bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Illuminating Music: Impact of Color Hue for Background Lighting on Emotional Arousal in Piano Performance Videos
Authors: McDonald James , Canazza Sergio , Chmiel Anthony , De Poli Giovanni , Houbert Ellouise , Murari Maddalena , Rodà Antonio , Schubert Emery , Zhang J. Diana
Published: March 2022

This study sought to determine if hues overlayed on a video recording of a piano performance would systematically influence perception of its emotional arousal level. The hues were artificially added to a series of four short video excerpts of different performances using video editing software. Over two experiments 106 participants were sorted into 4 conditions, with each viewing different combinations of musical excerpts (two excerpts with nominally high arousal and two excerpts with nominally low arousal) and hue (red or blue) combinations. Participants rated the emotional arousal depicted by each excerpt. Results indicated that the overall arousal ratings were consistent with the nominal arousal of the selected excerpts. However, hues added to video produced no significant effect on arousal ratings, contrary to predictions. This could be due to the domination of the combined effects of other channels of information (e.g., the music and player movement) over the emotional effects of the hypothesized influence of hue on perceived performance (red expected to enhance and blue to reduce arousal of the performance). To our knowledge this is the first study to investigate the impact of these hues upon perceived arousal of music performance, and has implications for musical performers and stage lighting. Further research that investigates reactions during live performance and manipulation of a wider range of lighting hues, saturation and brightness levels, and editing techniques, is recommended to further scrutinize the veracity of the findings.
Becoming a Mother During COVID-19 Pandemic: How to Protect Maternal Mental Health Against Stress Factors
Authors: Bottemanne Hugo , Vahdat Brune , Jouault Cleo , Tibi Ruben , Joly Lucie
Published: March 2022

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there were an increasing prevalence of perinatal psychiatric symptoms, such as perinatal anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorders. This growth could be caused by a range of direct and indirect stress factors related to the virus and changes in health, social and economic organization. In this review, we explore the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on perinatal mental health, and propose a range of hypothesis about their etiological mechanisms. We suggest first that the fear of being infected or infected others (intrauterine transmission, passage of the virus from mother to baby during childbirth, infection through breast milk), and the uncertainty about the effect of the virus on the fetuses and infants may have played a key-role to weakening the mental health of mothers. We also highlight that public health policies such as lockdown, limiting prenatal visits, social distancing measures, and their many associated socio-economic consequences (unemployment, loss of income, and domestic violence) may have been an additional challenge for perinatal mental health. Ground on these hypotheses, we finally purpose some recommendations to protect perinatal mental health during a pandemic, including a range of specific support based on digital technologies (video consultations, phone applications) during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
Depression Assessment Method: An EEG Emotion Recognition Framework Based on Spatiotemporal Neural Network
Authors: Chang Hongli , Zong Yuan , Zheng Wenming , Tang Chuangao , Zhu Jie , Li Xuejun
Published: March 2022

The main characteristic of depression is emotional dysfunction, manifested by increased levels of negative emotions and decreased levels of positive emotions. Therefore, accurate emotion recognition is an effective way to assess depression. Among the various signals used for emotion recognition, electroencephalogram (EEG) signal has attracted widespread attention due to its multiple advantages, such as rich spatiotemporal information in multi-channel EEG signals. First, we use filtering and Euclidean alignment for data preprocessing. In the feature extraction, we use short-time Fourier transform and Hilbert–Huang transform to extract time-frequency features, and convolutional neural networks to extract spatial features. Finally, bi-directional long short-term memory explored the timing relationship. Before performing the convolution operation, according to the unique topology of the EEG channel, the EEG features are converted into 3D tensors. This study has achieved good results on two emotion databases: SEED and Emotional BCI of 2020 WORLD ROBOT COMPETITION. We applied this method to the recognition of depression based on EEG and achieved a recognition rate of more than 70% under the five-fold cross-validation. In addition, the subject-independent protocol on SEED data has achieved a state-of-the-art recognition rate, which exceeds the existing research methods. We propose a novel EEG emotion recognition framework for depression detection, which provides a robust algorithm for real-time clinical depression detection based on EEG.
Metabolomics Analysis of the Prefrontal Cortex in a Rat Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress Model of Depression
Authors: Duan Lihua , Fan Rong , Li Teng , Yang Zhaoyu , Hu En , Yu Zhe , Tian Jing , Luo Weikang , Zhang Chunhu
Published: March 2022

Background:

Depressive disorder is the leading cause of disability and suicidality worldwide. Metabolites are considered indicators and regulators of depression. However, the pathophysiology of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in depression remains unclear.

Methods

A chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model and a maturation rodent model of depression was used to investigate metabolic changes in the PFC. Eighteen male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into CUMS and control groups. The sucrose preference test (SPT) and forced swimming test (FST) were employed to evaluate and record depression-associated behaviors and changes in body weight (BW). High-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry was applied to test metabolites in rat PFC. Furthermore, principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis were employed to identify differentially abundant metabolites. Metabolic pathways were analyzed using MetaboAnalyst. Finally, a metabolite-protein interaction network was established to illustrate the function of differential metabolites.

