bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Harm avoidance, daily stress, and problematic smartphone use in children and adolescents
Authors: Yoo So Young , Park Su Mi , Choi Chi-Hyun , Chung Sun Ju , Bhang Soo-Young , Kim Jae-Won , Kweon Yong-Sil , Choi Jung-Seok
Published: September 2022

Objective

Temperament is close to susceptibility to stress and the increased level of stress may lead problematic smartphone use (PSU). In this study, the relationships between harm avoidance (HA) as a personality trait, daily traits, and PSU in children and adolescents were investigated.

Methods

At baseline, all participants (184 children and adolescents, mean age 13.15 years) completed questionnaires on PSU using the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV) and the Korean Smartphone Addiction Proneness Scale (SAPS). The Daily Hassles Questionnaire (DHQ) and Junior Temperament and Character Inventory (JTCI) were also administered to evaluate stress levels and personality traits. SAS-SV, SAPS, and DHQ were reassessed at 3 and 6 months.

Results

Among JTCI temperament, HA displayed robust positive correlations with SAS-SV, SAPS, and DHQ at all time points. Mediation effects of daily stress on the relationship between HA and PSU were observed at baseline, 3, and 6 months.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that managing stress may important in PSU children and adolescents with high HA.
Quarantine and demographic characteristics as predictors of perceived stress and stress responses during the third year of COVID-19 in China
Authors: Gao Qi , Xu Huijing , Shi Kaitian , Zhang Yi , Zhang Cheng , Jiang Qian , Wei Xiaoliang , Liu Taosheng
Published: September 2022

Background

Quarantine as one of the most effective epidemic prevention measures, significantly increased people's stress levels. Ongoing monitoring of the stress status of people under quarantine during the pandemic is an important part of assessing the long-term impact of COVID-19 on mental health. This study aimed to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the stress status of people under quarantine, including perceived stress and stress responses, during the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic in China.

Methods

An anonymous online survey was conducted among 464 participants from 39 cities in China from March 31 to April 12, 2022. The survey included three questionnaires: a self-designed questionnaire collecting demographic information and quarantine characteristics, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and the Stress Response Questionnaire (SRQ). The t-test or one-way ANOVA or the Welch F-test were used to examine the differences among demographic and quarantine variables of perceived stress and stress responses, then multiple linear regressions were performed to identify the predictors of perceived stress and stress responses.

Results

428 valid respondents were finally included. The average scores of perceived stress, total stress response, emotional response, physical response, and behavioral response were 14.70 ± 7.02, 50.24 ± 22.48, 20.35 ± 9.99, 15.23 ± 7.25, and 11.39 ± 5.27, respectively. The regression analysis showed that the degree of financial worries and days of continuous quarantine were the predictors of perceived stress. The degree of financial worries was a vital factor in predicting total stress response, emotional response, physical response and behavioral response, and in predicting emotional response, age was also a significant predictor.

Conclusion

The stress status of individuals under quarantine was generally stable but still needs further attention during the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic. People who are young, have a high degree of financial worries and have been quarantined for a long time may be at a higher risk of perceived stress and stress responses. Relevant authorities should pay closer attention to the risk groups, and additional support and assistance might be required for those mostly worried about their financial situations under quarantine.
Analysis model of college students' mental health based on online community topic mining and emotion analysis in novel coronavirus epidemic situation
Authors: Lu Zuqin
Published: September 2022

Under the epidemic situation of COVID-19, university students have different levels of anxiety, depression, and other psychological problems, and these differing levels present different challenges. Therefore, universities and relevant departments should carry out accurate psychological health education for university students. Through research, this paper found that students' psychological problems during the COVID-19 epidemic were mainly reflected in four aspects: depression, interpersonal relationship, sleep and eating disorders, and compulsive behavior. Through the discussion of family of origin, self-awareness and motivation attribution, and social pressure, this paper analyzed the causes of psychological problems. The information resources of the network are usually unstructured data, and the text information, as the most typical unstructured data, occupies a large proportion. Moreover, this text information often contains users' emotional response to major events. In this paper, a data preprocessing system is designed, and three data preprocessing rules are defined: expression data conversion rules, data deduplication rules and invalid data cleaning rules. The characteristics of online community text data are analyzed, and the text feature extraction method is selected according to its characteristics. The results of this study show that the proportion of university students with psychological problems is about 23%, which is slightly higher than the research results during the non-epidemic period. This paper suggests that college students should master methods of self-regulation, improve their levels of physical exercise, improve their physical fitness, and establish and improve their defense mechanisms to alleviate psychological conflicts and pressures.
Health and nutrition emergency response among internally displaced persons at Ranch collective site, Chagni, Ethiopia: The role of emergency operation center, lessons from the field, and way forwards
Authors: Alemu Tefera , Bezabih Belay , Amsalu Abraham , Hassen Eyaya , Haile Mahteme , Abite Melkamu
Published: September 2022

Background

In October 2020, about 79,041 ethnically Amhara/Agew people had been internally displaced (IDPs) from Metekel zone of Benishangul-Gumuz region and lived in Ranch collective site, Chagni town, Ethiopia. Onsite PHEOC met the health and nutrition needs of the IDPs as per international humanitarian response standards.

