bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Research Progress on Xishuangbanna Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L. var. Xishuangbannesis Qi et Yuan): Current Status and Future Prospects
Authors: Obel Hesbon Ochieng , Cheng Chunyan , Tian Zhen , Li Ji , Lou Qunfeng , Yu Xiaqing , Wang Yuhui , Ogweno Joshua Otieno , Chen Jinfeng
Published: January 2022

The Xishuangbanna (XIS) cucumber is an important botanical variety, accumulating high levels of β-carotene (700 μg/100 g) in the endocarp of mature fruit compared with normal green/white flesh types (25–50 μg/100 g, fresh weight). β-carotene is an essential precursor of provitamin A synthesis required for human health, thus XIS cucumber is an appealing germplasm for vitamin A breeding programs. In this review, we highlighted the molecular research progress of XIS cucumber as well as the bottlenecks undermining its utilization in genetic breeding. The XIS cucumber was first reported in 1983; thereafter, the literature on XIS cucumber was sporadic until 2012 and 2013 following QTL mapping of the Ore gene and subsequent cloning of the CsaBCH1 gene, respectively. Whereas QTL mapping studies underlying its flowering time and fruit quality related traits have been reported, fine mapping of their candidate genes remains unknown. Cucumber fruits are mainly consumed at fresh immature stage; however, XIS cucumber accumulates β-carotene at mature fruit state, thus limiting the utilization of β-carotene derived from it. In our opinion, we believe that the production and commercialization of immature orange-fleshed cucumber would gain wider acceptance among consumers. Additionally, we highlighted a comprehensive breeding strategy, precisely for enhanced β-carotene accumulation based on prior studies of XIS cucumber coupled with those from other crops. In MAS, we proposed schematic molecular backcross breeding strategy using lines possessing both ore and fft1.1 loci. This review, therefore, provides insights of XIS cucumber research and opportunities for further genetic breeding.
Assessing Intra-Row Spacing Using Image Processing: A Promising Digital Tool for Smallholder Farmers
Authors: Carreira Vinicius Dos Santos , Tedesco Danilo , Carreira Alexandre Dos Santos , da Silva Rouverson Pereira
Published: January 2022

Assessing planting to ensure well-distributed plants is important to achieve high yields. Digital farming has been helpful in these field assessments. However, these techniques are at most times not available for smallholder farmers or low-income regions. Thus, to contribute such producers, we developed two methods to assess intra-row spacing in commercial fields using mobile photos and simple image processing. We assessed a maize field after mechanized planting in 7 and 12 days after planting (DAP) and in two farming systems (conventional and no-till) to acquire images at height of one meter and perpendicular to the ground. In the first method, we used morphological operations based on the HSV scale and the center of mass to extract the region of interest (ROI) corresponding to the maize plant. In the second method, we used local maxima equations (Peaks) to find prominence values corresponding to the maize plant and extract their coordinates. No-till images were deleted due to excessive weeds. Thus, before acquiring the images, it is necessary to remove these elements (e.g., no-till adapted). The methods achieved an overall RMSE of 3.48 cm (<5.63 cm) and R² of 0.90 (>0.71) between the actual and estimated spacing. Precision and recall were higher than 0.88. There was no difference between actual and estimated CV values, except in conventional tillage in 7 DAP using ROI due to leaves overlapping. The method Peaks was more accurate to detect multiple spacing but miss spacing was correctly detected in both methods. However, the larger the plant leaves, the worse the detection. Thus, our proposed methods were satisfactory and are promising for assessing planting in a remote and accessible way.
Allelopathy of the Medicinal Plant Dregea volubilis (L.f.) Benth. ex Hook.f. and Its Phytotoxic Substances with Allelopathic Activity
Authors: Kyaw Ei Han , Iwasaki Arihiro , Suenaga Kiyotake , Kato-Noguchi Hisashi
Published: January 2022

Allelopathic plants and their related phytotoxic chemicals have been explored as alternatives for environmentally friendly weed management. Dregea volubilis (L.f.) Benth. ex Hook.f., a woody vine, is well-known for its uses in various therapeutic treatments, and several bioactive compounds have been isolated from this species. However, to date, no phytotoxic substances from D. volubilis have been reported. Hence, in this research, we aimed to investigate the allelopathic effect of D. volubilis and characterize its phytotoxic substances. Extracts of D. volubilis exhibited significant inhibitory activity against the seedling growth of Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) and cress (Lepidium sativum L.). The extracts were purified through several chromatography steps, yielding two phytotoxic substances, and using spectroscopy, their structures were determined as dehydrovomifoliol and loliolide. The compounds inhibited the Italian ryegrass and cress seedlings with the I50 (concentrations needed for 50% inhibition) values ranging from 0.022 to 0.102 mM, for loliolide and 3.24–4.60 mM, for dehydrovomifoliol. These results suggest that both phytotoxic compounds might be responsible for the allelopathy of D. volubilis, and they may be released into the soil through the decomposition of the D. volubilis leaf and probably act as allelopathic active substances. Therefore, the extracts of D. volubilis and its related phytotoxic compounds may be applied as biological agents for controlling weeds.
Determinants for Smallholder Farmers’ Adoption of Improved Forages in Dairy Production Systems: The Case of Tanga Region, Tanzania
Authors: Ndah Hycenth Tim , Schuler Johannes , Nkwain Vandoline N. , Nzogela Beatus , Mangesho Walter , Mollel Richard , Loina Rose , Zander Peter , Paul Birthe K.
Published: January 2022

