bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Culture, climate, and landscape shape the savanna and wetland mosaic of the Bolivian Amazon
Authors: Whitney Bronwen S. , Walker John H. , Duncan Neil A. , Loughlin Nicholas J. D.
Published: September 2024

Environmental archeology of the Amazon has conventionally focused on terrestrial spaces, investigating crop domestication and production, agroforestry and anthropogenic soils. Aquatic environments, however, have been given less attention by archeologists and paleoenvironmental scientists alike. The Llanos de Mojos, a 135,000 km2 basin of the Amazon and mosaic landscape of savannas, wetlands and forests, has long been recognized for its archeological record. A variety of anthropogenic earthworks across the region show significant landscape modifications from Pre-Columbian times used for transportation, resource production and control of floodwaters. Here, we investigate the use and management of wetlands, and their interaction in the wider Mojos mosaic landscape, by integrating extensive archeological, paleoenvironmental and GIS datasets. We demonstrate that past human modifications of the landscape enabled the creation of complex wetland-terrestrial system of resource production, in which wetlands were managed, complementary to terrestrial crop production and agroforestry. Across short distances (40 km), land use strategies were heterogeneous despite being connected in time and space. Additionally, mixed wetland-terrestrial resource production was relatively stable during periods of lower rainfall from 1200–1500 CE, implying that this strategy provided flexibility under conditions of variable climate. The wetlands of the Llanos de Mojos are the result of millennia of human intervention and recognition of this deep heritage is required to make informed management and conservation decisions to ensure the future of this culturally and biologically diverse region.
Quantification in shooting precision for preferred and non-preferred foot in college soccer players using the 95% equal confidence ellipse
Authors: Shimotashiro Yusuke , Shinya Masahiro
Published: September 2024

Shooting precision is a fundamental characteristic in soccer, yet the probabilistic structure and magnitude of precision in soccer shooting remain quantitatively unexplored. This study aimed to quantify shooting precision using measures derived from the bivariate normal distribution for both preferred and non-preferred feet. Sixteen right-footed collegiate soccer players participated by performing instep kicks aiming at targets which are placed close to the left and right top corners of the soccer goal. We used bivariate normal distribution modeled the ball positions, revealing an ellipsoidal distribution, and the area of the 95% confidence ellipses served as an index of precision. Repeated measures ANOVAs revealed a significant main effect of the kicking foot. For shots aimed at the same side as the kicking foot, the area of the 95% confidence ellipse was 6.17 ± 1.93 m2 (mean ± SD) for the preferred foot and 10.22 ± 3.53 m2 for the non-preferred foot. Similar results were observed for shots aimed at the opposite side of the kicking foot. These quantitative findings hold promise for advancing soccer research and enhancing practical applications in soccer skill assessment.
Glyphosate and a glyphosate-based herbicide dysregulate the epigenetic landscape of Homeobox A10 (Hoxa10) gene during the endometrial receptivity in Wistar rats
Authors: Lorenz Virginia , Doná Florencia , Cadaviz Dalma B. , Milesi María M. , Varayoud Jorgelina
Published: September 2024

We observed that gestational plus lactational exposure to glyphosate (Gly), as active ingredient, or a glyphosate-based herbicide (GBH) lead to preimplantation losses in F1 female Wistar rats. Here, we investigated whether GBH and/or Gly exposure could impair Hoxa10 gene transcription by inducing epigenetic changes during the receptive stage in rats, as a possible herbicide mechanism implicated in implantation failures. F0 dams were treated with Gly or a GBH through a food dose of 2 mg Gly/kg bw/day from gestational day (GD) 9 up to lactational day 21. F1 female rats were bred, and uterine tissues were analyzed on GD5 (preimplantation period). Transcripts levels of Hoxa10, DNA methyltransferases (Dnmt1, Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b), histone deacetylases (Hdac-1 and Hdac-3) and histone methyltransferase (EZH2) were assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Four CpG islands containing sites targeted by BstUI methylation-sensitive restriction enzyme and predicted transcription factors (TFs) were identified in Hoxa10 gene. qPCR-based methods were used to evaluate DNA methylation and histone post-translational modifications (hPTMs) in four regulatory regions (RRs) along the gene by performing methylation-sensitive restriction enzymes and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, respectively. GBH and Gly downregulated Hoxa10 mRNA. GBH and Gly increased DNA methylation levels and Gly also induced higher levels than GBH in all the RRs analyzed. Both GBH and Gly enriched histone H3 and H4 acetylation in most of the RRs. While GBH caused higher H3 acetylation, Gly caused higher H4 acetylation in all RRs. Finally, GBH and Gly enhanced histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) marker at 3 out of 4 RRs studied which was correlated with increased EZH2 levels. In conclusion, exposure to GBH and Gly during both gestational plus lactational phases induces epigenetic modifications in regulatory regions of uterine Hoxa10 gene. We show for the first time that Gly and a GBH cause comparable gene expression and epigenetic changes. Our results might contribute to delineate the mechanisms involved in the implantation failures previously reported. Finally, we propose that epigenetic information might be a valuable tool for risk assessment in the near future, although more research is needed to establish a cause-effect relationship.
A simple and low-cost environmental enrichment program improves the welfare of Calomys callosus, a species that adapts to animal facilities
Authors: Klein Sandra Gabriela , Soares de Assis Tamires , Pereira Gabriel Silva , Coutinho Loyane Bertagnolli , Guerra Renan Faria , Neves Matheus Morais , Ferreira Flávia Batista , Lemos de Lima Isabela , Polveiro Richard Costa , Ferro Eloisa Amália Vieira , Vieira da Silva Murilo
Published: September 2024