Methods

On January 11/2021, the Amhara Public Health Institute (APHI) established an onsite Public Health Emergency Operation Center (PHEOC) at Ranch collective site. Health workers and vehicles were deployed. A temporary clinic having nine outlets was built. Drugs and medical supplies were mobilized from different sources. The overall response period lasted about 8 months, from December 2020 up to June 2021.

Results

A total of 33,410 IDPs had received free essential health services. Mental health and psychosocial support services had been given for 1,803 cases. Specialized medical services such as trachomatous trichiasis (30), cataract surgery (8) and sputum samples for mycobacterium tuberculosis (120) have been done. Moreover, 454 women received antenatal care services and 137 women gave birth at health facilities. About 837 children have got measles supplementary dose and 1,280 adults took a COVID-19 vaccination. A total of 1,448 children under five, 454 pregnant and 402 lactating women had been screened on monthly basis. Of which, severe and moderate malnutrition rate was 46 (3.2%) and 75 (5.2%), respectively. A total of 194 trench latrine seats, 74 shower rooms and 50 hand washing facilities had been constructed. There were no human feces present nor solid wastes accumulated around the shelters or settlements. Both active and passive surveillance activities were carried out throughout the camp life. We also conducted regularly Risk Communication and Community Engagement activities on priority health issues.

Conclusion

We adequately met the health and nutrition needs of the IDPs as stated in the Sphere humanitarian handbook. We sought to have a strong Incident Management System and coordination platforms like PHEOC, a resilient health system, a training curriculum called Leading in Emergencies, and a multipurpose collective center with infrastructures, humanitarian response guidelines, training materials, and risk/vulnerability-based preparedness plan.
Low prevalence of influenza A strains with resistance markers in Brazil during 2017–2019 seasons
Authors: Sousa Thiago das Chagas , Martins Jessica Santa Cruz Carvalho , Miranda Milene Dias , Garcia Cristiana Couto , Resende Paola Cristina , Santos Cliomar A. , Debur Maria do Carmo , Rodrigues Rodrigo Ribeiro , Cavalcanti Andrea Cony , Gregianini Tatiana Schäffer , Iani Felipe Campos de Melo , Pereira Felicidade Mota , Fernandes Sandra Bianchini , Ferreira Jessylene de Almeida , Santos Katia Correa de Oliveira , Motta Fernando , Brown David , Almeida Walquiria Aparecida Ferreira de , Siqueira Marilda Mendonça , Matos Aline da Rocha
Published: September 2022

The influenza A virus (IAV) is of a major public health concern as it causes annual epidemics and has the potential to cause pandemics. At present, the neuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs) are the most widely used anti-influenza drugs, but, more recently, the drug baloxavir marboxil (BXM), a polymerase inhibitor, has also been licensed in some countries. Mutations in the viral genes that encode the antiviral targets can lead to treatment resistance. Worldwide, a low prevalence of antiviral resistant strains has been reported. Despite that, this situation can change rapidly, and resistant strain surveillance is a priority. Thus, the aim of this was to evaluate Brazilian IAVs antiviral resistance from 2017 to 2019 through the identification of viral mutations associated with reduced inhibition of the drugs and by testing the susceptibility of IAV isolates to oseltamivir (OST), the most widely used NAI drug in the country. Initially, we analyzed 282 influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and 455 A(H3N2) genetic sequences available on GISAID. The amino acid substitution (AAS) NA:S247N was detected in one A(H1N1)pdm09 strain. We also identified NA:I222V (n = 6) and NA:N329K (n = 1) in A(H3N2) strains. In addition, we performed a molecular screening for NA:H275Y in 437 A(H1N1)pdm09 samples, by pyrosequencing, which revealed a single virus harboring this mutation. Furthermore, the determination of OST IC50 values for 222 A(H1N1)pdm09 and 83 A(H3N2) isolates revealed that all isolates presented a normal susceptibility profile to the drug. Interestingly, we detected one A(H3N2) virus presenting with PA:E119D AAS. Moreover, the majority of the IAV sequences had the M2:S31N adamantanes resistant marker. In conclusion, we show a low prevalence of Brazilian IAV strains with NAI resistance markers, in accordance with what is reported worldwide, indicating that NAIs still remain an option for the treatment of influenza infections in Brazil. However, surveillance of influenza resistance should be strengthened in the country for improving the representativeness of investigated viruses and the robustness of the analysis.
The effect of Aβ seeding is dependent on the presence of knock-in genes in the AppNL−G−F mice
Authors: Lacoursiere Sean G. , Safar Jiri , Westaway David , Mohajerani Majid H. , Sutherland Robert J.
Published: September 2022

