bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simplified Approaches for the Production of Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells and Study of Antigen Presentation in Bovine
Authors: Cunha Patricia , Gilbert Florence B. , Bodin Jennifer , Godry Lise , Germon Pierre , Holbert Sebastien , Martins Rodrigo Prado
Published: June 2022

Dendritic cells are sentinels of the immune system responsible for the initiation of adaptive immune mechanisms. In that respect, the study of these cells is essential for a full understanding of host response to infectious agents and vaccines. In ruminants, the large blood volume facilitates the isolation of abundant monocytes and their derivation to other antigen-presenting cells such as dendritic cells and macrophages. However, the available protocols for the production of bovine monocyte-derived dendritic cells (moDCs) rely mostly on time-consuming and costly techniques such as density gradient centrifugation and magnetic sorting of cells. In this study, we describe a simplified protocol for the production of bovine moDC using conventional and serum-free media. We also employ moDC produced by this approach to carry out a flow cytometry-based antigen presentation assay adapted to blood fresh or frozen cells. The experimental strategies described here might enable the setup of studies involving a large number of individuals, requiring a large number of dendritic cells, or relying on the utilization of cryopreserved blood cells. These simplified protocols might contribute to the elucidation of cell-mediated immune responses in bovine.
Pathogenesis of Chicken Astrovirus Related Illnesses
Authors: Raji Abdullahi Abdullahi , Omar Abdul Rahman
Published: June 2022

Of the several known viruses, chicken astrovirus (CAstV) has been associated with diarrhea, runting-stunting syndrome, severe kidney disease, and gout, and white chick syndrome (WCS) in young broiler chicks. Discovered in 2004, CAstV consists of two genogroups with an expanding subgroup because of the diversity exhibited in its viral capsid sequence. Despite these findings, there exists a dearth of knowledge on its pathogenesis. This review highlights the pathogenesis and development of in vivo and in vitro models.
XAI in the Context of Predictive Process Monitoring: An Empirical Analysis Framework
Authors: El-khawaga Ghada , Abu-Elkheir Mervat , Reichert Manfred
Published: June 2022

Predictive Process Monitoring (PPM) has been integrated into process mining use cases as a value-adding task. PPM provides useful predictions on the future of the running business processes with respect to different perspectives, such as the upcoming activities to be executed next, the final execution outcome, and performance indicators. In the context of PPM, Machine Learning (ML) techniques are widely employed. In order to gain trust of stakeholders regarding the reliability of PPM predictions, eXplainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) methods have been increasingly used to compensate for the lack of transparency of most of predictive models. Multiple XAI methods exist providing explanations for almost all types of ML models. However, for the same data, as well as, under the same preprocessing settings or same ML models, generated explanations often vary significantly. Corresponding variations might jeopardize the consistency and robustness of the explanations and, subsequently, the utility of the corresponding model and pipeline settings. This paper introduces a framework that enables the analysis of the impact PPM-related settings and ML-model-related choices may have on the characteristics and expressiveness of the generated explanations. Our framework provides a means to examine explanations generated either for the whole reasoning process of an ML model, or for the predictions made on the future of a certain business process instance. Using well-defined experiments with different settings, we uncover how choices made through a PPM workflow affect and can be reflected through explanations. This framework further provides the means to compare how different characteristics of explainability methods can shape the resulting explanations and reflect on the underlying model reasoning process.
Comparing the Reasoning Capabilities of Equilibrium Theories and Answer Set Programs
Authors: Fandinno Jorge , Pearce David , Vidal Concepción , Woltran Stefan
Published: June 2022

Answer Set Programming (ASP) is a well established logical approach in artificial intelligence that is widely used for knowledge representation and problem solving. Equilibrium logic extends answer set semantics to more general classes of programs and theories. When intertheory relations are studied in ASP, or in the more general form of equilibrium logic, they are usually understood in the form of comparisons of the answer sets or equilibrium models of theories or programs. This is the case for strong and uniform equivalence and their relativised and projective versions. However, there are many potential areas of application of ASP for which query answering is relevant and a comparison of programs in terms of what can be inferred from them may be important. We formulate and study some natural equivalence and entailment concepts for programs and theories that are couched in terms of inference and query answering. We show that, for the most part, these new intertheory relations coincide with their model-theoretic counterparts. We also extend some previous results on projective entailment for theories and for the new connective called fork.
Sound-Quality-Based Decision Making in Multiobjective Optimisation of Operations for Sustainable Airport Scenarios
Authors: Iemma Umberto , Centracchio Francesco
Published: June 2022

