bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uremic Toxins: An Alarming Danger Concerning the Cardiovascular System
Authors: Falconi Carlos Alexandre , Junho Carolina Victoria da Cruz , Fogaça-Ruiz Fernanda , Vernier Imara Caridad Stable , da Cunha Regiane Stafim , Stinghen Andréa Emilia Marques , Carneiro-Ramos Marcela Sorelli
Published: May 2021

The kidneys and heart share functions with the common goal of maintaining homeostasis. When kidney injury occurs, many compounds, the so-called “uremic retention solutes” or “uremic toxins,” accumulate in the circulation targeting other tissues. The accumulation of uremic toxins such as p-cresyl sulfate, indoxyl sulfate and inorganic phosphate leads to a loss of a substantial number of body functions. Although the concept of uremic toxins is dated to the 1960s, the molecular mechanisms capable of leading to renal and cardiovascular injuries are not yet known. Besides, the greatest toxic effects appear to be induced by compounds that are difficult to remove by dialysis. Considering the close relationship between renal and cardiovascular functions, an understanding of the mechanisms involved in the production, clearance and overall impact of uremic toxins is extremely relevant for the understanding of pathologies of the cardiovascular system. Thus, the present study has as main focus to present an extensive review on the impact of uremic toxins in the cardiovascular system, bringing the state of the art on the subject as well as clinical implications related to patient’s therapy affected by chronic kidney disease, which represents high mortality of patients with cardiac comorbidities.
PIP2, An Auxin Induced Plant Peptide Hormone Regulates Root and Hypocotyl Elongation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Hussain Saddam , Wang Wei , Ahmed Sajjad , Wang Xutong , Adnan  , Cheng Yuxin , Wang Chen , Wang Yating , Zhang Na , Tian Hainan , Chen Siyu , Hu Xiaojun , Wang Tianya , Wang Shucai
Published: May 2021

Auxin is one of the traditional plant hormones, whereas peptide hormones are peptides with hormone activities. Both auxin and plant peptide hormones regulate multiple aspects of plant growth and development, and there are cross-talks between auxin and plant peptide hormones. PAMP-INDUCED SECRETED PEPTIDES (PIPs) and PIP-LIKEs (PIPLs) are a new family of plant peptide hormone, and PIPL3/TARGET OF LBD SIXTEEN 2 (TOLS2) has been shown to regulate lateral root formation in Arabidopsis. We report here the identification of PIP2 as an auxin response gene, and we found it plays a role in regulating root and hypocotyl development in Arabidopsis. By using quantitative RT-PCR, we found that the expression of PIP2 but not PIP1 and PIP3 was induced by auxin, and auxin induced expression of PIP2 was reduced in nph4-1 and arf19-4, the lost-of-function mutants of Auxin Response Factor 7 (ARF7) and ARF19, respectively. By generating and characterizing overexpressing transgenic lines and gene edited mutants for PIP2, we found that root length in the PIP2 overexpression plant seedlings was slightly shorter when compared with that in the Col wild type plants, but root length of the pip2 mutant seedlings remained largely unchanged. For comparison, we also generated overexpressing transgenic lines and gene edited mutants for PIP3, as well as pip2 pip3 double mutants. Surprisingly, we found that root length in the PIP3 overexpression plant seedlings is shorter than that of the PIP2 overexpression plant seedlings, and the pip3 mutant seedlings also produced short roots. However, root length in the pip2 pip3 double mutant seedlings is largely similar to that in the pip3 single mutant seedlings. On the other hand, hypocotyl elongation assays indicate that only the 35S:PIP2 transgenic plant seedlings produced longer hypocotyls when compared with the Col wild type seedlings. Further analysis indicates that PIP2 promotes cell division as well as cell elongation in hypocotyls. Taken together, our results suggest that PIP2 is an auxin response gene, and PIP2 plays a role in regulating root and hypocotyl elongation in Arabidopsis likely via regulating cell division and cell elongation.
From Physical Activity Intention to Behavior: The Moderation Role of Mental Toughness Among College Students and Wage Earners
Authors: Cao Zhenfeng , Yang Yongtao , Ding Weiwei , Huang Zhijian
Published: May 2021

This study explored the correlation between mental toughness (MT) and physical activity (PA), and the moderation role between PA intention and subsequent behavior among college students and wage earners. Five hundred ninety-one college students (251 male, 340 female) aged from 19 to 24 and 285 (157 male, 127 female) wage earners aged from 27 to 58 recruited from seven colleges and five cities in China. A Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) questionnaire, MT Inventory, and the International PA Questionnaire was completed online. Results showed that attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control explained 46.5 and 38.3% variance in PA intention among college students and wage earners separately. Intention predicted PA behavior significantly among college students and wage earners. Structural equation modeling indicated that the TPB model and the moderation model have an adequate to good fit except the TPB model among wage earners. MT was positively correlated with PA among college students and wage earners and had a significant moderation role in intention-behavior gap among college students and partially affected the transfer of PA intention to behavior among college students. Individuals with high MT had high levels of PA regardless of intention, while PA of those with low MT was low and unstable. Future research should further explore the correlation between intention and PA and the moderation role of MT in different populations using a longitudinal study in order to better understand the correlation between intention and PA, and the transition from intention to PA and better guidance PA intervention to promote PA.
Collaborative Settings Increase Dishonesty
Authors: Du Youhong , Ma Weina , Sun Qingzhou , Sai Liyang
Published: May 2021

