Search Results (230)

Background/Objectives: Beak and feather disease virus (BFDV) is the causative agent of psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD), affecting psittacine birds. There is currently no commercial vaccine or treatment for this disease. This study developed a novel BFDV coat protein mRNA vaccine encapsidated by TMV coat protein to form pseudovirions (PsVs) and tested its immunogenicity alongside BFDV coat protein (CP) subunit and DNA vaccine candidates. Methods: mRNA and BFDV CP subunit vaccine candidates were produced in Nicotiana benthamiana and subsequently purified using PEG precipitation and gradient ultracentrifugation, respectively. The DNA vaccine candidate was produced in E. coli cells harbouring a plasmid with a BFDV1.1mer pseudogenome. Immunogenicity of the vaccine candidates was evaluated in African grey parrot chicks. Results: Successful purification of TMV PsVs harbouring the mRNA vaccine, and of the BFDV-CP subunit vaccine, was confirmed by SDS-PAGE and western blot analysis. TEM analyses confirmed formation of TMV PsVs, while RT-PCR and RT-qPCR cDNA amplification confirmed encapsidation of the mRNA vaccine candidate within TMV particles. Restriction digests verified presence of the BFDV1.1mer genome in the plasmid. Four groups of 5 ten-week-old African grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus) chicks were vaccinated and received two boost vaccinations 2 weeks apart. Blood samples were collected from all four groups on day 14, 28 and 42, and sera were analysed using indirect ELISA, which showed that all vaccine candidates successfully elicited specific anti-BFDV-CP immune responses. The subunit vaccine candidate showed the strongest immune response, indicated by higher binding titres (>6400), followed by the mRNA and DNA vaccine candidates. Conclusions: The candidate vaccines present an important milestone in the search for a protective vaccine against PBFD, and their inexpensive manufacture could considerably aid commercial vaccine development. Full article

A simple and fast analytical method was developed and applied to assess the effect of two forms of zinc fertilization on a pecan tree cultivar in Uruguay: fertigation and foliar application with a specially formulated fertilizer. Zinc content was determined in 36 leaf samples from two crop cycles: 2020–2021 and 2021–2022. Fresh samples were dried, ground, and sieved. Analytical determinations were performed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS, considered a standard method) and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDXRF, the proposed method). In the first case, sample preparation was carried out by microwave-assisted digestion using 4.5 mol L⁻¹ HNO₃. In the second case, pellets (Φ 13 mm, 2–3 mm thick) were prepared by direct mechanical pressing. Figures of merit of both methodologies were adequate for the purpose of zinc monitoring. The results obtained from both methodologies were statistically compared and found to be equivalent (95% confidence level). Based on the principles of Green Analytical Chemistry, both procedures were evaluated using the Analytical Greenness Metric Approach (AGREE and AGREEprep) tools. It was concluded that EDXRF was notably greener than FAAS and can be postulated as an alternative to the standard method. The information emerging from the analyses aided decision-making at the agronomic level. Full article

Digestibility, together with intake, is the main factor affecting animal productivity. It can be assessed in vivo by measuring total feed intake and faecal output (time-consuming and labour-intensive) or with the aid of substances known as markers. Internal markers such as acid insoluble ash (AIA) or undigestible neutral detergent fibre (uNDF) have been alleged to be preferable for digestibility estimations. The use of AIA and uNDF for digestibility estimation in beef cattle fed high-concentrate and barley straw diets has been rarely documented; hence, the objectives of the present paper were to compare digestibility values obtained by total faecal collection vs. AIA or uNDF (Experiment 1), to compare digestibility values obtained using Cr₂O₃ as an external marker vs. AIA or uNDF (Experiment 2), and to compare digestibility values obtained using AIA vs. uNDF in beef cattle fed high-concentrate and barley straw diets (Experiment 3). Faecal recoveries of AIA and uNDF (Experiment 1) were very variable and likely influenced by contamination of faeces and/or feedstuffs with soil and/or dust. Then, the regressions between digestibility values obtained in metabolism cages or using Cr₂O₃ as an external marker and AIA or uNDF were not significant. The use of these two latter markers for estimation of digestibility in beef cattle fed high-concentrate and barley straw diets is not recommended. Full article

