bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Different Response Time Outlier Exclusion Methods: A Simulation Study
Authors: Berger Alexander , Kiefer Markus
Published: June 2021

In response time (RT) research, RT outliers are typically excluded from statistical analysis to improve the signal-to-noise ratio. Nevertheless, there exist several methods for outlier exclusion. This poses the question, how these methods differ with respect to recovering the uncontaminated RT distribution. In the present simulation study, two RT distributions with a given population difference were simulated in each iteration. RTs were replaced by outliers following two different approaches. The first approach generated outliers at the tails of the distribution, the second one inserted outliers overlapping with the genuine RT distribution. We applied ten different outlier exclusion methods and tested, how many pairs of distributions significantly differed. Outlier exclusion methods were compared in terms of bias. Bias was defined as the deviation of the proportion of significant differences after outlier exclusion from the proportion of significant differences in the uncontaminated samples (before introducing outliers). Our results showed large differences in bias between the exclusion methods. Some methods showed a high rate of Type-I errors and should therefore clearly not be used. Overall, our results showed that applying an exclusion method based on z-scores / standard deviations introduced only small biases, while the absence of outlier exclusion showed the largest absolute bias.
Norm Values and Psychometric Properties of the 24-Item Demoralization Scale (DS-I) in a Representative Sample of the German General Population
Authors: Quintero Garzón Leonhard , Hinz Andreas , Koranyi Susan , Mehnert-Theuerkauf Anja
Published: June 2021

Purpose: The Demoralization scale (DS-I) is a validated and frequently used instrument to assess existential distress in patients with cancer and other severe medical illness. The purpose of this study was to provide normative values derived from a representative German general population sample and to analyze the correlational structure of the DS-I.

Methods: A representative sample of the adult German general population completed the DS-I (24 Items), the Emotion Thermometers (ET) measuring distress, anxiety, depression, anger, need for help, and the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Fatigue Scale (FACIT-fatigue).

Results: The sample consists of N = 2,407 adults (mean age = 49.8; range = 18–94 years), 55.7% women). The percentages of participants above the DS-I cutoff (≥30) was 13.5%. The mean scores of the DS-I dimensions were as follows: (1) loss of meaning and purpose: M = 2.78 SD = 4.49; (2) disheartenment: M = 3.19 SD = 4.03; (3) dysphoria M = 4.51 SD = 3.20; (4) sense of failure: M = 6.24 SD = 3.40; and for the DS-I total score: M = 16.72 SD = 12.74. Women reported significantly higher levels of demoralization than men, with effect sizes between d = 0.09 (Loss of Meaning) and d = 0.21 (Dysphoria). Age was not associated with demoralization in our sample. DS-I reliability was excellent (α = 0.94) and DS-I subscales were interrelated (r between 0.31 and 0.87) and significantly correlated with ET, especially depression, anxiety, and need for help and fatigue (r between 0.14 and 0.69).

Conclusions: In order to use the DS-I as a screening tool in clinical practice and research the normative values are essential for comparing the symptom burden of groups of patients within the health care system to the general population. Age and sex differences between groups of patients can be accounted for using the presented normative scores of the DS-I.
Knowledge, Attitude and Acceptability of the Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine and Vaccination Among University Students in Indonesia
Authors: Khatiwada Madan , Kartasasmita Cissy , Mediani Henny Suzana , Delprat Christine , Van Hal Guido , Dochez Carine
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Cervical cancer, a major consequence of persistent HPV infection, is the third most common cancer in women worldwide and has claimed around 311,000 women lives in 2018. The majority of these deaths took place in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In LMICs, where cervical cancer screening coverage is low, the HPV vaccine is a promising tool for preventing HPV infections and, thus, averting cervical cancer cases. In Indonesia, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer and HPV vaccination demonstration programs are underway in several provinces, but the HPV vaccine has not yet been introduced nationally. Since students are an important source of information for the community, and medical and nursing students are the future healthcare professionals, this study explored the knowledge, attitude, and acceptability of the HPV vaccine among University students in Indonesia.

Methodology: A self-administered online questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge, attitude, and willingness of University students toward HPV vaccination.

Result: A total of 433 students from Medical, Nursing, Social Sciences, and other faculties participated in the survey. It was identified that over 90% of the students were aware of cervical cancer and HPV, but only 68% knew about the HPV vaccine before participating in the study. Despite an average knowledge on the HPV vaccine, the students showed a strong willingness to receive the vaccine (95.8% acceptance rate). They believed that the HPV vaccine is safe and effective and that it will protect against HPV infection. The high cost and the lack of adequate information flow on HPV-related topics have been identified as potential barriers to the adoption of the HPV vaccine in Indonesia.

