scholarly journals Concentrations of faecal glucocorticoid metabolites in South African Mutton Merino sheep fed various sources of roughage

2020 ◽  
Vol 50 (4) ◽  
pp. 501-506
Author(s):  
H.A. O’Neill ◽  
O.B. Einkamerer ◽  
B.T. Elago ◽  
A. Ganswindt
Keyword(s):  
Stress Response ◽  
South African ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Eragrostis Tef ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Faecal Glucocorticoid Metabolites ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
Baseline Values ◽  
The Mean ◽  
One Way Anova

The objective of this study was to determine whether various sources of roughage in nutritionally balanced feedlot diets would evoke a stress response in sheep. A nutritional stress response test was performed on 20 ewes, randomly divided into four treatment groups with 5 ewes per group. Ewes were kept individually in metabolic crates for thirty days. Rations were balanced nutritionally, and various sources of roughage were included; T1: alfalfa hay, T2: maize stover, T3: soya hulls; and T4: Eragrostis tef. Faeces was removed manually from the caudal rectum of each ewe at 05h00 and 19h00. Samples were frozen at -20°C until analyses. A total of 520 faecal samples were analysed to determine the concentrations of faecal glucocorticoid metabolites (fGCM) by enzyme immunoassay (EIA). These concentrations were expressed as mass/g dry weight (ng/g DW). Baseline values were determined, and those greater than the mean plus 2 standard deviations were removed. Baseline values were compared between the groups with one-way ANOVA analysis. The average concentrations of fGCM were 178.77 ± 21.7 in the morning and 183.2 ± 14.4 in the evening. Sheep fed T4 had significantly higher fGCM concentrations in both morning (302.0 ± 86.1 ng/g DW) and evening (237.0 ± 48.1 ng/g DW) compared with the other treatment groups. Thus, fGCM concentrations in sheep were related to the source of roughage, and Eragrostis tef caused a stress response. Keywords: animal welfare, cortisol, dietary fibre, selective grazer, stress response

46 Effect of Bioxcell® and Triladyl® Extenders on Washed Semen of South African Indigenous Bucks

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 162
Author(s):  
L. P. Nethenzheni ◽  
M. L. Mphaphathi ◽  
N. C. Negota ◽  
T. L. Nedambale
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Group ◽  
South African ◽  
Liquid Nitrogen ◽  
Seminal Plasma ◽  
Semen Parameters ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Frozen Semen ◽  
The Mean

Semen extenders and seminal plasma are vital for cryopreservation of buck semen. The objectives of the study were to evaluate the effect of 2 extenders: Triladyl® (Minitube, Tiefenbach, Bavaria) and Bioxcell® (IMV, L’Aigle, France) and the removal of seminal plasma on buck semen. Six indigenous bucks were used in this study and 6 ejaculates were collected from individual bucks. The semen was pooled and then randomly allocated into 6 groups: (1) raw-washed, (2) raw-non-washed, (3) Triladyl®-washed, 4) Triladyl®-non-washed, (5) Bioxcell®-washed, and (6) Bioxcell®-non-washed. Spermatozoa viability was assessed using Eosin-Nigrosin and morphology using Spermac® (Vitrolife, Göteborg, Sweden) stains. The washed semen samples were all diluted into (1:4 v/v) with PBS and centrifuged at 1500 × g for 10 min. Semen samples were then extended with Triladyl® or Bioxcell® per treatment groups and equilibrated for 2 h at 5°C. The semen samples were loaded into straws per treatment groups and placed 5 cm above a liquid nitrogen vapour for 10 min and then stored at –196°C until use. After 1 month of storage, frozen semen straws per treatment group were thawed at 37°C for 30 s, and spermatozoa parameters were analysed post-thaw. Significant differences among the mean values of semen parameters were determined by Tukey’s test using ANOVA, GLM procedure of SAS version 12.1 of 2010 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA). There was a higher (P < 0.05) live and normal spermatozoa percentage in non-washed semen extended with Bioxcell® (45.7 ± 21.2) than the semen extended with Triladyl® (24.5 ± 22.2%). Live and normal spermatozoa percentages were drastically reduced in the Bioxcell® (5.2 ± 4.9) and Triladyl® (6.9 ± 8.6%) washed semen groups. There was a higher (P < 0.05) percentage of spermatozoa with head abnormalities in non-washed semen extended with Triladyl® (20.4 ± 10.2), compared with the semen extended with Bioxcell® (18.3 ± 12.4%) following freeze-thawing. There was a higher (P < 0.05) percentage of spermatozoa with head abnormalities in washed semen samples extended with Triladyl® (34.0 ± 16.0) compared with the semen extended with Bioxcell® (10.1 ± 7.0%). There were higher (P < 0.05) percentages of spermatozoa with coiled tail abnormalities in washed semen extended with Bioxcell® (65.4 ± 25.0) compared with Triladyl® (35.9 ± 21.6%). In conclusion, the liveability of spermatozoa was negatively affected by washing of semen extended with Bioxcell® and Triladyl® extender. Bioxcell® significantly increased tail abnormalities and Triladyl® gave less protection against head abnormalities following cryopreservation of South African unimproved indigenous bucks’ semen.

