bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The roles of community nutrition scholars in changing mothers' child feeding, food preparation, and hygiene practices in southern Bangladesh
Authors: Kawarazuka Nozomi , Ibrahim Farhana , Rahaman Ebna Habib Md. Shofiur , Prain Gordon
Published: June 2023

Introduction

This qualitative study evaluates a nutrition and hygiene education program led by trained community nutrition scholars for 5,000 mothers of small children in the Khulna and Satkhira districts in southern Bangladesh. The objectives of this study are as follows: (1) understanding the processes and reasonings behind mothers' improvement in child feeding, food preparation, hygiene, and homestead garden production, (2) understanding men's roles in facilitating women's behavioral changes, and (3) assessing the degree of changes in subjective notions of self-confidence, decision-making, and recognition among mothers and nutrition scholars.

Methods

Data were collected through 14 focus group discussions with 80 participants and in-depth interviews with 6 women community nutrition scholars. Data was then analysed qualitatively by drawing on direct quotes from focus group discussions and interviews with detailed interpretation and account for respondents' behaviors and perceptions.

Results

Overall findings confirm behavior changes by women, their spouses, and other family members. Many women were able to independently decide to change food allocation and child feeding practices after gaining self-confidence through the training. Men performed vital roles, such as purchasing nutritious food in local markets, providing labor for land preparation of homestead gardens, and defending the women from the resistance to change by their mothers-in-law.

Discussion

While the study supports the literature that women's bargaining power in food/resource allocation is critical in child health and nutrition, the evaluation found that this process involves negotiations among family members. Engaging men and mothers-in-law in nutrition interventions have great potential to make nutrition interventions more effective.
The role of hypertension in bone mineral density among males older than 50 years and postmenopausal females: evidence from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2005–2010
Authors: Li Shuna , Li Li , Feng Aozi , Huang Tao , Chen Chong , He Ningxia , Huang Liying , Lyu Jun
Published: June 2023

Background

Hypertension is a significant chronic disease that has been linked with bone mineral density (BMD) in various studies. However, the conclusions are contradictory. The purpose of our study was to identify the bone mineral density (BMD) of postmenopausal females and males older than 50 years with hypertension.

Methods

This cross-sectional study of 4,306 participants from the 2005–2010 US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey explored the relationship between BMD and hypertension. Participants who had a mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥140 mmHg, or a mean diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥90 mmHg, or were taking any prescribed medicine for high blood pressure were defined as having hypertension. BMD values were measured at the femoral neck and lumbar vertebrae as the primary outcome. Weight general linear model was used to describe the status of BMD in patients with hypertension. Weighted multivariate regression analysis was conducted to demonstrate the association between hypertension and BMD. Weighted restricted cubic spline (RCS) was used to assess the relationship between BMD and SBP and DBP.

Results

Our study found that there was a positive association between hypertension and lumbar BMD and the lumbar BMD was significantly higher in the presence of hypertension than in the control group in both males (1.072 vs. 1.047 g/cm2) and females (0.967 vs. 0.938 g/cm2; both p < 0.05), but a similar pattern was not found in the femoral neck. Meanwhile, lumbar BMD was positively associated with SBP and negatively associated with DBP both in males and females. The prevalence of low bone mass and osteoporosis at the lumbar vertebrae was lower in male patients with hypertension than in the control group. However, no difference was observed among postmenopausal females between the hypertension and control groups.

Conclusions

Hypertension was associated with higher BMD at the lumbar vertebrae in both males older than 50 years and postmenopausal females.
Passive smoking as a risk factor among older adults: an ordered probability approach for Türkiye
Authors: Ünver Şeyda , Tekmanli Hasan Hüseyin , Alkan Ömer
Published: June 2023

Background/aim

Older adults represent a significant proportion of the population of many societies, and being one of the disadvantaged groups, they struggle with various difficulties in their social lives. Undoubtedly, passive smoking is one of these difficulties. Passive smoking among older adults, which is an important public health problem, is an issue that needs to be investigated. The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of adults aged 60 and older in Türkiye and their exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS).

Methods

In this study, a microdata set of the 2016 and 2019 Turkey Health Survey conducted by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK) was used. This survey was conducted by TUIK in the relevant years using a stratified sampling method to best represent the whole of Turkey. The study considered only demographic and socio-economic characteristics to investigate passive smoking. Since all the variables used in the study were categorical, the relationship between the dependent variable and the independent variables was first investigated using chi-square tests. In addition, since the dependent variable has an ordered-categorical probability form, the generalized ordinal logit model was used for the analysis of passive smoking and related factors.

Results

The rate of exposure to tobacco smoke of older adults who participated in the study in 2016 was 16%, while the rate of those who participated in the study in 2019 was 21%.

