bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of Benevolent Childhood Experiences on adult Flourishing: the mediating role of Light Triad traits
Authors: Landa-Blanco Miguel , Herrera Tatiana , Espinoza Helen , Girón Kilver , Moncada Samantha , Cortés-Ramos Antonio
Published: April 2024

The literature has well documented the relationship between Adverse Childhood Experiences, personality traits, and well-being. However, less is known about how Benevolent Childhood Experiences (BCEs) relate to “light” personality traits and Flourishing. The study analyzed the effects of BCEs on Flourishing, considering the mediator role of Light Triad traits (Kantianism, Humanism, and Faith in Humanity). The study used a quantitative methodology with a non-experimental, cross-sectional design; 410 Honduran adults responded to the survey, including questions regarding Light Triad personality traits, Flourishing, and BCEs. On average, respondents reported 7.34 BCEs. The number of reported BCEs did not vary significantly between men and women. However, specific BCEs were categorically associated with subjects’ sex. A higher proportion of men reported having at least one teacher who cared about the respondent, having opportunities to have a good time, and liking/feeling comfortable with oneself. Flourishing was significantly higher for participants who reported the presence of BCEs. The largest effect size was achieved for the difference in Flourishing scores between those who reported liking school as a child and those who disliked it. The number of Benevolent Childhood Experiences had a significant total and direct effect on Flourishing scores. Significant indirect effects were also identified. Faith in Humanity and Humanism, not Kantianism, mediated the relationship between BCEs and Flourishing. BCEs significantly explained all Light Triad traits. In conclusion, BCEs have significant direct and indirect effects on adult Flourishing; Faith in Humanity and Humanism mediate this relationship.
Self-regulation training improves stress resilience in elite pre-pubescent female gymnasts
Authors: Proietti Giorgia , Borozan Milos , Chaigneau Amine , Cannito Loreta , Palumbo Riccardo , Thouvarecq Regis , Iodice Pierpaolo
Published: April 2024

Introduction

In the context of young female athletes, namely elite gymnasts, effective stress management strategies not only enhance performance, but also reduce the risk of injuries and promote overall well-being. This study aims to investigate the effects of biofeedback-based training on stress management in prepubescent elite female gymnasts, recognizing its pivotal role in promoting healthy growth and proper training load management.

Methods

Eight elite young female athletes from a top flight French national league club participated in an experimental condition involving four-week biofeedback training program to improve self-regulation skills, during both rest and stress phases. Additionally, each subject experienced a control condition, with entailed exposure to domain-specific motivational videos. Comprehensive evaluations of physiological parameters were conducted to assess the impact of biofeedback training, both before and after the training, as well as during the stress and recovery phases. Furthermore, an interoceptive body awareness test, using the MAIA questionnaire, was performed.

Results

The results highlight a significant enhancement of the self-regulatory skills of the gymnasts in managing the selected physiological parameters—peripheral temperature (p < 0.05) and blood volume pressure (p < 0.05)—after the biofeedback treatment. Moreover, psychological data from the MAIA questionnaire revealed a noteworthy increase in interoceptive awareness (p < 0.001), particularly in the subscales of Not Distracting (p < 0.001), Attention regulation (p < 0.05), Emotional awareness (p < 0.05), and Self-regulation (p < 0.05).

Discussion

Thus, we conclude that biofeedback training improves self-regulatory and psychological resilience under stressful conditions, while reducing sensitivity to gymnastics-specific stress.
Validation of the Chinese version of the exercise empowerment scale among college students (EES-C)
Authors: Weng Shaojing , Yuan Junfeng , Luo Lin
Published: April 2024

Objective

The escalating prevalence of physical inactivity among college students represents a significant public health challenge, particularly in light of its correlation with detrimental health outcomes. A growing body of evidence underscores the necessity of adhering to recommended levels of regular physical activity to thwart the onset of chronic diseases. One primary aim of school physical education initiatives is to elevate physical activity levels and bolster student motivation toward engaging in physical exercise. Engagement in sports activities has demonstrated efficacy in augmenting students’ motor skills, elevating their self-efficacy, and enhancing cognitive competencies related to physical prowess, while also promoting sustained participation in physical activities. The Exercise Empowerment Scale (EES) has been formulated to quantitatively assess the degree of exercise empowerment. To date, no validated Chinese version of the EES has been reported in the literature. To address this, this present study developed and validated a Chinese version of the EES in a large sample of Chinese college students.

Methods

A sample of Chinese college students (n = 885) was analyzed using Rasch analysis to examine the validity of the Exercise Empowerment Scale. In addition, physical activity and psychological resilience were used to investigate the potential associations with exercise empowerment.

Results

The EES-C was found to be a unidimensional scale, and the distribution of item difficulty was relatively even. The scale had good reliability (individual reliability of 0.87, and item reliability of 0.99). No differential item functioning (DIF) was observed across genders for any of the 13 EES-C items, suggesting equitable and unbiased applicability for both male and female respondents. The five-point scoring method of the EES scale was consistent with the overall distribution of the items and subjects. Exercise empowerment was positively correlated with autonomous physical activity and psychological resilience.

