bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Association Between Plasma Copper Concentration and Prevalence of Diabetes in Chinese Adults With Hypertension
Authors: Cui Zhixin , Chen Hong , Lu Wenhai , Wang Ping , Zhou Ziyi , Zhang Nan , Wang Zhuo , Lin Tengfei , Song Yun , Liu Lishun , Huang Xiao , Chen Ping , Tang Genfu , Gao Juan , Duan Yong , Wang Binyan , Zhang Hao , Xu Xiping , Yang Yan , Qin Xianhui , Meng Huicui
Published: June 2022

Objective

The relationship between plasma copper concentration and prevalence of diabetes in adults with hypertension is unclear. We aimed to determine the association between plasma copper concentration and prevalence of diabetes in Chinese adults with hypertension.

Methods

A total of 2,579 participants (697 cases and 1,882 controls) was included in this cross-sectional study. Plasma copper concentrations were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to determine the association between plasma copper concentration and prevalence of diabetes.

Results

According to the logistic regression analyses, the adjusted OR for the prevalence of diabetes in participants with plasma copper concentration ≥109.4 μg/dL was 1.26 (1.00, 1.58) compared with those with plasma copper concentration <109.4 μg/dL (P = 0.048). The association was no longer significant following further adjusting for serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentration as a potential confounder. Stratified analyses demonstrated that serum HDL-C concentration significantly modified the association between plasma copper concentration and prevalence of diabetes (P-interaction = 0.043). In the strata of serum HDL-C concentration ≥1.2 mmol/L, a 56% increased prevalence of diabetes was observed in participants with plasma copper concentration ≥109.4 μg/dL compared with those with plasma copper concentration <109.4 μg/dL (P = 0.008). No significant relationship between plasma copper concentration and prevalence of diabetes was found in other strata.

Conclusion

Our findings suggested that high plasma copper concentration (≥109.4 μg/dL) was associated with increased prevalence of diabetes in Chinese hypertensive adults with serum HDL-C concentration ≥1.2 mmol/L.
Knowledge and Response to Stroke Among Lebanese Adults: A Population-Based Survey
Authors: Saade Sylvia , Hallit Souheil , Salameh Pascale , Hosseini Hassan
Published: June 2022

Objectives

To date, research on public awareness of stroke warning symptoms, risk factors and practice in the general adult population in Lebanon is scarce. The aim of our study is to identify the level of stroke awareness in order to develop and implement preventive measures particularly in relationship to primary stroke prevention.

Methods

It is a cross-sectional study conducted among 410 adult participants from the five main governorates of Lebanon. Stroke knowledge and practice were assessed using two validated questionnaires namely the Stroke Knowledge Test (SKT) and the Stroke Action Test (STAT). Multivariable linear regression models were conducted to examine socio-demographic, social habits, and clinical factors independently associated with the SKT and the STAT scores.

Results

The mean SKT score of the participants was 9.16. 48.5% showed a poor stroke-related knowledge level and 51.5% a good knowledge level. Living in Mount Lebanon and occasional smokers showed statistically significant lower mean SKT scores; whereas, university degree and suffering from diabetes mellitus were associated with higher mean SKT scores. The mean overall STAT score was 41.3%. For 36.8% of the stroke symptoms, respondents selected call 112. The mean STAT scores of participants who get their information from the internet was statistically significantly lower. However, no association was found between the SKT score and the STAT score.

Conclusion

Knowledge of stroke risk factors was low, as was awareness of the need to call 112 in response to stroke symptoms. Hence, it is essential to develop health education programs in order to decrease stroke morbidity and mortality.
The Relationship Between Plant-Based Diet and Risk of Digestive System Cancers: A Meta-Analysis Based on 3,059,009 Subjects
Authors: Zhao Yujie , Zhan Junyi , Wang Yongsen , Wang Dongli
Published: June 2022

Background and Objectives

Diets containing red or processed meat are associated with a growing risk of digestive system cancers. Whether a plant-based diet is protective against cancer needs a high level of statistical evidence.

Methods

We performed a meta-analysis of five English databases, including PubMed, Medline, Embase, Web of Science databases, and Scopus, on October 24, 2021 to identify published papers. Cohort studies or case-control studies that reported a relationship between plant-based diets and cancers of the digestive system were included. Summary effect-size estimates are expressed as Risk ratios (RRs) or Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals and were evaluated using random-effect models. The inconsistency index (I2) and τ2 (Tau2) index were used to quantify the magnitude of heterogeneity derived from the random-effects Mantel-Haenszel model.

Results

The same results were found in cohort (adjusted RR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.78–0.86, P < 0.001, I2 = 46.4%, Tau2 = 0.017) and case-control (adjusted OR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.64–0.77, P < 0.001, I2 = 83.8%, Tau2 = 0.160) studies. The overall analysis concluded that plant-based diets played a protective role in the risk of digestive system neoplasms. Subgroup analyses demonstrated that the plant-based diets reduced the risk of cancers, especially pancreatic (adjusted RR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.59–0.86, P < 0.001, I2 = 55.1%, Tau2 = 0.028), colorectal (adjusted RR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.69–0.83, P < 0.001, I2 = 53.4%, Tau2 = 0.023), rectal (adjusted RR = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.78–0.91, P < 0.001, I2 = 1.6%, Tau2 = 0.005) and colon (adjusted RR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.82–0.95, P < 0.001, I2 = 0.0%, Tau2 = 0.000) cancers, in cohort studies. The correlation between vegan and other plant-based diets was compared using Z-tests, and the results showed no difference.

