bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First Report of Field Resistance to Afidopyropen, the Novel Pyropene Insecticide, on Bemisia tabaci Mediterranean (Q Biotype) from China
Authors: Wang Ran , Gao Bingli , Che Wunan , Qu Cheng , Zhou Xuan , Luo Chen
Published: March 2022

Afidopyropen, a novel biopesticide, is derived from Aspergillus fumigatus, a fungus, and shows promise as a novel insecticidal agent for the management of the whitefly pest Bemisia tabaci in horticultural and economical crop production. In the present work, we monitored the susceptibilities of B. tabaci to afidopyropen in 18 field populations, sampled from 9 provinces of China, and found that, in comparison with the susceptible strain (MED-S), B. tabaci from most field populations were highly susceptible, except for the Haidian population (HD) which exhibited an approximately 40-fold increase in resistance. The HD population also displayed significant cross-resistance to sulfoxaflor (14.5-fold) but little cross-resistance to cyantraniliprole, flonicamid, imidacloprid, pymetrozine, and thiamethoxam. Afidopyropen resistance of the HD population was determined to be incomplete dominant and autosomal, and synergism assays demonstrated that P450 monooxygenases could contribute to the field-evolved afidopyropen resistance observed in the HD population. These results will further our understanding of the molecular underpinnings of insecticide resistance in B. tabaci and can inform the development of field-based pest control tactics to slow the development of afidopyropen resistance and to control whiteflies more sustainably.
Exogenous Application of Zinc Sulphate at Heading Stage of Wheat Improves the Yield and Grain Zinc Biofortification
Authors: Sher Ahmad , Sarwar Bushra , Sattar Abdul , Ijaz Muhammad , Ul-Allah Sami , Hayat Malik Tahir , Manaf Abdul , Qayyum Abdul , Zaheer Ahmad , Iqbal Javed , Askary Ahmad El , Gharib Amal F. , Ismail Khadiga Ahmed , Elesawy Basem H.
Published: March 2022

Wheat is the leading staple food in the world, particularly in developing countries, which lacks a mechanism of zinc absorption; when compared to pulses, more attention is consequently important to be given to the wheat crop. Micronutrient deficiencies and especially zinc deficiency influences one-third of the world population. In addition to this, it is also essential for the growth and development of plants and animals. A pot and field experiment was conducted to check the effect of foliar application of zinc sulphate on three different wheat varieties at the same time. Treatment consisted of three zinc levels (control, 4%, 6%) in the form of zinc sulphate (21% Zn) applications were applied on various wheat varieties (Zincol, Fakher-e-Bhakkar, Faisalabad-2008) at different growth stages (tillering, booting and heading). Different zinc levels showed different results on wheat varieties in both experiments. Results revealed that var. Fakher-e-Bhakkar was best at 6% zinc application for more plant height, the number of spikelets, spike length, 100-grain weight, biological and grain yield per plant as compared to other varieties and treatments. Antioxidants and nutritional quality (protein, gluten, starch and zinc contents) showed variable behavior both on wheat varieties and zinc application. It is concluded that Fakher-e-Bhakkar was found to be the most responsive cultivar at 6% zinc application for improvement in growth, yield-related traits and nutritional quality. So it is recommended for achieving maximum yield and yield components and grain zinc contents of wheat under agro-climatic conditions of Layyah, Punjab-Pakistan.
The Influence of Different Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates, Urease Inhibitors and Biological Preparations on Maize Grain Yield and Yield Structure Elements
Authors: Drulis Povilas , Kriaučiūnienė Zita , Liakas Vytautas
Published: March 2022

The field experiment was performed in 2019–2021 at the Experimental Station of Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (54°52′ N, 23°49′ E). The soil of the experimental field was Endohipogleyic-Eutric Planasol. The studied factors were: Factor A—different nitrogen fertilizer rates: (1) 100 kg N ha−1; (2) 140 kg N ha−1; (3) 180 kg N ha−1; Factor B—the use of urease inhibitors (UI) and biological preparations (BP): (1) urease inhibitors (UI) and biological preparations (BP) were not used; (2) Urease inhibitor (UI ATS)—ammonium thiosulfate—[(NH4)2S2O3 12-0-0-26S]; (3) Urease inhibitor (UI URN)—N-butyl-thiophosphorus triamide (NBPT) and N-propyl-thiophosphorus triamide (NPPT); (4) Biological preparation (BP HUM)—suspension of humic and fulvic acids; (5) Biological preparation (BP FIT)—Ascophyllum nodosum suspension. Our studies showed that the highest yield of maize grain (8.9–12.0 t ha−1) was obtained by fertilizing with N180 and using the urease inhibitor ammonium thiosulfate (ATS). ATS significantly increased corn grain yield in all backgrounds of nitrogen fertilization. The investigated urease inhibitors and biologics had a higher and more significant (p < 0.05) effect on maize grain yield when fertilized with N100 nitrogen. The increase in nitrogen fertilizer rates had an effect on maize grain yield, with the largest increase in yield being found in the increase in nitrogen rate from N100 to N140, and the increase in rate to N180 was less effective. The maximum mass of 1000 grains (323.5 g) was determined in 2019 by fertilization with N180 and use of the urease inhibitor UI URN. The urease inhibitor UI ATS was more effective when fertilized with lower rates of N100 and N140. Positive, moderate, strong and very strong, statistically significant correlations (r2 = 0.48–0.91) were most often found between the latter indicators and nitrogen fertilizer rates throughout the study year. The largest amount of grain (497 units) in the cob was determined in 2019, using fertilization with N140 and UI ATS, but no significant differences were found between the different fertilizer rates and the tested preparations. These results suggest that urease inhibitors and biologics can reduce dependence on nitrogen fertilizers and increase maize yield, a technology that should be practiced by maize growers.
Application of the Nitrogen Nutrition Index to Estimate the Yield of Indica Hybrid Rice Grown from Machine-Transplanted Bowl Seedlings
Authors: Xu Haocong , He Haibing , Yang Kun , Ren Haojie , Zhu Tiezhong , Ke Jian , You Cuicui , Guo Shuangshuang , Wu Liquan
Published: March 2022

