bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Subjective Loss in Financial Risk Taking and Negative Emotion
Authors: Mei Dongmei , He Shasha , Li Liman Man Wai , Zhu Yiyi
Published: October 2021

The current research examined the influence of subjective loss on financial risk-taking tendency and negative emotional experience through inducing the experience of subjective loss in auction scenarios. In Study 1, we found that the subjective loss experience (compared to no-loss experience) in an auction scenario induced greater financial risk propensity, especially in gambling, greater negative emotion, and greater decision regret. In addition, we found that the subjective loss experience induced stronger negative emotion but less risk propensity in investment than the actual loss experience did, but these two types of loss did not yield a difference in risk propensity in gambling in Study 2. These results implicate that subjective loss is a distinct experience from no-loss and actual loss experiences, which is reflected by the degree of associated emotional experience and subsequent risk-taking propensity. The current research highlights the complex psychological processes of the experience of loss in decision-making contexts.
Understanding the Dark Side of Online Reviews on Consumers' Purchase Intentions in E-Commerce: Evidence From a Consumer Experiment in China
Authors: Wang Junbin , Fan Xiaojun , Shen Xiangdong , Gao Yurong
Published: October 2021

Background: Online review, as an important way of electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) communication, plays an important role in e-commerce. However, few studies have examined the dark side of online reviews and their effect on consumers' purchase intentions. Information inconsistency is one of the dark sides that plays a critical role in influencing consumers' purchase intentions through online reviews.

Methods: Using a 2*2 between-subject design that explores the main effects of the type of information inconsistency (vertical- vs. horizontal-attribute inconsistency) on purchase intention and the moderating effect of product type (search vs. experience product).

Results: This study examines whether and how the type of information inconsistency between online recommendations and reviews influences consumer purchase decision-making.

Conclusions: The findings show that vertical-attribute inconsistency leads to a lower purchase intention for search products; moreover, both vertical- and horizontal-attribute inconsistencies have no significant effect on purchase intention for experience products.
Determinants of Financial Empowerment Among Women in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Ali Murad , Ali Imran , Badghish Saeed , Soomro Yasir A.
Published: October 2021

Increasing women’s financial empowerment is important as they experience a lack of control over economic resources as compared to men. Although plenty of research evidence is available on the determinants of financial empowerment among women in developed countries, there is less known in the context of a traditionally male-dominated society like Saudi Arabia. The current study proposes a conceptual model that examines the role of financial literacy and financial socialization, in the development of financial self-efficacy, financial coping behaviors, and financial empowerment among Saudi women using social cognitive theory (SCT). Data are collected through a baseline survey from a sample of 1,368 women respondents who belong to the different segments of society ranging from female university students to women in the household to women working in different sectors in Saudi Arabia. We employed partial least squares (PLS) path modeling techniques using SmartPLS to test the hypotheses proposed in this study. The study found a significantly positive association between financial literacy, financial coping behavior, and financial well-being. Financial socialization is also significantly related to financial self-efficacy and financial empowerment. We also found the positive role of financial self-efficacy and financial coping behaviors in the development of financial empowerment. The practical implication of this study includes the provision of financial literacy education/training to Saudi women and increasing their financial socialization to improve their financial well-being.
Assessing Parenting Interactions With Children: Spanish Validation of PICCOLO With Fathers
Authors: Rivero Magda , Vilaseca Rosa , Ferrer Fina , Guilera Georgina
Published: October 2021

Background/Objective: To gain knowledge about mothers' and fathers' interactions with their sons and daughters, we need reliable and valid tools to assess parental behaviors that can be used for different caregivers and in a variety of cultural contexts. The aim of this study was to analyze the psychometric properties of Parenting Interactions with Children: Checklist of Observations Linked to Outcomes (PICCOLO) to assess fathers' interaction with their children at early ages. PICCOLO is an observational tool originally developed in the United States for mothers and fathers and previously validated in Spain with a sample of mothers.

Methods: One hundred and ninety-one father–child dyads were observed during free-play situations at home when the children were between 10 and 47 months of age (55.0% male). The fathers auto recorded 8–10 minutes of interaction and trained evaluators assessed the recordings with PICCOLO.

Results: Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) confirmed the dimensional structure of the original version of the scale: four first-order factors (Affection, Responsiveness, Encouragement and Teaching) and one second-order factor (Parenting). The tool was found to have high inter-rater reliability at domain and total score level. Ordinal alpha and omega coefficients for each domain ranged between 0.79 and 0.85, and 0.64 and 0.79, respectively. No statistically significant differences were found in any PICCOLO domain or in the total score according to the child's gender. In assessments of the child's development with the Bayley-III scales, moderate positive correlations were found between Encouragement and receptive language (r = 0.32), and between Teaching and expressive (r = 0.34) and composite language (r = 0.31).

