bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ICU Patients’ Antibiotic Exposure and Triazole-Resistance in Invasive Candidiasis: Parallel Analysis of Aggregated and Individual Data
Authors: Wang Yan , Zhang Ying , McGuire Treasure M. , Hollingworth Samantha A. , Van Driel Mieke L. , Cao Lu , Wang Xue , Dong Yalin
Published: March 2021

Background: The relationship between antibiotic use and the incidence of triazole-resistant phenotypes of invasive candidiasis (IC) in critically ill patients is unclear. Different methodologies on determining this relationship may yield different results.

Methods: A retrospective multicenter observational analysis was conducted to investigate exposure to antibiotics and the incidence of non-duplicate clinical isolates of Candida spp. resistant to fluconazole, voriconazole, or both during November 2013 to April 2018, using two different methodologies: group-level (time-series analysis) and individual-patient-level (regression analysis and propensity-score adjusting).

Results: Of 393 identified Candida spp. from 388 critically ill patients, there were three phenotypes of IC identified: fluconazole-resistance (FR, 63, 16.0%); voriconazole-resistance (VR, 46, 11.7%); and cross-resistance between fluconazole and voriconazole (CR, 32, 8.1%). Exposure to several antibacterial agents with activity against the anaerobic gastrointestinal flora, especially third-generation cefalosporins (mainly cefoperazone/sulbactam and ceftriaxone), but not triazoles, have an immediate effect (time lag = 0) on subsequent ICU-acquired triazole-resistant IC in the group-level (p < 0.05). When the same patient database was analyzed at the individual-patient-level, we found that exposure to many antifungal agents was significantly associated with triazole-resistance (fluconazole [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.73] or caspofungin [aOR = 11.32] on FR, voriconazole [aOR = 2.87] on CR). Compared to the mono-triazole-resistant phenotype, CR IC has worse clinical outcomes (14-days mortality) and a higher level of resistance.

Conclusion: Group-level and individual-patient-level analyses of antibiotic-use-versus-resistance relations yielded distinct but valuable results. Antibacterials with antianaerobic activity and antifungals might have “indirect” and “direct” effect on triazole-resistant IC, respectively.
Inhibition of Shear-Induced Platelet Aggregation by Xueshuantong via Targeting Piezo1 Channel-Mediated Ca2+ Signaling Pathway
Authors: Liu Lei , Zhang Qiongling , Xiao Shunli , Sun Zhengxiao , Ding Shilan , Chen Ying , Wang Lan , Yin Xiaojie , Liao Fulong , Jiang Lin-Hua , Xue Mei , You Yun
Published: March 2021

XueShuanTong (XST) comprising therapeutically active ginsenosides, a lyophilized extract of Panax notoginseng roots, is extensively used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat ischemic heart and cerebrovascular diseases. Our recent study shows that treatment with XST inhibits shear-induced thrombosis formation but the underlying mechanism remained unclear. This study aimed to investigate the hypothesis that XST inhibited shear-induced platelet aggregation via targeting the mechanosensitive Ca2+-permeable Piezo1 channel by performing platelet aggregation assay, Ca2+ imaging and Western blotting analysis. Exposure to shear at physiologically (1,000–2000 s−1) and pathologically related rates (4,000–6,000 s−1) induced platelet aggregation that was inhibited by treatment with GsMTx-4. Exposure to shear evoked robust Ca2+ responses in platelets that were inhibited by treatment with GsMTx-4 and conversely enhanced by treatment with Yoda1. Treatment with XST at a clinically relevant concentration (0.15 g L−1) potently inhibited shear-induced Ca2+ responses and platelet aggregation, without altering vWF-mediated platelet adhesion and rolling. Exposure to shear, while resulting in no effect on the calpain-2 expression in platelets, induced calpain-2-mediated cleavage of talin1 protein, which is known to be critical for platelet activation. Shear-induced activation of calpain-2 and cleavage of talin1 were attenuated by treatment with XST. Taken together, our results suggest that XST inhibits shear-induced platelet aggregation via targeting the Piezo1 channel to prevent Piezo1-mediated Ca2+ signaling and downstream calpain-2 and talin1 signal pathway, thus providing novel insights into the mechanism of the therapeutic action of XST on platelet aggregation and thrombosis formation.
Nuciferine Inhibited the Differentiation and Lipid Accumulation of 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes by Regulating the Expression of Lipogenic Genes and Adipokines
Authors: Xu Hanyuan , Wang Linjie , Yan Kemin , Zhu Huijuan , Pan Hui , Yang Hongbo , Liu Meijuan , Gong Fengying
Published: March 2021

Purposes: Nuciferine, a main aporphine alkaloid component found in lotus leaf (Nelumbo nucifera), has been demonstrated to possess the property of reducing fat mass and alleviating dyslipidemia in vivo. The purpose of this study is to explore the effects of nuciferine on the proliferation and differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells and further investigate the possible underlying molecular mechanisms.