Conclusion

According to the findings of the study, older, uneducated, and uninsured smokers carry a more serious SHS risk. It may be beneficial for society for policy makers to carry out studies by considering these features a priority and focusing on policies in this context. Expanding smoke-free areas to cover older adult, increasing penalties as a deterrent, facilitating education, increasing state support for education, increasing education and public service announcements about tobacco harms, and facilitating social security are the main examples. This study’s findings are crucial as a source of information for the development of policies and programs aimed at preventing the exposure of older adults to tobacco smoke.
Associations between air pollution, intracellular-to-extracellular water distribution, and obstructive sleep apnea manifestations
Authors: Tsai Cheng-Yu , Huang Huei-Tyng , Liu Ming , Cheng Wun-Hao , Hsu Wen-Hua , Kuan Yi-Chun , Majumdar Arnab , Lee Kang-Yun , Feng Po-Hao , Tseng Chien-Hua , Chen Kuan-Yuan , Kang Jiunn-Horng , Lee Hsin-Chien , Wu Cheng-Jung , Liu Wen-Te
Published: June 2023

Background

Exposure to air pollution may be a risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) because air pollution may alter body water distribution and aggravate OSA manifestations.

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the mediating effects of air pollution on the exacerbation of OSA severity through body water distribution.

Methods

This retrospective study analyzed body composition and polysomnographic data collected from a sleep center in Northern Taiwan. Air pollution exposure was estimated using an adjusted nearest method, registered residential addresses, and data from the databases of government air quality motioning stations. Next, regression models were employed to determine the associations between estimated air pollution exposure levels (exposure for 1, 3, 6, and 12 months), OSA manifestations (sleep-disordered breathing indices and respiratory event duration), and body fluid parameters (total body water and body water distribution). The association between air pollution and OSA risk was determined.

Results

Significant associations between OSA manifestations and short-term (1 month) exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 were identified. Similarly, significant associations were identified among total body water and body water distribution (intracellular-to-extracellular body water distribution), short-term (1 month) exposure to PM2.5 and PM10, and medium-term (3 months) exposure to PM10. Body water distribution might be a mediator that aggravates OSA manifestations, and short-term exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 may be a risk factor for OSA.

Conclusion

Because exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 may be a risk factor for OSA that exacerbates OSA manifestations and exposure to particulate pollutants may affect OSA manifestations or alter body water distribution to affect OSA manifestations, mitigating exposure to particulate pollutants may improve OSA manifestations and reduce the risk of OSA. Furthermore, this study elucidated the potential mechanisms underlying the relationship between air pollution, body fluid parameters, and OSA severity.
There is a need for more precise models to assess the determinants of health crises like COVID-19
Authors: Rovetta Alessandro
Published: June 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on global mortality. While the causal relationship between SARS-CoV-2 and the anomalous increase in deaths is established, more precise and complex models are needed to determine the exact weight of epidemiological factors involved. Indeed, COVID-19 behavior is influenced by a wide range of variables, including demographic characteristics, population habits and behavior, healthcare performance, and environmental and seasonal risk factors. The bidirectional causality between impacted and impacting aspects, as well as confounding variables, complicates efforts to draw clear, generalizable conclusions regarding the effectiveness and cost-benefit ratio of non-pharmaceutical health countermeasures. Thus, it is imperative that the scientific community and health authorities worldwide develop comprehensive models not only for the current pandemic but also for future health crises. These models should be implemented locally to account for micro-differences in epidemiological characteristics that may have relevant effects. It is important to note that the lack of a universal model does not imply that local decisions have been unjustified, and the request to decrease scientific uncertainty does not mean denying the evidence of the effectiveness of the countermeasures adopted. Therefore, this paper must not be exploited to denigrate either the scientific community or the health authorities.
Prevalence of anisometropia and influencing factors among school-age children in Nantong, China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhou Yue , Zhang Xiao Fang , Chen Xiao Juan , Wang Min , Cai Jian Ru , Xiong Yao Jia , Song Yu , Sun Zhi Min
Published: June 2023

Objective

To investigate the prevalence of anisometropia and associated parameters among school-aged children in Nantong, China.

Methods

This school-based, cross-sectional study examined students from primary schools, junior high schools, and senior high schools in an urban area of Nantong, China. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the specific correlations between anisometropia and related parameters. Non-cycloplegic autorefraction was assessed for each student. Anisometropia was defined as the spherical equivalent refraction (SE) difference ≥ 1.0 D between eyes.

Results

A total of 9,501 participants were validated for analyses, of which 53.2% (n = 5,054) were male, and 46.8% (n = 4,447) were female. The mean of age was 13.32 ± 3.49 years, ranging from 7–19 years. The overall prevalence of anisometropia was 25.6%. Factors such as myopia, scoliosis screening positive, hyperopia, female sex, older age, and higher weight had a significantly higher risk of anisometropia (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

There was a high prevalence of anisometropia in school-age children. Some physical examination parameters are closely related to children’s anisometropia, especially myopia and scoliosis. Preventing myopia and controlling its progression may be the most important ways to reduce the prevalence of anisometropia. Correcting scoliosis may be an important factor in controlling the prevalence of anisometropia, and maintaining good reading and writing posture may be helpful in controlling the prevalence of anisometropia.
Heavy social media use and psychological distress among adolescents: the moderating role of sex, age, and parental support
Authors: Mougharbel Fatima , Chaput Jean-Philippe , Sampasa-Kanyinga Hugues , Hamilton Hayley A. , Colman Ian , Leatherdale Scott T. , Goldfield Gary S.
Published: June 2023

Background

Despite increasing evidence that social media use is associated with adolescents’ mental well-being, little is known about the role of various factors in modifying the effect of this association during adolescence. This study examined the association between social media use and psychological distress among adolescents and explored whether sex, age, and parental support moderate this association.

