bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dharavi Slums (Mumbai, India): The Petri Dish of COVID-19 Herd Immunity
Authors: Shervani Zameer , Bhardwaj Deepali , Nikhat Roma 
Published: May 2021

The first and second serosurvey results of COVID-19 antibodies in Dharavi and Cuffe Parade slums (Mumbai, India) were studied. The seroprevalence data of the slums explained the zero novel coronavirus cases reported in the slum dwellers verified first in real on the ground the concept of much needed herd immunity against the pandemic. First serosurvey data showed that more than half (57%) of the population of Dharavi was infected with the virus. The antibodies were waned off in two month time and diminished to 45%, as found in the second survey conducted after two months of the first survey. The antibodies prevalence was highest at 75% in Cuffe Parade slums of Mumbai. Initially, Dharavi slums were a hotspot of novel coronavirus which later became nearly a no-new infection zone. The herd immunity acquired in Dharavi residents stopped the new infection. One million Dharavi slum dwellers living in a crowded semi-isolated cluster mimic the petri-dish model of a human population which is now a near COVID-19 free zone due to the presence of antibodies in the residents. The infection rate in Maharashtra, India, and Dharavi slums was compared. The concept of herd immunity that occurred on the ground in real has been first established. The research is very useful to vaccinate populations to eradicate the pandemic from the globe.
Home-Made Simple Experiment to Measure Sound Intensity using Smartphones
Authors: Nuryantini Ade Yeti , Zakwandi Rizki , Ariayuda Muhamad Ari 
Published: May 2021

The researchers present a simple experimental activity to measure the sound intensity level using an Android-based smartphone to prove the inverse square law and analyze the dependence of the sound intensity to the sound source frequency. The type of this study was quantitative research by conducting level of intensity experiment using a pair of smartphones with one smartphone functioning as the sound source using a tone generator free application (app) and the other smartphone functioning as the detector installed with Physics Toolbox sound meter application to measure the arriving sound intensity level. The smartphone functioning as the sound source was placed at a certain place labeled as the origin point (0.0), while the other smartphone as the detector was placed at various distances on the x-axis. In this study, the frequencies of the tone generator used were 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, and 2000 Hz. Then, the sound intensity level versus distance was analyzed to determine the compatibility between the experimental results using a smartphone and the prevailing theory, namely the inverse square model. The sound intensity level detected by the smartphone from 2,000 Hz resulted in the graph with smaller slope after passing 0.3 meters. The results follow the theorem of which the sound intensity level at the detector depends on the distance between the source and the detector based on the inverse square law. When the frequency of a source was changed (500 Hz, 1000 Hz and 2000), the sound intensity also changed. Higher frequency leads to a larger sound intensity. The experiment can thus be used to assist high school students and physics undergraduates in understanding the inverse square law of sound or to study environmental noise with a simple and low-cost experiment.
Primary culture of chondrocytes after collagenase IA or II treatment of articular cartilage from elderly patients undergoing arthroplasty
Authors: Xiong Liuliu , Cui Meng , Zhou Ziye , Wu Minchen , Wang Quanming , Song Haiyan , Ding Lei 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Background
Joint replacement surgery provides articular cartilage samples for chondrocyte isolation. To our knowledge, the effect of the collagenase type on releasing of chondrocytes from the extracellular matrix of cartilage is not reported.

Objectives
To determine whether cartilage digested with collagenase IA yielded more chondrocytes than that digested with collagenase II and determine whether chondrocytes isolated with collagenase IA could be cultured in vitro.

Methods
Cartilage slices collected from 18 elderly patients who received joint replacement surgery (16 hips, 2 knees) were digested sequentially with 0.4% pronase E and 0.02% collagenase IA, or with 0.15% collagenase II alone, or sequentially with 0.4% pronase E and 0.02% collagenase II. We compared cell yield from each method. Cell viability by the most effective method was calculated and plotted. The morphology of cultured monolayer chondrocytes was recorded with a light microscope.

Results
Sequential digestion with pronase E and collagenase IA yielded 2566 ± 873 chondrocytes per mg wet cartilage, which was more effective than the other isolation methods (P = 0.018). The average chondrocyte viability could reach 84% ± 8% (n = 11). Light microscopic images showed typical chondrocyte morphology in monolayer cultures.

