bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Welfare of badgers (Meles meles) subjected to culling: development and evaluation of a closed season
Authors: Woodroffe R , Bourne FJ , Cheeseman CL , Cox DR , Donnelly CA , Gettinby G , McInerney JP , Morrison WI
Published: January 2023

For the past 25 years, European badgers (Meles meles) have been subject to culling in Britain in attempts to limit the spread of tuberculosis (TB) to cattle. As part of a far-reaching evaluation of the effectiveness and acceptability of badger culling as a TB control measure, this paper assesses one aspect of the welfare of badger populations subjected to culling: the killing of breeding females, which risks leaving their unweaned cubs to starve in the den. To avoid this possibility, a three-month closed season was adopted, running from 1st February to 30th April, based on the best available estimates of the timing of birth and weaning in British badgers. During May 1999–2003, when a total of 4705 adult badgers were culled, field teams failed to capture 12 unweaned litters when their mothers were despatched. In 31 other cases, lactating females were culled but litters of almost-weaned cubs were also caught and despatched at the same dens, usually within a day of capture of the mother. The number of unweaned cubs missed by culling teams — estimated at approximately nine per year on average — was dramatically lower than that projected by a badger welfare lobby group. Our data suggest that the closed season is effective in reducing the suffering of unweaned cubs in badger populations subject to culling, and we recommend that this measure be maintained should badger culling form a component of any future TB control policy.
The effects of mirrors on the welfare of caged rabbits
Authors: Jones SE , Phillips CJC
Published: January 2023

Mirrors can enrich the environment of some social animals kept in isolation. In this study, the effect of mirrors on the behaviour of isolated, or partially isolated, caged rabbits was tested. In a changeover experiment, four treatments were investigated: isolated without mirrors; partially isolated (with a conspecific housed behind a partition) without mirrors; isolated with mirrors; and partially isolated with mirrors. Behaviour was recorded during the first hour for which the rabbits were in the cages with the stimuli, and then again after one week. Initially, the rabbits' alertness increased, which may be because they perceived the mirror image to be a potential threat. The mirrors also stimulated investigation by the rabbits, which initially scraped them rapidly with their forepaws (scrabbling) and sniffed them. Although sniffing was maintained until the end of the week, scrabbling was not, probably because the rabbits failed to elicit the normal reactions of a conspecific from their mirror images. Mirrors also reduced the time rabbits spent sitting in their living area looking out of the cage, and increased their behavioural complexity, as determined from the number of behaviours performed per minute. In a second experiment, the responses of seven rabbits to four stimuli were recorded: a conspecific; a toy animal; a mirror; and a blank card. The rabbits were presented with pairs of stimuli at either end of a marked board. The responses of the rabbits to mirrors were more similar to their responses to a blank card or to a soft toy than to a conspecific. Although the rabbits did not respond to mirror images as if they were conspecifics, the mirrors may have had benefits to the complexity of behaviour of rabbits in small cages.
A modified HET–CAM approach for biocompatibility testing of medical devices
Authors: Eder C , Falkner E , Mickel M , Chiari-Grisar C , Appl H , Schöffl H , Nehrer S , Losert UM
Published: January 2023

The implantation of new biomedical devices into living animals without any previous toxicity or biocompatibility evaluation is possible under current legislation. The HET–CAM (Hen Egg Test–Chorionallantoic Membrane) test offers a partially immunodeficient, borderline in vitro/in vivo test system that allows the simulation of transplantation experiments to obtain biocompatibility data prior to animal testing. A collagen type I/III scaffold, designed for tissue regeneration, was tested for angiogenetic properties and biocompatibility patterns. A significant angiogenetic stimulus caused by the collagen scaffold material was observed. Altering biocompatibility patterns by incubation with the potentially hazardous chemicals acridine orange and ethidium bromide led to severe vessel thrombosis and a foreign body tissue response. CAM testing of biomaterials and tissue engineered products allows selection of the most suitable biomaterial and the elimination of unsuitable materials from animal experiments, leading to a refinement of testing procedures and a reduction in the number of animals required for biocompatibility testing.
The ethics of the Three Rs principle: a reconsideration
Authors: Vorstenbosch JMG
Published: January 2023

In the past decades the Three Rs concept, famously launched by Russell and Burch in their 1959 bookThe Principles of Humane Experimental Technique, has gained a prominent place in the landscape of societal and ethical concern about animal use. Important scientific and institutional initiatives have been taken in order to promote replacement, reduction and refinement. It appears, however, that conceptual and ethical thinking about the presuppositions and changing contexts of the Three Rs concept has lagged behind the scientific and practical efforts. In this paper, first, I argue that there is a threefold argument to make for the need to reconsider the moral basis of the Three Rs concept. Second, I outline a number of standard assumptions of the traditional approach to the Three Rs and question the tenability of these assumptions. Third, I propose some elements of a new framework for the Three Rs principle and connect this to a number of developments in science and society. I conclude with four remarks on the future of the ethics of the Three Rs principle.
The effect of routine experimental procedures on physiological parameters in mice kept under different husbandry conditions
Authors: Meijer MK , Kramer K , Remie R , Spruijt BM , van Zutphen LFM , Baumans V
Published: January 2023

