bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum Metabonomics Reveals Key Metabolites in Different Types of Childhood Short Stature
Authors: Chen Guoyou , Wang Jinming , Jing Yisi , Li Chunxiang , Zhang Wenyue , Yang Shuang , Song Ye , Wang Xin , Liu Jincheng , Yu Dejun , Xu Zhichun
Published: November 2022

Nowadays, short stature (SS) in childhood is a common condition encountered by pediatricians, with an increase in not just a few families. Various studies related to the variations in key metabolites and their biological mechanisms that lead to SS have increased our understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease. However, little is known about the role of metabolite variation in different types of childhood SS that influence these biological processes and whether the understanding of the key metabolites from different types of childhood SS would predict the disease progression better. We performed a systematic investigation using the metabonomics method and studied the correlation between the three groups, namely, the control, idiopathic short stature (ISS), and short stature due to growth hormone deficiency (GHD). We observed that three pathways (viz., purine metabolism, sphingolipid signaling pathway, and sphingolipid metabolism) were significantly enriched in childhood SS. Moreover, we reported that two short peptides (Thr Val Leu Thr Ser and Trp Ile Lys) might play a significant role in childhood SS. Various metabolites in different pathways including 9,10-DiHOME, 12-HETE, 12(13)-EpOME, arachidonic acid methyl ester, glycerophospho-N-arachidonoyl ethanolamine, curvulinic acid (2-acetyl-3,5-dihydroxyphenyl acetic acid), nonanoic acid, and N'-(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-N-methylformamidine in human serum were compared between 60 children diagnosed with SS and 30 normal-height children. More investigations in this area may provide insights and enhance the personalized treatment approaches in clinical practice for SS by elucidating pathophysiology mechanisms of experimental verification.
Linking leaf economic and hydraulic traits with early-age growth performance and survival of Eucalyptus pauciflora
Authors: Costa e Silva João , Potts Brad M. , Wiehl Georg , Prober Suzanne M.
Published: November 2022

Selection on plant functional traits may occur through their direct effects on fitness (or a fitness component), or may be mediated by attributes of plant performance which have a direct impact on fitness. Understanding this link is particularly challenging for long-lived organisms, such as forest trees, where lifetime fitness assessments are rarely achievable, and performance features and fitness components are usually quantified from early-life history stages. Accordingly, we studied a cohort of trees from multiple populations of Eucalyptus pauciflora grown in a common-garden field trial established at the hot and dry end of the species distribution on the island of Tasmania, Australia. We related the within-population variation in leaf economic (leaf thickness, leaf area and leaf density) and hydraulic (stomatal density, stomatal length and vein density) traits, measured from two-year-old plants, to two-year growth performance (height and stem diameter) and to a fitness component (seven-year survival). When performance-trait relationships were modelled for all traits simultaneously, statistical support for direct effects on growth performance was only observed for leaf thickness and leaf density. Performance-based estimators of directional selection indicated that individuals with reduced leaf thickness and increased leaf density were favoured. Survival-performance relationships were consistent with size-dependent mortality, with fitness-based selection gradients estimated for performance measures providing evidence for directional selection favouring individuals with faster growth. There was no statistical support for an effect associated with the fitness-based quadratic selection gradient estimated for growth performance. Conditional on a performance measure, fitness-based directional selection gradients estimated for the leaf traits did not provide statistical support for direct effects of the focal traits on tree survival. This suggested that, under the environmental conditions of the trial site and time period covered in the current study, early-stage selection on the studied leaf traits may be mediated by their effects on growth performance, which in turn has a positive direct influence on later-age survival. We discuss the potential mechanistic basis of the direct effects of the focal leaf traits on tree growth, and the relevance of a putative causal pathway of trait effects on fitness through mediation by growth performance in the studied hot and dry environment.
Work-to-family effects of inclusive leadership: The roles of work-to-family positive spillover and complementary values
Authors: Zhu Hong , Chen Amy Y. Y.
Published: November 2022

Drawing on work–family enrichment theory, we explore whether inclusive leadership leads to employees’ work-to-family positive spillover, which further improves their family performance. We also focus on the moderating role of complementary values. A time-lagged study was conducted and the sample included 292 employees from two hotels. The results indicate that inclusive leadership triggers employees’ work-to-family positive spillover, and then their family performance is enhanced. Moreover, employees’ complementary values may strengthen the positive effect of inclusive leadership. We also provide theoretical and practical implications of the results.
Examining the effects of self-regulated learning-based teacher feedback on English-as-a-foreign-language learners’ self-regulated writing strategies and writing performance
Authors: Yang Li Francoise , Liu Yanhong , Xu Zhiqing
Published: November 2022

