bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Association Between Cadmium Exposure and Osteoporosis: A Longitudinal Study and Predictive Model in a Chinese Female Population
Authors: Wang Miaomiao , Wang Xinru , Liu Jingjing , Wang Zhongqiu , Jin Taiyi , Zhu Guoying , Chen Xiao
Published: December 2021

Objective: The association between cadmium exposure and osteoporosis has been rarely reported in longitudinal studies. In this study, we investigated the association between osteoporosis and cadmium exposure and developed predictive models in women in a longitudinal cohort.

Materials and Methods: In total, 488 women living in southeastern China were included at baseline (1998). Cadmium in blood (BCd) and urine (UCd) and also renal dysfunction biomarkers and bone mineral density (BMD) were determined both at baseline and follow-up. A total of 307 subjects were finally included after excluding subjects that did not have exposure or effect biomarkers. Osteoporosis was defined based on T score ≤ −2.5. Multiple linear regression and multivariate logistic analysis were used to show the association between baseline data and follow-up osteoporosis. Based on the identified associated factors, nomograms were developed to graphically calculate the individual risk of osteoporosis.

Results: The baseline BMD in subjects with osteoporosis was significantly lower than that in subjects without osteoporosis (0.59 vs. 0.71 g/cm2, p < 0.05). The prevalence of low bone mass at baseline was higher in subjects with osteoporosis than in those without osteoporosis (23.5 vs. 7.2%, p = 0.001). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that age [odds ratio (OR) = 1.21, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.16–1.27], UCd (OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.002–1.06) and the presence of low BMD (OR = 3.84, 95% CI: 1.49–9.89) were independent risk factors for osteoporosis. For those subjects with normal baseline BMD, age, UCd, and baseline BMD were also independent risk factors for osteoporosis. The OR value was 1.16 (95% CI: 1.10–1.22) for age, 2.27 (95% CI: 1.03–4.99) for UCd > 10 μg/g creatinine, and 0.39 (95% CI: 0.21–0.72) for BMDbaseline. We developed two nomograms to predict the risk of osteoporosis. The area under the curve was 0.88 (95% CI: 0.84–0.92) for total population and was 0.88 (95% CI: 0.84–0.92) for subjects with normal baseline BMD, respectively.

Conclusion: Baseline age, UCd, and BMD were associated with follow-up osteoporosis in women. Nomograms showed good performance in predicting the risk of osteoporosis.
Effect of a Concise Educational Program on COVID-19 Vaccination Attitudes
Authors: Kaim Arielle , Siman-Tov Maya , Jaffe Eli , Adini Bruria
Published: December 2021

Background: Vaccination has been recognized as a vital step for containing the COVID-19 outbreak. To ensure the success of immunization efforts as a public health containment measure, a high level of public vaccination compliance is essential. Targeted educational programs can be utilized to improve attitudes toward vaccination and improve the public's uptake of protective measures.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of a concise educational program on perceived knowledge regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, vaccine importance and trust, protection and fear from COVID-19, trust in authorities, as well as individual resilience.

Results: The study evaluated 503 participants that completed the questionnaire before and after viewing a concise video tutorial on vaccination. Following the educational program, scores of five variables increased significantly compared to their pre-viewing level: knowledge, personal resilience, trust in authorities, vaccine importance, as well as perceived protection. Those that were vaccinated and/or intend to be vaccinated (N = 394) report higher levels of knowledge, trust in authorities, vaccine importance, vaccine trust, and fear of being infected as compared to those that are unwilling to get vaccinated. Positive significant correlations were found between resilience and trust in authorities (r = 0.169, p < 0.001), vaccine importance (r = 0.098, p = 0.028), and feeling protected (r = 0.310, p < 0.001). Trust in authorities was positively correlated with vaccine importance (r = 0.589, p < 0.001) and vaccine trust (r = 0.177, p < 0.001). Vaccine importance was positively correlated with vaccine trust (r = 0.149, p = 0.001), but not correlated with knowledge score.

Conclusion: The findings of the study demonstrate the benefits of educational programs on improving attitudes toward vaccination acceptability. Incorporation of such concise educational programs by authorities may improve uptake of COVID-19 vaccination and help overcome public vaccine hesitancy. We recommend that such a concise and easily implementable educational program be incorporated as a response component to the current and future outbreaks.
Assessment of Medical Service Pricing in China's Healthcare System: Challenges, Constraints, and Policy Recommendations
Authors: Xiong Wenying , Deng Yufan , Yang Yili , Zhang Yumeng , Pan Jay
Published: December 2021

Medical service pricing reform was considered as one of the focuses of China's remarkable health reform. This paper preliminarily assessed the roles of medical service pricing in the context of China's healthcare system. Specifically, we described the potential roles of medical service pricing in China and pointed out relevant challenges that emerged in practice as the result of reform-related activities. Multiple constraint factors that might have induced undesired outcomes were then recognized, including the excessive diversity and specialization of medical services, the price inelasticity of patients' demand, and the inadequate capability of both medical institutions and administrations. Finally, we provided policy recommendations to inform the ongoing medical service pricing reform in China from a long-term perspective.
Natural History of Diabetic Retinopathy Through Retrospective Analysis in Type 2 Diabetic Patients—An Exploratory Study
Authors: Gupta Mehak , Singh Amarjeet , Duggal Mona , Singh Ramandeep , Bhadada Sanjay , Khanna Poonam
Published: December 2021

Background and Aims: Diabetic retinopathy is the most common diabetes-associated microvascular complication and is among the leading causes of vision loss or blindness in the adult population. The present study is a retrospective study that reported the natural history of diabetic retinopathy.

