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Animal : An International Journal of... Feb 2017Livestock production is a major contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, so will play a significant role in the mitigation effort. Recent literature highlights... (Review)
Review
Livestock production is a major contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, so will play a significant role in the mitigation effort. Recent literature highlights different strategies to mitigate GHG emissions in the livestock sector. Animal welfare is a criterion of sustainability and any strategy designed to reduce the carbon footprint of livestock production should consider animal welfare amongst other sustainability metrics. We discuss and tabulate the likely relationships and trade-offs between the GHG mitigation potential of mitigation strategies and their welfare consequences, focusing on ruminant species and on cattle in particular. The major livestock GHG mitigation strategies were classified according to their mitigation approach as reducing total emissions (inhibiting methane production in the rumen), or reducing emissions intensity (Ei; reducing CH4 per output unit without directly targeting methanogenesis). Strategies classified as antimethanogenic included chemical inhibitors, electron acceptors (i.e. nitrates), ionophores (i.e. Monensin) and dietary lipids. Increasing diet digestibility, intensive housing, improving health and welfare, increasing reproductive efficiency and breeding for higher productivity were categorized as strategies that reduce Ei. Strategies that increase productivity are very promising ways to reduce the livestock carbon footprint, though in intensive systems this is likely to be achieved at the cost of welfare. Other strategies can effectively reduce GHG emissions whilst simultaneously improving animal welfare (e.g. feed supplementation or improving health). These win-win strategies should be strongly supported as they address both environmental and ethical sustainability. In order to identify the most cost-effective measures for improving environmental sustainability of livestock production, the consequences of current and future strategies for animal welfare must be scrutinized and contrasted against their effectiveness in mitigating climate change.
Topics: Animal Husbandry; Animal Welfare; Animals; Climate Change; Livestock; Methane; Ruminants
PubMed: 27406001
DOI: 10.1017/S1751731116001440 -
JMIR Aging Mar 2024Research suggests that digital ageism, that is, age-related bias, is present in the development and deployment of machine learning (ML) models. Despite the recognition... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Research suggests that digital ageism, that is, age-related bias, is present in the development and deployment of machine learning (ML) models. Despite the recognition of the importance of this problem, there is a lack of research that specifically examines the strategies used to mitigate age-related bias in ML models and the effectiveness of these strategies.
OBJECTIVE
To address this gap, we conducted a scoping review of mitigation strategies to reduce age-related bias in ML.
METHODS
We followed a scoping review methodology framework developed by Arksey and O'Malley. The search was developed in conjunction with an information specialist and conducted in 6 electronic databases (IEEE Xplore, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, EMBASE, and the ACM digital library), as well as 2 additional gray literature databases (OpenGrey and Grey Literature Report).
RESULTS
We identified 8 publications that attempted to mitigate age-related bias in ML approaches. Age-related bias was introduced primarily due to a lack of representation of older adults in the data. Efforts to mitigate bias were categorized into one of three approaches: (1) creating a more balanced data set, (2) augmenting and supplementing their data, and (3) modifying the algorithm directly to achieve a more balanced result.
CONCLUSIONS
Identifying and mitigating related biases in ML models is critical to fostering fairness, equity, inclusion, and social benefits. Our analysis underscores the ongoing need for rigorous research and the development of effective mitigation approaches to address digital ageism, ensuring that ML systems are used in a way that upholds the interests of all individuals.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
Open Science Framework AMG5P; https://osf.io/amg5p.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Ageism; Algorithms; Bias; Databases, Factual; Machine Learning
PubMed: 38517459
DOI: 10.2196/53564 -
Journal of Global Health Sep 2023While much research has addressed mental health concerns related to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there remains a scarcity of studies specifically... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
While much research has addressed mental health concerns related to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there remains a scarcity of studies specifically exploring the changes in anxiety and depression among university students before and after the implementation of COVID-19 mitigation measures.
METHODS
In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched databases including MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE (Ovid), PsycINFO (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCO), ERIC (EBSCO), the WHO COVID-19 database, Scopus, and Science Citation Index (Web of Science) as of 15 February 2023. We included studies that used a validated tool to measure changes in anxiety or depression at two distinct time points - before (T1) and during (T2); during (T2) and after (T3); or before (T1) and after (T3) COVID-19 mitigation. The quality of studies was assessed using an adapted Joanna Briggs Institute Checklist for longitudinal studies. Utilising random-effects models, we synthesised changes in continuous outcomes as standardised mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and binary outcomes as risk difference (RD) with 95% CI.
