Marie Pellerin, Jean-Luc Martin, Lauranne Harlet
et al.
ABSTRACT Hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes acute and chronic hepatitis in humans. The zoonotic HEV genotype 3 (HEV-3) is present in various animal species, including pigs, wild boars, and other game animals. Foodborne transmission with the consumption of raw or undercooked pork products is the major transmission route of HEV-3. HEV RNA has been detected in various types of food, but particularly in pork liver-based food products. High hydrostatic pressure processing (HPP) can be used for the inactivation of pathogens in food. In the present study, the impact of HPP treatments was evaluated on HEV-3 infectivity in raw pork liver. Different pressure/time combinations (500 MPa for 1 or 5 min, 600 MPa for 1, 5, or 10 min) were applied to raw pork livers, artificially contaminated with HEV-3 (8.3 log10 HEV ge/g). Residual HEV infectivity was evaluated using the HepaRG cell culture model in p-24 well plates. The results obtained have shown the absence of residual infectious HEV particles in pork liver after a treatment of 600 MPa, during 1 min in a refrigerated room at +8°C. Then, liver sausages were prepared with pork liver treated at 600 MPa for 1 min. Technological measurements showed that the treatment had a significant impact on brightness, firmness, red hue, and cohesiveness. Nevertheless, these differences have not been perceived after food testing, which highlighted no major difference in taste or color. Thus, inactivation of HEV-3 in raw pork liver by HPP is a possible treatment to limit the risk of HEV exposure through food consumption.IMPORTANCEThe hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the leading cause of enterically transmitted acute hepatitis worldwide. It can have a zoonotic origin through the consumption of infected meat. Pigs are the main reservoir of zoonotic HEV, and pork livers are frequently contaminated by HEV. In the present study, we investigated the use of high-pressure processing (HPP) to inactivate HEV-3 in pork liver. This study is the first to identify HPP treatment parameters that can be applied to pork liver to reduce HEV infectivity. Additionally, it is the first study to demonstrate the feasibility of processing HPP-treated pork liver into food products, such as dry liver sausage.
Zahra Jafari-Ardakan, Morteza Zendehdel, Kimia Mahdavi
In avian species, the central nervous system orchestrates feeding behavior through intricate interplay among diverse neurotransmitter pathways. Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), a key peptide in cell growth and repair, has been implicated in appetite control in mammals, but its role in avian species remains unexplored. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of central infusion of EGF on food consumption in neonatal broilers and to determine the possible involvement of dopaminergic and adrenergic systems. In a series of experiments, 5-day-old male broilers were subjected to intracerebroventricular (ICV) injections following a 3-hour fasting period. In experiment 1, chicks received an ICV injection of either the control solution or EGF at doses of 50, 100, or 200 ng. Experiments 2-10 evaluated the effects of co-injection of EGF (200 ng) with various pharmacological agents and receptor antagonists: SCH23390 (D₁-dopaminergic), AMI-193 (D₂-dopaminergic), l-DOPA (dopamine precursor), 6-OHDA (dopaminergic neurotoxin), prazosin (α₁-adrenergic), yohimbine (α₂-adrenergic), metoprolol (β₁-adrenergic), ICI 118,551 (β₂-adrenergic), and SR 59230R (β₃-adrenergic). At 30, 60, and 120 minutes after the infusion, cumulative food consumption was recorded. The results showed that EGF (100 and 200 ng) significantly and dose-dependently reduced cumulative feed consumption compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The anorexigenic effect of EGF (200 ng) was potentiated by co-injection with l-DOPA (P < 0.05). Conversely, the anorexigenic effect of EGF was attenuated by co-infusion of SCH23390, 6-OHDA, and ICI 118,551 with EGF (P < 0.05). Antagonists for α₁, α₂, β₁, and β₃ adrenergic receptors, as well as D₂ dopaminergic receptors, had no significant effect on EGF-induced anorexia (P ≥ 0.05). These findings demonstrate, for the first time, that central EGF acts as an appetite-suppressing peptide in broilers, and its effect is specifically mediated through interactions with D₁ dopaminergic and β₂ adrenergic receptor systems.
