bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ovarian tissue cryopreservation after graft failure of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: first report and literature review
Authors: Zhang Jinghua , Li Xiaowei , Liang Rong , Duan Shengnan , Yang Xin , Hou Yanru , Tian Li
Published: August 2024

Background

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is an approach that has significantly improved the prognosis and survival of hematological patients. However, ovarian dysfunction and infertility following HSCT have gained increasing attention. Live births have been reported following ovarian tissue cryopreservation prior to HSCT and subsequent retransplantation of these tissues. Still, the feasibility of ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) following graft failure (GF) of HSCT remains unknown. In this study, we report the first case of OTC following a GF of allogenic HSCT (allo-HSCT), as well as the cryopreservation of four MII oocytes via in vitro maturation with informed consent. Despite the lack of clinical outcomes after cryopreserved ovarian tissue retransplantation, we documented an interesting case in a woman after GF of allo-HSCT exhibiting functional ovaries and emphasized a clinical dilemma: whether OTC should be offered to women suffering from GF of HSCT.

Case presentation

A 22-year-old woman with severe aplastic anemia who had suffered GF of allo-HSCT from her sibling brother [HLA allele match (7/10)] with a reduced dose conditioning regimen including fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and antithymocyte globulin came to our reproductive center for fertility preservation, as she was about to receive the second allo-HSCT. We evaluated the ovarian reserve of this patient. Hormone assessments showed an anti-Müllerian hormone level of 3.921 ng/mL, a follicle-stimulating hormone level of 5.88 IU/L, a luteinizing hormone level of 10.79 IU/L, and an estradiol level of 33.34 pg/mL. Antral follicle counts accessed transvaginally showed 12–15 follicles. All assessments indicated a well-protected ovarian reserve. Due to the urgency of the second allo-HSCT, the patient decided to undergo ovarian cryopreservation. Laparoscopic surgery proceeded. Ovarian tissues were successfully cryopreserved using vitrification technology, and histologic evaluation demonstrated a follicle density of 20 per 2 × 2 mm2 biopsy with good viability. Four MII oocytes were obtained via in vitro maturation technology and cryopreserved. After the second HSCT, the patient relieved from aplastic anemia but suffered iatrogenic premature ovarian failure as predicted.

Conclusion

OTC is applicable to fertility preservation in those undergoing GF of HSCT with benign hematological disorders and especially those who are about to receive the second HSCT.
A comprehensive landscape analysis of autophagy in cancer development and drug resistance
Authors: Li Yue , Yin Yang , Zhang Tong , Wang Jinhua , Guo Zeqi , Li Yuyun , Zhao Ya , Qin Ruihong , He Qian
Published: August 2024

Background

Autophagy plays important roles in cancer progression and therapeutic resistance, and the autophagy underlying the tumor pathogenesis and further mechanisms of chemoresistance emergence remains unknown.

Methods

In this study, via the single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) method, an autophagy 45-gene list was identified to evaluate samples’ autophagy activity, verified through six GEO datasets with a confirmed autophagy phenotype. It was further utilized to distinguish tumors into autophagy score-high and score-low subtypes, and analyze their transcriptome landscapes, including survival analysis, correlation analysis of autophagy- and resistance-related genes, biological functional enrichment, and immune- and hypoxia-related and genomic heterogeneity comparison, in TCGA pan-cancer datasets. Furthermore, we performed an analysis of autophagy status in breast cancer chemoresistance combined with multiple GEO datasets and in vitro experiments to validate the mechanisms of potential anticancer drugs for reversing chemoresistance, including CCK-8 cell viability assays, RT-qPCR, and immunofluorescence.

Results

The 45-gene list was used to identify autophagy score-high and score-low subtypes and further analyze their multi-dimensional features. We demonstrated that cancer autophagy status correlated with significantly different prognoses, molecular alterations, biological process activations, immunocyte infiltrations, hypoxia statuses, and specific mutational processes. The autophagy score-low subtype displayed a more favorable prognosis compared with the score-high subtype, associated with their immune-activated features, manifested as high immunocyte infiltration, including high CD8+T, Tfh, Treg, NK cells, and tumor-associated macrophages M1/M2. The autophagy score-low subtype also showed a high hypoxia score, and hypoxic tumors showed a significantly differential prognosis in different autophagy statuses. Therefore, “double-edged” cell fates triggered by autophagy might be closely correlated with the immune microenvironment and hypoxia induction. Results demonstrated that dysregulated autophagy was involved in many cancers and their therapeutic resistance and that the autophagy was induced by the resistance-reversing drug response, in five breast cancer GEO datasets and validated by in vitro experiments. In vitro, dihydroartemisinin and artesunate could reverse breast cancer doxorubicin resistance, through inducing autophagy via upregulating LC3B and ATG7.

