bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aging: What We Can Learn From Elephants
Authors: Chusyd Daniella E. , Ackermans Nicole L. , Austad Steven N. , Hof Patrick R. , Mielke Michelle M. , Sherwood Chet C. , Allison David B.
Published: August 2021

Elephants are large-brained, social mammals with a long lifespan. Studies of elephants can provide insight into the aging process, which may be relevant to understanding diseases that affect elderly humans because of their shared characteristics that have arisen through independent evolution. Elephants become sexually mature at 12 to 14 years of age and are known to live into, and past, their 7thdecade of life. Because of their relatively long lifespans, elephants may have evolved mechanisms to counter age-associated morbidities, such as cancer and cognitive decline. Elephants rely heavily on their memory, and engage in multiple levels of competitive and collaborative relationships because they live in a fission-fusion system. Female matrilineal relatives and dependent offspring form tight family units led by an older-aged matriarch, who serves as the primary repository for social and ecological knowledge in the herd. Similar to humans, elephants demonstrate a dependence on social bonds, memory, and cognition to navigate their environment, behaviors that might be associated with specializations of brain anatomy. Compared with other mammals, the elephant hippocampus is proportionally smaller, whereas the temporal lobe is disproportionately large and expands laterally. The elephant cerebellum is also relatively enlarged, and the cerebral cortex is highly convoluted with numerous gyral folds, more than in humans. Last, an interesting characteristic unique to elephants is the presence of at least 20 copies of theTP53tumor suppressor gene.Humans have only a single copy.TP53encodes for the p53 protein, which is known to orchestrate cellular response to DNA damage. The effects of these multiple copies ofTP53are still being investigated, but it may be to protect elephants against multiple age-related diseases. For these reasons, among others, studies of elephants would be highly informative for aging research. Elephants present an underappreciated opportunity to explore further common principles of aging in a large-brained mammal with extended longevity. Such research can contribute to contextualizing our knowledge of age-associated morbidities in humans.
Effectiveness of eHealth Tools for Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review
Authors: Mohammadi Somayyeh , Miller William C. , Wu Julia , Pawliuk Colleen , Robillard Julie M.
Published: August 2021

Objective: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness and costs of eHealth tools with usual care in delivering health-related education to patients' undergoing total hip or knee arthroplasty due to osteoarthritis.

Data Sources: Six electronic databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials and experimental designs (randomized or not) examining the effect of eHealth tools on pre- or post-operative care. Only manuscripts written in English were included. In the current study, no specific primary or secondary outcomes were selected. Any study that investigated the impacts of eHealth tools on hip or knee arthroplasty outcomes were included.

Review Methods: Two researchers reviewed all titles and abstracts independently and in duplicate. Two researchers also conducted full-text screening and data extraction from the 26 selected articles.

Results: The data were descriptively reported, and themes could emerge from each outcome. Two researchers separately assessed the Risk of Bias for each paper using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool. The majority of studies evaluated the impact of eHealth tools on physical (n = 23) and psychosocial outcomes (n = 19). Cost-related outcomes were measured in 7 studies. eHealth tools were found to be equivocal to usual care, with few studies reporting statistically significant differences in physical or psychosocial outcome measures. However, cost-related outcomes showed that using eHealth tools is more cost-effective than usual care.

Conclusions: This review demonstrated that eHealth tools might be as effective as usual care, and possibly more cost-effective, a crucial implication for many overly burdened health care systems.
Active Exploration for Obstacle Detection on a Mobile Humanoid Robot
Authors: Nobile Luca , Randazzo Marco , Colledanchise Michele , Monorchio Luca , Villa Wilson , Puja Francesco , Natale Lorenzo
Published: August 2021

Conventional approaches to robot navigation in unstructured environments rely on information acquired from the LiDAR mounted on the robot base to detect and avoid obstacles. This approach fails to detect obstacles that are too small, or that are invisible because they are outside the LiDAR’s field of view. A possible strategy is to integrate information from other sensors. In this paper, we explore the possibility of using depth information from a movable RGB-D camera mounted on the head of the robot, and investigate, in particular, active control strategies to effectively scan the environment. Existing works combine RGBD-D and 2D LiDAR data passively by fusing the current point-cloud from the RGB-D camera with the occupancy grid computed from the 2D LiDAR data, while the robot follows a given path. In contrast, we propose an optimization strategy that actively changes the position of the robot’s head, where the camera is mounted, at each point of the given navigation path; thus, we can fully exploit the RGB-D camera to detect, and hence avoid, obstacles undetected by the 2D LiDAR, such as overhanging obstacles or obstacles in blind spots. We validate our approach in both simulation environments to gather statistically significant data and real environments to show the applicability of our method to real robots. The platform used is the humanoid robot R1.
Social Learning and Paulo Freire Concepts for Understanding Food Security Cases in Brazil
Authors: Bonatti Michelle , Borba Juliano , Löhr Katharina , Tremblay Crystal , Sieber Stefan
Published: August 2021

