bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An evaluation of lucerne for persistence under grazing in New Zealand
Authors: Harvey B.M. , Widdup K.H. , Barrett B.A.
Published: June 2020

Abstract The on-farm use of lucerne (Medicago sativa) for grazing and conserved feed has increased in New Zealand over recent years, with new cultivars coming onto the market, including more winter-active ones. The extent to which the winter active types contribute to annual feed production, and the relationship to critical traits like persistence, has not been systematically tested. Two concurrent trials over a 4-year period were used to evaluate a range of lucerne cultivars and elite experimental populations ranging in dormancy from 2 (highly dormant) to 10 (non-dormant) under contrasting grazing regimes near Lincoln, New Zealand. More winter-active cultivars in the higher fall dormancy (FD) classes had similar growth to lower FD classes in all seasons except autumn, where they exhibited 18% greater yield than the lowest FD entry. However, these higher FD populations do not persist as well under heavy grazing, with a reduction in ground cover of up to 90% after four years, compared with only a 25% loss in lower FD classes. There was a negative correlation between FD and persistence measured as plant survival over 4 years (R2=0.73). However, one high FD entry showed increased survival under grazing, suggesting there is scope for selection of types with improved cool season growth and grazing tolerance. The concurrent lucerne trial subjected to a low-frequency grazing/ cutting regime showed faster recovery from defoliation than the adjacent hard grazed regime, suggesting stored underground reserves were more available for regrowth. We concluded that lucerne cultivars with FD ratings in the 3 to 5 range are most suitable for yield and persistence under grazing in these conditions. There is also scope for breeding to improve plant survival and dry matter yield within FD class. Keywords: Lucerne (Medicago sativa), grazing tolerance, persistence, fall dormancy
Perennial lupin establishment and yield when sown at five different rates at Glenmore Station, Lake Tekapo.
Authors: Moot D.J. , Pollock K.M.
Published: June 2020

Abstract The potential for perennial lupins to underpin grass/ legume pastures was the subject of a research programme for merino farmers in areas where more conventional legumes struggle to thrive. A previously uncultivated pasture on an acidic soil, (pH 5.0; Al = 5 mg/kg), and dominated by browntop, sweet vernal and Kentucky bluegrass, was sprayed with herbicide, burnt and top-dressed with 3 t/ha lime on half the area in the autumn prior to direct drilling on 12 Dec 2012. A blue perennial lupin and a multi-coloured (Russell) lupin were sown at 2, 4, 8, 12, 16 and 32 kg/ha and cocksfoot at 2 kg/ha. Yield at four months after sowing had increased with the lupin sowing rate; up to 5.5 t dry matter (DM)/ha at 32 kg seed/ha. The annual yield for the following growth season was greater than 10 t DM/ ha with little response above 8 kg lupin seed/ha. There was a small but inconsistent response to the lime by the Russell lupin. Overall, lupin contributed 79% of annual yield and >90% of the spring yield at sowing rates >8 kg/ha. The sown cocksfoot and resident grasses showed a positive lime response at the lower lupin sowing rates. Key words: Lupinus perennis, L. polyphyllus
Dry matter intake and body condition score change of dairy cows grazing fodder beet, kale and kale-oat forage systems in winter
Authors: Edwards G.R. , De Ruiter J.M. , Dalley D.E. , Pinxterhuis J.B. , Cameron K.C. , Bryant R.H. , Malcolm H.J.di B J. , Chapman D.F.
Published: June 2020

Abstract Crop dry matter (DM) yield, DM utilisation and body condition score (BCS) of dairy cows were measured over two winters on an irrigated stony, free-draining Balmoral soil for three crop grazing systems: fodder beet (FB); early-sown kale (EK); and late-sown kale with oats grown in sequence (LK). There were two replicates of each treatment, with 35-58 cows per treatment group. Allocations of crop and supplements (kg DM/cow/day) were: FB, 8 kg fodder beet + 6 kg grass baleage; EK, 14 kg kale + 3 kg barley straw; LK, 11 kg kale + 5 kg green chop oat baleage. Pre-grazing crop DM yield (t DM/ha) was higher in FB (20.1) than EK (14.6) and LK (12.9). DM utilisation was high in all treatments averaging 99.6%, 90.5% and 87.1% for FB, EK and LK, respectively. Body condition score change over the 8-week winter-feeding period was similar for cows offered FB (+0.76), EK (+0.66) and LK (+0.76). Allocation of feed quantity is more important in determining BCS gain than the type of crop and supplement fed. Keywords: Brassica oleracea L., Beta vulgaris L., metabolisable energy
Grasslands Legacy - a new, large-leaved white clover cultivar with broad adaption
Authors: Ford J.L. , Cousins G.R. , Jahufer Z. , Baird I.J. , Woodfield D.R. , Barrett B.A.
Published: June 2020

White clover (Trifolium repens L.) continues to play a pivotal role in the Australasian pastoral industry, despite increased use of nitrogen fertiliser on farms. Improved white clovers for dairy farming must be well adapted to the farm systems they are intended for, including increased rates of fertiliser nitrogen, higher stocking rates and access to irrigation. The breeding objective was to develop a white clover cultivar in evaluation systems that simulate modern farming practices, and test that cultivar in both New Zealand and Australia for adaptation and agronomic merit. This included breeding and early generation evaluation at research farms in the Manawatu and Waikato, with subsequent evaluations in these locations and farms in Southland and Victoria, Australia. This resulted in 'Grasslands Legacy', a new large leaved white clover cultivar bred for New Zealand and eastern temperate Australian pastures, which has shown significant (P
The Wairarapa region
Authors: Falloon J.
Published: June 2020