The current study examines the effect of teacher feedback on fostering self-regulated English-as-a-foreign-language (EFL) writers. Adopting a quasi-experimental design, this study was conducted among seventy students from two parallel intact English writing classes at the tertiary level. While conventional feedback at the level of task was used in the control group, feedback at the level of process and self-regulation with supplementary activities was adopted for the treatment group. This SRL-based feedback intervention lasted one semester. Students took a pre-test, an immediate and a delayed post-test to measure their improvement in English writing performance, as well as their use of writing strategies for self-regulated learning (SRL), with a questionnaire. The results reveal that the SRL-based feedback intervention had a positive impact on EFL student writers’ writing performance as well as their reported use of SRL writing strategies. While the analytic writing scores for the subcategories of organisation, vocabulary and content significantly increased over time for the treatment group, there was little change in language use. ANCOVA analyses suggest significantly positive results for the treatment group in the improvement of SRL writing strategies with goal-oriented monitoring, knowledge rehearsal, feedback handling, and interest enhancement, and the intervention also developed the use of SRL strategies for text processing, idea planning, motivational self-talk, and emotional control.
Management or technology? Firms’ embeddedness in dual talent flow networks and their innovation performance
Authors: Sun Bo , Ruan Ao , Peng Biyu , Liu Shanshi
Published: November 2022

This paper examines the complex relationship between different types of talent flow networks and firms’ innovation. Based on the social network theory and human capital theory, we divide the talent flow networks into “management talent flow networks” and “technical talent flow networks”. The paper then investigates the potential interacting effect and matching effect between the two types of networks when they influence the innovation of firms. The empirical results, which draw from LinkedIn (China) resume data show that: (1) in both management talent flow networks and technical talent flow networks, higher degree of centrality and larger structural hole indexes can enhance firms’ innovation performance; (2) there is significant interacting effect between management talent flow networks and technical talent flow networks in their influence on firms’ innovation. That is, the interaction between firms’ centrality in management talent flow networks and technical talent flow networks, and the interaction between firms’ structural hole indexes in the two networks can both enhance their innovation performance; (3) there is also noteworthy matching effect between the two network types. That is, firms with balanced degree centrality (high-high, or low-low) and balanced structural hole indexes (high-high, or low-low) in management talent flow networks and technical talent flow networks exhibit better innovation performance than those with imbalanced degree centrality (high-low, or low-high) and structural hole indexes (high-low, or low-high) in the two networks. This paper contributes to the classification research on talent flow networks, and deepens our understanding of the complex influencing mechanism between talent flow networks and firms’ innovation. Moreover, it provides managerial implications for firms to improve innovation performance via talent flow management.
The implications of expectancy-value theory of motivation in language education
Authors: Wang Qi , Xue Mengchen
Published: November 2022

The successful performance of learners in any field of study, including a second/foreign language, is deemed as a pivotal concern in the educational system. Furthermore, the various learner variables, in particular, motivation should be taken into consideration, as a high level of motivation can yield many positive outcomes. Literature introduces the expectancy-value theory (EVT) as a recent approach to motivation, which has caught the attention of researchers. EVT as a basic and integrated paradigm helps the researchers and teachers to understand learners’ motivations and behaviors, and it has proved to be very helpful in understanding cognitive processes used by the learners, as well as their achievement. Based on this theory, successful performance, including the successful completion of the task and future aspirations, is mainly impacted by perceived expectancies regarding the outcome and value of tasks or domains. EVT can be viewed as a lens through which the aspects of motivation can be seen. This would pave the way for learners’ engagement and their achievement. EVT attaches great importance to learners’ reasonable expectations regarding the accomplishment of a goal. It also emphasizes figuring out the value of achieving the learning goal, which would enhance the motivation for L2 learning. The current review is aimed at examining how the expectancy-value motivational model impacts academic motivation, engagement, and participation in educational tasks, and learners’ academic performance.
Role of maintenance treatment on long-term efficacy of bilateral iTBS of the prefrontal cortex in treatment-seeking cocaine addicts: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Sanna Angela , Bini Valentina , Badas Paola , Corona Giorgio , Sanna Gabriele , Marcasciano Lara , De Vivo Maria Chiara , Diana Marco
Published: November 2022

CUD, like other addictions, is a chronic disease characterized by a high rate of relapse and drop-out (DO) from medical and behavioral treatment programs, which is positively correlated with relapse. Repetitive transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) protocols have shown therapeutic potential in addiction in the short term, but only a few studies have explored their long-term efficacy, so far. This study explores the long-term outcome of bilateral intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in cocaine use disorder (CUD) and the possible influence of maintenance treatment in improving abstinence and decreasing DO rates. Eighty-nine treatment-seeking CUD patients were exposed to 20 sessions of iTBS. At the end of the treatment 61 (81%) abstinent patients underwent a 12 months follow-up. Among these, 27 patients chose to follow a maintenance treatment (M), whereas 34 patients chose not to adhere to a maintenance treatment (NM). Overall, among patients reaching the 12 months follow-up endpoint, 69.7% were still abstinent and 30.3% relapsed. In NM-patients the DO rate was significantly higher than in M-ones (58.82 vs. 29.63%). The present observations show the long-term therapeutic effect of bilateral PFC iTBS to decrease cocaine consumption. Moreover, they underline the importance to perform a maintenance protocol to consolidate abstinence and decrease DO rates over time.
Trends in rates and causes of hospitalization among people living with HIV in the antiretroviral therapy era: A retrospective cohort study in China, 2008–2020
Authors: Liu Ying , Hao Yiwei , Xiao Jiang , Wu Liang , Liang Hongyuan , Han Junyan , Zhao Hongxin
Published: November 2022

Background

The introduction of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has resulted in marked reductions in morbidity among people living with HIV (PLWH). Monitoring the hospitalizations of PLWH is important in evaluating the quality of healthcare and forecasting the co-morbidity pattern. We aimed to describe the trends in the rates and causes of hospitalization among PLWH who initiated ART in an HIV-designated hospital in China.