Conclusion: The Spanish version of PICCOLO can be used to assess fathers' parenting. As PICCOLO is clearly linked to intervention goals, it is of particular interest for practitioners in early intervention and family programs.
Signifying the Effect of Relational and Experiential Cognitive Styles on Entrepreneurial Behavior: A Mediated Moderated Model
Authors: Aamir Muhammad , Sarfraz Muddassar , Khawaja Kausar Fiaz , Usman Habiba , Hu Zhihua
Published: October 2021

This study investigates the influence of rational and experiential cognitive styles on entrepreneurial behavior. Specifically, the moderating role of entrepreneurial intention and informal learning has been contemplated. Data has been accumulated from 320 undergraduate students of universities situated in Pakistan. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and AMOS have been executed to examine the data and conduct statistical techniques. After confirming the validity and reliability of data and scale, results have signified that both cognitive styles significantly positively impact entrepreneurial behavior. Moreover, informal learning moderates the relationship between entrepreneurial intention and cognitive styles (rational and experiential). Meanwhile, entrepreneurial intention mediates the relationship between cognitive styles (rational and experiential) and entrepreneurial behavior emphatically.
The Influence of Self-Regulation on Learner’s Behavioral Intention to Reuse E-Learning Systems: A Moderated Mediation Model
Authors: Xu Jia , Qiu Xiaoyan
Published: October 2021

Learners’ behavioral intention to reuse e-learning is of great significance to the implementation and management of e-learning in higher education. This study examined the relationship between self-regulation and behavioral intention to reuse by focusing on the mediating role of study engagement and the moderating role of peer collaboration. Based on a sample of 379 undergraduates from central China, we found that self-regulation positively influences behavioral intention to reuse via study engagement. In addition, moderated path analysis indicated that peer collaboration strengthened the direct effect of self-regulation on study engagement and its indirect effect on behavioral intention to reuse. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed as well.
Exploring the Dynamic Interplay Between Foreign Language Enjoyment and Learner Engagement With Regard to EFL Achievement and Absenteeism: A Sequential Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Guo Yunxian
Published: October 2021

Scholarly attention to the feeling of enjoyment experienced in second language acquisition (SLA) has sharply increased in the past 5 years owing to its positive effect on facilitating academic outcomes as well as promoting language learners' well-being. This sequential mixed methods study aims to examine the interplay between Foreign language enjoyment (FLE) and learner engagement (LE) as well as their combined effects on participants' EFL achievement and absenteeism. To this end, we administrated a questionnaire containing the adapted FLE Scale and the four-aspect engagement inventory among 707 Chinese university students and a semi-structured interview among 28 of them. Statistical analysis revealed that FLE was highly and positively correlated with LE, and the causal relationship between the two constructs was reciprocal. Furthermore, both FLE and LE had low correlations with participants' academic achievements, but no significant correlation was found between FLE or LE and absenteeism. However, a higher level of FLE-social was associated with a lower level of absenteeism. Finally, no gender differences were found either in the level FLE or in that of LE. The thematic analysis indicated that FLE was subject substantially to teacher-related variables and the second most significant attractor of FLE was FLE-self. Analysis of the trends of LE indicated that Chinese EFL learners preferred to engage themselves in their English study more emotionally, behaviorally, and cognitively than agentically. Pedagogical implications of the findings for EFL practitioners are also discussed, and suggestions for future research are offered.
First-Time Psychotic Symptoms in a Patient After COVID-19 Infection—A Case Report
Authors: Łoś Kacper , Kulikowska Joanna , Waszkiewicz Napoleon
Published: October 2021

A 39-year-old, previously healthy, white male with no personal or family history of mental illness presented with new, first-time psychotic symptoms. The new psychotic symptoms appeared on patient admission to the hospital, occurring during a diagnosis of symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. On the first day of hospitalization for worsening psychotic symptoms and the appearance of aggression toward the staff, the patient was transferred to the psychiatric hospital. After the initial treatment with antipsychotics and benzodiazepines, his mental condition improved. The patient was then transferred for further treatment of his somatic condition in the internal medicine ward, with a recommendation to continue treatment in the psychiatric ward once his somatic condition was stabilized. This is one of the few reported cases of COVID-19-related psychosis in a patient without a personal or family history; moreover, this description contains important data regarding elevated IL-6, which may prove to be a key factor in the induction of new psychotic symptoms. It indicates the important need for careful monitoring of neuropsychiatric symptoms among COVID-19 patients.
Neuroimaging Insight Into Fragile X-Associated Neuropsychiatric Disorders: Literature Review
Authors: Elias-Mas Andrea , Alvarez-Mora Maria Isabel , Caro-Benito Conxita , Rodriguez-Revenga Laia
Published: October 2021

