bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiorespiratory Fitness Is Associated With Drop Out From Sport in Norwegian Adolescents. A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Moa Ivar Fossland , Berntsen Sveinung , Lagestad Pål
Published: December 2020

Several studies indicate that participation in organized sport may result in higher physical activity levels among youth which are associated with high levels of cardiorespiratory fitness. However, no study has examined whether cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2peak) is associated with drop out from sport. The study was a 5-year longitudinal study which followed a sample of adolescents, with measures of cardiorespiratory fitness, weight and height between the age of 14 and 19 yrs. Self-reported data about participation in sport, active commuting and physical activity level were also included. Through logistic regression analyses we found a positive association between cardiorespiratory fitness at the age of 14 years and participation in organized sport at the age of 19. However, no significant associations were found between physical activity (PA) level, overweight, gender and active commuting to school at the age of 14, and participation in organized sport at the age of 19. We argue that a high level of cardiorespiratory fitness may increase the probability for experiencing high levels of enjoyment, competence and performance in sport, because sport participation requires a certain level of cardiorespiratory fitness. The findings indicates the importance of removing barriers, and to increase access and design of sport programs of interest to youth in the contexts in which they live, attract adolescents with different levels of ambition and abilities in sport. Further studies should include longitudinal studies among young children, and their drop out patterns from sport during adolescence.
Do Monkeys Care What Is Fair?
Authors: Cronin Katherine A. , Hopper Lydia M.
Published: December 2020

Scientists study fairness in humans, apes, and monkeys to understand the evolutionary origins of our own behavior and to better understand the behavior of other primates. Scientists studying monkeys have found that, sometimes, monkeys will share food equally with others, but their choices often depend on their species and the specific circumstances. Monkeys are more likely to help friends, but even then, monkeys rarely go out of their way to act fairly. Furthermore, while monkeys appear to recognize unfair outcomes, they only seem concerned by inequity when they receive less than others, not when they receive more.
Ulnar and Median Fascicular Transfers for Elbow Flexion-Predicting Outcomes in a Heterogeneous Patient Group and Implications for Surgical Planning
Authors: Ferris Scott , Alexander William
Published: December 2020

Purpose:To measure the outcomes in patients undergoing nerve transfers for elbow flexion restoration, and compare patient outcomes based on the pre-operative fascicular transfer plan.

Methods:Single surgeon series of 48 consecutive patients who underwent median and/or ulnar fascicular nerve transfers for elbow flexion restoration to treat palsies of the brachial plexus or musculocutaneous nerve. Outcomes measured were Medical Research Council (MRC) power grade, strength in kilograms, and time taken to recover function.

Results:Overall, 96% of patients achieved MRC M4 or greater power. The subgroup who were planned for, and particularly those who then underwent, double as opposed to single fascicular transfer, had significantly better results.

Conclusions:Overall results were excellent. Double fascicular transfers were superior, with no failures in this group. If pre-operatively a single fascicle transfer alone is planned due to a paucity of expendable donors, the predicted outcomes are worse and other treatment options should be considered.
Management of Hemodynamically Unstable Pelvic Ring Fractures
Authors: Benders Kim E. M. , Leenen Luke P. H.
Published: December 2020

Hemodynamically unstable pelvic fractures are challenging high-energy traumas. In many cases, these severely injured patients have additional traumatic injuries that also require a trauma surgeon's attention. However, these patients are often in extremis and require a multidisciplinary approach that needs to be set up in minutes. This calls for an evidence-based treatment algorithm. We think that the treatment of hemodynamically unstable pelvic fractures should primarily involve thorough resuscitation, mechanical stabilization, and preperitoneal pelvic packing. Angioembolization should be considered in patients that remain hemodynamically unstable. However, it should be used as an adjunct, rather than a primary means to achieve hemodynamic stability as most of the exsanguinating bleeding sources in pelvic trauma are of venous origin. Time is of the essence in these patients and should therefore be used appropriately. Hence, the hemodynamic status and physiology should be the driving force behind each decision-making step within the algorithm.
Comprehensive Survey of the Litter Bacterial Communities in Commercial Turkey Farms
Authors: Adhikari Bishnu , Tellez-Isaias Guillermo , Jiang Tieshan , Wooming Brian , Kwon Young Min
Published: December 2020

The importance of microbiota in the health and diseases of farm animals has been well-documented for diverse animal species. However, studies on microbiotas in turkey and turkey farms are relatively limited as compared to other farm animal species. In this study, we performed a comprehensive survey of the litter microbiotas in 5 commercial turkey farms in the Northwest Arkansas (H, M, V, K, and R farms) including one farm with positive incidence of cellulitis (R farm). Altogether 246 boot swabs were used for 16S rRNA gene profiling of bacterial communities. At phylum level, 11 major bacterial phyla (≥0.01%) were recovered. At genus level, 13 major bacterial genera were found whose relative abundance were ≥2%. The microbial composition at both phylum and genus levels as well as their diversities varied across different farms, which were further affected by different flocks within the same farms and the ages of turkeys. Generally, the Firmicutes were higher in the flocks of younger birds, while the Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes were higher in the flocks of the older birds. The Proteobacteria were highly enriched (47.97%) in K farm housing 56-day-old turkeys (K-56), but Bacteroidetes were found the highest in the flock C of M farm housing 63-day-old turkeys (M-C-63; 22.38%), followed by K-84 group (17.26%). Four core bacterial genera (Staphylococcus, Brevibacterium, Brachybacterium, and Lactobacillus) were identified in all samples except for those from R farm. In contrast, 24 core bacterial genera were found based in all cellulitis-associated samples (R farm), including Corynebacterium, an unknown genus of family Bacillaceae, Clostridium sensu stricto 1 (>97% similarity with C. septicum), and Ignatzschineria among others, suggesting their possible roles in etiopathogenesis of cellulitis in turkeys. Overall results of this study may provide valuable foundation for future studies focusing on the role of microbiota in the health and diseases of turkeys.
Transient Pulmonary Artery Hypertension in Holstein Neonate Calves
Authors: Yasuoka Melina Marie , Monteiro Bruno Moura , Fantinato-Neto Paulo , Paiano Renan Braga , Fantoni Denise Tabacchi , Otsuki Denise Aya , Birgel Junior Eduardo Harry
Published: December 2020

