bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What are the demands of telegeriatrics medical services for elderly patients during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Gong Yu , Zhou Jianyuan
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Elderly patients are associated with a higher risk of nosocomial cross infection during the COVID-19 pandemic. Providing medical services and primary care for elderly patients is a worldwide challenge. A new telegeriatrics system was established to provide medical services and primary care for elderly patients treated by family physicians. This study aimed to describe the operation mechanism of the new system and investigate the demands of telegeriatrics medical services for elderly patients treated by family physicians during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

A total of 1,353 elderly patients (aged≥60) treated by family physicians were enrolled. The proportion of the top 10 diseases of elderly patients applying the new system was analyzed. Differences in main diseases between elderly patients applying telegeriatrics medical services and outpatients in hospitals were compared. Differences between the new telegeriatrics system in our study and telemedicine systems of other studies in other countries were analyzed.

Results

Constituent ratios of chronic kidney disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and coronary heart disease have the highest rate in elderly patients applying the new telegeriatrics system. Digestive diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and neurology diseases were the top three diseases of elderly outpatients.

Conclusion

This is the first time that a new telegeriatrics system has been applied to provide medical services for elderly patients treated by family physicians during the COVID-19 pandemic. Chronic kidney disease, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, and coronary heart disease were found to be the top three diseases of elderly patients applying telegeriatrics medical services during the COVID-19 pandemic, which were different from the outpatients in general hospitals. The new telegeriatrics system guarantees elderly patients get equal rights to medical services. Results will provide a basis for the government health administrative department to formulate new telegeriatrics policies for elderly patients.
SARS-CoV-2 pre-exposure prophylaxis: A potential COVID-19 preventive strategy for high-risk populations, including healthcare workers, immunodeficient individuals, and poor vaccine responders
Authors: Ouyang Jing , Zaongo Silvere D. , Harypursat Vijay , Li Xiaofang , Routy Jean-Pierre , Chen Yaokai
Published: August 2022

The unprecedented worldwide spread of SARS-CoV-2 has imposed severe challenges on global health care systems. The roll-out and widespread administration of COVID-19 vaccines has been deemed a major milestone in the race to restrict the severity of the infection. Vaccines have as yet not entirely suppressed the relentless progression of the pandemic, due mainly to the emergence of new virus variants, and also secondary to the waning of protective antibody titers over time. Encouragingly, an increasing number of antiviral drugs, such as remdesivir and the newly developed drug combination, Paxlovid® (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir), as well as molnupiravir, have shown significant benefits for COVID-19 patient outcomes. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has been proven to be an effective preventive strategy in high-risk uninfected people exposed to HIV. Building on knowledge from what is already known about the use of PrEP for HIV disease, and from recently gleaned knowledge of antivirals used against COVID-19, we propose that SARS-CoV-2 PrEP, using specific antiviral and adjuvant drugs against SARS-CoV-2, may represent a novel preventive strategy for high-risk populations, including healthcare workers, immunodeficient individuals, and poor vaccine responders. Herein, we critically review the risk factors for severe COVID-19 and discuss PrEP strategies against SARS-CoV-2. In addition, we outline details of candidate anti-SARS-CoV-2 PrEP drugs, thus creating a framework with respect to the development of alternative and/or complementary strategies to prevent COVID-19, and contributing to the global armamentarium that has been developed to limit SARS-CoV-2 infection, severity, and transmission.
Actual vs. perceived exertion during active virtual reality game exercise
Authors: Stewart Trenton H. , Villaneuva Kirsten , Hahn Amanda , Ortiz-Delatorre Julissa , Wolf Chandler , Nguyen Randy , Bolter Nicole D. , Kern Marialice , Bagley James R.
Published: August 2022

Background

Virtual exercise has become more common as emerging and converging technologies make active virtual reality games (AVRGs) a viable mode of exercise for health and fitness. Our lab has previously shown that AVRGs can elicit moderate to vigorous exercise intensities that meet recommended health benefit guidelines. Dissociative attentional focuses during AVRG gameplay have the potential to widen the gap between participants' perception of exertion and actual exertion.

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine actual exertion (AEx) vs. perceived exertion (PEx) levels during AVRGs by measuring heart rate (HR) and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) in two different settings.

Materials and methods

HR and RPE were collected on participants (N= 32; age 22.6 ± 2.6) during 10 min of gameplay in LabS and GymS using the HTC VIVE with the following games played: Fruit Ninja VR (FNVR), Beat Saber (BS), and Holopoint (HP).

Results

Participants exhibited significantly higher levels of AEx compared to reported PEx for all three AVRGs (Intensity): FNVR [AEx = 11.6 ± 1.8 (Light), PEx = 9.0 ± 2.0 (Very Light)], BS [AEx = 11.3 ± 1.7 (Light), PEx = 10.3 ± 2.1 (Very Light)], HP [AEx = 13.1 ± 2.3 (Somewhat Hard), PEx = 12.3 ± 2.4 (Light–Somewhat Hard)]. Additionally, participants playing in the GymS experienced significantly higher levels of AEx [12.4 ± 2.3 (Light–Somewhat Hard)] and PEx [10.8 ± 2.5 (Very Light–Light)] compared to the LabS [AEx = 11.6 ± 1.8 (Light), PEx = 10.3 ± 2.6 (Very Light–Light)].

