bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of CSR Engagement in Customer-Company Identification and Behavioral Intention During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Wu Yanqin , Zhu Wenzhong
Published: August 2021

The global coronavirus pandemic has reignited a strategic debate among the business community of the necessity for corporate social responsibility (CSR) engagement in the ever-dynamic social media. Considering the global economic downturn introduced by the COVID-19 pandemic, the present research is devoted to investigating whether CSR engagement in social media can help DiDi (a Chinese shared brand) at stake survive this overwhelming crisis. A theoretical model proposed to describe the hypothesized relationships was tested by a Structural Equation Modeling technique through the empirical online questionnaire. Through findings, we demonstrated that there was a positive relationship between CSR engagement of DiDi on WeChat, customer–company identification (C–C identification), and behavioral intention [purchase intention, brand loyalty, and e-word-of-mouth (eWOM)] of customers. With attention to psychological influence, our empirical statistics also evidenced the mediating role of C-C identification between CSR engagement and behavioral intention of customers. This study highlights the significant role of CSR engagement in a critical period theoretically and offers businesses more open innovation strategies to compete against the COVID-19 pandemic-induced market downturn.
Face-to-Face Clinical Practice Under COVID-19 Pandemic: How Psychotherapists Describe Their Experiences
Authors: Ribeiro Eugénia , Ferreira Ângela , Cardoso Cátia , Queiroz Raquel , Silva Vânia
Published: August 2021

Driven by the theory-building around the role of the non-verbal components to communication, we aimed to understand how therapists experience the therapeutic process using a facial mask. The empirical evidence of the power of non-verbal communication to engage therapists and clients in therapeutic work, develop a positive and collaborative relationship between them, and display empathy is quite large. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, drawing from the therapists’ participation in an online survey. A sample of 137 psychotherapists with different therapy orientations and years of clinical practice participated in the study. Therapists conducted face-to-face therapy wearing face masks with existing and/or new clients. We performed an exploratory analysis, using descriptive statistics, to explore the psychotherapists’ evaluations regarding perceived impact of face masks on different therapy quality dimensions. In a complementary rationale, we analyzed the therapists’ perspectives on their experience wearing face masks using the thematic analysis methodology. Results show that among 137 psychotherapists, 114 were attending both existing and new clients, whereas only 13 were seeing exclusively existing clients and 10 were working exclusively with new clients. Despite no major differences were found between conditions regarding the perceived impact of face masks on different therapy quality dimensions and strategies adopted, the qualitative analysis allowed us to expand the quantitative results and deepen understanding of psychotherapists’ experience. Based on general and typical patterns, we propose two distinct models to describe the therapist’s experiences narrative when working with existing or new clients wearing face masks. Based on the results, we propose some recommendations to clinical practice in similar conditions.
Grit, Self-Efficacy, Motivation and the Readiness to Change Index Toward Exercise in the Adult Population
Authors: De La Cruz Manuel , Zarate Alex , Zamarripa Jorge , Castillo Isabel , Borbon Angelica , Duarte Hector , Valenzuela Kathryn
Published: August 2021

This study examined the relationships between grit personality, self-efficacy, motivation (autonomous, controlled, and amotivation), and the readiness to change index toward exercise. Participants were 391 adults aged between 18 and 64 years old (M= 31.16;SD= 12.45) from Hermosillo, Sonora (Mexico) who completed questionnaires (i.e., the Grit Personality Scale, the Exercise Self-Efficacy Questionnaire, the Treatment Self-Regulation Questionnaire and the Stages of Change Questionnaire for Physical Activity) measuring the variables of interest. The reliability of the instruments was tested using Cronbach's alpha, whereas confirmatory factor analyses were performed for each instrument separately. A measurement model and a structural equation model were assessed as well. The results of the structural equations model showed that grit personality was positively associated with self-efficacy, and in turn, with autonomous motivation and with the readiness to change index. On the other hand, self-efficacy was negatively correlated with controlled motivation, and positively correlated with the readiness to change index. Finally, self-efficacy also showed a negative correlation with amotivation, which, in turn, was negatively correlated with the readiness to change index. These results provide information to develop psychological intervention programs based on grit personality and motivation, with the aim of increasing the number of participants who engage in exercise.
Emotional Information in News Reporting on Audience Cognitive Processing in the Age of Posttruth: An Electroencephalogram and Functional Connectivity Approach
Authors: Yang Ya , Xiu Lichao , Yu Guoming
Published: August 2021

The purpose of the present study is to explore how the emotionalized expression of news content in the posttruth era affects the cognitive processing of the audiences. One news that was text-written with two different expression types (emotional expression vs. neutral expression) was adopted as an experiment material in the study, and changes in cortical activity during news reporting reading tasks were examined with electroencephalograms, sampled from nine sites and four channels and analyzed with weighted phase lag index (wPLI) based on brain functional connectivity (FC) method. The results show that emotional discourses caused a stronger cortical brain activity and more robust brain FC (beta oscillations); besides, reading emotionalized expression consumed more attention resources but fewer cognitive resources, which may impede further rational thinking of the audiences.
A Review of Foreign Language Enjoyment and Engagement
Authors: Zeng Yijun
Published: August 2021

