bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Examination of Training Load, Match Activities, and Health Problems in Norwegian Youth Elite Handball Players Over One Competitive Season
Authors: Bjørndal Christian T. , Bache-Mathiesen Lena K. , Gjesdal Siv , Moseid Christine H. , Myklebust Grethe , Luteberget Live S.
Published: March 2021

Talent development is integral to the policy and organizational practice of competitive sport, but has also been associated with excessive amounts of training and competition, and athlete injuries and illnesses. The lack of available prospective data on the training and match activities of youth athletes and their health problems is therefore of concern. The aim of this study was two-fold: (a) to examine the amount and frequency of training load, match activities, injury and illness incidence, and prevalence among Norwegian youth elite handball players over the course of the 2018–2019 competitive season; and (b) to explore whether the injury rates are related to the sex or competition level of players, or their membership of the youth international team. We recruited 205 handball players (64% female, 36% male), aged 15–18 years (17.2 years ± 0.9) from five different sport school programs in southeast Norway. Data were collected daily from September 2018 to May 2019, during the competitive handball season. The variables included types of athlete activities, the number of activities, the rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and the duration of training and matches. Injury and illness data were collected weekly using the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center (OSTRC) questionnaire. The mean number of matches per week per player was 0.9 ± 1.29; the number of weekly training events was 6.1 ± 4.4; and the mean weekly session RPE was 986 ± 1 412 arbitrary units. The players reported a total of 472 injuries, and the mean number of injuries per player was 2.3 ± 2.9. The results demonstrated a 53% weekly injury prevalence, of which 38% were categorized as substantial injuries. Male players and players who participated at the highest level of senior competition and/or the youth international team reported significantly lower weekly incidences of health problems, compared to other players. Our findings showed that players enrolled in sport school programs are exposed to high training and competition loads, and that both general and substantial health problems are common. The potential implications for talent development and future research are discussed.
A Novel Sampling Model to Study the Epidemiology of Canine Leishmaniasis in an Urban Environment
Authors: Parker Lucy A. , Acosta Lucrecia , Gutierrez Mariana Noel , Cruz Israel , Nieto Javier , Deschutter Enrique Jorge , Bornay-Llinares Fernando Jorge
Published: March 2021

Background: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is one of the most important parasitic diseases in the world. The domestic dog is the main reservoir of zoonotic VL and a high prevalence of canine leishmaniasis (CanL) is associated with transmission of infection to humans. Here we describe the methodology used to obtain a rapid and representative sample of domestic dogs in the city of Posadas, Misiones, and compare the prevalence of Leishmania infection with a sample of shelter dogs.

Methodology: We used the city land registry to make a random selection of homes and systematically recruited 349 domestic dogs from the selected properties. We also included all dogs from the main canine shelter within the city. Dogs were examined by two experienced veterinarians who recorded the presence of clinical signs common in CanL using a standardized protocol. We extracted a blood sample from each dog and performed four different serological tests to reveal the presence of anti-Leishmania antibodies.

Results: After clinical examination, 145 domestic dogs (41.5%) and 63 (90%) shelter dogs had clinical signs compatible with CanL (p < 0.001). The seroprevalence among domestic dogs was 20.1% (95% CI 16.1–24.6) which was significantly lower than among the abandoned dogs (38.6%, 95% CI 27.7–50.6, p < 0.001). The spatial distribution of infected dogs was fairly homogenous throughout the city. Among domestic dogs, we observed a positive association between where the dog slept and presence of anti-Leishmania antibodies (p = 0.034). Of the seropositive domestic dogs 38 (54.4%) were asymptomatic.

Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate how seroprevalence results can be highly influenced by sampling methodology. We demonstrate how the land registry can be used to estimate the prevalence of CanL in representative sample of domestic dogs in an urban setting, allowing decision makers to deepen their understanding the epidemiology of CanL in a timely and efficient manner for the development of plans to address both human and canine disease.
Accounting for Attribute Non-Attendance and Common-Metric Aggregation in the Choice of Seat Belt Use, a Latent Class Model with Preference Heterogeneity
Authors: Rezapour Mahdi , Ksaibati Khaled
Published: March 2021

A choice to use a seat belt is largely dependent on the psychology of the vehicles’ occupants, and thus those decisions are expected to be characterized by preference heterogeneity. Despite the importance of seat belt use on the safety of the roadways, the majority of existing studies ignored the heterogeneity in the data and used a very standard statistical or descriptive method to identify the factors of using a seatbelt. Application of the right statistical method is of crucial importance to unlock the underlying factors of the choice being made by vehicles’ occupants. Thus, this study was conducted to identify the contributory factors to the front-seat passengers’ choice of seat belt usage, while accounting for the choice preference heterogeneity. The latent class model has been offered to replace the mixed logit model by replacing a continuous distribution with a discrete one. However, one of the shortcomings of the latent class model is that the homogeneity is assumed across a same class. A further extension is to relax the assumption of homogeneity by allowing some parameters to vary across the same group. The model could still be extended to overlay some attributes by considering attributes non-attendance (ANA), and aggregation of common-metric attributes (ACMA). Thus, this study was conducted to make a comparison across goodness of fit of the discussed models. Beside a comparison based on goodness of fit, the share of individuals in each class was used to see how it changes based on various model specifications. In summary, the results indicated that adding another layer to account for the heterogeneity within the same class of the latent class (LC) model, and accounting for ANA and ACMA would improve the model fit. It has been discussed in the content of the manuscript that accounting for ANA, ACMA and an extra layer of heterogeneity does not just improve the model goodness of fit, but largely impacts the share of class allocation of the models.
A Note on the Electromechanical Design of a Robotic Hummingbird
Authors: Preumont André , Wang Han , Kang Shengzheng , Wang Kainan , Roshanbin Ali
Published: March 2021

