bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Links Between Arts and Health, Examples From Quantitative Intervention Evaluations
Authors: Theorell Töres
Published: December 2021

The author presents eight of his own group’s studies. They have been published from early 1980s until 2016. Each study will be placed in its scientific context and discussed in relation to possible progress in arts and health research. In these examples, statistical methods with longitudinal designs and mostly control groups have been used. Some of them are randomized controlled trials. Physiological and endocrinological variables have been assessed in some of these studies in efforts to increase our understanding of how music experiences and other kinds of arts experiences interact with bodily reactions of relevance for health development. Although some of the studies have suffered from low statistical power and other methodological weaknesses, they show that it is possible to do statistical evaluations of arts interventions aiming at improved health.
Chinese University Students’ Perceptions of Facilitation Strategies, Learning Motivation, and Satisfaction in Cloud-Based Virtual Classrooms
Authors: Wang Rong , Han Jiying , Gao Chao , Liu Chuanyong
Published: December 2021

This study investigated university students’ perceptions of facilitation strategies, learning motivation, and satisfaction, and the relationships between them in a cloud-based virtual classroom in mainland China. The results of an online questionnaire survey from a sample of 7,210 university students showed that students perceived high levels of facilitation strategies, learning motivation, and satisfaction. Students’ demographic characteristics, such as discipline, university type, gender, and grade, did not significantly affect their perceptions of facilitation strategies and learning outcomes. Instructor-student interaction and instructor innovation were positively related to student learning motivation and satisfaction whereas the relationships between student interaction and learning motivation and satisfaction were weak and had no practical meaning. The findings of this study have implications for creating more effective synchronous online learning environments and achieving desirable learning outcomes.
Development of Down Syndrome Research Over the Last Decades–What Healthcare and Education Professionals Need to Know
Authors: Windsperger Karin , Hoehl Stefanie
Published: December 2021

Down syndrome (DS) is the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder, with a known genetic cause. Besides facial dysmorphologies and congenital and/or acquired medical conditions, the syndrome is characterized by intellectual disability, accelerated aging, and an increased likelihood of an early onset Alzheimer's disease in adulthood. These common patterns of DS are derived from the long-held standard in the field of DS research, that describes individuals with DS as a homogeneous group and compares phenotypic outcomes with either neurotypical controls or other neurodevelopmental disorders. This traditional view has changed, as modern research pinpoints a broad variability in both the occurrence and severity of symptoms across DS, arguing for DS heterogeneity and against a single “DS profile.” Nevertheless, prenatal counseling does not often prioritize the awareness of potential within-group variations of DS, portraying only a vague picture of the developmental outcomes of children with DS to expectant parents. This mini-review provides a concise update on existent information about the heterogeneity of DS from a full-spectrum developmental perspective, within an interdisciplinary context. Knowledge on DS heterogeneity will not only enable professionals to enhance the quality of prenatal counseling, but also help parents to set targeted early interventions, to further optimize daily functions and the quality of life of their children.
Look at the Audience? A Randomized Controlled Study of Shifting Attention From Self-Focus to Nonsocial vs. Social External Stimuli During Virtual Reality Exposure to Public Speaking in Social Anxiety
Authors: Wechsler Theresa F. , Pfaller Michael , Eickels Rahel E. van , Schulz Luise H. , Mühlberger Andreas
Published: December 2021

Background: Enhanced self-focused attention plays a central role in the maintenance and treatment of Social Anxiety and is targeted in contemporary cognitive behavioral therapy. Actual developments use Virtual Reality (VR) for behavioral training. However, no VR attention training combining exposure to public speaking with shifting attention from self-focus to external focus has been investigated, and no experimental evidence exists on different kinds of external cues as targets of attention. Therefore, we investigated the effects of an attention training during public speaking in VR and examined differential effects of an external focus on nonsocial vs. social stimuli.

Methods: In this randomized controlled study, highly socially anxious participants were instructed to focus on either objects or the audience within a virtual speech task. We assessed the pre-post effects on affective reactions, self-perception, and attentional processes during public speaking as well as general Social Anxiety using subjective, physiological, and eye-tracking measures. Repeated-measures analyses of variance (ANOVAs) were calculated to detect changes from pretest to posttest over both groups, and time × group interaction effects.

Results: Within the analysis sample (n = 41), anxiety during public speaking and fear of negative evaluation significantly decreased, with no significant differences between groups. No significant time effect, but a significant time × group effect, was found for the looking time proportion on the audience members' heads. Follow-up tests confirmed a significant increase in the social-focus group and a significant decrease in the nonsocial-focus group. For all other variables, except external focus and fear of public speaking, significant improvements were found over both groups. Further significant time x group effects were found for positive affect during public speaking, with a significant increase in the social focus, and no significant change in the nonsocial-focus group.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that attention training to reduce self-focus can be successfully conducted in VR. Both training versions showed positive short-term effects in the highly socially anxious, with particular advantages of an external social focus concerning eye contact to the audience and positive affect. Further research should investigate whether social focus is even more advantageous long term and if reinterpretations of dysfunctional beliefs could be achieved by not avoiding social cues.
Multidimensional Analysis of Major Depression: Association Between BDNF Methylation, Psychosocial and Cognitive Domains
Authors: Velásquez María Marcela , Gómez-Maquet Yvonne , Ferro Eugenio , Cárdenas Wilmer , González-Nieves Silvia , Lattig María Claudia
Published: December 2021

