bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Does Comparison With Artificial Intelligence Shed Light on the Way Clinicians Reason? A Cross-Talk Perspective
Authors: Martin Vincent P. , Rouas Jean-Luc , Philip Pierre , Fourneret Pierre , Micoulaud-Franchi Jean-Arthur , Gauld Christophe
Published: June 2022

In order to create a dynamic for the psychiatry of the future, bringing together digital technology and clinical practice, we propose in this paper a cross-teaching translational roadmap comparing clinical reasoning with computational reasoning. Based on the relevant literature on clinical ways of thinking, we differentiate the process of clinical judgment into four main stages: collection of variables, theoretical background, construction of the model, and use of the model. We detail, for each step, parallels between: i) clinical reasoning; ii) the ML engineer methodology to build a ML model; iii) and the ML model itself. Such analysis supports the understanding of the empirical practice of each of the disciplines (psychiatry and ML engineering). Thus, ML does not only bring methods to the clinician, but also supports educational issues for clinical practice. Psychiatry can rely on developments in ML reasoning to shed light on its own practice in a clever way. In return, this analysis highlights the importance of subjectivity of the ML engineers and their methodologies.
A Comparative Assessment of the Diagnosis of Swallowing Impairment and Gastroesophageal Reflux in Canines and Humans
Authors: Ullal Tarini V. , Marks Stanley L. , Belafsky Peter C. , Conklin Jeffrey L. , Pandolfino John E.
Published: June 2022

Swallowing impairment is a highly prevalent and clinically significant problem affecting people and dogs. There are myriad causes of swallowing impairment of which gastroesophageal reflux is the most common in both species. Similarities in anatomy and physiology between humans and canines results in analogous swallowing disorders including cricopharyngeus muscle achalasia, esophageal achalasia, hiatal herniation, and gastroesophageal reflux with secondary esophagitis and esophageal dysmotility. Accordingly, the diagnostic approach to human and canine patients with swallowing impairment is similar. Diagnostic procedures such as swallowing fluoroscopy, high-resolution manometry, pH/impedance monitoring, and endolumenal functional luminal imaging probe can be performed in both species; however, nasofacial conformation, increased esophageal length, and the difficulty of completing several of these procedures in awake dogs are inherent challenges that need to be considered. Human patients can convey their symptoms and respond to verbal cues, whereas veterinarians must rely on clinical histories narrated by pet owners followed by comprehensive physical examination and observation of the animal eating different food consistencies and drinking water. Dogs may also be unwilling to drink or eat in the hospital setting and may be resistant to physical restraint during diagnostic procedures. Despite the species differences and diagnostic challenges, dogs are a natural animal model for many oropharyngeal and esophageal disorders affecting people, which presents a tremendous opportunity for shared learnings. This manuscript reviews the comparative aspects of esophageal anatomy and physiology between humans and canines, summarizes the diagnostic assessment of swallowing impairment in both species, and discusses future considerations for collaborative medicine and translational research.
A Systematic Review of the Emergence and Utilisation of Agricultural Technologies into the Classroom
Authors: Manning Jaime K. , Cosby Amy , Power Deborah , Fogarty Eloise S. , Harreveld Bobby
Published: June 2022

This systematic review explores the emergence and utilisation of agricultural technology (“AgTech”) in secondary schools globally. A total of 14 studies published between 2000 and 2020, inclusive, were reviewed, each exploring the use of agricultural technologies in secondary school classrooms and barriers to adoption. For all reviewed studies, each had aimed to address one of three major objectives: (a) to determine or increase teacher knowledge of AgTech; (b) to evaluate the effectiveness of AgTech professional development (PD); or (c) to evaluate the effectiveness of AgTech classroom activities. Requirements for future AgTech PD or classroom activities were also identified, including the use of improved pre-service learnings and in-service PD. This study highlights the importance of improving the opportunities of teachers for AgTech learning, including both an introduction to the technologies and support for classroom implementation. Applications of these findings could be used by teachers, schools, industry organisations, universities and policymakers to ensure sufficient teacher knowledge and skills for effective student learning. By increasing the knowledge and skills of the next-generation agricultural workforce, it is anticipated that AgTech adoption on farms will increase.
Optimization and Test of Structural Parameters of Flat Hob Chopper
Authors: Yang Anming , Xiang Wei , Yan Bo , Duan Yiping , Lv Jiangnan , Wu Mingliang
Published: June 2022