Conclusion

The results of the study indicate that the EES-C possesses robust psychometric properties, rendering it suitable for application among Chinese college student populations. The adapted version of the EES-C provides a basis for further exploration of the predictive factors of physical activity in Chinese samples. The generalizability of our findings should be further verified in other populations in the future.
Experience of naturally occurring peer support among people using psychiatric day-care in China: an interpretative phenomenology approach
Authors: Fan Yijun , Liu Xiao , Li Conghong
Published: April 2024

Introduction

China presently does not have an established peer support system, and the efforts of peer support workers are not acknowledged in the context of the growing global trend of community-based mental rehabilitation. This study aims to examine the first-hand experiences of persons who participate in psychiatric day-care facilities in Shanghai, China, and receive support from their peers. The goal is to gain a better understanding of how these informal peer support programs function and provide valuable knowledge for the establishment of more structured peer support programs that align with Chinese social culture.

Methods

A total of 14 participants attending psychiatric day-care centres were selected for face-to-face semi-structured in-depth interviews using snowball sampling. The interviews took place between July 2021 and February 2022. The text data of the interview were acquired through transcription and then augmented using the interview scripts and additional resources. The data were analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis until the themes reached saturation.

Results

A total of three overarching themes and eight corresponding sub-themes were produced: 1. reconstructing a social network: an ordinary interpersonal connection, becoming and conducting oneself, proceeding the process of adaptation in the company of peers; 2. balance and multiple roles within the relationship: selective self-exposure, managing proximity and distance; 3. sense of meaning and sense of community: supporting others while empowering oneself, love as expanding consciousness, advocating for the notion of group identity.

Discussion

This study is the initial examination of the contact and naturally occurring peer support that takes place among individuals in psychiatric day-care centres in China. The study’s findings revealed that participants interact with others who have undergone similar conditions in the day-care setting, enabling them to rebuild an important social network. It is crucial to consider the possible benefits of peer support, assess the obstacles, and facilitate the personal recovery of individuals with mental disorders using the theory of recovery.
Prevalence and risk factors for depression in factitious disorder: a systematic review
Authors: Comacchio Carla , Misca Delia Manuela , Bortoletto Riccardo , Palese Alvisa , Balestrieri Matteo , Colizzi Marco
Published: April 2024

Objective

Factitious disorder is characterized by a pattern of abnormal behavior in which patients deliberately produce, falsify, or exaggerate physical and/or psychological symptoms that have no, or little, organic basis, to assume the sick role. In the context of a factitious disorder, depression can be both a feigned disease and an associated comorbidity. We performed a systematic review to provide an overview of the relationship between factitious disorder and depression, describe the prevalence of depression in factitious disorder, and identify factors that can contribute to the development of depression in patients suffering from factitious disorder.

Methods

A literature search was performed using the electronic databases PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies were eligible for inclusion in this review if they investigated factitious disorder or Munchausen Syndrome with comorbid depression.

Results

Depression was found to be highly prevalent in factitious disorder, affecting around 30% of the samples. Risk factors for depression in factitious disorder included having suffered from childhood and adulthood traumatic experiences and having a history of psychosocial problems.

Conclusion

The treatment of factitious disorder is challenging and requires a multidisciplinary team approach. Given the high levels of depression in patients with factitious disorder, we recommend to always screen for depression once a factitious disorder is diagnosed.
Strategic resilience in human performance in the context of science and education - perspective
Authors: Ziehr Sabrina , Merkt Philipp Hans
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Special situations that jeopardize the internal and external security for communities are increasing in their frequency and complexity. This creates complicated challenges for individuals, governments and humanity. National and international strategies are being developed that focus on the resilience and coping of all first responders during these extreme stress states.

Aim

The aim of the article is to present the framework of strategic resilience, its multidimensional measurement and the possibilities for training robust resilience to increase operational effectiveness in special operational situations.

Methodological approach

Research in the area of special operation situations often focuses on the human performance cluster. The Unit of Applied Research 18_RECESS (18_ Research and Education Center for Extraordinary Tactical Situations and Strategically Resilience) at the Department of Disaster Prevention and Crisis Management at Fresenius University of Applied Sciences in Idstein fits into this field. It pursues the adaptation of existing resilience models to special operation situations in line with the definition of strategic resilience. In addition, the focus is on the possibility of training strategic resilience to increase operational effectiveness. There are currently several research projects being conducted in the civilian and civilian-military sectors, as well as with ground and special operations forces.

Major findings

Strategic Resilience with its 3 axes Psychological, Physiological and Cognitive Resilience covers the core domains of various existing models of resilience. This provides an adequate concept to describe different factors leading to personnel perseverance in special operation situations. There exists the possibility to train several domains of strategic resilience via problem-oriented intervention (POH).
Exploring the challenges faced by Dutch truck drivers in the era of technological advancement
Authors: de Winter Joost , Driessen Tom , Dodou Dimitra , Cannoo Aschwin
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Despite their important role in the economy, truck drivers face several challenges, including adapting to advancing technology. The current study investigated the occupational experiences of Dutch truck drivers to detect common patterns.

