bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modulation of Response Times During Processing of Emotional Body Language
Authors: Botta Alessandro , Lagravinese Giovanna , Bove Marco , Avenanti Alessio , Avanzino Laura
Published: February 2021

The investigation of how humans perceive and respond to emotional signals conveyed by the human body has been for a long time secondary compared with the investigation of facial expressions and emotional scenes recognition. The aims of this behavioral study were to assess the ability to process emotional body postures and to test whether motor response is mainly driven by the emotional content of the picture or if it is influenced by motor resonance. Emotional body postures and scenes (IAPS) divided into three clusters (fear, happiness, and neutral) were shown to 25 healthy subjects (13 males, mean age ± SD: 22.3 ± 1.8 years) in a three-alternative forced choice task. Subjects were asked to recognize the emotional content of the pictures by pressing one of three keys as fast as possible in order to estimate response times (RTs). The rating of valence and arousal was also performed. We found shorter RTs for fearful body postures as compared with happy and neutral postures. In contrast, no differences across emotional categories were found for the IAPS stimuli. Analysis on valence and arousal and the subsequent item analysis showed an excellent reliability of the two sets of images used in the experiment. Our results show that fearful body postures are rapidly recognized and processed, probably thanks to the automatic activation of a series of central nervous system structures orchestrating the defensive threat reactions, strengthening and supporting previous neurophysiological and behavioral findings in body language processing.
Technostress in Spanish University Teachers During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Penado Abilleira Maria , Rodicio-García María-Luisa , Ríos-de Deus María Paula , Mosquera-González Maria José
Published: February 2021

One of the measures adopted by the government of Spain during the COVID-19 pandemic has been the elimination of face-to-face classes in all universities, requiring that all teachers had to conduct their classes in an online mode. The objective of this article is to study how this adaptation among university teachers affected their job performance due to the technostress (objective and subjective) that they may have suffered. Based on the person-environment misfit theory (P-E fit theory), the sample consisted of 239 teachers from face-to-face and online universities in Spain who were asked to identify the type of technostress, feelings of technostress, and impact on job performance as a result of online teaching due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Results show that teachers who suffered the most from the negative consequences of technology have been female teachers from face-to-face universities who are older, have more years of experience, and consequently, hold a higher position. Despite previous results none of the above variables have been significant in explaining the decline in job performance during confinement. It was also observed that although the effect on job performance was similar for online teachers as well as face-to-face teachers, the variables that explained this effect were different. For the online teachers, there was a misfit between the demands and resources, which are explained based on the previous theory (P-E fit theory). Teachers from face-to-face universities pointed to the lack of instructions from their organization, along with subjective feelings of techno-inefficacy, as the reasons behind the decline in job performance during the lockdown period. Looking ahead to future research on the incorporation of information and communications technology in teaching work, it is necessary to consider variables associated with technostress, both objective and subjective, in order to increase the effectiveness of integrating emerging technology into teaching work.
Is a Brief Online Booklet Sufficient to Reduce Fear of Cancer Recurrence or Progression in Women With Ovarian Cancer?
Authors: Pradhan Poorva , Sharpe Louise , Butow Phyllis N. , Smith Allan Ben , Russell Hayley
Published: February 2021

Background: Fear of cancer recurrence or progression (FCR/P) is a common challenge experienced by people living with and beyond cancer and is frequently endorsed as the highest unmet psychosocial need amongst survivors. This has prompted many cancer organizations to develop self-help resources for survivors to better manage these fears through psychoeducation, but little is known about whether they help reduce FCR/P.

Method: We recruited 62 women with ovarian cancer. Women reported on their medical history and demographic characteristics and completed the Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form (FoP-Q-SF). They then read a booklet on FCR specifically created for Ovarian Cancer Australia by two of the authors (ABS and PB). One week after reading the booklet, 50/62 women (81%) completed the FoP-Q-SF and answered questions about their satisfaction with the booklet.

Results: More than half of the women (35/62; 56.5%) scored in the clinical range for FCR/P at baseline. Of the completers, 93% said that they would recommend the booklet to other women. Satisfaction with the booklet was relatively high (75.3/100) and more than two-thirds of women rated it as moderately helpful or better. However, FCR/P did not change significantly over the week following reading the booklet [t(49) = 1.71, p = 0.09]. There was also no difference in change in FCR/P between women in the clinical vs. non-clinical range on the FoP-Q. Women high in FCR/P rated the booklet as less helpful in managing FCR/P (r = −0.316, p = 0.03), but overall satisfaction with the booklet was not associated with degree of FCR/P (r = −0.24, p = 0.10).

Conclusions: These results suggest that a simple online FCR booklet is acceptable to women with ovarian cancer and they are satisfied with the booklet, but, it was insufficient to change in FCR/P levels. These results suggest that such resources are valued by women with ovarian cancer, but more potent interventions are necessary to reduce FCR in this population.
Mild to Severe Depressive Symptoms in Elderly Stroke Survivors and Its Associated Factors: Evidence From a Cross-Sectional Study in Zhejiang Province, China
Authors: Wang Xinyi , Li Fudong , Zhang Tao , He Fan , Lin Junfen , Zhai Yujia , Yu Min
Published: February 2021

Objective: The objective of the study is to explore the prevalence of mild to severe depressive symptoms in elderly stroke survivors and its associated factors.