Results

SPT and FST results confirmed successful establishment of the CUMS-induced depression-like behavior model in rats. Five metabolites, including 1-methylnicotinamide, 3-methylhistidine, acetylcholine, glycerophospho-N-palmitoyl ethanolamine, α-D-mannose 1-phosphate, were identified as potential biomarkers of depression. Four pathways changed in the CUMS group. Metabolite-protein interaction analysis revealed that 10 pathways play roles in the metabolism of depression.

Conclusion

Five potential biomarkers were identified in the PFC and metabolite-protein interactions associated with metabolic pathophysiological processes were explored using the CUMS model. The results of this study will assist physicians and scientists in discovering potential diagnostic markers and novel therapeutic targets for depression.
Treatment of Spider Phobia Using Repeated Exposures and Adjunctive Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation: A Proof-of-Concept Study
Authors: Leuchter Michael K. , Rosenberg Benjamin M. , Schapira Giuditta , Wong Nicole R. , Leuchter Andrew F. , McGlade Anastasia L. , Krantz David E. , Ginder Nathaniel D. , Lee Jonathan C. , Wilke Scott A. , Tadayonnejad Reza , Levitt Jennifer , Marder Katharine G. , Craske Michelle G. , Iacoboni Marco
Published: March 2022

Background

Specific phobias represent the largest category of anxiety disorders. Previous work demonstrated that stimulating the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) with repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) may improve response to exposure therapy for acrophobia.

Objective

To examine feasibility of accelerating extinction learning in subjects with spider phobia using intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation (iTBS) rTMS of vmPFC.

Methods

In total, 17 subjects with spider phobia determined by spider phobia questionnaires [Spider Phobia Questionnaire (SPQ) and Fear of Spiders questionnaire (FSQ)] underwent ratings of fear of spiders as well as behavioral and skin conductance data during a behavioral avoidance test (BAT). Subjects then received a sequential protocol of in vivo spider exposure followed by iTBS for three sessions administered to either active or control treatment sites (vmPFC [n = 8] or vertex [n = 9], respectively), followed 1 week later by repetition of questionnaires and BAT.

Results

All subjects improved significantly regardless of group across both questionnaires (FSQ η2 = 0.43, p = 0.004; SPQ η2 = 0.39, p = 0.008) and skin conductance levels during BAT (Wald χ2 = 30.9, p < 0.001). Subjects in the vmPFC group tolerated lower treatment intensity than in the control group, and there was a significant correlation between treatment intensity, BAT subjective distress improvement, and physiologic measures (all ρ > 0.5).

Conclusion

This proof-of-concept study provides preliminary evidence that a sequential exposure and iTBS over vmPFC is feasible and may have rTMS intensity-dependent effects on treatment outcomes, providing evidence for future areas of study in the use of rTMS for phobias.
An Evaluation of a Commercialized mHealth Intervention to Promote Physical Activity in the Workplace
Authors: Di Sebastiano Katie M. , Lau Erica Y. , Yun Lira , Faulkner Guy
Published: March 2022

Background

UPnGO with ParticipACTION (UPnGO) was a commercialized 12-month workplace physical activity intervention, aimed at encouraging employees to sit less and move more at work. Its design took advantage of the ubiquitous nature of mobile fitness trackers and aimed to be implemented in any office-based workplace in Canada. The program was available at cost from June 2017 to April 2020. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the program and identify key lessons from the commercialization of UPnGO.

Methods

Using a quasi-experimental design over 3 time points: baseline, 6 months, 12 months, five evaluation indicators were measured as guided by the RE-AIM framework. Reach was defined as the number and percentage of employees who registered for UPnGO and the number and percentage of sedentary participants registered. Effectiveness was assessed through average daily step count. Adoption was determined by workplace champion and senior leadership responses to the off-platform survey. Implementation was assessed as the percentage of participants who engaged with specific program elements at the 3-evaluation time points. Maintenance was assessed by the number of companies who renewed their contracts for UPnGO.

Results

Reach across 17 organizations, 1980 employees participated in UPnGO, with 27% of participants identified as sedentary at baseline. Effectiveness Daily step count declined from 7,116 ± 3,558 steps at baseline to 6,969 ± 6,702 (p = <0.001) at 12 months. Adoption Workplace champion and senior leadership engagement declined from 189 to 21 and 106 to 5 from baseline to 12 months, respectively. Maintenance Two companies renewed their contracts beyond the first year.