Methods

A questionnaire was distributed to professional drivers in order to collect data on public image, traffic safety, work pressure, transport crime, driver shortage, and sector improvements.

Results

The findings based on 3,708 respondents revealed a general dissatisfaction with the image of the industry and reluctance to recommend the profession. A factor analysis of the questionnaire items identified two primary factors: ‘Work Pressure’, more common among national drivers, and ‘Safety & Security Concerns’, more common among international drivers. A ChatGPT-assisted analysis of textbox comments indicated that vehicle technology received mixed feedback, with praise for safety and fuel-efficiency improvements, but concerns about reliability and intrusiveness.

Discussion

In conclusion, Dutch professional truck drivers indicate a need for industry improvements. While the work pressure for truck drivers in general may not be high relative to certain other occupational groups, truck drivers appear to face a deficit of support and respect.
Tuberculosis and osteoporotic fracture risk: development of individualized fracture risk estimation prediction model using a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Choi Hayoung , Shin Jungeun , Jung Jin-Hyung , Han Kyungdo , Choi Wonsuk , Lee Han Rim , Yoo Jung Eun , Yeo Yohwan , Lee Hyun , Shin Dong Wook
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Tuberculosis (TB) is linked to sustained inflammation even after treatment, and fracture risk is higher in TB survivors than in the general population. However, no individualized fracture risk prediction model exists for TB survivors. We aimed to estimate fracture risk, identify fracture-related factors, and develop an individualized risk prediction model for TB survivors.

Methods

TB survivors (n = 44,453) between 2010 and 2017 and 1:1 age- and sex-matched controls were enrolled. One year after TB diagnosis, the participants were followed-up until the date of fracture, death, or end of the study period (December 2018). Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were performed to compare the fracture risk between TB survivors and controls and to identify fracture-related factors among TB survivors.

Results

During median 3.4 (interquartile range, 1.6–5.3) follow-up years, the incident fracture rate was significantly higher in TB survivors than in the matched controls (19.3 vs. 14.6 per 1,000 person-years, p < 0.001). Even after adjusting for potential confounders, TB survivors had a higher risk for all fractures (adjusted hazard ratio 1.27 [95% confidence interval 1.20–1.34]), including hip (1.65 [1.39–1.96]) and vertebral (1.35 [1.25–1.46]) fractures, than matched controls. Fracture-related factors included pulmonary TB, female sex, older age, heavy alcohol consumption, reduced exercise, and a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (p < 0.05). The individualized fracture risk model showed good discrimination (concordance statistic = 0.678).

Conclusion

TB survivors have a higher fracture risk than matched controls. An individualized prediction model may help prevent fractures in TB survivors, especially in high-risk groups.
The impact of meteorological parameters on the scrub typhus incidence in Baoshan City, western Yunnan, China
Authors: Luo Yun-Yan , Geater Alan Frederick , Yin Jia-Xiang
Published: April 2024

Background

Scrub typhus has become widespread across various regions in China in recent decades, causing a considerable burden on residents. While meteorological variables significantly impact the spread of scrub typhus, there is insufficient quantitative evidence illustrating this association in known high-endemic areas.

Methods

A distributed lag non-linear model was applied to explore the relationship between meteorological parameters and scrub typhus incidence from 2010 to 2019 in Baoshan City, western Yunnan Province, China.

Results

High monthly mean (20°C) and maximum (30°C) temperatures were associated with a peak risk of scrub typhus in the current month. Higher minimum temperatures and higher relative humidity were followed by increasing cumulative risks over the ensuing 3 months. Higher precipitation was followed by increasing cumulative risk over the ensuing 2-month period, peaking at around 30 cm.

Conclusion

The non-linear lag associations between meteorological parameters and scrub typhus incidence suggest that higher monthly minimum temperature and relative humidity could be associated with an increased risk of scrub typhus in the subsequent several months, while warm temperature is more likely to impact the occurrence of scrub typhus in the current month.
Individual and family factors correlated with children’s fruit consumption
Authors: Wu Xiangyi , Yu Yingjie , He Hairong , Yu Xiaohui , Guo Dandan , Zhu Wenli
Published: April 2024

Background

Fruits are essential for health, yet their consumption in children is inadequate, with unclear influencing factors.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among students in grades 3–12 in Beijing, China, from September 2020 to June 2021. Fruit consumption in children was surveyed using a self-administered food frequency questionnaire. Additionally, children’s food and nutrition literacy and family food environments were assessed using the “Food and Nutrition Literacy Questionnaire for Chinese School-age Children” and the “Family Food Environment Questionnaire for Chinese School-age Children,” respectively.

Results

Out of 10,000 participating children, 62.5% consumed fruit daily, with a lower frequency among boys (59.3%) compared to girls (65.8%), and among senior students (48.6%) compared to junior (63.6%) and primary students (71.2%). Fruit consumption was positively associated with other healthy foods (vegetables, whole grains, etc.) and negatively with unhealthy foods (sugared soft drinks). Children with higher food and nutrition literacy consumed fruits daily more frequently (82.4% vs. 59.9%, ORs = 2.438, 95%CI: 2.072–2.868). A significant positive correlation was found between children’s fruit consumption and a healthy family food environment (66.4% vs. 50.2%, OR = 1.507, 95%CI: 1.363–1.667).

