bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short-term effects of argon cold atmospheric plasma on canine corneas ex vivo
Authors: Dick Juliane , Lockow Sandra , Baumgärtner Wolfgang , Volk Holger Andreas , Busse Claudia
Published: February 2025

Purpose

To analyse the effects of argon cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) on canine corneas.

Methods

Healthy canine eyes (n = 20) were subjected to a keratectomy (5 × 7 mm, 400 μm) and divided into two control (c1—not cultured; t0—cultured) and two treatment groups (t2, t5—treatment of 2 or 5 min, cultured); n = 5 eyes each. The kINPen® VET (neoplas GmbH, Greifswald, Germany) was used for CAP treatment. Corneas (t0, t2, t5) were cultured at an air-liquid interface (72 h). Histopathological and immunohistochemical (Ki-67, Caspase-3, α-SMA) examinations were performed.

Results

Corneal epithelization was complete and epithelial thickness was similar in all eyes. The number of perilimbal epithelial cell nuclei varied between groups with c1 = 22 ± 6, t0 = 13 ± 5, t2 = 15 ± 5 and t5 = 10 ± 4 nuclei/randomized fields and was lowest in t5, which was significantly different from t2 but not from t0. Ki-67 positive cells in the stroma varied between groups with c1 = 0.2 ± 0.45, t0 = 8 ± 12, t2 = 18 ± 12 and t5 = 10 ± 7 positive cells/section. More Ki-67 positive cells were found in t2 compared to t5. This was not significantly different from t0. Caspase-3 and α-SMA expression were similar in all treatment groups.

Conclusion

Canine corneas treated with CAP showed similar corneal wound healing compared to untreated corneas ex vivo. A 5-min CAP application results in a lower perilimbal epithelial cell density and fewer Ki67 positive stromal cells compared to the 2-min treatment.
Navigating Workforce Transformation: HRM Strategies of Rural and Regional Australian Councils in the 4IR Era
Authors: Aluko Kehinde Martha , Burgess John
Published: February 2025

The context for the study reported here is the Australian local government sector, specifically rural and regional councils that operate in isolated and remote areas with limited staffing and resources. Within this sector, 4IR technologies are transforming service delivery, jobs, and skill requirements. The purpose of this study is to examine how public sector organisations operating within a regulated and not-for-profit context and with constraints over HRM choices manage the challenges of the 4IR technologies on their workforce. Information from the study was sourced from semi-structured interviews with council managers and CEOs, independent experts familiar with the sector, and council documents. Triangulation of the information was applied to develop themes linked to workforce management, especially innovative HRM programs that were shaped by the constraints that councils faced in the management of their workforce. The findings indicate that regional and rural councils were able to manage the impact of 4IR technologies on their workforces through programs that drew on internal staff development and inter-council resource sharing.
Response of Community Characteristics and Assembly Mechanisms of cbbL-Carrier Carbon-Fixing Microorganisms to Precipitation Changes in Alpine Lakeshore Wetland
Authors: Zhang Ni , Wang Siyu , Zhou Shijia , Qi Desheng , Ma Jing , Chen Kelong
Published: February 2025

Precipitation change strongly influences soil microbial communities, and precipitation patterns have become a key factor affecting carbon and nitrogen cycling processes in wetland ecosystems. The cbbL gene is a key gene in the fixation of carbon dioxide during the Calvin cycle. However, the response of cbbL-carrier carbon-fixing microorganisms in the lakeshore wetland to precipitation change remains unclear. To this end, we established 25% and 50% increased and decreased precipitation treatments, along with a natural control, and used high-throughput sequencing to investigate the response of the cbbL-carrier carbon-fixing microbial community in a lakeshore wetland of Qinghai Lake in response to precipitation change. The results showed that a 25% reduced precipitation treatment significantly increased the relative abundance of Chlorophyta and Bradyrhizobium. pH was found to be the most important factor influencing the carbon-fixing microbial community, with a significant positive correlation with Ferrithrix. A 25% increased precipitation treatment significantly increased the relative abundance of aerobic chemoheterotrophy and chemoheterotrophy, while a 25% reduced precipitation treatment significantly increased the relative abundance of nitrogen fixation. The increased precipitation and 50% reduced precipitation treatments shift the community assembly process of cbbL-carrier carbon-fixing microorganisms from randomness to determinism. Co-occurrence network analysis showed that the network complexity and connectivity between species of cbbL-carrier carbon-fixing microorganisms initially decreased and then increased with increasing precipitation. In summary, precipitation change tended to reduce the carbon sequestration potential of the lakeshore wetland, while a 25% reduced precipitation treatment favored the nitrogen fixation process in these wetlands.
What to Expect from Brazil as a Nation Certified as Free from Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) Without Vaccination
Authors: Salvarani Felipe Masiero , Lins André de Medeiros Costa , dos Santos Janayna Barroso , Martins Fernanda Monik Silva
Published: February 2025

