bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Different feeding patterns affect meat quality of Tibetan pigs associated with intestinal microbiota alterations
Authors: Zhu Yanbin , Cidan-yangji  , Sun Guangming , Luo Chengzeng , Duan Jiujun , Shi Bin , Ma Teng , Tang Shanlong , Zhong Ruqing , Chen Liang , Basang-wangdui  , Zhang Hongfu
Published: December 2022

This study aimed to investigate the effects of different feeding patterns on meat quality, gut microbiota and its metabolites of Tibetan pigs. Tibetan pigs with similar body weight were fed the high energy diets (HEP, 20 pigs) and the regular diets (RFP, 20 pigs), and free-ranging Tibetan pigs (FRP, 20 pigs) were selected as the reference. After 6 weeks of experiment, meat quality indexes of semitendinosus muscle (SM) and cecal microbiota were measured. The results of meat quality demonstrated that the shear force of pig SM in FRP group was higher than that in HEP and RFP groups (p < 0.001); the pH-value of SM in HEP pigs was higher at 45 min (p < 0.05) and lower at 24 h (p < 0.01) after slaughter than that in FRP and RFP groups; the SM lightness (L* value) of FRP pigs increased compared with RFP and HEP groups (p < 0.001), while the SM redness (a* value) of FRP pigs was higher than that of RFP group (p < 0.05). The free fatty acid (FA) profile exhibited that the total FAs and unsaturated FAs of pig SM in HEP and RFP groups were higher than those in FRP group (p < 0.05); the RFP pigs had more reasonable FA composition with higher n-3 polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs) and lower n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio than HEP pigs (p < 0.05). Based on that, we observed that Tibetan pigs fed high energy diets (HEP) had lower microbial α-diversity in cecum (p < 0.05), and distinct feeding patterns exhibited a different microbial cluster. Simultaneously, the short-chain FA levels in cecum of FRP and RFP pigs were higher compared with HEP pigs (p < 0.05). A total of 11 genera related to muscle lipid metabolism or meat quality, including Alistipes, Anaerovibrio, Acetitomaculun, etc., were identified under different feeding patterns (p < 0.05). Spearman correlation analysis demonstrated that alterations of free FAs in SM were affected by the genera Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group, Prevotellaceae UCG-003 and Christensenellaceae_R-7_group (p < 0.05). Taken together, distinct feeding patterns affected meat quality of Tibetan pigs related to gut microbiota alterations.
Inhibitory effect of licorice extract on the germination and outgrowth of Paraclostridium bifermentans spores
Authors: Song Mengmeng , Lei Yang , Ali Ahtisham , Xu Yan , Sheng Kairan , Huang Tianran , Huang Jichao , Huang Ming
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Paraclostridium bifermentans is responsible for spoilage properties in vacuum-packaged meat. Ordinary heat treatment techniques are ineffective to control the extremely heat-resistant spores of P. bifermentans. Therefore, finding a new strategy to prevent the contamination of P. bifermentans spores in vacuum-packaged meat is challenging.

Methods

In this study, P. bifermentans was isolated from the vacuum-packaged chicken, and the inhibitory effects of licorice extract on the germination and outgrowth of P. bifermentans spores, as well as the key bioactive components in the licorice extract involved in inhibiting spore activity, were investigated.

Results

The spores induced by combination-nutrient-germinant (150 mmol/L L-alanine and 20 mmol/L inosine, co-AI) did not germinate when the concentration of licorice extract was ≥ 3.13 mg/ml. The germination of P. bifermentans spores induced by non-nutrient-germinant (8 mmol/L dipicolinic acid, DPA) was completely prevented by licorice extract at least 1.56 mg/ml. While the outgrowth of P. bifermentans spores was inhibited at a concentration of 0.39 mg/ml. Licorice extract did not seem to damage the non-germinated spores but blocked the germinant sensing. Licorice extract prevented the outgrowing spores from becoming vegetable cells by disrupting the inner membrane. Furthermore, the results obtained from LC-MS data analysis exhibited 15 key bioactive compounds in licorice extract, such as glycyrrhizic acid, liquiritin, etc. Among them, glycyrrhizic acid and liquiritin apioside exerted efficient inhibitory properties on the germination and outgrowth of P. bifermentans spores.

