Lesion Detection on Skin Images Using Improved U-Net

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elif Işılay Ünlü ◽  
Ahmet Çınar
Keyword(s):  
Genetically Modified Organisms ◽  
Small Ruminants ◽  
Lesion Detection ◽  
Farm Animals ◽  
Animal Cells ◽  
Feed Processing ◽  
Protein Fragments ◽  
Gm Plants ◽  
Reported Data ◽  
Gastro Intestinal Tract

The fate of transgenic DNA (tDNA) and protein of feeds from Genetically Modified organisms (GMOs) in animals has been an important topic since their commercialization in 1996. Several studies have investigated about risks of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of tDNA and proteins to bacteria or animal cells/tissues, however, the reported data is at times controversial. Earlier reports showed that tDNA fragments or protein derived from GM plants have not been detected in tissues, fluids, or edible products of farm animals. Other researchers have come out to demonstrate that there is the possibility of small fragments leaking out into the animal tissues, fluids and organs. This motivated us to update our knowledge about these concerns. Therefore, this review aimed at assessing the likely transfer and accumulation of tDNA/ proteins from transgenic feeds to animal (ruminants and non-ruminants) samples through evaluating the available experimental scientific published studies. This study has found out that the tDNA or protein is not completely degraded during feed processing and digestion in the Gastro-Intestinal Tract (GIT). In large ruminants (Cattle), tDNA fragments/protein have been detected in the GIT digesta, ruminal fluid and feces. In small ruminants (Goats), traces of tDNA/proteins have been detected in the GIT digesta, blood, milk, liver, kidney, heart and muscle. In pigs, they have been detected in blood, spleen, liver kidney and in the GIT digesta. In poultry, traces have been seen in blood, liver and GIT digesta but not in meat and Eggs. Regardless of some studies that have shown the transfer of tDNA/protein fragments to animal samples, we cannot base on these few studies to give a piece of general evidence about their transfer into tissues/fluids and organs of livestock animals. However, this study clearly shows possible transfer, hence intensive and authentic research on GM crops should be done before they are allowed for commercial use, studying issues like the fate of tDNA or proteins and the effect of feeding GM feeds to livestock.

Investigations and Concerns about the Fate of Transgenic DNA and Protein in Livestock

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacob Matovu ◽  
Ahmet Alçiçek
Keyword(s):  
Genetically Modified Organisms ◽  
Rumen Fluid ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Small Ruminants ◽  
Farm Animals ◽  
Animal Cells ◽  
Feed Processing ◽  
Gm Plants ◽  
Reported Data ◽  
Gastro Intestinal Tract

The fate of transgenic DNA (tDNA) and protein from feed derived from Genetically Modified organisms (GMOs) in animals has been a major issue since their commercialization in 1996. Several studies have investigated the risks of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of tDNA and protein to bacteria or animal cells/tissues, but some of the reported data are controversial. Previous reports showed that tDNA fragments or proteins derived from GM plants could not be detected in tissues, fluids, or edible products from livestock. Other researchers have shown that there is a possibility of small fragments entering animal tissues, fluids and organs. This motivated us to update our knowledge about these concerns. Therefore, this review aimed to evaluate the probable transfer and accumulation of tDNA/proteins from transgenic feeds in animal samples (ruminant and non-ruminant) by evaluating the available experimental studies published scientifically. This study found that the tDNA/protein is not completely degraded during feed processing and digestion in Gastro-Intestinal Tract (GIT). In large ruminants (cattle), tDNA fragments/proteins were detected in GIT digesta, rumen fluid, and faeces. In small ruminants (goats), traces of tDNA/proteins were detected in GIT digesta, blood, milk, liver, kidney, heart and muscle. In pigs, they were detected in blood, spleen, liver, kidney, and GIT digesta. In poultry, traces were detected in blood, liver and GIT digesta but not in meat and eggs. Notwithstanding some studies that have shown transfer of tDNA/protein fragments in animal samples, we cannot rely on these few studies to give general evidence for transfer into tissues/fluids and organs of farm animals. However, this study clearly shows that transfer is possible. Therefore, intensive and authentic research should be conducted on GM plants before they are approved for commercial use, investigating issues such as the fate of tDNA or proteins and the effects of feeding GM feed to livestock.

