bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short-term effects of the “I Spy Feelings” program on emotion regulation in 5- to 6-year-old children
Authors: Arthur Annaliese , McDevitt Maryanne , Rooney Rosanna M. , MacLeod Amber , Kane Robert T. , Tonta Kate , McMillan Kaitlin , Peckover Jacob , Baughman Natalie
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Mental health difficulties in early childhood can have a debilitating and ongoing impact throughout an individual’s life; emotion regulation can serve as a protective factor. Therefore, evidence-based prevention programs that teach children effective skills and strategies for emotion regulation are needed.

Methods

As part of the Aussie Optimism pilot study evaluating the “I Spy Feelings” program, this study aims to assess the short-term effects of the program on emotion regulation in pre-primary aged children after 2 months via a longitudinal cluster randomized controlled trial. Participants included parents (N = 73) of 5- to 6-year-old children attending four different Catholic primary schools. Children from two of the schools were allocated to the intervention group where they participated in the program (N = 33), while children from the other two schools were allocated to the control group where they did not (N = 40). At each time point, all parents completed abridged Children’s Emotional Management Scales measuring how well parents believe their child is able to cope with anger, sadness and worry.

Results

A significant intervention effect 2 months after intervention was found for the outcome of anger coping such that parents whose children were in the intervention group reported significantly greater improvement in their children’s ability to cope with anger compared to parents whose children were in the control group. No significant effect was found for the outcome of sadness, and results for the worry subscale were inconclusive due to unacceptable internal consistency.

Discussion

The present study provides insight into the benefit of programs designed to enhance the emotion regulation skills of very young children. Further follow-up is needed to assess whether the “I Spy Feelings” program has lasting effects.
Addressing fears of children with Williams syndrome: therapist and child behavior in the context of a novel play-and humor-infused exposure therapy approach
Authors: Young Brianna N. , Mohanty Ellora , Levine Karen , Klein-Tasman Bonita P.
Published: August 2023

Many children with Williams syndrome struggle with fears and phobias that significantly impact their daily lives. Yet, there is sparse literature about the impact of behavioral interventions to treat anxiety and phobias among children with Williams syndrome. Using observational coding of intervention videos, the current study examines patterns of the therapist's use of play and humor and relations to child behavioral responses for four children with Williams syndrome who were identified as treatment responders to humor- and play-infused exposure therapy for fears and anxieties. Sessions were coded for therapist behaviors (exposure with or without play/humor, stimulus type used during exposure, passive or invited attention to feared stimulus, and spontaneous parent participation in exposure) as well as positive, negative, and neutral child behaviors (verbalizations and behaviors). Temporal patterns between therapist and child behaviors were analyzed using lag sequential analyses. The results showed that tolerance of feared stimuli improved for two of the four children following this play- and humor-infused exposure therapy approach, and the remaining two participants demonstrated progress beyond tolerating the feared stimulus and showed increased positive behaviors with the feared stimulus across sessions. Findings also showed patterns of therapist attunement to the child's anxiety level demonstrated through efforts to flexibly adjust the degrees of exposure. Therapist-initiated invited attention behaviors, indicative of the therapist's use of narration and priming, were associated with child tolerance and positive behaviors during exposure to the feared stimulus. Limitations of this study include a very small sample size, short duration of intervention, and a single-subject research design, which limit the generalizability of findings. Implications and future directions of this research are discussed.
A conceptual study on the relationship between daily stressors, stressful life events, and mental health in refugees using network analysis
Authors: Behrendt Malte , Vervliet Marianne , Rota Marina , Adeyinka Sarah , Uzureau Océane , Rasmussen Andrew , Glaesmer Heide , Lietaert Ine , Derluyn Ilse
Published: August 2023

Introduction

There is growing recognition that daily stressors, such as social and material deficiencies, can be highly detrimental to the mental health of refugees. These stressors are in addition to stressful life events, which have been widely studied in the context of migration and forced displacement. Despite increasing evidence for an ecological model, there is still no consensus regarding the conceptualization of these highly influential factors. In particular, the demarcation of daily stressors from stressful life events and the categorization of daily stressors require further examination in order to develop usable and accurate tools for researchers, design effective interventions for practitioners and assist politicians in designing meaningful policies.

Methods

To address these challenges, we used data from a sample of 392 unaccompanied young refugees from diverse backgrounds and employed network analysis to examine the relationships between daily stressors, stressful life events, and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress.