Conclusions

The commercialization of UPnGO was an ambitious initiative that met with limited success; however, some key lessons can be generated from the attempt. The workplace remains an important environment for PA interventions but effective mHealth PA programs may be difficult to implement and sustain long-term.
Nutrition Literacy of Middle School Students and Its Influencing Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study in Chongqing, China
Authors: Zeng Mao , Zhu Yuzhao , Cai Zhengjie , Xian Jinli , Li Shengping , Wang Tiankun , Shi Zumin , Sharma Manoj , Zhao Yong
Published: March 2022

Nutrition literacy plays an important role in children's dietary habits and nutrition. This study aimed to analyse the status of nutrition literacy and its influencing factors amongst middle school students in Chongqing, China. “Nutrition literacy scale for middle school students in Chongqing” was used in 29 districts of Chongqing in September 2020. The scores of nutrition literacy and its' three sub-domains (functional, interactive and critical nutrition literacy) were divided into low and high groups based on their median scores. Binary logistic regression was used to measure the influencing factors of nutrition literacy. A total of 18,660 middle school students were included in this study. The median of nutrition literacy of middle school students was 61.68 (IQR = 14.37). Interactive nutrition literacy had the highest score (median = 70.00, IQR = 20.00), followed by functional nutrition literacy (median = 68.69, IQR = 14.14) and critical nutrition literacy (median = 45.83, IQR = 25.00). Students who were the minority (OR = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.637–0.785), in senior high school (OR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.477–0.548), in rural areas (OR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.790–0.911), receiving school meal support from the government (OR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.591–0.664), with other caregivers' parenting (OR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.805–0.914), with parents having a low level of education and with an abnormal BMI [thin (OR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.837–0.990), overweight (OR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.785–0.968), and obese (OR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.767–0.902)] presented less probability of being a high level of nutrition literacy. Our results could assist public health authorities in developing strategies of nutrition literacy promotion for references and theoretical foundations.
Is It Essential for Occupational Health and Safety Experts to Know the English Language? Results From Several Studies in Latvia
Authors: Matisāne Linda , Paegle Linda , Akūlova Lāsma , Eglı̄te Maija , Vanadziṇš Ivars
Published: March 2022

Background

Poor knowledge of the language has been identified as a barrier to up-to-date occupational safety and health information, however, this question has not been addressed in the context of occupational safety and health expert competence in providing advice for employers in a small, non-English speaking country.

Objectives

To analyze the available data on the use of languages for searching professional information by occupational safety and health (OSH) experts, and the sources of information on COVID-19 during the first wave of the pandemic in Latvia, and to assess if the knowledge of the English language among these experts is sufficient to react rapidly and effectively in case of emergency.

Methods

Data were compiled from several different sources: three web-based surveys of occupational safety and health experts (data from 2006, 2010, and 2018) and ten focus group discussions with employers and occupational safety and health experts (data from 2020).

Results

The results of the surveys show that between 2006 and 2018, the percentage of respondents using only one language (Latvian) for searching professional information in occupational safety and health has increased from 25 to 35.3%. In 2018, the English language was mentioned by only 42.8% of respondents and Russian by 46.8%. During the focus group discussions, the use of English was mentioned for obtaining trustful information from international organizations, for analysis of information received within international companies, for searching international experience, and for finding county-specific information.

Discussion

Our study shows that knowledge of the English language for occupational safety and health experts working in Latvia is not sufficient. The companies providing external occupational safety and health services should establish a well-functioning internal training system to provide their non-English speaking experts with up-to-date information. Occupational safety and health-related non-governmental institutions should strengthen their capacity in sharing information related to different occupational safety and health aspects into the national language (Latvian in this particular case).
Age-Specific Transmissibility Change of COVID-19 and Associations With Breathing Air Volume, Preexisting Immunity, and Government Response
Authors: Song Qifa , Cao Chao , Xiang Yi , Ruan Liemin , Qian Guoqing
Published: March 2022

Background

The comprehensive impacts of diverse breathing air volumes and preexisting immunity on the host susceptibility to and transmission of COVID-19 at various pandemic stages have not been investigated.

Methods

We classified the US weekly COVID-19 data into 0–4, 5–11, 12–17, 18–64, and 65+ age groups and applied the odds ratio (OR) of incidence between one age group and the 18–64 age group to delineate the transmissibility change.

Results

The changes of incidence ORs between May, 2020 and November, 2021 were 0.22–0.66 (0–4 years), 0.20–1.34 (5–11 years), 0.39–1.04 (12–17 years), and 0.82–0.73 (65+ years). The changes could be explained by age-specific preexisting immunity including previous infection and vaccination, as well as volumes of breathing air. At the early pandemic, the ratio that 0–4-year children exhaled one-fifth of air and discharge a similar ratio of viruses was closely associated with incidence OR between two age groups. While, after a rollout of pandemic and vaccination, the much less increased preexisting immunity in children resulted in rapidly increased OR of incidence. The ARIMA model predicted the largest increase of relative transmissibility in 6 coming months in 5–11-year children.