Achieving a Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD)-free status without vaccination marks a significant milestone for Brazil, a major agricultural powerhouse with extensive cattle herds and vast borders. This certification represents not only a scientific and logistical achievement but also an opportunity for enhanced market access and strengthened biosecurity. However, transitioning to this status involves challenges, including maintaining stringent monitoring and surveillance, managing porous border regions, and mitigating risks from neighboring regions with varying FMD statuses. This review explores the expectations surrounding Brazil’s new status, including the anticipated economic benefits, the influence on Brazil’s international trade position, and the role of sustainable disease management practices. We also discuss potential risks, such as accidental reintroduction and surveillance gaps, which could impact livestock health and trade dynamics. With a focus on effective biosecurity, regional cooperation, and advanced diagnostic capabilities, Brazil’s journey to maintaining FMD-free status highlights both the opportunities and complexities of disease control in a nation deeply reliant on its agricultural sector. This status demands ongoing surveillance to support Brazil’s agricultural economy and ensure the long-term health security of its livestock industries.
High-Throughput Sequence Analysis of Microbial Communities of Soybean in Northeast China
Authors: Wang Yuanyuan , Bai Qingyao , Meng Fanqi , Dong Wei , Fan Haiyan , Zhu Xiaofeng , Duan Yuxi , Chen Lijie
Published: February 2025

Soybean, an essential oil crop in China, has witnessed accelerated seed transfer domestically and abroad in recent years. Seed carriage has emerged as a major route for the dissemination of soybean diseases. In this study, 14 soybean cultivars from three northeastern provinces were collected and examined for seed-borne microorganisms using traditional detection technology and high-throughput sequencing technology. Through traditional detection techniques, a total of six genera of bacteria and seventeen genera of fungi were isolated from the test varieties. The quantity and types of microorganisms on the seed surface were greater than those on the seed coat and within the seed, while the seed coat and internal seed contained fewer microorganisms. The dominant fungal genera were Cladosporium, Fusarium, Aspergillus, and Alternaria, accounting for 21.23%, 17.45%, 15.57%, and 11.56% of the genera, respectively. The dominant bacterial genera were Pseudomonas, Sphingomonas, and Pantoea, accounting for 37.46%, 17.29%, and 15.27% of the genera, respectively. The dominant genera obtained through traditional seed-carrying assay techniques were also dominant in high-throughput sequencing. However, some dominant genera obtained through high-throughput sequencing were not isolated by traditional methods. High-throughput sequencing analysis revealed that soybean seeds from Jilin Province had the highest abundance of seed-borne fungi, followed by seeds from Liaoning Province and Heilongjiang Province. Jilin Province also had the highest abundance of seed-borne bacteria, followed by Heilongjiang Province and Liaoning Province. The isolation and identification of microorganisms on soybean seeds provide a scientific basis for seed quarantine treatment and disease control, which is of great significance for soybean production in China.
The Effects of Organic Fertilizer Applications on the Nutrient Elements Content of Eggplant Seeds
Authors: Başay Sevinç , Dorak Saliha , Aşik Barış Bülent
Published: February 2025

This research was carried out to investigate the effectiveness of using organic fertilizers in improving the organic seed production process and increasing the seed quality needed in organic agriculture production. The experiment was established with organic fertilizers (farmyard manure—FYM, leonardite—L, vermicompost—VC) and the eggplant plant ’Pala-49’ variety and conducted for two years. As a result of the study, vegetative growth height varied between 52.65 and 68.06 cm, plant diameter width ranged from 51.85 to 61.20 cm, fruit height ranged from 14.67 to 21.90 cm, and fruit diameter varied between 4.73 and 6.73 cm. These differences were observed among farmyard manure (FYM), leonardite (L), and vermicompost (VC) organic fertilizer applications. In general, it was determined that the first year gave better results. In terms of parameters, the best result in all parameters was obtained from farmyard manure (FYM) organic fertilizer application. In addition, the nutrient element contents of the seed samples were found to be statistically significant. Organic applications significantly increased the nutrient element content of the seed samples according to the control. The nitrogen content varied between 0.242% and 0.271%, and the phosphorus content ranged between 0.274% and 0.456%. The highest K content was determined in farmyard manure (FYM) application in both years (0.272% and 0.309%). In contrast, Fe, Zn, and Mn contents were 35.1 mg kg−1, 63.7 mg kg−1, and 200.7 mg kg−1 in vermicompost (VC) application in the second year, respectively. The effect of the treatments on soil available nutrient content was also found to be significant. The amount of soil available for plant nutrients was higher in the second year.
Selenium Biofortification with Se-Enriched Urea and Se-Enriched Ammonium Sulfate Fertilization in Different Common Bean Genotypes
Authors: Namorato Filipe Aiura , Cipriano Patriciani Estela , Zauza Stefânia Barros , Benevenute Pedro Antônio Namorato , Araújo Suellen Nunes de , Correia Raphael Felipe Rodrigues , Ribeiro Ivan Célio Andrade , Morais Everton Geraldo de , Martins Fábio Aurélio Dias , Silva Maria Ligia de Souza , Guilherme Luiz Roberto Guimarães
Published: February 2025

