Increased Activity Levels Research Articles

Exercise capacity and the psychosocial effect in preterm born infants - Should we do more?

Physical activity is crucial for children's physical, cognitive, and social development, reducing the risk of non-communicable diseases and improving overall well-being. A major legacy of extremely preterm delivery is respiratory limitation with reduced lung function and decreased exercise capacity which can be further exacerbated by inactivity and deconditioning. Strategies to increase incidental physical activities in early childhood and participation in sport and more formal exercise programmes in middle childhood have the potential to optimize cardiopulmonary function, improve quality of life, and foster social interactions in childhood and beyond, thereby providing benefits that extend far beyond the physical domain. Intervention strategies such as supervised aerobic and resistance training, and incorporation of physical activity into daily routines have shown promise in increasing activity levels and improving exercise capacity in this population. Engaging families and tailoring programs to individual needs are crucial for the success of these interventions. Overall, a holistic approach that promotes increased physical activity and addresses psychosocial barriers is essential for optimizing the health, well-being, and quality of life of preterm-born children. Further research and development of effective, long-term intervention programs are needed to support these vulnerable individuals throughout childhood and into adulthood.

Tactical Games: An Inclusive Pedagogical Model for K-12 Students in Physical Education

The literature regarding K-12 student experiences in physical education (PE) has long identified issues regarding curriculum and social justice. Contributing to this narrative, the most widely used pedagogical model in K-12 PE programs in the U.S. and worldwide is the multi-activity (MA) or physical-education-as-sport techniques approach. Conversely, alternative options like the Tactical Games (TG) model have been shown to be effective in motivating students and increasing activity levels during physical education (PE) lessons. The TG model prioritizes student tactical understanding and skill develop-ment using modified games and/or simulations so all students may experience success. Therefore, in partnership between a PE Teacher Education (PETE) program and an all-girls private high school (HS) in the Northeast United States, a pilot study was designed to explore the implementation of the TG model as an alternative to MA. By practic-ing a TG lesson several times during the intervention, participating PE pre-service candidates reported better comfort with and more likely 86Tactical Games Model for K-12 Students in Physical Educationuse of TG in the future. At the same time, most HS student partici-pants reported high levels of enjoyment and limited previous experi-ences with the TG lesson structure. Results suggest the TG pedagogical model may be an inclusive option for physical educators to consider for diverse K-12 students and learning environments today.

Physiological Indicators of Thermal Comfort: A Comprehensive Approach Using the Metabolic-Based Predicted Mean Vote Index

Current thermal comfort constructs are perceptional, and their relationships to the physiological responses are not fully understood. The latter are very important, not only to indicate personal comfort perception but also to protect personal health against cold and heat stresses. This paper combined a two-node bioheat model with the metabolic-based predicted mean vote index (MPMV) to uncover the relationships between the physiological responses and perceptional thermal sensation at steady-state conditions. The MPMV index accounts for sweating and non-shivering thermogenesis (NST) at the neutral comfort state and handles both core and skin cooling cases. Simulations were conducted for adults in typical indoor environment conditions. The physiological responses investigated included the body, core and mean skin temperatures, skin evaporative heat flux, shivering metabolic rate, and skin blood flow. The study revealed that only the mean skin temperature and skin blood flow can discriminate between comfort perception levels and can therefore be used alone or combined with other variables as alternative physiological indicators. The comfort range (MPMV within ±1) in terms of the mean skin temperature is maintained by regulatory sweating and/or NST and gets wider with increasing activity levels. The study also offered important insights for practical applications and future research.

