bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of machine learning in predicting aggressive behaviors from hospitalized patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Cheng Nuo , Guo Meihao , Yan Fang , Guo Zhengjun , Meng Jun , Ning Kui , Zhang Yanping , Duan Zitian , Han Yong , Wang Changhong
Published: March 2023

Objective

To establish a predictive model of aggressive behaviors from hospitalized patients with schizophrenia through applying multiple machine learning algorithms, to provide a reference for accurately predicting and preventing of the occurrence of aggressive behaviors.

Methods

The cluster sampling method was used to select patients with schizophrenia who were hospitalized in our hospital from July 2019 to August 2021 as the survey objects, and they were divided into an aggressive behavior group (611 cases) and a non-aggressive behavior group (1,426 cases) according to whether they experienced obvious aggressive behaviors during hospitalization. Self-administered General Condition Questionnaire, Insight and Treatment Attitude Questionnaire (ITAQ), Family APGAR (Adaptation, Partnership, Growth, Affection, Resolve) Questionnaire (APGAR), Social Support Rating Scale Questionnaire (SSRS) and Family Burden Scale of Disease Questionnaire (FBS) were used for the survey. The Multi-layer Perceptron, Lasso, Support Vector Machine and Random Forest algorithms were used to build a predictive model for the occurrence of aggressive behaviors from hospitalized patients with schizophrenia and to evaluate its predictive effect. Nomogram was used to build a clinical application tool.

Results

The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) values of the Multi-Layer Perceptron, Lasso, Support Vector Machine, and Random Forest were 0.904 (95% CI: 0.877–0.926), 0.901 (95% CI: 0.874–0.923), 0.902 (95% CI: 0.876–0.924), and 0.955 (95% CI: 0.935–0.970), where the AUCs of the Random Forest and the remaining three models were statistically different (p < 0.0001), and the remaining three models were not statistically different in pair comparisons (p > 0.5).

Conclusion

Machine learning models can fairly predict aggressive behaviors in hospitalized patients with schizophrenia, among which Random Forest has the best predictive effect and has some value in clinical application.
Collapsing cylindrically symmetric filamentary stellar object
Authors: Saleem Sana , Ibrar Andleeb , Almusawa Musawa Yahya , Eldin Sayed M. , Asjad Muhammad Imran
Published: March 2023

This work investigates the collapsing behavior of filamentary objects under the influence of dark matter. For this purpose, we use f(R, T) gravity as a candidate for dark matter. The collapse equation is obtained by imposing the Darmois junction condition at the collapsing boundary. At the collapsing boundary, it is observed that the radial pressure is non-zero and is proportional to the field time-dependent component. Finally, we check the relationship between gravitational waves and dark source terms. It is concluded that the dark source terms disrupt the propagation of gravitational waves.
Development, validation, and visualization of a web-based nomogram to predict the effect of tubular microdiscectomy for lumbar disc herniation
Authors: Chen Xinyao , Lin Fabin , Xu Xiongjie , Chen Chunmei , Wang Rui
Published: March 2023

Objective

The purpose of this study was to retrospectively collect the relevant clinical data of lumbar disc herniation (LDH) patients treated with the tubular microdiscectomy (TMD) technique, and to develop and validate a prediction model for predicting the treatment improvement rate of TMD in LDH patients at 1 year after surgery.

Methods

Relevant clinical data of LDH patients treated with the TMD technology were retrospectively collected. The follow-up period was 1 year after surgery. A total of 43 possible predictors were included, and the treatment improvement rate of the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score of the lumbar spine at 1 year after TMD was used as an outcome measure. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) method was used to screen out the most important predictors affecting the outcome indicators. In addition, logistic regression was used to construct the model, and a nomogram of the prediction model was drawn.

Results

A total of 273 patients with LDH were included in this study. Age, occupational factors, osteoporosis, Pfirrmann classification of intervertebral disc degeneration, and preoperative Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were screened out from the 43 possible predictors based on LASSO regression. A total of 5 predictors were included while drawing a nomogram of the model. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) value of the model was 0.795.

Conclusions

In this study, we successfully developed a good clinical prediction model that can predict the effect of TMD for LDH. A web calculator was designed on the basis of the model (https://fabinlin.shinyapps.io/DynNomapp/).
Sporadic pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms: A retrospective clinicopathological and outcome analysis from a Latvian study group
Authors: Ptasnuka Margarita , Truskovs Arturs , Ozolins Arturs , Narbuts Zenons , Sperga Maris , Plaudis Haralds
Published: March 2023

Background

Although pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (PNEN) are rare, there has been a constant increase in incidence. Furthermore, PNEN present unique clinical behaviors and long-term survival can be expected even in the presence of metastases as compared with ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas. Determining the best therapeutic approach and proper timing of therapy requires knowledge of reliable prognostic factors. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore clinicopathological features, treatment, and survival outcomes of patients with PNEN based on Latvian gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasm (GEP-NEN) registry data.

Method

Patients with confirmed PNEN at Riga East Clinical University Hospital and Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, between 2008 and 2020, were retrospectively analyzed. Data were collected and included in EUROCRINE, an open-label international endocrine surgical registry.

