bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Yafa Shanneik, Chris Heinhold y Zahra Ali (dirs.) (2017). Mapping Shia Muslim communities in Europe. Local and transnational dimensions, número especial del Journal of Muslims in Europe, 6(2).
Authors: Taussig Sylvie
Published: December 2018

Yafa Shanneik, Chris Heinhold y Zahra Ali (dirs.) (2017). Mapping Shia Muslim communities in Europe. Local and transnational dimensions, número especial del Journal of Muslims in Europe, 6(2).
Appearance of Clostridium difficile infections in health care institutions in Slovakia and in the district of martin
Authors: Novak M , Mazakova I , Sadlonova V , Cervenova T , Hudeckova H.
Published: December 2018

Introduction: Decrease of nonspecific imunity in patients and the treatment with broad spectrum antibiotics form appropriate conditions for the appearance of medically severe Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) - enterocolitis that can have the characteristics of community or hospital acquired infection (HAI). The aim of our work is to identify the trend of their incidence in Slovakia and to define the risk groups according to age and department of hospitalisation.

Material and Methods: Retrospective analysis and comparison of the appearance of CDI was performed within the groups of patients hospitalised in health care institutions in the SR and those in the district of Martin during the period of years 2010 to 2017. The data of reported cases were taken from the Epidemiological information system of the Slovak Republic (EPIS SR), the source of demografic data was the National Center of Health Information.

Resuts: Analysis shows an important increase of incidence of CDI during years 2010 to 2017. Diseases had predominantly health care associated – nosocomial – character targeting mostly older patients (65+ - 24/10 000 in the Slovak Republic and 62/10,000 in the county of Martin) and less infants (7/10,000 and 11/10,000 repectively).

Conclusion: The results of our analyses are consistent with literature data about CDI enterocolitis and show their serious health and social impact in our society.
Sunbeds use – tanning pattern and UV protective behaviour of adults of the Turiec Region
Authors: Dvorstiakova B , Jakusova V , Ulbrichtova R , Hudeckova H.
Published: December 2018

Introduction: Recent worldwide researches dealing with artificial sources of ultraviolet radiation have noticed an increased incidence of skin cancer, conjunctivitis, or decreased immunity. Melanoma is the most serious disease that may be caused by sunbeds.

Goal: The main goal of the study was to coherently process public health issues of sunbeds and find out a level of information and attitude of adult population in the Turiec Region.

Material and method: In the II. half of 2016 we carried out a questionnaire survey focused on information and attitude of adult population towards sunbeds and their negative effect on humans. The total sample consisted of 121 adult participants (74 females and 47 males) from the Turiec Region.

Results: The age range of participants was 36 ± 6.5 years and the age range of sunbed users was 31 ± 4.8 (x ± SD). From the total sample of 121 participants 34 (28.1%) visit sunbed and 87 (71.9%) do not. Sunbeds are visited more by women (85.3%), but men (p 0.05) take longer sunbaths than women. Women (p 0.05) were more informed about their phototype than men. Only 51 (42.2%) of participants were aware of their skin phototype and better informed were participants with higher education. From the survey only 13 (38.2%) participants used the combination of protective sunglasses and sunscreens.

Conclusion: The results show that visitors of sunbeds had a higher level of information than non-visitors. A negative aspect is that the participants didn’t know the phototype of their skin and didn’t use all protective aids. Most participants said that information on sunbed are inadequate. From the public health view it is very important to focus on prevention, spread information about diseases influenced by artificial source of UV radiation, and educate the population.
Possible impact of automotive industry on the health of working population
Authors: Ulbrichtova R , Jakusova V , Dvorstiakova B , Hudeckova H.
Published: December 2018

Introduction: The automotive industry represents the most important industrial sector in Slovakia. Overall, there are more than 200,000 people employed in this sector. The work in automotive industry is monotonous and repetitive with excessive number of movements of upper extremities.

Methods: In this retrospective study the development of specific occupational diseases in Slovak automotive industry was analyzed. The frequency and occurrence of major occupational diseases in the period from 1987 to 2017 was analyzed, including major causes and factors which influence the rise and development of these occupational diseases (the long-term excessive unilateral load of upper extremities, noise-related diseases). Data on occupational diseases cases were retrieved from the National Registry of occupational diseases.

Results: Diseases due to the long-term excessive unilateral load of upper extremities have been at the first place in the order of all admitted occupational diseases in the Slovak Republic since 1997. The total number of notified occupational diseases in respective years shows a declining trend whereas the number of diseases due to the long-term excessive unilateral load of upper extremities as well as evaluations of suspected occupational diseases has the rising trend. Between 1987 and 2017 a total of 20,370 new cases were recorded, of which 4,707 (23.10%) were diseases due to the long-term excessive unilateral load of upper extremities and 2,150 (10.55%) were noise-related occupational diseases.