Wai'ra'rapa - The place Maori called "Land of Glistening Waters". Wairarapa is a region of big skies, wide valleys rolling hill country and rugged coastline. It has a total land area of 8423 square kilometres. The region is named after Lake Wairarapa, which situated at the bottom of the Wairarapa Plain, North of Palliser Bay. Wairarapa is located on the South Eastern Corner of the North Island bounded by the Pacific Ocean in the East, Tararua district in the North and the Tararua Ranges in the west.
Dry matter yield and radiation use efficiency of four autumn sown top flowering annual clovers
Authors: Nori H. , Moot D.J. , Black A.D.
Published: June 2020

Monocultures of arrowleaf (Trifolium vesiculosum), balansa (T. michelianum), gland (T. glanduliferum) and Persian (T. resupinatum) clovers were sown on four dates in autumn and winter 2010. Dry matter (DM) accumulation was dependent on the duration of crop growth which was influenced by the time of sowing. Autumn sown crops which flowered latest had a longer duration of vegetative growth and consequently produced the highest dry matter yields. In the establishment year, autumn sown crops produced up to 17.5 t DM/ha for balansa, 12.5 t DM/ha for Persian, 11.0 t DM/ha for gland and 9.4 t DM/ha for arrowleaf at physiological maturity (P
Livestock feed intake assumptions in decision support tools; A stocktake of the current science and assumptions used by livestock models
Authors: Frater P. , Howarth S. , Mcewen G.J.
Published: June 2020

Decision Support Tools (DSTs) and models are becoming increasingly important to make informed decisions. The aim of this review was to understand how the scientific assumptions behind related pasture-based DSTs used in New Zealand interrelate. Using modelled feed intake of grazing sheep as a case study, we reviewed the metabolisable energy (ME) assumptions of relevant New Zealand models. Although the DSTs were largely dependent on a common model, there were some discrepancies between them. We raise two concerns: 1. In New Zealand, pasture-based livestock models to predict ME intake are highly dependent on equations developed in Australia, not validated in New Zealand. 2. The minor discrepancies between models make collaboration difficult - this is particularly pertinent to farmer-targeted DSTs. Closer collaboration between DST companies and research institutions is required to agree on consistent, robust equations aligned with the latest scientific knowledge.
Valuing on-farm investments
Authors: Rendel J.M. , Mackay A.D. , Smale P.
Published: June 2020

The challenge of maximising the value of an onfarm investment is dependent on two factors: first, ensuring the full potential of the investment is realised by adjusting current practices to capture the gains; and second, the challenge of isolating, quantifying and valuing the contribution that investment makes to the whole farm business. A new generation farm optimisation model (INFORM) addresses both these issues. Two distinctly different on-farm investments, planting of a forestry block and sowing a multi-year forage crop, both on a hill country sheep and beef operation, are presented to illustrate the capability the model has for first optimising the investment and then using this information to conduct a farm system capital investment investigation. The investment analysis includes consideration of the capital requirements, and also calculates the maximum amount that can be spent on each of the investments to add value to the current business. Keywords: farm system analysis, investment, NPV, optimisation, INFORM
Effects of fresh forage quality on feed intake and live weight gain of red deer in spring
Authors: Stevens D.R. , Corson I.D.
Published: June 2020

Changes in voluntary feed intake (VFI) and average daily gain (ADG) of 10- to 12-month-old male red deer (Cervus elaphus) in response to a range of pasture morphological development stages of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and white clover (Trifolium repens L.) pasture in spring were investigated. An intake study in November 2000 tested responses to pastures spelled for 6, 8 or 10 weeks in a combined indoor/outdoor comparison over two weeks. This was followed by a 5 week grazing study which compared 3, 5 or 7 week spelling periods during November and December in 2001. Pasture spelled for 6, 8 or 10 weeks had acid detergent fibre concentrations of 216, 229 and 252 g/kg DM (P
Impact of autumn (fall) dormancy rating on growth and development of seedling lucerne
Authors: Ta H.T. , Teixeira E.I. , Moot D.J.
Published: June 2020

To quantify the influence of autumn (fall) dormancy (FD) on DM production and phenological development during the seedling phase, three lucerne genotypes with contrasting ratings were grown at Lincoln University, New Zealand. A dormant (FD2), a semi-dormant (FD5), and a winter-active (FD10) genotype were inoculated and sown at a rate of 290 plants/m2 on 8 October 2014. By the end of the seedling phase (15 January 2015) the FD10 genotype had produced 20% higher shoot yield and 17% higher root yield than the other two genotypes. The percentage of total biomass partitioned to roots (Proot) was 50% for all genotypes. Total plant biomass (root + shoot yields) was 6.55 t DM/ha for FD10 compared with 5.57 t DM/ha for FD 2 and FD5. Plant height at the open-flower stage was 39.5 cm for FD10 compared with 34.5 cm for FD5 and 33.5 cm for FD2. Maximum leaf area index was similar amongst genotypes at 2.5. However, individual leaf area was 142, 119 and 111 cm2/stem for FD10, FD5 and FD2, respectively. The phyllochron was 52oCd per primary leaf (base temperature of 1oC) and consistent amongst genotypes. The number of primary leaves and branches were also conservative at 17 and 14/shoot, respectively. Therefore, differences in shoot yield among these lucerne genotypes during the seedling stage were mainly due to differences in plant height and individual leaf area expansion per plant. This led to greater light interception and therefore higher total biomass accumulation for FD10 than for the other two genotypes. Keywords: alfalfa, autumn, Medicago sativa L., phyllochron
An overview of the South Canterbury region
Authors: Mcfarlane D.G.
Published: June 2020

