bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rehabilitation interventions for depression symptoms among cancer patients in Palestine: A systematic review
Authors: Battat Maher Mohammad Khalil , Marie Mohammad
Published: December 2022

Background

Depression enhances the disease burden in patients with cancer. Psychological interventions and the rehabilitation of depression are required as a part of palliative care for cancer patients to improve their quality of life and mental health.

The aim of the study was to review the literature about depression rehabilitation interventions among patients with cancer in Palestine.

Method

The electronic databases used: PubMed, Science Direct, Research Gate, and Google Scholar to search for systematic review articles for the review study.

Results

A total of 23 articles were reviewed, including five from Palestine and five from Arab and Islamic nations. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions used to decrease symptoms of depression and enhance mental health among cancer patients represent the majority of interventions for depression rehabilitation in cancer patients. Interventions for depression rehabilitation among cancer patients in Palestine are only available from the perspective of palliative care, which also involves family education, managing the symptoms of cancer patients, and providing psychological support.

Conclusion

In Palestine, non-pharmacological interventions, such as psychological interventions, are the primary options for treating and recovering from symptoms of depression. The management of symptoms in cancer patients also has a favorable impact on mental health and recovery from depression. In Palestine, there is a need for improvement in palliative care, particularly interventions for depressive symptoms. The main reason Palestinian patients with cancer have such limited treatment and recovery options are because of Israeli occupation.
Growth patterns and environmental adaptions of the tree species planted for ecological remediation in typhoon-disturbed areas—A case study in Zhuhai, China
Authors: Zhang Chi , Qian Wanhui , Song Lei , Zhao Qing
Published: December 2022

Typhoon frequently results in various mechanical damages to urban forest ecosystems. Imperative forest remediation projects were launched to restore the environmental conditions in cities, in which massive trees were newly planted. However, it was rarely answered whether the newly planted trees could acclimate to typhoon circumstances and enhance the wind resistance of the local ecosystem. Therefore, it was necessary to achieve information on the physical growth and windy environmental adaption of newly planted trees, which could promote a profound understanding of the efficiency of post-typhoon ecological remediation. In this study, we selected Zhuhai's urban-forest remediation district as our research area that suffered severely from Typhoon Hato (2017). The six newly-planted tree species for the ecological remediation were measured for their above- and below-ground processes from June 2018 to December 2019, including their development of tree height, ground diameter, crown size, and fine root biomass. Additionally, the variations of the soil's physical and chemical properties were also measured to assess the impact of plantation on soil conditions. Our results showed that the six surveyed tree species had different above- and below-ground growth patterns. With robust root development at horizontal and vertical levels combined with relatively short and thick above-ground profiles, Sterculia lanceolata Cav. and Cinnamomum camphora (Linn) were likely to cope well with typhoon disturbances. Ilex rotunda Thunb. and Schima superba Gardn. et Champ. exhibited moderate acclimation to windy environment, while Elaeocarpus sylvestris (Lour.) Poir. and Elaeocarpus apiculatus Mast. were not recommended to be planted in typhoon-disturbed areas concerning their unstable root development. In addition, the ecological remediation did improve the soil properties, specifically for the chemical characteristics including available nitrogen, available potassium, and soil organic matter. To improve the effectiveness of forest remediation in the future, it was better to choose those tree species with vigorous root development and steady values of root:shoot ratios, which might be advantageous for coping with typhoon disturbances. The tree species with prosperous above-ground growth were not suitable for areas facing strong winds directly but could be planted in leeward regions to amplify their landscape functions.
Modeling employees' skills for sustainable banking services
Authors: Azizzadeh Fariba , Islam Mohammad Shahidul , Naushin Najeebah , Zupok Sebastian , Soboń Dariusz , Soboń Janusz , Selezneva Ruslana , Jadah Hamid Mohsin
Published: December 2022

In Bangladesh, more clarity is needed on data that could contribute to the provision of sustainable banking services. Therefore, the qualitative exploration of bank employees' skills to advance contemporary banking careers and services has been rational. Moreover, limited knowledge of what constitutes a sustainable banking career and service inspires this study to adapt to the new normal post-COVID-19. Fifteen experienced employees from the banking industry participated in the interview to accomplish the research. The results from content data analysis showed that technical skills may vary from department to department based on employees' job responsibilities. However, the employee skills are more or less similar for different banks. The results further showed that the banking sector emphasizes the need for honesty from banks' employees, as they maintain a large amount of cash and other types of assets in their vaults. Additionally, the research participants expressed their sentiments regarding other skills, such as patience, smartness, and technological expertise. These skills are needed to carry out the day-to-day operations and achieve high customer satisfaction. Therefore, the study recommends that banks focus on creating an employee base with the skills found in the investigation to develop banking services.
Recommendations on simple but transformative diversity, equity, and inclusion measures in Heliophysics over the next decade
Authors: Jones McArthur , Burrell Angeline G. , Gannon Jennifer L. , Halford Alexa J. , Jaynes Allison N. , Maute Astrid , Thiero Kadidia
Published: December 2022

