bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of social support and stress on academic burnout among medical students in online learning: The mediating role of resilience
Authors: Liu Yue , Cao Zhe
Published: July 2022

Background

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, online learning and long-term isolation from social and clinical settings has exacerbated mental health problems and symptoms of academic burnout among medical students. However, few studies have discussed symptoms of academic burnout as a result of reduced social support, and increased stress among medical students during the process of online learning. To fill this gap, this study investigated the influencing factors and mechanism of academic burnout in medical students' online learning process. Both the positive inhibition effect of positive factors such as social support, and the negative aggravation effect of negative factors such as stress were explored, while the mediating and protecting role of resilience is also discussed.

Method

We collected survey data from a total of 817 medical students from a medical school in China who participated in online learning during the fall 2021 semester. An online questionnaire was sent to the students in January, 2022. Items adapted from the DASS Scale developed by Lovibond and Lovibond were used to measure medical students' stress levels. The perceived social support of medical students was assessed by the Gregory MSPSS. Resilience was evaluated by the 10-Item Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC). Items from the Maslach Burnout Inventory–Student Survey (MBI-SS) were used to calculate students' academic burnout. Descriptive analysis, correlation analysis, hierarchical linear regression analysis and structural equation modeling were used to analyze the collected data.

Results

The results identified that in the context of online learning there was a positive correlation between medical students' stress and academic burnout, and their resilience played a partial mediating role. However, social support did not directly affect academic burnout, but inhibited the prevalence of academic burnout through resilience. In addition, stress was negatively related to resilience, while social support was positively related to resilience. Resilience was found to be negatively related to medical students' academic burnout in online learning.

Conclusion

The results of this study can provide a reference for the future development of appropriate educational strategies and coping measures to ameliorate the academic burnout of medical students.
Curvilinear relationship between burnout and work engagement among staff in community services for the elderly: A correlation study
Authors: Yang Guangmei , Wei Huiyan , Wan Leping , Dong Haiying , Liang Xiaoxiao , He Yan
Published: July 2022

Objective

To investigate whether there is a curvilinear relationship between burnout and work engagement among staff in Chinese community services for the elderly.

Methods

A stratified whole-group random sampling method was used to survey 244 staff members from eight communities in two cities. Data were collected using the Maslach Burnout Inventory scale (MBI) and the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale- 9 (UWES- 9). The curve estimation method explored the functional model of burnout and work engagement scales.

Results

Two hundred forty-four staff members completed the survey. Burnout, depersonalization (DP), and personal accomplishment (PA) were found to be related to work engagement in a cubic function (R2 = 0.166, P < 0.05), (R2 = 0.061, P < 0.05), and (R2 = 0.2230, P < 0.05), respectively. There was no statistically significant relationship between emotional exhaustion (EE) and work engagement (P > 0.05). “Personal Accomplishment” is related to work engagement in a U-shaped curve.

Conclusions

There was a cubic function relationship between burnout and work engagement, where “personal accomplishment” was related to work engagement in a U-shaped curve. Therefore, the government and related service organizations should understand the impact of different levels of burnout on work engagement and take targeted measures to alleviate burnout and improve work engagement by targeting emotions and stroke.
Cost-utility analysis of centrally inserted totally implanted access port (PORT) vs. peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) in the oncology chemotherapy
Authors: Shao Guoliang , Zhou Xiaoying , Zhang Shaoya , Wu Shuaijun , Dong Yichen , Dong Zuojun
Published: July 2022

Background

Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) and centrally inserted totally implanted access port (PORT) are two types of intravenous infusion devices that are widely used in clinical practice. PORTs are more expensive to insert than PICCs but have fewer complications. Two cost-utility analyses of PICCs and PORTs in China have been published, but had conflicting findings. This study aimed to compare the cost-utility of PICCs and PORTs.

Methods

We conducted a prospective observational trial including 404 patients with cancer and a cross-sectional study to calculate cost and complications of a PICC and PORT. Utility was measured using the EuroQol five-dimensional questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L). A cost-utility analysis was performed from a healthcare system perspective in China.

Results

The average total cost of PICCs and PORTs were ¥ 4,091.7 and ¥ 4,566.8, which yielded 0.46 and 0.475 quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) in a 6-month dwell time, respectively. The incremental cost-utility ratio (ICUR) was ¥ 31,670.9 per QALY. A one-way sensitivity analysis showed that the base-case results were robust, and the probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed that at a willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold of ¥ 80,976 per QALY (China's per capita GDP in 2021) the probability of a PORT being cost-effective was 96%.

Conclusion

PORTs were more cost-effective than PICCs for a 6 and 12-month dwell time. The total cost for a PORT was also less than that of a PICC. PORT is therefore recommended as a medium to long-term intravenous delivery device in clinical practice.
Self-care and quality of life among men with chronic heart failure
Authors: Wiśnicka Alicja , Lomper Katarzyna , Uchmanowicz Izabella
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Chronic Heart Failure (CHF) involves a complex regimen of daily self-care behaviors: pharmacological therapy, symptom monitoring and lifestyle modifications. Patients with CHF may have a reduced health related quality of life (HRQoL) due to various physical and emotional symptoms. HRQoL may be improved through the use of self-care interventions.