Biosafety of Genome Editing Applications in Plant Breeding: Considerations for a Focused Case-Specific Risk Assessment in the EU

BioTech ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 10
Author(s):  
Michael F. Eckerstorfer ◽  
Marcin Grabowski ◽  
Matteo Lener ◽  
Margret Engelhard ◽  
Samson Simon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Genome Editing ◽  
Genetically Modified Organisms ◽  
Unintended Effects ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Gm Plants ◽  
European Court ◽  
Assessment Approach ◽  
Deliberate Release ◽  
Specific Assessment

An intensely debated question is whether or how a mandatory environmental risk assessment (ERA) should be conducted for plants obtained through novel genomic techniques, including genome editing (GE). Some countries have already exempted certain types of GE applications from their regulations addressing genetically modified organisms (GMOs). In the European Union, the European Court of Justice confirmed in 2018 that plants developed by novel genomic techniques for directed mutagenesis are regulated as GMOs. Thus, they have to undergo an ERA prior to deliberate release or being placed on the market. Recently, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published two opinions on the relevance of the current EU ERA framework for GM plants obtained through novel genomic techniques (NGTs). Regarding GE plants, the opinions confirmed that the existing ERA framework is suitable in general and that the current ERA requirements need to be applied in a case specific manner. Since EFSA did not provide further guidance, this review addresses a couple of issues relevant for the case-specific assessment of GE plants. We discuss the suitability of general denominators of risk/safety and address characteristics of GE plants which require particular assessment approaches. We suggest integrating the following two sets of considerations into the ERA: considerations related to the traits developed by GE and considerations addressing the assessment of method-related unintended effects, e.g., due to off-target modifications. In conclusion, we recommend that further specific guidance for the ERA and monitoring should be developed to facilitate a focused assessment approach for GE plants.

scholarly journals Development of polyvalent toxoid Clostridium perfringens against anaerobic enterotoxaemia in young cattle and small ruminants

2021 ◽  
Vol 282 ◽  
pp. 04009
Author(s):  
F.Kh. Pulotov ◽  
O.D. Nazarova ◽  
N.A. Akhmadov ◽  
A.I. Karimzoda
Keyword(s):  
Nutrient Medium ◽  
Small Ruminants ◽  
Farm Animals ◽  
Drug Preparation ◽  
Type D ◽  
Industrial Strains ◽  
Type C ◽  
Young Cattle ◽  
C 30 ◽  
Selection Of

The authors of the article presents the results of the development of a polyvalent toxoid from C.perfringens strains against anaerobic enterotoxaemia of young cattle and small ruminants and an assessment of its effectiveness. It is presented the data on the selection of the recipe composition of the nutrient medium, the cultivation of industrial strains, the process of drug preparation, the selection of the optimal ratio of components and the method of controlling the effectiveness. Sequential cultivation of industrial strains of C.perfringens was carried out by cultivating them in flasks, bottles and bioreactors in the nutrient medium developed by the authors, consisting of: 12.0 g/l - liver extract; 25.0 g/l - casein-peptone; 3.2g/l –K2HPO4; 1.8 g/l – KH2PO4; 0.5 g/l – MgSO4. The development of the drug included the selection of optimal and balanced ratios of C. perfringens type A toxoids - 15 IU/ml, C.perfringens type B - 20 IU/ml, C.perfringens type C - 30 IU/ml, C. perfringens type D - 30 IU/ml, which ensured 100% protection of the immunized animals. Studies on laboratory and farm animals revealed the harmlessness, areactogenicity of the drug, which stimulated the development of immunity and resistance to the toxic effects of all strains of C.perfringens.