Dairy productivity in sub-Saharan Africa remains below its potential, while there is an increasing demand for milk from its growing population. This study focuses on the adoption potential of improved, more nutritive and productive forages by smallholder farmers in the Tanga region of Tanzania. By applying a qualitative mixed-method approach, including farm visits, interviews and a multi-stakeholder workshop guided by the Qualitative Assessment Tool for Forage Technologies (QATo-FT), we systematically identify and analyse the roles of the (i) institutional and political, (ii) socio-economic and (iii) cultural factors influencing the adoption and diffusion of improved forage technologies. The findings reveal the unsuitable cool climate and unfavourable socioeconomic conditions, including low labour opportunity costs in the dry season as critical reasons for the low current adoption rate. However, a positive community attitude, the recognised ecological benefits and the supporting role of promoting institutions are the main influencing factors of a high adoption potential. Yet, the political and institutional framework at the regional level, as well as the market conditions, negatively influence the adoption potential. We suggest an integrated approach for rural development that goes beyond the improvement of yields, but provides more efficient use of land and labour in the region.
Micropropagation of Grapevine and Strawberry from South Russia: Rapid Production and Genetic Uniformity
Authors: Kryukov Lavr A. , Vodolazhsky Dmitry I. , Kamenetsky-Goldstein Rina
Published: January 2022

Grapes and strawberries are major fruit crops with a dynamic, fast-growing global market. In addition to conventional techniques, biotechnological tools allow the preservation of valuable genotypes of both crops and the large-scale propagation of high-quality material. We have developed new protocols for expeditious and reliable micropropagation of grapes and strawberries cultivated in south Russia. In vitro cultivation on semisolid media was combined with rapid propagation in bioreactors. A six-week cycle of propagation in a bioreactor resulted in a 300-fold increase in fresh mass, with a propagation rate of ~5 in grapes and ~20 in strawberries. Genetic analysis using the inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) DNA fingerprinting technique confirmed the full uniformity of the regenerants. The results of this research will support the local horticultural industry with fast and efficient propagation systems of new breeding lines, introduced varieties, and elite cultivars.
The Impact of Irrigation on Olive Fruit Yield and Oil Quality in a Humid Climate
Authors: Conde-Innamorato Paula , García Claudio , Villamil Juan José , Ibáñez Facundo , Zoppolo Roberto , Arias-Sibillotte Mercedes , Ponce De León Inés , Borsani Omar , García-Inza Georgina Paula
Published: January 2022

The expansion of olive orchards into regions with no tradition of olive production and humid climates, such as Uruguay, with more than 1200 mm of annual rainfall, calls into question the need for irrigation. In these regions, however, years with water deficit during summers are quite common. The vapor pressure deficit during summer is lower than in countries with a Mediterranean climate. The high variability in interannual water availability in the current context of climate change, with a growing tendency for extreme events to occur, emphasizes the need to evaluate the production response of olive trees to irrigation. To achieve this, three irrigation treatments were applied to Arbequina and Frantoio cultivars according to the value of the maximum crop evapotranspiration: a first treatment applying 100% ETc, corresponding to being fully irrigated; a second treatment applying 50% ETc; and a third treatment in which neither irrigation nor rain inputs occurred from the end of the pit hardening period until harvest. Results show the possibility of an increasing fruit weight and pulp/pit ratio through irrigation in the local environmental conditions. The oil content in response to irrigation was different within cultivars. Water restriction conditions did not affect the oil content of olives in Arbequina, while in Frantoio it increased it. Polyphenols in fruit increased under water stress for both cultivars. The technological applicability of the results obtained must be accompanied by an economic analysis. The results obtained highlight the need for better use of irrigation water during the growth and ripening phase of the olive fruit under a humid climate.
Long-Term Compost Amendment Changes Interactions and Specialization in the Soil Bacterial Community, Increasing the Presence of Beneficial N-Cycling Genes in the Soil
Authors: Cuartero Jessica , Özbolat Onurcan , Sánchez-Navarro Virginia , Weiss Julia , Zornoza Raúl , Pascual José Antonio , Vivo Juana-María , Ros Margarita
Published: January 2022

Significant differences in the microbial community and diversity in soil have been observed due to organic farming, but little research has been performed for exploring microbial functionality and the co-occurrence of patterns among microbial taxa. In this work, we study soil 16S rDNA amplicons from two long-term organic farming systems (Org_C and Org_M) and a conventional system (Conv) to decipher the differences in microbial interaction and network organization and to predict functional genes (principally related to the N cycle). In general, the network organizations were different in all cropping systems due to agricultural management. Org_C showed the highest negative interactions and modularity and the most altered bacterial niches and interactions, which led to an increase in generalist species that stabilize the bacterial community and improve the response of the soil to adverse conditions. These changes altered the predicted functionality of the bacterial community; Org_C showed higher referred numbers of nitrogen fixation genes, a decrease in the N2O emission genes and could favor the uptake of environmental CO2. Thus, long-term compost amendment application has significant benefits for the farmer and the environment, since prolonged application can reduce the use of fertilizers and pesticides and could create a more stable soil, which could resist the effects of climate change.
Different Types of Fertilizers Enhanced Salt Resistance of Oat and Associated Physiological Mechanisms in Saline Soils
Authors: Zhu Guanglong , Xu Zhenran , Xu Yunming , Lu Haitong , Ji Zhongya , Zhou Guisheng
Published: January 2022

