bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Machine learning models to predict the maximum severity of COVID-19 based on initial hospitalization record
Authors: Hwangbo Suhyun , Kim Yoonjung , Lee Chanhee , Lee Seungyeoun , Oh Bumjo , Moon Min Kyong , Kim Shin-Woo , Park Taesung
Published: November 2022

Background

As the worldwide spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues for a long time, early prediction of the maximum severity is required for effective treatment of each patient.

Objective

This study aimed to develop predictive models for the maximum severity of hospitalized COVID-19 patients using artificial intelligence (AI)/machine learning (ML) algorithms.

Methods

The medical records of 2,263 COVID-19 patients admitted to 10 hospitals in Daegu, Korea, from February 18, 2020, to May 19, 2020, were comprehensively reviewed. The maximum severity during hospitalization was divided into four groups according to the severity level: mild, moderate, severe, and critical. The patient's initial hospitalization records were used as predictors. The total dataset was randomly split into a training set and a testing set in a 2:1 ratio, taking into account the four maximum severity groups. Predictive models were developed using the training set and were evaluated using the testing set. Two approaches were performed: using four groups based on original severity levels groups (i.e., 4-group classification) and using two groups after regrouping the four severity level into two (i.e., binary classification). Three variable selection methods including randomForestSRC were performed. As AI/ML algorithms for 4-group classification, GUIDE and proportional odds model were used. For binary classification, we used five AI/ML algorithms, including deep neural network and GUIDE.

Results

Of the four maximum severity groups, the moderate group had the highest percentage (1,115 patients; 49.5%). As factors contributing to exacerbation of maximum severity, there were 25 statistically significant predictors through simple analysis of linear trends. As a result of model development, the following three models based on binary classification showed high predictive performance: (1) Mild vs. Above Moderate, (2) Below Moderate vs. Above Severe, and (3) Below Severe vs. Critical. The performance of these three binary models was evaluated using AUC values 0.883, 0.879, and, 0.887, respectively. Based on results for each of the three predictive models, we developed web-based nomograms for clinical use (http://statgen.snu.ac.kr/software/nomogramDaeguCovid/).

Conclusions

We successfully developed web-based nomograms predicting the maximum severity. These nomograms are expected to help plan an effective treatment for each patient in the clinical field.
Potential use of the S-protein–Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 binding pathway in the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019
Authors: Feng Long , Fu Shihui , Zhang Pei , Zhang Yujie , Zhao Yali , Yao Yao , Luo Leiming , Ping Ping
Published: November 2022

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the pathogen that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), infects humans through a strong interaction between the viral spike protein (S-protein) and angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors on the cell surface. The infection of host lung cells by SARS-CoV-2 leads to clinical symptoms in patients. However, ACE2 expression is not restricted to the lungs; altered receptors have been found in the nasal and oral mucosa, vessel, brain, pancreas, gastrointestinal tract, kidney, and heart. The future of COVID-19 is uncertain, however, new viral variants are likely to emerge. The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant has a total of 50 gene mutations compared with the original virus; 15 of which occur in the receptor binding domain (RBD). The RBD of the viral S-protein binds to the human ACE2 receptor for viral entry. Mutations of the ACE2–RBD interface enhance tight binding by increasing hydrogen bond interactions and expanding the accessible surface area. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, hyperbaric oxygen, and aggressive dialysis for the treatment of COVID-19 have shown various degrees of clinical success. The use of decoy receptors based on the ACE2 receptor as a broadly potent neutralizer of SARS-CoV-2 variants has potential as a therapeutic mechanism. Drugs such as 3E8 could block binding of the S1-subunit to ACE2 and restrict the infection of ACE2-expressing cells by a variety of coronaviruses. Here, we discuss the development of ACE2-targeted strategies for the treatment and prevention of COVID-19.
Spatiotemporal trends of disease burden of edentulism from 1990 to 2019: A global, regional, and national analysis
Authors: Li Xiao , Man Jinyu , Chen Hui , Yang Xiaorong
Published: November 2022

Background

Understanding the spatiotemporal trends in disease burden of edentulism is critical to reducing disease burden of edentulism and deploying medical resources. We assessed the changing patterns of disease burden of edentulism at global, regional, and national levels from 1990 to 2019.

Methods

Data on incident cases, prevalent cases, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and age-standardized rates (ASRs) of edentulism were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease 2019 Study. We calculated the estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) to quantify spatiotemporal trends in the ASRs of edentulism.

Results

In 2019, the number of prevalent cases and DALYs of edentulism were 35.2 and 9.6 million, and the ASPR and ASDR were 43.12/1,000 and 1.18/1,000, with EAPCs of −0.18 [95% confidence interval (CI): −0.28, −0.09] and −0.16[95% CI: −0.26, −0.07] from 1990 to 2019, respectively. Females and the elderly had a higher burden of edentulism. Although the ASPR, ASDR, and ASIR in the high SDI, high–middle SDI, and middle SDI regions showed a decreasing or stable trend, the absolute disease burdens of edentulism in these regions were still high. Although the absolute disease burdens of low SDI and low–middle SDI were low, their ASPR and ASDR showed an upward trend. In countries with high initial disease burden or high SDI, ASPR, ASDR, and ASIR showed stable or declining trends.