Methods: Retrospective medical records of 170 patients aged > 20 years with a confirmed complication of diabetic retinopathy were recruited into the present study. A questionnaire was also sent to each subject for gathering their experiences, and verification was done by the attending medical physicians. The questionnaire was answered by all recruited patients.

Results: The results showed that 23 (13.5%) subjects have a family history of diabetic retinopathy with 10 (5.9%) having mild NPDR, 63 (37.1%) with moderate NPDR, 60 (25.3%) have severe NPDR while 37 (21.8%) have PDR complications. The presence of co-morbidities was found in 139 (81.8%) subjects. Patients with PDR reported a significantly longer duration of diabetes mellitus with worse glycemic control.

Conclusions: The study revealed and concluded that adherence to the prescribed management regimen is important, for which patient education was the key which was lacking.
Are Conference Posters Being Cited?
Authors: Haupka Nick , Schröer Cäcilia , Hauschke Christian
Published: December 2021

We present a small case study on citations of conference posters using poster collections from both Figshare and Zenodo. The study takes into account the years 2016–2020 according to the dates of publication on the platforms. Citation data was taken from DataCite, Crossref and Dimensions. Primarily, we want to know to what extent scientific posters are being cited and thereby which impact posters potentially have on the scholarly landscape and especially on academic publications. Our data-driven analysis reveals that posters are rarely cited. Citations could only be found for 1% of the posters in our dataset. A limitation in this study however is that the impact of academic posters was not measured empirical but rather descriptive.
The Spiny Mouse—A Menstruating Rodent to Build a Bridge From Bench to Bedside
Authors: Bellofiore Nadia , McKenna Jarrod , Ellery Stacey , Temple-Smith Peter
Published: December 2021

Menstruation, the cyclical breakdown of the uterine lining, is arguably one of evolution's most mysterious reproductive strategies. The complexity and rarity of menstruation within the animal kingdom is undoubtedly a leading contributor to our current lack of understanding about menstrual function and disorders. In particular, the molecular and environmental mechanisms that drive menstrual and fertility dysregulation remain ambiguous, owing to the restricted opportunities to study menstruation and model menstrual disorders in species outside the primates. The recent discovery of naturally occurring menstruation in the Egyptian spiny mouse (Acomys cahirinus) offers a new laboratory model with significant benefits for prospective research in women's health. This review summarises current knowledge of spiny mouse menstruation, with an emphasis on spiral artery formation, inflammation and endocrinology. We offer a new perspective on cycle variation in menstrual bleeding between individual animals, and propose that this is indicative of fertility success. We discuss how we can harness our knowledge of the unique physiology of the spiny mouse to better understand vascular remodelling and its implications for successful implantation, placentation, and foetal development. Our research suggests that the spiny mouse has the potential as a translational research model to bridge the gap between bench to bedside and provide improved reproductive health outcomes for women.
Perception and Attitude Changes of Stakeholders for Resilient City Policy by Online Deliberation
Authors: Baba Kenshi , Amanuma Eri , Iwami Asako
Published: December 2021

The aim of this study is to clarify the stakeholders' perceptions and attitudes of climate change adaptation in disaster prevention, which is one of the essential factors to make cities resilient, with the expert knowledge and discussion with each other participant via online deliberative experiment. We set up online virtual communities consisting of stakeholders living in disaster-stricken cities and towns who are expected to have a certain stake in this issue, and conducted a deliberation within the communities for 14 days on resilient city policy focusing on climate change adaptation in disaster prevention with the relevant knowledge from experts. We then analyzed changes of the perceptions and attitudes of the participants using the utterances (text data on the message boards) and the questionnaire data of before and after deliberation. The main results are as follows; (i) during the deliberation, a wide range of topics were discussed and converged to policy options over time, (ii) the self-help measures were got understanding of the participants though transformative measures including evacuation for a long time faced negative responses. almost none of the adaptation policies received greater opposition after deliberations than before, participants gained, through discussion, a deeper understanding of measures they themselves could implement (self-help) especially, (iii) perceived effectiveness of adaptation policies have been improved after deliberation, though, cost-benefit evaluation for transformative measures was remarkably lower after deliberation, that is, they will be difficult to implement. Therefore, we need to provide expert knowledge which can make people change their framing.
Kinetic Plasma Turbulence Generated in a 3D Current Sheet With Magnetic Islands
Authors: Zharkova Valentina , Xia Qian
Published: December 2021