An environmental enrichment protocol is essential for testing experimental models because it upholds animal welfare, aligns with ethical principles in animal experimentation, and reduces the number of animals needed. Calomys callosus, a South American rodent from the Cricetidae family, is bred in rodent animal facilities for its ease of handling, longevity, prolificacy, and effectively mimicking diseases like Toxoplasmosis, Leishmaniasis, Chagas, and Schistosomiasis. There are no reports on environmental enrichments for this species or their impact on reproductive parameters. This study aimed to analyze the influence of the Environmental Enrichment Program (EEP) on the reproductive and zootechnical performance of C. callosus kept in the Rodents Animal Facilities Complex of Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU). Two experimental groups were established: with environmental enrichment EE+ and without environmental enrichment EE−. The materials used in the experimental design were changed weekly and alternated between dietary, occupational, physical/cognitive, and non-enrichment items. After the inclusion of the EEP, an improvement in the reproductive indices of C. callosus was identified in the EE+ group. These improvements included increased female precocity, a decreased interbirth interval, and a higher number of pairs producing more offspring. The postpartum zootechnical indices were also better, such as the number of animals born alive, improved weaning rates, and a reduced average number of deaths from birth to weaning. After the inclusion of the EEP, the general health status of C. callosus improved, reducing cases of non-infectious lumbar alopecia. Therefore, EEP allows C. callosus to express natural reproductive behaviors and improves parental care.
Ensuring Sustainability: Leadership Approach Model for Tackling Procurement Challenges in Bulgarian Higher Education Institutions
Authors: Daskalova-Karakasheva Mina , Zgureva-Filipova Denitza , Filipov Kalin , Venkov George
Published: September 2024

At present, higher education institutions (HEIs) are increasingly expected to incorporate sustainability into all aspects by integrating it not only into education and research but also into operational processes, including procurement. In some cases, national legislation hinders public universities from adhering to sustainability requirements. This paper aims to introduce a leadership approach model that enables public universities to overcome the constraints imposed by the legal framework. To explore the relatively new area of Sustainable Public Procurement (SPP), where still little is known, the Technical University of Sofia (TU-Sofia) was chosen as a testbed for the case study. Firstly, the challenges posed by external factors—such as non-discrimination principles stated in Bulgaria’s Public Procurement Act (PPA) and internal incentives at TU-Sofia for sustainable procurement initiatives were identified. Secondly, based on the findings, the recommendation is to adopt a leadership approach model by developing and implementing a Sustainable Public Procurement Policy (SPPP) tailored to harness the university’s sustainable development drivers while complying with legislative requirements. As a result of the leadership approach model implementation, the university will not only enhance economic benefits but also mitigate risks and drive transformative change in procurement management processes, contributing to broader societal and environmental goals.
The Dynamic Prediction Method for Aircraft Cabin Temperatures Based on Flight Test Data
Authors: Li He , Zhang Jianjun , Cai Liangxu , Li Minwei , Fu Yun , Hao Yujun
Published: September 2024

For advanced aircraft, the temperature environment inside the cabin is very severe due to the high flight speed and the compact concentration of the electronic equipment in the cabin. Accurately predicting the temperature environment induced inside the cabin during the flight of the aircraft can determine the temperature environment requirements of the onboard equipment inside the cabin and provide an accurate input for the thermal design optimization and test verification of the equipment. The temperature environment of the whole aircraft is divided into zones by the cluster analysis method; the heat transfer mechanism of the aircraft cabin is analyzed for the target area; and the influence of internal and external factors on the thermal environment is considered to establish the temperature environment prediction model of the target cabin. The coefficients of the equations in the model are parameterized to extract the long-term stable terms and trend change terms; with the help of the measured data of the flight state, the model coefficients are determined by a stepwise regression method; and the temperature value inside the aircraft cabin is the output by inputting parameters such as flight altitude, flight speed, and external temperature. The model validation results show that the established temperature environment prediction model can accurately predict the change curve of the cabin temperature during the flight of the aircraft, and the model has a good follow-up performance, which reduces the prediction error caused by the temperature hysteresis effect. For an aircraft, the estimated error is 2.8 °C at a confidence level of 95%. Engineering cases show that the application of this method can increase the thermal design requirements of the airborne equipment by 15 °C, increase the low-temperature test conditions by 17 °C, and avoid the problems caused by an insufficient design and over-testing. This method can accurately predict the internal temperature distribution of the cabin during the flight state of the aircraft, help designers determine the thermal design requirements of the airborne equipment, modify the thermal design and temperature test profile, and improve the environmental worth of the equipment.
Agronomic Strategies for Sustainable Cotton Production: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Vitale Giuseppe Salvatore , Scavo Aurelio , Zingale Silvia , Tuttolomondo Teresa , Santonoceto Carmelo , Pandino Gaetano , Lombardo Sara , Anastasi Umberto , Guarnaccia Paolo
Published: September 2024