Methods: We did data analyses of 335 elders with stroke history. Data were collected in a survey conducted between 2014 and 2015, among permanent residents aged 60 and older in Zhejiang Province, China. Prevalence of mild to severe depressive symptoms among stroke survivors were calculated, and univariate analyses and multilevel logistic regression were used to explore its associated factors.

Results: Prevalence of mild to severe depressive symptoms was 22.09% (95% CI: 17.65–26.53%) in elders with stroke history, more than twice compared to their counterparts not suffering stroke (9.77%, P < 0.001). In multilevel logistic regression, we found that elderly stroke survivors who were illiterate (OR = 2.33, p = 0.008), or had limitation in activities of daily living (OR = 3.04, p = 0.001) were more likely to be present with mild to severe depressive symptoms, respectively, while those with more fresh vegetable consumption were at lower odds (OR = 0.82, p = 0.047).

Conclusions: Prevalence of mild to severe depressive symptoms was high in elderly stroke survivors. Targeted screening might be needed for those being illiterate, disabled in activities of daily living, and having little consumption of fresh vegetable. The association between fresh vegetable consumption and depressive symptom in stroke patients calls for further research.
COVID-19 Related Distress in Gambling Disorder
Authors: Salerno Luana , Pallanti Stefano
Published: February 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has exerted a dramatic impact on everyday life globally. In this context, it has been reported that the lockdown and social distancing may have exerted an impact even on gambling behavior, not only by increasing gambling behavior in those affected by this disorder but even contributing to the occurrence of new cases. To explore such a possibility, we designed a cross-sectional web survey addressing a general population sample that lasted 3 weeks (March 23–April 20). Participants completed a survey including a demographic information section, a question regarding the presence of pathological gambling in the past and several questionnaires. These included the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the Kellner's Symptom Questionnaire (SQ), and the version of The Yale Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale adapted for Pathological Gambling (PG-YBOCS) that investigated the presence of gambling behaviors in the last week. The final sample was composed by 254 subjects (112 males, 44.1%; 142 females, 55.9%). According to PG-YBOCS total score, pathological gambling has been found in 23.6% (n = 60) of the sample (53 males, 88.3%; 7 females, 11.7%), which is a high frequency compared to that reported by the existing literature. Among gamblers, 20.9% (n = 53) reported both past and current problem gambling (they have been defined as “chronic gamblers”), whereas 2.8% (n = 7) did not report to use gambling platforms in the past but only in the last week (defined as “new gamblers”). Data analysis showed a statistically significant difference between gamblers and people who do not gamble in age but not in education, and higher level of perceived stress, distress, and hostility in both chronic and new gamblers compared to those who did not report gambling behavior. A consistent proportion of business owners and unemployed individuals reported problem gambling during the lockdown period.
Simulating a Community Mental Health Service During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Effects of Clinician–Clinician Encounters, Clinician–Patient–Family Encounters, Symptom-Triggered Protective Behaviour, and Household Clustering
Authors: Cardinal Rudolf N. , Meiser-Stedman Caroline E. , Christmas David M. , Price Annabel C. , Denman Chess , Underwood Benjamin R. , Chen Shanquan , Banerjee Soumya , White Simon R. , Su Li , Ford Tamsin J. , Chamberlain Samuel R. , Walsh Catherine M.
Published: February 2021

Objectives: Face-to-face healthcare, including psychiatric provision, must continue despite reduced interpersonal contact during the COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus) pandemic. Community-based services might use domiciliary visits, consultations in healthcare settings, or remote consultations. Services might also alter direct contact between clinicians. We examined the effects of appointment types and clinician–clinician encounters upon infection rates.

Design: Computer simulation.

Methods: We modelled a COVID-19-like disease in a hypothetical community healthcare team, their patients, and patients' household contacts (family). In one condition, clinicians met patients and briefly met family (e.g., home visit or collateral history). In another, patients attended alone (e.g., clinic visit), segregated from each other. In another, face-to-face contact was eliminated (e.g., videoconferencing). We also varied clinician–clinician contact; baseline and ongoing “external” infection rates; whether overt symptoms reduced transmission risk behaviourally (e.g., via personal protective equipment, PPE); and household clustering.

Results: Service organisation had minimal effects on whole-population infection under our assumptions but materially affected clinician infection. Appointment type and inter-clinician contact had greater effects at low external infection rates and without a behavioural symptom response. Clustering magnified the effect of appointment type. We discuss infection control and other factors affecting appointment choice and team organisation.

