Moment Of Sampling Research Articles

Field Survey on the Status of Internal Parasites in Young Calves on Farms in Eastern Slovakia

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the species composition of protozoan and helminth parasites of young calves on farms in eastern Slovakia. Faecal samples from calves were analysed using the floatation technique, McMaster Methods and stained slide method for Cryptosporidium spp. From 105 samples analysed, nine samples (8.6 %) were suspected to be positive for Cryptosporidium spp. The results gathered from this study displayed that 64.8 % of calves were infected with some species of parasite at the moment of sampling. The highest prevalence of infection was with Eimeria spp. with 56.2 % of calves infected being positive for this. OPG (oocysts per gram) values for Eimeria spp. observed in this study ranged from 100 to 75,200. The lowest prevalence was found to be from Giardia duodenalis and Trichostrongylidae family equally 0.95 %. All faecal samples had nematode egg counts below 50 EPG (eggs per gram).

Leukocyte Telomere Length Is Not Reduced in Children and Adults with Cystic Fibrosis but Associates with Clinical Characteristics-A Cross-Sectional Study.

We hypothezied that telomere length is considerably altered in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients compared to healthy subjects (HS), and that leukocyte telomere length variation reflects the severity of CF. Relative telomere length (RTL) was assessed by qPCR in 70 children aged 5–10 (34 CF; 36 HS) and 114 adults aged 18–45 (53 CF; 61 HS). Telomere length was similar in CF and HS (median (interquartile range): 0.799 (0.686–0.950) vs. 0.831 (0.707–0.986); p = 0.5283) both in children and adults. In adults, women had longer telomeres than men (0.805 (0.715–0.931) vs. 0.703 (0.574–0.790); p = 0.0002). Patients treated with inhaled corticosteroids had a shorter RTL compared to those without steroid therapy (0.765 (0.664–0.910) vs. 0.943 (0.813–1.191); p = 0.0007) and this finding remained significant after adjusting for gender, age, BMI, and child/adult status (p = 0.0003). Shorter telomeres were independently associated with the presence of comorbidities (0.763 (0.643–0.905) vs. 0.950 (0.783–1.130); p = 0.0006) and antibiotic treatment at the moment of blood sampling (0.762 (0.648–0.908) vs. 0.832 (0.748–1.129); p = 0.0172). RTL correlated with number of multiple-day hospitalizations (rho = −0.251; p = 0.0239), as well as number of hospitalization days (rho = −0.279; p = 0.0113). Leukocyte RTL in children and adults with CF was not shorter than in healthy controls, and did not seem to have any potential as a predictor of CF survival. However, it inversely associated with the investigated clinical characteristics.

Uncertainty assessment applied to marine subsurface datasets

A recently released voxel model quantifying aggregate resources of the Belgian part of the North Sea includes lithological properties of all Quaternary sediments and modelling-related uncertainty. As the underlying borehole data come from various sources and cover a long time-span, data-related uncertainties should be accounted for as well. Applying a tiered data-uncertainty assessment to a composite lithology dataset with uniform, standardized lithological descriptions and rigorously completed metadata fields, uncertainties were qualified and quantified for positioning, sampling and vintage. The uncertainty on horizontal positioning combines navigational errors, on-board and off-deck offsets and underwater drift. Sampling-gear uncertainty evaluates the suitability of each instrument in terms of its efficiency of sediment yield per lithological class. Vintage uncertainty provides a likelihood of temporal change since the moment of sampling, using the mobility of fine-scale bedforms as an indicator. For each uncertainty component, quality flags from 1 (very uncertain) to 5 (very certain) were defined and converted into corresponding uncertainty percentages meeting the input requirements of the voxel model. Obviously, an uncertainty-based data selection procedure, aimed at improving the confidence of data products, reduces data density. Whether or not this density reduction is detrimental to the spatial coverage of data products, will depend on their intended use. At the very least, demonstrable reductions in spatial coverage will help to highlight the need for future data acquisition and to optimize survey plans. By opening up our subsurface model with associated data uncertainties in a public decision support application, policy makers and other end users are better able to visualize overall confidence and identify areas with insufficient coverage meeting their needs. Having to work with a borehole dataset that is increasingly limited with depth below the seabed, engineering geologists and geospatial analysts in particular will profit from a better visualization of data-related uncertainty. Thematic collection: This article is part of the Mapping the Geology and Topography of the European Seas (EMODnet) collection available at: https://www.lyellcollection.org/cc/EMODnet

Zea maize reference materials for genetically modified organism detection in Mexico.