The introduction of positive psychology into foreign/second language learning has led to a multitude of novel theoretical and empirical studies. Foreign language enjoyment (FLE) is regarded as a response to the widely examined concept of classroom anxiety. The majority of these studies have investigated the effect of learners’ and teachers’ characteristics (Xie and Derakhshan, 2021) pertaining to FLE on learners’ academic achievement and their engagement in classroom tasks. Following a seminal study by Dewaele and MacIntyre (2014) and the development of the primary FLE scale, some researchers evaluated the extent of learners’ enjoyment in the language learning environment; these studies approved the effectiveness and prominence of FLE throughout the learning process. The present review is an attempt to review studies on FLE during the past two decades. The related literature confirms the significance and efficiency of promoting FLE in the classroom because it brings about higher levels of motivation and engagement among language learners and leads to prolonged success and achievement. A summary of the major efforts regarding this area of research is presented in this study.
A Traditional Costa Rican Adolescents' Diet Score Is a Valid Tool to Capture Diet Quality and Identify Sociodemographic Groups With Suboptimal Diet
Authors: Monge-Rojas Rafael , O'Neill June , Lee-Bravatti Michelle , Mattei Josiemer
Published: August 2021

Traditional diet indices may capture diet quality according to local food culture. Higher adherence to traditional diet scores may help prevent disease, yet evidence in adolescents is limited. This cross-sectional study aimed to develop and validate a Traditional Costa Rica Adolescents Diet Score (TCRAD) and determine its association with sociodemographic characteristics, under the hypothesis that girls, adolescents from rural areas, and with low socioeconomic status, have a more traditional healthy diet. A total of 804 urban and rural adolescents (13–18 years old) participated in the study. The TCRAD showed adequate internal validity as shown by significant associations with intake of 14 traditional foods and nutrients (legumes, vegetables, fruits, oils, dairy, and corn tortilla scored as healthy; and white rice, red/processed meat, solid fats, desserts/pastries, sugar-sweetened beverages, snacks, fast food, and bread and cookies scored as unhealthy). A high TCRAD score, indicative of a healthier and more traditional diet, was observed among adolescents in the low socioeconomic group vs. medium or high socioeconomic categories (42.9, 41.2, and 38.2%, respectively,p< 0.05), adolescents living in rural areas vs. urban (47.6 vs. 34.2%,p< 0.05), and among boys vs. girls (46.9 vs. 37.5%,p< 0.05). The TCRAD score is a valid tool to capture diet quality of adolescents in Costa Rica and could be used to measure association of diet with disease outcomes in this and similar populations. Public health nutrition programs in Costa Rica should focus on improving intake of foods and nutrients, and prioritize girls, adolescents in urban areas, and adolescents with high socioeconomic status.
2017–2018 Assisted Reproduction Cost Analysis Performance Indexes: Lombardy County Case Study
Authors: Levi-Setti Paolo Emanuele , Busnelli Andrea , Bodina Annalisa , De Luca Roberto , Scaravelli Giulia
Published: August 2021

Objective: The aim of the present study was to analyze the IVF success rates and the economic cost per delivery in all the public funded IVF Units in Lombardy in the 2017–2018 period and to assess any significant difference in ART outcomes among the enrolled centers.

Methods: Analysis of costs for the 2017 and 2018 fresh transfer delivery rate (DR) and Cumulative delivery rate (CDR) considering both fresh and frozen cycles were extracted from the ART Italian Registry on oocytes retrievals, fresh and frozen embryos and oocytes embryo transfer performed in 22 Lombardy IVF Units.

Results: In 2017, 29,718 procedures were performed, resulting in 4,543 pregnancies and 3,253 deliveries. In 2018, there were 29,708 procedures, 4,665 pregnancies and 3,348 deliveries. Pregnancies lost to follow up were 5.0% with a (range of 0–67.68%) in 2017 and 3.4% (range of 0–45.1%) in 2018. The cost reimbursement for the cycles were €2,232 ($2,611) for oocyte retrieval and €2,194 ($2,567) for embryo transfer, excluding ovarian stimulation therapy and luteal phase support. 19.33 (5.80). The DR was 13.23 ± 5.69% (range 2.86–29.11%) in 2017 and 19.33 ± 5.80% in 2018 (range 11.82–34.98 %) and the CDR was 19.86 ± 9.38% (range 4.43–37.88%) in 2017 and 21.32 ± 8.84% (range 4.24–37.11%). The mean multiple pregnancy delivery rate (MDR) was 11.08 ± 5.55% (range 0.00–22.73%) in 2017 and 10.41 ± 4.99% (range 1.33–22.22%) in 2018. The mean CDR cost in euros was 26,227 ± 14,737 in 2017 and 25,018 ± 16,039 in 2018. The mean CDR cost among centers was 12,480 to 76,725 in 2017 and 12,973 to 86,203 in 2018.

