bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A narrative review on the applications of intracavitary contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in pediatric lower genitourinary anomalies
Authors: Ren Jiayu , Ma Ting , Huang Shuyan , Chen Gongquan , Dietrich Christoph F. , Peng Yuexiang , Cui Xinwu
Published: May 2023

Purpose

We mainly aimed to perform a narrative review of clinical applications of the three intracavitary contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) including contrast-enhanced voiding urosonography (ceVUS), contrast-enhanced retrograde urethrosonography (ceRUG), and contrast-enhanced genitosonography (ceGS) in pediatric lower genitourinary anomalies.

Method

A literature search in the PubMed and Web of Science databases was conducted up to 1 July 2022 on all studies published in English using the search terms “contrast-enhanced voiding urosonography”, “contrast-enhanced retrograde urethrosonography”, and “contrast-enhanced genitosonography”. Trials were limited to pediatric subjects (ages ≤18 years) with no time restrictions. The inclusion criteria were studies on ceVUS, ceRUG, and ceGS to evaluate pediatric lower genitourinary anomalies. Two independent authors summarized the included articles.

Results

Finally, a total of 48 original articles and 6 case reports or case series were included, of which 50 (93%) were only relevant to ceVUS, 3 (5%) articles involved ceGS, while only one (2%) article involved ceRUG, and 87% of the applications of ceVUS were focused on vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). We also searched 24 related reviews, of which 20 involved ceVUS in diagnosing VUR and 4 involved ceRUG and ceGS for other lower genitourinary anomalies.

Conclusion

Intracavitary CEUS including ceVUS, ceRUG, and ceGS in pediatrics has many advantages over other radiological examinations in diagnosing lower genitourinary anomalies. Although ceVUS is widely used in detecting VUR, ceRUG and ceGS have also become promising techniques for evaluating the urethral pathologies and urogenital sinus.
Herbal medicine, Banxia-xiexin tang, for functional dyspepsia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kim Keumji , Ko Seok-Jae , Cho Soo Ho , Kim Jinsung , Park Jae-Woo
Published: May 2023

Background: The demand for complementary and alternative medicine for the management of functional dyspepsia (FD) is increasing due to the insufficient efficacy of conventional treatment options. In Asia, the Chinese herbal medicine formula Banxia-xiexin tang (BXT) has been used to treat FD.

Methods: We searched 11 digital medical databases on 1 September 2021. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated the efficacy of BXT or combination therapy (BXT plus Western medicines) for FD were selected. The outcome parameters were total clinical efficacy rate (TCE), motilin level, symptom checklist-90-revised (SCL-90-R), and visual analog scale (VAS) for dyspepsia and adverse events. Cochrane risk of bias tool 2.0 (RoB 2) was used for the quality assessment of included studies.

Results: The meta-analysis comprised 57 RCTs with 5,525 participants. BXT was more efficacious, with a higher TCE than Western medicine. Combination therapy (BXT plus Western medicine) also resulted in a higher TCE than Western medicine. Combination therapy improved motilin levels and psychological symptoms to a greater extent than Western medicine, evidenced by a higher SCL-90-R score. However, no significant difference in VAS scores was observed between the BXT and placebo groups. BXT and combination therapy were associated with fewer adverse events than Western medicine or placebo.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that BXT and its combination therapy may be an effective and safe alternative treatment for FD. More RCTs with better methodologies are required to strengthen this evidence.

Systematic Review Registration: [https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42019123285], identifier [CRD42019123285].
Elevated INR in a COVID-19 patient after concomitant administration of azvudine and anticoagulants
Authors: Zhang Xi , Jiao Fengwei , Li Guangrun , Yu Xiaojia , Pei Yuqing , Zhang Ying , Wang Zihui , Li Pengfei
Published: May 2023

Background: Azvudine (FNC) is a promising treatment candidate for managing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, drug interactions with azvudine have been poorly studied, especially with no reported cases of azvudine with anticoagulants such as warfarin and rivaroxaban.

Case summary: The patient was diagnosed with lower limb venous thrombosis and took warfarin regularly. The international normalized ratio (INR) was stable (2.0–3.0). However, the INR increased to 7.52 after administering azvudine. The patient had no other factors justifying this change. This increase in INR occurred again with the administration of azvudine in combination with rivaroxaban, and the INR increased to 18.91. After azvudine administration was stopped, the INR did not increase when rivaroxaban was used alone.

