bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-contact robotic manipulation of floating objects: exploiting emergent limit cycles
Authors: Jacquart Sylvain , Obayashi Nana , Hughes Josie
Published: October 2023

The study of non-contact manipulation in water, and the ability to robotically control floating objects has gained recent attention due to wide-ranging potential applications, including the analysis of plastic pollution in the oceans and the optimization of procedures in food processing plants. However, modeling floating object movements can be complex, as their trajectories are influenced by various factors such as the object’s shape, size, mass, and the magnitude, frequency, and patterns of water waves. This study proposes an experimental investigation into the emergence ofrobotically controlled limit cycles in the movement of floating objects within a closed environment. The objects’ movements are driven by robot fins, and the experiment plan set up involves the use of up to four fins and variable motor parameters. By combining energy quantification of the system with an open-loop pattern generation, it is possible to demonstrate all main water-object interactions within the enclosed environment. A study using dynamic time warping around floating patterns gives insights on possible further studies.
Gender trait preferences among smallholder cowpea farmers in northern Ghana: lessons from a case study
Authors: Jinbaani Alhassan Nuhu , Owusu Emmanuel Yaw , Mohammed Abdul-Razak , Tengey Theophilus Kwabla , Mawunya Michael , Kusi Francis , Mohammed Haruna
Published: October 2023

Introduction

This case study reports on how a gender responsive breeding program contributes to meeting the trait preference of men and women for improved cowpea varieties in northern Ghana.

Methods

Fifty-eight early-maturing, medium-maturing and dual-purpose cowpea lines were planted at the CSIR-SARI research fields and women and men farmers invited for participatory plant breeding (PPB) in 2016. Selected lines from the PPB were further evaluated in 2017 using participatory varietal selection (PVS) in 5 districts in northern Ghana. In addition, 20 focus group discussions (FGDs) were held in 2018 in 10 randomly selected communities with 260 participants (130 women and 130 men) across the districts where the PVS had been held previously.

Results and discussion

The study finds drought tolerance, short cooking time and pest resistance to be the most preferred cowpea traits among both men and women. The study also finds that gender differences exist in trait preference, especially for traits such as seed coat color, earliness, pod above canopy and indeterminate growth habit. As breeding programs focus on improving genetic gains for tolerance of biotic and abiotic stresses, equal attention must be given to breeding for traits desired by women.
Moving beyond skills acquisition: a multiple case study of situated learning in a league for children with disabilities
Authors: Rossing Niels N. , Agergaard Sine , Skrubbeltrang Lotte S.
Published: October 2023

In the last few decades, there has been a movement from individualistic and mechanistic notions of learning to approaches that turn attention to the significance of the context of learning. While these approaches have been utilized to point out the significance of the environment for skill acquisition, they have primarily been oriented towards performance-oriented milieus. Inspired by the theory of situated learning in “communities of practice” (CoP), the aim of the study is to analyze learning processes among members (participants, coaches, parents, etc.) of a diverse sporting community. The article is based on a multiple-case study of a Danish handball community named Lykkeliga (Happy League) that within a few years has attracted more than a thousand children with a remarkable diverse range of age, gender, diagnosis, and disabilities. The data collection included participant observation of training and tournament situations in two clubs over a 3-month period, along with informal interviews. The thematic analysis reveals a range of legitimate ways of participating for members of Happy League clubs, including sitting on the bench and even dating during practice. In sum, our case study sheds light on how situated learning in sporting communities may be directed towards inclusion and expansive understanding of what it means to be a sport participant.
Middle school cycling program is associated with improved mental health and wellbeing in adolescents during COVID-19
Authors: Dementyev Fletcher , Fish Brian , Sakyi Opoku Nana Yaa , Tesfaye Lydia , Chan Jason , Ortiz Larry , Montgomery Susanne B. , Walker Esther J. , Wilson Sean M.
Published: October 2023

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated mental health issues among adolescents. Exercise is well-regarded for boosting mental health. Riding for Focus (R4F) is a 6–8 week cycling education program designed to equip middle school adolescents with basic cycling skills and introduce students to lifetime physical activity. A secondary goal of the R4F program is to improve adolescent mental health and psychosocial well-being. This study aimed to quantify the change in adolescent psychosocial well-being associated with the R4F program during the COVID-19 pandemic. Program evaluation also examined associations between participating in the R4F and mental health outcomes in the context of established risk factors, including gender, race, socioeconomic status, involvement in IEP programs, participation in after-school clubs, screen time, hours of sleep, and physical activity levels.

Methods

Anonymous surveys were collected before and after the program in 20 schools in North America, with psychosocial well-being quantified using WHO-5 and PSC-17-Y. 1,148 middle school students, aged 11–14, completed pre intervention surveys. 815 students also completed post intervention surveys.

Results

There was a general increase in psychosocial well-being after the R4F program and positive psychosocial well-being changes in students that identified as female, non-white, physically active, part of an IEP program, meeting screentime recommendations, and engaged in school programs, though effect sizes were small. Despite mental health improvements among underrepresented groups, relative risk assessments still indicated that males, white students, those from high socioeconomic status families still had reduced relative risk of developing psychosocial disorders post intervention.