Welcome to South Canterbury - a region of diversity, innovation and opportunity. I aim to provide you with an overview of the region's strengths and its potential along with the challenges to be faced. This will not be as a geographer - "Mr Google" could do that job better than I; this will be my personal view as a practical farmer who has been involved in a number of regional developments.
A farmer's view on the current environmental conversation
Authors: Adams M.H.
Published: June 2020

The brief for this paper was: "A farmer's view on protecting the soil, water and environment." However, I have headed in a slightly different direction and would like to focus on some of the tensions that exist within this brief. To help me do this, I will tell my family story starting with my grandfather James Adams. He sold both his 100 ha farm and agricultural contracting business in Duntroon, North Otago, to purchase an 890 ha farm in the Fairlie basin. In September 1950, at 42 years of age, my grandfather with his wife and eight children made the move north. Over the next 33 years he was able to acquire the neighbouring farms, effectively doubling the land area before two of his sons joined the business. Like many men from an era that included two world wars and a severe depression, James was a conservative man. He was prepared to borrow money to buy land, but not to develop it. Development had to be done out of income.
Genetic gain in perennial ryegrass forage yield in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Harmer M. , Stewart A.V. , Woodfield D.R.
Published: June 2020

Genetic gain of forage yield in pasture species underpins long-term productivity improvements in pastoral agriculture. The value of proprietary seed sales in Australia and New Zealand has resulted in more public and private investment in perennial ryegrass breeding than other forage species, but this is still much less than for major row crops. Historic estimates of genetic gain in total annual dry matter (DM) yield for perennial ryegrass cultivars have ranged from 0.25 to 0.73% per year, but ongoing questions from farmers and industrygood organisations has prompted further assessment of recent genetic gains. Analysis of 46 Australian and New Zealand trials identified two distinct periods of genetic gain: (a) before 1990, where genetic gain for total annual DM yield was limited, and (b) after 1990 where consistent genetic gains of approximately 0.76% per year or 105 kg DM/ha/year have occurred, with rates higher than this especially in winter, summer and autumn. Investigations to better understand the key scientific and economic factors responsible for the observed changes in rates of genetic gain are warranted, as this may help inform policies and investment aimed at further increasing rates of genetic gain in all forage species. Keywords: germplasm origin, endophyte, Lolium perenne L., plant intellectual property rights, cultivar evaluation
Key pasture and milksolids production indicators from two Waikato farmlets differing in inputs, stocking rate, pasture allowance and nitrate leaching
Authors: Roach C.G. , Glassey C.B. , Macdonald K.A.
Published: June 2020

Two DairyNZ farmlets, differing in nitrogen fertiliser inputs, cow genetic merit and autumn/winter grazing management, with stocking rates of 2.6 ('Future') and 3.2 ('Current') cows/ha, were compared for pasture residual and quality over 4 years. Target intakes for lactating cows were 18 and 16 kg DM/cow/day, respectively, with target grazing residuals of 3.5-4 cm (1500 kg DM/ha in late winter/spring, 7-8 clicks on the rising plate meter) for both herds. Measurement of grazing residuals, pasture quality and botanical composition identified small differences between farmlets. Grazing residuals on the Future farmlet averaged 0.2 cm (0.4 clicks on rising plate meter, RPM) (P
Looking to the future of land evaluation and farm planning
Authors: Dominati E.J. , Mackay A.D. , Rendel J.M. , Smale P.N.
Published: June 2020

Land evaluation has a long history of describing and quantifying the sustainable productive capacity of land. There is a global recognition of the need for this discipline to start recognising the services beyond food production provided by landscapes, as well as the impacts land uses have on receiving environments. An ecosystems approach was used to extend land evaluation to include additional outcomes and was paired with farm system optimisation to explore farm system design. The approach was tested on a sheep and beef farm to explore the added benefits of steep land retirement for flood mitigation and soil conservation and potential trade-offs with farm productivity. The approach showed successfully that it is possible to aim for multiple benefits ranging from increased profit to decreased environmental footprints. Such capability to define and include ecological boundaries within which resources should be managed is a feature that analytical farm system frameworks will require into the future. Keywords: multi-functional land evaluation, ecosystem services, farm system, optimisation
Optical sensors for variable rate nitrogen application in dairy pastures
Authors: Wigley K. , Owens J.L. , Trethewey J.A.K. , Ekanayake D.C. , Roten R.L. , Werner A.
Published: June 2020

