bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patient-centered care and patient satisfaction: Validating the patient-professional interaction questionnaire in China
Authors: Han Tao , Li Sisi , Li Xueyuan , Yu Chenhao , Li Jiahui , Jing Tiantian , Bai Mayangzong , Fang Yue , Qian Kun , Li Xiaoyan , Liang Huigang , Zhang Zhiruo
Published: November 2022

Objective

To introduce patient-centered approach in China and to relate it with Chinese patient satisfaction via validating the Chinese version of Patient-Professional Interaction Questionnaire (PPIQ-C).

Design

This cross-sectional survey was conducted through face-to-face interviews from June to September in 2019. Participants rated their patient-centered care experience via the 16-item translated PPIQ, their experience of the received medical service, and their overall satisfaction.

Setting

Kunshan Huaqiao People's Hospital in Jiangsu, China.

Participants

A total of 230 participants (87 males and 143 females; 108 outpatients and 122 inpatients).

Results

PPIQ-C exhibited acceptable psychometric properties. Data revealed a single factor model of the 16 PPIQ-C items [χ(4)2 = 12.394, p = 0.823, CFI = 1.000, TLI = 1.019, RMSEA = 0.000, SRMR = 0.032] had a superior model fit over the original first-order with four correlated factors and the second-order structures. The overall reliability was excellent (McDonald's ω = 0.975). In terms of patient satisfaction, process, treatment quality, and communication significantly predicted patient satisfaction, while environment, staff attitude, and medical ethics did not [R2 = 0.427, F(6) = 24.887, p < 0.001]. Most importantly, the total score of PPIQ-C predicted patient satisfaction above and beyond the above-mentioned medical service perspectives (B = 0.595, SE = 0.207, p = 0.004). Finally, the constructive effect of PCC on patient satisfaction was stronger for departments of Pediatrics than Surgery.

Conclusions

The Chinese version of the PPIQ scale (PPIQ-C) exhibited acceptable psychometric properties. Yet the distinction among the four factors was not supported, suggesting potential difference(s) across cultures. Patient-centered care (PCC), reflected by the overall PPIQ-C score, predicted overall patient satisfaction above and beyond other medical service perspectives. Adopting PCC approach in appropriate situations will probably advance the development of performance evaluation systems in China, thus improving the overall health care and patient satisfaction.
Herpes simplex virus type 2 seroprevalence and associated factors in fertility-treatment-seeking population: A cross-sectional survey in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Abdo Noor Motea , Aslam Irfan , Irfan Shazia , George Junu A. , Alsuwaidi Ahmed R. , Ahmed Luai A. , Al-Rifai Rami H.
Published: November 2022

Background

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is a common genitally-transmitted viral infection affecting more than 400 million individuals globally. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), in specific at-risk population groups, the burden of HSV-2 has not been reported. This study investigated the prevalence of HSV-2 IgG antibodies in patients seeking fertility treatment and characterized patients with seropositivity to HSV-2 IgG antibodies.

Methodology

A cross-sectional sample of patients seeking fertility treatment in a major fertility clinic in Abu Dhabi, UAE was surveyed from April to May 2021. Patients were consecutively invited to complete self-administered questionnaires and provide blood for HSV-2 testing. Information on sociodemographics, medical history, and infertility was collected. Serum specimens were screened using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for HSV-2 IgG antibodies detection.

Results

Two hundred and ninety-nine patients were surveyed and provided blood samples. The mean age of the patients was 35.9 ± 6.8 [mean ± standard deviation (SD)] years with 89.3% being women. Sixty-six percent were overweight or obese, 25.0% had at least one chronic comorbidity, and 19.6% reported ever-had genital infection. More than two-thirds (68.3%) of the patients were infertile for ≥ 6 months. Of the 42 infertile males, 69.0% had an abnormal semen analysis. HSV-2 IgG antibodies was detected in 12.4% of patients. The HSV-2 IgG seropositive patients had a higher mean age (39.5 vs. 35.4 years; p < 0.001) compared to seronegative patients. HSV-2 IgG antibodies seropositivity was more common in males (15.6%) than females (12.0%), in patients with secondary (14.1%) vs. primary (9.2%) infertility, or in males with abnormal (10.3%) vs. normal (7.7%) semen.

Conclusion

Exposure to HSV-2 at any time in patients seeking fertility treatment in the UAE was found to be slightly common in more than one out of 10 patients. Tailored health campaigns on HSV-2 prevention are warranted.
Open science and Big Data in South Africa
Authors: Hey Tony
Published: November 2022