Conclusion

Our study provided a comprehensive landscape of the autophagy-related molecular and tumor microenvironment patterns for cancer progression and resistance, and highlighted the promising potential of drug-induced autophagy in the activation of drug sensitivity and reversal of resistance.
Efficient expression and purification of rat CRP in Pichia pastoris
Authors: Cheng Bin , Tang Yu-Long , Gou Ya-Fei , Li Jing-Yi , Xu Tian-Hao , Zhu Li
Published: August 2024

C-reactive protein (CRP) plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and monitoring of the non-specific acute phase response in humans. In contrast, rat CRP (rCRP) is an atypical acute-phase protein that possesses unique features, such as a possible incapacity to trigger the complement system and markedly elevated baseline plasma concentrations. To facilitate in vitro studies on these unique characteristics, obtaining high-quality pure rCRP is essential. Here we explored various strategies for rCRP purification, including direct isolation from rat plasma and recombinant expression in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems. Our study optimized the recombinant expression system to enhance the secretion and purification efficiency of rCRP. Compared to traditional purification methods, we present a streamlined and effective approach for the expression and purification of rCRP in the Pichia pastoris system. This refined methodology offers significant improvements in the efficiency and effectiveness of rCRP purification, thereby facilitating further structural and functional studies on rCRP.
Novel endoscopic techniques for the diagnosis of gastric Helicobacter pylori infection: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Hao Wenzhe , Huang Lin , Li Xuejun , Jia Hongyu
Published: August 2024

Objective

This study aimed to conduct a network meta-analysis to compare the diagnostic efficacy of diverse novel endoscopic techniques for detecting gastric Helicobacter pylori infection.

Methods

From inception to August 2023, literature was systematically searched across Pubmed, Embase, and Web of Science databases. Cochrane’s risk of bias tool assessed the methodological quality of the included studies. Data analysis was conducted using the R software, employing a ranking chart to determine the most effective diagnostic method comprehensively. Convergence analysis was performed to assess the stability of the results.

Results

The study encompassed 36 articles comprising 54 observational studies, investigating 14 novel endoscopic techniques and involving 7,230 patients diagnosed with gastric H. pylori infection. Compared with the gold standard, the comprehensive network meta-analysis revealed the superior diagnostic performance of two new endoscopic techniques, Magnifying blue laser imaging endoscopy (M-BLI) and high-definition magnifying endoscopy with i-scan (M-I-SCAN). Specifically, M-BLI demonstrated the highest ranking in both sensitivity (SE) and positive predictive value (PPV), ranking second in negative predictive value (NPV) and fourth in specificity (SP). M-I-SCAN secured the top position in NPV, third in SE and SP, and fifth in PPV.

Conclusion

After thoroughly analyzing the ranking chart, we conclude that M-BLI and M-I-SCAN stand out as the most suitable new endoscopic techniques for diagnosing gastric H. pylori infection.

Systematic review registration

https://inplasy.com/inplasy-2023-11-0051/, identifier INPLASY2023110051.
Microbial diversity across tea varieties and ecological niches: correlating tea polyphenol contents with stress resistance
Authors: Yao Su-hang , Zhou Chi , Li Sai-jun , Li Yu-han , Shen Cheng-wen , Tao Yu , Li Xin
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Microorganisms exhibit intricate interconnections with tea plants; however, despite the well-established role of microorganisms in crop growth and development, research on microbes within the tea plant remains insufficient, particularly regarding endophytic microorganisms.

Methods

In this study, we collected samples of leaves and rhizosphere soils from ‘Zhuyeqi’, ‘Baojing Huangjincha#1’, ‘Baiye#1’, and ‘Jinxuan’ varieties planted.

Results

Our analyses revealed significant variations in tea polyphenol contents among tea varieties, particularly with the ‘Zhuyeqi’ variety exhibiting higher levels of tea polyphenols (>20% contents). Microbiome studies have revealed that endophytic microbial community in tea plants exhibited higher host specificity compared to rhizospheric microbial community. Analyses of across-ecological niches of the microbial community associated with tea plants revealed that soil bacteria serve as a significant reservoir for endophytic bacteria in tea plants, Bacillus may play a crucial role in shaping the bacterial community across-ecological niche within the tea plants with higher tea polyphenol levels. In the aforementioned analyses, the microbial community of ‘Zhuyeqi’ exhibited a higher degree of host specificity for leaf endophytic microorganisms, the topological structure of the co-occurrence network is also more intricate, harboring a greater number of potential core microorganisms within its nodes. A closer examination was conducted on the microbial community of ‘Zhuyeqi’, further analyses of its endophytic bacteria indicated that its endophytic microbial community harbored a greater abundance of biomarkers, particularly among bacteria, and the enriched Methylobacterium and Sphingomonas in ‘Zhuyeqi’ may play distinct roles in disease resistance and drought resilience in tea plants.

Conclusion

In summary, this study has shed light on the intricate relationships of tea plant varieties with their associated microbial communities, unveiling the importance of microorganisms and tea varieties with higher tea polyphenols, and offering valuable insights to the study of microorganisms and tea plants.
Four novel species of Pleurotheciaceae collected from freshwater habitats in Jiangxi Province, China
Authors: He Wen-Ming , Zhang Jun-Bo , Zhai Zhi-Jun , Tennakoon Danushka Sandaruwan , Cui Chao-Yu , Zhou Jian-Ping , Chen Ming-Hui , Hu Hai-Jing , Yin Hua , Gao Yang , Hu Dian-Ming , Song Hai-Yan
Published: August 2024