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by the prion-like propagation of amyloid-β (Aβ). However, the role of Aβ in cognitive impairment is still unclear. To determine the causal role of Aβ in AD, we intracerebrally seeded the entorhinal cortex of a 2-month-old AppNL−G−F mouse model with an Aβ peptide derived from patients who died from rapidly progressing AD. When the mice were 3 months of age or 1 month following seeding, spatial learning and memory were tested using the Morris water task. Immunohistochemical labeling showed seeding with the Aβ was found accelerate Aβ plaque deposition and microgliosis in the AppNL−G−F mice, but this was dependent on the presence of the knocked-in genes. However, we found no correlation between pathology and spatial performance. The results of the present study show the seeding effects in the AppNL−G−F knock-in model, and how these are dependent on the presence of a humanized App gene. But these pathological changes were not initially causal in memory impairment.
The acceptability and effectiveness of eHealth interventions to support assessment and decision-making for people with dementia living in care homes: A systematic review
Authors: Tunnard India , Gillam Juliet , Harvey Catherine , Davies Nathan , Vickerstaff Victoria , Ellis-Smith Clare , Evans Catherine J.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

As dementia progresses, care needs increase leading many to require 24-h care in care homes. eHealth interventions have the potential to improve care processes of assessment and decision-making for people with dementia. However, little is known on the acceptability and effectiveness in care homes.

Aim

To identify and explore the components, acceptability and effectiveness of eHealth interventions for people with dementia, families and staff to support assessment and decision-making in care homes.

Methods

A mixed methods systematic review using narrative synthesis. Four databases were searched (Embase, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, and CINAHL) from 2000 to July 2021. Quality appraisal used validated assessment tools appropriate for the study design.

Results

Twenty-six studies met eligibility criteria. Study designs and interventions were heterogeneous. Overall quality was high to moderate. Interventions that promoted supportive, practical learning through integrated working and provided staff with language to communicate resident symptoms were favored by staff. We found evidence that indicated residents were willing to use video consultations; however, families preferred face-to-face consultations. Fifteen studies considered effectiveness. Use of eHealth interventions indicates an improvement in resident outcomes in appropriate prescribing and advance care planning. Staff knowledge, confidence, and wellbeing were also improved. Hospitalisations were reduced when a video consultation component was implemented.

Discussion

Care home staff require support to meet the often multiple and changing care needs of residents with dementia. eHealth interventions can improve outcomes for staff and residents and facilitate integrated working with external professionals to support assessment and management of care. Further work is required to understand acceptability for residents and their families and effectiveness on family outcomes, particularly in non-Western cultures and low-middle income countries.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=254967, identifier: CRD42021254967.
The water–energy nexus in irrigated agriculture in South Asia: Critical hotspots of irrigation water use, related energy application, and greenhouse gas emissions for wheat, rice, sugarcane, and cotton in Pakistan
Authors: Siyal Abdul Wahab , Gerbens-Leenes P. Winnie
Published: September 2022

Asia has a large water scarcity problem, especially in countries depending on irrigation, limiting agricultural production, and increasing food insecurity. When water becomes scarce, it needs conveyance over longer distances or pumping from deeper groundwater stocks, requiring pumping energy, often fossil energy, emitting greenhouse gasses. This causes a trade-off between irrigation water supply and fossil energy use contributing to global warming. This research focuses on the water–energy–food nexus in irrigated agriculture to improve resource management. It uses Pakistan as its case study area and assesses water consumption, energy (EFs), and carbon footprints (CFs) associated with irrigation water supply for the major crops (wheat, rice, sugarcane, and cotton) per district. The method first assesses irrigation water volumes (surface and groundwater) per crop per district and next the energy and CO2 emissions to provide this water. Data on allocated water volumes, crop areas and pumping types were taken from governmental reports. Groundwater tables and energy data were taken from scientific publication based also on actual measurements. The research identifies unfavorable hotspots and favorable areas from a water and energy perspective. Drivers determining water consumption, EFs, and CFs related to irrigation water supply show spatial and temporal differences and include crop types, temporal crop water requirements, fractions of gravity-fed and pumped water, groundwater tables, and energy sources (diesel, electric, and solar). In Pakistan, annual irrigation supply requires 103 PJ of energy generating a CF of 11 109 kg CO2 (6% of the national CF). Diesel pumps, pumping shallow groundwater, contribute most (73%), followed by electric pumps pumping deep groundwater. Energy for surface water pumping is negligible. Wheat contributes 31% to the EF, cotton 27%, and sugarcane and rice 21% each. CFs, caused by fossil energy use to pump irrigation water, are also dominated by wheat (32%) and cotton (31%), followed by rice and sugarcane (19% each). Ten hotspot districts contribute 42% to the EF of the major crops and increased by 21% in fourteen years. Wheat and cotton in Punjab and rice and cotton in Sindh are the most energy-intensive. EFs range between 3,500 and 5,000 TJ per district, with some districts in Punjab, the most important agricultural province, using even more. Large differences occur among EFs per unit of irrigation water, ranging between 7 and 2,260 KJ/m3, CFs between 1 and 444 g CO2/m3. The identification of hotspots may contribute to measures to minimize water consumption, EFs and CFs for agriculture in Pakistan. Other countries that also rely on irrigation could apply methods applied here to identify hotspots.
Can a reresection be avoided after initial en bloc resection for high-risk nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Xu Jiangnan , Xu Zhenyu , Yin HuMin , Zang Jin
Published: September 2022

Background

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of en bloc resection for patients with nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) and explore whether a reresection can be avoided after initial en bloc resection.