Conclusions: Our findings show impressive differences in the DR and CDR among centers and the importance of cryopreservation in patients' safety and economic cost reduction suggesting the formulation of specific KPI's (Key performance indexes) and minimal performance indexes (PI) as a basis for the allocation of public or insurance resources. In particular, the reduction of multiple pregnancy rates costs, may lead to a more widespread use of ART even in lower resources countries.
Reality Stems From Modality: Stereotype Threat Effects of a STEM Game in Augmented and Virtual Reality
Authors: Ratan Rabindra , Boumis Josephine K. , Kuang Sarah , Gambino Andrew , Huang Kuo-Ting
Published: August 2021

This study examined the relationship between stereotype threat, game modality (augmented reality, virtual reality), and stereotypic beliefs about STEM fields. Results of a 2 [modality] x 2 [stereotype threat] factorial, between-subjects experiment with women participants (N = 64) suggest that gender stereotypes primed before playing the STEM game in AR induced stereotype threat, but induced stereotype reactance in VR. Specifically, for participants who played in AR, the stereotype-reinforcing prompt (compared to a counter-stereotype prompt) was associated with worse STEM-game performance, which mediated an increase in stereotypical beliefs about women in STEM. Conversely, for participants who played in VR, the stereotype-reinforcing prompt was associated with better STEM-game performance and more positive (i.e., counter-stereotypic) beliefs about women in STEM, though without mediation. These findings support the claim that stereotypes triggered in a STEM-gaming context have the potential to reinforce stereotypes in STEM fields. Researchers and practitioners should consider the implication that VR is potentially more male-stereotyped than AR, while AR makes stereotyped identity characteristics more accessible than VR.
Survey Fatigue During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Analysis of Neurosurgery Survey Response Rates
Authors: de Koning Rosaline , Egiz Abdullah , Kotecha Jay , Ciuculete Ana Catinca , Ooi Setthasorn Zhi Yang , Bankole Nourou Dine Adeniran , Erhabor Joshua , Higginbotham George , Khan Mehdi , Dalle David Ulrich , Sichimba Dawin , Bandyopadhyay Soham , Kanmounye Ulrick Sidney
Published: August 2021

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a surge in research activity while restricting data collection methods, leading to a rise in survey-based studies. Anecdotal evidence suggests this increase in neurosurgical survey dissemination has led to a phenomenon of survey fatigue, characterized by decreased response rates and reducing the quality of data. This paper aims to analyze the effect of COVID-19 on neurosurgery surveys and their response rates, and suggest strategies for improving survey data collection.

Methods: A search was conducted on March 20, 2021, on Medline and EMBASE. This included the terms “neurosurgery,” “cranial surgery,” “spine surgery,” and “survey” and identified surveys written in English, on a neurosurgical topic, distributed to neurosurgeons, trainees, and medical students. Results were screened by two authors according to these inclusion criteria, and included articles were used for data extraction, univariable, and bivariable analysis with Fisher's exact-test, Wilcoxon rank-sum test, and Spearman's correlation.

Results: We included 255 articles in our analysis, 32.3% of which were published during the COVID-19 pandemic. Surveys had an average of 25.6 (95% CI = 22.5–28.8) questions and were mostly multiple choice (78.8%). They were disseminated primarily by email (75.3%, 95% CI = 70.0–80.6%) and there was a significant increase in dissemination via social media during the pandemic (OR = 3.50, 95% CI = 1.30–12.0). COVID-19 surveys were distributed to more geographical regions than pre-pandemic surveys (2.1 vs. 1.5, P = 0.01) and had higher total responses (247.0 vs. 206.4, P = 0.01), but lower response rates (34.5 vs. 51.0%, P < 0.001) than pre-COVID-19 surveys.

Conclusion: The rise in neurosurgical survey distribution during the COVID-19 pandemic has led to survey fatigue, reduced response rates, and data collection quality. We advocate for population targeting to avoid over-researching, collaboration between research teams to minimize duplicate surveys, and communication with respondents to convey study importance, and we suggest further strategies to improve response rates in neurosurgery survey data collection.
Management and Outcomes of Paediatric Intracranial Suppurations in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Scoping Review
Authors: Ooi Setthasorn Zhi Yang , Sichimba Dawin , Dalle David Ulrich , Higginbotham George , Takoutsing Berjo Dongmo , Bankole Nourou Dine Adeniran , Egiz Abdullah , Kotecha Jay , de Koning Rosaline , Nguembu Stéphane , Zolo Yvan , Dokponou Yao Christian Hugues , Chilawa Samuel , Bandyopadhyay Soham , Kanmounye Ulrick Sidney
Published: August 2021

Introduction:Intracranial suppurations account for a significant proportion of intracranial masses in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), particularly among children. The development of better imaging equipment, antibiotics, and surgical techniques has enabled significant progress in detecting and treating intracranial abscesses. However, it is unclear whether these advances are accessible and utilised by LMICs. In this review, we aimed to describe the landscape of paediatric intracranial suppurations in LMICs.

Methods:This scoping review was conducted using the Arksey and O'Malley framework. MEDLINE, EMBASE, WHO Global Index Medicus, AJOL and Google scholar were searched for relevant articles from database inception to January 18th, 2021. Publications in English and French were included.

Results:Of the 1,011 records identified, 75 were included. The studies, on average, included 18.8 (95% CI = 8.4–29.1) children (mean age: 8.2 years). Most children were male (62.2%, 95% CI = 28.7–95.7%). Intracranial suppurations were most commonly (46.5%) located in the supratentorial brain parenchyma. The most prevalent causative mechanism was otitis (37.4%) with streptococcus species being the most common causative organism (19.4%). CT scan (71.2%) was most commonly used as a diagnostic tool and antibiotics were given to all patients. Symptoms resolved in 23.7% and improved in 15.3% of patients. The morbidity rate was 6.9%, 18.8% of patients were readmitted, and the mortality rate was 11.0%.

