1. The origins of language 2. Animals and human language 3. The development of writing 4. The sounds of language 5. The sound patterns of language 6. Words and word-formation processes 7. Morphology 8. Phrases and sentences: grammar 9. Syntax 10. Semantics 11. Pragmatics 12. Discourse analysis 13. Language and the brain 14. First language acquisition 15. Second language acquisition/learning 16. Gestures and sign languages 17. Language history and change 18. Language and regional variation 19. Language and social variation 20. Language and culture.
Poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) has attracted considerable interest as a base material for biomedical applications due to its: (i) biocompatibility; (ii) tailored biodegradation rate (depending on the molecular weight and copolymer ratio); (iii) approval for clinical use in humans by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA); (iv) potential to modify surface properties to provide better interaction with biological materials; and (v) suitability for export to countries and cultures where implantation of animal-derived products is unpopular. This paper critically reviews the scientific challenge of manufacturing PLGA-based materials with suitable properties and shapes for specific biomedical applications, with special emphasis on bone tissue engineering. The analysis of the state of the art in the field reveals the presence of current innovative techniques for scaffolds and material manufacturing that are currently opening the way to prepare biomimetic PLGA substrates able to modulate cell interaction for improved substitution, restoration, or enhancement of bone tissue function.
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a devastating and highly prevalent neurodegenerative disease for which only symptomatic treatment is available. In order to develop a truly effective disease-modifying therapy, improvement of our current understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying PD pathogenesis and progression is crucial. For this purpose, standardization of research protocols and disease models is necessary. As human dopaminergic neurons, the cells mainly affected in PD, are difficult to obtain and maintain as primary cells, current PD research is mostly performed with permanently established neuronal cell models, in particular the neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y lineage. This cell line is frequently chosen because of its human origin, catecholaminergic (though not strictly dopaminergic) neuronal properties, and ease of maintenance. However, there is no consensus on many fundamental aspects that are associated with its use, such as the effects of culture media composition and of variations in differentiation protocols. Here we present the outcome of a systematic review of scientific articles that have used SH-SY5Y cells to explore PD. We describe the cell source, culture conditions, differentiation protocols, methods/approaches used to mimic PD and the preclinical validation of the SH-SY5Y findings by employing alternative cellular and animal models. Thus, this overview may help to standardize the use of the SH-SY5Y cell line in PD research and serve as a future user’s guide.
Ornella Urzì, Roberta Gasparro, Elisa Costanzo
et al.
Although historically, the traditional bidimensional in vitro cell system has been widely used in research, providing much fundamental information regarding cellular functions and signaling pathways as well as nuclear activities, the simplicity of this system does not fully reflect the heterogeneity and complexity of the in vivo systems. From this arises the need to use animals for experimental research and in vivo testing. Nevertheless, animal use in experimentation presents various aspects of complexity, such as ethical issues, which led Russell and Burch in 1959 to formulate the 3R (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement) principle, underlying the urgent need to introduce non-animal-based methods in research. Considering this, three-dimensional (3D) models emerged in the scientific community as a bridge between in vitro and in vivo models, allowing for the achievement of cell differentiation and complexity while avoiding the use of animals in experimental research. The purpose of this review is to provide a general overview of the most common methods to establish 3D cell culture and to discuss their promising applications. Three-dimensional cell cultures have been employed as models to study both organ physiology and diseases; moreover, they represent a valuable tool for studying many aspects of cancer. Finally, the possibility of using 3D models for drug screening and regenerative medicine paves the way for the development of new therapeutic opportunities for many diseases.
Reproduction is one of the fundamental biological imperatives shared by all living beings. Organisms must reproduce to pass on their genes to the next generation, ensuring the survival and continuation of their species. In pursuit of this goal, nature has evolved a remarkable diversity of reproductive methods and behaviors, including external fertilization in aquatic species, internal fertilization in terrestrial animals, oviparity, viviparity, complex hormonal regulation, and diverse strategies of parental investment. In the Slovenian Veterinary Research journal, we welcome articles addressing various aspects of veterinary and comparative reproductive research and medicine. In this issue, we have placed particular emphasis on this topic. With this editorial, we would also like to bring attention to these articles, including a review of the phenomics evaluation and research on hormone GnRH injection in cattle and sheep breeding, the effect of food additives and environmental enrichment on fertility protection against toxicity and egg production and a case report on canine idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia.
