bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endurance Is Improved in Female Rats After Living High-Training High Despite Alterations in Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Malgoyre Alexandra , Prola Alexandre , Meunier Adelie , Chapot Rachel , Serrurier Bernard , Koulmann Nathalie , Bigard Xavier , Sanchez Hervé
Published: May 2021

Altitude camps are used during the preparation of endurance athletes to improve performance based on the stimulation of erythropoiesis by living at high altitude. In addition to such whole-body adaptations, studies have suggested that high-altitude training increases mitochondrial mass, but this has been challenged by later studies. Here, we hypothesized that living and training at high altitude (LHTH) improves mitochondrial efficiency and/or substrate utilization. Female rats were exposed and trained in hypoxia (simulated 3,200 m) for 5 weeks (LHTH) and compared to sedentary rats living in hypoxia (LH) or normoxia (LL) or those that trained in normoxia (LLTL). Maximal aerobic velocity (MAV) improved with training, independently of hypoxia, whereas the time to exhaustion, performed at 65% of MAV, increased both with training (P = 0.009) and hypoxia (P = 0.015), with an additive effect of the two conditions. The distance run was 7.98 ± 0.57 km in LHTH vs. 6.94 ± 0.51 in LLTL (+15%, ns). The hematocrit increased >20% with hypoxia (P < 0.001). The increases in mitochondrial mass and maximal oxidative capacity with endurance training were blunted by combination with hypoxia (−30% for citrate synthase, P < 0.01, and −23% for Vmax glut−succ, P < 0.001 between LHTH and LLTL). A similar reduction between the LHTH and LLTL groups was found for maximal respiration with pyruvate (−29%, P < 0.001), for acceptor-control ratio (−36%, hypoxia effect, P < 0.001), and for creatine kinase efficiency (−48%, P < 0.01). 3-hydroxyl acyl coenzyme A dehydrogenase was not altered by hypoxia, whereas maximal respiration with Palmitoyl-CoA specifically decreased. Overall, our results show that mitochondrial adaptations are not involved in the improvement of submaximal aerobic performance after LHTH, suggesting that the benefits of altitude camps in females relies essentially on other factors, such as the transitory elevation of hematocrit, and should be planned a few weeks before competition and not several months.
Ethics and Democracy in Access to Food. The Venezuelan Case
Authors: Marrero Castro Juan Fernando , García María José Iciarte
Published: May 2021

The humanitarian emergency that Venezuela is experiencing, one of whose edges is the food insecurity of more than 80% of the population, coincides with the serious institutional deterioration of the country and with the rupture of the constitutional order under the so-called “socialism of the 21st century” (2005 to the present), as reflected in various reports, including that of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. Access to food as a fundamental human right is better valued and guaranteed in democracies, where free media and independent public powers function as counterweights to the central executive power and act as effective instruments for correcting the wrong policies in food and nutritional matters, and officials responsible for direct and indirect damages to the general population or to vulnerable groups, are sanctioned. This topic has been studied by Nobel laureate Amartya Sen. In functional democracies, the ethical dimension of the right to food is also better guaranteed, since this right is realized not only by ensuring sufficient, balanced and healthy food, to meet the nutritional needs of the population, but that food is supplied in a culturally acceptable manner and seeking ways, mechanisms and procedures that are not contrary to the dignity of human beings. As a human right, the State has the greatest responsibility in guaranteeing the right to food, but not to fulfill a mere welfare duty or as a benefactor, but to guarantee that no one suffers from hunger or severe malnutrition, providing safe, nutritious and sufficient food, to those who cannot do it themselves, prevent all forms of discrimination in access to food or resources that are used to produce them, such as land, and take measures to ensure that families and their members can feed themselves in a dignified manner. As the Venezuelan regime closed the door to freedoms, malnutrition, hunger and non-fulfillment of the right to food also grew, according to FAO reports and Sen's assumptions under these scenarios seem to hold in the country.
Prediction of Skin Sensitization Potential of Silver and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Through the Human Cell Line Activation Test
Authors: Gautam Ravi , Yang SuJeong , Maharjan Anju , Jo JiHun , Acharya Manju , Heo Yong , Kim ChangYul
Published: May 2021

The development of nanotechnology has propagated the use of nanoparticles (NPs) in various fields including industry, agriculture, engineering, cosmetics, or medicine. The use of nanoparticles in cosmetics and dermal-based products is increasing owing to their higher surface area and unique physiochemical properties. Silver (Ag) NPs' excellent broad-spectrum antibacterial property and zinc oxide (ZnO) NPs' ability to confer better ultraviolet (UV) protection has led to their maximal use in cosmetics and dermal products. While the consideration for use of nanoparticles is increasing, concerns have been raised regarding their potential negative impacts. Although used in various dermal products, Ag and ZnO NPs' skin sensitization (SS) potential has not been well-investigated using in vitro alternative test methods. The human Cell Line Activation Test (h-CLAT) that evaluates the ability of chemicals to upregulate the expression of CD86 and CD54 in THP-1 cell line was used to assess the skin sensitizing potential of these NPs. The h-CLAT assay was conducted following OECD TG 442E. NPs inducing relative fluorescence intensity of CD86 ≥ 150% and/or CD54 ≥ 200% in at least two out of three independent runs were predicted to be positive. Thus, Ag (20, 50, and 80 nm) NPs and ZnO NPs were all predicted to be positive in terms of SS possibility using the h-CLAT prediction model. Although further confirmatory tests addressing other key events (KEs) of SS adverse outcome pathway (AOP) should be carried out, this study gave an insight into the need for cautious use of Ag and ZnO NPs based skincare or dermal products owing to their probable skin sensitizing potency.
Efficacy and Safety of an Anti-nerve Growth Factor Antibody (Frunevetmab) for the Treatment of Degenerative Joint Disease-Associated Chronic Pain in Cats: A Multisite Pilot Field Study
Authors: Gruen Margaret E. , Myers Jamie A. E. , Lascelles B. Duncan X.
Published: May 2021

