bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Multiple Species Invasion on Soil and Plant Communities Increases With Invasive Species Co-occurrence
Authors: Vujanović Dušanka , Losapio Gianalberto , Milić Stanko , Milić Dubravka
Published: May 2022

Despite increasing evidence indicating that invasive species are harming biodiversity, ecological systems and processes, impacts of multiple species invasion and their links with changes in plant and soil communities are inadequately documented and remain poorly understood. Addressing multiple invaders would help to ward against community-wide, synergistic effects, aiding in designing more effective control strategies. In this work, correlative relationships are examined for potential impacts of three co-occurring invasive plant species,Amorpha fruticosa,Fraxinus pennsylvanica, andAcer negundo, on soil conditions and native plant diversity. The research was conducted in riparian ecosystems and included the following treatments: (1) co-occurrence of the three invasive plant species, (2) occurrence of a single invasive species, and (3) control, i.e., absence of invasive species. Co-occurrence of three invasive plant species caused higher direct impact on soil properties, soil functioning, and native plant diversity. Soil in mixed plots (those populated with all three invaders) contained higher levels of nitrifying bacteria, organic matter, nitrogen, and carbon as well as lower carbon to nitrogen ratio as compared to single species invaded plots and control plots. Furthermore, native plant diversity decreased with invasive plants co-occurrence. Differences in soil conditions and lower native plant diversity revealed the interactive potential of multiple invasive species in depleting biodiversity and eroding soil functionality, ultimately affecting ecological and biogeochemical processes both below and above ground. Our results highlight the need to prevent the impact of multispecies invasion, suggesting that riparian ecosystems affected by co-occurring invaders should be prioritized for invasion monitoring and ecological restoration.
Paleopolyploidies and Genomic Fractionation in Major Eudicot Clades
Authors: Teng Jia , Wang Jianyu , Zhang Lan , Wei Chendan , Shen Shaoqi , Xiao Qimeng , Yue Yuanshuai , Hao Yanan , Ge Weina , Wang Jinpeng
Published: May 2022

Eudicots account for ~75% of living angiosperms, containing important food and energy crops. Recently, high-quality genome sequences of several eudicots including Aquilegia coerulea and Nelumbo nucifera have become available, providing an opportunity to investigate the early evolutionary characteristics of eudicots. We performed genomic hierarchical and event-related alignments to infer homology within and between representative species of eudicots. The results provide strong evidence for multiple independent polyploidization events during the early diversification of eudicots, three of which are likely to be allopolyploids: The core eudicot-common hexaploidy (ECH), Nelumbo-specific tetraploidy (NST), and Ranunculales-common tetraploidy (RCT). Using different genomes as references, we constructed genomic alignment to list the orthologous and paralogous genes produced by polyploidization and speciation. This could provide a fundamental framework for studying other eudicot genomes and gene(s) evolution. Further, we revealed significantly divergent evolutionary rates among these species. By performing evolutionary rate correction, we dated RCT to be ~118–134 million years ago (Mya), after Ranunculales diverged with core eudicots at ~123–139 Mya. Moreover, we characterized genomic fractionation resulting from gene loss and retention after polyploidizations. Notably, we revealed a high degree of divergence between subgenomes. In particular, synonymous nucleotide substitutions at synonymous sites (Ks) and phylogenomic analyses implied that A. coerulea might provide the subgenome(s) for the gamma-hexaploid hybridization.
Voting Patterns in Western European Countries. Class-Party Family Alignments and Their Mediation by Political Values
Authors: Marchesi Andrea
Published: May 2022

This article investigates voters' preferences for party families in Western European countries' general elections in the 2000s. According to the realignment literature, “traditional” class voting patterns have been replaced by new class-party alignments: upper-middle employee classes joined the electoral bases of left parties, whereas radical right actors introduced in the electoral competition of the most deprived strata of the population, labeled “left behind”. This article aims to answer to the research questions: do social class and political values affect voting behavior in Western European general elections? Which direction are these variables associated with the preference of party families? The first section outlines the theoretical framework, accounting for the “societal modernization” processes, which have been affecting Western societies since the late 1960s. Among the “traditional” cleavages, the literature assumes the realignment of class voting patterns, as well as alignments between value orientations and political preferences. Indeed, class-party alignments are mediated by the political supply's mobilization of voters according to their value orientations. Such appeals differ among party families, partly explaining why specific classes constitute their electoral bases or contested stronghold. The theoretical framework hypothesizes political values as clustered in three ideologies (social and economic conservatism-liberalism, and authoritarianism-libertarianism). Those political values, which do not assimilate in ideologies, constitute more proximal factors, i.e., evaluations of specific political issues close to elections (attitudes). Having defined class voting realignment and a theoretical account of value voting, the paper empirically investigates their associations with vote choices in Western Europe. The analyses ground onEuropean Social Surveydata, aggregating the responses concerning the 12 Western European countries for which data are available in all waves. The dependent variable clusters the parties, which competed in the general elections occurred in the time span considered, in party families. Fixed effects multinomial logistic regression models are performed to detect which social classes constitute party families' bases or contested stronghold and how more proximal variables based on values account for class voting patterns. The results clearly show whose social classes are more likely to have voted for radical left, center-left, center-right, and radical right party families. Political ideologies account for a portion of these preferences for mainstream political actors, whereas political attitudes partly explain the introduction of radical right parties in the competition for working classes with left families.
Digital Learning, Life Satisfaction, and Perceived Stress Due to COVID-19 Emergency: Case Study Among Female Saudi University Students
Authors: Mabrouk Fatma , Mekni Mohamed Mehdi , Aldawish Aishah
Published: May 2022