The present study examines whether collaborative situations make individuals more dishonest in face-to-face settings. It also considers how this dishonesty unfolds over time. To address these questions, we employed a sequential dyadic die-rolling task in which two participants in a pair sitting face-to-face received a payoff only if both reported the same outcome when each one rolled their die. In each trial, one participant (role A) rolled a die first and reported the outcome. Then, the second participant (role B) was informed of A’s reported number, rolled a die as well, and reported the outcome. If their reported outcomes were identical, both of them received a reward. We also included an individual condition in which an individual subject rolled a die twice and received a reward if he/she reported the same die-roll outcome. We found that B lied significantly more than participants in the individual condition, whereas A lied as much as participants in the individual condition. Furthermore, when collaborating, more and more participants (both A and B) became dishonest as the game progressed, whereas there was no such trend among participants in the individual condition. These findings provide evidence indicating that collaborative settings increase dishonesty and that this effect becomes more evident as the collaboration progress.
Exploring Strategies to Optimise the Impact of Food-Specific Inhibition Training on Children’s Food Choices
Authors: Porter Lucy , Gillison Fiona B. , Wright Kim A. , Verbruggen Frederick , Lawrence Natalia S.
Published: May 2021

Food-specific inhibition training (FSIT) is a computerised task requiring response inhibition to energy-dense foods within a reaction-time game. Previous work indicates that FSIT can increase the number of healthy foods (relative to energy-dense foods) children choose, and decrease calories consumed from sweets and chocolate. Across two studies, we explored the impact of FSIT variations (e.g., different response signals, different delivery modes) on children’s food choices within a time-limited hypothetical food-choice task. In Study 1, we varied the FSIT Go/No-Go signals to be emotive (happy vs. sad faces) or neutral (green vs. red signs). One-hundred-and-fifty-seven children were randomly allocated to emotive-FSIT, neutral-FSIT, or a non-food control task. Children participated in groups of 4–15. No significant FSIT effects were observed on food choices (all values ofp> 0.160). Healthy-food choices decreased over time regardless of condition (p< 0.050). The non-significant effects could be explained by lower accuracy on energy-dense No-Go trials than in previous studies, possibly due to distraction in the group-testing environment. In Study 2, we compared computer-based FSIT (using emotive signals) and app-based FSIT (using neutral signals) against a non-food control with a different sample of 206 children, but this time children worked one-on-one with the experimenter. Children’s accuracy on energy-dense No-Go trials was higher in this study. Children in the FSIT-computer group chose significantly more healthy foods at post-training (M= 2.78,SE= 0.16) compared to the control group (M= 2.02,SE= 0.16,p= 0.001). The FSIT-app group did not differ from either of the other two groups (M= 2.42,SE= 0.16, both comparisonsp> 0.050). Healthy choices decreased over time in the control group (p= 0.001) but did not change in the two FSIT groups (bothp> 0.300) supporting previous evidence that FSIT may have a beneficial effect on children’s food choices. Ensuring that children perform FSIT with high accuracy (e.g., by using FSIT in quiet environments and avoiding group-testing) may be important for impacts on food choices though. Future research should continue to explore methods of optimising FSIT as a healthy-eating intervention for children.
Health Conditions, Lifestyle Factors and Depression in Adults in Qingdao, China: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Cui Nan , Cui Jing , Xu Xinpeng , Aslam Bilal , Bai Lan , Li Decheng , Wu Di , Ma Zhongren , Sun Jianping , Baloch Zulqarnain
Published: May 2021

Background: Depression is a common mental illness. Previous studies suggested that health conditions and lifestyle factors were associated with depression. However, only few studies have explored the risk factors of depression in a large representative sample of the general population in the world.

Methods: A population-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in the 2006 survey and 2009 survey in Qingdao, China. The participants with insufficient information were excluded: Zung score, body mass index (BMI), diabetes items, physical activity, smoking, or drinking. Finally, a total of 3,300 participants were included in this analysis. The category of depression was used in the Zung self-rating depression scale (ZSDS). The associations between different indicators of health conditions (diabetic status, BMI), lifestyle factors (physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption), and depression were assessed by the logistic regression model.

Results: The mean Zung scores for all participants, male participants, and female participants were 29.73 ± 7.57, 28.89 ± 7.30, 30.30 ± 7.70, respectively. In all participants, those who were pre-diabetes status (OR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.04–2.27), and irregular physical activity (OR: 0.39, 95% CI: 0.17–0.89) had an increased risk of depression. In man, the analysis showed an increased risk of depression those with pre-diabetes (OR: 2.49, 95% CI: 1.25–4.97), previously diagnosed diabetes (OR: 4.44, 95% CI: 1.58, 12.48), and in those irregular activities (OR: 0.07, 95% CI: 0.01–0.61). In women, those who were underweight (OR: 5.66, 95% CI: 1.04–30.71) had a greater risk of depression.

