Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Milica Kurucki, Snezana Tomanovic, Ratko Sukara, Dusko Cirovic
Summary: This study presents the first evidence of Hepatozoon canis in grey wolf populations in Serbia, highlighting the high prevalence and genetic diversity of the pathogen. Further research is needed to understand the transmission mechanism, potential sources of infection, and the impact of this pathogen on wild carnivores.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Guangliang Gao, Keshan Zhang, Ping Huang, Xianzhi Zhao, Qin Li, Youhui Xie, Chunhui Yin, Jing Li, Zhen Wang, Hang Zhong, Jiajia Xue, Zhuping Chen, Xianwen Wu, Qigui Wang
Summary: This study conducted a genome-wide association study to screen and identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with geese meat quality traits. The results revealed 43 potentially significant SNPs associated with these traits, as well as 28 annotated genes as potential candidate genes. Enrichment analysis showed potential pathway enrichment in protein digestion and absorption and glycolipid metabolism. This study provides novel genetic markers and candidate genes for marker-assisted selection and lays the foundation for understanding the genetic basis of goose meat quality traits.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Carolina Pacheco, Astrid Vik Stronen, Bogumila Jedrzejewska, Kamila Plis, Innokentiy M. Okhlopkov, Nikolay Mamaev, Sergei Drovetski, Raquel Godinho
Summary: Research reveals that modern grey wolves trace their origin to the Late Pleistocene Beringian population, with wolves from Far East and North America having a common ancestry before 34400 years ago. Coastal and inland North American populations diverged around 16000 years ago, consistent with the proposed ecological viability of the migration route. Historical effective population sizes of Far East and North American inland populations are larger than coastal populations, possibly due to the influence of broadscale climatic changes.
Article
Zoology
Kaija Klauder, Bridget L. Borg, Laura R. Prugh
Summary: Studies show that coyotes do not universally avoid wolves, but exhibit season-specific responses to wolf proximity and long-term landscape use by wolves. They avoid wolves in summer but prefer areas with wolves in winter, suggesting that mesopredators employ complex behavioral strategies to mediate apex predator effects.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Jacek Karamon, Malgorzata Samorek-Pierog, Jacek Sroka, Ewa Bilska-Zajac, Joanna Dabrowska, Maciej Kochanowski, Miroslaw Rozycki, Jolanta Zdybel, Tomasz Cencek
Summary: This study aimed to confirm the presence and molecular identification of Echinococcus tapeworms in wolves from south-eastern Poland. The investigation revealed the presence of adult E. ortleppi tapeworms in wolves for the first time, with PCR and sequencing showing high similarity to E. ortleppi (G5) sequences.
Review
Fisheries
Jose M. Yanez, Agustin Barria, Maria E. Lopez, Thomas Moen, Baltasar F. Garcia, Grazyella M. Yoshida, Peng Xu
Summary: Advancements in genomic technologies have played a crucial role in the genetic improvement of aquaculture species through the discovery and application of DNA-markers, such as SNPs. Specific genomic regions associated with economically important traits have been identified using GWAS, allowing the incorporation of markers linked to QTL into aquaculture breeding programs through MAS. However, most economically relevant traits are controlled by multiple QTLs, each explaining only a small portion of the genetic variation.
REVIEWS IN AQUACULTURE
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Shou-En Wu, Wei Liang Chen
Summary: The study investigated sarcopenia-related SNPs in Asian older adults and created a genotype score to test the combined effect of these SNPs on sarcopenia risk. Results revealed significant associations between SNPs and sarcopenic indices, with higher genotype scores linked to increased sarcopenia risk.
JOURNAL OF INFLAMMATION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Qixin Guo, Lan Huang, Yong Jiang, Zhixiu Wang, Yulin Bi, Guohong Chen, Hao Bai, Guobin Chang
Summary: Good feed efficiency is crucial for the economic output of the livestock and poultry industries. This study conducted a genome-wide association study to identify potential variants and genes associated with seven feed efficiency measures in ducks. The findings provide insights into the genetic mechanisms and genes involved in feed efficiency-related traits in ducks. Further investigations are warranted to validate these findings.