Results

Our findings highlight the significant relationship between daily stressors and mental health, particularly depression. Meaningful clusters of daily stressors include material stressors, social stressors, and social exclusion stressors.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate the importance of considering daily stressors in the mental health of refugees and suggest that using a network approach offers a viable way to study these complex interrelationships. These findings have implications for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers in understanding and addressing the mental health needs of refugees.
Negative psychological and physiological effects of social networking site use: The example of Facebook
Authors: Stangl Fabian J. , Riedl René , Kiemeswenger Roman , Montag Christian
Published: August 2023

Social networking sites (SNS), with Facebook as a prominent example, have become an integral part of our daily lives and more than four billion people worldwide use SNS. However, the (over-)use of SNS also poses both psychological and physiological risks. In the present article, we review the scientific literature on the risk of Facebook (over-)use. Addressing this topic is critical because evidence indicates the development of problematic Facebook use (“Facebook addiction”) due to excessive and uncontrolled use behavior with various psychological and physiological effects. We conducted a review to examine the scope, range, and nature of prior empirical research on the negative psychological and physiological effects of Facebook use. Our literature search process revealed a total of 232 papers showing that Facebook use is associated with eight major psychological effects (perceived anxiety, perceived depression, perceived loneliness, perceived eating disorders, perceived self-esteem, perceived life satisfaction, perceived insomnia, and perceived stress) and three physiological effects (physiological stress, human brain alteration, and affective experience state). The review also describes how Facebook use is associated with these effects and provides additional details on the reviewed literature, including research design, sample, age, and measures. Please note that the term “Facebook use” represents an umbrella term in the present work, and in the respective sections it will be made clear what kind of Facebook use is associated with a myriad of investigated psychological variables. Overall, findings indicate that certain kinds of Facebook use may come along with significant risks, both psychologically and physiologically. Based on our review, we also identify potential avenues for future research.
The influence of existence–relatedness–growth need satisfaction and job burnout of young university teachers: the mediating role of job satisfaction
Authors: Yang Yang , Ling Que
Published: August 2023

Job burnout among young university teachers is a serious issue that can have negative consequences for their well-being and job performance, as well as students’ learning outcomes. To identify protective factors for job burnout, this study examined the impacts and mechanism of satisfying existence, relatedness, and growth need on job burnout among 968 young university teachers, using the ERG needs theory framework. The results of the regression analysis and mediation analysis showed that ERG needs satisfaction significantly and negatively predicted job burnout, and job satisfaction mediated this relationship. Besides, the total effect of existence need satisfaction on job burnout was significantly smaller than that of relatedness need satisfaction and growth need satisfaction. These findings contribute to our understanding of the antecedents of young university teachers’ job burnout and provide a theoretical basis for practical action to protect them from burnout by enhancing their need satisfaction and job satisfaction.
Analytics of self-regulated learning scaffolding: effects on learning processes
Authors: Li Tongguang , Fan Yizhou , Tan Yuanru , Wang Yeyu , Singh Shaveen , Li Xinyu , Raković Mladen , van der Graaf Joep , Lim Lyn , Yang Binrui , Molenaar Inge , Bannert Maria , Moore Johanna , Swiecki Zachari , Tsai Yi-Shan , Shaffer David Williamson , Gašević Dragan
Published: August 2023

Self-regulated learning (SRL) is the ability to regulate cognitive, metacognitive, motivational, and emotional states while learning and is posited to be a strong predictor of academic success. It is therefore important to provide learners with effective instructions to promote more meaningful and effective SRL processes. One way to implement SRL instructions is through providing real-time SRL scaffolding while learners engage with a task. However, previous studies have tended to focus on fixed scaffolding rather than adaptive scaffolding that is tailored to student actions. Studies that have investigated adaptive scaffolding have not adequately distinguished between the effects of adaptive and fixed scaffolding compared to a control condition. Moreover, previous studies have tended to investigate the effects of scaffolding at the task level rather than shorter time segments—obscuring the impact of individual scaffolds on SRL processes. To address these gaps, we (a) collected trace data about student activities while working on a multi-source writing task and (b) analyzed these data using a cutting-edge learning analytic technique— ordered network analysis (ONA)—to model, visualize, and explain how learners' SRL processes changed in relation to the scaffolds. At the task level, our results suggest that learners who received adaptive scaffolding have significantly different patterns of SRL processes compared to the fixed scaffolding and control conditions. While not significantly different, our results at the task segment level suggest that adaptive scaffolding is associated with earlier engagement in SRL processes. At both the task level and task segment level, those who received adaptive scaffolding, compared to the other conditions, exhibited more task-guided learning processes such as referring to task instructions and rubrics in relation to their reading and writing. This study not only deepens our understanding of the effects of scaffolding at different levels of analysis but also demonstrates the use of a contemporary learning analytic technique for evaluating the effects of different kinds of scaffolding on learners' SRL processes.
Association between gut microbiota and psychiatric disorders: a systematic review
Authors: Grau-Del Valle Carmen , Fernández Javier , Solá Eva , Montoya-Castilla Inmaculada , Morillas Carlos , Bañuls Celia
Published: August 2023

Introduction

In recent years, it has been described that the dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiota plays a transcendental role in several pathologies. In this sense, the importance of the gut microbiota in the gut-brain axis, with a bidirectional communication, has been demonstrated. Furthermore, the gut microbiota has been linked with mood disorders and neuropsychiatric disorders.