With the Square Kilometer Array (SKA) project and the new Multi-Purpose Reactor (MPR) soon coming on-line, South Africa and other collaborating countries in Africa will need to make the management, analysis, publication, and curation of “Big Scientific Data” a priority. In addition, the recent draft Open Science policy from the South African Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) requires both Open Access to scholarly publications and research outputs, and an Open Data policy that facilitates equal opportunity of access to research data. The policy also endorses the deposit, discovery and dissemination of data and metadata in a manner consistent with the FAIR principles – making data Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Re-usable (FAIR). The challenge to achieve Open Science in Africa starts with open access for research publications and the provision of persistent links to the supporting data. With the deluge of research data expected from the new experimental facilities in South Africa, the problem of how to make such data FAIR takes center stage. One promising approach to make such scientific datasets more “Findable” and “Interoperable” is to rely on the Dataset representation of the Schema.org vocabulary which has been endorsed by all the major search engines. The approach adds some semantic markup to Web pages and makes scientific datasets more “Findable” by search engines. This paper does not address all aspects of the Open Science agenda but instead is focused on the management and analysis challenges of the “Big Scientific Data” that will be produced by the SKA project. The paper summarizes the role of the SKA Regional Centers (SRCs) and then discusses the goal of ensuring reproducibility for the SKA data products. Experiments at the new MPR neutron source will also have to conform to the DSI's Open Science policy. The Open Science and FAIR data practices used at the ISIS Neutron source at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in the UK are then briefly described. The paper concludes with some remarks about the important role of interdisciplinary teams of research software engineers, data engineers and research librarians in research data management.
Obstetric complications in mothers with ADHD
Authors: Walsh Caroline J. , Rosenberg Sofie L. , Hale Elijah W.
Published: November 2022

Background

There is currently limited research on the intersection of pregnancy and ADHD and the unique pregnancy risk factors for mothers with an ADHD diagnosis. With an increased population of patients with ADHD in the recent decades and an increase in ADHD medication use during pregnancy it is important to consider what unique risks mothers with ADHD face during the perinatal period.

Objective

Investigate a variety of outcomes in maternal ADHD.

Methods

We identified female patients with a diagnosis of pregnancy and ADHD diagnosis. We also further separated the ADHD cohort for separate sub-analyses based on medication type. Odds ratios and relative risk were calculated from outcome incidence within each cohort. Cohorts were balanced on age, sex, and race.

Results

We identified 45,737 pregnant females with ADHD. We matched these patients to pregnant females without ADHD, for a total of 42,916 pairs. Compared to the group without ADHD, mothers with ADHD had higher rates of every outcome except for HPV infection, which was statistically insignificant (P = 0.768). The odds ratios ranged from 1.08 for anemia complicating pregnancy to 2.63 for depressive episodes. Most outcomes were between 1.2 and 1.8 times more likely to occur in the cohort with ADHD.

Conclusion

This study presents substantial advancements in our knowledge of pregnancy-related ADHD care. Armed with an increased awareness of these potential complications and their relationship with ADHD, obstetricians, psychiatrists, and providers of all specialties may be able to reduce the rate of complications within this specific patient population.
Employee engagement during COVID-19 in Malaysia
Authors: Mustaffa Amira , Lajuma Surianti , Wider Walton
Published: November 2022

This objective of this study was to examine the effects of communication, training and development, and transformational leadership on employee engagement during COVID-19 in Malaysia. Four hundred individuals were recruited, and data were analyzed using partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Communication, training and development, and transformational leadership were found to positively affect employee engagement. In the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak, this study investigated the aforementioned factors as part of the reciprocal process between the employee and the employer and their effects on employee engagement, thereby making original theoretical contributions. This study also provides vital insights for businesses to consider when designing effective employee engagement plans for future well-being in the workplace.
Multi-instrument observations of the Pajala fireball: Origin, characteristics, and atmospheric implications
Authors: Vierinen Juha , Aslaksen Torstein , Chau Jorge Luis , Gritsevich Maria , Gustavsson Björn , Kastinen Daniel , Kero Johan , Kozlovsky Alexandre , Kværna Tormod , Midtskogen Steinar , Näsholm Sven Peter , Ulich Thomas , Vegum Ketil , Lester Mark
Published: November 2022

Meteor observations provide information about Solar System constituents and their influx onto Earth, their interaction processes in the atmosphere, as well as the neutral dynamics of the upper atmosphere. This study presents optical, radar, and infrasound measurements of a daytime fireball that occurred on 4 December 2020 at 13:30 UTC over Northeast Sweden. The fireball was recorded with two video cameras, allowing a trajectory determination to be made. The orbital parameters are compatible with the Northern Taurid meteor shower. The dynamic mass estimate based on the optical trajectory was found to be 0.6–1.7 kg, but this estimate can greatly vary from the true entry mass significantly due to the assumptions made. The meteor trail plasma was observed with an ionosonde as a sporadic E-like ionogram trace that lasted for 30 min. Infrasound emissions were detected at two sites, having propagation times consistent with a source location at an altitude of 80–90 km. Two VHF specular meteor radars observed a 6 minute long non-specular range spread trail echo as well as a faint head echo. Combined interferometric range-Doppler analysis of the meteor trail echoes at the two radars, allowed estimation of the mesospheric horizontal wind altitude profile, as well as tracking of the gradual deformation of the trail over time due to a prevailing neutral wind shear. This combined analysis indicates that the radar measurements of long-lived non-specular range-spread meteor trails produced by larger meteoroids can be used to measure the meteor radiant by observing the line traveled by the meteor. Furthermore, a multistatic meteor radar observation of these types of events can be used to estimate mesospheric neutral wind altitude profiles.
“Working with little:” Access to market infrastructure and its effect on food handling and food safety among vegetable traders in an African city
Authors: Kushitor Sandra Boatemaa , Badu Mercy , Kushitor Mawuli Komla , Currie Paul
Published: November 2022

