bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Purchase Intention for Green Cars Among Chinese Millennials: Merging the Value–Attitude–Behavior Theory and Theory of Planned Behavior
Authors: Wang Lei , Zhang Qi , Wong Philip Pong Weng
Published: February 2022

The value–attitude–behavior and the theory of planned behavior (TPB) appear to provide limited explanation for consumer green purchase behavior. This study aims to examine the relationship between pro-environmental value, consumption value, and TPB toward green car purchasing intention among the young Chinese generation. A total of 541 student responses were collected, and the results showed that altruistic value positively influenced subjective norm (SN) and perceived behavioral control (PBC), but negatively influenced green purchase attitude (GPA). Biospheric value positively influenced GPA and PBC. Function value and emotional value positively influenced GPA, respectively, and emotional value fully mediated the relationship between function value and GPA. Furthermore, GPA, SN, PBC positively influenced intention toward green car purchasing behavior, respectively, and SN mediated the relationship between GPA and intention. This study shows how pro-environmental value and consumption value can influence components of TPB in green car purchase intention.
Effect of Materialism on Pro-environmental Behavior Among Youth in China: The Role of Nature Connectedness
Authors: Wang Jing , Huo Yongquan
Published: February 2022

We designed three studies to explore the effect of materialistic values on pro-environmental behavior among youth and the mediated role of nature connectedness between materialistic values and pro-environmental behavior. Through a self-report questionnaire survey (Study 1) and an experimental manipulation of materialistic values (Study 2), we found that materialistic values negatively predicted pro-environmental behavior, and that nature connectedness played a mediating role. Further, we used natural contact strategies to control the level of nature connectedness, and found that the negative impact of high materialistic values on pro-environment behavior decreased with the increase of nature connectedness, further supporting the mediating role of nature connectedness (Study 3). These results may contribute to the design of strategies that effectively mitigate the negative effects of materialistic values on pro-environmental behavior.
More Lies Lead to More Memory Impairments in Daily Life
Authors: Li Yan , Liu Zhiwei , Liu Xiping
Published: February 2022

Previous studies have demonstrated that lying can undermine memory and that its memory-undermining effects could be modulated by the cognitive resources required to tell lies. We extended the investigation of the memory-undermining effect by using a daily life setting in which participants were highly involved in a mock shopping task. Participants were randomly assigned to truth-telling, denying or mixed lying conditions. After finishing the shopping task, participants were told that two people wanted to know about their shopping lists and would ask them some questions in an interview. During the interview, participants were asked whether each of ten items were on the shopping list, five of which were randomly selected from the shopping list, while the other five were not sold in the store. In answering the interview questions, the truth-telling group was asked to respond honestly, the denying group was asked to give denial responses, and the mixed lying group was asked to respond deceptively. Thus, the denying group told five lies and the mixed lying group told ten lies in the interview. The item memory test, source memory test and destination memory test were given in an orderly manner 48 h after the interview. We found that the mixed lying group, rather than the denying group, forgot the lies they told in the interview and mistakenly believed they had lied about something that they had not lied about. Moreover, the mixed lying group retained fewer memories about the person they responded to than the honest group. In addition, participants in the mixed lying group had more non-believed memories than those in the truth-telling group in both item and source memory tests. We conclude that more lies could result in more memory disruptions in daily life.
Teacher-Rated Executive Functions, Gender and Relative Age: Independent and Interactive Effects on Observed Fundamental Motor Skills in Kindergarteners
Authors: Escolano-Pérez Elena , Sánchez-López Carmen R. , Herrero-Nivela Maria Luisa
Published: February 2022

Fundamental motor skills (FMS) of children can be affected by different variables, such as executive functions (EF), gender and relative age. However, the effects of these variables on FMS have been scarce studied, especially in early childhood, and show inconsistent results. To clarify these relationships, this study was carried out. Its aim was to analyze whether EF, gender and relative age influenced FMS in 43 Spanish kindergarteners. A multimethod and mixed methods approach was used. Kindergarteners’ teachers completed the Childhood Executive Functioning Inventory to know the children level of EF (working memory and inhibition control). Kindergarteners’ parents complimented ad hoc questionnaire reporting the children gender and birth data (to know their relative age). A Nomothetic/Punctual/Multidimensional observational design was used to observe children FMS in their habitual motor sessions at school. Two-way ANOVAs were performed to know the independent and interactive effects of working memory level (lower/higher), inhibition control level (lower/higher), gender (boys/girls) and relative age (according to the birth semester in the year) on FMS. Results showed these variables have independent and interactive effects on some FMS, but not on others. FMS influenced by these variables vary depending what independent variable(s) is/are considered. Therefore, it can be concluded that the influences of teacher-rated EF, gender and relative age on observed FMS in kindergarteners are complex and specific. Results obtained must be taken into to design and implement instructional and intervention strategies, as well as educational and sport policy changes, especially in early childhood, when FMS are more malleable.
Type D Personality and Big Five Personality Traits and the Risk of Breast Cancer: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Wojciechowska Irena , Matkowski Rafał , Pawłowski Tomasz
Published: February 2022

Objective

The goal of this study is to establish the differences in Type D personality and Big five personality traits between a group of newly diagnosed breast cancer patients and a group of controls.

