bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dendrimer functionalized folate-targeted gold nanoparticles for luciferase gene silencing in vitro: A proof of principle study
Authors: Mbatha Londiwe Simphiwe , Maiyo Fiona Chepkoech , Singh Moganavelli 
Published: December 2018

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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