Conclusions: Distancing between clinicians can have significant effects on team infection. Loss of clinicians to infection likely has an adverse impact on care, not modelled here. Appointments must account for clinical necessity as well as infection control. Interventions to reduce transmission risk can synergize, arguing for maximal distancing and behavioural measures (e.g., PPE) consistent with safe care.
Strategies to Cope With the COVID-Related Deaths Among Family Members
Authors: Borghi Lidia , Menichetti Julia
Published: February 2021

The extraordinary circumstances of deaths during COVID-19 pandemic have been challenging for the deceased's families. This contribution aims to describe some spontaneous strategies that family members may adopt to cope with the loss of a relative for COVID-19. The present reflection derives from the experience of a clinical psychology unit of one of the biggest public hospital in Milan, Italy, which supported 246 families of COVID-19 victims in the 1st days after the loss. Spontaneous strategies used by family members to deal with such a unique mourning process involved: creating alternative good-bye rituals, normalizing the loss, addressing faith and hope, highlighting the perks of isolation, supporting others in need, and delivering the bad news to others. These observed strategies may suggest how to assess and support a “normal” bereavement process during the extraordinary COVID-19 circumstances, in order to prevent further psychological distress.
Weather Conditions and COVID-19 Incidence in a Cold Climate: A Time-Series Study in Finland
Authors: Heibati Behzad , Wang Wenge , Ryti Niilo R. I. , Dominici Francesca , Ducatman Alan , Zhang Zhijie , Jaakkola Jouni J. K.
Published: February 2021

Background: The current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is spreading globally at an accelerated rate. There is some previous evidence that weather may influence the incidence of COVID-19 infection. We assessed the role of meteorological factors including temperature (T) and relative humidity (RH) considering the concentrations of two air pollutants, inhalable coarse particles (PM10) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in the incidence of COVID-19 infections in Finland, located in arctic-subarctic climatic zone.

Methods: We retrieved daily counts of COVID-19 in Finland from Jan 1 to May 31, 2020, nationwide and separately for all 21 hospital districts across the country. The meteorological and air quality data were from the monitoring stations nearest to the central district hospital. A quasi-Poisson generalized additional model (GAM) was fitted to estimate the associations between district-specific meteorological factors and the daily counts of COVID-19 during the study period. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to test the robustness of the results.

Results: The incidence rate of COVID-19 gradually increased until a peak around April 6 and then decreased. There were no associations between daily temperature and incidence rate of COVID-19. Daily average RH was negatively associated with daily incidence rate of COVID-19 in two hospital districts located inland. No such association was found nationwide.

Conclusions: Weather conditions, such as air temperature and relative humidity, were not related to the COVID-19 incidence during the first wave in the arctic and subarctic winter and spring. The inference is based on a relatively small number of cases and a restricted time period.
Graph Neural Networks for Maximum Constraint Satisfaction
Authors: Tönshoff Jan , Ritzert Martin , Wolf Hinrikus , Grohe Martin
Published: February 2021

Many combinatorial optimization problems can be phrased in the language of constraint satisfaction problems. We introduce a graph neural network architecture for solving such optimization problems. The architecture is generic; it works for all binary constraint satisfaction problems. Training is unsupervised, and it is sufficient to train on relatively small instances; the resulting networks perform well on much larger instances (at least 10-times larger). We experimentally evaluate our approach for a variety of problems, including Maximum Cut and Maximum Independent Set. Despite being generic, we show that our approach matches or surpasses most greedy and semi-definite programming based algorithms and sometimes even outperforms state-of-the-art heuristics for the specific problems.
“Hit the Robot on the Head With This Mallet” – Making a Case for Including More Open Questions in HRI Research
Authors: Riddoch Katie A. , Cross Emily. S.
Published: February 2021

Researchers continue to devise creative ways to explore the extent to which people perceive robots as social agents, as opposed to objects. One such approach involves asking participants to inflict ‘harm’ on a robot. Researchers are interested in the length of time between the experimenter issuing the instruction and the participant complying, and propose that relatively long periods of hesitation might reflect empathy for the robot, and perhaps even attribution of human-like qualities, such as agency and sentience. In a recent experiment, we adapted the so-called ‘hesitance to hit’ paradigm, in which participants were instructed to hit a humanoid robot on the head with a mallet. After standing up to do so (signaling intent to hit the robot), participants were stopped, and then took part in a semi-structured interview to probe their thoughts and feelings during the period of hesitation. Thematic analysis of the responses indicate that hesitation not only reflects perceived socialness, but also other factors including (but not limited to) concerns about cost, mallet disbelief, processing of the task instruction, and the influence of authority. The open-ended, free responses participants provided also offer rich insights into individual differences with regards to anthropomorphism, perceived power imbalances, and feelings of connection toward the robot. In addition to aiding understanding of this measurement technique and related topics regarding socialness attribution to robots, we argue that greater use of open questions can lead to exciting new research questions and interdisciplinary collaborations in the domain of social robotics.
Burnout of Healthcare Workers Based on the Effort-Reward Imbalance Model: A Cross-Sectional Study in China
Authors: Yuan Zhipei , Yu Dan , Zhao Huanyan , Wang Yanli , Jiang Wen , Chen Dan , Liu Xuan , Li Xingli
Published: February 2021

Background: The effort-reward imbalance (ERI) model is widely used in job stress research. However, few studies using this model have been conducted in developing countries. This study tested the extrinsic and intrinsic hypotheses regarding the burnout of healthcare workers in China with the ERI model.