Reducing the amount of nitrogen (N) fertiliser applied to dairy pastures down to agronomically optimised levels would have positive economic and environmental results. The ability of commercially available optical sensors to estimate biomass yield and foliar-N uptake in pastures was investigated. Vegetative indices (Simple Ratio, SR; Water Index, WI; and Normalised Difference Vegetation Index, NDVI) from two active optical reflectance sensors (N-Sensor, Yara; and Greenseeker, Trimble) were compared with manually measured biomass and N-uptake in above-ground foliage. There were three measurements over time, from pastures that had received different N fertiliser applications rates (0, 10, 20, 40 and 80 kg N/ha). It was found that the sensors were able to detect differences in biomass and foliar N-uptake following defoliation of grazed pastures. The tested optical sensors have the potential to inform a real-time variable rate fertiliser application system. Keywords: pasture, nitrogen, optical sensors
NZGA PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS 2016 Systems research: the need for a change of thinking
Authors: Stevens Dr
Published: June 2020

Farm systems research has a long history of success in New Zealand. Recent reviews have highlighted the progress made through the traditional and pragmatic approaches that have been used (Clark 2013; Stevens et al. 2016). However, as the world and technologies change ever more rapidly around us, is it time to change from the pragmatic problem solving approach to one of deeper understanding?
NZGA PRESIDENT'S ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2015/2016
Authors: Stevens David
Published: June 2020

The year has been an eventful one with a successful conference in Masterton hosted by John Dalziel and his team. Being able to capture Professor Colin Holmes on video, now available to all, was an absolute highlight.
The value of legumes to a Whanganui hill country farm
Authors: Rendel J.M. , Mackay A.D. , Smale P.N.
Published: June 2020

There is interest in the sheep and beef sector in lifting the legume content of hill pastures. This interest is tempered by the uncertainty of the benefits and how much farmers can afford to spend to achieve them. The objective of this study was to quantify the value to a hill country farm of differing proportions of legumes in a mixed species pasture using AgInform® (Integrated Farm Optimisation and Resource Allocation Model). AgInform® is a multi-year farm systems model, adapted so that the legume proportion of pasture as it influences pasture growth and animal performance through its influence on diet could be included as variables in the model. Three levels of legume (Low, Base and High) in a mixed pasture were modelled. The model predicts that increasing the legume proportion increases farm profitability although not in a linear manner with increasing legume proportion. This analysis provides an indication of the investment that hill country farmers can afford to increase the legume proportion in mixed pastures. Keywords: farm systems, legume, variability, AgInform®, multi-year
Lucerne with a high coumestrol content is not a suitable feed for ewes just before and during the early breeding period
Authors: Cranston L.M. , Kenyon P.R. , Fields R.L. , Moot D.J. , Corner-Thomas R.A. , Kemp P.D. , Morris S.T.
Published: June 2020

Abstract The objective was to determine whether grazing lucerne for 7 days before breeding and for the first 7 days of breeding affected the reproductive performance of ewes with different body condition scores (average of 3.2 versus 3.7). This was compared with grazing a grass-based sward with a high proportion of dead herbage that was available at the time of breeding in a summer dry region (Wairarapa) in autumn 2016. The lucerne contained large amounts of fungal infected stem and dead herbage, which induced high levels of coumestrol (107 ± 15 mg/kg DM). By the end of the feeding period the grass and lucerne on offer were both of low quality (7.8 MJ ME/kg DM). Ewes that grazed lucerne for 7 days before breeding and for the first 7 days of the breeding period produced 18 fewer (P
Variable and differential application of nutrients to a hill country farm
Authors: Morton Jd , Gillingham A.
Published: June 2020

Abstract Traditionally fertiliser has been aerially applied at a uniform rate to hill country, but the technology now exists to apply nutrients at a variable rate (VR) and each nutrient differentially, depending on the production potential and pasture composition of each part of the hill. A hypothetical case study of a sheep farm was modelled to show the economic benefits of VR application of phosphorus (P) and sulphur (S) and differential application of nitrogen (N), compared with application of a uniform rate of P and S. The financial analysis demonstrates that the VR strategy of less P and S to steeper slopes where there is low legume and more on easier slopes where there is more legume, costs less than the application of P and S at a uniform rate over all slopes. The cost saving could be used to apply N to steep land on both sunny and shady aspects and easy land on sunny aspects. This differential N application in late winter/early spring ensures better pasture cover for lactating ewes to improve ewe condition at weaning. When this gain in condition was maintained through to mating, lambing percentage increased in the following spring. The benefit from this increased lamb production was an increase in financial returns of $63/ha/year. A qualitative sensitivity analysis indicated that this value remains stable in response to changes in the proportion of each slope class, soil Olsen P level, the relative cost of fertiliser P and N and sheep to cattle ratio. Keywords: differential application, hill country, lamb production, nitrogen, phosphorus, aerial topdressing, variable rate
Argentine stem weevil: farmer awareness and the effectiveness of different ryegrass/endophyte associations
Authors: Popay A.J. , Rijswijk K. , Goldson S.L.
Published: June 2020

Abstract Argentine stem weevil (ASW) is a highly destructive pest of ryegrass that has recently been associated with increased incidences of field damage. A survey of farmer awareness and management practices in relation to this pest was carried out. Many (47%) farmers sowed favoured plant hosts such as short-term and tetraploid ryegrasses. A field trial, undertaken near Hamilton, compared the effects on ASW larval damage of 10 different ryegrass/endophyte associations in comparison with an endophyte-free control with and without seed treatment. U2 endophyte in a diploid perennial festulolium and AR37 endophyte in a hybrid tetraploid, an Italian diploid and a tetraploid perennial ryegrass had significantly less damage (42%). NEA2 endophyte in a diploid perennial ryegrass and AR1 endophyte in short-term ryegrasses failed to protect plants from severe damage by this pest. Farmers need to be aware of the risks of ASW damage to short-term and tetraploid ryegrasses. Keywords: ploidy, short-term ryegrasses, larval damage, endophyte strains, pasture management
Dry matter yield and the prevalence of barley yellow dwarf and ryegrass mosaic viruses in old and young perennial ryegrass
Authors: Farquhar M.B. , Winefield C.S. , Eady C.C.
Published: June 2020