The paper deals with a community-oriented approach to the multiobjective optimisation of sustainable takeoff and landing procedures of commercial aircraft. The objective functions to be minimised are defined as the measure of area surrounding the airport where the Sound Exposure Level (SEL) is higher than 60 dBA, and the amount of fuel burned during the procedure. The first merit factor is a measure of the number of citizens affected by a potentially harmful noise level, whereas the second is proportional to the chemical emissions. The novelty of the present approach is the use of a criterion based on sound quality for the selection of the optimal procedure from the Pareto front set. The spectrum of the noise produced by each non-dominated solution is compared to a reference spectrum, the target sound. This is synthesised to meet the acceptance requirements that emerged by a campaign of psychometric tests. The rationale underlying the research is tightly linked to the expected transformation of civil aviation, with the advent of new air transport solutions in urban and suburban environments. The breakthrough nature of the emerging scenarios requires a drastic renewal of the approaches used in the management of operations, and the present work represents a contribution to this evolution. The optimisation is attained adopting a global, deterministic method, and numerical results are obtained for single- and twin-aisle aircraft.
Trajectory Tracking Based on Active Disturbance Rejection Control for Compound Unmanned Aircraft
Authors: Deng Bohai , Xu Jinfa
Published: June 2022

The compound unmanned aircraft is provided with three primary flight modes, which are helicopter flight mode in low forward speed flight, airplane flight mode in high forward speed flight and transition flight mode in middle forward speed flight. For the different flight modes, an appropriate flight control law is the need to ensure good flying qualities. In this paper, a trajectory tracking control system based on the active disturbance rejection controller (ADRC) for the compound unmanned aircraft is proposed to adapt the full flight modes. A flight dynamics model and a Simulink simulation model of the compound unmanned aircraft are developed. The transition flight control strategy is analyzed and synthesized to meet the requirement of control strategy in the full flight modes. The internal uncertainties and external disturbance of the UAV are estimated with an extended state observer to compensate control input. A genetic algorithm-particle swarm optimization (GA-PSO) algorithm is utilized to optimize the controller parameters. The simulation of route tracking and spiral climb with different flight modes is conducted, which demonstrates the tracking ability, interference rejection, robustness and effectiveness of the developed controller in the full flight modes.
An Understanding of Education in Supporting Cotton Production: An Empirical Study in Benin, West Africa
Authors: Jacquet Iskid , Wang Jieyong , Zhang Jianjun , Wang Ke , Liang Sen
Published: June 2022

Benin is an underdeveloped country whose economy is dependent on agriculture, principally cotton production. Kandi is a community in the country’s northeast region, and is regarded as one of Benin’s top four cotton-producing communities. This community has a deficient level of education. The present paper aimed to investigate whether education could contribute to increasing cotton production in Kandi. A questionnaire was distributed to educated, uneducated, and organic farmers in the research area to achieve this goal. A linear regression strategy was applied, with the key components of the research areas being the usage of agricultural chemical inputs (pesticides and fertilizers), miscellaneous factors, and the level of education of farmers. The data collected were utilized to compare the different groups polled (educated and uneducated farmers). Organic farmers are used in this paper as a model of suitable agriculture development in the study area. The key finding is that primary education affects agricultural production. Solutions are presented with a focus on organic farmers.
Lethality of Three Phasmarhabditis spp. (P. hermaphrodita, P. californica, and P. papillosa) to Succinea Snails
Authors: Schurkman Jacob , Tandingan De Ley Irma , Dillman Adler R.
Published: June 2022

Succinea snails are considered to be invasive and pestiferous gastropods to those in the floricultural industry. Their small size makes them difficult to locate within large plant shipments, and their presence on decorative plants can constitute for an entire shipment to be rejected for sale and distribution. Research performed on Succinea snails is limited, especially in terms of effective mitigation strategies. The nematode Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita is a biological control agent used on pestiferous gastropods throughout some European nations. Here, three strains of Phasmarhabditis from the United States (P. hermaphrodita, P. californica, and P. papillosa) were assessed as biological control agents against Succinea snails in controlled laboratory conditions, along with the molluscicide Sluggo Plus® as a control. All species of Phasmarhabditis applied at 30 IJs/cm2 caused significant mortality compared to the non-treated control and treatment with Sluggo Plus®. P. californica caused 100% mortality 6 days after exposure, while P. hermaphrodita and P. papillosa caused the same mortality rate 7 days after exposure. The molluscicide was unable to cause significant mortality compared to the non-treated control. Additional research with US Phasmarhabditis strains, including their non-target effects and distribution may lead to their being a viable option for biological control against Succinea snails.
Bioprospecting Fluorescent Pseudomonas from the Brazilian Amazon for the Biocontrol of Signal Grass Foliar Blight
Authors: Vicentini Samara Nunes Campos , de Carvalho Giselle , Krug Loane Dantas , Nunes Tiago Calves , da Silva Abimael Gomes , Moreira Silvino Intra , Gonçalves Lucas Matheus de Deus Paes , Silva Tatiane Carla , Ceresini Paulo Cezar
Published: June 2022

