1
|
Avcioğlu Ü, Aksoy A, Bi Lgi Ç A, Sinan Aktaş M, Ali Tunç M. Calf mortality in Turkish dairy farms: Economic impact, regional disparities, and farm-level drivers. Prev Vet Med 2024; 230:106279. [PMID: 39029326 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2024.106279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
This study investigates the economic burden of calf mortality in Turkish dairy farms and its impact on the national economy. We gathered research data by directly surveying dairy farms in seven provinces, each representing a distinct region of Turkiye. By conducting these surveys, we captured data on various aspects of calf mortality, including losses among non-pregnant cows aged two and older, pregnant cows, and those experiencing complications during birth, as well as losses within the 0-6 month age bracket. These figures were then amalgamated to establish the overall calf loss rate. Using a fractional probit model, we examined the empirical relationship between total calf loss rates and the socio-demographic characteristics of farm operators and their establishments. Our findings revealed that approximately 82 % of farms experienced some degree of calf loss, with the calf loss rate among dairy cattle farming accounting for nearly 20 %. Notably, regional disparities emerged as a key observation, alongside the identification of certain socio-demographic farm characteristics that proved statistically significant. Specifically, factors such as the prevalence of local cattle breeds, the proportion of crossbred bulls, as well as the numbers of heifers and calves, stood out as influential. Further scrutiny, fortified by ANOVA tests and relationships between the number of cows and total calf loss rate, underscored pronounced geographical disparities in post-estimation calf loss rates. Meanwhile, correlation heatmaps illuminated noteworthy relationships between specific cattle traits and the extent of calf losses. These findings not only underscore the severity of the issue but also highlight the urgency of preventive measures. In light of these insights, we offer pertinent policy recommendations to stakeholders and policymakers aimed at mitigating this considerable economic burden effectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ümit Avcioğlu
- Atatürk University, Narman Vocational School, Erzurum, Turkiye
| | - Adem Aksoy
- Atatürk Üniversity, College of Agriculture, Department of Agricultural Economics, Erzurum, Turkiye.
| | - Abdulbaki Bi Lgi Ç
- Seyh Edebali University College of Economics and Administrative Sciences Department of Management Information Systems, Bilecik, Turkiye.
| | - M Sinan Aktaş
- Atatürk University, College of Veterinary, Depertment of Internal Medicine, Erzurum, Turkiye
| | - M Ali Tunç
- Atatürk University, Narman Vocational School, Erzurum, Turkiye
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tang M, Lhermie G. Risk factors associated with calf mortality in Western Canadian cow-calf operations. Prev Vet Med 2023; 218:105989. [PMID: 37579720 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2023.105989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
This study examined the influence of management practices and herd demographics on calf mortality proportions in Western Canadian cow-calf operations, utilizing data from the second Western Canadian Cow-calf Survey. The survey was conducted between October 23, 2017, and February 28, 2018. The survey, which was open to all cow-calf producers across Western Canada, provided producer-reported data regarding calf death loss and corresponding herd-level factors. A fractional logit model was employed to identify significant factors associated with calf mortality proportions. The findings revealed that shorter breeding seasons (<63 days), calves born within the same season, and regular pregnancy checks for breeding females were negatively associated with calf mortality proportions. Conversely, regular breeding soundness evaluations for breeding bulls, traditional weaning methods, and vaccinating heifers for scours showed positive associations with increased calf mortality proportions. Herd operations where dams were vaccinated against clostridial and bovine respiratory diseases had lower calf mortality proportions. Notably, operations with experienced primary decision-makers holding off-farm jobs had lower predicted calf mortality proportions compared to those managed by full-time cattle producers. Higher predicted calf mortality proportions were observed in operations employing a backgrounding system. The study's limitations included potential biases due to its cross-sectional nature and reliance on producer-reported data, which might lead to an underestimation of calf mortality proportions. Also, the limited sample size and missing data might have affected the statistical significance of some variables. This study contributed to the research on cow-calf operation by using a fractional logit model to analyze the correlation between risk factors and calf mortality proportions, and by identifying novel herd-level risk factors. It provided a basis for future research aimed at developing empirically-based management strategies to optimize calf health outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minfeng Tang
