bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The different faces of GATA2 deficiency: implications for therapy and surveillance
Authors: Vinci Luca , Strahm Brigitte , Speckmann Carsten , Erlacher Miriam
Published: June 2024

GATA2 deficiency is one of the most common genetic predispositions to pediatric myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) in children and adolescents. The wide spectrum of disease comprises, among others, hematological, immunological and pulmonary manifestations, as well as occasionally distinct organ anomalies. Due to the elevated risk of progression, nearly all individuals with GATA2-related MDS eventually undergo a hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) at some point in their lives. Nevertheless, the optimal timing, method, and even the indication for HSCT in certain cases are still matter of debate and warrant further research. In this article, we report five patients with different hematological and immunological manifestations of GATA2 deficiency ranging from immunodeficiency and refractory cytopenia of childhood without chromosomal aberrations to relapsed MDS-related acute myeloid leukemia. We discuss the adopted strategies, including intensity of surveillance, indication and timing of HSCT, based on morphological, clinical and molecular markers, as well as individual patient needs. We conclude that a better characterization of the natural disease course, a better understanding of the prognostic significance of somatic aberrations and a thorough evaluation of patients´ perspectives and preferences are required to achieve a personalized approach aimed at improving the care of these patients.
PPR proteins in plants: roles, mechanisms, and prospects for rice research
Authors: Meng Lingzhi , Du Mengxue , Zhu Taotao , Li Gang , Ding Yi , Zhang Qiang
Published: June 2024

Pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) proteins constitute one of the largest protein families in land plants, with over 300 members in various species. Nearly all PPR proteins are nuclear-encoded and targeted to the chloroplast and mitochondria, modulating organellar gene expression by participating in RNA metabolism, including mRNA stability, RNA editing, RNA splicing, and translation initiation. Organelle RNA metabolism significantly influences chloroplast and mitochondria functions, impacting plant photosynthesis, respiration, and environmental responses. Over the past decades, PPR proteins have emerged as a research focus in molecular biology due to their diverse roles throughout plant life. This review summarizes recent progress in understanding the roles and molecular mechanisms of PPR proteins, emphasizing their functions in fertility, abiotic and biotic stress, grain quality, and chloroplast development in rice. Furthermore, we discuss prospects for PPR family research in rice, aiming to provide a theoretical foundation for future investigations and applications.
Global prevalence of norovirus gastroenteritis after emergence of the GII.4 Sydney 2012 variant: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Pan , Hao Cai , Di Xie , Chuizhao Xue , Jinsong Li , Guisen Zheng , Hui Liu , Zhaojun Duan
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Norovirus is widely recognized as a leading cause of both sporadic cases and outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) across all age groups. The GII.4 Sydney 2012 variant has consistently prevailed since 2012, distinguishing itself from other variants that typically circulate for a period of 2–4 years.

Objective

This review aims to systematically summarize the prevalence of norovirus gastroenteritis following emergence of the GII.4 Sydney 2012 variant.

Methods

Data were collected from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases spanning the period between January 2012 and August 2022. A meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the global prevalence and distribution patterns of norovirus gastroenteritis from 2012 to 2022.

Results

The global pooled prevalence of norovirus gastroenteritis was determined to be 19.04% (16.66–21.42%) based on a comprehensive analysis of 70 studies, which included a total of 85,798 sporadic cases with acute gastroenteritis and identified 15,089 positive cases for norovirus. The prevalence rate is higher in winter than other seasons, and there are great differences among countries and age groups. The pooled attack rate of norovirus infection is estimated to be 36.89% (95% CI, 36.24–37.55%), based on a sample of 6,992 individuals who tested positive for norovirus out of a total population of 17,958 individuals exposed during outbreak events.

Conclusion

The global prevalence of norovirus gastroenteritis is always high, necessitating an increased emphasis on prevention and control strategies with vaccine development for this infectious disease, particularly among the children under 5 years old and the geriatric population (individuals over 60 years old).
Trends in socioeconomic inequalities in life expectancy and lifespan variation in Chile
Authors: Silva-Illanes Nicolas
Published: June 2024

Background

Socioeconomic disparities in life expectancy are well-documented in various contexts, including Chile. However, there is a lack of research examining trends in life expectancy inequalities and lifespan variation over time. Addressing these gaps can provide crucial insights into the dynamics of health inequalities.

Methods

This study utilizes data from census records, population surveys, and death certificates to compare the life expectancy and the lifespan variation at age 26 of individuals according to their rank in the distribution of years of education within their own birth cohort. The analysis spans three periods (1991, 2002, and 2017) and focuses on two educational groups: individuals in the first (lowest) quintile and tenth (highest) decile of educational attainment. Changes in life expectancy are disaggregated by major causes of death to elucidate their contributions to overall trends.