Conclusions: These results suggested that health conditions and lifestyle factors were the potential risk factors for depression. Men with pre-diabetes, previously diagnosed diabetes, and irregular activity had an increased risk for depression; women with underweight status had a higher risk for depression.
Frequency of Participation in a Return-to-Work Program Predicts Successful Work Restoration but Not Maintenance
Authors: Hoaki Yuriko , Terao Takeshi
Published: May 2021

Several predictors for work restoration and maintenance of restoration have been examined among employees with mood and/or anxiety disorders, but whether frequency of participation in a return-to-work (RTW) program can predict successful work restoration and maintenance remains unclear. In the present study, we attempted to investigate the hypothesis that the frequency of RTW program participation can predict successful work restoration and maintenance. Among seventy-seven patients attending an RTW program, the frequency of participation was positively associated with work restoration but not with maintenance. The result was in partial agreement (restoration) and partial disagreement (maintenance of restoration) with our hypothesis. Thus, the present study suggests that the frequency of participation in an RTW program can predict successful work restoration but not maintenance.
Course, Moderators, and Predictors of Acute Coronary Syndrome-Induced Post-traumatic Stress: A Secondary Analysis From the Myocardial Infarction-Stress Prevention Intervention Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: von Känel Roland , Meister-Langraf Rebecca E. , Barth Jürgen , Schnyder Ulrich , Pazhenkottil Aju P. , Ledermann Katharina , Schmid Jean-Paul , Znoj Hansjörg , Herbert Claudia , Princip Mary
Published: May 2021

Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) induce post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in one out of eight patients. Effects of preventive interventions, the course and potential moderators of ACS-induced PTSS are vastly understudied. This study explored whether a preventive behavioral intervention leads to a decrease in myocardial infarction (MI)-induced PTSS between two follow-up assessments. Sociodemographic, clinical and psychological factors were additionally tested as both moderators of change over time in PTSS and predictors of PTSS across two follow-ups. Within 48 h after reaching stable circulatory conditions, 104 patients with MI were randomized to a 45-min one-session intervention of either trauma-focused counseling or stress counseling (active control). Sociodemographic, clinical, and psychological data were collected at baseline, and PTSS were assessed with the Clinician-Administered Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Scale 3 and 12 months post-MI. PTSS severity showed no change over time from 3 to 12 months post-MI, either in all patients or through the intervention [mean group difference for total PTSS = 1.6 (95% CI −1.8, 4.9), re-experiencing symptoms = 0.8 (95% CI −0.7, 2.2), avoidance/numbing symptoms = 0.1 (95% CI −1.6, 1.7) and hyperarousal symptoms = 0.6 (95% CI −0.9, 2.1)]. Patients receiving one preventive session of trauma-focused counseling showed a decrease from 3 to 12 months post-MI in avoidance symptoms with higher age (p= 0.011) and direct associations of clinical burden indices with total PTSS across both follow-ups (p's ≤ 0.043; interaction effects). Regardless of the intervention, decreases in re-experiencing, avoidance and hyperarousal symptoms from 3 to 12 months post-MI occurred, respectively, in men (p= 0.006), participants with low education (p= 0.014) and with more acute stress symptoms (p= 0.021). Peritraumatic distress (p= 0.004) and lifetime depression (p= 0.038) predicted total PTSS across both follow-ups. We conclude that PTSS were persistent in the first year after MI and not prevented by an early one-session intervention. A preventive one-session intervention of trauma-focused counseling may be inappropriate for certain subgroups of patients, although this observation needs confirmation. As predictors of the development and persistence of PTSS, sociodemographic and psychological factors could help to identify high-risk patients yet at hospital admission.
Hyper-Reactivity to Salience Limits Social Interaction Among Infants Born Pre-term and Infant Siblings of Children With ASD
Authors: Zivan Michal , Morag Iris , Yarmolovsky Jessica , Geva Ronny
Published: May 2021

The ability to engage attention with selected stimuli is essential for infants to explore the world and process information relating to their surroundings. There are two main populations with a higher risk to develop attentional and social deficits whose deficits may arise from difficulties in regulating attention to salient cues: (1) siblings of children diagnosed with Autism; and (2) infants who were born pre-term. This study investigated infants' (N= 97) attention-engagement and pupil-dilation (PD) at 9 months of age, using a gaze-contingent paradigm and a structured social interaction. Specifically, we explored attention to stimuli with simple salient features (e.g., clear defined shapes, colors, and motions) vs. more complex non-social cues (amorphous shapes, colors, and motions) and social interaction in typically developing infants (TD,N= 25) and among two groups of infants at-risk to develop social difficulties (pre-terms,N= 56; siblings of children with Autism,N= 16). Findings show that the two risk groups preferred stimuli with simple features (F= 11.306,p< 0.001), accompanied by increased PD (F= 6.6,p< 0.001). Specifically, pre-term infants showed increased PD toward simple vs. complex stimuli (p< 0.001), while siblings showed a pervasive hyper-arousal to both simple and complex stimuli. Infants in the TD group preferred complex stimuli with no change in PD. Finally, the preference for the simple stimulus mediated the relationship between increased risk for social difficulties and decreased engagement duration in face-to-face interaction with the experimenter. Results suggest that activation of the attention-salience network shapes social abilities at infancy. Further, hyper-reactivity to salient stimuli limits social interaction among infants born pre-term and siblings of children with ASD.
Baseline Stroke Literacy of Young Children Based on “FAST 112 Heroes” Program
Authors: Tsakpounidou Kalliopi , Psomiadis Socrates , Pourliaka Tatiana , Akritidou Maria , Proios Hariklia
Published: May 2021