Methods

Data came from a representative sample of middle and high school students in Ontario, Canada. Cross-sectional analyses included 6,822 students derived from the 2019 Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey.

Results

Our results showed that 48% of adolescents used social media for 3 h or more per day, and 43.7% had moderate to severe psychological distress, with a higher prevalence among females (54%) than males (31%). After adjustment for relevant covariates, heavy social media use (≥3 h/day) was associated with increased odds of severe psychological distress [odds ratio (OR): 2.01; 95% confidence interval (CI):1.59–2.55]. The association of social media use with psychological distress was modified by age (p < 0.05) but not sex or parental support. The association was stronger among younger adolescents.

Conclusion

Heavy social media use is associated with higher levels of psychological distress, with younger adolescents being the most vulnerable. Longitudinal studies are recommended for future research to examine in more depth the role of sex, age, and parental support in the association between social media use and psychological distress to better determine the strength and of the association.
Family functioning and problematic internet pornography use among adolescents: a moderated mediation model
Authors: Li Liang , Wang Xizhou , Tang Shaoyue , Wang Jianfeng
Published: June 2023

Background

In recent years, the issue of problematic Internet pornography use (PIPU) among adolescents has become increasingly prominent, attracting widespread attention from society. Family functioning has been recognized as a protective factor for PIPU, but the underlying mediating and moderating mechanisms remain unclear. The purpose of this study is (a) to investigate the mediating role of self-esteem in the relationship between family functioning and PIPU, and (b) to examine the moderating role of the need to belong in this mediating pathway.

Methods

A total of 771 high school students (Mage = 16.19, SD = 0.90) were surveyed using the Problematic Internet Pornography Use Scale, Family Assessment Device, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the Need to Belong Scale.

Results

Correlation analysis showed a significant negative correlation between family functioning and PIPU (r = −0.25, p < 0.001), a significant positive correlation between self-esteem and family functioning (r = 0.38, p < 0.001), a significant negative correlation between self-esteem and PIPU (r = −0.24, p < 0.001), and a significant positive correlation between need to belong and PIPU (r = 0.16, p < 0.01). Mediation analysis showed that self-esteem partially mediated the relationship between family functioning and PIPU, with a mediation effect of −0.06. Further moderated mediation analysis showed that for adolescents with higher need to belong, the mediating effect of self-esteem was stronger.

Conclusions

For adolescents with high belonging needs who are at high risk for PIPU, good family functioning may have a protective effect by boosting self-esteem.
Hearing loss and its link to cognitive impairment and dementia
Authors: Azeem Abdul , Julleekeea Arun , Knight Beth , Sohail Isha , Bruyns-Haylett Michael , Sastre Magdalena
Published: June 2023

Hearing loss is an important risk factor for the development of dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease (AD). Mid-life hearing loss increases the risk of developing dementia by double any other single factor. However, given this strong connection between hearing loss and AD, the mechanisms responsible for this link are still unknown. Data from observational studies relating hearing loss and cognitive impairment, measured with standardized questionnaires, has shown a strong relationship between them. Similar findings have emerged from animal studies, showing that the induction of hearing loss via prolonged loud sound exposure or ear canal blocking, can impair cognitive abilities. Interestingly, patients with age-related hearing impairment exhibit increased phosphorylated tau in the cerebrospinal fluid, but no such relationship has been identified for amyloid-β. In addition, hearing loss predisposes to social isolation precipitating the development of dementia through a supposed reduction in cognitive load and processing requirements. Given this link between hearing loss and dementia, the question arises whether the restoration of hearing might mitigate against the onset or progress of AD. Indeed, there is a growing body of research that suggests that those who wear hearing aids for age-related hearing problems maintain better cognitive function over time than those who do not. These are compelling findings, as they suggest the use of hearing aids has the potential to be a cost-effective treatment for those with hearing loss both prior (for those at high risk for AD) and after the development of symptoms. This review aims to summarize the current theories that relate hearing loss and cognitive decline, present the key findings of animal studies, observational studies and summarize the gaps and limitations that need to be addressed in this topic. Through this, we suggest directions for future studies to tackle the lack of adequately randomized control trials in the field. This omission is responsible for the inability to provide a conclusive verdict on whether to use hearing interventions to target hearing-loss related cognitive decline.
Barn Owls Can Decrease Pesticide Use
Authors: Leshem Yossi
Published: June 2023

