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The study investigated the effects of video demonstration on the metacognitive skills of students in science subjects. The 38 respondents are enumerated from Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Science students of Sultan Kudarat State Universit, the Philippines. This study utilized a quantitative research design to determine the variables of the study and the relationship that occurs between them. The results gathered were treated and analyzed using a t-test and mean rating. The results showed from the collected data, revealed that there is a significant difference in terms of thinking, understanding, performing, and reasoning than without the intervention of video demonstration as seen in the results of the two sets of tests given to the respondents. The teaching strategy using video demonstration is effective for the respondents in this study. Moreover, this strategy can be maximized by the teachers in delivering the lessons. As a result, it is recommended to educational institutions to enhance and strengthen their support in enhancing the skills in creating video demonstrations for their class discussions

Any form of assessment activity will act as a stimulus and provoke an educational response. There is a risk however that the response will not result in a beneficial educational response, thus there is a need to monitor and understand the relationship between assessment and learning. This is true at any level of education including postgraduate medical education. To understand how residents perceived assessment, we interviewed 20 residents from the departments of internal medicine and paediatrics. Our goal was to determine how assessment influenced their motivation to accumulate knowledge and skills and attain the competence levels expected of a specialist. We utilised grounded theory to analyse the data. Our results showed that the trainees acknowledged that assessment, in general, has a positive influence on their learning, it motivated them to study and fostered an active learning attitude. A high degree of self-directed learning was also present among the residents. An interplay of new or interesting patient cases, concern for the welfare of the patients, engagement with the consultants, and a supportive environment contributed to creating the motivation for the residents to study.

INTRODUCTION. Horses are naturally parasitized by several genus/group of helminths and intestinal strongyles are the most common. Presently three anthelmintic classes are registered in horses: tetrahydropyrimidines, benzimidazoles and macrocyclic lactones (Gokbulut and McKellar, 2018 Vet Parasitol. 261: 27-52). The traditional approach to helminths control is based on interval dose program without a diagnosis, furthermore the frequent and reason less drug use has led to development of anthelmintic resistance (Leathwick et al., 2019 Vet Parasitol. 209: 210-20). Equine deworming scheme for adult horses is based on strongyle Fecal Egg Count (FEC) and on treatment of horses with FEC>200 egg per gram of feces (EPG) (Selective Treatment) (AAEP Internal Parasite Control Guidelines, 2019). FEC is also crucial to evaluate the treatment efficacy. The aims of this work were to carry out a survey on intestinal strongyles in horses in Italy and to propose a veterinary assistance considering a Parasitological Assistance Program in Equids (PAPE) based on coprological diagnosis (FEC). MATERIALS AND METHODS. The study was performed on 7,796 horses bred in 542 Italian farms. Individual FECs were performed using Mini-FLOTAC technique and a Sheather's sugar solution with a specific gravity of 1.250. Individual coprocultures were set up for each horse with FEC>200EPG. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS. Intestinal strongyle eggs were found in 420 (77.5%) tested farms with a prevalence at animal level of 57.6% (4,492/7,796). The average EPG was 441.2±622.0 (min 5 max 7,100). Regarding the egg shedding level, 71.4% of horses had a FEC 500 EPG (high contaminators). Coprocultures revealed L3 of Cyathostominae (100%), Poteriostomum (3.2%), Gyalocephalus (2.1%), Strongylus vulgaris (1.9%), Strongylus edentates (1.1%), Triodontophorus (0.7%) and Oesophagodontus (0.2%). Considering that FEC was

Background: Horses are parasitised by several intestinal helminths such as strongyles, ascarids, tapeworms and pinworms. Oxyuris equi, the horse pinworm, causes perineal irritation (tail rubbing, broken hairs and excoriated skin) [1]. Faecal Egg Count is the routine method for the diagnosis of intestinal parasite in equids [2]; however, pinworm eggs are rarely observed in faecal samples because O. equi females deposit eggs in the perianal region [1]. Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare three diagnostic techniques namely Mini-FLOTAC, Proudman test and Scotch test for detecting O. equi eggs. Study design: Assay comparison. Methods: Scotch test, Mini-Flotac technique and Proudman test were performed on 2,857 horses to determine technique diagnostic accuracy. Two Scotch tests were performed for each horse and faeces were collected directly from the rectum. The faecal samples were analysed in duplicate using both Mini-FLOTAC and Proudman test with a Sheather's saturated sugar solution. Considering all three methods used, a total of 17,142 assays was performed. Results: Overall, O. equi eggs were found in 125 (4.4%) horses. Of these 91 (72.8%) were positive only by Scotch test; 19 (15.2%) by Scotch test and Mini-Flotac; 5 (4.0%) by Scotch test and Proudman test; 7 (5.6%) only by Mini-Flotac and 3 (2.4%) only by Proudman test. Main limitations: Underestimation of O. equi prevalence due to the egg laying pattern. Conclusions: The number of horses positive for O. equi eggs was higher using the Scotch test, thus showing that it is a more sensitive method for diagnosis of pinworms than FEC and Proudman test.

