bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Interaction Between StCDPK14 and StRbohB Contributes to Benzo-(1, 2, 3)-Thiadiazole-7-Carbothioic Acid S-Methyl Ester-Induced Wound Healing of Potato Tubers by Regulating Reactive Oxygen Species Generation
Authors: Ma Li , Jiang Hong , Bi Yang , Li Yong-Cai , Yang Jiang-Wei , Si Huai-Jun , Ren Ying-Yue , Prusky Dov
Published: November 2021

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production is essential for both physiological processes and environmental stress in diverse plants. Previous studies have found that benzo-(1, 2, 3)-thiadiazole-7-carbothioic acid S-methyl ester (BTH)-inducible ROS were associated with wound healing of potato tubers. Calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs), the important calcium receptors, are known to play a crucial part in plant development and adaptation to abiotic stresses. However, whether CDPK-mediated ROS generation induced by BTH is involved in wound healing is elusive. In this study, we measured Solanum tuberosum CDPKs (StCDPKs) expression using real-time PCR, and it was found that the transcriptional levels of StCDPKs from BTH-treated tissues were significantly induced, among which StCDPK14 presented the most increased level. Subcellular localization results showed that StCDPK14 is located in the nucleus and membrane. The transgenic potato plants and tubers were developed using interference-expression of StCDPK14 by Agrobacterium tumefaciens–mediated transformation. The St respiratory burst oxidase homologs (StRbohs) expression showed a remarkable decrease in StCDPK14 transgenic tubers, notably, H2O2 content and suberin deposition were also significantly declined. To confirm the relationship between StCDPK14 and StRbohB, yeast-two-hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence complementation were used to examine the interaction, and it was shown that StCDPK14 interacted with the specific Ca2 + -binding motif (helix-loop-helix, called EF-hand) of StRbohB N-terminus. The above results unraveled that StCDPK14 functions in ROS generation via interacting with StRbohB during wound healing of potato tubers.
Genetic Mapping and Identification of the Candidate Genes for Mottled Rind in Cucumis melo L.
Authors: Shen Jia , Xu Xinyang , Zhang Yuejian , Niu Xiaowei , Shou Weisong
Published: November 2021

The rind appearance of melon is one of the most vital commercial quality traits which determines the preferences and behavior of consumers toward the consumption of melon. In this study, we constructed an F2 population derived from SC (mottled rind) and MG (non-mottled rind) lines for mapping the mottled rind gene(s) in melon. Genetic analysis showed that there were two dominant genes (CmMt1 and CmMt2) with evidence of epistasis controlling the mottled rind. Meanwhile, the phenotypic segregation ratio implied that the immature rind color had an epistatic effect on the mottled rind, which was regulated by CmAPRR2. A Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR (KASP) DNA marker (CmAPRR2SNP(G/T)) was developed and shown to co-segregate with rind color, confirming that CmAPRR2 was CmMt1. Using bulked segregant analysis sequencing and KASP assays, CmMt2 was fine-mapped to an interval of 40.6 kb with six predicted genes. Functional annotation, expression analysis, and sequence variation analyses confirmed that AtCPSFL1 homolog, MELO3C026282, was the most likely candidate gene for CmMt2. Moreover, pigment content measurement and transmission electron microscopy analysis demonstrated that CmMt2 might participate in the development of chloroplast, which, in turn, decreases the accumulation of chlorophyll. These results provide insight into the molecular mechanism underlying rind appearance and reveal valuable information for marker-assisted selection breeding in melon.
Positive Psychology in Poland Between 2001 and 2020: A Review of Available Articles
Authors: Farnicka Marzanna , Wojciechowska Ludwika , Wojciechowski Łukasz
Published: November 2021

The paper presents studies related to positive psychology that have been conducted in Poland. The article is based on a review of texts available in the databases of Google Scholar and EBSCO published by Polish researchers in the years 2001–2021. The selection criterion was the presence of some concepts in the title and/or abstract of articles that are constructs of positive psychology. Thirty intentionally selected articles were analyzed in terms of research objectives, variables, and measurement tools they described. In this way, a picture of research interests and methods of research on human and organization from the perspective of positive psychology was obtained. It seems that the main subjects of interest of Polish researchers were problems related to positive human qualities, life satisfaction, and mental well-being with a growing interest in positive society. The most common variable to study was life satisfaction, and the most frequently used measuring tool was the SWLS. It was concluded that there is a need for scientific exchange and integration within Polish researchers and the international community of positive psychologists.
The Relationship Between Perceived Leader Busyness and Perspective Taking and Interaction Behavior of Followers
Authors: Huang Qiufeng , Zhang Kaili
Published: November 2021