Biological control is considered the only viable integrated disease management practice for controlling the widely distributed and destructive foliar blight and sudden death disease caused by the fungus Rhizoctonia solani AG-1 IA on signal grass (Urochloa brizantha) pastures. Since major signal grass varieties are highly susceptible and fungicide sprays are not labeled for grass pasture cropping systems, biological control is sought as an alternative for managing this fungal disease. In this study, 24 fluorescent Pseudomonas isolates obtained from naturally suppressive soils from the Amazon biome were bio-prospected for their role as biocontrol agents against R. solani AG-1 IA. Based on in vitro antagonism, three isolates (Amana, Poti, and Yara) were selected for further in vivo assays. Multilocus phylogenetic analysis indicated that Amana and Yara were grouped into the Pseudomonas putida group while Poti was grouped into the Pseudomonas asplenii group, and could well constitute a new Pseudomonas species. For in vivo biocontrol assays, the biocontrol agents were applied either via seed-treatment or via foliar spray. All three isolates produced siderophores and solubilized phosphate, while Amana and Poti showed protease and chitinase in vitro activity. Foliar application of P. putida Amana from Amazonian suppressive soils resulted in a significant reduction of the foliar blight disease severity on signal grass. We discuss further steps for the development and labeling of Pseudomonas-based biofungicides for managing the foliar blight disease on signal grass pastures in Brazil.
Towards Sustainable Application of Wastewater in Agriculture: A Review on Reusability and Risk Assessment
Authors: Khan Muhammad Mumtaz , Siddiqi Sajjad Ahmad , Farooque Aitazaz A. , Iqbal Qumer , Shahid Shabbir Ahmad , Akram Muhammad Tahir , Rahman Sadik , Al-Busaidi Waleed , Khan Imran
Published: June 2022

The use of marginal-quality waters, not limited to brackish/saline and treated sewage effluent (TSE), is called reclaimed water. Reclaimed water is a sustainable source in the future for use in agriculture, essentially required to offset the food demand of a rapidly growing population. Moreover, the sustainable recovery of reclaimed water is essential for humanity to satisfy extreme sanitation and water-supply demands. To increase access to water supply, alternate water resources’ use, existing water resources’ degradation, and improved water-use efficiency are imperative. There is a high potential to address these factors by using reclaimed water as an alternative source. The reclaimed water treated at a tertiary level has the potential for use in crop production, especially for forage crops, irrigating urban landscapes, recreational and environmental activities, industry, and aquifer recharge to increase strategic water reserves in water-scarce countries. This way, we can save precious freshwater that can be utilized for other purposes. Eminently, freshwater applications for industrial and agronomic sectors account for 20% and 67%, respectively, depleting freshwater resources. The use of reclaimed water in agriculture can significantly reduce pressure on freshwater. However, if the quality of reclaimed water does not comply with international standards, it may cause serious health risks (diseases) and soil pollution (heavy metals).
The Combined Application of Urea and Fulvic Acid Solution Improved Maize Carbon and Nitrogen Metabolism
Authors: Gao Feng , Li Zeli , Du Yuping , Duan Jianhang , Zhang Tianjiao , Wei Zhanbo , Guo Lei , Gong Wenjun , Liu Zhiguang , Zhang Min
Published: June 2022

It has been reported that fulvic acid (FA) application improves soil structure and nutrient availability. However, the effects of combined application of urea (U) and FA solution on the photosynthesis and nitrogen metabolism in maize (Zea mays L.) have rarely been reported. In this study, pot experiments were conducted in 2017 and 2018, and the effects of combined application of urea and FA solution (U+FA) on soil available nutrient contents, maize endogenous hormone concentrations, carbon and nitrogen metabolism-related enzyme concentrations, maize yield, and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) were researched. Compared with the U treatment, the maize yield and NUE in the U+FA treatment were significantly increased by 8.31% and 17.09 percentage points in 2017 and by 16.90% and 24.31 percentage points in 2018. At the jointing and 12-leaf (V12) stages of maize, soil NH4+ content increased by 139.32% and 12.08%, separately, in the U+FA treatment. At the V12 stage, the auxin, nitrate reductase, nitrite reductase, and glutamine synthetase concentrations in maize root were increased by 42.31%, 74.17%, 16.61%, and 45.60%, respectively, and the concentrations of pyruvate phosphate dikinase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase in maize leave were increased by 29.40% and 42.96%, respectively, in the U+FA treatment. The combined application of urea and FA solution significantly improved soil nutrient availability, increased the concentrations of endogenous hormones in maize, stimulated the activities of enzymes related to nitrogen metabolism, promoted the photosynthetic carbon assimilation efficiency, and ultimately improved crop yield and NUE.
Genetics, Morphometrics and Health Characterization of Green Turtle Foraging Grounds in Mainland and Insular Chile
Authors: Álvarez-Varas Rocío , Medrano Carol , Benítez Hugo A. , Guerrero Felipe , León Miranda Fabiola , Vianna Juliana A. , González Camila , Véliz David
Published: June 2022

Two divergent genetic lineages have been described for the endangered green turtle in the Pacific Ocean, occurring sympatrically in some foraging grounds. Chile has seven known green turtle foraging grounds, hosting mainly juveniles of different lineages. Unfortunately, anthropic factors have led to the decline or disappearance of most foraging aggregations. We investigated age-class/sex structure, morphological variation, genetic diversity and structure, and health status of turtles from two mainland (Bahia Salado and Playa Chinchorro) and one insular (Easter Island) Chilean foraging grounds. Bahia Salado is composed of juveniles, and with Playa Chinchorro, exclusively harbors individuals of the north-central/eastern Pacific lineage, with Galapagos as the major genetic contributor. Conversely, Easter Island hosts juveniles and adults from both the eastern Pacific and French Polynesia. Morphological variation was found between lineages and foraging grounds, suggesting an underlying genetic component but also an environmental influence. Turtles from Easter Island, unlike Bahia Salado, exhibited injuries/alterations probably related to anthropic threats. Our findings point to establishing legal protection for mainland Chile’s foraging grounds, and to ensure that the administrative plan for Easter Island’s marine protected area maintains ecosystem health, turtle population viability, and related cultural and touristic activities.
Study of the Mandibular Bone Microstructure and Blood Minerals Bioavailability in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss, Walbaum 1792) from Freshwater
Authors: Godoy Karina , Sandoval Cristian , Manterola-Barroso Carlos , Vásquez Claudio , Sepúlveda Noelia , Rojas Mariana , Salazar Luis A.
Published: June 2022