Conclusions: The automotive industry offers a lot of job opportunities. On the other hand, it is characterized by a type of working activity that poses a considerable risk to employees.
Measurement of Low-level radiofrequency electromagnetic fields in the human environment
Authors: Misek J , Laukova T , Kohan M , Veternik M , Jakusova V , Jakus J
Published: December 2018

In recent years there has been an increase in development of electromagnetic (EM) technology in the telecommunication industry, resulting in an increase in human non-ionizing exposure. This fact has initiated a number of scientific studies on possible health effects of EM fields on human organism. Totally four representative microenvironments were investigated for RF EM fields distribution, namely: city center, residential area, rural area, and extra-village area. Each microenvironment was measured 20 times in accordance with the International Commission for Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) guidelines. The extra-village measurements were taken as the base values that reflect the E-field intensities with the lowest amplitudes. The statistical analysis revealed notable statistical significance (p < 0.001) in almost all measured frequency bands except the Wi-Fi where the p-values were less than 0.05 for the city center and residential area but not significant for rural area. The highest total E-field intensity was measured in the residential area (approximately 1.85 V/m). All measured values were below the legal limits of the Slovak Republic and ICNIRP safety guidelines. However, the ICNIRP safety limits were written in 1998 considering only the thermal effects of RF radiation. They were updated in 2009 without any changes in the limits and still recommend 27.5 – 61 V/m (2 – 10 W/m2) for the RF frequency band of 400–2,000 MHz. The BioInitiative Report of 2012 established the scientific benchmark for possible health risks as 30–60 μW/m2 (approximately 0.1 – 0.15 V/m). Thus, all measured values were above the scientifically derived limits.
Therapeutic bullfrog oil-based nanoemulsion for oral application: Development, characterization and stability
Authors: Rutckeviski Renata , Xavier Francisco Humberto , Morais Andreza Rochelle Do Vale , Amaral-Machado Lucas , Alencar Everton Do Nascimento , Genre Julieta , De Souza Araujo Adriano Antunes , Egito Eryvaldo Socrates Tabosa Do
Published: December 2018

The aim of this study was to develop, optimize, and characterize a stable therapeutic bullfrog oil based nanoemulsion for oral application using a rational experimental design approach. The optimized oral nanoemulsion contained 0.2 % sodium benzoate and 0.02 % propyl-paraben as preservatives; 0.1 % sucralose and 0.4 % acesulfam K as sweeteners and 0.1 % tutti-frutti as flavoring to mask the unpleasant organoleptic characteristics of bullfrog oil. The oral O/W-nanoemulsion showed the droplet size, PDI, zeta potential, and pH of 410 ± 8 nm, 0.20 ± 0.02, –38 ± 2.5 mV, and 6.43 ± 0.05, respectively. The optimized oral nanoemulsion showed a milky single-phase and optimal physical stability at 25 °C for 90 days. Indeed, higher oxidation induction time and lower formation of peroxides in the oral nanoemulsion were responsible for improving its stability. A therapeutic delivery system containing bullfrog oil for oral application was successfully developed and optimized with ideal thermo-oxidative stability.
Comparison of clinico-pathological characteristics and survival of recurrent ovarian cancer patients on seven different chemo-protocols
Authors: Sattar Saima , Ahmad Mobasher , Saeed Hamid , Saleem Zikria , Danish Zeeshan , Akhlaq Muhammad
Published: December 2018

Despite growing prevalence of ovarian cancer (OC) in Pakistan, no literature evidence exists regarding its clinic-pathological characteristics, survival and compliance of patients with recurrent ovarian cancer on various chemo-protocols. An observational study was conducted by enrolling 251 recurrent OC patients on 7 different chemo-protocols, from a specialized cancer care hospital, Lahore, Pakistan, using convenient judgmental sampling. The study was conducted for a period of 6 months. Most of the patients were between 18 and 70 years of age, with IIIC FIGO stage and papillary serous histological grade. As per RECIST, improved partial response (PR) (63.3 %) and complete response (CR) (52.1 %) was observed in the CP (carboplatin + paclitaxel) arm, substantiated by improved median progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in CP and CD (carboplatin + docetaxel) arms, respectively, yet with no significant differences in survival curves, PFS (p = 0.12) and OS (p = 0.22). Interestingly, the highest and the lowest patient non-compliance were observed in CG (carboplatin + gemcitabine) (81.6 %) and paclitaxel (4.5 %) arms, resp. As per the hazard model for survival, topotecan showed significant association with the therapy related events/deaths compared to other protocols. These data suggest that CP regimen exhibited improved clinical efficacy and decreased toxicity related non-compliance in recurrent ovarian cancer patients of Lahore.
Sesquiterpenes α-humulene and β-caryophyllene oxide enhance the efficacy of 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin in colon cancer cells
Authors: Ambrož Martin , Šmatová Markéta , Šadibolová Michaela , Pospíšilová Eva , Hadravská Pavlína , Kašparová Michaela , Skarková Veronika Hanušová , Králová Věra , Skálová Lenka
Published: December 2018

The present study is designed to find out if sesquiterpenes, α-humulene (HUM), valencene (VAL), β-caryphyllene-oxide (CAO) and trans-nerolidol (NER), are able to improve the antiproliferative effect of classical cytostatic drugs, 5-fluorouracil (FU) and oxaliplatin (1,2-diaminocyclohexaneoxalato-platinum, OxPt), in colon cancer cell lines Caco-2 and SW-620. In addition, the possible mechanisms of sesquiterpene action are studied. The results show significant ability of HUM and especially of CAO to enhance the anti-proliferative effects of FU and OxPt in cancer cell lines Caco-2 and SW-620. On the other hand, VAL and NER are ineffective. The action of CAO could be partly based on its ability to disrupt the mitochondrial membrane potential and to activate initiator caspases, but other mechanisms are probably also involved. Based on these results, CAO seems to have the potential for combination therapy of colon cancers and deserves further study.
The antitumor activity of umbelliferone in human renal cell carcinoma via regulation of the p110γ catalytic subunit of PI3Kγ
Authors: Wang Xue , Huang Shuaishuai , Xin Xia , Ren Yu , Weng Guobin , Wang Ping
Published: December 2018