Toxoplasma gondii is a widespread protozoan parasite (phylum Apicomplexa), which causes a zoonotic parasitic disease, known as toxoplasmosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence and genotypes of T. gondii in wild boars of southern Italy and thus to assess the risk of infection for consumers. The boars were inspected during the hunting season within the regional project ‘Wild Boar Emergency Plan in Campania’, and molecular analyses were performed on 338 boars analysing a total number of 884 matrices (263 brains, 310 hearts and 311 masseter muscles). Toxoplasma gondii was detected in 134 out of 338 boars (39.6%). No significant statistical difference between genders was found (χ2 = 0.15 p = .70). The prevalence was 47.1%, 39.3% and 39.2% in piglets, yearlings and adults, respectively (χ2 = 0.41; p = .81). The highest prevalence of T. gondii was found in masseter muscles (74/311, 23.8%), followed by the heart (70/310, 22.6%) and brain (58/263, 22.0%), respectively. Microsatellite (MS) analysis of 11 samples revealed eleven T. gondii genotypes (nine atypical, one belonging to type II one to type III). Most of the genotypes found were thus atypical and may be virulent in humans. Hierarchical clustering analysis showed the presence of three distinct clusters, with the majority of atypical genotypes in the GII-GIII cluster. The high prevalence of infection in masseters highlights the potential risk for public health, considering that this muscle is commonly used to prepare raw meat products (‘guanciale’ and sausages), which may be a source of T. gondii infection in humans. Wild boars may act as an interface role between wildlife, livestock and humans. Our data highlight the urgent need to minimize the risk of infection for animals and humans by setting up a surveillance programme and preventive strategies in a One Health approach to wildlife species.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate in a large sample of overweight/obese (OW/OB) children and adolescents the prevalence of prediabetic phenotypes such as impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and to assess their association with cardiometabolic risk (CMR) factors including hepatic steatosis (HS). METHODS: Population data were obtained from the CARdiometabolic risk factors in children and adolescents in ITALY study. Between 2003 and 2013, 3088 youths (972 children and 2116 adolescents) received oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and were included in the study. In 798 individuals, abdominal ultrasound for identification of HS was available. RESULTS: The prevalence of IFG (3.2 vs. 3.3%) and IGT (4.6 vs. 5.0%) was similar between children and adolescents. Children with isolated IGT had a 2-11 fold increased risk of high LDL-C, non-HDL-C, Tg/HDL-C ratio, and low insulin sensitivity, when compared to those with normal glucose tolerance (NGT). No significant association of IFG with any CMR factor was found in children. Among adolescents, IGT subjects, and to a lesser extent those with IFG, showed a worse CMR profile compared to NGT subgroup. In the overall sample, IGT phenotype showed a twofold increased risk of HS compared to NGT subgroup. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows an unexpected similar prevalence of IFG and IGT between children and adolescents with overweight/obesity. The IGT phenotype was associated with a worse CMR profile in both children and adolescents. Phenotyping prediabetes conditions by OGTT should be done as part of prediction and prevention of cardiometabolic diseases in OW/OB youth since early childhood.

Donkeys have been used as working animals for transport and farm activities worldwide. Recently, in European countries, there has been an increasing interest in donkeys due to their use as pets, onotherapy or milk production. During 2014-2016, a countrywide survey was conducted to determine prevalence and risk factors of principal helminth infections in 1775 donkeys in 77 Italian farms. A questionnaire on management and parasite control practices was filled out for each farm. Faecal samples were examined using a modified McMaster technique, a centrifugation/flotation method and a sedimentation technique. Pooled coprocultures were performed for differentiation of strongylid eggs. Strongyles were the most common parasites detected (84.9%), followed by Dictyocaulus arnfieldi (6.9%), Oxyuris equi (5.8%), Parascaris spp. (3.6%), Anoplocephala spp. (1.0%), Strongyloides westeri (0.3%). Coprocultures revealed an omnipresence of cyathostomins (100%), followed by Strongylus vulgaris (31.0%), Poteriostomum spp. (25.0%), Triodontophorus spp. (9.0%), Strongylus edentatus (7.0%), Strongylus equinus (5.0%). Logistic regression analysis identified breed, co-pasture with horses, living area, herd size and number of treatments as significantly associated with strongyles. Sex, age, living area and herd size were significantly associated with Parascaris spp. Dictyocaulus arnfieldi was significantly associated with sex, grass, co-pasture with horses, living area and herd size. Strongylus vulgaris was significantly associated with living area and herd size. The mean number of anthelmintic treatments/year was 1.4; most of the donkeys (71.8%) were dewormed using an ivermectin drug. It is important to design parasite programs to specifically address both D. arnfieldi and S. vulgaris in donkeys, and this is especially important if donkeys co-graze with horses.

