bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterizing Cell Stress and GRP78 in Glioma to Enhance Tumor Treatment
Authors: Liu Kristie , Tsung Kathleen , Attenello Frank J.
Published: December 2020

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary brain tumor, carrying a very poor prognosis, with median overall survival at about 12 to 15 months despite surgical resection, chemotherapy with temozolomide (TMZ), and radiation therapy. GBM recurs in the vast majority of patients, with recurrent tumors commonly displaying increase in resistance to standard of care chemotherapy, TMZ, as well as radiotherapy. One of the most commonly cited mechanisms of chemotherapeutic and radio-resistance occurs via the glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), a well-studied mediator of the unfolded protein response (UPR), that has also demonstrated potential as a biomarker in GBM. Overexpression of GRP78 has been directly correlated with malignant tumor characteristics, including higher tumor grade, cellular proliferation, migration, invasion, poorer responses to TMZ and radiation therapy, and poorer patient outcomes. GRP78 expression is also higher in GBM tumor cells upon recurrence. Meanwhile, knockdown or suppression of GRP78 has been shown to sensitize cells to TMZ and radiation therapy. In light of these findings, various novel developing therapies are targeting GRP78 as monotherapies, combination therapies that enhance the effects of TMZ and radiation therapy, and as treatment delivery modalities. In this review, we delineate the mechanisms by which GRP78 has been noted to specifically modulate glioblastoma behavior and discuss current developing therapies involving GRP78 in GBM. While further research is necessary to translate these developing therapies into clinical settings, GRP78-based therapies hold promise in improving current standard-of-care GBM therapy and may ultimately lead to improved patient outcomes.
Nutraceutical Targeting of Inflammation-Modulating microRNAs in Severe Forms of COVID-19: A Novel Approach to Prevent the Cytokine Storm
Authors: Desjarlais Michel , Wirth Maëlle , Lahaie Isabelle , Ruknudin Pakiza , Hardy Pierre , Rivard Alain , Chemtob Sylvain
Published: December 2020

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has become the number one health problem worldwide. As of August 2020, it has affected more than 18 million humans and caused over 700,000 deaths worldwide. COVID-19 is an infectious disease that can lead to severe acute respiratory syndrome. Under certain circumstances, the viral infection leads to excessive and uncontrolled inflammatory response, which is associated with the massive release of inflammatory cytokines in pulmonary alveolar structures. This phenomenon has been referred to as the “cytokine storm,” and it is closely linked to lung injury, acute respiratory syndrome and mortality. Unfortunately, there is currently no vaccine available to prevent the infection, and no effective treatment is available to reduce the mortality associated with the severe form of the disease. The cytokine storm associate with COVID-19 shows similarities with those observed in other pathologies such as sepsis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, acute lung injury and other viral infection including severe cases of influenza. However, the specific mechanisms that cause and modulate the cytokine storm in the different conditions remain to be determined. micro-RNAs are important regulators of gene expression, including key inflammatory cytokines involved in the massive recruitment of immune cells to the lungs such as IL1β, IL6, and TNFα. In recent years, it has been shown that nutraceutical agents can modulate the expression of miRs involved in the regulation of cytokines in various inflammatory diseases. Here we review the potential role of inflammatory-regulating-miRs in the cytokine storm associated with COVID-19, and propose that nutraceutical agents may represent a supportive therapeutic approach to modulate dysregulated miRs in this condition, providing benefits in severe respiratory diseases.
Simulation Training to Improve Informed Consent and Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Sampling in Pediatric Trials
Authors: Burckhardt Bjoern B. , Ciplea Agnes Maria , Laven Anna , Ablonczy László , Klingmann Ingrid , Läer Stephanie , Kleine Karl , Dalinghaus Michiel , Đukić Milan , Breur Johannes M. P. J. , van der Meulen Marijke , Swoboda Vanessa , Schwender Holger , Lagler Florian B.
Published: December 2020

Background: Pediatric trials to add missing data for evidence-based pharmacotherapy are still scarce. A tailored training concept appears to be a promising tool to cope with critical and complex situations before enrolling the very first patient and subsequently to ensure high-quality study conduct. The aim was to facilitate study success by optimizing the preparedness of the study staff shift.

Method: An interdisciplinary faculty developed a simulation training focusing on the communication within the informed consent procedure and the conduct of the complex pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) sampling within a simulation facility. Scenarios were video-debriefed by an audio-video system and manikins with artificial blood simulating patients were used. The training was evaluated by participants' self-assessment before and during trial recruitment.

Results: The simulation training identified different optimization potentials for improved informed consent process and study conduct. It facilitated the reduction of avoidable errors, especially in the early phase of a clinical study. The knowledge gained through the intervention was used to train the study teams, improve the team composition and optimize the on-ward setting for the FP-7 funded “LENA” project (grant agreement no. 602295). Self-perceived ability to communicate core elements of the trial as well as its correct performance of sample preparation increased significantly (mean, 95% CI, p ≤ 0.0001) from 3 (2.5–3.5) to four points (4.0–4.5), and from 2 (1.5–2.5) to five points (4.0–5.0).