Conclusions

The volume of breathing air may be a notable factor contributing to the infectivity of COVID-19 among different age groups of patients. This factor and the varied preexisting greatly shape the transmission of COVID-19 at different periods of pandemic among different age groups of people.
Fabrication of a Soft Robotic Gripper With Integrated Strain Sensing Elements Using Multi-Material Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Georgopoulou Antonia , Vanderborght Bram , Clemens Frank
Published: March 2022

With the purpose of making soft robotic structures with embedded sensors, additive manufacturing techniques like fused deposition modeling (FDM) are popular. Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) filaments, with and without conductive fillers, are now commercially available. However, conventional FDM still has some limitations because of the marginal compatibility with soft materials. Material selection criteria for the available material options for FDM have not been established. In this study, an open-source soft robotic gripper design has been used to evaluate the FDM printing of TPU structures with integrated strain sensing elements in order to provide some guidelines for the material selection when an elastomer and a soft piezoresistive sensor are combined. Such soft grippers, with integrated strain sensing elements, were successfully printed using a multi-material FDM 3D printer. Characterization of the integrated piezoresistive sensor function, using dynamic tensile testing, revealed that the sensors exhibited good linearity up to 30% strain, which was sufficient for the deformation range of the selected gripper structure. Grippers produced using four different TPU materials were used to investigate the effect of the Shore hardness of the TPU on the piezoresistive sensor properties. The results indicated that the in situ printed strain sensing elements on the soft gripper were able to detect the deformation of the structure when the tentacles of the gripper were open or closed. The sensor signal could differentiate between the picking of small or big objects and when an obstacle prevented the tentacles from opening. Interestingly, the sensors embedded in the tentacles exhibited good reproducibility and linearity, and the sensitivity of the sensor response changed with the Shore hardness of the gripper. Correlation between TPU Shore hardness, used for the gripper body and sensitivity of the integrated in situ strain sensing elements, showed that material selection affects the sensor signal significantly.
Towards Real-Time 3D Editable Model Generation for Existing Indoor Building Environments on a Tablet
Authors: Arnaud Adrien , Gouiffès Michèle , Ammi Mehdi
Published: March 2022

This paper describes a mobile application that builds and updates a 3D model of an indoor environment, including walls, floor and openings, by a simple scan performed using a tablet equipped with a depth sensor. This algorithm is fully implemented on the device, does not require internet connection and runs in real-time, i.e., at five frames per second. This is made possible by taking advantage of recent AR frameworks, by assuming that the structure of the room is aligned on an Euclidean grid and by simply starting the scan in front of a wall. The wall detection is achieved in two steps. First, each incoming point cloud is segmented into planar wall candidates. Then, these planes are matched to the previously detected planes and labeled as ground, ceiling, wall, openings or noise depending on their geometric characteristics. Our evaluations show that the algorithm is able to measure a plane-to-plane distance with a mean error under 2 cm, leading to an accurate estimation of a room dimensions. By avoiding the generation of an intermediate 3D model, as a mesh, our algorithm allows a significant performance gain. The 3D model can be exported to a CAD software, in order to plan renovation works or to estimate energetic performances of the rooms. In the user experiments, a good usability score of 75 is obtained.
Assessing the Hydropower Potential Using Hydrological Models and Geospatial Tools in the White Bandama Watershed (Côte d'Ivoire, West Africa)
Authors: Kouadio Claude Alain , Kouassi Kouakou Lazare , Diedhiou Arona , Obahoundje Salomon , Amoussou Ernest , Kamagate Bamory , Paturel Jean-emmanuel , Coulibaly Talnan Jean Honoré , Coulibaly Houebagnon Saint Jean Patrick , Didi Regis Sacre , Savane Issiaka
Published: March 2022

An assessment of hydropower potential at the watershed scale was conducted at the White Bandama Watershed (WBW) in Côte d'Ivoire (West Africa). The method used involves the application of a hydrological model [Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT)] coupled with a Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS), denoted as QSWAT, to assess the water resource availability and hydropower potential of streams and determine potential hydropower sites for future hydropower development in the watershed. Geospatial data about the topography, soil types, land use/land cover, weather, and discharge were considered in hydrological and hydro-geomorphological characterization of the watershed. Streamflow and climate data-enabled model operation and simulation of the hydrology of the watershed. The model performance and robustness were confirmed with the p-factor, r-factor, coefficient of determination R2, and Nash–Sutcliffe (NS) efficiency coefficient. The hydropower potential of streams was evaluated by considering the simulated streamflow and water head. A total of 22 future hydropower sites was identified, geolocated, and classified with an estimated total production capacity of 538.56 MW.
Preparing Undergraduate Students for Mentorship With Youth of Marginalized Identities: A Model for Food Systems Education
Authors: Livstrom Illana , Roehrig Gillian , Smith Amy , Rogers Mary
Published: March 2022