Article
Plant Sciences
Huilong Hong, Mei Li, Yijie Chen, Haorang Wang, Jun Wang, Bingfu Guo, Huawei Gao, Honglei Ren, Ming Yuan, Yingpeng Han, Lijuan Qiu
Summary: This study analyzed the phenotypic diversity and genetic basis of epicotyl length (EL) in soybean using 951 cultivars and landraces from different regions. The study identified 180 QTNs and QEIs associated with EL, and predicted 10 candidate genes that may be involved in seed germination and seedling development.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Narayana Bhat Devate, Hari Krishna, Sunil Kumar V. Parmeshwarappa, Karthik Kumar Manjunath, Divya Chauhan, Shweta Singh, Jang Bahadur Singh, Monu Kumar, Ravindra Patil, Hanif Khan, Neelu Jain, Gyanendra Pratap Singh, Pradeep Kumar Singh
Summary: This study conducted a genome-wide association study to identify markers associated with traits under heat and drought stress in bread wheat. The results provide valuable markers that can be used for marker-assisted breeding to develop climate-resilient cultivars.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Keon Kim, Jung Eun Song, Jae Beom Joo, Hyeon A. Park, Chang Hyeon Choi, Chang Yun Je, Ock Kyu Kim, Sin Wook Park, Yoon Jung Do, Tai-Young Hur, Sang-Ik Park, Chang-Min Lee
Summary: This study conducted a GWAS analysis to investigate the genetic predisposition to mammary gland tumors (MGT) in Maltese dogs. Several significant SNPs associated with MGT phenotype were identified, providing a basis for further research on the genetic predisposition to MGTs in Maltese dogs.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Yilong Zhao, Sangang He, Jinfeng Huang, Mingjun Liu
Summary: pH is one of the main factors affecting meat storage/shelf life and overall quality. Through a genome-wide association analysis, candidate genes related to pH were identified, providing new opportunities for genetic improvement and extending the shelf life of meat.
Article
Ecology
Salome A. Frevol, Daniel R. MacNulty, Morgan Anderson, Lindsey E. Carmichael, H. Dean Cluff, L. David Mech, Marco Musiani
Summary: Genetic diversity decreases in populations closer to a species' range edge, but generalist species capable of long-range dispersal can counteract this. However, presence of significant barriers to dispersal may still lead to and exacerbate the edge effect.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Bowen Gu, Ruifan Sun, Xingqiang Fang, Jipan Zhang, Zhongquan Zhao, Deli Huang, Yuanping Zhao, Yongju Zhao
Summary: This study conducted a genome-wide association study on a Chinese indigenous goat breed, Dazu black goats, to identify the genetic variants associated with body conformation traits. A total of 53 significant single nucleotide polymorphisms and 42 candidate genes were detected. These findings have practical applications for genetic improvement and economic benefits in the goat meat industry.
Article
Fisheries
W. K. M. Omeka, D. S. Liyanage, Sukkyoung Lee, Chaehyeon Lim, Hyerim Yang, W. M. Gayashani Sandamalika, H. M. V. Udayantha, Gaeun Kim, Subothini Ganeshalingam, Taehyug Jeong, Seong-Rip Oh, Seung-Hwan Won, Hyoung-Bum Koh, Mun-Kwan Kim, David B. Jones, Cecile Massault, Dean R. Jerry, Jehee Lee
Summary: Traits linked to growth performance in farmed fish are important for profitability in aquaculture. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) on olive flounder identified several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with growth traits. These findings contribute to understanding the molecular basis of growth regulation and promote the use of SNP-based genomic selection in flounder culture.