How leaders influence followers have been a hot topic in both research and practice. Yet, prior studies have primarily focused on the impact of one leadership style, while overlooking how a leadership role may influence behavioral expressions of leaders. Particularly, being a leader means having to face time demands and workload pressure, and thus, busyness becomes a common phenomenon for leaders. Focused on perceived leader busyness, we had examined how it may influence employee interactions with leaders and how those interactions influenced leader evaluations of the performance of followers. Based on sensemaking theory, we propose that when followers have a high level of perspective taking, they are more likely to take avoidance behavior when perceiving leaders as of high busyness. Further, when followers engage in interaction avoidance behavior, leaders may consider followers as hiding errors or intentionally concealing their work process, which reduces positive evaluations (i.e., task performance and conscientiousness evaluation) while enhancing negative evaluation (i.e., deviance behavior) toward followers. We conducted two studies. Study one was conducted with a 25 participants interview and data of 297 employees to show scale validity of perceived leader busyness. Study two was conducted with 377 employees and their direct supervisors. Applying the complex modeling method, we found that followers with low-level perspective taking are less likely to engage in interaction avoidance behavior, even when perceiving leaders as high busyness; interaction avoidance behavior of followers has a positive relationship with counterproductive behavior evaluation of leaders, but a negative relationship with conscientiousness behavior evaluation. This study enriches the dyadic interactions between leaders and followers. In addition, it also shows the burden of perspective taking.
Gender Differences in the Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on Potentially Addictive Behaviors: An Emotion-Mediated Analysis
Authors: Attanasi Giuseppe , Maffioletti Anna , Shalukhina Tatyana , Bel Coralie , Cherikh Faredj
Published: November 2021

We study the impact of the spring 2020 lockdown in France on gender-related potentially addictive behaviors and associated negative emotions. We rely on an online survey we administered 1 week after the beginning of the lockdown, with responses collected within 2 weeks after the beginning of the lockdown (N= 1,087). We focus on potential addictions to non-creative activities as food consumption and smartphone usage (female-related), and videogame play (male-related). We find that women were about 1.6 times more likely than men to losing control of their usual diet and about 2.3 times more likely than men to increase smartphone usage, while no significant gender effect is detected as for increased videogame play. This is since the negative emotions driving the increase of female-related non-creative activities (sadness, discouragement, and nervousness) were themselves female-related, while the negative emotions driving the increase of male-related non-creative activities (boredom, emptiness, and stress) were shared by women too. Our study supports the intuition that the same negative emotion induced by COVID-19 side-effects could lead to different potentially addictive behaviors; this difference is explained by the interplay between different gender’s sensitivities to such emotion and different gender’s preferences for specific non-creative activities.
Modeling Morphology With Linear Discriminative Learning: Considerations and Design Choices
Authors: Heitmeier Maria , Chuang Yu-Ying , Baayen R. Harald
Published: November 2021

This study addresses a series of methodological questions that arise when modeling inflectional morphology with Linear Discriminative Learning. Taking the semi-productive German noun system as example, we illustrate how decisions made about the representation of form and meaning influence model performance. We clarify that for modeling frequency effects in learning, it is essential to make use of incremental learning rather than the end-state of learning. We also discuss how the model can be set up to approximate the learning of inflected words in context. In addition, we illustrate how in this approach the wug task can be modeled. The model provides an excellent memory for known words, but appropriately shows more limited performance for unseen data, in line with the semi-productivity of German noun inflection and generalization performance of native German speakers.
Leader Narcissism and Employee Organizational Citizenship Behavior Directed Toward the Leader: Roles of Perceived Insider Status and Need for Self-Esteem
Authors: Wang Huaqiang , Liu Geng , Wang Miao , Dong Yue
Published: November 2021

Based on self-concept theory, the present study proposed and empirically tested the impact of leader narcissism on employee organizational citizenship behavior directed toward the leader (OCB-L), highlighting the mediating role of perceived insider status and the moderating role of need for self-esteem in this relationship. Based on an analysis of 161 two-stage matched leader-employee dyads, the hypotheses were tested and the results showed that the leader narcissism had a negative direct effect on employee OCB-L, as well as a negative indirect effect on employee OCB-L via perceived insider status. Furthermore, the need for self-esteem was found to moderate the negative effect of leader narcissism on perceived insider status as well as the mediating effect of perceived insider status between leader narcissism and employee OCB-L. The theoretical and practical implications of our research were discussed. Limitations and directions for future research were also offered.
The Interplay Between Quality of Life and Resilience Factors in Later Life: A Network Analysis
Authors: Brinkhof Lotte P. , Huth Karoline B. S. , Murre Jaap M. J. , de Wit Sanne , Krugers Harm J. , Ridderinkhof K. Richard
Published: November 2021

Age-related challenges and transitions can have considerable social, psychological, and physical consequences that may lead to significant changes in quality of life (QoL). As such, maintaining high levels of QoL in later life may crucially depend on the ability to demonstrate resilience (i.e., successful adaptation to late-life challenges). The current study set out to explore the interplay between several resilience factors, and how these contribute to the realization and maintenance of (different facets of) QoL. Based on the previous work, we identified behavioral coping, positive appraisal, self-management ability, and physical activity as key resilience factors. Their interplay with (various facets of) QoL, as measured with the WHOQOL-OLD, was established through network analysis. In a sample of community-dwelling older adults (55+; N = 1,392), we found that QoL was most strongly (and directly) related to positive appraisal style and self-management ability. Among those, self-efficacy seemed to be crucial. It connected directly to “satisfaction with past, present, and future activities,” a key facet of QoL with strong interconnections to other QoL facets. Our analysis also identified resilience factor(s) with the potential to promote QoL when targeted by training, intervention, or other experimental manipulation. The appropriate set of resilience factors to manipulate may depend on the goal and/or facet of QoL that one aims to improve.
A Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney Test for Latent Variables
Authors: Dehaene Heidelinde , De Neve Jan , Rosseel Yves
Published: November 2021