Background: Young children are often unaware of emergency health conditions, such as stroke, and could serve as important vehicles to save the lives of their grandparents, who are more likely to suffer a stroke. An important aspect for the evaluation of public awareness on stroke signs and related emergency procedures is to examine the level of baseline stroke knowledge children have and whether they understand when to seek medical care on time.

Objective: To examine the level of stroke symptomatology knowledge in children as well as evaluate their preparedness in stroke response before their participation in the educational program “FAST (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) 112 Heroes.”

Methods: For the purpose of this work, a questionnaire was developed and adapted to preschoolers' needs. The present study involved 123 children (65 boys, 58 girls, aged 4–6.5 years; mean age: 5.30, S.D.: 0.59) from two cities in Greece. Five multiple-choice animated pictures, that were age-appropriate, were administrated to each child, along with verbal explanations provided by the investigator.

Results: More than half of the participants (n = 65, 52.8%) could recognize the symptom of face drooping, 53 children (43.1%) could identify the symptom of arm hemiparesis/hemiplegia and 92 children (74.8%) were able to answer the question regarding speech disturbances. However, the number of correct answers to the question regarding the appropriate course of action in case of a stroke was the lowest among all the questions (10.6% of participants gave a correct answer). Furthermore gender and age did not play a significant role (p = 0.571 and 0.635, respectively).

Conclusion: Although more than half of the enrolled preschool children could recognize stroke symptoms before their participation in the educational program, their baseline stroke knowledge, prior to their training, is low. Concurrently, they do not have sufficient knowledge on how to react appropriately in the event of a stroke. Therefore, awareness programs focusing on developing stroke literacy to children are needed, to ensure children will seek urgent medical care in case of a stroke.
Epidemics, Public Sentiment, and Infectious Disease Equity Market Volatility
Authors: Meng Jinxia , Su Qingyi , Zhang Jinhua , Wang Li , Xu Ruihui , Yan Cheng
Published: May 2021

Background: This article studies the relationship between the COVID-19 epidemic, public sentiment, and the volatility of infectious disease equities from the perspective of the United States. We use weekly data from January 3, 2020 to March 7, 2021. This provides a sufficient dataset for empirical analysis. Granger causality test results prove the two-way relationship between the fluctuation of infectious disease equities and confirmed cases. In addition, confirmed cases will cause the public to search for COVID-19 tests, and COVID-19 tests will also cause fluctuations in infectious disease equities, but there is no reverse correlation. The results of this research are useful to investors and policy makers. Investors can use the number of confirmed cases to predict the volatility of infectious disease equities. Similarly, policy makers can use the intervention of retrieved information to stabilize public sentiment and equity market fluctuations, and integrate a variety of information to make more scientific judgments on the trends of the epidemic.
Interpretability Versus Accuracy: A Comparison of Machine Learning Models Built Using Different Algorithms, Performance Measures, and Features to Predict E. coli Levels in Agricultural Water
Authors: Weller Daniel L. , Love Tanzy M. T. , Wiedmann Martin
Published: May 2021

SinceE. coliis considered a fecal indicator in surface water, government water quality standards and industry guidance often rely onE. colimonitoring to identify when there is an increased risk of pathogen contamination of water used for produce production (e.g., for irrigation). However, studies have indicated thatE. colitesting can present an economic burden to growers and that time lags between sampling and obtaining results may reduce the utility of these data. Models that predictE. colilevels in agricultural water may provide a mechanism for overcoming these obstacles. Thus, this proof-of-concept study uses previously published datasets to train, test, and compareE. colipredictive models using multiple algorithms and performance measures. Since the collection of different feature data carries specific costs for growers, predictive performance was compared for models built using different feature types [geospatial, water quality, stream traits, and/or weather features]. Model performance was assessed against baseline regression models. Model performance varied considerably with root-mean-squared errors and Kendall’s Tau ranging between 0.37 and 1.03, and 0.07 and 0.55, respectively. Overall, models that included turbidity, rain, and temperature outperformed all other models regardless of the algorithm used. Turbidity and weather factors were also found to drive model accuracy even when other feature types were included in the model. These findings confirm previous conclusions that machine learning models may be useful for predicting when, where, and at what levelE. coli(and associated hazards) are likely to be present in preharvest agricultural water sources. This study also identifies specific algorithm-predictor combinations that should be the foci of future efforts to develop deployable models (i.e., models that can be used to guide on-farm decision-making and risk mitigation). When deployingE. colipredictive models in the field, it is important to note that past research indicates an inconsistent relationship betweenE. colilevels and foodborne pathogen presence. Thus, models that predictE. colilevels in agricultural water may be useful for assessing fecal contamination status and ensuring compliance with regulations but should not be used to assess the risk that specific pathogens of concern (e.g.,Salmonella,Listeria) are present.
Including Social Housing Residents in the Energy Transition: A Mixed-Method Case Study on Residents' Beliefs, Attitudes, and Motivation Toward Sustainable Energy Use in a Zero-Energy Building Renovation in the Netherlands
Authors: Bal Michèlle , Stok F. Marijn , Van Hemel Carolien , De Wit John B. F.
Published: May 2021