Conclusion

The absolute disease burden due to edentulism was increasing in many countries and regions. Countries should reduce the disease burden caused by edentulism by adopting measures including the prevention and treatment of dental caries and periodontal disease.
Extracellular vesicles derived from fibroblasts induced with or without high glucose exert opposite effects on wound healing and angiogenesis
Authors: Bian Xiaowei , Li Bingmin , Tang Haowen , Li Qiankun , Hu Wenzhi , Wei Qian , Ma Kui , Yang Yuguang , Li Haihong , Fu Xiaobing , Zhang Cuiping
Published: November 2022

Background

Communication between fibroblasts and endothelial cells is essential for skin wound repair and regeneration. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are crucial for intracellular communication by transporting active molecules. However, whether EVs derived from diabetic fibroblasts can perform the nomal communication function is unclear. Here, we compared the effects of EVs from human skin fibroblasts (HSFs) induced with or without HG on the angiogenic function of endothelial cells and wound healing.

Methods

We first collected EVs from HSFs cultured with normal glucose concentration (NG-EVs) or with HG concentration (HG-EVs) and applied them to treat human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The cells were divided into three groups: control group, NG-EVs group, and HG-EVs group. We then examined the proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and tube formation of HUVECs. To illustrate the mechanism, the expression of β-catenin, GSK-3β, and p-GSK-3β was detected by western-blot. Finally, NG-EVs or HG-EVs were used to treat the wounds of mice to determine their role in wound closure.

Results

By DNA content detection, Annexin V/PI staining, and EdU staining, we found that NG-EVs promoted HUVEC proliferation, while HG-EVs exhibited an opposite effect (p < 0.05). Scratch assay and tube formation assay demonstrated that NG-EV promoted angiogenesis in vitro, while HG-EVs showed negative impact (p < 0.05). The expressions of β-catenin and p-GSK-3β in HUVECs were enhanced by NG-EVs and decreased by HG-EVs (p < 0.05). Additionally, the in vivo experiment demonstrated that NG-EVs effectively promoted wound healing by locally enhancing blood supply and angiogenesis. In contrast, HG-EVs leaded to delayed wound closure and reduced blood supply and angiogenesis (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

NG-EVs and HG-EVs exert opposite effects on wound healing and angiogenesis possibly by regulating GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling pathway. This research may provide a new treatment strategy for wound healing and illustrate the mechanism for impaired angiogenesis in diabetics.
Health risk assessment of organochlorine pesticide residues in edible tissue of seafood
Authors: Hussein Mohamed A. , Hammad Omnya S. , Tharwat Ahmed E. , Darwish Wageh S. , Sayed-Ahmed Ahmed , Zigo František , Farkašová Zuzana , Rehan Ibrahim F.
Published: November 2022

Fish is one of the most valuable foods with high-quality animal protein. However, aquaculture, or ingesting contaminated food, allows organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) to enter the fish's body, and therefore, it negatively impacted public health. One-hundred and twenty random samples of Clupea harengus (C. harengus), Mugil cephalus (M. cephalus), Sardinella aurita (S. aurita), Oreochromis niloticus (O. niloticus), Neptunus pelagicus (N. pelagicus) and Sepia savigngi (S. savigngi) (n = 20 each) were collected from local markets in Mansoura city, Egypt. Samples were checked to see whether any residues of OCPs with the application of risk assessment due to their consumption by Mansoura citizens. The findings indicated that summation hexachlorocyclohexane (∑HCH) in examined seafood samples ranged from 0.27 ± 0.13 in N. pelagicus to 61.61 ± 52.03 μg.kg−1 in S. aurita. Also, the γ-HCH isomer was considered the more prominent among isomers. Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) was found in five different species, with mean values of 2.03 ± 1.85, 1.5.7 ± 1.17, 0.94 ± 0.87, 0.35 ± 0.06, and 0.18 ± 0.06 μg.kg−1 in C. harengus, S. aurita, M. cephlaus, O. niloticus, and S. savigngi. Moreover, summation of Heptachlors (∑HPTs) was 10.19 ± 7.63, 1.27 ± 0.26, 2.58 ± 0.11, 0.95 ± 0.12, 0.21 ± 0.11 and 0.32 ± 0.03 μg.kg−1 of wet weight in examined C. harengus, M. cephlaus, S. aurita, O. niloticus, N. pelagicus, and S. savigngi. Aldrin and dieldrin residues were 3.75 ± 1.31 and 4.86 ± 1.33 μg.kg−1 in C. harengu, meanwhile they were 1.61 ± 0.77 and 0.78 ± 0.04 μg.kg−1in M. cephalus. Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (pp-DDE) was dominant in all examined species within different concentrations 5.08 ± 4.12, 0.98 ± 0.10, 3.07 ± 0.91, 0.93 ± 0.27, 0.08 ± 0.01 and 0.35 ± 0.02 μg.kg−1 in C. harengus, M. cephlaus, S. aurita, O. niloticus, N. pelagicus and S. savigngi, respectively. We concluded that all examined seafood samples were lower than the recommended maximum residue limit. Also, the estimated daily intake was less than the permitted daily intake. Non-carcinogenic indices of target hazard quotient and hazard index for OCPs in all examined species were less than 1.
Childhood Socioeconomic Position and Cardiovascular Disease Among Older Women and Men: The Moderating Role of Parenthood Onset
Authors: Ortiz-Llorens Manuel , Cabib Ignacio , Bambs Claudia
Published: November 2022

Objectives: Based on a life-course approach, the purpose of this study is to analyze how the age at the birth of a first child moderates the relationship between childhood socioeconomic position (SEP) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) incidence in old age, separately for women and men.

