bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emotional Infant Face Processing in Women With Major Depression and Expecting Parents With Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Bohne Agnes , Nordahl Dag , Lindahl Åsne A. W. , Ulvenes Pål , Wang Catharina E. A. , Pfuhl Gerit
Published: July 2021

Processing of emotional facial expressions is of great importance in interpersonal relationships. Aberrant engagement with facial expressions, particularly an engagement with sad faces, loss of engagement with happy faces, and enhanced memory of sadness has been found in depression. Since most studies used adult faces, we here examined if such biases also occur in processing of infant faces in those with depression or depressive symptoms. In study 1, we recruited 25 inpatient women with major depression and 25 matched controls. In study 2, we extracted a sample of expecting parents from the NorBaby study, where 29 reported elevated levels of depressive symptoms, and 29 were matched controls. In both studies, we assessed attentional bias with a dot-probe task using happy, sad and neutral infant faces, and facial memory bias with a recognition task using happy, sad, angry, afraid, surprised, disgusted and neutral infant and adult faces. Participants also completed the Ruminative Responses Scale and Becks Depression Inventory-II. In study 1, we found no group difference in either attention to or memory accuracy for emotional infant faces. Neither attention nor recognition was associated with rumination. In study 2, we found that the group with depressive symptoms disengaged more slowly than healthy controls from sad infant faces, and this was related to rumination. The results place emphasis on the importance of emotional self-relevant material when examining cognitive processing in depression. Together, these studies demonstrate that a mood-congruent attentional bias to infant faces is present in expecting parents with depressive symptoms, but not in inpatients with Major Depression Disorder who do not have younger children.
Implicit and Explicit Self-Identification as a Drug User in People Who Used Heroin and Methamphetamine
Authors: Chen Jianyong , Zhang Meng , Zhou Jifan , Li Xinyu , Zhang Feng , Shen Mowei
Published: July 2021

Implicit and explicit self-identification as a drug user specific to the substance used (e.g., viewing oneself as a drinker) have been examined, as they relate to that drug use. However, studies have rarely explored whether identifying as a “drug user” differs implicitly and explicitly for people who use different drugs and how this identification relates to drug-use behaviors or abstinence. This study examined implicit and explicit self-identification as a “drug user” and their associations with drug-use behaviors and abstinence in people who used heroin (PWUH) and people who used methamphetamine (PWUM). Forty PWUH and 35 PWUM in a rehabilitation facility completed the single category implicit association test (SC-IAT), which evaluated implicit associations of a “drug user” with “self,” and a measure of explicit self-identification as a “drug user.” Prior drug-use behaviors and current abstinence duration of the participants were assessed. PWUH demonstrated stronger implicit “self + drug user” associations and higher levels of explicit self-identification as a “drug user” than PWUM. A higher frequency of drug use was associated with higher levels of explicit drug-user self-identity, and longer abstinence duration was positively related to stronger implicit “self + drug user” associations in PWUH. The drug type of heroin (vs. methamphetamine) participants used was associated with a higher frequency of use, which, in turn, predicted higher levels of explicit drug-user self-identity. Given that the PWUH group differs from the PWUM group in terms of implicit and explicit self-identification as “drug users,” it would be more appropriate to address drug-user self-identity of individuals according to the substance they use rather than as a collective group.
Understanding L2 Demotivation Among Chinese Tertiary EFL Learners From an Activity Theory Perspective
Authors: Li Chili
Published: July 2021

This study reports on the results of a qualitative inquiry on second language (L2) demotivation among 14 Chinese EFL learners from the perspective of Activity Theory. Semi-structured interviews were applied to collect data. Through the qualitative content analysis approach, this study found that L2 demotivation prevailed among the participants, influenced by an array of mediational factors including subject-mediated, rule-mediated, community-mediated, tool-mediated, and labour-of-division-mediated factors. The findings imply that L2 demotivation results from the contradictory relationship among the above mentioned factors in the activity system and is a socially mediational construct. The findings shed light on the formulating mechanism of L2 demotivation and provide insightful implications for overcoming the detrimental effect of demotivation in the Chinese EFL context and beyond.
Analysis of the Household and Health Care System Expenditures in Bulgaria
Authors: Mitkova Zornitsa , Petrova Guenka
Published: July 2021

