Search Results (1,315)

Background/Objectives: Facilities for persons with Alzheimer disease need to be adapted for them in terms of architecture and interior and exterior design, where the introduction of an artistic dimension is recommended. This raises the question of exploring the aesthetic preferences of the people concerned in order to optimise the design. We assessed whether individuals with Alzheimer’s disease can make aesthetic judgements, and if so, their nature and how stable they were over time. Methods: We compared the aesthetic preferences of 23 persons with Alzheimer’s disease matched to 23 controls. Preferences were collected using a Q-PEG questionnaire, which presents photographs of various artworks: paintings, sculptures, functional objects, and representation of living things: human, animal, and landscape, in various styles: figurative, stylized, abstract. This tool was created specifically by our team for this research; this is the first exploratory publication to use it. Results: We confirm the feasibility of collecting aesthetic judgements from individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease using the Q-PEG tool. The aesthetic judgements of both participant groups proved to be stable over time. Furthermore, the aesthetic judgements of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease did not differ from those of the controls, regardless of the style or type of artwork. These preferences are independent of the various cognitive functions assessed. Hypotheses about the Alzheimer-resistant nature of the cognitive register of aesthetic preferences are discussed. Conclusions: As they can express their artistic preferences, individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease should be consulted. These results provide insights for the design of facilities and therapeutic gardens based on evidence-based design (EBD) criteria. The integration of an artistic dimension in line with these preferences and in compliance with the general recommendations makes it possible to create adapted, specific spaces that are appreciated by all. Full article

Children’s affinity for natural elements, or biophilic preferences, has gained increasing recognition as a cornerstone of family-centered sustainability. This study examines how parental factors, specifically environmental attitudes and in-home biophilic design plus guidance, directly shape children’s preference for nature-infused environments. A cross-sectional survey (N = 397) for parents collected data on household greenery, animal care, parental attitudes toward environmental responsibility, and the degree of child involvement with natural elements. Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), the analysis identified proactive parental mindsets and frequent biophilic home modifications as significant predictors of stronger child affinity for plants, water features, and other nature-inspired components. The findings highlight several key parental and environmental factors that contribute to the development of children’s biophilic preferences, underscoring the importance of coordinated efforts among families, communities, and policymakers to nurture children’s environmental consciousness. By highlighting how indoor greenery, small-scale animal care, and intentional parental support can foster early engagement with nature, this research offers fresh insights into the synergy between biophilic design and sustainable family practices. Emphasizing the potential role of home-based natural elements in enhancing children’s environmental awareness, the study concludes that nature-rich living spaces and holistic sustainability interventions are essential for empowering the next generation to shape a more sustainable future. Full article

Animal by-products (ABPs), comprising both edible and inedible components, offer significant nutritional, economic, and environmental value. However, their utilization differs markedly across global jurisdictions due to cultural preferences, regulatory frameworks, and technological capacities, which collectively shape consumption patterns and determine integration into food systems or diversion to industrial applications. While consumer reliance on offal remains high in the Global South, driven by tradition, affordability, and nutritional needs, its acceptance in the Global North is markedly lower, often limited by cultural aversion and perceived risks. Drawing from published evidence and primary survey data, this review examines regional consumption trends, industrial utilization pathways, and emerging valorization opportunities for ABPs. Globally, industrial use of ABPs is increasingly shifting toward advanced bioprocessing, integration within circular bioeconomy models, and high-value applications in nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and bio-industrial sectors. An online cross-sectional survey (n = 358) conducted across Africa, North America, Europe, and Asia revealed strong regional disparities in offal consumption, with higher acceptance in parts of Africa and Asia and more selective use in Europe and North America. Respondents also indicated clear support for non-food valorization pathways, particularly animal feed, fertilizer, and energy production, alongside pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications. These findings align with the literature, where industrial valorization pathways such as collagen and gelatin extraction, rendering, and bioenergy production dominate. This review synthesized the jurisdictional disparities in consumption, regulation, technological capability, and industrial applications while highlighting emerging technological opportunities for high-value valorization. Recommendations emphasize consumer education, regulatory refinement, technological innovation, and sustainable practices to enhance the economic and environmental benefits of ABP utilization within a circular bioeconomy framework. Full article