scholarly journals Tepung ulat sagu (Rhyinchophorus ferrugineus) imunomodulator Nitric Oxide (NO) sirkulasi mencit terapi antimalaria standar

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 131-138
Author(s):  
Ariani Ariani ◽  
Gemala Anjani ◽  
Muchlis Achsan Udji Sofro ◽  
Kis Djamiatun
Keyword(s):  
Control Group ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Antimalarial Therapy ◽  
Post Test ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Randomized Control ◽  
Post Hoc ◽  
Group Post ◽  
One Way Anova

Background : Sago worm flour (Rhyinchophorus ferrugineus)is a coconut beetle larvae that is processed into flour.This flour contains antioxidants as well as arginine, both of which play a role in modulating oxidative stress including NO involved in immunopathology of cerebral malaria.Objectives : To prove the immunomodulator role of sago worm flour in decreasing circulation  NO level at mice  who received standard antimalarial therapy  Dihydroartemisinin Piperaquine (DHP)Methods : This study was randomized control group post test only design by using 23 Swiss mice which divided into 5 group consist of : K(-) normal mice; K(+) inoculated woth Plasmodium berghei ANKA (PbA); X1 received DHP; X2 received sago worm flour; X3 received both of sago worm flour and DHP. All treatment groups X1,X2 and X3 were inoculated by PbA before treatmen were given. Serum circulation NO level was assessed by ELISA. statistical analysis used was One Way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni post hoc test.Results : The mean  NO level in K(-), K(+), X1, X2, and X3 were 1.008 μmol/mL, K(+) 1.338 μmol/mL; while at treatment X1 1.143 μmol/mL, X2 1.410 μmol/mL, dan X3 0.886 μmol/mL. One way ANOVA showed that they were significantly different (p=0.001). Bonferroni post hoc test of X2 was  proportional to K(+) (p=1.000), whole had NO level lower than either K(+)(p=0.009) or X2 (p=0.002). Conclusion : The immunomodulatory effects of sago worm flour (Rhyinchophorus ferrugineus) reduced circulating NO levels in standard antimalarial therapy recipients.

scholarly journals Effectiveness Of Watery Extract And Ethanolic Extract Of Garlic Bulbs (Allium sativum L.) For Second Degree Burns Healing On Mice (Mus musculus)

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (02) ◽  
pp. 90
Author(s):  
Noni Zakiah
Keyword(s):  
Water Extract ◽  
Ethanolic Extract ◽  
P Value ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Degree Burn ◽  
The Mean ◽  
One Way Anova ◽  
Second Degree

