Starter Group Research Articles

Alfalfa intervention alters the colonization of rumen epithelial bacteria to promote rumen development and lamb health during early life

Understanding the rumen epithelial (RE) microbial community structure and population dynamics of young ruminant during development is fundamental in promoting the establishment of a well-developed rumen for animal health and production. In this study, 10-day-old Hu lambs were fed with milk replacer (B-10), milk replacer and starter (STA) or milk replacer and starter supplemented with alfalfa (S-ALF). The RE bacteria of lambs at d10, 17, 24, 38, 45 and 66 were assessed to characterize RE bacterial colonization during early life and its response to fiber intervention. In B-10 lambs, 434 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) belonging to 57 core genera were observed in the RE. A number of the fibrolytic bacteria (Butyrivibrio and unclassified Ruminococcaceae), the pectinolytic bacterium (Treponema), the protein and fat digester (p-75-a5), the short-chain fatty acids producers ([Eubacterium], Succiniclasticum, unclassified Succinivibrionaceae, and Clostridiales), and the non-fermentive bacterium (Mogibacterium) were induced by alfalfa intervention in the S-ALF group during preweaning period, which attributed to a more mature RE bacterial community. OTUs belonging to Butyrivibrio, Succiniclasticum, Bacteroidales, Desulfovibrio, Clostridiales, and Succiniclasticum induced by alfalfa intervention were positively correlated with rumen tissue genes involved in fatty acid metabolism, barrier function, and PI3K-Akt, FoxO, and calcium signaling pathways. During the postweaning period, the RE bacterial composition of STA group changed significantly, while the S-ALF group did not. Our results suggested that alfalfa induced changes in RE bacteria during preweaning period which was associated with rumen health. The findings provide guidance for improving rumen health by manipulating RE bacteria during early life.

Effect of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum X22-2 on Biogenic Amine Formation and Quality of Fermented Lamb Sausage during Storage

In this study, the safety of fermented lamb sausage was examined. The aim was to investigate the effect of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum X22-2 (LP X22-2) on the quality of, and biogenic amine (BA) formation in, fermented lamb sausages during fermentation, maturation, and storage. The results showed that LP X-22 was effective in increasing the number of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and in significantly inhibiting the formation of putrescine, histamine, cadaverine, and tyramine in fermented lamb sausage (p < 0.05). The total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) content, peroxide value (POV) of fat, pH, water activity (AW), and viscosity were lower in the LF group compared to other groups (commercial starter group—CF, and natural fermentation group—NF) (p < 0.05). Furthermore, sensory evaluation and texture profile analysis (TPA) indicated that LP X-22 significantly increased the a* value, chewiness, and hardness of the sausages (p < 0.05). Therefore, LP X-22 is recommended as a natural and safe protective culture for preserving fermented lamb sausage and maintaining the color of the sausages while improving their sensory quality and inhibiting the accumulation of BAs.

Partial Response to Antidepressant Treatment: The Role of Nutraceutical Compounds.

Depression represents one of the most severe psychiatric disorders, characterized by low mood episodes, as well as loss of interest. Major Depressive Episodes (MDE) treatment relies primarily on monoaminergic prescriptions. However, although the presence of many antidepressant medications, their efficacy is still partial. A promising intervention to improve antidepressant treatment may be the use of adjunctive nutraceuticals. Aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy of a N-Acetyl-cysteine, S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine and Folic acid's combination for the treatment of depressive symptoms in a sample of MDE patients. Fifty outpatients with a MDE diagnosis in the context of different psychiatric disorders such as Major Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety disorders, and Personality disorders were recruited. The sample was divided into different groups based on the nutraceutical administration: a) concurrently with an AD (starter group); b) add-on to an already prescribed treatment; c) single treatment. A significant reduction of CGI-Severity and Improvement scores from baseline to the end of treatment was found. Moreover, the starter group showed a significantly greater CGI-Improvement score compared to the other groups. Ninety-four percent of patients did not show any side effects. The present study showed promising results for the use of nutraceuticals in the add-on treatment of MDE. Those compounds may be considered a versatile, tolerable, and effective add-on treatment for the reduction of depressive symptoms impact and for improving the functioning of patients affected by MDE.