Farmed salmonids show alterations in bone structure that result in skeletal deformities during formation, repair, and regeneration processes, with loss of mineralization at the level of the axial skeleton, mainly the head and spine, affecting their quality of life and even causing death. Despite improving factors, such as farming conditions, diets, and genetics, bone alterations appear more frequently in farmed fish than in wild fish. Thus, we used SEM-EDX, and TGA-DSC to study bone mineralization in farmed and wild rainbow trouts. As expected, we found significant differences in the nutritional parameters of farmed and wild fish (p < 0.05). Microstructural analyses indicated that farmed fish have a more robust mineral structure (p < 0.05), confirming the differences in mineralization and microstructure between both groups. However, the mechanisms regulating absorption and distribution in the organism and their effect on bone mineralization remain to be known. In our study, the combined use of techniques such as SEM-EDX and TGA-DSC allows a clearer assessment and detailed characterization beneficial to understanding the relationship between diet control and bone microstructure.
Effects of Vitamin A on Yanbian Yellow Cattle and Their Preadipocytes by Activating AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathway and Intestinal Microflora
Authors: Zhang Xinxin , Xu Hongyan , Zhang Congcong , Bai Jinhui , Song Jixuan , Hao Beibei , Zhang Luomeng , Xia Guangjun
Published: June 2022

In this study, the effects of vitamin A and its metabolite, all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), on the proliferation and differentiation of preadipocytes and the intestinal microbiome in Yanbian yellow cattle were investigated. Preadipocytes collected from Yanbian yellow cattle treated with different concentrations of ATRA remained in the G1/G0 phase, as determined by flow cytometry. Quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blotting analyses showed that the mRNA and protein expression levels of key adipogenic factors, peroxisome proliferator- activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), CCAAT enhancer-binding protein α (C/EBPα), and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 (ERK2), decreased. ATRA was found to regulate the mTOR signaling pathway, which is involved in lipid metabolism, by inhibiting the expression of AKT2 and the adipogenic transcription factors SREBP1, ACC, and FAS; the protein and mRNA expression levels showed consistent trends. In addition, 16S rRNA sequencing results showed that a low concentration of vitamin A promoted the growth of intestinal microflora beneficial to lipid metabolism and maintained intestinal health. The results indicated that ATRA inhibited the adipogenic differentiation of preadipocytes from Yanbian yellow cattle through the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, and that low concentrations of vitamin A may help maintain the intestinal microbes involved in lipid metabolism in cattle.
Plasma-Ionized Magnesium in Hospitalized Horses with Gastrointestinal Disorders and Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome
Authors: Sanmartí Julia , Armengou Lara , Troya-Portillo Lucas , Robles-Guirado José Ángel , Bassols Anna , Ríos José , Jose-Cunilleras Eduard
Published: June 2022

Magnesium disorders in horses with gastrointestinal disorders or systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) are scarcely characterized. The purpose of the study was to explore the association of magnesium disorders with diagnosis, SIRS and mortality in horses admitted to a referral equine hospital. In total, 75 sick horses were included in an observational prospective study and classified as: obstructive (n = 17), inflammatory (n = 10) and ischemic gastrointestinal disorders (n = 12), and other non-gastrointestinal systemic disorders (n = 36). All sick horses were also divided according to the presence (n = 26) or absence of SIRS, and survival to discharge from hospital (survivors (n = 61) and non-survivors (n = 14). In addition, 26 horses were included as controls. On admission, mean (iMg) (95% confidence interval (CI)) in the SIRS group (0.47 (0.43–0.50 mmol/L)) was within the normal range (0.4–0.6 mmol/L). The obstructive group had lower (iMg) compared to the control group (0.44 (0.38–0.51 mmol/L) vs. 0.56 (0.50–0.61 mmol/L); p = 0.001). In total, 8 out of 17 (47%) horses with obstructive lesions presented with hypomagnesemia compared to controls (4% (1/26)) (p = 0.001). In conclusion, hypomagnesemia was more prevalent on admission in horses in the obstructive group, and to a lesser extent, in the inflammatory and ischemic groups. In contrast to human ICU patients, the proportion of hospitalized horses with hypomagnesemia was not associated with mortality.
Successful Repigmentation of Full-Thickness Wound Healing in Fraser’s Dolphins (Lagenodelphis hosei)
Authors: Su Chen-Yi , Wang Hao-Ven , Hughes Michael W. , Liu Tzu-Yu , Chuong Cheng-Ming , Yang Wei-Cheng
Published: June 2022