RESULTS
In total, 15 studies were included in this review, with eight of moderate and seven of high quality. In most of the included studies (n = 13), the majority of participants were women. Eleven studies analysed mental health outcomes between T1 and T2 of COVID-19 mitigations. Continuous symptom changes were a minimal or small improvement for anxiety (SMD = -0.03, 95% CI = -0.24 to 0.19, I = 90%); but worsened for depression (SMD = 0.26, 95% CI = -0.01 to 0.62). However, the proportions of students reporting moderate-to-severe symptoms, defined by specific cut-offs, increased during COVID-19 mitigation measures for both anxiety (RD = 0.17, 95% CI = -0.04 to 0.38, I = 95%) and depression (RD = 0.12, 95% CI = 0.03 to 0.22, I = 72%). Sensitivity analyses, which distinguished between baseline periods based on awareness of COVID-19, demonstrated an exacerbation of both symptoms when comparing the period before the global awareness of the COVID-19 outbreak (before December 2019) with the period during the implementation of mitigation measures.
CONCLUSIONS
Mental health outcomes, especially depressive symptoms, were observed to worsen in university students during COVID-19 mitigations. Despite considerable heterogeneity requiring careful interpretation of results, the impact of COVID-19 mitigations on mental health in university students is evident.
REGISTRATION
PROSPERO (CRD42021266889).
Topics: Female; Humans; Male; Depression; Universities; COVID-19; Anxiety; Databases, Factual
PubMed: 37655370
DOI: 10.7189/jogh.13.06035 -
Seminars in Oncology Feb 2022As is the case for solid tumors, treatment paradigms have shifted from non-specific chemotherapeutic agents towards novel targeted drugs in the treatment of patients... (Review)
Review
As is the case for solid tumors, treatment paradigms have shifted from non-specific chemotherapeutic agents towards novel targeted drugs in the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma (MM). Currently, multiple targeted therapies are available to treat patients augmenting the arsenal of modalities which also includes chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCST) and chimeric antigen T-cell therapy (CAR-T). These novel, targeted agents have dramatically increased optimism for patients, who may now be treated over many years with successive regimens. As fortunate as we are to have these new therapies available for our patients, this advantage is juxtaposed with the challenges involved with delivering them safely. While each class of agents has demonstrated efficacy, in terms of response rates and survival, they also exert class effects which pose risks for toxicity. In addition, newer generation agents within the classes often have slightly different toxicity profiles than did their predecessors. These factors must be addressed, and their risks mitigated by the multidisciplinary team. This review presents a summary of the evolution of drug development for MM. For each targeted agent, the efficacy data from pivotal trials and highlights of the risks that were demonstrated in trials, as well as during post-marketing surveillance, are presented. Specific risks associated with agents within the classes, that are not shared with all new class members, are described. A table presenting these potential risks, with recommended nursing actions to mitigate toxicity, is provided as a quick reference that nurses may use during the planning, and provision, of patient care.
Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Immunotherapy; Immunotherapy, Adoptive; Multiple Myeloma; Receptors, Chimeric Antigen
PubMed: 35197198
DOI: 10.1053/j.seminoncol.2022.01.010 -
Cytokine & Growth Factor Reviews Dec 2021Metabolic conditions share a common low-grade inflammatory milieu, which represents a key-factor for their ignition and maintenance. Exercise is instrumental for... (Review)
Review
Metabolic conditions share a common low-grade inflammatory milieu, which represents a key-factor for their ignition and maintenance. Exercise is instrumental for warranting systemic cardio-metabolic balance, owing to its regulatory effect on inflammation. This review explores the effect of physical activity in the modulation of sub-inflammatory framework characterizing dysmetabolic conditions. Regular exercise suppresses plasma levels of TNFα, IL-1β, FFAs and MCP-1, in dysmetabolic subjects. In addition, a single session of training increases the anti-inflammatory IL-10, IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), and muscle-derived IL-6, mitigating low-grade inflammation. Resting IL-6 levels are decreased in trained-dysmetabolic subjects, compared to sedentary. On the other hand, the acute release of muscle-IL-6, after exercise, seems to exert a regulatory effect on the metabolic and inflammatory balance. In fact, muscle-released IL-6 is presumably implicated in fat loss and boosts plasma levels of IL-10 and IL-1ra. The improvement of adipose tissue functionality, following regular exercise, is also critical for the mitigation of sub-inflammation. This effect is likely mediated by muscle-released IL-15 and IL-6 and partly relies on the brown-shifting of white adipocytes, induced by exercise. In obese-dysmetabolic subjects, moderate training is shown to restore gut-microbiota health, and this mitigates the translocation of bacterial-LPS into bloodstream. Finally, regular exercise can lower plasma advanced glycated endproducts. The articulated physiology of circulating mediators and the modulating effect of the pathophysiological background, render the comprehension of the exercise-regulatory effect on sub-inflammation a key issue, in dysmetabolism.