Rodents are a danger to farmers because they damage farm crops. For the last 100 years, chemical pesticides have been used to kill rodents, but these chemicals harm the ecosystem, humans, and all sorts of wildlife, including migratory birds. Barn owls may be a solution! These nocturnal birds of prey are common over most of the world and can act as biological pest-control agents. Barn owls nest near and in farm fields and specialize in hunting rodents—a pair of barn owls eliminates 2,000–6,000 rodents per year. A project using barn owls for rodent control began in Israel in 1983, with the placement of 14 nesting boxes. Today, there are about 5,000 nesting boxes throughout Israel, and the use of harmful pesticides has decreased by more than 50%. Several other countries have also joined, or plan to join, the project. This project is a unique method that promotes a healthier environment and can connect nations, farmers, researchers, and conservationists.
Rethinking How City Dwellers Get Their Food
Authors: Wiese Claudia , Pölling Bernd , Lorleberg Wolf
Published: June 2023

Do you perhaps live in a city, or have you visited one? Cities are exciting places where there is often a lot going on. They offer a variety of job opportunities and many leisure activities, like movie theaters, shopping malls, parks, and museums. Currently, Earth’s greatest population growth is happening within cities. Even though cities cover only 2–3% of the land, they consume approximately 75% of the world’s energy and they produce 80% of the carbon dioxide that is released into the atmosphere. Until now, cities have not needed to grow their own food, but this makes them dependent on food sources that can be quite far away. This article will describe how urban agriculture can help cities to better deal with climate change and other environmental problems, and how this food-growing method can improve the living environments for the people in cities at the same time.
Root-applied glycinebetaine controls nitrate content and edible quality of lettuce in continuous commercial hydroponic greenhouse production
Authors: Uusitupa Jenni , Edelmann Minnamari , Simpura Ilkka , Jokinen Kari , Mäkelä Pirjo S. A.
Published: June 2023

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) may accumulate high amounts of nitrate NO3− in hydroponic cultivation, such as in the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) system. The NFT system is a commonly used hydroponic cultivation method in which a thin layer of nutrient solution flows continuously over the roots and is then recirculated. Since NO3− is known to be harmful to human health, lettuce producers need methods for controlling it and improving the quality of lettuce. Here, we investigated whether root-applied glycinebetaine (GB) can be used to control the NO3− content in commercial-scale greenhouse production. Three commercial-scale experiments were conducted with different GB application rates (0, 4, 7.5, and 10 + 10 mM GB). Glycinebetaine was applied to the nutrient solution, and lettuce was exposed to the GB treatment during the last 6 growing days before the harvest. Even though the root-applied GB slightly reduced the fresh weight of harvested lettuce and some minerals in lettuce dry matter, it significantly reduced the lettuce NO3− content (over 29%) and increased the contents of some amino acids in comparison to untreated plants. Thus, the edible quality of lettuce was improved. Furthermore, the tested GB application method proved to be functional on a commercial scale. Based on our study, adding GB to the nutrient solution can be considered a practical method for controlling lettuce NO3− content.
Participatory Guarantee Systems, a more inclusive organic certification alternative? Unboxing certification costs and farm inspections in PGS based on a case study approach
Authors: Kaufmann Sonja , Hruschka Nikolaus , Vogl Christian R.
Published: June 2023

The importance of Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) as an alternative organic certification to third-party certification (TPC) has grown remarkably in recent years. PGS are argued to be less costly than TPC, and adopt the exchange of advice and knowledge as a key element of farm inspections. For these reasons, PGS are promoted as being more accessible for smallholder farmers in low-income countries and as a tool for supporting organic conversion and standard compliance, and ultimately contributing to food system sustainability. PGS certification costs have not yet been studied thoroughly and empirical studies on PGS farm inspections are rare. This paper applies a mixed-methods case study approach in a Costa Rican PGS initiative and explores explicit and implicit PGS certification costs and PGS farm inspections. The framework for assessing actor participation in PGS and transaction cost theory were used as the theoretical foundation. Semi-structured interviews (n = 10), PGS member surveys (n = 17), and participant observations of PGS farm inspections (n = 11) were conducted and complemented with data from internal documents and informal interviews. The results showed that reduced explicit costs for PGS certification were accompanied by substantial implicit costs in terms of the time dedicated to the PGS certification process. These implicit costs were largely attributed to the legal requirements for PGS, and were borne by only a few members, resulting in differences in total certification costs between PGS members. Despite legal formalization, information exchange was an important part of PGS farm inspections. Against the backdrop of small audit teams and low participation in farm inspections, PGS members implementing farm inspections nurtured transparency and an exchange of experience within the PGS. The study provides novel insight into PGS, and defines cost components and PGS characteristics affecting PGS certification costs that may also be relevant to other PGS initiatives and related fields of action.
Prognostic significance of uncertain resection for metastasis in the highest mediastinal lymph node after surgery for clinical N0 non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Marziali Valentina , Frasca Luca , Ambrogi Vincenzo , Patirelis Alexandro , Longo Filippo , Crucitti Pierfilippo
Published: June 2023

Background

The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer defined types of surgical resection and considered the positivity of the highest mediastinal lymph node resected a parameter of “uncertain resection” (R-u). We investigated the metastases in the highest mediastinal lymph node, defined as the lowest numerically numbered station among those resected. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of R-u compared with R0.