Soil salinization is more aggravating than ever before; suitable fertilizer application is essential for promoting crop growth and productivity in saline soils. A field experiment was conducted to study the effects of different types of fertilizers on oat (Avena sativa L.) growth and associated physiological mechanism in saline soils. Two oat varieties (V1 = Baiyan 2 and V2 = Baiyan 7) were used and four fertilizer treatments (T1 = control, T2 = nitrogen fertilizer, T3 = Giza Fertile fertilizer, T4 = Powder fertilizer) were evaluated in this study. The results showed that fertilizer treatments significantly improved plant growth and associated physiological traits, grain yield, forage yield, and forage quality of both oat varieties. Plant height, leaf area, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, proline, forage yield, panicles, spikelets per panicle, grain weight, and grain yield were significantly increased by fertilizer application, and the maximum values were all produced under T2 (nitrogen fertilizer). But the highest values of catalase, soluble sugar, and crude fat were observed under T4 (powder fertilizer). On the contrary, malondialdehyde and crude fiber were significantly decreased by fertilizer application, and the highest value was recorded under T2 and T4, respectively. V2 was superior in plant growth, grain yield, forage yield, and forage quality than V1. This study suggested that nitrogen fertilizer was superior in promoting growth, biomass yield and grain yield production, and Powder fertilizer was better in enhancing forage quality of oat in saline soils.
Aggregation Index and Carbon and Nitrogen Contents in Aggregates of Pasture Soils under Successive Applications of Pig Slurry in Southern Brazil
Authors: Santos Cristiano , Loss Arcângelo , Piccolo Marisa de Cássia , Girotto Eduardo , Ludwig Marcos Paulo , Decarli Julia , Torres José Luiz Rodrigues , Brunetto Gustavo
Published: January 2022

Pig slurry (PS) applications affect soil aggregation and carbon and nitrogen contents in aggregates. The objective of this study was to evaluate changes caused by successive applications of PS and mineral fertilizer on soil aggregation and carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) contents in aggregates of a clayey Typic Hapludox cultivated with Cynodon dactylon cv. Tifton-85 in southern Brazil. The treatments consisted of six annual applications of PS (100, 200, 300, and 400 kg N ha−1) and urea (200 kg N ha−1), and a control with no fertilizer application. Soil samples were collected in March 2019 and evaluated for aggregate stability, through the geometric mean diameter of aggregates (GMD), and GMD sensitivity index (SIGMD), and mass of macro-, meso-, and microaggregates. Total organic carbon and nitrogen contents were determined in macroaggregates and microaggregates. Applications of PS to pasture soils increase dry matter production of Tifton-85 and can increase soil aggregation by increasing the mass of macroaggregates. The highest PS rates decreased aggregate stability, resulting in lower macroaggregate mass, GMD, and SIGMD, and higher microaggregate mass. PS applications to pasture soils can increase C and N contents in macro and microaggregates, and improve soil aggregation when using the rates of 100 or 200 kg N ha−1, mainly in subsurface layers.
Ground-Based Thermal Imaging for Assessing Crop Water Status in Grapevines over a Growing Season
Authors: Zhou Zheng , Diverres Geraldine , Kang Chenchen , Thapa Sushma , Karkee Manoj , Zhang Qin , Keller Markus
Published: January 2022

The quality of wine grapes in dry climates greatly depends on utilizing optimal amounts of irrigation water during the growing season. Robust and accurate techniques are essential for assessing crop water status in grapevines so that both over-irrigation and excessive water deficits can be avoided. This study proposes a robust strategy to assess crop water status in grapevines. Experiments were performed on Riesling grapevines (Vitis vinfera L.) planted in rows oriented north–south and subjected to three irrigation regimes in a vineyard maintained at an experimental farm in southeastern Washington, USA. Thermal and red–green–blue (RGB) images were acquired during the growing season, using a thermal imaging sensor and digital camera installed on a ground-based platform such that both cameras were oriented orthogonally to the crop canopy. A custom-developed algorithm was created to automatically derive canopy temperature (Tc) and calculate crop water stress index (CWSI) from the acquired thermal-RGB images. The relationship between leaf water potential (Ψleaf) and CWSI was investigated. The results revealed that the proposed algorithm combining thermal and RGB images to determine CWSI can be used for assessing crop water status of grapevines. There was a correlation between CWSI and Ψleaf with an R-squared value of 0.67 for the measurements in the growing season. It was also found that CWSI from the shaded (east) side of the canopy achieved a better correlation with Ψleaf compared to that from the sunlit (west) side around solar noon. The created algorithm allowed real-time assessment of crop water status in commercial vineyards and may be used in decision support systems for grapevine irrigation management.
Overwintering and Yield Responses of Two Late-Summer Seeded Alfalfa Cultivars to Phosphate Supply
Authors: Wang Yuntao , Zhang Jiageng , Yu Linqing , Xu Zhanyou , Samac Deborah A.
Published: January 2022