The paper explores the impact of the corona virus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic on the Saudi higher education system. The research focuses on the relationship between digital learning in COVID-19 time, life satisfaction, and stress among female students. The study discusses measures, practices, defense mechanisms, and coping strategies to face challenges. Using an online survey based on psychological effects and its role in defense mechanisms and coping strategies, findings show that digital learning provides flexibility in terms of time and offers resources at a lower cost compared to traditional learning. In addition, results show that the coping strategy perception is higher in obtaining a good score and succeeding than to get over the pandemic and recovering from the illness itself. Finally, results confirm that a positive attitude influences positively life satisfaction.
Cross-Cultural Awareness and Attitudes Toward Threatened Animal Species
Authors: Bruder Jennifer , Burakowski Lauren M. , Park Taeyong , Al-Haddad Reem , Al-Hemaidi Sara , Al-Korbi Amal , Al-Naimi Almayasa
Published: May 2022

The preservation of our planet’s decreasing biodiversity is a global challenge. Human attitudes and preferences toward animals have profound impacts on conservation policies and decisions. To date, the vast majority of studies about human attitudes and concern toward animals have focused largely onwestern, educated, industrialized, richanddemocratic(i.e., WEIRD) populations. In order to mitigate biodiversity loss globally, an understanding of how humans make decisions about animals from multicultural perspectives is needed. The present study examines familiarity, liking and endorsement of government protection amongst six broad cultural groups living in Qatar for five threatened animal species indigenous to the Arabian Gulf. Our findings highlight similarities and differences across cultures toward animals. Overall, familiarity did not predict endorsement for government protection after liking was accounted for. Liking, however, emerged as an important predictor of endorsement for government protection across cultures, although the degree of animal liking varied culturally. WEIRD and South East Asian participants showed similar and more positive attitudes toward animals compared to the other groups. Participants from the Arabian Gulf, Sub-Saharan Africa, Middle East and North Africa, and South Asia responded similarly toward the animals. Interestingly, the Arabian Gulf group demonstrated significantly less liking and protection endorsement for animals, including those animals which play an important role in their culture. This research highlights intriguing avenues for future research and points to liking as a possible universal human attitude toward animals that influences decision making about conservation across all cultures while suggesting applications for improving education.
Randomized Crossover Study of Auricular Plaster Therapy to Relieve Dental Anxiety in Children
Authors: Wang Jiangtao , Zhang Jie , Sun Dalei
Published: May 2022

Objective

To determine if auricular plaster therapy (APT) can alleviate dental anxiety in children aged 9 or 10 years old.

Methods

A crossover research was conducted on children with at least two deep-arrested deciduous molar caries (N = 80?). The first group (N = 40) received APT intended to reduce anxiety prior to the first caries treatment, whereas the second group (N = 40) received placebo/control APT (no anticipated impact on anxiety). The APT approaches were exchanged after a washout period following the initial caries treatment. Additionally, both groups were also informed and given a demonstration regarding the procedures and equipment prior to their use as part of a Tell-Show-Do (TSD) protocol. The dentists, children, and parents were all involved in assessing the level of anxiety using general anxiety scales. Moreover, the average heart rate and salivary cortisol concentration, both of which are indications of anxiety, were compared between the pre- and post-intervention periods. The participants were unaware of the type of APT that was employed (anti-anxiety vs. control). To avoid inadvertently influencing the outcome, all psychologists, investigators, and data recorders were blinded to the randomized subject sequence.

Results

Children treated with anti-anxiety APT demonstrated significantly higher levels of obedience than children treated with control APT (P < 0.05). In addition, children treated with APT had a lower average heart rate while awaiting treatment, undergoing local anesthesia, and receiving dental caries treatment (P < 0.05). These children had reduced salivary cortisol levels while awaiting treatment (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Anti-anxiety APT can help relieve dental anxiety in children.
“Setting Them Up for Success”: Including Youth on the Autism Spectrum in 4-H
Authors: McCormick Carolyn E. B. , Peskova Veronika , Morgan Abby , Carlson Emily , Mason Rose A.
Published: May 2022