Reducing household energy use in social housing buildings can substantially contribute to mitigating global climate change. While municipalities and social housing corporations are willing to invest in sustainable renovations and innovations, social housing residents' inclusion in the sustainable energy transition lags behind. This pilot study explored social housing residents' attitudes toward sustainability and sustainable renovation of their apartment building, as well as (factors underlying) their motivation toward two specific sustainable behaviors. Semi-structured interviews, containing both open- and close- ended questions, were conducted with 20 residents of one social housing building that was due for renovations. Results showed that respondents were concerned about climate change, including environmental justice beliefs, typically already engaged in various sustainable behaviors, and were motivated to add sustainable behaviors to their repertoire after the renovation. Yet, perceived social norms were not always supportive of behaving sustainably and respondents sometimes failed to recognize the sustainable value of these behaviors. Furthermore, while respondents were more positive than negative about the sustainable renovation, they nevertheless listed many concerns and problems regarding the renovation process, including procedural justice concerns. This small-scale study provided important insights into barriers and facilitators of the sustainable energy transition among social housing residents, who are at risk of lagging behind in the sustainable urban energy transition. Findings underline the importance of including residents in the sustainable renovation process through engagement, communication, and co-creation.
Genome Identification and Expression Analysis of GRAS Family Related to Development, Hormone and Pathogen Stress in Brachypodium distachyon
Authors: Tang Zejun , Song Na , Peng Weiye , Yang Yang , Qiu Tian , Huang Chenting , Dai Liangying , Wang Bing
Published: May 2021

GRAS transcription factors are widely present in the plant kingdom and play important roles in regulating multiple plant physiological processes. Brachypodium distachyon is a model for grasses for researching plant-pathogen interactions. However, little is known about the BdGRAS family genes involved in plant response to biotic stress. In this study, we identified 63 genes of the GRAS family in B. distachyon. The phylogenetic analysis showed that BdGRAS genes were divided into ten subfamilies and unevenly distributed on five chromosomes. qRT-PCR results showed that the BdGRAS family genes were involved in the growth and development of B. distachyon. Moreover, the expression of the HAM subfamily genes of BdGRAS changed during the interaction between B. distachyon and Magnaporthe oryzae. Interestingly, BdGRAS31 in the HAM subfamily was regulated by miR171 after inoculation with M. oryzae. These results provide insight into the potential functions of the BdGRAS family in disease resistance.
Adult Male Rats Show Resilience to Adolescent Bisphenol A Effects on Hormonal and Behavioral Responses While Co-Exposure With Hop Extracts Supports Synergistic Actions
Authors: Morin Alexandre , Van de Beeck Lise , Person Emmanuelle , Plamondon Helene
Published: May 2021

The adolescence period, marked by sexual and brain maturation, has shown sensitivity to various environmental disruptors. Exposure to the xenoestrogen bisphenol A (BPA) is known to alter physiological and behavioral responses although its role at this critical period remains largely unknown. Recent research further suggests biochemical and genomic effects of BPA to be mitigated by various natural compounds, while effects on behavior have not been examined. This study aimed to characterize (1) the effects of dietary BPA during adolescence on endogenous corticosterone (CORT) secretion, emotional behavior, and testosterone (T) in adulthood, and (2) the impact of combined exposure to BPA with hop extracts (Hop), a phytoestrogen with anxiolytic properties. To do so, four groups of male Wistar rats [postnatal day (PND) 28] were administered corn oil (control), BPA (40 mg/kg), hops (40 mg/kg), or BPA-hops by oral gavage for 21 days (PND 28–48). Blood droplets collected on PND 28, 48, and 71 served to measure CORT and T changes. As adults, rats were tested in the elevated plus maze (EPM), the social interaction test, and the forced swim test. Our findings demonstrated elevated anxiety and a trend toward depressive-like behaviors in BPA- compared to hops-exposed rats. However, BPA intake had no impact on basal CORT levels, or adulthood T secretion and sociability. Of note, BPA's anxiogenic effect manifested through decreased EPM open arm entries was abolished by hops co-supplementation. Together, our observations suggest the adolescence period to be less sensitive to deleterious effects of BPA than what has been reported upon gestational and perinatal exposure.
Early Detection of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis Infected Cattle: Use of Experimental Johnins and Innovative Interferon-Gamma Test Interpretative Criteria
Authors: Corneli Sara , Di Paolo Antonella , Vitale Nicoletta , Torricelli Martina , Petrucci Linda , Sebastiani Carla , Ciullo Marcella , Curcio Ludovica , Biagetti Massimo , Papa Paola , Costarelli Silva , Cagiola Monica , Dondo Alessandro , Mazzone Piera
Published: May 2021