Purpose

To assess the level of self-care and quality of life among men with chronic heart failure.

Methods

The study was conducted among 80 men diagnosed with CHF (mean age 58 years). The study was cross-sectional. A self-administered questionnaire and analysis of medical records were used to collect baseline sociodemographic and clinical data. Self-care was assessed using the standardized European Heart Failure Self-care Behavior Scale- EHFScBS-9 and quality of life was assessed using the World Health Organization Quality of Life Bref.

Results

The Patients in NYHA class II constituted the vast majority (71.25%), mean LVEF in the study group was 43.5%, and mean disease duration was 3 years. The most common comorbidities were ischemic heart disease (72.5%), hypertension (70%) and diabetes mellitus (60%). The most commonly reported non-pharmacological treatments for NS were fluid restriction (45%), moderate physical activity (42.50%) and daily weight control (41.25%). The EHFSc-9 questionnaire score averaged 50.31 points out of 100 possible (SD = 26.52). The mean score regarding perception of QoL was 2.78 points (SD = 0.91), and 40% of patients indicating poor perception of QoL. The mean score for self-rated Analysis of the results of the individual domains of the WHOQoL BREF questionnaire showed that patients rated their QoL best in the environmental domain (M = 13.28; SD = 3.11), then in the social domain (M = 12.81; SD = 2.71), and in the psychological domain (M = 12.8; SD = 3.2). In contrast, QoL in the physical domain was rated the lowest (M = 10.44; SD = 2.85). There was no significant correlation between quality of life and self-care (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Men with CHF have unsatisfactory self-care outcomes and low quality of life scores and are dissatisfied with their health. Strategies to improve selfcare and quality of life in this group are indicated.
Trends in accessibility of negotiated targeted anti-cancer medicines in Nanjing, China: An interrupted time series analysis
Authors: Liu Yanyan , Yi Huining , Fang Kexin , Bao Yuwen , Li Xin
Published: July 2022

Background

In order to establish a long-term strategy for bearing the costs of anti-cancer drugs, the state had organized five rounds of national-level pricing negotiations and introduced the National Health Insurance Coverage (NHIC) policy since 2016. In addition, the National Healthcare Security Administration (NHSA) introduced the volume-based purchasing (VBP) pilot program to Nanjing in September 2019. Taking non-small cell lung cancer as an example, the aim of the study was to verify whether national pricing negotiations, the NHIC policy and the VBP pilot program had a positive impact on the accessibility of three targeted anti-cancer drugs.

Methods

Based on the hospital procurement data, interrupted time series (ITS) design was used to analyze the effect of the health policy on the accessibility and affordability of gefitinib, bevacizumab and recombinant human endostatin from January 2013 to December 2020 in Nanjing, China.

Results

The DDDs of the three drugs increased significantly after the policy implementation (P< 0.001,P< 0.001,P= 0.008). The trend of DDDc showed a significant decrease (P< 0.001,P< 0.001,P< 0.001). The mean availability of these drugs before the national pricing negotiation was <30% in the surveyed hospitals, and increased significantly to 60.33% after 2020 (P< 0.001,P= 0.001,P< 0.001). The affordability of these drugs has also increased every year after the implementation of the insurance coverage policy. The financial burden is higher for the rural patients compared with the urban patients, although the gap is narrowing.

Conclusion

The accessibility of targeted anti-cancer drugs has increased significantly after the implementation of centralized prices, the NHIC policy and the VBP pilot program, and has shown sustained long-term growth. Multi-pronged supplementary measures and policy approaches by multiple stakeholders will facilitate equitable access to effective and affordable anti-cancer drugs.
Cost-effectiveness of nivolumab plus ipilimumab as first-line treatment for American patients with unresectable malignant pleural mesothelioma
Authors: Ye Zhuo-miao , Tang Zi-Qing , Xu Zhe , Zhou Qin , Li Huan
Published: July 2022

Background

The treatment paradigm of unresectable malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) has changed in recent years. Checkmate 743 demonstrate that nivolumab plus ipilimumab showed good clinical benefits compared with chemotherapy in the treatment of MPM. The study is aim to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of Nivolumab plus ipilimumab vs. platinum plus chemotherapy for the first-line treatment of unresectable MPM.

Methods

A Markov model was developed to compare the cost and quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) of nivolumab plus ipilimumab and chemotherapy over a 10-year time horizon. Clinical efficacy and safety data were extracted from the CheckMate 743 trials. Health state utilities were obtained from published literature. Costs were collected from an US payer perspective. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted to explore the impact of uncertainties on the cost-effectiveness's results.

Results

In the base case analysis, the incremental healthcare costs and QALYs for Nivolumab plus Ipilimumab vs. chemotherapy are $196,604.22 and 0.53, respectively, resulting an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of $372,414.28/QALYs for the model cohort of patients with locally advanced or metastatic MPM. However, Probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed that there was no probability that Nivolumab plus ipilimumab was cost-effective within the fluctuation range of other model parameters in first-line in unresectable MPM. The results of one-way sensitivity analysis showed that the cost of Nivolumab was the most sensitive parameter.

