Heavy metal (Pb, Co, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn) concentrations in harvest-size white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei tissues from aquaculture and wild source

The present research project was undertaken to determine heavy metal (Pb, Co, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn) concentrations in intensive aquaculture and wild white shrimp tissues (muscle, shell and liver), and to inform aquatic shrimp food safety. The aquaculture samples were obtained from ten intensive farms and wild animals from one station in Zhanjiang Harbour Bay. Heavy metal concentrations (mg kg⁻¹, dry weight; means ± S.D.) in aquaculture white shrimp muscle, shell and liver tissues were, respectively: Cr - 20.86 ± 5.27, 28.70 ± 8.34 and 18.91 ± 5.50, Cu - 24.26 ± 8.36, 30.86 ± 9.84 and 126.42 ± 90.9, Fe - 61.35 ± 30.76, 55.07 ± 17.72 and 124.04 ± 56.15, Mn - 5.33 ± 2.5, 10.72 ± 4.34 and 8.79 ± 5.29, Zn - 171.56 ± 118.74, 51.84 ± 10.94 and 111.74 ± 84.67. Cadmium was observed only in liver tissue at 3.30 ± 1.29 mg kg⁻¹. Lead could not be detected, and cobalt was detected only in wild shrimp liver tissue. Chromium and manganese mean concentrations in shell tissue were significantly higher than levels in muscle tissue (P < 0.05), but the zinc mean concentration was significantly lower than noted in muscle tissue (P < 0.05). Copper and iron mean concentrations in liver tissue were significantly higher than those in muscle or shell tissues (P < 0.05). Overall, only chromium in white shrimp tissue was the primary risk for human health.     

Determination of Trace Elements Level of Pikeperch Collected from the Caspian Sea

Toxic and essential elements levels (chromium, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, lead, cadmium, and zinc) have been determined in the brain, heart, liver, gill, gonads, spleen, bile and muscle of S. lucioperca, collected from the Caspian Sea by employing Flame- Atomic absorption spectrometry. Results indicated that nearly all of the toxic metals concentrations (nickel, lead and cadmium) in tissues were higher than limits for fish suggested by Food and Agricultural Organization, World Health Organization and European Union. Lead was higher in spleen than other tissues. Levels of essential metals (iron, copper, zinc and manganese) were below the limits suggested by European Union and Food and Agricultural Organization/World Health Organization and Turkish Food Codex for fish. Iron distribution pattern in tissues was in the following order: heart (88.67 ± 2.74 μg g⁻¹ wet wt) > spleen (70.96 ± 2.05 μg g⁻¹ wet wt) > bile (29.35 ± 0.94 μg g⁻¹ wet wt) > brain (14.29 ± 0.51 μg g⁻¹ wet wt) > liver (8.57 ± 0.29 μg g⁻¹ wet wt) > gill (3.20 ± 0.14 μg g⁻¹ wet wt) > red (2.79 ± 0.11 μg g⁻¹ wet wt) and white muscles (2.79 ± 0.09 μg g⁻¹ wet wt) > gonads (2.57 ± 0.07 μg g⁻¹ wet wt).     

Effects of Lead Exposure on Growth and Bone Biology in Growing Rats Exposed to Simulated High Altitude

The existence of children living at high altitude suffering from lead (Pb) poisoning prompted us to investigate the long term effects of this pollutant on growth and bone biology in growing rats maintained at simulated high altitude (SHA). Pb and hypoxia (HX) significantly reduced body weight (−9.4 % and −24 %; p < 0.01) and length (−3 % and −8 %; p < 0.01); decreased femoral ultimate load (−16 % and −40 %; p < 0.01) and femoral energy absorption capacity (−18 % and −74 %; p < 0.01). Oral pathologic alterations were observed in experimental groups. Our findings revealed growth retardation and damages on femoral and mandibular bones that predispose to fractures.     

