opportunities, and threats associated with the models of care; and to suggest a research agenda.

Methods

We employed two research methodologies, namely, a literature review and a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis. The literature from the last 10 years was collected from PubMed using the search string “hospital at home” OR “care at home” OR “patient at home.” Relevant information was extracted from the included articles.

Results

Title and abstract review were conducted on 1,371 articles. The full-text review was conducted on 82 articles. Data were extracted from 42 articles that met our review criteria. Most of the studies originated from the United States and Spain. Several medical conditions were considered. The use of digital tools and technologies was rarely reported. In particular, innovative approaches such as wearables or sensor technologies were rarely used. The current landscape of hospital@home models of care simply delivers hospital care in the patient's home. Tools or approaches from taking a participatory health informatics design approach involving a range of stakeholders (such as patients and their caregivers) were not reported in the literature reviewed. In addition, emerging technologies supporting mobile health applications, wearable technologies, and remote monitoring were rarely discussed.

Conclusion

There are multiple benefits and opportunities associated with hospital@home implementations. There are also threats and weaknesses associated with the use of this model of care. Some weaknesses could be addressed by using digital health and wearable technologies to support patient monitoring and treatment at home. Employing a participatory health informatics approach to design and implementation could help to ensure the acceptance of such care models.
Trends and disparities in sleep quality and duration in older adults in China from 2008 to 2018: A national observational study
Authors: Tao Zihao , Feng Yuting , Liu Jue , Tao Liyuan
Published: February 2023

Background

Poor sleep status as a common concern is a risk factor for many health problems among older people. China with an aging society lacks relevant nationwide data on the sleep status among older people. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate trends and disparities in sleep quality and duration among older adults, and exploring influencing factors of poor sleep in China between 2008 and 2018.

Method

We used the four-waves data of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) from 2008 to 2018. Sleep quality and average sleep hours per day was investigated by using questionnaires in the CLHLS. We categorized sleep duration as three groups including ≤5 h (short duration), 5–9 h (normal duration), or ≥9 h (long duration) per day. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to examine trends and risk factors of poor sleep quality, short sleep duration, and long sleep duration.

Results

The prevalence of poor sleep quality significantly increased from 34.87% in 2008 to 47.67% in 2018 (p < 0.05). Short sleep duration significantly increased from 5.29 to 8.37%, whereas long sleep duration decreased from 28.77 to 19.27%. Multivariate analysis showed that female sex, poor economic status, a greater number of chronic diseases, underweight, poor self-reported quality of life, and poor self-reported health were associated with poor sleep quality and short sleep duration (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our findings revealed that older adults had increased prevalence of poor sleep quality and short sleep duration from 2008 to 2018. More attention should be paid to the increased sleep problems among older adults and early interventions should be made to improve sleep quality and guarantee enough sleep time.
Developing a knowledge translation program for health practitioners: Allied Health Translating Research into Practice
Authors: Young Adrienne M. , Cameron Ashley , Meloncelli Nina , Barrimore Sally E. , Campbell Katrina , Wilkinson Shelley , McBride Liza-Jane , Barnes Rhiannon , Bennett Sally , Harvey Gillian , Hickman Ingrid
Published: February 2023

Background

Front-line health practitioners lack confidence in knowledge translation, yet they are often required to undertake projects to bridge the knowledge-practice gap. There are few initiatives focused on building the capacity of the health practitioner workforce to undertake knowledge translation, with most programs focusing on developing the skills of researchers. This paper reports the development and evaluation of a knowledge translation capacity building program for allied health practitioners located over geographically dispersed locations in Queensland, Australia.

Methods

Allied Health Translating Research into Practice (AH-TRIP) was developed over five years with consideration of theory, research evidence and local needs assessment. AH-TRIP includes five components: training and education; support and networks (including champions and mentoring); showcase and recognition; TRIP projects and implementation; evaluation. The RE-AIM framework (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation Maintenance) guided the evaluation plan, with this paper reporting on the reach (number, discipline, geographical location), adoption by health services, and participant satisfaction between 2019 and 2021.

Results

A total of 986 allied health practitioners participated in at least one component of AH-TRIP, with a quarter of participants located in regional areas of Queensland. Online training materials received an average of 944 unique page views each month. A total of 148 allied health practitioners have received mentoring to undertake their project, including a range of allied health disciplines and clinical areas. Very high satisfaction was reported by those receiving mentoring and attending the annual showcase event. Nine of sixteen public hospital and health service districts have adopted AH-TRIP.