Laboratory animals are frequently subjected to routine procedures, such as injections or the withdrawal of blood samples. Acute stress caused by such procedures is associated with physiological changes that can have a strong impact on experimental results. This study investigated the integrated effects of cage enrichment, social housing and handling on the acute stress response of animals subjected to routine experimental procedures. Female mice of two inbred strains (BALB/c and C57BL/6) were housed under either minimal husbandry conditions (MH: no cage enrichment, infrequent handling and a period of individual housing) or enriched husbandry conditions (EH: with cage enrichment, frequent handling and social housing at all times). One mouse in each cage was implanted with a radio-telemetry transmitter for measuring heart rate (HR) and body temperature (BT). The animals were subjected to intraperitoneal injections or short periods of restraint. In addition to telemetry measurements, thymus weight and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activity were assessed. It was found that individual housing under MH conditions, as compared with social housing under EH conditions, elevated both basal HR and BT, and significantly elevated the relative recovery time following routine experimental procedures. Thymus weight and TH activity suggested a long-term stress response under MH conditions following individual housing, although the influence of transmitter implantation and (repeated) acute stress remains to be investigated. The results emphasise that husbandry conditions should be taken into account when evaluating physiological measures after routine procedures.
Acute effects of cage cleaning at different frequencies on laboratory rat behaviour and welfare
Authors: Burn CC , Peters A , Mason GJ
Published: January 2023

In rodents, cage cleaning increases cardiovascular and behavioural activity for several hours, which are commonly interpreted as stress responses. In mice, post-cleaning activity also includes aggression, which can cause serious injuries. This study was part of a long-term investigation into the effects of cage cleaning frequency on rat behaviour and welfare. Here we aimed to ascertain whether post-cleaning activity is stress- or aggression-related, thereby leading to recurrent acute reductions in welfare, or simply a result of non-aversive stimulation. Male Wistar (n = 160) and Sprague–Dawley (n = 160) rats, kept in four animal units, had their cages cleaned twice per week, once per week or once per fortnight, and were kept on one of two types of bedding. Behaviours were recorded in detail before and after cage cleaning for 20 weeks, as was the aversion-related Harderian gland secretion, chromodacryorrhoea (‘red tears‘). Cage cleaning caused decreased resting and increased feeding, walking, bedding manipulation and sheltering for at least 30 min after the disturbance. Skirmishing also increased markedly for 15 min after cleaning, but decreased thereafter to below baseline levels. Unlike in mice, all skirmishing was non-injurious and play-like. The frequency of cage cleaning did not affect the magnitude of this skirmishing peak, but rats that had their cages cleaned more frequently settled more quickly after cleaning. Surprisingly, chromodacryorrhoea decreased after cage cleaning; this could mean that rats find soiled cages stressful or alternatively, like many disturbances, cage cleaning might provoke frequent, curtailed bouts of grooming, thereby removing the secretion. Rats also manipulated aspen bedding more than paper bedding. Overall, we found no evidence that cage cleaning caused rats any acute decrease in welfare — a finding consistent with additional data we have obtained on the lack of preference by rats for soiled over clean cages, and a lack of long-term, behavioural and physiological responses to being cleaned frequently or infrequently.
Refinement of the use of non-human primates in scientific research. Part I: the influence of humans
Authors: Rennie AE , Buchanan-Smith HM
Published: January 2023

The welfare of non-human primates used in scientific research must be safeguarded to promote scientific validity and for ethical reasons. Welfare can be improved by the refinement of practice, particularly if these refinements are applied to every aspect of the life of an animal used in the laboratory, from birth to death with the aim of both minimising harm and maximising well-being. Many refinement methods have been described in nationally and internationally accepted guidelines on laboratory practice, but awareness of these guidelines is not universal. In Part I of this review, we examine the influence of humans on non-human primates and summarise and evaluate methods of refinement that are or could be used to reduce suffering and improve welfare. In particular we focus on staff selection, education and training, human–animal bonds, staff communication, and training primates. In Parts II and III, refinements of housing, husbandry and experimental procedures are reviewed.
Can environmental variables replace some animal-based parameters in welfare assessment of dairy cows?
Authors: Mülleder C , Troxler J , Laaha G , Waiblinger S
Published: January 2023

Animal-related parameters best fulfil the requirements of a valid welfare assessment, but often they are less feasible than other parameters. Therefore, this paper examines whether animal-based parameters are connected with each other and with environmental factors in order to find out if some can be discarded without loss of information.

Eighty Austrian dairy herds (21-55 Simmental cows) housed in loose-housing cubicles were visited. Housing, management and the human-animal relationship were assessed. Animal-based parameters such as lameness, skin lesions and social behaviour were recorded. For the statistical analysis, Spearman correlation coefficients and regression trees with additional cross-validations for the assessment of the predictive performance of models were calculated.