Major Depression is a complex disorder with a growing incidence worldwide and multiple variables have been associated with its etiology. Nonetheless, its diagnosis is continually changing and the need to understand it from a multidimensional perspective is clear. The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for depression in a case-control study with 100 depressive inpatients and 87 healthy controls. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed including psychosocial factors, cognitive maladaptive schema domains, and specific epigenetic marks (BDNF methylation levels at five CpG sites in promoter IV). A family history of depression, the cognitive schemas of impaired autonomy/performance, impaired limits, other-directedness, and the methylation level of a specific CpG site were identified as predictors. Interestingly, we found a mediating effect of those cognitive schemas in the relationship between childhood maltreatment and depression. Also, we found that depressive patients exhibited hypomethylation in a CpG site of BDNF promoter IV, which adds to the current discussion about the role of methylation in depression. We highlight that determining the methylation of a specific region of a single gene offers the possibility of accessing a highly informative an easily measurable variable, which represents benefits for diagnosis. Following complete replication and validation on larger samples, models like ours could be applicable as additional diagnostic tools in the clinical context.
Reducing Addiction in Bipolar Disorder via Hacking the Dopaminergic System
Authors: Grunze Heinz , Csehi Réka , Born Christoph , Barabássy Ágota
Published: December 2021

The dopaminergic system plays a central and decisive role in substance use disorder (SUD), bipolar disorder (BD), and possibly in a subgroup of patients with refractory depression. Common genetic markers and underlying cellular processes, such as kindling, support the close link between these disorders, which is also expressed by the high rate of comorbidity. Although partial dopamine agonists/antagonists acting on D2 and D3 receptors have an established role in treating BD, their usefulness in SUD is less clear. However, dopamine D3 receptors were shown to play a central role in SUD and BD, making D2/D3 partial agonists/antagonists a potential target for both disorders. This narrative review examines whether these substances bear the promise of a future therapeutic approach especially in patients with comorbid BD and SUD.
Epidemiological Characteristics and Transmissibility of Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Nanning City, China, 2001–2020
Authors: Lin Qian , Deng Bin , Rui Jia , Guo Song-Bai , Hu Qingqing , Chen Qiuping , Tang Chi , Zhou Lina , Zhao Zeyu , Lin Shengnan , Zhu Yuanzhao , Yang Meng , Wang Yao , Xu Jingwen , Liu Xingchun , Yang Tianlong , Li Peihua , Li Zhuoyang , Luo Li , Liu Weikang , Liu Chan , Huang Jiefeng , Yao Min , Nong Mengni , Nong Liping , Wu Jinglan , Luo Na , Chen Shihai , Frutos Roger , Yang Shixiong , Li Qun , Cui Jing-An , Chen Tianmu
Published: December 2021

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a single-stranded RNA virus that can weaken the body's cellular and humoral immunity and is a serious disease without specific drug management and vaccine. This study aimed to evaluate the epidemiologic characteristics and transmissibility of HIV.

Methods: Data on HIV follow-up were collected in Nanning City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous, China. An HIV transmission dynamics model was built to simulate the transmission of HIV and estimate its transmissibility by comparing the effective reproduction number (Reff) at different stages: the rapid growth period from January 2001 to March 2005, slow growth period from April 2005 to April 2011, and the plateau from May 2011 to December 2019 of HIV in Nanning City.

Results: High-risk areas of HIV prevalence in Nanning City were mainly concentrated in suburbs. Furthermore, high-risk groups were those of older age, with lower income, and lower education levels. The Reff in each stage (rapid growth, slow growth, and plateau) were 2.74, 1.62, and 1.15, respectively, which suggests the transmissibility of HIV in Nanning City has declined and prevention and control measures have achieved significant results.

Conclusion: Over the past 20 years, the HIV incidence in Nanning has remained at a relatively high level, but its development trend has been curbed. Transmissibility was reduced from 2.74 to 1.15. Therefore, the prevention and treatment measures in Nanning City have achieved significant improvement.
Essential Oil Disinfectant Efficacy Against SARS-CoV-2 Microbial Surrogates
Authors: Bailey Emily S. , Curcic Marina , Biros Jnev , Erdogmuş Hüseyin , Bac Nurcan , Sacco Albert
Published: December 2021

