bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rigid Neuroendoscopy Assisted Hematoma Resection Reduces the Recurrence Rate of Chronic Subdural Hematoma With Mixed Density: A Retrospective Analytic Cohort Study
Authors: Fang Huangyi , Zhang Zhongding , Liu Yiru , Wang Lingfei , Yang Yue , Li Shize , Jing Xiepan , Bai Guanghui , Sheng Hansong
Published: February 2022

Background

The mixed density hematoma (MDH) has a high recurrence rate in chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH). This study adopted rigid neuroendoscopy assisted hematoma resection to evacuate CSDH and investigated its efficacy as compared with the traditional burr-hole craniostomy (BHC) in CSDH with mixed density.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted at two centers between January 2015 and December 2020. The data of 124 patients who underwent BHC for CSDH with mixed density were collected and analyzed. A total of 41 patients underwent rigid neuroendoscopy assisted hematoma resection (neuroendoscopy group) and 83 patients were treated by the traditional BHC (control group). Follow-ups were conducted 6 months after the surgery.

Results

There was no significant difference in the baseline characteristics and preoperative CT features between the two groups (p > 0.05). The neuroendoscopy group had a lower recurrence rate than the control group (p = 0.043). Besides the neuroendoscopy group had a higher rate of hematoma evacuation (p < 0.001), less pneumocephalus volume (p < 0.001), shorter hospital stay (p < 0.001) and better Markwalder score (p < 0.001) than the control group within 24–48 h after operation. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups in the incidence of pneumocephalus, Markwalder score (at discharge and 6 months after surgery) and mortality. Moreover, the operation time was longer in the neuroendoscopy group (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

When compared with the traditional BHC, rigid neuroendoscopy assisted hematoma resection can better reduce the recurrence rate of CSDH with mixed density. Also, it surpassed the results obtained from BHC in reducing the volume of pneumocephalus, improving hematoma evacuation rate, promoting short-term neurological recovery, and shortening hospital stays.
Super-Selective Partial Splenic Embolization for Hereditary Spherocytosis in Children: A Single-Center Retrospective Study
Authors: Wang Rui-jue , Xiao Li , Xu Xi-ming , Zhang Ming-man , Xiong Qiang
Published: February 2022

Background

Hereditary spherocytosis (HS) is the most common hemolytic anemia due to erythrocyte membrane defects. Total splenectomy is the most effective treatment for moderate or severe HS. As a conservative alternative, partial splenic embolization (PSE) can preserve part of the spleen's function, thus reducing the risk of overwhelming post-splenectomy infection (OPSI) or sepsis, especially for pediatric patients. However, it is not easy to precisely control the scope of interventional embolization, limiting PSE applications. The present study aims to optimize the PSE procedure on smaller, which is named super-selective PSE (SPSE), to improve the controllability and assess the feasibility and effectiveness of SPSE.

Results

This study was conducted by retrospectively reviewing clinical data from HS patients treated by surgical treatments, which were diagnosed at the children's hospital of Chongqing medical university from January 2015 to December 2019. Patients were divided into two groups according to their treatment preference: SPSE (16 patients) group and total splenectomy (41 patients) group. The mean proportion range of splenic embolism by SPSE was 82.4%, close to the expected value (70–85%). The average hemoglobin value was increased significantly from 6.85 (5.6–8.0) g/dl before SPSE to 12.4 (10.4–13.3) g/dl after SPSE (p < 0.001). All children after SPSE suffered mild post-embolization syndrome, such as pain, fever, and vomiting, which could easily be controlled with appropriate supportive therapy.

Conclusions

Super-selective partial splenic embolization is a safe and effective treatment for moderate or severe HS in children. However, with a longer follow-up, more patients further assess the value of SPSE.
Mechanisms of Oogenesis-Related Long Non-coding RNAs in Porcine Ovaries Treated With Recombinant Pig Follicle-Stimulating Hormone
Authors: Mao Haiguang , Chen Lu , Bao Rupo , Weng Shiqiao , Wang Mengting , Xu Ningying , Qi Lili , Wang Jinbo
Published: February 2022

Reproductive efficiency is of significant importance in pork production for it has a great impact on economic success. Ovulation rate is an early component of reproduction efficiency of pigs, and it contributes to the upper limit of litter size. In this study, we used the newly developed recombinant pig follicle stimulating hormone (rpFSH) instead of traditional PMSG to increase ovulation rate of pigs in order to achieve higher litter size, for it was better at stimulating ovulation, and showed more cheaper and greener. However, relatively little is known about the underlying genetic bases and molecular mechanisms. Consequently, an experiment was carried out in ovaries of replacement gilts to screen the key genes and lncRNAs that affect the fecundity of pigs by RNA-seq technology. Twenty gilts were divided into two groups, including 10 rpFSH treatment pigs and 10 control animals. After slaughtering and collecting the phenotypic data, ovaries of five pigs in each group were selected for RNA-seq. Total RNA was extracted to construct the library and then sequence on an Illumina Hiseq 4000 system. A comprehensive analysis of mRNAs and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) from 10 samples was performed with bioinformatics. The phenotypic data showed that rpFSH treatment groups had the higher (P < 0.01) ovarian weight and more mature follicles. The RNA-seq results showed that a total of 43,499 mRNAs and 21,703 lncRNAs were identified, including 21,300 novel lncRNAs and 403 known lncRNAs, of which 585 mRNAs and 398 lncRNAs (P < 0.05) were significantly differentially expressed (DE) between the two groups of rpFSH treatment group and controlled group. GO and KEGG annotation analysis indicated that the target genes of DE lncRNAs and DE mRNAs were related to prolactin receptor activity, mitophagy by induced vacuole formation, and meiotic spindle. Moreover, we found that NR5A2 (nuclear receptor subfamily 5, group A, member 2), a target gene of lncRNA MSTRG.3902.1, was involved in regulating follicular development, ovulation, and estrogen production. Our study provided a catalog of lncRNAs and mRNAs associated with ovulation of rpFSH treatment, and they deserve further study to deepen the understanding of biological processes in the regulation of ovaries of rpFSH treatment pigs.
Brief Research Report: How Do Claw Disorders Affect Activity, Body Weight, and Milk Yield of Multiparous Holstein Dairy Cows?
Authors: Magrin Luisa , Cozzi Giulio , Lora Isabella , Prevedello Paola , Gottardo Flaviana
Published: February 2022