Food insecurity is a wicked, complex, and critical problem. Although evidence supporting a wide range of assertions regarding the outcomes of social learning is still being investigated, its potential to improve food security challenges is growing. Nonetheless, more work is needed to understand when and how social learning-oriented approaches are effective in food security situations. We address this gap by investigating how elements of social learning and Freire’s key concepts are exemplified in existing real-world experiences of food security in rural communities. The case studies in Brazil, Community Seed Banks in Paraíba State, in the northeast and Biodiversity Kit in Guaraciaba, Santa Catarina State, in the south, are examples of small farmers facing and overcoming their limit-situation of food insecurity through celebrating, planting, and saving traditional seeds (landraces). A mixed-methods approach was applied based on semi-structured interviews and a literature review. The key findings show that local initiatives based on the interconnections of social learning and Freire´s concepts have improved food security in two cases. The practice of landrace rescue as a food security strategy is strengthened through a culture of closeness and solidarity, through values that are celebrated in the festivities, community meetings, and other exchanges of experiences. Applications of our conceptual framework in operational interventions show clear potential for generating the necessary changes for a more sustainable world, specifically in food security and sovereignty projects, as described in the cases studies.
Inclusion of Citrullus colocynthis Seed Extract into Diets Induced a Hypolipidemic Effect and Improved Layer Performance
Authors: Alzarah Mohamed I. , Alaqil Abdulaziz A. , Abbas Ahmed O. , Nassar Farid S. , Mehaisen Gamal M. K. , Gouda Gouda F. , Abd El-Atty Hanaa K. , Moustafa Eman S.
Published: August 2021

Citrullus colocynthis (CC) has been known as a natural medicinal plant with wide biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antilipidemic effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of inclusion of the ethanolic extract of CC seeds (ECCs) into layer diets on the lipid profile, stress indicators, and physiological and productive performance of laying hens. A total of 216 forty-week-old commercial Hy-Line brown laying hens were randomly assigned into four equal groups (3 birds × 18 replicates per group) that received a basal diet supplemented with 0, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 g/kg of ECCs for 12 consecutive weeks. The first group served as a control. The results showed that ECCs at 1.0 and 2.0 g/kg significantly (p < 0.05) improved the productive and physiological performance compared to the other groups. In addition, stress indicators examined in the laying hens, including lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde (MDA)), corticosterone hormone (CORT), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), were significantly alleviated after inclusion of ECCs into layer diets at the three levels compared to the control group. Furthermore, all ECC levels induced a significant reduction in plasma triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol (CH) levels in the plasma, liver, and egg yolk, whereas the highest levels were obtained with 2.0 g/kg of ECCs. Particularly important, a high linear correlation (R2 = 0.60–0.79) was observed between increasing doses of ECCs and MDA, liver CH, and egg yolk CH concentrations and egg weight, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio; moreover, the correlation was extremely high (R2 = 0.80–0.100) with the level of TG, CH, low-density lipoprotein CH, high-density lipoprotein CH, and CORT. These results indicated that dietary supplementation with 2.0 g/kg of ECCs could be considered a successful nutritional approach to producing healthier, lower-cholesterol eggs for consumers, in addition to enhancing the physiological and productive performance of laying hens by alleviating the stress of intensive commercial production.
Spatial Analysis of Agronomic Data and UAV Imagery for Rice Yield Estimation
Authors: Perros Nikolas , Kalivas Dionissios , Giovos Rigas
Published: August 2021

In this study, a spatial analysis of agronomic and remote sensing data is carried out to derive accurate rice crop yield estimation. The variability of a series of vegetation indices (VIs) was calculated from remote sensing data obtained via a commercial UAS platform (e-Bee) at four dates (per stage of development), and the development of estimation models was conducted. The study area is located in the region of Chalastra (municipality of Thessaloniki, North Greece) and the primary data were obtained during the 2016 growing season. These data include ultra-high resolution remote sensing multispectral images of 18 plots totaling 58 hectares of Ronaldo and Gladio rice crop varieties, 97 sample point data related to yield, and many other pieces of information recorded in the producer’s field log. Ten simple and compound VIs were calculated, and the evolution of their values during the growing season as well as their comparative correlation were studied. A study of the usability of each VI was conducted for the different phenological stages of the cultivation and the variance of VIs and yield; the more correlated VIs were identified. Furthermore, three types of multitemporal VI were calculated from combinations of VIs from different dates, and their contribution to improving yield prediction was studied. As Ronaldo is a Japonica type of rice variety and Gladio is Indica type, they behave differently in terms of maturation time (Gladio is approximately 20 days earlier) and the value of every VI is affected by changes in plant physiology and phenology. These differences between the two varieties are reflected in the multitemporal study of the single-date VIs but also in the study of the values of the multitemporal VIs. In conclusion, Ronaldo’s yield is strongly dependent on multitemporal NDVI (VI6th July + VI30 Aug, R2 = 0.76), while Gladio’s yield is strongly dependent on single-date NDVI (6 July, R2 = 0.88). The compound VIs RERDVI and MCARI1 have the highest yield prediction (R2 = 0.77) for Ronaldo (VI6th July + VI30 Aug) and Gladio (R2 = 0.95) when calculated in the booting stage, respectively. For the Ronaldo variety, the examination of the multitemporal VIs increases yield prediction accuracy, while in the case of the Gladio variety the opposite is observed. The capabilities of multitemporal VIs in yield estimation by combining UAVs with more flights during the different growth stages can improve management and the cultivation practices.
Yield and Chemical Composition of Raw Material from Meadow Arnica (Arnica chamissonis Less.) Depending on Soil Conditions and Nitrogen Fertilization
Authors: Olesińska Katarzyna , Sugier Danuta , Kaczmarski Zdzisław
Published: August 2021