Results

In total, 105 patients were included. The median age at diagnosis was 64 years (IQR 53.0–70.0) for males and 61 years (IQR 52.5–69.0) for females. In 77.1% of patients, tumors were hormonally nonfunctional. Among those with functioning PNEN, 10.5% of patients presented with hypoglycemia and were diagnosed with insulinoma, 6.7% of patients presented with symptoms related to carcinoid syndrome; 30.5% of patients showed distant metastases at the time of diagnosis, and surgery was performed in 67.6% of patients. Notably, for five patients with nonfunctional PNEN <2 cm, a “watch and wait” approach was used; none of the patients developed metastatic disease. The median length of hospital stay was 8 days (IQR 5–13). Major postoperative complications were found in 7.0% of patients, and reoperation was conducted for 4.2% of patients, due to postpancreatectomy bleeding (2/71) and abdominal collection (1/71). The median follow-up period was 34 months (IQR 15.0–68.8). The OS at the last follow-up was 75.2% (79/105). The observed 1-, 5- and 10-year survival rates were 87.0, 71.2 and 58.0, respectively. Seven of the surgically treated patients had tumor recurrence. The median time of recurrence was 39 months (IQR 19.0–95.0). A univariable Cox proportional hazard analysis provided evidence that a nonfunctional tumor, a larger tumor size, the presence of distant metastases, a higher tumor grade, and the tumor stage were strong, negative predictors of OS.

Conclusion

Our study represents the general trends of clinicopathological features and treatment of PNEN in Latvia. For PNEN patients, tumor functionality, size, distant metastases, grade, and stage may be useful to predict OS and must be confirmed in further studies. Furthermore, a “surveillance” strategy might be safe for selected patients with small asymptomatic PNEN.
A shortened whole brain radiation therapy protocol for meningoencephalitis of unknown origin in dogs
Authors: Herzig Robert , Beckmann Katrin , Körner Maximilian , Steffen Frank , Rohrer Bley Carla
Published: March 2023

Introduction

A variety of treatment options have been described for canine meningoencephalitis of unknown origin (MUO). Few studies focused on radiation therapy as a second line immunomodulating treatment, implicating its effective use. However, a standard radiation therapy protocol is lacking, and further research will help to evaluate the effect of different dose regimens.

Methods

Ten dogs diagnosed with MUO based on MRI and CSF findings were prospectively enrolled. The dogs were treated with a shortened whole brain radiation therapy protocol (5 × 4 Gy) in combination with prednisolone. Neurologic changes were quantified using an established scoring scheme. Follow-up MRI and CSF examination was scheduled three months after radiation therapy. Overall survival and time to progression were calculated. Histopathology of the brain was performed in case of death.

Results

Seven dogs were diagnosed de novo and three had a history of relapsing MUO. Neurological status improved in all 10 dogs during radiation therapy, with 4/10 returning to normal shortly after radiation therapy. Three dogs died within the first three months after radiation therapy. At follow-up MRI lesions completely resolved in two dogs, partially resolved in five dogs, and progressed in one dog. After follow-up MRI, dogs were further treated with prednisolone monotherapy (two dogs) and additional immunosuppressant drugs (five dogs). Overall, four dogs showed disease progression, with a mean time to progression of 691 days (95%CI: 396–987) and mean overall survival for all dogs was 723 days (95%CI: 436–1011) (both medians not reached). Histopathology confirmed MUO in three dogs but was suggestive for oligodendroglioma in one dog. Radiation induced side effects were not seen.

Conclusion

Shortened whole-brain radiation therapy could be an additional treatment option for MUO in conjunction to prednisolone, specifically for cases that require rapid relief of symptoms and with relapsing history.
Efficacy of different treatment protocols for endometritis in Camelus dromedarius
Authors: Zaher Hany Ahmed , Al-Fares Abdullah F. , Mesalam Ayman
Published: March 2023

Endometritis is considered a significant cause of infertility problems in dromedary camels. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of different treatment protocols for endometritis in dromedary camels under Abu Dhabi Emirates' conditions. A total of 112 dromedary she-camels with uterine infection were subjected to uterine swabbing for bacterial culture and received one of the following treatments: (i) uterine douching with lotagen every other day for three doses, (ii) single parenteral oxytetracycline injection, (iii) subcutaneous injection with ceftiofur for 5 days, or (vi) combined oxytetracycline-ceftiofur injection. The results showed thatEscherichia coliwas the most isolated bacteria, followed by Streptococcus species. Treatment efficacy was (P< 0.05) higher in ceftiofur and oxytetracycline-ceftiofur protocols compared with lotagen and oxytetracycline protocols. The fertility indexes, services per conception and pregnancy rate, were improved in ceftiofur and mixed oxytetracycline plus ceftiofur protocols as the pregnancy rate was (P< 0.05) higher in those protocols compared with lotagen and oxytetracycline protocols (71.4 and 67.9% vs. 39.3 and 42.9%, respectively). On the other hand, the number of services per conception was significantly lower in ceftiofur and oxytetracycline-ceftiofur protocols (1.2 for each protocol) than in lotagen and oxytetracycline protocols (1.8 and 1.7, respectively). In conclusion, subcutaneous injection of 1 ml ceftiofur per 50 kg body mass for 5 days can be used as an efficient treatment for uterine infection in female dromedary camels caused byE. coliand Streptococcus species for improving their fertility indexes.
Tremor, Daily Functioning, and Health-Related Quality of Life in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients
Authors: Riemersma Niels L. , Kremer Daan , Knobbe Tim J. , Gan C. Tji , Nolte Svea , Gomes-Neto António W. , Blokzijl Hans , de Meijer Vincent E. , Damman Kevin , Eisenga Michele F. , Drost Gea , Elting Jan Willem J. , Touw Daan J. , Berger Stefan P. , Bakker Stephan J. L. , van der Stouwe A. M. Madelein ,   Transplantlines Investigators
Published: March 2023

