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This article reflects on what it might mean to think about archives "beyond" the human, specifically in relation to animals and their archives. Interdisciplinary and disciplinary "animal turns" have brought animals into social science and humanities spaces—as both subjects and collaborators. In archival research and studies, encounters with animals, and more broadly nonhumans, both complicate and extend contemporary debates: on how we research in the archives, on ethics and politics, and even on what constitutes an archive. Drawing from three different case studies from its author's research with historical animals—in a traditional archive, in the digital archive, and in a speculative archive—the article reflects on some of these contemporary debates to ask how we might meaningfully extend archives beyond the human. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Arquivos Brasileiros de Oftalmologia is the property of Arquivos Brasileiros de Oftalmologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objectives: Between July 2, 2021, and September 20, 2022, a Mycobacterium bovis outbreak occurred among exhibition animals at a zoo in the Republic of Korea. This study was conducted to assess the likelihood of M. bovis transmission to human contacts through a contact investigation and to implement preventive treatment for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). Methods: In this descriptive study, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency conducted a contact investigation, which included interviews, interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) tests, and chest X-rays. Contacts underwent IGRA testing on 2 occasions: initial testing of 29 contacts (15 in the first cluster of infection and 14 in the second cluster) and follow-up testing of the 15 contacts in the first cluster. Results: The study included 29 participants, 18 of whom were male (62.1%) and 11 female (37.9%). The mean participant age was 37.3 years (standard deviation, 9.6 years). In the initial IGRA tests, 6 of the 29 participants tested positive, indicating a prevalence of 20.7%. Following prolonged exposure, 1 additional positive case was detected in follow-up testing, raising the prevalence of LTBI to 24.1%. None of the contacts had active tuberculosis. Among the 7 individuals with positive results, 2 (28.6%) underwent treatment for LTBI. Conclusion: This study faced challenges in confirming the transmission of M. bovis infection from infected animals to humans in the Republic of Korea. Nevertheless, adopting a One Health approach necessitates the implementation of surveillance systems and infection control protocols, particularly for occupational groups at high risk of exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wilkie Collins's Heart and Science: A Story of the Present Time (1882-1883) channels the controversy that surrounded debates on vivisection and animal rights at the Victorian fin de siècle. Initial reviewers homed in on Collins's oversimplified arguments against vivisection, which villainized experimental science and scientists; modern critics emphasize the negative associations casting women of science as absurd practitioners and hysterical patients. This analysis explores how Heart and Science encourages sympathetic dialogue between the arts and science; communicates anxiety in depictions of vivisection and women; and draws meaning and hope from narratives driven by music and children. Through metaphors of acoustic science and plots shaped by border-crossing children, the novel stresses listening as a necessary and healing component in discourses of difference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Acute aortic regurgitation is life-threatening with few nonsurgical options for immediate stabilization. We propose Trans-Aortic Balloon to Ease Regurgitation Applying Counter-Pulsation (TABERNACL), a simple, on-table temporary valve using commercially available equipment to temporize acute severe aortic regurgitation. METHODS: We hypothesize that an appropriately sized commercial balloon dilatation catheter--straddling the aortic annulus and connected to a counterpulsation console--can serve as a temporizing valve to restore hemodynamic stability in acute aortic regurgitation. We performed benchtop testing of valvuloplasty, angioplasty, and sizing balloons as counterpulsation balloons. TABERNACL was assessed in vivo in a porcine model of acute aortic regurgitation (n=8). We also tested a static undersized, continuously inflated transvalvular balloon as a spacer intended physically to obstruct the regurgitant orifice. RESULTS: Benchtop testing identified that Tyshak II and PTS sizing (NuMed Braun) balloon catheters performed adequately as temporary valves (ie, complete inflation and deflation with each cycle) and resisted fatigue, in contrast to others. When TABERNACL was used in the acute severe regurgitation animals, there was immediate hemodynamic improvement, with a significant 35% increase in diastolic aortic pressure by 16 mm Hg ([95% CI, 7-25] P=0.0056), 34% reduction in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure by -7 mm Hg ([95% CI, -10 to -5] P=0.0006), improvement in the aortic diastolic index by 0.28 ([95% CI, 