Conclusions

The ICER of Nivolumab plus ipilimumab is above the theoretical willingness-to-pay threshold in the U.S, which suggests that first-line nivolumab plus ipilimumab for unresectable MPM may be not a cost-effective choice.
Association between body fat percentage and H-type hypertension in postmenopausal women
Authors: Du Shihong , Hong Xiuqin , Yang Yi , Ding Zihao , Yu Tong
Published: July 2022

Background

Previous studies have explored the relationship between body fat percentage (BFP) and hypertension or homocysteine. However, evidence on the constancy of the association remains inconclusive in postmenopausal women. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between BFP and H-type hypertension in postmenopausal women.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 1,597 eligible female patients with hypertension. Homocysteine levels ≥10 mmol/L were defined as H-type hypertension. BFP was calculated by measuring patients' physical parameters. Subjects were divided into 4 groups according to quartiles of BFP (Q1: 33.4% or lower, Q2: 33.4–36.1%, Q3: 36.1–39.1%, Q4: >39.1%). We used restricted cubic spline regression models and logistic regression analysis to assess the relationship between BFP and H-type hypertension. Additional subgroup analysis was performed for this study.

Results

Among 1,597 hypertensive patients, 955 (59.8%) participants had H-type hypertension. There were significant differences between the two groups in age, BMI, educational background, marital status, exercise status, drinking history, WC, TG, LDL, Scr, BUN, and eGFR (P < 0.05). The prevalence of H-type hypertension in the Q1 to Q4 groups was 24.9, 25.1, 24.9, and 25.1%, respectively. After adjusting for relevant factors, we found that the risk of H-type hypertension in the Q4 group had a significantly higher than the Q1 group (OR = 3.2, 95% CI: 1.3–7.5).

Conclusion

BFP was positively associated with the risk of H-type hypertension in postmenopausal women. Postmenopausal women should control body fat to prevent hypertension.
Operant down-conditioning of the soleus H-reflex in people after stroke
Authors: Thompson Aiko K. , Gill Christina R. , Feng Wuwei , Segal Richard L.
Published: July 2022

Through operant conditioning, spinal reflex behaviors can be changed. Previous studies in rats indicate that the sensorimotor cortex and corticospinal tract are essential in inducing and maintaining reflex changes induced through conditioning. In people with incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI), an operant down-conditioning protocol decreased the soleus H-reflex size and improved walking speed and symmetry, suggesting that a partially preserved spinal cord can support conditioning-induced plasticity and benefit from it. This study examined whether down-conditioning can decrease the soleus H-reflex in people with supraspinal injury (i.e., cortical or subcortical stroke). Operant down-conditioning was applied to the soleus H-reflex in a cohort of 12 stroke people with chronic spastic hemiparesis (>12 months from stroke onset of symptoms). Each participant completed 6 baseline and 30 conditioning sessions over 12 weeks. In each baseline session, 225 control H-reflexes were elicited without any feedback on H-reflex size. In each conditioning session, 225 conditioned H-reflexes were elicited while the participant was asked to decrease H-reflex size and was given visual feedback as to whether the resulting H-reflex was smaller than a criterion value. In six of 12 participants, the conditioned H-reflex became significantly smaller by 30% on average, whereas in other 6 participants, it did not. The difference between the subgroups was largely attributable to the difference in across-session control reflex change. Ten-meter walking speed was increased by various extent (+0.04 to +0.35, +0.14 m/s on average) among the six participants whose H-reflex decreased, whereas the change was 0.00 m/s on average for the rest of participants. Although less than what was seen in participants with SCI, the fact that conditioning succeeded in 50% of stroke participants supports the feasibility of reflex down-conditioning in people after stroke. At the same time, the difference in across-session control reflex change and conditioning success rate may reflect a critical role of supraspinal activity in producing long-term plasticity in the spinal cord, as previous animal studies suggested.
Understanding dynamic complexity in context—Enriching contextual analysis in implementation science from a constructivist perspective
Authors: Mielke Juliane , De Geest Sabina , Zúñiga Franziska , Brunkert Thekla , Zullig Leah L. , Pfadenhauer Lisa M. , Staudacher Sandra
Published: July 2022

Context in implementation science includes not only characteristics of a setting in which an intervention will be delivered, but also social systems (e.g., interrelationships). Context is dynamic and interacts with both, the intervention and its implementation. Therefore, contextual analysis is recognized as an indispensable part of implementation science methodology: it provides the foundation for successful and sustainable implementation projects. Yet, driven by the prevailing post-positivist understanding of context, contextual analysis typically focuses on individual characteristics of context i.e., contextual dynamics and interactions go unnoticed. Conducting contextual analysis from a constructivist perspective promotes a multilayered approach, building a more comprehensive understanding of context, and thus facilitating successful implementation. In this article, we highlight the limitations of prevailing perspectives on context and approaches to contextual analysis. We then describe how contextual analysis can be enriched by working from a constructivist perspective. We finish with a discussion of the methodological and practical implications the proposed changes would entail. Emerging literature attempts to address both the concept of context and methods for contextual analysis. Various theories, models and frameworks consider context, however, many of these are reductionistic and do not acknowledge the dynamic nature of context or interactions within it. To complement recent conceptualizations of context, we suggest consider the following five constructivist concepts: 1) social space; 2) social place; 3) agency; 4) sensation; and 5) embodiment. We demonstrate the value of these concepts using COVID-19 vaccination uptake as an example and integrate the concepts in the Context and Implementation of Complex Interventions (CICI) framework—an implementation science framework that pays ample attention to context. To study context from a constructivist perspective, we also suggest additional considerations in view of methodologies for data collection and analysis, e.g., rapid ethnographic methods. A constructivist perspective contributes to a stronger conceptualization of contextual analysis. Considering the five constructivist concepts helps to overcome contextual analysis' current shortcomings, while revealing complex dynamics that usually go unnoticed. Thus, more comprehensive understanding of context can be developed to inform subsequent phases of an implementation project, thereby maximizing an intervention's uptake and sustainability.
"Design of a Suspension Lever Mechanism in Biomedical Robotic System"
Authors: Voloshkin A. , Tereshchenko A. , Carbone G. , Rybak L. , Nozdracheva A.
Published: July 2022

