Pelage Research Articles

Rapid Screening of β-Agonists in Animal Hair by Thermal Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry

Even though the use of β-agonists in livestock has been banned in many countries, β-agonists abuse is still out of control owing to time-consuming and complicated determination techniques. This study applied ambient thermal desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (TD-ESI/MS) as a new strategy for rapidly screening seven β-agonists. As it does not require pretreatment, this method allows on-site and real-time detection. Samples were collected directly using a simple metal probe. Analytes on the probe were desorbed and ionized by TD-ESI, after which analyte ions were detected using a triple quadrupole mass analyser. The results showed that a thermal desorption temperature of 320°C and nebulizer pressure of 3 psi demonstrated the highest sensitivity. Excellent linear relationships were obtained in concentrations ranging from 10 to 400 μg/kg. The limit of detection of the method was 1-10 μg/kg with RSDs of 7.2-14.6%. A positive sample was verified using HPLC coupled with triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry, consistent with the results from TD-ESI/MS. This method was the first to apply TD-ESI/MS to rapid analyse β-agonists in livestock hair and was proven to be accurate, fast, and environmentally friendly. Because qualitative screening for each analysis was completed within approximately 1 min, the method could contribute to preventing non-compliance in the flow of animal-derived food to the market. This method was a promising method for the rapid screening of β-agonists in livestock hair at any time of breeding without imposing any harm to animal which proven to be a rapid, in situ, and non-destructive detection technique without any pretreatment.

Epidemiological study and identification of some flea species infesting wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and cape hares (Lepus capensis) in northern Algeria

Wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and cape hare (Lepus capensis) are hosts for different flea species and have high medical and veterinary importance, fleas of wild leporids are of special concern since they can act as vectors for diseases, including zoonoses. This study was designed to identify flea species infesting these animals with the description of their epidemiology and the assessment of factors influencing their infestation importance in five provinces located in northern Algeria, to evaluate their implication in the transmission of pathogens. In total, 86 wild leporids were checked from July 2014 to September 2020. Fleas were collected from the fur of animals with tweezers and identified using appropriate keys. The findings showed that 32/86 (37.2%) of animals were infested with fleas. Four flea’s species were identified on cape hares Ctenocefalides felis (51.06% of fleas identified), Ctenocefalides canis 34.04%, Spilopsyllus cuniculi 10.63%, and Archaeopsylla erinacei 4.25%,with a seasonal peak in December. The same, four flea species were found parasitizing wild rabbits Spilopsyllus cuniculi 90.7%, Ctenocefalides felis 4.65%, Ctenocefalides canis 2.32%, and Pulex irritans 2.32%,with the highest importance in March and April. Moreover, this study showed no influence of female gestations on the rate of flea hare infestations. However, S cuniculi rate was correlated with the breeding cycle of the wild rabbits. These findings revealed that, the temperature and the humidity can be important factors that influence on wild leporids flea infestation.

Quantitative evaluation of zinc metal in meadows and ruminants for health assessment: implications for humans.

Heavy metal pollution in soil, forage, and animals is serious concern nowadays. Current research was conducted in Sargodha to find out the relationship of animals related to the forages and soil pollution. Three sites were selected with three different treatments; site I irrigated with ground water, site II irrigated with the canal water, and site III irrigated with the wastewater. Samples of soil, forage, and animals (blood, hair, feces) were collected from selected sites and were analyzed for metal analysis using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Results indicated that Zn in soil ranged from 24.12 to 37.39mg/kg; forage, 31.98-44.47mg/kg; blood of animals, 1.49-2.72mg/L; hair of animals, 1.37-2.41mg/kg; and feces of animals, 1.06-2.97mg/kg. The concentration of zinc in soil and forage was less than permissible limit, but concentration in blood of animals was greater than critical limit suggesting the presence of metal. Bio-concentration factor indicated that metal was accumulated in forages growing at irrigated site. HRI concentration (2.024mg/kg/day) suggests the accumulation of zinc in animal tissues. Pollution load index and enrichment factor were within the range.