Methods: 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were treated with 0∼20 μM nuciferine for 24∼120 h, the cell viability was assessed using CCK8. 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and human primary preadipocytes were then induced differentiation and the effects of nuciferine on the lipid metabolism in differentiating and fully differentiated adipocytes were observed by the methods of intracellular triglyceride (TG) assay, Oil Red O staining, RT-qPCR and western blot. Transient transfection and dual luciferase reporter gene methods were used to assess the effects of nuciferine on FAS promoter activities.

Results: Nuciferine inhibited the proliferation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes in a dose- and time-dependent manner. 20 μM nuciferine significantly attenuated lipid accumulation and reduced intracellular TG contents by 47.2, 59.9 and 55.4% on the third, sixth and ninth day of preadipocytes differentiation, respectively (all p < 0.05). Moreover, the mRNA levels of PPARγ, C/EBPα, C/EBPβ, FAS, ACC, HSL and ATGL were notably decreased by 39.2∼92.5% in differentiating preadipocytes when treated with 5∼20 μM nuciferine (all p < 0.05). In fully differentiated adipocytes treated with 20 μM nuciferine for 48 h, the mRNA levels of FAS, ACC and SREBP1 were remarkably downregulated by 22.6∼45.2% compared with the controls (0 μM) (all p < 0.05), whereas the expression of adipokines FGF21 and ZAG were notably promoted by nuciferine. Similarly, in fully differentiated human primary adipocytes, the mRNA levels of FAS, ACC, SREBP1 were decreased and the expression of FGF21 and ZAG were elevated after treated with nuciferine (all p < 0.05). Further mechanism studies showed that 2.5∼20 μM nuciferine significantly decreased FAS promoter activities in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes.

Conclusion: Nuciferine inhibited the proliferation and differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. The inhibitory effects of nuciferine on adipogenesis might be due to the downregulation of PPARγ, C/EBPα and C/EBPβ, which led to the reduction of intracellular lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells and by downregulating the expression of critical lipogenic enzymes, especially of FAS, which was achieved by inhibiting the FAS promoter activities. Besides, nuciferine promoted the expression of adipokines in fully differentiated adipocytes.
Modeling Confirmation Bias and Peer Pressure in Opinion Dynamics
Authors: Liu Longzhao , Wang Xin , Chen Xuyang , Tang Shaoting , Zheng Zhiming
Published: March 2021

Confirmation bias and peer pressure are regarded as the main psychology origins of personal opinion adjustment. Each show substantial impacts on the formation of collective decisions. Nevertheless, few attempts have been made to study how the interplay between these two mechanisms affects public opinion evolution on large-scale social networks. In this paper, we propose an agent-based model of opinion dynamics which incorporates the conjugate effect of confirmation bias (characterized by the population identity scope and initiative adaptation speed) and peer pressure (described by a susceptibility threshold and passive adaptation speed). First, a counterintuitive non-monotonous phenomenon arises in the homogeneous population: the number of opinion clusters first increases and then decreases to one as the population identity scope becomes larger. We then consider heterogeneous populations where “impressionable” individuals with large susceptibility to peer pressure and “confident” individuals with small susceptibility coexist. We find that even a small fraction of impressionable individuals could help eliminate public polarization when population identity scope is relatively large. In particular, the impact of impressionable agents would be greater if these agents are hubs. More intriguingly, while impressionable individuals have randomly distributed initial opinions, most of them would finally evolve to moderates. We highlight the emergence of these “impressionable moderates” who are easily influenced, yet are important in public opinion competition, which may inspire efficient strategies in winning competitive campaigns.
Coping Behaviors and Psychological Disturbances in Youth Affected by the COVID-19 Health Crisis
Authors: Orgilés Mireia , Morales Alexandra , Delvecchio Elisa , Francisco Rita , Mazzeschi Claudia , Pedro Marta , Espada José Pedro
Published: March 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic and the quarantine undergone by children in many countries is a stressful situation about which little is known to date. Children and adolescents' behaviors to cope with home confinement may be associated with their emotional welfare. The objectives of this study were: (1) to examine the coping strategies used out by children and adolescents during the COVID-19 health crisis, (2) to analyze the differences in these behaviors in three countries, and (3) to examine the relationship between different coping modalities and adaptation. Participants were 1,480 parents of children aged 3–18 years from three European countries (nSpain = 431, nItaly = 712, and nPortugal = 355). The children's mean age was 9.15 years (SD = 4.27). Parents completed an online survey providing information on symptoms and coping behaviors observed in their children. The most frequent coping strategies were accepting what is happening (58.9%), collaborating with quarantine social activities (e.g., drawings on the windows, supportive applauses) (35.9%), acting as if nothing is happening (35.5%), highlighting the advantages of being at home (35.1%), and not appearing to be worried about what is happening (30.1%). Compared to Italian and Spanish children, Portuguese children used a sense of humor more frequently when their parents talked about the situation. Acting as if nothing was happening, collaborating with social activities, and seeking comfort from others were more likely in Spanish children than in children from the other countries. Compared to Portuguese and Spanish children, Italian children did not seem worried about what was happening. Overall, an emotional-oriented coping style was directly correlated with a greater presence of anxious symptoms, as well as to mood, sleep, behavioral, and cognitive alterations. Task-oriented and avoidance-oriented styles were related to better psychological adaptation (considered a low presence of psychological symptoms). Results also show that unaffected children or children with a lower level of impact were more likely to use strategies based on a positive focus on the situation. This study provides interesting data on the strategies to be promoted by parents to cope with the COVID-19 health crisis in children.
Trauma-Related Psychopathology in Iraqi Refugee Youth Resettled in the United States, and Comparison With an Ethnically Similar Refugee Sample: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Grasser Lana Ruvolo , Haddad Luay , Manji Suzanne , Assari Shervin , Arfken Cynthia , Javanbakht Arash
Published: March 2021