The article discusses the design of a suspended lever mechanism with elastic elements, which is used as a safety device in a robotic system for the rehabilitation of the lower limbs. The article analyzes the existing mechanical structures of devices for rehabilitation, identifies the problems of operation, design, and safety systems and suggests a new design of the device. The process of reverse development of a lever mechanism scheme to ensure safety during rehabilitation of the lower limbs is presented. The design of the lever mechanism consists of movable levers connected by elastic elements. The device allows you to dampen the force during active rehabilitation. The power calculation of the lever mechanism in the rehabilitation system was carried out. The article addresses the issues present in the current mechanical designs with a brief discussion on the system architecture.
Polarized Radiative Transfer Simulations: A Tutorial Review and Upgrades of the Vector Discrete Ordinate Radiative Transfer Computational Tool
Authors: Lin Zhenyi , Stamnes Snorre , Li Wei , Hu Yongxiang , Laszlo Istvan , Tsay Si-Chee , Berk Alexander , van den Bosch Jeannette , Stamnes Knut
Published: July 2022

We present an overview and several important upgrades to the Vector Discrete Ordinate Radiative Transfer (VDISORT) code. VDISORT is a polarized (vector) radiative transfer code that can be applied to a wide range of research problems including the Earth’s atmosphere and ocean system. First, a solution is developed to the complex algebraic eigenvalue problem resulting when the b2 component of the Stokes scattering matrix is non-zero. This solution is needed to compute the V component of the Stokes vector I=[I∥,I⊥,U,V]T. Second, a significant improvement in computational efficiency is obtained by reducing the dimension of the algebraic eigenvalue by a factor of 2 resulting in a speed increase of about 23 = 8. Third, an important upgrade of the VDISORT code is obtained by developing and implementing a method to enable output at arbitrary polar angles by the integration of the source function (ISF) method for partially reflecting Lambertian as well as general non-Lambertian surfaces. Fourth, a pseudo-spherical treatment has been implemented to provide important corrections for Earth curvature effects at near horizontal solar zenith and observation (viewing) polar angles. Fifth, a post-processing single-scattering correction procedure has been developed to enhance the accuracy and speed for strongly forward-peaked scattering. With these significant improvements the results from the upgraded version of the VDISORT code match published benchmark results for Rayleigh scattering, Mie scattering, and scattering by non-spherical cirrus particles. The performance of VDISORT for a polarized incident beam source is equally satisfactory. The VDISORT vector radiative transfer code is made public and freely available for use by the growing polarimetric research community including the space-borne polarimeters on the future NASA PACE and AOS missions.
The Practice Environment—How Coaches May Promote Athlete Learning
Authors: Larkin Paul , Barkell James , O'Connor Donna
Published: July 2022

The coaching environment is the primary teaching and learning medium for the development of athlete skills. Therefore, by understanding how practice environments are designed to facilitate learning, coaches can make decisions around the structure of specific activities and behavior to promote athlete learning and development. This short review examines the coaching environment literature, with a particular focus on the structure and content within a practice session. The review will highlight the specific activities coaches utilize to develop athletes technical and tactical skills. Further, the coaching behaviors used to promote athlete learning is discussed, and how coach athlete interactions may influence learning. Finally, we provide applied recommendations for coaches, and highlight areas for future coaching science research.
Mucosa and microbiota – the role of intrinsic parameters on intestinal wound healing
Authors: Kelm Matthias , Anger Friedrich
Published: July 2022

Mucosal healing in the gut is an essential process when it comes to chronic inflammatory disorders such as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) but also to the creation of intestinal anastomosis. Despite an improvement of surgical techniques, the rates of anastomotic leakage remain substantial and represent a significant health-care and socio-economic burden. Recent research has focused on intrinsic factors such as mucosal linings and differences in the intestinal microbiota and identified specific endoluminal bacteria and epithelial proteins which influence intestinal wound healing and re-establishment of mucosal homeostasis. Despite the lack of large clinical studies, previous data indicate that the identified bacteria such as aerotolerant lactobacilli or wound-associated Akkermansia muciniphila as well as epithelial-expressed sialyl Lewis glycans or CD47 might be critical for wound and anastomotic healing in the gut, thus, providing a potential novel approach for future treatment strategies in colorectal surgery and IBD therapy. Since microbiota and mucosa are interacting closely, we outline the current discoveries about both subsets in this review together to demonstrate the significant interplay
High Body Mass Index Is Associated with an Increased Risk of the Onset and Severity of Ossification of Spinal Ligaments
Authors: Zhao Yongzhao , Xiang Qian , Lin Jialiang , Jiang Shuai , Li Weishi
Published: July 2022

