bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Transmittance and Reflectance Pulse Oximetry in Anesthetized Dogs
Authors: Nixdorff Jan , Zablotski Yury , Hartmann Katrin , Dörfelt Rene
Published: April 2021

Objectives:The tongue is the standard site for placement of a pulse oximeter probe but is difficult to access during certain procedures such as dental and ophthalmic procedures and computerized tomography of the head. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of a new-generation reflectance pulse oximeter using the tail and tibia as sites for probe attachment.

Materials and Methods:A total of 100 client-owned dogs that underwent anesthesia for various reasons were premedicated with butorphanol (n= 50; 0.2 mg/kg; group BUT) or butorphanol and dexmedetomidine (n= 50; 5 μg/kg; group DEX), administered intravenously. Anesthesia was induced with propofol and maintained with sevoflurane. A transmittance pulse oximeter probe was placed on the tongue and served as the reference standard. A reflectance probe was randomly placed on the tail base or the proximal tibia, and the position changed after testing. Signals from three consecutive measurements were obtained at each position. Failure was defined as “no signal,” “low signal,” or a pulse difference >10/min compared with the ECG heart rate. Data were analyzed using chi-square test, Wilcoxon matched-pair signed-rank test, and Bland-Altman analysis.P< 0.05 was considered significant.

Results:In both groups (BUT and DEX), failure rate was higher when the tibia and tail were used as probe sites compared with the tongue. In both groups, the failure rate was higher for the tibia than for the tail. Dexmedetomidine-induced vasoconstriction increased failure rate at all probe positions.

Clinical Significance:The tail base, but not the tibia, is an acceptable position for reflectance pulse oximeter probes in dogs. The tongue remains the probe site of choice, if accessible.
Hepatosplenic Protective Actions of Spirulina platensis and Matcha Green Tea Against Schistosoma mansoni Infection in Mice via Antioxidative and Anti-inflammatory Mechanisms
Authors: Ramez Amany M. , Elmahallawy Ehab Kotb , Elshopakey Gehad E. , Saleh Amira A. , Moustafa Samar M. , Al-Brakati Ashraf , Abdo Walied , El-Shewehy Dina M. M.
Published: April 2021

Schistosomiasis, a major parasitic illness, has high morbidity and negative financial effects in subtropical and tropical countries, including Egypt. The present study investigated the therapeutic effects of Spirulina platensis (SP) and matcha green tea (MGT) in Schistosoma mansoni-infected mice combined with tracing their possible antioxidant and anti-inflammatory impacts and their protective potency. A total of 60 Swiss albino mice were randomly allocated into six groups (n = 10): control group (CNT, received normal saline); SP–MGT group [received oral SP (3 g/kg bodyweight/day) plus MGT (3 g/kg bodyweight/day)]; S. mansoni group (infected with S. mansoni cercariae, 100 ± 10/mouse, using the tail immersion method); SP-infected group (infected with S. mansoni and received oral SP); MGT-infected group (received oral MGT after S. mansoni infection); and SP–MGT-infected group (received combined treatment of SP and MGT after S. mansoni infection). Treatment with SP and MGT started 4 weeks after S. mansoni infection and ended 10 weeks after. SP and MGT treatment (SP-infected and MGT-infected groups) and the combined treatment (SP–MGT-infected group) minimized the hepatic damage induced by S. mansoni; circulating alanine aminotransferase and aspartate transaminase decreased, and total protein, albumin, and globulin serum levels increased. The serum level of malondialdehyde significantly declined, and catalase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and total antioxidant capacity increased in SP-infected, MGT-infected, and SP–MGT-infected groups compared with the infected group. Co-administration of SP and MGT reduced serum cytokine levels (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interferon-gamma, and interleukin-13) and increased interleukin-10 levels after S. mansoni infection compared with the infected group. Moreover, treatment with SP and/or MGT decreased the number of granulomas in hepatic and splenic tissues compared with the infected group. Collectively, our results suggest that combined SP and MGT treatment is effective for S. mansoni infection. Liver and spleen tissue alterations were improved, the antioxidant systems were stimulated, and the inflammatory response was suppressed. Further research is recommended to investigate the mechanisms of the combined SP and MGT treatment effects to facilitate the development of novel therapies against this disease.
Efficacy Evaluation of a Bivalent Vaccine Containing Porcine Circovirus Type 2b and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae Against an Experimental Dual Challenge
Authors: Ahn Yongjun , Yang Siyeon , Oh Taehwan , Park Kee Hwan , Cho Hyejean , Suh Jeongmin , Chae Chanhee
Published: April 2021

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a new, single-dose bivalent vaccine containing porcine circovirus type 2b (PCV2b) and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae against a dual PCV2b and M. hyopneumoniae challenge. At −25 days post challenge (dpc, 10 days of age), one pig group (designated as the vaccinated/challenged group) received a single, 1.0 ml dose of bivalent vaccine. Pigs in both the vaccinated/challenged and unvaccinated/challenged groups were then inoculated intranasally with PCV2b and M. hyopneumoniae at 0 dpc (35 days of age). Pigs in vaccinated/challenged group induced significantly higher levels of neutralizing antibodies against PCV2b and cell-mediated immunity against PCV2b and M. hyopneumonia when compared with pigs in unvaccinated/challenged group. The vaccination of pigs with a bivalent vaccine also reduced PCV2b viremia, reduced mycoplasmal nasal shedding, and decreased the severity of both lung and lymphoid lesions for PCV2b and M. hyopneumoniae infection, respectively. The results of this study demonstrated that the evaluated bivalent vaccine was effective in protecting pigs against PCV2b and M. hyopneumoniae infection.
Investigation Into the Relationship Between Sperm Cysteine-Rich Secretory Protein 2 (CRISP2) and Sperm Fertilizing Ability and Fertility of Boars
Authors: Gao Fenglei , Wang Ping , Wang Kai , Fan Yushan , Chen Yuming , Chen Yun , Ye Chao , Feng Meiying , Li Li , Zhang Shouquan , Wei Hengxi
Published: April 2021