Zea maize reference materials for genetically modified organism detection in Mexico.

Age-associated and Breed-associated Variations in Haematological and Biochemical Variables in Mangalitsa, Mangalitsa×Durock and Large White Pig

Background: Research of hematologic and biochemical parameters in pigs is of great importance considering the fact that pigs are used as a model in research of different health disorders in humans. There are many different breeds of pigs that have different health, productive and biologic characteristics that need to be studied. Hematologic and biochemical values can vary dependent on presence of inflammation and infection.The aim of this study was to determine the influence of breed, age and their interactions on hematologic and biochemical parameters on blood of mangalitsa, mangalitsa x durock and Large White pig. Materials, Methods & Results: Experiment included 10 litters of mangalitsa, white variety, mated with mangalitsa boar, 10 mangalitsa litters, and white variety inseminated with durock boar and litters of great Large White inseminated with great Yorkshire boar. Six groups, each include 10 animals were formed and their blood was sampled (3 breeds and 2 age categories). Age groups were formed according to moment of blood sampling. First sample was taken in moment of 30 ± 5 kg of body weight. Second sample was taken when body weight was 100 kg hematologic analyze. Samples were taken with BD Vacutainer®. Complete classic blood analyzes and leucocytes formulas were done by hematology analyzer ADVIA 120 Hematology Siemens, Germany. Biochemical analyze was done by biochemical analyzer A15 BioSystem with their standard colorimetric reagenses. Concentration of total protein, albumin, urea, creatinine, cholesterol, total bilirubin, AST and ALT were determined. Globulin concentration was calculated. Results have showed that hematologic and biochemical parameters are influenced by breed, age and their interaction as: total leukocyte number (age, breed x age), neutrophils number (age, breed), number of monocytes and platelets (age, breed x age), eosinophils number and percentage (age), percentage of neutrophils, percentage of lymphocytes and cholesterol (breed). All of three factors (breed, age breed x age) have affected number of lymphocytes basophils number, % of monocytes, % of basophils, erythrocyte number, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW, protein, albumin, creatinine and ALT. Globulin value varied in function of interaction breed x age. RBC, Hgb, Hct, MCV, MCH, MCHC, total protein albumin, creatinine, and ALT variance can be explained by influence of breed, age and their interaction (η2 = 35-75%).Discussion: Based on results of this study breed and age have significant influence on numerous blood parameters. Besides the differences in mean values of parameters it is proved presence of statistically significant difference in frequencies distributions in function of age and breed. Different age and breed categories have different frequencies distributions of many determined parameters. There is positive correlation between RBC, Hgb, Hct and albumin in all three breed (R2 = 67-84%). Negative correlation was found between WBC and RBC, Hgb, Hct that was statistically significant in mangalitsa breed (R2 = 58-69%) but not in other two breeds. In mangalitsa significant positive correlation was found between globulin and leukocyte number. Given values have showed that during interpretation of lab results breed, age and interactions of hematologic and biochemical parameters need to be considered. Mean values and frequencies distribution differences lead to redefinition of referent range in function of breed and age that requires further research.

Metabolomics in genetic testing.

Metabolomics is an intriguing field of study providing a new readout of the biochemical activities taking place at the moment of sampling within a subject's biofluid or tissue. Metabolite concentrations are influenced by several factors including disease, environment, drugs, diet and, importantly, genetics. Metabolomics signatures, which describe a subject's phenotype, are useful for disease diagnosis and prognosis, as well as for predicting and monitoring the effectiveness of treatments. Metabolomics is conventionally divided into targeted (i.e., the quantitative analysis of a predetermined group of metabolites) and untargeted studies (i.e., analysis of the complete set of small-molecule metabolites contained in a biofluid without a pre-imposed metabolites-selection). Both approaches have demonstrated high value in the investigation and understanding of several monogenic and multigenic conditions. Due to low costs per sample and relatively short analysis times, metabolomics can be a useful and robust complement to genetic sequencing.