During an investigation of fungal diversity from freshwater environments in different regions in Jiangxi Province, China, four interesting species were collected. Morphology coupled with combined gene analysis of an ITS, LSU, SSU, and rpb2 DNA sequence data showed that they belong to the family Pleurotheciaceae. Four new species, Pleurotheciella ganzhouensis, Pla. irregularis, Pla. verrucosa, and Pleurothecium jiangxiense are herein described. Pleurotheciella ganzhouensis is characterized by its capsule-shaped conidia and short conidiophores, while Pla. irregularis has amorphous conidiophores and 3-septate conidia. Pleurotheciella verrucosa has cylindrical or verrucolose conidiogenous cells, 1-septate, narrowly fusiform, meniscus or subclavate conidia. Pleurothecium jiangxiense characterized in having conidiogenous cells with dense cylindrical denticles and short conidiophores. Pleurothecium obovoideum was transferred to Neomonodictys based on phylogenetic evidence. All species are compared with other similar species and comprehensive descriptions, micrographs, and phylogenetic data are provided.
Improved motor imagery training for subject’s self-modulation in EEG-based brain-computer interface
Authors: Xu Yilu , Jie Lilin , Jian Wenjuan , Yi Wenlong , Yin Hua , Peng Yingqiong
Published: August 2024

For the electroencephalogram- (EEG-) based motor imagery (MI) brain-computer interface (BCI) system, more attention has been paid to the advanced machine learning algorithms rather than the effective MI training protocols over past two decades. However, it is crucial to assist the subjects in modulating their active brains to fulfill the endogenous MI tasks during the calibration process, which will facilitate signal processing using various machine learning algorithms. Therefore, we propose a trial-feedback paradigm to improve MI training and introduce a non-feedback paradigm for comparison. Each paradigm corresponds to one session. Two paradigms are applied to the calibration runs of corresponding sessions. And their effectiveness is verified in the subsequent testing runs of respective sessions. Different from the non-feedback paradigm, the trial-feedback paradigm presents a topographic map and its qualitative evaluation in real time after each MI training trial, so the subjects can timely realize whether the current trial successfully induces the event-related desynchronization/event-related synchronization (ERD/ERS) phenomenon, and then they can adjust their brain rhythm in the next MI trial. Moreover, after each calibration run of the trial-feedback session, a feature distribution is visualized and quantified to show the subjects’ abilities to distinguish different MI tasks and promote their self-modulation in the next calibration run. Additionally, if the subjects feel distracted during the training processes of the non-feedback and trial-feedback sessions, they can execute the blinking movement which will be captured by the electrooculogram (EOG) signals, and the corresponding MI training trial will be abandoned. Ten healthy participants sequentially performed the non-feedback and trial-feedback sessions on the different days. The experiment results showed that the trial-feedback session had better spatial filter visualization, more beneficiaries, higher average off-line and on-line classification accuracies than the non-feedback session, suggesting the trial-feedback paradigm’s usefulness in subject’s self-modulation and good ability to perform MI tasks.
Factors encouraging participation in social activities after hospital discharge in people with severe mental illness who received occupational therapy
Authors: Nagashima Izumi , Hayasaka Tomonari , Teruya Koji , Hoshino Miku , Murao Masami , Matumoto Yasuyuki , Maruki Taku , Katagiri Takeshi , Imamura Yayoi , Kurihara Mariko , Oe Yuki , Tsuboi Takashi , Watanabe Koichiro , Sakurai Hitoshi
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Occupational therapy (OT), a vital part of psychiatric rehabilitation, encourages participation in social activities, which is critical for the recovery of people with severe mental illnesses (SMI). However, the effects of OT on the subsequent social activities of patients with SMI have not been fully clarified. We aimed to identify the factors that encourage post-discharge social activity participation among patients with SMI who received OT.

Method

Patients who underwent OT at the Kyorin University Hospital between April 2016 and March 2020 were retrospectively examined for baseline data during hospitalization and social activity status 1 year after discharge. Occupational support, group adaptation, artistic activities, and exercise programs were considered. Activities requiring social interaction were defined as social activities, including employment, schooling, sheltered work, and volunteer work. Multiple logistic regression analyses using demographic and medical data, prehospitalization social activity status, and OT participation rates as independent variables were used to examine the factors encouraging social activity participation after discharge. Decision tree analysis was conducted to identify patients who specifically needed to increase OT participation.

Results

Of 524 eligible patients, 247 were included in the study. The number of patients who were socially active at admission and after discharge was 116 and 188, respectively. Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed that the following factors were likely to encourage social activity participation after discharge: higher rates of OT participation to facilitate group adaptation (OR = 1.015, 95% CI 1.003–1.027), being socially active at admission (OR = 4.557, 95% CI 2.155–9.637), and no marital history (OR = 0.293, 95% CI 0.130–0.661). Decision tree analysis showed that for patients who were socially inactive at admission and had a history of marriage, increasing OT participation to 52.6% or higher may ensure social activity participation after discharge.