Toxicity Testing of Waterborne Mercury with Red Sea Bream (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Pagrus major</Emphasis>) Embryos and Larvae

Acute toxicity tests revealed that, in red sea bream (Pagrus major) embryos, 24 and 48 h LC₅₀ values of waterborne HgCl₂ were 67.3 and 39.1 μg Hg²⁺ L⁻¹. In larvae, 48, 72 and 96 h LC₅₀ values were 41.9, 36.1 and 34.8 μg Hg²⁺ L⁻¹, respectively. Sub-chronic toxicity tests indicated that mercury concentrations ≥20 μg Hg²⁺ L⁻¹ decreased hatching success, increased mortality and induced teratogenicity in embryos and larvae. The NOEC, LOEC and MATC values were 8.0, 16.3 and 11.4 μg Hg²⁺ L⁻¹ for hatching success, mortality and teratogenicity; while those were 27.0, 36.9 and 31.6 μg Hg²⁺ L⁻¹ for body length and specific growth rate, respectively.     

Content of Lead and Cadmium in Barred Hogfish, Bodianusscrofa, Island Grouper, Mycteroperca fusca, and Portuguese Dogfish, Centroscymnus coelolepis, from Canary Islands, Spain

Concentration of lead and cadmium has been analyzed in Bodianus scrofa and Mycteroperca fusca captured in the Canary Islands coast. Concentration of Pb ranged from 2.53 to 306.40 and 4.97 to 792.00 μg kg⁻¹ respectively, while that of Cd ranged from 1.75 to 1854.50 and 6.78 to 656.00 μg kg⁻¹. The same metals have been analyzed in muscles, liver and skin of Centroscymnus coelolepis from Canary Islands, with contents of Pb and Cd ranged between 24.18–96.12 μg kg⁻¹ and 32.00–3266.58 μg kg⁻¹ respectively, and in the Azores Archipelago, with concentrations of Pb and Cd ranged as follow: 18.41–38.99 μg kg⁻¹ and 5.23–4179.87 μg kg⁻¹ respectively. Percentage of contribution of both metals to the PTWIs, has also been calculated for both fishes.     

Relationship Between Neighborhood Context, Family Management Practices and Alcohol Use Among Urban, Multi-ethnic, Young Adolescents

We examined relationships between alcohol-related neighborhood context, protective home and family management practices, and alcohol use among urban, racial/ethnic minority, adolescents. The sample comprised 5,655 youth who were primarily low SES (72%), African American (43%) and Hispanic (29%). Participants completed surveys in 2002–2005 (ages 11–14 years). Items assessed alcohol use, accessibility of alcohol at home and parental family management practices. Neighborhood context measures included: (1) alcohol outlet density; (2) commercial alcohol accessibility; (3) alcohol advertisement exposure; and (4) perceived neighborhood strength, reported by parents and community leaders. Structural equation modeling was used to assess direct and indirect relationships between alcohol-related neighborhood context at baseline, home alcohol access and family management practices in seventh grade, and alcohol use in eighth grade. Neighborhood strength was negatively associated with alcohol use (β = −0.078, p ≤ 0.05) and exposure to alcohol advertisements was positively associated with alcohol use (β = 0.043, p ≤ 0.05). Neighborhood strength and commercial alcohol access were associated with home alcohol access (β = 0.050, p ≤ 0.05 and β = −0.150, p ≤ 0.001, respectively) and family management practices (β = −0.061, p ≤ 0.01 and β = 0.083, p ≤ 0.001, respectively). Home alcohol access showed a positive association with alcohol use (β = 0.401, p ≤ 0.001). Tests for indirect effects suggest that home alcohol access may partially mediate the relationship between neighborhood strength and alcohol use (β = 0.025, p < 0.062). Results suggest inner-city parents respond to environmental risk, such that as neighborhood risk increases, so also do protective home and family management practices. Parent engagement in restricting alcohol access and improving family management practices may be key to preventive efforts to reduce alcohol use.     