Bulbs of garlic has been known to contain a compound that is potentially as alternative medicine for burns. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of the water extract and ethanolic extract of garlic bulbs on second degree burn healing in mice. The test was conducted on 12 male mices divided using a completely randomized design (CRD) into 4 treatment groups consisting of P-1 without any treatment, P-2 by administering Bioplacenton®, P-3 with ethanolic extract and P-4 with watery extract. Lab studies have shown the average percentages of recovery for 18 days for P-2, P-3 and P-4, were 48%, 60% and 63% respectively. One way ANOVA test results obtained p value = 0.011 (p &lt;0.05), it means there were differences in the healing duration of burns in four treatment groups. LSD test results showed that the group which had significant relationship were P-1 and P-4 wherein the Mean Difference was 0.90000. Thus it can be concluded that the group P-4 which is a water extract group was the most effective for the second degree burns healing.

scholarly journals Efficacy and Safety of Switching from Prostaglandin Analog Therapy to Prostaglandin / Timolol Fixed Combination or Prostaglandin / Brimonidine Therapy

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 156-163
Author(s):  
Kenji Inoue ◽  
Mieko Masumoto ◽  
Kyoko Ishida ◽  
Goji Tomita
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Primary Open Angle Glaucoma ◽  
Fixed Combination ◽  
Open Angle Glaucoma ◽  
Eye Drops ◽  
Circulatory Disease ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Baseline Values ◽  
The Mean

Background: To compare the safety and efficacy between switching to prostaglandin/timolol fixed combination eye drops (PG/timolol FCs) and adding brimonidine to PG analogue monotherapy. Methods: Eyes of 53 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension who were receiving PG analogue monotherapy were included. Participants were randomly divided into two treatment groups: one was prescribed PG/timolol FCs (switched group), and for the other, 0.1% brimonidine was added to the PG analogue (added group). Intraocular pressure (IOP), blood pressure, and pulse rate were measured after 1 and 3 months and compared to baseline values. Participants were also surveyed to determine if they had experienced systemic or topical adverse events at each study visit. IOP changes at 1 and 3 months were compared between groups. Results: Three months after changing medication, mean IOP was 14.6 ± 2.4 mmHg in the switched group and 13.7 ± 1.8 mmHg in the added group; both were significantly lower than the baseline values (switched group, 16.5 ± 2.7 mmHg; added group, 15.8 ± 2.3 mmHg; both P < 0.001). Neither the mean nor the percentage reductions in IOP were significantly different between groups at 1 and 3 months. In the added group, diastolic blood pressure was lower than that at 1 and 3 months, systolic blood was lower than that at 3 months (P < 0.01). The patients who had experienced systemic or topical adverse events were 53.8% in the added group and 40.7% in the the changed group, which was equivalent between groups (P =0.4142). Three patients (11.5%) in the added group, but none from the switched group, were excluded from analyses because of adverse events (not significant, P = 0.217). Conclusion: Switching from a PG analogue to PG/timolol FCs or to PG with brimonidine was equally safe (systemically and topically) and effective in reducing IOP. Thus, PG with brimonidine might be appropriate medication in patients who cannot use PG/timolol FCs due to repiratory or circulatory disease.

Assessing single nucleotide polymorphism selection methods for the development of a low-density panel optimized for imputation in South African Drakensberger beef cattle

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon F Lashmar ◽  
Donagh P Berry ◽  
Rian Pierneef ◽  
Farai C Muchadeyi ◽  
Carina Visser
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Clustering Algorithm ◽  
Imputation Accuracy ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Genotype Imputation ◽  
Selection Strategy ◽  
Nucleotide Polymorphisms ◽  
Single Nucleotide ◽  
Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Selection ◽  
The Mean