The neonatal period is a challenging phase for calves, and during this phase constant adaptations are required. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the invasive hemodynamics with the Swan-Ganz catheter in neonate calves to understand adaptive changes during the first 30 days of life. A prospective and observational study was conducted with 10 Holstein calves. Assessments of the right atrial pressure (RAP), right ventricular pressure (RVP), pulmonary artery pressure (PAP), pulmonary capillary pressure (PW), cardiac output (CO), heart rate (HR), pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), and blood gas levels were performed. The analyses of PAP, PVR, PW, HR, sO2, and arterial blood gases differed (p < 0.05) between the evaluated periods. Our results indicated transient pulmonary artery hypertension during the process of extrauterine adaptation during the first 30 days of life. This hypertension must be considered as physiological and consequent to the neonatal adaptation process.
Effects of Oxytetracycline and Gentamicin Therapeutic Doses on Hematological, Biochemical and Hematopoietic Parameters in Cyprinus carpio Juveniles
Authors: Kondera Elżbieta , Bojarski Bartosz , Ługowska Katarzyna , Kot Barbara , Witeska Małgorzata
Published: December 2020

Hematological, biochemical and hematopoietic effects of therapeutic doses of two antibiotics, oxytetracycline (OTC) and gentamicin (GEN), in clinically healthy common carp juveniles were studied. The fish were divided into four groups: controls 1 and 2 (untreated or injected with 0.6% NaCl solution), and two groups treated with antibiotics (orally with 75 mg/kg OTC four times every two days or injected with a single dose (4 mg/kg) of GEN dissolved in 0.6% NaCl). Blood and head kidneys were sampled from all fish 3 days post-treatments for hematological, biochemical and hematopoietic tissue analyses. No major alterations in the values of hematological and serum biochemical parameters occurred following administration of OTC or GEN. Glucose concentrations were significantly lower in both groups of fish subjected to injections (Control 2 and GEN), while the oxidative metabolic activity of phagocytes increased in the antibiotic-treated groups (significantly in OTC). More alterations were observed in hematopoietic tissue. Immunocytochemical analysis revealed that G caused a significant increase in the rate of cell proliferation (PCNA-positive cells) and an increase in the frequency of apoptotic cells (caspase-positive). The frequency of lymphoid lineage decreased, which was related to a decrease in the abundance of mature lymphocytes in GEN-treated fish. Percentages of neutrophilic lineage were significantly elevated in OTC and GEN groups compared to controls. The obtained results showed no considerable hematotoxicity or hepatotoxicity of therapeutic doses of OTC and GEN to carp.
Utilization of Avocado and Mango Fruit Wastes in Multi-Nutrient Blocks for Goats Feeding: In Vitro Evaluation
Authors: Marcos Carlos Navarro , Carro María Dolores , Fernández-Yepes Julia E. , Arbesu Lesly , Molina-Alcaide Eduarda
Published: December 2020

This study was conducted to investigate the nutritive value of avocado and mango fruit wastes, and to assess the possibility of preserving the wastes into multi-nutrient blocks (MB). Both peels and a pulp:peels (PP) mixture of each fruit were analyzed for chemical composition and in vitro fermentation with goats’ ruminal fluid. Wastes had low-dry matter (DM) content (<250 g/kg), with those from mango having high non-structural carbohydrates content (>800 g/kg DM) and those from avocado high fat levels (>580 g/kg DM). Mango wastes were fermented at a greater extent and faster rate than avocado ones. The PP mixture of each fruit was included into multi-nutrient blocks (MB) formulated to have similar chemical composition. There were only subtle differences in the fermentation of MB including wastes from either avocado or mango, but fermentation of avocado-MB resulted in significantly (p ≤ 0.032) greater acetate and lower propionate proportions than mango-MB. Including the PP mixture in the formulation of MB for goats feeding is a feasible option to reduce the environmental impact of avocado and mango fruit wastes, but studies on the acceptance of the MB by goats and their stability over long-time storage periods are needed.
The Current Trends in Using Nanoparticles, Liposomes, and Exosomes for Semen Cryopreservation
Authors: Saadeldin Islam M. , Khalil Wael A. , Alharbi Mona G. , Lee Seok Hee
Published: December 2020

