bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Post-translational modifications and their implications in cancer
Authors: Dutta Hashnu , Jain Nishant
Published: September 2023

Post-translational modifications (PTMs) are crucial regulatory mechanisms that alter the properties of a protein by covalently attaching a modified chemical group to some of its amino acid residues. PTMs modulate essential physiological processes such as signal transduction, metabolism, protein localization, and turnover and have clinical relevance in cancer and age-related pathologies. Majority of proteins undergo post-translational modifications, irrespective of their occurrence in or after protein biosynthesis. Post-translational modifications link to amino acid termini or side chains, causing the protein backbone to get cleaved, spliced, or cyclized, to name a few. These chemical modifications expand the diversity of the proteome and regulate protein activity, structure, locations, functions, and protein-protein interactions (PPIs). This ability to modify the physical and chemical properties and functions of proteins render PTMs vital. To date, over 200 different protein modifications have been reported, owing to advanced detection technologies. Some of these modifications include phosphorylation, glycosylation, methylation, acetylation, and ubiquitination. Here, we discuss about the existing as well as some novel post-translational protein modifications, with their implications in aberrant states, which will help us better understand the modified sites in different proteins and the effect of PTMs on protein functions in core biological processes and progression in cancer.
Case report: Successful treatment of recurrent E. coli infection with bacteriophage therapy for patient suffering from chronic bacterial prostatitis
Authors: Johri Apurva Virmani , Johri Pranav , Hoyle Naomi , Nadareishvili Lia , Pipia Levan , Nizharadze Dea
Published: September 2023

Background: Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis (CBP) is inflammation of the prostate caused by bacterial infection. An estimated 8.2% of men have prostatitis, most commonly under the age of 50. Antibiotics often fail to treat CBP due to presence of bacterial biofilms and rising antibiotic resistance of pathogenic bacterial strains. The multidrug resistant (MDR) bacterial strains often implicated in cases of CBP include Extended Spectrum Beta Lactam resistant Escherichia coli, Vancomycin resistant Enterococci, Gram-positive bacterial strains like Staphylococci and Streptococci, Enterobacteriaceae like Klebsiella and Proteus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. CBP patients experience significant deterioration in quality of life, with impact on mental health comparable with patients of diabetes mellitus and chronic heart failure, leading patients to explore alternatives like phage therapy.

Case presentation: We present the case of a patient diagnosed with and exhibiting typical symptoms of CBP. Tests of the prostatic and seminal fluids identified E. coli as the causative pathogen. The patient did not experience favourable long-term treatment outcomes despite repeated antibiotic courses administered over 5 years. This led him to seek phage therapy for treatment of his condition.

Methods and outcome: The cultured strain of E. coli was tested against bacteriophage preparations developed by the Eliava Institute, Georgia. Preparations showing lytic activity against the strain were used for the patient’s treatment at the Eliava Phage Therapy Center (EPTC). The patient underwent two courses of treatment with the EPTC. The first treatment course resulted in significant symptomatic improvement, followed by complete resolution of symptoms post the second course of phage therapy. Samples tested during treatment showed declining bacterial growth, corresponding with symptomatic improvement. Post-treatment cultures had no growth of pathogenic bacteria.

Discussion: This case illustrates the efficacy of bacteriophages in treating CBP, a condition that is often resistant to antibiotic therapies. Antibiotics such as ofloxacin, Fosfomycin, trimethoprim, nitrofurantoin and ceftriaxone were administered in multiple courses over 5 years, but the infection recurred after each course. After two courses of phage therapy, the patient experienced long-term symptom resolution and substantial reduction in bacterial load. Increasing numbers of such cases globally warrant further research into the potential for bacteriophages for treating MDR and chronic infections.
Locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma treatment efficacy and safety: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Huanhuan , Zheng Zhuangzhuang , Zhang Yangyu , Bian Chenbin , Bao Jindian , Xin Ying , Jiang Xin
Published: September 2023

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) accounts for approximately 3% of new cancer cases and 3% of all deaths worldwide. Most HNSCC patients are locally advanced (LA) at diagnosis. The combination of radiotherapy (RT), chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy are the primary LA-HNSCC treatment options. Nevertheless, the choice of optimal LA-HNSCC treatment remains controversial. We systematically searched public databases for LA-HNSCC-related studies and assess treatment effectiveness and safety by assessing the objective response rate (ORR), ≥3 adverse events (AEs), overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), disease-free survival (DFS), local-region control (LRC), and disease-specific survival (DSS). 126 randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) were included in this study. We show that concurrent RT with nimotuzumab or conventional concurrent chemo-radiotherapy (CCRT) had significantly better efficacy and long-term survival without increasing AEs than RT alone. Accelerated fractionated radiotherapy (AFRT) showed better efficiency than conventional fractionated RT, although it had higher AEs. In addition, concurrent cetuximab combined with RT failed to show a significant advantage over RT alone.