Conclusion: An innovative training concept to optimize the informed consent process and study conduct was successfully developed and enabled high-quality conduct of the pediatric trials as of the very first patient visit.
Nanoapproaches to Modifying Epigenetics of Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition for Treatment of Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Skibba Melissa , Drelich Adam , Poellmann Michael , Hong Seungpyo , Brasier Allan R.
Published: December 2020

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a chronically progressive interstitial lung that affects over 3 M people worldwide and rising in incidence. With a median survival of 2–3 years, IPF is consequently associated with high morbidity, mortality, and healthcare burden. Although two antifibrotic therapies, pirfenidone and nintedanib, are approved for human use, these agents reduce the rate of decline of pulmonary function but are not curative and do not reverse established fibrosis. In this review, we discuss the prevailing epithelial injury hypothesis, wherein pathogenic airway epithelial cell-state changes known as Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) promotes the expansion of myofibroblast populations. Myofibroblasts are principal components of extracellular matrix production that result in airspace loss and mortality. We review the epigenetic transition driving EMT, a process produced by changes in histone acetylation regulating mesenchymal gene expression programs. This mechanistic work has focused on the central role of bromodomain-containing protein 4 in mediating EMT and myofibroblast transition and initial preclinical work has provided evidence of efficacy. As nanomedicine presents a promising approach to enhancing the efficacy of such anti-IPF agents, we then focus on the state of nanomedicine formulations for inhalable delivery in the treatment of pulmonary diseases, including liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles (NPs), inorganic NPs, and exosomes. These nanoscale agents potentially provide unique properties to existing pulmonary therapeutics, including controlled release, reduced systemic toxicity, and combination delivery. NP-based approaches for pulmonary delivery thus offer substantial promise to modify epigenetic regulators of EMT and advance treatments for IPF.
Network Physiology of Exercise: Vision and Perspectives
Authors: Balagué Natàlia , Hristovski Robert , Almarcha Maricarmen , Garcia-Retortillo Sergi , Ivanov Plamen Ch.
Published: December 2020

The basic theoretical assumptions of Exercise Physiology and its research directions, strongly influenced by reductionism, may hamper the full potential of basic science investigations, and various practical applications to sports performance and exercise as medicine. The aim of this perspective and programmatic article is to: (i) revise the current paradigm of Exercise Physiology and related research on the basis of principles and empirical findings in the new emerging field of Network Physiology and Complex Systems Science; (ii) initiate a new area in Exercise and Sport Science, Network Physiology of Exercise (NPE), with focus on basic laws of interactions and principles of coordination and integration among diverse physiological systems across spatio-temporal scales (from the sub-cellular level to the entire organism), to understand how physiological states and functions emerge, and to improve the efficacy of exercise in health and sport performance; and (iii) to create a forum for developing new research methodologies applicable to the new NPE field, to infer and quantify nonlinear dynamic forms of coupling among diverse systems and establish basic principles of coordination and network organization of physiological systems. Here, we present a programmatic approach for future research directions and potential practical applications. By focusing on research efforts to improve the knowledge about nested dynamics of vertical network interactions, and particularly, the horizontal integration of key organ systems during exercise, NPE may enrich Basic Physiology and diverse fields like Exercise and Sports Physiology, Sports Medicine, Sports Rehabilitation, Sport Science or Training Science and improve the understanding of diverse exercise-related phenomena such as sports performance, fatigue, overtraining, or sport injuries.
Linking Leaf Water Potential, Photosynthesis and Chlorophyll Loss With Mechanisms of Photo- and Antioxidant Protection in Juvenile Olive Trees Subjected to Severe Drought
Authors: Baccari Sahar , Elloumi Olfa , Chaari-Rkhis Anissa , Fenollosa Erola , Morales Melanie , Drira Noureddine , Ben Abdallah Ferjani , Fki Lotfi , Munné-Bosch Sergi
Published: December 2020

The identification of drought-tolerant olive tree genotypes has become an urgent requirement to develop sustainable agriculture in dry lands. However, physiological markers linking drought tolerance with mechanistic effects operating at the cellular level are still lacking, in particular under severe stress, despite the urgent need to develop these tools in the current frame of global change. In this context, 1-year-old olive plants growing in the greenhouse and with a high intra-specific variability (using various genotypes obtained either from cuttings or seeds) were evaluated for drought tolerance under severe stress. Growth, plant water status, net photosynthesis rates, chlorophyll contents and the extent of photo- and antioxidant defenses (including the de-epoxidation state of the xanthophyll cycle, and the contents of carotenoids and vitamin E) were evaluated under well-watered conditions and severe stress (by withholding water for 60 days). Plants were able to continue photosynthesizing under severe stress, even at very low leaf water potential of −4 to −6 MPa. This ability was achieved, at least in part, by the activation of photo- and antioxidant mechanisms, including not only increased xanthophyll cycle de-epoxidation, but also enhanced α-tocopherol contents. “Zarrazi” (obtained from seeds) and “Chemlali” (obtained from cuttings) showed better performance under severe water stress compared to the other genotypes, which was associated to their ability to trigger a higher antioxidant protection. It is concluded that (i) drought tolerance among the various genotypes tested is associated with antioxidant protection in olive trees, (ii) the extent of xanthophyll cycle de-epoxidation is strongly inversely related to photosynthetic rates, and (iii) vitamin E accumulation is sharply induced upon severe chlorophyll degradation.
Developing Abstract Representations of Passives: Evidence From Bilingual Children’s Interpretation of Passive Constructions
Authors: Nicoladis Elena , Sajeev Sera
Published: December 2020