Conclusion

AH-TRIP is a low-cost knowledge translation capacity building initiative which can be delivered at scale to support allied health practitioners across geographically dispersed locations. Higher adoption in metropolitan areas suggests that further investment and targeted strategies are needed to reach health practitioners working in regional areas. Future evaluation should focus on exploring the impact on individual participants and the health service.
Deep learning for sleep analysis on children with sleep-disordered breathing: Automatic detection of mouth breathing events
Authors: Sturludóttir Jóna Elísabet , Sigurðardóttir Sigríður , Serwatko Marta , Arnardóttir Erna S. , Hrubos-Strøm Harald , Clausen Michael Valur , Sigurðardóttir Sigurveig , Óskarsdóttir María , Islind Anna Sigridur
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) can range from habitual snoring to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). A common characteristic of SDB in children is mouth breathing, yet it is commonly overlooked and inconsistently diagnosed. The primary aim of this study is to construct a deep learning algorithm in order to automatically detect mouth breathing events in children from polysomnography (PSG) recordings.

Methods

The PSG of 20 subjects aged 10–13 years were used, 15 of which had reported snoring or presented high snoring and/or high OSA values by scoring conducted by a sleep technologist, including mouth breathing events. The separately measured mouth and nasal pressure signals from the PSG were fed through convolutional neural networks to identify mouth breathing events.

Results

The finalized model presented 93.5% accuracy, 97.8% precision, 89% true positive rate, and 2% false positive rate when applied to the validation data that was set aside from the training data. The model's performance decreased when applied to a second validation data set, indicating a need for a larger training set.

Conclusion

The results show the potential of deep neural networks in the analysis and classification of biological signals, and illustrates the usefulness of machine learning in sleep analysis.
Maximal strength measurement: A critical evaluation of common methods—a narrative review
Authors: Warneke Konstantin , Wagner Carl-Maximilian , Keiner Michael , Hillebrecht Martin , Schiemann Stephan , Behm David George , Wallot Sebastian , Wirth Klaus
Published: February 2023

Measuring maximal strength (MSt) is a very common performance diagnoses, especially in elite and competitive sports. The most popular procedure in test batteries is to test the one repetition maximum (1RM). Since testing maximum dynamic strength is very time consuming, it often suggested to use isometric testing conditions instead. This suggestion is based on the assumption that the high Pearson correlation coefficients of r ≥ 0.7 between isometric and dynamic conditions indicate that both tests would provide similar measures of MSt. However, calculating r provides information about the relationship between two parameters, but does not provide any statement about the agreement or concordance of two testing procedures. Hence, to assess replaceability, the concordance correlation coefficient (ρc) and the Bland-Altman analysis including the mean absolute error (MAE) and the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) seem to be more appropriate. Therefore, an exemplary model based on r = 0.55 showed ρc = 0.53, A MAE of 413.58 N and a MAPE = 23.6% with a range of −1,000–800 N within 95% Confidence interval (95%CI), while r = 0.7 and 0.92 showed ρc = 0.68 with a MAE = 304.51N/MAPE = 17.4% with a range of −750 N–600 N within a 95% CI and ρc = 0.9 with a MAE = 139.99/MAPE = 7.1% with a range of −200–450 N within a 95% CI, respectively. This model illustrates the limited validity of correlation coefficients to evaluate the replaceability of two testing procedures. Interpretation and classification of ρc, MAE and MAPE seem to depend on expected changes of the measured parameter. A MAPE of about 17% between two testing procedures can be assumed to be intolerably high.
Ultrasound-guided endoscopic endonasal resection of sellar and suprasellar craniopharyngiomas
Authors: Finger Guilherme , Wu Kyle C. , Godil Sanyia S. , Carrau Ricardo L. , Hardesty Douglas , Prevedello Daniel M.
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Optimal planning and minimally invasive surgical approach are essential to complete craniopharyngiomas (CP) resection with limited postoperative morbidity. Given the nature of craniopharyngioma recurrence, complete resection of the neoplasm is crucial. Since CP arise from the pituitary stalk and may grow anteriorly or laterally, some cases require an extended endonasal craniotomy. The extension of the craniotomy is crucial to expose the whole tumor and to make its dissection from the surrounding structures feasible. In order to guide the extension of the approach, the intraoperative use of ultrasound is helpful for the surgeons. The objective of this paper is to describe and to demonstrate the applicability of the utilization of intraoperative ultrasound (US) guidance for planning and confirmation of craniopharyngioma resection in EES.

Method

The authors selected one operative video of a sellar-suprassellar craniopharyngioma gross-totally resected by EES. The authors demonstrate the extended sellar craniotomy, the anatomic landmarks that guide bone drilling and dural opening, the aspect of the intraoperative real time US, tumor resection and dissection from the surrounding structures.