Discussion

These analyses illustrate the feasibility of cycling as a viable PE elective and the need for further, more robust studies to better assess the positive impacts of the R4F scholastic cycling program on the psychological health and well-being of middle school age children.
Rabies surveillance in Madagascar from 2011 to 2021: can we reach the target?
Authors: Andriamandimby Soa Fy , Volasoa Marie Hermelienne , Razafindraibe Nivohanitra Perle , Ranoaritiana Dany Bakoly , Razafindramparany Mino Harimbola , Rafisandratantsoa Théophile , Nomenjanahary Lalaina Arivony , Rakotondrabe Naltiana , Andriamananjara Mamitiana Aimé , Guis Hélène , Lacoste Vincent , Dreyfus Anou
Published: October 2023

Rabies is endemic in Madagascar and a neglected disease. The aim of this study was to summarize human and animal rabies surveillance activities in Madagascar from 2011 to 2021. Samples from terrestrial mammals and humans were tested for rabies virus infection using direct fluorescent antibody, RT-PCR and virus isolation by the National Reference Laboratory (NRL) for rabies at the Institut Pasteur de Madagascar. Among 964 animal and 47 human samples tested, 66.7 and 70.2% were positive, respectively. The NRL received these suspect rabies samples from 48 of 114 districts of Madagascar. Most of them were submitted from the district of the capital city Antananarivo (26.3%) and mainly from its region Analamanga (68.9%). Animal samples were mainly from dogs (83%), cats (9.5%) and cattle (5.8%). Pigs, lemurs, goats accounted for less than 1%. During the 11 years of surveillance, 48 human skin and/or brain biopsy samples were received from 20 districts, mainly from Antananarivo and its surroundings (N = 13), Toamasina and its surroundings (N = 8) and Moramanga (N = 6). The high positivity rate for all species and the non-homogeneous spatial distribution of samples suggests substantial underreporting of rabies cases. There is a clear need to better understand the reasons for underreporting and prioritize rabies surveillance, prevention and control in Madagascar, with improvements in budget, education and infrastructure. A joint animal and human health rabies control program including vaccination of at least 70% of the dog population, is needed to achieve the goal of eliminating dog-transmitted human rabies by 2030 from Madagascar.
Performance of Scores Predicting Adverse Outcomes in Procurement Kidney Biopsies From Deceased Donors With Organs of Lower-Than-Average Quality
Authors: Scurt Florian G. , Ernst Angela , FischerFröhlich Carl-Ludwig , Schwarz Anke , Becker Jan U. , Chatzikyrkou Christos
Published: October 2023

Several scores have been devised for providing a prognosis of outcomes after kidney transplantation. This study is a comprehensive test of these scores in a cohort of deceased donors with kidneys of lower-than-average quality and procurement biopsies. In total, 15 scores were tested on a retrospective cohort consisting of 221 donors, 223 procurement biopsies, and 223 recipient records for performance on delayed graft function, graft function, or death-censored graft loss. The best-performing score for DGF was the purely clinical Chapal score (AUC 0.709), followed by the Irish score (AUC 0.684); for graft function, the Nyberg score; and for transplant loss, the Snoeijs score (AUC 0.630) and the Leuven scores (AUCs 0.637 and 0.620). The only score with an acceptable performance was the Chapal score. Its disadvantage is that knowledge of the cold ischemia time is required, which is not known at allocation. None of the other scores performed acceptably. The scores fared better in discarded kidneys than in transplanted kidneys. Our study shows an unmet need for practical prognostic scores useful at the time of a decision about discarding or accepting deceased donor kidneys of lower-than-average quality in the Eurotransplant consortium.
IGLOO: An Iterative Global Exploration and Local Optimization Algorithm to Find Diverse Low-Energy Conformations of Flexible Molecules
Authors: Margerit William , Charpentier Antoine , Maugis-Rabusseau Cathy , Schön Johann Christian , Tarrat Nathalie , Cortés Juan
Published: October 2023

The exploration of the energy landscape of a chemical system is essential for understanding and predicting its observable properties. In most cases, this is a challenging task due to the high complexity of such landscapes, which often consist of multiple, possibly hierarchical basins that are difficult to locate and thoroughly explore. In this study, we introduce a novel method, called IGLOO (Iterative Global Exploration and Local Optimization), which aims to achieve a more efficient global exploration of the conformational space compared to existing techniques. The method utilizes a tree-based exploration inspired by the Rapidly exploring Random Tree (RRT) algorithm originating from robotics. IGLOO dynamically adjusts its exploration strategy to both homogeneously scan the landscape and focus on promising regions, avoiding redundant exploration. We evaluated IGLOO using models of two polypeptides and compared its performance to the traditional basin-hopping method and a hybrid method that also incorporates the RRT algorithm. We find that IGLOO outperforms both alternative methods in terms of efficiently and comprehensively exploring the molecular conformational space. This approach can be easily generalized to other chemical systems such as molecules on surfaces or crystalline systems.
Evolutionary Approaches for Adversarial Attacks on Neural Source Code Classifiers
Authors: Mercuri Valeria , Saletta Martina , Ferretti Claudio
Published: October 2023

