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Animal : An International Journal of... Apr 2024Environmental conditions and available forage on pastures greatly differ between different farming systems, which can affect the behaviour of grazing cattle. The...
Environmental conditions and available forage on pastures greatly differ between different farming systems, which can affect the behaviour of grazing cattle. The interplay between environment-, forage-, and animal-related variables may affect the use of feed and water resources in grazing-based systems. Hence, our objectives were (i) to study the differences between grazing-based systems and seasons in environment- and pasture-related variables as well as the behaviour, feed intake, performance, and water productivity of Nellore heifers, and (ii) to understand the interrelationships between these variables. The measurements were performed in a conventional grazing system (CON), an integrated crop-livestock (ICL), and a crop-livestock-forestry (ICLF) systems in the Brazilian Cerrado during the rainy and dry seasons. Ambient temperature and relative air humidity were hourly measured in both seasons. Forage biomass and sward height were determined every month. Forage samples were taken to determine the proportions of alive leaves, alive stems, and dead plant material and to analyse their nutritive value. Forage intake, drinking water intake, and liveweight changes were quantified in 12 Nellore heifers per system and season. Feeding behaviour was recorded by chewing sensors on nine continuous days in each season. Drinking water intake was measured by water meters attached to drinking water troughs, whereby trial cameras at the troughs recorded the frequency of drinking events of individual animals. Feed conversion efficiency and water productivity were estimated. The ICLF reduced the exposure time to high ambient temperatures so that heifers even grazed during the hottest hours. Forage biomass in ICL and CON had greater proportions of stem and dead plant material than in ICLF. Forage intake rate was greater and grazing events were longer for animals in ICLF than those in CON, whereas the daily number of grazing events was greater in CON. Feed conversion efficiency and water productivity were greater in integrated systems than in CON. Amongst studied variables, thermal environment and forage canopy structure with its proportions of dead plant material are the main driving factors for animal behaviour, forage intake rate, and animal performance. These variables reduce feed conversion efficiency and water productivity in grazing cattle. Further research should analyse strategies for promoting thermal comfort for the animals, increasing the proportions of alive biomass, and enhancing the nutritional value of pastures for more efficient use of forage and water resources in grazing-based systems.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Female; Animal Feed; Diet; Drinking Water; Eating; Feeding Behavior; Livestock; Poaceae; Seasons; Brazil
PubMed: 38520773
DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2024.101117 -
Genome Biology and Evolution Mar 2024Siphonophores (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa) are abundant predators found throughout the ocean and are important constituents of the global zooplankton community. They range in...
Siphonophores (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa) are abundant predators found throughout the ocean and are important constituents of the global zooplankton community. They range in length from a few centimeters to tens of meters. They are gelatinous, fragile, and difficult to collect, so many aspects of the biology of these roughly 200 species remain poorly understood. To survey siphonophore genome diversity, we performed Illumina sequencing of 32 species sampled broadly across the phylogeny. Sequencing depth was sufficient to estimate nuclear genome size from k-mer spectra in six specimens, ranging from 0.7 to 2.3 Gb, with heterozygosity estimates between 0.69% and 2.32%. Incremental k-mer counting indicates k-mer peaks can be absent with nearly 20× read coverage, suggesting minimum genome sizes range from 1.4 to 5.6 Gb in the 25 samples without peaks in the k-mer spectra. This work confirms most siphonophore nuclear genomes are large relative to the genomes of other cnidarians, but also identifies several with reduced size that are tractable targets for future siphonophore nuclear genome assembly projects. We also assembled complete mitochondrial genomes for 33 specimens from these new data, indicating a conserved gene order shared among nonsiphonophore hydrozoans, Cystonectae, and some Physonectae, revealing the ancestral mitochondrial gene order of siphonophores. Our results also suggest extensive rearrangement of mitochondrial genomes within other Physonectae and in Calycophorae. Though siphonophores comprise a small fraction of cnidarian species, this survey greatly expands our understanding of cnidarian genome diversity. This study further illustrates both the importance of deep phylogenetic sampling and the utility of k-mer-based genome skimming in understanding the genomic diversity of a clade.
Topics: Animals; Cnidaria; Phylogeny; Genome, Mitochondrial; Hydrozoa; Genomics; Genome Size
PubMed: 38502059
DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evae048 -
PloS One 2024Exercise-based falls-prevention programs are cost-effective population-based approaches to reduce the risk of falling for older adults. The aim was to evaluate the... (Clinical Trial)
Clinical Trial Comparative Study
PURPOSE
Exercise-based falls-prevention programs are cost-effective population-based approaches to reduce the risk of falling for older adults. The aim was to evaluate the short-term and long-term efficacy of three existing falls-prevention programs.