Abstract Modern pasture management of perennial ryegrass results in reduced reseeding and increased reliance on asexual tiller multiplication. This may exacerbate viral impact by providing longer-living hosts to exploit, thus the effect of ryegrass age on sward performance and viral load was investigated. Genetically similar 10 year old field plants and 10 year old seed were used to produce 'mini-swards' of 'old' (tiller derived) and 'young' (seed derived) ryegrass lines. Dry matter yield and viral load (ryegrass mosaic, and barley yellow dwarf) were assessed over 10 months. For all lines the old mini-swards produced less biomass (4-29%) and viral load was significantly greater at most time points. Cause and effect between viral load and yield were not proven as other factors such as genetic drift, epigenetics, or other latent pests or diseases could not be ruled out. Keywords: Lolium perenne, barley yellow dwarf virus, ryegrass mosaic virus
Characterization of Vacuum Arc Thruster Performance in Weak Magnetic Nozzle
Authors: Chowdhury Satyajit , Kronhaus Igal
Published: June 2020

Vacuum arc thruster performance in a magnetic nozzle configuration is experimentally characterized. Measurements are performed on a miniature coaxial thruster with an anode inner diameter of 1.8 mm. The magnetic field B is produced by a single air coil, 18 mm in diameter. Direct measurement of thrust, mass consumption and arc current are performed. To obtain statistically viable results ≈ 6000 arc pulses are analyzed at each operational point. Cathode mass erosion is measured using laser profilometry. To sustain thruster operation over several measurement cycles, an active cathode feeding system is used. For 0 < B ≤ 0.2 T, performance increase over the non-magnetic case is observed with the best thrust to arc power ratio T / P ≈ 9 μ N/W obtained at B ≈ 0.2 T. A parametric model is provided that captures the performance enhancement based on beam collimation and acceleration by the magnetic nozzle. For B > 0.2 T, the arc discharge is shown to be suppressed nullifying any additional gains by the nozzle effect.
Assessing Antibiotic Residues in Poultry Eggs from Backyard Production Systems in Chile, First Approach to a Non-Addressed Issue in Farm Animals
Authors: Cornejo Javiera , Pokrant Ekaterina , Figueroa Francisco , Riquelme Ricardo , Galdames Pablo , Di Pillo Francisca , Jimenez-Bluhm Pedro , Hamilton-West Christopher
Published: June 2020

Eggs are the main product generated from backyard poultry production systems (BPS) because they can quickly be consumed and sold to meet essential family needs. Nevertheless, antimicrobial residues can accumulate in this product. The objective of this study was to evaluate the presence of antimicrobial residues in eggs produced by poultry kept in BPS in central Chile. To assess this, eggs were obtained from 83 BPS and analysed to evaluate the presence of antibiotic residues (families: tetracyclines, beta-lactams, aminoglycosides and macrolides), using a Four-Plate Test screening method for the detection, based on a bacterial growth inhibition method. Results show a lack of biosecurity procedures at BPS level, making these systems susceptible to the dissemination of antimicrobial residues. These include intensive animal production units in the proximity, and the presence of shared watercourses with other farms. Furthermore, 66% of the surveyed owners are indicated as giving pharmacological treatments to their chickens. Eggs from 61 BPS were positive for at least one antimicrobial. Fifty-three BPS were positive for more than one antimicrobial, and one BPS was positive for all four antimicrobials tested. Consequently, there is a risk that poultry eggs produced in BPS in central Chile carry residues of different families of antimicrobials.
Effects of Partially Defatted Hermetia illucens Meal in Rainbow Trout Diet on Hepatic Methionine Metabolism
Authors: Terova Genciana , Ceccotti Chiara , Ascione Chiara , Gasco Laura , Rimoldi Simona
Published: June 2020

This study investigated, for the first time, the effects of replacement of fishmeal (FM) with insect meal from Hermetia illucens (HI) on the transcript levels of three genes involved in methionine (Met) metabolism in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) liver. Two target genes—betaine-homocysteine S-methyltransferase (BHMT) and S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase (SAHH)—are involved in Met resynthesis and the third one—cystathionine β synthase (CBS)—is involved in net Met loss (taurine synthesis). We also investigated the levels of two Met metabolites involved in the maintenance of methyl groups and homocysteine homeostasis in the hepatic tissue: S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) and S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH). Three diets were formulated, an FM-based diet (HI0) and two diets in which 25% (HI25) and 50% (HI50) of FM was replaced with HI larvae meal. A 78-day feeding trial involved 360 rainbow trout with 178.9 ± 9.81 g initial average weight. Dietary replacement of up to 50% of FM with HI larvae meal, without any Met supplementation, did not negatively affect rainbow trout growth parameters and hepatic Met metabolism. In particular, Met availability from the insect-based diets directly modulated the transcript levels of two out of three target genes (CBS, SAHH) to maintain an optimal level of one-carbon metabolic substrates, i.e., the SAM:SAH ratio in the hepatic tissue.
Endometrial Cytology During the Different Phases of the Estrous Cycle in Jennies: New Evidences
Authors: Quartuccio Marco , Cristarella Santo , Medica Pietro , Fazio Esterina , Mazzullo Giuseppe , Rifici Claudia , Liotta Luigi , Satué Katiuska
Published: June 2020