Beata Nowicka, Izabela Polkowska, Paulina Zeliszewska-Duk
et al.
Similarly, in humans and horses, thoracic and lumbosacral back pain cause more disability and work interruptions worldwide than any other disease. Given that there are few effective treatments for back pain in humans and animals, primary prevention strategies and a reduction in pain factors may be crucial. In the analysed data obtained for the horses studied, the pattern of changes in adipocytokine concentrations, including resistin, visfatin and leptin, was noted for those with back pain compared to the control animals. Concentrations of selected adipocytokines in horses from the back pain group were different in animals with a coexisting diagnosis of asthma and back dysfunction. Very few studies are available on adipokine concentrations in horses. No information was found in relation to back pain and asthma in these animals. In humans, correlations of back pain and asthma with concentrations of selected adipokines have been described.
Katia Barbaro, Giorgio Marconi, Elisa Innocenzi
et al.
IntroductionThis study examined the efficacy of a therapy based on a combination of Platelet Rich Plasma and hydroxyapatite nanoparticles in a severe clinical case involving a young Rottweiler with a complex spiral fracture of the tibia.MethodFollowing a worsening of the lesion after traditional surgical intervention, the subject was treated with the combined therapy. X-rays were taken at the following stages: immediately post-surgery, four weeks post-surgery, and 10 days post-treatment. Fracture gap and callus density measurements were obtained using ImageJ analysis, allowing for a detailed quantitative assessment of bone regeneration over time.ResultsPost-operative radiographs indicated a clinical worsening of the fracture, revealing an increased fracture gap due to bone loss. However, significant improvements were observed ten days following the treatment, with a marked reduction in fracture gaps and increased callus density. These results demonstrated a notable acceleration in bone healing and callus formation compared to typical recovery times for similar lesions.ConclusionThe method showed potential for enhancing osteogenic regeneration, facilitating faster healing of serious orthopedic injuries compared to traditional methods.
The experiment sought to determine the effects of substituting Flammulina velutipes residue (FVR) for corn on growth performance, serum biochemical parameters, slaughter performance and caecum microbiota of geese. One hundred and ninety-two 35old Hordobagy geese were used in this experiment, and they were divided into four groups and fed with various diets for 28 d. The geese in the control group were fed with a basal diet. The other groups substituted 12%, 24% and 32% FVR for corn in their diets, respectively. There was no significant difference in the feed/gain ratio between the addition of 12% and 24% FVR to the diet, however, these additions considerably raised final body weight, average daily feed intake, and average daily growth (p < 0.05). When 24% FVR was substituted for corn in the diet, the levels of albumin (ALB) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) dramatically rose (p < 0.05). The examination of caecal microbiota revealed that the substitution of FVR for corn greatly increased both the variety and quantity of the caecal microbiota as well as the amount of bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). In conclusion, FVR has the potential to be an effective corn replacement with a 24% acceptable substitution level.
The aim of this study was to investigate protein regulation at different time points during the in vitro maturation of yak oocytes. Yak oocytes at GV, MI, and MII stages were collected during in vitro maturation, and differential proteomics sequencing was performed using iTRAQ technology. GO functional classification indicated that the differential proteins were closely associated with biological processes such as “metabolic processes”, and molecular events such as “binding” molecular-function-related categories were active. KOG analysis showed that energy-metabolism-related activities were vigorous during oocyte development from the GV phase to MI phase, and genetic material preparation activities were more active when oocytes developed from the MI stage to MII stage. KEGG pathway analysis showed that the PPAR metabolic pathway, Hippo signaling pathway, and ECM–receptor interaction and metabolic pathway were enriched from the GV to the MI stages. The PI3K-Akt, TGF-β, and phagosome pathways were enriched from the MI stage to the MII stage. These results indicate that transient dynamic changes occurred in the proteome during the maturation of yak oocytes, and the physiological functions mediated by these were also different. The accurate identification of the differential proteins in the three stages of GV, MI, and MII was helpful in further analyzing the molecular regulatory mechanism of yak oocyte maturation.