Youth on the autism spectrum often face challenges accessing services in rural communities compared to those who live in higher resource areas. There is a particular need for services that support skills that will help youth transition to adulthood and future employment. 4-H is a national youth development program that is well-positioned to address the needs of youth on the autism spectrum; however, minimal empirical evidence exists about the implementation and effectiveness of inclusive practices in 4-H programs. The goal of this study was to better understand barriers to enrollment and to identify gaps in support for youth on the autism spectrum participating in 4-H. Twenty Extension Educators in Indiana participated in two focus groups. Thematic analysis of focus group transcripts identified barriers to enrollment including awareness of 4-H as an inclusive program and difficulties navigating 4-H culture. Our analysis identified themes related to new training content and delivery including a resource portfolio, communication, individualized accommodations, and working within the existing leadership training structure. Findings support the benefits of 4-H as a program that can promote life skills and personal development for youth on the autism spectrum but also highlight a significant need for additional training opportunities and resources to increase uptake and improve the implementation of inclusive practices.
The Association Between Adequate Prenatal Care and Severe Maternal Morbidity Among Teenage Pregnancies: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Nam Jin Young , Oh Sarah Soyeon , Park Eun-Cheol
Published: May 2022

Background

The aim of this study was to examine whether inadequate prenatal care affect the risk of severe maternal morbidity in teenage pregnancies.

Methods

We included 23,202 delivery cases among adolescent mothers aged between 13 and 19 years old with ≥ 37 weeks' gestational age. Data were derived from the National Health Insurance Service National Delivery Cohort in Korea between 2003 and 2018. We used a generalized estimating equation model while adjusting for numerous covariates to determine the adjusted relative risk (RR) associated with severe maternal morbidity. The main outcome measures were severe maternal morbidity and the Kessner Adequacy of Prenatal Care Index.

Results

Severe maternal morbidity occurred in 723 (3.1%) of the 23,202 investigated delivery cases. The risk of severe maternal morbidity was 1.8-fold higher among adolescent mothers who had received inadequate prenatal care (RR, 1.81, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.39–2.37) and 1.6-fold higher among those who had received intermediate prenatal care (RR, 1.59, 95% CI, 1.33–1.87) compared to those with adequate prenatal care. Synergistic effects of inadequate prenatal care and maternal comorbidities affected severe maternal morbidity.

Conclusion

This study confirmed that inadequate prenatal care is associated with increased risk of severe maternal morbidity among pregnant teenagers. Notably, maternal comorbidity and inadequate prenatal care produced synergistic effects on severe maternal morbidity. Public health policy makers should focus on the development and implementation of programs to ensure that adequate prenatal care and financial/healthcare support is provided to teenage mothers during their pregnancies.
Do Differences in Drinking Attitudes and Alcohol-Related Problems Explain Differences in Sick Leave? A Multilevel Analysis of 95 Work Units Within 14 Companies From the WIRUS Study
Authors: Hashemi Neda S. , Dalen Ingvild , Skogen Jens Christoffer , Sagvaag Hildegunn , Gimeno Ruiz de Porras David , Aas Randi Wågø
Published: May 2022

Background

Systematic reviews have shown a strong relationship between alcohol consumption and sick leave. The effect of alcohol consumption on sick leave may, however, vary according to the work environment. While attitudes toward drinking may impact sick leave, there is little research on the contribution of drinking attitudes to sick leave. Moreover, alcohol-related problems and drinking attitudes may be influenced by the broader sociocultural contexts of the organizational units where people work.

Objectives

This study aimed to explore the relationship of alcohol-related problems and drinking attitudes with sick leave while considering the nesting of employees within working units within companies.

Method

Data from the WIRUS (Workplace Interventions preventing Risky alcohol Use and Sick leave) study were linked to company-registered sick leave data for 2,560 employees from 95 different work units in public (n = 9) and private companies (n = 5) in Norway. Three-level (employee, work unit, and company) negative binomial regression models were estimated to explore the 12-month prospective association of alcohol-related problems and drinking attitudes with four measures of sick leave (one-day, short-term, long-term, and overall sick leave days). Models were adjusted for gender, age, cohabitation status, educational attainment, work position, and employment sector.

Results

We observed higher variation of one-day, short-term, and overall sick leave days between companies than between work units within companies (15, 12, and 30% vs. 0, 5, and 8%, respectively). However, neither alcohol-related problems nor drinking attitudes were associated with sick leave and, thus, those variations in sick leave were not explained by alcohol-related problems or drinking attitudes.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest company-level differences are more important than within company differences when explaining differences in sick leave. While alcohol-related problems or drinking attitudes were not associated with sick leave, future studies may need to explore the role of company policies, practices, or social norms in variations in sick leave rates.
Fostering Resilient Health Systems in India: Providing Care for PLHIV Under the Shadow of COVID-19
Authors: Parikh Neha , Chaudhuri Angela , Syam Syama B. , Singh Pratishtha
Published: May 2022

Introduction

The novel coronavirus or COVID-19 has resulted in major human casualties, and extreme socio-economic crises causing catastrophic disturbances to health systems and communities alike. This study qualitatively explores the challenges experienced by healthcare providers while providing services to people living with HIV (PLHIV) during the pandemic outbreak and subsequent lockdown in India. The paper also explores strategies developed and adopted to provide continued care for PLHIV.