Despite the crucial role played by informal markets in food distribution globally, the sector is ignored and marginalized. This study examined vegetable traders, the trading infrastructure available to them in the market, and how they conduct their businesses to explain the high food safety challenges in the sector. This paper is based on a survey, a learning journey, and transformation labs with market traders in Kumasi, Ghana. The study revealed that most traders were self-employed women with low education who worked for long hours. Access to electricity, water, refrigerators, and storage facilities was limited in the market. Vegetable spoilage was the highest cost associated with their trade. Due to the high spoilage rate, the traders sold the best vegetables at high prices and sold the bruised and rotten vegetables to local eateries and animal farms. The women made no losses through these strategies but used unsafe food handling practices and highly-priced wholesome vegetables. Their actions can reduce urban food security, especially in low-income households. Access to market infrastructure was influenced by availability, power and cost. Vegetable trading was the predominant livelihood of the traders. To improve the efficiency of the sector, efforts can be made toward the provision of services at the markets, and advocacy of the traders about food security implications of their actions by the municipal assemblies and market leaders.
Genetic diversity and haplotype analysis of yak and sheep echinococcal cysts isolates from the mitochondrial cox1 gene in parts of Tibet, China
Authors: Fan Shijie , Zhao Xialing , Danqulamu  , Shi Bin , Tang Wenqiang , Dong Hailong , Xia Chenyang
Published: November 2022

Echinococcosis, also known as hydatid disease, is caused by the metacestode stage of the species cluster Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (E. granulosus s.l.). It is almost widespread worldwide, especially in countries and regions dominated by animal husbandry. It is a major parasitic disease that seriously endangers human health, public health safety, environmental safety, and the development of animal husbandry production in western China. In this study, the mitochondrial cox1 gene was used to analyze the genetic diversity and haplotype of bovine and sheep echinococcal cysts isolated in Tibet. Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (E. granulosus s.s., G1, G3) was still the dominant species in the infected samples of yak and sheep in some parts of Tibet. Through haplotype analysis, Hap_1 was deemed the dominant haplotype, 14 of the 20 haplotypes were similar to the reference sequence previously published in Genbank, and the rest of the 6 haplotypes were found for the first time. Through Tajima's D value, neutral test Fu's Fs analysis, and haplotype network map, it can be concluded that Echinococcus population expansion has occurred in Xigaze, Tibet. This study provides basic data for understanding the genetic characteristics, epidemiology, and control of echinococcosis in this area.
Branch and Price Algorithm for Multi-Trip Vehicle Routing with a Variable Number of Wagons and Time Windows
Authors: Karimi Leila , Nawrin Ferdous Chowdhury
Published: November 2022

Motivated by the transportation needs of modern-day retailers, we consider a variant of the vehicle routing problem with time windows in which each truck has a variable capacity. In our model, each vehicle can bring one or more wagons. The clients are visited within specified time windows, and the vehicles can also make multiple trips. We give a mathematical programming formulation for the problem, and a branch and price algorithm is developed to solve the model. In each iteration of branch and price, column generation is used. Different subproblems are created based on the different capacities to find the best column. We use CPLEX to solve the problem computationally and extend Solomon’s instances to evaluate our approach. To our knowledge, ours is the first such study in this field.
Public–Private Partnership as a Form of Ensuring Sustainable Development of the Forest Management Sphere
Authors: Mishenina Halyna , Dvorak Jaroslav
Published: November 2022

This article examines the application of one of the forms of modern public management—public–private partnership (PPP)—in the forestry sector. This contributes to the search for new forms and methods that uphold the principles of sustainable development, decentralization, liberalization and capitalization of natural resources. The purpose of this study is to determine the characteristic features and advantages of PPP as a special partnership between the state and business-entrepreneurial structures, as well as to analyze the prospects and justify the feasibility of using PPP tools to ensure effective forestry. The research methodology was based on the critical analysis of the scholarly literature. Strategic documents, political reports and programs relevant to the forestry sector were also examined. In summary, it can be said that PPP models are a significant addition to other types of cooperation, such as more formal, top-down initiatives. PPP forestry projects can enable the accomplishment of otherwise impossible tasks.
Assessment of Four-Seasonal Quality and Yield of Cut Flower Roses Grafted onto Rosa Rootstocks
Authors: Kwon O-Hyeon , Choi Hyo-Gil , Kim Se-Jin , Kim Won-Hee
Published: November 2022