Methods

A comparative study of breast cancer patients and women without previous history of cancer was carried out. We used Type D Scale-14 as an instrument for the assessment of the type-D personality pattern and NEO-FFI for the assessment of the Big Five personality traits. Conditional logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were applied for breast cancer by personality trait factors.

Results

Negative affectivity (NA) (OR = 4.45 95% CI: 1.96–10.61), neuroticism HIGH (OR = 3.97, 95% CI: 1.08–15.81), openness to experience HIGH (OR = 3.47 95% CI: 1.11–11.49), were associated factors significantly related to an increased risk of breast cancer, whereas Social Inhibition (SI) was associated factor with a decreased risk of breast cancer (OR = 0.40 95% CI: 0.16–0.92).

Conclusions

This was the first case-control study which analyzed NA and SI traits in breast cancer patients. SI as a breast-cancer risk decreasing factor might indicate that expressing negative emotions is not always a healthy mechanism of their regulation.
The Triple P Positive Parenting Program for Parents With Psychosis: A Case Series With Qualitative Evaluation
Authors: Wolfenden Lauren , Calam Rachel , Drake Richard J. , Gregg Lynsey
Published: February 2022

Although many people with psychosis are parents, managing the dual demands of poor mental health and parenting can be stressful and may contribute to poorer outcomes for both parent and child. Parenting interventions have the potential to improve outcomes for the whole family but need evaluation of feasibility in this context. The Triple-P Self-Help Workbook was implemented with guidance and support with 10 parents experiencing psychosis in a multiple baseline case series study. Sessions were weekly and home-based. Outcome measures examined facets of parenting, child behavior, self-efficacy and parental mental health. Follow up interviews explored parents' perspectives of the perceived impact of the intervention and apparent mechanisms of change. The program resulted in clinically significant change (>25% improvement) in mental health, parenting and child behavior measures post-intervention for the 50% who completed all 10 sessions and improvements were maintained at 3 and 6 month follow up. Interviews with those who completed the program revealed it to have been transformative: parents reported positive changes in parenting style; they were empowered with regard to their parenting and had a greater sense of control over their mental health. This study provides preliminary evidence that self-directed Triple P might be able to reduce the symptoms of psychosis by improving family functioning. Findings could inform the future development or adaptation of evidence-based parenting interventions for parents with psychosis in order to improve their mental health, aid recovery, and intervene early in the lives of children at risk of poor long-term outcomes.
HEARTSMAP-U: Adapting a Psychosocial Self-Screening and Resource Navigation Support Tool for Use by Post-secondary Students
Authors: Virk Punit , Arora Ravia , Burt Heather , Gadermann Anne , Barbic Skye , Nelson Marna , Davidson Jana , Cornish Peter , Doan Quynh
Published: February 2022

Background

Mental health challenges are highly prevalent in the post-secondary educational setting. Screening instruments have been shown to improve early detection and intervention. However, these tools often focus on specific diagnosable conditions, are not always designed with students in mind, and lack resource navigational support.

Objective

The aim of this study was to describe the adaptation of existing psychosocial assessment (HEARTSMAP) tools into a version that is fit-for-purpose for post-secondary students, called HEARTSMAP-U.

Methods

We underwent a three-phase, multi-method tool adaptation process. First, a diverse study team proposed a preliminary version of HEARTSMAP-U and its conceptual framework. Second, we conducted a cross-sectional expert review study with Canadian mental health professionals (N = 28), to evaluate the clinical validity of tool content. Third, we conducted an iterative series of six focus groups with diverse post-secondary students (N = 54), to refine tool content and language, and ensure comprehensibility and relevance to end-users.

Results

The adaptation process resulted in the HEARTSMAP-U self-assessment and resource navigational support tool, which evaluates psychosocial challenges across 10 sections. In Phase two, clinician experts expressed that HEARTSMAP-U's content aligned with their own professional experiences working with students. In Phase three, students identified multiple opportunities to improve the tool's end-user relevance by calling for more “common language,” such as including examples, definitions, and avoiding technical jargon.

Conclusions

The HEARTSMAP-U tool is well-positioned for further studies of its quantitative psychometric properties and clinical utility in the post-secondary educational setting.
Effectiveness of Interventions for Prevention of Common Infections Among Opioid Users: A Systematic Review of Systematic Reviews
Authors: Puzhko Svetlana , Eisenberg Mark J. , Filion Kristian B. , Windle Sarah B. , Hébert-Losier Andréa , Gore Genevieve , Paraskevopoulos Elena , Martel Marc O. , Kudrina Irina
Published: February 2022

Background

The North American opioid crisis is marked by high opioid-related mortality and morbidity, including opioid use-associated infections (OUAIs). Users of pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical opioids are at an increased risk of acquiring hepatitis C (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and other infections. No high-level evidence, however, has been synthesized regarding effectiveness of interventions to prevent OUAIs in legal, and illegal/mixed opioid users. The aim of the study is to synthesize available systematic review (SR)–level evidence on the scope and effectiveness of interventions to prevent OUAIs among opioid users.

