bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Species and structure of forests in Tampakan Highlands, South Cotabato, Philippines
Authors: Quimio Justino , Quilario Nelson
Published: April 2020

The study was conducted in a logged-over forest of Tampakan Highlands that has an elevation of about 1,350 m. It was aimed to assess the timber stocking rate and level of floristic diversity of the forests that may be influenced by future mining operation in the area. Data collection and data presentation were undertaken following the BraunBlanquet methodology.
Results indicate that Tampakan forests are highly productive, with relatively large trees and highly diverse species despite past logging. Forty-nine (49) timber species and timber stocking rate of 69cu m/ha were recorded in the forests. A total of 312 plant species had been listed in the 73 plots or in a combined area of 1.93 ha. The forest still contained most species of the original old-growth forest. The pioneer vegetation dominated by Piper aduncum was very low in species richness. This indicated the importance of natural forest in preserving native flora.
It was recommended that zoning plan be prepared to demarcate areas that need to be reserved as permanent forest and more effective forest protection schemes be devised. Enrichment planting in pioneer areas should also be undertaken, with active participation of the B’laan tribe.
Evaluación de los niveles de cortisol y testosterona durante el proceso de colecta de semen mediante electroeyaculador en carneros con y sin tranquilizante.
Authors: Ulloa Ramones Luis Alejandro , Ulloa Ramones Diego Alberto
Published: April 2020

Las técnicas más utilizadas para la recolección se semen ya sea con fines de conservación de material génico o reproductivos son: la vagina artificial y el electro eyaculador. Ha existido controversia por el uso del electroeyaculador por la comunidad científica debido al estrés que causa este método y se consideraría atentar al bienestar animal. El objetivo de este estudio fue valorar los niveles de estrés causados por el uso del electro eyaculador en carneros tratados con tranquilizantes y sin tranquilizante. Se midió los niveles de cortisol y testosterona en carneros maduros sexualmente de la raza Corriedale los mismos que estaban en un promedio de 2,5 años ± 0.5 años, con un peso promedio de 75 kg ± 15 kg de los semovientes. El número de colectas que se realizaron a los carneros fueron de 8, administrándose a las 4 primeras colectas Xilacina en concentración al 2% mediante IV a dosis de 0.05 mg/kg, 10 minutos antes de realizar el procedimiento de colecta, las 4 últimas colectas no se realizaron la aplicación tranquilizante. Para la determinación de los niveles hormonales de cortisol y testosterona se produjo a extraer muestras de sangre 20 minutos después del uso del electro eyaculador, los niveles hormonales se midieron mediante la prueba de ELISA. Para el análisis de resultados se tomó como referencia las tablas de Kolmogorov-Smirnov y Shapiro-Wilk para los análisis hormonales con y sin Xilacina, así mismo se utilizó como base las pruebas paramétricas de Mann-Whitney Las pruebas estadísticas no mostraron diferencia significativa en el uso de los 2 tratamientos, dando como resultado niveles similares de cortisol y testosterona en los tratamientos.
DHEA, DHEAS and Prolactin Correlate With Glucose Control Parameters in Women of Fertile Age With Type-1 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: KVASNICKOVA H. , HAMPL R. , VONDRA K.
Published: April 2020

age with type 1 diabetes mellitus about the endogenous androgens and on their relations to the parameters of diabetes control. Forty-two women were examined, they did not use contraceptives for at least three months prior to the examination. A multivariate regression analysis showed that the daily insulin dose, the fasting glycemia and the HbA1c values and patient´s age correlated negatively with dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, dehydroepiandrosterone and prolactin levels. The testosterone/dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate ratio correlated positively with daily insulin dose and patient´s age. In contrast to adrenal androgens the values of other hormones, including total and free testosterone, androstenedione, dihydrotestosterone, estradiol, LH, FSH, 17-OH-P, progesterone and cortisol revealed no significant correlation. To conclude, significant relations between the glucose control parameters and the adrenal androgens and prolactin were demonstrated. These relationships should be considered as an important factor influencing diabetes control so the additional cardiovascular risk in women with DM1.
Deconjugated Urinary Metanephrine, Normetanephrine and 3-Methoxytyramine in Laboratory Diagnosis of Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma
Authors: BÍLEK R. , ZELINKA T. , VLČEK P. , DUŠKOVÁ J. , MICHALSKÝ D. , NOVÁK K. , BEŠŤÁK J. , WIDIMSKÝ J.
Published: April 2020

This work discusses the clinical performance of deconjugated metanephrine (MN), normetanephrine (NMN) and 3-methoxytyramine (3MT) determined in the basal first morning urine using a chromatographic method with electrochemical detection for the clinical diagnosis of pheochromocytoma (PHEO) and paraganglioma (PGL). Urine samples were collected from 44 patients (36 with PHEO, 8 with PGL) aged 54+/-17 (20-78) years (22 females, 22 males). A sampling of biological materials was performed preoperatively and about one week, six months and one year after adrenal gland surgery. The control group consisted of 34 PHEO/PGL patients more than 4 months after adrenal gland surgery. All subjects in the control group were without a diagnosis of PHEO or PGL. Clinical sensitivity was 55 % for MN, 64 % for NMN, 80 % for combination of both MN and NMN, and only 23 % for 3TM. Clinical specificity calculated from the control group was 93 % for MN, 95 % for NMN, 95 % for the combination MN and NMN, and 97 % for 3TM. Cut-off values for deconjugated metanephrines in the basal urine were 310 (MN), 690 (NMN) and 250 μg/l (3MT). Chromatographic determination of deconjugated urinary metanephrines, which is simple without the necessity of special laboratory material, can serve for the screening of PHEO or PGL patients. Urine NMN and 3MT exerts an association to malignity, and all markers are associated with tumor mass. However, the principal laboratory diagnosis of PHEO or PGL must be based on plasma-free metanephrines and plasma chromogranin A with better performance in the laboratory diagnosis of PHEO or PGL.
An analysis of how and motives of Beginning Iran and Russia relationship (Basic view of the Safavid days)
Authors: Abtahi foroshani Alireza , Zarifi Akbar , Boshasb Feyzollah
Published: April 2020