Material and methods

We conducted research in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science up to October 12, 2021, to identify studies on the second resection after initial en bloc resection of bladder tumor (ERBT). R software and the double arcsine method were used for data conversion and combined calculation of the incidence rate.

Results

A total of 8 studies involving 414 participants were included. The rate of detrusor muscle in the ERBT specimens was 100% (95%CI: 100%–100%), the rate of tumor residual in reresection specimens was 3.2% (95%CI: 1.4%–5.5%), and the rate of tumor upstaging was 0.3% (95%CI: 0%–1.5%). Two articles compared the prognostic data of the reresection and non-reresection groups after the initial ERBT. We found no significant difference in the 1-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) rate (OR = 1.44, 95%CI: 0.67–3.09, P = 0.35) between the two groups nor in the rate of tumor recurrence (OR = 0.72, 95%CI: 0.44–1.18, P = 0.2) or progression (OR = 0.98, 95%CI: 0.33–2.89, P = 0.97) at the final follow-up.

Conclusions

ERBT can almost completely remove the detrusor muscle of the tumor bed with a very low postoperative tumor residue and upstaging rate. For high-risk NMIBC patients, an attempt to appropriately reduce the use of reresection after ERBT seems to be possible.
ACSL3 is a potential prognostic biomarker for immune infiltration in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Chiyu , Hu Honglin , Huang Ruizhen , Huang Gaomin , Xi Xiaoqing
Published: September 2022

Objective

Long-chain acyl-coenzyme A synthases (ACSLs) catalyze the activation of fatty acid and are often dysregulated in malignancies. The purpose of this research was to figure out the ACSL3's prognostic value and mechanism in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC).

Methods

The expression of ACSL3 in ccRCC was investigated in this work using data from the GEO, TCGA, Oncomine and HPA databases. The expression differences of ACSL3 in the cell lines were further detected by qPCR and Western blot. GEPIA, MethSurv, cBioPortal, and the TIMER were used to perform survival and correlation analysis on ACSL3. GO and KEGG analyses were carried out in R using clusterProfiler and GOplot. Protein-protein interactions (PPI) are constructed from Strings website, and the results were visualized in Cytoscape software.

Results

The expression level of ACSL3 was significantly reduced in ccRCC tissues, and its mRNA and protein expression were also significantly lower in both renal cancer cell lines. ACSL3 is significantly related to clinical stage, OS, DFS, DNA methylation, and immune-cell infiltration.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrated that data mining was capable of eliciting information on ACSL3 levels and its role in genetic regulatory pathways in ccRCC.
The use of the pediatric physeal slide-traction plate in the treatment of neer–horwitz grade IV proximal humeral fractures in children: A case report and literature review
Authors: Qi Le , Jiang Yikun , Wang Yanbing , Peng Chuangang , Wu Dankai
Published: September 2022

Background

Proximal humeral fractures (PHFs) are rare in children. Currently, the recommended surgical methods for severely displaced PHFs are closed reduction and percutaneous fixation using K-wires or intramedullary nailing, which can't provide firm internal fixation, especially for older and high-weight children. This study aimed to introduce a novel surgical approach, pediatric physeal slide-traction plate fixation (PPSP), for Neer–Horwitz grade IV PHFs in children.

Case summary

A 9-year-old boy presented with left shoulder pain and swelling due to a car accident. Physical examination revealed a positive shoulder deformity and local tenderness. On physical examination, we palpated bone friction without vascular and nerve damage. Based on imaging findings, we diagnosed Neer-Horwitz grade IV PHF. In view of the patient's condition, we performed PPSP after careful communication with the patient's parents. After 22 months of follow-up, the patient's left shoulder function was satisfactory, and there was no restriction of activities.

Conclusion

According to previous studies, PPSP is only used for femur fractures. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first in the treatment for PHFs. Given the satisfactory outcomes, it is a safe and effective method and may provide a reference to cure analogous patients in the future.
Analysis of risk factors of axial neck pain in posterior cervical single-door laminoplasty from the perspective of cervical sagittal plane
Authors: Zuo Kang Kang , Qin Wei , Miao Yu , Zhu Lei
Published: September 2022

Objective

We carried out this study to explore the possible relationship between the cervical sagittal parameters in radiological images and axial neck pain (ANP) for patients who had underwent posterior cervical single-door laminoplasty.

Method

141 patients were enrolled in the study from January 2018 to January 2021, among which 38 were enrolled into the ANP group and 103 were enrolled into the non-ANP group. C2–7 Cobb angle, C2–7 sagittal vertex axis (SVA), thoracic inlet angle, neck tilt, and T1 slope were measured using computed tomography. Spearman correlation tests were used to analyze the possible correlation between radiological parameters and ANP. Logistic regression was carried out to analyze the potential risk factor for the occurrence of ANP. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under the ROC curve were used to evaluate the significant result and the optimal diagnostic value.