This paper analyzes the lift-production system in hovering of the flapping wing robot COLIBRI of the size of a hummingbird. The paper first examines the flapping wing mechanism for which a new gear transmission is proposed to reduce the friction and facilitate the assembly. Next, a sensitivity analysis is performed on the wing size. Then, the paper discusses several options for the gearbox, various DC motors and two battery configurations (a single battery or two batteries in series) to minimize the heat generation and increase the flight time. The configuration involving two batteries has been found more effective. The flight time is predicted using Shepherd’s discharge model and it is confirmed by an experiment. The robot sustains an endurance of nearly 5 min to produce a lift force equal to the weight of the robot.
A High-Order Load Model and the Control Algorithm for an Aerospace Electro-Hydraulic Actuator
Authors: Zhao Shoujun , Chen Keqin , Zhang Xiaosha , Zhao Yingxin , Jing Guanghui , Yin Chuanwei , Xiao Xue
Published: March 2021

It is difficult to describe precisely, and thus control satisfactorily, the dynamics of an electro-hydraulic actuator to drive a high thrust liquid launcher engine, whose structural resonant frequency is usually low due to its heavy inertia and complicated mass distribution, let alone one to drive a heavy kerolox engine with high-order dynamics. By transforming classic control block diagrams, a baseline two-mass-two-spring load model and a normalized actuator-engine system model were developed for understanding the basic physics and methodology, where a fourth-order transfer function is used to model the multi-resonance-frequency engine body outside of the rod position loop, another fourth-order transfer function with two pairs of conjugated zeros and poles to represent the composite hydro-mechanical resonance effect in the closed rod position loop. A sixth-order model was thereafter proposed for even higher dynamics. The model parameters were identified and optimized by a full factor search approach. To meet the stringent specification of static and dynamic performances, it was demonstrated that a notch filter network combined with other controllers is needed since the traditional dynamic pressure feedback (DPF) is difficult to handle the high-order dynamics. The approach has been validated by simulation, experiments and successful flights. The models, analysis, data and insights were elaborated.
Quantifying Root-Soil Interactions in Cover Crop Systems: A Review
Authors: Ogilvie Cameron M. , Ashiq Waqar , Vasava Hiteshkumar B. , Biswas Asim
Published: March 2021

Plant roots are an integral part of soil ecosystems and contribute to various services, including carbon and nutrient cycling, weathering, and soil formation. They also modify soil physical properties (e.g., soil water content, pore size distribution, and bulk density) and impact subsequent crops’ growth. Cover crops have been reported to improve soil and environmental quality by reducing nutrient losses, improving soil water content, and increasing soil organic matter. Understanding the complex interactions between cover crop roots and soil (RS) is of utmost importance. However, cover crop RS interactions have not been critically reviewed. In this article, we investigated the nature of cover crop physical RS interactions and explored the emerging technologies for their study. We also assessed technologies that may be readily applied to the study of physical RS interactions in cover crop systems and discussed ways to improve related research in the future.
Relationships of Brassica Seed Physical Characteristics with Germination Performance and Plant Blindness
Authors: Bello Pedro , Bradford Kent
Published: March 2021

Brassica oleracea is an important crop species that at early growth stages may exhibit failure of the apical growing point, an abnormality called “blindness”. The occurrence of blindness is promoted by exposure to low temperatures during imbibition and germination, but the causes of sensitivity to such conditions are unknown. We combined three analytical seed technology instruments to explore seed physical properties that are highly correlated with quality parameters and might be used directly for grading or sorting seed lots into subpopulations varying in potential susceptibility to blindness. For image analysis, we used the VideometerLab instrument, which can scan 19 wavelengths from ultraviolet to infrared and utilize that information in any combination to potentially identify unique criteria related to seed quality. The iXeed CF Analyzer was utilized to obtain chlorophyll fluorescence values for individual seeds. Chlorophyll contents of many seeds can be used as an indicator of seed maturity, a major contributor to seed quality. Finally, oxygen consumption measurements of individual seeds as obtained with the Q2 instrument are highly correlated with their performance under a wide variety of conditions. Six Brassica seed lots differed in their susceptibility to induction of blindness or loss of viability due to 48 h hydrated incubation at 1.5 ∘C. Analysis of physical and respiratory parameters identified some measurements that were highly correlated with the occurrence of blindness. Higher chlorophyll content, as detected by the CF-Mobile and certain wavelengths in the Videometer, was associated with greater occurrence of blindness or death following the induction treatment, suggesting that more immature seeds may be susceptible to blindness. Further research is required, but methods to detect and sort such seeds based on physical characteristics appear to be feasible.
The Impacts of Micronutrient Fertility on the Mineral Uptake and Growth of Brassica carinata
Authors: Cockson Paul , Veazie Patrick , Davis Matthew , Barajas Gabby , Post Angela , Crozier Carl R. , Leon Ramon G. , Patterson Robert , Whipker Brian E.
Published: March 2021

