bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Machine Learning Techniques for Estimating Soil Moisture from Smartphone Captured Images
Authors: Hossain Muhammad Riaz Hasib , Kabir Muhammad Ashad
Published: February 2023

Precise Soil Moisture (SM) assessment is essential in agriculture. By understanding the level of SM, we can improve yield irrigation scheduling which significantly impacts food production and other needs of the global population. The advancements in smartphone technologies and computer vision have demonstrated a non-destructive nature of soil properties, including SM. The study aims to analyze the existing Machine Learning (ML) techniques for estimating SM from soil images and understand the moisture accuracy using different smartphones and various sunlight conditions. Therefore, 629 images of 38 soil samples were taken from seven areas in Sydney, Australia, and split into four datasets based on the image-capturing devices used (iPhone 6s and iPhone 11 Pro) and the lighting circumstances (direct and indirect sunlight). A comparison between Multiple Linear Regression (MLR), Support Vector Regression (SVR), and Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) was presented. MLR was performed with higher accuracy using holdout cross-validation, where the images were captured in indirect sunlight with the Mean Absolute Error (MAE) value of 0.35, Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) value of 0.15, and R2 value of 0.60. Nevertheless, SVR was better with MAE, RMSE, and R2 values of 0.05, 0.06, and 0.96 for 10-fold cross-validation and 0.22, 0.06, and 0.95 for leave-one-out cross-validation when images were captured in indirect sunlight. It demonstrates a smartphone camera’s potential for predicting SM by utilizing ML. In the future, software developers can develop mobile applications based on the research findings for accurate, easy, and rapid SM estimation.
Investigation of Soil Microbial Communities Involved in N Cycling as Affected by the Long-Term Use of the N Stabilizers DMPP and NBPT
Authors: Zhang Wei , Ma Yan , Yang Xuan , Xu Xiuchun , Ni Bang , Liu Rui , Meng Fanqiao
Published: February 2023

Both, 3,4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP) and N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT) are commonly used as nitrogen (N) stabilizers, and are often used in agriculture to reduce nitrogen (N) loss from soils by inhibiting soil nitrification and by slowing down urea hydrolysis, respectively. The current knowledge gap concerns how soil microbial communities involved in N cycling are affected by the long-term use of DMPP and NBPT. The present field study explored the inter-annual variation of nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions and the responses of ammonia oxidizers (AOA, AOB encoded by the amoA gene), nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB, encoded by the nxrA and nxrB genes), and denitrifier (encoded by the narG and nosZ genes) populations following a long-term (8 years) addition of DMPP and NBPT. The results showed that the reduction in N2O emissions by DMPP and NBPT increased year on year. The AOB population diversity significantly increased (p < 0.05) after a long-term urea application but decreased after DMPP addition. The long-term application of urea increased the potential nitrification rate (PNR) by the enrichment of the genera with a high ammonia oxidation capacity in the AOB population. In contrast, DMPP addition weakened this effect and formed a population with a low ammonia oxidation capacity. Variations in the NOB population were mainly associated with fertilizer-induced changes in substrate NO2−, whereas DMPP and NBPT had minor impacts on the NOB population. Additionally, the change in the denitrification population was indirectly affected by the soil ammonium (NH4+) content with a long-term N stabilizer application. These findings provide a new interpretation related to the response mechanisms of the nitrifier and denitrifier populations for the long-term use of N stabilizers in soils.
Framework for Assessing Collective Irrigation Systems Resilience to Climate Change—The Maiorga Case Study
Authors: Esteves Rita , Calejo Maria João , Rolim João , Teixeira José Luís , Cameira Maria Rosário
Published: February 2023

In order to increase water productivity at the Collective Irrigation System (CIS) level it is crucial to adapt the existing irrigation infrastructure, enhancing water intake at the source, as well as its transport and delivery efficiency. Rehabilitation may involve structural changes and thus, a large capital investment. This investment should be proportionate to the increase in climate resilience associated to different rehabilitation alternatives. A methodology framework was developed to evaluate CIS resilience to climate change considering different rehabilitation alternatives. The assessed components were: (i) crop production systems; (ii) on-farm irrigation systems; and (iii) project rehabilitation alternatives for the conveyance and distribution of the irrigation water from the source to the farmer fields. This framework was applied to the Maiorga CIS, in central Portugal, to test the methodology performance in assessing the impacts of climate change on the supply-demand balance of the proposed rehabilitation alternatives and to evaluate their climate resilience, for the representative concentration pathways, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, and two time periods, 2041–2070 and 2071–2100. For each scenario, period, and rehabilitation alternative, irrigation requirements at the source (demand) and stream flows (supply) were computed and the supply-demand balance was performed. Projected increases in irrigation water demand varied between 5.5% for RCP4.5/2071–2100 and 35.7% for RCP8.5/2071–2100. For RCP4.5, 11% (2050) and 9% (2080) reductions in irrigation water supply were projected, while for RCP8.5 the reduction ranges between 13% (2050) and 30% (2080). The proposed framework determined that the rehabilitation alternatives considering just one type of water source, without flow regularization and with open channel distribution to the farmer’s field, have proved to be unviable due to low resilience to climate change.
Shedding Light on Dasineura oleae Parasitoids: Local and Landscape Effects
Authors: Tondini Elena , Sommaggio Daniele , Monteforti Gaia , Petacchi Ruggero
Published: February 2023