Fraser’s dolphins (Lagenodelphis hosei) exhibit the capability to restore nearly normal pigmentation after full-thickness wounding. However, the association among melanocytes, melanin and skin pigmentation during wound healing in cetaceans has yet to be addressed. Here, the number of melanocytes and the distribution of melanocytes and melanin in different-colored skin and different wound-healing stages in Fraser’s dolphins were analyzed by using Fontana–Masson staining, immunofluorescence staining and immunohistochemical staining. It was noticed that there was the highest number of melanocytes in dark skin and the lowest number of melanocytes in white skin. The appearance of functional melanocytes and full-melanized neoepidermis was observed in the early stage of wound healing in Fraser’s dolphins. Furthermore, the melanocyte number and skin pigmentation and pattern in healed wounds recovered to a similar condition of unwounded skin. This study provides fundamental knowledge of skin repigmentation in cetaceans for further research, and it will be warranted to elucidate the mechanisms of the replenishment of melanocytes and the regulation of melanocyte activity that contribute to the successful repigmentation in cetacean skin wounds.
Estimation of Genetic Parameters for Female Fertility Traits in the Polish Holstein-Friesian Population
Authors: Otwinowska-Mindur Agnieszka , Ptak Ewa , Jagusiak Wojciech , Zarnecki Andrzej
Published: June 2022

The objective of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for the analyzed fertility traits of Polish Holstein-Friesian primiparous and multiparous cows, as a step toward the incorporation of new traits into routine genetic evaluation. Lactation records of 116,836 Polish Holstein-Friesian cows were studied. The records cover the first three lactations of all cows. The cows, daughters of 2884 sires, were calved from 2006 to 2020. The conception rate for heifers (CRh) and for cows in the second (CR2) and third parity (CR3), the interval from first calving to first insemination (CTFI), the days open (DO), and the interval from first to successful insemination for heifers (FSh) and for cows in second (FS2) and third (FS3) parity were analyzed. The BLUPf90 package and a Bayesian method via Gibbs sampling were used to estimate (co)variance components. In general, all heritabilities were low and ranged from 0.013 (CTFI) to 0.038 (FS2). The heritability of conception rate and interval from first to successful insemination was slightly lower for heifers than for cows. Genetic correlations were moderate to high with two exceptions: correlation of CTFI with CRh (0.033) and with FSh (−0.051). The results indicate that a few analyzed traits could be used in genetic evaluation of Polish Holstein-Friesian cows. It is suggested to complement the selection index with traits for both heifers and cows, such as the interval from first to successful insemination (i.e., FSh, FS2 and FS3), in order to enable effective improvement of female fertility scores in the Polish Holstein-Friesian population.
Canine Smell Preferences—Do Dogs Have Their Favorite Scents?
Authors: Kokocińska Agata , Woszczyło Martyna , Sampino Silvestre , Dzięcioł Michał , Zybała Mikołaj , Szczuka Anna , Korczyńska Julita , Rozempolska-Rucińska Iwona
Published: June 2022

The available evidence on dogs’ scent preferences is quite limited. The purpose of this study was to verify the canine response to selected odors that may also be preferred by humans. The experiment was performed using 14 adult dogs (10 female and 4 male) of different breeds, body size, and age (1–14 years). During the experiment, dogs were exposed to 33 odor samples: a neutral sample containing pure dipropylene glycol (control) and 32 samples containing dipropylene glycol and fragrance oils. The dog was brought to the experimental area by its handler, who then stopped at the entrance, unleashed the dog, and remained in the starting position. The dog freely explored the area for 30 s. All dog movements and behavior were recorded and analyzed. The methodology of observing the dogs freely exploring the experimental area allowed us to determine the smells that were the most attractive to them (food, beaver clothing). Our study shows that dogs interacted more frequently with the scents of blueberries, blackberries, mint, rose, lavender, and linalol.
Can Humans Discriminate Horse ‘Fear’ Chemosignals from Control Chemosignals? Comment on Sabiniewicz et al. A Preliminary Investigation of Interspecific Chemosensory Communication of Emotions: Can Humans (Homo sapiens) Recognise Fear- and Non-Fear Body Odour from Horses (Equus ferus caballus). Animals 2021, 11, 3499
Authors: Semin Gün R. , Gomes Nuno , D’Aniello Biagio , Sabiniewicz Agnieszka
Published: June 2022

We illustrate the problematic nature of different assumptions guiding the examination of whether humans can detect the source of fear chemosignals (i.e., body odors) emitted by horses—a research question examined in an article recently published in Animals. A central issue is that the formulation of the question itself contains the answer to it. In this paper, we parse the problematic assumptions on which the analysis and methodology rely, leading to conclusions that are difficult to support. These assumptions constitute examples of methodological problems that should be avoided in research with animals and odors. The unique aspect of this paper is that it is a collaborative product, including the original contributor, in the pursuit of transparency in science.
The Multi-Omics Analysis Revealed Microbiological Regulation of Rabbit Colon with Diarrhea Fed an Antibiotic-Free Diet
Authors: Chen Yang , Wang Jie , Fan Huimei , Xia Siqi , Zhao Kaisen , Chen Guanhe , Li Yuchao
Published: June 2022