If we want to get a clear idea of how a program that made Iran known to Europe in that way was made, we get to the point that it is the beginning of the Safavid era. What is special about this study is that In the strong days of the Safavids, Iran 's position in this deal was far more special than it was! Russia's reinforcement goes back to the sad end of those days. So what were Russia's motives for starting and expanding relations with Iran during this period? The Russians sought to increase trade on the one hand and pressure the Ottomans on the other.. The purpose of this descriptive-analytical paper is to examine what was the main motivation and method of initiating Iranian-Russian relations in the Safavid era. The Ottomans have been effective in this regard, and the process of establishing relations has initially been commercialized.
A New Lossless DNA Compression Algorithm Based on A Single-Block Encoding Scheme
Authors: Mansouri Deloula , Yuan Xiaohui , Saidani Abdeldjalil
Published: April 2020

With the emergent evolution in DNA sequencing technology, a massive amount of genomic data is produced every day, mainly DNA sequences, craving for more storage and bandwidth. Unfortunately, managing, analyzing and specifically storing these large amounts of data become a major scientific challenge for bioinformatics. Therefore, to overcome these challenges, compression has become necessary. In this paper, we describe a new reference-free DNA compressor abbreviated as DNAC-SBE. DNAC-SBE is a lossless hybrid compressor that consists of three phases. First, starting from the largest base (Bi), the positions of each Bi are replaced with ones and the positions of other bases that have smaller frequencies than Bi are replaced with zeros. Second, to encode the generated streams, we propose a new single-block encoding scheme (SEB) based on the exploitation of the position of neighboring bits within the block using two different techniques. Finally, the proposed algorithm dynamically assigns the shorter length code to each block. Results show that DNAC-SBE outperforms state-of-the-art compressors and proves its efficiency in terms of special conditions imposed on compressed data, storage space and data transfer rate regardless of the file format or the size of the data.
Agent-Based Distributed Planning and Coordination for Resilient Airport Surface Movement Operations
Authors: Fines Konstantine , Sharpanskykh Alexei , Vert Matthieu
Published: April 2020

Airport surface movement operations are complex processes with many types of adverse events which require resilient, safe, and efficient responses. One regularly occurring adverse event is that of runway reconfiguration. Agent-based distributed planning and coordination has shown promising results in controlling operations in complex systems, especially during disturbances. In contrast to the centralised approaches, distributed planning is performed by several agents, which coordinate plans with each other. This research evaluates the contribution of agent-based distributed planning and coordination to the resilience of airport surface movement operations when runway reconfigurations occur. An autonomous Multi-Agent System (MAS) model was created based on the layout and airport surface movement operations of Schiphol Airport in the Netherlands. Within the MAS model, three distributed planning and coordination mechanisms were incorporated, based on the Conflict-Based Search (CBS) Multi-Agent Path Finding (MAPF) algorithm and adaptive highways. MAS simulations were run based on eight days of real-world operational data from Schiphol Airport and the results of the autonomous MAS simulations were compared to the performance of the real-world human operated system. The MAS results show that the distributed planning and coordination mechanisms were effective in contributing to the resilient behaviour of the airport surface movement operations, closely following the real-world behaviour, and sometimes even surpassing it. In particular, the mechanisms were found to contribute to more resilient behaviour than the real-world when considering the taxi time after runway reconfiguration events. Finally, the highway included distributed planning and coordination mechanisms contributed to the most resilient behaviour of the airport surface movement operations.
Influence of Catch Crops on Yield and Chemical Composition of Winter Garlic Grown for Bunch Harvesting
Authors: Sałata Andrzej , Pandino Gaetano , Buczkowska Halina , Lombardo Sara
Published: April 2020