The purpose was to comprehensively compare the prediction accuracy of different nitrogen nutrition indexes (NNILAI and NNIDM) derived from critical nitrogen concentration (Nc) models established by the leaf area index (LAI) and dry matter (DM) in estimating the grain yield of indica hybrid rice grown from machine-transplanted bowl seedlings. Therefore, field experiments were conducted with two high-yielding indica hybrid rice varieties and five nitrogen application rates in 2018 and 2019. The results show that NNIDM peaked in the stem elongation stage, while NNILAI had its maximal value in the mid-tillering stage during the growth stages. The NNILAI had the highest correlation with the relative effective panicle number in the tillering stage when compared with the NNIDM, and the threshold points of the NNI were 0.971 (active tillering stage) and 1.106 (mid-tillering stage). Moreover, the NNILAI had the highest correlation with the relative seed setting rate in the stem elongation–panicle initiation stage compared with the NNIDM, and its threshold points were 1.116 (stem elongation stage) and 1.053 (panicle initiation stage). In contrast, the NNIDM had the highest correlation with the relative seed setting rate in the heading stage compared with the NNILAI, and its threshold point was 1.050 (heading stage). Therefore, the NNILAI in the tillering–panicle initiation stage and NNIDM in the heading stage should be merged to effectively improve the nitrogen nutrition status and its evaluation in addition to the prediction accuracy of the yield of indica hybrid rice grown from machine-transplanted bowl seedlings. This study provides a theoretical basis for improved understanding of the nitrogen status and yield prediction of indica hybrid rice grown from machine-transplanted bowl seedlings.
Challenges to Use Machine Learning in Agricultural Big Data: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Cravero Ania , Pardo Sebastian , Sepúlveda Samuel , Muñoz Lilia
Published: March 2022

Agricultural Big Data is a set of technologies that allows responding to the challenges of the new data era. In conjunction with machine learning, farmers can use data to address problems such as farmers’ decision making, water management, soil management, crop management, and livestock management. Crop management includes yield prediction, disease detection, weed detection, crop quality, and species recognition. On the other hand, livestock management considers animal welfare and livestock production. The purpose of this paper is to synthesize the evidence regarding the challenges involved in implementing machine learning in agricultural Big Data. We conducted a systematic literature review applying the PRISMA protocol. This review includes 30 papers published from 2015 to 2020. We develop a framework that summarizes the main challenges encountered, machine learning techniques, and the leading technologies used. A significant challenge is the design of agricultural Big Data architectures due to the need to modify the set of technologies adapting the machine learning techniques as the volume of data increases.
Ontology-Based IoT Middleware Approach for Smart Livestock Farming toward Agriculture 4.0: A Case Study for Controlling Thermal Environment in a Pig Facility
Authors: Symeonaki Eleni , Arvanitis Konstantinos G. , Piromalis Dimitrios , Tseles Dimitrios , Balafoutis Athanasios T.
Published: March 2022

Integrated farm management (IFM) is promoted as a whole farm approach toward Agriculture 4.0, incorporating smart farming technologies for attempting to limit livestock production’s negative impacts on the environment while increasing productivity with regard to the economic viability of rural communities. The Internet of Things (IoT) may serve as an enabler to ensure key properties—such as interconnectivity, scalability, agility, and interoperability—in IFM systems so that they could provide object-based services while adapting to dynamic changes. This paper focuses on the problem of facilitating the management, processing, and sharing of the vast and heterogeneous data points generated in livestock facilities by introducing distributed IoT middleware as the core of a responsive and adaptive service-oriented IFM system, specifically targeted to enable smart livestock farming in view of its unique requirements. The proposed IoT middleware encompasses the context-awareness approach via the integration of a flexible ontology-based structure for modeling and reasoning. The IoT middleware was assessed in actual conditions on the grounds of a case study for smart control of the thermal environment in a medium-sized pig farming facility. As derived from the obtained evaluation results, the system appears to perform quite satisfactorily in terms of computational performance as well as ontology coherence, consistency, and efficiency.
Systematic Review of Computer Vision Semantic Analysis in Socially Assistive Robotics
Authors: Lundgren Antonio Victor Alencar , Santos Matheus Albert Oliveira dos , Bezerra Byron Leite Dantas , Bastos-Filho Carmelo José Albanez
Published: March 2022