In order to reduce the chopping power consumption of a flat hob chopper (referred to herein as chopper) on the premise of ensuring the chopping effect of the chopper, the mathematical model of optimal design of chopper is established in this paper with the minimum chopping power as the objective. With the help of MATLAB software, the mathematical model is solved. The chopping power curves of each point on the chopper blade edge line before and after the optimization of structural parameters are generated. The results indicate that when the coordinate value of point A on the blade edge line on the Z axis is 0.7 m; the included angle between the bottom surface of the blade and the axis of the cutter roll is 6°. When the radius of the chopper is 0.11 m, the chopper can obtain the theoretical minimum chopping power. The analysis result of chopping power curve is the chopping power after structural parameter optimization is reduced by about 25.50% compared with that before optimization. The choppers before and after the optimization of structural parameters was trial manufactured and sequentially mounted on the performance test bench of the chopping system of the forage ramie harvester. The test results show the standard-length rate of ramie stalk chopped by the choppers before and after the optimization of structural parameters were 92.96% and 92.84%, respectively, which were extremely close to each other, indicating that the optimization of structural parameters has no influence on the chopping effect of the chopper. The chopping power of the chopper is reduced by 22.25% after optimization, which is close to the software analysis value (25.50%), indicating that the optimization result is accurate and reliable. This study can provide parameter foundation and an optimization method for lowering chopping power consumption of the chopper.
Role of Corn Silage in the Sustainability of Dairy Buffalo Systems and New Perspective of Allocation Criterion
Authors: Bragaglio Andrea , Maggiolino Aristide , Romano Elio , De Palo Pasquale
Published: June 2022

This paper aims to compare the cradle-to-farm gate sustainability of two dairy buffalo systems, according to life cycle assessment guidelines (LCA). Primary data were obtained by five intensive farms with feeding plans based on non-corn silage (NCS) and five with corn silage (CS) based rations. Both systems were characterized by the presence of two farms with wheat grain yields, sold for human consumption. All the farms were in Southern Italy and seven were included in the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) area of “Mozzarella di bufala campana”. The functional unit (FU) adopted was 1 kg of normalized buffalo milk (NBM); impact categories investigated were: global warming potential (GWP), acidification potential (AP), eutrophication potential (EP), agricultural land occupation (ALO), water depletion (WD). Two different economic allocation procedures were tested: a first step aimed to mitigate the environmental impacts sharing among wheat grain, where present, and milk. The second stage involved culled buffalo cows. Neither the allocation nor the combination of allocation and feeding system showed significant effects (p > 0.05). Corn silage-based system (CS) showed lower impacts than non-corn silage (NCS) one for AP and EP (p = 0.002 and p = 0.051 respectively). High average dry matter yield per hectare of corn silage probably had a positive effect on SO2 and PO43− equivalents.
Investment Decisions of Blockchain-Based Anti-Counterfeiting Traceability Services in a High-Quality Fresh Supply Chain of China
Authors: Liu Pan
Published: June 2022

The application of a blockchain-based anti-counterfeiting traceability system (hereafter, blockchain-based ACTS) presents a positive effect on improving the unreliability of the freshness information. However, using a blockchain-based ACTS requires additional expenditures from chain members. Chain members want to know the investment conditions of a blockchain-based ACTS and how to coordinate their supply chain. To solve these problems, a supply chain with one fresh producer and one retailer was chosen as the study subject. Afterwards, considering the unreliability of the freshness information, the demand function was revised. Then, the profit functions before and after adopting a blockchain-based ACTS were constructed, and then a price discount and revenue-sharing contract was put forward to coordinate the supply chain. Findings: With the growth of the unreliability coefficient of the freshness information, benefits to chain members in the proposed three situations would be reduced. Thus, we can know that after using a blockchain-based ACTS, if chain members want to gain more benefits, they should try their best to excavate the value of the blockchain-based ACTS and reduce the unreliability coefficient of the freshness information.
Modeling-Based Energy Performance Assessment and Validation of Air-To-Water Heat Pump System Integrated with Multi-Span Greenhouse on Cooling Mode
Authors: Rasheed Adnan , Kim Hyeon Tae , Lee Hyun Woo
Published: June 2022

The purpose of this study was to conduct a modeling-based energy performance assessment and validation of an air-to-water heat pump (AWHP) system, in the cooling mode, integrated with a multi-span greenhouse using TRNSYS software. We used the building energy simulation (BES) model to investigate the performance characteristics of the AWHP system for greenhouse cooling. We modelled the components of the AWHP system, including the fan coil unit (FCU), water storage tank, and water circulation pump integrated with the greenhouse model. The proposed model included all the components of the experimental system. We validated the proposed model by comparing the simulation results with those obtained from field experiments. We investigated the cooling energy supply to the multi-span greenhouse, greenhouse internal air temperature, heat pump (HP) output temperature, and coefficient of performance (COP). We evaluated the performance of our model by calculating the Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) coefficient of all the validated components. Furthermore, we performed linear regression analyses (R2) to determine the relationship between the different parameters. NSE values of 0.87, 0.81, and 0.93, for the greenhouse internal air temperature, the energy supply to the greenhouse, and the HP output water temperature, respectively, validated the prediction accuracy of the model. Moreover, R2 values of 0.83 and 0.39 indicated that cooling loads are more dependent on ambient solar radiation than ambient air temperature. Furthermore, an R2 value of 0.91 showed a linear relationship between the HP’s energy consumption and ambient air temperature. The average daily COP of the HP system was 2.9. Overall, the simulation results showed acceptable correlation with the experimental results. The high NSE values validated the high predictive power of the model. The proposed validation model can be used to improve the performance of systems by optimizing the control strategies and capacities of the equipment (e.g., the HP, the FCU, and the area of the greenhouse). We have provided detailed information to enable engineers, researchers, and consultants to implement the model for their specific needs.
Farmer Participatory Evaluation of Sorghum Varieties in Flood Recession Agriculture Systems in North-Western Mali
Authors: Traore Kalifa , Traore Bouya , Diallo Abdoulaye , Synnevag Gry , Aune Jens B.
Published: June 2022