Results

As for radiographic parameters in the sagittal plane, the results suggested that only T1 slope and C2–7 SVA were statistically different between the ANP and non-ANP group (p = 0.001 and p = 0.047). Patients whose surgery involved the C2 spinous process demonstrated severe ANP symptoms than patients in the non-ANP group (p = 0.003). The Spearman correlation test showed that no statistical differences were found between visual analog scale (VAS) and radiological morphology parameters and only C2 involvement was found to correlate with postoperative VAS with respect to surgery. Logistic multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that only C2 involvement and T1 slope were significantly different when C2–7 SVA, T1 slope, C2 involvement together were included into consideration, with p values of 0.01 and 0.001.

Conclusion

According to our research, C2 involvement and greater T1 slope were independent risk factors of ANP for the patients who underwent laminoplasty of cervical spine.
An artificial neural network model based on standing lateral radiographs for predicting sitting pelvic tilt in healthy adults
Authors: Zhao Minwei , He Yuanbo , Li Shuai , Chen Huizhu , Li Weishi , Tian Hua
Published: September 2022

Background

Spinopelvic motion, the cornerstone of the sagittal balance of the human body, is pivotal in patient-specific total hip arthroplasty.

Purpose

This study aims to develop a novel model using back propagation neural network (BPNN) to predict pelvic changes when one sits down, based on standing lateral spinopelvic radiographs.

Methods

Young healthy volunteers were included in the study, 18 spinopelvic parameters were taken, such as pelvic incidence (PI) and so on. First, standing parameters correlated with sitting pelvic tilt (PT) and sacral slope (SS) were identified via Pearson correlation. Then, with these parameters as inputs and sitting PT and SS as outputs, the BPNN prediction network was established. Finally, the prediction results were evaluated by relative error (RE), prediction accuracy (PA), and normalized root mean squared error (NRMSE).

Results

The study included 145 volunteers of 23.1 ± 2.3 years old (M:F = 51:94). Pearson analysis revealed sitting PT was correlated with six standing measurements and sitting SS with five. The best BPNN model achieved 78.48% and 77.54% accuracy in predicting PT and SS, respectively; As for PI, a constant for pelvic morphology, it was 95.99%.

Discussion

In this study, the BPNN model yielded desirable accuracy in predicting sitting spinopelvic parameters, which provides new insights and tools for characterizing spinopelvic changes throughout the motion cycle.
Development and validation of a nomogram to predict complications in patients undergoing simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty: A retrospective study from two centers
Authors: Xu Kuishuai , Zhang Liang , Ren Zhongkai , Wang Tianrui , Zhang Yingze , Zhao Xia , Yu Tengbo
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Complications were significantly increased 30 days after Simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty (SBTKA). In this study, an individualized nomogram was established and validated to predict the complications within 30 days after SBTKA.

Methods

The general data of 861 patients (training set) who received SBTKA in The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University between January 1, 2012 and March 31, 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were divided into complication group (n = 96) and non-complication group (n = 765) according to the incidence of complications within 30 years after SBTKA. Independent risk factors for postoperative SBTKA complications were identified and screened by binary logistic regression analyses, and then a nomogram prediction model was constructed using R software. The area under curve (AUC), calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were selected to evaluate the line-chart. Meanwhile, 396 patients receiving SBTKA in the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria (test set) were selected to verify the nomogram.

Results

Five independent predictors were identified by binary logistic regression analyses and a nomogram was established. The AUC of this nomogram curve is 0.851 (95% CI: 0.819–0.883) and 0.818 (95% CI: 0.735–0.900) in the training and testing sets, respectively. In the training set and test set, calibration curves show that nomogram prediction results are in good agreement with actual observation results, and DCA shows that nomogram prediction results have good clinical application value.

Conclusion

Older age, lower preoperative hemoglobin level, higher preoperative blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level, longer operation time, ASA grade ≥ III are independent predictors of SBTKA complications within 30 days after surgery. A nomogram containing these five predictors can accurately predict the risk of complications within 30 days after SBTKA.
Tannic acid reduced apparent protein digestibility and induced oxidative stress and inflammatory response without altering growth performance and ruminal microbiota diversity of Xiangdong black goats
Authors: Wang Zuo , Yin Lei , Liu Lei , Lan Xinyi , He Jianhua , Wan Fachun , Shen Weijun , Tang Shaoxun , Tan Zhiliang , Yang Yanming
Published: September 2022