METHODS
A non-randomized study design was used to compare the immediate-post and long-term physical outcome measures for three falls prevention programs; one high-level land-based program, one low-level land-based program and a water-based Ai Chi program. Timed-up-and-go (TUG), five-times sit-to-stand (5xSTS), six-minute walk test (6MWT) and six-meter walk test were assessed at baseline, post-program, and at six-months follow-up. Linear mixed models were used to analyze between- and within- group differences, with the high-level land-based program used as the comparator.
RESULTS
Thirty-two participants completed post-program assessment and 26 returned for follow-up. There was a difference in the age (years) of participants between programs (p = 0.049). The intercept for TUG and six-meter walk test time was 47.70% (23.37, 76.83) and 32.31s (10.52, 58.41), slower for the low-level group and 40.49% (17.35, 69.89) and 36.34s (12.75, 64.87), slower for the Ai Chi group (p < 0.01), compared with the high-level group. Mean time taken to complete the TUG was less both immediately post-program and at 6-month follow-up (p = 0.05). Walking speed for the six-meter walk test was only faster at six-months (p < 0.05). The 5xSTS duration was significantly reduced only at post-intervention (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
These results indicate land-based and water-based falls-prevention programs improve physical outcome measures associated with falls-risk and many improvements are maintained for six months after the completion of the program. (Retrospective trial registration: ACTRN1262300119069).
Topics: Aged; Humans; Exercise; Exercise Therapy; Postural Balance; Retrospective Studies; Water
PubMed: 38483927
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299146 -
PloS One 2024The effect of sound waves (SWs) on plant cells can be considered as important as other mechanical stimuli like touch, wind, rain, and gravity, causing certain responses...
The effect of sound waves (SWs) on plant cells can be considered as important as other mechanical stimuli like touch, wind, rain, and gravity, causing certain responses associated with the downstream signaling pathways on the whole plant. The objective of the present study was to elucidate the response of suspension-cultured tobacco cells (Nicotiana tabacum L. cv Burley 21) to SW at different intensities. The sinusoidal SW (1,000 Hz) was produced through a signal generator, amplified, and beamed to the one layer floating tobacco cells inside a soundproof chamber at intensities of 60, 75, and 90 dB at the plate level for 15, 30, 45, and 60 min. Calibration of the applied SW intensities, accuracy, and uniformity of SW was performed by a sound level meter, and the cells were treated. The effect of SW on tobacco cells was monitored by quantitation of cytosolic calcium, redox status, membrane integrity, wall components, and the activity of wall modifying enzymes. Cytosolic calcium ions increased as a function of sound intensity with a maximum level of 90 dB. Exposure to 90 dB was also accompanied by a significant increase of H2O2 and membrane lipid peroxidation rate but the reduction of total antioxidant and radical scavenging capacities. The increase of wall rigidity in these cells was attributed to an increase in wall-bound phenolic acids and lignin and the activities of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and covalently bound peroxidase. In comparison, in 60- and 75 dB, radical scavenging capacity increased, and the activity of wall stiffening enzymes reduced, but cell viability showed no changes. The outcome of the current study reveals that the impact of SW on plant cells is started by an increase in cytosolic calcium. However, upon calcium signaling, downstream events, including alteration of H2O2 and cell redox status and the activities of wall modifying enzymes, determined the extent of SW effects on tobacco cells.
Topics: Nicotiana; Calcium; Hydrogen Peroxide; Cell Wall; Calcium, Dietary; Sound
PubMed: 38466667
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299055 -
Journal of Conservative Dentistry and... Feb 2024Calcium hydroxide, which is an intracanal medicament, is widely used in endodontics. Improvements can be made to its effectiveness, as calcium hydroxide is dependent on...
An comparison of calcium ions release and diffusion ability of calcium hydroxide-based intracanal medicament in combination with three different vehicles like propolis, chitosan, and propylene glycol.
CONTEXT
Calcium hydroxide, which is an intracanal medicament, is widely used in endodontics. Improvements can be made to its effectiveness, as calcium hydroxide is dependent on the vehicle.
AIM
The study aims to compare and evaluate the release and diffusion ability of calcium hydroxide when mixed with - propolis, chitosan, and propylene glycol.
METHODS
For this study, 33 single-rooted extracted premolar teeth have been decoronated. After the working length and enlargement of the canals had been established, different preparations of calcium hydroxide with vehicles such as propolis, chitosan, and propylene glycol were loaded into the canals. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry was used to analyze the release of calcium ions in three groups, while a digital pH meter was used to determine an acid change.
RESULTS
Atomic absorption spectrophotometry showed sustained releases of calcium ions and the digital pH meter showed increased diffusion capacity in the propylene glycol paste group in comparison to the other two groups.
