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Poultry Science May 2024The chicken comb is an essential secondary sexual characteristic to measure sexual maturity and is closely related to reproductive performance. Pendulous comb (PC) and...
The chicken comb is an essential secondary sexual characteristic to measure sexual maturity and is closely related to reproductive performance. Pendulous comb (PC) and upright comb (UC) are 2 common comb phenotypes in hens, which have been highly associated with egg production performance. However, the reasons for the formation of PC remain undetermined. In this study, we first characterized the PC and UC chicken at start (at 175 d age), peak (at 217 d age), and postlaying (at 300 d age) and found that PC and UC could transform for each other. Furthermore, we suggested that PC chicken demonstrated better egg production performance than UC chicken, especially characterizing comb type in the start-laying period. Moreover, we performed histological evaluation of PC and UC tissue, which suggested that the low density of collagen fibers and acid mucopolysaccharides might lead to the formation of PC. To further explore the possible reasons for PC formation, we performed an untargeted metabolomic analysis of serum between PC and UC chicken in the start, peak, and postlaying periods. The enrichment analysis of period-unique differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) between PC and UC showed that the different metabolic pathways and nutritional levels might contribute to the formation of PC in the different laying periods. Our research provided critical insights into the phenotypic diversity of chicken comb, establishing a foundation for early selection of chicken egg production performance.
PubMed: 38820880
DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.103867 -
Asian Journal of Andrology Oct 2023
PubMed: 37856195
DOI: 10.4103/aja202354 -
PloS One 2023Growing concerns over health and welfare impacts from extreme phenotypes in dogs have created an urgent need for reliable demographic information on the national breed...
INTRODUCTION
Growing concerns over health and welfare impacts from extreme phenotypes in dogs have created an urgent need for reliable demographic information on the national breed structures of dogs.
METHODS
This study included all dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK during 2019 at practices participating in VetCompass. Demographic data on these dogs were analysed to report on the frequency of common breeds and also to report on conformation, bodyweight, sex and neuter associations with these breeds.
RESULTS
The study included 2,237,105 dogs under UK veterinary care in 2019. Overall, 69.4% (n = 1,551,462) were classified as purebred, 6.7% (149,308) as designer-crossbred and 24.0% (536,335) as nondesigner-crossbred. Across 800 unique breed names, the most frequent breeds at any age were nondesigner-crossbred (n = 536,335, 24.0%), Labrador Retriever (154,222, 6.9%) and Jack Russell Terrier (101,294, 4.5%). Among 229,624 (10.3%) dogs aged under one year, the most frequent breeds were nondesigner-crossbred (n = 45,995, 20.0%), French Bulldog (16,036, 7.0%) and Cockapoo (14,321, 6.2%). Overall, based on breed characteristics, 17.6% (395,739) were classified as brachycephalic, 43.1% (969,403) as mesaticephalic and 8.3% (186,320) as dolichocephalic. Of 1,551,336 dogs that were classifiable based on breed, 52.6% (815,673) were chondrodystrophic. Of 1,462,925 dogs that were classifiable, there were 54.6% (n = 798,426) short haired, 32.6% (476,883) medium haired and 12.8% (186,934) long haired. Of 1,547,653 dogs that were classifiable for ear carriage, 24.5% (n = 379,581) were erect, 28.1% (434,273) were semi-erect, 19.7% (305,475) were v-shaped drop and 27.7% (428,324) were pendulous. Overall, there was a 1.09:1.00 ratio of male (n = 1,163,512; 52.2%) to female dogs (n = 1,067,552; 47.8%).
CONCLUSIONS
Health and welfare issues linked to popular breeds with extreme phenotypes suggest that there is much work to do to help owners to make more welfare-friendly decisions when choosing which type of dog to own.