Methods

A SR of SRs approach was applied. We searched PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Epistemonikos and Google Scholar from inception to September 2020. Data selection and extraction were performed independently by three researchers. Risk of bias and quality of evidence were assessed using the AMSTAR2 tool. Results were narratively synthesized. Strength of evidence for each category was reported.

Results

Eleven of twelve identified SRs included interventions to prevent HCV/HIV transmission in persons who inject drugs (PWID), including opioids. One SR evaluated interventions to prevent recurrent infectious endocarditis. There was sufficient and tentative SR of SRs-level evidence for the effectiveness of opioid substitution therapy (OST) in preventing HIV and HCV, respectively. We found tentative evidence to support effectiveness of needle/syringe exchange programs (NSP) in HIV prevention, and sufficient evidence to support effectiveness of the combined OST and NSP in HCV prevention. There was insufficient SR-level evidence to support or discount effectiveness of other interventions to prevent OUAIs. No SR focused on non-PWID populations.

Conclusion

SR-level evidence supports the use of OST, NSP, and combined interventions for the reduction of HCV and HIV transmission in PWID. More research on prevention of other OUAIs and on prevention of OUAIs in non-PWID populations is urgently needed.

Systematic Review Registration:

Registered in PROSPERO on July 30, 2020. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=195929, identifier: #195929.
Design and Methods of a Participatory Healthy Eating Intervention for Indigenous Children: The FRESH Study
Authors: Blue Bird Jernigan Valarie , Taniguchi Tori , Haslam Alyson , Williams Mary B. , Maudrie Tara L. , Nikolaus Cassandra J. , Wetherill Marianna S. , Jacob Tvli , Love Charlotte V. , Sisson Susan
Published: February 2022

Objective

To increase vegetable and fruit intake, reduce body mass index (BMI), and improve parental blood pressure among American Indian families.

Design

Randomized, wait-list controlled trial testing a multi-level (environmental, community, family, and individual) multi-component intervention with data collection at baseline and 6 months post-intervention.

Setting

Tribally owned and operated Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs in the Osage Nation in Oklahoma.

Participants

American Indian families (at least one adult and one child in a ECE program). A sample size of 168 per group will provide power to detect differences in fruit and vegetable intake.

Intervention

The 6-month intervention consisted of a (1) ECE-based nutrition and gardening curriculum; (2) nutrition education and food sovereignty curriculum for adults; and (3) ECE program menu modifications.

Main Outcome Measures

The primary outcome is increase in fruit and vegetable intake, assessed with a 24-h recall for adults and plate weight assessments for children. Secondary outcomes included objective measures of BMI among adults and children and blood pressure among adults.
Seismic Resilience of Rural Water Supply Systems; Factor Analysis of Cases Set in Sichuan Province, China
Authors: Zhou Wenmei , Kalonji Gretchen , Chen Chuan , Martek Igor
Published: February 2022

The seismic resilience of water supply systems can be impacted by numerous factors, but what these factors are in the rural context of China is unknown. In this study, 41 potential influencing factors of seismic-resilience for rural water supply system (RWSS) were obtained through a literature review and semi-structured expert interview, comprising 26 general influencing factors (GFs) and 15 water supply safety influencing factors (SFs). This study verified and ranked these factors through a questionnaire survey delivered to RWSS stakeholders in Sichuan Province, China. Based on 123 valid, returned questionnaires, these factors are divided into 9 factor groups through factor analysis performed on GFs and SFs, respectively, of which “economic resilience” and “organizational resilience in disaster prevention stage” are shown to be the most important factor groups. Additionally, it found that the experience of earthquake events significantly affects the perceptions of stakeholders on the importance of certain factors. Specifically, stakeholders who have experienced an earthquake prioritize the post-earthquake resilience of the system, while those who have not experienced an earthquake prioritize the absorption capacity of the system in the disaster prevention stage. Thus, it is not appropriate to use fixed weights to evaluate the seismic resilience of RWSSs. Significantly, this outcome differs from existing findings on the resilience of Urban Water Supply Systems (UWSSs), where “technical resilience” is the key dimension. These findings can help decision-makers fully understand the factors affecting the seismic resilience of RWSSs in China, and in doing so, augment the strengthening of rural water supply.
Outcomes and Fate of the Distal Landing Zone Compared Between Prosthetic and Autologous Grafts After Infra-Inguinal Graft Occlusions
Authors: Rother Ulrich , Gruber Marc , Behrendt Christian-Alexander , Günther Josefine , Lang Werner , Meyer Alexander
Published: February 2022

Background

Due to an increasing life expectancy, more and more patients experience the failure of peripheral arterial revascularization. This study aims to investigate patients treated for the failure of infra-inguinal bypass grafts, and to investigate the interaction of different bypass materials [great saphenous vein (GSV) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)] and the further outcome.

Methods

Retrospective single-center analysis of consecutive patients treated for acute or chronic occlusion of infra-inguinal bypasses at a university hospital was conducted. Hospitalizations from 1st January 2010 through 31st December 2019 were included. Perioperative parameters from the index operation including graft material (prosthetic vs. autologous) were assessed. After bypass occlusion, the grade of ischemia, as well as the distal landing zone of the redo bypass compared with the primary bypass was investigated.

