Review
Veterinary Sciences
Yuning Liu, Runhang Li, Ying Ying, Yandong Zhang, Yiying Huang, Hongxin Wu, Kejian Lin
Summary: The Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region is the top pastoral area for lamb breeding in China. Understanding the relationship between Inner Mongolian lamb, meat quality, and flavor is crucial for improving the production of high-quality mutton. Non-genetic means have been explored to enhance the quality and flavor of Inner Mongolia lambs.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Mika Hasegawa, Jumpei Taniguchi, Hiromichi Ueda, Mikio Watanabe
Summary: In this study, the methylation level of CpG sites was examined as an environmental factor affecting adiponectin levels using monozygotic twins with the same genetic background. Epigenetic factors and genetic factors associated with sensitivity to acquired changes in adiponectin were identified.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Valentina Ferradini, Davide Vacca, Beatrice Belmonte, Ruggiero Mango, Letizia Scola, Giuseppe Novelli, Carmela Rita Balistreri, Federica Sangiuolo
Summary: Takotsubo syndrome (TTS), also known as stress cardiomyopathy, is a rare pathology with individual heterogeneity, predominantly affecting postmenopausal women. While a genetic basis in TTS pathogenesis is suspected, clear evidence is lacking. Further research is needed to understand the pathophysiology of TTS and to identify specific and effective treatments.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Jiezhang Mo, Doris Wai-Ting Au, Jiahua Guo, Christoph Winkler, Richard Yuen-Chong Kong, Frauke Seemann
Summary: Research indicates that environmental exposure to benzo[a]pyrene may cause osteotoxicity, which could be transgenerationally inherited. Genetic and epigenetic factors play important roles in regulating bone metabolism, and researchers propose two possible epigenetic regulatory circuits in relation to bone miRNAs and genes.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yuliannis Lugones, Pia Loren, Luis A. Salazar
Summary: Cisplatin is a widely used anti-cancer drug, but tumor cells can develop resistance to its damaging effects through genetic and epigenetic changes, as well as other resistance mechanisms.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Joe M. M. McCord, Bifeng Gao, Brooks M. M. Hybertson
Summary: Nrf2 is a crucial transcription factor that regulates over 2000 genes. Its activation and deactivation involve a complex network of control points, allowing flexibility in its gene expression profile. Understanding and targeting multiple control points in the Nrf2 pathway, compared to the traditional one-drug, one-target approach, may have advantages in modulating its activity.
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Holly R. Cope, Clare McArthur, Christopher R. Dickman, Thomas M. Newsome, Rachael Gray, Catherine A. Herbert
Summary: Millions of native animals are rescued and rehabilitated by wildlife rehabilitators worldwide. This study conducted a global systematic review and meta-analysis to determine factors associated with the survival of native mammals and birds during rehabilitation and after release. The study found that survival rates varied between locations and certain factors, such as anthropogenic factors and species-specific characteristics, influenced the likelihood of survival. Evidence-based and species-specific protocols are needed to maximize wildlife survival.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Danila Cuomo, Margaret J. Foster, David Threadgill
Summary: Lead poisoning is a significant public health concern in environmental justice communities and developing countries. Individual susceptibility to lead exposure varies due to genetic and epigenetic factors. Current studies have provided inconsistent evidence on the identification of susceptibility genes or early exposure biomarkers.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Studies
Gaston Antonio Ballut-Dajud, Luis Carlos Sandoval Herazo, Gregorio Fernandez-Lambert, Jose Luis Marin-Muniz, Maria Cristina Lopez Mendez, Erick Arturo Betanzo-Torres
Summary: Despite occupying a small area, natural wetland ecosystems play a crucial role in soil formation, food supply, climate regulation, and carbon sequestration. However, they are facing numerous incident factors such as agriculture, urbanization, and aquaculture, which lead to the loss of wetlands and reduction in carbon sequestration. Mangroves, lagoons, and marine waters are the most affected types of wetlands.
Review
Construction & Building Technology
Li Yang, Caijun Shi, Jianhui Liu, Zemei Wu
Summary: This paper provides an overview of factors affecting the effectiveness of internal curing in cement-based materials, focusing on the amount of internal curing water, characteristics of internal curing materials, and migration distance of internal curing water. Observations include the inability of certain equations to completely reduce autogenous shrinkage, the significance of water release characteristics of internal curing materials, and the unexpected effects on concrete properties when internal curing materials do not match the pore structure of the mixture.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lukasz Ustianowski, Jakub Udzik, Joanna Szostak, Anna Goracy, Klaudia Ustianowska, Andrzej Pawlik
Summary: This narrative review discusses the role of genetic and epigenetic factors in the pathogenesis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and explores the risk factors of GDM, including obesity, advanced maternal age, and polycystic ovary syndrome.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Veterinary Sciences
Mieghan Bruce, John M. Young, David G. Masters, Gordon Refshauge, Andrew N. Thompson, Paul R. Kenyon, Ralph Behrendt, Amy Lockwood, David W. Miller, Caroline Jacobson
Summary: Dystocia contributes to significant lamb and ewe mortality in sheep production in Australia and New Zealand. The financial impacts of dystocia on the Australian sheep industry are substantial, and reducing dystocia through improved genetics and management can lead to improved animal welfare and farm profit.