According to usage-based theories, children initially acquire surface-level constructions and then abstract representations. If so, bilingual children might show lags relative to monolingual children early in acquisition, but not later on, once they rely on abstract representations. We tested this prediction with comprehension of passives in 3- to 6-year-old children: French–English bilinguals and English monolinguals. As predicted, younger bilingual children tended to be less accurate than monolingual children. In contrast, the older bilingual children scored equivalently to monolinguals, despite less exposure to English. When the children made errors, the bilingual children were more likely to interpret the subject as the agent of the action than the monolingual children. These results are consistent with the argument that children develop increasingly abstract representations of linguistic constructions with usage. They further suggest that bilingual children might catch up with monolingual through use of selective attention and/or a semantic bias.
Music Therapy Interventions for Stress Reduction in Adults With Mild Intellectual Disabilities: Perspectives From Clinical Practice
Authors: de Witte Martina , Lindelauf Esther , Moonen Xavier , Stams Geert-Jan , van Hooren Susan
Published: December 2020

Stress is increasingly being recognized as one of the main factors that is negatively affecting our health, and therefore there is a need to regulate daily stress and prevent long-term stress. This need seems particularly important for adults with mild intellectual disabilities (MID) who have been shown to have more difficulties coping with stress than adults without intellectual disabilities. Hence, the development of music therapy interventions for stress reduction, particularly within populations where needs may be greater, is becoming increasingly important. In order to gain more insight into the practice-based knowledge on how music therapists lower stress levels of their patients with MID during music therapy sessions, we conducted focus group interviews with music therapists working with adults with MID (N = 13) from different countries and clinical institutions in Europe. Results provide an overview of the most-used interventions for stress reduction within and outside of music. Data-analysis resulted in the further specification of therapeutic goals, intervention techniques, the use of musical instruments, and related therapeutic change factors. The main findings indicate that music therapists used little to no receptive (e.g., music listening) interventions for stress reduction, but preferred to use active interventions, which were mainly based on musical improvisation. Results show that three therapy goals for stress relief could be distinguished. The goal of “synchronizing” can be seen as a sub goal because it often precedes working on the other two goals of “tension release” or “direct relaxation,” which can also be seen as two ways of reaching stress reduction in adults with MID through music therapy interventions. Furthermore, the tempo and the dynamics of the music are considered as the most important musical components to reduce stress in adults with MID. Practical implications for stress-reducing music therapy interventions for adults with MID are discussed as well as recommendations for future research.
Body Figure Idealization and Body Appearance Pressure in Fitness Instructors
Authors: Mathisen Therese Fostervold , Aambø Jenny , Bratland-Sanda Solfrid , Sundgot-Borgen Christine , Svantorp-Tveiten Kethe , Sundgot-Borgen Jorunn
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The fitness centers are settings for health promotion, yet may serve as a stage for counterproductive figure idealization. Such idealization may take the form of a drive toward the thin, the muscular, or lean body figure ideal, which all hold the potential to impel an experience of body appearance pressure (BAP) and body dissatisfaction. The aim of this study was to explore figure idealization, body dissatisfaction, and experience of BAP in fitness instructors.

Materials and Methods

Fitness instructors, 70 (23%) males and 236 (77%) females, were recruited through their facility chief executive officer and social media for a digital survey on mental health. Results are presented for body appreciation (BAS-2), body dissatisfaction (EDI-BD), drive for muscularity (DM), drive for leanness (DLS), questions on BAP, symptoms of eating disorders (EDE-q), and history of weight regulation and eating disorders (EDs).

Results

Attempts to gain body weight were reported by 17% of females and 53% of males, whereas ∼76% of males and females, respectively, reported to have attempted weight reduction. Reasons for body weight manipulation were predominantly appearance related, and 10–20% reported disordered eating behavior. Mean BAS-2 and EDI-BD were acceptable, but 28% of females were above clinical cutoff in EDI-BD, and mean DLS were high in both sexes. In total, 8% of females were above clinical cutoff in EDE-q, which corresponded well with the self-reported ED. Approximately 90% of the sample perceived BAP to be a societal issue and reported predominantly customers and colleagues to be the cause of their personal experience of BAP. Fewer than 50% knew of any actions taken by their employer to reduce BAP. There were few differences according to profession or educational level.