Large animal models are a critical component of the preclinical evaluation of mechanical cardiac implants, enabling assessment of safety and performance under physiological conditions that cannot be adequately reproduced in vitro. Choosing a suitable animal model is important for both scientifically valid and ethically responsible preclinical evaluation. However, interspecies differences between animal models and humans pose significant challenges for relevant translation of preclinical findings to clinical outcomes. This narrative review provides a comprehensive overview of commonly used large animal models (sheep, goats, pigs, and calves) for the preclinical assessment of mechanical cardiac implants, including prosthetic heart valves, ventricular assist devices, and total artificial hearts. We summarize key anatomical and physiological characteristics that influence device implantation, chronic follow-up, and translational value. Emphasis is placed on three critical outcome domains for preclinical evaluation of mechanical cardiac implants: calcification, thrombogenicity, and hemodynamic performance. Species- and age-dependent differences in calcification are reviewed, identifying juvenile sheep as a worst-case model for early manifestation and detection of graft mineralization. Interspecies differences in coagulation biology are examined, showing attenuated platelet responses in sheep and closer similarity between porcine and human platelet behavior, supporting pigs as the preferred thrombogenicity model. Hemodynamic evaluation strategies in acute and chronic large-animal studies are discussed, with particular emphasis on circulatory demands influenced by somatic growth and on device adaptability under varying loading conditions. Overall, this review provides practical, outcome-driven guidance for large animal model selection and experimental design in mechanical cardiac implant research, while identifying key limitations, knowledge gaps, and the need for standardized reporting to improve the translational reliability of preclinical studies. Based on the findings presented in this review, we conclude that there is no single animal model capable of evaluating all relevant aspects of a device. Instead, different animal models provide distinct advantages depending on the outcomes of interest. Full article

One of the common issues in the R&D of new drugs is the failure of clinical trials caused by the species-specific inadequacy of animal models to assess drugs’ efficiency and safety. Therefore, systems like organ-on-a-chip and, particularly, liver-on-a-chip (LOC) can be an efficient tool for recapitulating in vivo-like human physiology at the microscale. This review focuses on discussing LOC design, emphasizing its architecture and validation to reveal the trends in searching for a balance between biomimetics and functionality. We found that the huge variety of already published models can be divided into five groups based on their configuration complexity: flat one-channel, flat two-channel, vertically stacked multilayered, hexagonal-patterned, and multi-well chips. While researchers attempt to recapitulate the liver’s histology and its functions in detail by increasing the complexity of devices’ architectonics, industrial companies prefer to promote more simple and flexible solutions. Thus, the LOC designs of the future require neglecting some liver characteristics to make them standardizable and sustainable, which could facilitate their introduction into the market and clinics. Full article

Porcine reproductive and respiratory virus (PRRSV) has a significant clinical and economic impact on pig farming. The purpose of this study was to assess the global seroprevalence of PRRSV in pigs and wild boars using a systematic review and meta-analysis approach. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a systematic review and meta-analysis on global serological data of PRRSV in pigs and wild boars was conducted. Studies published between 1993 and 2025 were searched in three electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. A total of 86 publications, belonging to 41 countries and including 690,771 animals, were deemed eligible. Following the identification and removal of outlier studies, the pooled serological prevalence was 14% (95% CI: 9–19%), and a high between-study heterogeneity was detected (I² = 99.9%, p < 0.000001). Subgroup analyses showed statistically significant differences according to continents, with the highest prevalence found in Asia (P: 29%, 95% CI: 16–43%), and species, with a higher prevalence in domestic pigs (P: 26%, 95% CI: 18–35%) than in wild boars (P: 2%, 95% CI: 1–3%). Overall, the information hereby presented provides an overview of the global PRRSV situation and identifies key factors associated with increased prevalence, primarily related to animal density. These insights could inform future surveillance strategies and help target interventions to mitigate the disease burden and safeguard swine health. Full article

This study examines offline acceptance and online processing of Differential Object Marking (DOM) in the Spanish of Catalan–Spanish bilinguals in Catalonia. Both languages evidence DOM, though prescriptive grammars claim only partial overlap. Empirical research on Catalan DOM within these bilinguals reveals differences in distribution. Based on these factors, along with sustained bilingualism at the community and individual levels, more optionality was predicted for the distribution of Spanish DOM. Results from an offline scalar Acceptability Judgment Task and a Self-Paced Reading Task reveal three important findings. First, each task revealed distinct distributions. Participants aligned more with prescriptive grammars for DOs that are high on the animacy and definiteness scales in the offline task and were more tolerant of greater variability with the same DOs in the online task, possibly indicating weakening of the obligatory DOM constraint in these contexts. Second, geographic area modulated acceptance of the absence of DOM with animate DOs, suggesting microvariation. Third, unmarked inanimate DOs were preferred across both tasks. Overall, the results are interpreted as revealing divergence from prescriptive descriptions of Peninsular Spanish DOM system. Full article