The proteins in the seminal plasma and on the sperm surface play important roles in sperm function and numerous reproductive processes. The cysteine-rich secretory proteins (CRISPs) are enriched biasedly in the male reproductive tract of mammals, and CRISP2 is the sole member of CRISPs produced during spermatogenesis; whereas the role of CRISP2 in fertilization and its association with fertility of boars are still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the sperm CRISP2 and boar fertility, and explore its impact sperm fertilizing ability. The levels of CRISP2 protein in sperm were quantified by ELISA; correlation analysis was performed to evaluate the association between CRISP2 protein levels and boar reproductive parameters. Meanwhile, the expression of CRISP2 in boar reproductive organs and sperm, and the effects of CRISP2 on in vitro fertilization (IVF) were examined. The results showed that boars with high sperm levels of CRISP2 had high fertility. The protein levels of CRISP2 in sperm were positively correlated with the litter size (r = 0.412, p = 0.026), the number of live-born piglets (r = 0.421, p = 0.023) and the qualified piglets per litter (r = 0.381, p = 0.042). CRISP2 is specifically expressed in the testis and sperm of adult boars, and its location on sperm changed mainly from the post-acrosomal region to the apical segment of acrosome during capacitation. The cleavage rate was significantly decreased by adding the anti-CRISP2 antibody to the IVF medium, which indicates CRISP2 plays a critical role in fertilization. In conclusion, CRISP2 protein is specifically expressed in the adult testis and sperm and is associated with sperm fertilizing ability and boar fertility. Further mechanistic studies are warranted, in order to fully decipher the role of CRISP2 in the boar reproduction.
Age and Gender Specific Lung Cancer Incidence and Mortality in Hungary: Trends from 2011 Through 2016
Authors: Tamási Lilla , Horváth Krisztián , Kiss Zoltán , Bogos Krisztina , Ostoros Gyula , Müller Veronika , Urbán László , Bittner Nóra , Sárosi Veronika , Vastag Aladár , Polányi Zoltán , Nagy-Erdei Zsófia , Daniel Andrea , Nagy Balázs , Rokszin György , Abonyi-Tóth Zsolt , Moldvay Judit , Vokó Zoltán , Gálffy Gabriella
Published: April 2021

Objective: No assessment was conducted describing the age and gender specific epidemiology of lung cancer (LC) prior to 2018 in Hungary, thus the objective of this study was to appraise the detailed epidemiology of lung cancer (ICD-10 C34) in Hungary based on a retrospective analysis of the National Health Insurance Fund database.

Methods: This longitudinal study included patients aged ≥20 years with LC diagnosis (ICD-10 C34) between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2016. Patients with different cancer-related codes 6 months before or 12 months after LC diagnosis or having any cancer treatment other than lung cancer protocols were excluded.

Results: Lung cancer incidence and mortality increased with age, peaking in the 70–79 age group (375.0/100,000 person-years) among males, while at 60–69 age group for females (148.1/100,000 person-years). The male-to-female incidence rate ratio reached 2.46–3.01 (p < 0.0001) among the 70–79 age group. We found 2–11% decrease in male incidence rate at most age groups, while a significant 1–3% increase was observed in older females (>60) annually during the study period.

Conclusion: This nationwide epidemiology study demonstrated that LC incidence and mortality in Hungary decreased in younger male and female population, however we found significant increase of incidence in older female population, similar to international trends. Incidence rates peaked in younger age-groups compared to Western countries, most likely due to higher smoking prevalence in these cohorts, while lower age LC incidence could be attributed to higher competing cardiovascular risk resulting in earlier mortality in smoking population.
Cell Cycle Regulatory Protein Expression in Multinucleated Giant Cells of Giant Cell Tumor of Bone: do They Proliferate?
Authors: Maros Mate E. , Balla Peter , Micsik Tamas , Sapi Zoltan , Szendroi Miklos , Wenz Holger , Groden Christoph , Forsyth Ramses G. , Picci Piero , Krenacs Tibor
Published: May 2021