Trial registration: PROSPERO CRD42022352127.
A novel approach for quantitative imaging of the seated anatomy of the buttocks using ultrasound and MRI
Authors: Mogale Nkhensani , Scott Justin D. , Schanz Daniel , Ilyasov Viktor , Bush Tamara Reid , van Schoor Albert-Neels , Slade Jill M.
Published: September 2023

Background:Pressure injuries are commonly noted in individuals who use wheelchairs for mobility and sit for prolonged periods. Understanding soft tissue composition is an essential part of treating and preventing pressure injuries. This study proposes novel approaches for imaging the soft tissue of the buttocks in unloaded and loaded conditions using ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods:The soft tissue of the buttocks was measured in able-bodied participants (n= 26, 50% female) and one male with a spinal cord injury using an innovative chair that allowed seated US acquisition of the buttocks and a newly developed MRI compatible loader. The US test–retest reliability (reproducibility) of buttocks soft tissue was assessed, and US was validated with MRI. Soft tissue was measured between the peak of the ischial tuberosity (IT) and proximal femur and the skin. MRI was used to quantify the fat fraction of the gluteus maximus muscle, with the goal of determining the influence of intramuscular fat on loaded soft tissue responses and was used to assess tissue thickness during buttocks loading.

Results:US reproducibility was excellent, ICC = 0.934–0.981, with no statistical differences between scan days. Coefficients of variation (CVs) between visits ranged from 2.5% to 7.4% for loaded and unloaded tissue. US and MRI measures of tissue thickness were significantly correlated (r = 0.68–0.91,p≤ 0.001). US underestimated the unloaded tissue thicknesses, with a mean bias of 0.39–0.56 cm. When the buttocks were loaded, US- and MRI-measured total tissue thickness was reduced by up to 64.2% ± 9.1% (p< 0.001). The US- and MRI-unloaded total soft tissue of the IT was correlated with loaded tissue thickness (r = 0.54–0.67,p≤ 0.027). Intramuscular fat of the gluteus maximus was not correlated to changes in muscle thickness with loading (r = 0.05,p> 0.05).

Conclusion:We have developed and validated a novel US methodology using MRI as a comparison measure to investigate soft tissue anatomy and deformation during sitting and loading. The ability to obtain such data in the loaded condition is unique and fills an unmet need in understanding loading and pressure injury formation.
Metabolomics and transcriptomics analyses for characterizing the alkaloid metabolism of Chinese jujube and sour jujube fruits
Authors: Xue Xiaofang , Zhao Ailing , Wang Yongkang , Ren Haiyan , Su Wanlong , Li Yi , Shi Meijuan , Liu Li , Li Dengke
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Jujube is an important economic forest tree whose fruit is rich in alkaloids. Chinese jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) and sour jujube (Ziziphus spinosa Hu.) are the two most important species of the jujube genus. However, the mechanisms underlying the synthesis and metabolism of alkaloids in jujube fruits remain poorly understood.

Methods

In this study, the fruits of Ziziphus jujuba ‘Hupingzao’ and Ziziphus spinosa ‘Taigusuanzao’ in different harvest stages were used as test materials, we first integrated widely targeted metabolomics and transcriptomics analyses to elucidate the metabolism of alkaloids of jujube fruits.

Results

In the metabolomics analysis, 44 alkaloid metabolites were identified in 4 samples, 3 of which were unique to sour jujube fruit. The differential alkaloid metabolites (DAMs) were more accumulated in sour jujube than in Chinese jujube; further, they were more accumulated in the white ripening stage than in the red stage. DAMs were annotated to 12 metabolic pathways. Additionally, transcriptomics data revealed 259 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in alkaloid synthesis and metabolism. By mapping the regulatory networks of DAMs and DEGs, we screened out important metabolites and 11 candidate genes.

Discussion

This study preliminarily elucidated the molecular mechanism of jujube alkaloid synthesis. The candidate genes regulated the synthesis of key alkaloid metabolites, but the specific regulation mechanism is unclear. Taken together, our results provide insights into the metabolic networks of alkaloid synthesis in Chinese jujube and sour jujube fruits at different harvest stages, thereby providing a theoretical reference for further research on the regulatory mechanism of jujube alkaloids and their development and utilization.
Latitudinal and zoo specific zeitgebers influence circadian and circannual rhythmicity of behavior in captive giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)
Authors: Gandia Kristine M. , Kessler Sharon E. , Buchanan-Smith Hannah M.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

The circadian clock influences many aspects of animal welfare including metabolism, breeding, and behavior. In most species, circadian clocks are internal clocks regulated by external environmental cues called zeitgebers. The most common zeitgebers are light/dark cycles, food, and temperature. However, within captive environments, animals can be housed at latitudes with different light/dark cycles than their natural habitat and most other zeitgebers are controlled by humans. The effects that modified zeitgebers have on captive animals’ circadian and circannual rhythmicity is largely unknown. To explore this and potential welfare implications, we measured and analyzed observational behavioral data of zoo-housed giant pandas for one year utilizing live camera footage from six zoos across the world. The worldwide distribution of the zoos gives us the unique opportunity to investigate how housing giant pandas within and outside of their natural latitudinal range can affect circadian rhythmicity and behavior.

Methods

Focal sampling was completed for 11 giant pandas each month for 12 consecutive months to gain an estimate of one circannual cycle. Within each month, we estimated one daylight or 24 h cycle of activity/behavior by conducting 10-min observation sessions systemically each hour the pandas were visible.