We propose an extension of the Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney test to compare two groups when the outcome variable is latent. We empirically demonstrate that the test can have superior power properties relative to tests based on Structural Equation Modeling for a variety of settings. In addition, several other advantages of the Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney test are retained such as robustness to outliers and good small sample performance. We demonstrate the proposed methodology on a case study.
Disrupted Spatial Organization of Cued Exogenous Attention Persists Into Adulthood in Developmental Dyslexia
Authors: Pina Rodrigues Ana , Castelo-Branco Miguel , van Asselen Marieke
Published: November 2021

Purpose:Abnormal exogenous attention orienting and diffused spatial distribution of attention have been associated with reading impairment in children with developmental dyslexia. However, studies in adults have failed to replicate such relationships. The goal of the present study was to address this issue by assessing exogenous visual attention and its peripheral spatial distribution in adults with developmental dyslexia.

Methods:We measured response times, accuracy and eye movements of 18 dyslexics and 19 typical readers in a cued discrimination paradigm, in which stimuli were presented at different peripheral eccentricities.

Results:Results showed that adults with developmental dyslexia were slower that controls in using their mechanisms of exogenous attention orienting. Moreover, we found that while controls became slower with the increase of eccentricity, dyslexics showed an abnormal inflection at 10° as well as similar response times at the most distant eccentricities. Finally, dyslexics show attentional facilitation deficits above 12° of eccentricity, suggesting an attentional engagement deficit at far periphery.

Conclusion:Taken together, our findings indicate that, in dyslexia, the temporal deficits in orientation of attention and its abnormal peripheral spatial distribution are not restricted to childhood and persist into adulthood. Our results are, therefore, consistent with the hypothesis that the neural network underlying selective spatial attention is disrupted in dyslexia.
Why True Believers Make the Ultimate Sacrifice: Sacred Values, Moral Convictions, or Identity Fusion?
Authors: Martel Francois Alexi , Buhrmester Michael , Gómez Angel , Vázquez Alexandra , Swann William B.
Published: November 2021

Recent research has identified three promising candidates for predicting extreme behavior: sacred values, moral convictions, and identity fusion. Each construct is thought to motivate extreme behavior in unique ways: Sacred values trigger extreme actions when people are asked to compromise cause-related values for personal gain; moral convictions trigger extreme actions when a cause is aligned with one’s moral compass; and identity fusion triggers extreme actions when a cause is inextricably associated (“fused”) with the personal self. In six studies, we asked which of the three constructs (either alone or in combination) was most predictive of sacrifice for a cause. We measured all three constructs with respect to either of two causes: gun rights (Studies 1–3) or abortion rights (4–6). The outcome measure was endorsement of fighting and dying for the cause. Although all three constructs were significant predictors of the outcome measure when considered separately, identity fusion consistently emerged as the strongest predictor of endorsement of self-sacrifice when all three were considered simultaneously. This pattern occurred regardless of the target cause (gun or abortion rights), the participant’s position on the cause (i.e., pro-gun or anti-gun, pro-choice, or pro-life), or nationality (American vs. Spanish). Also, there was no evidence that the predictors interacted to predict the outcome measure. Finally, a manipulation that threatened the validity of the personal self strengthened the relationship between endorsement of self-sacrifice and both (a) identity fusion and (b) moral convictions. The latter finding suggests that threats to the validity of one’s self-views may amplify the extreme behaviors of true believers.
Treatment Effect of Bumetanide in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Tiantian , Shan Ling , Miao Chunyue , Xu Zhida , Jia Feiyong
Published: November 2021

Background: The therapeutic effect of bumetanide on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) seems to be controversial. To obtain better evidence on the efficacy of bumetanide, a systematic review and meta-analysis were performed.

Methods: Randomized, placebo-controlled trials (RCTs) of bumetanide treatment in children with ASD were identified through systematic review from database inception to January 17, 2021. Subsequently, a meta-analysis was carried out to examine the effect of bumetanide on the severity of symptoms of ASD as assessed by the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) and Social Responsive Scale (SRS); core symptoms according to criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)-5 of the American Psychiatric Association [social affect (SA), restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities (RRB) and sensory symptoms]; and the therapeutic effect as assessed by Clinical Global Impressions-Efficacy (CGI-E).

Results: In total, six RCTs involving 496 participants with ASD were identified in our study. The results showed that bumetanide could significantly improve the severity of the ASD symptoms measured by CARS and SRS. There was also evidence that bumetanide had positive effect on the core symptoms of ASD such as the SA and RRB, but there was no statistically significant effect on sensory symptoms. A significant positive effect on CGI-E scores in ASD patients was also observed.