Method: Job stress was assessed by Siegrist’s ERI questionnaire, and burnout was evaluated by the Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey (MBI-GS). A total of 1,505 effective respondents were included in the final study. Multiple and hierarchical linear regression was used to analyze the association between components in the ERI model and burnout.

Results: Emotional exhaustion and cynicism were positively correlated with ERI and overcommitment. Professional efficacy was positively related to ERI but not to overcommitment. ERI was the determining factor of emotional exhaustion and cynicism. Overcommitment moderated the relationship between ERI and emotional exhaustion and between ERI and cynicism.

Conclusion: Changing workplace conditions and increasing personal resilience might alleviate burnout among hospital workers in China. The links between professional efficacy and stressful work environment need further exploration.
Online Estimation Techniques for Natural and Excitation Frequencies on MDOF Vibrating Mechanical Systems
Authors: Silva-Navarro Gerardo , Beltran-Carbajal Francisco , Trujillo-Franco Luis Gerardo , Peza-Solis Juan Fernando , Garcia-Perez Oscar A.
Published: February 2021

An online algebraic estimation technique for natural and forcing frequencies for a class of uncertain and lumped-parameter vibrating mechanical systems with n degrees of freedom is described. In general, realistic vibrating systems can be affected by unknown exogenous excitation forces with multiple and independent frequency harmonic components. Hence, natural frequencies as well as excitation force frequencies can be simultaneously computed from an algebraic approach into a small interval of time during online operation of the mechanical system. Measurements of an available output signal, associated with some specific degree of freedom, are only required for frequency estimation in time-domain. Information on mass, stiffness and damping matrices are not necessary for multifrequency estimation algorithms. Some analytical, numerical and experimental results on a cantilever Euler–Bernoulli beam are described to show and validate the acceptable estimation of multiple frequencies in forced multiple degrees of freedom vibrating systems.
Harmonic Forcing from Distortion in a Boundary Layer Ingesting Fan
Authors: Mårtensson Hans
Published: February 2021

Integrating a fan with a boundary layer ingestion (BLI) configuration into an aircraft fuselage can improve propulsion efficiency by utilizing the lower momentum airflow in the boundary layer developed due to the surface drag of the fuselage. As a consequence, velocity and total pressure variations distort the flow field entering the fan in both the circumferential and radial directions. Such variations can negatively affect fan aerodynamics and give rise to vibration issues. A fan configuration to benefit from BLI needs to allow for distortion without large penalties. Full annulus unsteady computational fluid dynamics (CFD) with all blades and vanes is used to evaluate the effects on aerodynamic loading and forcing on a fan designed to be mounted on an adapted rear fuselage of a Fokker 100 aircraft, i.e., a tail cone thruster. The distortion pattern used as a boundary condition on the fan is taken from a CFD analysis of the whole aircraft with a simplified model of the installed fan. Detailed simulations of the fan are conducted to better understand the relation between ingested distortion and the harmonic forcing. The results suggest that the normalized harmonic forcing spectrum is primarily correlated to the circumferential variation of inlet total pressure. In this study, the evaluated harmonic forces correlate with the total pressure variation at the inlet for the first 12 engine orders, with some exceptions where the response is very low. At higher harmonics, the distortion content as well as the response become very low, with amplitudes in the order of magnitude lower than the principal disturbances. The change in harmonic forcing resulting from raising the working line, thus, increasing the incidence on the fan rotor, increases the forcing moderately. The distortion transfers through the fan resulting in a non-axisymmetric aerodynamic loading of the outlet guide vane (OGV) that has a clear effect on the aerodynamics. The time average aerodynamic load and also the harmonic forcing of the OGV vary strongly around the circumference. In particular, this is the case for some of the vanes at higher back pressure, most likely due to an interaction with separations starting to occur on vanes operating in unfavorable conditions.
Orally Fed Recombinant Lactococcus lactis Displaying Surface Anti-Fimbrial Nanobodies Protects Piglets against Escherichia coli Causing Post-Weaning Diarrhea
Authors: Okello Emmanuel , Moonens Kristof , Erume Joseph , De Greve Henri
Published: February 2021