In this article we aim to investigate the kinetic turbulence in a reconnecting current sheet (RCS) with X- and O-nullpoints and to explore its link to the features of accelerated particles. We carry out simulations of magnetic reconnection in a thin current sheet with 3D magnetic field topology affected by tearing instability until the formation of two large magnetic islands using particle-in-cell (PIC) approach. The model utilizes a strong guiding field that leads to the separation of the particles of opposite charges, the generation of a strong polarization electric field across the RCS, and suppression of kink instability in the “out-of-plane” direction. The accelerated particles of the same charge entering an RCS from the opposite edges are shown accelerated to different energies forming the “bump-in-tail” velocity distributions that, in turn, can generate plasma turbulence in different locations. The turbulence-generated waves produced by either electron or proton beams can be identified from the energy spectra of electromagnetic field fluctuations in the phase and frequency domains. From the phase space analysis we gather that the kinetic turbulence may be generated by accelerated particle beams, which are later found to evolve into a phase-space hole indicating the beam breakage. This happens at some distance from the particle entrance into an RCS, e.g. about 7di (ion inertial depth) for the electron beam and 12di for the proton beam. In a wavenumber space the spectral index of the power spectrum of the turbulent magnetic field near the ion inertial length is found to be −2.7 that is consistent with other estimations. The collective turbulence power spectra are consistent with the high-frequency fluctuations of perpendicular electric field, or upper hybrid waves, to occur in a vicinity of X-nullpoints, where the Langmuir (LW) can be generated by accelerated electrons with high growth rates, while further from X-nullponts or on the edges of magnetic islands, where electrons become ejected and start moving across the magnetic field lines, Bernstein waves can be generated. The frequency spectra of high- and low-frequency waves are explored in the kinetic turbulence in the parallel and perpendicular directions to the local magnetic field, showing noticeable lower hybrid turbulence occurring between the electron’s gyro- and plasma frequencies seen also in the wavelet spectra. Fluctuation of the perpendicular electric field component of turbulence can be consistent with the oblique whistler waves generated on the ambient density fluctuations by intense electron beams. This study brings attention to a key role of particle acceleration in generation kinetic turbulence inside current sheets.
Evaluating the Potential of Protected Cultivation for Off-Season Leafy Vegetable Production: Prospects for Crop Productivity and Nutritional Improvement
Authors: Ramasamy Srinivasan , Lin Mei-Ying , Wu Wan-Jen , Wang Hsin-I , Sotelo-Cardona Paola
Published: December 2021

The effects of different protective structures on horticultural and nutritional yield of amaranth and water spinach were studied in three seasons of 2020–2021 in Taiwan. The number of people that can receive recommended dietary intake of iron and β-Carotene from vegetables grown under different production conditions was also estimated. The yield of white and red amaranths was consistently better (7.68–19.70 t/ha) under pink poly-net house in all the seasons, but the yield of water spinach was consistently better under white poly-net house (16.25–20.88 t/ha). Spider mite (fall & spring) and aphid (winter) infestation was mostly observed on all crops under poly-net houses. Neoxanthin, lutein and β-carotene were almost two-fold higher in red amaranth harvested from poly-net houses than open field. Based on the RDI values, β-Carotene supply to both men and women (14+) was consistently higher in all crops produced under pink ploy-net houses in all seasons, except for white amaranth produced under white poly-net house during winter. Its supply to 64,788 more men and 83,298 more women was estimated for red amaranth harvested from pink poly-net house than other production conditions. α-carotene was 2–3 fold higher in amaranths and water spinach harvested from poly-net houses than open field. The iron content of the amaranths was lower in poly-net houses (234.50–574.04 g/ha) than open field (645.42–881.67 g/ha) in the fall, but its supply from pink poly-net house was comparable with open field in the winter. However, pink poly-net house was the highest iron supplier from water spinach (323.90 g/ha) in the winter, which was estimated to provide iron to 19,450–22,939 more men and women than other production conditions. Both poly-net houses were the sole supplier of iron through amaranths in the spring, with pink poly-net house supplying iron to 2,000–5,000 more men and women. Thus, protected cultivation not only leads to more marketable yields but also results in higher quantities of health promoting nutrients. Hence, pink poly-net house may be considered to produce more nutritious vegetables, especially during the off-season to bridge the gaps in the seasonal variations in vegetable consumption, besides providing better income opportunities to the smallholder farmers.
Cooperative Development: Sustainability Agricultural Planning Viewed Through Cooperative Equilibrium Management Theory in Togo, Africa
Authors: Berge Simon T. , Bokoumbo Koudima , Johnson Kuawo Assan , Yabi Jacob Afouda , Yegbemey Rosaine Nerice
Published: December 2021

Cooperative economics looks at market failures as areas for development. The cooperative development process, however, requires member engagement or cohesion in the process according to the Cooperative Management Equilibrium Theory. This cohesion requires an awareness and understanding by the cooperative members of the market failure to develop the capacity to address the failure. This article looks at the effects of government agricultural programs on economic, environmental and social sustainability. The questions we ask is how does a focus on economic development push against social and environmental sustainability within the agricultural sector in Togo? Does member cohesion within a cooperative represent a form of Polanyian double movement through social and environmental cohesion? The current development models utilize what Sen refers to as an austere mode of development which forgoes social or environmental considering them luxuries. Does the focus of economic development build capacity only for economic performance within the Togo agricultural sector at the expense of social and environmental sustainability? Utilizing Deep Participatory Indicator Approach (DPIB) approach this paper examines the economic, environmental and social indicators within two prefectures in the Plateaux Region of Togo. Indicators were separated to show the differences between individual or cooperative producers. As cooperatives it was anticipated that a greater emphasis on social and environmental sustainability would be created through cohesive social action. This study found that the emphasis on economic development included in government programs built development capacity within cooperatives emphasizing their cooperative market cohesion.
Comparison of C2-3 Pedicle Screw Fixation With C2 Spinous Muscle Complex and Iliac Bone Graft for Instable Hangman Fracture
Authors: Xu Dingli , Gan Kaifeng , Wang Yang , Wang Yulong , Ma Weihu
Published: December 2021