Acute and Chronic Workload Ratios of Perceived Exertion, Global Positioning System, and Running-Based Variables Between Starters and Non-starters: A Male Professional Team Study

The study aim was 2-fold (i) to describe and compare the in-season variations of acute: chronic workload ratio (ACWR) coupled, ACWR uncoupled, and exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) through session-rated perceived exertion (s-RPE), total distance (TD), high-speed running distance (HSRD), and sprint distance across different periods of a professional soccer season (early, mid, and end-season) between starters and non-starters; (ii) to analyze the relationship the aforementioned measures across different periods of the season for starters and non-starters. Twenty elite soccer players (mean ± SD age, 29.4 ± 4.4 y; height, 1.8 ± 0.1 m; and body mass, 74.8 ± 2.3 kg). They were divided into starter and non-starter groups and were evaluated for 20 weeks. ACWR had general changes throughout the season. At the beginning and end of the mid-season, the highest ACWR was observed in three parameters: s-RPE, TD, and HSRD. ACWR and EWMA through sprint distance were higher at the beginning of the early-season than at any other time of the season.The ACWR coupled of s-RPE shows a significant higher value for non-starters than starters (p = 0.015; g = −1.01 [−1.98, −0.09]) and the ACWR coupled of TD shows a significant higher value for starters than non-starters in early-season (p < 0.01; g = 3.01 [1.78, 4.46]) and shows a significant higher value for non-starters than starters in mid-season (p < 0.01; g = −2.52 [−3.83, −1.39]), and end-season (p < 0.01; g = −2.57 [−3.89, −1.43]). While the EWMA of TD shows a significant higher value for starters than non-starters in early-season (p < 0.01; g = 2.25 [1.17, 3.49]) and mid-season (p < 0.01; g = 2.42 [1.31, 3.71]), and shows a significant higher value for non-starters than starters in end-season (p < 0.01; g = −2.23 [−3.47, −1.16]). Additionally, we found some correlations between external and internal load measures during three periods of the in-season. The study’s main finding was that the indexes of ACWR and EWMA were useful to detect differences between period and between playing status with the exception for the sprint variable. In addition, the necessary work for non-starter players’ improvement is not done during training, and these players lose their readiness as the season progresses. Consequently, these players perform poorly during the match. Therefore, coaches and their staff should consider devising new activities to keep non-starter players physically fit. This deficit must be accounted for in training because they compete in fewer matches and have less burden than starters.

Effects of Lactobacillus fermentum HY01 on the quality characteristics and storage stability of yak yogurt

Lactobacillus fermentum HY01 is a probiotic strain screened from traditional yak yogurt, which can effectively relieve enteritis and constipation. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of HY01 as an adjunct starter on the quality and storage of yak yogurt. A total of 36 main volatile flavor substances were detected in all samples. In particular, more aldehydes, esters, and alcohols were detected in yak yogurt prepared by mixed fermentation of L. fermentum HY01 and starter MY105 (including Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus). The rheological results showed that the yak yogurt prepared by mixed fermentation of L. fermentum HY01 and starter MY105 had higher apparent viscosity and lower tan δ value compared with compared with traditional yak yogurt, yak yogurt with only L. fermentum HY01, and cow yogurt with L. fermentum HY01 and starter MY105. Meanwhile, the conjugated linoleic acid in the yak yogurt prepared by mixed fermentation of L. fermentum HY01 and starter was significantly higher than those in the HY01 group or the yogurt starter group alone. After 28 d of storage at 4°C, the number of HY01 in the yak yogurt prepared by mixed fermentation of L. fermentum HY01 and starter was still higher than 107 cfu/mL, its acidity was lower than 110°T, and its syneresis was the lowest. The results indicated that L. fermentum HY01 could improve the flavor, texture, and storage properties of yak yogurt.

Novel starter cultures Virgibacillus spp. selected from grasshopper sub shrimp paste to inhibit biogenic amines accumulation