Common beans are an essential food source worldwide, particularly in developing countries, and are grown in soils poor in selenium (Se), a mineral essential for human health. Adding Se to fertilizers is a promising technique; however, more studies are needed on the efficacy of this technique on common beans. This study aimed to evaluate the biofortification utilizing Se-enriched nitrogen fertilizers on common bean seeds’ agronomic, physiological, and nutritional characteristics. The pot experiment used a randomized block design with five treatments (urea, Se-enriched urea, ammonium sulfate, Se-enriched ammonium sulfate, and without N and Se), four genotypes (BRS Cometa, BRS Estilo, BRSMG Madrepérola and Pérola), and three replicates. The highest seed yield was 28.31 g pot−1 with Pérola genotype fertilized Se-enriched ammonium sulfate. Photosynthetic rates ranged from 30.37 to 39.06 µmol m−2 s−1 for Pérola and BRSMG Madrepérola, both with Se-enriched ammonium sulfate. The highest seed Se concentration was 11.17 µg g−1, with BRSMG Madrepérola fertilized with Se-enriched urea being 22.02%, 17.64%, and 22.47% higher than BRS Cometa, BRS Estilo, and Pérola, respectively. Se-enriched nitrogen fertilizers boost seed yield and alter physiological responses based on genotypes and Se-fertilizer interactions. Se-enriched fertilizers applied to soil can increase the Se concentration in common beans.
Integrative Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Analysis Reveals Regulatory Networks and Metabolite Dynamics in Gastrodia elata Flower Development
Authors: Chen Hongyu , Yu Ying , Zhao Jiehong , Zhang Jian
Published: February 2025

Flower development, a vital phase in the plant life cycle, involves intricate physiological and morphogenetic processes driven by dynamic molecular and metabolic processes. However, the specific molecular mechanisms and metabolite accumulation patterns during Gastrodia elata flower development remain largely unknown. This study utilized Illumina’s next-generation sequencing to analyze the G. elata flower transcriptome across three critical developmental stages, capturing gene expression changes, particularly those related to transcription factors that regulate flower formation and metabolite accumulation. FPKM analysis showed significant transcriptomic changes during G. elata flower development, while targeted metabolomics identified key metabolites with stage-specific variations via widely targeted metabolic profiling. Here, integrative transcriptome and metabolome analyses were performed to investigate floral genes and compounds in G. elata flowers at three different developmental stages. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and significant changes in metabolites (SCMs) involved in key biological pathways were identified. This approach aimed to identify functional genes or pathways jointly enriched in metabolites, thereby defining pathways linked to crucial biological phenotypes. By mapping DEGs and SCMs to KEGG pathways, the comprehensive network was constructed, uncovering functional relationships between gene expression and metabolite accumulation. This study proposes dynamic models of transcriptomic and metabolite changes, revealing key regulatory networks that govern G. elata flower development and potential applications.
Prediction and Impact Analysis of Soil Nitrogen and Salinity Under Reclaimed Water Irrigation: A Case Study
Authors: Liu Zeyu , Fang Kai , Sun Xiaoqin , Wang Yandong , Tian Zhuo , Liu Jing , Bai Liying , He Qilin
Published: February 2025

Reclaimed water irrigation is increasingly being applied to address global water scarcity, yet its long-term effects on soil nitrogen cycling and salinity dynamics, particularly in agricultural and agroforestry systems, remain complex and insufficiently understood. Understanding these impacts is crucial for developing sustainable practices that optimize resource use while ensuring the long-term health and viability of agricultural and agroforestry systems. This study employs genetic-algorithm-optimized random forest models (GA-RF1 and GA-RF2) to examine the dynamics of nitrogen indicators (NO3−-N, NH4+-N, and TN) and salinity indicators (EC and Cl−) under reclaimed water irrigation. The models achieved high predictive accuracy, with NSE values of 0.918, 0.946, 0.936, 0.967, and 0.887 for NO3−-N, NH4+-N, TN, EC, and Cl−, respectively, demonstrating their robustness. Key drivers of nitrogen indicators were identified as irrigation duration (years), fecal coliform levels, and soil depth, while salinity indicators were primarily influenced by land use type and the chemical composition of reclaimed water, including chemical oxygen demand, total phosphorus, and total nitrogen. Spatial analysis revealed significant nitrogen and salinity accumulation in surface soils with extended irrigation, particularly in farmland, where NO3−-N and NH4+-N peaked at 25 mg/kg and 15 mg/kg, respectively. EC exceeded 700 µS/cm during early irrigation stages but remained within crop tolerance levels. Conversely, grassland and woodland exhibited minimal nitrogen and salinity accumulation. These findings underscore the need for targeted management strategies to mitigate nitrogen and salinity buildup, particularly in farmland, to ensure long-term soil health and productivity under reclaimed water irrigation systems.
Optimized Phosphorus Application Under Water Stress Enhances Photosynthesis, Physiological Traits, and Yield in Soybean During Flowering Stage
Authors: Chen Qu , Nie Tangzhe , Li Yang , Li Hao , Sun Yubo , Wu Yuzhe , Zhang Yuxian , Wang Mengxue
Published: February 2025