Conclusions

This study identified patients whose social participation after discharge could be boosted by OT that facilitates group adaptation. Our findings would facilitate the development of individualized add-on rehabilitation based on the effects of real-world OT practices.
Affectional interactions with your animated child avatar can enhance wellbeing
Authors: Edalat Abbas , Polydorou Neophytos , Ryan Frank , Gilbert Barnabas J. , Nicholls Dasha
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The aim of this proof-of-concept study was to evaluate the efficacy of a new virtual reality (VR) platform for practising the Self-Attachment Technique (SAT) in a non-clinical population. The growing prevalence of mental health problems underscores the urgent need for scalable and effective interventions. SAT is a self-administered psychotherapeutic technique where the individual creates an affectional bond with their childhood self and vows to re-raise this child to emotional wellbeing. Digital technologies like VR and avatars can naturally enhance SAT by improving imaginative interactions with the childhood self.

Methods

Over an 8-week period, participants practised the SAT exercises either by animating their personalised childhood avatar into different emotional states in VR or by imaginatively using their childhood photos. Participants’ measurements were collected before and after the intervention as well as at 3-month follow-up, and analysed to understand whether changes over time, in the areas of wellbeing, self-compassion and psychological capital, are significant.

Results

Overall, participants experienced significant improvement in wellbeing (primary outcome) with large effect size (r=0.86). Further exploratory analysis of our findings indicated that the effect of VR (d=1.12) was better compared to the childhood photos (d=0.47). Qualitative evidence from the present study suggested that the intervention had a positive impact on participants’ daily lives.

Discussion

This study showed that practising SAT using the participant’s childhood avatar in a virtual environment has potential for enduring effects that need to be validated in future randomised trials.
Alterations in Physiological Parameters and Secondary Metabolites of Astragalus adsurgens Infected by the Pathogen Alternaria gansuensis
Authors: Han Xinyao , Li Xiaopeng , White James F. , Creamer Rebecca , Li Chunjie , Yu Binhua
Published: August 2024

Alternaria gansuensis, a seed-borne fungus of standing milkvetch (Astragalus adsurgens), is the most common pathogen of this plant species and causes yellow stunt and root rot. Although plant resistance to this disease has been identified, a better understanding of the nature of this resistance will help improve and optimize its implementation in standing milkvetch. The effects of A. gansuensis on the physiology of standing milkvetch were assessed in a 4-week study comparing a resistant plant variety, Shanxi, and a susceptible variety, Ningxia. In the first week, there was an obvious decrease in photosynthesis (P) in inoculated plants, especially in the susceptible variety, but there were no changes in stomatal conductance (Sc). From the second week on, P and Sc decreased progressively, and significant stem lesions were observed concomitantly. Water use efficiency (WUE) increased slightly in the second week but then decreased significantly from the third week. Physiological changes observed for the resistant variety of standing milkvetch were less dramatic than those of the susceptible variety. Hyphae were observed around inoculation lesions of the plants. Culture filtrate (CF) of A. gansuensis induced changes in extracellular pH and conductivity, especially in the susceptible variety samples. Tissue integrity changes in the plants correlated with the decrease in P. Secondary metabolite compounds were extracted from the plants and 21 types of compounds were identified. The composition and proportion of secondary metabolites were markedly altered by the pathogen, and these differences may indicate potential mechanisms of disease resistance to A. gansuensis in standing milkvetch.
Toxic Effects of Bt-(Cry1Ab+Vip3Aa) Maize (“DBN3601T’’ Event) on the Asian Corn Borer Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée) in Southwestern China
Authors: Li Haitao , Wang Wenhui , Yang Xianming , Kang Guodong , Zhang Zhenghao , Wu Kongming
Published: August 2024

Asian corn borer (ACB), Ostrinia furnacalis, is an important agricultural pest affecting maize production in southwestern China, but knowledge of the toxic effect of Bt maize on the pest has been insufficient until now. In this study, we determined the susceptibility of ACB to Cry1Ab, Vip3Aa, and their complex proteins and evaluated the efficacy of Chinese domestic Bt-(Cry1Ab+Vip3Aa) maize (“DBN3601T” event) against the pest in Yunnan Province of southwestern China. The susceptible bioassay indicated that the LC50 values of the Cry1Ab and Cry1Ab+Vip3Aa proteins expressed by the Bt maize varieties against ACB larvae were 51.42 and 46.85 ng/g, respectively; however, the ACB larva was insensitive to the Vip3Aa protein. The Cry1Ab+Vip3Aa protein contents in V6–V8 leaves, VT tassels, R1 silks, R2 kernels, R3 stalks and R3 cobs of the Bt-(Cry1Ab+Vip3Aa) maize were 114.20, 30.69, 3.77, 8.92, 11.09 and 10.99 μg/g, respectively. The larval feeding test indicated that the Bt-(Cry1Ab+Vip3Aa) maize was more toxic to the early instar larvae, and the survival time of larvae fed on the leaves was the shortest, while it survived the longest on stalks. The identification of maize resistance levels in the field showed that both larval density and plant damage score of Bt-(Cry1Ab+Vip3Aa) maize were significantly lower than those in conventional maize. It is concluded that the Bt-(Cry1Ab+Vip3Aa) maize can be used for control of the ACB in southwestern China.
Asynchronous Synergetic Remediation Strategy for Cd-Contaminated Soil via Passivation and Phytoremediation Technology
Authors: Cao Jian , Lv Chenyang , Zhang Chenxu , Yin Fengxiang , Gao Zhengbo , Wei Long , Wang Lichang
Published: August 2024