It is well established that, in order to perform at their peak ability, a person must feel accepted, safe, and valued at work. Therefore, it is imperative to bring Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts to the forefront of Heliophysics over the next decade and well beyond. This position paper outlines three specific recommendations to make the Heliophysics community more diverse, equitable, and inclusive by improving the accessibility and accountability. These recommendations are: performing consistent collection and analysis of demographic data across different agencies, reimagining undergraduate Heliophysics internships using the SOARS® model, and providing conference funding for DEI speakers whose expertise lies outside the field of Heliophysics. These targeted recommendations have a well-documented positive impact, are simple to implement, and follow other scientific communities’ recent recommendations for making the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields more diverse, equitable, and inclusive.
How do rice consumers trade off sustainability and health labels? Evidence from Vietnam
Authors: Cuong Ong Quoc , Connor Melanie , Demont Matty , Sander Bjoern Ole , Nelson Katherine
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Strategies for increasing rice production in the Asian Mega-Deltas have led to environmental degradation, resource overexploitation, and high greenhouse gas emissions. Certified sustainable production labels can support governments in their efforts to render rice value chains more sustainable by simultaneously fostering planetary and human health. Little is known, however, about how consumers trade off sustainability and health attributes in staple crops such as rice. This study aims to fill this knowledge gap by investigating Vietnamese consumers' preferences and willingness to pay for rice characterized by multi-attribute sustainability and health certification labels.

Methods

We collected empirical data from 410 supermarket consumers in Can Tho, Vietnam using a choice experiment survey. The results were analyzed using a mixed logit model to determine consumers' preferences for sustainability and health traits in rice. Four price levels were used to elicit willingness-to-pay for four certification labels: low-emission, eco-friendly, ethically produced, and low glycemic index rice. By separating the components that make up the concept of sustainability and by including a label related to personal health and diet preferences, we are able to gain an understanding of the value consumers place on attributes that benefit the common good vs. attributes that benefit the individual consumer.

Results

The results showed that consumers were willing to pay a price premium for all certification labels, with the highest marginal utility assigned to low glycemic index rice.

Discussion

Certification of eco-friendly and ethical production generated similar utility levels, while low-emission rice was valued lower, although it still fetched a significant price premium compared to the status-quo option of rice with no certifications. The results of this study can help policymakers and value chain actors develop rice value chains that integrate sustainable production practices as well as foster the nutrition and health of rice consumers.
Impacts of urban safety net on income, food expenditure and intake capacity of poor households in Addis Ababa city, Ethiopia, 2021
Authors: Tareke Kassa Moges
Published: December 2022

Although measures taken to address food insecurity and income inequality showed notable outcomes, they have continued to be major global issues mainly in urban areas of developing countries. To relieve these problems, Ethiopia started an urban safety net program in Addis Ababa city in 2017. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impacts and progress of the urban safety net program, mainly its cash transfers (CTs) on income, consumption, and food security of poor households using indicators based on elements of a theory of change and Engel's coefficient. It assessed whether the program was significant (or not) to program beneficiaries compared to situations before the start of the program, non-beneficiaries, and beneficiaries' sex. A total of 560 sample households were selected through a multi-stage sampling for household surveys. Comparative approaches, paired and independent t-tests, and linear regression were used to analyze the data. Results revealed that the CTs had a satisfactory targeting accuracy of the poor and produced positive effects on monthly income, savings, food expenditures and intake, and seed money for a business start. Since financial transfers account for a larger proportion of the income of households, current income becomes significantly bigger compared to income during the pre-program periods and non-beneficiary households. Food access, expenditure, and savings capacities of beneficiaries in post-CT became better than in pre-CT along with better food access and diet intake two to three a day than non-beneficiaries. Besides, coverage and benefits were statistically significant for women compared to men. The implementation of the urban safety net program is good in its positive impacts and progress toward nutrition and food security of poor households as a result of an increase in their income, food expenditure, intake, and access. This implies policymakers could potentially expect to see improvements in nutrition and food security, especially when targeting urban poor and female-headed households. However, delays in payments and work equipment, declining size and value of payments, and weak supplementary services are the program's shortcomings. Policy implications to improve the size of transfers, emergency aids, timely payments and equipment provisions, and interventions like regular business training, supervision, and guidance are recommended.
Individual behavioral correlates of tail biting in pre-finishing piglets
Authors: Bagaria Marc , Kuiper Laura , Meijer Ellen , Sterck Elisabeth H. M.
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Tail biting is a widespread problem in pig production systems and has a negative impact on both animal welfare and farm income. This explorative study aims to validate how tail biting is related to general behaviors at the individual level and explore whether these behaviors are related to a particular type of tail biting: two-stage, sudden-forceful, obsessive, or epidemic.