Diet and dog characteristics affect major and trace elements in hair and blood of healthy dogs

Obtaining correct amounts of essential elements, and avoiding toxic metals are key factors in dog health. Through analyzing major and trace elements in hair and blood of 50 healthy companion dogs using ICP-MS, we study their associations with dog characteristics and diet, hypothesizing that eating the same diet long-term results in strong correlations between hair and blood element concentrations, and that dog characteristics and diet affect element status. The correlation between hair and blood was significant for Hg (R = 0.601, p = 0.000) and Pb (R = 0.384, p = 0.010). The following associations were significant (p < 0.05): Dark hair had higher Ca and Mg compared to light hair. Females had higher hair Zn, blood Mn, and blood As compared to males. Blood Mn and Se increased, while blood Pb decreased with age. Raw diet fed dogs had higher hair Zn and Se compared to dry or mixed diet fed dogs, and lower blood Mn compared to dry diet fed dogs. Dry and mixed diet fed dogs had higher blood Cd compared to raw diet fed dogs. Mixed diet fed dogs had higher hair Ca and Mg compared to raw or dry diet fed dogs, and higher hair Pb compared to dry diet fed dogs. Wild game consumption was associated with higher blood Pb, and rice consumption with higher blood As. In conclusion, hair provides an alternative for assessing Hg and Pb exposure, and major and trace elements status is affected by hair color, sex, age, and diet.

Develop of Automatic Dust Catcher Robot of Clothes

When clothes are soiled with dust or animal hair, they need to be removed. However, since this process is mainly done manually, take labor and time. Then in this paper, we develop a robot whose purpose is to automatically remove dust from clothes on hangers with a brush. This robot used two brushes. First, the robot uses two brushes to hold both sides of the clothes on the hanger. Next, move the brush from top to bottom to remove dust. In addition, by moving the brush extends and repeating the action of removing dust, dust can be removed from the entire clothes in about 2 minutes. This robot can reduce the consumption of labor and time.

PSXVI-11 Reference intervals of concentrations of essential and toxic elements in the hair of Kalmyk cows bred in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) of Russia, calculated by the AES-ICP and MS-ICP methods

Abstract Reference intervals of concentrations of chemical elements in biological substrates of animals and humans are the main tool for interpreting the results of laboratory studies. However, establishing the reference intervals, it is necessary to take into account the factor of regional characteristics that consist of a number of elements: climate, terrain, the degree of anthropogenic loads, etc. In this regard, the main purpose of this study was to establish reference intervals for the concentration of chemical elements in the hair of cows of the Kalmyk breed bred in a separate biogeochemical province. The studies were carried out on cows of the Kalmyk breed (n = 126; age 3–5 years) bred in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) of Russia. Hair samples were taken with the upper withers of an animal. The elemental composition of the samples was estimated according to 25 chemical elements by ICP-AES and ICP-MS. Reference intervals for the content of chemical elements in animal hair were calculated according to the IUPAC recommendations (Poulsen OM et al., 1997) (2.5–97.5 percentile). As a result of the research, the following values of the boundaries of intervals have been established: Al (139–704); As (0.051–0.287); B (0.921–4.95); Ca (1272–3391); Cd (0.002–0.014); Co (0.111–0.517); Cr (0.674–3.09); Cu (4,840–8.99); Fe (250–1120); Hg (0.004–0.052); I (0.266–1.61); K (1433–6687); Li (0.248–0.857); Mg (393–2252); Mn (7.22–65.89); Na (1013–5258); Ni (0.448–2.88); P (160.0–374); Pb (0.170–0.615); Se (0.147–0.419); Si (6.36–604); Sn (0.011–0.630); Sr (4.5–17.80); V (0.401–1.59); Zn (72.93–126.0). The reference intervals obtained in our study can be used to assess the elemental status of the Kalmyk cows bred in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) of Russia. The research was carried out in accordance with the state contract No. 19–28 “Implementation of adaptive technologies for keeping specialized beef cattle in the conditions of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia).”