Long-term impact of embryonic exposure to ethinylestradiol and clotrimazole on behavior and neuroplasticity in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Estrogen receptors (ER) are widely expressed in the brain of many species and experimental results highlighted the role of estradiol in neuronal plasticity and behavior. Consequently, the brain is therefore a prime target for endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) interacting with estrogen signaling. Very little is known about the late effects of early disruption of estrogen signaling by EDCs. We focused on: ethinylestradiol (EE2; ER agonist) and clotrimazole (inhibitor of key steroidogenesis enzymes, including aromatases). Zebrafish eleutheroembryos were exposed (0–5 days) and then raised normally until adulthood. Several behavioral tests were performed in adults, then cell proliferation and dopaminergic neurons were quantified in several brain regions using immunostaining. Overall, a developmental exposure to EDCs stimulates cell proliferation in the dorsal telencephalon. At environmentally-relevant concentrations, male fish exposed to EE2 exhibited increased activity levels and decreased social behavior, posing a potential risk to population balance and health.

Translation, reliability, and validity of the German version of the Activity Patterns Scale (APS) in musculoskeletal pain: a methodological study

In musculoskeletal pain (MSP), pain duration, disability, and mental health relate to how a person engages in daily activities. The self-reporting questionnaire Activity Patterns Scale (APS) assesses these activity patterns and their subscales: Pacing (Pacing to increase activity levels,Pacing to conserve energy for valued activities,Pacing to reduce pain); Avoidance (Pain avoidance,Activity avoidance); Pacing (Excessive persistence, Task-contingent persistence, Pain-contingent persistence). This investigation translated the APS into German and estimated its internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and construct validity. The APS translation was conducted following international guidelines for the transcultural adaptation of self-reported measures. For the construct validity, the Avoidance Endurance Fast-Screening (AE-FS), Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK), and Coping Strategies Questionnaires (CSQ) scales were employed. Sixty-five participants with MSP contributed to a baseline survey with a follow-up at two weeks. The German version of the APS subscales demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.670-0.89) and satisfactory test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.72-0.82); only Task-contingent persistence revealed a poor result. Construct validity was supported by significant correlations between APS subscales (pacing, avoidance, persistence) with related measures, including the Coping Strategies Questionnaire (0.27 to 0.40; -0.50 to 0.55; 0.27 to 0.50), the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (0.28 to 0.47; 0.36 to 0.37; 0.38), and Avoidance-Endurance Fast Screening Pain Persistence Scale (none; none; 0.40). The findings demonstrate high construct validity by the substantial correlations in the predicted directions for the APS subscales and their corresponding questionnaires. The German version of the APS is a reliable and valid tool for assessing activity pattern subscales in individuals with MSP. This distinction could refine research and customize treatment instructions to regulate people’s activity in clinical practice.

Adaptive Hyperactivity and Biomarker Exploration: Insights from Elders in the Blue Zone of Sardinia.

Background/Objectives: Adaptive hyperactivity characterized by increased activity levels and novelty-seeking traits without mood disorders is prevalent among older adults in Sardinia's "blue zone," an area with high longevity. This study aims to evaluate the adaptive nature of hyperactivity concerning quality of life, social rhythms, and mood symptoms in individuals from this region, particularly among elderly adults over 80. Methods: This observational cross-sectional study included adults and older adults over 80 from Sardinia's blue zone. This study included a sample of patients followed at the Center for Consultation Psychiatry and Psychosomatics for Bipolar Disorder of the University Hospital of Cagliari and a homogeneous comparison sample of patients without psychiatric pathologies, referred to the Dermatology Clinic of the same hospital, for a period of 6 months, from February to August 2024. The general sample, divided into two parts-cases, represented by patients with psychiatric pathology, and controls, patients without psychiatric pathology-was divided in turn into three sub-groups: "adults" (18-64 years), young elders (65-79), and old elders (over 80 years). The participants underwent psychiatric interviews and completed the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), SF-12, and Brief Social Rhythm Scale (BSRS). Data were compared with national and regional normative data. Results: Older adults in the blue zone demonstrated higher MDQ positivity (22.58%) compared to the national averages (0.87%), without corresponding increases in dysregulated rhythms, depressive symptoms, or reduced quality of life. Younger old persons (65-79 years) showed increased rhythm dysregulation (BSRS score: 20.64 ± 7.02) compared to adults (17.40 ± 6.09, p = 0.040), but this trend was not observed in the oldest group (80+ years). No significant differences were found in the CH3SH and (CH3)2S levels between groups. Conclusions: The hyperactivity observed in older adults from Sardinia's blue zone appears adaptive and not linked to social rhythm dysregulation, depressive symptoms, or a diminished quality of life, suggesting resilience factors which may contribute to longevity. These findings support the potential classification of such hyperactivity as beneficial rather than pathological, warranting further research into biomarkers and psychoeducational interventions to prevent the onset of bipolar disorders in predisposed individuals.