Conclusion

Fitness instructors report BAP to affect them negatively, which may put them at risk of impaired mental health. Educational level did not protect against figure idealization and BAP. To care for their employees and to optimize their position as a public health promoter, the fitness industry should target BAP in health promotion programs.
Dangers of the Defaults: A Tutorial on the Impact of Default Priors When Using Bayesian SEM With Small Samples
Authors: Smid Sanne C. , Winter Sonja D.
Published: December 2020

When Bayesian estimation is used to analyze Structural Equation Models (SEMs), prior distributions need to be specified for all parameters in the model. Many popular software programs offer default prior distributions, which is helpful for novel users and makes Bayesian SEM accessible for a broad audience. However, when the sample size is small, those prior distributions are not always suitable and can lead to untrustworthy results. In this tutorial, we provide a non-technical discussion of the risks associated with the use of default priors in small sample contexts. We discuss how default priors can unintentionally behave as highly informative priors when samples are small. Also, we demonstrate an online educational Shiny app, in which users can explore the impact of varying prior distributions and sample sizes on model results. We discuss how the Shiny app can be used in teaching; provide a reading list with literature on how to specify suitable prior distributions; and discuss guidelines on how to recognize (mis)behaving priors. It is our hope that this tutorial helps to spread awareness of the importance of specifying suitable priors when Bayesian SEM is used with small samples.
Association of Sedentary Behavior With Anxiety, Depression, and Suicide Ideation in College Students
Authors: Jiang Liyuan , Cao Yong , Ni Shuangfei , Chen Xiang , Shen Minxue , Lv Hongbin , Hu Jianzhong
Published: December 2020

Objectives: To investigate the association of sedentary behavior with anxiety, depression, and suicide ideation in multi-centered college students in China.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of the first-year college student population. The students underwent a questionnaire survey inquiring about sedentary behavior (hours per day) and physical activity (minutes per week) during the past year. Anxiety, depression, and sleep quality were measured by the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-2), the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), respectively. Mixed models were used to estimate the associations, and adjusted odds ratios (AORs) were presented as the effect size. Mediation effect analysis was conducted to test the mediation effect of PSQI.

Results: A total of 28,298 participants (response rate: 82%) completed the survey and were included in the final analyses. Crude and adjusted estimates consistently showed that both sedentary behavior and physical activity were significantly associated with mental illnesses. Sedentary behavior was positively associated with anxiety, depression, and suicidal behavior in a dose-response manner (AOR: 0.54–0.24; ≥7 h/day as reference), independent from the effect of physical activity (AOR: 0.78–0.41; no physical activity as reference). The association of sedentary behavior with mental health was partly mediated by sleep quality (25–71%).

Conclusions: There is an independent dose-response association of sedentary behavior with mental well-being among college students in China, and this association may be partially attributable to impaired sleep quality. Attention should be drawn and actions should be taken by college educators and mental health providers.
The Psychology of Food Cravings in Patients With First-Episode Psychosis
Authors: Kim Young-Hyuk , Ryu Seunghyong , Nam Hee-Jung , Kim Mina , Jhon Min , Lee Ju-Yeon , Kim Jae-Min , Shin Min Ho , Chung Young-Chul , Kim Sung-Wan
Published: December 2020

Objectives:Food cravings may cause weight gain in patients with schizophrenia. This study investigated psychological characteristics associated with food cravings in patients with first-episode psychosis.

Methods:This study analyzed data from a clinical cohort of first-episode psychosis patients taking antipsychotics for 3 months or less. The strength of food cravings was measured using the General Food Cravings Questionnaire-Trait (G-FCQ-T). Psychological characteristics and psychiatric symptoms were investigated with the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS), Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS), Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Clinical characteristics were compared according to significant weight gain (≥10% increase in body weight compared to baseline) over 3 months. Associations between the G-FCQ-T and other psychiatric scales were investigated. We conducted sex-stratified analyses.

Results:In total, 182 patients (78 males and 104 females) with first-episode psychosis were enrolled in this study. In females, the G-FCQ-T total score at baseline was associated with baseline body weight and significant weight gain over 3 months. The PSS scales were significantly associated the G-FCQ-T total and all subscale scores in female participants. Scores on the RSES and CDSS were significantly associated with the G-FCQ-T total score and with the preoccupation and loss of control subscale scores. The PANSS negative and general subscales were significantly associated with the positive outcome expectancy and loss of control subscales of the G-FCQ-T, respectively. In males, the only significant association was between the loss of control subscale and RSES scores. Linear regression analysis showed significant associations of PSS scores with the total and all subscale scores of the G-FCQ-T despite the loss of significance for other variables.