Phosphorus (P) is one of the essential nutrients for alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) growth, but P deficiency in soil is a common phenomenon. Applying an appropriate amount of P fertilizer for alfalfa in the establishment year improves winter survival, helps achieve sustainable high yields, and promotes the best economic returns. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of different P fertilization rates (0, 22, 44, and 66 kg P ha−1) on winter survival, forage yield, and root traits of two late-summer seeded alfalfa cultivars (dormant and semi-dormant) in the establishment and first production year. Our results showed that applying an appropriate amount of P fertilizer can increase forage yield and enhance the persistence of late-summer seeded alfalfa by promoting the development of crown and root traits and improving winter survival, especially for semi-dormant cultivars. Late-summer seeding and application of appropriate P fertilizer rates are effective agronomic methods for alfalfa in cold and arid winter regions, and can be used as strategies to improve fertility and stabilize soil from wind erosion for sustainable agriculture. To obtain high rate of survival in winter, the optimal P fertilization rates for the dormant and semi-dormant alfalfa cultivars in this study were 31.4 and 41.3 kg P ha−1, whereas the optimum P application rates for high forage yields were 31.3 and 31.5 kg P ha−1, respectively.
Review on Selected Aggression Causes and the Role of Neurocognitive Science in the Diagnosis
Authors: Kleszcz Aleksandra , Cholewińska Paulina , Front Greta , Pacoń Jakub , Bodkowski Robert , Janczak Marzena , Dorobisz Tadeusz
Published: January 2022

Aggression as a behavior is not always desirable, often ends in abandonment and/or euthanasia. However, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of unwanted aggression in domestic dogs. Aggression is not a fully understood phenomenon. In recent years, many studies have focused on the influence of diet and physiology (including the endocrine system) on the emergence of behavioral disorders. In particular, the emphasis was put on nutritional additives such as fatty acids, amino acids, and probiotics. In addition, the possibility of using neurocognition in the observation of abnormal behavior in dogs has also been discussed, which may allow for a more detailed determination of the basis of aggressive behavior in dogs. In this review, the concepts related to aggression and its potential causes have been gathered. In addition, the possible influence of diet and hormones on aggression in dogs has been discussed, as well as the application of neurocognition in the possibility of its diagnosis.
Rehabilitation of Marine Turtles and Welfare Improvement by Application of Environmental Enrichment Strategies
Authors: Escobedo-Bonilla Cesar Marcial , Quiros-Rojas Noelia Maria , Rudín-Salazar Esteban
Published: January 2022

Sea turtles perform various ecological services in several marine environments and are considered architects of the marine landscape. At present, they are endangered species due to anthropogenic threats, pollution and degradation of marine habitats. These impacts make it urgent to increase protection and conservation efforts. Protective actions include the rescue and rehabilitation of injured individuals as a result of their interactions with humans and other threats. Environmental enrichment (EE) is a series of techniques and methods aimed to improve the welfare of animals in captivity and/or under rehabilitation. It uses external stimuli to enhance their psychological and physiological wellbeing to promote natural abilities and behaviors. These may increase the survival chances of rehabilitated animals upon release in the wild. This review presents data of studies where EE has been applied during the rehabilitation processes of different species of sea turtles, and its effect on welfare improvement during captivity/rehabilitation and on survival after release into nature. Technologies such as satellite tags are an important means to determine rehabilitation success and survival of injured individuals from endangered species after release into the wild, as they allow tracking and monitoring of such individuals, and determine their location in areas used by their natural populations for feeding or breeding.
Survival of Escherichia coli in Airborne and Settled Poultry Litter Particles
Authors: Nguyen Xuan Dung , Zhao Yang , Evans Jeffrey D. , Lin Jun , Purswell Joseph L.
Published: January 2022

Airborne Escherichia coli (E. coli) in the poultry environment can migrate inside and outside houses through air movement. The airborne E. coli, after settling on surfaces, could be re-aerosolized or picked up by vectors (e.g., caretakers, rodents, transport trucks) for further transmission. To assess the impacts of airborne E. coli transmission among poultry farms, understanding the survivability of the bacteria is necessary. The objective of this study is to determine the survivability of airborne E. coli, settled E. coli, and E. coli in poultry litter under laboratory environmental conditions (22–28 °C with relative humidity of 54–63%). To determine the survivability of airborne E. coli, an AGI-30 bioaerosol sampler (AGI-30) was used to collect the E. coli at 0 and 20 min after the aerosolization. The half-life time of airborne E. coli was then determined by comparing the number of colony-forming units (CFUs) of the two samplings. To determine the survivability of settled E. coli, four sterile Petri dishes were placed on the chamber floor right after the aerosolization to collect settled E. coli. The Petri dishes were then divided into two groups, with each group being quantified for culturable E. coli concentrations and dust particle weight at 24-h intervals. The survivability of settled E. coli was then determined by comparing the number of viable E. coli per milligram settled dust collected in the Petri dishes in the two groups. The survivability of E. coli in the poultry litter sample (for aerosolization) was also determined. Results show that the half-life time of airborne E. coli was 5.7 ± 1.2 min. The survivability of E. coli in poultry litter and settled E. coli were much longer with the half-life time of 15.9 ± 1.3 h and 9.6 ± 1.6 h, respectively. In addition, the size distribution of airborne E. coli attached to dust particles and the size distribution of airborne dust particles were measured by using an Andersen impactor and a dust concentration monitor (DustTrak). Results show that most airborne E. coli (98.89% of total E. coli) were carried by the dust particles with aerodynamic diameter larger than 2.1 µm. The findings of this study may help better understand the fate of E. coli transmitted through the air and settled on surfaces and evaluate the impact of airborne transmission in poultry production.
Choosing Sustainability: Decision Making and Sustainable Practice Adoption with Examples from U.S. Great Plains Cattle Grazing Systems
Authors: Campbell Amber , King Audrey E. H.
Published: January 2022

