scholarly journals Demographic response of the Gambian Gerbil to seasonal changes in Savannah fallow fields

2019 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Safianu Rabiu ◽  
Robert K. Rose
Keyword(s):  
Seasonal Changes ◽  
Large Population ◽  
Survival Rates ◽  
Seasonal Effects ◽  
Northern Nigeria ◽  
Crop Pest ◽  
Pellet Counts ◽  
Demographic Response ◽  
Ecological Relations ◽  
The Impact

AbstractThe Savannah gerbil, Gerbilliscus gambianus (Muridae: Gerbillinae) is important to the ecological relations of the dry grassland ecosystem of West Africa, as well as, being a zoonotic agent of human diseases and potential crop pest. We examined the impact of seasonal changes on the population dynamics of G. gambianus in northern Nigeria, by completing population estimates using capture–mark–recapture (CMR) and indirect population density indices (PDI) methods. The latter included fecal pellet counts and limited spotlightening. During 1990–1992 we collected both CMR and PDI data, and established their relationship by regression, thus calibrating the PDI values to CMR estimator. We also completed a separate, PDI only, study during 2015–2017, and estimated monthly densities indirectly by toning the PDI values to population sizes in the CMR estimator. The lowest declines (<20 gerbils ha−1) were in mid rains (July–August), and highest increases (>90 gerbils ha−1) were after the rains (October–January). Seasonal effects on densities were significant during 1990–1992 but not during 2015–2017. There were improved survival rates for both adults (0.95) and young (0.83), adult capture probability (0.56), and mean monthly recruitment of young (23) after the rains. There was no significant change in the overall population dynamic pattern of G. gambianus over a 25-year period. Because G. gambianus did not maintain colonies inside farmlands cultivated by rain or irrigation, and its tendency for large population drops in mid-rains, we are in doubt of its potential as crop pest in northern Nigeria.

scholarly journals Tropical seasonal changes impact on hematological parameters of goats

2021 ◽  
Vol 46 (3) ◽  
pp. 219-226
Author(s):  
J. M. Dhuha ◽  
M. T. A. Muayad ◽  
O. A. Saeed ◽  
M. A. Al-Bayar ◽  
Z. J. M. Saeid ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Seasonal Changes ◽  
Mean Corpuscular Volume ◽  
Hematological Parameters ◽  
Seasonal Effects ◽  
Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin ◽  
Corpuscular Hemoglobin ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Ad Libitum ◽  
Hb Concentration ◽  
The Impact

The study was carried out to evaluate the impact of seasonal variations on the hematological responses of goats in Malaysia. Fifty-two goats (24 bucks and 28 does), aged between 1 to 2 years old were used in the study. The goats were fed on commercial concentrate and forage, access to mineral salt and water was ad libitum. Blood samples were obtained from each goat in January, May and September to analyze hematology blood constitute during the study. The results showed that red blood cell (RBC) levels in Anglo-Nubian females rose dramatically in January and May while the Saanen breed remains without diversity. In all seasons, high hemoglobin (Hb) concentration of Anglo-Nubian males was unlike Saanen breed. For Saanen females, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) increased significant-ly, whereas in Saanen males, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and MCH concentration (MCHC) were increased. High packed cell volume (PCV) concentration of Anglo females compared to others during September. In conclusion, variations in breed and sex of goats reflect the distinct ability of trop-ical changes that have been formed during seasonal effects on hematological responses between the two breeds of goats.

scholarly journals Does parental permissiveness toward cigarette smoking and alcohol use influence illicit drug use among adolescents? A longitudinal study in seven European countries

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emina Mehanović ◽  
Federica Vigna-Taglianti ◽  
Fabrizio Faggiano ◽  
Maria Rosaria Galanti ◽  
Barbara Zunino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Drug Use ◽  
Cigarette Smoking ◽  
Longitudinal Data ◽  
Illicit Drug ◽  
Large Population ◽  
Illicit Drug Use ◽  
European Countries ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Purpose Adolescents’ perceptions of parental norms may influence their substance use. The relationship between parental norms toward cigarette and alcohol use, and the use of illicit substances among their adolescent children is not sufficiently investigated. The purpose of this study was to analyze this relationship, including gender differences, using longitudinal data from a large population-based study. Methods The present study analyzed longitudinal data from 3171 12- to 14-year-old students in 7 European countries allocated to the control arm of the European Drug Addiction Prevention trial. The impact of parental permissiveness toward cigarettes and alcohol use reported by the students at baseline on illicit drug use at 6-month follow-up was analyzed through multilevel logistic regression models, stratified by gender. Whether adolescents’ own use of cigarette and alcohol mediated the association between parental norms and illicit drug use was tested through mediation models. Results Parental permissive norms toward cigarette smoking and alcohol use at baseline predicted adolescents’ illicit drug use at follow-up. The association was stronger among boys than among girls and was mediated by adolescents’ own cigarette and alcohol use. Conclusion Perceived parental permissiveness toward the use of legal drugs predicted adolescents’ use of illicit drugs, especially among boys. Parents should be made aware of the importance of norm setting, and supported in conveying clear messages of disapproval of all substances.