Results

The solid component of the tumor was mostly isoechogenic in texture compared to the anterior pituitary gland, with several wide spread hyperechogenic images corresponding to calcifications and hypoechogenic vesicles corresponding to cysts inside the CF (“salt-and-pepper” pattern).

Discussion

The intraoperative endonasal US is a new surgical tool that allows for real-time active imaging for skull base procedures, such as sellar region tumors. Besides tumor evaluation, the intraoperative US helps the neurosurgeon to determine the size of craniotomy, to anticipate the relation between the tumor and vascular structures and to guide the best strategy for gross-total resection of the tumor.

Conclusion

The EES allows a straight access to the craniopharyngiomas located in the sellar region or that grow anteriorly or superiorly. This approach allows the surgeon to dissect the tumor with minimal manipulation of the surrounding structures, when compared to craniotomy approaches. In order to accomplish that, the use of intraoperative endonasal ultrasound helps the neurosurgeon to perform the most suitable strategy, optimizing the rate of success.
Case report: Robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma in a patient with situs inversus totalis and abdominal cocoon
Authors: Zou Yuhua , Xie Xiaojuan , Zhong Cunzhi , Liu Li , Wang Qinlin , Yan Sheng , Zou Xiaofeng , Liu Quanliang
Published: February 2023

Background

Situs inversus totalis (SIT) is a congenital condition wherein organs in abdominal or thoracic cavity are mirrored from their normal positions. Abdominal cocoon, is a rare disease of unknown aetiology that is characterised by total or partial small intestine encapsulation by a compact fibrocollagenous membrane. Aside from having two extremely rare conditions (SIT and Abdominal cocoon), our patient developed renal cell carcinoma (RCC), which makes this case even more uncommon.

Case Presentation

We report the case of a 64-year-old man who was admitted to our hospital with an extremely rare case of localized RCC in the left kidney complicated with SIT and abdominal cocoon. Computer tomography urography (CTU) and angiography (CTA) showed that the patient was confirmed as having SIT, for the space-occupying lesion in the left kidney, clear cell RCC (ccRCC) was considered, the lesion in the right kidney was probably cystic. We diagnosed our patient as having a cT1aN0M0 left RCC, and the RENAL score was 7x. With partial nephrectomy (PN) being the preferred treatment approach, robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (RALPN) was performed after obtaining informed consent. After insertion of the laparoscope, adhesions were observed between the entire colon and the anterior abdominal wall. Then, abdominal cocoon was diagnosed. The surgery was uneventful, and the tumour was resected successfully while preserving the tumour capsule. No intestinal injury or any other complication occurred in the intraoperative or postoperative, and the patient recovered well after the operation.

Conclusion

PN is an extremely challenging procedure in patients with SIT and abdominal cocoon. The da Vinci Xi surgical system and thorough preoperative assessment allowed the surgeon to overcome stereotyping, visual inversion, and successfully perform PN in a patient with SIT and abdominal cocoon without increasing the risk of complications and preserving as much renal function as possible. Considering the satisfactory outcomes, this report may hopefully provide a practical reference for the treatment of RCC in patients with other special conditions.
Clinical significance of the largest histopathological metastatic lymph node size for postoperative course of patients undergoing surgery for gastric cancer
Authors: Omeroglu Sinan , Gulmez Selcuk , Yazici Pinar , Demir Uygar , Guven Onur , Capkinoglu Emir , Uzun Orhan , Senger Aziz Serkan , Polat Erdal , Duman Mustafa
Published: February 2023

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the largest metastatic lymph node (MLN) size on postoperative outcomes of patients with stage II-III gastric cancer (GC).

Methods

A total of 163 patients with stage II/III GC who underwent curative surgery were included in this single-center retrospective study. The lymph nodes were counted, each lymph node was analyzed for metastatic involvement by histopathological examination, and the diameter of the largest metastatic lymph node was recorded. The severity of postoperative complications was assessed by Clavien–Dindo classification system. Two groups of 163 patients were defined according to ROC analysis with cut-off value of histopathologically maximum MLN diameter. A comparative analysis of demographic and clinicopathological characteristics of the patients and their postoperative outcomes were performed.

Results

The median hospital stay was significantly longer in patients with major complications compared to patients without major complications [18 days (IQR: 13–24) vs. 8 days (IQR: 7–11); (p < 0.001)]. The median MLN size was significantly larger in deceased patients compared to survived [1.3 cm (IQR: 0.8–1.6) vs. 0.9 cm (IQR: 0.6–1.2), respectively; (p < 0.001)]. The cut-off value of MLN size predicting mortality was found as 1.05 cm. MLN size ≥1.05 cm had nearly 3.5 times more negative impact on survival.