Abstract A major obstacle in applying genomic selection (GS) to uniquely adapted local breeds in less-developed countries has been the cost of genotyping at high densities of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP). Cost reduction can be achieved by imputing genotypes from lower to higher densities. Locally adapted breeds tend to be admixed and exhibit a high degree of genomic heterogeneity thus necessitating the optimization of SNP selection for downstream imputation. The aim of this study was to quantify the achievable imputation accuracy for a sample of 1,135 South African (SA) Drakensberger using several custom-derived lower-density panels varying in both SNP density and how the SNP were selected. From a pool of 120,608 genotyped SNP, subsets of SNP were chosen 1) at random, 2) with even genomic dispersion, 3) by maximizing the mean minor allele frequency (MAF), 4) using a combined score of MAF and linkage disequilibrium (LD), 5) using a partitioning-around-medoids (PAM) algorithm, and finally 6) using a hierarchical LD-based clustering algorithm. Imputation accuracy to higher density improved as SNP density increased; animal-wise imputation accuracy defined as the within-animal correlation between the imputed and actual alleles ranged from 0.625 to 0.990 when 2,500 randomly selected SNP were chosen versus a range of 0.918 to 0.999 when 50,000 randomly selected SNP were used. At a panel density of 10,000 SNP, the mean (standard deviation) animal-wise allele concordance rate was 0.976 (0.018) versus 0.982 (0.014) when the worst (i.e., random) as opposed to the best (i.e., combination of MAF and LD) SNP selection strategy was employed. A difference of 0.071 units was observed between the mean correlation-based accuracy of imputed SNP categorized as low (0.01&lt;MAF≤0.1) versus high MAF (0.4&lt;MAF≤0.5). Greater mean imputation accuracy was achieved for SNP located on autosomal extremes when these regions were populated with more SNP. The presented results suggested that genotype imputation can be a practical cost-saving strategy for indigenous breeds such as the South African Drakensberger. Based on the results, a genotyping panel consisting of approximately 10,000 SNP selected based on a combination of MAF and LD would suffice in achieving a less than 3% imputation error rate for a breed characterized by genomic admixture on the condition that these SNP are selected based on breed-specific selection criteria.

scholarly journals Non-Invasive Molecular Survey of Sarcoptic Mange in Wildlife: Diagnostic Performance in Wolf Faecal Samples Evaluated by Multi-Event Capture–Recapture Models

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 243
Author(s):  
Julieta Rousseau ◽  
Mónia Nakamura ◽  
Helena Rio-Maior ◽  
Francisco Álvares ◽  
Rémi Choquet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Detection ◽  
High Specificity ◽  
Sarcoptes Scabiei ◽  
Sarcoptic Mange ◽  
Diagnostic Specificity ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
Capture Recapture ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Event Capture

Sarcoptic mange is globally enzootic, and non-invasive methods with high diagnostic specificity for its surveillance in wildlife are lacking. We describe the molecular detection of Sarcoptes scabiei in non-invasively collected faecal samples, targeting the 16S rDNA gene. We applied this method to 843 Iberian wolf Canis lupus signatus faecal samples collected in north-western Portugal (2006–2018). We further integrated this with serological data (61 samples from wolf and 20 from red fox Vulpes vulpes, 1997–2019) in multi-event capture–recapture models. The mean predicted prevalence by the molecular analysis of wolf faecal samples from 2006–2018 was 7.2% (CI95 5.0–9.4%; range: 2.6–11.7%), highest in 2009. The mean predicted seroprevalence in wolves was 24.5% (CI95 18.5–30.6%; range: 13.0–55.0%), peaking in 2006–2009. Multi-event capture–recapture models estimated 100% diagnostic specificity and moderate diagnostic sensitivity (30.0%, CI95 14.0–53.0%) for the molecular method. Mange-infected individually identified wolves showed a tendency for higher mortality versus uninfected wolves (ΔMortality 0.150, CI95 −0.165–0.458). Long-term serology data highlights the endemicity of sarcoptic mange in wild canids but uncovers multi-year epidemics. This study developed and evaluated a novel method for surveying sarcoptic mange in wildlife populations by the molecular detection of S. scabiei in faecal samples, which stands out for its high specificity and non-invasive character.

