Correlations of gestational hemoglobin, placental mineral elements and reproductive performances in pregnant sows

Iron status of sows has a great influence on reproductive performance. Iron deficiency reduces reproductive performance and newborn piglet survival rate of sow. The hemoglobin is a potential predictor for iron status of sows and is convenient for rapid detection in pig farms. However, the relationship between iron status, hemoglobin, placental trace elements and reproductive performance remains unclear. In this study, the hemoglobin and reproductive performance of more than 500 sows with 1 st to 6 th parities at different gestation stages (25, 55, 75, 95, 110 days of gestation) in two large-scale sow farms were collected, and content of placental Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu was analyzed. The results show hemoglobin of sows during pregnancy (d 75, d 95, d 110) decreased significantly (P < 0.001). As the parity increases, the hemoglobin levels of sows at d 25, d 55 of gestation and placental mineral element contents included Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu at delivery decreased (P < 0.05), while the litter size, birth alive and litter weights increased gradually (P < 0.001). Furthermore, hemoglobin during pregnancy had a negative linear correlation with litter weight and average weight (P < 0.05), higher hemoglobin at d 25 of gestation may reduce the number of stillbirths (P = 0.05), but higher hemoglobin at d 110 of gestation was tend to be benefit for the birth (P = 0.01). And there was a significant positive linear correlation between hemoglobin at d 110 of gestation and placental Fe and Mn levels (P = 0.002, P = 0.013). There was also a significant positive linear correlation among Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu in the placenta (P < 0.001). The levels of Fe, Zn, and Mn in placental at delivery were positive related to the average weight of the fetus (P = 0.048, P = 0.027, P = 0.047), and placental Cu was linearly correlated with litter size (P = 0.029). Our research revealed the requirements for iron during gestation were varied in different gestation periods and parities. The feeds should be adjusted according to the gestation periods, parities or iron status to meet the iron requirements of sows and fetal pigs.

General anxiety and depression are associated with the physical activity and social interaction levels: Study in Argentinean university students during the COVID-19 outbreak

Background Due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the planet is going through a historical time of exceptional concern and uncertainty, which impacts people mental health. Here, we explored the levels of depression and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and their relation with the degree of physical activity and social interaction during the pandemic. Methods We performed a structured survey containing the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 tests to evaluate depressive symptoms and GAD levels. We also asked about weekly physical activity and the level of social interaction. We surveyed two groups of University students in the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area: an internal group from the Instituto Tecnologico de Buenos Aires (ITBA), and an external group of students from multiple universities. The survey was conducted in late October/early-November 2020, after a peak of contagions. Some of the participants were surveyed again in January 2021, during academic holidays and after a valley of contagion, for longitudinal analysis Results Our data show that men and women of both groups exhibited a significant positive linear correlation between depression and GAD levels. Moreover, low levels of depression and anxiety were associated with performing physical activity for more than two days a week and to longer periods of social interaction. Finally, the second survey revealed a decrease of the symptoms. Conclusions Our results suggest that performing regular physical activity and avoiding long periods of social isolation gave benefits to mental health. We suggest that public policies could consider protecting these behaviors under health and safety standards.

Bioaccessibility of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Grilled Meat: The Effects of Meat Doneness and Fat Content

Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) through diet is gaining concern due to the risk it poses to human health. This study evaluated the bioaccessibility of PAHs contained in charcoal-grilled beef and chicken in different segments of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) with regard to the degree of doneness and fat content of the meats. The levels of 15 PAHs in the grilled meat samples and bioaccessible fractions were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) equipped with PAH column, and UV and fluorescence detectors. Total PAHs were found in beef (30.73 ng/g) and chicken (70.93 ng/g) before its digestion, and different PAHs’ bioaccessibility were observed in the different segments of GIT, with the highest in the stomach followed by the small intestine, despite the relatively higher bioaccessibility of individual PAHs in grilled beef as compared to those in grilled chicken. Additionally, the PAHs’ bioaccessibility increased with the increase in the degree of doneness. Positive linear correlation was observed for the PAHs’ bioaccessibility and the fat contents of grilled meat. Overall, this study highlights the influence of meat doneness (cooking time) and fat contents on the bioaccessibility and bioaccumulation of PAHs.