Razmnoževanje skozi prizmo evolucije – pomen za sodobno veterinarsko medicino
Izvleček: Razmnoževanje je temelj življenja. Omogoča prenos genov na naslednje generacije in s tem ohranjanje vrst. Narava je skozi evolucijo razvila osupljivo paleto strategij, od zunanje oploditve pri vodnih organizmih do notranje oploditve pri kopenskih živalih, jajcerodnosti, živorodnosti, kompleksnega hormonskega uravnavanja in različnih oblik starševske skrbi. V reviji Slovenian Veterinary Research z veseljem objavljamo prispevke, ki obravnavajo različne vidike veterinarskih in primerjalnih raziskav ter medicine razmnoževanja. V tej številki smo temu področju namenili poseben poudarek. Predstavljamo prispevke, ki osvetljujejo fenomsko evalvacijo in raziskave vpliva hormona GnRH na plodnost goveda in ovc, vpliv prehranskih dodatkov in obogatitve okolja na zaščito plodnosti, in proizvodnjo jajc ter primer idiopatske oligoasteno-teratozoospermije pri psu.
BackgroundA majority of the current debates in experimental animal science research focus to a large extent on the significance and implementation of the 3Rs principle according to Russell and Burch. In this context, not least due to the EU Directive 2010/63/EU, the concept of a culture of care has become more prevalent. Although animals are essential actors in the field of laboratory science, the discussion around animal agency, as well as the resulting consequences for laboratory animal science, is currently unconsidered.MethodsThe purpose of this qualitative survey was to identify the perception and understanding of professional workers in laboratory animal science regarding the culture of care in general and aspects of animal agency in particular. Using a non-standardized qualitative survey method (topic-oriented, guideline-based expert interviews), persons involved in animal experimentation in different groups (management, science, regulation, and care) were interviewed.ResultsOverall, the results of the qualitative survey showed that animal agency plays a subordinate role in the question of a culture of care in animal research. Although not all groups explicitly applied the construct of animal agency or comparable terminology for this, there were links to the theoretical construct. Overall, the interviews showed a recognized network between humans and animals and that animals can interact dialogically in research. This is justified, for example, by the transfer of emotions from carers or scientists to animals. Nevertheless, a differentiated reflection of an animal’s agency remains disregarded.ConclusionThe present qualitative survey approached the understanding of a culture of care among experts in the field of animal research. Animal agency does occur in the theoretical reception of the culture of care model. However, it is not conclusively established in everyday practice. Rather, the results lead to the assumption that strategies are being implemented to largely fade out animal agency.
GAJANAN K NAGRE, MUKUND M KADAM, DARSHANA B BHAISARE
et al.
An experiment was conducted to determine the influence of increasing broiler’s slaughter weight on, carcass characteristics, meat quality, sensory evaluation, immunity, and welfare. Commercial strain “Vencobb-430” chicks (n=280) were randomly distributed among eight groups consisting of 35 chicks in each. The experimental birds were fed on commercial maize soya-based basal diet. The broiler chicks were reared for up to 48 days and slaughtered at a different live body weight of 1.0-1.2, 1.5-1.7, 2.1-2.2, 2.5-2.7, 2.8-3.0 and 3.3-3.5 (i.e 24, 28, 34, 39, 42 and 48- day slaughter day). The results revealed that dressing and breast % were significantly (P<0.001) increased whereas the giblet % significantly decreased with increasing slaughter age. The cooking yield in chicken meat reflected an increasing trend after 2.1-2.2 kg broiler slaughter weight. L*, a* and b* values of meat were significantly increased with increased slaughter weight. Significantly highest water holding capacity was recorded in 3.3-3.5 kg slaughter weight.The shear force, H/L ratio, and serum corticosterone values were significantly increased from 1.0-1.2 kg to 3.3-3.5 kg in broiler birds. Once the birds attended the slaughter weight >2.1 kg, an increasing trend of gait score and breast cleanliness was observed at each stage of slaughter weight. Based on the results, the broiler birds reared up to 2.1 to 2.2 kg live body weight resulted in better welfare, immune status, and meat quality parameters.
This paper aims to identify <i>Poria cocos</i> polysaccharides (PCPs) as a potential feed additive used for swine production; thus, we explored the effects of different dietary inclusion levels of PCP on growth performance, immunity, and cecal microflora composition in weaned piglets. For this, a total of 120 28-day-old Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire weaned piglets (8.51 ± 0.19 kg; 28 ± 1 days of age) were randomly allocated to five groups that were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0, 0.025%, 0.05%, 0.1%, and 0.2% PCP, respectively, for 42 days. The results indicated that the average daily gain (ADG) and gain/feed ratio were higher in the PCP treatment groups than in the control group, with a linear effect. The serum concentrations of IgG, IgA, IL-2, IFN-γ, the number of CD4<sup>+</sup> T cells, and the CD4<sup>+</sup>-to-CD8<sup>+</sup> T-cell ratio (CD4<sup>+</sup>/CD8<sup>+</sup>) were increased, while the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were decreased in the PCP supplementation groups compared with those in the control group. Furthermore, the cytokine mRNA expression levels exhibited a similar trend in the spleen. PCP supplementation also reduced the abundance of <i>Escherichia coli</i> and <i>Salmonella</i> and enhanced that of <i>Lactobacilli</i> and <i>Bifidobacteria</i> in the cecum. In summary, dietary PCP inclusion exerted positive effects on the growth performance, immunity, and cecal microbiota of piglets and showed potential for use as a feed additive for improving the health of weaned piglets, with 0.1% being the optimal dosage.
