Conventional Feed-Grade or Slow-Release Coated Urea as Sources of Dietary Nitrogen for Fattening Lambs

Twenty-two Assaf male lambs (29.2 ± 0.9 kg live weight and 89 ± 0.2 days of age), distributed in two experimental groups, were used to evaluate the use of either feed-grade conventional urea (Control diet; n = 11) or slow-release urea (SRU diet; n = 11) as sources of dietary nitrogen on animal performance, ruminal fermentation, blood acid-base status, plasmatic metabolic profile, and carcass and meat quality. Animals were housed individually and fed ad libitum. At the end of the fattening period (day 70), the animals were slaughtered to compare the fermentation patterns in ruminal digesta and to evaluate the carcass and meat characteristics. No statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed between treatments in the dry matter intake, final live weight, average daily gain, and feed conversion rate. Regarding the ruminal fermentation parameters, the molar proportion of propionic acid was higher (p < 0.05) and that of butyric acid was lower (p < 0.05) with the SRU than with the Control diet. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) between experimental treatments in the blood acid-base status and biochemical profile, except for the concentration of urea in plasma, which was significantly (p < 0. 05) greater in SRU than in Control lambs. No statistically significant differences were observed between treatments (p > 0.05) in the carcass and meat characteristics. In conclusion, the use of slow-release urea as a replacement for feed-grade conventional urea in the diet of Assaf fattening lambs, under the experimental conditions of this study, did not improve animal performance and increased the feeding costs.

Insights into the adsorption of CO2 generated from synthetic urban wastewater treatment on olive pomace biochar

In this investigation, a sustainable and low-cost method to capture CO₂ generated from the treatment of urban wastewater was evaluated. We studied the adsorption of CO₂ on olive pomace biochar. The experiments of degradation of synthetic wastewater mimicking effluents of municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) with an initial Total Organic Carbon (TOC) concentration of 10 mg L^-1 were conducted by using the UV-C/H₂O₂ process in the absence or presence of biochar. The biochar was placed in a fixed bed column through which air from the UV reactor was circulated. First, the effects of different parameters such as H₂O₂ initial concentration and pH on wastewater mineralization efficiency were determined. Total Organic Carbon (TOC) removal was 87% in 2 h under optimal degradation conditions. The maximal concentration of CO_2(gas) in air, in a closed system (air volume: 7.3 10^-4 m³), after 11 h was 12,500 μmol mol^-1 in the absence of biochar and only 150 μmol mol^-1 when 10 g biochar were used. The results proved that by combining biochar with oxidative degradation of organic compounds, it is possible to mineralize organic compounds and reduce the requisite CO₂ emissions by about 99%. The experimental equilibrium results were fit well with both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms models concluding that CO₂ adsorption on biochar followed both chemisorption and physisorption and both monolayer and multi-layer CO₂ adsorption could occur. The total desorption of CO₂ from biochar was reached in 120 min by simultaneously increasing the temperature to 150 °C and introducing a purge N_2(gas).

Targeted transcriptomic analysis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma in EUS-FNA samples by NanoString technology

Background: Integration of transcriptomic testing into EUS-FNA samples is a growing need for precision oncology in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The NanoString platform is suitable for transcriptome profiling in low yield RNA samples. Methods: Inclusion of patients that underwent EUS-FNA cytological diagnosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma using 19G and/or 22G needles and subsequent surgical resection. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) cytological and surgical samples underwent RNA extraction and transcriptomic analysis using a custom 52-gene NanoString panel of stromal PDAC features. Cell type abundance was quantified in FFPE specimens and correlated. Results: 18 PDAC patients were included. Mean EUS-FNA passes was 2 + 0.7. All FFPE passed the RNA quality control for genomic analysis. Hierarchical clustering on the global gene expression data showed that genes were differentially expressed between EUS and surgical samples. A more enriched cancer-associated fibroblasts and epithelial-mesenchymal transition transcriptomic profile was observed across surgical specimens whereas immunological biomarkers were more represented in EUS-FNA samples. Cytological examination confirmed a scanty representation of CAF and more immunological cell abundance in cytological samples in comparison to surgical specimens. Conclusion: Targeted transcriptomic NanoString profiling of PDAC samples obtained by EUS-FNA is a feasible approach for pre-surgical molecular analysis although stromal CAF/EMT mRNA biomarkers are underrepresented.

A Holistic Approach to Evaluating Linear and Non-Linear Mixed Models to Predict Phosphorus Retention in Growing and Finishing Pigs

Simple Summary

Phosphorus (P) is an essential mineral in the diets of pigs. The degree to which P is utilized has both economic and environmental consequences to the swine industry. Mathematical models can be used to describe the relationship between P intake and P retention. These models provide information regarding P utilization that can be used to formulate diets aimed at reducing P overfeeding, and therefore decrease P wastage. The objective of this study was to assess the ability of four non-linear models (monomolecular, Michaelis-Menten, Richards, and Morgan) and one simple linear model to describe the relationship between P intake and P retention in growing and finishing pigs. Through fitting these models to data from P balance studies, non-linear models which describe diminishing returns type behaviour, the monomolecular and the Michaelis-Menten models, were found to best describe the relationship between P intake and P retention in these categories of pig. The parameter of these models allows estimates of endogenous P losses, P requirement for maintenance and theoretical maximum P retention enabling the more efficient use of P in the swine industry.