Methods

This research was conducted in a standard commercial setting where 89 tail-docked pre-finishing piglets divided into 8 groups were observed 4 days per week from 5 to 8 weeks of age. Each piglet was observed for a total of 160 min using continuous focal sampling. Ten individual behaviors were recorded based on the general behaviors expected to be linked to giving tail biting (PCA1), receiving tail biting (PCA2), and tail biting damage (PCA3). These PCAs were assembled and related to tail biting given, tail biting received, and tail biting lesions.

Results

Tail biting did not lead to major damage on the piglets' tail at 8 weeks of age but was observed 420 times, where most of the individuals (72%) were categorized as “biters and victims.” When relating PCA1 with tail biting given, piglets that gave more tail biting showed more “active exploration.” When relating PCA2 with tail biting received, piglets receiving more tail biting were more “explored while active” and “attacked and explored.” When relating PCA2 with tail biting lesions, piglets presenting lesions showed more “agonism.” Surprisingly, tail biting lesions were not significantly related to PCA3. The relationship between explorative behaviors and tail biting indicates that the pre-damage stage of two-stage tail biting was the predominant tail biting type, while the damaging stage was likely incipient. The relationship between tail biting and aggression, as well as the minor tail lesions observed suggest that sudden-forceful tail biting was probably present even though it was rarely seen. Obsessive and epidemic tail biting were not observed.

Discussion

This study demonstrates that studying tail biting at the individual level helps to identify the type of tail biting present. This gives directions to farmers for applying appropriate measures to prevent the development of tail biting behavior in piglets.
Deep Reinforcement Learning for Flow Control Exploits Different Physics for Increasing Reynolds Number Regimes
Authors: Varela Pau , Suárez Pol , Alcántara-Ávila Francisco , Miró Arnau , Rabault Jean , Font Bernat , García-Cuevas Luis Miguel , Lehmkuhl Oriol , Vinuesa Ricardo
Published: December 2022

The increase in emissions associated with aviation requires deeper research into novel sensing and flow-control strategies to obtain improved aerodynamic performances. In this context, data-driven methods are suitable for exploring new approaches to control the flow and develop more efficient strategies. Deep artificial neural networks (ANNs) used together with reinforcement learning, i.e., deep reinforcement learning (DRL), are receiving more attention due to their capabilities of controlling complex problems in multiple areas. In particular, these techniques have been recently used to solve problems related to flow control. In this work, an ANN trained through a DRL agent, coupled with the numerical solver Alya, is used to perform active flow control. The Tensorforce library was used to apply DRL to the simulated flow. Two-dimensional simulations of the flow around a cylinder were conducted and an active control based on two jets located on the walls of the cylinder was considered. By gathering information from the flow surrounding the cylinder, the ANN agent is able to learn through proximal policy optimization (PPO) effective control strategies for the jets, leading to a significant drag reduction. Furthermore, the agent needs to account for the coupled effects of the friction- and pressure-drag components, as well as the interaction between the two boundary layers on both sides of the cylinder and the wake. In the present work, a Reynolds number range beyond those previously considered was studied and compared with results obtained using classical flow-control methods. Significantly different forms of nature in the control strategies were identified by the DRL as the Reynolds number Re increased. On the one hand, for Re≤1000, the classical control strategy based on an opposition control relative to the wake oscillation was obtained. On the other hand, for Re=2000, the new strategy consisted of energization of the boundary layers and the separation area, which modulated the flow separation and reduced the drag in a fashion similar to that of the drag crisis, through a high-frequency actuation. A cross-application of agents was performed for a flow at Re=2000, obtaining similar results in terms of the drag reduction with the agents trained at Re=1000 and 2000. The fact that two different strategies yielded the same performance made us question whether this Reynolds number regime (Re=2000) belongs to a transition towards a nature-different flow, which would only admits a high-frequency actuation strategy to obtain the drag reduction. At the same time, this finding allows for the application of ANNs trained at lower Reynolds numbers, but are comparable in nature, saving computational resources.
Moderating Effect of Industry 4.0 on the Performance of Enterprises in the Constrains Related to COVID-19 in the Perception of Employees in Slovakia
Authors: Gyurák Babeľová Zdenka , Vraňaková Natália , Stareček Augustín
Published: December 2022

Organizational performance, as well as the performance of industrial enterprises, is affected by changes caused by technological progress and the overall societal situation. Industry 4.0 affords the transformation of the industrial economy to the digital economy. In addition to the mentioned important technological initiative, the organizational performance is determined by the pandemic situation related to the disease COVID-19, which shook the economy of many countries. Society-wide measures accelerated the implementation of Industry 4.0 elements in the management of organizations. The main aim of the presented research was to examine the employees’ perception of the impact of the Industry 4.0 implementation (digitalization) on the enterprise’s performance during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results confirmed that employees in various job positions perceive that Industry 4.0 positively affected the organization’s performance during the pandemic. The employees themselves contribute significantly to the enterprise’s performance, but their performance is limited by the number of tasks that the employer can assign to them during pandemic measures. Enterprise performance will be subsequently reflected in the financial condition, which is limiting for many areas of human resource management. Notably, satisfaction with compensation is an area that is a significant predictor of perceived corporate performance. The results also showed that the pandemic had a negatively perceived impact on employee compensation. For the sustainable management of human resources, the perception of remuneration by employees and the appropriate remuneration itself is an important challenge regarding the relationship between employees and the organization.
Wake-Tailplane Interaction of a Slingsby Firefly Aircraft
Authors: Lawson Nicholas J. , Davies Simon G. , Khanal Bidur , Hoff Rein I.
Published: December 2022