Considering the global tendency towards using valuable secondary metabolites of plant origin, there is a need to optimize the cultivation of herbal plants, e.g., the meadow arnica (A. chamissonis Less.). The inflorescences of this species (Arnicae anthodium) have a similar chemical composition and pharmacological activity to that in the mountain arnica (Arnica montana L.), and can be cultivated more easily than the mountain arnica. Therefore this study assesses soil and fertilization effects on the flower head yield and concentrations of active substances (sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids, and essential oil) with great importance for application in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. A field experiment was carried out during 2017–2019 on two types of soil (sandy and loamy soils) differing in the pH values, organic matter content, and the P, K, and Mg levels. Five levels of nitrogen fertilization were applied in both soil variants: 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 kg N∙ha−1. The study showed that both the soil type and the nitrogen fertilization had a positive impact on the raw material yield and the content and yield of the main active substances. The cultivation of arnica in the loamy soil was more favorable—it provided a higher flower head yield, higher levels of sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids, and essential oils, and consequently, a higher yield of these metabolites. High flower head yields were achieved at doses of 60 and 90 kg N∙ha−1. The content of sesquiterpene lactones and essential oils increased in the consecutive study years along with the increase in nitrogen doses. The highest content of flavonoids was detected in flower heads obtained from three-year-old plants fertilized with 60 kg N∙ha−1. High yields of sesquiterpene lactones and essential oils were obtained at doses of 90–120 kg N∙ha−1, whereas the fertilization with 60–90 N∙ha−1 ensured a high yield of flavonoids. The yields of sesquiterpene lactones and essential oil did not depend on their concentration but correlated with the increase in the yield of flower heads of plants cultivated in both sandy and loamy soil variants. In turn, the yield of flavonoids was influenced by both their concentration and the flower head yield. The flower head yield, the content of sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids, and essential oils, and the yields of metabolites presented in this study indicate favorable climatic conditions for the cultivation of A. chamissonis in Central and Eastern Poland. This proves that a wide range of pharmacologically active substances can be produced in this region of Europe.
Characterization and Technological Potential of Underutilized Ancestral Andean Crop Flours from Ecuador
Authors: Salazar Diego , Arancibia Mirari , Ocaña Iván , Rodríguez-Maecker Roman , Bedón Mauricio , López-Caballero María Elvira , Montero María Pilar
Published: August 2021

Ancestral Andean crop flours (ACF) from Ecuador such as camote (Ipomea Batatas), oca (Oxalis tuberosa), achira (Canna indica), mashua (Tropaeolum tuberosum), white arracacha (Arracacia xanthorrhiza), taro (Colocasia esculenta) and tarwi (Lupinus mutabilis sweet) were characterized in terms of physico-chemical and techno-functional properties in order to identify their potential as new alternative ingredients in food products. Flour from camote, oca, achira and arracacha showed a low protein content (<5%), mashua and taro had ~9% and tarwi flour registered higher values than 52%. Carbohydrate content ranged from 56–77%, with the exception of tarwi, just reaching 6.9%. Starch content was relatively low in ACF but in taro and tarwi, starch practically constituted almost all the carbohydrates. The highest amylose content in starch, in decreasing order, was found in mashua, oca, tarwi and achira flours, the rest being ≤15%. Fiber content exceeded 10% in most crops, except for oca flour with 5.33%. Fat content was generally lower than 1%, except in tarwi with ~17%. All flours showed a gel-like behavior G′ > G″, this being very similar in camote, achira and tarwi flours. The exception was taro with G′ < G″. Mashua flour registered the highest value for phenol content (60.8 µg gallic acid equivalents/g of sample); the content of phenols was not exclusively responsible for the antioxidant activity, since flours with the highest activity were arracacha and tarwi, which presented the lowest phenol content among all flours. Principal component analyses (PCA) showed a high correlation between moisture, fiber, solubility and water absorption capacity, with viscoelastic behavior and total phenolic content; while starch content was correlated with melting temperature, poorly and inversely related to protein and fat. For PC1, achira, camote and taro flours were very similar, and different from oca and mashua flours. Tarwi showed its own characteristics according to PC1 and 2. Because of their properties, Andean crop flours could have a great potential for use in food technology.
Stem Density, Productivity, and Weed Community Dynamics in Corn-Alfalfa Intercropping
Authors: Patel Swetabh , Bartel Cynthia A. , Lenssen Andrew W. , Moore Kenneth J. , Berti Marisol T.
Published: August 2021