Results

Consistent with existing literature, our findings confirm that individuals with lower education levels experience lower life expectancy and higher lifespan variation compared to their more educated counterparts. Notably, by 2017, life expectancy for individuals in the lowest quintile of education has caught up with that of the top decile in 1991, albeit with contrasting trends between genders. Among women, the gap has reduced, while it has increased for males. Moreover, lifespan variation decreased (increased) over time for individuals in the tenth decile (first quintile). The leading causes of death that explain the increase in life expectancy in women and men in the tenth decile as well as women in the first quintile are cardiovascular, cancer, respiratory and digestive diseases. In the case of males in the first quintile, few gains have been made in life expectancy resulting from cancer and a negative contribution is associated with digestive conditions.

Conclusions

This study underscores persistent socioeconomic disparities in life expectancy in Chile, emphasizing the importance of ongoing monitoring of health inequalities across different demographic segments. The gender-specific and educational gradient trends highlight areas for targeted interventions aimed at reducing health disparities and improving overall population health outcomes. Further research is warranted to delve into specific causes of death driving life expectancy differentials and to inform evidence-based policy interventions.
Observation and modeling of an unusual spatiotemporal pattern in bioacoustic chorusing
Authors: D’Spain Gerald L. , Rovner Galina L. , Batchelor Heidi , Rimington Dennis B.
Published: June 2024

This paper describes an unusual underwater biological chorus recorded in the Southern California Bight and presents a numerical modeling approach that replicates aspects of the chorus. During one experiment, the evolution of the directionality of the chorusing region over time is suggestive of “The Wave”, the human waves performed by fans periodically standing and sitting in sports stadia around the world; here, the region of chorusing periodically propagated upcoast over 20 km of coastline at nearly 1.5 km/s. The chorus occurs predominantly at night in spring and summer, mostly in very shallow waters near the coast. It increases the underwater sound field levels within chorusing regions by 20–30 dB in the 50 Hz to 1 kHz frequency band. The chorus is composed of three parts; 1) a “sunset chorus” which is a 20-to-30 min continuous roar around sunset with received spectral levels up to 100 dB re 1 μPa2/Hz, 2) a “sunrise chorus” of lower level than the sunset chorus, and 3) an all-night-long cycling chorus. The cycling portion is made up of 15-to-20 s periods of higher received spectral levels (up to 90 dB re 1 μPa2/Hz within the chorusing region) each followed by a 10-to-20 s lull in which the spectral levels drop by 4–10 dB. This alternating pattern repeats every 30–40 s throughout the night. The numerical modeling approach is based on the physics of excitable media. A cellular automaton is used to model the two-dimensional spatial grid occupied by the calling animals (units), with each unit being either in the “resting”, “excitable”, or “active (calling)" state at each time step. Transition from resting to excitable and from active back to resting occurs automatically after a fixed period of time in the present state, whereas the probability of transitioning from excitable to active is determined not only by the elapsed time since entering the excitable state, but also by the received sound level at the unit location, creating a non-linear acoustics-based coupling between units. With appropriate inputs, many determined from measurements of the chorus properties and the individual animal calls themselves, simulations with the model can replicate the cycling levels in the night-long chorus, the continuous din of the sunset chorus, and (once properly initialized) the periodic upcoast evolution of the chorusing region (“The Wave”). When noise from a transiting ship is included in the simulations, the spatiotemporal characteristics of the chorus change appreciably, in ways similar to changes observed during the experiment.
Evaluating microbiological safety and associated handling practices of butchery-sold meat in Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Koech Patricia Cherotich , Ogutu Winnie Aketch , Ochieng Linnet , Grace Delia , Gitao George , Bebora Lilly , Korir Max , Mutua Florence , Moodley Arshnee
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Approximately 70% of diarrheal cases in Kenya are attributed to ingestion of contaminated food and water and costs an estimated $ 1 billion USD due to morbidity and cost of treatment. This study aimed to assess the levels of microbiological contamination of meat sold in selected butcheries in Nairobi and the handling practices of butcher shop attendants.

Methods

A cross-sectional study design was used during which 200 meat samples were collected, and meat handling practices were observed. Total coliforms and Escherichia coli were enumerated using 3M™ Petrifilm® count plates. Additionally, quantification of tetracycline- and cefotaxime-resistant Enterobacteriaceae was done on agar plates containing the respective antibiotics. Bacterial species were confirmed by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-Time of Flight mass spectrometry.

Results and discussion

Seventy two percent and 84% of the samples had E. coli and total coliforms respectively above the acceptable regulatory limits (i.e. E. coli >100 CFU/g, Total coliforms >361 CFU/g,) respectively as per the Kenya Bureau of Standards South African microbiological standards the European Union. Enterobacteriaceae resistant to tetracycline and cefotaxime were detected in 35% and 9.5% of the samples respectively. Eighty-five percent of the butcher shop attendants neither washed their hands before nor after handling the meat, 91% handled money while selling meat concurrently, and 99% did not wear gloves while handling meat. These poor meat handling practices coupled with the presence of microbial loads above the regulatory acceptable limits imply an increased risk of foodborne illness to consumers. Therefore, there is an urgent need for education of butcher shop attendants on appropriate handling of meat, highlighting the importance of good hygienic practices and their relationship to food safety, and provision of incentives for behavior change. This study is important and serves to inform policymakers in the identification of key control points for designing meat safety intervention(s).
Exploring positive welfare measures: preliminary findings from a prototype protocol in loose housing dairy cattle farms
Authors: Mattiello Silvana , Celozzi Stefania , Soli Federica Manila , Battini Monica
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Following the increasing interest about the development of indicators of positive welfare and affective state in farm animals, the aim of this research is to present some preliminary results on the application of a prototype protocol based exclusively on positive welfare measures and to suggest potential benefits that can promote positive welfare.