Cotton, with a cultivated area of 31.92 × 106 ha−1 across 80 countries and an estimated annual turnover of USD 5.68 billion, is the world’s leading natural textile fiber. However, many cotton-producing countries have neglected to improve production practices, adversely affecting the environment and society. A systematic review of the sustainable cotton cultivation literature was performed for the first time to identify and suggest context-specific agricultural strategies that can be applied within different agroecosystems. The key aspects include (1) inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal species such as Gigaspora margarita, Funneliformis mosseae, and Acaulospora scrobiculata to enhance root exploration, biomass, and nutrient uptake; (2) using grass, legume, and brassica cover crops as a valid alternative to monoculture and fallow crop rotations to reduce resource depletion and increase the sustainability of cotton production; (3) adopting drip and mulched drip irrigation systems over traditional furrow and sprinkler systems for water conservation; (4) exploring the feasibility of prematurely terminating irrigation in humid subtropical and Mediterranean climates as an alternative to chemical defoliation without affecting cotton yield. This paper, which describes various farming practices adopted in different climates, provides farmers a guide for eco-friendly cotton agronomic management without sacrificing productivity.
Dynamic Measurement Method for Steering Wheel Angle of Autonomous Agricultural Vehicles
Authors: Li Jinyang , Wu Zhaozhao , Li Meiqing , Shang Zhijian
Published: September 2024

Steering wheel angle is an important and essential parameter of the navigation control of autonomous wheeled vehicles. At present, the combination of rotary angle sensors and four-link mechanisms is the main sensing approach for steering wheel angle with high measurement accuracy, which is widely adopted in autonomous agriculture vehicles. However, in a complex and challenging farmland environment, there are a series of prominent problems such as complicated installation and debugging, spattered mud blocking the parallel four-bar mechanism, breakage of the sensor wire during operation, and separate calibrations for different vehicles. To avoid the above problems, a novel dynamic measurement method for steering wheel angle is presented based on vehicle attitude information and a non-contact attitude sensor. First, the working principle of the proposed measurement method and the effect of zero position error on measurement accuracy and path tracking are analyzed. Then, an optimization algorithm for zero position error of steering wheel angle is proposed. The experimental platform is assembled based on a 2ZG-6DM rice transplanter by software design and hardware modification. Finally, comparative tests are conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness and priority of the proposed dynamic sensing method. Experimental results show that the average absolute error of the straight path is 0.057° and the corresponding standard deviation of the error is 0.483°. The average absolute error of the turning path is 0.686° and the standard deviation of the error is 0.931°. This implies the proposed dynamic sensing method can accurately realize the collection of the steering wheel angle. Compared to the traditional measurement method, the proposed dynamic sensing method greatly improves the measurement reliability of the steering wheel angle and avoids complicated installation and debugging of different vehicles. The separate calibrations for different vehicles are not needed since the proposed measurement method is not dependent on the kinematic models of the vehicles. Given that the attitude sensor can be installed at a higher position on the wheel, sensor damage from mud blocking and the sensor wire breaking is also avoided.
Current Framework of Italian Agriculture and Changes between the 2010 and 2020 Censuses
Authors: Altamore Luca , Chinnici Pietro , Bacarella Simona , Chironi Stefania , Ingrassia Marzia
Published: September 2024

This study aims to describe the current framework of the Italian agricultural sector and the changes that occurred in the decade between the two general censuses of agriculture of 2010 and 2020, and the EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) programming period 2014–2020. The General Census of Agriculture is an economic census carried out to fulfill international and EU legislation requirements, but also to meet national information needs. It consists in counting farms and identifying their characteristics. For this study, the official data of the 7th Italian General Census of Agriculture (GCA) of 2020 were collected, analyzed, and compared to those of the previous 6th GCA of 2010. Farms’ type of activities, structure, digitalization/computerization, innovation, and workforces’ characteristics were analyzed. Correlations between farms with investments in innovation and other variables like the age and the educational qualification of entrepreneurs and the farm’s size (agricultural used area) were calculated. Groups of similar Italian regions for types of farm and types of farming (segmenting the sector into subsets of regions that share common characteristics), and groups of similar farming characteristics in the entire agricultural sector, were highlighted. The results showed a notable positive correlation between farms’ investment in innovation and farms’ size, and a medium but positive correlation also with other two variables, the entrepreneur’s range of age and educational qualification. Results found groups of regions that are similar in terms of types of farm and farming types, highlighting that the agricultural sector in Italy is not homogeneous among all the regions of north, center, and south. Moreover, the discovered different groups of farming characteristics highlighted the Italian “farm profiles”, i.e., descriptions of key information about different specific types of farm. The overall analysis of all the results of this study provided the current situation of the Italian agricultural sector and discussion about its characteristics and changes during the last ten years. Based on our knowledge, this study is the first one with such a level of comprehensiveness. Findings are of high interest to academics in agriculture economics and policy maker, because they contribute to identifying the farms’ and territories’ strategic elements that require strengthening to foster economic and social development. Moreover these findings may provide food for thought on the effectiveness of the development strategy of the EU CAP 2023–2027 (through greening and digitization) at the regional and European levels, starting from the baseline situation of this country, which is certainly one, but which is among the most relevant ones in the European agri-food system and also globally.
Effects of Nitrogen Addition on Soil Microbial Biomass: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: He Chen , Ruan Yunze , Jia Zhongjun
Published: September 2024