- Simpson Centre for Food and Agricultural Policy, The School of Public Policy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
| | - Guillaume Lhermie
- Simpson Centre for Food and Agricultural Policy, The School of Public Policy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang L, Zhao J, Xiong X, Li L, Zhu T, Pei H. Enzyme-Free Nucleic Acid Circuits for Fold-Change Detection. Chempluschem 2023; 88:e202300083. [PMID: 37005227 DOI: 10.1002/cplu.202300083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
Fold-change detection is widespread in sensory systems of various organisms. Dynamic DNA nanotechnology provides an important toolbox for reproducing structures and responses of cellular circuits. In this work, we construct an enzyme-free nucleic acid circuit based on the incoherent feed-forward loop using toehold-mediated DNA strand displacement reactions and explore its dynamic behaviors. The mathematical model based on ordinary differential equations is used to evaluate the parameter regime required for fold-change detection. After selecting appropriate parameters, the constructed synthetic circuit exhibits approximate fold-change detection for multiple rounds of inputs with different initial concentrations. This work is anticipated to shed new light on the design of DNA dynamic circuits in the enzyme-free environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Likun Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200241 (P. R., China
| | - Jiayan Zhao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200241 (P. R., China
| | - Xiewei Xiong
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200241 (P. R., China
| | - Li Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200241 (P. R., China
| | - Tong Zhu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200241 (P. R., China
| | - Hao Pei
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200241 (P. R., China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rao R, Musante CJ, Allen R. A quantitative systems pharmacology model of the pathophysiology and treatment of COVID-19 predicts optimal timing of pharmacological interventions. NPJ Syst Biol Appl 2023; 9:13. [PMID: 37059734 PMCID: PMC10102696 DOI: 10.1038/s41540-023-00269-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023] Open
Abstract
A quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP) model of the pathogenesis and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection can streamline and accelerate the development of novel medicines to treat COVID-19. Simulation of clinical trials allows in silico exploration of the uncertainties of clinical trial design and can rapidly inform their protocols. We previously published a preliminary model of the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection. To further our understanding of COVID-19 and treatment, we significantly updated the model by matching a curated dataset spanning viral load and immune responses in plasma and lung. We identified a population of parameter sets to generate heterogeneity in pathophysiology and treatment and tested this model against published reports from interventional SARS-CoV-2 targeting mAb and antiviral trials. Upon generation and selection of a virtual population, we match both the placebo and treated responses in viral load in these trials. We extended the model to predict the rate of hospitalization or death within a population. Via comparison of the in silico predictions with clinical data, we hypothesize that the immune response to virus is log-linear over a wide range of viral load. To validate this approach, we show the model matches a published subgroup analysis, sorted by baseline viral load, of patients treated with neutralizing Abs. By simulating intervention at different time points post infection, the model predicts efficacy is not sensitive to interventions within five days of symptom onset, but efficacy is dramatically reduced if more than five days pass post symptom onset prior to treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rohit Rao
- Early Clinical Development, Pfizer Worldwide Research, Development and Medical, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Cynthia J Musante
- Early Clinical Development, Pfizer Worldwide Research, Development and Medical, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Richard Allen
- Early Clinical Development, Pfizer Worldwide Research, Development and Medical, Cambridge, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Jeknić S, Kudo T, Song JJ, Covert MW. An optimized reporter of the transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor 1α reveals complex HIF-1α activation dynamics in single cells. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:104599. [PMID: 36907438 PMCID: PMC10124923 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.104599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune cells adopt a variety of metabolic states to support their many biological functions, which include fighting pathogens, removing tissue debris, and tissue remodeling. One of the key mediators of these metabolic changes is the transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α). Single-cell dynamics have been shown to be an important determinant of cell behavior; however, despite the importance of HIF-1α, little is known about its single-cell dynamics or their effect on metabolism. To address this knowledge gap, here we optimized a HIF-1α fluorescent reporter and applied it to study single-cell dynamics. First, we showed that single cells are likely able to differentiate multiple levels of prolyl hydroxylase inhibition, a marker of metabolic change, via HIF-1α activity. We then applied a physiological stimulus known to trigger metabolic change, interferon-γ, and observed heterogeneous, oscillatory HIF-1α responses in single cells. Finally, we input these dynamics into a mathematical model of HIF-1α-regulated metabolism and discovered a profound difference between cells exhibiting high versus low HIF-1α activation. Specifically, we found cells with high HIF-1α activation are able to meaningfully reduce flux through the tricarboxylic acid cycle and show a notable increase in the NAD+/NADH ratio compared with cells displaying low HIF-1α activation. Altogether, this work demonstrates an optimized reporter for studying HIF-1α in single cells and reveals previously unknown principles of HIF-1α activation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stevan Jeknić
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Takamasa Kudo
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Joanna J Song
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Markus W Covert
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ying T, Alexander H. Quantifying information of intracellular signaling: progress with machine learning. REPORTS ON PROGRESS IN PHYSICS. PHYSICAL SOCIETY (GREAT BRITAIN) 2022; 85:10.1088/1361-6633/ac7a4a. [PMID: 35724636 PMCID: PMC9507437 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6633/ac7a4a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Cells convey information about their extracellular environment to their core functional machineries. Studying the capacity of intracellular signaling pathways to transmit information addresses fundamental questions about living systems. Here, we review how information-theoretic approaches have been used to quantify information transmission by signaling pathways that are functionally pleiotropic and subject to molecular stochasticity. We describe how recent advances in machine learning have been leveraged to address the challenges of complex temporal trajectory datasets and how these have contributed to our understanding of how cells employ temporal coding to appropriately adapt to environmental perturbations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tang Ying
- Institute for Quantitative and Computational Biosciences, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- International Academic Center of Complex Systems, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai 519087, China
| | - Hoffmann Alexander
- Institute for Quantitative and Computational Biosciences, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Topolewski P, Zakrzewska KE, Walczak J, Nienałtowski K, Müller-Newen G, Singh A, Komorowski M. Phenotypic variability, not noise, accounts for most of the cell-to-cell heterogeneity in IFN-γ and oncostatin M signaling responses. Sci Signal 2022; 15:eabd9303. [PMID: 35167339 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.abd9303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Cellular signaling responses show substantial cell-to-cell heterogeneity, which is often ascribed to the inherent randomness of biochemical reactions, termed molecular noise, wherein high noise implies low signaling fidelity. Alternatively, heterogeneity could arise from differences in molecular content between cells, termed molecular phenotypic variability, which does not necessarily imply imprecise signaling. The contribution of these two processes to signaling heterogeneity is unclear. Here, we fused fibroblasts to produce binuclear syncytia to distinguish noise from phenotypic variability in the analysis of cytokine signaling. We reasoned that the responses of the two nuclei within one syncytium could approximate the signaling outcomes of two cells with the same molecular content, thereby disclosing noise contribution, whereas comparison of different syncytia should reveal contribution of phenotypic variability. We found that ~90% of the variance in the primary response (which was the abundance of phosphorylated, nuclear STAT) to stimulation with the cytokines interferon-γ and oncostatin M resulted from differences in the molecular content of individual cells. Thus, our data reveal that cytokine signaling in the system used here operates in a reproducible, high-fidelity manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Topolewski
- Institute of Fundamental Technological Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Karolina E Zakrzewska
- Institute of Fundamental Technological Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jarosław Walczak
- Institute of Fundamental Technological Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Karol Nienałtowski
- Institute of Fundamental Technological Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Gerhard Müller-Newen
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Abhyudai Singh
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Michał Komorowski
- Institute of Fundamental Technological Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|