bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ponderosa pine introduction methods following a high-severity stand-replacing fire to promote forest regeneration
Authors: Winters Stephanie M. , van Diepen Linda T. A.
Published: January 2023

Background

In July 2012, a lightning strike ignited the Arapaho Fire in the Laramie Mountains of Wyoming and burned approximately 39,700 ha. This high-severity fire resulted in 95% mortality of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa P. & C. Lawson) at the University of Wyoming’s Rogers Research Site. Ponderosa pine recruitment post-high-severity wildfire is limited in semi-arid and mid-elevation forests in the Rocky Mountain region due to the reduction of seed supplies from living trees, warm temperatures, and limited precipitation. We used an experimental block design to determine management treatments that would increase ponderosa pine abundance, and we measured the impacts to the vegetation community, ground cover, and bare ground following a high-severity wildfire. Treatments included a combination of one pine introduction treatment (natural regeneration, broadcast seeding, and planted seedlings), one logging treatment (no logging, bole only removal, whole tree removal), and erosion control seeding (no erosion seeding and seeding with a native grass mix) in each plot within a block.

Results

Our results indicate that the pine introduction treatment “planted seedlings” was the most effective restoration treatment in semi-arid, mid-elevation sites, although the overall survival rate of seedlings from initial planting in 2015 to 2017 was only 6%. “Whole tree removal” had a weak positive effect on the “planted seedlings” ponderosa pine abundance. The estimated mean percent moss cover was higher in the “no logging” treatment, and this treatment resulted in a lower mean percent bare ground. Overall, 2 years after implementation, the management treatments did not result in different vegetation communities.

Conclusions

No difference in vegetation functional group cover among the pine introduction and logging treatments at the RRS is likely due to the large landscape heterogeneity with differing slopes and two different aspects coupled with the short time frame since the implementation of the treatments at the site. The direct implications of these findings suggest that hand planting ponderosa pine seedlings is an effective way for managers to reintroduce ponderosa pine 3 years following a high-severity wildfire in semi-arid and mid-elevation sites in the northern Rocky Mountains.
Single-stage long-stem total knee arthroplasty in severe arthritis with stress fracture: a systematic review
Authors: Shekhar Shubhankar , Rai Alok , Prakash Saket , khare Tarun , Malhotra Rajesh
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Proximal tibia stress fractures present a challenge when performing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in knee arthritis (KA). The literature on treatment modalities for stress fractures with arthritis is varied and not systematically reviewed. We aimed to answer the questions: (1) Is long-stem TKA sufficient for stress fractures in arthritic knees? (2) Should stress fracture and KA be addressed simultaneously? (3) What is the role of augmentative procedures in stress fractures with knee arthritis? (4) Can a unified algorithm be established?

Methods

The PubMed and Cochrane databases were searched for keywords such as stress fracture, knee arthritis and total knee arthroplasty, published from January 1995 to 29 May 2022. A total of 472 records were screened down to 13 articles on the basis of our selection criteria. Ten data items were recorded from the included studies. The methodological index for non-randomised studies (MINORS) score for the included studies was 17 ± 3.

Results

We found long-stem TKA to be sufficient for most cases and advocated for single-stage treatment of stress fractures and arthritis. Augmentative procedures play a role in the treatment, and a unified algorithm was drafted to guide treatment.

Conclusion

Single-stage management of advanced KA with a stress fracture causes less morbidity than a staged procedure. Long-stem TKA, with or without an augmentative procedure, is an excellent option.
Research Anxiety Predicts Undergraduates’ Intentions to Pursue Scientific Research Careers
Authors: Cooper Katelyn M. , Eddy Sarah L. , Brownell Sara E.
Published: January 2023

This study of 1,272 undergraduate researchers from across the United States used structural equation modeling and identified research anxiety as a construct that is significantly and negatively related to student intent to pursue a research-related career. Aspects of research that increase and decrease student research anxiety are highlighted.
Destituent Potentiality and the Critique of Realization
Authors: Agamben Giorgio
Published: January 2023

Before we can think what a destituent power might be, we must first dispense with a concept that has surreptitiously dominated Western thought and politics, namely, that of realization. By realization, we understand the idea that political action consists in realizing in practice a doctrine, a philosophy, an ideal, a project, or whatever else you want to call this kind of obscure presupposition of every political practice.
The Anarchy of Power
Authors: Nelson Katherine
Published: January 2023

This article offers an account of the anarchy of power in Giorgio Agamben's Homo Sacer corpus. From this perspective, governmental power is anarchic in the twofold sense of lacking an independent legitimating foundation and being divided between ontology (what it is to be) and praxis (what is done). To think beyond the bind of anarchic power, Agamben and others have conceptualized a destituent politics that abandons legitimation in an independent authority. Attending to recent interpretations of destitution, this article proposes that, precisely in light of the anarchic structure of power as it shows itself today, destituent politics harbor a unique risk of lethal violence. Avoiding this risk requires cultivating a political force or potentiality that, as Agamben puts it, would be “strong enough to remain destituent.”
“A Dance without a Song”: Revolt and Community in Furio Jesi's Late Work
Authors: Aarons Kieran
Published: January 2023