Methods

The protocol was applied in 20 loose housing dairy cattle farms (6 on deep litter with straw, 14 in cubicles) and included only indicators of positive welfare and emotional states: feeding and resting synchronization, rumination during resting, comfortable lying postures, no visible eye white, relaxed ear postures, percentage of cow contacts with humans in the Avoidance Distance test. Potential benefits in terms of housing, feeding and management were then related to these variables (Mann-Whitney U test). Qualitative Behavior Assessment (QBA) was also carried out and analyzed by Principal Component Analysis to explore the effect of factors that were not evenly distributed in our sample (number of feed distributions, access to pasture, presence of paddock or environmental enrichments, automatic milking systems).

Results

When hay was included in the diet, higher feeding synchronization (93.7 ± 1.6 vs. 52.2 ± 4.7%; p < 0.01), percentage of cows with relaxed ear postures (35.8 ± 5.4 vs. 15.5 ± 2.1%; p < 0.01) and percentage of cows with no visible eye white (55.9 ± 17.0 vs. 36.6 ± 4.1%; n.s.) were recorded. A higher level of feeding synchronization was observed also when the feeding places/cow ratio was > 1 (72.1 ± 9.9 vs. 53.8 ± 5.8%), although differences were not significant (p = 0.14). Deep litter had a more positive effect than cubicles on comfort at resting, with a significantly higher percentage of ruminating cows (65.8 ± 10.2 vs. 34.2 ± 3.7%; p < 0.01), a higher percentage of cows with no visible eye white (55.6 ± 9.9 vs. 33.1 ± 3.7%; p < 0.05) and a higher percentage of cows in a more comfortable posture, with stretched legs (14.3 ± 5.1 vs. 5.6 ± 1.6%; p = 0.09). QBA highlighted the most positive emotional state in the only farm that allowed access to pasture.

Conclusions

This study represents a first attempt to apply a protocol for on-farm welfare evaluation based exclusively on the use of positive welfare indicators and provides suggestions on possible benefits (e.g., deep litter, feeding places/cow ratio > 1, hay in the diet and access to pasture) to enhance dairy cattle welfare.
Zoonotic pathogens in wild Asian primates: a systematic review highlighting research gaps
Authors: Patouillat Laurie , Hambuckers Alain , Adi Subrata Sena , Garigliany Mutien , Brotcorne Fany
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Ongoing global changes, including natural land conversion for agriculture and urbanization, modify the dynamics of human–primate contacts, resulting in increased zoonotic risks. Although Asia shelters high primate diversity and experiences rapid expansion of human–primate contact zones, there remains little documentation regarding zoonotic surveillance in the primates of this region.

Methods

Using the PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic review to compile an inventory of zoonotic pathogens detected in wild Asian primates, while highlighting the coverage of primate species, countries, and pathogen groups surveyed, as well as the diagnostic methods used across the studies. Moreover, we compared the species richness of pathogens harbored by primates across diverse types of habitats classified according to their degree of anthropization (i.e., urban vs. rural vs. forest habitats).

Results and discussion

Searches of Scopus, PubMed, and the Global Mammal Parasite Database yielded 152 articles on 39 primate species. We inventoried 183 pathogens, including 63 helminthic gastrointestinal parasites, two blood-borne parasites, 42 protozoa, 45 viruses, 30 bacteria, and one fungus. Considering each study as a sample, species accumulation curves revealed no significant differences in specific richness between habitat types for any of the pathogen groups analyzed. This is likely due to the insufficient sampling effort (i.e., a limited number of studies), which prevents drawing conclusive findings. This systematic review identified several publication biases, particularly the uneven representation of host species and pathogen groups studied, as well as a lack of use of generic diagnostic methods. Addressing these gaps necessitates a multidisciplinary strategy framed in a One Health approach, which may facilitate a broader inventory of pathogens and ultimately limit the risk of cross-species transmission at the human–primate interface. Strengthening the zoonotic surveillance in primates of this region could be realized notably through the application of more comprehensive diagnostic techniques such as broad-spectrum analyses without a priori selection.
Veterinary teaching in COVID-19 times: perspectives of university teaching staff
Authors: Kanwischer Miriam , Tipold Andrea , Schaper Elisabeth
Published: June 2024