Conclusion:These results indicate that the food cravings in patients with first-episode psychosis, which were associated with weight gain, were influenced by perceived stress in females. To reduce food cravings in female patients with schizophrenia, interventions aimed at perceived stress should be considered.
Chlorophyll Retention and High Photosynthetic Performance Contribute to Salinity Tolerance in Rice Carrying Drought Tolerance Quantitative Trait Loci (QTLs)
Authors: Nounjan Noppawan , Mahakham Wuttipong , Siangliw Jonaliza L. , Toojinda Theerayut , Theerakulpisut Piyada
Published: December 2020

Jasmine rice (Oryza sativa L.), or Khao Dawk Mali 105 (KDML105), is sensitive to drought and salt stresses. In this study, two improved drought-tolerant chromosome segment substitution lines (CSSLs) of KDML105 (CSSL8-103 and CSSL8-106), which carry drought tolerance quantitative trait loci (QTLs) on chromosome 8, were evaluated for salt tolerance and were compared with KDML105 and the QTL donor DH103, their parents and the salt-tolerant genotype Pokkali. After being subjected to salt stress for 6 days, 3-week-old seedlings of Pokkali showed the highest salt tolerance. Parameters related to photosynthesis were less inhibited in both CSSLs and the donor DH103, while these parameters were more severely damaged in the recurrent parent KDML105. Albeit a high ratio of Na+/K+, CSSLs and DH103 showed similar or higher contents of soluble sugar and activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD; EC1.15.1.1) compared with Pokkali, indicating possible mechanisms of either tissue or osmotic tolerance in these plants. The expression of a putative gene Os08g41990 (aminotransferase), which is located in DT-QTL and is involved in chlorophyll biosynthesis, significantly decreased under salt stress in KDML105 and CSSL8-103, while no obvious change in the expression of this gene was observed in Pokkali, DH103 and CSSL8-106. This gene might play a role in maintaining chlorophyll content under stress conditions. Taken together, the results of this study indicate that DT-QTL could contribute to the enhancement of photosynthetic performance in CSSL lines, leading to changes in their physiological ability to tolerate salinity stress.
In-Field Performance of Biomass Balers
Authors: Grisso Robert “Bobby” , Webb Erin G. , Cundiff John S.
Published: December 2020

Herbaceous biomass will contribute significantly to meeting renewable energy goals. Harvesting equipment for hay is generally suitable for mowing, raking, and baling grasses such as switchgrass; however, there is a need for field data to better understand machine performance in energy crops. The purpose of this study was to collect field data to estimate baler field capacity, throughput, and speed. Data gathered with a Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) unit during baling provided time-motion studies of baler productivity. Six fields were used to compare field capacity, speed, and throughput results from four round balers and one large-square baler. The results show that in-field performance of round balers is significantly affected by yield, but that the relationship can be represented with machinery management concepts, knowledge of maximum throughput, and wrap-eject time. Baler performance will be overestimated if the yield, maximum throughput, and wrap-eject time are not correctly accounted for.
Effect of Tank Size on Zebrafish Behavior and Physiology
Authors: Maierdiyali Abudusaimaiti · , Wang Lin , Luo Yunchao , Li Zhongqiu
Published: December 2020

Environmental conditions strongly affect experimental animals. As a model organism, zebrafish has become important in life science studies. However, the potential effect of living environment on their behavior and physiology is often overlooked. This work aimed to determine whether tank size affects zebrafish behavior and physiology. Tests on shelter leaving, shelter seeking, shoaling, stamina, and pepsin and cortisol levels were conducted. Results showed that zebrafish behavior is easily affected by changes on the tank size. Fish that lived in small tanks behaved less boldly, had poor stamina, and spent much time on movement. Sex differences in behavior were only evident in the shelter seeking tests. Tank size had no effect on pepsin and cortisol, but cortisol concentrations in males were lower than those in females. This study suggests that zebrafish behavior is easily influenced by their living environment, and future related studies should consider their living space.
Production Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, and Milk Composition of Dairy Ewes Supplemented with Crushed Sunflower Seeds and Sunflower Seed Silage in Corn Silage-Based Diets
Authors: Cardoso-Gutiérrez Eduardo , Narváez-López Alondra Cristel , Robles-Jiménez Lizbeth E. , Morales Osorio Andrés , Gutierrez-Martinez María de Guadalupe , Leskinen Heidi , Mele Marcello , Vargas-Bello-Pérez Einar , González-Ronquillo Manuel
Published: December 2020

This study determined production performance, nutrient digestibility, and milk composition of dairy ewes supplemented with crushed sunflower seeds (Helianthus annuus) and sunflower seed silage in corn silage-based diets. Six ewes were grouped in a double 3 × 3 Latin square design with three periods of 21 days. All treatments were based on ad libitum corn silage. Control diet was based on alfalfa hay (333 g/kg DM), sorghum grain (253 g/kg DM), triticale grain (200 g/kg DM), soybean meal (167 g /kg DM), and vitamin and mineral premix (47 g/kg DM). Sunflower seeds (SF) and sunflower seed silage (SFS) treatments consisted of alfalfa hay (333 g/kg DM), sorghum grain (267 g/kg DM), triticale grain (100 g/kg DM), soybean meal (167 g /kg DM), SF or SFS (87 g/kg DM) and vitamin and mineral premix (47 g/kg DM). Compared to control, SF and SFS increased intake and digestibility of fiber components, such as neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF). Body weight, nitrogen balance, milk yield, milk fat yield, milk protein yield, lactose yield and milk urea N were similar between treatments. Overall, results demonstrated that crushed sunflower seeds and ensiled seeds do not change significantly productive parameters of dairy sheep.
Changes in Aggressive Behavior, Cortisol and Brain Monoamines during the Formation of Social Hierarchy in Black Rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii)
Authors: Xu Xiuwen , Zhang Zonghang , Guo Haoyu , Qin Jianguang , Zhang Xiumei
Published: December 2020