Cells of the monocyte macrophage lineage form multinucleated giant cells (GCs) by fusion, which may express some cell cycle markers. By using a comprehensive marker set, here we looked for potential replication activities in GCs, and investigated whether these have diagnostic or clinical relevance in giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB). GC rich regions of 10 primary and 10 first recurrence GCTB cases were tested using immunohistochemistry in tissue microarrays. The nuclear positivity rate of the general proliferation marker, replication licensing, G1/S-phase, S/G2/M-phase, mitosis promoter, and cyclin dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor reactions was analyzed in GCs. Concerning Ki67, moderate SP6 reaction was seen in many GC nuclei, while B56 and Mib1 positivity was rare, but the latter could be linked to more aggressive (p = 0.012) phenotype. Regular MCM6 reaction, as opposed to uncommon MCM2, suggested an initial DNA unwinding. Early replication course in GCs was also supported by widely detecting CDK4 and cyclin E, for the first time, and confirming cyclin D1 upregulation. However, post-G1-phase markers CDK2, cyclin A, geminin, topoisomerase-2a, aurora kinase A, and phospho-histone H3 were rare or missing. These were likely silenced by upregulated CDK inhibitors p15INK4b, p16INK4a, p27KIP1, p53 through its effector p21WAF1 and possibly cyclin G1, consistent with the prevention of DNA replication. In conclusion, the upregulation of known and several novel cell cycle progression markers detected here clearly verify early replication activities in GCs, which are controlled by cell cycle arresting CDK inhibitors at G1 phase, and support the functional maturation of GCs in GCTB.
Bloom Time Effect Depends on Muscle Type and May Determine the Results of pH and Color Instrumental Evaluation
Authors: Knecht Damian , Duziński Kamil , Jankowska-Mąkosa Anna
Published: April 2021

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of 30 min bloom time and the type of muscle on pH and color parameters together with the possibility of estimating these measurements. The research material consisted of 270 samples from 6 muscle types: LD—Longissimus dorsi, LL—Longissimus lumborum, IL—Iliacus, SEM—Semimembranosus, CT—Cutaneous trunci, LTD—Latissimus dorsi. Measurements included pH and color of fresh pork at 0 min, and after 30 min bloom time. Bloom time influenced all analyzed parameters, although to a varying effect, depending on the muscle type. The lowest pH values were noted for dorsal-located muscles (LD, LL), then in the ham area (IL, SEM), and the highest values of the location on the side surface of the carcass (CT, LTD). The large increase in the proportion of L* and a* was observed for CT muscle (20–30%, the highest of all observed) and LTD (20–25%); for LD and LL the largest growth changes were observed for parameters b* (15–20%) and H* (20–30%). The lowest number of strong correlations was noted for LD and CT muscles, and the largest for SEM. A very good fit (R2 > 0.90) of regression equations was achieved in 7 cases. The presented results are an important contribution to the rapid and precise instrumental evaluation of pH and color.
The Genetic Diversity and Structure of the European Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur
Authors: Prakas Petras , Butkauskas Dalius , Švažas Saulius , Bea Antonio , Yanenko Vadym , Ragauskas Adomas , Vaitkuvienė Daiva
Published: April 2021

The European Turtle Dove, Streptopelia turtur, a long-distance migrant wintering in Africa, is a widespread Palearctic species. This species is classified as vulnerable and is undergoing a long-term demographic decline. The results of the previous study (based on mitochondrial (mtDNA) cytochrome-b (cytb) sequences of birds from Western and Southern Europe) indicated that the species was not genetically structured. We analysed the mtDNA cytb and D-loop of 258 birds collected from Morocco, Spain, and Ukraine. High genetic variability, expressed by haplotype diversity and nucleotide diversity, was revealed in both cytb (Hd = 0.905 ± 0.009, π = 0.00628 ± 0.00014) and the D-loop (Hd = 0.937 ± 0.009, π = 0.01502 ± 0.00034). SAMOVA and principal coordinates analysis revealed the birds belonged to two genetically distinct groups. One group included birds collected in Spain, while birds sampled in Morocco and Ukraine formed another group. Furthermore, significant genetic differentiation was identified between Turtle Doves from Morocco and Ukraine, and certain Spanish samples. The present results indicate that specific management and conservation plans relevant for the species in various regions should be applied. However, further nuclear DNA research and new studies (particularly in Eastern Europe) are necessary for the decisive results on genetic structure of this species.
Antimicrobial Resistance of Campylobacter jejuni, Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis Commensal Isolates from Laying Hen Farms in Spain
Authors: Rivera-Gomis Jorge , Marín Pedro , Martínez-Conesa Cristina , Otal Julio , Jordán María José , Escudero Elisa , Cubero María José
Published: April 2021

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global threat for human and animal health. Few studies have been carried out in laying hens. We evaluated the antimicrobial susceptibility of commensal Campylobacter jejuni, Escherichia coli, and Enterococcus faecalis isolates in Spanish laying hens in 2018. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) was used to identify any AMR of the studied isolates by means of a broth microdilution method. C. jejuni was highly resistant to the B category antimicrobials, and 52% of the isolates were susceptible to all the antimicrobials tested. E. coli showed medium and high percentages of resistance to the B and A antibiotic categories, respectively, and 33.33% of the isolates were susceptible to all antimicrobials. The E. faecalis resistance to A category antimicrobials was variable, and 4.62% of the isolates were susceptible to all antimicrobials. In our work, novel data on AMR in laying hen commensal isolates in Spain is provided, and the AMR levels differ from those reported for poultry in the EU. A high resistance to key drugs for human medicine was found, representing a public health risk.
Impact of Xylanase and Glucanase on Oligosaccharide Formation, Carbohydrate Fermentation Patterns, and Nutrient Utilization in the Gastrointestinal Tract of Broilers
Authors: Kouzounis Dimitrios , Hageman Jos A. , Soares Natalia , Michiels Joris , Schols Henk A.
Published: April 2021