Conclusions

The largest metastatic lymph node size had a significant association with survival outcomes. Particularly, MLN size over 1.05 cm was associated with worse survival outcomes. However, the largest MLN was not shown to have any effect on major complications. Further prospective and large-scale studies are required to draw more precise conclusions.
Towards a Funambulist Leadership in Researchers Well-Being: Managing Equilibriums and Tensions in the Hybrid Work Era
Authors: Lorca Jacinto G. , Belli Simone
Published: February 2023

The chaotic adaptation to hybrid work during the COVID-19 pandemic has meant that workers still do not know how professional dynamics function correctly in this new context. In this paper, we focus on new issues that have arisen in this era of hybrid work, with the aim of improving performance, conciliation, and well-being in the specific professional environments of universities and research institutes. We will show the results from a non-representative survey comprising 451 scientists. Aspects such as management and leadership over their work, the purpose to achieve something innovative in their work, and promoting well-being in their work spaces and co-workers, have been observed and identified in the survey. The figure of a leader emerges as someone who is communicative, collaborative, and that helps colleagues and their professional development. We suggest that a tightrope walker leader, that is, one who knows how to strike a balance between individual needs and collective interests, could be the key to ensuring the well-being of scientists.
Experimental and Numerical Investigations for Dual−Cavity Tip Aerodynamic Performance in the Linear Turbine Cascade
Authors: Chen Yingjie , Cai Le , Jiang Dengyu , Li Yiyi , Wang Songtao
Published: February 2023

Experimental and numerical studies of a linear high-loaded turbine cascade with a dual−cavity tip structure are presented in this paper. The experimental conditions contained an increase in the outlet Mach number from 0.42 to 0.92, a change in the incidence angle from −15° to 15° and an increase in the relative clearance size from 0.36% to 1.4%. The ability of the dual−cavity tip to control leakage losses and vortices is assessed using the total pressure coefficient and the Q-criterion. This research indicates that the leakage vortex interacts strongly with the passage vortex, and the change in working conditions affects the balance between the two vortices and thus the flow field structure. The experimental and numerical results prove that the dual−cavity tip can reduce losses in all operating conditions, with the best control effect reduced by 0.025 in a large clearance size condition. In addition, the leakage control effect of the blade tip structure is more influenced by the incoming flow angle and clearance size than the Mach number.
Development of a Physicochemical Test Kit for On-Farm Measurement of Nutrients in Liquid Organic Manures
Authors: Piepel Max-Frederik , Olfs Hans-Werner
Published: February 2023

Optimised use of liquid organic manures (LOM) can reduce the consumption of mineral fertilisers and help reduce the emission of nutrients into nonagricultural ecosystems. To achieve this, farmers need to be able to measure the greatly variable nutrient composition of LOMs as accurately as possible on-farm. Since existing on-farm test methods either need to be precisely adapted to each LOM type or take a long time to perform, a test kit was developed to measure the nutrients of different LOM types within a short time. For the study, 619 LOMs (391 pig slurries, 139 cattle slurries, and 89 digestates) were collected from farms in northwest Germany and analysed in the laboratory for total N, ammonium, phosphorus, and potassium. The samples were analysed in parallel using the on-farm test kit consisting of ion-selective ammonium and potassium electrodes and an automatic moisture analyser to evaluate the comparability of the data. Each measurement could be performed in less than 15 min. Regardless of LOM type, regressions with an R² > 0.9 could be generated for total nitrogen, ammonium, and potassium, while the models for phosphorus were not as reliable.
Peel to Flesh Bioactive Compounds Ratio Affect Apple Antioxidant Potential and Cultivar Functional Properties
Authors: Sawicka Monika , Latocha Piotr , Łata Barbara
Published: February 2023

More than ten thousand apple cultivars with high variability in the quality traits and year-round availability place apples at the forefront of consumed fruits. Yet consumers and producers alike are still looking for new apple cultivars with specific quality attributes such as plant resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses as well as a high health-promoting potential. The model plants were three cultivars: a new ‘Chopin’ and an old ‘Granny Smith’, scab resistant cultivars with green peel, and a red-skinned cultivar ‘Gala Schniga’. Apple peel and flesh were analyzed separately during two growing seasons: 2016 and 2017. The total ascorbate and phenolics as well as individual phenolic compounds, such as (+)-catechin, (−)-epicatechin, chlorogenic acid, phloridzin, and rutin concentrations, proved to be highly tissue-type and cultivar dependent. The apple of the ‘Chopin’ and ‘Granny Smith’ cultivars expressed much lower skin-to-flesh antioxidant potential differences as compared to ‘Gala Schniga’. The lowest differences between tissue types were observed in the case of chlorogenic acid and flavan-3-ols, followed by total phenolics and ascorbate concentrations. Except for phloridzin, ‘Gala Schniga’ exhibited the highest differences in global and individual phenolic compound concentrations as well as total antioxidant capacity between the apple peel and flesh. ‘Chopin’ was definitely distinguished by the highest concentration of ascorbate in both the peel and the flesh and expressed a higher concentration of flavanols, especially compared to ‘Granny Smith’. In contrast to ‘Gala Schniga’, ‘Chopin’ was richer in chlorogenic acid, (+)-catechin, and (−)-epicatechin in the flesh. The total antioxidant capacity of the green-peel apple cultivars was similar to that of the red-peel one. A narrower range of differences between the concentration of antioxidants in apple peel and flesh could mean better health-promoting properties and might be related to a greater resistance to environmental stress factors.
Consumer Behaviour Regarding Food Waste in Romania, Rural versus Urban
Authors: Chereji Aurelia-Ioana , Chiurciu Irina-Adriana , Popa Anca , Chereji Ioan , Iorga Adina-Magdalena
Published: February 2023

