bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antagonistic and plant growth promotion of rhizobacteria against Phytophthora colocasiae in taro
Authors: Kelbessa Bekele Gelena , Ghadamgahi Farideh , Kumar P. Lava , Ortiz Rodomiro , Whisson Stephen C. , Bhattacharjee Ranjana , Vetukuri Ramesh Raju
Published: December 2022

Taro leaf blight caused by Phytophthora colocasiae adversely affects the growth and yield of taro. The management of this disease depends heavily on synthetic fungicides. These compounds, however, pose potential hazards to human health and the environment. The present study aimed to investigate an alternative approach for plant growth promotion and disease control by evaluating seven different bacterial strains (viz., Serratia plymuthica, S412; S. plymuthica, S414; S. plymuthica, AS13; S. proteamaculans, S4; S. rubidaea, EV23; S. rubidaea, AV10; Pseudomonas fluorescens, SLU-99) and their different combinations as consortia against P. colocasiae. Antagonistic tests were performed in in vitro plate assays and the effective strains were selected for detached leaf assays and greenhouse trials. Plant growth-promoting and disease prevention traits of selected bacterial strains were also investigated in vitro. Our results indicated that some of these strains used singly (AV10, AS13, S4, and S414) and in combinations (S4+S414, AS13+AV10) reduced the growth of P. colocasiae (30−50%) in vitro and showed disease reduction ability when used singly or in combinations as consortia in greenhouse trials (88.75−99.37%). The disease-suppressing ability of these strains may be related to the production of enzymes such as chitinase, protease, cellulase, and amylase. Furthermore, all strains tested possessed plant growth-promoting traits such as indole-3-acetic acid production, siderophore formation, and phosphate solubilization. Overall, the present study revealed that bacterial strains significantly suppressed P. colocasiae disease development using in vitro, detached leaf, and greenhouse assays. Therefore, these bacterial strains can be used as an alternative strategy to minimize the use of synthetic fungicides and fertilizers to control taro blight and improve sustainable taro production.
Effect of Burkholderia ambifaria LK-P4 inoculation on the plant growth characteristics, metabolism, and pharmacological activity of Anoectochilus roxburghii
Authors: Wang Juanying , Zhao Hanyu , Chen Ting , Lin Wenxiong , Lin Sheng
Published: December 2022

Background

Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) represents a common biological fertilizer with remarkable effect in improving crop production and environmental friendliness.

Methods

In the present work, we presented a detailed characterization of plant morphology and physiology, metabolism, and pharmacological activity of A. roxburghii between Burkholderia ambifaria LK-P4 inoculation and un-inoculation (CK) treatment by routine analytical techniques (include microscopy and enzymatic activity assays and so on) coupled with metabolomics approaches.

Results

Morphological and physiological results showedthat the P4 bacteria could significantly increase plant stomatal density, freshweight, survival rate,and the content of total flavonoids in leaves but reducethe amount of free amino acid. Furthermore, metabolite data showed that fatty acids (linoleic acid, linolenic acid, stearic acid) and active substance (kyotorphin and piceatannol) were specifically up-regulated in P4 inoculation. It was also demonstrated that the differential metabolites were involved in citrate cycle, glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism, and biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids pathway. In addition, pharmacological efficacy found that A. roxburghii under P4 inoculation can significantly decrease (p < 0.05) blood glucose levels and protect the organs of mice with similar effect of Glibenclamide tablets.

Conlusion

Overall, it can be seen that the exogenous P4 bacteria can promote the growth and increase content of special metabolites in A. roxburghii. This study provided theoretical basis and supported for the high-yield and high-quality bionic cultivation of A. roxburghii.
Identification of loci governing soybean seed protein content via genome-wide association study and selective signature analyses
Authors: Zhang Hongmei , Zhang Guwen , Zhang Wei , Wang Qiong , Xu Wenjing , Liu Xiaoqing , Cui Xiaoyan , Chen Xin , Chen Huatao
Published: December 2022

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is an excellent source of protein. Understanding the genetic basis of protein content (PC) will accelerate breeding efforts to increase soybean quality. In the present study, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was applied to detect quantitative trait loci (QTL) for PC in soybean using 264 re-sequenced soybean accessions and a high-quality single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) map. Eleven QTL were identified as associated with PC. The QTL qPC-14 was detected by GWAS in both environments and was shown to have undergone strong selection during soybean improvement. Fifteen candidate genes were identified in qPC-14, and three candidate genes showed differential expression between a high-PC and a low-PC variety during the seed development stage. The QTL identified here will be of significant use in molecular breeding efforts, and the candidate genes will play essential roles in exploring the mechanisms of protein biosynthesis.
From soil to cacao bean: Unravelling the pathways of cadmium translocation in a high Cd accumulating cultivar of Theobroma cacao L
Authors: Blommaert Hester , Aucour Anne-Marie , Wiggenhauser Matthias , Moens Claudia , Telouk Philippe , Campillo Sylvain , Beauchêne Jacques , Landrot Gautier , Testemale Denis , Pin Serge , Lewis Caleb , Umaharan Pathmanathan , Smolders Erik , Sarret Géraldine
Published: December 2022