Abstract

The ability of four non-linear mixed models and one linear mixed model to describe phosphorus (P) retention as a function of dietary P intake, expressed on an available P (avP) basis, was assessed in growing and finishing pigs. Of the four non-linear models, the monomolecular and Michaelis-Menten describe diminishing returns behaviour, while the Richards and Morgan describe sigmoidal behaviour with the ability to also describe diminishing returns. Using a meta-analysis approach, models were fitted to avP intake vs. P retention data from P balance studies. Pig bodyweights (BW) ranged from 43.5 to 133 kg, P intake ranged from 0.055 to 0.468 g kg⁻¹ BW^0.75 d⁻¹ for avP, and 0.151 to 0.806 g kg⁻¹ BW^0.75 d⁻¹ for total P, with P retention ranging from 0.026 to 0.329 g kg⁻¹ BW^0.75 d⁻¹. Models were evaluated using statistical measures of goodness-of-fit and inspection of residuals. The monomolecular and Michaelis-Menten best described the relationship between P retention and P intake. Endogenous P losses and P requirement for maintenance were found to be higher in finishing pigs compared to growing pigs as BW increased.

Modelling growth in dairy heifers based on linear body measurements (withers height) using non-linear functions

This research communication reports a study to model the growth curves for withers height (WH) and body weight (BW) to withers height ratio (BW:WH) using monthly records (from 1 to 24 months of age) for three breeds of dairy heifer (Holstein, Jersey and Brown Swiss). The data sets used were those reported by the Dairy Heifer Evaluation Project of Penn State Extension (USA) between 1991 and 1992. Four growth functions (monomolecular and Michaelis-Menten, both with diminishing returns behaviour, and Schumacher and López, both with asymptotic sigmoidal behaviour) were fitted using the non-linear regression procedure of the SigmaPlot software and the parameters estimated. The models were judged for goodness of fit using adjusted coefficient of determination ($R_{{\rm adj}}^2 $), root mean square error (RMSE), Akaike's information criterion (AIC) and Bayesian information criterion (BIC). Assessing the goodness of fit by $R_{{\rm adj}}^2 $ (>0.99 in all cases) reveals the generally appropriate fit of the models to the data. The non-sigmoidal functions (i.e. Michaelis-Menten and monomolecular) provided the best fits giving the lowest values of RMSE, AIC and BIC. Based on the chosen statistical criteria, the Schumacher and López equations provided acceptable fits to the WH and BW:WH growth curves, but showed points of inflexion at times before birth, indicating that these growth curves are not sigmoidal. In conclusion, evaluation of the different non-linear growth functions used in this study indicated their potential for modelling growth patterns in dairy heifers.

Development of Novel Management Tools for Phortica variegata (Diptera: Drosophilidae), Vector of the Oriental Eyeworm, Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida: Thelaziidae), in Europe

Lachryphagous males of Phortica variegata (Fallén, 1823) are gaining increasing attention in Europe, as they act as vectors of the nematode Thelazia callipaeda Railliet & Henry, 1910, causal agent of thelaziosis, an emergent zoonotic disease. Currently, there are no effective control strategies against the vector, and surveillance and monitoring rely on time-consuming and nonselective sampling methods. Our aim was to improve the knowledge about the population dynamics and the chemical ecology of the species. A total of 5,726 P. variegata flies (96.4% males and 3.6% females, mostly gravid) were collected in field experiments during June-September of 2020 in an oak forest in northern Spain. Our results indicate that 1) by means of sweep netting a significantly higher number of captures were found both around the collector´s body and in the air than at ground level; 2) a positive relationship was detected between the abundance of Phortica flies and temperature, with two significant peaks of abundance at 24 and 33°C; 3) the blend of red wine and cider vinegar was the most attractive bait; 4) yellow traps captured fewer flies compared to black and transparent traps; and 5) a significant reduction toward vinegar and wine was detected in presence of the phenolic monoterpenoid carvacrol. In addition, all the males (n = 690) analyzed by both molecular detection and dissection resulted negative for the presence of T. callipaeda larvae. Overall, these findings provide a better understanding of the vector in terms of monitoring and management strategies.

An Illustrative Analysis of Atypical Gas Production Profiles Obtained from In Vitro Digestibility Studies Using Fecal Inoculum

Gas production profiles typically show a monotonically increasing monophasic pattern. However, atypical gas production profiles exist whereby at least two consecutive phases of gas production or additional extraneous features that distort the typical profile are present. Such profiles are more likely to occur with the use of a fecal inoculum and are much less well described. The presence of multiple phases or non-descript extraneous features makes it difficult to apply directly recommended modeling approaches such as standard response functions or classical growth functions. To overcome such difficulties, extensions of the Mitscherlich equation and a numerical modeling option also based on the Mitscherlich are explored. The numerical modeling option uses an estimate of relative rate obtained from the smoothed data profile and an estimate of maximum gas produced together with any lag time information drawn from the raw data to construct a simple Mitscherlich equation. In summary, this article illustrates the analysis of atypical gas production profiles obtained using a fecal inoculum and explores the methodology of numerical modeling to reconstruct equivalent typical growth-like trends.

Dataset of working mPEG-alkyne with scCO2

This article contains data related to the research article entitled “Carbon dioxide sorption and melting behavior of mPEG-alkyne”. The presented data gives information on the thermodynamics properties of the solvent and the polymer. The time saturation of mPEG-alkyne in supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO₂) was evaluated in a high-pressure variable volume cell in different period of time at different pressure at the same temperature.

The effects of pressure and temperature on the density of CO₂ when it is above supercritical conditions are determined with Sanchez Lacombe and Bender Equation and compared with the NIST database and values of equation of Bender. The characteristic parameters of CO₂ were determined with the equations proposed by Chengyong Wang et al. [1] and the sum of squared error was calculated for each parameter.