Post-weaning diarrhea (PWD) and edema disease (ED), caused by enterotoxigenic and Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli (ETEC and STEC) strains, are important diseases of newly weaned piglets worldwide. The objective of this study is to develop a passive immunization strategy to protect piglets against PWD and ED using recombinant Lactococcus lactis added to piglet diet at weaning. The Variable Heavy chain domains of Heavy chain antibodies (VHHs) or Nanobodies (Nbs), directed against the fimbrial adhesins FaeG (F4 fimbriae) and FedF (F18 fimbriae) of E. coli were cloned and expressed on the surface of L. lactis. In vitro, the recombinant L. lactis strains agglutinated and inhibited adhesion of cognate F4 or F18 fimbriae expressing E. coli to pig villous preparation. In vivo, the anti-F4 L. lactis protected weaned piglets against a challenge with an F4-positive ETEC strain. Piglets supplemented with oral anti-F4 L. lactis showed reduced fecal E. coli shedding. We concluded that the surface expressed Nanobodies on L. lactis neutralized the adhesins of targeted E. coli and abrogated gut colonization, the first step in disease pathogenesis. As a proof of concept, we demonstrated the potential of passive immunization with recombinant L. lactis as a viable alternative to antibiotic prophylaxis in preventing piglet-post-weaning diarrhea.
Recurrent Selection with Low Herbicide Rates and Salt Stress Decrease Sensitivity of Echinochloa colona to Imidazolinone
Authors: Benedetti Lariza , Viana Vívian Ebeling , Carvalho-Moore Pâmela , Gehrke Vinicios Rafael , Souza Gustavo Maia , Camargo Edinalvo Rabaioli , de Avila Luis Antonio , Roma-Burgos Nilda
Published: February 2021

Weeds represent an increasing challenge for crop systems since they have evolved adaptability to adverse environmental conditions, such as salinity stress. Herbicide effectiveness can be altered by the quality of water in which the weed is growing. This research aimed to study the combined effect of salt stress and recurrent selection with a sublethal dose of imidazolinone herbicides in the shifting of the sensitivity of Echinochloa colona (L.) Link (junglerice) to imidazolinone herbicides. This study was divided into two experiments; in experiment I, three recurrent selection cycles were conducted in Pelotas/RS/Brazil with imazapic + imazapyr at 0.125× the field rate; and in experiment II, three recurrent selection cycles were conducted in Fayetteville/AR/USA with imazethapyr, at 0.125× the recommended dose. Salt stress was implemented by irrigation with 120 mM sodium chloride (NaCl) solution. The effective dose for 50% control of the population (ED50) values increased from the field population to the second generation (G2) after recurrent selection with a sublethal dose of imidazolinone combined with salt stress, supporting the hypothesis of reduced susceptibility by the combination of these abiotic factors. Recurrent exposure to a sublethal dose of imazapic + imazapyr or imazethapyr, combined with salt stress, reduced susceptibility of Echinochloa colona (L.) plants to imidazolinone herbicides.
Inoculation of Triticum Aestivum L. (Poaceae) with Plant-Growth-Promoting Fungi Alleviates Plant Oxidative Stress and Enhances Phenanthrene Dissipation in Soil
Authors: Lagos Claudio , Larsen John , Fuentes Alejandra , Herrera Hector , García-Romera Inmaculada , Campos-Vargas Reinaldo , Arriagada Cesar
Published: February 2021

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are strong toxic compounds mainly released to the environment during combustion of fossil fuels, and have strong toxic effects on living organisms, with soil being one of their main reservoirs. High PAH levels in soils can interfere with plant growth and biomass production, causing several losses of diversity. In this study, we evaluated the effects of the co-inoculation of Trichoderma viride and Funneliformis mosseae on PAH dissipation and alleviation of oxidative stress in Triticum aestivum L. (wheat) plants growing in a phenanthrene-spiked soil. We determined the effect of single and dual fungal inoculation on phenanthrene dissipation rates, soil enzyme activities, dry biomass, antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation, and organic acid exudation of plants growing in a soil spiked with phenanthrene at 500 and 1000 mg kg−1 soil. The co-inoculation with T. viride and F. mosseae resulted in a high phenanthrene dissipation from the soil. Also, dry biomass, soil enzymes, antioxidant response, organic acid exudation and phenanthrene content in roots were increased by the dual inoculation treatments, whereas lipid peroxidation and phenanthrene content in shoots were reduced. Our results show that the co-inoculation with these two soil fungi significantly promotes phenanthrene dissipation from soil and contributes to alleviating oxidative damage in wheat plants exposed to high levels of phenanthrene.
Vertebral Formulae and Congenital Vertebral Anomalies in Guinea Pigs: A Retrospective Radiographic Study
Authors: Proks Pavel , Johansen Trude Maria , Nývltová Ivana , Komenda Dominik , Černochová Hana , Vignoli Massimo
Published: February 2021

The objectives of this retrospective study of 240 guinea pigs (148 females and 92 males) were to determine the prevalence of different vertebral formulae and the type and anatomical localization of congenital vertebral anomalies (CVA). Radiographs of the cervical (C), thoracic (Th), lumbar (L), sacral (S), and caudal (Cd) part of the vertebral column were reviewed. Morphology and number of vertebrae in each segment of the vertebral column and type and localization of CVA were recorded. In 210/240 guinea pigs (87.50%) with normal vertebral morphology, nine vertebral formulae were found with constant number of C but variable number of Th, L, and S vertebrae: C7/Th13/L6/S4/Cd5-7 (75%), C7/Th13/L6/S3/Cd6-7 (4.17%), C7/Th13/L5/S4/Cd6-7 (2.50%), C7/Th13/L6/S5/Cd5-6 (1.67%), C7/Th12/L6/S4/Cd6 (1.25%), C7/Th13/L7/S4/Cd6 (1.25%), C7/Th13/L7/S3/Cd6-7 (0.83%), C7/Th12/L7/S4/Cd5 (0.42%), C7/Th13/L5/S5/Cd7 (0.42%). CVA were found in 30/240 (12.5%) of guinea pigs, mostly as a transitional vertebra (28/30), which represents 100% of single CVA localised in cervicothoracic (n = 1), thoracolumbar (n = 22) and lumbosacral segments (n = 5). Five morphological variants of thoracolumbar transitional vertebrae (TTV) were identified. Two (2/30) guinea pigs had a combination of CVA: cervical block vertebra and TTV (n = 1) and TTV and lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LTV) (n = 1). These findings suggest that guinea pigs’ vertebral column displays more morphological variants with occasional CVA predominantly transitional vertebrae.
Influence of the Number of Queens on Nest Establishment: Native and Invasive Ant Species
Authors: Castañeda Irene , Bonnaud Elsa , Courchamp Franck , Luque Gloria
Published: February 2021