Cut roses are ornamental crops that are produced year-round, and the quality and yield of these cut flowers vary depending on the temperature and light intensity of the four seasons. Grafting improves productivity by increasing adaptability to negative environments, such as high temperature and low light intensity. The effectiveness of grafting depends on the type of the scion and rootstock. In order to confirm the effectiveness of stenting on roses, two varieties of cut roses (Rosa hybrida cv. Pink Beauty and Pink Shine) were grafted onto three rootstocks (R. multiflora Natal Briar, R. indica Major, and Rosa multiflora Hort. No. 1), which are widely used in cut rose, and the quality and yield of the cut flowers were investigated year-round according to the four seasons; then, principal component analysis (PCA) was performed. The Rosa hybrida cv. Pink Beauty (PB) used as the scion showed high yield and excellent growth in autumn when the light intensity was high and the temperature was low. The PB grafted onto the R. multiflora Natal Briar (NA) rootstock showed improved growth in spring, autumn and winter, excluding summer, and had the effect of lengthening the stem. The growth of PB grafted onto R. indica Major (RI) rootstock was also improved in spring, autumn, and winter, except summer, and in particular, the stem was lengthened and thickened. The rosa hybrida cv. Pink Shine (PS) was a variety whose yield of cut flowers increased in summer when the temperature was high. The PS grafted onto the three rootstocks gave a higher yield of cut flowers than the PS scion. The graft of PS/Natal Briar gave longer stems than the PS scion, and the graft of PS/Major gave thicker stems than the PS scion. PS grafted onto the Rosa multiflora Hort. No. 1 (N1) rootstock gave more petals than the PS scion. As such, cut roses grafted onto the Rosa canina cv. Natal brier (NA) improved the stem length, increasing the adaptability to relatively high temperatures, and the Rosa indica cv. Major (RI) improved the stem length and stem diameter, enhancing the adaptability to relatively low temperatures.
China and Countries along the “Belt and Road”: Agricultural Trade Volatility Decomposition and Food Security
Authors: Zhou Lunzheng , Tong Guangji , Qi Jiaguo , He Lu
Published: November 2022

Agricultural products are essential for human survival, and strengthening agricultural trade cooperation between China and countries along the “Belt and Road” (B&R) can promote food security, but there are few studies on bilateral trade fluctuation factors in the literature. This paper uses the modified multi-country multi-product CMS (constant market share) model and the two-country multi-product CMS model to decompose the fluctuation of agricultural trade between China and B&R countries by stage, region, and agricultural product type. The results show that in recent years, in the fluctuation of China’s exports to B&R countries, in overall agricultural products, the demand effect plays a major hindering role, accounting for −9.2%; in the region, Southeast Asia has the largest share of trade, which is mainly pulled by the joint demand effect, structural effect and competitiveness effect; in specific agricultural products, animal, fruit and vegetable, and food processing products are mainly pulled by competitiveness. In the fluctuation of B&R countries’ export to China, in overall agricultural products, the demand effect pulls the largest share, accounting for 72.55%; in the region, Southeast Asia is mainly driven by the joint pull of demand effect, structural effect. and competitiveness effect; in specific agricultural products, animal, fruit and vegetable, and food processing products are mainly driven by the pull of demand effect. The findings of this paper can provide a basis for making decisions on food security cooperation between China and B&R countries.
Calibration and Test of Contact Parameters between Chopped Cotton Stalks Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Zhang Bingcheng , Chen Xuegeng , Liang Rongqing , Wang Xinzhong , Meng Hewei , Kan Za
Published: November 2022

The accuracy of the material parameter settings directly affects the reliability of the results of the discrete element method simulation. It is necessary to calibrate the relevant parameters to obtain accurate discrete element simulation results when separating the cotton stalk particles from the residual film after crushing. The repose angle of the chopped cotton stalk particles was used as the response value to calibrate the contact parameters between particles. Physical tests measured the intrinsic particle and contact parameters between the cotton stalk particles and the contact material, which provided data for the simulation tests. According to the biological structure characteristics of cotton stalk, the discrete element method model of cotton stalk particles was constructed by bonding the elements of nonequal-diameter basic particles. Based on the response surface methodology, the stacking test of particles was simulated. The response model between the contact parameters and repose angle was established, and the effect law of the single-factor terms and interaction terms on the repose angle was analyzed. The optimal combination of contact parameters was obtained through the single-objective and multi-variable optimization methods. Finally, the contact parameter combination was verified by a simulation test of the repose angle. The results showed that the average relative error of the repose angle between the simulation test and the physical test was 1.04%, which verified the accuracy of the calibrated contact parameters and the reliability of the simulation test. These parameters provide a basis for the discrete element simulation study of cotton stalk motion in the separation process of cotton stalks and residual film and the subsequent gas–solid coupling simulation research.
Comprehensive Evaluation of Paddy Quality by Different Drying Methods, Based on Gray Relational Analysis
Authors: Zhang Na , Wu Wenfu , Li Shuyao , Wang Yujia , Ma Yunzhao , Meng Xianmei , Zhang Yaqiu
Published: November 2022

If paddy is not dried in time after harvesting, it very easily becomes moldy, which causes substantial losses. Inappropriate drying methods also affect the quality and safety of paddy when it enters the drying process. In order to select the optimal drying method, paddy with different moisture content was treated with sun drying, mechanical drying, and late harvesting, and the quality indexes of paddy were tested for safe moisture content. The effects of different drying methods on the quality of paddy were analyzed in terms of burst rate, taste value, appearance quality, and pasting characteristics. A paddy quality index system was constructed, and gray relational analysis (GRA) was used to evaluate comprehensively the paddy quality. The results showed that when the moisture content of paddy was 24.4%, the best quality of paddy was obtained after mechanical drying, when the gray relational degree was 0.996. Timely harvesting and mechanical drying can not only reduce the loss of paddy, but can also ensure the quality and safety of paddy.
A Single Nucleotide Polymorphism in the WIF1 Promoter Region Regulates the Wool Length in Rabbits
Authors: Cai Jiawei , Zhao Bohao , Li Jiali , Bao Zhiyuan , Chen Yang , Liu Yan , Wu Xinsheng
Published: November 2022