The simultaneous surges in the research on socially assistive robotics and that on computer vision can be seen as a result of the shifting and increasing necessities of our global population, especially towards social care with the expanding population in need of socially assistive robotics. The merging of these fields creates demand for more complex and autonomous solutions, often struggling with the lack of contextual understanding of tasks that semantic analysis can provide and hardware limitations. Solving those issues can provide more comfortable and safer environments for the individuals in most need. This work aimed to understand the current scope of science in the merging fields of computer vision and semantic analysis in lightweight models for robotic assistance. Therefore, we present a systematic review of visual semantics works concerned with assistive robotics. Furthermore, we discuss the trends and possible research gaps in those fields. We detail our research protocol, present the state of the art and future trends, and answer five pertinent research questions. Out of 459 articles, 22 works matching the defined scope were selected, rated in 8 quality criteria relevant to our search, and discussed in depth. Our results point to an emerging field of research with challenging gaps to be explored by the academic community. Data on database study collection, year of publishing, and the discussion of methods and datasets are displayed. We observe that the current methods regarding visual semantic analysis show two main trends. At first, there is an abstraction of contextual data to enable an automated understanding of tasks. We also observed a clearer formalization of model compaction metrics.
Isoflavone Containing Legumes Mitigate Ergot Alkaloid-Induced Vasoconstriction in Goats (Capra hircus)
Authors: Harlow Brittany E. , Flythe Michael D. , Goodman Jack P. , Ji Huihua , Aiken Glen E.
Published: March 2022

Ergot alkaloids produced by a fungal endophyte that infects tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum; (E+ TF) can induce constriction of the vasculature in ruminants, resulting in “fescue toxicosis”. Legumes contain isoflavones that have been demonstrated to prevent and reverse E+ TF vasoconstriction. Several legumes are conventionally utilized in ruminant production, but can vary in both isoflavone concentration and composition. A feeding study was conducted to determine if isoflavone supplementation via red clover (Trifolium pratense), white clover (Trifolium repens), or soybean (Glycine max) meal can alleviate vasoconstriction when wether goats were challenged with E+ TF seed. The basal diet was chopped grass hay ad libitum. Carotid luminal areas were obtained pre- and post-ruminal infusions of E+ TF seed (15 µg kg BW−1 ergovaline + ergovalanine ± red clover, white clover, or soybean meal at 2.61 mg kg BW−1). When goats were challenged with E+ TF seed, the mean carotid luminal areas decreased by 56.1% (p < 0.01). All treatments were able to partially mitigate vasoconstriction, with red clover being the most effective (+39.8%), and white clover and soybean meal eliciting an intermediate response (+30%, p < 0.01). Results indicate that legumes can relax vasoconstriction in goats consuming ergot alkaloids, despite differences in isoflavone profile and concentrations.
Hybridization between Alpine Ibex and Domestic Goat in the Alps: A Sporadic and Localized Phenomenon?
Authors: Moroni Barbara , Brambilla Alice , Rossi Luca , Meneguz Pier Giuseppe , Bassano Bruno , Tizzani Paolo
Published: March 2022

The Alpine ibex (Capra ibex) is a mountain ungulate living in the European Alps. Although being currently classified as a species of Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN, a potential threat for its long-term conservation is introgression following hybridization with domestic goats (Capra hircus). Hybridization has been documented in Switzerland in captive and free ranging animals, although accurate data to assess the extent of this phenomenon in natural conditions in the Alps are lacking. Using an online survey and a network of experts, we collected and mapped unpublished evidence of hybridization events that occurred between Alpine ibex and feral domestic goats from 2000 to 2021. The results of this study showed that hybrids are distributed in most of the Alpine countries, and their presence is not a sporadic event, with some clusters including 4–20 probable hybrids. Our results illustrated the need for establishing a standardized and effective protocol to identify hybrids in the field (such as a formal description of the morphological traits characterizing hybrids), as well as clear guidelines for hybrid management. Even more importantly, this study also highlighted the need for actions aimed at avoiding hybridization, such as the effective management of domestic herds grazing in Alpine ibex core areas.
Evaluation of Volitional Swimming Behavior of Schizothorax prenanti Using an Open-Channel Flume with Spatially Heterogeneous Turbulent Flow
Authors: Li Minne , An Ruidong , Chen Min , Li Jia
Published: March 2022

Effective fishway design requires knowledge of fish swimming behavior in streams and channels. Appropriate tests with near-natural flow conditions are required to assess the interaction between fish behavior and turbulent flows. In this study, the volitional swimming behavior of S. prenanti was tested and quantified in an open-channel flume with three (low, moderate, and high) flow regimes. The results showed that, when confronted with alternative flow regimes, S. prenanti preferred to select regions with low flow velocities (0.25–0.50 m/s) and turbulent kinetic energy (<0.05 m2/s2) for swimming, while avoiding high-turbulence areas. Moreover, S. prenanti primarily employed steady swimming behavior to search for flow velocities lower than the average current to conserve energy in low- and moderate-flow regimes. It is hypothesized that in regions with higher flow velocities, fish may change their swimming strategy from energy conservation to time conservation. Additionally, the average and maximum burst speeds of S. prenanti were 2.63 ± 0.37 and 3.49 m/s, respectively, which were 2.21- and 2.28-fold higher than the average (1.19 m/s) and maximum (1.53 m/s) burst speeds estimated from the enclosed swim chamber for fish of similar length. This study contributes a novel research approach that provides more reliable information about fish volitional swimming behavior in natural habitats, as well as recommendations for hydraulic criteria for fishways and the identification of barriers to fish migrations.
Serological Diversity of Dichelobacter nodosus in German Sheep Flocks
Authors: Budnik Monia , Struck Ann-Kathrin , Storms Julia , Wirth Anna , Jores Jörg , Kuhnert Peter , Distl Ottmar
Published: March 2022