Background

Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) and that of ligamentum flavum (OLF) are the main types of the ossification of spinal ligaments (OSL) that cause the thoracic myelopathy. Although several studies have investigated the relationship of body mass index (BMI) with the onset or severity of OSL, it remains unverified due to the contradictory results of existing evidence. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed in this work to determine the relationship of BMI with the onset and severity of OSL.

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were comprehensively searched online for relevant studies focusing on the relationship of BMI with the onset or severity of the OSL. The difference in BMI of OSL (or severe OSL group) and non-OSL (or nonsevere OSL group) groups was evaluated using the mean difference (MD) with a corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

Fifteen studies were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The BMI of the OSL group was significantly higher than that of the non-OSL group (MD = 1.70 kg/m2, 95% CI = 1.02–2.39 kg/m2, and P < 0.01). Similar results were observed in the subgroup analysis of female (P < 0.01), OPLL (P < 0.01), and OLF (P < 0.01) populations. Three studies reported a significant association of BMI with the ossification index of OSL and the standardized regression coefficient ranging from 0.11 to 0.43 (P < 0.05). Moreover, a significantly higher BMI was observed in the severe OSL group compared with that in the nonsevere OSL group (MD = 3.09, 95% CI, 0.22–5.97 kg/m2, and P = 0.04).

Conclusion

The significant association of high BMI with the onset and severity of OSL may provide new evidence and insights into the mechanism research and management of OSL.
Molecular Characterization Analysis of Prevalent Infectious Bronchitis Virus and Pathogenicity Assessment of Recombination Strain in China
Authors: Wu Zhiqiang , Fang Huanxin , Xu Zhouyi , Lian Jiamin , Xie Zi , Wang Zhanxin , Qin Jianpin , Huang Benli , Feng Keyu , Zhang Xinheng , Lin Wencheng , Li Hongxin , Chen Weiguo , Xie Qingmei
Published: July 2022

Avian coronavirus infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) is a respiratory pathogen of chickens, resulting in severe economic losses in the poultry industry. This study aimed to monitor and isolate the molecular identity of IBV in broiler flocks with respiratory symptoms in eight provinces of China. In total, 910 samples (oropharyngeal and cloacal mixed swabs) from broiler flocks showed IBV positive rates of 17.6% (160/910) using PCR assay. Phylogenetic analysis of the complete S1 genes of 160 IBV isolates was performed and revealed that QX-type (GI-19), TW-type (GI-7), 4/91-type (GI-13), HN08-type (GI-22),TC07-2-type (GVI-1), and LDT3-type (GI-28) exhibited IBV positive rates of 58.15, 25, 8.12, 1.86, 5.62, and 1.25%. In addition, recombination analyses revealed that the four newly IBV isolates presented different recombination patterns. The CK/CH/JS/YC10-3 isolate likely originated from recombination events between strain YX10 (QX-type) and strain TW2575-98 (TW-type), the pathogenicity of which was assessed, comparing it with strain GZ14 (TW-type) and strain CK/CH/GD/JR07-7 (QX-type). The complete S1 gene data from these isolates indicate that IBV has consistently evolved through genetic recombination or mutation, more likely changing the viral pathogenicity and leading to larger outbreaks in chick populations, in China.
Bovine Tuberculosis Epidemiology in Cameroon, Central Africa, Based on the Interferon-Gamma Assay
Authors: Kelly Robert F. , Gonzaléz Gordon Lina , Egbe Nkongho F. , Freeman Emily J. , Mazeri Stella , Ngwa Victor N. , Tanya Vincent , Sander Melissa , Ndip Lucy , Muwonge Adrian , Morgan Kenton L. , Handel Ian G. , Bronsvoort Barend M. D. C.
Published: July 2022