FMR1 premutation is defined by 55–200 CGG repeats in the Fragile X Mental Retardation 1 (FMR1) gene. FMR1 premutation carriers are at risk of developing a neurodegenerative disease called fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) and Fragile X-associated primary ovarian insufficiency (FXPOI) in adulthood. In the last years an increasingly board spectrum of clinical manifestations including psychiatric disorders have been described as occurring at a greater frequency among FMR1 premutation carriers. Herein, we reviewed the neuroimaging findings reported in relation with psychiatric symptomatology in adult FMR1 premutation carriers. A structured electronic literature search was conducted on FMR1 premutation and neuroimaging yielding a total of 3,229 articles examined. Of these, 7 articles were analyzed and are included in this review. The results showed that the main radiological findings among adult FMR1 premutation carriers presenting neuropsychiatric disorders were found on the amygdala and hippocampus, being the functional abnormalities more consistent and the volumetric changes more inconsistent among studies. From a molecular perspective, CGG repeat size, FMR1 mRNA and FMRP levels have been investigated in relation with the neuroimaging findings. Based on the published results, FMRP might play a key role in the pathophysiology of the psychiatric symptoms described among FMR1 premutation carriers. However, additional studies including further probes of brain function and a broader scope of psychiatric symptom measurement are required in order to obtain a comprehensive landscape of the neuropsychiatric phenotype associated with the FMR1 premutation.
Prevalence of and Factors Associated With Depressive Symptoms Among College Students in Wuhan, China During the Normalization Stage of COVID-19 Prevention and Control
Authors: Yu Jincong , Yang Ziyun , Wu Yuqin , Ge Ming , Tang Xuemei , Jiang Hongbo
Published: October 2021

Objectives: The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) epidemic has led to persistent negative psychological effects on the general public, especially on college students, who are highly susceptible to psychological difficulties, such as fear, anxiety, and depression. Little information is known about depressive symptoms among college students during the normalization stage of COVID-19 prevention and control in China. This study aimed to understand the prevalence of and factors associated with depressive symptoms after a long quarantine time and online learning at home among college students in Wuhan, China.

Materials and Methods: A web-based survey was conducted from July to August 2020 during the Chinese summer holiday to collect data on sociodemographic variables, depressive symptoms, and their potential associated factors using an electronic questionnaire among college students in Wuhan, China. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was used to measure depressive symptoms. Binary logistic regression was used to explore the factors associated with depressive symptoms.

Results: A total of 9,383 college students were included in the analysis. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 15.8% (1,486/9,383) among college students. The binary logistic regression showed that the experience of being quarantined for observation or treatment, family members or friends dying of COVID-19, rarely or never seeking help from others, fewer supportive relatives or friends, less support from family in the past month, a worse relationship with parents at home, a longer time spent daily on electronic devices except for online learning, and feeling anxious in the face of returning to school were independently associated with a higher risk of depressive symptoms. Academic stress and concern about the epidemic were the main reasons for their anxiety.

Conclusions: Targeted psychological intervention measures are recommended for college students to improve their mental health during the normalization stage of COVID-19 prevention and control.
Influencing Factors of Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia Infection in the Middle-Aged and Elderly Patients With Schizophrenia
Authors: Yang Mi , Li Qiwen , Wang Chunzhi , Li Li , Xu Min , Yan Fei , Chen Wei , Wan Ying
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Pneumonia is an important cause of death in patients with schizophrenia. It is critical to understand the risk factors of hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) and determine prevention strategies to reduce HAP. The aim of this study is to elucidate the risk factors for HAP in the middle-aged and elderly hospitalized patients with schizophrenia.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 2,617 the middle-aged and elderly patients (age ≥ 50) with schizophrenia who were admitted for the first time to a large-scale psychiatric hospital between 2016 and 2020. The factors related to the incidence of HAP in patients were analyzed, including personal characteristics, antipsychotics, and non-antipsychotics.

Results: The HAP infection rate of hospitalized the middle-aged and elderly patients with schizophrenia was 7.8%. Chi-square analyses showed that older age, male, and ≥60 days of hospitalization were risk factors for HAP infection (χ2 = 94.272, p < 0.001; χ2 = 22.110, p < 0.001; χ2 = 8.402, p = 0.004). Multivariate logistic regression showed that quetiapine, clozapine, and olanzapine significantly increased the incidence of HAP (OR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.05–2.32, p = 0.029; OR = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.26–2.60, p = 0.001; OR = 1.68, 95% CI = 1.16–2.42, p = 0.006). Antipsychotic drugs combined with aceglutamide had an effect on HAP (OR = 2.19, 95% CI = 1.38–3.47, p = 0.001).

Conclusion: The high HAP infection rate in hospitalized the middle-aged and elderly patients with schizophrenia may be related to the increase of age and the use of antipsychotic drugs. The types and dosages of antipsychotic drugs should be minimized while paying attention to the mental symptoms of patients.
Reliability and Validity of the Chinese Version of the Scale for Assessing the Stigma of Mental Illness in Nursing
Authors: Wang Weiwei , Cui Huixia , Zhang Wenlu , Xu Xiaoxiao , Dong Hong
Published: October 2021

Background: The prevalence of mental illness continues to increase in China, but research on stigma is still in its infancy, and there are even fewer studies on stigma among nurses. A comprehensive, effective and reliable tool is needed to assess stigma in nursing so that it can be reduced or eliminated to improve nursing quality. This study aimed to translate a 20-item scale for assessing the stigma of mental illness in nursing into Chinese and evaluate its reliability and validity.

Methods: An improved Brislin translation model was used to translate the nursing mental illness stigma assessment scale into Chinese. Content and face validity were determined by a panel of experts. A convenience sample of 501 nursing students was chosen. Confirmatory factor analysis, concurrent validity and known group comparison were used to evaluate the scale's structural validity. The reliability was evaluated based on the internal consistency reliability and 2-week retest reliability.