Health care systems worldwide are experiencing tremendous financial pressure because of the introduction of new targeted health technologies and medicines. This study aims to analyze and compare public and household healthcare expenditures in Bulgaria during the period 2015–2019, as well as present the major cost-containment measures implied by the government and their probable influence on the overall health care cost. Regulatory analysis of the endorsed cost-containment measures, budget analysis of public and household health care expenditures, and their extrapolations were performed. The regulatory analysis reveals that a large number of measures are introduced and valid until January 2021, considering pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and negotiations between the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) and Marketing authorization holders (MAHs). NHIF costs due to pharmaceuticals, food supplements, and medical devices are rising from 2015 to 2019. The overall health expenditures average per household and the average per person also grow in this period. The cost extrapolation reveals that an increase in 3-year periods is expected. Despite the implementation of variety of cost-containment measures in Bulgaria, such as HTA, ERP, discounts, and annual negotiations, The National Health Insurance Fund's (NHIF) spending on pharmaceuticals continues to rise in recent years, and further increases are expected in the next 3 years. The average expenditure per household and per person also increased, which confirms the global trend of rising medicine and outpatient services value.
The Mediating Role of Placental Weight Change in the Association Between Prenatal Exposure to Thallium and Birth Weight: A Prospective Birth Cohort Study
Authors: Zhou He , Sun Xiaoli , Wang Yiding , Ye Yufeng , Chen Hanwei , Chen Qingsong , He Guanhao , Wang Jiaqi , Liu Xin , Dong Moran , Chen Dengzhou , Chen Guimin , Yuan Lixia , Xiao Jianpeng , Hu Jianxiong , Zeng Weilin , Rong Zuhua , Zhang Qianqian , Zhou Mengya , Guo Lingchuan , Lv Yanyun , Fan Jingjie , Pu Yudong , Ma Wenjun , Zhang Bo , Liu Tao
Published: July 2021

Background: Previous studies have demonstrated the embryotoxicity and fetotoxicity of thallium (Tl). However, the effects of prenatal exposure to Tl on birth weight and placental weight and the mediating role of placental weight in the association of Tl with birth weight remain unclear.

Methods: We recruited 2,748 participants from the ongoing Prenatal Environment and Offspring Health Cohort (PEOH Cohort) study, which was initiated in 2016 in Guangzhou, China. The Tl concentrations in maternal urine samples collected during the first and third trimester were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Birth weight and placental weight were extracted from maternal medical records.

Results: Pregnant women exposed to the highest tertile of Tl in the first trimester (β = −42.7 g, 95% CI: −82.3, −3.1 g) and third trimester (β = −50.6 g, 95% CI: −99.0, −2.3 g) had babies with lower birth weights than those exposed to the lowest tertile. We also found significant negative associations of exposure to Tl concentrations in the first and third trimester with placental weight. Mediation analyses showed that 50.3% (95% CI: 15.9, 79.2%) and 33.5% (95% CI: 1.3, 80.3%) of the effects of Tl exposure in the first and third trimester on birth weight were mediated by decreased placental weight.

Conclusion: Our results suggest that prenatal exposure to Tl is negatively associated with birth weight and that this association may be mediated by decreased placental weight.
Active and Healthy Aging After COVID-19 Pandemic in Portugal and Other European Countries: Time to Rethink Strategies and Foster Action
Authors: Costa Andreia , Câmara Gisele , Arriaga Miguel Telo de , Nogueira Paulo , Miguel José Pereira
Published: July 2021

The population aging in Europe imposes challenges to societies that require adaptations and responses at various levels to minimize impacts and figuring out opportunities. Portugal has been committed to the World Health Organization and European Union's values and policy frameworks concerning active and healthy aging. In 2017, an inter-ministerial working group developed the National Strategy for Active and Healthy Aging. In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic that exposed the vulnerabilities of older populations, the launch of the Decade of Healthy Aging 2021–2030 and its baseline report and the 2018 Active Aging Index Analytical Report may constitute an opportunity to strategically think about the aging of the population as a national purpose in Portugal and in the other European countries that face similar challenges.
Micrometer Positioning Accuracy With a Planar Parallel Continuum Robot
Authors: Mauzé Benjamin , Laurent Guillaume J. , Dahmouche Redwan , Clévy Cédric
Published: July 2021

Parallel Continuum Robots (PCR) have several advantages over classical articulated robots, notably a large workspace, miniaturization capabilities and safe human-robot interactions. However, their low accuracy is still a serious drawback. Indeed, several conditions have to be met for PCR to reach a high accuracy, namely: a repeatable mechanical structure, a correct kinematic model, and a proper estimation of the model’s parameters. In this article, we propose a methodology that allows reaching a micrometer accuracy with a PCR. This approach emphasizes the importance of using a repeatable continuum mechanism, identifying the most influential parameters of an accurate kinematic model of the robot and precisely measuring them. The experimental results show that the proposed approach allows to reach an accuracy of 3.3 µm in position and 0.5 mrad in orientation over a 10 mm long circular path. These results push the current limits of PCR accuracy and make them good potential candidates for high accuracy automatic positioning tasks.
Current Insights Into the Pathology of Canine Intervertebral Disc Extrusion-Induced Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Spitzbarth Ingo , Moore Sarah A. , Stein Veronika M. , Levine Jonathan M. , Kühl Bianca , Gerhauser Ingo , Baumgärtner Wolfgang ,   The Canine Spinal Cord Injury Consortium (CANSORT-SCI)
Published: July 2021