Purpose: To compare the effect between C2 spinous muscle complex graft and iliac bone graft in C2-3 pedicle screw fixation for instable Hangman fracture. Using axial spinous muscle complex instead of iliac bone for instable Hangman fracture can decrease neck pain, bone donor site complication, and operation time.

Method: The outcomes of C2-3 pedicle screw fixation with C2 spinous muscle complex were compared with iliac bone graft in 18 and 21 patients with instable Hangman fracture. The mean age was 49.1 ± 15.8 years in the complex group and 55.3 ± 12.2 years in the Iliac group, and the mean time to surgery of the patients was 3.3 ± 0.6 days in the complex group and 3.6 ± 0.9 days in the iliac group. Outcome measures including operation time, blood loss, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, Japanese orthopedic association score (JOA), American spine injure association classification (ASIA), and bone fusion time were collected from medical records. In addition, the postoperative complications were also recorded.

Results: There were significant differences in operation time and interoperative blood loss between the two groups (P < 0.01). Also a significant difference was found in VAS score and JOA score between the two groups (P = 0.0012 and P < 0.001, respectively) at 1-month follow-up, whereas, no significant difference was found at other visit time. In the final visit, all patients showed good bone fusion, and two patients shows incision edema and exudation in the iliac group.

Conclusion: C2-3 pedicle screw fixation with C2 spinous muscle complex graft maybe a feasible and safe procedure for instable Hangman fracture.
Proteome Analysis of Outer Membrane Vesicles From a Highly Virulent Strain of Haemophilus parasuis
Authors: Zhang Kunli , Chu Pinpin , Song Shuai , Yang Dongxia , Bian Zhibiao , Li Yan , Gou Hongchao , Jiang Zhiyong , Cai Rujian , Li Chunling
Published: December 2021

Haemophilus parasuis has emerged as an important bacterial pathogen in pig husbandry, as H. parasuis can coinfect pigs with a variety of pathogenic microorganisms and further cause an aggravation of the disease. It is crucial to investigate its pathogenetic mechanism. Gram-negative bacteria naturally secrete outer membrane vesicles (OMVs), and their potent virulence factors play prominent roles that affect the interaction between bacteria and host. Still, the pathogenesis that is associated with the bacterial OMVs has not been well-elucidated. In this study, we investigated the secretion of OMVs from a clinical H. parasuis isolate strain (H45). In addition, we further analyzed the characterization, the comprehensive proteome, and the virulence potential of OMVs. Our data demonstrated that H. parasuis could secrete OMVs into the extracellular milieu during infection. Using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) identification and bio-information analysis, we identified 588 different proteins associated with OMVs. Also, we also analyzed the subcellular location and biological function of those proteins. These proteins are mainly involved in immune and iron metabolism. Moreover, we confirmed the pathogenicity of H. parasuis OMVs by observing a strong inflammatory response in J774A.1 and porcine alveolar macrophages. Taken together, our findings suggested that OMVs from H. parasuis were involved in the pathogenesis of this bacterium during infection.
Effects of Production Method and Repeated Freeze Thaw Cycles on Cytokine Concentrations and Microbial Contamination in Equine Autologous Conditioned Serum
Authors: Hale Josephine , Hughes Kristopher , Hall Sarah , Labens Raphael
Published: December 2021

Autologous conditioned serum (ACS) is a common intra-articular treatment for osteoarthritis in horses. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of ACS preparation method on product contamination and concentrations of relevant cytokines and the influence of multiple freeze/thaw cycles. Blood was obtained from 10 healthy Thoroughbred horses and processed in parallel using a commercial and a non-commercial method to obtain ACS. Fluorescent microsphere immunoassay (FMIA) analysis was performed to quantify Interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), Interleukin-10 (IL-10), Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) concentrations in ACS obtained by both production methods. Effect of 3, 4 and 5 freeze/thaw cycles on concentrations of IL-1Ra, IL-10, IL-1β and TNF-α were assessed against baseline samples (2 cycles) in commercial ACS products. Standard aerobic and anaerobic culture methods were applied to both ACS products. Mixed effect one-way analyses of variance (ANOVA) were used to compare the two ACS production method for each cytokine. Repeated measures, mixed effect ANOVA were used to assess the effect of freeze/thaw on cytokine concentrations. Significance was set atP< 0.05. There was no difference in cytokine concentration between production methods (IL-1RaP= 0.067, IL-1βP= 0.752, IL-10P= 0.211 and TNF-αP= 0.25). Microbial growth was only observed in two samples obtained using the commercial production method. When compared to baseline, IL-1Ra concentration was decreased following the 5th freeze/thaw cycle (P< 0.001). These results suggest that the concentration of important cytokines are not influenced by ACS production method. When storing ACS samples for future use, freeze/thaw cycles associated with standard clinical practice are unlikely to influence cytokine concentrations. However, the lack of outcome measures associated with 1 or 2 freeze/thaw cycles represents a limitation of this study.
Genotyping and Molecular Characterization of Infectious Bursal Disease Virus Identified in Important Poultry-Raising Areas of China During 2019 and 2020
Authors: Jiang Nan , Wang Yulong , Zhang Wenying , Niu Xinxin , Huang Mengmeng , Gao Yulong , Liu Aijing , Gao Li , Li Kai , Pan Qing , Liu Changjun , Zhang Yanping , Cui Hongyu , Wang Xiaomei , Qi Xiaole
Published: December 2021