Aggressive interactions can lead to a social hierarchy and influence the responses of animal behavior and physiology. However, our understanding on the changes of fish behavior and physiology during the process of social hierarchical formation is limited. To explore the responses of fish behavior and physiology to social hierarchy, we examined the differences in the growth performance, aggression, cortisol level, brain serotonergic activity, and brain dopamine activity between the dominant individuals and the subordinate individuals of black rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii) in two time scenarios. In the short-term contest, the cortisol level and the ratio of telencephalic 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA)/5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) was significantly higher in subordinate individuals than in dominant individuals. In the long-term contest, the ratios of 5-HIAA/5-HT in all brain regions were significantly higher, and the frequency of aggressive acts were significantly lower in subordinate individuals than in dominant individuals. In contrast, no difference was detected in growth performance. Significant positive correlations between the cortisol level and serotonergic activity were observed in the short-term contest, but the serotonergic activity was negatively correlated with the aggressive behavior in the long-term contest. These results suggest that subordinate hierarchy inhibits aggression but does not impact growth in black rockfish. The cortisol-related change in brain monoaminergic activity could be a potential indicator to predict aggressive behavior in black rockfish in captivity with an obvious social hierarchy.
Effect of Spent Mushroom (Cordyceps militaris) on Growth Performance, Immunity, and Intestinal Microflora in Weaning Pigs
Authors: Boontiam Waewaree , Wachirapakorn Chalong , Phaengphairee Pheeraphong , Wattanachai Suchat
Published: December 2020

There are limited published reports regarding the optimal dosage of spent mushroom. This study investigated the effect of various levels of spent mushroom derived from C. militaris as an alternative growth promoter to an in-feed antibiotic on the growth performance, blood profiles, immunoglobulin, inflammation, and microbial count of weaning pigs. A total of 120 pigs (6.63 ± 0.13 kg initial body weight) were blocked by weight and sex in a randomized complete block design. Each treatment had six replicates of four pigs each. The pigs were allotted into five treatments: (1) positive control (PC) with 150 mg/kg colistin; (2) negative control (NC) without antibiotic inclusion; and (3–5) negative control groups with 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 g/kg of C. militariss pent mushroom (SM), respectively. Blood samples were collected at day 35 for determination of blood-related lipid metabolism and immunity. Fresh fecal samples were collected to examine microbial counts on day 35 postweaning. The results showed that SM at 1.5 g/kg improved the body weight, average daily weight gain, and average daily feed intake of weaning pigs in the overall period (p < 0.05). Moreover, the highest dosage of SM caused improvements in the concentrations of high-density lipoprotein, and immunoglobulin A, along with suppressions of total cholesterol, interleukin-1, tumor necrosis factor-α, and E. coli (p < 0.05). Therefore, the weaned pigs fed a 1.5 g/kg SM diet showed improved growth performance and displayed greater immunoglobulin secretion and lower inflammation, pathogenic population, and cholesterol concentration.
Descriptive Pathological Study of Avian Schistosomes Infection in Whooper Swans (Cygnus cygnus) in Japan
Authors: Ahmed Mohamed S. , Khalafalla Reda E. , Al-Brakati Ashraf , Yanai Tokuma , Elmahallawy Ehab Kotb
Published: December 2020