Dasineura oleae was considered a minor pest in olive orchards. However, in the last decade, outbreaks have been reported all over its distribution area. Little is known about D. oleae biological control strategies; therefore, investigations into the biology and ecology of D. oleae parasitoids are urgently needed. In this scenario, the present field study reported the flight period of D. oleae parasitoids, evaluating their relative abundance over other parasitoids living in olive orchards. Furthermore, it estimated the effect of local and landscape features on D. oleae parasitoids within the frame of the overall parasitoid community. Lastly, we aimed to provide useful insights into the effectiveness of parasitoids for D. oleae population management. Hymenopteran parasitoids were sampled using Malaise traps in six sampling sites in central Italy. Results showed that Platygaster demades was the most abundant D. oleae parasitoid. Its presence was associated with high rates of D. oleae parasitism. The abundance of this parasitoid was influenced by the abundance of seminatural habitats.
Economic Impact of the Persea Mite in Spanish Avocado Crops
Authors: Torres Eduardo , Álvarez-Acosta Carlos , del Pino Modesto , Wong María Eva , Boyero Juan Ramón , Hernández-Suárez Estrella , Vela José Miguel
Published: February 2023

The Persea mite, Oligonychus perseae Tuttle, Baker & Abbatiello (Acari: Tetranychidae), is an economically important foliar pest of avocados in Spain. The effects of this mite on the foliar damage, production losses and economic impact were assessed in two avocado, cv. Hass, orchards located in the main growing areas of Spain (Northern Tenerife and Málaga) for 3 and 5 consecutive years, respectively. The economic injury level (EIL) for the optimization of the use of acaricides to control this mite was also established, considering three spraying strategies: (i) mite-free treatment (<50 mites per leaf), (ii) conventional treatment (50–150 mites per leaf), and (iii) control treatment (the absence of spraying). Persea mite populations were sampled fortnightly and foliar damage was estimated. At the end of each season, fruits were harvested, weighed and production losses were quantified. The cumulate mite-days (CMDs) had a significant effect on the percentage of leaf area damaged (PLAD) and yield reduction. High numbers of the Persea mite caused extensive damage to leaves, so a loss in tree yield was evident. However, for the middle population level, there was no evidence of yield losses. The quantitative EIL was estimated at a PLAD of 17%, equivalent to a CMDs of 178 mites per leaf, which is the amount of damage that should not be exceeded. In Northern Tenerife, with a mild climate, the Persea mite can reach significant populations that are maintained throughout the months. In avocado orchards in Málaga, the summer is hotter and drier, so the presence of the mite exists for a shorter duration in the seasons, with less damage to the leaves. In Tenerife, yield loss can be compensated by chemical treatments that permit pest control.
Enzymatic and Molecular Identification of Meloidogyne Species in Tomato Orchards in Paraguay
Authors: Resquín-Romero Gloria , Mattos Vanessa S. , Monteiro Jessica M. S. , Lopez-Nicora Horacio D. , Amarilla Shyrley P. , Chamorro-Diaz Sergio , Moral Juan , Carneiro Regina M. D. G.
Published: February 2023

Tomato is a major crop in Paraguay, where it provides a source of employment and income for households. Tomato production can be affected by root-knot nematodes, especially Meloidogyne spp. The unequivocal identification of Meloidogyne spp. in Paraguay has not been conducted yet. This study aims to identify Meloidogyne species in eight tomato production districts of this country by biochemical and molecular techniques. Females of Meloidogyne spp. were extracted from tomato roots and characterized using esterase isozyme phenotypes. In addition, DNA was extracted from nematode eggs, and species-specific SCARs (sequence-characterized amplified regions) were used to confirm the diagnosis. Nematodes were detected in 100% of studied samples (prevalence), of which M. incognita (Est: I2, Rm: 1.1;1.2) and M. javanica (Est: J3, Rm: 1.0, 1.20, 1.35) were present in 39.13% and 26.08% of samples, respectively. One population (8.69%) of Meloidogyne sp. presenting an atypical esterase profile (Rm: 1.0 and 1.3) was only detected in Julián Augusto Saldívar District. Mixed populations, mostly M. incognita and M. javanica, were observed in 26.08% of samples. The SCAR primers incK14F/incK14R amplified specific fragments for M. incognita (399 bp) and M. javanica (670 bp), confirming the enzymatic results. Here, we present the first study of root-knot nematode identification at the species level in Paraguay.
Winter Greenhouse Tomato Cultivation: Matching Leaf Pruning and Supplementary Lighting for Improved Yield and Precocity
Authors: Appolloni Elisa , Paucek Ivan , Pennisi Giuseppina , Manfrini Luigi , Gabarrell Xavier , Gianquinto Giorgio , Orsini Francesco
Published: February 2023