Flood recession farming is an important cropping system for ensuring food security in western Mali. The present study identified sorghum varieties adapted to this farming system. In the first year, numerous varieties were tested in the fields of 12 farmers. The 22 best-performing varieties, based on farmers’ scores using a preference index (PI), were further studied the following year. In the third year, the four varieties with the highest PI scores were tested against the local variety, Samé. The best-performing varieties were given the names Yélimané 1, Yélimané 2, Yélimané 3, and Yélimané 4. Across the three years, the best-performing variety, Yélimané 1, showed a 60.2% and 55.3% greater grain and stover yield, respectively, compared to the local Samé variety. The four improved varieties also reached maturity 30 days sooner than the local variety. A survey involving 101 farmers showed that the improved varieties, combined with higher plant density, seed priming and microdosing of mineral fertilizer, reduced the number of food-insecure months by 3.59 months. These varieties combined with improved agronomic practices have the potential to improve food security in flood recession areas in West Africa.
Variation of Fatty Acids in Cool-Season Grasses
Authors: Whetsell Marcella , Rayburn Edward , Swartz Don , Fultz Stanley
Published: June 2022

Cool-season grass samples were collected and analyzed for omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acid (FA) content. Perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, orchardgrass, and Kentucky bluegrass samples were collected on four harvest dates from various trials conducted in the eastern portion of the Appalachian Mountains. There was a greater change in linolenic acid (C18:3) than linoleic acid (C18:2) concentrations in all forage species and across seasons. Perennial ryegrass had higher levels of linolenic acid compared to the other grasses on most dates other than in August, when it did not provide forage. Linoleic acid concentrations changed less across seasons and were generally lower in tall fescue compared to the other grass species, which tended to contain similar levels. There was a species × date interaction on FA concentrations. Kentucky bluegrass had a peak concentration of linoleic acid in August. Concentration in orchardgrass fluctuated slightly across seasons, while concentrations in tall fescue and perennial ryegrass decreased as the season advanced. Identification of FA concentrations in plant species and managing species diversity in pastures to increase and stabilize the content of omega-3 FA in meat and milk products appears to be a valuable tool for managers to manipulate FA characteristics of products from pasture-based systems.
Use of Plant-Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria and Mycorrhizal Fungi Consortium as a Strategy to Improve Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Productivity under Different Irrigation Regimes
Authors: Laranjeira Sara , Reis Sara , Torcato Cristina , Raimundo Fernando , Ferreira Luís , Carnide Valdemar , Fernandes-Silva Anabela , Marques Guilhermina
Published: June 2022

Climate change prediction indicates an increased likelihood of precipitation variability and droughts in the Mediterranean region. Previous studies demonstrated that microbial symbionts combined with supplementary irrigation could mitigate climate change effects and boost chickpea production in low-fertility soils. The aim of the study was to assess the effects of inoculation with a consortium of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) (Pseudomonas sp., Burkholderia sp. and Mesorhizobium sp.) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) (Rhizophagus irregularis, Funneliformis geosporum and Claroideoglomus claroideum) on growth, grain yield and crude protein content of chickpeas under the following irrigation regimes: I1-no water stress, I2-moderate water stress, I3-strong water-stress, I4-no water stress in critical growth stages of plant cycle development and I5-severe water stress). Plants irrigated only during the critical growth stages of flowering and pod filling showed higher grain yields compared to plants from other water deficit irrigation treatments. Additionally, chickpeas co-inoculated with PGPR and AMF, and irrigated only during critical growth stages, presented higher grain yield than non-inoculated plants without water stress (1.45- and 1.33-fold increase in 2018 and 2019, respectively). Inoculation with beneficial microorganisms and supplemental irrigation at critical stages benefits chickpea growth and should be considered for increasing crop productivity and promoting agricultural sustainability.
Response of Bread Wheat Genotypes for Drought and Low Nitrogen Stress Tolerance
Authors: Duma Sbongeleni , Shimelis Hussein , Tsilo Toi John
Published: June 2022