Results

Zero-inflated negative binomial mixture models found that latitude is associated with activity levels, with pandas housed outside of their natural latitudinal range displaying less activity than those within their latitudinal range. Amount of daylight, temperature minimum, and temperature range were also associated with activity cycles, potentially acting as zeitgebers. An association between sexual-related and stereotypic behavioral cycles was found, with the circannual cycles fluctuating in synchrony throughout several points in a year.

Discussion

These results indicate that changes to common zeitgebers and environmental conditions can influence circadian and circannual cycles. The widespread evolution of circadian rhythms suggests an adaptive advantage to possessing one in an environment with cyclical changes, allowing species to anticipate changes in their environment and respond accordingly. Therefore, although animals are highly adaptive, creating a captive environment that mimics the environmental conditions for which the animal has evolved can encourage naturalistic cycles that ultimately aid in promoting positive welfare states and increasing chances of successful breeding and conservation.
Job burnout on subjective wellbeing among clinicians in China: the mediating role of mental health
Authors: Fu Yingjie , Huang Derong , Zhang Shuo , Wang Jian
Published: September 2023

Background

Although job burnout and mental health difficulties are prevalent negative influences on clinicians’ subjective wellbeing (SWB), there are few investigations into their relationships. This research investigates the mediating role of mental illness in the association between clinicians’ SWB and job burnout in China.

Methods

This study used the data collected from a cross-sectional survey conducted in China. Using convenience sampling, we conducted a face-to-face questionnaire survey among clinicians in a tertiary hospital in Shandong Province from August to September 2019. The 22-item Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Service Survey (Chinese version) and the Personal Wellbeing Index-Adult assessed job burnout and SWB. The Chinese short version of Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-C21) assessed mental health. We also collected data on participants’ sociodemographic characteristics and job-related factors. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was applied to examine the associations between variables.

Results

Among the 422 participants, 80.8% of the participants reported at least one symptom of job burnout, whereas 5.7% reported all three symptoms of burnout. The prevalence rates of depression, anxiety, and stress were 40.3, 41.7, and 24.9%, respectively. Only 12.8% of the participants had high level of SWB. In mediation analysis, job burnout is positively associated with mental illness (β = 0.809, P < 0.001), mental illness had a significant negative association with SWB (β = −0.236, P = 0.013), and a negative association between job burnout and SWB was significant (β = −0.377, P = 0.002). Mental illness played a partially mediated role in the association between job burnout and SWB (indirect effect = −0.191, 95% CI: −0.361∼−0.017), and the mediating effect of mental illness can explain the 33.6% of the total effect of job burnout on SWB.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence that the effect of job burnout on SWB is partially mediated by mental illness among clinicians in China. Medical administration departments and hospital administrators should pay close attention to the job burnout and mental health of clinicians, so as to effectively improve the SWB of clinicians.
VReedom: training for authorized leave of absence through virtual reality – a feasibility study
Authors: Hendriks Cylia , Jansen Jochem Milan , Smit Merel , Smulders Lisanne M. , Popma Arne , Van Der Pol Thimo
Published: September 2023

This study assessed the feasibility, implementation process and outcomes of the VReedom training; a virtual reality (VR)-based intervention designed to prepare forensic psychiatric patients for their first authorized leave. Clinical forensic mental healthcare organization Inforsa, operating at security level 3, introduced the VReedom training for forensic patients eligible for their first authorized leave, between March 1st and November 13th, 2022. Employing a retrospective observational cohort study design with patient dossier data as the primary source, the study also used participant observation, weekly evaluative questionnaires and focus group discussions as data sources. Five objectives were utilized to evaluate the feasibility: recruitment capacity and resulting sample characteristics, data collection and evaluation procedures, acceptability and suitability of the training and protocol, training management and implementation, and preliminary participant results. Despite the lack of a control group, findings align with literature suggesting VR’s potential for enhancing treatment motivation and reducing stress in preparation for first authorized leave. Of 13 patients approached, 10 participated without dropouts, and no incidents occurred during training. Emotion elicitation was successful, supporting VR Exposure therapy’s efficacy. Findings align with literature, emphasizing VR’s value in forensic psychiatry. Establishing favorable implementation conditions was crucial, with positive reception from treatment providers. Also, the need for personalization and additional locations was identified, and the training seemed most suitable for patients with a tbs-measure. Future research with control groups is recommended to further validate the effectiveness of the VReedom training intervention, and further protocol development is necessary to make it suitable for a broader population. Current findings contribute to the refinement and expansion of evidence-based practices in the field of VR-assisted training and treatment in forensic psychiatry.
The influence of cognitive ability in Chinese reading comprehension: can working memory updating change Chinese primary school students’ reading comprehension performance?
Authors: Gao Jiacheng , Yang Zimo , Li Fengjuan , Yasen Bahtinsagul , Wen Suxia
Published: September 2023

