bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Making Slow Path”. The Arts-Based Event “Gebermte” as an Act of Commoning
Authors: Saavedra Bruno Sofia , Isan Lavinia , Balcha Wossen Gebreyohannes , Van den Broeck Pieter
Published: May 2022

This paper explores the transformative potential of Commoning for establishing an urban governance arrangement of an inter-municipal slow path connection located on a former railway embankment—the “Berm” in Mortsel, in the Province of Antwerp, Belgium. To do so, this paper makes use of French pragmatist sociology, namely the “Théorie des Cités (TdC)”, and proposes what we term a “TdC plus” (TdC+), which enhances the TdC with insights from personal psychology, interpersonal interactions and socio-institutional dynamics; the TdC+ also incorporates features of the Landed Commons (Grand Principles of the Landed Commons) into the TdC's approach of common good and operationalises it from an Action research perspective. The paper focuses on the transformative potential of “Gebermte 2019”, an arts-based local initiative aiming to support the establishment of a slow path on the Berm. It illustrates how small scale actions, such as citizens' cultural activities (considered as embedded in processes involving multiple actors over an extended period of time), can be instrumental in empowering civil society groups and help overcome conflict and foster collaboration. It explores the role of supralocal urban governance arrangements in making local initiatives more effective.
True Reduction in the Air Pollution Levels in the Community of Madrid During the COVID-19 Lockdown
Authors: Cordero Jose María , Narros Adolfo , Borge Rafael
Published: May 2022

The coronavirus disease (COVID) lockdown was implemented in 2020, which included harsh restrictions on the amount of traffic. As a consequence, a low-emission scenario that could only be simulated before, actually occurred. This constituted a unique and valuable opportunity to study the effect of air quality pollutant concentrations. Although a direct comparison between the observed measured values given by reference air quality stations (AQSs) and values from before the COVID lockdown provides an idea of the pollution reduction, it cannot be separated from the meteorology, and hence, those studies could be misleading. This study used the approach of modeling a normal business day using both air quality and meteorological data from 2017 to 2019 to train machine-learning models to be able to predict what concentration of the three most concerning pollutants (NO2, O3, and PM10) would be given by the meteorological conditions and the time of the year. The XGBoost and LightGBM gradient boosting decision tree-based models were applied to the time series recorded in Madrid and used to predict the expected concentrations in 2020 if no restrictions had been made. The predictions could then be compared to the real observed AQS data to determine the meteorological normalized reductions. The results showed around a 60% reduction in the NO2 at the three types of AQSs (traffic, suburban, and background) during the most restrictive months of the pandemic. The O3 concentration showed a different behavior depending on the type of AQS, pointing to changes in the regime of other pollutants, such as VOCs. The PM10 was the most difficult case to analyze because of its dependence on external transport phenomena, which were difficult to consider in the models. A set of CTM simulations should be done in the future to assess the O3-VOCs-NOx chemistry.
Evaluation of Whether Emergency Physicians Should Join the Multidisciplinary Team for Older Hip Fracture Patients
Authors: Guan Lan , Wang Cong , Zhao Bin , Yang Minghui , Zhu Shiwen , Wu Xinbao
Published: May 2022

Background

Geriatric hip fracture is one of the most common end-stage events in older patients with osteoporosis. We aimed to improve the original co-management process by engaging emergency physicians in the preoperative multidisciplinary management team (MDT). We evaluated this intervention in terms of reducing patient waiting time before surgery.

Methods

Emergency Department data and hospitalization data for patients diagnosed with geriatric hip fractures in Beijing Jishuitan Hospital (JSTH) were collected and sorted into the intervention group, for whom the MDT included emergency physicians (from January 2019 to December 2019), and the control group (from January 2017 to December 2017). The percentage of patients treated with surgery within 48 h of admission was used as the primary outcome. The secondary outcomes included the time from emergency visit to admission (hours), the time from admission to discharge (days), the percentage of patients receiving surgical treatment after admission, the rate of perioperative medical complications during hospitalization, postoperative admission to the Intensive Care Unit, and total deaths during hospitalization.

Results

A total of 2,152 patients were enrolled. The rate of hypertension (58.5% vs 52.1%), coronary heart disease (24.6% vs 19.9%), and cerebrovascular disease (19.4% vs 15.5%) was higher in the intervention group than in the control group. The percentage of patients receiving surgical treatment in the intervention group (98.3%) was significantly higher than in the control group (96.3%, p = 0.004). The proportion of patients receiving surgical treatment within 48 h of admission was significantly higher in the intervention group (82.4%) than in the control group (60.4%, p < 0.001). The hospital stay was significantly shorter in the intervention group compared with the control group (p < 0.001). The incidence of perioperative medical complications and mortality during hospitalization was similar in the two groups.

Conclusions

Involving emergency physicians in the MDT can reduce the waiting time before surgery and the hospital stay for older hip fracture patients.
Development of Total Lymphoid Irradiation (TLI)-Dedicated Shielding and Image-Guided System and Dose Evaluation Using 3D-Printed Rat Phantom
Authors: Choi Dong Hyeok , Ahn So Hyun , Park Kwangwoo , Choi Sang Hyun , Kim Jin Sung
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to propose a technique for delivering accurate doses in an image-guided system by developing an experimental setup optimized for total lymphoid irradiation (TLI) in rat lung transplantation.