Emmanuel Hasahya, Emmanuel Hasahya, Krishna K. Thakur
et al.
Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) is a viral swine disease that causes reproductive failure in breeding sows and respiratory distress in growing pigs. The main objectives were to simulate the transmission patterns of PRRS in Uganda using North American Animal Disease Spread Model (NAADSM) and to evaluate the potential effect of prevention and control options such as vaccination and movement control. The median number of infectious farms at the end of 52 weeks for the baseline scenario was 735 (36.75% of the 2,000 farms). The best effects of vaccination were observed in scenarios 60% farm coverage and 80% farm coverage, which resulted in 82 and 98.2% reduction in the median number of infectious farms at the end of the simulation, respectively. Vaccination of all medium and large farms only (33% of the farms) resulted in a 71.2% decrease in the median number of infectious farms at the end of 52 weeks. Movement control (MC) results showed that the median number of infectious farms at the end of 52 weeks decreased by 21.6, 52.3, 79.4, and 92.4% for scenarios MC 20, MC 40, MC 60, and MC 80%, respectively. This study provides new insights to the government of Uganda on how PRRS can be controlled. The large and medium farms need to be prioritized for vaccination, which would be a feasible and effective way to limit the spread of PRRS in Uganda. Scavenging pigs should be confined at all times, whether in the presence or absence of any disease outbreaks.
This study investigates the influence of timing and duration of low-voltage electrical stimulation (ES) as well as carcass weight, which are important factors affecting muscle glycolysis and meat color attributes. Longissimus samples from 147 cattle, representative of typical South African feedlot cattle, were assigned to 10 treatment groups according to the combination of carcass weight (small or heavy), time of ES (early [7 min] or late [45 min] postmortem), and duration of ES (30 or 60 s). Early ES and longer ES duration (60 s) produced the highest (P < 0.05) meat lightness (L*). The combination of early ES and heavier carcasses produced the highest (P < 0.05) chroma (C*) 2 d postmortem (butchery period). These results were corroborated by the energy metabolites, such that early stimulation produced the highest amount (P < 0.05) of muscle lactate, glucose, and glucose-6-phosphate, as well as the lowest glycogen, creatine phosphate, and adenosine triphosphate early postmortem. This shows that the application of low-voltage ES on heavier carcass is advantageous in terms of meat color, but the advantages diminish as ageing progressed from 2 to 14 d postmortem.
In Anne Brontë'sAgnes Grey(1847), the eponymous narrator uses a range of ecological metaphors to make sense of her interactions with others. She likens governessing to domestic horticulture and envisions how her task of educating children will be “to train the tender plants, and watch their buds unfolding day by day.” Rather than voice her unfulfilled romantic feelings for Weston or consciously work through her self-doubts about physical appearance, she visualizes them both as insects: she is the “humble glow-worm” who, without a “power of giving light” (i.e., beauty), “the roving fly might pass her . . . a thousand times, and never light beside her” (123). Even the reader, in the opening sentence, assumes the role of active participant: a nucivorous beast hunting for whatever “dry, shriveled kernel” of narrative meaning might be found by “cracking the nut” (5). As character, the budding naturalist “botanize[s] and entomologize[s] along the green banks and budding hedges”; as narrator, she projects herself and those around her into complex ecosystems (95). Her choice of metaphors captures a matrix of exchanges in which species of all kinds interact with one another and their environments in unpredictable ways. Agnes assigns the life cycles of flora and fauna to characters, populating the novel with human and nonhuman animals in ways that draw heavily on early nineteenth-century science even as they also prefigure some of the concerns of contemporary animal studies and ecocriticism.
Sean R. Wattegedera, Morag Livingstone, Stephen Maley
et al.
