Evaluation of on-farm veal calves’ responses to unfamiliar humans and potential influencing factors

The human–animal relationship is an important component of the welfare of farm animals and for this reason animal responsiveness tests to humans are included in on-farm welfare assessment schemes that provide indicators for this. However, apart from the behaviour of stockpersons towards their animals, other factors may also influence animals’ reactivity to humans as observed through behavioural tests, which can add a further layer of complexity to the interpretation of test results. Knowledge of these factors may help a better interpretation of differences from one farm to another in the outcome of human–animal relationship tests, and may provide clues for improving the relationship between animals and humans. The main objective of this study was to identify whether management or environmental factors could influence the outcome of human–animal relationship tests in veal calves. Two tests were performed when calves were aged 14.9 ± 1.6 (SD) weeks in 148 veal farms: the voluntary approach of an unfamiliar human standing at the feeding fence and the reaction towards an unfamiliar human who entered the home pen and tried to touch each calf in a standardised way (Calf Escape Test (CET) – score 0 to 4). Questionnaires were filled in and interviews with the stockpersons were performed in order to obtain information on stockpersons, management, animal and building characteristics. The latency to touch an unfamiliar human at the feeding fence was significantly correlated with the CET scores. Total number of calves on the farm, space allowance, breed, environmental enrichment, stockperson's experience and season of observation influenced the percentage of calves that scored 0 in CET (i.e. calves that could not be approached). Type of milk distribution, type of breed and number of calves per stockperson influenced the percentage of calves that scored 4 in CET (i.e. calves could be touched). For both CET0 and CET4, the level of self-reported contacts by the stockperson (analysed only on the French subset of 36 farms) did not influence the results. This paper concludes that according to the tests conducted on veal calves on commercial farms, factors such as milk distribution method, breed of the calves or the level of experience of stockpersons with veal farming can have an impact on the results of tests focusing on human–animal relationships.     

Mobile Communication in the Public Mind: Insights from Free Associations Related to Mobile Phone Base Stations

The number of people using mobile phones has dramatically increased. At the same time, many people are unsettled about the potential health effects from the electromagnetic fields generated by mobile phone base stations. Research indicates that the risks associated with base stations are perceived differently by experts, laypeople, and base station opponents. Using a free association method, we analyzed these differences in more detail. In our first study, we found no difference between experts and laypeople but a marked distinction in the associations of opponents as opposed to the first two groups. The prevalence of free associations in a large random sample from the general population was explored via correspondence analysis in the second study. People who assign high risks to mobile communication had different, more negative associations in mind (e.g., “senselessness,” “hazard”) compared to people with low risk-perception (e.g., “mast,” “acceptance”). Our research is in line with the assumption that the affect heuristic guides risk and benefit assessments, and highlights the role of affect in risk perception and communication.     

Altered infant feeding patterns in boys with acquired nonsyndromic cryptorchidism

BACKGROUND : Genetic and environmental factors likely influence susceptibility to nonsyndromic cryptorchidism, a common disease presenting at birth or in later childhood. We compared cases and controls to define differential risk factors for congenital versus acquired cryptorchidism. METHODS : We compared questionnaire and clinical data from cases of congenital cryptorchidism (n = 230), acquired cryptorchidism (n = 182) and hernia/hydrocele (n = 104) with a group of healthy male controls (n = 358). Potential predictor variables (p < 0.2 in univariable analysis) were included in stepwise multivariable logistic regression models. RESULTS : Temporary (odds ratio [OR], 0.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.4–0.8) or exclusive (OR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.4–0.9) breastfeeding was reduced and soy formula feeding increased (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.2–2.9) in acquired but not congenital or hernia/hydrocele groups. The highest risk estimates were observed for primary soy formula feeding with limited or no breastfeeding (OR 2.5; 95% CI, 1.4–4.3; adjusted OR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.4–5.4) in the acquired group. Primary feeding risk estimates were equivalent or strengthened when multivariable models were limited to age greater than 2 years, full‐term or not small for gestational age, or Caucasian subjects. Pregnancy complications and increased maternal exposure to cosmetic or household chemicals were not consistently associated with either form of cryptorchidism in these models. CONCLUSIONS : Our data support reduced breastfeeding and soy formula feeding as potential risk factors for acquired cryptorchidism. Although additional studies are needed, hormonally active components of breast milk and soy formula could influence the establishment of normal testis position in the first months of life, leading to apparent ascent of testes in childhood. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Chronobiology of Coronary Risk Markers in Greenland Eskimos: A Comparative Study with Caucasians Residing in the Same Arctic Area