The animal-based parameters could be explained by environmental variables only around 2/3 (goodness of fit). The calculated regression trees explained 62% of the percentage of lame animals, 58% of leg injuries on the carpal joints and 69% of the agonistic interactions. Leg injuries on the tarsal joints could be explained to quite a high degree (77%). Cross-validated regression trees, however, which are more significant for prediction on farms in excess of this study, accounted for 31% of the total variance of lameness, 44% of the leg injuries on the tarsal joints, 33% on the carpal joints and 25% of the agonistic interactions.

Only a few correlations between animal-related parameters were found: lameness was correlated with leg injuries on the tarsal joints and on the carpal joints. Leg injuries were correlated with each other.

Due to the lack of interrelations between animal-related parameters and the moderate prediction by environmental factors, we do not suggest replacing the investigated animal-related parameters for on-farm welfare assessment in dairy cattle.
Definition of criteria for overall assessment of animal welfare
Authors: Botreau R , Veissier I , Butterworth A , Bracke MBM , Keeling LJ
Published: January 2023

Welfare is multidimensional, comprising good health, comfort, expression of behaviour, and so on. Its overall assessment therefore requires a multicriteria evaluation. The set of criteria shall be exhaustive (no missing item), minimal (only necessary items), agreed by stakeholders, and legible (a limited number of criteria). Furthermore, the interpretation from one criterion shall not depend on that from another. We propose a set of 12 subcriteria grouped into four criteria: feeding, housing, health and optimised emotional states. This work will assist in developing measures to be used on-farm to form a European standard for overall assessment of animal welfare.
Relation between parity and feed intake, fear of humans and social behaviour in non-lactating sows group-housed under various on-farm conditions
Authors: Kongsted AG , Hermansen JE , Kristensen T
Published: January 2023

The number of group-housed, non-lactating sows is increasing rapidly in Europe. However, systematic information of the between-sow variation in animal welfare related factors under various on-farm conditions is lacking. Indicators of feed intake, fear of humans and social behaviour in non-lactating, group-housed sows were monitored in 14 herds. Regarding indicators of feed intake, the results revealed that back fat gain increased with increased parity number to a larger extent in group feeding than in individual feeding systems. Furthermore, behavioural observations showed that sows older than third parity spent significantly more time eating than younger sows during feeding in group feeding systems. With respect to indicators of social behaviour, first parity sows had significantly more skin lesions than older sows in herds with no escape possibilities (small group sizes and no feeding stalls), whereas second and third parity sows had the highest number of skin injuries in herds with escape possibilities. The results emphasise a need for management initiatives to consider the requirements of especially young sows in group housing. This is of particular importance in systems with small group sizes and group feeding systems.
Peripartal behaviour and teat lesions of sows in farrowing crates and in a loose-housing system
Authors: Verhovsek D , Troxler J , Baumgartner J
Published: January 2023

Housing of farrowing and lactating sows in farrowing crates can cause a number of welfare problems. Recently, alternative farrowing pens have been developed which allow the sow to turn around and move freely. In this experiment a conventional farrowing crate (C; 5.0 m2; the sow is crated permanently), the Trapez pen (T; 6.7 m2; with a crate opened two days after farrowing) and a modified FAT2 pen (F; 6.7 m2; loose-housing system with nest and dunging area), were compared. The behaviour of sows was recorded from 6 hours ante partum to 24 hours post partum and analysed for duration of birth, number of posture changes, activities indicating nest building and piglet crushing. Sows were inspected for skin lesions at days 5 and 23, post farrowing. There was a tendency for longer birth duration and restlessness during farrowing when sows were crated. Sows in F and T crushed more piglets than sows in C but only few sows were concerned. In C more sows had severe injuries on the udder and on the limbs than in F and T. It can be concluded that the health and behaviour of farrowing and lactating sows are negatively affected when being housed in conventional pens with crates and slatted flooring. Further development is required to minimise piglet crushing in loose-housing systems.
A hypothetical strategy for the objective evaluation of animal well-being and quality of life using a dog model
Authors: Morton DB
Published: January 2023

In this paper I describe a hypothetical strategy for assessing poor and good welfare with the aim of making a judgement about an animal's quality of life. The concepts discussed here may also contribute to the notion of what makes ‘a life worth living’. The strategy involves attributing scores to positive and negative aspects of an animal's well-being, using predefined categories and a simple scoring rote, and then summating these scores into an overall welfare score. The strategy incorporates a mathematical calculation that has certain mathematical biases to help ensure that any animal suffering is not excessive. I draw attention to some limitations of the proposed strategy and stress that such mathematical scoring systems cannot be used simplistically. Nevertheless, the proposed strategy could be refined, tested and validated to assist decision-making by those with a duty of care to the animal concerned.
Assessing quality of life in companion and kennelled dogs: a critical review
Authors: Hewson CJ , Hiby EF , Bradshaw JWS
Published: January 2023