Methods: We used a rich and representative life history survey of people aged from 65 to 75 living in Santiago, Chile (n = 802), and weighted multivariate statistical models. Data collection process involved the use of face-to-face life history calendars, administered by well-trained interviewers.

Results: Early motherhood increases the risk of suffering CVD among older women with a disadvantaged childhood SEP, while late motherhood decreases it. By contrast, early fatherhood decreases CVD risk among older men with an adverse childhood SEP, while late fatherhood increases it.

Conclusion: Our findings about the moderating role of parenthood onset on CVD risk among older women and men with a disadvantaged childhood SEP contributes to public health reflections on unexplored cardiovascular risk factors, which lead to substantial changes in women’s and men’s life courses, and might optimize cardiovascular prevention strategies.
Prevalence of Long-COVID Among Low-Income and Marginalized Groups: Evidence From Israel
Authors: Heller Oren , Chun Yung , Shapira Stav , Troen Aron , Shlomo Yaniv , Acri Mary , Marotta Phillip , Kulkarni Saneel , Kinnison Brendan , Grinstein-Weiss Michal
Published: November 2022

Objective: To identify the socioeconomic and demographic factors associated with the prevalence of self-reported long-COVID symptoms.

Method: We examined the association between acute-COVID (SARS-CoV-2) and long-COVID symptoms, by a cross-sectional analysis of data obtained on a prospective online-survey, conducted from November to December 2021 on a nationally-representative sample of the Israeli population (N = 2,246).

Results: Findings suggest that there is a greater likelihood of experiencing long-COVID symptoms among low-income and among marginalized groups. After controlling for demographic and socioeconomic attributes, those who had moderate/severe acute-COVID were 1.3 (p < 0.05) times more likely to experience a long-term symptom and also reported more long-term symptoms (2.2 symptoms) than those who have not been infected (1.4 symptoms; p < 0.01). Among the low-income group, a larger gap in symptom count was found between those who had moderate/severe acute-COVID (3.3 symptoms) and those who had not been infected (1.8 symptoms, p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Our findings highlight the importance of raising awareness of long-COVID among marginalized population groups, and to the therapeutic options available. Such efforts should be tailored and should consider the unique socioeconomic and cultural characteristics, as well as the preexisting low access to healthcare services among these groups.
Adaptive Terminal Sliding Mode Control of Picking Manipulator Based on Uncertainty Estimation
Authors: Wu Caizhang , Zhang Shijie
Published: November 2022

In this paper, a robust nonsingular fast terminal sliding mode control scheme for the picking manipulator under the condition of load change and nonlinear friction disturbance is presented. Firstly, the dynamic equation of the picking manipulator under the condition of load change and nonlinear friction disturbance is established. Then, in order to avoid the singularity problem existing in the terminal sliding mode and improve the convergence time, a new nonsingular fast terminal sliding mode control strategy is adopted to design the control law of the picking manipulator, which can guarantee the finite time convergence. The adaptive law is used to estimate the uncertainties of the system, and the finite time convergence of the system state is proved by the Lyapunov criterion. In addition, the genetic algorithm is used to identify the friction parameters to realize the nonlinear friction compensation control of the system. Finally, the simulation results of the picking manipulator under different load conditions show that the controller designed in this paper realizes the fast and accurate positioning of the picking manipulator under load change and nonlinear friction, and the control strategy is reasonable and effective.
Financial Literacy and Gender Differences: Women Choose People While Men Choose Things?
Authors: Gudjonsson Sigurdur , Minelgaite Inga , Kristinsson Kari , Pálsdóttir Sigrún
Published: November 2022

According to gender personality traits, women are more interested in people, whereas men are more interested in things. The goal of this research is to see if there is a gender gap in financial literacy and if these disparities can be explained by different areas of interest. A convenience sample of nearly a thousand responses was received in quantitative research. The findings clearly show that women have lower financial literacy than men, but there is no indication that this is due to men and women’s differing interests in people and things.
Two-Scale Asymptotic Homogenization Method for Composite Kirchhoff Plates with in-Plane Periodicity
Authors: Huang Zhiwei , Xing Yufeng , Gao Yahe
Published: November 2022

This paper develops a two-scale asymptotic homogenization method for periodic composite Kirchhoff plates. In this method, a three-dimensional (3D) periodic plate problem is simplified as a Kirchhoff plate problem, which is governed by a fourth-order uniformly elliptic partial differential equation (PDE) with periodically oscillating coefficients. Then, a two-scale solution in an asymptotic expansion form is presented for the PDE, and it is found that the first-order perturbed displacement in the asymptotic solution is zero. Additionally, periodic boundary and normalization constraint conditions are proposed to determine the unique solution to unit cell problems. Moreover, standard finite element formulations for calculating the perturbed displacements are derived from the principle of virtual work. Physical interpretations of the influence functions are presented by analyzing the properties of self-balanced quasi-load vectors used for solving the influence functions. Numerical comparisons show that the present method is physically acceptable and highly accurate.
Mitigating Forced Shock-Wave Oscillation with Two-Dimensional Wavy Surface
Authors: Yao Cheng , Pu Yuxue , Wang Zhongming , Gao Yongxin
Published: November 2022