Diarrhea symptoms appeared after antibiotics were banned from animal feed based on the law of the Chinese government in 2020. The colon and its contents were collected and analyzed from diarrheal and healthy rabbits using three omics analyses. The result of the microbial genomic analysis showed that the abundance of Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria increased significantly (p-value < 0.01). Transcriptomes analysis showed that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) are abundant in the IL-17 signaling pathway and are highly expressed in the pro-inflammatory pathway. The metabolome analysis investigated differential metabolites (DMs) that were mainly enriched in tryptophan metabolism and bile secretion, which were closely related to the absorption and immune function of the colon. The results of correlation analysis showed that Bacteroidetes was positively correlated with 4-Morpholinobenzoic acid, and 4-Morpholinobenzoic acid could aggravate inflammation through its influence on the bile secretion pathway. The enriched DMs L-Tryptophan in the tryptophan metabolism pathway will lead to the functional disorder of inhibiting inflammation by affecting the protein digestion and absorption pathway. Thus, the colonic epithelial cells were damaged, affecting the function of the colon and leading to diarrhea in rabbits. Therefore, the study provided an idea for feed development and a theoretical basis for maintaining intestinal tract fitness in rabbits.
A New Approach to Detecting and Measuring Changes in the Feeding Behaviour Habits of Group-Housed Growing–Finishing Pigs
Authors: Fornós Marta , Farré Mercè , López-Vergé Sergi , Jiménez-Moreno Encarnación , Rodríguez-Estévez Vicente , Gasa Josep
Published: June 2022

The present work aims to estimate the methods of repeatability and of a new non-parametric approach based on typifying individuals into classes and quantifying (%) the pigs in a group that show similar feeding behaviour habits (FBHs) in consecutive periods (“maintenance”). Both methods were estimated over six consecutive 14-day periods in two trials of group-housed growing–finishing pigs (n = 60 each). The first trial started in summer and ended in autumn, and pigs were fed a pelleted diet (HT-P). The second trial started in spring and ended in summer, and the same diet was fed mash (TH-M). The average daily feed intake obtained the lowest repeatability and maintenance values, and it progressively decreased as pigs grew, independent of environmental conditions or physical feed form, whereas the maintenance and repeatability of the number of feeder visits and the visit size decreased when environmental conditions changed from temperate to hot, and mash-fed pigs had higher maintenance and repeatability values for the time spent eating than pellet-fed pigs. In conclusion, the new approach (maintenance) is a tool that is complementary to the classic repeatability concept and is useful for analysing the evolution of FBHs across periods of time at the individual level.
A Comparative Study of Canine Mesenchymal Stem Cells Isolated from Different Sources
Authors: Humenik Filip , Maloveska Marcela , Hudakova Nikola , Petrouskova Patricia , Hornakova Lubica , Domaniza Michal , Mudronova Dagmar , Bodnarova Simona , Cizkova Dasa
Published: June 2022

In this study, we provide comprehensive analyses of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) isolated from three types of canine tissues: bone marrow (BM-MSCs), adipose tissue (AT-MSCs) and amniotic tissue (AM-MSCs). We compare their morphology, phenotype, multilineage potential and proliferation activity. The BM-MSCs and AM-MSCs showed fibroblast-like shapes against the spindle shape of the AT-MSCs. All populations showed strong osteogenic and chondrogenic potential. However, we observed phenotypic differences. The BM-MSCs and AT-MSCs revealed high expression of CD29, CD44, CD90 and CD105 positivity compared to the AM-MSCs, which showed reduced expression of all the analysed CD markers. Similarly, the isolation yield and proliferation varied depending on the source. The highest isolation yield and proliferation were detected in the population of AT-MSCs, while the AM-MSCs showed a high yield of cells, but the lowest proliferation activity, in contrast to the BM-MSCs which had the lowest isolation yield. Thus, the present data provide assumptions for obtaining a homogeneous MSC derived from all three canine tissues for possible applications in veterinary regenerative medicine, while the origin of isolated MSCs must always be taken into account.
Meta-Analysis of Rumen-Protected Methionine in Milk Production and Composition of Dairy Cows
Authors: Wei Chunbo , He Tao , Wan Xuanchen , Liu Siwen , Dong Yibo , Qu Yongli
Published: June 2022