Prediction on Chinese elderly's thermo-physiological and cardiovascular responses to non-uniform and transient thermal environment during getting-up process

Getting-up process after sleep would typically involve the non-uniform transition with temperature reduction, increased activity level, and change in clothing insulation, which is rarely explored in existing research. Due to the decline of physiological adaptability of the elderly, they may have sudden changes in physiology under transient environment. It is necessary to develop prediction models for the elderly to prevent or reduce health risks. The aim of this research is to predict the thermo-physiology and cardiovascular responses to non-uniform and transient thermal environments during getting-up process, a 4-node thermoregulatory-cardiovascular predicted model was established based on Gagge's thermoregulatory and heart rate model in International Organization for Standardization. Experimental data of twenty-six Chinese elderly subjects aged over 60 at a caring home in Chongqing both in winter and summer conditions was collected for validating. The results showed that the non-uniformity and dynamic states were 5.0–15.0 °C temperature differences between cover and bedroom. Core and overall skin temperatures decreased by 0.1–0.3 °C, while the heart rate increased by 5–10 %. Bare skin temperature decreased significantly by 0.2–1.0 °C. It implied that the process posed a potential risk to body cooling, local thermal discomfort, and cardiovascular health in the elderly, which was more severe in winter. The prediction result's error was below 6.0 %, which was more accurate by 6.0 %–18.0 % than that of typical models. This research can provide a reference for creating comfortable and healthy bedroom temperatures after sleeping for the elderly by intelligent air conditioning at residences and care homes.

Growth and physiological responses of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus fed dietary fermented sugar beet bagasse and reared in biofloc system

Sugar beet bagasse (SB) is a common agro-industrial waste used in animal feeds. However, its high crude fiber content makes it difficult for fish to digest. Fermentation processes can improve the nutritional value of SB by-products. The study uses Lactobacillus rhamnosus and yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) to ferment SB waste for use as a soybean meal substitute in Nile tilapia fingerlings. This led to an increase in protein, lipid, ash, and nitrogen-free extracts, while the fiber content decreased. Four experimental isonitrogenous (crude protein: 249.2 g kg−1) and isocaloric (gross energy:18.25 MJ kg−1) diets were formulated as follows: a control diet with 0 % LYFSB (L. rhamnosus and yeast fermented SB), and three other diets with LYFSB replacing soybean meal (SBM) at levels of 10 % (LYFSB10 %), 20 % (LYFSB20 %), and 30 % (LYFSB30 %) based on protein content, over a 70-day period. 180 fingerlings of Nile tilapia (average initial weight of 5.19 ± 0.02 g) were placed at random in twelve circular plastic tanks (60 L capacity) with a stocking density of fifteen fish each. Nitrite and ammonia levels decreased as the replacement levels of LYFSB in tilapia diets increased, while nitrate levels showed the opposite trend. The phytoplankton community includes nine species in the biofloc system and four in tilapia gut content, with Chlorophyceae being the most common class, having the highest number in fish-fed diets (7805.67 organism/ml). The study revealed that LYFSB significantly influenced the zooplankton community, with protozoa dominating in biofloc water and rotifer in tilapia gut. LYFSB10 % and LYFSB20 % had the highest bacteria counts. Fish fed with LYFSB10 % and LYFSB20 % diets showed the highest values for specific growth rate (2.51 % day−1) and weight gain (24.92 g fish−1). These diets also exhibited increased activity levels of trypsin, lipase, and amylase enzymes. Increasing the inclusion of LYFSB in fish diets as a replacement for FM improved the intestinal and liver health of fish. The diets with LYFSB10 % and LYFSB20 % showed the highest levels of globulin, total protein, albumin, and IgM, with no significant differences between them. Fish fed LYFSB10 % had lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were highest in fish fed LYFSB10 % and LYFSB20 %, while malondialdehyde (MDA) activity was lowest in the LYFSB30 % diet. The study showed that the biofloc system enhanced water quality and increased the efficiency of tilapia fed LYFSB10 % and LYFSB20 %.