Umbelliferone exhibits extensive pharmacological activity, including anti-immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and antigenotoxicity activities. However, its antitumor properties still remain unclear in human renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cells. Our results have revealed that treatment of human RCC cells (786-O, OS-RC-2, and ACHN) with umbelliferone reduced cell proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner and induced dose-dependent apoptotic events. In addition, cell cycle analysis determined that umbelliferone treatment induced cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, western blotting analysis showed a dose-dependent decrease in Ki67, MCM2, Bcl-2, CDK2, CyclinE1, CDK4, and CyclinD1 and a dose-dependent increase in Bax in RCC cells cultured with umbelliferone. Similarly, umbelliferone exhibited a dose-dependent reduction of p110γ when using western blotting analyses. Taken together, these results provide an insight into the pharmacology regarding the potential application of umbelliferone, which contributes to cell death by decreasing p110γ protein expression.
Effects of annexin A1 on apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in human leukemic cell lines
Authors: Sabran Affidah , Kumolosasi Endang , Jantan Ibrahim
Published: December 2018

Recent studies suggest that annexin A1 (ANXA1) promotes apoptosis in cancerous cells. This study aims to investigate the effects of ANXA1 on apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in K562, Jurkat and U937 cells and peripheral blood mononu-clear cells (PBMC). Cells were treated with ANXA1 and cyclophosphamide prior to flow cytometry analysis for apoptosis and cell cycle arrest induction. At 2.5µM, ANXA1 induced significant apoptosis in K562 (p ≤ 0.001) and U937 (p ≤ 0.05) cells, with EC
50 values of 3.6 and 3.8 µM, respectively. In Jurkat cells, induction was not significant (EC
50, 17.0 µM). No significant apoptosis induction was observed in PBMC. ANXA1 caused cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase in K562 and U937 cells with p ≤ 0.001 for both, and (p ≤ 0.01) for Jurkat cells. ANXA1 induced apoptosis and cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase in K562 and U937 cells, causing only cell cycle arrest in Jurkat cells.
Identification of new process-related impurity in the key intermediate in the synthesis of TCV-116
Authors: Testen Ana , Plevnik Miha , Štefane Bogdan , Cigić Irena Kralj
Published: December 2018

Development of safe and effective drugs requires complete impurity evaluation and, therefore, knowledge about the formation and elimination of impurities is necessary. During impurity profiling of a key intermediate during synthesis of candesartan cilexetil (1-(((cyclohexyloxy)carbonyl) oxy)ethyl 1-((2’-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)-[1,1’-biphenyl]-4-yl) methyl)-2-ethoxy-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-7-carboxylate, TCV-116), a novel compound, which had not been reported previously, was observed. Structural elucidation of impurity was achieved by liquid chromatography hyphenated to different high resolution mass analyzers. Based on exact mass measurements and fragmentation pattern, a chloro alkyl carbonate ester analogue of the intermediate was identified. Structure of the impurity was confirmed by mass spectro-metric and NMR analyses of the target substance. Identified impurity could represent a hazard if it is transferred to the final API stage and its presence should be kept below allowed limits. Further investigation could reveal whether bis(1-chloroethyl) carbonate is a precursor to impurity formation. Therefore, synthesis should be regulated so as to minimize impurity production. Analysis of the final product indicated that the amount of impurity did not exceed 50 mg L−1, which represents the detection limit, determined according to the signal/noise ratio.
Gellan gum and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as binding agents in extrusion/spheronization pellet formulations
Authors: Barbosa Eduardo José , Ferraz Humberto Gomes
Published: December 2018

The aim of this work was to evaluate gellan gum as binder in pellet formulations, with theophylline as the model drug, in comparison with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). A full 32 factorial design was realized, with binder and diluent factors at three levels each. Pellets were produced by the extrusion/spheronization technique, and dried in a fluid-ized bed. Physical tests and dissolution tests were conducted. The results showed that the binder factor was not significant for pellet size and granulometry distribution. Rather, trends of a different response of gellan gum were identified, in comparison with PVP, in aspect ratio and dissolution tests: more round pellets were obtained in formulations with gellan gum, and more variable dissolution resulted when this polysaccharide was present. Therefore, if the usage of this compound in immediate release pellet formulations is verified, this justifies the interest in the development of sustained release systems using gellan gum.
Dendrimer functionalized folate-targeted gold nanoparticles for luciferase gene silencing in vitro: A proof of principle study
Authors: Mbatha Londiwe Simphiwe , Maiyo Fiona Chepkoech , Singh Moganavelli
Published: December 2018