Phosphorus application is widely regarded as a key measure for improving crop resistance to drought. This study investigated the effect of appropriate phosphorus fertilization on photosynthesis, physiological traits, and yield under water stress during the soybean flowering stage and selected the drought-sensitive soybean variety “Sui Nong 26” as the pot experiment object under a completely randomized design. The experiment was designed with three irrigation lower limits, corresponding to 70%, 60%, and 50% of the field capacity (FC), referred to as T1, T2, and T3. Four phosphorus fertilizer applications were also included: 0, 40, 50, and 60 mg·kg (designated as P0, P1, P2, and P3), resulting in a total of 12 treatments. Photosynthetic parameters, antioxidant enzyme activities, membrane lipid peroxidation, osmotic adjustment substances, yield, and yield components were measured to assess the effects of phosphorus fertilization on drought resistance. Results showed that under water stress, moderate phosphorus application (P1 and P2) enhanced photosynthetic capacity, antioxidation, osmotic adjustment, and yield, particularly by scavenging excess reactive oxygen species, protecting cells from oxidative damage, and maintaining metabolic balance, leading to increased yield. The average net photosynthetic rate and yield per plant under P1 and P2 levels increased by 33.53% and 37.67%, and 20.7% and 15.6%, respectively, compared to P0. In contrast, excessive phosphorus application (P3) improved the above parameters but had a significantly lower effect than moderate phosphorus application. Thus, appropriate phosphorus application is crucial for soybeans under water stress. Moderate application not only alleviates drought stress but also boosts soybean yield. This study highlights the importance of appropriate phosphorus use for mitigating water stress, offering scientific evidence for its practical application in agriculture. At the same time, with the increasing severity of climate change and water scarcity, phosphorus fertilizer application strategies under varying water conditions provide critical support for the application of precision agriculture technologies and ensuring food security.
Journal Editorial: Welcome to the New Era of AI-Enabled Sensing
Authors: Leng Ting , Li Lin , Lee Chengkuo
Published: February 2025

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been under the spotlight for scientific research in recent years [...]
A Comparative Analysis of Machine Learning and Deep Learning Techniques for Accurate Market Price Forecasting
Authors: Shobayo Olamilekan , Adeyemi-Longe Sidikat , Popoola Olusogo , Okoyeigbo Obinna
Published: February 2025

This study compares three machine learning and deep learning models—Support Vector Regression (SVR), Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN), and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM)—for predicting market prices using the NGX All-Share Index dataset. The models were evaluated using multiple error metrics, including Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Mean Squared Error (MSE), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Mean Percentage Error (MPE), and R-squared. RNN and LSTM were tested with both 30 and 60-day windows, with performance compared to SVR. LSTM delivered better R-squared values, with a 60-day LSTM achieving the best accuracy (R-squared = 0.993) when using a combination of endogenous market data and technical indicators. SVR showed reliable results in certain scenarios but struggled in fold 2 with a sudden spike that shows a high probability of not capturing the entire underlying NGX pattern in the dataset correctly, as witnessed by the high validation loss during the period. Additionally, RNN faced the vanishing gradient problem that limits its long-term performance. Despite challenges, LSTM’s ability to handle temporal dependencies, especially with the inclusion of On-Balance Volume, led to significant improvements in prediction accuracy. The use of the Optuna optimisation framework further enhanced model training and hyperparameter tuning, contributing to the performance of the LSTM model.
Combining a McGrath Video Laryngoscope and C-MAC Video Stylet for the Endotracheal Intubation of a Patient with a Laryngeal Carcinoma Arising from the Anterior Side of the Epiglottis: A Case Report
Authors: Witkam Richard L. , Bruhn Jörgen , Hoogerwerf Nico , Koch Rebecca M. , van Eijk Lucas T.
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Difficult airway management is a critical challenge in anesthesia, often necessitating advanced techniques to ensure patient safety. A patient presented with a malignant lesion on the epiglottis, significantly altering the airway anatomy. Flexible rhinolaryngoscopy revealed a laryngeal carcinoma affecting the entire epiglottis, causing thickening and displacement, which suggested the potential for difficult intubation. Methods: Given the expected feasibility of bag-mask ventilation and front-of-neck access, an asleep intubation technique was selected. The combined use of a McGrath video laryngoscope and C-MAC video stylet allowed for fast and easy atraumatic intubation on the first attempt. The anesthetic and surgical course was uneventful. Discussion: This case report highlights the successful use of a combined approach involving a video laryngoscope and video stylet for intubation in a patient with known difficulties in airway management, providing insights into the benefits of enhanced visualization and maneuverability. The rigid design and steerable tip of the C-MAC video stylet provide advantages over traditional flexible optics, offering better maneuverability and reducing the need for a second operator. Although this technique was successful in this case, its use in patients with complex airway pathologies warrants careful preoperative assessment and collaboration with an experienced airway management team.
Enhancing Feed Efficiency and Growth in Early-Fattening Hanwoo Steers Through High-Energy Concentrate Feeding
Authors: Onche Emmanuel , Cho Hyunjin , Rangandang Andrian Deguinion , Kang Namkyu , Kim Suheon , Kim Hongdae , Seo Seongwon
Published: February 2025