Environmental Background Values and Ecological Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Watershed Sediments: A Comparison of Assessment Methods

The distribution and assessment of heavy metal pollution in sediments have been extensively studied worldwide. Risk assessment methods based on total content, background values, and sediment quality guidelines are widely applied but have never been compared. We systematically sorted out these evaluation methods, obtained evaluation results using actual monitoring data, and compared their applicability. The results showed that the background values of different metals are significantly different, which may depend on their mobility. Geoaccumulation index (Igeo) and enrichment factor (EF) values invariably decreased with the increase of background values for individual heavy metal enrichment risk assessment. Compared with EF, Igeo also showed a significant positive linear correlation with heavy metal content. Pollution load index (PLI), modified contamination degree (mCd), and potential ecological risk index (RI) showed significant differences in response to background values and evaluation levels for the comprehensive risk of heavy metal enrichment, but their distribution trends along with the sampling points were basically identical. Toxic risk index (TRI), mean ERM quotient (mERMQ), and contamination severity index (CSI) were used to evaluate the damage degree of complex heavy metals to aquatic organisms and shared a similar whole-process distribution trend. The modified hazard quotient (mHQ), which is used to evaluate the toxicity of a single heavy metal to aquatic organisms, showed a significant positive linear correlation with the total content of each heavy metal, indicating that the toxic effect on organisms can be predicted through the direct monitoring. The results of this study have important guiding significance for the selection of evaluation methods for heavy metal pollution in sediments.

The Relationship Between Financial Literation Towards Users Of Loan Transacted Applications In The Millennial Generation

This study aimed to find a relationship between financial literacy and the use of loans transacted for the millennial generation—qualitative approach research method. The population in this study is the millennial generation in Bandung who have made loans transacted. The sample used was 270 people with a non-probability sampling technique with the criteria of users of online loan fintech products. The analysis technique used is a simple correlation and regression test. The results obtained show a significant influence between financial literacy variables on loans transacted with a t-value of 6,947. While the results of the correlation test state that the contribution of financial literacy to loans transacted has a contribution of 0.567, meaning that there is a fairly close relationship in terms of positive linear correlation value (r = 1), which means that every increase in financial literacy can increase the level of loans transacted. Keywords—; Fintech; Financial Literacy; Loans transacted Applications;Millenial

A study of postnatal assessment of gestational age of neonates by new Ballards and Parkins score

Background: The aim, of the study was to find the correlation between new Ballard score and Parkin’s score and whether they correlate with obstetric gestational age estimated by LMP and/or 1st-trimester USG.Methods: A cross-sectional clinical study for 6 months duration was carried out at tertiary care NICU and postnatal ward of a teaching hospital. Any intramural neonate admitted in NICU and neonates examined after randomized selection in postnatal ward within the first 24 hours of life were included in the study after written informed consent. Their demographic profile was documented using preset Performa and gestational age was assessed using both New Ballard score and Parkins score.Results: Total 387 new-borns were screened with mean age of 12.86±11 hours. Out of which 209 (54.0%) were males and 178 (46.0%) were females. The 259 (66.0%) new-borns were normal vaginal delivered and 128 (33.0%) new-borns were delivered by caesarean section. In the study it was found that the obstetric gestational age strongly correlates to gestational age by new Ballard score (r=0.880, p<0.001), and to gestational age by Parkins score (r=0.880, p<0.001). The gestational age by new Ballard score also strongly correlates to gestational age by Parkins score (r=0.937, p<0.001). Scatter diagram shows that there is strong positive linear correlation between gestational age assessed by LMP and NBS. While that gestational age accessed by Parkins having weak positive relationship compared to NBS.Conclusions: New Ballard score predicts new-born gestational age better in preterm and term new-borns, but Parkin’s Score, being simpler assessment method, takes very less time and has the advantage of no subjective neurological criteria and lesser interpersonal variation.