Furthermore in this work the solubility data of scCO₂/polymer mixture were correlated with Sanchez Lacombe Equation of State (SL EOS) and Heuristic model proposed by Irene Pasquali et al. [2]. This work describes the methodology for solving the SL EOS between the polymer and scCO₂ and the procedure of determining the solubility parameter with the group contribution method necessary to apply the heuristic model is described.

Essential Oils in Livestock: From Health to Food Quality

Using plant essential oils (EOs) contributes to the growing number of natural plants' applications in livestock. Scientific data supporting the efficacy of EOs as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant molecules accumulates over time; however, the cumulative evidence is not always sufficient. EOs antioxidant properties have been investigated mainly from human perspectives. Still, so far, our review is the first to combine the beneficial supporting properties of EOs in a One Health approach and as an animal product quality enhancer, opening new possibilities for their utilization in the livestock and nutrition sectors. We aim to compile the currently available data on the main anti-inflammatory effects of EOs, whether encapsulated or not, with a focus on mammary gland inflammation. We will also review the EOs' antioxidant activities when given in the diet or as a food preservative to counteract oxidative stress. We emphasize EOs' in vitro and in vivo ruminal microbiota and mechanisms of action to promote animal health and performance. Given the concept of DOHaD (Developmental Origin of Health and Diseases), supplementing animals with EOs in early life opens new perspectives in the nutrition sector. However, effective evaluation of the significant safety components is required before extending their use to livestock and veterinary medicine.

A multicenter and observational study of the Ambu™ AuraGain™ laryngeal mask in adult patients

PURPOSE

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of the Ambu™ AuraGain™ device by determining its main parameters of use and complications.

METHODS

A total of 250 adult ASA physical status i to iii patients from five hospitals in Spain who received general anaesthesia with a supraglottic airway (SGA) device were enrolled in this study.

RESULTS

The primary outcome was analysed for 244 patients and a median OLP of 32 cm H2O (IQR 28-36 cm H2O) was obtained. Insertion was achieved at first attempt in 85% of cases, and overall in 98% of cases, in a median time of 15 s (12-22.5). We applied manoeuvres in 61% of patients to facilitate the process. Ventilation was effective in 97.2% of the interventions (95% CI 0.99-0.94) throughout the procedure. Insertion of the gastric tube was easily performed in 99.6% of the patients, and the vocal cords were viewed by fibrobronchoscopy in 96.3% of cases. Logistic regression analysis identified the use of sizes smaller than those recommended as a risk factor for low OLP (< 25 cm H2O). The main complication recorded was the presence of blood when withdrawing the SGA device (15%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results confirm that the use of AuraGain allows airway management in a reliable and effective way achieving high OLP and low incidence of associated complications, establishing it as a useful alternative in the routine clinical setting of anaesthesiologists. AuraGain performance was consistent in all five centres.

A freeze-all strategy does not increase live birth rates in women of advanced reproductive age

RESEARCH QUESTION

Does a freeze-all strategy improve live birth rates in women of different age groups?

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study of 1882 first embryo transfer cycles, performed between January 2013 and December 2015. Reproductive outcomes between fresh (FRESH) or frozen (FROZEN) embryo transfers were compared in patients stratified by age: < 35, between 35 and 38, or > 38 years. Student's t test for independent samples and χ² analyses were used as needed. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed adjusting for age, triggering drug, number of retrieved oocytes, number of transferred embryos, and percentage of top-quality embryos.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Live birth rates (LBR) were significantly higher for FROZEN in the < 35 years group (43.7% vs 24%; p < 0.001). In both the 35-38 and > 38 years groups, LBR for FROZEN vs FRESH were not statistically different (30.9% in the FROZEN group vs 29.3% in the FRESH group, p = 0.70, and 19.8% in the FROZEN group vs 12.7% in the FRESH group, p = 0.07, respectively). The multivariate analysis found a significantly positive effect of performing FROZEN on LBR in the younger group (OR 2.46, 95% CI 1.31-4.62; p = 0.005) but had no impact in women between 35 and 38 years (OR 1.01, 95% CI 0.55-1.83; p = 0.98) or older (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.43-2.13; p = 0.92).

CONCLUSIONS

Performing a freeze-all strategy seems to result in better reproductive outcomes when compared with a fresh ET in women under 35 years, with no significant impact on older women.

Application of Meta-Analysis and Machine Learning Methods to the Prediction of Methane Production from In Vitro Mixed Ruminal Micro-Organism Fermentation

Simple Summary

In vitro gas production systems are regularly utilized to screen feed ingredients for inclusion in ruminant diets. However, not all in vitro systems are set up to measure methane (CH₄) production, nor do all papers report in vitro CH₄. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop models to predict in vitro production of CH₄, a greenhouse gas produced by ruminants, from in vitro gas and volatile fatty acid (VFA) production data, and to identify the major drivers of CH₄ production in these systems. Meta-analysis and machine learning (ML) methodologies were applied to predict CH₄ production from in vitro gas parameters. Meta-analysis results indicate that equations containing apparent dry matter (DM) digestibility, total VFA production, propionate, valerate and feed type (forage vs. concentrate) resulted in best prediction of CH₄. The ML models far exceeded the predictability achieved using meta-analysis, but further evaluation on an external database would be required to assess their generalization capacity. The models developed can be utilized to estimate CH₄ emissions in vitro.