We report a comparison of fibrinolytic variables between 10 Caucasians on a predominantly European diet and 10 Greenland Eskimos on a traditional Inuit diet containing a substantial amount of fish and sea animals. We studied the diurnal variation in tissue type plasminogen activator (t-PA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI) antigens and activities during a 24-h period. Blood samples were taken every 4 h. The variations of the sinusoidal curves were evaluated by the Friedman χ² test. t-PA and PAI-1 antigen in plasma fluctuated significantly during the 24 h (Eskimos p < 0.000007 and p < 0.0007; Caucasians p < 0.00003 and p < 0.02), with a peak in the early morning and a nadir in the afternoon. This also held true for PA1 activity (Eskimos p < 0.0008; Caucasians p < O.Ol), whereas t-PA activity showed an inverse but still significant pattern (Eskimos p < 0.006; Caucasians p < 0.0008). Amplitudes, areas underneath, and overall medians of the sinusoidal curves did not deviate between the two groups with respect to t-PA and PAL In contrast to the significant variation of t-PA and PAI, the plasma concentrations of fibrin degradation products (D-Dimer), a measure of effective fibrinolysis, remained constant during the 24 h, and the absolute differences between groups did not reach statistical significance. These findings suggest that circadian variation of fibrinolytic activators and inhibitors is a basic biologic phenomenon, which is not affected by life-style, dietary habits, or ethnic differences. Furthermore, the lack of diurnal variation in D-Dimer raises the question of whether there is a causal relationship between low morning activities of t-PA and the frequent onset of myocardial infarction at that time of day, as suggested by several authors.     

Estimating Size and Trend of the North Interlake Woodland Caribou Population Using Fecal-DNA and Capture-Recapture Models

A critical step in recovery efforts for endangered and threatened species is the monitoring of population demographic parameters. As part of these efforts, we evaluated the use of fecal-DNA based capture–recapture methods to estimate population sizes and population rate of change for the North Interlake woodland caribou herd (Rangifer tarandus caribou), Manitoba, Canada. This herd is part of the boreal population of woodland caribou, listed as threatened under the federal Species at Risk Act (2003) and the provincial Manitoba Endangered Species Act (2006). Between 2004 and 2009 (9 surveys), we collected 1,080 fecal samples and identified 180 unique genotypes (102 females and 78 males). We used a robust design survey plan with 2 surveys in most years and analysed the data with Program MARK to estimate encounter rates (p), apparent survival rates (φ), rates of population change (λ), and population sizes (N). We estimated these demographic parameters for males and females and for 2 genetic clusters within the North Interlake. The population size estimates were larger for the Lower than the Upper North Interlake area and the proportion of males was lower in the Lower (33%) than the Upper North Interlake (49%). Population rate of change for the entire North Interlake area (2005–2009) using the robust design Pradel model was significantly <1.0 (λ = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.82–0.99) and varied between sex and area with the highest being for males in Lower North Interlake (λ = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.83–1.13) and the lowest being for females in Upper North Interlake (λ = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.69–0.97). The additivity of λ between sex and area is supported on the log scale and translates into males having a λ that is 0.09 greater than females and independent of sex, Lower North Interlake having a λ that is 0.06 greater than Upper North Interlake. Population estimates paralleled these declining trends, which correspond to trends observed in other fragmented populations of woodland caribou along the southern part of their range. The results of this study clearly demonstrate the applicability and success of non-invasive genetic sampling in monitoring populations of woodland caribou. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.     