Discussion

This present study demonstrated that licorice extract can be used as a promising inhibitor of spores and provides a new method to control the residual P. bifermentans spores in meat products. Meanwhile, this study exhibits a baseline for the better understanding of the potential application of licorice extracts to control the P. bifermentans spores in meat products.
Nanomaterials in the future biotextile industry: A new cosmovision to obtain smart biotextiles
Authors: Fuentes Keyla M. , Gómez Melissa , Rebolledo Hernán , Figueroa José Miguel , Zamora Pablo , Naranjo-Briceño Leopoldo
Published: December 2022

For centuries, man has dominated the development of fibers and textiles to make clothing that protects them against environmental adversities, and gradually dissimilar cultural and ethnic identity traits have been created. Our garments are composed of natural elements such as animal leather, vegetable fibers, and synthetic textiles that result in ultra-resistant and durable materials. However, the textile industry has a non-sustainable character mainly because population growth will limit the use of natural resources, such as land and water, exclusively for food. At the same time, petrochemical-derived materials will gradually be replaced by more biodegradable alternatives due to their toxic accumulation in the local environment and their contribution to global climate change. The vast inventiveness of human-being is opening the possibility of replacing our clothes by mimicking, reproducing, and scaling up nature’s biosynthetic machinery through cutting-edge biotechnological approaches. Nevertheless, the new cosmovision of biotextiles must meet two requirements: 1) the appearance and performance of the clothes should be preserved to join the current textile market demand, and at the same time, 2) new functionalities should be incorporated into our clothes to embrace the impressive technological advances occurring day to day. In this regard, nanotechnological developments will be able to provide the desired properties so that the textile industry can provide bio-based materials enhanced with nanotechnology-based intelligent functionalities. This perspective article discloses nano-biotechnological approaches to address the challenge of dressing up future societies and new material consciousness.
Tangent space alignment: Transfer learning for Brain-Computer Interface
Authors: Bleuzé Alexandre , Mattout Jérémie , Congedo Marco
Published: December 2022

Statistical variability of electroencephalography (EEG) between subjects and between sessions is a common problem faced in the field of Brain-Computer Interface (BCI). Such variability prevents the usage of pre-trained machine learning models and requires the use of a calibration for every new session. This paper presents a new transfer learning (TL) method that deals with this variability. This method aims to reduce calibration time and even improve accuracy of BCI systems by aligning EEG data from one subject to the other in the tangent space of the positive definite matrices Riemannian manifold. We tested the method on 18 BCI databases comprising a total of 349 subjects pertaining to three BCI paradigms, namely, event related potentials (ERP), motor imagery (MI), and steady state visually evoked potentials (SSVEP). We employ a support vector classifier for feature classification. The results demonstrate a significant improvement of classification accuracy, as compared to a classical training-test pipeline, in the case of the ERP paradigm, whereas for both the MI and SSVEP paradigm no deterioration of performance is observed. A global 2.7% accuracy improvement is obtained compared to a previously published Riemannian method, Riemannian Procrustes Analysis (RPA). Interestingly, tangent space alignment has an intrinsic ability to deal with transfer learning for sets of data that have different number of channels, naturally applying to inter-dataset transfer learning.
Causal association of sleep disturbances and low back pain: A bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Luo Ge , Yao Yuanyuan , Tao Jiachun , Wang Tingting , Yan Min
Published: December 2022

Background

Previous observational studies have shown that low back pain (LBP) often coexists with sleep disturbances, however, the causal relationship remains unclear. In the present study, the causal relationship between sleep disturbances and LBP was investigated and the importance of sleep improvement in the comprehensive management of LBP was emphasized.

Methods

Genetic variants were extracted as instrumental variables (IVs) from the genome-wide association study (GWAS) of insomnia, sleep duration, short sleep duration, long sleep duration, and daytime sleepiness. Information regarding genetic variants in LBP was selected from a GWAS dataset and included 13,178 cases and 164,682 controls. MR-Egger, weighted median, inverse-variance weighted (IVW), penalized weighted median, and maximum likelihood (ML) were applied to assess the causal effects. Cochran’s Q test and MR-Egger intercept were performed to estimate the heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy, respectively. Outliers were identified and eliminated based on MR-PRESSO analysis to reduce the effect of horizontal pleiotropy on the results. Removing each genetic variant using the leave-one-out analysis can help evaluate the stability of results. Finally, the reverse causal inference involving five sleep traits was implemented.

Results

A causal relationship was observed between insomnia-LBP (OR = 1.954, 95% CI: 1.119–3.411), LBP-daytime sleepiness (OR = 1.011, 95% CI: 1.004–1.017), and LBP-insomnia (OR = 1.015, 95% CI: 1.004–1.026), however, the results of bidirectional MR analysis between other sleep traits and LBP were negative. The results of most heterogeneity tests were stable and specific evidence was not found to support the disturbance of horizontal multiplicity. Only one outlier was identified based on MR-PRESSO analysis.

Conclusion

The main results of our research showed a potential bidirectional causal association of genetically predicted insomnia with LBP. Sleep improvement may be important in comprehensive management of LBP.
Expression of the neuroprotective factors BDNF, CNTF, and FGF-2 in normal and oxygen induced retinopathy
Authors: Xin Jifu , He Yuhong , Guo Kai , Yang Dayong
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Oxygen-induced retinopathy is a type of retinal pathological neovascularization (NV) disease that leads to vision loss and translates to a significant societal cost. Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and anti-inflammatory treatments have been widely used in the clinic, but the results have not been entirely satisfactory. It is necessary to explore other treatments for Ischemic retinal diseases.