Conclusion
Sequential digestion of human articular cartilage with pronase E and collagenase IA was more effective than collagenase II alone or collagenase II combined with pronase E for releasing chondrocytes from extracellular matrix of cartilage. Chondrocytes isolated with this method could be maintained in monolayer cultures for at least 2 passages with unaltered morphology.
Peguero–Lo Presti criteria modified by body surface area for the electrocardiographic diagnosis of left ventricular hypertrophy in Thai patients
Authors: Luangphiphat Wongsakorn , Phaisitkriengkrai Atthaphon , Methavigul Ratikorn , Methavigul Komsing 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundSeveral electrocardiographic (ECG) criteria are used to diagnose left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH); however, they have low sensitivity.ObjectiveTo assess the sensitivity of LVH diagnosis using Peguero–Lo Presti criteria modified by body surface area (BSA).MethodsThis study used retrospective data from 9,438 patients who attended the Central Chest Institute of Thailand from January 2017 to December 2017 with available echocardiography, and who were categorized into those with and without LVH to determine diagnostic accuracy. We randomly selected 317 patients after excluding others based on various conditions. The left ventricular mass of the 317 patients was estimated using echocardiography. Peguero–Lo Presti criteria were modified by dividing original criteria by BSA. The accuracy of the modified criteria was compared with that of the original Peguero–Lo Presti, Sokolow–Lyon, and Cornell voltage criteria. A McNemar test was used to determine the agreement of all ECG criteria examined with LV mass index. The area under a receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to assess the performance of the criteria.ResultsLVH was diagnosed in 164 of the 317 patients using echocardiography. The sensitivity of modified Peguero–Lo Presti criteria was 50.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 42.7% to 58.5%), and specificity was 88.2% (95% CI 82.0% to 92.9%), with an AUC of 0.67 (95% CI 0.61–0.73).ConclusionsPeguero–Lo Presti criteria modified by dividing them by BSA can improve sensitivity with acceptable specificity for the diagnosis of LVH compared with other ECG criteria examined, at least in selected Thai patients. The modified Peguero–Lo Presti criteria have accuracy similar to that for the original criteria.
Association of SNPs in AKIRIN2, TTN, EDG1 and MYBPC1 Genes with Growth and Carcass Traits in Qinchuan Cattle
Authors: Cheng Zixuan , Sheng Cong , Li Yaxing , Wang Shenyuan , Wu Kaifeng , Liu Jianfeng , Sasaki Seiki , Yamada Takahisa , Ya Su , Zhou Huanmin , Zan Linsen , Tong Bin 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Growth and carcass traits are the main breeding objectives in beef cattle. The aim of this study was to confirm genetic effects of the c.*188G>A SNP of AKIRIN2, the g.231054C>T SNP of TTN, the g.1471620G>T SNP of EDG1 and the g.70014208A>G SNP of MYBPC1 on growth and carcass traits in Chinese Qinchuan (QC) cattle, as well as to compare the frequencies of the well-characterized alleles of these SNPs among six Chinese cattle populations, three Japanese cattle populations, two European cattle populations and one Korean cattle population. In this study, a total of 665 cattle samples were genotyped using MassARRAY and PCR-RFLP. Association analysis explored effects of four SNPs on growth and carcass traits including body length, wither height, hip height, hip width, rump length, chest depth, chest circumference, back fat thickness, ultrasound longissimus muscle area and ultrasound longissimus muscle depth in QC (P<0.05 to P<0.001). The well-characterized A (c.*188G>A), T (g.231054C>T) and T (g.1471620G>T) alleles in Japanese Black cattle were significantly higher than Chinese cattle breeds; on the contrary, the G allele (g.70014208A>G) was markedly higher in Chinese cattle breeds than other cattle breeds. These results suggest that the four SNPs might be useful as a molecular marker for growth-related traits in Chinese QC cattle.