Concordance between Pressure Platform and Pedigraph

Objectives: Determine the concordance between two methods of obtaining the plantar footprint (pedigraph and pressure platform). Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional, observational study of prevalence was carried out in the social center of Cariño (Coruña), Spain (n = 65 participants). Older people without amputations or the presence of dysmetria were included. The variables studied were: sociodemographic (age, sex), anthropometric (body mass index) and footprint measurement variables. These measurements were made by obtaining the plantar footprint using two methods: pedigraph and pressure platform. Results: The mean age of the sample was 37.42 ± 15.05 years, with a predominance of the female gender (61.54%). Positive linear correlation between pedigraph and platform was observed in both feet in the Chippaux and Staheli indices (correlation coefficient > 0.3, p < 0.001 in each comparison). The reliability was good or moderate in relation with the Chippaux and Staheli index. Slightly lower coefficients were observed in the dimensions of the foot. Conclusions: A positive linear correlation between pedigraph and platform was observed in both feet in the Chippaux and Staheli indices. Significant differences were observed between pedigraph and platform in relation to the width and length of the foot. It is probably due to the fact that the pressure platform provides more exhaustive, detailed and accurate information of the foot.

WhatsApp and Its Potential to Develop Communication Skills among University Students

Excellent communication skills among graduates are very crucial for their future and career development. WhatsApp application is seen to have the potential to develop these skills since it has robust functions and features, easy to use, and free. However, there are still issues in implementing this application as a tool in developing communication skills by utilizing this application for educational purposes among UTM students. Hence, this study was aiming to investigate the level of WhatsApp usage in education, the level of communication skills by utilizing WhatsApp for educational purposes among students, and their correlations. Student’s perception of using WhatsApp in education was also investigated. This study was based on quantitative research conducted using a survey design, where online questionnaires were distributed randomly among 400 UTM students based on simple random method. Findings showed that there is a high level of WhatsApp usage in education among UTM students and also a high level of communication skills by utilizing this application for educational purposes among UTM students. It was supported by a strong positive linear correlation that existed between these two variables. Students also showed positive perceptions of utilizing WhatsApp in education to develop their communication skills. Therefore, lecturers and students are encouraged to utilize WhatsApp application in education as it can help in fortifying communication skills among students who later become competent graduates that can meet the demand from the industries.

Yield and crown structure characteristics in a red oak (Quercus rubra L.) stand: Case study

The paper provides the results of a detailed analysis of timber volume and several important crown variables of red oak (Quercus rubra L.) based on an experimental plot in eastern Hungary. At the age 32 years the crop trees belonged to different height classes. If the volume of the mean tree from height class I was considered as 100%, the volume of the mean tree of class II was 59%, and the mean tree of class III was only 36%. It appeared that there was a significant correlation between crown indices and yield. For this reason, diameter at breast height showed a positive linear correlation with crown diameter (R2= 0.6211). Additionally, there was also positive linear relationship between crown diameter and volume (R2= 0.6908). The variation of crown indices is height even within the same stand and indicates the importance of following a selective thinning operation method.

Enhanced biodegradation of ciprofloxacin by enrich nitrifying sludge: assessment of removal pathways and microbial responses

Antibiotics are mostly collected by sewage systems, but not completely removed within wastewater treatment plants. Their release to aquatic environment poses great threat to public health. This study evaluated the removal of a widely used fluoroquinolone antibiotic ciprofloxacin in enriched nitrifying culture through a series of experiments by controlling ammonium concentrations and inhibiting functional microorganisms. The removal efficiency of ciprofloxacin at an initial concentration of 50 μg L−1 reached 81.86 ± 3.21% in the presence of ammonium, while only 22.83 ± 8.22% of ciprofloxacin was removed in its absence. The positive linear correlation was found between the ammonia oxidation rate (AOR) and ciprofloxacin biodegradation rate. These jointly confirmed the importance of the AOB-induced cometabolism in ciprofloxacin biodegradation with adsorption and metabolic degradation pathways playing minor roles. The continuous exposure of AOB to ciprofloxacin led to decreases of ammonia monooxygenase (AMO) activities and AOR. The antibacterial effects of ciprofloxacin and its biodegradation products were further evaluated and the results revealed that biodegradation products of ciprofloxacin exhibited less toxicity compared to the parent compound, implying the potential application of cometabolism in alleviation of antimicrobial activity. The findings provided new insights into the AOB-induced cometabolic biodegradation of fluoroquinolone antibiotics.