Use of exogenous small interfering RNA (siRNA) has shown potential in gene silencing. The need for target-specific siRNA delivery vehicles is crucial to successful gene silencing. This study is aimed at developing and evaluating the safety and efficiency of siRNA delivery using unmodified and folic acid (FA) modified poly(amidoamine) generation 5 (PAMAM G5D) functionalized gold nanoparticles (Au:G5D/Au:G5D:FA) in vitro. All formulations were physico--chemically characterized and nanocomplexes were evaluated using the band shift, dye displacement, nuclease protection, MTT cell viability, and luciferase reporter gene assays. Nanocomplexes bound and protected siRNA against degrading RNases, and were well tolerated by the cells. The Au:G5D:FA nanocomplexes elicited excellent gene silencing in folate receptor expressing HeLa-Tat-Luc cells, decreasing significantly in the presence of excess FA ligand, indicating nanocomplex uptake by the mechanism of receptor mediation. These results highlight the synergistic role played by Au and the dendrimer in enhancement of transgene silencing.
Solubilization of ibuprofen for freeze dried parenteral dosage forms
Authors: Preskar Maja , Vrbanec Tomislav , Vrečer Franc , Šket Primož , Plavec Janez , Gašperlin Mirjana
Published: December 2018

Ibuprofen, a weakly acidic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug having poor aqueous solubility, is a challenging drug for the development of pharmaceutical formulations, resulting in numerous research attempts focusing on improvement of its solubility and consequently bioavailability. Most studies have been done for solid dosage forms, with very little attention paid to parenterals. Hence, the main purpose of the present study was to enhance ibuprofen solubility as a result of formulation composition and the freeze drying process. Moreover, the purpose was to prepare a freeze dried dosage form with improved ibuprofen solubility that could, after simple reconstitution with water for injection, result in an isotonic parenteral solution. Solubility of ibuprofen was modified by various excipients suitable for parenteral application. Drug interactions with selected excipients in the final product/lyophilisate were studied by a combined use of XRPD, DSC, Raman and ss-NMR. Analyses of lyophilized samples showed solubility enhancement of ibuprofen and in situ formation of an ibuprofen salt with the alkaline excipients used.
Pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity of selected pharmaceutical agents
Authors: Hamdan Imad I. , Kasabri Violet N. , Al-Hiari Yusuf M. , El-Sabawi Dina , Zalloum Hiba
Published: December 2018

Twenty-five structurally diverse compounds have been tested in vitro for their pancreatic lipase (PL) inhibitory activity. Despite the diversity of tested compounds, the relationship comprising structural attributes of the compounds could be established to correlate with the observed inhibitory activity. Compounds that exerted inhibitory action through surface activity were of different profile from the rest of compounds. When co-incubated with orlistat (OsT), important synergistic effects for some compounds (orphenadrine, gliclazide, cefuroxime and sulfacetamide) were revealed, while antagonistic effects were demonstrated for others (camphor sulfonic acid and dinitro salicylic acid). Docking studies for the most active molecules were performed and molecular interaction forces with the PL active site were identified. The results suggested co-binding of OsT along with the other inhibitor in the binding site in cases of synergistic effect but not in the case of antagonistic effect. These results were additionally supported by affinity capillary electrophoresis. In conclusion, synergistic lipase inhibitory activity between OsT and some other pharmaceutical compounds was demonstrated for the first time, which might help improve the pharmacological effect of OsT.
Influence of in Ovo Administration of Some Water-Soluble Vitamins on Hatchability Traits, Growth, Carcass Traits and Blood Chemistry of Japanese Quails
Authors: El-Kholy Mohamed Soliman , Ibrahim Zenat Abd El-Gawad , El-Mekkawy Mohamed Mamdoh , Alagawany Mahmoud
Published: December 2018

A total of 450 fertile Japanese quail eggs were used to determine the impacts of in ovo administration of water-soluble vitamins (C, B6 and B12) on the growth performance, carcass traits, hematological and biochemical blood parameters as well as the immune response of Japanese quails. On the 7th day of incubation, the eggs were allocated to five groups: un-injected, 0.1 ml/egg saline, 1 mg/egg vitamin C, 150 µg/egg vitamin B6 and 20 µg/egg vitamin B12. The percentage of early embryonic mortality was increased (P≤0.001) in all treated groups versus the control group. Chicks that hatched from eggs injected with 1 mg/egg vitamin C exhibited a significantly greater (P≤0.05) live body weight (LBW) than those from the control and saline groups. During 0–2 weeks of age, the chicks hatched from eggs injected with vitamins displayed better feed conversion than the positive or negative controls. In ovo injection of vitamins had no significant effect on all carcass traits. In ovo injection with vitamins C, B6 and B12 increased plasma total protein and its fractions compared with the control. Plasma levels of total lipids and cholesterol were decreased in chicks hatched from eggs injected with 1 mg/egg vitamin C, 150 µg/egg vitamin B6 or 20 µg/egg vitamin B12 compared with those hatched from control eggs. Plasma T3 and T4 were increased in chicks hatched from eggs injected with vitamin C, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12. The relative weights of the bursa of Fabricius and thymus were significantly (P=0.002 or 0.003) increased in the birds hatched from eggs injected with vitamins compared with those in the control or saline group. Thus, in ovo injection of vitamins C, B6 and B12 improved the blood profile and immune response of Japanese quail.
Body Temperature Responses and Hair Cortisol Levels in Dairy Holstein Cows Fed High- and Low-Forage Diet and Under Water Deprivation During Thermal-Humidity Exposure
Authors: Nejad Jalil Ghassemi , Lee Bae-Hun , Kim Ji-Yung , Chemere Befekadu , Kim Si-Chul , Kim Byong-Wan , Park Kyu-Hyun , Sung Kyung-Il
Published: December 2018