Materials and Methods

In this study, a position-controlled shielding system was developed, and the dose was quantitatively evaluated using a 3D rat phantom and Gafchromic EBT3 film. In addition, we made our own image-guided system that allows the position of the rat and the shielding system to be confirmed during TLI.

Results

As a result of using the position-controlled shielding system, it was found that the doses to the head and lungs were reduced by 93.1 and 87.4%, respectively, of the prescribed doses. In addition, it was shown that the position of the shielding system can be easily confirmed by using the image guidance system.

Conclusion

A shielding apparatus that can control dose delivery according to the size of the rat can optimize the dose for TLI in rat lung transplantation.
Lung Volume Reduction Followed by Lung Transplantation in Emphysema—A Multicenter Matched Analysis
Authors: Slama Alexis , Ceulemans Laurens J. , Hedderich Celia , Boehm Panja M. , Van Slambrouck Jan , Schwarz Stefan , Vandervelde Christelle M. , Kamler Markus , Jaksch Peter , Van Raemdonck Dirk , Hoetzenecker Konrad , Aigner Clemens
Published: May 2022

Graphical Abstract
Single Donor Infusion of S-Nitroso-Human-Serum-Albumin Attenuates Cardiac Isograft Fibrosis and Preserves Myocardial Micro-RNA-126-3p in a Murine Heterotopic Heart Transplant Model
Authors: Schaefer Anne-Kristin , Kiss Attila , Oszwald André , Nagel Felix , Acar Eylem , Aliabadi-Zuckermann Arezu , Hackl Matthias , Zuckermann Andreas , Kain Renate , Jakubowski Andrzej , Ferdinandy Peter , Hallström Seth , Podesser Bruno K.
Published: May 2022

Graphical Abstract
The Clinical Impact of Anti-HLA Donor Specific Antibody Detection Through First Year Screening on Stable Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Sharma Akhil , Jorgensen Dana R. , Mehta Rajil B. , Sood Puneet , Puttarajappa Chethan M. , Wu Christine M. , Tevar Amit D. , Molinari Michele , Zeevi Adriana , Hariharan Sundaram
Published: May 2022

Graphical Abstract
Progress in Almond Quality and Sensory Assessment: An Overview
Authors: Massantini Riccardo , Frangipane Maria Teresa
Published: May 2022

World production of shelled almonds has reached 3.2 million tonnes (FAO 2020). Almond production has grown during the last decennium, also because of the consumer conviction that almonds have significant health benefits. Almonds have exceptional nutritional and organoleptic characteristics, and proper assessment of the quality of almonds is of utmost importance. Almonds have a nutritional value that is relatively low in total sugars (4.35 g/100 g of almonds) but rich in lipids, proteins, minerals, vitamins, and phytonutrients, making them a healthy and nutritious food. The almond kernel is particularly rich in protein, the second most important fraction after the lipid fraction. The protein content of almond kernel depends on the cultivar and varies from 8.4% to 35.1%. This review examines current advancements in the quality assessment of almonds, evidencing above all their nutritional characteristics, health benefits and the influence of processing on shelf life. Our aim was to provide an overview in order to improve the quality of almonds and the sustainability of the whole production. According to the literature, almonds can provide many health benefits and are a great economic resource. This review will help almond producers to choose the best cultivars to cultivate and, in the final analysis, enhance the qualitative characteristics of almonds. Our review is also an important resource for scientists. It provides state of the art research and can offer inspiration for other researchers.
Agricultural Landscapes as a Basis for Promoting Agritourism in Cross-Border Iberian Regions
Authors: Ferreira Dora Isabel Rodrigues , Sánchez-Martín José-Manuel
Published: May 2022

Areas with low levels of transformation are alternative destinations for tourists who prefer to visit nonmassified places and have singular experiences. The benefits of these microdestinations are their local populations, traditional products, landscapes, and heritage, which, in turn, allow the cultural and gastronomic roots to be witnessed. Based on this assumption, the present research investigated landscape preferences in the Tejo/Tajo International Transboundary Biosphere Reserve (Portugal/Spain), where Dehesa/Montado and traditional olive groves play important economic and sociocultural roles. This investigation sought to compare the opinions of those who live there with those who visit the territory in terms of landscape and agritourism experience preferences. To this, 439 interviews were conducted, and the results were extracted through descriptive analysis techniques and parametric and nonparametric tests to understand the different opinions. The main results were that agricultural landscapes are among the most preferred, and visitors tend to give the landscape higher scores, while the local population has some ignorance of its potential. The potential of agritourism was revealed through the motivation expressed by the demand to participate in gastronomic experiences and have contact with local products, followed by participation in activities that allow people to enjoy the agricultural landscape and rural traditions. The results revealed that the agritourism concept is often confused with rural tourism and nature tourism. Thus, it is necessary to develop a strategy to support the tourism supply according to the concept of authentic agritourism. In this way, agricultural activity has an important role in driving sustainable tourism dynamics in cross-border regions and boosting new products based on the culture, nature, and biodiversity characteristics of a protected area.
Transparent and Black Film Mulching Improve Photosynthesis and Yield of Summer Maize in North China Plain
Authors: Qin Shanshan , Zhang Yanqun , Wang Jiandong , Wang Chuanjuan , Mo Yan , Gong Shihong
Published: May 2022

