bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of mindfulness and Qigong training for self-healing in patients with Hwabyung and depressive disorder: a protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yoon Seok-In , Park Hui-Yeong , Lee Hyun Woo , Park Chan , Chung Sun-Yong , Kim Jong Woo
Published: April 2024

Background

Hwabyung is a Korean culture-bound syndrome characterized by anger-related physical and psychological symptoms. Depressive disorder is a common mental illness occurring worldwide, and has been reported to have a high comorbidity rate with Hwabyung. For patients with depressive disorders, differential diagnosis and combined treatment for Hwabyung should be considered. Mindfulness and Qigong may be effective alternatives for regulating emotions such as depression, anxiety, and anger. This study aims to investigate whether Mindfulness and Qigong Training for Self-Healing (MQT-SH) would improve emotional problems in patients with Hwabyung and depressive disorder.

Methods

This study will be a two-arm block randomized controlled trial. A total of 64 participants will be recruited and randomly assigned to either experimental or control group. While the experimental group will perform MQT-SH for the first six weeks, the control group will receive no treatment. During the next six weeks, the control group will perform MQT-SH for ethical equity. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, post-intervention (6 weeks) and follow-up (12 weeks). The primary outcomes would be Hwabyung and depression, while the secondary outcomes would include anxiety, anger, and vitality.

Discussion

This study will provide a basis for assessing the effectiveness of mindfulness and Qigong training in patients with Hwabyung and depressive disorder.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Kyung-Hee University Oriental Medicine Hospital in Gangdong (KHNMCOH 2023-09-003). The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications.

Trial registration

This trial was registered with the Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS), Republic of Korea, No. KCT0008937 and was registered on November 10, 2023.
Decreased wrist rotation imitation abilities in children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Liu Fulin , Qiu Kai , Wang Hongan , Dong Yuhong , Yu Dongchuan
Published: April 2024

Introduction

While meaningless gross motor imitation (GMI) is a common challenge for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), this topic has not attracted much attention and few appropriate test paradigms have been developed.

Methods

The current study proposed a wrist rotation imitation (WRI) task (a meaningless GMI assignment), and established a WRI ability evaluation system using low-cost wearable inertial sensors, which acquired the simultaneous data of acceleration and angular acceleration during the WRI task. Three metrics (i.e., total rotation time, rotation amplitude, and symmetry) were extracted from those data of acceleration and angular acceleration, and then were adopted to construct classifiers based on five machine learning (ML) algorithms, including k-nearest neighbors, linear discriminant analysis, naive Bayes, support vector machines, and random forests. To illustrate our technique, this study recruited 49 ASD children (aged 3.5-6.5 years) and 59 age-matched typically developing (TD) children.

Results

Findings showed that compared with TD children, those with ASD may exhibit shorter total rotation time, lower rotation amplitude, and weaker symmetry. This implies that children with ASD might exhibit decreased WRI abilities. The classifier with the naive Bayes algorithm outperformed than other four algorithms, and achieved a maximal classification accuracy of 88% and a maximal AUC value of 0.91. Two metrics (i.e., rotation amplitude and symmetry) had high correlations with the gross and fine motor skills [evaluated by Gesell Developmental Schedules-Third Edition and Psychoeducational Profile-3 (PEP-3)]. While, the three metrics had no significant correlation with the visual-motor imitation abilities (evaluated by the subdomain of PEP-3) and the ASD symptom severity [evaluated by the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS)] .

Discussion

The strengths of this study are associated with the low-cost measurement system, correlation between the WRI metrics and clinical measures, decreased WRI abilities in ASD, and high classification accuracy.
Executive function in schizophrenia and autism in adults shares common components separating high and low performance groups
Authors: Morais Sofia , d’Almeida Otília C. , Caldeira Salomé , Meneses Sofia , Areias Graça , Girão Vanessa , Bettencourt Catarina , Pereira Daniela Jardim , Macedo António , Castelo-Branco Miguel
Published: April 2024

The profile of executive function (EF) in adults with Schizophrenia (SCZ) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remains unclear. This study aims to ascertain if distinct EF patterns can be identified between each clinical condition by comparing the neuropsychological profile of adults with SCZ and ASD, for whom the differential diagnosis is still highly challenging. Forty-five individuals (15 SCZ, 15 ASD, 15 controls) matched for age, sex, education level, and handedness underwent intelligence evaluation and neuropsychological testing for working memory, inhibition, planning and set-shifting, and verbal fluency subdomains. Principal component analysis (2D-PCA) using variables representing 4 domains was employed to identify patterns in neuropsychological profiles. The ASD group had lower scores on the Digits Forward subtest compared to the SCZ group (7.2 ± 2.1 vs. 9.3 ± 1.9, p = 0.003; Cohen’s d: 1.05). ASD also performed significantly worse on the Stroop Word Test compared to the control group (77.7± 17.9 vs. 98.0 ± 12.7, p = 0.009; Cohen’s d: 1.31). No significant differences were observed between ASD and SCZ on other EF measures. The larger contributors for the dimensions in 2D-PCA were the Digits Forward subtest and Stroop Word Test. Still, there was substantial overlap between the clinical groups. This study suggests a high degree of similarity of EF between SCZ and ASD. Through four EF measures, the discrimination of low and high-functioning EF groups spanning both diagnostic categories may help to identify the individuals who could better benefit from cognitive rehabilitation strategies.
The effects of cyber-ostracism on college students' aggressive behavior: a moderated mediation model
Authors: Xing Jingwen , Kuo Fengyi
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study used questionnaire survey to explore the influence of cyber-ostracism on the aggressive behavior of college students. Specifically, this study explored the mediation role of the basic psychological needs satisfaction, and explored the moderating role of self-integrity.