Background: Pain management for cats with degenerative joint disease (DJD) remains a critical unmet need. Recent work has shown promise for a feline-specific anti-nerve growth factor monoclonal antibody (frunevetmab) to deliver safe and effective pain management. Our objectives were to evaluate the efficacy and safety of frunevetmab administered twice using two administration routes (subcutaneous and intravenous) compared to placebo.

Methods: This was a randomized placebo-controlled, double-masked study. After a week-long pain and activity baseline, 126 cats were randomized to receive injections of frunevetmab (IV then SC; n = 42 or SC then SC; n = 43) or placebo (IV then SC; n = 41) on Days 0 and 28. Owners completed questionnaires on Days 14, 28, 42, and 56. Accelerometry data were collected continuously throughout.

Results: Owner questionnaire results showed significant improvement in frunevetmab-treated cats [compared to placebo; (p < 0.05)] at Days 42 and 56; no difference was found between routes of administration for frunevetmab. All groups had decreased objectively measured weekly activity from baseline; frunevetmab-treated cats had a mean decrease of 0.9%, while placebo-treated cats had a mean decrease of 9.3%. Treatments were generally well-tolerated. The majority of adverse events included dermatitis/alopecia related to activity-monitor collars; these occurred in a higher percentage of frunevetmab, compared to placebo, treated cats.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Treatment with frunevetmab provided improvements in owner ratings of mobility over treatment with placebo; these results were supported by objectively measured accelerometry. Frunevetmab has the potential to address a critical gap in the treatment of chronic pain in cats.
Antibiotic Prescription in Veterinary Consultations in Bhutan: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Villanueva-Cabezas Juan Pablo , Rinzin Karma , Dorjee Sithar , Tshewang Pema , Namgyel Ugyen , Sharma Puspa Maya , Stevenson Mark A. , McVernon Jodie
Published: May 2021

The veterinary prescription of antibiotics in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) remains largely undocumented. In Bhutan, however, the national veterinary service keeps records of their activities and prescriptions, which offer an opportunity to establish a benchmark to assess the use of these agents in this and other LMIC. A cross-sectional retrospective study was designed and 2,266 handwritten veterinary records from 2017 were sampled from 23 animal health premises (AHPs) to estimate individual and an overall proportion of consultations that resulted in an antibiotic prescription. The frequency of antibiotic prescription per species, type of AHP, and according to WHO's AWaRe index and OIE list of priority antimicrobials were also explored. It was estimated that 31% (95% confidence interval: 29–33%; intracluster correlation: 0.03) of the veterinary consultations resulted in an antibiotic prescription. The incidence of antibiotic prescription was highest in consultations of poultry across AHP. Across species, diarrhea and wounds were frequently treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics including sulfonamides, tetracyclines, trimethoprim + sulfa, and penicillin. Between 45% and 70% antibiotics prescribed correspond to AWaRe's access group and up to 25% to AWaRe's watch group. Over 70% of antibiotics dispensed in veterinary consultations for any species correspond to the OIE's veterinary critically important antimicrobial agents. Overall, the study demonstrated positive features of veterinary antimicrobial stewardship in Bhutan, given the conservative proportion of consultation that results in this type of prescription and the type of antibiotic prescribed. Although the veterinary service closely follows the Bhutanese Standard Treatment Guidelines, the prescription of antibiotics to key species should be closely monitored. Our study suggests that further improvements of antibiotic stewardship can be achieved through standardisation of antibiotic prescription to some species, a revision of the guidelines toward reducing the prescription of antibiotics of high relevance for human medicine, and by including details of clinical investigation, use of tests, and treatment outcomes in veterinary consultation records.
Equine “Idiopathic” and Infundibular Caries-Related Cheek Teeth Fractures: A Long-Term Study of 486 Fractured Teeth in 300 Horses
Authors: Dixon Padraic Martin , Kennedy Rebekah , Reardon Richard J. M.
Published: May 2021

Background: Limited objective information is available on the prevalence of non-traumatic equine cheek teeth fractures, the signalment of affected horses, and the clinical features and treatment of these fractures.

Objectives: This study aims to document patterns of idiopathic and infundibular caries-related cheek teeth fractures in a referral population and evaluate associations between fracture patterns and horse age, Triadan position of affected teeth, clinical signs, and deemed necessity for treatment.

Study Design: A retrospective case review.