Conclusion

Perceptions of exertion may be lower than actual exertion during AVRG gameplay, and exertion levels can be influenced by the setting in which AVRGs are played. This may inform VR developers and health clinicians who aim to incorporate exercise/fitness regimens into upcoming ‘virtual worlds' currently being developed at large scales (i.e., the “metaverse”).
Redefining energy vulnerability, considering the future
Authors: Hearn Adam X. , Mihailova Darja , Schubert Iljana , Sohre Annika
Published: August 2022

Within the EU, energy poverty is believed to affect at least 9.8% of households. Energy poverty can be broadly defined as a households' inability to meet its energy needs. This is a problem that affects all European countries, but narrow interpretations of data based on notions of material deprivation may lead to energy poverty being overlooked or not considered an issue by policymakers. The EU Energy Poverty Advisory Hub makes a number of essential points when it comes to the measurement, definition, and potential policies and measures to deal with energy poverty. We build on this, using the term energy vulnerability in order to encompass the segment of population identified as living in energy poverty as well as those at risk of becoming energy poor in the future. We use a capabilities approach with a doughnut economics framework to expand on the concept of energy vulnerability as a form of capabilities deprivation, allowing for greater recognition of those that are affected in the present and intergenerationally. This framework is applied using mixed methods consisting of both a Swiss-wide survey of 1,486 people and 8 semi-structured interviews with energy stakeholders to investigate the knowledge gap on energy vulnerability in Switzerland. The framework may be applied and have wider repercussions for other parts of the world where energy poverty is not directly addressed, and where using the term of energy vulnerability may help direct policies in a more dynamic and responsive manner. Furthermore, this article identifies some limitations of basing energy vulnerability definitions on data which focuses on material deprivations as this may risk overlooking those that are vulnerable due to other reasons such as building energy efficiency. We find that levels of energy poverty/vulnerability are higher than estimated in official statistics, highlighting the need for tailored policies both in Switzerland and elsewhere. Levels of energy vulnerability in Switzerland may not be reflected elsewhere, but certainly draw attention to the potential misrecognition of energy vulnerability which may be more widespread than previously believed. We examine existing policies that may help to reduce energy vulnerability, as well as suggest other potential mitigation methods.
Three-Dimensional Tomography of Coseismic Ionospheric Disturbances Following the 2018 Palu Earthquake and Tsunami from GNSS Measurements
Authors: Cahyadi Mokhamad Nur , Arisa Deasy , Muafiry Ihsan Naufal , Muslim Buldan , Rahayu Ririn Wuri , Putra Meilfan Eka , Wulansari Mega
Published: August 2022

Preliminary research analyzed the Coseismic Ionospheric Disturbances (CIDs) of the strike-slip earthquake that occurred in Palu on September 28, 2018 (Mw = 7.5) and the materialization of a TEC anomaly with an amplitude of 0.4 TECU approximately 10–15 min later. The TEC anomaly amplitude is also affected by the magnitude of the earthquake moment; therefore, 3D analysis is needed to determine the spatial distribution of the ionospheric disturbances. This research aims to analyze the ionospheric disturbance of an earthquake in 3D using the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) from the Geospatial Information Agency (BIG) or InaCORS stations spread over Sulawesi, Kalimantan, West Nusa Tenggara, East Nusa Tenggara, Bali, and Java with a 30 s sampling interval using GLONASS and GPS satellites. The checkerboard accuracy test was also carried out to evaluate the reliability of the 3D tomography model. The result showed that CIDs occur to the north and south of the epicenter around the equator, following the N-S Asymmetry theory. Furthermore, the tomography results indicate the presence of dominant and positive anomaly values at an altitude of 300–500 km. This follows the characteristics of variations in the ionosphere layer, where an altitude of 300–500 km is included in the F layer. The dominant anomaly at an altitude of 300 km is in accordance with the theory of the ionosphere’s height, which experiences maximum ionization at an altitude of ∼300 km (F layer) by Chapman’s profile. We also conducted preseismic studies of ionospheric anomalies before the earthquake as an additional analysis.
Learning Curve of Robot-Assisted Thymectomy: Single Surgeon's 7-Year Experience
Authors: Meacci Elisa , Nachira Dania , Congedo Maria Teresa , Petracca-Ciavarella Leonardo , Vita Maria Letizia , Porziella Venanzio , Chiappetta Marco , Lococo Filippo , Tabacco Diomira , Triumbari Elizabeth Katherine Anna , Margaritora Stefano
Published: August 2022

Background

Robot-assisted thymectomy (RAT) has rapidly emerged as the preferred approach over open trans-sternal or video-assisted thoracoscopy for the surgical treatment of thymomas and non-thymomatous myasthenia gravis (MG). The aim of this study was to describe and discuss the learning curve (LC) of a single surgeon performing 113 consecutive RATs.

Methods

A single-center retrospective analysis of prospectively collected clinical data was performed on all patients who had been operated on by the same surgeon in an RAT setting between October 2013 and February 2020. The cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis of the operative time was used to define the completion of the learning curve (CLC) in RAT. The CLC was separately calculated for myasthenic patients, non-myasthenic patients, and docking time.