Oscillating flow is one challenge for wide-Mach-number-range flight with supersonic/hype-rsonic vehicles. Aiming to mitigate the large-amplitude forced shock-wave oscillation, a 2D wavy surface has been implemented onto the flat-bottomed wall of the Sajben diffuser under downstream pressure disturbance. The oscillating SBLI in the diffuser is captured using the finite volume method with the second-order implicit dual-time-stepping method. Impacts of the wavy surface on the forced shock-wave oscillation are numerically investigated. It is found that increasing the wavy surface’s depth benefits mitigation of the shock-wave oscillation amplitudes on the walls under the given conditions, but that decreasing the wavy surface’s length may increase or decrease the oscillation amplitudes, depending on the specific value. The mitigating mechanism is interpreted from two viewpoints, i.e., the shock-wave stability and the work performed by a moving shock-wave. The transient second shock-wave temporally appears in the flow field and can be explained by the post-shock expansion.
Wall-Modeled Large Eddy Simulation and Detached Eddy Simulation of Wall-Mounted Separated Flow via OpenFOAM
Authors: Ren Xiang , Su Hua , Yu Hua-Hua , Yan Zheng
Published: November 2022

Considering grid requirements of high Reynolds flow, wall-modeled large eddy simulation (WMLES) and detached eddy simulation (DES) have become the main methods to deal with near-wall turbulence. However, the flow separation phenomenon is a challenge. Three typical separated flows, including flow over a cylinder at ReD = 3900 based on the cylinder diameter, flow over a wall-mounted hump at Rec = 9.36 × 105 based on the hump length, and transonic flow over an axisymmetric bump with shock-induced separation at Rec = 2.763 × 106 based on the bump length, are used to verify WMLES, shear stress transport k-ω DES (SST-DES), and Spalart–Allmaras DES (SA-DES) methods in OpenFOAM. The three flows are increasingly challenging, namely laminar boundary layer separation, turbulent boundary layer separation, and turbulent boundary layer separation under shock interference. The results show that WMLES, SST-DES, and SA-DES methods in OpenFOAM can easily predict the separation position and wake characteristics in the flow around the cylinder, but they rely on the grid scale and turbulent inflow to accurately simulate the latter two flows. The grid requirements of Larsson et al. (δ/Δx,δ/Δy,δ/Δz≈(12,50,20)) are the basis for simulating turbulent boundary layers upstream of flow separation. A finer mesh (δ/Δx,δ/Δy,δ/Δz≈(40,75,40)) is required to accurately predict the separation and reattachment. The WMLES method is more sensitive to grid scales than the SA-DES method and fails to obtain flow separation under a coarser grid, while SST-DES method can only describe the vortices generated by the separating shear layer, but not within the turbulent boundary layer, and overestimates the separation-reattachment zone based on the grid system in this paper.
Lightweight CNN-Based Method for Spacecraft Component Detection
Authors: Liu Yuepeng , Zhou Xingyu , Han Hongwei
Published: November 2022

Spacecraft component detection is essential for space missions, such as for rendezvous and on-orbit assembly. Traditional intelligent detection algorithms suffer from drawbacks related to high computational burden, and are not applicable for on-board use. This paper proposes a convolutional neural network (CNN)-based lightweight algorithm for spacecraft component detection. A lightweight approach based on the Ghost module and channel compression is first presented to decrease the amount of processing and data storage required by the detection algorithm. To improve feature extraction, we analyze the characteristics of spacecraft imagery, and multi-head self-attention is used. In addition, a weighted bidirectional feature pyramid network is incorporated into the algorithm to increase precision. Numerical simulations show that the proposed method can drastically reduce the computational overhead while still guaranteeing good detection precision.
Attitude Stabilization of Rocket Elastic Vibration Based on Robust Observer
Authors: Ge Zhilei , Li Yanling , Ma Shaoxiong
Published: November 2022

This paper proposes an approach to suppressing the elastic vibration and propellant sloshing in attitude control of a high slenderness ratio rocket. The main method is to combine a variable-gain robust observer with a variable structure controller for the purpose of attitude stability and elastic vibration suppression. A variable-gain robust observer is designed to reconstruct the attitude variable and complex multi-order elastic state. In this way, each order elastic vibration can be transformed into an additional attitude with the attitude characteristics of the rocket, which is easy to control. The reconstructed rocket body with an additional attitude is treated as the input of the designed variable structure controller to output the control signal. Under the simultaneous action between the variable-gain robust observer and variable structure controller, attitude stability is achieved for the rocket considering multi-order elastic vibration, and the propellant sloshing in the launch vehicle storage tank can be suppressed simultaneously. According to the simulation results, the proposed method produces a satisfactory stabilization outcome on each order of elastic vibration (especially low-order elastic vibration) and is better than a single variable structure controller.
An AOA Optimal Positioning Method Incorporating Station Error and Sensor Deployment
Authors: Wang Chenxin , Fu Wenxing , Zhang Tong , Zeng Mengqi , Cheng Haoyu
Published: November 2022