Most studies about the effects of N addition on soil microbial biomass evaluate soil microbial and physicochemical characteristics using single-test methods, and these studies have not been integrated and analyzed to comprehensively assess the impact of N fertilization on soil microbial biomass. Here, we conduct a meta-analysis to analyze the results of 86 studies characterizing how soil microbial biomass C (MBC), N (MBN), and P (MBP) pools respond to exogenous N addition across multiple land use types. We found that low N addition (5–50 kg/hm2) rates significantly affect soil microbial biomass, mainly by increasing MBC but also by decreasing MBP and significantly increasing MBC/MBP. N addition affects soil physicochemical properties, significantly reducing pH and significantly increasing the soil dissolved organic N and inorganic N content. Our analysis also revealed that the effects of N application vary across ecosystems. N addition significantly decreases MBP and total P in planted forests but does not significantly affect soil microbial biomass in grasslands. In farmland soil, N addition significantly increases total P, NH4+, NO3−, MBN, and MBP but significantly decreases pH. Although N addition can strongly influence soil microbial biomass, its effects are modulated by ecosystem type. The addition of N can negatively affect MBC, MBN, and MBP in natural forest ecosystems, thereby altering global ecosystem balance.
Determinants and Pathways of Nitrous Oxide Emissions from Soil Irrigated with Reclaimed Water
Authors: Chi Yanbing , Wei Chenchen , Yang Peiling , Ma Ning
Published: September 2024

Reclaimed water (RW), as a reliable and renewable secondary water source, has become a crucial strategy for many countries to supplement agricultural water usage and alleviate water scarcity. However, despite the increasing use of RW, there has been limited research on the factors affecting soil nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions under RW irrigation. Understanding these factors is essential for guiding RW irrigation practices and controlling greenhouse gas emissions. This research, conducted from 2014 to 2015, includes field experiments designed to systematically assess the effects of soil chemistry properties and temperature on soil N2O emissions under RW irrigation. Subsequent to these field studies, soil samples were collected for 15N isotope trials to examine the impact of RW on the soil N2O production process, including autotrophic nitrification, heterotrophic nitrification, and denitrification. The results showed that RW irrigation influenced soil N2O emissions by affecting soil pH, but not through changes in soil total nitrogen (TN) or soil organic carbon (SOC) content. Moreover, compared to groundwater (UW) irrigation, RW irrigation significantly reduced the temperature sensitivity of soil N2O emissions. The 15N isotope labeling trial indicated that autotrophic nitrification was the primary pathway for soil N2O production under RW irrigation, contributing 60.46%—significantly higher than that observed with UW irrigation. Primary treated sewage (PW) significantly increased soil N2O emissions through the heterotrophic nitrification process compared to RW, with contributions rising from 11.31% to 13.23%. Additionally, RW, compared to UW, significantly increased the copy numbers of soil nitrification genes (ammonia-oxidizing archaea [AOA-amoA]) and denitrification genes (nitrite reductase [nirK and nirS]). Therefore, it is important to appropriately control the nitrification process and balance soil pH to manage soil N2O emissions under RW irrigation.
Composting of Cow-Dung-Amended Soil by the Dung Beetle Catharsius molossus L. Improves Bacterial Ecological Functions Related to Nitrogen Mineralization and Human and Plant Pathogenesis
Authors: Kaleri Abdul Rasheed , Ma Jiahua , Jakhar Ali Murad , Ahmed Awais , Faqir Yahya , Tan Chengjia , Stanković Slaviša , Raspor Martin
Published: September 2024