Conclusion: Azvudine, warfarin, and rivaroxaban might have previously unidentified drug interactions that increased the INR. Therefore, the INR must be closely monitored when they are concomitantly administered in COVID-19 patients.
Real-time phase measurement of optical vortex via digital holography
Authors: Qiu Huaibin , Liu Xiaosong , Wang Kaiqing , Dou Jiazhen , Di Jianglei , Qin Yuwen
Published: May 2023

Real-time phase measurement is of great value to study the evolution of optical vortex. However, it cannot be recorded in real time due to the limitation of the exposure time of the recording device in the experiment. Therefore, based on the temporal and spatial evolution correlation of the optical phase, a real-time phase measurement method of optical vortex generated by an acoustically induced fiber grating is proposed based on digital holographic reconstruction algorithm. First, a series of holograms are continuously recorded using a low frame rate CCD. Then, the evolution of optical vortex over time is translated into changes in transmission distance. Furthermore, the unrecorded vortex phase distributions are calculated using diffraction theory. By serializing these phase maps over time, the propagation and evolution of spiral phase structure of the vortex beam can be demonstrated in real time.
Temporal-spatial perception adjustment to fitness enhances the cooperation in the spatial prisoner’s dilemma game
Authors: Ying Xinyue , Wang Jingrui , Jin Xing , Wang Chao , Zhang Zhouyang , Wang Zhen
Published: May 2023

The exploration of real-world cooperative behavior is essential for societal development. In real life, the surrounding social environment and past experiences often influence individuals’ assessment of their self-fitness. Based on this phenomenon, we propose a novel model that explores the effect of subjective human perceptions on the evolution of cooperation, combining temporal and spatial dimensions into individual fitness. In this model, strategy persistence is used as a proxy for the temporal dimension. Strategy popularity, on the other hand, is portrayed to characterize the subjective influence of the spatial dimension. The weight distribution between the temporal perception and the spatial perception can be controlled by the parameterα, and the intensity of the subjective perception can be regulated by the parameterβ. Numerical experiments show that when spatial perception is fully considered, the system tends to reach a fully cooperative state via network reciprocity. Conversely, fully considering the temporal state allows some cooperators to maintain cooperative behavior even under more unfavorable conditions (i.e., larger temptation). Notably, an intermediate stateαexists when both temporal and spatial perceptions are considered, resulting in a higher level of cooperation compared toα= 0 or 1. Micro-analysis of the evolution of cooperation in temporal or spatial perception has been investigated to reveal the mechanism of macroscopic phenomena. Additionally, the robustness of the mechanism is discussed by varying the intensity of subjective perceptionβand the upper limit of strategy ageAmax. Similarly, we explore the validity of our work to different network structures, the different numbers of agents, and the real social network. Overall, this study contributes to understanding the impact of individual subjective factors, such as temporal-spatial perception, on the evolution of cooperation in society.
Neuropsychological considerations for long-duration deep spaceflight
Authors: Faerman Afik , Clark Jonathan B. , Sutton Jeffrey P.
Published: May 2023

The deep space environment far beyond low-Earth orbit (LEO) introduces multiple and simultaneous risks for the functioning and health of the central nervous system (CNS), which may impair astronauts’ performance and wellbeing. As future deep space missions to Mars, moons, or asteroids will also exceed current LEO stay durations and are estimated to require up to 3 years, we review recent evidence with contemporary and historic spaceflight case studies addressing implications for long-duration missions. To highlight the need for specific further investigations, we provide neuropsychological considerations integrating cognitive and motor functions, neuroimaging, neurological biomarkers, behavior changes, and mood and affect to construct a multifactorial profile to explain performance variability, subjective experience, and potential risks. We discuss the importance of adopting a neuropsychological approach to long-duration deep spaceflight (LDDS) missions and draw specific recommendations for future research in space neuropsychology.
Cooperation and competition between the default mode network and frontal parietal network in the elderly
Authors: Koshino Hideya , Osaka Mariko , Shimokawa Tetsuya , Kaneda Mizuki , Taniguchi Seira , Minamoto Takehiro , Yaoi Ken , Azuma Miyuki , Higo Katsuki , Osaka Naoyuki
Published: May 2023

Recent research has shown that the Default Mode Network (DMN) typically exhibits increased activation during processing of social and personal information but shows deactivation during working memory (WM) tasks. Previously, we reported the Frontal Parietal Network (FPN) and DMN showed coactivation during task preparation whereas the DMN exhibited deactivation during task execution in working memory tasks. Aging research has shown that older adults exhibited decreased functional connectivity in the DMN relative to younger adults. Here, we investigated whether age-related cognitive decline is related to a reduced relationship between the FPN and DMN using a working memory task during the execution period. First, we replicated our previous finding that the FPN and DMN showed coactivation during the preparation period, whereas the DMN showed deactivation during the execution period. The older adults showed reduced DMN activity during task preparation and reduced deactivation during task execution; however, they exhibited a higher magnitude of activation in the FPN than the young individuals during task execution. Functional connectivity analyses showed that the elderly group, compared to the young group, showed weaker correlations within the FPN and the DMN, weaker positive correlations between the FPN and DMN during task preparation, and weaker negative correlations between the FPN and DMN during execution. The results suggest that cognitive decline in the older adults might be related to reduced connectivity within the DMN as well as between the FPN and DMN.
International health and wellness of online child sexual exploitation police personnel: individual, management, and organizational realms of responsibility
Authors: Simonovska Tijana , Sinclair Roberta , Duval Kristin
Published: May 2023