Conclusion:Most intracranial suppurations were complications of preventable infections and despite MRI being the gold standard for detecting intracranial suppurations, CT scans were mostly used in LMICs. These differences are likely a consequence of inequities in healthcare and have resulted in a high mortality rate in LMICs.
Experience in Transoral Robotic Surgery in Pediatric Subjects: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Vianini Matteo , Fiacchini Giacomo , Benettini Giacomo , Dallan Iacopo , Bruschini Luca
Published: August 2021

Pediatric transoral robotic surgery (TORS) has improved from 2007 to 2020, widening its indications and feasibility. This article aims to systematically analyze the procedures performed from the first use until the current year, observing their evolution over time. A systematic literature review was performed using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases between March 1, 2000, and April 1, 2020. We selected studies that were written only in English and were performed in live human subjects. About 16 studies were found with a total of 73 subjects treated, among them 41 were men and 32 were women with an average age of 6.8 ± 4.99 years. There have been four (5.47%) conversions. Both functional and benign-malignant diseases have been treated in the series. Eleven (15.06%) pre-operative tracheostomy and zero post-operative tracheostomy were performed. The bleeding data was only reported in 9 studies and was <50 ml. Only one (1.36%) intra-operative complication and 10 (12.32%) postoperative complications were reported. We consider the TORS procedures in pediatric subjects safe, feasible and with good surgical outcomes up to the laryngeal region.
Load and Unload Technology to Improve Round-Bale Hauling Efficiency
Authors: Cundiff John , Grisso Robert
Published: August 2021

There are two key parameters in short-haul truck operations to deliver biomass to a biorefinery: (1) mass of the load and (2) cycle time (load, travel, unload, and return). A plan to optimize both these parameters is outlined in this study. Operation of a logistics system to deliver 20-bale racks to a biorefinery for continuous 24/7 operation, 48 weeks/year is described. Round bales are stored in satellite storage locations (SSLs) by feedstock producers. A truckload consists of two tandem trailers (40, 0.4 Mg bales), a specification that maximizes load mass. Load-out at the SSL (loading bales into racks) is performed by a contractor and paid by the biorefinery. Subsequent hauling (truck tractor to pull the trailers) is also contracted for by the biorefinery. Central control is specified; the “feedstock manager” at the biorefinery decides the order SSLs are loaded out and can route a truck to any SSL where a load is ready. Tandem trailers with empty racks are dropped at the SSL, and the trailers with full racks are towed to the biorefinery. Uncoupling the loading and hauling in this manner reduces the time the truck waits for loading and the SSL load-out waits for a truck; thus, productivity of both operations is increased. At the biorefinery receiving facility, full racks are removed from the trailers and replaced with empty racks. The objective for this transfer is a 10 min unload time, which completes a logistics design that minimizes cycle time. A delivered rack is placed in a rack unloader to supply bales for immediate processing, or it is placed in central storage to supply bales for nighttime and weekend operations. Three biorefinery capacities were studied: 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 bale/min. The analysis shows that rack cost to supply a biorefinery processing a bale/min for 24/7 operation is ~3.00 USD/Mg of annual biorefinery capacity, and the rack trailer cost is ~3.25 USD/Mg. Total delivery cost, beginning with bales in SSL storage and ending with a rack being placed in an unloader to deliver individual bales for processing, is 31.51, 28.42, and 26.92 USD/Mg for a biorefinery processing rates of 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 bale/min, respectively.
Effects of High-Frequency Electrical Stunning Current Intensities on Pre-Slaughter Stunning Stress and Meat Lipid Oxidation in Geese
Authors: Xu Lei , Yang Haiming , Wan Xiaoli , Zhang Xin , Yang Zhi , Wang Zhiyue
Published: August 2021

Intensive slaughtering with electrical stunning (ES) is replacing traditional manual slaughtering of geese in China. This study aimed to assess stunning stress and meat lipid oxidation in geese stunned by high-frequency current intensities. Forty male Yangzhou geese, 92 days old, were randomly allocated into five treatments with eight replicates per treatment. The geese in the control group were not stunned, while the other birds were stunned by alternating current (AC) in a water bath. Each bird received a current intensity of 20 mA (E20mA), 40 mA (E40mA), 70 mA (E70mA), or 100 mA (E100mA) for 10 s at 500 Hz. The gene expression of c-jun N-terminal kinase 1 tended to decrease in the E40mA birds (p = 0.08). Stunning with 40 mA resulted in the maximum serum uric acid and urea among the ES groups and decreased serum adrenocorticotropin and creatine kinase (p < 0.01) compared with 70 mA and 100 mA. Increasing the current intensity reduced the diphenylpicrylhydrazyl free radical elimination ability and total-superoxide dismutase linearly in goose breast meat at d 2 and in thigh meat at d 0 (all p < 0.01). Stunning geese with 40 mA at 500 Hz for 10 s could alleviate stunning stress and meat lipid oxidation.
The Invasive Round Goby Neogobius melanostomus as a Potential Threat to Native Crayfish Populations
Authors: Franta Pavel , Gebauer Radek , Veselý Lukáš , Buřič Miloš , Szydłowska Natalia Z. , Drozd Bořek
Published: August 2021