Claw disorders are among the most relevant health problems in dairy herds. Despite being often not clearly visible and not easily detectable for farmers, they may appear as peculiar cow behavioral and performance patterns. This retrospective study aimed to assess cow's behavior and production variations associated with claw disorders. The study involved 54 lactating Italian Holstein cows reared on the same dairy farm. A veterinarian performed the routine hoof trimming every 6 months, diagnosing specific claw disorders. Multiparous cows with no disorders at the first trimming were selected and monitored for the two following trimming sessions. Data coming from the automatic milking system and neck collars and related to the 15 days before a given cow was diagnosed with claw problems during trimming were further collected. These data were compared with those recorded for the same animal over the 15 days preceding the previous trimming in which no claw disorders were observed. Compared to when they had no disorders, the cows affected by claw disorders had a lower daily activity (405 vs. 429 ± 27.7 units/day, p < 0.001), showing a constant decrease in the last 10 days before the trimming, a lower milk yield (26.5 vs. 28.4 ± 1.57 kg/day, p = 0.03), and only a decreasing trend of rumination time. These patterns of activity, milk yield, and rumination characterizing cows affected by claw disorders should promote the development of specific algorithms that would enable early detection of lameness thanks to the deviations of these parameters that are sensitive to cow claw health.
Downsizing Effects on Micro and Nano Comb Drives
Authors: Buzzin Alessio , Rossi Andrea , Giovine Ennio , de Cesare Giampiero , Belfiore Nicola Pio
Published: February 2022

Downscaling has been a focal task of Electronics and Electromechanics in the last few decades, and a great engine for technological progress as well. Nevertheless, a scaling operation affects device physics, functioning and performance. The present paper investigates about the impact of scaling on a test case compliant electrostatic micro or nano actuator that is under development with two preferred micro fabrication methods, namely, thick SOI and thin amorphous silicon. A series of numerical trials on materials strength, electro-mechanical characteristics, sensitivity and overall actuation performance have been carried out at different grades of down-scaling and of aspect ratio. This gave rise to new design charts that we propose here as a predictive and friendly guide to select the most appropriate micro fabrication method.
Assessing the Efficiency of Remote Sensing and Machine Learning Algorithms to Quantify Wheat Characteristics in the Nile Delta Region of Egypt
Authors: Elmetwalli Adel H. , Mazrou Yasser S. A. , Tyler Andrew N. , Hunter Peter D. , Elsherbiny Osama , Yaseen Zaher Mundher , Elsayed Salah
Published: February 2022

Monitoring strategic agricultural crops in terms of crop growth performance, by accurate cost-effective and quick tools is crucially important in site-specific management to avoid crop reductions. The availability of commercial high resolution satellite images with high resolution (spatial and spectral) as well as in situ spectra measurements can help decision takers to have deep insight on crop stress in a certain region. The research attempts to examine remote sensing dataset for forecasting wheat crop (Sakha 61) characteristics including the leaf area index (LAI), plant height (plant-h), above ground biomass (AGB) and Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) value of wheat across non-stress, drought and salinity-induced stress in the Nile Delta region. In this context, the ability of in situ spectroradiometry measurements and QuickBird high resolution images was evaluated in our research. The efficiency of Random Forest (RF) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN), mathematical models was assessed to estimate the four measured wheat characteristics based on vegetation spectral reflectance indices (V-SRIs) extracted from both approaches and their interactions. Field surveys were carried out to collect in situ spectroradiometry measurements concomitant with the acquisition of QuickBird imagery. The results demonstrated that several V-SRIs extracted from in situ spectroradiometry data and the QuickBird image correlated with the LAI, plant-h, AGB, and SPAD value of wheat crop across the study site. The determination coefficient (R2) values of the association between V-SRIs of in situ spectroradiometry data and various determined wheat characteristics varied from 0.26 to 0.85. The ANN-GSIs-3 was found to be the optimum predictive model, demonstrating a greater relationship between the advanced features and LAI. The three features of V-SRIs comprised in this model were strongly significant for the prediction of LAI. The attained results indicated high R2 values of 0.94 and 0.86 for the training and validation phases. The ANN-GSIs-3 model constructed for the determination of chlorophyll in the plant which had higher performance expectations (R2 = 0.96 and 0.92 for training and validation datasets, respectively). In conclusion, the results of our study revealed that high resolution remote sensing images such as QuickBird or similar imagery, and in situ spectroradiometry measurements have the feasibility of providing necessary crop monitoring data across non-stressed and stressed (drought and salinity) conditions when integrating V-SRIs with ANN and RF algorithms.
Improvement of the Performance of an Earth to Air Heat Exchanger for Greenhouse Cooling by the Incorporation of Water Finned Tubes—A Theoretical Approach
Authors: Firfiris Vasileios K. , Kalamaras Sotirios D. , Martzopoulou Anastasia G. , Fragos Vassilios P. , Kotsopoulos Thomas A.
Published: February 2022