Risk Factors for Graft Rupture following ACL Reconstruction Surgery: A Systematic Review

Introduction & Objectives: Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries are common in sports-related activities and often require reconstruction surgery to restore knee stability. Graft rupture, the failure of the reconstructed ACL graft, remains a significant concern post-surgery. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to identify risk factors associated with graft rupture, including age, graft type, and meniscal injuries, to enhance clinical decision-making and patient outcomes. Materials & Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in multiple electronic databases. Studies meeting inclusion criteria were analyzed for age distribution, graft type impact, and the association between meniscal injuries and graft rupture. Data were extracted, and the risk of bias was assessed using standardized criteria. Results: Five studies met the inclusion criteria, providing insights into risk factors for graft rupture. Younger age consistently emerged as a significant risk factor for graft failure due to increased activity levels, biomechanical demands, and physiological factors. Graft type, specifically hamstring tendon grafts, showed a slightly elevated risk of failure compared to quadriceps tendon grafts. Meniscal injuries were associated with increased graft failure risk, potentially due to altered biomechanics and impaired graft integration. These risk factors interact and contribute to the overall outcome of ACL reconstruction. Conclusion: The interplay of age, graft type, and meniscal injuries significantly influences graft rupture risk in ACL reconstruction. Addressing each risk factor within the context of the patient's profile is essential for successful treatment. Individualized treatment plans should be developed, accounting for patient demographics, lifestyle, and injury characteristics. Further research into the underlying mechanisms connecting these risk factors could lead to targeted preventive strategies and improved patient outcomes.

Modulation of Antioxidant Properties in Leaves of Betel Vine (Piper betel L.) Influenced by the Fungicide Blitox

The experiment was conducted using a Randomized Block Design with three replications at the Plant Virus Research Station, BCKV, Kalyani, in Boroj. On betel vines, Blitox was sprayed at both double the recommended field dose (dRFD) and the recommended field dose (RFD) (50 WP/ha @ 15gm ai/6 lit). The vines were sprayed five more times at 15-day intervals beginning when they were 11.08.15 days old. Before every spray, leaf samples were taken and subjected to a number of criteria for analysis. Based on statistical analysis, the anti-oxidative characteristics improved most significantly when Blitox was administered at twice the recommended field dose (dRFD) (Blitox 50WP/ha @ 30gm ai/6 lit). Higher levels of free and total phenols, together with enhanced activity of enzymes such polyphenol peroxidase (PPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and peroxidase (POD), were indicators of this. Furthermore, testing for ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and diphenyl picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) revealed increased activity levels in the dRFD therapy in comparison to the RFD and control groups. Overall, these results imply that the larger Blitox dosage strengthens the antioxidant characteristics of betel vine leaves, hence enhancing their health and resistance to fungus-related infections.