Methods

A systematic review of two databases – PubMed and Scopus – was carried out following PRISMA guidelines. We included original studies in humans with a control group published in the last 11 years, which were assessed by the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) to confirm their quality. Eighteen articles met all the selection criteria.

Results

A review of the articles revealed an association between psychiatric disorders and different bacterial phyla. The studies we have reviewed have demonstrated differences between subjects with psychiatric disorders and controls and highlight a clear relationship between depression, stress, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), psychotic episodes, eating disorders, anxiety and brain function and the gut microbiota composition.

Conclusion

A reduction of fermentative taxa has been observed in different psychiatric disorders, resulting in a decrease in the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and an increase in pro-inflammatory taxa, both of which may be consequences of the exacerbation of these pathologies.
A 2-year follow-up of the effects of combined binge drinking and cannabis consumption on academic performance and adjustment in Spanish third-year university students
Authors: Páramo María Fernanda , Cadaveira Fernando , Rodríguez María Soledad
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The study was based on 2-year follow-up of the effects of binge drinking and cannabis co-consumption on academic performance and adjustment in Spanish Third-Year University Students and to further explore the impact of academic adjustment on this relationship.

Methods

A total of 144 students (aged 19–20 years) enrolled in the third year of university completed the study. The students were recruited during in first academic year (T1) via a survey that included items regarding the use of alcohol (AUDIT-C), cannabis and other drugs and demographic variables. Then, participants meeting the study criteria were then selected and invited by e-mail to a clinical (face-to face) structured interview. The participants completed a calendar of alcohol consumption during the 6 months prior to the interview (Alcohol Timeline Follow back), and recorded cannabis consumption in 3 months prior to the interview. To examine the effects of alcohol and cannabis co-consumption on the outcome variables, we categorized participants into three consumption groups (i.e., control, BD, and BDCA) based on the number of BD days and cannabis unit scores.

Results

Binge drinking and cannabis co-consumption in first-year students was significantly associated with poor academic performance and adjustment after 2 years of undergraduate study. Relative to controls, co-consumers (BDCA) reported significantly lower academic and personal-emotional adjustment to university as well as poorer performance. Mediation analysis showed that academic adjustment explains the mechanism by which BDCAs perform less well, mediating the relationship between co-consumption and academic performance, with an indirect effect representing 64.61% of the total effect. Furthermore, the mediating effect of academic adjustment was maintained after controlling for academic adjustment and baseline grade point average (T1).

Conclusion

This prospective follow-up study helps to further our knowledge of how combined binge drinking and cannabis consumption may affect university adjustment and academic success in Spanish university students Overall, the study results should encourage health professionals, educational psychologists and academic institutions to take ownership of the need for support and involvement in prevention, as well as for provision of guidelines for implementing appropriate intervention strategies.
The relationship between locus of control and pre-competitive anxiety in highly trained soccer players
Authors: Amar Imen Ben , Gomni Chiraz , Chortane Oussama Gaied , Khmiri Aymen , Ghouaiel Rania , Baker Julien S.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Previous studies have not considered the potential association between locus of control and precompetitive anxiety in elite soccer players. Accordingly, this cross-sectional study examined The prediction of locus of control on precompetitive anxiety in highly trained cadet soccer players.

Objective

Based on a literature review, our research question was: can the locus of control be considered as an explanatory element of precompetitive anxiety?

Methods

Thirty-five Tunisian highly trained soccer players licensed from two regional soccer clubs aged between 15 and 16 years participated in the resent study. All participants were evaluated using the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI-2) and the Internal-External Locus of Control Scale. The relationship between measures of anxiety, self-confidence and the locus of control scores were analyzed using Pearson’s product–moment correlation coefficient. Further, multiple linear stepwise multiple regression models were calculated to determine the most robust predictors of the locus of control.

Results

Based on our findings, the regression analysis explains up to 21.3% of the total variation of our independent variable (locus of control) and explains only 21.3% of the variability of our dependent variable somatic anxiety. Furthermore, locus of control explains 61.9% of the variability in self-confidence.

Conclusion

The locus of control can be used for the detection and selection of young athletic talent to identify individuals with the best psychological aptitude to cope with psychological problems related to sports performance. Preparing highly trained soccer players on how to deal with their anxiety could prevent them from becoming overwhelmed when they feel powerless to change their situation during competition.
Effects of a mindfulness-based interventions on stress, burnout in nurses: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Qi , Wang Fang , Zhang Shurong , Liu Chaofan , Feng Yue , Chen Junzhu
Published: August 2023

Background

Stress in the healthcare environment causes negative effects in nurses such as burnout, anxiety, and depression. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in increased pressure on medical staff globally, highlighting the potential benefits of mindfulness-based interventions in reducing nurses’ stress levels. Despite numerous studies exploring the effect of mindfulness-based training on nurses, the results remain inconclusive.