Results

In this study, 158 (65% men and 35% women with a m mean age of 70.5 years) eligible patients were included (57% vein and 42% prosthetic bypass grafts). After graft occlusion, 47% of the patients presented with symptoms of acute limb-threatening ischemia, 53% with symptoms of chronic leg ischemia. The rate of acute limb-threatening ischemia was significantly higher when prosthetic graft material was used during the index operation (p =0.016). Additionally, in case of reoperation, the landing zone of the redo bypass was significantly more distally located after occlusion of prosthetic bypass graft (p = 0.014)

Conclusion

Occlusions of prosthetic bypass grafts were associated with significantly higher rates of acute symptoms compared with vein grafts. Additionally, a shift to a more distal landing zone was recognized after the failure of a prosthetic bypass graft during the redo bypass operation.
Telemedicine and Telementoring in Urology: A Glimpse of the Past and a Leap Into the Future
Authors: Ayoub Christian Habib , El-Asmar Jose M. , Abdulfattah Suhaib , El-Hajj Albert
Published: February 2022

Telemedicine is the process of utilizing telecommunications and digital relay to perform, teach, or share medical knowledge. The digital era eased the incorporation of telemedicine to different areas of medical care, including the surgical care of Urologic patient mainly through telementoring, telesurgery, and telerobotics. Over the years, Telemedicine has played an integral part in a physicians' ability to provide high quality medical care to remote patients, as well as serve as an educational tool for trainee physicians, in the form of telementoring. During the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine has played a vital role in combatting the health implications of confinements. Challenges of telemedicine implementation include cost, ethical considerations, security, bandwidth, latency, legal, and licensure difficulties. Nevertheless, the future of telemedicine, specifically telementoring, promises several improvements and innovative advancements that aim to bridge the gap in technological divides of urologic care. In this review, we build on what is already known about telemedicine focusing specifically on aspects related to telementoring, telestration, and telesurgery. Furthermore, we discuss its historical role in healthcare with a special emphasis on current and future use in urology.
Facilitating the Adoption and Evolution of Digital Technologies Through Re-conceptualization
Authors: Tekkis Nicholas Pari , Richmond-Smith Rebecca , Pellino Gianluca , Kontovounisios Christos
Published: February 2022

Background

The NHS has been making steps toward greater efficiency and cutting costs to maintain quality of care despite constraints, but without innovation the NHS will not be able to meet its increasing financial demands. The purpose of this article is to analyse a single potentially transformative technology's path of adoption in the NHS [3D printing (3DP)].

Methods

Analysis of 3DP and its current value propositions. Re-conceptualization of the technology to gain insights into these value propositions and identify the capabilities it may provide. Analysis of previous business models to identify where this value is not fully captured and development of a new business model, followed by exploration of benefits and potential limitations of this new model.

Results

3D printing applications can be broadly categorized into anatomical modeling, implants, and tools. Conceptualizing 3D imaging using the layered architecture model suggests the potential of 3DP to evolve the current imaging and modeling infrastructure of the NHS, and as such should be adopted to facilitate this potential.

Conclusion

3D printing is an innovation with large potential for generativity, and it is important that it is integrated at a level that could both stimulate and communicate its benefits. Re-conceptualization identified a backbone within the NHS that could facilitate it as a point of entry, and the most successful installations have been through this channel. However, progress on the frontier is currently limited by both physical and organizational boundaries, the resolution of which is paramount for the current and future success of this technology.
Partitioning, a Novel Approach to Mitigate the Risk and Impact of African Swine Fever in Affected Areas
Authors: Costard Solenne , Perez Andres M. , Zagmutt Francisco J. , Pouzou Jane G. , Groenendaal Huybert
Published: February 2022

As African swine fever (ASF) continues to expand geographically, supplementary control strategies are needed to reduce disease risk and impact in affected areas. Full depopulation is central to current ASF control efforts, and its efficacy depends on surveillance and timely disease reporting, while resulting in large losses regardless of the producers' efforts to promptly detect, report, and contain the disease. This disconnect between prompt detection and reporting, and subsequent farm losses, can deter producers to invest in ASF detection and control. Alternative approaches are needed to incentivize individual producers to invest in early detection and reporting. We postulate that commercial swine farms may be effectively partitioned in separate units, or subpopulations, to which biosecurity, surveillance and control can be applied. The suggested Partitioning framework relies on three main components: 1. external and internal biosecurity to reduce the risk of ASF introduction and maintain separate subpopulations; 2. cost-effective on-farm ASF surveillance to enhance early detection; 3. response plans at the unit level, including culling of affected subpopulations, and demonstration of freedom from disease on the remaining ones. With such Partitioning approach, individual producers may reduce ASF risk on a farm and in the region, while also reducing ASF outbreak losses via targeted depopulation of affected units. It requires relevant legislation to incorporate the notion of within-farm subpopulations and provide a regulatory framework for targeted depopulation and substantiation of disease freedom. Its design should be tailored to fit individual farms. Partitioning can be an effective public-private partnership approach for ASF risk reduction. It should be driven by industry, as its benefits are accrued mainly by individual producers, but regulatory oversight is key to ensure proper implementation and avoid further disease spread. Partitioning's value is greatest for producers in ASF-affected regions, but ASF-free areas could also benefit from it for preparedness and early detection. It could also be adapted to other transboundary animal diseases and can be implemented as a stand-alone program or in conjunction with other efforts such as zoning and compartmentalization. Partitioning would contribute to the improved resilience and sustainability of the global pork industry and will benefit consumers and society through improved food security and animal welfare.
Evaluation of Public–Private Partnership in the Veterinary Domain Using Impact Pathway Methodology: In-depth Case Study in the Poultry Sector in Ethiopia
Authors: N'Guessan N'gbocho Bernard , Poupaud Mariline , Dieuzy-Labaye Isabelle , Asfaw Yohannes T. , Wieland Barbara , Tesfu Fseha , Daniel Ulric , Tulayakul Phitsanu , Peyre Marisa
Published: February 2022