Cryopreservation is an essential tool to preserve sperm cells for zootechnical management and artificial insemination purposes. Cryopreservation is associated with sperm damage via different levels of plasma membrane injury and oxidative stress. Nanoparticles are often used to defend against free radicals and oxidative stress generated through the entire process of cryopreservation. Recently, artificial or natural nanovesicles including liposomes and exosomes, respectively, have shown regenerative capabilities to repair damaged sperm during the freeze–thaw process. Exosomes possess a potential pleiotropic effect because they contain antioxidants, lipids, and other bioactive molecules regulating and repairing spermatozoa. In this review, we highlight the current strategies of using nanoparticles and nanovesicles (liposomes and exosomes) to combat the cryoinjuries associated with semen cryopreservation.
Polymorphisms of the ACSL1 Gene Influence Milk Production Traits and Somatic Cell Score in Chinese Holstein Cows
Authors: Liang Yan , Gao Qisong , Zhang Qiang , Arbab Abdelaziz Adam Idriss , Li Mingxun , Yang Zhangping , Karrow Niel A. , Mao Yongjiang
Published: December 2020

Improving the quality of milk is a challenge for zootechnicians and dairy farms across the globe. Long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 1 (ACSL1) is a significant member of the long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase gene family. It is widely found in various organisms and influences the lactation performance of cows, including fat percentage, milk protein percentage etc. Our study was aimed to investigate the genetic effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ACSL1 on milk production traits. Twenty Chinese Holstein cows were randomly selected to extract DNA from their blood samples for PCR amplification and sequencing to identify SNPs of the bovine ACSL1 gene, and six SNPs (5’UTR-g.20523C>G, g.35446C>T, g.35651G>A, g.35827C>T, g.35941G>A and g.51472C>T) were discovered. Then, Holstein cow genotyping (n = 992) was performed by Sequenom MassARRAY based on former SNP information. Associations between SNPs and milk production traits and somatic cell score (SCS) were analyzed by the least-squares method. The results showed that SNP g.35827C>T was in high linkage disequilibrium with g.35941G>A. Significant associations were found between SNPs and test-day milk yield (TDMY), fat content (FC), protein content (PC) and SCS (p < 0.05). Among these SNPs, SNP 5’UTR-g.20523C>G showed an extremely significant effect on PC and SCS (p < 0.01). The SNP g.35446C>T showed a statistically significant effect on FC, PC, and SCS (p < 0.01), and also TDMY (p < 0.05). The SNP g.35651G>A had a statistically significant effect on PC (p < 0.01). The SNP g.35827C>T showed a highly significant effect on TDMY, FC, and SCS (p < 0.01) and significantly influenced PC (p < 0.05). Lastly, SNP g.51472C>T was significantly associated with TDMY, FC, and SCS (p < 0.05). In summary, the pleiotropic effects of bovine ACSL1 for milk production traits were found in this paper, but further investigation will be required on the intrinsic correlation to provide a theoretical basis for the research on molecular genetics of milk quality traits of Holstein cows.
Insights into Genetic Diversity, Runs of Homozygosity and Heterozygosity-Rich Regions in Maremmana Semi-Feral Cattle Using Pedigree and Genomic Data
Authors: Biscarini Filippo , Mastrangelo Salvatore , Catillo Gennaro , Senczuk Gabriele , Ciampolini Roberta
Published: December 2020

Semi-feral local livestock populations, like Maremmana cattle, are the object of renewed interest for the conservation of biological diversity and the preservation and exploitation of unique and potentially relevant genetic material. The aim of this study was to estimate genetic diversity parameters in semi-feral Maremmana cattle using both pedigree- and genomic-based approaches (FIS and FROH), and to detect regions of homozygosity (ROH) and heterozygosity (ROHet) in the genome. The average heterozygosity estimates were in the range reported for other cattle breeds (HE=0.261, HO=0.274). Pedigree-based average inbreeding (F) was estimated at 4.9%. The correlation was low between F and genomic-based approaches (r=0.03 with FIS, r=0.21 with FROH), while it was higher between FIS and FROH (r=0.78). The low correlation between F and FROH coefficients may be the result of the limited pedigree depth available for the animals involved in this study. The ROH islands identified in Maremmana cattle included candidate genes associated with climate adaptation, carcass traits or the regulation of body weight, fat and energy metabolism. The ROHet islands contained candidate genes associated with nematode resistance and reproduction traits in livestock. The results of this study confirm that genome-based measures like FROH may be useful estimators of individual autozygosity, and may provide insights on pedigree-based inbreeding estimates in cases when animals’ pedigree data are unavailable, thus providing a more detailed picture of the genetic diversity.
Effects of Dietary Supplementation with Clostridium butyricum on Growth Performance, Serum Immunity, Intestinal Morphology, and Microbiota as an Antibiotic Alternative in Weaned Piglets
Authors: Han Yunsheng , Tang Chaohua , Li Ying , Yu Yanan , Zhan Tengfei , Zhao Qingyu , Zhang Junmin
Published: December 2020