Controlling the content of biogenic amines (BAs) is critical to guarantee the safety of fermented aquatic products. The degradation characteristics and application potential of amine-negative starter cultures (Virgibacillus halodenitrificans CGMCC 1.18601: G25, Virgibacillus pantothenticus CGMCC 1.18602: G38) screened from grasshopper sub shrimp paste (Gssp) were studied. The enzymes of the two strains G25 and G38 that degrade BAs were amine oxidases (AOs) located on their respective cell membranes. The conditions that promoted the AO activity of Virgibacillus spp. were NaCl concentrations 5–10%, temperature 37 °C, pH 7.0 and ethanol concentrations 0–2%. Safety assessments (antibiotic susceptibility, biofilm activity and hemolytic activity) indicated that Virgibacillus spp. do not present a risk to human health, and this isolate can be confidently recommended as safe starter cultures for the food industry. Then, the two strains were cultured separately as starters and applied to the Gssp to analyze their influence on the flavor and quality of the product. As far as the bad flavors in Gssp such as sulfur-organic and sulf-chlor were concerned, the response values in the starter groups by G25 and G38 were significantly reduced by 39% and 65%, respectively. For the ability of strains to degrade BAs in Gssp, G25 degraded 11.1% of histamine, 11.3% of tyramine, 15.5% of putrescine and 4.1% of cadaverine; G38 significantly degraded 10.1% of histamine, 21.8% of tyramine, 18.1% of putrescine and 5.0% of cadaverine. These results indicated that the selected species could be used as starter cultures for the control of BA accumulation and degradation in Gssp.

Effects of different methionine to lysine ratios in starter feed on growth, blood, digestive traits, and carcass traits in goat kids

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of the methionine-to-lysine ratio (MLR) in a low-protein (17%) starter on the growth, blood, digestive traits, and carcass traits of goat kids. Forty-five goat kids were assigned to one of three different starter groups (MLR): A (0.29), B (0.31), or C (0.33). During the six-week trial, growth and blood parameters were evaluated every 2 weeks, and digestive traits were evaluated from 0 to 14 days during the treatment. At the end of the treatment period, five goat kids from each group were slaughtered to measure their carcass traits. Results showed no significant growth differences among the groups. Blood parameters were in a normal range and without significant differences. There were no significant differences in digestive traits among the three groups. For carcass traits, group C had significantly higher carcass and heart weights (P < 0.05). In conclusion, adjusting the MLR from 0.29–0.33 in 17% crude protein starter had no negative effect on goat kids. This approach may not only decrease feed costs and reduce nitrogen emission to achieve environmental benefits, but also increase feeding efficiency.

Regular exercise is associated with a lower risk of developing dementia in patients with a new diagnosis of atrial fibrillation: a nationwide population-based study

Abstract Introduction Regular exercise is known to decrease the risk of dementia. There is a paucity of information about the impact of the change of exercise habit on cardiovascular outcomes after a new diagnosis of atrial fibrillation (AF). We aimed to investigate whether regular exercise is associated with the risk of developing dementia in patients with AF. Methods Using the Korean National Health Insurance Service database, we enrolled patients with newly diagnosed AF who had undergone health screening between 2010 and 2016. The study population was divided into four groups based on the consistency of regular exercise before and after AF diagnosis: (1) persistent non-exerciser, (2) exercise starter, (3) exercise quitter, and (4) exercise maintainer. We investigated the association between exercise and the risk of dementia. Results A total of 126,555 patients were included (mean age 62.7 years, male 62.0%, and mean CHA2DS2-VASc Score 2.7). During a median follow-up duration of 3.0 years, 5,943 patients were newly diagnosed as dementia (1.57 per 100 person-years). Among patients with incident dementia, 4,410 patients had Alzheimer's dementia and 951 patients had vascular dementia (1.16 and 0.25 per 100 person-years, respectively). Persistent non-exerciser, exercise starter, quitter, and maintainer groups were 65.1%, 12.8%, 12.7%, and 9.4%, respectively. After multivariable adjustment, we found that exercise was associated with a lower risk of developing overall dementia. When compared to persistent non-exerciser, exercise starter and maintainer showed reduced risk of developing dementia (hazard ratio [HR] 0.80, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.73–0.88 and HR 0.63, 95% CI 0.54–0.73, respectively, all p-value &amp;lt;0.0001), but exercise quitter showed no significant risk reduction (HR 0.95, 95% CI 0.88–1.03, Figure). Alzheimer's dementia showed consistent results: a 20% lower risk with exercise starter, and a 37% lower risk with exercise maintainer. Change of exercise habit, however, did not affect the risk of vascular dementia (all, p-value &amp;gt;0.05, Figure). Conclusions Regular exercise showed a lower risk of dementia in patients with new-onset AF. Starting exercise even after the diagnosis of AF was beneficial to patients who had little physical activity previously. These findings may support physicians to recommend that AF patients should start exercise or keep their physical activity to reduce the risk of dementia. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Major Metabolites and Microbial Community of Fermented Black Glutinous Rice Wine With Different Starters.