Sustainable intensification of animal agriculture will rely on the acceptance and adoption of many new practices and technologies. We discuss the literature related to behavior change and sustainable practice adoption in the context of beef cattle production, focusing on sustainable rotational grazing and the use of cover crops. Research from a variety of contexts is discussed with a conceptual framework that combines diffusion of innovation theory with the reasoned action approach. Background characteristics of producers and their operations as well the characteristics of any new practice/technology will influence producer perceptions of them. These background and perceived practice characteristics will influence producer behavioral, normative, and control beliefs regarding the behavior, which will in turn inform attitudes about the behavior and perceptions regarding behavioral norms and the capacity to adopt new behaviors. Factors such as the demographics of beef cattle producers, land tenure, and labor and credit availability, as well as producers’ concepts of what it means to be a “good farmer”, should inform the conceptualization and development of new practices and technologies to increase the likelihood of their adoption.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Forage as a Potential Feed for Animals: A Review
Authors: Valdivié Manuel , Martínez Yordan
Published: January 2022

This review summarized for the first time the nutritional benefits of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis in animal feed. the agronomic characteristics for the hyperproduction of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis were reported, as well as the chemical composition of the forage meal (leaves + petioles + stems), with emphasis on crude protein, amino acids, minerals, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, lignin detergent acid, secondary metabolites, and metabolizable energy for ruminants and non-ruminants. Additionally, their medicinal properties such as antimicrobial, antifungal, antiparasitic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiarrheal, and antipyretic properties were detailed. Its use as a source of protein in ruminant feeding is attractive and can be combined with grasses. In rabbits, fresh forage in high concentrations in the diets reduces the feed palatability, which causes a decrease in animal response, although it depends on the forage quality. In addition, limits for Hibiscus rosa-sinensis forage were recommended in diets or feeding systems for poultry, pigs, rabbits, goats, and sheep.
Can Procalcitonin Be Dosed in Bovine Milk Using a Commercial ELISA Kit?
Authors: Meucci Valentina , Orsetti Chiara , Sgorbini Micaela , Battaglia Federica , Cresci Marta , Bonelli Francesca
Published: January 2022

The aim was to evaluate the use of a bovine procalcitonin (PCT) ELISA kit (Cusabio, China) for assessing PCT in bovine milk samples. Validation was performed by using 10 plasma and corresponding milk samples from mastitic cows. The limit of detection (LOD) was calculated. The coefficient of variation (CV%) of the readings of five plasma samples measured five times in the same plate (intra-assay) and the CV% of the same five samples read five times in three separate plates was evaluated. Parallelism was determined by serial twofold dilutions of five plasma and corresponding milk samples. Milk samples were analyzed with and without centrifugation. Regarding plasma PCT, the method presented an inter- and intra-CV < 23.7% and parallelism had very good recovery values. The ELISA kit studied can measure bovine plasma PCT concentrations. The kit antibodies fail in binding PCT in milk samples because all centrifuged milk samples showed a lower LOD than blank samples. Only three uncentrifuged milk samples showed measurable PCT concentrations. Due to these results, the commercial ELISA kit investigated could not be employed for the detection of PCT in milk samples.
Diversity and Seasonal Dynamics of Ticks on Ring-Tailed Coatis Nasua nasua (Carnivora: Procyonidae) in Two Urban Areas from Midwestern Brazil
Authors: Perles Livia , Martins Thiago Fernandes , Barreto Wanessa Teixeira Gomes , Carvalho de Macedo Gabriel , Herrera Heitor Miraglia , Mathias Luis Antônio , Labruna Marcelo Bahia , Barros-Battesti Darci Moraes , Machado Rosangela Zacarias , André Marcos Rogério
Published: January 2022

Understanding the diversity and ecology of ectoparasites in wild animals is essential for surveillance of vector-borne diseases. Coatis (Nasua nasua) easily adapt to anthropized areas, favoring close contact with domestic animals and humans, with the possibility of exchange of ectoparasites and pathogens. The present study aimed to identify the diversity of ticks parasitizing coatis from forest urban areas of midwestern Brazil, to evaluate the seasonal dynamics of ticks during the seasons of the year, and to assess the correlation between tick species and gender and age of the sampled coatis. For this purpose, 103 coatis were captured in two Conservation areas, both located in Campo Grande city, Mato Grosso do Sul state, Midwestern Brazil. The animals’ entire body was inspected for the presence of ectoparasites, and ticks were removed for taxonomic identification. In total, 168 captures were performed in both areas during the observational study considering the first capture and recaptures. In total, 2242 ticks were collected: 838 Amblyomma larvae, 1241 A. sculptum nymphs, and 150 A. dubitatum nymphs. Thirteen adult ticks were identified as three males and five females of A. sculptum and two males and three females of A. ovale. While a quantity of Amblyomma larvae was observed in the first months of the year (January, April and May), Amblyomma nymphs showed a higher quantity during the months of July, August, October and November. No statistical difference was observed when comparing mean intensity and prevalence of Amblyomma larvae, nymphs of A. sculptum and A. dubitatum between the two sampled areas, males vs. females and immature vs. mature animals. In conclusion, three tick species were identified parasitizing coatis from forested urban fragments in midwestern Brazil, namely A. dubitatum nymphs, A. sculptum adults and nymphs, and A. ovale adults. Coatis from anthropized areas seem to present tick species diversity lower than those from natural areas. The lack of statistical difference regarding mean intensity and prevalence of Amblyomma larvae and nymphs between males vs. females and immature vs. mature animals might have reflected the gregarious behavior of coatis, since adult males live together with females and offspring outside and inside the mating season, forming large groups of individuals.
Micro-Nano Plastic in the Aquatic Environment: Methodological Problems and Challenges
Authors: Uddin Saif , Fowler Scott W. , Habibi Nazima , Behbehani Montaha
Published: January 2022