Agricultural and Food Controversies

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Bailey Norwood ◽  
Michelle S. Calvo-Lorenzo ◽  
Sarah Lancaster ◽  
Pascal A. Oltenacu
Keyword(s):  
Genetically Modified Organisms ◽  
Food System ◽  
Scientific Literature ◽  
Genetically Modified ◽  
Local Economy ◽  
Farm Animals ◽  
Genetically Modified Food ◽  
Farm Animal Welfare ◽  
Agricultural Technologies ◽  
Global Food Security

The public is more interested in agricultural and food issues than ever before, as is evident in the many agricultural controversies debated in the media. Why is it that some people embrace new agricultural technologies while others steadfastly defend traditional farming methods? Why do some prefer to buy food grown around the world while others patronize small, local farmers? In the debates about organic food, genetically modified organisms, and farm animal welfare, it is not always clear what the scientific literature actually says. To understand these controversies, the authors encourage readers to develop first an appreciation for why two equally intelligent and well-intentioned people can form radically different notions about food. Sometimes the disputes are scientific in nature, and sometimes they arise from conflicting ethical views. This book confronts the most controversial issues in agriculture by first explaining the principles of both sides of the debate, and then guiding readers through the scientific literature so that they may form their own educated opinions. Is food safe if the farm used pesticides, or are organic foods truly better for your health? Are chemical fertilizers sustainable, or are we producing cheap food today at the expense of future generations? What foods should we eat to have a smaller carbon footprint? Is genetically-modified food the key to global food security, and does it give corporations too much market power? Is the prevalence of corn throughout the food system the result of farm subsidies? Does buying local food stimulate the local economy? Why are so many farm animals raised indoors, and should antibiotics be given to livestock? These are the issues addressed in Agricultural and Food Controversies: What Everyone Needs to Know. While it doesn't claim to have all the answers, it provides a synthesis of research and popular opinions on both sides of these important issues, allowing readers to decide what they value and believe for themselves.

scholarly journals Fluorescent bead-based serological detection of Toxoplasma gondii infection in chickens

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benedikt T. Fabian ◽  
Fatima Hedar ◽  
Martin Koethe ◽  
Berit Bangoura ◽  
Pavlo Maksimov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Small Ruminants ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Negative Control ◽  
Immunofluorescence Assay ◽  
Farm Animals ◽  
Serological Tests ◽  
Modified Agglutination Test ◽  
Magnetic Capture ◽  
Luminex Technology

Abstract Background: Free-ranging chickens are often infected with Toxoplasma gondii. Their infection indicates environmental contamination with T. gondii. The detection of infected birds relies primarily on serological assays. Methods: Here, we established a bead-based multiplex assay (BBMA) using the Luminex technology for the specific and sensitive detection of T. gondii infections in chickens. Recombinant biotinylated T. gondii surface antigen 1 (TgSAG1bio) bound to streptavidin-conjugated magnetic Luminex beads served as antigen. Serum antibodies were detected by a fluorophore-coupled secondary antibody. Beads of differing color codes were conjugated with anti-chicken IgY or chicken serum albumin and served for each sample as an internal positive or negative control, respectively. The assay was validated with sera from experimentally and naturally infected chickens. The results were compared to those from reference methods, including other serological tests and bioassay in mice.Results: In experimentally infected chickens, the vast majority (98.5%, n=65/66) of inoculated birds tested seropositive in the BBMA. This included all chickens positive by magnetic-capture PCR (100%, n=45/45). Most, but not all inoculated and TgSAG1bio-BBMA-positive chickens were also positive in two previously established TgSAG1-ELISAs (TgSAG1-ELISASL, n=61/65; or TgSAG1-ELISASH, n=60/65), or positive in an immunofluorescence assay (IFAT, n=64/65)) and in a modified agglutination test (MAT, n=61/65). All non-inoculated control animals (n=28/28, 100%) tested negative. In naturally exposed chickens, the TgSAG1bio-BBMA showed a high sensitivity (98.5%; 95% Confidence Interval: 90.7-99.9%) and specificity (100%; 85.0-100%) relative to a reference standard established using ELISA, IFAT and MAT. Almost all naturally exposed chickens that were positive in bioassay or by PCR tested positive in the TgSAG1bio-BBMA (93.5%; 77.1-98.9%), while all bioassay- or PCR-negative chickens remained negative (100%; 85.0-100%).Conclusions: The TgSAG1bio-BBMA represents a suitable method for the detection of T. gondii infections in chickens with high sensitivity and specificity, which is comparable or even superior to other tests. Since assays based on this methodology allow for the simultaneous analysis of a single biological sample with respect to multiple analytes, the described assay may represent one component in future multiplex assays for broad serological monitoring of poultry and other farm animals, including pigs or small ruminants, for various pathogens.