In order to clarify the influences of drip irrigation under different mulch materials on crop yield, field experiments were carried out in the North China Plain for two seasons in 2020 and 2021. The changes in field microenvironment, photosynthetic capacity, leaf biological factors, and maize growth indexes were analyzed under drip irrigation with transparent film (W), black film (B), and straw mulching (S), with a nonmulching field as control (CK). The results showed that compared with CK, the yield of W and B increased by 7.2–9.9% and 7.1–12.4%, and the yield of S did not change significantly. The increase in yield was related to the improvement of the field microenvironment and photosynthetic capacity and higher LAI. Compared with CK, the soil water content 0–40 cm below the soil surface of W, B, and S increased by 13.6%, 9.1%, and 4.6%, respectively, and the 5 cm effective accumulated soil temperature of W and B increased by 7.9–10.2% and 4.1–4.7%, respectively. The maximum carboxylation rate (Vmax) of W, B, and S at the jointing stage was significantly increased by 3.5–17.3%, 12.7–17.6%, and 10.1–12.7% compared with CK. There was a significant linear correlation between Vmax and Nmass, and the correlation was affected by mulching treatments. At the jointing stage, compared with the CK, the LAI of W and B significantly increased by 8.6–66.5% and 7.2–56.0%, but there was no significant difference between S and CK. In conclusion, the increase in yield of W and B resulted from the combined effect of increasing LAI, Vmax, and soil water content and temperature.
Dynamics of Food Value Chains: Resilience, Fairness and Sustainability
Authors: Barling David , Samoggia Antonella , Olafsdottir Gudrun
Published: May 2022

For farmers–growers, the routes to market can be complex as their produce moves through the food value chain to the final consumer [...]
Spatiotemporal Patterns of Multiscale Drought and Its Impact on Winter Wheat Yield over North China Plain
Authors: Wu Jiujiang , Cheng Gang , Wang Nan , Shen Hongzheng , Ma Xiaoyi
Published: May 2022

Drought has a significant impact on agricultural production, but the evolution of drought in the North China Plain (NCP) and its impact on winter wheat yield remain unclear. In this paper, we used the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) and combined with the Standardized Yield Residual Series (SYRS) and the Vegetation Condition Index (VCI) to study the spatiotemporal distribution of drought at different time scales and its impact on winter wheat yield. We found that: (1) The southern NCP was dominated by mild drought at the 1-month scale. In the northern NCP, mild drought was observed at the short-time scale and moderate drought at the medium- and long-time scales; (2) the frequency of mild drought was high and the frequency of moderate drought was a step lower. Moreover, drought risks were increasing in the north-central, eastern, and northeastern NCP, while the southern, west-central, southeastern, and northwestern NCP were becoming wetter (at the 6- and 9-month scales); (3) the maximum correlation coefficients were concentrated in the seedling to the greening stages. (4) Drought affected winter wheat with a lag of approximately 3 months, and the VCI was the most sensitive to the short-term SPEI.
Wool Pellets Are a Viable Alternative to Commercial Fertilizer for Organic Vegetable Production
Authors: Bradshaw Terence , Hagen Kimberley
Published: May 2022

The maintenance of optimum mineral nutrient fertility is a limiting factor in organic vegetable systems, with many growers resorting to applications of off-farm commercial fertilizer inputs. In this study, pelleted sheep’s wool was compared against a standard commercial fertilizer product for effects on productivity and plant growth in spinach and tomato. Two rates of wool pellets were applied; one was standardized to the nitrogen inputs of the ‘grower standard’ commercial treatment, and a second higher rate which was suggested by the pellet manufacturer with about 2.5 times the nitrogen content. Overall, few differences were observed among the fertilized treatments. Crop yield for both tomato and spinach generally increased with increasing fertility application, with no differences between commercial and wool pellet fertilizers applied at the same rate of nitrogen. The uptake of mineral nutrients in spinach plant tissues differed for K, Mg, P, S, B, and Ca, but there was no general trend that could be attributed to a particular treatment. Tomato fruit quality was the same for all treatments, but non-fertilized fruit had lower total polyphenols than the highest-fertility treatment. Overall, wool pellets performed very similarly to commercial organic fertilizer for both crops and could be a promising alternative that may open up opportunities for greater integration of plant and animal systems on diversified farms.
Improvements in Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) Varieties and Parent Traceability Analysis in Yunnan, China
Authors: Zhao Yong , Zan Fenggang , Deng Jun , Zhao Peifang , Zhao Jun , Wu Caiwen , Liu Jiayong , Zhang Yuebin
Published: May 2022

Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) breeding in China has a history of nearly 70 years. Yunnan province represents the second largest sugarcane planting area in China; therefore, by studying the evolution of sugarcane varieties in this region, it is possible to gain an understanding of the process of improvement since the foundation of sugarcane hybrid breeding. In this study, we compared the main industrial and agronomical characteristics of 107 sugarcane varieties, developed between 1952 and 2020, and discussed the reasons for replacement and exchange. Overall, significant differences were observed (p < 0.01), highlighting notable improvements, especially in terms of yield; however, disease incidence remains a serious issue and the fundamental reason for variety replacement. Meanwhile, analysis of parent traceability revealed that the main varieties cultivated at present have a similar parental relationship based around CP, F, and YC series germplasms. Taken together, these findings suggest that disease-resistant breeding should be strengthened, and susceptible varieties eliminated, while making full use of existing varieties as core parents.
A Technological Approach to Support Extensive Livestock Management in the Portuguese Montado Ecosystem
Authors: Serrano João , Roma Luís , Shahidian Shakib , Belo Anabela D. F. , Carreira Emanuel , Paniagua Luís L. , Moral Francisco , Paixão Luís , Marques da Silva José
Published: May 2022