Method

An online questionnaire was designed through a questionnaire website, which was linked and transferred to college students nationwide. 377 valid questionnaires were obtained after excluding invalid questionnaires.

Results

Cyber-ostracism had a significant positive predictive effect on the basic psychological needs satisfaction; Basic psychological needs satisfaction play a mediation role between cyber-ostracism and aggression. Self-integrity moderates the association between basic psychological needs and aggression.
Study on the development characteristics and spatial and temporal patterns of population ageing in 31 central cities in China
Authors: Zhang Le , Ren Hengna , Li Chen
Published: April 2024

Background

Population ageing is inseparable from technological innovation, social progress and the development of human civilization, and constitutes a new element in the development of contemporary human history.

Objective

To dynamically analyses the developmental, structural and growth characteristics of population ageing in 31 provincial capitals and municipalities in China, using the data of the fifth national census in 2000 and the seventh national census in 2020.

Methods

The development characteristics and spatial and temporal patterns of population aging in the 31 cities were measured using the population aging index growth model, Theil’s index, coefficient of variation, population aging index and other analytical methods.

Results

(1) From 2000 to 2020, the population aging rate of the 31 central cities generally increased, and the population aging level of the cities showed the characteristics of “East-Central-Northeast-West” to “Northeast-East-Central-West” decreasing. (2) Regional differences in the ratio of old to young are relatively high, while regional differences in the level of population ageing are relatively small. The level of population ageing is classified with the indicators of size structure, family structure and age structure in the first and third quadrants, and with the geographic concentration rate in the second and fourth quadrants. (3) China’s population ageing has a T-shaped spatial distribution characteristic pointing along the coast - along the Yangtze Rivers.

Conclusion

The 31 central cities are the center of gravity of China’s economy and have strong economic power in dealing with the challenges of population ageing, but how to make population ageing compatible with the economy and society, and then promote sustainable population development, is a topic that needs further attention in the study.
Job burnout and its influencing factors among village doctors during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhao Zixuan , Li Qiusha , Yang Chunxiao , Zhang Zhongzheng , Chen Zhongming , Yin Wenqiang
Published: April 2024

Objective

The aim of this study is to understand the job burnout of village doctors during the COVID-19 epidemic and its influencing factors, and to provide a reference for effectively alleviating the job burnout of village doctors.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among village doctors in S province in December 2021. The survey included a general information questionnaire and the CMBI Burnout Scale. Epidata was used for dual input, and descriptive analysis, t-test, chi-square test, and binary Logistic regression for statistical analysis were used.

Results

A total of 993 village doctors participated in the survey. Most of them were male village doctors (62.84%), with an average age of 46.57 (SD = 7.50). Village doctors believed that the impact of the epidemic on work was serious, with a score of 3.87 ± 0.91. The economic support was small, with a score of 2.31 ± 0.99. The development space was low, with a score of 2.62 ± 0.98. The overall incidence of burnout was 53.47%. In the burnout group, 54.05% were mild, 33.14% were moderate, and 12.81% were severe. The high degree of difficulty in using WeChat (OR = 1.436, 95%CI: 1.229–1.679), high work pressure (OR = 1.857, 95%CI: 1.409–2.449), high risk of practice (OR = 1.138, 95%CI: 1.004–1.289), less economic support (OR = 0.825, 95%CI: 0.684–0.995), less technical support (OR = 0.696, 95%CI: 0.565–0.858), and poor emotional support (OR = 0.632, 95%CI: 0.513–0.780) were more likely to have job burnout.

Conclusion

Burnout is a common phenomenon among village doctors during the COVID-19 pandemic, which needs to be prevented and alleviated by various measures.
Inverse problem assisted multivariate geostatistical model for identification of transmissivity fields
Authors: Kapoor Aditya , Kashyap Deepak
Published: April 2024

Groundwater models often require transmissivity (T) fields as an input. These T fields are commonly generated by performing univariate interpolation of the T data. This T data is derived from pumping tests and is generally limited due to the large costs and logistical requirements. Hence T fields generated using this limited data may not be representative for a whole study region. Groundwater models often require transmissivity (T) fields as an input. These T fields are commonly generated by performing univariate interpolation (using kriging, IDW etc.) of the T data. This T data is derived from pumping tests and is generally limited due to the large costs and logistical requirements. Hence, the T fields generated using this limited data may not be representative for the whole study region. This study presents a novel cokriging based methodology to generate credible T fields. Cokriging - a multivariate geostatistical interpolation method permits incorporation of additional correlated auxiliary variables for the generation of enhanced fields. Here abundantly available litholog derived saturated thickness data has been used as secondary (auxiliary) data given its correlation with the primary T data. Additionally, the proposed methodology addresses two operational problems of traditional cokriging procedure. The first operational problem is the poor estimation of variogram and cross-variogram parameters due to sparse T data. The second problem is the determination of relative contributions of primary and secondary variable in the estimation process. These two problems have been resolved by proposing a set of novel non-bias conditions, and linking the interpolator with a head based inverse problem solution for credible estimation of these parameters. The proposed methodology has been applied to Bist doab region in Punjab (India). Additionally, base line studies have been performed to elucidate the superiority of the proposed cokriging based methodology over kriging in terms of head reproducibility.
Acute anodal transcranial direct current stimulation improves the performance of professional rowers
Authors: Ramos Luciano , Ramos Tatiana Aparecida Magacho , Almeida Rodrigo Freire De , Silva-Rocha Jader Vinicius da , Zimerer Carla , Arêas Fernando Zanela
Published: April 2024