Reports of COVID-19 cases potentially attributed to fomite transmission led to the extensive use of various disinfectants to control viral spread. Alternative disinfectants, such as essential oils, have emerged as a potential antimicrobial. Four essential oil blends were tested on three different surfaces inoculated with a coronavirus surrogate, bacteriophage Phi 6, and a bacterial indicator, Staphylococcus aureus. Log10 concentration reductions were analyzed using GraphPad Prism software. Data collected in this study show that the application of dilute essential oil disinfectants using a spray delivery device is an effective way to reduce concentrations of bacterial and viral microorganisms on ceramic, stainless steel, and laminate surfaces. Surrogate viruses were reduced up to 6 log10 PFU and bacterial were reduced up to 4 log10 CFU. Although surfaces are no longer considered a high risk fomite for COVID-19 transmission, the disinfection of microorganisms on surfaces remains an important consideration for high touch areas in hospitals, waiting rooms, etc. The application of spray disinfectants, based on essential oil blends, provides a rapid and effective means to reduce microbial contamination on high-touched surfaces.
Adaptive Data Screening for Multi-Angle Polarimetric Aerosol and Ocean Color Remote Sensing Accelerated by Deep Learning
Authors: Gao Meng , Knobelspiesse Kirk , Franz Bryan A. , Zhai Peng-Wang , Martins Vanderlei , Burton Sharon P. , Cairns Brian , Ferrare Richard , Fenn Marta A. , Hasekamp Otto , Hu Yongxiang , Ibrahim Amir , Sayer Andrew M. , Werdell P. Jeremy , Xu Xiaoguang
Published: December 2021

Remote sensing measurements from multi-angle polarimeters (MAPs) contain rich aerosol microphysical property information, and these sensors have been used to perform retrievals in optically complex atmosphere and ocean systems. Previous studies have concluded that, generally, five moderately separated viewing angles in each spectral band provide sufficient accuracy for aerosol property retrievals, with performance gradually saturating as angles are added above that threshold. The Hyper-Angular Rainbow Polarimeter (HARP) instruments provide high angular sampling with a total of 90–120 unique angles across four bands, a capability developed mainly for liquid cloud retrievals. In practice, not all view angles are optimal for aerosol retrievals due to impacts of clouds, sunglint, and other impediments. The many viewing angles of HARP can provide resilience to these effects, if the impacted views are screened from the dataset, as the remaining views may be sufficient for successful analysis. In this study, we discuss how the number of available viewing angles impacts aerosol and ocean color retrieval uncertainties, as applied to two versions of the HARP instrument. AirHARP is an airborne prototype that was deployed in the ACEPOL field campaign, while HARP2 is an instrument in development for the upcoming NASA Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem (PACE) mission. Based on synthetic data, we find that a total of 20–30 angles across all bands (i.e., five to eight viewing angles per band) are sufficient to achieve good retrieval performance. Following from this result, we develop an adaptive multi-angle polarimetric data screening (MAPDS) approach to evaluate data quality by comparing measurements with their best-fitted forward model. The FastMAPOL retrieval algorithm is used to retrieve scene geophysical values, by matching an efficient, deep learning-based, radiative transfer emulator to observations. The data screening method effectively identifies and removes viewing angles affected by thin cirrus clouds and other anomalies, improving retrieval performance. This was tested with AirHARP data, and we found agreement with the High Spectral Resolution Lidar-2 (HSRL-2) aerosol data. The data screening approach can be applied to modern satellite remote sensing missions, such as PACE, where a large amount of multi-angle, hyperspectral, polarimetric measurements will be collected.
The Impact of Assuming Perfect Foresight When Planning Infrastructure in the Water–Energy–Food Nexus
Authors: Payet-Burin Raphael , Kromman Mikkel , Pereira-Cardenal Silvio J. , Strzepek Kenneth M. , Bauer-Gottwein Peter
Published: December 2021

Perfect foresight hydroeconomic optimization models are tools to evaluate impacts of water infrastructure investments and policies considering complex system interlinkages. However, when assuming perfect foresight, optimal management decisions are found assuming perfect knowledge of climate and runoff, which might bias the economic evaluation of investments and policies. We investigate the impacts of assuming perfect foresight by using Model Predictive Control (MPC) as an alternative. We apply MPC in WHAT-IF, a hydroeconomic optimization model, for two study cases: a synthetic setup inspired by the Nile River, and a large-scale investment problem on the Zambezi River Basin considering the water–energy–food nexus. We validate the MPC framework against Stochastic Dynamic Programming and observe more realistic modeled reservoir operation compared to perfect foresight, especially regarding anticipation of spills and droughts. We find that the impact of perfect foresight on total system benefits remains small (<2%). However, when evaluating investments and policies using with-without analysis, perfect foresight is found to overestimate or underestimate values of investments by more than 20% in some scenarios. As the importance of different effects varies between scenarios, it is difficult to find general, case-independent guidelines predicting whether perfect foresight is a reasonable assumption. However, we find that the uncertainty linked to climate change in our study cases has more significant impacts than the assumption of perfect foresight. Hence, we recommend MPC to perform the economic evaluation of investments and policies, however, under high uncertainty of future climate, increased computational costs of MPC must be traded off against computational costs of exhaustive scenario exploration.
Villagers’ Perception and Attitude Toward Wetland Values and Conservation in Vietnam: A Case Study of Xuan Thuy Ramsar National Park
Authors: Truong Dinh Duc
Published: December 2021