Methods

Using an empirical phenomenological approach, qualitative in-depth telephonic interviews were conducted with 19 HIV care providers from five states in India. The recorded interviews were transcribed and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis with the help of Dedoose software.

Results

From the analysis of participants' narratives, three main themes emerged: (1) Challenges of working during a pandemic; (2) Remodeling care delivery to ensure continuity of services; (3) Resilience.

Discussion

Our findings highlight the challenges that providers faced, despite which, adaptive efforts were made to continue providing quality care for PLHIV through ingenious and innovative strategies. To foster resilient health systems, health workers are the primary stakeholders. We recommend formal social protection, comprehensive primary healthcare support, and sufficient capacity building for health workers for their self-care and pandemic preparedness.
A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Screening Strategies Involving Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing for Trisomy 21
Authors: Wang Shuxian , Liu Kejun , Yang Huixia , Ma Jingmei
Published: May 2022

Introduction

In accordance with social development, the proportion of advanced maternal age (AMA) increased and the cost of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) decreased.

Objective

We aimed to investigate the benefits and cost-effectiveness of NIPT as primary or contingent strategies limited to the high-risk population of trisomy 21 (T21).

Methods

Referring to parameters from publications or on-site verification, a theoretical model involving 1,000,000 single pregnancies was established. We presented five screening scenarios, primary NIPT (Strategy 1), contingent NIPT after traditional triple serum screening higher than 1/300 or 1/1,000 (Strategy 2-1 or 2-2), and age-based Strategy 3. Strategy 3 was stratified, with the following options: (1) for advanced maternal age (AMA) of 40 years and more, diagnostic testing was offered, (2) for AMA of 35–39 years, NIPT was introduced, (3) if younger than 35 years of age, contingent NIPT with risk higher than 1:300 (Strategy 3-1) or 1:1,000 (Strategy 3-2) will be offered. The primary outcome was an incremental cost analysis on the baseline and alternative assumptions, taking aging society, NIPT price, and compliance into consideration. The strategy was “appropriate” when the incremental cost was less than the cost of raising one T21 child (0.215 million US$). The second outcome included total cost, cost-effect, cost-benefit analysis, and screening efficiency.

Results

Strategy1 was costly, while detecting most T21. Strategy 2-1 reduced unnecessary prenatal diagnosis (PD) and was optimal in total cost, cost-effect, and cost-benefit analysis, nevertheless, T21 detection was the least. Strategy 3 induced most of the PD procedures. Then, setting Strategy2-1 as a baseline for incremental cost analysis, Strategy 3-1 was appropriate. In sensitivity analysis, when the NIPT price was lower than 47 US$, Strategy 1 was the most appropriate. In a society with more than 20% of people older than 35 years of age, the incremental cost of Strategy 3-2 was proper.

Conclusion

Combined strategies involving NIPT reduced unnecessary diagnostic tests. The AMA proportion and NIPT price played critical roles in the strategic decision. The age-based strategy was optimal in incremental cost analysis and was presented to be prominent as AMA proportion and NIPT acceptance increased. The primary NIPT was the most effective, but only at a certain price, it became the most cost-effective strategy.
Empirical Analysis of the Dynamics of the COVID-19 Epidemic in Urban Embedded Social Networks
Authors: Wang Zihao , Zhuang Yue , Fan Chao
Published: May 2022

Background

Due to the continual recurrence of COVID-19 in urban areas, it is important to know more about the evolution of the epidemic within this setting to mitigate the risk of the situation getting worse. As the virus spreads through human society, the social networks of confirmed cases can provide us with crucial new insights on this question.

Methods

Based on the epidemiological reports of 235 COVID-19 cases in Nanjing, we constructed a social contact network for the epidemic. By analyzing the structure of this network, we explored the transmission characteristics of the epidemic, to provide evidence-based explanations for its transmission.

Results

In our constructed transmission network, more than half (95/165, 57.58%) of patients were found not to have transmitted the infection, with only 15 (9.10%) source patients accounting for more than a third of the contagion (60, 36.36%), suggesting that the transmission of COVID-19 varies per individuals. Patients in the 31 to 50 age group were the main source of infectious clusters, with females playing a more active role in passing on the infection. Network component analysis identified nine components with disproportionate concentrations of influential patients, accounting for 49.09% (81) of the patients and 59.09% (78) of epidemiological network contacts. Family aggregation may favor disease transmission, and parenthood is the relationship with the highest infection risk within the family cluster. In addition, some specific public places, such as chess and card parlors, were found to be notable hotspots for community infection.