As the prevalence and sophistication of cyber threats continue to increase, the development of robust vulnerability detection techniques becomes paramount in ensuring the security of computer systems. Neural models have demonstrated significant potential in identifying vulnerabilities; however, they are not immune to adversarial attacks. This paper presents a set of evolutionary techniques for generating adversarial instances to enhance the resilience of neural models used for vulnerability detection. The proposed approaches leverage an evolution strategy (ES) algorithm that utilizes as the fitness function the output of the neural network to deceive. By starting from existing instances, the algorithm evolves individuals, represented by source code snippets, by applying semantic-preserving transformations, while utilizing the fitness to invert their original classification. This iterative process facilitates the generation of adversarial instances that can mislead the vulnerability detection models while maintaining the original behavior of the source code. The significance of this research lies in its contribution to the field of cybersecurity by addressing the need for enhanced resilience against adversarial attacks in vulnerability detection models. The evolutionary approach provides a systematic framework for generating adversarial instances, allowing for the identification and mitigation of weaknesses in AI classifiers.
How Does Authentic Leadership Boost Work Engagement? Exploring the Mediating Role of Work Meaningfulness and Work–Family Enrichment
Authors: Silva Vítor Hugo , Duarte Ana Patrícia , Oliveira Joana Palmeira
Published: October 2023

Leadership is crucial in organizational life. Positive leadership is marked by transparent, trust-based leader–follower relationships that significantly boost employees’ dedication and engagement. Work engagement stems from a positive bond between workers, their job, and their organization. Authentic leadership, in particular, has been found to enhance work engagement, but this relationship is quite complex. Prior studies have explored the psychological processes linking organizational context and work-related attitudes and provided intriguing insights, such as that employees consider work to be part of their identity and that positive work experiences enrich family life. This research more closely examined authentic leadership’s impact on work engagement, including the mediating effect of meaningful work and work–family enrichment. A cross-sectional study was conducted with data from various organizations’ employees (number = 292). Multiple regression analyses’ results support the theoretical model, confirming a significant positive link between perceived authentic leadership and work engagement. These variables are directly and indirectly related through the proposed mediators. Implications for human resource management are discussed, especially strategies that increase work environments’ positive impacts on work engagement.
Utilization of Palm Oil Midrib Biochar as Soil Amendment with a Newly Isolated Bacillus sp. SM11 for Growth Enhancement and Nitrate Reduction in Romaine Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. longifolia)
Authors: Rattanaloeadnusorn Sukhan , Buddhakala Nopparat , Lomthong Thanasak
Published: October 2023

Biochar is a carbon-rich material that enhances nutrient availability, soil quality, and microbial activity, improving plant growth and crop productivity. In this study, the palm oil midrib biochar (POMB) was used as a soil conditioner to improve the growth of romaine lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. longifolia), together with a biofertilizer containing a newly isolated bacterial strain SM11. The newly isolated SM11 was closely related to Bacillus siamensis, with 99.77% similarity based on 16s rRNA gene sequence analysis. POMB treatment improved the fresh weight of romaine lettuce by up to 181.33 ± 1.15 g plant−1, which is equivalent to 160.27% growth enhancement compared to the control without POMB. By comparison, POMB treatment with a biofertilizer containing SM11 increased fresh weight to 275.67 ± 11.59 g plant−1 with a growth enhancement of 295.68%. The addition of SM11 biofertilizer also protected against disease during cultivation. The addition of POMB reduced nitrate accumulation in romaine lettuce from 631.38 ± 0.36 to 223.31 ± 0.20 mg kg−1 by 59.08% compared to the control. This study suggests a way to manage agricultural waste from local palm oil plantations, thereby reducing waste accumulation and adding value to palm oil waste by-products for agricultural benefit through a biotechnological process.
A Method for Estimating Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) Forage Yield Based on Remote Sensing Data
Authors: Li Jingsi , Wang Ruifeng , Zhang Mengjie , Wang Xu , Yan Yuchun , Sun Xinbo , Xu Dawei
Published: October 2023

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is a widely planted perennial legume forage plant with excellent quality and high yield. In production, it is very important to determine alfalfa growth dynamics and forage yield in a timely and accurate manner. This study focused on inverse algorithms for predicting alfalfa forage yield in large-scale alfalfa production. We carried out forage yield and aboveground biomass (AGB) field surveys at different times in 2022. The correlations among the reflectance of different satellite remote sensing bands, vegetation indices, and alfalfa forage yield/AGB were analyzed, additionally the suitable bands and vegetation indices for alfalfa forage yield inversion algorithms were screened, and the performance of the statistical models and machine learning (ML) algorithms for alfalfa forage yield inversion were comparatively analyzed. The results showed that (1) regarding different harvest times, the alfalfa forage yield inversion model for first-harvest alfalfa had relatively large differences in growth, and the simulation accuracy of the alfalfa forage yield inversion model was higher than that for the other harvest times, with the growth of the second- and third-harvest alfalfa being more homogeneous and the simulation accuracy of the forage yield inversion model being relatively low. (2) In the alfalfa forage yield inversion model based on a single parameter, the moisture-related vegetation indices, such as the global vegetation moisture index (GVMI), normalized difference water index (NDWI) and normalized difference infrared index (NDII), had higher coefficients of correlation with alfalfa forage yield/AGB, and the coefficients of correlation R2 values for the first-harvest alfalfa were greater than 0.50, with the NDWI correlation being the best with an R2 value of 0.60. (3) For the alfalfa forage yield inversion model constructed with vegetation indices and band reflectance as multiparameter variables, the random forest (RF) and support vector machine (SVM) simulation accuracy was higher than that of the alfalfa forage yield inversion model based on a single parameter; the first-harvest alfalfa R2 values based on the multiparameter RF and SVM models were both 0.65, the root mean square errors (RMSEs) were 329.74 g/m2 and 332.32 g/m2, and the biases were −0.47 g/m2 and −2.24 g/m2, respectively. The vegetation indices related to plant water content can be considered using a single parameter inversion model for alfalfa forage yield, the vegetation indices and band reflectance can be considered using a multiparameter inversion model for alfalfa forage yield, and ML algorithms are also an optimal choice. The findings in this study can provide technical support for the effective and strategic production management of large-scale alfalfa.
Updates and Prospects: Morphological, Physiological, and Molecular Regulation in Crop Response to Waterlogging Stress
Authors: Yang Lu , Li Na , Liu Yang , Miao Pengfei , Liu Ji , Wang Zhi
Published: October 2023