Spinal cord injury (SCI) in dogs is commonly attributed to intervertebral disc extrusion (IVDE). Over the last years substantial progress was made in the elucidation of factors contributing to the pathogenesis of this common canine disease. A detailed understanding of the underlying histopathological and molecular alterations in the lesioned spinal cord represents a prerequisite to translate knowledge on the time course of secondary injury processes into the clinical setting. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge of the underlying pathology of canine IVDE-related SCI. Pathological alterations in the spinal cord of dogs affected by IVDE-related SCI include early and persisting axonal damage and glial responses, dominated by phagocytic microglia/macrophages. These processes are paralleled by a pro-inflammatory microenvironment with dysregulation of cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases within the spinal cord. These data mirror findings from a clinical and therapeutic perspective and can be used to identify biomarkers that are able to more precisely predict the clinical outcome. The pathogenesis of progressive myelomalacia, a devastating complication of SCI in dogs, is not understood in detail so far; however, a fulminant and exaggerating secondary injury response with massive reactive oxygen species formation seems to be involved in this unique neuropathological entity. There are substantial gaps in the knowledge of pathological changes in IVDE with respect to more advanced and chronic lesions and the potential involvement of demyelination. Moreover, the role of microglia/macrophage polarization in IVDE-related SCI still remains to be investigated. A close collaboration of clinical neurologists and veterinary pathologists will help to facilitate an integrative approach to a more detailed understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of canine IVDE and thus to identify therapeutic targets.
Metagenomic Sequencing Analysis of the Effects of Colistin Sulfate on the Pig Gut Microbiome
Authors: Guo Ling , Zhang Dan , Fu Shulin , Zhang Jiacheng , Zhang Xiaofang , He Jing , Peng Chun , Zhang Yunfei , Qiu Yinsheng , Ye Chun , Liu Yu , Wu Zhongyuan , Hu Chien-An Andy
Published: July 2021

The gut microbiome plays important roles in maintaining host health, and inappropriate use of antibiotics can cause imbalance, which may contribute to serious disease. However, despite its promise, using metagenomic sequencing to explore the effects of colistin on gut microbiome composition in pig has not been reported. Herein, we evaluated the roles of colistin in gut microbiome modulation in pigs. Metagenomic analysis demonstrated that overall microbial diversity was higher in the colistin group compared with the control group. Antibiotic Resistance Genes Database analysis demonstrated that following colistin treatment, expression levels of tsnr, ant6ia, tetq, oleb, norm, ant3ia, and mexh were significantly upregulated, indicating that colistin may induce transformation of antibiotic resistance genes. Colistin also affected the microbiome distribution patterns at both genus and phylum levels. In addition, at the species level, colistin significantly reduced the abundance of Prevotella copri, Phascolarctobacterium succinatutens, and Prevotella stercorea and enhanced the abundance of Treponema succinifaciens and Acidaminococcus fermentans compared to the control group. Gene Ontology analysis demonstrated that following treatment with colistin, metabolic process, cellular process, and single-organism process were the dominant affected terms. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis showed that oxidative phosphorylation, protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum, various types of N-glycan biosynthesis, protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum, pathogenic Escherichia coli infection, and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway–yeast were the dominant signaling pathways in the colistin group. Overall, our results suggested that colistin affects microbial diversity and may modulate gut microbiome composition in pig, potentially providing novel strategy or antibiotic rationalization pertinent to human and animal health.
The Development of the Gut Microbiota and Short-Chain Fatty Acids of Layer Chickens in Different Growth Periods
Authors: Sun Baosheng , Hou Linyue , Yang Yu
Published: July 2021

A long-term observation of changes of the gut microbiota and its metabolites would be beneficial to improving the production performance of chickens. Given this, 1-day-old chickens were chosen in this study, with the aim of observing the development of the gut microbiota and gut microbial function using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metabolites short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) from 8 to 50 weeks. The results showed that the relative abundances of Firmicutes and genus Alistipes were higher and fiber-degradation bacteria were less at 8 weeks compared with 20 and 50 weeks (P < 0.05). Consistently, gut microbial function was enriched in ATP-binding cassette transporters, the energy metabolism pathway, and amino acid metabolism pathway at 8 weeks. In contrast, the abundance of Bacteroidetes and some SCFA-producing bacteria and fiber-degradation bacteria significantly increased at 20 and 50 weeks compared with 8 weeks (P < 0.05), and the two-component system, glycoside hydrolase and carbohydrate metabolism pathway, was significantly increased with age. The concentration of SCFAs in the cecum at 20 weeks was higher than at 8 weeks (P < 0.01), because the level of fiber and the number of dominant fiber-degradation bacteria and SCFA-producing bacteria were more those at 20 weeks. Notably, although operational taxonomic units (OTUs) and the gut microbial α-diversity including Chao1 and abundance-based coverage estimator (ACE) were higher at 50 than 20 weeks (P < 0.01), the concentration of SCFAs at 50 weeks was lower than at 20 weeks (P < 0.01), suggesting that an overly high level of microbial diversity may not be beneficial to the production of SCFAs.
Expected Impact of the Introduction of the Leverage Ratio at the Hungarian and EU Level
Authors: Kocsis Beáta , Seregdi László
Published: July 2021