THE COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF PERMETRIN-BASED DRUGS FOR ECTOPARASITOSIS OF DOGS AND CATS

The article presents data about effectiveness of the new domestic antiparasitic drug «Antiparasitic Spray Fipromax» in comparison to the reference drug «Permethrin» when used for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes for ectoparasitosis of dogs and cats of different breeds.&#x0D; According to the results of studies at 8 hours after usage of the experimental drug «Antiparasitic Spray Fipromax» its effectiveness for syphanopterosis in dogs was 88.8 %, and after usage of the reference drug «Permethrin» its effectiveness for syphonapterosis in dogs was 87.3 %. In experiments on cats, it was found that at 8 hours after usage of the experimental drug, its effectiveness for syphonapterosis of cats was 88.1 %, and after usage of the reference drug – 85.3 %. From the first and third days after the application of drugs on fur of dogs and cats of the experimental and control groups, parasitological studies did not reveal fleas of the species Ctenocephalus canis, Ctenocephalus felis and Pulex irritans. Thus, presented for research drugs «Antiparasitic Spray Fipromax» and «Permethrin» in dogs and cats showed 100 % effectiveness during the siphonapterose invasion.&#x0D; After usage of the experimental drug, intensity of the trichodectosis invasion in dogs in this group decreased for 1 day from 18.8 ± 2.34 to 1.5 ± 0.22 specimens/100 cm², and after usage of the reference drug also decreased in the control group from 19.3 ± 2,81 to 2.0 ± 0.37 specimens/100 cm² of body surface. It means that the effectiveness of the drug «Antiparasitic Spray Fipromax» for the trichodectosis invasion of dogs was 92.0 %, and the reference drug «Permethrin» – 89.7 %. on the 1st day after application. At entomological examination on 2 and 7 days after treatment of animals, live imago-hair follicles were not detected, so the drugs showed 100 % effectiveness.&#x0D; During the determination of drug effectiveness for disinfection of open-air aviaries, it was found that before usage, the average intensity of flea invasion in quarters ranged from 13.3 ± 1.15 to 14.2 ± 1.08 specimens/m2 of surface. After disinfection of aviary with the experimental drug, the average intensity of invasion after 8 hours was 1.3 ± 0.33 specimens/m2, and after treating with the reference drug – 2.8 ± 0.40 specimens/m2 of the surface and after 24 and 72 hours no fleas were found in quarter.&#x0D; According to the results of determination of insecticidal and acaricidal activity in vitro in the concentration recommended by the manufacturer, it was found that direct aerosol spraying of the drug «Antiparasitic Spray Fipromax» on wingless insects-ectoparasites and Ixodes mites of different stages of development (imago, nymphs) for 10 and 30-minute exposure, caused to their destruction, respectively.&#x0D; Studies have shown that for exodidosis of dogs at 8 hours after usage of the experimental drug, its effectiveness was 89.0 %, and after usage of the reference drug – 85.3 %. As early as the 24th hour of the experiment, no Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus ticks were detected on the skin of dogs. Therefore, usage of the studied drugs in ixodidosis invasion of animals showed 100 % efficiency.

Classification of weed seeds based on visual images and deep learning

Weeds are mainly spread by weed seeds being mixed with agricultural and forestry crop seeds, grain, animal hair, and other plant products, and disturb the growing environment of target plants such as crops and wild native plants. The accurate and efficient classification of weed seeds is important for the effective management and control of weeds. However, classification remains mainly dependent on destructive sampling-based manual inspection, which has a high cost and rather low flux. We considered that this problem could be solved using a nondestructive intelligent image recognition method. First, on the basis of the establishment of the image acquisition system for weed seeds, images of single weed seeds were rapidly and completely segmented, and a total of 47 696 samples of 140 species of weed seeds and foreign materials remained. Then, six popular and novel deep Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) models are compared to identify the best method for intelligently identifying 140 species of weed seeds. Of these samples, 33 600 samples are randomly selected as the training dataset for model training, and the remaining 14 096 samples are used as the testing dataset for model testing. AlexNet and GoogLeNet emerged from the quantitative evaluation as the best methods. AlexNet has strong classification accuracy and efficiency (low time consumption), and GoogLeNet has the best classification accuracy. A suitable CNN model for weed seed classification could be selected according to specific identification accuracy requirements and time costs of applications. This research is beneficial for developing a detection system for weed seeds in various applications. The resolution of taxonomic issues and problems associated with the identification of these weed seeds may allow for more effective management and control.