Proper climatic conditions in greenhouses are one of the major parameters to ensure optimum crop development. The installation of heating and cooling systems are the common solution to form a proper microclimate inside the greenhouse. However, the operation of these systems is accompanied by energy consumption. Therefore, many methods and alternative systems are sought to encounter this issue. A system which has been examined as an alternative solution for full or partial cover of a greenhouse is the Earth to Air Heat Exchanger (EAHE). Up to now, many research works have concentrated on the investigation and operation of such systems. In this study, a method to enhance the efficiency of the EAHE is examined based on the simultaneous flow of water (Water assisted earth to air heat exchanger—WAEAHE) following the concept of a double pipe heat exchanger which has been widely used in other applications. Furthermore, the improvement of the systems’ efficiency is investigated via the application of fins on the internal pipe of the heat exchanger. For the purpose of the study, different case studies have been investigated in order to reach safe results conserving the parameters affecting its efficiency. The results of the theoretical analysis have shown that the application of an internal water pipe can increase the system’s efficiency sufficiently, while it is further increased with the application of fins. In fact, the application of fins can lead to an increase of the overall heat transfer coefficients varying from 36–68%. In the current study, only the energy efficiency of the system was estimated. This system needs to be further investigated to be technically and financially efficient and applicable in actual case studies.
Estimate and Temporal Monitoring of Height and Diameter of the Canopy of Recently Transplanted Coffee by a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System
Authors: Bento Nicole Lopes , Ferraz Gabriel Araújo e Silva , Barata Rafael Alexandre Pena , Soares Daniel Veiga , Santana Lucas Santos , Barbosa Brenon Diennevan Souza
Published: February 2022

Digital agriculture is fundamental to potential improvements in the field by optimizing processes and providing intelligent decision making. This study aims to calculate the height and canopy diameter of recently transplanted coffee plants over three periods of crop development using aerial images, verify statistical differences between field measurements and aerial images, estimate linear equations between field data and aerial images, and monitor the temporal profile of the growth and development of the cultivar understudy in the field based on information extracted from aerial images through a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS). The study area comprises a recently transplanted five-month-old Coffea arabica L. cultivar IAC J10 with information of height and crown diameter collected in the field and aerial images obtained by RPAS. As a result, it was possible to calculate the height and diameter of the canopy of coffee plants by aerial images obtained by RPAS. The linear estimation equation for height and crown diameter was determined with satisfactory results by coefficients R and R2 and performance metrics MAE, RMSE, and regression residuals, and it was possible to monitor the temporal profile of the height of the coffee cultivar in the field based on aerial images.
Erratum: Polo-Oltra et al. Cost-Effective and Time-Efficient Molecular Assisted Selection for PPV Resistance in Apricot Based on ParPMC2 Allele-Specific PCR. Agronomy 2020, 10, 1292
Authors: Polo-Oltra Ángela , Romero Carlos , López Inmaculada , Badenes María Luisa , Zuriaga Elena
Published: February 2022

The authors would like to make the following correction to the published paper [...]
Overexpression of Rice Monogalactosyldiacylglycerol Synthase OsMGD Leads to Enhanced Salt Tolerance in Rice
Authors: Hui Lei , Liu Dan , Wang Yi , Li Shasha , Yin Lina , Wang Shiwen
Published: February 2022

Monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG) is the most abundant lipid on earth and constitutes about 50% of the polar lipids in the thylakoid membrane of higher plants. MGDG synthase (MGD) is the key enzyme responsible for MGDG synthesis in plants. However, so far, the function of the MGD gene in plant stress responses is still unknown, especially in crop plants. In this study, the performances of wild-type rice (Oryza sativa L. Nipponbare), OsMGD overexpression, and RNA interference lines were analyzed under salt stress to clarify the role of OsMGD in rice under salt stress. The results showed that, after 6 days of NaCl treatment, OsMGD-overexpressing rice seedlings had higher biomass than the wild-type rice, with significantly lower Na+ content and Na+ to K+ ratio in the shoots. Meanwhile, overexpression lines showed a significant increase in the contents of chlorophyll a and carotenoid and photosynthetic capabilities, including the net photosynthetic rate, maximal quantum yield (Fv/Fm), effective PSII quantum yield (ΦPSII), electron transport rate (ETR), and coefficient of photochemical quenching (qP), compared with the wild-type line. Also, OsMGD overexpression lines contained higher MGDG and 18:3 unsaturated fatty acid levels under salt stress. These results indicate that OsMGD participates in the regulation of improving salt tolerance through protecting photosynthetic capabilities and ion balance in rice.
Cereal and Pulse Crops with Improved Resistance to Pratylenchus thornei Are Needed to Maximize Wheat Production and Expand Crop Sequence Options
Authors: Owen Kirsty J. , Clewett Timothy G. , Bell Kerry L. , Thompson John P.
Published: February 2022