The cultivation of catch crops left on the surface of the field in the form of mulch promotes sustainable farming practices, while protecting the biodiversity of agricultural landscape. The paper presents results of research from 2013–2016, aimed at determining the usefulness of catch crops of millet, buckwheat, white mustard, bird’s-foot and Egyptian clover for soil mulching in winter garlic cultivation. The effect of soil litter on the amount of garlic crop in cultivation for bunch harvest and nutritional value determined by chemical composition of edible parts was determined. In the edible part of garlic, the content of dry matter, total and reducing sugars, L-ascorbic acid, total ash, crude fiber, phenolic acids and essential oil was evaluated. The control consisted of plots without mulch plants. In the cultivation of garlic under organic mulch, there was no decrease in commercial yield and no negative competitive effect on yielding. Garlic plants cultivated with mulch plants were characterized by increased height and developed more leaves. The catch crops used in the form of mulch did not affect the dry matter and total ash content in garlic bulbs. In the cultivation with plant litter, the concentration of phenolic acids and essential oil in the leaves was higher and the content of crude fiber was lower, compared to the cultivation without litter. Biomass from catch crops from clover and mustard increased the content of L-ascorbic acid, at the same time reducing the content of total and reducing sugars in the edible part of garlic, except for mulch plants of the bean family. The chemical composition of garlic was affected by different thermal and precipitation conditions in the years of research. In 2016, the year with the highest total rainfall, plants accumulated more dry matter, L-ascorbic acid as well as total and reducing sugars than in 2014 and 2015, years with less rainfall. Our research indicates that there are prospects for practical application of catch crops in the form of mulch for garlic cultivation to enhance the level of nutrients, without compromising the yield.
Enzymatic Activity of Loess Soil in Organic and Conventional Farming Systems
Authors: Kwiatkowski Cezary A. , Harasim Elżbieta , Feledyn-Szewczyk Beata , Antonkiewicz Jacek
Published: April 2020

This study was conducted over the period 2017–2019 in Czesławice (central Lublin region, Poland). The aim of the present study was to compare chemical soil quality parameters (soil pH, available P and K, organic carbon, and total nitrogen content) and soil enzymatic activity (dehydrogenase, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, urease, protease) in organic and conventional farming systems. The experimental design included two crop rotations (organic and conventional) in which identical plant species were grown: sugar beet-spring barley-red clover-winter wheat-oats. The loess soil on which the experiment was conducted was characterized by the grain size distribution of silt loam, and this soil was categorized as good wheat soil complex (soil class II). The experiment was set up as a split-plot design in triplicate in plots with an area of 40 m2. Soil sampling was carried out using a soil auger within an area of 0.20 m2 (from the 0 to 20 cm layer) in each plot during the autumn period. Over the 3-year study period, it was found that the organic system contributed to an increased soil content of organic carbon and total nitrogen. Moreover, a significantly higher soil pH value and a favorable narrow C/N ratio were found under the organic system (regardless of the crop species). Under the conventional system, in turn, a higher soil phosphorus and potassium content was observed. Enzymatic tests of the soil in the five-field crop rotation proved significantly higher activity of all the enzymes studied (in particular that of dehydrogenase, protease, and urease) in the organic system relative to the conventional one, regardless of the crop plant. Among the plants grown in crop rotation, sugar beet, and red clover had the most beneficial effect on the activity of the soil enzymes, followed by oats (especially under the organic system). The activity of the studied enzymes in the organic system was positively correlated (statistically significantly) with favorable soil pH, a higher content of organic C, and total N, and C/N ratio.
European Borage (Borago officinalis L.) Yield and Profitability under Different Irrigation Systems
Authors: Seifzadeh Ali Reza , Khaledian Mohammad Reza , Zavareh Mohsen , Shahinrokhsar Parisha , Damalas Christos A.
Published: April 2020

European borage (Borago officinalis L.) is a cultivated medicinal plant in Iran, but common agronomic practices about profitable cultivation are mostly unknown. A 2-yr field experiment (2013 and 2014) was conducted in Guilan Province of northern Iran to evaluate European borage yield and profitability under irrigation with surface and drip irrigation systems. Treatments included (i) rainfed production (I0, control), (ii) single irrigation (I1) applied with surface irrigation alone and drip irrigation alone, and (iii) two irrigations (I2) applied with surface irrigation alone and drip irrigation alone. In 2013, I1 increased flower dry weight by 41.0% and seed weight by 7.1% compared with rainfed European borage, while with I2, the increases in those traits were 23.4% and 0.6%, respectively. In 2014, I1 increased flower dry weight by 78.0% and seed weight by 21.3% compared with rainfed European borage, while the respective increases were 51.8% and 17.3% with I2. On average, drip irrigation provided higher flower dry weight and seed weight by 39.3% and 12.6%, respectively, compared with surface irrigation. Drip irrigation increased variable costs by 165.2% compared with surface irrigation but resulted in increased gross income by 23.2%. Partial budgeting showed that I1 with drip irrigation provided the maximum net profit in both years. Based on the final rate of return, investing in the treatment I1 with drip irrigation was better than investing in the other treatments. Moreover, I1 with drip irrigation showed the highest value of economic water productivity and could be considered for improving the net income of European borage farmers.
The Effect of Cover Crops on the Biodiversity and Abundance of Ground-Dwelling Arthropods in a Mediterranean Pear Orchard
Authors: de Pedro Luis , Perera-Fernández Luis Gabriel , López-Gallego Elena , Pérez-Marcos María , Sanchez Juan Antonio
Published: April 2020