Solar radiation entering a high-wire tomato greenhouse is mostly intercepted by the top of the crop canopy, while the role of lower leaves diminishes with age, turning them into sink organs rather than sources. Accordingly, the defoliation of basal leaves is a widely applied agronomic practice in high-wire greenhouse cultivation management. However, the recent increase in the application of supplemental light emitting diode (LED) lighting for high-density tomato production may affect the role of basal leaves, promoting their source role for fruit development and growth. The present research aims to explore the application of supplementary LED lighting on Solanum lycopersicum cv. Siranzo in the Mediterranean area during the cold season in combination with two regimes of basal defoliation. The defoliation factors consisted of the early removal of the leaves (R) right under the developing truss before the fruit turning stage and a non-removal (NR) during the entire cultivation cycle. The lighting factors consisted of an artificial LED lighting treatment with red and blue diodes for 16 h d−1 (h 8-00) with an intensity of 180 µmol s−1 m−2 (RB) and a control cultivated under natural light only (CK). The results demonstrated a great effect of the supplemental LED light, which increased the total yield (+118%), favoring fruit setting (+46%) and faster ripening (+60%) regardless of defoliation regimes, although the increased energy prices hinder the economic viability of the technology. Concerning fruit quality, defoliation significantly reduced the soluble solid content, while it increased the acidity when combined with natural light.
Viability of Deficit Irrigation Pre-Exposure in Adapting Robusta Coffee to Drought Stress
Authors: Sseremba Godfrey , Tongoona Pangirayi Bernard , Musoli Pascal , Eleblu John Saviour Yaw , Melomey Leander Dede , Bitalo Daphne Nyachaki , Atwijukire Evans , Mulindwa Joseph , Aryatwijuka Naome , Muhumuza Edgar , Kobusinge Judith , Magambo Betty , Kagezi Godfrey Hubby , Danquah Eric Yirenkyi , Kizito Elizabeth Balyejusa , Kyalo Gerald , Iyamulemye Emmanuel , Arinaitwe Geofrey
Published: February 2023

Coffea canephora has high but inadequately exploited genetic diversity. This diversity, if well exploited, can sustain coffee productivity amidst climate change effects. Drought and heat stress are major global threats to coffee productivity, quality, and tradable volumes. It is not well understood if there is a selectable variation for drought stress tolerance in Robusta coffee half-sibs as a result of watering deficit pre-exposure at the germination stage. Half-sib seeds from selected commercial clones (KR5, KR6, KR7) and a pipeline clone X1 were primed with deficit watering at two growth stages followed by recovery and later evaluated for tolerance to watering deficit stress in three different temperature environments by estimation of plant growth and wilt parameters. Overall, the KR7 family performed the best in terms of the number of individuals excelling for tolerance to deficit watering. In order of decreasing tolerance, the 10 most promising individuals for drought and heat tolerance were identified as: 14.KR7.2, 25.X1.1, 35.KR5.5, 36.KR5.6, 41.KR7.5, 46.KR6.4, 47.KR6.5, 291.X1.3, 318.X1.3, and 15.KR7.3. This is the first prospect into the potential of C. canephora half-sibs’ diversity as an unbound source of genetic variation for abiotic stress tolerance breeding.
QTL Analysis of Yield and End-Use Quality Traits in Texas Hard Red Winter Wheat
Authors: Dogan Mehmet , Wang Zhen , Cerit Mustafa , Valenzuela-Antelo Jorge L. , Dhakal Smit , Chu Chenggen , Xue Qingwu , Ibrahim Amir M. H. , Rudd Jackie C. , Bernardo Amy , St. Amand Paul , Bai Guihua , Zhang Hongbin , Liu Shuyu
Published: February 2023

Genetic dissection of complex traits by quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis permits the understanding of the genotypic effects of QTL, interactions between QTLs, and QTL-by-environment interactions in wheat. This study aimed to identify the QTL linked to yield, its components, end-use quality traits including kernel, flour, and dough rheology, and related agronomic traits under dryland and irrigated conditions. A mapping population of 179 F2:6 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from ‘TAM 111’/‘TX05A001822’ was evaluated for these traits to investigate their genetic stability and phenotypic plasticity using 2658 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with 35 linkage groups. Traits associated with chromosome regions were detected for individual and across-environment QTL by inclusive composite interval mapping. A total of 30 QTL regions were identified, including 14 consistent QTLs mapped on 11 chromosomes and six pleiotropic QTLs mapped on 5 chromosomes. Three consistent QTLs in chromosomes 1A, 3B, and 6D might be novel. Three major QTLs with both consistent and pleiotropic effects were co-localized with known genes. The first QTL for dough mixing properties was physically clustered around Glu-D1 and had an phenotypic variation explained (PVE) up to 31.3%. The second QTL for kernel-related traits was physically close to the TaCWI-4A (cell wall invertase) gene, which influences the thousand kernel weight, heading date, and harvest index, with a PVE of up to 12.3%. The third QTL, which was colocalized with the TaCWI-5D gene for kernel traits, was identified with a PVE of 6.7%. Epistasis was also detected, but major QTLs were not involved in significant epistasis or interactions with environmental effects. The current study provided new information that is useful for enhanced wheat breeding, which will benefit from the deployment of the favorable alleles for end-use quality, yield, and other agronomic traits in wheat-breeding programs through marker-assisted selection.
Impact of Care and Nutrition Methods on the Content and Uptake of Selected Mineral Elements in Solanum tuberosum
Authors: Mystkowska Iwona , Zarzecka Krystyna , Gugała Marek , Ginter Agnieszka , Sikorska Anna , Dmitrowicz Aleksandra
Published: February 2023