Abstract

In vitro gas production systems are utilized to screen feed ingredients for inclusion in ruminant diets. However, not all in vitro systems are set up to measure methane (CH₄) production, nor do all publications report in vitro CH₄. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop models to predict in vitro CH₄ production from total gas and volatile fatty acid (VFA) production data and to identify the major drivers of CH₄ production in these systems. Meta-analysis and machine learning (ML) methodologies were applied to a database of 354 data points from 11 studies to predict CH₄ production from total gas production, apparent DM digestibility (DMD), final pH, feed type (forage or concentrate), and acetate, propionate, butyrate and valerate production. Model evaluation was performed on an internal dataset of 107 data points. Meta-analysis results indicate that equations containing DMD, total VFA production, propionate, feed type and valerate resulted in best predictability of CH₄ on the internal evaluation dataset. The ML models far exceeded the predictability achieved using meta-analysis, but further evaluation on an external database would be required to assess generalization ability on unrelated data. Between the ML methodologies assessed, artificial neural networks and support vector regression resulted in very similar predictability, but differed in fitting, as assessed by behaviour analysis. The models developed can be utilized to estimate CH₄ emissions in vitro.

Long-acting Release Octreotide for Pediatric Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding

INTRODUCTION

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) secondary to portal hypertension (PHT), without endoscopic or surgical treatment options due to an ectopic or unidentified bleeding site or the patient's anatomic characteristics, is challenging in pediatric hepatology. The usual treatment in these cases includes intravenous Octreotide. Recently, the availability of long-acting release Octreo tide (OCT-LAR) for monthly intramuscular administration has become an interesting therapeutic alternative.

OBJECTIVE

To report the case of an infant with UGIB due to PHT who was successfully treated with OCT-LAR.

CLINICAL CASE

Eight-month-old patient with repeated episodes of UGIB due to extrahepatic portal vein malformation, requiring blood transfusions, and intravenous octreotide infusions. As neither endoscopic nor surgical treatment were feasible, we decided to start IM OCT- LAR monthly. After ten months of treatment, the patient did not present bleeding episodes. No medication-related events were observed.

CONCLUSION

We consider that this report could help in the management of similar pediatric patients with UGIB due to PHT without conventional therapeutic possibilities.

Preoperative giant sacrococcygeal teratoma embolization in a newborn - A case report and a review

Sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) is the most frequent congenital germ cell tumor. Patients have a higher risk of perinatal complications and death, with bleeding and cardiac decompensation being the most common causes of neonatal mortality. This is the case of a 35-week preterm newborn with a large SCT diagnosed at ultrasound screening in the second trimester. Preoperative selective embolization of the middle sacral artery and total surgical resection were performed postnatally with minimal blood loss. The patient was discharged at 25 days of life with a normal physical examination. Selective embolization prior to giant SCT resection is feasible and appears as a safe and useful technique in the control of perioperative bleeding.

Models Based on the Mitscherlich Equation for Describing Typical and Atypical Gas Production Profiles Obtained from In Vitro Digestibility Studies Using Equine Faecal Inoculum

Simple Summary

Feedstuff evaluation through animal trials is time consuming and expensive. An alternative, the gas production method, measures the amount of fermentation gas produced from incubating feedstuffs with microbes from ruminal fluid or faecal samples. Models can be applied to gas production profiles to determine extent of feedstuff degradation either in the rumen or in the hindgut. Typical gas production profiles show a monotonically increasing monophasic pattern. However, atypical gas production profiles exist whereby at least two consecutive phases of gas production are present; these profiles are much less well described. Two models are proposed to fit these biphasic profiles, a sum of two Mitscherlich equations, and sum of Mitscherlich + linear equations. Additionally, two models that describe typical monophasic gas production curves, the simple Mitscherlich and the generalised Mitscherlich (root-t) model, were assessed for comparison. Models were fitted to 25 gas production profiles resulting from incubating feedstuffs with faecal inocula from equines. Of these 25 profiles, 17 displayed atypical biphasic patterns, and 8 displayed typical monophasic patterns. The two biphasic models were found to describe both the atypical and typical gas production profiles accurately. These models allow for the evaluation of feedstuffs using cost- and time-efficient methods.

Abstract

Two models are proposed to describe atypical biphasic gas production profiles obtained from in vitro digestibility studies. The models are extensions of the standard Mitscherlich equation, comprising either two Mitscherlich terms or one Mitscherlich and one linear term. Two models that describe typical monophasic gas production curves, the standard Mitscherlich and the France model [a generalised Mitscherlich (root-t) equation], were assessed for comparison. Models were fitted to 25 gas production profiles resulting from incubating feedstuffs with faecal inocula from equines. Seventeen profiles displayed atypical biphasic patterns while the other eight displayed typical monophasic patterns. Models were evaluated using statistical measures of goodness-of-fit and by analysis of residuals. Good agreement was found between observed atypical profiles values and fitted values obtained with the two biphasic models, and both can revert to a simple Mitscherlich allowing them to describe typical monophasic profiles. The models contain kinetic fermentation parameters that can be used in conjunction with substrate degradability information and digesta passage rate to calculate extent of substrate degradation in the rumen or hindgut. Thus, models link the in vitro gas production technique to nutrient supply in the animal by providing information relating to digestion and nutritive value of feedstuffs.

[First isolation of Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar Hardjo type Hardjo Bovis from a clinical case in cattle in Argentina]

We here describe the first isolation and molecular typing of Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar Hardjo Bovis in Argentina, obtained from urine of aborted cows from a breeding herd located in Saladillo, Buenos Aires Province. The abortions occurred in coincidence with important floods with many cows presenting suspicious serological titers and subsequent seroconversion. The percentage of abortions was 3.5% of a herd of 1700 cows and the microorganism was isolated from 7 of the 20 urine samples obtained.