Cercarial dermatitis, or Swimmer’s itch, is one of the emerging diseases caused by the cercariae of water-borne schistosomes, mainly Trichobilharzia spp. Since the zoonotic potential of Allobilharzia visceralis is still unknown, studies on this schistosome would be helpful to add knowledge on its possible role in causing human infections. In the present study, 54 whooper swans (Cygnus cygnus) from rescue/rehabilitation centers in Honshu, Japan, were necropsied to identify the cause of death. Grossly, 33 (61.11%) swans were severely emaciated and 23 (42.59%) had multiple reddened areas throughout the length of the intestine with no worms detected in the internal organs. Microscopically, adult schistosomes were found in the lumen of the mesenteric, serosal, portal, and testicular veins, in the capillaries of the intestinal lamina propria, and in the sinusoids of the adrenal gland, spleen, and liver of 23 (42.59%) swans. Hypertrophy of veins containing adult worms was identified in 15 (27.77%) swans, and vascular lumen obliteration was observed in 8 (14.81%) swans. Mild to severe villous atrophy and superficial enteritis were observed in 8 birds (14.81%), whereas bile pigments and hemosiderin were detected in the livers of 14 (25.92%) and 18 (33.33%) swans, respectively. In three swans (5.55%), schistosome parasites were found in the subcapsular veins of the testes. The schistosomes in the present study were assumed to be A. visceralis based on the microscopical and histological evidence of adult schistosomes found in the lumen of veins as well as the infection pathology, which was very similar to the schistosome-induced pathology previously reported in swans infected by A. visceralis in Europe and Australia. The swans examined herein most likely died from obstructive phlebitis associated with A. visceralis, but further molecular confirmation is required for identification of this species. However, the present study does not provide new data on the zoonotic potential, but only on the pathogenic potential of this schistosome in swans. Furthermore, our study provides a novel contribution to the description of the pathological effects of avian schistosomes infection in whooper swans in Japan.
Development and Field Validation of Lidocaine-Loaded Castration Bands for Bovine Pain Mitigation
Authors: Saville James W. , Ross Joseph A. , Trefz Tyler , Schatz Crystal , Matheson-Bird Heather , Ralston Brenda , Granot Ori , Schmid Karin , Terry Richard , Allan Nicholas D. , Wulff Jeremy E. , Olson Merle
Published: December 2020

Castration is among the most common management procedures performed in the dairy and beef cattle industries and is mainly performed by surgery or elastic banding. Despite the various benefits of castration, all methods produce pain and distress. Castration by banding is simple, inexpensive, produces fewer complications, and can be performed in a high-throughput manner. Because lidocaine, a local anesthetic, can be delivered to trauma sites topically, we have formulated lidocaine-loaded castration bands (LLBs) to deliver local pain relief to calves during banded castration. The initial lidocaine content of three band types developed was between 80 and 200 mg per band. The transfer kinetics of lidocaine into tissue was determined in vitro, indicating a rapid release for the first 30 min, followed by a slow release lasting at least 48 h. Furthermore, the lidocaine delivery and pain mitigation effects of these LLBs were compared to standard lidocaine injections in vivo. Field studies indicated that LLBs performed at least as well as lidocaine injections for short-term lidocaine delivery into tissues and pain mitigation. Moreover, LLBs significantly outperformed lidocaine injections for long-term delivery and pain mitigation. The concentrations of lidocaine in the LLB-treated tissue samples were generally in the range of 0.5–3.5 mg of lidocaine per gram of tissue and were overall highest after 6 h. Lidocaine-loaded elastration bands deliver therapeutic quantities of lidocaine into scrotal tissues over a period of at least seven days in cattle. This approach would provide long-term pain mitigation to the animals and, by avoiding surgery or the administration of injections, would also decrease the time and handling costs for the producer.
Proteomic Analysis of the Protective Effect of Early Heat Exposure against Chronic Heat Stress in Broilers
Authors: Kang Da Rae , Shim Kwan Seob
Published: December 2020

The increasing trend of global warming has affected the livestock industry through the heat stress, especially in poultry. Therefore, a better understanding of the mechanisms of heat stress in poultry would be helpful for maintaining the poultry production. Three groups were designed to determine early heat stress effects during chronic heat stress: CC, raised at a comfortable temperature; CH, chronic heat exposure at 35 °C for 21–35 days continuously; and HH, early heat exposure at 40 °C for 24 h at 5 days old with 35 °C temperature for 21–35 days continuously. In this study, proteome analysis was carried out to identify differentially expressed proteins in the liver tissue of broilers under chronic and early heat exposure. There were eight differentially expressed proteins from early heat stress during chronic heat exposure, which were related to actin metabolism. According to KEGG (Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes) analysis, the proteins involved in carbohydrate metabolism were expressed to promote the metabolism of carbohydrates under chronic heat stress. Early heat reduced the heat stress-induced expression changes of select proteins. Our study has shown that early heat exposure suggests that the liver of broilers has various physiological mechanisms for regulating homeostasis to aid heat resistance.
Exposure to Zoonotic West Nile Virus in Long-Tailed Macaques and Bats in Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Ain-Najwa Mohd Yuseri , Yasmin Abd Rahaman , Arshad Siti Suri , Omar Abdul Rahman , Abu Jalila , Kumar Kiven , Mohammed Hussni Omar , Natasha Jafar Ali , Mohammed Mohammed Nma , Bande Faruku , Abdullah Mohd-Lutfi , J. Rovie-Ryan Jeffrine
Published: December 2020