With the frequent occurrence of extreme weather such as typhoons and rainstorms, waterlogging has become one of the most important threats to global crop growth and production. Waterlogging limits plants’ access to oxygen and light, leading to disadvantageous changes in metabolism to disturb plant growth and development. To escape the damage of hypoxia or promote the diffusion of oxygen to submerged organs, plants respond to waterlogging stress by regulating their morphological structure, photosynthesis, respiration, energy metabolism, and endogenous plant hormone biosynthesis/signal transduction. The adventitious roots (AR), aerenchyma, and stem internode are the major target structure for waterlogging adaptation. The molecular mechanism of crop survival under waterlogging conditions and the key genes related photosynthesis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis, and ethylene signal transduction are reviewed. We also elucidated recent advances in the study of interactions between various regulatory pathways and emphasized the important role of stress memory and cross-stress mechanisms in plant response to abiotic stress, indicating the importance of epigenetic modifications. On the basis of above, the research direction and focus of plants coping with waterlogging stress in the future are proposed. This review provides rich genetic resources and a theoretical basis for improving the genetic breeding of crop resistance to waterlogging.
Dryland Winter Wheat Production and Its Relationship to Fine-Scale Soil Carbon Heterogeneity—A Case Study in the US Central High Plains
Authors: Ramírez Paulina B. , Calderón Francisco J. , Vigil Merle F. , Mankin Kyle R. , Poss David , Fonte Steven J.
Published: October 2023

Soil carbon plays a key role in maintaining soil quality, but its direct impact on crop yields depends on the interplay of different factors. This study aims to study fine–spatial variation soil properties and their effect on grain productivity in fallow–wheat cropping systems in the US central High Plains. We evaluate wheat yields in relation to soil macro and micronutrients, total C (TC), and texture as well as subtle variations in field elevation. To document soil–yield relationships at a fine spatial scale, soil sampling (0–15 and 15–30 cm depths) was conducted using a regular 30 m grid spacing in eleven adjacent fields. Interpolated yield maps indicated that the availability of key nutrients and textures contributed to the spatial distribution of wheat productivity. Random forest (RF) showed that these soil attributes were able to explain slightly under 30% of the spatial variation in crop yields. Our findings demonstrate that TC can often serve as a reliable proxy for delineating yield-based management zones, even in inherently low C soils. In addition, Fe, Zn, SO4-S, sand, and subtle topographic changes were also critical factors affecting wheat yield. Our results highlight that developing management zones in these soils relying exclusively on soil information is not straightforward. However, the high level of within-field spatial variability observed needs to be addressed.
Inhibition of the Growth of Botrytis cinerea by Penicillium chrysogenum VKM F-4876D Combined with Fludioxonil-, Difenoconazole-, or Tebuconazole-Based Fungicides
Authors: Hatem Amjad , Yaderets Vera , Karpova Nataliya , Glagoleva Elena , Ovchinnikov Alexander , Petrova Kseniya , Shibaeva Alexandra , Dzhavakhiya Vakhtang
Published: October 2023