Results

In myasthenic patients, the CLC cut-off was found in 19 patients. Considering the CLC cut-off of 19 patients, the mean operative time in phase 1 (first 19 cases) was 229.79 ± 93.40 min, while it was 167.35 ± 41.63 min in phase 2 (last 51 cases), p≪0.001. In non-myasthenic patients, the CLC cut-off was found in 16 cases. The mean operative time in phase 1 (first 16 cases) was 277.44 ± 90.50 min, while it was 169.63 ± 61.10 min in phase 2 (last 27 cases), p = 0.016. The LC for docking time was reached at 46 cases, recording a significant reduction of time after the first phase (28.09 ± 5.37 min vs. 19.75 ± 5.51 min, p≪0.001). The intraoperative and 30-day mortality were null in all phases of the LC in both myasthenic and non-myasthenic patients. There were no differences between the two phases of the LC in terms of blood loss, duration of postoperative drainage, and postoperative stay in both myasthenic and non-myasthenic groups. However, significantly higher hospital readmission at 30 days post surgery was recorded for myasthenic patients operated on during the first phase of the LC (2 cases vs. 0, p = 0.02).

Conclusions

According to our data, LC in RAT seems to be steep, and RAT confirms to be safe even before reaching CLC.
The cervical sagittal curvature change in patients with or without PCSM after laminoplasty
Authors: Qian Shengjun , Wang Zhan , Ren Ying , Chew Ian , Jiang Guangyao , Li Wanli , Chen Weishan
Published: August 2022

Objective

After laminoplasty, the cervical sagittal curvature of some patients tend to be lordotic, this phenomenon cannot be explained by the theory of laminoplasty, and the reason remains unknown. We explored the possible role played by pinching cervical spondylotic myelopathy (PCSM) in the cervical sagittal curvature change in patients after laminoplasty.

Methods

From April 2017 to May 2019, we studied 122 patients undergoing laminoplasty with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). All patients were divided into Group A (anterior compression only, without PCSM) and Group B (both anterior and posterior compression, with PCSM). The visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to measure pain, and modiﬁed Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) score was derived. The cervical global angle (CGA) and the range of cervical motion (ROM) were compared. The clinical and imaging results were compared between Group A and Group B.

Results

After laminoplasty, both the mean VAS and mJOA scores improved significantly in Group A and Group B, the mJOA recovery rate of Group B was better than that of Group A (P < 0.05). The mean CGA and ROM decreased in Group A, but increased in Group B. MRI revealed that the ligamentum flavum of Group A was significantly thinner than that of Group B (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Because of the hypertrophic and folded ligamentum flavum compressing the dorsal spinal cord, patients with PCSM may maintain a compulsive kyphotic posture. After laminoplasty, the cervical sagittal curvature of these patients tend to be lordotic due to the release of dorsal spinal cord compression.
Case report: A 3-year follow-up study of simultaneous bilateral total hip arthroplasty for Femoral head necrosis in a patient with Kashin-Beck Disease
Authors: Chen Xiangyu , Liu Haibin , Wang Houqing , Zheng Liqiang , Li Jiayu , Yan Lianqi
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Kashin-Beck Disease (KBD) is an endemic disease predominantly affecting joint and skeletal muscle, predisposing the articular cartilage to degeneration and necrosis. Currently,staged total hip arthroplasty is a common surgical method for advanced femoral head necrosis from KBD, but there are no reports in the literature on simultaneous bilateral total hip arthroplasty (SB-THA) for patients with KBD.

Case presentation

A 42-year-old male from Shaanxi Province, an endemic area, had bilateral hip pain for 4 years, with hips inversion and a crossed gait. After preoperative preparation, a SB-THA was performed by a posterolateral approach. Postoperative medication and functional exercises were administered and the patient was followed up for at least 3 years after discharge. The patient's hip mobility, hip scores and quality of life scores were recorded in detail during the follow-up.

Result

The patient stopped antibiotic treatment on the postoperative day-2, and all inflammatory indicators showed normal and started appropriate exercise, and the pain score decreased significantly. On the postoperative day-7, the patient had gradually adapted to various forms of rehabilitation exercises. He was discharged from the hospital on the postoperative day-10 and continued to be followed up. From the preoperative period to the last follow-up, the patient's bilateral hip mobility and functional scores improved significantly, and no adverse events such as hip pain, prosthesis loosening or dislocation were found at the last follow-up.