Microplastic research has become a buzz word. It is seen as one of the most pressing issues of Anthropocene contamination. There is certainly no doubt about the ubiquitous presence of microplastic (MP) in almost all environmental matrices. However, the validity of considering them as a vector for contaminants needs some reconsideration, there are other more potent pathways. Their effect on marine biota also calls for some realistic experiments with environmental concentrations of MP and nanoplastic (NP). It has been observed that in most published literature, polymer characterization is performed. Is it necessary to do, or will merely finding and confirming the particle as plastic suffice for environmental research? Harmonization of protocols is necessary, and there is likely a need for some inter-laboratory comparison exercises in order to produce comparable data and reliable assessments across regions. Samples collected from the same area using different techniques show an order of magnitude difference in MP concentration. The issue of nanoplastic is more contentious; are we technologically ready to identify NP in environmental samples?
Conspecific and Human Sociality in the Domestic Cat: Consideration of Proximate Mechanisms, Human Selection and Implications for Cat Welfare
Authors: Finka Lauren R.
Published: January 2022

Sociality can be broadly defined as the ability and tendency of individuals to reside in social groups with either conspecifics and/or other species. More specifically, sociability relates to the ability and tendency of individuals to display affiliative behaviours in such contexts. The domestic cat is one of the most globally popular companion animals and occupies a diverse range of lifestyles. Despite an arguably short period of domestication from an asocial progenitor, the domestic cat demonstrates an impressive capacity for both intra- and interspecific sociality and sociability. At the same time, however, large populations of domestic cats maintain various degrees of behavioural and reproductive autonomy and are capable of occupying solitary lifestyles away from humans and/or conspecifics. Within social groups, individuals can also vary in their tendency to engage in both affiliative and agonistic interactions, and this interindividual variation is present within free-living populations as well as those managed in confined environments by humans. Considerable scientific enquiry has focused on cats’ social behaviour towards humans (and conspecifics to a much lesser extent) in this latter context. Ontogeny and human selection, in addition to a range of proximate factors including social and environmental parameters and individual cat and human characteristics, have been highlighted as important moderators of cats’ sociability. Such factors may have important consequences regarding individuals’ adaptability to the diverse range of lifestyles that they may occupy. Where limitations to individuals’ social capacities do not enable sufficient adaption, compromises to their wellbeing may occur. This is most pertinent for cats managed by humans, given that the physical and social parameters of the cats’ environment are primarily dictated by people, but that positive human-selection for traits that enhance cats’ adaptability to such lifestyles appears to be limited. However, limitations in the availability and quality of evidence and equivocal findings may impede the current understanding of the role of certain factors in relation to cat sociability and associations with cat wellbeing, although such literature gaps also present important opportunities for further study. This review aims to summarise what is currently known about the various factors that may influence domestic cats’ sociality and sociability towards both humans and conspecifics, with a predominant focus on cats managed by humans in confined environments. Current limitations, knowledge gaps, and implications for cat wellbeing are also discussed.
Sex Determination in Japanese Quails (Coturnix japonica) Using Geometric Morphometrics of the Skull
Authors: Szara Tomasz , Duro Sokol , Gündemir Ozan , Demircioğlu İsmail
Published: January 2022

The study investigated whether there is a morphological difference between the shape of the female and male quail’s skulls. For this purpose, 18 female and 21 male quails were used. After the skulls were obtained, their photographs were taken, and geometric analysis was performed. Dorsal (14 landmarks), caudal (8 landmarks), and ventral (13 landmarks) images of skulls were evaluated. As a result of the Principal Component Analysis (PCA), 28 principal components (PCs) were obtained for dorsal view, 16 PCs for caudal view, and 26 PCs for ventral view. PC1 (41.206%) for the caudal aspect explained the highest shape variation in terms of sex. It was seen that PC1 for dorsal view explained 33.046% and PC1 for ventral view explained 34.495% shape variation. For the dorsal view, the orbital pit of males was found to be deeper than females. The foramen magnum was narrower in female skulls. The lateral borders of the neurocranium were more pointed upwards in males. On ventral view, it was seen that male individuals had a wider skull in shape. Geometrically, it was determined that the male and female distinction was the best in the dorsal view. According to the dorsal view, only one male individual was found to be in the female group, and all other male individuals were completely separated from the females. After the dorsal view, the best distinction was seen ventrally. In the caudal examination, sexual discrimination was not fully seen. In this study, shape differences in quail’s skulls were examined between sexes, and shape differences were revealed geometrically. In addition to traditional morphometry studies, it is thought that geometric analysis studies will add a useful perspective to the literature.
Differences of the Plasma Total Lipid Fraction from Pre-Foaling to Post-Foaling Period in Donkeys
Authors: Lisuzzo Anastasia , Bonelli Francesca , Sgorbini Micaela , Nocera Irene , Cento Giulia , Mazzotta Elisa , Turini Luca , Martini Mina , Salari Federica , Morgante Massimo , Badon Tamara , Fiore Enrico
Published: January 2022

