scholarly journals Stomach nematodes of cotton rats: parasites, commensals, or mutualists?

2019 ◽  
Vol 100 (6) ◽  
pp. 1831-1836
Author(s):  
Bradley J Bergstrom ◽  
Robert K Rose ◽  
A Scott Bellows
Keyword(s):  
Litter Size ◽  
Immune Modulation ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Analysis Of Covariance ◽  
Recent Theory ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Reproductive Response ◽  
Cotton Rats ◽  
Fecundity Compensation ◽  
Low Prevalence

Abstract We related presence and burden of stomach nematodes to body mass and reproductive allocation in hispid cotton rats (Sigmodon hispidus) from two long-running field studies in Virginia (1983–1984, n = 286; and 1988–1990, n = 425) and one from Georgia 1987–1989 (n = 459). Eighty percent of rats from the earlier Virginia sample were infected, with mean nematode mass of 1,311 mg. In the later samples, 23% (Virginia) and 33% (Georgia) were infected with mean nematode mass of 493 and 769 mg, respectively. Presence of nematodes was positively correlated with host body length for each sex in each sample. We used analysis of covariance to examine length-adjusted residuals for presence of nematodes and mass of nematodes for association with somatic and reproductive response variables. Both body and reproductive masses were either positively associated or not related to nematode presence in the two low-prevalence samples, and either negatively associated or not related to nematode presence in the high-prevalence sample. No relationships were detected between host mass and nematode mass per host in either sex in any sample. There was no effect of nematode presence on litter size of pregnant females, but there was a positive effect of nematode mass on litter size in Georgia. Recent theory provides several possible explanations for such neutral-to-positive effects of stomach nematodes on host fitness, including the evolution of host tolerance to the parasites, fecundity compensation by the hosts, and positive effects on host health via immune modulation.

Effects of a 6-Week Straw Phonation in Water Exercise Program on the Aging Voice

2020 ◽  
Vol 63 (4) ◽  
pp. 1018-1032
Author(s):  
Chia-Hsin Wu ◽  
Roger W. Chan
Keyword(s):  
Acoustic Analysis ◽  
Vocal Tract ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Analysis Of Covariance ◽  
Elderly Subjects ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Perceptual Evaluation ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Aging Voice ◽  
Before And After

Purpose Semi-occluded vocal tract (SOVT) exercises with tubes or straws have been widely used for a variety of voice disorders. Yet, the effects of longer periods of SOVT exercises (lasting for weeks) on the aging voice are not well understood. This study investigated the effects of a 6-week straw phonation in water (SPW) exercise program. Method Thirty-seven elderly subjects with self-perceived voice problems were assigned into two groups: (a) SPW exercises with six weekly sessions and home practice (experimental group) and (b) vocal hygiene education (control group). Before and after intervention (2 weeks after the completion of the exercise program), acoustic analysis, auditory–perceptual evaluation, and self-assessment of vocal impairment were conducted. Results Analysis of covariance revealed significant differences between the two groups in smoothed cepstral peak prominence measures, harmonics-to-noise ratio, the auditory–perceptual parameter of breathiness, and Voice Handicap Index-10 scores postintervention. No significant differences between the two groups were found for other measures. Conclusions Our results supported the positive effects of SOVT exercises for the aging voice, with a 6-week SPW exercise program being a clinical option. Future studies should involve long-term follow-up and additional outcome measures to better understand the efficacy of SOVT exercises, particularly SPW exercises, for the aging voice.

A Performance-Based Regulatory Program for Phosphorus Control to Prevent the Accelerated Eutrophication of Lake Okeechobee, Florida

1993 ◽  
Vol 28 (3-5) ◽  
pp. 13-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan L. Goldstein ◽  
Gary J. Ritter
Keyword(s):  
Water Management ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
South Florida ◽  
Lake Okeechobee ◽  
Cost Share ◽  
Scientific Application ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Regulatory Program ◽  
A Performance

Following 15 years of data collection, field studies, and modeling efforts, the State of Florida in 1987 legislatively mandated the South Florida Water Management District, a regional water management agency, to create and implement a plan to reduce average annual inputs of total phosphorus to Lake Okeechobee by 40 percent. One element of the resulting plan was the creation and implementation of a performance-based regulatory program that set phosphorus discharge limitations for all parcels of land equal to or greater than 1/2 acre in size in almost all of the 1,735,000 acres of the lake's 31 tributary drainage basins. Owners of non-complying parcels are required to take measures to bring the parcels into compliance. This regulatory program, coupled with concurrent cost-share incentive programs and ongoing research efforts, has resulted in a decrease in phosphorus concentrations from individual properties and at some tributary discharge locations to the lake. This effort demonstrates that where there is sufficient historical information, scientific application of state-of-the-art modeling techniques, a political will, and appropriate powers vested in the institutions to take and enforce actions, such programs can be implemented and have positive effects on reducing non-point source pollutants.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Neurofeedback Associated with Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy on Children with Attention Defect Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