Intercropping legumes with cereals for forage production is a practical multi-cropping technique to increase yield and improve land use efficiency. In a 3-year cropping sequence, alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) intercropped with corn (Zea mays L.) may increase overall economic yield and land sustainability over either crop alone. The objective of this study was to assess overall productivity of a corn-alfalfa intercropping system and its effect on weed community. The study was conducted near Boone, IA, USA, from 2016 to 2018 and repeated from 2017 to 2019 to assess the effect of five treatments: alfalfa only, corn only, corn intercropped with alfalfa, corn intercropped with alfalfa with prohexadione (PHX) applied to alfalfa at the V8 corn stage, and spring-seeded alfalfa (corn in the seeding year followed by planting alfalfa the following year) on system productivity. Corn grain yield decreased by 23 to 26% when intercropped with alfalfa; PHX application did not affect corn or alfalfa yield. Alfalfa stand density under corn was reduced by 36 to 68% compared with alfalfa alone in the seeding year. Alfalfa forage yield in the first production year was the same among intercropped treatments and sole alfalfa. However, spring-seeded alfalfa had two to three times less yield than other treatments. Alfalfa stem density was greater in sole alfalfa than the intercropped studies in the seeding year, with fewer stems in successive production years. Alfalfa forage yield strongly correlated with stem density, stem height, and stage at harvest in the seeding year and first harvest of the first production year. Weed density inconsistently correlated with alfalfa biomass. In conclusion, establishing alfalfa in intercropping with corn can skip alfalfa low-yielding seeding year. Based on the findings of our experiment, future research on corn-alfalfa intercropping should focus on screening drought tolerant corn hybrids with vigorous root systems. Using an early-maturing corn hybrid, coupled with management practices such as appropriate N fertilization, may improve corn yield and the chances of success for this intercropping system.
Image Analysis Reveals That Lenticel Damage Does Not Result in Black Spot Development but Enhances Dehydration in Persea americana Mill. cv. Hass during Prolonged Storage
Authors: Lindh Vicente , Uarrota Virgilio , Zulueta Claudio , Alvaro Juan E. , Valdenegro Monika , Cuneo Italo F. , Mery Domingo , Pedreschi Romina
Published: August 2021

Black spot corresponds to a physiological disorder of the type of oxidative stress that occurs after the prolonged postharvest storage of Persea americana Mill. cv. Hass fruit. Industry tends to confuse this disorder with pathogen attack (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides), chilling injury, mechanical damage during harvest and transport or lenticel damage. The main objectives of this research were: (i) to develop a method to assess and differentiate lenticel damage and black spot and (ii) to study the correlation between mechanical damage and lenticel damage on the development of black spot. Avocado fruits from different orchards were evaluated at two sampling times using different harvesting systems (conventional and appropriate) and at two times of the day (a.m. or p.m.). Here, we report a method based on image analysis to differentiate and quantify lenticel damage and black spot disorder. In addition, the results show that conventional harvest increased lenticel damage and lenticel damage did not correlate with black spot development but correlated with increased weight loss during prolonged postharvest storage. These results have important commercial implications since the appropriate harvesting of avocado cv. Hass would not only control the incidence of lenticel damage, which would be an advantage in terms of external quality, but also reduce weight loss during transport to distant markets.
Winter Forage Crop Harvest Time Impacts Regeneration of the Annual Weeds Barley Grass, Annual Ryegrass and Wild Radish
Authors: Piltz John W. , Morris Stephen G. , Weston Leslie A.
Published: August 2021

Barley grass (Hordeum spp.) is a short-lived annual weed which competes with preferred crop and pasture species and frequently contaminates wool and carcasses, and irritates the ears, eyes and noses of sheep. Barley grass, annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum L.) and wild radish (Raphanus raphanistrum L.) are annual winter crop weeds which reduce grain yield through competition. In three consecutive years (2015 to 2017) cereal, legume and cereal/legume forage crops were grown and harvested in early October, late October or early November consistent with an early silage harvest (ES), late silage harvest (LS) or hay cut (H). A spring wheat cultivar was sown over each site in the following year (2016 to 2018). Weed density was recorded during the forage crop and wheat phases. Forage crop weed populations varied between years. Late paddock preparation for sowing in 2015 effectively eradicated barley grass from all forage crops; however, the competitiveness of legume and cereal/legume crops against annual ryegrass was reduced. In contrast, legume and cereal/legume mixtures tended to have higher barley grass densities than cereal crops in 2016 and 2017, when paddock preparation was earlier. Cutting in October 2015 reduced annual ryegrass and wild radish populations in 2016 wheat by 92.0% and 86.7%, respectively. In 2017 and 2018, regrowth and subsequent seed set following cutting appeared to negate cutting time effects for all crop and crop/legume combinations. Late paddock preparation, an early October forage harvest and effective regrowth control provided the best opportunity for barley grass, annual ryegrass and wild radish control in a single year.
Quality, Nutritional, Volatile and Sensory Profiles and Consumer Acceptance of Fondillón, a Sustainable European Protected Wine
Authors: Issa-Issa Hanán , Hernández Francisca , Lipan Leontina , López-Lluch David , Carbonell-Barrachina Ángel A.
Published: August 2021