Biomonitoring parabens in dogs using fur sample analysis – Preliminary studies

Parabens are widely used in the food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industry and are widespread in the environment. As endocrine disruptors, parabens have adverse effects on living organisms. However, knowledge of the exposure of domestic animals to parabens is extremely scarce.Therefore, this study assessed the exposure level of dogs to three parabens commonly used in industry (i.e. methylparaben - MeP, ethylparaben - EtP and propylparaben - PrP) using fur sample analysis in liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.The presence of parabens has been noted in the samples collected from all dogs included in the study (n = 30). Mean concentrations of MeP, EtP and PrP in the fur of dogs were 176 (relative standard deviation – RSD = 127.48%) ng/g dry weight (dw), 48.4 (RSD = 163.64%) ng/g dw and 79.8 ng/g dw (RSD = 151.89%), respectively. The highest concentrations were found for MeP (up to 1023 ng/g dw). Concentrations of MeP and EtP in males were statistically higher than those in females (p < 0.05). Statistically significantly higher concentration levels of PrP in young animals (up to three years old) were also found.This is the first study concerning the use of fur samples to evaluate the exposure of domestic animals to parabens. The results indicate that an analysis of the fur may be a useful tool of paraben biomonitoring in dogs. The presence of parabens in the canine fur also suggests that these substances may play a role in veterinary toxicology. However, many aspects connected with this issue are not clear and require further study.

Diagnosis and management challenges of a pulmonary hydatid cyst in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic – case presentation

Abstract Hydatid cyst is a parasitic disease which occurs in multiple locations. The pulmonary localisation is preferential and responsible for an important symptomatology, being the second localisation after the hepatic one, which in most cases evolves asymptomatically. We present the case of a 24-year-old patient, who is a non-smoker and has had exposure to respiratory allergens (cat hair and dog hair), and who was admitted to the Pneumology Hospital with the complaints of cough with mucopurulent sputum and minimal haemoptysis and mild fever (37.1°C). It was reported that 3–5 weeks before hospitalisation, the patient had presented with an episode of vomiting, in moderate amounts with a typical appearance, but in the current context of the Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, he had delayed his presentation to the hospital. On clinical evaluation, the patient presented with diminished right basal vesicular murmur with overlying crackling rales. Following the investigations, the postero-anterior pulmonary radiography describes, at the level of the right lung, a hydro-aerial image with an uncertain appearance of unspecified aetiology. In this context, a native chest tomography (CT) was performed, which revealed a cystic formation at the level of the middle lobe, with thin walls and a prolific membrane detached inside, which are suggestive aspects for a hydatid cyst. Subsequently, a surgical consultation was performed, which concluded the superinfection of the cyst by a secondary lung abscess and the need for lobectomy. The peculiarity of the case consists in the appearance of persistent symptomatology and complications in a young patient without comorbidities and risk factors, and the fact that an accurate diagnosis was delayed because of the patient’s delayed presentation in the hospital in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The effectiveness of decommissioning roadside mineral licks on reducing moose (Alces alces) activity near highways: implications for moose–vehicle collisions