This article traces a logical and political thread leading from the theory of revolt in Furio Jesi's 1969 Spartakus to his later work on festivity and the “mythological machine model.” It opens by arguing that the humanist model that frames Jesi's early efforts to disarm the allure of insurgent violence, sacrificial mythology, and Manichaean politics generates insoluble aporias that spur the development of a radically different approach to the study of myth and human nature. Next, it shows how Jesi's studies on festivity from the 1970s redound upon and transform the theory of revolt in Spartakus, bringing this theory more in line with current epochal conditions. In doing so, they presage and lay the groundwork for the theory of destituent power developed in recent decades by Giorgio Agamben.
A Violence Other than Violence
Authors: Carvalho Luhuna
Published: January 2023

This article looks at several attempts to conceptualize a legitimate use of revolutionary violence in the anti-authoritarian revolutionary movements of the 1960s and 1970s. The central problem confronting the repertoire of action in this period lay in understanding how a violence deployed to fight power could avoid reproducing instances of this same power. Some, like Guy Debord, proposed a framework in which the revolutionary subject employs violence without becoming subject to such violence itself. Others, like Antonio Negri, sought to distinguish among various regimes of violence, arguing that true state violence was modally distinct from revolutionary violence, or the concrete materialization of a proletarian potentiality. Although opposed, both of these perspectives strive to mitigate or restrain the brutal subjectivation attending the exercise of violence. Placing this debate against the background of Walter Benjamin's claim, in his “Critique of Violence,” that a “divine violence” that would neither sustain nor uphold law is “undisclosed to human beings,” this article argues that the Autonomia movement in 1970s Italy reveals how such undisclosedness, such invisibility, becomes incarnated in a social form. If it is only by abandoning a concept of sovereign victory that a form of divine violence can appear, this is because its appearance coincides with the destitution of the cohesion of the social body upholding state sovereignty. Revolutionary violence is not nonviolence but, rather, a violence other than violence, a form of power whose content is a subjectivation beyond the problematic of sovereignty.
Short Lives: The Impact of Parental Death on Early-Life Mortality and Height in the Netherlands, 1850–1940
Authors: Quanjer Björn , van Dijk Ingrid K. , Rosenbaum-Feldbrügge Matthias
Published: January 2023

We investigate how experiencing parental death in infancy, childhood, or adolescence affected individuals' health using two distinct measures: mortality before age 20 and young adult height. Using two complementary indicators of health enables us to gain more insights into processes of selection and the scarring of health. Employing nationally representative data for the Netherlands for the 1850–1940 period, we analyze the survival of roughly 36,000 boys and girls using Cox proportional hazard models, and the stature of more than 4,000 young adult men using linear regression models. Results show that losing a parent—particularly a mother—at an early age (0–1 or 1–5) was related to a strongly increased risk of mortality. We find no evidence that losing a parent at these ages affected stature in young adulthood. For boys, experiencing maternal death between ages five and 12 was strongly associated with a shorter young adult height; however, we did not find evidence for an association between experiencing paternal death and shorter stature. We conclude that stature may not be a particularly good measure of the effects of early-life adversity if the health shock greatly increases mortality, as these effects create potential issues of health selection.
District-Level Mortality Convergence in Reunified Germany: Long-Term Trends and Contextual Determinants
Authors: Hrzic Rok , Vogt Tobias , Brand Helmut , Janssen Fanny
Published: January 2023

The mortality gap between former East and West Germany decreased rapidly in the decade following the reunification of the country in 1990. However, because no previous study has estimated life expectancy (e0) over time for all German districts, the extent of mortality convergence across districts and its determinants are largely unknown. We used a novel relational Bayesian model to estimate district e0 in Germany during 1997–2016, examined mortality convergence using a novel convergence groups approach, and explored the role of selected district characteristics in the process. Differences in e0 between German districts decreased for both sexes during 1997–2016, mainly driven by rapid mortality improvements in eastern German districts. However, considerable heterogeneity in district-level e0 trajectories within federal states was evident. For example, district clusters in northwestern Germany showed increasing e0 disadvantage, which led to a north–south divergence in mortality. A multinomial regression analysis showed a robust association between the e0 trajectory and the district-level tax base and long-term unemployment but not with hospital density. Thus, an equitable “leveling up” of health seems possible with policies investing in places and the people who inhabit them.
The role of a ciliary GTPase in the regulation of neuronal maturation of olfactory sensory neurons
Authors: Habif Julien C. , Xie Chao , de Celis Carlos , Ukhanov Kirill , Green Warren W. , Moretta Jordan C. , Zhang Lian , Campbell Robert J. , Martens Jeffrey R.
Published: January 2023

Olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) form embryonically and mature perinatally, innervating glomeruli and extending dendrites with multiple cilia. This process and its timing are crucial for odor detection and perception and continues throughout life. In the olfactory epithelium (OE), differentiated OSNs proceed from an immature (iOSN) to a mature (mOSN) state through well-defined sequential morphological and molecular transitions, but the precise mechanisms controlling OSN maturation remain largely unknown. We have identified that a GTPase, ARL13B, has a transient and maturation state-dependent expression in OSNs marking the emergence of a primary cilium. Utilizing an iOSN-specific Arl13b-null murine model, we examined the role of ARL13B in the maturation of OSNs. The loss of Arl13b in iOSNs caused a profound dysregulation of the cellular homeostasis and development of the OE. Importantly, Arl13b null OSNs demonstrated a delay in the timing of their maturation. Finally, the loss of Arl13b resulted in severe deformation in the structure and innervation of glomeruli. Our findings demonstrate a previously unknown role of ARL13B in the maturation of OSNs and development of the OE.
Strengthening “International law of transboundary rivers” international human rights law, international criminal law and international humanitarian law. The dynamics of the right to water
Authors: Balafouta Virginia
Published: January 2023

In the current paper, taking into account the transboundary rivers’ special importance and value, it is proposed that “International Law of Transboundary Rivers” should be established as an autonomous legal branch of International Law. Firstly, a legal framework for International Law of Transboundary Rivers is proposed, and then suggestions are made for its strengthening. It is argued that the governance of transboundary rivers is closely linked and promotes the maintenance of international peace and security, and all the other primary purposes of International Law. Moreover, the connection of International Law of Transboundary Rivers with International Human Rights Law, International Criminal Law and International Humanitarian Law is suggested. In addition, the proposed framework is linked to the Resolution A/RES/64/292 (2010) “The human right to water and sanitation”. The human right to water and sanitation, and its crucial importance are analyzed. In the context of the paper, the connection of the right to water and sanitation with several rights already enshrined: i) in the European Convention on Human Rights, ii) in the American Convention on Human Rights, and iii) in the African Charter of Human and Peoples’ Rights is attempted. This suggestion is made in order to be possible for individuals and for states to legally invoke and judicially assert this right. By the combined invocation of the right to water and sanitation with these rights, it could become possible to utilize the relevant regional human rights instruments and mechanisms, for the legal assertion of the right to water and sanitation, and for the fair and equitable use of transboundary rivers and their resources.
A comparative examination of the African and South pacific radioactive waste management regimes
Authors: Magliveras Konstantinos D.
Published: January 2023

The article examines and compares, from a legal/regulatory point of view, the regimes for the management of radioactive waste in Africa and the South Pacific. Due to their vastness, both regions are attractive for dumping/storing radioactive waste. Regarding Africa, the article examines the Bamako Convention (1991), as reinforced by the right to a general satisfactory environment favourable to peoples’ development, enshrined in the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (1981). Regarding the South Pacific, it examines the Waigani Convention (1995). Since they both were established as regional regimes under the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal (1989), the article appraises whether they exhibit similar characteristics, including their institutional set up, namely a Conference of the Parties. Moreover, the important question of transnational criminal liability for violating regional norms is addressed. Here Africa is a world pioneer: the prohibited under the Bamako Convention trafficking in hazardous waste is considered an international crime and alleged perpetrators face prosecution before the African Court of Justice and Hunan Rights. The fact that not all States in these two regions participate in the respective regimes is certainly problematic but is partly mitigated on account of the existence of other multilateral instruments which, directly or indirectly, prohibit or restrict the movement of radioactive wastes. The article concludes by suggesting which are the principal problems presently surrounding these two regimes.
Infiltration of new technologies into the Hungarian evidence law relating to civil cases
Authors: Harsági Viktória
Published: January 2023

The article covers the topic of what challenges the Hungarian evidentiary system has faced in recent years in civil cases, primarily from the direction of information technology. The paper provides a comprehensive overview of the responses received from the legislator and where this did not resolve some issues, what kind of challenge this posed for judicial practice. It also provides a brief description of some legal cases where Hungarian courts responded to IT challenges. It confronts the reader with the problems that are still unsolved or are expected to appear in the near future. In the latter area, it is primarily about the questions raised by artificial intelligence.
Brazilian judiciary technological transformation
Authors: De Paiva Gabriel Anderson , Shuenquener de Araújo Valter , Ribeiro Porto Fábio
Published: January 2023

The article aims to analyze the impact of the Brazilian National Council of Justice (CNJ) resolutions into the digital transformation of the judiciary, providing reflections on the need for this in light of the rapid changes in social and economic dynamics that have taken place in recent decades, including technological disruptions. For that, a brief contextualization of the Brazilian Judiciary will be carried out, followed by the presentation of the resolutions published by the CNJ and its repercussion in the construction of the so-called Judiciary 4.0, in an adaptation of the millenary institution to contemporary society and new times, marked by the concepts of online Courts and Digital Justice.
The crime of aggression and the case of Ukraine
Authors: Pollman Elizabeth
Published: January 2023

Crime of aggression, international crisis, protection of human rights and international criminal justice are some of the notions that in last years the international community seek to find a commonly accepted basis to examine and analyze them. Particularly, the crime of aggression in recent years has changed its “face” and an attempt has been made to find application in the more stringent context of international crimes. The Ukrainian case is one of the latest examples and certainly not the last where international crimes, and the International Criminal Court must find the way to punish this atrocity as punishable crimes and as a purpose not only for the evolution of international crime law but also for the international peace and the world criminal justice. The present work tries to concretely analyze the crime of aggression in the occurrence of Ukrainian crisis and the work begun with the repression of international crimes and especially that of aggression.
Russia/Ukraine military conflict: Discussing the maritime element of the confrontation
Authors: Workman Harold Thomas , Dalaklis Dimitrios , Ávila-Zúñiga-Nordfjeld Adriana
Published: January 2023