Abstract Ovine enzootic abortion (OEA) caused by the obligate intracellular bacterial pathogen Chlamydia abortus (C. abortus), is an endemic disease in most sheep-rearing countries worldwide. Following infection, C. abortus establishes a complex host–pathogen interaction with a latent phase in non-pregnant sheep followed by an active disease phase in the placenta during pregnancy leading to OEA. Improved knowledge of the host–pathogen interactions at these different phases of disease will accelerate the development of new diagnostic tests and vaccines to control OEA. Current evidence indicates that cellular immunity is essential for controlling C. abortus infection. We have previously described a model of mucosal (intranasal) infection of non-pregnant sheep with C. abortus that replicates the latent and active phases of OEA. We have investigated antigen-specific recall responses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in sheep infected with C. abortus via the intranasal route to determine how these change during the latent and active phases of disease. By analysing cytokines associated with the major CD4+ve Thelper (Th) cell subsets (Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ)/Th1; Interleukin (IL)-4/Th2; IL-17A/Th17; IL-10/Tregulatory), we show that there is selective activation of PBMC producing IFN-γ and/or IL-10 during the latent phase following infection. These cytokines are also elevated during the active disease phase and while they are produced by sheep that are protected from OEA, they are also produced by sheep that abort, highlighting the difficulties in finding specific cellular immunological correlates of protection for complex intracellular pathogens.
The present study was conducted to investigate growth performance, carcass characteristics, short-chain fatty acids, fatty acid composition in abdominal fat, and serum parameters in broiler chickens fed diets containing corn oil, coconut oil, or black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) oil at the level of 50 g per kg of diet during the 30-day-feeding period. A total 450 one-day-old male broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly allocated to one of 3 dietary groups. Each treatment had 10 replicates with 15 chicks per replicate. Feed conversion ratio was decreased in the coconut and BSFL oil group compared with the corn oil group. Dietary BSFL oil increased ileal weight-to-length ratio at day 30 after hatch. Dietary BSFL oil increased significantly ileal branched-chain fatty acid (P < 0.05) and moderately total short-chain fatty acid in 15-day-old broilers (P = 0.074). At day 30, ileal propionate was highest in the coconut oil group but cecal propionate was highest (P < 0.05) in the BSFL oil group. Fatty acid composition of abdominal fat was affected by dietary fat sources. Especially, chickens fed diets containing coconut oil or BSFL oil had higher contents (P < 0.05) of saturated fatty acid being dominant in lauric and myristic acids compared with those fed on corn oil. On the other hand, the reverse trend was noted (P < 0.05) as to polyunsaturated fatty acids being dominant in corn oil compared with coconut oil and BSFL oil. Coconut oil vs. corn oil significantly increased total and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Finally, BSFL oil vs. corn oil significantly increased total antioxidant capacity in chickens. It is concluded that dietary BSFL oil improves feed conversion ratio and increases the incorporation of medium-chain fatty acids into abdominal fat pad and serum antioxidant capacity in broiler chickens.
Colin G. Scanes, Kayla Hurst, Yvonne Thaxton
et al.
ABSTRACT: There is limited information on the effects of stress and/or physiological manipulation on either plasma concentrations of corticosterone (CORT) and/or heterophil: lymphocyte (H : L) ratios in turkeys. The present studies examine the effects of catching/transportation/lairage in a holding shed and shackling on plasma concentrations of CORT and H : L ratios in male market weight turkeys. Plasma concentrations of CORT were increased after transportation and lairage but not further elevated by shackling, irrespective of its duration up to 240 s. In one study, there were increased H : L ratios following catching/placing birds into transportation cages/transportation/lairage. In one study, H : L ratios declined following shackling. It is concluded that while moving turkeys from the farm to immediately before the shackling line is stressful, shackling for up to 4 min was not perceived as more stressful in turkeys. There were also differences between farms/houses for both plasma concentrations of CORT and H : L ratios.
Fabio Correddu, Mondina Francesca Lunesu, Giovanna Buffa
et al.