Recognizing the need to better understand the operational and organizational stressors as well as the short- and long-term effects of working in the area of online child sexual exploitation (OCSE), the Virtual Global Taskforce international health and wellness study engaged current and former police personnel (inclusive of civilian and sworn officers) working in this area of specialization. Through the use of an online survey, this study engaged current (n = 516) and former (n = 126) personnel and focused on a thematic exploration of several topics of significance: job demands (sources that create distress), general health outcomes (including specific changes since joining or leaving an OCSE unit), health and wellness policies (beneficial aspects, suggested improvements, and desired components if no policy was in place), job resources (sources of positive energy) and personal resources and coping strategies. Recognizing that the health and wellness of police personnel working in OCSE units is not a “one-size-fits-all” approach, this study proposes a unique approach to understanding these impacts, effects and stressors by showcasing the findings across three distinct realms of responsibility: the individual level, the management level and organizational level highlighting the ways in which these work toward creating a holistic approach to safeguarding and maintaining the health and wellness of police personnel.
The validity of transdiagnostic factors in predicting homotypic and heterotypic continuity of psychopathology symptoms over time
Authors: Jung Bori , Kim Hyunsik
Published: May 2023

Studies of the continuity of psychopathology symptoms mainly involved the traditional conceptualization that mental disorders are discrete entities. However, high comorbidity rates suggest a few transdiagnostic factors that underlie individual disorders. Therefore, the present study examined the validity of transdiagnostic factors in predicting homotypic and heterotypic continuity of comorbidity classes across two waves in a nationally representative sample. We conducted a latent transition analysis to investigate how transdiagnostic factors differentially affect the transition probabilities of comorbidity classes across time. Results found a notable predictive validity of transdiagnostic factors: (a) internalizing strongly predicted the stability of the internalizing class and transition from the externalizing class to internalizing class, and (b) externalizing predicted the transition from the internalizing class to externalizing class. The study also found a more dynamic prediction pattern leading to equifinality and multifinality of psychopathology symptoms. The findings suggest that transdiagnostic factors can provide information on how individuals’ symptom manifestations change over time, highlighting the potential benefits of incorporating transdiagnostic factors into assessment, treatment, and prevention.
Factors associated with hospitalization times and length of stay in patients with bipolar disorder
Authors: Shi Xiaoning , Zhao Yingying , Yang Haichen , Xu Xiufeng , Fang Yiru , Yu Xin , Tan Qingrong , Li Huichun , Sun Guangqiang , Wu Hang , Wang Pengfei , Yang Jie , Zhu Xuequan , Wang Gang , Zhang Ling
Published: May 2023

Aim

Appraise the clinical features and influencing factors of the hospitalization times and length of stay in bipolar disorder (BD) patients.

Methods

This is a multicenter, observational, cohort study of patients diagnosed of type I or type II bipolar disorder. Five hundred twenty outpatients in seven hospitals from six cities in China were recruited from February 2013 to June 2014 and followed up using a continuous sampling pattern. The research included a retrospective period of 12 months and the prospective period of 9 months. The demographic and clinical features of the patients were collected. The influencing factors that could affect the length of stay (number of days spent in the hospital in the prospective period) were analyzed by poisson's regression and the hospitalization times (times of hospitalization in the prospective and retrospective period) was analyzed by general linear model. The selected variables included gender, age, years of education, occupational status, residence status, family history of mental disease, comorbid substance abuse, comorbid anxiety disorder, times of suicide (total suicide times that occurred in the retrospective and prospective period), polarity of the first mood episode, and BD type(I/II).

Results

Poisson's regression analysis showed that suicide times [Incidence Rate Ratio (IRR) = 1.20, p < 0.001], use of antipsychotic (IRR = 0.62, p = 0.011), and use of antidepressant (IRR = 0.56, p < 0.001) were correlated to more hospitalization times. Linear regression analysis showed that BD type II (β = 0.28, p = 0.005) and unemployment (β = 0.16, p = 0.039) which might mean longer duration of depression and poor function were correlated to longer length of stay. However, patients who experienced more suicide times (β = −0.21, p = 0.007) tended to have a shorter length of stay.

Conclusion

Overall, better management of the depressive episode and functional rehabilitation may help to reduce the length of stay. BD patients with more hospitalization times were characterized by higher risk of suicide and complex polypharmacy. Patients at high risk of suicide tended to have inadequate therapy and poor compliance, which should be assessed and treated adequately during hospitalization.