Black glutinous rice wine (BGRW) is a traditional Chinese rice wine that is brewed using multiple strains. However, the roles of these microorganisms, particularly their contributions to aroma formation, are poorly understood. Accordingly, the main goal of this study was to determine the microbial communities and major metabolites of different traditional fermentation starters. Anshun (AS) starter and Xingyi (XY) starter were used for BGRW to provide insight into their potential contributions to the variation in flavor and aroma. High-throughput sequencing of the microbial community using the Illumina MiSeq platform revealed significant differences during fermentation between the two starter groups. Pediococcus, Leuconostoc, and Bacillus were the dominant bacterial genera in the AS group, whereas Leuconostoc, Pediococcus, and Gluconobacter were the dominant genera in the XY group. In addition, Rhizopus, Saccharomyces, and Saccharomycopsis were the predominant fungal genera detected in both samples. The major metabolites in the two groups were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography and headspace-solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. A total of seven organic acids along with 47 (AS) and 43 (XY) volatile metabolites were detected, among which lactic acid was the primary organic acid, and esters were the largest group in both types of wine. Principal components analysis further revealed significant differences in the dynamic succession of metabolites between the two samples. Correlation analysis showed that 22 and 17 microorganisms were strongly correlated with the production of major metabolites in AS and XY, respectively. Among them, Pediococcus, Leuconostoc, Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, and Streptococcus were shown to play crucial roles in metabolite synthesis. Overall, this study can provide a valuable resource for the further development and utilization of starters to improve the aromatic quality of BGRW.

A phase I trial evaluating the safety and immunogenicity of a candidate tuberculosis vaccination regimen, ChAdOx1 85A prime – MVA85A boost in healthy UK adults

BackgroundThis phase I trial evaluated the safety and immunogenicity of a candidate tuberculosis vaccination regimen, ChAdOx1 85A prime-MVA85A boost, previously demonstrated to be protective in animal studies, in healthy UK adults. MethodsWe enrolled 42 healthy, BCG-vaccinated adults into 4 groups: low dose Starter Group (n = 6; ChAdOx1 85A alone), high dose groups; Group A (n = 12; ChAdOx1 85A), Group B (n = 12; ChAdOx1 85A prime – MVA85A boost) or Group C (n = 12; ChAdOx1 85A – ChAdOx1 85A prime – MVA85A boost). Safety was determined by collection of solicited and unsolicited vaccine-related adverse events (AEs). Immunogenicity was measured by antigen-specific ex-vivo IFN-γ ELISpot, IgG serum ELISA, and antigen-specific intracellular IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2 and IL-17. ResultsAEs were mostly mild/moderate, with no Serious Adverse Events. ChAdOx1 85A induced Ag85A-specific ELISpot and intracellular cytokine CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses, which were not boosted by a second dose, but were boosted with MVA85A. Polyfunctional CD4+ T cells (IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-2) and IFN-γ+, TNF-α+ CD8+ T cells were induced by ChAdOx1 85A and boosted by MVA85A. ChAdOx1 85A induced serum Ag85A IgG responses which were boosted by MVA85A. ConclusionA ChAdOx1 85A prime – MVA85A boost is well tolerated and immunogenic in healthy UK adults.

Monthly Video-Consultation for Children With Type 1 Diabetes Using a Continuous Glucose Monitoring System: Design of ViDiKi, a Multimethod Intervention Study to Evaluate the Benefit of Telemedicine.

The introduction of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) implies new challenges for diabetes care. As CGM systems are often directly linked to a web-based software solution, structured telemedicine care using a video-consultation may be a new option for families who care for children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). "ViDiKi" (Virtual Diabetes Outpatient Clinic for Children and Youth) is a multicenter controlled trial carried out in Northern Germany. ViDiKi will examine if monthly telemedical consultations, in addition to regular care, will improve glycemic control and psychosocial outcomes. The primary outcome is glycemic control as measured by a change in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). A total of 240 participants aged between one year and 16 years using a CGM with multiple daily injections (MDI) or insulin pump therapy were recruited and assigned to a starter group or a six-month waiting control group. The sample size is designed to detect a between-group difference of 0.5% in HbA1c change at six months. Secondary outcomes are variability of blood glucose, health-related quality of life, self-efficacy, and satisfaction with telemedicine. To gain deeper insight into the experience of using telemedicine, qualitative interviews will be conducted. In a health-economic analysis, the costs of telemedicine and a cost-of-care analysis will be calculated. The results from the ViDiKi study shall give important information on the feasibility and putative benefits of telemedicine in children with T1DM and their caregivers. DRKS00012645.