502 Cat and mouse: The effect of consuming four different diet formants (intact mice, raw, canned wet and kibble) on energy expended to consume a meal and immediately post-prandial in domestic cats

Abstract Cats are obligate carnivores; however, we feed them a variety of different diet formats without a clear understanding of feeding behavior and metabolism among diet formats. Whole-prey or raw diets may mimic a more natural diet and require more energy to consume. However, there is currently a dearth of literature examining feline energy expenditure (EE) during the consumption of and immediate post-prandial period when fed different diet formats. The present study aimed to investigate differences in the energetics of adult cats consuming four different diet formats in isocaloric offerings: raw intact mice, commercial raw, canned wet, and kibble diets. Adult neutered male cats [n = 12; body weight (BW) = 4.82 ± 0.164 kg) were used in a 4 x 4 replicated Latin square design and adapted to consuming each diet format before the initiation of the study. Following a 2-d adaptation period, cats were fed 25% of their daily caloric requirement (50.77 ± 1.549 kcal) in indirect calorimetry chambers in which VO2 and VCO2 exchange were measured. Energy expenditure (kcal/BW0.67 kg) was calculated for the consumption period, 15 min immediately post-prandial and 2 h post-prandial. Respiratory gases were measured for one fasted reading, followed by the first feeding. During each feeding, measurements were taken during the consumption period and 15 min post-prandial. For the following 2 h, respiratory gases were measured every 25 min for an additional 4 measures of respiratory gases. All data were analyzed using a generalized linear mixed model considering the effects of treatment, time and their interaction as fixed, and the effects of cat and period as random. A spatial power covariance structure was used to model repeated measures. Significance was considered at P < 0.05 and Tukey’s post-hoc test was performed to separate means. Energy expenditure during consumption and 15 min post-prandial was similar among treatments, and EE for 15 min post-prandial was greater than EE during consumption (P < 0.001). During the 2 h post-prandial, EE for the mice diet was greater than the kibble and canned wet diets (P < 0.001), while EE for the raw diet was only greater than the kibble diet (P < 0.001). Energy expenditure was similar between the kibble and canned wet diets (P = 0.919) and between the mice and raw diets (P = 0.598). Among all treatments and time periods, the mouse diet had the greatest mean EE. An increase in EE during the feeding period and post-prandial could benefit sedentary indoor cats who may be in positive energy balance. Feeding cats a naturalistic diet, such as intact mice or a raw diet, may increase activity levels and EE, but the longer-term effects of these feeding formats on energy balance need to be explored.

Increased Activity Level Following Total Ankle Replacement Results in Improved Patient Reported Outcomes

While evidence highlights increased activity levels following total ankle replacement (TAR), the correlation between postoperative activity changes and ankle-surgery-specific patient-reported outcomes is unexplored. This retrospective cohort study investigates the effect of activity level changes on patient-reported outcomes, including the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ) and patient satisfaction following TAR. Patient records from a single center performing TARs between January 2014 and February 2023 were reviewed alongside patient questionnaires completed preoperatively and at a mean follow-up of 44±31 months postoperatively (range 6-134 months). Activity participation pre- and postoperatively was assessed and correlated with MOXFQ scores. Data from 89 patients was available for analysis (mean age 72.3±8.9 years [range, 48-92]). Postoperatively, 31 patients (35%) increased, 42 (47%) maintained, and 16 (18%) decreased their activity levels. The mean time to return to regular activity was 23.4 weeks. Preoperative MOXFQ scores were similar across all groups (increased: 74.03±14.00; maintained: 73.6±13.9; decreased: 77.0±15.5; p=0.71). All groups showed significant improvements in MOXFQ scores from preoperative to postoperative assessments (p<0.05). Patients with increased activity levels showed greater MOXFQ improvements (-61.6±19.0) compared to those with decreased activity levels (-38.3±26.6) (p<0.01). Following TAR, 82% of patients maintained or increased their activity levels. Patients with increased postoperative activity exhibited superior improvements in MOXFQ scores. These findings underscore the importance of promoting physical activity for optimal outcomes following TAR. Level of Clinical EvidenceLevel 3, retrospective cohort study.

Effect of dietary β-mannanase supplementation on growth performance, intestinal morphology, digesta viscosity, and nutrient utilization in broiler chickens: Meta-analysis and meta-regression.