Conclusions

Plant-based diets were protective against cancers of the digestive system, with no significant differences between different types of cancer.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022322276, Identifier: CRD42022322276.
Relationships Between Metabolic Body Composition Status and Rapid Kidney Function Decline in a Community-Based Population: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Chu Shao-Chi , Wang Po-Hsi , Lu Kuan-Ying , Ko Chia-Chun , She Yun-Hsuan , Lee Chin-Chan , Wu I-Wen , Sun Chiao-Yin , Hsu Heng-Jung , Pan Heng-Chih
Published: June 2022

Obesity and metabolic syndrome are strong risk factors for incident chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, the predictive accuracy of metabolic body composition status (MBCS), which combines the status of obesity and metabolic syndrome, for rapid kidney function decline (RKFD) is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between MBCS and RKFD in a healthy population in a prospective community-based cohort study. In the current study, we followed changes in renal function in 731 people residing in northern Taiwan for 5 years. The participants were divided into four groups according to their MBCS, including metabolically healthy normal weight (MHNW), metabolically healthy overweight (MHOW), metabolically unhealthy normal weight (MUNW), and metabolically unhealthy overweight (MUOW). We evaluated traditional risk factors for CKD and metabolic profiles. The primary outcome was RKFD, which was defined as a 15% decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) within the first 4 years, and a reduction in eGFR which did not improve in the 5th year. During the study period, a total of 731 participants were enrolled. The incidence of RKFD was 17.1% (125/731). Multiple Cox logistic regression hazard analysis revealed that age, cerebrovascular accident, eGFR, urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio, use of painkillers, depressive mood, MUNW and MUOW were independent predictors of RKFD. After adjusting for age, sex, eGFR and total cholesterol, the participants with MUNW and MUOW had higher hazard ratios (HRs) for RKFD [HR: 2.19, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.22–3.95 for MUNW; HR: 1.86, 95% CI: 1.21–2.87 for MUOW] than those with MHNW. Similar results were also observed in subgroup analysis of those aged above 65 years. On the basis of the results of this study, we conclude that MBCS was independently associated with RKFD, especially in the older adults. On the basis of our results, we suggest that MUNW and MUOW should be considered as risk factors for RKFD.
The Relationship Between Chinese College Student Offspring's Physical Activity and Father Physical Activity During COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Zhang Feng , Liu Wei , Deng Lamei , Li Zhifu , Wang Yajun , Jin Bo
Published: June 2022

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the physical activity of Chinese college students and the physical activity of their parents. This relationship was examined by linear regression. The results showed that (1) the physical activities of China's college students will be refurbished and used for the parents. The offspring of COVID-19's later generation sports population showed that the offspring's physical activity was not broken during the later stage of the epidemic, and the coefficient of promotion (r = 1.515) (p < 0.01) of the offspring's participation in the physical activities was. (2) The increase or decrease of parents' sports population is affected by their children's occupation. Therefore, it shows the dynamic role of individuals and the two-way nature of socialization in the process of socialization. With the transformation from traditional society to modern society, promoting college students' physical activities can increase parents' physical activities and improve the level of social physical activities.
Does Health Crises Effect Tourism: Role of Financial Inclusion for Green Financial Development
Authors: Gao Qun , Liu Yun , Ayub Bakhtawer , Hussain Mumtaz
Published: June 2022

Tourism is impacted by all types of crises, no matter how big or small. Even though many studies have examined tourism crises, most focus on the number of tourists arriving and departing. As a result of this lack of information, The adaptive differences in tourist behavior caused by various crises are not well understood. When it comes to inbound tourism, the financial and health-related crisis can significantly impact the tourist profile of the country and its visitors' spending habits. The findings show that the health crisis has a significant positive impact on tourism. Moreover, COVID_deaths and COVID_confirm_cases decrease the international tourism in developed and developing countries. According to the study's findings, tourists' sensitivity to crises varies between short- and long-haul markets. The evidence shows that financial inclusion has a significant positive impact on various aspects of tourism development in China. Hence, this article offers numerous policy and practical suggestions for sustainable tourism management.
Hepatitis C Co-infection in People Living With HIV—Epidemiologic Differences Between Men Who Have Sex With Men MSM and Non-MSM
Authors: Kwan Tsz Ho , Wong Bonnie Chun Kwan , Wong Ka Hing , Lee Shui Shan
Published: June 2022