Paratuberculosis (PTB), also known as Johne's disease, is a chronic proliferative enteritis of ruminants caused byMycobacterium aviumsubsp.paratuberculosis(MAP). To date, PTB diagnosis, based on serology, fecal culture, and real-time polymerase chain reaction, has identified animals in advanced stages of infection. To detect MAP infection in animals earlier, the interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) test may be applied. This assay detects cytokines produced by T-lymphocytes of infected subjects after stimulation with purified protein derivatives (PPDs), extracted fromMycobacterium bovis(MB) and fromM. avium(MA). The study involved three bovine herds: one PTB-infected herd, one PTB-free herd, and one with an outbreak of bovine tuberculosis. The IFN-γ test was performed on 235 animals, using bovine PPD (PPDB), avian PPD (PPDA), and three experimental PPD Johnins (PPDJs) extracted from a synthetic liquid medium culture of MAP (PPDJ A, B, and C), to assess early MAP detection and avoid false reactions to MB. Furthermore, IFN-γ results were evaluated using 12 interpretative criteria (ICs), based on the differences and ratio between PPD optical density (OD) and IFN-γ basal OD values after lymphocytic stimulation. IC accuracy was expressed as area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. Through a longitudinal study, PPDJs proved to be specific and sensitive in the detection of MAP-infected animals. Among the evaluated ICs, six showed the best performance in terms of accuracy (p< 0.0001), highlighting PTB subclinical infections. In particular, the two best criteria reached sensitivity values of 100% [confidence interval (CI) 95%, 94.1–100%] with a specificity of 91.8% (CI 95%, 81.9–97.3%) and sensitivity levels of 80.6% (CI 95%, 69.1–89.2%) with a specificity of 100% (CI 95%, 94.1–100%). Thus, the IFN-γ assay proved to be a useful diagnostic tool to identify early subclinical MAP-infected animals, in order to manage infected cattle or those exposed to MAP and to monitor younger calves within a herd. Furthermore, the IFN-γ test can be considered an additional test to avoid the introduction of MAP-infected animals, especially in herds where disease has already been eradicated and preservation of the health status is required to maintain the PTB certification level.
A Systematic Review on Validated Precision Livestock Farming Technologies for Pig Production and Its Potential to Assess Animal Welfare
Authors: Gómez Yaneth , Stygar Anna H. , Boumans Iris J. M. M. , Bokkers Eddie A. M. , Pedersen Lene J. , Niemi Jarkko K. , Pastell Matti , Manteca Xavier , Llonch Pol
Published: May 2021

Several precision livestock farming (PLF) technologies, conceived for optimizing farming processes, are developed to detect the physical and behavioral changes of animals continuously and in real-time. The aim of this review was to explore the capacity of existing PLF technologies to contribute to the assessment of pig welfare. In a web search for commercially available PLF for pigs, 83 technologies were identified. A literature search was conducted, following systematic review guidelines (PRISMA), to identify studies on the validation of sensor technologies for assessing animal-based welfare indicators. Two validation levels were defined: internal (evaluation during system building within the same population that were used for system building) and external (evaluation on a different population than during system building). From 2,463 articles found, 111 were selected, which validated some PLF that could be applied to the assessment of animal-based welfare indicators of pigs (7% classified as external, and 93% as internal validation). From our list of commercially available PLF technologies, only 5% had been externally validated. The more often validated technologies were vision-based solutions (n= 45), followed by load-cells (n= 28; feeders and drinkers, force plates and scales), accelerometers (n= 14) and microphones (n= 14), thermal cameras (n= 10), photoelectric sensors (n= 5), radio-frequency identification (RFID) for tracking (n= 2), infrared thermometers (n= 1), and pyrometer (n= 1). Externally validated technologies were photoelectric sensors (n= 2), thermal cameras (n= 2), microphone (n= 1), load-cells (n= 1), RFID (n= 1), and pyrometer (n= 1). Measured traits included activity and posture-related behavior, feeding and drinking, other behavior, physical condition, and health. In conclusion, existing PLF technologies are potential tools for on-farm animal welfare assessment in pig production. However, validation studies are lacking for an important percentage of market available tools, and in particular research and development need to focus on identifying the feature candidates of the measures (e.g., deviations from diurnal pattern, threshold levels) that are valid signals of either negative or positive animal welfare. An important gap identified are the lack of technologies to assess affective states (both positive and negative states).
Recent Advances on the Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus Molecular Pathogenesis, Immune Response, and Vaccines Development
Authors: Al-Kubati Anwar A. G. , Hussen Jamal , Kandeel Mahmoud , Al-Mubarak Abdullah I. A. , Hemida Maged Gomaa
Published: May 2021

The bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) consists of two species and various subspecies of closely related viruses of varying antigenicity, cytopathology, and virulence-induced pathogenesis. Despite the great ongoing efforts to control and prevent BVDV outbreaks and the emergence of new variants, outbreaks still reported throughout the world. In this review, we are focusing on the molecular biology of BVDV, its molecular pathogenesis, and the immune response of the host against the viral infection. Special attention was paid to discuss some immune evasion strategies adopted by the BVDV to hijack the host immune system to ensure the success of virus replication. Vaccination is one of the main strategies for prophylaxis and contributes to the control and eradication of many viral diseases including BVDV. We discussed the recent advances of various types of currently available classical and modern BVDV vaccines. However, with the emergence of new strains and variants of the virus, it is urgent to find some other novel targets for BVDV vaccines that may overcome the drawbacks of some of the currently used vaccines. Effective vaccination strategy mainly based on the preparation of vaccines from the homologous circulating strains. The BVDV-E2 protein plays important role in viral infection and pathogenesis. We mapped some important potential neutralizing epitopes among some BVDV genomes especially the E2 protein. These novel epitopes could be promising targets against the currently circulating strains of BVDV. More research is needed to further explore the actual roles of these epitopes as novel targets for the development of novel vaccines against BVDV. These potential vaccines may contribute to the global eradication campaign of the BVDV.
Age and Hydration of Competing Horses Influence the Outcome of Elite 160 km Endurance Rides
Authors: Bollinger Lena , Bartel Alexander , Küper Alina , Weber Corinna , Gehlen Heidrun
Published: May 2021

High elimination rates and the concern for horse welfare are important issues in endurance riding. An improved understanding of the causes of elimination could increase completion rates in this sport. We have identified pre-ride risk factors that allow an assessment of potential elimination before the ride. A longitudinal cohort study was performed among 49 healthy horses competing in the 160 km endurance ride at the 2016 World Championship of Endurance Riding in Samorin/Slovakia. Blood samples were drawn before the ride. For statistical evaluation, horses were categorized in three groups: finishers, lame and metabolically eliminated horses. Risk factors were calculated for each group using multinomial logistic regression. A 1% increase in hematocrit levels was associated with a higher OR for elimination (lameness: OR 1.26, p = 0.017; metabolic: OR 1.34, p = 0.010). Furthermore, increased potassium values correlated negatively with the race outcome. For a 1 mmol/l increase in potassium, the lameness OR was 4.21, p = 0.039 and metabolic OR was 1.15, p = 0.848. Eight-year-old horses had a 100% elimination rate and survival analyses showed a significantly higher hazard for elimination (p = 0.025). We thus conclude that age and hydration affect the outcome of elite endurance rides. Further investigation of age as a risk factor seems to be clinically relevant and adjustments of FEI qualification modes may be appropriate.
Psicoterapia: aspectos metodológicos, cuestiones clínicas y problemas abiertos desde una perspectiva postracionalista.
Authors: Guidano Vittorio
Published: May 2021

La finalidad de esta comunicación es considerar aquellos temas abiertos ocontrovertidos en el constructivismo actual, pero especialmente en relación a susimplicaciones psicoterapéuticas. El constructivismo actual es una área que, por unaparte, se ha ido convirtiendo en algo cada vez más popular, pero que, por otra, ensu interior no se halla suficientemente diferenciada, ni es suficientemente homogénea, razón por la cual existen aspectos controvertidos sobre algunas cuestionesbásicas que influyen ampliamente sobre los distintos métodos terapéuticos en elseno del propio constructivismo. Me gustaría referirme en esta comunicación a trestemas principales con sus repercusiones sobre el campo terapéutico. El primerohace referencia al tema del self; el segundo al del significado y el tercero a la manerade entender las narrativas, dada la importancia y la popularidad que las narrativasestán alcanzando en estos últimos años.
Prevalence and Factors Associated with Interpersonal Violence among In-School Adolescents in Ghana: Analysis of the Global School-Based Health Survey Data
Authors: Aboagye Richard Gyan , Seidu Abdul-Aziz , Arthur-Holmes Francis , Frimpong James Boadu , Hagan John Elvis , Amu Hubert , Ahinkorah Bright Opoku
Published: May 2021

Interpersonal violence is a critical public health concern that is linked with many negative consequences, including mortality. It is the second most predominant cause of death among male adolescents aged 15–19. This study used a nationally representative data from the recent Ghana Global School-based Health Survey to examine the prevalence and factors associated with interpersonal violence among Ghanaian in-school adolescents. A total of 2214 in-school adolescents were included in the final analysis. Multivariable binomial logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the factors assciated with interpersonal violence. The results of the regression analysis were presented as adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence level (CI) in all the analyses. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. The overall prevalence of interpersonal violence was 55.7%, of which the prevalences of physical fighting and attack were 38.2% and 41.5%, respectively. In-school adolescents who had an injury were more likely to experience interpersonal violence (aOR = 2.29, 95% CI = 1.71–3.06) compared with those who did not have an injury. The odds of interpersonal violence were higher among in-school adolescents who were bullied (aOR = 2.48, 95% CI = 1.84–3.34) compared with those who were not bullied. In addition, in-school adolescents who attempted suicide (aOR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.22–2.47), consumed alcohol at the time of the survey (aOR = 1.88, 95% CI = 1.15–3.06), and were truant (aOR = 1.58, 95% CI = 1.29–1.99) had higher odds of experiencing interpersonal violence. These factors provide education directors and school heads/teachers with the relevant information to guide them in designing specific interventions to prevent interpersonal violence, particularly physical fights and attacks in the school settings. School authorities should organize parent–teacher meetings or programs to help parents improve their relationships with in-school adolescents to prevent or minimize their risky behaviors, including physical fights.
Value-Creating Strategies in Dairy Farm Entrepreneurship: A Case Study in Northern Spain
Authors: Alvarez Antonio , García-Cornejo Beatriz , Pérez-Méndez José A. , Roibás David
Published: May 2021