Wool length is an important trait in the rabbit wool industry. Wnt inhibitory factor 1 (WIF1), a key gene, regulates hair follicle growth and development. This study explores the WIF1 gene relationship with wool production traits in three different rabbit breeds, Rex rabbit, New Zealand rabbit, and Angora rabbit. The rabbit WIF1 gene sequence was obtained from GenBank, and PCR and Sanger sequencing were applied to screen SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) from the gene exons and promoter regions. Sequencing results found no SNP in the PCR products of 10 exons from the rabbit WIF1 gene, indicating that the WIF1 gene was not polymorphic. Thus, the gene was conserved in all three rabbit breeds. Only one SNP was found in the WIF1 promoter region, associated with wool-producing traits in rabbits. Luciferase activity assays showed that the AA genotype had higher transcriptional activities than the AG or GG genotype (p < 0.01). In addition, WIF1 was significantly upregulated in the Rex rabbit compared to the New Zealand rabbit and Angora rabbit (p < 0.01). In summary, a key SNP in the WIF1 promoter region was found to be associated with rabbit fiber length trait.
Aquaponics Production of Wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum L.) in Different Horticultural Substrates with African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) in Northern Germany
Authors: Xu Lu , Ziethen Christopher J. , Appelbaum Samuel , Palm Harry W. , Knaus Ulrich
Published: November 2022

In the present study, wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum L.) was chosen since fish effluents could be adequate to support its optimal growth. Wheatgrass was irrigated by water from African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) production under two stocking densities, namely extensive aquaculture unit (EAU) and intensive aquaculture unit (IAU), and tap water mixed with fertilizer (Control) in combination with three horticultural substrates: 100% coconut fibers (C), 70% coconut fibers + 30% perlite (CP), and 50% perlite + 50% vermiculite (PV) in an ebb-and-flow system. Different plant growth parameters, including nutrient contents, were evaluated and discussed. The results showed that regarding irrigation water, shoot dry mass was significantly higher in fish water groups. The root–shoot ratio was significantly higher in Control. The highest SPAD index was discovered in IAU. Regarding substrates, the root–shoot ratio was significantly low in C. Vitamin and mineral production reached mainly the highest concentrations in the combination of fish water with different substrates. In conclusion, irrigation water from IAU and coconut fibers were sufficient for optimal wheatgrass growth; meanwhile, IAU effluents showed a positive influence on vitamin production. Our study demonstrates the potential of aquaponics as a more sustainable way of producing superfoods.
Effect of Biochar on the Growth, Photosynthesis, Antioxidant System and Cadmium Content of Mentha piperita ‘Chocolate’ and Mentha spicata in Cadmium-Contaminated Soil
Authors: Jiang Wantong , Xu Lingxin , Liu Yule , Su Wenxin , Yan Junxin , Xu Dawei
Published: November 2022

Cadmium (Cd) is a common heavy metal contaminant which seriously affects plant growth and environmental safety. Biochar, as an organic soil amendment, has been shown to effectively mitigate Cd damage to plants. To study the effectiveness of biochar on mitigating Cd stress, Mentha piperita ‘chocolate’ and Mentha spicata were used in a pot experiment of Cd stress with a CdCl2 solution (10 mg Kg−1), while a biochar suspension (0, 40, 80, and 160 g Kg−1) was applied to the soil. The effects of Cd on the growth, physiological and biochemical properties, and Cd content in plant tissues of both mint species were found to be significant. The application of 40 g Kg−1, 80 g Kg−1, 160 g Kg−1 biochar significantly alleviated Cd damage to both mint species, increased plant height, leaf length, leaf width, biomass, photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, and chlorophyll content, and decreased antioxidant enzyme activities (including superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, and polyphenol oxidase) and non-enzymatic antioxidant content (including flavonoids and total phenols). Biochar effectively reduced the Cd uptake by plants and decreased the migration and transformation capacity of Cd in the soil–plant system. In addition, the available nitrogen (available N), available phosphorus (available P), available potassium (available K), and pH in the soil increased after biochar application compared to non-biochar amended soil. The addition of 160 g Kg−1 biochar was shown to have the best performance of the application rates in this experiment and may be considered as an effective way to reduce the damage caused by Cd contamination to M. piperita ‘chocolate’ and M. spicata.
Weeds in Cereal Crop Rotations May Host Fusarium Species That Cause Fusarium Head Blight and Grain Weight Losses in Wheat
Authors: Matelionienė Neringa , Supronienė Skaidrė , Shamshitov Arman , Zavtrikovienė Evelina , Janavičienė Sigita , Kadžienė Gražina
Published: November 2022

Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) is one of the most common worldwide wheat and other small grain diseases. The infection is caused by Fusarium graminearum and other related species, which significantly reduce grain yield and contaminate grains with mycotoxins which are harmful for humans and animals. Fusarium pathogen survives the winter well in plant debris left on the field. Weeds around and within crops are alternative hosts of Fusarium fungi when an economically important host plant is not present. This article focuses on the determination of DNA content of Fusarium species (F. graminearum and F. avenaceum) in artificially inoculated wheat plants with isolates from weeds, as well as its influence on the severity of FHB and spring wheat 1000-grain weight under field conditions. Fungal DNA content in grains was evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR. The results showed that the DNA concentration of F. graminearum was significantly higher in the grain than F. avenaceum. The severity of FHB when wheat heads were inoculated with F. graminearum was significantly higher than with F. avenaceum. All F. graminearum strains statistically significantly reduced the weight of spring wheat grains, while F. avenaceum did not affect the weight of 1000 grain. This investigation has shown that weeds in crop rotations are a potential source of FHB infection. However, the severity of the disease is more affected by the Fusarium species than the host plant. This experiment is, to our knowledge, the first report on the estimation of Fusarium DNA content in artificially inoculated wheat plants with isolates from weeds, as well as its comparison with pathogenicity to wheat and its effect on 1000-grain weight.
Physiological Responses of Chickpea Genotypes to Cold and Heat Stress in Flowering Stage
Authors: Zeitelhofer Mareen , Zhou Rong , Ottosen Carl-Otto
Published: November 2022