Protective Effects of Non-Encapsulated and Microencapsulated Lactobacillus Delbrueckii Subsp. Bulgaricus in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus Mykiss) Exposed to Lead (Pb) Via Diet
Authors: Mohammadian Takavar , Ghanei-Motlagh Reza , Jalali Misagh , Nasirpour Mahdieh , Mohtashamipour Hamzeh , Osroush Elham , Nejad Abdolhossein Jangaran 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The present study was designed to investigate the effects of dietary non-encapsulated and microencapsulated Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus on growth performance, intestinal enzymatic activities, antioxidant capacity and hepato-biochemical parameters of rainbow trout before or after exposure to lead via diet. Fingerling fish (16 ± 4 g) were divided into four groups: negative control (NC), positive control (PC), probiotic (PR) and encapsulated probiotic (EN-PR). During the pre-exposure period (days 0–45), fish in the NC and PC groups received the basal diet, whereas fish in the PR and EN-PR groups were fed with basal diet containing 108 CFU g−1 feed of non-encapsulated and microencapsulated probiotic, respectively. During the exposure period (days 46–66), the fish in the probiotic and PC groups were co-treated with 500 μg g−1 feed of lead nitrate. Blood, liver and gut samples were taken at days 0, 45, 52, 59 and 66. The results revealed that growth performance and intestinal enzymatic activities were significantly (P<0.05) improved in the probiotic groups compared to the NC group (day 45). Dietary exposure to lead resulted in the highest levels of liver aspartate aminotransferase (AST), liver alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and serum malondialdehyde (MDA), and the lowest activities of serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in the PC group (day 66). The levels of liver ALP were significantly (P<0.05) lower in the probiotic groups compared to the NC and PC groups prior to and after exposure to dietary lead. Serum levels of total protein, albumin, SOD, CAT and glutathione (GSH) were significantly increased in fish fed with both non-encapsulated and microencapsulated probiotics (P<0.05). However, microencapsulated probiotic showed the greatest potential for alleviation of the disturbed activities of intestinal and hepatic enzymes, and improvement of serum biochemical and antioxidant parameters. Our findings suggest that L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, particularly in the microencapsulated form, can be used as a potential probiotic to protect rainbow trout from dietborne lead toxicity.
The Effect of Silybum Marianum Seed, Thymus Vulgaris, and Rosmarinus Officinalis Powders in Alleviating the Risks of Aflatoxin B1 in Young Broiler Chicks
Authors: Raei Hamid , Najafi Ramin , Torshizi Mohammad Amir Karimi , Froushani Seyyed Meysam Abtahi , Joogh Fatemeh Azari Ghaleh 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
This investigation was aimed to evaluate the effects of Silybum marianum seed, Thymus vulgaris, and Rosmarinus officinalis powders and their combination in alleviating the risks of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in young broiler chicks. One-day-old Ross 308 male broiler chickens were allocated to 6 experimental groups from d 1 to 21. The experimental dietary groups included: Negative control (NC) received the basal diet, Positive control (PC) containing 2 mg AFB1/kg diet; Positive control + 10 g/kg diet of Silybum marianum seed (SMS); Positive control + 10 g/kg diet of Thymus vulgaris (TV); Positive control + 5 g/kg diet of Rosmarinus officinalis (RO); Positive control + 10 g/kg diet of SMS + 10 g/kg diet of TV + 5 g/kg diet of RO as a blend of herbs (BH). There was no difference between feed intake and body weight gain among the experimental groups (P>0.05). In contrast, the feed conversion rate (FCR) in NC and SMS groups was lower than in other groups (P<0.05). Calcium levels and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) were lower in serum samples, but the activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were higher in PC chickens (P<0.05). Increase in the thigh muscle malondialdehyde (MDA) in chickens fed AFB1 was significantly reduced in the NC, SMS, and BH chickens (P<0.05). Chickens of NC and SMS groups showed the highest response to respiratory burst of heterophil (NBT assay) and lymphocyte proliferation assays (MTT assay) (P<0.05). In conclusion, the addition of studied herbs, especially SMS, to the AFB1 contaminated diet could have a protective effect against aflatoxicosis in broiler chickens.