The present study was performed to evaluate the impacts of tannic acid (TA) supplementation at different levels on the growth performance, physiological, oxidative and immunological metrics, and ruminal microflora of Xiangdong black goats. Twenty-four goats were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments: the control (CON, basal diet), the low-dose TA group [TAL, 0.3 % of dry matter (DM)], the mid-dose TA group (TAM, 0.6 % of DM), and the high-dose TA group (TAH, 0.9 % of DM). Results showed that the growth performance was unaffected (P > 0.05) by adding TA, whilst the 0.3 % and 0.6 % TA supplementation significantly decreased (P < 0.05) the apparent digestibility of crude protein (CP) and ruminal NH3-N concentration, and raised (P < 0.05) the level of total volatile fatty acid (TVFA) in rumen. The increments of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), triglyceride (TG), cortisol (CORT), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and serumamyloid A (SAA), and decrements of globulin (GLB), immunoglobulin G (IgG), cholinesterase (CHE), glutathione reductase (GR), creatinine (CRE), growth hormone (GH), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC), and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) to different extents by TA addition were observed. Although the Alpha and Beta diversity of rumen bacterial community remained unchanged by supplementing TA, the relative abundance of the predominant genus Prevotella_1 was significantly enriched (P < 0.05) in TAL. It could hence be concluded that the TA supplementation in the present trial generally decreased CP digestion and caused oxidative stress and inflammatory response without influencing growth performance and ruminal microbiota diversity. More research is needed to explore the premium dosage and mechanisms of effects for TA addition in the diet of goats.
SARS-CoV-2 variants from COVID-19 positive cases in the Free State province, South Africa from July 2020 to December 2021
Authors: Mwangi Peter , Okendo Javan , Mogotsi Milton , Ogunbayo Ayodeji , Adelabu Olusesan , Sondlane Hlengiwe , Maotoana Makgotso , Mahomed Lutfiyya , Morobadi Molefi Daniel , Vawda Sabeehah , von Gottberg Anne , Bhiman Jinal , Tegally Houriiyah , Wilkinson Eduan , Giandhari Jennifer , Pillay Sureshnee , Naidoo Yeshnee , Ramphal Upasana , de Oliveira Tulio , Bester Armand , Goedhals Dominique , Nyaga Martin
Published: September 2022

Since the COVID-19 outbreak emerged, SARS-CoV-2 has continuously evolved into variants with underlying mutations associated with increased transmissibility, potential escape from neutralizing antibodies, and disease severity. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in South Africa has been characterized by periods of infections with four major epidemic waves. To determine whether the variants driving the epidemic waves at the national level were also driving the epidemic waves at the local level, we performed analysis of a total of 1287 samples from qPCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 positive individuals. The samples were subjected to viral RNA extraction, genomic amplification, and sequencing. Variant assignment of the viral sequences and mutation identification were conducted using PANGOLIN and SARS-CoV-2 genome annotator, respectively. Our analysis revealed that during the initial part of the first wave, B.1, B.1.1, B.1.1.53, B.1.1.448 and B.1.237 circulated in the Free State province, followed by Beta variant, B.1.351 later in the wave. Although most of the initially detected variants disappeared during the second wave, the Beta variant, B.1.351, persisted. Early in the third wave, the Beta variant, B.1.351, predominated but was replaced by the Delta sub-lineage, AY.45. The fourth wave was characterized by unique emergence of the Omicron sub-variant, BA.1. The data further indicates that SARS-CoV-2 variants driving the epidemic waves in the Free State at the local level correlated with the ones driving the epidemic waves at the national level. Findings from this study highlight the importance of continued genomic surveillance and monitoring of the circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants to inform public health efforts and ensure adequate control of the ongoing pandemic.
Strategy for Selection of Drought-Tolerant Arabica Coffee Genotypes in Brazil
Authors: Silva Vânia Aparecida , Abrahão Juliana Costa de Rezende , Reis André Moraes , Santos Meline de Oliveira , Pereira Antônio Alves , Botelho Cesar Elias , Carvalho Gladyston Rodrigues , Castro Evaristo Mauro de , Barbosa João Paulo Rodrigues Alves Delfino , Botega Gustavo Pucci , Oliveira Antônio Carlos Baião de
Published: September 2022

This study aimed to establish a strategy for drought-tolerant selection in Arabica coffee genotypes in Brazil, combining field trials under natural conditions with controlled growth condition experiments. A group of genotypes was evaluated in the greenhouse using 28 morphological, anatomical, and physiological traits. In addition, the productivity of genotypes was evaluated in the field. Under water deficit in the greenhouse, 13 studied traits showed significant genetic variance. For these traits, the heritability coefficients estimated based on the progeny mean ranged from 65 to 92%. A selection index combined with predicted means was applied at these traits to select four progenies for drought tolerance under greenhouse conditions. Under field conditions, the selection applied to genetic values that favored positive genetic gains in four progenies, indicating the potential use of these cultivars for breeding advanced generations. The selection results of coffee plants under greenhouse conditions matched the selection results in the field in a water-deficit region by 50% based on productivity; thus, two genotypes (H419-3-3-7-16-11 and H516-2-1-1-7-2) were identified that have both the productivity and morpho-anatomical traits that confer greater drought tolerance. Finally, we discussed possible strategies for the development of drought-tolerant cultivars.
Divergent Roles of CNGC2 and CNGC4 in the Regulation of Disease Resistance, Plant Growth and Heat Tolerance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Lu Shan , Zhu Tianquan , Luo Lilin , Ouyang Nana , Hua Jian , Zou Baohong
Published: September 2022