Cadmium (Cd) contamination in soil has emerged as a significant challenge for agricultural production. Phytoremediation and passivation are key techniques for remediating Cd-contaminated soil. However, few studies have focused on the synergistic effects of these two techniques. In this work, the effectiveness of synergetic remediation strategies, both synchronous and asynchronous, utilizing passivation and phytoremediation techniques, was explored. The results of pot experiments and field experiments indicated that optimal remediation effects were obtained by asynchronous synergetic remediation, removing over 80% of bioavailable Cd within 14 days. Mechanistic studies conducted using XPS analysis, soil property analysis, and microbial diversity analysis confirmed that the chelation effect of SDD and soil pH value are the primary factors contributing to the effectiveness of both remediation strategies. In contrast, the variations in microbial populations are identified as the crucial factors influencing the varying outcomes of the two sequential remediation approaches. This research demonstrates that asynchronous synergistic remediation is a promising strategy for mitigating Cd contamination in soil.
Enhancing Neuroprotection in Cardiac and Aortic Surgeries: A Narrative Review
Authors: Torre Debora Emanuela , Pirri Carmelo
Published: August 2024

Background: Neurological injury poses a significant challenge in aortic surgery, encompassing spinal cord injury from thoraco-abdominal aorta intervention or stroke post-surgery on the arch and ascending aorta. Despite ample literature and proposals, a fully effective strategy for preventing or treating neurological injury remains elusive. This narrative review aims to analyze the most common neuroprotective strategies implemented for aortic arch surgery and aortic surgery. Results: Results from the reviewed studies showed that several strategies, including deep hypothermia cardiac induction (DHCA) and cerebral perfusion techniques (retrograde cerebral perfusion, RCP, and selective anterograde cerebral perfusion, SACP) aim to mitigate these risks. Monitoring methods such as electroencephalogram (EEG), somatosensory evoked potential (SEPs), and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) offer valuable insights into cerebral function during surgery, aiding in the management of hypothermia and perfusion. Pharmacological agents and blood gas management (pH stat vs. alpha stat, hematocrit level, glycemic control) are crucial in preventing post-operative complications. Additionally meticulous management of atheromatous debris is essential to minimize embolic risks during surgery. Methods: For this narrative review, PubMed, Scopus, and Medline have been used to search articles about neuroprotection strategies in aortic and aortic arch surgeries. The search was narrowed to articles between 1975 and 2024. A total of 3418 articles were initially identified to be potentially relevant for this review. A total of 66 articles were included and were found to match the inclusion criteria. Conclusions: While an overabundance of neuroprotection strategies exists for cardiac surgery, particularly in procedures involving the aorta and the arch, their efficacy varies, with some well-documented and others still under scrutiny. Further research is imperative to advance our comprehension and refine prevention techniques for cardiac-surgery-related brain injury. This is crucial given its substantial contribution to both mortality and, notably, post-operative morbidity.
Genome-Wide Selection Sweep Analysis to Identify Candidate Genes with Black and Brown Color in Tibetan Sibu Yaks
Authors: Wu Xinming , Xu Lu , Zhang Haoyuan , Zhu Yong , Zhang Qiang , Zhang Chengfu , E Guangxin
Published: August 2024

Although coat color is an important economic phenotype in domesticated yaks (Bos grunniens), its genetic basis is not yet fully understood. In this study, a genome-wide selective sweep and high-frequency runs of homozygosity (ROH) identification were performed on 50 yaks with different coat colors to investigate candidate genes (CDGs) related to coat color. The results suggested that 2263 CDGs were identified from the 5% interaction windows of the FST and θπ ratio, along with 2801 and 2834 CDGs from black and brown yaks with iHS, respectively. Furthermore, 648 and 691 CDGs from black and brown yaks, which were widely enriched in pathways related to melanogenesis, melanocyte differentiation, and melanosome organization via GO and KEGG functional enrichment, respectively, were confirmed on the basis of the intersection of three parameters. Additionally, the genome of brown yaks presented more ROH, longer ROH fragments, and higher inbreeding levels than those of black yaks. Specifically, a large number of genes related to melanin synthesis and regulation (e.g., UST, TCF25, and AHRR) from the ROH islands were confirmed to be under strong selection. In summary, the results of this study enhance the understanding of the genetic basis for determining yak coat color.
Foraging Habitat Availability and the Non-Fish Diet Composition of the Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) at Two Spatial Scales
Authors: Cieślińska Karolina , Manikowska-Ślepowrońska Brygida , Zbyryt Adam , Jakubas Dariusz
Published: August 2024