Conclusion: Despite a high willingness for HPV vaccine uptake among students, there is a need to provide education on HPV vaccine-related topics to Indonesian students through awareness and training programs and improving the academic curriculum on vaccination for the long-term sustainability of the HPV vaccination program.
Training Needs of Community Health Workers Facing the COVID-19 Pandemic in Texas: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Byrd-Williams Courtney , Ewing Mollie , Rosenthal E. Lee , St. John Julie Ann , Menking Paige , Redondo Floribella , Sieswerda Stephanie
Published: June 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has required the professional healthcare workforce not only to adjust methods of delivering care safely but also act as a trusted sources of information during a time of uncertainty and rapid research and discovery. The Community Health Worker COVID-19 Impact Survey is a cross-sectional study developed to better understand the impact of COVID-19 on this sector of the healthcare workforce, including training needs of those working through the pandemic. The survey was distributed in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. This study focuses on Texas, and the data presented (n = 693) is a sub-set of qualitative data from the larger survey. Results of the content analysis described in this paper are intended to inform current COVID-19-related CHW training curriculum, in addition to future infectious disease prevention and preparedness response trainings.
Missed Opportunities for HIV Prevention in Perinatal Care Settings in the United States
Authors: Pollock Lealah , Warren Marliese , Levison Judy
Published: June 2021

Universal opt-out HIV screening in pregnancy is an essential intervention toward eliminating perinatal HIV transmission in the US. However, it fails to identify pregnant people who are HIV negative at the time of testing but are at ongoing risk for HIV acquisition. Those of us involved in caring for women living with HIV are acutely aware of the many diagnoses of HIV that might have been prevented if only a partner had been tested for HIV or preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) had been offered to a patient. This perspective article will review current recommendations and evidence-based interventions to evaluate missed opportunities for HIV prevention in US perinatal care settings. We identified three barriers to implementation of HIV prevention strategies during pregnancy and breastfeeding: (1) HIV risk for women is underestimated and poorly defined in clinical practice; (2) Partner testing is challenging and implementation studies in the US are lacking; and (3) PrEP remains underutilized. In March 2020, the National Perinatal HIV Hotline convened a group of clinicians and researchers specializing in perinatal HIV care to a case-based discussion of missed opportunities in perinatal HIV prevention. From our review of the literature via PubMed search as well as expert opinions gathered in this discussion, we make recommendations for addressing these barriers.
6DIVE: 6 Degrees-of-Freedom Immersive Video Editor
Authors: Griffin Ruairi , Langlotz Tobias , Zollmann Stefanie
Published: June 2021

Editing 6DoF videos using standard video editing tools is challenging, especially for non-expert users. There is a large gap between the 2D interface used for traditional video editing and the immersive VR environment used for replay. In this paper, we present 6DIVE, a 6 degrees-of-freedom (DoF) immersive video editor. 6DIVE allows users to edit these 6DoF videos directly in an immersive VR environment. In this work, we explored options for a timeline representation as well as UI placement suitable for immersive video editing. We used our prototypical implementation of an immersive video editor to conduct a user study to analyze the feasibility and usability of immersive 6DoF editing. We compared 6DIVE to a desktop-based implementation of a VR video editor. Our initial results suggest that 6DIVE allows even non-expert users to perform basic editing operations on videos in VR. While we did not find any statistically significant differences for the workload between the VR and the desktop interface, we found a statistically significant difference in user preference, with a preference for the VR interface. We also found higher ratings for the user experience metrics in VR captured by the user experience questionnaire.
Unified Extended Irreversible Thermodynamics and the Stability of Relativistic Theories for Dissipation
Authors: Gavassino Lorenzo , Antonelli Marco
Published: June 2021

In a relativistic context, the main purpose of Extended Irreversible Thermodynamics (EIT) is to generalize the principles of non-equilibrium thermodynamics to the domain of fluid dynamics. In particular, the theory aims at modeling any diffusion-type process (like heat as diffusion of energy, viscosity as diffusion of momentum, charge-conductivity as diffusion of particles) directly from thermodynamic laws. Although in Newtonian physics this task can be achieved with a first-order approach to dissipation (i.e. Navier–Stokes–Fourier like equations), in a relativistic framework the relativity of simultaneity poses serious challenges to the first-order methodology, originating instabilities which are, instead, naturally eliminated within EIT. The first part of this work is dedicated to reviewing the most recent progress made in understanding the mathematical origin of this instability problem. In the second part, we present the formalism that arises by promoting non-equilibrium thermodynamics to a classical effective field theory. We call this approach Unified Extended Irreversible Thermodynamics (UEIT), because it contains, as particular cases, EIT itself, in particular the Israel-Stewart theory and the divergence-type theories, plus Carter’s approach and most branches of non-equilibrium thermodynamics, such as relativistic chemistry and radiation hydrodynamics. We use this formalism to explain why all these theories are stable by construction (provided that the microscopic input is correct), showing that their (Lyapunov) stability is a direct consequence of the second law of thermodynamics.
Nutritional Evaluation of Tropical Forage Grass Alone and Grass-Legume Diets to Reduce in vitro Methane Production
Authors: Quintero-Anzueta Stiven , Molina-Botero Isabel Cristina , Ramirez-Navas Juan Sebastian , Rao Idupulapati , Chirinda Ngonidzashe , Barahona-Rosales Rolando , Moorby Jon , Arango Jacobo
Published: June 2021