Footrot is one of the major causes of lameness in sheep and leads to decreased animal welfare and high economic losses. The causative agent is the Gram-negative anaerobic bacterium Dichelobacter nodosus. The prevalence of D. nodosus in 207 sheep flocks across Germany was 42.9%. Based on the sequence variation in the type IV fimbrial gene fimA, D. nodosus can be subdivided into ten serogroups (A–I and M). There are commercially available vaccines covering nine serogroups, but the efficacy is low compared to bivalent vaccines. The aim of this study was to investigate the diversity of serogroups in Germany at the flock and animal levels. In total, we detected at least one serogroup in 819 samples out of 969 D. nodosus-positive samples from 83 flocks using serogroup-specific singleplex PCR for the serogroups A–I. Serogroup A was most prevalent at the animal level, followed by serogroups B, H and C. At the flock level, serogroups A and B had the highest prevalence, each with 64%, but only 40% of flocks had both. The average number of serogroups per animal was 1.42 (range one to five) and, per flock, 3.10 (range one to six). The serogrouping showed within-flock specific clusters but were widely distributed, with 50 different combinations across the flocks. The factors associated with the number of serogroups per animal and single serogroups were the load of D. nodosus, footrot score, sheep breed and flock. Our results indicate that efficient vaccination programs would benefit from tailor-made flock-specific vaccines and regular monitoring of circulating serotypes in the flock to be able to adjust vaccine formulations for nationwide progressive control of footrot in Germany.
Maternal Impact on Serum Immunoglobulin and Total Protein Concentration in Dairy Calves
Authors: Immler Manuela , Büttner Kathrin , Gärtner Tanja , Wehrend Axel , Donat Karsten
Published: March 2022

For dairy calves, sufficient supply with high-quality maternal colostrum is crucial to achieve adequate passive transfer of immunoglobulins. This observational cross-sectional study aimed to determine the influence of the prepartum metabolic status of dams on the serum immunoglobulin and total protein concentrations of their dairy calves, taking other relevant management factors into account. A total of 551 cows and their calves from 124 German dairy farms were included. Blood and urine samples of the cows were sampled 1 to 3 weeks before the expected calving date. Two generalized linear mixed effects regression models were fitted to the data. An increase in a dam’s prepartum serum non-esterified fatty acids concentration was associated with greater serum immunoglobulin concentration in her calf. Calves of herds with established birth monitoring at night showed greater serum immunoglobulin and total protein concentrations. Calves being fed more than 2 L of colostrum and higher Brix values for colostrum were related to greater serum immunoglobulin and total protein concentrations in calves. In conclusion, there is evidence that, besides timely and sufficient supply of high-quality colostrum to new-born calves, the prepartum metabolic status of cows and birth monitoring impact the passive transfer of immunoglobulins.
Aerobic Commensal Conjunctival Microflora in Healthy Donkeys
Authors: Fraczkowska Kaja , Zak-Bochenek Agnieszka , Siwinska Natalia , Rypula Krzysztof , Ploneczka-Janeczko Katarzyna
Published: March 2022

From a clinical point of view, knowledge of the commensal microbial flora of the conjunctival sac in healthy individuals proves to be of great importance. The aim of this study was to assess the presence and the composition of normal ocular microflora of healthy donkeys. Fourteen clinically healthy donkeys (Equus asinus) participated in the study. After prior ophthalmological examination, which showed no abnormalities, a conjunctival swab was taken from each donkey from the right and left eye. Species-specific identification was based on a morphological assessment of bacterial colonies stained with the Gram technique, as well as on biochemical properties and the disk-diffusion method. Around 82% of samples were positive for bacteria cultivation; Pantoea agglomerans was the most prevalently detected species, followed by Moraxella lacunata. In conclusion, our study made it possible to determine the commensal flora of the conjunctival sac in donkeys. The obtained results also showed discrepancies in the composition of the conjunctival sac flora of donkeys and horses, despite the geographical proximity of performed studies. Knowledge of the commensal conjunctival flora of donkeys is of great clinical importance due to their greater exposure to corneal damage and infections than horses.
Evaluation of the Taxonomic Status of Lesser Egyptian Jerboa, Jaculus jaculus: First Description of New Phylogroups in Tunisia
Authors: Ghawar Wissem , Chaouch Melek , Ben Abderrazak Souha , Snoussi Mohammed Ali , Salem Sadok , Chouchen Said , Bouaoun Amor , Ben Salah Afif , Bettaieb Jihene
Published: March 2022