Due to climate change, more temperature extremes are expected in the future, potentially endangering agricultural production. Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is an important cool-season food legume grown worldwide; however, cold and heat episodes are major threats in chickpea production that cause considerable yield losses especially at the flowering stage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physiological performance of contrasting chickpea genotypes during the flowering phase under cold and heat. Four chickpea genotypes (Desi, Eldorado, Acc#2 and Acc#7) with different temperature susceptibilities were treated for 3 days under cold (9/4 °C) and heat (38/33 °C). The results showed that cold stress reduced the maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) by 5%, net photosynthetic rate (PN) by 74%, and chlorophyll a+b content by 31% on average in all tested genotypes. Up to a 9-fold increase in the amount of starch was found in the leaves of plants under cold stress, indicating that carbohydrates strongly accumulated in chickpeas under cold stress. This helps to maintain the vegetative and generative organs and enable fast recovery. Under heat stress, chickpeas maintained Fv/Fm and PN, although chlorophyll a+b content decreased by 39% on average. Carbohydrates did not accumulate under heat in chickpeas; thereby, a reduction in biomass and reproductive organs took place. Genetic variation in response to cold and heat stress was detected among the tested flowering chickpea genotypes. Desi and Acc#2 were cold-sensitive candidates, and Eldorado was a cold-tolerant candidate, whereas Acc#7 and Acc#2 were heat-sensitive candidates, while Desi and Eldorado were heat-tolerant candidates. This study provides important knowledge on the physiological response of flowering chickpeas under cold and heat stress. This will benefit the identification of stress-tolerant chickpea genotypes to ensure high yields in the future climate.
Molecular-Level Insights into Phosphorus Transformation Mechanisms in Entisol Soils under Multiple Long-Term Fertilization Regimes
Authors: Liu Jin , Han Chaoqun , Zhao Yuhang , Yang Dongling , Yang Jianjun , Zheng Lei , Hu Yongfeng , Li Jumei , Sui Peng , Chen Yuanquan , Shi Xiaojun , Ma Yibing
Published: November 2022

Improving phosphorus (P) fertilization strategies benefits mitigating future global P shortage and reducing legacy P loss risk in agricultural lands. In this study, the molecular transformation mechanisms of P in Entisol soils under multiple long-term fertilization regimes including PK; NK; NPK; NPK with pig manure (NPKM); and NPK with rice straw return (NPKS) were investigated by sequential fractionation (SF), synchrotron-based P K-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure (P-XANES) and solution 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (P-NMR) spectroscopy. Compared with conventional NPK fertilization, a higher accumulation of total P occurred in soils under the PK, NPKM and NPKS treatments. By SF, there were relatively higher contents of NaHCO3-extracted inorganic P (Pi) fractions for the soils under PK (52.5 mg/kg) and NPKM (35.5 mg/kg) fertilization relative to the NPK (23.3 mg/kg) treatment. Consistently, P-XANES analysis revealed that there was a higher proportion of brushite, as a bioavailable P form, in soil under the PK and NPKM treatments compared with the NPK treatment, indicating higher P availability in the Entisol soils under PK and NPKM fertilizations. By P-NMR, long-term PK fertilization resulted in relatively a higher ratio of orthophosphate diesters to orthophosphate monoesters after correction compared with the NPK fertilization, which strongly suggested that N deficiency enhanced the biodegradability of soil organic P (Po) pools, thus providing new molecular-level insights into soil Po transformation. Collectively, these results, obtained from a long-term experimental study, facilitates the comprehensive understanding of P availability and transformation mechanisms in Entisol soils under multiple fertilization regimes, and thus benefits the improvement of fertilization strategies in agricultural soils.
Impact of Nutrients and Trace Elements in Soil on Plant Growth: Case of the Second-Generation Energy Crops
Authors: Pidlisnyuk Valentina , Zgorelec Željka
Published: November 2022

This editorial belongs to the Special Issue “Impact of Nutrients and Trace Elements in Soil on Plant Growth: Case of the Second-Generation Energy Crops” [...]
Socially Induced Infertility in Naked and Damaraland Mole-Rats: A Tale of Two Mechanisms of Social Suppression
Authors: Bennett Nigel C. , Faulkes Christopher G. , Voigt Cornelia
Published: November 2022