Habitat structure on foraging ground is one of the crucial factors determining diet diversity in colonially breeding avian predators. Quantifying the habitat and diet composition at different spatial scales (regional and local inter-colonial) can help provide understanding of the drivers of diet composition. In this study, we examined the composition of the non-fish diet of an opportunistic predator, the Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea), based on pellets. We compared pellets from 21 colonies in two different regions of Poland that differing in composition of foraging habitats. Multivariate statistical techniques were used to analyze the relationship between diet and habitat compositions in a 20 km radius around these colonies. Significant inter-regional and inter-colony differences in Grey Heron diet and habitat composition were detected in foraging areas. However, some prey were present in the diet only from one of the regions. Around the heronries with a predominance of farmland habitats, the European water vole (Arvicola amphibius) and terrestrial invertebrates were present in relatively low frequencies, and the striped field mouse (Apodemus agrarius) was present in high frequencies. Voles (Microtus sp.) were more frequent in colonies with prevalence of non-irrigated arable land around the colony, in contrast to the bank vole (Myodes glareolus), which was less common in heronries with a higher contribution of this habitat type. Remains of aquatic invertebrates were less abundant in colonies surrounded by extensive forests. The results of our research indicate the opportunistic character of the non-fish part of the diet of the Grey Heron adapted to the local foraging habitat and prey availability.
A New Method for Non-Destructive Identification and Tracking of Multi-Object Behaviors in Beef Cattle Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Li Guangbo , Sun Jiayong , Guan Manyu , Sun Shuai , Shi Guolong , Zhu Changjie
Published: August 2024

The method proposed in this paper provides theoretical and practical support for the intelligent recognition and management of beef cattle. Accurate identification and tracking of beef cattle behaviors are essential components of beef cattle production management. Traditional beef cattle identification and tracking methods are time-consuming and labor-intensive, which hinders precise cattle farming. This paper utilizes deep learning algorithms to achieve the identification and tracking of multi-object behaviors in beef cattle, as follows: (1) The beef cattle behavior detection module is based on the YOLOv8n algorithm. Initially, a dynamic snake convolution module is introduced to enhance the ability to extract key features of beef cattle behaviors and expand the model’s receptive field. Subsequently, the BiFormer attention mechanism is incorporated to integrate high-level and low-level feature information, dynamically and sparsely learning the behavioral features of beef cattle. The improved YOLOv8n_BiF_DSC algorithm achieves an identification accuracy of 93.6% for nine behaviors, including standing, lying, mounting, fighting, licking, eating, drinking, working, and searching, with average 50 and 50:95 precisions of 96.5% and 71.5%, showing an improvement of 5.3%, 5.2%, and 7.1% over the original YOLOv8n. (2) The beef cattle multi-object tracking module is based on the Deep SORT algorithm. Initially, the detector is replaced with YOLOv8n_BiF_DSC to enhance detection accuracy. Subsequently, the re-identification network model is switched to ResNet18 to enhance the tracking algorithm’s capability to gather appearance information. Finally, the trajectory generation and matching process of the Deep SORT algorithm is optimized with secondary IOU matching to reduce ID mismatching errors during tracking. Experimentation with five different complexity levels of test video sequences shows improvements in IDF1, IDS, MOTA, and MOTP, among other metrics, with IDS reduced by 65.8% and MOTA increased by 2%. These enhancements address issues of tracking omission and misidentification in sparse and long-range dense environments, thereby facilitating better tracking of group-raised beef cattle and laying a foundation for intelligent detection and tracking in beef cattle farming.
Effects of DNA Methylation of HPA-Axis Genes of F1 Juvenile Induced by Maternal Density Stress on Behavior and Immune Traits in Root Voles (Microtus oeconomus)—A Field Experiment
Authors: Du Shouyang , Shang Guozhen , Tian Xin , Liu Zihan , Yang Yanbin , Niu Hongxing , Bian Jianghui , Wu Yan , Ma Jinyou
Published: August 2024

The literature shows that maternal stress can influence behavior and immune function in F1. Yet, most studies on these are from the laboratory, and replicated studies on the mechanisms by which maternal stress drives individual characteristics are still not fully understood in wild animals. We manipulated high- and low-density parental population density using large-scale field enclosures and examined behavior and immune traits. Within the field enclosures, we assessed anti-keyhole limpet hemocyanin immunoglobulin G (anti-KLH IgG) level, phytohemagglutinin (PHA) responses, hematology, cytokines, the depressive and anxiety-like behaviors and prevalence and intensity of coccidial infection. We then collected brain tissue from juvenile voles born at high or low density, quantified mRNA and protein expression of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1) and measured DNA methylation at CpG sites in a region that was highly conserved with the prairie vole CRH and NR3C1 promoter. At high density, we found that the F1 had a lower DNA methylation level of CRH and a higher DNA methylation level of NR3C1, which resulted in an increase in the expression levels of the CRH mRNA and protein expression and further reduced the expression levels of the NR3C1 mRNA and protein expression, and ultimately led to have delayed responses to acute immobilization stress. Juvenile voles born at high density also reduced anti-KLH IgG levels and PHA responses, increased cytokines, and depressive and anxiety-like behaviors, and the effects further led to higher coccidial infection. From the perspective of population density inducing the changes in behavior and immunity at the brain level, our results showed a physiological epigenetic mechanism for population self-regulation in voles. Our results indicate that altering the prenatal intrinsic stress environment can fundamentally impact behavior and immunity by DNA methylation of HPA-axis genes and can further drive population fluctuations in wild animals.
Towards Safe African Swine Fever Vaccines: The A137R Gene as a Tool to Reduce Virulence and a Promising Serological DIVA Marker Candidate
Authors: Koltsov Andrey , Sukher Mikhail , Krutko Sergey , Belov Sergey , Korotin Alexey , Rudakova Sofia , Morgunov Sergey , Koltsova Galina
Published: August 2024