The research on strategies to reduce cadmium (Cd) accumulation in cacao beans is currently limited by a lack of understanding of the Cd transfer pathways within the cacao tree. Here, we elucidated the transfer of Cd from soil to the nib (seed) in a high Cd accumulating cacao cultivar. Here, we elucidated the transfer of Cd from soil to the nib (seed) in a high Cd accumulating cacao cultivar through Cd stable isotope fractionation, speciation (X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy), and localization (Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry). The plant Cd concentrations were 10-28 higher than the topsoil Cd concentrations and increased as placenta< nib< testa< pod husk< root< leaf< branch. The retention of Cd in the roots was low. Light Cd isotopes were retained in the roots whilst heavier Cd isotopes were transported to the shoots (Δ 114/110 Cd shoot-root = 0.27 ± 0.02 ‰ (weighted average ± standard deviation)). Leaf Cd isotopes were heavier than Cd in the branches (Δ 114/110 Cd IF3 leaves-branch = 0.18 ± 0.01 ‰), confirming typical trends observed in annual crops. Nibs and branches were statistically not distinguishable (Δ 114/110 Cd nib-branch = −0.08‰ ± 0.06 ‰), contrary to the leaves and nibs (Δ 114/110 Cd nib-IF3 leaves = -0.25‰ ± 0.05 ‰). These isotope fractionation patterns alluded to a more direct transfer from branches to nibs rather than from leaves to nibs. The largest fraction (57%) of total plant Cd was present in the branches where it was primarily bound to carboxyl-ligands (60-100%) and mainly localized in the phloem rays and phelloderm of the bark. Cadmium in the nibs was mainly bound to oxygen ligands (60-90%), with phytate as the most plausible ligand. The weight of evidence suggested that Cd was transferred like other nutrients from root to shoot and accumulated in the phloem rays and phelloderm of the branches to reduce the transfer to foliage. Finally, the data indicated that the main contribution of nib Cd was from the phloem tissues of the branch rather than from leaf remobilization. This study extended the limited knowledge on Cd accumulation in perennial, woody crops and revealed that the Cd pathways in cacao are markedly different than in annual crops.
Relationships between stable isotope natural abundances (δ13C and δ15N) and water use efficiency in rice under alternate wetting and drying irrigation in soils with high clay contents
Authors: Wang Zhenchang , Liu Jinjing , Wang Yaosheng , Agathokleous Evgenios , Hamoud Yousef Alhaj , Qiu Rangjian , Hong Cheng , Tian Minghao , Shaghaleh Hiba , Guo Xiangping
Published: December 2022

Natural abundance of the stable isotope (δ13C and δ15N) in plants is widely used to indicate water use efficiency (WUE). However, soil water and texture properties may affect this relationship, which remains largely elusive. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate δ13C as affected by different combinations of alternate wetting and drying irrigation (AWD) with varied soil clay contents in different organs and whole plant and assess the feasibility of using δ13C and δ15N as a physiological indicator of whole-plant water use efficiency (WUEwhole-plant). Three AWD regimes, I100 (30 mm flooded when soil reached 100% saturation), I90 (30 mm flooded when reached 90% saturation) and I70 (30 mm flooded when reached 70% saturation) and three soil clay contents, 40% (S40), 50% (S50), and 60% (S60), were included. Observed variations in WUEwhole-plant did not conform to theoretical expectations of the organs δ13C (δ13Corgans) of plant biomass based on pooled data from all treatments. However, a positive relationship between δ13Cleaf and WUEET (dry biomass/evapotranspiration) was observed under I90 regime, whereas there were no significant relationships between δ13Corgans and WUEET under I100 or I70 regimes. Under I100, weak relationships between δ13Corgans and WUEET could be explained by (i) variation in C allocation patterns under different clay content, and (ii) relatively higher rate of panicle water loss, which was independent of stomatal regulation and photosynthesis. Under I70, weak relationships between δ13Corgans and WUEET could be ascribed to (i) bigger cracks induced by water-limited irrigation regime and high clay content soil, and (ii) damage caused by severe drought. In addition, a negative relationship was observed between WUEwhole-plant and shoot δ15N (δ15Nshoot) across the three irrigation treatments, indicating that WUEwhole-plant is tightly associated with N metabolism and N isotope discrimination in rice. Therefore, δ13C should be used cautiously as an indicator of rice WUEwhole-plant at different AWD regimes with high clay content, whereas δ15N could be considered an effective indicator of WUEwhole-plant.
New insights on the expression patterns of specific Arabinogalactan proteins in reproductive tissues of Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Moreira Diana , Lopes Ana Lúcia , Silva Jessy , Ferreira Maria João , Pinto Sara Cristina , Mendes Sara , Pereira Luís Gustavo , Coimbra Sílvia , Pereira Ana Marta
Published: December 2022

Arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs) are hydroxyproline-rich glycoproteins containing a high proportion of carbohydrates, widely distributed in the plant kingdom and ubiquitously present in land plants. AGPs have long been suggested to play important roles in plant reproduction and there is already evidence that specific glycoproteins are essential for male and female gametophyte development, pollen tube growth and guidance, and successful fertilization. However, the functions of many of these proteins have yet to be uncovered, mainly due to the difficulty to study individual AGPs. In this work, we generated molecular tools to analyze the expression patterns of a subgroup of individual AGPs in different Arabidopsis tissues, focusing on reproductive processes. This study focused on six AGPs: four classical AGPs (AGP7, AGP25, AGP26, AGP27), one AG peptide (AGP24) and one chimeric AGP (AGP31). These AGPs were first selected based on their predicted expression patterns along the reproductive tissues from available RNA-seq data. Promoter analysis using β-glucuronidase fusions and qPCR in different Arabidopsis tissues allowed to confirm these predictions. AGP7 was mainly expressed in female reproductive tissues, more precisely in the style, funiculus, and integuments near the micropyle region. AGP25 was found to be expressed in the style, septum and ovules with higher expression in the chalaza and funiculus tissues. AGP26 was present in the ovules and pistil valves. AGP27 was expressed in the transmitting tissue, septum and funiculus during seed development. AGP24 was expressed in pollen grains, in mature embryo sacs, with highest expression at the chalazal pole and in the micropyle. AGP31 was expressed in the mature embryo sac with highest expression at the chalaza and, occasionally, in the micropyle. For all these AGPs a co-expression analysis was performed providing new hints on its possible functions. This work confirmed the detection in Arabidopsis male and female tissues of six AGPs never studied before regarding the reproductive process. These results provide novel evidence on the possible involvement of specific AGPs in plant reproduction, as strong candidates to participate in pollen-pistil interactions in an active way, which is significant for this field of study.
COVID-19 pandemic: Prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms among Brazilian psychologists
Authors: Campos Juliana Alvares Duarte Bonini , Campos Lucas Arrais , Martins Bianca Gonzalez , de Oliveira Adriano Palomino , Navarro Fabiana Maria , dos Santos Simone Cristina , da Costa Josilene , Prado Oliver Zancul , Marôco João
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Symptoms related to mental health disorders became the background of the COVID-19 pandemic, and psychologists had to adapt to the demands, while they themselves were exposed to the pandemic and its stressors.

Objectives

To identify demographic and professional characteristics of Brazilian psychologists in different phases of pandemic and their reported care practices, concerns, and symptoms.

Methods

This was an observational study conducted online in four independent phases with no pairing among the samples (May/June 2020, n = 263; November/December 2020, n = 131; May/June 2021, n = 378; November/December 2021, n = 222). Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale was used. The validity and reliability of the data obtained with the DASS-21 were attested to by confirmatory factor analysis. Basic lexographic and similarity analysis were conducted to obtain textual information. Prevalence of variables was estimated and compared between phases using the z-test (α = 5%). Similarity analysis was performed to identify the psychologists’ concerns.

Results

Most of participants were women and were self-employed or employed. There was rapid adjustment to remote work and more than 70% reported changes in their mental health since the onset of pandemic. One in four participants had a previous mental health disorder, and there was a high prevalence of symptoms such as anxiety, fear, and angst. The prevalence of professionals who reported not caring about their own mental health was significant. In 2020, one cluster (health) of concern was identified, while in 2021 there were three clusters (health, family, and COVID-19). The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms was high and did not change during the pandemic.

Conclusions

Psychologists adapted to the demands of the population in the face of the pandemic. However, there was a high prevalence of mental health symptoms and a disregard for self-care among these professionals.
The influence of social support on the physical exercise behavior of college students: The mediating role of self-efficacy
Authors: Zhang Yan , Hasibagen  , Zhang Chang
Published: December 2022

Objectives

To study the influencing factors on college students’ physical exercise behavior and the mediating relationship of self-efficacy based on the theory of social support and self-efficacy; to provide theoretical support and practical guidance for college students engaging independently in physical exercise.

Methods

A total of 1,440 college students from six universities in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China were selected as the research objects, and three scales (Self-Efficacy Scale, Social Support Scale, and Physical Exercise Rating Scale) were used to construct a structural equation model.

Results

(1) A comprehensive sports facility environment is conducive to college students’ physical activities and the emotional support of friends and family and the campus cultural atmosphere cannot be ignored. (2) Peer support has a direct impact on physical exercise behavior, family support and school support indirectly affect college students’ physical exercise behavior, based on the intermediary role of self-efficacy. (3) According to the total effect, social support was ranked as school support (0.444), peer support (0.312), and family support (0.145).

Conclusion

Social support not only directly affects physical exercise behavior but also indirectly affects physical exercise behavior based on the mediating effect of self-efficacy.
Psychological distress and associated factors among Palestinian advanced cancer patients: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Abu-Odah Hammoda , Molassiotis Alex , Zhao Ivy Y. , Su Jing Jing , Allsop Matthew J.
Published: December 2022

Objective

There is limited research exploring the experiences of people living with advanced cancer in the Gaza Strip (GS), Palestine. Thus, this study aimed to determine the level of psychological distress, anxiety, and depression among advanced cancer patients in the GS and identify factors associated with a high level of distress.