Conclusion

The patient's performance was satisfactory both intraoperatively and in the early postoperative period, but the hip scores and quality of life scores began to plateau or even decline from the third year after surgery to the last follow-up, probably due to the influence of further damage to articular cartilage in other parts of the body.
High-Fidelity Surrogate Based Multi-Objective Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Younis Adel , Dong Zuomin
Published: August 2022

The employment of conventional optimization procedures that must be repeatedly invoked during the optimization process in real-world engineering applications is hindered despite significant gains in computing power by computationally expensive models. As a result, surrogate models that require far less time and resources to analyze are used in place of these time-consuming analyses. In multi-objective optimization (MOO) problems involving pricey analysis and simulation techniques such as multi-physics modeling and simulation, finite element analysis (FEA), and computational fluid dynamics (CFD), surrogate models are found to be a promising endeavor, particularly for the optimization of complex engineering design problems involving black box functions. In order to reduce the expense of fitness function evaluations and locate the Pareto frontier for MOO problems, the automated multiobjective surrogate based Pareto finder MOO algorithm (AMSP) is proposed. Utilizing data samples taken from the feasible design region, the algorithm creates three surrogate models. The algorithm repeats the process of sampling and updating the Pareto set, by assigning weighting factors to those surrogates in accordance with the values of the root mean squared error, until a Pareto frontier is discovered. AMSP was successfully employed to identify the Pareto set and the Pareto border. Utilizing multi-objective benchmark test functions and engineering design examples such airfoil shape geometry of wind turbine, the unique approach was put to the test. The cost of computing the Pareto optima for test functions and real engineering design problem is reduced, and promising results were obtained.
Numerical Investigation on Transient Effect of Jet Interference Characteristics of Lateral-Jet-Controlled Spinning Missile
Authors: Gao Yi , Lei Juanmian
Published: August 2022

At present, there is no publicly published research on the unsteady interference effect in the start-up process of the lateral jet control of the spinning missile. The variation of aerodynamic characteristics during the jet start-up process of the spinning missile is still unclear. Therefore, the unsteady numerical method based on the three-dimensional unsteady compressible Navier–Stokes equations and the sliding mesh method is used to study the unsteady jet interference characteristics of the spinning missile during the starting process of the lateral jet. Based on the verification of the numerical simulation method in this paper, the jet interference flow field under the conditions of non-rotation and rotation is simulated, and the variation of the aerodynamic characteristics of the missile under the two conditions is given. The influence of rotation on the unsteady aerodynamic characteristics of the lateral-jet-controlled spinning missile is analyzed. The flow mechanism resulting in the change of the jet control characteristics and the lateral aerodynamic characteristics of the missile is analyzed through the interference flow field structure at different moments after the jet starts. The results indicate that in the start-up process of pulse jet control, the jet interference characteristics on the fins have a delay effect compared with the projectile body. The duration of the unsteady effect caused by the high-pressure region upstream of the nozzle is shorter than that caused by the low-pressure region downstream of the nozzle. The flow separation and reattachment near the nozzle have strong unsteady characteristics. The jet wake has the most obvious interference effect on Fin1. The pressure on the side of the rotation direction of Fin1 increases, while the opposite side is in contrast.
QTL-Seq Approach Identified Pi63 Conferring Blast Resistance at the Seedling and Tillering Stages of Thai Indigenous Rice Variety “Phaladum”
Authors: Netpakdee Chaiwat , Mathasiripakorn Sittiwut , Sribunrueang Arthit , Chankaew Sompong , Monkham Tidarat , Arikit Siwaret , Sanitchon Jirawat
Published: August 2022

Rice blast (BL) caused by Magnaporthe oryzae is a fungal disease causing significant yield losses in rice production worldwide. To overcome the breakdown of resistance by the rapid adaptation of pathogens, identifying resistance (R) genes or QTLs in indigenous rice, which harbors the R genes that co-evolved with the local pathogen race, is necessary. In this study, a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from a cross between RD6 and Phaladum (PLD) was used to map quantitative trait loci (QTL) for BL resistance through a QTL-seq approach. A single QTL (qBLchr4) associated with BL resistance at the seedling and maximum tillering stages was mapped on the long arm of chromosome 4. Five genes, LOC_Os04g0616600, LOC_Os04g0617900 (OsGLP4-1), LOC_Os04g0619600 (OsRLCK161), LOC_Os04g0620800 (Pi63), and LOC_Os04g0621500, were considered the candidate genes representing qBLchr4. Subsequently, the Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR (KASP) markers specific for the SNP variant and position of each gene were designed for validation in the mapping population. These markers showed the high phenotypic variance explained (PVE) values in all testing methods and/or environments, signifying the major effect of qBLchr4. Among these markers, the Pi63-KASP marker explained the highest and most stable phenotypic variation across all testing methods and/or environments, with 84.18%, 80.34%, and 23.43% in the upland short row (USR) method, Sila environment, and Mueang environment, respectively. Therefore, Pi63 was suggested to be the strongest candidate gene. These results represent the potential utility of future BL resistance breeding and/or pyramiding using marker-assisted selection (MAS).
Effects of Combined Main Ditch and Field Ditch Control Measures on Crop Yield and Drainage Discharge in the Northern Huaihe River Plain, Anhui Province, China
Authors: Tang Rong , Wang Xiugui , Han Xudong , Yan Yihui , Huang Shuang , Huang Jiesheng , Shen Tao , Wang Youzhen , Liu Jia
Published: August 2022