Methods

The oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) model was induced from P7 to P12 as described. Histology evaluation (HE) and retina flat mounts were checked at P17 to confirm the establishment of the OIR model. Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration was checked by transmission electron microscopy at P17 to confirm the neurological damage caused by OIR. Western blot analysis was performed at P12, P15, and P17 to study the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) in normal and OIR mice. Comparative analysis of the expressions of BDNF, CNTF, and FGF-2 in normal and OIR mice was performed.

Results

There were many retinal NV and non-perfusion areas in OIR P17. RGCs were degenerated at OIR P17. The expressions of BDNF, CNTF, and FGF-2 gradually increased from P12 to P17 in normal mice and were much higher in OIR mice. The expression curves of BDNF, CNTF, and FGF-2 in the OIR model were inconsistent and did not correlate with each other.

Discussion

This study provides evidence for changes in BDNF, CNTF, and FGF-2 in Oxygen-induced retinopathy.
Gut microbiota in ischemic stroke: Where we stand and challenges ahead
Authors: Long Jiaxin , Wang Jinlong , Li Yang , Chen Shuai
Published: December 2022

Gut microbiota is increasingly recognized to affect host health and disease, including ischemic stroke (IS). Here, we systematically review the current understanding linking gut microbiota as well as the associated metabolites to the pathogenesis of IS (e.g., oxidative stress, apoptosis, and neuroinflammation). Of relevance, we highlight that the implications of gut microbiota-dependent intervention could be harnessed in orchestrating IS.
Responsiveness to an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent is correlated with body composition in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis
Authors: Lee Hyang Yun , Suh Suk-Won , Hwang Jin Ho , Shin Jungho
Published: December 2022

Background

Resistance to erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA) is associated with adverse outcomes in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis. However, the impact of body composition on ESA response remains uncertain. This study retrospectively investigated whether there is an association between the ESA resistance index (ERI) and body composition in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis.

Methods

Multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis was used to measure body composition every six months. The ERI was calculated by dividing the weekly body weight-adjusted erythropoietin dose by the hemoglobin concentration. The ERI values were recorded every three months.

Results

A total of 123 patients were followed up for 24 (interquartile range 5, 75) months. The ERI was negatively correlated with body mass index, arm circumference, arm muscle circumference, body fat percentage, and visceral fat area (P = 0.057, 0.001, 0.017, 0.063, and 0.041, respectively). Patients with a higher mean ERI during the study period had an increased risk of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular events, and infection requiring hospitalization than those with a lower mean ERI (P = 0.027, 0.021, and 0.037, respectively). We also evaluated the association between the slope of body composition parameters and the ERI trend over time and found that the ERI increased over time in patients who had an increased ratio of extracellular water to total body water (P = 0.002) as well as decreased arm circumference, arm muscle circumference, visceral fat area, and phase angle (P = 0.001, P < 0.001, P = 0.036, and 0.002).

Conclusion

ESA responsiveness appears to be associated with body composition in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis. Therefore, measures improving body composition, such as nutrition and exercise, may have a favorable effect on the response to ESA.
Exogenous melatonin treatment affects ascorbic acid metabolism in postharvest ‘Jinyan’ kiwifruit
Authors: Luo Zhenyu , Zhang Jieru , Xiang Miaolian , Zeng Jiaoke , Chen Jinyin , Chen Ming
Published: December 2022

Ascorbic acid (AsA) is an important nutritious substance in fruits, and it also can maintain the biological activity of fruits during storage. This research investigated the effect of exogenous melatonin (MT) on AsA metabolism in postharvest kiwifruit. Our results indicated that exogenous MT delayed the decrease of fruit firmness and titratable acid (TA), inhibited the increase of soluble solids content (SSC), reduced the respiration rate and ethylene production, and maintained a higher AsA content in kiwifruit during storage. The high expression of L-galactose pathway key genes in the early storage and regeneration genes in the later storage maintained the AsA content in postharvest kiwifruit. MT treatment enhanced the expression levels of AsA biosynthesis (AcGME2, AcGalDH, and AcGalLDH) and regeneration (AcGR, AcDHAR, and AcMDHAR1) genes. Meanwhile, the expression of the degradation gene AcAO was inhibited in MT-treated kiwifruits.
Comparing Latin American nutrient profile models using data from packaged foods with child-directed marketing within the Brazilian food supply
Authors: Borges Camila Aparecida , Khandpur Neha , Neri Daniela , Duran Ana Clara
Published: December 2022

Objectives

This study aimed to examine and compare the extent to which different nutrient profile models (NPMs) from Latin America (LA) identify packaged foods and beverages with child-directed marketing sold in Brazil as being high in nutrients associated to the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Materials and methods

In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated 3,464 foods found in the five largest Brazilian supermarkets. Child-directed marketing was coded using the International Network for Food and Obesity/NCDs Research, Monitoring and Action Support (INFORMAS) protocol. Differences in medians of sugar, saturated fats, and sodium per 100 kcal in foods, with the presence and absence of child-directed marketing, were tested using the Mann–Whitney test. We compared six NPMs in LA and examined to what extent they targeted these products using prevalence ratios. Analyses were performed overall and by the degree of food processing according to the Nova food classification.

