bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Systematic Comparative Assessment of Certification Standards in India and Suggested Evaluation Frameworks
Authors: Verma Madhu , Sharma Parul , Joe Elphin Tom
Published: April 2022

Sustainable agriculture has the potential of addressing major social and environmental challenges affecting agriculture in India. One of the ways to promote sustainable agriculture is through certification. This refers to the broad family of voluntary standards set by third-party against which producers are independently audited and certified. An appropriate sustainability framework can guide more effective food procurement by accounting for context in the form of demand architecture and production systems. The study therefore presents a review of five different sustainability certifications prevalent in India with focus on spice certification. These have been analyzed against value drivers, impact pathways to different capitals, sustainability issues, and the stakeholders involved. The results indicate that these certifications cover most common issues with no evident differences indicating the possibility for a need for differentiation to allow consumers choose based on their preferred concerns. An evaluation framework is prepared to make a case for evaluating these certification initiatives to outline the differential parameters.
Food Supply Chain Shocks and the Pivot Toward Local: Lessons From the Global Pandemic
Authors: DuPuis E. Melanie , Ransom Elizabeth , Worosz Michelle R.
Published: April 2022

Studies of how consumers acquired food provisions during the COVID-19 lockdown indicate that some US consumers and institutional provisioners pivoted to locally produced food. In some locations local food system organizations, along with state governments, created the infrastructure to enable this pivot. Research on this phenomenon—what we call “the local pivot”—has been extensive. However, evidence collected so far has mostly been reports of case studies looking at particular communities. Using Google Trends and Twitter data, we examine whether “the local pivot” was evident as a general trend in the US during the depth of the COVID-19 food supply crisis in 2020, and whether places with high local food infrastructure allowed more people to pivot to local food provisioning. Our Google Trends analysis indicated a temporary rise in searches for local food. However, we found very little discussion of local food systems on Twitter. We then compared three states with a “high,” “medium,” and “low” local food infrastructure based on the Union of Concerned Scientists rankings. We found a weak but positive relationship between places that were classified as high local food system infrastructure and a pivot toward local food reflected on Twitter. We did, however, find strong support for local restaurant businesses during this period on Twitter, although this support did not necessarily reflect a local food system pivot. We acknowledge that Twitter results are not generalizable to the entire population: local food system actors may not be using Twitter in their interactions, so Twitter activity may not reflect local food system activity in general, or COVID food sourcing behavior in particular. However, our results do indicate the need for more research on whether or not the evidence of a pivot to local food systems during COVID in the United States reflected a larger national movement or occurred in just a few scattered communities. Further research on this topic can help ascertain the ability of local food system infrastructure to provide a resilient response to future global food supply chain crises.
Shaded-Coffee: A Nature-Based Strategy for Coffee Production Under Climate Change? A Review
Authors: Koutouleas Athina , Sarzynski Thuan , Bordeaux Melanie , Bosselmann Aske Skovmand , Campa Claudine , Etienne Hervé , Turreira-García Nerea , Rigal Clément , Vaast Philippe , Ramalho José Cochicho , Marraccini Pierre , Ræbild Anders
Published: April 2022

Coffee is deemed to be a high-risk crop in light of upcoming climate changes. Agroforestry practices have been proposed as a nature-based strategy for coffee farmers to mitigate and adapt to future climates. However, with agroforestry systems comes shade, a highly contentious factor for coffee production in terms of potential yield reduction, as well as additional management needs and interactions between shade trees and pest and disease. In this review, we summarize recent research relating to the effects of shade on (i) farmers' use and perceptions, (ii) the coffee microenvironment, (iii) pest and disease incidence, (iv) carbon assimilation and phenology of coffee plants, (v) coffee quality attributes (evaluated by coffee bean size, biochemical compounds, and cup quality tests), (vi) breeding of new Arabica coffee F1 hybrids and Robusta clones for future agroforestry systems, and (vii) coffee production under climate change. Through this work, we begin to decipher whether shaded systems are a feasible strategy to improve the coffee crop sustainability in anticipation of challenging climate conditions. Further research is proposed for developing new coffee varieties adapted to agroforestry systems (exhibiting traits suitable for climate stressors), refining extension tools by selecting locally-adapted shade trees species and developing policy and economic incentives enabling the adoption of sustainable agroforestry practices.
Factors Associated with Postoperative Lipiduria and Hypoxemia in Patients Undergoing Surgery for Orthopedic Fractures
Authors: Chen Chih-Hui , Wu Yun-Che , Li Yu-Cheng , Tsai Feng-An , Li Jen-Ying , Wang Jun-Sing , Lee Cheng-Hung
Published: April 2022