Introduction

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of acute transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on physical and subjective responses in professional rowing during the 2,000-m time trial test.

Methods

Seven rowers (age 20.86 ± 4.49 years; weight 71.66 ± 7.97 kg) participated in this randomized triple-blind trial with a crossover experimental design. The protocol consists of 2 days with different conditions (anodal and sham). The tDCS anodic stimulation conducted was 2 mA for 20 min in the left temporal cortex (2.5 cm from the F7 zone and 2.5 cm from the T3 zone), targeting the left insular cortex. In the sham moment, the participants experienced 30 s of stimulation. Afterward, they performed a standardized progressive warm-up for 15 min, following the Brazilian Rowing Confederation's assessment protocols, and rested for 3 min before the test started. All procedures were made on an indoor rowing machine, which allowed the capture of performance variables such as time performed, power in watts (W), pace (m/min), and stroke rate (strokes/min). The ratings of perceived exertion [Borg scale (CR-20)] were recorded in each 2-min during the test.

Results

The results presented differences in power [Z: −2.371; p = 0.018; effect size (ES) = −0.896 (large)] and pace [Z: −2.371; p = 0.018; ES = −0.896 (large)] and time performance [Z: −1.612; p = 0.107; ES = −0.609 (large)] throughout the protocol for the anodal moment.

Discussion

However, no differences for the other variables were found. According to the results, the current tDCS with the present protocol improved the physical performance at the 2,000-m time trial Test providing ergogenic aid.
Barriers and enablers of crop varietal replacement and adoption among smallholder farmers as influenced by gender: the case of sweetpotato in Katakwi district, Uganda
Authors: Bayiyana Irene , Okello Julius Juma , Mayanja Sarah Lubega , Nakitto Mariam , Namazzi Stella , Osaru Florence , Ojwang Sylvester , Shikuku Kelvin Mashisia , Lagerkvist Carl-Johan
Published: April 2024

Sweetpotato is climate smart crop, grown with limited external inputs (fertilisers, pesticides, less labour) making it an attractive crop for resource-constrained smallholder farmers. It is also a major cash and food crop for many countries in sub-Saharan Africa. However, adoption of the high yielding and nutritious improved varieties has been disappointingly low. This study uses qualitative methods to explore the barriers and enablers of farmer varietal replacement and adoption. Unlike the extant quantitative studies that identify the determinants of adoption, we delve deeper into understanding the reasons for or against the preference for specific varieties. We used a rich set of information collected via focus group discussions which explore why farmers prefer certain varieties over others and how they perceive the new improved varieties from the national breeding programs. Doing so enabled us to unravel specific traits or trait combinations that farmers seek and identify those that they perceive needing improvement. We find that the most preferred traits were ‘yield’ and ‘good taste’. Implying that the neglect of sensory attributes by breeders contributes to the low adoption of improved sweetpotato varieties. Moreover, we find that altruism among the respondents plays an important role in farmer use of, and sharing of information about improved sweetpotato varieties. Women and men farmers obtained most of their information from neighbours, NGOs and radios. For women, the most important source of planting materials doubled as their most important source of information. Thus, concerted efforts to minimise information constraints are essential for unravelling the adoption puzzle.
Automated algorithm aided capacity and confidence boost in surgical decision-making training for inferior clivus
Authors: Tang Ke , Bu Bo , Tian Hongcheng , Li Yang , Jiang Xingwang , Qian Zenghui , Zhou Yiqiang
Published: April 2024

Objective

To assess the impact of automated algorithms on the trainees’ decision-making capacity and confidence for individualized surgical planning.

Methods

At Chinese PLA General Hospital, trainees were enrolled to undergo decision-making capacity and confidence training through three alternative visual tasks of the inferior clivus model formed from an automated algorithm and given consecutively in three exemplars. The rationale of automated decision-making was used to instruct each trainee.