People living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) constitute a unique group at higher risk of hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-infection. In light of the diverse profiles of PLHIV, we differentiated between men who have sex with men (MSM) and non-MSM in the characterization of the epidemiologic features of HIV/HCV co-infection. Clinical data of HCV co-infection patients from the HIV specialist clinic in Hong Kong were retrospectively collected in conjunction with their HIV subtypes and HCV genotypes. Logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with HIV/HCV co-infection in MSM. Survival analysis was performed to compare the time lag between HIV and HCV diagnoses between two groups. Latent class analysis was conducted to describe the features of different classes of co-infections. Four classes of HIV/HCV co-infections were identified: local MSM acquiring HCV after HIV diagnosis, local MSM with HIV/HCV co-diagnoses, local non-MSM, and non-local non-MSM. Accounting for over half of the co-infections, MSM were more likely to be younger, local residents, and associated with HCV genotype 3, compared to genotypes 1 and 6 in non-MSM. Overall, MSM had higher odds of achieving HIV viral suppression and co-diagnosing with a sexually transmitted infection at HCV diagnosis, and having a longer time lag between HIV and HCV diagnoses. Drug injection accounted for a majority of non-MSM HCV infection. There were distinctive epidemiologic differences between MSM and non-MSM co-infected with HIV and HCV, the characteristics of which could inform intervention strategies for achieving HCV micro-elimination.
Targeted Screening for Alzheimer's Disease Clinical Trials Using Data-Driven Disease Progression Models
Authors: Oxtoby Neil P. , Shand Cameron , Cash David M. , Alexander Daniel C. , Barkhof Frederik
Published: June 2022

Heterogeneity in Alzheimer's disease progression contributes to the ongoing failure to demonstrate efficacy of putative disease-modifying therapeutics that have been trialed over the past two decades. Any treatment effect present in a subgroup of trial participants (responders) can be diluted by non-responders who ideally should have been screened out of the trial. How to identify (screen-in) the most likely potential responders is an important question that is still without an answer. Here, we pilot a computational screening tool that leverages recent advances in data-driven disease progression modeling to improve stratification. This aims to increase the sensitivity to treatment effect by screening out non-responders, which will ultimately reduce the size, duration, and cost of a clinical trial. We demonstrate the concept of such a computational screening tool by retrospectively analyzing a completed double-blind clinical trial of donepezil in people with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT00000173), identifying a data-driven subgroup having more severe cognitive impairment who showed clearer treatment response than observed for the full cohort.
Infusing Expert Knowledge Into a Deep Neural Network Using Attention Mechanism for Personalized Learning Environments
Authors: Tato Ange , Nkambou Roger
Published: June 2022

Machine learning models are biased toward data seen during the training steps. The models will tend to give good results in classes where there are many examples and poor results in those with few examples. This problem generally occurs when the classes to predict are imbalanced and this is frequent in educational data where for example, there are skills that are very difficult or very easy to master. There will be less data on students that correctly answered questions related to difficult skills and who incorrectly answered those related to skills easy to master. In this paper, we tackled this problem by proposing a hybrid architecture combining Deep Neural Network architectures— especially Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) and Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN)—with expert knowledge for user modeling. The proposed solution uses attention mechanism to infuse expert knowledge into the Deep Neural Network. It has been tested in two contexts: knowledge tracing in an intelligent tutoring system (ITS) called Logic-Muse and prediction of socio-moral reasoning in a serious game called MorALERT. The proposed solution is compared to state-of-the-art machine learning solutions and experiments show that the resulting model can accurately predict the current student's knowledge state (in Logic-Muse) and thus enable an accurate personalization of the learning process. Other experiments show that the model can also be used to predict the level of socio-moral reasoning skills (in MorALERT). Our findings suggest the need for hybrid neural networks that integrate prior expert knowledge (especially when it is necessary to compensate for the strong dependency—of deep learning methods—on data size or the possible unbalanced datasets). Many domains can benefit from such an approach to building models that allow generalization even when there are small training data.
Telerehabilitation Readiness, Knowledge, and Acceptance of Future Physiatrists in the Philippines: An Online Survey During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Leochico Carl Froilan D. , Perez Marc Francis J. , Mojica Jose Alvin P. , Ignacio Sharon D.
Published: June 2022

Background

Clinical, educational, and research interest in telerehabilitation has not been widely explored until the COVID-19 pandemic. Amid the enduring pandemic, telerehabilitation remains part of the daily service, academic, and research responsibilities of residents in various training institutions worldwide.

Objective

To determine the Rehabilitation Medicine residents' current levels of telerehabilitation readiness, knowledge, and acceptance, their pattern of beliefs about telerehabilitation, and the factors affecting their readiness.

Methods

All bona fide residents from all training institutions in the Philippines were invited to participate in an online survey evaluating the following constructs: technological readiness (using the Technological Readiness Index or TRI 2.0); telerehabilitation knowledge (using an original multiple-choice examination); and telerehabilitation acceptance (using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology questionnaire). A pre-test and pilot test were conducted. The TRI responses were classified according to technology adoption segments to determine the respondents' pattern of beliefs about telerehabilitation.