From June 2021, a new set of mandatory requirements will enter into force in the European Union for all credit institutions registered in the EU, specifying in detail the method of calculating the leverage ratio and its minimum level. In this paper, we summarise the main criteria of leverage ratio regulation, the reasons for its introduction and the criticisms that have been expressed. We examine the likely impact of the new requirements as well as the types of credit institutions that may be most affected, and how the leverage ratio relates to different elements of the prudential regulations already in place. Through theoretical and practical examples, we seek to answer the question of when the leverage ratio can become an effective constraint on capital adequacy requirements and for which institutional characteristics it can function as their ideal complement. For this study, we have drawn on the international academic literature on the leverage ratio, analyses by the European Banking Authority and data available from supervisory reporting. We conclude that the leverage ratio in its current form does not have a significant impact on the majority of credit institutions in Hungary, and even at the international level it will primarily only represent an actual constraint for credit institutions which operate with a specific business model and low average risk weights
Experimental and Analytical Study of Secondary Path Transfer Function in Active Hydraulic Mount with Solenoid Actuator
Authors: Fan Rang-Lin , Dou Yu-Fei , Yao Fang-Hua , Qi Song-Qiang , Han Chen
Published: July 2021

The active hydraulic mount with solenoid actuator (AHM-SNA) does not require permanent magnets, is of low cost, and has attracted wide attention. This paper focuses on each link of the secondary path in AHM-SNA, the transfer functions (TFs) were studied one by one, and a simple and efficient expression for the total secondary path is discussed. First, based on the mathematical model of the hydraulic mount with inertia track and decoupling membrane, the TF from actuator active force to output force at frame side was analyzed, the results show that the TF was constant in the mid-frequency band. Second, based on the geometric parameters and cone air gap of solenoid actuator, it was obtained that the TF from the square of current to actuator active force is also constant; based on the relationship that the active force frequency is twice of the harmonic current frequency, the full-wave-rectified current was introduced. Utilizing the fact that the second harmonic component of the current is the main component, it was concluded that the total TF of the secondary path from current to active force and then to output force at frame side was constant in the mid-frequency band. Finally, two sets of experiments with full-wave-rectified current as the excitation were carried out, and the analytical conclusion was verified that the TF of the secondary path was constant as a proportional link and was convenient for the active control algorithms.
Friction Prediction and Validation of a Variable Stiffness Lower Limb Exosuit Based on Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Ma Zhuo , Zuo Siyang , Chen Baojun , Liu Jianbin
Published: July 2021

The variable stiffness exosuit has great potential for human augmentation and medical applications. However, the model of the variable stiffness mechanism in exosuits is far from satisfactory for the accurate prediction and control of friction force. This paper presents a friction prediction model of a variable stiffness lower limb exosuit, verifies its prediction performance, and identifies its applicability. The friction force model was established by the Coulomb friction hypothesis. The equivalent coefficient, which is the core parameter of the model, was determined based on friction and squeezing force data obtained by tests and an ANSYS simulation. Experiments show that the prediction error of the proposed model can reach 15% with a proper structural dimension change constraint. The friction force control test showed that the achieved model can shorten the settling time of the step response by 26% and eliminate the steady-state error. Verifications indicate that the proposed method can provide guidance to the modeling of other friction/stiffness structures, especially friction-based wearable robot structure models and predictions.
Estimation of Nitrogen Supply for Summer Maize Production through a Long-Term Field Trial in China
Authors: Huang Shaohui , Yang Wenfang , Ding Wencheng , Jia Liangliang , Jiang Lingling , Liu Yingxia , Xu Xinpeng , Yang Yunma , He Ping , Yang Junfang
Published: July 2021

Supplying adequate nitrogen (N) to meet crop demand is critical for enhancing agricultural sustainability. Not only fertilizer N, but also N from other available sources should be considered in N supply capacity. We conducted a 10-year farming experiment using a split-plot design with two different main fertilizer management approaches and three N application strategies as add-on sub-treatments. Based on the experiment, we estimated the total N supply (TNsupply) for the summer maize cropping system, through considering environmental, soil, crop residue, and fertilizer N sources. An appropriate TNsupply was established by correlating TNsupply with the relative yield (RY), N input and output, and N use efficiency (NUE). The results revealed a wide variation in TNsupply (from 88 to 755 kg ha−1). The RY, N input, and N output fitted well to TNsupply using linear-plateau, linear, and linear-plateau models, respectively. The lower limits of TNsupply for achieving the maximum RY and N output were 361 and 358 kg ha−1, respectively. The relationship between N input and N output was described as linear-plateau. We determined the slope of the linear curve (55.4%) as the lower limit of NUE, beyond which the upper limit of TNsupply was determined to be less than 497 kg ha−1. Thus, appropriate TNsupply values ranged from 325 to 497 kg ha−1 for summer maize production, which could ensure enough N supply for higher yields and avoid excessive N input for higher NUE and lower environmental N loss. Our findings highlight that TNsupply can be an alternative indicator for evaluating N management.
Higher Temperatures during Grain Filling Affect Grain Chalkiness and Rice Nutrient Contents
Authors: Shimoyanagi Rikako , Abo Mitsuru , Shiotsu Fumitaka
Published: July 2021