Background

Conflict in Iraq has displaced millions of refugee youth. Warzone exposure and forced migration have unique acute and chronic impacts on youth, yet effects of exposure may not be universal across diverse refugee groups. Understanding how youth from various refugee groups are differentially affected by stress and trauma is critical to allocate resources and implement screening measures with the goal of providing early intervention.

Method

To identify the effects of warzone exposure and forced migration, a convenience sample of 48 Iraqi refugee youth ages 6–17 was assessed within the first month of arrival to the United States. Youth provided self-reported severity of posttraumatic stress and anxiety symptoms; symptom severity was then compared with an existing sample of 135 Syrian refugee youth to explore whether refugee youth of different nationalities experience the same effects of warzone exposure and forced migration. These data are the baseline for a longitudinal developmental study of refugee health, which also includes parental data.

Results

Severity of separation anxiety and negative alterations in cognition and mood were the greatest symptomatic concerns in Iraqi refugee youth. Thirty-eight percent of responding Iraqi youth showed possible indication of an anxiety disorder. Severity of posttraumatic stress symptoms was lower in Iraqi youth compared to Syrian youth. For both Iraqi and Syrian refugee youth, separation anxiety was the most significant concern, with more than 80% of both samples showing a possible indication of clinically significant separation anxiety.

Conclusion

The present observational study indicated that Iraqi refugee youth experience a range of anxiety and posttraumatic stress symptoms following warzone exposure and forced migration; posttraumatic stress symptoms were less severe in Iraqi versus Syrian youth. Comparing refugee youth of different nationalities is of particular importance, as our results demonstrate that findings from one refugee population cannot easily be generalized to another. Clinical and research efforts should prioritize interventions to address separation anxiety in refugee youth, which was of concern in both samples.
How Infant and Toddlers’ Media Use Is Related to Sleeping Habits in Everyday Life in Italy
Authors: Bellagamba Francesca , Presaghi Fabio , Di Marco Martina , D’Abundo Emilia , Blanchfield Olivia , Barr Rachel
Published: March 2021

Background

Heavy media use has been linked to sleep problems in children, which may also extend to the infancy period. While international parent-advisory agencies, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics (2016), advise no screen time before 18 months, parents often do not follow this recommendation. Research on Italian infants’ early access to media is sparse, and only very few studies have investigated links with sleeping habits.

Method

To address this gap, we examined concurrent associations between parent-reported surveys of child technology use and sleeping patterns. The Italian version of the 60 item Comprehensive Assessment of Family Media Exposure (CAFE) Survey, developed as part of a larger international study, (Barr et al., 2020), the Brief Screening Questionnaire for Infant Sleep Problems (BISQ) Sadeh, 2004) were completed online by 264 Italian parents of 8- to 36-month-olds and a subset (n = 134) completed the Parenting Stress Index (PSI) Abidin, 1995) between April 2017 and April 2018.

Results

More devices located in the child’s room and the more time spent watching TV or using an iPad were associated with less hours of sleep at night. Furthermore, more time spent watching TV or using a smartphone, as well as the number of devices in the room was associated with going to sleep later at night. Instrumental media use was associated with less sleep.

Conclusion

Like other countries, Italian infants have high levels of exposure to media, and differences in media patterns were associated with sleep patterns. Cultural factors influence both instrumental reasons for media use and sleep practices. Further research should explore how media use may serve to regulate emotion as a function of both contextual factors and individual differences.
COVID-19 Pandemic on Fire: Evolved Propensities for Nocturnal Activities as a Liability Against Epidemiological Control
Authors: Varella Marco Antonio Correa , Luoto Severi , Soares Rafael Bento da Silva , Valentova Jaroslava Varella
Published: March 2021