Solid organ transplant recipients (SOTR) frequently report tremor. Data concerning tremor-related impairment and its potential impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) are lacking. This cross-sectional study assesses impact of tremor on activities of daily living and HRQoL using validated questionnaires among SOTR enrolled in the TransplantLines Biobank and Cohort Study. We included 689 SOTR (38.5% female, mean [±SD] age 58 [±14] years) at median [interquartile range] 3 [1–9] years after transplantation, of which 287 (41.7%) reported mild or severe tremor. In multinomial logistic regression analyses, whole blood tacrolimus trough concentration was an independent determinant of mild tremor (OR per µg/L increase: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.21, p = 0.019). Furthermore, in linear regression analyses, severe tremor was strongly and independently associated with lower physical and mental HRQoL (β = −16.10, 95% CI: −22.23 to −9.98, p < 0.001 and β = −12.68, 95% CI: −18.23 to −7.14, p < 0.001 resp.). SOTR frequently report tremor-related impairment of activities of daily living. Tacrolimus trough concentrations appeared as a main determinant of tremor among SOTR. The strong and independent association of tremor-related impairment with lower HRQoL warrants further studies into the effects of tacrolimus on tremor.

Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier NCT03272841.
Resilience and Resilient Systems of Artificial Intelligence: Taxonomy, Models and Methods
Authors: Moskalenko Viacheslav , Kharchenko Vyacheslav , Moskalenko Alona , Kuzikov Borys
Published: March 2023

Artificial intelligence systems are increasingly being used in industrial applications, security and military contexts, disaster response complexes, policing and justice practices, finance, and healthcare systems. However, disruptions to these systems can have negative impacts on health, mortality, human rights, and asset values. The protection of such systems from various types of destructive influences is thus a relevant area of research. The vast majority of previously published works are aimed at reducing vulnerability to certain types of disturbances or implementing certain resilience properties. At the same time, the authors either do not consider the concept of resilience as such, or their understanding varies greatly. The aim of this study is to present a systematic approach to analyzing the resilience of artificial intelligence systems, along with an analysis of relevant scientific publications. Our methodology involves the formation of a set of resilience factors, organizing and defining taxonomic and ontological relationships for resilience factors of artificial intelligence systems, and analyzing relevant resilience solutions and challenges. This study analyzes the sources of threats and methods to ensure each resilience properties for artificial intelligence systems. As a result, the potential to create a resilient artificial intelligence system by configuring the architecture and learning scenarios is confirmed. The results can serve as a roadmap for establishing technical requirements for forthcoming artificial intelligence systems, as well as a framework for assessing the resilience of already developed artificial intelligence systems.
Literature Review on Hybrid Evolutionary Approaches for Feature Selection
Authors: Piri Jayashree , Mohapatra Puspanjali , Dey Raghunath , Acharya Biswaranjan , Gerogiannis Vassilis C. , Kanavos Andreas
Published: March 2023

The efficiency and the effectiveness of a machine learning (ML) model are greatly influenced by feature selection (FS), a crucial preprocessing step in machine learning that seeks out the ideal set of characteristics with the maximum accuracy possible. Due to their dominance over traditional optimization techniques, researchers are concentrating on a variety of metaheuristic (or evolutionary) algorithms and trying to suggest cutting-edge hybrid techniques to handle FS issues. The use of hybrid metaheuristic approaches for FS has thus been the subject of numerous research works. The purpose of this paper is to critically assess the existing hybrid FS approaches and to give a thorough literature review on the hybridization of different metaheuristic/evolutionary strategies that have been employed for supporting FS. This article reviews pertinent documents on hybrid frameworks that were published in the period from 2009 to 2022 and offers a thorough analysis of the used techniques, classifiers, datasets, applications, assessment metrics, and schemes of hybridization. Additionally, new open research issues and challenges are identified to pinpoint the areas that have to be further explored for additional study.
Predictive Analysis of Airport Safety Performance: Case Study of Split Airport
Authors: Bartulović Dajana , Steiner Sanja
Published: March 2023

A predictive safety management methodology implies steps and tools of predictive safety management in aviation, i.e., use of predictive (forecasting) and causal modeling methods to identify potential and possible hazards in the future, as well as their causal factors which can help define timely and efficient mitigation measures to prevent or restrain emerging hazards turning into adverse events. The focus of this paper is to show how predictive analysis of an organization’s safety performance can be conducted, on the sample airport. A case study regarding implementation of predictive analysis of an organization’s safety performance, was performed at Split Airport. The predictive analysis of an airport’s safety performance was conducted through the analysis of Split Airport safety database, causal modeling of Split Airport organizational and safety performance indicators, outlier root cause analysis of Split Airport safety performance indicators, predictive analysis of safety performance (forecasting of Split Airport organizational and safety performance indicators), and scenario cases that simulate future behavior of Split Airport safety performance indicators. Based on detected future hazards, and their causal factors, the appropriate mitigation measures are proposed for the purpose of improving and maintaining an acceptable level of safety at the airport.
Feasibility Analysis of Autonomous Orbit Determination and Gravity-Field Recovery around Asteroids Using Inter-Satellite Range Data
Authors: Li Haohan , Hou Xiyun
Published: March 2023