We investigated factors associated with postoperative lipiduria and hypoxemia in patients undergoing surgery for orthopedic fractures. We enrolled patients who presented to our emergency department due to traumatic fractures between 2016 and 2017. We collected urine samples within 24 h after the patients had undergone surgery to determine the presence of lipiduria. Hypoxemia was defined as an SpO2 <95% determined with a pulse oximeter during the hospitalization. Patients’ anthropometric data, medical history, and laboratory test results were collected from the electronic medical record. Logistic regression analyses were used to determine the associations of clinical factors with postoperative lipiduria and hypoxemia with multivariate adjustments. A total of 144 patients were analyzed (mean age 51.3 ± 22.9 years, male 50.7%). Diabetes (odd ratio 3.684, 95% CI, 1.256–10.810, p = 0.018) and operation time (odd ratio 1.005, 95% CI, 1.000–1.009, p = 0.029) were independently associated with postoperative lipiduria, while age (odd ratio 1.034, 95% CI, 1.003–1.066, p = 0.029), body mass index (odd ratio 1.100, 95% CI, 1.007–1.203, p = 0.035), and operation time (odd ratio 1.005, 95% CI, 1.000–1.010, p = 0.033) were independently associated with postoperative hypoxemia. We identified several factors independently associated with postoperative lipiduria and hypoxemia in patients with fracture undergoing surgical intervention. Operation time was associated with both postoperative lipiduria and hypoxemia, and we recommend that patients with prolonged operation for fractures should be carefully monitored for clinical signs related to fat embolism syndrome.
Bacillus Probiotics as Alternatives to In-feed Antibiotics and Its Influence on Growth, Serum Chemistry, Antioxidant Status, Intestinal Histomorphology, and Lesion Scores in Disease-Challenged Broiler Chickens
Authors: Ogbuewu Ifeanyi Princewill , Mabelebele Monnye , Sebola Nthabiseng Amenda , Mbajiorgu Christian
Published: April 2022

In commercial poultry production, chickens are reared under intensive conditions, which may allow infections to spread quickly. Antibiotics are used at sub-therapeutic doses in livestock and poultry feed to prevent diseases and improve productivity. However, restrictions on the use of antibiotics at sub-therapeutic concentrations in livestock feed due to growing concerns of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), together with antibiotic residues in meat and eggs has prompted poultry researchers and feed producers to look for viable alternatives. Thus, there is increasing interest in developing natural alternatives to in-feed antibiotics to improve chicken productivity and health. Probiotics, specifically from the genusBacillushave proven to be effective due to their spore-forming capabilities. Furthermore, their ability to withstand heat during feed processing and be stored for a long time without losing viability as well as their potential to function in the acidic medium of the chicken gut, provide them with several advantages over conventional probiotics. Several studies regarding the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities ofBacillusprobiotics and their positive impact in chicken nutrition have been documented. Therefore, the present review shields light on the positive effect ofBacillusprobiotics as alternatives to in-feed antibiotics on growth performance, serum chemistry, antioxidant status, intestinal histomorphology and lesion scores of disease-challenged broiler chickens and the mechanisms by which they exert their actions. It is concluded thatBacillusprobiotics supplementation improve growth, health and productive indices of disease-challenged broiler chickens and can be a good alternative to in-feed antibiotics. However, more studies are required on the effect ofBacillusprobiotics supplementation in broiler chickens to maximize productivity and achieve the ultimate goal of stopping the usage of antibiotics at sub-therapeutic doses in broiler chicken feed to enhance performance.
Moniezia benedeni Infection Restrain IgA+, IgG+, and IgM+ Cells Residence in Sheep (Ovis aries) Small Intestine
Authors: Han Luo-Xia , Yao Wan-Ling , Pan Jing , Wang Bao-Shan , He Wan-Hong , Fan Xi-Ping , Wang Wen-Hui , Zhang Wang-Dong
Published: April 2022

Secreted immunoglobulin A (SIgA), IgG, and IgM play a crucial role in forming the intestinal mucosal immune barrier, and parasites could disturb the host's immune response by releasing various immunomodulatory molecules. Moniezia benedeni is an important pathogen parasitizing in the sheep small intestine. It is aimed to explore the residence characteristics of IgA+, IgG+, and IgM+ cells in the sheep small intestine, and the influence of Moniezia benedeni infection on them. Control group (n = 6) and infected group (n = 6) were selected, respectively, and the three subtype cells residing in the small intestine were systematically observed and analyzed. The results showed that in the Control group, the three types of positive cells were all distributed diffusely, and the total densities in jejunum, duodenum and ileum was gradually declined in turn. Notably, the change trend of IgA+ and IgG+ cells densities were both congruent with the total densities, and the differences among them were significant, respectively (P < 0.05); the IgM+ cells density was the highest in duodenum, followed by jejunum and ileum, there was no significant difference between duodenum and jejunum (P > 0.05), but both significantly higher than in ileum (P < 0.05). In the Infected group, their total densities in duodenum, jejunum and ileum were gradually declined in turn. Notably, the IgA+ and IgM+ cells densities change trend was the same as the total densities, and the differences among them were significant, respectively (P < 0.05). The IgG+ cells density in duodenum was the highest, followed by ileum and jejunum and there was significantly difference among them (P < 0.05). The comparison results between Control and Infected groups showed that from the duodenum, jejunum to ileum, IgA+, IgG+, and IgM+ cells were all reduced significantly, respectively. The results suggest that the three types of positive cells were resided heterogeneously in the small intestinal mucosa, that is, significant region-specificity; Moniezia benedeni infection could not change their diffuse distribution characteristics, but strikingly, reduce their resident densities, and the forming mucosal immune barrier were significantly inhibited. It provided powerful evidence for studying on the molecular mechanism of Moniezia benedeni evasion from immune surveillance by strongly inhibiting the host's mucosal immune barrier.
The Diagnostic Significance of CXCL13 in M2 Tumor Immune Microenvironment of Human Astrocytoma
Authors: Chang Shu-Jyuan , Chao Chia-Te , Kwan Aij-Lie , Chai Chee-Yin
Published: April 2022

Background: CXCL13 may act as a mediator of tumor-associated macrophage immunity during malignant progression.