Extensive livestock production systems based on improved pastures under Montado of Holm oaks represent an approach in line with the challenges of sustainability and biodiversity. The increasing incorporation of technologies in the monitoring of this ecosystem allows for a better knowledge of the spatial and temporal variability and, consequently, a more economically profitable management. In this study, between July 2020 and June 2021, soil and pastures were monitored in a 20 ha Montado area located in Alentejo (Southern Portugal) and used for extensive grazing of cattle. The survey of soil apparent electrical conductivity (ECa), the application of algorithms for definition of homogeneous management zones (HMZ), the use of indices obtained from satellite imagery time series to characterize the evolution of pasture quality and the soil and pasture sampling, including the identification of bio-indicator botanical species, were the basis of this exploratory study, allowing a holistic approach to this complex soil-pasture-trees and animals ecosystem. In the near future, this knowledge could represent an important milestone in providing decision-making support systems to farm managers in terms of smart sampling, differential application of fertilizers, amendments or seeds, choosing the best spacing and density of trees in this ecosystem, promoting dynamic grazing, or identifying the animal feed supplementation needs in the critical periods of the year.
Combined Organic and Inorganic Fertilization Can Enhance Dry Direct-Seeded Rice Yield by Improving Soil Fungal Community and Structure
Authors: Guo Xiaohong , Liu Jiajun , Xu Lingqi , Sun Fujing , Ma Yuehan , Yin Dawei , Gao Qiang , Zheng Guiping , Lv Yandong
Published: May 2022

Direct seeding of rice has emerged as a strategy for sustainable rice (Oryza sativa L.) production because of advantages, such as fewer production links, labor and farmland water-saving, easy mechanization, and high economic benefits. However, few studies have investigated the effects of different organic fertilizers on soil fungal community and rice yield in dry direct-seeded paddy fields. In order to select the best combination of organic fertilizer and chemical fertilizer, field experiments were used to evaluate the role of no fertilizer (F0); CF, conventional NPK fertilizer, OF1, biochar + conventional NPK fertilizer; OF2, seaweed bioorganic fertilizer + conventional NPK fertilizer; OF3, Jishiwang bioorganic fertilizer + conventional NPK fertilizer; and OF4, attapulgite organic fertilizer + conventional NPK fertilizer on microbial structure and diversity and rice yield. Under Jishiwang bioorganic fertilizer + conventional NPK fertilization, the number of fungal OTUs was 365 and ranged from 1 to 9. The Ascomycota relative abundance was increased by 28.25% under Jishiwang bioorganic fertilizer application compared with CF, but the Basidiomycota decreased. Sordariomycetes and Leotiomycetes relative abundances were increased under organic fertilization. The relative abundance of dung saprotrophs, fungal parasites, and leaf saprotrophs was increased under organic fertilizer compared to CF, and animal pathogens decreased, but organic fertilizers also increased plant pathogens. Rice yield was increased under Jishiwang bioorganic fertilizer + conventional NPK fertilizer and was positively correlated with Ascomycota and Sordariomycetes relative abundances. The use of Jishiwang bioorganic fertilizer + conventional NPK fertilizer improves fungal community diversity and rice yield.
Forage Yield, Quality, and Impact on Subsequent Cash Crop of Cover Crops in an Integrated Forage/Row Crop System
Authors: Bracey Weston M. , Sykes Virginia R. , Yin Xinhua , Bates Gary E. , Butler David M. , McIntosh David W. , Willette Allison R.
Published: May 2022

Dual-use cover crops as forage for livestock could offer ecological and economic benefits when incorporated into rotations with corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr) in the Mid-South USA; however, information on implementation and impact is limited. A factorial of sixteen cool-season species and a no-cover control by two management systems (forage harvest and residue left in the field) was repeated under two cover crop planting/termination timings: long-season (Oct. through May; corn/cover-crop/soybean) and short-season (Nov. through Apr.; soybean/cover-crop/corn), two locations (Spring Hill and Knoxville, TN), and two growing seasons (2017/2018 and 2018/2019). Data were analyzed using a mixed model ANOVA (SAS 9.4.). The forage biomass did not differ by species within the short-season (415 to 1583 kg ha−1) but did in the long-season (475 to 4282 kg ha−1). Within the long-season, crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.) and winter pea (Pisum sativum subsp. arvense (L.)) had crude protein and acid detergent fiber values within the range for prime forage and were among the highest biomasses. The forage harvest did not negatively affect soil properties or succeeding crop yield and quality. If appropriate species are selected, cover crops within a corn/cover-crop/soybean rotation can provide quality forage, without reducing the short term ecological benefits.
Influence of Simultaneous Intercropping of Maize-Bean with Input of Inorganic or Organic Fertilizer on Growth, Development, and Dry Matter Partitioning to Yield Components of Two Lines of Common Bean
Authors: Suárez Juan Carlos , Anzola José Alexander , Contreras Amara Tatiana , Salas Dina Luz , Vanegas José Iván , Urban Milan O. , Beebe Stephen E. , Rao Idupulapati M.
Published: May 2022