Public–private partnerships (PPPs) in the veterinary domain are joint approaches in which public veterinary services and private actors such as private veterinarians, producers' associations, or private companies work together to address complex animal health challenges. They are implemented worldwide and can help to strengthen the capacities of veterinary services, but few have been evaluated. None of the evaluations developed in the veterinary domain explicitly addressed PPPs, their complex program design, their evolving governance, and coordination system, and their impacts. This work represents the first application of the participatory impact pathway methodology for the evaluation of a PPP in the veterinary domain. The PPP evaluated aimed at developing the poultry sector in Ethiopia and improving poultry health service coverage, particularly in remote areas. The combination of semi-structured interviews (n = 64) and collective reflection during three workshops (n participants = 26, 48, 18), captured the viewpoints of public and private partners, actors who influenced the partnership, and actors impacted by it. The context of the PPP was analyzed, and the causal relationships between the PPP and its impacts were investigated. This work showed that collaboration between the public and private sector occurred at several administrative levels. The actors considered a variety of impacts, on the economy, business, trust, and health, which were then measured through different indicators. The actors also identified the added value of the PPP to enrich those impacts. The participatory impact pathway methodology helped to strengthen the engagement of actors in the PPP and to formulate recommendations at the policy level to favor positive results. This case study represents a milestone in building a participatory evaluation framework of PPP in the veterinary domain.
Effects of Phragmites australis Shoot Remainder Silage on Growth Performance, Blood Biochemical Parameters, and Rumen Microbiota of Beef Cattle
Authors: Wang Qiye , Zeng Xianglin , Zeng Yutong , Liu Xiaoruowei , Wang Yancan , Wang Xin , Li Jianzhong , Wang Yiqiang , Feng Zhi , Huang Pengfei , Yin Jia , Huang Jing , Zhu Mingzhi , Yang Huansheng
Published: February 2022

The objective of the present study was to assess the effects of replacing corn silage with Phragmites australis shoot remainder (PSR) silage on intake, growth performance, serum biochemical parameters, and rumen microbial diversity of growing-finishing beef. Fifteen Angus beef cattle with an average body weight of 253 ± 2.94 kg were randomly divided into three groups (five replicas vs. each group vs. Angus beef cattle). The three treatments were group A fed 60% PSR silage + 40% concentrate, group B fed 30% PSR silage + 30% corn silage + 40% concentrate, and group C fed 60% corn silage + 40% concentrate. The adaptation period was 15 days, and the trial period lasted for 45 days. Results showed that the ADG was significantly higher, and FCR was significantly lower both in groups A and B compared with group C. The results of serum biochemical parameters showed that the concentration of GLU was significantly lower in group B than both groups A and C. Microbial diversity results showed that the OTUs, Shannon, Chao1, and ACE indices were significantly lower in group A compared with groups B and C. At the phyla level, the relative abundances of Tenericutes and Melainabacteria had significant differences among the three groups, and the relative abundances of Papillibacter, Anaeroplasma, and Anaerovorax had significant differences among the three groups at the genus level. Additionally, Rikenellaceae was the unique biomarker among the three groups. Furthermore, the results of function prediction showed that the gene families associated with metabolism of cofactors and vitamins, cellular processes and signaling, metabolism, biosynthesis of other secondary metabolites, infectious diseases, signaling molecules and interaction, nervous system, and digestive system were significantly decreased, while lipid metabolism was dramatically increased from groups A to C at KEGG level 2. At KEGG level 3, 11 metabolic pathways were significantly influenced among the three groups. In summary, these findings indicated that PSR silage substituted the corn silage totally or partially improved the growth performance, and altered the rumen microbial composition and diversity and the corresponding change in prediction function of rumen bacteria in Angus beef cattle.
Downregulation of Three Novel miRNAs in the Lymph Nodes of Sheep Immunized With the Brucella suis Strain 2 Vaccine
Authors: Chen Si , Wang Chengqiang , Chen Qiaoling , Zhao Dantong , Liu Yongbin , Zhao Shihua , Fu Shaoyin , He Xiaolong , Yang Bin , Zhao Qinan , An Qi , Zhang Zhenxing , Cheng Yiwen , Man Churiga , Liu Guoying , Wei Xuefeng , Zhang Wenguang , Du Li , Wang Fengyang
Published: February 2022