Tactile contact is a key element of animal-assisted interventions (AAI), yet its effects on the animals involved remain poorly understood. Seven adult goats were included in the experiment, which examined three factors influencing tactile contact: the body region (head/neck, trunk, hindquarters; R1–R3), the ordinal position in the stroking sequence (first, second, third; O1–O3) and the location context (slightly enriched goat house and a highly enriched pasture; L1, L2). It was found that when stroking occurred first in the position of the sequence (O1), the duration of touch was significantly shorter (p < 0.0001). In addition, it was observed that when the session started with the trunk (R2), the total contact duration (T) was significantly longer (p < 0.039). No differences were found between the duration of contact in different locations (p = 0.179). These results may indicate that the initial phase was critical for the overall contact. Furthermore, the longer duration of contact, when initiated on the trunk, may indicate a relative preference for this body region. These findings suggest that human contact remains equally attractive to goats regardless of the enrichment of their location. Full article

In this narrative review, we address the prevention and therapy of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) with oral iron products in pediatric patients. Fortification of complementary foods with iron-containing micronutrient powders is the preferred method for the prevention of IDA in resource-limited settings. In developed countries, the prevention of sideropenia is through the consumption of iron-rich foods of animal origin. Regarding oral iron therapy, ferrous sulfate is the most widely used and cheapest product, but it is less well tolerated due to gastrointestinal side effects compared to complexes of ferric iron with polysaccharides, and complexes of iron with amino acids in casein, such as iron protein succinylate and iron acetyl aspartylate. These latter products are expensive and available only as single-dose vials with a fixed amount of elemental iron. Intermittent administration of ferrous sulfate, once or twice a week, is equally effective to daily therapy, with fewer side effects, and can be used in selected patients. Oral carbonyl iron has excellent bioavailability and the additional advantage of a high safety margin in cases of accidental overdose compared to iron salts, an important consideration given the potentially lethal consequences of iron overdose. Newer liposomal and sucrosomial iron products appear to have better intestinal tolerance and similar efficacy in the treatment of IDA, but limited pediatric data exist. In conclusion, all oral medicinal iron products are effective when prescribed for the treatment of IDA, if well-absorbed and taken consistently for 3 to 6 months. Physicians should be prepared to use alternative oral agents with better tolerance in case of gastrointestinal side effects. Full article

In intensive commercial pig production systems, the spatial distribution of elimination and lying behaviors plays a crucial role in pen hygiene, management efficiency, and animal welfare. Pen partition design and the provision of hiding facilities are key structural factors that may influence pigs’ spatial preferences; however, systematic evaluations of their combined effects remain limited. A total of 108 growing–finishing pigs were used in a 3 × 2 factorial design to assess the effects of different partition types and hiding facility configurations, as well as their interaction, on the spatial distribution of elimination and lying behaviors. Behavioral data were analyzed using non-parametric statistical methods. The results showed that partition type and hiding facilities significantly influenced the spatial patterns of elimination and lying behaviors (p < 0.05), whereas no significant effects were observed on total daily elimination duration, elimination frequency, or lying posture distribution (p > 0.05). Elimination behavior was predominantly concentrated in the slatted floor area. The combination of a front-closed partition with a hiding facility significantly increased the proportion of disturbed elimination events (16.2 ± 14.3%), which was higher than that observed in the open partition combined with a hiding facility (7.9 ± 7.6%, p < 0.05). In contrast, the rear-closed partition design was associated with atypical elimination occurring on the solid floor area. Overall, pigs showed a clear preference for lying on the solid floor. The front-closed partition combined with a hiding facility significantly reduced the proportion of lying on the solid floor (64.6 ± 8.5%), whereas the open partition combined with a hiding facility resulted in a higher-than-average proportion of solid-floor lying behavior (80.6 ± 8.9%). These findings indicate that an open partition design combined with a hiding facility is more effective in maintaining functional separation between elimination and resting areas while reducing disturbed elimination events. This study provides experimental evidence to support structural optimization of growing–finishing pig housing, contributing to improved pen hygiene and enhanced animal welfare. Full article