Sustainable irrigation strategies in Southeast Spain (one of the most arid regions in Europe) are essential to fight against desertification and climate change mitigation. In this way, Fondillón production is based on rain-based vineyards, over-ripe Monastrell grapes, and non-alcohol fortification. Thus, Fondillón is a naturally sweet red wine, protected within the Alicante Denomination of Origin, recognized by the European Union in its E-bachus database. The study aim was to evaluate the effect of the aging (solera factor) on Fondillón: (i) basic enological parameters (e.g., total, and volatile acidity), (ii) chromatic characteristics, (iii) antioxidant activity (ABTS•+, FRAP and DPPH•), (iv) total contents of condensed tannins and anthocyanins, (v) volatile composition, (vi) sensory profile, and (vii) overall liking. Experimental data proved that the wine (1960 solera) with the highest total contents of condensed tannins and anthocyanins and total antioxidant activity was the most liked by Spanish consumers. Experimental results clearly established a positive relationship among Fondillón chemical composition, its antioxidant activity, and overall consumer liking. Exceptional harvest with grapes having extremely high antioxidant power (e.g., 1960 solera) will result, even more than 50 years later, in high quality wines with high consumer acceptance and a high monetary worth.
Impact of the Herbicide Oxyfluorfen on the Activities of Some Enzymes Found in Soil and on the Populations of Soil Microorganisms
Authors: Filimon Marioara Nicoleta , Roman Diana Larisa , Bordean Despina Maria , Isvoran Adriana
Published: August 2021

This study assesses the effects of the herbicide oxyfluorfen on the activities of enzymes and on the populations of soil microorganisms by considering experiments on soil samples maintained in both laboratory and in field conditions. Furthermore, the molecular docking approach was used to evaluate the interactions of oxyfluorfen with enzymes found in soil. There was a dose dependent inhibitory effect of oxyfluorfen against the activities of dehydrogenase, phosphatase, protease and urease. The enzymes activities obtained for the soil samples maintained under field conditions usually reflected a different trend than those obtained under laboratory conditions, emphasizing the influence of the soil physicochemical properties. For soil samples maintained in field conditions and for the normal dose of oxyfluorfen, dehydrogenase activity recovered after 14 days and a minimum of 21 days was necessary for the recovery of phosphatase, urease and protease activity, respectively. The most important parameters of soil influencing the activities of enzymes and the populations of microorganisms were the pH, N-NO3 and N-NH4 contents. A dose dependent behavior of populations of microorganisms found in soil treated with oxyfluorfen has been shown. There was a slight grows of the colonies of microorganisms when oxyfluorfen was applied, but this growth decreased with increasing the oxyfluorfen concentration.
Response of Benthic Fauna to Habitat Heterogeneity in a Shallow Temperate Lake
Authors: Obolewski Krystian , Glińska-Lewczuk Katarzyna , Sidoruk Marcin , Szymańska Monika Magdalena
Published: August 2021

We investigated the response of benthic macroinvertebrates in the eulittoral, infralittoral, and sublittoral zones, in two segments of the freshwater Lake Wicko on the coast of the Baltic Sea. Our results showed that the morphometry of lakes plays a major role as a factor structuring the macroinvertebrates communities. Two parts of the lake, different in size and depth, show decreasing differences in the trophic state, abundance, diversity and number of indicator species of benthic fauna with the depth gradient. The most significant differences were observed between the littoral zones of both segments. Similar environmental conditions in the sublittoral zones corresponded to the simplified structure of the benthic macroinvertebrates communities. In the infralittoral zone, the most significant differences between the two segments, were recorded for mollusks and large crustaceans as well as the Oligochaeta/Chironomidae abundance ratio. In the sublittoral zone, the diversity of chironomids differed most strongly. Lower species diversity was found in the part of the lake with a slight depth decrease. Shredders reached significantly higher values in eulittoral and infralittoral of the deeper lake segment. Average Score Per Taxon increased with a depth gradient. We recommend testing benthic macroinvertebrates in lakes with different morphometrics individually for each depth zone.
Evolutionary Comparisons of Chelonid Alphaherpesvirus 5 (ChHV5) Genomes from Fibropapillomatosis-Afflicted Green (Chelonia mydas), Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) and Kemp’s Ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) Sea Turtles
Authors: Whitmore Liam , Yetsko Kelsey , Farrell Jessica A. , Page-Karjian Annie , Daniel Whitney , Shaver Donna J. , Frandsen Hilary R. , Walker Jennifer Shelby , Crowder Whitney , Bovery Caitlin , Rollinson Ramia Devon , Burkhalter Brooke , Ryan Elizabeth , Duffy David J.
Published: August 2021