Forage grass nutritional quality directly affects animal feed intake, productivity, and enteric methane (CH4) emissions. This study evaluated the nutritional quality,in vitroenteric CH4emission potential, and optimization of diets based on two widely grown tropical forage grasses either alone or mixed with legumes. The grassesUrochloahybrid cv. Cayman (UHC) andU. brizanthacv. Toledo (UBT), which typically have low concentrations of crude protein (CP), were incubatedin vitroeither alone or mixed with the legumesCanavalia brasiliensis(CB) andLeucaena diversifolia(LD), which have higher CP concentrations. Substitution of 30% of the grass dry matter (DM) with CB or LD did not affect gas production or DM degradability. After 96 h of incubation, accumulated CH4was 87.3 mg CH4g−1DM and 107.7 mg CH4g−1DM for the grasses alone (UHC and UBT, respectively), and 100.7 mg CH4g−1DM and 113.2 mg CH4g−1DM for combined diets (70% grass, 15% CB, and 15% LD). Diets that combined legumes (CB or LC) and grass (UHC or UBT) had higher CP contents, gross, and metabolizable energy (GE, ME, respectively) densities, as well as lower concentrations of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL). The ME and nutritional variables such as NFD, tannins (T), and CP showed a positive correlation within vitronet gas production, while ruminal digestibility was affected by CP, ADL, T, and GE. Optimal ratios of components for ruminant diets to reduce rumen net gas production and increase protein content were found with mixtures consisting of 60% grass (either UHC or UBT), 30% CB, and 10% LD. However, this ratio did not result in a decrease in CH4production.
Simultaneous Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy and Endovascular Infrarenal Aortic Aneurysm Repair
Authors: Illuminati Giulio , Calio' Francesco G. , Pasqua Rocco , Nardi Priscilla , Fratini Chiara , Urciuoli Paolo
Published: June 2021

Background/Aim:With the increasing use of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) and the availability of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) for treating abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) and cholelithiasis, respectively, the association between these elective treatments is not yet well-defined. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the results of elective and simultaneous EVAR and LC.

Methods:Thirteen patients (mean age, 72 years) with concomitant large and asymptomatic AAA and asymptomatic cholelithiasis underwent simultaneous EVAR and LC.

Results:Post-operative mortality was absent, and the morbidity rate was 7%. The mean total duration of the procedure was 142 min. The mean duration of fluoroscopy was 19 min, and the mean radiation dose was 65 mGy. The mean amount of iodinated contrast injected was 49 mL. The timing of oral fluid intake was 28 h (range, 24–48 h) and that of the oral low-fat diet was 53 h (range, 48–72 h). No patient presented with an aortic graft infection during the entire follow-up period (mean duration, 41 months). The mean length of post-operative hospital stay was 6 days (range, 5–8 days). Late survival was 85%, and the exclusion of AAA was 100%.

Conclusion:Simultaneous EVAR and LC can be performed safely, allowing effective and durable treatment under both AAA and cholelithiasis conditions.
Primary Hepatic Leiomyoma in a Healthy Middle-Aged Woman: Literature Review and Case Report
Authors: Djokic Mihajlo , Hadzialjevic Benjamin , Luzar Bostjan , Trotovsek Blaz
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Primary hepatic leiomyoma (PHL) is a rare benign hepatic tumor with unclear pathogenesis. It more commonly occurs in immunosuppressed patients, while only 24 cases have been described among immunocompetent individuals. To date, only one successful preoperative diagnosis of PHL has been achieved.

Case Presentation: Here we report a case of PHL in a middle-aged woman with no history of immunosuppression. Preoperative diagnosis of PHL was established using ultrasound-guided fine needle trucut biopsy (FNTB). Nevertheless, due to the growing nature of tumor and patient's symptoms, we proceeded with surgical resection, which confirmed the diagnosis of PHL. At 6-month follow up, the patient is in good condition with no evidence of tumor recurrence.

Conclusions: PHL is an uncommon tumor that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of rare liver tumors. Image guided FNTB appears to be effective in achieving preoperative diagnosis of PHL. Surgical resection, however, remains both diagnostic and curative in the management of PHL.
Clinical Outcomes Following Single vs. Multiple Vessel Living-Donor Kidney Transplantation: A Retrospective Comparison of 210 Patients
Authors: Garcia Leonardo E. , Parra Natalia , Gaynor Jeffrey J. , Baker Lauren , Guerra Giselle , Ciancio Gaetano
Published: June 2021

Background: The use of living-donor kidney allografts with multiple vessels continues to rise in order to increase the donor pool. This requires surgeons to pursue vascular reconstructions more often, which has previously been associated with a higher risk of developing early post-transplant complications. We therefore wanted to investigate the prognostic role of using living-donor renal allografts with a single artery (SA) vs. multiple arteries (MA) at the time of transplant.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed a cohort of 210 consecutive living-donor kidney transplants performed between January, 2008 and March, 2019, and compared the incidence of developing postoperative complications and other clinical outcomes between SA vs. MA recipients.

Results: No differences were observed between SA (N = 161) and MA (N = 49) kidneys in terms of the incidence of developing a postoperative (or surgical) complication, a urologic complication, hospital length of stay, delayed graft function, estimated glomerular filtration rate at 3 or 12 mo post-transplant, and graft survival.