The naked mole-rat (Heterocephalus glaber) and the Damaraland mole-rat (Fukomys damarensis) possess extreme reproductive skew with a single reproductive female responsible for reproduction. In this review, we synthesize advances made into African mole-rat reproductive patterns and physiology within the context of the social control of reproduction. Non-reproductive female colony members have low concentrations of luteinising hormone (LH) and a reduced response of the pituitary to a challenge with gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH). If the reproductive female is removed from the colony, an increase in the basal plasma LH and increased pituitary response to a GnRH challenge arises in the non-reproductive females, suggesting the reproductive female controls reproduction. Non-reproductive male Damaraland mole-rats have basal LH concentrations and elevated LH concentrations in response to a GnRH challenge comparable to the breeding male, but in non-breeding male naked mole-rats, the basal LH concentrations are low and there is a muted response to a GnRH challenge. This renders these two species ideal models to investigate physiological, behavioural and neuroendocrine mechanisms regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. The recently discovered neuropeptides kisspeptin and RFamide-related peptide-3 are likely candidates to play an important role in the regulation of reproductive functions in the two mole-rat species.
Diversity and Relative Abundance of Ungulates and Other Medium and Large Mammals in Flooded Forests in the Dahomey Gap (Togo)
Authors: Segniagbeto Gabriel Hoinsoudé , Akpamou Kokouvi Gbétey , Konko Yawo , Gaglo John Kokou Toviho , Ketoh Guillaume Koffivi , Dendi Daniele , Fa Julia Elizabeth , Luiselli Luca
Published: November 2022

“The Dahomey Gap” is a human-derived mostly savannah region that separates the Guineo-Congolian rainforest block into two major units: the Upper Guinean and the Lower Guinean Forest blocks. Several forest patches are distributed throughout this savannah-dominated habitat. The mammal communities in the Dahomey Gap region have been poorly studied. In this paper we analyse the species richness and abundance of, as well as conservation implications for, medium and large mammals (especially ungulates) inhabiting a complex of flooded forests near the Mono river in south-eastern Togo. We use several field methods to describe the species richness of mammals in this area, including camera-trapping, recce transects, Kilometric Index of Abundance (KIA) estimates, examination of hunters’ catches and face-to-face hunter interviews. Overall, we directly recorded 19 species that coexist in these forests. Based on interviews, nine other species were confirmed as present in the study area. Only five species were common: Cephalophus rufilatus, Tragelaphus scriptus, Chlorocebus aethiops, Atilax paludinosus and Herpestes ichneumon. The area still contains various threatened species such as Tragelaphus spekii and Hippopotamus amphibius. We stress that to ensure the protection of the Dahomey Gap mammals, it is important to seriously consider protecting not only the forest patches but also the surroundings, mainly savannah landscapes.
Adipose Fin as a Natural “Optical Window” for Implantation of Fluorescent Sensors into Salmonid Fish
Authors: Rzhechitskiy Yaroslav , Gurkov Anton , Bolbat Nadezhda , Shchapova Ekaterina , Nazarova Anna , Timofeyev Maxim , Borvinskaya Ekaterina
Published: November 2022

Implantable optical sensors are emerging tools that have the potential to enable constant real-time monitoring of various internal physiological parameters. Such a possibility will open new horizons for health control not only in medicine, but also in animal husbandry, including aquaculture. In this study, we analyze different organs of commonly farmed rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) as implantation sites for fluorescent sensors and propose the adipose fin, lacking an endoskeleton, as the optimal choice. The fin is highly translucent due to significantly thinner dermis, which makes the detectable fluorescence of an implanted sensor operating at the visible light range by more than an order of magnitude higher relative to the skin. Compared to the proximal parts of ray fins, the adipose fin provides easy implantation and visualization of the sensor. Finally, we tested fluorescent pH sensors inside the adipose fin and demonstrated the possibility of acquiring their signal with a simple hand-held device and without fish anesthesia. All these features will most likely make the adipose fin the main “window” into the internal physiological processes of salmonid fish with the help of implantable optical sensors.
Home Range and Habitat Use of the Swan Goose (Anser cygnoides L. 1758) during Wintering in the Seocheon Tidal Flat, South Korea, Using GPS-Based Telemetry
Authors: Joo Sungbae , Choi Yu-Seong , Lee Sang-Yeon
Published: November 2022

The Seocheon Tidal Flat is an important staging and wintering site for the Far East Russian population of Swan Goose (Anser cygnoides) in the East Asian–Australasian Flyway. However, rapid environmental changes for tourism in this area can threaten the survival of this vulnerable population by hindering sufficient rest and wintering; therefore, establishing protection strategies based on Swan Goose behavioral characteristics is necessary. Here, we estimated Swan Goose core home ranges and habitat use based on GPS tracking data collected at the Seocheon Tidal Flat in South Korea from 2017–2018. The home range of Swan Geese was estimated to be an area from Yubu Island in the south to Janggu Bay in the north; however, the core home range and habitat use characteristics differed significantly between daytime and nighttime (Day: 59.9 km2, Night: 40.3 km2, on average, 100% MCP). During the day (08:00–18:00), Swan Geese mostly spent time resting or feeding on tidal flats, especially those around tidal channels or paddy fields near Janggu Bay, whereas they mostly rested on sand dunes near Yubu Island along with the mudflats at Janggu Bay at night. Our results provide practical information on the habitat use of wintering Swan Geese population over time and indicate that Yubu Island is an important resting place. Hence, these results can contribute to evaluating threats to Swan Geese and establishing management and protection strategies for the Seocheon Tidal Flat, a major wintering site for the Far East Russian population of Swan Geese.
WHO Point Prevalence Survey to Describe the Use of Antimicrobials at a Tertiary Care Center in Pakistan: A Situation Analysis for Establishing an Antimicrobial Stewardship Program
Authors: Shaikh Quratulain , Sarfaraz Samreen , Rahim Anum , Hussain Aneela , Behram Shameem , Kazi Aamir Sikander , Hussain Mujahid , Salahuddin Naseem
Published: November 2022