Dietary supplemental plant oils reduce methanogenesis from anaerobic microbial fermentation in the rumen

Ruminants contribute to the emissions of greenhouse gases, in particular methane, due to the microbial anaerobic fermentation of feed in the rumen. The rumen simulation technique was used to investigate the effects of the addition of different supplemental plant oils to a high concentrate diet on ruminal fermentation and microbial community composition. The control (CTR) diet was a high-concentrate total mixed ration with no supplemental oil. The other experimental diets were supplemented with olive (OLV), sunflower (SFL) or linseed (LNS) oils at 6%. Rumen digesta was used to inoculate the fermenters, and four fermentation units were used per treatment. Fermentation end-products, extent of feed degradation and composition of the microbial community (qPCR) in digesta were determined. Compared with the CTR diet, the addition of plant oils had no significant (P > 0.05) effect on ruminal pH, substrate degradation, total volatile fatty acids or microbial protein synthesis. Gas production from the fermentation of starch or cellulose were decreased by oil supplementation. Methane production was reduced by 21-28% (P < 0.001), propionate production was increased (P < 0.01), and butyrate and ammonia outputs and the acetate to propionate ratio were decreased (P < 0.001) with oil-supplemented diets. Addition of 6% OLV and LNS reduced (P < 0.05) copy numbers of total bacteria relative to the control. In conclusion, the supplementation of ruminant diets with plant oils, in particular from sunflower or linseed, causes some favorable effects on the fermentation processes. The addition of vegetable oils to ruminant mixed rations will reduce methane production increasing the formation of propionic acid without affecting the digestion of feed in the rumen. Adding vegetable fats to ruminant diets seems to be a suitable approach to decrease methane emissions, a relevant cleaner effect that may contribute to alleviate the environmental impact of ruminant production.

Effects of supplemental plant oils on rumen bacterial community profile and digesta fatty acid composition in a continuous culture system (RUSITEC)

Lipid supplementation of ruminant diets may trigger changes in the ruminal microbiota and in anaerobic digestion. Changes in the bacterial community composition and in the fatty acid hydrogenation caused by the addition of different supplemental plant oils to a high concentrate diet were investigated in vitro using RUSITEC (rumen simulation technique) fermenters. The control (CTR) diet was a high-concentrate total mixed ration for dairy sheep, with no supplementary oil. The other experimental diets were supplemented with olive (OLV), sunflower (SFL) or linseed (LNS) oils at 6% (dry matter basis). Four RUSITEC fermenters were used for each experimental diet, all inoculated with rumen digesta of sheep. Extent of dry matter and fat degradation, composition of the bacterial community and long-chain fatty acids in digesta were determined. The addition of plant oils increased (P < 0.001) apparent degradation of fat in the fermenters, whereas fermentation kinetics (gas production and average fermentation rate) were lower (P < 0.05) with the LNS than with the CTR diet. Hydrogenation of C18 unsaturated fatty acids (P < 0.05), in particular that of oleic acid (P < 0.001), and stearic acid proportion (P < 0.001) were reduced, and oleic acid proportion was increased (P < 0.001) with all oil supplements. Addition of OLV decreased linoleic and LNS increased α-linolenic (P < 0.001), whereas conjugated linoleic was increased with SFL oil (P = 0.025) and vaccenic increased with both SFL and LNS oils (P = 0.008). Addition of 6% OLV and LNS reduced (P < 0.05) microbial community diversity and quantity of total bacteria relative to the control. Some specific microbial groups were affected (P < 0.001) by oil addition, with less relative abundance of Clostridiales and Actinobacteria and increased Bacteroidales, Aeromonadales and Lactobacillales species. In conclusion, the supplementation of high-concentrate ruminant diets with plant oils, in particular from sunflower or linseed, causes shifts in the rumen microbiota and fatty acid hydrogenation in the rumen increasing the formation of vaccenic and conjugated linoleic acids.

Replacing Soybean Meal with Urea in Diets for Heavy Fattening Lambs: Effects on Growth, Metabolic Profile and Meat Quality

Thirty-six Assaf male lambs (29.4 ± 3.10 kg body weight (BW)) were used to study the feasibility of including urea (at 0, 0.6 or 0.95% of dry matter for Control, Urea1, and Urea2 diets, respectively) in substitution of soybean meal in fattening diets. Animals were individually penned and feed intake was recorded daily. Blood samples were taken at days 35 and 63 of the experimental period to determine the acid-base status and the biochemical profile. At the end of the experiment (nine weeks), lambs were slaughtered, ruminal contents were collected and carcass and meat quality were evaluated. There were not differences (p > 0.05) among treatments in dry matter intake, animal performance, ruminal fermentation pattern, and carcass and meat parameters. Serum albumin concentration was higher and concentration of HCO3 and total CO2 in blood were lower in Urea2 compared to Urea1 and Control lambs. These results, together with the tendency to lower (p = 0.065) blood pH in this group might suggest a moderate metabolic acidosis. Partial replacement of soybean meal with urea did not impair growth rate in heavy fattening Assaf lambs (from 29 to 50 kg body weight), reduced feeding costs and had no adverse effects on feed efficiency, rumen fermentation and carcass and meat quality.

Chemical Composition, In Vitro Digestibility and Rumen Fermentation Kinetics of Agro-Industrial By-Products

The nutritive value of 26 agro-industrial by-products was assessed from their chemical composition, in vitro digestibility and rumen fermentation kinetics. By-products from sugar beet, grape, olive tree, almond, broccoli, lettuce, asparagus, green bean, artichoke, peas, broad beans, tomato, pepper, apple pomace and citrus were evaluated. Chemical composition, in vitro digestibility and fermentation kinetics varied largely across the by-products. Data were subjected to multivariate and principal component analyses (PCA). According to a multivariate cluster analysis chart, samples formed four distinctive groups (A-D). Less degradable by-products were olive tree leaves, pepper skins and grape seeds (group A); whereas the more degradable ones were sugar beet, orange, lemon and clementine pulps (group D). In the PCA plot, component 1 segregated samples of groups A and B from those of groups C and D. Considering the large variability among by-products, most of them can be regarded as potential ingredients in ruminant rations. Depending on the characteristic nutritive value of each by-product, these feedstuffs can provide alternative sources of energy (e.g., citrus pulps), protein (e.g., asparagus rinds), soluble fibre (e.g., sugar beet pulp) or less digestible roughage (e.g., grape seeds or pepper skin).