The intensification of agriculture has led to the reduction of the diversity of arthropods in agroecosystems, including that of ground-dwelling species. The aim of our work was to assess the effect of a sown cover crop on the diversity of ground-dwelling arthropods, including key predators for pest control in pear orchards. The trial was carried out in a pear orchard divided in three blocks; two treatments (cover-cropping and control) were implemented in each block. A seed mixture of 10 plant species was used in the plots with the sown cover. The densities of ground-dwelling arthropods were sampled using pitfall traps. The ground cover had a significant impact on the diversity and abundance of arthropods. The Shannon–Wiener diversity index was significantly higher for the cover than for the control plots. Several families of spiders (Linyphiidae, Lycosidae), beetles (Carabidae, Staphylinidae) and hymenopterans (Scelionidae) were significantly more abundant in the cover-sown plots. Ants and collembola had a significantly higher abundance in the control plots. Some of these groups arthropods (ants and spiders), are represented by species that may commute between ground and pear trees, having an impact on pest control. The use of cover crops is encouraged to enhance biodiversity in farmlands.
New Molecular Tool for a Quick and Easy Detection of Apple Scab in the Field
Authors: Franco Ortega Sara , Prencipe Simona , Gullino Maria Lodovica , Spadaro Davide
Published: April 2020

Venturia inaequalis, an agent of apple scab, is the most important pathogen of Malus x domestica. Control measures against this pathogen rely on intensive phytosanitary programs based on predictive models to identify the meteorological conditions conducive to the primary infection. The detection of the pathogen in field, both in naturally infected symptomatic and asymptomatic leaves, is desirable. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays are profitable molecular diagnostic tools for the direct detection of pathogens in field. A LAMP assay for V. inaequalis has been designed on the elongation factor 1-alpha sequence. The validation of the LAMP assay was carried out following the international EPPO standard PM 7/98 in terms of specificity, sensitivity, repeatability and reproducibility. Specificity testing was performed using target and non-target species, such as phylogenetically related Venturia species and other pathogens commonly found in apple, resulting in positive amplification only for the target with a time to positive ranging from 20 to 30 min. Sensitivity testing was performed with serial dilutions of DNA of the target and by artificial inoculation of young apple leaves. The reliability of the LAMP assay as an early-detection tool and its user-friendly application make it suitable for the diagnosis of apple scab in the field.
Initial Experimental Experience with a Sprayable Biodegradable Polymer Membrane (SBPM) Technology in Cotton
Authors: Braunack Michael V. , Adhikari Raju , Freischmidt George , Johnston Priscilla , Casey Philip S. , Wang Yusong , Bristow Keith L. , Filipović Lana , Filipović Vilim
Published: April 2020

Preformed biodegradable and next generation sprayable biodegradable polymer membrane (SBPM) formulations, which biodegrade to non-harmful products (water, carbon dioxide and microbial biomass), have been introduced as an alternative to plastic mulch films in order to mitigate plastic pollution of the environment. In this preliminary field study on cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), a novel SBPM technology was compared to preformed slotted oxo-degradable plastic (ODP) mulch film and no mulch control (CON) in terms of yield, crop water productivity (CWP), and soil temperature. The first results showed higher CWP and crop yield, and increased soil water content under the SBPM cover. This study indicates that SBPM technology could perform at similar level as ODP or comparable films under field conditions and, at the same time, provide environmentally sustainable agricultural cropping practices. Additionally, the fully treated, non-replicated SBPM plot had a wetter soil profile throughout the entire crop season. This innovative technology has shown a high potential even at this early stage of development, indicating that advances in formulation and further testing can lead to significant improvements and thus increased use in crop production systems.
Soil Nutrients Effects on the Performance of Durum Wheat Inoculated with Entomopathogenic Fungi
Authors: González-Guzmán Adrián , Sacristán Daniel , Sánchez-Rodríguez Antonio Rafael , Barrón Vidal , Torrent José , del Campillo María Carmen
Published: April 2020

Entomopathogenic fungi (EFs) are widely used as biological control agents. However, some strains of Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium brunneum can also promote plant growth and increase nutrient uptake. We examined the effects of soil properties on the performance of Triticum durum inoculated by seed dressing with these EFs and grown on 12 agricultural soils. The plants were supplied with all nutrients except P and Zn (essential for yield and the grain quality of wheat). Fungal inoculation increased the grain yield and harvest index significantly with B. bassiana (17% and 14%, respectively) but not with M. brunneum (6% and 6%, respectively). The increase in grain yield was positively and moderately correlated with the soil available phosphorus (POlsen) in plants inoculated with B. bassiana and with the soil content in poorly crystalline Fe oxides with M. brunneum. In addition, the increase in aerial dry matter resulting from inoculation with B. bassiana was negatively correlated with soil available Zn. Furthermore, the observed increase in grain yields due to fungal inoculation resulted in P and Zn grain dilution (grain nutrient concentrations decrease). Inoculation with B. bassiana increased grain Zn uptake and the proportion of Zn in grain relative to that in aerial dry matter. Success in the mutualistic relationship between EF and wheat plants depends on the fungal strain and soil properties.
Cut-Edge Detection Method for Rice Harvesting Based on Machine Vision
Authors: Zhang Zhenqian , Cao Ruyue , Peng Cheng , Liu Renjie , Sun Yifan , Zhang Man , Li Han
Published: April 2020

A cut-edge detection method based on machine vision was developed for obtaining the navigation path of a combine harvester. First, the Cr component in the YCbCr color model was selected as the grayscale feature factor. Then, by detecting the end of the crop row, judging the target demarcation and getting the feature points, the region of interest (ROI) was automatically gained. Subsequently, the vertical projection was applied to reduce the noise. All the points in the ROI were calculated, and a dividing point was found in each row. The hierarchical clustering method was used to extract the outliers. At last, the polynomial fitting method was used to acquire the straight or curved cut-edge. The results gained from the samples showed that the average error for locating the cut-edge was 2.84 cm. The method was capable of providing support for the automatic navigation of a combine harvester.
Effect of Two Different Stunning Methods on the Quality Traits of Rabbit Meat
Authors: Składanowska-Baryza Joanna , Ludwiczak Agnieszka , Pruszyńska-Oszmałek Ewa , Kołodziejski Paweł , Stanisz Marek
Published: April 2020