Equine gastric disease (EGD) is a common condition in performance horses (Equus caballus), potentially compromising behaviour, performance, and welfare. EGD is often attributed to high-starch, high-sugar feeds and limited forage. Evidence for diet-induced changes on digestive microbiota is lacking. Nine elite showjumping horses were housed at the same performance yard with standardised diet and management throughout the study. Horses were transitioned from a high-sugar and -starch (31%) feed to a low-starch and -sugar (16.5%) concentrate feed. Gastroscopies, blood, and faecal samples were taken pre- and 12 weeks post-diet change. Squamous and glandular ulceration was blindly graded a posteriori using 0–4 scores and faecal microbiota profiled using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Total (t_(1,8) = −6.17, p < 0.001; Pre: 4 [0–5], Post: 1 [0–2]), squamous (t_(1,8) = −5.32, p < 0.001; Pre: 1 [0–3], Post: 0 [0–1]), and glandular (t_(1,8) = −2.53, p = 0.04; Pre: 2.5 [0–4], Post: 0 [0–2]) disease improved following the introduction of a low-starch diet. Diet change did not impact microbiota communities (PERMANOVA: F_(1,16) = 1.37, p = 0.15, r² = 0.08), but Firmicute to Bacteroidota (F/B) ratio reduced (t_(1,8) = −3.13, p = 0.01; Pre: 2.07 ± 0.21 vs. Post: 1.29 ± 0.14). Lower F/B ratios were associated with reduced total EGD scores (ChiSq_(1,17) = 3.83, p = 0.05). Low-starch diets did not influence faecal microbiota diversity but aided gastric disease healing and reduced F/B ratios in elite showjumpers during a competition season without medication. Full article

The apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids, digestible energy (DE), metabolizable energy (ME), and the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients in 10 fishmeal (FM) samples were evaluated in weaned barrows (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) using two experiments. In Experiment 1, 11 piglets (18.87 ± 0.10 kg) fitted with T-cannulas were randomly allocated to an 11 × 6 Latin-square design with 11 diets (1 nitrogen-free diet and 10 assay diets) and six periods. The AID and SID of all amino acids (AAs) except proline showed significant differences among all FM (p < 0.05). Importantly, the SID of amino acids was positively correlated with key antioxidant markers and immune parameters, and it was negatively correlated with oxidative stress markers (MDA) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-2 and IL-6). In Experiment 2, 11 piglets (18.05 ± 1.15 kg) were assigned to an 11 × 5 Latin-square design with 11 diets (a 96.35% corn diet and 10 assay diets) and five consecutive periods. Significant variations were observed in the DE, ME, and ATTD of dry matter among different FM samples (p < 0.05). Moreover, predictive equations for estimating the SID of lysine, methionine, threonine, and tryptophan, as well as DE and ME, were established using stepwise regression analysis based on the chemical composition of the FM. These findings demonstrate that the nutritional value of FM in nursery pig diets has been underestimated, and this study provides precise data and predictive methods for evaluating the nutritional quality of FM in precision nutrition. Full article

Displaced abomasum (DA) is a digestive disorder that causes severe economic losses through the reduction in milk yield and early culling of cows. The predictive potential of DA-susceptible cases is of great importance to reduce economic losses. This study aimed for early prediction of DA. However, identifying cows at risk of DA can be difficult because DA is a complex trait and its incidence is low. For this purpose, in this study, the ability of five machine learning algorithms, namely Logistic Regression (LR), Naïve Bayes (NB), Decision Tree, Random Forest (RF) and Gradient Boosting Machines (GBM), to predict cases of DA was investigated. For these predictions, 20 herd–cow-specific features and sire genetic information from 7 Holstein dairy herds that calved between 2010 and 2020 were available. Model performance metrics indicated that GBM and RF algorithms outperformed the others in predicting DA with F2 measures of 0.32. The true positive rate in the RF was the highest compared to other methods at 0.75, followed by GBM at 0.70. Given the highly imbalanced data, this study showed the potential in forecasting cases susceptible to DA. This prediction tool can aid dairy farmers in making preventative management decisions by identifying cows susceptible to DA. Full article

Strophanthus sarmentosus is recognised for various ethnomedicinal applications, including treatment after snakebites. However, only limited scientific evidence exists on its antivenomous capabilities. This study investigates the efficacy of methanol and ethylacetate extracts from S. sarmentosus leaves and roots against Echis ocellatus venom. A non-toxic range for the extracts was determined in rats, and assays were performed to test their anti-hemorrhagic and anti-hemolytic activity as well as their influence on venom-induced blood clotting. In all of these experiments, the extracts demonstrated significant positive effects equal to or better than antivenom. Moreover, the extracts strongly inhibited and even abolished the digestion of the vasoactive neuropeptide bradykinin by snake venom metalloproteinases. Strophantus plants are known for their high content of cardiac glycosides, one of which is the commercially available ouabain, that by itself also considerably inhibited venom-induced bradykinin cleavage. Although ouabain is only present in low amounts in S. sarmentosus when compared to other cardenolides of similar structure, it can be hypothesized that members of this substance class may also have inhibitory properties against venom proteases. S. sarmentosus additionally contains bioactive substances such as flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, saponins, and alkaloids, which contribute to its protective effects. The study provides scientific data to explain the success of the traditional use of S. sarmentosus plant extracts as a first aid against envenomation in rural Africa. Full article