Objective

To systematically evaluate the impact of mindfulness training on nurse’s performance and increase the certainty of existing evidence.

Methods

This study searched various databases, including EBSCO, Embase, Web of Science, PubMed, ProQuest, Scopus, Cochrane Online Library, Wanfang, SinoMed, CNKI, and VIP, for randomized controlled trials on the impact of mindfulness-based interventions for nurses up until 02 December 2022. Two investigators independently screened and extracted data from the articles, while also assessing the risk of bias. The data was analyzed using RevMan 5.4 software.

Results

This review identified 15 studies out of the 2,171 records retrieved, consisting of a total of 1,165 participants who were randomized. Post-intervention analysis provided very-low certainty evidence of moderate effectiveness of mindfulness-based training in reducing stress [standardized mean difference (SMD) = −0.81; 95% confidence interval (CI) = −1.11 to −0.52], with no significant effect on anxiety (SMD = −0.30; 95% CI = −0.72 to 0.13) or depression (SMD = −0.24; 95% CI = −0.55 to 0.07). However, the training was effective in reducing burnout, as demonstrated by the lower scores for emotional exhaustion (SMD = −4.27; 95% CI = −5.94 to −2.59) and depersonalization (SMD = −2.89; 95% CI = −4.24 to −1.54) and higher scores for personal accomplishment (SMD = 2.81; 95% CI = 0.12 to 5.50). There was a sustained improvement in stress levels in the short-term (≤3 months), with delayed benefits for burnout. However, only two studies were available for later follow-ups, and there was no significant evidence of long-term effects.

Conclusion

Mindfulness-based training may be a viable intervention for improving the psychological wellbeing of nurses, including reducing stress, burnout.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42023387081.
Development and validation of an assessment tool for public perceptions toward drive-thru community pharmacy services in Malaysia during COVID-19
Authors: Ababneh Bayan Faisal , Ong Siew Chin , Alsaloumi Louai , Hussain Rabia
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Community pharmacists' roles have expanded and undergone a significant transition over the last few years. Consequently, new and different pharmacy services, such as drive-thru pharmacy services, have emerged. Drive-thru pharmacy services began three decades ago and continued even during outbreaks such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients' perceptions are essential to the successful implementation and satisfaction with any new service. This study examines the reliability and validity of the assessment tool of public perceptions toward drive-thru community pharmacy services in Malaysia during COVID-19.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted. The developed tool consists of 28 items to evaluate believed advantages toward drive-thru community pharmacy services, believed disadvantages toward drive-thru community pharmacy services, differences between drive-thru community pharmacy services and instore drug refill services, perceptions toward drive-thru community pharmacy services and feelings regarding how the introduction of drive-thru pharmacy services may affect the image of community pharmacists. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed to identify the factors of the developed tool, and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) evaluated the model fitness.

Results

The EFA identified five elements and 25 items for the tool, and through CFA results, the observed model of the 25 items structure of the tool was verified as an excellent fit for the data [χ2 (265, N = 565) = 819.586, p < 0.001, IFI = 0.931, CFI = 0.93, RMSEA = 0.064]. The results of the CFA indicated a good model fit between the observed model and the proposed model. The internal reliability of the entire tool and each factor was very satisfactory as Cronbach's Alpha for the whole structured tool was 0.843 and for each factor was as follows, first factor (believed advantages) = 0.909, second factor (believed disadvantages) = 0.921, third factor (differences between drive-thru and instore refill) = 0.647, fourth factor (perceptions) = 0.926, and fifth factor (feelings) = 0.681.

Conclusion

The developed and validated tool would be valuable for assessing the public's perceptions of the drive-thru community pharmacy service during COVID-19 and future pandemics.
Qualitative inquiry with persons with obesity about weight management in primary care and referrals
Authors: Bailey-Davis Lisa , Pinto Angela Marinilli , Hanna David J. , Cardel Michelle I. , Rethorst Chad D. , Matta Kelsey , Still Christopher D. , Foster Gary D.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Referrals to evidence-based weight management in the community-commercial sector are aligned with clinical recommendations but underutilized.

Methods

This qualitative study explored patients’ perceptions and expectations about obesity treatment in primary care and referral to community-commercial sector programs. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sample of US persons with obesity via telephone. Audiotape transcripts, interviewer notes, and independent review of data by two investigators allowed for data and investigator triangulation. Transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

Data saturation was reached with 30 participants who had a mean age of 41.6 years (SD 9.4), 37% male, 20% Black/African American and 17% Hispanic, 57% college educated, and 50% were employed full-time. Three primary themes emerged: (1) frustration with weight management in primary care; (2) patients expect providers to be better informed of and offer treatment options; and (3) opportunities and challenges with referrals to community-commercial programs.