Conclusion: Our meta-analysis provided some support that bumetanide could improve the symptoms of children with ASD. However, additional large-scale longitudinal studies that provide clearer information and better control for confounding factors are needed to confirm our findings.
Climate Change in Fisheries and Aquaculture: Analysis of the Impact Caused by Idai and Kenneth Cyclones in Mozambique
Authors: Muhala Valdemiro , Chicombo Tomé Francisco , Macate Isadola Eusebio , Guimarães-Costa Auryceia , Gundana Horácio , Malichocho Celina , Hasimuna Oliver Jolezya , Remédio António , Maulu Sahya , Cuamba Lucinda , Bessa-Silva Adam Rick , Sampaio Iracilda
Published: November 2021

Fisheries and Aquaculture are among the most popular activities in coastal regions of the world. In addition, both correspond to high-risk activities within a climate change context as they are vulnerable to environmental changes that threaten the socio-economic sustainability of the fishing communities that depend on fish for food security and income generation. In 2019, the central part of Mozambique was hit by two unprecedented cyclones: Idai and Kenneth that killed over 600 people and left nearly 2.2 million people in need of urgent assistance. The aim of the present study was to investigate the impacts these cyclones had on fisheries and aquaculture in the provinces of Sofala and Zambézia in Mozambique. The study further seeks to propose strategies that could be adopted by the communities to minimize the risks in the future. For the construction of the database, both secondary and primary data collection approaches were used to characterize the cyclone events. Secondary data was collected through sector reports and previously published articles, while primary data was collected through interviews with fishers, sector employees, and aquaculture producers in the affected provinces. The results revealed that these natural events had both a direct and indirect impact on fishing, as they affected more than 1,440 fishermen that lost 590 vessels, 1,800 fishing gear, and 67 boat engines in Sofala province. In Zambézia province, aquaculture producers lost 169 fish ponds, two cages, and 606,000 lost fry, while in Sofala province, 58 fish tanks, 204 cages, and 257,500 fish fry were lost. Overall, our study reveals the vulnerability of fisheries and aquaculture to extreme events particularly the cyclones in Mozambique. Lack of knowledge regarding climate change, advanced preventive measures, and poor adaptive capacity makes the sectors more vulnerable to disasters. Therefore, it is recommended to improve awareness programs, introduce measures and policies that promote resilience and optimum adaptive efficiency.
Parallel Implementation of the Algorithm to Compute Forest Fire Impact on Infrastructure Facilities of JSC Russian Railways
Authors: Baranovskiy Nikolay Viktorovich , Podorovskiy Aleksey , Malinin Aleksey
Published: November 2021

Forest fires have a negative impact on the economy in a number of regions, especially in Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) areas. An important link in the fight against fires in WUI areas is the development of information and computer systems for predicting the fire safety of infrastructural facilities of Russian Railways. In this work, a numerical study of heat transfer processes in the enclosing structure of a wooden building near the forest fire front was carried out using the technology of parallel computing. The novelty of the development is explained by the creation of its own program code, which is planned to be put into operation either in the Information System for Remote Monitoring of Forest Fires ISDM-Rosleskhoz, or in the information and computing system of JSC Russian Railways. In the Russian Federation, it is forbidden to use foreign systems in the security services of industrial facilities. The implementation of the deterministic model of heat transfer in the enclosing structure with the complexity of the algorithm O (2N2 + 2K) is presented. The program is implemented in Python 3.x using the NumPy and Concurrent libraries. Calculations were carried out on a multiprocessor cluster in the Sirius University of Science and Technology. The results of calculations and the acceleration coefficient for operating modes for 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 48 and 64 processes are presented. The developed algorithm can be applied to assess the fire safety of infrastructure facilities of Russian Railways. The main merit of the new development should be noted, which is explained by the ability to use large computational domains with a large number of computational grid nodes in space and time. The use of caching intermediate data in files made it possible to distribute a large number of computational nodes among the processors of a computing multiprocessor system. However, one should also note a drawback; namely, a decrease in the acceleration of computational operations with a large number of involved nodes of a multiprocessor computing system, which is explained by the write and read cycles in cache files.
Determinants of ICT Innovations: Lessons Learned from Sweden and Sri Lanka
Authors: Wijesinghe Chaminda , Hansson Henrik , Ekenberg Love
Published: November 2021

Innovation is critical for enterprises and the country’s economy, and it has resulted in an improvement in living standards. There may be appropriate lessons to learn from other countries, but their adoption must be assessed due to education and living standards variations. This paper aims to build an in-depth understanding of the stimulating factors for ICT innovations from Sweden, and examines their adoption in the context of a developing country, Sri Lanka. ICT innovations significantly impact development in other sectors, as they can ease doing business and other essential services. This study is based on seven interviews, including key people leading innovation activities in Sweden. Then, it critically analyses and presents the application of stimulating factors in Sweden to the context of a developing country, namely Sri Lanka. The results indicate that education and mindset, a risk-taking environment, embracing failures, digitalisation and collaboration are the critical determinants of ICT innovations in Sweden. This research is vital for educational policymakers in universities, technology transfer offices, and governmental policymakers.
Application of Individual Digestate Forms for the Improvement of Hemp Production
Authors: Velechovský Jiří , Malík Matěj , Kaplan Lukáš , Tlustoš Pavel
Published: November 2021