scholarly journals Severe azotemia in a young breeding ram following to acute urethral obstruction by throughout  intra-luminal blood clots

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nasser Alidadi ◽  
Mohammadhossein Moradikia ◽  
Hesaam Mohammaddavoodi
Keyword(s):  
Urinary Bladder ◽  
Small Ruminants ◽  
Severe Depression ◽  
Urethral Obstruction ◽  
Complex Case ◽  
Urinary Stones ◽  
Bleeding Tendency ◽  
Subcutaneous Edema ◽  
Reported Data ◽  
The Right

Abstract Urethral obstruction is a very important problem in small ruminants` flocks, as it affects breeding rams and so invaluable genetic reserves of the population. A three-years-old breeding ram referred to the teaching hospital with the owner`s compliant of lack of urination in previous two days. The ram was the only one in the flock which it had unlimited access to fat-tailed ewes. The other signs consisted of anorexia, reluctance to walking and final lateral recumbency. Severe depression, anuria, dribbling of blood drops from the glans and firmness of the enlarged penis in palpation were detected in the clinical examination. But noticeably there was no local subcutaneous edema and even swelling outside of the penis as it could be usually observed in urolithiasis. It was noticeable that the animal had remarkable bleeding tendency. An obvious splashing sound was heard using stethoscope auscultation on the right flank along. Abdominal paracentesis demonstrated a blood-tinged peritoneal fluid. Ultrasonography showed a completely distended urinary bladder. The animal died because of severe obstructive azotemia. The distended urinary bladder was opened and large amounts of blood-tinged urine flashed out. The urethra was incised but no urinary stones were detected in the lumen. Otherwise, an intra-luminal blood clotting at full length was detected following to the proximal internal hemorrhage. Obviously, this complex case may be confused with urolithiasis and should be exactly differentiated. There is no available reported data concerning the entity in literature. This case report is discussing the matter.

scholarly journals Glyphosate in livestock: feed residues and animal health1

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (11) ◽  
pp. 4509-4518
Author(s):  
John L Vicini ◽  
William R Reeves ◽  
John T Swarthout ◽  
Katherine A Karberg
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Protection Agency ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Model Systems ◽  
Farm Animals ◽  
Regulatory Agencies ◽  
Animal Cells ◽  
Exposure Limits ◽  
Epsp Synthase

Abstract Glyphosate is a nonselective systemic herbicide used in agriculture since 1974. It inhibits 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate (EPSP) synthase, an enzyme in the shikimate pathway present in cells of plants and some microorganisms but not human or other animal cells. Glyphosate-tolerant crops have been commercialized for more than 20 yr using a transgene from a resistant bacterial EPSP synthase that renders the crops insensitive to glyphosate. Much of the forage or grain from these crops are consumed by farm animals. Glyphosate protects crop yields, lowers the cost of feed production, and reduces CO2 emissions attributable to agriculture by reducing tillage and fuel usage. Despite these benefits and even though global regulatory agencies continue to reaffirm its safety, the public hears conflicting information about glyphosate's safety. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency determines for every agricultural chemical a maximum daily allowable human exposure (called the reference dose, RfD). The RfD is based on amounts that are 1/100th (for sensitive populations) to 1/1,000th (for children) the no observed adverse effects level (NOAEL) identified through a comprehensive battery of animal toxicology studies. Recent surveys for residues have indicated that amounts of glyphosate in food/feed are at or below established tolerances and actual intakes for humans or livestock are much lower than these conservative exposure limits. While the EPSP synthase of some bacteria is sensitive to glyphosate, in vivo or in vitro dynamic culture systems with mixed bacteria and media that resembles rumen digesta have not demonstrated an impact on microbial function from adding glyphosate. Moreover, one chemical characteristic of glyphosate cited as a reason for concern is that it is a tridentate chelating ligand for divalent and trivalent metals; however, other more potent chelators are ubiquitous in livestock diets, such as certain amino acids. Regulatory testing identifies potential hazards, but risks of these hazards need to be evaluated in the context of realistic exposures and conditions. Conclusions about safety should be based on empirical results within the limitations of model systems or experimental design. This review summarizes how pesticide residues, particularly glyphosate, in food and feed are quantified, and how their safety is determined by regulatory agencies to establish safe use levels.