Undergraduate programs in sustainability and food systems studies increasingly recognize the importance of building equity competencies for students within these programs. Experiential learning opportunities in these programs often place students in internships or service learning in racially, ethnically, and socioeconomically diverse communities. Many community-based organizations focus on youth development and empowerment through mentorship. Learning in these contexts can be mutually beneficial for mentors, youth and community organizations working in partnership toward a shared goal. Intentional preparation of mentors for these experiences is germane, particularly when mentoring youth with marginalized identities. Mentoring in the U.S. historically and currently rests on deficit-oriented discourses that position youth of marginalized identities as needing help, and that help is often provided by white and privileged saviors. Many programs intentionally or unintentionally employ assimilation models with white middle/upper class ideologies and expectations for success, which further lift dominant identities while marginalizing the youth of focus. These models also displace focus from systemic inequities, while placing blame on individuals. Building equity-based competencies with undergraduate mentors is necessary to avoid these downfalls that perpetuate harmful practices and discourses. Through intergenerational mentorship and urban agriculture, GNM works to advance environmental, social and racial justice in North Minneapolis. The GNM partnership was originally initiated by community members that wished to build pathways to the University and workforce for youth through agriculture, food systems, and natural resource sciences. In this study, we highlight results from our experience preparing undergraduate mentors through Growing North Minneapolis, an urban agriculture program and community-driven collaboration between North Minneapolis community elders and the University of Minnesota, focusing on youth and their communities. This case study serves as a model for building equity-based competencies in undergraduate programs. Our findings highlight (1) how the experience of collaborative mentoring in community-based internship for youth of marginalized identities can support the growth of undergraduate mentors and (2) how undergraduate mentors can be prepared to work with communities and youth of marginalized identities in critical ways within an equity-based framework.
T-Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma of the Ileum Presenting as Perforation and Peritonitis: A Case Report
Authors: Tian Yong , Li Chuanfang , Tian Rusong , Tian Qingming , Qiao Song
Published: March 2022

Background

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) of the ileum, presenting as perforation and peritonitis, is a rare disease, derived from intestinal intraepithelial T lymphocytes. The degree of malignancy is extremely high. The pathogenesis of ileal perforation caused by NHL remains unclear, as well as the chromosome and immune system abnormalities, which may be related to NHL, and are indistinguishable from other benign and malignant conditions and are clinically nonspecific.

Case Report

We describe an 84-year-old man with abdominal pain for 4 days, which was aggravated for 3 h. The pain was in the upper abdominal region and was initially considered to be due to gastrointestinal perforation. He had persistent insidious pain, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and fever. Physical examination indicated that the patient had pain all over the abdomen; also, rebound pain and muscle tension, and bowel sounds were reduced on auscultation. An abdominal CT scan showed free gas in the abdominal cavity. The patient was diagnosed with peritonitis due to hollow viscus perforation. A prompt exploratory laparotomy was performed. Intraoperative findings showed perforations in the ileum that are approximately 40 cm from the ileocecal region, which were 3–8 mm in size. A segmental distribution was observed, and the intestinal contents overflowed with purulent discharge around the perforation surface. Resection and ileostomy were performed, and the clinical histopathological examination confirmed T-cell lymphoma. The patient was advised to visit the Oncology Department for further chemotherapy.

Conclusion

Timely emergency surgery is the key to the treatment of ileal perforation caused by T-cell lymphoma. Resection and ileostomy were performed as intervention measures, and subsequent histopathological examination manifested T-cell lymphoma.
Effect of Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Angiography on Anastomotic Leakage in Patients Undergoing Colorectal Surgery: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials and Propensity-Score-Matched Studies
Authors: Tang Gang , Du Donglin , Tao Jie , Wei Zhengqiang
Published: March 2022

Background

Meta-analyses have demonstrated that indocyanine green (ICG) can effectively prevent anastomotic leakage (AL) after colorectal surgery. However, recent evidence from large randomized controlled trial (RCT) has suggested that ICG fluorescence angiography does not reduce the incidence of AL in colorectal surgery. This study was conducted to evaluate the value of ICG for the prevention of AL following colorectal surgery.

Methods

Up to September 16, 2021, PubMed, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and VIP databases were searched for RCTs and propensity-score matched (PSM) studies evaluating the use of ICG for prevention of AL after colorectal surgery. Mean differences (MDs) or odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated.

Results

Twenty studies (5 RCTs and 15 PSM studies) with a total of 5,125 patients were included. ICG did not reduce the reoperation rate (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.38, 1.30), conversion rates (OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 0.65, 2.78), or mortality (OR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.13, 1.85), but ICG did reduce the incidence of AL (OR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.36, 0.59) and symptomatic AL (OR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.33, 0.71), and reduced the length of hospital stay (MD,−1.21; 95% CI,−2.06,−0.35) and intraoperative blood loss (MD,−9.13; 95% CI,−17.52,−0.74). In addition, ICG use did not increase the incidence of total postoperative complications (OR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.64, 1.35), postoperative ileus (OR, 1.26; 95% CI, 0.53, 2.97), wound infection (OR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.44, 1.32), urinary tract infection (OR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.30, 2.59), pulmonary infection (OR, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.04, 1.45), urinary retention (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.23, 5.04), anastomotic bleeding (OR, 1.53; 95% CI, 0.27, 8.60), anastomotic stricture (OR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.24, 2.29), or operative time (MD,−9.64; 95% CI,−20.28, 1.01).

Conclusions

ICG can effectively reduce the incidence of AL, without prolonging the operation time or increasing postoperative complications in colorectal surgery.