PREVENTIVE VETERINARY MEDICINE
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cesare Faldini, Marco Manzetti, Simona Neri, Francesca Barile, Giovanni Viroli, Giuseppe Geraci, Francesco Ursini, Alberto Ruffilli
Summary: This review summarizes the literature on the epigenetic and genetic factors associated with the risk of curve progression in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). The findings suggest that while genetic markers have limited clinical application, epigenetic modifications show promising results as reliable markers for predicting curve progression.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Mohammed Obadi, Jiyao Zhang, Yanan Shi, Bin Xu
Summary: This paper summarizes the impact of raw materials, additives, and production processes on the quality of frozen cooked noodles (FCNs), highlighting how the noodle manufacturing process significantly affects FCN quality. Ice crystal formation in the internal structure of FCNs during frozen storage is identified as an important factor influencing noodle quality. Additives play a crucial role in reducing the freezable water content of noodles during frozen storage.
TRENDS IN FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Hasan Celikyurek
Summary: The objective of this study was to investigate the growth and developmental traits of Norduz lambs and the factors influencing these traits. The study found that maternal age, birth type, and lamb birth weight had significant effects on lamb live weight gain, while sex did not have a significant effect.
TROPICAL ANIMAL HEALTH AND PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Cornelius Nel, Phillip Gurman, Andrew Swan, Julius van der Werf, Margaretha Snyman, Kennedy Dzama, Klint Gore, Anna Scholtz, Schalk Cloete
Summary: This study evaluated the genetic structure of sheep breeds in South Africa and Australia. The results showed high genetic complexity and diversity in these breeds. The relatedness and divergence varied among different breeds and bloodlines. The study also found that population structure could have an important impact on the compatibility of genomic data.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
P. T. Muvhali, M. Bonato, I. A. Malecki, S. W. P. Cloete
Summary: This study evaluated monthly egg production and average egg weight for female ostriches and estimated the genetic parameters for these traits. The results showed that egg production had high variability compared to egg weight, and there was no genetic correlation between the two traits.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POULTRY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mads F. Schou, Anel Engelbrecht, Zanell Brand, Erik Svensson, Schalk Cloete, Charlie K. Cornwallis
Summary: Research suggests that ostriches have the evolutionary potential to cope with temperature fluctuations, but there is a negative genetic correlation between heat and cold tolerance, which limits their ability to adapt to fluctuating temperatures.
Article
Agronomy
Madeliene L. Facy, Michelle L. Hebart, Helena Oakey, Rudi A. McEwin, Wayne S. Pitchford
Summary: Female fertility is crucial in beef breeding programs. However, limited genetic progress has been made due to long generation intervals and inadequate phenotyping. Days to calving (DC) is a potential trait for genetic improvement and increased weaning rate. Genetic parameters and correlations were estimated for DC in different joinings (first, second and third+) and lactation status (lactating and non-lactating) in a tropical composite cattle population. The study found that first joining DC and mature joining DC had a moderate-high genetic correlation (0.55-0.83). However, there was no correlation between DC in multiparous lactating and non-lactating cows (r(G) = -0.10). The correlation between mature joining DC and second joining lactating DC was stronger (0.41-0.69) compared to second joining non-lactating DC (-0.14 to -0.16). Therefore, different joinings and lactation status should be treated as separate traits to maximize genetic gain.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Simon K. Walker, Jennifer M. Kelly, Michelle L. Hebart, Alyce M. S. Swinbourne, Alice C. Weaver, David O. Kleemann
Summary: This study examines the effects of intra-vaginal progesterone treatment on luteolysis, ovulatory follicle emergence, timing of estrus, and fertility in ewes. The results show that the timing of luteal regression is related to the emergence of ovulatory follicles, which in turn affects the timing of estrus. The relationship between the day of follicle emergence and luteal regression is influenced by treatment and cycling status. The study suggests two strategies to improve artificial insemination success: timed treatment with PGF2a and early treatment with eCG. Evaluation: 6 out of 10.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Rebecca White, Laura Nath, Michelle Hebart, Samantha Franklin
Summary: This study aimed to measure P wave indices in healthy standardbred horses and investigate variables that might influence them. The findings showed significant associations with exercise status and exercise duration (number of years raced), similar to those reported in human athletes, suggesting that exercise training leads to remodeling of the heart chambers, which may explain the increased risk of heart rhythm disturbances in athletes.