Since in the mare and other animal species such as bitches and cats, the endometrial cell pattern varies depending on the phase of the estrous cycle, the aim of this study was to describe and quantify the endometrial cytological (EC) findings in cycling jennies. EC of eight nonpregnant jennies by cytobrush (CB) at diestrus (day 1 and day 14) and estrous (day 21) were evaluated. All slides were stained with Wright´s stain and microscopically examined at both 400× and 1000× magnification. Seven high-power fields (400×) were assessed in each smear and the endometrial epithelial cells and neutrophils (PMNs) were counted. Endometrial epithelial cells were classified as intact, distorted or fragmented and, on the basis of the presence of dense groups, in monolayer or single clusters. Cytoplasmic characteristics, such as vacuolation or streaming and size, form, position of nuclear characteristics, including karyorrhexis, were recorded. Background aspect, as clear, proteinaceous, or debris, was also considered. In general, sampling by CB provided a yield of cells and clumped endometrial epithelial cells in many smears, being more abundant in estrus than early and late diestrus. Individual endometrial epithelial cells, during estrous, presented a columnar morphology, ciliated or not ciliated and basal nuclei. During diestrus phase, endometrial epithelial cells presented a more cuboidal ciliated or not ciliated morphology. Moderate amount of proteinacious material and red blood cells (RBC) was also observed. Non variation in the percentage of PMNs during diestrus was obtained, but lower and segmented PMNs in CB smears were shown in estrous. This study provides new insights on the physiological changes of endometrial epithelial cells in cycling jennies during the estrus cycle. The CB technique represents a suitable and adequate method for endometrial evaluation, taking into account cytological and/or cytopathological purposes also in jennies.
Studying the Gene Expression of Penicillium rubens Under the Effect of Eight Essential Oils
Authors: Kisová Zuzana , Šoltýsová Andrea , Bučková Mária , Beke Gábor , Puškárová Andrea , Pangallo Domenico
Published: June 2020

Essential oils (EOs) are well-known for their beneficial properties against a broad range of microorganisms. For the better understanding of their mechanism of action in fungi, a microarray approach was used in order to evaluate the gene expression of Penicillium chrysogenum (recently renamed P. rubens) exposed to the indirect contact (vapors) of eight EOs. The selection of assayed EOs was based on their antifungal activity. The extraction of RNA and the microarray hybridization procedure were optimized for the analysis of P. rubens. Gene ontology annotation was performed to investigate the functional analysis of the genes. To uncover the metabolic pathway of these differentially expressed genes, they were mapped into the KEGG BRITE pathway database. The transcriptomic analysis showed that, from a total of 12,675 genes, only 551 genes are annotated, and the other 12,124 genes encoded hypothetical proteins. Further bioinformatic analysis demonstrated that 1350 genes were upregulated and 765 downregulated at least with half (four) of the utilizing EOs. A microarray investigation has confirmed the main impact of EOs to metabolic processes in P. rubens involved in vital functions. Presumably, this is the first time that a microarray hybridization analysis was performed in order to evaluate the gene expression of P. rubens exposed to various EOs.
Application of Molecularly Imprinted Polymers (MIP) and Flowing Atmospheric-Pressure Afterglow Mass Spectrometry (FAPA-MS) to Analysis of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Authors: Guć Maria , Schroeder Grzegorz
Published: June 2020

In recent years, the rapid development of the pharmaceutical industry and the extensive and illicit use of painkillers have led to increased levels of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the environment. In view of the significant impact of NSAIDs on living organisms, including humans, their presence in the environment needs to be continuously monitored at trace levels. For this purpose, a combination of molecularly imprinted solid-phase extraction (MISPE) and HPLC-MS analysis is commonly used. MISPE has been utilized in direct, fast, and ecological analysis of drugs using a flowing atmospheric-pressure afterglow ion source for mass spectrometry (FAPA-MS). The new method was applied herein in the determination of naproxen, diclofenac, and ibuprofen. The linear dependence of the intensity of analytical signals on the amount of drugs is in the range of 0.2 μg to 1 g and the method detection limit (MDL) for all drugs is 0.2 μg in environmental samples. The new method also decreased the number of analytical stages, the time and cost of analysis, and the organic solvent consumption, besides being environmentally friendly.
Intelligent Fault Diagnosis of Rotating Machinery Using Hierarchical Lempel-Ziv Complexity
Authors: Han Bing , Wang Shun , Zhu Qingqi , Yang Xiaohui , Li Yongbo
Published: June 2020