In the subtropical grain region of eastern Australia, two experiments were conducted, one initially with 2490 P. thornei/kg soil, the other with 8150 P. thornei/kg soil at 0–0.9 m soil depth. We determined the effect of P. thornei, residual from a weed-free fallow and pre-cropping with several cultivars each of barley (Hordeum vulgare), faba bean (Vicia faba), chickpea (Cicer arietinum), and wheat (Triticum aestivum) (Phase 1), on the growth of wheat cultivars with intolerance or tolerance to P. thornei (Phase 2). Pratylenchus thornei substantially increased after growing all cultivars of the Phase 1 faba bean, barley, and most cultivars of chickpea and wheat, and decreased after two moderately resistant wheat cultivars and the fallow treatment. The biomass of the Phase 2 tolerant cultivar ranged from 5070 to 6780 kg/ha and the intolerant cultivar 1020 to 4740 kg/ha. There was a negative linear relationship between P. thornei population densities and biomass of the Phase 2 intolerant cultivar but not of the tolerant cultivar. Growers are at risk of financial loss because they are restricted in their choice of crops to reduce damaging population densities of P. thornei. The development of resistant and tolerant crop genotypes can maximize production in P. thornei-affected farming systems.
Improving Rabbiteye Blueberry Performance in a Calcareous Soil by Growing Plants in Pits Filled with Low-CaCO3 Growth Media
Authors: Tamir Guy , Eli Dagan , Zilkah Shmuel , Bar-Tal Asher , Dai Nir
Published: February 2022

Calcareous soils are not suitable for blueberry cultivation. Our aim was to improve the performance of blueberry plants in calcareous soils by using pits filled with growth media in combination with high levels of RNH4+ (proportion of N-NH4+ among the total applied N). Rabbiteye blueberry (Vaccinium virgatum Ait. cv. Ochlockonee) plants were grown in pits filled with a tuff/peat mixture (TP), a sandy soil (S) or a calcareous (CC), in full factorial combination with three levels of RNH4+: 33%, 66% or 100%. The two higher RNH4+ treatments decreased the pH of the low-CaCO3 (S) and no-CaCO3 (TP) media to ≤6.0 over 250 days of fertilization, but did not affect the pH of the CC soil over 650 days. Plant performance was superior in the TP and S media, as compared to the CC soil. The type of growth medium was the dominant factor accounting for the improved plant performance. The plants were sensitive to Mn deficiency in leaves during the spring period. The current results suggest that growing blueberry in pits filled with good aeration and low pH buffering capacity medium in combination with a high level of RNH4+ is a positive approach for its cultivation in calcareous soils.
Effect of Breed and Finishing Diet on Chemical Composition and Quality Parameters of Meat from Burguete and Jaca Navarra Foals
Authors: Cittadini Aurora , Sarriés María V. , Domínguez Rubén , Pateiro Mirian , Lorenzo José M.
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of breed, Jaca Navarra (JN) vs. Burguete (BU), and finishing diet, conventional concentrate and straw, diet 1 (D1), vs. silage and organic feed, diet 2 (D2), on chemical composition and quality parameters of the longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle from forty-six foals. Animals were reared under a semi-extensive system and slaughtered at a mean age of 21 months. The results reported that both studied effects had a significant (p < 0.05) impact on meat quality; however, it was the breed to strongly influence the majority of the parameters evaluated. In particular, BU foals reported the highest amounts of intramuscular fat, positively affecting the meat properties of marbling and texture traits. Moreover, this group presented higher values for L* and b* and the lowest cholesterol contents. As regards the diet, D1 increased the fat content in foals supplemented with this diet, improving the organoleptic properties of this group. On the other hand, the combination of silage and organic feed (D2) had an opposite trend. Thus, both BU and D1 groups presented enhanced quality attributes, such as marbling, juiciness and reduced hardness, which are some of the most demanded by meat consumers.
Biomolecules, Fatty Acids, Meat Quality, and Growth Performance of Slow-Growing Chickens in an Organic Raising System
Authors: Molee Wittawat , Khosinklang Wichuta , Tongduang Pramkamon , Thumanu Kanjana , Yongsawatdigul Jirawat , Molee Amonrat
Published: February 2022

This study was to determine the effect of the organic raising system (OR) on growth performance, meat quality, and physicochemical properties of slow-growing chickens. Three hundred and sixty (one-day-old) Korat chickens (KRC) were randomly assigned to control (CO) and OR groups. The groups comprised six replicates of thirty chickens each. The chickens were housed in indoor pens (5 birds/m2), wherein those in OR had free access to Ruzi pasture (1 bird/4 m2) from d 21 to d 84 of age. In the CO group, chickens were fed with a mixed feed derived from commercial feedstuffs, while those in the OR group were fed with mixed feed derived from organic feedstuffs. The results revealed a lower feed intake (p < 0.0001) and feed conversion ratio (p = 0.004) in the OR. The OR increased total collagen, protein, shear force, color of skin and meat, and decreased abdominal fat (p < 0.05). The OR improved fatty acid with increased DHA, n-3 PUFA, and decreased the ratio of n-6 to n-3 PUFA in KRC meat (p < 0.05). The synchrotron radiation-based Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and correlation loading analyses confirmed these results. In conclusion, our results proved that OR could improve growth performance and meat quality and suggested the raising system be adopted commercially. In addition, the observed differences in biochemical molecules could also serve as markers for monitoring meat quality.
Relevance of Aquaporins for Gamete Function and Cryopreservation
Authors: Delgado-Bermúdez Ariadna , Ribas-Maynou Jordi , Yeste Marc
Published: February 2022