Conclusion

This study presents the evolution of the urban epidemic from the perspective of individual-level and socially interactive processes. This real-world evidence can help to increase public awareness of the epidemic, formulate countermeasures, and allocate limited public health resources for urban management.
Effectiveness and Usability of a Novel Kinect-Based Tailored Interactive Fall Intervention System for Fall Prevention in Older People: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Kim Taekyoung , Xiong Shuping
Published: May 2022

Falls are prevalent among older people and can lead to serious health problems. We newly developed a novel Kinect-based tailored interactive fall intervention system, which seamlessly integrates multifactorial fall risk assessment and tailored intervention programs to prevent falls in older people. This preliminary study aimed to examine the effectiveness and usability of this developed system for fall prevention in older people. Thirty community-dwelling older women participated in this experiment; they were allocated to an intervention group (IG) or a control group (CG) for a quasi-randomized trial (15 people each). Participants in IG followed an 8-week tailored intervention (40 min/session × 2 sessions/week × 8 weeks) using the Kinect-based interactive fall intervention system, while participants in CG maintained their habitual activities. Various outcome measures were evaluated at baseline (Week 0), interim (Week 4), and post-intervention (Week 8). Experimental results showed that IG led to significant improvements in TUG-Timed Up and Go (p = 0.010), BBS-Berg Balance Scale (p = 0.011), and Montreal Cognitive Assessment-MoCA (p = 0.022) between baseline and post-intervention. In comparison to the baseline, TUG and BBS were even significantly improved at interim (p = 0.004 and 0.047, respectively). There were no significant changes in static balance-related performance outcomes and the Short Falls Efficacy Scale-SFES after the intervention. Whereas in CG, most performance measures did not show significant changes during the 8-week period, TUG completion time became significantly longer at post-intervention in comparison to interim (p = 0.028) and fear of falling was also significantly higher at post-intervention than baseline (p = 0.021). These findings suggest that the Kinect-based 8-week tailored interactive fall interventions effectively improved older people's physical and cognitive abilities. Regarding the usability of the developed system, the average System Usability Scale (SUS) score was 83.5 out of 100, indicating excellent system usability. The overall mean Computer Literacy Scale (CLS) score was 2.5 out of 26, showing that older participants in this study had very limited experience with computers. No significant correlation between SUS and CLS scores demonstrated that newly developed Kinect-based tailored interactive fall intervention system was easy to use for older people, regardless of their computer experience. This novel system should help health professionals and older people proactively manage the risk of falls.
Research Priorities on One Health: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Miao Liyuan , Li Hao , Ding Wei , Lu Shenning , Pan Shuning , Guo Xiaokui , Zhou XiaoNong , Wang Duoquan
Published: May 2022

Objective

One Health is an emerging research area that has received increasing attention globally. In this study, we aimed to explore the global research trend and hotspots of One Health and provide a reference for potential future research and practices.

Methods

This was a bibliometric descriptive study of publications on One Health in four directions, including zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, food safety, and vector-borne infections. Publications from 2003 to 2021 were retrieved using the Scopus database on One Health, which were screened based on the PRISMA guidelines. Keywords were analyzed and visualized using VOSviewer software.

Results

A total of 12,815 publications were included. The annual number of publications and those on each topic showed a gradual increase from 181 in 2003 to 1,647 in 2020, with an average annual growth rate of about 20.2%; the top three countries in terms of the number of publications were the United States of America (n=3,588), the United Kingdom (n=1,429) and China (n=1,233); the major research subjects were mainly in the natural sciences, with fewer social sciences subjects involved (n = 312; 1%). The main research directions within the area of zoonotic diseases included viral, bacterial, parasitic zoonotic diseases, and vector-borne diseases, with a small amount of antimicrobial resistance research. The major research interests within antimicrobial resistance were Enterobacteriaceae drug-resistant bacteria, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and antimicrobial resistance gene detection; research on food safety clustered around agronomy research, aquaculture research as well as a small amount of antimicrobial resistance research in food; and research on vector-borne diseases focused on mosquito-borne infectious diseases, tick-borne infectious diseases, and vectors.

Conclusions

The scientific literature on One Health has witnessed a rising global trend. Most research has focused on the human-animal health interface, while environmental health is often neglected. Research subjects mainly fall within natural science disciplines, with less social science research. More support needs to be given to interdisciplinary and intersectoral cooperation and research in the future.
Refugee and Asylum Seeker Trauma Informed Care Training for Oral Healthcare Professionals in NSW, Australia
Authors: Kelton Siobhan , Marcus Kanchan , Liston Graeme , Masoe Angela , Sohn Woosung
Published: May 2022