A Capsicum spp.-based phytogenic solution (PHY) improved the performance and thermal tolerance of heat-stressed (HS) growing pigs. Two trials were conducted to further evaluate the HS pig response to supplemental PHY. Trial 1: The effects on the serum concentrations of amino acids (AAs) and the gene expression of tight junction proteins in the jejunum and ileum were assessed with 42 pigs (Landrace-Hampshire-Duroc; 27.0 ± 4.5 kg BW). There were three treatments (14 replicates): pigs under thermoneutral (TN) conditions fed control diet (TN-C); and HS pigs fed control diet without (HS-C) or with PHY (HS-PHY). Trial 2: Two-period digestion trial with eight ileal-cannulated pigs to analyze apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of AAs. Period 1: All TN pigs, fed the control (TN-C) or PHY-supplemented (TN-PHY) diet. Period 2: All HS pigs, fed the same diet as in period 1 (HS-C and HS-PHY). The control diet was based on wheat–soybean meal. In the jejunum, HS-C pigs had reduced occludin gene expression (p < 0.01) compared to TN-C pigs. HS-PHY pigs increased claudin-2 and tight-junction-protein-1 gene expression compared to HS-C (p < 0.05). In the ileum, HS-C and HS-PHY pigs had reduced occludin gene expression (p < 0.01). The serum concentrations of AAs decreased in HS-C compared to TN-C pigs (p < 0.05); except for arginine and isoleucine, HS-PHY pigs partially recovered serum AA levels. HS tended to reduce (p < 0.10; lysine and methionine) and reduced (p < 0.05) the AID of essential AAs. PHY did not mitigate the HS-associated reduced AA digestibility. In conclusion, these results support the concept that a phytogenic solution improves intestinal integrity and partially restores the post-absorption metabolism of amino acids, independent of the amino acid digestibility of heat-stressed pigs. Full article

Seaweeds represent a vital yet often understudied component of the diet and cultural heritage of many coastal communities globally. This study investigated seaweed consumption practices in coastal communities of Tawi-Tawi, Philippines, through one-to-one interviews (n = 280) and focus group discussions (n = 7). The study revealed that nearly all (99%) of the population consumes seaweeds, with women comprising the majority of consumers who have done so since childhood (68% female vs. 32% male). These consumers were predominantly married (79%), within the 21–40 age group (53%), with families of 5–7 members (43%), practicing Islam (97%), and belonging to the Sama tribe (71%). A significant portion (48%) had resided in the area for 21–30 years, attained elementary to high school education (66%), and had a monthly income ranging from 1000 to 10,000 Philippine pesos (72%). Seaweed consumption was a family-wide practice (88%), including children, who typically started around 4–8 years old (61%), driven by perceived nutritional benefits (43%), preferred flavor (80%), affordability (19%), ease of preparation (33%), and cultural integration (23%). The primary edible seaweeds identified were Kappaphycus alvarezii (63%), K. striatus (58%), Kappaphycus spp. (47%), Eucheuma denticulatum (57%), Caulerpa lentillifera (64%), Caulerpa spp. (51%), C. cf. macrodisca ecad corynephora (45%), C. racemosa (30%), and Solieria robusta (49%), with less frequent consumption of K. malesianus (8%), Chaetomorpha crassa (3%), Gracilaria spp. (0.72%), and Hydroclathrus clathratus (0.36%). Specific plant parts were preferred for certain species, and preparation predominantly involved raw (75%) or cooked (77%) salads with spices, primarily prepared by mothers (72%). Consumers generally avoided seaweeds showing signs of ice-ice disease (95%), pale coloration (91%), or epiphyte infestation (84%). Consumption frequency was typically 1–3 times per week (45%), with knowledge largely passed down through generations (95%). Seaweed salads were primarily consumed as a viand (92%) at home (97%), with locals perceiving seaweed consumption as contributing to a healthy diet (40%) and overall well-being [e.g., aiding hunger (76%), improving digestion (20%), preventing obesity (14%), and aiding brain development (3%)]. The study’s findings emphasize the significant yet often overlooked role of seaweeds in the food systems and cultural heritage of Tawi-Tawi’s coastal communities. Future efforts should prioritize the sustainable management of wild resources, explore the cultivation of diverse edible species, and enhance nutritional awareness. Further research into traditional seaweed knowledge holds broader value. Full article