Results

Following automated decision-making calculation in 50 skull base models, we screened out three optimal plans, infra-tubercle approach (ITA), trans-tubercle approach (TTA), and supra-tubercle approach (STA) for 41 (82.00%), 8 (16.00%), and 1 (2.00%) subject, respectively. From September 1, 2023, through November 17, 2023, 62 trainees (median age [range]: 27 [26–28]; 28 [45.16%] female; 25 [40.32%] neurosurgeons) made a decision among the three plans for the three typical models (ITA, TTA, and STA exemplars). The confidence ratings had fine test-retest reliability (Spearman's rho: 0.979; 95% CI: 0.970 to 0.988) and criterion validity with time spent (Spearman's rho: −0.954; 95%CI: −0.963 to −0.945). Following instruction of automated decision-making, time spent (initial test: 24.02 vs. 7.13 in ITA; 30.24 vs. 7.06 in TTA; 34.21 vs. 12.82 in STA) and total hits (initial test: 30 vs. 16 in ITA; 37 vs. 17 in TTA; 42 vs. 28 in STA) reduced significantly; confidence ratings (initial test: 2 vs. 4 in ITA; 2 vs. 4 in TTA; 1 vs. 3 in STA) increased correspondingly. Statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed for the above comparisons.

Conclusions

The education tool generated by automated decision-making considers surgical freedom and injury risk for the individualized risk-benefit assessment, which may provide explicit information to increase trainees’ decision-making capacity and confidence.
European Survey on Clinical Practice of Detecting and Treating T-Cell Mediated Kidney Transplant Rejection
Authors: Koshy Priyanka , Furian Lucrezia , Nickerson Peter , Zaza Gianluigi , Haller Maria , de Vries Aiko P. J. , Naesens Maarten
Published: April 2024

The KDIGO guideline for acute rejection treatment recommends use of corticosteroids and suggests using lymphocyte-depleting agents as second line treatment. Aim of the study was to determine the current practices of detection and treatment of TCMR of kidney allografts amongst European kidney transplant centres. An invitation was sent through ESOT/EKITA newsletters and through social media to transplant professionals in Europe for taking part in the survey. A total of 129 transplant professionals responded to the survey. There was equal representation of small and large sized transplant centres. The majority of centres treat borderline changes (BL) and TCMR (Grade IA-B, IIA-B) in indication biopsies and protocol biopsies with corticosteroids as first line treatment. Thymoglobulin is used mainly as second line treatment for TCMR Grade IA-B (80%) and TCMR IIA-B (85%). Treatment success is most often evaluated within one month of therapy. There were no differences observed between the large and small centres for the management of TCMR. This survey highlights the common practices and diversity in clinics for the management of TCMR in Europe. Testing new therapies for TCMR should be in comparison to the current standard of care in Europe. Better consensus on treatment success is crucial for robust study designs.
A New Rotary Magnetorheological Damper for a Semi-Active Suspension System of Low-Floor Vehicles
Authors: Park Yu-Jin , Kang Byung-Hyuk , Choi Seung-Bok
Published: April 2024

This study explores the significance of active suspension systems for vehicles with lower chassis compared to conventional ones, aiming at the development of future automobiles. Conventional linear MR (magnetorheological) dampers were found inadequate in ensuring sufficient vibration control because the vehicle’s chassis becomes lowered in the unmanned vehicles or purposed-based vehicles. As an alternative, a rotary type of MR damper is proposed in this work. The proposed damper is designed based on prespecified design parameters through mathematical modeling and magnetic field analyses. Subsequently, a prototype of the rotary MR damper identical to the design is fabricated, and effectiveness is shown through experimental investigations. In configuring the experiments, a proportional-integral (PI) controller is employed for current control to reduce the response time of the damper. The results presented in this work provide useful guidelines to develop a new type of MR damper applicable to various types of future vehicles’ suspension systems with low distance from the tire to the body floor.
Multi-Trait Bayesian Models Enhance the Accuracy of Genomic Prediction in Multi-Breed Reference Populations
Authors: Li Weining , Zhang Meilin , Du Heng , Wu Jianliang , Zhou Lei , Liu Jianfeng
Published: April 2024

Performing joint genomic predictions for multiple breeds (MBGP) to expand the reference size is a promising strategy for improving the prediction for limited population sizes or phenotypic records for a single breed. This study proposes an MBGP model—mbBayesAB, which treats the same traits of different breeds as potentially genetically related but different, and divides chromosomes into independent blocks to fit heterogeneous genetic (co)variances. Best practices of random effect (co)variance matrix priors in mbBayesAB were analyzed, and the prediction accuracies of mbBayesAB were compared with within-breed (WBGP) and other commonly used MBGP models. The results showed that assigning an inverse Wishart prior to the random effect and obtaining information on the scale of the inverse Wishart prior from the phenotype enabled mbBayesAB to achieve the highest accuracy. When combining two cattle breeds (Limousin and Angus) in reference, mbBayesAB achieved higher accuracy than the WBGP model for two weight traits. For the marbling score trait in pigs, MBGP of the Yorkshire and Landrace breeds led to a 6.27% increase in accuracy for Yorkshire validation using mbBayesAB compared to that using the WBGP model. Therefore, considering heterogeneous genetic (co)variance in MBGP is advantageous. However, determining appropriate priors for (co)variance and hyperparameters is crucial for MBGP.
An Accurate Approach for Predicting Soil Quality Based on Machine Learning in Drylands
Authors: El Behairy Radwa A. , El Arwash Hasnaa M. , El Baroudy Ahmed A. , Ibrahim Mahmoud M. , Mohamed Elsayed Said , Rebouh Nazih Y. , Shokr Mohamed S.
Published: April 2024