Effects of ruminal pH on gene expression in the rumen epithelium, peripheral blood mononuclear cell subpopulations, and blood metabolites from Holstein calves during weaning transition.

We investigated the relationships between ruminal pH, gene expression in the rumen epithelium (RE), peripheral blood mononuclear cell subpopulations, and blood metabolites in Holstein calves during weaning transition. Calves (Weaning group, n=7) were assigned to one of two groups, and fed calf starter with forage (Forage group, n=3) or without forage (Starter group, n=4). Ruminal pH was measured continuously. Samples were collected at −1, 0, 1, and 3 weeks (blood and rumen fluid) or 3 weeks (rumen epithelium) after weaning. In the Weaning group, ruminal pH increased, and several blood metabolites increased (blood urea nitrogen [BUN], beta-hydroxybutyrate [BHB], and gamma-glutamyl transferase [GGT]) or decreased (total cholesterol [T-CHO] and phospholipid) after weaning. Ruminal pH was positively correlated with CD8+CD45R− cell populations and blood metabolites (BUN, glucose, and BHB) and negatively correlated with GGT activity. The 24 hr mean ruminal pH was higher in the Forage group during weaning transition, and toll-like receptor 4 mediated signaling pathway was activated in the Starter group at 3 weeks post-weaning. The number of CD8+CD45R− cells tended to be higher, and several blood metabolites (glucose, triglycerides, T-CHO, and phospholipid) were higher in the Forage group after weaning. Calves with higher ruminal pH also showed a greater energy metabolism status simultaneously with lesser hepatic disturbance enzymes in the peripheral blood. The results of our study indicate that serum GGT activity may be a plausible biomarker for predicting ruminal acidosis in Holstein calves during weaning transition.

Alfalfa Intervention Alters Rumen Microbial Community Development in Hu Lambs During Early Life.

The pre-weaning period is crucial for rumen developmental plasticity, which can have a long-term impact on animal performance. Understanding the rumen microbiota during early life is important to elucidate its potential role in rumen development. In this study, the rumen microbiota of 10-day-old Hu lambs fed either milk replacer (B-10), milk replacer and starter (STA) or milk replacer and starter supplemented with alfalfa (S-ALF) in the pre- (d17, 24, and 38) and post-weaning periods (d45 and 66) were assessed to characterize rumen microbial colonization during early life and its response to fiber intervention. In the rumens of B-10 lambs, 498 operational taxonomic units belonging to 33 predominant genera were observed, and the top six predicted functions included “Membrane transport,” “carbohydrate metabolism,” “amino acid metabolism,” “replication and repair,” “translation,” and “energy metabolism.” Prevotella, Succinivibrio, Bifidobacterium, and Butyrivibrio abundances were increased at d38 for both STA and S-ALF groups compared to the B-10 group, whereas fibrolytic bacteria of the taxa Lachnospiraceae and Treponema were only increased in the S-ALF group at d38. A number of saccharolytic bacteria (Bacteroidaceae), organic acid-producing bacteria (Coprococcus and Actinomyces), proteolytic and amino acid fermenters (Fusobacterium) and fibrolytic bacteria (unclassified Ruminococcaceae) were significantly decreased in the STA lambs but not in the S-ALF lambs at d38. After weaning and exposed to alfalfa, the rumen microbial composition in the STA group started to appear similar to that of the S-ALF lambs. The relative abundance of unclassified Clostridiales was higher in S-ALF lambs than STA lambs after weaning. Spearman’s correlation analysis showed positive relationships between unclassified Lachnospiraceae, unclassified Clostridiales, Treponema, unclassified Bacteroidales, Coprococcus and crude protein intake, neutral detergent fiber intake, and plasma β-hydroxybutyrate. The unclassified Lachnospiraceae and Treponema were also positively correlated with average daily gain. Our results revealed that alfalfa stimulated changes in rumen microbiota during the pre- and post-weaning periods and was consistent with rumen development for better feed intake and animal performance before and after weaning. The findings of this study provide clues for strategies to improve rumen function through manipulation of the rumen microbiota during early life.

The natural history of risky drinking and associated harms from adolescence to young adulthood: findings from the Australian Temperament Project.