Perception and attitude toward wetland values and conservation are essential to the sustainable management and wise use of this resource. This study examined the attitudes of local communities towards the values and management of Xuan Thuy National Park (XTNP) in Vietnam. The study also explores factors affecting conservation attitudes in the study area. A survey was implemented to 677 households randomly selected in five communes adjacent to XTNP. In addition, focus group discussions, and interviews with selected key informants were conducted. The study shows that local villagers generally hold positive attitudes towards wetland conservation. However, awareness of the threats to wetlands and the national park rules are not high. People are willing to sacrifice part of their income to preserve wetlands for future generations. Age, length of residency, and schooling year are observed to be significantly impacting attitudes towards wetland conservation. It is critical to connect management agencies and people to propagate conservation regulations and XTNP zoning for sustainable wetland management and conservation. Social networks and the internet are potential vehicles for increasing understanding and connection.
Isolated Joint Block Progression Training Improves Leaping Performance in Dancers
Authors: Rice Paige E. , Nishikawa Kiisa , Nimphius Sophia
Published: December 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a 12-week ankle-specific block progression training program on saut de chat leaping performance [leap height, peak power (PP), joint kinetics and kinematics], maximal voluntary isometric plantar flexion (MVIP) strength, and Achilles tendon (AT) stiffness. Dancers (training group n = 7, control group n = 7) performed MVIP at plantarflexed (10◦) and neutral ankle positions (0◦) followed by ramping isometric contractions equipped with ultrasound to assess strength and AT stiffness, respectively. Dancers also performed saut de chat leaps surrounded by 3-D motion capture atop force platforms to determine center of mass and joint kinematics and kinetics. The training group then followed a 12-week ankle-focused program including isometric, dynamic constant external resistance, accentuated eccentric loading, and plyometric training modalities, while the control group continued dancing normally. We found that the training group's saut de chat ankle PP (59.8%), braking ankle stiffness (69.6%), center of mass PP (11.4%), and leap height (12.1%) significantly increased following training. We further found that the training group's MVIP significantly increased at 10◦ (17.0%) and 0◦ (12.2%) along with AT stiffness (29.6%), while aesthetic leaping measures were unchanged (peak split angle, mean trunk angle, trunk angle range). Ankle-specific block progression training appears to benefit saut de chat leaping performance, PP output, ankle-joint kinetics, maximal strength, and AT stiffness, while not affecting kinematic aesthetic measures. We speculate that the combined training blocks elicited physiological changes and enhanced neuromuscular synchronization for increased saut de chat leaping performance in this cohort of dancers.
Proposed Prediction Model and Nomogram for Systemic Complications in Patients Undergoing Free Flap Head and Neck Reconstruction
Authors: Burkhard John-Patrik M. , Giger Roland , Huber Markus B. , Schaller Benoît , Little Ayla , Khalil Sherin , Engel Dominique , Löffel Lukas M. , Wuethrich Patrick Y.
Published: December 2021

Postoperative complications in head and neck surgery are well-known, but a predictive model to guide clinicians in free flap reconstructions has not been established. This retrospective single-center observational study assessed 131 patients who underwent ablative surgery and received free flap reconstruction. Primary endpoint was the occurrence of systemic complications (PSC). Secondary endpoint was the generation of a nomogram of complications according to the CDC classification. In the ordinal regression model, postoperative administration of furosemide [1.36 (0.63–2.11), p < 0.0001], blood loss [0.001 (0.0004–0.0020), p = 0.004], postoperative nadir hemoglobin [−0.03 (−0.07–0.01), p = 0.108], smoking [0.72 (0.02–1.44), p = 0.043], and type of flap reconstruction [1.01 (0.21–1.84), p = 0.014] as predictors. A nomogram with acceptable discrimination was proposed (Somer's delta: 0.52). Application of this nomogram in clinical practice could help identify potentially modifiable risk factors and thus reduce the incidence of postoperative complications in patients undergoing microvascular reconstruction of the head and neck.
An Adverse Outcome Pathway for Decreased Lung Function Focusing on Mechanisms of Impaired Mucociliary Clearance Following Inhalation Exposure
Authors: Luettich Karsta , Sharma Monita , Yepiskoposyan Hasmik , Breheny Damien , Lowe Frazer J.
Published: December 2021

Adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) help to organize available mechanistic information related to an adverse outcome into key events (KEs) spanning all organizational levels of a biological system(s). AOPs, therefore, aid in the biological understanding of a particular pathogenesis and also help with linking exposures to eventual toxic effects. In the regulatory context, knowledge of disease mechanisms can help design testing strategies usingin vitromethods that can measure or predict KEs relevant to the biological effect of interest. The AOP described here evaluates the major processes known to be involved in regulating efficient mucociliary clearance (MCC) following exposures causing oxidative stress. MCC is a key aspect of the innate immune defense against airborne pathogens and inhaled chemicals and is governed by the concerted action of its functional components, the cilia and airway surface liquid (ASL). The AOP network described here consists of sequences of KEs that culminate in the modulation of ciliary beat frequency and ASL height as well as mucus viscosity and hence, impairment of MCC, which in turn leads to decreased lung function.
Use of Thoracic Ultrasonography to Improve Disease Detection in Experimental BRD Infection
Authors: Porter Madison M. , McDonald Paiton O. , Slate Jamison R. , Kreuder Amanda J. , McGill Jodi L.
Published: December 2021