This paper presents in-flight measurements of the interaction of the wing wake of a stalled Slingsby T67 Firefly light aircraft with the aircraft tailplane. Tailplane data was recorded by a GoPro360 camera and analyzed using spatial correlation methods. The tailplane movement and corresponding spectra indicate that the aerodynamic wake shedding frequency closely matches the resonant frequency of the tailplane, resulting in a significant excitation of the structure during heavy stall. Large magnitude, lower frequency tailplane movement was also identified by analysis of the pitch attitude from the image data, with results consistent in post-stall behavior reported by previous modelling and measurements.
Experimental Research on the Effect of Sugarcane Stalk Lifting Height on the Cutting Breakage Mechanism Based on the Sugarcane Lifting–Cutting System (SLS)
Authors: Wang Qingqing , Zhou Guoan , Huang Xin , Song Jiale , Xie Dongbo , Chen Liqing
Published: December 2022

The sugarcane lifting–cutting System (SLS) is the core component of the sugarcane harvester, and the influence of its stalk lifting height on the mechanism of perennial root-cutting damage is still unclear. The test was conducted with the vertical height of centroid (VHC), forward velocity, and cutter rotational speed. Numerical quantification of perennial root based on the cutting breakage effect and cutting breakage grade (CBG) classification was used as the evaluation index. The test results showed that the VHC had a highly significant effect on the CBG of the perennial root. The CBG of the stalk decreased significantly with the lifting height. The average CBG was greater than 2.0 when the stalk lifting height was severely collapsed. The CBG ≤ 1.6 was considered qualified, and the requirements were met when the VHC of the stalk was about 0.85~1.0 m at a forward velocity of 1~3 km/h. The inverted angle of the stalk being lifted was selected to be 45° as the evaluation standard to measure the qualified lifting of the spiral sugarcane lifter. This study provides technical support for the optimal design and selection of operating parameters of the sugarcane harvester.
Can Information from the Internet Improve Grain Technical Efficiency? New Evidence from Rice Production in China
Authors: Chen Qianqian , Zhang Chao , Hu Ruifa , Sun Shengyang
Published: December 2022

The Internet has become an important channel through which farmers obtain technical information regarding agricultural production. While previous studies have examined the effect of information from the Internet on technical efficiency in cash-crop production, there is little knowledge about how information from the Internet affects technical efficiency in grain production. This study aims to provide new evidence for the effect of information from the Internet on technical efficiency in rice production using the random survey data of 1122 rice farmers from the Yangtze River Basin in China. A stochastic frontier production function is employed to estimate technical efficiency in rice production, and the endogenous switching regression model is utilized to address the potential self-selectivity bias. The results show that 13.6% of surveyed rice farmers obtain information regarding agricultural production from the Internet. After addressing the self-selectivity bias, information from the Internet is found to increase rice farmers’ technical efficiency by 6.657 percentage points using the endogenous switching regression model. Meanwhile, information from the Internet exerts greater positive effects on technical efficiency in rice production among farmers with larger farm size and less farming experience as well as those in the Guizhou and Hubei provinces.
Association of Mastitis and Farm Management with Contamination of Antibiotics in Bulk Tank Milk in Southwest, China
Authors: Zhang Tingrui , Boonyayatra Sukolrat , Niu Guoyi
Published: December 2022

Bovine mastitis could reduce the milk production and the quality of the bulk tank milk (BTM). Antibiotic treatments through intramammary or parenteral methods are being widely used in dairy farms. A cross-sectional study to investigate for general farm management and pre-test the questionnaire was performed in Southwestern Yunnan province, China. A total of 134 dairy farms were included. Milking cows of each farm were determined for the presence of clinical (CM) and sub-clinical (SCM) mastitis using the California Mastitis Test (CMT). Rates of CM and SCM in studied farms ranged from 2–11%, and 24–69%, respectively. The incidence of antibiotic residues in BTM of all farms was very high (32%, 44/134). All antibiotic contaminated samples were from smallholder dairy farms. Factors significantly associated with the presence of antibiotic contamination included farm region, antibiotics usage, persons performing mastitis treatment, and rates of CM. Rates of CM were significantly associated with the farm region, cleanliness of udders before milking, and the number of milking cows. Our results emphasize that the risk factors of dairy farm management should be paid attention, which can reduce mastitis prevalence and antibiotic contamination in BTM in Southwestern China.
Thermal Stress Induces Metabolic Responses in Juvenile Qingtian Paddy Field Carp Cyprinus carpio var qingtianensis
Authors: Jiang Yuhan , Cheng Xiangbing , Lu Junjie , Xu Guanhong , Liu Qigen , Sun Jiamin
Published: December 2022