In order to improve the computational accuracy of the AOA (angle of arrival) location, an AOA location method based on CTLS (constrained total least squares) and incorporating the effect of station errors is investigated. Its approximate closed-form solution is derived by first calculating the least squares solution, then substituting the least squares solution into the approximate closed-form solution and iterating to calculate the final result. Subsequently, since the result of the Fisher information matrix is minimized when the stations are uniformly distributed, the final accuracy of the AOA target location is improved by finding the optimal relative position deployment strategy for the sensor-carrying station in 3D space, under the assumption that the sensor carriers are uniformly distributed. Simulations show that, in the presence of station errors, the accuracy of AOA location is improved by approximately 10% using this paper’s calculation method, compared to the common least squares location method. In the process of target location, the Fisher information matrix is used to calculate the lower bound of the location result for the CRLB (Cramer–Rao lower bound), which is optimal when the azimuth is uniformly distributed and all on the same horizontal plane, if its pitch angle is 35.56°.
Determination of Ram (Ovis aries) Sperm DNA Damage Due to Oxidative Stress: 8-OHdG Immunodetection Assay vs. SCSA®
Authors: Soria-Meneses Pedro Javier , Jurado-Campos Alejandro , Gómez-Rubio Virgilio , Sánchez-Ajofrín Irene , Soler Ana Josefa , Garde José Julián , Fernández-Santos María del Rocío
Published: November 2022

Conventional DNA analysis techniques can hardly detect DNA damage in ruminant spermatozoa due to high DNA compaction in these cells. Furthermore, these techniques cannot discriminate whether the damage is due to oxidative stress. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of two techniques for determining DNA damage in ovine sperm when the source of that damage is oxidative stress. Semen samples from twenty Manchega rams (Ovis aries) were collected and cryopreserved. After thawing, the samples were subjected to different levels of oxidative stress, and DNA oxidation was quantified using an 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) immunodetection assay and Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay (SCSA®). For this purpose, we evaluated five different concentrations of an oxidation solution (H2O2/FeSO4•7H2O) on ram sperm DNA. Our study with the 8-OHdG immunodetection assay shows that there are higher values for DNA oxidation in samples that were subjected to the highest oxidative stress (8 M H2O2/800 µM FeSO4•7H2O) and those that were not exposed to high oxidative stress, but these differences were not significant (p ≥ 0.05). The two SCSA® parameters considered, DNA fragmentation index (DFI %) and high DNA stainability (HDS %), showed significant differences between samples that were subjected to high concentrations of the oxidation agent and those that were not (p < 0.05). We can conclude that the 8-OHdG immunodetection assay and SCSA® detect DNA damage caused by oxidative stress in ovine sperm under high oxidative conditions; SCSA® is a more straightforward method with more accurate results. For these reasons, an oxidative-stress-specific assay such as 8-OHdG immunodetection is not needed to measure DNA damage caused by oxidative stress in ram sperm samples.
The Interplay between Central and Peripheral Systems in Feed Intake Regulation in European Seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) Juveniles
Authors: Martins Nicole , Castro Carolina , Oliva-Teles Aires , Peres Helena
Published: November 2022

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of feeding or feed deprivation on the orexigenic and anorexigenic responses at the central (whole brain) and peripheral (anterior and posterior intestine, stomach, and liver) system levels in European seabass. For this purpose, a group of fish (208 g) was fed a single meal daily for 8 days (fed group) and another group was feed-deprived for 8 days (unfed group). Compared to the fed group, in the whole brain, feed deprivation did not induce changes in npy, agrp1, and cart2 expression, but increased agrp2 and pomc1 expression. In the anterior intestine, feed deprivation increased cck expression, while in the posterior intestine, the npy expression increased and pyyb decreased. In the stomach, the ghr expression decreased regardless of the feeding status. The hepatic lep expression increased in the unfed fish. The present results suggest a feed intake regulation mechanism in European seabass similar to that observed in other teleosts.
Microsatellite Analysis Revealed Potential DNA Markers for Gestation Length and Sub-Population Diversity in Kari Sheep
Authors: Ibrahim Muhammad , Ahmad Sohail , Ud Din Israr , Ahmad Waqas , Ahmad Ijaz , Khan Sher Hayat , Ul Haq Ihtesham , Zeb Jehan , Sparagano Olivier Andre
Published: November 2022

Kari sheep inhabiting the Chitral district of Pakistan show variation in gestation length. In this study, we have analyzed the genetic differences between the three subtypes of Kari sheep (based on variation in gestation length) using microsatellite markers. Kari sheep samples were collected from their breeding tract and were characterized for gestation length and genetic diversity using microsatellite markers. A total of 78 Kari ewes were grouped into three categories based on gestation length (GL), i.e., Kari-S (with a shorter GL), Kari-M (with a medium GL), and Kari-L (with a longer GL). DNA from these samples was used to amplify 31 ovine-specific microsatellite loci through PCR. Of the total 78 Kari specimens, 24 were grouped in Kari-S (GL = 100.7 ± 1.8), 26 were from the Kari-M subtype (GL = 123.1 ± 1.0), and 28 were Kari-L (GL = 143.8 ± 1.5). Microsatellite analysis revealed an association of genotypes at two marker sites (MAF214 and ILSTS5) with variation in GL. A total of 158 alleles were detected across the 22 polymorphic loci with an average of 7.18 alleles per locus. Unique alleles were found in all three subtypes. The highest number of unique alleles was observed in Kari-L (15), followed by Kari-S (10) and Kari-M (8). The results indicated that Kari-S is a genetically distinct subtype (with higher genetic differentiation and distance) from Kari-M and Kari-L. The genetic uniqueness of Kari-S is important for further exploration of the genetic basis for shorter gestation length, and exploitation of their unique values.
Assessment and Distribution of Runs of Homozygosity in Horse Breeds Representing Different Utility Types
Authors: Szmatoła Tomasz , Gurgul Artur , Jasielczuk Igor , Oclon Ewa , Ropka-Molik Katarzyna , Stefaniuk-Szmukier Monika , Polak Grazyna , Tomczyk-Wrona Iwona , Bugno-Poniewierska Monika
Published: November 2022