Intercropping is a common practice among smallholder farmers cultivating common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and maize (Zea mays L.). It affects agronomic performance, dry matter partitioning, and grain yield. Simultaneous intercropping of common bean with maize can influence growth, development, and dry matter partitioning of grain of common bean. The main objectives of this study are to: (i) evaluate the dynamics of growth and development of the different vegetative organs, and (ii) determine the efficiency in dry matter partitioning to yield components of two common bean lines grown under monoculture compared with two simultaneous intercropping patterns (pattern 1, pattern 2) with maize and managed with two types of fertilizer application. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 3 replications was used in a nested trifactorial arrangement in split-plot scheme. The field experiment was conducted in two seasons under conditions of acid soils and high temperatures in the western Amazon region of Colombia. Simultaneous intercropping patterns 1 and 2 had a negative effect on growth dynamics of maize compared to maize monoculture. But the two bean lines when associated with maize showed no significant differences on growth dynamics under both types of fertilizer application. Under both intercropping patterns, the maize cobs were larger, a condition that increased the number of grains, but with smaller size of grains compared to monoculture. In the case of two bean lines, the growth and development responses were different: under monoculture the number of pods and seeds per plant was higher while the number of grains per pod increased under intercropping patterns. Among the two bean lines, 100-seed weight was significantly higher in BFS 10 compared to ALB 121. At the grain yield level of common bean, the simultaneous intercropping pattern increased 516 kg ha−1 and 993 kg ha−1 more than that obtained in monoculture (4936 kg ha−1) with inorganic and organic fertilizer, respectively. Results from this study indicated that smallholders in the Amazon region of Colombia can achieve higher grain yield through the implementation of simultaneous intercropping of maize with common bean line (BFS 10) under organic fertilizer application.
Gastrointestinal Parasite Community and Phenotypic Plasticity in Native and Introduced Alien Lagomorpha
Authors: Catalano Stefano , La Morgia Valentina , Molinar Min Anna Rita , Fanelli Angela , Meneguz Pier Giuseppe , Tizzani Paolo
Published: May 2022

The Convention on Biological Diversity classifies “Invasive Alien Species” as those whose introduction and spread represents a threat for biodiversity. Introduction of alien pathogens, including parasites, is one of the main consequences of the introduction of invasive alien species. The objective of this work was to assess the parasite community composition in native lagomorphs (Lepus europaeus and Lepus timidus varronis) in sympatric and non-sympatric conditions with an alien lagomorph (Sylvilagus floridanus), and to evaluate the phenotypic traits of exotic parasites in such conditions. We firstly describe the characteristics of the parasite community in the different host species (richness, prevalence, abundance and intensity), and, secondly, the phenotypic traits of the observed parasite species in each host. Nine helminths were reported on: eight nematodes (Obeliscoides cuniculi, Trichostrongylus calcaratus, Trichostrongylus retortaeformis, Trichostrongylus affinis, Trichuris leporis, Trichostrongylus colubriformis, Passalurus ambiguus, and Nematodirus sp.) and one unidentified cestode. In addition, exotic parasites showed significantly different phenotypic plasticity after spillover from S. floridanus to L. europaeus, whereas endemic parasite species were not isolated in the alien S. floridanus. Our results highlight that the community of autochthonous and allochthonous Lagomorpha in northwestern Italy represents an extremely interesting system for modelling ecological and evolutionary interactions between parasites and their hosts.
Lower-Than-Expected Vitamin A Concentrations in a Commercial Diet Associated with Uroliths and Pyelonephritis in Rats
Authors: Munday John S. , Castillo-Alcala Fernanda , Jaros Patricia
Published: May 2022

Five of 95 rats in an oral safety study developed uroliths, with two of these rats also developing pyelonephritis. Histology of the urinary tract revealed squamous metaplasia suggestive of vitamin A deficiency. Analysis of the diet showed around half the expected concentration of vitamin A, although the concentrations were close to the published nutritional requirements for rats. Due to the presence of squamous metaplasia of the transitional epithelium and the low vitamin A concentration in the diet, a presumptive diagnosis of vitamin A deficiency was made, although an interaction between the low vitamin A concentrations and other dietary components appears possible. Although the uroliths did not cause clinical signs of disease, the lesions observed during this study could have been misinterpreted as being due to the test substance. Observations from this study highlight the need for high-quality food to ensure background lesions do not develop when performing safety studies in rats.
Grazing Ecology of Sheep and Its Impact on Vegetation and Animal Health on Pastures Dominated by Common Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea L.)—Part 2: Animal Health
Authors: Ohlsen Susanne , Ganter Martin , Wohlsein Peter , Reckels Bernd , Huckauf Aiko , Lenzewski Nikola , Aboling Sabine
Published: May 2022