Article
Psychiatry
Isabell Brikell, Theresa Wimberley, Clara Albinana, Bjarni Johann Vilhjalmsson, Esben Agerbo, Anders D. Borglum, Ditte Demontis, Andrew J. Schork, Sonja LaBianca, Thomas Werge, David M. Hougaard, Merete Nordentoft, Ole Mors, Preben Bo Mortensen, Liselotte Vogdrup Petersen, Soren Dalsgaard
Summary: This study investigated the associations, confounding, and interactions between ADHD polygenic risk scores (PRSs) and other risk factors. The results showed that ADHD PRS was associated with certain birth-related, somatic, and psychosocial risk factors, but there was limited evidence of gene-environment interaction and minimal influence of ADHD PRS and family psychiatric history on ADHD risk factor associations.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Tibebu Alemu, Cino Pertoldi, Kitessa Hundera, Argaw Ambelu
Summary: Riparian vegetation in East Africa has been severely degraded by human activities, and further research is needed to determine the factors affecting it. A study in southwest Ethiopia found that plant community composition, species richness, and diversity were lowest along streams beside agricultural land and highest along forested streams. The results highlight the importance of sustainable management for riparian vegetation conservation and restoration.
Article
Remote Sensing
Peter Povlsen, Anne Cathrine Linder, Hanne Lyngholm Larsen, Petar Durdevic, Daniel Ortiz Arroyo, Dan Bruhn, Cino Pertoldi, Sussie Pagh
Summary: Drones equipped with thermal cameras have expanded the possibilities for monitoring wildlife, particularly in the case of the declining European hare population in Denmark. This study used a DJI Mavic 2 drone with thermal imaging to investigate its efficacy in identifying and counting hares. Test flights were conducted to determine optimal flight altitudes and camera settings, and a case study over a 242 ha agricultural area validated the methodology. The results showed that thermal imaging-based drone surveys are a viable alternative to traditional counting methods for monitoring hares.
Article
Zoology
Dragana Snjegota, Magdalena Niedzialkowska, Astrid Vik Stronen, Tomasz Borowik, Kamila Plis, Marine Arakelyan, Dusko Cirovic, Gabriel Danila, Mihajla Djan, Astghik Ghazaryan, Zurab Gurielidze, Tigran Hayrapetyan, Zsolt Hegyeli, Alexandros A. Karamanlidis, Natia Kopaliani, Josip Kusak, Dmitry Politov, Maya Talala, Elena Tsingarska, Bogumila Jedrzejewska
Summary: Mountain regions play a crucial role in maintaining the populations and genetic diversity of wild species that require large areas to sustain viable populations. A study on wolves in the Caucasus, Carpathian, and Dinaric-Balkan regions revealed high genetic diversity and overlap of major haplogroups. The findings highlight the importance of these regions for intraspecific variability and the need for further research and conservation efforts, particularly in the biodiverse Caucasus region. Broad-scale planning is essential for conserving evolutionary processes in these transboundary areas.