The aim of the study was to evaluate the content and uptake of macronutrients (P, Ca, Mg, K) in Solanum tuberosum tubers and the effect of care with biostimulants from a three-year field experiment conducted at the Agricultural Experimental Station in Zawady, Poland. The experiment was set up in a split-plot arrangement with three replications. The first factor was two varieties of edible potato (Oberon and Malaga), and the second factor was five treatments with herbicide and biostimulants: (I) control facility, (II) herbicide (chlomazone + metribuzin), (III) herbicide and biostimulant PlonoStart, (IV) herbicide and biostimulant Aminoplant, (V) herbicide and biostimulant Agro-Sorb Folium. Biostimulants and herbicide increased the concentration of P, Mg, Ca, and K compared to tubers harvested from the control facility. The Oberon variety had the highest macro-nutrient uptake capacity. The application of herbicide with biostimulants increased the uptake of the mentioned mineral nutrients compared to the control variant. Climatic conditions affected the content and uptake of selected elements.
Nanoparticulate Fertilizers Increase Nutrient Absorption Efficiency and Agro-Physiological Properties of Lettuce Plant
Authors: Abdel-Hakim Sara G. , Shehata Ahmed S. A. , Moghannem Saad A. , Qadri Mai , El-Ghany Mona F. Abd , Abdeldaym Emad A. , Darwish Omaima S.
Published: February 2023

The extensive use of chemical fertilizers is responsible for numerous environmental problems including low food quality, soil degradation, and toxicity to beneficial living organisms in the soil. Nano-fertilizers (NFs) application may be a promising solution for combat these challenges. The current study focused on the efficiency of applying small amounts of NFs incorporated with conventional nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) fertilizers to reduce the quantities of conventional fertilizers (CFs) in lettuce cultivated in sandy soil. This study evaluated the effect of these incorporations on plant growth, yield, phytochemical accumulation, leaf nutrient, and leaf nitrate. A pot experiment was conducted during the winter seasons of 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 using the following treatments: CF100: 100% CFs, CF75NF25: 75% CFs + 25% NFs, CF50NF50: 50% CFs + 50% NFs, CF25NF75: 25% CFs + 75% NFs, and NF100: 100% NFs (=10% of CFs). Our findings displayed that the CF75NF25 and CF50NF50 treatments recorded the highest plant growth parameter values (plant length, root length, number of leaves, and fresh and dry biomass). The maximum of chlorophyll fluorescence measurements (photosystem II efficiency) were obtained in plants fertilized with CF75NF25, followed by CF50NF50 and CF100. The improvement ratios of photosynthetic pigments (Chlorophyll (Chl) a, b, and total) for CF75NF25 were 23.77, 50, and 23.72% in the first season and 10.10, 51.0, and 24.90% in the second season for Chl a, b, and total, respectively, as compared with the CF100 treatment. A similar tendency was observed for the CF50NF50 treatment. Generally, CF75NF25 significantly raised the content of total phenolic compounds (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activity (AOA) in lettuce plants by 36.09, 47.82, and 40.16% in the first season and by 30.39, 37.53, and 32.43% in the second season, respectively, compared with CF100. In addition, the levels of leaf nutrient content and uptake of N, P, and K were significantly higher in plants fertilized with CF75NF25 compared to the other treatments, whereas CF25NF75 had the lowest values among the different treatments across both seasons for most of the tested traits. The nitrate content in lettuce leaves (NO3−) for both seasons was lower than the acceptable level for human consumption. These results indicate that incorporating a low concentration of NFs into CFs could be a promising strategy to reduce the amount of CFs to 75% or 50% of lettuce NPK requirements without significant adverse effects on the growth and productivity of lettuce plants cultivated in sandy soil.
Effect of Polymer-Coated Urea/Urea Blends on Corn Yields under Short Growing Season Conditions in Eastern Canada
Authors: Tubeileh Ashraf Mohammad-Shareef , Alam-Eldein Shamel M. , Banks Scott
Published: February 2023

Polymer-coated urea (PCU) was developed to better synchronize nitrogen (N) supply with crop needs and reduce N losses. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of different N rates prepared using combinations of urea and ESN (PCU) on corn (Zea mays L.), grain yield, yield components, in-season nutritional status, and residual soil N. Field experiments were conducted on two sites in eastern Ontario (Canada); Kemptville (sandy loam) and Winchester (clay-loam), and repeated over three years (2011–2013). A total of ten treatments were applied using combinations of three N rates (50, 100, and 150 kg N ha−1) and three fertilizer proportions (100% urea, 75:25 urea:ESN, and 60:40 urea:ESN) for each rate. The tenth treatment consisted of a non-fertilized control (0 N). Grain yield was significantly affected by N source, N rate, site, and year. There was no significant effect of the N source in most sites/years. In the wetter season 2013, treatment 100N60:40 in the sandy site produced a similar yield to treatments receiving 150 kg N ha−1. In the clay-loam site, the 150N75:25 treatment had a yield advantage of 11–12% compared with straight urea. Chlorophyll index generally increased with the higher N application rate. The other grain parameters were little affected by the N rate or source. Soil residual mineral N tended to increase with ESN blends at 100 and 150 kg N ha−1 compared with straight urea. Our findings indicate that replacing a portion of urea with PCU might save N in lighter soils prone to leaching especially in wet years without affecting yields.
Density-Based Optimization of the Laser Powder Bed Fusion Process Based on a Modelling Framework
Authors: Psihoyos Harry O. , Lampeas George N.
Published: February 2023