Recently, the interest in industrial by-products produced at the local level in Mediterranean areas, resulting from fruit and vegetable processes, has increased because of their considerable amounts of bioactive compounds, including polyphenols. In this review, we analyze the most recent scientific results concerning the use of agro-industrial by-products, naturally rich in polyphenols (BPRP), in the diets of small dairy ruminants. Effects on milk production, milk and rumen liquor fatty acid profile, metabolic parameters, and methane production are reviewed. The feed intake and digestibility coefficients were generally depressed by BPRP, even though they were not always reflected in the milk yield. The main observed positive effects of BPRP were on quality of the milk’s FA profile, antioxidant activity in milk and blood, a reduction of rumen ammonia, and, consequently, a reduction of milk and blood urea. The expected beneficial effects of dietary polyphenols in small ruminants were not always observed because of their complex and variable matrices. However, owing to the large quantities of these products available at low prices, the use of BPRB in small ruminant nutrition offers a convenient solution to the valorization of residues arising from agricultural activities, reducing feed costs for farmers and conferring added value to dairy products at the local level, in a sustainable way.
Igor Loncaric, Adriana Cabal Rosel, Michael P. Szostak
et al.
The aim of the present study was to investigate the diversity of broad-spectrum cephalosporin-resistant <i>Klebsiella</i> spp. isolated from horses in Austria that originated from diseased horses. A total of seven non-repetitive cefotaxime-resistant <i>Klebsiella</i> sp. isolates were obtained during diagnostic activities from autumn 2012 to October 2019. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed. The isolates were genotyped by whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Four out of seven <i>Klebsiella</i> isolates were identified as <i>K. pneumoniae</i>, two as <i>K. michiganensis</i> and one as <i>K. oxytoca</i>. All isolates displayed a multi-drug resistant phenotype. The detection of resistance genes reflected well the phenotypic resistance profiles of the respective isolates. All but one isolate displayed the extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL) phenotype and carried CTX-M cefotaximases, whereas one isolate displayed an ESBL and AmpC phenotype and carried cephamycinase (CMY)-2 and sulfhydryl variable (SHV)-type b and Temoniera (TEM) β-lactamases. Among <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i> isolates, for different sequence types (ST) could be detected (ST147, ST307, ST1228, and a new ST4848). Besides resistance genes, a variety of virulence genes, including genes coding for yersiniabactin were detected. Considering the high proximity between horses and humans, our results undoubtedly identified a public health issue. This deserves to be also monitored in the years to come.
Maja Winther Iversen, Øyvind Nordbø, Eli Gjerlaug-Enger
et al.
Abstract Background In pigs, crossbreeding aims at exploiting heterosis, but heterosis is difficult to quantify. Heterozygosity at genetic markers is easier to measure and could potentially be used as an indicator of heterosis. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of heterozygosity on various maternal and production traits in purebred and crossbred pigs. The proportion of heterozygosity at genetic markers across the genome for each individual was included in the prediction model as a fixed regression across or within breeds. Results Estimates of regression coefficients of heterozygosity showed large effects for some traits. For maternal traits, regression coefficient estimates were always in a favourable direction, while for production, meat and slaughter quality traits, they were both favourable and unfavourable. Traits with the largest estimated effects of heterozygosity were total number born, litter weight at 3 weeks, weight at 150 days, and age at 40 kg. Estimates of regression coefficients on heterozygosity differed between breeds. Traits with the largest effect of heterozygosity also showed a significant (P < 0.05) increase in prediction accuracy when heterozygosity was included in the model compared to the model without heterozygosity. Conclusions For traits with the largest estimates of regression coefficients on heterozygosity, the inclusion of heterozygosity in the model improved prediction accuracy. Using models that include heterozygosity would result in selecting different animals for breeding, which has the potential to improve genetic gain for these traits. This is most beneficial when crossbreds or several breeds are included in the estimation of breeding values and is relevant to all species, not only pigs. Thus, our results show that including heterozygosity in the model is beneficial for some traits, likely due to dominant gene action.