Conclusions: The use of live-kidney allografts with MA requiring vascular reconstruction shows excellent clinical outcomes and does not increase the risk of developing postoperative complications or other adverse outcomes when compared with SA renal allografts.
Epidemiology of Trypanosomiasis in Wildlife—Implications for Humans at the Wildlife Interface in Africa
Authors: Kasozi Keneth Iceland , Zirintunda Gerald , Ssempijja Fred , Buyinza Bridget , Alzahrani Khalid J. , Matama Kevin , Nakimbugwe Helen N. , Alkazmi Luay , Onanyang David , Bogere Paul , Ochieng Juma John , Islam Saher , Matovu Wycliff , Nalumenya David Paul , Batiha Gaber El-Saber , Osuwat Lawrence Obado , Abdelhamid Mahmoud , Shen Tianren , Omadang Leonard , Welburn Susan Christina
Published: June 2021

While both human and animal trypanosomiasis continue to present as major human and animal public health constraints globally, detailed analyses of trypanosome wildlife reservoir hosts remain sparse. African animal trypanosomiasis (AAT) affects both livestock and wildlife carrying a significant risk of spillover and cross-transmission of species and strains between populations. Increased human activity together with pressure on land resources is increasing wildlife–livestock–human infections. Increasing proximity between human settlements and grazing lands to wildlife reserves and game parks only serves to exacerbate zoonotic risk. Communities living and maintaining livestock on the fringes of wildlife-rich ecosystems require to have in place methods of vector control for prevention of AAT transmission and for the treatment of their livestock. Major Trypanosoma spp. include Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, Trypanosoma brucei gambiense, and Trypanosoma cruzi, pathogenic for humans, and Trypanosoma vivax, Trypanosoma congolense, Trypanosoma evansi, Trypanosoma brucei brucei, Trypanosoma dionisii, Trypanosoma thomasbancrofti, Trypanosma elephantis, Trypanosoma vegrandis, Trypanosoma copemani, Trypanosoma irwini, Trypanosoma copemani, Trypanosoma gilletti, Trypanosoma theileri, Trypanosoma godfreyi, Trypansoma simiae, and Trypanosoma (Megatrypanum) pestanai. Wildlife hosts for the trypansomatidae include subfamilies of Bovinae, Suidae, Pantherinae, Equidae, Alcephinae, Cercopithecinae, Crocodilinae, Pteropodidae, Peramelidae, Sigmodontidae, and Meliphagidae. Wildlife species are generally considered tolerant to trypanosome infection following centuries of coexistence of vectors and wildlife hosts. Tolerance is influenced by age, sex, species, and physiological condition and parasite challenge. Cyclic transmission through Glossina species occurs for T. congolense, T. simiae, T. vivax, T. brucei, and T. b. rhodesiense, T. b. gambiense, and within Reduviid bugs for T. cruzi. T. evansi is mechanically transmitted, and T. vixax is also commonly transmitted by biting flies including tsetse. Wildlife animal species serve as long-term reservoirs of infection, but the delicate acquired balance between trypanotolerance and trypanosome challenge can be disrupted by an increase in challenge and/or the introduction of new more virulent species into the ecosystem. There is a need to protect wildlife, animal, and human populations from the infectious consequences of encroachment to preserve and protect these populations. In this review, we explore the ecology and epidemiology of Trypanosoma spp. in wildlife.
PK/PD Modeling to Assess Rifaximin Clinical Dosage in a Mouse Model of Staphylococcus aureus-Induced Mastitis
Authors: Wang Honglei , Chen Chen , Chen Xiaojie , Zhang Jingju , Liu Yiming , Li Xiubo
Published: June 2021

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a common pathogen that causes mastitis, an infection of the milk-secreting tissue of the udder, in dairy cows, and presents a huge economic problem for the dairy industry worldwide. Thus, control and treatment of mastitis in dairy cows is vital in order to reduce the costs associated with the disease. The main purpose of the current work was to examine the current dosage of rifaximin for the treatment mastitis in cows caused by S. aureus using pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic integration in a mouse mastitis model. The mouse mastitis model was established via injection of S. aureus Newbould 305 (400 CFU/gland) into the mouse mammary gland. A single dose of 50, 100, 200, or 400 μg/gland, administered via intramammary infusion, was used to study the pharmacokinetics of rifaximin. The pharmacokinetic parameters were analyzed by non-compartment and non-linear mixed-effect models using Phoenix software (version 8.1; Pharsight, USA). In vivo pharmacodynamics was used to examine 18 therapeutic regimens covering various doses ranging from 25 to 800 μg/gland and three dosing intervals of 8, 12, and 24 h per 24 h experiment cycle. The antibacterial effect of rifaximin was elevated with higher concentrations of rifaximin or shorter intervals of administration. The percentage of time that drug concentrations exceeded the MIC during a dose interval (%T > MIC) was generally 100% for rifaximin and was not better than AUC24/MIC in the sigmoid Emax model of inhibitory effect. The optimal antibacterial effect was 2log10CFU/gland when the magnitude of AUC24/MIC reached 14,281.63 h. A total of 14,281.63 h of AUC24/MIC was defined as a target value in the Monte Carlo simulation. The clinically recommended dosage regimen of 100 mg/gland every 8 h in 1 day achieved an 82.97% cure rate for the treatment of bovine mastitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus infection.
Canine Transforming Growth Factor-β Receptor 2-Ig: A Potential Candidate Biologic for Melanoma Treatment That Reverses Transforming Growth Factor-β1 Immunosuppression
Authors: Takeuchi Hiroto , Konnai Satoru , Maekawa Naoya , Takagi Satoshi , Ohta Hiroshi , Sasaki Noboru , Kim Sangho , Okagawa Tomohiro , Suzuki Yasuhiko , Murata Shiro , Ohashi Kazuhiko
Published: June 2021