Nowadays, machine learning (ML) is a useful technology due to its high accuracy in constructing non-linear models and algorithms that can adapt to the complexity and diversity of data. Thus, the current work aimed to predict the soil quality index (SQI) from extensive soil data, achieving high accuracy with the artificial neural networks (ANN) model. However, the efficiency of ANN depends on the accuracy of the data that is prepared for training. For this purpose, MATLAB programming language was used to enable the calculation, classification, and compilation of the results into databases within a few minutes. The proposed MATLAB program was highly efficient, accurate, and quick in calculating soil big data for training the machine compared with traditional methods. The database contains 306 vector sets, 80% of them are used for training and the remaining 20% are reserved for testing. The optimal model obtained comprises one hidden layer with 250 neurons and one output layer with a sigmoid function. The ANN achieved a high coefficient of determination (R2) values for SQI estimation, with around 0.97 and 0.98 for training and testing, respectively. The results indicate that 36.93% of the total soil samples belonged to the very high quality class (C1). In contrast, the high quality (C2), moderate quality (C3), low quality (C4), and very low quality (C5) classes accounted for 10.46%, 31.37%, 20.92%, and 0.33% of the samples, respectively. The high contents of CaCO3, pH, sodium saturation, salinity, and clay content were identified as limiting factors in certain areas. The results of this study indicated high accuracy of soil quality assessment using physical, chemical, and fertility soil features in regression analysis with ANN. This method, which is suitable for arid zones, enhances agricultural productivity and decision-making by identifying critical soil quality categories and constraints.
Variations in Protein and Gene Expression Involved in the Pathways of Carbohydrate, Abscisic Acid, and ATP-Binding Cassette Transporter in Soybean Roots under Drought Stress
Authors: Yang Xiaoqin , Cui Xiyan , Chang Jiageng , Wang Jianan , Wang Yujue , Liu Haoye , Wang Yan , Chen Yanbo , Yang Yuhan , Yao Dan , Sun Fengjie , Zhou Ying
Published: April 2024

Plant roots play crucial roles in their response to drought conditions. However, the molecular responses in soybean roots to drought stress remain unclear. We investigated the alterations in the protein expression in the roots of a drought-resistant soybean cultivar ‘Jiyu 47’ during the seedling phase based on tandem mass tag (TMT) proteomics analysis. The results revealed significant variations in the expression of the proteins involved in several metabolic pathways in soybean roots, including sucrose metabolism, abscisic acid (ABA) metabolism, and the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter pathway. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses revealed a coordinated expression pattern of the proteins involved in the various cellular pathways responding to drought stress in soybean. The increased production of sucrose and betaine enhanced the inhibition of the damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the tolerance of drought stress. The results of the physiological variations showed that sucrose metabolism, ABA metabolic mechanism, and the ABC transporter pathways played an important role in the antioxidant defense system in response to drought stress in soybean roots. The results of quantitative real-time PCR revealed the up-regulated expression of three genes (i.e., GmPYR1, GmHO-1, and GmSOD) involved in ABA biosynthesis and the signaling pathway. This study provides novel insights into the comprehension of the molecular pathways regulating the soybean root response to drought stress.
Are Hungarian Grey Cattle or Hungarian Racka Sheep the Best Choice for the Conservation of Wood-Pasture Habitats in the Pannonian Region?
Authors: Penksza Károly , Saláta Dénes , Fűrész Attila , Penksza Péter , Fuchs Márta , Pajor Ferenc , Sipos László , Saláta-Falusi Eszter , Wagenhoffer Zsombor , Szentes Szilárd
Published: April 2024

Wood pastures have been characteristic farming types in the Pannonian biogeographical region over the centuries. In the present work, we studied wood-pastures of typical geographical locations in the North Hungarian Mountain Range of Hungary characterized by similar environmental conditions but grazed by different livestock. The sample area of Cserépfalu was grazed by Hungarian Grey Cattle, while the Erdőbénye was grazed by Hungarian Racka Sheep. Coenological records of the sites were collected from 2012 to 2021 in the main vegetation period according to the Braun-Blanquet method with the application of 2 × 2 m sampling quadrats, where the coverage estimated by percentage for each present species was also recorded. To evaluate the state of vegetation, ’ecological ordering’ distribution, diversity, and grassland management values were used. Between the two areas, the grazing pressure of the two studied livestock produced different results. Based on the diversity values, woody–shrubby–grassland mosaic diversity values were high (Shannon diversity: 2.21–2.87). Cattle grazing resulted in a variable and mosaic-like shrubby area with high cover values. Based on our results, grazing by cattle provides an adequate solution for forming and conserving wood-pasture habitats in the studied areas of Hungary. However, if the purpose is to also form valuable grassland with high grassland management values, partly sheep grazing should be suggested.
Performance and Stability Analysis of Extra-Early Maturing Orange Maize Hybrids under Drought Stress and Well-Watered Conditions
Authors: Bonkoungou Tégawendé Odette , Badu-Apraku Baffour , Adetimirin Victor Olawale , Nanema Kiswendsida Romaric , Adejumobi Idris Ishola
Published: April 2024