Botrytis cinerea, causing grey mold, is a dangerous plant pathogen able to infect agricultural crops during the whole production cycle, including storage and transportation. A wide set of pathogenicity factors, high ecological plasticity, and universality of propagation and spreading of this fungus significantly complicate the control of this pathogen. A rapid increase in pathogen tolerance to fungicides dictates the necessity of developing antiresistant protection strategies, which include the use of biopreparations based on antagonistic microorganisms or their metabolites. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the antifungal activity of a dry biomass of P. chrysogenum VKM F-4876D (DMP), both individually and in combination with tebuconazole-, fludioxonil-, or difenoconazole-containing compounds recommended to control grey mold, in relation to B. cinerea isolated from grape samples. A water suspension of DMP was added to the PDA medium at a concentration of 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0 g/L. The pathogen growth inhibition was evaluated after 3, 7, and 14 days of cultivation; fungal cultures grown on DMP-free medium were used as a control. The resulting effective DMP concentration was 2.5 g/L. The effective concentrations of fungicides included in the study were determined to be 0.5 mg/L (tebuconazole), 0.1 g/L (difenoconazole), and 0.04 mg/L (fludioxonil). Combining DMP (2.5 g/L) with tebuconazole, difenoconazole, or fludioxonil (all taken at the effective concentrations) resulted in pathogen growth inhibition after 7 days of incubation by 86.5, 85.6, and 84.6%, respectively. Among all studied variants, the DMP (2.5 g/L) + difenoconazole (1.0 mg/L) combination provided the most efficient control of B. cinerea development under in vitro conditions: even after 14 days of incubation, the pathogen growth suppression remained at the level of 51.3%, whereas the DMP combination with tebuconazole or fludioxonil provided only 28.5 and 37.4%, respectively. The obtained results show good prospects for the efficient control of grey mold development, together with the reduction of pesticide loads on agrobiocoenoses and the prevention of the emergence of new resistant forms of plant pathogens.
Development of Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction with Novel Specific Primers for Detection of Tritrichomonas muris Infection in Laboratory Mice
Authors: Zhang Hongbo , Zhang Nan , Li Jianhua , Zhao Panpan , Li Xin , Wang Xiaocen , Zhang Xu , Yuan Bao , Gao Fei , Gong Pengtao , Zhang Xichen
Published: October 2023

A variety of rodent ceca are parasitized by Tritrichomonas muris (T. muris), a flagellated protozoan. To date, there are no ideal methods for the detection of T. muris infections in laboratory mice; thus, new molecular methodologies for its specific detection need to be developed. In this study, using staining and SEM, it was observed that T. muris has a pear-shaped body and contains three anterior flagella. A nested PCR system with novel specific primers was designed based on the conserved regions of the SSU rRNA gene of T. muris. The nested PCR system for T. muris showed good specificity and high sensitivity for at least 100 T. muris trophozoites/mL and 0.1 ng/μL of fecal genomic DNA, which means that 176 trophozoites per gram of mouse feces could be detected. When using this nested PCR system, the detection rate was 18.96% (58/306), which was higher than the detection rate of 14.05% (43/306) detected via smear microscopy in fecal samples from five mouse strains. The sensitivity and specificity of nested PCR in detecting T. muris was found to be 100%, and it demonstrated a 26% increase in diagnostic sensitivity compared to the smear microscopy method in the present study. In conclusion, the nested PCR developed with novel primers based on the SSU rRNA gene of T. muris has good accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity for the detection of T. muris infections in laboratory mice.
Olfactory Stimulation as Environmental Enrichment for Domestic Horses—A Review
Authors: Bini de Lima Ana Caroline , Sebastião da Fé Vanessa Cristini , Palermo Hernandes Maria Simara , Oliveira dos Santos Viviane Maria
Published: October 2023

Horses constantly face several challenges inherent to the domestic environment, and it is common for the expression of their natural behavior to be drastically limited. Environmental enrichment has been suggested as an alternative to improve the captive situation of domestic horses. Among the recently proposed enrichment strategies, olfactory stimulation has emerged as a method for improving several aspects related to animal behavior. Olfaction is a sensory modality that plays a significant role in the expression of equine behavior, and in recent years, studies have shown that olfactory stimulation can influence the physiological and behavioral parameters of horses. This review provides current information on the anatomical particularities of the equine olfactory system, presents the physiological mechanisms involved in the odor detection process, and demonstrates how stress can interfere with this process. Finally, the use of olfactory stimulation as an environmental enrichment for domestic horses (Equus ferus caballus) is explored. The need for new studies that answer pertinent questions related to this topic is discussed throughout the manuscript.
Risk Factors for Salmonella Detection in Commercial Layer Flocks in Spain
Authors: Samper-Cativiela Clara , Prieto Maria Esther , Collado Soledad , De Frutos Cristina , Branscum Adam J. , Saez Jose Luis , Alvarez Julio
Published: October 2023

Trends in Salmonella human infections are assumed to be related to the distribution of the pathogen in the animal reservoir/food products, and cases in humans are most often linked to poultry and poultry products (eggs, meat). Therefore, ongoing Salmonella national control programs (NCPs) in European Union Member States have the objective of monitoring and reducing its prevalence in commercial poultry flocks. Results from NCPs have shown certain factors (housing systems, season of sampling and if sampling is conducted by food business operators (FBOps) or competent authorities (CAs), among others) can influence detection rates, but associations are often not consistent. Here, we analyzed data from the Spanish NCP on 7216 laying hen flocks subjected to 36,193 sampling events over a six-year period to characterize its performance and identify variables influencing detection rates. Overall, 1205 sampling events were positive for Salmonella spp. (any serovar) and 132 for S. Enteritidis-S. Typhimurium/monophasic. Bayesian multivariable models adjusting for multiple covariates concluded that sampling events later in the year, in caged flocks with older animals and conducted by CAs had increased odds of positivity for Salmonella spp., revealing aspects linked with a differential estimation of Salmonella levels in laying hen flocks.
Seasonal Prey Abundance and Food Plasticity of the Vulnerable Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia) in the Lapchi Valley, Nepal Himalayas
Authors: Koju Narayan Prasad , Gosai Kamal Raj , Bashyal Bijay , Byanju Reena , Shrestha Arati , Buzzard Paul , Beisch Willian Bill , Khanal Laxman
Published: October 2023