Discussion

Patients expect that providers offer personalized treatment options and referrals to effective community-commercial programs are an acceptable option. If patient-level data are shared between clinical and community entities to facilitate referrals, then privacy and security issues need attention. Future research is needed to determine feasibility of implementing clinical to community-commercial referrals for obesity treatment in the United States.
Development of a knowledge graph framework to ease and empower translational approaches in plant research: a use-case on grain legumes
Authors: Imbert Baptiste , Kreplak Jonathan , Flores Raphaël-Gauthier , Aubert Grégoire , Burstin Judith , Tayeh Nadim
Published: August 2023

While the continuing decline in genotyping and sequencing costs has largely benefited plant research, some key species for meeting the challenges of agriculture remain mostly understudied. As a result, heterogeneous datasets for different traits are available for a significant number of these species. As gene structures and functions are to some extent conserved through evolution, comparative genomics can be used to transfer available knowledge from one species to another. However, such a translational research approach is complex due to the multiplicity of data sources and the non-harmonized description of the data. Here, we provide two pipelines, referred to as structural and functional pipelines, to create a framework for a NoSQL graph-database (Neo4j) to integrate and query heterogeneous data from multiple species. We call this framework Orthology-driven knowledge base framework for translational research (Ortho_KB). The structural pipeline builds bridges across species based on orthology. The functional pipeline integrates biological information, including QTL, and RNA-sequencing datasets, and uses the backbone from the structural pipeline to connect orthologs in the database. Queries can be written using the Neo4j Cypher language and can, for instance, lead to identify genes controlling a common trait across species. To explore the possibilities offered by such a framework, we populated Ortho_KB to obtain OrthoLegKB, an instance dedicated to legumes. The proposed model was evaluated by studying the conservation of a flowering-promoting gene. Through a series of queries, we have demonstrated that our knowledge graph base provides an intuitive and powerful platform to support research and development programmes.
Abatacept and T-cell costimulation blockade—shifting the paradigm in the prevention of graft-versus-host disease
Authors: Chakrabarti Suparno , Jaiswal Sarita Rani
Published: August 2023

Despite advances in transplantation techniques and immunosuppressive therapies, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, necessitating the use of innovative strategies for its prevention. T-cell activation plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of GVHD, and T-cell costimulation blockade (COSBL) has emerged as a promising approach to prevent this devastating condition. This review aims to explore the concept of COSBL and its potential as a paradigm-shifting strategy in the prevention of GVHD, in the context of the existing modalities for the prevention of GVHD and the preclinical and clinical studies on COSBL. The unique property of abatacept (CTLA4Ig) is not just limited to dampening T-cell activation. The salutary effect of abatacept on natural killer (NK) cells and Tregs alike provides a unique opportunity to dissociate T-cell-mediated GVHD from NK cell-mediated graft-versus-leukemia. Further research is warranted to explore other modalities of COSBL, determine the optimal dosing and combinations for COSBL, and identify predictive biomarkers for patient stratification, ultimately paving the way for improved outcomes in hematopoietic cell transplantation recipients.
The illusion of immediacy: on the need for human synchronization in data-intensive medicine
Authors: von Arx Martina
Published: August 2023

Medical practice is increasingly shaped by big data sets and less by patient narratives. Data-intensive medicine promises to directly connect the patients with the clinic. Instead of medical examinations taking place at bedside and discrete moments, sensor-based technologies continuously monitor a certain body parameter and automatically transfer the data via a telemedical system. Based on a qualitative study of remote cardiac monitoring, I explore how the uncoupling of processes that used to happen in one place, changes the way diagnosis is made. Using ethnographic observations and semi-structured interviews with patients and tele-nurses of two university hospitals in Switzerland, I describe remote cardiac monitoring as a data network. The perception of being constantly connected to the hospital resulted in a reassuring effect among patients and healthcare professionals. Moreover, the notion of an automatically synchronized data network led patients to expect immediate feedback from the hospital as soon as an irregularity was detected. However, it obscured the fact that although the inserted sensor monitors the heart around the clock, the data is transmitted only once a day, and the tele-nurses only work during office hours, from Monday to Friday. I call this misperception “illusion of immediacy”. It takes time to accurately correlate and interpret a recorded episode with other types of data, such as the last hospital visit, comorbidities, and/or the actual situation in which the recording was made. Accordingly, tele-nurses and cardiologists play a central and privileged role in the data network. The findings highlight the importance of synchronizing the different temporalities that coexist in the patient remote monitoring data network in order to generate meaningful knowledge that ultimately leads to a diagnosis.
Examining the contribution of an underutilized food source, Bambara Groundnut, in improving protein intake in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Veldsman Zani , Pretorius Beulah , Schönfeldt Hettie Carina
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Bambara groundnut (BGN) is an underutilised, indigenous crop in sub-Saharan Africa. As an underutilised crop the nutritional contribution it can make is not well researched and documented. This study aims to better understand the nutritional profile and protein quality of BGN and the potential of this legume to combat food and nutritional security in rural and malnourished communities.