Results

We found 1,054 packages with child-directed marketing. Among these, candies, cakes and pies, sauces and creams, and sugar-sweetened beverages were significantly higher in sugar, saturated fat, and sodium per 100 kcal than products that are not targeted at children (p < 0.05). Compared with PAHO and the Mexico models, the Brazilian NPMs would allow three times more ultra-processed foods to omit warnings for sodium (p < 0.05). The Uruguayan NPM also flagged fewer ultra-processed foods high in sodium (p < 0.05). The Brazilian model also allows four times more sugar-sweetened beverages and six times more dairy drinks to omit warnings for sugar than the Mexico and PAHO models. In comparison to all other NPMs, the Brazilian model showed the worst performance in identifying baked goods as high in sodium. Chile, Uruguay, and Peru models would also target significantly less sugar-sweetened beverages and high in at least one critical nutrient than PAHO and Mexico models.

Conclusion

Compared with other NPMs in LA, the NPM criteria adopted in Brazil are more permissive and less likely to inform consumers of the poor nutritional quality of ultra-processed foods and beverages with child-directed marketing.
Neurological complications following pediatric allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: Risk factors and outcome
Authors: Zaidman Irina , Shaziri Tamar , Averbuch Dina , Even-Or Ehud , Dinur-Schejter Yael , NaserEddin Adeeb , Brooks Rebecca , Shadur Bella , Gefen Aharon , Stepensky Polina
Published: December 2022

Background

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is an efficient treatment for numerous malignant and nonmalignant conditions affecting children. This procedure can result in infectious and noninfectious neurological complications (NCs).

Objective

The objective of the study is to examine the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of NCs in pediatric patients following allogeneic HSCT.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study of 746 children who underwent 943 allogeneic HSCTs in two large pediatric hospitals in Israel from January 2000 to December 2019.

Results

Of the pediatric patients 107 (14.3%) experienced 150 NCs. The median follow-up was 55 months. Noninfectious NCs were more common than infectious NCs (81.3% vs. 18.7%). Factors significantly associated with type of NC (infectious vs. noninfectious) were underlying disease (immunodeficiency vs. malignant and metabolic/hematologic disease) (p-value = 0.000), and use of immunosuppressive agent, either Campath or ATG (p-value = 0.041). Factors with a significant impact on developing neurological sequelae post-NC were number of HSCT >1 (p-value = 0.028), the use of alemtuzumab as an immunosuppressive agent (p-value = 0.003), and infectious type of NC (p-value = 0.046). The overall survival rate of whole NC-cohort was 44%; one-third of all mortality cases were attributed to the NC. The strongest prognostic factors associated with mortality were older age at HSCT (p-value = 0.000), the use of alemtuzumab as an immunosuppressive agent (p-value = 0.004), and the existence of neurological sequelae (p-value = 0.000). Abnormal central nervous system imaging (p-value = 0.013), the use of alemtuzumab as an immunosuppressive agent (p-value = 0.019), and neurological sequelae (p-value = 0.000) had statistically significant effects on neurological cause of death.

Conclusion

Infectious and noninfectious NCs are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality following allogeneic HSCT in children. Further research is required to better understand the risk factors for different NCs and their outcomes regarding sequelae and survival.
Predictive value of PD-L1 expression to the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in advanced triple-negative breast cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Qi Yingjie , Yan Xin , Wang Chao , Cao Hui , Liu Guangxuan
Published: December 2022

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been an emerging treatment strategy for advanced triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Some studies have shown that high expression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) can achieve a better response of clinical efficacy. However, the efficacy of ICIs in advanced TNBC remains controversial. In this meta-analysis, we evaluated the correlation of PD-L1 expression with the efficacy of ICIs in patients with advanced TNBC.

Methods: We conducted a systematic search using four databases until March 2022 to obtain eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The quality of the studies was assessed by the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Hazard ratio (HR) was extracted to evaluate the relationship between PD-L1 expression and progression-free survival (PFS) or overall survival (OS) in patients with advanced TNBC.

Results: Five randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) with 3104 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The results demonstrated that ICIs could significantly improve the OS (HR 0.77, 95% CI 0.60–0.98, p = 0.03) in PD-L1 positive TNBC group. In the subgroup analysis, longer OS was observed (HR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.60–0.82, p = 0.00001) in PD-L1 positive TNBC patients receiving ICIs alone or ICIs combined with nab-paclitaxel. In terms of PFS, PFS was significantly improved (HR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.58–0.79, p < 0.00001) in PD-L1 positive patients receiving first-line ICIs and chemotherapy compared to those with ICIs alone. No significant improvement was observed for OS or PFS in PD-L1 negative group.

