A retrospective study on the prevalence of main clinical findings in brown bears () rescued from substandard husbandry conditions.

Brown bears () are kept under varied captive conditions, some of which may greatly compromise their welfare. FOUR PAWS is an NGO that rescues some of these bears kept in substandard conditions and houses them in species-appropriate sanctuaries, where preventive and reactive veterinary care is provided. This retrospective study aims to provide an overview of pathologies and clinical abnormalities reported in veterinary records and their prevalence according to body system affected and pre-rescue bear origin.

Population dynamics of free-roaming dogs in two European regions and implications for population control.

Changes in free-roaming dog population size are important indicators of the effectiveness of dog population management. Assessing the effectiveness of different management methods also requires estimating the processes that change population size, such as the rates of recruitment into and removal from a population. This is one of the first studies to quantify the size, rates of recruitment and removal, and health and welfare status of free-roaming dog populations in Europe.

Effects of a Two-Step Cognitive and Relaxation Training Program in Care Home Residents with Mild Cognitive Impairment.

The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of a relaxation training program (RT), a cognitive training program (CT), and the combination of both on changes in cognitive status, emotional status, and experience of pain in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Fifty care home residents underwent either RT (26 participants) or CT (24 participants) in the first training period, followed by the combined relaxation and cognitive training program in the second. Psychological tests on cognitive performance, mood disturbance/well-being, depression, and experience of pain were implemented at three time points of measurement, before (t1), after (t2) the first training period, and after the second training period (t3).

Assessing the impact of free-roaming dog population management through systems modelling.

Free-roaming dogs can present significant challenges to public health, wildlife conservation, and livestock production. Free-roaming dogs may also experience poor health and welfare. Dog population management is widely conducted to mitigate these issues.

Attitudes towards free-roaming dogs and dog ownership practices in Bulgaria, Italy, and Ukraine.

Free-roaming dog population management is conducted to mitigate risks to public health, livestock losses, wildlife conservation, and dog health and welfare. This study aimed to determine attitudes towards free-roaming dogs and their management and describe dog ownership practices in three European countries. We distributed an online questionnaire comprising questions relating to dog ownership practices and attitudes towards free-roaming dogs using social media.

The Effectiveness of Dog Population Management: A Systematic Review.

The worldwide population of domestic dogs is estimated at approximately 700 million, with around 75% classified as "free-roaming". Where free-roaming dogs exist in high densities, there are significant implications for public health, animal welfare, and wildlife. Approaches to manage dog populations include culling, fertility control, and sheltering.

[Computer assisted cognitive training advances mood and psychological wellbeing - a comparison to paper pencil training relating to neuropsychological parameters, mood and cognitions].

Aim: In this study a computer-assisted cognitive training programme (CAT) was compared to a paper-pencil-cognitive training and evaluated in psychiatric patients for its effects on neuropsychological parameters, mood and dysfunctional cognitions.

Methods: A total of 29 subjects were randomized either to the computer group or the paper-pencil group. Both groups underwent 20 sessions cognitive training.

Expression of sodium-iodide symporter mRNA in the thyroid gland of Xenopus laevis tadpoles: developmental expression, effects of antithyroidal compounds, and regulation by TSH.

The uptake of iodide represents the first step in thyroid hormone synthesis by thyroid follicular cells and is mediated by the sodium-iodide symporter (NIS). In mammals, expression of NIS is stimulated by TSH and transcription of the NIS gene involves regulation by the thyroid-specific transcription factors Pax8 and Nkx2.1.

Evaluation of histological and molecular endpoints for enhanced detection of thyroid system disruption in Xenopus laevis tadpoles.

Amphibian metamorphosis represents a promising model for the identification of thyroid system-disrupting chemicals due to the pivotal role played by thyroid hormones for the initiation and regulation of metamorphosis. An important aspect of bioassay development is the identification and evaluation of sensitive and diagnostic endpoints. In this study, several morphological, histological, and molecular endpoints were evaluated for their utility to detect alterations in thyroid system function after exposure of stage 51 Xenopus laevis tadpoles to various concentrations (1.

Response of pregnancy leg edema to a single immersion exercise session.

Background: To quantify the effect of a single immersion exercise session on uncomplicated dependent edema in pregnancy.

Methods: Lower leg volume was measured by water displacement volumetry and limb circumference in nine women with marked dependent edema, but otherwise normal second or third trimester pregnancy, before and after upright water immersion exercise session (Aqua-Fit) for 45 min. Maternal heart rate was monitored continuously throughout the session.

Effect of altitude on thrombopoietin and the platelet count in healthy volunteers.

Although there is evidence that altitude increases the platelet count, its effect on the platelet precursor stimulating factor, thrombopoietin (TPO), is unclear. Unlike erythropoietin, TPO appears largely unresponsive to exogenous signals. In a study in 16 healthy volunteers, we report the effects of altitude exposure at between 1000 and 1822 m for 1 or 2 weeks on TPO, the platelet count (+ indices), erythropoietin, hemoglobin, hematocrit and erythrocytes (+ indices).