How to tell where ‘liking’ ends and ‘wanting’ begins

Food reward is thought to comprise food ‘liking’ and ‘wanting’. The distinction between ‘liking’ and ‘wanting’ is generally assumed to give a more detailed view on the regulation of appetite and to provide a better handle on determining what exactly is wrong in case of unhealthy dietary habits (e.g., binge eating). In response to Finlayson and Dalton (2011), I argue however, that after operationally defining ‘liking’ and ‘wanting’, one forgot to validate these measures. Such validation requires carefully formulating when and how ‘liking’ and ‘wanting’ are uncoupled. In the absence of a priori predictions concerning when and how ‘liking’ and ‘wanting’ should dissociate, interpreting any dissociation between supposed measures for ‘liking’ and ‘wanting’ as evidence for the independent functioning of ‘liking’ and ‘wanting’ processes is moot.     

Winter Mass Concentrations of Carbon Species in PM10, PM2.5 and PM1 in Zagreb Air,Croatia

The purpose of our investigation was to examine the mass concentrations of EC, OC and TC (EC + OC) in PM₁₀, PM_2.5 and PM₁ particle fractions. Daily PM₁₀, PM_2.5 and PM₁ samples were collected at an urban background monitoring site in Zagreb during winter 2009. Average OC and EC mass concentrations were 11.9 and 1.8 μg m⁻³ in PM₁₀, 9.0 and 1.4 μg m⁻³ in PM_2.5, and 5.5 and 1.1 μg m⁻³ in PM₁. Average OC/EC ratios in PM₁₀, PM_2.5, and PM₁ were 7.4, 6.9 and 5.4, respectively.     

Effects of Attractiveness and Status in Dating Desire in Homosexual and Heterosexual Men and Women

The present study examined partner preferences of homosexual and heterosexual men and woman, focusing on attractiveness and status. Homosexual (N = 591 men; M age = 28.87 years, SD = 10.21; N = 249 women; M age = 33.36 years, SD = 13.12) and heterosexual participants (N = 346 men; M age = 39.74 years, SD = 14.26; N = 400 women; M age = 35.93 years, SD = 13.72) rated the importance of attractiveness and social status of potential partners and then, in a vignette test, expressed their desire to date hypothetical potential partners based on photographs that varied in attractiveness and status-related profiles. With ratings, heterosexual men valued attractiveness the most, followed by homosexual men, heterosexual women, and homosexual women. Heterosexual women rated social status as most important. When status profiles were manipulated and accompanied with photographs of faces, the pattern of differences between homosexuals and heterosexuals supported the self-reported results. Overall, homosexual men and women have similar mate preferences to heterosexual men and women by showing more dating desire for attractive and high social status persons. Compared to attractiveness, status played a smaller role in dating desire.     

Seasonal Accumulations of Some Heavy Metal in Water,Sediment and Tissues of Black-Chinned Tilapia <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sarotherodon melanotheron</Emphasis> from Biétri Bay in Ebrié Lagoon,Ivory Coast

The seasonal accumulation of cadmium, copper, lead, mercury and zinc was determined in sediments, water, and black-chinned tilapia (Sarotherodon melanotheron; muscle, brain, kidney and liver tissues) collected monthly from Biétri Bay. The mean water concentration of metals (in mg L⁻¹) ranged from 0.01 to 0.30 (mercury), 0.02–0.26 (cadmium), 2.40–4.80 (lead), 9.05–9.68 (copper), and 12.05–19.87 (zinc). The seasonal variations showed a significant difference in the levels of mercury, cadmium and lead among season. The highest mercury (0.30 ± 0.02 μg L⁻¹), cadmium (0.26 ± 0.02 mg L⁻¹) and lead (4.80 ± 1.03 mg L⁻¹) levels were observed during dry season, while the lowest levels (0.21 ± 0.01, 0.02 ± 0.01 and 2.40 ± 0.02 mg L⁻¹, respectively mercury, cadmium and lead) were measured during rainy season. The average cadmium (0.58 ± 0.36 mg L⁻¹), copper (42.15 ± 19.40 mg L⁻¹), lead (58.47 ± 38.10 mg kg⁻¹), mercury (0.79 ± 0.47 μg kg⁻¹) and zinc (187.58 ± 76.99 mg kg⁻¹) concentrations determined in Biétri Bay sediments showed a similar trend as in water. The seasonal variations of mercury, cadmium and lead in tissues revealed that these metals were higher concentrated during dry and swelling seasons. The levels of zinc and copper followed by lead were higher in the tissues. The order of tissues metals concentrations was: kidney > liver > brain > muscle.     