Grain grinding size of cereals in complete pelleted diets for growing lambs: Effects on animal performance, carcass and meat quality traits

The main goal of the present study was to clarify the effects of different grinding particle size of grains (2-mm vs. 6-mm) included in complete pelleted diets (CPD) for fattening lambs on animal performance, carcass and meat quality. Twenty male merino lambs (14.8 kg; n = 10 per group) were fed the corresponding diet ad libitum and slaughtered when they reached 27 kg. No differences were observed in the feed conversion ratio or carcass characteristics. However, lambs fed coarser diets (6 mm) were more efficient with less residual feed intake (-14.0 vs. 15.4 g DM/animal/d; P < .05) than lambs fed the 2 mm CPD. Lambs fed the 6-mm CPD showed higher levels of intramuscular fat and saturated fatty acids. Consequently, increasing the particle size of the grains included in CPD allows for improving feed efficiency and intramuscular fat in fattening lambs.

Effect of milking frequency and α-tocopherol plus selenium supplementation on sheep milk lipid composition and oxidative stability

The aim of this research was to study the effect of milking frequency [once-daily milking (ODM) vs. twice-daily milking (TDM)] and antioxidant (AOX) supplementation on fatty acid (FA) profile and oxidative stability in sheep milk. Sixteen Assaf ewes were used; 8 did not receive any vitamin-mineral supplement (control), and the other 8 received an oral dose of 1,000 IU of α-tocopherol and 0.4 mg of Se daily. The experiment consisted of 2 consecutive periods; the first was 3 wk with TDM of both mammary glands. The second period was 8 wk and consisted of ODM of one mammary gland and TDM of the other gland. All ewes were fed ad libitum the same total mixed ration from lambing and throughout the experiment. There were no differences in plasma or milk Se concentrations between control and AOX ewes. However, plasma and milk α-tocopherol concentrations and AOX capacity were increased in ewes receiving the AOX supplement. Milk FA profile was practically unaffected after 21 d of AOX supplementation. However, after 77 d, AOX supplementation increased the relative percentage of C16:0 and cis-9 C18:1 and reduced the proportions of some saturated FA with less than 16 carbons and cis-9 C12:1. Antioxidant supplementation had no effect on the proportions of conjugated linoleic acid or total polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) but decreased the proportion of trans-7,cis-9 C18:2 and increased that of n-6 C20:3. Once-daily milking did not affect α-tocopherol, Se, or fat resistance to oxidation in milk. Total monounsaturated FA, cis-9 C16:1, and several cis and trans isomers of C18:1 were increased and total saturated FA were decreased in milk from ODM glands. Compared with TDM, ODM increased the proportions of cis-9,cis-12 C18:2 and several isomers of C18:2 and reduced those of cis-9,cis-12,cis-15 C18:3 and some PUFA of 20 and 22 carbons, but total proportion of PUFA was unaffected. Once-daily milking and AOX supplementation modified milk FA profile, but the effects of ODM could be considered of little biological relevance for consumer health. Supplementing ewes with α-tocopherol plus Se could be considered an effective strategy to improve plasma AOX status and reduce milk fat oxidation without substantial changes in the milk FA profile.

Environmental efficiency of Saccharomyces cerevisiae on methane production in dairy and beef cattle via a meta-analysis

The objective of the present study is to examine the effect of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on reduction of methane (CH₄) production in dairy and beef cattle using meta-analytic methods. After compilation of relevant scientific publications available from the literature between 1990 and 2016, and applying exclusion and inclusion criteria, meta-analyses of data from dairy and beef cattle were applied for the pooled dataset or for each animal category (dairy or beef). The results of meta-analysis of all three datasets (all cattle, dairy cattle, or beef cattle) suggested that effect size of yeast either on daily CH₄ production or on CH₄ production per dry matter intake (CH₄/DMI) was not significant. The results of Q test and I² statistic suggest that there is no heterogeneity between different studies on CH₄ production and CH₄/DMI. The results of meta-analysis suggest that use of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) as feed additive does not offer significant results in terms of reduction of CH₄ production in dairy and beef cattle. Further research on the effects of different doses of yeast, use of yeast products, different strains, and experimental designs is warranted to elucidate the effects of yeasts on methane production in the rumen.

Effect of a mixed silage of king grass (Cenchrus purpureus) and forage legumes (Leucaena leucocephala or Gliricidia sepium) on sheep intake, digestibility and nitrogen balance