The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of dietary β-mannanase supplementation on growth performance, intestinal morphology, digesta viscosity, and dietary nutrient utilization in broiler chickens through a meta-analysis. The effects were further examined by a meta-regression analysis with activity levels of β-mannanase in broiler diets. A total of 23 studies, which were conducted in 11 countries and completed between December 2003 and August 2023, were selected for this meta-analysis. The standardized mean difference and its 95% confidence interval were calculated as the effect size metrics using random effect model, with I2 value being utilized to measure heterogeneity. Investigated measurements included body weight gain (BWG), feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), villus height (VH), crypt depth (CD), VH:CD ratio, digesta viscosity, nitrogencorrected metabolizable energy (n), apparent ileal digestibility (AID), and apparent total tract retention (ATTR) of dry matter (DM), gross energy (GE), and nitrogen (N). All statistical analyses were performed using R version 4.3.3. Results revealed significant positive effects of dietary β-mannanase supplementation on BWG (p = 0.005), FCR (p<0.001), VH (p<0.001), VH:CD (p<0.001), digesta viscosity (p<0.001), AMEn (p = 0.011), AID of GE (p = 0.002) and N (p = 0.003), and ATTR of DM (p = 0.019), GE (p = 0.002), and N (p = 0.005) in broiler chickens. In the meta-regression analysis, increasing activity levels of β-mannanase in broiler diets increased VH:CD (p< 0.001; R2 = 79.2%) and AID of N (p = 0.038; R2 = 67.4%). The current meta-analysis indicates that dietary β-mannanase supplementation improves energy and nutrient utilization in broiler diets possibly by decreasing digesta viscosity and enhancing intestinal morphology in broiler chickens. These beneficial effects can contribute to improved growth performance in broiler chickens.

ГЕОМЕТРИЯ ПРЕДМЕТИН ОКУТУУДА ЖАСАЛМА ИНТЕЛЛЕКТТИН ОКУУЧУЛАРДЫН ЧЫГАРМАЧЫЛЫК ИШМЕРДҮҮЛҮГҮНДӨГҮ ОРДУ

In this paper, the place of artificial intelligence in the creative activity of students in teaching geometry as a subject of research was considered. The aim of the study is to determine how various artificial intelligence tools, such as computer programs, virtual environments, and robotics, can stimulate students' thinking for creative activities when learning geometry. The study used scientific methods such as comparison, analysis, survey and observation. As a result of the research, such advantages were achieved as the use of artificial intelligence to personalize learning, emotional organization, motivate students to creative activities, increase activity levels and improve understanding of geometric concepts. The study concluded that, in general, the use of artificial intelligence in geometry teaching gives students great opportunities to develop creative abilities and optimize the learning process. In the context of studying geometry, a deeper understanding of the impact of artificial intelligence on students' creativity was proposed, as well as suggestions for further improving the educational process using modern artificial intelligence technologies.

Lactating striped hamsters (Cricetulus barabensis) do not decrease the thermogenic capacity to cope with extreme cold temperature

For small non-hibernating mammals, a high thermogenic capacity is important to increase activity levels in the cold. It has been previously reported that lactating females decrease their thermogenic activity of brown adipose tissue (BAT), whereas their capacity to cope with extreme cold remains uncertain. In this study we examined food intake, body temperature and locomotor behavior, resting metabolic rate, non-shivering thermogenesis, and cytochrome c oxidase activity, and the rate of state 4 respiration of liver, skeletal muscle, and BAT in striped hamsters (Cricetulus barabensis) at peak lactation and non- breeding hamsters (controls). The lactating hamsters and non- breeding controls were acutely exposed to −15°C, and several markers indicative of thermogenic capacity were examined. In comparison to non-breeding females, lactating hamsters significantly increased food intake and body temperature, but decreased locomotor behavior, and the BAT mass, indicative of decreased BAT thermogenesis at peak lactation. Unexpectedly, lactating hamsters showed similar body temperature, resting metabolic rate, non-shivering thermogenesis with non-breeding females after acute exposure to −15°C. Furthermore, cytochrome c oxidase activity of liver, skeletal muscle and BAT, and serum thyroid hormone concentration, and BAT uncoupling protein 1 expression, in lactating hamsters were similar with that in non-breeding hamsters after acute extreme cold exposure. This suggests that lactating females have the same thermogenic capacity to survive cold temperatures compared to non-breeding animals. This is particularly important for females in the field to cope with cold environments during the period of reproduction. Our findings indicate that the females during lactation, one of the highest energy requirement periods, do not impair their thermogenic capacity in response to acute cold exposure.