Systematic Review Registration

www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/#recordDetails, identifier: CRD42021279064.
Moving Beyond the Limits of Detection: The Past, the Present, and the Future of Diagnostic Imaging in Canine Osteoarthritis
Authors: Jones Gareth M. C. , Pitsillides Andrew A. , Meeson Richard L.
Published: March 2022

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common orthopedic condition in dogs, characterized as the chronic, painful end-point of a synovial joint with limited therapeutic options other than palliative pain control or surgical salvage. Since the 1970s, radiography has been the standard-of-care for the imaging diagnosis of OA, despite its known limitations. As newer technologies have been developed, the limits of detection have lowered, allowing for the identification of earlier stages of OA. Identification of OA at a stage where it is potentially reversible still remains elusive, however, yet there is hope that newer technologies may be able to close this gap. In this article, we review the changes in the imaging of canine OA over the past 50 years and give a speculative view on future innovations which may provide for earlier identification, with the ultimate goal of repositioning the limit of detection to cross the threshold of this potentially reversible disease.
Rumen Microbial Metabolic Responses of Dairy Cows to the Honeycomb Flavonoids Supplement Under Heat-Stress Conditions
Authors: Liu En , Sun Mengxue , He Chenxin , Mao Kang , Li Qin , Zhang Jianhong , Wu Deyong , Wang Shuzhen , Zheng Chuanxia , Li Wenbin , Gong Shimin , Xue Fuguang , Wu Huadong
Published: March 2022

Flavonoids played critical roles in stabilizing microbial homoeostasis when animals suffered exoteric stresses. However, whether flavonoids attenuated heat stress of dairy cows is still not clear. Therefore, in the present article, flavonoids extracted from honeycomb were supplemented to investigate the production, digestibility, and rumen microbial metabolism responses of cows under heat stress conditions. A total of 600 multiparous dairy herds were randomly allotted into the control treatment (CON), the heat stress (HS) treatment, and the honeycomb flavonoids supplement under heat stress conditions (HF) treatment for a 30-day-long trial. Each treatment contains 4 replicates, with 50 cows in each replicate. Production performances including dry matter intake (DMI), milk production, and milk quality were measured on the basis of replicate. Furthermore, two cows of each replicate were selected for the measurement of the nutrient digestibility, the ruminal fermentable parameters including ruminal pH, volatile fatty acids, and ammonia-N, and the rumen microbial communities and metabolism. Results showed that HF effectively increased DMI, milk yield, milk fat, and ruminal acetate content (p < 0.05) compared with HS. Likewise, digestibility of NDF was promoted after HF supplement compared with HS. Furthermore, relative abundances of rumen microbial diversities especially Succiniclasticum, Pseudobutyrivibrio, Acetitomaculum, Streptococcus, and Succinivibrio, which mainly participated in energy metabolism, significantly improved after HF supplement. Metabolomic investigation showed that HF supplement significantly upregulated relative content of lipometabolic-related metabolites such as phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylserine, and phosphatidylethanolamine, while it downregulated biogenic amines. In summary, HF supplement helps proliferate microbial abundances, which further promoted fiber digestibility and energy provision, and ultimately enhances the production performances of dairy cows under heat stress conditions.
Design and Parameters Optimization of a Provoke-Suction Type Harvester for Ground Jujube Fruit
Authors: Shi Gaokun , Li Jingbin , Kan Za , Ding Longpeng , Ding Huizhe , Zhou Lun , Wang Lihong
Published: March 2022

Low working efficiency is an important reason for the limited application of the traditional aspirated-air type jujube fruit pickup machine. In this study, a provoke-suction type harvester for ground jujube fruit (PSH) was designed, based on the principle of negative pressure suction after shoveling the jujube fruit mechanically. The main working parameters were analyzed and the structures of the key devices were designed. Then, a three-factor and three-level Box–Behnken method was used to evaluate the performance of the PSH. The results showed that the pickup rate, impurity rate, and working efficiency were 99.36%, 5.63%, and 1672.3 kg∙h−1, respectively; as the forward speed, provoke teeth buried depth, and airflow velocity were 0.21 kg∙h−1, 74 mm, and 26.4 kg∙h−1, respectively. Furthermore, the verification results showed that the pickup rate, impurity rate, and working efficiency were 98.05%, 5.97%, and 1591.2 kg∙h−1, respectively, moreover, the relative errors were 1.32%, 6.04%, and 4.85%, respectively, indicating that the parameter optimization model can accurately predict the test results. The working efficiency of the PSH was significantly improved compared with the traditional aspirated-air type jujube fruit pickup machine. This research can provide a reference for the development of the jujube fruit pickup machine.
Feasibility of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy for Rapid Detection of Available Nitrogen in Vermiculite Substrates in Desert Facility Agriculture
Authors: Zhao Pengfei , Xing Jianfei , Hu Can , Guo Wensong , Wang Long , He Xiaowei , Xu Zhengxin , Wang Xufeng
Published: March 2022