Antioxidants and other chemical and physical characteristics of two strawberry cultivars at different ripeness stages

The present work evaluated the quality and antioxidant characteristics of ‘Osogrande’ and ‘Camino Real’ strawberries at different ripeness stages. Strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) were harvested, selected, graded according to ripeness (green, pink or 3/4 ripe and ripe) and evaluated for pH, total soluble solids, total titratable acidity, sugar/acid ratio, vitamin C, total phenolic compounds, total ellagic acid, total and individual anthocyanins and antioxidant activity by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). The highest total soluble solid content was found for pink (7.5° Brix) and ripe (7.9° Brix) ‘Osogrande’ strawberries. At pink stage, this cultivar showed higher amounts of total phenolics (2909.48 mg kg⁻¹ FW) and total ellagic acid (454.16 mg kg⁻¹ FW). Pink ‘Camino Real’ strawberries presented the highest content of vitamin C (528.55 mg kg⁻¹ FW). Antioxidant activity was higher for ‘Osogrande’ cultivar, at green stage, according to DPPH (11.91 μmol BHT g⁻¹ FW) and FRAP (36.75 μmol ferrous sulphate  g⁻¹ FW) assays and at ripe stage, only for DPPH assay (12.83 μmol BHT g⁻¹ FW). Anthocyanins increased along ripening, with more elevated concentrations in ripe ‘Camino Real’ strawberries (292.9 mg kg⁻¹ FW). Cyanindin-3-glucoside showed a higher concentration for the same treatment (17.23 mg kg⁻¹ FW), which might contribute to a more redish color. Although ripe berries have a better flavor and are more appreciated, higher antioxidant contents and activities were observed at pink stage in which higher amounts of total phenolics, total ellagic acid and vitamin C were noticed for both cultivars.     

Coartemether induced oxidative and hepatic damage in Plasmodium berghei strain Anka infected mice

This study investigated the effect of coartemether on antioxidant and hepatotoxic biomarkers in Plasmodium berghei infected mice. Erythrocyte, hepatic and renal superoxide dismutase (2.71 ± 0.51; 1.96 ± 0.87; 2.84 ± 0.22 Units/mg protein respectively) and catalase (4.10 ± 0.10; 8.25 ± 1.24; 6.28 ± 0.11 Units/mg protein respectively) activities were significantly (p < 0.05) elevated in “parasitized and treated” (PnT) animals. Renal glutathione level (19.02 ± 0.20 μg/mL) was elevated in PnT animals. Glutathione S-transferase and malondialdehyde levels in hepatic (8.76 ± 0.49 μmol/min/mg; 527.23 ± 24.56 mmol/dL) and renal (3.35 ± 0.30 μmol/min/mg; 464.42 ± 59.13 mmol/dL) tissues were significantly high (p < 0.05) in coartemether-treated animals alone. Plasma aspartate transferase (9.45 ± 3.59 U/L) and alanine transferase (5.78 ± 2.36 U/L) were high in PnT animals. Therefore, data indicates that in the presence of P. berghei, coartemether could alter the antioxidant status and induce hepatotoxic damage in mice.     