Results

Sixty-two residents participated (86.1% response rate). They had good telerehabilitation readiness (3.3 ± 0.4 out of 5), fair telerehabilitation knowledge (2.1 ± 1.1 out of 5), and excellent telerehabilitation acceptance (4.5 ± 0.6 out of 5). The majority were classified either as telerehabilitation skeptics (38.7%), pioneers (19.4%), or explorers (19.4%). The factors that significantly influenced telerehabilitation readiness were optimism, innovativeness, discomfort, and insecurity (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Despite having favorable levels of telerehabilitation readiness and acceptance, the Rehabilitation Medicine residents showed fair telerehabilitation knowledge. Our results suggest the need for formal education and training on virtual rehabilitation care during residency.
Design and Evaluation of a Virtual Urology Sub-Internship During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Khoei Amelia A. , Stocks Blair T. , Zhuo Jerry , Mayer Wesley A. , Coburn Michael , Hubbard Caroline , Taylor Jennifer M.
Published: June 2022

Objective

To offer learning opportunities to medical students during the pandemic and address technical challenges for operating room involvement, the Scott Department of Urology at the Baylor College of Medicine designed and evaluated a 2-week virtual elective course.

Materials and Methods

A manual for a virtual sub-internship was created by members of the Society of Academic Urologists, structured around core competencies. Our curriculum incorporated the manual to design a virtual experience. The course combined live surgical case streaming, one-on-one didactics, and virtual participation during in-person clinic sessions. The surgical streaming was enabled through a nominal investment of $150 for equipment. A post-course evaluation was distributed to participating students.

Results

The course evaluation received a 91% response rate from 11 enrolled fourth-year medical students. There was a very high level of satisfaction with the quality of the educational experience (M=5.8 +/-0.4). Open comments on course strengths highlighted the surgical streaming aspect of the experience, and 80% of evaluation respondents reported that one-on-one time with physicians was a strength of the virtual format.

Conclusions

Our curriculum effectively engaged medical students during a 2-week virtual urology elective. The surgical video streaming format is unique even among virtual rotations nationwide and may be adapted for any learners within or beyond an institution. Our curriculum provides an example for programs to incorporate these inexpensive streaming techniques and for students to gain exposure in their surgical areas of interest.
Interactive Digital Narratives as Complex Expressive Means
Authors: Bellini Mattia
Published: June 2022

Is our way of expressing meanings through digital interactive artifacts simple? How does our sensemaking work when we try to understand Interactive Digital Narratives? To answer these and other questions, the present article discusses a complex-systemic understanding of the expressive mechanisms of Interactive Digital Narratives, to argue the expressive complexity of these artifacts. Interactors of Interactive Digital Narratives necessarily base their hermeneutic processes mainly on what is conveyed in the artifact itself; yet the question of how meaning is expressed in (and sense-making is guided by) Interactive Digital Narratives remains significantly open. I contend that sense-making in such artifacts works by synthetizing the knowledge coming from a number of layers of information, which are intercurrent, interdependent and interoperating, and which concurrently participate in the creation of an overall meaning of a higher order. According to complex systems theory, these layers are therefore elements of a complex system: this justifies the understanding of Interactive Digital Narratives as complex expressive means. Even though largely unexplored, this understanding may help advance our knowledge of the representational capabilities and affordances of Interactive Digital Narrarives, not least in representing multifaceted worlds and complex phenomena. A complex-systemic view can also improve our comprehension of the interpretative processes involved in the sense-making of Interactive Digital Narratives. Furthermore, the awareness gained through this understanding could be useful to get a better sense of the impact of the narratives featured in these artifacts, and ultimately to create more engaging and more powerful experiences that can help foster the societal impact of Interactive Digital Narratives.
Statistical Methods Applied to Space Weather Science
Authors: Telloni Daniele
Published: June 2022

Space Weather is receiving more and more attention from the heliophysical scientific community, as it is now well established that an adequate capability of monitoring any Earth-directed heliospheric event and forecasting the most severe perturbations produced by solar activity and their impact on the geo-spatial environment is crucial, given the human increasing reliance on space-related technologies and infrastructures. Predicting how the Sun affects life on Earth and human activities in the short term relies on establishing empirical laws to forecast not only the arrival time on Earth of potentially geo-effective solar drivers, but also, and more importantly, the intensity of induced geomagnetic disturbance (if any). Scientific studies performed on a statistical basis are the key to providing such empirical laws and analytically relating solar-wind properties to geomagnetic indices. This paper summarizes the results achieved by the author in the last few years in the context of Space Weather science, and based on statistical analyses of interplanetary and geomagnetic data.
Influence of Wheelchair Type on Kinematic Parameters in Wheelchair Rugby
Authors: Bakatchina Sadate , Weissland Thierry , Brassart Florian , Alberca Ilona , Vigie Opale , Pradon Didier , Faupin Arnaud
Published: June 2022

Introduction

In wheelchair rugby, players use either an offensive or defensive wheelchair depending on their field position and level of impairment. Performance of wheelchair rugby players is related to several parameters, however it is currently unclear if differences in performance are related to wheelchair type or no: the effect of wheelchair type on performance variables has not been evaluated. The aim of this study was to compare offensive and defensive wheelchairs on performance variables during a straight-line sprint.