Correction
Genetics & Heredity
Ditte Demontis, G. Bragi Walters, Georgios Athanasiadis, Raymond Walters, Karen Therrien, Trine Tollerup Nielsen, Leila Farajzadeh, Georgios Voloudakis, Jaroslav Bendl, Biau Zeng, Wen Zhang, Jakob Grove, Thomas D. Als, Jinjie Duan, F. Kyle Satterstrom, Jonas Bybjerg-Grauholm, Marie H. Baekved-Hansen, Olafur Gudmundsson, Sigurdur Magnusson, Gisli Baldursson, Katrin C. Davidsdottir, Gyda Haraldsdottir, Esben Agerbo, Gabriel M. Hoffman, Soren Dalsgaard, Jonna Martin, Marta Ribases, Dorret H. Boomsma, Maria Soler Artigas, Nina Roth Mota, Daniel Howrigan, Sarah J. Medland, Tetyana J. Zayats, Veera Rajagopal, Merete Nordentoft, Ole Mors, David M. Hougaard, Preben Bo Mortensen, Mark J. Daly, Stephen V. Faraone, Hreinn Stefansson, Panos Roussos, Barbara Franke, Thomas Werge, Benjamin M. Neale, Kari Stefansson, Anders D. Borglum
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Soren Krabbe Staahltoft, Magnus Fjord Aaser, Jakob Nodgaard Strange Jensen, Ismat Zadran, Emil Birkmose Sorensen, Anders Esbjerg Nielsen, Aage Kristian Olsen Alstrup, Dan Bruhn, Anne Cathrine Linder, Christian Sonne, John Frikke, Cino Pertoldi
Summary: Virtual fencing is a new method of containing livestock using GPS technology and auditory warnings and electric impulses. This study examines the effectiveness of one such system in a rotational strip grazing regime with 17 Angus bull calves, and aims to determine which calves are more likely to receive electric impulses. The system proves effective at containing the bull calves and they learn to associate the warnings with the impulses. However, there are individual differences in the number of warnings and impulses received.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Sina Baier-Stegmaier, Carsten Gundlach, Mariann Chriel, Mette Sif Hansen, Christina Vedel-Smith, Charlotte Vikkels Hansen, Daniel Klingberg Johansson, Louise Birgitte Henriksen, Magnus Wahlberg, Charlotte Bie Thostesen, Aage Kristian Olsen Alstrup, Kristian Murphy Gregersen, Cino Pertoldi, Sussie Pagh
Summary: X-ray micro-computed tomography (mu-CT) has been verified as a non-invasive method for age determination of three species within the order of Carnivora and suborders Odontoceti. The number of visible dental growth layers extracted from mu-CT data showed a high correlation with the true age for all three species.
Article
Biology
Christinna Herskind, Heidi Huus Petersen, Cino Pertoldi, Stine Karstenskov Ostergaard, Marta Kolodziej-Sobocinska, Wojciech Sobocinski, Malgorzata Tokarska, Trine Hammer Jensen
Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate the adaptability of recently introduced European bison in Lille Vildmose by analyzing their dietary diversity and parasitic load. The study found that the bison quickly adapted to their new habitat, with seasonal changes in their diet and parasitic load.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Line Holm Andersen, Christian Ransborg, Cino Pertoldi, Sussie Pagh, Simon Bahrndorff
Summary: Ecosystem engineering species like beavers play a crucial role in restoring biodiversity by building dams and lodges, altering natural hydrology, and creating multiple habitats for various organisms. A study in Klosterheden, Denmark examined the impact of beaver reintroduction on flying invertebrate biomass and moth diversity. The presence of beavers was found to influence invertebrate biomass and moth diversity, with vegetation productivity and structural heterogeneity also increasing in areas with beavers. These findings highlight the significance of beavers as ecosystem engineers that shape invertebrate species composition, riparian structure, and productivity.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Judit Cabana-Dominguez, Natalia Llonga, Lorena Arribas, Silvia Alemany, Laura Vilar-Ribo, Ditte Demontis, Christian Fadeuilhe, Montse Corrales, Vanesa Richarte, Anders D. Borglum, Josep Antoni Ramos-Quiroga, Maria Soler Artigas, Marta Ribases
Summary: In this study, a transcriptome-wide association study was conducted on individuals with ADHD and controls using genome-wide association study meta-analysis. Transcriptomic risk scores (TRSs) were constructed based on gene expression profiles, and it was found that individuals with ADHD had a higher burden of TRSs. The study highlights the potential utility of gene expression for risk prediction and deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying ADHD.