The digitalization of university teaching has been taking place for many years and, in addition to traditional teaching formats such as practicals and face-to-face lectures, more and more e-learning courses have been used in veterinary education for several years. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, universities across Germany had to switch to an ad-hoc, purely digital summer semester. This study evaluated the experiences and implementation of the digital summer semester 2020 at the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover (TiHo) Foundation from the perspective of the teaching staff. In addition to the technical equipment used by lecturers, this survey also focused on the effects of the digital semester on teaching and the future practicality of digital teaching formats and strategies in veterinary education. Therefore, a questionnaire was designed and distributed among lecturers involved in the digital summer semester 2020. One hundred and three completed questionnaires were evaluated. The results of the evaluation show that teachers see huge potential in blended learning as a teaching method in veterinary education. In addition, teachers were able to digitize teaching well with the available hardware and software. The teaching staff saw difficulties above all in the loss of practical training and in the digitalization of practical exercises. Teachers also needed significantly more time to plan and implement digital teaching compared to pure face-to-face teaching. In summary blended learning offers many advantages, such as increased flexibility for students and teaching staff. In order to be able to use digital teaching methods and strategies profitably in veterinary education in the future, well thought-out didactic concepts and further technical expansion of the universities are required. In addition, the digital skills of teaching staff should be further trained and promoted.
Investigation of Fluid Dynamics in Various Aircraft Wing Tank Designs Using 1D and CFD Simulations
Authors: Karahan Kerem , Cadirci Sertac
Published: June 2024

Jet fuel in aircraft fuel tanks moves due to acceleration resulting from maneuvers. The movement mentioned here directly impacts the Center of Gravity (CG). The aircraft’s flight mechanics are significantly affected by the deviation of its CG on the aircraft body, and excessive deviation is undesirable. Preventing CG deviation is achieved by designing various baffles within the fuel tank. In this study, design details of the baffles were investigated with the help of an artificial neural network (ANN) model, 1D simulations, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) calculations. The 1D simulations, which model the fuel movement, were used to understand the general behavior of the fluid in the tank. CFD calculations simulating turbulent fluid flow in three dimensions were used to confirm the results of the 1D simulations and provide more detailed information. A simulation set is created utilizing five parameters: barrier usage, volume fraction, cutout diameter, number of cutouts, and cutout location. Compared to the barrierless design, the barrier usage as a parameter changes either on baffle number 1, 3, and 6, or on baffle number 2, 4, and 7. The fuel volume fraction parameter accounts for 30%, 45%, and 60% of the interior volume. The diameters of the cutout holes vary between 30 mm and 156 mm and are used as categorized among the baffles. Cutout holes are applied on baffles in single, twin, and triplet forms and their locations are subjected to a divergence of either −20 mm or +20 mm from the z-axis. Based on these parameters, the maximum deviation and the retreat time of CG constitute the output parameters. The importance of the input parameters on the outputs was obtained with the help of an ANN algorithm created from the results of all possible combinations of a sufficient number of 1D simulations. To obtain more detailed results and confirm the importance of input parameters on outputs, selected cases were simulated with CFD. As a result of all analyses, it was revealed that barrier usage is the most dominant input parameter on CG deviation followed by volume fraction, cutout hole diameter, cutout divergence, and finally, the number of cutout holes. This study identifies the dominant input parameters to control fuel sloshing, specifically CG deviation and retreat time in the fuel tank, and proposes baffle designs to promote robust flight stability.
Lean Demonstration of On-Board Thermal Anomaly Detection Using Machine Learning
Authors: Thoemel Jan , Kanavouras Konstantinos , Sachidanand Maanasa , Hein Andreas , Ortiz del Castillo Miguel , Pauly Leo , Rathinam Arunkumar , Aouada Djamila
Published: June 2024

Moore’s law states that the performance of computers doubles about every two years. This has dramatic consequences for any modern high development and for satellites. The long development cycles cause these expensive assets to be obsolete before the start of their operations. The advancement also presents challenges to their design, particularly from a thermal perspective, as more heat is dissipated and circuits are more fragile. These challenges mandate that faster spacecraft development methods are found and thermal management technologies are developed. We elaborate on existing development methodologies and present our own lean method. We explore the development of a thermal anomaly-detection payload, extending from conception to in-orbit commissioning, to stimulate discussions on space hardware development approaches. The payload consists of four miniaturized infrared cameras, heating sources in view of the cameras simulating an anomaly, an on-board processor, and peripherals for electrical and communication interfaces. The paper outlines our methodology and its application, showcasing the success of our efforts with the first-light activation of our cameras in orbit. We show our lean method, featuring reference technical and management models, from which we derive further development tools; such details are normally not available in the scientific-engineering literature. Additionally, we address the shortcomings identified during our development, such as the failure of an on-board component and propose improvements for future developments.
High-Resolution Wavenumber Bandpass Filtering of Guided Ultrasonic Wavefield for the Visualization of Subtle Structural Flaws
Authors: Yn Lee Shi , Romli Fairuz Izzuddin , Mazlan Norkhairunnisa , Lee Jung-Ryul , Harmin Mohammad Yazdi , Ciang Chia Chen
Published: June 2024