The health condition monitoring of rotating machinery can avoid the disastrous failure and guarantee the safe operation. The vibration-based fault diagnosis shows the most attractive character for fault diagnosis of rotating machinery (FDRM). Recently, Lempel-Ziv complexity (LZC) has been investigated as an effective tool for FDRM. However, the LZC only performs single-scale analysis, which is not suitable to extract the fault features embedded in vibrational signal over multiple scales. In this paper, a novel complexity analysis algorithm, called hierarchical Lempel-Ziv complexity (HLZC), was developed to extract the fault characteristics of rotating machinery. The proposed HLZC method considers the fault information hidden in both low-frequency and high-frequency components, resulting in a more accurate fault feature extraction. The superiority of the proposed HLZC method in detecting the periodical impulses was validated by using simulated signals. Meanwhile, two experimental signals were utilized to prove the effectiveness of the proposed HLZC method in extracting fault information. Results show that the proposed HLZC method had the best diagnosing performance compared with LZC and multi-scale Lempel-Ziv complexity methods.
Crack Growth and Energy Release Rate for an Angled Crack under Mixed Mode Loading
Authors: Yang Yali , Chu Seok Jae , Huang Wei song , Chen Hao
Published: June 2020

The evaluation of energy release rate with angle is still a challenging task in metal crack propagation analysis, especially for the mixed Mode I-II-III loading situation. In this paper, the energy release rate associated with stress intensity factors at an arbitrary angle under mixed mode loadings has been investigated using both a numerical method and theoretical derivation. A relatively simple and precise numerical method was established through a series of spatial-inclined ellipses in Mode I-II and ellipsoids in Mode I-II-III, with different propagation angles computed from simulation. Meanwhile, a theoretical expression of the energy release rate with angle for a crack tip under a I-II-III mixed mode crack was deduced based on the propagation mechanism of the crack tip under the influence of a stress field. It is confirmed that the theoretical expression deduced could provide results as accurately as the present numerical method. The present results were confirmed to be effective and accurate by comparison with experimental data and other literature.
Laboratory Diagnostics of Rickettsia Infections in Denmark 2008–2015
Authors: Schjørring Susanne , Jepsen Martin Tugwell , Sørensen Camilla Adler , Valentiner-Branth Palle , Kantsø Bjørn , Petersen Randi Føns , Skovgaard Ole , Krogfelt Karen A.
Published: June 2020

Rickettsiosis is a vector-borne disease caused by bacterial species in the genus Rickettsia. Ticks in Scandinavia are reported to be infected with Rickettsia, yet only a few Scandinavian human cases are described, and rickettsiosis is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of rickettsiosis in Denmark based on laboratory findings. We found that in the Danish individuals who tested positive for Rickettsia by serology, the majority (86%; 484/561) of the infections belonged to the spotted fever group. In contrast, we could confirm 13 of 41 (32%) PCR-positive individuals by sequencing and identified all of these as R. africae, indicating infections after travel exposure. These 13 samples were collected from wound/skin material. In Denmark, approximately 85 individuals test positive for Rickettsia spp. annually, giving an estimated 26% (561/2147) annual prevalence among those suspected of rickettsiosis after tick bites. However, without clinical data and a history of travel exposure, a true estimation of rickettsiosis acquired endemically by tick bites cannot be made. Therefore, we recommend that both clinical data and specific travel exposure be included in a surveillance system of Rickettsia infections.
Effect of Mental Fatigue on Postural Sway in Healthy Older Adults and Stroke Populations
Authors: Varas-Diaz Gonzalo , Kannan Lakshmi , Bhatt Tanvi
Published: June 2020

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of mental fatigue on postural sway under different sensory conditions in healthy older adults and in persons with chronic stroke (PwCS). Thirty healthy older adults (> 60 years old), randomly separated into experimental and control groups, as well as 15 PwCS participated in this study. Experimental groups were asked to stand on a force platform wearing seven inertial sensors while performing the Sensory Organization Test (SOT) under two cognitive conditions (single- and dual-task) before and after a mental fatigue task (stop-signal task for 60 min). The control group performed the same protocol before and after watching a movie for 60 min. Changes in subjective fatigue was assessed by the NASA Task Load Index and psychophysiological workload was assessed by heart rate variability (HRV). Postural sway was assessed by calculating the Jerk and root mean square (RMS) of center of mass (COM). Higher Jerk and RMS of COM (p < 0.05) were observed after the mental fatigue task in both healthy older adults and PwCS during SOT, which was not observed in the control group (p > 0.05). Additionally, postural sway increased in the three groups as the SOT conditions became more challenging. Our results indicate that mental fatigue, induced by sustained cognitive activity, can impair balance during SOT in older adult and stroke populations.
Functional Aspects of Hypothalamic Asymmetry
Authors: Kiss David Sandor , Toth Istvan , Jocsak Gergely , Barany Zoltan , Bartha Tibor , Frenyo Laszlo V. , Horvath Tamas L. , Zsarnovszky Attila
Published: June 2020

Anatomically, the brain is a symmetric structure. However, growing evidence suggests that certain higher brain functions are regulated by only one of the otherwise duplicated (and symmetric) brain halves. Hemispheric specialization correlates with phylogeny supporting intellectual evolution by providing an ergonomic way of brain processing. The more complex the task, the higher are the benefits of the functional lateralization (all higher functions show some degree of lateralized task sharing). Functional asymmetry has been broadly studied in several brain areas with mirrored halves, such as the telencephalon, hippocampus, etc. Despite its paired structure, the hypothalamus has been generally considered as a functionally unpaired unit, nonetheless the regulation of a vast number of strongly interrelated homeostatic processes are attributed to this relatively small brain region. In this review, we collected all available knowledge supporting the hypothesis that a functional lateralization of the hypothalamus exists. We collected and discussed findings from previous studies that have demonstrated lateralized hypothalamic control of the reproductive functions and energy expenditure. Also, sporadic data claims the existence of a partial functional asymmetry in the regulation of the circadian rhythm, body temperature and circulatory functions. This hitherto neglected data highlights the likely high-level ergonomics provided by such functional asymmetry.
Reward Responsiveness in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study: African Americans’ Diminished Returns of Parental Education
Authors: Assari Shervin , Boyce Shanika , Akhlaghipour Golnoush , Bazargan Mohsen , Caldwell Cleopatra H.
Published: June 2020