The taxonomy of the Lesser Egyptian jerboa, Jaculus (J.) jaculus (Dipodinae subfamily), was recently reevaluated, and the taxonomic status was defined by the presence of two cryptic species, J. jaculus (Linnaeus 1758) and J. hirtipes (Lichtenstein, 1823), with a higher genetic divergence in the sympatric North African populations than in other studied parapatric populations. Using phylogenetic analysis of the cytochrome b (Cytb) gene from 46 specimens, we confirmed the new status in Tunisia; rodents were collected from two different biotopes belonging to the same locality at the ecological level (mountainous vs. Saharan) in the south of the country. The study of the eye lens weight of these specimens allowed the definition of a cutoff value (58.5 g), categorizing juveniles from adults. Moreover, this study confirmed the phylotaxonomic status of J. jaculus in Tunisia, as recently illustrated, into two distinct species, J. jaculus and J. hirtipes, and recorded for the first time the presence of two phylogroups among each of these rodent species. The lack of clear micro-geographical structure and biotope specificity between the two rodent species and their phylogroups was also highlighted.
The Relationship between the Testicular Blood Flow and the Semen Parameters of Rams during the Selected Periods of the Breeding and Non-Breeding Seasons
Authors: Kozłowska Natalia , Faundez Ricardo , Borzyszkowski Kamil , Dąbrowski Sebastian , Jasiński Tomasz , Domino Małgorzata
Published: March 2022

The study aimed to conduct advanced semen evaluation tests during routine ram examination periods in the breeding and non-breeding seasons and to investigate their correlation with the dynamics of testicular blood flow. Semen was collected from eighteen rams, and pulse wave Doppler examination before (BBS), during (BS), and after the breeding season (ABS). Routine and advanced semen analysis, including computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA), sperm chromatin dispersion test (SCD), and motile sperm organelle morphology examination (MSOME), were conducted. In Doppler ultrasonography, the peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), resistive index (RI), and pulsatility index (PI) were calculated. In BS period, high sperm concentration (p < 0.0001) and total sperm number/ejaculate (p = 0.008) were noted. During the BBS period, a low percentage of forwarding motility (p = 0.017) and high sperm abnormalities (p = 0.005) were found. Also during this period, both SCD and MSOME revealed high sperm DNA fragmentation (p < 0.0001) and signs of vacuolization (Grade II-IV, p < 0.05). The advanced features of higher sperm abnormalities (Grade IV of MSOME) correlated with an increase RI (ρє <0.60;0.61>) and PI (ρє <0.46;0.52>), whereas the basic percentage of sperm abnormalities correlated with the EDV (ρє <0.44;0.73>) value. One may conclude that the current preliminary study requires further research concerning the monthly examination of a ram to provide full yearly characteristics of the relation between advanced semen evaluation tests and the dynamics of testicular blood flow.
Dietary Betaine and Fatty Acids Change Circulating Single-Carbon Metabolites and Fatty Acids in the Dog
Authors: Jewell Dennis E. , Jackson Matthew I.
Published: March 2022

In order to evaluate the interaction of betaine and n-3 PUFA in foods consumed by the dog, six extruded dry foods were formulated. The control food had no specific source of added betaine or n-3 fatty acids, while the test foods were supplemented with betaine, flax or fish oil in a 2 × 3 factorial design (no added n-3 source, added flax, added menhaden fish oil, and all with or without added betaine). Forty eight adult dogs were used in this study. All dogs were assigned to one of the six dietary treatments and consumed that food for the length of the 60-day study. Blood was analyzed for metabolomics (plasma), fatty acids and selected health-related analytes (serum) at the beginning and the end of the study. Added dietary betaine increased single-carbon metabolites (betaine, dimethyl glycine, methionine and N-methylalanine), decreased xenobiotics (stachydrine, N-acetyl-S-allyl-L-cysteine, 4-vinylguaiacol sulfate, pyrraline, 3-indoleglyoxylic acid, N-methylpipecolate and ectoine) and enhanced the production of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Dietary betaine also decreased the concentration of circulating carnitine and a number of carnitine-containing moieties. The addition of the n-3 fatty acids alpha-linolenic, EPA and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) increased their respective circulating concentrations as well as those of many subsequent moieties containing these fatty acids. The addition of alpha-linolenic acid increased the concentration of EPA when expressed as a ratio of EPA consumed.
Protecting Canada’s Lab Animals: The Need for Legislation
Authors: Black Vaughan , Fenton Andrew , Ormandy Elisabeth H.
Published: March 2022

Canada’s current non-legislated oversight system for animal-based science not only fails to adequately incentivize the replacement of sentient animals as best scientific practice in any meaningful way, but also fails to adequately protect those animals bred, harmed, and killed in the name of science. In this paper, we outline the various shortcomings of the Canadian Council on Animal Care, and we highlight the need for Canada to move towards national legislation akin to that seen in other jurisdictions like the U.K. We conclude that while legislation alone cannot ensure the replacement of sentient animals in science, it appears to be a precondition for significant progress in animal protection and for the development and adoption of non-animal methods.
m6A Methylases Regulate Myoblast Proliferation, Apoptosis and Differentiation
Authors: Yang Xinran , Mei Chugang , Ma Xinhao , Du Jiawei , Wang Jianfang , Zan Linsen
Published: March 2022