Within the globalization era, the conduct, resolution, and impact of international conflicts are frequently not limited solely to the belligerent states involved. Conflict influences distant countries and often illustrates the vulnerability of sea access to the security of coastal and landlocked nations, by factoring in that: import/export commodities are impacted; access to vital energy resources is undermined; and/or international resource distribution is threatened. Therefore, the maritime domain (and its military, legal, and commercial components) represents a Russia/Ukraine conflict cornerstone and the epicenter of this analysis. This conflict highlights maritime trade importance and re-establishes the strategic significance of protecting multi-polarity, the “rule of law”, and freedom of the seas within the Black Sea region (BSR), which today represents a very large concentration of power (involving actors like Russia, USA, NATO, EU) and has been the site of ten post-Cold War conflicts. Resultantly, maritime domain objectives and tactical events (on, above, and below the seas) require detailed analysis as hostilities continue, the norms and principles of international law are threatened and/or undermined, and prospective combat end-state(s) are considered. Such will define Russia’s and Ukraine’s future(s), as well as economic-diplomatic stability and the future of rules-based international order across the BSR, which is a vital maritime transport corridor.

Amidst increasing maritime emphasis, this conflict also illustrates transformational warfighting facets. In addition to troops, ships, and aircraft, modern battlefields now include issues like: Information Warfare outlets; “lawfare”; cyber threats; and adversaries with unprecedented Artificial Intelligence capabilities. The international community must acknowledge these skills yield warfighting capability to nations lacking capacity. As naval warfare equipment and tactics change, protecting sea lanes, preventing maritime hegemony, and upholding the “rule of law”, remain dominant-and are enhanced by globalization.
Equine piroplasmosis in northern Algeria: Haematological and serological parameters
Authors: Benfenatki A , Benfodil K , Miroud K , Zenia S , Khelef D , Ait-Oudhia K
Published: January 2023

Equine piroplasmosis is an acute, subacute or chronic tick-borne disease due to Babesia caballi and/or Theileria equi, affecting Equidae and causing economic losses to horse breeders and poor performances during tournaments. The objectives were fourfold: first to determine the seroprevalence of piroplasmosis in horses via cELISA, second to establish the haematological profile of piroplasmosis in horses of different Algerian areas through optical microscopy, third to identify the risk factors associated with the infection, and forth to try to elucidate any eventual correlation between piroplasmosis and anaemia. The study was carried out in different regions of northern Algeria. A total of 182 horses of both sexes were blood tested to estimate the prevalence of Theileria equi and Babesia caballi via competitive ELISA and to examine microscopically thin stained blood smears looking for haematological alterations using a standard cell counter. Parasites were detected in 42.9% of horses after microscopic examination of thin blood smears. The seroprevalence of equine piroplasmosis infection using competitive ELISA was 39% and 1,1% for Theileria equi and Babesia caballi respectively. Therefore, equine piroplasmosis is present in different regions of Algeria with a predominance of positivity in the central region (54,5%). Season (winter), region (central) and intended activity are the risk factors significantly associated with the prevalence of the disease. Anaemia was observed in 34,61% of individuals but there was no significant differences between positive and negative populations. Piroplasmosis is endemic in Algeria. Measures such as limiting horses’ mobility should be taken to reduce/prevent dissemination
Blood transfusions in dogs and cats from Portugal: a retrospective study
Authors: Dias Letícia , Vilhena Hugo , Carolino Nuno , Freire Andreia , Moura Mauro , Aleixo Ricardo , Silvestre-Ferreira Ana C , Duarte Sofia
Published: January 2023

Transfusion medicine has experienced a great evolution in recent years. Despite its generalization in veterinary medicine, the available information related to its clinical practice is scarce.This retrospective study aimed to characterize blood transfusions of whole blood and erythrocyte concentrates in companion animals performed in Portugal.In total, 116 animals were analysed, of which 59 dogs and 57 cats. Pre-transfusion blood typing was not performed on most animals (63.8%). In the animals in which pre-transfusion blood typing was performed, most cats (96.2%) were type A and most dogs (75.0%) were DEA1 positive. After the transfusions, most of the animals survived (77.2% cats and 64.4% dogs). The survival of cats after transfusion was significantly influenced by age, and in dogs by age and origin of blood, being that older animals had lower survival and animals transfused with blood components from a blood bank had a higher survival. Survival may have been influenced by other factors such as the animal's underlying disease. The mean pre-transfusion haematocrit in cats (11.8%) was lower than in dogs (16.7%). In dogs, the mean increase in haematocrit after transfusion was 9.0%, close to the recommended 10%, whereas in cats it was 6.5%. No transfusion reactions were recorded.
Implications of supplemental microbial phytase and essential oils (Thymus vulgaris L. and Mentha pulegium L.) on carcass traits, meat organoleptic and antioxidant status in broilers
Authors: Ghalandari Eslam , Safamehr Alireza , Nobakht Ali , Mehmannavaz Yousef , Mahdavi Saman
Published: January 2023