2015 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Kianbakht ◽  
Sedighe Naghel ◽  
Freshte Alidadi ◽  
Vahid Nejati ◽  
Hossien Kohandel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Rehabilitation ◽  
Analysis Of Covariance ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Meaningful Difference ◽  
Rehabilitation Therapy ◽  
Performance Factors ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Adhd Children ◽  
Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy ◽  
And Control

Objectives: Neurofeedback is known as a modern therapy for hyperactive children, nevertheless it is not a complete therapy for these patients. The goal of this therapy is to create a complete therapy for ADHD children, so neurofeedback is used with cognitive rehabilitation therapy to make more integrated therapy. Method: this is an experimental study. 30 subjects were selected through random selection from women who referred to 5 clinics of Tehran city, and they were placed into 2 experimental groups and 1 control group. Groups are matched in age, sexuality and economic situation. One group just received neurofeedback into 10 sessions, another group received neurofeedback plus cognitive rehabilitation therapy at the same during, and control group received no therapy or they leaved the therapy at the first steps. Integrated visual and auditory test (IVA) was used as pretest and posttest, to measure two factors (attention and impulsivity) in ADHD children. Cognitive rehabilitation therapy protocol is based on work of Nejati (1391). Data evaluated by dependent T test and analysis of covariance. Results: according to findings, there is meaningful difference between all groups in attention and impulsivity factors. The group who received neurofeedback plus cognitive rehabilitation therapy showed more improvement in attention and impulsivity factors. Also there was a meaningful difference between neurofeedback group and control group in attention factor. Conclusion: neurofeedback is supposed as a facilitator therapy to improve attention factor in ADHD children, but not as a complete therapy, especially about performance factors. Also, it is better to use a complementary therapy such as cognitive rehabilitation therapy that focuses more on performance factors. It leads to more positive effects on impulsivity or even hyperactivity.

scholarly journals Transformative experience and social connectedness mediate the mood-enhancing effects of psychedelic use in naturalistic settings

2020 ◽  
Vol 117 (5) ◽  
pp. 2338-2346 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthias Forstmann ◽  
Daniel A. Yudkin ◽  
Annayah M. B. Prosser ◽  
S. Megan Heller ◽  
Molly J. Crockett
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Ecological Validity ◽  
Positive Mood ◽  
Past Research ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
The United States ◽  
Social Consequences ◽  
Transformative Experience ◽  
Positive Effects

Past research suggests that use of psychedelic substances such as LSD or psilocybin may have positive effects on mood and feelings of social connectedness. These psychological effects are thought to be highly sensitive to context, but robust and direct evidence for them in a naturalistic setting is scarce. In a series of field studies involving over 1,200 participants across six multiday mass gatherings in the United States and the United Kingdom, we investigated the effects of psychedelic substance use on transformative experience, social connectedness, and positive mood. This approach allowed us to test preregistered hypotheses with high ecological validity and statistical precision. Controlling for a host of demographic variables and the use of other psychoactive substances, we found that psychedelic substance use was significantly associated with positive mood—an effect sequentially mediated by self-reported transformative experience and increased social connectedness. These effects were particularly pronounced for those who had taken psychedelic substances within the last 24 h (compared to the last week). Overall, this research provides robust evidence for positive affective and social consequences of psychedelic substance use in naturalistic settings.

Effects of voluntary activity and genetic selection on aerobic capacity in house mice (Mus domesticus)

1998 ◽  
Vol 84 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
John G. Swallow ◽  
Theodore Garland ◽  
Patrick A. Carter ◽  
Wen-Zhi Zhan ◽  
Gary C. Sieck
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass ◽  
Aerobic Capacity ◽  
Genetic Selection ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Analysis Of Covariance ◽  
House Mice ◽  
Mus Domesticus ◽  
Voluntary Activity ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Running Wheels

Swallow, John G., Theodore Garland, Jr., Patrick A. Carter, Wen-Zhi Zhan, and Gary C. Sieck. Effects of voluntary activity and genetic selection on aerobic capacity in house mice ( Mus domesticus). J. Appl. Physiol. 84(1): 69–76, 1998.—An animal model was developed to study effects on components of exercise physiology of both “nature” (10 generations of genetic selection for high voluntary activity on running wheels) and “nurture” (7–8 wk of access or no access to running wheels, beginning at weaning). At the end of the experiment, mice from both wheel-access groups were significantly lighter in body mass than mice from sedentary groups. Within the wheel-access group, a statistically significant, negative relationship existed between activity and final body mass. In measurements of maximum oxygen consumption during forced treadmill exercise (V˙o 2 max), mice with wheel access were significantly more cooperative than sedentary mice; however, trial quality was not a significant predictor of individual variation in V˙o 2 max. Nested two-way analysis of covariance demonstrated that both genetic selection history and access to wheels had significant positive effects on V˙o 2 max. A 12% difference inV˙o 2 max existed between wheel-access selected mice, which had the highest mass-correctedV˙o 2 max, and sedentary control mice, which had the lowest. The respiratory exchange ratio at V˙o 2 max was also significantly lower in the wheel-access group. Our results suggest the existence of a possible genetic correlation between voluntary activity levels (behavior) and aerobic capacity (physiology).