The period from late gestation to early lactation is characterized by changes in energy metabolism. The aim of the current study was to analyze the plasma total lipid fraction using gas chromatography (GC) analysis, in order to highlight metabolic changes from the pre-foaling to post-foaling periods. Eleven pluriparous dairy jennies (mean age of 11.88 ± 3.79 years) belonging to the Amiata donkey breed were enrolled. Blood sampling was performed at 15 days before foaling (T0), and 15 (T1), 30 (T2), 60 (T3), and 90 (T4) days after foaling, for biochemical and GC analysis. A total of 37 fatty acids were identified in plasma samples: 4 medium chain (MCFA), 24 long chain (LCFA), and 9 very-long chain (VLCFA) fatty acids. Among them, 20 fatty acids changed significantly, and two fatty acid showed a trend toward significance. Furthermore, the LCFA, saturated, unsaturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated ω-3 fatty acids changed significantly during the study period. The main alterations were between T0 and the other time points and appeared to be related to lipid metabolism, cellular structure and function, and inflammatory and immune responses. Our findings reveal greater energy requirements at the end of gestation compared to early lactation in donkeys.
Applications of Antibody-Based Antigen Delivery Targeted to Dendritic Cells In Vivo
Authors: Bourque Jessica , Hawiger Daniel
Published: January 2022

Recombinant immunoglobulins, derived from monoclonal antibodies recognizing the defined surface epitopes expressed on dendritic cells, have been employed for the past two decades to deliver antigens to dendritic cells in vivo, serving as critical tools for the investigation of the corresponding T cell responses. These approaches originated with the development of the recombinant chimeric antibody against a multilectin receptor, DEC-205, which is present on subsets of murine and human conventional dendritic cells. Following the widespread application of antigen targeting through DEC-205, similar approaches then utilized other epitopes as entry points for antigens delivered by specific antibodies to multiple types of dendritic cells. Overall, these antigen-delivery methodologies helped to reveal the mechanisms underlying tolerogenic and immunogenic T cell responses orchestrated by dendritic cells. Here, we discuss the relevant experimental strategies as well as their future perspectives, including their translational relevance.
Combined Inhibitory Effect of Fir (Abies alba Mill.) Honeydew Honey and Probiotic Bacteria Lactiplantibacillus plantarum on the Growth of Salmonella enterica Serotype Typhimurium
Authors: Mežnarić Silvestar , Brčić Karačonji Irena , Crnković Goranka , Lesar Andrija , Pavlešić Tomislav , Vučković Darinka , Gobin Ivana
Published: January 2022

Honey is a natural food consisting mainly of sugars, enzymes, amino acids, organic acids, vitamins, minerals and aromatic substances. In addition to specific organoleptic properties, honey also has other components that contribute to its nutritional and health value. Proteins, vitamins, minerals, organic acids and phenolic compounds, the most variable components of honey, are predominantly responsible for its strong bioactive effect. Honeydew honey is a less known type of honey with outstanding antimicrobial and antioxidant properties that also demonstrates prebiotic effects and can promote the growth of probiotic bacteria. Foodborne illnesses can be prevented by using probiotic strains in combination with prebiotics. The aim of this study was for the first time to determine potential synergistic antimicrobial effect of fir (Abies alba Mill.) honeydew honey (HS) and probiotic bacteria Lactiplantibacillus plantarum on Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium, a primary cause of foodborne illnesses. The effect of three different samples of fir honeydew honey on the growth of L. plantarum in de Man, Rogosa and Sharpe (MRS) medium and the potential synergistic effect of HSs and L. plantarum on the growth of S. Typhimurium in the Brain Heart Infusion (BHI) medium were examined. The results indicate that concentrations of 1 and 5% of all three HS samples stimulate the growth and metabolic activity of L. plantarum, while a concentration of 10% inhibits the growth of L. plantarum. The concentration of 5% of all three HS and L. plantarum combined inhibits the growth of S. Typhimurium in BHI broth. Fir honeydew honey showed potential prebiotic properties and antimicrobial activity, both of which can synergistically enhance the probiotic efficacy of L. plantarum against S. Typhimurium To conclude, the combination of fir honeydew honey and L. plantarum represents a successful combination against S. Typhimurium and additional experiments are necessary regarding the mechanisms of their combined effect.
Antibacterial and Anti-Biofilm Activities of Essential Oil Compounds against New Delhi Metallo-β-Lactamase-1-Producing Uropathogenic Klebsiella pneumoniae Strains
Authors: Kwiatkowski Paweł , Sienkiewicz Monika , Pruss Agata , Łopusiewicz Łukasz , Arszyńska Nikola , Wojciechowska-Koszko Iwona , Kilanowicz Anna , Kot Barbara , Dołęgowska Barbara
Published: January 2022