Infectious bursal disease (IBD) is an acute and highly contagious immunosuppressive disease caused by the infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), which seriously threatens the healthy development of the poultry industry. Since its spread to China in the early 1990s, the very virulent IBDV (vvIBDV) characterized by high lethality, has been the focus of prevention and control. However, the novel variant IBDV (nVarIBDV), which has been widely prevalent in China since 2017, has brought a new threat to the poultry industry. In this study, the prevalence of IBDV in the important poultry-raising areas of China from 2019 to 2020 was detected. Of these, 45.1% (101/224) of the samples and 61.9% (26/42) of the chicken flocks were shown to be positive for IBDV. For 50 IBDVs, the sequences of the hypervariable region of the VP2 gene in segment A and of the B-marker of the VP1 gene in segment B were analyzed. The results revealed the coexistence of a number of different IBDV genotypes, including A2dB1 (nVar, 26/50, 52.0%), A3B3 (HLJ0504-like, 15/50, 30.0%), A1B1 (classical, 1/50, 2.0%), and A8B1 (attenuated, 1/50, 2.0%). This indicated that the newly emerging nVarIBDV of A2dB1 and the persistently circulating HLJ0504-like vvIBDV of A3B3 are the two important epidemic strains. Furthermore, we established that segment reassortment has occurred among these circulating strains. This study is the first to reveal the novel epidemic characteristics of IBDV since the report of the emerging nVarIBDV of A2dB1 in China.
Prevalence and Genetic Analysis of Porcine Circovirus 3 in China From 2019 to 2020
Authors: Ge Meng , Ren Jie , Xie Yi-Lin , Zhao Dun , Fan Fang-Cheng , Song Xiao-Qin , Li Man-Xiang , Xiao Chao-Ting
Published: December 2021

Porcine circovirus type 3 (PCV3), a virus belonging to the Circoviridae family, is considered to be associated with respiratory and neurological signs, cardiac and multisystemic inflammation, reproductive failure, and porcine dermatitis and nephropathy syndrome-like disease in pigs (Sus scrofa). In this study, epidemiological and serological investigations of PCV3 in clinically healthy pigs from different regions of China were performed. Overall, 42.87% (1,101/2,568) of pigs were positive for PCV3 Cap antibody via indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, with a higher prevalence of PCV3 in multiparous sows (62.22%, 881/1,416) and fattening pigs (28.96%, 159/549) than in suckling piglets (8.96%, 32/357) and nursery pigs (11.79%, 29/246). Of the 2,568 samples, 255 were further tested for PCV3 DNA using real-time polymerase chain reaction, and 63.14% of these were positive, with nearly half having <10 virus copies. The PCV3 DNA and antibody positivity rates were high in the pig serum samples; however, the virus titers and antibody levels were both low, indicating that the humoral immune response of PCV3-infected pigs was weak or lagging, and persistent or repeated infections could occur. Additionally, the complete genomes of 23 PCV3 strains were sequenced and analyzed, which showed nucleotide identities of 98.5~100.0%, 98.6~100.0%, and 99.2~100.0% in the complete genome, open reading frame (ORF)2, and ORF1 sequences, respectively, and amino acid identities of 96.7~100.0% and 99.3~100.0% in the capsid and replicase proteins, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis based on ORF2 nucleotide sequences indicated that the PCV3 strains obtained in the present study could be classified into three sub-clades, with most strains clustered into clade 3c, indicating that PCV3c is the dominant subtype in the regions of China investigated. In general, the present study revealed a high prevalence and high genetic divergence of PCV3 among Chinese pig herds, and indicated that the potential effect of PCV3 on the pig industry may be a concern.
Effect of Antibiotics on the Colonization of Live Attenuated Salmonella Enteritidis Vaccine in Chickens
Authors: Hu Jiangang , Che Chuanyan , Zuo Jiakun , Niu Xiangpeng , Wang Zhihao , Lian Liyan , Jia Yuanzheng , Zhang Haiyang , Zhang Tao , Yu Fangheng , Nawaz Saqib , Han Xiangan
Published: December 2021