Adequate but not excessive dietary energy supply is crucial for growth and productivity in cattle. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of three incremental changes in metabolizable energy (ME) levels in concentrate mixes, i.e., low (LEC, 10.4 MJ/kg DM), medium (MEC, 10.8 MJ/kg DM), and high (HEC, 11.0 MJ/kg DM), on growth performance and comprehensive physiological parameters in Hanwoo steers. Thirty steers, averaging 499 ± 38.0 kg, were randomly allocated to one of the treatments. Each steer received up to 8 kg of concentrate mix, with ad libitum access to tall fescue. Body weights were measured every four weeks. In week 12, rumen samples were collected, followed by fecal and blood samples. The HEC group exhibited a 16.5% higher average daily gain compared to the other groups (p = 0.035). Forage and total dry matter (DMI) were 46% and 12% lower in the HEC group (p < 0.001). Fiber digestibility increased with energy content (p < 0.05). Total volatile fatty acid and the acetate-to-propionate ratio decreased in the HEC group (p < 0.001), while blood creatinine concentration increased (p < 0.01). In conclusion, feeding Hanwoo steers with a high-energy concentrate mix (up to 11.0 MJ ME/kg DM) improved growth and feed efficiency without compromising rumen health.
Evaluation of Canine Erythrocyte Surface Antigens and Morphological Alterations Induced by Trypsin Treatment
Authors: Geum Yun-Joo , Han Hyun-Jung
Published: February 2025

Dogs have multiple blood type antigens, among which DEA 1, DEA 4, and Dal can induce severe acute hemolytic transfusion reactions. Various antigen modulation techniques have been developed to reduce immunogenicity and transfusion reactions. Recently, trypsin has been suggested as a potential tool for modulating the antigenicity of DEA 1 in veterinary medicine. Following this rationale, this study aims to evaluate the effects of trypsin on the antigenicity of these three antigens. A 50% RBC suspension treated with 1 mg/mL trypsin was incubated at 37 °C for 120 min. The antigenicity of DEA 1, DEA 4, and Dal was assessed using blood typing assays before and after trypsin treatment. As a result, trypsin did not reduce the antigenicity of DEA 1 and DEA 4; instead, trypsin significantly increased their antigenicity (p = 0.008) and promoted agglutination, whereas Dal exhibited a significant reduction in antigenicity (p = 0.008). Quantitative morphological parameters obtained from an automated hematology analyzer revealed no significant differences between trypsin-treated and negative control groups. However, morphological scoring under an optical microscope showed significantly fewer echinocytes in the trypsin-treated group (p = 0.008). Consequently, broad-spectrum proteases like trypsin are unsuitable for universal blood production due to their variable effects on erythrocyte surface antigens.
Generative AI Meets Animal Welfare: Evaluating GPT-4 for Pet Emotion Detection
Authors: Cetintav Bekir , Guven Yavuz Selim , Gulek Engincan , Akbas Aykut Asım
Published: February 2025

Animal emotion detection has emerged as a critical domain in understanding animal welfare and enhancing human–animal interactions. This study evaluates the performance of GPT-4, a generative AI model, in recognizing and classifying pet emotions from images, with a particular focus on dogs. The research was conducted in two phases: a general pet emotion classification across multiple species and a dog-specific classification. In Phase 1, GPT-4 achieved an overall accuracy of 50.2%, reflecting its baseline capability in handling diverse animal images. In Phase 2, accuracy significantly improved to 76.7% due to refined prompts and the use of a targeted dataset. Sentiment analysis of the model’s textual justifications revealed alignment with visual cues in correct predictions and highlighted challenges in ambiguous cases. These findings demonstrate the potential of generative AI in animal emotion detection and emphasize the importance of targeted datasets and advanced prompt engineering. This study contributes to bridging the gap between AI capabilities and practical applications in animal welfare and behavioral research.
Modern Technologies for Improving Broiler Production and Welfare: A Review
Authors: Brassó Lili D. , Komlósi István , Várszegi Zsófia
Published: February 2025

The increasing level of poultry meat production, the lack of human workforce, and the rapid development of information technology have led to the application of precision livestock farming (PLF) systems in the poultry sector, as in other livestock sectors. This review aimed to gather information on the function, applicability, advantages, and limitations of a wide range of precision technologies applicable to broiler production to help farms and researchers in choosing the right methods in practice or creating the basis for further development. Studies as the basis of this review were extracted from more than a hundred peer-reviewed articles including mainly publications of recognised journals and conference proceedings. The results showed that most precision tools are currently undergoing testing and focus on some parameters or a group of parameters which are closely related. Information on the prevalence of PLF systems on broiler farms is not available in the literature. The accessible technologies of different purposes should be combined and connected to enable communication with each other and create a complex, reliable, and precise background for farming. This also facilitates management decisions and the treatment of so-called “Big Data”.
Epidemiology and Molecular Characterization of Feline Calicivirus in Beijing, China
Authors: Wang Daoqi , Zhu Jingru , Yang Hanyu , Lyu Yanli
Published: February 2025

Feline calicivirus (FCV) is an infectious pathogen in cats that mainly causes upper respiratory tract disease. Enhancing our understanding of the epidemiological characteristics of FCV can contribute to better strategies against FCV infection. To investigate the prevalence of FCV in Beijing, explore the risk factors associated with FCV infection and elucidate its genetic evolutionary characteristics. Cats (n = 402) from the China Agricultural University Veterinary Teaching Hospital (CAUVTH) were investigated from June to December in 2023. The rate of FCV-positive cats in the sample examined was 31.3%. Risk factors significantly associated with FCV infection were age, vaccination status and residential density by Logistic regression analysis. Phylogenetic analysis of completed genomes revealed a radial phylogeny, with no obvious geographical clustering. Amino acid analysis at different sites of E region of the major capsid protein revealed variable neutralizing antibody epitopes, while feline junctional adhesion molecule-A (fJAM-A) binding sites remained conserved. Additionally, the first FCV recombinant isolate was detected in Beijing, originating from two 2019 isolates collected in the city. This study elucidates the molecular epidemiology and genetic diversity of FCV in Beijing, which provides valuable insights for the development of effective measures for FCV prevention and control.
Return to Athletic Activity of a Shetland Pony Mare with Coxofemoral Luxation Treated by Femoral Head Ostectomy
Authors: Carnevale Liliana , Tagliabue Tania , Rabbogliatti Vanessa , Bona Roberto , Cavallier Francesca
Published: February 2025