Conclusion

The results indicate that individual food and nutrition literacy and family food environment are key positive predictors of children’s fruit consumption. Future interventions should focus on educating children and encouraging parents to foster supportive family environments.
Exploring functional metabolites and proteomics biomarkers in late-preterm and natural-born pigs
Authors: Chong Jie , Wang Juan , Zhong Hang , Zhang Jinwei , Ding Yuchun , Ge Liangpeng , Ma Jideng , Sun Jing
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Pigs are often used to study the intestinal development of newborns, particularly as preterm pig models that mimic the intestinal growth of human preterm infants. Neonatology’s study of delivery mode’s impact on neonatal development is crucial.

Methods

We established 14 newborn pigs delivered via cesarean sections (C-section, at 113 days of gestational age, CS group) and 8 naturally born pigs were used as controls (at 114 days of gestational age, NF group). The impact of two alternative delivery procedures (C-section and natural birth) on the levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and organic acids in the hepatic and intestines of newborn pigs were compared using metabolomics. The underlying molecular pathways are examined at the “protein-metabolite” level by integrating proteomic data.

Results

The findings demonstrated that the mode of delivery changed the metabolism of SCFAs in newborn pigs, perhaps by affecting the physiology levels of cyclic intermediates such as lactate and malate in the pyruvate metabolic pathway. Additionally, by participating in the fatty acid metabolism pathway, two distinct proteins (FASN and HSD17B4) may impact the physiological concentration of these tiny metabolites.

Discussion

In conclusion, this study provided reliable animal model data for understanding the physiological SCFA metabolic information and its affecting mechanism of large-gestational age preterm infants.
Description of swine producer biosecurity planning for foreign animal disease preparedness using the Secure Pork Supply framework
Authors: Campler Magnus R. , Hall Marissa , Mills Kelsey , Galvis Jason A. , Machado Gustavo , Arruda Andreia G.
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Preventing potential foreign animal diseases is a high priority, with re-emerging threats such as African Swine Fever emerging close to North American borders. The Secure Pork Supply (SPS) plan provides a voluntary framework for swine producer biosecurity planning and disease outbreak preparedness. However, biosecurity knowledge varies greatly among swine veterinarians, managers, and caretakers within the industry, which impacts the understanding, quality, implementation and biosecurity plan agreements with the SPS guidelines unless review procedures and quality control mechanisms are in place. Therefore, this study aimed to describe and identify the level of biosecurity planning agreements between producer-and/or swine veterinarian-made biosecurity plans for commercial swine sites and the SPS plan guidelines during a review process.

Material and methods

Biosecurity maps (N = 368) and written plans (N = 247) were obtained from six Midwest swine companies/veterinary clinics. Maps were evaluated on accuracy and placement of mandatory map features based on SPS guidelines, and discrepancies between the development of producer-made biosecurity maps and written biosecurity plans. Multivariable mixed logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify differences in SPS planning accuracy based on herd size, production stage, and characteristics related to geographical site location (e.g., land cover type and expected feral swine population density in the region).

Results

In this study, 55.8% (205/368) of all provided biosecurity maps had to be revised due to misplaced or missing map features. In addition, 80.9% (200/247) of the written plans had one or more conflicts with the corresponding biosecurity maps. The main biosecurity planning issues involved feed delivery activities, where the mapping of vehicle movements (89.9%, 222/247) were in direct conflict with the written SPS plans. Sites located in areas with a moderate expected feral swine population density had 3-fold increased odds of needing map revisions compared to sites with low expected feral swine population density. Sites located in predominately farmland had 7.3% lower odds of having biosecurity map and SPS plan conflicts for every 1.0% increase in farmland landcover in a 10-km radius around the swine site.

Discussion

Human oversight or lack of knowledge regarding biosecurity planning and implementation is common, which may culminate in important preparedness shortcomings in disease prevention and control strategies for U.S. swine farms. Future efforts should focus on additional biosecurity training for swine producers and veterinarians alongside with quality control benchmarking of producer made plans.
Unlocking Value Co-Creation in Entrepreneurial Ecosystems: The Vital Role of Institutions
Authors: Inada Yuko
Published: April 2024

The entrepreneurial ecosystem is quite complicated because of the presence of numerous stakeholders and the inclusion of multicultural and social elements in diverse communities. The role of entrepreneurship education in developing entrepreneurial skills and aptitude has evolved. The collaboration between universities, companies, and organizations in the collaborative online international learning (COIL) approach plays an important role in the entrepreneurial ecosystem to enhance value co-creation. To extend the limited literature on value creation through entrepreneurship education among stakeholders and analyze the entrepreneurial ecosystem from a micro perspective, this study investigated why companies and organizations support universities at the individual, organizational, and institutional levels to foster entrepreneurial ecosystems. Following a global career course using the COIL approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted in person or via Zoom with four representatives of the Embassy of Canada to Japan, Ernst & Young, and Manulife from April to May 2022. The modified grounded theory approach was used to analyze the responses from three institutions. The results showed that students were provided with the opportunity to solve actual issues that the three institutions faced and the students’ perspectives were considered to identify and develop high-quality proposals at the individual, organizational, and institutional levels. The institutional philosophy, organizational engagement and development, and personal development of the representatives of these institutions effectively create values within universities while also forming entrepreneurial ecosystems at Japanese and Canadian companies, organizations, and universities to help build the next generation of leaders. This study has important implications through its contribution to society and the development of an entrepreneurial ecosystem in collaboration with the academic, industrial, and public sectors.
Nano-Food Farming Approaches to Mitigate Heat Stress under Ongoing Climate Change: A Review
Authors: El-Ramady Hassan , Prokisch József , El-Mahrouk Mohammed E. , Bayoumi Yousry A. , Shalaby Tarek A. , Brevik Eric C. , Solberg Svein Ø.
Published: April 2024