Drought stress and nitrogen (N) deficiency are the major causes of yield losses in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) production. Breeding wheat cultivars with combined drought and low N stress tolerance is an economical approach for yield gains. The objective of this study was to evaluate the response of diverse bread wheat genotypes under drought and low N stress conditions to select high-performing genotypes for developing breeding populations and production to mitigate against drought and low N stress. Fifty bread wheat genotypes were evaluated under drought-stressed (DS) and non-stressed (NS) conditions and N application rates of 50, 100 and 200 kg N ha−1. The experiments were conducted in a controlled environment and field conditions during the 2019/20 cropping season. Data on grain yield and yield components were collected and subjected to statistical analysis. The four-way interaction involving genotype, water regime, N treatments and testing environment had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on all assessed agronomic traits, suggesting that genotype response depended on the treatment combinations. Drought stress and 50 kg N ha−1 reduced grain yield by 20% compared to NS and 50 kg N ha−1. The grain yield ranged from 120 to 337 g/m2, with a mean of 228 g/m2 under DS. Under DS and 200 kg N ha−1, the genotype designated as SBO 19 had a higher grain yield of 337 g/m2, followed by SBO 22 (335 g/m2), SBO 16 (335 g/m2), SBO 04 (335 g/m2) and SBO 33 (335 g/m2). Grain yields under DS and 50 kg N ha−1, and NS and 50 kg N ha−1 had a positive and significant correlation (r > 0.5; p < 0.01) with most of the evaluated traits. Highly correlated traits directly contribute to total yield gain and should be incorporated during the selection of high-yielding genotypes. The study identified the 10 best lines that are high-yielding with early flowering and maturity under DS or NS conditions and the three N treatments. The selected lines are recommended as breeding parents to develop drought-adapted and N-use efficient genetic resources. The identified genotypes are important for sustainable wheat production and effective breeding of improved cultivars to mitigate drought stress and soil nutrient deficiencies, to ensure food security in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Comparative Study about the Consumption of Organic Food Products on Samples of Portuguese and Turkish Consumers under the COVID-19 Pandemic Context
Authors: Guiné Raquel P. F. , Florença Sofia G. , Costa Daniela T. V. A. , Çelik Selda , Ferreira Manuela , Cardoso Ana Paula , Çetin Sümeyye , Costa Cristina A.
Published: June 2022

This research aimed to study consumers’ trends and the consumption of foods obtained through organic farming in two different countries, Portugal and Turkey. A questionnaire survey was used, applied through internet tools as a result of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. For the treatment of data, we used basic statistics complemented with a tree classification, aimed at evaluating the influence of sociodemographic factors on the knowledge about this type of food. The results showed that the consumption patterns are relatively similar in both countries, with many participants consuming organic foods, especially vegetables and fruits, consuming them mostly two or three meals per week. The strongest motivations to consume organic foods include benefits for human health and lower environmental impacts, while the most substantial reason not to consume is the higher price. It was also found that in both countries, people have good knowledge about the advantages of organic foods over conventional ones. Finally, the perception of the value attributed by society to organic foods was considerably higher in Portugal. These results confirm the apparent trend of making more sustainable food choices, which is motivated by the perceived negative impact of conventional agriculture on ecosystems and health.
Ion Exchange Resins to Reduce Boron in Desalinated Seawater for Irrigation in Southeastern Spain
Authors: Imbernón-Mulero Alberto , Gallego-Elvira Belén , Martínez-Álvarez Victoriano , Martin-Gorriz Bernardo , Molina-del-Toro Rubén , Jódar-Conesa Francisco J. , Maestre-Valero José F.
Published: June 2022

Desalinated seawater (DSW) can provide water resources for irrigation in coastal regions where freshwater is scarce. Reverse osmosis (RO) is the most common technique to obtain DSW worldwide. Nevertheless, using DSW for irrigation could pose an agronomic risk as RO permeates may have a boron concentration above the phytotoxicity thresholds of certain crops, such as woody crops (0.5 to 1.0 mg/L). In this study, an on-farm ion exchange resin system with an average flow of 1 m3/h, designed to reduce the boron concentration of DSW, was evaluated from a technical and economic perspective. The impact of variations in the feed water and operating temperatures on the boron reduction process was assessed. The results show that the system can provide an outflow with a boron concentration below the threshold of 0.5 mg/L over 92 h of operation, with boron rejections of up to 99% during the first 41 h. The estimated cost of boron removal with the on-farm system of the trial was EUR 0.992/m3. However, this cost is expected to decrease to EUR 0.226/m3 for a commercial ion exchange resin (IX) plant (20 m3/h), highlighting the importance of the scale factor. Our results provide novel guidance on the viability of using boron removal IX systems for farms irrigated with DSW, when it is provided by coastal plants with boron concentrations above the crop tolerance.
Tomato Comprehensive Quality Evaluation and Irrigation Mode Optimization with Biogas Slurry Based on the Combined Evaluation Model
Authors: Zheng Jian , Qi Xingyun , Shi Cong , Yang Shaohong , Wu You
Published: June 2022