With the development of educational cognitive neuroscience, language instruction is no longer perceived as mechanical teaching and learning. Individual cognitive proficiency has been found to play a crucial role in language acquisition, particularly in the realm of reading comprehension. The primary objective of this study was to investigate two key aspects: firstly, to assess the predictive effects of the central executive (CE) on the Chinese reading comprehension scores of Chinese primary school students, and secondly, to explore the influence of CE training on the Chinese reading comprehension performance of Chinese primary school students. Chinese primary school students were recruited as participants. Experiment 1 used a Chinese N-back task, a Chinese Stroop task, and a number-pinyin conversion task to investigate the predictive effect of the CE components on Chinese reading comprehension. Experiment 2, based on the results of Experiment 1, used the Chinese character N-back training to explore the influence of updating training on Chinese reading comprehension. The findings from Experiment 1 underscored that CE had a predictive effect on Chinese reading comprehension scores. And updating had a prominent role in it. Experiment 2 revealed that the experimental group exhibited an enhancement in their updating performance following N-back training. Although the reading comprehension performance of the two groups after training did not produce significant differences in total scores, the experimental group showed maintained and higher microscopic reading comprehension scores than the control group in the more difficult post-test. In summary, this study yields two primary conclusions: (1) CE was able to predict Chinese reading comprehension scores. Updating has an important role in prediction. (2) Updating training enhances students’ updating performance and positively influences students’ Chinese microscopic reading comprehension performance.
Nature-themed video intervention may improve cardiovascular safety of psilocybin-assisted therapy for alcohol use disorder
Authors: Heinzerling Keith G. , Sergi Karina , Linton Micah , Rich Rhianna , Youssef Brittany , Bentancourt Inez , Bramen Jennifer , Siddarth Prabha , Schwartzberg Louie , Kelly Daniel F.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Psychedelic-assisted therapy with psilocybin has shown promise in Phase 2 trials for alcohol use disorder (AUD). Set and setting, particularly factors facilitating a connection with nature, may positively influence the psychedelic experience and therapeutic outcomes. But to date, randomized controlled trials of interventions to enhance set and setting for psychedelic-assisted therapy are lacking.

Methods

This was a pilot randomized, controlled trial of Visual Healing, a nature-themed video intervention to optimize set and setting, versus Standard set and setting procedures with two open-label psilocybin 25 mg dosing sessions among 20 participants with AUD. For the first session, participants randomized to Visual Healing viewed nature-themed videos during the preparation session and the “ascent” and “descent” phases of the psilocybin dosing session while participants randomized to the Standard condition completed a meditation during the preparatory session and wore eyeshades and listened to a music playlist throughout the dosing session. For the second session 4 weeks later, participants chose either Visual Healing or Standard procedures. Primary outcomes were feasibility, safety, and tolerability of Visual Healing. Secondary and exploratory outcomes were changes in alcohol use, psychedelic effects, anxiety and stress.

Results

Nineteen of 20 (95%) randomized participants (mean age 49 ± 11 years, 60% female) completed the 14-week study. During the first psilocybin session, participants viewed an average of 37.9 min of the 42-min video and there were no video-related adverse events. Peak increase in post-psilocybin blood pressure was significantly less for participants randomly assigned to Visual Healing compared to Standard procedures. Alcohol use decreased significantly in both Visual Healing and Standard groups and psychedelic effects, stress, and anxiety were similar between groups.

Discussion

In this open-label pilot study, viewing Visual Healing videos during preparation and psilocybin dosing sessions was feasible, safe, and well-tolerated among participants with AUD. Preliminary findings suggest that Visual Healing has potential to reduce the cardiovascular risks of psychedelic therapy, without interfering with the psychedelic experience or alcohol-related treatment outcomes. Studies to replicate our findings as well as studies of different set and setting interventions with other psychedelic medications and indications are warranted.
Health of (dual) health professional students in German-speaking countries: a scoping review
Authors: Jürgensen Ivonne-Nadine , Koch Peter , Nock Annike Morgane , Petersen-Ewert Corinna
Published: September 2023

University education marks a new stage in life, which is associated with unknown demands and challenges and can have a negative impact on students’ health. Therefore, health promotion in the university setting is becoming increasingly important. In this context, scientific data on the health situation play a crucial role in improving students’ health. Thus, the aim of the scoping review was to highlight the current scope of research on the health of health professional students. It also explored problems and outlined key future challenges and solutions. The review was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for a scoping review. A total of nine databases (PubMed, CINAHL, CareLit, LIVIVO, Scopus, Psyndex, PEDro, OTseeker, Google Scholar) were systematically searched. The following search criteria were defined: health professional students, health, Germany, German-speaking countries, all types of sources from 2012 to present are selected. The research studies were mapped in a table and health evidence of included studies was summarized narratively. The initial search resulted in 23,938 records. Seven records met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Six cross-sectional studies were conducted in Germany, and one cross-sectional study was conducted in Switzerland. In fact, one study included a representative population. Qualitative studies were not found. The most studies investigated health status, health behavior, and personal resources. Most of the studies examined female nursing students. The included studies indicated that the young students reported physical or mental health conditions. In addition, the studies also identified health resources of the students that need to be improved. In summary, there is currently limited health evidence on this group of students in German-speaking countries. Therefore, further research is needed to generate knowledge and comprehensively describe the health situation.
Risks of metabolic syndrome in the ADVANCE and NAMSAL trials
Authors: Tovar Sanchez Tamara , Mpoudi-Etame Mireille , Kouanfack Charles , Delaporte Eric , Calmy Alexandra , Venter Francois , Sokhela Simiso , Bosch Bronwyn , Akpomiemie Godspower , Tembo Angela , Pepperrell Toby , Simmons Bryony , Casas Carmen Perez , McCann Kaitlyn , Mirchandani Manya , Hill Andrew
Published: September 2023