Objective: The present study clarifies the clinicopathological significances of CXCL13 and its corresponding trend with M2 macrophage in human astrocytoma.

Methods: The predictive potential of CXCL13 was performed using 695 glioma samples derived from TCGA lower-grade glioma and glioblastoma (GBMLGG) dataset. CXCL13 and M2 biomarker CD163 were observed by immunohistochemistry in 112 astrocytoma tissues.

Results: An in-depth analysis showed that CXCL13 expression was related to the poor prognosis of glioma patients (p = 0.0002) derive from TCGA analysis. High level of CXCL13 was detected in 43 (38.39%) astrocytoma and CXCL13/CD163 coexpression was expressed in 33 (29.46%) cases. The immunoreactivities of CXCL13 and CXCL13/CD163 were found in the malignant lesions, which were both significantly associated with grade, patient survival, and IDH1 mutation. Single CXCL13 and CXCL13/CD163 coexpression predicted poor overall survival in astrocytoma (p = 0.0039 and p = 0.0002, respectively). Multivariate Cox regression analyses manifested CXCL13/CD163 phenotype was a significant independent prognostic indicator of patient outcome in astrocytoma (CXCL13, p = 0.0642; CXCL13/CD163, p = 0.0368).

Conclusion: CXCL13 overexpression is strongly linked to CD163+ M2 infiltration in malignant astrocytoma. CXCL13/CD163 coexpression would imply M2c-related aggressive characteristics existing in astrocytoma progression could also provide predictive trends of patient outcomes.
Deployable Tubular Mechanisms Integrated with Magnetic Anchoring and Guidance System
Authors: Yue Wenchao , Tang Ruijie , Wong Joei Simin , Ren Hongliang
Published: April 2022

Deployable mechanism has received more attention in the medical field due to its simple structure, dexterity, and flexibility. Meanwhile, the advantages of the Magnetic Anchoring and Guidance System (MAGS) are further highlighted by the fact that the operators can remotely control the corresponding active and passive magnetic parts in vivo. Additionally, MAGS allows the untethered manipulation of intracorporeal devices. However, the conventional instruments in MAGS are normally rigid, compact, and less flexible. Therefore, to solve this problem, four novel deployable tubular mechanisms, Design 1 (Omega-shape mechanism), Design 2 (Fulcrum-shape mechanism), Design 3 (Archway-shape mechanism), and Design 4 (Scissor-shape mechanism) in this paper, are proposed integrated with MAGS to realize the laser steering capability. Firstly, this paper introduces the motion mechanism of the four designs and analyzes the motion characterization of each structure through simulation studies. Further, the prototypes of four designs are fabricated using tubular structures with embedded magnets. The actuation success rate, the workspace characterization, the force generation and the load capability of four mechanisms are tested and analyzed based on experiments. Then, the demonstration of direct laser steering via macro setup shows that the four mechanisms can realize the laser steering capability within the error of 0.6 cm. Finally, the feasibility of indirect laser steering via a macro-mini setup is proven. Therefore, such exploration demonstrates that the application of the deployable tubular mechanisms integrated with MAGS towards in vivo treatment is promising.
Innovative Technologies for the Feeding of Dairy Cattle to Ensure Animal Welfare and Production Quality—INNOVALAT
Authors: Colantoni Andrea , Lacetera Nicola , Basiricò Loredana , Malacarne Massimo , Summer Andrea , Bernabucci Umberto
Published: April 2022

Modern agriculture is an extremely energy-intensive process [...]
Spatiotemporal Variation of Small Mammal Communities in Commercial Orchards across the Small Country
Authors: Stirkė Vitalijus , Balčiauskas Linas , Balčiauskienė Laima
Published: April 2022

The diversity of small mammal communities is a measure of the sustainability of habitats, especially agricultural ones. Based on 2018–2020 data from 18 sites in Lithuania, we analysed factors related to diversity of such a community, specifically the relative abundances and proportions of common vole, striped field mouse, yellow-necked mouse, and bank vole. We assessed the influence of location (central, northern, eastern, southern, and western parts of the country), habitat type (orchards, berry plantations, control habitats), the year and season. The model explained 14.8–33.4% of the listed parameters with p < 0.005 or higher, with the exception of the dominance index and the proportion of the common vole. Time factor (year and season, p < 0.001) and site location (p < 0.05) had the highest influences, while that of habitat type was less significant. The results of this and the former research suggest that commercial orchards play a role in maintaining the diversity and abundance of small mammal communities in the agrolandscapes.
Effectiveness of Measures to Reduce the Influence of Global Climate Change on Tomato Cultivation in Solariums—Case Study: Crișurilor Plain, Bihor, Romania
Authors: Cărbunar Mihai , Mintaș Olimpia , Sabău Nicu Cornel , Borza Ioana , Stanciu Alina , Pereș Ana , Venig Adelina , Curilă Mircea , Cărbunar Mihaela Lavinia , Vidican Teodora , Oneț Cristian
Published: April 2022