Methods

PLWH who initiated ART and were hospitalized in Beijing Ditan Hospital from 2008 to 2020 were selected for the study. Hospitalizations were classified based on AIDS-defining events (ADEs), non-AIDS-defining events (nADEs), and other causes. Hospitalization rates were calculated in terms of person-years, with risk factors determined by Poisson regression. The proportion of hospitalization causes at different ART treatment statuses was also evaluated.

Results

A total of 9,404 patients (94.7% were male patients) were included, contributing to 49,419 person-years. Overall, 1,551 PLWH were hospitalized for 2,667 hospitalization events, among which 60.4% of hospitalizations were due to ADEs, 11.4% were due to nADEs, and 28.2% were due to other causes. Unadjusted hospitalization rates decreased for all causes and all three diagnostic categories with year. After adjusting for the variables that changed substantially over time, ADE-related [IRR, 1.01 (0.96–1.05)] and nADE-related hospitalization rates [IRR, 0.92 (0.84–1.01)] appeared stable. Hospitalization for ADEs constituted an increasing proportion over time (36.3% in 2008–57.4% in 2020), especially in ART-naive inpatients (43.8% in 2008–83.3% in 2020). The proportion of nADE-related hospitalizations remained low (9.0% in 2008–15.4% in 2020). Hospitalization rate was highest for patients treated with ART during the first 6 months after ART initiation (46.2%) when ADEs were still the leading cause of hospitalizations (30.6%). Older age, non-men who have sex with men transmission, late presenters, HIV viral load (VL) > 50 copies/mL, and CD4 counts ≤ 200 cells/μL were associated with a higher hospitalization risk (all P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Despite some progress, ADEs remain the most common and serious problem among PLWH in China. In order to avoid deteriorating to the stage of needing hospitalization, more work is needed to diagnose and treat HIV infection earlier.
Mental health in Austrian psychotherapists during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Schaffler Yvonne , Kaltschik Stefan , Probst Thomas , Jesser Andrea , Pieh Christoph , Humer Elke
Published: November 2022

Although the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health has been reported in different communities, little is known about the mental health of psychotherapists during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to assess mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic in Austrian psychotherapists and compare it with the general population. A total of n = 513 psychotherapists (80.5% women; mean age: 53.06 ± 9.94 years) took part in an online survey conducted from April to June 2022. At the same time, a representative sample (N = 1,031) of the Austrian general population was surveyed online. Indicators of mental health were mental wellbeing (WHO-5), depression (PHQ-2), anxiety (GAD-2), insomnia (ISI-2), and stress (PSS-10). The general population sample was matched according to age and gender with the psychotherapist's data using propensity scores, yielding a final sample of n = 513 (80.5% women; mean age: 52.33 ± 13.39 years). Psychotherapists showed lower odds for exceeding cut-offs for clinically relevant depressive, anxiety, insomnia and stress symptoms (0.34–0.58) compared to the general population. Further studies should elucidate the protective factors underlying these findings.
Regional maldistribution of human resources of rehabilitation institutions in China Mainland based on spatial analysis
Authors: Chen Cheng , Chen Ting , Zhao Ning , Dong Siping
Published: November 2022

Objective

With the demand for rehabilitation has been increasing faster for the aging of China's population, the equity of rehabilitation resource has aroused great concern. This study aimed to analyze the spatial distribution and evolution of the human resources of rehabilitation institutions and propose targeted countermeasures and suggestions to promote optimal allocation.

Methods

A total of 31 provinces in China Mainland were identified and geocoded. The spatial weight matrix was introduced to analyze the spatial correlation. Spatial autocorrelation analysis and tests were used to analyze the spatial distribution and evolution characteristics of rehabilitation institutions' human resources in China from 2016 to 2019.

Results

The average density of rehabilitation staff from 2016 to 2019 has been rising yearly (From 1.60 to 1.88). From 2018 to 2019, the proportion of rehabilitation professionals was higher than 75% in only 5 provinces, and no provinces met 75% from 2016 to 2017. Global Moran's I index from 2016 to 2019 showed no apparent aggregation phenomenon in the allocation of management personnel resources (P > 0.05). Three provinces in western China belonged to the Low-Low area and a province in northeastern China fitted to the Low–High area, with statistically significant differences. In addition, the changes in the spatial distribution and evolution trend of the human resources of rehabilitation institutions in different periods were affected by health policies.