Ovine and caprine brucellosis, both caused by Brucella melitensis, lead to substantial economic losses in the animal industry and health problems in human populations. Brucella suis strain 2 (B.suis S2), as a live attenuated vaccine, is used extensively in China to prevent brucellosis. It has been proven that microRNA (miRNAs) are involved in the immunopathogenesis of brucellosis; however, the miRNA-driven mechanism of immune response to B.suis S2 in vivo remains unknown. To determine which new miRNAs are involved in the host immune response to B.suis S2 and elucidate the function of these miRNAs, we performed a comprehensive analysis of miRNA expression profiles in sheep immunized with B.suis S2 using the high-throughput sequencing approach. The submandibular lymphatic nodes from sheep seropositive for Brucella were collected at 7, 14, 21, 30, 60 and 90 days post-immunization. MiRNA sequencing analysis revealed that 282 differentially expressed miRNAs (|log2 fold-change |>0.5 and p < 0.05) were significantly enriched in the immune pathways, including the NF-kappa B signaling pathway, B cell receptor signaling pathway, p53 signaling pathway and complement and coagulation cascades. Increasing the threshold to |log2 fold change|>1 and p < 0.01 revealed 48 differentially expressed miRNAs, 31 of which were novel miRNAs. Thirteen of these novel miRNAs, which were differentially expressed for at least two time points, were detected via RT-qPCR assays. The novel_229, novel_609, novel_973 and oar-miR-181a assessed by RT-qPCR were detectable and consistent with the expression patterns obtained by miRNA sequencing. Functional analyses of these miRNAs demonstrated that their target genes participated in the immune response pathways, including the innate and adaptive immunity pathways. The immune-related target genes of novel_229 included ENSOARG00000000649 and TMED1, as well as LCN2, PDPK1 and LPO were novel_609 target genes. The immune-related target genes of novel_973 included C6orf58, SPPL3, BPIFB1, ENSOARG00000021083, MPTX1, CCL28, FGB, IDO1, OLR1 and ENSOARG00000020393. The immune-related target genes of oar-miR-181a included ENSOARG00000002722, ARHGEF2, MFAP4 and DOK2. These results will deepen our understanding of the host miRNA-driven defense mechanism in sheep immunized with B.suis S2 vaccine, and provide the valuable information for optimizing vaccines and developing molecular diagnostic targets.
Downregulation of Transcriptional Activity, Increased Inflammation, and Damage in the Placenta Following in utero Zika Virus Infection Is Associated With Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes
Authors: Creisher Patrick S. , Lei Jun , Sherer Morgan L. , Dziedzic Amanda , Jedlicka Anne E. , Narasimhan Harish , Chudnovets Anna , Campbell Ariana D. , Liu Anguo , Pekosz Andrew , Burd Irina , Klein Sabra L.
Published: February 2022

Zika virus (ZIKV) infection during pregnancy causes serious adverse outcomes to the developing fetus, including fetal loss and birth defects known as congenital Zika syndrome (CZS). The mechanism by which ZIKV infection causes these adverse outcomes, and specifically the interplay between the maternal immune response and ZIKV replication has yet to be fully elucidated. Using an immunocompetent mouse model of transplacental ZIKV transmission and adverse pregnancy outcomes, we have previously shown that Asian lineage ZIKV disrupts placental morphology and induces elevated secretion of IL-1β. In the current manuscript, we characterized placental damage and inflammation during in utero African lineage ZIKV infection. Within 48 h after ZIKV infection at embryonic day 10, viral RNA was detected in placentas and fetuses from ZIKA infected dams, which corresponded with placental damage and reduced fetal viability as compared with mock infected dams. Dams infected with ZIKV had reduced proportions of trophoblasts and endothelial cells and disrupted placental morphology compared to mock infected dams. While placental IL-1β was increased in the placenta, but not the spleen, within 3 h post infection, this was not caused by activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Using bulk mRNAseq from placentas of ZIKV and mock infected dams, ZIKV infection caused profound downregulation of the transcriptional activity of genes that may underly tissue morphology, neurological development, metabolism, cell signaling and inflammation, illustrating that in utero ZIKV infections causes disruption of pathways associated with CZS in our model.
An Optimal Fuzzy Logic-Based Energy Management Strategy for a Fuel Cell/Battery Hybrid Power Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Authors: Lei Tao , Wang Yanbo , Jin Xianqiu , Min Zhihao , Zhang Xingyu , Zhang Xiaobin
Published: February 2022