African swine fever (ASF) is an emerging disease caused by the African swine fever virus (ASFV), which is a great threat to the swine industry worldwide. Currently registered vaccines that have demonstrated protection against the homologous ASFV strains are live attenuated vaccines based on recombinant ASFV strains with the deletions of virulence-associated genes. In this study, we evaluated the deletion of the A137R gene in the ASFV virulent Stavropol_01/08 strain isolated in Russia in 2008. Our animal experiment results demonstrated that the deletion of the A137R gene did not lead to the full attenuation of this strain, and increasing the dose of the A137R-deletion mutant during infection led to the death of 87.5% of the infected animals. In this report, we also demonstrated that immunofluorescence (IFA) and Western blotting assays based on the recombinant p11.5 protein can be used to detect antibodies in animals infected with the attenuated ASFV variants of several genotypes/serotypes. Both assays were specific to ASFV p11.5 protein and showed negative results when examining the sera of the non-infected animals or those infected with the A137R-deletion mutant. Therefore, we propose to use the p11.5 protein along with other previously proposed ASFV proteins, such as CD2v, as negative antigenic DIVA markers for an attenuated ASF vaccine.
Ovarian Torsion in a Pet Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus): A Case Report
Authors: Noviello Emilio , Russo Marco , Rubino Paola , De Felice Daniela , Spada Stefano
Published: August 2024

Ovarian torsion (OT) is a condition that can affect both humans and animals, although it is less common in the latter, with very few cases documented in the literature. To our knowledge, no previous reports have documented the occurrence of this condition in rabbits. In this study, we present the first documented case of spontaneous OT in a 2-year-old female intact rabbit. The patient was brought to the clinic for a routine check-up, during which a firm, large abdominal mass was palpated. Subsequent ultrasound examination of the abdomen revealed the presence of a large, hypoechoic, non-vascularized mass occupying the majority of the caudal abdomen. A computed tomography (CT) scan further confirmed the presence of a heterogeneous mass exhibiting the Whirlpool sign, which is characteristic of organ torsion. Upon laparotomy, an enlargement of the right ovary was observed, characterized by twisting of the ovarian pedicle, consistent with the mass detected via ultrasound and CT scan. Ovariohysterovaginectomy was performed, and the mass was subsequently analyzed. Microscopic analysis of the mass revealed predominantly necrotic tissue, with only a few ovarian epithelial cells present. The underlying cause of the OT described in this study remains unclear. However, it is plausible that a previous neoplastic condition or ovarian necrosis led to an increase in the size and weight of the mass, ultimately resulting in the twisting of the supporting structures.
Evaluation of Reference Gene Stability in Goat Skeletal Muscle Satellite Cells during Proliferation and Differentiation Phases
Authors: Zhan Siyuan , Zhang Lufei , Zhong Tao , Wang Linjie , Guo Jiazhong , Cao Jiaxue , Li Li , Zhang Hongping
Published: August 2024

The process of skeletal muscle development is intricate and involves the regulation of a diverse array of genes. Accurate gene expression profiles are crucial for studying muscle development, making it essential to choose the right reference genes for real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). In the present study, eight candidate reference genes were identified from our previous transcriptome sequencing analysis of caprine skeletal muscle satellite cells (MuSCs), and two traditional reference genes (ACTB and GAPDH) were assessed. The quantitative levels of the candidate reference genes were determined through the RT-qPCR technique, while the stability of their expression was evaluated utilizing the GeNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and RefFinder programs. Furthermore, the chosen reference genes were utilized for the normalization of the gene expression levels of PCNA and Myf5. It was determined that conventional reference genes, including ACTB and GAPDH, were not appropriate for normalizing target gene expression. Conversely, RPL14 and RPS15A, identified through RNA sequencing analysis, exhibited minimal variability and were identified as the optimal reference genes for normalizing gene expression during the proliferation and differentiation of goat MuSCs. Our research offers a validated panel of optimal reference genes for the detection of differentially expressed genes in goat muscle satellite cells using RT-qPCR.
Novel Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) and Genetic Studies of the Shadow of Prion Protein (SPRN) in Quails
Authors: Choi Da-In , Zayed Mohammed , Jeong Byung-Hoon
Published: August 2024

Prion diseases are a group of deadly neurodegenerative disorders caused by the accumulation of the normal prion protein (PrPC) into misfolding pathological conformations (PrPSc). The PrP gene is essential for the development of prion diseases. Another candidate implicated in prion pathogenesis is the shadow of the prion protein (SPRN) gene. To date, genetic polymorphisms of the SPRN gene and the structure of the Sho protein have not been explored in quails. We used polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify the SPRN gene sequence and then conducted Sanger DNA sequencing to identify the genetic polymorphisms in quail SPRN. Furthermore, we examined the genotype, allele, and haplotype frequencies, and assessed the linkage disequilibrium among the genetic polymorphisms of the SPRN gene in quails. Additionally, we used in silico programs such as MutPred2, SIFT, MUpro, AMYCO, and SODA to predict the pathogenicity of non-synonymous single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Alphafold2 predicted the 3D structure of the Sho protein in quails. The results showed that a total of 13 novel polymorphisms were found in 106 quails, including 4 non-synonymous SNPs. Using SIFT and MUpro in silico programs, three out of the four non-synonymous SNPs (A68T, L74P, and M105I) were predicted to have deleterious effects on quail Sho. Furthermore, the 3D structure of quail Sho was predicted to be similar to that of chicken Sho. To our knowledge, this is the first report to investigate the genetic and structural properties of the quail SPRN gene.
Horse Sector Participants’ Attitudes towards Anthropomorphism and Animal Welfare and Wellbeing
Authors: Fiedler Julie M. , Ayre Margaret L. , Rosanowski Sarah , Slater Josh D.
Published: August 2024