Activity Levels During Instrumental Activities of Daily Living &amp; Physical Activity in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: An Observational Study

Abstract Date Presented 03/21/24 The potential of IADLs as an intervention tool to increase activity levels and similar activity levels between lab and home environments during bed-making and vacuuming among healthy older adults are discussed. Primary Author and Speaker: Charlotte Pete Additional Authors and Speakers: Haleigh Katherine Solochier, Shaila Kennedy, Sarah R. Core, Young Joo Kim

Activity Levels in Seven Cats with Osteoarthritis Monitored by GPS Tracker Following Frunevetmab Injection

Abstract Objective The goal of the current pilot study was to use a commercially available accelerometer (Tractive GPS Tracker for Cats) in a setting evaluating the activity level of cats exhibiting different forms of osteoarthritis in their natural habitat before and after treatment with frunevetmab, using each individual cat as its own control. We hypothesized that treatment with frunevetmab would be associated with increased activity level. Methods Activity data, measured as minutes of active time per day via accelerometer worn on a collar, were obtained from seven employee-owned cats with radiographically confirmed evidence of osteoarthritis. Cats were randomly assigned to two different protocols in which treatment and no treatment (control) were reversed; that is, undergoing the control period prior to treatment with frunevetmab (“standard” control) versus first assessed without treatment (control period) followed by frunevetmab treatment after minimum 30-day washout period (“inverse” control period). Results Activity time, on average, was 30 minutes longer per day for frunevetmab versus control (p = 0.007). Conclusions Based on measurements obtained with piloted use of the Tractive, the activity level in osteoarthritic cats appeared greater when treated with frunevetmab compared to self-control without frunevetmab treatment (either pretreatment or following washout period). The small sample size here does warrant caution in interpreting results for a broader population.

Suppression of GATA3 promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition and simultaneous cellular senescence in human extravillous trophoblasts

The regulatory mechanism of the transcription factor GATA3 in the differentiation and maturation process of extravillous trophoblasts (EVT) in early pregnancy placenta, as well as its relevance to the occurrence of pregnancy disorders, remains poorly understood. This study leveraged single-cell RNA sequencing data from placental organoid models and placental tissue to explore the dynamic changes in GATA3 expression during EVT maturation. The expression pattern exhibited an initial upregulation followed by subsequent downregulation, with aberrant GATA3 localization observed in cases of recurrent miscarriage (RM). By identifying global targets regulated by GATA3 in primary placental EVT cells, JEG3, and HTR8/SVneo cell lines, this study offered insights into its regulatory mechanisms across different EVT cell models. Shared regulatory targets among these cell types and activation of trophoblast cell marker genes emphasized the importance of GATA3 in EVT differentiation and maturation. Knockdown of GATA3 in JEG3 cells led to repression of GATA3-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), as evidenced by changes in marker gene expression levels and enhanced migration ability. Additionally, interference with GATA3 accelerated cellular senescence, as indicated by reduced proliferation rates and increased activity levels for senescence-associated β-galactosidase enzyme, along with elevated expression levels for senescence-associated genes. This study provides comprehensive insights into the dual role of GATA3 in regulating EMT and cellular senescence during EVT differentiation, shedding light on the dynamic changes in GATA3 expression in normal and pathological placental conditions.