Body temperature responses and hair cortisol levels in dairy Holstein cows fed high- and low-forage diet and under water deprivation during thermal-humidity exposure (THE) were evaluated. Two experiments (Exps.) were conducted between July and September 2012 and 2013 for 64 d and 74 d, respectively. First, twenty dairy Holstein cows (90±30 DIM; 37.2±1.7 l milk/d, 620±75 kg BW) were used. The practical forage:concentrate (F:C) ratios in the low forage (LF) and high forage (HF) group were 44:56 and 56:44, respectively, while they were designed to be 40:60 and 60:40. Second, thirty dairy cows (53.5±30.4 DIM; 41.7±1.5 l milk/d,650±53 kg BW) were allotted into two groups of free access to water (FAW) and 2 h water deprivation (2hWD) following feeding. The animals were subjected to having the hair cut (1 to 2 g) from their foreheads at the same time (12:00 h) twice at the beginning (prior to the beginning of heat stress) and the end of the experiment when the cows were under THE. Hair cortisol levels (initial hair cut as the baseline and re-grown hair) were measured using ELISA method. Body temperature (BT) was measured twice daily at 7 body points of cows including rectum, vagina, hip, udder, rumen-side (flank), ear, and forehead using non-contact forehead infrared thermometer (infrared gun having two modes: inner and skin) on the 7 d of the beginning and the last 7 d of the experiment at 1000 and 1400 h. Statistical analyses were carried out using the MIXED model of SAS as repeated measurements. The intra-assay and inter-assay coefficients of variations for hair cortisol measurements were 3.15 and 10.05, respectively. Hair cortisol (HC) levels were not different within the two groups in both Exps. (P>0.05); however, HC level was lower (P<0.0001) prior to temperature-humidity exposure (THE). Results of Exp. 1 showed that vagina inner temperature was higher (P=0.041) and rectal temperature tended to be higher (P=0.083) in the HF compared to the LF group. The inner ear temperature was lower and ear skin temperature was higher (P=0.032) in the HF compared to the LF group. Forehead inner temperature was higher (P=0.048) in the LF group than in the HF group while forehead skin temperature was lower in the HF group (P=0.041). No differences were observed in the hip, udder and rumen-side (flank) temperature (both in body and skin) between the HF and LF group (P=0.012). In Exp. 2, no temperature differences were observed at all of the body points, inner and skin, between the two groups (P>0.05). However, the skin temperature in the 2hWD groups tended to be higher than in the FAW group (P=0.093). Conclusions drawn indicate the beneficial use of measuring BT at different body points of the cow in addition to RT under THE.
Effect of Age at First Calving on First Lactation Milk Yield, Lifetime Milk Production And Longevity of Cows
Authors: Sawa Anna , Siatka Kamil , Krężel-Czopek Sylwia
Published: December 2018

The objective of the study was to analyse the effect of age at first calving (AFC) on first lactation milk yield, lifetime milk production and longevity of dairy cows. The study used SYMLEK data on the milk yield and culling of 111 857 Polish Holstein-Friesian cows from the active population in Pomerania and Kujawy, Poland. The cows first calved during 2000–2009 and were used or removed from the herds until the end of 2015. For each cow, calculations were made of first lactation milk yield, lifetime milk production, first lactation milk yield per milking day, lifetime milk production per day, as well as the lifespan (length of productive life, duration of rearing) and number of calvings. Based on the age at first calving (duration of the rearing period), the cows were grouped as follows: ≤22, 22.1–24.0, 24.1–26.0, 26.1–28.0, 28.1–30.0, 30.1–32.0 and >32 months. The GLM, CORR PEARSON and FREQ procedures from the SAS package were used in the statistical calculations. Considering first lactation milk yield, lifetime milk production and longevity, it is recommended that the cows should be first milked between 22.1 and 26.0 months of age. This is supported by the approximately 24% higher lifetime milk production in relation to the latest calving cows (P<0.01). Late commencement of the first milking (especially after 28 months) causes a considerable decrease in the first lactation milk yield and lifetime milk production, shortens the productive period, reduces the number of calvings, and increases culling rate due to low milk yield and udder diseases.
Growth Performance, Diarrhoea Incidence, and Nutrient Digestibility in Weaned Piglets Fed an Antibiotic-Free Diet with Dehydrated Porcine Plasma or Potato Protein Concentrate
Authors: de Souza Tércia Cesária Reis , Barreyro Araceli Aguilera , Rubio Sara Rubio , González Yanier Machado , García Konisgmar Escobar , Soto José Guadalupe Gómez , Mariscal-Landín Gerardo
Published: December 2018