Two distinct approaches have emerged for the assessment of quality of life (QoL) and welfare in domestic dogs. One approach, which has so far been applied only to companion dogs, is derived from proxy assessment of QoL in human beings, with the owner or veterinarian acting as the proxy. Because dogs are a different species to human beings, assessment by proxy is even more challenging than when the subject being assessed is human. Our evaluation of published studies indicates that existing canine QoL instruments are imperfect, in part because of avoidable deficiencies such as failure to define QoL and using measures of health status as sole indicators of QoL. The second approach to QoL assessment, which stems from animal welfare science, is based upon objective measurement of behaviour and stress physiology, and has been applied mainly to dogs in laboratory and rescue kennels. We review these and our own recent studies, and conclude that although interpretation of signs of acute stress may be relatively straightforward, signs of chronic stress such as stereotypic behaviour require further research before they can be incorporated into QoL measures. So far, there has been little attempt to integrate proxy assessment with objective measures. We recommend that this integration would be beneficial. Fundamentally, both approaches aim to describe and quantify aspects of some inner state of well-being, and it should eventually be possible to map each on to the other.
Promoting quality of life discussions between the veterinary profession and the pet-owning public
Authors: Main DCJ
Published: January 2023

Because it is the pet-owning public that normally provides the day-to-day care for companion animals, maintaining or improving standards in animal welfare is best achieved by engaging owners in the debate over an individual animal's quality of life (QoL). Veterinary practice teams (including veterinary surgeons and nurses) are in an ideal position to promote discussion of pets' QoL, as most owners respect and value their opinion. As well as educating each new generation of animal carers on appropriate husbandry, the veterinary profession can engage the pet-owning public in the scientific process of QoL assessment and the related debates concerning definitions of welfare and QoL. QoL assessment is a complex process with many influencing factors. The structure of an assessment will depend upon its purpose, which may be research, legislation, a certification scheme or, probably most usefully, a management tool to facilitate clinical decision-making. The process of completing a QoL assessment within a clinical environment may result in positive changes in human behaviour towards animals irrespective of the actual result of the assessment. This influence on human behaviour is a key test of validity for formal assessment systems that are designed to improve QoL.
Welfare implications of nipple drinkers for broiler chickens
Authors: Houldcroft E , Smith C , Mrowicki R , Headland L , Grieveson S , Jones TA , Dawkins MS
Published: January 2023

Commercially reared broiler chickens are commonly supplied with drinking water through lines of nipple drinkers that are positioned above the birds' heads to avoid water leaking and spoiling the litter underfoot. This means that the birds have to peck upwards to obtain water, an action that is very different from the ‘scoop’ action of natural drinking seen when birds drink from troughs or puddles. In this study we investigate the welfare implications of this unnatural drinking behaviour imposed by nipple drinkers. We show 1) that chickens have no apparent aversion to the taste of tap water, 2) that they prefer bell drinkers and troughs over nipple drinkers, 3) that the stereotyped ‘scoop’ action is seen even when birds are drinking from bowls of different heights, 4) that chickens have a strong preference for drinking from nipples that are lower rather than higher and, 5) that when offered a choice between bowls and nipples of the same height, the chickens are indifferent to the method of water presentation. We conclude that the height at which water is presented to chickens is more important to them than whether they can drink with the natural ‘scoop’ action. While this might suggest that chicken welfare could be improved by lowering the drinker lines, wet litter causes welfare issues of its own through its effect on hock burn and pododermatitis. We suggest that drinker systems should be designed so that both aspects of welfare (birds able to drink in their preferred way and clean litter) are possible.
A population-based on-farm evaluation protocol for comparing the welfare of pigs between farms
Authors: Goossens X , Sobry L , Ödberg F , Tuyttens F , Maes D , De Smet S , Nevens F , Opsomer G , Lommelen F , Geers R
Published: January 2023

The variability of animal-based parameters was studied within a population of 41 farrow-to-finish farms. Data were collected during three visits, each corresponding to a different season within a two-year period. The largest between-farm variability was observed for stereotypic behaviour by pregnant sows, and for skin, ear and tail lesions, dirtiness and respiratory problems in growing pigs. Relationships with housing and management parameters were established to formulate advice on how to improve pigs' welfare. Group-housed sows performed less oral stereotypic behaviour than individual housed sows (18.7 versus 44.1%), but a higher proportion of skin lesions was observed in group-housed sows (15.4 versus 2.0%). Prevalence of tail-biting behaviour varied between 0 and 21%. The risk for tail biting was higher in cases of reduced levels of floor space per pig, and ear-biting behaviour occurred more often when tails were docked short. Coughing was not correlated directly with the occurrence of lung lesions, but the risk was higher in instances of reduced space availability per pig. Farms could be ranked according to these welfare parameters, ie either according to the score of each individual parameter or based on the summation of all scores. Hence, welfare status was defined in relation to farm-specific information, allowing formulation of advice on housing and management to ultimately improve pig welfare through the matching of a predefined benchmark.
RICHPIG: a semantic model to assess enrichment materials for pigs
Authors: Bracke MBM
Published: January 2023