Clinical trial registration

www.ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier: NCT01770704.
Performance in emotion recognition and theory of mind tasks in social anxiety and generalized anxiety disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Baez Sandra , Tangarife María Alejandra , Davila-Mejia Gabriela , Trujillo-Güiza Martha , Forero Diego A.
Published: May 2023

Social cognition impairments may be associated with poor functional outcomes, symptoms, and disability in social anxiety disorder (SAD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). This meta-analysis aims to determine if emotion recognition and theory of mind (ToM) are impaired in SAD or GAD compared to healthy controls. A systematic review was conducted in electronic databases (PubMed, PsycNet, and Web of Science) to retrieve studies assessing emotion recognition and/or ToM in patients with SAD or GAD, compared to healthy controls, up to March 2022. Meta-analyses using random-effects models were conducted. We identified 21 eligible studies: 13 reported emotion recognition and 10 ToM outcomes, with 585 SAD patients, 178 GAD patients, and 753 controls. Compared to controls, patients with SAD exhibited impairments in emotion recognition (SMD = −0.32, CI = −0.47 – −0.16, z = −3.97, p < 0.0001) and ToM (SMD = −0.44, CI = −0.83 –0.04, z = −2.18, p < 0.01). Results for GAD were inconclusive due to the limited number of studies meeting the inclusion criteria (two for each domain). Relevant demographic and clinical variables (age, sex, education level, and anxiety scores) were not significantly correlated with emotion recognition or ToM impairments in SAD and GAD. Further studies employing ecological measures with larger and homogenous samples are needed to better delineate the factors influencing social cognition outcomes in both SAD and GAD.
Saying it out loud: explicit equity prompts for public health organization resilience
Authors: Haworth-Brockman Margaret , Betker Claire , Keynan Yoav
Published: May 2023

Introduction

In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic there were numerous stories of health equity work being put “on hold” as public health staff were deployed to the many urgent tasks of responding to the emergency. Losing track of health equity work is not new and relates in part to the need to transfer tacit knowledge to explicit articulation of an organization’s commitment to health equity, by encoding the commitment and making it visible and sustainable in policy documents, protocols and processes.

Methods

We adopted a Theory of Change framework to develop training for public health personnel to articulate where and how health equity is or can be embedded in their emergency preparedness processes and documents.

Results

Over four sessions, participants reviewed how well their understanding of disadvantaged populations were represented in emergency preparedness, response and mitigation protocols. Using equity prompts, participants developed a heat map depicting where more work was needed to explicitly involve community partners in a sustained manner. Participants were challenged at times by questions of scope and authority, but it became clear that the explicit health equity prompts facilitated conversations that moved beyond the idea of health equity to something that could be codified and later measured. Over four sessions, participants reviewed how well their understanding of disadvantaged populations were represented in emergency preparedness, response and mitigation protocols. Using equity prompts, participants developed a heat map depicting where more work was needed to explicitly involve community partners in a sustained manner. Participants were challenged at times by questions of scope and authority, but it became clear that the explicit health equity prompts facilitated conversations that moved beyond the idea of health equity to something that could be codified and later measured.

Discussion

Using the indicators and prompts enabled the leadership and staff to articulate what they do and do not know about their community partners, including how to sustain their involvement, and where there was need for action. Saying out loud where there is – and is not – sustained commitment to achieving health equity can help public health organizations move from theory to true preparedness and resilience.
Mortality in Catalonia during the summer of 2022 and its relation with high temperatures and COVID-19 cases
Authors: Coma Ermengol , Pino David , Mora Núria , Fina Francesc , Perramon Aida , Prats Clara , Medina Manuel , Planella Antoni , Mompart Anna , Mendioroz Jacobo , Cabezas Carmen
Published: May 2023

Purpose

To analyse the association between the mortality during the summer 2022 and either high temperatures or the COVID-19 wave with data from the Catalan Health Care System (7.8 million people).

Methods

We performed a retrospective study using publicly available data of meteorological variables, influenza-like illness (ILI) cases (including COVID-19) and deaths. The study comprises the summer months of the years 2021 and 2022. To compare the curves of mortality, ILI and temperature we calculated the z-score of each series. We assessed the observed lag between curves using the cross-correlation function. Finally, we calculated the correlation between the z-scores using the Pearson correlation coefficient (R2).

Results

During the study period, 33,967 deaths were reported in Catalonia (16,416 in the summer of 2021 and 17,551 in the summer of 2022). In 2022, the observed lag and the correlation between the z-scores of temperature and all-cause deaths was 3 days and R2 = 0.86, while between ILI and all-cause deaths was 22 days and R2 = 0.21. This high correlation between temperature and deaths increased up to 0.91 when we excluded those deaths reported as COVID-19 deaths, while the correlation between ILI and non-COVID-19 deaths decreased to −0.19. No correlation was observed between non-COVID deaths and temperature or ILI cases in 2021.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that the main cause of the increase in deaths during summer 2022 in Catalonia was the high temperatures and its duration. The contribution of the COVID-19 seems to be limited.
Evaluating and selecting arguments in the context of higher order uncertainty
Authors: Straßer Christian , Michajlova Lisa
Published: May 2023