Reducing food waste is an important objective in order to raise awareness of the negative effects it produces. The lack of information regarding the efficient use of food will affect the environment and the health of each of us. The objective of the paper is to present the behaviour of Romanian consumers regarding food waste. By means of a semi-structured questionnaire administered to 267 consumers, the following aspects were investigated: the place where they serve meals, the preparation of meals at home, purchase preferences, the motivation for food waste, and selective collection. Consumption typologies identify a higher share of food waste in urban areas and a better use of food in rural areas. The people from rural areas ate more than 50% of their meals at home. The preferred location for procuring food was, by far, the supermarket or hypermarket in both urban and rural environments. Young people throw away more waste than older food consumers. Awareness about food waste is more accentuated in young adults, without a significant correlation to the area of origin.
Morphological Features and Biological Activity of Different Extracts of Echinops spinosissimus Grown in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al Masoudi Luluah M. , Hashim Ahmed M.
Published: February 2023

Based on a shortage of available data on Echinops spinosissimus in Saudi Arabia, the current study’s aim was to present some new information on the topic. Plant samples were collected from different locations in the northeast of Mecca. Out of fifteen species from this genus found in Saudi Arabia, one species was targeted in the current study. It was noted as a perennial subshrub that is 30–80 cm in length. Its stem is gray, striate, and slightly covered with glandular hairs. The epidermis is converted into cork cells in older stem parts. The vascular system showed a continuous siphonostelic structure and dissected vascular bundles. The lamina is abaxially rounded and straight. The pollen grains are monads, radially symmetric, medium-sized, and a prolate spheroidal shape with an aculeate–foveolate exine structure. Based on its historical pharmaceutical properties, the phytochemical properties were studied, and it was noted that ethyl acetate was the best solvent for producing high amounts of bioactive compounds such as phenols, flavonoids, and alkaloids. The obtained extracts appeared to exhibit high activity against Gram-positive pathogenic bacteria. These extracts were identified by using HPLC and GC-MS. Many bioactive compounds were detected, such as protocatechuic acid, gallic acid, rutin, vanillic acid, quercetin, and kaempferol. Additionally, four main compounds, including hexadecanoic, stearic, oleic, and linoleic acids, were detected via GC-MS. The total antioxidants of E. spinosissimus extracts showed that the ethyl acetate extract exhibited a high total antioxidant capacity and free radical-scavenging properties.
Analysis of Seed Amino Acids in Vegetable Soybeans Dried by Freeze and Thermal Drying
Authors: Jiang Guo-Liang , Townsend William , Ren Shuxin
Published: February 2023

Vegetable soybean (Glycine max), known as edamame, has a high nutritional and market value. It is a relatively new crop in North America and Africa. The amino acid profile is important for the nutritional quality of edamame, and a challenge facing its genetic improvement is evaluating its amino acids rapidly. To explore a drying method suitable for the fast evaluation of edamame nutritional profiles, fresh seed samples of 20 soybean genotypes were dried using freeze, low- and high-heat drying methods, and their amino acid contents were analyzed by near-infrared reflectance (NIR) technology. Three-year results indicated that there were significant differences between the years of samplings and among genotypes for all amino acids. Significant differences existed between the drying methods for most amino acids except for leucine and the total amino acid. Low-heat drying at 65 °C and freeze drying showed similar results and were highly comparable to each other for ANOVA and repeatability estimation. The estimates of repeatability under the individual drying methods were 73–94%, except for tryptophan, cysteine and methionine; meanwhile, higher estimates (85–99%) were computed using the combined data of all three drying methods, with few exceptions. Two sulfur-containing amino acids were showed to be more sensitive to high temperature than the others. Six genotypes exhibited higher contents of all the 18 major amino acids and are recommended to be used for the nutritional quality improvement of edamame and other food-grade specialty soybeans. In conclusion, the low-heat drying method can serve as an alternative to freeze drying, and can be used in the large-scale drying of fresh edamame and in the evaluation of seed amino acids in research.
Biofertilizers Improve the Leaf Quality of Hydroponically Grown Baby Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.)
Authors: Dasgan Hayriye Yildiz , Kacmaz Sevda , Arpaci Bekir Bülent , İkiz Boran , Gruda Nazim S.
Published: February 2023