Despite the spread of round goby Neogobius melanostomus into freshwater streams, there is a lack of information with respect to its effect on macroinvertebrate communities, especially crustaceans. We studied foraging efficiency of N. melanostomus on Procambarus virginalis and Asellus aquaticus, using a functional response (FR) approach. Stocking density of the prey species was manipulated to determine its effect on consumer utilization, with prey offered separately or combined at 1:1, 3:1, and 1:3 at each tested density. For both prey species, N. melanostomus exhibited type II FR, occasionally with a high proportion of non-consumptive mortality. Procambarus virginalis suffered a significantly higher attack rate compared to A. aquaticus. Neogobius melanostomus killed significantly more of the most prevalent prey, regardless of species. In trials with prey species of equal proportions, a difference in the number of each species killed was observed only at the highest density, at which P. virginalis was preferred. Neogobius melanostomus may be an important driver of population dynamics of prey species in the wild. The non-selective prey consumption makes N. melanostomus a potential threat to macrozoobenthic communities of river tributaries.
Effect of an Insulation Device in Preventing Hypothermia during Magnetic Resonance Imaging Examinations for Dogs and Cats under General Anesthesia
Authors: Onozawa Eri , Azakami Daigo , Seki Seri , Hamamoto Yuji , Ishioka Katsumi
Published: August 2021

Dogs and cats under general anesthesia may develop hypothermia. When performing a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination, it is not possible to place a magnetic material in the MRI room, and MRI equipment requires a low room temperature. This study investigated the effectiveness of a heat insulating device that prevented hypothermia during MRI examinations in dogs and cats. The animals that underwent MRI examinations under general anesthesia were divided into control groups (no covering) and heat insulating groups (wearing bubble wrap and down cloth blankets), and their body temperatures were measured before and after the MRI examinations. The changes in body temperatures were as follows: control dogs (n = 17), median of −1.0 (from −2.5 to 0.3) °C; heat insulated dogs (n = 7), −0.3 (from −0.8 to 0.2) °C; control cats (n = 14), −1.85 (from −2.7 to −0.6) °C; and heat insulated cats (n = 12), −0.8 (from −1.5 to −0.1) °C. These results revealed that the bubble wrap and down cloth blanket significantly prevented hypothermia and heat loss from the body surface during MRI examinations of dogs and cats.
Establishment and Characterization of Feline Mammary Tumor Patient-Derived Xenograft Model
Authors: Chuang Hsiao-Li , Chang Yi-Chih , Huang Yi-Ting , Liao Jiunn-Wang , Kao Pei-Ling , Chen Yi-Fei , Lin Bin-Yin , Lin Yi-Lo , Chen Ter-Hsin , Wang Yu-Chih
Published: August 2021

Feline mammary tumor is a relatively commonly diagnosed neoplasm in the cat. Development of new veterinary cancer therapies is limited by the shortage of in vivo models that reproduce tumor microenvironment and metastatic progression. Four feline mammary tumor orthotopic patient-derived xenograft model (PDX) successfully established in NOD-SCID gamma (NSG) mice. The overall success rate of PDX establishment was 36% (4/11). Histological, immunohistochemical, and short tandem repeat analysis showed a remarkable similarity between patient’s tumor and xenograft. The tumor grafts conserve original tumor essential features, including distant metastasis. Primary FMT-1807 cell line isolated from FMT-1807PDX tumor tissue. Tumorigenicity of FMT-1807 cells expanded from PDX was assessed by orthotopic injection into NSG mice. Mice yielded tumors which preserve the lung and liver metastasis ability. This work provides a platform for FMT translational investigation.
Emerging and Re-Emerging Diseases: Novel Challenges in Today’s World or More of the Same?
Authors: Mesquita João R.
Published: August 2021

More than 61% of all human pathogens are zoonotic, representing 75% of all emerging pathogens during the past decade. Albeit significant technological leaps in diagnostics development and disease surveillance, zoonotic emerging infectious diseases are evermore a matter of concern, particularly in modern days where global warming keeps providing ideal climatic conditions to the introduction of exotic infectious agents or disease vectors in new territories. Worryingly, the 2019 novel coronavirus epidemic acts as an extreme reminder of the role animal reservoirs play in public health, accounting for over 4,200,000 deaths worldwide until today. In this Special Issue, we approach a myriad of zoonotic infectious diseases and their complex mechanisms. This Special Issue is composed of three reviews on zoonotic diseases of African Lions, hemogregarine classification, and hepatitis E virus in Brazil, followed by one letter and one opinion piece that broadens the spectrum of disease emergence to mechanistic aspects of emerging non-communicable diseases. The Special Issue is completed by six research papers covering a wide array of emerging and re-emerging diseases of poultry, bovine, poultry and tortoises, of various nature such as parasitic, bacterial, and viral. This is a brief but assertive collection that showcases the need to address health at the animal–human–environment interface, in a One Health perspective.
Effect of Environmental Complexity and Stocking Density on Fear and Anxiety in Broiler Chickens
Authors: Anderson Mallory G. , Campbell Andrew M. , Crump Andrew , Arnott Gareth , Newberry Ruth C. , Jacobs Leonie
Published: August 2021