Autonomous navigation and orbit determination are key problems of asteroid exploration missions. Inter-satellite range link is a type of measurement widely used in the orbit determination of Earth satellites, but not so widely used in missions around small bodies. In our study, we assume that highly accurate inter-satellite range data can be obtained around small bodies between the chief spacecraft and some low-cost deputies, and study the feasibility of simultaneous autonomous orbit determination of the spacecraft and the gravity-field recovery without the support from ground stations. After the feasibility analysis, two modified methods are proposed. Both methods demonstrate obvious improvements in both the convergence region and the accuracy. One remark is that the inter-satellite range data can be also used together with various observation data from ground stations to enhance the accuracy of the determined orbits and the gravity field.
GIS-Based Determination of the Optimal Heliport and Water Source Locations for Forest Fire Suppression Using Multi-Objective Programming
Authors: Maraş Erdem Emin , Dönmez Kadir , Emecen Yeliz
Published: March 2023

First responders to forest fires, especially in areas that cannot be reached by land, are carried out by helicopters. In large forest lands, the necessity of helicopters to reach fire areas in the shortest time reveals the importance of heliport locations. In this study, the set-covering problem is handled by optimizing heliport locations in a heavily forested Milas district of Muğla, Turkey, where forest fires have occurred severely in recent years. The aim is to cover the entire region with a minimum number of heliports within specified response times. The forest density of the relevant region is integrated as weights into the mathematical model based on geographic information systems (GIS) during location-allocation. In addition, several conditions related to the study area, such as their proximity to roads, distance to settlement areas, slope, wetlands, altitude, the existence of heliports or airports, and others, were defined on 2 × 2 km grids and analyzed in ArcGIS for use in mathematical modeling, which was developed as a multi-objective programming model. In the first model, different initial attack (IA) times are considered, and the tradeoffs between IA time coverages and heliport locations are revealed by using the ɛ constraint method. Then, in the second model, the water sources are evaluated to provide recommendations for further extended attack (EA) and additional water sources (pools) considering the existing ones. Mathematical modeling is used to determine Pareto optimal heliport and additional water source locations for both IA and EA in the forest fires, respectively. Finally, the potential savings of the proposed model are quantified by comparing the model results with the current locations of the helicopters and water sources based on historical fire data.
A Review of Aeroengines’ Bolt Preload Formation Mechanism and Control Technology
Authors: Li Zhaoyu , Li Xiaoqiang , Han Yujie , Zhang Pengfei , Zhang Zongjiang , Zhang Mingming , Zhao Gang
Published: March 2023

The bolt connection structure is widely used in the connection of aeroengine parts, and its connection quality is very important, as it can directly affect the geometric and dynamic performance of the aeroengine. Taking the bolt preload as the entry point, the research status of bolted aeroengine connections in recent years is summarized based on the bolt preload formation mechanism and control technology in this review. For the research of the preload formation mechanism, single and multiple bolts of aeroengine bolt arrays are analyzed. According to the characteristics of aeroengine bolt connections, the research of aeroengine bolt preload control technology is divided into two parts: bolt tightening technology, and bolt tightening equipment. Finally, based on the summarization of the research, the future research prospects are evaluated and discussed.
Lyapunov-Based Impact Time Control Guidance Law with Performance Prediction
Authors: Kim Hyeong-Geun , Shin Jongho
Published: March 2023

This paper proposes an impact time control guidance law based on exact nonlinear kinematics equations. To address the impact time control problem of providing enhanced intercept accuracy, we formulated an error variable whose regulation ensures the fulfillment of the required tasks without time-to-go estimation. Based on the Lyapunov stability theory, a desired line-of-sight rate profile that satisfies the convergence of the error variable was constructed, from which the guidance command was designed using the optimal tracking formulation. The simple structure of the proposed guidance law enables the prediction of interceptor behavior during homing, thereby allowing the interceptor to maneuver along feasible trajectories. In addition, although the structure of the proposed guidance law is simple and similar to that of proportional navigation, it is theoretically guaranteed to execute the required mission precisely at the end of homing. Numerical simulations demonstrated that the proposed guidance law achieved effective target interception under various terminal constraint settings.
Effects of Planting Practices on Soil Organic Carbon during Old Apple Orchards’ Reconstruction on the Loess Plateau
Authors: Li Wenzheng , Gao Jianen , Zhang Yuanyuan , Ahmad Rafiq , Gao Zhe , Zhou Fanfan
Published: March 2023