We aimed to describe the natural history of heavy episodic drinking (HED) and associated harms from adolescence to young adulthood in a large Australian population cohort study. The Australian Temperament Project consists of mothers and babies (4-8 months) recruited from Infant Welfare Centres and followed every 2 to 4 years until age 28 years. Analyses were based on data from 1156 young people (497 male; 659 female) surveyed repeatedly at ages 16, 18, 20, 24 and 28 years. We used dual processes latent class growth analysis to estimate trajectories of HED and associated harms, employing a piecewise approach to model the hypothesized rise and subsequent fall across adolescence and the late twenties, respectively. We identified four sex-specific trajectories and observed little evidence of maturing-out across the twenties. In males, a normative pattern of increasing HED across the twenties with little related harm was observed (40% of the male sample). Early and late starter groups that peaked in harms at age 20 years with only minor attenuation in binging thereafter were also observed (6.1% and 35%, respectively). In females, a normative pattern of increasing, but moderate, HED with little related harm was observed (44% of the female sample). Early and late starter groups were also identified (18% and 17%, respectively); however, unlike males, the female late starter group showed a pattern of increasing HED and related harms. Continued patterns of risky alcohol use and related harms are apparent for both males and females across the twenties.

Hemispheric asymmetries of a motor memory in a recognition test after learning a movement sequence

Two experiments utilizing a spatial-temporal movement sequence were designed to determine if the memory of the sequence is lateralized in the left or right hemisphere. In Experiment 1, dominant right-handers were randomly assigned to one of two acquisition groups: a left-hand starter and a right-hand starter group. After an acquisition phase, reaction time (RT) was measured in a recognition test by providing the learned sequential pattern in the left or right visual half-field for 150ms. In a retention test and two transfer tests the dominant coordinate system for sequence production was evaluated. In Experiment 2 dominant left-handers and dominant right-handers had to acquire the sequence with their dominant limb. The results of Experiment 1 indicated that RT was significantly shorter when the acquired sequence was provided in the right visual field during the recognition test. The same results occurred in Experiment 2 for dominant right-handers and left-handers. These results indicated a right visual field left hemisphere advantage in the recognition test for the practiced stimulus for dominant left and right-handers, when the task was practiced with the dominant limb.

Longitudinal Smoking Patterns: Do They Predict Symptoms of ADHD in Adults?

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess whether comparisons of longitudinal smoking trajectories predict differences in symptoms of ADHD in adults. Method: Participants were interviewed 7 times between 14 and 43 years of age. ADHD symptoms at outcome were assessed with the World Health Organization ADHD Self-Report Scale. Bivariate and multivariate linear regression analyses assessed the associations between the trajectories of smoking and ADHD symptoms. Results: The multivariate analysis (R2 = .12) indicated that compared with being nonsmokers, the probability of being in the heavy/continuous group (standardized regression coefficient [SRC] = .17, p < .01) and in the late starter group (SRC = .11, p < .05) were significantly associated with adult ADHD symptoms. Conclusion: Longitudinal smoking patterns were associated with ADHD symptoms in adults. Chronic smoking jeopardizes both physical health and the ability to fulfill adult roles as employees, family members, and friends. Smoking cessation in adolescence may lessen the likelihood of ADHD symptoms in adulthood.

Temperamental Predictive Factors for Success in Korean Professional Baseball Players.

ObjectiveIn this five-year cohort study, we hypothesize that factors of temperament and character in professional baseball players predict the speed of obtaining success and the quality of success as well as anxiety control.MethodsParticipants included 120 male rookie players from the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) and 107 male non-players with no history of playing baseball. The personality/characters and state/trait anxieties of participants were assessed with the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) and Spielberg's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-Y (STAI-Y). Over the duration of five years, all the players were subsequently classified into either a success group (major leaguers) or a non-success group (non-major leaguers), depending on their status in the professional baseball league in Korea.ResultsThe players in the group of starters had higher novelty seeking (NS) scores than those of non-starters. The reward dependence (RD) scores of the success group were higher than those of the non-success group. The state anxiety scores in the starter group were negatively correlated with NS scores. The state and trait anxieties in the non-success group were positively correlated with RD scores.ConclusionThe results of this study suggest that predictive temperamental factors for success in baseball players include traits of novelty seeking and reward dependence.