Ana Guintard, Sébastien Assié, Lucile Lefèvre
et al.
In France, in recent years, the field of veterinary medicine has witnessed a growing interest in veterinary telemedicine, driven by rapid technological advancements and a decline in the availability of veterinarians, particularly in remote and rural areas. However, there is a scarcity of literature addressing the barriers and facilitators of implementing telemedicine in veterinary practice. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the factors that influence the adoption of veterinary telemedicine for bovine, poultry and swine in France. Insights from both farmers and veterinarians were collected and subjected to qualitative analysis utilizing the COM-B model of behavior change. Significant barriers and facilitators were identified. Major hurdles encompass technological limitations, regulatory complexities, and concerns regarding the evolution of the veterinary profession. Conversely, the expertise of veterinarians, coupled with their understanding of their clients’ farms, and the potential for remote interventions, emerged as primary facilitators. The study emphasizes the critical role of regulation in ensuring ethical standards and maximizing the benefits of telemedicine. With clear regulatory frameworks in place, telemedicine holds promise for enhancing animal health and optimizing veterinary practice.
Kasey Carlin, Michaela Fevold, Travis William Hoffman
et al.
The objective of this study was to evaluate fresh and frozen storage of lamb longissimus lumborum (LL) and semimembranosus (SM). Wether lambs (n=12) were raised and harvested at North Dakota State University. After a 24-h chill, loins and legs were split in half and randomly assigned to fresh (FRSH) or frozen (FRZN) treatments. FRSH halves were stored at 3°C for 14 d while FRZN halves were stored at −18°C for 13 d+1 d to thaw at 3°C. Samples were collected to evaluate sensory attributes, Warner-Bratzler shear force, cook loss, drip loss, troponin-T (TnT) degradation, and lipid oxidation. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS Studio®. Experimental units were loin or leg with means being separated with the PDIFF option and were considered significant when P<0.05. In FRSH-LL, sensory samples scored higher in overall like, tenderness, and juiciness (P≤0.03) compared with FRZN-LL samples. No differences in overall like,flavor, tenderness, or juiciness scores (P≥0.77) were observed between FRSH-SM and FRZN-SM. FRSH-LL and FRSH-SM had less drip loss compared with FRZN-LL and FRZN-SM (P<0.0001, P=0.0003, respectively). FRSH lamb LL and SM had greater degradation of TnT (P≤0.0008) compared with FRZN lamb. Malondialdehyde levels were not different (P>0.05) between treatments within each muscle. However, no other meat quality differences were observed (P≥0.10). Our results demonstrate that lamb legs may be frozen for 13 d without negative effects on palatability whereas lamb loins should be kept fresh to offer the greatest opportunity for consumer satisfaction.
Andrew M. Campbell, Mallory G. Anderson, Leonie Jacobs
Commercial housing conditions may contribute to chronic negative stress in broiler chickens, reducing their animal welfare. The objective of this study was to determine how secretory (fecal) and plasma immunoglobulin-A (IgA) levels in fast-growing broilers respond to positive and negative housing conditions. In three replicated experiments, male Ross 708 broilers (<i>n</i> = 1650/experiment) were housed in a 2 × 2 factorial study of high or low environmental complexity and high or low stocking density. In experiments 1 and 3 but not in experiment 2, high complexity tended to positively impact day 48 plasma IgA concentrations. When three experiments were combined, high complexity positively impacted day 48 plasma IgA concentrations. Stocking density and the complexity × density interaction did not impact day 48 plasma IgA concentrations. Environmental complexity and the complexity × density interaction did not impact day 48 secretory IgA concentrations. A high stocking density negatively impacted day 48 secretory IgA concentrations overall but not in individual experiments. These results suggest that environmental complexity decreased chronic stress, while a high stocking density increased chronic stress. Thus, plasma IgA levels increased under high-complexity housing conditions (at day 48), and secretory IgA levels (at day 48) decreased under high-density conditions, suggesting that chronic stress differed among treatments. Therefore, these measures may be useful for quantifying chronic stress but only if the statistical power is high. Future research should replicate these findings under similar and different housing conditions to confirm the suitability of IgA as a measure of chronic stress in broiler chickens.