One of the main challenges encountered in the Laser-based Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) Additive Manufacturing (AM) process is the fabrication of defect-free parts. The presence of defects severely degrades the mechanical performance of AM parts and especially their fatigue strength. The most popular and reliable method to assess the ability of the employed process parameters for the fabrication of full-density parts is the process windows map, also known as printability map. However, the experimental procedure for the design of the printability maps and the identification of the optimum-density process parameters is usually time-consuming and expensive. In the present work, a modelling framework is presented for the determination of a printability map and the optimization of the L-PBF process based on the prediction and characterization of melt-pool geometric features and the prediction of porosity of small samples of 316L SS and Ti-6Al-4V metal alloys. The results are compared with available experimental data and present a good correlation, verifying the modelling methodology. The suitability of the employed defect criteria for each material and the effect of the hatch-spacing process parameter on the optimum-density parameters are also presented.
Putting the Questions First—Flipped Classroom Methods in Animal Ethics Online Teaching and Its Evaluation
Authors: Dieck Katharina , Grimm Herwig
Published: February 2023

Despite the challenges the pandemic presented for university teaching, it opened up opportunities to set up and explore digital teaching formats like never before. This paper presents a case study of teaching introductory animal ethics in a digital format with flipped-classroom methods. The Interactive Literature Lecturing Format (ILLF) was designed along the following criteria: 1. Conformity with students’ varying educational needs; 2. Consistent high level of interaction; 3. Maximum transparency in an application-oriented exam; 4. No further contribution to the workload of the teaching staff; 5. Flexibility regarding online or on-site conversions. Rather than provide the students with input in lecture sessions, the ILLF presents students with selected literature and a list of structured questions. This literature questionnaire serves as the main didactic element that guides the knowledge transfer, the structure of the sessions and the exam. This paper reviews the outcome of the redesigning process and the steps we took to implement it. To discuss the overall quality of the format from a student’s perspective, the data from the systematically conducted students’ evaluation (n = 65) are interpreted using quantitative and qualitative methods. Bringing these results together with the perspective of the teaching staff, the following question is discussed: did the ILLF meet these criteria? This case study explores the potential and limits of flipped-classroom methods for applied ethics teaching in a university setting.
Quantitative Analysis of Inflammatory Uterine Lesions of Pregnant Gilts with Digital Image Analysis Following Experimental PRRSV-1 Infection
Authors: Horváth Dávid G. , Abonyi-Tóth Zsolt , Papp Márton , Szász Attila Marcell , Rümenapf Till , Knecht Christian , Kreutzmann Heinrich , Ladinig Andrea , Balka Gyula
Published: February 2023

Reproductive disorders caused by porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus-1 are not yet fully characterized. We report QuPath-based digital image analysis to count inflammatory cells in 141 routinely, and 35 CD163 immunohistochemically stained endometrial slides of vaccinated or unvaccinated pregnant gilts inoculated with a high or low virulent PRRSV-1 strain. To illustrate the superior statistical feasibility of the numerical data determined by digital cell counting, we defined the association between the number of these cells and endometrial, placental, and fetal features. There was strong concordance between the two manual scorers. Distributions of total cell counts and endometrial and placental qPCR results differed significantly between examiner1’s endometritis grades. Total counts’ distribution differed significantly between groups, except for the two unvaccinated. Higher vasculitis scores were associated with higher endometritis scores, and higher total cell counts were expected with high vasculitis/endometritis scores. Cell number thresholds of endometritis grades were determined. A significant correlation between fetal weights and total counts was shown in unvaccinated groups, and a significant positive correlation was found between these counts and endometrial qPCR results. We revealed significant negative correlations between CD163+ counts and qPCR results of the unvaccinated group infected with the highly virulent strain. Digital image analysis was efficiently applied to assess endometrial inflammation objectively.
Effectiveness of the Leptospira Hardjo Control Programme and Detection of New Infections in Dairy Cattle in The Netherlands
Authors: van den Brink Katrien M. J. A. , Aalberts Marian , Fabri Nannet D. , Santman-Berends Inge M. G. A.
Published: February 2023

Since 2005, a mandatory L. Hardjo control programme (LHCP) has been in place for Dutch dairy herds. Almost 100 percent of dairy farms participate and have an L. Hardjo-free status. In 2020 and 2021, the number of outbreaks seemed to increase as compared to the previous years. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of the national LHCP in the Netherlands during 2017–2021. Cases of new infections in herds with an L. Hardjo-free status in the LHCP were described, including the role of risk factors for the introduction. Both the percentage of dairy herds with an L. Hardjo-free status that purchased cattle from herds without a free status and the number of purchased cattle increased over the years. A between-herd cluster evaluation showed that between 2017 and 2021, a suspected infection was detected 144 times in 120 dairy herds. In 26 cases (26 herds, 0.2%) new infections were identified, including within-herd transmission. No infection clusters were identified, indicating that infections never led to local transmission between dairy herds. The introduction of cattle from non-free herds appeared to be the cause of all L. hardjo infections in herds participating in the LHCP. Therefore, the national LHCP seems to be highly effective in the control of infections in dairy herds.
Effects of Different Phospholipid Sources on Growth and Gill Health in Atlantic Salmon in Freshwater Pre-Transfer Phase
Authors: Kvingedal Renate , Vigen Jannicke , Nanton Dominic , Ruohonen Kari , Kaur Kiranpreet
Published: February 2023