People from refugee and asylum seeker (RAS) backgrounds who have re-settled in Australia experience inequitable health outcomes. As a result, people from RAS backgrounds need access to culturally safe and responsive care. To provide this care, oral health professionals must understand how experiences of trauma influence a patient's oral health. The aim of this study was to highlight the lessons learnt from providing trauma informed care (TIC) to oral health professionals in New South Wales (NSW). TIC is a model that emphasises trust, patient safety, choice and empowerment to foster healthcare equity. This study was designed and piloted by the Centre for Oral Health Strategy (COHS), NSW Ministry of Health in partnership with NSW Refugee Health Service, local Multicultural Health Services, and four Local Health Districts (LHDs): Hunter New England, Mid-North Coast, Murrumbidgee and Illawarra Shoalhaven. Pre and post TIC training surveys were distributed to oral health professionals. This captured baseline versus intervention data to understand their knowledge of TIC. Seven training sessions were provided by NSW Refugee Health Service in four LHDs. A total of 152 participants attended a TIC training session, 106 participants completed the pre-survey, and 67 participants completed the post-survey. At baseline, only 50% of staff reported confidence in delivering TIC care to RAS populations. After the intervention, 97% of staff reported feeling extremely, very, or somewhat confident in understanding and delivering TIC. Findings demonstrate that TIC training can support oral health professionals to provide culturally safe and responsive care to people from RAS backgrounds.
Geospatial Approaches to Model Renewable Energy Requirements of the New Capital City of Indonesia
Authors: de Vries Walter Timo , Schrey Marc
Published: May 2022

Predicting how a planned city will develop and expand after its construction, and which resources, such as energy, the city will need over time is only possible if one can rely on similar examples and reliable models. Given the existing spatial plans for the design of the new capital city of Indonesia, there is a need to develop and compare city development scenarios–in spatial expansion, population size, resource, energy and food requirements. A combination of various geospatial data approaches can address this knowledge and assessment gap. This article investigates spatial expansion, forest encroachment and sustainable energy infrastructure requirements using open access geodata and models. The hypothesis is that the constitution of the new capital city of Indonesia can rely on existing energy infrastructures but may also need to rely on additional resources. The research approach was to collect and integrate different types of geospatial data related to land use, terrain characteristics and population growth assumptions and connect these to both urban growth models and predictions and energy. This relied on land use change methodologies and urban growth models to simulate and predict spatial effects, with ca particular focus on the expansion of energy requirements. The choice to focus on energy requirements additionally required a comparison of different kinds of energy sources, such as solar and wind energy. The conclusion is that all design and expansion scenarios indicate a possible spatial conflict between locating sustainable energy production facilities with maintaining ecologically sensitive areas. A possible solution is to make use of existing mining infrastructures to enhance sustainable energy production and to make use of dual land and water solar energy systems.
Transcriptomic Adaptation of Legionella pneumophila to Transient Heat Shock
Authors: Liang Jeffrey , Faucher Sebastien P.
Published: May 2022

A natural inhabitant of freshwater microbial ecology, Legionella pneumophila is an opportunistically pathogenic bacteria that has found a niche in hot water distribution systems (HWDS) where it challenges hospitals with the spread of nosocomial infection. Superheat-and-flush is a high-temperature pasteurization which can be temporarily effective, but systems often test positive for contamination soon after pasteurization. Because of the centrality of pasteurization in HWDS sanitation schemes, an understanding of the L. pneumophila intrinsic heat shock response may help improve the strategies used to counter its proliferation and ability to trigger nosocomial outbreaks. We tested a group of strains to assess differences in heat shock tolerance between clinical, laboratory, and environmental strains of different origin. The transcriptome of a model Philadelphia-1 L. pneumophila strain in response to heat shock was determined using microarray as an exploratory analysis of the heat shock response: 401 genes were induced, including genes involved in determining protein fate and ribosome biosynthesis while 43 genes were downregulated. Mutants of 3 individual genes were tested to find their direct effects on heat shock tolerance. Deletions of dksA or rpoS, genes involved in the regulation of life cycle switching and important for surviving long-term nutrient deprivation in freshwater lowered heat shock tolerance, suggesting an overlap in the pathways required to tolerate these stressors. Surprisingly, the deletion of htpG, the 90-kilodalton heat shock protein, was found to increase the ability to survive under transient heat shock. Taken altogether, our results show that L. pneumophila exhibits most components of the conserved bacterial heat shock response. Based on this exploratory transcriptomic study, we have provided data that can act as a platform for the research of L. pneumophila's survival to pasteurization in hot water systems.
Using Conservation Planning to Create the Perfect Home for Ducks
Authors: Mertz Keiko , Karasov-Olson Aviv , Feldheim Cliff , Eadie John
Published: May 2022

Did you know that many birds use the San Francisco Estuary like a hotel, to rest during their long migrations? The Estuary is a major stopover on the Pacific Flyway—a huge path for migrating birds that runs from South America to the Arctic Circle! Tons of waterfowl (ducks, geese, and shorebirds) make this journey every year. On this long, harsh journey, birds need to find food and safe places to rest. In the U.S., many groups work together to manage habitat to help these birds have a successful journey. Surprisingly, each species of bird has different needs, so managers must make plans for the whole landscape to take care of them all! In this article, we will explore the concept of conservation planning for waterfowl using the San Francisco Estuary, with special focus on the unique needs of mallards, canvasbacks, and surf scoters.
Preoperative Oral Carbohydrate Levels in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: The Clinical Guiding Significance of Free Fatty Acids
Authors: Yang Jiuhui , Ding Xiangming , Wang Ning , Pan Yujin , Xiao Erwei , Mu Senmao , Wang Liancai , Li Dongxiao , Li Deyu
Published: May 2022

Background

It is still controversial whether preoperative oral carbohydrate (POC) should be applied to patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol. There is no relevant consensus or indicators to provide guidance as to whether T2DM patients should take POC.