Antimicrobial stewardship is a systematic approach for promoting and monitoring responsible antimicrobial use globally. We conducted a prospective point prevalence survey of antimicrobial utilization among hospitalized adult patients during September 2021. The survey instrument was adapted from the WHO methodology for point prevalence surveys, and it was conducted at The Indus Hospital and Health Network, Karachi. Among the 300 admitted patients, 55% were males and the mean age was 44 (±18) years. At least 67% of the patients received one antimicrobial agent and the most common indication was surgical prophylaxis (40%). The most frequently used were antibacterial agents (97%) among all antimicrobials. Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid and Ceftriaxone were the most frequently used antibacterial agents, i.e., 14% each. At least 56% of the antibacterial agents were amenable to antimicrobial stewardship when reviewed by infectious disease (ID) experts. Reasons for stewardship were: antibacterial not indicated (n = 39, 17.0%), unjustified prolonged duration of antibacterial (n = 32, 13.9%), extended surgical prophylaxis (n = 60, 26.2%), non-compliance to surgical prophylaxis guidelines (n = 30, 13.1%), and antibacterial not needed on discharge (n = 27, 11.7%). Median days of therapy (DOT) per agent was 3 days (IQR 2–4), while median DOT per patient was 2 days (IQR 1–4). These data have described the pattern of antimicrobial utilization in our institute. We found a higher prevalence of antimicrobial use overall as compared to the global figures, but similar to other low- and middle-income countries. Two important areas identified were the use of antimicrobials on discharge and extended surgical prophylaxis. As a result of these data, our institutional guidelines were updated, and surgical teams were educated. A post-intervention survey will help us to further determine the impact. We strongly recommend PPS at all major tertiary care hospitals in Pakistan for estimating antimicrobial utilization and identifying areas for stewardship interventions.
Antifungal Activity of Avocado Seed Recombinant GASA/Snakin PaSn
Authors: Hernández-Martínez Marco Antonio , Suárez-Rodríguez Luis María , López-Meza Joel Edmundo , Ochoa-Zarzosa Alejandra , Salgado-Garciglia Rafael , Fernández-Pavia Silvia Patricia , López-Gómez Rodolfo
Published: November 2022

The avocado fruit (Persea americana) has become a significant fruit in the human diet for its nutritional properties. However, the seed is a source of bioactive molecules and has been poorly utilized. Previously, we reported that the PaSn gene is expressed in the avocado seeds, a cysteine-rich antimicrobial peptide (GASA/Snakin), and demonstrated its antibacterial activity. In this work, we report the recombinant production of PaSn in the Escherichia coli system and evaluate its antifungal activity against plant and human pathogen fungi. The recombinant peptide showed antifungal activity at 200 μg/mL against phytopathogens Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Fusarium oxysporum and human pathogens Candida albicans and C. glabrata. Our results demonstrate the usefulness of a prokaryotic expression system for avocado antimicrobial peptide production. In conclusion, the snakin PaSn could be helpful in the control of postharvest avocado and other fruits’ fungal diseases and human fungal pathogens.
Involvement of Mitochondrial Dysfunction in the Inflammatory Response in Human Mesothelial Cells from Peritoneal Dialysis Effluent
Authors: Ramil-Gómez Olalla , López-Pardo Mirian , Fernández-Rodríguez Jennifer Adriana , Rodríguez-Carmona Ana , Pérez-López Teresa , Vaamonde-García Carlos , Pérez-Fontán Miguel , López-Armada María José
Published: November 2022

Recent studies have related mitochondrial impairment with peritoneal membrane damage during peritoneal dialysis (PD) therapy. Here, we assessed the involvement of mitochondrial dysfunction in the inflammatory response in human mesothelial cells, a hallmark in the pathogenesis of PD-related peritoneal membrane damage. Our ex vivo studies showed that IL-1β causes a drop in the mitochondrial membrane potential in cells from peritoneal effluent. Moreover, when mitochondrial damage was induced by inhibitors of mitochondrial function, a low-grade inflammatory response was generated. Interestingly, mitochondrial damage sensitized mesothelial cells, causing a significant increase in the inflammatory response induced by cytokines, in which ROS generation and NF-κB activation appear to be involved, since inflammation was counteracted by both mitoTEMPO (mitochondrial ROS scavenger) and BAY-117085 (NF-κB inhibitor). Furthermore, the natural anti-inflammatory antioxidant resveratrol significantly attenuated the inflammatory response, by reversing the decline in mitochondrial membrane potential and decreasing the expression of IL-8, COX-2 and PGE2 caused by IL-1β. These findings suggest that IL-1β regulates mitochondrial function in mesothelial cells and that mitochondrial dysfunction could induce an inflammatory scenario that sensitizes these cells, causing significant amplification of the inflammatory response induced by cytokines. Resveratrol may represent a promising strategy in controlling the mesothelial inflammatory response to PD.