Anthropomorphizing can misinform the making of inferences about animal mental experiences. This is a consideration when implementing the Five Domains Model for animal welfare assessment. An online survey run in 2021 captured horse sector participants’ perspectives about anthropomorphism and wellbeing in relation to horses. Most respondents, 82.9% (n = 431/520), believed that anthropomorphism could influence horse welfare and wellbeing. These respondents were then asked how, in their opinion, anthropomorphism might relate to horse welfare. A thematic analysis identified two themes: (1) ‘Anthropomorphism can influence how people relate to horses’ and (2) ‘Anthropomorphism can have consequences for horse welfare and wellbeing’. The results suggested that experienced respondents were aware of the complexities surrounding anthropomorphic attitudes and that anthropomorphism can have beneficial and detrimental consequences on horse welfare and wellbeing. Benefits include a sense of relatedness to a horse, while detriments include the potential to misinterpret horse behaviors. The authors propose that anthropomorphism has a place in horse welfare and wellbeing when used critically and with caution. This study recommends that there is a need to actively manage anthropomorphism when organizations update policies and practices and implement the Five Domains Model. More research is required to understand the effects of anthropomorphism on horse-related practices.
Novel Gas Supply System for Multi-Chamber Tri-Gas Cell Culture: Low Gas Consumption and Wide Concentration Range
Authors: Xiao Donggen , Zeng Weijun , Chen Ruitao , Li Wei , Sun Haixuan
Published: August 2024

Gas plays a crucial role in cell culture as cells require a specific gas environment to maintain their growth, reproduction, and function. Here, we propose a gas supply system for tri-gas multi-channel cell incubators to meet the specific needs of various cells. The system utilizes a circulating gas supply method powered by air pumps for each chamber. Gas inflow from the cylinder is independently controlled by Mass Flow Controllers (MFCs), and a quantitative step-by-step adjustment control strategy is employed to calculate the volume of different gases being introduced. Through mixing simulations and experiments, we identified the SV static mixer with an L/D ratio of 2.5 as the optimal choice. To evaluate the concentration accuracy and gas consumption of the gas system, we conduct gas mixing and distribution experiments under different conditions. The results show that the system could achieve a concentration range of 0–100% for O2 with an accuracy of ±0.5%, and a concentration range of 0–10% for CO2 with an accuracy of ±0.1%. The daily gas consumption during cultivation is 3570 mL of N2, 330 mL of CO2, and 115 mL of O2, significantly lower than conventional incubators. Overall, our system can effectively manage dynamic gas concentration changes, particularly in high O2 concentration environments. It offers advantages such as low gas consumption, a wide concentration range, and high accuracy compared to existing incubators.
Stochastic Analysis of an Industrial System with Preparation Time Repair under Warranty Policy
Authors: Hussien Zienab M. , El-Sherbeny Mohamed S.
Published: August 2024

The main purpose of this study is to examine the behavior of certain industrial systems under the conditions of product warranty policy. Given this policy, we are interested in considering all the parameters of the system in order to study them and show their impact on the proposed system. In order to increase the efficiency of the system and activate the product warranty policy, the system will undergo a preliminary examination for any system failure occurrence to determine the reasons that led to the failure. After completing the initial inspection, the mechanic will decide whether it is a user-caused failure or a manufacturing defect to determine whether or not the repair of the broken appliance is covered by the manufacturer’s contractual warranty policy. All times in the system are assumed as a negative exponential distribution. The expressions for some measures of system effectiveness such as reliability, mean time to system failure (MTSF), and availability are derived using the supplementary variable technique and Laplace transform. Sensitivity analysis and a relative sensitivity are then carried out in order to recognize how each system parameter affects performance measures. Finally, some numerical examples are designed and performed to show how the change of each system parameter affects system performance.
Quantification of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Various Fruit Types: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Di Fiore Cristina , Maio Monica , Notardonato Ivan , Avino Pasquale
Published: August 2024

The exposure of humans to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) through fruits is a scarcely investigated topic. The atmospheric deposition of PAHs could contribute to such an issue. The present paper would like to propose an easy, fast, and routinary analytical method to extract and quantify PAHs in apples, pears, and grapes. Dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction allowed us to recover PAHs ranging between 68.0 ± 1.2 and 96.2 ± 0.8% from fruit. Gas chromatography equipped with flame ionization detector analysis showed satisfactory analytical parameters, with details like R2 > 0.9912 in a concentration range of 0.5–500 µg mL−1, with a variability ranging within 0.7–2.3%. Rural fruit samples were found to be more contaminated by PAHs compared to urban samples, likely due to the use of non-green fuels in rural areas considered in this study. Further in-depth research on this topic is strongly recommended due to the relevance of fruits in the Mediterranean diet.