MOLECULAR PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Thomas D. D. Als, Mitja I. I. Kurki, Jakob Grove, Georgios Voloudakis, Karen Therrien, Elisa Tasanko, Trine Tollerup Nielsen, Joonas Naamanka, Kumar Veerapen, Daniel F. F. Levey, Jaroslav Bendl, Jonas Bybjerg-Grauholm, Biao Zeng, Ditte Demontis, Anders Rosengren, Georgios Athanasiadis, Marie Baekved-Hansen, Per Qvist, G. Bragi Walters, Thorgeir Thorgeirsson, Hreinn Stefansson, Katherine L. L. Musliner, Veera M. M. Rajagopal, Leila Farajzadeh, Janne Thirstrup, Bjarni J. J. Vilhjalmsson, John J. J. McGrath, Manuel Mattheisen, Sandra Meier, Esben Agerbo, Kari Stefansson, Merete Nordentoft, Thomas Werge, David M. M. Hougaard, Preben B. B. Mortensen, Murray B. B. Stein, Joel Gelernter, Iiris Hovatta, Panos Roussos, Mark J. J. Daly, Ole Mors, Aarno Palotie, Anders D. D. Borglum
Summary: This study conducted a genome-wide association study meta-analysis and identified 243 risk loci associated with depression in a large population. It revealed that depression is highly polygenic and also shares genetic risk with other psychiatric disorders, while influencing educational attainment and complex cognition domains. The analysis also demonstrated distinct polygenic architectures and significantly increased absolute risks for recurrence and psychiatric comorbidity among cases of depression with the highest polygenic burden, with considerable sex differences. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the biology underlying depression and inform precision medicine approaches to treatment.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Troels Pank Arboll, Sophie Lund Rasmussen, Nadieh de Jonge, Anne Haslund Hansen, Cino Pertoldi, Jeppe Lund Nielsen
Summary: The recent development of ancient DNA sequencing techniques has provided valuable insights into previous civilizations, but their full potential has not yet been realized. In this study, researchers extracted ancient DNA from a 2900-year-old clay brick from the palace of King Ashurnasirpal II in Nimrud, Iraq. They identified 34 unique taxonomic groups of plants, making the pioneering discovery that ancient DNA can be effectively protected and successfully extracted from well-preserved clay. Future research in this area has significant scientific prospects and could lead to a deeper understanding of ancient and lost civilizations.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Biology
Anna-Sofie Lutzhoft Svendsen, Louise Bach Nielsen, Jakob Brauner Schmidt, Dan Bruhn, Line Holm Andersen, Cino Pertoldi
Summary: eDNA metabarcoding is a new method for studying the diet of wild animals. This study compared eDNA metabarcoding with microscopy to determine the diet of four species of waterfowl. It was found that combining morphological analysis and DNA metabarcoding can provide sufficient information for ecological inquiries.
Article
Remote Sensing
Hanne Lyngholm Larsen, Katrine Moller-Lassesen, Esther Magdalene Ellersgaard Enevoldsen, Sarah Bogh Madsen, Maria Trier Obsen, Peter Povlsen, Dan Bruhn, Cino Pertoldi, Sussie Pagh