This study investigated the effects of Clostridium butyricum (C. butyricum) use on growth performance, serum immunity, intestinal morphology, and microbiota as an antibiotic alternative in weaned piglets. Over the course of 28 days, 120 piglets were allocated to four treatments with six replicates of five piglets each. The treatments were: CON (basal diet); AGP (basal diet supplemented with 0.075 g/kg chlortetracycline, 0.055 g/kg kitasamycin, and 0.01 g/kg virginiamycin); CBN (basal diet supplemented with normal dosage of 2.5 × 108 CFU/kg C. butyricum); and CBH (basal diet supplemented with high dosage of 2.5 × 109 CFU/kg C. butyricum). Body weight (BW) and feed consumption were recorded at the beginning and on days 14 and 28 of the experiment, and representative feed samples and fresh feces were collected from each pen between days 26 and 28. Average fecal score of diarrhea was visually assessed each morning during the experimental period. On the morning of days 14 and 28, blood samples were collected to prepare serum for immune and antioxidant parameters measurement. One male piglet close to the average group BW was selected from each replicate and was slaughtered on day 21 of the experiment. Intestinal crypt villi, and colonic microbiota and its metabolites short-chain fatty acids were measured. Compared to the CON group, the CBN and AGP groups significantly decreased (p < 0.05) the ratio of feed to weight gain by 8.86% and 8.37% between days 1 and 14, 3.96% and 13.36% between days 15 and 28, 5.47% and 11.44% between days 1 and 28. Dietary treatment with C. butyricum and AGPs significantly decreased the average fecal score during the experimental period (p < 0.05). The apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, and total carbohydrates in the CBH group were higher respectively at 3.27%, 2.90%, and 2.97%, than those in the CON or AGP groups (p < 0.05). Compared to the CON group, the CBH group significantly increased short-chain fatty acids in colon and villus height in the jejunum (p < 0.05). The CBN group had higher serum levels of immunoglobulins, interleukin 2 (IL-2), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) activity, but lower serum levels of IL-1β and IL-6, and a lower aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GT) activity (p < 0.05), while compared to the CON group. Dietary treatment with C. butyricum significantly increased the relative abundance of Streptococcus and Bifidobacterium (p < 0.05). In summary, diet with C. butyricum increased the growth performance and benefited the health of weaned piglets.
Inhibition of miR-152 during In Vitro Maturation Enhances the Developmental Potential of Porcine Embryos
Authors: Gad Ahmed , Murin Matej , Nemcova Lucie , Bartkova Alexandra , Laurincik Jozef , Procházka Radek
Published: December 2020

Oocyte developmental competence is regulated by various mechanisms and molecules including microRNAs (miRNAs). However, the functions of many of these miRNAs in oocyte and embryo development are still unclear. In this study, we managed to manipulate the expression level of miR-152 during oocyte maturation to figure out its potential role in determining the developmental competence of porcine oocytes. The inhibition (Inh) of miR-152 during oocyte maturation does not affect the MII and cleavage rates, however it significantly enhances the blastocyst rate compared to the overexpression (OvExp) and control groups. Pathway analysis identified several signaling pathways (including PI3K/AKT, TGFβ, Hippo, FoxO, and Wnt signaling) that are enriched in the predicted target genes of miR-152. Gene expression analysis revealed that IGF1 was significantly up-regulated in the Inh group and downregulated in the OvExp group of oocytes. Moreover, IGF1R was significantly upregulated in the Inh oocyte group compared to the control one and IGFBP6 was downregulated in the Inh oocyte group compared to the other groups. Blastocysts developed from the OvExp oocytes exhibited an increase in miR-152 expression, dysregulation in some quality-related genes, and the lowest rate of blastocyst formation. In conclusion, our results demonstrate a negative correlation between miR-152 expression level and blastocyst rate in pigs. This correlation could be through targeting IGF system components during oocyte development.
Feeding Tall Fescue Seed Reduces Ewe Milk Production, Lamb Birth Weight and Pre-Weaning Growth Rate
Authors: Britt Jessica L. , Greene Maslyn A. , Wilbanks Sarah A. , Bertrand J. Keith , Klotz James L. , Bridges William , Aiken Glen , Andrae John G. , Duckett Susan K.
Published: December 2020

Endophyte-infected tall fescue (E+) produces ergovaline and ergovalinine, which are mycotoxins that act as dopamine agonists to suppress prolactin and induce vasoconstriction. The experiment was designed as a 3 × 2 × 2 factorial with DRD2 genotype (AA, AG, GG), fescue seed (endophyte-free, E− or endophyte-infected, E+), stage of gestation (MID, d (day) 35–85; LATE, d 86–parturition) and all interactions in the model. Pregnant Suffolk ewes (n = 60) were stratified by genotype and fed E+ or E− seed in a total mixed ration according to treatment assignment. Serum prolactin concentrations were lower (p < 0.05) in ewes fed E+ seed but did not differ by maternal DRD2 genotype or two-way interaction. Lamb birth weight was lower (p < 0.05) in ewes fed E+ seed in last trimester. Pre-weaning growth rate, milk production and total weaning weight was reduced (p < 0.05) in ewes fed E+ fescue seed during MID and LATE gestation. Ingestion of ergovaline/ergovalinine in last trimester reduces lamb birth weight; however, lamb growth rate, milk production and total weaning weight are reduced in all ewes fed E+ during mid and last trimester.
Selection by Lambs Grazing Plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.), Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.), White Clover (Trifolium repens L.), Red Clover (Trifolium pratense L.) and Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) across Seasons
Authors: Somasiri Sharini C. , Kenyon Paul R. , Morel Patrick C.H. , Morris Stephen T. , Kemp Peter D.
Published: December 2020