Dark brooder pullets are less active than Non-brooder pullets, but show similar level of synchronisation at the resource areas

Maternal care in commercial chickens can partially be replaced with dark brooders that offer heat and a dark area to rest and possibly avoid negative social interactions. Previous research has established the positive effects of dark brooders on reducing disturbance during resting in young pullets and injurious pecking in pullets and laying hens, which could reduce overall activity levels. The objective of this study was to employ precision livestock farming techniques to compare the overall activity levels and behavioural synchrony at resources in pullets reared with dark brooders until 41 days of age and those reared with whole house heating. Four brooder treatments, varying in size (Small/Large) and deployment method (Raised/Fixed), which could have implications for commercial use, were employed. Activity of the whole pen floor area and behavioural synchrony in drinker and feeder areas were automatically assessed over a 12-hour photoperiod at 10 and 60 days of age. Pixel change detection gauged overall activity across the pen, while an object detection model evaluated pullet behavioural synchrony. The analysis revealed increased activity levels in non-Brooder pullets compared to those in most Brooder treatments at both 10 and 60 days of age. However, no significant differences in behavioural synchrony were observed between Brooder and non-Brooder pullets. The underlying mechanism of dark brooder’s effects on the activity levels and behaviour synchrony remains unclear, but the observed reduction in activity levels in brooded pullets likely corresponds to increased resting behaviour and reduced injurious pecking. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that only a small percentage of pullets (up to 57.14%) were observed to use the resources simultaneously. This underscores the importance of conducting additional research to delve into the effects of resource allocation on both behavioural synchrony and activity levels in pullets. We observed minimal differences in the behaviour of pullets raised under different brooder types, suggesting that the simplest (Small-Fixed) brooders may be suitable for commercial use.

212 Growth and behavior of Yorkshire gilts exhibiting physiological resilience to weaning stress

Abstract Weaning is an acute early-life stressor and therefore, an excellent model for examining lasting impacts of stress resilience. Our objective was to identify gilts exhibiting physiological resilience or vulnerability to weaning stress and characterize long-term impact on growth and behavior. Purebred Yorkshire litters born to multiparous sows from a single farrowing group were used. At weaning (26 ± 1 d of age), blood samples were collected from all gilt piglets of 13 litters (n = 101) at -1 d, 0 d, and +4 d pre- and post-weaning. Serum cortisol concentrations were quantified by the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. For each litter, serum cortisol was used to identify the gilt most capable of returning to baseline concentrations by +4 d as stress resilient (SR, n = 13) and the gilt least capable as stress vulnerable (SV, n = 13). Skin lesions were recorded at -1 d, +1 d, and +4 d at weaning and when gilts were mixed into grow-finish cohorts. Body weights were recorded at birth, 4 wk, 8 wk, and 12 wk and used to calculate average daily gain (ADG) for the farrowing, nursery, and early grow-finish stages. To assess behavior, focal gilts underwent a social dyad test in a novel arena at 7 wk, a handling test at 8 wk, and novel object test at 12 wk. We observed no differences in skin lesions at weaning, but at 8 wk SR gilts had significantly more rear lesions -1 d pre-mixing (P = 0.031) and middle lesions 4 d post-mixing (P = 0.049). No differences in body weight or ADG were observed at any stage. We did not observe differences between SR and SV pigs during the social dyad or handling tests. During the novel object test, SR gilts exhibited a tendency towards increased activity as demonstrated by a greater number of total zone crosses, 1 m line crosses, and 0.5 m line crosses (P = 0.062, 0.091, and 0.103, respectively). In conclusion, we found gilts resilient to weaning stress were involved in more agonistic behavior at mixing and exhibited increased activity levels in a novel situation. The absence of growth differences supports the potential to select for resilience without negatively impacting growth performance, and the observed behavioral differences could suggest implications for ease of handling and adaptability if females are retained for breeding.