Increased heat stress is a common feature of global climate change and can cause adverse impacts on crops from germination through maturation and harvest. This review focuses on the impacts of extreme heat (>35 °C) on plants and their physiology and how they affect food and water security. The emphasis is on what can be done to minimize the negative effects of heat stress, which includes the application of various materials and approaches. Nano-farming is highlighted as one promising approach. Heat is often combined with drought, salinity, and other stresses, which together affect the whole agroecosystem, including soil, plants, water, and farm animals, leading to serious implications for food and water resources. Indeed, there is no single remedy or approach that can overcome such grand issues. However, nano-farming can be part of an adaptation strategy. More studies are needed to verify the potential benefits of nanomaterials but also to investigate any negative side-effects, particularly under the intensive application of nanomaterials, and what problems this might create, including potential nanotoxicity.
A Genome-Wide Comparative Analysis of AUX1/LAX, PIN, and ABCB Genes Reveals Their Roles in Cucumber Fruit Curving
Authors: Lu Ke , Zhang La , Fan Lianxue , Zhou Xiuyan , Li Shengnan
Published: April 2024

Auxin transport is regulated by the AUX1/LAX, PIN, and ABCB gene families, controlling the distribution of auxin and ultimately fruit curving in cucumbers. However, studies on the differential expression of these auxin transporters and their roles in fruit curving are limited. In this study, we identified 36 auxin transporters from cucumber, including CsLAX1–7, CsPIN1–10, and CsABCB1–19. Basic characteristic analysis revealed that all CsLAX proteins were conservative, and a C-terminal NPNTY motif was found in CsPIN1–4/7–10. CsABCB1/5/11/14/17 were categorized as half-size transporters. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a genetic relationship between auxin transporters in Arabidopsis and cucumber. Exogenous auxin treatment on fruits and qPCR analysis indicated that differential expression patterns of auxin transporters control cucumber fruit curving. Co-expression analysis indicated that CsPIN1 and CsLAX2 were substantially negatively correlated, and they displayed opposite expression patterns in curved fruits. A proposed model suggested that CsLAX2 transports extracellular auxin to the convex side of the fruit; however, CsPIN1 inhibits auxin efflux at the same location. This leads to uneven auxin distribution that results in cucumber fruit curving.
Heterogeneity of Intramuscular, Intermuscular, and Subcutaneous Fat in Laiwu Pigs: Insights from Targeted Lipidomics and Transcriptomics
Authors: Xu Jian , Wu Tianwen , Lam Sin Man , Shui Guanghou , Yang Shulin , Wang Yanfang , Tao Cong
Published: April 2024

In the livestock industry, an excessive accumulation of subcutaneous fat diminishes the proportion of lean meat, while elevated intramuscular fat (IMF) content is associated with enhanced meat quality. However, the heterogeneity of various fat depots in pigs remains incompletely understood. Comprehensive tissue section, lipidomic, and transcriptomic analyses indicated that the maturity of IMF was significantly less than that of both intermuscular and subcutaneous fats. We identified 467 lipids across 29 lipid classes in total, revealing that IMF exhibits unique lipid composition and transcriptional profiles. More importantly, several lipids, including GalCer, S1P, CL, AcCa, PC-O, PE-O, and sulfatide, are highly enriched in intramuscular fat and may play pivotal roles in neuromodulation, mitochondrial function, lipogenesis, and membrane signaling. In conclusion, we unveiled unique lipid composition and molecular regulatory pathways of porcine IMF, offering new insights for the synergistic breeding that aims at optimizing pig backfat thickness and IMF content.
Using Cover Crops as Means of Controlling Weeds and Reducing the Applied Quantity of Glyphosate-Based Herbicide in No-Till Glyphosate Tolerant Soybean and Corn
Authors: Bernier Brillon Jérôme , Lucotte Marc , Bernier Ariane , Fontaine Myriam , Moingt Matthieu
Published: April 2024