Conclusions

Although the overall spatial distribution gap of human resource allocation of rehabilitation institutions is shrinking, there are still internal structural defects and a maldistribution at the provincial level. It is necessary to improve the overall number of staff in rehabilitation institutions and to ameliorate the proportion of different types of staffing.
Childcare for farm families: A key strategy to keep children safe yet largely absent from farm programming
Authors: Becot Florence , Inwood Shoshanah , Rissing Andrea
Published: November 2022

Despite long-standing safety recommendations that non-working children be supervised off the worksite by an adult, little is known about farm families' ability to comply. We conducted a review of 92 documents and 36 key informant interviews in three U.S. states (Ohio, Vermont, and Wisconsin) to assess how farm service providers and farm organizations address the intersection of children and childcare with farm work and farm safety in programming. Through their programming, these two groups deeply influence farm families' social systems, affecting farm safety and farm business decisions. Study design and result interpretations were grounded in the women in agriculture literature, which examines the needs and realities of farm women (often the primary caregivers). Most documents reviewed did not address children, and even fewer addressed childcare. Interviews confirm findings of the document review. Despite awareness that farm families juggle work and children, few interviewees explicitly integrated children and childcare topics due to a messy and complex set of individual- and structural-level factors. We identified four possible, overlapping explanations for this tension: valuation of care vs. farm work; farm programming's traditional emphasis on the farm business; alignment of the programming with the agrarian ideal of the family farm; and the mismatch between farm programming scope, resources available, and childcare challenges. We conclude with two main implications for farm safety programs and farm children safety. First, farm programming's reinforcement of the social and cultural expectations regarding children's involvement in the farm operation from a young age could be counterproductive from a farm safety standpoint and miss an opportunity to provide alternative models of childrearing. Second, the invisibility of the lived realities of raising children may lead farm parents to distrust farm programming and deter them from participating.
Development and validation of tools for predicting the risk of death and ICU admission of non-HIV-infected patients with Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia
Authors: Jin Fan , Liang Hao , Chen Wen-can , Xie Jing , Wang Huan-ling
Published: November 2022

Introduction

The mortality rate of non-HIV-infected Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) is high. This research aimed to develop and validate two clinical tools for predicting the risk of death and intensive care unit (ICU) admission in non-HIV-infected patients with PCP to reduce mortality.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted at Peking Union Medical College Hospital between 2012 and 2021. All proven and probable non-HIV-infected patients with PCP were included. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator method and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used to select the high-risk prognostic parameters. In the validation, the receiver operating characteristic curve and concordance index were used to quantify the discrimination performance. Calibration curves were constructed to assess the predictive consistency compared with the actual observations. A likelihood ratio test was used to compare the tool and CURB-65 score.

Results

In total, 508 patients were enrolled in the study. The tool for predicting death included eight factors: age, chronic lung disease, respiratory rate, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), cytomegalovirus infection, shock, and invasive mechanical ventilation. The tool for predicting ICU admission composed of the following factors: respiratory rate, dyspnea, lung moist rales, LDH, BUN, C-reactive protein/albumin ratio, and pleural effusion. In external validation, the two clinical models performed well, showing good AUCs (0.915 and 0.880) and fit calibration plots. Compared with the CURB-65 score, our tool was more informative and had a higher predictive ability (AUC: 0.880 vs. 0.557) for predicting the risk of ICU admission.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we developed and validated tools to predict death and ICU admission risks of non-HIV patients with PCP. Based on the information from the tools, clinicians can tailor appropriate therapy plans and use appropriate monitoring levels for high-risk patients, eventually reducing the mortality of those with PCP.
Systematic screening and focused evaluation for veno-occlusive disease/sinusoidal obstructive syndrome (VOD/SOS) following allogeneic stem cell transplant is associated with earlier diagnosis and prompt institution of defibrotide treatment
Authors: Avenoso Daniele , Kenyon Michelle , Mehra Varun , Krishnamurthy Pramila , Kulasekararaj Austin , Gandhi Shreyans , Dazzi Francesco , Naresh Shah Mili , Wood Henry , Leung Ye Ting , Eaton Alicia , Anteh Sandra , Cuadrado Maria , Correia de Farias Madson , Bourlon Christienne , Dragoi Diana Oana , Hardefeldt Prudence , Pagliuca Antonio , Potter Victoria
Published: November 2022