0.18--0.39] P=0.0009), and reversal of electrocardiographic myocardial ischemia. As an alternative, static balloon inflation across the aortic valve stabilized regurgitation hemodynamics at the expense of a new aortic gradient and caused excessive ectopy from balloon movement in the left ventricular outflow tract. CONCLUSIONS: TABERNACL improves hemodynamics and reduces coronary ischemia by electrocardiography in animals with acute severe aortic regurgitation. TABERNACL valves obstruct the diastolic regurgitant orifice without systolic obstruction. This may prove a lifesaving bridge to definitive valve replacement therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Cientifica de la Facultade de Veterinaria is the property of Universidad del Zulia, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Defining consciousness in human beings is a challenge; consciousness in nonhuman animals is even more controversial because animals cannot communicate using human language. Nevertheless, scientists have studied animal consciousness through behavioral tests of their self-awareness. The evidence from a variety of studies suggests that at least some nonhuman animals may have consciousness analogous to that of humans. Testimony from humans who report encountering deceased pets in their near-death experiences suggests that the consciousness of deceased pets may survive their bodily death. This possibility raises the question of whether animals might have near-death experiences analogous to those of humans. Behavioral observations of animals on their deathbeds and behavioral changes in animals following close brushes with death suggest that animals may, indeed, have near-death experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article addresses the toy as a neglected cultural and technical object. The toy is neither tool nor ritual object, and its animation in children's imaginative play suggests alternative perspectives on the history and lived experience of material and technological artifacts. The concept of protopolitics is advanced to explore the implications for the cultural politics of the ambiguous articulation of power relationships in play. The article takes the long history of the toy animal as a case study, drawing attention to its creaturely, artificial facets that go beyond, or more accurately precede, familiar cultural-political binaries of authentic and inauthentic, depth and surface, knowledge and illusion, truth and lies, belief and fetishism, human and nonhuman, natural and synthetic. These other facets include dynamics of the technics of imagination, and their ambivalent articulation of relationships of control, training, care, violence, and love—a protopolitics evident in imaginative play. And, in postnatural media culture, the toy animal has migrated to digital habitats, offering an alternative animal perspective on questions of artificial intelligence. The child's toy and media environment is playfully zoomorphic, populated with artificial animals, from toys and stories to virtual pets and video-game characters, a new simulacral and postnatural trajectory in the descendance of the artificial animal and its playful and play-like behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This introduction to this special issue of Comparative American Studies outlines the significance of animals - in particular animal representations - to the US imagination. As the two national animals, the bald eagle and the American bison encapsulate some of the paradoxes characteristic of American animals: charged with symbolic force but nearly driven to extinction - only to become part of American success stories of conservation and restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Urban History Review / Revue d'Histoire Urbaine is the property of University of Toronto Press and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

BACKGROUND: Small arteries exhibit resting tone, a partially contracted state that maintains arterial blood pressure. In arterial smooth muscle cells, potassium channels control contraction and relaxation. Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) has been shown to exert anticontractile effects on the blood vessels. However, the mechanisms by which PVAT signals small arteries, and their relevance remain largely unknown. We aimed to uncover key molecular components in adipose-vascular coupling. METHODS: A wide spectrum of genetic mouse models targeting Kcnq3 , Kcnq4 , and Kcnq5 genes (Kcnq3 –/–, Kcnq4 –/–, Kcnq5 –/–, Kcnq5 dn/dn, Kcnq4 –/–/ Kcnq5 dn/dn, and Kcnq4 –/–/ Kcnq5 –/–), telemetry blood pressure measurements, targeted lipidomics, RNA-Seq profiling, wire-myography, patch-clamp, and sharp-electrode membrane potential measurements was used. RESULTS: We show that PVAT causes smooth muscle cell KV7.5 family of voltage-gated potassium (K+) channels to hyperpolarize the membrane potential. This effect relaxes small arteries and regulates blood pressure. Oxygenation of polyunsaturated fats generates oxylipins, a superclass of lipid mediators. We identified numerous oxylipins released by PVAT, which potentiate vasodilatory action in small arteries by opening smooth muscle cell KV7.5 family of voltage-gated potassium (K+) channels. CONCLUSIONS: Our results reveal a key molecular function of the KV7.5 family of voltage-gated potassium (K+) channels in the adipose-vascular coupling, translating PVAT signals, particularly oxylipins, to the central physiological function of vasoregulation. This novel pathway opens new therapeutic perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Estudios Filosóficos is the property of Estudios Filosoficos and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: To investigate the trend of animal bites between 2015-2021 in Neyshabur, Iran. Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, data were retrieved from the vice-chancellery of the Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences. The data included person variables, place and time variables, and animal variables. Results: There were 13 190 cases of animal bites and the trend was increasing during 2015-2020. Most injuries were caused by dogs (86%), most animal bites (76.6%) occurred in males, and 28.1% of all cases were farmers. The most common bitten parts were the lower limbs (64.8%), often reported as a scratch (83.4%). Most of the biting animals (67.9%) were not strays, and 83.3% of them had bitten their owners. No rabies death was reported during the study period. Conclusions: The incidence of animal bites increases and is higher than the national statistics in Neyshabur, Iran. Serious attention and intervention should be given to control and prevent this health threat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Archeologické Rozhledy is the property of Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Institute of Archaeology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Intersecoes: Revista de Estudios Interdisciplinares is the property of Editora da Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (EdUERJ) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

BACKGROUND: Mice prefer warmer environments than humans. For this reason, behavioral and physiological thermoregulatory responses are engaged by mice in response to a standard room temperature of 22 to 24 °C. Autonomic mechanisms mediating thermoregulatory responses overlap with mechanisms activated in hypertension, and, therefore, we hypothesized that housing at thermoneutral temperatures (TNs; 30 °C) would modify the cardiometabolic effects of deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt in mice. METHODS: The effects of DOCA-salt treatment upon ingestive behaviors, energy expenditure, blood pressure, heart rate (HR), and core temperature were assessed in C57BL/6J mice housed at room temperature or TN. RESULTS: Housing at TN reduced food intake, energy expenditure, blood pressure, and HR and attenuated HR responses to acute autonomic blockade by chlorisondamine. At room temperature, DOCA-salt caused expected increases in fluid intake, sodium retention in osmotically inactive pools, blood pressure, core temperature, and also caused expected decreases in fat-free mass, total body water, and HR. At TN, the effects of DOCA-salt upon fluid intake, fat gains, hydration, and core temperature were exaggerated, but effects on energy expenditure and HR were blunted. Effects of DOCA-salt upon blood pressure were similar for 3 weeks and exaggerated by TN housing in the fourth week. CONCLUSIONS: Ambient temperature robustly influences behavioral and physiological functions in mice, including metabolic and cardiovascular phenotype development in response to DOCA-salt treatment. Studying cardiometabolic responses of mice at optimal ambient temperatures promises to improve the translational relevance of rodent models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutritional qualities of consumer foods particularly, meat is of great importance in improving health of an individual. Hence, the objective of this study was to determine the proximate composition and concentrations of some essential heavy metals (Co, Se and B) in the liver, kidney and tissue muscle of cow, ram, and goat in Lokoja, Kogi State. Proximate analysis was done according to AOAC procedure. After sampling, the tissues were prepared for metal analysis by acid digestion method and read by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The result showed that moisture content ranged from 70.1% to 74.8%, ash content ranged from 1.1% to 3.8%, protein content 16.2 to 19.9%, fat content 4.7 to 8.8%, organic matter ranged from 96.2% to 99.1%, carbohydrate contents ranged from 0.2% to 0.9%, and dry matter content 25.5% to 29.8 %. Selenium ranged from 5.2 to 6.0 mg/kg, boron ranged from 0.1 to 0.3 mg/kg, and cobalt ranged from 1.5 to 6.0 mg/kg. The mean concentration of selenium and cobalt unlike boron exceeded permitted recommended level. Excessive level of essential elements can pose a threat to human health. Therefore, regular consumption of offal from the studied animals consumed in Lokoja may poses a health risk with respect to Se and Co. Sources of Se and Co need to be investigated to safeguard consumers from possible exposure to health hazards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the epidemiological situation of animal bites in Rostam city of Fars province. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. Cases of animal bites registered in health centers of Rostam city of Fars province from the beginning of 2014 to 2020 were analyzed using the census method. The tool for collecting information was the portal of the Ministry of Health and the registration offices of people who were referred to the rabies center. Results: A total of 628 cases of animal bites registered in health centers of Rostam city of Fars province from the beginning of 2014 to 2020. The mean age of the injured was (31.3 ± 20.2) years. Of the total injured cases, 414 (65.9%) were male, and 491 (78.2%) lived in villages. Most of the cases were bitten by dogs (n=420, 66.8%) and the upper limb was involved in 280 (55.2%) cases. In addition, an increasing trend was observed in the incidence of animal bites from 2015 to 2020. Conclusions: The incidence of animal bites in Rostam City is high, and most of the cases occur in rural areas. Considering the injuries caused by animal bites, the risk of rabies transmission, and the high costs of vaccination and serum therapy, it is necessary to hold control, educational, and vaccination programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Until relatively recently, basic biomedical research was almost exclusively conducted with male human, animal, and cell models. It was widely assumed that the research findings and medical treatments developed from these studies could be generalized to the whole population. However, there are sex differences in key biological pathways and processes that can influence a person’s disease risk, experience of symptoms, and response to treatment. The lack of female representation in preclinical biomedical research has resulted in gaps in our medical knowledge, with important consequences for women’s health. In the past decade, efforts to remedy this historic exclusion have increased, but opportunities remain to make basic biomedical research more equitable, reproducible, and applicable to all people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revue Historique (0035-3264) is the property of Presses Universitaires de France and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Croatian Journal of Ethnology & Folklore Research / Narodna Umjetnost is the property of Institute of Ethnology & Folklore Research and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Croatian Journal of Ethnology & Folklore Research / Narodna Umjetnost is the property of Institute of Ethnology & Folklore Research and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Exposure to light-at-night (LAN) has been reported to impair blood glucose regulation. The liver modulates blood glucose through mechanisms influenced by several factors that include peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1alpha (PGC-1α) and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase). This study investigated the effect of intermittent exposure to green and white LAN on some hepatic glucose regulatory factors in male Wistar rats. Animals were divided into three equal groups. Group I (control) was exposed to normal housing conditions. Groups II and III were each daily exposed to either green or white LAN for 2 h (7–9 pm) for 14 days. Body weight and blood glucose was monitored on days 0, 7, and 14. Thereafter, retro-orbital sinus blood was obtained after light thiopental anaesthesia and serum insulin was determined. Liver samples were also obtained and evaluated for glycogen, PGC-1α, and G6Pase activity. Insulin resistance was estimated using the HOMA-IR equation. Body weight and blood glucose on days 7 and 14 increased in groups II and III compared to control. Hepatic PGC-1α and G6Pase increased in group II (2.33 ± 0.31; 2.07 ± 0.22) and III (2.31 ± 0.20; 0.98 ± 0.23) compared to control (1.73 ± 0.21; 0.47 ± 0.11). Hepatic glycogen was 71.8 and 82.4% reduced in groups II and III compared to control. Insulin in group II increased (63.6%) whiles group III values reduced (27.3%) compared to control. Insulin resistance increased in group II (0.29 ± 0.09) compared to control (0.12 ± 0.03) and group III (0.11 ± 0.03), respectively. Exposure to 2 h green and white LAN in the early dark phase increases hepatic glycogenolysis and gluconeogenetic activities resulting in increased blood glucose. In male Wistar rats, exposure to green but not white LAN may predispose to insulin resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is extensive data pointing to offspring outcomes related to maternal life incidents, but there is less research concerning the association between paternal life events and progeny brain development and behaviour. As male gametogenesis is a continuous process, the incidences happening in life can modify the epigenetic regulation, altering the offspring's development and behaviour. The present study evaluates the effects of paternal stress during different life periods on their offspring's learning ability, memory, morphological and biochemical changes in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus in the rat model. Four weeks' old male rats were subjected to five variable stressors at the rate of one per day. Stress received male rats were bred with naive female rats for 1 to 3 nights. The offspring's learning and memory were assessed by the Morris water maze test and automated Y maze. Following behavioural studies, offspring were euthanized to examine global DNA methylation, neurotransmitter