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Elin Videvall, Hanna M. Bensch, Anel Engelbrecht, Schalk Cloete, Charlie K. Cornwallis
Summary: Coprophagy, a behavior observed in various species including birds and mammals, involves the consumption of feces. This study investigates the effects of ostrich chicks ingesting adult feces on their gut microbiota development, growth, feeding behavior, pathogen abundance, and mortality. The results show that coprophagy leads to significant changes in the juvenile gut microbiota, promotes growth, alters feeding behavior, reduces a common gut pathogen, and lowers mortality associated with gut disease.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
F. D. Brien, R. L. Pitchford, S. P. Vogt, D. J. Koopman
Summary: Developing relevant information to assist sheep producers in achieving profitable flock-rebuilding is crucial. Retaining more older ewes, purchasing young ewes, and joining ewe lambs have the most potential for both rapid and profitable flock rebuilding. While reducing reproductive wastage or increasing reproductive potential can be profitable, they cannot rapidly rebuild flock numbers.
ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
M. Teubes, S. W. P. Cloete, K. Dzama, A. J. Scholtz
Summary: This study estimated the genetic and environmental parameters of tail length, birth weight, and docking weight in a South African Merino flock. The findings suggest that selecting for shorter tails may reduce size if breeding values are not adjusted for docking weight. Further research is needed to explore the genetic basis of tail length and its genetic correlations with other economically important traits.
ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Cornelius Nel, Phillip Gurman, Andrew Swan, Julius van Der Werf, Margaretha Snyman, Kennedy Dzama, Willem Olivier, Anna Scholtz, Schalk Cloete
Summary: This study compared the predictive ability of pedigree BLUP and single-step genomic BLUP for production and reproduction traits in South African Merinos. The results showed that single-step genomic BLUP increased the accuracy of prediction for almost all traits, even with a modestly sized reference population. However, the overall accuracy was lower in the cross-flock validation, with greater differences between ABLUP and ssGBLUP.
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL BREEDING AND GENETICS
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
P. G. Theron, T. S. Brand, S. W. P. Cloete, J. H. C. van Zyl
Summary: This study used a simple mathematical model to predict the optimal point of slaughter for lamb based on fat depth, and monitored and fitted different genotypic groups. The results showed that linear fitting of fat depth to age and live weight provided the best fit, ewes deposited fat faster than rams, and Dorper crosses had the highest fat deposition rate.
TROPICAL ANIMAL HEALTH AND PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
P. G. Theron, T. S. Brand, S. W. P. Cloete, J. H. C. van Zyl
Summary: This study aimed to develop genotype-specific feed intake models for South African feedlot lambs. The cumulative intake model was found to accurately predict feed intake and showed a strong correlation with feed conversion ratio.
TROPICAL ANIMAL HEALTH AND PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
M. R. Kekana, A. Engelbrecht, M. Bonato, S. W. P. Cloete
Summary: The domestication and commercialisation of ostrich farming in South Africa started in the 19th century for feather production. Ostrich feathers, unique and valued for their different attributes compared to other bird feathers, were the primary product until the feather market collapsed in 1914. This review summarises current knowledge on ostrich feather production and research, as the industry has regained importance in South Africa and supplies most of the feathers used worldwide.
WORLDS POULTRY SCIENCE JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Homa Papoli Yazdi, Colin Olito, Takeshi Kawakami, Per Unneberg, Mads F. Schou, Schalk W. P. Cloete, Bengt Hansson, Charlie K. Cornwallis
Summary: Sex chromosomes have often evolved with extreme size differences due to degeneration, but in some lineages, ancient sex chromosomes have not degenerated. In ostriches, the W chromosome remains large despite being ancient. By analyzing the ostrich genome, researchers found that recombination rate in the pseudoautosomal region (PAR) is higher than autosomes in females, which slows down degeneration. Genetic variation in the sex-linked region (SLR) is lower than in the PAR, while variation in the PAR is similar to autosomes, suggesting high recombination near the boundaries of the PAR prevents linkage with the SLR. The potential for sexually antagonistic alleles to drive degeneration is limited in ostriches.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
C. L. Nel, Y. Steyn, A. R. Gilmour, D. Waters, S. A. Clark, J. H. J. van der Werf, A. A. Swan, K. Dzama, S. W. P. Cloete
Summary: Research suggests that cold-stress adaptation may contribute to the genetic trends for survival of lambs. However, the failure to account for the genotype by environment component may lead to underestimation of the heritability of survival traits. It is recommended to conduct larger studies to further explore the effects of cold stress on lamb survival.
ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE
(2023)