Methods

Nutritional analysis, including proximate analysis, minerals, total fat and amino acid profile of BGN from three different regions in the Mpumalanga (MP) province of South Africa (SA), were determined. The protein quality was evaluated with various methods including CSEAA, IEAA, PDCAAS and DIAAS and compared with other pulses and legumes in the diet.

Results

BGN consists of - 18,9% carbohydrates, 9,4% protein and 3% fat as consumed. The protein quality is lower than some other commonly consumed pulses but can still be valuable as a complementary protein in the current traditional diet of the region.

Discussion

There is the potential that BGN, together with other commonly consumed plant-based foods (e.g. maize) form a complete protein, that can contribute to protein intake and alleviate the burden of protein-energy malnutrition, specifically in developing countries.
Physicochemical attributes, antioxidant activity, and sensory responses of low-fat cheese supplemented with spray-dried Jamun juice (Syzygium cumini L.) powder
Authors: Shelke Ganesh N. , Kad Vikram P. , Yenge Govind B. , Kukde Ritu B. , Kakade Sudama R. , Al-Dalain Sati Y. , Haddad Moawiya A. , Abdeen Ahmed , Ibrahim Samah F. , Abdelkhalek Adel , Imbrea Florin , Fericean Liana , Gharmy Heba I. , Morsy Mohamed K.
Published: August 2023

The current work aimed to enhance the quality, antioxidant activity, and sensory properties of low-fat soft cheese using Jamun Juice (Syzygium cumini L.) powder (JJP). Spray-dried JJP was added to soft cheese at four concentrations (4, 8, 12, and 16% w/v), in parallel to a control sample. The bioactive compounds of spray-dried JJP including total anthocyanin content (TAC), total phenolic content (TPC), ascorbic acid (AsA), and antioxidant ability (AA) were determined. The physicochemical, functional, color, textural, and organoleptic quality of cheese were estimated. Results revealed that JJP had a rich in contents of TAC 10.72 mg/g, TPC 22.08 mg/g, AsA 0.32 mg/g, and antioxidants 62.66%. The low-fat cheese included 16% JJP was high in moisture and ash contents while low in protein and pH compared to other treatments and control. The low-fat cheese included 16% JJP was high in TAC 0.22 mg/g, TPC 0.80 mg/g, AsA 0.056 mg/g, and AA 40.08%, compared to cheese contained JJP 4%–12%. The color attributes L*, a*, and b* of soft cheese-based 12% JJP were enhanced. Spray-dried JJP at 12% and 16% significantly affected textural profile, like firmness, cohesiveness, adhesiveness, springiness, gumminess, and chewiness of soft cheese compared to other samples. The 12% and 16% JJP improved the sensory acceptability of soft cheese treatments. The findings demonstrated that JJP at 12% could be a promising replacing material enriched with antioxidant and anthocyanin contents and help improve the quality and acceptability of low-fat soft cheese.
Case report:18F-2-deoxy-2-fluoro-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography image findings of a dog with gossypiboma
Authors: Kim Su-Hyeon , Lee Sungin
Published: August 2023

A 13-year-old, spayed, female mixed breed dog that had previously undergone mastectomy and ovariohysterectomy at our institution was referred to the nuclear medicine department for metastasis evaluation following surgery. 18F-deoxy-2-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET-CT) was performed and a soft-tissue mass was observed in the abdominal cavity. The characteristics of the abdominal mass were assessed and screening for metastasis was done with follow-up 18F-FDG PET scans. Uptake of 18F-deoxy-2-D-glucose was higher in the peripheral region and lower in the center of the abdominal mass. Exploratory laparotomy was performed, and the removed abdominal mass was consistent with a gossypiboma, which is a retained surgical sponge composed of non-absorbable material with cotton matrix. This case report describes the characteristics of 18F-FDG PET-CT imaging in a dog with an abdominal gossypiboma, which has not been reported in the veterinary literature before.
Post-genomic era in agriculture and veterinary science: successful and proposed application of genetic targeting technologies
Authors: Mazloum Ali , Karagyaur Maxim , Chernyshev Roman , van Schalkwyk Antoinette , Jun Ma , Qiang Fu , Sprygin Alexander
Published: August 2023