Salmonellosis, caused by Salmonella Enteritidis, is a prevalent zoonosis that has serious consequences for human health and the development of the poultry sector. The Salmonella Enteritis live vaccine (Sm24/Rif12/Ssq strain) is used to prevent Salmonella Enteritidis around the world. However, in some parts of the world, poultry flocks are frequently raised under intensive conditions, with significant amounts of antimicrobials to prevent and treat disease and to promote growth. To investigate whether antibiotic use influences the colonization of orally administered Salmonella live vaccines, 240 1-day-old specific pathogen-free chicks were randomly divided into 24 groups of 10 animals for this study. The different groups were treated with different antibiotics, which included ceftiofur, amoxicillin, enrofloxacin, and lincomycin–spectinomycin. Each group was immunized 2, 3, 4, and 5 days after withdrawal, respectively. At 5 days after immunization, the blood, liver, and ceca with contents were collected for the isolation of the Salmonella live vaccine strain. The result showed that no Salmonella vaccine strain was isolated in the blood and liver of the chicks in those groups. The highest number of Salmonella vaccine strains was isolated in the cecum from chicks vaccinated 2 days after ceftiofur withdrawal, and no Salmonella vaccine strain was isolated from the cecum in chicks immunized 3 days after ceftiofur withdrawal. Among the chickens immunized 4 days after the withdrawal of amoxicillin, enrofloxacin, and lincomycin–spectinomycin, the number of Salmonella vaccine colonization in the cecum was the highest, which was higher than that of the chickens immunized at other withdrawal interval (2, 3, and 5 days) groups and was higher than that of the chickens without treatment (P < 0.05). This study provides a reference for the effective use of the Salmonella Enteritidis live vaccine and key antibiotics commonly utilized in the poultry industry.
Longitudinal Prevalence of Antibodies to Endemic Pathogens in Bulk Tank Milk Samples From Dairy Herds Engaged or Not in Contract Heifer Rearing
Authors: McCarthy Marie-Claire , O'Grady Luke , McAloon Connor G. , Mee John F.
Published: December 2021

Since the abolition of EU milk production quotas in 2015, Europe's dairy industries have undergone a period of rapid expansion with possible resultant increased inter-herd transmission of endemic pathogens. The aims of this study were (1) to establish the post-2015 prevalence of antibodies to selected endemic infectious diseases and (2) to determine if prevalences differed between herds where heifers were reared at home and those where heifers were sent out for contract-rearing. Three bulk tank milk (BTM) samples were collected annually between May and August of 2018–20 inclusively from 120 Irish dairy herds. Additionally, herd vaccination status was collected by questionnaire. Milk samples were tested using commercially available ELISAs for eight pathogens: bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHv-1), bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), Mycoplasma bovis, Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP), Salmonella Dublin (S. Dublin), Leptospira Hardjo (L. Hardjo), and Neospora caninum (N. caninum). The true prevalence of each pathogen was calculated using a Rogan-Gladen estimator. The true prevalences (95% CI) of BTM antibodies in unvaccinated herds across the 3 years were as follows (i) BVDV: 57, 86, and 73% (95% CI: 40.7–65.9, 74–94, and 58–85) (n = 56, 56, and 48), (ii) BoHv-1: 47, 49, and 19% (95% CI: 26.3–69.7, 25–75, and 1–56) (n = 21, 20, and 11), (iii) L. Hardjo: 34, 59, and 73% (95% CI: 12.5–63, 33–82, and 33–99) (n = 15, 21, and 10), (iv) S. Dublin 32, 57, and 11% (95% CI: 12.21–68.1, 30.2–90.1, and 0) (n = 19, 22, and 13), (v) BRSV: 100% (95% CI: 99.5–100, 100, and 100) (n = 120, 109, and 91), (vi) MAP: 0% (95% CI: 0, 0, and 0) (n = 120, 109, and 91) (vii) N. caninum 0% (95% CI: 0, 0, and 0) (n = 120, 109, and 91) and (viii) M. bovis (ELISA) 53, 0.42, and 30% (95% CI: 3.95–6.84, 0, and 21–41) (n = 120, 109, and 91). M. bovis was detected by PCR in 0, 1, and 0% of herds in 2018, 2019, and 2020, respectively. This study showed that expanding Irish dairy herds are endemically infected with several of the studied pathogens. No differences in herd prevalence of infectious agents were observed between farms with different heifer rearing strategies (contract-rearing vs. traditional rearing).
Understanding the Relationships Between the Consumer Perception on Food Risks, Quality, and Safety Indicators of Braised Meat Sold in “Dibiterie” Restaurants in Dakar, Senegal
Authors: Orou Seko Malik , Ossebi Walter , Laré Nibangue , Bonfoh Bassirou
Published: December 2021