Cancer cells can evade host immune systems via multiple mechanisms. Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) is an immunosuppressive cytokine that induces regulatory T cell (Tregs) differentiation and is involved in immune evasion mechanisms in cancer. The inhibition of the TGF-β1 signaling pathway can suppress cancer progression and metastasis through the modulation of anticancer immune responses. However, to best of our knowledge, no implementation of treatments targeting TGF-β1 has been reported in dog cancers. This study aimed to examine whether TGF-β1 is upregulated in canine cancers. We measured TGF-β1 concentrations in culture supernatants of canine melanoma cell lines and in serum samples from dogs with oral malignant melanoma. TGF-β1 production was observed in several cell lines, and serum TGF-β1 levels were elevated in dogs with oral malignant melanoma. Interestingly, the addition of recombinant TGF-β1 to canine peripheral blood mononuclear cell cultures decreased Th1 cytokine production and increased differentiation of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ lymphocytes, suggesting that TGF-β1 is immunosuppressive in canine immune systems. We developed a decoy receptor for TGF-β, namely TGF-βRII-Ig, by identifying an open reading frame of the canine TGFBR2 gene. TGF-βRII-Ig was prepared as a recombinant fusion protein of the extracellular region of canine TGF-βRII and the Fc region of canine IgG-B. As expected, TGF-βRII-Ig bound to TGF-β1. In the presence of TGF-β1, the treatment with TGF-βRII-Ig increased Th1 cytokine production and decreased the differentiation of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ lymphocytes. Our results suggest that TGF-βRII-Ig competitively inhibits the immunosuppressive effects of TGF-β1 and thereby activates immune responses. This study demonstrated the potential of TGF-βRII-Ig as a novel biologic for canine melanoma.
Data-Driven Simulation for Evaluating the Impact of Lower Arrival Aircraft Separation on Available Airspace and Runway Capacity at Tokyo International Airport
Authors: Sekine Katsuhiro , Kato Furuto , Kageyama Kota , Itoh Eri
Published: June 2021

Although the application of new wake turbulence categories, the so-called “RECAT (wake turbulence category re-categorization)”, will realize lower aircraft separation minima and directly increase runway throughput, the impacts of increasing arrival traffic on the surrounding airspace and arrival traffic flow as a whole have not yet been discussed. This paper proposes a data-driven simulation approach and evaluates the effectiveness of the lower aircraft separation in the arrival traffic at the target airport. The maximum runway capacity was clarified using statistics on aircraft types, stochastic distributions of inter-aircraft time and runway occupancy time, and the levels of the automation systems that supported air traffic controllers’ separation work. Based on the estimated available runway capacity, simulation models were proposed by analyzing actual radar track and flight plan data during the 6 months between September 2019 and February 2020, under actual operational constraints and weather conditions. The simulation results showed that the application of RECAT would reduce vectoring time in the terminal area by 7% to 10% under the current airspace and runway capacity when following a first-come first-served arrival sequence. In addition, increasing airspace capacity by 10% in the terminal area could dramatically reduce en-route and takeoff delay times while keeping vectoring time the same as under the current operation in the terminal area. These findings clarified that applying RECAT would contribute to mitigating air traffic congestion close to the airport, and to reducing delay times in arrival traffic as a whole while increasing runway throughput. The simulation results demonstrated the relevance of the theoretical results given by queue-based approaches in the authors’ past studies.
Temporal Profile of Neonicotinoid Concentrations in Cotton, Corn, and Soybean Resulting from Insecticidal Seed Treatments
Authors: Whalen Adam , Catchot Angus L. , Gore Jeff , Stewart Scott D. , Lorenz Gus M. , Cook Donald R. , Musser Fred R. , Harris Jeffrey W. , Krishnan Natraj
Published: June 2021