Methods: The clinical records at Edinburgh University Veterinary School (2010–2018) were examined for the presence of non-traumatic equine cheek teeth fractures. Variations in the frequencies of different fracture patterns were compared between horse ages, Triadan tooth positions, clinical signs, and deemed necessity for treatment.

Results: Records of 300 horses with 486 non-traumatic cheek teeth fractures including 77% maxillary and 23% mandibular teeth with a mean of 1.6 (range 1–10) fractured teeth/horse were available. Fracture patterns included maxillary first and second pulp horn (“slab”) cheek teeth fractures (n = 171), caries-related infundibular fractures (n = 88), other maxillary teeth fracture patterns (n = 92), mandibular first and second pulp horn (“slab”) fractures (n = 44), other mandibular fracture patterns (n = 62), and complete clinical crown loss (n = 29; including 23 maxillary and 6 mandibular teeth). The median age of affected horses ranged from 11 years with maxillary “slab” fractures to 15 years with infundibular caries-related fractures. Triadan 08–10s were the most commonly (86%) fractured maxillary teeth. The Triadan 08 and 09 positions were the most commonly (64%) fractured mandibular teeth. No clinical signs were noted in horses with 48% of the fractured teeth; oral pain/quidding was recorded with 26%, clinical apical infection with 23%, and bitting/headshaking problems with 6%. Treatments included extraction of 40% fractured teeth, extraction of small/loose fragments (10%), and odontoplasty. Stable remnants of 60% of fractured teeth were left in horses without clinical signs.

Main Limitations: Long-term follow-up information was not available for all cases.

Conclusions: There is increasing recognition of equine non-traumatic cheek teeth fractures, with about half not causing clinical signs. Teeth with apical infection, multiple fractures, or advanced caries require extraction. Other fractured teeth with subclinical endodontic disease may not need exodontia unless they later cause clinical signs.
Guaranteed Diversity and Optimality in Cost Function Network Based Computational Protein Design Methods
Authors: Ruffini Manon , Vucinic Jelena , de Givry Simon de , Katsirelos George , Barbe Sophie , Schiex Thomas
Published: May 2021

Proteins are the main active molecules of life. Although natural proteins play many roles, as enzymes or antibodies for example, there is a need to go beyond the repertoire of natural proteins to produce engineered proteins that precisely meet application requirements, in terms of function, stability, activity or other protein capacities. Computational Protein Design aims at designing new proteins from first principles, using full-atom molecular models. However, the size and complexity of proteins require approximations to make them amenable to energetic optimization queries. These approximations make the design process less reliable, and a provable optimal solution may fail. In practice, expensive libraries of solutions are therefore generated and tested. In this paper, we explore the idea of generating libraries of provably diverse low-energy solutions by extending cost function network algorithms with dedicated automaton-based diversity constraints on a large set of realistic full protein redesign problems. We observe that it is possible to generate provably diverse libraries in reasonable time and that the produced libraries do enhance the Native Sequence Recovery, a traditional measure of design methods reliability.
An Assessment of Steinernema rarum as a Biocontrol Agent in Sugarcane with Focus on Sphenophorus levis, Host-Finding Ability, Compatibility with Vinasse and Field Efficacy
Authors: Silva Mateus Salviano Oliveira , Cardoso Jorge Franco Maringoli , Ferreira Maria Elizia Pacheco , Baldo Fernando Berton , Silva Raphael Satochi Abe , Chacon-Orozco Julie Giovanna , Shapiro-Ilan David I. , Hazir Selcuk , Bueno Cesar Junior , Leite Luis Garrigós
Published: May 2021

In Brazil, countless insect species attack and damage sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.), which is an extremely important crop since it is planted on more than 10 million hectares. Among these insects, the sugarcane billbug, Sphenophorus levis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is of great importance as the larvae open tunnels in the rhizome of the plant, causing high damage and losses. This insect is attracted mainly to vinasse, which is the liquid fraction generated from the alcohol production and discarded onto the sugarcane fields for fertigation. Toward a novel control method for S. levis, the native entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema rarum (Pam 25) was compared with S. carpocapsae (IL 1) and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (HBEN01) in respect to their ability to search for larvae of two insect hosts (Galleria mellonella and S. levis) within the cane rhizome. The selected nematode S. rarum was also assessed for rate effects, its survival in vinasse and field efficacy to control sugarcane pests S. levis, Hyponeuma taltula (Lepidoptera, Erebidae) and Leucothyreus alvarengai (Coleoptera: Melolonthidae). Steinernema rarum exhibited superior virulence to G. mellonella and S. levis larvae inserted into the cane rhizomes (75–78% mortality) compared to S. carpocapsae (30–53%) and H. bacteriophora (18–28%). Vinasse affected S. rarum when infective juveniles were suspended in the liquid compost for more than 6 h but did not affect the nematode when kept on the straw and soil treated with the compost. Steinernema rarum tested at 1–3 × 108 infective juveniles/ha on the sugarcane field caused 74.1, 56.3 and 50.6% control of S. levis, L. alvarengai and H. taltula, respectively.
Weed Densities in Perennial Flower Mixtures Cropped for Greater Arable Biodiversity
Authors: Tamms Laura , de Mol Friederike , Glemnitz Michael , Gerowitt Bärbel
Published: May 2021