Results: The content validity index was 0.90. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that this study supported the three-factor model. The moderate correlation between the Chinese version of the Scale for Assessing the Stigma of Mental Illness in Nursing and the Perceived Devaluation Discrimination Scale suggested acceptable concurrent validity. Cronbach's α (0.863) and the retest coefficient (0.839) were indicative of internal consistency.

Conclusion: The Chinese version of the Scale for Assessing the Stigma of Mental Illness in Nursing has acceptable concurrent validity, marginal factor validity, and satisfactory reliability in China. Therefore, the three-factor structure of the Chinese scale should be considered.

Relevance to Clinical Practice: The Chinese version of the Scale for Assessing the Stigma of Mental Illness in Nursing can be used to understand the degree of mental illness stigma in nursing.
Ayurvedic Response to COVID-19 Pandemic in Kerala, India and Its Impact on Quarantined Individuals – A Community Case Study
Authors: Joseph Sharmila Mary , Iyer Divya S. , Pillai Rajmohan Velayudhan
Published: October 2021

The SARS-CoV-2 infection has resulted in massive loss of valuable human lives, extensive destruction of livelihoods and financial crisis of unprecedented levels across the globe. Kerala, a province in India, like the rest of the country, launched preventive and control measures to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 early in 2020. The Government of Kerala started 1206 Ayur Raksha Clinics and associated Task Forces across the state in April 2020 to improve the reach and penetration of Ayurvedic preventive, therapeutic and convalescent care strategies for the COVID-19 pandemic. The implementation framework of the strategy was properly designed, and had a decentralized, people-centered, and participatory approach. Kerala has robust public health machinery with adequate human resource and infrastructure in the conventional medicine sector. This community case study examines how the decentralized organizational framework was effectively utilized for facilitating the delivery of Ayurvedic services in the COVID-19 situation. Key observations from the study are: Ayurvedic programs implemented systematically, under an organized framework with social participation enables wider utilization of the services. Such a framework is easily replicable even in resource-poor settings. Rather than a pluralistic approach, an integrative health system approach may be more viable in the Kerala scenario in public health emergencies.
ROA: A Rapid Learning Scheme for In-Situ Memristor Networks
Authors: Zhang Wenli , Wang Yaoyuan , Ji Xinglong , Wu Yujie , Zhao Rong
Published: October 2021

Memristors show great promise in neuromorphic computing owing to their high-density integration, fast computing and low-energy consumption. However, the non-ideal update of synaptic weight in memristor devices, including nonlinearity, asymmetry and device variation, still poses challenges to thein-situlearning of memristors, thereby limiting their broad applications. Although the existing offline learning schemes can avoid this problem by transferring the weight optimization process into cloud, it is difficult to adapt to unseen tasks and uncertain environments. Here, we propose a bi-level meta-learning scheme that can alleviate the non-ideal update problem, and achieve fast adaptation and high accuracy, named Rapid One-step Adaption (ROA). By introducing a special regularization constraint and a dynamic learning rate strategy forin-situlearning, the ROA method effectively combines offline pre-training and online rapid one-step adaption. Furthermore, we implemented it on memristor-based neural networks to solve few-shot learning tasks, proving its superiority over the pure offline and online schemes under noisy conditions. This method can solvein-situlearning in non-ideal memristor networks, providing potential applications of on-chip neuromorphic learning and edge computing.
Prognostic Factors Associated With Survival in Patients With Diffuse Astrocytoma
Authors: Liu Shuo , Liu Xiaoqiang , Zhuang Weiduan
Published: October 2021

Background: Diffuse astrocytoma (DA) is a rare disease with inadequately understood epidemiological characteristics and prognosis. Identification of the factors associated with the survival in DA patients is therefore necessary. In this study, we aim to investigate the clinicopathological characteristics of DA to delineate factors influencing the survival of DA.

Methods: A population-based cohort study was conducted, utilizing prospectively extracted data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. Patients with histological diagnosis of DA in the SEER database from 1973 to 2017 were included.

Results: A total of 799 participants with DA were included, consisting of 95.9% fibrillary astrocytoma and 4.1% protoplasmic variants. The average age of participants was 41.9 years, with 57.2% being male. The majority of the population was white (87.5%). More than half (53.9%) of the patients were married. DA arose mostly in the cerebrum (63.8%). Around 71.6% of the population had received surgical treatment. The overall 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year survival rate were 73.7, 55.2, 49.4, and 37.6%, respectively. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that age at diagnosis, marital status, primary tumor site, tumor size, and surgery was possibly associated with cancer-specific survival (CSS) (p < 0.05). Multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis indicated that surgery was a protective factor whereas older age, larger tumor size, and tumor in the brainstem were harmful factors for patients with DA. Moreover, a nomogram predicting 5- and 10-year survival probability for DA was developed.