CONCLUSION
Propylene glycol vehicle made it easier to enter calcium hydroxide into the dentinal tubules.
PubMed: 38463473
DOI: 10.4103/JCDE.JCDE_258_23 -
Journal of Sports Science & Medicine Mar 2024This study compared the effects of a 6-week short sprint interval training (sSIT) on male and female basketball players' bio-motor abilities, aerobic fitness, and... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
This study compared the effects of a 6-week short sprint interval training (sSIT) on male and female basketball players' bio-motor abilities, aerobic fitness, and anaerobic power. Using a randomized controlled trial design, 40 basketball players of similar training backgrounds were randomly assigned to two training groups of females (n = 10) and males (n = 10) or two control groups of females and males (each of 10). The training groups performed 3 sets of 10 × 5-second interval running, with a 1:3 work-to-recovery ratio, and a 3-minute rest between sets. The players were evaluated for bio-motor abilities, including muscular power assessed through the vertical jump, agility measured using a T-test and Illinois change of direction (COD) test, and maximal sprint speed measured by a 20-meter sprint test. Also, aerobic fitness was assessed by evaluating maximum oxygen consumption (V̇O) through the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (Yo-Yo IR 1) test before and after the 6-week training period. After the intervention, both training groups (females and males) demonstrated significant improvements in vertical jump (effect size [ES] = 1.29, 1.06, respectively), peak power output (ES = 1.27, 1.39), T-test (ES = -0.56, -0.58), Illinois COD test (ES = -0.88, -1.1), 20-m sprint (ES = -1.09, -0.55), Yo-Yo IR1 performance (ES = 2.18, 2.20), and V̇O (ES = 2.28, 1.75). Gender did not exhibit any significant impact on the extent of changes observed over time. The results of this study suggest that adaptations in aerobic fitness and bio-motor abilities measured in this experiment in response to sSIT are similar across genders, and gender differences should not be a major concern when implementing sSIT in basketball players.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Athletic Performance; High-Intensity Interval Training; Basketball; Anaerobiosis; Running
PubMed: 38455442
DOI: 10.52082/jssm.2024.8 -
Journal of Musculoskeletal & Neuronal... Mar 2024The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a six-month interval rehabilitation treatment on motor function of children with PMM2-CDG syndrome (#212065 Congenital...
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a six-month interval rehabilitation treatment on motor function of children with PMM2-CDG syndrome (#212065 Congenital disorder of glycosylation, Type Ia; CDG1A, OMIM catalogue number).
METHODS
The concept 'Auf die Beine' (Center for Prevention and Rehabilitation of the University of Cologne, Germany) combines two short inpatient stays (1 to 2 weeks) with a six-month whole-body vibration (WBV) home-training program. 13 patients with PMM2-CDG syndrome participated in this concept from 2006 until 2015. Assessments at start, six months and 12 months (follow-up): Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-66), One-Minute Walk Test (1MWT) and instrumented gait analyses.
RESULTS
The GMFM-66 (9 of 13 children) improved by 5.3 (mean) points (SD 3.2) at 12 months (p=0.0039). The 1MWT (6 of 13 children) improved by 19.17 meter (SD 16.51) after 12 months (p=0.0313). Gait analysis (9 of 13 children) measured by pathlength/distance ratio improved by -0.8 (SD 1.9) at 12 months (p=0.0195).
CONCLUSION
Patients with PMM2-CDG syndrome benefit from the interval rehabilitation program 'Auf die Beine' including WBV.
Topics: Child; Humans; Retrospective Studies; Vibration; Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation; Phosphotransferases (Phosphomutases); Syndrome
PubMed: 38427364
DOI: No ID Found -
Nature Communications Feb 2024Poplar trees use photoperiod as a precise seasonal indicator, synchronizing plant phenology with the environment. Daylength cue determines FLOWERING LOCUS T 2 (FT2)...
Poplar trees use photoperiod as a precise seasonal indicator, synchronizing plant phenology with the environment. Daylength cue determines FLOWERING LOCUS T 2 (FT2) daily expression, crucial for shoot apex development and establishment of the annual growing period. However, limited evidence exists for the molecular factors controlling FT2 transcription and the conservation with the photoperiodic control of Arabidopsis flowering. We demonstrate that FT2 expression mediates growth cessation response quantitatively, and we provide a minimal data-driven model linking core clock genes to FT2 daily levels. GIGANTEA (GI) emerges as a critical inducer of the FT2 activation window, time-bound by TIMING OF CAB EXPRESSION (TOC1) and LATE ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL (LHY2) repressions. CRISPR/Cas9 loss-of-function lines validate these roles, identifying TOC1 as a long-sought FT2 repressor. Additionally, model simulations predict that FT2 downregulation upon daylength shortening results from a progressive narrowing of this activation window, driven by the phase shift observed in the preceding clock genes. This circadian-mediated mechanism enables poplar to exploit FT2 levels as an accurate daylength-meter.