In a two-year vegetation field experiment, the fertilizing effects of by-products from the agricultural biogas plant—a solid phase of digestate (SPD) and a liquid phase of digestate (LPD)—were studied and compared with mineral fertilization (NPK) on the biomass yield, content and nutrient uptake by Cannabis sativa L. plants. Furthermore, the agrochemical properties of the soil were evaluated at the end of the experiment. In all variants of the experiment, a uniform nitrogen dose of 150 kg/ha was applied. The dose of other nutrients corresponded to the fertilizer used. The biggest fertilizing effect, and therefore the greatest hemp biomass yield and nutrient uptake, was demonstrated when combining SPD and LPD fertilization in one treatment. However, the differences were statically insignificant (p ≤ 0.05). The applied amount appeared to be sufficient for the nutrition of hemp plants and was comparable to mineral fertilization. The distribution of nutrients between leaves and stems varied depending on the nutrient monitored. Analyses after the end of the experiment did not show different contents of accessible nutrients in the soil on the studied variants. The content of accessible risk elements in the soil was not affected by the application of the SPD and the LPD. The experiment showed that cannabis plants are able to achieve equivalent biomass yields (8.68 t/ha) using the combination of LPD and SPD by-products from a biogas plan compared to commercial mineral fertilizer (7.43 t/ha). Therefore, we can recommend a split application of LPD and SPD as a suitable alternative to mineral fertilization. Due to prolonged nutrient release from SPD, we can expect a smaller negative environmental impact than current fertilization practices.
Changes in Ripening-Related Quality Traits of Long Shelf Life Tomatoes as Influenced by Water Deficit and Short-Term Postharvest Storage
Authors: Casals Joan , Rull Aurora , Giné-Bordonaba Jordi
Published: November 2021

The diversity preserved within the European long shelf life tomato landraces (LSL) is a unique source to design high quality tomato products better adapted to changing environmental conditions and, thereby, to reduce food losses. The adaptation of LSL to water deficit (WD) management practices and their postharvest keeping ability can be used as tools to concomitantly enhance fruit quality and sustainable production. In this study, we investigated the effect of WD conditions and the plant growing environment (open field vs. tunnel) on quality traits of two genotypes of the Penjar LSL variety (modern hybrid (MV) and landrace (LR)). Changes in ripening-related quality traits (fruit ethylene production, respiration rate, firmness, color, soluble solids content, titratable acidity and the content of antioxidants, as well as specific sugars and acids) in response to the different preharvest factors were evaluated at the time of harvest and after a short period of storage (30 days), following actual commercial practices. Significant differences among genotypes were encountered for most quality traits at the time of harvest and higher intra- and inter-environment heterogeneity was observed in the LR than in the MV genotype. In general, Penjar tomatoes exhibit a low physiological activity (ethylene production, 0.56–1.33 µL kg−1 h−1, respiration rate: 0.015–0.026 mg CO2 kg−1 h−1) at harvest. In both genotypes, WD increased to a different extent the fruit external color (redness, lightness) as well as the sensory (SSC) and nutritional (antioxidant capacity) fruit profiles. By contrast, the growing environment had little impact on most fruit quality traits. Postharvest storage only led to a slight reduction in the fruit respiration and ethylene production, lower sugars and acids content, enhanced color and no firmness changes. Overall, the results from this study demonstrate that selecting the appropriate genotypes is the most important step towards the design of high-quality LSL tomatoes, while WD and short-term storage can be used by farmers as a strategy to differentiate the product quality in specific market niches.
Effect of a Polyphenol-Based Additive in Pig Diets in the Early Stages of Growth
Authors: Galassi Gianluca , Battelli Marco , Verdile Nicole , Rapetti Luca , Zanchi Raffaella , Arcuri Sharon , Petrera Francesca , Abeni Fabio , Crovetto Gianni Matteo
Published: November 2021

The weaning period is a stressful period for the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of piglets. This work aims to evaluate the effects of the commercial polyphenol-based product GreenFIS® on: (1) GIT health and performance of 60 weaned piglets; (2) digestibility in 18 growing pigs. Three diets were tested: a control diet (C), C plus 2.5 g of GreenFIS®/kg C (T1), and C plus 5 g of GreenFIS®/kg C (T2). After the post-weaning trial three piglets per treatment were sacrificed for the GIT histological analysis. No differences between diets were recorded in terms of growing performance or clinical and biochemical blood parameters. The GIT histological analysis did not show any indicators of inflammation for any of the groups. The feces of the two extreme treatments (C and T2) were analyzed for microbiota, revealing a greater presence of the Ruminococcus bromii group, positively associated with starch degradation, in T2. In the second experiment six pigs per treatment were randomly chosen for the digestibility study. The inclusion of GreenFIS® at both levels led to a higher fecal digestibility of gross energy (86.2%, 89.1%, and 89.5%, for C, T1, and T2, respectively) and crude protein (87.0%, 90.2%, and 90.0%). In conclusion, the additive did not improve, in the excellent experimental hygienic conditions, the gut health, but it did increase nutrient digestibility.
Condensed Tannins as Antioxidants in Ruminants—Effectiveness and Action Mechanisms to Improve Animal Antioxidant Status and Oxidative Stability of Products
Authors: Soldado David , Bessa Rui J. B. , Jerónimo Eliana
Published: November 2021