Conclusions: Age, primary tumor site, tumor size, and surgery were associated with the survival of patients with DA.
Las marcas de la emoción en el discurso
Authors: Obiols Joan , Laguna Encarna , Vayreda Àgnes , Fernández Ana Mª , Salcioli Valeria
Published: October 2021

Este artículo recoge distintos acercamientos al tema de las emociones con una constante en todos ellos: el papel destacado del lenguaje en todo fenómeno emocional. Se estudian las posibilidades que nos ofrece el Análisis del Discurso incluyendo las aportaciones de la morfología y de los rasgos prosódicos y gestuales y, su aplicación en el campo psiquiátrico para el análisis previo al establecimiento de diagnóstico y durante el seguimiento del paciente.
IX conferencia anual de la SEPI. Nueva york, 23-25 abril 1993
Authors: Mirapeix Carlos
Published: October 2021

Carlos Mirapeix asistió a la IX Conferencia anual de la SEPI con título “Demostraciones de modelos Integradores de Psicoteraia”, resume parte de lo que vivió y comenta algunos de los abstracts que se expusieron.
Entrevista a la dra. Pilar González López.
Authors: Zorán Aurora
Published: October 2021

La Dra. Pilar González es Profesora Titular de Psicología Social en la Universidad de Barcelona, donde imparte Psicología de los Grupos. En el año 1989 puso en marcha el Programa de Tercer Ciclo “Análisis y Conducción de Grupos” (Master y Postgrados), del cual es Directora.
Comentario de libros
Authors: Musé Mark , Frigola Gloria , Del Rio Raúl
Published: October 2021

disfunciones sexuales, manual terapéutico
Recent Trends in the Foliar Spraying of Zinc Nutrient and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles in Tomato Production
Authors: Ahmed Razu , Yusoff Abd Samad Mohd , Uddin Md. Kamal , Quddus Md. Abdul , Hossain M. A. Motalib
Published: October 2021

Growing vegetables can be seen as a means of improving people’s livelihoods and nutritional status. Tomatoes are one of the world’s most commonly planted vegetable crops. The nutritional arrangement of the tomato depends on the quantity and type of nutrients taken from the growing medium, such assoil and foliar application; therefore, an adequate amount of macro- and micro-nutrients, including zinc (Zn) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs), are crucial for tomato production. Zinc foliar spraying is one of the effective procedures that may improve crop quality and yield. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) are represented as a biosafety concern for biological materials. Foliar application of Zn showed better results in increasing soluble solids(TSS), firmness, titratable acidity, chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b, ascorbic acid, amount of lycopene. Researchers have observed the effect of nanoparticles of zinc oxide on various crops, including tomatoes. Foliar spraying of ZnO-NPs gave the most influential results in terms of best planting parameters, namely plant height, early flowering, fruit yields as well as lycopene content. Therefore, more attention should be given to improving quantity and quality as well as nutrient use efficiency of Zn and ZnO-NPs in tomato production. Recent information on the effect of zinc nutrient foliar spraying and ZnO-NPs as a nano fertilizer on tomato productivity is reviewed in this article.
Seroprevalence and Molecular Epidemiology of Aleutian Disease in Various Countries during 1972–2021: A Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zaleska-Wawro Magdalena , Szczerba-Turek Anna , Szweda Wojciech , Siemionek Jan
Published: October 2021

Aleutian disease (AD) poses a serious threat to both free-ranging and farmed mink around the world. The disease is caused by the Aleutian mink disease virus (AMDV), which also poses a health risk for other members of the family Mustelidae, including wild mink, weasels, badgers and other animal species. This article analyses the seroprevalence of AMDV infections in mink and other species around the world, and reviews recent knowledge relating to the molecular epidemiology of the AMDV. Depending on the applied diagnostic technique and the country, the prevalence of anti-AMDV antibodies or AMDV DNA was established at 21.60–100.00% in farmed American mink, 0.00–93.30% in free-ranging American mink and 0.00–25.00% in European mink. Anti-AMDV antibodies or AMDV DNA were also detected in other free-living fur-bearing animals in Europe and Canada, where their prevalence was determined at 0.00–32.00% and 0.00–70.50%, respectively. This may indicate a potential threat to various animal species. AMDV strains are not clustered into genotypes based on the geographic origin, year of isolation or pathogenicity. The isolates that were identified on mink farms around the world originated from North America because American mink were introduced to Europe and Asia for breeding purposes and to restock natural populations.
Natural Habitat Design for Zoo-Housed Elasmobranch and Teleost Fish Species Improves Behavioural Repertoire and Space Use in a Visitor Facing Exhibit
Authors: Lawrence Kristie , Sherwen Sally L. , Larsen Hannah
Published: October 2021