The consistently low yield turnout of maize on farmers’ fields owing to drought and the nutritional challenges attributable to the consumption of white endosperm maize pose a major threat to food and nutritional security in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The objectives of this study were to assess the performance of newly developed extra-early maturing orange hybrids under managed drought and well-watered conditions, compare the outcomes of multiple-trait base index and multi-trait genotype–ideotype distance index selection procedures, and identify drought-tolerant hybrids with stable performance across contrasting environments for commercialization in SSA. One hundred and ninety orange hybrids and six checks were evaluated under managed drought and well-watered conditions at Ikenne for two seasons between 2021 and 2023. A 14 × 14-lattice design was used for the field evaluations under both research conditions. Drought stress was achieved by the complete withdrawal of irrigation water 25 days after planting. Results revealed significant differences among the hybrids under drought and well-watered conditions. Grain yield, ears per plant, and plant aspect under managed drought were correlated to the same traits under well-watered conditions, suggesting that the expression of these traits is governed by common genetic factors. Twenty-nine hybrids were identified as top-performing drought-tolerant hybrids by the multiple-trait base index and the multi-trait genotype–ideotype distance index. Of the selected outstanding 29 hybrids, 34% were derived from crosses involving the tester TZEEIOR 197, demonstrating the outstanding genetic potential of this inbred line. Further analysis of the 29 selected hybrids revealed TZEEIOR 509 × TZEEIOR 197 as the hybrid that combined the most drought-tolerant adaptive traits. However, the hybrids TZEEIOR 526 × TZEEIOR 97, TZEEIOR 384 × TZEEIOR 30, TZEEIOR 515 × TZEEIOR 249, TZEEIOR 510 × TZEEIOR 197, TZEEIOR 479 × TZEEIOR 197, and TZEEIOR 458 × TZEEIOR 197 were identified as the most stable hybrids across drought and well-watered conditions. These hybrids should be extensively tested in multi-location trials for deployment and commercialization in SSA.
Calculating Volume of Pig Point Cloud Based on Improved Poisson Reconstruction
Authors: Lin Junyong , Chen Hongyu , Wu Runkang , Wang Xueyin , Liu Xinchang , Wang He , Wu Zhenfang , Cai Gengyuan , Yin Ling , Lin Runheng , Zhang Huan , Zhang Sumin
Published: April 2024

Pig point cloud data can be used to digitally reconstruct surface features, calculate pig body volume and estimate pig body weight. Volume, as a pig novel phenotype feature, has the following functions: (a) It can be used to estimate livestock weight based on its high correlation with body weight. (b) The volume proportion of various body parts (such as head, legs, etc.) can be obtained through point cloud segmentation, and the new phenotype information can be utilized for breeding pigs with smaller head volumes and stouter legs. However, as the pig point cloud has an irregular shape and may be partially missing, it is difficult to form a closed loop surface for volume calculation. Considering the better water tightness of Poisson reconstruction, this article adopts an improved Poisson reconstruction algorithm to reconstruct pig body point clouds, making the reconstruction results smoother, more continuous, and more complete. In the present study, standard shape point clouds, a known-volume Stanford rabbit standard model, a measured volume piglet model, and 479 sets of pig point cloud data with known body weight were adopted to confirm the accuracy and reliability of the improved Poisson reconstruction and volume calculation algorithm. Among them, the relative error was 4% in the piglet model volume result. The average absolute error was 2.664 kg in the weight estimation obtained from pig volume by collecting pig point clouds, and the average relative error was 2.478%. Concurrently, it was determined that the correlation coefficient between pig body volume and pig body weight was 0.95.
Female Deer Movements Relative to Firearms Hunting in Northern Georgia, USA
Authors: Rosenberger Jacalyn P. , Edge Adam C. , Killmaster Charlie H. , Johannsen Kristina L. , Osborn David A. , Nibbelink Nathan P. , Miller Karl V. , D’Angelo Gino J.
Published: April 2024

Perceived risk associated with hunters can cause white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) to shift their activity away from key foraging areas or alter normal movements, which are important considerations in managing hunting and its effects on a population. We studied the effects of seven firearms hunts on the movements of 20 female deer in two Wildlife Management Areas within the Chattahoochee National Forest of northern Georgia, USA, during the 2018–2019 and 2019–2020 hunting seasons. Deer populations and the number of hunters in our study area have declined significantly since the 1980s. In response, hunting regulations for the 2019–2020 hunting season eliminated opportunities for harvesting female deer. To evaluate the indirect effects of antlered deer hunting on non-target female deer, we calculated 90% utilization distributions (UDs), 50% UDs, and step lengths for pre-hunt, hunt, and post-hunt periods using the dynamic Brownian bridge movement model. Data included 30 min GPS locations for 44 deer-hunt combinations. Pre-hunt 50% UDs (x− = 7.0 ha, SE = 0.4 ha) were slightly greater than both hunt (x− = 6.0 ha, SE = 0.3 ha) and post-hunt (x− = 6.0 ha, SE = 0.2 ha) 50% UDs (F = 3.84, p = 0.03). We did not detect differences in step length, nor did we detect differences in size or composition of 90% UDs, among the periods. Overall, our results suggest that the low level of hunting pressure in our study area and lack of exposure to hunters led to no biologically significant changes in female deer movements. To the extent of the findings presented in this paper, adjustments to the management of hunting in our study area do not appear to be necessary to minimize hunting-related disturbances for female deer. However, managers should continue to consider female deer behavior when evaluating future changes to hunting regulations.
The Estimation of Genetic Parameters for Chronic Progressive Lymphedema and Body Traits in the Rhenish German Draught Horse
Authors: Sievers Johanna , Distl Ottmar
Published: April 2024