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) plays an important role in regulating gene expression. Previous studies found that m6A methylation affects skeletal muscle development. However, the effect of m6A methylases on bovine skeletal myogenesis is still unclear. Here, we found that the expression of m6A demethylases (FTO and ALKBH5) was significantly higher in the longissimus dorsi muscle of adult cattle than in newborn cattle. In contrast, the expression of m6A methyltransferases (METTL3, METTL14 and WTAP) was reduced. The mRNA expression of all five genes was found to be increased during the myogenesis of myoblasts in vitro. Knockdown of FTO or METTL3 promoted myoblast proliferation, inhibited myoblast apoptosis and suppressed myogenic differentiation, whereas ALKBH5 knockdown had the opposite effect. METTL14 knockdown enhanced myoblast proliferation and impaired myogenic differentiation. WTAP knockdown attenuated proliferation and contributed to apoptosis but did not affect differentiation. Furthermore, the functional domains of these five m6A methylases are conserved across species. Our results suggest that m6A methylases are involved in regulating skeletal muscle development and that there may be a complex network of m6A methylation regulating skeletal myogenesis.
Successful Laparoscopic Oviductal Artificial Insemination in the Endangered Tsushima Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis euptilurus)
Authors: Azumano Akinori , Ueda Miya , Nomura Mika , Usui Masashi , Ichinose Midori , Yanagawa Yojiro , Kusuda Satoshi , Matsumoto Yuki , Murata Koichi
Published: March 2022

The Tsushima leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis euptilurus) is an endangered wild felid that lives solely on Tsushima Island, Nagasaki, Japan. Japan’s Ministry of the Environment is working with the Japanese Association of Zoo and Aquariums for ex situ conservation of this species. However, considering genetic diversity, it is difficult to conduct captive breeding programs by natural breeding alone; hence, assisted reproductive technologies are required. This study aimed to breed Tsushima leopard cats, which otherwise cannot be paired, using laparoscopic oviductal artificial insemination (AI). Female Tsushima leopard cats (female 1, aged 7 years; female 2, aged 6 years) were treated with 200 IU equine chorionic gonadotropin, followed by administration of 1000 IU porcine luteinizing hormone (pLH) after 96 h to induce ovulation. Laparoscopic AI was performed 32 h post-pLH administration. Females 1 and 2 were inseminated in the oviduct with 2.4 × 10⁶ and 3.3 × 10⁶ motile spermatozoa, respectively, collected from two males. Pregnancy was confirmed by radiography 45 and 51 days post-AI in females 1 and 2, respectively; one fetus was found in female 2. Moreover, female 2 had spontaneous delivery of a female kitten 66 days post-AI. This is the first successful case of AI in a Tsushima leopard cat.
Detection of a Novel Chlamydia Species in Invasive Turtles
Authors: Bellinati Laura , Pesaro Stefano , Marcer Federica , Danesi Patrizia , Natale Alda , Ceglie Letizia
Published: March 2022

Trachemys scripta is a turtle species native to Central America. Since the 1950s, pond sliders have been imported worldwide as companion animals, but have often ended up in foreign ecosystems with great ecological consequences. Moreover, both autochthonous and invasive species of turtles can be carriers of pathogens, including Chlamydiaceae. In the present study, pulmonary tissues collected from four Trachemys scripta were tested with a 23S-targeting real-time PCR (rPCR) specific for the Chlamydiaceae family. The turtles were hosted in a rescue center for wild exotic animals located in northeastern Italy, and were found dead after the hibernation period. Two out of four individuals resulted positive in rPCR for the presence of Chlamydiaceae. Further characterization of this positivity was performed by phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA and outer membrane protein A genes. The phylogenetic tree showed that these chlamydial strains are identical to a novel Chlamydia reported in 2017 in Polish freshwater turtles, and closely related to Chlamydia pneumoniae and to other chlamydial strains found in reptiles. This first finding evidences the presence of this Chlamydia strain in Italian turtles, but further studies will be necessary to confirm the presence and the strain pathogenicity and to evaluate its prevalence in the local turtles’ population.
The Utility of Serological Analysis for Neospora caninum Infection in Dairy Cattle Farms Management: Serological Investigation and Evaluation of the Effects on Reproductive and Productive Performances in Two Study Herds in Northern Italy
Authors: Villa Luca , Gazzonis Alessia Libera , Fumagalli Emanuele , Zanzani Sergio Aurelio , Manfredi Maria Teresa
Published: March 2022

Neospora caninum is recognized as a major cause of abortion in cattle, determining economic losses, particularly in dairy industries. To evaluate the impact of neosporosis on herd efficiency, and to understand how the serological analysis for N. caninum is explicative of the farm picture, an epidemiological study was designed in two dairy farms recruited as a case study. Blood samples were collected from 540 animals, including cows and heifers over 12 months, and analyzed by an indirect immunofluorescent antibody test with subsequent antibody titration. Overall, 94 animals (17.4%) were identified as positive to N. caninum antibodies (15.5% and 18.5% in Farm 1 and Farm 2), with differences between the farms concerning the antibody titers (Chi-square, p-value = 0.04), particularly in cows (Chi-square, p-value = 0.018). Consequently, a different pattern of abortion episodes was depicted in the two investigated farms. Considering reproductive and productive performances, the number of inseminations necessary to make an animal pregnant was higher in seropositive cows (2.4 and 2.9 in Farm 1 and 2, respectively) than in seronegative ones (2.1 and 2.4 in Farm 1 and 2, respectively). Similarly, particularly in Farm 1, the number of days in milk of not-pregnant cows was higher in seropositive (167.7) than seronegative animals (133.4). Moreover, although the association between N. caninum infection and milk production is still unclear, both the daily milk production and the 305-mature equivalent milk yield were lower in seropositive (31.02 and 11,838.94) than seronegative cows (33.59 and 12,274.88) in Farm 1; an opposite pattern was otherwise depicted in Farm 2. The study showed that even if N. caninum circulated equally in the two herds, the dynamics of the parasite infection and its outcome may be different, also depending on the specific situation of the farm. In this way, the integration of serological analysis for N. caninum, the reproductive and productive parameters, and the information on herd performances, could give specific indications for the application of control strategies.
Quercetin Alleviates Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Induced Apoptosis in Buffalo Ovarian Granulosa Cells
Authors: Yang Weihan , Liu Runfeng , Sun Qinqiang , Huang Xingchen , Zhang Junjun , Huang Liangfeng , Zhang Pengfei , Zhang Ming , Fu Qiang
Published: March 2022