Extreme fluctuations in water temperature lead to significant economic losses for the aquaculture industry. Cyprinus carpio var qingtianensis (locally called Qingtian paddy field carp), is a local variety commonly found in Zhejiang province, China. Unlike traditional aquaculture environments, the water temperature range between day and night in the rice field environment is much larger, and the high temperature in summer may exceed the growth threshold of fish because there is no manual intervention; therefore, the study of how the Qingtian paddy field carp (PF carp) adapts to high-temperature conditions can shed light how the species adapt to the rice field environment. To investigate the molecular mechanisms of this fish under thermal stress, the liver metabolomics of Qiangtian paddy field carp (PF carp) were analyzed. In this study, metabolomics was used to examine the metabolic reaction of PF carp (102 days old, 104.69 ± 3.08 g in weight, 14.65 ± 0.46 cm in length) at water temperatures of 28 °C (control group, CG), 34 °C (experimental group (EG) 34), and 38 °C (EG38). The results show that 175 expression profile metabolites (DEMs), including 115 upregulated and 60 downregulated metabolites, were found in the CG vs. EG34. A total of 354 DEMs were inspected in CG vs. EG38, with 85 metabolites downregulated and 269 metabolites upregulated. According to the pathway enrichment study, various pathways were altered by thermal stress, including those of lipid, amino-acid, and carbohydrate metabolism. Our study presents a potential metabolic profile for PF carp under thermal stress. It also demonstrates how the host responds to thermal stress on a metabolic and molecular level.
Multi-Omics Analysis of Transcriptomic and Metabolomics Profiles Reveal the Molecular Regulatory Network of Marbling in Early Castrated Holstein Steers
Authors: Sun Fang , Piao Minyu , Zhang Xinyue , Zhang Siqi , Wei Ziheng , Liu Li , Bu Ye , Xu Shanshan , Zhao Xiaochuan , Meng Xiangren , Yue Mengmeng
Published: December 2022

The intramuscular fat (IMF), or so-called marbling, is known as potential determinant of the high quality beef in China, Korea, and Japan. Of the methods that affect IMF content in cattle, castration is markedly regarded as an effective and economical way to improve the deposition of IMF but with little attention to its multi-omics in early-castrated cattle. The aim of this study was to investigate the liver transcriptome and metabolome of early-castrated Holstein cattle and conduct a comprehensive analysis of two omics associated with the IMF deposition using transcriptomics and untargeted metabolomics under different treatments: non−castrated and slaughtered at 16 months of age (GL16), castrated at birth and slaughtered at 16 months of age (YL16), and castrated at birth and slaughtered at 26 months of age (YL26). The untargeted metabolome was analyzed using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The transcriptome of the hepatic genes was analyzed to identify marbling-related genes. Using untargeted metabolomics, the main altered metabolic pathways in the liver of cattle, including those for lipid and amino acid metabolism, were detected in the YL16 group relative to the GL16 and YL26 groups. Significant increases in the presence of betaine, alanine, and glycerol 3-phosphate were observed in the YL16 group (p < 0.05), which might have contributed to the improved beef-marbling production. Compared to the GL16 and YL26 groups, significant increases in the presence of glutathione, acetylcarnitine, and riboflavin but decreases in diethanolamine and 2-hydroxyglutarate were identified in YL16 group (p < 0.05), which might have been beneficial to the beef’s enhanced functional quality. The gene expressions of GLI1 and NUF2 were downregulated and that of CYP3A4 was upregulated in the YL16 group; these results were strongly correlated with the alanine, betaine, and leucine, respectively, in the liver of the cattle. In conclusion, implementation of early castration modified the hepatic metabolites and the related biological pathways by regulating the relevant gene expressions, which could represent a better rearing method for production of high marbled and healthier beef products.
Evaluation of Prolonged Endometrial Inflammation Associated with the Periparturient Metabolic State in Dairy Cows
Authors: Sato Rena , Koyama Saku , Yasukawa Miya , Inoue Takuma , Matsumura Tomochika , Kanazawa Asuka , Nozue Yukari , Wada Yuriko , Yoshimura Itaru , Hagita Yujiro , Mizutani Hisashi , Tajima Tsuyoshi , Ajito Tadaharu , Miura Ryotaro
Published: December 2022