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of two different stunning methods on the level of blood stress indicators (cortisol, insulin, glucose) and rabbit meat quality. The experiment was conducted on crossbreds of Hycole, Hyla, and Jordan rabbit strains: from mating Hyplus PS19 females with Hycole males (genotype I, n = 20) and Jordan × Hycole females with Hyla males (genotype II, n = 20). Prior to slaughter, the animals were weighed and divided into two groups according to the stunning method: 10 rabbits from each genetic group were stunned with an electric stunner, and the remaining 10 were stunned mechanically using a club. Genotype II was characterised by higher body weight at slaughter (p < 0.05), hot dressing percentage (p < 0.05), cold dressing percentage (p < 0.05), hot carcass weight (p < 0.05), and cold carcass weight (p < 0.05), compared to genotype I. The stunning method slightly influenced the meat lightness (p = 0.035). The meat of electrically stunned rabbits was characterised with higher drip loss (p < 0.0001) and lower plasticity (p = 0.043). Among the analysed traits of meat, only the drip loss (p = 0.014) and the percentage of extractable fat were affected by genotype (p = 0.044). Neither the stunning method nor the genotype affected rabbit meat texture characteristics. The study was undertaken because of the increasing importance of rabbit meat production as a developing sector of the meat industry and the need to improve the welfare of rabbits by selecting the most acceptable slaughter methods for these animals. To conclude, the analysed rabbit meat was characterised with good quality. There were only slight differences between genotypes and the stunning groups.
Effects of Dietary β-Mannanase Supplementation on Growth Performance, Apparent Total Tract Digestibility, Intestinal Integrity, and Immune Responses in Weaning Pigs
Authors: Jang Jae-Cheol , Kim Kwang , Jang Young , Kim Yoo
Published: April 2020

The experiment aimed to investigate the effects of dietary β-mannanase supplementation on growth performance, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients, intestinal integrity, and the immunological and oxidative stress parameters in weaning pigs. A total of 64 newly weaning pigs (initial body weight: 6.96 ± 0.70 kg) were allotted to two dietary treatments in eight replicates per treatment with four pigs per pen based on body weight and sex. Dietary treatments were 1.) CON (control: corn-soybean meal based basal diet) and 2.) β-mannanase (basal diet +0.06% β-mannanase). The β-mannanase supplementation did not affect growth performance, concentrations of acute phase protein, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. However, the pigs fed the β-mannanase-supplemented diet had greater ATTD of ether extract, jejunum villus height, and villus height-to-crypt depth ratio, and lower crypt depth compared with those fed the CON diet (p < 0.05). The pigs fed the β-mannanase-supplemented diet tended to have the lower count of E. coli in cecum than those fed the CON diet (p = 0.08). In conclusion, dietary β-mannanase supplementation did not affect growth performance, immune response and oxidative stress of weaning pigs, whereas it increased fat digestibility and had positive effects on intestinal integrity and cecum microflora by reducing the count of E.coli.
Effect of Supplemental Kluyveromyces marxianus and Pichia kudriavzevii on Aflatoxin M1 Excretion in Milk of Lactating Dairy Cows
Authors: Intanoo Malinee , Kongkeitkajorn Mallika B. , Suriyasathaporn Witaya , Phasuk Yupin , Bernard John K. , Pattarajinda Virote
Published: April 2020

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of supplementing Kluyveromyces marxianus CPY1, K. marxianus RSY5 and Pichia kudriavzevii YSY2 isolated from ruminal fluid of dairy cows on transfer of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) from feed into aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in milk, DMI, milk production and nutrient digestibility. Four multiparous Holsteins in mid-lactation were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design trial consisting of 14 days in each experimental period for sample collection. Between each period, 14 clearance days prior to the next treatment were allowed to minimize carryover effects. In each treatment, subsequent supplementation of isolated yeast was compared, i.e., (1) control (without yeast supplementation), (2) K. marxianus CPY1 (K1Y), (3) K. marxianus RSY5 (K2Y) and (4) P. kudriavzevii YSY2 (PY). All diets contained 22.28 µg of AFB1/kg. Treatments were individually fed at the rate of 2 g/day (1 × 109 CFU/g) of yeast biomass or corn meal in the control group. Concentrations of AFM1 in milk was reduced with yeast and averaged 1.54, 0.36, 0.43 and 0.51 µg/L for control, K1Y, K2Y and PY, respectively (p < 0.01). The transfer of AFB1 from feed into AFM1 in milk was higher in control compared with K1Y, K2Y and PY (7.26% vs. 1.18%, 1.44% and 1.69% respectively, p < 0.01). Supplementation of yeast also improved DMI and milk compositions, but no differences were observed in nutrient digestibility or milk yield among treatments. Concentration and yield of milk protein, fat, lactose, solid-not-fat (SNF) and total solids were greater in cows fed yeast compared with the control (p < 0.01). These results indicate that K. marxianus CPY1, RSY5 and P. kudriavzevii YSY2 shows promise as a dietary supplementation to detoxify AFB1 and improve DMI and yield of milk components.
Preference Ranking Procedure: Method Validation with Dogs
Authors: Li Han , Wyant Rachel , Aldrich Greg , Koppel Kadri
Published: April 2020