Background: Femoral head ostectomy is considered a salvage procedure in the treatment of chronic coxofemoral joint luxation in small equids. Permanent lameness of varying degrees, largely depending on the animal’s weight, and potential contralateral limb deformity may occur. The purpose of this study was to report the outcome of a small equid that, despite undergoing a femoral head ostectomy for a chronic coxofemoral joint luxation, was able to return to being ridden by children and to athletic activities. Methods: An 8-year-old Shetland pony mare (180 kg) was presented for a chronic right hind limb lameness (5/5 AAEP grading score) of 12-days duration caused by a craniodorsal coxofemoral joint luxation and permanent upward fixation of the right patella. A femoral head and neck ostectomy was performed concomitant with desmotomy of the medial patellar ligament. Results: Eighteen months after surgery, the mare began being ridden by children and was used for schooling purposes. Five years post-surgery, she continued her work activities with no apparent signs of lameness or discomfort. Conclusions: Femoral head ostectomy following chronic coxofemoral joint luxation can result in a favorable outcome, with equids weighing up to 180 kg potentially regaining soundness and resuming athletic activities.
Porcine Bile Acids Improve Antioxidant Status and Immune Function by Increasing Hungatella Abundance with Different Protein Level Diets in Late-Laying Hens
Authors: Xing Ronghui , Du Pengfei , Wang Ziyang , Fan Zongze , Wang Longfei , Huang Yanqun , Chen Wen , Si Xuemeng
Published: February 2025

The modern livestock industry faces significant challenges due to the extension of production cycles and a growing shortage of feed resources. Low-protein (LP) diets offer potential environmental advantages whereas damage intestinal integrity and increase pro-inflammatory cytokines. Bile acids (BAs), metabolic products of cholesterol in the liver, possess strong antioxidative and immune properties. This study evaluated the effects of dietary porcine BA supplementation at different protein levels on the antioxidant status, immune function, and gut microbiota of late-laying hens. A 2 × 2 factorial design was employed with 198 Hy-Line Brown laying hens (62 weeks old), randomly divided into one of four treatment groups with 8 replicates for each treatment. Diets included normal (16.42%) or low-protein (15.35%) levels, with porcine BAs supplemented at 0 or 120 mg/kg (62–69 weeks) and 0 or 200 mg/kg (70–75 weeks) over 14 weeks. Dietary protein levels and bile acids had no effect on organ development in laying hens. Low-protein diets increased serum anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-10 but elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β (p < 0.05), corroborated by higher IL-10 gene expression in the ileum mucosa (p < 0.05). The supplementation of bile acids improved immune function by increasing serum IL-4 and TGF-β while decreasing IL-6 levels (p < 0.05). Moreover, bile acids treatments upregulated IL-10, TGF-β and ZO-1 gene expression in the ileum mucosa (p < 0.05) and alleviated oxidative stress by enhancing serum GSH-Px activity (p < 0.05). Additionally, both low-protein diets and bile acids enriched beneficial cecal bacteria, including Hungatella and Blautia, primarily linked to immune function. These findings demonstrate that porcine bile acids administration improve antioxidant capacity, immune function and gut microbiota dysbiosis. These beneficial effects were associated with Hungatella and Blautia levels, which may be responsible for the porcine bile acids efficacy in poultry nutrition.
Identification of Differentially Expressed Genes in the Hypothalamus of Broilers Under Heat Stress Using Transcriptome Analysis
Authors: He Xiaofang , Ma Bingbing , Zhang Lin , Gao Feng
Published: February 2025