levels, namely acetylcholine, glutamate in the hippocampus and frontal cortex. The offspring of stress-induced animals exhibited a delay in acquiring learning and defect in memory and altered global DNA methylation in the hippocampus (p=0.000124). There was significant reduction of acetylcholine and glutamate levels in hippocampus (p=0.000018, p=0.00001, respectively) and in prefrontal cortex (p=0.00001, p=0.00001, respectively). HPA axis of offspring was altered considerably (p=0.00001). The histomorphometry of the prefrontal cortex and different hippocampal regions revealed a statistically significant (p<0.05) reduction in neuronal numbers in the offspring of stressed animals compared to that of control. These impacts were markedly high in the offspring of fathers who received stress during both pubertal and adult periods. The findings of this study demonstrate that paternal stress can impact offspring learning and memory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hexavalent chromium (CrVI)-exposure of suckling rats has been shown to delay tooth eruption. However, the effects of CrVI-exposure on bone formation at the base of the alveolus, which provides a motive force for tooth eruption in the early stages of the process, remain unknown. The present work sought to evaluate the effect of CrVI-exposure on bone formation at the base of the alveolus during the intraosseous stage of tooth eruption in suckling rats, using histomorphometric and immunohistochemical studies. Experimental animals received 12.5 mg/kg-bw/day of potassium dichromate dissolved in saline solution by gavage starting on day 4 of the experiment; controls similarly received an equivalent volume of saline. All the animals were euthanized at the age of 9 days. The base of the developing alveolus at the level of the mesial root of the first lower molar was analyzed histomorphometrically and immunohistochemically. Data were statistically analyzed using student's t- test, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. CrVI-exposed animals showed lower bone volume and height at the base of the alveolus, a significant preponderance of bone rest on the surface adjacent to the dental follicle, and a significantly lower percentage of positive Runt-related transcription factor-2 (RUNX2+) osteoblasts and a significantly higher number of mesenchymal-like RUNX2+ cells at the latter site. CrVI-exposure during lactation affects bone formation at the base of the developing alveolus, delaying tooth eruption. These findings underscore the importance of controlling drinking water levels of toxic substances since their effects can alter the growth and development of individuals exposed during early childhood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the modeling of time series of animal bite occurrence in northwest Iran. Methods: In this study, we analyzed surveillance time series data for animal bite cases in the northwest Iran province of Iran from 2011 to 2017. We used decomposition methods to explore seasonality and long-term trends and applied the Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model to fit a univariate time series of animal bite incidence. The ARIMA modeling process involved selecting the time series, transforming the series, selecting the appropriate model, estimating parameters, and forecasting. Results: Our results using the Box Jenkins model showed a significant seasonal trend and an overall increase in animal bite incidents during the study period. The best-fitting model for the available data was a seasonal ARIMA model with drift in the form of ARIMA (2,0,0) (1,1,1). This model can be used to forecast the frequency of animal attacks in northwest Iran over the next two years, suggesting that the incidence of animal attacks in the region would continue to increase during this time frame (2018-2019). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that time series analysis is a useful method for investigating animal bite cases and predicting future occurrences. The existence of a seasonal trend in animal bites can also aid in planning healthcare services during different seasons of the year. Therefore, our study highlights the importance of implementing proactive measures to address the growing issue of animal bites in Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper was to assess the quality of the water consumed by animals in rural households in Transylvania in terms of indicator parameters, such as pH, chlorides, iron, sulfates, temporary hardness and organic matter. The water samples were collected from three different sources: 15 samples from wells, 9 samples from springs and 13 samples from rivers and streams. The results were compared with the drinking water standards outlined in Law 7/2023] and were subjected to statistical analysis using the SPSS program, version 17. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed for sulfates, pH, organic matter. The amount of sulfates was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in wells than in springs and rivers and streams. The pH was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in rivers and streams compared to wells and springs. Organic substances had significantly higher concentrations (p < 0.05) in wells than in springs and streams and rivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper was to assess the quality of the water consumed by animals in rural households in terms of ammonia, nitrates and nitrites concentration. Thirty-seven water samples were collected from different sources (15 wells, 9 springs and 13 rivers and streams), all from Transylvania. The results were compared with the drinking water standards of the Law 7/2023 and statistically processed with the SPSS program, version 17. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed for ammonia, nitrites and nitrates. Ammonia concentration was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in rivers and streams than in wells and springs. For this parameter, no significant differences were observed between wells and springs (p > 0.05). Nitrites had a significantly higher concentration (p < 0.05) in wells and rivers and streams than in springs, while nitrates had a significantly higher value in wells (p < 0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the proposed relationships between humans and animals in Just Hierarchy: Why Social Hierarchies Matter in China and the Rest of the World, by Daniel A. Bell and Wang Pei. Bell and Wang locate animals within structures of 'just hierarchies' in the human world, arguing for 'subordination without cruelty', and ranking animals according to the different relationships they have with the human community. This article examines the historical legacy of such claims of 'just hierarchy', discusses the problem of defining a just relationship between humans and animals, and questions the timing and effectiveness of reasserting our dominion over the animal kingdom in the present age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Biomédica: Revista del Instituto Nacional de Salud is the property of Instituto Nacional de Salud of Colombia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Recombinant human collagen peptide (RCP) is a recombinantly created xeno-free biomaterial enriched in arginine-glycine-aspartic acid sequences with good processability whose use for regenerative medicine applications is under investigation. The biocompatibility and osteogenic ability of RCP granules combined with β-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) submicron particles (β-TCP/RCP) were recently demonstrated. In the present study, β-TCP/RCP was implanted into experimental periodontal tissue defects created in beagles to investigate its regenerative effects. An RCP solution was lyophilized, granulated, and thermally cross-linked into particles approximately 1 mm in diameter. β-TCP dispersion (1 wt%; 500 μL) was added to 100 mg of RCP granules to form β-TCP/RCP. A three-walled intrabony defect (5 mm × 3 mm × 4 mm) was created on the mesial side of the mandibular first molar and filled with β-TCP/RCP. A micro-computed tomography image analysis performed at 8 weeks postoperative showed a significantly greater amount of new bone after β-TCP/RCP grafting (2.2-fold, P < 0.05) than after no grafting. Histological findings showed that the transplanted β-TCP/RCP induced active bone-like tissue formation including tartaric acid-resistant acid phosphatase– and OCN-positive cells as well as bioabsorbability. Ankylosis did not occur, and periostin-positive periodontal ligament-like tissue formation was observed. Histological measurements performed at 8 weeks postoperative revealed that β-TCP/RCP implantation formed 1.7-fold more bone-like tissue and 2.1-fold more periodontal ligament-like tissue than the control condition and significantly suppressed gingival recession and epithelial downgrowth (P < 0.05). β-TCP/RCP implantation promoted bone-like and periodontal ligament–like tissue formation, suggesting its efficacy as a periodontal tissue regenerative material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: to assess the effects of Salvadoria persica and Nigella sativa combination in tooth socket healing after extraction that can be a novel remedy for tooth extraction socket. Methods: Forty rabbits were included in this study, divided into two groups (control and experimental) with 20 rabbits. Upper right central incisors were extracted for all animals, the tooth sockets of the experimental group were dressed using an admix of Salvadoria persica and Nigella sativa immediately after irrigation with normal saline. In contrast, the extraction sockets of the control group were left without dressing. Biopsies were taken after euthanizing the animals at 1, 3, 7, and 14 days after treatment, histological examination was done for the samples at the given periods respectively. Results: On day 1 post-treatment, histological examination of the experimental group sections showed less acute inflammatory reaction than the control group. This continued to be reduced until the seventh day. The amount of granulation tissue formation was more in the experimental group along the different periods of the study, while new bone formation was observed after 1 week as woven bone, increased after 2 weeks and appeared as woven and lamellar bone in both experimental and control groups. Conclusions: A mixture of Salvadoria persica and Nigella sativa has an anti-inflammatory effect and accelerate bone healing by stimulating bone formation in the tooth extraction socket. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies the lucrative sheep trading networks connecting Erzurum with major urban centers extending from Istanbul to Aleppo and Damascus. It traces the evolution of these networks in order to show how the dynamics of the sheep trade changed from the late eighteenth to the early twentieth century. In opposition to the view that Eastern Anatolia remained largely excluded from domestic and foreign markets during the capitalist integration of the Ottoman economy, it is argued that the province of Erzurum maintained and even reinforced its position in the sheep trade. While sheep exports to Istanbul had increased by the early twentieth century, there was a decline in shipments to the Syrian provinces. The paper analyzes the political, financial, technological, and environmental factors that played a role in this transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past sixty years, the world has developed significant concern for burgeoning environmental issues. Starting in the 1960s, governments, industries, and the public have embraced efforts to set standards for public and private actors in areas of environmental concern. Particularly, increased globalization has led to an increase in the trade of wildlife and its products, including endangered species. Unregulated wildlife trade implicates various issues, such as conservation concerns, the spread of diseases, and even funding for criminal organizations. While sovereign governments work independently and together to combat wildlife trafficking and its effects, current law leaves significant gaps in the implementation and enforcement of international agreements. Instead, advocates and researchers are turning to the transport sector to fill the loopholes that allow traffickers to exploit the current antiwildlife trafficking conventions. Part I of this Comment details the dangers of wildlife trafficking and why industry leaders should care about adopting policies to combat it. Part II discusses the history of international wildlife law and argues that current law is ineffective and requires more comprehensive enforcement at the international level. Foremost, Part III of this Comment argues that the air-travel industry can and should adopt policies, like standards and regulations, that directly affect wildlife trafficking where current law fails. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the trend of animal bites in southern Iran from 2015 to 2019. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of patients with animal bites who were referred to the Center for Disease Control in the three cities of Larestan, Evaz, and Khonj in Fars province, southern Iran from 2015 to 2019. The trend of animal bites incidence was analyzed using the Cochran-Armitage trend test. Results: In total, from 2015 to 2019, 1 944 cases of animal bites were reported. A total of 79.8% of the cases were men. The overall average incidence of animal bites was 142.93 per 100 000 people. The incidence of animal bites was significantly increased (Ptrend<0.001). The highest incidence was in November (79.04 per 100 000 people) followed by January (76.1 per 100 000 people) and February (69.48 per 100 000 people); also, the lowest incidence was in August (47.42 per 100 000 people) and July (50.0 per 100 000 people). Conclusions: The incidence of animal bites has significantly increased. Given the importance of rabies, control and management of animal bites should be emphasized and considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Accumulating epidemiological studies support that Vitamin D deficiency is associated with the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. However, it is unknown whether vitamin D can be used as a treatment for preeclampsia. This study aimed to explore whether vitamin D supplementation could improve the rat model of preeclampsia.Methods: LPS was used to establish a rat model of preeclampsia. Inflammatory cytokines were examined by QRT-PCR and ELISA assays, and the concentration of sfit-1 and NO was assessed by ELISA. Analyzing the pathological features of the placenta with hematoxylin-eosin. The spatial learning and memory abilities of offspring were evaluated by the Morris water maze. Immune histology and western blot were performed to evaluate the expression levels of inflammatory pathway-associated Factor and vascular endothelium-associated Factor in the placenta.Results: Vitamin D treatment reduced the blood pressure and urine protein of PE model rats, alleviated pathological damage to the placenta and pregnancy outcomes, and protected PE offspring from impaired memory and learning abilities. Moreover, TLR4 signaling pathway in the placenta was inhibited. Furthermore, vitamin D supplementation increased the expression of endothelial growth factor and vascular relaxing factor, and there was no significant difference compared with the control group.Discussion: We generated the result that Vitamin D supplementation significantly improved the phenotype of preeclampsia and adverse pregnancy outcome caused by an abnormal inflammatory reaction and endothelial dysfunction in the placenta, and improved the learning and cognitive ability of offspring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]