Human and artificial reasoning has to deal with uncertain environments. Ideally, probabilistic information is available. However, sometimes probabilistic information may not be precise or it is missing entirely. In such cases we reason with higher-order uncertainty. Formal argumentation is one of the leading formal methods to model defeasible reasoning in artificial intelligence, in particular in the tradition of Dung's abstract argumentation. Also from the perspective of cognition, reasoning has been considered as argumentative and social in nature, for instance by Mercier and Sperber. In this paper we use formal argumentation to provide a framework for reasoning with higher-order uncertainty. Our approach builds strongly on Haenni's system of probabilistic argumentation, but enhances it in several ways. First, we integrate it with deductive argumentation, both in terms of the representation of arguments and attacks, and in terms of utilizing abstract argumentation semantics for selecting some out of a set of possibly conflicting arguments. We show how our system can be adjusted to perform well under the so-called rationality postulates of formal argumentation. Second, we provide several notions of argument strength which are studied both meta-theoretically and empirically. In this way the paper contributes a formal model of reasoning with higher-order uncertainty with possible applications in artificial intelligence and human cognition.
Fugitivity and marronage and the study of sex work
Authors: O'Connell Davidson Julia
Published: May 2023

Campaigns against female prostitution used slavery as a rhetorical device to characterize the condition of sex workers, and sex work features prominently in contemporary campaigns against “modern slavery”. In both types of campaigning, “the slave” is worked as a symbolic device to represent the abject condition of human beings objectified, controlled by violence or its threat, and stripped of agency and choice. The assumptions and generalizations about prostitution that inform this vision have been extensively critiqued. However, less attention has been paid to the fact that the analogy also rests on a very particular reading of “the slave” and a very partial appeal to histories of Atlantic World slavery. Histories of enslaved people's resistance and flight are entirely overlooked. The latter has recently prompted interest in fugitivity and marronage as analytic concepts, albeit concepts that are defined and deployed in different ways by different scholars and activists. This review asks whether and how they might potentially have theoretical purchase with regard to the contemporary experience (both positive and negative) of sex workers.
Recycling wastes to mitigate trace elements contamination in plants: a new horizon for urban agriculture in polluted soils
Authors: Barbillon Anne , Lerch Thomas Z. , Araujo José H. R. , Manouchehri Nastaran , Robain Henri , Pando-Bahuon Anne , Cambier Philippe , Nold François , Besançon Stéphane , Aubry Christine
Published: May 2023

Urban agriculture development often faces the problem of soil pollution. Soil engineering consisting in the addition over polluted soils of a top layer made of recycled wastes is a promising solution. This study was co-constructed with urban farmers and aimed at testing in situ the feasibility of growing vegetables safe for consumption in substrates consisting of organic and inorganic waste, directly overlaying soil polluted by trace elements (TE). Two plants were tested: radishes and tomatoes. Three substrates were tested: 1) sheep manure mixed with composted ramial chipped wood (SHW); 2) biowaste compost mixed with mushroom compost and ramial chipped wood (BMW); and 3) deep excavated subsoils mixed with green waste compost (EXC). Only radishes grown in EXC presented levels of TE below the threshold values. For all the other cases, cadmium levels were above the threshold values. This result concerning plant contamination by TE is consistent with a contamination of SHW and BMW substrates by the polluted soil underneath. EXC contained lower TE content, suggesting that mineral materials limited the transfer from the polluted soil towards the substrate overlay. We concluded that adding a combination of mineral and organic waste on top of polluted soils may better mitigate vegetables contamination than adding only organic waste. However, this result was not observed for all tested vegetables. More research is needed to evaluate the best substrate candidate and its adequate thickness, to study its physico-chemical evolution over a longer period of time and to test a larger panel of vegetables.
Building cover crop expertise with citizen science in the upper Midwest: supporting farmer innovation in a time of change
Authors: Ingram Mrill
Published: May 2023

The use of cover cropping, as one element in a continuous living cover approach, has the potential to protect water quality and promote soil health, but overall U.S. acreage in cover crops as well as adoption rates remain low. Research on behavioral barriers to cover crop use indicates a lack of information about locally suitable practices and cover crop varieties, as well as the additional management complexity of cover cropping and a high degree of uncertainty in outcomes, especially in areas with shorter growing seasons. This paper describes the development of a citizen science project on cover cropping in Wisconsin designed to (i) generate more geographically distributed data on cover crop performance in the state; and (ii) build understanding of farmer decision-making around growing practices, barriers, and motivations for cover cropping. Citizen science, as it relies on physically distributed members of the public in data generation, is well established as an avenue for generating environmental data. We engage the approach as a tool for also researching influences on individual behavior and identifying potential leverage points for change, especially on-farm innovation and experimentation. I share project findings regarding cover cropping practices and biomass production, results on motivations and influences for cover cropping, as well as participatory approaches to share those results with farmers. This project also offers more general insights into how the citizen science model can be used to expand understanding of decision-making contexts, and to develop responsive outreach efforts that support participants in taking action.
Soil health and synergy of ecological determinants of green cocoa productivity in different soil ecotypes in Ghana
Authors: Doe Eric Kofi , Attua Emmanuel Morgan , Obour Peter Bilson , Quaye Amos Kojo , Fosu-Mensah Benedicta Yayra
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Soil health is critical for the efficient management of soil fertility and crop yield in “green” cocoa (GC) (Theobroma cacao L.) agroforestry systems. However, knowledge about agroecosystem factors that affect healthy soil productivity in “green” cocoa agroforestry systems is patchy in West Africa. Based on organic cocoa (OC) and conventional cocoa (CC) agroforestry systems in Ghana, this study examined the soil health and synergy of ecological factors that determine the yield of GC.