High temperature effects attributable to climate change can affect rice quality. The chalky area of rice grains is often used to evaluate of rice grain starch quality, but the overall effect of high temperatures on grain chalkiness and overall nutrient quality has not been fully clarified. Thus, in this study, we assessed high temperature effects on grain weight, chalkiness, and nutrient contents. Rice grains were classified into four groups on the basis of the chalky area in scanned grain images: P (0%), S (0–15%), M (15–40%), and L (≥40%). Then, the amylose, protein and mineral nutrient concentrations were assessed in each chalkiness classification. High temperatures during grain filling markedly decreased the grain weight and the amylose content of milled rice but increased the chalky area of the grains as well as protein content and the concentrations of most minerals. There were significant negative correlations between mineral contents and both grain weights and amylose contents of milled rice. These results indicate that increases in grain chalky areas due to high temperatures during grain filling also increase grain mineral contents.
Influence of Infectious Pancreatic Necrosis Virus and Yersinia ruckeri Co-Infection on a Non-Specific Immune System in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Pajdak-Czaus Joanna , Schulz Patrycja , Terech-Majewska Elżbieta , Szweda Wojciech , Siwicki Andrzej Krzysztof , Platt-Samoraj Aleksandra
Published: July 2021

Background: The IPNV is one of the most common viral pathogens of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), while Y. ruckeri infections are widespread among bacterial agents. The current study aimed to determine the influence of IPNV and Y. ruckeri co-infection on a non-specific immune response. Methods: Two experiments were conducted. The first experiment determined the changes in non-specific immunity parameters upon the simultaneous occurrence of IPNV and Y. ruckeri infection. In the second experiment, infection with the IPNV was performed two weeks before Y. ruckeri infection. The level of total protein, gamma globulins, the activity of lysozyme and ceruloplasmin, as well as the metabolic activity and potential killing activity of phagocytes were measured: 0, 24 h, 72 h, 7 days, 14 days, and 21 days after co-infection. Results: A differentiated effect on the parameters of the non-specific immune response was shown between single infections with the IPNV and Y. ruckeri as well as co-infection with these pathogens. Conclusions: The immune response in the course of a co-infection depended on the time between infections. IPNV infection causes lysozyme activity suppression, which may lead to secondary bacterial infections.
Effects of Slaughter Positions on Catecholamine, Blood Biochemical and Electroencephalogram Changes in Cattle Restrained Using a Modified Mark IV Box
Authors: Imlan Jurhamid Columbres , Kaka Ubedullah , Goh Yong-Meng , Idrus Zulkifli , Awad Elmutaz Atta , Abubakar Ahmed Abubakar , Ahmad Tanbir , Quaza Nizamuddin Hassan N. , Sazili Awis Qurni
Published: July 2021

The proper slaughter positioning of animals is among the most crucial factors in animal welfare. The lateral position in Halal slaughter is a technique used around the world by Muslims, with a few practicing the upright position. The literature on the effects of slaughter in upright versus lateral positions on pain and stress is scarce. Thus, this study was designed to evaluate the effects of slaughter positions on blood biochemical parameters, plasma catecholamines, and electroencephalographic (EEG) responses. Twenty Brahman crossbred steers were subjected to slaughter in either lateral recumbency (LP) (n = 10) or an upright position (UP) (n = 10). There was a significant increase in adrenaline (p < 0.0001) and noradrenaline (p < 0.05) at T2 compared to T1 in the animals of both groups. A significant difference (p < 0.0001) was observed in the median frequency (MF) and total power (Ptot) of EEG, parameters for pain and stress, between the animals slaughtered in the upright and the lateral position. However, MF and delta waves were significantly higher (p < 0.05) after slaughter in the UP group than in the LP group. The results demonstrate a lesser amount of stress and pain responses among the LP group.
Survey of Zoonotic Bacterial Pathogens in Native Foxes in Central Chile: First Record of Brucella canis Exposure
Authors: Galarce Nicolás , de la Fuente Sebastián , Escobar Beatriz , Dettleff Phillip , Abalos Pedro , Hormazábal Juan Carlos , Flores Roberto , Sallaberry-Pincheira Nicole , Martínez Víctor
Published: July 2021

Brucella abortus, B. canis, and pathogenic Leptospira are zoonotic pathogens that infect humans, as well as domestic and wild animals. In wild canids, they may affect their fertility and reproduction, threatening their conservation. Wild canids play a crucial role in the environment as meso- and top-predators and environmental sentinels for zoonotic pathogens. In Chile, three species of wild canids are present, and due to changes in land use and environmental dynamics, it is of utmost relevance to determine the role of these species in the epidemiology of brucellosis and leptospirosis. This study aimed to detect the exposure to B. abortus, B. canis, and pathogenic Leptospira by serologic, bacteriologic, and molecular techniques in native foxes from rehabilitation and exhibition centers in Central Chile. Forty-six blood samples were obtained from Lycalopex culpaeus and L. griseus, detecting 10.9% of seropositivity to B. canis and 7.7% to L. Javanica. No seropositivity was seen for B. abortus. Exposure was not registered by culture and qPCR in any of the sampled animals. Our findings are the first register of exposure to any Brucella species in wild canids in Chile and highlight the need to establish surveillance programs of these emerging pathogens.
Bold Frogs or Shy Toads? How Did the COVID-19 Closure of Zoological Organisations Affect Amphibian Activity?
Authors: Boultwood Jack , O’Brien Michelle , Rose Paul
Published: July 2021