Randomized Trial of PMTO in Foster Care: Six-Month Child Well-Being Outcomes

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 206-222 ◽  
Author(s):  
Becci A. Akin ◽  
Kyle Lang ◽  
Thomas P. McDonald ◽  
Yueqi Yan ◽  
Todd Little
Keyword(s):  
Foster Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Analysis Of Covariance ◽  
High Risk Population ◽  
Social Emotional ◽  
Prosocial Skills ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Cohen’S D ◽  
Children In Foster Care ◽  
Cohen's D

Objective: This study tested the effectiveness of Parent Management Training, Oregon (PMTO) model on child social–emotional well-being. Methods: Using a randomized controlled design and three measures of social–emotional well-being, the study investigated effectiveness of PMTO with families of children in foster care with serious emotional disturbance (SED). Participants included children (3–16 years) and parents who were randomly assigned to PMTO ( n = 461) or services as usual ( n = 457). Study condition was known to participants and assessors. Six months after baseline, analysis of covariance models examined the intervention’s overall effect and time interactions using intent-to-treat analysis. Follow-up analyses identified salient predictors of well-being. Results: PMTO demonstrated small but significant positive effects on three primary outcomes: social–emotional functioning (Cohen’s d = .31), problem behaviors (Cohen’s d = .09), and prosocial skills (Cohen’s d = .09). Conclusion: Results suggest that PMTO was effective at improving short-term social–emotional well-being in a high-risk population of children with SED.

scholarly journals Randomized controlled trial of an e-learning designed behavioral intervention for increasing physical activity behavior in multiple sclerosis

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 205521731773488 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert W Motl ◽  
Elizabeth A Hubbard ◽  
Rachel E Bollaert ◽  
Brynn C Adamson ◽  
Dominique Kinnett-Hopkins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Behavioral Intervention ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Analysis Of Covariance ◽  
Learning Approaches ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
E Learning

Background Internet-delivered, behavioral interventions represent a cost-effective, broadly disseminable approach for teaching persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) the theory-based skills, techniques, and strategies for changing physical activity. Objectives This pilot, randomized controlled trial examined the efficacy of a newly developed Internet website based on e-learning approaches that delivered a theory-based behavior intervention for increasing physical activity and improving symptoms, walking impairment, and neurological disability. Methods Participants with MS ( N = 47) were randomly assigned into behavioral intervention ( n = 23) or waitlist control ( n = 24) conditions delivered over a six-month period. Outcomes were administered before and after the six-month period using blinded assessors, and data were analyzed using analysis of covariance in SPSS. Results There was a significant, positive intervention effect on self-reported physical activity ( P = 0.05, [Formula: see text] = 0.10), and non-significant improvement in objectively measured physical activity ( P = 0.24, [Formula: see text] = 0.04). There were significant, positive effects of the intervention on overall ( P = 0.018, [Formula: see text] = 0.13) and physical impact of fatigue ( P = 0.003, [Formula: see text] = 0.20), self-reported walking impairment ( P = 0.047, [Formula: see text] = 0.10), and disability status ( P = 0.033, [Formula: see text] = 0.11). There were non-significant improvements in fatigue severity ( P = 0.10, [Formula: see text] = 0.06), depression ( P = 0.10, [Formula: see text] = 0.07) and anxiety ( P = 0.06, [Formula: see text] = 0.09) symptoms, and self-reported disability ( P = 0.10, [Formula: see text] = 0.07). Conclusions We provide evidence for the efficacy of an Internet-based behavioral intervention with content delivered through interactive video courses grounded in e-learning principles for increasing physical activity and possibly improving secondary outcomes of fatigue, depression, anxiety, and walking impairment/disability in persons with MS.

scholarly journals PLYOMETRIC TRAINING AND SPRINT ABILITIES OF YOUNG BASKETBALL PLAYERS

2020 ◽  
pp. 539
Author(s):  
Nikola Aksović ◽  
Dragana Berić ◽  
Miodrag Kocić ◽  
Saša Jakovljević ◽  
Filip Milanović
Keyword(s):  
Analysis Of Covariance ◽  
Experimental Program ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Plyometric Training ◽  
Training Experience ◽  
Basketball Players ◽  
Sprint Speed ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Basketball Team ◽  
Experimental Group