The cropping of perennial wildflower mixtures to produce biomass for use in biogas plants is one option for breaking maize’s dominance as a bioenergy feedstock. The aim of this study was to investigate the development of weeds in commercially produced perennial wildflower mixtures. Weed control during the establishment of perennial wildflower mixtures is very difficult to manage and raises the issue of the development of new weed problems when cropping perennial wildflower mixtures. In a three-year field experiment with staggered starts in four sites in northeast Germany, a perennial crop mixture was sown each year. The weeds and sown crops were surveyed annually in June. Plant densities and species numbers were counted and diversity indices calculated. Data were analysed using linear mixed models. Across all sites, weed density decreased significantly over the years of use (=cropping seasons), while weed species richness in the perennial mixture remained unchanged. The sown crop species richness significantly decreased, while the sown crop densities increased with cropping seasons. Weed density did not increase at any of the experimental sites. Although weed densities were high and crop establishment was poor in the first growing seasons, the perennial mix was able to suppress weeds in the following growing season. It was concluded that the cropping of perennial flower mixtures could contribute to biodiversity without causing new weed problems.
Opportunities for Robotic Systems and Automation in Cotton Production
Authors: Barnes Edward , Morgan Gaylon , Hake Kater , Devine Jon , Kurtz Ryan , Ibendahl Gregory , Sharda Ajay , Rains Glen , Snider John , Maja Joe Mari , Thomasson J. Alex , Lu Yuzhen , Gharakhani Hussein , Griffin James , Kimura Emi , Hardin Robert , Raper Tyson , Young Sierra , Fue Kadeghe , Pelletier Mathew , Wanjura John , Holt Greg
Published: May 2021

Automation continues to play a greater role in agricultural production with commercial systems now available for machine vision identification of weeds and other pests, autonomous weed control, and robotic harvesters for fruits and vegetables. The growing availability of autonomous machines in agriculture indicates that there are opportunities to increase automation in cotton production. This article considers how current and future advances in automation has, could, or will impact cotton production practices. The results are organized to follow the cotton production process from land preparation to planting to within season management through harvesting and ginning. For each step, current and potential opportunities to automate processes are discussed. Specific examples include advances in automated weed control and progress made in the use of robotic systems for cotton harvesting.
Analysis of the Viability of a Photovoltaic Greenhouse with Semi-Transparent Amorphous Silicon (a-Si) Glass
Authors: Aira José-Ramón , Gallardo-Saavedra Sara , Eugenio-Gozalbo Marcia , Alonso-Gómez Víctor , Muñoz-García Miguel-Ángel , Hernández-Callejo Luis
Published: May 2021

For decades, society has been changing towards an energy mix that enhances the use of renewable sources and a more distributed generation of energy. The agricultural sector is included in this trend, which is why several studies are currently being carried out focused on the use of solar energy in greenhouses. This article aims to demonstrate the viability of a greenhouse that integrates, as a novelty, semi-transparent amorphous silicon photovoltaic (PV) glass (a-Si), covering the entire roof surface and the main sides of the greenhouse. The designed prototype is formed by a simple rectangular structure 12 m long and 2.5 m wide, with a monopitch roof, oriented to the southwest, and with a 35° inclination. The greenhouse is divided into two contiguous equal sections, each with an area of 15 m2, and physically separated by an interior partition transparent wall. The surface enclosure of one of the sections is made of conventional glass, and the one of the other, of PV glass. How the presence of semitransparent PV glass influences the growth of horticultural crops has been studied, finding that it slightly reduces the production of vegetal mass and accelerates the apical growth mechanism of heliophilic plants. However, from a statistical point of view, this influence is negligible, so it is concluded that the studied technology is viable for horticultural production. The energy balance carried out indicates that the energy produced by the PV system is greater than the energy consumed by the greenhouse, which shows that the greenhouse is completely viable and self-sufficient for sites with the adequate solar resource.
Effect and Compatibility of Phosphite with Trichoderma sp. Isolates in the Control of the Fusarium Species Complex Causing Pokkah Boeng in Sugarcane
Authors: Solis-Palacios Rocio , Hernández-Ramírez Gabriela , Salinas-Ruiz Josafhat , Hidalgo-Contreras Juan Valente , Gómez-Merino Fernando Carlos
Published: May 2021

Sugarcane, a highly productive crop, is frequently challenged by different biotic agents, such as the pokkah boeng disease that can cause drastic yield losses of up to 40%. This airborne fungal disease is caused by various Fusarium species integrated into a complex. Integrating novel compounds and biological control agents is of paramount importance to cope with these fungi in sustainable systems. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect and compatibility of phosphite (Phi) and Trichoderma sp. in the control of Fusarium sp., in vitro and in planta. Using in vitro tests, we evaluated the effects of Phi (0, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000, and 8000 µg mL−1) and the compatibility of Phi + Trichoderma (isolates Taz 001, 013, and 016) on the pathogen complex. Using in planta tests, we evaluated the compatibility of Phi + Trichoderma (Taz-016) in the control of Fusarium in sugarcane plants under greenhouse conditions. A synergistic effect of Phi + Trichoderma was observed in vitro on the control of the pathogen, especially when combining 1000 µg mL−1 + Trichoderma Taz-016. In the in planta trial, combining 4000 µg mL−1 Phi + Trichoderma Taz-016 showed the best control of Fusarium infection, improving plant height, culm length and leaf dry weight.
Evaluation of Cell Wall Modification in Two Strawberry Cultivars with Contrasted Softness
Authors: Castro Ricardo I. , Muñoz-Vera Marcelo , Morales-Quintana Luis
Published: May 2021