Methods

Thirteen able-bodied people performed two 20 m sprint trials: one with an offensive and one with a defensive wheelchair. Data were collected using inertial measurement units fixed on the wheelchair. Peak wheelchair velocities and left-right asymmetries in peak wheel velocities were measured during the acceleration and constant peak velocity phases. Sprint time, cycle frequency, and mean and maximum velocity were calculated over the entire sprint.

Results

The peak velocities of the first 2 pushes (acceleration phase) were significantly higher with the defensive than the offensive wheelchair (p < 0.04 and p < 0.02). Mean and maximum sprint velocity were significantly higher (p < 0.03 and p < 0.04, respectively) with the defensive wheelchair. Cycle frequency and asymmetry did not differ between wheelchairs.

Conclusion

Performance was higher with the defensive than the offensive wheelchair, suggesting that the frequent finding that the higher performance of offensive as compared to defensive players is not related to the use of an offensive wheelchair.
Case Report: A Novel Lateral Approach to the C7, C8, and T1 Intervertebral Foramina for Resection of Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Neoplasia, Followed by Adjunctive Radiotherapy, in Three Dogs
Authors: Marsh Oliver , Shimizu Naomi , Mason Sarah L. , Uriarte Ane
Published: June 2022

This case report describes the diagnosis, management and outcome of three dogs with peripheral nerve sheath tumors (PNSTs) involving the brachial plexus, C7 (case 1), C8 (case 2), and C8 and T1 (case 3) spinal nerves and nerve roots with intrathoracic invasion. Surgical resection required thoracic limb amputation and removal of the first rib, facilitating a novel lateral approach to the spinal nerves and foramina in all cases. This was followed by hemilaminectomy and rhizotomy in cases 1 and 2. Adjunctive radiotherapy was then performed in all dogs. All three dogs regained a good quality of life in the short-term following surgery. Two were euthanased after 3 and 10 months, following detection of a pulmonary mass in one case and multiple thoracic and abdominal masses in the other. The third dog was alive and well at the time of writing (7 months post-surgery). This surgical approach facilitated good access and allowed gross neoplastic tissue to be resected. The ease of surgical access was dependent, to a degree, on the size of the patient. This surgical approach can be considered in cases of PNSTs involving the caudal cervical or cranial thoracic spinal nerves and nerve roots. Adjunctive radiotherapy should be considered as part of a multi-modal approach to these challenging tumors due to the difficulty of achieving clean margins, particularly proximally, even with optimal surgical access.
Impacts of COVID-19 on Owner's Veterinary Healthcare Seeking Behavior for Dogs With Chronic Conditions: An Exploratory Mixed-Methods Study With a Convenience Sample
Authors: Owczarczak-Garstecka Sara C. , Furtado Tamzin , Graham Taryn M. , Lloyd Imogen , Singleton David A. , Wallis Lisa , Westgarth Carri
Published: June 2022

This mixed-method study explored the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on owners' veterinary healthcare seeking, with particular focus on dogs with chronic conditions. A convenience sample of 719 UK dog owners completed an online survey (December 2020-January 2021). Differences in treatment provision and respondents' decisions to seek care across acute, preventative, chronic conditions and for end-of-life care were explored. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with seeking care for any health issue compared to deciding against it, and urgency to seek care given symptom that could indicate chronic conditions. Open-ended questions were analyzed by thematic analysis. Significant (p-value < 0.05) differences in care seeking decisions were identified regarding access to veterinary care and the way treatment was provided across all health issues. The top reasons for not seeking care across all health issues were a lack of access to a veterinarian (30%, n = 56/187) and a reluctance for a dog to go to the clinic unaccompanied (20%, n = 38/187). Variables related to stronger dog-owner relationship, higher confidence in seeking care, perception of: benefits of veterinary care, dog's high susceptibility to illness and high severity of dog's condition, increased the odds of seeking, and urgency to seek, care. A dog's chronic illness diagnosis reduced the odds of seeking care during the pandemic, reportedly due to difficulties in accessing care for non-urgent issues. Qualitative analysis showed that limited access to routine consultations, delays in test results and restricted access to complementary treatments, led some owners of dogs with chronic conditions to believe that their dog's welfare had deteriorated during the pandemic. Pandemic control measures necessitated changes to how consultations were run. These changes were often viewed favorably, but dog-client separation during consultations were considered problematic, sometimes delaying veterinary advice-seeking, including for euthanasia. Separating owners from their dogs during veterinary consultations should be avoided wherever possible due to impacts on dogs, owners and healthcare seeking. Interventions to improve veterinary healthcare seeking could target attitudes toward benefits of seeking care, improve owners' self-efficacy and capitalize on the dog-owner bond. Such interventions should be implemented alongside interventions aimed at removing structural barriers to accessing healthcare.
Lifetime Extension of Ultra Low-Altitude Lunar Spacecraft with Low-Thrust Propulsion System
Authors: Liu Jingxi , Xu Bo , Li Chengzhang , Li Muzi
Published: June 2022