Materials and methods

A secondary analysis was performed using primary data from a larger study focusing on supportive care needs in advanced cancer patients in GS. Three hundred sixty-one patients agreed to participate and filled out the Distress Thermometer (DT) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Multivariate logistic regression was conducted to identify factors associated with high distress levels.

Results

Over two-thirds of advanced cancer patients (70.6%) reported a high level of distress. They also reported a significantly higher distress level than patients with early cancer (96.5 vs. 3.5%; p = 0.001). About 92.8% of participants reported depression and anxiety symptoms. Physical, emotional, and practical problems were the primary sources of distress. Breast cancer patients were more likely to have psychological distress than colon and stomach cancer patients. Newly diagnosed patients had a higher level of anxiety, depression, and distress than those who had a cancer diagnosis for an extended period.

Conclusion

Patients with advanced cancer in the GS exhibited a significantly higher level of psychological distress, depression and anxiety than patients with advanced cancer elsewhere. Efforts should be made to identify psychological distress as a routine part of oncology practice. Future research should further explore the causes of psychological distress in cancer patients in conflict zones and feasible mitigation strategies.
The relationship between teachers' information technology integration self-efficacy and TPACK: A meta-analysis
Authors: Zeng Youlai , Wang Yue , Li Shunyu
Published: December 2022

Using the method of meta-analysis, this study explored the relationship between teachers' self-efficacy and TPACK in the context of educational information technology integration and focused on the moderating variables that affect the relationship. Through literature search, 28 independent effect sizes with 7,777 subjects were obtained. Heterogeneity test illustrated that random effects model is appropriate. Funnel plot and Begg and Mazumdar's rank correlation test found there was no publication bias in this meta-analysis. After effect size test, it followed that teachers' information technology integration self-efficacy was significantly positively correlated with TPCK (r = 0.607, P < 0.001). The moderating effect test indicated that the relationship was moderated by the subjects' career stages, but not by gender, teaching stages, disciplines, and measurement tools.
Preliminary evidence for a lower brain age in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Kurth Florian , Levitt Jennifer G. , Gaser Christian , Alger Jeffry , Loo Sandra K. , Narr Katherine L. , O’Neill Joseph , Luders Eileen
Published: December 2022

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a debilitating disorder with apparent roots in abnormal brain development. Here, we quantified the level of individual brain maturation in children with ADHD using structural neuroimaging and a recently developed machine learning algorithm. More specifically, we compared the BrainAGE index between three groups matched for chronological age (mean ± SD: 11.86 ± 3.25 years): 89 children diagnosed with ADHD, 34 asymptomatic siblings of those children with ADHD, and 21 unrelated healthy control children. Brains of children with ADHD were estimated significantly younger (−0.85 years) than brains of healthy controls (Cohen’s d = −0.33; p = 0.028, one-tailed), while there were no significant differences between unaffected siblings and healthy controls. In addition, more severe ADHD symptoms were significantly associated with younger appearing brains. Altogether, these results are in line with the proposed delay of individual brain maturation in children with ADHD. However, given the relatively small sample size (N = 144), the findings should be considered preliminary and need to be confirmed in future studies.
Lower-dose psycholytic therapy – A neglected approach
Authors: Passie Torsten , Guss Jeffrey , Krähenmann Rainer
Published: December 2022

Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and similar psychoactive drugs have been used in psychotherapy since 1949, when the first clinical study with lower-dose LSD showed therapeutically relevant effects. This caused an intense interest among psychotherapists and researchers, alike, on an international scale. In 1960, the use of serial lower-dose LSD/psilocybin sessions in a psychoanalytical framework, which was dominant at the time, was named“psycholytic therapy”. Psycholytic therapy was usually conducted in clinical environments, on both an inpatient and outpatient basis. Psycholytic therapy was developed and established over a 15-year period on the European continent, where it was used at 30 clinical treatment centers and by more than 100 outpatient psychotherapists. Psycholytic approaches were employed minimally in North America, where thepsychedelic approach(use of one or two high-dose sessions for “personality-transforming mystical experiences”) became the dominant method in use. The leading figure in psycholytic therapy was Professor Hanscarl Leuner in Germany, who laid the ground with his uniquely fine grained analysis of the LSD reaction in a 1962 monograph. He was central in establishing and distributing psycholytic therapy in Europe and abroad. The article provides comprehensive background information and outlines the essential features of psycholytic therapy. Evidence for the efficacy of psycholytic therapy is reviewed and a case for the inclusion of the psycholytic approach in the field of substance-assisted psychotherapy is made.
Intimate partner violence against ever-partnered women in Europe: Prevalence and associated factors—Results from the violence against women EU-wide survey
Authors: Barbier Alice , Chariot Patrick , Lefèvre Thomas
Published: December 2022

Study questions

To describe the prevalence of physical, sexual, and psychological intimate partner violence (IPV) against women in the European Union (EU) and to search for their determinants among demographic, socioeconomic, health-related factors, and partner characteristics.