Roadside mineral licks form when road salt used to de-ice highways in winter runs off road surfaces and accumulates in roadside ditches. Some ungulates are attracted to these roadside licks as they seek to satisfy their mineral requirements. Within the distribution of moose (Alces alces (Linnaeus, 1758)) in North America, motorists often encounter moose visiting roadside licks in mid-summer, with many jurisdictions reporting summer peaks in moose–vehicle collisions (MVCs) at these locations. We used camera traps to monitor the moose visitation of 22 roadside locations (including roadside licks, roadside ponds, and dry roadsides) in central British Columbia, Canada, from December 2009 to July 2020. We tested the efficacy of treatment (decommissioning) methods used to reduce moose visitation to roadside licks and roughly estimated decommissioning costs. Moose visitation to roadside licks was greatest from May to July. As we hypothesized, untreated licks were visited more often by moose than decommissioned licks, roadside ponds (absence of road salt), and dry roadsides. Decommissioning roadside licks by replacing or mixing lick waters and soils with materials, such as riprap, cedar mulch, pine logs, or dog (Canis lupus familiaris Linnaeus, 1758) fur and human (Homo sapiens Linnaeus, 1758) hair, is an effective and inexpensive means of reducing moose visitations to roadside areas and should increase motorist safety where roadside licks are visited by moose.

The look and feel of soft are similar across different softness dimensions.

The softness of objects can be perceived through several senses. For instance, to judge the softness of a cat's fur, we do not only look at it, we often also run our fingers through its coat. Recently, we have shown that haptically perceived softness covaries with the compliance, viscosity, granularity, and furriness of materials (Dovencioglu, Üstün, Doerschner, & Drewing, 2020). However, it is unknown whether vision can provide similar information about the various aspects of perceived softness. Here, we investigated this question in an experiment with three conditions: in the haptic condition, blindfolded participants explored materials with their hands, in the static visual condition participants were presented with close-up photographs of the same materials, and in the dynamic visual condition participants watched videos of the hand-material interactions that were recorded in the haptic condition. After haptically or visually exploring the materials, participants rated them on various attributes. Our results show a high overall perceptual correspondence among the three experimental conditions. With a few exceptions, this correspondence tended to be strongest between haptic and dynamic visual conditions. These results are discussed with respect to information potentially available through the senses, or through prior experience, when judging the softness of materials.

An Artificial Intelligence‐Based Motion Trajectory Prediction of Fibrous Matters

Understanding and predicting the motion behavior of fibrous matters is critical for studying the structure, performance, function, and assembly behavior of fibrous matters. However, due to the limitation of characterization technology on a space−time scale, the existing technologies cannot provide real‐time in situ tracking of entire dynamic processes of fibrous matters. To address this shortcoming, an artificial intelligence‐based codebase, named the artificial intelligence‐based fiber motion tracking (AI‐FMT), is proposed for analyzing, studying, and predicting motion behaviors of fibrous matters. The proposed AI‐FMT can automatically extract morphology information of fibrous matters from a large number of pictures or video streams, which serve as an input for machine learning to predict the motion pattern of fibrous matters. Using a finite‐element concept in understanding the point−coordinate relationship, the AI‐FMT greatly simplifies the architecture of the neural network during motion prediction. For the case of 928 trainable parameters, an average accuracy of 97.8% is achieved in predicting variations in morphological parameters, such as mean square radius of gyration, end‐to‐end distance, and curvature in the movement process of animal hair. The presented results can help to understand the structure, assembly, performance, and function of fibrous matters.

Comparison of weight per volume and protein nitrogen units in non-standardized allergen extracts: implications for prescribing subcutaneous immunotherapy