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is caused by complex interactions between viral and bacterial pathogens, host immune status, and environmental stressors. In both clinical and research settings, current methods for detecting BRD in calves commonly focus on visual indicators such as attitude, nasal discharge, and cough, in addition to vital signs such as rectal temperature and respiration rate. Recently, thoracic ultrasonography (TUS) has become more commonly used in clinical settings, in addition to physical examination to diagnose BRD. To assess the value of performing TUS during experimental BRD infection, 32 calves were challenged with bovine respiratory syncytial virus, to mimic a viral infection, and 30 calves were infected with Mannheimia haemolytica, to mimic a bacterial infection. TUS was performed at regular intervals using a standardized method and scoring system in addition to daily clinical scoring. Although overall correlations between clinical scores and TUS scores were generally weak (maximum R2 = 0.3212), TUS identified calves with abnormal lung pathology that would have otherwise been misclassified on the basis of clinical scoring alone, both on arrival and throughout the studies. In addition, TUS had an increased correlation with gross lung pathology on necropsy (maximum R2 = 0.5903), as compared to clinical scoring (maximum R2 = 0.3352). Our results suggest that TUS can provide additional information on calf health at enrollment and throughout a study and may provide an alternative to terminal studies, due to the high correlation with lung pathology at necropsy.
Short and Medium Chain Fatty Acids and Their Derivatives as a Natural Strategy in the Control of Necrotic Enteritis and Microbial Homeostasis in Broiler Chickens
Authors: Gomez-Osorio Luis-Miguel , Yepes-Medina Veronica , Ballou Anne , Parini Manuela , Angel Roselina
Published: December 2021

The use of antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) has historically been the most important prophylactic strategy for the control of Necrotic Enteritis (NE) caused by some Clostridium perfringens toxin types in poultry. During the last five decades, AGPs have also been supplemented in feed to improve body weight gain and feed efficiency as well as to modulate the microbiome (consisting of microbes and their genes both beneficial and potentially harmful) and reduce enteric pathogens, among other benefits. New regulatory requirements and consumer preferences have led to strong interest in natural alternatives to the AGPs for the prevention and control of illnesses caused by enteric pathogens. This interest is not just focused on the direct removal or inhibition of the causative microorganisms but also the improvement of intestinal health and homeostasis using a range of feed additives. A group of promising feed additives is short- and medium-chain fatty acids (SCFA and MCFA, respectively) and their derivatives. The use of SCFA and MCFA, including butyric, caproic, caprylic, capric, and lauric acids, has shown strong effects against NE in broilers both at experimental and commercial levels. These fatty acids also benefit intestinal health integrity and homeostasis. Other effects have also been documented, including increases in intestinal angiogenesis and gene expression of tight junctions. Chemical modifications to improve stability and point of release in the intestine have been shown to improve the efficacy of SCFA and MCFA and their derivatives. The aim of this review is to give an overview of SCFA, MCFA and their derivatives, as an alternative to replace AGPs to control the incidence and severity of NE in poultry.
The Impact of Cultural Capital on Development of Entrepreneurship in Wales
Authors: Azubayeva Balaussa
Published: December 2021

The focus of this paper is the impact of parental cultural capital on offspring’s occupational choice in relation to entrepreneurship. Despite growing interest to cultural motives for entrepreneurship on an individual level, few studies link these two domains empirically. This study follows the Culture Based Development research paradigm (CBD) developed by Tubadji and explores how culture influences occupational choices of school graduates during school-to-work transition. The main hypothesis of this paper is that sons of entrepreneurs are more likely to choose transitions into entrepreneurship after graduating school. I test three hypotheses on a unique historic dataset from Wales, UK, employing Probit analysis. I found a significant correlation between entrepreneurial background of father and son’s entrepreneurial entry. Poor socio-economic status of a father is also a predictor of entry into entrepreneurship of their son, motivated by necessity. The findings of this research contributed to the applicability of CBD to a historic dataset of earlier periods to capture a significant cultural impact on entrepreneurship development in Wales, UK.
First Detection and Characterization of Cross- and Multiple Resistance to Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase (ACCase)- and Acetolactate Synthase (ALS)-Inhibiting Herbicides in Black-Grass (Alopecurus myosuroides) and Italian Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) Populations from Ireland
Authors: Alwarnaidu Vijayarajan Vijaya Bhaskar , Forristal Patrick D , Cook Sarah K , Schilder David , Staples Jimmy , Hennessy Michael , Barth Susanne
Published: December 2021