The World Health Organization points out that the opportunistic pathogen Klebsiella pneumoniae that causes various infections among others, urinary tract infections (UTIs), is one of the high-priority species due to a global problem of antimicrobial resistance. The aim of this study was to investigate antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities of chosen constituents of essential oils against NDM-1-producing, uropathogenic K. pneumoniae strains. The genes encoding lipopolysaccharide (uge, wabG), adhesin gene fimH (type I fimbriae) and gene encoding carbapenemase (blaNDM-1) for all tested strains were detected by PCR amplification. The K. pneumoniae ATCC BAA-2473 reference strain was uge- and blaNDM-1-positive. The effectiveness of fifteen essential oil compounds (EOCs) (linalool, β-citronellol, linalyl acetate, menthone, (−)-menthol, (+)-menthol, geraniol, eugenol, thymol, trans-anethole, farnesol, β-caryophyllene, (R)-(+)-limonene, 1,8-cineole, and carvacrol) was assessed by determining the MIC, MBC, MBC/MIC ratio against K. pneumoniae strains by the microdilution method. Anti-biofilm properties of these compounds were also investigated. Thymol, carvacrol and geraniol exhibited the best antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities against uropathogenic NDM-1-producing K. pneumoniae isolates. Results of our investigations provide a basis for more detailed studies of these phytochemicals on their application against uropathogenic K. pneumoniae.
Assessment of In-Vitro Synergy of Fosfomycin with Meropenem, Amikacin and Tigecycline in Whole Genome Sequenced Extended and Pan Drug Resistant Klebsiella Pneumoniae: Exploring A Colistin Sparing Protocol
Authors: AL-Quraini Manawr , Rizvi Meher , AL-Jabri Zaaima , Sami Hiba , AL-Muzahmi Muna , AL-Muharrmi Zakariya , Taneja Neelam , AL-Busaidi Ibrahim , Soman Rajeev
Published: January 2022

Fosfomycin has emerged as a very useful antimicrobial in management of extremely drug resistant (XDR) and pan drug resistant (PDR) Klebsiella pneumoniae. In this study, we assessed in-vitro synergy of colistin sparing combinations of fosfomycin (FOS) with meropenem (MEM), tigecycline (TGC) and amikacin (AK) against XDR and PDR Klebsiella pneumoniae. Method: Non-replicate fully characterised 18 clinical isolates of K. pneumoniae (15 XDR and 3 PDR strains) were subjected to in-vitro synergy testing by checkerboard and time kill assay. Combinations tested were FOS-MEM, FOS-TGC and FOS-AK with glucose-6-phosphate being incorporated in all runs.WGS was carried out on the Illumina next-generation sequencing platform. Results: FOS-MEM and FOS-AK both demonstrated excellent synergy against all PDRs and all but one XDR. Synergy led to lowering of MICs to susceptible breakpoints. FOS-TGC demonstrated antagonism. MLST-231 K. pneumoniae predominated (14), followed by ST-395 (3) and ST147 (1). Majority harboured OXA-232 (n = 15), while n = 2 carried NDM-1 type and n = 1 co-carried NDM-5 + OXA-232. Mortality was high in both ST-231 (57.1%) and ST-395 (66.6%). Synergy was observed despite widespread presence of resistance markers against aminoglycosides [aph(3′)-Ic, aacA4, and rmtf], beta-lactams [blaSHV-11, blaTEM-1b, blaCTX-M-15, and blaOXA-232], fosfomycin [fosA6 and fosA5] and presence of porin proteins OmpK37, OmpA and K. pneumoniae antibiotic efflux pumps Kpn F, H, G, and E. Conclusion: FOS + MEM and FOS + AK are excellent colistin sparing combinations against ST 231, ST-395 and ST-147 XDR and PDR K. pneumoniae. FOS with fewer side effects than colistin, excellent tissue distribution and minimal side effects may be recommended in combination with meropenem.
LC-HRMS-Based Identification of Transformation Products of the Drug Salinomycin Generated by Electrochemistry and Liver Microsome
Authors: Knoche Lisa , Lisec Jan , Schwerdtle Tanja , Koch Matthias
Published: January 2022

The drug salinomycin (SAL) is a polyether antibiotic and used in veterinary medicine as coccidiostat and growth promoter. Recently, SAL was suggested as a potential anticancer drug. However, transformation products (TPs) resulting from metabolic and environmental degradation of SAL are incompletely known and structural information is missing. In this study, we therefore systematically investigated the formation and identification of SAL derived TPs using electrochemistry (EC) in an electrochemical reactor and rat and human liver microsome incubation (RLM and HLM) as TP generating methods. Liquid chromatography (LC) coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) was applied to determine accurate masses in a suspected target analysis to identify TPs and to deduce occurring modification reactions of derived TPs. A total of 14 new, structurally different TPs were found (two EC-TPs, five RLM-TPs, and 11 HLM-TPs). The main modification reactions are decarbonylation for EC-TPs and oxidation (hydroxylation) for RLM/HLM-TPs. Of particular interest are potassium-based TPs identified after liver microsome incubation because these might have been overlooked or declared as oxidated sodium adducts in previous, non-HRMS-based studies due to the small mass difference between K and O + Na of 21 mDa. The MS fragmentation pattern of TPs was used to predict the position of identified modifications in the SAL molecule. The obtained knowledge regarding transformation reactions and novel TPs of SAL will contribute to elucidate SAL-metabolites with regards to structural prediction.