Chronic progressive lymphedema (CPL) is a prevalent and progressive disease in Rhenish German draught horses. The objective of our follow-up study was to evaluate the heritability of this disease in Rhenish German draught horses using pedigree-based and genomic relationship matrices. We employed linear and threshold animal models. Models included the random animal effect and effects of breeding association, coat colour, sex, and age within sex, and farm-related factors, on CPL scores. In addition, we estimated heritabilities in models assuming censoring for data when horses were below an age of 1–15 years. The heritabilities of CPL scores across all ages were 0.595 ± 0.131 and 0.482 ± 0.105 in the threshold and linear animal model with pedigree-based relationship matrices, respectively. The restriction of data to horses with a minimum age at examination or accounting for censored data in younger animals showed an increase in heritabilities of CPL scores up to 0.788 ± 0.168 (threshold model) and 0.752 ± 0.153 (linear model) at an age of 7–8 years. Analyses including genomic relationship matrices yielded very similar estimates, but with smaller standard errors than pedigree-based analyses. Heritabilities in threshold models for CPL prevalence (CPL-bin-score) and the number of affected limbs (CPL-bin-sum) were 0.176–0.189 ± 0.061–0.064 and 0.375–0.433 ± 0.164–0.170, respectively. We were able to show moderately to highly positive genetic correlations between the CPL score and cannon bone circumference (0.529–0.825), height at withers (0.338–0.555), and skinfold thickness (0.241–0.517). Using the dichotomous trait for the CPL score and the genomic relationship matrix resulted in corresponding estimates of 0.868, 0.793, and 0.784, respectively. This study showed the great importance of additive genetic variation influencing the expression of chronic progressive lymphedema in Rhenish German draught horses. Therefore, further research is warranted to implement breeding programmes in a small breeding population that exploit the potential of additive genetic differences among animals for reducing the prevalence and severity of lesions of this incurable disease.
Detection of Feline Coronavirus in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid from Cats with Atypical Lower Airway and Lung Disease: Suspicion of Virus-Associated Pneumonia or Pneumonitis
Authors: Chang Wei-Tao , Chen Pin-Yen , Lo Pei-Ying , Chen Hui-Wen , Lin Chung-Hui
Published: April 2024

The premortem understanding of the role of feline coronavirus (FeCoV) in the lungs of cats is limited as viruses are seldom inspected in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) specimens of small animal patients. This study retrospectively analyzed the prevalence of FeCoV in BAL samples from cats with atypical lower airway and lung disease, as well as the clinical characteristics, diagnostic findings, and follow-up information. Of 1162 clinical samples submitted for FeCoV RT-nPCR, 25 were BAL fluid. After excluding 1 case with chronic aspiration, FeCoV was found in 3/24 (13%) BAL specimens, with 2 having immunofluorescence staining confirming the presence of FeCoV within the cytoplasm of alveolar macrophages. The cats with FeCoV in BAL fluid more often had pulmonary nodular lesions (66% vs. 19%, p = 0.14) and multinucleated cells on cytology (100% vs. 48%, p = 0.22) compared to the cats without, but these differences did not reach statistical significance due to the small sample size. Three cats showed an initial positive response to the corticosteroid treatment based on the clinical signs and radiological findings, but the long-term prognosis varied. The clinical suspicion of FeCoV-associated pneumonia or pneumonitis was raised since no other pathogens were found after extensive investigations. Further studies are warranted to investigate the interaction between FeCoV and lung responses in cats.
Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) in Mainland China between 2008 and 2023: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hu Tingyu , Zhang Huiling , Zhang Xueping , Hong Xingping , Zhang Tangjie
Published: April 2024

To evaluate the overall prevalence of FIP infection in cats in mainland China and associated risk factors, studies on the prevalence of FIP conducted from 1 January 2008 to 20 December 2023 were retrieved from five databases—CNKI, Wanfang, PubMed, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect—and comprehensively reviewed. The 21 studies selected, with a total of 181,014 samples, underwent a rigorous meta-analysis after quality assessment. The results revealed a 2% prevalence of FIP (95% CI: 1–2%) through the random-effects model, showing considerable heterogeneity (I2 = 95.2%). The subsequent subgroup analysis revealed that the age and gender of cats are significant risk factors for FIP infection in mainland China. In order to effectively reduce and control the prevalence of FIP on the Chinese mainland, we suggest improving the immunity of cats, with special attention given to health management in kittens and intact cats, and continuously monitoring FIPV.
Elucidating the Role of Transcriptomic Networks and DNA Methylation in Collagen Deposition of Dezhou Donkey Skin
Authors: Wang Xinrui , Ren Wei , Peng Yongdong , Khan Muhammad Zahoor , Liang Huili , Zhang Yigang , Liu Xiaotong , Chen Yinghui , Kou Xiyan , Wang Liyuan , Wang Changfa , Zhan Yandong
Published: April 2024