Methods

Using multi-stage random sampling, 11 CC and 11 OC farms were sampled from three soil types (ferralsols, lixisols, and leptosols) within selected agroecological zones. Socioeconomic and farm data, including bulked soil samples, were collected at 0–30 cm depth for analysis of soil chemical and physical properties.

Results

The results showed intricate relationships between the ecological factors and the yield of GC (1.07 t ha−1), which comprised dry beans of OC (1.24 t ha−1) and CC (0.89 t ha−1). The green cocoa yield increased for fields owned by female farmers and for native farmers who inherited or outrightly owned farmlands. The cocoa yield was also positively related to physicochemical factors such as soil organic carbon (0.21%), pH (5.8), and carbon–nitrogen ratio (40.8%). The carbon–nitrogen ratio and pH together exerted the highest positive influence (0.62%) on the yield. Biological factors such as plant density (>7 cocoa trees per 23.4 m2) and black pod rots reduced the cocoa yield.

Discussion

This study provides comprehensive empirical determinants of green cocoa productivity and offers a more reliable estimate of cocoa plant density. The findings suggest that Ghana's cocoa can be much greener if stakeholders promote healthy farm soil productivity and empower women who engage in soil organic carbon-conserving agroforestry.
Application of the oblique lateral interbody fusion technique in salvage surgery: technical note and case series
Authors: Han Jialuo , Han Shuo , Meng Shengwei , Zhao Xiaodan , Zhang Hao , Guo Jianwei , Xu Derong , Liu Houchen , Chen Mingrui , Ma Xuexiao , Wang Yan
Published: May 2023

Objective

The oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF) technique is a promising interbody fusion technique. This study summarizes the technical aspects of OLIF as a salvage surgery and the preliminary outcomes of a series of cases.

Patients and methods

A retrospective review of patients with leg or back pain induced by pseudoarthrosis or adjacent segment disease after posterior lumbar interbody fusion/transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion was done. These patients underwent salvage OLIF surgeries in our institution from January 2021 to March 2022. Variables such as the demographic, clinical, surgical, and radiological characteristics of the enrolled patients were recorded and analyzed.

Results

Eight patients (five females and three males; mean age 69.1 ± 5.7 years, range 63–80 years) were enrolled in this study. The mean operative time was 286.25 min (range: 230–440 min), and the estimated blood loss was 90 ml (range: 50–150 ml). Only one of the eight patients experienced a complication of lower limb motor weakness, which disappeared within 5 days after surgery. The latest data showed that the mean intervertebral space height increased from 8.36 mm preoperatively to 12.70 mm and the mean segmentary lordosis increased from 8.92° preoperatively to 15.05°. Bone fusion was achieved in all but one patient, who was followed up for only 3 months. The JOA scores Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) Scores for low back pain of all patients significantly improved at the final follow-up.

Conclusion

OLIF provides a safe and effective salvage strategy for patients with failed posterior intervertebral fusion surgery. Patients effectively recovered intervertebral and foraminal height with no additional posterior direct decompression.
Optimizing palliative care and support for pets –perspectives of the pet-parent and the veterinarian
Authors: Lam Wendy W. T. , Fielding Richard , Choi Lok Yi
Published: May 2023

As animals benefit from improved chronic disease care, more pet-parents and veterinarians face issues of late life and terminal care. Management of life limiting disease commonly considers the timing of euthanasia, often overlooking the role of supportive palliative care. Necessary communications between vet and pet-parents are rarely emphasized. However, as in human palliative care, the central role of good communications is critical. In particular, three communication elements are primary, namely: empathic communication and shared decision-making; managing progressive symptoms, and; advanced directives. Moreover, focusing only on euthanasia can easily discount the profound emotional legacy of bereavement. This Perspective illustrates how communications policies derived from human palliative care are exemplified in the management of a case of canine lung cancer, to the wider practice benefits of pets, pet-parents and veterinary practice staff.
Performance and Weight Parameters Calculation for Hydrogen- and Battery-Powered Aircraft Concepts
Authors: Janovec Michal , Babčan Viktor , Kandera Branislav , Šajbanová Kristína , Škultéty Filip , Halvoň Ľuboš
Published: May 2023