Barren housing and high stocking densities may contribute to negative affective states in broiler chickens, reducing their welfare. We investigated the effects of environmental complexity and stocking density on broilers’ attention bias (measure of anxiety) and tonic immobility (measure of fear). In Experiment 1, individual birds were tested for attention bias (n = 60) and in Experiment 2, groups of three birds were tested (n = 144). Tonic immobility testing was performed on days 12 and 26 (n = 36) in Experiment 1, and on day 19 (n = 72) in Experiment 2. In Experiment 1, no differences were observed in the attention bias test. In Experiment 2, birds from high-complexity pens began feeding faster and more birds resumed feeding than from low-complexity pens following playback of an alarm call, suggesting that birds housed in the complex environment were less anxious. Furthermore, birds housed in high-density or high-complexity pens had shorter tonic immobility durations on day 12 compared to day 26 in Experiment 1. In Experiment 2, birds from high-density pens had shorter tonic immobility durations than birds housed in low-density pens, which is contrary to expectations. Our results suggest that birds at 3 weeks of age were less fearful under high stocking density conditions than low density conditions. In addition, results indicated that the complex environment improved welfare of broilers through reduced anxiety.
Improved Training and Semen Collection Outcomes Using the Closed Box Chair for Macaques
Authors: Houser Lisa A. , Ramsey Cathy , de Carvalho Fernanda M. , Kolwitz Breanna , Naito Chelsey , Coleman Kristine , Hanna Carol B.
Published: August 2021

Collaborative semen collection in monkeys is a valuable tool in research, animal collection management, and conservation efforts. To obtain samples, monkeys are often restrained in open restraint chairs (ORC) with the “pole and collar” technique. While commonly used, this restraint is not tolerated by all individuals; some become anxious or aggressive towards the poles and people. In an effort to refine this procedure and improve welfare of the monkeys, we examined the use of a “closed box chair” (CBC), a clear, plexiglass box in which the monkey is trained to sit for sperm collection. The CBC does not require pole and collar, and although legs are secured, the arms and neck are not restrained. The use of CBCs has increased in recent years; however, there are few studies demonstrating its effects on scientific outcomes. We used positive reinforcement techniques to train 34 adult male rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) to provide semen samples using either the ORC or the CBC. While all CBC monkeys (n = 14) were reliably trained for this procedure, only 75% of ORC (n = 20) males completed the training (p = 0.04). It took significantly less time to train animals in the CBC than the ORC (201.0 vs. 412.4 min; p <0.001). In a controlled subset, males restrained with ORC (n = 7) produced a significantly lower ejaculatory volume than those collected by CBC (n = 10) (297.6 µL vs. 522.1 µL respectively; p = 0.04) and had a lower concentration of sperm (186.0 × 106/mL vs. 367.5 × 106/mL respectively; p = 0.017), although there were no differences with respect to sperm motility (p = 0.15). Our data suggest the closed box chair technique reduces stress on the animals while enhancing semen quality, supporting the use of the CBC as an important refinement.
The Inclusion of Pea in Concentrates Had Minor Effects on the Meat Quality of Light Lambs
Authors: Blanco Mireia , Ripoll Guillermo , Lobón Sandra , Bertolín Juan Ramón , Casasús Isabel , Joy Margalida
Published: August 2021

The use of pea (Pisum sativum) has been recommended to replace soybean meal in the diet of ruminants, but it may affect meat quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the proportion of pea (0%, 10%, 20% and 30%) in fattening concentrates fed to light lambs for 41 days on carcass colour and on the meat quality. Pea inclusion affected neither the colour of the lamb carcasses nor affected most of the parameters of the meat quality. However, the inclusion of pea affected the cholesterol content, and the 20%pea concentrate yielded meat with greater cholesterol contents than the 30%pea concentrate did (p < 0.05). The inclusion of pea had minor effects on individual FAs but affected the total saturated fatty acids (p < 0.01) and the thrombogenicity index (p < 0.05). A greater total saturated fatty acid content was recorded for the 20%pea concentrate than for the rest of the concentrates, and a greater thrombogenicity index was recorded for the 20% concentrate than for the 10%pea concentrate. The results indicated the viability of the inclusion of pea in the fattening concentrate of light lambs without impairing meat quality, with the 30%pea concentrate being the most suitable to reduce the soya-dependency.
Thyroid and Lipidic Profiles in Nicastrese Goats (Capra hircus) during Pregnancy and Postpartum Period
Authors: Liotta Luigi , Bionda Arianna , Quartuccio Marco , De Nardo Floro , Visalli Rosanna , Fazio Esterina
Published: August 2021

This study aimed to determine the thyroid and lipid profiles in 30 Nicastrese goats, along different physiological periods: before mating (nonpregnant goats), during the whole pregnancy (pregnant goats), and during postpartum and early lactation (milking goats). Blood samples were collected monthly from March 2020 to January 2021. Serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), total and free triiodothyronine (T3, fT3), and thyroxine (T4, fT4) concentrations were measured using immunoenzymatic assay kits and serum lipid panels (triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (tCho)) by enzymatic colorimetric method; very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL Cho) was calculated. Pregnant and milking goats showed the lower T3 (p < 0.0002) and T4 (p < 0.0005) concentrations, with lower BCS (p < 0.001) only in pregnant ones. Milking goats showed tCho (p < 0.006) concentrations lower than nonpregnant ones, and TG and VLDL Cho (p < 0.001) lower than both pregnant and nonpregnant goats. T4:T3 and T3:fT3 were significantly and positively correlated in both pregnancy and lactation. Under similar environmental, nutrition, and management conditions, different physiological phases play a significant role in the thyroid and lipid profiles in Nicastrese goats. These endocrine and metabolic resources could contribute to the knowledge useful for the salvage of this endangered, local, native breed.
Variation of Particle-Induced Oxidative Potential of PM2.5 in Xinjiang, NW-China
Authors: An Juqin , Talifu Dilnurt , Ding Xiang , Shao Longyi , Wang Xinming , Abulizi Abulikemu , Tursun Yalkunjan , Liu Huibin , Zhang Yuanyu , Aierken Turhun
Published: August 2021