BackgroundAllergen extracts used in subcutaneous immunotherapy can be standardized or non-standardized. Standardized extracts are available in specific biological potencies, presumably making their biological activity more consistent. The majority of allergen extracts are non-standardized and may have less consistent potencies. Non-standardized extracts are labeled as weight per volume or protein nitrogen units (PNUs). Neither method provides direct information regarding the extract’s biologic potency. The purpose of this study was to compare weight per volume versus PNU concentrations for 4 non-standardized allergen extracts prepared by two allergen manufacturers. The potencies were compared to current North American practice recommendations.MethodsThe weight per volume and PNU values were provided for 4 non-standardized extracts—birch, short ragweed, dog hair and Alternaria—from HollisterStier and Stallergenes Greer. Weight per volume and PNU concentrations were compared for each of these extracts from both manufacturers. From the raw data, we calculated the corresponding PNU values for a weight per volume of 1:100 and 1:200 for each extract. Similarly, we calculated the corresponding weight per volume including a range of PNU values, for 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000 and 5000 PNU/ml.ResultsBirch extract has low PNU concentration, below 5000, for a weight per volume of 1:200 for both HollisterStier and Stallergenes Greer. In contrast, for both HollisterStier and Stallergenes Greer ragweed extract, a weight per volume of 1:200 corresponds to a PNU concentration greater than 5000. Dog extract for a weight per volume of 1:200, and even for 1:100, corresponds to very low PNUs for both companies. For Alternaria, corresponding PNU concentrations for HollisterStier is low at only 500 while over 5000 for Stallergenes Greer.ConclusionsOur results show variability when comparing weight per volume and PNU concentrations for both Hollister-Stier and Stallergenes Greer products. We suggest selecting a PNU dose that corresponds to a weight per volume of 1:200 as this may improve patient safety. Our recommendations for starting PNU dose for the four non-standardized extracts are 1500 for birch, 5000 for ragweed, 25 for dog, and 500 for Alternaria when using HollisterStier products; 2300 for birch, 5000 for ragweed, 1200 for dog, and 5000 for Alternaria when using Stallergenes Greer products. If the starting PNU concentration is considerably below 5000 for a weight per volume of 1:200 slow up-titration is advised. Conversely, for PNU concentrations above 5000 for weight per volume of 1:200 we suggest a maintenance dose of 5000 PNU.

The Application of NIRS to Determine Animal Physiological Traits for Wildlife Management and Conservation

The ability to measure and monitor wildlife populations is important for species management and conservation. The use of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to rapidly detect physiological traits from wildlife scat and other body materials could play an important role in the conservation of species. Previous research has demonstrated the potential for NIRS to detect diseases such as the novel COVID-19 from saliva, parasites from feces, and numerous other traits from animal skin, hair, and scat, such as cortisol metabolites, diet quality, sex, and reproductive status, that may be useful for population monitoring. Models developed from NIRS data use light reflected from a sample to relate the variation in the sample’s spectra to variation in a trait, which can then be used to predict that trait in unknown samples based on their spectra. The modelling process involves calibration, validation, and evaluation. Data sampling, pre-treatments, and the selection of training and testing datasets can impact model performance. We review the use of NIRS for measuring physiological traits in animals that may be useful for wildlife management and conservation and suggest future research to advance the application of NIRS for this purpose.

Clay Nanotube Immobilization on Animal Hair for Sustained Anti-Lice Protection.

Topical administration of drugs is required for the treatment of parasitic diseases and insect infestations; therefore, fabrication of nanoscale drug carriers for effective insecticide topical delivery is needed. Here we report the enhanced immobilization of halloysite tubule nanoclay onto semiaquatic capybaras which have hydrophobic hair surfaces as compared to their close relatives, land-dwelling guinea pigs, and other agricultural livestock. The hair surface of mammals varies in hydrophobicity having a cortex surrounded by cuticles. Spontaneous 1–2 µm thick halloysite hair coverages on the semi-aquatic rodent capybara, non-aquatic rodent guinea pig, and farm goats were compared. The best coating was found for capybara due to the elevated 5 wt% wax content. As a result, we suggest hair pretreatment with diluted wax for enhanced nanoclay adsorption. The formation of a stable goat hair coverage with a 2–3 µm halloysite layer loaded with permethrin insecticide allowed for long-lasting anti-parasitic protection, enduring multiple rain wettings and washings. We expect that our technology will find applications in animal parasitosis protection and may be extended to prolonged human anti-lice treatment.