Common ragwort (Senecio jacobaea L.) naturally occurs on species-rich grasslands. Containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA), it endangers livestock health through contaminated feed. Although in vitro studies showed a detoxification capacity of PA in sheep, few field data are available on the ability of grazing sheep to cope with ragwort. During two grazing seasons on a ragwort-rich pasture, we studied: (1) To what extent do sheep voluntarily ingest ragwort and (2) What impact their grazing behavior has on animal health. Ragwort intake was monitored by counting missing plant parts and calculating their weight. From 70 sheep, seven were slaughtered at the beginning and in six-week intervals at the end of each grazing period to monitor blood parameters and liver tissue. Sheep continuously preferred ragwort. The daily intake was above the currently assumed lethal dose, varying between 0.2–4.9 kg per sheep. Clinical, hematologic, and blood biochemistry parameters mostly remained within the reference limits. Initially elevated liver copper content declined over time. The liver of all 70 animals displayed slight to moderate hepatitis, fibrosis, and proliferation of the bile ducts, but no morphological signs of liver cirrhosis. Sheep preferred and tolerated ragwort, making their grazing an option to control ragwort from both an animal health and nature conservation perspective.
Triacylglycerides and Cholesterol in Organic Milk from Chiapas, Mexico
Authors: González José Jesús Pérez , Romero Marcela Guillermina Ortiz , Bermúdez Beatriz Schettino , Rojas Jorge Luis Ruíz , Vázquez Claudia Cecilia Radilla , Frechero Nelly Molina , Tolentino Rey Gutiérrez
Published: May 2022

The study of milk fat composition is a priority topic at the international level; however, there are few studies on the composition of triacylglycerides (TAG) and sterols in cow’s milk produced in organic production systems. The objective of this study was to determine the profile of TAG, cholesterol, and other sterols in the fat of raw cow’s milk produced under organic conditions in the municipality of Tecpatán, Chiapas. Every month for one year, milk samples were obtained from three production units (PU 1, 2 and 3) and from the collecting tank (CT) of the municipality (12 months × 4 = 48 samples), in accordance with Mexican regulations. Milk fat was extracted by detergent solution and TAG and sterol analyses were performed by gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector and capillary columns. Chromatographic analyses identified and quantified 15 TAG in all milk fats, from C26 to C54, with a bimodal behavior; the maximum value (% w/w) for the first mode was located at C38 (14.48) and, for the second mode, C50 and C52 were considered with values of 11.55 and 11.60, respectively. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey’s test only yielded significance (p < 0.05) for C26; most TAG values over time showed homogeneous variability. Cholesterol, brassicasterol, and campesterol were also determined; ANOVA did not show statistical significance (p ≥ 0.05) between them in the production units and collecting tank. Cholesterol had the highest percentage of the sterols with a mean value of 96.41%. The TAG and cholesterol profiles found in this study were similar to those reported in other countries.
Enrichment Is Simple, That’s the Problem: Using Outcome-Based Husbandry to Shift from Enrichment to Experience
Authors: Vicino Greg A. , Sheftel Jessica J. , Radosevich Louisa M.
Published: May 2022

Over the decades, the use of environmental enrichment has evolved from a necessary treatment to a “best practice” in virtually all wildlife care settings. The breadth of this evolution has widened to include more complex inputs, comprehensive evaluation of efficacy, and countless commercially available products designed to provide for a myriad of species-typical needs. Environmental enrichment, however, remains almost inexorably based on the provision of inputs (objects, manipulanda, or other sensory stimuli) intended to enhance an environment or prolong a specific behavior. Considerable effort has been put into developing enrichment strategies based on behavioral outcomes to shift the paradigm from the traditional input-heavy process. We believe that this trajectory can be enhanced through Outcome-Based Husbandry using an ethologically based workflow tool with a universal application (regardless of species) that flushes out inputs based on desired outcomes, which can then be incorporated into daily care or layered to create sensory cue-based multi-day events. Furthermore, we believe that this strategy can drive practitioners from the confines of traditional enrichment and the object-based approach into a dynamic and holistic husbandry program that synthesizes complex experiences into regular animal care, rather than supplementing husbandry with input-based enrichment. Focusing on an animal’s complete experience and outcomes that promote competence building and the highest level of agency allows the animals, not care staff, to make meaningful decisions that impact their present and future selves.
Microbiota Composition of Mucosa and Interactions between the Microbes of the Different Gut Segments Could Be a Factor to Modulate the Growth Rate of Broiler Chickens
Authors: Farkas Valéria , Csitári Gábor , Menyhárt László , Such Nikoletta , Pál László , Husvéth Ferenc , Rawash Mohamed Ali , Mezőlaki Ákos , Dublecz Károly
Published: May 2022

The study reported here aimed to determine whether correlations can be found between the intestinal segment-related microbiota composition and the different growing intensities of broiler chickens. The bacterial community structures of three intestinal segments (jejunum chymus—JC, jejunum mucosa—JM, caecum chymus—CC) from broiler chickens with low body weight (LBW) and high body weight (HBW) were investigated. Similar to the previous results in most cases, significant differences were found in the bacteriota diversity and composition between the different sampling places. However, fewer body weight (BW)-related differences were detected. In the JM of the HBW birds, the Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio (B/F) was also higher. At the genus level significant differences were observed between the BW groups in the relative abundance of Enterococcus, mainly in the JC; Bacteroides and Ruminococcaceae UCG-010, mainly in the JM; and Ruminococcaceae UCG-013, Negativibacillus, and Alistipes in the CC. These genera and others (e.g., Parabacteroides and Fournierella in the JM; Butyricoccus, Ruminiclostridium-9, and Bilophila in the CC) showed a close correlation with BW. The co-occurrence interaction results in the JC revealed a correlation between the genera of Actinobacteria (mainly with Corynebacterium) and Firmicutes Bacilli classes with different patterns in the two BW groups. In the JM of LBW birds, two co-occurring communities were found that were not identifiable in HBW chickens and their members belonged to the families of Ruminococcaceae and Lachnospiraceae. In the frame of the co-occurrence evaluation between the jejunal content and mucosa, the two genera (Trichococcus and Oligella) in the JC were found to have a significant positive correlation with other genera of the JM only in LBW chickens.
Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Black Cumin Seeds (Nigella sativa) on Performance, Carcass Traits, and Meat Quality of Japanese Quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica)
Authors: Asghar Muhammad Umair , Doğan Sibel Canoğulları , Wilk Martyna , Korczyński Mariusz
Published: May 2022