Due to the non-spherical perturbation of the Moon, the lifetime of ultra low-altitude Lunar spacecraft may be quite short. In this paper, we analyze the lifetime of about 50 km-altitude Lunar spacecraft with different initial orbit. The lifetime in low inclination orbits is much shorter than the ones in the near polar orbits. To extend the lifetime and keep the spacecraft in an appropriate range, an orbit maintenance strategy based on low-thrust propulsion system is proposed. The influence of the orbit initial conditions (e.g., semi-major axis, inclination, right ascension of the ascending node) on lifetime extension are discussed and the effect of the low-thrust magnitude in orbit maintenance is analyzed. According to the numerical simulation results, the lifetime of about 50 km-altitude 100 kg Lunar spacecraft with 10 kg fuel and 20 mN thruster can be extended from 7.958 days to over a 109.1725 days, which demonstrates the effectiveness of the strategy. Furthermore, a global perspective for ultra low-altitude Lunar spacecraft lifetime extension problem is provided in this paper, which can be applied to Moon mission designs extensively.
Compositional and Animal Feeding Assessments of a Novel Herbicide-Tolerant Maize Variety
Authors: Yu Xiaoxing , Huang Yaohui , Chen Xiaoyun , Zhou Ziying , Shen Zhicheng , Wang Pengfei
Published: June 2022

ZDAX5 is a variety of herbicide-tolerant maize that contains the modified P450-N-Z1 gene isolated from Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. and the cp4 epsps gene isolated from the Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain CP4 and exhibits high tolerances to flazasulfuron and glyphosate under field conditions. Once ZDAX5 corn is available on the market, the evolution of herbicide-resistant weeds will be delayed by applying glyphosate and flazasulfuron to corn fields. Prior to commercialization, it is critical to assess the safety of ZDAX5 maize. Compositional analysis and feed consumption studies in rodents are an important consideration in the safety assessment of genetically modified crops. The nutritional components of ZDAX5 were analyzed and compared with those of its non-transgenic counterpart. The data showed that all the analyzed components in the herbicide-tolerant maize plants were substantially equivalent to those of its non-transgenic counterpart. Furthermore, most of the measured values from ZDAX5 were within the range of values reported for other commercial maize varieties. The sub-chronic feeding trial was carried out with grains from GM, and non-GM maize were independently added into rodent diets at concentrations of 12.5%, 25% and 50%. As a control, another set of rats was fed with a marketed diet. At the end of the 90-day feeding study, no negative effects associated with the consumption of GM maize were found. These results indicate that the herbicide-tolerant maize ZDAX5 is as nutritious and safe as non-transgenic maize.
Sustainable Production of Barley in a Water-Scarce Mediterranean Agroecosystem
Authors: Martínez-López José Antonio , López-Urrea Ramón , Martínez-Romero Ángel , Pardo José Jesús , Montero Jesús , Domínguez Alfonso
Published: June 2022

Scarcity of water resources is one of the main constraints on agricultural activity in arid and semi-arid areas. Despite the great technological development over recent decades, farmers are demanding methodologies and tools adapted to their training, management restrictions, and economic capacity. To tackle these challenges, the sustainable production in water-limited environments of Mediterranean agroecosystems (SUPROMED) project combines, in an online platform, a set of models and methodologies for more efficient management of water, energy, and fertilizers. A two-year trial (2020–2021) was conducted in the Castilla-La Mancha region (Spain) to demonstrate, for a barley crop, the effectiveness of SUPROMED as a farm management support tool. The impact of transferring the model for the economic optimization of irrigation water use at farm level (MOPECO model) irrigation scheduling among other methods and tools, integrated in the SUPROMED platform, to farmers was determined by analyzing a set of productive, economic, and environmental key performance indicators (KPIs). The KPIs were selected to show farmers how the efficient use of productive factors could improve the profitability of their farms, thus reducing the impact of agriculture on the environment. In 2020, the management plan proposed by SUPROMED achieved the same yield as traditional management using 32% less water and resulting in a 13% and 66% improvement in gross margin and gross economic irrigation water productivity, respectively. In 2021, the management implemented by a farmer trained in the use of the tools and methodologies in the SUPROMED platform showed improvements in most of the KPIs analyzed, achieving similar results to those obtained by SUPROMED during 2020. The results are promising, indicating that the tools and models proposed in SUPROMED can be easily used by farmers and can improve the economic and environmental sustainability of Mediterranean agroecosystems. The involvement of public administrations, together with local researchers and technicians, is required for the effective promotion and use of these methodologies by the productive sector.
The Structure, Function, and Regulation of Starch Synthesis Enzymes SSIII with Emphasis on Maize
Authors: Yu Guowu , Gaoyang Yuanzhu , Liu Lun , Shoaib Noman , Deng Yawen , Zhang Na , Li Yangping , Huang Yubi
Published: June 2022