Ensiled king grass (Cenchrus purpureus (Schumach.) Morrone) is commonly used as feed in tropical ruminant production. However, ruminant performance can be limited by low nitrogen (N) content in tropical grass silage. A mixed feed of legume–king grass silage may be an option to improve ruminant production. We investigated the effects of feeding an ensiled mixture of king grass forage and foliage of a browse tree legume, either leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit) or gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Walp), on dry matter (DM) intake, DM digestibility, organic matter (OM) digestibility and N balance of Pelibuey sheep. Twelve male lambs 9–11 months old were blocked by initial bodyweight (33 ± 3 kg, mean ± s.d.) into three groups of four lambs and randomly assigned to one of three feed treatments: king grass silage (KS); mixed king grass and leucaena silage (KLS); and mixed king grass and gliricidia silage (KGS). Results showed that DM and OM were similar among silages. The N content was higher (P &lt; 0.001) in KLS and KGS than in KS. DM intake and DM digestibility were higher (P &lt; 0.001) in KLS and KGS than in KS. OM digestibility was higher (P &lt; 0.001) in KLS than in KS. Nitrogen intake, faecal N, urine volume, urinary N, digested N, N digestibility, N retention and retained N:N intake ratio from KLS and KGS treatments were higher (P &lt; 0.05) than from KS. A lower (P &lt; 0.01) urinary N:N intake ratio was detected from KGS and KLS than from KS. This study demonstrated that, compared with silage made from king grass alone, legume–king grass silage mixtures can improve intake and nutrient digestibility in Pelibuey lambs. Further, N retention can be enhanced when legume–king grass silages are used as feed compared with king grass silage alone.

Sinusoidal function to describe the growth curve of dairy heifers

The objective of the present study is to introduce a sinusoidal function into dairy research and production by applying it to bodyweight records (from 1 to 24 months) from six dairy cow breeds reported by the Dairy Heifer Evaluation Project of Penn State Extension (USA) from 1991 to 1992. The function was evaluated with regard to its ability to describe the relationship between bodyweight and age in dairy heifers, and then compared with seven standard growth functions, namely monomolecular, logistic, Gompertz, von Bertalanffy, Richards, Schumacher and Morgan. The models were fitted to monthly bodyweight records of dairy heifers using non-linear regression to derive estimates of the parameters of each function. The models were tested for goodness of fit by using adjusted coefficient of determination, root mean square error, Akaike’s information criterion and Bayesian information criterion. Values of adjusted coefficient of determination were generally high for all models, suggesting the generally appropriate fit of the models to the data. The sinusoidal function provided the best fit of the growth curves for Brown Swiss, Guernsey and Milking Shorthorn breeds due to the lowest values of root mean square error, Akaike’s information criterion and Bayesian information criterion. According to the chosen statistical criteria, the Richards function provided the best fit for Ayrshire heifers, and the monomolecular the best for Holstein and Jersey. The least accurate estimates were obtained with the logistic. In conclusion, the sinusoidal function introduced here can be considered as an appropriate alternative to standard growth functions when modelling growth patterns in dairy heifers.

Risk assessment of antimicrobial resistance along the food chain through culture-independent methodologies

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents a major challenge for Public Health and the scientific community, and requires immediate and drastic solutions. Acquired resistance to certain antimicrobials is already widespread to such an extent that their efficacy in the treatment of certain life-threatening infections is already compromised. To date, the emergence and spread of AMR has been attributed to the use, misuse or indiscriminate use of antibiotics as therapeutic drugs in human, animal and plant health, or as growth promoters in veterinary husbandry. In addition, there is growing concern over the possibility of AMR transmission via the food chain. Food processing environments could act as potential hotspots for AMR acquisition and spread. Indeed, biocide use and exposure to food-related stresses and food processing technologies could presumably act as selection pressures for increased microbial resistance against clinically relevant antibiotics. Global AMR surveillance is critical for providing the necessary information to form global strategies and to monitor the effectiveness of public health interventions as well as to detect new trends and emerging threats. Surveillance of AMR is currently based on the isolation of indicator microorganisms and the phenotypic characterisation of the strains isolated. However, this approach provides very limited information on the mechanisms driving AMR or on the presence and spread of AMR genes. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) of bacterial pathogens is a powerful tool that can be used for epidemiological surveillance, outbreak detection and infection control. In addition, whole metagenome sequencing (WMS) allows for the culture-independent analysis of complex microbial communities, providing useful information on the occurrence of AMR genes. Both approaches can be used to provide the information necessary for the implementation of quantitative risk assessment of AMR transmission routes along the food chain.

Early Feed Restriction Programs Metabolic Disorders in Fattening Merino Lambs

Simple Summary

Inadequate nutrition of lambs during early life may compromise their health status during their whole lifetime. The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term effects of milk restriction during the suckling period on biochemical, immunological, hepatic, and ruminal parameters of fattening lambs. The results obtained reveal that early feed restriction during the suckling period of merino lambs promotes systemic metabolic disorders during the fattening phase that are not related to ruminal acidosis occurrence. This information may contribute to design strategies to enhance the health status of lambs undergoing milk restriction due to low milk production (e.g., udder problems) or lack of lamb vitality.

Abstract

Early postnatal nutrition may have a significant subsequent impact on metabolic disorders during the entire lifespan of lambs. The aim of the present study was to describe the changes in biochemical, immunological, hepatic, and ruminal parameters of fattening lambs derived from early feed restriction during the suckling phase. Twenty-four merino lambs (average body weight, BW, 4.81 ± 0.256 kg) were used, 12 of them were milk-fed ad libitum (ADL) remaining permanently with their dams, whereas the other 12 lambs (restricted, RES) were subjected to milk restriction. After weaning, all the lambs were fed 35 g/kg BW per day of the same complete pelleted diet to ensure no differences between groups in dry matter intake (603 vs. 607 g/day for ADL and RES lambs, respectively, p = 0.703), and were slaughtered at a BW of 27 kg. Biochemical profiles revealed higher concentrations of ceruloplasmin and low-density lipoproteins, whereas insulin concentration was lower in the RES lambs compared to the ADL group. Liver thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were lower in the RES lambs. No significant differences in ruminal or blood immunological parameters were found. In conclusion, early feed restriction promoted metabolic disorders not related to ruminal acidosis occurrence, which can compromise the health status during the fattening period of merino lambs.