Tomatoes, one of the most appreciated vegetables consumed, are crops well adapted for cultivation in arid and semi-arid conditions, with the success of large yields guaranteed by covering water consumption through irrigation. Solar Pumps—SP are driven by Photovoltaic Panels—PV (SPAPV), eliminating the dependence on electricity or diesel; they are environmentally friendly because they generate carbon-free electricity, and the cost of operation and maintenance is lower. In order to preserve the water administered by drip to the tomato crop grown in solariums, mulching is used. In Husasău de Tinca, in the Crișurilor Plain, the cultivation of tomato varieties without mulching (WM) and with mulching with black foil (MBF) was studied. To answer the question “How effective are water conservation measures in terms of energy independence?”, two variants of SPAPVs, direct pumping (ADP) and storage tank (AST) were simulated. It is proposed to determine the water consumption of tomatoes (ETRo), using the temperatures inside the solarium. In 2016, the average temperatures during the vegetation period with insurance of over 20%, were observed. The specific investment (SI) is 214,795 Euro ha−1 in the case of ADP and respectively 202,990 Euro ha−1 in the case of ATS. The payback period (IPT) is between 2.68 years and 2.53 years for the ADP variant and between 1.63 years and 1.54 years for the ATS variant. The indications for water use and irrigation water use show that in the MBF variant, the water administered by localized irrigation is better utilized than in the WM variant. The novelty of this study is the evaluation of the effectiveness of measures to reduce the effects of global climate change on tomatoes grown in solariums, useful for forecasting and watering restrictions, water consumption is determined from the air temperature measured inside the solarium, with insurance of over 20%. Taking into account the working hypotheses, the distribution of irrigation water in the solarium, with the help of SPAPVs, for tomatoes grown in the MBF variant, and a drip irrigation arrangement with ATS, the energy independence of the farm is ensured, the yields obtained are economically efficient, and the irrigation water is used rationally.
Comparative Analysis of the Effects of Internal Factors on the Floral Color of Four Chrysanthemum Cultivars of Different Colors
Authors: Liu Jin-Zhi , Du Lian-Da , Chen Shao-Min , Cao Jing-Ru , Ding Xiang-Qin , Zheng Cheng-Shu , Sun Cui-Hui
Published: April 2022

Flower color, a critical phenotypic trait of ornamental plants, is an essential indicator for flower variety classification. Many physical and internal factors that affect flower color have been widely investigated; however, the effects of internal factors during the flowering period remain unknown. In this study, we evaluated the effects of internal factors on floral coloration during the flowering period of four chrysanthemum cultivars of different colors. colorimetric measurements showed that L*, a*, and b* were in correlation with the lightness and color development in the four chrysanthemum cultivars. The distinctive shape of upper epidermal cells was observed in each flowering stage of different colored chrysanthemums. With progression of the flowering process, the content of anthocyanins and carotenoids increased during early stages, decreased at the senescence stage, and was the highest at the full-bloom stage. The vacuolar pH of flowers gradually decreased as the flower bloomed. Metal contents in flowers varied across different chrysanthemum varieties. Anthocyanins biosynthesis genes, such as CmCHS and CmCHI, were expressed and responsible for pigment changes in red chrysanthemums. Moreover, the expression pattern of cytosol pH-related genes, such as CmVHA-a1, CmVHA-C, and CmVHA-C″1, was in accordance with a decrease in pH during flowering stages. Our results revealed the effects of main internal factors on floral color during the flowering period in four Chrysanthemum varieties, providing insights into the introcellular and molecular regulatory mechanisms of flower coloration and laying key foundations for the improvement of color breeding in chrysanthemums.
Environmental Impact Analysis of Natural Cork Stopper Manufacturing
Authors: Flor-Montalvo Francisco Javier , Martínez-Cámara Eduardo , García-Alcaraz Jorge Luis , Jiménez-Macías Emilio , Latorre-Biel Juan-Ignacio , Blanco-Fernández Julio
Published: April 2022

For both wine makers and customers, natural cork stoppers are a symbol of quality. Moreover, they are essential for maintaining the organoleptic properties of bottled wines throughout their lifespan. This research relied on the life-cycle assessment (LCA) methodology to analyze the relationship between the efficient usage of cork planks and the environmental impact of the cork stopper manufacturing industry. The goals of this research were to analyze and determine the environmental impact of producing 1 kg of natural cork stoppers. The analysis considered cork stoppers of two sizes—24 × 44 mm and 26 × 44 mm—and two manufacturing methods—punching and turning. Our findings indicated that the 24 × 44 mm cork stoppers produced with the punching method had a slightly lower environmental impact (1.36 kg CO2 eq/kg) across the ten analyzed impact categories. Conversely, 26 × 44 mm turned corks had the highest impact on the environment (1.49 kg CO2 eq/kg). Additionally, a comparison of same-sized punched and turned cork stoppers showed that the former had a lower environmental impact. This phenomenon is directly related to plank usage. In conclusion, there is a clear relationship between environmental impact and the efficient usage of raw material. In turn, an efficient usage of raw material depends on both the manufacturing method and stopper size.
Developmental and Physiological Responses of Pisum sativum L. after Short- and Long-Time Cadmium Exposure
Authors: Głowacka Katarzyna , Olszewski Jacek , Sowiński Paweł , Kalisz Barbara , Najdzion Janusz
Published: April 2022