Two experiments were conducted to test if dehydrated porcine plasma (DPP) and potato protein concentrate (PPC) could be used as an alternative to antibiotics in starter diets for piglets. Experiment one was conducted to test if DPP and PPC in an antibiotic-free diet affected pig performance, and faecal consistency. Eighty-four piglets weaned at 22 days and weighing 6.9 kg were used. Piglets were fed for two weeks with one of four diets: a positive control diet with antibiotics (C+); and three other diets without antibiotics added with DPP, PPC, or DPP and PPC (DPP+PPC) to measure the average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily gain (ADG), feed efficiency (FE), and incidence and severity of diarrhoea (ID and ISD respectively). In experiment two, twenty-four piglets weaned at 17 days and weighing 5.7 kg, were implanted at 21 days of age with a T-cannula at the terminal ileum to measure the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients. Piglets were fed one of four diets: a positive control diet with antibiotics (C+); a negative control diet without antibiotics (C–), and two diets without antibiotics added with DPP, or PPC. The results of experiment one showed that the DPP diet was the most consumed diet during the first week, and the ADG and FE were similar among treatments. During the second week and the total experimental period the ADFI, ADG, and FE were similar among diets. The ID was lower in the C+ diet than other diets. The ISD was lower in the C+ diet than DPP and DPP+PPC diets; piglets fed PPC diet were similar to piglets fed C+ and DPP and DPP+PPC diets. The results of digestibility showed that crude protein AID was higher in piglets fed C+ and PPC diets than C– and DPP diets. Dry matter ATTD and energy ATTD were higher for piglets fed PPC than other diets. Further, crude protein ATTD of DPP and PPC diets tended to have a similar digestibility to that of C+ diet. The results suggest that PPC is a potential controller of post-weaning diarrhoea.
Identifying Biomarkers of Autophagy and Apoptosis in Transfected Nuclear Donor Cells and Transgenic Cloned Pig Embryos
Authors: Lee Ju-Young , Kim Sang Hwan , Yoon Jong Taek
Published: December 2018

In this study, we first investigated the effects of 3-methyladenine (3-MA), an autophagy inhibitor, and the inducer – rapamycin (RAPA) on the incidence of programmed cell death (PCD) symptoms during in vitro development of porcine somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT)-derived embryos. The expression of autophagy inhibitor mTOR protein was decreased in porcine SCNT blastocysts treated with 3MA. The abundance of the autophagy marker LC3 increased in blastocysts following RAPA treatment. Exposure of porcine SCNT-derived embryos to 3-MA suppressed their developmental abilities to reach the blastocyst stage. No significant difference in the expression pattern of PCD-related proteins was found between non-transfected dermal cell and transfected dermal cell groups. Additionally, the pattern of PCD in SCNT-derived blastocysts generated using SC and TSC was not significantly different, and in terms of porcine SCNT-derived embryo development rates and total blastocyst cell numbers, there was no significant difference between non-transfected cells and transfected cells. In conclusion, regulation of autophagy affected the development of porcine SCNT embryos. Regardless of the type of nuclear donor cells (transfected or non-transfected dermal cells) used for SCNT, there was no difference in the developmental potential and quantitative profiles of autophagy/apoptosis biomarkers between porcine transgenic and non-transgenic cloned embryos. These results led us to conclude that PCD is important for controlling porcine SCNT-derived embryo development, and that transfected dermal cells can be utilized as a source of nuclear donors for the production of transgenic cloned progeny in pigs.
Genetic Variability of Cold-Blooded Horses Participating in Genetic Resources Conservation Programs, Using Pedigree Analysis
Authors: Polak Grażyna
Published: December 2018

Two types of Polish local cold-blooded horses – Sztumski and Sokólski, covered by genetic resources conservation programs, were analyzed for founder’s contribution, genetic structure and inbreeding. In both populations, created in the early twentieth century, were used the same stallions, mainly Ardennes, Belgians and Bretons. The aim of the study was to analyze the genetic variability of Sztumski and Sokólski cold-blooded horses, using pedigree information. The reference population contained 2359 horses: 1129 Sztumski and 1230 Sokólski included in conservation programs in 2014. The data set consisted of a total of 12,821 ancestor pedigrees. The results showed that in the analyzed population the number of founders was 1139 for Sztumski and 1118 for Sokólski horses; effective population size and effective number of founders were 688.8; 156.9 and 704.5; 111.4, respectively. The mean coefficient of inbreeding was 1.54 for Sztumski and 1.56 for Sokólski horses. In the gene pool the most important contribution was of Ardennes horses (43.67% in Sztumski and 46.82% in Sokólski horses), followed by Belgian horses (18.32% and 9.3%, respectively). The most important ancestors in both populations were Ardennes sires Roll-tan 699 and Gustaw 2807, and German cold-blooded sires Elbgang 1504 and Bär.
Use of Duckweed (Lemna L.) in Sustainable Livestock Production and Aquaculture – A Review
Authors: Sońta Marcin , Rekiel Anna , Batorska Martyna
Published: December 2018

The aim of this study was to determine the possibility of using duckweed in sustainable livestock production and aquaculture. Duckweed is a small plant which grows in water and is exploited in biotechnology, dietetics, phytotherapy, and ecotoxicology. It is also used for biological waste-water treatment, and for biogas and ethanol production. This study provides the characteristics of duckweed and presents results indicating its applicability in livestock feeding. Duckweed is a rich source of proteins and amino acids, and contains many macro- and micronutrients as well as vitamins and carotenoids. Unfortunately, it accumulates considerable amounts of toxic metals and compounds from the aquatic environment, which may limit its use as a feed ingredient. Fresh or dried duckweed is willingly consumed by animals (poultry – laying hens, broiler chickens, ducks; cows, sheep, goats, swine, fish) and is a valuable protein source to them. It has been scientifically demonstrated that its use in moderate amounts or as a partial replacement of other protein feed materials, including soybean meal, has a beneficial effect on the productivity, fattening, and slaughter performance of livestock and poultry as well as on the quality of their meat and eggs. Research addressing duckweed use as a feed ingredient should focus on developing various growth media technologies, including the use of slurry digestate, to obtain high biomass yields. Another research direction should be to determine risks in the production chain (collection, processing), which limit its use in monogastric and ruminant diets.
Paternal Leakage of Mitochondrial DNA in the Raccoon Dog (Nyctereutes Procyonoides Gray 1834)
Authors: Nisztuk-Pacek Sylwia , Ślaska Brygida , Grzybowska-Szatkowska Ludmiła , Babicz Marek
Published: December 2018

