Owning to the millennia-long relationship between dogs and humans, there is a wealth of research on the impacts of human-dog interactions, or Human-Animal Interactions (HAI). Most studies focus on the biopsychosocial model, which describes biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors as interrelated and interdependent aspects of human welfare. While research has shown that HAI improves psychological and social welfare, studies have yielded contrasting results regarding the physical health benefits of canine presence. This review addresses both cohesive and contradictory findings regarding the impact of dogs on humans, as well as potential explanations for the dramatic variation in conclusions.
With rising popularity of plant-based foods, there is an growing interest among dog owners to switch their dogs' diets to plant-based. However, understanding the changing dietary needs of dogs as they age should be of importance when owners consider acclimating their dogs to a plant-based diet. One nutrient of particular concern is protein, the requirements for which across a dog's lifespan are only well-established for traditional carnivorous or omnivorous diets. This literature review will concern whether or not the protein content of plant-based dog foods meets the nutritional needs of dogs of different ages.
Over 100 million hatchery fish, in the US alone, are used to compensate for dwindling wild salmon populations. However, hatchery-rearing techniques result in physical abnormalities such as abnormal mineralogy of otoliths, which aid in fish balance, orientation and hearing. This review will assess the proposed causes of such conditions and discuss their impacts on hatchery salmonid health and salmonid research.
The high mortality rate of pancreatic cancer is closely linked to the lack of noticeable symptoms until the disease has advanced, making early detection and intervention exceedingly challenging. However, recent advancements in diagnostic methods, medical therapies, and other contributing factors have provided avenues for detecting pancreatic cancer in its early stages. This literature review aims to shed light on the potential interventions and advancements that can aid in the battle against pancreatic cancer.
Every year, staggering numbers of male chicks, calves, and piglets are killed in the U.S. The animal welfare issues encompassing the culling and castration of unwanted male animals in food production can be addressed through a multitude of sex determination methods. This review examines the potential of sperm sexing by flow cytometry, the CRISPR/Cas9 system, and spectroscopy methods as efficient and economically viable measures for industry.
Phytopthora ramorum, more commonly known as Sudden Oak Death, is a fungal-like pathogen that affects over 130 botanical species globally. The establishment of P. ramorum in native forest ecosystems raises concerns as it creates a global cascade of ecological impacts, affecting botanical reproduction in nurseries, globally conserved gardens, and food webs across forested ecosystems. This review will examine P. ramorum’s transmission and genetic adaptability, as well as treatment strategies against both P. ramorum and its host species.
Carbon dioxide utilization is a technique that can be used to mitigate the current climate crisis by capturing industrially generated carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and converting it to useful chemicals. Research on carbon dioxide utilization has prompted scientists to explore the topic of carbon dioxide reduction through electrolysis, a technique used to generate and convert carbon dioxide to multi-carbon complexes through electrical currents. This review explores the special properties of various designs of copper electrocatalysts used in the formation of multi-carbon complexes.
Integrating dietary treatments with chemotherapy and immunotherapy has emerged as a viable technique to improve cancer treatment success in recent years. One such example are ketogenic diets, which have garnered attention for their anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory characteristics among various dietary treatments. This review examines the effect of a ketogenic diet in combination with chemotherapy or immunotherapy on cancer patient survival rates.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common disorders diagnosed in women. It is characterized by menstrual irregularities, hyperandrogenism, and infertility. A solidified reason as to why so many women develop PCOS has not yet been identified, but research suggests a significant connection with Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs). This review will examine the relationship between PCOS onset and bodily concentrations of one EDC: Bisphenol A.
Approximately 10% of reproductive-age biological women struggle with endometriosis, a debilitating uterine condition characterized by the atypical growth of endometrial tissue that causes various symptoms from extreme menstruation pain to decreased fertility. Unfortunately, current pharmaceutical treatment options are associated with a variety of toxic side effects and continue to raise uncertainty about their efficacy. Recent emerging research suggests that the drug dienogest may be a noteworthy competitor with fewer side effects. This review evaluates the efficacy of dienogest as a treatment for endometriosis.