The interaction between cells and the extracellular medium is of great importance, and drastic changes in extracellular solute concentrations drive water movement across the plasma membrane. Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of transmembrane channels that allow the transport of water and small solutes across cell membranes. Different members of this family have been identified in gametes. In sperm, they are relevant to osmoadaptation after entering the female reproductive tract, which is crucial for sperm motility activation and capacitation and, thus, for their fertilizing ability. In addition, they are relevant during the cryopreservation process, since some members of this family are also permeable to glycerol, one of the most frequently used cryoprotective agents in livestock. Regarding oocytes, AQPs are very important in their maturation but also during cryopreservation. Further research to define the exact sets of AQPs that are present in oocytes from different species is needed, since the available literature envisages certain AQPs and their roles but does not provide complete information on the whole set of AQPs. This is of considerable importance because, in sperm, specific AQPs are known to compensate the role of non-functional members.
The Effects of Fucoidan Dietary Supplementation on Growth Performance, Serum Antioxidant Capacity, Immune Function Indices and Intestinal Morphology in Weaned Kids
Authors: Yang Weiguang , Chen Jiayi , Guo Guangzhen , Wang Shengnan , Peng Su , Gao Zhenhua , Zhao Zhihui , Lan Ruixia , Yin Fuquan
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of fucoidan dietary supplementation on growth performance, organs’ relative weight, serum anti-oxidation markers, immune function indices and intestinal morphology in weaned kids. A total of 60 2-month-old weaned castrated male kids (Chuanzhong black goat) were used for this 30-day experiment and randomly allocated to four groups. The control group (CON) fed a basal diet, while the other three groups were provided with the same diet further supplemented with fucoidan at 0.1%, 0.3% or 0.5%, namely, F1, F2 and F3 groups, respectively. The results indicated that dietary fucoidan supplementation significantly increased (p < 0.05) the activity of catalase (CAT) when compared to the CON group on day 15. Moreover, the addition of fucoidan at 0.3% and 0.5% significantly increased (p < 0.05) the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD). On day 30, dietary fucoidan supplementation significantly reduced (p < 0.05) the feed conversion rate (FCR), contents of tumor necrosis-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), while it significantly increased (p < 0.05) the activity of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), the content of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and the villus height (VH) of the duodenum. Moreover, dietary 0.3% and 0.5% fucoidan supplementation significantly increased (p < 0.05) the villus height (VH) of the jejunum and ileum and significantly reduced (p < 0.05) the crypt depth (CD) of ileum. In conclusion, dietary fucoidan had positive effects on growth performance, serum anti-oxidation, immune function and intestinal morphology of weaned kids.
Use of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound of the Testes after Non-Surgical Sterilization of Male Dogs with CaCl2 in Alcohol
Authors: Cicirelli Vincenzo , Macrì Francesco , Di Pietro Simona , Leoci Raffaella , Lacalandra Giovanni Michele , Aiudi Giulio Guido
Published: February 2022

Sterilization by intratesticular injection of chemical agents is a non-surgical alternative to neutering male companion animals. We used contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) to monitor vascular alterations to testes immediately after the intratesticular injection of CaCL2 in alcohol. We evaluated the CEUS features of normal and damaged testes in 20 dogs after the intratesticular injection of CaCl2. The CEUS evaluation was performed at the site of the chemical agent inoculation. In treated testes, qualitative CEUS showed a lower intensity enhancement of the parenchyma than pre-treatment normal testes with a predominantly anechoic pattern and only a few hyperechoic vascular focal spots. Quantitative CEUS showed significantly lower values of time-intensity curve (TIC) parameters, including signal intensity (Peak: 4.72 ± 2.1), regional blood volume (RBV: 134.3 ± 63.7), and regional blood flow (RBF: 4.36 ± 2.18) than normal testes (p < 0.001). Sonographic findings from CEUS showed hypovascularization of the canine testicular parenchyma caused by the hardening agent. This diagnostic technique helps clinicians define testicular vascular alterations achieved by chemical castration more efficiently. Nevertheless, more studies are required to apply this methodology to more subjects with a broader weight range and stray dogs.
Effects of Extrusion on Energy Contents and Amino Acid Digestibility of Corn DDGS and Full-Fat Rice Bran in Growing Pigs
Authors: Zhang Zeyu , Zhang Ge , Zhang Shuai , Zhao Jinbiao
Published: February 2022