The spreading global sea turtle fibropapillomatosis (FP) epizootic is threatening some of Earth’s ancient reptiles, adding to the plethora of threats faced by these keystone species. Understanding this neoplastic disease and its likely aetiological pathogen, chelonid alphaherpesvirus 5 (ChHV5), is crucial to understand how the disease impacts sea turtle populations and species and the future trajectory of disease incidence. We generated 20 ChHV5 genomes, from three sea turtle species, to better understand the viral variant diversity and gene evolution of this oncogenic virus. We revealed previously underappreciated genetic diversity within this virus (with an average of 2035 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), 1.54% of the ChHV5 genome) and identified genes under the strongest evolutionary pressure. Furthermore, we investigated the phylogeny of ChHV5 at both genome and gene level, confirming the propensity of the virus to be interspecific, with related variants able to infect multiple sea turtle species. Finally, we revealed unexpected intra-host diversity, with up to 0.15% of the viral genome varying between ChHV5 genomes isolated from different tumours concurrently arising within the same individual. These findings offer important insights into ChHV5 biology and provide genomic resources for this oncogenic virus.
Effect of Hemi-Castration on the Productivity, Histological Characteristics, and Economic Efficacy of Korean Beef Cattle
Authors: Ahn Jun-Sang , Kwon Eung-Gi , Lee Hyun-Jeong , Lee Eun-Mi , Hwang So-Mi , Cho Sang-Rae , Kim Kyung-Woon , Kim Ui-Hyung , Won Jeong-Il , Jin Shil , Kang Sung-Sik , Park Byung-Ki , Jang Gi-Suk , Jang Sun-Sik
Published: August 2021

We evaluated the growth performance, serum testosterone, carcass traits, histological characteristics, and economic efficacy of castrated and hemi-castrated Korean beef cattle. Thirty-two Hanwoo calves (Initial body weight: 148.4 ± 19.8 kg) were randomly assigned into the castrated Hanwoo (CH) and hemi-castrated Hanwoo (HH) group. The experiment lasted 18 months; the animals were all slaughtered on the same day. Final body weight and average daily gain (ADG) tended to increase in the HH group compared to the CH group. Testosterone concentration was higher in HH group (5.27–14.27 ng/dL) than in the CH group (0.47–0.70 ng/dL) during the whole experimental period after castration (p < 0.05). Rib eye area was 17.08 cm2 wider in HH group than in CH group, but marbling score was improved by 3.33 in CH group compared to HH group (p < 0.01). Deposition area of adipocytes in Longissimus dorsi were higher in CH group than in HH group (p < 0.001). Net income per head was 1760 US dollar higher in the CH group than in the HH group (p < 0.04). Thus, our findings suggest that hemi-castration had positive effects on the increase in ADG and meat yield traits, with negative effects on marbling and profitability.
Conjugative Plasmid-Mediated Extended Spectrum Cephalosporin Resistance in Genetically Diverse Escherichia coli from a Chicken Slaughterhouse
Authors: Wei Bai , Shang Ke , Cha Se-Yeoun , Zhang Jun-Feng , Jang Hyung-Kwan , Kang Min
Published: August 2021

ESC-resistant E. coli isolates were collected from broiler chickens, a slaughterhouse, and retail meat to assess their dispersion and their involvement in cross-contamination. ESBL-/AmpC-producing E. coli were isolated during the slaughter process of all six investigated chicken flocks from scalding, feather removal, first conveyor, evisceration, second washing, third conveyor, and third washing areas, and from handling workers in the slaughterhouse. ESC-resistant E. coli isolates with the same pulsed-field gel electrophoresis type were found in the same site (scalding) on different sampling days. ESBL/AmpC-producing E. coli isolates were absent in the lairage area in the slaughterhouse, but present in the retail markets in 36.8% (7/19) of the chicken flocks. The blaCTX-M genes and blaCMY-2 were conjugated to recipient E. coli J53 in 67.5% (27/40) and 56.1% (23/41) of ESBL-producing and AmpC-producing E. coli isolates, respectively. The presence of the same conjugative plasmids was found in genetic diversity ESC-resistant E. coli colonies collected on different sampling days. Our study emphasizes that cross-contamination of ESBL/AmpC-producing E. coli in slaughterhouse has a crucial impact on the occurrence of ESC resistance in retail chicken meat.
The Study of Growth and Performance in Local Chicken Breeds and Varieties: A Review of Methods and Scientific Transference
Authors: González Ariza Antonio , Arando Arbulu Ander , Navas González Francisco Javier , Nogales Baena Sergio , Delgado Bermejo Juan Vicente , Camacho Vallejo María Esperanza
Published: August 2021

A review of the scientific advances in the study of the growth and performance in native chicken breeds and varieties over the past 20 years was performed. Understanding the growth patterns of native breeds can only be achieved if the constraints characterizing these populations are considered and treated accordingly. Contextually, the determination of researchers to use the same research methods and study designs applied in international commercial poultry populations conditions the accuracy of the model, variability capturing ability, and the observational or predictive performance when the data of the local population are fitted. Highly skewed sex ratios favouring females, an inappropriate census imbalance compensation and a lack of population structure render models that are regularly deemed effective as invalid to issue solid and sound conclusions. The wider the breed diversity is in a country, the higher the scientific attention paid to these populations. A detailed discussion of the most appropriate models and underlying reasons for their suitability and the reasons preventing the use of others in these populations is provided. Furthermore, the factors conditioning the scientific reception and impact of related publications used to transfer these results to the broad scientific public were evaluated to serve as guidance for the maximization of the success and dissemination of local breed information.
Investigating the Short-Term Effects of Cold Stress on Metabolite Responses and Metabolic Pathways in Inner-Mongolia Sanhe Cattle
Authors: Hu Lirong , Brito Luiz F. , Abbas Zaheer , Sammad Abdul , Kang Ling , Wang Dongsheng , Wu Hongjun , Liu Airong , Qi Guiqiang , Zhao Man , Wang Yachun , Xu Qing
Published: August 2021