Sinusoidal obstructive syndrome (SOS), also known as hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD), is a potentially life-threatening complication following haemopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The availability of new drugs for malignant hematological conditions has allowed more patients to be eligible for allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplants, which has translated into a significant proportion of transplant patients having multiple risk factors for VOD/SOS. Based on these considerations, we undertook a dedicated weekly VOD/SOS ward round, aiming to facilitate early diagnosis of VOD/SOS and pre-emptively identify patients at risk, where a careful evaluation of differential diagnosis is essential. Herein, we present the results of our VOD/SOS ward round; between September 2020 and April 2022, 110 consecutive patients were evaluated in a focused VOD/SOS ward round. From the 110 patients, 108 had undergone HSCT and had at least one known risk factor for developing VOD/SOS. The median number of risk factors present in the VOD/SOS group and non-VOD/SOS group was five (range: three to six) and three (range: zero to seven), respectively. Late-onset VOD/SOS was diagnosed in 45% of our patients. The early identification of patients with multiple risk factors for VOD/SOS allowed an earlier diagnosis and the administration of defibrotide on the same day of diagnosis, which was two days earlier than our previous experience prior to the implementation of this protocol.
Exploring new strategies in diseases resistance of horticultural crops
Authors: Xu Jun , Zhang Ningyuan , Wang Ke , Xian Qianqian , Dong Jingping , Chen Xuehao
Published: November 2022

Horticultural crops are susceptible to various biotic stressors including fungi, oomycetes, bacteria, viruses, and root-knot nematodes. These pathogens limit the growth, development, yield, and quality of horticultural crops, and also limit their adaptability and geographic distribution. The continuous cropping model in horticultural facilities exacerbates soil-borne diseases, and severely restricts yield, quality, and productivity. Recent progress in the understanding of mechanisms that confer tolerance to different diseases through innovative strategies including host-induced gene silencing (HIGS), targeting susceptibility genes, and rootstocks grafting applications are reviewed to systematically explore the resistance mechanisms against horticultural plant diseases. Future work should successfully breed resistant varieties using these strategies combined with molecular biologic methods.
Correlation of steam explosion severity with morphological and physicochemical characterization of soybean meal
Authors: Zeng Qinghua , Kong Feng , Li Yue , Guo Xingfeng
Published: November 2022

Steam explosion, a novel effective technology for cereal modification, integrates high-temperature autohydrolysis and structural disruption, which can significantly influence the morphological and physicochemical characterization of the feedstocks. The deep knowledge of the structural changes that are brought about by the treatment severity is connected with the technological demands to improve the processing efficiency and to increase the industrial application of the feedstocks by steam explosion. In this study, the changes in morphological and physicochemical properties of soybean meal induced by steam explosion were investigated. The correlation of steam explosion severity with soybean meal's final quality was also analyzed. The results showed that steam explosion effectively increased the fractal dimension from 1.6553 to 1.8871, the glycinin content from 151.38 to 334.94 mg/g, and the 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity from 28.69 to 63.78%. The gray value, color (L* and a* values), and the total phenol and polysaccharide contents of soybean meal were reduced with greater steam explosion severity. Steam explosion severity had a remarkable positive correlation with the fractal dimension and DPPH radical scavenging activity. However, steam explosion severity had no significant correlation with the textural and adsorption properties of the soybean meal. This study focused on the morphological and physicochemical property changes of the soybean meal during a steam explosion process, which could guide the application of steam explosion in food systems.
Biomechanical tests and finite element analyses of pelvic stability using bilateral single iliac screws with different channels in lumbo-iliac fixation
Authors: Sun Yangyang , Fu Ying , Liu Fanxiao , Zhang Wen , Ma Huanzhi , Li Qinghu , Zhou Dongsheng , Fu Baisheng
Published: November 2022

Background

In lumbo-iliac fixation, the iliac screw can be placed in several locations and directions. There is no uniform standard for the placement of a single iliac screw. Biomechanical tests and finite element analyses were used to compare the effect of bilateral single iliac screws with three channels on pelvic stability to determine the best channel.

Methods

Five embalmed adult cadaver pelvic specimens were selected. An unstable Tile C1 pelvic injury model was established. Lumbo-iliac fixation for the treatment of left sacral Denis II fracture includes the following: three channels of bilateral, single iliac screws (channel A from posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) to anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS), channel B from 1 cm medial and 1 cm caudal of PSIS to AIIS, and channel C from 2 cm below PSIS to AIIS). Biomechanical testing was performed for stiffness evaluations. A finite element model was established to study the stress distribution of the model and the maximum von Mises stress of internal fixation.

Results

Biomechanical tests revealed that under vertical compression loading. The compressive stiffness fixed by channel B (246.15 ± 27.85 N/mm) was better than that fixed by channel A and channel C. Under torsional load, the torsional stiffness fixed by channel B (2.234 ± 0.223 N·m/°) was stronger than that fixed by channel A and channel C. However, there was no significant difference in terms of compressive and torsional stiffness between channel B and channel A (P > 0.05). Finite element analyses conformed that the maximum von Mises stress of the internal fixator fixed in channel B under the conditions of vertical, forwards bending, backwards extension, left bending, left rotating, and right bending (213.98 MPa, 338.96 MPa, 100.63 MPa, 297.06 MPa, 200.95 MPa and 284.75 MPa, respectively) was significantly lower than those fixed in channel A and channel C.