Conservation strategies for apex predators, like the snow leopard (Panthera uncia), depend on a robust understanding of their dietary preferences, prey abundance, and adaptability to changing ecological conditions. To address these critical conservation concerns, this study presents a comprehensive evidence on prey availability and preferences for snow leopards in the Lapchi Valley in the Nepal Himalayas from November 2021 to March 2023. Field data were collected through the installation of twenty-six camera traps at 16 strategically chosen locations, resulting in the recording of 1228 events of 19 mammalian species, including domesticated livestock. Simultaneously, the collection of twenty snow leopard scat samples over 3800 m above sea level allowed for a detailed dietary analysis. Photo capture rate index and biomass composition analysis were carried out and seasonal prey availability and consumption were statistically analyzed. A total of 16 potential prey species for the snow leopard were documented during the study period. Himalayan musk deer (Moschus leucogaster) was the most abundant prey species, but infrequent in the diet suggesting that are not the best bet prey for the snow leopards. Snow leopards were found to exhibit a diverse diet, consuming eleven prey species, with blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) being their most consumed wild prey and horses as their preferred livestock. The Pianka’s index of dietary niche overlap between the summer and winter seasons were 0.576, suggesting a pronounced seasonal variation in food preference corroborating with the prey availability. The scarcity of larger preys in winter is compensated by small and meso-mammals in the diet, highlighting the snow leopard’s capacity for dietary plasticity in response to the variation in resource availability. This research suggests for the utilization of genetic tools to further explore snow leopard diet composition. Additionally, understanding transboundary movements and conducting population assessments will be imperative for the formulation of effective conservation strategies.
Effect of N-Carbamylglutamate Supplementation on Growth Performance, Jejunal Morphology, Amino Acid Transporters, and Antioxidant Ability of Weaned Pigs
Authors: Hu Naizhi , Mao Pei , Xiong Xiaoya , Ma Zhuangzhuang , Xie Zhijiang , Gao Mengmeng , Wu Qiujue , Ma Wenfeng
Published: October 2023

Weaning is an important period that affects the performance of piglets. However, the regulation of dietary amino acid levels is considered to be an effective way to alleviate the weaning stress of piglets. N-carbamylglutamate (NCG) plays an important role in improving the growth performance and antioxidant capacity of animals. A total of 36 weaned piglets were randomly assigned to two treatment groups, a control group (CON) and a 500 mg/kg NCG group (NCG), and the experiment lasted for 28 days. The results show that the NCG treatment group showed an increased 0–28 days average weight gain and average daily feed intake, and also increased contents of GLU and HDL, and lower SUN in serum, and an upregulation of the expression of the amino acid transporters SNAT2, EAAC1, SLC3A1, and SLC3A2 mRNA in the jejunum (p < 0.05), as well as an increased villus length and VH:CD ratio, and claudin-1, occludin, and ZO-1 mRNA expression in the jejunum (p < 0.05). The NCG treatment group showed an increased content of GSH-Px in serum and T-AOC and SOD in the jejunum, and a lower content of MDA (p < 0.05); and the upregulation of the mRNA expression related to antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD1, Gpx4, GCLC, GCLM and Nrf2, AhR, CYP1A1) in the jejunal mucosa (p < 0.05). In addition, compared with the control group, the NCG treatment group saw an upregulation in the mRNA expression of IL-10 and a decrease in the expression of IL-1β and IL-4 in the jejunal mucosa (p < 0.05). In summary, the results of this study suggest that NCG improved growth performance and jejunal morphology, improved the jejunal transport of amino acids related to the ornithine cycle, and improved the antioxidant capacity in weaned pigs.
Multi-Omic, Histopathologic, and Clinicopathologic Effects of Once-Weekly Oral Rapamycin in a Naturally Occurring Feline Model of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: A Pilot Study
Authors: Rivas Victor N. , Kaplan Joanna L. , Kennedy Susan A. , Fitzgerald Stuart , Crofton Amanda E. , Farrell Aisling , Grubb Louise , Jauregui Carina E. , Grigorean Gabriela , Choi Eunju , Harris Samantha P. , Stern Joshua A.
Published: October 2023

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) remains the single most common cardiomyopathy in cats, with a staggering prevalence as high as 15%. To date, little to no direct therapeutical intervention for HCM exists for veterinary patients. A previous study aimed to evaluate the effects of delayed-release (DR) rapamycin dosing in a client-owned population of subclinical, non-obstructive, HCM-affected cats and reported that the drug was well tolerated and resulted in beneficial LV remodeling. However, the precise effects of rapamycin in the hypertrophied myocardium remain unknown. Using a feline research colony with naturally occurring hereditary HCM (n = 9), we embarked on the first-ever pilot study to examine the tissue-, urine-, and plasma-level proteomic and tissue-level transcriptomic effects of an intermittent low dose (0.15 mg/kg) and high dose (0.30 mg/kg) of DR oral rapamycin once weekly. Rapamycin remained safe and well tolerated in cats receiving both doses for eight weeks. Following repeated weekly dosing, transcriptomic differences between the low- and high-dose groups support dose-responsive suppressive effects on myocardial hypertrophy and stimulatory effects on autophagy. Differences in the myocardial proteome between treated and control cats suggest potential anti-coagulant/-thrombotic, cellular remodeling, and metabolic effects of the drug. The results of this study closely recapitulate what is observed in the human literature, and the use of rapamycin in the clinical setting as the first therapeutic agent with disease-modifying effects on HCM remains promising. The results of this study establish the need for future validation efforts that investigate the fine-scale relationship between rapamycin treatment and the most compelling gene expression and protein abundance differences reported here.
Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 Has a Diverse Role in Energetic and Reproductive Physiological Functions of Female Beef Cattle
Authors: Prezotto Ligia D. , Keane Jessica A. , Cupp Andrea S. , Thorson Jennifer F.
Published: October 2023