During the ripening process of fruit, the solubilization and depolymerization of cell wall components takes place, which results in the loss of firmness or the softening of fruit. Recently, we reported that two different strawberry cultivars (“Cristal” and “Portola”) exhibit differences in their fruit softening values, with “Cristal” being the firmest and “Portola” being the softest. In the present work, we performed a comparative study of the changes in the physicochemical properties of the cell wall-associated polysaccharide contents of these two strawberry fruit cultivars via thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), combined with the first derivative of the thermogram (DTG) curves and morphological studies using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The “Cristal” sample showed higher thermal stability than the “Portola” sample. Additionally, differences were observed between the “Cristal” and “Portola” samples at different stages, principally in Region II (temperatures between 200 °C and 350 °C), with a higher thermal stability evident in the green stage of the two cultivars. Notably, a higher thermal stability was observed in the green stage of the “Portola” sample. The highest percentage of cumulative depolymerization (PCD) was observed in the ripe stage of the “Portola” sample. The DTG curve showed four maximum peaks of degradation, which occurred between 170 °C and 350 °C. Finally, the existence of a relationship between fruit firmness and thermal stability was demonstrated for the two cultivars. This relationship was based on the morphological studies conducted using SEM, which provided new evidence through which to understand the changes within the cell wall polymers of these two strawberry cultivars during the ripening process.
Evaluation of Mass Trapping Devices for Early Seasonal Management of Ceratitis Capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae) Populations
Authors: Bali Eleftheria-Maria D. , Moraiti Cleopatra A. , Ioannou Charalampos S. , Mavraganis Vasilis , Papadopoulos Nikos T.
Published: May 2021

Mass trapping is an environmentally safe alternative to insecticide application for the Mediterranean fruit fly management. The selection of effective trap-attractant combinations for monitoring and mass trapping control remains challenging. The current study explored the attractiveness of trapping devices during spring (early season) and summer (late season) in field cage trials. Five trapping devices were assessed: (a) the commercially available Decis® trap, (b) Tephri trap baited with Biodelear, (c) Tephri trap baited with BioLure, (d) International Pheromone McPhail trap (IPMT) baited with Biodelear, and (e) IPMT baited with BioLure. On a test day, 100 adults (50 males and 50 females) were released in each field cage wherein traps were placed individually. Trap captures were recorded at hourly intervals from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm. Our results showed that Tephri traps baited either with BioLure or Biodelear captured the most adults under low temperatures. Efficacy of Tephri traps baited with BioLure were higher than that of other trap-attractant combinations at high temperatures. Adult captures in Decis® trap were low during both seasons. More males than females were captured at low temperatures. Both efficacy and female selectivity of trapping devices are related to prevailing temperature regimes during spring and summer under semi-field conditions.
Cover Crop Impacts on Water Dynamics and Yields in Dryland Wheat Systems on the Colorado Plateau
Authors: Eash Lisa , Berrada Abdel F. , Russell Kathleen , Fonte Steven J.
Published: May 2021

On the semiarid Colorado Plateau, dryland farmers are challenged by degraded soils and unreliable precipitation. While cover crops have been shown to support soil fertility, control erosion, and enhance soil water capture, they also use limited soil water and, thus, may impact cash crop productivity in dryland systems. Most literature on cover crops comes from relatively humid climates, where yield penalties due to cover crops may be less pronounced. Two field trials were conducted in Southwestern Colorado to assess the short-term viability of cover crops in dryland systems in this region. The effect of cover crops on subsequent winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield ranged from a decrease of 78% to an increase of 13%, depending on the amount of cover crop biomass produced in the previous year. Cover crop biomass was inversely correlated with soil nitrate levels and soil water storage at wheat planting, which decreased by 0.39 mg kg−1 and 10 mm, respectively, per 1000 kg ha−1 of cover crop biomass produced. Less available soil water and immobilized N therefore appeared to contribute to wheat yield reductions. These impacts are particularly important for semiarid environments, where decomposition of residue is water-limited and soil water recharge depends on unpredictable precipitation patterns.
Pulsed LED Light: Exploring the Balance between Energy Use and Nutraceutical Properties in Indoor-Grown Lettuce
Authors: Carotti Laura , Potente Giulia , Pennisi Giuseppina , Ruiz Karina B. , Biondi Stefania , Crepaldi Andrea , Orsini Francesco , Gianquinto Giorgio , Antognoni Fabiana
Published: May 2021