Neonicotinoids have been implicated as a contributing factor to the observed decreases in honey bee populations. It has been suggested that honey bees can be exposed to seed-treated neonicotinoids through pollen and nectar from treated plants. To investigate the uptake and persistence of neonicotinoids in plant tissue and soil, we conducted seed treatment trials with corn, cotton, and soybean planted in Mississippi, Arkansas, and Tennessee during the 2013 and 2014 growing seasons. Leaf tissue was collected and analyzed beginning shortly after emergence until plants began to flower to better understand how neonicotinoid concentrations change in plant tissues over time. The youngest leaf in the terminal of the plant was sampled as an indicator of the neonicotinoid concentrations within the plant. Soil samples were also collected and analyzed for neonicotinoid concentrations at the first and last sampling dates. The mean clothianidin concentrations in corn treated with Poncho® 250, 500, and 1250 seed treatments declined by 99.3, 99.3, and 97.8 percent, respectively, as the plants developed from seedlings to reproductive plants. The mean concentration of imidacloprid detected in Aeris®-treated cotton decreased by 99.6 percent during the sampling period. For cotton seed treated with Avicta® Duo, the mean concentrations of thiamethoxam and clothianidin in leaf tissue declined by 99.9 and 100 percent, respectively, by the time flowering occurred. There was a 99.9 percent reduction in the mean concentration of thiamethoxam by the time of flowering in leaf tissue from soybean treated with a CruiserMaxx® seed treatment. Mean clothianidin concentrations completely diminished (<1 ng/g) in CruiserMaxx®- and Poncho®/VOTiVO®-treated soybean plants by the time plants reached reproductive growth. The data for neonicotinoid concentrations in the soil were more variable than leaf tissue samples, and the reduction in neonicotinoid concentrations in leaf tissues did not closely correlate with concentrations in the soil. Our results suggest that neonicotinoid insecticides, when used as seed treatments in these crops, decline rapidly throughout vegetative growth stages. However, the biological impact on target or non-target arthropods was not examined.
Environmental Assessment of Furrow vs. Drip Irrigated Pear (Pyrus bretschneideri Rehd.) Production Systems in Loess Plateau (China)
Authors: Wang Jie , Zhao Mingxin , Wan Yu , Zeng Yu , Wei Yong , Zhang Yueqiang , Chen Xinping , Shi Xiaojun
Published: June 2021

Irrigation systems increase fruit yield of water shortage orchards in semiarid and arid lands, but their environmental impacts remain unclear. This study carries out a comparative cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment (LCA) of the furrow and drip irrigated pear production systems in the Loess Plateau of China based on 2009–2018 inventory data from integrated experimental stations. The water depletion (WD), water footprint (WF), global warming (GWP), acidification (AP), and eutrophication (EP) potentials of the furrow and drip irrigated pear production systems were calculated and compared, including the orchard installation phase (phase I), primary growing phase (phase II), low production phase (phase III), and full production phase (phase IV). Results indicated that the cumulative WD, GWP, AP, and EP of the drip irrigated system were 148.3 m3, 130.1 kg CO2-eq, 0.9 kg SO2-eq, and 0.6 kg PO4-eq per ton of pear fruit harvest, respectively, which were 37.3–73.5% lower than those of the furrow irrigated system. The GWP, AP, EP, and WD of phase I to III contributed 39.3–46.1% in the drip irrigated system vs. 27.8–38.6% in the furrow irrigated system of the total amount, which should not be neglected in perennial orchard systems. The annual WFs were 0.9, 0.2, and 0.2 m3 kg−1 year−1 in phases II, III, and IV of the drip system, respectively, which were 50–71.4% lower than that of the furrow system. Green WF of furrow and drip irrigated systems were approximately the same, but the blue WF and grey WF of drip irrigation systems were 35.7–62.1% and 66.0–73.2% lower than those of the furrow irrigated system. The drip irrigated pear production system significantly mitigated environmental impacts and WFs, mainly due to reduced fertilizer application, water consumption, electricity, and diesel demand. Irrigation that changed from a furrow to a drip system was responsible for most environmental reductions, but 8% decreases of yields in phase IV. The outcomes from assessing the furrow and drip irrigated pear production systems could provide useful information for decision-making by the pear orchardists in the Loess Plateau.
Methodology for Olive Pruning Windrow Assessment Using 3D Time-of-Flight Camera
Authors: Castillo-Ruiz Francisco J. , Colmenero-Martinez Jose T. , Bayano-Tejero Sergio , Gonzalez-Sanchez Emilio J. , Lara Francisco M. , Blanco-Roldán Gregorio L.
Published: June 2021

The management of olive pruning residue has shifted from burning to shredding, laying residues on soil, or harvesting residues for use as a derivative. The objective of this research is to develop, test, and validate a methodology to measure the dimensions, outline, and bulk volume of pruning residue windrows in olive orchards using both a manual and a 3D Time-of-Flight (ToF) camera. Trees were pruned using trunk shaker targeted pruning, from which two different branch sizes were selected to build two separate windrow treatments with the same pruning residue dose. Four windrows were built for each treatment, and four sampling points were selected along each windrow to take measurements using both manual and 3D ToF measurements. Windrow section outline could be defined using a polynomial or a triangular function, although manual measurement required processing with a polynomial function, especially for high windrow volumes. Different branch sizes provided to be significant differences for polynomial function coefficients, while no significant differences were found for windrow width. Bigger branches provided less bulk volume, which implied that these branches formed less porous windrows that smaller ones. Finally, manual and 3D ToF camera measurements were validated, giving an adequate performance for olive pruning residue windrow in-field assessment.
Indirect Effect of African Swine Fever on the Diet Composition of the Gray Wolf Canis lupus—A Case Study in Belarus
Authors: Klich Daniel , Yanuta Grigorij , Sobczuk Maria , Balcerak Marek
Published: June 2021