In order to evaluate the toxicity of PM2.5 in the Dushanzi area, PM2.5 samples were collected from December 2015 to July 2016, and a plasmid DNA damage assessment method was used to analyze the variation in the oxidative damage ability and its relationship with sampling conditions and toxic components (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and heavy metals) loaded on the surface of PM2.5. The results showed that the TD30 values (toxic dosage of PM2.5 causing 30% of plasmid DNA damage) of both the whole samples and the water-soluble fractions were lower during the heating period (369 μg/mL and 536 μg/mL, respectively), but higher in the dust period and non-heating period (681 μg/mL and 498 μg/mL, respectively; and 804 μg/mL and 847 μg/mL, respectively). Studies on the effect of meteorological parameters showed an increasing trend in TD30 values for the whole samples and the water-soluble fractions as relative humidity, temperature and wind speed decrease. TD30 values for the whole samples and the water-soluble fractions were negatively correlated with Flu (r = −0.690,r = −0.668; p < 0.05), Flt (r =−0.671, r = −0.760; p < 0.05), BaP (r = −0.672, r = −0.725; p < 0.05), IcdP (r = −0.694, r = −0.740; p < 0.05), Pyr (r = −0.727, r = −0.768; p < 0.01) and BghiP (r = −0.874, r = −0.845; p < 0.01) during the heating period, while As (r = 0.792, r = 0.749; p < 0.05) and Sr (r = 0.776, r = 0.754; p < 0.05) during the dust period showed significant positive correlation. In addition, the TD30 values of PM2.5 collected during sand blowing weather was the highest (1458 μg/mL and 1750 μg/mL), while the average TD30 value of PM2.5 collected on hazy days were the lowest (419.8 μg/mL and 488.6 μg/mL). Particles collected on the first day after snowfall showed a lower oxidizing capacity (676 μg/mL and 1330 μg/mL). The characteristic TD30 values combined with back trajectory analysis indicated that hazy days were heavily influenced by air masses originating from the southern continent and local emissions, whereas the sand blowing weather came from the north of the Taklimakan Desert.
Impacts of UV Irradiance and Medium-Energy Electron Precipitation on the North Atlantic Oscillation during the 11-Year Solar Cycle
Authors: Guttu Sigmund , Orsolini Yvan , Stordal Frode , Otterå Odd Helge , Omrani Nour-Eddine , Tartaglione Nazario , Verronen Pekka T. , Rodger Craig J. , Clilverd Mark A.
Published: August 2021

Observational studies suggest that part of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) variability may be attributed to the spectral ultra-violet (UV) irradiance variations associated to the 11-year solar cycle. The observed maximum surface pressure response in the North Atlantic occurs 2–4 years after solar maximum, and some model studies have identified that atmosphere–ocean feedbacks explain the multi-year lag. Alternatively, medium-to-high energy electron (MEE) precipitation, which peaks in the declining phase of the solar cycle, has been suggested as a potential cause of this lag. We use a coupled (ocean–atmosphere) climate prediction model and a state-of-the-art MEE forcing to explore the respective roles of irradiance and MEE precipitation on the NAO variability. Three decadal ensemble experiments were conducted over solar cycle 23 in an idealized setting. We found a weak ensemble-mean positive NAO response to the irradiance. The simulated signal-to-noise ratio remained very small, indicating the predominance of internal NAO variability. The lack of multi-annual lag in the NAO response was likely due to lagged solar signals imprinted in temperatures below the oceanic mixed-layer re-emerging equatorward of the oceanic frontal zones, which anchor ocean–atmosphere feedbacks. While there is a clear, yet weak, signature from UV irradiance in the atmosphere and upper ocean over the North Atlantic, enhanced MEE precipitation on the other hand does not lead to any systematic changes in the stratospheric circulation, despite its marked chemical signatures.
Immobilized Microalgae-Based Photobioreactor for CO2 Capture (IMC-CO2PBR): Efficiency Estimation, Technological Parameters, and Prototype Concept
Authors: Dębowski Marcin , Krzemieniewski Mirosław , Zieliński Marcin , Kazimierowicz Joanna
Published: August 2021

Microalgae-mediated CO2 sequestration has been a subject of numerous research works and has become one of the most promising strategies to mitigate carbon dioxide emissions. However, feeding flue and exhaust gas into algae-based systems has been shown to destroy chloroplasts, as well as disrupt photosynthesis and other metabolic processes in microalgae, which directly limits CO2 uptake. CO2 biosequestration in existing photobioreactors (PBRs) is also limited by the low biomass concentration in the growth medium. Therefore, there is a real need to seek alternative solutions that would be competitive in terms of performance and cost-effectiveness. The present paper reports the results of experiments aimed to develop an innovative trickle bed reactor that uses immobilized algae to capture CO2 from flue and exhaust gas (IMC-CO2PBR). In the experiment, ambient air enriched with technical-grade CO2 to a CO2 concentration of 25% v/v was used. The microalgae immobilization technology employed in the experiment produced biomass yields approximating 100 g DM/dm3. A relationship was found between CO2 removal rates and gas volume flux: almost 40% of CO2 was removed at a feed of 25 dm3 of gas per hour, whereas in the 200 dm3/h group, the removal efficiency amounted to 5.9%. The work includes a determination of basic process parameters, presentation of a developed functional model and optimized lighting system, proposals for components to be used in the system, and recommendations for an automation and control system for a full-scale implementation.
Extreme Translation Events of Atlantic Tropical Cyclones
Authors: Zhang Wei
Published: August 2021