Humans have been using fire for hundreds of millennia, creating an ancestral expansion toward the nocturnal niche. The new adaptive challenges faced at night were recurrent enough to amplify existing psychological variation in our species. Night-time is dangerous and mysterious, so it selects for individuals with higher tendencies for paranoia, risk-taking, and sociability (because of security in numbers). During night-time, individuals are generally tired and show decreased self-control and increased impulsive behaviors. The lower visibility during night-time favors the partial concealment of identity and opens more opportunities for disinhibition of self-interested behaviors. Indeed, individuals with an evening-oriented chronotype are more paranoid, risk-taking, extraverted, impulsive, promiscuous, and have higher antisocial personality traits. However, under some circumstances, such as respiratory pandemics, the psychobehavioral traits favored by the nocturnal niche might be counter-productive, increasing contagion rates of a disease that can evade the behavioral immune system because its disease cues are often nonexistent or mild. The eveningness epidemiological liability hypothesis presented here suggests that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the evening-oriented psychobehavioral profile can have collectively harmful consequences: there is a clash of core tendencies between the nocturnal chronotype and the recent viral transmission-mitigating safety guidelines and rules. The pandemic safety protocols disrupt much normal social activity, particularly at night when making new social contacts is desired. The SARS-CoV-2 virus is contagious even in presymptomatic and asymptomatic individuals, which enables it to mostly evade our evolved contagious disease avoidance mechanisms. A growing body of research has indirectly shown that individual traits interfering with social distancing and anti-contagion measures are related to those of the nocturnal chronotype. Indeed, some of the social contexts that have been identified as superspreading events occur at night, such as in restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Furthermore, nocturnal environmental conditions favor the survival of the SARS-CoV-2 virus much longer than daytime conditions. We compare the eveningness epidemiological liability hypothesis with other factors related to non-compliance with pandemic safety protocols, namely sex, age, and life history. Although there is not yet a direct link between the nocturnal chronotype and non-compliance with pandemic safety protocols, security measures and future empirical research should take this crucial evolutionary mismatch and adaptive metaproblem into account, and focus on how to avoid nocturnal individuals becoming superspreaders, offering secure alternatives for nocturnal social activities.
Minding the Gap: Leveraging Mindfulness to Inform Cue Exposure Treatment for Substance Use Disorders
Authors: Vinci Christine , Sawyer Leslie , Yang Min-Jeong
Published: March 2021

Despite extinction-based processes demonstrating efficacy in the animal extinction and human anxiety literatures, extinction for substance use disorders (SUD) has shown poor efficacy (i. e., cue exposure treatment [CET]). Reasons for this lack of success include common threats to extinction, such as renewal and reinstatement. In recent decades, research on mindfulness for SUD has flourished, and a key aspect of these mindfulness-based interventions includes teaching individuals to stay present with whatever experience they have, even if unpleasant, without trying to change/escape/avoid it. Similarly, CET teaches individuals to not escape/avoid conditioned responses (e.g., craving) by engaging in drug use behavior. This paper discusses how mindfulness-based research and practices could positively influence CET through future research (e.g., Could mindfulness practice attenuate renewal? Might mindfulness training + CET enhance the ability to extinguish the most salient or motivational cues?), with the long-term goal of improving SUD treatment.
Psychotherapy in the Framework of Embodied Cognition—Does Interpersonal Synchrony Influence Therapy Success?
Authors: Mende Melinda A. , Schmidt Hendrikje
Published: March 2021

Mental health problems remain among the main generators of costs within and beyond the health care system. Psychotherapy, the tool of choice in their treatment, is qualified by social interaction, and cooperation within the therapist-patient-dyad. Research into the factors influencing therapy success to date is neither exhaustive nor conclusive. Among many others, the quality of the relationship between therapist and patient stands out regardless of the followed psychotherapy school. Emerging research points to a connection between interpersonal synchronization within the sessions and therapy outcome. Consequently, it can be considered significant for the shaping of this relationship. The framework of Embodied Cognition assumes bodily and neuronal correlates of thinking. Therefore, the present paper reviews investigations on interpersonal, non-verbal synchrony in two domains: firstly, studies on interpersonal synchrony in psychotherapy are reviewed (synchronization of movement). Secondly, findings on neurological correlates of interpersonal synchrony (assessed with EEG, fMRI, fNIRS) are summarized in a narrative manner. In addition, the question is asked whether interpersonal synchrony can be achieved voluntarily on an individual level. It is concluded that there might be mechanisms which could give more insights into therapy success, but as of yet remain uninvestigated. Further, the framework of embodied cognition applies more to the current body of evidence than classical cognitivist views. Nevertheless, deeper research into interpersonal physical and neurological processes utilizing the framework of Embodied Cognition emerges as a possible route of investigation on the road to lower drop-out rates, improved and quality-controlled therapeutic interventions, thereby significantly reducing healthcare costs.
Reduced Hippocampal Subfield Volume in Schizophrenia and Clinical High-Risk State for Psychosis
Authors: Sasabayashi Daiki , Yoshimura Ryo , Takahashi Tsutomu , Takayanagi Yoichiro , Nishiyama Shimako , Higuchi Yuko , Mizukami Yuko , Furuichi Atsushi , Kido Mikio , Nakamura Mihoko , Noguchi Kyo , Suzuki Michio
Published: March 2021