Weeds represent a serious drawback affecting the productivity of field crops worldwide. While the most common approach to control weeds in no-till practices is the use of glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs), reducing their use represents a major challenge. This two-year field study aims to evaluate whether the use of cover crops (CC) in transgenic soybean and corn productions can (1) help control weeds and (2) reduce the amount of GBH needed for managing weeds. Sampling was carried out in 32 experimental field plots (four crop managements with four replicates on both crops). Crop managements consisted of GBH applications at rates of 0.84, 1.67, and 3.3 L ha−1 in plots in direct seeding with CC (DSCC) and at rates of 3.3 L ha−1 in plots without CC (DS). Weed cover rates, plant parameters (fresh and dry weights and heights), grain yields, water, and cation contents in soil were considered as indicators of interspecific competition. Results obtained in both years show that it is possible to reduce GBH use by 50% in plots with CC compared to plots without CC using a rate of GBH application of 3.33 L ha−1 (DS 3.3). However, weeds had a large impact on water content in soil, which was reflected by smaller plants and lower yields in plots with only 0.84 L ha−1 of GBH applied. In the context of the study, the use of CCs seems to facilitate the development of more sustainable agriculture while reducing the quantities of GBH generally used.
Herbicidal Activity of Cinmethylin against Grass Weeds and Its Safety for Use with Different Wheat Varieties
Authors: Xu Hongle , Leng Qiuli , Su Wangcang , Sun Lanlan , Cheng Jingping , Wu Renhai
Published: April 2024

Cinmethylin is a potential pre-emergence herbicide that could be used to control grass weeds in winter cereals. To determine the herbicidal activity of cinmethylin against common gramineous weeds in wheat fields in China and its level of safety on wheat, we conducted the following experiments: (i) assessing the efficacy of cinmethylin against 11 grass weeds and (ii) determining its safety against 19 wheat varieties. The results showed that cinmethylin had good herbicidal efficacy against annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.), shortawn foxtail (Alopecurus aequalis Sobol.), slender meadow foxtail (Alopecurus myosuroides Huds.), Japanese foxtail (Alopecurus japonicus Steud.), Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.), British timothy (Phleum paniculatum Huds.), Asia Minor bluegrass (Polypogon fugax Nees ex Steud.), Helictotrichon tibeticum (Roshev.) Holub., and wild oat (Avena fatua L.), with a GR50 (the herbicide dose resulting in 50% growth inhibition) value of 4.50–99.21 g a.i. ha−1 in plant height and 1.43–70.34 g a.i. ha−1 in fresh weight. However, cinmethylin cannot control Japanese brome (Bromus japonicus L.) or Tausch’s goatgrass (Aegilops tauschii Coss.) at a dose of 200 g a.i. ha−1. Different wheat varieties varied in their phytotoxicity to cinmethylin. Overall, there is a phytotoxicity risk when using cinmethylin on wheat, mainly to wheat roots, with a reduction in root length of 40.81–64.09% at a dose of 400 g a.i. ha−1. These findings indicate that the pre-emergence herbicide cinmethylin provides good efficacy against most grass weeds and may possess potential for weed management in wheat fields. However, attention should be given to the application dosage and the sensitivity of wheat varieties when using cinmethylin in wheat fields.
Effects of Straw Amendment in Combination with Synthetic N Fertilizer Addition on N2O, N2, and Their Stoichiometric Ratios in Three Different Agro-Ecosystems
Authors: Bizimana Fiston , Dong Wenxu , Timilsina Arbindra , Raseduzzaman Md , Li Xiaoxin , Zhang Yuming , Hu Chunsheng
Published: April 2024

Nitrogen (N) fertilizer and crop residue amendments are important agricultural practices that could increase soil health, fertility, and crop yield. Such practices may also change soil denitrification processes where contradictory observations have been reported on soil N2O emissions with fewer studies on N2 emissions due to its large atmospheric background concentrations limiting its soil-borne measurement. This study aims to investigate N2O production and reduction of N2 emissions under a conducive denitrifying environment (like anaerobic microsites, 80% WFPS, available N and C) after rice straw amendment and KNO3 application to three different soil types (fluvo-aquic, black, and paddy soils). In this regard, three treatments for three different soil types were set consisting of (a) a non-amended treatment (control), (b) a KNO3 treatment (KNO3, 20 mM KNO3), and (c) a straw plus KNO3 treatment (2.5 g rice straw kg−1 dry soil and 20 mM KNO3), which were incubated under 80% WFPS. Moreover, direct N2O and N2 fluxes were measured over 17 days in the current incubation experiment with a robotized incubation system using a helium atmosphere. Results showed that rice straw amendment combined with N fertilizer increased both N2O and N2 fluxes compared with control or KNO3 treatments in all three soil types. Overall, compared with the black and paddy soils, the N2O and N2 fluxes were higher in the fluvo-aquic soil, with a maximum of 234.2 ± 6.3 and 590.1 ± 27.3 g N ha−1 from F_SK treatment, respectively, during the incubation period. The general trends in three soil types of both N2O and N2 emissions were control < KNO3 < rice straw plus KNO3 treatments. Straw amendment in combination with KNO3 can stimulate a high denitrification rate (less N2O and higher N2), whereas their effect on stoichiometric ratios of N2O/(N2O + N2) highly depends on soil nitrate concentration, oxygen level, soil moisture content, and labile C. The current study underscores that the rice straw amendment in combination with N fertilizer can trigger denitrification with less increment on soil N2O but higher N2 emissions under conditions favoring denitrification.
Biochar Application Combined with Water-Saving Irrigation Enhances Rice Root Growth and Nitrogen Utilization in Paddy Fields
Authors: Zhang Zuohe , Zhang Zhongxue , Gong Zhenping , Li Tiecheng , Nie Tangzhe , Chen Peng , Han Yu , Xue Li
Published: April 2024