Scientific and reasonable water and fertilizer regimes positively affected crop growth, yield, fruits quality and soil environment improvement. As a liquid quick-acting organic fertilizer to substitute chemical fertilizers, biogas slurry has been widely used in agricultural production. However, the lack of research on the proper comprehensive quality evaluation model and irrigation mode under biogas slurry limits the promotion and large-scale application of biogas slurry in agricultural production. In this study, three biogas slurry (BS) ratio (1:4BS, 1:6BS, 1:8BS; volume ratio of biogas slurry to water), three irrigation levels (W1, W2, W3) and three fertilizer control treatments (CF1, CF2, CF3) were conducted in field experiments. Eleven single indexes from four type qualities (external quality, taste quality, nutrition quality, storage and transportation quality) were adopted to establish the comprehensive evaluation index system of tomato. The principal component analysis, grey correlation analysis, membership function analysis and TOPSIS analysis model (based on the combination of objective entropy method and subjective analytic hierarchy process) were used to estimate the comprehensive quality of tomato fruits. Moreover, the objective combination evaluation mode based on overall diversity was used to evaluate the results obtained from the four independent comprehensive evaluation methods. The aim is to mitigate inconsistencies of multi-attribute evaluation models. The results showed that biogas slurry application was beneficial to the accumulation of aboveground biomass under the same irrigation amount, which can effectively improve the sugar to acid ratio and lycopene content of tomato. T3 (1:4BS, W3) and T1 (1:4BS, W1) obtained the highest yield and water use efficiency (WUE), respectively. The results of Kendall consistency test and Pearson correlation coefficients showed that there were good compatibility and high consistency among the four independent comprehensive evaluation models, and the combined quality evaluation model can be performed directly. As the correlation coefficients between combined evaluation model and each of four independent methods reached 0.965, the combined evaluation model was capable of reducing the differences of four independent comprehensive evaluation model. The combined quality evaluation results showed that T2 (1:4BS, W2) recommended strongly in this study could effectively improve the yield, quality and WUE of tomato.
Multigenerational Insecticide Hormesis Enhances Fitness Traits in a Key Egg Parasitoid, Trichogramma chilonis Ishii
Authors: Ray Aishwarya , Gadratagi Basana-Gowda , Rana Dhanendra Kumar , Ullah Farman , Adak Totan , Govindharaj Guru-Pirasanna-Pandi , Patil Naveenkumar B , Mahendiran Annamalai , Desneux Nicolas , Rath Prakash Chandra
Published: June 2022

Hormesis for the intractable pests can be dreadful, but for natural enemies of pests, it is a puissant strategy in optimizing their mass rearing. We report multigenerational stimulatory effects of widely used insecticide, imidacloprid, on the demographic traits of an important egg parasitoid Trichogramma chilonis Ishii. The study investigated the consequences of sublethal (LC5), low lethal (LC30), and median lethal (LC50) concentrations, as well as a control, for five continuous generations (F1 to F5). The initial bioassay experiments revealed imidacloprid exhibiting the highest toxicity for the parasitoid with a LC50 of 2 µg·L−1, whereas LC5 and LC30 were 0.07 µg·L−1 and 0.6 µg·L−1, respectively. Among biological traits, compared to the F1 individuals, a substantial increase in the fecundity of T. chilonis was observed in the F5 individuals by 54.92% and 46.81% when exposed to LC5 and LC30, respectively (p < 0.00001). Further, there was a significant enhancement in the adult longevity as well as oviposition days of the F5 individuals at both these concentrations. Considering the population traits, along with gross reproductive rate (GRR), net reproductive rate (R0) was also enhanced by both LC5 and LC30 in F5 individuals than F1; whereas the intrinsic rate of increase (r) and finite rate of increase (λ) were enhanced only at LC30 upon comparing with control. On the other hand, LC50 exposure to T. chilonis did not result in notable differences in biological or population traits when compared across generations (F1 and F5). Low and sublethal concentrations of imidacloprid did not have a major influence on demographic traits of T. chilonis at initial generations of exposure but can induce hormetic effects in the subsequent generations. Overall, imidacloprid-induced hormesis stimulating the development of T. chilonis might be helpful under circumstances of mild exposure of imidacloprid in fields and could be leveraged for its mass rearing.
Effects of Fly Maggot Protein Replacement of Fish Meal on Growth Performance, Immune Level, Antioxidant Level, and Fecal Flora of Blue Foxes at Weaning Stage
Authors: Xu Yuan , Su Hang , Li Ting , Lv Jing , Liu Jiayu , Bai Xiujuan
Published: June 2022

Dietary protein is a key nutritional parameter and warrants special attention in animal husbandry. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of replacing fish meal (F) with fly maggot protein (M) on the growth performance, antioxidant levels, immune indexes, and fecal microflora in weaned blue foxes (Alopex lagopus). Twenty weaned blue foxes were randomly assigned to the control (F diet; 6% of F) or experimental (M diet; F substituted by M) group (10 blue foxes per group). The duration of the trial was 28 days. The results showed that there was no significant difference in average daily gain between group M and group F during the experiment (p = 0.473). Moreover, the diarrhea index was similar between group M and group F during the entire experimental period (p = 0.112). At the end of the experiment, the levels of IL-6 and IgG in group M at 28 d were significantly higher than that in group F (p = 0.004, p = 0.025, respectively), but not IL-1β, IL-2, SIgA, IgM, and TNF-α. The levels of SOD in group M at 28 d were significantly higher than those in group F (p = 0.001), and no difference of MDA and T-AOC was found between group F and M (p = 0.073, p = 0.196, respectively). In both groups, the diversity of fecal microbes first increased and then decreased with the progress of the experimental period. Initially, there were differences in the composition of microbial communities between the two groups. However, this difference was attenuated at later stages of the experimental period. In conclusion, fly maggot protein can replace fish meal as a source of animal protein in feed material for blue foxes during the weaning period.
Percutaneous Ultrasound-Guided Carotid Access and Puncture Closure with Angio-Seal in Horses
Authors: Vitoria Arantza , Laborda Alicia , Serrano-Casorrán Carolina , Fuente Sara , Romero Antonio , Vázquez Francisco José
Published: June 2022