Cadmium (Cd) as a toxic element has a significant effect on plants. The presented study was focused on the analysis of the differences between the short- (one day) and long-time (7 and 28 days) effects of Cd (10, 50, 100 and 200 μM CdSO4) on P. sativum L. The analysis showed that Cd treatment generally reduced the accumulation of Ca, K and Mn in pea plants. The elevation of the photosynthesis rate was observed after one day of Cd treatment. However, the opposite effect after 7 and 28 days of Cd treatment was noticed, and it was similar for all Cd concentrations used during the experiment. The influence of the Cd application on the development was observed after 28 days of treatment. The delay of the flowering time and stress-induced flowering (increase of the total number of flowers that did not develop the matured pods) evoked by Cd, except for plants treated with the lowest Cd concentration, was noticed. Interestingly, the highest Cd concentration increased root length but changed its structure and increased the ratio of the number of internodes to the shoot length. These results indicate that Cd actions substantially differ after 1, 7 and 28 days of treatment. Moreover, the raise or inhibition of physiological responses and development highly depends on Cd concentration.
Morpho-Physiological and Stress-Related Gene Expression of Rice Varieties in Response to Salinity Stress at Early Vegetative Stage
Authors: Shakri Tasneem , Che-Othman Muhammad Hafiz , Md Isa Nurulhikma , Sukiran Noor Liyana , Zainal Zamri
Published: April 2022

This study focuses on the growth and morpho-physiological responses of the Malaysian commercial variety MR219 rice to salinity stress during the early vegetative stages, specifically during germination and the five-leaf stage. For germination responses, MR219 seeds were grown for 10 days in different salt concentrations. Low salinity significantly improves seed germination and increases the total number of germinated seeds. However, higher salinity (160 mM NaCl) inhibits the germination of MR219 seeds and reduces the total number of germinated seeds by 93.3%. The effects of salinity on the five-leaf stage of MR219 were also determined and compared to the salinity-tolerant (Pokkali) and susceptible (IR64) varieties. There were significant reductions in the photosynthesis rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, and leaf chlorophyll content by 28.1%, 58.6%, 81.1%, and 3.7%, respectively. These reductions could contribute to the significant decrease in growth parameters measured throughout the treatment period. Based on the principal component analysis (PCA) result, MR219 is more tolerant to salinity than IR64, but is less tolerant than Pokkali. Further investigation on stress-related gene expression suggests that significant changes in the transcript level of genes involved in gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) shunt, ion transport, and reactive oxygen species detoxification could be attributed to the adaptation and tolerance level of each variety to salinity stress.
Effect of Gamma Radiation and Storage Time on the Microbial and Physicochemical Properties of Dried Byadgi Chili (Capsicum annuum)
Authors: Balakrishnan Naleene , Yusop Salma Mohamad , Rahman Irman Abdul , Dauqan Eqbal , Abdullah Aminah
Published: April 2022

The effects of gamma radiation up to 10 kGy and storage time (0 to 16 weeks) on microbial and physicochemical properties of dried Byadgi chili were investigated. After 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0 kGy of radiation, the samples were kept at room temperature with the control sample (0 kGy) and analyzed at 0, 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks. Microbial aspects including total aerobic count (TAC), E. Coli, coliform, yeast, and mold were tested, as were physicochemical characteristics such as moisture, water activity, surface color (L*, a*, b*, chroma, and hue), aflatoxin, capsaicin, and dihydrocapsaicin. As the radiation dose and storage period were increased, water activity rose in lockstep with moisture. Gamma radiation had no effect on the color of the surface up to 10 kGy, although it did not aid with the retention of the initial color value during storage. Mold growth was observed in the control, 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 kGy radiated samples, but no aflatoxin was found. The increase in radiation dose and storage time had a negative effect on capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin. TAC was also observed at the end of the storage time, despite radiation at 10.0 kGy successfully sterilizing dried Byadgi chili. The principal component analysis (PCA) biplot revealed two distinct groupings based on duration of storage times. Radiation at 10.0 kGy had an excellent response to the microbial profile, with only minimal changes in quality attributes after eight weeks of storage.
Antagonism of Bacillus velezensis Isolate from Anaerobically Digested Dairy Slurry against Fusarium Wilt of Spinach
Authors: Sugiyama Tomomi , Natsuaki Keiko T. , Tanaka Naoto , Shiwa Yuh , Irie Mami
Published: April 2022