This study aims to evaluate the influence of rumen-protected methionine (RPM) on the milk yield and milk compositions of dairy cows by employing a meta-analysis method. The articles in the publication databases between January 2010 and January 2022 which reported on various concentrations of RPM supplements in dairy cow diets and then monitored the milk yield and milk compositions were searched. A total of 14 studies were included, covering 27 treatments with a total of 623 dairy cows. Comprehensive Meta-Analysis V3 was used for statistical analysis, the forest map was drawn by the standard mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI), and the SMD was calculated by a random effect model. The dose effect curve was drawn by fitting the SMD and RPM dose of each study to explore the optimal dosage of RPM. Compared with the basal diet, the RPM supplement significantly increased the percentages of milk fat (SMD (95% CI): 1.017% [0.388, 1.646]) and milk protein (SMD (95% CI): 0.884 [0.392, 1.377]). However, the milk yield (SMD (95% CI): 0.227 kg/d [−0.193, 0.647]) and lactose concentration (SMD (95% CI): 0.240% [−0.540, 1.020]) were not affected. The subgroup analysis found that the effect of the RPM supplement on the milk fat and milk protein was greater in the high-protein feed than in the low-protein feed. Multiple regression analysis showed that feeding RPM significantly improved the milk yield and milk protein percentage of dairy cows. The results of the dose–effect analysis show that the optimal range for the RPM was 7.5–12.5 g/d. RPM supplements in a dairy diet can improve the milk protein percentages and milk fat percentages of dairy cows.
Chronic Enteropathy in Dogs—Epidemiologic Aspects and Clinical Characteristics of Dogs Presenting at Two Swedish Animal Hospitals
Authors: Holmberg Johanna , Pelander Lena , Ljungvall Ingrid , Harlos Caroline , Spillmann Thomas , Häggström Jens
Published: June 2022

Information about prevalence and breed predisposition of canine chronic enteropathy (CE) is limited. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate period prevalence, breed disposition, clinical features, diagnostic results, and treatment response of CE in dogs presenting at two Swedish animal hospitals during 2013–2018. A medical record search was performed to identify CE dogs including those with ≥3 visits because of gastrointestinal disease and/or that had undergone gastroduodenoscopy/colonoscopy during 2013–2018. Dog characteristics, case history, physical examination, laboratory variables, therapeutic protocol, and treatment response were recorded. Inclusion criteria for CE were met by 814 dogs. Period prevalence of CE was 1.1% of total number of dogs. Breeds with the highest relative risk included Norwegian Lundehund, West Highland White Terrier, and Miniature Poodle. Median age at presentation was 3.8 (IQR 1.8–6.8) years. French Bulldogs and Miniature Schnauzers presented at a younger age (<2.5 years) compared to other breeds (p < 0.05). In a subset of dogs, serum hypoalbuminemia (116/662, 17.5%), hypocobalaminemia (98/647, 15.1%), and increased C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations (145/267, 54.3%) were diagnosed. Treatment outcome was classified in 72.9% of dogs and characterized as immunosuppressant-responsive (55.2%), food-responsive (11.4%), non-responsive (5.2%), and antibiotic-responsive (1.1%). Non-responsive dogs were more likely to present with anemia hypoproteinemia/albuminemia, increased CRP, and ascites (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the prevalence of dogs with CE at Swedish hospitals agreed with earlier reports, but risk breeds differed slightly and, compared to other breeds, a younger age of CE onset was found in two breeds. The largest proportion of dogs was immunosuppressant-responsive and the smallest antibiotic-responsive.
Small Animals, Big Impact? Early Farmers and Pre- and Post-Harvest Pests from the Middle Neolithic Site of Les Bagnoles in the South-East of France (L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, Vaucluse, Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur)
Authors: Häberle Simone , Schäfer Marguerita , Soteras Raül , Martínez-Grau Héctor , Hajdas Irka , Jacomet Stefanie , Röder Brigitte , Schibler Jörg , van Willigen Samuel , Antolín Ferran
Published: June 2022

Pests appear to have accompanied humans and their crops since the beginning of farming. Nevertheless, their study is only rarely integrated into research on farming in prehistory. An assemblage of invertebrates and small mammals was recovered from the waterlogged layers of three wells at the Middle Neolithic site (4250–3700 cal B.C.) of Les Bagnoles (SE France). The microfaunal remains were retrieved from sediment samples by wet sieving (wash-over technique). The most common among the rodents is the wood mouse. The assemblage also consists of insect remains of grain weevil, seed beetle, and corn ground beetle. The different finds not only offer data on the role of insect and rodent pests in the Neolithic but on the possible strategies adopted by the early farming communities in the western Mediterranean in response to pest infestation. The findings appear to confirm the hypothesis that the wood mouse was a commensal and storage pest in settlements long before the arrival of the invasive house mouse during the Bronze Age. The presence of the main storage pest, the grain weevil, suggests a long-term grain storage issue at Les Bagnoles. The combination of the results of the site’s archaeobotanical findings with those of other sites in the western Mediterranean suggests that the shift from naked to glume wheat around 4000 B.C. may also stem from a reaction to the problem of grain weevil infestation.
Brooding Temperature Alters Yolk Sac Absorption and Affected Ovarian Development in Goslings
Authors: Liu Zhengquan , Chen Xingyong , Zhao Yutong , Peng Jingzhou , Chen Daoyou , Yu Shiqi , Geng Zhaoyu
Published: June 2022