Materials and methods

We selected 550 patients with non-small cell lung cancer at clinical Stage I, IIA, IIB (T3N0M0), or IIIA (T4N0M0) undergoing lobectomy and systematic lymphadenectomy between 2015 and 2020. The R-u group included patients with positive highest mediastinal resected lymph node.

Results

In the groups of patients with mediastinal lymph node metastasis, we defined 31 as R-u (45.6%, 31/68). The incidence of metastases in the highest lymph node was related to the pN2 subgroups (p < 0.001) and the type of lymphadenectomy performed (p < 0.001). The survival analysis compared R0 and R-u: 3-year disease-free survival was 69.0% and 20.0%, respectively, and 3-year overall survival was 78.0% and 40.0%, respectively. The recurrence rate was 29.7% in R0 and 71.0% in R-u (p-value < 0.001), and the mortality rate was 18.9% and 51.6%, respectively (p-value < 0.001). R-u variable showed a tendency to be a significant prognostic factor for disease-free survival and overall survival (hazard ratio: 4.6 and 4.5, respectively, p-value < 0.001).

Conclusions

The presence of metastasis in the highest mediastinal lymph node removed seems to be an independent prognostic factor for mortality and recurrence. The finding of these metastases represents the margin of cancer dissemination at the time of surgery, so it could imply metastasis into the N3 node or distant metastasis.
Prevalence of brucellosis and associated risk factors in dairy cattle in Maekel and Debub Regions, Eritrea
Authors: Efrem Ghebremeskel Habteyohannes , Mihreteab Bereket , Ghebremariam Michael K. , Okbamichael Tekeste , Ghebresilasie Yosief , Mor Siobhan M. , Mamo Gezahegne
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease with worldwide distribution. It is considered endemic in Eritrea, however, the current prevalence status and related risk factors in animals are unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for brucellosis in dairy cattle in Maekel and Debub regions, Eritrea.

Methods

A cross sectional study was conducted between August 2021 and February 2022. A total of 2,740 dairy cattle from 214 herds in 10 sub-regions of Eritrea were selected for blood and data collection. Blood samples were tested using Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and positive samples were confirmed using competitive (c-ELISA). Data on risk factors was collected using questionnaire and analyzed using logistic regression.

Results

In total, 34/2740 animals tested positive by RBPT. Of these, 29 were confirmed positive by c-ELISA, giving an apparent and estimated true individual-level prevalence of 1.1% (95% CI: 0.7, 1.5%) and 1.3% (95% CI: 0.9, 1.8%), respectively. Sixteen herds (7.5%) tested positive by RBPT and of these 15 herds (7.0%) were confirmed positive by c-ELISA, giving an estimated true herd-level prevalence of 7.0% (95% CI: 4.0, 10.7). Animal and herd-level apparent prevalence was 1.6 and 9.2% in Maekel, while in Debub it was 0.6 and 5.5%, respectively. Multivariable regression analysis indicated that non-pregnant lactating cows (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 3.35; p = 0.042) were more likely to be Brucella sero-positive. History of abortion on the farm (aOR = 5.71; p = 0.026) and larger number of cows in the herd (aOR = 1.14; p < 0.001) were associated with brucellosis sero-positivity in herds.

Conclusion

Brucellosis prevalence was low in the study areas. Nonetheless, this low prevalence may increase if the disease is not controlled. Therefore, testing animals before movement, good farming practices, sanitary measures, and an awareness raising program on brucellosis are recommended.
Infection characteristics of porcine circovirus type 2 in different herds from intensive farms in China, 2022
Authors: Fan Mingyu , Bian Lujie , Tian Xiaogang , Hu Zhiqiang , Wu Weisheng , Sun Leilei , Yuan Guiqiang , Li Shuangxi , Yue Lei , Wang Ying , Wu Lili , Wang Yongquan , Yan Zheng , Ren Jing , Li Xiaowen
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is the primary etiological agent of porcine circovirus diseases (PCVD), which are widespread in most pig herds, causing huge economic losses in the global pig industry. Therefore, it is critical to assess the infection characteristics of PCV2 in different swine herds to develop effective strategies against PCVD.

Methods

In this study, routine diagnostic and monitoring protocols were used to collect 12,714 samples from intensive farms in China, and PCV2 was tested for by qPCR to determine positivity rates and viral loads in samples from different herds and materials.

Results

PCV2 was found to be prevalent throughout China, and fattening farms had higher positivity rates than breeding farms. The PCV2 positivity rates in breeding farms in Southern China were higher than those in Northern China. Growing–finishing pigs demonstrated the highest positivity rate in the tested samples, while pre-weaning piglets and adult sows had the lowest. Meanwhile, samples with viral loads exceeding 106 copies/mL in growing–finishing pigs had 27.2% positivity, compared to 1.9% and 3.3% in sows and piglets, respectively. The results of the viral loads in the serum samples followed a similar trend.