Despite sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) accounting for ~20% of the global cattle population, prevalence estimates and related risk factors of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) are still poorly described. The increased sensitivity of the IFN-γ assay and its practical benefits suggest the test could be useful to investigate bTB epidemiology in SSA. This study used a population-based sample to estimate bTB prevalence, identify risk factors and estimate the effective reproductive rate in Cameroonian cattle populations. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the North West Region (NWR) and the Vina Division (VIN) of Cameroon in 2013. A regional stratified sampling frame of pastoral cattle herds produced a sample of 1,448 cattle from 100 herds. In addition, a smaller cross-sectional study sampled 60 dairy cattle from 46 small-holder co-operative dairy farmers in the NWR. Collected blood samples were stimulated with bovine and avian purified protein derivatives, with extracted plasma screened using the IFN-γ enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Prionics Bovigam®). Design-adjusted population prevalences were estimated, and multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression models using Bayesian inference techniques identified the risk factors for IFN-γ positivity. Using the IFN-γ assay, the prevalence of bTB in the dairy cattle was 21.7% (95% CI: 11.2–32.2). The design-adjusted prevalence of bTB in cattle kept by pastoralists was 11.4% (95% CI: 7.6–17.0) in the NWR and 8.0% (95% CI: 4.7–13.0) in the VIN. A within-herd prevalence estimate for pastoralist cattle also supported that the NWR had higher prevalence herds than the VIN. Additionally, the estimates of the effective reproductive rateRtwere 1.12 for the NWR and 1.06 for the VIN, suggesting different transmission rates within regional cattle populations in Cameroon. For pastoral cattle, an increased risk of IFN-γ assay positivity was associated with being male (OR = 1.89; 95% CI:1.15–3.09), increasing herd size (OR = 1.02; 95% CI:1.01–1.03), exposure to the bovine leucosis virus (OR = 2.45; 95% CI: 1.19–4.84) and paratuberculosis (OR = 9.01; 95% CI: 4.17–20.08). Decreased odds were associated with contacts at grazing, buffalo (OR = 0.20; 95% CI: 0.03–0.97) and increased contact with other herds [1–5 herds: OR = 0.16 (95% CI: 0.04–0.55); 6+ herds: OR = 0.18 (95% CI: 0.05–0.64)]. Few studies have used the IFN-γ assay to describe bTB epidemiology in SSA. This study highlights the endemic situation of bTB in Cameroon and potential public health risks from dairy herds. Further work is needed to understand the IFN-γ assay performance, particularly in the presence of co-infections, and how this information can be used to develop control strategies in the SSA contexts.
Tumor-Associated Macrophages in Canine Oral and Cutaneous Melanomas and Melanocytomas: Phenotypic and Prognostic Assessment
Authors: Porcellato Ilaria , Sforna Monica , Lo Giudice Adriana , Bossi Ilaria , Musi Alice , Tognoloni Alessia , Chiaradia Elisabetta , Mechelli Luca , Brachelente Chiara
Published: July 2022

The tumor microenvironment is a complex system, where neoplastic cells interact with immune and stromal cells. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are considered among the most numerically and biologically noteworthy cellular components in tumors and the attention on this cellular population has been growing during the last decade, both for its prognostic role and as a potential future therapeutic target. Melanoma, particularly the oral form, despite being one of the most immunogenic tumors, bears a poor prognosis in dogs and humans, due to its highly aggressive biological behavior and limited therapeutic options. The aims of this study are to characterize and quantify TAMs (using CD163, CD204, Iba1, and MAC387) in canine melanocytic tumors and to evaluate the association of these markers with diagnosis, histologic prognostic features, presence of metastases, and outcome, and to provide preliminary data for possible future therapies targeting TAMs. Seventy-two melanocytic tumors (27 oral melanomas, 25 cutaneous melanomas, 14 cutaneous melanocytomas, and 6 oral melanocytomas) were retrospectively selected and submitted to immunohistochemistry and double immunofluorescence. Double immunolabeling revealed that most CD163+ and CD204+cells co-expressed Iba1, which labeled also dendritic cells. Iba1 was instead rarely co-expressed with MAC387. Nevertheless, the expression of macrophagic markers showed a mild to moderate association among the four markers, except for CD204 and MAC387. The number of CD163+, CD204+, and MAC387+ cells was significantly higher in oral melanomas compared to oral melanocytomas (p < 0.001; p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively), whereas Iba1 was differentially expressed in cutaneous melanomas and melanocytomas (p < 0.05). Moreover, CD163, IBA1 and MAC387 expression was associated with nuclear atypia and mitotic count. The number of CD163+cells was associated with the presence of metastases and tumor-related death in oral melanocytic tumors (p < 0.05 and p = 0.001, respectively).
Active components and molecular mechanism of Syringa oblata Lindl. in the treatment of endometritis based on pharmacology network prediction
Authors: Wang Xiao-Zhen , Song Xue-Jiao , Liu Chang , Xing Chen , Wu Tong , Zhang Yue , Su Jing , Hao Jing-You , Chen Xue-Ying , Zhang Zhi-Yun , Li Yan-Hua , Liu Yan-Yan
Published: July 2022

Antibiotic treatment of endometritis was limited by the inevitable antibiotic residues and risk of bacterial resistance. Therefore, the development of safe and effective strategies for endometritis treatment is urgently needed. Syringa oblata Lindl. (SOL) showed great pharmacological potential against endometritis. However, the active components and underlying mechanism of SOL for endometritis treatment remain indeterminate. In our study, the active components and possible molecular mechanism of SOL against endometritis were predicted through computer data mining and biological networks construction. It was predicted that the main active components of SOL were luteolin, kaempferol, oleanolic acid, and rutin, and their anti-endometritis effect was mainly attributed to the TLRs/NF-κB signaling pathway. Furthermore, a green and efficient deep eutectic solvent combined with ultrasound-assisted extraction (DES-UAE) was performed and optimized to obtain high contents of total flavonoid, rutin, and luteolin. The four predicted active components in the SOL extracts were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed by LC/MS and HPLC. Finally, the pharmacological effects of SOL and active components have been verified by Staphylococcus aureus-endometritis models in mice. H&E staining and bacterial load in uterus tissues assays initially validated the pharmacodynamic effects of SOL, and quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) and ELISA results confirmed that SOL and four active components could ameliorate the uterus injury caused by Staphylococcus aureus, the mechanism of action is related to the TLRs/NF-κB signaling pathway.
Serotype Diversity and Antimicrobial Resistance Profile of Salmonella enterica Isolates From Freshwater Turtles Sold for Human Consumption in Wet Markets in Hong Kong
Authors: Colon Violaine Albane , Lugsomya Kittitat , Lam Hoi Kiu , Wahl Lloyd Christian , Parkes Rebecca Sarah Victoria , Cormack Catherine Anne , Horlbog Jule Anna , Stevens Marc , Stephan Roger , Magouras Ioannis
Published: July 2022