Understanding the resistance spectrum and underlying genetic mechanisms is critical for managing herbicide-resistant populations. In this study, resistance to acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACCase) and acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitors was investigated in four suspected resistant populations of Alopecurus myosuroides (ALOMY-001 to ALOMY-004) and Lolium multiflorum (LOLMU-001 to LOLMU-004), collected from cereal production fields in Ireland. Glasshouse assays with three ALOMY-active herbicides [propaquizafop, cycloxydim (ACCase) and mesosulfuron + iodosulfuron (ALS)] or five LOLMU-active herbicides [pinoxaden, propaquizafop, cycloxydim (ACCase) and mesosulfuron + iodosulfuron, pyroxsulam (ALS)], and target-site resistance mechanism studies, based on pyrosequencing, were carried out in each of those populations. For A. myosuroides, Ile-1781-Leu ACCase mutation contributed to propaquizafop and cycloxydim resistance (shoot dry weight GR50 resistance factor (RF) = 7.5–35.5) in all ALOMY populations, and the independent Pro-197-Thr or Pro-197-Ser ALS mutation contributed to mesosulfuron + iodosulfuron resistance (RF = 3.6–6.6), in ALOMY-002 to ALOMY-004. Most of the analyzed plants for these mutations were homo/heterozygous combinations or only heterozygous. For L. multiflorum, phenotypic resistance to mesosulfuron + iodosulfuron (RF = 11.9–14.6) and pyroxsulam (RF = 2.3–3.1) was noted in all LOLMU populations, but the Pro-197-Gln or Pro-197-Leu ALS mutation (mostly in homozygous status) was identified in LOLMU-001, LOLMU-002 and LOLMU-004 only. Additionally, despite no known ACCase mutations in any LOLMU populations, LOLMU-002 survived pinoxaden and propaquizafop application (RF = 3.4 or 1.3), and LOLMU-003 survived pinoxaden (RF = 2.3), suggesting the possibility of non-target-site resistance mechanisms for ACCase and/or ALS resistance in these populations. Different resistance levels, as evidenced by a reduction in growth as dose increased above field rates in ALOMY and LOLMU, were due to variations in mutation rate and the level of heterozygosity, resulting in an overall resistance rating of low to moderate. This is the first study confirming cross- and multiple resistance to ACCase- and ALS-inhibiting herbicides, highlighting that resistance monitoring in A. myosuroides and L. multiflorum in Ireland is critical, and the adoption of integrated weed management strategies (chemical and non-chemical/cultural strategies) is essential.
Genomic Selection and Genome-Wide Association Studies for Grain Protein Content Stability in a Nested Association Mapping Population of Wheat
Authors: Sandhu Karansher S. , Mihalyov Paul D. , Lewien Megan J. , Pumphrey Michael O. , Carter Arron H.
Published: December 2021

Grain protein content (GPC) is controlled by complex genetic systems and their interactions and is an important quality determinant for hard spring wheat as it has a positive effect on bread and pasta quality. GPC is variable among genotypes and strongly influenced by the environment. Thus, understanding the genetic control of wheat GPC and identifying genotypes with improved stability is an important breeding goal. The objectives of this research were to identify genetic backgrounds with less variation for GPC across environments and identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling the stability of GPC. A spring wheat nested association mapping (NAM) population of 650 recombinant inbred lines (RIL) derived from 26 diverse founder parents crossed to one common parent, ‘Berkut’, was phenotyped over three years of field trials (2014–2016). Genomic selection models were developed and compared based on predictions of GPC and GPC stability. After observing variable genetic control of GPC within the NAM population, seven RIL families displaying reduced marker-by-environment interaction were selected based on a stability index derived from a Finlay–Wilkinson regression. A genome-wide association study identified eighteen significant QTLs for GPC stability with a Bonferroni-adjusted p-value < 0.05 using four different models and out of these eighteen QTLs eight were identified by two or more GWAS models simultaneously. This study also demonstrated that genome-wide prediction of GPC with ridge regression best linear unbiased estimates reached up to r = 0.69. Genomic selection can be used to apply selection pressure for GPC and improve genetic gain for GPC.
Management Fusarium Wilt Disease in Tomato by Combinations of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and Peppermint Oil
Authors: Mousa Magdi A. A. , Abo-Elyousr Kamal A. M. , Abdel Alal Ahmed M. K. , Alshareef Nouf Owdah
Published: December 2021

The most important disease of tomato is Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (FOL). To control this disease, this study examined the combined use of bacterial bioagents and peppermint oil (PO). Seven bacterial isolates were collected from tomato plant rhizospheres and tested in vitro against FOL. The highest growth inhibition against FOL was shown by isolate No.3. This isolate was identified using 16S rRNA sequencing gene as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (BA). Peppermint oil tested at different concentrations (1, 2, and 3%) against FOL mycelial growth in vitro showed the highest inhibition at 3%. The effects of BA, PO, and BA + PO in vitro on the seed germination and seedling vigor index of the tomato cv. ‘Tala F1’ was also tested. All “BA, PO, and BA + PO” treatments increased the percentage of germinated seeds and seedlings’ main shoots and root length compared to control treated seeds. The BA, PO, and BA + PO treatments were further tested under greenhouse and field conditions with pre-treated seedlings in FOL-contaminated soil. Under greenhouse conditions, each treatment decreased disease severity compared to untreated seedlings. Under field conditions, pre-treatment of tomato seedlings with BA and PO treatments reduced disease severity greater than BA + PO in combination and the mock-treated plants (66.6% for BA, 66.6% for PO and 55.3% for BA + PO, respectively). These findings support the use of BA or PO as bio-control agents against F. oxysporum in tomato. The interplay between peppermint oil, B. amyloliquefaciens, F. oxysporum, and the host plant requires further study to identify the causative mechanism for this increased disease resistance.
Use of X-ray Mutagenesis to Increase Genetic Diversity of Zantedeschia aethiopica for Early Flowering, Improved Tolerance to Bacterial Soft Rot, and Higher Yield
Authors: Reznik Noam , Subedi Bijaya Sharma , Weizman Shoshana , Friesem Gavriel , Carmi Nir , Yedidia Iris , Sharon-Cohen Michal
Published: December 2021