Many abiotic factors impact the yield and growth of Brassica carinata (commonly referred to as carinata or Ethiopian mustard). Very little is known about carinata and how mineral nutrients impact its growth, and more specifically, the sufficiency values for fertility over the plant’s growth cycle and life stages. This study explored the impacts that plant nutrients, specifically micronutrients, can have on the growth and development of carinata over its distinct life stages (rosette, bolting, flowering, and pod set). Plants were grown under varying micronutrient concentrations (0, 25, 50, 75, 87.5, and 100%) of a modified Hoagland’s solution. Data were collected on plant height, canopy diameter, leaf tissue mineral nutrient concentrations, and biomass. The results demonstrated that micronutrient fertility has profound impacts on the production of Brassica carinata during different life stages. Boron (B) exclusion had the greatest impact on the growth and reproduction of Brassica carinata, with the death of the apical meristem that resulted in a lack of siliques or seeds at the lowest rate. Optimal relative elemental leaf tissue concentrations varied among micronutrient fertility concentrations and life stages. Certain elements exhibited linear increases in nutrient leaf tissue accumulation as solution concentration increased without reaching a maximum concentration during specific life stages. Other life stages and/or elements produced distinct plateau leaf tissue mineral concentrations despite increasing fertility treatment concentrations such as B in the rosette stage (47.2–50.0 mg·kg−1), copper (Cu) (bolting stage at 6.62–7.57 mg·kg−1), zinc (Zn) (bolting stage at 27.47–39.87 and flowering at 33.98–43.50 mg·kg−1), molybdenum (Mo) (flowering stage at 2.42–3.23 mg·kg−1), and manganese (Mn) (bolting stage at 117.03–161.63 mg·kg−1). This work demonstrates that Brassica carinata has different fertility demands and will accumulate differing leaf tissue concentrations during its life stages. This work serves as a baseline for further uptake and portioning work for Brassica carinata.
Hydrological Properties of a Clay Loam Soil as Affected by Biochar Application in a Pot Experiment
Authors: Libutti Angela , Francavilla Matteo , Monteleone Massimo
Published: March 2021

Improving soil-water relations by amending soil with biochar might play a significant role in increasing water availability for agricultural crops as well as decreasing water loss through drainage or runoff. While the effects of biochar on the hydrological properties on coarse-textured soils are generally positive and well-documented in the literature, studies on biochar effects on fine-textured soils are rather scarce and even contradictory. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to investigate the impact of biochar on the bulk density, water retention curve (together with several water capacitive indicators) and water infiltration rate in a clay loam soil. A pot experiment was carried out under lab conditions in which biochar was mixed with soil at rates of 0 (B0 or control), 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10% dw (B2, B4, B6, B8 and B10, respectively). Water retention of soil–biochar mixtures at different matrix potentials was determined using a pressure plate apparatus. From these measurements, a series of capacitive indicators was derived and the fitting of the van Genuchten model was also performed. Water infiltration into soil–biochar mixtures was measured by means of a mini-disk infiltrometer and the obtained data were analyzed both directly and by fitting the Philip’s model. Biochar significantly affected the considered soil properties. As the biochar rate increased, the bulk density decreased and water retention increased (B6, B8 and B10 > B2, B4 and B0), while the infiltration rate decreased (B0 > B2, B4, B6, B8 and B10). Although the experiment was performed on sieved and repacked soil samples under lab conditions, the results confirmed that biochar has the potential to increase plant-available water, while possibly reducing drainage water in a clay loam soil by lowering the infiltration rate.
Effect of Pre-Sowing Magnetic Field Treatment on Enzymes and Phytohormones in Pea (Pisum sativum L.) Seeds and Seedlings
Authors: Podleśny Janusz , Podleśna Anna , Gładyszewska Bożena , Bojarszczuk Jolanta
Published: March 2021

The aim of the presented studies was to evaluate the magnetic field (MF) effect on changes in some enzymes and phytohormones that takes place in the process of seed germination and growth of seedlings. Studies were led in the climatic chambers HERAEUS, on Petri dishes during six consecutive days. Pea seeds were divided into three groups from which one was the control (without stimulation) and two were treated with different doses of magnetic field (30 and 85 mT, respectively). Contents of amylolytic enzymes (AE) and phytohormones were determined at seven terms (0; 24; 48; 72; 96; 120 and 144 h) after placing them on the dishes. A favorable effect of seed stimulation with MF was found on the biochemical processes in the germinating seeds and pea seedlings. The size of changes in enzyme concentration was dependent mainly on the advancement of germination process (i.e., on length of time in which the seeds were on the dishes) and the MF treatment. The use of MF also had an effect on the increase in hormone content in the seeds and organs of seedlings, but values from objects treated with different doses did not differ significantly.
Survey of Weed Management Practices in Direct-Seeded Rice in North-West Cambodia
Authors: Martin Robert , Chhun Sokunroth , Yous Sophea , Rien Ratha , Korn Chariya , Srean Pao
Published: March 2021