Performance of crossbred calves (Jersey x Assam local) at different levels of protein in calf starter

The study was carried out to evaluate the growth performance of twelve new born crossbred calves (Jersey X Assam local) of either sex reared under three different calf starters containing three different DCP levels of 20 (group I), 22 (group II) and 24 (group III) per cent with 75–76 per cent TDN. The calves of group I showed significantly (P<0.05) better body weight gain, dry matter intake and feed conversion efficiency than group II and group III. The calves in calf starter group I expressed maximum increase in both body length and height at withers compared to the other two groups. The increase in hearth girth was significantly (P<0.05) lower in group I. Significant (P<0.05) difference was also observed in blood constituents like glucose, serum and calcium among the three treatments. The cost of feed per kg weight gain was Rs. 100.02, 102.01 and 110.82 in groups I, II and III respectively. It can be inferred that calf starter with 20 per cent DCP and 75–76 TDN gave optimum growth performance compared to those with 22 and 24 per cent DCP.

L2 motivation in foreign language learning

This study, which involved 130 US fourth to ninth graders enrolled in Chinese as a foreign language classrooms, intended to test Dornyei’s L2 Motivation Self System and the seven motivational constructs identified in his previous study, and investigate whether the constructs found in this study differ based on the following differences: (a) gender, (b) grade level, and (c) starting age of learning a foreign language. This study found four motivational constructs: instrumentality-dominant, attitudes toward the L2 speaker/community-dominant, learners’ perception of their parents’ proficiency in Chinese, and milieu. In addition, this study found a significant interactive effect between grade level and starting age of learning a foreign language. The younger learners in the foreign language late starter group perceived their parents as having higher proficiency in Chinese than how the older learners in the late starter group perceived their parents.

무 절임 제조 시 천일염과 스타터 첨가에 따른 품질특성 비교

본 연구는 국내산 천일염(장판염, 토판염)의 성분 비교와 이를 이용하여 무 절임을 제조할 때 첨가한 스타터와 함께 발효기간 동안의 변화를 알아보고자 수행하였다. 그 결과 두 소금간의 일반성분 중 수분함량은 차이를 보였지만 회분 함량은 그룹간의 차이를 보이지 않아, 생산시기가 동일한 점을 고려할 때 천일염 생산방식에 따른 차이라고 판단된다. 이들의 무기성분 함량은 소금의 주성분인 Na 함량은 큰 차이를 보이지 않았고, Ca, K 그리고 Mg 함량은 장판염이 높게 측정된 반면, Fe 그리고 Zn 함량은 토판염이 높게 측정되었지만, Ca 함량을 제외하고 크게 차이를 보이지 않았다. 천일염의 당도 측정 결과 10.70 Brix로 높은 함량을 나타내어 어떤 종류의 당으로 구성되었는지에 대한 정성 분석 연구가 요구된다. 무 절임 중 천일염과 스타터 첨가에 의한 발효 변화를 관찰하였을 때 스타터를 첨가한 그룹이 스타터를 첨가하지 않은 그룹보다 활발하게 유리당, 유기산 등 2차 대사산물을 생성하여, 우점종으로서 초기 미생물 조절에 영향을 끼쳤다고 판단된다. 그리하여 실험에 사용된 Leuconostoc mesenteroides B-512F 균주의 스타터 첨가가 발효과정 중 미생물 균총 변화에 큰 영향을 주므로, 발효 식품 제조 시 초기미생물 조절자로서의 명확한 역할 구명이 필요할 것으로 생각된다. In this study, the effects of the use of a starter on radish soaked at <TEX>$4^{\circ}C$</TEX> for 28 days using two kinds of domestic sun-dried salt (white and gray salt) were determined. As a result, the moisture contents of the radish soaked with white and gray salt were 7.93 and 4.50%, respectively. The salinity levels were found to be equal (90%). No significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of the mineral contents of the salts therein (<TEX>$37812.41{\pm}1922.95$</TEX> and <TEX>$39755.13{\pm}1205.70$</TEX> mg/100 g, respectively). However, iron and zinc contents of gray salt were higher than those of white salt while the calcium, potassium, and magnesium contents were lower than those of white salt. After the addition of the starter, the sugar content increased, the pH decreased, and the total acidity rapidly decreased compared with the non-starter group during fermentation. The total microorganism count of the two groups increased during the fermentation period of 28 days. From the initial fermentation for 7 days, the lactic acid bacteria in the non-starter group increased while those in the leuconostoc starter group steadily increased within the whole fermentation period. The Leuconostoc spp. in non-starter group increased, but that in the starter group decreased to pH 4.0 on day 14.