The development of new cultivars is important for the profitability of the floriculture industry. There is a limited number of cultivars of Zantedeschia aethiopica, an iconic ornamental cut flower, garden plant, and potted plant, because of the incompatibility of interspecific crossings within the genus. Most present-day varieties are the result of spontaneous mutations or classical breeding within the species, followed by a long selection process. Here, Z. aethiopica mutants were generated by treating seeds with 100 Gy of X-ray radiation. The resulting putative mutants were selected based on particular flowering parameters and compared to nonirradiated, control plants. Over two growing seasons, characteristics such as early flowering, flower size and shape, yield, and response to soft-rot disease were monitored, and considerable variation was observed among the mutated lines. Out of 319 mutants, 20 lines were selected based on their phenotypes and then propagated and further analyzed. Within this group, only two phenotypes displayed at least five improved flowering properties under natural Mediterranean conditions. The rest displayed two to four desired combinations of flowering traits, some with great commercial potential.
A Review of 3-Nitrooxypropanol for Enteric Methane Mitigation from Ruminant Livestock
Authors: Yu Guanghui , Beauchemin Karen A. , Dong Ruilan
Published: December 2021

Methane (CH4) from enteric fermentation accounts for 3 to 5% of global anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change. Cost-effective strategies are needed to reduce feed energy losses as enteric CH4 while improving ruminant production efficiency. Mitigation strategies need to be environmentally friendly, easily adopted by producers and accepted by consumers. However, few sustainable CH4 mitigation approaches are available. Recent studies show that the chemically synthesized CH4 inhibitor 3-nitrooxypropanol is one of the most effective approaches for enteric CH4 abatement. 3-nitrooxypropanol specifically targets the methyl-coenzyme M reductase and inhibits the final catalytic step in methanogenesis in rumen archaea. Providing 3-nitrooxypropanol to dairy and beef cattle in research studies has consistently decreased enteric CH4 production by 30% on average, with reductions as high as 82% in some cases. Efficacy is positively related to 3-NOP dose and negatively affected by neutral detergent fiber concentration of the diet, with greater responses in dairy compared with beef cattle when compared at the same dose. This review collates the current literature on 3-nitrooxypropanol and examines the overall findings of meta-analyses and individual studies to provide a synthesis of science-based information on the use of 3-nitrooxypropanol for CH4 abatement. The intent is to help guide commercial adoption at the farm level in the future. There is a significant body of peer-reviewed scientific literature to indicate that 3-nitrooxypropanol is effective and safe when incorporated into total mixed rations, but further research is required to fully understand the long-term effects and the interactions with other CH4 mitigating compounds.
Factors Influencing Proteolysis and Protein Utilization in the Intestine of Pigs: A Review
Authors: Kurz Alina , Seifert Jana
Published: December 2021

Pigs are among the most important farm animals for meat production worldwide. In order to meet the amino acid requirements of the animals, pigs rely on the regular intake of proteins and amino acids with their feed. Unfortunately, pigs excrete about two thirds of the used protein, and production of pork is currently associated with a high emission of nitrogen compounds resulting in negative impacts on the environment. Thus, improving protein efficiency in pigs is a central aim to decrease the usage of protein carriers in feed and to lower nitrogen emissions. This is necessary as the supply of plant protein sources is limited by the yield and the cultivable acreage for protein plants. Strategies to increase protein efficiency that go beyond the known feeding options have to be investigated considering the characteristics of the individual animals. This requires a deep understanding of the intestinal processes including enzymatic activities, capacities of amino acid transporters and the microbiome. This review provides an overview of these physiological factors and the respective analyses methods.
Vaccination against the Koala Retrovirus (KoRV): Problems and Strategies
Authors: Denner Joachim
Published: December 2021

The koala retrovirus (KoRV) is spreading in the koala population from the north to the south of Australia and is also in the process of endogenization into the koala genome. Virus infection is associated with tumorigenesis and immunodeficiency and is contributing to the decline of the animal population. Antibody production is an excellent marker of retrovirus infection; however, animals carrying endogenous KoRV are tolerant. Therefore, the therapeutic immunization of animals carrying endogenous KoRV seems to be ineffective. Using the recombinant transmembrane (TM) envelope protein of the KoRV, we immunized goats, rats and mice, obtaining in all cases neutralizing antibodies which recognize epitopes in the fusion peptide proximal region (FPPR), and in the membrane-proximal external region (MPER). Immunizing several animal species with the corresponding TM envelope protein of the closely related porcine endogenous retrovirus (PERV), as well as the feline leukemia virus (FeLV), we also induced neutralizing antibodies with similar epitopes. Immunizing with the TM envelope protein in addition to the surface envelope proteins of all three viruses resulted in higher titers of neutralizing antibodies. Immunizing KoRV-negative koalas with our vaccine (which is composed of both envelope proteins) may protect these animals from infection, and these may be the starting points of a virus-free population.
How Socioeconomic, Health Seeking Behaviours, and Educational Factors Are Affecting the Knowledge and Use of Antibiotics in Four Different Cities in Asia
Authors: Chow Susan Ka Yee , Tao Xingjuan , Zhu Xuejiao , Niyomyart Atsadaporn , Choi Edward
Published: December 2021