Condensed tannins (CTs) are widely distributed in plants, and due to their recognized antioxidant activity are considered as possible natural antioxidants for application in ruminant diets. A wide range of CT-rich sources has been tested in ruminant diets, and their effects on animal antioxidant status and oxidative stability of their products are reviewed in the present work. Possible mechanisms underlying the CT antioxidant effects in ruminants are also discussed, and the CT chemical structure is briefly presented. Utilization of CT-rich sources in ruminant feeding can improve the animals’ antioxidant status and oxidative stability of their products. However, the results are still inconsistent. Although poorly understood, the evidence suggests that CTs can induce an antioxidant effect in living animals and in their products through direct and indirect mechanisms, which can occur by an integrated and synergic way involving: (i) absorption of CTs with low molecular weight or metabolites, despite CTs’ poor bioavailability; (ii) antioxidant action on the gastrointestinal tract; and (iii) interaction with other antioxidant agents. Condensed tannins are alternative dietary antioxidants for ruminants, but further studies should be carried out to elucidate the mechanism underlying the antioxidant activity of each CT source to design effective antioxidant strategies based on the use of CTs in ruminant diets.
Role of Innate Immunity in Initiation and Progression of Osteoarthritis, with Emphasis on Horses
Authors: Estrada McDermott Juan , Pezzanite Lynn , Goodrich Laurie , Santangelo Kelly , Chow Lyndah , Dow Steven , Wheat William
Published: November 2021

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common condition with diverse etiologies, affecting horses, humans, and companion animals. Importantly, OA is not a single disease, but rather a disease process initiated by different events, including acute trauma, irregular or repetitive overload of articular structures, and spontaneous development with aging. Our understanding of the pathogenesis of OA is still evolving, and OA is increasingly considered a multifactorial disease in which the innate immune system plays a key role in regulating and perpetuating low-grade inflammation, resulting in sustained cartilage injury and destruction. Macrophages within the synovium and synovial fluid are considered the key regulators of immune processes in OA and are capable of both stimulating and suppressing joint inflammation, by responding to local and systemic cues. The purpose of this review is to examine the role of the innate immune system in the overall pathogenesis of OA, drawing on insights from studies in humans, animal models of OA, and from clinical and research studies in horses. This review also discusses the various therapeutic immune modulatory options currently available for managing OA and their mechanisms of action.
An Update on Semen Physiology, Technologies, and Selection Techniques for the Advancement of In Vitro Equine Embryo Production: Section I
Authors: Orsolini Morgan F. , Meyers Stuart A. , Dini Pouya
Published: November 2021

As the use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and in vitro embryo production (IVP) expand in the equine industry, it has become necessary to further our understanding of semen physiology as it applies to overall fertility. This segment of our two-section review will focus on normal sperm parameters, beginning with development and extending through the basic morphology of mature spermatozoa, as well as common issues with male factor infertility in IVP. Ultimately, the relevance of sperm parameters to overall male factor fertility in equine IVP will be assessed.
Effects of Topically Applied Betulinic Acid and NVX-207 on Melanocytic Tumors in 18 Horses
Authors: Weber Lisa A. , Delarocque Julien , Feige Karsten , Kietzmann Manfred , Kalbitz Jutta , Meißner Jessica , Paschke Reinhard , Cavalleri Jessika-M. V.
Published: November 2021

The naturally occurring betulinic acid (BA) and its derivative NVX-207 induce apoptosis in equine melanoma cells in vitro. After topical application, high concentrations of the substances can be reached in healthy equine skin. With the aim to investigate the effect and safety of topically applied BA and NVX-207 in horses with melanocytic tumors, the longitudinal, prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study protocol included eighteen Lipizzaner mares with early-stage cutaneous melanoma assigned to three groups. Melanocytic lesions were topically treated either with a placebo, 1% BA or 1% NVX-207 twice a day for 91 days. Caliper measurements, clinical examinations and blood tests were performed to assess the effects and safety of the medication. The topical treatment was convenient and safe. The volumes of tumors treated with BA were significantly reduced over time as compared to tumors treated with the placebo from day 80 of the study. Although treatment with NVX-207 seemed to decrease tumor volume, these results did not reach statistical significance. The findings must be regarded as preliminary due to the limited group size and need to be replicated in a larger cohort with modified pharmaceutical test formulations. Accordingly, the treatment protocol cannot yet be recommended in its current form.
Mycobacterium Tuberculosis and Avium Complex Investigation among Malaysian Free-Ranging Wild Boar and Wild Macaques at Wildlife-Livestock-Human Interface
Authors: Lekko Yusuf , Che-Amat Azlan , Ooi Peck , Omar Sharina , Ramanoon Siti , Mazlan Mazlina , Jesse Faez , Jasni Sabri , Ariff Abdul-Razak Mohd
Published: November 2021