With the development of high-altitude and long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), optimization of the coordinated energy dispatch of UAVs’ energy management systems has become a key target in the research of electric UAVs. Several different energy management strategies are proposed herein for improving the overall efficiency and fuel economy of fuel cell/battery hybrid electric power systems (HEPS) of UAVs. A rule-based (RB) energy management strategy is designed as a baseline for comparison with other strategies. An energy management strategy (EMS) based on fuzzy logic (FL) for HEPS is presented. Compared with classical rule-based strategies, the fuzzy logic control has better robustness to power fluctuations in the UAV. However, the proposed FL strategy has an inherent defect: the optimization performances will be determined by the heuristic method and the past experiences of designers to a great extent rather than a specific cost function of the algorithm itself. Thus, the paper puts forward an improved fuzzy logic-based strategy that uses particle swarm optimization (PSO) to track the optimal thresholds of membership functions, and the equivalent hydrogen consumption minimization is considered as the objective function. Using a typical 30 min UAV mission profile, all the proposed EMS were verified by simulations and rapid controller prototype (RCP) experiments. Comprehensive comparisons and analysis are presented by evaluating hydrogen consumption, system efficiency and voltage bus stability. The results show that the PSO-FL algorithm can further improve fuel economy and achieve superior overall dynamic performance when controlling a UAV’s fuel-cell powertrain.
Effect of Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) Pellets on Rumen Microbiome and Histopathology in Lambs Exposed to Gastrointestinal Nematodes
Authors: Petrič Daniel , Komáromyová Michaela , Batťányi Dominika , Kozłowska Martyna , Filipiak Weronika , Łukomska Anna , Ślusarczyk Sylwester , Szumacher-Strabel Malgorzata , Cieślak Adam , Várady Marián , Kišidayová Svetlana , Váradyová Zora
Published: February 2022

Our study analyzed the ruminal fermentation and microbiome, hematological profile, and abomasal histopathology of lambs experimentally infected with a gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) and fed sainfoin pellets (SFPs; 600 g DM/d/animal) for 14 d. Twenty-four lambs infected with Haemonchus contortus were divided into two separated groups: animals fed meadow hay (control) and animals fed SFPs. The ruminal contents, fermentation parameters, and microbiome in vitro and in vivo were determined using molecular and microscopic techniques. Ruminal contents in the SFP group indicated smaller populations of Archaea (p < 0.001), Methanomicrobiales (p = 0.009), and lower methane concentrations in vitro (p = 0.046) and in vivo (p = 0.030) than the control group. The relative abundance of Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens quantified by real-time PCR was higher in the lambs with the SFP diet (p = 0.05). Haemonchosis affected the number of red blood cells of the lambs (p < 0.001). The lambs in the SFP group had a higher percentage of damaged abomasa glands than did the control group (p = 0.004). The consumption of SFPs by GIN-infected lambs may affect ruminal methanogens and subsequently decrease methane emission without undesirable changes in the ruminal microbiome or the health of the animals.
Climate Resilience and Environmental Sustainability: How to Integrate Dynamic Dimensions of Water Security Modeling
Authors: Abu Shoaib Syed , Rahman Muhammad Muhitur , Shalabi Faisal I. , Alshayeb Ammar Fayez , Shatnawi Ziad Nayef
Published: February 2022

Considering hydro-climatic diversity, integrating dynamic dimensions of water security modeling is vital for ensuring environmental sustainability and its associated full range of climate resilience. Improving climate resiliency depends on the attributing uncertainty mechanism. In this study, a conceptual resilience model is presented with the consideration of input uncertainty. The impact of input uncertainty is analyzed through a multi-model hydrological framework. A multi-model hydrological framework is attributed to a possible scenario to help apply it in a decision-making process. This study attributes water security modeling with the considerations of sustainability and climate resilience using a high-speed computer and Internet system. Then, a subsequent key point of this investigation is accounting for water security modeling to ensure food security and model development scenarios. In this context, a four-dimensional dynamic space that maps sources, resource availability, infrastructure, and vibrant economic options is essential in ensuring a climate-resilient sustainable domain. This information can be disseminated to farmers using a central decision support system to ensure sustainable food production with the application of a digital system.
Developing an IoT-Enabled Cloud Management Platform for Agricultural Machinery Equipped with Automatic Navigation Systems
Authors: Zhang Fan , Zhang Wenyu , Luo Xiwen , Zhang Zhigang , Lu Yueteng , Wang Ben
Published: February 2022

Smart farming uses advanced tools and technologies such as intelligent agricultural machines, high-precision sensors, navigation systems, and sophisticated computer systems to increase the economic benefits of agriculture and reduce the associated human effort. With the increasing demands of individualized farming operations, the internet of things is a crucial technique for acquiring, monitoring, processing, and managing the agricultural resource data of precision agriculture and ecological monitoring domains. Here, an internet of things-based system scheme integrating the most recent technologies for designing a management platform for agricultural machines equipped with automatic navigation systems is proposed. Various agricultural machinery cyber-models and their corresponding sensor nodes were constructed in a pre-production phase. Three key enabling technologies—multi-optimization of agricultural machinery scheduling, development of physical architecture and software, and integration of the controller-area-network with a mobile network—were addressed to support the system scheme. A demonstrative prototype system was developed and a case study was used to validate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Organic Matter in Riverbank Sediments and Fluvisols from the Flood Zones of Lower Vistula River
Authors: Kobierski Mirosław , Banach-Szott Magdalena
Published: February 2022