Open-ditch controlled drainage is an important water management measure used to reduce drought and waterlogging stress in many areas in the world. Such measures are essential to promote the crop yield, make full use of rainfall resources, reduce regional drainage discharge (Q) and reduce water environmental pollution. To quantify its effects, an open-ditch controlled drainage and crop yield simulation model was developed in an area located in Northern Huaihe River Plain (NHRP), Anhui Province, China. The model was calibrated and validated. The changes in crop yield and Q were simulated under different main-ditch water-depth control schemes, field ditch layout and outlet weir height control schemes from 1991 to 2021. Compared with the current situation, the change in crop yield caused by the main ditch schemes was significantly higher than that caused by the field ditch schemes. The change in Q caused by the field ditch schemes was greater than that caused by the main ditch schemes, with values of 60% and 0.02%, respectively. Combined control schemes could further increase the crop yield and reduce the Q. The results have practical application value for ensuring good crop yields and reducing farmland drainage in the NHRP and other similar regions.
Temperature and Soil Moisture Drive Coumestrol Concentration in Annual Medicago spp. in the Presence but Not Absence of Phoma Black Stem and Leaf Spot (Phoma medicaginis)
Authors: Omidvari Mahtab , Flematti Gavin R. , You Ming Pei , Abbaszadeh-Dahaji Payman , Barbetti Martin J.
Published: August 2022

Studies were undertaken to determine the impact of environmental variables temperature (12.5/9.5, 20/17, 27/24 °C day/night) and soil moisture (100, 50% WHC), and their interaction with Phoma medicaginis infection, on production of the phytoestrogen coumestrol in annual Medicago rugosa cv. Paraponto and M. scutellata cv. Sava. Disease factors measured included leaf disease incidence/severity, petiole/stem disease incidence/severity, and leaf yellowing severity. Coumestrol levels were determined using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Increasing temperature from 12.5/9.5 °C to 27/24 °C in inoculated plants significantly (p < 0.05) increased coumestrol from 193 mg kg−1 to 390 mg kg−1, but there were no differences in coumestrol production across all three temperatures in uninoculated plants. Reducing soil moisture from 100% to 50% WHC at the highest temperature (27/24 °C) caused the greatest increase in coumestrol production from 156 to 269 mg kg−1 in inoculated plants. The greatest coumestrol production (600 mg kg−1) was under 27/24 °C/50% WHC for Sava infected with P. medicaginis and least coumestrol (1.6 mg kg−1) was Sava under 20/17 °C/50% WHC in the absence of P. medicaginis. Clearly, situations of higher temperatures in conjunction with lower soil moisture levels cause greatest elevation in coumestrol in the presence of P. medicaginis, levels far exceeding the animal risk threshold of 25 mg kg−1.
A Deep Learning Model for Detecting Cage-Free Hens on the Litter Floor
Authors: Yang Xiao , Chai Lilong , Bist Ramesh Bahadur , Subedi Sachin , Wu Zihao
Published: August 2022

Real-time and automatic detection of chickens (e.g., laying hens and broilers) is the cornerstone of precision poultry farming based on image recognition. However, such identification becomes more challenging under cage-free conditions comparing to caged hens. In this study, we developed a deep learning model (YOLOv5x-hens) based on YOLOv5, an advanced convolutional neural network (CNN), to monitor hens’ behaviors in cage-free facilities. More than 1000 images were used to train the model and an additional 200 images were adopted to test it. One-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD analyses were conducted using JMP software (JMP Pro 16 for Mac, SAS Institute, Cary, North Caronia) to determine whether there are significant differences between the predicted number of hens and the actual number of hens under various situations (i.e., age, light intensity, and observational angles). The difference was considered significant at p < 0.05. Our results show that the evaluation metrics (Precision, Recall, F1 and mAP@0.5) of the YOLOv5x-hens model were 0.96, 0.96, 0.96 and 0.95, respectively, in detecting hens on the litter floor. The newly developed YOLOv5x-hens was tested with stable performances in detecting birds under different lighting intensities, angles, and ages over 8 weeks (i.e., birds were 8–16 weeks old). For instance, the model was tested with 95% accuracy after the birds were 8 weeks old. However, younger chicks such as one-week old birds were harder to be tracked (e.g., only 25% accuracy) due to interferences of equipment such as feeders, drink lines, and perches. According to further data analysis, the model performed efficiently in real-time detection with an overall accuracy more than 95%, which is the key step for the tracking of individual birds for evaluation of production and welfare. However, there are some limitations of the current version of the model. Error detections came from highly overlapped stock, uneven light intensity, and images occluded by equipment (i.e., drinking line and feeder). Future research is needed to address those issues for a higher detection. The current study established a novel CNN deep learning model in research cage-free facilities for the detection of hens, which provides a technical basis for developing a machine vision system for tracking individual birds for evaluation of the animals’ behaviors and welfare status in commercial cage-free houses.
Hematological Changes in Sika Doe and Suckling Fawn Fed with Spent Mushroom Substrate of Pleurotus ostreatus
Authors: Yuan Chongshan , Li Changze , Chen Xinyuan , Tahir Syed Muhammad , Zhang Aiwu , Wu Min
Published: August 2022