Additional file 1: Table S1. Original COLT Questionnaire. Table S2. Postgraduate COLT Questionnaire and overall scores.

Acantocheilonema reconditum is a parasite transmitted by fleas, lice and ticks and is included among the filaroid species infecting dogs. Contrary to the more well-studied Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens, A. reconditum is believed to be less pathogenic, as adult worms are localized in the subcutaneous tissues and in the perirenal fat. Although previous studies reported the absence of clinical symptoms in infected dogs, there are few data regarding the haematological and biochemical changes that could be potentially caused by this parasite. Because hunting dogs are frequently exposed to vector-borne pathogens, the aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence, risk factors and potential hematobiochemical abnormalities associated with A. reconditum infection in this specific canine population. Blood samples were collected from 3,020 hunting dogs living in Campania region, and were tested by a modified Knott technique to count and identify microfilariae. Out of 3,020 dogs tested, 84 were positive to A. reconditum, with an overall prevalence of 2.78% (95% CI: 2.19– 3.37%). The number of microfilariae/ml ranged from 1 to 442. After excluding dogs co-infected by different filarial worm species and/or other vector-borne pathogens common in Southern Italy, n. 74 dogs showed A. reconditum single infection. The main clinical features observed were dehydration (n. 1), fever (n. 1), congested mucous membranes (n. 2) and exercise intolerance (n. 2). Complete blood cell count results revealed leukocytosis (n. 16), anaemia (n. 2), thrombocytopenia (n. 8), eosinophilia (n. 1). Biochemical data showed increased serum values of total globulins (n. 14), albumins (n. 9), gamma glutamyl transferase (n. 2) and alkaline phosphate (n. 1), hypoalbuminemia was observed in one dog. Dogs co-infected with other vector-borne pathogens were not included in the statistical analysis. The living area (p

Mycoplasma haemocanis (Mhc) and Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum (CMhp) are two species of canine hemoplasma that may cause hemolytic anemia and chronic disease in canine species. While understanding is limited, blood transfusions, bloodsucking arthropods, biting and fighting are suspected routes of hemoplasma transmission in dogs. The aim of the present survey was to determine the prevalence of hemotropic mycoplasma infections in hunting dogs from Southern Italy and assess related risk factors. Blood samples were collected from 1433 hunting dogs in the Napoli, Avellino and Salerno provinces of Campania region of Southern Italy, and tested by real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays for amplification of Mhc and CMhp DNA. The dogs had no clinical signs at the time of sampling. The overall PCR-positive rates were13.1% for Mhc and 11.4% for CMhp. Coinfection with both hemoplasma species was found in 4% of animals. Statistical analysis revealed living in Salerno province (Mhc: OR=2.94, 95% CI: 2.10–4.11; CMhp: OR=2.27, 95% CI: 1.61–3.20), hound breeds (Mhc: OR=4.0, 95% CI: 2.86–5.59; CMhp: OR=1.61, 95% CI: 1.16–2.24) , pack size more than 10 animals (Mhc: OR=1.67, 95% CI: 1.14–2.47; CMhp: OR=1.61, 95% CI: 1.06–2.44) and wild mammals hunting (Mhc: OR= 3.53, 95% CI: 2.51–4.98; CMhp: OR= 15.7, 95% CI: 8.83–28.0) as associated risk factors for both canine hemoplasma infection. Adult age was a variable significantly associated only to infection by CMhp (OR=1.93, 95% CI: 1.25–2.97). To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first large-scale molecular survey on Mhc and CMhp infections in dogs living in Southern Italy. The obtained data confirm the circulation of these two species of canine hemoplasma within the hunting dog population of Southern Italy, although their pathogenic potential and the possible epidemiological relationships between hunting dogs and sympatric wild animal populations are still unclear.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric hypertension is typically defined as blood pressure ≥ sex-, age-, and height-specific 95th percentile (high) cutoffs. Given the number of strata, there are hundreds of cutoffs for defining elevated and high blood pressure that make it cumbersome to use in clinical practice. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of the static cutoffs for pediatric hypertension (120/80 mm Hg for children and 130/80 mm Hg for adolescents) in determining high carotid intimamedia thickness (cIMT) in children and adolescents. METHODS: Data were from 6 population-based cross-sectional studies in Brazil, China, Greece, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom. A total of 4280 children and adolescents, aged 6 to 17 years, were included. High cIMT was defined as cIMT ≥ sex-, age- and cohort-specific 90th percentile cutoffs. RESULTS: Compared with normal blood pressure, hypertension defined using the percentile-based cutoffs from 2017 American Academy of Pediatrics guideline, and the static cutoffs were associated with similar higher odds for high cIMT (percentile-based cutoffs: odds ratio [OR], 1.46, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15-1.86; static cutoffs: OR, 1.65, 95% CI, 1.25-2.17), after adjustment for sex, age, race/ethnicity, body mass index, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, triglyceride, and fasting blood glucose. The similar utility of 2 definitions in determining high cIMT was further confirmed by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and net reclassification improvement methods (P for difference > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Static cutoffs (120/80 mm Hg for children, 130/80 mm Hg for adolescents) performed similarly compared with percentile-based cutoffs in determining high cIMT, supporting the use of static cutoffs in identifying pediatric hypertension in clinical practice.