Two-hundred rice farming households from eight lowland rice villages in North-West Cambodia were surveyed in 2020 to determine changes in farmers’ knowledge, weed management practices and weed seed contamination in seed kept for sowing. The major yield constraints cited by farmers were lack of water, inability to manage water and competition by weeds. Water shortages result in reduced crop establishment, non-optimal herbicide application timing and poor weed control. Reduced tillage, drill planting and use of pre-emergence herbicides can improve weed management. The adoption of drill planting improves crop establishment and enables the use of pre-emergence herbicides. Possible reasons for changes in weed problems include the change to a two-crop rice system in the wet season and spread of seeds by harvesting machines. The main weed seed contaminants of rice seed kept for sowing were Echinochloa crus-galli, E. colona, Fimbristylis miliacea, Ischaemum rugosum and Melochia corchorifolia. F. miliacea was the only species effectively removed by village cleaning methods. Although prevalent in rice fields, Cyperus. iria with <0.2 seeds per 500 g and Leptochloa chinensis with nil contamination were insignificant contaminants of seed samples. The majority of farmers in the study area are relying on repeated use of a narrow range of post-emergence herbicides, thus leading to increased severity of weed problems in dry direct-seeded rice. Integrated weed management is required to reduce over-reliance on post-emergence herbicides. This will require engagement with the local input supply network to introduce advice on improved weed management and sustainable herbicide use.
Alginate Oligosaccharides Alleviate the Damage of Rice Leaves Caused by Acid Rain and High Temperature
Authors: Yang Xu-Jian , Chen Yaqi , Hu Zichang , Ma Shuo , Zhang Jiaen , Shen Hong
Published: March 2021

Alginate oligosaccharides (AOS) are known for functions in regulating plant growth and stress resistance. This study investigated the damage on rice leaves caused by acid rain (AR) and high temperature (HT) simultaneously, as well as the alleviating effect of AOS on these stresses. The results show that plant biomass and antioxidant enzyme activities (AEAs) after AR treatment reduced more severely under HT conditions than normal-temperature conditions. Both AR and HT triggered the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in rice leaves. The suppressing effects of AR and HT were individual in most cases, except for AEAs. Microscopic analysis showed that pH 2 AR and HT injured leaf epidermis, particularly the bulliform cells, the veins and interveinal regions. Spraying AOS resulted in a slight elevation of biomass, a significant increase in AEAs and a remarkable decline in ROS concentrations under HT conditions with AR. Besides, the chlorophyll a contents of a leaf after pH 2 AR plus AOS treatment under HT conditions remained 66.1% of that after pH 7 treatment under normal-temperature conditions. Moreover, AOS protected the integrity of leaf tissue even after pH 3 treatment. Taken together, the above results suggest that AR and HT inhibited AEAs, led to the accumulation of ROS and damaged rice leaf. However, foliar applying AOS enhanced AEAs, scavenged ROS, and thus alleviated the stress induced by HT and AR.
L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine Accumulation in Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) Tissues during Different Growth Stages
Authors: Duan Shucheng , Kwon Soon Jae , Lim You Jin , Gil Chan Saem , Jin Chengwu , Eom Seok Hyun
Published: March 2021

L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-dopa)-rich faba (Vicia faba L.) tissues are a potentially useful source for its pharmaceutical purpose, although the species contains health curious vicine and convicine in the seeds. We determined the contents of L-dopa, vicine, and convicine in different tissues of faba plants throughout the entire growth period. The three compounds accumulated in germinating sprouts and showed high contents at 8 days of germination, especially in the epicotyl containing 132.33 mg∙g−1 DW of L-dopa, 19.81 mg∙g−1 DW of vicine, and 10.38 mg∙g−1 DW of convicine, respectively. We compared the contents of the three compounds among leaves of different ages in plants at different growth stages. The samples could be ranked, from highest to lowest content, ranging from 11.11 to 81.82 mg∙g−1 DW, as follows: new leaves > young leaves > old leaves; and vegetative > flowering > ripening. Vicine and convicine were not detected in leaves or flowers. The L-dopa content was high in flowers, especially young flower buds, ranging from 36.51 to 100.70 mg∙g−1 DW. In older flowers, the L-dopa content tended to decrease as the calyx and petal parts developed. In addition, the three compounds showed decreasing contents in pods, stems, and roots with increasing plant age. The results of this study provide information on the timing and extent of L-dopa, vicine, and convicine accumulation in different faba tissues, and indicate that various by-products, especially new/young leaves and flowers, are potential sources of natural L-dopa.
Linking Mineral Nutrition and Fruit Quality to Growth Intensity and Crop Load in Apple
Authors: Mészáros Martin , Hnátková Hana , Čonka Patrik , Náměstek Jan
Published: March 2021