DNA methylation represents a predominant epigenetic modification with broad implications in various biological functions. Its role is particularly significant in the process of collagen deposition, a fundamental aspect of dermal development in donkeys. Despite its critical involvement, the mechanistic insights into how DNA methylation influences collagen deposition in donkey skin remain limited. In this study, we employed whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to investigate the epigenetic landscape and gene expression profiles in the dorsal skin tissues of Dezhou donkeys across three developmental stages: embryonic (YD), juvenile (2-year-old, MD), and mature (8-year-old, OD). Our analysis identified numerous differentially methylated genes that play pivotal roles in skin collagen deposition and overall skin maturation, including but not limited to COL1A1, COL1A2, COL3A1, COL4A1, COL4A2, GLUL, SFRP2, FOSL1, SERPINE1, MMP1, MMP2, MMP9, and MMP13. Notably, we observed an inverse relationship between gene expression and DNA methylation proximal to transcription start sites (TSSs), whereas a direct correlation was detected in regions close to transcription termination sites (TTSs). Detailed bisulfite sequencing analyses of the COL1A1 promoter region revealed a low methylation status during the embryonic stage, correlating with elevated transcriptional activity and gene expression levels. Collectively, our findings elucidate key genetic markers associated with collagen deposition in the skin of Dezhou donkeys, underscoring the significant regulatory role of DNA methylation. This research work contributes to the foundational knowledge necessary for the genetic improvement and selective breeding of Dezhou donkeys, aiming to enhance skin quality attributes.
Curcumin Supplementation Improves Growth Performance and Anticoccidial Index by Improving the Antioxidant Capacity, Inhibiting Inflammatory Responses, and Maintaining Intestinal Barrier Function in Eimeria tenella-Infected Broilers
Authors: Chen Yan , Liu Liheng , Yu Longfei , Li Shuo , Zhu Nianhua , You Jinming
Published: April 2024

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary curcumin supplementation on growth performance, anticoccidial index, antioxidant capacity, intestinal inflammation, and cecum microbiota in broilers infected with Eimeria tenella. A total of 234 one-day-old broilers were categorized into three treatments, with six replicates per treatment containing 13 broilers each. The three treatments included the control group, Eimeria tenella group, and Eimeria tenella + curcumin (200 mg/kg) group. The feeding trial lasted for 42 days, during which the broilers were orally administered with 0.9% saline or 5 × 104 Eimeria tenella oocysts on day 14 of the study. On day 17 and day 21, one bird per replicate was selected for slaughtering. Results indicated an increased survival rate and anticoccidial index and improved productive performance in coccidia-infected broilers with curcumin supplementation. Furthermore, curcumin enhanced the serum antioxidant capacity in Eimeria tenella-infected broilers, evidenced by increased serum catalase activity (3d, 7d), as well as decreased malondialdehyde level (3d, 7d) and nitric oxide synthase activity (7d) (p < 0.05). Curcumin also improved intestinal inflammation and barrier function, evidenced by the downregulation of interleukin (IL)-1β (3d, 7d), TNF-alpha (TNF-α) (3d, 7d), and IL-2 (7d) and the up-regulated mRNA levels of claudin-1 (7d), zonula occludens (ZO-1; 3d, 7d), and occludin (3d, 7d) in the ceca of infected broilers (p < 0.05). Eimeria tenella infection significantly disrupted cecum microbial balance, but curcumin did not alleviate cecum microbial disorder in broilers infected with Eimeria tenella. Collectively, curcumin supplementation enhanced growth performance and anticoccidial index in Eimeria tenella-infected broilers via improving antioxidant ability and cecum inflammation without affecting cecum microbiota.
Comparative Pharmacokinetics of Gentamicin C1, C1a and C2 in Healthy and Infected Piglets
Authors: Kim Eun-Young , Kim Tae-Won , Awji Elias Gebru , Lee Eon-Bee , Park Seung-Chun
Published: April 2024

Gentamicin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic, is a mixture of therapeutically active C1, C1a, C2 and other minor components. Despite its decades-long use in pigs and other species, its intramuscular (IM) pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PKs/PDs) are unknown in piglets. Furthermore, the PKs of many drugs differ between healthy and sick animals. Therefore, we investigated the PKs of gentamicin after a single IM dose (10 mg/kg) in healthy piglets and piglets that were intranasally co-infected with Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae and Pasteurella multocida (PM). The plasma concentrations were measured using validated liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. The gentamicin exposure was 36% lower based on the area under the plasma concentration–time curve and 16% lower based on the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) in the infected piglets compared to the healthy piglets, while it was eliminated faster (shorter half-life and larger clearance) in the infected piglets compared to the healthy piglets. The clearance and volume of distribution were the highest for the C1 component. C1, C1a and C2 accounted for 22–25%, 33–37% and 40–42% of the total gentamicin exposure, respectively. The PK/PD target for the efficacy of aminoglycosides (Cmax/minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) > 10) could be exceeded for PM, with a greater magnitude in the healthy piglets. We suggest integrating this PK information with antibiotic susceptibility data for other bacteria to make informed antibiotic and dosage regimen selections against piglet infections.