Sika deer velvet antler is the most important animal nutraceutic in traditional Chinese medicine. Reducing the breeding cost of sika deer by looking for a low-cost diet is the main research direction at present. The purpose of this experiment was to find an alternative diet for sika deer and reduce the cost of the diet by using spent mushroom substrate (SMS) as a concentrate supplement. The apparent digestibility for sika doe and the hematological changes of sika doe and suckling fawn were measured by replacing 10% of the concentrate supplement with SMS of Pleurotus ostreatus (SMS-MP). Compared with the control group, the digestibility of dry matter (DM), total protein (TP), globulin (GLO), and cholesterol (CHOL) of sika doe were significantly decreased (p < 0.05), and glucose (GLU), alanine (Ala), phenylalanine (Phe), and proline (Pro) of sika doe were significantly increased (p < 0.05) after the replacement of SMS-MP. Compared with the control group, the serum GLU of suckling fawn was significantly decreased (p < 0.05) and the phosphatase (ALP) was significantly increased after the replacement of SMS-MP (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the immune globulin and amino acid of suckling fawns between the two groups (p > 0.05). The present findings confirm the applicability of SMS-MP as a sika doe concentrate supplement. At the same time, using SMS, a waste resource, can not only reduce the breeding cost of sika doe, but also make full use of SMS to reduce environmental pollution.
Carcass Traits of Growing Meat Goats Fed Different Levels of Hempseed Meal
Authors: Gurung Reshma , Ale Khim B. , Abrahamsen Frank W. , Moyer Katie , Sawyer Jason T. , Gurung Nar K.
Published: August 2022

Hempseed meal (HSM) is the byproduct of hemp seeds and is rich in crude protein and fiber, making it an ideal candidate as a feedstuff for ruminants. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the effects of feeding different levels of HSM on the carcass traits of crossbred Boer goats. Forty castrated goat kids (approximately six months, 25.63 ± 0.33 kg) were assigned to one of four treatments (n = 10) in a completely randomized design. Goats were fed pelleted diets (50% forage and 50% concentrate) with additional supplementation of HSM: control with 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% of the total diets. Goats were harvested and processed after a 60-day feeding trial. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in the mean values of dressing percentages, carcass weights, body wall thickness, and ribeye area among treatments. Marbling scores and percentages of moisture, fats, proteins, and collagen in the muscles showed no significant differences (p > 0.05) among the treatments. Results suggest that including up to 30% of HSM in the diet of growing meat goats does not affect their carcass traits.
Hematology, Ultrastructure and Morphology of Blood Cells in Rufous-Winged Buzzards (Butastur liventer) from Thailand
Authors: Pornpanom Pornchai , Kasorndorkbua Chaiyan , Lertwatcharasalakul Preeda , Salakij Chaleow
Published: August 2022

In attempt to treat injured raptors and promote conservation awareness, the Kasetsart University Raptor Rehabilitation Unit (KURRU) was established in 2007. The complete blood counts (CBCs) are a manual tool used for the screening of raptor health. These tests require knowledge of blood cell morphology. This study aimed to describe the preliminary information of the hematology, ultrastructure, and morphology of blood cells in rufous-winged buzzards (RWB). There were 17 RWBs admitted into the KURRU. CBCs were manually performed by veterinary technicians. The morphology and morphometry of blood cells were observed from Wright-stained blood smears. Ultrastructure was observed from uranyl acetate and lead citrate-stained sections. The hematologic values were analyzed and described from individual RWBs that were clinically healthy, negative for blood parasites, and had PCV > 0.30 L/L. Consequently, CBCs of 12 out of 17 RWBs were included for descriptive hematologic values. Heterophils were the most prevalent white blood cells in RWBs. Of these 17 RWBs, 1 non-parasitized RWB showed hypochromic erythrocytes with PCV 0.18 L/L, which indicated that anemia in RWBs resulted from non-parasitic causes. The morphology of blood cells in RWBs was similar to those in other diurnal raptors, except that the lymphocytes showed pale or colorless cytoplasm. The electron micrographs highlighted that the basophil contained two types of granules: homogeneous electron-dense granules and reticulated electron-dense granules. The photomicrographs in this report are the scientific reference for identification of blood cells in RWBs. The CBCs from non-parasitized RWBs (clinically healthy) can be used as a cage mate reference in the KURRU. Additionally, we found evidence that evaluations of blood smears together with CBC examination were important in raptors.
Farmers’ Risk Perception on Climate Change: Transhumance vs. Semi-Intensive Sheep Production Systems in Türkiye
Authors: Ocak Yetisgin Sezen , Önder Hasan , Şen Uğur , Piwczyński Dariusz , Kolenda Magdalena , Sitkowska Beata , Yucel Ceyhun
Published: August 2022

Sheep farmers’ perceptions of climate change and its impacts and the adaptation strategies they consider to address these risks are of great importance in ensuring the resilience of farming practice. This study focused on sheep farmers’ perception of climate change and the risks and actions taken to mitigate these impacts. A total of 68 surveys were carried out among sheep farmers (39 transhumance and 29 semi-intensive farmers) by two different representative production systems in Türkiye. Variables regarding the socio-economic profile, climate change impacts, and adaptation strategies were identified and analyzed. Principal component analysis and a Pearson Chi-square test were used to evaluate the data. Both farmers’ groups accepted and perceived climate change, showing good awareness and perception. The farmers’ attitudes towards adaptation to climate change were associated with production systems. Transhumance farmers had limited adaptation and coping strategies compared to semi-intensive farmers. Transhumance farmers focused mainly on selling livestock (mostly to cope with degraded natural grassland/feed deficiency) as an adaptive strategy. In contrast, semi-intensive farmers focused on modifying their farm management and feed operations, such as changing the feed ratio and supplement use, improving water and feed storage, and considering crop feed production. The knowledge obtained from this study could be helpful for farmers and policymakers who develop long-term small ruminant production strategies that consider the effects of climate change and adapt them to different farming systems in the Türkiye.
Locally Injected Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma Improves Cutaneous Wound Healing in Cats
Authors: Angelou Vasileia , Psalla Dimitra , Dovas Chrysostomos I. , Kazakos George M. , Marouda Christina , Chatzimisios Kyriakos , Kyrana Zacharenia , Moutou Evangelia , Karayannopoulou Maria , Papazoglou Lysimachos G.
Published: August 2022