The present study reports runs of homozygosity (ROH) distribution in the genomes of six horse breeds (571 horses in total) representing three horse types (primitive, light, and draft horses) based on the 65k Equine BeadChip assay. Of major interest was the length, quantity, and frequency of ROH characteristics, as well as differences between horse breeds and types. Noticeable differences in the number, length and distribution of ROH between breeds were observed, as well as in genomic inbreeding coefficients. We also identified regions of the genome characterized by high ROH coverage, known as ROH islands, which may be signals of recent selection events. Eight to fourteen ROH islands were identified per breed, which spanned multiple genes. Many were involved in important horse breed characteristics, including WFIKNN2, CACNA1G, STXBP4, NOG, FAM184B, QDPR, LCORL, and the zinc finger protein family. Regions of the genome with zero ROH occurrences were also of major interest in specific populations. Depending on the breed, we detected between 2 to 57 no-ROH regions and identified 27 genes in these regions that were common for five breeds. These genes were involved in, e.g., muscle contractility (CACNA1A) and muscle development (miR-23, miR-24, miR-27). To sum up, the obtained results can be furthered analyzed in the topic of identification of markers unique for specific horse breed characteristics.
Evaluating the Functional Properties of Spray-Dried Porcine Plasma in Gilthead Seabream (Sparus aurata) Fed Low Fish Meal Diets
Authors: Fernández-Alacid Laura , Sanahuja Ignasi , Madrid Cristina , Polo Javier , Firmino Joana P. , Balsalobre Carlos , Reyes-López Felipe E. , Vallejos-Vidal Eva , Andree Karl B. , Gisbert Enric , Ibarz Antoni
Published: November 2022

Blood by-products are an untapped source of high-quality ingredients for aquafeeds, containing a broad variety of cytokines, hormones, growth factors, proteins, bioactive peptides, and amino acids. The effects of the spray-dried porcine plasma (SDPP), a type of processed animal protein on several immune parameters, were evaluated in sea bream using ex vivo and in vitro assays. In this study, fish were fed with two isoproteic, isolipidic, and isoenergetic diets: control diet (7% fish meal, FM) and SDPP diet (2% FM and 5% SDPP). At the end of the 92-days trial, those fed the SDPP diet were larger in body weight (p < 0.05) without differences in feed conversion ratio (p > 0.05). The ex vivo immune stimulation of splenocytes indicated that SDPP had a beneficial effect in promoting systemic immunity, since the surface cell marker (cd4), pro- (il-1β), and anti-inflammatory (tgf-β1) cytokines, and genes involved in humoral immunity (IgM) were up-regulated. The co-culture assays of skin mucus corroborated that SDPP enhanced the antibacterial capacity of mucus against V. anguillarum. In addition, main mucus biomarkers did not show significant differences, except for cortisol levels which were lower in the SDPP diet. The present study indicated that SDPP may be considered a functional ingredient in aquafeeds formulated with low FM levels.
Effects of Dietary Fiber on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility and Intestinal Health in Different Pig Breeds
Authors: Liu Jiahao , Luo Yuheng , Kong Xiangfeng , Yu Bing , Zheng Ping , Huang Zhiqing , Mao Xiangbing , Yu Jie , Luo Junqiu , Yan Hui , He Jun
Published: November 2022

To explore the effect of dietary fiber on growth performance and intestinal health in different pig breeds, forty Taoyuan and Duroc pigs (pure breeds) of 60 days of age were randomly divided into a 2 (diet) × 2 (breed) factorial experiment (n = 10), and fed with a basal diet (BD) or high-fiber diet (HFD). The trial lasted for 28 d, and results showed that the Taoyuan pigs had a higher average daily feed intake (ADFI) than the Duroc pigs (p < 0.05). The average daily gain (ADG) and digestibilities of gross energy (GE) and crude protein (CP) were higher in Taoyuan pigs than in the Duroc pigs under HFD feeding (p < 0.05). The HFD increased the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity in Taoyuan pigs (p < 0.05). Interestingly, Taoyuan pigs had a higher jejunal villus height and ratio of villus height to crypt depth (V/C) than the Duroc pigs. The HFD significantly improved the villus height and V/C ratio in duodenum and jejunum (p < 0.05). The HFD also increased the jejunal maltase and ileal sucrase activities in Duroc and Taoyuan pigs, respectively (p < 0.05). Taoyuan pigs had a higher expression level of duodenal fatty acid transport protein-1 (FATP-1) than the Duroc pigs (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the HFD acutely improved the expression levels of ileal SGLT-1 and GLUT-2, and the expression levels of jejunal occludin and claudin-1 in Taoyuan pigs (p < 0.05). Importantly, Taoyuan pigs had a higher colonic Bifidobacterium abundance than the Duroc pigs (p < 0.05). The HFD not only elevated the colonic Lactobacillus abundance and butyrate acid content in Taoyuan pigs, but also increased the acetic and propionic acid contents in both the pig breeds (p < 0.05). These results indicated a difference in dietary fiber (DF) utilization by the two pig breeds, and results may also suggest a beneficial character of DF in regulating intestinal health.
Creating a Design Framework to Diagnose and Enhance Grassland Health under Pastoral Livestock Production Systems
Authors: Pereira Fabiellen C. , Smith Carol M. S. , Charters Stuart M. , Gregorini Pablo
Published: November 2022