A computer-based model was constructed to assess enrichment materials (EMats) for intensively-farmed weaned, growing and fattening pigs on a scale from 0 to 10. This model, called RICHPIG, was constructed in order to support the further implementation of EC Directive 2001/93/EC, which states that “pigs must have permanent access to a sufficient quantity of material to enable proper investigation and manipulation activities”. This paper describes the underlying conceptual framework for assessing EMats and explains the concepts, procedures and calculation rules used for semantic modelling. A (parsimonious) weighted average calculation rule was used to calculate enrichment scores from assessment criteria scores (which specify welfare relevant material properties of EMats) and weighting factors (WFs, which specify the relative importance of the assessment criteria). In total, 30 assessment criteria were identified and classified as object design criteria (eg novelty and accessibility), behavioural elements (eg nose, root, chew), biological functions (explore and forage), manipulations (ie object-directed behaviours), other (non-manipulative) consequences (eg aggression and stress) and object performance criteria (eg changeability/destructibility and hygiene). WFs were calculated from a systematic analysis of 573 scientific statements collected in the database, using 11 so-called weighting categories (Wcat, ie scientific paradigms to assess welfare such as the study of natural behaviour, consumer demand studies and stress-physiology) to assign Wcat level scores (which indicate the intensity, duration and incidence of a welfare impact) to the assessment criteria. The main advantages of the RICHPIG model are that it is based explicitly on available scientific information, that it has an explicitly formulated conceptual framework, is transparent, disputable, upgradeable, robust and reasonably in accordance with expert opinion. Major scope for improvements exist in the form of the need for further upgrading with new knowledge, empirical validation and (further) implementation in political decision-making processes.
Lower-Row Caging in a Two-Tiered Housing System Does not Affect the Behaviour of Young, Singly Housed Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Schapiro S J , Bloomsmith M
Published: January 2023

It has been suggested that housing of laboratory primates in two-tiered racks adversely affects the psychological well-being of those primates housed on the lower row. Excessive darkness and its consequences are among the factors suggested to account for the supposed diminished well-being of lower-row inhabitants. Additionally, two-tiered housing has been suggested to introduce unacceptable variation into experimental designs, potentially necessitating additional subjects and/or invalidating results. Only recently have data been published to address these issues, but all studies have involved small numbers of subjects. In the present study, we compared the behaviour of 45 yearling rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) housed in upper-row cages with the behaviour of 48 yearling rhesus macaques housed in lower-row cages during a year of single housing. There were no significant differences across cage locations for time spent performing behaviours indicative of diminished psychological well-being (abnormal behaviour, inactivity, vocalisation, self-directed grooming) or for species-typical activities (feeding, playing). The difference in time spent exploring between macaques housed on the lower row and those housed on the upper row approached significance, with lower-row-housed animals spending more time exploring. Although lower-row cages are significantly darker than upper-row cages at our facility, the data from the present study demonstrate that the diminished lighting and other supposed disadvantages experienced by lower-row-housed monkeys have few behavioural consequences. Thus, there are now additional empirical data that suggest that lower-row-housed monkeys are not suffering in a “monkey cave”, and that the findings of research projects using two-tiered housing systems are unlikely to be compromised.
Validation of an Uncertainty Propagation Method for Moving‐Boat Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler Discharge Measurements
Authors: Despax Aurélien , Le Coz Jérôme , Mueller David S. , Hauet Alexandre , Calmel Blaise , Pierrefeu Gilles , Naudet Grégoire , Blanquart Bertrand , Pobanz Karine
Published: January 2023

The moving‐boat Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) gauging method is extensively used to measure the discharge of rivers and canals. Informed decisions related to water management require reliable estimates of the uncertainty of such measurements. The evaluation of the uncertainty is however a difficult task because of the complexity of the ADCP data workflow and the lack of reference discharges in rivers and canals. This study presents an evolution of the OURSIN method, which follows the framework of the Guide to the expression of Uncertainty in Measurement. The method has been implemented in the QRevInt software which provides an ADCP data quality review prior to the uncertainty analysis. As a computationally efficient alternative to the Monte Carlo approach, the uncertainty propagation combines elemental measurement uncertainty sources, transect‐to‐transect discharge variability, and estimation of the uncertainty of discharges in unmeasured areas by sensitivity analysis. The OURSIN uncertainty results are validated using empirical uncertainty estimates from two large‐scale repeated measures experiments with variable site and flow conditions. The mean and the 95% quantiles of the uncertainty differences are −0.4% [−4.4%; +2.5%]. The OURSIN method provides a comprehensive uncertainty budget that is helpful for understanding the relative impacts of error sources and defining strategies to minimize them. The method should be further evaluated with experiments in different conditions, and additional uncertainty components and options such as GPS reference for boat velocity could be implemented.
Very Low Frequency Whistler Mode Wave Events Observed Simultaneously by the Kannuslehto Station and Van Allen Probes
Authors: Bezděková B. , Němec F. , Manninen J. , Santolík O. , Hospodarsky G. B. , Kurth W. S.
Published: January 2023