Wild animals are considered reservoirs, contributing to the transmission of emerging zoonotic diseases such as tuberculosis (TB). A cross-sectional study was conducted by opportunistic sampling from fresh carcasses of free-ranging wild boar (n = 30), and free-ranging wild macaques (n = 42). Stained smears from these tissues were tested for acid-fast bacilli (AFB) with Ziehl–Neelsen staining. Mycobacterial culture was conducted using Lowenstein–Jensen media and Middlebrook 7H11 agar media. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed through the detection of the 16S rRNA gene, with multiple sets of primers for the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) and Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC). In wild boars, 30% (9/30; 95% Confidence Interval: 16.7–47.9%) of examined samples showed gross tuberculosis-like lesions (TBLLs). Multiple nodular lesions that were necrotic/miliary with cavitation were found in the submandibular lymph nodes, tonsils, lungs, kidney and liver, while single nodular lesions were found in the mediastinal lymph nodes, spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes. Conventional PCR on the submandibular lymphoid tissues of wild boar (nine samples with TBLLs and three non-TBLL samples) showed that 75% (9/12) were positive for Mycobacterium bovis (95% CI: 46.8–91.1), and 91% (CI: 64.6–98.5) were positive for Mycobacterium avium. For macaques, 33.3% (10/30) were positive for M. avium (95% CI: 19.2–51.2) but negative for MTBC.
Efficacy and Safety of Dexmedetomidine Premedication in Balanced Anesthesia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis in Dogs
Authors: Pan Shi-Yue , Liu Gang , Lin Jia-Hao , Jin Yi-Peng
Published: November 2021

Dexmedetomidine is commonly used in small animal anesthesia for its potent sedative and analgesic properties; however, concerns regarding its cardiovascular effects prevent its full adoption into veterinary clinical practice. This meta-analysis was to determine the effects of dexmedetomidine on sedation, analgesia, cardiovascular and adverse reactions in dogs compared to other premedications. Following the study protocol based on the Cochrane Review Methods, thirteen studies were included in this meta-analysis ultimately, involving a total of 576 dogs. Dexmedetomidine administration probably improved in sedation and analgesia in comparison to acepromazine, ketamine and lidocaine (MD: 1.96, 95% CI: [−0.08, 4.00], p = 0.06; MD: −0.95, 95% CI: [−1.52, −0.37] p = 0.001; respectively). Hemodynamic outcomes showed that dogs probably experienced lower heart rate and higher systolic arterial blood pressure and mean arterial blood pressure with dexmedetomidine at 30 min after premedication (MD: −13.25, 95% CI: [−19.67, −6.81], p < 0.0001; MD: 7.78, 95% CI: [1.83, 13.74], p = 0.01; MD: 8.32, 95% CI: [3.95, 12.70], p = 0.0002; respectively). The incidence of adverse effects was comparable between dexmedetomidine and other premedications (RR = 0.86, 95% CI [0.58, 1.29], p = 0.47). In summary, dexmedetomidine provides satisfactory sedative and analgesic effects, and its safety is proved despite its significant hemodynamic effects as part of balanced anesthesia of dogs.
Migration and Histologic Effects of Visible Implant Elastomer (VIE) and Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) Tags in the Marine Toad (Rhinella marina)
Authors: Cabot Megan L. , Troan Brigid V. , Ange-van Heugten Kimberly , Schnellbacher Rodney W. , Smith Dustin , Ridgley Frank , Minter Larry J.
Published: November 2021

Passive integrated transponder (PIT) and visible implant elastomer (VIE) tags are commonly used to identify reptiles, amphibians, and fish. Despite reports of good retention rates and little to no negative effect on survival time, migration remains a concern and histologic changes have not been widely evaluated. Fifty-six wild-caught marine toads (Rhinella marina) were marked with a PIT tag in the left caudal thigh and a VIE tag over the right gastrocnemius muscle prior to transport to the North Carolina Zoo. Fourteen toads were then humanely euthanized on day 9, 15, 32, and 62 for postmortem examination and histopathology which were compared to 10 control toads with no tags. All PIT tags were functional and 95% remained at the insertion site with minimal to no histologic changes. Externally, 48% of VIE tags were visible through the skin at the original site of injection under fluorescent or UV light. Upon gross examination of the tissues, VIE tags had an overall retention rate of 62% at the injection site, with similar retention rates across time points. Migrated VIE material was visible grossly and histologically in the kidneys of 98% of toads and along the right leg, proximally and distally, in 25% of toads. VIE material was also found sporadically in mesentery, colon, and free in the coelomic cavity. Histologically, VIE material in the skin was surrounded by minimal to mild granulomatous inflammation while in the kidney it was associated with dilation of the small vessels, edema, and granulomatous nephritis that progressed in severity over time. Based on these findings, the authors recommend the use of PIT tags over VIE tags for identification of adult anurans, when feasible.
Clostridium butyricum Improves Rumen Fermentation and Growth Performance of Heat-Stressed Goats In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Cai Liyuan , Hartanto Rudy , Zhang Ji , Qi Desheng
Published: November 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Clostridium butyricum on rumen fermentation and the growth performance of heat-stressed goats. The in vitro fermentation was carried out using Clostridium butyricum supplement at 0% (CG), 0.025% (CB1), 0.05% (CB2), 0.10% (CB3), and 0.20% (CB4) of the dry matter (DM) weight of basal diet. Results showed that ruminal pH and the concentrations of ammonia nitrogen, total volatile fatty acids, acetic acid, propionic acid, as well as the acetic acid to propionic acid ratio were significantly increased (p < 0.05) in CB2 and CB3 compared with the CG group. Additionally, significant increases (p < 0.05) in the degradability of DM, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber were observed in CB2 and CB3 compared with the CG group. For the in vivo study, 12 heat-stressed goats were divided equally into three groups: the control (HS1) was fed the basal diet, and groups HS2 and HS3 were fed with 0.05% and 0.10% Clostridium butyricum added to the basal diet, respectively. The experiment was designed as a 3 × 3 Latin square. Similar effects on rumen fermentation and digestibility parameters were obtained with 0.05% of Clostridium butyricum supplement compared to the in vitro study. Moreover, the dry matter intake and average daily gain were significantly increased (p < 0.05) in HS2 compared with other groups. These results indicated that an effective dose of Clostridium butyricum supplement (0.05%) could improve the rumen fermentation and growth performance of heat-stressed goats.
Comparable Number of Genes Having Experienced Positive Selection among Great Ape Species
Authors: Xie Duo , Chen Guangji , Meng Xiaoyu , Wang Haotian , Bi Xupeng , Fang Miaoquan , Yang Chentao , Zhou Yang , Long Erping , Feng Shaohong
Published: November 2021