As a critical stage in the life cycle of ant colonies, nest establishment depends on external and internal factors. This study investigates the effect of the number of queens on queen and worker behavior during nest establishment in invasive Argentine ants (Linepitema humile) and native Mediterranean Tapinoma nigerrimum. We set up experimental colonies with the same number of workers but with one or six queens. At different time points, we recorded the positions of queens and workers inside and outside the nest. Our results highlight the influence of the number of queens on the position of queens and workers with between-species differences. Queens of both species entered the nests more quickly when there were six queens. During nest establishment, more workers were inside nests with six queens for both species, with this effect being greater for T. nigerrimum. Once nests were established, fewer workers of both species were engaged in nest maintenance and feeding in nests with six queens; T. nigerrimum had fewer workers engaged in patrolling. These results suggest that the number of queens is a key factor driving queen and worker behavior during and after nest establishment with different species responses.
Fermented Soybean Meal Affects the Reproductive Performance and Oxidative Status of Sows, and the Growth of Piglets
Authors: Luo Wenli , Yin Xiaofeng , Yao Jianbo , Cheng Jinlong , Zhang Jing , Xu Weina , Mu Yuyun , Xu Jianxiong
Published: February 2021

This study aimed to investigate the effect of the fermented soybean meal on the reproductive performance, oxidative stress and colostrum composition of sows, and the growth performance of their progeny. A total of 44 sows were allotted to four dietary groups (n = 11/group). The dietary groups included the basal diet group (control) and the treatment groups in which soybean meal in the basal diet was replaced with 2%, 4%, and 6% fermented soybean meal, respectively. The experimental diets were fed to the sows from the 78th day of gestation to the 21st day of lactation. Replacing soybean meal in the basal maternal diet with the fermented soybean meal decreased the levels of malondialdehyde, cortisol, and 8-iso-prostaglandinF2α in the serum of sows and increased the average weight of piglets on the 14th day and the 21st day after birth. The activity of superoxide dismutase in the serum of sows was increased in the group with 4% fermented soybean meal on the 17th day of lactation. The levels of estrogen and growth factors in the serum of sows were enhanced in the group with 6% fermented soybean meal. In the colostrum, the levels of the protein and the immunoglobulin G were enhanced in the group with 4% fermented soybean meal. In conclusion, replacing the soybean meal in the basal maternal diet with the fermented soybean meal attenuates the oxidative stress status of the gestational and lactational sows, and enhances the average weight of their offspring.
Step by Step about Germ Cells Development in Canine
Authors: de Souza Aline Fernanda , Pieri Naira Caroline Godoy , Martins Daniele dos Santos
Published: February 2021

Primordial germ cells (PGCs) have been described as precursors of gametes and provide a connection within generations, passing on the genome to the next generation. Failures in the formation of gametes/germ cells can compromise the maintenance and conservation of species. Most of the studies with PGCs have been carried out in mice, but this species is not always the best study model when transposing this knowledge to humans. Domestic animals, such as canines (canine), have become a valuable translational research model for stem cells and therapy. Furthermore, the study of canine germ cells opens new avenues for veterinary reproduction. In this review, the objective is to provide a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge on canine germ cells. The aspects of canine development and germ cells have been discussed since the origin, specifications, and development of spermatogonial canine were first discussed. Additionally, we discussed and explored some in vitro aspects of canine reproduction with germ cells, such as embryonic germ cells and spermatogonial stem cells.
Synergistic Effect of Combination Interventions for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Transmission Control in Nursing Homes: A Computation Modelling Evaluation with Heterogeneous Contact Mixing
Authors: Tang Arthur , Kwok Kin On , Wei Vivian Wan In , Chen Hong , Wong Samuel Yeung Shan , Tam Wilson Wai Sun
Published: February 2021