Domestic cat containment has become an increasing focus of companion animal management in Australia, yet uptake among caregivers who allow their cats to roam remains limited. This study explored how caregivers with established outdoor routines but no strong opposition to containment perceive their cats, interpret risk, and respond to different campaign framings. Four online focus groups were conducted in New South Wales with 22 cat caregivers who allowed their cats outdoor access. Thematic analysis indicated that containment decisions, as interpreted through the analytic process, were shaped by how cats were acquired, prior outdoor experience, beliefs about how cats exercise agency, and beliefs about what factors contribute to feline welfare. Caregivers frequently minimised risk and believed their cats could manage themselves outdoors, reinforcing resistance to change. Reactions to the two tested campaign concepts indicated that messages perceived as moralising or fear-based elicited guilt and avoidance. In contrast, caregivers preferred solution-focused messages showing how cats could thrive safely at home. The findings suggest that once roaming behaviours are established, emotional and habitual barriers make voluntary change difficult. Effective interventions should combine motivational framing with clear, achievable actions and target owners at early decision points, particularly adoption, when new habits and expectations about cat management are more readily established. Full article

Insect-based feed is a promising solution to reduce the environmental impact of livestock production, but its market success depends on consumer acceptance of animal products raised on such diets. This study examines consumer preferences and willingness to pay (WTP) for insect-fed fish, chicken, pork, and eggs across five countries: China, Mexico, Italy, Belgium, and the United States. Using contingent valuation and randomized information treatments through a survey with a total sample of 3418 respondents, we assess how product type, country context, and consumer exposure to information influence purchasing behavior. Results show that product information generally reduces consumer resistance to purchasing insect-fed products, but its effect on raising WTP varies significantly by country and product. China consistently exhibits the highest WTP across all products, exceeding current market prices. Notably, information treatment about the sustainability, environmental and economic advantages of insect-based feed significantly increased WTP in Mexico but had little to no effect in Italy, Belgium, or the U.S. Results also suggest that consumers across all five countries value transparency and believe it is important to disclose feed-related information on product packaging. These findings suggest that targeted communication and policy efforts are needed to support broader consumer acceptance and price alignment for sustainable feed innovations in European countries and the US. Full article

Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii Brandt, 1869), characterized by its rapid mass accumulation and high survival rate under industrial breeding conditions, is one of the most promising aquacultural species. This research aimed to study the growth and development of farmed Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii Brandt, 1869) to improve breeding programs. This research was conducted at the Federal Research Center for Animal Husbandry named after Academy Member L.K. Ernst and focused on the Lena population broodstock of Siberian sturgeon of the April 2022 generation (n = 98), grown in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). The experiment took into account body weight (W, g) and eleven morphological measurements: L—absolute length (cm); LR—fish body length increase (cm/day); l—commercial length (cm); L2—fork length (cm); HL—head length (cm); PV—pectoventral distance (cm); VA—ventroanal distance (cm); pl1—peduncle length (cm); H—body height (cm); h—peduncle height (cm); SC—body thickness (cm); GC—body circumference (cm); and Cc—peduncle circumference (cm). These measurements were taken from the same sample of fish at five different time points, all belonging to the same generation and approximately the same age. Measurements were taken every 3 to 9 months: 1 y (group G1), 1 y. 5 m. (group G2), 2 y. 2 m. (group G3), 2 y. 5 m. (group G4), 3 y. 2 m. (group G5), and 3 y. 5 m. (group G6). To evaluate the rate of growth and development, relative speed of growth (SGR) and relative speed of lengthening (SLR) during the observation period were determined. To characterize the fish’s exterior, we evaluated Fulton’s condition factor (KF) and the leanness index (Q). With increasing age, there was a significant (p < 0.01) decline in both SGR (from 0.454 to 0.065 g%/day) and SLR (from 0.132 to 0.028 cm%/day), which reflects changes in the fish’s physiological processes tied to the transition from the growth phase to the puberty phase. Relatively large variability was observed in body weight (C_v = 19.7–30.4%) compared to morphological measurements (C_v = 5.7–14.9%). Correlations between morphological measurements and the body weight of the fish varied from low to high (r = 0.22–0.97). Equations that allow for very precise (coefficient of determination R² = 0.800–0.933) estimation of the fish’s body weight based on morphological measurements were developed. The most preferable predictors were measurements of H (R² = 0.931), SC (R² = 0.933), and L2 (R² = 0.930). These morphological measurements are promising candidates for future development of contactless live weight detection using computer vision and machine learning algorithms. The study of live weight conjugacy at different ages showed that the best time to use this measurement to select fish for reproduction is at the age of 2 y. 2 m. or older. Acquired data can be used for the development and improvement of programs for the selection and breeding of Siberian sturgeon grown in a recirculating aquaculture system. Full article