In indoor vertical farms, energy consumption represents a bottleneck for both a system’s affordability and environmental footprint. Although switching frequency (sf) represents a crucial factor in determining the efficacy of light emitting diodes (LED) lighting systems in converting electricity into light, the impact of sf is still underexplored. The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of LEDs sf on the productive and qualitative responses of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), also considering the resource use efficiency. Plants were grown for 14 days under red and blue LEDs (215 μmol m−2 s−1 and 16/8 h light/dark, with a red:blue ratio of 3) characterized by two different sf for the blue diode, namely high sf (850 kHz) and low sf (293 kHz). A fluorescent light (same light intensity and photoperiod) was included. LED sf did not alter plant morphological parameters, including fresh or dry biomass, leaf number, leaf area, or water use efficiency. A low sf increased the energy use efficiency (EUE) by 40% as compared to high sf. The latter enhanced the leaf antioxidant capacity, as a consequence of increased concentrations of caftaric and chicoric acids, isoquercetin, and luteolin, consistent with the upregulation of a few genes related to the biosynthetic pathway of phenolic compounds (4C3H and DFR). The study highlights that different sf may significantly affect the EUE as well as crop nutritional properties.
The Kidney-Associated Microbiome of Wild-Caught Artibeus spp. in Grenada, West Indies
Authors: Ramos-Nino Maria E. , Fitzpatrick Daniel M. , Eckstrom Korin M. , Tighe Scott , Dragon Julie A. , Cheetham Sonia
Published: May 2021

Bats are capable of asymptomatically carrying a diverse number of microorganisms, including human pathogens, due to their unique immune system. Because of the close contact between bats and humans, there is a possibility for interspecies transmission and consequential disease outbreaks. Herein, high-throughput sequencing was used to determine the kidney-associated microbiome of a bat species abundant in Grenada, West Indies, Artibeus spp. Results indicate that the kidney of these bats can carry potential human pathogens. An endogenous retrovirus, Desmodus rotundus endogenous retrovirus isolate 824, phylogenetically related to betaretroviruses from rodents and New World primates, was also identified.
Appeasing Pheromones for the Management of Stress and Aggression during Conservation of Wild Canids: Could the Solution Be Right under Our Nose?
Authors: Riddell Pia , Paris Monique C. J. , Joonè Carolynne J. , Pageat Patrick , Paris Damien B. B. P.
Published: May 2021

Thirty-six species of canid exist globally, two are classified as critically endangered, three as endangered, and five as near threatened. Human expansion and the coinciding habitat fragmentation necessitate conservation interventions to mitigate concurrent population deterioration. The current conservation management of wild canids includes animal translocation and artificial pack formation. These actions often cause chronic stress, leading to increased aggression and the suppression of the immune and reproductive systems. Castration and pharmaceutical treatments are currently used to reduce stress and aggression in domestic and captive canids. The undesirable side effects make such treatments inadvisable during conservation management of wild canids. Pheromones are naturally occurring chemical messages that modulate behaviour between conspecifics; as such, they offer a natural alternative for behaviour modification. Animals are able to distinguish between pheromones of closely related species through small compositional differences but are more likely to have greater responses to pheromones from individuals of the same species. Appeasing pheromones have been found to reduce stress- and aggression-related behaviours in domestic species, including dogs. Preliminary evidence suggests that dog appeasing pheromones (DAP) may be effective in wild canids. However, the identification and testing of species-specific derivatives could produce more pronounced and beneficial behavioural and physiological changes in target species. In turn, this could provide a valuable tool to improve the conservation management of many endangered wild canids.
Left and Right Myocardial Functionality Assessed by Two-Dimensional Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography in Cats with Restrictive Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Suzuki Ryohei , Yuchi Yunosuke , Kanno Haruka , Teshima Takahiro , Matsumoto Hirotaka , Koyama Hidekazu
Published: May 2021

The endomyocardial form of restrictive cardiomyopathy (EMF-RCM), a primary disorder of the myocardium, is one of the diseases with poor prognosis in cats. We hypothesized that both the left and right myocardial functional abnormalities may occur in cats with EMF-RCM, causing this disease pathophysiology and clinical status. Out of the 25 animals included in this study, 10 were client-owned cats with EMF-RCM, and 15 were healthy cats. In this study, cats were assessed for layer-specific myocardial function (whole, endocardial, and epicardial) in the left ventricular longitudinal and circumferential directions, and right ventricular longitudinal direction, via two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D-STE). Cats with EMF-RCM had depressed left ventricular myocardial deformations both in systole (whole longitudinal strain, epicardial longitudinal strain, and endocardial circumferential strain) and diastole (early and late diastolic longitudinal strain rates, and late diastolic circumferential strain rate) compared to controls. Furthermore, some right ventricular myocardial deformations (systolic longitudinal strain in epicardial layers, and endocardial-to-epicardial strain ratio) were significantly differerent in cats with EMF-RCM. Myocardial function assessed by 2D-STE could reveal left and right myocardial dysfunction.
Fertility-Associated Polymorphism within Bovine ITGβ5 and Its Significant Correlations with Ovarian and Luteal Traits
Authors: Zhao Jianing , Li Jie , Jiang Fugui , Song Enliang , Lan Xianyong , Zhao Haiyu
Published: May 2021