This study aimed at determining how the degradation of cereal non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) by dietary enzymes during feed digestion can influence nutrient digestibility and NSP fermentability in broilers. Ninety-six one-day-old male broilers were assigned to 4 different treatments: control and enzyme-supplemented wheat-based (WC, WE) or maize-based (MC, ME) treatments. Enzyme supplementation with endo-xylanase and endo-glucanase occurred from day 20 onwards. On day 28, digesta samples were collected. Nutrient digestibility, NSP recovery, oligosaccharide profile, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) content were determined. Enzyme supplementation in WE resulted in a higher starch (3%; p = 0.004) and protein (5%; p = 0.002) digestion in the ileum compared to WC. Xylanase activity in WE led to in situ formations of arabinoxylan-oligosaccharides consisting of 5 to 26 pentose units in the ileum. This coincided with decreased arabinose (p = 0.059) and xylose (p = 0.036) amounts in the ceca and higher acetate (p = 0.014) and butyrate (p = 0.044) formation in WE compared to WC. Conversely, complete total tract recovery of arabinoxylan in MC and ME suggested poor maize NSP fermentability. Overall, enzyme action improved nutrient digestibility and arabinoxylan fermentability in the wheat-based diet. The lower response of the maize-based diet to enzyme treatment may be related to the recalcitrance of maize arabinoxylan as well as to the high nutritive value of maize.
Validation of Dairy Cow Bodyweight Prediction Using Traits Easily Recorded by Dairy Herd Improvement Organizations and Its Potential Improvement Using Feature Selection Algorithms
Authors: Tedde Anthony , Grelet Clément , Ho Phuong , Pryce Jennie , Hailemariam Dagnachew , Wang Zhiquan , Plastow Graham , Gengler Nicolas , Brostaux Yves , Froidmont Eric , Dehareng Frédéric , Bertozzi Carlo , Crowe Mark , Dufrasne Isabelle ,   GplusE Consortium Group, Soyeurt Hélène
Published: April 2021

Knowing the body weight (BW) of a cow at a specific moment or measuring its changes through time is of interest for management purposes. The current work aimed to validate the feasibility of predicting BW using the day in milk, parity, milk yield, and milk mid-infrared (MIR) spectrum from a multiple-country dataset and reduce the number of predictors to limit the risk of over-fitting and potentially improve its accuracy. The BW modeling procedure involved feature selections and herd-independent validation in identifying the most interesting subsets of predictors and then external validation of the models. From 1849 records collected in 9 herds from 360 Holstein cows, the best performing models achieved a root mean square error (RMSE) for the herd-independent validation between 52 ± 2.34 kg to 56 ± 3.16 kg, including from 5 to 62 predictors. Among these models, three performed remarkably well in external validation using an independent dataset (N = 4067), resulting in RMSE ranging from 52 to 56 kg. The results suggest that multiple optimal BW predictive models coexist due to the high correlations between adjacent spectral points.
Effect of Replacing in-Feed Antibiotic Growth Promoters with a Combination of Egg Immunoglobulins and Phytomolecules on the Performance, Serum Immunity, and Intestinal Health of Weaned Pigs Challenged with Escherichia coli K88
Authors: Han Yunsheng , Zhan Tengfei , Tang Chaohua , Zhao Qingyu , Dansou Dieudonné M. , Yu Yanan , Barbosa Fellipe F. , Zhang Junmin
Published: April 2021

The study was conducted to investigate the effects of replacing antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) with an egg immunoglobulin (IgY) combined with phytomolecules (PM) on the growth rate, serum immunity, and intestinal health of weaned pigs challenged with Escherichia coli K88 (E. coli K88). A total of 192 piglets were weaned at 28 days old with an average weight of 7.29 (± 0.04) kg. They were randomly divided into four treatments containing eight replicates with six piglets per replicate. The treatment groups were NC and PC fed a basal diet, AGP fed a basal diet supplemented with 75 mg/kg chlortetracycline, 50 mg/kg oxytetracycline calcium, and 40 mg/kg zinc bacitracin, IPM fed a basal diet supplemented with IgY at dose of 2.5 g/kg and 1.0 g/kg and PM at dose of 300 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg during days 1 to 17 and 18 to 42, respectively. On days 7 to 9 of the experiment, piglets in the PC, AGP, and IPM groups were orally challenged with 20 mL E. coli K88 (109 CFU/mL), while piglets in the NC group were challenged with 20 mL medium without E. coli K88. The E. coli K88 challenge model was successful as the incidence of post-weaning diarrhea (PWD) of piglets challenged with E. coli K88 was significantly higher than that of those unchallenged piglets during the challenge time (days 7 to 9) and days 1 to 7 of post-challenge (p < 0.05). A diet with combinations of IgY and PM and AGPs significantly decreased the incidence of PWD during the challenge time and days 1 to 7 of post-challenge (p < 0.05) compared to the PC group and significantly improved the ratio of feed to weight gain (F:G) during days 1 to 17 of the experiment compared to the NC and PC groups (p < 0.05). In comparison with the PC group, piglets in the IPM group had significantly higher serum levels of IgA, IgG, and IgM (p < 0.05), but lower serum IL-1β on day 17 of experiement (p < 0.05). Besides, diet supplementation with AGP significantly decreased serum IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α on days 17 and 42 (p < 0.05) with comparison to the PC group. Piglets in the IPM group showed a significantly lower level of fecal coliforms (p < 0.05), but a higher villus height of jejunum and ileum and higher ratio of villus height to crypt depth of duodenum and jejunum (p < 0.05) than those piglets in the PC group. In summary, diet supplementation with a mixture of IgY and PM decreased the incidence of PWD and coliforms, increased feed conversion ratio, and improved intestinal histology and immune function.
Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex Infection in Eurasian Badger (Meles meles) and Cattle in Asturias, Spain
Authors: Blanco Vázquez Cristina , Barral Thiago Doria , Romero Beatriz , Queipo Manuel , Merediz Isabel , Quirós Pablo , Armenteros José Ángel , Juste Ramón , Domínguez Lucas , Domínguez Mercedes , Casais Rosa , Balseiro Ana
Published: April 2021