An experiment was carried out to study the influence of herbal essential oils (Thymus vulgaris L and Mentha pulegium L.) and microbial phytase on carcass traits, meat organoleptic and antioxidant status in broilers. Three hundred and eighty-four male broilers (Ross -308) were used in factorial arrangements with eight treatments includes (0 and 200 mg/kg thyme essential oil), (0 and 200 mg/kg Mentha essential oil), (0 and 500 IU/kg microbial phytase) and 4 replicates (12 chicks per replicate) according to a CRD and in three experimental periods include: starter 1 to 10 days, grower 11 to 24 days and finisher 25 to 42 days. Regarding the effects of experimental treatments on carcass traits, the use of thyme and mentha essential oils increased the percentage of abdominal fat (P<0.05). The use of thyme essential oil significantly increased the levels of blood superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) (P<0.05). Regarding the effects of experimental treatments on meat organoleptic, the use of thyme essential oil increased the overall acceptance of chicken meat (P<0.05). The use of essential oils, although it leads to an increase in antioxidant parameters, also leads to an improvement in meat quality.
Efficacy of peroxyacetic acid against Salmonella biofilms and as a decontaminant agent in poultry meat
Authors: Onaran Acar Bahar , Cengiz Gorkem , Gulendag Erman , Goncuoglu Muammer , Diker K. Serdar
Published: January 2023

We aimed to investigate the effect of the post-chilling Peroxyacetic Acid (PAA) application on chicken carcasses’ shelf life, PAA treatment on chicken neck skin samples contaminated with S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium serotypes, and its activity against single and mixed Salmonella biofilms. Initially, effects of the post-chilling PAA application on chicken carcasses’ shelf life was analyzed. Secondly, the effectiveness of PAA application in chicken neck skin samples which are experimentally contaminated was investigated. Then, biofilm forming capacity of Salmonella enterica serovars were determined, and PAA activity against single and mixed Salmonella biofilms was evaluated. According to the results, in all experimental groups at least 1 log cfu/g reduction was observed on the day of PAA application (0 hour), and we monitored significant decreases of Salmonella counts in all groups after both 100 and 200 ppm PAA treatments within the 6th hour. The combinations of PAA concentrations and duration of application used in the study were insufficient in terms of S. Typhimurium and S. Enteritidis counts in chicken neck skin samples; however, these treatments can be effective on extending the chicken meat’s shelf life. On the other hand, 200 ppm of PAA was effective in reducing S. Typhimurium and S. Enteritidis biofilms. As a mean of 4.8 log/ml reduction were detected against S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium biofilms. Moreover, we can conclude from statistical analysis that when biofilm is composed with more than one Salmonella, it is harder to reduce their counts with PAA treatments. However, there is a recommendation of EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) that PAA may be a decontamination agent in poultry production in the future, considering that PAA will not have toxic effects on human health. PAA studies on this subject will be of great importance in the future if it is passed to legislation.
Effects of spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) as feed additive of steers consuming high energy diets: growth performance and nutrient digestion
Authors: Plascencia Alejandro , Martínez-Alvarez Iván Guadalupe , Montano Martín , Estrada-Angulo Alfredo , Urías-Estrada Jesús David , Castro-Pérez Beatriz Isabel , Zinn Richard Avery
Published: January 2023

Two trials were performed in order to evaluate the effects of spirulina platensis (SP) supplemented (0, 0.5, and 1.0% of diet DM) in high-energy diet on nutrient digestion and growth-performance of feedlot cattle. The dose of each treatment was top dressed and mixed directly with the basal diet at time of feeding. In Trial 1, six cannulated Holstein steers (281±2 kg) were used in a replicated 3×3 Latin square experiment. Supplemental SP did not affect ruminal and total tract nutrient digestion. Ruminal microbial efficiency (quadratic component, P=0.06), nitrogen efficiency (linear component, P=0.10) and ruminal pH (linear, P=0.06) tended decrease with SP supplementation, without effects on ruminal VFA or estimated methane production. In Trial 2, 108 medium-frame crossbred steers (182±1 kg) were used in a 211-d study to evaluate growth performance. Supplemental SP did not affect feed intake, but linearly tended (P=0.09) to decrease weight gain, gain efficiency, and estimated dietary net energy. Supplemental SP tended (P=0.08) to linearly increase steer morbidity. Effects of SP supplementation on carcass characteristics was non-appreciable, but tended (P=0.06) linearly decrease longissimus muscle area. It is concluded that low level spirulina supplementation (up to 1% of diet) did not appreciably affect nutrient digestion, ruminal fermentation, growth-performance or health of feedlot cattle fed a high-energy diet.
General Properties of Propolis and its Usage in Ruminants
Authors: Özdemir VF , Yanar M , KOÇYİĞİT Rıdvan
Published: January 2023