A Strong Case for Transparency: Public Interest in Disclosure of Risk Data P revails over Business Secrets

2006 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-21
Author(s):  
Jochen Gebauer ◽  
Ulrich Wollenteit ◽  
Michéle John
Keyword(s):  
Genetically Modified Organisms ◽  
Federal State ◽  
General Will ◽  
Modern Approach ◽  
Gm Plants ◽  
Right To Information ◽  
The Right ◽  
Right Of Access ◽  
Imminent Risk ◽  
Risk Policy

AbstractIn a dispute between Greenpeace Germany and Monsanto Europe concerning the confidentiality of its controversial rat feeding study the Higher Administrative Court of the federal State North Rhine-Westphalia (OVG Münster) refused to grant Monsanto an injunction to stop the German authorities from releasing the requested data to Greenpeace.' The decision has acknowledged the public's right to know and strengthened the principles of transparency and participation. On the grounds of a modern approach to risk policy and to genetically modified organisms (GMO), which the Court held to be enshrined in Article 25(4) of Directive 2001/18/EC, the Court has attributed the right to information priority over conflicting commercial interests. As far as risk data is concerned the Court stressed that European Law requires a maximum degree of transparency as an indispensable condition for the introduction of GM plants within Community territory. Furthermore, the decision recognised that in the field of genetic engineering law the right of companies to invoke operating or business secrets to justify exceptions to the right of access is narrowly circumscribed. Risk data, in general, will only be protected as 'confidential' on an exceptional basis. The party submitting the risk data has to prove that there is an imminent risk of specific and relevant harm to its commercial interests.

scholarly journals Evaluation of human-induced surgical injuries to animals: A retrospective study

2019 ◽  
Vol 74 (12) ◽  
pp. 6131-2019
Author(s):  
BAŞAK KURT ◽  
METE CIHAN
Keyword(s):  
Retrospective Study ◽  
Traffic Accidents ◽  
Road Traffic ◽  
Small Ruminants ◽  
Farm Animals ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Road Traffic Accidents ◽  
Human Errors ◽  
Clinical Records ◽  
Surgical Injuries

This retrospective study evaluated surgical cases occurring in animals due to human errors that were admitted to the Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafkas University over six years (2012-2018). A total of 4239 animals were examined and diagnosed with surgical problems caused by humans according to our clinical records. Among these, 462 (294 large ruminants, 147 carnivores, 18 horses and 3 small ruminants) were included in the study. The animals were subjected to harms during interventions for dystocia (n=189), road traffic accidents (n=143), injection failures (n=73), gunshot injuries (n=24), cutting and penetrating injuries (n=22) and other problems (n=11). Recovery was recorded in 420 of treated cases; 18 were euthanized, 14 died, 7 underwent amputation and 3 were slaughtered. Human-induced surgical injuries are worth noting in these cases. Although the majority of the animals were treated, issues such as treatment expenses, weight loss in farm animals during the treatment period and property damages due to road traffic accidents cause serious economic losses. Therefore, owners should be made aware of human errors that generate vital and economic costs. Practices without adequate knowledge or experience should be prevented in the field and veterinarians should supervise their personnel and owners regarding postoperative care and other treatment procedures.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document