Diagnostic of the nutritional status in fruit trees can be estimated using different models. However, these models usually do not fully match the character of the perennial crops and their accuracy needs to be improved. This study aimed at deepening the understanding of the aspects controlling mineral content of macro- and micronutrients and fruit quality of the apple trees with respect to the crop load and vegetative shoot growth. The focus was given on description of the nutrient content variability in time and space, its relation to important physiological events, and conditions altering their gradient in leaf and fruit. The evaluation was carried out with six years old ’Golden Delicious’ apple trees on M9, planted in an experimental orchard. Flowering rate, total yield, shoot growth intensity, mean fruit weight and quality along with mineral content of leaves, and fruit in different development stages were analysed according to intensity of natural or regulated flowering and fruit set, respectively. We found that aside of macroelements, iron, and manganese depended on the crop load. For nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content, their gradient increased up to 10–25% within the sufficiency range as the trees tried to maintain certain level of these nutrients in leaves and fruit simultaneously during deficit. In contrary, the higher content of Mg, Fe, and Mn related to the avoidance of deficit through up to 20–30% higher uptake in trees with higher crop load. Phosphorus, potassium, and calcium content in short fruiting shoots was more stage dependent, showing relation with the timing of cessation of particular meristematic growth activity. If no intense deficit occurred, the trees kept unrestricted initial investment of nutrients in the fruit during cell division stage whatever the crop load was. Their content at the later development stages appeared to be more dependent upon the consumption by particular sink. These findings allowed to improve the interpretation of the fruit trees nutrition status due to adaptation of the reference nutrient content in low cropping trees by a reduction of 5–10% N and P, 10–15% Ca, as well as by an increase of 15–20% K content in leaves at the stage with fruit size of 20 mm, and without change in P content at the stage of about 70% of final fruit size.
Changes in Rumen Microbiota Affect Metabolites, Immune Responses and Antioxidant Enzyme Activities of Sheep under Cold Stimulation
Authors: Guo Hongran , Zhou Guangchen , Tian Guangjie , Liu Yuyang , Dong Ning , Li Linfang , Zhang Shijun , Chai Haochen , Chen Yulin , Yang Yuxin
Published: March 2021

Low-temperature environments can strongly affect the normal growth and health of livestock. In winter, cold weather can be accompanied by strong winds that aggravate the effects of cold on livestock. In this study, two experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of low temperature and/or wind speed on physiological indices, rumen microbiota, immune responses and oxidative stress in sheep. When sheep were exposed to cold temperature and/or stronger wind speeds, the average daily gain (ADG) decreased (p < 0.05), and the abundance of Lachnospiraceae was significantly higher (p < 0.05). The acetate and propionate contents and the proportion of propionate in the rumen also significantly reduced (p < 0.05). The immunoglobulin G (IgG) and TH1-related cytokines in the blood were significantly lower (p < 0.05). However, antioxidant enzyme contents were significantly increased and the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) was reduced (p < 0.05). In a cold environment, the abundance of Lachnospiraceae in the rumen of sheep was highly enriched, and the decreasing of propionate might be one of the factors affecting the immunity of the animals, the sheep did not suffer from oxidative damage during the experiment.
Animal Models for In Vivo Lactation Studies: Anatomy, Physiology and Milk Compositions in the Most Used Non-Clinical Species: A Contribution from the ConcePTION Project
Authors: Ventrella Domenico , Ashkenazi Nurit , Elmi Alberto , Allegaert Karel , Aniballi Camilla , DeLise Anthony , Devine Patrick John , Smits Anne , Steiner Lilach , Forni Monica , Bouisset-Leonard Michele , Bacci Maria Laura
Published: March 2021

The present review aims to summarize the main features of mammary gland anatomy, and the physiology of lactation and colostrum/milk in the most commonly used animal species for regulatory toxicity. The final goal is the selection of a preferred animal species to be enrolled in studies investigating the potential transfer of drugs and exogenous molecules through milk, within the Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI) funded project ConcePTION. Reference data regarding humans were also collected and analyzed in order to highlight critical similarities and differences with the studied species. Additional practical considerations were also taken into account, such as ethical consideration regarding the chosen species which affects the group size, financial implications and technical feasibility of lactation trials (e.g., ease of sampling, volume of sampling, husbandry requirements and scientific recognition). In conclusion, the present analysis of the literature confirms the complexity of the decisional process behind the choice of an animal model for in vivo trials. For some of the evaluated species, data were either poor or missing, highlighting the necessity to generate more physiological background studies for species that are routinely used in laboratory settings. Overall, when taking into consideration ethical factors, feasible group size, milk volume and ease of milk collection, and physiological similarities with humans, minipigs seem to represent the most appropriate choice.
Impacts of in Utero Heat Stress on Carcass and Meat Quality Traits of Market Weight Gilts
Authors: Tuell Jacob R. , Nondorf Mariah J. , Maskal Jacob M. , Johnson Jay S. , Kim Yuan H. Brad
Published: March 2021