The present work investigated the prevalence, spatial distribution, and temporal distribution of tuberculosis (TB) in free-ranging Eurasian badgers (Meles meles) and cattle in Asturias (Atlantic Spain) during a 13-year follow-up. The study objective was to assess the role of badgers as a TB reservoir for cattle and other sympatric wild species in the region. Between 2008 and 2020, 673 badgers (98 trapped and 575 killed in road traffic accidents) in Asturias were necropsied, and their tissue samples were cultured for the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) isolation. Serum samples were tested in an in-house indirect P22 ELISA to detect antibodies against the MTC. In parallel, data on MTC isolation and single intradermal tuberculin test results were extracted for cattle that were tested and culled as part of the Spanish National Program for the Eradication of Bovine TB. A total of 27/639 badgers (4.23%) were positive for MTC based on bacterial isolation, while 160/673 badgers (23.77%) were found to be positive with the P22 ELISA. The rate of seropositivity was higher among adult badgers than subadults. Badger TB status was spatially and temporally associated with cattle TB status. Our results cannot determine the direction of possible interspecies transmission, but they are consistent with the idea that the two hosts may exert infection pressure on each other. This study highlights the importance of the wildlife monitoring of infection and disease during epidemiological interventions in order to optimize outcomes.
Intestinal Parasites and Fecal Cortisol Metabolites in Multi-Unowned-Cat Environments: The Impact of Housing Conditions
Authors: Blasco Xavier , Manteca Xavier , López-Béjar Manel , Carbajal Anaïs , Castellà Joaquim , Ortuño Anna
Published: April 2021

Housing conditions were assessed in different unowned multi-cat management models in order to evaluate their impact on the occurrence of intestinal parasites and fecal cortisol metabolite (FCM) levels. Fresh stool fecal samples were collected from rescue shelters, catteries and feline colonies for coprological analyses in order to detect intestinal parasite patency and fecal cortisol metabolites. A questionnaire provided information about the facilities, management and housing conditions of cats, including information about dog exposure, enclosure size, environment enrichment and changes to group composition. Overall, intestinal parasite infection was detected in 58.2% of fecal samples collected. The occurrence of intestinal parasites detected in free-roaming cats was 82.2%, mainly due to helminth infection. The parasite infection rate was 57.3% in rescue shelters and 34.6% in catteries. In confined cats, protozoa infection was more likely detected in rescue shelters than in catteries (RR = 2.02 (1.30–3.14), p = 0.0012). Although the FCM values were very variable between cats, the enclosure size and parasite infection were correlated with the average FCM. A small enclosure size was correlated with high fecal cortisol metabolites (p = 0.016). Protozoa-positive samples showed higher FCM levels than negative samples (p = 0.0150). High dog exposure was statistically associated with protozoa infection (p = 0.0006). The results indicated that improving housing, especially in terms of floor space and avoiding dog exposure, reduces stress and can thus be applied to make control strategies in multi-unowned-cat environments more efficient, especially when cats are confined.
Human, Animal and Planet Health for Complete Sustainability
Authors: Bertoni Giuseppe
Published: April 2021

In order to discuss the concepts of animal health and sustainability, we must remind ourselves that ASF (animal source foods) can play a large role in human health, but that animals are assumed to have a negative role in the environment. Indeed, ASF can compromise human health, both in excess and in deficiency, so a proper amount of them is important. In addition, the environmental impact of farmed animals: land occupation, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, energy use and water utilization, acidification and eutrophication, must be minimized by reducing ASF consumption, as well as by increasing productivity. To achieve this, besides genetics, feeding and good management, the hygienic-sanitary and comfort conditions that ensure good health and welfare are essential. Impaired animal health can cause zoonosis and food-borne diseases and be responsible for economic and socio-economic losses (lower production-productivity and profitability) with consequential effects on the planet’s health too, and there are big differences between developing and developed countries. In the former, a prevalence of endemic infectious diseases and parasites is observed, and there is a lack of tools to restrain them; in the latter there is a decline of the above diseases, but an increase of stress-related diseases. Their reduction is equally important but requires a different strategy. In developing countries, the strategy should be to facilitate the availability of prevention and treatment means, while in developed countries it is necessary to use drugs correctly (to reduce residues, especially antimicrobials which are associated with important resistance risks to antibiotics) and improve the living conditions of animals (welfare).
Evaluation and Bias Correction of the Secondary Inorganic Aerosol Modeling over North China Plain in Autumn and Winter
Authors: Wu Qian , Tang Xiao , Kong Lei , Dao Xu , Lu Miaomiao , Liu Zirui , Wang Wei , Wang Qian , Chen Duohong , Wu Lin , Pan Xiaole , Li Jie , Zhu Jiang , Wang Zifa
Published: April 2021