The growth of the number of pet products and the pet food industry is continuous. This is partially driven by palatability and perceptions of preference. A preference ranking procedure for dogs has been proposed in order to suggest a more efficient method to study the palatability of food products for dogs. This method was developed based on the assumption that (1) dogs would be more motivated to solve a puzzle for foods that they preferred and (2) the order in which the dogs obtained the treats from the puzzles would indicate the ranking of their preferences. This current study included a validation test that was conducted with 12 dogs to determine if the proposed method was reliable. The validation followed the same procedure as the preliminary test for most parts and dedicated a separate phase each for training, fats, proteins, starches, and complex diets. The results from phases 2 to 4 showed a similar pattern with the preliminary test: Fish oil was preferred over lard, liver over beef, and corn over chickpea. The results from phase 5 showed that the ranking of the combination of the ingredients reflected the preference of the dogs for individual ingredients. As a result, this method was concluded to be reliable.
Nutrigenomic Effects of Long-Term Grape Pomace Supplementation in Dairy Cows
Authors: Pauletto Marianna , Elgendy Ramy , Ianni Andrea , Marone Elettra , Giantin Mery , Grotta Lisa , Ramazzotti Solange , Bennato Francesca , Dacasto Mauro , Martino Giuseppe
Published: April 2020

The increasing demand for more animal products put pressure on improving livestock production efficiency and sustainability. In this context, advanced animal nutrition studies appear indispensable. Here, the effect of grape pomace (GP), the polyphenol-rich agricultural by-product, was evaluated on Holstein-Friesian cows’ whole-blood transcriptome, milk production and composition. Two experimental groups were set up. The first one received a basal diet and served as a control, while the second one received a 7.5% GP-supplemented diet for a total of 60 days. Milk production and composition were not different between the group; however, the transcriptome analysis revealed a total of 40 genes significantly affected by GP supplementation. Among the most interesting down-regulated genes, we found the DnaJ heat-shock protein family member A1 (DNAJA1), the mitochondrial fission factor (MFF), and the impact RWD domain protein (IMPACT) genes. The gene set enrichment analysis evidenced the positive enrichment of ‘interferon alpha (IFN-α) and IFN-γ response’, ‘IL6-JAK-STAT3 signaling’ and ‘complement’ genes. Moreover, the functional analysis denoted positive enrichment of the ‘response to protozoan’ and ‘negative regulation of viral genome replication’ biological processes. Our data provide an overall view of the blood transcriptomic signature after a 60-day GP supplementation in dairy cows which mainly reflects a GP-induced immunomodulatory effect.
The Impact on Antioxidant Enzyme Activity and Related Gene Expression Following Adult Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Exposure to Dimethyl Phthalate
Authors: Cong Bailin , Liu Cong , Wang Lujie , Chai Yingmei
Published: April 2020

Dimethyl phthalate (DMP) is a widespread environmental contaminant that poses potential toxicity risks for animals and humans. However, the toxicological effects of DMP on fish have not been adequately examined. In this study, the acute toxicity, oxidative damage, antioxidant enzyme activities, and relative gene expression patterns were investigated in the liver of adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) exposed to DMP. We found that the lethal concentration (LC50) of DMP for zebrafish after 96 h of exposure was 45.8 mg/L. The zebrafish that were exposed to low, medium and high concentrations of DMP (0.5, 4.6, and 22.9 mg/L, respectively) for 96 h had an increased malondialdehyde (MDA) content and a lower antioxidant capacity compared with the control solvent group. The total superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was significantly higher than 0 h after initial exposure for 24 h at low concentrations, and then decreased at high concentrations after exposure for 96 h. The catalase (CAT) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities were significantly reduced after 96 h of exposure to high concentrations of DMP, with the up- or down-regulation of the related transcriptional expression. These findings indicated that DMP could cause physiological effects in zebrafish by disturbing the expression levels of antioxidant enzymes. These results might contribute to the identification of biomarkers to monitor phthalate pollution.
Use of Probiotics in Intravaginal Sponges in Sheep: A Pilot Study
Authors: Quereda Juan J. , García-Roselló Empar , Barba Marta , Mocé María L. , Gomis Jesús , Jiménez-Trigos Estrella , Bataller Esther , Martínez-Boví Rebeca , García-Muñoz Ángel , Gómez-Martín Ángel
Published: April 2020