The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of extrusion on available energy, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients and energy, and amino acid (AA) digestibility of full-fat rice bran (FFRB) and corn distillers dried grain with solubles (DDGS) fed to growing pigs. Methods: In Exp. 1, a total of 30 growing pigs with initial body weight (BW) of 36.0 ± 1.8 kg were fed five different diets, including one corn basal diet and four experimental diets which were formulated by 29.06% FFRB or DDGS with or without extrusion processing. In Exp. 2, 30 ileal-cannulated pigs (initial BW: 20.3 ± 1.8 kg) were fed five different diets including 40% FFRB or DDGS with or without extrusion, and a N-free diet. Results: The results showed that there were no significant differences in DE and ME contents or ATTD of GE, DM, and OM between DDGS and FFRB (p > 0.05), but the ATTD of CP, NDF, and ADF showed significant differences between DDGS and FFRB (p < 0.05). In addition, the DE and ME values (p < 0.01) and ATTD of GE, DM, OM, and NDF improved when pigs were fed extruded diets (p < 0.05), and a trend to increase the ATTD of CP and ADF was observed when pigs were fed extruded diets (p = 0.06 and 0.07, respectively). The AID and SID levels of CP were not different when pigs were fed diets with or without extrusion. The AID of total indispensable AA increased when pigs were fed extrusion diets (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Feed processing of extrusion could improve nutritive values of FFRB and DDGS.
The Effect of Different Preoperative Depilation Ways on the Healing of Wounded Skin in Mice
Authors: He Xinyi , Jia Lintao , Zhang Xiao
Published: February 2022

Hair removal is necessary before operating on animals with dense hair layers. To provide an appropriate hair removal method and maintain animal welfare, we introduced four commonly used depilation methods—namely, scissors shearing, electric shaving, depilatory cream, and sodium sulfide, and made systematic comparisons, instead of only examining one or two methods, as reported in the past. To further assess convenience and possible effects on skin wound healing, we performed a skin trauma model after depilation in C57BL/6J mice and recorded wound healing time. Meanwhile, the skin tissues around the wound were stained with H&E and Masson. The results showed that the wound contraction rate of the sodium sulfide group was significantly lower than other groups at different points in time. Furthermore, depilatory cream and sodium sulfide methods could induce a topical inflammatory response on the third day after the operation and delay the regeneration of collagen fibers. We concluded that sodium sulfide depilatory has a significant negative effect on wound healing. Depilatory cream is gentler, with mild skin irritation and symptoms of inflammation. The electric shaving method is more convenient and safer, and thus could be the best choice for preoperative depilation.
The Candidate Chromosomal Regions Responsible for Milk Yield of Cow: A GWAS Meta-Analysis
Authors: Taherkhani Lida , Banabazi Mohammad Hossein , EmamJomeh-Kashan Nasser , Noshary Alireza , Imumorin Ikhide
Published: February 2022

Milk yield (MY) is highly heritable and an economically important trait in dairy livestock species. To increase power to detect candidate genomic regions for this trait, we carried out a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS). In the present study, we identified 19 studies in PubMed for the meta-analysis. After review of the studies, 16 studies passed the filters for meta-analysis, and the number of chromosomes, detected markers and their positions, number of animals, and p-values were extracted from these studies and recorded. The final data set based on 16 GWAS studies had 353,698 cows and 3950 markers and was analyzed using METAL software. Our findings revealed 1712 significant (p-value < 2.5 × 10−6) genomic loci related to MY, with markers associated with MY found on all autosomes and sex chromosomes and the majority of them found on chromosome 14. Furthermore, gene ontology (GO) annotation was used to explore biological functions of the genes associated with MY; therefore, different regions of this chromosome may be suitable as genomic regions for further research into gene expression.
Changes in the Mitochondrial Dynamics and Functions Together with the mRNA/miRNA Network in the Heart Tissue Contribute to Hypoxia Adaptation in Tibetan Sheep
Authors: Wen Yuliang , Li Shaobin , Zhao Fangfang , Wang Jiqing , Liu Xiu , Hu Jiang , Bao Gaoliang , Luo Yuzhu
Published: February 2022

This study aimed to provide insights into molecular regulation and mitochondrial functionality under hypoxia by exploring the mechanism of adaptation to hypoxia, blood indexes, tissue morphology, mRNA/miRNA regulation, mitochondrial dynamics, and functional changes in Tibetan sheep raised at different altitudes. With regard to blood indexes and myocardial morphology, the HGB, HCT, CK, CK-MB, LDH, LDH1, SOD, GPX, LDL level, and myocardial capillary density were significantly increased in the sheep at higher altitudes (p < 0.05). The RNA-seq results suggested the DEmRNAs and DEmiRNAs are mainly associated with the PI3K-Akt, Wnt, and PPAR signaling pathways and with an upregulation of oncogenes (CCKBR, GSTT1, ARID5B) and tumor suppressor factors (TPT1, EXTL1, ITPRIP) to enhance the cellular metabolism and increased ATP production. Analyzing mRNA–miRNA coregulation indicated the mitochondrial dynamics and functions to be significantly enriched. By analyzing mitochondrial dynamics, mitochondrial fusion was shown to be significantly increased and fission significantly decreased in the heart with increasing altitude (p < 0.05). There was a significant increase in the density of the mitochondria, and a significant decrease in the average area, aspect ratio, number, and width of single mitochondrial cristae with increasing altitudes (p < 0.05). There was a significant increase in the NADH, NAD+ and ATP content, NADH/NAD+ ratio, and CO activity, while there was a significant decrease in SDH and CA activity in various tissues with increasing altitudes (p < 0.05). Accordingly, changes in the blood indexes and myocardial morphology of the Tibetan sheep were found to improve the efficiency of hemoglobin-carrying oxygen and reduce oxidative stress. The high expression of oncogenes and tumor suppressor factors might facilitate cell division and energy exchange, as was evident from enhanced mitochondrial fission and OXPHOS expression; however, it reduced the fusion and TCA cycle for the further rapid production of ATP in adaptation to hypoxia stress. This systematic study has for the first time delineated the mechanism of hypoxia adaptation in the heart of Tibetan sheep, which is significant for improving the ability of the mammals to adapt to hypoxia and for studying the dynamic regulation of mitochondria during hypoxia conditions.
Modulation of Cellular Redox Parameters for Improving Therapeutic Responses in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Allegra Alessandro , Petrarca Claudia , Di Gioacchino Mario , Casciaro Marco , Musolino Caterina , Gangemi Sebastiano
Published: February 2022