This study evaluated the impacts of in utero heat stress (IUHS) on the carcass and meat quality traits of offspring when market weight was reached. Twenty-four F1 Landrace × Large White gilts were blocked by body weight and allocated among thermoneutral (IUTN) or IUHS treatments from d 6 to d 59 of gestation. The offspring were raised under identical thermoneutral conditions, and gilts (n = 10/treatment) at market weight (117.3 ± 1.7 kg) were harvested. At 24 h postmortem, the loins (M. longissimus lumborum) were obtained, and sections were allocated among 1 d and 7 d aging treatments at 2 °C. Carcasses from IUHS pigs had lower head and heart weights (p < 0.05), as well as decreased loin muscle area (p < 0.05) compared to IUTN pigs. Loins from the IUHS group had a higher shear force value than the IUTN group (p < 0.05). Treatments had no other impacts on carcass and meat quality traits (p > 0.05), and Western blots suggested increased toughness of IUHS loins would not be attributed to proteolysis. These results suggest minimizing IUHS during the first half of gestation may be beneficial in improving pork yield and quality, though in general the effects of IUHS would be minimal.
Maternal Supply of Fatty Acids during Late Gestation on Offspring’s Growth, Metabolism, and Carcass Characteristics in Sheep
Authors: Rosa-Velazquez Milca , Jaborek Jerad R. , Pinos-Rodriguez Juan Manuel , Relling Alejandro Enrique
Published: March 2021

Lambs born from dams supplemented with different sources of fatty acids (FA) during late gestation have a different growth rate and plasma glucose concentration. The main objectives of this experiment were to evaluate the effect of supplementing different sources of FA during late gestation on offspring plasma metabolite concentrations, growth, and on a glucose tolerance test (GTT) during the finishing phase. Fifty-four lambs (18 pens, 3 lambs/pen) were born from ewes supplemented during late gestation with one of three treatments: (1) no FA (NF); (2) a source of monounsaturated FA (PDS, 1.01% of Ca salts); or (3) a source of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (EDS, 1.01% of Ca salts containing). At birth (day 0), supplementation ceased, and all ewes and lambs were placed in a common pen. On day 60, lambs were weaned, grouped by sex, blocked by body weight (BW), and placed on a common finishing diet for 54 days (FP). One lamb per pen was used for the GTT after the FP. There was a tendency for FA × Sex × Day interaction (p = 0.08) on lamb growth during the finishing period, with PDS females being heavier than PDS males, while EDS males were heavier than EDS females at day 60. There was a tendency for FA × Sex interaction (p = 0.06) for plasma insulin concentration for the GTT. Plasma insulin concentration of wethers increased as FA unsaturation degree increased during the GTT; the opposite happened with the plasma insulin concentration of female lambs. In conclusion, FA supplementation during late gestation tended to modified growth and insulin response to a GTT; these changes differed with the degree of FA unsaturation of the supplement and lamb sex.
Characterization of Short-Term Heat Stress in Holstein Dairy Cows Using Altered Indicators of Metabolomics, Blood Parameters, Milk MicroRNA-216 and Characteristics
Authors: Jo Jang-Hoon , Ghassemi Nejad Jalil , Peng Dong-Qiao , Kim Hye-Ran , Kim Sang-Ho , Lee Hong-Gu
Published: March 2021

This study aims to characterize the influence of short-term heat stress (HS; 4 day) in early lactating Holstein dairy cows, in terms of triggering blood metabolomics and parameters, milk yield and composition, and milk microRNA expression. Eight cows (milk yield = 30 ± 1.5 kg/day, parity = 1.09 ± 0.05) were homogeneously housed in environmentally controlled chambers, assigned into two groups with respect to the temperature humidity index (THI) at two distinct levels: approximately ~71 (low-temperature, low-humidity; LTLH) and ~86 (high-temperature, high-humidity; HTHH). Average feed intake (FI) dropped about 10 kg in the HTHH group, compared with the LTLH group (p = 0.001), whereas water intake was only numerically higher (p = 0.183) in the HTHH group than in the LTLH group. Physiological parameters, including rectal temperature (p = 0.001) and heart rate (p = 0.038), were significantly higher in the HTHH group than in the LTLH group. Plasma cortisol and haptoglobin were higher (p < 0.05) in the HTHH group, compared to the LTLH group. Milk yield, milk fat yield, 3.5% fat-corrected milk (FCM), and energy-corrected milk (ECM) were lower (p < 0.05) in the HTHH group than in the LTLH group. Higher relative expression of milk miRNA-216 was observed in the HTHH group (p < 0.05). Valine, isoleucine, methionine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan, lactic acid, 3-phenylpropionic acid, 1,5-anhydro-D-sorbitol, myo-inositol, and urea were decreased (p < 0.05). These results suggest that early lactating cows are more vulnerable to short-term (4 day) high THI levels—that is, HTHH conditions—compared with LTLH, considering the enormous negative effects observed in measured blood metabolomics and parameters, milk yield and compositions, and milk miRNA-216 expression.
Farm Animals Are Long Away from Natural Behavior: Open Questions and Operative Consequences on Animal Welfare
Authors: Cesarani Alberto , Pulina Giuseppe
Published: March 2021