Starch biosynthesis is a complex and highly controlled process that requires coordinated activities among multiple enzymes. Starch synthase III (SSIII) is the largest protein in the starch synthase complex and its function is to lengthen long-chain amylopectin in starch synthesis. It potentially affects the activity of other key enzymes in starch synthesis through protein–protein interactions; therefore, its function and regulation play a predominant role in starch synthesis. In this review, we summarized the main research of SSIII including its biochemical characteristics, structural features, expression atlas, and regulation means. Structural features and expressional analysis indicated that SSIIIa is the main functional protein in maize endosperm rather than SSIIIb-a and SSIIIb-b, even though they are similar in the tertiary structures. The regulation investigation of SSIIIa showed that there are 13 transcription factors that control the transcription of SSIIIa. Interaction network analysis showed that SSIIIa could be involved with ten other key enzymes in starch synthesis. In conclusion, this review considerably extends our understanding of SSIII and provides the theoretical basis for improving starch synthesis by SSIII in maize.
Swedish Trotting Horse Trainers’ Perceptions of Animal Welfare Inspections from Public and Private Actors
Authors: Lundmark Hedman Frida , Rodriguez Ewerlöf Ivana , Frössling Jenny , Berg Charlotte
Published: June 2022

In Sweden, the County Administrative Board (CAB) and Swedish Trotting Association (STA) both perform animal welfare inspections of the premises of trotting horse trainers. The CAB inspection checks for compliance with the legislation, and the STA inspection checks for compliance with the private ‘Trotter Health Standard’, which mainly sets the same requirements as the legislation. This study investigated the views of trainers on these inspections both as separate events and in relation to each other. A digital questionnaire was sent out to trotting horse trainers in Sweden during spring 2021, and 396 trainers responded. Descriptive and statistical analyses were used to evaluate the responses. In general, the trainers reported positive experiences of both the CAB and STA inspections, but they had consistently more positive views about the private STA inspections than the official CAB inspections. The outcome of the inspections, i.e., non-compliance or not, did not affect trainers’ perceptions of the inspections, but inspectors’ knowledge, manner, and responsiveness had a strong effect. The trainers were generally satisfied with the current control system but would like better coordination between the different inspections.
Renal Lesions in Horses with Oleander (Nerium oleander) Poisoning
Authors: Sykes Chelsea A. , Uzal Francisco A. , Mete Aslı , Ochoa Jennine , Filigenzi Michael , Poppenga Robert H. , Asin Javier
Published: June 2022

A presumptive postmortem diagnosis of oleander (Nerium oleander) poisoning is made based on the histological observation of cardiomyocyte degeneration and necrosis, which is considered to be a reliable diagnostic marker, and can be confirmed via the detection of oleandrin in tissues or fluids. However, cardiac lesions may not be present in every case, and autolysis can often preclude the identification of subtle changes in the cardiomyocytes. Several studies of experimental oleander poisoning have noted the presence of renal lesions in multiple mammalian species, and case studies of accidental exposure have found similar, although more variably severe, renal abnormalities. Kidney pathology in horses with oleander poisoning has been only briefly mentioned. In this study, we reviewed 21 cases of spontaneous oleander poisoning in horses, evaluated the kidneys microscopically, and compared the renal microscopic lesions with those detected in 10 horses that died or were euthanized due to other causes to assess if histological renal changes could serve as an additional diagnostic marker for oleander poisoning in horses. We found that microscopic renal lesions, principally mild to moderate tubular changes such as hyaline cast formation, neutrophilic casts, epithelial attenuation and necrosis, as well as mineralization and congestion, occur in horses with oleander poisoning. Most of these changes match the descriptions of lesions previously noted in other species, although with less frequency and severity. Similar lesions were found in horses that died spontaneously due to different causes or were euthanized. We concluded that microscopic renal lesions may be detected in horses with oleander poisoning but they cannot be used as a diagnostic marker that allows differentiation from other disease processes or causes of death.
Effect of the Addition of Donkey Milk on the Acceptability of Caciotta Cow Cheese
Authors: Cosentino Carlo , Paolino Rosanna , Rubino Mariarita , Freschi Pierangelo
Published: June 2022

This study investigated the effects of adding donkey milk in cheesemaking on the acceptability of a Caciotta cow cheese after 10 and 45 days of ripening. The cheeses produced were: a control cheese with cow’s milk only and experimental cheese with the addition of 5% donkey’s milk. The acceptability of Caciotta was determined by the judgement of 80 habitual cheese consumers. The acceptability of the Caciotta cheese was significantly influenced by the addition of donkey milk, with the exception of the texture parameter. At a ripening time of 10 days, the control cheese scored significantly higher than the experimental cheese for aroma, flavor and overall liking; conversely, at the longest time, the experimental cheese had significantly higher scores for color, aroma, flavor, and overall liking. Our results confirm that the use of donkey milk in cheesemaking can improve cheese acceptability. In addition, the known benefits of using donkey milk in cheesemaking, such as the reduction of blowing defects and the probiotic properties, could increase interest in innovative products among both processors and consumers. Processors could reduce, if not eliminate, the use of additives in cheesemaking, while cheese could also appeal to consumers of probiotic and fermented products.
An Observational Survey Study on the Use of Locoregional Anaesthesia in Non-Conventional Species: Current Practice and Potential Future Developments
Authors: Quesada Nuria , d’Ovidio Dario , Read Matt , Monticelli Paolo , Adami Chiara
Published: June 2022