OBJECTIVE: The clinical utility of screening for pediatric metabolic syndrome (MetS) in children and adolescents is still controversial. We examined the performance of pediatric MetS vs. clustering of cardiovascular risk factors (which are the components of MetS) for predicting high carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) in children and adolescents. METHODS: Participants included 2427 children and adolescents aged 6-17 years from population-based studies in three countries (Brazil, China and Italy). Pediatric MetS was defined using either the modified National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria or the modified International Diabetes Federation criteria. Clustering of cardiovascular risk factors was calculated as the sum of five components of MetS (i.e. central obesity, elevated blood pressure, elevated triglycerides, reduced HDL-cholesterol and elevated fasting blood glucose). High cIMT was defined as cIMT at least 95th percentile values for sex and age developed from European children. RESULTS: Presence of one, two or at least three cardiovascular risk factors (using the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria), as compared with none, was associated with gradually increasing odds of high cIMT [odds ratios (95% confidence intervals): 1.60 (1.29-1.99), 2.89 (2.21-3.78) and 4.24 (2.81-6.39), respectively]. High cIMT was also associated with presence (vs. absence) of MetS (odds ratio = 2.88, 95% confidence interval = 1.95-4.26). However, clustering of cardiovascular risk factors predicted high cIMT markedly better than MetS (area under the curve of 0.66 vs. 0.54, respectively). Findings were similar using the International Diabetes Federation criteria for pediatric MetS. CONCLUSION: In children and adolescents, a graded score based on five cardiovascular risk factors (used to define MetS) predicted high cIMT markedly better than MetS. These findings do not support the clinical utility of MetS for screening youth at increased cardiovascular risk, as expressed in this study by high cIMT.

Background: Pediatric hypertension is typically defined as blood pressure ≥ sex-, age-, and height-specific 95th percentile (high) cutoffs. Given the number of strata, there are hundreds of cutoffs for defining elevated and high blood pressure that make it cumbersome to use in clinical practice. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of the static cutoffs for pediatric hypertension (120/80 mm Hg for children and 130/80 mm Hg for adolescents) in determining high carotid intimamedia thickness (cIMT) in children and adolescents. Methods: Data were from 6 population-based cross-sectional studies in Brazil, China, Greece, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom. A total of 4280 children and adolescents, aged 6 to 17 years, were included. High cIMT was defined as cIMT ≥ sex-, age- and cohort-specific 90th percentile cutoffs. Results: Compared with normal blood pressure, hypertension defined using the percentile-based cutoffs from 2017 American Academy of Pediatrics guideline, and the static cutoffs were associated with similar higher odds for high cIMT (percentile-based cutoffs: odds ratio [OR], 1.46, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15-1.86; static cutoffs: OR, 1.65, 95% CI, 1.25-2.17), after adjustment for sex, age, race/ethnicity, body mass index, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, triglyceride, and fasting blood glucose. The similar utility of 2 definitions in determining high cIMT was further confirmed by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and net reclassification improvement methods (P for difference > 0.05). Conclusion: Static cutoffs (120/80 mm Hg for children, 130/80 mm Hg for adolescents) performed similarly compared with percentile-based cutoffs in determining high cIMT, supporting the use of static cutoffs in identifying pediatric hypertension in clinical practice. © 2020 Canadian Cardiovascular Society

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