Changes in the soil organic matter are related to the land-use change of sustainable agricultural production. However, few studies have been reported on the effects of changes in planting practices on SOC during the reconstruction period of old apple orchards. In this study, 4 treatments were applied during the reconstruction period of old apple orchards (more than 20 years old) on the Loess Plateau: thinning and replanted apple saplings (TR); all felled and planted corn (CR); all felled and planted millet (MT); all felled and planted potato (PT). It was found that: SOC was ranked as MT > PT > CR > TR, and decreased with soil depth, obeying the power function law; this first decreased and then increased, with the lowest ranking of the year being obtained in August in a year; MT was the most effective in increasing SOC, with an average annual growth rate of 0.54 g/(kg∙year). In this study, the complex relationship between rainfall, temperature, solar radiation, soil moisture content, and soil organic carbon was established. The results not only provide a reference for the reconstruction of old apple orchards, but also provide support for sustainable agricultural production in the fragile ecological zone of the Loess Plateau.
Specific and Intraspecific P Efficiency of Small-Grain Legumes as Affected by Long-Term P Management
Authors: Hu Yue , Dehmer Klaus J. , Willner Evelin , Eichler-Löbermann Bettina
Published: March 2023

Legumes have a high demand for phosphorus (P) but also have effective physiological and morphological strategies of P mobilisation. In order to evaluate the inter- and intraspecific P efficiency of small-grain legumes under contrasting long-term P management, eight accessions each of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) were cultivated in two consecutive growing periods from 2020 to 2021 in a field trial established in 1998. Six treatments (no P, triple-superphosphate (TSP), biomass ash, cattle manure, biowaste compost, and biowaste compost + TSP) were considered as P sources. While the yield clearly varied between both growing seasons, the differences between alfalfa and red clover were relatively small (4.7 vs. 4.9 Mg ha−1 in 2020 and 12.0 vs. 10.5 Mg ha−1 in 2021, p < 0.05). Even after more than 20 years of P management, crop yields were hardly affected by mineral P sources (TSP and biomass ash) while organic fertilisers increased the yields and nutrient uptake of plants and also raised soil P pools and the activities of soil enzymes in comparison to the control. A relevant crop effect was only found for the nitrogen (N) leaching with higher mineral N contents in 60 to 90 cm soil depth measured for red clover compared to alfalfa (11.8 vs. 4.8 kg ha−1, p < 0.05). Our results emphasise the high P efficiency of small-grain legumes without pronounced inter- or intraspecific differences. The yield-enhancing effect of organic amendments was related to higher soil fertility rather than to P supply.
Specific Gibberellin 2-Oxidase 3 (SbGA2ox3) Mutants Promote Yield and Stress Tolerance in Sorghum bicolor
Authors: Weng Wenfeng , Tang Yong , Xiong Ruiqi , Bai Qing , Gao Anjing , Yao Xin , Wu Weijiao , Ma Chao , Cheng Jianping , Ruan Jingjun
Published: March 2023

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is a raw material that can be used as food, feed, bioenergy, and wine; it is also a gramineous crop with drought, salt, waterlogging, and high temperature resistance. However, liquor-making sorghum faces the disadvantages of having a narrow genetic basis, poor resources, and few high-quality varieties. Ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS) is a common alkylating agent that can react with one or more bases to alkylate and cause changes in the molecular structure of DNA, thereby causing mutations. It has a minimum effect on organisms and the highest efficiency. The obtained mutant populations are of great significance for cultivating new plant varieties and enriching plant germplasm resources. Therefore, in this study, ‘Hongyingzi’ a liquor-making sorghum variety, was studied using seeds treated with 0.5% EMS and 415 M3 generation plants were obtained. (1) Investigation and statistical analysis of agronomic traits in mutant libraries showed that in the M3 generation, nine important phenotypic mutant lines were obtained, including plant type, leaf blade, spike, glume, growth period, fertility, plant height, and drought resistance. The variation frequency from high to low was as follows: glume color (75.42%) > spike type (54.70%) > spike shape (47.23%) > chaff coating degree (28%) > plant growth period (23.86%) > plant height (23.61%) > absorption degree (16.14%) > branchiness (10.84%) > leaf color (4.58%) > tillering (2.16%). (2) The PCR sequencing of SbGA2ox3 from 415 sorghum M3 plants revealed that the mutation frequency of SbGA2ox3 was 1/99.02 kb. Eight plants underwent mutations, but only one line experienced missense mutations of different amino acid types, changing Ser/Ala/Val/Leu/Gln/Ser/Pro/Ala to Asn/Thr/Gly/Val/Gln/Ala/Ser. The mutant line also had shorter plant height, reduced glume coating degree, and enhanced drought resistance. The constructions of the sorghum mutant library widened the sorghum germplasm library and provided a method for sorghum breeding with a molecular basis for the functional verification of related genes and the analysis of related regulatory networks.
Interspecific Competition between Invasive Spodoptera frugiperda and Indigenous Helicoverpa armigera in Maize Fields of China
Authors: Song Yifei , Li Hui , He Limei , Zhang Haowen , Zhao Shengyuan , Yang Xianming , Wu Kongming
Published: March 2023