Guided ultrasonic wavefield propagation imaging (GUPI) is useful for visualizing hidden flaws in aerospace thin-walled structures, but the need for subjective signal processing involving three-dimensional Fourier transformation to increase the visibility of subtle flaws hinders its wider acceptance. A high-resolution wavenumber bandpass filter capable of consolidating subtle flaw-relevant information from a wide frequency band using only two-dimensional Fourier transformation was proposed. The filter overturns the long-standing belief that modes must be separated based on narrow-band data acquisition or processing to achieve high flaw visibility. Its characteristics and advantages were experimentally demonstrated through enhanced visualization of hidden wall-thinning flaws of a plate specimen. Its strength was further demonstrated through the first GUPI visualization of a partially loosened bolt, with unprecedented clarity to discern bolt tightness levels. The results conclusively proved that the proposed filter significantly enhances the resolution of GUPI within a structured processing framework.
Improved Design and Simulation of an Integrated Ridge-Breaking Earth Cultivator for Ratoon Sugarcane Fields
Authors: Zhang Biao , Chen Jing , Zhu Yingying
Published: June 2024

Ridge-breaking earth cultivation is a new agronomic technology that simplifies and efficiently cultivates ratoon sugarcane. However, traditional cultivators cannot adapt to the distribution of residual stumps, inter-row specifications, and hardened clay soil. This results in substandard soil fragmentation, poor ridge quality, and reduced operational reliability. To address these issues, this article proposes an integrated earth cultivator structure capable of breaking ridges, loosening soil, and raising ridges simultaneously. It is designed to enhance the breaking of tillage layers and the filling of ridges through the coordinated action of multiple soil-engaging components. The effects of pre-loosening by the ridge-breaking plow, high-energy crushing, and throwing by the spirally arranged dense rotary blade group, and soil gathering by the deflector are comprehensively utilized. Additionally, lateral pushing by the ridging plough is employed. Discrete element and finite element simulation results show that densely toothed blades can improve soil supply capacity and structural reliability. This is achieved by increasing the amount of soil throwback and reducing concentrated stress levels. Soil fragmentation rate (SFR) and ridge height (RH) were further used as indicators. Field experiments were conducted to study the effects of operating parameters on breaking and ridging performance. The optimal parameter solution was determined as a forward speed of 0.85 m·s−1 and rotary speed of 289.7 r·min−1. With this adaptive configuration, SFR and RH were improved by 12.4% and 38.5%, respectively, compared with conventional earth cultivators. Additionally, the RSM value of rotary tillage power (Pr) was reduced by 39.6%. Improvements in crushing hardened fields, constructing ridges, and reducing cutting energy consumption have proven effective. This study can provide a reference for the development of earth cultivators based on new agronomy and specific field characteristics.
Fermentation Characteristics, Chemical Composition, and Aerobic Stability in Whole Crop Corn Silage Treated with Lactic Acid Bacteria or Artemisia argyi
Authors: Pang Huili , Zhou Pilong , Yue Zishan , Wang Zhenyu , Qin Guangyong , Wang Yanping , Tan Zhongfang , Cai Yimin
Published: June 2024

Whole crop corn silage (WCCS) been an important source of roughage for confined ruminants. However, at the silage feed-out phase, the rise in temperature and relative humidity under aerobic conditions breeds the production of undesirable microorganisms, such as yeast and mold. In order to investigate the conservation characteristics and aerobic stability underlying the effects of additives in whole crop corn silage (WCCS), whole crop corn (WCC) at the milk-ripe stage was ensiled with Lentilactobacillus (L.) buchneri (LB) and different proportions of Artemisia argyi (AA) for 90 days (d) at room temperature, respectively, and aerobic exposure after 90 d fermentation was also conducted. The study found that AA as an additive improved the fermentation quality and enhanced aerobic stability of WCCS, for which the addition of 60% AA increased the lactic acid fermentation rate, with the lactic acid concentration at the end of aerobic exposure significantly higher than in all other treatment groups, at 98.21 g/kg DM (p < 0.01), which decreased the relative abundance of none wanted microorganisms and reduced the content of fungal toxins (p < 0.05). After 90 d of fermentation, LB also increased the organic acids and reduced the pH compared with control, thereby improving fermentation quality. Furthermore, we also discovered that the relative abundance of Candida within the 60% AA was the highest. Candida have the ability to convert WSC into organic acids and lower pH, thus improving the quality of silage. Particularly, 60% AA could improve the fermentation quality and aerobic stability of silage through the biosynthetic pathways of phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan, as well as by participation in the hydrolysis of glycoside hydrolases (GHs). Unexpectedly, the addition of AA was found to reduce the relative abundance of antibiotic resistance genes. WCC, ensiled with 60% AA, exhibited excellent fermentation quality and aerobic stability, providing a theoretical basis for understanding the mechanisms of AA which improve the quality of WCCS during the aeration phase.
Rice Regeneration in a Genebank: 21 Years of Data
Authors: Sansoni Francesca , Sena Lorenzo , Pozzi Virginia , Canella Marco , Vaccino Patrizia
Published: June 2024