After the emergence of African swine fever (ASF), the wild boar population numbers fell drastically in Eastern Europe. This situation made it possible to verify the changes in the wolves’ diet that occurred. The material collection was carried out in two regions, Grodno and Vitebsk, in Belarus. In total, 19 species/groups of prey were observed in the gray wolf diet, but the most important were wild boar, elk, red deer, roe deer and beaver. The decrease in the number of wild boar caused changes in the diet of wolves but only in Vitebsk region, where wolves’ diet before the ASF epidemic outbreak consisted mainly of elk and wild boar. After the decrease of wild boar numbers, wolves still mainly hunted elk, but other types of prey included roe deer, red deer and beaver. We found a negative correlation between wild boar and both deer species (roe deer and red deer) in the wolves’ diet. Moreover, the more the wolves consumed elk, the less they consumed beaver. In our opinion, only intensive hunting of wolves by humans can explain the resulting dietary fluctuations between elk and beaver, as well as the fact that wolves did not turn to other food sources.
Proximal Perineural Femoral Nerve Injection in Pigs Using an Ultrasound-Guided Lateral Subiliac Approach—A Cadaveric Study
Authors: Trujanovic Robert , Otero Pablo E. , Marhofer Peter , Auer Ulrike , Kau Silvio
Published: June 2021

Desensitizing the femoral nerve (FN) improves pain control in several species undergoing pelvic limb surgeries. Despite its advantages, this method has not yet been described in pigs, although they make an accepted surgical animal model. Based on anatomical dissections, first performed in two pig cadavers, an ultrasound-guided access for localization and perineural infiltration of the FN trunk at the iliopsoas compartment level was specified. The FN was found running between the psoas major and medial portion of iliac muscle. Ultrasonographically, the FN appeared as a hypoechogenic round–oval structure surrounded by a hyperechogenic rim. Technical feasibility and accuracy were assessed in six additional pig cadavers by injecting 0.15 mL kg−1 methylene blue dye bilaterally in direct proximity to the nerve. The needle was inserted caudoventral to the coxal tuber, traversing the ultrasound plane as it progressed towards the FN in dorsomedial direction. Staining of the nerve was evaluated by dissection. The injection was considered effective if the nerve was stained in its entire circumference over a length of 2 cm. FNs of all investigated individuals could be successfully stained. This ultrasound-guided subiliac approach allows feasible and accurate access to the FN and may be useful in producing a successful blockade in vivo.
Use of Pelleted Diets in Commercially Farmed Decapods during Juvenile Stages: A Review
Authors: Aaqillah-Amr Mohd Amran , Hidir Ariffin , Azra Mohamad N. , Ahmad-Ideris Abdul Rahim , Abualreesh Muyassar H. , Noordiyana Mat Noordin , Ikhwanuddin Mhd
Published: June 2021

The increasing market demand for decapods has led to a considerable interest in cultivating decapod species at a larger scale. Following the development of hatchery technologies, most research has focused on the development of formulated feeds for commercially farmed decapods once they enter the juvenile stages. The use of formulated feed for decapods at a commercial scale is still in the early stages. This is probably because of the unique feeding behavior that decapods possess: being robust, slow feeders and bottom dwellers, their feeding preferences change during the transition from pelagic larvae to benthic juveniles as their digestive systems develop and become more complex. The current practice of decapod aquaculture involves the provision of juveniles with food such as natural diet, live feed, and formulated feed. Knowledge of nutrient requirements enables diets to be better formulated. By manipulating the levels of proteins and lipids, a formulated feed can be expected to lead to optimal growth in decapods. At the same time, the pellet’s physical characteristics are important factors to be considered upon formulating commercially farmed decapod feeds, considering the unique feeding behavior of the decapod. However, most published studies on decapod nutrition lack data on the physical characteristics of the feed types. Thus, it is difficult to establish a standard feed formulation that focuses on the physical pellet properties. Moreover, careful consideration must be given to the feeding behavior of species, as decapods are known as bottom feeders and are robust in terms of handling feed. Information on the pellet forms, diet composition, and unique feeding behaviors in commercially farmed decapods is gathered to suggest potential better formulated diets that can optimize growth and reproduction. Thus, the purpose of this review is to summarize the information that has been published to date and to come up with suggestions on ways to improve the feed formulation in decapods that comply with their feeding behavior and nutrient requirements. Further research is needed to explore the potential of the pelleted feed at the adult stage so the decapod can take full advantage of the nutrients present in the pellets.
Context-Specific Habituation: A Review
Authors: Dissegna Andrea , Turatto Massimo , Chiandetti Cinzia
Published: June 2021

Habituation consists of the progressive response decrement to a repeated stimulation, a response decline that is not accounted for by sensory or motor fatigue. Together with sensitization, habituation has been traditionally considered to be a prototypical example of non-associative learning, being affected only by the features of the stimulation, as for instance its intensity or frequency. However, despite this widespread belief, evidence exists showing that habituation can be specific to the context of the stimulation, thus suggesting that habituation can have an associative nature. Such an unexpected characteristic of habituation was in fact predicted by a theoretical model of associative learning proposed by Wagner in a series of works that appeared in the late 1970s. Here, we critically review the experimental data that since then have been accumulated in support of this hypothesis. What emerges from the literature is that context-specific habituation is common to several animal species and that the ability to form an association between the habituating stimulus and its context is independent of the complexity of the animal’s nervous system. Finally, context-specific habituation is observed for a variety of organism’s responses, ranging from visceral to motor and mental activities.
Beneficial Influence of Soybean Lecithin Nanoparticles on Rooster Frozen–Thawed Semen Quality and Fertility
Authors: Sun Lingwei , He Mengqian , Wu Caifeng , Zhang Shushan , Dai Jianjun , Zhang Defu
Published: June 2021