The endemic threat of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in nursing homes poses a serious and escalating challenge to public health administration in infection control. Nursing homes are considered as major reservoirs for MRSA colonization, with considerable high levels of colonization prevalence. We employed a computation model to evaluate effects of three intervention scenarios on MRSA colonization prevalence rate in nursing homes. Simulations were conducted using a deterministic compartmental model featuring heterogeneous contact matrix between residents and health-care workers (HCWs). Contact parameters were derived from a nursing home survey. Three intervention scenarios were simulated: (1) hand-hygiene compliance by HCWs, (2) screening-and-isolation upon admission, and (3) implementing both interventions at the same time. For every 10% reduction in average contamination duration in HCWs, the estimated average reduction in prevalence rate was 1.29 percentage point compared with the prevalence rate before the intervention was implemented. Screening-and-isolation intervention resulted in an average reduction of 19.04 percentage point in prevalence rate (S.D. = 1.58; 95% CI = 18.90–19.18). In intervention scenario 3, synergistic effects were observed when implementing hand-hygiene compliance by HCWs and screening-and-isolation together. Our results provide evidence showing that implementing multiple interventions together has a synergistic effect on colonization prevalence reduction.
Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Oxidative Stress Caused by Cryopreservation in Reproductive Cells
Authors: Gualtieri Roberto , Kalthur Guruprasad , Barbato Vincenza , Di Nardo Maddalena , Adiga Satish Kumar , Talevi Riccardo
Published: February 2021

Mitochondria, fundamental organelles in cell metabolism, and ATP synthesis are responsible for generating reactive oxygen species (ROS), calcium homeostasis, and cell death. Mitochondria produce most ROS, and when levels exceed the antioxidant defenses, oxidative stress (OS) is generated. These changes may eventually impair the electron transport chain, resulting in decreased ATP synthesis, increased ROS production, altered mitochondrial membrane permeability, and disruption of calcium homeostasis. Mitochondria play a key role in the gamete competence to facilitate normal embryo development. However, iatrogenic factors in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) may affect their functional competence, leading to an abnormal reproductive outcome. Cryopreservation, a fundamental technology in ART, may compromise mitochondrial function leading to elevated intracellular OS that decreases sperm and oocytes’ competence and the dynamics of fertilization and embryo development. This article aims to review the role played by mitochondria and ROS in sperm and oocyte function and the close, biunivocal relationships between mitochondrial damage and ROS generation during cryopreservation of gametes and gonadal tissues in different species. Based on current literature, we propose tentative hypothesis of mechanisms involved in cryopreservation-associated mitochondrial dysfunction in gametes, and discuss the role played by antioxidants and other agents to retain the competence of cryopreserved reproductive cells and tissues.
Paraoxonase-1 and -3 Protein Expression in the Brain of the Tg2576 Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Salazar Jose Gregorio , Marsillach Judit , Reverte Ingrid , Mackness Bharti , Mackness Michael , Joven Jorge , Camps Jordi , Colomina Maria Teresa
Published: February 2021

Background: Brain oxidative lipid damage and inflammation are common in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Paraoxonase-1 and -3 (PON1 and PON3) protein expression was demonstrated in tissue with no PON1 or PON3 gene expression. In the present study, we examine differences in PON1 and PON3 protein expression in the brain of a mouse model of AD. Methods: we used peroxidase- and fluorescence-based immunohistochemistry in five brain regions (olfactory bulb, forebrain, posterior midbrain, hindbrain and cerebellum) of transgenic (Tg2576) mice with the Swedish mutation (KM670/671NL) responsible for a familial form of AD and corresponding wild-type mice. Results: We found intense PON1 and PON3-positive staining in star-shaped cells surrounding Aβ plaques in all the studied Tg2576 mouse-brain regions. Although we could not colocalize PON1 and PON3 with astrocytes (star-shaped cells in the brain), we found some PON3 colocalization with microglia. Conclusions: These results suggest that (1) PON1 and PON3 cross the blood–brain barrier in discoidal high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) and are transferred to specific brain-cell types; and (2) PON1 and PON3 play an important role in preventing oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in particular brain-cell types (likely to be glial cells) in AD pathology and potentially in other neurodegenerative diseases as well.
Dietary Antioxidant Vitamins and Minerals and Breast Cancer Risk: Prospective Results from the SUN Cohort
Authors: Fernandez-Lazaro Cesar I. , Martínez-González Miguel Ángel , Aguilera-Buenosvinos Inmaculada , Gea Alfredo , Ruiz-Canela Miguel , Romanos-Nanclares Andrea , Toledo Estefanía
Published: February 2021

There is growing interest in natural antioxidants and their potential effects on breast cancer (BC). Epidemiological evidence, however, is inconsistent. We prospectively evaluated the association between dietary intake of vitamins A, C, and E, selenium, and zinc and BC among 9983 female participants from the SUN Project, a Mediterranean cohort of university graduates. Participants completed a food frequency questionnaire at baseline, and biennial follow-up information about incident BC diagnosis was collected. Cases were ascertained through revision of medical charts and consultation of the National Death Index. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). During an average follow-up of 11.3 years, 107 incident BC cases were confirmed. The multivariable HRs (95% CI) for BC comparing extreme tertiles of energy-adjusted dietary intakes were 1.07 (0.64–1.77; Ptrend = 0.673) for vitamin A, 1.00 (0.58–1.71; Ptrend = 0.846) for vitamin C, 0.92 (0.55–1.54; Ptrend = 0.728) for vitamin E, 1.37 (0.85–2.20; Ptrend = 0.135) for selenium, and 1.01 (0.61–1.69; Ptrend = 0.939) for zinc. Stratified analyses showed an inverse association between vitamin E intake and postmenopausal BC (HRT3 vs. T1 = 0.35; 95% CI, 0.14–0.86; Ptrend = 0.027). Our results did not suggest significant protective associations between dietary vitamins A, C, and E, selenium, or zinc and BC risk.
Lycopene: A Critical Review of Digestion, Absorption, Metabolism, and Excretion
Authors: Arballo Joseph , Amengual Jaume , Erdman John W.
Published: February 2021