The role of wildlife such as wild birds, macaques, and bats in the spreading and maintenance of deadly zoonotic pathogens in nature have been well documented in many parts of the world. One such pathogen is the mosquitoes borne virus, namely the West Nile Virus (WNV). Previous research has shown that 1:7 and 1:6 Malaysian wild birds are WNV antibody and RNA positive, respectively, and bats in North America may not be susceptible to the WNV infection. This study was conducted to determine the status of WNV in Malaysian macaques and bats found in mangrove forests and caves, respectively. Archive sera and oropharyngeal swabs from long-tailed macaques were subjected to the antibody detection using WNV competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (c-ELISA) and WNV RNA using RT-PCR, respectively, while the archive oropharyngeal and rectal swabs from bats were subjected to RT-PCR without serological analysis due to the unavailability of serum samples. The analysis revealed a WNV seropositivity of 29.63% (24/81) and none of the macaques were positive for WNV RNA. Meanwhile, 12.2% (5/41) of the bats from Pteropodidae, Emballonuridae, and Rhinolophidae families tested positive for WNV RNA. Here, we show a high WNV antibody prevalence in macaques and a moderate WNV RNA in various Malaysian bat species, suggesting that WNV circulates through Malaysian wild animals and Malaysian bat species may be susceptible to the WNV infection.
KIT Somatic Mutations and Immunohistochemical Expression in Canine Oral Melanoma
Authors: Brocca Ginevra , Poncina Beatrice , Sammarco Alessandro , Cavicchioli Laura , Castagnaro Massimo
Published: December 2020

Canine oral melanoma (COM) is an aggressive neoplasm with a low response to therapies, sharing similarities with human mucosal melanomas. In the latter, significant alterations of the proto-oncogene KIT have been shown, while in COMs only its exon 11 has been adequately investigated. In this study, 14 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded COMs were selected considering the following inclusion criteria: unequivocal diagnosis, presence of healthy tissue, and a known amplification status of the gene KIT (seven samples affected and seven non-affected by amplification). The DNA was extracted and KIT target exons 13, 17, and 18 were amplified by PCR and sequenced. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for KIT and Ki67 was performed, and a quantitative index was calculated for each protein. PCR amplification and sequencing was successful in 97.62% of cases, and no single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was detected in any of the exons examined, similarly to exon 11 in other studies. The immunolabeling of KIT was positive in 84.6% of the samples with a mean value of 3.1 cells in positive cases, yet there was no correlation with aberration status. Our findings confirm the hypothesis that SNPs are not a frequent event in KIT activation in COMs, with the pathway activation relying mainly on amplification.
Turning Negatives into Positives for Pet Trading and Keeping: A Review of Positive Lists
Authors: Toland Elaine , Bando Monica , Hamers Michèle , Cadenas Vanessa , Laidlaw Rob , Martínez-Silvestre Albert , van der Wielen Paul
Published: December 2020

The trading and keeping of exotic pets are associated with animal welfare, conservation, environmental protection, agricultural animal health, and public health concerns and present serious regulatory challenges to legislators and enforcers. Most legislation concerning exotic pet trading and keeping involves restricting or banning problematic species, a practice known as “negative listing”. However, an alternative approach adopted by some governments permits only the keeping of animals that meet certain scientifically proven criteria as suitable in respect of species, environmental, and public health and safety protections. We conducted an evaluation of positive lists for the regulation of pet trading and keeping within the context of the more prevalent system of restricting or prohibiting species via negative lists. Our examination of international, national, and regional regulations in Europe, the United States, and Canada found that criteria used for the development of both negative and positive lists were inconsistent or non-specific. Our online surveys of governments received limited responses, although telephone interviews with officials from governments either considering or developing positive lists provided useful insights into their attitudes and motivations towards adopting positive lists. We discuss key issues raised by civil servants including perceived advantages of positive lists and anticipated challenges when developing lists of suitable species. In addition, we compare functions of negative and positive lists, and recommend key principles that we hope will be helpful to governments concerning development and implementation of regulations based on positive lists.
On the Record: An Analysis of Exotic Pet Licences in the UK
Authors: Elwin Angie , Green Jennah , D’Cruze Neil
Published: December 2020

Keeping exotic pets has become a popular habit in the UK in recent decades. Yet, information on the current scale of the trade and the diversity of animals involved is lacking. Here, we review the licensed sale of amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals as exotic pets in the UK, identifying current geographical hotspots of trader activity, data gaps, and compliance issues related to this trade. In terms of trade volume, records showed large numbers of individual wild animals, across a wide range of species groups, are being legally sold in the UK. Maximum numbers of exotic pets permitted for sale included 54,634 amphibians, 64,810 reptiles, 23,507 birds, and 6479 mammals. Moreover, nearly 2000 pet traders located in 283 different local authority areas had permission to sell exotic pets. The scope and scale of the trade draws additional attention to the substantial animal welfare challenges associated with it, and our review serves to highlight several shortcomings associated with the licensed exotic pet trade in the UK. Pet shop licences often lacked detailed information about the specific type and number of animals permitted for sale, which raises compliance concerns and hinders efforts to carry out adequate inspection and monitoring. Ninety-five pet traders in England had been given a one star rating, indicating ‘minor failings’ in animal welfare, and some local authorities in England were still operating under the old Pet Animals Act (1951). We recommend that resources should be prioritised and focused towards local authorities in England that are not operating under the new Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations (2018), and that local authorities should improve data reporting on all licenses issued to aid inspection and monitoring.