Dibiteries are restaurants that sell braised meat of small ruminants and sometimes chicken. Current microbiological data indicate that the products sold are sometimes contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms exceeding the quality standards recommended for human consumption, hence a real public health concern. Despite the lack of hygiene, these establishments continue to thrive in the Senegalese food ecosystem. However, very few studies have analyzed the socio-economic motivations and risk representations of these populations who participate in the growing demand for meat from dibiteries. The main objective is to understand the relationships between consumer perception of food risks, quality, and safety indicators of braised meat sold in Dibiteries in Dakar. A total of 479 people from 404 households in the Dakar region were randomly selected and surveyed on the consumption of dibiterie meat using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire allowed to measure the relative importance given by each interviewee to the indicators related to the risk of food infection, and the quality and safety of dibiterie meat. The structural equation model was used to design the paths and analyze the relationships. Of the 479 people interviewed, 291 people consumed dibiterie meat. Only 16% of consumers strongly perceive the quality and safety of meat. This strong perception has been positively associated with monthly food expenditure, while the age of consumers explained it negatively. Among the latent variables identified, the perceived price effect and the dibiteries' expertise were positively related to the perception on the safety and the perception on the nutritional quality of the product. The nutritional quality of the product had negatively impacted the risks of food infection perceived by consumers. The results of this study suggest the strengthening of hygiene standards in dibiteries and the awareness of consumers, especially young people, about the potential health risks associated with the consumption of dibiterie meat. Further work on willingness to pay to improve the safety of dibiterie meat is needed.
Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis Aggravates Mycoplasma gallisepticum Colonization in the Chicken Lung
Authors: Wang Jian , Chen Xueping , Li Jichang , Ishfaq Muhammad
Published: December 2021

Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) is the pathogen that causes chronic respiratory diseases in chickens. Gut microbiota plays an important role in maintaining body health and resisting respiratory infection, but the correlation between gut microbiota and MG infection is poorly defined. Therefore, in this study, the correlation between gut microbiota and MG infection was explored by disturbing gut microbiota in chickens with antibiotic cocktail. The results showed that the gut microbiota dysbiosis impairs pulmonary immune response against MG infection. It has been noted that MG colonization in the lung was significantly increased following gut microbiota dysbiosis, and this could be reversed by intranasally administrated toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) ligand, recombinant chicken IL-17 protein or recombinant chicken granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) protein. In addition, the levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and vitamin A were significantly reduced in gut microbiota dysbiosis group, however, butyric acid or vitamin A as feed additives promoted MG clearance in the lung of gut microbiota dysbiosis group via increasing TLR2/IL17/GM-CSF and host defense peptides genes expression. The present study revealed an important role of gut microbiota in the defense against MG colonization in the lung of chicken.
Differential Type 1 IFN Gene Expression in CD14+ Placenta Cells Elicited by Zika Virus Infection During Pregnancy
Authors: Haese Nicole N. , Smith Hannah , Onwuzu Kosiso , Kreklywich Craig N. , Smith Jessica L. , Denton Michael , Kreklywich Nicholas , Streblow Aaron D. , Frias Antonio E. , Morgan Terry K. , Hirsch Alec J. , Bimber Benjamin N. , Roberts Victoria H. J. , Streblow Daniel N.
Published: December 2021

Zika virus (ZIKV) is an arthropod-borne Flavivirus that can also be transmitted vertically from infected mother to fetus. Infection of the fetus during pregnancy can lead to congenital malformations and severely impact fetal brain development causing a myriad of diseases now labeled Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS). The mechanisms by which ZIKV crosses the placenta into the fetal circulation and the extent of ZIKV-induced changes remain unclear. We have previously shown that ZIKV infection of pregnant rhesus macaques results in abnormal oxygen transport across the placenta which may promote uterine vasculitis and placental villous damage. Changes in immune cell frequencies and activation status were also detected, as were distinct changes in the proportions of CD14+ cell subsets with an altered ratio of classical to non-classical CD14+ monocyte cells in both the maternal decidua and placental villous from ZIKV-infected animals compare to uninfected controls. In the current study, we performed single cell RNA sequencing on CD14+ cells isolated from the decidua of animals that were ZIKV infected at 31, 51, or 115 days of gestation (where term is ~168 days) compared to pregnant, time-matched uninfected controls. Bioinformatic analysis identified unique transcriptional phenotypes between CD14+ cells of infected and uninfected animals suggesting a distinct and sustained difference in transcriptomes between infected and uninfected CD14+ cells derived from the decidua. The timing of ZIKV infection had no effect on the CD14+ cell transcriptional profiles. Interestingly, ZIKV infection caused changes in expression of genes in pathways related to cellular stress and metabolism as well as immune response activation. Type 1 interferon response genes (ISGs) were among those that were differentially expressed following infection and these included members of the ISG12 family, IFI27 and IFI6. These ISGs have been recently described as effectors of the IFN response to flaviviruses. Supplementing our animal findings, in CD14+ cells isolated from human placenta, ZIKV infection similarly induced the expression of IFI27 and IFI6. Overall, our results showed that ZIKV infection during pregnancy induces the stable expression of antiviral genes within CD14+ cells of the placenta, which may provide an immune shield to protect the placenta from further infection and damage.
Fear of crime determinants. Empirical case study of Poland
Authors: Mider Daniel
Published: December 2021

The study explains the nature and strength of the influence of the determinants of fear of crime. According to other studies gender, age, education, place of residence, material status, worldview and religious orientation, victimization influence the level of fear of crime. In order to verify the impact of these factors, the CATREG analysis technique was used. Variables such as the level of anomie, crime, unemployment and suicide rates were introduced, as an original author’s concept. A model of factors influencing fear of crime was created. The most important element of it turned out to be prior victimization, as well as – to a lesser extent – negative attitudes towards state institutions that are to ensure safety and the occupation.
Система взаимодействия государства и гражданина в Узбекистане: обновление и пути развития
Authors: Тультеев Ильяс Тавасович , Мухамеджанов Омон Закирович
Published: December 2021