Since the fall armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda invaded China, it has coexisted in maize fields with the native cotton bollworm (CBW) Helicoverpa armigera, but the population dynamics and competitive mechanisms between the two pests are not well understood. We evaluated interspecific competition between FAW and CBW by analyzing their bidirectional predation in the laboratory, survival rates when their larvae co-infested the same maize plant, and the population dynamics of both in the same maize field. In the predation tests, FAW and CBW larvae preyed on each other. However, the theoretical maximum predation of sixth-instar FAW larvae preying on first–second-instar CBW larvae was 71.4 and 32.3 individuals, respectively, while that of CBW was 38.5 and 28.6 individuals. The field co-infestation trials showed that the older larvae had a higher survival rate when the two pests co-infested the same maize plants, but young larval survival was higher for FAW than CBW. In the maize field from 2019 to 2021 in southern Yunnan, FAW populations were significantly higher than those of CBW. Our findings suggested that FAW larvae had a predation advantage over CBW, which might be an important reason for its dominance in Chinese maize fields. This result provides a scientific basis for developing a monitoring technology and for the integrated management of pests in invaded habitats of FAW.
Identifying QTLs Related to Grain Filling Using a Doubled Haploid Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Population
Authors: Lee So-Myeong , Kabange Nkulu Rolly , Kang Ju-Won , Kwon Youngho , Cha Jin-Kyung , Park Hyeonjin , Oh Ki-Won , Seo Jeonghwan , Koh Hee-Jong , Lee Jong-Hee
Published: March 2023

Grain filling is an important trait of rice that affects the yield of grain-oriented crop species with sink capacity-related traits. Here, we used a doubled haploid (DH) population derived from a cross between 93-11 (P1, indica) and Milyang352 (P2, japonica) to investigate quantitative traits loci (QTLs) controlling grain filling in rice employing the Kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) markers. The mapping population was grown under early-, normal-, and late-cultivation periods. The phenotypic evaluation revealed that spikelet number per panicle positively correlated with the grain-filling ratio under early cultivation conditions. Notably, three significant QTLs associated with the control of grain filling, qFG3, qFG5-1, and qFG5-2, were identified. Genes harbored by these QTLs are linked with diverse biological processes and molecular functions. Likewise, genes associated with abiotic stress response and transcription factor activity and redox homeostasis were detected. Genes such as MYB, WRKY60, and OsSh1 encoding transcription factor, β-catenin, and the tubulin FtsZ, as well as those encoding cytochrome P450, would play a forefront role in controlling grain filling under early cultivation conditions. Our results suggest that qFG3-related genes could mediate the transition between grain filling and abiotic stress response mechanisms. Fine-mapping these QTLs would help identify putative candidate genes for downstream functional characterization.
Importance of Monitoring Fetal and Neonatal Vitality in Bovine Practices
Authors: Szenci Ottó
Published: March 2023

Prior to initiating any obstetrical intervention for anterior or posterior presentation, it is imperative to emphasize the need for a precise and accurate diagnosis of fetal viability and to select the most appropriate approach for assistance. In uncertain cases, diagnostic tools such as ultrasonography, pulse oximeter, or measurement of acid–base balance or lactate concentration may be employed to confirm the diagnosis. In situations of severe asphyxia, a cesarean section is preferred over traction, even if the duration of asphyxia is less than 60 s, to maximize the likelihood of the survival of the fetus. Postcalving, several vitality scores have been proposed to evaluate the vigor of the newborn calf. Originally, four different clinical signs were recommended for assessing the well-being of newborn calves. Subsequently, five or more different clinical signs were recommended to evaluate vitality. However, despite the efforts for devising a practical tool to assess newborn calf vitality; a user-friendly and highly accurate instrument that can be used on farms remains elusive. Measuring the acid–base balance or lactate concentration may increase the diagnostic accuracy. It is critical to emphasize the importance of reducing the incidence of dystocia to mitigate the occurrence of severe asphyxia. In instances where asphyxia is unavoidable, adequate treatments should be administered to minimize losses.
Anthropocentrism, Natural Harmony, Sentience and Animal Rights: Are We Allowed to Use Animals for Our Own Purposes?
Authors: Pulina Giuseppe
Published: March 2023

Taking a cue from J.W. Yates’ recent work on animal sentience published in this journal, which explores the field and categorizes it as a harmony with nature and a recognition of its values, inferring that the inclusion of animals in the sphere of objective rights is the obligatory step for a real sustainability in all human activities, this opinion paper seeks to challenge some of the claims made in the article and present an alternative perspective on sentience and animal rights. Preliminarily, I propose a semantic word-washing and the use of more precise terms instead of not well-defined ones such as “harmony” in relation to nature and “sentience” in relation to animals, and I affirm that there can be only one point of view, however rich in dialectics, which is the human one for looking at the problems of animal ethics. Below, I present the thesis that concludes that it is not possible to attribute rights to animals, but it is our right and duty to protect their well-being, which requires states to pass laws for their defence. I conclude that while it is acceptable to raise animals for priority human rights (such as food and health), it is also an obligation to properly care for and protect them.
The Effect of Sexes and Seasons on the Morphological Structures of the Ruminant Digestive System of Blue Sheep (Pseudois nayaur)
Authors: Meng Dehuai , Si Yuhui , Wang Jifei , Li Zongzhi , Khattak Romaan Hayat , Liu Zhensheng , Teng Liwei
Published: March 2023