Sheep estrous synchronization is mainly based on progestagen-impregnated sponges which could cause vaginitis. Several species of Lactobacillus used as probiotics are commonly used in the treatment or prevention of urogenital infections in humans. However, no studies have been performed to analyze the potential use of probiotics to prevent urogenital infections in sheep. A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted with 21 one-year-old ewes to develop a model of probiotic infusion in vaginal sponges in order to study their influence in ewe’s vaginal microbiota, general health status, fertility and prolificity. Synchronization of estrus was based on intravaginal sponges for 14 days. Bacterial communities (Enterobacteriaceae and lactic acid bacteria) were highly fluctuating over time and between animals. The safety of probiotic infusion (mix of Lactobacillus spp. 60% L. crispatus, 20% L. brevis and 20% L. gasseri) in the vagina of healthy ewes was firstly confirmed. Neutrophils were observed in 80% (8/10) of the control ewes compared to 36% (4/11) of the ewes in the probiotic group 2 days after sponge removal (p = 0.056). Fertility in the control and probiotic groups was 60% (6/10) and 91% (10/11), respectively p = 0.097. These results suggest that Lactobacillus spp. infusion in the ewe’s vagina does not affect general health status or fertility.
Isolation of Tetracycline-Resistant Chlamydia suis from a Pig Herd Affected by Reproductive Disorders and Conjunctivitis
Authors: Unterweger Christine , Schwarz Lukas , Jelocnik Martina , Borel Nicole , Brunthaler René , Inic-Kanada Aleksandra , Marti Hanna
Published: April 2020

Due to various challenges in diagnosing chlamydiosis in pigs, antibiotic treatment is usually performed before any molecular or antibiotic susceptibility testing. This could increase the occurrence of tetracycline-resistant Chlamydia (C.) suis isolates in the affected pig population and potentiate the reoccurrence of clinical signs. Here, we present a case of an Austrian pig farm, where tetracycline resistant and sensitive C. suis isolates were isolated from four finishers with conjunctivitis. On herd-level, 10% of the finishers suffered from severe conjunctivitis and sows showed a high percentage of irregular return to estrus. Subsequent treatment of whole-herd using oxytetracycline led to a significant reduction of clinical signs. Retrospective antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed tetracycline resistance and decreased susceptibility to doxycycline in half of the ocular C. suis isolates, and all isolates were able to partially recover following a single-dose tetracycline treatment in vitro. These findings were later confirmed in vivo, when all former clinical signs recurred three months later. This case report raises awareness of tetracycline resistance in C. suis and emphasizes the importance of preventative selection of tetracycline resistant C. suis isolates.
Novel Azoles as Antiparasitic Remedies against Brain-Eating Amoebae
Authors: Anwar Ayaz , Mungroo Mohammad Ridwane , Khan Simal , Fatima Itrat , Rafique Rafaila , Kanwal  , Khan Khalid Mohammed , Siddiqui Ruqaiyyah , Khan Naveed Ahmed
Published: April 2020

Balamuthia mandrillaris and Naegleria fowleri are opportunistic protozoan pathogens capable of producing infection of the central nervous system with more than 95% mortality rate. Previously, we have synthesized several compounds with antiamoebic properties; however, synthesis of compounds that are analogues of clinically used drugs is a highly desirable approach that can lead to effective drug development against these devastating infections. In this regard, compounds belonging to the azole class possess wide range of antimicrobial properties and used clinically. In this study, six novel benzimidazole, indazole, and tetrazole derivatives were synthesized and tested against brain-eating amoebae. These compounds were tested for their amoebicidal and static properties against N. fowleri and B. mandrillaris. Furthermore, the compounds were conjugated with silver nanoparticles and characterized. The synthetic heterocyclic compounds showed up to 72% and 65% amoebicidal activities against N. fowleri and B. mandrillaris respectively, while expressing up to 75% and 70% amoebistatic activities, respectively. Following conjugation with silver nanoparticles, amoebicidal activities of the drugs increased by up to 46 and 36% versus B. mandrillaris and N. fowleri. Minimal effects were observed when the compounds were evaluated against human cells using cytotoxicity assays. In summary, azole compounds exhibited potent activity against N. fowleri and B. mandrillaris. Moreover, conjugation of the azole compounds with silver nanoparticles further augmented the capabilities of the compounds against amoebae.
Genomic Characterization of Escherichia coli Isolates Belonging to a New Hybrid aEPEC/ExPEC Pathotype O153:H10-A-ST10 eae-beta1 Occurred in Meat, Poultry, Wildlife and Human Diarrheagenic Samples
Authors: Díaz-Jiménez Dafne , García-Meniño Isidro , Herrera Alexandra , García Vanesa , López-Beceiro Ana María , Alonso María Pilar , Blanco Jorge , Mora Azucena
Published: April 2020

Different surveillance studies (2005–2015) in northwest Spain revealed the presence of eae-positive isolates of Escherichia coli O153:H10 in meat for human consumption, poultry farm, wildlife and human diarrheagenic samples. The aim of this study was to explore the genetic and genomic relatedness between human and animal/meat isolates, as well as the mechanism of its persistence. We also wanted to know whether it was a geographically restricted lineage, or whether it was also reported elsewhere. Conventional typing showed that 32 isolates were O153:H10-A-ST10 fimH54, fimAvMT78, traT and eae-beta1. Amongst these, 21 were CTX-M-32 or SHV-12 producers. The PFGE XbaI-macrorestriction comparison showed high similarity (>85%). The plasmidome analysis revealed a stable combination of IncF (F2:A-:B-), IncI1 (STunknown) and IncX1 plasmid types, together with non-conjugative Col-like plasmids. The core genome investigation based on the cgMLST scheme from EnteroBase proved close relatedness between isolates of human and animal origin. Our results demonstrate that a hybrid MDR aEPEC/ExPEC of the clonal group O153:H10-A-ST10 (CH11-54) is circulating in our region within different hosts, including wildlife. It seems implicated in human diarrhea via meat transmission, and in the spreading of ESBL genes (mainly of CTX-M-32 type). We found genomic evidence of a related hybrid aEPEC/ExPEC in at least one other country.
Management of a Case of Peritonitis Due to Neisseria gonorrhoeae Infection Following Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Authors: Francesco Maria A. De , Stefanelli Paola , Carannante Anna , Corbellini Silvia , Giagulli Cinzia , Lorenzin Giovanni , Ronconi Maurizio , Arici Elisa , Cadei Monica , Campora Riccardo , Caruso Arnaldo
Published: April 2020