Lycopene is a non-provitamin A carotenoid that exhibits several health benefits. Epidemiological data support a correlation between lycopene intake and the attenuation of several chronic diseases, including certain types of cancers and cardiovascular diseases. It is currently unknown whether the beneficial effects are from the native structure of lycopene or its metabolic derivatives: lycopenals, lycopenols, and lycopenoic acids. This literature review focuses on the current research on lycopene digestion, absorption, metabolism, and excretion. This review primarily focuses on in vivo studies because of the labile nature and difficulty of studying carotenoids within in vitro experimental models. The studies presented address tissue accumulation of lycopene, the modification of bioavailability due to genetic and dietary factors, and lycopene cleavage by the enzymes ß-carotene oxygenase 1 (BCO1) and ß-carotene oxygenase 2 (BCO2). The current literature suggests that the majority of lycopene is cleaved eccentrically by BCO2, yet further research is needed to probe the enzymatic cleavage activity at the tissue level. Additionally, results indicate that single nucleotide polymorphisms and dietary fat influence lycopene absorption and thus modify its health effects. Further research exploring the metabolism of lycopene, the mechanisms related to its health benefits, and optimal diet composition to increase the bioavailability is required.
Statistical Validation Framework for Automotive Vehicle Simulations Using Uncertainty Learning
Authors: Danquah Benedikt , Riedmaier Stefan , Meral Yasin , Lienkamp Markus
Published: February 2021

The modelling and simulation process in the automotive domain is transforming. Increasing system complexity and variant diversity, especially in new electric powertrain systems, lead to complex, modular simulations that depend on virtual vehicle development, testing and approval. Consequently, the emerging key requirements for automotive validation involve a precise reliability quantification across a large application domain. Validation is unable to meet these requirements because its results provide little information, uncertainties are neglected, the model reliability cannot be easily extrapolated and the resulting application domain is small. In order to address these insufficiencies, this paper develops a statistical validation framework for dynamic systems with changing parameter configurations, thus enabling a flexible validation of complex total vehicle simulations including powertrain modelling. It uses non-deterministic models to consider input uncertainties, applies uncertainty learning to predict inherent model uncertainties and enables precise reliability quantification of arbitrary system parameter configurations to form a large application domain. The paper explains the framework with real-world data from a prototype electric vehicle on a dynamometer, validates it with additional tests and compares it to conventional validation methods. It is published as an open-source document. With the validation information from the framework and the knowledge deduced from the real-world problem, the paper solves its key requirements and offers recommendations on how to efficiently revise models with the framework’s validation results.
Effect of Plasma Activated Water, Hydrogen Peroxide, and Nitrates on Lettuce Growth and Its Physiological Parameters
Authors: Kučerová Katarína , Henselová Mária , Slováková Ľudmila , Bačovčinová Michaela , Hensel Karol
Published: February 2021

Cold plasma generated by atmospheric pressure air discharge is a source of various gaseous reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS). When the plasma is generated in a contact with water, the RONS dissolve into water, change its chemical composition, while producing so-called plasma activated water (PAW). The PAW has the potential to be effectively used in various agricultural applications, as the long lived liquid RONS (H2O2, NO2−, NO3−) may act like signaling molecules in plant metabolism or serve as nutrients. We studied the effect of the PAW on lettuce plants and compared it with the effect of H2O2 and/or NO3− solutions of various concentrations to assess their role in the PAW. The PAW was generated from tap water by DC driven self-pulsing transient spark discharge. Pre-grown lettuce plants were cultivated in pots with soil and irrigated with the PAW or solutions of H2O2 and/or NO3−. After 5 weeks the growth parameters, number and quality of leaves, fresh and dry weight of plants, photosynthetic pigment (chlorophyll a + b) content, photosynthetic rate, and activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, SOD) were evaluated. Lettuce plants irrigated with the PAW in comparison with chemically equivalent solution of H2O2 and NO3− had similar dry weight; however, the PAW induced higher photosynthetic pigment content, higher photosynthetic rate, and lower activity of SOD. The NO3− mainly contributed to the increase of dry weight, photosynthetic pigment content, photosynthetic rate, and overall better appearance of plants. The H2O2 contributed to an increase of dry weight and induced SOD activity. In general, H2O2 and NO3− in proper concentrations can stimulate plant growth and affect their physiological properties.