Conclusions

The construct stiffness of the channel from 1 cm medial and 1 cm caudal of PSIS to AIIS is better than that of the other two channels. This channel has the advantages of good biomechanical stability, small maximum von Mises stress of internal fixation.
Development of a multiplex RT-PCR method for the detection of four porcine enteric coronaviruses
Authors: Niu Jia-Wei , Li Jin-Hui , Guan Jin-Lian , Deng Ke-Hui , Wang Xiu-Wu , Li Gen , Zhou Xia , Xu Min-Sheng , Chen Rui-Ai , Zhai Shao-Lun , He Dong-Sheng
Published: November 2022

Porcine enteric coronaviruses are pathogens that cause viral diarrhea in pigs and are widely prevalent worldwide. Moreover, studies have shown that some porcine enteric coronaviruses can infect humans and poultry. In order to effectively monitor these viruses, it is necessary to establish a multiple detection method to understand their prevalence and conduct in-depth research. Common porcine enteric coronaviruses include Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), Porcine transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV), Porcine delta coronavirus (PDCoV), and Swine acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus (SADS-CoV). Pigs infected with these viruses have the common clinical symptoms that are difficult to distinguish. A quadruplex RT-PCR (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) method for the simultaneous detection of PEDV, PDCoV, TGEV and SADS-CoV was developed. Four pairs of specific primers were designed for the PEDV M gene, PDCoV N gene, TGEV S gene and SADS-CoV RdRp gene. Multiplex RT-PCR results showed that the target fragments of PDCoV, SADS-CoV, PEDV and TGEV could be amplified by this method. and the specific fragments with sizes of 250 bp, 368 bp, 616 bp and 801 bp were amplified, respectively. This method cannot amplify any fragment of nucleic acids of Seneca Valley virus (SVV), Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) and Atypical Porcine Pestivirus (APPV), and has good specificity. The lowest detection limits of PDCoV, PEDV, TGEV and SADS-CoV were 5.66 × 105 copies/μL, 6.48 × 105 copies/μL, 8.54 × 105 copies/μL and 7.79 × 106 copies/μL, respectively. A total of 94 samples were collected from pig farms were analyzed using this method. There were 15 positive samples for PEDV, 3 positive samples for mixed infection of PEDV and PDCoV, 2 positive samples for mixed infection of PEDV and TGEV, and 1 positive sample for mixed infection of PEDV, TGEV, and PDCoV. Multiplex RT-PCR method could detect four intestinal coronaviruses (PEDV, PDCoV, TGEV, and SADS-CoV) in pigs efficiently, cheaply and accurately, which can be used for clinical large-scale epidemiological investigation and diagnosis.
Enhancement of intestinal mucosal immunity and immune response to the foot-and-mouth disease vaccine by oral administration of danggui buxue decoction
Authors: Zhou Bingxin , Huang Huan , Gui Fuxing , Bi Shicheng , Du Hongxu , Cao Liting
Published: November 2022

This study investigated the effect of Danggui Buxue decoction (DBD) on the immunity of an O-type foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine and intestinal mucosal immunity. SPF KM mice were continuously and orally administered DBD for 5 d and then inoculated with an O-type FMD vaccine. The contents of a specific IgG antibody and its isotypes IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b, and IgG3 in serum and SIgA in duodenal mucosa were determined by ELISA at 1 and 3 W after the 2ndimmunization. qRT-PCR was used to detect mRNA expression levels of IL-4, IL-10, IFN-γ, and IL-33 in the spleen, and mRNA expression levels of J-chain, pIgR, BAFF, APRIL, IL-10, IFN-γ and IL-33 in the duodenum. The results showed that compared with the control group, oral administration of DBD significantly increased levels of the anti-FMD virus (FMDV)-specific antibodies IgG, IgG1, and IgG2a in the serum of O-type FMD vaccine-immunized mice 1 W after the 2ndimmunization (P<0.05), upregulated mRNA expression levels of spleen lymphocyte cytokines IL-4 and IL-33 (P<0.05), promoted the secretion of SIgA in duodenal mucosa (P<0.05). The mRNA expression levels of J-chain, pIgR, BAFF, APRIL, IL-10, and IL-33 in duodenal tissues were upregulated (P<0.05). This study indicates that DBD has a good promotion effect on the O-type FMD vaccine and the potential to be an oral immune booster.
A meta-analysis of Lactobacillus-based probiotics for growth performance and intestinal morphology in piglets
Authors: Zhu Cuipeng , Yao Jiacheng , Zhu Miaonan , Zhu Chuyang , Yuan Long , Li Zhaojian , Cai Demin , Chen Shihao , Hu Ping , Liu Hao-Yu
Published: November 2022