This study was designed to assess the suppressive effects of various anaerobically digested slurries (ADSs), and the microorganisms inhabiting them, against Fusarium wilt in spinach. We used five different ADSs from a range of source materials (dairy cow manure, sewage sludge, food garbage, pig manure, night soil sludge), combined in different proportions. All five raw ADSs suppressed the growth of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. spinaciae (Fos) on agar plates using a co-culture test. In contrast, filtrate ADSs did not suppress the growth of Fos. In total, 32 bacterial strains were isolated from five ADSs, and eight isolates showed antagonistic activities against Fos. Based on 16S rDNA sequences, the strain AD-3 isolated from ADS from dairy cow manure belonged to Bacillus velezensis. Genome analysis revealed that AD-3 had two kinds of genes related to the production of the non-ribosomal lipopeptides, fengycin/plipastatin (pps genes), and surfactin (srf genes). In pot assays, inoculation of AD-3 (1.0 × 106 CFU·g−1 dry soil) into Fos-infected soil (1.0 × 105 bud-cells·g−1 dry soil) significantly reduced the severity of Fusarium wilt disease at 28 d after seedling. The percentage reductions in disease severity in two replicates were 64.3% and 44.3%, respectively. Thus, bacterial strain AD-3 could be applied to reduce Fusarium wilt in spinach.
Karst Soil Patch Heterogeneity with Gravels Promotes Plant Root Development and Nutrient Utilization Associated with Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi
Authors: Li Qing , Umer Muhammad , Guo Yun , Shen Kaiping , Xia Tingting , Xu Xinyang , Han Xu , Ren Wenda , Sun Yan , Wu Bangli , Liu Xiao , He Yuejun
Published: April 2022

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi associated with plant roots play an essential role in the belowground ecological process in karst habitats with high spatial and substrate heterogeneity. However, the effects of AM fungi on root morphology and nutrient uptake under different soil patch sizes and gravel content in karst habitats are still unclear. A controlled experiment was conducted using a square device divided into 16 grid patches. This experiment had three treatments, including the mycorrhizal fungal treatment inoculated with (M+) or without Glomus etunicatum Becker & Gerd (M−), the patch heterogeneity treatment through the homogeneous patch (Homo), heterogeneity-large patch (Hetl) and heterogeneity-small patch (Hets), and substrate heterogeneity treatment through the gravel-free substrate (GF), gravel-low substrate (GL), and gravel-high substrate (GH). Root traits and nutrients of Bidens pilosa L were analyzed, and the result showed the AM fungi significantly increased the dry weight, length, surface area, average diameter, volume, tips, branching points, and N, P, and K acquisitions of B. pilosa roots, but significantly decreased the specific root length. The Hets with soil and gravel increased the dry weight, length, surface area, tips, branching points, and N, P, and K acquisitions of B. pilosa roots compared with Hetl regulated by AM fungi. The GL and GH treatments also increased the dry weight, length, surface area, tips, branching points, and N, P, and K acquisitions of B. pilosa roots compared with GF regulated by AM fungi. These results indicate that the B. pilosa roots’ nutritional acquisition benefits were higher in Hets mixed with gravel for its root morphological development regulated by AM fungi in karst soil. In conclusion, we suggest that soil patch heterogeneity with gravels promotes root morphological development and nutrient utilization to karst plants associated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi.
Occurrence and Identification of Root-Knot Nematodes on Red Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) in Hainan, China
Authors: Long Haibo , Chen Yuan , Pei Yueling , Li Huadong , Sun Yanfang , Feng Tuizi
Published: April 2022

The genus Meloidogyne is one of the most economically damaging plant parasitic nematodes on a worldwide basis. To date, only the dragon fruits in Brazil were reported infected by M. javanica or M. incognita in previous surveys. From 2019–2021, we conducted our investigation in 62 orchards from 10 counties of Hainan, which are the main producing areas of dragon fruits in China. The collected roots were visually scored by gall index to evaluate the distribution and severity of diseases caused by Meloidogyne. Then, the isolated nematodes were further confirmed by a combination of morphological and molecular analysis. This survey revealed that the root-knot nematodes were widely distributed in red dragon fruit planting areas in Hainan and caused severe symptoms including stunting, wilting, and yellowing of the stems. The nematode populations were identified as M. enterolobii and M. javanica, among which, M. enterolobii accounted for a larger proportion, 93.9%. To our knowledge, this is the first report of M. enterolobii causing diseases on red dragon fruit. The results obtained from this survey will provide an insight into the presence of root-knot nematodes in dragon fruit plants. Also, these results will raise attention for developing effective management strategies to prevent further spread of root-knot nematodes on dragon fruit in Hainan.
The Seed Yield of Soybean Cultivars and Their Quantity Depending on Sowing Term
Authors: Księżak Jerzy , Bojarszczuk Jolanta
Published: April 2022

The successful production of soybean seeds is dependent on the sowing date, because every sowing outside of the optimal time contributes to losses of yield. The aim of the study was to identify the response to sowing date of the chosen soybean cultivars by the evaluation of the length of the soybean vegetation period, yield level, its parameters and seed chemical composition. A field experiment was conducted in the years 2016–2019 at the Agricultural Experimental Station in Grabów (Masovian Voivodeship, Poland) belonging to the Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation—State Research Institute in Puławy. Soybean cultivars (four in 2016–2017 and six in 2018–2019) listed in the EU Common Catalogue with various earliness were included in the experiment. Three different sowing dates were used: I—early, II—medium and III—delayed. The two-factor experiment was carried out using a split-plot design on Luvisol soil with sandy loam texture classes, in four replications. Soybean seeds were inoculated with a bacterial culture Nitragina containing strains Bradyrhizobium japonicum. After reaching full maturity, the most important morphological traits of 10 plants and yield components: the number of pods per plant and the number of seeds per pod were provided. After harvest, the seeds yield (kg per hectare at the 14% moisture), and 1000-seed weight were determined. The study showed that in the years with favourable weather conditions during the growing season the best yields were obtained for soybean sown on the second date, while in the year with unfavourable weather conditions, the sowing date had no significant effect on the yields. Seeds of the soybean cultivars grown under conditions of limited rainfall contained about 9% more protein than those grown under more favourable agroecological conditions. The delay of sowing date by about 20 days positively influenced the accumulation of protein in seeds.
The Feeding Behaviour Habits of Growing-Finishing Pigs and Its Effects on Growth Performance and Carcass Quality: A Review
Authors: Fornós Marta , Sanz-Fernández Santos , Jiménez-Moreno Encarnación , Carrión Domingo , Gasa Josep , Rodríguez-Estévez Vicente
Published: April 2022