Plantain (Plantago lanceolata) and chicory (Cichorium intybus) are now widely used in combination with clover species to provide greater annual lamb live weight gains than perennial ryegrass and white clover pasture. Reported selective grazing of the species in herb-clover mixes could potentially detrimentally change the relative abundance of species and decrease lamb production. Lambs were offered three herbage treatments: Pasture (perennial ryegrass and white clover) mix, plantain (plantain, red clover and white clover) mix and a chicory (chicory, plantain, red clover and white clover) mix in each of four seasons for two years. The experiment was a randomized complete block design with three replicates with 18–30 lambs per treatment replicate depending on the season. Lambs were rotationally grazed and fed ad libitum. Selection by the lambs of individually tagged plants within the pasture treatments was observed for three days on two occasions per season. Red clover was the most selected species on day 1, but by day 3 there was no difference in the selection of the species (p < 0.05). Plantain and chicory in the plantain and chicory mixes were selected less on day 1 in autumn relative to the other seasons (p < 0.05). It was concluded that three days of grazing before moving lambs maintained the relative abundance of species in the herb-clover mixes.
Tetrazolium Salt WST-8 as a Novel and Reliable Chromogenic Indicator for the Assessment of Boar Semen Quality
Authors: Chen Yu-Hsin , Wu Chean-Ping , Lin Hsiu-Lien , Liaw Ren-Bao , Lai Yung-Yu , Wu Ming-Che , Chen Lih-Ren , Jason Tsai Pei-Shiue
Published: December 2020

A tetrazolium salt, 2-[2-methoxy-4-nitrophenyl]-3-[4-nitrophenyl]-5-[2,4-disulfophenyl]-2H-tetrazolium (WST-8), has been used widely to determine cell viability; however, its application in the field of reproduction is still limited due to this assay merely providing information regarding cell viability. The aim of this study was to correlate the WST-8 reduction rate with various sperm quality-related parameters (i.e., sperm viability, motility, progressive motility, acrosome integrity and mitochondria integrity) in order to provide a rapid, reliable and affordable assessment for boar semen quality evaluation. Using different ratios of active/damaged sperm cells, we first validated our sample preparations by standard flow cytometry and computer-assisted sperm analysis. Further analyses demonstrated that the most efficient experimental condition for obtaining a reliable prediction model was when sperm concentration reached 300 × 106 cells/mL with the semen/cell-counting kit-8 (CCK-8®) ratio of 200/10 and incubated time of 20 min. Under this set up, the WST-8 reduction rate (differences on optic density reading value, ΔOD at 450 nm) and sperm parameters were highly correlated (p < 0.01) for all sperm parameters evaluated. In the case of limited semen samples, a minimal semen concentration at 150 × 106 cells/mL with the semen/CCK-8® ratio of 200/20 and incubation time for 30 min could still provide reliable prediction of sperm parameters using the WST-8 assay. Our data provide strong evidence for the first time that the WST-8 assay could be used to evaluate boar semen quality with great potential to be applied to different mammalian species.
Different Approach to Horses—The Use of Equid Remains in the Early Middle Ages on the Example of Ostrów Tumski in Wroclaw
Authors: Jaworski Krzysztof , Pankiewicz Aleksandra , Chrószcz Aleksander , Poradowski Dominik
Published: December 2020

The following article concerns the functional use of horse bones in the early Middle Ages (mainly in the period from the mid of the 10th to the 12th/13th century). The authors try to explain how such remains were used and how common it was. It is also discussed whether the special role of the horse in medieval societies somehow restricted its post-mortem usage, or perhaps there was no difference between the skeletal remains of horses and other species in this regard. For this purpose, statistical calculations on the use of the bones of various mammals were made. Only the remains of the species determined during the archaeozoological analysis were taken into account. The specific use of individual parts of a horse skeleton was also noted. In addition, the analysis also encompasses all other types of horse remains that could be used by humans (hide, hair, etc.). The consumption of horse meat was discussed separately: on the basis of the preserved traces, an attempt was made to determine whether it had happened, and if so, how popular it had been. Overall, such comprehensive analysis aims to show the various roles of the horse. It was not only a mount, but also a beast of burden, a source of food and raw material as well. The main purpose of this study is to describe the role of horses in human medieval societies of Ostrów Tumski on the basis of accessible equid remains. The highlighting of the human–horse relationship in the past allows us to understand the importance and value of the horse both as a life companion and the source of food or leather and bone tools.
Preliminary Study Exploring Caretaker Perspectives of Euthanasia on Swine Operations
Authors: Simpson Hailey , Edwards-Callaway Lily N. , Cramer Mary Caitlin , Roman-Muniz Ivette Noa , Stallones Lorann , Thompson Sofia , Ennis Sari , Kim Elizabeth , Pairis-Garcia Monique
Published: December 2020

The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of euthanasia training, caretaker perceptions of euthanasia, and available resources for individuals who perform euthanasia as part of their job on swine operations in the United States. An online survey was distributed via an e-newsletter and in-person recruitment at swine industry events. Survey questions were related to training, attitudes towards performing euthanasia, work environment, and communication. Forty-five responses (17 workers, 21 managers, 7 owners) were recorded and summarized. The majority of workers (n = 14, 82%) agreed that they had “received enough training to euthanize pigs correctly” and that training had made them “confident about performing euthanasia”, yet 35% (6) also indicated they would like more euthanasia training. Less than one-third of workers indicated that strategies for dealing with “personal stress” (4, 24%) and “emotional wellness” 29% (5) were included in training programs but the majority (14, 82%) agreed that “trainings included human safety while performing euthanasia”. Most caretakers (37, 82%) agreed that they felt they could “communicate with my supervisors” if they felt uncomfortable performing euthanasia. Opportunities for the future include enhancing euthanasia training opportunities and content to include more awareness of strategies to deal with stress related to euthanasia.
New Records of Fish Parasitic Isopods (Crustacea: Isopoda) from the Gulf of Thailand
Authors: Purivirojkul Watchariya , Songsuk Apiruedee
Published: December 2020