Inner-Mongolia Sanhe cattle are well-adapted to low-temperature conditions, but the metabolic mechanisms underlying their climatic resilience are still unknown. Based on the 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance platform, 41 metabolites were identified and quantified in the serum of 10 heifers under thermal neutrality (5 °C), and subsequent exposure to hyper-cold temperature (−32 °C) for 3 h. Subsequently, 28 metabolites were pre-filtrated, and they provided better performance in multivariate analysis than that of using 41 metabolites. This indicated the need for pre-filtering of the metabolome data in a paired experimental design. In response to the cold exposure challenge, 19 metabolites associated with cold stress response were identified, mainly enriched in “aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis” and “valine, leucine, and isoleucine degradation”. A further integration of metabolome and gene expression highlighted the functional roles of the DLD (dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase), WARS (tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetase), and RARS (arginyl-tRNA synthetase) genes in metabolic pathways of valine and leucine. Furthermore, the essential regulations of SLC30A6 (solute carrier family 30 (zinc transporter), member 6) in metabolic transportation for propionate, acetate, valine, and leucine under severe cold exposure were observed. Our findings presented a comprehensive characterization of the serum metabolome of Inner-Mongolia Sanhe cattle, and contributed to a better understanding of the crucial roles of regulations in metabolites and metabolic pathways during cold stress events in cattle.
First Description of Sarcoptic Mange in a Free-Ranging European Wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris) from Spain
Authors: Nájera Fernando , Crespo Elena , García-Talens Amalia , Grande-Gómez Rebeca , Herrera-Sánchez Francisco Javier , Gentil Michaela , Cortés-García Carmen , Müller Elisabeth , Calero-Bernal Rafael , Revuelta Luis
Published: August 2021

Sarcoptic mange caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei is a worldwide-distributed skin infestation with a wide range of hosts, among them several species within the Felidae family. Sarcoptes scabiei was diagnosed in a dead adult female European wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris) from Spain, based on histological evaluation of skin biopsies and identification of the arthropod from skin scrapings and molecular methods. This is the first description of Sarcoptes scabiei in a European wildcat. Due to its critical demography in the southernmost population of the Iberian Peninsula, the impacts of infectious diseases, including sarcoptic mange, as a new potential threat should be considered during disease surveillance programs of the species’ populations.
DNA Multi-Marker Genotyping and CIAS Morphometric Phenotyping of Fasciola gigantica-Sized Flukes from Ecuador, with an Analysis of the Radix Absence in the New World and the Evolutionary Lymnaeid Snail Vector Filter
Authors: Bargues Maria Dolores , Valero Maria Adela , Trueba Gabriel A. , Fornasini Marco , Villavicencio Angel F. , Guamán Rocío , De Elías-Escribano Alejandra , Pérez-Crespo Ignacio , Artigas Patricio , Mas-Coma Santiago
Published: August 2021

Fascioliasis is a disease caused by Fasciola hepatica worldwide transmitted by lymnaeid snails mainly of the Galba/Fossaria group and F. gigantica restricted to parts of Africa and Asia and transmitted by Radix lymnaeids. Concern has recently risen regarding the high pathogenicity and human infection capacity of F. gigantica. Abnormally big-sized fasciolids were found infecting sheep in Ecuador, the only South American country where F. gigantica has been reported. Their phenotypic comparison with F. hepatica infecting sheep from Peru, Bolivia and Spain, and F. gigantica from Egypt and Vietnam demonstrated the Ecuadorian fasciolids to have size-linked parameters of F. gigantica. Genotyping of these big-sized fasciolids by rDNA ITS-2 and ITS-1 and mtDNA cox1 and nad1 and their comparison with other countries proved the big-sized fasciolids to belong to F. hepatica. Neither heterozygotic ITS position differentiated the two species, and no introgressed fragments and heteroplasmic positions in mtDNA were found. The haplotype diversity indicates introductions mainly from other South American countries, Europe and North America. Big-sized fasciolids from Ecuador and USA are considered to be consequences of F.gigantica introductions by past livestock importations. The vector specificity filter due to Radix absence should act as driving force in the evolution in such lineages.
Noninvasive Thermographic Photographing as an Assessment of the State of Discomfort in a Dog Receiving Radiation Therapy
Authors: Saeki Kaori , Kutara Kenji , Iwata Eri , Miyabe Masahiro , Shimizu Yuki , Wada Yuko , Ohnishi Akihiro , Matsuda Akira , Miyama Takako Shimokawa , Asanuma Taketoshi
Published: August 2021