Methods

Observational study. Data from the violence against women survey, the first study conducted in the EU, which simultaneously measured all dimensions of IPV and many characteristics. The EU Agency for Fundamental Rights randomly conducted face-to-face interviews among the 28 countries with 42,002 women aged 18–74 who resided in the survey country and spoke the language. IPV is defined by a positive answer to at least one question about physical, sexual, or psychological violence perpetrated by a current or ex-partner.

Findings

Among the 40,357 women having already been in a relationship, 51.7% (51.2–52.2) reported having been victims of violence in their lifetime. The prevalence of physical, sexual, and psychological IPV was, respectively, 20.0% (19.6–20.4), 8.4% (8.2–8.7), and 48.5% (48.1–49.0). Women, who were younger, employed, had highly qualified work, had at least one immigrant parent, lived in an urban setting, were unmarried, separated, divorced, widowed, childless, cohabited with a partner, and others over the age of 18, had worse self-perceived health, or a history of violence before the age of 15 were more likely to report IPV. It was the same when their partners had a lower level of education, no work, were home staying, earned less than they did, were involved in 10 years of relationship, were frequently drunk, or were violent otherwise.

Major implication

The lifetime prevalence of reported IPV among women in Europe is high and likely underestimated. The results emphasize the importance of a comprehensive definition of IPV and partners' characteristics. They highlight socioeconomic differences and poorer health status for victims of IPV.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical activity, life satisfaction, anxiety, stress perception and coping strategies in student-athletes: A comparison between Belarus and Poland–countries with a different approach of anti-pandemic measures
Authors: Shpakou Andrei , Sokołowska Dorota , Krajewska-Kułak Elżbieta , Cybulski Mateusz , Kowalewska Beata , Korpak Filip , Surkov Sergei , Owoc Jakub , Krakowiak Jan , Kowalczuk Krystyna
Published: December 2022

Background

More than two years of the COVID-19 pandemic has changed lives of people around the world and had a profound impact on the field of sports. This has resulted in decreased physical activity (PA) and changes in mental health. The goal was to assess self-reported physical activity, life satisfaction, perceived stress, choice of coping strategies and their correlations among student athletes from two neighboring countries facing different anti-pandemic strategies.

Methods

Cross-sectional surveys using standardized questionnaires: International Physical Activity Questionnaire—Short Form (IPAQ-SF), Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), and Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (Mini-COPE) to compare 600 students from Physical Education and Sports departments of universities in Belarus (n = 333), where restrictions were found to be less stringent than in neighboring Poland (n = 267).

Results

Minor differences in physical activities between both countries indicate that student athletes have adapted fairly quickly and found ways to keep their PA at a fairly high level. Nevertheless, higher PA was reported in the group of student athletes from Belarus. PA levels correlated with life satisfaction, anxiety and stress levels. Female students from Poland reported lower satisfaction with their lives. Their perception of stress was twice as high as that of their Belarusian counterparts. The most common coping strategy in both groups was active coping. Polish respondents less frequently used strategies of avoiding problems and seeking outside support.

Conclusion

The level of physical activity and well-being of student athletes are associated with increased mental health and coping with stress. They also contribute to prevention of affective disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, it is dependent on the country's anti-pandemic policies.
Efficacy and safety of hypoglycemic agents on gestational diabetes mellitus in women: A Bayesian network analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Wang Ting , Jing Yingyu , Guo Haonan , Xu Jing , Wang Man , Huang Lili , Chen Huan , Cui Wei , Song Lin , Liu Xiang , Sun Bo , Wang Ning
Published: December 2022

Objective

To compare the efficacy and safety of metformin, glyburide, and insulin for GDM, we conducted a subgroup analysis of outcomes for women with GDM according to the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) diagnostic criteria.

Methods

We searched the NCBI, Embase, and Web of Science databases from inception to March 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the outcomes of hypoglycemic agents in women with GDM were included. Bayesian network analysis was employed.

Results

A total of 29 RCTs were included. Metformin was estimated to lead to a slight improvement in total gestational weight gain (WMD – 1.24 kg, 95% CI −2.38, −0.09), a risk of unmet treatment target in the sensitivity analysis (OR 34.50, 95% CI 1.18–791.37) than insulin. The estimated effect of metformin showed improvements in birth weight than insulin (WMD – 102.58 g, 95% CI −180.45 to −25.49) and glyburide (WMD – 137.84 g, 95% CI −255.31 to −25.45), for hypoglycemia within 1 h of birth than insulin (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.84). The improvement in the estimated effect of metformin for hypoglycemia within 1 h of birth still existed when compared with glyburide (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.66), whether in the IADPSG group (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.92) or not (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.98).

Conclusion

Metformin is beneficial for GDM women to control total GWG compared with insulin, regulate fetal birth weight more than insulin and glyburide, and increase the risk of unmet treatment targets compared with insulin. Compared to metformin, glyburide is associated with neonatal hypoglycemia.
Gaps in the implementation of national core elements for sustainable antimicrobial use in the WHO-African region
Authors: Fuller Walter L. , Aboderin Aaron O. , Yahaya Ali , Adeyemo Adeyemi T. , Gahimbare Laetitia , Kapona Otridah , Hamzat Omotayo T. , Bassoum Oumar
Published: December 2022

Background

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a leading global health and economic threat of the 21st century, with Africa bearing the greatest burden of mortality from drug-resistant infections. Optimization of the use of antimicrobials is a core strategic element of the response to AMR, addressing misuse and overuse as primary drivers. Effectively, this requires the whole society comprising not only healthcare professionals but also the public, as well as the government, to engage in a bottom-up and a top-down approach. We determined the progress of African national governments in optimizing antimicrobial drug use.