scholarly journals A Retrospective Experience of Helicobacter pylori Histology in a Large Sample of Subjects in Northern Italy

Life ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 650
Author(s):  
Davide Giuseppe Ribaldone ◽  
Carlo Zurlo ◽  
Sharmila Fagoonee ◽  
Chiara Rosso ◽  
Angelo Armandi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Helicobacter Pylori ◽  
Large Population ◽  
Population Data ◽  
Signet Ring Cell ◽  
Current Data ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Gastric Cardia Adenocarcinoma ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
H Pylori ◽  
The Impact

Updated data about the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and its correlation with histological results are scarce. The aim of our study was to provide current data on the impact of H. pylori in a third-level endoscopy service. We performed a large, retrospective study analyzing the results of all histological samples of gastroscopy from the year 2019. In total, 1512 subjects were included. The prevalence of H. pylori was 16.8%. A significant difference between the prevalence in subjects born in Italy and those from eastern Europe, south America, or Africa was found (p < 0.0001, p = 0.006, and p = 0.0006, respectively). An association was found between H. pylori and active superficial gastritis (p < 0.0001). Current H. pylori and/or a previous finding of H. pylori was related to antral atrophy (p < 0.0001). Fifteen patients had low-grade dysplasia. There were no statistically significant associations with current or past H. pylori infection. One patient presented gastric cardia adenocarcinoma with regular gastric mucosa. One patient, H. pylori positive, was diagnosed with gastric signet ring cell adenocarcinoma in a setting of diffuse atrophy, without metaplasia.. Our study provides updated, solid (biopsy diagnosis and large population) data on the prevalence of H. pylori infection in a representative region of southern Europe.

scholarly journals Primary tumor surgery improves survival in non-metastatic primary urethral carcinoma patients: a large population-based investigation

BMC Cancer ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jie Wu ◽  
Yu-Chen Wang ◽  
Wen-Jie Luo ◽  
Bo-Dai ◽  
Ding-Wei Ye ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Regression Model ◽  
Competing Risks ◽  
Primary Tumor ◽  
Cox Regression ◽  
Radical Surgery ◽  
Large Population ◽  
Local Therapy ◽  
Primary Site ◽  
Urethral Carcinoma ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Primary urethral carcinoma (PUC) is a rare genitourinary malignancy with a relatively poor prognosis. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of surgery on survival of patients diagnosed with PUC. Methods A total of 1544 PUC patients diagnosed between 2004 and 2016 were identified based on the SEER database. The Kaplan-Meier estimate and the Fine and Gray competing risks analysis were performed to assess overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific mortality (CSM). The multivariate Cox regression model and competing risks regression model were used to identify independent risk factors of OS and cancer-specific survival (CSS). Results The 5-yr OS was significantly better in patients who received either local therapy (39.8%) or radical surgery (44.7%) compared to patients receiving no surgery of the primary site (21.5%) (p < 0.001). Both local therapy and radical surgery were each independently associated with decreased CSM, with predicted 5-yr cumulative incidence of 45.4 and 43.3%, respectively, compared to 64.7% for patients receiving no surgery of the primary site (p < 0.001). Multivariate analyses demonstrated that primary site surgery was independently associated with better OS (local therapy, p = 0.037; radical surgery, p < 0.001) and decreased CSM (p = 0.003). Similar results were noted regardless of age, sex, T stage, N stage, and AJCC prognostic groups based on subgroup analysis. However, patients with M1 disease who underwent primary site surgery did not exhibit any survival benefit. Conclusion Surgery for the primary tumor conferred a survival advantage in non-metastatic PUC patients.

scholarly journals Cognitive decline in patients with prostate cancer: study protocol of a prospective cohort, NEON-PC

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. e043844
Author(s):  
Natalia Araujo ◽  
Samantha Morais ◽  
Ana Rute Costa ◽  
Raquel Braga ◽  
Ana Filipa Carneiro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Androgen Deprivation Therapy ◽  
Survival Rates ◽  
Cardiovascular Complications ◽  
Androgen Deprivation ◽  
High Survival ◽  
The Impact