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) has been identified in multiple mammalian species as a molecular marker of energy metabolism while also providing negative feedback to the gonads. However, the role of FGF21 in regulating the energetic and reproductive physiology of beef heifers and cows has yet to be characterized. Herein, we investigated the temporal concentrations of FGF21 in female beef cattle from the prepubertal period to early lactation. Circulating concentrations of FGF21, non-esterified fatty acids, plasma urea nitrogen, glucose, and progesterone were assessed. Ultrasonography was employed to determine the onset of puberty and resumption of postpartum ovarian cyclicity as well as to measure backfat thickness. Finally, cows and calves underwent the weigh-suckle-weigh technique to estimate rate of milk production. We have revealed that FGF21 has an expansive role in the physiology of female beef cattle, including pubertal onset, adaptation to nutritional transition, rate of body weight gain, circulating markers of metabolism, and rate of milk production. In conclusion, FGF21 plays a role in physiological functions in beef cattle that can be applied to advance the understanding of basic scientific processes governing the nutritional regulation of reproductive function but also provides a novel means for beef cattle producers to select parameters of financial interest.
Identifying the Risk Regions of Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) Incidents in China
Authors: Zheng Boming , Lin Xijie , Qi Xinhua
Published: October 2023

The objectives of this study were to identify the risk regions of wild boar incidents in China and to draw a risk map. Risk maps can be used to plan the prioritization of preventive measures, increasing management effectiveness from both a short- and a long-term perspective. We used a web crawler (web information access technology) to obtain reports of wild boar incidents from China’s largest search engine (Baidu) and obtained 196 valid geographic locations of wild boar incidents from the reports. Subsequently, a system of environmental variables—with climate, topography, landscape, and human disturbance as the main variable types—was constructed, based on human–land-system thinking. Finally, the Maxent model was applied to predict the risk space of wild boar incidents in China by integrating the geographic location information for wild boar incidents with the environmental variables. We observed that the types of environmental variables that contributed to wild boar incidents were in the descending order of climate (40.5%) > human disturbance (25.2%) > landscape (24.4%) > topography (9.8%). Among the 14 environmental variables, annual precipitation, the GDP index, and the mean annual temperature were the main environmental variables. The distance from woodland, distance from cultivated land, and elevation were the secondary environmental variables. The response curves of the environmental variables demonstrated that the highest probability of wild boar incidents occurred when the annual average temperature was 16 °C, the annual precipitation was 800 mm, and the altitudes were 150 m and 1800 m. The probability of wild boar incidents decreased with an increase in the distance from cultivated and forested land, and increased sharply and then levelled off with an increase in the GDP index. Approximately 12.18% of China was identified as being at a high risk of wild boar incidents, mainly on the eastern side of the Huhuanyong Line.
Decline and Extinction of the Italian Agile Frog Rana latastei from Core Areas of Its Range
Authors: Ficetola Gentile Francesco , Manenti Raoul , Lo Parrino Elia , Muraro Martina , Barzaghi Benedetta , Messina Valeria , Giachello Simone , Melotto Andrea , Falaschi Mattia
Published: October 2023

Detecting the trends of species and populations is fundamental to identifying taxa with high conservation priority. Unfortunately, long-term monitoring programs are challenging and often lacking. The Italian agile frog Rana latastei is endemic to Northern Italy and adjacent countries, is considered vulnerable by the IUCN, and is protected at the European level. However, quantitative estimates of its decline are extremely scarce. In this study, we document the trends in abundance and distribution of Rana latastei within Monza Park, which currently represents the area closer to the type locality of the species and holds unique genetic features. Wetlands within the park were monitored from 2000 to 2023; counts of egg clutches were taken as a measure of reproductive output and the abundance of breeding females. In 2000, the species occurred over a significant proportion of the park. Total abundance showed strong yearly variation but remained rather constant from 2000 to 2019. However, Rana latastei disappeared from the park around 2021 and was never detected in 2022–2023. The decline is probably related to the joint effect of multiple factors, including the conversion of breeding sites for farming, inappropriate water management, invasive alien species, and severe drought. The local extinction of Rana latastei occurred despite legal protection, highlighting the need for more effective and stringent tools for the conservation of European biodiversity.
Efficacy of Liquid Smoke to Mitigate Infestations of the Storage Mite, Tyrophagus putrescentiae, in a Model Semi-Moist Pet Food
Authors: Deliephan Aiswariya , Phillips Thomas W. , Subramanyam Bhadriraju , Aldrich Charles G. , Maille Jacqueline , Manu Naomi
Published: October 2023