Chelonians are recognized as a source of human salmonellosis through direct contact or consumption of their meat. Freshwater turtles sold for food are widely available in wet markets in Asia. In this pilot study, 50 turtles belonging to three species were randomly sampled from wet markets throughout Hong Kong. The turtles were humanely euthanised and their feces or the colon were sampled forSalmonellaculture. TheSalmonellaisolates obtained were serotyped and examined for phenotypic antimicrobial resistance and the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes. The study reports a high prevalence (42%, 95% CI: 29.4–55.8) and considerable serotype diversity ofSalmonellaamong turtles sold in wet markets. The most common among the 11 serotypes isolated wereS. Oranienburg andS. Thompson, which have been reported in turtles previously. The serotypeS. Manhattan is reported in chelonians for the first time. Resistance to streptomycin and chloramphenicol was common, despite the latter being banned from aquaculture in mainland China since 2002. Resistance against fluoroquinolones and third-generation cephalosporins which represent first-line treatment options for salmonellosis was also observed. The multidrug-resistance genecfris identified for the first time inSalmonella. This is a worrying finding as it indicates an expansion of thecfrreservoir and potential horizontal spread to other bacteria. The results of this study emphasize the need for close surveillance ofSalmonellafrom turtles sold as food and better regulation of turtle farming to safeguard public health and improve animal welfare.
Effects of alfalfa saponins on the production performance, serum biochemical factors, and immune factors in Small-Tailed Han sheep
Authors: Yang Fan , Yang Fang , Zhai Zhen-Han , Wang Sai-Qiao , Zhao Lu , Zhang Bing-Lei , Chen Jun-Cheng , Wang Yu-Qin
Published: July 2022

This study aimed to determine the potential effects of alfalfa saponins on the production performance, serum biochemical factors, and immune factors in sheep. Twenty Small-Tailed Han sheep were equally and randomly divided into Groups 1–4, fed with diets containing 0, 5, 10, and 20 g alfalfa saponins per kg, respectively, for 40 consecutive days. During the treatments, the body weight change was recorded for each sheep. Before, during, and after the treatments of alfalfa saponins, serum was collected from each group to compare the levels of biochemical and immune factors. All sheep were killed after the treatments, and the longissimus dorsi muscle was collected to compare the meat quality. The results validated the effects of alfalfa saponins on the growth performance and meat quality in Small-Tailed Han sheep, and the supplementation level of 10 g/kg was the best. Alfalfa saponins also had effects on the levels of biochemical factors in serum. However, both dose- and time-dependent effects were observed. After a shorter feeding period (14 days), the concentrations of cholesterol (CHOL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in Groups 2, 3, and 4 were all lower than those in the control group; however, when alfalfa saponins were continuously fed, this effect was not apparent or even gone. Supplying alfalfa saponins increased serum concentrations of IgA, IgG, IgE, IgM, IL-1, IFN-α, and IFN-β. And this effect was distinctly observed in Groups 3 and 4. Based on the current results, the alfalfa saponins concentration of 10 g/kg (for 14 consecutive days) could be suggested as the optimum ratio for good health conditions of Small-Tailed Han sheep.
Effects of supplementation with lysophospholipids on performance, nutrient digestibility, and bacterial communities of beef cattle
Authors: Zhang Meimei , Bai Haixin , Zhao Yufan , Wang Ruixue , Li Guanglei , Zhang Yonggen , Jiao Peixin
Published: July 2022