Secondary inorganic aerosol (SIA) is the key driving factor of fine-particle explosive growth (FPEG) events, which are frequently observed in North China Plain. However, the SIA simulations remain highly uncertain over East Asia. To further investigate this issue, SIA modeling over North China Plain with the 15 km resolution Nested Air Quality Prediction Model System (NAQPMS) was performed from October 2017 to March 2018. Surface observations of SIA at 28 sites were obtained to evaluate the model, which confirmed the biases in the SIA modeling. To identify the source of these biases and reduce them, uncertainty analysis was performed by evaluating the heterogeneous chemical reactions in the model and conducting sensitivity tests on the different reactions. The results suggest that the omission of the SO2 heterogeneous chemical reaction involving anthropogenic aerosols in the model is probably the key reason for the systematic underestimation of sulfate during the winter season. The uptake coefficient of the “renoxification” reaction is a key source of uncertainty in nitrate simulations, and it is likely to be overestimated by the NAQPMS. Consideration of the SO2 heterogeneous reaction involving anthropogenic aerosols and optimization of the uptake coefficient of the “renoxification” reaction in the model suitably reproduced the temporal and spatial variations in sulfate, nitrate and ammonium over North China Plain. The biases in the simulations of sulfate, nitrate, ammonium, and particulate matter smaller than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) were reduced by 84.2%, 54.8%, 81.8%, and 80.9%, respectively. The results of this study provide a reference for the reduction in the model bias of SIA and PM2.5 and improvement of the simulation of heterogeneous chemical processes.
An Urban Lagrangian Stochastic Dispersion Model for Simulating Traffic Particulate-Matter Concentration Fields
Authors: Fattal Eyal , David-Saroussi Hadas , Klausner Ziv , Buchman Omri
Published: April 2021

The accumulated particulate matter concentration at a given vertical column due to traffic sources in urban area has many important consequences. This task, however, imposes a major challenge, since the problem of realistic pollutant dispersion in an urban environment is a very demanding task, both theoretically and computationally. This is mainly due to the highly inhomogeneous three dimensional turbulent flow regime in the urban canopy roughness sublayer, which is far from “local equilibrium” between shear production and dissipation. We present here a mass-consistent urban Lagrangian stochastic model for pollutants dispersion, where the flow field is modeled using a hybrid approach by which we model the surface layer based on the typical turbulent scales, both of the canopy and in the surface layer inertial sub-layer. In particular it relies on representing the canopy aerodynamically as a porous medium by spatial averaging the equations of motion, with the assumption that the canopy is laterally uniform on a scale much larger than the buildings but smaller than the urban block/neighbourhood, i.e., at the sub-urban-block scale. Choosing the spatial representative averaging volume allows the averaged variables to reflect the characteristic vertical heterogeneity of the canopy but to smooth out smaller scale spatial fluctuations caused as air flows in between the buildings. This modeling approach serves as the base for a realistic and efficient methodology for the calculation of the accumulated concentration from multiple traffic sources for any vertical column in the urban area. The existence of multiple traffic sources impose further difficulty since the computational effort required is very demanding for practical uses. Therefore, footprint analysis screening was introduced to identify the relevant part of the urban area which contributes to the chosen column. All the traffic sources in this footprint area where merged into several areal sources, further used for the evaluation of the concentration profile. This methodology was implemented for four cases in the Tel Aviv metropolitan area based on several selected summer climatological scenarios. We present different typical behaviors, demonstrating combination of source structure, urban morphology, flow characteristics, and the resultant dispersion pattern in each case.
Analysis of Arctic Spring Ozone Anomaly in the Phases of QBO and 11-Year Solar Cycle for 1979–2017
Authors: Yamashita Yousuke , Akiyoshi Hideharu , Takahashi Masaaki
Published: April 2021

Arctic ozone amount in winter to spring shows large year-to-year variation. This study investigates Arctic spring ozone in relation to the phase of quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO)/the 11-year solar cycle, using satellite observations, reanalysis data, and outputs of a chemistry climate model (CCM) during the period of 1979–2017. For this duration, we found that the composite mean of the Northern Hemisphere high-latitude total ozone in the QBO-westerly (QBO-W)/solar minimum (Smin) phase is slightly smaller than those averaged for the QBO-W/Smax and QBO-E/Smax years in March. An analysis of a passive ozone tracer in the CCM simulation indicates that this negative anomaly is primarily caused by transport. The negative anomaly is consistent with a weakening of the residual mean downward motion in the polar lower stratosphere. The contribution of chemical processes estimated using the column amount difference between ozone and the passive ozone tracer is between 10–20% of the total anomaly in March. The lower ozone levels in the Arctic spring during the QBO-W/Smin years are associated with a stronger Arctic polar vortex from late winter to early spring, which is linked to the reduced occurrence of sudden stratospheric warming in the winter during the QBO-W/Smin years.
Phytochemical Constituents of Medicinal Plants for the Treatment of Chronic Inflammation
Authors: Kang Ki Sung
Published: April 2021

Chronic inflammation increases the risk of several serious human diseases [...]
Relationship between Metalloprotease-7 and -14 and Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloprotease 1 Expression by Mucosal Stromal Cells and Colorectal Cancer Development in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Altadill Antonio , Eiro Noemi , González Luis O. , Andicoechea Alejandro , Fernández-Francos Silvia , Rodrigo Luis , García-Muñiz José Luis , Vizoso Francisco J.
Published: April 2021

Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an example of an inflammation-related cancer. Matrix metalloproteases (MMP) are known to be associated with both processes. The aim of the study was to compare the expression of MMP-7, MMP-14 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteases-1 (TIMP-1) in sporadic CRC- and IBD-associated CRC, and to compare the expression in inflamed and non-inflamed colonic tissue samples from IBD patients without or with associated CRC. An immunohistochemical study of MMP-7, -14 and TIMP-1 was performed on sporadic CRC (n = 86), IBD-associated CRC (n = 23) and colorectal mucosa of non-tumor samples from IBD patients without (n = 47) and with (n = 23) associated CRC. These factors were more frequently expressed by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) from IBD-associated CRC than by CAF from CRC not associated with IBD. Regarding the inflamed tissue of IBD patients, Crohn’s disease (CD) patients with CRC development showed a higher expression of MMP-14 by fibroblasts and by mononuclear inflammatory cells (MICs) than CD patients without CRC development. In non-inflamed tissue samples, MMP-7 associated with fibroblasts and MICs, and TIMP-1 associated with MICs, were more frequently expressed in CD patients with CRC development than in CD patients without CRC development. Our data suggest that these factor expressions by stromal cells may be biological markers of CRC development risk in IBD patients.
Molecular Genetics of Microcephaly Primary Hereditary: An Overview
Authors: Siskos Nikistratos , Stylianopoulou Electra , Skavdis Georgios , Grigoriou Maria E.
Published: April 2021

MicroCephaly Primary Hereditary (MCPH) is a rare congenital neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a significant reduction of the occipitofrontal head circumference and mild to moderate mental disability. Patients have small brains, though with overall normal architecture; therefore, studying MCPH can reveal not only the pathological mechanisms leading to this condition, but also the mechanisms operating during normal development. MCPH is genetically heterogeneous, with 27 genes listed so far in the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) database. In this review, we discuss the role of MCPH proteins and delineate the molecular mechanisms and common pathways in which they participate.
Dynamic Functional Network Connectivity Changes Associated with fMRI Neurofeedback of Right Premotor Cortex
Authors: Long Zhiying , Guo Zhaoxi , Guo Zhitao , Zhang Hang , Yao Li
Published: April 2021

Neurofeedback of real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging (rtfMRI) can enable people to self-regulate motor-related brain regions and lead to alteration of motor performance and functional connectivity (FC) underlying motor execution tasks. Numerous studies suggest that FCs dynamically fluctuate over time. However, little is known about the impact of neurofeedback training of the motor-related region on the dynamic characteristics of FC underlying motor execution tasks. This study aims to investigate the mechanism of self-regulation of the right premotor area (PMA) on the underlying dynamic functional network connectivity (DFNC) of motor execution (ME) tasks and reveal the relationship between DFNC, training effect, and motor performance. The results indicate that the experimental group spent less time on state 2, with overall weak connections, and more time on state 6, having strong positive connections between motor-related networks than the control group after the training. For the experimental group’s state 2, the mean dwell time after the training showed negative correlation with the tapping frequency and the amount of upregulation of PMA. The findings show that rtfMRI neurofeedback can change the temporal properties of DFNC, and the DFNC changes in state with overall weak connections were associated with the training effect and the improvement in motor performance.
Neuropsychological Profile, Emotional/Behavioral Problems, and Parental Stress in Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Authors: Operto Francesca Felicia , Smirni Daniela , Scuoppo Chiara , Padovano Chiara , Vivenzio Valentina , Quatrosi Giuseppe , Carotenuto Marco , Precenzano Francesco , Pastorino Grazia Maria Giovanna
Published: April 2021

Background: The aim of our study was to trace a specific neuropsychological profile, to investigate emotional-behavioral problems and parental stress in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 1/High functioning (ASD-HF), Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) disorders and to highlight similarities and differences among the three groups. Methods: We retrospectively collected the data from a total of 62 subjects with ASD-HF (n = 19) ADHD (n = 21), SLD (n = 22) and 20 typical development. All the participants underwent neuropsychological standardized test for the evaluation of cognitive profile (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children Fourth Edition—WISC-IV), behavioral and emotional problems (Child Behavior CheckList CBCL), and parental stress (Parental Stress Index Short Form—PSI-SF). The scores of the ASD-HF, ADHD, and SLD groups were compared using non-parametric statistic methods (Kruskall–Wallis H test and U Mann–Whitney for post-hoc analysis). Results: The ASD-HF group were significantly higher in all areas of the WISC-IV than the other two clinical groups. The SLD group performed significantly lower than ASD-HF in Working Memory Index. The SLD group showed lower scores on the somatic problems subscale than the other two groups. In the Difficult Child subscale of the PSI-SF, parents of ADHD children scored lower than the mothers of SLD subjects and higher than the fathers of SLD subjects. In all three groups there are specific deficiencies compared to the control group in the cognitive profile, behavioral and emotional problems, and parental stress. Conclusions: Our comparative analysis highlighted similarities and differences in three groups of children with different neurodevelopmental disorders, helping to better define cognitive, behavioral, and emotional characteristics of these children and parental stress of their parents.
Towards Controlled Degradation of Poly(lactic) Acid in Technical Applications
Authors: Teixeira Stefanie , Eblagon Katarzyna Morawa , Miranda Filipa , R. Pereira M. Fernando , Figueiredo José Luis
Published: April 2021