Gene editing tools have become an indispensable part of research into the fundamental aspects of cell biology. With a vast body of literature having been generated based on next generation sequencing technologies, keeping track of this ever-growing body of information remains challenging. This necessitates the translation of genomic data into tangible applications. In order to address this objective, the generated Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) data forms the basis for targeted genome editing strategies, employing known enzymes of various cellular machinery, in generating organisms with specifically selected phenotypes. This review focuses primarily on CRISPR/Cas9 technology in the context of its advantages over Zinc finger proteins (ZNF) and Transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALEN) and meganucleases mutagenesis strategies, for use in agricultural and veterinary applications. This review will describe the application of CRISPR/Cas9 in creating modified organisms with custom-made properties, without the undesired non-targeted effects associated with virus vector vaccines and bioactive molecules produced in bacterial systems. Examples of the successful and unsuccessful applications of this technology to plants, animals and microorganisms are provided, as well as an in-depth look into possible future trends and applications in vaccine development, disease resistance and enhanced phenotypic traits will be discussed.
Clinical, magnetic resonance imaging, and histological description of a choroid plexus papilloma with disseminated intraventricular and spinal cerebrospinal fluid drop metastases in a young adult dog: a case report
Authors: Albertini Guillaume Marc , Malbon Alexandra , Staudacher Anne , Stabile Fabio
Published: August 2023

A 2-year-old male entire Cane Corso was presented for investigations into a 1-week history of ambulatory paraparesis and pelvic limb ataxia gradually deteriorating. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed intraventricular space-occupying lesions affecting the fourth ventricle and lateral apertures and intradural-extramedullary space-occupying lesions at the level of C7 vertebra, L4-L5, and L7-S1 intervertebral disk spaces. Due to poor quality of life, the patient was euthanized. A post-mortem examination revealed partially encapsulated, multifocally infiltrative, and moderately cellular neoplastic masses. The histological description was similar for all masses. The cells appeared cuboidal with round central nuclei and a moderate amount of eosinophilic cytoplasm and were arranged almost exclusively in single-layered papilliform patterns supported by a fibrovascular stroma. Mitoses were rarely observed (1/2.37 mm2). The primary neoplasm was morphologically most consistent with a choroid plexus papilloma despite drop metastases. This is the first report of a histologically confirmed primary ventricular choroid plexus papilloma causing disseminated MRI-apparent intraventricular and spinal drop metastases.
Host Associations of Culicoides Biting Midges in Northeastern Kansas, USA
Authors: McGregor Bethany L. , Lewis Aaron
Published: August 2023

Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) are hematophagous flies that transmit several viruses of veterinary concern to livestock. Understanding blood feeding behaviors is integral towards identification of putative vector species and preventing the transmission of these pathogens. PCR-based blood meal analysis was conducted on 440 blood-engorged Culicoides midges collected in northeastern Kansas, with 316 (71.8%) returning non-human vertebrate identifications at the ≥95% identity match level. Broadly, Culicoides sonorensis, Culicoides stellifer, and Culicoides variipennis were found to feed heavily on mammalian hosts, while Culicoides crepuscularis and Culicoides haematopotus fed on avian hosts. The blood meals in all specimens were graded prior to DNA extraction to determine whether blood meal size or digestion status significantly impacted the likelihood of a quality host match. Size had a significant impact on the likelihood of a quality match at grades 3–5, whereas digestion only significantly impacted outcomes at the most extreme grade. These vector–host dynamics have not previously been studied in Culicoides collected in Kansas, which represents a unique tallgrass prairie biome within the United States that is heavily interspersed with livestock operations. Based on these data, the highly abundant species C. crepuscularis and C. haematopotus are unlikely to be major vectors of mammalian viruses.
Hybridization in Canids—A Case Study of Pampas Fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus) and Domestic Dog (Canis lupus familiaris) Hybrid
Authors: Szynwelski Bruna Elenara , Kretschmer Rafael , Matzenbacher Cristina Araujo , Ferrari Flávia , Alievi Marcelo Meller , de Freitas Thales Renato Ochotorena
Published: August 2023

Hybridization between species with different evolutionary trajectories can be a powerful threat to wildlife conservation. Anthropogenic activities, such as agriculture and livestock, have led to the degradation and loss of natural habitats for wildlife. Consequently, the incidence of interspecific hybridization between wild and domestic species has increased, although cases involving species of different genera are rare. In Vacaria, a Southern city in Brazil, a female canid with a strange phenotype, which had characteristics between the phenotype of the domestic dog (Canis familiaris) and that of the pampas fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus), was found. Our analysis suggests that the animal is a hybrid between a domestic dog and a pampas fox, but future studies are necessary to investigate additional cases of this hybridization in nature. This finding worries for the conservation of wild canids in South America, especially concerning Lycalopex species. Hybridization with the domestic dog may have harmful effects on pampas fox populations due to the potential for introgression and disease transmission by the domestic dog. Therefore, future studies to explore the consequences of hybridization on genetics, ecology, and behavior of wild populations will be essential to improve the conservation of this species.
Copy Number Variation Discovery in South African Nguni-Sired and Bonsmara-Sired Crossbred Cattle
Authors: Kooverjee Bhaveni B. , Soma Pranisha , van der Nest Magrieta A. , Scholtz Michiel M. , Neser Frederick W. C.
Published: August 2023