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies in schizophrenia demonstrated volume reduction in hippocampal subfields divided on the basis of specific cytoarchitecture and function. However, it remains unclear whether this abnormality exists prior to the onset of psychosis and differs across illness stages. MRI (3 T) scans were obtained from 77 patients with schizophrenia, including 24 recent-onset and 40 chronic patients, 51 individuals with an at-risk mental state (ARMS) (of whom 5 subsequently developed psychosis within the follow-up period), and 87 healthy controls. Using FreeSurfer software, hippocampal subfield volumes were measured and compared across the groups. Both schizophrenia and ARMS groups exhibited significantly smaller volumes for the bilateral Cornu Ammonis 1 area, left hippocampal tail, and right molecular layer of the hippocampus than the healthy control group. Within the schizophrenia group, chronic patients exhibited a significantly smaller volume for the left hippocampal tail than recent-onset patients. The left hippocampal tail volume was positively correlated with onset age, and negatively correlated with duration of psychosis and duration of medication in the schizophrenia group. Reduced hippocampal subfield volumes observed in both schizophrenia and ARMS groups may represent a common biotype associated with psychosis vulnerability. Volumetric changes of the left hippocampal tail may also suggest ongoing atrophy after the onset of schizophrenia.
Understanding the Matrix: The Role of Extracellular DNA in Oral Biofilms
Authors: Serrage Hannah J. , Jepson Mark A. , Rostami Nadia , Jakubovics Nicholas S. , Nobbs Angela H.
Published: March 2021

Dental plaque is the key etiological agent in caries formation and the development of the prevalent chronic oral inflammatory disease, periodontitis. The dental plaque biofilm comprises a diverse range of microbial species encased within a rich extracellular matrix, of which extracellular DNA (eDNA) has been identified as an important component. The molecular mechanisms of eDNA release and the structure of eDNA have yet to be fully characterized. Nonetheless, key functions that have been proposed for eDNA include maintaining biofilm structural integrity, initiating adhesion to dental surfaces, acting as a nutrient source, and facilitating horizontal gene transfer. Thus, eDNA is a potential therapeutic target for the management of oral disease–associated biofilm. This review aims to summarize advances in the understanding of the mechanisms of eDNA release from oral microorganisms and in the methods of eDNA detection and quantification within oral biofilms.
The Science of Fundamental Catalogs
Authors: Kopeikin Sergei M. , Makarov Valeri V.
Published: March 2021

This review paper discusses the science of astrometric catalogs, their current applications and future prospects for making progress in fundamental astronomy, astrophysics and gravitational physics. We discuss the concept of fundamental catalogs, their practical realizations, and future perspectives. Particular attention is paid to the astrophysical implementations of the catalogs such as the measurement of the Oort constants, the secular aberration and parallax, and asteroseismology. We also consider the use of the fundamental catalogs in gravitational physics for testing general theory of relativity and detection of ultra-long gravitational waves of cosmological origin. PACS numbers: 04.20.Cv, 04.30.−w, 95.10.−a, 95.10.Jk, 95.30.−k.
Knowing Is Not Enough: A Mixed-Methods Study of Antimicrobial Resistance Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practises Among Maasai Pastoralists
Authors: Mangesho Peter E. , Caudell Mark A. , Mwakapeje Elibariki R. , Ole-Neselle Moses , Kimani Tabitha , Dorado-García Alejandro , Kabali Emmanuel , Fasina Folorunso O.
Published: March 2021

Global, national, and local efforts to limit antimicrobial resistance (AMR) often stress the importance of raising awareness among users, sellers, and prescribers of antimicrobial drugs. This emphasis is founded upon two assumptions. First, awareness is limited, particularly concerning the links between antimicrobial use (AMU) and AMR. Second, “filling the awareness gaps” will motivate practises that will limit AMR. The first assumption is supported by knowledge, attitudes, and practises (KAP) surveys but these same studies provide mixed support for the second, with several studies finding that knowledge and attitudes are not correlated with related practises. This disconnect may arise as these surveys typically do not collect data on the cultural or historical contexts that pattern AMU. To explore how these contexts impact KAP related to AMU and AMR, we use a mixed-methods approach to examine veterinary practises among Maasai pastoralists in Tanzania. We combine a quantitative KAP survey (N= 195 households) with extensive qualitative data from focus group discussions (N= 55 participants). Results document limited awareness of AMR but also find that knowledge and attitudes are not correlated with practise. Thematic analysis of qualitative data pointed to three reasons behind this disconnect, including (1) Maasai self-perceptions as veterinary experts, (2) the central role of livestock in Maasai culture, and (3) the use of ethnoveterinary knowledge in animal health treatment. We argue that mixed-method approaches will be critical to developing the targeted awareness campaigns needed to limit the emergence and transmission of AMR.
Presentation, Clinical Pathology Abnormalities, and Identification of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Camels (Camelus bactrianus and Camelus dromedarius) Presenting to Two North American Veterinary Teaching Hospitals. A Retrospective Study: 1980–2020
Authors: Locklear Taylor R. , Videla Ricardo , Breuer Ryan M. , Mulon Pierre-Yves , Passmore Mary , Mochel Jonathon P. , Gerhold Rick , Schaefer John J. , Smith Joe S.
Published: March 2021