(1) Background: Reward responsiveness (RR) is a risk factor for high-risk behaviors such as aggressive behaviors and early sexual initiation, which are all reported to be higher in African American and low socioeconomic status adolescents. At the same time, parental education is one of the main drivers of reward responsiveness among adolescents. It is still unknown if some of this racial and economic gap is attributed to weaker effects of parental education for African Americans, a pattern also called minorities’ diminished returns (MDRs). (2) Aim: We compared non-Hispanic White and African American adolescents for the effects of parent education on adolescents RR, a psychological and cognitive construct that is closely associated with high-risk behaviors such as the use of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. (3) Methods: This was a cross-sectional analysis that included 7072 adolescents from the adolescent brain cognitive development (ABCD) study. The independent variable was parent education. The main outcome as adolescents’ RR measured by the behavioral inhibition system (BIS) and behavioral activation system (BAS) measure. (4) Results: In the overall sample, high parent education was associated with lower levels of RR. In the overall sample, we found a statistically significant interaction between race and parent education on adolescents’ RR. The observed statistical interaction term suggested that high parent education is associated with a weaker effect on RR for African American than non-Hispanic White adolescents. In race-stratified models, high parent education was only associated with lower RR for non-Hispanic White but not African American adolescents. (5) Conclusion: Parent education reduces RR for non-Hispanic White but not African American adolescents. To minimize the racial gap in brain development and risk-taking behaviors, we need to address societal barriers that diminish the returns of parent education and resources in African American families. We need public and social policies that target structural and societal barriers, such as the unequal distribution of opportunities and resources. To meet such an aim, we need to reduce the negative effects of social stratification, segregation, racism, and discrimination in the daily lives of African American parents and families. Through an approach like this, African American families and parents can effectively mobilize their resources and utilize their human capital to secure the best possible tangible outcomes for their adolescents.
Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Membrane Transport Proteins: Focus on Cancer and Chemoresistance
Authors: Almasi Shekoufeh , El Hiani Yassine
Published: June 2020

Improving the therapeutic efficacy of conventional anticancer drugs represents the best hope for cancer treatment. However, the shortage of druggable targets and the increasing development of anticancer drug resistance remain significant problems. Recently, membrane transport proteins have emerged as novel therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. These proteins are essential for a plethora of cell functions ranging from cell homeostasis to clinical drug toxicity. Furthermore, their association with carcinogenesis and chemoresistance has opened new vistas for pharmacology-based cancer research. This review provides a comprehensive update of our current knowledge on the functional expression profile of membrane transport proteins in cancer and chemoresistant tumours that may form the basis for new cancer treatment strategies.
Molecular Interplay between Dormant Bone Marrow-Resident Cells (BMRCs) and CTCs in Breast Cancer
Authors: Boral Debasish , Liu Haowen N. , Kenney S. Ray , Marchetti Dario
Published: June 2020

Despite widespread knowledge that bone marrow-resident breast cancer cells (BMRCs) affect tumor progression, signaling mechanisms of BMRCs implicated in maintaining long-term dormancy have not been characterized. To overcome these hurdles, we developed a new experimental model of clinical dormancy employing patient-isolated Circulating Tumor Cells (de novo CTCs) and their injection in xenografts with subsequent tumor monitoring and CTC characterization (ex vivo CTCs). We hypothesized that significant distinctions exist between signaling pathways of bone marrow-homing vs metastasis-competent CTCs upon transplantation in xenografts. Comparative transcriptomic analyses of ex vivo vs de novo CTCs identified increased mTOR signaling—a critical pathway frequently dysregulated in breast cancer and implicated in cell survival and dormancy—with contrasting actions by its two complementary arms (mTORC2/mTORC1). Heightened mTORC2 downstream targets augmented quiescent CTCs (Ki67−/RBL2+ cells) in paired breast cancer tissues, along with high mTORC2 activity in solitary BMRCs and tissue-resident CTCs. Further, shRNA mediated the knockdown of RICTOR, an essential component of mTORC2, and augmented Ki67/PCNA biomarker expression and proliferation. Collectively, these findings suggest that the balance between mTORC1 vs mTORC2 signaling regulates CTC-associated mitotic and/or dormancy characteristics.
The Modified Phenanthridine PJ34 Unveils an Exclusive Cell-Death Mechanism in Human Cancer Cells
Authors: Cohen-Armon Malka
Published: June 2020

This overview summarizes recent data disclosing the efficacy of the PARP inhibitor PJ34 in exclusive eradication of a variety of human cancer cells without impairing healthy proliferating cells. Its cytotoxic activity in cancer cells is attributed to the insertion of specific un-repairable anomalies in the structure of their mitotic spindle, leading to mitotic catastrophe cell death. This mechanism paves the way to a new concept of cancer therapy.