Methods

From September 2021 to June 2022, all 47 member states of the World Health Organization African region (WHO AFRO) were invited to participate in a survey determining the implementation of strategies to optimize antimicrobial use (AMU). We used the WHO antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) assessment tool, National core elements—A checklist to guide the country in identifying existing national core elements for the implementation of AMS Programs, to obtain information from national AMR focal persons. The tool consists of four sections—national plans and strategies; regulations and guidelines; awareness, training, and education; and supporting technologies and data—with a total of 33 checklist items, each graded from 0 to 4. The responses were aggregated and analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2020®.

Results

Thirty-one (66%) of the 47 countries returned completed forms. Only eight (25.8%) countries have developed a national AMS implementation policy incorporating defined goals, targets, and operational plans. There are no budget lines for AMS activities in 23 (74.2%) countries. The WHO Access, Watch, Reserve (AWaRe) classification of optimizing AMU has been integrated into the national essential medicines list or formulary in 19 (61.3%) countries, while the incorporation of the AMS principles and WHO AWaRe classification into national clinical guidelines for the management of infections is present in only 12 (38.7%) and 11 (34.5%) countries, respectively. Although regulations on the prescription-only sale/dispensing of antibiotics are present in 68% of countries, their enforcement is poor. Systems identifying pathogens and antibiotic susceptibility for optimal use of antibiotics are lacking in 38% of countries.

Conclusion

In Africa, wide gaps exist in the governments’ implementation of the core elements of optimizing antimicrobial drug use. Responding to AMR constitutes a long journey, and technical and financial support needs to be deployed to optimize the use of antimicrobials.
The propensity to have children in Hungary, with some examples from other European countries
Authors: Berde Éva , Drabancz Áron
Published: December 2022

In most countries around the world, the total fertility rate (TFR) has been on a downward trend over recent decades. In the developed, and many less developed countries this has led to the TFR being consistently below the replacement level of 2.1 over the long term, leading to population decline in the absence of immigration. Many European governments, including that of Hungary, are spending a significant proportion of GDP on family support to prevent fertility decline. Despite these efforts, we have not seen any significant increase in the TFR. In this article, we explain the decisions of families not to have children by using a more stringent formulation of Becker's original quantity-quality trade-off. We point out that increasing family support expenditure has not achieved its goal. While huge financial effort has been made to increase fertility rates, insufficient attention has been paid to alleviating the burden of the growing elderly population.
A review of the roles of men, women, and youth in ensuring food safety in the smallholder poultry value chain in Kenya
Authors: Garsow Ariel V. , Kim Erica G. , Colverson Kathleen E. , Ilic Sanja , Kunyanga Catherine , Bainah Abdiaziz , Kowalcyk Barbara B.
Published: December 2022

Smallholder poultry production is a significant source of food and income for many rural households in Kenya, but poultry products can be contaminated withSalmonellaandCampylobacterspp. Household members have different roles in poultry production, with women and youth more actively involved in the earlier steps of the value chain, such as poultry production and processing, particularly at the farm level. This literature review summarizes current knowledge and practices on the roles of women and youth in food safety in the smallholder poultry value chain in Kenya. Of the 19 articles identified, a majority referenced gender roles in the poultry value chain but few referenced youth or the roles of women and youth in ensuring food safety. Women and youth were found to be the primary smallholder poultry producers on-farm. Due to their direct involvement in poultry handling and production, women and youth may have higher potential risk of exposure to foodborne pathogens. Men, women, and youth were all found to participate in slaughtering and transportation of poultry products. It was also found that, although women may be the owners and caretakers of chickens, they may not have decision-making power on the use of income from the poultry, and poultry product sales. Therefore, women and youth may have limited decision-making power or access to resources, such as training, to increase food safety. Further research is needed to address the factors important to women and youth empowerment to ensure food safety in the smallholder poultry value chain and reduce the risks of foodborne disease (FBD) in Kenya.
Effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and international travel ban on elephant tourist camp management in northern Thailand
Authors: Supanta Jarawee , Brown Janine L. , Bansiddhi Pakkanut , Thitaram Chatchote , Punyapornwithaya Veerasak , Khonmee Jaruwan
Published: December 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the tourism industry, especially in Thailand. Starting in April 2020, the Thai government banned international travel and all elephant tourist camps closed. A wide variety of management changes were implemented because of the lack of income from tourists. This study surveyed 30 camps that cared for >400 elephants in northern Thailand to obtain information on camp, elephant, and mahout management during the COVID-19 pandemic from April 2020 to 2022 compared to the year before. The survey consisted of questionnaires that interviewed elephant camp owners, managers, veterinarians, and mahouts, and captured information on changes in camp operations, including numbers of tourists, elephants and mahouts, elephant and mahout activities, and veterinary care. Results revealed significant changes in camp structure, elephant work activities and general care. Staff layoffs led to a decrease in the ratio of mahouts to elephants from 1:1 to 1:2. Elephant activities, distance walked, and amounts of food were reduced when compared to pre-COVID-19, while chain hours were increased due to reduced activity. Overall, the COVID-19 crisis altered elephant management significantly, potentially affecting animal welfare resulting from changes in nutrition, health, exercise, and numbers of mahouts. We hope to use these data to develop better management plans and guidelines for elephant camps in Thailand so they can cope with the current and potential imminent pandemics that result in decreased tourism income. A follow-up study will measure health and welfare markers in relation to COVID-19 induced changes to determine if any camps adapted management to still meet elephant health and welfare needs, and could serve as models for responding to future pandemics.
Stifle kinematics in 4 dogs with cranial cruciate ligament insufficiency treated by CORA-based leveling osteotomy
Authors: Tinga Selena , Hughes Natalie , Jones Stephen C. , Park Brian , Palm Lindsey , Desaraju Sasank S. , Banks Scott A. , MacArthur Sandra L. , Lewis Daniel D.
Published: December 2022