Methods

In total, 164 T2DM patients who underwent laparoscopic hepatectomy were analyzed. According to the level of blood free fatty acids (FFAs) and whether the patients received POC, the patients were divided into 6 groups: the low FFA carbohydrate group (LFFAC group), low FFA fasting water group (LFFAF group), medium FFA carbohydrate group (MFFAC group), medium FFA fasting water group (MFFAF group), high FFA carbohydrate group (HFFAC group) and high FFA fasting water group (HFFAF group).

Results

Patients with low FFA levels showed better perioperative blood glucose control and a lower incidence of postoperative complications than those in the medium and high FFA groups, especially when patients received POC. Further analyses revealed that the postoperative plasma concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly decreased in the POC group compared with the fasting water group, except for patients with high FFA levels. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed that when the FFA concentration was higher than 0.745 mmol/L, the risk of poor blood glucose control during the perioperative period was increased.

Conclusions

FFAs have clinical guiding significance for the application of POC in patients with T2DM under ERAS administration. T2DM patients with low FFAs are more suitable for receiving POC.
A Magnetic Resonance-Relaxometry-Based Technique to Identify Blood Products in Brain Parenchyma: An Experimental Study on a Rabbit Model
Authors: Del Signore Francesca , Vignoli Massimo , Della Salda Leonardo , Tamburro Roberto , Paolini Andrea , Cerasoli Ilaria , Chincarini Matteo , Rossi Emanuela , Ferri Nicola , Romanucci Mariarita , Falerno Ilaria , de Pasquale Francesco
Published: May 2022

Magnetic resonance relaxometry is a quantitative technique that estimates T1/T2 tissue relaxation times. This has been proven to increase MRI diagnostic accuracy of brain disorders in human medicine. However, literature in the veterinary field is scarce. In this work, a T1 and T2-based relaxometry approach has been developed. The aim is to investigate its performance in characterizing subtle brain lesions obtained with autologous blood injections in rabbits. This study was performed with a low-field scanner, typically present in veterinary clinics. The approach consisted of a semi-automatic hierarchical classification of different regions, selected from a T2 map. The classification was driven according to the relaxometry properties extracted from a set of regions selected by the radiologist to compare the suspected lesion with the healthy parenchyma. Histopathological analyses were performed to estimate the performance of the proposed classifier through receiver operating characteristic curve analyses. The classifier resulted in moderate accuracy in terms of lesion characterization.
Protective Effectiveness of an Immunization Protocol Against the Toxic Effects of Loxosceles intermedia Venom in Rabbits
Authors: de Miranda Ana Luísa Soares , Lima Sabrina de Almeida , Botelho Ana Flávia Machado , Gomes Campos Marco Túlio , Eckstein Camila , Minozzo João Carlos , Chávez-Olórtegui Carlos Delfin , Soto-Blanco Benito
Published: May 2022

Loxosceles spp. (brown spiders) bites are responsible for the development of a syndrome consisting mainly of dermonecrotic lesions, and also systemic effects. Rabbits are one of the main experimental models used for better understanding the systemic and local effects of Loxosceles venom. The aim of this study is to evaluate the toxic and protective effects of rabbits immunized with Loxosceles spp. venom. Male New Zealand rabbits were allocated as a control group (CG; n = 5) that received adjuvant (Montanide) and phosphate-buffer saline (PBS), or as venom group (VG; n = 5) that received 21 μg of Loxosceles venom using Montanide as adjuvant. After five immunization cycles, a trial with 7 μg of Loxosceles intermedia (L. intermedia) venom was performed, and dermonecrotic lesions were measured. The rabbits were then euthanized, and their organs were collected for histopathology analysis. Rabbits that had undergone Loxosceles venom immunization protocol showed minor clinical disturbances during the experimental period. The used immunization protocol protected the rabbits against the toxic effect of the Loxosceles venom because they showed minor clinical disturbances during the experimental period.
Risk Prediction of Three Different Subtypes of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Outbreaks in Poultry Farms: Based on Spatial Characteristics of Infected Premises in South Korea
Authors: Yoo Dae-sung , Chun Byung Chul , Hong Kwan , Kim Jeehyun
Published: May 2022