Épidémie du VIH chez les travailleuses du sexe en Guinée : prévalence,facteurs associés,vulnérabilité et tendances 2001–2007

BackgroundEstimate the associations between potential risk factors and HIV prevalence, as well as the trends from 2001 through 2007 of these indicators. Describe the vulnerability of female sex workers to in Guinea.MethodsFemale sex workers in Guinea were interviewed in 2001 (n = 339) and 2007 (n = 598) and then screened for HIV. This was a nationwide survey using a unique protocol. Associations between potential risk factors and HIV prevalence were tested, and their trends from 2001 through 2007 estimated, after adjustment using Generalized Estimating Equations.ResultsIn 2001, HIV was associated with illiteracy (PR = 1.41; p = 0.2), and with genital ulcer symptom (PR = 1.89; p = 0.001). In 2007, it was associated with illiteracy (RP = 1, p = 0.03), and with older age (PR for 10 years = 1.29; p = 0.004). The profile of illiterate female sex workers included low price per sexual encounter in both 2001 and 2007, greater number of clients, and lesser exposure to HIV/Aids counselling in 2001. From 2001 to2007, increases were noted for the number of clients by female sex workers (p < 0.0001), price per sexual encounter (p < 0.0001), condom use (p < 0.0001) and exposure to HIV/Aids counselling (p < 0.0001); decreases were noted for symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases (p < 0.0001) and HIV prevalence among female sex workers aged less than 20 years (p = 0.005).ConclusionFrom 2001 through 2007, condom use and exposure to HIV/Aids counselling increased in Guinea while symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV prevalence declined. Nevertheless, illiterate female sex workers remained highly vulnerable.     

Assessment of Natural Radioactivity in Phosphate Ore,Phosphogypsum and Soil Samples Around a Phosphate Fertilizer Plant in Nigeria

The radionuclides present in phosphate ore, phosphogypsum and soil samples in the vicinity of a phosphate fertilizer plants in Nigeria were identified and their activity concentration determined to assess the potential radiation impact on the environment due to fertilizer production. The mean activity concentration of ²³⁸U, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K radionuclides in phosphate ore samples were 616 ± 38.6, BDL (Below Detection Level) and 323.7 ± 57.5 Bq kg⁻¹ respectively. For the phosphogypsum, 334.8 ± 8.8, 4.0 ± 1.4, and 199.9 ± 9.3 Bq kg⁻¹ respectively and for soil samples range from 20.5 ± 7.3 to 175.7 ± 10.5 Bq kg⁻¹ for ²²⁶Ra, 15.5 ± 1.5 to 50.4 ± 0.6 Bq kg⁻¹ for ²³²Th and 89.5 ± 8.1 to 316.1 ± 41.3 Bq kg⁻¹ for ⁴⁰K respectively. The mean absorbed dose rate was 71.4 nGy h⁻¹. The mean annual effective dose was 86 μSv.     

Air Quality Status During Diwali Festival of India: A Case Study

The PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ samples were collected during Diwali celebration from study area and characterized for ionic concentration of four anions (NO₃ ⁻, NO₂ ⁻, Cl⁻, SO₄ ²⁻) and five cations (K⁺, Mg²⁺, NH₄ ⁺, Ca²⁺, Na⁺). The results showed that the ionic concentrations were three times compared to those on pre and post Diwali days. Predominant ions for PM_2.5 were K⁺ 33.7 μg/m³, Mg⁺ 31.6 μg/m³, SO₄ ²⁻ 22.1 μg/m³, NH₄ ⁺ 17.5 μg/m³ and NO₃ ⁻ 18 μg/m³ and for PM₁₀ the ionic concentrations were Mg⁺ 29.6 μg/m³, K⁺ 26 μg/m³, SO₄ ²⁻ 19.9 μg/m³, NH₄ ⁺ 16.8 μg/m³ and NO₃ ⁻ 16 μg/m³. While concentration of SO₂ and NO₂ were 17.23, 70.33 μg/m³ respectively.     