The present study aimed to investigate the impact of different concentrations (0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0%) of nano-soybean lecithin (SL) in the extender on sperm quality, sperm motion characteristics, and fertility outcomes of post-thawed rooster semen. Adult Ross broiler breeder roosters (n = 20) were subjected to semen collections twice a week for three weeks. At each collection, semen samples were pooled and allocated into five treatments corresponding to different nano-SL concentrations (control, SL0.5, SL1.0, SL1.5, and SL2.0). Sperm parameters, including motility (collected using a computer-assisted sperm analysis system), plasma membrane and acrosome integrities, and mitochondrial activity were assessed. Sperm malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant activities (total antioxidant capacity (TAC); superoxide dismutase (SOD); glutathione peroxidase (GPx)) were evaluated. The fertility and hatchability obtained with frozen–thawed rooster semen supplemented with the optimum nano-SL concentration were assessed after artificial insemination. The results showed that the addition of 1% nano-SL into the extender led to a higher semen motility in roosters, improved plasma membrane and acrosome integrities, and higher mitochondrial activity of post-thawed rooster semen in comparison to controls (p < 0.05). The MDA levels in the SL0.5 and SL1.0 groups were lower than the other groups (p < 0.05). TAC activities in SL0.5, SL1.0, and SL1.5 groups were significantly higher than those in the other groups (p < 0.05). It was observed that the concentration of SOD was higher in the SL1.0 group than in the other groups (p < 0.05). The activity of GPx was not influenced in any of the cases (p > 0.05). Moreover, the percentages of fertility and hatchability in the SL1.0 group were higher (56.36% and 58.06%) than those in the control group (42.72% and 40.43%). In summary, the addition of nano-SL to the extenders enhanced the post-thawed semen quality and fertility of roosters by reducing the level of oxidative stress. The optimum nano-SL concentration was 1.0%. These results may be beneficial for improving the efficacy of semen cryopreservation procedures in poultry breeding.
The Design of Alapropoginine, a Novel Conjugated Ultrashort Antimicrobial Peptide with Potent Synergistic Antimicrobial Activity in Combination with Conventional Antibiotics
Authors: Salama Ali , Almaaytah Ammar , Darwish Rula M.
Published: June 2021

(1) Background: Antimicrobial resistance represents an urgent health dilemma facing the global human population. The development of novel antimicrobial agents is needed to face the rising number of resistant bacteria. Ultrashort antimicrobial peptides (USAMPs) are considered promising antimicrobial agents that meet the required criteria of novel antimicrobial drug development. (2) Methods: Alapropoginine was rationally designed by incorporating arginine (R), biphenylalanine (B), and naproxen to create an ultrashort hexapeptide. The antimicrobial activity of alapropoginine was evaluated against different strains of bacteria. The hemolytic activity of alapropoginine was also investigated against human erythrocytes. Finally, synergistic studies with antibiotics were performed using the checkerboard technique and the determination of the fractional inhibitory index. (3) Results: Alapropoginine displayed potent antimicrobial activities against reference and multi-drug-resistant bacteria with MIC values of as low as 28.6 µg/mL against methicillin-resistant S. aureus. Alapropoginine caused negligible toxicity toward human red blood cells. Moreover, the synergistic studies showed improved activities for the combined conventional antibiotics with a huge reduction in their antimicrobial concentrations. (4) Conclusions: The present study indicates that alapropoginine exhibits promising antimicrobial activity against reference and resistant strains of bacteria with negligible hemolytic activity. Additionally, the peptide displays synergistic or additive effects when combined with several antibiotics.
Bee Pollen and Bee Bread as a Source of Bacteria Producing Antimicrobials
Authors: Pełka Karolina , Worobo Randy W. , Walkusz Justyna , Szweda Piotr
Published: June 2021

The principal objective of the study was the isolation and identification of bacteria that are present in mature bee bread (BB) and dried (ready for selling and consumption) bee pollen (BP). Obtained isolates were screened for their potential to inhibit select human pathogenic bacteria and their ability to produce enzymes of particular industrial importance. Four and five samples of BP and BB, respectively, were used for the study. In total, 81 strains of bacteria were isolated, and 34 (42%) of them exhibited antagonistic interactions with at least one reference strain of pathogenic bacteria, namely Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, Staphylococcus epidermidis 12228, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27857, and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922. The sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene revealed that all strains producing antimicrobials belong to the genus Bacillus spp., and among them, five species were identified: B. pumilus (n = 17), B. altitudinis (n = 9), B. licheniformis (n = 4), B. subtilis (n = 2), and B. safensis (n = 1). Furthermore, 69, 54, 39, and 29 of the strains exhibited lipolytic, proteolytic, cellulolytic, and esterolytic activity, respectively. Alpha amylase and beta galactosidase activity were rarely observed, and none of the strains produced laccase. The outcomes of the study revealed that BP and BB can be considered potential sources of bacteria producing antimicrobial agents and/or enzymes of particular industrial importance. Of course, additional research is required to verify this hypothesis, but the results of preliminary studies are promising.