Antibiotics are widely used as growth promoters (AGPs) in livestock production to improve animal performance and health. However, pig producers today face the prohibition of in-feed antimicrobials and have to find safe and effective alternatives. Lactobacillus species are active microorganisms that convey multiple beneficial effects to the host and are one of the most promising AGPs replacements. Here, we aim to comprehensively assess the effects of Lactobacillus spp. supplementation on growth performance and intestinal morphology (villus height [VH], crypt depth [CD], and the V/C ratio) of piglets. Among the 196 identified studies, 20 met the criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. The effects of Lactobacillus-based probiotics supplementation on growth performance and intestinal morphology were analyzed using a random-effects model. And the publication bias was evaluated by funnel plots. Our results revealed that Lactobacillus spp. supplementation significantly improved the growth performance, including average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily gain (ADG), and the gain-to-feed ratio (G/F) in piglets (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, Lactobacillus spp. remarkably increased VH and the V/C ratio (P < 0.05) in the small intestine, including the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, which might contribute to an improved digestive capacity of these animals. In conclusion, our findings provide concrete evidence of the growth-promoting effects of Lactobacillus spp. supplementation in piglets and a better understanding of the potential of Lactobacillus-based probiotics as AGPs alternatives in pig production.
Non-coding transcriptomic profiles in the sheep mammary gland during different lactation periods
Authors: Chen Weihao , Gu Xinyu , Lv Xiaoyang , Cao Xiukai , Yuan Zehu , Wang Shanhe , Sun Wei
Published: November 2022

Sheep milk production is a dynamic and multifactorial trait regulated by diverse biological mechanisms. To improve the quality and production of sheep milk, it is necessary to understand the underlying non-coding transcriptomic mechanisms. In this study, ribonucleic acid-sequencing (RNA-seq) was used to profile the expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) in the sheep mammary gland at three key lactation time points (perinatal period, PP; early lactation, EL; and peak lactation, PL). A total of 2,369 novel circRNAs and 272 miRNAs were profiled, of which 348, 373, and 36 differentially expressed (DE) circRNAs and 30, 34, and 7 DE miRNAs were detected in the comparison of EL vs. PP, PL vs. PP, and PL vs. EL, respectively. A series of bioinformatics analyses including functional enrichment, machine learning prediction, and competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network analyses were conducted to identify subsets of the potential candidate miRNAs (e.g., oar_miR_148a, oar_miR_362, and oar_miR_432) and circRNAs (e.g., novel_circ_0011066, novel_circ_0010460, and novel_circ_0006589) involved in sheep mammary gland development. Taken together, this study offers a window into the dynamics of non-coding transcriptomes that occur during sheep lactation and may provide further insights into miRNA and circRNA that influence sheep mammary gland development.
Adaptations in equine appendicular muscle activity and movement occur during induced fore- and hindlimb lameness: An electromyographic and kinematic evaluation
Authors: St. George Lindsay B. , Spoormakers Tijn J. P. , Smit Ineke H. , Hobbs Sarah Jane , Clayton Hilary M. , Roy Serge H. , van Weeren Paul René , Richards Jim , Serra Bragança Filipe M.
Published: November 2022

The relationship between lameness-related adaptations in equine appendicular motion and muscle activation is poorly understood and has not been studied objectively. The aim of this study was to compare muscle activity of selected fore- and hindlimb muscles, and movement of the joints they act on, between baseline and induced forelimb (iFL) and hindlimb (iHL) lameness. Three-dimensional kinematic data and surface electromyography (sEMG) data from the fore- (triceps brachii, latissimus dorsi) and hindlimbs (superficial gluteal, biceps femoris, semitendinosus) were bilaterally and synchronously collected from clinically non-lame horses (n= 8) trotting over-ground (baseline). Data collections were repeated during iFL and iHL conditions (2–3/5 AAEP), induced on separate days using a modified horseshoe. Motion asymmetry parameters and continuous joint and pro-retraction angles for each limb were calculated from kinematic data. Normalized average rectified value (ARV) and muscle activation onset, offset and activity duration were calculated from sEMG signals. Mixed model analysis and statistical parametric mapping, respectively, compared discrete and continuous variables between conditions (α= 0.05). Asymmetry parameters reflected the degree of iFL and iHL. Increased ARV occurred across muscles following iFL and iHL, except non-lame side forelimb muscles that significantly decreased following iFL. Significant, limb-specific changes in sEMG ARV, and activation timings reflected changes in joint angles and phasic shifts of the limb movement cycle following iFL and iHL. Muscular adaptations during iFL and iHL are detectable using sEMG and primarily involve increased bilateral activity and phasic activation shifts that reflect known compensatory movement patterns for reducing weightbearing on the lame limb. With further research and development, sEMG may provide a valuable diagnostic aid for quantifying the underlying neuromuscular adaptations to equine lameness, which are undetectable through human observation alone.
Experimental Study on the Working Characteristics of Tri-Electrode Plasma Actuator Utilizing a Combination of Corona and Barrier Discharges
Authors: Hatamoto Asami , Nakai Kumi , Nishida Hiroyuki
Published: November 2022