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), a serious infection in sexually active women, is one of the reasons for which females seek care in emergency departments and therefore represents an important public health problem. PID is the result of an endocervical infection with different microorganisms, which then ascend to the endometrium and fallopian tubes. Symptoms of PID may be mild and aspecific, making its diagnosis difficult. However, this clinical condition requires effective antibiotic treatment to reduce incidence of complications and late sequelae. We describe here a case of peritonitis as a complication of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) due to Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection in a 49-year-old woman who presented at the Emergency Department with acute abdominal pain.
Teacher and Student Views on the Feasibility of Peer to Peer Education as a Model to Educate 16–18 Year Olds on Prudent Antibiotic Use—A Qualitative Study
Authors: McNulty Cliodna A. M. , Brown Carla L. , Syeda Rowshonara B. , Bennett C. Verity , Schofield Behnaz , Allison David G. , Francis Nick
Published: April 2020

Peer education (PE) has been used successfully to improve young peoples’ health-related behaviour. This paper describes a qualitative evaluation of the feasibility of university healthcare students delivering PE, covering self-care and antibiotic use for infections, to biology students in three UK schools (16–18 years), who then educated their peers. Twenty peer educators (PEds) participated in focus groups and two teachers took part in interviews to discuss PE feasibility. Data were analysed inductively. All participants reported that teaching students about antibiotic resistance was important. PE was used by PEds to gain communication skills and experience for their CV. PEds confidence increased with practice and group delivery. Interactive activities and real-life illness scenarios facilitated enjoyment. Barriers to PE were competing school priorities, no antibiotic content in the non-biology curriculum, controlling disruptive behaviour, and evaluation consent and questionnaire completion. Participation increased PEds’ awareness of appropriate antibiotic use. This qualitative study supports the feasibility of delivering PE in schools. Maximising interactive and illness scenario content, greater training and support for PEds, and inclusion of infection self-care and antibiotics in the national curriculum for all 16–18-year olds could help facilitate greater antibiotic education in schools. Simplifying consent and data collection procedures would facilitate future evaluations.
In Vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Frankincense Oils from Boswellia sacra Grown in Different Locations of the Dhofar Region (Oman)
Authors: Di Stefano Vita , Schillaci Domenico , Cusimano Maria Grazia , Rishan Mohammed , Rashan Luay
Published: April 2020

Frankincense essential oils from Boswellia sacra have been commonly used to treat microbial infections from as early as the 11th century. The main feature of the plant is its gum resin, from which it is possible to obtain essential oils. In the present study, we focused on the comparative study of the oils extracted from the resins of three different Boswellia sacra cultivars (Najdi, Sahli and Houjri). From each of frankincense resin three successive essential oil samples (Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3) were obtained. Houjri gum resin gave the lowest percentage (5%) of total essential oil content but showed the maximum number of volatile components in all three grades. Najdi Grade 2 essential oil showed a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 52 mg/mL toward relevant pathogens Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and samples from Grade 2 of Sahily and Houjiri were particularly active against a dermatological strain Propionibacterium acnes, displaying MIC values of 0.264 and 0.66 mg/mL, respectively. Data obtained from in vitro studies showed that all essential oils had a significant antifungal effect against Candida albicans and Malassezia furfur, showing MIC values ranging from 54.56 to 0.246 mg/mL. This work aims to increase the number of substances available in the fight against pathogens and to combat the phenomenon of antibiotic resistance, encouraging the use of alternative resources, especially in non-clinical settings (farms, food processing, etc.).
Trends, Epidemiology, and Management of Multi-Drug Resistant Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections in the Hospitalized Setting
Authors: Morris Sabrina , Cerceo Elizabeth
Published: April 2020

The increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance is a threat to human health, particularly within vulnerable populations in the hospital and acute care settings. This leads to increasing healthcare costs, morbidity, and mortality. Bacteria rapidly evolve novel mechanisms of resistance and methods of antimicrobial evasion. Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Acinetobacter baumannii have all been identified as pathogens with particularly high rates of resistance to antibiotics, resulting in a reducing pool of available treatments for these organisms. Effectively combating this issue requires both preventative and reactive measures. Reducing the spread of resistant pathogens, as well as reducing the rate of evolution of resistance is complex. Such a task requires a more judicious use of antibiotics through a better understanding of infection epidemiology, resistance patterns, and guidelines for treatment. These goals can best be achieved through the implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programs and the development and introduction of new drugs capable of eradicating multi-drug resistant Gram-negative pathogens (MDR GNB). The purpose of this article is to review current trends in MDR Gram-negative bacterial infections in the hospitalized setting, as well as current guidelines for management. Finally, new and emerging antimicrobials, as well as future considerations for combating antibiotic resistance on a global scale are discussed.