Hepatitis E virus in Cuba: A cross-sectional serological and virological study in pigs and people occupationally exposed to pigs

Surveillance of hepatitis E virus (HEV) in risk groups is an important strategy to monitor its circulation pattern and to timely detect changes thereof. The aims of this cross-sectional study were to estimate the prevalence of HEV infections in pigs and humans from different regions of the country, to identify risk factors for increasing anti-HEV IgG prevalence and to characterize HEV strains. The presence of anti-HEV antibodies was assessed by commercial ELISA in serum samples from the general population, farm and slaughterhouse employees, as well as pigs sampled in the three regions of Cuba from February to September 2016. Overall, individuals with occupational exposure to swine or swine products (70/248, 28.2%) were 4 times more likely to be seropositive compared to the general population (25/285, 8.7%; OR: 4.18; p < .001). Within the risk group, risk factors included age, number of years working in a professional activity with direct exposure to swine, geographic region and distance between residence and closest professional swine setting, while wearing gloves had a protective effect. Prevalence of total anti-HEV antibodies in swine was 88.2% (165/187) and HEV RNA was detected by real-time RT-PCR in 9.2% (16/173) swine stools. All HEV strains sequenced clustered within genotype 3. Some strains clearly belonged to subtype 3a, while another group of strains was related with subtypes 3b and 3 k but partial HEV sequences did not allow unequivocal subtype assignment. These findings suggest that the high HEV exposure in Cuban individuals with swine-related occupations could be due to enzootic HEV in certain regions, direct contact with infectious animals or their products as well as environmental contamination.     

Comprehensive transcriptional profiling and functional study of lymphangiogenic growth factor in placentome of early-stage pregnant water buffalo

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the expression and localization of lymphangiogenic factors (VEGF-C and VEGF-D), their receptor (VEGFR3) and lymphatic endothelial marker (LYVE1) in buffalo placenta during early pregnancy [EP], and to investigate the functional role of lymphangiogenic growth factors in placental lymphangiogenesis. The mRNA and protein expression of VEGF-C, VEGF-D, their receptor VEGFR3 and LYVE1 showed significant expression in EP1 (29–42 days) and EP2 stages (51–82 days) both in caruncle (maternal part) and cotyledon (foetal part) of the buffalo placenta. Immunoreactivity of VEGF-C, VEGF-D and LYVE1 was observed around the endometrial gland, in lymphatics and trophoblast cells, whereas VEGFR3 mainly localized in lymphatics of the caruncle and cotyledons. Cultured trophoblast cells were treated with VEGF-C/VEGF-D (50, 100 and 150 ng/ml) and combined doses of VEGF-C and VEGF-D (150 ng/ml) each for different time durations (24, 48 and 72 h). The mRNA expression of LYVE1 and PCNA was significantly (p < .001) upregulated with VEGF-C and VEGF-D and combined treatment (@150 ng/ml), as well as significantly downregulating Caspase-3 at 48 and 72 h. Thus, the present study provides evidence that lymphangiogenic factors are expressed in buffalo placental compartments and they may play a significant role in the regulation of placental function in water buffaloes.     

Mental health in the veterinary profession: an individual or organisational focus?

The veterinary profession is experiencing a shortage of veterinarians, with attrition recognised as a substantial contributor. Research has also indicated increased levels of mental ill health and alarming suicide rates in practitioners. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the impact of eleven modifiable workplace factors on mental health outcomes, job appreciation and intention to leave the veterinary profession. The second aim was to ascertain whether workplace factors influence mental health outcomes after controlling for individual resilience. An online survey was completed by 73 practising Australian veterinarians. Unfavourable workplace factors correlated with adverse outcomes including depression, stress, reduced job appreciation and increased likelihood of leaving both the role and the profession. Workplace factors remained linked with the outcomes of job appreciation, depression and stress whilst controlling for practitioner resilience. Job appreciation was a significant predictor of intention to leave both the current role and the profession. Via multiple linear regression, two categories were identified as associated with improved psychological outcomes and job appreciation. These were workplace factors that represent breaks from workload and control or decision latitude in the workplace. Whilst resilience represents a key area for intervention, workplace factors potentially represent an easier-to-modify area for intervention.     

条形浅基础极限承载力的滑移线解

当网格剖分足够密时，采用差分解法可得到具有足够精度的有重土静力极限平衡数值解。根据大量计算分析，揭示了有效旁侧荷载宽度L、无量纲极限承载力 / 与内摩擦角 、无量纲参数λ的内在规律，据此将滑移线法数值解拟合为简洁的解析表达式，并在理论上证明了这一规律。通过与几种经典承载力公式的比较和分析，综合对该拟合公式的可靠度分析，论证了其正确性和可行性。     

中国户用沼气技术转化制约因素分析及对策

围绕生物质能源技术转化和农村可持续发展目标实现的制约因素，提出发展户用沼气池相应对策：改变政府职能和激励措施，搭建自由公平的社会平台；开拓多种融资途径，加强科技研发和成果转化，构建服务体系，推进沼气技术产业化；通过科普宣传、资金扶持、政策约束和经济效益反馈激励等措施，协调和促进农村沼气能源的开发利用。     

日光温室茄子冠气温差与环境因子之间的关系研究

系统地研究了日光温室内茄子冠气温差的变化规律与环境因子之间的关系,运用回归方法建立了主要气象因子与冠气温差之间的数量关系。深入分析了不同土壤水分条件下日光温室内茄子冠气温差与土壤含水量的关系,并建立了二者之间的相关方程,得出了诊断茄子水分状况的指标。     

黄麻工艺纤维细度的研究

研究表明：圆果种比长果种工艺纤维支数高65公支左右；品种间差异极显著；工艺纤维细度与单株原麻重等5个经济性状呈极显著负相关，与出麻率等性状呈显著正相关；麻株各部位中以中部工艺纤维支数最高，梢部次之，基部最低；适时播种、适当密植、适量适时施肥，适时早收等栽培技术措施能提高工艺纤维支数。通过对构成产量和工     

福建省甘薯种质资源鉴定与评价

征集甄别保存甘薯种质资源606份,编写出品种目录,拍摄了彩色图谱册;摸索出适合福建省气候特点的田间种植、薯块贮藏、老蔓越冬和茎尖脱毒试管苗4种方法相结合的安全保存方法;首次在相同条件下同时完成了对保存的品种资源抗蔓割病、薯瘟病的鉴定,8种主要营养成份的分析及鲜薯与薯干产量的测定,筛选出抗蔓割病资源212份、抗薯瘟病资源109份、高干率资源14份、高淀粉资源12份、高水溶性糖资源13份、高粗蛋白资源13份、高粗脂肪资源12份、低粗纤维资源12份、高维生素C资源12份、高胡萝卜素资源12份,初步摸清了这些品种的分布情况;应用Borlanddel-phi7.0为设计集成环境和通用SQL方式查询程序模块创建了资源数据库;建立了107份骨干资源圃。