Influence of Replacement Levels of Orange Waste Silage on Intake, Nutrient Digestion, Ruminal Fermentation and Milk Yield in Barki Goats
Authors: El-Zaiat Hani M. , El-Wakeel El-Saeed A. , Saber Adel M. , Khattab Ahmed R. , Sallam Sobhy M. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Exploring new alternative sources of feedstuffs can contribute to animal production sustainability in some Mediterranean regions in order to overcome the rising food demand. The influence of dietary replacement of wheat straw (WS) with orange waste silage (OWS) on nutrient intakes, apparent digestibility, ruminal fermentation and blood biochemical constituents and milk production of dairy goats were evaluated. Forty pregnant goats (46.30±1.6 kg BW) were housed in individual pens in a completely randomized design and fed (ad libitum) a TMR for 75 days period. Goats were assigned to four experimental diets with the forage amounts consisting of either WS as a control diet (1000 g WS/kg DM in the TMR), a 50:50 mixture of both WS and OWS (500 g WS and 500 g OWS/kg DM in the TMR), an orange waste silage (1000 g OWS/kg DM in the TMR) or corn silage as a positive control (1000 g CS/kg DM in the TMR). The DMI increased linearly (P<0.01), while fiber fractions intake decreased linearly (P<0.01) with increasing of OWS in the diet. Ruminal pH was increased quadratically (P<0.01), whereas NH3-N concentration and total protozoa abundance decreased quadratically (P<0.01) with increasing OWS in the diet. Ruminal acetate content was increased linearly (P = 0.012) by diet; whereas linear effects were observed on propionate and butyrate proportions (P<0.01) as OWS amount increased. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), non-esterified free fatty acids (NEFA) and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) levels decreased linearly (P<0.01) with ascending amounts of OWS. Serum glucose, BUN, NEFA and BHBA levels were lower (P<0.01) for goats fed the OWS diet than those fed the CS diet. Milk yield and milk nitrogen efficiency were linearly increased (P<0.01), whereas quadratic effects (P = 0.049) were observed on milk urea nitrogen content with increasing dietary OWS. In conclusion, the replacement of WS with OWS enhanced rumen fermentation and milk yield of late pregnant and early lactation Barki goats.
The First Insights on Trans-Galactooligosaccharide Effects on Fatty Acids Profile and Microstructure of Muscle in Common Carp
Authors: Ziółkowska Ewa , Bogucka Joanna , Rawski Mateusz , Mazurkiewicz Jan , Maiorano Giuseppe , Stanek Magdalena 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The aim of the study was to determine the effects of prebiotic GOS on muscle histomorphometry and the total lipid, total cholesterol content and fatty acids profile in the meat of common carp. The 60-day-long experiment was performed on one-year-old fish. Three diets were used in the experiment: control diet 1 (C) with no microbiota affecting feed additives, diet 2 (B1) with 1% of GOS, and diet 3 (B2) with 2% of GOS. At the end of the trial, 16 individuals from each treatment group were used for the analyses. Fish meat from the B1 group had significantly higher lipid content compared to B2, but neither B1 nor B2 groups were different from the control group. The percentages of SFA, MUFA, PUFA, indexes n-3/n-6, PUFA /SFA, AI and TI, and total cholesterol content were not affected, in contrast to C14:0, C16:1 n-7, C18:0, C18:2 n-6, C20:4 n-6, and total n-6 FA. GOS significantly increased the percentage of normal fibres, while the lower amount of fibre atrophy and splitting was observed. The results confirm that diet supplemented with 2% GOS may be recommended as feed additive in carp nutrition due to positive effects on some fatty acids profiles and muscle microstructure.
Behaviour, Hygiene, and Lameness of Dairy Cows in a Compost Barn During Cold Seasons in a Subtropical Climate
Authors: Pilatti Jaqueline A. , Vieira Frederico Márcio C. , Santos Lucélia Fátima dos , Vismara Edgar S. , Herbut Piotr 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
This study aimed to assess the thermal environment, behaviour, hygiene, and lameness in dairy cows with different numbers of lactations housed in a compost-bedded pack barn system in a humid subtropical climate during autumn and winter. Between April and July 2016, behavioural and microclimatic environment assessments were conducted in a compost barn system, and hygiene and lameness assessments were performed. Crossbred cows in lactation (n = 10) were divided into two groups according to the number of lactations: primiparous and multiparous. Air temperature, relative humidity, and air ventilation speed were measured at 09:00, 12:00, and 15:00. The cows’ hygiene and lameness were evaluated using subjective scores ranging from 1 to 4 and 1 to 5, respectively. The daytime behaviour assessment was performed as sampling 0/1, using the focal method. Primiparous cows showed a greater probability of walking (P<0.05) than multiparous cows between 09:20 and 11:20, and at 15:20, and increased the water intake at 14:00. Regarding the eating behaviour and the effect of time of day within each group (P<0.05), the cows ate more in the morning’s early hours. The cows’ hygiene scores were 1 or 2, and most cows presented scores of 1 or 2 for lameness. Our research has shown that microclimatic variables may influence the walking behaviour and water intake of primiparous cows during the hottest periods of the day, even during cold weather, in a humid subtropical climate. The dairy cows showed low hygiene and lameness scores, which indicates that the compost bar positively influenced cleanliness and locomotion comfort.