The aim of the study was to describe the mechanism of mitochondrial DNA inheritance in a group of farmed raccoon dogs. The study involved 354 individuals. Whole peripheral blood was the research material. DNA was isolated and PCR was performed for two fragments of mitochondrial genes: COX1 (cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 gene) and COX2 (cytochrome oxidase subunit 2 gene). The PCR products were sequenced and subjected to bioinformatics analyses. Three mitochondrial haplotypes were identified in the COX1 gene fragment and two in the COX2 gene fragment. The analysis of mtDNA inheritance in the paternal line confirmed the three cases of paternal mtDNA inheritance, i.e. the so-called “paternal leakage” in the analysed population. In two families, all offspring inherited paternal mitochondrial DNA, whereas in one family one descendant inherited paternal mtDNA and another one inherited maternal mtDNA. The lineage data indicated that one female which inherited maternal mitochondrial DNA transferred it onto the next generation. To sum up, the results of the study for the first time demonstrated the phenomenon of “paternal leakage” in farmed raccoon dogs, which facilitated description of mitochondrial DNA inheritance in the paternal line.
Effect of Parity on Claw Horn Lesions in Holstein Dairy Cows: Clinical and Radiological Study
Authors: Fiore Enrico , Perillo Laura , Marchesini Giorgio , Piccione Giuseppe , Giudice Elisabetta , Zumbo Alessandro , Armato Leonardo , Fabbri Giorgia , Gianesella Matteo
Published: December 2018

The aim of this study was to estimate the effect of parity on claw lesions prevalence in Holstein dairy cows through clinical and radiological observations. Ninety-seven cows were examined two months after calving to record body condition score, locomotion score, feet diagnostic imaging (X-ray), hoof trimming and clinical evaluation. According to the lactation, the cows were divided into three groups: first parity (Group 1, n=40), second parity (Group 2, n= 29) and third or more parity (Group 3, n=28). Several claw lesions were found. One-way analysis of variance was applied along with Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Significant effect of groups was evidenced on radiographic images. In particular, the radiographic images showed a significant increase of osteolysis from Group 1 to Group 3. The application of Pearson’s correlation coefficient showed a significantly positive correlation between locomotion score and some claw lesions in all groups. In conclusion, this study provides an overview of claw lesions in dairy cow through clinical and radiological observations.
Impacts of Prepubertal Rearing Intensity and Calf Health on First-Lactation Yield and Lifetime Performance
Authors: Volkmann Nina , Kemper Nicole , Römer Anke
Published: December 2018

The objective of the present study was to investigate possible long-term effects of calf and heifer feeding intensity on first-lactation milk yield and lifetime efficiency (milk per day of life). Detailed records from a total number of 2,252 female German Holstein calves from one commercial farm were obtained from birth to culling. Data regarding all information about calf’s birth, rearing time until first insemination, first calving, first-lactation yield and lifetime performance were collected over a 12-year period. This large data volume was merged, handled, checked for plausibility, classified and evaluated. Analyses revealed that body weight at an age of six months was significantly influenced by the average daily gain in the first two weeks of life (P<0.0001) and by the duration of treatment for respiratory diseases (P=0.0080). Moreover, first-lactation yield was affected by average daily gain in the whole first year of life (P=0.0013) and particularly in the period of month nine to twelve (P=0.00187). Lifetime efficiency was significantly influenced by body weight at first insemination (P=0.0051), average milk yield (P<0.0001) and reason for culling (P<0.0001). The results of this long-term study confirm that growth is important in general, but as shown by the negative correlation between average daily gain from month nine to twelve and the first lactation milk yield, nutrient intake (energy and protein) should be adapted to enable a controlled growth especially at certain periods of life. After six months of age, daily gain has to be controlled to avoid fat accumulation for a healthy and effective start of lactation. In addition, this analysis revealed that after passing first lactation, particularly health and fertility are the keys for a long efficient lifetime of dairy cows.
Effects of Dietary Conjugated Linoleic Acid and Selected Vegetable Oils or Vitamin E on Fatty Acid Composition of Hen Egg Yolks
Authors: Franczyk-Żarów Magdalena , Szymczyk Beata , Kostogrys Renata B.
Published: December 2018

The objective of this study was to produce eggs enriched with conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and ameliorate their fatty acid profile using the appropriate combination of dietary CLA with or without vegetable oils (olive oil or rapeseed oil) and vitamin E. In Experiment 1, 25-week-old laying hens were randomly distributed into eight groups of nine. Birds were fed with a standard diet with four different levels of CLA (0.0, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0%) and vegetable oils (olive oil or rapeseed oil, both in the amount of 1.46%). In Experiment 2, hens were randomly distributed into 12 groups of nine. The same four levels of CLA with three doses of vitamin E (0, 150, 300 mg/kg of diet) were applied. In both experiments, eggs were collected twice (at 4 and 8 weeks) for fatty acid profiling using GCMS. The differences between treatment means were considered significant at P<0.05. CLA treatments significantly increased the content of CLA, saturated fatty acids (SFA), and significantly decreased the content of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) in the egg yolk, whereas levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were unaffected. The vegetable oils used did not prevent the negative effects of CLA effectively. Only after eight weeks of experiment 1 SFA levels were significantly lower, but MUFA levels were significantly higher in groups fed with rapeseed oil compared to groups fed with olive oil. In experiment 2, the addition of vitamin E to the hen diet did not have an essential influence on the lipid profile of egg yolks.
Redox and Immunological Status of Turkeys Fed Diets with Different Levels and Sources of Copper
Authors: Jankowski Jan , Kozłowski Krzysztof , Ognik Katarzyna , Zduńczyk Zenon , Otowski Kamil , Sawosz Ewa , Juśkiewicz Jerzy
Published: December 2018