The objectives of this study were to assess the sequential dynamics of the endometrial polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) after calving by endometrial cytology, and clarify the factors that cause prolonged endometrial inflammation in lactating dairy cows. A total of 33 lactating Holstein dairy cows were used from −4 to 8 wk relative to calving (0 wk: the calving week). Endometrial samples were obtained sequentially from 2 to 8 wk. Body condition score and backfat thickness were obtained weekly from −4 to 8 wk. Blood samples collected from −4 to 8 wk were analyzed for indicators of energy status, hepatic function, systemic inflammation, and calcium. Blood amino acids were measured at 2 wk. Daily milk production was determined between 5 and 65 d postpartum. Based on the sequential cytological analysis, the endometrial inflammation threshold was set at ≥5.0% PMN, and the median wk of PMN% lower than 5.0% was 4.5 wk in this study; therefore, we classified the cows into the early group (cows with endometrial inflammation converged within 4 wk: n = 17) and the late group (cows with endometrial inflammation converged at or after 5 wk: n = 16). There were no differences in daily milk production, energy status, hepatic function, blood calcium concentration, and systemic inflammatory response. The late group had lower body condition scores and backfat thickness during the experimental period, and a higher blood concentration of 3-methyl histidine, indicating muscle breakdown, was observed in the late group at 2 wk. Our findings indicated that the lack of body fat reservation during the peripartum period and the increased muscle breakdown after calving were risk factors for prolonged endometrial inflammation.
Effect of miR-143-3p from Extracellular Vesicles of Porcine Uterine Luminal Fluid on Porcine Trophoblast Cells
Authors: Ding Yue , Hu Qun , Gan Jianyu , Zang Xupeng , Gu Ting , Wu Zhenfang , Cai Gengyuan , Hong Linjun
Published: December 2022

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) in uterine luminal fluid (ULF) can reportedly affect the proliferation and migration function of porcine trophoblast cells (PTr2 cells) by mediating the maternal–fetal exchange of information. miR-143-3p is considered a crucial miRNA in early pregnancy in mammals; however, little is currently known about how it regulates the function of PTr2 cells. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ssc-miR-143-3p in ULF-EVs on the function of PTr2 cells during porcine embryo implantation. The uptake of ULF-EVs by PTr2 cells was confirmed, which significantly increased the expression of ssc-miR-143-3p. Ssc-miR-143-3p was found to facilitate the proliferation and migration of PTr2 cells in the CCK-8, EdU and wound-closure assays, while the opposite findings were observed after the knockdown of ssc-miR-143-3p. Bioinformatics analysis and the luciferase reporter assay showed that glycerol-3 phosphate dehydrogenase 2 (GDP2) was directly targeted by miR-143-3p. Inhibition of miR-143-3p was validated in mice to inhibit embryo implantation. In summary, ssc-miR-143-3p in ULF-EVs affects the proliferation and migration of PTr2 cells by mediating GPD2, thereby affecting embryo implantation.
Description of Light Environment in Broiler Breeder Houses with Different Light Sources—And How It Differs from Natural Forest Light
Authors: Vasdal Guro , Kittelsen Kathe Elise , Tahamtani Fernanda , Nilsson Dan-E.
Published: December 2022

Light is a key factor in poultry production; however, there is still a lack of knowledge as to describing the light quality, how to measure the light environment as perceived by birds, and how artificial light compares with the light in the natural forest habitats of their wild ancestors. The aim of this study was to describe the light environment in broiler breeder houses with three different light sources, using two different methods of light assessment. We also aimed to compare an artificial light environment with the light in a range of relevant natural forest habitats. A total of 9 commercial broiler breeder houses with one of three different light sources—Lumilux 830 CFL (n = 3), Biolux 965 CFL (n = 3) or LED Evolys with UVA (n = 3) were visited. Assessments of the light environment in the breeder houses were conducted using both a spectrometer and the environmental light field (ELF) method. ELF measurements from three forest types in south India (Kerala) were also included. We found that most aspects of the light environment were similar between the nine breeder houses and were not dependent on the type of light sources. The only clear difference related to the light source was the spectral balance, wherein 830 CFL had the most red-dominated light, 965 CFL had the most blue-dominated light and Evolys was intermediate but with more UV than the latter two. Plumage color had minimal effect on the light environment. Both the spectrometer and the ELF method provided valuable information. The spectrometer gave detailed values about certain aspects of the light environment, while the ELF described the light more in line with human and avian visual perception. We also found that the light environment in the investigated broiler breeder houses differs dramatically in all measured aspects from the natural light habitats of wild junglefowl, suggesting improvement possibilities in artificial lighting systems.
Evaluation of a Novel Infrared Thermography Projection to Assess Udder Health in Primigravid Dairy Heifers
Authors: Simões Patrícia B. A. , Viora Lorenzo , Pepler Pieter T. , Geraghty Timothy , McCafferty Dominic J. , Zadoks Ruth N.
Published: December 2022