Evaluation of ameliorative efficiency of vitamin E and Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast on arsenic toxicity in Black Bengal kids

The present experiment was conducted to evaluate the mitigation strategy of the arsenic toxicity induced in Black Bengal kids through dietary supplementation of vitamin E or yeast culture (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) or combination of both. Thirty number of Black Bengal kids (6.15 ± 0.32 kg, 142.87 ± 9.28 days) were divided into equal five groups. Kids under control group (T0) and other treatment groups (T1, T2, T3 and T4) were fed with similar type of basal diet containing concentrate mixture and sorghum sudan grass. Kids under T1, T2, T3 and T4 were fed with 50 ppm arsenic (As)/kg DM of feed in the form of sodium arsenite (NaAsO2). Kids under T2, T3 and T4 were supplemented with Vitamin E (250 IU/kg DM of feed), yeast culture (S. cerevisiae) (4 × 109 CFU/kid/d) and combination of vitamin E and S. cerevisiae with same doses, respectively. The feeding experiment was continued for 20 weeks. Challenge feeding of arsenic (As) significantly (P < 0.001) reduced body weight gain in kids under T1 (only As fed) than control T0 (without As); however, weight gain in T2, T3 and T4 was replenished due to supplementation of vitamin E or yeast culture (S. cerevisiae) or combination of both vitamin E and yeast culture. Similarly, ADG (g/d) was decreased (P < 0.01) in kids under T1 than other treatments (T0, T2, T3 and T4). Induction of arsenic toxicity decreased (P < 0.001) intakes of DM (g/d/kg W0.75) and CP (g/d/kg W0.75) in kids. Feed conversion efficiency (growth as percentage of DMI) was lowest (P < 0.01) in arsenic fed kids (T1). The values ranged from 8.38 (T1) to 9.31 (T0). However, comparable FCE was observed among T0, T2, T3 and T4. Supplementation of vitamin E or S. cerevisiae or combination of both have compensated the DMI, CPI, weight gain and ADG; consequently increased feed conversion efficiency in kids as compared to As fed kids (T1). Arsenic load was significantly (P < 0.01) greater in faeces, hair and urine of As fed group (T1); which was reduced (P < 0.01) by supplementation of vitamin E alone (T2) or combination of vitamin E and S. cerevisiae (T4). Supplementation of S. cerevisiae alone was not much effective in reducing the arsenic load in faeces or urine or hair in arsenic intoxicated animals. Challenge feeding of As for 140 days exhibited some clinical signs; like "raindrops on the dusty road” like symptom on skin, mouth lesions, rough skin, alopecia, visible pathological changes in some internal organs (like liver, lungs etc.) and diarrhoea. However, such symptoms were less pronounced in the kids supplemented with vitamin E or combination of vitamin E and yeast culture. Therefore, supplementation of vitamin E (@ 250 IU/kg DM of feed) either alone or along with S. cerevisiae (@ 4 × 109 CFU/kid/d) was partially effective in ameliorating the voluntary feed intake, growth and arsenic load in faeces, urine and hair of Black Bengal kids induced with toxic dose of arsenic @ 50 mg/kg DM of feed as sodium arsenite.

MiR-125b regulates the differentiation of hair follicles in Fine-wool Sheep and Cashmere goats by targeting MXD4 and FGFR2