Synthesis of lipophilic dimeric C-7/C-7-linked ciprofloxacin and C-6/C-6-linked levofloxacin derivatives. Versatile in vitro biological evaluations of monomeric and dimeric fluoroquinolone derivatives as potential antitumor, antibacterial or antimycobacterial agents

The synthesis of C-7/C-7-linked ciprofloxacin (CP) and C-6/C-6-linked levofloxacin (LV) derivatives with modulated lipophilicity is described herein. The synthesized compounds, along with the monomeric analogs described previously, were evaluated in vitro for (i) their growth inhibitory effect against five human cancer cell lines, (ii) their antibacterial activity against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus hirae and Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains and (iii) their antimycobacterial activity. The most efficient derivatives as antiproliferative agents (C-7/C-7-linked CP 7e and C-6/C-6-linked LV 11f) displayed IC₅₀ values in the 0.1–8.7 and 0.2–0.7 μM ranges respectively while IC₅₀ values for parent CP and LV ranged from 89 to 476 μM and from 67 to 622 μM respectively depending on the cell line. A specific antibacterial activity against S. aureus was found for the monomeric and dimeric derivatives of CP. The most efficient derivative against S. aureus (monomeric oxoethyloctanoate CP derivative 3d) displayed MIC <1 nM. Monomeric alkanoyloxymethyl LV esters (9a,c,e,f) and C-6/C-6-linked LV derivatives (11f–h) were the most efficient derivatives as antimycobacterial agents with MIC and IC₅₀ values in the 2.5–5 μM and 1.3–≤2.5 μM ranges respectively while MIC and IC₅₀ values for parent LV were 2.5 and 0.8 μM, respectively.     

Body composition differences between adults with multiple sclerosis and BMI-matched controls without MS

BackgroundPersons with multiple sclerosis (MS) have many health conditions related to overweight and obesity, but little is known about how body composition among those with MS compares to those without MS at the same weight.ObjectiveTo compare differences in whole body and regional body composition between persons with and without MS matched for sex and body mass index (BMI).MethodsPersons with MS (n = 51) and non-MS controls (n = 51) matched for sex and BMI. Total mass, lean mass, fat mass, and percent body fat (%BF) of total body and arm, leg, and trunk segments were assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).ResultsMen with MS had significantly less whole body lean mass (mean difference: 9933.5 ± 3123.1 g, p < 0.01) and higher fat mass (mean difference: 6079.0 ± 2137.4 g, p = .01) and %BF (mean difference: 9.43 ± 2.04%, p < 0.01) than BMI-matched non-MS counterparts. Further, men with MS had significantly lower lean mass in the arm (p = 0.02) and leg (p < 0.01) and higher fat mass in the arm (p = 0.01), leg (p = 0.03) and trunk (p = 0.03) than men without MS. Men with MS had significantly higher %BF in all three regions (p < 0.01) than men without MS. There were no differences between women with and without MS.ConclusionsWe observed significant differences in whole body and regional body composition between BMI-matched men with and without MS. Additional research is needed to further explore differences in body composition, adipose distribution, and the impact of these differences on the health and function of men with MS.     

Association between sleep quality and physical functioning in adults with Down syndrome: A brief report

BackgroundSleep quality is associated with physical functioning in adults, but this has not been examined in those with Down syndrome (DS). High body mass index (BMI) and accelerated aging, both common in adults with DS, may alter the relationship between sleep quality and physical functioning in this population.ObjectiveTo examine sleep quality indicators and its association with physical functioning in adults with DS, and whether associations are altered by BMI and age.MethodsParticipants were 15 adults with DS (8 women; age 29 ± 14 years). We evaluated sleep quality over seven days with wrist-worn accelerometers and physical functioning with the timed-up-and-go (TUG) and 6-min walk (6 MW) tests. We examined the associations between sleep quality and physical functioning variables using Spearman's rho.ResultsSleep quality indicators were: total sleep time 407 ± 54 min; latency 26.8 ± 21 min; efficiency 73.9 ± 12 %; wake after sleep onset 122.8 ± 65.2 min; number of awakenings 21.0 ± 6.2; and average length of awakenings 6.1 ± 3 min. Total sleep time and average length of awakenings were significantly associated with 6 MW distances (rho = 0.58 and ?0.69; p < 0.05, respectively). After controlling for age and BMI, 6 MW distance was significantly associated with total sleep time, latency, efficiency, and average length of awakenings (rho = 0.56, ?0.73, 0.60, and ?0.87; p < 0.05, respectively). TUG was significantly associated with total time in bed (rho = 0.71); p < 0.05).ConclusionsSleep quality indicators are associated with walking performance in adults with DS. Age and BMI strengthen the relationship between sleep quality and physical functioning.     