Introduction

The ADVANCE and NAMSAL trials evaluating antiretroviral drugs have both reported substantial levels of clinical obesity in participants. As one of the main risk factors for metabolic syndrome, growing rates of obesity may drive metabolic syndrome development. This study aims to evaluate the risk of metabolic syndrome in the ADVANCE and NAMSAL trials.

Methods

The number of participants with metabolic syndrome was calculated at baseline and week 192 as central obesity and any of the following two factors: raised triglycerides, reduced HDL-cholesterol, raised blood pressure and raised fasting glucose. Differences between the treatment arms were calculated using the χ2 test.

Results

Across all visits to week 192, treatment-emergent metabolic syndrome was 15% (TAF/FTC + DTG), 10% (TDF/FTC + DTG) and 7% (TDF/FTC/EFV) in ADVANCE. The results were significantly higher in the TAF/FTC + DTG arm compared to the TDF/FTC/EFV arm (p < 0.001), and the TDF/FTC + DTG vs. the TDF/FTC/EFV arms (p < 0.05) in all patients, and in females. In NAMSAL, the incidence of treatment-emergent metabolic syndrome at any time point was 14% (TDF/3TC + DTG) and 5% (TDF/3TC + EFV) (p < 0.001). This incidence was significantly greater in the TDF/3TC/DTG arm compared to the TDF/3TC/EFV arm in all patients (p < 0.001), and in males (p < 0.001)

Conclusion

In this analysis, we highlight treatment-emergent metabolic syndrome associated with dolutegravir, likely driven by obesity. Clinicians initiating or monitoring patients on INSTI-based ART must counsel for lifestyle optimisation to prevent these effects.
Ionosphere-thermosphere coupling via global-scale waves: new insights from two-years of concurrent in situ and remotely-sensed satellite observations
Authors: Gasperini Federico , Harding Brian J. , Crowley Geoffrey , Immel Thomas J.
Published: September 2023

Growing evidence indicates that a selected group of global-scale waves from the lower atmosphere constitute a significant source of ionosphere-thermosphere (IT, 100–600 km) variability. Due to the geometry of the magnetic field lines, this IT coupling occurs mainly at low latitudes (< 30°) and is driven by waves originating in the tropical troposphere such as the diurnal eastward propagating tide with zonal wave number s = −3 (DE3) and the quasi-3-day ultra-fast Kelvin wave with s = −1 (UFKW1). In this work, over 2 years of simultaneous in situ ion densities from Ion Velocity Meters (IVMs) onboard the Ionospheric Connection Explorer (ICON) near 590 km and the Scintillation Observations and Response of the Ionosphere to Electrodynamics (SORTIE) CubeSat near 420 km, along with remotely-sensed lower (ca. 105 km) and middle (ca. 220 km) thermospheric horizontal winds from ICON’s Michelson Interferometer for Global High-resolution Thermospheric Imaging (MIGHTI) are employed to demonstrate a rich spectrum of waves coupling these IT regions. Strong DE3 and UFKW1 topside ionospheric variations are traced to lower thermospheric zonal winds, while large diurnal s = 2 (DW2) and zonally symmetric (D0) variations are traced to middle thermospheric winds generated in situ. Analyses of diurnal tides from the Climatological Tidal Model of the Thermosphere (CTMT) reveal general agreement near 105 km, with larger discrepancies near 220 km due to in situ tidal generation not captured by CTMT. This study highlights the utility of simultaneous satellite measurements for studies of IT coupling via global-scale waves.
First report on detection of Hepatozoon ayorgbor in Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides and Hepatozoon colubri in Haemaphysalis sulcata and Hyalomma anatolicum: risks of spillover of Hepatozoon spp. from wildlife to domestic animals
Authors: Tila Hadia , Khan Mehran , Almutairi Mashal M. , Alouffi Abdulaziz , Ahmed Haroon , Tanaka Tetsuya , Tsai Kun-Hsien , Ali Abid
Published: September 2023