Propolis is a product with many benefits, honey bees produce propolis by mixing the resin substances they collect from the bark, leaves, and plant secretions of trees with honey, wax, pollen, and their salivary enzymes. They use this product for several purposes including protecting bee larvae, honey stores, and honeycombs from infections, repairing damaged areas, covering holes and cracks in the hive. It was also used in folk medicine with its antimicrobial and healing effects since ancient times. Beside these properties, with the advancements in science, various other properties of propolis like immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, antiprotozoal, antiviral, antiulcer, local anesthetic, cytotoxic, and many more were also discovered. When it was discovered that antibiotics create residues in foods and cause resistance in some microorganisms, the use of antibiotics in farm animals has been restricted in many countries. This led to an increase in the demand for organic products in the public and drove scientists to search for new natural alternative feed additives that can show similar effects with antibiotics in order to prevent economic losses caused by the restriction. In this study, it was aimed to discuss the effects of propolis in ruminants as a feed additive and its usability as a natural alternative to antibiotics by analyzing studies on the field.
The Effect of L-Carnitine Use on Some Blood Parameters, Milk Yield, Milk Composition, and Live Weight in the Transition Period of Dairy Cows
Authors: Atlay Hasan , Gülşen Hatice Kübra
Published: January 2023

This study aims to determine the effect of supplementing L-carnitine during the transition period on fatty liver, ketosis and milk yield of dairy cows. The control group includes ten cows fed with normal ration (n=10), while the experimental group consists of 11 cows daily supplemented with six-grams of rumen-protected L-carnitine additive orally (n=11). In the study, while there is no statistically significant difference between serum NEFA and BHBA levels between the control group and the experimental group treated with carnitine, the difference in glucose level is statistically significant (p <0.001) in terms of time. While a severe decrease in glucose levels occurs in the control group after birth, the group given carnitine remains within the normal range. The carnitine-treated group's serum BUN value is significantly lower than the control group (p <0.05). Accordingly, L-carnitine neither has a statistically significant effect on Ca, P, GGT, triglyceride values, nor milk yield, milk composition, and live weight. In conclusion, daily oral administration of 6 g L-carnitine increases the use of fatty acids in energy metabolism through the intake into tissues and decreases muscle protein catabolism.
Seroprevalence of Fasciola-infection using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in large ruminants from Pakistan
Authors: Komal M , Afshan K , Zafar S , Firasat S , Qayyum M
Published: January 2023

Fasciolosis, caused by liver fluke species of the genus Fasciola, are well recognized because of its high veterinary impact. Stool examination for Fasciola eggs is not a sensitive method, and limited efforts to find a reliable and cheaper means of detection are available. The present study aimed to develop rapid diagnostic ELISA test against fasciolosis. The excretory/secretory (ES) and somatic (SA) products of Fasciola helminths were analysed using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). Immunogenicity was evaluated by immunoblotting using hyperimmune sera raised in rabbits and seroprevalence was determined by indirect ELISA.  The results of SA antigen of Fasciola species showed polypeptide bands ranged from 10kDa-100kDa, while ES antigen of Fasciola showed bands of 15kDa-55kDa. The immunoblotting results showed the most prominent bands against ES antibodies were 25, 35, 55-70, 100 and 250 kDa and SA antigens showed 10, 15-25, 35, 70, 100 and 250 kDa polypeptide bands. The sensitivity and specificity of developed indirect ELISA for SA antigens was 95.45% and 87.1%, while for ES antigens was 100% and 77.42% respectively. The overall seroprevalence recorded for fascioliasis based on SA antigen was 39.8% and 29.8% for ES antigen. The fasciolosis did not show significant association with host type, sex and age groups of examined animals, however significantly higher infection was found in months of September and October. The result provides sensitive in house immunodetection assay for diagnosis of fasciolosis alternative to commercial kits with high import cost.
The contribution of veterinarians to the implementation of legislation on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes in Greece.
Authors: Zacharioudaki Argyro , Kostomitsopoulos Nikolaos
Published: January 2023

This article reviews the role of veterinarians in the implementation of Presidential Decree 56/2013, in harmonization to the European Directive 2010/63/EU, on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes in Greece. Veterinarians contribute to the implementation of the legislation as civil servants of the competent central and regional Veterinary Authorities, Designated Veterinarians of the breeder, supplier and user establishments, members of the Animal Welfare Bodies and Project Evaluation Committees, facility managers, researchers, teachers and trainers in laboratory animal science courses, and supervisors of competence of the personnel performing animal care and use procedures. Equally important is the participation of veterinarians as members of the National Committee for the Welfare of Animals Used for Scientific Purposes.
A Comprehensive in silico Analysis of mt-CO1 gene of Fasciola hepatica
Authors: Celik Figen , Simsek Sami , Kesik Harun Kaya , Gunyakti Kilinc Seyma
Published: January 2023