Conclusion: Our study indicated significant improvement for OS in advanced TNBC with ICIs therapy in the PD-L1 positive status, and ICIs alone or ICIs combined with nab-paclitaxel might be a excellent choice in terms of OS. Although PFS has no significant benefit in PD-L1 positive patients, the subgroup analysis showed that ICIs combined with chemotherapy could achieve the PFS benefit in the first-line treatment. However, further clinical studies are needed to validate our conclusions due to limited relevant research.
Prenatal stress induces a depressive-like phenotype in adolescent rats: The key role of TGF-β1 pathway
Authors: Fidilio Annamaria , Grasso Margherita , Caruso Giuseppe , Musso Nicolò , Begni Veronica , Privitera Anna , Torrisi Sebastiano Alfio , Campolongo Patrizia , Schiavone Stefania , Tascedda Fabio , Leggio Gian Marco , Drago Filippo , Riva Marco Andrea , Caraci Filippo
Published: December 2022

Stressful experiences early in life, especially in the prenatal period, can increase the risk to develop depression during adolescence. However, there may be important qualitative and quantitative differences in outcome of prenatal stress (PNS), where some individuals exposed to PNS are vulnerable and develop a depressive-like phenotype, while others appear to be resilient. PNS exposure, a well-established rat model of early life stress, is known to increase vulnerability to depression and a recent study demonstrated a strong interaction between transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) gene and PNS in the pathogenesis of depression. Moreover, it is well-known that the exposure to early life stress experiences induces brain oxidative damage by increasing nitric oxide levels and decreasing antioxidant factors. In the present work, we examined the role of TGF-β1 pathway in an animal model of adolescent depression induced by PNS obtained by exposing pregnant females to a stressful condition during the last week of gestation. We performed behavioral tests to identify vulnerable or resilient subjects in the obtained litters (postnatal day, PND > 35) and we carried out molecular analyses on hippocampus, a brain area with a key role in the pathogenesis of depression. We found that female, but not male, PNS adolescent rats exhibited a depressive-like behavior in forced swim test (FST), whereas both male and female PNS rats showed a deficit of recognition memory as assessed by novel object recognition test (NOR). Interestingly, we found an increased expression of type 2 TGF-β1 receptor (TGFβ-R2) in the hippocampus of both male and female resilient PNS rats, with higher plasma TGF-β1 levels in male, but not in female, PNS rats. Furthermore, PNS induced the activation of oxidative stress pathways by increasing inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), NADPH oxidase 1 (NOX1) and NOX2 levels in the hippocampus of both male and female PNS adolescent rats. Our data suggest that high levels of TGF-β1 and its receptor TGFβ-R2 can significantly increase the resiliency of adolescent rats to PNS, suggesting that TGF-β1 pathway might represent a novel pharmacological target to prevent adolescent depression in rats.
The interplay between cardiac dyads and mitochondria regulated the calcium handling in cardiomyocytes
Authors: Liu Lei , Zhou Kaiyu , Liu Xiaoliang , Hua Yimin , Wang Hua , Li Yifei
Published: December 2022

Calcium mishandling and mitochondrial dysfunction have been increasingly recognized as significant factors involved in the progression procedure of cardiomyopathy. Ca2+ mishandling could cause calcium-triggered arrhythmias, which could enhance force development and ATP consumption. Mitochondrial disorganization and dysfunction in cardiomyopathy could disturb the balance of energy catabolic and anabolic procedure. Close spatial localization and arrangement of structural among T-tubule, sarcoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria are important for Ca2+ handling. So that, we illustrate the regulating network between calcium handling and mitochondrial homeostasis, as well as its intracellular mechanisms in this review, which would be worthy to develop novel therapeutic strategy and restore the function of injured cardiomyocytes.
Spermidine exogenous application mollifies reproductive stage heat stress ramifications in rice
Authors: Karwa Sourabh , Taunk Jyoti , Maurya Sadhana , Das Adhip , Krishna G. K. , Arya Sunder Singh , Kumar Awadhesh , Kumar Sudhir , Kumar Pramod , Chinnusamy Viswanathan , Pal Madan
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Rice productivity is severely hampered by heat stress (HS) which induces oxidative stress in this crop. This oxidative stress can be alleviated using various exogenous chemicals, including spermidine (Spd). Therefore, the present study was carried out to characterize HS components and to elucidate the role of exogenous Spd application in rice at the flowering stage.

Methods

Two contrasting rice genotypes, i.e. Nagina22 (N22) and Pusa Basmati-1121 (PB-1121) were placed in temperature tunnels and exposed to HS (38–43°C) with and without Spd (1.5 mM) foliar application during the heading stage till the end of the anthesis stage.

Result

Heat stress induced the production of H2O2and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, which resulted in lower photosynthesis, spikelet sterility, and reduced grain yield. Interestingly, foliar application of Spd induced antioxidant enzyme activities and thus increased total antioxidant capacity resulting in higher photosynthesis, spikelet fertility, and improved grain yield under HS in both genotypes. Under HS with Spd, higher sugar content was recorded as compared to HS alone, which maintained the osmotic equilibrium in leaf and spikelets. Spd application initiatedin vivopolyamine biosynthesis, which increased endogenous polyamine levels.