The hypothalamus is the advanced center that regulates visceral activities under the cerebral cortex. It plays some key roles, such as regulating body temperature, assessing feed intake, and balancing blood glucose and endocrine gland activities. Heat stress is known to trigger a series of detrimental consequences, prominently featuring a reduction in feed intake, an elevation in body temperature, and other related phenomena. To understand the mechanisms of how heat stress affects the function of the hypothalamus, broilers were allocated to three groups: the normal control (NC) group, the heat-stress (HS) group, and the pair-fed (PF) group. The PF group was established with the aim of eliminating the confounding effect of reduced feed intake. The trial lasted for two weeks, from the age of 28 to 42 d. A total of 280 differential expressed genes (DEGs) were identified (padj < 0.05, |log2(FC)| ≥ 1) among three groups, including 3 up-regulated and 112 down-regulated genes in the HS group compared to the NC group, and 3 up-regulated and 13 down-regulated genes between the PF and NC groups. Compared with the HS group, a total of 149 genes were identified in the PF group, of which 125 genes were up-regulated and 24 genes were down-regulated. Gene Ontology enrichment indicated that a subset of DEGs was involved in brain development, the central nervous system (CNS), nerve signal transduction, and calcium homeostasis. The solute carrier family 1 member A6 and solute carrier family 6 member 13, identified as down-regulated genes (padj < 0.05) in the HS group, were considered as key genes in Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transportation, the normal expression of which ensures that extracellular GABA is maintained at a certain level and provides the amino acids needed for metabolism. Simultaneously, the solute carrier family 13 member 4 and solute carrier family 16 member 8 were also identified as down-regulated, which indicated that heat stress resulted in disorder and physiologic derangement in the hypothalamus. Meanwhile, the anorexigenic part of pro-opiomelanocortin genes was up-regulated significantly in the HS group. The transcriptome sequencing results can help us understand the regulatory mechanism of feed intake decline in broilers under heat stress at the genetic level.
Stress Induced by Fishing in Common Octopus (Octopus vulgaris) and Relative Impact on Its Use as an Experimental Model
Authors: Maselli Valeria , Norcia Mariangela , Pinto Bruno , Cirillo Emanuela , Polese Gianluca , Di Cosmo Anna
Published: February 2025

The common octopus (Octopus vulgaris), among coleoid cephalopods, has evolved the most complex nervous system and sophisticated behaviors. Historically, O. vulgaris was a key animal model for neurophysiology research, and today, it is studied for its genomic innovations. However, unlike other models, there is no octopus farming for research, so specimens must be collected from the wild. This study assessed the impact of fishing on octopuses used in research, considering those caught using artisanal pots in the ‘Regno di Nettuno’ Marine Protected Area, Ischia (NA). To evaluate fishing stress, we identified morphological stress indicators such as chromatophore pattern and posture, and three potential molecular markers, estrogen receptor (ER), catalase (CAT), and heat shock protein (HSP70). We measured the percentage of stress signals shown by fished specimens and analyzed their differential gene expression. The transcriptional levels of octopuses caught using traps were compared to control specimens acclimated in captivity. Results indicated fluctuations in gene expression due to fishing stress. These findings suggest that an acclimation period after the stress event of fishing is crucial for ensuring the welfare of octopuses used in research, thus enhancing the quality of physiological and ethological studies.
Effect of Medetomidine and Dexmedetomidine at Different Dosages on Cat Semen Quality Using Urethral Catheterization After Pharmacological Induction (UrCaPI)
Authors: Cunto Marco , Ballotta Giulia , Contri Alberto , Gloria Alessia , Zambelli Daniele
Published: February 2025

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of different anesthetic protocols for semen collection from healthy tomcats using Urethral Catheterization after Pharmacological Induction (UrCaPI). Twenty sexually mature tomcats (Felis catus) were included in the study, in which high and low dosages of medetomidine or dexmedetomidine were administrated to collect semen. Ten healthy mature tomcats (Group A) received high dosages of the drugs, and, in particular, five of them were i.m. injected with 120 μg/kg of medetomidine (HMED) on day 1 and with 60 μg/kg of dexmedetomidine (HDEX) after 24 h (day 2). The remaining five tomcats of this group were i.m. injected with 60 μg/kg of dexmedetomidine on day 1 and with 120 μg/kg of medetomidine on day 2. The other ten healthy mature tomcats (Group B) received a low dosage of the same drugs; the first five tomcats were i.m. injected with 50 μg/kg of medetomidine (LMED) on day 1 and with 25 μg/kg of dexmedetomidine (LDEX) on day 2; the others were i.m. injected with 25 μg/kg of dexmedetomidine on day 1 and with 50 μg/kg of medetomidine after 24 h. In both groups, semen collection was performed as soon as the pharmacological effect of the drug was reached. All protocols permitted sperm collection, even if with different results in quality for volume, concentration, total number of spermatozoa, and movement score. Results suggest that both a high dosage of medetomidine and a high dosage of dexmedetomidine could be used for the collection of good-quality semen. Semen volume μL: HMED = 32 μL (25.75–37.5), HDEX = 23 μL (15.25–28). Concentration HMED = 670 × 106/mL (576–990.5), HDEX = 670.5 × 106/mL (536–790). Total number of spermatozoa = 23.24 × 106 (18.37–32.05). Total number of spermatozoa = 13.121 × 106 (10.116–16.83). However, the protocol with dexmedetomidine could not always guarantee an adequate sedation for urethral catheterization, so using a high dosage of medetomidine is still the better way to collect high quality semen with the UrCaPI technique. The outcome of the LMED and LDEX protocols was generally unsatisfactory regarding both level of sedation and semen collection in terms of volume (LMED = 3 μL (4–7.5); LDEX = 6 μL (4–7)), concentration (LMED = 215 × 106/mL (157–248); LDEX = 27.05 × 106/mL (0.040–110), total number of spermatozoa (LMED = 0.88 × 106 (0.581–1.38); LDEX = 0.16 × 106 (0.0001–0.80), and movement score (LMED = 3 (2–3); LDEX = 2 (0–2.75)).
Familiar Dog or Familiar Person: Who Do Pet Dogs Best Synchronize with?
Authors: Lamontagne Angélique , Legou Thierry , Brunel Marine , Bedossa Thierry , Gaunet Florence
Published: February 2025