Grasslands and ecosystem services are under threat due to common practices adopted by modern livestock farming systems. Design theory has been an alternative to promote changes and develop more sustainable strategies that allow pastoral livestock production systems to evolve continually within grasslands by enhancing their health and enabling the continuous delivery of multiple ecosystem services. To create a design framework to design alternative and more sustainable pastoral livestock production systems, a better comprehension of grassland complexity and dynamism for a diagnostic assessment of its health is needed, from which the systems thinking theory could be an important approach. By using systems thinking theory, the key components of grasslands—soil, plant, ruminant—can be reviewed and better understood from a holistic perspective. The description of soil, plant and ruminant individually is already complex itself, so understanding these components, their interactions, their response to grazing management and herbivory and how they contribute to grassland health under different climatic and topographic conditions is paramount to designing more sustainable pastoral livestock production systems. Therefore, by taking a systems thinking approach, we aim to review the literature to better understand the role of soil, plant, and ruminant on grassland health to build a design framework to diagnose and enhance grassland health under pastoral livestock production systems.
Intra-Decadal (2012–2021) Dynamics of Spatial Ichthyoplankton Distribution in Sevastopol Bay (Black Sea) Affected by Hydrometeorological Factors
Authors: Basova Marina , Krasheninnikova Svetlana , Parrino Vincenzo
Published: November 2022

High mortality of fish in the early stages of ontogenesis requires the detection of factors affecting it and is an extremely important problem. For this reason, we tried to consider the influence of some hydrometeorological factors on the intra-decadal dynamics and spatial distribution of ichthyoplankton abundance in Sevastopol Bay. To this end, we analyzed ichthyoplankton samples collected in 2012–2021 in Sevastopol Bay, and the four districts were identified. The ichthyoplankton distribution by areas was associated with the peculiarities of the pollution distribution. The maximum numbers in eggs (34.7 ± 7.5 ind. m−2) and larvae (10.0 ± 2.4 ind. m−2) were recorded in July–August. For the first time, a positive effect of temperature and repeatability of north and northeast winds on the ichthyoplankton number during the summer spawning in all identified areas of Sevastopol Bay using principal component analysis (PCA) was reported. In the southern region, positive influence of temperature and northerly winds on the ichthyoplankton abundance was confirmed by ANOVA (p = 0.02), and Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed significant correlations between these parameters on inter-annual scale (r > 0.5). In the eastern area, the discharge of rivers is an additional factor affecting the abundance of ichthyoplankton, while in the western and central areas, these factors were the wind characteristics caused by the orography peculiarities. The pollution spread in Sevastopol Bay is also largely due to the wind regime. The importance of comprehensive monitoring studies using intra-decadal data on ichthyoplankton is emphasized.
Effects of Low-Fat Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles Supplementation on Growth Performance, Rumen Fermentation, Blood Metabolites, and Carcass Characteristics of Kiko Crossbred Wether Goats
Authors: Ale Khim B. , Scott Jarvis , Okere Chukewueme , Abrahamsen Frank W. , Gurung Reshma , Gurung Nar K.
Published: November 2022

Distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) produced in US are predominately low fat, as the economics favor separating as much oil as possible for sale as renewable diesel feedstock and also for use in swine and poultry feed. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of feeding different amounts of low-fat DDGS (LF-DDGS) on growth performance, growth efficiency, rumen fermentation, blood metabolites, and carcass characteristics of Kiko crossbred wether goats. Twenty-four goats, 5–6 months of age, were randomly assigned to one of the four experimental diets (n = 6/diet), 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% LF-DDGS on an as-fed basis, and fed for 84 days. Data collected were analyzed using an orthogonal contrast test for equally spaced treatments. Average total gains, average daily gains, and gain-to-feed ratios were similar among the treatments (p > 0.05). Rumen acetate, propionate, and butyrate concentrations and acetate: propionate ratios were similar (p > 0.05) among treatments. There were no differences (p > 0.05) among treatments for dressing percentage, rib eye area, and backfat thickness. Findings suggest that at least up to 30% LF-DDGS can be included in diets of castrated male goats without affecting production performance and carcass characteristics.
The Influence of Commercial Feed Supplemented with Carnobacterium maltaromaticum Environmental Probiotic Bacteria on the Rearing Parameters and Microbial Safety of Juvenile Rainbow Trout
Authors: Gołaś Iwona , Potorski Jacek Arkadiusz
Published: November 2022

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of commercial feed (CF) supplemented with 0.1% of the Carnobacterium maltaromaticum environmental probiotic strain on the rearing parameters, apparent nutrient digestibility, and microbial safety of juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). The fish were fed CF (control group, CG) and experimental feed (EF) supplemented with 0.1% of C. maltaromaticum (experimental group, EG) for 56 days. The final body weight and total body length of the fish were measured. The growth rate, condition factor, feed conversion ratio, viscerosomatic and hepatosomatic indices, and apparent digestibility coefficients of protein (PAD), lipids (LAD), ash (AAD), and nitrogen-free extract (NFEAD) were calculated. The total viable counts of C. maltaromaticum bacteria, mesophilic bacteria, hemolytic mesophilic bacteria, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Aeromonas hydrophila, Staphylococcus sp., and sulfite-reducing anaerobic spore-forming Clostridium sp. were determined in digestive tract contents and the skin of fish. Feed supplementation with C. maltaromaticum significantly affected most rearing parameters, as well as the PAD, LAD, AAD and NFE values, and bacterial counts. The principal component analysis (PCA) revealed significant positive correlations (p < 0.05) between fish growth rates, PAD and LAD values vs. C. maltaromaticum counts in the EF and in the digestive tract contents of the fish.
First Identification and Phylogenetic Analysis of Porcine Circovirus Type 4 in Fur Animals in Hebei, China
Authors: Wang Yanjin , Yan Shijie , Ji Yuting , Yang Yujie , Rui Ping , Ma Zengjun , Qiu Hua-Ji , Song Tao
Published: November 2022