scholarly journals Admixing Chaff with Straw Increased the Residues Collected without Compromising Machinery Efficiencies

Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 1766 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandro Suardi ◽  
Sergio Saia ◽  
Walter Stefanoni ◽  
Carina Gunnarsson ◽  
Martin Sundberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Production ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Global Scale ◽  
Unit Weight ◽  
Residual Biomass ◽  
Energy Needs ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Field Efficiency ◽  
The One ◽  
Staple Crop

The collection of residues from staple crop may contribute to meet EU regulations in renewable energy production without harming soil quality. At a global scale, chaff may have great potential to be used as a bioenergy source. However, chaff is not usually collected, and its loss can consist of up to one-fifth of the residual biomass harvestable. In the present work, a spreader able to manage the chaff (either spreading [SPR] on the soil aside to the straw swath or admixed [ADM] with the straw) at varying threshing conditions (with either 1 or 2 threshing rotors [1R and 2R, respectively] in the combine, which affects the mean length of the straw pieces). The fractions of the biomass available in field (grain, chaff, straw, and stubble) were measured, along with the performances of both grain harvesting and baling operations. Admixing chaff allowed for a slightly higher amount of straw fresh weight baled compared to SPR (+336 kg straw ha−1), but such result was not evident on a dry weight basis. At the one time, admixing chaff reduced the material capacity of the combine by 12.9%. Using 2R compared to 1R strongly reduced the length of the straw pieces, and increased the bale unit weight; however, it reduced the field efficiency of the grain harvesting operations by 11.9%. On average, the straw loss did not vary by the treatments applied and was 44% of the total residues available (computed excluding the stubble). In conclusion, admixing of chaff with straw is an option to increase the residues collected without compromising grain harvesting and straw baling efficiencies; in addition, it can reduce the energy needs for the bale logistics. According to the present data, improving the chaff collection can allow halving the loss of residues. However, further studies are needed to optimise both the chaff and the straw recoveries.

scholarly journals Functional Monitoring after Trabeculectomy or XEN Microstent Implantation Using Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography and Visual Field Indices—A Retrospective Comparative Cohort Study

Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 273
Author(s):  
Marc Schargus ◽  
Catharina Busch ◽  
Matus Rehak ◽  
Jie Meng ◽  
Manuela Schmidt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Optical Coherence Tomography ◽  
Cohort Study ◽  
Visual Field ◽  
Spectral Domain ◽  
Optical Coherence ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Rnfl Thickness ◽  
Comparative Cohort Study ◽  
The Mean ◽  
All Treatment

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of trabeculectomy (TE), single XEN microstent implantation (solo XEN) or combined XEN implantation and cataract surgery (combined XEN) in primary open-angle glaucoma cases, naïve to prior surgical treatment, using a monocentric retrospective comparative cohort study. Intraocular pressure (IOP) and the number of IOP-lowering drugs (Meds) were monitored during the first 24 months after surgery. Further disease progression was monitored using peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness examinations using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) as well as visual acuity (VA) and visual field (VF) tests. In the TE group (52 eyes), the mean IOP decreased from 24.9 ± 5.9 to 13.9 ± 4.2 mmHg (p < 0.001) and Meds decreased from 3.2 ± 1.2 to 0.5 ± 1.1 (p < 0.001). In the solo XEN (38 eyes) and the combined XEN groups, the mean IOP decreased from 24.1 ± 4.7 to 15.7 ± 3.0 mmHg (p < 0.001) and 25.4 ± 5.6 to 14.7 ± 3.2 mmHg (p < 0.001), while Meds decreased from 3.3 ± 0.8 to 0.8 ± 1.2 (p < 0.001) and 2.7 ± 1.2 to 0.4 ± 1.0 (p < 0.001), respectively. The VF and VA indices showed no sign of further deterioration, the RNFL thickness further decreased in all treatment groups after surgery. TE and XEN led to comparable reductions in IOP and Meds. Although the VA and VF indices remained unaltered, the RNFL thickness continuously decreased in all treatment groups during the 24-month follow-up.