The Asian dung beetle (Catharsius molossus L.; Coleoptera: Scarabeidae) has been shown to positively affect soil bacterial diversity and the agronomic features of crop plants. In this study, we used bioinformatic tools to investigate the differences in bacterial functional phenotypes and ecological functions between control soil, cow dung-amended soil (CD), and cow dung-amended soil composted by dung beetles (DB). The soil bacterial metagenomes were sequenced and analyzed with the bioinformatic packages BugBase, PICRUSt2, Tax4Fun, and FAPROTAX to evaluate the effects of dung beetle-mediated composting on bacterial functions such as human and plant pathogenicity, trophic strategies, and soil nutrient transformation. BugBase proved useful for the determination of differences in major functional phenotypes, whereas FAPROTAX was effective at identifying differences in bacterial ecological functions between the treatments. Both tools suggested a relative decrease in human pathogens in the DB soil. This was corroborated by the pairwise comparison of abundances in bacterial species, which showed a significant reduction in the abundance of the broad-host-range pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the DB soil. In addition, FAPROTAX suggested a decrease in plant pathogens and an increase in chitinolytic bacteria, meaning that the DB treatment might be beneficial to the plant-growth-promoting bacteria involved in biological control. Finally, FAPROTAX revealed an array of ecological functions related to trophic strategies and macro- and micronutrient metabolism. According to these results, the activity of C. molossus beetles enhanced methanotrophy, ammonification, nitrification, sulfate reduction, and manganese oxidation, whereas iron respiration was decreased in the DB-treated soil. Our results represent a collection of general insights into the effects of C. molossus beetles on soil bacterial functions, which also reflect on the nutrient composition of dung beetle-composted soil.
Activation of ABA Signaling Pathway and Up-Regulation of Salt-Responsive Genes Confer Salt Stress Tolerance of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Seedlings
Authors: Zou Zhiyou , Khan Aziz , Khan Adnan , Tao Zhongyi , Zhang Sheng , Long Qiteng , Lin Jinfu , Luo Shunshe
Published: September 2024

Salt is a potent abiotic stress that arrests plant growth by impairing their physio-biochemical and molecular processes. However, it is unknown how the ABA signaling system and vacuolar-type Na+/H+ antiporter proteins induce stress tolerance in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedlings. The present study aimed to identify salt-responsive proteins and signaling pathways involved in the resistance of wheat to salt stress. We explored the proteome profile, 20 amino acids, 14 carbohydrates, 8 major phytohormones, ion content, and salt tolerance genes in wheat (Triticum aestivum L., cv.) under 200 mM NaCl with control plants for six days. The results showed that amino acids such as alanine, serine, proline, glutamine, and aspartic acid were highly expressed under salt stress compared with control plants, suggesting that amino acids are the main players in salinity tolerance. The ABA signaling system was activated in response to salinity stress through the modulation of protein phosphatase 2C (PP2C) and ABA-responsive element binding factor (ABF), resulting in an ABA-mediated downstream response. Additionally, the vacuolar-type Na+/H+ antiporter was identified as a key protein in salt stress tolerance via compartmentalizing Na+ in the vacuole. Furthermore, a significant increase in the abundance of the 14-3-3 protein was noticed in salt-fed plants, suggesting that this protein plays an important role in Na+ compartmentalization. Moreover, up-regulation of ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and thioredoxin-scavenged reactive oxygen species resulted in improved plant growth under salt stress. These data will help to identify salt-responsive proteins that can be used in future breeding programs to develop salt-tolerant varieties.
Analysis of the Genetic Diversity and Genetic Structure of Jiangshan Black Pigs Using Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) Chips
Authors: Zhu Mingfei , Wang Litong , Ma Zhibo , Mao Yangcang , Wang Guoshui , Zheng Rong , Zuo Bo , Wang Yizhen
Published: September 2024

The Jiangshan black pig is an indigenous pig breed in China, renowned for its superior meat quality and adaptability to roughage. However, the population of Jiangshan black pigs has dwindled due to the introduction of cosmopolitan pig breeds and the outbreak of African swine fever, putting them at risk of extinction. To offer insights into the conservation and breeding of Jiangshan black pigs, this study involved 118 Jiangshan black pigs as the research subjects and employed the Zhongxin-1 Porcine Breeding Array PLUS chip to detect whole-genome SNPs. Additionally, various software tools were utilized to accurately analyze the genetic diversity, phylogenetic relationship, inbreeding coefficient, and pedigree structure of the Jiangshan black pig conservation population. The findings indicated that the effective population size (Ne) of the Jiangshan black pig was 4.9, with an average inbreeding coefficient of 0.253 within the population. A genetic relationship analysis identified that the 16 male pigs were clustered into four families, and the 100 female pigs were also assigned to these familial groups. Furthermore, two female pigs were classified as “other” due to their distant genetic relatedness to all the males. These results contribute to a better understanding of the current status of the conservation of the Jiangshan black pig population and offer a theoretical foundation for the development of conservation strategies.
The Indigenous Probiotic Lactococcus lactis PH3-05 Enhances the Growth, Digestive Physiology, and Gut Microbiota of the Tropical Gar (Atractosteus tropicus) Larvae
Authors: Pérez-Jiménez Graciela María , Alvarez-Villagomez Carina Shianya , Martínez-Porchas Marcel , Garibay-Valdez Estefanía , Sepúlveda-Quiroz César Antonio , Méndez-Marín Otilio , Martínez-García Rafael , Jesús-Contreras Ronald , Alvarez-González Carlos Alfonso , De la Rosa-García Susana del Carmen
Published: September 2024