Discussion

This study corroborates that the exogenous application of Spd is promising in induction of antioxidant defence and ameliorating HS tolerance in riceviaimproved photosynthesis and transpiration. Thereby, the study proposes the potential application of Spd to reduce HS in rice under current global warming scenario.
Negative workplace gossip and turnover intention among Chinese rural preschool teachers: The mediation of ego depletion and the moderation of bianzhi
Authors: He Can , Wei Hua
Published: December 2022

Introduction

In China, the high turnover rates of teachers have become one of the biggest obstacles to the development of rural preschool education. Objective: Based on the social information processing theory and the strength model of selfcontrol, this study examined the relationship between negative workplace gossip and turnover intention and the role of ego depletion and bianzhi in this relationship.

Methods

The questionnaire method was applied, and 411 rural preschool teachers in Hubei Province, China, participated in the survey.

Results

The correlation results showed that negative workplace gossip was positively correlated with ego depletion, and ego depletion was positively correlated with turnover intention. After controlling for age, negative workplace gossip positively predicted turnover intention. The mediation analysis indicated that ego depletion played a mediating role in the relationship between negative workplace gossip and turnover intention. Moreover, the mediation effect was moderated by bianzhi. Negative workplace gossip had a stronger effect on the ego depletion of teachers without bianzhi than on that of teachers with bianzhi.

Conclusion

The current research is the first to clarify that ego depletion mediates the relationship between negative workplace gossip and turnover intention, and the mediation effect is moderated via bianzhi. These findings expand our understanding of the influential factors and formation mechanisms of turnover intention. In practice, this study provides a novel perspective for policymakers and administrators to reduce the turnover intention among rural preschool teachers in China.
Investigation of the effect of flipped listening instruction on the listening performance and listening anxiety of Chinese EFL students
Authors: Qiu Yu , Luo Wei
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Given the fact that flipped instruction especially with the aid of technology has gained momentum in second language (L2) instruction, numerous L2 researchers have explored the usefulness of flipped classroom for L2 learning.

Methods

As an attempt to further this research area, the current research examined the effect of flipped listening instruction on the Chinese English as a foreign language (EFL) students’ listening performance and listening anxiety using a quasi-experimental research design. To this end, a total number of 44 EFL learners from two intact classes in a Chinese language school were selected as the participants of the research and they were randomly assigned as the control group (N = 21) and an experimental group (N = 23). Within a course of one semester, the control group was instructed employing traditional listening instruction, while the experimental group were taught based on the flipped mode of instruction.

Results

The data collection was carried out by administering the listening section of IELTS and Foreign Language Listening Anxiety Scale (FLLAS).

Discussion

The results of ANCOVA revealed that the flipped listening instruction significantly enhanced listening performance of the participants. Also, the flipped classroom substantially reduced listening anxiety of the EFL learners. The outcomes of this research might provide notable implications for EFL practitioners.
The contribution of a hermeneutic approach to investigate psychological variables in second language acquisition
Authors: Chang Qing
Published: December 2022

Qualitative research and more specifically a hermeneutic approach to interpreting communications in L2 classes has much to contribute to the accumulation of psychological knowledge about L2 learners. The modern social hermeneutic approach helps to address questions that are quite relevant for explaining contemporary developments in L2 educational strategies and policy-making. It can be used alone or in combination with quantitative methods of data analysis to analyze how certain psychological variables (cognitive factors, affective factors, and personality traits) emerge from the social interactions that occur within the ecologically situated nature of classroom language learning. The purpose of this conceptual review is to provide an introductory overview of the hermeneutic approach and discuss how it can be effectively used in L2 studies to explore the emergence, development, and causal mechanisms underlying the psychological variables in the interactive context of L2 classes. Also, suggestions will be explained with respect to the contributions of the method to L2 psychology, educational psychology, and second language acquisition domains.
How ex-employee citizenship behavior is generated: From the perspective of legacy identification
Authors: Tian Zehui , Yuan Qinghong , Qian Shanshan , Guo Yanhong
Published: December 2022