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress plays a crucial role in granulosa cell (GCs) apoptosis, which is the main cause of follicular atresia. Quercetin (QC), a plant-derived flavonoid, has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and other biological properties. However, whether QC can alleviate the effects of ER stress on buffalo GCs remains unknown. In this study, we constructed an ER stress model in buffalo GCs by using tunicamycin (TM) and pre-treated with QC to explore the effect of QC on cells under ER stress. Apoptosis was detected by Annexin fluorescein 5 isothiocyanate (V-FITC), and the expressions of mRNA and related proteins involved in ER stress and apoptosis were detected via real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. The results revealed that ER stress can cause apoptosis in GCs, whereas QC pre-treatment can prevent apoptosis caused by ER stress. After pre-treatment with QC, the expression levels of ER stress-related genes and proteins significantly decreased, pro-apoptotic genes were significantly down-regulated, and anti-apoptotic genes were significantly up-regulated. Furthermore, the results of Chop gene overexpression suggested that QC alleviated ER stress via the PERK/CHOP signaling pathway. In this study, we preliminarily elucidated that QC alleviates ER stress-induced apoptosis in buffalo GCs, and the results suggest a novel strategy for delaying follicular atresia by inhibiting GCs apoptosis.
Animal Tourism: Thai Caregivers’ Perspectives on Their Relationships with Elephants and Tigers
Authors: Hayward Pornpimol Traci , Liu Serene , Thigpen Abigail P. , Hart Lynette A.
Published: March 2022

This study explored the perspectives of elephant mahouts (n = 55) and tiger caregivers (n = 18) working in 4 private or 2 government facilities in Thailand to learn their experiences and viewpoints pertaining to use of animals in tourism. Interviews were conducted in Thailand at facilities in four cities. Mahouts working in private tourism facilities used one-to-one management and were significantly younger and more poorly compensated than those working at government-funded zoos, where some had shifted to group management. Tiger caregivers in tourism had direct contact with young tigers, with group management; these caregivers also were significantly younger than in government zoos, and with fewer benefits. Mahouts and tiger caregivers differed in how they viewed their relationships with their animals. Most mahouts considered their elephants as family members; a slight majority of these questioned the ethics of use of elephants in tourism. Tiger caregivers classified tigers as family or friend equally often; one-third of tiger caregivers declined answering on their approval of using tigers in tourism. What to do with aging tigers is a problem; this may explain some tiger caregivers’ reticence to answer questions about using young tigers in tourism. While solving some problems, animal tourism creates several challenges.
Gingerenone A Induces Antiproliferation and Senescence of Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Yu Tzu-Jung , Tang Jen-Yang , Shiau Jun-Ping , Hou Ming-Feng , Yen Chia-Hung , Ou-Yang Fu , Chen Chung-Yi , Chang Hsueh-Wei
Published: March 2022

Ginger is a popular spice and consists of several bioactive antioxidant compounds. Gingerenone A (Gin A), a novel compound isolated from Zingiber officinale, is rarely investigated for its anti-breast-cancer properties. Some ginger extracts have been reported to initiate senescence, an anticancer strategy. However, the anticancer effects of Gin A on breast cancer cells remain unclear. The present study aims to assess the modulating impact of Gin A acting on proliferation and senescence to breast cancer cells. Gin A diminished the cellular ATP content and decreased the cell viability of the MTS assay in several breast cancer cell lines. It also showed a delayed G2/M response to breast cancer cells (MCF7 and MDA-MB-231). N-acetylcysteine (NAC), an oxidative stress inhibitor, can revert these responses of antiproliferation and G2/M delay. The oxidative stress and senescence responses of Gin A were further validated by increasing reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial superoxide, and β-galactosidase activity, which were reverted by NAC. Gin A also upregulated senescence-associated gene expressions. In addition to oxidative stress, Gin A also induced DNA damage responses by increasing γH2AX level and foci and generating 8-hydroxyl-2′-deoxyguanosine in breast cancer cells, which were reverted by NAC. Therefore, Gin A promotes antiproliferation and senescence of breast cancer cells induced by oxidative stress.
Geographic Variability of Biologically Active Compounds, Antioxidant Activity and Physico-Chemical Properties in Wild Bilberries (Vaccinium myrtillus L.)
Authors: Urbonaviciene Dalia , Bobinaite Ramune , Viskelis Pranas , Bobinas Ceslovas , Petruskevicius Aistis , Klavins Linards , Viskelis Jonas
Published: March 2022