Crossbreeding forms part of Climate-Smart beef production and is one of the strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change. Two Nguni-sired and three Bonsmara-sired crossbred animals underwent whole genome sequencing. Following quality control and file preparation, the sequence data were investigated for genome-wide copy number variation (CNV) using the panelcn.MOPS tool. A total of 355 CNVs were identified in the crossbreds, of which 274 were unique in Bonsmara-sired crossbreds and 81 unique in the Nguni-sired crossbreds. Genes that differed in copy number in both crossbreds included genes related to growth (SCRN2, LOC109572916) and fertility-related factors (RPS28, LOC1098562432, LOC109570037). Genes that were present only in the Bonsmara-sired crossbreds included genes relating to lipid metabolism (MAF1), olfaction (LOC109569114), body size (HES7), immunity (LOC10957335, LOC109877039) and disease (DMBT1). Genes that were present only in the Nguni-sired crossbreds included genes relating to ketosis (HMBOX1) and amino acid transport (LOC109572916). Results of this study indicate that Nguni and Bonsmara cattle can be utilized in crossbreeding programs as they may enhance the presence of economically important traits associated with both breeds. This will produce crossbred animals that are good meat producers, grow faster, have high fertility, strong immunity and a better chance of producing in South Africa’s harsh climate conditions. Ultimately, this study provides new genetic insights into the adaptability of Nguni and Bonsmara crossbred cattle.
Comparison of Recently Proposed Causes of Climate Change
Authors: Harris Stuart A.
Published: August 2023

This paper compares the ideas contained in the main papers published on climate change since World War II to arrive at a suggested consensus of our present knowledge regarding climatic changes and their causes. Atmospheric carbon dioxide is only suggested as a cause in one theory, which, despite its wide acceptance by Politicians, the media, and the Public, ignores the findings in other studies, including the ideas found in the Milankovitch Cycles. It also does not explain the well-known NASA map of the changes between the global 1951–1978 and the 2010–2019 mean annual temperatures. The other theories by Oceanographers, Earth scientists, and Geographers fit together to indicate that the variations in climate are the result of differential solar heating of the Earth, resulting in a series of processes redistributing the heat to produce a more uniform range of climates around the surface of the Earth. Key factors are the shape of the Earth and the Milankovitch Cycles, the distribution of land and water bodies, the differences between heating land and water, ocean currents and gateways, air masses, and hurricanes. Low atmospheric carbon dioxide levels during cold events could result in too little of this gas to support photosynthesis in plants, resulting in the extermination of most life on Earth as we know it. The 23 ka Milankovitch cycle has begun to reduce the winter insolation received at the surface of the atmosphere in the mid-latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere starting in 2020. This results in extreme weather as the winter insolation reaching the surface of the atmosphere in the higher latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere decreases while the summer air temperatures increase. It heralds the start of the next glaciation. A brief outline is given of some of the climatic changes and consequences that may be expected in western Canada during the next 11.5 ka.
Retrospective Analysis of Responders and Impaired Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis Treated with Two Consecutive Injections of Very Pure Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
Authors: Silvestre Alain , Lintingre Pierre-Francois , Pesquer Lionel , Meyer Philippe , Moreau-Durieux Marie-Hélène , Dallaudiére Benjamin
Published: August 2023

Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of two consecutive intraarticular injections of PRP to treat knee osteoarthritis (KOA), discriminating between responders and impaired patients. Methods: This retrospective study included 73 consecutive patients who were referred for two intra-articular PRP injections (one week apart) for treating symptomatic moderate/severe KOA. Biological characterization of the PRP, including platelets, leukocytes and erythrocytes, was evaluated. Patient’s subjective symptoms were recorded before the treatment and 1 year after the second injection using pain VAS and WOMAC scores. Responders were defined by an improvement of 10 points on WOMAC. Results: At a 1-year follow up, we found 36 (49.3%) patients who fulfilled the criteria of responders, and 21 (28.8%) patients were impaired. A statistically and clinically significant global improvement of −29.2 ± 14.3 (p < 0.001) points in WOMAC score was observed 1 year after treatment in the responder group, with a higher response rate in patients with KL 2 (57.7%) compared to KL IV (28.6%). The percentage of patients with KL IV was higher in the impaired group (48.0%) compared to the responders (16.6%). As expected, the evaluation of the functionality of the knee in the impaired group indicates that it significantly worsened after one year from treatment (p = 0.027). However, the average pain score remained stable with no significant differences after 1 year (p = 0.843). No clinical complications or severe adverse events after the PRP injections were reported. Conclusion: The present study suggests that two intra-articular injections of 10 mL of very pure PRP provide pain and functional improvement in symptomatic KOA.