Amphibians are an understudied group in the zoo-focussed literature. Whilst commonly housed in specialist exhibits and of real conservation value due to the global extinction crisis, amphibian welfare is not often investigated empirically in zoo settings. The limited research that is available suggests that enclosure design (structure, planting and naturalistic theming) has a positive impact on the time that amphibians will be on show to visitors. However, the categorisation of any “visitor effect” (i.e., influences of visitor presence on amphibian activity and time on display) is hard to find. The COVID-19 pandemic forced the closure of zoological organisations in the UK for several months from March 2020, with gradual re-openings from the summer into autumn and winter. This event provided a unique opportunity to study the effect of the lack of visitors, the presence of essential zoo staff only, the wider return of organisational staff, and then the return of visitors over a prolonged period. This project at WWT Slimbridge Wetlands Centre assessed the number of individuals of six species of amphibian—common toad (Bufo bufo), common frog (Rana temporaria), smooth newt (Lissotriton vulgaris), pool frog (Pelophylax lessonae), golden mantella (Mantella aurantiaca) and golden poison dart frog (Phyllobates terribilis)—visible to observers under different conditions. All amphibians were housed in a purpose-built indoor exhibit of individual enclosures and were recorded when visible (as a proportion of the total population of the enclosure) during closure, the return of extra centre staff and visitor periods. The results showed species-specific differences in visibility, with some species of amphibian being more likely to be on view when the presence of people at their enclosure was less likely or in smaller numbers. Such differences are likely related to the specific camouflage or anti-predation tactics in these focal species. Further study to quantify amphibian sensitivity to, and perception of, environmental change caused by public presence (e.g., light levels and sound) would be useful welfare-themed research extensions. Our results can help inform husbandry, collection planning and amphibian enclosure design to reduce any noticeable visitor effects, and provide a useful benchmark for further, more complex, welfare assessment measures.
The Immediate Effect of Parachute-Resisted Gallop on Heart Rate, Running Speed and Stride Frequency in Dogs
Authors: Hederstedt Sandra , McGowan Catherine , Essner Ann
Published: July 2021

Physical fitness is required for canine athletes and working dogs to optimize performance in various disciplines. There is a lack of research on the effects of resistance exercise on cardiorespiratory variables in dogs. The aim of this study was to investigate the immediate effects of parachute-resisted (PR) gallop on heart rate, running speed and stride frequency compared to unresisted (UR) gallop in dogs. Five N-of-1 trials RCTs with alternating interventions were implemented. Dogs ran on a 200 m course with and without resistive force applied by a parachute attached to their harness while cardiac inter-beat intervals (IBI), running speed and stride frequency were measured. The results were visually displayed and interpreted in graphs and percentage of non-overlapping data estimated effect size. Both interventions showed large effects on heart rate compared to resting values. Mean IBI increased (10–17%) during PR gallop compared to UR gallop although this change was small relative to decreased running speed (19–40%) and increased stride frequency (18–63%). Minimum IBI showed no difference between interventions indicating similar maximum heartbeat per minute. In conclusion, parachute-resistance resulted in dogs galloping at lower speeds at the same cardiorespiratory level of intensity, which may be useful in canine physical rehabilitation and fitness training.
Absence of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Natural Environment Exposure in Sheep in Close Contact with Humans
Authors: Villanueva-Saz Sergio , Giner Jacobo , Fernández Antonio , Lacasta Delia , Ortín Aurora , Ramos Juan José , Ferrer Luis Miguel , Ruiz de Arcaute Marta , Tobajas Ana Pilar , Pérez María Dolores , Verde Maite , Marteles Diana , Hurtado-Guerrero Ramón , Pardo Julián , Santiago Llipsy , González-Ramírez Andrés Manuel , Macías-León Javier , García-García Ana , Taleb Víctor , Lira-Navarrete Erandi , Paño-Pardo José Ramón , Ruíz Héctor
Published: July 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the zoonotic causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that has caused a pandemic situation with millions of infected humans worldwide. Among domestic animals, there have been limited studies regarding the transmissibility and exposure to the infection in natural conditions. Some animals are exposed and/or susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, such as cats, ferrets and dogs. By contrast, there is no information about the susceptibility of ruminants to SARS-CoV-2. This study tested the antibody response in 90 ovine pre-pandemic serum samples and 336 sheep serum samples from the pandemic period (June 2020 to March 2021). In both cases, the animals were in close contact with a veterinary student community composed of more than 700 members. None of the serum samples analyzed was seroreactive based on an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike antigen. In this sense, no statistical difference was observed compared to the pre-pandemic sheep. Our results suggest that it seems unlikely that sheep could play a relevant role in the epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This is the first study to report the absence of evidence of sheep exposure to SARS-CoV-2 in natural conditions.
The Welfare of Animals in Australian Filmed Media
Authors: Hitchens Peta L. , Booth Rachael H. , Stevens Kirsten , Murphy Annabelle , Jones Bidda , Hemsworth Lauren M.
Published: July 2021