The research objective of this study was to determine whether and to what extent the form of use of Fluvisols (arable soil and grassland) of a Lower Vistula floodplain valley (Fordonska Valley, Poland) determined their relative organic matter properties, as compared with nearby riverbank sediments. Riverbank sediments were sampled from a depth of 0–20 cm, and soil samples from 0 to30 cm, all in three replicates. Basic physico-chemical soil properties were determined: texture, pH, and the contents of total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and dissolved organic nitrogen (DON). Humic acids (HAs) were extracted by the Schnitzer method and analysed to assess their spectrometric parameters in the UV–VIS range and hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties. Riverbank sediment samples contained significantly lower TOC and TN contents than Fluvisols, regardless of land-use type. The TOC, TN, DOC and DON contents and properties of humic acids in the Fluvisol surface layer depended on land-use type, because the arable soils had significantly lower TOC, TN, DOC and DON contents than the grasslands, despite having a similar grain size (texture). Based on the A2/4, A2/6, A4/6 ratios, it was found that HA molecules isolated from the humus horizon of arable soils had a higher degree of maturity than HAs isolated from grassland soil samples. The spectrometric properties of humic acids isolated from riverbank sediments showed a higher degree of maturity than those from Fluvisols. This research showed that the properties of humic acids in Fluvisols are determined by the quantity and quality of organic matter transported in suspended matter that accumulates annually in flood valleys during flood events. The current land-use type of Fluvisols significantly influenced the properties of organic matter, and thus of humic acids. Therefore, these properties can be used to evaluate the transformation of organic matter that occurs in Fluvisols depending on the type of use.
Limiting Dietary Lysine Increases Body Weight Variability by Restricting Growth Potential of the Lightest Growing Pigs
Authors: Aymerich Pau , Soldevila Carme , Bonet Jordi , Gasa Josep , Coma Jaume , Solà-Oriol David
Published: February 2022

The goal of this experiment was to determine the implications of dietary standardized ileal digestible lysine (SID Lys:NE) on body weight variability of growing pigs grouped in three initial body weight categories (BWCAT). Animals (N = 1170) were individually weighed and classified in 3 BWCAT (Lp: 32.1 ± 2.8 kg, Mp: 27.5 ± 2.3 kg, and Sp: 23.4 ± 2.9 kg). Afterward, pens were randomly allocated to five dietary SID Lys:NE treatments (3.25 to 4.88 g/Mcal) that were fed over 47 days. Pen coefficient of variation of Sp at day 47 was linearly increased when reducing SID Lys:NE (p < 0.01), from 9.8% to 15.4% between the two extreme dietary levels. The linear effect was different in Sp compared to Lp (p < 0.05) as no effect of SID Lys:NE was reported in the latter BWCAT (p = 0.992). Further analysis showed that this effect was explained by a growth restriction that was more severe the lightest the pigs were at the start of the trial. To summarize, swine body weight variability can be negatively affected when SID Lys requirements are not fulfilled.
Temperature and Diet Acclimation Modify the Acute Thermal Performance of the Largest Extant Amphibian
Authors: Zhao Chun-Lin , Zhao Tian , Feng Jian-Yi , Chang Li-Ming , Zheng Pu-Yang , Fu Shi-Jian , Li Xiu-Ming , Yue Bi-Song , Jiang Jian-Ping , Zhu Wei
Published: February 2022

The Chinese giant salamander (Andrias davidianus), one of the largest extant amphibian species, has dramatically declined in the wild. As an ectotherm, it may be further threatened by climate change. Therefore, understanding the thermal physiology of this species should be the priority to formulate related conservation strategies. In this study, the plasticity in metabolic rate and thermal tolerance limits of A. davidianus larvae were studied. Specifically, the larvae were acclimated to three temperature levels (7 °C, cold stress; 15 °C, optimum; and 25 °C, heat stress) and two diet items (red worm or fish fray) for 20 days. Our results indicated that cold-acclimated larvae showed increased metabolic capacity, while warm-acclimated larvae showed a decrease in metabolic capacity. These results suggested the existence of thermal compensation. Moreover, the thermal tolerance windows of cold-acclimated and warm-acclimated larvae shifted to cooler and hotter ranges, respectively. Metabolic capacity is not affected by diet but fish-fed larvae showed superiority in both cold and heat tolerance, potentially due to the input of greater nutrient loads. Overall, our results suggested a plastic thermal tolerance of A. davidianus in response to temperature and diet variations. These results are meaningful in guiding the conservation of this species.
The Role of Bispecific Antibodies in Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: From Structure to Prospective Clinical Use
Authors: Tavarozzi Rita , Manzato Enrica
Published: February 2022

Bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) are molecules that simultaneously bind two different antigens (Ags). bsAbs represent a very active field in tumor immunotherapy with more than one hundred molecules currently being tested. More specifically, they have elicited a great interest in the setting of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHLs), where they could represent a viable option for more fragile patients or those resistant to other conventional therapies. This review aims to give a brief overview of the different available bsAb formats and their mechanisms of action, pinpointing the differences between IgG-like and non-IgG-like classes and will then focus on those in advanced clinical development for NHLs.