This paper explores different value-creating strategies (VCS) used by dairy farmers engaged in on-farm diversification ventures. In order to explicitly identify the informal strategies followed by 49 farmers in their value-added ventures, we applied a theoretically informed business model framework combining three dimensions: value proposition linked to local food, customer engagement via quality schemes and shorter supply chains, and the key capabilities of the entrepreneur. Using cluster analysis, four different types of VCS were identified and labelled as ‘Ecological’, ‘Single-product’, ‘Innovative’, and ‘Traditional’. Whilst we found that these strategies are influenced by contextual factors and the owner’s entrepreneurial skills, in general, we did not observe significant differences in performance between them. The results suggest that farmers respond entrepreneurially to sectorial changes adopting those VCS that tend to align with their entrepreneurial capabilities and context, thus enabling them to succeed with any of the strategies pursued. Hence, our work contributes towards clarifying the relationship between VCS, entrepreneurial capabilities, and context. This is important for farmers and policymakers because it reveals the diversity of farm management and the resilience of farm systems. As a result, the potential challenges for Single-product VCS and Traditional VCS are discussed.
Detection of Antimicrobial Residues in Poultry Litter: Monitoring a Risk through a Selective and Sensitive HPLC–MS/MS Method
Authors: Yévenes Karina , Pokrant Ekaterina , Trincado Lina , Lapierre Lisette , Galarce Nicolás , Martín Betty San , Maddaleno Aldo , Hidalgo Héctor , Cornejo Javiera
Published: May 2021

Tetracyclines, sulphonamides, and quinolones are families of antimicrobials (AMs) widely used in the poultry industry and can excrete up to 90% of AMs administrated, which accumulate in poultry litter. Worryingly, poultry litter is widely used as an agriculture fertilizer, contributing to the spread AMs residues in the environment. The aim of this research was to develop a method that could simultaneously identify and quantify three AMs families in poultry litter by high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS/MS). Samples of AMs free poultry litter were used to validate the method according to 657/2002/EC and VICH GL49. Results indicate that limit of detection (LOD) ranged from 8.95 to 20.86 μg kg−1, while limits of quantitation (LOQ) values were between 26.85 and 62.58 µg kg−1 of tetracycline, 4-epi-tetracycline, oxytetracycline, 4-epi-oxytetracycline, enrofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, flumequine, sulfachloropyridazine, and sulfadiazine. Recoveries obtained ranged from 93 to 108%. The analysis of field samples obtained from seven commercial poultry flocks confirmed the adequacy of the method since it detected means concentrations ranging from 20 to 10,364 μg kg−1. This provides us an accurate and reliable tool to monitor AMs residues in poultry litter and control its use as agricultural fertilizer.
Effect of One-Day Delaying CIDR Administration in 5-Day Cosynch Protocol in Dairy Heifers
Authors: Pancarci Sükrü Metin , Güngör Örsan , Harput Osman , Calisici Oguz
Published: May 2021

Effect of one-day delaying progesterone administration at the beginning of 5-day Cosynch protocol was investigated in Holstein heifers for the first artificial insemination (AI). Heifers received a synchronized ovulation and timed AI (TAI) with CIDR inserted on day (d) 0 (CIDR-5; n = 206) or d 1 (CIDR-4; n = 192). In both group, GnRH was administered on d 0 followed by a single PGF2α injection and CIDR removal five days later from GnRH. On d 8, TAI and GnRH administration were concurrently conducted. Heifers detected in estrus up to 24 h prior to TAI were inseminated without GnRH administration. Rates of ovulation, accessory CL formation and new dominant follicle development following initial GnRH injection did not differ between groups. P/AI did not differ between CIDR-4 (44.3%, [85/192]) and CIDR-5 (51.9%, [107/206]) groups, respectively. Pregnancy per AI (P/AI) was significantly (p < 0.01) declined as heifers’ age (12–13, 14, 15, 16 and17–21 months) proceeded in CIDR-4 group (55.6%, 52.1%, 37.9%, 35.7%, 32.4%) compared to those in CIDR-5 group (60.0%, 50.0%, 53.9%, 51.5%, 46.2%) respectively. In conclusion, there is no benefit for delaying CIDR administration in 5-day Cosynch protocol in dairy heifers. However, higher P/AI in CIDR-5 group in older heifers can be considered for reproductive management.