The termination of employment is not the end of an organization–employee relationship. As ex-employees can provide various benefits to their former organizations, and a large number of ex-employees have accumulated in enterprises because of increased employee mobility, research on ex-employees’ contribution behavior, and how it is generated are significant to organizations in making use of their ex-employees effectively and consequently improving organizational efficiency. Based on the research into organizational citizenship behavior, Study 1 extended the focus of organizational citizenship behavior research to include ex-employees, introducing the concept of ex-employee citizenship behavior. The measurement of ex-employee citizenship behavior was developed based on Hinkin’s tutorial. Using social identity theory, Study 2 discussed how ex-employee citizenship behavior is generated. A two-wave survey of 291 former employees was conducted. Hierarchical regression analysis and the bootstrap method were then applied to test the hypotheses. The results showed that legacy identification was positively related to ex-employee citizenship behavior. Furthermore, the interaction between perceived organizational prestige and perceived insider status was positively related to legacy identification. Perceived organizational prestige and perceived insider status were also indirectly and interactively related to ex-employee citizenship behavior through legacy identification. The positive relationship between legacy identification and ex-employee citizenship behavior was moderated by the cooperative relationship between the current and former organizations. Additionally, the indirect positive effect of the interaction between perceived organizational prestige and perceived insider status on ex-employee citizenship behavior through legacy identification is moderated by the cooperative relationship between the current and former organizations. The theoretical and practical implications of this study were discussed. Finally, the limitations of this study were presented alongside suggestions for future research.
Exploring the differential effects of career and psychosocial mentoring on newcomer socialization
Authors: Deng Hui , Wu Wenbing , Zhang Yihua , Yu Zhuyan , Xu Hanzhi , Wu Wen
Published: December 2022

Drawing on the social cognitive career theory, this study proposed an integrative framework to uncover how and when different types of mentoring accelerate newcomer’s socialization in corresponding domains. We tested this relational model with time-lagged, multisource survey data collected from 157 newcomers and 88 supervisors. The results indicated that career mentoring facilitated newcomer task mastery, task performance, and job satisfaction by improving newcomer occupational self-efficacy, whereas psychosocial mentoring promoted newcomer job satisfaction and social integration via inspiring newcomer social self-efficacy. Furthermore, newcomer learning adaptability amplified the influence of career mentoring on newcomer occupational self-efficacy, as well as the impact of psychosocial mentoring on newcomer social self-efficacy. Our study extended the mentoring and socialization literature and provided significant practical implications for managers on how to arrange tailored mentoring to facilitate newcomer socialization.
Association of prescribed oral stimulants on cocaine use among patients enrolled in opioid agonist treatment: A retrospective longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Tatangelo Mark , Tahsin Farah , Morin Kristen A. , Marsh David C.
Published: December 2022

Objectives

The objective of this study was to measure the association of prescribed oral stimulants with the consumption of cocaine among a population of patients receiving Opioid Agonist Therapy (OAT).

Methods

The study was a retrospective clinical cohort study using the medical records of all patients receiving OAT who attended treatment clinics within the Canadian Addiction Treatment Centers (CATC) in Ontario from April 2014 to February 2021. Linear mixed-effects models were fit for the exposure of prescribed oral stimulants, and the outcome of a positive urinalysis drug screen for cocaine. Covariates for age, sex, and a random effect for patients were fitted to account for differences between and within patient observations over time.

Results

Among patients receiving OAT therapyn= 314 patients were prescribed oral stimulants andn= 11,879 patients were not prescribed oral stimulants among Ontario CATC clinics (n= 92,n= 145 physicians), the mean age at enrollment for patients receiving oral stimulants was 37.0,SD= 8.8, with 43.6% female patients and for patients not receiving oral stimulants mean age was 36.6,SD= 10.7, with 39.6% female patients. Linear mixed effects models showed no difference in cocaine-positive urine tests over time for fixed effectsB= 0.001, however, when considering the Interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) between the fixed effects, we found that time since the prescription of an oral stimulant was associated with a decrease of ICC = −0.14 in cocaine positive urine tests. Increasing age at prescription ICC = −0.92, and being male ICC = −0.23 were associated with decreasing cocaine-positive urine.

Conclusion

The use of oral stimulant prescriptions to treat cocaine use had no clinically significant benefit in a real-world setting. Patients who receive prescriptions for oral stimulants consume more cocaine before and after treatment compared to patients without an oral stimulant prescription. We also observed that cocaine use was reduced with increased time since treatment initiation.
Drive competition underlies effective allostatic orchestration
Authors: Rosado Oscar Guerrero , Amil Adrian F. , Freire Ismael T. , Verschure Paul F. M. J.
Published: December 2022

Living systems ensure their fitness by self-regulating. The optimal matching of their behavior to the opportunities and demands of the ever-changing natural environment is crucial for satisfying physiological and cognitive needs. Although homeostasis has explained how organisms maintain their internal states within a desirable range, the problem of orchestrating different homeostatic systems has not been fully explained yet. In the present paper, we argue that attractor dynamics emerge from the competitive relation of internal drives, resulting in the effective regulation of adaptive behaviors. To test this hypothesis, we develop a biologically-grounded attractor model of allostatic orchestration that is embedded into a synthetic agent. Results show that the resultant neural mass model allows the agent to reproduce the navigational patterns of a rodent in an open field. Moreover, when exploring the robustness of our model in a dynamically changing environment, the synthetic agent pursues the stability of the self, being its internal states dependent on environmental opportunities to satisfy its needs. Finally, we elaborate on the benefits of resetting the model’s dynamics after drive-completion behaviors. Altogether, our studies suggest that the neural mass allostatic model adequately reproduces self-regulatory dynamics while overcoming the limitations of previous models.
sami2py—Overview and applications
Authors: Klenzing Jeff , Smith Jonathon M. , Halford Alexa J. , Huba J. D. , Burrell Angeline G.
Published: December 2022