The current study was conducted to determine the effect of adding black cumin (Nigella sativa) powder (BCP) to the Japanese quail diet on the carcass characteristics and meat quality. In this research, 240 Japanese quail chicks (mean initial body weight 9.15 ± 0.12) were divided into four groups of four replications each. Treatments consisted of the addition of BCP at levels 1, 2, and 4% to the mixed feed and control group without the BCP additive. Compared to the other groups, the group with the 2% BCP diet had a higher live weight (LW), body weight gain (BWG), and a better feed conversion ratio (FCR, p < 0.05). BCP administration had no impact on the carcass characteristics, however, BCP had a significant effect on the thigh and breast meat. The animal study protocol was approved by the Niğde Governorship, Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, Turkey (protocol code: E-15018773-050.01.04-75932 and date of approval: 26 April 2021) for studies involving animals. Lower thiobarbituric acid (TBA), pH, peroxide, and total psychrophilic bacteria levels were found in the BCP added groups compared to the control group (p < 0.05). When compared with the control, the sensory properties such as color, juiciness, softness, and flavor were significantly higher in the BCP treated groups, especially when fed the 2% BCP diet. It can be concluded that BCP as an additive to quail feeds had a significant effect on the performance of quails as well as on the shelf life of the meat. In order to avoid health and environmental concerns, it was concluded that BCP can be used as a natural additive to replace synthetic antimicrobials and antioxidants at the level of 1–2% in quail compound feeds.
Heat Stress Induces Shifts in the Rumen Bacteria and Metabolome of Buffalo
Authors: Wang Zichen , Niu Kaifeng , Rushdi Hossam E. , Zhang Mingyue , Fu Tong , Gao Tengyun , Yang Liguo , Liu Shenhe , Lin Feng
Published: May 2022

Exposure to the stress (HS) negatively affects physiology, performance, reproduction and welfare of buffalo. However, the mechanisms by which HS negatively affects rumen bacteria and its associated metabolism in buffalo are not well known yet. This study aimed to gain insight into the adaption of bacteria and the complexity of the metabolome in the rumen of six buffalo during HS using 16S rDNA and gas chromatography metabolomics analyses. HS increased respiratory rate (p < 0.05) and skin temperature (p < 0.01), and it decreased the content of acetic acid (p < 0.05) and butyric acid (p < 0.05) in the rumen. Omics sequencing revealed that the relative abundances of Lachnospirales, Lachnospiraceae, Lachnospiraceae_NK3A20_group and Clostridia_UCG-014 were significantly (p < 0.01) higher under HS than non-heat stress conditions. Several bacteria at different levels, such as Lactobacillales, Streptococcus, Leuconostocaceae and Leissella, were significantly (p < 0.05) more abundant in the rumen of the non-heat stress than HS condition. Thirty-two significantly different metabolites closely related to HS were identified (p < 0.05). Metabolic pathway analysis revealed four key pathways: D-Alanine metabolism; Lysine degradation, Tropane; piperidine and pyridine alkaloid biosynthesis; and Galactose metabolism. In summary, HS may negatively affected rumen fermentation efficiency and changed the composition of rumen community and metabolic function.
Exploration of Trends in Antimicrobial Use and Their Determinants Based on Dispensing Information Collected from Pharmacies throughout Japan: A First Report
Authors: Muraki Yuichi , Maeda Masayuki , Inose Ryo , Yoshimura Koki , Onizuka Naoki , Takahashi Masao , Kawakami Eiji , Shikamura Yoshiaki , Son Naotaka , Iwashita Makoto , Suzuki Manabu , Yokoi Masayuki , Horikoshi Hirokazu , Aoki Yasuaki , Kawana Michiyo , Kamei Miwako , Hashiba Hajime , Miyazaki Choichiro
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the defined daily doses (DDD)/1000 prescriptions/month (DPM) as a new indicator that can be used in pharmacies, and to describe antimicrobial use patterns in pharmacies nationwide in Japan. Dispensing volumes, number of prescriptions received, and facility information were obtained from 2638 pharmacies that participated in a survey. DPM was calculated based on the dispensing volume and number of prescriptions, which are routinely collected data that are simple to use. Use of third-generation cephalosporins, quinolones, and macrolides in pharmacies that received prescriptions primarily from hospitals or clinics decreased from January 2019 to January 2021. In particular, the antimicrobial use was higher in otorhinolaryngology departments than in other departments, despite a decrease in the antimicrobial use. In the linear multiple regression analysis, otorhinolaryngology department was independently associated with the third-generation cephalosporin, quinolone, and macrolide prescription in all periods. This study reveals for the first-time trends in antimicrobial use through a new indicator using the volume of drugs dispensed in pharmacies throughout Japan. Antimicrobial use differed by the medical department, suggesting the need to target interventions according to the department type.
Evaluation and Effectiveness of Clinical Trials with Hormone Therapy in the Treatment of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Ramos-Barriga Olga , Padilla-Fernández Bárbara-Yolanda , Valverde-Martínez Sebastián , Perán-Teruel Miguel , Márquez-Sánchez Magaly-Teresa , Flores-Fraile María-Carmen , Flores-Fraile Javier , Martin-Hernández Mario , Grinard-de-León Edwin , García-Cenador María-Begoña , Lorenzo-Gómez María-Fernanda
Published: May 2022