The aim of this study was to characterize the variation in biologically active compounds, antioxidant activity and physico-chemical properties in naturally grown bilberries gathered from different sites in Northern Europe. The variability in the biologically active compounds, antioxidant capacity and physico-chemical properties, as well as the development of tools for the authenticity and quality control of wild bilberries (V. myrtillus L.) in different geographical locations was evaluated. The berries of bilberries were handpicked during the summers of 2019 and 2020 during the time periods when they are typically harvested for commercial purposes in Northern Europe (Norway (NOR), Finland (FIN), Latvia (LVA) and Lithuania (LTU)). Berries from locations in NOR were distinguished by their higher mean TPC (791 mg/100 g FW, average), whereas the mean TPC of samples from the most southern country, LTU, was the lowest (587 mg/100 g FW). The TPC of bilberries ranged from 452 to 902 mg/100 g FW. The TAC values of investigated bilberry samples varied from 233 to 476 mg/100 g FW. A high positive correlation was found between TPC and antioxidant activity of the bilberry samples (R = 0.88 and 0.91 (FRAP and ABTS assays, respectively)), whereas the correlation between TAC and antioxidant activity was lower (R = 0.65 and 0.60). There were variations in the TPC and TAC values of investigated berries, suggesting that genotype also affects the TPC and TAC in berries. In 2020, the pH values and TSS contents of berries were significantly lower than in 2019. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive reported evaluation of the biologically active compounds in wild bilberries from different Northern European countries using one laboratory-validated method.
Fuzhuan Brick Tea Boosts Melanogenesis and Prevents Hair Graying through Reduction of Oxidative Stress via NRF2-HO-1 Signaling
Authors: Zhao Peijun , Park Na Hyun , Alam Md Badrul , Lee Sang-Han
Published: March 2022

The anti-graying effect of the hexane fraction of Fuzhuan brick tea is investigated in Melan-A cells and C57BL/6 mice. As a result, it is found that reactive oxygen species-induced damage is associated with the reduction of melanogenesis in hair bulb melanocytes when reactive oxygen species generation in Melan-A cells occurred. The results revealed that the hexane fraction of Fuzhuan brick tea could remarkably reduce reactive oxygen species generation in Melan-A cells; meanwhile, it could increase the cellular tyrosinase and melanin content, as well as up-regulate the expression of tyrosinase, tyrosinase related protein-1, tyrosinase related protein-2, and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor, and activate the MAP-kinase pathway through activating the phosphorylation of p38 c-Jun N terminal kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase. Furthermore, high-pressure liquid chromatography analysis reveals that the tea’s major ingredients in hexane fraction include gallic acid, theaflavin, theobromine, caffeine, epicatechin, and quercetin. Together, the current results suggest that Fuzhuan brick tea proves to protect from the damage of hydroquinone, which induces hair pigment loss.
Mechanical Analysis of DS in Horizontal Directional Drilling
Authors: Tong Hua , Shao Yongbo
Published: March 2022

In recent years, trenchless horizontal directional drilling (HDD) technology has developed rapidly towards the direction of large pipe diameter and long span. During construction, the buckling deformation and large drag torque of the drillstring (DS) are the key problems restricting the development of the HDD technology. In order to understand the buckling deformation law of the DS in horizontal directional drilling engineering, as well as the transfer and the distribution of the drag torque, and the relationship between the buckling deformation and drag torque, the dynamic model of the DS system in drilling engineering is applied to HDD engineering. The dynamics model of HDD at a long distance (5200 m) is established and calculated. The research indicates (1) when the buckling deformation of the DS is small, priority should be given to reducing the friction and torsion at the bending position; (2) excessive inlet thrust is the main reason for the buckling deformation of the DS, and the smaller the hole diameter, the more serious the buckling deformation; (3) severe buckling deformation of the DS will lead to an increase in the frictional resistance at the deformed part, and even local self-locking, resulting in the inability to continue to increase the weight on bit (WOB). The research results preliminarily reveal the relationship between DS buckling deformation and drag torque in ultra-long distance HDD engineering and point out the phenomenon law of drag torque and buckling deformation, which has reference value for the development of HDD technology.
Iterative Dynamic Critical Path Scheduling: An Efficient Technique for Offloading Task Graphs in Mobile Edge Computing
Authors: Xu Bo , Hu Yi , Hu Menglan , Liu Feng , Peng Kai , Liu Lan
Published: March 2022

Recent years have witnessed a paradigm shift from centralized cloud computing to decentralized edge computing. As a key enabler technique in edge computing, computation offloading migrates computation-intensive tasks from resource-limited devices to nearby devices, optimizing service latency and energy consumption. In this paper, we investigate the problem of offloading task graphs in edge computing scenarios. Previous work based on list-scheduling heuristics is likely to suffer from severe processor time wastage due to intricate task dependencies and data transfer requirements. To this end, we propose a novel offloading algorithm, referred to as Iterative Dynamic Critical Path Scheduling (IDCP). IDCP minimizes the makespan by iteratively migrating tasks to keep shortening the dynamic critical path. Through IDCP, what is managed are essentially the sequences among tasks, including task dependencies and scheduled sequences on processors. Since we only schedule sequences here, the actual start time of each task is not fixed during the scheduling process, which effectively helps to avoid unfavorable schedules. Such flexibilities also offer us much space for continuous scheduling optimizations. Our experimental results show that our algorithm significantly outperforms existing list-scheduling heuristics in various scenarios, which demonstrates the effectiveness and competitiveness of our algorithm.
Astronomy—Editorial
Authors: Antoniadis Ignatios
Published: March 2022

Astronomy has a long history over thousands of years, since the creation of ancient civilization [...]