sami2py is a Python module that runs the SAMI2 (Sami2 is Another Model of the Ionosphere) ionospheric model, as well as load and archive the results. SAMI2 is a model developed by the Naval Research Laboratory to simulate the motions of plasma in a two-dimensional ionospheric environment along a dipole magnetic field. SAMI2 solves for the chemical and dynamical evolution of seven ion species in this environment (H+, He+, N+, O+, N2+, NO+, and O2+). The Python implementation allows for additional modifications to the empirical models within SAMI2, including the exospheric temperature in the empirical thermosphere and the input of E×B ion drifts. The code is open source and available to the community on GitHub. The work here discusses the implementation and use of sami2py, including integration with the pysat ecosystem and the growin python package for ionospheric calculations. As part of the Application Usability Level (AUL) framework, we will discuss the usability of this code in terms of several ionospheric applications.
Perennial grassland agriculture restores critical ecosystem functions in the U.S. Upper Midwest
Authors: Wepking Carl , Mackin Hunter C. , Raff Zach , Shrestha Debendra , Orfanou Anna , Booth Eric G. , Kucharik Christopher J. , Gratton Claudio , Jackson Randall D.
Published: December 2022

Dominant forms of agricultural production in the U.S. Upper Midwest are undermining human health and well being. Restoring critical ecosystem functions to agriculture is key to stabilizing climate, reducing flooding, cleaning water, and enhancing biodiversity. We used simulation models to compare ecosystem functions (food-energy production, nutrient retention, and water infiltration) provided by vegetation associated with continuous corn, corn-soybean rotation, and perennial grassland producing feed for dairy livestock. Compared to continuous corn, most ecosystem functions dramatically improved in the perennial grassland system (nitrate leaching reduced ~90%, phosphorus loss reduced ~88%, drainage increased ~25%, evapotranspiration reduced ~29%), which will translate to improved ecosystem services. Our results emphasize the need to incentivize multiple ecosystem services when managing agricultural landscapes.
Food safety knowledge, needed and trusted information of pork consumers in different retail types in Northern Vietnam
Authors: Le Trang Thi-Huyen , Langley Shonara Jayde , Dunham Jordan Gibson , Dang-Xuan Sinh , Unger Fred , Ngo Hai Hoang Tuan , Nguyen-Thanh Luong , Nguyen-Viet Hung , Toribio Jenny-Ann
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Food safety is an important public health concern globally. Risk communication is one of crucial element to manage food safety. While current food safety studies have focused on contamination of hazards or risk factors, limited research exists on consumer concerns, knowledge and perception about the actual risk food poses to their health. This study aimed to assess and compare the knowledge and perceptions regarding food safety, and the information needed and trusted by pork consumers in Northern Vietnam.

Methods

A total of 225 consumers recruited from three different market types: modern urban, traditional urban and traditional rural, were interviewed using a questionnaire between November to December 2019.

Results

The majority of participants (81.8%) were female and consumers interviewed at modern urban retail were younger than those interviewed at traditional retail settings (p < 0.01). Sixty-five percent of participants across the three retail types agreed that microbes were the most common hazards which can make them sick, but the adverse health effect due to chemical hazards was ranked higher than that of biological hazards. Most participants often received food safety information that was about animal diseases (such as African swine fever most recently), chemical contamination and the unknown origin of food rather than about food poisoning and measures to prevent it. Food safety messages from television and professional experts were the most trusted sources and consumer preference was for information about the origin of food (traceability) and how to choose safe food. Participants were willing to receive food safety information daily to weekly. A lack of perception and awareness about animal welfare related to pig farming or slaughtering was reported by most respondents (84.3%).

Discussion

These findings provide insight on Vietnamese consumer knowledge gaps, information demand and communication channels for food safety, so that risk communicators and managers can implement better food safety awareness campaigns and communication to consumers.
Perspectives of digital agriculture in diverse types of livestock supply chain systems. Making sense of uses and benefits
Authors: Baker Derek , Jackson Elizabeth L. , Cook Simon
Published: December 2022

Digital technology is being introduced to global agriculture in a wide variety of forms that are collectively known as digital agriculture. In this paper we provide opportunities and value propositions of how this is occurring in livestock production systems, with a consistent emphasis on technology relating to animal health, animal welfare, and product quality for value creation. This is achieved by organizing individual accounts of digital agriculture in livestock systems according to four broad types—commodity-based; value seeking; subsistence and nature-based. Each type presents contrasting modes of value creation in downstream processing; as well as from the perspective of One Health. The ideal result of digital technology adoption is an equitable and substantial diversification of supply chains, increased monetization of animal product quality, and more sensitive management to meet customer demands and environmental threats. Such changes have a significance beyond the immediate value generated because they indicate endogenous growth in livestock systems, and may concern externalities imposed by the pursuit of purely commercial ends.