Topics: Dogs; Male; Animals; Female; Dog Diseases; Craniosynostoses; Phenotype; United Kingdom; Demography
PubMed: 37494312
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288081 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Dec 2023China has rich genetic resources of local pig breeds. In this study, whole-genome resequencing was performed on five Shanghai local pig breeds, aiming to analyze their...
China has rich genetic resources of local pig breeds. In this study, whole-genome resequencing was performed on five Shanghai local pig breeds, aiming to analyze their population genetic structure and unique genomic characteristics. Tens of millions of single nucleotide variants were obtained through the resequencing of a total of 150 individual pigs from five local pig breeds (Meishan, Fengjing, Shawutou, Pudong White, and Shanghai White) after mapping them with the pig reference genome of 11.1. The results of admixture structure analysis also clearly demonstrated the genetic differences between the Shanghai local pig breeds and the three commercial pig breeds (Duroc, Landrace, and Yorkshire). The genetic infiltration of Landrace and Yorkshire pig breeds in the SHW breed was detected, which is consistent with the early history of crossbreeding in this breed. Selective sweep analysis between four indigenous Shanghai pig breed populations and three commercial pig breed populations identified 270 and 224 genes with selective signatures in the commercial and indigenous Shanghai pig populations, respectively. Six genes (, , , , , and ) were found to be associated with animal growth in the commercial pig population through gene enrichment and protein-protein interaction analysis. In contrast, the gene in the indigenous Shanghai pig population was significantly under selection, which correlated with the long pendulous ear phenotype of the indigenous Shanghai pig population. In conclusion, this study is the first genomic profiling of five representative local pig breeds in Shanghai, which provides molecular genetic data and foundations for better conservation and utilization of local pig breed resources in Shanghai, China.
PubMed: 38067078
DOI: 10.3390/ani13233727 -
Cureus Oct 2023Massive localized lymphedema (MLL) is an emerging clinical phenomenon predominantly observed in morbidly obese individuals. It presents both diagnostic and therapeutic...
Massive localized lymphedema (MLL) is an emerging clinical phenomenon predominantly observed in morbidly obese individuals. It presents both diagnostic and therapeutic challenges to clinicians due to its characterization by large, pendulous masses in the abdomen or thigh. MLL may resemble malignant conditions, such as liposarcoma, leading to unnecessary invasive interventions. This study presents two case studies: a 74-year-old male who succumbed to postoperative complications and a 56-year-old female who experienced successful recovery. These cases highlight the urgent need for robust diagnostic criteria and evidence-based management approaches for MLL. In addition, further research exploring the pathogenesis, risk factors, and potential connections among MLL, hypothyroidism, and angiosarcoma is essential.
PubMed: 38021692
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.47092 -
Journal of Plant Research May 2024The family Thismiaceae, known as "fairy lanterns" for their urn- or bell-shaped flowers with basally fused tepals, consists of non-photosynthetic flowering monocots...
The family Thismiaceae, known as "fairy lanterns" for their urn- or bell-shaped flowers with basally fused tepals, consists of non-photosynthetic flowering monocots mainly in tropical regions, extending into subtropical and temperate areas. Here, we propose a new mycoheterotrophic genus, Relictithismia Suetsugu & Tagane (Thismiaceae), with its monotypic species Relictithismia kimotsukiensis Suetsugu, Yas.Nakam. & Tagane from Kimotsuki Mountains in the Osumi Peninsula, Kagoshima Prefecture, Kyushu Island, southern Japan. Relictithismia resembles Haplothismia Airy Shaw in having a cluster of tuberous roots, a feature previously observed only in this genus within the family Thismiaceae. However, it differs in having solitary flowers (vs. 2-6-flowered pseudo-raceme in Haplothismia), anther thecae largely separated (vs. connate), and the presence of an annulus (vs. absent). Additionally, Relictithismia differs from the geographically overlapping genus Thismia Griff. in its stamen structure and the position of the annulus. In Relictithismia, the stamens lack connectives, and its free filaments arise from the annulus located inside the perianth mouth, while in Thismia, the stamens typically have connate connectives, forming a staminal tube pendulous from the annulus located at the mouth of the floral tube. Our morphological and phylogenetic data indicated that R. kimotsukiensis holds an early-diverging position within the family, situated outside the Old World Thismia clade. This paper offers an extensive description and color photographs of R. kimotsukiensis, complemented by notes on its phylogenetic relationship and evolutionary history.