Arabidopsis cyclic nucleotide-gated channels (CNGC) 2 and 4 are shown to negatively regulate disease resistance and heat tolerance and to positively regulate plant growth. Whether or not their functions in these processes are interdependent is largely unknown. Here, using the mutation of phytoalexin deficient 4 (PAD4) to inhibit the enhanced defense response and programmed cell death (PCD), we assessed the contribution of the altered defense response to the heat tolerance and plant growth in the cngc2 and cngc4 single and double mutants. The pad4 mutation reverted the enhanced disease resistance of the cngc2 and cngc4 mutants at the normal temperature (22 °C) but not at the elevated temperature (28 °C). The pad4 mutation slightly alleviated the dwarfism of the cngc2 and cngc4 mutants at 22 °C but not at 28 °C, indicating a small contribution from the defense response to plant growth regulation. The pad4 mutation also reduced the enhanced heat tolerance in the cngc mutants, suggesting an involvement of PCD in heat tolerance. In addition, a higher heat tolerance was correlated with more opened stomata under heat treatment among the wild type and mutants of the PAD4, CNGC2 and CNGC4 genes. In sum, this study suggests that the regulation of heat tolerance and plant growth by CNGC2 and CNGC4 is almost independent of their regulation of disease resistance. It also reveals a PAD4-dependent role of CNGC2 and CNGC4 in stomatal aperture regulation and heat tolerance.
Introducing a Puppy to Existing Household Cat(s): Mixed Method Analysis
Authors: Kinsman Rachel H. , Owczarczak-Garstecka Sara C. , Casey Rachel A. , Da Costa Rosa E. P. , Tasker Séverine , Murray Jane K.
Published: September 2022

Although cats and dogs can live amicably, inter-species conflict can result in poor welfare. Species introduction can impact the development of the cat-dog relationship. This study aimed to identify factors associated with owner reported ‘only desirable’ puppy behaviour (defined as the puppy being uninterested, ignored the cat and/or interacted in a calm way) following introduction to existing household cats, and to explore perceptions of the emerging cat-dog relationship. Owner-reported data collected as part of a longitudinal study of canine health and behaviour were used. Of 4678 puppies, 26.7% lived with at least one cat. Of the 1211 puppies who had been introduced to the household cat at the time of survey completion, playing (58.9%), being overexuberant or over-excited (56.6%), and chasing (48.6%) were the most common behaviours displayed towards cats. ‘Only desirable’ behaviours were shown by 7.3% of puppies. Multivariable logistic regression showed early (puppies aged <12 weeks), gradual introductions and living in a multi-dog household increased the odds of ‘only desirable’ behaviours. Qualitative analysis revealed two styles of introductions—owner-led and pet-led. Owners who led introductions anticipated amicable relationships between pets, whilst owners who let pets introduce themselves did not. Early, gradual, owner-led introductions of puppies to household cats should be encouraged.
A Nutritional Investigation of Major Feed Types and Feed Rations Used in Medium-Scale Dairy Production Systems in Sri Lanka
Authors: Kumara Sagara N. , Parkinson Tim J. , Laven Richard A. , Waghorn Garry C. , Pushpakumara Anil , Donaghy Daniel J.
Published: September 2022

In this paper, the nutritional quality, digestibility, and chemical composition of major feed types as well as the use of those feeds in rations by medium-scale dairy farmers in the Kurunegala district of Sri Lanka were studied. Nine dairy farms were visited fortnightly over a five-month period to identify the feeds that were commonly used. All farms operated under a stall-feeding system in which a manually mixed ration (MMR) was fed 2–3 times daily. Four forages were identified: Guinea grass ecotype A (Panicum maximum), called Guinea grass; Hybrid Napier CO-3 (Pennisetum purpureum × Pennisetum americanum), called CO-3 grass; Gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium); and maize stover (Zea mays L.), along with three other supplementary feeds (maize silage, barley distillers’ by-products, and commercially formulated cattle feed). These feeds were subjected to proximate analysis and in vitro digestibility analysis. The metabolisable energy (ME) of the forages ranged from 7.5–10.0 MJ/kg dry matter (DM), with the ME of Guinea grass and CO-3 grass (7.5 and 8.0 MJ/kg DM, respectively) being lower than that of Gliricidia (10.0 MJ/kg DM). The neutral detergent fibre (NDF) concentration of both Guinea grass and CO-3 grass (both 72% DM) was much higher than that of Gliricidia (47% DM). Crude protein (CP) was higher in Gliricidia (17.5% DM) than in either Guinea grass or CO-3 grass (8.0 and 8.8% DM, respectively). The ME of the supplementary feeds varied between 11.0 and 12.8 MJ/kg DM, while CP varied between 15.0 and 24.0% DM. The daily ME intake of cows was consistently 10% lower than their calculated daily energy requirement; for dry cows, the mean intake was 90 MJ/cow/day supplied vs. 101 MJ required, while for cows in early lactation the mean intake was 126 MJ/cow/day supplied vs. 140 MJ required. The average CP intake of lactating cows (13.5% DM) was inadequate (requirements: 16 to 17.5% DM), while the average CP intake of dry cows (11.8% DM) was satisfactory (requirements: 11 to 12% DM). The current study shows that the majority of the feed types used in these medium-scale dairy farms provide insufficient ME or CP to meet the nutritional requirements of either lactating or dry cows irrespective of the quantity of feed provided.
Evaluation of the Fecal Proteome in Healthy and Diseased Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) Suffering from Gastrointestinal Disorders
Authors: Mangiaterra Sara , Vincenzetti Silvia , Rossi Giacomo , Marchegiani Andrea , Gavazza Alessandra , Petit Thierry , Sagratini Gianni , Ricciutelli Massimo , Cerquetella Matteo
Published: September 2022