Constant adaptation to environmental changes is required by ruminants to allow them to adapt to different ecological niches and feeding habits. In addition, the morphology and function of ruminant digestive systems reveal some adaptive evolutionary characteristics. Blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) display a variety of morpho-physiological adaptations that are typical of grazers. In this study, we collected 64 adult blue sheep samples (whole animal carcasses) from the Helan Mountains, China, during different seasons. The external morphological parameters, digestive system morphological indexes, and rumen surface enlargement factors were determined. Our results reveal that the rumen and reticulum weights were positively correlated with the body weight (p = 0.004), while the food channel aperture, intestinal length, and weight of the blue sheep digestive tract presented no significant differences between different seasons (p > 0.05) and sexes (p > 0.05). There were significant differences (p < 0.001) in the density, length, and width of mastoids, and the rumen surface enlargement factor was 2.85 ± 1.37, which is typical of roughage feeders. The nutritional and ecological characteristics of blue sheep represent obvious morphological and physiological adaptations to an herbivorous diet. Adopting a quick foraging strategy allows blue sheep to rapidly consume and excrete large amounts of feed, thus obtaining the required energy for their activities and facilitating better adaption to environmental changes.
Complex Relationships between Milking-Induced Changes in Teat Structures and Their Pre-Milking Dimensions in Holstein Cows
Authors: Gašparík Matúš , Szencziová Iveta , Ducháček Jaromír , Tóthová Tarová Eva , Stádník Luděk , Nagy Melinda , Kejdová Rysová Lucie , Vrhel Marek , Legarová Veronika
Published: March 2023

The study aimed to explore the relationship between teat structure dimensions and their short-term reaction to milking, to find the optimal dimensions of teat structures in relation to milking-induced teat tissue changes. Teat structures (teat length, canal length, thickness at barrel and apex, wall and cistern width) were measured by ultrasonography before and after milking for 38 Holstein cows at the beginning, middle, and end of lactation. We found that milking-induced changes in teat structures significantly depended on their pre-milking size. Furthermore, we observed that some teat structures and their changes were interconnected, and some did not affect each other. For example, changes in the barrel thickness and cistern width were affected by all structures, while the canal and apex did not influence each other. We deduced that more favorable changes were observed for teats of medium length, medium barrel and apex thickness, with teat canals of medium length, but with wider cisterns and thinner walls. The results of this study may help improve research in the area of milking-induced changes in teat morphology. Our findings could help understand potential health risks to animals in relation to teat morphology, milking equipment, and machine settings.
Epigenetics in Canine Mammary Tumors: Upregulation of miR-18a and miR-18b Oncogenes Is Associated with Decreased ERS1 Target mRNA Expression and ERα Immunoexpression in Highly Proliferating Carcinomas
Authors: Abbate Jessica Maria , Arfuso Francesca , Riolo Kristian , Capparucci Fabiano , Brunetti Barbara , Lanteri Giovanni
Published: March 2023

The expression of miRNAs is one of the main epigenetic mechanisms responsible for the regulation of gene expression in mammals, and in cancer, miRNAs participate by regulating the expression of protein-coding cancer-associated genes. In canine mammary tumors (CMTs), the ESR1 gene encodes for ERα, and represents a major target gene for miR-18a and miR-18b, previously found to be overexpressed in mammary carcinomas. A loss in ERα expression in CMTs is commonly associated with poor prognosis, and it is noteworthy that the downregulation of the ESR1 would appear to be more epigenetic than genetic in nature. In this study, the expression of ESR1 mRNA in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) canine mammary tumors (CMTs) was evaluated and compared with the expression levels of miR18a and miR18b, both assessed via RT-qPCR. Furthermore, the possible correlation between the miRNA expression data and the immunohistochemical prognostic factors (ERα immunoexpression; Ki67 proliferative index) was explored. A total of twenty-six FFPE mammary samples were used, including 22 CMTs (7 benign; 15 malignant) and four control samples (three normal mammary glands and one case of lobular hyperplasia). The obtained results demonstrate that miR-18a and miR-18b are upregulated in malignant CMTs, negatively correlating with the expression of target ESR1 mRNA. Of note, the upregulation of miRNAs strictly reflects the progressive loss of ERα immunoexpression and increased tumor cell proliferation as measured using the Ki67 index. The results suggest a central role of miR-18a and miR-18b in the pathophysiology of canine mammary tumors as potential epigenetic mechanisms involved in ERα downregulation. Moreover, as miRNA expression reflects ERα protein status and a high proliferative index, miR-18a and miR-18b may represent promising biomarkers with prognostic value. More detailed investigations on a larger number of cases are needed to better understand the influence of these miRNAs in canine mammary tumors.
Evaluation of Chute Exit, Novelty and Human Approach Tests in Mertolenga Beef Cattle
Authors: Vitorino Andreia , Stilwell George , Pais José , Carolino Nuno
Published: March 2023

Livestock behavior and welfare are increasingly recognized to be related, not only to the animals’ handling, but also with productivity. The present work was carried out at the Mertolenga Breed Testing Center and its objective was to evaluate the behavior of Mertolenga breed young bulls when exiting the chute, the reaction to novelty and human approach tests, as well as to understand if the responses between these tests are related. Twenty-nine Mertolenga-bred young bulls from 16 different farms, aged between 8 and 13 months, entered the study farm from the end of May to the beginning of June 2021. Data was collected on six different days and analyzed with the SAS® 9.4 software. Older animals showed a tendency to leave the chute more calmly, take longer to touch the novelty ball and to touch the ball less often, with a consequent reduction in the likelihood of playing with it. In the human approach test, animals that came out of the chute more calmly allowed the human to come closer. These behavior tests should be further studied on potential sires, so as to increase docility and manageability of autochthonous beef breeds.
Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Markers with Applications in Conservation and Exploitation of Aquatic Natural Populations
Authors: Wenne Roman
Published: March 2023