From 2003 to 2017, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) epidemics, particularly H5N1, H5N8, and H5N6 infections in poultry farms, increased in South Korea. More recently, these subtypes of HPAI virus resurged and spread nationwide, heavily impacting the entire poultry production and supply system. Most outbreaks in poultry holdings were concentrated in the southwestern part of the country, accounting for 58.3% of the total occurrences. This geographically persistent occurrence demanded the investigation of spatial risk factors related to the HPAI outbreak and the prediction of the risk of emerging HPAI outbreaks. Therefore, we investigated 12 spatial variables for the three subtypes of HPAI virus-infected premises [(IPs), 88 H5N1, 339 H5N8, and 335 H5N6 IPs]. Then, two prediction models using statistical and machine learning algorithm approaches were built from a case-control study on HPAI H5N8 epidemic, the most prolonged outbreak, in 339 IPs and 626 non-IPs. Finally, we predicted the risk of HPAI H5N1 and H5N6 occurrence at poultry farms using a Bayesian logistic regression and machine learning algorithm model [extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) model] built on the case-control study. Several spatial variables showed similar distribution between two subtypes of IPs, although there were distinct heterogeneous distributions of spatial variables among the three IP subtypes. The case-control study indicated that the density of domestic duck farms and the minimum distance to live bird markets were leading risk factors for HPAI outbreaks. The two prediction models showed high predictive performance for H5N1 and H5N6 occurrences [an area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic of Bayesian model > 0.82 and XGBoost model > 0.97]. This finding emphasizes that spatial characteristics of the poultry farm play a vital role in the occurrence and forecast of HPAI outbreaks. Therefore, this finding is expected to contributing to developing prevention and control strategies.
Adenovirus-Vectored African Swine Fever Virus pp220 Induces Robust Antibody, IFN-γ, and CTL Responses in Pigs
Authors: Zajac Michelle D. , Sangewar Neha , Lokhandwala Shehnaz , Bray Jocelyne , Sang Huldah , McCall Jayden , Bishop Richard P. , Waghela Suryakant D. , Kumar Rakshith , Kim Tae , Mwangi Waithaka
Published: May 2022

African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV) poses a serious threat to the pork industry worldwide; however, there is no safe vaccine or treatment available. The development of an efficacious subunit vaccine will require the identification of protective antigens. The ASFV pp220 polyprotein is essential for virus structural integrity. This polyprotein is processed to generate p5, p34, p14, p37, and p150 individual proteins. Immunization of pigs with a cocktail of adenoviruses expressing the proteins induced significant IgG, IFN-γ-secreting cells, and cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses. Four predicted SLA-I binding nonamer peptides, namely p34161−169, p37859−867, p1501363−1371, and p1501463−1471, recalled strong IFN-γ+ PBMC and splenocyte responses. Notably, peptide p34161−169 was recognized by PBMCs isolated from 7/10 pigs and by splenocytes isolated from 8/10 pigs. Peptides p37859−867 and p1501363−1371 stimulated recall IFN-γ+ responses in PBMCs and splenocytes isolated from 8/10 pigs, whereas peptide p1501463−1471 recalled responses in PBMCs and splenocytes isolated from 7/10 to 9/10 pigs, respectively. The results demonstrate that the pp220 polyprotein contains multiple epitopes that induce robust immune responses in pigs. Importantly, these epitopes are 100% conserved among different ASFV genotypes and were predicted to bind multiple SLA-I alleles. The outcomes suggest that pp220 is a promising candidate for inclusion in a prototype subunit vaccine.
Rooftop Greenhouse: (2) Analysis of Thermal Energy Loads of a Building-Integrated Rooftop Greenhouse (BiRTG) for Urban Agriculture
Authors: Yeo Uk-Hyeon , Lee Sang-Yeon , Park Se-Jun , Kim Jun-Gyu , Cho Jeong-Hwa , Decano-Valentin Cristina , Kim Rack-Woo , Lee In-Bok
Published: May 2022

Building-integrated rooftop greenhouses (BiRTGs) are innovative vertical farms consisting of a greenhouse on the roof of a building. BiRTGs can provide environmental benefits by recycling energy, carbon dioxide, and water between the greenhouse and the building. Moreover, BiRTGs can reduce cooling and heating loads by reducing the exposure of the building surface to heat gains/losses through the roof. However, the benefits of BiRTGs have not yet been completely elucidated from an energy perspective. This study aimed to analyse the energy-saving efficiency of BiRTGs using building energy simulations (BES) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques. BES is a calculation method for analysing the heating and cooling loads of buildings; however, it was difficult to consider time-dependent changes in the ventilation characteristics in the BES model. CFD can be used to calculate more detailed ventilation characteristics of an experimental facility. Thus, CFD and the BES were combined to obtain more accurate BES-based data. The BES-computed annual energy load for a single-span greenhouse in which tomatoes were grown was 490,128 MJ, whereas the annual energy load for growing tomatoes in a BiRTG resulted in a 5.2% reduction, on average (464,673 MJ). The energy-saving effects were positive from October to April because the BiRTG helped transmit heat energy transmitted from the building to the greenhouse. Regarding the total energy load in the BiRTG after alternating the air temperature management (ATM), the heating energy load was reduced in the winter. ATM was expected to apply from November to March, with average energy savings of 11.8%.