The storage mite Tyrophagus putrescentiae infests a wide range of food products including pet food. Control of this mite depends on chemical methods such as fumigation and spraying with insecticides. Methyl bromide was used as a fumigant for high-value stored products, especially to control mite infestation in dry-cured hams and cheeses, but it is now banned for most uses in many countries because of its atmospheric ozone-depleting effects. Effective alternatives to methyl bromide are needed to develop integrated pest management programs for this pest. Liquid smoke is a naturally derived flavoring and preservative with known antimicrobial properties. The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of liquid smoke preparations, with varying phenol and carbonyl concentrations and pH, on the survivability and orientation behavior of T. putrescentiae in a model semi-moist pet food. The mite survivability assays using liquid smoke-treated and untreated semi-moist pet food samples indicated that there was no difference among treatments (p > 0.05) for mite infestation and survival. Two-choice behavioral assays using semi-moist pet food cubes dipped in varying concentrations (0%, 0.3%, 1%, 5%, 10%, 25%, 50%, or 100% v/v) of liquid smoke preparations found that some of the liquid smoke preparations containing medium to high carbonyl content repelled the mites. In conclusion, liquid smoke did not kill or inhibit the mite population growth in semi-moist pet food. However, some liquid smoke fractions containing medium to high carbonyl content were repellent to mites and may retard mite infestation in stored semi-moist foods.
A Translational Model for Repeated Episodes of Joint Inflammation: Welfare, Clinical and Synovial Fluid Biomarker Assessment
Authors: Kearney Clodagh M. , Korthagen Nicoline M. , Plomp Saskia G. M. , Labberté Margot C. , de Grauw Janny C. , van Weeren P. René , Brama Pieter A. J.
Published: October 2023

This study investigates repeated low-dose lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injections in equine joints as a model for recurrent joint inflammation and its impact on animal welfare. Joint inflammation was induced in eight horses by injecting 0.25 ng of LPS three times at two-week intervals. Welfare scores and clinical parameters were recorded at baseline and over 168 h post-injection. Serial synoviocentesis was performed for the analysis of a panel of synovial fluid biomarkers of inflammation and cartilage turnover. Clinical parameters and a final synoviocentesis were also performed eight weeks after the last sampling point to assess the recovery of normal joint homeostasis. Statistical methods were used to compare the magnitude of response to each of the 3 LPS inductions and to compare the baseline and final measurements. Each LPS injection produced consistent clinical and biomarker responses, with minimal changes in welfare scores. General matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity and joint circumference showed greater response to the second LPS induction, but response to the third was comparable to the first. Gylcosaminoglycans (GAG) levels showed a significantly decreased response with each induction, while collagen-cleavage neoepitope of type II collagen (C2C) and carboxypropetide of type II collagen epitope (CPII) showed quicker responses to the second and third inductions. All parameters were comparable to baseline values at the final timepoint. In conclusion, a consistent, reliable intra-articular inflammatory response can be achieved with repeated injections of 0.25 ng LPS, with minimal impact on animal welfare, suggesting potential as a refined translational model of recurrent joint inflammation.
The Association of Procalcitonin and C-Reactive Protein with Bacterial Infections Acquired during Intensive Care Unit Stay in COVID-19 Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Campani Simone , Talamonti Marta , Dall’Ara Lorenzo , Coloretti Irene , Gatto Ilenia , Biagioni Emanuela , Tosi Martina , Meschiari Marianna , Tonelli Roberto , Clini Enrico , Cossarizza Andrea , Guaraldi Giovanni , Mussini Cristina , Sarti Mario , Trenti Tommaso , Girardis Massimo
Published: October 2023

In COVID-19 patients, procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) performance in identifying bacterial infections remains unclear. Our study aimed to evaluate the association of PCT and CRP with secondary infections acquired during ICU stay in critically ill COVID-19 patients. This observational study included adult patients admitted to three COVID-19 intensive care units (ICUs) from February 2020 to May 2022 with respiratory failure caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection and ICU stay ≥ 11 days. The values of PCT and CRP collected on the day of infection diagnosis were compared to those collected on day 11 after ICU admission, the median time for infection occurrence, in patients without secondary infection. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and multivariate logistic model were used to assess PCT and CRP association with secondary infections. Two hundred and seventy-nine patients were included, of whom 169 (60.6%) developed secondary infection after ICU admission. The PCT and CRP values observed on the day of the infection diagnosis were larger (p < 0.001) than those observed on day 11 after ICU admission in patients without secondary infections. The ROC analysis calculated an AUC of 0.744 (95%CI 0.685–0.803) and 0.754 (95%CI 0.695–0.812) for PCT and CRP, respectively. Multivariate logistic models showed that PCT ≥ 0.16 ng/mL and CRP ≥ 1.35 mg/dL were associated (p < 0.001) with infections acquired during ICU stay. Our results indicated that in COVID-19 patients, PCT and CRP values were associated with infections acquired during the ICU stay and can be used to support, together with clinical signs, rather than predict or rule out, the diagnosis of these infections.