Genebanks, other than their pivotal role as diversity conservation repositories, regenerate part of their collection every year to maintain their material in optimal conditions. During regeneration cycles, morpho-physiological data are collected, contributing to the creation of large datasets that offer a valuable resource of information. In Italy, rice cultivation has been documented since the second half of the 15th century, and nowadays, Italy contributes more than 50% of the total European rice production. The ex situ collection of rice (mainly Oryza sativa L. subgroup japonica) held at the Research Center for Cereal and Industrial Crops (CREA-CI) of Vercelli is quite unique in Italy and its establishment dates back to the beginning of the 20th century. The collection is hereby presented through the analysis of 21 years of historic data, from 2001 to 2022, in 17 different locations in Northern Italy, for a total of 6592 entries, 677 genotypes analyzed and 9 phenotypic traits under investigation. An R script has been developed to analyze the dataset. The BLUEs calculation, heritability, PCA and correlation with weather data provided a comprehensive overview of the germplasm stored in the genebank. The great variability and phenotypic diversity were assessed, key aspects from the perspective of breeding programs. This work starts a re-evaluation of historic data, historic cultivars, and represents the first step toward the shift of the genebank to a bio-digital resource center.
The Effect of Exogenous Selenium Supplementation on the Nutritional Value and Shelf Life of Lettuce
Authors: Cheng Hua , Shi Xinyu , Li Linling
Published: June 2024

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is rich in vitamins, minerals, and bioactive components, serving as an important source of selenium (Se) intake for humans. This study investigated the effects of Se treatment on lettuce using different concentrations of sodium selenite (Na2SeO3), focusing on biomass, physiological indicators, nutritional composition, and physiological changes during storage. Through correlation analysis of the transcriptome and Se species, the absorption and conversion mechanisms of Se in lettuce were revealed. The results showed that Se treatment initially increased the chlorophyll content in lettuce, followed by a decrease. Soluble sugar, soluble protein, total phenols, and anthocyanins increased at low Se concentrations but decreased at high concentrations. Flavonoid content decreased only at 1 mg/L Se, while other treatments were higher than the control group. GSH content and superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase activities initially increased and then decreased, while malondialdehyde (MDA) content first decreased and then increased. Five Se species, including Se (IV), Se (VI), selenocysteine (SeCys2), selenomethionine (SeMet), and methylselenocysteine (MeSeCys), were detected in lettuce leaves after Se treatment, with SeMet being the most abundant. During storage, Se-treated lettuce exhibited lower weight loss, a*, b*, browning index, and color difference (ΔE) values compared to the control group. CAT and POD activities and GSH content also followed a trend of initial increase followed by a decrease. Transcriptome data analysis revealed that genes such as MYB1, RPK1, PTR44, NTRC, WRKY7, and CSLD3 were associated with the stress response of Se-treated lettuce.
ZmD11 Gene Regulates Tobacco Plant Floral Development under Drought Stress
Authors: Li Zhanfeng , Jiao Fuchao , Sun Zhiyi , Zhang Enying , Song Xiyun , Pei Yuhe , Li Jun , Cannon Nicola , Chang Xianmin , Guo Xinmei
Published: June 2024

Maize is most sensitive to drought stress at the floral stage by reducing tassel and silk quality, and thus improving drought tolerance at this stage may help preserve yield. It has been reported that BRs (brassinosteroids) promote floral development under drought stress. However, the function of the brassinosteroid biosynthesis gene ZmDWARF11 (ZmD11) on floral growth under drought stress has not been elucidated. This study found that under normal growth conditions, the heterologous over-expression of ZmD11 significantly enhanced both the vegetative growth and floral development of tobacco. Under drought stress, overexpressing ZmD11 reduced stress-induced tobacco flower size reduction, while it did not affect vegetative growth. After drought treatment, the activities of protective enzymes, including CAT (Catalase), SOD (Superoxide Dismutase), and POD (Peroxidase), were higher, while the content of MDA (Malondialdehyde) was lower in ZmD11 over-expression tobacco lines than that in the wild type control. The relative expression of dehydrin-related genes NtLeat5 and NtERD10 was increased in ZmD11 over-expression tobacco lines compared to that in the control. In summary, we reported that ZmD11 plays a role in tobacco floral development under drought stress. Our data are valuable in understanding the functions of BRs in regulating plant floral development under drought stress.
Organic Acid-Based Hemicellulose Fractionation and Cellulosic Ethanol Potential of Five Miscanthus Genotypes
Authors: Iqbal Yasir , Dai Yu , Xue Shuai , Yi Zili , Chen Zhiyong , Li Meng , von Cossel Moritz
Published: June 2024

The pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass such as Miscanthus grown on marginal agricultural land is very challenging and requires severe conditions to fractionate cell wall polymers for further valorization. The current study aimed to determine organic acid-based mild conditions to pretreat contrasting lignocellulosic Miscanthus genotypes for the efficient fractionation of cell wall components, with special focus on hemicellulose extraction. In doing so, five Miscanthus genotypes were subjected to four different acid treatments (sulfuric acid, oxalic acid, malonic acid, and citric acid) in a vertical high-pressure steam sterilizer. The results demonstrated that, among the organic acids, oxalic acid was identified as the most effective pretreatment solvent for hemicellulose separation, whereas citric acid yielded the highest amount of galacturonic acid, varying from 15 to 17 mg mL−1 across genotypes. One best performing genotype was selected for the enzymatic hydrolysis. Overall, M. floridulus genotypes exhibited the optimal quality traits for efficient bioconversion with second best in terms of ethanol production potential.
Peanut NAC Transcription Factor AhNAPa Negatively Regulates Salt Tolerance in Transgenic Arabidopsis
Authors: Yuan Cuiling , Miao Haocui , Sun Quanxi , Shan Shihua
Published: June 2024