Heifer mastitis in early lactation impacts negatively on animal welfare, milk production and longevity. A major challenge for the prevention and control of mastitis in dairy heifers is to establish when intramammary infection occurs because pre-partum secretum sampling is risky. We evaluated a ventrodorsal projection to capture thermal images of the entire udder of primigravid and compared results against caudocranial projection, which is used in lactating cattle. Based on the analysis of 119 heifers and images taken at 2 months and 2 weeks pre-partum, a very strong positive correlation (r = 0.91 and r = 0.96, respectively) was shown between caudocranial and ventrodorsal projections of hind quarters. Quarter maximum gradient temperatures were consistently greater on ventrodorsal projection than on caudocranial projection, and less variable than minimum gradient temperatures. The collection of ventrodorsal images is a simple one-step method involving the imaging of the entire udder in a manner safe for both the cattle and handlers. Together, these results demonstrate that a single projection can be used to scan the entire udder of primigravid dairy heifers in commercial farm conditions, with the potential to implement this as a routine method for the early detection of intramammary infection based on udder surface temperature.
Subcutaneous Ticks in Wild Carnivores: Any Host-Related Differences?
Authors: Moroni Barbara , Coenda Fabrizio , Garcia-Vozmediano Aitor , Nicoletti Arturo , Pregel Paola , Mina Alessandra , Tomassone Laura , Rossi Luca , Scaglione Frine Eleonora
Published: December 2022

Ticks under the skin have been shown in different canid species such as red fox, domestic dog, and raccoon dog. Despite being increasingly reported in Europe in the last decade, the biological mechanisms associated to subcutaneous ticks (SCT), as well as the predisposing factors, are not yet clear. The main goal of this study was to investigate the presence of SCT in wild carnivores in Northwestern Italy. Sixty-three wild carnivores were examined, and SCT were submitted to histological examination or stored in ethanol for morphological and molecular identification. A portion of the cox1 gene and 16S rDNA were amplified, and positive PCR products were sequenced. Fifty-one small brown-coloured nodules of about 2 × 3 mm containing ticks in different decomposition stages were observed in 11 out of 30 foxes. Seven ticks were classified as Ixodes ricinus, while 14 ticks were determined only at the genus level (Ixodes spp.), and in two ticks no morphological key was applicable due to the advanced degradation status. By PCR, the rDNA fragment of six ticks (26.1%, 95% CI: 12.6–46.5%) was amplified, and BLAST analysis revealed a 99–100% nucleotide similarity to I. ricinus. At the histological examination, the inflammatory response varied from a mild to a moderate mixed infiltrate, primarily composed by neutrophils and lymphocytes. The results of this study confirm foxes as the main wild reservoir for SCT. The absence of SCT in other carnivores (badgers and martens) is in accordance with other studies. Ixodes ricinus is the most frequently reported tick species, corroborating the idea that longirostral ticks might be more frequently associated to SC embedment than brevirostral ticks.
The Modulatory Effects of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Strain NSMJ56 on Gut Immunity and Microbiome in Early-Age Broiler Chickens
Authors: Joo Sang Seok , Yoon June Hyeok , Jung Ji Young , Joo Sung Yong , An Su Hyun , Ban Byeong Cheol , Kong Changsu , Kim Myunghoo
Published: December 2022

Gut health has been attracting attention in the livestock industry as several studies suggest that it is a crucial factor for growth performance and general health status in domestic animals, including broiler chickens. Previously, antibiotics were widely used to improve livestock growth, but their use is now prohibited due to serious problems related to antibiotic resistance. Thus, finding new feed additives to replace antibiotics is drawing attention. Probiotics are representative feed additives and many beneficial effects on broiler chickens have been reported. However, many probiotic studies are focused on productivity only, and there are insufficient studies related to the gut environment, especially gut immunity and gut microbiome. In this study, we conducted an animal experiment using Lacticaseibacillus paracasei NSMJ56 to determine whether it has beneficial effects on gut immunity and microbiome. To evaluate the effects of NSMJ56 supplementation, newly hatched Ross 308 broiler chickens were fed an NSMJ56-containing diet for 10 days, and growth performance, antioxidant indicators, gut morphology, gut immunity-related parameters, and gut microbiome were analyzed. Flow cytometry analysis results revealed that NSMJ56 treatment increased CD4+ T cells and decreased CD8+ T cells in small intestine lamina propria and decreased IL1b and IL10 gene expression in small intestine tissue. In the microbiome analysis, NSMJ56 treatment increased the alpha diversity indices and led to three enriched genera: Massilimicrobiota, Anaerotignum, and Coprococcus. This study suggests that NSMJ56 supplementation has regulatory effects on gut immunity and microbiome in early-age broiler chickens.
Bayesian Decision Analysis: An Underutilized Tool in Veterinary Medicine
Authors: Cummings Charles O. , Mitchell Mark A. , Perry Sean M. , Fleissner Nicholas , Mayer Jörg , Lennox Angela M. , Johnson-Delaney Cathy A.
Published: December 2022