Growth and histological parameters were evaluated in Atlantic salmon (74 g) that were fed alternative phospholipid (PL) sources in freshwater (FW) up to 158 g and were transferred to a common seawater (SW) tank with crowding stress after being fed the same commercial diet up to 787 g. There were six test diets in the FW phase: three diets with different doses of krill meal (4%, 8%, and 12%), a diet with soy lecithin, a diet with marine PL (from fishmeal), and a control diet. The fish were fed a common commercial feed in the SW phase. The 12% KM diet was compared against the 2.7% fluid soy lecithin and 4.2% marine PL diets, which were formulated to provide the same level of added 1.3% PL in the diet similar to base diets with 10% fishmeal in the FW period. A trend for increased weight gain with high variability was associated with an increased KM dose in the FW period but not during the whole trial, whereas the 2.7% soy lecithin diet tended to decrease growth during the whole trial. A trend for decreased hepatosomatic index (HSI) was associated with an increased KM dose during transfer but not during the whole trial. The soy lecithin and marine PL diets showed similar HSI in relation to the control diet during the whole trial. No major differences were observed in liver histology between the control, 12% KM, soy lecithin, and marine PL diets during transfer. However, a minor positive trend in gill health (lamella inflammation and hyperplasia histology scores) was associated with the 12% KM and control diets versus the soy lecithin and marine PL diets during transfer.
C3a/C3aR Affects the Propagation of Cryptosporidium parvum in the Ileum Tissues of Mice by Regulating the Gut Barrier, Cell Proliferation, and CD4+ T Cell Main Effectors
Authors: Yang Xin , Wu Xuemei , Huang Shuang , Yao Qian , Chen Xi , Song Junke , Fan Yingying , Zhao Guanghui
Published: February 2023

Cryptosporidium parvum is an important zoonotic protozoon that threatens the health of humans and animals, but the interaction mechanisms between C. parvum and hosts are poorly understood. Our previous study indicated that the expression levels of C3a and C3aR were up-regulated in mice during C. parvum infection, but the mechanisms of C3a/C3aR signaling during C. parvum infection have not been elucidated. In the present study, an optimized BALB/c suckling mouse model infected with C. parvum was used to explore the function of C3a/C3aR signaling during C. parvum infection. The expression levels of C3aR in the ileum tissues of mice infected with C. parvum were analyzed using real-time PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry. The mRNA levels of the Cryptosporidium 18S rRNA gene, tight junction proteins (zo-1, claudin 3, and occludin), intestinal stem cell marker lgr5, cell proliferation marker ki67, Th1 cell-related cytokine ifn-γ, and Treg cell-related cytokine tgf-β in mouse ileum tissues were analyzed by real-time PCR. The pathological injury of ileal mucosa was examined by histopathology analysis. The mRNA expression levels of Cryptosporidium 18S rRNA gene were significantly up-regulated in the ileum tissues of C3aR-inhibited mice during C. parvum infection. Meanwhile, histopathology analysis of ileal mucosa in mice showed that inhibition of C3aR significantly aggravated the changes in villus length, villus diameter, mucosal thickness and the ratio of villus length to crypt depth during C. parvum infection. Further studies found inhibition of C3aR aggravated the down-regulation of occludin at most time points during C. parvum infection. The mRNA levels of ki67 and lgr5 in the ileum tissues of mice infected with C. parvum were significantly down-regulated. Inhibition of C3aR significantly down-regulated the mRNA expression levels of lgr5 at most time points, but significantly up-regulated the mRNA expression levels of ki67 at most time points. The mRNA expression levels of ifn-γ and tgf-β were significantly up-regulated and down-regulated in the ileum tissues of mice infected with C. parvum, respectively. However, inhibition of C3aR significantly increased the mRNA expression levels of ifn-γ and tgf-β in the ileum tissues of mice infected with C. parvum. Taken together, C3a/C3aR signaling could possibly affect the propagation of C. parvum in mouse ileum tissues by regulating the gut barrier, cell proliferation and CD4+ T cell main effectors, which would contribute to our understanding of the interaction between Cryptosporidium and hosts.
The Incidence of Liver Damage Found during Postmortem Examination at the Slaughterhouse
Authors: Valkova Lenka , Voslarova Eva , Nincakova Simona , Passantino Annamaria , Vecerek Vladimir
Published: February 2023