From a total of 4140 marine fishes examined, eight species of parasitic isopods were reported from marine fishes in the Gulf of Thailand. These isopods were identified in two families, Corallanidae (Argathona macronema and Argathona rhinoceros) and Cymothoidae (Cymothoa eremita, Cymothoa elegans, Smenispa irregularis, Nerocila sundaica, Norileca indica and Norileca triangulata). Most of these parasitic isopods were found in the buccal cavity of their fish hosts with one host recorded as follows: C. eremita was found from Nemipterus hexodon, C. elegans was found from Scatophagus argus, N. sundaica was found from Saurida tumbil. The majority of the isopod specimens recorded in this study was S. irregularis, which was found in the buccal cavities of five host fish, Pampus argentius, Alepes melanoptera, Caranx hippos, Parastromateus niger and Terapon jarbua, with a prevalence of 11.67%, 10.43%, 9.78%, 6.10% and 4.21%, respectively. Argathona rhinoceros was found in the nasal cavity and branchial cavity of Epinephelus coioides, whereas A. macronema and N. triangulata were found on the skin of Epinephelus coioides and Seriolina nigrofasciata, respectively. The highest species diversity was found in E. coioides, which harbored two species of parasitic isopods, A. macronema and A. rhinoceros. Cymothoa eremita, C. elegans, S. irregularis and N. triangulata were recorded for the first time in the Gulf of Thailand. The reported discovery of C. eremita, S. irregularis, N. sundaica and N. triangulata in their fish hosts were new recorded hosts. Moreover, A. macronema and N. triangulata were found for the first time in the central Indo-Pacific region.
“Repurposing” Disulfiram in the Treatment of Lyme Disease and Babesiosis: Retrospective Review of First 3 Years’ Experience in One Medical Practice
Authors: Gao Jiachen , Gong Zhaodi , Montesano Dawn , Glazer Erica , Liegner Kenneth
Published: December 2020

A total of 71 patients with Lyme disease were identified for analysis in whom treatment with disulfiram was initiated between 15 March 2017 and 15 March 2020. Four patients were lost to follow-up, leaving 67 evaluable patients. Our retrospective review found patients to fall into a “high-dose” group (≥4 mg/kg/day) and a “low-dose” group (<4 mg/kg/day). In total, 62 of 67 (92.5%) patients treated with disulfiram were able to endorse a net benefit of the treatment with regard to their symptoms. Moreover, 12 of 33 (36.4%) patients who completed one or two courses of “high-dose” therapy enjoyed an “enduring remission”, defined as remaining clinically well for ≥6 months without further anti-infective treatment. The most common adverse reactions from disulfiram treatment in the high-dose group were fatigue (66.7%), psychiatric symptoms (48.5%), peripheral neuropathy (27.3%), and mild to moderate elevation of liver enzymes (15.2%). We observed that although patients on high dose experienced a higher risk for adverse reactions than those on a low dose, high-dose patients were significantly more likely to achieve enduring remission.
Practical Inner Product Encryption with Constant Private Key
Authors: Tseng Yi-Fan , Liu Zi-Yuan , Tso Raylin
Published: December 2020

Inner product encryption, first introduced by Katz et al., is a type of predicate encryption in which a ciphertext and a private key correspond to an attribute vector and a predicate vector, respectively. Only if the attribute and predicate vectors satisfy the inner product predicate will the decryption in this scheme be correct. In addition, the ability to use inner product encryption as an underlying building block to construct other useful cryptographic primitives has been demonstrated in the context of anonymous identity-based encryption and hidden vector encryption. However, the computing cost and communication cost of performing inner product encryption are very high at present. To resolve this problem, we introduce an efficient inner product encryption approach in this work. Specifically, the size of the private key is only one G element and one Zp element, and decryption requires only one pairing computation. The formal security proof and implementation result are also demonstrated. Compared with other state-of-the-art schemes, our scheme is the most efficient in terms of the number of pairing computations for decryption and the private key length.
A New Big Data Benchmark for OLAP Cube Design Using Data Pre-Aggregation Techniques
Authors: Tardío Roberto , Maté Alejandro , Trujillo Juan
Published: December 2020

In recent years, several new technologies have enabled OLAP processing over Big Data sources. Among these technologies, we highlight those that allow data pre-aggregation because of their demonstrated performance in data querying. This is the case of Apache Kylin, a Hadoop based technology that supports sub-second queries over fact tables with billions of rows combined with ultra high cardinality dimensions. However, taking advantage of data pre-aggregation techniques to designing analytic models for Big Data OLAP is not a trivial task. It requires very advanced knowledge of the underlying technologies and user querying patterns. A wrong design of the OLAP cube alters significantly several key performance metrics, including: (i) the analytic capabilities of the cube (time and ability to provide an answer to a query), (ii) size of the OLAP cube, and (iii) time required to build the OLAP cube. Therefore, in this paper we (i) propose a benchmark to aid Big Data OLAP designers to choose the most suitable cube design for their goals, (ii) we identify and describe the main requirements and trade-offs for effectively designing a Big Data OLAP cube taking advantage of data pre-aggregation techniques, and (iii) we validate our benchmark in a case study.
Method for Systematic Assessment of Requirement Change Risk in Industrial Practice
Authors: Graessler Iris , Oleff Christian , Scholle Philipp
Published: December 2020