This study aimed to detect Hepatozoon spp. in ticks infesting asymptomatic domestic animals and to provide insight into their potential spillover from wild to domestic animals. In total, 537 tick specimens were collected in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, and morphologically identified. The most prevalent tick species was Haemaphysalis cornupunctata (69; 12.8%), followed by Haemaphysalis kashmirensis (62; 11.5%), Rhipicephalus microplus (58; 10.8%), Haemaphysalis montgomeryi (51; 9.5%), Rhipicephalus sanguineus (49; 9.1%), each Haemaphysalis bispinosa and Haemaphysalis sulcata (43; 8.0%), each Hyalomma anatolicum and Rhipicephalus turanicus (37; 6.9%), Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides (33; 6.1%) Hyalomma scupense (30; 5.6%), and Hyalomma isaaci (25; 4.7%). The extracted DNA from a subset of each tick species was subjected to PCR to amplify 18S rRNA fragments of Hepatozoon spp. By BLAST analysis, the Hepatozoon sp. detected in Hy. anatolicum infesting cows and in Ha. sulcata infesting sheep showed 99.7% maximum identity with Hepatozoon colubri. Similarly, the Hepatozoon sp. detected in R. haemaphysaloides infesting goats shared 99.49% maximum identity with Hepatozoon ayorgbor, and the Hepatozoon sp. detected in R. sanguineus infesting dogs exhibited 99.7% identity with Hepatozoon canis. Having an overall infection rate (9.3%; 16/172), the highest infection rate was recorded for each H. canis, and H. colubri (3.5%; 6/172), followed by H. ayorgbor (2.3%; 4/172). In the phylogenetic tree, H. colubri clustered with corresponding species from Iran, H. ayorgbor clustered with the same species from Croatia, Ghana, and Portugal, and H. canis clustered with the conspecifics from Iran, Israel, Romania, and Zambia. Regarding the potential spillover of Hepatozoon spp. from wildlife through ticks, free ranging animals was at higher risk compared to confined animals (RR = 3.05), animals consuming food from wildlife habitats were at higher risk compared to those consuming domestic food (RR = 3.06), and animals residing in farm buildings located in wildlife habitats were at higher risk compared to those residing in farm buildings located in villages (RR = 3.28). In addition to the first report on H. canis in R. sanguineus in Pakistan, this is the earliest data showing H. ayorgbor in R. haemaphysaloides and H. colubri in Ha. sulcata and Hy. anatolicum. These preliminary findings suggest a potential spillover of Hepatozoon spp. from wild to domestic animals via ticks under certain risk factors.
Assessing Educators’ Soft Skills: Developing a Self-Assessment Instrument
Authors: Al-Sa’di Ahmed , Yamjal Parina , Ahmad Esraa , Panjabi Richa , Allott McPhee CAM , Guler Olkan
Published: September 2023

Educators play multifaceted roles in supporting students’ academic growth, necessitating a diverse knowledge base and a variety of soft skills. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about significant changes in the education environment, compelling educators to adapt to these new demands. Consequently, nurturing soft skills among educators has become crucial to effectively address evolving educational challenges. This paper presents the development and validation process of an online questionnaire aimed at measuring Te Pūkenga educators’ self-assessment of their soft skills before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The questionnaire comprises 28 Likert-type scale questions, encompassing 14 identified soft skills, alongside 6 additional questions on sociological and academic factors. A two-stage approach for questionnaire development and validation was used. In stage one, the questionnaire was created through a literature review and the identification of soft skills and independent variables. Stage two involved a content validity check by 10 educators and academic experts, leading to refinement based on their feedback. Subsequently, a pilot study was conducted with 50 random respondents to determine the validity and reliability of the instrument, and a preliminary data analysis was performed. The results of the validation process confirmed the questionnaire’s validity and reliability, as we hypothesised, indicating its potential as a useful research tool for a planned research project. Further research involving a broader range of tertiary institutions can enhance the scale’s validity and reliability, thereby strengthening its applicability to be utilised by diverse educational institutions and in diverse research settings to measure educators’ self-assessments of their acquired soft skills and self-evaluations of how challenging experiences and events in their professional environment influence the implementation of these skills. By embracing and fostering soft skills among educators, educational institutions can better equip their staff to meet the evolving demands and complexities of modern education.
Effects of an Organic Amendment on Cassava Growth and Rhizosphere Microbial Diversity
Authors: Zhang Yijie , Feng Yating , Gao Yu , Wu Jinshan , Tan Longyan , Wang Honggang , Wang Ruoyan , Niu Xiaolei , Chen Yinhua
Published: September 2023

This study aimed to determine the effects of different dosages of an organic amendment, consisting of a Chinese herbal compound, on cassava growth and rhizosphere microbial diversity. In this study, cassava SC8 growth was determined under four treatments. The growth was promoted with the application of an organic herbal compound amendment, biochar powder, and an agent, in the following groups: 900 kg/ha of organic amendment powder (topdressing) + agent (T1); 1200 kg/ha of organic amendment powder (topdressing) + agent (T2); 1500 kg/ha of organic amendment powder (topdressing) + agent (T3); and an unfertilized control (T4). After 240 days of treatment, the height, the diameter of the stem, the maximum perimeter of the cassava, the tuber number, the weight of a single tuber, the yield per hectare, the mineral elements in the cassava plant, the ash content in the starch and the microbial diversity in the soil were measured. Compared with the control group, the application of 1200 kg of the Chinese herbal compound amendment per ha (T2) had the strongest positive effect on cassava growth, while the height, diameter of the stem and yield per hectare all showed increases of 24.22%, 18.82% and 35.71%, respectively. As for the dry matter content of the tubers, that of T2 decreased by 5.96% compared with T4, while no substantial difference existed among the other groups. The Fe content in T2 decreased by 29.46%, and the Zn in T3 increased by 39.48%, while the contents of other metal ions in the four treatment groups showed no substantial difference. At the same time, the experiment also revealed that, in terms of the bacterial abundance in the soil, Streptophyta dominated in T2, and Fimbriimonas was the unique genera of T2. In addition, the abundances of Nocardioides and unclassfied_Spartobacteria in the T2 group were greatly considerable compared to the other treatment groups. In terms of the fungal abundance in the soil, after being treated with different concentrations, the composition of the soil’s fungi differed greatly among the groups, and the samples at different concentrations contained more than 20 species of unique bacteria. At the genus level, compared with the control group, the relative abundance of unclassfied_Chaetomiaceae in the treatment groups was considerably reduced, and the relative abundance of Psathyrella in T1 increased substantially. The results indicated that the organic amendment could improve the growth of cassava, as well as help to enhance the diversity and optimize the composition of the rhizosphere microbiome.
Tomato Fruit Quality as Affected by Ergonomic Conditions While Manually Harvested
Authors: Kuta Łukasz , Komarnicki Piotr , Łakoma Katarzyna , Praska Joanna
Published: September 2023