This study, performed on turkeys aged 1 to 98 days, aimed to investigate whether different dietary inclusion levels (20, 10, 2 mg kg−1) of copper nanoparticles (Cu-NP) as a substitute for copper sulphate (Cu-SUL) affect redox and immunological status of turkeys’ tissues. No significant differences in the final body weights of turkeys were found across the dietary treatments. A comparison of the physiological effects of Cu-NP and Cu-SUL revealed equivocal metabolic responses including decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the liver, increased SOD and catalase activities in breast muscles, decreased total glutathione concentrations in breast muscles, and decreased plasma IgY concentrations. An analysis of the antioxidant and immune status parameters in the blood, liver and breast meat of turkeys indicates that 10 mg/kg is the optimal inclusion level of additional Cu. Both two-fold higher and five-fold lower Cu supplementation levels have a negative influence on selected parameters of the antioxidant and immune status of birds. Lower supplementation levels of Cu-NP (2 and 10 mg/kg) exert similar physiological effects to Cu-SUL, whereas higher addition of Cu-NP (20 mg/kg) may negatively affect selected redox parameters and stimulate the synthesis of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-6. The results of the present study indicate that further research is needed to establish the actual dietary requirements for Cu in turkeys and the efficacy of nanoparticles as a new additional Cu source in turkey nutrition.
The Effect of Emulsifier on Growth Performance and Fat Digestibility in Turkeys
Authors: Drażbo Aleksandra , Kozłowski Krzysztof , Croes Evi
Published: December 2018

The present study investigated the effect of an emulsifier with very high hydrophilic-to-lipophilic balance (HLB) value (18) on growth performance and fat digestibility in turkeys. A total of 1120 day-old female Hybrid Converter turkeys were randomly divided into four treatment groups with 7 replicates (pens) of 40 birds each. Control group (T1) turkeys were fed a basal diet (BD), while turkeys from experimental groups received different levels of the commercial emulsifier VE added to diets with standard or reduced metabolizable energy (ME) content: T2 – BD + 500 ppm of VE; T3 – BD + 500 ppm of VE until 8 weeks of age, and 250 ppm from 9 to 16 weeks; T4 – BD – 3% ME + 500 ppm of VE until 8 weeks of age, and 250 ppm from 9 to 16 weeks. Regardless of its dietary inclusion level (500 g/ton and 500/250 g/ton feed), the emulsifier positively influenced the body weights (BW) and body weight gains (BWG) of birds. On days 56 and 112, significant differences in the values of these parameters were noted between the control treatment (T1) vs. groups T2 and T3. Emulsifier addition even contributed to an increase in the BWG and BW of birds receiving diets with 3% lower ME content, as compared with turkeys fed control diets. This shows that the emulsifier more than compensated the reduction in ME in T4. The turkeys from group T3 were characterized by significantly higher feed efficiency than T1 and T4 birds. The highest fat digestibility was noted in turkeys fed diets with a standard ME level and emulsifier addition (T2 and T3). In conclusion, the use of dietary emulsifier positively influences the growth performance of turkeys, and improves fat digestibility.
Cloning and Expression Levels of TFAM and TFB2M Genes and their Correlation with Meat and Carcass Quality Traits in Jiaxing Black Pig
Authors: Song Qianqian , Zhang Wei , Wu Fen , Zhang Jinzhi , Xu Mingshu , Li Haihong , Han Zhujun , Gao Haixia , Zhao Shanlin
Published: December 2018

The coding sequences (CDS) of TFAM and TFB2M genes from Jiaxing Black Pig (JBP) were first obtained by RT-PCR and DNA-seq in the present study. Sequence analyses showed that the TFAM gene contains a 741-bp CDS region encoding 246 amino acids sharing a 100% homology with the sequence on NCBI, while TFB2M gene contains a CDS region of 1176 bp encoding 391 amino acids with two missense mutations. The results of quantitative Real-Time PCR for TFAM and TFB2M revealed that transcripts of the genes were both presented at the highest levels in spleen tissue followed by liver tissue, while the least levels in longissimus dorsi muscle (LDM), and obviously the higher levels in two adipose tissues than those in LDM tissue (P<0.01). Meanwhile, a total of forty-two JBPs were employed in this experiment to investigate the effect of these two genes on the carcass, meat quality traits and flavor substances such as fatty acids, intramuscular fat (IMF) in LDM. As expected, some strong correlations of gene expression abundance of TFAM and TFB2M mRNA in particular tissues such as liver and LDM with carcass and meat quality traits including marbling score, as well as the content of saturated fatty acid (SFA), in JBP were found.