There is an urgent need to improve bovine fertility, and molecular marker-assisted selection (MAS) can accelerate this process. Genome-wide association studies suggest that Integrin β5 (ITGβ5) might affect fertility in bovines. As a member of the integrins family, ITGβ5 can bind to the extracellular matrix and mediate various cellular processes. In our study, primers spanning six potential insertion/deletion (indel) polymorphisms within the ITGβ5 gene were designed and 696 ovary samples from different individuals, the vast majority not in oestrum were collected for genetic variation detection. A deletion locus, rs522759246, namely P1-D13-bp, was found to be polymorphic. The allele D frequency was 0.152 and the polymorphism information content (PIC) value was 0.224, indicating a low-degree PIC. This locus did not follow the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (p = 1.200E-23). Importantly, associations between P1-D13-bp and ovarian morphological traits were established. Polymorphisms of this locus had significant correlations with ovarian width (p = 0.015). The corpus luteum is also linked to fertility and P1-D13-bp was significantly correlated with corpus luteum diameter (p = 0.005). In conclusion, an indel mutation within the bovine ITGβ5 gene was identified, which was significantly associated with several ovarian and luteal traits.
Environmental Salinity Modifies Mucus Exudation and Energy Use in European Sea Bass Juveniles
Authors: Ordóñez-Grande Borja , Guerreiro Pedro M. , Sanahuja Ignasi , Fernández-Alacid Laura , Ibarz Antoni
Published: May 2021

The European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) is a euryhaline marine teleost that can often be found in brackish and freshwater or even in hypersaline environments. Here, we exposed sea bass juveniles to sustained salinity challenges for 15 days, simulating one hypoosmotic (3‰), one isosmotic (12‰) and one hyperosmotic (50‰) environment, in addition to control (35‰). We analyzed parameters of skin mucus exudation and mucus biomarkers, as a minimally invasive tool, and plasma biomarkers. Additionally, Na+/K+-ATPase activity was measured, as well as the gill mucous cell distribution, type and shape. The volume of exuded mucus increased significantly under all the salinity challenges, increasing by 130% at 50‰ condition. Significantly greater amounts of soluble protein (3.9 ± 0.6 mg at 50‰ vs. 1.1 ± 0.2 mg at 35‰, p < 0.05) and lactate (4.0 ± 1.0 µg at 50‰ vs. 1.2 ± 0.3 µg at 35‰, p < 0.05) were released, with clear energy expenditure. Gill ATPase activity was significantly higher at the extreme salinities, and the gill mucous cell distribution was rearranged, with more acid and neutral mucin mucous cells at 50‰. Skin mucus osmolality suggested an osmoregulatory function as an ion-trap layer in hypoosmotic conditions, retaining osmosis-related ions. Overall, when sea bass cope with different salinities, the hyperosmotic condition (50‰) demanded more energy than the extreme hypoosmotic condition.
Detection of Beta-Lactam-Resistant Escherichia coli and Toxigenic Clostridioides difficile Strains in Wild Boars Foraging in an Anthropization Gradient
Authors: Darwich Laila , Seminati Chiara , López-Olvera Jorge R. , Vidal Anna , Aguirre Laia , Cerdá Marina , Garcias Biel , Valldeperes Marta , Castillo-Contreras Raquel , Migura-Garcia Lourdes , Conejero Carles , Mentaberre Gregorio
Published: May 2021

Disease transmission among wild boars, domestic animals and humans is a public health concern, especially in areas with high wild boar densities. In this study, fecal samples of wild boars (n = 200) from different locations of the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona were analyzed by PCR to explore the frequency of β-lactamases and extended cephalosporin and carbapenem resistance genes (ESBLs) in Escherichia coli strains and the presence of toxigenic Clostridioides difficile. The prevalence of genes conferring resistance to β-lactam antimicrobials was 8.0% (16/200): blaCMY-2 (3.0%), blaTEM-1b (2.5%), blaCTX-M-14 (1.0%), blaSHV-28 (1.0%), blaCTX-M-15 (0.5%) and blaCMY-1 (0.5%). Clostridioides difficile TcdA+ was detected in two wild boars (1.0%), which is the first report of this pathogen in wild boars in Spain. Moreover, the wild boars foraging in urban and peri-urban locations were more exposed to AMRB sources than the wild boars dwelling in natural environments. In conclusion, the detection of E. coli carrying ESBL/AmpC genes and toxigenic C. difficile in wild boars foraging in urban areas reinforces the value of this game species as a sentinel of environmental AMRB sources. In addition, these wild boars can be a public and environmental health concern by disseminating AMRB and other zoonotic agents. Although this study provides the first hints of the potential anthropogenic sources of AMR, further efforts should be conducted to identify and control them.
A Theoretical Framework to Assess the Impact of Flooding on Dairy Cattle Farms: Identification of Direct Damage from an Animal Welfare Perspective
Authors: Gaviglio Anna , Corradini Annafrancesca , Marescotti Maria Elena , Demartini Eugenio , Filippini Rosalia
Published: May 2021