Bayesian inference and decision analysis can be used to identify the most probable differential diagnosis and use those probabilities to identify the best choice of diagnostic or treatment among several alternatives. In this retrospective case analysis, we surveyed three experts on the prior probability of several differential diagnoses, given the signalment and history of a ferret presenting for lethargy and anorexia, and the conditional probability of different clinical findings (physical, bloodwork, imaging, etc.), given a diagnosis. Using these data and utility estimates provided by other clinicians, we constructed a decision tree to retrospectively identify the optimal treatment choice between exploratory laparotomy and medical management. We identified medical management as the optimal choice, in contrast to the original clinical team which performed an exploratory laparotomy. We discuss the potential cognitive biases of the original clinical team. We also discuss the strengths, e.g., shared decision making, and limitations of a Bayesian decision analysis in the veterinary clinic. Bayesian decision analysis can be a useful tool for retrospective case analysis and prospective decision making, especially for deciding on invasive interventions or end-of-life care. The dissimilarity of expert-derived probability estimates makes Bayesian decision analysis somewhat challenging to apply, particularly in wide-ranging specialties like zoological medicine.
Perceptions of Farm Animal Sentience and Suffering: Evidence from the BRIC Countries and the United States
Authors: Mata Fernando , Jaeger Bastian , Domingues Ivo
Published: December 2022

In this study, we examined how beliefs about farm animal sentience and their suffering vary across culture and demographic characteristics. A total of N = 5027) questionnaires were administered in Brazil, Russia, India, China, and the USA. Brazilians showed higher and Chinese lower levels of perceived animal sentience. In Russia and India, the perception of suffering and sentience increases with age, with similar levels to those observed in the USA. In all the countries, more people agreed than disagreed that animals are sentient. Men in India show higher levels of agreement with the relation between eating meat and animal suffering, followed by women in Brazil and China. Lower levels of agreement are observed in Americans and Chinese. Women show higher levels of compassion than men. In Russia, there is a slightly higher level of agreement between men and in the USA younger men agree more. Young American men show higher levels of agreement, while in India and China age has the opposite effect. For fair trading competition, it is important to standardize procedures and respect the demand for both animal protein and its ethical production. Overall, our results showed that perceptions of farm animal sentience and suffering vary substantially across countries and demographic groups. These differences could have important consequences for the perceived ethicality of meat production and consumption, and for global trade in animal products.
Effects of Glutamine on Rumen Digestive Enzymes and the Barrier Function of the Ruminal Epithelium in Hu Lambs Fed a High-Concentrate Finishing Diet
Authors: Wu Qiujue , Xing Zhongying , Liao Jiahui , Zhu Longlong , Zhang Rongkai , Wang Saiqiao , Wang Cong , Ma Yan , Wang Yuqin
Published: December 2022

The present experiment aimed to research the effects of glutamine (Gln) on the digestive and barrier function of the ruminal epithelium in Hu lambs fed a high-concentrate finishing diet containing some soybean meal and cottonseed meal. Thirty healthy 3-month-old male Hu lambs were randomly divided into three treatments. Lambs were fed a high-concentrate diet and supplemented with 0, 0.5, and 1% Gln on diet for 60 days. The experimental results show that the Gln treatment group had lower pepsin and cellulase enzyme activity, propionate acid concentration, and IL-6, TNF-α, claudin-1, and ZO-1 mRNA expression in the ruminal epithelium (p < 0.05); as well as increases in lipase enzyme activity, the ratio of propionic acid to acetic acid, the IL-10 content in the plasma, and the mRNA expression of IL-2 and IL-10 in the ruminal epithelium, in contrast to the CON (control group) treatment (p < 0.05). Taken together, the findings of this present study support the addition of Gln to improve digestive enzyme activity, the ruminal epithelium’s barrier, and fermentation and immune function by supplying energy to the mononuclear cells, improving the ruminal epithelium’s morphology and integrity, and mediating the mRNA expression of tight junction proteins (TJs) and cytokines.
Transcutaneous Detection of Intramural Microchips for Tracking the Migration of the Equine Large Colon: A Pilot Study
Authors: Steward Sara KT , McKee Hannah M. , Watson Allison M. , Salman Mo D. , Hassel Diana M.
Published: December 2022

Colic remains the number one cause of mortality in horses, and large colon displacement including colonic volvulus is one of the leading causes for equine hospitalization and surgery. Currently, there is not an adequate model to study the pathophysiology of this condition. The objective of this proof-of-concept study was to determine if subserosal implantation of bioinert microchips in the large intestine would be detectable by a RFID (radio-frequency identification) receiver when the implanted microchips were adjacent to the body wall, thus identifying the location of the colon within the abdomen. A horse with no history of gastrointestinal disease underwent a ventral midline celiotomy to implant twelve bioinert microchips into the subserosa at predetermined locations within the large colon and cecum. A RFID scanner was used to monitor the location of the colon via transcutaneous identification 1–3 times daily for a one-month period. Following humane euthanasia, a postmortem examination of the horse was performed to assess microchip implantation sites for migration and histologic assessment. Eleven out of the 12 implanted microchips were successfully identified transcutaneously at occurrences as high as 100%. Odds ratios were calculated for the likelihood of identifying each chip in a location different from its most common location. Microchips implanted into the subserosa of the equine large colon can be used as a means of identifying the approximate location of the equine large colon via transcutaneous identification with an RFID scanner.