Fecal proteomics allows for the identification of proteins and peptides present in stools and is useful in finding possible new biomarkers for diagnosing and/or monitoring gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. In the present study, we investigated the fecal proteome in healthy and diseased cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus). Captive individuals of this species frequently show gastrointestinal disorders characterized by recurrent episodes of diarrhea, rare episodes of vomiting and weight loss, associated with Helicobacter spp. infection. Fecal proteomic evaluation has been performed by two-dimensional electrophoresis followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. In healthy cheetahs, the results showed the presence of the following proteins: collagen alpha-1 (II) chain, transthyretin, IgG Fc-binding protein, titin, dystonin, isopentenyl-diphosphate Delta-isomerase 1, sodium/potassium-transporting ATPase subunit alpha-1 and protein disulfide-isomerase A6. The presence of albumin isoforms was found only in diseased cheetahs. The present paper reports the study of the fecal proteome in the cheetah, evidences some differences between healthy and diseased patients and confirms, once again, the potential of fecal proteomics for the study of the GI environment, with promising developments regarding the identification of new diagnostic/monitoring markers.
From Nutritional Adequacy to Hygiene Quality: A Detailed Assessment of Commercial Raw Pet-Food for Dogs and Cats
Authors: Vecchiato Carla Giuditta , Schwaiger Karin , Biagi Giacomo , Dobenecker Britta
Published: September 2022

Raw meat-based diets (RMBDs) are widely used as unconventional diets for dogs and cats at different life stages, despite concerns regarding nutritional adequacy and microbial contamination. The aim of this study was to evaluate both the nutritional and hygiene quality profile of RMBDs purchased in Germany. For this purpose, crude nutrients were assessed in 44 RMBDs and compared to declared values. In addition, selected minerals were determined in 31 RMBDs labelled as complete and compared to the minimum requirement (MR) for intended species and life stages. Aerobic colony count (ACC) and Enterobacteriaceae were used to assess the hygiene quality of 37 commercial RMBDs, while the presence of Salmonella spp. was examined in 10 products. Fat and protein content exceeded tolerated deviation from declared values in 33% and 45% of RMBDs, respectively. Each RMBD showed at least one concern regarding nutrient content. The RMBDs had high fat contents (mean 69, range 33–95 g/Mcal) that were negatively correlated with protein (r = −0.74, p < 0.0001). Considerable contaminations by ACC and Enterobacteriaceae were found (2.61 × 108 ± 3.63 × 108 and 3.61 × 106 ± 8.39 x106 CFU/g, respectively). A higher count of Enterobacteriaceae was detected in a frozen RMBDs made of poultry or carcasses from different animals, compared to the thawed counterpart (p = 0.003), as well as compared to other sources, such as beef, horse, and lamb, regardless of the storage condition. Salmonella spp. were found in 2/10 RMBDs. This study confirmed that feeding commercial RMBDs might pose a risk to pet health.
Rabbits Divergently Selected for Total Body Fat Content: Changes in Proximate Composition and Fatty Acids of Different Meat Portions
Authors: Cullere Marco , Szendrő Zsolt , Matics Zsolt , Gerencsér Zsolt , Kasza Rozália , Donkó Tamás , Dalle Zotte Antonella
Published: September 2022

The present research studied the potential of a four-generation divergent selection (Pannon maternal rabbit lines) based on the total body fat content to create two rabbit lines with different meat attributes: a Fat line to deliver greater amounts of healthy fatty acids for newborns and infants, and a Lean line intended to provide lean meat for everyday consumption. Selection was based on the fat index calculated in 10-week-old live rabbits by means of computed tomography (CT). For each generation, 60 rabbits/line were fed ad libitum with commercial pellet from weaning (5 weeks) to slaughter (11 weeks). A total of 15 rabbits/line were randomly selected for meat quality evaluations: the longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscles (LTLs), hind legs (HLs), forelegs (FLs) and abdominal wall (AW) were analyzed for their proximate composition and fatty acid (FA) profile. FA contents were also calculated. Results highlighted that it was possible to obtain leaner meat for everyday consumption in most meat portions starting from generation 4 (7.93 vs. 11.9, 5.10 vs. 5.98 and 7.26 vs. 10.9 g of lipids/100 g of meat in Lean and Fat groups for the FLs, HLs and AW, respectively). The sole exception was the LTLs, which were not affected by the divergent selection. The total PUFA amount increased in FL and AW (p < 0.05) portions of the Fat line only, attributable to a greater n-3 amount (151 vs. 216 and 73 vs. 143 mg/100 g of meat in Lean and Fat groups for the FLs and AW, respectively).