Alleles that cause advantageous phenotypes with positive selection contribute to adaptive evolution. Investigations of positive selection in protein-coding genes rely on the accuracy of orthology, models, the quality of assemblies, and alignment. Here, based on the latest genome assemblies and gene annotations, we present a comparative analysis on positive selection in four great ape species and identify 211 high-confidence positively selected genes (PSGs). Even the differences in population size among these closely related great apes have resulted in differences in their ability to remove deleterious alleles and to adapt to changing environments, we found that they experienced comparable numbers of positive selection. We also uncovered that more than half of multigene families exhibited signals of positive selection, suggesting that imbalanced positive selection resulted in the functional divergence of duplicates. Moreover, at the expression level, although positive selection led to a more non-uniform pattern across tissues, the correlation between positive selection and expression patterns is diverse. Overall, this updated list of PSGs is of great significance for the further study of the phenotypic evolution in great apes.
Are Mechanical Vibrations an Effective Alternative to Accelerate Orthodontic Tooth Movement in Humans? A Systematic Review
Authors: García Vega María Fernanda , López Pérez-Franco Laura Mónica , Dib Kanán Alejandro , Román Méndez Cristian Dionisio , Soto Sainz Jesús Eduardo , Reyes Cervantes Eric , Cerda-Cristerna Bernardino Isaac , Salas Orozco Marco Felipe , Casillas Santana Miguel Angel
Published: November 2021

The objective of this article was to conduct a systematic review of the literature to contrast the existing evidence on the effect of mechanical vibrations, either high or low frequency, as an alternative to accelerate orthodontic tooth movement in humans. A literature search from 2010 to June 2021 was conducted in the electronic databases: PubMed, NCBI, Google Scholar, EBSCO, Cochrane, and Ovid, using the eligibility criteria to identify the studies. Only randomized clinical trials (RCT) were included. The certainty of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE tool and the risk of bias (RoB) in individual studies was evaluated according to the Cochrane bias risk tool. Fifteen RTCs were included for final review. Overall, the RoB was classified as low (3), moderate (5), and high (7). Three articles with low RoB, four with moderate RoB, and four with high RoB found no significant effect in the use of vibrations on orthodontic movement. Only four articles, three of them with high RoB and one with moderate RoB, found that mechanical vibrations are effective at accelerating orthodontic tooth movement. The results seemed to indicate that there is no evidence that vibratory stimuli can increase the rate of dental movement or reduce neither the time of dental alignment nor canine retraction during orthodontic treatment. It is important to note that a greater number of high-quality randomized controlled trials are urgently needed.
The Influence of Three Different Digital Cement Spacers on the Marginal Gap Adaptation of Zirconia-Reinforced Lithium Silicate Crowns Fabricated by CAD-CAM System
Authors: Ben-Izhack Gil , Shely Asaf , Naishlos Sarit , Glikman Ari , Frishman Liad , Meirowitz Avi , Dolev Eran
Published: November 2021

Background: This study compared the influence of three different radial spacers (60,90,120 microns) on the marginal gap adaptation by using computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) for producing monolithic zirconia reinforced lithium silicate (ZLS) ceramic crowns. Methods: A total of 45 abutment acrylic teeth were divided into three groups of different radial spacers (60, 90, and 120 microns). In each group 15 teeth were scanned by Omnicam intra oral scanner and ZLS crowns were ground. For each unit the marginal gap was evaluated at four regions of interest by scanning electronic microscope (SEM). To compare the marginal gap between the three groups a one-way ANOVA with post-hoc Bonferroni test was preformed (α = 0.05). Results: The marginal gap for a 60 microns (162.99 ± 16.25 µm) radial spacer was found significantly higher than 90 (41.85 ± 3.57 µm) and 120 (41.85 ± 5.3 µm) microns radial spacers (p < 0.05). Between 90- and 120-micron radial spacers no difference was obtained. (p < 0.05). Conclusions: A radial spacer of 60 microns showed a significantly higher marginal gap compared to 90 and 120 microns and was not clinically accepted (>120 microns). For both 90 and 120 microns the marginal gap was clinically accepted (<120 microns) with no difference between the groups. The radial spacer which should be optimum for CELTRA® DUO crowns is 90 microns.