This article describes the creation of a program that would be useful for calculating mathematical models in order to estimate the weight of aircraft components. Using several parameters, it can calculate other parameters of civil transport aircraft powered by batteries or fuel cells. The main goals of this research were to add the missing dimensions and parameters to the aircraft database, create a simple but effective program for creating mathematical models, and use this program to find technological barriers to battery or hydrogen fuel-cell-powered aircraft concepts. The article introduces the reader to the problem of calculating OEW (operating empty weight) using Breguet–Leduc equations. A calculation model was created for OEW calculation. The result of this work is the verification of a mathematical model for battery-powered electric aircraft of the CS-23 (European Aviation Safety Agency Certification Specification for Normal, Utility, Aerobatic, and Commuter Category Aeroplanes) category by comparing the program’s outputs with real aircraft. Subsequently, the results of mathematical models are shown in graphs that specify the space of possible concepts of aircraft powered by batteries or fuel cells, sorted by the number of passengers and the range of the aircraft, delimited by two or three criteria, respectively.
Transcriptome Sequence Analysis of Defense Response of Resistant and Susceptible Bottle Gourd to Powdery Mildew
Authors: Zhang Zhaohui , Wang Kuanhong , Chen Chunhong , Tian Shoubo , Wu Jue , Li Jianyong , Kong Lingjuan , Yang Xiaofeng , Zhang Changwei , Li Ying , Zhu Hongfang , Xiao Dong
Published: May 2023

Powdery mildew (PM) is the main disease that afflicts bottle gourd. Previous studies on PM mainly focused on its effects on pumpkin, melon, and other crops; however, the exact molecular mechanism of bottle gourd resistance to PM remains unclear. RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) technology was used to investigate the dynamic changes in leaf transcriptome profiles between resistant and susceptible gourd at 12, 24, 48, and 72 h post-inoculation with powdery mildew. Compared with a susceptible variety (G3), the expression levels of the differentially expressed genes of phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, starch, and sucrose metabolism, and plant–pathogen interaction pathways in disease-resistant plants were upregulated. We propose that disease resistance and tolerance in bottle gourd are enhanced via several pathways, including the antioxidant system, phenylalanine biosynthesis, and cell wall cellulose synthesis. Our research will provide an important basis for further screening and breeding PM resistance in bottle gourd.
The Potential of Bacterial Strains of Luteovulum sphaeroides W22 and W47 for Producing δ-Aminolevulinic Acid to Improve Soil Quality, Growth and Yield of Saline-Irrigated Rice Cultivated in Salt-Contaminated Soil
Authors: Khuong Nguyen Quoc , Minh Dang Phan Thien , Thu Le Thi My , Thuc Le Vinh
Published: May 2023

The present study aimed to identify the abilities of the δ-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) producing purple non-sulfur bacteria (PNSB), Luteovulum sphaeroides W22 and W47, to reduce the Na+ concentration, and to ameliorate the soil fertility, nutrients uptake, growth and yield of rice on the salt-contaminated soil. A two-factor experiment was conducted following a completely randomized block design. The factors were the frequency of applying saline irrigation (zero, one, two, three and four times) and the ALA-producing PNSB supplementation (applying only W22, only W47 and mixed W22 + W47). The results revealed that supplying the PNSB mixture not only reduced the proline content but also increased the plant height, number of panicles per pot, percentage of filled seeds, contents of NH4+, PO43−, total N, P uptake and grain yield. The mixed PNSB application also reduced the Na content and the total Na uptake in plants. L. sphaeroides W22 and W47 decreased the proline content by 31.3% and increased the grain yield by 27.2% in the condition of applying 5‰ saline irrigation four times.
Evaluation of Vegetative Development of Quinoa under Water Stress by Applying Different Organic Amendments
Authors: Akram Muhammad Zubair , Libutti Angela , Rivelli Anna Rita
Published: May 2023

Prolonged drought periods, increasingly occurring worldwide due to global climate change, could affect the growth and productivity of both traditional and climate-resilient crops, including quinoa. Specifically, the vegetative growing cycle of this species is highly sensitive to drought conditions. In this context, using organic amendments could help plants cope with drought due to their ability to enhance soil water status. So, the current study aimed to investigate the effect of different organic amendments, i.e., two biochars (from woodchips and vineyard prunings) and a vermicompost (from cattle manure), applied to the soil alone and mixed at 2% rate (w/w), on the vegetative development of quinoa (cv. Titicaca), during which a period of water stress was imposed from the twelve-leaf stage to the bud stage. A set of growth-related parameters were measured both during and at the end of the experiment, along with a set of water-related parameters, at the end of the water-stress period and after soil re-watering. The results showed that woodchip biochar, both alone and mixed with vermicompost, significantly affected plant growth during the water-stress period, also allowing a quicker recovery once drought conditions ended. Indeed, the leaf number and area, SPAD index, leaf and stem fresh weight, and dry matter content in plants treated with woodchip biochar, alone and mixed with vermicompost, were higher than vineyard pruning biochar, alone and mixed with vermicompost and similar to the well-watered control plants. Similar results were observed considering the yield contributing traits detected at the end of the experiment, including the main panicle length, number of sub-panicle, as well as fresh weight and dry matter content of both panicle and sub-panicles. Additionally, the water-related parameters, especially the low turgid weight to dry weight ratio of woodchip biochar treated plants, showed evidence of better growth than vineyard pruning biochar. At the end of the experiment, the WUE of plants treated with woodchip biochar and vermicompost, both alone and mixed, was higher than vineyard pruning biochar alone and mixed with vermicompost. Among the tested organic amendments, woodchip biochar alone and mixed with vermicompost positively affected the vegetative growth response of quinoa under water-stress conditions.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Ovine and Caprine Fasciolosis in the Last 20 Years in China: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lan Zhuo , Yu Jian , Zhang Xinhui , Zhang Aihui , Deng Ruipeng , Li Ben , Lv Qingbo , Ma Xiaoxiao , Gao Junfeng , Wang Chunren
Published: May 2023