Raised oxidative stress and abnormal redox status are typical features of multiple myeloma cells, and the identification of the intimate mechanisms that regulate the relationships between neoplastic cells and redox homeostasis may reveal possible new anti-myeloma therapeutic targets to increase the effectiveness of anti-myeloma drugs synergistically or to eradicate drug-resistant clones while reducing toxicity toward normal cells. An alteration of the oxidative state is not only responsible for the onset of multiple myeloma and its progression, but it also appears essential for the therapeutic response and for developing any chemoresistance. Our review aimed to evaluate the literature’s current data on the effects of oxidative stress on the response to drugs generally employed in the therapy of multiple myeloma, such as proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulators, and autologous transplantation. In the second part of the review, we analyzed the possibility of using other substances, often of natural origin, to modulate the oxidative stress to interfere with the progression of myelomatous disease.
A Functional Orange Juice Fortified with Beetroot By-Products Attenuates Hyperlipidemia and Obesity Induced by A High-Fat Diet
Authors: Abdo Eman M. , Shaltout Omayma El-Sayed , Ali Salim , Mansour Hanem M. M.
Published: February 2022

Obesity is one of the most prevalent non-communicable diseases and is interlinked with incidences of various diseases. By modulating lifestyle and food quality, obesity can be preventable. The present study investigated the ability of a novel functional beverage based on orange juice and beetroot leaf and stem juice in preventing obesity-associated health issues. To achieve this purpose, we determined the nutritive value of juices and tested their ability to prevent the effect of a high-fat diet on a rat model. Adding leaf and stem juice to orange juice increased the total soluble solids/total titratable acidity ratio, which reflects the high acceptability of the blends, and enhanced their nutritive value. All minerals increased in the blends by increasing the leaf and stem juice percentage. Copper was detected only in the juices containing 10–20% leaf and stem juice (0.01–0.11 mg/100 g). Total flavonoids and betalain increased in the blends, reaching 142.02 µg/mL and 1680 µg/mL, respectively. The mixing process synergized the blends’ radicals scavenging activity. The synergic antioxidant effect of orange enriched with 20% leaf and stem juice attenuated the oxidative stress induced by the high-fat diet by recovering catalase and glutathione peroxidase values. It also enhanced liver enzymes and lipid profile. Consequently, enriching orange with leaf and stem juice results in a functional and nutritious beverage that protects against obesity and its associated health issues.
Study of the Rotary Bending Fatigue Resistance of 30MnB5, 41CrS4 and 30MnVS6 Steels
Authors: García-Diez Ana Isabel , Galán-Díaz Juan José , Graña-López Manuel Ángel , Toledano-Prados Mar
Published: February 2022

In this study, a comparative analysis of the fatigue behavior of four types of steels, three of quenching and tempering (30MnB5 subjected to two different heat treatments and 41CrS4) and one microalloyed (30MnVS6), was carried out. The objective of the study is to determine if it is feasible to replace the quenching and tempering steel traditionally used in the manufacture of commercial vehicle axles (30MnB5) with alternative ones with the same composition but with modifications in their microstructure that improve their mechanical properties; a quenched and tempered chromium steel (41CrS4) and one that is microalloyed (30MnVS6). For this, rotary-bending fatigue tests have been carried out on the four types of steels with different stress levels. The fatigue resistance of quenched and tempered steels and microalloyed steel was evaluated using the fit of Basquin’s experimental data. Where possible, the fatigue limit was determined using the maximum likelihood method. It was concluded that, in general, the fatigue resistance of chromium-alloyed steel is higher than that of the reference steel, while the rest have lower fatigue resistance. On the other hand, it was determined that the fatigue limit of microalloyed steel is higher than the reference one and that of the reference steel is higher than that of the other two steels.
Microstructure and Phase Transformation Temperature of NiTiNb Shape Memory Alloy Prepared by Laser Solid Forming Using Mixed Powder
Authors: Gu Qingfei , Li Heng , Yang Zhiwei , Zhang Yanhong , Liu Xin , Li Guangjun
Published: February 2022