Objective

The purpose of this study was to quantify three-dimensional (3D) stifle kinematics during walking in dogs with complete cranial cruciate ligament insufficiency (CCL-I) treated with a CORA-based leveling osteotomy (CBLO).

Study design

Four client-owned dogs with unilateral complete CCL-I were prospectively enrolled. Custom digital 3D models of the femora and tibiae were created from pre-and postoperative computed tomographic scans for each dog. Lateral view fluoroscopic images were collected during treadmill walking preoperatively and 6 months after CBLO. Results were generated using a 3D-to-2D image registration process. Pre-and postoperative stifle kinematics (craniocaudal translation, extension angle) were compared to that of the unaffected contralateral (control) stifle. Force plate gait analysis was performed, and symmetry indices (SI) were calculated for peak vertical force (PVF) and vertical impulse (VI).

Results

After CBLO, craniocaudal femorotibial motion was reduced by a median (range) of 43.0 (17.0–52.6) % over the complete gait cycle. Median (range) PVF SI was 0.49 (0.26–0.56) preoperatively and 0.92 (0.86–1.00) postoperatively, and VI SI was 0.44 (0.20–0.48) preoperatively and 0.92 (0.82–0.99) postoperatively.

Conclusion

CBLO mitigated but did not fully resolve abnormal craniocaudal translation; lameness was substantially improved at 6 months.
Carbon Dioxide Efflux of Bare Soil as a Function of Soil Temperature and Moisture Content under Weather Conditions of Warm, Temperate, Dry Climate Zone
Authors: Juhász Csaba , Huzsvai László , Kovács Elza , Kovács Györgyi , Tuba Géza , Sinka Lúcia , Zsembeli József
Published: December 2022

It is difficult to estimate the contribution of individual sources to the total CO2 efflux from soil with vegetation. Long-term experiments with bare soil will provide useful conclusions. In this study, we aimed to mathematize the effect of soil temperature and soil moisture content on bare soil CO2 efflux in a four-season semiarid region to assess the adequacy of different models and to enable future predictions by seasons. We proved that the exponential model adequately described the relationship between the CO2 efflux and the soil temperature. The model calculations showed no significant relationship in the case of an additional quadratic exponential function, while, in the case of the linear model, the homoscedasticity criteria were not met, and the accuracy of the estimation was found to be dependent on the level of CO2 efflux. When the soil moisture content with either an exponential function or power was added to the exponential formula, the models did not provide more accurate results. Our findings confirm that the best-fitting models are dependent on the local environmental conditions, and there are areas in which the moisture content does not significantly affect the CO2 efflux of bare soil. Using trends in historical hourly temperature data in the exponential model, the CO2 emission was estimated to be in the range 772–898 g m−2 y−1 in 2050 in the location we used. Trends in climate change are expected to have considerable effects on the processes that govern the CO2 emissions of soil.
Biosecurity and Lairage Time versus Pork Meat Quality Traits in a Farm–Abattoir Continuum
Authors: Nastasijevic Ivan , Glisic Milica , Milijasevic Milan , Jankovic Sasa , Mitrovic Radmila , Milijasevic Jelena Babic , Boskovic Cabrol Marija
Published: December 2022