This study was conducted for the aim of comprehensive evaluation of the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relations of F. hepatica among various hosts. In this study, published sequences of mt-CO1 gene fragments belonging to final hosts of F. hepatica were used to create the dataset. First of all, 478 sequences were obtained with PubMed search. Then, some shorter sequences were removed after alignment, and 319 sequences which included cattle (n=242), sheep (n=46), goat (n=5), donkey (n=8), bison (n=7), water buffalo (n=7), human (n=2) and camel (n=2) sequences were analysed in the MEGA X program. The existence of 72 haplotype groups was detected. The most polymorphic sites (n=42) containing 31% (13/42) parsimony informative sites were detected in Iranian isolates. The mt-CO1 network consisted of 35 haplotypes, 80% out of which were geographically unique. However, a main haplotype consisting of 39.2% of the total isolates was formed. The bison isolates of F. hepatica showed the highest haplotype diversity within the final host isolates, followed by the sheep, water buffalo, cattle, goat and donkey isolates. The genetic diversity of F. hepatica in different hosts and countries revealed the possibility of new strains appearing in the future.
Role of choline in ruminant nutrition: a detailed review
Authors: YAMAN FIRINCIOGLU Sema Yaman Fırıncıoglu , Irshad N
Published: January 2023

Recent studies designate feed additives, such as rumen-protected choline (RPC), were seen decreasing the health disorders and upsurges the milk yield. Choline is an endogenous agent and the insufficiency of choline is very problematic. The deficiency has been documented in ruminants for a while. The scale of choline production is affected by administered dose, lactation stage, and basal diet composition. Endogenous synthesis through a pathway (PEMT) signifies a precarious source of choline.  High occurrence of fatty liver disease happens in the dairy cows during lactation especially in the periparturient period and to lessen such incident high supply of choline is necessary. This supply is known to decrease the chances of hepatic fatty infiltration and upsurge the countenance of genes tangled in the transport of VLDL (very low-density lipoprotein). RPC typically provided as choline chloride is covered inside a shield of the fatty acid matrix. Therefore, to continue choline susceptibility on important mechanisms, like sparing of a methyl group (–CH3), supporting of animal metabolism, and remethylation of homocysteine via metabolite of betaine; choline must be provided in the rumen-protected form in the ration of dairy cows. Precisely concerning lactation, it is important to note that rumen-protected choline positively affects the performance of animals during the lactation period especially when supplementation started before calving and continues throughout the early lactation. But the difference of commercial products of rumen-protected choline in their rumen degradability and choline content is one of the big problems yet to be resolved.
Relationship of serum adiponectin and IGF-I concentrations with progesterone and their effect on pregnancy rates in cows
Authors: Alkan H , Ciftci MF , Yesilkaya ÖF , Karakas Alkan K , Satilmis F , Tekindal MA , Erdem H
Published: January 2023

The aims of this study were to determine serum adiponectin and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) concentrations in early and late luteal phases following artificial insemination, to evaluate their relationship with progesterone concentrations, and to detect their effects on the pregnancy rate. We used 45 Holstein cows aged 3–4 years who had given birth at least once and who did not have any problem in the genital system as observed on rectal palpation/ultrasonography examination. Presynch–ovsynch synchronization protocol was applied on cows. Blood samples were collected to determine the concentrations of progesterone, adiponectin, and IGF-I on days 5 and 18 following artificial insemination. Pregnancy examination using real-time ultrasonography was performed on day 30 following artificial insemination. Fifteen (33.33%) of the 45 cows were determined as pregnant. The pregnancy rates were increased with increasing progesterone concentration on day 5 following artificial insemination, and the pregnancy rates were the highest (53.84%) among the cows with progesterone concentration of >2.00 ng/mL. Adiponectin and IGF-I concentrations were determined as 26.69±11.84 vs 24.14±9.19 and 17.52±4.19 vs 17.42±2.92, on days 5 and 18 after artificial insemination, respectively (P>0.05). Negative correlation was observed between adiponectin and progesterone concentrations (P<0.05), whereas positive correlation was observed between IGF-I and progesterone on day 5 following artificial insemination (P<0.05). Progesterone and IGF-I concentrations in pregnant cows were higher than in nonpregnant cows on days 5 and 18 following artificial insemination (P<0.05). In conclusion, the progesterone and IGF-I concentrations in early and late luteal phase following artificial insemination had a positive effect on the pregnancy rate. However, although early adiponectin concentration affected progesterone concentrations, it did not affect the pregnancy rate.
The potential status of A1 and A2 variants of bovine beta-casein locus of some indigenous genetic resources reared in Turkey
Authors: Şahin Özcan , Boztepe Saim
Published: January 2023