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of plyometric training on sprint abilities. Young basketball players (N=33, Age=15-16) from OKK "Stari Ras" and OKK "Novi Pazar" from Novi Pazar were divided into two groups: an experimental group (EG, n=16; BH=185.45±8.75cm; BM=76.87±11.51kg) with training experience (TE=4.69 ±1.40 years) and a control group (CG; n=17; BH=184.16±6.93cm; BM=76.87±11.51kg) with training experience (TE=5.53±3.18 years). The EG was made up of the players from basketball team OKK "Stari Ras", who in addition to basketball trainings also took part in plyometric training. The CG was made up of the players from basketball team OKK "Novi Pazar", who at that time only took part in basketball trainings. To assess their sprint abilities, three tests were used: Sprint Speed at 5m (S5m), Sprint Speed at 10m (S10m), Sprint Speed at 20m (S20m). The measurement was done with the help of the photocells "Microgate", a parameter which was monitored and the processed time was read in 1/100s. The experimental program lasted for 10 weeks (2x per week). To determine the effect of plyometric training on the sprint abilities of young basketball players, the analysis of covariance ANCOVA was used. The results showed that the EG group achieved significantly greater progress than the CG group on the tests: S5m and S20m. There was no difference between the EG and CG group on the S10m test. Based on these results we concluded that plyometric training has positive effects on the development of sprint abilities in young basketball players.

scholarly journals Outcomes of an Equine Assisted Learning Curriculum to Support Well-Being of Medical Students and Residents

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 238212052110164
Author(s):  
Nicole L Artz ◽  
Jesse Robbins ◽  
Suzanne T Millman
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Maslach Burnout Inventory ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Analysis Of Covariance ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Resident Physicians ◽  
Equine Assisted ◽  
Equine Assisted Learning

Objectives of this study were to evaluate an equine assisted learning (EAL) curriculum designed for medical students and resident physicians, and to determine impacts of the curriculum on participant perceptions of burnout and well-being. The EAL curriculum incorporated evidence-based skills and concepts to increase happiness and/or resilience. A pre/post intervention design was used, with 18 EAL participants receiving the curriculum within their month-long community based primary care clerkship elective, and 10 control (CTL) participants who did not receive the curriculum within their clerkship elective. Three waves of surveys tested participant responses before, immediately after, and 3 months after the intervention. Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) screened for depression and anxiety, and Maslach Burnout Inventory- Human Services Survey for Medical Personnel (MBI) addressed burnout. Analysis of covariance evaluated differences between EAL and CTL groups. EAL participants rated the curriculum highly (9.2 on a 10-point scale). The evaluations were overwhelmingly positive with participants able to identify key concepts that were most helpful, how they would apply those concepts to patient care and interactions with colleagues, and how the horses added value to their learning experience. Significant positive effects of EAL on burnout were identified in terms of improved MBI personal achievement scores, as well as a trend towards improved well-being scores. There was also a trend ( P < .08) towards PHQ-4 depression scores to be lower in EAL group at T3. In conclusion, this study is the first to provide AU: quantitative evidence of positive outcomes associated with an EAL curriculum designed to strengthen well-being in medical students and resident physicians.

Interaction between nitrogen fertilizer and biochar fertilization on crop yield and soil chemical quality in a temperate region

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Wenliang Wei ◽  
Shutang Liu ◽  
Dejie Cui ◽  
Xiaodong Ding
Keyword(s):  
Crop Yield ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Chemical Quality ◽  
Mineral N ◽  
N Application ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Maize Growth ◽  
The North ◽  
Term Field

Abstract The North China Plain suffers excessive application of nitrogen (N) and soil degradation. Recently, biochar has been promoted as an agricultural soil amendment to ameliorate soil quality, increase crop yield and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. However, most proofs on the positive effects of biochar addition have been based on small plots or short-term field studies located in tropical or subtropical regions with defective soils. A long-term field experiment was designed with five N levels and two biochar rates to observe the changes in crop (winter wheat and summer maize) growth and soil chemical quality. Notably, crop yield was strongly dependent upon N application, with both wheat and maize yields increasing with N application. Biochar addition increased crop yield but not significantly, although the increase in grain yield was 0.96 t/ha in a rotation. Correlation analysis revealed that the optimal root-layer soil mineral N (Nmin) for crop production was around N120, especially with biochar addition. The effect of fertilization on soil chemical quality was mainly reflected in the increase in soil organic carbon (SOC), and the highest value was obtained at N60 whether or not biochar was applied. Overall, biochar addition did not appear to promote wheat and maize growth or increase the yield on calcareous alluvial soils in temperate regions, but significantly enhanced SOC content, especially at N60, which may play an important role in sustainable agricultural production.

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