Topics: Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Cytokines; Exercise; Humans; Inflammation; Inflammation Mediators; Obesity
PubMed: 34620559
DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2021.09.003 -
Heliyon Nov 2022Plant encounters various biotic and abiotic stresses, that affect agricultural productivity and reduce farmer's income especially under changing global climate. These... (Review)
Review
Plant encounters various biotic and abiotic stresses, that affect agricultural productivity and reduce farmer's income especially under changing global climate. These environmental stresses can advance plant senescence by inducing osmotic stress, nutrient stress, hormonal imbalance, production of oxygen radicals, and ion toxicity, etc. Additionally, these stresses are not limited to plant health but also deteriorate soil health by affecting the microbial diversity of soil. To tackle this global delinquent of agriculture, several methods are suggested to ameliorate the negative effect of different types of stresses, the application of beneficial microorganisms or bioinoculants is one of them. Beneficial microorganisms that are used as bioinoculants not only facilitate plant growth by fulfilling the nutrient requirements but also assist the plant to withstand these stresses. These microorganisms produce certain chemicals such as 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase, phytohormones, antioxidants, extracellular polysaccharide (EPS), siderophores, antibiotics, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), etc. which help the plants to mitigate various stresses. Besides, these microbes also activate plant defence responses. Thus, these bioinoculants can effectively replace chemical inputs to supplement nutrient requirements and mitigation of multiple stresses in plants.
PubMed: 36339753
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11269 -
Frontiers in Plant Science 2023Development of high yield rice varieties is critical to ensuring global food security. However, the emission of greenhouse gases (GHG) such as Methane (CH) and Nitrous...
Development of high yield rice varieties is critical to ensuring global food security. However, the emission of greenhouse gases (GHG) such as Methane (CH) and Nitrous oxide (NO) from paddy fields threatens environmental sustainability. In this study, we selected overexpressed high-affinity nitrate transporters (NRT2.3 along with their partner protein NAR2.1) cultivars, which are effective nitrogen use efficient transgenic lines (Ox2) and (O8). We used high (270 kg N/ha) and low (90 kg N/ha) nitrogen (N) fertilizers in paddy fields to evaluate morphophysiological traits, including GHG emission. We found that Ox2 and O8 reduced CH emissions by 40% and 60%, respectively, compared to their wild type (WT). During growth stages, there was no consistent NO discharge pattern between WT and transgenics (Ox2, O8) in low and high N application. However, total cumulative NO in a cropping season reduced in O8 and increased in Ox2 cultivars, compared to WT. Root aerenchyma formation reduced by 30-60% in transgenic lines. Methanogens like in low and high N were also reduced by up to 50% from rhizosphere of Ox2 and O8. However, the nitrifying bacterial population such as reduced in both transgenics significantly, but and did not show a consistent variation. The high yield of transgenic rice with limited aerenchyma mitigates the discharge of CH and NO by reducing root exudates that provide substrates for GHG. Our results improve understanding for breeders to serve the purpose of sustainable development.