The aim of this study was to determine the Beta-Casein gene (CSN2) polymorphism in four domestic cattle breed. The genomic DNA of 374 animals, including Anatolian Black (AB, n= 100), Eastern Anatolian Red (EAR, n= 100), Southern Anatolian Red (SAR, n= 87), Turkish Grey (TG, n= 87), were obtained, and C>A polymorphism in 67th amino acid in the 7th exons of β-casein gene was determined by TaqI enzyme with PCR-RFLP with method. The A1 allele frequency were determined in AB, EAR, SAR and TG as 0.200, 0.195, 0.190 and 0.201, respectively, while the A2 allele frequency were 0.800, 0.805, 0.810 and 0.799, respectively. A1 and A2 allele frequencies were generally calculated as 0.200 and 0.800, respectively. A1A1 genotypes in AB, EAR, SAR and TG breeds were 0.020, 0.070, 0.000 and 0.020, respectively; A1A2 genotypes were 0.360, 0.250, 0.380 and 0.360, respectively; A2A2 genotypes were determined as 0.620, 0.680, 0.620 and 0.620, respectively. The A1A1 genotype frequency has not been detected in the SAR breed.  AB, EAR, SAR and TG cattle breeds were calculated as 0.360, 0.250, 0.379 and 0.356 for Ho; 0.320, 0.314, 0.307 and 0.321 for He and 0.380, 0.320, 0.379 and 0.379 for PIC, respectively. EAR and SAR population were not found in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P<0.05). However, AB and TG populations were found in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in terms of β-casein gene (P> 0.05).In conclusion, AB, EAR, SAR and TG cattle breeds having A2A2 genotype commonly reared in Turkey are satisfactory and could be used in selection programs as a domestic genetic resource for A2 milk production in the future.
Replacing soybean meal with sunflower meal in laying hens rations and its effects on cecal volatile fatty acids profile and intestinal microbial colonization
Authors: Marami M , Nobakht A , Mazlum F , Mahdavi S
Published: January 2023

This experiment was performed to evaluate the effects of replacing different levels of soybean meal with sunflower meal (with and without enzyme) on cecal volatile fatty acid profile and intestinal microbial colonization in laying hens. In this experiment, 360 laying hens from the age of 47 to 57 weeks, in 9 treatments and five replications (8 hens in each replicate) were performed as a 3 × 3 factorial experiment in a completely randomized design for ten weeks. The results showed that the replacement of 30 and 60 percent sunflower meal and enzyme (100 and 200 gr/ton) has significantly improved the concentration of n-valeric acid on the cecum of laying hens (P< 0.05). Simultaneously, increasing 30 percentage of sunflower meal or 100 of an enzyme enhanced isovaleric acid, n-butyric acid, isobutyric acid, propionic acid, and acetic acid (P< 0.05). Reduction in intestinal log Ecoli was discovered for samples treated with 30 and 60 percent of sunflower (P<0.05), but for log baglus that treated with 30 and 60 percent of sunflower showed higher (P<0.05). The main effects of the enzyme had no significant impact on the cecal microbial population (P>.0.05) while, the effect of meal source and enzyme additive interactions on the tested parameters was significant (P<.0.05). Hence, sunflower meal could be used as an alternative protein source in laying hens ration to improve cecal VFA profile and reduce cecal Ecoli population. Substitution of sunflower meal in laying hens is recommended.
Determination of Bioactivity and Antimicrobial Activity of Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris L.) Nest Cover Wax Material
Authors: Erkan C , Kara Y , Keskin M , Ertürk Ö , Gösterit A , Kolaylı S
Published: January 2023

Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris L.) is a bee race that take part in pollination. It is though Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris L.) is only used in pollination. But, it is not only take part in pollination, it provide to produce different products. Nest cover wax material is a kind of bee product that produced by Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris L.). Although it is considered to be waste, nest cover wax material is an important hive product with its antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. In this study, Bumblebee nest cover wax material was produced under laboratory conditions in a controlled manner. Biochemical characterization of nest cover wax material obtained from five different colonies was performed and antimicrobial activities were determined. Accordingly, it was determined that the total phenolic content of the samples ranged between 3.778±0.165 and 9.504±0.353 mg GAE/g. In addition, it was observed that the samples were rich in p-coumaric acid, luteolin, quercetin, t-sinnamic acid, chrysin and pinocembrin components. It was determined that nest cover wax material, which also showed antimicrobial activity, had nearly equivalent activity to beehive products such as honey, pollen and bee bread. The data obtained show that nest cover wax material will be an alternative product for apitherapy applications.
The effect of different housing systems on the welfare and the parasitological conditions of laying hens
Authors: Nenadović K , Vučinić M , Turubatović R , Beckei Z , Gerić T , Ilić T
Published: January 2023

In Serbia, by 2020, conventional cages will no longer be permitted and hens will be housed in furnished cages. The study was conducted during the winter season on four rearing systems of Lohman Brown hens. For welfare assessment were used indicators from the Welfare quality assessment protocol for poultry. All fecal samples for parasites were qualitatively and quantitatively examined. The results showed that each housing system had positive and negative aspects but overall, hens in cage systems had the highest prevalence of poor plumage condition (47 % and 39%). Hens in conventional cages had more skin lesions (27%) than birds in other systems. Keel bone deformation was the most present in the aviary system (56%) while comb pecking wound in a conventional cage (33%) and free-range system (50%). Hens in the non cage had the highest prevalence of foot pad disorders (32% and 40%). In furnished cages, problems occurred in hens are the lowest. Parasitological examination diagnosed four groups of endoparasites: Coccidia, Trichostrongylidae and Heterakis spp, and Capillaria spp, with a total prevalence of 64% (64/100) only in free-range system. Laying hens in cage systems have a higher expression of negative emotions in relation to the aviary and free-range system. Evidence of negative hens’ emotional condition in cage systems and negative physical condition across all housing systems, suggests that the welfare of modern hens in Serbia is impaired.