A novel circovirus called porcine circovirus type 4 (PCV4) was recently detected in pigs suffering from severe clinical diseases in Hunan province, China. There are few reports on the origin and evolution of PCV4, although some researchers have conducted epidemiological investigations of PCV4 and found that PCV4 is widespread in pigs. Based on the previous study, we detected PCV2 in farmed foxes and raccoon dogs with reproductive failure. To explore whether the PCV4 genome also exists in fur animals, we detected 137 cases admitted from fur animal farms in Hebei China between 2015 and 2020, which were characterized by inappetence, lethargy, depression, abortion, and sterility. The overall infection rate of PCV4 was 23.36% (32/137), including 20.37% (22/108) for raccoon dogs, 18.75% (3/16) for foxes, and 53.85% (7/13) for minks. Finally, five raccoon dog-origin PCV4 strains and one fox-origin PCV4 strain were sequenced in our study, whose nucleotide identities with other representative PCV4 strains varied from 96.5% to 100%. Phylogenetic analysis based on the complete genomes of PCV4 strains indicated a close relationship with those of PCV4 strains identified from pigs. To our knowledge, this is the first study to detect PCV4 in fur animals. Interestingly, we also identified PCV4 in a mixed farm (feeding pigs and raccoon dogs at the same time). In summary, our findings extend the understanding of the molecular epidemiology of PCV4 and provide new evidence for its cross-species transmission.
Seroprevalence of Specific Antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, and Brucella spp. in Sheep and Goats in Egypt
Authors: Fereig Ragab M. , Wareth Gamal , Abdelbaky Hanan H. , Mazeed Amira M. , El-Diasty Mohamed , Abdelkhalek Adel , Mahmoud Hassan Y. A. H. , Ali Alsagher O. , El-tayeb Abdelrahman , Alsayeqh Abdullah F. , Frey Caroline F.
Published: November 2022

Toxoplasmosis, neosporosis, and brucellosis are devastating diseases causing infectious abortion and, therefore, substantial economic losses in farm animals. Toxoplasmosis and neosporosis are caused by the intracellular protozoan parasites Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) and Neospora caninum (N. caninum), respectively. Brucellosis is a bacterial disease caused by numerous Brucella species in multiple hosts. Toxoplasmosis and brucellosis are also considered foodborne zoonotic diseases. In the current study, specific antibodies to T. gondii and N. caninum, in addition to those to Brucella spp., were detected to gain a better understanding of the epidemiological situation for these three pathogens. Sheep and goat sera from Egypt (n = 360) of animals with and without a history of abortion were tested using commercial ELISAs. Seropositivity rates of 46.1%, 11.9%, and 8.6% for T. gondii, N. caninum, and Brucella spp., respectively, were revealed. Mixed infections with T. gondii and Brucella spp. (4.4%), T. gondii and N. caninum (4.2%), N. caninum and Brucella spp. (1.4%), and even some triple infections (0.6%) have been observed. Animals with a history of abortion had a significantly higher seroprevalence for Brucella spp. infection than those without abortion (12.6%; 28/222 vs. 2.2%; 3/138) (p = 0.0005; Odds ratio = 1.9–21.8), while none of the other pathogens showed a similar effect. This result suggests brucellosis as a possible cause of abortion in the study population. However, the high seroprevalence for T. gondii and N. caninum revealed in our study warrants further investigations.
Recombinant Helicobacter pylori Vaccine Delivery Vehicle: A Promising Tool to Treat Infections and Combat Antimicrobial Resistance
Authors: Dieye Yakhya , Nguer Cheikh Momar , Thiam Fatou , Diouara Abou Abdallah Malick , Fall Cheikh
Published: November 2022

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become a global public health threat. Experts agree that unless proper actions are taken, the number of deaths due to AMR will increase. Many strategies are being pursued to tackle AMR, one of the most important being the development of efficient vaccines. Similar to other bacterial pathogens, AMR in Helicobacter pylori (Hp) is rising worldwide. Hp infects half of the human population and its prevalence ranges from <10% in developed countries to up to 90% in low-income countries. Currently, there is no vaccine available for Hp. This review provides a brief summary of the use of antibiotic-based treatment for Hp infection and its related AMR problems together with a brief description of the status of vaccine development for Hp. It is mainly dedicated to genetic tools and strategies that can be used to develop an oral recombinant Hp vaccine delivery platform that is (i) completely attenuated, (ii) can survive, synthesize in situ and deliver antigens, DNA vaccines, and adjuvants to antigen-presenting cells at the gastric mucosa, and (iii) possibly activate desired compartments of the gut-associated mucosal immune system. Recombinant Hp vaccine delivery vehicles can be used for therapeutic or prophylactic vaccination for Hp and other microbial pathogens.