NiTiNb is a wide-hysteresis shape memory alloy. The Laser Solid Forming (LSF) technology can overcome the shortcomings of the traditional long cycle processing to prepare NiTiNb. In this work, we studied the microstructure and phase transformation temperature of the NiTiNb prepared by LSF., in which the Ni + Ti + Nb mixed powder was melted under different laser power P, scanning speed v, layer thickness t, and energy density EV. The results show that the combination of LSF process parameters with P = 2000 W and v = 900 mm/min can obtain a good metallurgical bond. As the laser power increases, the grain size increases, and the proportion of equiaxed crystals increases, the martensite transformation temperature increases. The inhomogeneity of the LSF-NiTiNb microstructure results in different phase transformation temperatures even in the same sample. The subsequent heat treatment at 850 °C for 3 h increases the phase transformation temperature and hysteresis of LSF-NiTiNb. The tensile properties of the LSF-NiTiNb samples with different building heights are significantly different. The maximum elongation reaches 8% and the minimum elongation is only 0.8%. The LSF parameter combination in this work has reference value for the parameter selection of subsequent preparation of NiTiNb.
The Quantity and Composition of Leachate from Hop Plant Biomass during Composting Process
Authors: Čeh Barbara , Luskar Lucija , Hladnik Aleš , Trošt Žan , Polanšek Julija , Naglič Boštjan
Published: February 2022

Technology that would result in a high-quality product with minimal environmental impact throughout the on-site composting process of hop biomass after harvest has not yet been developed. It is crucial to introduce composting practices that do not result in a detrimental leachate impact. Three different composting procedures that vary in terms of initial biomass particle size, additives, and pile covering were investigated. Each pile was built from 15 t of fresh hop biomass after harvest (leaves and stems), leachate was collected during the composting season (September to the end of April), and biomass was sampled and analyzed to identify good practices as well as gaps that need to be filled. Leachate quantity differed significantly in terms of the composting procedure and time stamps. There was a strong linear correlation between the amount of precipitation and leachate quantity (0.86), NH4 leached amount (0.87), and total N leached amount (0.92), but not the total P amount. The composting procedure had a significant impact on the quantity of the NH4 leached amount. The majority of the NH4 was lost in the second month of composting. The maturation phase was the most critical for NO3 loss since it had the highest amount of leached NO3 and the greatest variances among the composting protocols. Considering leachate it is recommended that a membrane is used at all times during the maturation phase as well as during any heavy precipitation expected in the thermophilic phase. Whether the cover is also needed for the entire duration of the thermophilic phase (due to emission) is a matter of further research.
Preliminary Research Concerning the Enrichment of Industrial Hemp Extract Residues via Solid State Fermentation with Pleurotus ostreatus
Authors: Eliopoulos Christos , Markou Giorgos , Chorianopoulos Nikos , Haroutounian Serkos A. , Arapoglou Dimitrios
Published: February 2022

The main objective of this study concerns the bioconversion of industrial hemp extract residues (IHER) by applying a solid-state fermentation (SSF) bioprocess as a means to upgrade their nutritional composition, targeting their utilization as a proteinaceous animal feed. For this purpose, IHER underwent an SSF procedure initiated by P. ostreatus, and the results indicated that crude proteins were increased by 53.05%. Additionally, a similar pattern was observed concerning cellulose content, which was found to be increased by 5.25%, while lignin concentration exceeded a 2-fold increment. Furthermore, IHER afforded an increased β-glucan content of approximately 32.51%. These results revealed the significant potential of IHER as a supplement in animal diets after nutritional enhancement via SSF. This study contributes to the concept of the circular economy, thus promoting the reuse of agro-industrial wastes such as IHER in order to produce high-added-value products such as proteinaceous animal feed.
High Rates of Biochar Soil Amendment Cause Increased Incidences of Neurotoxic and Oxidative Stress in Eisenia fetida (Oligochaeta) Exposed to Glyphosate
Authors: Dlamini Nomasonto Portia , Voua Otomo Patricks
Published: February 2022

Despite several known beneficial attributes, biochar is suspected to cause harm to soil organisms when present in relatively high quantities in the soil. To determine the potential detrimental effects of biochar, for 96 h, we exposed the earthworm Eisenia fetida to 0, 2, 4 and 8 mg glyphosate (GLY) per kg in non-amended and biochar-amended soil at rates of 5, 10 and 15%. The results indicated that in non-amended soil, survival was significantly decreased in the highest GLY concentration. Although no median lethal concentration (LC50) could be computed due to the lack of sufficient mortality, in the absence of biochar, a lethal concentration 10% (LC10) of 5.540 mg/kg and a lethal concentration 20% (LC20) of 7.067 mg/kg were calculated. In the biochar-amended soil, no mortality occurred in the control and GLY treatments for all three biochar amendment rates. Biomass results showed significant biomass loss in the highest GLY treatment in the absence of biochar, with an effective concentration of 10% (EC10) of 5.23 mg/kg and an effective concentration of 20% (EC20) of 6.848 mg/kg. In the amended soil, overall, slight non-significant increases in biomass were recorded and no effective concentrations could be calculated due to the lack of significant biomass loss. The assessment of neurotoxicity via the activity of acetylcholine esterase (AChE) showed no change in AchE due to GLY in all the non-amended treatments. However, in the biochar-amended treatments, statistically high levels of AchE occurred (p < 0.05) even in the control (in the absence of GLY). The assessment of oxidative stress through catalase (CAT) activity, showed similar results with no significant effects of GLY alone on CAT activity, but rather dramatic increases in activity in the control and GLY treatments in the biochar-amended soil, with one significant increase in the 10% amended in 8 mg GLY/Kg (p < 0.05). Such significant increases in both AChE and CAT were only observed in soil amended with 10 and 15% biochar. Our findings show that although seemingly beneficial for whole body endpoints, biomarker responses indicate that a biochar amendment higher than 5% adds considerable additional stress to earthworms and should be avoided.