In order to explore the brooding temperature on the absorption of yolk sac and the ovary development of goslings, 126 1-day-old female goslings were randomly divided into three groups with three replicates in each group. The brooding temperatures were set at 32 °C, 29 °C and 26 °C (represent G32, G29 and G26), respectively, in each group. At 48, 60 and 72 h, two goslings from each replicate were weighed, and the yolk sac was collected and weighed. The fatty acid composition of yolk sac fluid was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). At 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks of age, goslings from each replicate were weighed, the ovaries were weighed and fixed for hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Cell cycle checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1), fibroblast growth factor 12 (FGF12) and Sma-and Mad-related protein 4 (SMAD4) which related to regulation of ovarian development were determined by qRT-PCR. The body weight of G29 and G26 was significantly higher than that of G32 at 72 h (p < 0.05). The contents of C14:0, C16:0, C18:2n6c and total fatty acid (ΣTFA) from G32 were significantly higher than that of G26 (p < 0.05), and the contents of C18:1n9t and C22:0 in G29 were significantly higher than that of G26 (p < 0.05). The ovary index, ovary and body weight were significantly higher in G29 than those of G32 and G26 at 2 weeks of age (p < 0.05). The number of primordial follicles, number of primary follicles and diameter of primary follicles were significantly higher in G29 than those in G32 and G26 at 4 weeks of age (p < 0.05). In G29, the expression of CHK1 and SMAD4 was significantly higher than that in G32, and the expression of FGF12 and SMAD4 was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that in G26 at 2 and 4 weeks of age. In conclusion, brooding temperature at 29 °C could promote the absorption of fatty acids in yolk sac, body weight gain, and ovarian development through up-regulating the expression of CHK1, FGF12 and SMAD4.
Genes Involved in Feed Efficiency Identified in a Meta-Analysis of Rumen Tissue from Two Populations of Beef Steers
Authors: Lindholm-Perry Amanda K. , Meyer Allison M. , Kern-Lunbery Rebecca J. , Cunningham-Hollinger Hannah C. , Funk Taran H. , Keel Brittney N.
Published: June 2022

In cattle, the rumen is an important site for the absorption of feed by-products released by bacterial fermentation, and variation in ruminal function plays a role in cattle feed efficiency. Studies evaluating gene expression in the rumen tissue have been performed prior to this. However, validating the expression of genes identified in additional cattle populations has been challenging. The purpose of this study was to perform a meta-analysis of the ruminal transcriptome of two unrelated populations of animals to identify genes that are involved in feed efficiency across populations. RNA-seq data from animals with high and low residual feed intake (RFI) from a United States population of cattle (eight high and eight low RFI) and a Canadian population of cattle (nine high and nine low RFI) were analyzed for differences in gene expression. A total of 83 differentially expressed genes were identified. Some of these genes have been previously identified in other feed efficiency studies. These genes included ATP6AP1, BAG6, RHOG, and YPEL3. Differentially expressed genes involved in the Notch signaling pathway and in protein turnover were also identified. This study, combining two unrelated populations of cattle in a meta-analysis, produced several candidate genes for feed efficiency that may be more robust indicators of feed efficiency than those identified from single populations of animals.
Insects in Pet Food Industry—Hope or Threat?
Authors: Kępińska-Pacelik Jagoda , Biel Wioletta
Published: June 2022

Due to the increasing global population, the world cannot currently support the well-known techniques of food production due to their harmful effects on land use, water consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions. The key answer is a solution based on the use of edible insects. They have always been present in the diet of animals. They are characterized by a very good nutritional value (e.g., high protein content and contents of essential amino acids and fatty acids, including lauric acid), and products with them receive positive results in palatability tests. Despite the existing literature data on the benefits of the use of insects as a protein source, their acceptance by consumers and animal caregivers remains problematic. In spite of the many advantages of using insects in pet food, it is necessary to analyze the risk of adverse food reactions, including allergic reactions that may be caused by insect consumption. Other hazards relate to the contamination of insects. For example, they can be contaminated with anthropogenic factors during breeding, packaging, cooking, or feeding. These contaminants include the presence of bacteria, mold fungi, mycotoxins, and heavy metals. However, insects can be used in the pet food industry. This is supported by the evolutionary adaptation of their wild ancestors to the eating of insects in the natural environment. The chemical composition of insects also corresponds to the nutritional requirements of dogs. It should be borne in mind that diets containing insect and their effects on animals require careful analysis. The aim of this article is to discuss the nutritional value of insects and their possible applications in the nutrition of companion animals, especially dogs.
Toxocara canis Infection Alters mRNA Expression Profiles of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells in Beagle Dogs at the Lung Infection Period
Authors: Cai Lang , Zou Yang , Xu Yue , Li Hao-Yu , Xie Shi-Chen , Zhu Xing-Quan , Zheng Wen-Bin
Published: June 2022

Toxocara canis is a neglected zoonotic roundworm distributed all over the world, causing toxocariasis in humans and animals. However, so far, the immune mechanism of T. canis infection in definitive hosts remains to be clarified. In this study, the transcriptional alterations of Beagle dogs’ peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) induced by T. canis infection during the lung infection period were analyzed using RNA-seq technology. A total of 2142 differentially expressed genes were identified, with 1066 upregulated genes and 1076 downregulated genes. Many differentially expressed genes participated in the biological process of intracellular signal transduction, as well as the immune- or inflammation-related KEGG signaling pathway, such as the Notch signaling pathway, Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, and NF-kappa B signaling pathway, through KEGG enrichment analysis. This study indicated that T. canis infection could suppress the biological function of Beagle dogs’ PMBCs and provided basic data to further clarify the interaction mechanism between T. canis and host immune cells.