Topics: Arabidopsis Proteins; Circadian Rhythm; Photoperiod; Arabidopsis; Hypocotyl; Populus; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Flowers
PubMed: 38413620
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46081-6 -
Translational Animal Science 2024This experiment aimed to assess the impact of virginiamycin on in vitro gas production dynamics, rumen kinetics, and nutrient digestibility in beef steers fed a...
This experiment aimed to assess the impact of virginiamycin on in vitro gas production dynamics, rumen kinetics, and nutrient digestibility in beef steers fed a grain-based diet. Nine ruminally cannulated British-crossbred steers (596 ± 49 kg) were assigned to this experiment. Animals were housed in three pens ( = 3/pen) equipped with a Calan gate feed system and water troughs. Pens were enrolled in a 3 × 3 Latin square design containing three periods of 16 d, and a 5-d washout interval between periods. Dietary treatments consisted of virginiamycin () administration at 0 (VM0), 180 (VM180), or 240 mg/d (VM240). During days 15 and 16 of each period, about 600 mL of rumen fluid and urine samples were collected before (0 h), and at 4, 8, 12, and 16 h after the morning feed (0730 hours), rumen inoculum was used to take pH and redox potential measurements immediately after collection using a portable pH and redox meter, and subsamples were taken for volatile fatty acids () and NH-N analyses, and urine samples were composited daily and analyzed for creatinine and purine derivatives () content to estimate microbial crude protein flow. During the 4-h post-morning feed rumen collection, rumen inoculum was utilized to perform in vitro gas production measurements. Fecal samples were collected on day 16 of each period to estimate nutrient digestibility using acid detergent insoluble ash as an internal marker. Animals were considered the experimental unit for the statistical analyses, and periods and squares were included as random variables. The total and rate of gas production were similar among treatments ( ≥ 0.17). The second-pool (i.e., fiber) gas production increased linearly as VM inclusion increased ( = 0.01), with VM240 being greater compared to VM180 and VM0 (7.84, 6.94, and 6.89 mL, respectively). Ruminal pH linearly increased as VM increased, with VM240 being greater than VM0 and VM180 intermediate (5.90, 5.82, and 5.86, respectively; = 0.03). The VFA concentrations did not differ ( ≥ 0.13), but the acetate-to-propionate ratio was the highest in VM240 ( = 0.005). Branched-chain VFA increased ( ≤ 0.03) while lactate concentrations decreased ( = 0.005) linearly with VM. The ruminal NH-N concentration was the lowest in the VM0 ( = 0.006). The estimated absorbed PD, purine derivative to creatinine index, and microbial N flow increased linearly with VM ( ≤ 0.07). The provision of VM influenced rumen dynamics in a dose-dependent manner.
PubMed: 38406320
DOI: 10.1093/tas/txae019 -
Heliyon Feb 2024The Six Minute Walk Test (6MWT) is a simple, non-invasive, well-validated test that assesses cardiorespiratory fitness however is rarely used in pregnant people. It may...
BACKGROUND
The Six Minute Walk Test (6MWT) is a simple, non-invasive, well-validated test that assesses cardiorespiratory fitness however is rarely used in pregnant people. It may have clinical utilization to assess fitness, breathing and exertion in pregnancy however no reference intervals exist for people 14 to 35 weeks gestation. We determined the reference intervals for distance walked for the 6MWT, including exertional and breathlessness ratings for this group.
METHOD
We conducted a prospective observational cohort study of 196 healthy nulliparous pregnant people in earlier pregnancy (EP) 14 to 23 weeks, and middle pregnancy (MP) 24 to 35 gestation, who performed a standardized 6MWT protocol including rating exertion and breathlessness (Rating Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale (1 none -15 maximal) and Modified Borg Dyspnea (MBD) scale (0 none - 10 maximal)).
RESULTS
The mean ± SD distance walked was 548 ± 80.9 (EP) versus 547 ± 87.3 (MP) meters (m) P = 0.928. 6MWT reference intervals for the distance walked for the 6MWT were 392-704 m (EP) and 376-718 m (MP). Median (IQR) exertion and breathlessness ratings with exercise for the EP and MP group were 6 (4,7) and 0.5 (0,1) and 6 (4,8) and 0.5 (0,1) respectively. There were no adverse events.
CONCLUSION
The 6MWT is safe, feasible and acceptable in pregnant people. The reference intervals for the 6MWT are 392-704 m in people 14 to 23 weeks gestation and 376-718 m for people 24 to 35 weeks gestation. Exertion was light and breathlessness was just noticeable with the 6MWT.
PubMed: 38404878
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25863