The objectives of this study were to investigate the current attitudes of veterinarians towards the use of locoregional anaesthesia in non-conventional animal species and to identify areas for future useful research on this topic. A questionnaire was circulated online. A total of 417 veterinarians, including American and European specialists/specialists-in-training in both zoological medicine and anaesthesia/analgesia (ACZM/ECZM and ACVAA/ECVAA), participated in the study. Fifty-nine percent of respondents performed locoregional anaesthesia in rabbits, with intratesticular injections and local infiltration being the most commonly-reported techniques. ACZM/ECZM specialists reportedly performed dental blocks in rabbits more frequently than ACVAA/ECVAA specialists (p = 0.030). Forty percent of respondents performed locoregional anaesthesia in rodents, with intratesticular injections, topical/splash blocks and local infiltration being the most commonly reported techniques. The proportions of respondents who reportedly used locoregional anaesthesia in ferrets, birds and reptiles were 37.9%, 34.5% and 31.2%, respectively. The use of Tuohy (p < 0.001) and spinal needles (p < 0.001), as well as of ultrasonography (p = 0.009) and nerve-stimulators (p < 0.001), was more common among ACVAA/ECVAA compared to ACZM/ECZM specialists. Major topic areas for future research were identified as dental block techniques for rabbits and rodents and blocks for the wings of birds.
Nrf2 Activation in Chronic Kidney Disease: Promises and Pitfalls
Authors: Aranda-Rivera Ana Karina , Cruz-Gregorio Alfredo , Pedraza-Chaverri José , Scholze Alexandra
Published: June 2022

The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) protects the cell against oxidative damage. The Nrf2 system comprises a complex network that functions to ensure adequate responses to redox perturbations, but also metabolic demands and cellular stresses. It must be kept within a physiologic activity range. Oxidative stress and alterations in Nrf2-system activity are central for chronic-kidney-disease (CKD) progression and CKD-related morbidity. Activation of the Nrf2 system in CKD is in multiple ways related to inflammation, kidney fibrosis, and mitochondrial and metabolic effects. In human CKD, both endogenous Nrf2 activation and repression exist. The state of the Nrf2 system varies with the cause of kidney disease, comorbidities, stage of CKD, and severity of uremic toxin accumulation and inflammation. An earlier CKD stage, rapid progression of kidney disease, and inflammatory processes are associated with more robust Nrf2-system activation. Advanced CKD is associated with stronger Nrf2-system repression. Nrf2 activation is related to oxidative stress and moderate uremic toxin and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) elevations. Nrf2 repression relates to high uremic toxin and NF-κB concentrations, and may be related to Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)-independent Nrf2 degradation. Furthermore, we review the effects of pharmacological Nrf2 activation by bardoxolone methyl, curcumin, and resveratrol in human CKD and outline strategies for how to adapt future Nrf2-targeted therapies to the requirements of patients with CKD.
Antioxidant Responses Induced by PFAS Exposure in Freshwater Fish in the Veneto Region
Authors: Piva Elisabetta , Schumann Sophia , Dotteschini Serena , Brocca Ginevra , Radaelli Giuseppe , Marion Andrea , Irato Paola , Bertotto Daniela , Santovito Gianfranco
Published: June 2022

In recent decades, the interest in PFAS has grown exponentially around the world, due to the toxic effects induced by these chemical compounds in humans, as well as in other animals and plants. However, current knowledge related to the antistress responses that organisms can express when exposed to these substances is still insufficient and, therefore, requires further investigation. The present study focuses on antioxidant responses in Squalius cephalus and Padogobius bonelli, exposed to significant levels of PFAS in an area of the Veneto Region subjected to a recent relevant pollution case. These two ubiquitous freshwater species were sampled in three rivers characterised by different concentrations of PFAS. Several biomarkers of oxidative stress were evaluated, and the results suggest that PFAS chronic exposure induces some physiological responses in the target species, at both cellular and tissue scales. The risk of oxidative stress seems to be kept under control by the antioxidant system by means of gene activation at the mitochondrial level. Moreover, the histological analysis suggests an interesting protective mechanism against damage to the protein component based on lipid vacuolisation.
Crystallinity and Molecular Packing of Small Molecules in Bulk-Heterojunction Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Palomares Emilio , Billon Laurent , Viterisi Aurelien
Published: June 2022

Crystallinity has played a major role in organic solar cells (OSCs). In small molecule (SM) bulk-heterojunction (BHJ) OSCs, the crystallinity and crystalline packing of SM donors have been shown to have a dramatic impact on the formation of an optimum microstructure leading to high-power conversion efficiency (PCE). Herein we describe how crystallinity differs from polymers to SMs, and how the packing habits of SMs (particularly donors) in active layers of BHJ devices can be described as following two different main modes: a single crystal-like and a liquid crystal-like packing type. This notion is reviewed from a chronological perspective, emphasising milestone donor structures and studies focusing on the crystallinity in SM-BHJ OSCs. This review intends to demonstrate that a shift towards a liquid crystalline-like packing can be identified throughout the history of SM-BHJ, and that this shift can be associated with an increase in overall PCE.