Cutaneous defects in cats are commonly encountered in clinical practice, and healing can be accomplished by first or second intention. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is characterized by a plasma concentration containing a large number of platelets in a small volume of plasma. The objective of the present study was to record the efficacy of PRP infiltration in open wounds in laboratory cats. Six wounds were created in the dorsal midline of eight laboratory cats, with the wounds of one side designated as the PRP group and the wounds of the other side as the control group. Wound healing was evaluated by daily clinical examination, planimetry, laser Doppler flowmetry, and histologic examination on days 0, 7, 14, and 25, and by measurement of metalloproteinases (MMPs)-2 and -9 and tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 on days 0, 14, and 25. Based on the results of the present study, the mean time for full coverage with granulation tissue was shorter in the PRP group, the mean contraction and total wound healing percentage were increased compared to the control group, and finally, the perfusion measured with laser Doppler flowmetry was higher in the PRP group during all examination days. In conclusion, this is the first study focusing on the topical application of PRP in the treatment of open wounds in laboratory cats, and our results are encouraging—showing a more rapid healing in the PRP group.
Actinomyces sp. Presence in the Bone Specimens of Patients with Osteonecrosis of the Jaw: The Histopathological Analysis and Clinical Implication
Authors: Ibrahim Norliwati , Apandi Nurul Inaas Mahamad , Shuhardi Syafiqah Aina , Ramli Roszalina
Published: August 2022

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) and osteoradionecrosis (ORN) are two similar bone pathologies in the jaw with different aetiologies. Actinomycosis is a relatively rare oral infection caused by the Gram-positive anaerobe Actinomyces sp. that normally colonizes the oral cavity. Actinomycosis is associated with the pathogenesis of both the MRONJ and ORN, as evident in our cases, and not just as a superficial contaminant. The clinical and histopathological aspects of the cases treated in our centre were also reported with a review of the literature. Clinical implication on the treatment of the cases was highlighted in view of the presence of this microorganism.
DJ-1 and SOD1 Act Independently in the Protection against Anoxia in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: De Lazzari Federica , Agostini Francesco , Doni Davide , Malacrida Sandro , Zordan Mauro A. , Costantini Paola , Bubacco Luigi , Sandrelli Federica , Bisaglia Marco
Published: August 2022

Redox homeostasis is a vital process the maintenance of which is assured by the presence of numerous antioxidant small molecules and enzymes and the alteration of which is involved in many pathologies, including several neurodegenerative disorders. Among the different enzymes involved in the antioxidant response, SOD1 and DJ-1 have both been associated with the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease, suggesting a possible interplay in their mechanism of action. Copper deficiency in the SOD1-active site has been proposed as a central determinant in SOD1-related neurodegeneration. SOD1 maturation mainly relies on the presence of the protein copper chaperone for SOD1 (CCS), but a CCS-independent alternative pathway also exists and functions under anaerobic conditions. To explore the possible involvement of DJ-1 in such a pathway in vivo, we exposed Drosophila melanogaster to anoxia and evaluated the effect of DJ-1 on fly survival and SOD1 levels, in the presence or absence of CCS. Loss of DJ-1 negatively affects the fly response to the anoxic treatment, but our data indicate that the protective activity of DJ-1 is independent of SOD1 in Drosophila, indicating that the two proteins may act in different pathways.
Monocyte Phenotypes and Physical Activity in Patients with Carotid Atherosclerosis
Authors: Mura Mathilde , Weiss-Gayet Michèle , Della-Schiava Nellie , Chirico Erica , Lermusiaux Patrick , Chambion-Diaz Marie , Faes Camille , Boreau Anaelle , Chazaud Bénédicte , Millon Antoine , Pialoux Vincent
Published: August 2022