Background: There are different indications for endovascular surgery in horses, mainly the treatment of guttural pouch mycosis. Traditionally, these procedures are carried out by open arteriotomy of the common carotid artery (CCA), although less invasive percutaneous ultrasound-guided carotid access (PUGCA) has been described in experimental horses. In human medicine, commercial closure systems are used to seal these arterial puncture sites and reduce complications. The aims of this study are to retrospectively describe our experience with PUGCA in clinical cases and to report, for the first time, the use of the commercial vascular closure device Angio-Seal after PUGCA in horses. Methods: Retrospective study of clinical case records. Collected parameters, including the feasibility of the PUGCA and variables related to the safety and efficacy of the use of the Angio-Seal. Results: Twelve PUGCA procedures in 11 horses were included. In all cases, the artery was effectively accessed, and the planned procedure could be performed. In two cases, haematoma/bleeding due to incorrect use of the Angio-Seal was recorded. This complication rate (16.66%) was lower than that obtained in other studies using PUGCA in horses, but where the puncture was sealed by manual compression only. Main limitations: A control group of clinical cases with PUGCA but without using Angio-Seal is not available. Conclusions: Clinical data confirm previous experimental results, which showed that PUGCA is safe and effective in horses. The Angio-Seal system, regardless of possible complications due to incorrect use, can be used safely and effectively in horses. Further studies comparing arterial access site management using manual compression or Angio-Seal would be necessary to state if its routine use in horses is advisable.
Robust Algorithms for Drone-Assisted Monitoring of Big Animals in Harsh Conditions of Siberian Winter Forests: Recovery of European elk (Alces alces) in Salair Mountains
Authors: Prosekov Alexander , Vesnina Anna , Atuchin Victor , Kuznetsov Aleksandr
Published: June 2022

There are two main reasons for monitoring the population of forest animals. First, regular surveys reveal the real state of biodiversity. Second, they guarantee a prompt response to any negative environmental factor that affects the animal population and make it possible to eliminate the threat before any permanent damage is done. The research objective was to study the potential of drone planes equipped with thermal infrared imaging cameras for large animal monitoring in the conditions of Siberian winter forests with snow background at temperatures −5 °C to −30 °C. The surveyed territory included the Salair State Nature Reserve in the Kemerovo Region, Russia. Drone planes were effective in covering large areas, while thermal infrared cameras provided accurate statistics in the harsh winter conditions of Siberia. The research featured the population of the European elk (Alces alces), which is gradually deteriorating due to poaching and deforestation. The authors developed an effective methodology for processing the data obtained from drone-mounted thermal infrared cameras. The research provided reliable results concerning the changes in the elk population on the territory in question. The use of drone planes proved an effective means of ungulate animal surveying in snow-covered winter forests. The designed technical methods and analytic algorithms are cost-efficient and they can be applied for monitoring large areas of Siberian and Canadian winter forests.
Feeding a Saccharomyces cerevisiae Fermentation Product (Olimond BB) Does Not Alter the Fecal Microbiota of Thoroughbred Racehorses
Authors: Lucassen Alexandra , Hankel Julia , Finkler-Schade Christa , Osbelt Lisa , Strowig Till , Visscher Christian , Schuberth Hans-Joachim
Published: June 2022

Feed supplements such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation products (SCFP) alter immune responses in horses. The purpose of this study was to analyze whether a prebiotic activity of the SCFP alters the gut microbiome in horses. Racehorses were fed either SCFP (Olimond BB, OLI, n = 6) or placebo pellets (PLA, n = 5) for 43 days. Fecal microbiota analysis was performed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The numbers and function of circulating immune cell subpopulations were analyzed by flow cytometry. SCFP supplementation resulted in non-consistent differences in fecal microbiota between the PLA and OLI during the feeding period. Rather, the individual animal had the highest impact on fecal microbiota composition. OLI and PLA horses displayed the same changes in numbers of blood leukocyte subpopulations over time. One day after a booster vaccination against equine influenza during the feeding period, the alpha diversity of fecal microbiota of PLA horses was significantly higher compared to OLI horses. This suggests that SCFP feeding altered the vaccination-induced spectrum of released mediators, potentially affecting gut microbiota. The overall non-consistent findings argue against a strong prebiotic effect of Olimond BB on the microbiota in racehorses. Fecal microbiota differences between the groups were also noticed outside the feeding period and, hence, are most likely not caused by the SCFP additive.
Concentrations of Boar Taint Compounds Are Weakly Associated with Sexual Behavior of Young Boars
Authors: Boschi Elena , Faggion Sara , Mondin Chiara , Carnier Paolo , Bonfatti Valentina
Published: June 2022