The concept of welfare applied to farm animals has undergone a remarkable evolution. The growing awareness of citizens pushes farmers to guarantee the highest possible level of welfare to their animals. New perspectives could be opened for animal welfare reasoning around the concept of domestic, especially farm, animals as partial human artifacts. Therefore, it is important to understand how much a particular behavior of a farm animal is far from the natural one of its ancestors. This paper is a contribution to better understand the role of genetics of the farm animals on their behavior. This means that the naïve approach to animal welfare regarding returning animals to their natural state should be challenged and that welfare assessment should be considered.
Impacts of Heat Stress-Induced Oxidative Stress on the Milk Protein Biosynthesis of Dairy Cows
Authors: Guo Zitai , Gao Shengtao , Ouyang Jialiang , Ma Lu , Bu Dengpan
Published: March 2021

Heat stress (HS) is one of the most important factors posing harm to the economic wellbeing of dairy industries, as it reduces milk yield as well as milk protein content. Recent studies suggest that HS participates in the induction of tissue oxidative stress (OS), as elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial dysfunction were observed in dairy cows exposed to hot conditions. The OS induced by HS likely contributes to the reduction in milk protein content, since insulin resistance and apoptosis are promoted by OS and are negatively associated with the synthesis of milk proteins. The apoptosis in the mammary gland directly decreases the amount of mammary epithelial cells, while the insulin resistance affects the regulation of insulin on mTOR pathways. To alleviate OS damages, strategies including antioxidants supplementation have been adopted, but caution needs to be applied as an inappropriate supplement with antioxidants can be harmful. Furthermore, the complete mechanisms by which HS induces OS and OS influences milk protein synthesis are still unclear and further investigation is needed.
Production of Bovine Equol-Enriched Milk: A Review
Authors: Křížová Ludmila , Křešťáková Veronika , Dadáková Kateřina , Kašparovský Tomáš
Published: March 2021

Milk and dairy products are important sources of nutrients in the human diet because they contain a number of essential substances and other biologically active components. Many of these substances can be modified, and thus offer opportunities to use milk and dairy products as functional food. Isoflavones are particularly important in human nutrition due to their diverse pharmacological and antioxidant properties. The clinical effectiveness of isoflavone-rich products is believed to be dependent on their ability to metabolize daidzein to equol, which may directly exert cancer preventive effects. However, only approximately 30–40% of humans are able to produce equol, while animals, in general, produce equol. Equol is the predominant product of bacterial metabolism of isoflavones and can be found in various amounts in some food of animal origin, especially in milk. Therefore, milk and dairy products can be considered to be sources of equol for humans who are not able to produce this metabolite. When the content of isoflavones in milk is to be modified, two groups of factors should be considered, i.e., dietary factors that include the source of isoflavones and the processing effects on feedstuffs and animal factors that include the intake of isoflavones, ruminal and postruminal changes, and the health and physiological status of animals. The approximate content of isoflavones in milk can be predicted using carry-over rates for different dietary sources or using a formula that describes the relationship between equol concentration in milk and formononetin intake. Processing and storage can affect the content and profile of isoflavones in milk and dairy products.
Colonization Dynamics of Multidrug-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Are Dictated by Microbiota-Cluster Group Behavior over Individual Antibiotic Susceptibility: A Metataxonomic Analysis
Authors: Juhász János , Ligeti Balázs , Gajdács Márió , Makra Nóra , Ostorházi Eszter , Farkas Ferenc Balázs , Stercz Balázs , Tóth Ákos , Domokos Judit , Pongor Sándor , Szabó Dóra
Published: March 2021

Gastrointestinal carriage of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria is one of the main risk factors for developing serious, difficult-to-treat infections. Given that there is currently no all-round solution to eliminate colonization with MDR bacteria, it is particularly important to understand the dynamic process of colonization to aid the development of novel decolonization strategies. The aim of our present study was to perform metataxonomic analyses of gut microbiota dynamics during colonization with an extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)- and carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (ECKP) strain in mice; additionally, to ascertain the effects of antibiotic administration (ampicillin, ceftazidime, and ciprofloxacin) on the establishment and elimination of ECKP intestinal colonization. We have found that the phyla Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes were most dominant in all of the treatment groups; however, Bacteroidetes was more common in the groups treated with antibiotics compared to the control group. Significant differences were observed among the different antibiotic-treated groups in beta but not alpha diversity, implying that the difference is the relative abundance of some bacterial community members. Bacteria from the Lachnospiraceae family (including Agathobacter, Anaerostipes, Lachnoclostridium 11308, Lachnospiraceae UCG-004, Lachnospiraceae NK3A20 group 11318, Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group 11319, Roseburia, and Tyzzerella) showed an inverse relationship with the carriage rate of the ECKP strain, whereas members of Enterobacteriaceae and the ECKP strain have shown a correlational relationship. Our results suggest that the composition of the microbial community plays a primary role in the MDR-colonization rate, whereas the antibiotic susceptibility of individual MDR strains affects this process to a lesser extent. Distinct bacterial families have associated into microbial clusters, collecting taxonomically close species to produce survival benefits in the gut. These associations do not develop at random, as they may be attributed to the presence of specific metabolomic networks. A new concept should be introduced in designing future endeavors for MDR decolonization, supplemented by knowledge of the composition of the host bacterial community and the identification of bacterial clusters capable of suppressing or enhancing the invader species.
Elution Kinetics from Antibiotic-Loaded Calcium Sulfate Beads, Antibiotic-Loaded Polymethacrylate Spacers, and a Powdered Antibiotic Bolus for Surgical Site Infections in a Novel In Vitro Draining Knee Model
Authors: Moore Kelly , Os Rebecca Wilson-van , Dusane Devendra H. , Brooks Jacob R. , Delury Craig , Aiken Sean S. , Laycock Phillip A. , Sullivan Anne C. , Granger Jeffrey F. , Dipane Matthew V. , McPherson Edward J. , Stoodley Paul
Published: March 2021