Atherosclerosis is associated with low-grade inflammation involving circulating monocytes. It has been shown that the levels of intermediate pro-inflammatory monocytes are associated with cardiovascular mortality and risk of ischemic stroke. It also has been shown that physical activity (PA) decreases inflammation markers, incidence of strokes, and mortality. In this cross-sectional study, we tested the effect of PA on circulating monocytes phenotype rate. A total of 29 patients with a carotid stenosis > 50% were recruited. Levels of physical activity (MET.min/week) were measured by the GPAQ questionnaire, arterial samples of blood were collected to analyze monocyte phenotype (classical, intermediate and non-classical) assessed by flow cytometry, and venous blood samples were used to dose antioxidant activity and oxidative damage. Antioxidant capacity was reduced and oxidative damage increased in patients. There was a significant decrease in the percentage of classical and intermediate monocytes in moderately active patients as compared with non-active and highly active patients. Inversely, the rate of non-classical monocytes increased in moderately active patients. Intense PA appears to blunt the beneficial effects of moderate PA. Our study also suggests that PA could be beneficial in such patients by reducing the rate of intermediate monocytes known to predict the risk of ischemic stroke and by increasing the non-classical monocytes involved in lesions’ healing. Nevertheless, a longitudinal study would be necessary to confirm this hypothesis.
R- Is Superior to S-Form of α-Lipoic Acid in Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects in Laying Hens
Authors: Liu Qingxiu , Li Wenxiang , Huang Shimeng , Zhao Lihong , Zhang Jianyun , Ji Cheng , Ma Qiugang
Published: August 2022

The development of single enantiomers with high efficiency and low toxic activity has become a hot spot for the development and application of drugs and active additives. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of the application of α-lipoic acid with a different optical rotation to alleviate the inflammation response and oxidative stress induced by oxidized fish oil in laying hens. Sixty-four 124-week-old Peking Red laying hens were randomly allocated to four groups with eight replicates of two birds each. The normal group was fed basal diets supplemented with 1% fresh fish oil (FO), and the oxidative stress model group was constructed with diets supplemented with 1% oxidized fish oil (OFO). The two treatment groups were the S-form of the α-lipoic acid model with 1% oxidized fish oil (OFO + S-LA) and the R-form of the α-lipoic acid model with 1% oxidized fish oil (OFO + R-LA) added at 100 mg/kg, respectively. Herein, these results were evaluated by the breeding performance, immunoglobulin, immune response, estrogen secretion, antioxidant factors of the serum and oviduct, and pathological observation of the uterus part of the oviduct. From the results, diets supplemented with oxidized fish oil can be relatively successful in constructing a model of inflammation and oxidative stress. The OFO group significantly increased the levels of the serum inflammatory factor (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IFN-γ) and the oxidative factor MDA and decreased the activity of the antioxidant enzyme (T-AOC, T-SOD, GSH-Px, GSH, and CAT) in the oviduct. The addition of both S-LA and R-LA significantly reduced the levels of serum inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IFN-γ), increased the activity of antioxidant indexes (T-AOC, T-SOD, GSH-Px, GSH, and CAT), and decreased the MDA contents in the serum and oviduct. Meanwhile, the supplementation of S-LA and R-LA also mitigated the negative effects of the OFO on the immunoglobulins (IgA and IgM) and serum hormone levels (P and E2). In addition, it was worth noting that the R-LA was significantly more effective than the S-LA in some inflammatory (IL-1β) and antioxidant indices (T-SOD, GSH, and CAT). Above all, both S-LA and R-LA can alleviate the inflammation and oxidative damage caused by oxidative stress in aged laying hens, and R-LA is more effective than S-LA. Thus, these findings will provide basic data for the potential development of α-lipoic acid as a chiral dietary additive for laying hens.
A Nano-Liposomal Formulation of Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester Modulates Nrf2 and NF-κβ Signaling and Alleviates Experimentally Induced Acute Pancreatitis in a Rat Model
Authors: Shahin Nancy Nabil , Shamma Rehab Nabil , Ahmed Iman Saad
Published: August 2022

The currently available management strategies for acute pancreatitis are inadequately effective which calls for exploration of new approaches to treat this condition. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is a major bioactive constituent of honeybee propolis with promising therapeutic and preventive applications. However, its pharmaceutical potential and clinical use are hindered by its poor water solubility and limited plasma stability. In this study, we aimed to prepare, characterize and evaluate a CAPE-loaded nanoliposomal formulation to improve the efficacy of CAPE for the management of acute pancreatitis. The CAPE-loaded nanoliposomes (CAPE-loaded-NL) were prepared by a thin layer evaporation technique and were optimized using three edge activators. CAPE-loaded-NL were characterized for their vesicle size (VS), zeta potential (ZP), encapsulation efficiency (EE), polydispersity index (PDI), crystalline state and morphology. The protective effect of the optimal CAPE-loaded-NL was evaluated in a rat model of acute pancreatitis induced by administering a single intraperitoneal injection of L-ornithine. Oral pretreatment with CAPE-loaded-NL significantly counteracted ornithine-induced elevation in serum activities of pancreatic digestive enzymes and pancreatic levels of malondialdehyde, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, nitrite/nitrate, cleaved caspase-3 and myeloperoxidase activity. Moreover, pretreatment with CAPE-loaded-NL significantly reinstated the ornithine-lowered glutathione reductase activity, glutathione, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 levels and ATP/ADP ratio, and potentiated the Bcl-2/Bax ratio in pancreatic tissue. CAPE-loaded-NL displayed superior antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects compared to free CAPE oral suspension and achieved a more potent correction of the derangements in serum amylase and pancreatic myeloperoxidase activities. The histological observations were in line with the biochemical findings. Our results suggest that CAPE-loaded-NL provide a promising interventional approach for acute pancreatitis mainly through the enhancement of the exerted antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects which may be mediated, at least in part, through modulation of Nrf2 and NF-κβ signaling.