Strategies to control boar taint (BT) in meat relies on the reduction of skatole, indole, and androstenone concentration. This might have unfavorable effects on the libido of breeding boars. The association between BT compound concentration in backfat and libido was investigated in 391 commercial breeding boars. Six sexual behavior traits (SBT; sexual arousal, salivation, mounting performance, interest in the dummy sow, penis unsheathing, and overall libido score) were scored during the training of the boars with the dummy sow. Variation in SBT was analyzed by proportional-odds cumulative logistic models. Overall, indole, skatole, and androstenone concentrations were weakly associated with libido. Farm of origin, age at training or body weight, and BT compound levels were poor predictors of boar performance (the area under the ROC curve ranged from 0.60 to 0.69). This indicates that BT compound concentrations were weakly associated with libido, even though the probability of observing good SBT scores increased with high levels of androstenone, intermediate or low levels of skatole, and intermediate to high levels of indole. Hence, practices aiming at reducing androstenone, and controlling the concentrations of skatole and indole to intermediate levels are not expected to impair the libido of young boars.
Change of Gut Microbiota in PRRSV-Resistant Pigs and PRRSV-Susceptible Pigs from Tongcheng Pigs and Large White Pigs Crossed Population upon PRRSV Infection
Authors: Wang Tengfei , Guan Kaifeng , Su Qiuju , Wang Xiaotong , Yan Zengqiang , Kuang Kailin , Wang Yuan , Zhang Qingde , Zhou Xiang , Liu Bang
Published: June 2022

Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) is one of the serious infectious diseases that threatens the swine industry. Increasing evidence shows that gut microbiota plays an important role in regulating host immune responses to PRRS virus (PRRSV). The aim of this study was to investigate gut microbiota difference between PRRSV-resistant pigs and PRRSV-suspectable pigs derived from a Tongcheng pigs and Large White pigs crossed population. PRRSV infection induces an increase in the abundance and diversity of gut microbiota. Correlation analysis showed that 36 genera were correlated with viral loads or weight gain after PRRSV infection. Prevotellaceae-NK3B31-group, Christensenellaceae-R7-group, and Parabacteroides were highly correlated with both viral load and weight gain. Notably, the diversity and abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Prevotellaceae-NK3B31-group was high in resistant pigs, and the diversity and abundance of pathogenic bacteria such as Campylobacter and Desulfovibrio were high in susceptible pigs. Gut microbiota were significantly associated with immune function and growth performance, suggesting that these genera might be related to viremia, clinical symptoms, and disease resistance. Altogether, this study revealed the correlation of gut microbiota with PRRSV infection and gut microbiota interventions may provide an effective prevention against PRRSV infection.
Discovering Novel Small Molecule Compound for Prevention of Monoclonal Antibody Self-Association
Authors: Lui Lok Hin , van der Walle Christopher F. , Brocchini Steve , Velayudhan Ajoy
Published: June 2022

Designing an antibody with the desired affinity to the antigen is challenging, often achieved by lengthening the hydrophobic CDRs, which can lead to aggregation and cause major hindrance to the development of successful biopharmaceutical products. Aggregation can cause immunogenicity, viscosity and stability issues affecting both the safety and quality of the product. As the hydrophobic residues on the CDR are required for direct binding to antigens, it is not always possible to substitute these residues for aggregation-reduction purposes. Therefore, discovery of specific excipients to prevent aggregation is highly desirable for formulation development. Here, we used a combination of in silico screening methods to identify aggregation-prone regions on an aggregation-prone therapeutic antibody. The most aggregation-prone region on the antibody was selected to conduct virtual screening of compounds that can bind to such regions and act as an aggregation breaker. The most promising excipient candidate was further studied alongside plain buffer formulations and formulations with trehalose using coarse-grained molecular dynamics (CGMD) simulations with MARTINI force field. Mean interaction value between two antibody molecules in each formulation was calculated based on 1024 replicates of 512 ns of such CGMD simulations. Corresponding formulations with an excipient:antibody ratio of 1:5 were compared experimentally by measuring the diffusion interaction parameter kD and accelerated stability studies. Although the compound with the highest affinity score did not show any additional protective effects compared with trehalose, this study proved using a combination of in silico tools can aid excipient design and formulation development.
Development of a Novel Anti-EpCAM Monoclonal Antibody for Various Applications
Authors: Li Guanjie , Suzuki Hiroyuki , Asano Teizo , Tanaka Tomohiro , Suzuki Hiroyoshi , Kaneko Mika K. , Kato Yukinari
Published: June 2022

The epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is a cell surface glycoprotein, which is widely expressed on normal and cancer cells. EpCAM is involved in cell adhesion, proliferation, survival, stemness, and tumorigenesis. Therefore, EpCAM is thought to be a promising target for cancer diagnosis and therapy. In this study, we established anti-EpCAM monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) using the Cell-Based Immunization and Screening (CBIS) method. We characterized them using flow cytometry, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. One of the established recombinant anti-EpCAM mAbs, recEpMab-37 (mouse IgG1, kappa), reacted with EpCAM-overexpressed Chinese hamster ovary-K1 cells (CHO/EpCAM) or a colorectal carcinoma cell line (Caco-2). In contrast, recEpMab-37 did not react with EpCAM-knocked out Caco-2 cells. The KD of recEpMab-37 for CHO/EpCAM and Caco-2 was 2.0 × 10−8 M and 3.2 × 10−8 M, respectively. We observed that EpCAM amino acids between 144 to 164 are involved in recEpMab-37 binding. In Western blot analysis, recEpMab-37 detected the EpCAM of CHO/EpCAM and Caco-2 cells. Furthermore, recEpMab-37 could stain formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded colorectal carcinoma tissues by immunohistochemistry. Taken together, recEpMab-37, established by the CBIS method, is useful for detecting EpCAM in various applications.
Identifying Targets for Antibiotic Use for the Management of Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAb) in Hospitals—A Multi-Centre Nonlinear Time-Series Study
Authors: Al-Hashimy Zainab Said , Conway Barbara R. , Al-Yaqoobi Mubarak , Khamis Faryal , Al Mawali Ghalib Zahran , Al Maashani Aisha Mahad , Al Hadhrami Yaqoob Said , Al Alawi Said Salim , Al Mamari Mohammed Said , Lattyak William J. , Lattyak Elizabeth A. , Aldiab Motasem , Gould Ian , López-Lozano José-María , Aldeyab Mamoon A.
Published: June 2022