Changes in the translational speed of tropical cyclones (e.g., sluggish tropical cyclones) are associated with extreme precipitation and flash flooding. However, it is still unclear regarding the spatial and temporal variability of extreme tropical cyclone translation events in the North Atlantic and underlying large-scale drivers. This work finds that the frequencies of extreme fast- and slow-translation events of Atlantic tropical cyclones exhibited a significant rising trend during 1980–2019. The extreme fast-translation events of Atlantic tropical cyclones are primarily located in the northern part of the North Atlantic, while the extreme slow-translation events are located more equatorward. There is a significant rising trend in the frequency of extreme slow-translation events over ocean with no trend over land. However, there is a significant rising trend in the frequency of extreme fast-translation events over ocean and over land. The extreme slow-translation events are associated with a strong high-pressure system in the continental United States (U.S.). By contrast, the extreme fast-translation events are related to a low-pressure system across most of the continental U.S. that leads to westerly steering flow that enhances tropical cyclone movement. This study suggests that it might be useful to separate tropical cyclone events into fast-moving and slow-moving groups when examining the translational speed of North Atlantic tropical cyclones, instead of examining regional or global mean translational speed.
The Effect of Sitting Posture and Postural Activity on Low Back Muscle Stiffness
Authors: Kett Alexander R. , Sichting Freddy , Milani Thomas L.
Published: August 2021

While it is generally recognized that prolonged sitting periods at work can harm the locomotor system, little attention has been paid to the impact of sitting behavior on muscle stiffness. This study investigated the effect of sitting posture and postural activity on lower back muscle stiffness in a controlled experiment in which participants sat at a desk for 4.5 h. Lower back muscle stiffness was measured before and after the sitting period. In addition, continuous recording of kinematic data of the lower back using an eight-camera motion analysis system was applied to quantify sitting posture and the level of postural activity. The results show that the prolonged sitting period led to a significant increase in muscle stiffness. Further, all participants spent a substantial amount of time in a slumped sitting posture, and the level of postural activity varied significantly throughout the 4.5 h sitting period. Those results suggest that the increase in lumbar muscle stiffness is presumably related to the often-preferred slump sitting posture and may help to understand how prolonged sitting periods can increase susceptibility to common pathological conditions such as low back pain. However, the results also leave some uncertainties that need further investigation.
Role of PLEXIND1/TGFβ Signaling Axis in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Progression Correlates with the Mutational Status of KRAS
Authors: Vivekanandhan Sneha , Madamsetty Vijay S. , Angom Ramcharan Singh , Dutta Shamit Kumar , Wang Enfeng , Caulfield Thomas , Pletnev Alexandre A. , Upstill-Goddard Rosanna , Asmann Yan W. , Chang David , Spaller Mark R. , Mukhopadhyay Debabrata
Published: August 2021

PLEXIND1 is upregulated in several cancers, including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). It is an established mediator of semaphorin signaling, and neuropilins are its known coreceptors. Herein, we report data to support the proposal that PLEXIND1 acts as a transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) coreceptor, modulating cell growth through SMAD3 signaling. Our findings demonstrate that PLEXIND1 plays a pro-tumorigenic role in PDAC cells with oncogenic KRAS (KRASmut). We show in KRASmut PDAC cell lines (PANC-1, AsPC-1,4535) PLEXIND1 downregulation results in decreased cell viability (in vitro) and reduced tumor growth (in vivo). Conversely, PLEXIND1 acts as a tumor suppressor in the PDAC cell line (BxPC-3) with wild-type KRAS (KRASwt), as its reduced expression results in higher cell viability (in-vitro) and tumor growth (in vivo). Additionally, we demonstrate that PLEXIND1-mediated interactions can be selectively disrupted using a peptide based on its C-terminal sequence (a PDZ domain-binding motif), an outcome that may possess significant therapeutic implications. To our knowledge, this is the first report showing that (1) PLEXIND1 acts as a TGFβ coreceptor and mediates SMAD3 signaling, and (2) differential roles of PLEXIND1 in PDAC cell lines correlate with KRASmut and KRASwt status.
Testicular Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma—Clinical, Molecular, and Immunological Features
Authors: Pollari Marjukka , Leivonen Suvi-Katri , Leppä Sirpa
Published: August 2021

Primary testicular lymphoma is a rare lymphoma entity, yet it is the most common testicular malignancy among elderly men. The majority of the cases represent non-germinal center B-cell-like (non-GCB) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) with aggressive clinical behavior and a relatively high relapse rate. Due to the rareness of the disease, no randomized clinical trials have been conducted and the currently recognized standard of care is based on retrospective analyses and few phase II trials. During recent years, the tumor microenvironment (TME) and tumor-related immunity have been the focus of many tumor biology studies, and the emergence of targeted therapies and checkpoint inhibitors has significantly modulated the field of cancer therapies. Testicular DLBCL (T-DLBCL) is presented in an immune-privileged site of the testis, and the roles of NF-κB pathway signaling, 9p24.1 aberrations, and tumor-infiltrating immune cells, especially immune checkpoint expressing lymphocytes and macrophages, seem to be unique compared to other lymphoma entities. Preliminary data on the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of T-DLBCL are promising and more studies are ongoing.