阴道微生态与高危型人乳头瘤病毒感染及宫颈病变的相关性

目的 探究阴道微生态与高危型人乳头瘤病毒(HR HPV)感染以及宫颈病变之间的相关性,为后续研究提供参考。 方法 选择2018年1月至2019年6月就诊于石河子大学医学院第一附属医院妇科门诊,同时行爱必维(细菌性阴道病五项联合测定试剂盒)检测、HR HPV检测及宫颈组织病理检查的343名妇女作为研究对象,分析相关检测数据并探究阴道微生态与HR HPV感染以及宫颈病变的相关性。 结果 过氧化氢阳性、唾液酸苷酶阳性、白细胞酯酶阳性、乳杆菌数量减少及阴道清洁度3~4度的妇女感染HR HPV及发生宫颈病变的可能性显著大于过氧化氢阴性、唾液酸苷酶阴性、白细胞酯酶阴性、乳杆菌数量较多及阴道清洁度1~2度的妇女,差异均有统计学意义(均P结论 阴道微生态失衡与HR HPV感染以及宫颈病变有一定关联,纠正阴道微生态失衡可一定程度上预防HR HPV感染及宫颈病变。     

Modeling rendille household herd composition

Previous analysis of Rendille household herd composition revealed a transition from camel to cattle ownership for sedentary impoverished Rendille pastoralists of northern Kenya. In an attempt to delineate determinants of livestock holdings, logistic regression analysis of 112 household herds from the Rendille settlement of Korr, Marsabit District, Kenya was undertaken. Results indicated that household wealth, measured in present livestock holdings, past drought losses, and livestock sales, formed better predictors of cattle ownership than did household characteristics pertaining to labor supply, wage earners, age-set membership, and birth order of household head. These results are discussed in light of pastoral strategies designed to minimize risk.     

N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide levels predict newly detected atrial fibrillation in a population-based cohort

Background B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is secreted from cardiomyocytes and may reflect haemodynamic abnormalities predisposing to atrial fibrillation (AF). We aimed to investigate whether N-terminal pro BNP (NT-proBNP) is associated with newly detected AF in subjects obtained from the general population. Methods From the PREVEND programme (n=8592), we selected all subjects with an available baseline and four-year electrocardiogram and NTproBNP levels at baseline. We excluded subjects with AF at baseline and subjects with a serum creatinine >2.0 mg/dl. Results In total, 6494 subjects were eligible for the prospective analysis (aged 49±12 years, 49.7% men). At four years, AF was detected in 41 (0.6%) subjects. Median NT-proBNP levels at baseline in subjects with newly detected AF after four years was 62.2 (22.6 to 208.5) pg/ml as compared with 35.7 (15.9 to 68.7) pg/ml in those with sinus rhythm (p=0.001). Each 1 standard deviation increment in natural log transformed NT-proBNP was associated with a 54% (5% to 126%, p=0.028) increase in risk for AF after adjustment for other risk factors predisposing to AF. NT-proBNP levels above the sex-specific 80th percentile (97 pg/ml in women and 60 pg/ml in men) were associated with a multivariate odds ratio of 2.65 (1.22 to 5.76, p=0.01) for the occurrence of AF. Conclusion Plasma levels of NT-proBNP predict newly detected AF in subjects obtained from the general population independent of cardiovascular risk factors predisposing to AF. (Neth Heart J 2008;16:73-8.)     

European Roe Deer Increase Vigilance When Faced with Immediate Predation Risk by Eurasian Lynx

Prey animals must balance antipredatory behaviour with foraging behaviour. According to the risk allocation hypothesis, prey increase antipredatory behaviour and reduce foraging activity during pulses of high risk, but with continuous risk, other activities must continue and antipredatory behaviour decreases despite the risk. We studied the impact of lynx presence on the vigilance behaviour of wild roe deer under conditions of (i) a pulsed elevated risk by experimentally spreading lynx urine as an olfactory cue, and (ii) continuous risk by comparing an area where lynx was eradicated 160 years ago to an area where lynx has been re‐introduced 30 years ago. Roe deer were extremely vigilant in response to the predator olfactory cue; however, roe deer vigilance did not differ measurably among areas with or without potential lynx presence. Deer were more vigilant before sunset than during the night at both study areas, probably due to long‐term adaptation of roe deer to human hunting during daytime. Vigilance decreased from August to September even though activity of lynx increases in autumn, which may be a result either of increased foraging due to decrease in food quality in autumn, or of changes in social organization of the deer. Our results suggested that the degree of vigilance depends on environmental cues. We found that roe deer respond to lynx urine despite a long absence of lynx in the ecosystem. Our results support the risk allocation hypothesis for responses to pulses of high risk but not for responses to continuous elevated levels of risk.