To improve nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) during rice cultivation, it is essential to comprehend the morphological and physiological traits of rice roots. However, in high-fertility black soil regions of Northeast China, the effects of combining biochar application with water-saving irrigation (WSI) conditions on rice root development and nitrogen utilization are still unknown. To address this knowledge gap, a combination of field experiments and 15N tracer micro-area investigations was conducted in this study. Four treatments were implemented: (i) controlled irrigation without biochar application (CB0); (ii) controlled irrigation with 2.5 t ha−1 biochar application (CB1); (iii) controlled irrigation with 12.5 t ha−1 biochar application (CB2); and (iv) controlled irrigation with 25 t ha–1 biochar application (CB3). Flooded irrigation conditions without biochar treatment (FB0) were used as the control. The primary objective of this research was to identify the mechanisms by which combined WSI conditions and biochar application affect rice root development and nitrogen utilization. Biochar application enhanced rice root morphological and physiological characteristics. Optimal biochar application increased the longest root length (RL), root volume (RV), root fresh weight (RFW), root active absorption area, root bleeding intensity, and root activity (RA) of rice while also optimizing the root–shoot ratio and facilitating nitrogen absorption by roots. These changes in root morphological and physiological characteristics facilitated the absorption of fertilizer-15N and soil nitrogen by rice roots, ultimately leading to improvements in rice yields and NUEs. Notably, the rice yields, NUE, nitrogen agronomic efficiency (NAE), and nitrogen partial factor productivity (NPFP) of CB2 plants were 16.45%, 39.42%, 24.48%, and 16.45% higher than those of FB0 plants, respectively. These results highlight the effectiveness of biochar application as a strategy to ensure food security and enhance NUE under WSI conditions. Furthermore, this study suggests that the recommended optimal application amount of biochar for the black soil area of Northeast China is 12.5 t ha−1.
Effects of Palm Oil Deodorizer Distillate on the Ruminal Environment of Sheep
Authors: das Graças Diego Assis , de Morais Eziquiel , Lima Alyne C. S. , de Souza Shirley M. , Sousa Luciano F. , Franco Diego C. , Silva Artur L. C. , Silva André G. Maciel e
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to assess the impact of palm oil deodorizer distillate (POD) on the ruminal environment, including (i) microbial community, (ii) ruminal degradability, and (iii) apparent digestibility in sheep. The data used were derived from twenty rumen-cannulated sheep fed five isoproteic and isofiber diets based on elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum. cv. Roxo) silage supplemented with 0, 25, 50, 75, or 100 g kg−1 POD on a dry matter (DM) basis. Rumen fluid samples were collected three hours after feeding directly from the ventral sac of the rumen via a cannula and then subjected to DNA extraction, which was subsequently used for 16S rDNA amplification, followed by sequencing and diversity analysis. In this study, the microbial diversity was dominated by Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes, followed by Euryarchaetoa, Actinobacteria, and Tenericutes, in the ruminal environment, and was slightly modified when supplemented with the POD up to 100 g/kg (10%), leading to only a slight decrease in the diversity index. The ruminal degradability, ruminal fermentation parameters, and apparent digestibility were slightly compromised by the inclusion of up to 25 g of POD per kg of DM, and larger inclusions interfered with the ruminal degradability of fibrous fractions and the apparent digestibility of dry matter. This lipid supplement showed good results for feeding sheep and is an inexpensive and abundant alternative in the regional market.
Effect of Dietary Eicosapentaenoic and Docosahexaenoic Fatty Acid Supplementation during the Last Month of Gestation on Fatty Acid Metabolism and Oxidative Status in Charolais Cows and Calves
Authors: Brozić Diana , Starčević Kristina , Vranić Marina , Bošnjak Krešimir , Maurić Maljković Maja , Mašek Tomislav
Published: April 2024

Fatty acids (FAs) are of utmost importance in the peripartal period for the development of the central nervous and immune systems of the newborn. The transport of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) through the placenta is considered to be minimal in ruminants. Nevertheless, the cow’s FAs are the main source of FAs for the calf during gestation. This research aimed to investigate the influence of low-dose eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation during late gestation on the FA metabolism of cows and their calves. A total of 20 Charolais cows during the last month of their gestation were included in the feeding trial and were divided into a control group (CON) and an experimental group (EPA + DHA). The latter received a supplement in the amount of 100 g/day (9.1 and 7.8 g/cow/day of EPA and DHA, respectively). Supplementation of low-dose EPA and DHA alters colostrum and milk fatty acid composition through the elevation of n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) without affecting milk fat and protein concentrations and oxidative status. Plasma composition in cows was significantly altered, while the same effect was not detected in calf plasma. No significant change in mRNA expression was detected for the genes fatty acid synthase (FASN) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase alpha (ACACA).
Painful Experiences in Social Contexts Facilitate Sensitivity to Emotional Signals of Pain from Conspecifics in Laboratory Rats
Authors: Nakashima Satoshi F. , Ukezono Masatoshi , Takano Yuji
Published: April 2024