This study investigated the behaviour of two Elasmobranch species; Southern fiddler ray (Trygonorrhina dumerilii, n = 1) and Port Jackson shark (Heterodontus portusjacksoni, n = 4) and two teleost species; moonlighter (Tilodon sexfasciatus, n = 1) and banded morwong (Cheilodactylus spectabilis, n = 1) living within a single enclosure. For this study, two treatments were compared, the original enclosure design, and then after the enclosure had been renovated to more closely represent the species natural habitats, with a raised front viewing glass to prevent visitor interaction. Behaviours such as resting, swimming and abnormal behaviours such as surface and perimeter swimming (elasmobranchs only) were recorded as well as location within the enclosure, for 10 days pre and 10 days post renovation. The Port Jackson sharks significantly reduced the performance of abnormal behaviours after renovation, and significantly increased the time spent near the exhibit front. The Southern fiddler ray increased resting post renovation, while the teleost species also spent more time near the exhibit front. Although a small sample size was used, the results suggest that a more naturalistic environment with multiple micro-habitats and effective visitor barriers allows for a greater proportion of the day spent exhibiting natural behaviours, greater space use and reduced stereotypes.
Amelioration of Sarcoptic Mange-Induced Oxidative Stress and Growth Performance in Ivermectin-Treated Growing Rabbits Using Turmeric Extract Supplementation
Authors: Abu Hafsa Salma H. , Senbill Haytham , Basyony Mohamed M. , Hassan Ayman A.
Published: October 2021

In this experiment, the protective effect of turmeric extract (TE) on side effects of Ivermectin-treated rabbits, while improving their performance, blood characteristics, and antioxidant status, was investigated. Sixty-three clinically Sarcoptes-infested rabbits aged 60 days were randomly allocated into three groups, with 21 rabbits in each group, to receive either no TE or TE supplementation (1 or 2 mg/kg diet) for 30 days after being subcutaneously injected with Ivermectin (IVM) 1% w/v at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg body weight twice a week. Another 21 healthy rabbits were used as the control. Treatment with IVM + 1 and 2 mg TE improved body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) in infested rabbits (p < 0.05). The IVM alone treatment had the highest mortality rate compared with the other treatments. Rabbits treated with IVM + 1 and 2 mg TE demonstrated progressive recovery manifested by improved nutrient digestibility and nitrogen balance. On day 7, the serum total protein, albumin, and albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio were significantly lower in the treated groups compared with the control group; also, the lowest values were observed in rabbits treated only with Ivermectin, followed by IVM + 1 and 2 mg TE. Treated rabbits had higher thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBAR) levels, but lower total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxidase dismutase (SOD), and glutathion peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels compared with the control group. On day 30 post-treatment, the rabbits in the IVM + 1 and 2 mg TE treatment groups showed progressive recovery manifested by improved biochemichal parameters, as well as a remarkable improvements in the oxidant/antioxidant balance towards normalcy (p < 0.05), and became comparable to that of the control compared with IVM alone treatment. In conclusion, turmeric extract improved rabbits’ performance toward normalcy, and has remarkable antioxidant properties and can be used in conjunction with a miticide to treat sarcoptic mange in rabbits.
Monitoring Behaviour in African Elephants during Introduction into a New Group: Differences between Related and Unrelated Animals
Authors: Hörner Franziska , Oerke Ann-Kathrin , Müller Dennis W. H. , Westerhüs Uta , Azogu-Sepe Idu , Hruby Jiri , Preisfeld Gela
Published: October 2021

The introduction of elephants into new groups is necessary for breeding programmes. However, behavioural studies on the reactions of these animals at first encounters are missing. In the present study, female African elephants (Loxodonta africana) living in zoos were observed during unifications with unfamiliar elephants (introduction of two to one females and one to two females; n = 6) and reunifications with related elephants (two mother–daughter-pairs; n = 4) that were separated for 2 and 12 years, respectively. First encounters of the elephants were observed and recorded by scan sampling. The parameters measured were (a) signs of the characteristic Greeting Ceremony, (b) distance to the fence separating the elephants during first contact, and (c) time until trunks touched for the first time. The data were statistically analysed with SPSS. The results showed that related elephants performed a full Greeting Ceremony on reunifications. Unrelated elephants only expressed a minor greeting. During first encounters, related elephants predominantly showed affiliative behaviour (p = 0.001), whilst unrelated elephants expressed more agonistic behaviour (p = 0.001). The distance to the fence was significantly smaller for related elephants than for unrelated elephants (p = 0.038). first contact of trunks occurred on average after 3.00 s. in related elephants and 1026.25 s. in unrelated elephants. These findings indicate that related elephants recognise their kin after up to 12 years of separation, meet them with a full Greeting Ceremony during reunification, and seek contact to the related elephant, while unrelated elephants are hesitant during unifications with unfamiliar elephants and express more agonistic behaviour. The results testify that zoo elephants show the same species-specific social behaviour as their conspecifics in the wild. It also confirms the cognitive abilities of elephants and the significance of matrilines for breeding programmes.
Looking Back to Amycolatopsis: History of the Antibiotic Discovery and Future Prospects
Authors: Kisil Olga V. , Efimenko Tatiana A. , Efremenkova Olga V.
Published: October 2021

The emergence of antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria in recent decades leads us to an urgent need for the development of new antibacterial agents. The species of the genus Amycolatopsis are known as producers of secondary metabolites that are used in medicine and agriculture. The complete genome sequences of the Amycolatopsis demonstrate a wide variety of biosynthetic gene clusters, which highlights the potential ability of actinomycetes of this genus to produce new antibiotics. In this review, we summarize information about antibiotics produced by Amycolatopsis species. This knowledge demonstrates the prospects for further study of this genus as an enormous source of antibiotics.
Experimental Validation of a Mathematical Framework to Simulate Antibiotics with Distinct Half-Lives Concurrently in an In Vitro Model
Authors: Eales Brianna M. , Hudson Cole S. , Kesisoglou Iordanis , Wang Weiqun , Nikolaou Michael , Tam Vincent H.
Published: October 2021