Animals play a significant role in the production of film and television in Australia and globally. Given this, regulating and monitoring their welfare on- and off-set is imperative. We therefore aim to compare Australia’s state and territory-based legislation and regulation to those in the United States and the United Kingdom and assess regulations against the Five Domains Model of animal welfare. Historical examples of animal incidents in Australian film are used to illustrate potential deficiencies. We reviewed archived media for animal welfare incidents on and off production sets. We demonstrate a lack of uniformity, with 37.5% (3/8) of states and territories providing targeted Codes of Practice for animals in filmed media, and partially addressing behavioural interactions or mental state within the Five Domains Model. Three themes of welfare concerns were identified including incidents on-set, incidents off-set, and effects of portrayal on perception or ownership of specific species. This highlights the need for standardised national legislation and improved monitoring and regulation. Further research should quantify the number of animals used in productions, describe the type and duration of the work the animals undertake, investigate the frequency of animal welfare incidents, and explore alternative methods to the use of live animals in film and television.
The Use of Monensin for Ketosis Prevention in Dairy Cows during the Transition Period: A Systematic Review
Authors: Mammi Ludovica M. E. , Guadagnini Marcello , Mechor Gerald , Cainzos Juan M. , Fusaro Isa , Palmonari Alberto , Formigoni Andrea
Published: July 2021

Since the approval by the European Medicines Agency in 2013 of a monensin controlled-release capsule (CRC) for the prevention of ketosis in dairy cows, there has been widespread use across Europe. In recent decades, several papers have investigated the effects of monensin used as a CRC or as a feed additive to improve cattle energy metabolism and improve feed efficiency. Since the CRC is the only form of monensin permitted in Europe in dairy cows, the objective of this review was to report and summarize observations from the literature on the effects of this treatment in transition cows. The peer-reviewed literature published from 1997 was scanned, and papers written in English were evaluated for eligibility. Only papers evaluating the use of monensin in dairy cows for the prevention of ketosis during the transition period were reviewed. In total, 42 papers met the required criteria and were included in this review. The major findings focused on cow metabolism and health, rumen fermentation and milk production and quality. Overall, the review of the existing literature confirmed that monensin delivered as a CRC during the transition period has effects of different magnitude compared to other forms, doses or durations of administration. Studies agree on the antiketotic effects of this treatment, showing evidence of an increased propionate production in the rumen, reduced blood β-hydroxybutyrate, and improved liver function in treated cows, mainly resulting in reduced incidence of peripartum disease. On the contrary, the effects of CRC on ammonia production and rumen microflora are less robust than those reported for other forms. Of importance for the European market is the well-documented absence of any negative impact on milk and cheese production and composition using the CRC treatment.
Effects of Dietary Supplementation with Bilberry Extract on Growth Performance, Immune Function, Antioxidant Capacity, and Meat Quality of Yellow-Feathered Chickens
Authors: Wang Yibing , Ma Xinyan , Ye Jinling , Zhang Sheng , Chen Zhilong , Jiang Shouqun
Published: July 2021

The experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of bilberry extract on growth performance, meat quality, antioxidant status, and immune function of yellow-feathered chickens. A total of 360 female hatchling Lingnan chickens were randomly allocated to three treatments with 6 replicates of 20 chickens per replicate. Birds were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0 (the control group), 100 (B100), and 400 (B400) mg/kg of bilberry extract for 63 d. Compared with the controls, (1) dietary supplementation with bilberry extract did not affect the growth performance of chickens from 1 to 63 d. (2) At 21 d, the relative weight of the bursa of Fabricius was increased (p < 0.05) by dietary supplementation with 400 mg/kg bilberry extract. Bilberry extract decreased the concentrations of IgY and IgM in blood plasma of 63-d chickens (p < 0.05). (3) For 21-d chickens, dietary supplementation with 400 mg/kg bilberry extract increased (p < 0.05) the activity of GSH-Px in blood plasma and jejunal mucosa (p < 0.05). Supplementation with 100 mg/kg bilberry extract increased (p < 0.05) the activities of T-SOD in jejunal mucosa and GSH-Px in the liver and decreased (p < 0.05) the MDA concentration in the liver. For chickens at the age of 63 d, both levels of bilberry extract increased activity of T-SOD in blood plasma (p < 0.05) and reduced MDA concentration in the jejunum (p < 0.05). (4) Supplementation with bilberry extract in the diet decreased the MDA concentration (B100) in muscle of 63-d chickens at 45 min postmortem and increased (p < 0.05) the activity of T-SOD (B400) at 4 d postmortem. (5) In breast muscle at 63 d, birds supplemented with bilberry extract (B400) had increased pH and drip loss while drip loss was reduced in the B100 treatment (p < 0.05); treatments did not affect inosinic acid or intramuscular fat contents. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of yellow-feathered chickens with bilberry extract enhanced the relative weight of the bursa of Fabricius, and broadly increased activities of antioxidant enzymes; indices of meat quality were improved without impact on growth performance. Considering the results in the current research, 100 mg/kg bilberry extract was recommended when supplemented in chickens.
In Vitro Microbiological and Drug Release of Silver/Ibuprofen Loaded Wound Dressing Designed for the Treatment of Chronically Infected Painful Wounds
Authors: Mogrovejo-Valdivia Alejandra , Maton Mickael , Garcia-Fernandez Maria Jose , Tabary Nicolas , Chai Feng , Neut Christel , Martel Bernard , Blanchemain Nicolas
Published: July 2021