Events characterized by substantial intensity enhancements in the frequency range between about 1.5 and 4 kHz in the measurements of the ground‐based Kannuslehto station, Finland are analyzed. Altogether, as many as 465 events are identified in the Kannuslehto data measured during the campaigns between December 2012 and October 2019. It is shown that the events usually last for several hours and they occur preferentially on the dawn side during geomagnetically active periods. Simultaneous measurements performed by the Van Allen Probes spacecraft are used to reveal the L‐shells and magnetic local times where a corresponding intensity increase occurs in space. A backward ray tracing analysis is further employed to investigate the wave propagation between the tentative source region and the ground. Wave normal angles of waves eventually detectable at Kannuslehto are determined and compared with those obtained from a detailed wave analysis. Either a wave ducting, propagation in the Earth‐ionosphere waveguide, or their combination seem to be needed for the waves to reach Kannuslehto.
Time restricted feeding is associated with poor performance in specific cognitive domains of Suburb-Dwelling older Chinese
Authors: Li Jiayu , Li Ruijin , Lian Xuan , Han Peipei , Liu Yuewen , Liu Chuanchuan , Wang Beibei , Xu Chunliu , Wang Feng , Wang Jingru , Zheng Xueling , Shen Mingyao , Zha Yanan , Mao Bin , Li Ming , Yu Ying , Guo Qi
Published: January 2023

The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between time restricted feeding (TRF) and different areas of cognitive function in the elderly in Chinese communities. This study consisted of 1353 community-dwelling Chinese older adults aged 60 years and older in Chongming area, Shanghai (563 males; the mean age, 73.38 ± 6.16 years). Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and six different cognitive domains was assessed by the Chinese-version of Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). Recording the eating time of each meal through oral inquiry to calculate the time window between the first meal and the last meal of the average day. Participants with an eating time window duration of more than 10 h were then identified, as well as those with eating time restricted to less than 10 h (TRF). Our study found that TRF may be associated with a higher incidence rate of cognitive impairment. TRF only limited the eating time window and did not change the frequency of participants' dietary intake. We used a linear regression model to study the association of TRF with cognitive function. After adjusting for confounding variables, the results showed that TRF was related to MMSE score (P < 0.001), "Orientation to place" (P < 0.001) and "Attention/calculation" (P < 0.001) functions. Among Chinese older community-dwellers, TRF was associated with a higher prevalence of CI and negatively correlated with the "Orientation to place" and "attention/calculation" functions.
Prioritization of emotional faces is not driven by emotional content
Authors: Stuit Sjoerd M. , Paffen Chris L. E. , Van der Stigchel Stefan
Published: January 2023

Emotional faces have prioritized access to visual awareness. However, studies concerned with what expressions are prioritized most are inconsistent and the source of prioritization remains elusive. Here we tested the predictive value of spatial frequency-based image-features and emotional content, the sub-part of the image content that signals the emotional expression of the actor in the image as opposed to the image content irrelevant for the emotional expression, for prioritization for awareness. Participants reported which of two faces (displaying a combination of angry, happy, and neutral expressions), that were temporarily suppressed from awareness, was perceived first. Even though the results show that happy expressions were prioritized for awareness, this prioritization was driven by the contrast energy of the images. In fact, emotional content could not predict prioritization at all. Our findings show that the source of prioritization for awareness is not the information carrying the emotional content. We argue that the methods used here, or similar approaches, should become standard practice to break the chain of inconsistent findings regarding emotional superiority effects that have been part of the field for decades.
Hybrid of Metapenaeus dobsoni lectin and platinum nanoparticles exert antimicrobial and immunostimulatory effects to reduce bacterial bioburden in infected Nile tilapia
Authors: Lakshmi Sreeja , Rubeena Abdul Salam , Subramaniyan Siva Bala , Raman Thiagarajan , Vaseeharan Baskaralingam , Arockiaraj Jesu , Karthikeyan Sivashanmugam , Anbazhagan Veerappan , Preetham Elumalai
Published: January 2023

A novel antibacterial immunostimulant using Platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) and lectin from Metapenaeus dobsoni (Md-Lec) was developed. The Md-Lec and PtNPs (Pt-lec) hybrid formed through non-covalent interaction exhibits antimicrobial activity against fish specific pathogens by affecting membrane integrity and producing excess reactive oxygen species. The therapeutic efficacy of Pt-lec was demonstrated through rescuing Aeromonas hydrophila infected Nile Tilapia. Pt-lec prevents the infection spreading and reduces the bacterial bioburden in less than 12 h, and as a result of this the fish were restored to normalcy. To assess immunostimulation, we studied the expression of three different immune related genes, namely LEC, Myd88 and COX-2 in the gills, liver, spleen and kidney of fish under various experimental conditions. Our results showed that Pt-lec treatment appeared to be better when compared to lectin alone in enhancing the expression of Myd88 and COX-2, but LEC was not as expected. These results suggest that Pt-lec has the ability to protect Nile Tilapia against bacterial infection by restricting bacterial bioburden through their direct effects on the bacterial membrane and indirectly through their effects on host immune-related gene expression. This hybrid could have potential “green” application in fish farming in rescuing infected animals when compared to widely and unregulated antibiotics.
Pregnancy outcomes in Takayasu arteritis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Partalidou Styliani , Mamopoulos Apostolos , Dimopoulou Despoina , Dimitroulas Theodoros
Published: January 2023

Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a systemic disease affecting women of reproductive age. Similarly to other systemic autoimmune diseases, pregnancies in patients suffering from TA are at high risk for adverse outcomes; however, the precise incidence of adverse events has not been assessed in a systematic approach. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of adverse pregnancy outcomes in TA. Searches were conducted on PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus and Cinahl databases from inception to 25 May 2022. Three independent investigators extracted data and assessed the risk of bias using ROBINS-1 tool. We used a random effects model to calculate the prevalence of the adverse pregnancy outcomes in TA, namely miscarriage, hypertension and pre-eclampsia. We calculated the prevalence of the adverse outcomes in pregnancy for TA. We included 27 studies, with 825 pregnancies. The occurrence of miscarriage, hypertension and pre-eclampsia in patients with TA was 16% (CI 12–21%, p < 0.01), 37% (CI 30–45%, p < 0.01) and 14% (CI 8–23%, p < 0.01), respectively. The results of our meta-analysis indicate that pregnancies in patients with TA are at increased risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes compared to the general population, suggesting that pregnant women with TA should be closely monitored.

Trial registration: There was no registration for this systematic review.
Highly efficient thin-film 930 nm VCSEL on PDMS for biomedical applications
Authors: Kwon Ohdo , Moon Sunghyun , Yun Yeojun , Nam Yong-hyun , Kim Nam-heon , Kim Donghwan , Choi Wonjin , Park Sungjun , Lee Jaejin
Published: January 2023

Recently, biocompatible optical sources have been surfacing for new-rising biomedical applications, allowing them to be used for multi-purpose technologies such as biological sensing, optogenetic modulation, and phototherapy. Especially, vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) is in the spotlight as a prospective candidate for optical sources owing to its low-driving current performance, low-cost, and package easiness in accordance with two-dimensional (2D) arrays structure. In this study, we successfully demonstrated the actualization of biocompatible thin-film 930 nm VCSELs transferred onto a Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) carrier. The PDMS feature with biocompatibility as well as biostability makes the thin-film VCSELs well-suited for biomedical applications. In order to integrate the conventional VCSEL onto the PDMS carrier, we utilized a double-transfer technique that transferred the thin-film VCSELs onto foreign substrates twice, enabling it to maintain the p-on-n polarity of the conventional VCSEL. Additionally, we employed a surface modification-assisted bonding (SMB) using an oxygen plasma in conjunction with silane treatment when bonding the PDMS carrier with the substrate-removed conventional VCSELs. The threshold current and maximum output power of the fabricated 930 nm thin-film VCSELs are 1.08 mA and 7.52 mW at an injection current of 13.9 mA, respectively.
Definition and reliability of 3D acetabular and global offset measurements from bi-plane X-rays
Authors: Gasparutto Xavier , Besonhe Pauline , DiGiovanni Peter Luca , Armand Stéphane , Hannouche Didier
Published: January 2023

The importance of the global offset, the sum of femoral and acetabular offset, has been underlined in the literature as a key factor for the functional outcome of total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, the acetabular offset is not defined for bi-plane X-rays, a technology providing 3D measurements of the lower limb and commonly used for patients undergoing THA. The aim of this paper is to introduce a measurement method of the 3D acetabular offset with bi-plane X-rays. Our method combines the use of technical and anatomical coordinate systems. The most appropriate definition will be selected based on the best reliability and measurement error. The consequent reliability of the global offset was also assessed. Twenty-eight patients undergoing primary THA were selected retrospectively. Two operators performed three reconstructions for each patients before and after THA. Intraclass correlation (ICC) and smallest detectable change (SDC) were computed for intra-operator, inter-operator and test–retest conditions for all combinations of technical and anatomical coordinate systems. ICCs were good to excellent. One combination was more reliable than others with a moderate mean SDC of 6.3 mm (4.3–8.7 mm) for the acetabular offset and a moderate mean SDC of 6.2 mm (5.6–6.7 mm) for the global offset. This is similar to the reliability and mean SDC of the femoral offset (4.8 mm) approved for clinical use which indicates that this method of acetabular offset measurement is appropriate. This opens a research avenue to better understand the role of the acetabular offset on THA outcomes, which seems overlooked in the literature.
Anionic ligand-induced chirality in perovskite nanoplatelets
Authors: Tran Thi Kim Tran , Adewuyi Joseph A. , Wang Yongchen , Morales-Acosta M. Daniela , Mani Tomoyasu , Ung Gaël , Zhao Jing
Published: January 2023

In this work, we synthesized chiral CsPbBr3 nanoplatelets using anionic binaphthyl-based ligands. The nanoplatelets showed a distinct circular dichroism signal due to the interaction between the nanoplatelets and the chiral ligands on their surface.
Solvent induced conformational polymorphism
Authors: Dyk Konrad , Kinzhybalo Vasyl , Czernel Grzegorz , Grudziński Wojciech , Horak Yuriy , Butenko Serhii , Kamiński Daniel M.
Published: January 2023