scholarly journals Filociclovir Is an Active Antiviral Agent against Ocular Adenovirus Isolates In Vitro and in the Ad5/NZW Rabbit Ocular Model

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 294
Author(s):  
Eric G. Romanowski ◽  
Islam T. M. Hussein ◽  
Steven C. Cardinale ◽  
Michelle M. Butler ◽  
Lucas R. Morin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antiviral Activity ◽  
Topical Treatment ◽  
Antiviral Agent ◽  
Human Adenovirus ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Ocular Infections ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Eye Infection

Presently, there is no FDA- or EMA-approved antiviral for the treatment of human adenovirus (HAdV) ocular infections. This study determined the antiviral activity of filociclovir (FCV) against ocular HAdV isolates in vitro and in the Ad5/NZW rabbit ocular model. The 50% effective concentrations (EC50) of FCV and cidofovir (CDV) were determined for several ocular HAdV types using standard plaque reduction assays. Rabbits were topically inoculated in both eyes with HAdV5. On day 1, the rabbits were divided into four topical treatment groups: (1) 0.5% FCV 4x/day × 10 d; (2) 0.1% FCV 4x/day × 10 d; (3) 0.5% CDV 2x/day × 7 d; (4) vehicle 4x/day × 10 d. Eyes were cultured for virus on days 0, 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, and 14. The resulting viral eye titers were determined using standard plaque assays. The mean in vitro EC50 for FCV against tested HAdV types ranged from 0.50 to 4.68 µM, whereas those treated with CDV ranged from 0.49 to 30.3 µM. In vivo, compared to vehicle, 0.5% FCV, 0.1% FCV, and 0.5% CDV produced lower eye titers, fewer numbers of positive eye cultures, and shorter durations of eye infection. FCV demonstrated anti-adenovirus activity in vitro and in vivo.

Heart rate responses and plasma cortisol concentrations in ewes: comparison between cervical and laparoscopic intrauterine insemination and their associated handling procedures

1998 ◽  
Vol 66 (2) ◽  
pp. 383-387 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Khalid ◽  
W. Haresign ◽  
D. G. Bradley
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Stress Responses ◽  
Plasma Cortisol ◽  
Intrauterine Insemination ◽  
Management Practice ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Cortisol Responses ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Pre Treatment ◽  
Mean Heart Rate

AbstractThis study consisted of two experiments. In experiment 1, stress responses of sheep which were restrained either in a laparoscopy cradle or a roll-over cradle were compared. The results of this experiment indicated that restraint in roll-over cradle is less (P < 0·05) stressful than that in a laparoscopy cradle when assessed in terms of the elevation and duration of both the mean heart rate and plasma cortisol responses. Experiment 2 compared the stress responses of sheep subjected to restraint in a laparoscopy cradle, restraint in a laparoscopy cradle with intrauterine artificial insemination (AI) by laparoscopy, minimal restraint with cervical AI or restraint in a roll-over cradle plus foot-trimming. All treatments resulted in significant elevations in both heart rate and plasma cortisol concentrations (F < 0·001). The peak heart rate was significantly (P < 0·05) higher in ewes subjected to cervical AI than in those subjected to intrauterine insemination, with other treatments intermediate. The peak cortisol response did not differ among different treatments. The duration over which both the mean heart rate and -plasma cortisol concentrations remained significantly elevated above pre-treatment concentrations did not differ among treatment groups. The results of this study suggest that while restraint using a laparoscopy cradle is more stressful than that using a rollover cradle, the stress inflicted by intrauterine insemination by laparoscopy itself is no greater than that due to restraint using the laparoscopy cradle alone, cervical AI or the management practice offoot-trimming using a rollover cradle.

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