Plant nutrition through mineral fertilizers is commonly used in soilless culture systems. Our study aims to replace intensive mineral fertilizers with bio-fertilizers, at least partially. We supplemented 50% of the mineral fertilizers with Chlorella vulgaris microalgae, a mix of beneficial bacteria and mycorrhiza. In addition, we investigated how to enhance spinach quality by implementing a sustainable and eco-friendly production method. Our research focused on analyzing the parameters of leaf quality and nitrate accumulation of baby spinach grown in a floating culture system utilizing biofertilizers. When mycorrhiza, algae, and bacteria supplemented 50% of mineral fertilizers, 17.5%, 20%, and 21.9% fewer leaf yields than 100% mineral fertilizers (5270 g m−2) were achieved. However, biofertilizers improved the internal leaves’ quality of hydroponically grown baby spinach. The highest amount of total phenolic (356.88 mg gallic acid 100g−1), vitamin C (73.83 mg 100 g−1), total soluble solids (9.4%), phosphorus (0.68%), and iron (120.07 ppm) content were obtained by using mycorrhiza. Bacteria induced the lowest nitrate content (206 mg kg−1) in spinach leaves, while 100% mineral fertilizers showed the highest nitrate (623 mg kg−1) concentration. Moreover, bacteria provided the highest SPAD-chlorophyll (73.72) and titrable acidity (0.31%). The use of microalgae, Chlorella vulgaris, induced the highest amount of potassium (9.62%), calcium (1.64%), magnesium (0.58%), zinc (75.21 ppm), and manganese (64.33 mg kg−1). In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that the utilization of biofertilizers has the potential to significantly reduce the reliance on mineral fertilizers by up to 50%. Furthermore, an improvement in the quality of baby spinach, as evidenced by an increase in health-beneficial compounds, is possible. Thus, implementing biofertilizers in the cultivation of soilless baby spinach presents a promising approach to achieving both environmental sustainability and improved crop quality.
Echocardiographic Assessment of the Pulmonary Vein to Pulmonary Artery Ratio in Canine Heartworm Disease
Authors: Matos Jorge Isidoro , Caro-Vadillo Alicia , Falcón-Cordón Yaiza , García-Rodríguez Sara Nieves , Costa-Rodríguez Noelia , Carretón Elena , Montoya-Alonso José Alberto
Published: February 2023

Background:Dirofilaria immitis produces proliferative pulmonary endarteritis and pulmonary thromboembolism in infected dogs. The pulmonary vascular lesions lead to irreversible and persistent structural damage and, as a consequence, sustained precapillary pulmonary hypertension (PH). The purpose of this study was to assess the diagnostic value of the pulmonary vein to pulmonary artery ratio (PV:PA ratio) to determine moderate or severe PH (>50 mmHg) in dogs with heartworm disease. Methods: A total of 151 naturally heartworm-infected and 66 healthy dogs were included in the study. The presence/absence of PH was based on the right pulmonary artery distensibility index (RPAD index < 29.5%), and the PV:PA ratio was echocardiographically measured by the time–motion mode (M mode) and two-dimensional mode (2D mode). Other echocardiographic parameters were also assessed (pulmonary trunk to aorta ratio, tricuspid regurgitation pressure gradient, and AT:ET ratio). Results: The results of the PV:PA ratio showed a highly positive correlation between the M and 2D modes (r = 0.928). The PV:PA ratio obtained by the M mode was identified as the strongest predictor for RPAD index (R2 0.628, p < 0.0001) with a good diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.99). The results of PV/PA by the 2D mode showed a similar prediction for the RPAD index (R2 0.606, p < 0.0001) with a good diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.98). Both of the 2D and M modes’ PV:PA ratios decreased significantly with the presence of PH. A cut-off value of ≤0.845 showed high sensitivity and specificity for the M mode (97% and 94%, respectively) and the 2D mode (96% and 93%, respectively). Conclusions: The PV:PA ratio may be useful as a complementary diagnostic method for the estimation of moderate or severe PH in dogs with heartworm.
The Begging Strategy of Andean Dogs: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Finzi Alessandro , Rava Eleonora , D’Aniello Biagio
Published: February 2023