For the economic sectors, the need to address the challenges posed by natural disasters due to climate change is an outstanding issue. To date, according to the European Commission (2019), there is still a gap in the estimation of the costs of flood in all European countries and the direct impact that these floods have on agricultural activities. More specifically, the damage to livestock has been minimally studied. The aim of this study is is therefore to identify the flood damage that affects dairy cattle farms, focusing on the damage to herds caused by a flood event; in fact, poor welfare conditions of dairy cattle directly affect production and thus farm revenue. To accomplish the aim of this study, a framework was first developed to identify possible damage types. Then, scientific literature focusing on the identification of flood damage to dairy herds was reviewed, and to quantify this damage to herds, literature sources providing information on the magnitude of variation in the identified damage types were used. Thus, our results provide relevant information on the variables that should be taken into account when assessing of the direct damage affecting the overall welfare of a dairy herd after a flood event. This evidence could then contribute to the development of tools aimed at assessing damage to dairy cattle on flood-affected farms.
Dietary Supplementation with Camelina sativa (L. Crantz) Forage in Autochthonous Ionica Goats: Effects on Milk and Caciotta Cheese Chemical, Fatty Acid Composition and Sensory Properties
Authors: Colonna Maria Antonietta , Giannico Francesco , Tufarelli Vincenzo , Laudadio Vito , Selvaggi Maria , De Mastro Giuseppe , Tedone Luigi
Published: May 2021

The research studied the effects of dietary supplementation with Camelina sativa fresh forage on the chemical and fatty acid composition of milk and Caciotta cheese, and its sensory properties. Twenty Ionica goats were randomly assigned to the following two groups (n = 10): the control received a traditional forage mixture (Avena sativa, 70%; Vicia sativa, 20%; Trifolium spp., 10%), while the experimental group was given Camelina sativa fresh forage (CAM). All of the dams grazed on pasture and received a commercial feed (500 g/head/day) at housing. The milk from the CAM group showed a higher (p < 0.05) content of dry matter, fat, lactose and concentrations of C6:0, C11:0, C14:0, C18:2 n-6, CLA and PUFA, while lower (p < 0.05) amounts of C12:0, C18:0 and saturated long chain FA (SLCFA). The Caciotta cheese from the CAM group showed a greater (p < 0.05) content of n-6 FA and n-6/n-3 ratio, although close to four, thus resulting adequate under the nutritional point of view. The overall liking, odour, taste, hardness, solubility and “goaty” flavour were better (p < 0.05) in the CAM cheeses. Further investigation would be advisable in order to evaluate the effect of feeding Camelina forage obtained from different phenological stages, and the application of ensiling techniques.
Good to Know: Baseline Data on Feed Intake, Fecal Pellet Output and Intestinal Transit Time in Guinea Pig as a Frequently Used Model in Gastrointestinal Research
Authors: Elfers Kristin , Armbrecht Yvonne , Mazzuoli-Weber Gemma
Published: May 2021

Guinea pigs are a traditional and frequently used species in gastrointestinal research. Comprehensive knowledge of basic parameters connected with their intestinal function, such as feed intake, fecal pellet output and gastrointestinal transit time, is important for evaluating results from basic gastrointestinal research that may be applied to practical problems in human and veterinary medicine, for example, when establishing diagnostic tools. Our study revealed that over a 24-h period, single-housed guinea pigs showed a continual but day-accentuated feeding activity, consuming 57% of the total feed during the light period, with pronounced peaks of feed intake during the beginning and end of the light period. This was mirrored by fecal pellet output during the light period and almost no defecation during the dark period, while potential coprophagy not measured in this study needs to be considered. A highly comparable feeding activity was recorded in pair-housed guinea pigs, with 60% of overall feed intake within the light period, indicating that such differences in housing conditions did not influence guinea pigs’ feeding behavior. Intestinal transit time was successfully recorded by oral administration of carmine red and counted 5 h on average. Hence, this study provides important information on the basic functional parameters of guinea pigs’ gastrointestinal tract physiology.
Increasing the Awareness of Animal Welfare Science in Marine Mammal Conservation: Addressing Language, Translation and Reception Issues
Authors: Clegg Isabella L. K. , Boys Rebecca M. , Stockin Karen A.
Published: May 2021

Integrating welfare principles into conservation strategy is an emerging synthesis that encourages consideration of individual animals’ quality of life in research, policies and law. However, these principles have gained limited traction in marine compared to terrestrial animal conservation. This manuscript investigates several factors that may be contributing to this disparity. In order to gauge current understanding of animal welfare science principles by marine mammal researchers and other stakeholders, a “Welfare in the Wild” workshop was convened at the 32nd European Cetacean Society conference (La Spezia, Italy, April 2018). The workshop was attended by 30 participants who completed pre- and post-workshop surveys on animal welfare principles. The survey results highlight a range of different views about exactly what animal welfare science is and how it can be applied to marine mammals. Specifically, participants’ definitions appeared to vary depending on the type of employment or research they engaged in, indicating a need for an interdisciplinary common language. Secondly, we analysed the peer-reviewed literature in order to ascertain where marine mammal publications exploring welfare were being published. From 1950 to July 2020, a total of 299 articles featured both marine mammal taxa (one or more) and the word welfare in the title, abstract or keywords. This represents just 0.96% of the total peer-reviewed published papers on marine mammal taxa (n = 31,221) during the same period. When examining articles published within “Welfare and Ethics” (n = 6133) and “Aquatic-focused” (n = 139,352) journals, just 1.2% (n = 71) and 0.04% (n = 57) of articles, respectively, featured the word welfare when examining marine mammals. With the aim of exploring how explicitly including welfare evaluations in marine mammal research and management can benefit conservation outcomes, we framed our workshop and quantitative literature review findings to provide practical solutions to the language, translation and reception issues of this burgeoning cross-disciplinary collaboration.