Antimicrobial resistance has been steadily increasing in prevalence, and combination therapy is commonly used to treat infections due to multidrug resistant bacteria. Under certain circumstances, combination therapy of three or more drugs may be necessary, which makes it necessary to simulate the pharmacokinetic profiles of more than two drugs concurrently in vitro. Recently, a general theoretical framework was developed to simulate three drugs with distinctly different half-lives. The objective of the study was to experimentally validate the theoretical model. Clinically relevant exposures of meropenem, ceftazidime, and ceftriaxone were simulated concurrently in a hollow-fiber infection model, with the corresponding half-lives of 1, 2.5, and 8 h, respectively. Serial samples were obtained over 24 h and drug concentrations were assayed using validated LC-MS/MS methods. A one-compartment model with zero-order input was used to characterize the observed concentration-time profiles. The experimentally observed half-lives corresponding to exponential decline of all three drugs were in good agreement with the respective values anticipated at the experiment design stage. These results were reproducible when the experiment was repeated on a different day. The validated benchtop setup can be used as a more flexible preclinical tool to explore the effectiveness of various drug combinations against multidrug resistant bacteria.
Impact of High-Dose Anti-Infective Agents on the Osteogenic Response of Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Hofmann Jakob , Klingele Sabrina , Haberkorn Uwe , Schmidmaier Gerhard , Grossner Tobias
Published: October 2021

Treatment of infected nonunions and severe bone infections is a huge challenge in modern orthopedics. Their treatment routinely includes the use of anti-infective agents. Although frequently used, little is known about their impact on the osteogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells. In a high- and low-dose set-up, this study evaluates the effects of the antibiotics Gentamicin and Vancomycin as well as the antifungal agent Voriconazole on the ability of mesenchymal stem cells to differentiate into osteoblast-like cells and synthesize hydroxyapatite in a monolayer cell culture. The osteogenic activity was assessed by measuring calcium and phosphate concentrations as well as alkaline phosphatase activity and osteocalcin concentration in the cell culture medium supernatant. The amount of hydroxyapatite was measured directly by radioactive 99mTechnetium-HDP labeling. Regarding the osteogenic markers, it could be concluded that the osteogenesis was successful within the groups treated with osteogenic cell culture media. The results revealed that all anti-infective agents have a cytotoxic effect on mesenchymal stem cells, especially in higher concentrations, whereas the measured absolute amount of hydroxyapatite was independent of the anti-infective agent used. Normed to the number of cells it can therefore be concluded that the above-mentioned anti-infective agents actually have a positive effect on osteogenesis while high-dose Gentamycin, in particular, is apparently capable of boosting the deposition of minerals.
Silver Nanoparticles Biosynthesized with Spruce Bark Extract—A Molecular Aggregate with Antifungal Activity against Candida Species
Authors: Mare Anca Delia , Man Adrian , Ciurea Cristina Nicoleta , Toma Felicia , Cighir Anca , Mareș Mihai , Berța Lavinia , Tanase Corneliu
Published: October 2021

Due to their high content of biomolecules, combined with silver’s well known antimicrobial potential, silver nanoparticles biosynthesized using spruce bark (AgNP SBEs) demonstrate antibacterial and antioxidant activity, making them a versatile option for developing new antimicrobial agents that might be used for medical treatment or as adjuvants for the classical agents. This study aims to analyze if silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) mediated by spruce bark extract (SBE) and silver salts (AgNP SBE Acetate, AgNP SBE Nitrate) presents antifungal activity against five different Candida spp., synergistic activity with fluconazole, and if they interact with some virulence factors of C. albicans. AgNP SBEs presented MICs (minimum inhibitory concentrations) for all the five tested Candida spp. AgNP SBEs inhibited the growth of C. parapsilosis, C. krusei, and C. guilliermondii, exerted synergistic activity with fluconazole for C. parapsilosis and C. guilliermondii, and inhibited biofilm production for C. albicans, C. auris, and C. guilliermondii. MICs of AgNP SBE Acetate significantly inhibited the production of germ tubes of C. albicans. The expression of C. albicans SAP2 gene was down-regulated by the short-time treatment with MICs of AgNP SBE Acetate, while ALS3 and HSP70 genes were up-regulated by the AgNPs MICs. These results emphasize the potential of using the AgNP SBEs as treatments/adjuvants options, not only against the redundant C. albicans but also for the non-albicans Candida species (which are not as frequently involved in human pathologies, but, sometimes, can be more aggressive).
Anti-Oxidative, Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Apoptotic Effects of Flavonols: Targeting Nrf2, NF-κB and p53 Pathways in Neurodegeneration
Authors: Jazvinšćak Jembrek Maja , Oršolić Nada , Mandić Lucija , Sadžak Anja , Šegota Suzana
Published: October 2021