Old World Camelids (OWC) represent two species (Camelus bactrianus and Camelus dromedarius) with increasing numbers in North America. Gastrointestinal (GI) parasitism is a major cause of clinical disease in camelids and leads to significant economic impacts. Literature reporting on clinical parasitism of camels is localized to India, Africa, and the Middle East, with limited information available on OWCs in North America. Objectives of this study were to report on clinical presentation and diagnostic findings in Camelus bactrianus and Camelus dromedarius with GI parasitism and provide a comparative analysis between geographic regions. Medical records of OWCs presenting to two veterinary teaching hospitals (of the University of Tennessee and University of Wisconsin) were evaluated. Thirty-one camels including 11 Bactrians and six dromedaries (14 species not recorded) were included for the clinical component of this study, reporting on signalment, presenting complaint, and clinical pathology. Anorexia, weight loss, and diarrhea were the most common presenting complaint. Clinical pathology findings included eosinophilia, hypoproteinemia, and hyponatremia. For the second component of this study, a total of 77 fecal parasite examination results were evaluated for parasite identification and regional variation. Trichuris, Capillaria, Strongyloides, Nematodirus, Dictyocaulus, Moniezia, and protozoan parasites (Eimeria, Cryptosporidium, Giardia) were recorded. Strongyle-type eggs predominated, followed by Trichuris and Eimeria spp. There was a statistically significant variation in prevalence of coccidia between the two regions, with fecal examinations from Tennessee more likely to contain Eimeria (P = 0.0193). Clinicians treating camels in North America should recognize anorexia, weight loss, and diarrhea combined with clinical pathologic changes of hypoproteinemia, eosinophilia and hyponatremia as possible indications of GI parasitism. Clinicians should also consider the potential for regional variation to exist for GI parasites of camels in different areas of North America.
Lexicographic Unranking of Combinations Revisited
Authors: Genitrini Antoine , Pépin Martin
Published: March 2021

In the context of combinatorial sampling, the so-called “unranking method” can be seen as a link between a total order over the objects and an effective way to construct an object of given rank. The most classical order used in this context is the lexicographic order, which corresponds to the familiar word ordering in the dictionary. In this article, we propose a comparative study of four algorithms dedicated to the lexicographic unranking of combinations, including three algorithms that were introduced decades ago. We start the paper with the introduction of our new algorithm using a new strategy of computations based on the classical factorial numeral system (or factoradics). Then, we present, in a high level, the three other algorithms. For each case, we analyze its time complexity on average, within a uniform framework, and describe its strengths and weaknesses. For about 20 years, such algorithms have been implemented using big integer arithmetic rather than bounded integer arithmetic which makes the cost of computing some coefficients higher than previously stated. We propose improvements for all implementations, which take this fact into account, and we give a detailed complexity analysis, which is validated by an experimental analysis. Finally, we show that, even if the algorithms are based on different strategies, all are doing very similar computations. Lastly, we extend our approach to the unranking of other classical combinatorial objects such as families counted by multinomial coefficients and k-permutations.
A Comprehensive Study on the Optimal Design of Magnetorheological Dampers for Improved Damping Capacity and Dynamical Adjustability
Authors: Wei Liankang , Lv Hongzhan , Yang Kehang , Ma Weiguang , Wang Junzheng , Zhang Wenjun
Published: March 2021

Purpose: We aim to provide a systematic methodology for the optimal design of MRD for improved damping capacity and dynamical adjustability in performing its damping function. Methods: A modified Bingham model is employed to model and simulate the MRD considering the MR fluid’s compressibility. The parameters that describe the structure of MRD and the property of the fluid are systematically examined for their contributions to the damping capacity and dynamically adjustability. A response surface method is employed to optimize the damping force and dynamically adjustable coefficient for a more practical setting related to the parameters. Results: The simulation system effectively shows the hysteretic characteristics of MRDs and shows our common sense understanding that the damping gap width and yoke diameter have significant effects on the damping characteristics of MRD. By taking a typical MRD device setup, optimal design shows an increase of the damping force by 33% and an increase of the dynamically adjustable coefficient by 17%. It is also shown that the methodology is applicable to other types of MDR devices. Conclusion: The compressibility of MR fluid is one of the main reasons for the hysteretic characteristics of MRD. The proposed simulation and optimization methods can effectively improve the MRD’s damping performance in the design stage.
Do Consumers Value Environmental Innovation in Product?
Authors: Aibar-Guzmán Cristina , Somohano-Rodríguez Francisco M.
Published: March 2021