Antibiotic-tolerant bacterial biofilms are notorious in causing PJI. Antibiotic loaded calcium sulfate bead (CSB) bone void fillers and PMMA cement and powdered vancomycin (VP) have been used to achieve high local antibiotic concentrations; however, the effect of drainage on concentration is poorly understood. We designed an in vitro flow reactor which provides post-surgical drainage rates after knee revision surgery to determine antibiotic concentration profiles. Tobramycin and vancomycin concentrations were determined using LCMS, zones of inhibition confirmed potency and the area under the concentration–time curve (AUC) at various time points was used to compare applications. Concentrations of antibiotcs from the PMMA and CSB initially increased then decreased before increasing after 2 to 3 h, correlating with decreased drainage, demonstrating that concentration was controlled by both release and flow rates. VP achieved the greatest AUC after 2 h, but rapidly dropped below inhibitory levels. CSB combined with PMMA achieved the greatest AUC after 2 h. The combination of PMMA and CSB may present an effective combination for killing biofilm bacteria; however, cytotoxicity and appropriate antibiotic stewardship should be considered. The model may be useful in comparing antibiotic concentration profiles when varying fluid exchange is important. However, further studies are required to assess its utility for predicting clinical efficacy.
The Aqueous Extract of Polypodium leucotomos (Fernblock®) Regulates Opsin 3 and Prevents Photooxidation of Melanin Precursors on Skin Cells Exposed to Blue Light Emitted from Digital Devices
Authors: Portillo Mikel , Mataix Manuel , Alonso-Juarranz Miguel , Lorrio Silvia , Villalba María , Rodríguez-Luna Azahara , González Salvador
Published: March 2021

The effects of sun exposure on the skin and specifically those related to pigmentation disorders are well known. It has recently been shown that blue light leads to the induction of oxidative stress and long-lasting pigmentation. The protective effect of an aqueous extract of Polypodium leucotomos (Fernblock®) is known. Our aim was to investigate the action mechanism of Fernblock® against pigmentation induced by blue light from digital devices. Human fibroblasts (HDF) and murine melanocytes (B16-F10) were exposed to artificial blue light (a 400–500 nm LED lamp). Cell viability, mitochondrial morphology, and the expression of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) p38, known markers involved in the melanogenesis pathway, were evaluated. The activation of Opsin-3, a membrane protein sensitive to blue light that triggers the activation of the enzyme tyrosinase responsible for melanogenesis in melanocytes, was also analyzed. Our results demonstrated that pretreatment with Fernblock® prevents cell death, alteration of mitochondrial morphology, and phosphorylation of p38 in HDF exposed to blue light. In addition, Fernblock® significantly reduced the activation of Opsin-3 in melanocytes and the photo-oxidation of melanin, preventing its photodegradation. In sum, Fernblock® exerts beneficial effects against the detrimental impact of blue light from digital devices and could prevent early photoaging, while maintaining skin homeostasis.
Protective Activity and Underlying Mechanism of Ginseng Seeds against UVB-Induced Damage in Human Fibroblasts
Authors: Heo Huijin , Lee Hana , Yang Jinwoo , Sung Jeehye , Kim Younghwa , Jeong Heon Sang , Lee Junsoo
Published: March 2021

Ginseng seeds are rich in phytosterols, ginsenosides, and fatty acids, and can therefore be used in skincare to delay the aging process. Ginseng seed embryo (GSE) and ginseng seed coat (GSC) were separated from ginseng seeds (Panax ginseng Meyer). This study evaluated the protective activity and underlying mechanism of GSE and GSC on UVB irradiation-induced skin photoaging using Hs68 cells. Their bioactive compounds, including phytosterols, ginsenosides, tocopherols, tocotrienols, and fatty acids were determined by HPLC and GC. The levels of reactive oxygen species, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and collagen levels were measured in human dermal fibroblast cell line, Hs68 cells. The antioxidant capacity and contents of total polyphenols and flavonoids were higher in GSC than those in GSE. Linoleic acid was the major fatty acid in both GSE and GSC. GSE and GSC treatment alleviated UVB-induced increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, and MMP-3, resulting in reduced collagen degradation. Increased UVB-mediated phosphorylation of mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) and activator protein-1 (AP-1) was inhibited by GSE and GSC treatment. Moreover, GSE and GSC effectively upregulated transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) 1 levels. It was found that ginseng seeds regulate the expression of TGF-β/Smad and MAPK/AP-1 pathways. Ginseng seeds contain various bioactive compounds and have protective activity against UVB-induced skin photoaging. Therefore, ginseng seeds have the potential for use in cosmeceutical preparations.