Environmental issues urge for the substitution of petrochemical-based raw materials with more environmentally friendly sources. The biggest advantages of PLA over non-biodegradable plastics are that it can be produced from natural sources (e.g., corn or sugarcane), and at the end of its lifetime it can be returned to the soil by being composted with microorganisms. PLA can easily substitute petroleum-based plastics in a wide range of applications in many commodity products, such as disposable tableware, packaging, films, and agricultural twines, partially contributing to limiting plastic waste accumulation. Unfortunately, the complete replacement of fossil fuel-based plastics such as polyethylene (PE) or poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) by PLA is hindered by its higher cost, and, more importantly, slower degradation as compared to other degradable polymers. Thus, to make PLA more commercially attractive, ways to accelerate its degradation are actively sought. Many good reviews deal with PLA production, applications, and degradation but only in the medical or pharmaceutical field. In this respect, the present review will focus on controlled PLA degradation and biodegradation in technical applications. The work will include the main degradation mechanisms of PLA, such as its biodegradation in water, soil, and compost, in addition to thermal- and photo-degradation. The topic is of particular interest to academia and industry, mainly because the wider application of PLA is mostly dependent on discovering effective ways of accelerating its biodegradation rate at the end of its service life without compromising its properties.
Cardiovascular Toxicities Secondary to Biotherapy and Molecular Targeted Therapies in Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trials
Authors: Aktypis Charalampos , Spei Maria-Eleni , Yavropoulou Maria , Wallin Göran , Koumarianou Anna , Kaltsas Gregory , Kassi Eva , Daskalakis Kosmas
Published: April 2021

A broad spectrum of novel targeted therapies with prime antitumor activity and/or ample control of hormonal symptoms together with an overall acceptable safety profile have emerged for patients with metastatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs). In this systematic review and quantitative meta-analysis, the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and clinicaltrials.gov databases were searched to assess and compare the safety profile of NEN treatments with special focus on the cardiovascular adverse effects of biotherapy and molecular targeted therapies (MTTs). Quality/risk of bias were assessed using GRADE criteria. Placebo-controlled randomized clinical trials (RCTs) in patients with metastatic NENs, including medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) were included. A total of 3695 articles and 122 clinical trials registered in clinicaltrials.gov were screened. We included sixteen relevant RCTs comprising 3408 unique patients assigned to different treatments compared with placebo. All the included studies had a low risk of bias. We identified four drug therapies for NENs with eligible placebo-controlled RCTs: somatostatin analogs (SSAs), tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) inhibitors, mTOR inhibitors and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). Grade 3 and 4 adverse effects (AE) were more often encountered in patients treated with mTOR inhibitors and TKI (odds ratio [OR]: 2.42, 95% CI: 1.87–3.12 and OR: 3.41, 95% CI: 1.46–7.96, respectively) as compared to SSAs (OR:0.77, 95% CI: 0.47–1.27) and TPH inhibitors (OR:0.77, 95% CI: 0.35–1.69). MTOR inhibitors had the highest risk for serious cardiac AE (OR:3.28, 95% CI: 1.66–6.48) followed by TKIs (OR:1.51, 95% CI: 0.59–3.83). Serious vascular AE were more often encountered in NEN patients treated with mTOR inhibitors (OR: 1.72, 95% CI: 0.64–4.64) and TKIs (OR:1.64, 95% CI: 0.35–7.78). Finally, patients on TKIs were at higher risk for new-onset or exacerbation of pre-existing hypertension (OR:3.31, 95% CI: 1.87–5.86). In conclusion, SSAs and TPH inhibitors appear to be safer as compared to mTOR inhibitors and TKIs with regards to their overall toxicity profile, and cardiovascular toxicities in particular. Special consideration should be given to a patient-tailored approach with anticipated toxicities of targeted NEN treatments together with assessment of cardiovascular comorbidities, assisting clinicians in treatment selection and early recognition/management of cardiovascular toxicities. This approach could improve patient compliance and preserve cardiovascular health and overall quality of life.
Significance of TERT Genetic Alterations and Telomere Length in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Jang Jeong-Won , Kim Jin-Seoub , Kim Hye-Seon , Tak Kwon-Yong , Lee Soon-Kyu , Nam Hee-Chul , Sung Pil-Soo , Kim Chang-Min , Park Jin-Young , Bae Si-Hyun , Choi Jong-Young , Yoon Seung-Kew
Published: April 2021

Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) mutations are reportedly the most frequent somatic genetic alterations in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). An integrative analysis of TERT-telomere signaling during hepatocarcinogenesis is lacking. This study aimed to investigate the clinicopathological association and prognostic value of TERT gene alterations and telomere length in HCC patients undergoing hepatectomy as well as transarterial chemotherapy (TACE). TERT promoter mutation, expression, and telomere length were analyzed by Sanger sequencing and real-time PCR in 305 tissue samples. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) analysis was performed to identify a set of genes that physically interact with TERT. The PPI analysis identified eight key TERT-interacting genes, namely CCT5, TUBA1B, mTOR, RPS6KB1, AKT1, WHAZ, YWHAQ, and TERT. Among these, TERT was the most strongly differentially expressed gene. TERT promoter mutations were more frequent, TERT expression was significantly higher, and telomere length was longer in tumors versus non-tumors. TERT promoter mutations were most frequent in HCV-related HCCs and less frequent in HBV-related HCCs. TERT promoter mutations were associated with higher TERT levels and longer telomere length and were an independent predictor of worse overall survival after hepatectomy. TERT expression was positively correlated with tumor differentiation and stage progression, and independently predicted shorter time to progression after TACE. The TERT-telomere network may have a crucial role in the development and progression of HCC. TERT-telomere abnormalities might serve as useful biomarkers for HCC, but the prognostic values may differ with tumor characteristics and treatment.