Discussion

The findings reveal that PCV2 circulates in different herds from intensive farms, with positivity increasing from pre-weaning to growing–finishing herds. It is urgent to develop effective strategies to reduce PCV2 positivity in growing–finishing herds and prevent viral circulation among pigs.
Characteristic Analysis of a New Structure Eccentric Harmonic Magnetic Gear
Authors: Jing Libing , Wang Youzhong , Li Dawei , Qu Ronghai
Published: June 2023

An eccentric harmonic magnetic gear (EHMG) is better suited for situations requiring larger transmission ratios than magnetic-field-modulated magnetic gears. In the meantime, to increase the torque density even further, a new structure for EHMGs is presented in this paper. The stator’s permanent magnets (PMs) are irregularly distributed, while the rotor’s PMs are applied to a fan-shaped structure. Moreover, a Halbach array is adopted in both the rotor and the stator. A two-dimensional finite element (FE) model of the proposed EHMG is developed, and the flux density distribution and torque of the EHMG are calculated and verified via FE analysis. When compared to a conventional EHMG, the presented model’s torque increases from 38.04 Nm to 50.41 Nm. In addition, for the sake of avoiding the oscillation and noise caused by resonance, a modal analysis of the proposed model is conducted and the consequences show that it has better antivibration properties. Finally, a prototype is made, a test bench is established, and the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed model are verified.
Pollen Beetles in Oilseed Rape Fields: Spectrum and Distribution in Czech Republic during 2011–2013
Authors: Hrudová Eva , Seidenglanz Marek , Tóth Pavel , Poslušná Jana , Kolařík Pavel , Havel Jiří
Published: June 2023

Oilseed rape is frequently damaged by insect pests. Much attention is paid to the protection of oilseed rape against Brassicogethes aeneus (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae), which is one of the most significant pests of spring and winter oilseed rape. The presence of different pollen beetle species was monitored in the Czech Republic in the years 2011–2013. A minimum of 500 individuals were captured at each site. Morphometric characteristics and the morphology of male and/or female genitalia were used to determine species. B. aeneus, B. subaeneus, B. viridescens and B. coracinus were most abundant. Other species presented in oilseed rape were B. coeruleovirens, B. czwalinai, B. matronalis, B. anthracinus, Boragogethes symphyti, Cychramus luteus, Fabogethes nigrescens, Genistogethes carinulatus, Meligethes atratus, Sagitogethes maurus, and Lamiogethes atramentarius. Our main conclusion is that the reason for the presence of the pollen beetle species associated with their development into non-cruciferous plants in oilseeds is the sufficiency of pollen as food for beetles. In addition, they may occur here incidentally, as they can be transported relatively long distances by air. Accompanying species of pollen beetles probably also have a positive effect on abundance reduction in species considered to be harmful as they are hosts to parasitoids of the oilseed rape pest.
Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium L.) Cracking during Development on the Tree and at Harvest: The Impact of Methyl Jasmonate on Four Different Growing Seasons
Authors: Ruiz-Aracil María Celeste , Valverde Juan Miguel , Lorente-Mento Jose Manuel , Carrión-Antolí Alberto , Castillo Salvador , Martínez-Romero Domingo , Guillén Fabián
Published: June 2023

Rainfall occurring during the developmental stages of sweet cherries on the tree can lead to significant preharvest losses, primarily due to fruit cracking. Certain cultivars exhibit a higher susceptibility to such losses, particularly when persistent rains coincide with advanced phenological stages. The current study aims to investigate the efficacy of preharvest methyl jasmonate (MeJA) applications at harvest and during distinct developmental ripening stages in mitigating sweet cherry cracking at harvest and on-tree ripening. Preharvest foliar applications of 0.5 mM MeJA were applied across various sweet cherry cultivars, including ‘Prime Giant’, ‘Early Lory’, ‘Sweetheart’, and ‘Staccato’. By conducting this experiment over four growing seasons, we evaluated the impact of this natural elicitor on the cracking tolerance of these cultivars. The results of our analysis indicate that MeJA preharvest treatments effectively reduce fruit cracking, enhancing abiotic stress tolerance. Additionally, these treatments induce a general delay in fruit ripening on the tree across the examined cultivars. This delayed ripening effect is reflected in several quality parameters at harvest, such as the fruit firmness, external colour, total soluble solids, and total acidity. These parameters in the MeJA-treated fruit were delayed compared to the control fruit or remained unaffected for the total acidity. Conversely, the MeJA treatments delayed the accumulation of total polyphenols, exhibiting a minimal impact on reducing pedicel browning. The enhanced tolerance to cracking and delayed ripening attributed to the MeJA preharvest treatments could be helpful for plot management. Consequently, these MeJA-based preharvest treatments hold potential as valuable tools in adapting to climate change and mitigating abiotic stress in sweet cherry.
Potential of Temperate, Tropical, and Sub-Tropical Exotic Maize Germplasm for Increased Gains in Yield Performance in Sub-Tropical Breeding Programs
Authors: Nyoni Rejoice Shumirai , Magorokosho Cosmos , Kamutando Casper Nyaradzai
Published: June 2023