Requirement changes and cascading effects of change propagation are major sources of inefficiencies in product development and increase the risk of project failure. Risk management regarding these requirement changes yields the potential to handle such changes efficiently. Currently unlocked, a systematic approach is required for risk management to assess the risk of a requirement change with appropriate effort in industrial application. Within the paper at hand, a novel method for systematic assessment of requirement change risk is presented. It is developed in a multiple case study approach with three product development projects from different industrial branches. The change risk is assessed by combining change likelihood and change impact. Propagation effects are considered by analyzing requirement interrelations. To limit application effort, a tailorable approach towards assessment of change causes based on generalized influence factors and a pre-defined rule set for semi-automatized assessment of requirements interrelations is used. A software prototype is developed and implemented to enable evaluation and transfer to industrial application. The approach is evaluated using a combination of case study projects, stakeholder workshops, questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Applying the method, the risks of requirement changes are assessed systematically, and subsequent risk management is enabled. The contribution at hand opens up the research space of risk management in handling requirement changes which is currently almost unexploited. At the same time, it enables more efficient product development.
Domestic Water Supply Vulnerability to Climate Change and the Role of Alternative Water Sources in Kingston, Jamaica
Authors: Townsend Danneille A. , Sušnik Janez , der Zaag Pieter van
Published: December 2020

Globally, freshwater resources are threatened, resulting in challenges for urban water supply and management. Climate change, population growth, and urbanization have only exacerbated this crisis. For the Caribbean, climate change through the impact of increasing temperatures and rainfall variability has resulted in more frequent and intense episodes of disasters including droughts and floods which have impaired the quantity and quality of freshwater supplies. Using Caribbean-specific climate forecasting, it is shown that rainfall totals in Kingston, Jamaica, are expected to reduce by 2030 and 2050 under two RCPs. In addition, the timing of the primary rainy season is expected to shift, potentially impacting water supply security. Analysis of the potential of rainwater harvesting (RWH) to augment supply and enhance water supply resilience shows that in two communities studied in Kingston, it can contribute up to 7% of total water supply. Household storage requirements are about 1 m3 per household, which is feasible. RWH offers the potential to contribute to climate change adaptation and mitigation measures at a household level. Policy, incentives, and increased awareness about the potential of RWH to meet non-potable household demand in Kingston must be improved, as well as efforts to reduce the currently unreasonably high levels of non-revenue water in order to move towards an integrated, sustainable, and climate-resilient urban water supply strategy for the city.
New Energy Levels of Neutral Lanthanum Derived from an Optogalvanic Spectrum between 5610 and 6110 Å
Authors: Windholz Laurentius , Binder Tobias
Published: December 2020

In a previous paper, we reported on a complete optogalvanic (OG) spectrum of a discharge burning in a La–Ar gas mixture, in the spectral range 5610–6110 Å (17,851 to 16,364 cm−1). Now we are able to communicate further new energy levels, found via searching for laser-induced fluorescence lines when exciting unclassified lines from the OG spectrum. We were able to find 17 new levels, and for two further levels, the line list has extended. With the help of these 19 levels, we could classify 132 spectral lines.
Calculations of Electron Loss to Continuum in Collisions of Li- and Be-Like Uranium Ions with Nitrogen Targets
Authors: Bondarev Andrey I. , Kozhedub Yury S. , Tupitsyn Ilya I. , Shabaev Vladimir M. , Plunien Günter
Published: December 2020

Doubly differential cross sections for projectile ionization in fast collisions of few-electron uranium ions with the nitrogen target are calculated within the first order of the relativistic perturbation theory. A comparison with the recent measurements of the energy distribution of forward-emitted electrons is made and good agreement is found.
The Role of Offspring Genotype-by-Sex Interactions, Independently of Environmental Cues, on the Phenotype Traits of an Obese Swine Model
Authors: Heras-Molina Ana , Pesantez José Luis , Astiz Susana , Garcia-Contreras Consolación , Vazquez-Gomez Marta , Isabel Beatriz , Ovilo Cristina , Gonzalez-Bulnes Antonio
Published: December 2020

The present study aimed to assess the importance of offspring genotype on postnatal development, independently of confounding factors related to prenatal environment and postnatal lifestyle, using a translational model of obesity and metabolic syndrome (the Iberian pig). Hence, we compared two genotypes (purebred Iberian and crossbreds Iberian × Large White), produced in one single maternal environment (pure Iberian mothers) through artificial insemination of Iberian sows with Iberian and Large White heterospermic semen and maintained in the same conditions during postnatal development. The results indicate that, under same pre- and postnatal environments, the interaction genotype-by-sex has a determinant role on offspring phenotype (i.e., growth and development, metabolic and antioxidant status and fatty acid composition of different tissues). These results may set the basis for future preclinical and clinical research on the differences in the metabolic phenotype among genotypes.
Structure and Characterization of Phosphoglucomutase 5 from Atlantic and Baltic Herring—An Inactive Enzyme with Intact Substrate Binding
Authors: Gustafsson Robert , Eckhard Ulrich , Ye Weihua , Enbody Erik , Pettersson Mats , Jemth Per , Andersson Leif , Selmer Maria
Published: December 2020