Based on the available data of feeding behaviour habits (FBHs), this work aimed to discuss which type of pig, according to its FBHs, performs better and is more efficient. As pigs grow, average daily feed intake, meal size, and feeding rate increase, whereas small variations or even decreases in time spent eating and daily feeder visits have been reported. Moreover, the sex, breed, space allowance, feeder design, feed form, diet composition, and environmental conditions modify FBHs. On the other hand, the literature indicates the existence of four types of pigs: pigs that eat their daily feed intake in many short meals (nibblers) or in few large meals (meal eaters) combined with eating fast (faster eaters) or slow (slow eaters). The available scientific literature about ad libitum fed pigs suggests that pigs eating faster with bigger meals eat more, gain more weight, and are fatter than pigs eating less, slower, and with smaller meals. However, the feeding rate and the meal size do not influence feed efficiency. In conclusion, studies comparing growing-finishing pigs with similar feed intake, but different feeding rate and meal size are needed to better understand the influence of FBHs on feed efficiency.
Correction: Turner et al. Steatitis in Cold-Stunned Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtles (Lepidochelys kempii). Animals 2021, 11, 898
Authors: Turner Rachel C. , Innis Charles J. , Stacy Brian A. , Hernandez Jorge A. , Hill Richard C. , Scott Karen C. , Frasca Salvatore , Garner Michael M. , Burns Rachel E. , Arendt Michael D. , Brisson Jennifer , Norton Terry M. , Williams Sea Rogers , Kennedy Adam , Alexander Amy B. , Stacy Nicole I.
Published: April 2022

In the original publication [...]
Current Knowledge on the Bioavailability of Thymol as a Feed Additive in Humans and Animals with a Focus on Rabbit Metabolic Processes
Authors: Placha Iveta , Bacova Kristina , Plachy Lukas
Published: April 2022

The aim of this review is to describe the therapeutic effect of thymol on various human diseases, followed by its bioavailability in humans and animals. Based on our knowledge from the current literature, after thymol addition, thymol metabolites—mostly thymol sulphate and glucuronide—are detected in the plasma and urine of humans and in the plasma, intestinal content, faeces and tissues in rats, pigs, chickens, horses and rabbits after enzymatic cleavage. In rabbits, thymol absorption from the gastrointestinal tract, its distribution within the organism, its accumulation in tissues and its excretion from the organism have been described in detail. It is necessary and important for these studies to suggest the appropriate dose needed to achieve the required health benefits not only for animals but also for humans. Information from this review concerning the mode of action of thymol in animal organisms could also be applied to human medicine and may help in the utilisation of herbal medicine in humans and in veterinary healthcare. This review summarises the important aspects of thymol’s effects on health and its bioavailability in organisms, particularly in rabbits. In future, herbal-based drugs must be extensively investigated in terms of their mode of action, efficiency of administration and clinical effect.
Feeding Strategies to Mitigate Enteric Methane Emission from Ruminants in Grassland Systems
Authors: Vargas Juan , Ungerfeld Emilio , Muñoz Camila , DiLorenzo Nicolas
Published: April 2022

Ruminants produce approximately 30% of total anthropogenic methane emissions globally. The objective of this manuscript was to review nutritional enteric methane abatement practices for ruminants that are applicable under grazing conditions. A total of 1548 peer-reviewed research articles related to the abatement of enteric methane emissions were retrieved and classified into four categories: non-experimental, in vitro, in vivo confined, and in vivo grazing. The methane abatement strategies for grazing systems were arranged into grazing management and supplementation practices. Only 9% of the retrieved papers have been conducted under grazing conditions. Eight grazing management practices have been evaluated to reduce methane emissions. Decreasing the pre-grazing herbage mass reduced the methane emission per unit of product. Other grazing management practices such as increased stocking rate, decreased forage maturity, rotational stocking, and incorporating tannin-containing or non-tannin-containing feeds showed contradictory results. Nitrogen fertilization or silvopastoral systems did not modify methane emissions. Conversely, supplementation practices in grazing conditions showed contradictory responses on methane emissions. Lipid supplementation showed promising results and suggests applicability under grazing conditions. Identifying and implementing grazing strategies and supplementation practices under grazing conditions is required to increase efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of these systems.
When Incorporated into Fruit Sorbet Matrix, Are the Fructans in Natural Raw Materials More Beneficial for Bone Health than Commercial Formulation Added Alone?
Authors: Topolska Kinga , Bienko Marek , Ptaszek Paweł , Florkiewicz Adam , Radzki Radoslaw P. , Filipiak-Florkiewicz Agnieszka
Published: April 2022