In humans, radiation induces dilation of capillaries and inflammatory reactions to raise skin temperature. Thermography is used to detect abnormalities after radiation therapy (RT). However, in veterinary nursing, objective evaluation of the condition of dogs after RT using thermography has not been reported. We investigated the nasal irradiation temperature, behavioral changes, and post-irradiation pain scores in a dog receiving RT for intranasal tumors. The temperature of the nasal planum gradually increased after irradiation, reaching a significantly higher value at 120–240 min. The highest temperature was 42.3 °C and the average temperature increased by 4.4 °C. Behavioral analysis pre- and post-RT did not vary significantly. Post-RT pain levels evaluated by the pain scale ranged from 0 to 1 throughout. No veterinary treatment was provided. In humans, increased skin temperature after radiation causes psychological stress, i.e., pain and discomfort, but no such behavioral changes were observed in this case. Given individual differences in stress-related behaviors, such as pain and discomfort, assessing a dog’s painfulness using only subjective methods, such as appearance and behavioral evaluation, is limited. We used thermography to assess changes in conditions not detectable by routine monitoring alone. This method is non-invasive, objective, and indispensable for providing appropriate care.
Human Decision-Making as a Key Factor in the Risk of Wolf–Dog Interactions during Outdoor Activities
Authors: Haidt Andżelika , Gawryś Radosław , Szewczyk Maciej
Published: August 2021

As a result of species protection in Poland, wolves now appear in places that are attractive for human recreation, increasing their exposure to dogs. This creates a risk of spontaneous direct interactions between these two canine species. Aggressive interactions between the gray wolf and the domestic dog lead to human–large predator conflicts. This study examined wolf–dog interactions using data collected in an online questionnaire and included questions related to factors that might influence the likelihood of interactions between these canines. One of the most important factors affecting the likelihood of interaction between a dog and a wolf was the distance between the dog and the human. The number of wolves was also important—the more wolves, the more likely they were to interact with dogs. The risk of interaction also significantly increases with decreasing distance to human settlements. There were also statistical differences in terms of the type of outdoor activity being engaged in. Hunting was seven times more likely to result in a wolf–dog interaction than normal walk. We postulate that the choices made by the human (dog control and type of recreation) caring for the dog are an important factor that can reduce the risk of direct contact between dogs and wolves.
Pandemic Puppies: Characterising Motivations and Behaviours of UK Owners Who Purchased Puppies during the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Packer Rowena M. A. , Brand Claire L. , Belshaw Zoe , Pegram Camilla L. , Stevens Kim B. , O’Neill Dan G.
Published: August 2021

Widespread media reports suggest that unusually high numbers of the public purchased, or sought to purchase, puppies following the first ‘lockdown’ phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK, dubbed “Pandemic Puppies”. This study aimed to explore this phenomenon by comparing pre-purchase motivations and behaviours, and purchase behaviours of UK owners purchasing puppies aged < 16 weeks from 23 March 2020–31 December 2020 with those of owners who purchased puppies during the same date-period in 2019. An online survey was conducted during November-December 2020, from which 5517 valid responses were analysed (2019 puppies: n = 1148; 2020 ‘Pandemic Puppies’: n = 4369). Over 1 in 10 Pandemic Puppy owners had not considered purchasing a puppy before the pandemic, and 2 in 5 felt their decision to purchase a puppy had been influenced by the pandemic, most commonly by having more time to care for a dog (86.7%). Multivariable logistic regression models revealed that Pandemic Puppy owners were more likely to be first-time dog owners and have children in their household, were less likely to seek out a breeder that performed health testing on their breeding dog(s) or view their puppy in-person, and were more likely to pay a deposit without seeing their puppy. At purchase, Pandemic Puppies were more likely to be younger, delivered or collected from outside their breeders’ property, seen without their littermates, and cost > £2000 compared with 2019 puppies. Changes in puppy purchasing during the pandemic raise welfare concerns for this unique population, including relinquishment, behavioural problems and poor health.
Evaluation of Changes in Metabolites of Saliva in Canine Obesity Using a Targeted Metabolomic Approach
Authors: Muñoz-Prieto Alberto , Rubić Ivana , Horvatić Anita , Rafaj Renata Barić , Cerón José Joaquín , Tvarijonaviciute Asta , Mrljak Vladimir
Published: August 2021

Obesity is a common problem in pet dogs, affecting half of the general population in some countries. Excess body weight causes several disorders and has a negative impact on dogs’ quality of life. The use of metabolomics allows the identification of metabolite traces from the metabolic pathways involved in pathological processes. This study aimed to evaluate salivary metabolite variations in dogs with obesity. The salivary samples of 19 dogs were analyzed using a targeted metabolomic approach, through which 234 metabolites were quantified. Of these, multivariate analysis identified 27 different metabolites altered in dogs with obesity compared with control dogs. These metabolites were mainly classified as amino acids, glycerides, sphingolipids, glycerophospholipids, and acylcarnitines. Some of the changes in these metabolites reflect the insulin resistance status related to obesity in dogs. Overall, it can be concluded that the salivary metabolome of obese dogs reflects the metabolic changes occurring in obesity and could be a source of potential biomarkers for this complex condition.