Soil salinity greatly impacts the planting area of cultivated peanut. It is necessary to breed salt-tolerant cultivars. However, few salt-resistant genes have been identified in peanut. Here, we reported the cloning of a peanut NAC transcription factor gene, AhNAPa, which was expressed ubiquitously and significantly upregulated after salt treatment. Furthermore, an AhNAPa-GFP fusion protein was found to be located in the nucleus, which indicated that AhNAPa might perform functions as a transcriptional activator in peanut. Under NaCl treatment, the root length of Arabidopsis plants overexpressing AhNAPa (AhNAPa-OX) were dramatically inhibited compared with the wild type (WT) lines, and the AhNAPa-OX adult plants became sensitive to salt stress. The expression levels of abiotic stress-responsive genes, SnRK2.2, NAC016, RD20, RD29B, and AREB1, significantly decreased in AhNAPa-OX plants, suggesting AhNAPa inhibited the ABA signaling pathway in response to salt stress. Taken together, these results suggest that the salt-inducible peanut transcription factor AhNAPa negatively regulated salt tolerance in transgenic Arabidopsis.
A Comprehensive Study on the Impact of Chemical Fertilizer Reduction and Organic Manure Application on Soil Fertility and Apple Orchard Productivity
Authors: Zhuang Liping , Wang Pengli , Hu Wen , Yang Ruyi , Zhang Qiqi , Jian Yuyu , Zou Yangjun
Published: June 2024

(1) Background and Aims: Manure is an important source of nutrients for plants, and organic substrate, as an effective soil amendment substrate, is a common material for maintaining soil health in the context of agricultural intensification. The use of organic fertilizers to meet the nutrient requirements of crops and to improve soil structure is a natural choice for sustainable agriculture. The high cost of chemical fertilizers and their overuse can lead to agricultural pollution, so farmers’ awareness of organic farming is increasing, which is helping to drive agriculture in a more environmentally friendly and sustainable direction. (2) Methods: In a fertilization experiment conducted on 38-year-old ‘Changfu No.2’ apple trees, four different fertilization treatments were designed to assess their effects on soil fertility, fruit quality, and apple yield. These treatments included no fertilizer as a control (CK); chemical fertilizer combined with organic substrate (NPK + O); chemical fertilizer combined with sheep manure (NPK + SM); and a combination of chemical fertilizer, organic substrate, and sheep manure (NPK + O + SM). Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to comprehensively evaluate soil fertility, apple yield, and quality under these treatments. (3) Results: The NPK + O + SM treatment significantly improved soil fertility and apple yield compared to the other treatments. It provided comprehensive nutrition, meeting the diverse needs of plant growth. The slow-release properties of the organic substrate combined with the immediate nutrient supply from the sheep manure ensured stable nutrition throughout the growing season. This mixed fertilizer also improved soil biological activity. (4) Conclusion: The fertilization strategy combining organic substrate and sheep manure (NPK + O + SM) is highly effective in improving soil fertility, fruit quality, and apple yield, thus supporting sustainable agricultural practices.
Deletion of the 3′ End of the Introduced cry1Ac Gene Retains the Insecticidal Activity in Transgenic Cotton
Authors: Huang Chunmeng , Zhang Yongjun , Yu Huilin , Hou Chenhui , Guan Haoyuan , Chen Xiuping , Xie Jiajian
Published: June 2024

The structure and expression of exogenous genes in transgenic crops are critical for the target traits. R7569 has the same exogenous insertion structure as the transgenic insect-resistant cotton MON531 but with a deletion in the 3′ end of the cry1Ac gene and the terminator region. Thus, in the present study, transcription, expression, and insecticidal activity assays were conducted to determine the function of the truncated cry1Ac gene. R7569 has a truncated cry1Ac gene with a length of 2554 bp encoding 881 amino acids, and the transcription termination site was mainly concentrated downstream of the truncated position and extended 160–270 bp from the truncated position using rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). The transcript levels of the cry1Ac gene in R7569 were significantly higher than those of MON531 implants, except for during the boll stage. The content of the Cry1Ac protein in R7569 was higher than that of MON531 in the cotton leaf in all three periods. The corrected mortality rates of R7569 and MON531 against bollworms were 93.09% and 88.83%, respectively. The LC50 value of R7569 was 0.732 ng/g (dw), indicating a high level of resistance to bollworm. In this study, for the first time, we found a partial deletion of the target gene in commercially applied transgenic crops, and the partial deletion of the 3′ end of the cry1Ac gene retained a better transcription, expression level, and insecticidal activity, which can provide a specific case for the safety evaluation of transgenic crops.
Genome-Wide Association Analysis and Genetic Parameters for Egg Production Traits in Peking Ducks
Authors: Zhou Jun , Yu Jiang-Zhou , Zhu Mei-Yi , Yang Fang-Xi , Hao Jin-Ping , He Yong , Zhu Xiao-Liang , Hou Zhuo-Cheng , Zhu Feng
Published: June 2024