An experiment was conducted to investigate the influences of supplemental lysophospholipids (LPL) on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and fecal bacterial profile, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) of beef cattle. Thirty-six Angus beef cattle [565 ± 10.25 kg body weight (BW)] were grouped by BW and age, and randomly allocated to 1 of 3 treatment groups: (1) control (CON, basal diet); (2) LLPL [CON supplemented with 0.5 g/kg LPL, dry matter (DM) basis]; and (3) HLPL (CON supplemented with 0.75 g/kg, DM basis). The Angus cattle were fed a total mixed ration that consisted of 25% roughage and 75% concentrate (dry matter [DM] basis). The results reveal that LPL inclusion linearly increased the average daily gain (P = 0.02) and the feed efficiency (ADG/feed intake, P = 0.02), while quadratically increasing the final weight (P = 0.02) of the beef cattle. Compared with CON, the total tract digestibilities of DM (P < 0.01), ether extract (P = 0.04) and crude protein (P < 0.01) were increased with LPL supplementation. At the phylum-level, the relative abundance of Firmicutes (P = 0.05) and ratio of Firmicutes: Bacteroidetes (P = 0.04) were linearly increased, while the relative abundances of Bacteroidetes (P = 0.04) and Proteobacteria (P < 0.01) were linearly decreased with increasing LPL inclusion. At the genus-level, the relative abundances of Clostridium (P < 0.01) and Roseburia (P < 0.01) were quadratically increased, and the relative abundances of Ruminococcus was linearly increased (P < 0.01) with LPL supplementation. Additionally, increasing the dose of LPL in diets linearly increased the molar proportion of butyrate (P < 0.01) and total SCFAs (P = 0.01) concentrations. A conclusion was drawn that, as a promising feed additive, LPL promoted growth performance and nutrient digestibility, which may be associated with the change of fecal microbiome and SCFAs.
Acaricidal Properties of Four Neem Seed Extracts (Azadirachta indica) on the Camel Tick Hyalomma dromedarii (Acari: Ixodidae)
Authors: Gareh Ahmed , Hassan Dalia , Essa Asmaa , Kotb Saber , Karmi Mohammed , Mohamed Abou El-Hamd H. , Alkhaibari Abeer Mousa , Elbaz Elzahara , Elhawary Nagwa M. , Hassanen Eman A. A. , Lokman Maha S. , El-Gohary Fatma A. , Elmahallawy Ehab Kotb
Published: July 2022

Tick infestation remains one of the major health problems that affect the productivity and comfort of camels. The control of ticks mainly relies on using chemical acaracides. Limited information is available on the potential benefits and activity of various neem extracts on Hyalomma ticks. The present study investigated the acaricidal activity of neem seed extracts at different concentrations against developmental stages of the camel tick Hyalomma dromedarii in comparison to Butox and diazinon. The acaricidal activity of three extracts, namely, hexane extract (HE), methyl chloride extract (MCE), and methanol extract (ME), of neem seeds (Azadirachta indica) were tested at varying concentrations of 5, 10, 15, and 20% on engorged H. dromedarii female ticks at days 1, 3, 5, 7, 12, 16, 20, 28, 37, and 43 after treatment (DPT). Interestingly, results of applying different neem seed extracts to engorged H. dromedarii female ticks showed that the most effective extract was hexane at concentration 20%, causing 100% mortality at 1st day post-application, while methanol extract at 20% and dichloromethane extract at 20% caused the death of all ticks at 28th day posttreatment as compared to Butox® 5.0 and Diazinon-60, which resulted in mortality of all ticks at 3 and 5 DPT, respectively. In addition, no mortality was reported with the application of aqueous extract (AE), which served as the control group. Furthermore, the neem hexane extract exhibited high efficacy against reproductive performance of female ticks, whereas no fertility or oviposition was reported at all of their concentrations. Additionally, no hatchability occurred using all neem extracts, except the aqueous extract, which showing no effect. In the present study, larvae responded more rapidly to the plant extracts, whereas mortality of all larvae was recorded at 24 h after treatment with 5% hexane. Taken together, this study pointed out that the acaricidal effect of hexane extract of neem seeds was more effective and could be economically used for controlling H. dromedarii ticks.
Thoracic Electrical Impedance Tomography—The 2022 Veterinary Consensus Statement
Authors: Brabant Olivia A. , Byrne David P. , Sacks Muriel , Moreno Martinez Fernando , Raisis Anthea L. , Araos Joaquin B. , Waldmann Andreas D. , Schramel Johannes P. , Ambrosio Aline , Hosgood Giselle , Braun Christina , Auer Ulrike , Bleul Ulrike , Herteman Nicolas , Secombe Cristy J. , Schoster Angelika , Soares Joao , Beazley Shannon , Meira Carolina , Adler Andy , Mosing Martina
Published: July 2022

Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is a non-invasive real-time non-ionising imaging modality that has many applications. Since the first recorded use in 1978, the technology has become more widely used especially in human adult and neonatal critical care monitoring. Recently, there has been an increase in research on thoracic EIT in veterinary medicine. Real-time imaging of the thorax allows evaluation of ventilation distribution in anesthetised and conscious animals. As the technology becomes recognised in the veterinary community there is a need to standardize approaches to data collection, analysis, interpretation and nomenclature, ensuring comparison and repeatability between researchers and studies. A group of nineteen veterinarians and two biomedical engineers experienced in veterinary EIT were consulted and contributed to the preparation of this statement. The aim of this consensus is to provide an introduction to this imaging modality, to highlight clinical relevance and to include recommendations on how to effectively use thoracic EIT in veterinary species. Based on this, the consensus statement aims to address the need for a streamlined approach to veterinary thoracic EIT and includes: an introduction to the use of EIT in veterinary species, the technical background to creation of the functional images, a consensus from all contributing authors on the practical application and use of the technology, descriptions and interpretation of current available variables including appropriate statistical analysis, nomenclature recommended for consistency and future developments in thoracic EIT. The information provided in this consensus statement may benefit researchers and clinicians working within the field of veterinary thoracic EIT. We endeavor to inform future users of the benefits of this imaging modality and provide opportunities to further explore applications of this technology with regards to perfusion imaging and pathology diagnosis.