Background: Prostate cancer is currently the most common malignant tumour in men. Research on hormone therapy advances is necessary because, unfortunately, some tumours are not organ-confined. Objective: To review and analyse the current state of evidence regarding clinical trials with neoadjuvant or adjuvant hormone therapy for prostate cancer and determine the contribution of these trials to the clinical practice. Methods: A critical systematic analysis of hormone therapy clinical trials for prostate cancer in the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 2022 official database was carried out and following the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews ofInterventions, a meta-analysis of random effects and standard mean descriptive statistics were performed. Groups: Group A = Neoadjuvant (n = 53) clinical trials and Group B = Adjuvant (n = 73) clinical hormone therapy. Variables: Phase of the trial, modality of primary treatment, investigated intervention or drug, molecular targets, trial length, sponsors and collaborators, country/countries of trial development, estimated enrolment, assignment of patients, intervention and masking model, trial purpose, related articles, the average number of studied patients, and conclusive results in clinical practice. Results: A total of 7.15% of the studies were in phase I, 14.28% between phase I-phase II, 52.38% in phase II, 0.23% between phase II-phase III and 23.80% in phase III. In the neoadjuvant group, enzalutamide and abiraterone were more frequently used, the androgen receptor was more frequently investigated as a molecular target. In the adjuvant group, abiraterone and prednisone were more frequently used and the androgen receptor and cytochrome P450 were more frequently investigated. The mean number of articles related to each trial was 5.26 (SD 3.15, 1–10). In 47.27% of the published articles directly related to the trials, the investigated treatment was superior to the standard treatment. Adjuvant investigated drugs showed more superiority (52.22%) than neoadjuvant drugs (41.33%). Conclusions: Only 41.33% of neoadjuvant studies and 52.22% of adjuvant studies show conclusive results of superiority for the proposed therapeutic strategies. About a third of related scientific publications that transfer the results to clinical practice did not report conclusive results for either neoadjuvant (32%) or adjuvant (37.78%) therapy.
Nailfold Microhemorrhage Segmentation with Modified U-Shape Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Liu Ruiqi , Tian Jing , Li Yuemei , Chen Na , Yan Jianshe , Li Taihao , Liu Shupeng
Published: May 2022

Nailfold capillaroscopy is a reliable way to detect and analyze microvascular abnormalities. It is safe, simple, noninvasive, and inexpensive. Among all the capillaroscopic abnormalities, nailfold microhemorrhages are closely associated with early vascular damages and might be present in numerous diseases such as glaucoma, diabetes mellitus, and systemic sclerosis. Segmentation of nailfold microhemorrhages provides valuable pathological information that may lead to further investigations. A novel deep learning architecture named DAFM-Net is proposed for the accurate segmentation in this study. The network mainly consists of U-shape backbone, dual attention fusion module, and group normalization layer. The U-shape backbone generates rich hierarchical representations while the dual attention fusion module utilizes the captured features for fine adjustment. Group normalization is introduced as an effective normalization method to effectively improve the convergence ability of our deep neural network. The effectiveness of the proposed model is validated through ablation studies and segmentation experiments; the proposed method DAFM-Net achieves competitive performance for nailfold microhemorrhage segmentation with an IOU score of 78.03% and Dice score of 87.34% compared to the ground truth.
Preliminary Design and Testing of a Resetting Combination Anchor, Antenna, and Tether Mechanism for a Spherical Autonomous Underwater Vehicle
Authors: Eldred Ross , Van Bossuyt Douglas L.
Published: May 2022

This article details the preliminary design and testing of a Resetting Anchor/Antenna Tether Mechanism (RAATM) for an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV). The proposed mechanism is intended to enable an AUV to secure itself to the seabed, ascend, descend, transmit and receive signals via the tether, retract the anchor, and re-anchor again as required. The ability of an AUV to passively loiter on station for extended periods preserves power and may otherwise expand mission capabilities for a variety of underwater vehicles. If they are capable of communication through electromagnetic transmission, AUVs equipped with such technology may be utilized to form mobile networks that may, in turn, receive external communications from above the surface. Spherical AUV (SAUV) capabilities may be especially enhanced through the integration of the proposed mechanism. The RAATM was designed for integration with the Wreck Interior Exploration Vehicle (WIEVLE), a small SAUV designed for operations in entanglement-prone, extreme environments, but the RAATM may be used in any suitably-sized underwater vehicle capable of safely contacting the ocean floor. A prototype of the anchoring portion of the mechanism was constructed, and anchoring strength was tested repeatedly in three types of sediment, under varied configurations and loading angles, with promising results.