PubMed: 36909410
DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1133643 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Aug 2023Heat stress (HS) in poultry husbandry is an important stressor and with increasing global temperatures its importance will increase. The negative effects of stress on... (Review)
Review
Heat stress (HS) in poultry husbandry is an important stressor and with increasing global temperatures its importance will increase. The negative effects of stress on the quality and quantity of poultry production are described in a range of research studies. However, a lack of attention is devoted to the impacts of HS on individual chicken immune cells and whole lymphoid tissue in birds. Oxidative stress and increased inflammation are accompanying processes of HS, but with deleterious effects on the whole organism. They play a key role in the inflammation and oxidative stress of the chicken immune system. There are a range of strategies that can help mitigate the adverse effects of HS in poultry. Phytochemicals are well studied and some of them report promising results to mitigate oxidative stress and inflammation, a major consequence of HS. Current studies revealed that mitigating these two main impacts of HS will be a key factor in solving the problem of increasing temperatures in poultry production. Improved function of the chicken immune system is another benefit of using phytochemicals in poultry due to the importance of poultry health management in today's post pandemic world. Based on the current literature, baicalin and baicalein have proven to have strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects in mammalian and avian models. Taken together, this review is dedicated to collecting the literature about the known effects of HS on chicken immune cells and lymphoid tissue. The second part of the review is dedicated to the potential use of baicalin and baicalein in poultry to mitigate the negative impacts of HS on poultry production.
PubMed: 37627355
DOI: 10.3390/ani13162564 -
Frontiers in Plant Science 2016Elevated atmospheric CO2 can stimulate plant growth by providing additional C (fertilization effect), and is observed to mitigate abiotic stress impact. Although, the... (Review)
Review
Elevated atmospheric CO2 can stimulate plant growth by providing additional C (fertilization effect), and is observed to mitigate abiotic stress impact. Although, the mechanisms underlying the stress mitigating effect are not yet clear, increased antioxidant defenses, have been held primarily responsible (antioxidant hypothesis). A systematic literature analysis, including "all" papers [Web of Science (WoS)-cited], addressing elevated CO2 effects on abiotic stress responses and antioxidants (105 papers), confirms the frequent occurrence of the stress mitigation effect. However, it also demonstrates that, in stress conditions, elevated CO2 is reported to increase antioxidants, only in about 22% of the observations (e.g., for polyphenols, peroxidases, superoxide dismutase, monodehydroascorbate reductase). In most observations, under stress and elevated CO2 the levels of key antioxidants and antioxidant enzymes are reported to remain unchanged (50%, e.g., ascorbate peroxidase, catalase, ascorbate), or even decreased (28%, e.g., glutathione peroxidase). Moreover, increases in antioxidants are not specific for a species group, growth facility, or stress type. It seems therefore unlikely that increased antioxidant defense is the major mechanism underlying CO2-mediated stress impact mitigation. Alternative processes, probably decreasing the oxidative challenge by reducing ROS production (e.g., photorespiration), are therefore likely to play important roles in elevated CO2 (relaxation hypothesis). Such parameters are however rarely investigated in connection with abiotic stress relief. Understanding the effect of elevated CO2 on plant growth and stress responses is imperative to understand the impact of climate changes on plant productivity.
PubMed: 27200030
DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2016.00556 -
Journal of the American Medical... 2012Automation bias (AB)--the tendency to over-rely on automation--has been studied in various academic fields. Clinical decision support systems (CDSS) aim to benefit the... (Review)
Review
Automation bias (AB)--the tendency to over-rely on automation--has been studied in various academic fields. Clinical decision support systems (CDSS) aim to benefit the clinical decision-making process. Although most research shows overall improved performance with use, there is often a failure to recognize the new errors that CDSS can introduce. With a focus on healthcare, a systematic review of the literature from a variety of research fields has been carried out, assessing the frequency and severity of AB, the effect mediators, and interventions potentially mitigating this effect. This is discussed alongside automation-induced complacency, or insufficient monitoring of automation output. A mix of subject specific and freetext terms around the themes of automation, human-automation interaction, and task performance and error were used to search article databases. Of 13 821 retrieved papers, 74 met the inclusion criteria. User factors such as cognitive style, decision support systems (DSS), and task specific experience mediated AB, as did attitudinal driving factors such as trust and confidence. Environmental mediators included workload, task complexity, and time constraint, which pressurized cognitive resources. Mitigators of AB included implementation factors such as training and emphasizing user accountability, and DSS design factors such as the position of advice on the screen, updated confidence levels attached to DSS output, and the provision of information versus recommendation. By uncovering the mechanisms by which AB operates, this review aims to help optimize the clinical decision-making process for CDSS developers and healthcare practitioners.
Topics: Attitude to Computers; Automation; Aviation; Decision Support Systems, Clinical; Humans; Task Performance and Analysis
PubMed: 21685142
DOI: 10.1136/amiajnl-2011-000089