Egg production traits are crucial in the poultry industry, including age at first egg (AFE), egg number (EN) at different stages, and laying rate (LR). Ducks exhibit higher egg production capacity than other poultry species, but the genetic mechanisms are still poorly understood. In this study, we collected egg-laying data of 618 Peking ducks from 22 to 66 weeks of age and genotyped them by whole-genome resequencing. Genetic parameters were calculated based on SNPs, and a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed for these traits. The SNP-based heritability of egg production traits ranged from 0.09 to 0.54. The GWAS identified nine significant SNP loci associated with AFE and egg number from 22 to 66 weeks. These loci showed that the corresponding alleles were positively correlated with a decrease in the traits. Moreover, three potential candidate genes (ENSAPLG00020011445, ENSAPLG00020012564, TMEM260) were identified. Functional enrichment analyses suggest that specific immune responses may have a critical impact on egg production capacity by influencing ovarian function and oocyte maturation processes. In conclusion, this study deepens the understanding of egg-laying genetics in Peking duck and provides a sound theoretical basis for future genetic improvement and genomic selection strategies in poultry.
Base Characteristics, Preservation Methods, and Assessment of the Genetic Diversity of Autochthonous Breeds of Cattle, Sheep and Pigs in Serbia: A Review
Authors: Djedovic Radica , Radojkovic Dragan , Stanojevic Dragan , Savic Radomir , Vukasinovic Natasha , Popovac Mladen , Bogdanovic Vladan , Radovic Cedomir , Gogic Marija , Gligovic Nikolija , Stojic Petar , Mitrovic Ivan
Published: June 2024

Preserving local autochthonous domestic animal populations and the products derived from them is a crucial aspect of managing human utilization of the biosphere. This management approach aims to ensure sustainable benefits for both present and future generations. The diversity of autochthonous domestic animal populations plays a vital role in the functionality and sustainability of the food production system. It encompasses both productive and non-productive aspects, contributing significantly to the overall health, nutrition, and food security of the landscape by providing a wide range of animal-derived food resources. Based on the data contained in the Draft Program of Rural Development, a significant presence of more than 44 autochthonous and local breeds of domestic animals has been noted in Serbia. In order to enable the sustainable preservation of local domestic animals, the competent Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Serbia has, through a number of projects, implemented models for the preservation of local breeds on farms (in situ), as well as provided technical assistance to small farms that keep animal collections. It also helps the local population to procure animals, conducts product quality research, and provides opportunities to integrate conservation programs through tourism. Given that molecular characterization is a key factor for the preservation of autochthonous breeds, in the Republic of Serbia, DNA markers are used for identification and to investigate the belonging to a specific breeds or strain. All the mentioned activities led to an immediate increase in the number of animals, which is especially true for the autochthonous breeds of cattle (Busha), sheep (Sjenicka, Svrljiska, and Vlach-vitohorn) and pigs (Mangalitsa, Moravka, and Resavka) that are discussed in this paper. In addition to the significant measures undertaken to preserve animal genetic resources (AnGR), it is necessary to continue to work primarily on ex situ conservation in order to prevent the loss of their gene pools. However, regardless of the evident effort that has been made to preserve autochthonous genetic resources in Serbia, we believe that there is still a lot of room for further improvement. This primarily refers to advanced technologies that have not been applied so far, mostly related to the identification of genomic regions associated with economic traits, resistance to diseases, and adaptability to emerging climate changes. In this way, the production capacity and functional characteristics of autochthonous species and breeds of domestic animals in Serbia will be improved.
Owner-Reported Health Events in Australian Farm Working Dogs
Authors: Pattison Nicola Ann , Isaksen Katja Elisabeth , Cogger Naomi
Published: June 2024

Working farm dogs are an integral part of livestock farming in Australia but, currently, no studies have investigated their overall health. This study aimed to identify the prevalent diseases and injuries among these dogs, offering a baseline dataset. A total of 125 farm dog owners were recruited at a public working dog event and interviewed about the health of their dogs in the preceding 12 months. Information was provided about 526 dogs. Most dogs were Kelpies, and not neutered. Nine percent of the dogs had been sold, 6% had died, and 1% had been retired. Of the 444 remaining dogs, 24% had a health event in the past 12 months, while 13% had a health event that affected their work. The injuries (11%) mostly involved the musculoskeletal system or skin, while the non-traumatic illnesses (13%) commonly included arthritis. Forty-five percent of the injured dogs and 26% of the ill ones received veterinary treatment. The results indicate similarities to previous studies into working farm dogs. Given their unique challenges, further research is needed to ensure optimal care for farm dogs in Australia.