The modern pig production chain is increasingly focused on biosecurity, quality, and safety of meat and is associated with many challenges impacting world meat markets, such as animal disease outbreaks and sanitary restrictions, trade regulations and quality requirements. To overcome such challenges and assure more consistent pork meat quality (and safety), there is a need to develop an effective and reliable monitoring system in a farm–abattoir continuum that can be based on selected biomarkers. This study assessed interrelations of selected stress and inflammation biomarkers (acute phase proteins (APP)) between farm biosecurity score versus pork meat quality traits after two different lairage periods. Briefly, the maximum recorded levels of stress hormones (436.2 and 241.2 ng/mL, for cortisol and Chromogranin A (CgA), respectively) and APP (389.4 and 400.9 μg/mL, Pig Major Acute Proteins (MAP) and Haptoglobin (Hp), respectively) at four commercial farms were within the recommended threshold values. Cortisol and APP were negatively correlated to the internal and total biosecurity scores of farms. The increase of level of both sets of biomarkers was found at bleeding (after transportation and lairage period), but with lower values after long (18–20 h) versus short (1–3 h) lairage lay-over time. In general, negative correlation was confirmed between stress and inflammation biomarkers and carcass/meat quality traits. The farm total biosecurity level significantly affected chilling yield, meat temperature, and a* value. Pig-MAP emerged as a good biomarker with a promising potential for assessment and anticipation of broad aspects in the pork meat chain. It can be used for detection of failures in the pig production system and might be incorporated in certification programs for the pork meat industry.
Bacteriuria in Cystocentesis Samples from Cats in the United Kingdom: Prevalence, Bacterial Isolates, and Antimicrobial Susceptibilities
Authors: D’Août Clarisse , Taylor Samantha S. , Gelendi Stefania , Atkinson Carl , Defauw Pieter
Published: December 2022

Bacterial urinary tract infections (UTIs) have historically been reported to be uncommon in cats; however, recent studies showed a higher prevalence. Bacterial UTIs are one of the most common reasons for the use of antimicrobial drugs in veterinary medicine. Our aim was to investigate the prevalence of positive cultures in urine samples submitted to a UK laboratory for testing, as well as prevalence of bacterial species and their antimicrobial susceptibility to commonly used antibiotics. This was a retrospective analysis of positive cultures from feline urine samples collected by cystocentesis submitted over 14 months (January 2018–February 2019). A total of 2712 samples were reviewed, of which 425 documented a positive culture (15.7%) with a total of 444 bacterial isolates. E. coli (43.7%), other Enterobacterales (26.4%), Enterococcus species (14.9%) and Staphylococcus species (9.2%) were the most commonly isolated bacteria. E. coli most commonly showed resistance to cephalexin (20.7%) and amoxicillin (16.7%). Resistance was most commonly seen against amoxicillin (64.1%) and cephalexin (52.2%) in Enterobacterales. Enterococcus species most commonly showed resistance to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (94.3%). Staphylococcus species most commonly showed resistance to amoxicillin (20%). This study showed significant resistance of bacteria found in feline urine samples in the UK to frequently used antibiotics.
Molecular and Structural Evolution of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus
Authors: Huang Baicheng , Gu Guoqian , Zhang Yunjing , Chen Zhenzhen , Tian Kegong
Published: December 2022

To analyze the evolutionary characteristics of the highly contagious porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) at the molecular and structural levels, we analyzed the complete genomes of 647 strains retrieved from the GenBank database. The results showed that the spike (S) gene exhibited larger dS (synonymous substitutions per synonymous site) values than other PEDV genes. In the selective pressure analysis, eight amino acid (aa) sites of the S protein showed strong signals of positive selection, and seven of them were located on the surface of the S protein (S1 domain), suggesting a high selection pressure of S protein. Topologically, the S gene is more representative of the evolutionary relationship at the genome-wide level than are other genes. Structurally, the evolutionary pattern is highly S1 domain-related. The haplotype networks of the S gene showed that the strains are obviously clustered geographically in the lineages corresponding to genotypes GI and GII. The alignment analysis on representative strains of the main haplotypes revealed three distinguishable nucleic acid sites among those strains, suggesting a putative evolutionary mechanism in PEDV. These findings provide several new fundamental insights into the evolution of PEDV and guidance for developing effective prevention countermeasures against PEDV.
Prevalence and Antimicrobial Resistance of Bacterial Uropathogens Isolated from Dogs and Cats
Authors: Aurich Sophie , Prenger-Berninghoff Ellen , Ewers Christa
Published: December 2022

Bacterial urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common diagnosis in companion animal practice and is one of the leading reasons for antimicrobial prescriptions. We analysed 1862 samples from the urinary tract of dogs and cats, submitted to a veterinary microbiological diagnostic laboratory in 2019 and 2020 in Germany. Susceptibility of 962 uropathogenic isolates to 15 antimicrobials, suggested as first- and second-line treatment options for UTI, was determined according to CLSI recommendations. Bacterial growth of uropathogens was detected in 43.9% of dog and in 38.5% of cat samples. Escherichia (E.) coli was the most frequently isolated pathogen (48.4%), followed by Enterococcus spp. (11.9%) and coagulase-positive staphylococci (CoPS; 11.5%). Females were more likely to exhibit a positive microbiological culture. Regarding first-line antibiotics, 93.4% of the most commonly isolated uropathogenic species were susceptible to the first-line antibiotics amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (AMC) and 87.6% to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (SXT), while 76.1% showed decreased susceptibility to ampicillin (AMP). Multidrug resistance (MDR) was detected in 11.9% of E. coli, 50.4% of enterococci, and 42.7% of CoPS; 90.6% of these isolates were susceptible to nitrofurantoin (NIT). Our data indicate that empiric treatment of UTI with AMC or SXT could be recommended and is preferable to treatment with AMX. NIT should be considered for the treatment of MDR uropathogens.