Exotic germplasm (i.e., germplasm beyond the breeder’s target area) has traditionally been used to broaden the genetic base of local (germplasm within the breeder’s target area) populations, but little has been done to assess gains that could be induced by this breeding practice in the sub-tropical regions of Africa. Here, eight maize (Zea mays L.) inbred lines developed from pedigree crosses of exotic and local (i.e., sub-tropically adapted lines; STALs) were inter-mated together with six elite STALs, in a partial diallel mating scheme, in order to depict yield gains that can be made when exotic genes are integrated within the sub-tropical maize germplasm pool. The crossing scheme yielded a total of 91 F1s which were evaluated together with nine commercial checks in multi-environmental trials (METs) at eight locations representing agro-ecologies in which maize is predominantly grown in Zimbabwe. Across site Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) showed differences in grain yield (GY) performance of the F1s. Significant genotype x environment effects was also detected for GY (i.e., GEI; p < 0.05). F1s of parents with a temperate background [i.e., P7 (S) x P2 (T)] showed the highest GY potential (e.g., G44; GY = 10.52 tha−1). Apart from showing high GY potential, G44 also demonstrated to be stable across diverse agro-ecologies and to mature earlier than the best commercial check hybrid. In conclusion, incorporation of exotic genes, especially those from temperate regions, may improve the yielding ability and stability and can introduce earliness in the maturity of maize populations in sub-tropical regions.
Temperature and Isolate Are Important Determinants of Brassica napus Susceptibility to Aggressive Sclerotinia sclerotiorum Isolates
Authors: Michael Pippa J. , Rijal Lamichhane Ashmita , Bennett Sarita Jane
Published: June 2023

Management of Sclerotinia stem rot (SSR) disease in Brassica napus is heavily reliant on prophylactic fungicide applications at flowering, which often provides inconsistent control depending on timing of ascospore release in the field and environmental conditions. Understanding host response to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum infection is essential for sustainable disease management in the future. This study determined host response of nine B. napus varieties to four aggressive S. sclerotiorum isolates across two years by measuring four disease variables: area under the disease progress stairs (AUDPS), seed production, sclerotia number and average sclerotia weight. Brassica napus varieties varied greatly in their response to the four measured variables, with varieties producing the highest AUDPS not being the same varieties that had the lowest seed production, the highest numbers of sclerotia or heaviest sclerotia. Repeating the experiment over two years using the same varieties and isolates identified the impact of environment on measured disease variables as the most influential factor, highlighting the complexity of disease responses to diverse isolates and host genotypes under different environments. It was recommended that both long-term (such as inoculum production) and short-term (such as seed production) disease outcomes be combined with lesion length measurement (i.e., AUDPS) for future host screening studies.
Characterization of the Pearl Millet Cultivation Environments in India: Status and Perspectives Enabled by Expanded Data Analytics and Digital Tools
Authors: Garin Vincent , Choudhary Sunita , Murugesan Tharanya , Kaliamoorthy Sivasakthi , Diancumba Madina , Hajjarpoor Amir , Chellapilla Tara Satyavathi , Gupta Shashi Kumar , Kholovà Jana
Published: June 2023

The cultivation of pearl millet in India is experiencing important transformations. Here, we propose a new characterization of the pearl millet production environment using the latest available district level data (1998–2017), principal component analysis, and large-scale crop model simulations. Pearl millet cultivation environment can be divided in up to five environments (TPEs). The eastern part of the country (Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh) emerges as the only region where pearl millet cultivation has grown (+0.4 Kha/year), with important yield increase (+51 kg/ha/year), and potential surplus that are likely exported. Important reductions of pearl millet cultivated area in Gujarat (−4.5 Kha/year), Maharashtra and Karnataka (−4 Kha/year) are potentially due to economy-driven transition to other more profitable crops, such as cotton or maize. The potential rain increase could also accelerate this transition. With R2∈ [0.15–0.61], the tested crop models reflected reasonably well the pearl millet production system in the A1 (North Radjasthan) and AE1 (South Rajastan and Haryana) TPEs covering the largest area (66%) and production share (59%), especially after the use of a new strategy for environment and management parameters calibration. Those results set the base for in silico system design and optimization in future climatic scenarios.
Photosynthetic Assimilation of the Guava (Psidium guajava) cv. Paluma under Different Pruning and Fruit Thinning Intensities
Authors: Santos Adaniel Sousa dos , Pereira Gustavo Alves , Fonseca Wéverson Lima , Zuffo Alan Mario , da Cunha Jenilton Gomes , Soares Nemilda Pereira , Morais Estefenson Marques , Nascimento Antônio Afonso Sousa do , Santos Djavan Pinheiro , de Sousa Almeida Murilo , Aguilera Jorge González , Morales-Aranibar Luis , Salcedo Eliseo Pumacallahui , Chura Richar Marlon Mollinedo , Contreras Wilberth Caviedes , Alejo Roger Ccama
Published: June 2023