The harvest phase plays an important role in the whole process of production of tomato fruit. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure a technological process that will not damage biological materials. The harvest phase plays an important role in the whole process. Many growers use special machines for harvesting, but there are fruits and vegetables that should be harvested manually to avoid damaging the surface or parenchyma tissue of the harvested objects. In addition to maintaining the quality of biological materials, work comfort, and ergonomic conditions for pickers should be ensured because inadequate working conditions do not encourage employees to undertake manual work in horticulture. Therefore, there have been shortages of workers on Polish plantations in the past year. Based on manual tomato harvesting, the authors conducted a matched qualitative research study on biological materials and work ergonomics. For this purpose, the Grip System was used to investigate tomato quality by assessing the impact of picking hand pressure (in three different picker’s body positions) on the harvested objects. Simultaneously, for the picker’s ergonomic analysis, a non-invasive surface electromyography method was used to precisely measure changes in muscle motor unit action in the picker’s wrist and lumbar spine while in three characteristic picker’s positions. The tests found that the poorest body position was when the body was deeply inclined and simultaneously twisted. No significant effect was shown of the body position of the tomato picker on the deterioration of the picked fruit quality. However, body positions significantly affect the level of physical load and work comfort.
Effects of Compound Salt Concentration on Growth, Physiological and Nutritional Value of Hydroponic Forage Wheat
Authors: Ma Yan , Wang Jiao , Sun Yu , Dong Yu , Cai Hongyu , Raja Imtiaz Hussain , Guo Tongjun , Zhang Sujiang
Published: September 2023

(1) Background: Hydroponic forage plays an increasingly important role in animal breeding during winter and spring in arid and cold regions due to its rich nutrient and good palatability. In the present study, the profiles of growth, physiological indexes, nutritional value and in vitro degradation of hydroponic forage cultivated with different salt concentration were evaluated. (2) Methods: The compound salt was extracted from soil surrounding the Tarim River Basin, and five compound salt solution treatment groups (three replicates each) with concentrations of 0%, 0.4%, 0.8%, 1.2% and 1.6% were prepared. Winter wheat seeds were selected as hydroponic forage for germination experiments, and the germination, physiological indicators, nutritional value and in vitro fermentation degradation rate were analyzed. (3) Results: The results showed that the germination and growth of hydroponic herbage were significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited by compound salt concentration higher than 0.8% from the third day. Compared with the 0% concentration group, the chlorophyll content in the 0.4% concentration group was significantly increased (p < 0.05), and contents of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll were 729.71 mg·g−1, 223.19 mg·g−1 and 952.9 mg·g−1, respectively. The total chlorophyll content in the 0.8% and 1.2% concentration groups were significantly lower than those in the 0% and 0.4% concentration groups (p < 0.05), and in the 1.6% concentration group, the content undetected. With the increase in compound salt concentration, the contents of soluble sugar and proline were significantly increased (p < 0.05). The nutrient compositions were significantly increased (p < 0.05) under the 0.4% and 0.8% concentration groups, in which the content of crude protein in 0.4% concentration group was 15.23%. The results of gas production and fermentation parameters suggested that the 0.8% concentration group could enhance rumen fermentation characteristics. (4) Conclusions: In summary, 0.8% as the upper limit concentration and 0% to 0.4% as the optimal concentration range of compound salt can be considered for cultivating hydroponic forage wheat.
Comparison of the Gut Microbial Communities of Domestic and Wild Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) Based on High-Throughput Sequencing Technology
Authors: He Yaoyin , Zhang Minghui , Dai Chuanyin , Yu Lijiang
Published: September 2023

Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) are currently one of the most popular species in rare bird breeding in several southern provinces of China, but there have been no studies comparing the gut microbial communities of domestic and wild mallards. In this study, 16S rRNA gene high-throughput sequencing technology was used to compare the composition and diversity of gut microbial communities in domestic and wild mallards. Alpha diversity analysis showed significant differences in gut microbial communities between the two groups of mallards, and the diversity and richness of gut microbial communities were significantly higher in wild mallards than in domestic mallards. Beta diversity analysis showed that the two groups of stool samples were mostly separated on the principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) plot. In domestic mallards, Firmicutes (68.0% ± 26.5%) was the most abundant bacterial phylum, followed by Proteobacteria (24.5% ± 22.9%), Bacteroidetes (3.1% ± 3.2%), Fusobacteria (2.2% ± 5.9%), and Actinobacteria (1.1% ± 1.8%). The dominant bacterial phyla in wild mallards were Firmicutes (79.0% ± 10.2%), Proteobacteria (12.9% ± 9.5%), Fusobacteria (3.4% ± 2.5%), and Bacteroidetes (2.8% ± 2.4%). At the genus level, a total of 10 dominant genera (Streptococcus, Enterococcus, Clostridium, Lactobacillus, Soilbacillus, Bacillus, Acinetobacter, Comamonas, Shigella, and Cetobacterium) with an average relative abundance greater than 1% were detected in the fecal samples of both groups. The average relative abundance of five potential pathogenic genera (Streptococcus, Enterococcus, Acinetobacter, Comamonas, and Shigella) was higher in domestic mallards than in wild mallards. The enrichment of pathogenic bacteria in the intestinal tract of domestic mallards should be of sufficient concern.
Effects of Lactobacillus plantarum Postbiotics on Growth Performance, Immune Status, and Intestinal Microflora of Growing Minks
Authors: Li Yalin , Zhen Shibo , Cao Lin , Sun Fengxue , Wang Lihua
Published: September 2023

The present experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum postbiotics on growth performance, immune status, and intestinal microflora of growing minks. A total of 80 minks (40 males and 40 females) were divided into four groups, each group contained 20 minks (10 males and 10 females). The minks in the four groups were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0, 0.15%, 0.3%, and 0.45% Lactobacillus plantarum postbiotics (PLP), respectively. After one week of adaptation, the experiment ran for eight weeks. The results showed that Lactobacillus plantarum postbiotics tended to have effects on average daily again (ADG) during the first 4 wk of the study (p < 0.1), and had effects on immune status (p < 0.05). Lactobacillus plantarum postbiotics also affected the abundance of intestinal bacteria at genus level (p < 0.05), but had no effects on α diversity of growing minks (p > 0.05). Compared to the minks in the control group, minks in 0.30% PLP group tended to have greater ADG, and IgA and IgM content in serum as well as SIgA content in jejunal mucosa (p < 0.05), and had less jejunal mucosal TNF-α and IL-8 levels, while minks in 0.45% PLP group had less IL-2 (p < 0.05). Compared to the control, Lactobacillus plantarum postbiotics decreased the relative abundances of Bacteroides_vulgatus and Luteimonas_sp. in male minks, and the relative abundances of Streptococcus_halotolerans in female minks (p < 0.05), respectively. Males grew faster and ate more associated with less F/G than females (p < 0.05). Males also had greater serum IgA and IgG content (p < 0.05), and males had less jejunal mucosal IL-1β, IL-8, IL-2, IL-6, IL-12, IL-10, TNF-α, and IFN-γ levels (p < 0.05). These results suggest that dietary supplementation of 0.3% postbiotics harvested from Lactobacillus plantarum could improve growth performance and immune status, and modulated the intestinal bacteria abundance of growing minks.
Do Organochlorine Contaminants Modulate the Parasitic Infection Degree in Mediterranean Trout (Salmo trutta)?
Authors: Monnolo Anna , Clausi Maria Teresa , Del Piano Filomena , Santoro Mario , Fiorentino Maria Lorena , Barca Lorella , Fusco Giovanna , Degli Uberti Barbara , Ferrante Luigia , Mercogliano Raffaelina , Ferrante Maria Carmela
Published: September 2023

We investigated the occurrence of organochlorine pollutants (OCs) in the muscle of brown trout and evaluated their potential modulation of parasite infection. The toxicological risk for consumer health was assessed, too. Trout were collected from the Sila National Park (Calabria region, South of Italy). The highest concentrations emerged for the sum of the 6 non-dioxin-like (ndl) indicator polychlorinated biphenyls (Σ6ndl-PCBs), followed by the 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-di(4-chlorophenyl)-ethane (DDT), dioxin-like PCBs, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), and dieldrin. Measured on lipid weight (LW), the mean value of Σ6ndl-PCBs amounted to 201.9 ng g−1, that of ΣDDTs (the sum of DDT-related compounds) to 100.2 ng g−1, with the major contribution of the DDT-metabolite p,p’-DDE which was detected in all sample units (97.6 ng g−1 on average). Among dioxin-like congeners, PCB 118 showed the highest mean concentration (21.96 ng g−1 LW) and was detected in all sample units. Regression analysis of intestinal parasites on OC concentration was performed, controlling for two potential confounding factors, namely sex and sexual stage. The results evidenced the existence of interactions between the dual stressors in the host-parasite system in the wild. A negative and statistically significant correlation was estimated, suggesting that OCs may decrease parasite infection degree. Regarding the toxicological risk evaluation, OC concentrations were consistently below the current European Maximum Residue Limits.