Fasciolosis is a significant zoonotic and common parasitic disease for animals and humans, creating public health concerns worldwide. This study retrieved articles related to the occurrence of Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica in sheep and goats in China by searching five databases: PubMed, ScienceDirect, the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data, and the VIP Chinese Journal Database. A total of 60 valid articles were captured. The pooled prevalence of ovine and caprine fasciolosis was 26.00%. It was also found to be higher in the subgroups of Northwest China and Shaanxi Province, as well as in areas with a high altitude, rainfall of ≥800 mm, and temperature ranging between 10 °C and 20 °C. Analysis of the type of season and sampling years showed significant (p < 0.05) difference. In other subgroups, sheep (34.74%), hosts aged over 2 years (32.26%), females (48.33%) and free-range animals (26.83%) showed a higher disease prevalence. These results indicated that ovine and caprine fasciolosis was widely distributed, especially in Northwest China. The sampling years and the type of season are risk factors for the prevalence of ovine and caprine fasciolosis. Therefore, strategies for ovine and caprine fasciolosis control should be developed based on these epidemic risk factors, which will reduce the prevalence of fasciolosis in China.
Dietary Betaine Impacts Metabolic Responses to Moderate Heat Exposure in Sheep
Authors: DiGiacomo Kristy , Simpson Sarah , Leury Brian J. , Dunshea Frank R.
Published: May 2023

Dietary betaine supplementation can ameliorate physiological responses to heat exposure (HE) in sheep. This experiment measured metabolic responses to glucose (intravenous glucose tolerance, IVGTT), insulin (insulin tolerance test, ITT), and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) challenges in Merino ewes (n = 36, 39.7 kg) maintained at thermoneutral (TN, 21 °C) or HE (18–43 °C) and supplemented with either 0, 2, or 4 g/day dietary betaine (n = 6 per group). Sheep had ad libitum access to water and were pair-fed such that the intake of the TN sheep mimicked that of the HE sheep. After 21 days of treatment, sheep were fitted with jugular catheters and subjected to consecutive daily challenges (IVGTT, ITT, and ACTH, d 21–23, respectively), followed by skeletal muscle and subcutaneous adipose tissue biopsy collections for gene expression analysis (d 24). The HE-treated sheep had a greater insulin:glucose ratio (p = 0.033), a greater estimated homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMAIR; p = 0.029), and a reduced revised quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (RQUICKI; p = 0.015). Sheep fed betaine (2 + 4 g/day) had a greater basal plasma insulin (p = 0.017) and a reduced basal non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA; p = 0.036) concentration, while the RQUICKI was reduced (p = 0.001) in sheep fed betaine. The results suggested that betaine supplementation alters lipid metabolism by potentially improving insulin signaling, although these responses differ between TN and HE conditions. There was no other impact of temperature or dietary treatments on the tissue gene expressions measured. Our results support the notion that betaine, in part, acts to modify lipid metabolism.
Road Infrastructure and Primate Conservation: Introducing the Global Primate Roadkill Database
Authors: Praill Laura C. , Eppley Timothy M. , Shanee Sam , Cunneyworth Pamela M. K. , Abra Fernanda D. , Allgas Néstor , Al-Razi Hassan , Campera Marco , Cheyne Susan M. , Collinson Wendy , Donati Giuseppe , Linden Birthe , Manson Sophie , Maria Marjan , Morcatty Thais Q. , Nekaris K. A. I. , Oklander Luciana I. , Nijman Vincent , Svensson Magdalena S.
Published: May 2023

As road infrastructure networks rapidly expand globally, especially in the tropics, previously continuous habitats are being fragmented, resulting in more frequent wildlife–vehicle collisions (WVC). Primates are widespread throughout many sub-/tropical countries, and as their habitats are fragmented, they are increasingly at risk of WVC. We created the Global Primate Roadkill Database (GPRD), the largest available standardized database of primate roadkill incidents. We obtained data from published papers, un-published and citizen science databases, anecdotal reports, news reports, and social media posts. Here, we describe the collection methods for the GPRD and present the most up-to-date version of the database in full. For each primate roadkill incident, we recorded the species killed, the exact location, and the year and month the roadkill was observed. At the time of publication, the GPRD includes 2862 individual primate roadkill records from 41 countries. As primates range in more than twice as many countries, the absence of data from these countries is not necessarily indicative of a lack of primate vehicular collisions. Given the value of these data for addressing both local and global research questions, we encourage conservationists and citizen scientists to contribute to the GPRD so that, together, we can better understand the impact road infrastructure has on primates and evaluate measures which may help mitigate risk-prone areas or species.