With the development of miRNAs identification technology, more and more miRNAs have been discovered, and the role of miRNAs in the development of animal hair follicles has become a focus of research on hair-producing animals. In the previous experiment, compare the microRNA (miRNA) trancriptomes of goats and sheep skin using Solexa sequencing and differentially expressed miR-125b was screened. However, the mechanism of miR-125b regulating hair follicle development is not clear. Therefore, in the present study, the expression of miR-125b, MXD4 and FGFR2 in skin tissue of Fine-wool Sheep and Cashmere goats and HEK-293T cells was examined by qPCR and Western blot. Furthermore, the correlation between miR-125b and the predicted target gene (MXD4, FGFR2) was verified using the Dual-luciferase Reporter assay. We demonstrated that the expression of MXD4 and FGFR2 in Cashmere goats was significantly higher than that of Fine-wool Sheep, and the expression was opposite to that of miR-125b. miR-125b can down-regulate the levels of MXD4 and FGFR2. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay showed that miR-125b could bind to the 3′-UTR region of target genes FGFR2 and MXD4, suggesting that MXD4 and FGFR2 were target genes of miR-125b. This study has shown that the growth and development of hair follicles in skin tissue of Fine-wool Sheep and Cashmere goats from the new regulatory levels of miRNAs, and clarified the mechanism of miR-125b and its target genes in the development of hair follicles in the skin.

Sistem Pakar dalam Menganalisis Alergi Kulit Manusia dengan Metode Certainty Factor

The skin is human’s outer sense, which servers as protection from bacteria, viruses, and solar flares, and as a sense. Skin may suffer from a variety of factors, one of which is allergies. Human skin allergies result from a pressurized immune system that humans normally react to certain substances, such as food, animal hair, or medicine. In addition to the three factors, a current of society giveslittle attention to skin allergies and lack of care or awareness is a trigger factor. Thus, the aim of this research is to analyze human skin allergies using the Certainty Factor method. By conducting interviews and observations on Rahmatan Lil ‘Alamin Clinic, Padang City, found 10 skin allergic kinds, 27 skin allergic symptoms, and 50 patients data. Those data are treated using the Certainty Factor method with stages to decisive symptom and allergic code, set the rule, set the weight, and calculate Certainty Factor score. In this research, it obtained test results at a percentage of a large 92% and the most allergic diagnosed is allergic dermatitis. By the test results inferable that expert system designed can be used to determine the diagnosis of human skin allergies.

Biomimetic building facades demonstrate potential to reduce energy consumption for different building typologies in different climate zones.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions leading to anthropogenic global warming continue to be a major issue for societies worldwide. A major opportunity to reduce emissions is to improve building construction, and in particular the effectiveness of building envelope, which leads to a decrease in operational energy consumption. Improving the performance of a building's thermal envelope can substantially reduce energy consumption from heating, ventilation, and air conditioning while maintaining occupant comfort. In previous work, a computational model of a biomimetic building façade design was found to be effective in temperate climates in an office context. Through a case study example based on animal fur and blood perfusion, this paper tests the hypothesis that biomimetic building facades have a broader application in different building typologies across a range of climate zones. Using bioinspiration for innovation opens new ideas and pathways for technological development that traditional engineering design does not provide. This study exemplifies the process in a building façade, integrating a new form of insulation, heating and cooling. Methods of mathematical modelling and digital simulation methods were used to test the energy reduction potential of the biomimetic façade was tested in a set of operational applications (office, school, and aged care) and across different climate zones (tropical, desert, temperate, and cool continental). Results indicated that the biomimetic façade has potential to reduce energy consumption for all building applications, with the greatest benefit shown in residential aged care (67.1% reduction). Similarly, the biomimetic building façade showed potential to reduce operational services energy consumption in all climate zones, with the greatest energy reductions achieved in the tropical (55.4% reduction) and humid continental climates (55.1% reduction). Through these results the hypothesis was confirmed suggesting that facades engineered to mimic biological functions and processes can improve substantially decrease building operational energy consumption and can be applied in different building classifications and different climate zones. These results would significantly decrease operational greenhouse gas emissions over the lifetime of a building and provide substantial savings in energy bills. Such facades can contribute to the further reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in a broad range of contexts in the built environment and other areas of technology and design. The flexibility and adaptability of biomimetic facades exemplify how biological strategies and characteristics can augment and improve performance in different environments, since the organisms that inspire innovation are already well-adapted to the conditions on earth. This study also exemplified a method by which other biomimetic building envelope features may be assessed. Further work is suggested to assess economic viability and constructability of the proposed facades.Graphic abstract