Canine chronic enteropathy (CE) is a gastrointestinal disorder characterized by persistent or recurrent digestive symptoms lasting more than three weeks. It shares similarities with human inflammatory bowel disease but its immunopathogenesis remains poorly characterized in dogs. The aim of this study was to characterize the local and systemic immune profile of dogs with CE by assessing cytokine and chemokine expression in serum and intestinal tissue, as well as the mRNA expression of immune-related receptors such as integrins, chemokine receptors, and cytokines. Duodenal biopsies and blood samples were collected from five dogs diagnosed with a CE and five healthy controls. Serum concentrations of cytokines and chemokines were determined by multiplex ELISA, and mRNA expression in the intestinal mucosa was analyzed by quantitative PCR. Dogs with a CE showed increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α and IFN-γ, and increased concentrations of chemokines such as CXCL10 and CCL2 in both serum and tissue samples. Increased mRNA expression of the chemokine receptor CCR9 and the adhesion molecule MAdCAM-1 were also observed in intestinal samples. These findings provide new insights into the immune response involved in CE and may aid the development of future diagnostic biomarkers and targeted therapies for canine chronic enteropathies. Full article

Obesity is a global health concern that elevates the risk of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers. Phaseolus vulgaris (white bean) contains α-amylase inhibitors (αAIs) that can reduce carbohydrate digestion and absorption, potentially mitigating obesity and metabolic syndrome. This study investigated the impact of P. vulgaris extract (PVE) on obese rats. Male Wistar rats were fed either a standard diet (SD) or a cafeteria diet (CAF) for 17 weeks to induce obesity. Subsequently, rats in each dietary group were randomly assigned to receive a vehicle, low-dose PVE (200 mg/kg), high-dose PVE (300 mg/kg), or metformin (200 mg/kg) via an oral gavage for 6 weeks. The CAF group exhibited significantly greater weight gain compared to the SD group. In the CAF group, a low dose of PVE lowered postprandial glycemia during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 60 and 120 min and decreased food and energy intake during weeks 17–20 and 18–19, respectively. In the SD group, a high dose of PVE reduced glycemia at 90 min in the OGTT, as well as body weight gain, food intake, and energy intake during week 17. However, the overall areas under the glucose curves in the OGTT were not significantly different across treatment groups (p > 0.05), and while individual time points showed changes, the overall glucose exposure (AUC) was not significantly altered. In conclusion, the αAIs present in P. vulgaris demonstrate the potential to reduce body weight, weight gain, glycemia, total cholesterol, and triglycerides in vivo, but in the CAF group, neither PVE dose significantly altered the TC or TG. This study provides strong support for further exploring Phaseolus vulgaris extract as a valuable functional ingredient in the food industry, particularly for developing products that aid in weight management and glycemic control. Full article

Background: SARS-CoV-2 and influenza can present with similar clinical pictures in children, with symptoms and paraclinical particularities which might aid in the differentiation of the two entities and which can be suggestive of various complications. The present study aims to identify clinical and paraclinical differences between pediatric SARS-CoV-2 and influenza infection and to assess the utility of hematological parameters for prediction of their related complications. Methods: In this study, 266 children were retrospectively enrolled, divided into two groups: 129 children diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection and 137 children infected with influenza. In each case, particular symptoms were recorded, as well as hospitalization duration, pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission or O₂ supplementation requirement. Parameters of the hemoleucogram and biochemistry parameters were also collected for comparative assessment. Results: SARS-CoV-2 infections were more commonly associated with digestive symptoms, whereas influenza infections implied longer hospital stays and higher likelihood of PICU admission necessity. Monocytes and lymphocyte/monocyte ratios (LMRs) were significantly higher in the SARS-CoV-2 group (p < 0.01, p = 0.02). Several hematological parameters, such as neutrophil/lymphocyte ratios, correlated with hospitalization duration in SARS-CoV-2 and influenza B infections (p < 0.01, p = 0.01), whereas LMR was predictive of respiratory distress (p = 0.02) in the same study groups. Conclusions: According to the study, monocyte levels and LMR can aid in the distinction of pediatric SARS-CoV-2 and influenza infections and LMR and NLR can be used particularly as predictors of complicated course of these infections. Full article