Effect pf Fermented Rapeseed Meal as a Feed Component on the Redox and Immune System of Pregnant Sows and their Offspring
Authors: Czech Anna , Stępniowska Anna , Kiesz Martyna 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The aim of the study was to assess the effect of dried fermented rapeseed meal (FRSM) in diets for sows on blood redox and immunological parameters, taking into account the physiological period (pregnancy or lactation) and age (primiparous vs multiparous sows). The experiment also aimed to determine how FRSM administered to pregnant sows, affects the antioxidant and immune systems of piglets. The animals were divided into 4 groups of 15 animals each. Control groups of primiparous (CG) and multiparous sows (CS) received a standard diet for pregnant or lactating sows. Experimental groups of primiparous (EG) and multiparous sows (ES) received feed with a 4% share of FRSM in place of soybean meal up to day 100 of gestation, 9% share of FRSM from day 100 of gestation to day 7 of lactation, and then again 4% share of FRSM until the end of lactation. In the blood plasma of pregnant sows fed diet with FRSM addition, higher FRAP value and vitamin C, uric acid (UA), immunoglobulin IgG content, lymphocytes (LYM) count and a lower content of malondialdehyde (MDA), lipid hydroperoxides (LOH), immunoglobulin IgM was noted than in the blood plasma of control sows. Both primiparous and multiparous lactation sows whose feed included FRSM had higher catalase (CAT) activity, higher FRAP, vitamin C, immunoglobulin IgG and IL-6 content, and lower UA content than the control sows. Piglets born to sows fed diet with FRSM addition had significantly higher FRAP values, vitamin C, IgG, and IL-6 content and white blood cells (WBC) count and lower MDA and UA content in the blood plasma than piglets born to sows from control group. Multiparous sows compared to primiparous sows had higher CAT activity, and higher vitamin C, LOH, creatinine (CREAT), and IgM content. Elevated FRAP, and CREAT levels and reduced MDA content were also observed in the plasma of the multiparous sows compared to primiparous sows during lactation. Multiparous lactation sows compared to primiparous sows had lower WBC count, and IgG and IgM content. Piglets born to multiparous sows had higher FRAP values, LOH content and IgA content while lower MDA content compared to piglets born to primiparous sows. The inclusion of dried fermented rapeseed meal in feed for sows significantly stimulates antioxidant processes in primiparous and multiparous sows and in their piglets. The inclusion of dried fermented rapeseed meal in the diet of sows stimulates antioxidant processes in primiparous and multiparous sows and in their piglets. This is responsible for stimulation of the immune system (increased LYM counts and IgG titres in the blood plasma). The improved antioxidant status in the plasma suggests that dried fermented rapeseed meal stimulated the immune system of pregnant and lactating sows and their newborn offspring.
Effect of Breed and Diet on Carcass Parameters and Meat Quality of Spent Hens
Authors: Vargas-Ramella Márcio , Pateiro Mirian , Rois Diego , Arias Anisia , Justo José Ramón , López-Pedrouso María , Lorenzo José M. , Franco Daniel 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Two spent hen breeds (Mos and Isa Brown) fed with three different diets [commercial feeding (CF); corn, pea, and triticale (CPT); and corn and wheat (CW)] were studied to assess their laying performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality parameters (breast and drumstick). A total of 48 hens reared in a traditional free-range system were used. Birds were slaughtered at 72 weeks of age after the moulting in an accredited abattoir, and measurements (for each bird) of carcass and meat started at 24 h post-mortem. The results demonstrated a breed and diet effect (P<0.05) on laying performance, carcass, and meat quality. The Mos breed showed lower laying performance, higher live weight (P<0.001), carcass weight (P<0.001), dressing percentage (P<0.001), and carcass fat (P<0.001) than Isa Brown. The breed also affected physicochemical parameters of drumstick and breast (P<0.05). Concerning the diet effect, spent hens fed with commercial feeding showed heavier live weight (P<0.01) and carcass weight (P<0.01). Diet significantly affected most of meat quality parameters, CPT being the formulation that most affected (P<0.05) drumstick composition, while in the breast was CF (P<0.001). Significant (P≤0.005) effects on breast colour, cooking loss and hardness were observed in animals fed with alternative diets to CF. Regarding nutritional quality, no breed or diet effect (P<0.05) was observed in MUFA s, PUFA s and n-6 contents of meat. Overall, both breeds showed a high protein and low-fat content in the breast, showing these hens as an opportunity for the development of meat products as well as an economic purpose for spent hens that reach the end of their productive lives.