Fast and precise estimation of the available nitrogen content in vermiculite substrates promotes prescription fertilization in desert facility agriculture. This study explored near-infrared spectroscopy for rapid detection of the available nitrogen content in vermiculite substrates in desert facility agriculture. The spectra of vermiculite matrices with different available nitrogen contents were collected through a self-assembled near-infrared spectrometer. Partial least squares expression (PLSR) established the available nitrogen spectrum prediction model optimized using different pretreatments. After pretreatment, the prediction model of the available nitrogen spectrum was simplified by adopting three feature extraction methods. A comprehensive comparison of the results of each prediction model showed that the prediction model combining the first derivative with SG smoothing pretreatment was the best. The correlation coefficients of the corresponding calibration and prediction sets were 0.9972 and 0.9968, respectively. The root mean square errors of the calibration and prediction sets were 149.98 and 159.65 mg/kg, respectively, with 12.57 RPD. These results provide a feasible method for rapidly detecting the available nitrogen content of vermiculite substrates in desert facility agriculture.
Seed Quality of Lablab Beans (Lablab purpureus L.) as Influenced by Drying Methods and Storage Temperature
Authors: Yahaya Aliyah Mohd , Sinniah Uma Rani , Misran Azizah
Published: March 2022

Drying and storage are the common postharvest issues in seed production. Normally, seeds are harvested at physiological maturity when the moisture is higher than desired for safe storage. This study aims to evaluate the use of common drying methods and suggest a suitable storage temperature for the lablab bean seed. Pods at 30 days after anthesis are harvested and the seeds subjected to drying using sun, shade, oven, and drying beads to obtain target moisture contents of 14%, 12%, and 10%. Dried seeds are then stored at two storage temperatures; ambient (27.7–34.2 °C; 74 ± 5% relative humidity) and refrigerated (2.0–5.0 °C; 25 ± 5% relative humidity) for six months. Both shade and drying beads provided good results. However, drying beads gave the highest germination percentage (≥70%) and the shortest drying duration to achieve safe moisture content of 10%, along with the economic benefit from the repeated usage. The beads can be reused indefinitely by recharging in an oven between uses, thus, indicating the potential adoption by farmers. Two commonly used methods (sun and oven) have been proven to be unsuitable as they increase dead seeds due to heating damage. It is further explained that during six months of storage in the ambient temperature, declines were recorded in antioxidant enzyme activities, germination performance, and seedling growth. Therefore, lablab bean seeds are best stored refrigerated (≤5 °C) in which the germination and defense mechanism are maintained, and it is highly recommended to the farmers and seed producers as it is easily accessible, cost-saving, and sustainable.
The Potential of Pig Sludge Fertilizer for Some Pasture Agricultural Lands’ Improvement: Case Study in Timiș County, Romania
Authors: Bertici Radu , Dicu Daniel , Herbei Mihai , Sala Florin
Published: March 2022

In the context of the current energy crisis, pig sludge may be a more accessible fertilizer resource for different categories of farmers and agro-ecosystems, in order to support soil fertility and agricultural production. The present study presents results regarding the influence of pig sludge on soil quality and the spatial and temporal variability of a pasture agro-ecosystem, in the area of Ciacova locality, Timiș County, Romania. The pig sludge was fermented for a period of 6 months in fermentation tanks and was applied at a rate of 80 m3 ha−1 y−1 between 2013 and 2019, on two pasture plots (P808, P816). In the study period (2013–2019), the agrochemical indices studied presented the values: pH = 5.90 ± 0.09 (P816-6-13) and pH = 6.90 ± 0.06 (P808-7-18); P = 10.20 ± 2.26 ppm (P808-4-13) and P = 69.10 ± 3.04 ppm (P808-5-19); K = 176.00 ± 7.44 ppm (P816-4-13) and K = 429.00 ± 7.33 ppm (P816-3-19); NI = 2.45% ± 0.08% (P816-6-13) and NI = 3.87% ± 0.06% (P816-6-19). The variability of the land, i.e., the pasture category, evaluated based on the NDVI index (seven NDVI classes were generated, C1 to C7) decreased under the influence of pig sludge, the values of the variation coefficients being CVNDVI = 17.5098 in 2019 compared to CVNDVI = 41.5402 in 2013 for P808 and CVNDVI = 32.0685 in 2019, compared to CVNDVI = 52.2031 in 2013 for P816. It was found that the land area decreased (2019 compared to 2013) from classes C1 to C4 NDVI (low NDVI values, NDVI < 0.5) and the area increased within classes C6 and C7 NDVI (high NDVI values, NDVI > 0.5).
Seasonal Expression of Gonadotropin Genes in the Pituitary and Testes of Male Plateau Zokor (Eospalax baileyi)
Authors: An Kang , Yao Baohui , Kang Yukun , Bao Mingfang , Tan Yuchen , Pu Qiangsheng , Su Junhu
Published: March 2022