In this study, we report a particular begging strategy by Andean dogs and by humans on the unsurfaced road between the villages of Parotani and Cahiuasi in Bolivia. The positions of the dogs and humans begging and their behavioral displays were recorded. In dogs, the distance from each other was also recorded. Begging locations, for both dogs and humans, were permuted with a score, according to the higher probability of receiving food. The highest scores were assigned to the positions where cars had to slow down and the subjects were well visible, thus meriting a score corresponding to the higher probability of receiving a treat. The occurrences of the correct positioning at the external and internal parts of the bend were compared by a chi-square test. On a range of 93.3 km, the dogs were observed to always lie down at the border of the road, mainly alone (96.3%) and on hairpin bends, present due to the steep slope, obliging the vehicles to slow down. Humans were observed mainly in groups. The percentage of dogs lying on the external part of the bends was 81.2%, which was above the level of chance (p < 0.01). Humans were observed at external bends in 63.6% of cases, which was at chance level. Begging locations, for both dogs and humans, were permuted with a score according to the higher probability of receiving food. The mean scores were 1.48 and 0.65 for dogs and humans, respectively, and the difference was highly significant (p < 0.001).
Effect of Kisspeptin-Type Neuropeptide on Locomotor Behavior and Muscle Physiology in the Sea Cucumber Apostichopus japonicus
Authors: Guo Xueying , Zhang Libin , Xiao Kang
Published: February 2023

Kisspeptins are neuropeptides encoded by the kiss1 gene, and little is known about them outside the vertebrate lineage. Two kisspeptin-type neuropeptides (KPs) have been discovered in Apostichopus japonicus (AjK1 and AjK2), an edible sea cucumber, and have been linked to reproductive and metabolic regulation. In this study, we evaluated how KPs affected locomotor behavior in one control group and two treatment groups (AjK1 and AjK2). We discovered that AjK1 had a significant dose effect, primarily by shortening the stride length and duration of movement to reduce the sea cucumber movement distance, whereas AjK2 had little inhibitory effect at the same dose. The levels of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylcholine (PC), uridine, glycine, and L-serine in the longitudinal muscle of A. japonicus treated with AjK1 differed significantly from those of the control, which may explain the observed changes in locomotor behavior. Treatment with AjK2 induced changes in aspartate levels. Our results imply that AjK1 is more likely than AjK2 to have a role in the regulation of A. japonicus locomotion.
Effects of Sulla Flexuosa Hay as Alternative Feed Resource on Goat’s Milk Production and Quality
Authors: Boukrouh Soumaya , Noutfia Ali , Moula Nassim , Avril Claire , Hornick Jean-Luc , Chentouf Mouad , Cabaraux Jean-François
Published: February 2023

Sulla flexuosa (Hedysarum flexuosum L.) is an endemic legume growing in some Mediterranean areas in rainfed and cold mountainous conditions. It could be used in goat diets as an alternative protein source instead of alfalfa to supplement forest rangeland. This study aimed to test the effects of incorporating Sulla flexuosa (SF) hay in the diet of Beni Arouss goats on their milk production and quality. The hay was introduced at two levels, i.e., 35 or 70% (SF70), on a DM basis; it partially or totally replaced the alfalfa hay of the control diet. Sulla flexuosa incorporation did not affect milk production or physicochemical composition. However, milk FA content varied in proportion to the percentage of SF incorporation. The SF70 diet was associated with increased milk levels in C18:1n-9, C18:2n-6, C18:3n-3, and C22:6n-3 and total monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and n-3 fatty acids. As a consequence, atherogenic and thrombogenic indices were improved. Additionally, better antioxidant capacity was observed in SF70.
Effects of the Vitamin D3 on Alleviating the Oxidative Stress Induced by Diquat in Wenchang Chickens
Authors: Nong Keyi , Liu Youming , Fang Xin , Qin Xinyun , Liu Zhineng , Zhang Haiwen
Published: February 2023