In guava plants, production pruning can be performed twice a year, and the return of growth is dependent on the physiological responses that are altered by the different cultivation environments and adopted management. From this perspective, this study aimed to characterize the photosynthetic dynamics of guava plants influenced by different pruning and fruit thinning intensities during two growing seasons in the region of Currais, Piauí, Brazil. The plants were distributed in a randomized block design with a factorial arrangement (3 × 3 × 2) consisting of three pruning intensities (short, medium, and long) and three fruit thinning intensities (0, 10, and 20%) during two growing seasons. The data were subjected to a cluster analysis and canonical discriminant analysis to discriminate treatment groups based on the variables. Through a cluster analysis for the evaluated treatments, it was possible to split the two pruning seasons into five different groups clustered for the first pruning season and the second pruning season. The highest assimilation values were observed in the first pruning season and especially in plants that received short pruning with 0% fruit thinning, medium pruning with 10% and 20% fruit thinning, and long pruning with 10% fruit thinning. Through the graphic representation of the canonical discriminant analysis, the first two variables explained 93.40% of the total variance contained in the nine original variables. The highest means of ambient PAR, transpiration, leaf temperature, internal carbon, and ambient temperature were observed in the second pruning season and in plants that received short pruning with 10% and 20% fruit thinning, medium pruning with 0% and 20% fruit thinning, and long pruning with 0%, 10%, and 20% fruit thinning favors a higher photosynthetic accumulation in guava plants. We observed a multiplicity of responses; however, short pruning with 10% thinning should be considered for both seasons.
Novel Gene Rearrangement Pattern in Pachycrepoideus vindemmiae Mitochondrial Genome: New Gene Order in Pteromalidae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea)
Authors: Huang Yixin , Yang Yuanhan , Qi Liqing , Hu Haoyuan , Rasplus Jean-Yves , Wang Xu
Published: June 2023

The mitochondrial genomes of Muscidifurax similadanacus, M. sinesensilla, Nasonia vitripennis, and Pachycrepoideus vindemmiae were sequenced to better understand the structural evolution of Pteromalidae mitogenomes. These newly sequenced mitogenomes all contained 37 genes. Nucleotide composition was AT-biased and the majority of the protein-coding genes exhibited a negative AT skew. All 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs) initiated with the standard start codon of ATN, excepted for nad1 of N. vitripennis, which started with TTG, and terminated with a typical stop codon TAA/TAG or an incomplete stop codon T. All transfer RNA (tRNA) genes were predicted to fold into the typical clover-leaf secondary structures, except for trnS1, which lacks the DHU arm in all species. In P. vindemmiae, trnR and trnQ lack the DHU arm and TΨC arm, respectively. Although most genes evolved under a strong purifying selection, the Ka/Ks value of the atp8 gene of P. vindemmiae was greater than 1, indicating putative positive selection. A novel transposition of trnR in P. vindemmiae was revealed, which was the first of this kind to be reported in Pteromalidae. Two kinds of datasets (PCG12 and AA) and two inference methods (maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference) were used to reconstruct a phylogenetic hypothesis for the newly sequenced mitogenomes of Pteromalidae and those deposited in GenBank. The topologies obtained recovered the monophyly of the three subfamilies included. Pachyneurinae and Pteromalinae were recovered as sister families, and both appeared sister to Sycophaginae. The pairwise breakpoint distances of mitogenome rearrangements were estimated to infer phylogeny among pteromalid species. The topology obtained was not totally congruent with those reconstructed using the ML and BI methods.
Effect of Particle Size of Wheat and Barley Grain on the Digestibility and Fermentation of Carbohydrates in the Small and Large Intestines of Growing Pigs
Authors: Lee Geon-Il , Bach Knudsen Knud Erik , Hedemann Mette Skou
Published: June 2023

The objective of this investigation was to study the effects of different cereal types, barley and wheat, with different particle sizes (PS) on the recovery of ileal digesta and fecal excretion, digestion of nutrients and fiber components, mean transit time (MTT), and short-chain fatty acid content and composition in growing pigs studied in two experiments. Five barrows with ileal cannulas (initial BW 35.9 ± 1.5 kg) in Experiment 1 and thirty-two castrated pigs (30.8 ± 1.3 kg) in Experiment 2 were fed four different diets: barley fine, barley coarse, wheat fine and wheat coarse diets. The cereal type and PS did not influence the relative weight of the small and large intestines and pH of digesta, whereas MTT in the large intestine of pigs fed the coarse barley diet was lower compared to pigs fed other diets (p < 0.05). Pigs fed the coarse barley diet had lower apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients and fiber (p < 0.05), whereas pigs fed the fine barley diet had similar AID and ATTD to pigs fed wheat fine and coarse diets (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the barley diet was more influenced by PS in comparison to wheat, thereby inducing lower AID and ATTD of nutrient.