Topics: Japan; Phylogeny; Flowers
PubMed: 38421521
DOI: 10.1007/s10265-024-01532-5 -
BMC Surgery Feb 2024Needle-knife papillotomy (NKP) is widely performed when biliary cannulation is difficult during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). However, its...
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Needle-knife papillotomy (NKP) is widely performed when biliary cannulation is difficult during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). However, its safety and efficacy in different types of duodenal papilla are not clear.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
This retrospective study analyzed 217 patients with difficult biliary cannulation who underwent NKP during ERCP procedures from June 2013 to May 2022 in our institution. Patients were classified according to Haraldsson classification type of duodenal papilla: type 1, regular; type 2, small; type 3, protruding or pendulous; and type 4, creased or ridged. Outcome measures were successful biliary cannulation and incidence of adverse events.
RESULTS
Haraldsson classification was type 1 in 115 patients, type 2 in 29, type 3 in 52, and type 4 in 21. Biliary cannulation was successful in 166 patients (76.5%) Success rates according to Haraldsson type were as follows: type 1, 74.8%; type 2, 82.8%; type 3, 80.8%; and type 4, 66.7%. The rates did not significantly differ among the types (p = 0.48). Overall incidence of adverse events was 9.22%. Incidence of adverse events did not significantly differ among the types (p = 0.69).
CONCLUSIONS
NKP was useful to achieve successful cannulation in patients with difficult biliary cannulation. The rate of successful cannulation and incidence of adverse events were similar among the different types of duodenal papilla.
Topics: Humans; Retrospective Studies; Catheterization; Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde; Ampulla of Vater; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38365675
DOI: 10.1186/s12893-024-02350-1 -
Advances in Radiation Oncology Jan 2024Moist desquamation (MD) is a concerning acute side effect of radiation therapy for breast cancer, often seen in skin folds for patients having large or pendulous...
PURPOSE
Moist desquamation (MD) is a concerning acute side effect of radiation therapy for breast cancer, often seen in skin folds for patients having large or pendulous breasts. In vivo skin dosimetry, clinical assessments, and patient-reported skin reactions were used to determine a relationship between dose-area metrics and the development of MD, to lend insight into skin tolerances and possibly guide future treatment planning dose constraints.
METHODS AND MATERIALS
Skin dose was measured using GafChromic film on the inner surface of an early prototype carbon-fiber accessory for breast support to remove the inframammary fold in 20 patients at high risk of developing MD undergoing adjuvant whole breast radiation therapy. Prescribed doses were 42.5 Gray (Gy) in 16 fractions or 50 Gy in 25 fractions using 6 to 15 MV x-rays. To account for fraction size differences, analysis was performed using the equivalent dose in 2 Gy fractions using α/β = 11 (EQD2). MD was assessed out to 2 weeks post radiation therapy by trained therapists and by a patient-reported outcome questionnaire.
RESULTS
Statistically significant differences in areas receiving 30 to 48 Gy (EQD2) were observed between patients who did and did not develop MD in the inframammary area. Patients receiving EQD2 maximum dose ≤ 46 Gy and ≥ 38 Gy to ≤ 50 cm of their breast skin did not develop MD.
CONCLUSIONS
The findings of this study offer insight into the relationship between skin toxicity and areas of skin irradiated to doses up to 50 Gy. Potential skin dose constraints to test in future studies to prevent MD are suggested.
PubMed: 38260224
DOI: 10.1016/j.adro.2023.101318