IntroductionProstate cancer is the most prevalent oncological disease among men in industrialised countries. Despite the high survival rates, treatments are often associated with adverse effects, including metabolic and cardiovascular complications, sexual dysfunction and, to a lesser extent, cognitive decline. This study was primarily designed to evaluate the trajectories of cognitive performance in patients with prostate cancer, and to quantify the impact of the disease and its treatments on the occurrence of cognitive decline.MethodsParticipants will be recruited from two main hospitals providing care to approximately half of the patients with prostate cancer in Northern Portugal (Portuguese Institute of Oncology of Porto and São João Hospital Centre), and will comprise a cohort of recently diagnosed patients with prostate cancer proposed for different treatment plans, including: (1) radical prostatectomy; (2) brachytherapy and/or radiotherapy; (3) radiotherapy in combination with androgen deprivation therapy and (4) androgen deprivation therapy (with or without chemotherapy). Recruitment began in February 2018 and is expected to continue until the first semester of 2021. Follow-up evaluations will be conducted at 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10 years. Sociodemographic, behavioural and clinical characteristics, anxiety and depression, health literacy, health status, quality of life, and sleep quality will be assessed. Blood pressure and anthropometrics will be measured, and a fasting blood sample will be collected. Participants’ cognitive performance will be evaluated before treatments and throughout follow-up (Montreal Cognitive Assessment and Cube Test as well as Brain on Track for remote monitoring). All participants suspected of cognitive impairment will undergo neuropsychological tests and clinical observation by a neurologist.Ethics and disseminationThe study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the hospitals involved. All participants will provide written informed consent, and study procedures will be developed to ensure data protection and confidentiality. Results will be disseminated through publication in peer-reviewed journals and presentation in scientific meetings.

scholarly journals Compounded trauma: A qualitative study of the challenges for refugees living with advanced cancer

2021 ◽  
pp. 026921632110002
Author(s):  
Ping Guo ◽  
Sawsan Alajarmeh ◽  
Ghadeer Alarja ◽  
Waleed Alrjoub ◽  
Ayman Al-Essa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Advanced Cancer ◽  
Psychosocial Support ◽  
Large Population ◽  
Community Support ◽  
Support Network ◽  
Psychosocial Needs ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
The Impact

Background: Although palliative care is now an essential health service under Universal Health Coverage, ensuring access and appropriate care for refugees is a specific challenge for this large population. Aim: To identify the needs and experiences of adult refugees in Jordan with advanced cancer and informal caregivers. Design: A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews. Setting/participants: Participants were purposively sampled at two Jordanian hospitals to achieve heterogeneity by age, gender, country of origin, and primary diagnosis. Results: Twenty-nine refugees (22 patients, 7 caregivers) participated, and four themes were generated: (1) Psychological distress and sustaining social support. Refugees often experienced unmet psychosocial needs. However, psychosocial support was reported either absent or limited. (2) Knowledge and uncertainty. Lack of information and poor communication between healthcare providers and patients caused significant distress due to uncertainty. (3) Family anxiety and support roles. Being away from the home country cut patients and caregivers off from their wider social support network, which added increased anxiety and responsibilities to caregivers. (4) Compounded trauma and poverty. Many refugees have experienced trauma related to war that may affect their physical and mental health. They faced serious financial crises caused by the rising cost of medicines and treatment. Conclusions: This study reveals the impact of fractured families and networks on social support in advanced cancer, and the compounding trauma of the disease for refugees. Detailed person-centred assessment and emphasis on psychosocial support is essential, and home-based care should not presume community support for patients to remain at home.

Effects of full-time v. part-time grazing on seasonal changes in milk coagulation properties and fatty acid composition

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Franziska S. Akert ◽  
Michael Kreuzer ◽  
Carmen Kunz ◽  
Beat Reidy ◽  
Joel Berard
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acid ◽  
Seasonal Variations ◽  
Milk Fat ◽  
Seasonal Effects ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Fa Composition ◽  
Part Time ◽  
Milk Coagulation ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Feeding Systems

Abstract For this research communication our objective was to investigate to what extent milk coagulation properties and milk fatty acid (FA) composition were affected by different feeding systems, season and their interaction. Eighteen cows in total were subjected to one of three different feeding system treatments: full-time grazing or part-time grazing combined with indoor feeding of fresh grass with low or high concentrate supplementation. Milk was sampled in spring, summer and autumn. Milk coagulation time was 15.0, 19.0 and 17.7 min, coagulation dynamics 1.67, 3.41 and 1.79 min, and curd firmness 52.7, 32.4 and 47.0 mm in spring, summer and autumn, respectively. Thus, milk coagulation properties of the milk were lower during summer. There were strong seasonal effects on milk FA proportions, but there were not always changes with progressing season, or changes were different with respect to the impact of the feeding systems (system × season interaction). The milk fat was favourably rich in oleic acid, conjugated linoleic acid and α-linolenic acid and had a low n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratio in all systems. Factors like seasonal variations in grass composition and the energy balance of the cows were considered relevant for the milk FA composition. Overall, seasonal variations in milk quality were less pronounced with part-time grazing with fresh grass indoors as compared to full-time grazing without concentrate.