Behavioural synchronization in dogs has been examined separately at intraspecific and interspecific levels. This study is the first to compare dogs’ behavioural synchronization and gaze behaviour when with a familiar person (with FP) compared to a familiar dog (with FD), while walking in an outdoor environment. Twenty dogs were observed under the two experimental conditions. We hypothesized that dogs would demonstrate stronger location and activity synchronization with an FD than with an FP due to similar locomotor patterns, while showing greater gaze attention towards the FP compared to the FD. Our hypothesis was partially confirmed. The results revealed a significantly shorter distance between dogs and the FD than between dogs and the FP. Dogs exhibited a smaller speed difference with the FD than with the FP, but only if they did not cohabit with other dogs. No significant differences were observed in body alignment or gaze behaviour between the two experimental conditions. Our results point to behavioural synchronization as a new instance of evolutionary convergence, as well as daily experiences, here cohabiting with other dogs, as a factor influencing dogs’ ability to synchronize with individuals from different species. This study enhances our understanding of canine cognition in conspecific versus heterospecific contexts.
Development of a Feed Conversion Ratio Prediction Model for Yorkshire Boars Using Cumulative Feed Intake
Authors: Zhou Hao , Cheng Haoshi , Wang Yuyang , Duan Dongdong , Han Jinyi , Zhou Shenping , Xin Wenshui , Li Xinjian
Published: February 2025

Feed conversion ratio (FCR) is a key indicator of pig productivity, but its measurement is labor-intensive and time-consuming. This study aimed to construct a predictive model for cumulative feeding intake (CFI), which could help estimate FCR more efficiently and reduce the time and effort needed for measurements. This study included a total of 987 Yorkshire boars raised in specific pathogen-free environments, with feeding and growth data collected using automatic feeders. The segmented R package and Bayesian ridge regression (BRR) were used to build a predictive model for CFI. The results showed that the optimal body weight range for predicting FCR was 80–110 kg. The BRR model achieved 80% accuracy for CFI prediction, and FCR calculated from predicted CFI showed 81.4% similarity to the corrected FCR. The results clearly demonstrate that even with a limited training dataset, the BRR model has good predictive potential for FCR. The findings of this study could reduce the selection pressure on FCR traits, decrease production costs, and shorten measurement periods, ultimately benefiting the swine industry significantly.
Genomic Mosaicism in Fowl Adenovirus 3 Strains
Authors: Homonnay Zalán , Jakab Szilvia , Marton Szilvia , Domán Marianna , Bali Krisztina , Kaszab Eszter , Kemenesi Gábor , Mató Tamás , Kiss István , Palya Vilmos , Bányai Krisztián
Published: February 2025

Fowl adenovirus D is the main cause of inclusion body hepatitis in chickens. Whole genome sequencing was carried out to enrich the genomic sequence database using field isolates of FAdV-D. Out of 44 newly determined genomes, 43 were classified into FAdV-2/-11 and 2 into FAdV-3; no FAdV-9 was identified. Whole-genome based phylogeny showed that FAdV-3 was more distantly related to FAdV 9 and FAdV-2/-11 than FAdV-9 and FAdV-2/-11 to each other. Whole-genome sequence homology analysis revealed that the full-length FAdV-3 genome harbored a ~12 kbp fragment of the genome that shared moderate sequence homology with representative strains of other FAdV-D serotypes but high relatedness with only the FAdV-3 strain whose full-genome is available in GenBank. A closer look onto the fiber and the penton genes of our FAdV-3 isolate identified putative recombination events; both the fiber and the penton coding genes shared fragments originating from FAdV-9. Of interest, ORF19 displayed a close relationship with the homologous genomic region of some FAdV-E strains (amino acid sequence homology, up to 82%). Thus, although FAdV-3 is classified into FAdV-D, the genomic structure of FAdV-3 appears to result from multiple heterotypic and heterologous recombination events. This study highlights the unique origin of FAdV-3.
Risk Factors for African Swine Fever in Wild Boar in Russia: Application of Regression for Classification Algorithms
Authors: Zakharova Olga I. , Liskova Elena A.
Published: February 2025

The population density of susceptible animals, including domestic pigs and wild boar, is a major risk factor for the emergence of African Swine Fever outbreaks. The ASF foci in wild boar in Russia is sustained by the presence of the virus in the environment, which is primarily determined by the number of infected carcasses found. This study investigates the risk factors related to the occurrence of ASF virus among wild boar, identified through passive monitoring and depopulation control measures, by employing generalized logistic regression models and random forest analysis. The random forest regression outperformed logistic regression coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.98 and R2 = 0.88) according to the statistical modeling of ASF using different regression types. When comparing regression models, the results showed that wild boar population density, the number of hunting farms, the presence of infected carcasses, and ASF outbreaks among domestic pigs were the main predictors of epidemic in wild boar. The application of a multiple logistic regression model confirmed the significance of the identified risk factors, determining of the probability of ASF outbreaks among wild boar. Given the prolonged affected area across most regions of Russia, the random forest model proved to be the most effective and interpretable based on quality indicator assessments. By highlighting the important role of geographical conditions, identifying these risk factors enhances our understanding of ASF dynamics in specific regions and offers valuable information for decision-makers in developing targeted control strategies against this disease.