Customers are considered to be major stakeholders whose demands and preferences have a strong influence on corporate strategies. In this sense, increased consumer environmental awareness has led to a growing demand for environmentally friendly products which, in turn, has compelled firms to adopt innovative forms of integrating environmental protection into product development and production processes. Nevertheless, an “attitude–behavior gap” has been witnessed, which implies that consumers’ environmental attitudes do not always translate into an actual ecologically compatible purchasing behavior and, consequently, eco-product innovations will not necessarily entail a positive economic impact for companies. This paper aims to analyze if the companies that invest in eco-product innovation are valued by consumers, showing higher growth. Specifically, we propose that eco-product innovation has a positive effect on a firm’s sales growth. Additionally, we aim to analyze the consumers’ preferences in relation to eco-product innovations considering two alternative approaches that companies can follow in this respect: eco-design and products with ecological use. The results obtained for an unbalanced sample of 5391 international companies corresponding to the period 2002–2017 (51,666 observations) show that proactive environmental innovation strategies are positively valued by consumers, having a positive impact on the companies’ sales growth. Furthermore, consumers show a greater preference for environmental innovations in eco-design than for products with ecological use.
A Survey on Low-Thrust Trajectory Optimization Approaches
Authors: Morante David , Sanjurjo Rivo Manuel , Soler Manuel
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we provide a survey on available numerical approaches for solving low-thrust trajectory optimization problems. First, a general mathematical framework based on hybrid optimal control will be presented. This formulation and their elements, namely objective function, continuous and discrete state and controls, and discrete and continuous dynamics, will serve as a basis for discussion throughout the whole manuscript. Thereafter, solution approaches for classical continuous optimal control problems will be briefly introduced and their application to low-thrust trajectory optimization will be discussed. A special emphasis will be placed on the extension of the classical techniques to solve hybrid optimal control problems. Finally, an extensive review of traditional and state-of-the art methodologies and tools will be presented. They will be categorized regarding their solution approach, the objective function, the state variables, the dynamical model, and their application to planetocentric or interplanetary transfers.
Transient Dynamic System Behavior of Pressure Actuated Cellular Structures in a Morphing Wing
Authors: Meyer Patrick , Lück Sebastian , Spuhler Tobias , Bode Christoph , Hühne Christian , Friedrichs Jens , Sinapius Michael
Published: March 2021

High aspect ratio aircraft have a significantly reduced induced drag, but have only limited installation space for control surfaces near the wingtip. This paper describes a multidisciplinary design methodology for a morphing aileron that is based on pressure-actuated cellular structures (PACS). The focus of this work is on the transient dynamic system behavior of the multi-functional aileron. Decisive design aspects are the actuation speed, the resistance against external loads, and constraints preparing for a future wind tunnel test. The structural stiffness under varying aerodynamic loads is examined while using a reduced-order truss model and a high-fidelity finite element analysis. The simulations of the internal flow investigate the transient pressurization process that limits the dynamic actuator response. The authors present a reduced-order model based on the Pseudo Bond Graph methodology enabling time-efficient flow simulation and compare the results to computational fluid dynamic simulations. The findings of this work demonstrate high structural resistance against external forces and the feasibility of high actuation speeds over the entire operating envelope. Future research will incorporate the fluid–structure interaction and the assessment of load alleviation capability.
Zinc Seed Priming Improves Spinach Germination at Low Temperature
Authors: Imran Muhammad , Mahmood Asim , Neumann Günter , Boelt Birte
Published: March 2021

Low temperature during germination hinders germination speed and early seedling development. Zn seed priming is a useful and cost-effective tool to improve germination rate and resistance to low temperature stress during germination and early seedling development. Spinach was tested to improve germination and seedling development with Zn seed priming under low temperature stress conditions. Zn priming increased seed Zn concentration up to 48 times. The multispectral imaging technique with VideometerLab was used as a non-destructive method to differentiate unprimed, water- and Zn-primed spinach seeds successfully. Localization of Zn in the seeds was studied using the 1,5-diphenyl thiocarbazone (DTZ) dying technique. Active translocation of primed Zn in the roots of young seedlings was detected with laser confocal microscopy. Zn priming of spinach seeds at 6 mM Zn showed a significant increase in germination rate and total germination under low temperature at 8 °C.
Effect of Sowing Date on Bioactive Compounds and Grain Morphology of Three Pigmented Cereal Species
Authors: Beleggia Romina , Ficco Donatella B. M. , Nigro Franca M. , Giovanniello Valentina , Colecchia Salvatore A. , Pecorella Ivano , De Vita Pasquale
Published: March 2021

Recently, the interest in improving the content of bioactive compounds for enhancing the nutritional value of cereal-based products has largely increased, and several strategies, both genetic and agronomic, were proposed. Here, we report the preliminary results of the effect of two sowing periods (winter and spring) on the accumulation of bioactive compounds (i.e., anthocyanins, carotenoids, minerals) and grain morphology in three pigmented cereal species (barley, bread and durum wheat). The results showed that with delayed sowing time, a significant reduction in yield was observed in all species, less in barley (50.4%) than in wheat (70.3% and 66.5% for bread and durum, respectively). On the contrary, the carotenoids accumulation was favored (increased by 12.2%, 15.7% and 27.8% for barley, bread and durum wheat, respectively), as well as those of anthocyanins although strongly dependent on the genotype (i.e., considering only the purple genotypes, the anthocyanins increase by 4.6%, 35.4% and 72.8% in barley, bread and durum wheat, respectively). For minerals compounds, our study highlighted a strong environmental influence even when the pigmented genotypes accumulated more minerals than commercial ones, while the morphometric seed traits were less influenced by this agronomic practice. Therefore, by exploiting the genetic variability for the accumulation of anthocyanins and carotenoids in the grain and by optimizing the sowing time, it could be possible to increase the nutritional value of the final cereal-based products.
Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Soybean Lines Adapted to Sub-Saharan Africa Using Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) Markers
Authors: Chander Subhash , Garcia-Oliveira Ana Luísa , Gedil Melaku , Shah Trushar , Otusanya Gbemisola Oluwayemisi , Asiedu Robert , Chigeza Godfree
Published: March 2021