scholarly journals Impact of Pancreatic Resection on Survival in Locally Advanced Resectable Gastric Cancer

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 1289
Author(s):  
Shih-Chun Chang ◽  
Chi-Ming Tang ◽  
Puo-Hsien Le ◽  
Chia-Jung Kuo ◽  
Tsung-Hsing Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lymph Node ◽  
Pancreatic Resection ◽  
Locally Advanced ◽  
Survival Rates ◽  
Disease Free Survival ◽  
Complication Rates ◽  
Lymph Node Yield ◽  
Whipple’S Operation ◽  
Whipple's Operation ◽  
The Impact

Whether gastric adenocarcinoma (GC) patients with adjacent organ invasion (T4b) benefit from aggressive surgery involving pancreatic resection (PR) remains unclear. This study aimed to clarify the impact of PR on survival in patients with locally advanced resectable GC. Between 1995 and 2017, patients with locally advanced GC undergoing radical-intent gastrectomy with and without PR were enrolled and stratified into four groups: group 1 (G1), pT4b without pancreatic resection (PR); group 2 (G2), pT4b with PR; group 3 (G3), positive duodenal margins without Whipple’s operation; and group 4 (G4), cT4b with Whipple’s operation. Demographics, clinicopathological features, and outcomes were compared between G1 and G2 and G3 and G4. G2 patients were more likely to have perineural invasion than G1 patients (80.6% vs. 50%, p < 0.001). G4 patients had higher lymph node yield (40.8 vs. 31.3, p = 0.002), lower nodal status (p = 0.029), lower lymph node ratios (0.20 vs. 0.48, p < 0.0001) and higher complication rates (45.2% vs. 26.3%, p = 0.047) than G3 patients. The 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were significantly longer in G1 than in G2 (28.1% vs. 9.3%, p = 0.003; 32% vs. 13%, p = 0.004, respectively). The 5-year survival rates did not differ between G4 and G3 (DFS: 14% vs. 14.4%, p = 0.384; OS: 12.6% vs. 16.4%, p = 0.321, respectively). In conclusion, patients with T4b lesion who underwent PR had poorer survival than those who underwent resection of other adjacent organs. Further Whipple’s operation did not improve survival in pT3–pT4 GC with positive duodenal margins.

scholarly journals Seasonal feeding plasticity can facilitate coexistence of dominant omnivores in Neotropical streams

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mayara P. Neves ◽  
Pavel Kratina ◽  
Rosilene L. Delariva ◽  
J. Iwan Jones ◽  
Clarice B. Fialho
Keyword(s):  
Seasonal Variation ◽  
Fish Species ◽  
Resource Availability ◽  
Seasonal Changes ◽  
Dry Season ◽  
Diet Overlap ◽  
Isotopic Niche ◽  
Neotropical Streams ◽  
Feeding Plasticity ◽  
The Impact

AbstractCoexistence of ecomorphologically similar species in diverse Neotropical ecosystems has been a focus of long-term debate among ecologists and evolutionary biologists. Such coexistence can be promoted by trophic plasticity and seasonal changes in omnivorous feeding. We combined stomach content and stable isotope analyses to determine how seasonal variation in resource availability influences the consumption and assimilation of resources by two syntopic fish species, Psalidodon aff. gymnodontus and P. bifasciatus, in the Lower Iguaçu basin. We also tested the impact of seasonality on trophic niche breadth and diet overlap of these two dominant omnivores. Seasonal changes in resource availability strongly influenced the consumption and assimilation of resources by the two fish species. Both species exhibited high levels of omnivory, characterized by high diversity of allochthonous resources in the wet season. Terrestrial invertebrates were the main component of diet during this season. However, in the dry season, both species reduced their isotopic niches, indicating diet specialization. High diet overlap was observed in both seasons, but the isotopic niche overlap was smaller in the dry season. Substantial reduction in the isotopic niche of P. bifascistus and a shift toward aquatic invertebrates can facilitate coexistence during this season of resource shortage. Feeding plasticity allows omnivorous fish to adjust their trophic niches according to seasonality, promoting the exploitation of different resources during periods of greater resource diversity. This seasonal variation could be an important mechanism that contributes to the resource partitioning and coexistence of dominant omnivores in Neotropical streams.

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