Effect of Sunflower and Marine Oils on Ruminal Microbiota, In vitro Fermentation and Digesta Fatty Acid Profile

This study using the rumen simulation technique (RUSITEC) investigated the changes in the ruminal microbiota and anaerobic fermentation in response to the addition of different lipid supplements to a ruminant diet. A basal diet with no oil added was the control, and the treatment diets were supplemented with sunflower oil (2%) only, or sunflower oil (2%) in combination with fish oil (1%) or algae oil (1%). Four fermentation units were used per treatment. RUSITEC fermenters were inoculated with rumen digesta. Substrate degradation, fermentation end-products (volatile fatty acids, lactate, gas, methane, and ammonia), and microbial protein synthesis were determined. Fatty acid profiles and microbial community composition were evaluated in digesta samples. Numbers of representative bacterial species and microbial groups were determined using qPCR. Microbial composition and diversity were based on T-RFLP spectra. The addition of oils had no effect on substrate degradation or microbial protein synthesis. Differences among diets in neutral detergent fiber degradation were not significant (P = 0.132), but the contrast comparing oil–supplemented diets with the control was significant (P = 0.039). Methane production was reduced (P < 0.05) with all oil supplements. Propionate production was increased when diets containing oil were fermented. Compared with the control, the addition of algae oil decreased the percentage C18:3 c9c12c15 in rumen digesta, and that of C18:2 c9t11 was increased when the control diet was supplemented with any oil. Marine oils decreased the hydrogenation of C18 unsaturated fatty acids. Microbial diversity was not affected by oil supplementation. Cluster analysis showed that diets with additional fish or algae oils formed a group separated from the sunflower oil diet. Supplementation with marine oils decreased the numbers of Butyrivibrio producers of stearic acid, and affected the numbers of protozoa, methanogens, Selenomonas ruminantium and Streptococcus bovis, but not total bacteria. In conclusion, there is a potential to manipulate the rumen fermentation and microbiota with the addition of sunflower, fish or algae oils to ruminant diets at appropriate concentrations. Specifically, supplementation of ruminant mixed rations with marine oils will reduce methane production, the acetate to propionate ratio and the fatty acid hydrogenation in the rumen.

Dietary fatty acids and lipoproteins on progression of age-related macular degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a medical condition of central loss vision and blindness. Numerous studies have revealed that changes on certain dietary fatty acids (FAs) could have useful for AMD management. This review summarizes the effects of dietary omega-3 long-chain PUFAs, MUFAs, and SFAs, and lipoproteins on AMD. Findings are consistent with the beneficial role of dietary omega-3 long-chain PUFAs, while the effects of dietary MUFAs and SFAs appeared to be ambiguous with respect to the possible protection from MUFAs and to the possible adverse impact from SFAs on AMD. Some of the pathological mechanisms associated with lipoproteins on AMD share those observed previously in cardiovascular diseases. It was also noticed that the effects of FAs in the diet and lipoprotein on AMD could be modulated by genetic variants. From a population health perspective, the findings of this review are in favour of omega-3 long-chain FAs recommendations in a preventive and therapeutic regimen to attain lower AMD occurrence and progression rates. Additional long-term and short-term nutrigenomic studies are required to clearly establish the role and the relevance of interaction of dietary FAs, lipoproteins, and genes in the genesis and progression of AMD.

Thoracic wall reconstruction with bioabsorbable plates in pediatric malignant thoracic wall tumors

AIM

Childhood malignant chest wall tumors may require extensive surgical resection and reconstruction with musculoskeletal flaps or non-resorbable prosthetic materials. Implant-related complications and scoliosis often occur. This study analyzes the outcomes of chest wall reconstruction using resorbable plates as an alternative approach.

METHODS

Retrospective review (2007-2015) of patients who underwent resection of malignant primary chest wall tumors in 2 tertiary pediatric centers. Reconstruction was performed using copolymer (l-lactic and glycolic acid) plates, fixed to the ribs and surrounding structures with copolymer screws and/or polyglactin sutures.

RESULTS

Eight patients aged 10.6+2.6years were treated. There were no operative complications, and implant removal was not required in any case. Six patients received postoperative radiotherapy. Over follow-up (39.6months, range 9.4-78), chest wall shape was maintained in all, and there were no radiological artifacts. Three patients developed scoliosis (Cobb 17°-33°), but treatment was needed only in one, who had undergone hemivertebrectomy. There were no cases of local tumor relapse. One patient died because of metastatic spread.

CONCLUSIONS

Implantation of bioabsorbable l-lactic and glycolic acid copolymer plates with a relatively simple technique provided a rigid, stable reconstruction with only mild mid-/long-term complications. Resorbable plates may be a good alternative for pediatric chest wall reconstruction.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

AN ANALYSIS OF TWO COMMON REFERENCE POINTS FOR EEGS

Clinical electroencephalographic (EEG) data varies significantly depending on a number of operational conditions (e.g., the type and placement of electrodes, the type of electrical grounding used). This investigation explores the statistical differences present in two different referential montages: Linked Ear (LE) and Averaged Reference (AR). Each of these accounts for approximately 45% of the data in the TUH EEG Corpus. In this study, we explore the impact this variability has on machine learning performance. We compare the statistical properties of features generated using these two montages, and explore the impact of performance on our standard Hidden Markov Model (HMM) based classification system. We show that a system trained on LE data significantly outperforms one trained only on AR data (77.2% vs. 61.4%). We also demonstrate that performance of a system trained on both data sets is somewhat compromised (71.4% vs. 77.2%). A statistical analysis of the data suggests that mean, variance and channel normalization should be considered. However, cepstral mean subtraction failed to produce an improvement in performance, suggesting that the impact of these statistical differences is subtler.