Soybean productivity in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is less than half of the global average yield. To plug the productivity gap, further improvement in grain yield must be attained by enhancing the genetic potential of new cultivars that depends on the genetic diversity of the parents. Hence, our aim was to assess genetic diversity and population structure of elite soybean genotypes, mainly released cultivars and advanced selections in SSA. In this study, a set of 165 lines was genotyped with high-throughput single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers covering the complete genome of soybean. The genetic diversity (0.414) was high considering the bi-allelic nature of SNP markers. The polymorphic information content (PIC) varied from 0.079 to 0.375, with an average of 0.324 and about 49% of the markers had a PIC value above 0.350. Cluster analysis grouped all the genotypes into three major clusters. The model-based STRUCTURE and discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC) exhibited high consistency in the allocation of lines in subpopulations or groups. Nonetheless, they presented some discrepancy and identified the presence of six and five subpopulations or groups, respectively. Principal coordinate analysis revealed more consistency with subgroups suggested by DAPC analysis. Our results clearly revealed the broad genetic base of TGx (Tropical Glycine max) lines that soybean breeders may select parents for crossing, testing and selection of future cultivars with desirable traits for SSA.
Cannabis, Cannabidiol Oils and Tetrahydrocannabinol—What Do Veterinarians Need to Know?
Authors: De Briyne Nancy , Holmes Danny , Sandler Ian , Stiles Enid , Szymanski Dharati , Moody Sarah , Neumann Stephan , Anadón Arturo
Published: March 2021

As cannabis-derived products have become more available, veterinarians are seeing more cases of toxicosis. In addition, animal owners are having an increasing interest in using these products for their pets. This review looks at the situation in Europe and North America, the different types of cannabis and cannabis-derived products with historical examples of use in animals, and the cannabis industry. The existing regulatory framework for use in humans and animals as medicines and/or supplements was examined. Finally, a review of the clinical indications for which medicinal cannabis is authorised, a discussion of toxicosis, and recommendations and warnings around medical cannabis use are presented.
Genotyping Strategies Using ddRAD Sequencing in Farmed Arctic Charr (Salvelinus alpinus)
Authors: Pappas Fotis , Palaiokostas Christos
Published: March 2021

Incorporation of genomic technologies into fish breeding programs is a modern reality, promising substantial advances regarding the accuracy of selection, monitoring the genetic diversity and pedigree record verification. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays are the most commonly used genomic tool, but the investments required make them unsustainable for emerging species, such as Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus), where production volume is low. The requirement to genotype a large number of animals for breeding practices necessitates cost effective genotyping approaches. In the current study, we used double digest restriction site-associated DNA (ddRAD) sequencing of either high or low coverage to genotype Arctic charr from the Swedish national breeding program and performed analytical procedures to assess their utility in a range of tasks. SNPs were identified and used for deciphering the genetic structure of the studied population, estimating genomic relationships and implementing an association study for growth-related traits. Missing information and underestimation of heterozygosity in the low coverage set were limiting factors in genetic diversity and genomic relationship analyses, where high coverage performed notably better. On the other hand, the high coverage dataset proved to be valuable when it comes to identifying loci that are associated with phenotypic traits of interest. In general, both genotyping strategies offer sustainable alternatives to hybridization-based genotyping platforms and show potential for applications in aquaculture selective breeding.
Thai Native Chicken as a Potential Functional Meat Source Rich in Anserine, Anserine/Carnosine, and Antioxidant Substances
Authors: Charoensin Sukanya , Laopaiboon Banyat , Boonkum Wuttigrai , Phetcharaburanin Jutarop , Villareal Myra O. , Isoda Hiroko , Duangjinda Monchai
Published: March 2021

This study identified anserine and anserine/carnosine in chicken breast of Thai native chicken (TNC; 100% Thai native), Thai synthetic chicken (TSC; 50% Thai native), and Thai native crossbred chicken (TNC crossbred; 25% Thai native) compared with commercial broiler chicken (BR; 0% Thai native) using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and the effect on antioxidant activity using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay (DPPH). We conducted experiments with a completely randomized design and explored principal components analysis (PCA) and orthogonal projection to latent structure-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) to identify the distinguishing metabolites and relative concentrations from 1H NMR spectra among the groups. The relative concentrations and antioxidant properties among the groups were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) using the general linear model (GLM). This study revealed seven metabolites alanine, inositol monophosphate (IMP), inosine, and anserine/carnosine, lactate, anserine, and creatine. Lactate, anserine, and creatine were major components. In terms of PCA, the plots can distinguish BR from other groups. OPLS-DA revealed that anserine and anserine/carnosine in the chicken breast were significantly higher in TNC, TSC, and TNC crossbred than BR according to their relative concentrations and antioxidant properties (p < 0.01). Therefore, TNCs and their crossbreeds might have the potential to be functional meat sources.