Neurodegenerative diseases are one of the leading causes of disability and death worldwide. Intracellular transduction pathways that end in the activation of specific transcription factors are highly implicated in the onset and progression of pathological changes related to neurodegeneration, of which those related to oxidative stress (OS) and neuroinflammation are particularly important. Here, we provide a brief overview of the key concepts related to OS- and neuroinflammation-mediated neuropathological changes in neurodegeneration, together with the role of transcription factors nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). This review is focused on the transcription factor p53 that coordinates the cellular response to diverse genotoxic stimuli, determining neuronal death or survival. As current pharmacological options in the treatment of neurodegenerative disease are only symptomatic, many research efforts are aimed at uncovering efficient disease-modifying agents. Natural polyphenolic compounds demonstrate powerful anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects, partially acting as modulators of signaling pathways. Herein, we review the current understanding of the therapeutic potential and limitations of flavonols in neuroprotection, with emphasis on their anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects along the Nrf2, NF-κB and p53 pathways. A better understanding of cellular and molecular mechanisms of their action may pave the way toward new treatments.
Physiological Functions of Thiol Peroxidases (Gpx1 and Prdx2) during Xenopus laevis Embryonic Development
Authors: Lee Hongchan , Lee Na Young , Kim Youni , Choi Hong-Seok , Ismail Tayaba , Ryu Hong-Yeoul , Cho Dong-Hyung , Ryoo Zae Young , Lee Dong-Seok , Kwon Taeg Kyu , Park Tae Joo , Kwon Taejoon , Lee Hyun-Shik
Published: October 2021

Glutathione peroxidase 1 (Gpx1) and peroxiredoxin 2 (Prdx2) belong to the thiol peroxidase family of antioxidants, and have been studied for their antioxidant functions and roles in cancers. However, the physiological significance of Gpx1 and Prdx2 during vertebrate embryogenesis are lacking. Currently, we investigated the functional roles of Gpx1 and Prdx2 during vertebrate embryogenesis using Xenopus laevis as a vertebrate model. Our investigations revealed the zygotic nature of gpx1 having its localization in the eye region of developing embryos, whereas prdx2 exhibited a maternal nature and were localized in embryonic ventral blood islands. Furthermore, the gpx1-morphants exhibited malformed eyes with incompletely detached lenses. However, the depletion of prdx2 has not established its involvement with embryogenesis. A molecular analysis of gpx1-depleted embryos revealed the perturbed expression of a cryba1-lens-specific marker and also exhibited reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in the eye regions of gpx1-morphants. Additionally, transcriptomics analysis of gpx1-knockout embryos demonstrated the involvement of Wnt, cadherin, and integrin signaling pathways in the development of malformed eyes. Conclusively, our findings indicate the association of gpx1 with a complex network of embryonic developmental pathways and ROS responses, but detailed investigation is a prerequisite in order to pinpoint the mechanistic details of these interactions.
Characteristics and Extent of Particulate Matter Emissions of a Ropeway Public Mobility System in the City Center of Perugia (Central Italy)
Authors: Moroni Beatrice , Crocchianti Stefano , Bruschi Federica , Petroselli Chiara , Di Menno di Bucchianico Alessandro , Cattani Giorgio , Ferrero Luca , Cappelletti David
Published: October 2021

Minimetrò (MM) is a ropeway public mobility system that has been in operation in the city of Perugia for about ten years to integrate with urban mobility and lighten vehicular traffic in the historic city center. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the impact of MM as a source of pollutants in the urban context, and the exposure of people in the cabins and the platforms along the MM line. These topics have been investigated by means of intensive measurement and sampling campaigns performed in February and June 2015 on three specific sites of the MM line representative of different sources and levels of urban pollution. Stationary and dynamic measurements of particle size distribution, nanoparticle and black carbon aerosol number and mass concentrations measurements were performed by means of different bench and portable instruments. Aerosol sampling was carried out using low volume and high-volume aerosol samplers, and the samples nalysed by off-line methods. Results show that MM is a considerable source of atmospheric particulate matter having characteristics very similar to those of the common urban road dust in Perugia. In the lack of clear indications on road dust effect, the contribution of MM to the aerosol in Perugia cannot be neglected.
Offshore Wind and Wave Energy Complementarity in the Greek Seas Based on ERA5 Data
Authors: Kardakaris Kimon , Boufidi Ifigeneia , Soukissian Takvor
Published: October 2021

In this work, 20 years (2000–2019) of ERA5 wave and wind data are analyzed and evaluated for the Greek Seas by means of in-situ measurements derived from the POSEIDON marine monitoring system. Four different statistical measures were used at six locations, where in-situ wind and wave measurements are available from oceanographic buoys. Furthermore, the ERA5 wind and wave datasets were utilized for the estimation of the available wind and wave energy potential for the Greek Seas, as well as for the assessment of complementarity and synergy between the two resources. In this respect, an event-based approach was adopted. The spatial distribution of the available wind and wave energy potential resembles qualitatively and quantitatively the distributions derived from other reanalysis datasets. Locations with high synergy and complementarity indices were identified taking into account water depth. Finally, taking into consideration a particular offshore wind turbine power curve and the power matrix of the PELAMIS wave energy converter, the estimation of the combined energy potential on a mean annual basis is performed.