Phosphoglucomutase 5 (PGM5) in humans is known as a structural muscle protein without enzymatic activity, but detailed understanding of its function is lacking. PGM5 belongs to the alpha-D-phosphohexomutase family and is closely related to the enzymatically active metabolic enzyme PGM1. In the Atlantic herring, Clupea harengus, PGM5 is one of the genes strongly associated with ecological adaptation to the brackish Baltic Sea. We here present the first crystal structures of PGM5, from the Atlantic and Baltic herring, differing by a single substitution Ala330Val. The structure of PGM5 is overall highly similar to structures of PGM1. The structure of the Baltic herring PGM5 in complex with the substrate glucose-1-phosphate shows conserved substrate binding and active site compared to human PGM1, but both PGM5 variants lack phosphoglucomutase activity under the tested conditions. Structure comparison and sequence analysis of PGM5 and PGM1 from fish and mammals suggest that the lacking enzymatic activity of PGM5 is related to differences in active-site loops that are important for flipping of the reaction intermediate. The Ala330Val substitution does not alter structure or biophysical properties of PGM5 but, due to its surface-exposed location, could affect interactions with protein-binding partners.
Aldehyde Dehydrogenases and Prostate Cancer: Shedding Light on Isoform Distribution to Reveal Druggable Target
Authors: Quattrini Luca , Sadiq Maria , Petrarolo Giovanni , Maitland Norman J. , Frame Fiona M. , Pors Klaus , La Motta Concettina
Published: December 2020

Prostate cancer represents the most common malignancy diagnosed in men, and is the second-leading cause of cancer death in this population. In spite of dedicated efforts, the current therapies are rarely curative, requiring the development of novel approaches based on innovative molecular targets. In this work, we validated aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A1 and 1A3 isoform expressions in different prostatic tissue-derived cell lines (normal, benign and malignant) and patient-derived primary prostate tumor epithelial cells, demonstrating their potential for therapeutic intervention using a small library of aldehyde dehydrogenase inhibitors. Compound 3b, 6-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-phenylimidazo [1,2-a]pyridine exhibited not only antiproliferative activity in the nanomolar range against the P4E6 cell line, derived from localized prostate cancer, and PC3 cell lines, derived from prostate cancer bone metastasis, but also inhibitory efficacy against PC3 colony-forming efficiency. Considering its concomitant reduced activity against normal prostate cells, 3b has the potential as a lead compound to treat prostate cancer by means of a still untapped molecular target.
A Dual Immunological Raman-Enabled Crosschecking Test (DIRECT) for Detection of Bacteria in Low Moisture Food
Authors: Pan Cheng , Zhu Binbin , Yu Chenxu
Published: December 2020

Among the physical, chemical and biological hazards that could arise with respect to food safety, bacterial contamination has been one of the main concerns in recent years. Bacterial contamination in low moisture foods (LMFs) was an emerging threat which used to draw less attention as LMFs were considered at low risk of such a hazard. Bacteria can survive in low moisture environments and cause foodborne diseases once they enter the digestive system. Common detection methods such as ELISA and PCR are not well suited to LMFs, as most of them operate under aqueous environments. In this study, a Dual Immunological Raman-Enabled Crosschecking Test (DIRECT) was developed for LMFs using a nano-scaled surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) biosensor platform and multivariate discriminant analysis with a portable Raman spectrometer. It could provide a limit of detection (LOD) of 102 CFU/g of bacteria in model LMFs, with a detection time of 30–45 min. It has the potential to become a quick screening method for on-site bacteria detection for LMFs to identify food safety risks in real time.
The Effects of Major Depressive Disorder on the Sequential Organization of Information Processing Stages: An Event-Related Potential Study
Authors: Ahorsu Daniel Kwasi , Chung Ken , Wong Ho Hon , Yiu Michael Gar Chung , Mok Yat Fung , Lei Ka Shun , Tsang Hector Wing Hong
Published: December 2020

The adverse effects of depression on patients’ life have been reported but information about its effects on the sequential organization of the information processing stages remains poorly understood as previous studies focused only on distinct stages. This study adds to existing knowledge by examining the effect of major depressive disorder (MDD) on the sequential organization of information processing, executive and community functioning. Fifty-seven participants with 19 participants each for first episode depression (FMDD), recurrent episodes depression (RMDD), and healthy controls (HCs) participated in this study. They completed assessments on executive and community functioning measures, and choice reaction time task (CRTT) for the event-related potential (ERP) data. Findings revealed no significant between-group difference in executive functioning but participants with depression (FMDD and RMDD) were found to be more depressed, with FMDD participants having worse community functioning skills compared with HCs. There was no significant between-group main effect on behavioral data. ERP data showed significantly less positive-going P3b among RMDD participants compared with HCs. FMDD participants used a different information processing strategy at P1, while HCs and RMDD participants used a different processing strategy at N2b compared with the other group(s), respectively. The results suggest the use of multifaceted assessment to get a holistic view of the health status of people with MDD in order to inform clinicians on the appropriate interventional strategies needed for the patient.