Probiotics in aquaculture hold promise for enhancing fish health and growth. Due to their increased specificity and affinity for their host, indigenous probiotics may offer isolated and potentially amplified benefits. This study investigated the effects of Lactococcus lactis PH3-05, previously isolated from adults of tropical gar (Atractosteus tropicus), on the growth, survival, digestive enzyme activity, intestinal morphology, expression of barrier and immune genes, and intestinal microbiota composition in the larvae of tropical gar. Larvae were fed with live L. lactis PH3-05 concentrations of 104, 106, and 108 CFU/g for 15 days alongside a control diet without probiotics. Higher concentrations of L. lactis PH3-05 (106 and 108 CFU/g) positively influenced larval growth, increasing hepatocyte area and enterocyte height. The 106 CFU/g dose significantly enhanced survival (46%) and digestive enzyme activity. Notably, the 108 CFU/g dose stimulated increased expression of muc-2 and il-10 genes, suggesting enhanced mucosal barrier function and anti-inflammatory response. Although L. lactis PH3-05 did not significantly change the diversity, structure, or Phylum level composition of intestinal microbiota, which was constituted by Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota, Chloroflexi, and Firmicutes, an increase in Lactobacillus abundance was observed in fish fed with 106 CFU/g, suggesting enhanced probiotic colonization. These results demonstrate that administering L. lactis PH3-05 at 106 CFU/g promotes growth, survival, and digestive health in A. tropicus larvae, establishing it as a promising indigenous probiotic candidate for aquaculture applications.
Carapace Morphology Variations in Captive Tortoises: Insights from Three-Dimensional Analysis
Authors: Eravci Yalin Ebru , Gündemir Ozan , Günay Ebuderda , Vatansever Çelik Ezgi Can , Duro Sokol , Szara Tomasz , Blagojevic Milos , Sönmez Bektaş , Spataru Mihaela-Claudia
Published: September 2024

The carapace morphology of tortoises is a crucial characteristic used for species identification, with features such as shell shape, roughness, and color patterns varying among species. Understanding this morphological diversity is valuable not only for taxonomic classification but also for more specialized clinical approaches. This study investigated the morphological differences in the shells of Leopard tortoises (Stigmochelys pardalis), African spurred tortoises (Centrochelys sulcata), and Greek tortoises (spur-thighed tortoises; Testudo graeca) raised in captivity. Using 3D scanners, the carapaces were modeled, and a 3D geometric morphometric method was employed to analyze shape variations and dimensional features, with landmarks applied automatically. Among the species studied, African spurred tortoises had the largest carapace size. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified PC1 and PC3 as critical factors in distinguishing between species based on morphological characteristics. Positive PC1 values, associated with a shorter carapace height, indicated a flatter or more compact shell shape. A higher PC3 value corresponded to a raised shape at the back of the shell, while a lower PC3 value indicated a raised shape at the front. Specifically, Leopard tortoises exhibited a higher carapace shape than the other species, while African spurred tortoises had shorter carapaces. An allometric effect was observed in the carapaces, where smaller specimens tended to be proportionately higher-domed, whereas larger shells displayed a lower height in shape. These findings highlight the significance of shape variations in tortoise shells, which emerge during adaptation and have important implications for taxonomy and clinical practice. Such differences should be carefully considered in veterinary care and species identification.
Information of Growth Traits Is Helpful for Genetic Evaluation of Litter Size in Pigs
Authors: Yang Hui , Yang Lei , Qian Jinhua , Xu Lei , Lin Li , Su Guosheng
Published: September 2024

Litter size is an important trait in pig production. But selection accuracy for this trait is relatively low, compared with production traits. This study, for the first time, investigated the improvement of genetic evaluation of reproduction traits such as litter size in pigs using data of production traits as an additional information source. The data of number of piglets born alive per litter (NBA), age at 100 kg of body weight (Age100), and lean meet percentage (LMP) in a Yorkshire population were analyzed, using either a single-trait model or the multitrait model that allows us to account for environmental correlation between reproduction and production traits in the situation that one individual has only one record for a production trait while multiple records for a reproduction trait. Accuracy of genetic evaluation using single-trait and multitrait models were assessed by model-based accuracy (Rm) and validation accuracy (Rv). Two validation scenarios were considered. One scenario (Valid_r1) was that the individuals did not have a record of NBA, but Age100 and LMP. The other (Valid_r2) was that the individuals did not have a record for all the three traits. The estimate of heritability was 0.279 for Age100, 0.371 for LMP, and 0.076 for NBA. Genetic correlation was 0.308 between Age100 and LMP, 0.369 between Age100 and NBA, and 0.022 between LMP and NBA. Compared with the single-trait model, the multitrait model including Age100 increased prediction accuracy for NBA by 3.6 percentage points in Rm and 5.9 percentage points in Rv for the scenario of Valid_r1. The increase was 1.8 percentage points in Rm and 3.8 percentage points in Rv for the scenario of Valid_r2. Age100 also gained in the multitrait model but was smaller than NBA. However, LMP did not benefit from a multitrait model and did not have a positive contribution to genetic evaluation for NBA. In addition, the multitrait model, in general, slightly reduced level bias but not dispersion bias of genetic evaluation. According to these results, it is recommended to predict breeding values using a multitrait model including growth and reproduction traits.
Effects of a Combined Chinese Herbal Medicine on Growth Performance, Intestinal Barrier Function, Immune Response, and Cecal Microflora in Broilers Infected with Salmonella enteritidis
Authors: Zou Changzhi , Xing Xin , Li Shunxi , Zheng Xuelong , Zhao Jinshan , Liu Huawei
Published: September 2024