Summary: This study investigates the use of a drone equipped with a thermal camera for recognizing wild mammal species in open areas and determining the sex and age of red deer and roe deer in Denmark. The results show that the drone images can effectively distinguish different animal species based on their body measures and using thermal images is more time-efficient and less invasive for population studies of deer compared to traditional methods.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Marlee A. Tucker, Aafke M. Schipper, Tempe S. F. Adams, Nina Attias, Tal Avgar, Natarsha L. Babic, Kristin J. Barker, Guillaume Bastille-Rousseau, Dominik M. Behr, Jerrold L. Belant, Dean E. Beyer, Niels Blaum, J. David Blount, Dirk Bockmuhl, Ricardo Luiz Pires Boulhosa, Michael B. Brown, Bayarbaatar Buuveibaatar, Francesca Cagnacci, Justin M. Calabrese, Rok Cerne, Simon Chamaille-Jammes, Aung Nyein Chan, Michael J. Chase, Yannick Chaval, Yvette Chenaux-Ibrahim, Seth G. Cherry, Dusko Cirovic, Emrah Coban, Eric K. Cole, Laura Conlee, Alyson Courtemanch, Gabriele Cozzi, Sarah C. Davidson, Darren DeBloois, Nandintsetseg Dejid, Vickie DeNicola, Arnaud L. J. Desbiez, Iain Douglas-Hamilton, David Drake, Michael Egan, Jasper A. J. Eikelboom, William F. Fagan, Morgan J. Farmer, Julian Fennessy, Shannon P. Finnegan, Christen H. Fleming, Bonnie Fournier, Nicholas L. Fowler, Mariela G. Gantchoff, Alexandre Garnier, Benedikt Gehr, Chris Geremia, Jacob R. Goheen, Morgan L. Hauptfleisch, Mark Hebblewhite, Morten Heim, Anne G. Hertel, Marco Heurich, A. J. Mark Hewison, James Hodson, Nicholas Hoffman, J. Grant C. Hopcraft, Djuro Huber, Edmund J. Isaac, Karolina Janik, Milos Jezek, Orjan Johansson, Neil R. Jordan, Petra Kaczensky, Douglas N. Kamaru, Matthew J. Kauffman, Todd M. Kautz, Roland Kays, Allicia P. Kelly, Jonas Kindberg, Miha Krofel, Josip Kusak, Clayton T. Lamb, Tayler N. LaSharr, Peter Leimgruber, Horst Leitner, Michael Lierz, John D. C. Linnell, Purevjav Lkhagvaja, Ryan A. Long, Jose Vicente Lopez-Bao, Matthias-Claudio Loretto, Pascal Marchand, Hans Martin, Lindsay A. Martinez, Roy T. McBride, Ashley A. D. McLaren, Erling Meisingset, Joerg Melzheimer, Evelyn H. Merrill, Arthur D. Middleton, Kevin L. Monteith, Seth A. Moore, Bram Van Moorter, Nicolas Morellet, Thomas Morrison, Rebekka Mueller, Atle Mysterud, Michael J. Noonan, David O'Connor, Daniel Olson, Kirk A. Olson, Anna C. Ortega, Federico Ossi, Manuela Panzacchi, Robert Patchett, Brent R. Patterson, Rogerio Cunha de Paula, John Payne, Wibke Peters, Tyler R. Petroelje, Benjamin J. Pitcher, Bostjan Pokorny, Kim Poole, Hubert Potocnik, Marie-Pier Poulin, Robert M. Pringle, Herbert H. T. Prins, Nathan Ranc, Slaven Reljic, Benjamin Robb, Ralf Roder, Christer M. Rolandsen, Christian Rutz, Albert R. Salemgareyev, Gustaf Samelius, Heather Sayine-Crawford, Sarah Schooler, Cagan H. Sekercioglu, Nuria Selva, Paola Semenzato, Agnieszka Sergiel, Koustubh Sharma, Avery L. Shawler, Johannes Signer, Vaclav Silovsky, Joao Paulo Silva, Richard Simon, Rachel A. Smiley, Douglas W. Smith, Erling J. Solberg, Diego Ellis-Soto, Orr Spiegel, Jared Stabach, Jenna Stacy-Dawes, Daniel R. Stahler, John Stephenson, Cheyenne Stewart, Olav Strand, Peter Sunde, Nathan J. Svoboda, Jonathan Swart, Jeffrey J. Thompson, Katrina L. Toal, Kenneth Uiseb, Meredith C. VanAcker, Marianela Velilla, Tana L. Verzuh, Bettina Wachter, Brittany L. Wagler, Jesse Whittington, Martin Wikelski, Christopher C. Wilmers, George Wittemyer, Julie K. Young, Filip Zieba, Tomasz Zwijacz-Kozica, Mark A. J. Huijbregts, Thomas Mueller
Summary: COVID-19 lockdowns have had significant impacts on wildlife, altering their spatial behaviors such as increased movements and reduced avoidance of roads. However, individual responses varied and were influenced by the different lockdown conditions.