We monitored liver damage in cattle (cows, heifers, fattening bulls, and calves culled from the herd), pigs (sows, finishing pigs, and piglets culled from the farm), sheep (ewes and lambs), goats (does and kids), rabbits, and poultry (end-of-lay hens, broiler chickens, turkeys, domestic ducks, and domestic geese) in the period from 2010 to 2021. All animals (n = 1,425,710,143) reared on Czech farms and slaughtered at slaughterhouses in the Czech Republic were included in the analysis. We determined the total number of damaged livers for individual categories of animals and also analyzed separately the incidence of damage of acute, chronic, parasitic, and other origin. The overall incidence of liver damage was higher in adult animals compared to fattening animals in all species. In cattle and pigs, the incidence was also higher in young animals culled from the herd compared to fattening animals. When comparing adult animals by species, the incidence of liver damage was highest in cows (46.38%), followed by sows (17.51%), ewes (12.97%), and does (4.26%). When comparing fattening animals by species, the incidence was highest in heifers (14.17%) and fattening bulls (7.97 %), followed by finishing pigs (11.26%), lambs (4.73%), and kids (0.59%). When comparing young culled from the herd by species, it was higher in piglets (32.39%) than in calves (17.6 %), and when poultry and rabbits were compared, the incidence was highest in turkeys (3.38%), followed by ducks (2.20%), geese (1.09%), broiler chickens (0.08%), and rabbits (0.04%). The results indicate that fattening animals have a better liver condition than mature animals and that culled young have a worse liver condition than older fattening animals. Chronic lesions represented the dominant proportion of pathological findings. Parasitic lesions occurred, first and foremost, in animals grazed on meadows with likely parasitic invasion, i.e., in ewes (7.51%), lambs (3.51%), and heifers (1.31%), and in animals in which antiparasitic protection is limited in view of the protection of meat from antiparasitic residues, i.e., finishing pigs (3.68%). Parasitic damage to the liver was rarely detected in rabbits and poultry. The results obtained represent a body of knowledge for measures to improve the health and condition of the liver in food animals.
Rumen-Protected Lysine and Methionine Supplementation Reduced Protein Requirement of Holstein Bulls by Altering Nitrogen Metabolism in Liver
Authors: Zou Songyan , Ji Shoukun , Xu Hongjian , Wang Mingya , Li Beibei , Shen Yizhao , Li Yan , Gao Yanxia , Li Jianguo , Cao Yufeng , Li Qiufeng
Published: February 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of low-protein diets supplemented with rumen-protected lysine (RPLys) and methionine (RPMet) on growth performance, rumen fermentation, blood biochemical parameters, nitrogen metabolism, and gene expression related to N metabolism in the liver of Holstein bulls. Thirty-six healthy and disease-free Holstein bulls with a similar body weight (BW) (424 ± 15 kg, 13 months old) were selected. According to their BW, they were randomly divided into three groups with 12 bulls in each group in a completely randomized design. The control group (D1) was fed with a high-protein basal diet (CP13%), while bulls in two low-protein groups were supplied a diet with 11% crude protein and RPLys 34 g/d·head + RPMet 2 g/d·head (low protein with low RPAA, T2) or RPLys 55 g/d·head + RPMet 9 g/d·head (low protein with high RPAA, T3). At the end of the experiment, the feces and urine of dairy bulls were collected for three consecutive days. Blood and rumen fluid were collected before morning feeding, and liver samples were collected after slaughtering. The results showed that the average daily gain (ADG) of bulls in the T3 group was higher than those in D1 (p < 0.05). Compared with D1, a significantly higher nitrogen utilization rate (p < 0.05) and serum IGF-1 content (p < 0.05) were observed in both T2 and T3 groups; however, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) content was significantly lower in the T2 and T3 groups (p < 0.05). The content of acetic acid in the rumen of the T3 group was significantly higher than that of the D1 group. No significant differences were observed among the different groups (p > 0.05) in relation to the alpha diversity. Compared with D1, the relative abundance of Christensenellaceae_R-7_group in T3 was higher (p < 0.05), while that of Prevotellaceae _YAB2003_group and Succinivibrio were lower (p < 0.05). Compared with D1 and T2 group, the T3 group showed an expression of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) that is associated with (CPS-1, ASS1, OTC, ARG) and (N-AGS, S6K1, eIF4B, mTORC1) in liver; moreover, the T3 group was significantly enhanced (p < 0.05). Overall, our results indicated that low dietary protein (11%) levels added with RPAA (RPLys 55 g/d +RPMet 9 g/d) can benefit the growth performance of Holstein bulls by reducing nitrogen excretion and enhancing nitrogen efficiency in the liver.
Ungulates’ Behavioral Responses to Humans as an Apex Predator in a Hunting-Prohibited Area of China
Authors: Liu Mingzhang , McShea William J. , Wang Yidan , Xia Fan , Shen Xiaoli , Li Sheng
Published: February 2023

Large mammals can perceive humans as predators and therefore adjust their behavior to achieve coexistence with humans. However, lack of research at sites with low hunting intensity limits our understanding of how behavioral responses of animals adapt to different predation risks by humans. At Heshun County in North China, where hunting has been banned for over three decades and only low-intensity poaching exists, we exposed two large ungulates (Siberian roe deer Capreolus pygarus and wild boar Sus scrofa) to the sounds of humans, an extant predator (leopard Panthera pardus) and a control (wind), and examined their flight responses and detection probabilities when hearing different type of sounds. Both species showed higher flight probabilities when hearing human vocalization than wind, and wild boar were even more likely to flee upon hearing human vocalization than leopard roar, suggesting the behavioral response to humans can equal or exceed that of large carnivores in these two ungulates even in an area without hunting practices. Recorded sounds had no effect on detection probability of both ungulates. Additionally, with repeated exposure to sounds, regardless of treatment, roe deer were less likely to flee and wild boars were more likely to be detected, indicating a habituation-type response to sound stimuli. We speculate that the immediate flight behavior rather than shifts in habitat use of the two species reflect the low hunting/poaching pressure at our study site and suggest further examination of physiological status and demographic dynamics of the study species to understand human influence on their long-term persistence.
Morphological and Molecular Identification of Mullet Helminth Parasite Fauna from Ganzirri Lagoon (Sicily, Southern Italy)
Authors: De Benedetto Giovanni , Capparucci Fabiano , Natale Sabrina , Savoca Serena , Riolo Kristian , Gervasi Claudio , Albano Marco , Giannetto Alessia , Gaglio Gabriella , Iaria Carmelo
Published: February 2023