Previous studies demonstrated that laboratory rats could visually receive emotional pain signals from conspecifics through pictorial stimuli. The present study examined whether a prior painful emotional experience of the receiver influenced the sensitivity of emotional expression recognition in laboratory rats. The experiment comprised four phases: the baseline preference test, pain manipulation test, post-manipulation preference test, and state anxiety test. In the baseline phase, the rats explored an apparatus comprising two boxes to which pictures of pain or neutral expressions of other conspecifics were attached. In the pain manipulation phase, each rat was allocated to one of three conditions: foot shock alone (pained-alone; PA), foot shock with other unfamiliar conspecifics (pained-with-other; PWO), or no foot shock (control). In the post-manipulation phase, the animals explored the apparatus in the same manner as they did in the baseline phase. Finally, an open-field test was used to measure state anxiety. These findings indicate that rats in the PWO group stayed longer per entry in a box with photographs depicting a neutral disposition than in a box with photographs depicting pain after manipulation. The results of the open-field test showed no significant differences between the groups, suggesting that the increased sensitivity to pain expression in other individuals due to pain experiences in social settings was not due to increased primary state anxiety. Furthermore, the results indicate that rats may use a combination of self-painful experiences and the states of other conspecifics to process the emotional signal of pain from other conspecifics. In addition, changes in the responses of rats to facial expressions in accordance with social experience suggest that the expression function of rats is not only used for emotional expressions but also for communication.
Efficacy of Tamoxifen Metabolites in Combination with Colistin and Tigecycline in Experimental Murine Models of Escherichia coli and Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Herrera-Espejo Soraya , Vila-Domínguez Andrea , Cebrero-Cangueiro Tania , Smani Younes , Pachón Jerónimo , Jiménez-Mejías Manuel E. , Pachón-Ibáñez María E.
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the potential of tamoxifen and N-desmethyltamoxifen metabolites as therapeutic agents against multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli and Acinetobacter baumannii, using a repurposing approach to shorten the time required to obtain a new effective treatment against multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. Characterisation and virulence studies were conducted on E. coli (colistin-susceptible C1-7-LE and colistin-resistant MCR-1+) and A. baumannii (tigecycline-susceptible Ab#9 and tigecycline-resistant Ab#186) strains. The efficacy of the metabolite mix (33.3% each) and N-desmethyltamoxifen in combination with colistimethate sodium (CMS) or tigecycline was evaluated in experimental models in mice. In the pneumonia model, N-desmethyltamoxifen exhibited significant efficacy against Ab#9 and both E. coli strains, especially E. coli MCR-1+ (−2.86 log10 CFU/g lungs, −5.88 log10 CFU/mL blood, and −50% mortality), and against the Ab#186 strain when combined with CMS (−2.27 log10 CFU/g lungs, −2.73 log10 CFU/mL blood, and −40% mortality) or tigecycline (−3.27 log10 CFU/g lungs, −4.95 log10 CFU/mL blood, and −50% mortality). Moreover, the metabolite mix in combination with both antibiotics decreased the bacterial concentrations in the lungs and blood for both A. baumannii strains. In the sepsis model, the significant efficacy of the metabolite mix was restricted to the colistin-susceptible E. coli C1-7-LE strain (−3.32 log10 CFU/g lung, −6.06 log10 CFU/mL blood, and −79% mortality). N-desmethyltamoxifen could be a new therapeutic option in combination with CMS or tigecycline for combating multidrug-resistant GNB, specifically A. baumannii.
Supplementing Boar Diet with Nicotinamide Mononucleotide Improves Sperm Quality Probably through the Activation of the SIRT3 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhang Haize , Chai Jiawen , Cao Chaoyue , Wang Xiaolin , Pang Weijun
Published: April 2024

Sperm quality is an important indicator to evaluate the reproduction ability of animals. Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) participates in cell energy metabolism and reduces cell oxidative stress. However, the effect and regulatory mechanism of NMN on porcine sperm quality are still unknown. Here, 32 Landrace boars were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 8) and fed with different levels of NMN (0, 8, 16 or 32 mg/kg/d) for 9 weeks, and then serum and semen samples of the boars were collected to investigate the function and molecular mechanism of NMN in sperm quality. The results showed that the dietary NMN supplementation significantly increased sperm volume, density and motility (p < 0.05). Interestingly, NMN apparently improved the antioxidative indexes and increased the levels of testosterone (p < 0.05) in serum. Furthermore, NMN upregulated the protein levels of sirtuin 3 (SIRT3), antioxidation and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), but downregulated the protein levels of apoptosis in semen. Mechanically, NMN protected sperm from H2O2-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis through SIRT3 deacetylation. Importantly, the SIRT3-specific inhibitor 3-TYP attenuated the antioxidation and antiapoptosis of NMN in sperm. Therefore, NMN exerts antioxidation and antiapoptosis to improve boar sperm quality via the SIRT3 signaling pathway. Our findings suggest that NMN is a novel potential boar antioxidative feed additive to produce high-quality porcine semen.