Background/Objectives: Food hypersensitivity remains an understudied and overlooked subject globally. It is characterized by adverse reactions to dietary substances, potentially triggered by various mechanisms. Food allergy, a subset of food hypersensitivity, denotes an immune response to food proteins categorized into immunoglobulin IgE-mediated or non-IgE-mediated reactions. Conversely, food intolerance, another facet of food hypersensitivity, refers to non-immunological reactions, in which the human body cannot properly digest certain foods or components, leading to gastrointestinal discomfort and other non-immune-related symptoms. The main objective of this study was to determine and differentiate the differences, characteristics, and types of food hypersensitivity. Methods: This study involved a comprehensive review of key research from 1990 onward, including review articles, prospective studies, nested case–control studies, and meta-analyses. Results: Recognizing these differences is essential for healthcare professionals to ensure accurate diagnosis, effective management, and improved patient outcomes, while also aiding dietitians in providing optimal nutritional and dietary guidance. Conclusions: there are big differences between the main characteristics, such as symptoms, complications, and treatments between allergies, and food intolerances. Commonly reported trigger foods include cow milk, gluten, eggs, nuts, and seafood. Full article

Fish are vital for material cycling and energy flow in aquatic ecosystems. The genus Triplophysa, with over 100 known species, is significant in the Central Asian highlands’ freshwater ecosystems. T. strauchii and T. tenuis, as representatives, occupy distinct ecological niches and face challenges from climate change and human activities. There is a lack of research on Triplophysa fishes’ digestive systems, especially comparative studies, so this research aims to fill this gap. In September 2024, 40 samples of T. strauchii were collected from Sayram Lake and 40 samples of T. tenuis were collected from the Muzat River in Xinjiang. After acclimation, morphological observations (measuring fish and digestive tract parameters) and histological analyses (paraffin sectioning, HE staining, and microscopy) were carried out. The data were sorted in Excel and analyzed with an independent samples t-test in SPSS 27.0. Morphologically, T. strauchii has an obtuse snout, terminal mouth, specific upper lip papillae, and an S-shaped intestine about (1.45 ± 0.11) times its body length, while T. tenuis has an arc-shaped subterminal mouth, fringed papillae, and a spiral-shaped intestine around (0.82 ± 0.09) times its body length. Both possess a digestive tract, glands, and a hepatopancreas attached to the mesentery. Histologically, a large number of club cells were found in the oropharyngeal cavities of both species; their secretions have an adhesive effect on food, aiding food selection. Their digestive systems vary in structure and cell composition: the oropharyngeal cavity has three layers; the esophagus has four layers with more goblet cells in T. strauchii; the stomach has three regions without goblet cells and a thicker muscular layer in T. strauchii; the intestinal wall has four layers with different villi and goblet cell distributions; the hepatopancreas has lobules; and T. strauchii has a typical portal area. In conclusion, this study systematically compared the gastrointestinal systems of T. strauchii and T. tenuis for the first time, revealing significant structural differences related to their niches and feeding patterns as adaptations to specific environments. It fills the research gap, provides a basis for exploring fish ecological adaptation and environmental impacts on digestion, offers new ideas for Triplophysa protection strategies, and guides fish evolutionary biology research and Triplophysa resource protection and utilization. Full article

FOSs are short-chain fructose-based oligosaccharides with notable functional and health benefits. Naturally present in various fruits and vegetables, FOSs are primarily produced enzymatically or microbially from sucrose or long-chain fructans, namely, inulin. Enzymes such as fructosyltransferase, β-fructofuranosidase, and endoinulinase are typically involved in its production. The chemical structure of FOSs consists of an assembly of fructose residues combined with a glucose unit. The increasing consumer demand for healthy foods has driven the widespread use of FOSs in the functional food industry. Thus, FOSs have been incorporated into dairy products, beverages, snacks, and pet foods. Beyond food and feed applications, FOSs serve as a low-calorie sweetener for and are used in dietary supplements and pharmaceuticals. As a prebiotic, they enhance gut health by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria, aid digestion, improve mineral absorption, and help regulate cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) and approved by global regulatory agencies, FOSs are a valuable ingredient for both food and health applications. This review provides an updated perspective on the natural sources and occurrence of FOSs, their structures, and physicochemical and physiological features, with some focus on and a critical assessment of their potential health benefits. Moreover, FOS production methods are concisely addressed, and forthcoming developments involving FOSs are suggested. Full article