Vitamin D3 (VD3) is an indispensable micronutrient in livestock and poultry feed. Its function in antioxidant stress has been reported. We investigate whether the addition of different concentrations of VD3 to the diet affects the production performance, slaughter performance, meat quality, organ index, and gut injury on the diquat (DQ)-induced model of oxidative stress in Wenchang chickens. Four hundred and eighty one-day-old chickens were randomly divided into six groups: control (basal diet), 4000 VD (basal diet + VD3 4000 IU per kg feed intake), 1000 VD+DI (DQ, basal diet + VD3 1000 IU per kg feed intake), 2000 VD+DI (DQ, basal diet + VD3 2000 IU per kg feed intake), and 4000 VD+DI (DQ, basal diet + VD3 4000 IU per kg feed intake). The results showed that the addition of VD3 to the diet promoted DQ-induced weight loss and reduced ADFI, slaughter rate, splenic index, and pH after 1 h and 24 h in the leg muscles. VD3 decreased the increase in content of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) among proinflammatory cytokines (p < 0.05) and increased the reduction in anti-inflammatory cytokines content of interleukin-10 (IL-10) (p < 0.05) induced by DQ. In addition, liver and kidney injury biomarkers and the intestinal permeability index in serum were disordered after treatment with DQ (p < 0.05). VD3 perfected the increase of D-lactic acid (D-LA), diamine oxidase (DAO), total cholesterol (T-CHO), creatinine (CR), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) content, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity (p < 0.05); it increased the decrease of albumin (ALB) content (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, VD3 regulated the intestinal morphology and intestinal barrier. Moreover, DQ induced a decrease in total antioxidant capacity and antioxidant enzyme activity in the serum, liver, and jejunum (p < 0.05), and an increase in malonaldehyde (MDA) content (p < 0.05). However, the addition of different levels of VD3 could alleviate the above phenomenon of oxidative stress in Wenchang chickens to different degrees. Thus, this research suggested that the addition of VD3 can relieve the DQ-induced oxidative stress of Wenchang chickens, and the level of VD3 acquisition is positively correlated with the remission effect.
Dynamics of Milk Parameters of Quarter Samples before and after the Dry Period on Czech Farms
Authors: Kejdova Rysova Lucie , Duchacek Jaromir , Legarova Veronika , Gasparik Matus , Sebova Anna , Hermanova Sona , Codl Radim , Pytlik Jan , Stadnik Ludek , Nejeschlebova Hana
Published: February 2023

This study aimed to monitor milk parameters on three different dairy farms in the Czech Republic to describe their readiness for implementing selective dry cow therapy. Fat, protein, casein, lactose, solids-not-fat content, total solids content, freezing point, titratable acidity, and somatic cell count of quarter milk samples collected from tested Holstein cows were evaluated. Associations between the tested parameters, as well as the effects of parity, farm, day of calving, and time of evaluation at dry-off and after calving, were assessed. Values of the leading milk components dynamically changed between dry-off and after calving, but only protein content was significantly affected. The most important parameter of our research, the somatic cell count of quarter milk samples, was also not affected by the time of evaluation. Even though a slight increase in the mean of somatic cell count is expected before the dry period and after calving, at dry-off, we observed 30%, 42%, and 24% of quarters with somatic cell counts above 200,000 cells per mL, while after calving, we observed 27%, 16%, and 18% of quarters with somatic cell counts above 200,000 cells per mL on Farm 1, Farm 2, and Farm 3, respectively. High somatic cell counts (>200,000 cells per mL) indicate bacterial infection, as confirmed by the significant negative correlation between this parameter and lactose content. In addition, a deficient milk fat-to-protein ratio was observed on two farms, which may indicate metabolic disorders, as well as the occurrence of intramammary infections. Despite the above, we concluded that according to the thresholds of somatic cell counts for selective dry cow therapy taken from foreign studies, a large part of the udder quarters could be dried off without the administration of antibiotics. However, it is necessary to set up more effective mechanisms for mastitis prevention.
Effects of Intramammary Antimicrobial Treatment on the Milk Microbiota Composition in Mild Clinical Bovine Mastitis Caused by Gram-Positive Bacteria
Authors: Hayashi Mayu , Shinozuka Yasunori , Kurumisawa Tomomi , Yagisawa Takuya , Suenaga Nagomu , Shimizu Yuko , Suzuki Naoki , Kawai Kazuhiro
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this study was to clarify the effects of antimicrobial treatment for mild mastitis caused by Gram-positive bacteria on the milk microbiota in dairy cattle. Sixteen quarters of sixteen cows with mild clinical mastitis from the same herd were included in the study. On the day of onset (day 0), the cows were randomly allocated to a no-treatment (NT; n = 10) group or an intramammary antimicrobial treatment (AMT) group that received AMT starting on day 0 (AMT-AMT group; n = 6). The next day (day 1), the cows in the NT group were randomly allocated into an NT group (NT-NT group; n = 3) that received no treatment or an AMT group that received AMT starting on day 1 (NT-AMT group; n = 7). Milk samples were collected on days 0, 1, 3 and 7, and the milk microbiota of each sample was comprehensively analyzed via 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing of the milk DNA. During the treatment period, the milk microbiota of the NT-NT group did not change, but those of the NT-AMT and AMT-AMT groups changed significantly on days three and seven. Thus, the use of antimicrobials for mild mastitis caused by Gram-positive bacteria changes the milk microbiota composition.