The fact that the polymorphic outcome of crystallization is the result of the interplay between the relative thermodynamic stability and nucleation kinetics is well known.
Deep defects limiting the conversion efficiency of Sb2Se3 thin-film solar cells
Authors: Dong Shangwei , Li Guoshuai , Hong Jin , Qi Ruijuan , Yang Shuai , Yang Pingxiong , Sun Lin , Yue Fangyu
Published: January 2023

Even under Se-rich conditions, the VSe2-related deep defects still predominate with an activation energy of ∼0.3 eV, largely limiting the efficiency of solar cell structures below ∼7.63% due to the ultrafast capture rate of non-equilibrium carriers.
The electric field changes the anomalous properties of the Mercedes Benz water model
Authors: Urbic Tomaz
Published: January 2023

The influence of a homogeneous constant electric field on water properties was assessed.
Electrochemical oxidative cascade cyclization of olefinic amides and alcohols leading to the synthesis of alkoxylated 4H-3,1-benzoxazines and indolines
Authors: Wei Wan-Jie , Zhan Lei , Jiang Cai-Na , Tang Hai-Tao , Pan Ying-Ming , Ma Xian-Li , Mo Zu-Yu
Published: January 2023

We have developed a mild and efficient electrochemical oxidative strategy to construct anticancer alkoxylated 4H-3,1-benzoxazines and indolines without the requirement for a transition-metal catalyst and an external oxidant.
Lessons from COVID-19 for improving diagnostic access in future pandemics
Authors: Peeling Rosanna W. , Sia Samuel K.
Published: January 2023

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we have witnessed the critical and expanding roles of testing.
Unveiling the influence of the various-membered ring structures on the performance of Ir(iii) complexes: phosphorescent quantum yields and stabilities
Authors: Luo Yafei , Chen Zhongzhu , Xu Zhigang , Tang Dianyong
Published: January 2023

For the heteroleptic Ir(iii) complexes, unveiling the role of ancillary ligands is significant for designing excellent phosphorescent materials.
Synergy of vacancy engineering and surface plasmon modification for improving the photocatalytic performance of La2Ti2O7 with a broad band gap
Authors: Gao Di , Lin Liangliang , Dong Yuming , Liu Xiang
Published: January 2023

A novel Z-scheme AgCl/Ag/OV-La2Ti2O7 photocatalyst with Ag clusters as the electron transfer medium was successfully synthesized for improving its photocatalytic activity.
Experiments and DFT investigation of microwave-assisted sol–gel method prepared S-doped g-C3N4 for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of gaseous toluene
Authors: Li Anming , Cong Xinhang , Qin Haotong , Xu Weichao , Zhang Xuehan , Wang Wenzhuang , Guo Feng
Published: January 2023

Doping S with defects to create heterojunction-like junctions is an effective method for increasing g-C3N4 photodegradation efficiency of gaseous toluene.
A new transient directing group diethoxyethyl-l-proline facilitates ortho-arylation of aryl-amines/-amino acids via Pd-catalyzed C(sp2)–H activation
Authors: Panda Subhashree S. , Sharma Nagendra K.
Published: January 2023

Diethoxyethyl-l-proline (DEP) has been introduced as a new TDG for Pd-catalyzed ortho-arylation of arylamines and aromatic amino acids such as benzylamine, phenethylamine, phenylglycine, and phenylalanine.
The Apraxia of Speech Rating Scale: Reliability, Validity, and Utility
Authors: Duffy Joseph R. , Martin Peter R. , Clark Heather M. , Utianski Rene L. , Strand Edythe A. , Whitwell Jennifer L. , Josephs Keith A.
Published: January 2023

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to examine the interrater reliability and validity of the Apraxia of Speech Rating Scale (ASRS-3.5) as an index of the presence and severity of apraxia of speech (AOS) and the prominence of several of its important features.

Method:

Interrater reliability was assessed for 27 participants. Validity was examined in a cohort of 308 participants (120 with and 188 without progressive AOS) through item analysis; item-Total score correlations; correlations among ASRS Total score and component subscores and independent clinical ratings of AOS, dysarthria and aphasia severity, intelligibility, and articulatory errors, as well as years postonset and age; and regression models assessing item and Total score prediction of AOS presence.

Results:

Interrater reliability was good or excellent for most items and excellent for the Total score. Item and Total score analyses revealed good separation of participants with versus without AOS. Inter-item and item-Total score correlations were generally moderately high as were correlations between the ASRS Total score and independent ratings of AOS severity, intelligibility, and articulatory errors. The Total score was not meaningfully correlated with ratings of aphasia and dysarthria severity, years postonset, or age. Total scores below 7 and above 10 revealed excellent diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for AOS. The presence of eight or more abnormal features was also highly predictive of AOS presence.

Conclusions:

The ASRS-3.5 is a reliable and valid scale for identifying the presence and severity of AOS and its predominant features. It has excellent sensitivity to AOS presence and excellent specificity relative to aphasia and dysarthria in patients with neurodegenerative disease.

Supplemental Material:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.21817584