This study consisted of developing a dressing loaded with silver (Ag) and ibuprofen (IBU) that provides a dual therapy, antibacterial and antalgic, intended for infected painful wounds. Therefore, non-woven polyethyleneterephtalate (PET) textiles nonwovens were pre-treated by cyclodextrin crosslinked with citric acid by a pad/dry/cure process. Then, textiles were impregnated in silver solution followed by a thermal treatment and were then coated by Layer-by-Layer (L-b-L) deposition of a polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) system consisting of anionic water-soluble poly(betacyclodextrin citrate) (PCD) and cationic chitosan. Finally, ibuprofen lysinate (IBU-L) was loaded on the PEM coating. We demonstrated the complexation of IBU with native βCD and PCD by phase solubility diagram and 1H NMR. PEM system allowed complete IBU-L release in 6 h in PBS pH 7.4 batch (USP IV). On the other hand, microbiological tests demonstrated that loaded silver induced bacterial reduction of 4 Log10 against S. aureus and E. coli and tests revealed that ibuprofen lysinate loading did not interfere with the antibacterial properties of the dressing.
Molecular Analysis of Streptomycin Resistance Genes in Clinical Strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Biocomputational Analysis of the MtGidB L101F Variant
Authors: Rodríguez-García Álvaro , Mares-Alejandre Rosa E. , Muñoz-Muñoz Patricia L. A. , Ruvalcaba-Ruiz Samuel , González-Sánchez Ricardo A. , Bernáldez-Sarabia Johanna , Meléndez-López Samuel G. , Licea-Navarro Alexei F. , Ramos-Ibarra Marco A.
Published: July 2021

Globally, tuberculosis (TB) remains a prevalent threat to public health. In 2019, TB affected 10 million people and caused 1.4 million deaths. The major challenge for controlling this infectious disease is the emergence and spread of drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of TB. The antibiotic streptomycin is not a current first-line anti-TB drug. However, WHO recommends its use in patients infected with a streptomycin-sensitive strain. Several mutations in the M. tuberculosisrpsL, rrs and gidB genes have proved association with streptomycin resistance. In this study, we performed a molecular analysis of these genes in clinical isolates to determine the prevalence of known or novel mutations. Here, we describe the genetic analysis outcome. Furthermore, a biocomputational analysis of the MtGidB L101F variant, the product of a novel mutation detected in gidB during molecular analysis, is also reported as a theoretical approach to study the apparent genotype-phenotype association.
Contribution of the Nrf2 Pathway on Oxidative Damage and Mitochondrial Failure in Parkinson and Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Villavicencio Tejo Francisca , Quintanilla Rodrigo A
Published: July 2021

The increase in human life expectancy has become a challenge to reduce the deleterious consequences of aging. Nowadays, an increasing number of the population suffer from age-associated neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). These disorders present different signs of neurodegeneration such as mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Accumulative evidence suggests that the transcriptional factor nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) plays a vital defensive role orchestrating the antioxidant response in the brain. Nrf2 activation promotes the expression of several antioxidant enzymes that exert cytoprotective effects against oxidative damage and mitochondrial impairment. In this context, several studies have proposed a role of Nrf2 in the pathogenesis of PD and AD. Thus, we consider it important to summarize the ongoing literature related to the effects of the Nrf2 pathway in the context of these diseases. Therefore, in this review, we discuss the mechanisms involved in Nrf2 activity and its connection with mitochondria, energy supply, and antioxidant response in the brain. Furthermore, we will lead our discussion to identify the participation of the Nrf2 pathway in mitochondrial impairment and neurodegeneration present in PD and AD. Finally, we will discuss the therapeutic effects that the Nrf2 pathway activation could have on the cognitive impairment, neurodegeneration, and mitochondrial failure present in PD and AD.
Dehydro-Tocotrienol-β Counteracts Oxidative-Stress-Induced Diabetes Complications in db/db Mice
Authors: Dallner Gustav , Bentinger Magnus , Hussain Shafaat , Sinha Indranil , Yang Jiangning , Schwank-Xu Cheng , Zheng Xiaowei , Swiezewska Ewa , Brismar Kerstin , Valladolid-Acebes Ismael , Tekle Michael
Published: July 2021

Hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and adiposity are the main factors that cause inflammation in type 2 diabetes due to excessive ROS production, leading to late complications. To counteract the effects of increased free radical production, we searched for a compound with effective antioxidant properties that can induce coenzyme Q biosynthesis without affecting normal cellular functions. Tocotrienols are members of the vitamin E family, well-known as efficient antioxidants that are more effective than tocopherols. Deh-T3β is a modified form of the naturally occurring tocotrienol-β. The synthesis of this compound involves the sequential modification of geranylgeraniol. In this study, we investigated the effects of this compound in different experimental models of diabetes complications. Deh-T3β was found to possess multifaceted capacities. In addition to enhanced wound healing, deh-T3β improved kidney and liver functions, reduced liver steatosis, and improved heart recovery after ischemia and insulin sensitivity in adipose tissue in a mice model of type 2 diabetes. Deh-T3β exerts these positive effects in several organs of the diabetic mice without reducing the non-fasting blood glucose levels, suggesting that both its antioxidant properties and improvement in mitochondrial function are involved, which are central to reducing diabetes complications.