An increasing number of aquatic species have been studied for genetic polymorphism, which extends the knowledge on their natural populations. One type of high-resolution molecular marker suitable for studying the genetic diversity of large numbers of individuals is single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). This review is an attempt to show the range of applications of SNPs in studies of natural populations of aquatic animals. In recent years, SNPs have been used in the genetic analysis of wild and enhanced fish and invertebrate populations in natural habitats, exploited migratory species in the oceans, migratory anadromous and freshwater fish and demersal species. SNPs have been used for the identification of species and their hybrids in natural environments, to study the genetic consequences of restocking for conservation purposes and the negative effects on natural populations of fish accidentally escaping from culture. SNPs are very useful for identifying genomic regions correlated with phenotypic variants relevant for wildlife protection, management and aquaculture. Experimental size-selective catches of populations created in tanks have caused evolutionary changes in life cycles of fishes. The research results have been discussed to clarify whether the fish populations in natural conditions can undergo changes due to selective harvesting targeting the fastest-growing fishes.
Identification of Duplication Genotypes of the Feathering Rate Gene in Chicken by a Multiplex PCR Following Electrophoresis and/or Sanger Sequencing
Authors: Shen Qingmiao , Li Junying , Bao Haigang , Wu Changxin
Published: March 2023

Sex-linked phenotypes of late feathering (LF) and early feathering (EF) are controlled by a pair of alleles K and k+. Autosexing based on the feathering rate is widely used in poultry production. It is reported that a tandem duplication of 176,324 base pairs linked to the K locus is responsible for LF expression and could be used as a molecular marker to detect LF chicken. So far, there is no genotyping method that can accurately and stably identify the LF homozygote and heterozygote in all chicken breeds. In the present study, a multiplex PCR test was developed to identify EF, LF homozygote, and heterozygote according to electrophoretic bands and the relative height of the peaks by Sanger sequencing. We tested 413 chickens of six native Chinese breeds with this method. The identification was consistent with the sex and phenotype records of the chickens. Band density analysis was performed, and the results supported our genotyping using the new assay. In order to further verify the accuracy of this test in distinguishing homozygote and heterozygote males, 152 LF males were mated with EF females, and the results of the offspring’s phenotypes were consistent with our expectations. Our results support tandem duplication as molecular markers of LF, and this new test is applicable to all LF chickens associated with tandem duplication.
Effects of Different Combinations of Sodium Butyrate, Medium-Chain Fatty Acids and Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on the Reproductive Performance of Sows and Biochemical Parameters, Oxidative Status and Intestinal Health of Their Offspring
Authors: You Caiyun , Xu Qingqing , Chen Jinchao , Xu Yetong , Pang Jiaman , Peng Xie , Tang Zhiru , Sun Weizhong , Sun Zhihong
Published: March 2023

The aim of the study was to investigate the comparative effects of different combinations of sodium butyrate (SB), medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) on the reproductive performances of sows, as well as on the biochemical parameters, oxidative statuses, and intestinal health of the sucking piglets. A total of 30 sows were randomly allocated to five treatments: (1) control diet (CON); (2) CON with 1 g/kg of coated SB and 7.75 g/kg of coated MCFAs (SM); (3) CON with 1 g/kg of coated SB and 68.2 g/kg of coated n-3 PUFAs (SP); (4) CON with 7.75 g/kg of coated MCFAs and 68.2 g/kg of coated n-3 PUFAs (MP); (5) CON with 1 g/kg of coated SB, 7.75 g/kg of coated MCFAs and 68.2 g/kg of coated n-3 PUFA (SMP). The results showed that sows fed the SP, MP, and SMP diets had shorter weaning-to-estrus intervals than those fed the CON diet (p < 0.01). The piglets in the SM, SP, and MP groups showed higher increases in the plasma catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities than those of the CON group (p < 0.01). The diarrhea incidence of piglets in the SM, SP and SMP groups was lower than that of piglets in the CON group (p < 0.01). Additionally, the addition of SM, SP, MP, and SMP to the sow diets increased the contents of immunoglobulin A, immunoglobulin G, fat, and proteins in the colostrum (p < 0.01), as well as the plasma total superoxide dismutase activities (p < 0.01) in the suckling piglets, whereas it decreased the mRNA expressions of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and toll-like receptor 4 in the jejunum mucosa of the piglets. The relative abundances of Prevotella, Coprococcus, and Blautia in the colonic digesta of the piglets were increased in the SM group (p < 0.05), and the relative abundances of Faecalibacterium increased in the SMP group (p < 0.05), compared with the CON group. The relative abundances of Collinsella, Blautia, and Bulleidia in the MP group were higher than those in the CON group (p < 0.05). Collectively, dietary combinations of fatty acids with different chain lengths have positive effects on the growth performances and intestinal health of suckling piglets.