W artykule poruszono problem ryzyka ubóstwa i wykluczenia społecznego w kontekście zrównoważonego rozwoju obszarów wiejskich. Materiały empiryczne zawarte w artykule pochodzą z badań cząstkowych EU-SILC (Europejskie badanie warunków życia ludności). Stanowią one punkt odniesienia dla porównania statystyk dotyczących dystrybucji dochodów i integracji społecznej w Unii Europejskiej. Za jeden z ważniejszych milenijnych celów rozwoju uznano niwelację ubóstwa i przeciwdziałanie marginalizacji społecznej. Z badań wynika, że co czwarty mieszkaniec obszarów wiejskich w UE jest zagrożony ubóstwem lub marginalizacją społeczną. W największym stopniu marginalizacją lub/i ubóstwem zagrożeni są mieszkańcy obszarów wiejskich w Bułgarii (54,8%) i Rumunii (50,8%), ale także w Polsce i na Litwie poziom ten przekracza średnią unijną (odpowiednio o 4,5 p.p. oraz 9,2 p.p.). Na drugim biegunie wykluczenia są Holandia i Czechy z poziomem ryzyka na poziomie 12,8%. Czynnikiem konstytuującym bezpieczeństwo ekonomiczne gospodarstwa domowego, a w efekcie poczucie pewności, są dochody. Ich wielkość wpływa na poziom ubóstwa obiektywnego mierzonego metodą parametryczną. W UE przyjmuje się, że zagrożone ubóstwem są osoby, których dochody nie przekraczają 60% mediany dochodów w danym kraju. Tym samym niemal co piąty mieszkaniec wsi w UE jest zagrożony ubóstwem. Ubóstwo i wykluczenie społeczne są zjawiskami wielowymiarowymi. Powodują niezaspokojenie potrzeb na wielu płaszczyznach – ochrony zdrowia, edukacji, warunków mieszkaniowych, kultury i czasu wolnego. Brak odpowiednich dochodów powoduje pewnego rodzaju sprzężenia zwrotne i jest zarówno przyczyną, jak i konsekwencją deprywacji potrzeb, a także sprzyja niezrównoważonemu rozwojowi obszarów wiejskich.
Economic history and conditions, Agriculture (General)
In this contribution, we will present some aspects of the history, nomenclature and uses of the culture of the bitter vetch (Vicia ervilia L. Willd.). Although this crop is currently considered to be minor and used only in animal feed, this has not always been the case. At certain times in history, the cultivation of the bitter vetch was more important and had a significant place among the cultivated legumes. Although it was little appreciated, it was used in human food and was part of the traditional pharmacopoeia. The excessive marginalization of the culture and consumption of the bitter vetch is relatively recent. The value of conservation of this type of resource is discussed in the light of the search for sustainability and resilience of the agroecosystems in the face of global changes.
<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Endocrine tissues play a fundamental role in maintaining homeostasis of plasma metabolites such as non-esterified fatty acids and glucose, the levels of which reflect the energy balance or the health status of animals. However, the relationship between the transcriptome of endocrine tissues and plasma metabolites has been poorly studied.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We determined the blood levels of 12 plasma metabolites in 27 pigs belonging to five breeds, each breed consisting of both females and males. The transcriptome of five endocrine tissues i.e. hypothalamus, adenohypophysis, thyroid gland, gonads and backfat tissues from 16 out of the 27 pigs was also determined. Sex and breed effects on the 12 plasma metabolites were investigated and associations between genes expressed in the five endocrine tissues and the 12 plasma metabolites measured were analyzed. A probeset was defined as a quantitative trait transcript (QTT) when its association with a particular metabolic trait achieved a nominal P value < 0.01.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A larger than expected number of QTT was found for non-esterified fatty acids and alanine aminotransferase in at least two tissues. The associations were highly tissue-specific. The QTT within the tissues were divided into co-expression network modules enriched for genes in Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes or gene ontology categories that are related to the physiological functions of the corresponding tissues. We also explored a multi-tissue co-expression network using QTT for non-esterified fatty acids from the five tissues and found that a module, enriched in hypothalamus QTT, was positioned at the centre of the entire multi-tissue network.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>These results emphasize the relationships between endocrine tissues and plasma metabolites in terms of gene expression. Highly tissue-specific association patterns suggest that candidate genes or gene pathways should be investigated in the context of specific tissues.</p>