The article is devoted to the analysis of some theoretical and practical aspects of such a phenomenon as the system of interaction between the state and the citizen in the Republic of Uzbekistan, as well as the consideration of the place of legal values in this system, the grounds and conditions for the establishment of e-democracy, the importance of administrative procedures and public services. The characteristic of the basic legal values of the system of interaction between the state and citizens is given, the position is argued according to which constitutional values determine the essence of the relationship between them. E-democracy is considered in the context of the process of increasing the participation of citizens in the democratic management of state affairs, ensuring the transparency of the activities of state bodies, as well as their interaction with the population. The authors notes that the elements of e-democracy are most visibly manifested in the practice of interaction between the state and society. Given the assessment of the state of development of e-democracy in the country, the authors made an attempt to consider the prospects for its further development in Uzbekistan. Administrative procedures and public services are considered as instruments of interaction between the state and the population, in the context of dialogue between the state and the citizen.
How the means of electing the President of Poland acts to distort roles within the country’s political system
Authors: Słomka Tomasz
Published: December 2021

This article is concerned with the relationship between more than 30 years of universal direct election to the post of President of the Republic of Poland and the essence of the roles associated with that position. The hypothesis put forward for testing has been that elections of the above kind give rise to distortions in the systemic model associated with the Polish Presidency. The legitimisation of the President at the ballot box reinforces the efforts of many holders of the office to introduce ruling-related elements of the Presidency in practice, in the context of the political system. Elections also strengthen relations between the President and his political camp, in this way undermining the presidential arbitration function. In essence, an election campaign is subject to mechanisms of “Prime Minister-isation”, whereby a candidate for President usually presents (feels obliged to present) a programme appropriate for an organ truly engaged in the pursuit of state policy.
The Role of the President of the Republic of Poland in Constitutional Crisis and Constitutional Rot
Authors: Suska Anna
Published: December 2021

The article provides an analysis of the powers of the President of the Republic of Poland, which may have an impact on counteracting and moderating constitutional crises and constitutional rot. It aims to describe the potential actions that the head of state may take in a constitutional crisis to restore the stabilization of the state and the constitutional order with its values. The study also includes a reflection on the influence of the style of the presidency on the effectiveness of arbitration.
Ion-Channel Antiepileptic Drugs: An Analytical Perspective on the Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) of Ezogabine, Lacosamide, and Zonisamide
Authors: Mandrioli Roberto , Protti Michele , Marincich Lorenzo , Mercolini Laura
Published: December 2021

The term seizures includes a wide array of different disorders with variable etiology, which currently represent one of the most important classes of neurological illnesses. As a consequence, many different antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are currently available, exploiting different activity mechanisms and providing different levels of performance in terms of selectivity, safety, and efficacy. AEDs are currently among the psychoactive drugs most frequently involved in therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) practices. Thus, the plasma levels of AEDs and their metabolites are monitored and correlated to administered doses, therapeutic efficacy, side effects, and toxic effects. As for any analytical endeavour, the quality of plasma concentration data is only as good as the analytical method allows. In this review, the main techniques and methods are described, suitable for the TDM of three AEDs belonging to the class of ion channel agents: ezogabine (or retigabine), lacosamide, and zonisamide. In addition to this analytical overview, data are provided, pertaining to two of the most important use cases for the TDM of antiepileptics: drug–drug interactions and neuroprotection activity studies. This review contains 146 references.
The Use of Ascophyllum nodosum and Bacillus subtilis C-3102 in the Management of Canine Chronic Inflammatory Enteropathy: A Pilot Study
Authors: Isidori Marco , Rueca Fabrizio , Massacci Francesca Romana , Diaferia Manuela , Giontella Andrea , Caldin Marco , Furlanello Tommaso , Corbee Ronald J. , Mannucci Gabriele , Pezzotti Giovanni , Trabalza-Marinucci Massimo
Published: December 2021

The aim was to assess the effects of Ascophyllum nodosum (AN) with/without Bacillus subtilis C-3102 as alternative treatments for Chronic Inflammatory Enteropathy (CIE) of dogs. Fourteen CIE patients, which had received the same control (CTR) diet, were enrolled to serially receive three diets: (1) hydrolysed protein (HP) diet; (2) 4.0% AN supplemented HP (HPA) food, (3) HPA diet fortified with 125 billion B. subtilis C-3102 spores/10 kg body weight (HPAB diet). Clinical outcome was assessed by Canine Inflammatory Bowel Disease Activity Index (CIBDAI), whereas gut microbiota compositional variations were investigated via 16S rRNA gene analysis, and faecal fermentation end-products by liquid chromatography. Higher abundances of the Ruminococcaceae and Rikenellaceae families were shown in HPA relative to CTR treatment, with Bacillus genus being differentially abundant on HPAB diet. Concentrations of acetate were higher (p < 0.05) in dogs fed HPA compared to CTR diet, and amounts of isovalerate and isobutyrate were greater (p < 0.05) in HPA compared to HP food. A tendency for higher amounts of faecal butyrate was found for the HPAB treatment (p = 0.06). Comprehensively, while displaying potentially positive effects on faecal fermentations, the tested substances failed to improve CIBDAI scores and microbial richness in CIE dogs.