We assessed the extent to which fructans from various sources and added in various forms (raw materials in diet alone or incorporated into a strawberry matrix) differ in their effectiveness towards selected parameters related to bone health under calcium hypoalimentation in growing female Wistar rats. The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of selected parameters involved in calcium metabolism, in response to a 12-week restriction of Ca intake: serum ions (Ca, Mg, P); the activity of alkaline phosphatase—using a BS 120 analyzer; the markers of bone turnover (osteocalcin, CTX; using a Rat-MidTMOsteocalcinEIA Kit and RatLapsTMEIA, respectively); and the bone mineral content (BMC) and density (BMD), using a Norland Excell Plus Densitometer. Among the examined markers, the CTX concentration increased dramatically under calcium hypoalimentation. The presence of Jerusalem artichoke (independently of the form of addition) and yacon root powder (with strawberry sorbet matrix) in the rats’ diet led to a significantly lower CTX concentration than was observed in the low-calcium control group. The type of fructan influenced the bone mass content. When fructan was added to the low-calcium diet as an ingredient of sorbet, it exerted more pronounced effects on the biochemical parameters of bone metabolism than when added alone, in the growing-female-rat model.
Pilot Study of Attitudes of Taiwanese Veterinarians and Undergraduate Veterinary Students toward Animal Abuse and Interpersonal Violence
Authors: Chen Yi-Hsuan , Huang Wei-Hsiang
Published: April 2022

There is a strong association between animal abuse and interpersonal violence; therefore, veterinarians may encounter both. Dealing with animal abuse cases is beneficial for advancing animal welfare and the overall public health. Veterinarians play an important role in identifying and responding to this relationship. This study estimated the incidence of animal abuse encountered by veterinarians, examined veterinarians’ awareness of the relationship between animal abuse and human abuse, examined veterinarians’ attitudes towards how they deal with abuse cases, and related demographic characteristics to their attitudes of intervention and the frequency of encountering abuse cases. An anonymous self-administered questionnaire was designed and distributed through social media. Our results show that respondents’ motivation to interfere for animal abuse cases was positively related to their moral or legal responsibility, willingness to assist, and agreement of mandatory reporting. Our results indicated that respondents who believed they had been provided with adequate training were more willing to deal with animal abuse, more capable of distinguishing abuse cases, and did not believe that dealing with abuse cases was beyond their ability. However, more than 60% of our respondents self-evaluated that the animal cruelty awareness training courses were insufficient. Hence, in addition to the traditional role of veterinarians, identifying and responding to animal cruelty should be enhanced through education.
Effects of Different Dietary Carbohydrate Sources on the Meat Quality and Flavor Substances of Xiangxi Yellow Cattle
Authors: Su Minchao , Chen Dong , Zhou Jing , Shen Qingwu
Published: April 2022

This study investigated the dietary supplementation of starches with different carbohydrate sources on the proximate composition, meat quality, flavor substances, and volatile flavor substances in the meat of Chinese Xiangxi yellow cattle. A total of 21 Chinese Xiangxi yellow steers (20 ± 0.5 months, 310 kg ± 5.85 kg) were randomly divided into three groups (control, corn, and barley groups), with seven steers per group. The control steers received a conventional diet (coarse forage type: whole silage corn at the end of the dough stage as the main source), the corn group received a diet with corn as the main carbohydrate source, and the barley group received a diet with barley as the main carbohydrate source. The experiment lasted for 300 d. and the means of the final weights in the control, corn, and barley groups were 290 kg, 359 kg, and 345 kg. The diets were isonitrogenous. The corn and barley groups reduced the moisture (p = 0.04) and improved the intramuscular fat content of the meat (p = 0.002). They also improved meat color (a*) (p = 0.01) and reduced cooking loss (p = 0.08), shear force (p = 0.002), and water loss (p = 0.001). There was no significant difference in the 5′-nucleotide content (p > 0.05), the equivalent umami concentration (EUC) (p = 0.88), and taste activity value (TAV) (p > 0.05) among the three groups. The 5′-IMP (umami) content was the highest in the 5′-nucleotide and its TAV > 1. The corn and barley groups improved the content of tasty amino acids (tAA, p < 0.001). The corn group had a higher content of sweet amino acids (SAA, p < 0.001) and total amino acids (TAA, p = 0.003). Corn and barley improved the levels of MUFA (p < 0.001), PUFA (p = 0.002), n-3 PUFA (p = 0.005), and n-6 PUFA (p = 0.020). The levels of alcohols, hydrocarbons, and aldehydes in the corn group were higher than in the barley and control groups (p < 0.001). The esters content in the corn group was higher than in the barley and control groups (p = 0.050). In conclusion, feeding corn or barley as a carbohydrate source can improve the nutrient content and taste. Feeding corn as a carbohydrate source can improve the content of free amino acids (Cys, Glu, Gly, Thr, Leu, Trp, Gln, Asn, and Asp), fatty acids (saturated fatty acid, monounsaturated fatty acid, polyunsaturated fatty acid, n-3PUFA, n-6PUFA, and total fatty acid), and volatile flavor substances (alcohols, aldehydes, acids, and hydrocarbons) to improve the flavor and meat quality.