Attenuation of bovine herpesvirus type 1 by deletion of its glycoprotein G and tk genes and protection against virulent viral challenge

To develop a novel vaccine against infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), a bovine herpesvirus-1 (BoHV-1) mutant was constructed by deleting the genes for glycoprotein G (gG) and thymidine kinase (tk) through homologous recombination. The resulting sequences for both genes were shown to be correct and a gG expression defect was also confirmed. A parallel study of the BoHV-1 gG⁻/tk⁻, gE⁻/tk⁻ mutants and wild type (wt) in 31 calves was performed at three different doses, 4 × 10⁵ PFU, 4 × 10⁶ PFU and 4 × 10⁷ PFU. Compared to wt BoHV-1, inoculation of BoHV-1 gG⁻/tk⁻ and gE⁻/tk⁻ produced no clinical signs and the virus was not reactivated by dexamethasone (dex). Inoculation of BoHV-1 gG⁻/tk⁻ at the doses of 4 × 10⁶ and 4 × 10⁷ PFU provided full clinical protection for the cattle against wt BoHV-1 challenge at 4 × 10⁷ PFU/calf. Although the mutants were associated with significantly lower levels of serum neutralizing antibody, interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) than wt BoHV-1 on days 3, 5 and 7 after immunization, stimulation of IFN-β by BoHV-1 gG⁻/tk⁻ was significantly higher than that of wt BoHV-1 and gE⁻/tk⁻ on days 3 and 5. We conclude that BoHV-1 gG⁻/tk⁻ was attenuated adequately and that it maintains the ability to stimulate immune protection. Therefore, it may be a promising candidate for a marker vaccine against IBR.     

Rejection of Care and Aggression among Older Veterans with Dementia: The Influence of Background Factors and Interpersonal Triggers

ObjectivesTo test relationships among background factors, interpersonal triggers, rejection of care, and aggression among veterans living with dementia in residential long-term care settings, based on the need-driven dementia-compromised behavior model.DesignA mixed methods secondary analysis of program evaluation data from the Staff Training in Assisted Living Residences-Veterans Health Administration intervention implemented by the US Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare system.Setting and ParticipantsIn total, 315 older veterans who participated in the 2013‒2016 Staff Training in Assisted Living Residences-Veterans Health Administration program at 76 Community Living Centers (Veterans Affairs-operated nursing homes).MethodsText data that captured the interdisciplinary team observations of distressed behaviors of concern and their circumstances were coded into categorical variables and then combined with existing quantitative data to test hypothesized relationships using structural equation modeling.ResultsRejection of care was directly affected by interpersonal triggers (β = 0.32, P < .005) and background factors such as depression (β = 0.29, P < .018), anxiety (β = −0.18, P < .023), and cognitive status (β = 0.10, P < .049). Depression also had an indirect effect on rejection of care through interpersonal triggers (α × β = 0.13 × 0.32 = 0.04, P < .012). Aggression was directly affected by both interpersonal triggers (β = 0.19, P < .009) and functional status (β = 0.17, P < .011). Both function (α × β = 0.12 × 0.19 = 0.02, P < .035) and depression (α × β = 0.13 × 0.19 = 0.03, P < .005) had indirect effects on aggression through interpersonal triggers.Conclusions and ImplicationsInterpersonal triggers influenced rejection of care and aggression in veterans with dementia. Background factors such as depression and severity of functional impairment increased the likelihood of these symptoms. Study findings emphasize the importance of developing and implementing interventions that improve interpersonal relationships and developing targeted interventions for those with depressive symptoms.