This study investigated the effects of CCHM in drinking water on broilers infected with Salmonella enteritidis. One-day-old male Cobb 500 broilers (n = 300) were randomly assigned to five groups: a control (NC) group, a Salmonella enteritidis challenge (SE) group, an antibiotic (AB) group, a low dose of CCHM (CL) group, and a high dose of CCHM (CH) group. Each group had six replicate cages with ten broilers per cage. The broilers in the NC and SE groups were given normal drinking water. From days 12 to 18, the AB group received water treated with ciprofloxacin lactate injection (1 mL/L), while the CL and CH groups received water containing CCHM at doses of 5 mL/L and 10 mL/L, respectively. Broilers in all groups except the NC group were orally given Salmonella enteritidis daily from days 9 to 11. The experimental period was 28 days. The results showed that, compared with the SE group, the CL and CH groups showed improved growth performance; increased immune organ indices, expressions of ileal occludin and ZO-1 proteins, jejunal and ileal villus heights (except at day 19), and cecal Lactobacillus counts on days 19 and 28 (p < 0.05); and decreased jejunal and ileal lesion scores, ileal interleukin 1β (IL-1β) (except at day 19), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin 6 (IL-6) (except at day 19), secretory immunoglobulin A (slgA) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) (except at day 19) levels, serum D-lactic acid and diamine oxidase (DAO) (except at day 19) contents, jejunal and ileal crypt depths (except at day 19), and cecal Salmonella and Escherichia coli counts on days 19 and 28 (p < 0.05). On day 28, except for the levels of ileal interleukin 10 (IL-10), TNF-α, slgA, and serum D-lactic acid content, there were no differences among the NC, AB, and CL groups (p > 0.05). In conclusion, drinking water supplemented with CCHM alleviated the intestinal damage caused by Salmonella enteritidis infection and improved growth performance and cecal microbiota in broilers. The optimal addition rate of CCHM was 5 mL/L.
Neonatal Infectious Disease: A Major Contributor to Infant Mortality Requiring Advances in Point-of-Care Diagnosis
Authors: Garvey Mary
Published: September 2024

Neonatal infectious disease continues to result in high rates of infant morbidity and mortality. Early- and late-onset disease represent difficult to detect and difficult to treat illnesses, particularly when antimicrobial resistant pathogens are present. Newborns are immunodeficient and are at increased risk of vertical and horizontal infection, with preterm infants increasingly susceptible. Additional risk factors associated with infection include prolonged use of a central catheter and/or ventilation, congenital abnormalities, admittance to intensive care units, and the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. There is increasing recognition of the importance of the host microbiome and dysbiosis on neonatal infectious disease, including necrotising enterocolitis and sepsis in patients. Current diagnostic methods rely on blood culture, which is unreliable, time consuming, and can result in false negatives. There is a lack of accurate and reliable diagnostic tools available for the early detection of infectious disease in infants; therefore, efficient triage and treatment remains challenging. The application of biomarkers, machine learning, artificial intelligence, biosensors, and microfluidics technology, may offer improved diagnostic methodologies. Point-of-care devices, such diagnostic methodologies, may provide fast, reliable, and accurate diagnostic aids for neonatal patients. This review will discuss neonatal infectious disease as impacted by antimicrobial resistance and will highlight novel point-of-care diagnostic options.
Exploring Biofilm-Related Traits and Bile Salt Efficacy as Anti-Biofilm Agents in MDR Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Aleksic Sabo Verica , Škorić Dušan , Jovanović-Šanta Suzana , Knezevic Petar
Published: September 2024