A tri-electrode plasma actuator (TED-PA), which has an additional electrode with a DC voltage, induces jets from two facing electrodes and achieves larger thrust and higher efficiency than a conventional dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuator. However, there are problems such as the large potential difference between the exposed electrodes, which can cause sparks and device destruction. Therefore, it is necessary to clarify the working mechanism of TED-PAs and optimize their configuration and applied voltage. In this study, we obtained the discharge photograph, the thrust, and the flow velocity field and investigated the characteristics of the DC voltage and the frequency of the AC voltage. To isolate the effects of the discharge from the potential variation, a corona discharge plasma actuator and a TED-PA were compared. As a result, increasing the frequency of the AC voltage induced stronger jets from the AC and DC electrodes. This result indicates that the barrier discharge enhances the jet from the DC electrode without changing the potential difference between the electrodes.
A Precise Stabilization Method for Linear Stochastic Time-Delay Systems
Authors: Zhang Huasheng , Shao Changan , Geng Han , Zhang Tingting
Published: November 2022

Based on ensuring the steady-state performance of the system, some dynamic performance indicators that have not yet been realized in linear stochastic systems with time-delay are discussed in this paper. First, in view of the relationship between system eigenvalues and system performances, the region stability is provided, which can reflect the dynamic performance of the systems. Second, the design scheme of the region stabilization controller is given based on the region stability, so that the closed-loop system has the corresponding dynamic performance. Third, this paper also designs an algorithm to deal with the situation in which the eigenvalues are located in the non-connected region in order to obtain more accurate control system dynamic performance. Finally, an example shows how the precise control method dominates the dynamic performance of the system.
Effect of Penetrative Combustion on Regression Rate of 3D Printed Hybrid Rocket Fuel
Authors: Yu Xiaodong , Yu Hongsheng , Zhang Wei , DeLuca Luigi T. , Shen Ruiqi
Published: November 2022

3D printing manufacturing is used to manufacture hybrid rocket fuel grains featuring a special grid-like structure in order to control combustion performance. An innovative penetrative combustion mechanism, capable of affecting regression rate, was noticed during the combustion of low-packing density grains. The 3D printing manufacture was implemented using acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) material to clarify this mechanism and the corresponding combustion performance. Grid-like structure fuels with different packing densities were prepared to assess the effects of penetrative combustion on fuel combustion performance. The thermal decomposition of ABS was analyzed by infra-red spectroscopic analysis (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis-differential thermal scanning (TG-DSC). The internal structure of the ABS grains was observed by high-resolution 3D micro-computed tomography (μCT). All fuel grains were burned in a hybrid 2D radial burner, allowing visualization of the combustion process and evaluation of the ballistic parameters. The experimental results suggest that the combustion process of the ABS porous grains includes two regimes, both featuring an increased regression rate. In the normal layer-by-layer burning regime, at Gox=45 kg/(m2·s), the regression rates of 100% and 90% ABS increased by 29.6% and 38.1%, respectively, compared with solid ABS which was manufactured by a computerized numerical control (CNC) lathe. In the fracture-led volumetric burning regime, data acquisition is more difficult, but the regression rate is again observed to increase as the packing density decreases.
Practical Aspects of Weight Measurement Using Image Processing Methods in Waterfowl Production
Authors: Szabo Sandor , Alexy Marta
Published: November 2022

Precision poultry farming technologies include the analysis of images of poultry flocks using cameras. In large-scale waterfowl farming, these can be used to determine the individual weight of poultry flocks. In our research in a real farming environment, we investigated the cameras fixed to the metal support structure of the barn, located above the suspended bird scales. Camera images of the bird on the weighing cell, taken from a top view, were matched to the weight data measured by the scale. The algorithm was trained on training data sets from a part of the database, and the results were validated with the other part of the database (Training: 60% Validation: 20% Testing: 20%). Three data science models were compared, and the random forest method achieved the highest accuracy and reliability. Our results show that the random forest method gave the most reliable results for determining the individual weights of birds. We found that the housing environment had a strong influence on the applicability of the data collection and processing technology. We have presented that by analyzing carefully collected images, it is possible to determine the individual weights of birds and thus provide valuable information on it.
Development of a Novel Biomimetic Mechanical Hand Based on Physical Characteristics of Apples
Authors: Wang Meirong , Yan Bin , Zhang Sihao , Fan Pan , Zeng Pengzong , Shi Shuaiqi , Yang Fuzeng
Published: November 2022

For the purpose of minimizing the damage to apples during the operation of an apple-picking robot, improving the stability of an apple-harvesting mechanical hand and reducing the use and operation cost of the robot, a novel biomimetic apple mechanical hand based on negative pressure air suction is purposely designed based on the physical characteristics of apples by imitating octopus predation. The mechanical hand has four suction cups evenly distributed in the hand, which produce concave deformation under negative vacuum pressure to fit the apple surface and adsorb the apple; the fruit stalk is separated by wrist rotation and dragging in a compound way to complete the picking operation. This paper firstly determines the key parameters of the mechanical hand based on the characteristics of silicone material and the three growth postures of apples, tries to make a physical prototype of the mechanical hand and conducts relevant performance tests on the picking platform built in the laboratory to explore the best combination of parameters and further optimize the manipulator. The results show that the success rate of the biomimetic nondestructive apple picker with the best combination of parameters is 100%, 76% and 68% for three different apple-growth postures and the operation is smooth, reliable, safe and non-invasive.