Antibiotic resistance is occurring widely throughout the world and is affecting people of all ages. Socioeconomic factors, education, use of antibiotics, knowledge of antibiotics, and antibiotic resistance were assessed in four cities in Asia, namely Hong Kong, Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Bangkok. A survey using cluster sampling was used in 2021 to collect data on 642 subjects. Hongkongers used less antibiotics and were knowledgeable about using antibiotics to treat diseases, while Shanghainese were knowledgeable about antibiotic resistance. The multi-linear regression model reported that respondents who lived in Hong Kong (β = 0.744 (95% CI: 0.36–1.128), Shanghai (β = 1.65 (95% CI: 1.267–2.032), and Hangzhou (β = 1.393 (95% CI: 0.011–1.775) (reference group: Bangkok), who had higher scores on antibiotics knowledge (β = 0.161 (95% CI: 0.112–0.21)), higher educational attainment (β = 0.46 (95% CI: 0.296–0.625)), and who were more likely to consult a doctor on using antibiotics (β = 1.102 (95% CI: 0.606–1.598)), were more likely to give correct answers about antibiotic resistance, p < 0.001. Older respondents were less likely to answer the items correctly (β = −0.194 (95% CI: −0.333–−0.055), p < 0.01. When educating the public on the proper use of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance, multiple strategies could be considered for people from all walks of life, as well as target different age groups.
The Spread of NDM-1 and NDM-7-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae Is Driven by Multiclonal Expansion of High-Risk Clones in Healthcare Institutions in the State of Pará, Brazilian Amazon Region
Authors: Rodrigues Yan Corrêa , Lobato Amália Raiana Fonseca , Quaresma Ana Judith Pires Garcia , Guerra Lívia Maria Guimarães Dutra , Brasiliense Danielle Murici
Published: December 2021

Carbapenem resistance among Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates is often related to carbapenemase genes, located in genetic transmissible elements, particularly the blaKPC gene, which variants are spread in several countries. Recently, reports of K. pneumoniae isolates harboring the blaNDM gene have increased dramatically along with the dissemination of epidemic high-risk clones (HRCs). In the present study, we report the multiclonal spread of New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase (NDM)-producing K. pneumoniae in different healthcare institutions in the state of Pará, Northern Brazil. A total of 23 NDM-producing isolates were tested regarding antimicrobial susceptibility testing features, screening of carbapenemase genes, and genotyping by multilocus sequencing typing (MLST). All K. pneumoniae isolates were determined as multidrug-resistant (MDR), being mainly resistant to carbapenems, cephalosporins, and fluoroquinolones. The blaNDM-7 (60.9%—14/23) and blaNDM-1 (34.8%—8/23) variants were detected. MLST genotyping revealed the predomination of HRCs, including ST11/CC258, ST340/CC258, ST15/CC15, ST392/CC147, among others. To conclude, the present study reveals the contribution of HRCs and non-HRCs in the spread of NDM-1 and NDM-7-producing K. pneumoniae isolates in Northern (Amazon region) Brazil, along with the first detection of NDM-7 variant in Latin America and Brazil, highlighting the need for surveillance and control of strains that may negatively impact healthcare and antimicrobial resistance.
Nitric Oxide Ameliorates Plant Metal Toxicity by Increasing Antioxidant Capacity and Reducing Pb and Cd Translocation
Authors: Emamverdian Abolghassem , Ding Yulong , Barker James , Mokhberdoran Farzad , Ramakrishnan Muthusamy , Liu Guohua , Li Yang
Published: December 2021

Recently, nitric oxide (NO) has been reported to increase plant resistance to heavy metal stress. In this regard, an in vitro tissue culture experiment was conducted to evaluate the role of the NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) in the alleviation of heavy metal toxicity in a bamboo species (Arundinaria pygmaea) under lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) toxicity. The treatment included 200 µmol of heavy metals (Pb and Cd) alone and in combination with 200 µM SNP: NO donor, 0.1% Hb, bovine hemoglobin (NO scavenger), and 50 µM L-NAME, N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (NO synthase inhibitor) in four replications in comparison to controls. The results demonstrated that the addition of L-NAME and Hb as an NO synthase inhibitor and NO scavenger significantly increased oxidative stress and injured the cell membrane of the bamboo species. The addition of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) for NO synthesis increased antioxidant activity, protein content, photosynthetic properties, plant biomass, and plant growth under heavy metal (Pb and Cd) toxicity. It was concluded that NO can increase plant tolerance for metal toxicity with some key mechanisms, such as increasing antioxidant activities, limiting metal translocation from roots to shoots, and diminishing metal accumulation in the roots, shoots, and stems of bamboo species under heavy metal toxicity (Pb and Cd).