Mullets (Osteichthyes: Mugilidae) are a euryhaline species widely distributed all over the world, thus representing an excellent study model for host–parasite interactions. From March to June 2022, 150 mullets, belonging to Chelon labrosus (n = 99), Chelon auratus (n = 37), and Oedalechilus labeo (n = 14) species, were caught to identify the helminth parasite fauna of the different mullet species present in the Ganzirri Lagoon (Messina, Sicily, Italy). A parasitological evaluation of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) was carried out with a total worm count technique (TWC) to detect helminth presence. All collected parasites were stored in 70% ethanol until morphological evaluation, and frozen at −80 °C for subsequent molecular analysis, using 28S, ITS-2, 18S primers. The morphological evaluation allowed for the identification Acanthocephalan parasites (Neoechinorhynchus agilis) from two C. labrosus specimens. Sixty-six samples were positive for adult digenean trematodes (C. labrosus, 49.5 %; C. auratus, 27%, and O. labeo, 50%), molecularly identified as Haploporus benedeni. This study represents the first survey of helminthic parasite fauna of mullets from the south of Italy. The presence of Hydrobia sp. in the stomach contents of mullets allowed us to infer the H. benedeni life cycle in the Ganzirri lagoon.
Body Size and Weight of Pill Bugs (Armadillidium vulgare) Vary between Urban Green Space Habitats
Authors: Wang Shuang , Zhu Zhangyan , Yang Li , Li Hongshan , Ge Baoming
Published: February 2023

Rapid urban development poses a threat to global biodiversity. At the same time, urban green spaces offer opportunities for holding biodiversity in cities. Among biological communities, the soil fauna plays a crucial role in ecological processes but is often ignored. Understanding the effects of environmental factors on soil fauna is critical for ecological conservation in urban areas. In this study, five typical green space habitats were selected including bamboo grove, forest, garden, grassland, and wasteland in spring, for detecting the relationship between habitats and Armadillidium vulgare population characteristics in Yancheng, China. Results indicate that soil water content, pH, soil organic matter, and soil total carbon varied significantly among habitats, as well as the body length and body weight of pill bugs. The higher proportion of larger pill bugs was found in the wasteland and the lower proportion in the grassland and the bamboo grove. The body length of pill bugs was positively related to pH. Soil total carbon, soil organic matter, and the number of plant species were correlated with the body weight of pill bugs.
Neuropathology of Central and Peripheral Nervous System Lymphoma in Dogs and Cats: A Study of 92 Cases and Review of the Literature
Authors: Fonti Niccolò , Parisi Francesca , Aytaş Çağla , Degl’Innocenti Sara , Cantile Carlo
Published: February 2023

The literature about nervous system lymphoma (NSL) in dogs and cats is fragmentary, based on a few case series and case reports with heterogeneous results. The aim of our study was to retrospectively analyze 45 cases of canine and 47 cases of feline NSL and compare our results with previously reported data, also providing an extensive literature review. Breed, age, gender, clinical signs, type, and neurolocalization were recorded for each case. The pathological patterns and phenotype were assessed by histopathology and immunohistochemistry. The occurrence of central and peripheral NSL was similar between the two species in both primary and secondary types. NSL occurred with a slightly higher prevalence in Labrador Retrievers, and spinal cord lymphoma (SCL) was associated with young age in cats. The most frequent locations were the forebrain in dogs and the thoracolumbar segment in cats. Primary central nervous system lymphoma (CNSL) in cats most frequently involved the forebrain meninges, particularly as a B-cell phenotype. Peripheral NSL mostly affected the sciatic nerve in dogs and had no preferred location in cats. Nine different pathological patterns were identified, with extradural as the most prevalent SCL pattern in both species. Finally, lymphomatosis cerebri was described for the first time in a dog.
Persistent Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia: Host, Pathogen, and Treatment
Authors: Parsons Joshua B. , Westgeest Annette C. , Conlon Brian P. , Fowler Vance G.
Published: February 2023

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a devastating pathogen responsible for a variety of life-threatening infections. A distinctive characteristic of this pathogen is its ability to persist in the bloodstream for several days despite seemingly appropriate antibiotics. Persistent MRSA bacteremia is common and is associated with poor clinical outcomes. The etiology of persistent MRSA bacteremia is a result of the complex interplay between the host, the pathogen, and the antibiotic used to treat the infection. In this review, we explore the factors related to each component of the host–pathogen interaction and discuss the clinical relevance of each element. Next, we discuss the treatment options and diagnostic approaches for the management of persistent MRSA bacteremia.