Solutions are needed to inform antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) regarding balancing the access to effective antimicrobials with the need to control antimicrobial resistance. Theoretical and mathematical models suggest a non-linear relationship between antibiotic use and resistance, indicating the existence of thresholds of antibiotic use beyond which resistance would be triggered. It is anticipated that thresholds may vary across populations depending on host, environment, and organism factors. Further research is needed to evaluate thresholds in antibiotic use for a specific pathogen across different settings. The objective of this study is to identify thresholds of population antibiotic use associated with the incidence of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAb) across six hospital sites in Oman. The study was an ecological, multi-centre evaluation that involved collecting historical antibiotic use and CRAb incidence over the period from January 2015 to December 2019. By using non-linear time-series analysis, we identified different thresholds in the use of third-generation cephalosporins, piperacillin-tazobactam, aminoglycoside, and fluoroquinolones across participating hospitals. The identification of different thresholds emphasises the need for tailored analysis based on modelling data from each hospital. The determined thresholds can be used to set targets for each hospital AMS, providing a balance between access to these antibiotics versus controlling CRAb incidence.
18β-Glycyrrhetinic Acid Induces Metabolic Changes and Reduces Staphylococcus aureus Bacterial Cell-to-Cell Interactions
Authors: Weaver Alan J. , Borgogna Timothy R. , O’Shea-Stone Galen , Peters Tami R. , Copié Valérie , Voyich Jovanka , Teintze Martin
Published: June 2022

The rise in bacterial resistance to common antibiotics has raised an increased need for alternative treatment strategies. The natural antibacterial product, 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid (GRA) has shown efficacy against community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), although its interactions against planktonic and biofilm modes of growth remain poorly understood. This investigation utilized biochemical and metabolic approaches to further elucidate the effects of GRA on MRSA. Prolonged exposure of planktonic MRSA cell cultures to GRA resulted in increased production of staphyloxanthin, a pigment known to exhibit antioxidant and membrane-stabilizing functions. Then, 1D 1H NMR analyses of intracellular metabolite extracts from MRSA treated with GRA revealed significant changes in intracellular polar metabolite profiles, including increased levels of succinate and citrate, and significant reductions in several amino acids, including branch chain amino acids. These changes reflect the MRSA response to GRA exposure, including potentially altering its membrane composition, which consumes branched chain amino acids and leads to significant energy expenditure. Although GRA itself had no significant effect of biofilm viability, it seems to be an effective biofilm disruptor. This may be related to interference with cell–cell aggregation, as treatment of planktonic MRSA cultures with GRA leads to a significant reduction in micro-aggregation. The dispersive nature of GRA on MRSA biofilms may prove valuable for treatment of such infections and could be used to increase susceptibility to complementary antibiotic therapeutics.
Resistance Genes, Plasmids, Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST), and Phenotypic Resistance of Non-Typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) Isolated from Slaughtered Chickens in Burkina Faso
Authors: Kagambèga Assèta , McMillan Elizabeth A. , Bouda Soutongnooma C. , Hiott Lari M. , Ramadan Hazem , Soro Daniel K. , Sharma Poonam , Gupta Sushim K. , Barro Nicolas , Jackson Charlene R. , Frye Jonathan G.
Published: June 2022

The emergence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in developing countries increases risks to the health of both such countries’ residents and the global community due to international travel. It is consequently necessary to investigate antimicrobial-resistant pathogens in countries such as Burkina Faso, where surveillance data are not available. To study the epidemiology of antibiotic resistance in Salmonella, 102 Salmonella strains isolated from slaughtered chickens were subjected to whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to obtain information on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes and other genetic factors. Twenty-two different serotypes were identified using WGS, the most prevalent of which were Hato (28/102, 27.5%) and Derby (23/102, 22.5%). All strains analyzed possessed at least one and up to nine AMR genes, with the most prevalent being the non-functional aac(6′)-Iaa gene, followed by aph(6)-Id. Multi-drug resistance was found genotypically in 36.2% of the isolates for different classes of antibiotics, such as fosfomycin and β-lactams, among others. Plasmids were identified in 43.1% of isolates (44/102), and 25 plasmids were confirmed to carry AMR genes. The results show that chicken can be considered as a reservoir of antibiotic-resistant Salmonella strains. Due to the prevalence of these drug-resistant pathogens and the potential for foodborne illnesses, poultry processing and cooking should be performed with attention to prescribed safe handling methods to avoid cross-contamination with chicken products.