The gonadotropins, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), are glycoprotein hormones in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis and regulate mammalian reproduction. The expression of these genes in the plateau zokor (Eospalax baileyi) is poorly understood. We characterized the immunolocalization of the luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) and follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) in the testes and evaluated the positive immunohistochemical results and the relative mRNA expression of gonadotropin genes. During the non-breeding season (September), the relative testes weight and the seminiferous tubule diameter were significantly reduced. All germ cell types were observed during the breeding season (May), whereas only spermatogonia were observed during the non-breeding season. LHR was present in the Leydig cells whereas FSHR was present in the Sertoli cells. The mean optical density was higher during the breeding season. The mRNA expression of LHβ and FSHβ was lower in the pituitary but LHR and FSHR genes expression were higher in the testes during the breeding season. These data elucidate the expression of gonadotropin genes in the HPG axis of the male plateau zokor and suggest that gonadotropins play a vital role in the regulation of seasonal breeding.
Extension Services for Livestock Keepers in Low-Income Countries—A Low Priority?
Authors: Pousga Salimata , Magnusson Ulf , Moumouni Ismail , Dayo Guiguigbaza-Kossigan , Kante Assa , Boqvist Sofia
Published: March 2022

Achievement of sustainable agricultural development and national food security in Africa is dependent on several factors, including productivity in the livestock production sub-sector. This study surveyed farmers’ perceptions on provision of extension services relating to livestock production in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Benin. A structured questionnaire comprising dichotomous, multiple-choice, and open-ended questions was used to survey a total of 1560 farmers in Burkina Faso, 345 in Mali, and 480 in Benin. Most farmers surveyed pursued integrated crop and livestock production, but more frequently in Burkina Faso (91%) than in Mali and Benin (66%). Around one-third (36%) of the respondents in Burkina Faso had access to livestock extension services, while the corresponding figure in Mali and Benin was 54% and 69%, respectively (p < 0.01). Moreover, 71% of respondents in Mali, 73% in Burkina Faso, and 84% in Benin reported significantly (p < 0.05) fewer extension activities for livestock compared with crop production. Thus, livestock production seems to be given low priority in agricultural extension interventions. We recommend that future diffusion of technological packages should be more holistic, considering the major concerns of the specific environment and the socio-cultural traditions of both livestock and crop producers.
Dynamic miRNA Landscape Links Mammary Gland Development to the Regulation of Milk Protein Expression in Mice
Authors: Wang Wenjing , Zang Xupeng , Liu Yonglun , Liang Yunyi , Cai Gengyuan , Wu Zhenfang , Li Zicong
Published: March 2022

Mammary gland morphology varies considerably between pregnancy and lactation status, e.g., virgin to pregnant and lactation to weaning. Throughout these critical developmental phases, the mammary glands undergo remodeling to accommodate changes in milk production capacity, which is positively correlated with milk protein expression. The purpose of this study was to investigate the microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles in female ICR mice’s mammary glands at the virgin stage (V), day 16 of pregnancy (P16d), day 12 of lactation (L12d), day 1 of forced weaning (FW1d), and day 3 of forced weaning (FW3d), and to identify the miRNAs regulating milk protein gene expression. During the five stages of testing, 852 known miRNAs and 179 novel miRNAs were identified in the mammary glands. Based on their expression patterns, the identified miRNAs were grouped into 12 clusters. The expression pattern of cluster 1 miRNAs was opposite to that of milk protein genes in mammary glands in all five different stages. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses revealed that the predicted target genes of cluster 1 miRNAs were related to murine mammary gland development and lactation. Furthermore, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis revealed that the novel-mmu-miR424-5p, which belongs to the cluster 1 miRNAs, was expressed in murine mammary epithelial cells. The dual-luciferase reporter assay revealed that an important milk protein gene—β-casein (CSN2)—was regarded as one of the likely targets for the novel-mmu-miR424-5p. This study analyzed the expression patterns of miRNAs in murine mammary glands throughout five critical developmental stages, and discovered a novel miRNA involved in regulating the expression of CSN2. These findings contribute to an enhanced understanding of the developmental biology of mammary glands, providing guidelines for increasing lactation efficiency and milk quality.
Babesia gibsoni Infection in Dogs—A European Perspective
Authors: Teodorowski Oliwier , Kalinowski Marcin , Winiarczyk Dagmara , Dokuzeylül Banu , Winiarczyk Stanisław , Adaszek Łukasz
Published: March 2022

Canine babesiosis is a disease caused by infection with parasites of the genus Babesia. These protozoa are classified as either large (e.g., Babesia canis) or small (e.g., Babesia gibsoni). So far, only three small Babesia species of clinical importance, able to infect dogs, have been described: B. gibsoni, B. conradae, and B. vulpes. This review presents the current epidemiological situation of Babesia gibsoni infections in dogs in Europe. In most European countries where B. gibsoni has been reported, the percentage of infected dogs is around 1%. The higher prevalence of the B. gibsoni infection among American Pit Bull Terriers suggests breed susceptibility. An analysis of the available data makes it possible to conclude that B. gibsoni infections may appear in the future in other non-endemic regions of Europe, which may pose significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges for veterinary practitioners.