A growing body of evidence indicates that the gut microbiota has a role in the mating preference process in mammals. This likely occurs through the modulation of various mating signals induced by symbiotic bacteria, thereby leading to variations in mating behavior. Given that giant pandas are solitary wild animals that rely on chemical signals for mate selection, it is relevant to explore whether the mating behavior of giant pandas is also affected by the gut microbiota. We hypothesize that antibiotic treatment-induced residual antibiotic resistance genes in captive giant pandas may disrupt intestinal microbiota homeostasis, diminish the abundance of beneficial microorganisms involved in short-chain fatty acid synthesis, and consequently impair nervous system function via the gut–brain axis. The ensuing physiological stress is likely to suppress innate mating behavior and compromise pheromone synthesis, thereby reducing an individual’s attractiveness to potential mates. To answer this question, we utilize fecal metagenomics technology to analyze the differences in gut microbes and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) between captive male adult giant pandas displaying natural versus non-natural mating behavior. The research findings suggest that, when compared with captive adult male giant pandas demonstrating natural mating behavior, those with non-natural mating behavior exhibit a significantly reduction in the abundance of beneficial gut microorganisms (s_Clostridium sp. and f_Ruminococcaceae) (p < 0.05). Concurrently, there is a significantly increase in the observed resistance genes tetO and mgtA, which are mainly associated with macrolide and tetracycline resistance (p < 0.05). Furthermore, Kegg functional analysis reveals a significant up-regulation of metabolic pathways related to sensory systems, such as taste and olfactory transduction, in the intestines of captive adult male giant pandas showing natural mating behavior. These results imply that changes in the abundance of gut microbiota and ARGs are correlated with the manifestation of natural mating behavior in captive adult male giant pandas. Consequently, to improve the success rate of natural reproduction within the male giant panda populations in captive environments, it is advisable to administer antibiotics judiciously and closely monitor the composition of beneficial bacteria in their gut microbiota. The findings of this study provide novel perspectives on the mechanisms by which captive conditions affect the decline in natural mating behavior observed in adult male giant pandas. Full article

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a significant health issue among ageing men, with ongoing research focused on elucidating its underlying mechanisms and improving experimental models. Testosterone Propionate (TP) is the first line of choice for the induction of BPH in experimental rodent models. However, TP’s controlled status as a Schedule III drug in the United States and a Class C drug in the UK presents challenges in obtaining TP for experimental use, giving preference to the sulpiride model since it is easily obtained as an alternative for the induction and study of BPH. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple electronic databases, including PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science. The primary PubMed search strategy included combinations of Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and free-text terms: (“Benign prostatic hyperplasia induction” OR “and rodent models’’) AND (“Testosterone Propionate model”) AND (“sulpiride model”). Studies were included if they induced BPH (using testosterone or sulpiride models). Titles and abstracts were screened for relevance; eligible articles underwent full-text review, with data extracted thematically. No formal risk-of-bias scoring was used due to the narrative approach; instead, studies were appraised by design, rigor, plausibility, and evidence. This study reviewed published and publicly available data, so no ethical approval was required. Although both TP and sulpiride induce BPH via various mechanisms, this review provides a comparative analysis of these two commonly utilised models for studying BPH. In the TP approach, castrated rodents receive daily subcutaneous injections for 4 weeks, resulting in dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-mediated epithelial hyperplasia predominantly affecting the ventral prostate lobes. Conversely, the sulpiride model is non-invasive, employs intact animals treated with sulpiride, and induces hyperprolactinemia-mediated BPH via interactions with androgen and oestrogen receptor pathways that stimulate prostatic stromal and epithelial proliferation, particularly in the lateral and dorsal lobes, representing an alternative method. We also highlight the strengths and limitations of TP and sulpiride in replicating clinical symptoms and examine the toxicological effects of sulpiride on the kidney, testis, liver, and brain. We recommend the sulpiride model for the induction and studying of BPH, as it is readily accessible and closely mimics the pathogenesis of BPH in humans, unlike the TP model, which requires castration. Full article