Acinetobacter baumannii has been designated as a critical priority pathogen by the World Health Organization for the development of novel antimicrobial agents. This study aimed to investigate both the phenotypic and genotypic traits of multidrug-resistant (MDR) A. baumannii strains, along with the effects of natural bile salts on biofilm formation. The research analyzed phenotypic traits, including autoaggregation, hydrophobicity, twitching motility, lectin production, and biofilm formation, as well as genotypic traits such as the presence of bap and blaPER-1 genes in twenty wound and eight environmental MDR A. baumannii isolates. While all strains were identified as good biofilm producers, no statistically significant correlation was detected between the examined traits and biofilm formation. However, differences in biofilm production were observed between environmental and wound isolates. The natural bile salts Na-cholate, Na-deoxycholate, and Na-chenodeoxycholate demonstrated effective anti-A. baumannii activity (MIC = 0.25–10 mg mL−1), with significant anti-biofilm effects. Na-deoxycholate and Na-chenodeoxycholate inhibited 94–100% of biofilm formation at super-MIC concentrations (8–32 mg mL−1). This study underscores the urgent need for innovative strategies to combat antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation in A. baumannii, highlighting the potential of natural bile salts as promising biofilm inhibitors and encouraging further research into their modification and combination with other antimicrobials.
Evaluation of Biotechnological Active Peptides Secreted by Saccharomyces cerevisiae with Potential Skin Benefits
Authors: Maurício Elisabete Muchagato , Branco Patrícia , Araújo Ana Luiza Barros , Roma-Rodrigues Catarina , Lima Katelene , Duarte Maria Paula , Fernandes Alexandra R. , Albergaria Helena
Published: September 2024

Biotechnological active peptides are gaining interest in the cosmetics industry due to their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-collagenase (ACE) effects, as well as wound healing properties, making them suitable for cosmetic formulations. The antimicrobial activity of peptides (2–10 kDa) secreted by Saccharomyces cerevisiae Ethanol-Red was evaluated against dermal pathogens using broth microdilution and challenge tests. ACE was assessed using a collagenase activity colorimetric assay, antioxidant activity via spectrophotometric monitoring of nitrotetrazolium blue chloride (NBT) reduction, and anti-inflammatory effects by quantifying TNF-α mRNA in lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-exposed dermal fibroblasts. Wound healing assays involved human fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and dermal keratinocytes. The peptides (2–10 kDa) exhibited antimicrobial activity against 10 dermal pathogens, with the Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) ranging from 125 µg/mL for Staphylococcus aureus to 1000 µg/mL for Candida albicans and Streptococcus pyogenes. In the challenge test, peptides at their MICs reduced microbial counts significantly, fulfilling ISO 11930:2019 standards, except against Aspergillus brasiliensis. The peptides combined with MicrocareⓇ SB showed synergy, particularly against C. albicans and A. brasilensis. In vitro, the peptides inhibited collagenase activity by 41.8% and 94.5% at 250 and 1000 µg/mL, respectively, and demonstrated antioxidant capacity. Pre-incubation with peptides decreased TNF-α expression in fibroblasts, indicating anti-inflammatory effects. The peptides do not show to promote or inhibit the angiogenesis of endothelial cells, but are able to attenuate fibrosis, scar formation, and chronic inflammation during the final phases of the wound healing process. The peptides showed antimicrobial, antioxidant, ACE, and anti-inflammatory properties, highlighting their potential as multifunctional bioactive ingredients in skincare, warranting further optimization and exploration in cosmetic applications.
Identification of Antimicrobial-Resistant Zoonotic Bacteria in Swine Production: Implications from the One Health Perspective
Authors: Ventero Maria Paz , Marin Clara , Migura-Garcia Lourdes , Tort-Miro Carla , Giler Noemi , Gomez Inmaculada , Escribano Isabel , Marco-Fuertes Ana , Montoro-Dasi Laura , Lorenzo-Rebenaque Laura , Vega Santiago , Pérez-Gracia Maria Teresa , Rodríguez Juan Carlos
Published: September 2024

Antimicrobial resistance poses a major threat to global health and food security and is primarily driven by antimicrobial use in human and veterinary medicine. Understanding its epidemiology at farm level is crucial for effective control measures. Despite the significant reduction in antibiotic use in conventional livestock production, the swine sector traditionally has a higher level of antibiotic use in veterinary medicine. Consequently, multidrug resistance (MDR) among microbial isolates of swine origin has been relatively frequent. The aim of this study was to assess the presence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, enteric pathogens and resistance genes to the main antibiotics used in clinical practice, both within the environment and in animals across pig farms characterized by varying degrees of sanitary status. A total of 274 samples were collected. Of these, 34 samples were collected from the environment (wall swabs, slat swabs and slurry pit), and 240 samples were collected from animals (sows’ and piglets’ rectal faeces). All samples were analysed for MDR bacteria and enteric pathogens. The study revealed a high frequency of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL)-producing Enterobacterales and Campylobacter spp., with ESBL-producing Enterobacterales predominating in high health status farms (environment and animals) and Campylobacter spp. in both high health status and low health status environments. Additionally, a high percentage of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was found, mainly in environmental samples from high health status farms, and Clostridioides difficile was distributed ubiquitously among farms and samples. Furthermore, though less frequently, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE) was isolated only in high health status farms, and Gram-negative bacilli resistant to carbapenems were isolated only in environmental samples of high health status and low health status farms. This study underscores the importance of surveillance for MDR bacteria in farm animals and their environment, including their waste. Such ecosystems serve as crucial reservoirs of bacteria, requiring national-level surveillance to promote responsible antibiotic use and pandemic control.