SEROLOGICAL MONITORING OF NEWCASTLE DISEASE IN RUSSIA 2017

Newcastle disease is an OIE-listed and highly contagious viral avian disease inflicting great economic losses and constituting a serious threat to poultry farms all over the world. The paper provides monitoring research results for Newcastle disease among poultry and wild birds in the Russian Federation for 2017. The tests were carried out with diagnostic kits for Newcastle disease virus antibody detection by immunosorbent assay and HI at the FGBI “ARRIAH” Reference Laboratory for Viral Avian Diseases (Vladimir). Biological material delivered from Rosselkhoznadzor Territorial Administrations was collected from 31 678 domestic and 433 wild and synanthropic birds from 22 and 4 regions of the Russian Federation, respectively. The paper shows different levels of seroprevalence in poultry from industrial poultry establishments of a closed type and backyards and in wild birds of various regions of the Russian Federation. Almost total Newcastle disease seroprevalence was found in adult poultry from industrial closed establishments due to a total vaccination against the disease. Broilers demonstrated a relatively low average Newcastle disease virus seroprevalence because of an insufficient antibody level by the moment of blood sampling (mostly during slaughter). On average, antibodies to Newcastle disease virus were detected in one third of samples from backyard poultry. With that, high seroprevalence was registered on farms of North Caucasian Republics and southern regions of the Russian Federation. Seroprevalence in wild birds was moderate. Thus, the monitoring research indicates an unstable epidemiological situation for Newcastle disease in the Russian Federation and the remaining risk of disease outbreak on industrial and backyard farms.

Autophage as a control measure for Salmonella in laying hens

Notwithstanding the National Salmonella Control Programs, the latest data published by the European Food Safety Authority show an increase in Salmonella Enteritidis prevalence in laying hen flocks. For this reason, the implementation of innovative techniques such as phage therapy is needed to control Salmonella at farm level. Most common bacteriophage applications are a cocktail of 2 or more bacteriophages, as it has been described that cocktails could remove different Salmonella serotypes, thus providing cross efficacy. Nevertheless, resistance to the bacteriophage cocktail has been reported, resulting in a decrease in their effectiveness. Along these lines, some authors have reported the possibility of using autophage when commercial bacteriophage cocktails are not active against field strains. To our best knowledge, no autophage (bacteriophage isolated from the same environment where the pathogen is isolated) has been found to control Salmonella in laying hens. In this context, the aim of this study was to assess the application of autophage in reducing Salmonella Enteritidis in environmental and fecal samples in a layer farm. To this end, the bacteriophage was isolated from the same farm where the bacteria was present and was applied onto the facility installations and the animals, at 2 different times. After bacteriophage challenges, swab cloths from facility surfaces and feces samples were collected at 3 times according to the time spent after the bacteriophage challenge. The results obtained in our study showed that all the surface samples collected from the farm facilities after phage therapy were negative for Salmonella. Concerning faces samples, statistical differences were found in Salmonella counts, with the strongest decrease (1.78log10) occurring after the second challenge. Otherwise, depending of the moment of sampling, the results obtained were 2.34log10, 1.39log10, 0.56log10, and 0.97log10 cfu/g for T0, T1, T2, and T3 respectively. The study highlights the use of autophage therapy not only for Salmonella Enteritidis control in animals, but as a sanitizer in cleaning and disinfection.

Accuracy of leukocyte esterase test, endometrial cytology and vaginal discharge score for diagnosing postpartum reproductive tract health status in dairy cows at the moment of sampling, using a latent class model fit within a Bayesian framework

The objectives of this retrospective study were: 1) to determine the sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) of leukocyte esterase test (LE), endometrial cytology (CYTO) and vaginal discharge score (VDS) for diagnosis of reproductive tract diseases in dairy cows at the moment of sampling; 2) to assess the impact of different thresholds on test accuracy and misclassification costs; and 3) to quantify herd prevalence of reproductive tract diseases in dairy farms from Québec, Canada.Data from 2092 cows (39 herds) enrolled in two randomized control trials were included. Cows were examined at 35 (± 7) days in milk using LE, CYTO, and VDS to determine their reproductive tract health status. A latent class model assuming conditional dependence of CYTO and LE was fit within a Bayesian framework. Non-informative priors were used for the Se and Sp of LE, CYTO, and VDS, while prior information for disease prevalence was obtained from expert opinions (mode = 20%, 5th percentile = 10%). Posterior inferences (median and 95% Bayesian credible intervals; BCI) were obtained using the WinBUGS statistical freeware. An initial model was built using thresholds of ≥ 1 (small amount of leukocytes), of ≥ 6%, and of ≥ 3 (mucopurulent discharge) for the LE, CYTO, and VDS, respectively. Then, the impact on tests accuracy and misclassification costs of using different thresholds was explored. Optimal thresholds balancing the need for good antimicrobial stewardship and animal health considerations were proposed. The optimal thresholds obtained in the final model were: LE ≥ 2 (moderate amount of leukocytes), CYTO ≥ 6%, and VDS ≥ 2 (mucus with flecks of pus). In the final model, median (95% BCI) Se for LE, CYTO and VDS were 42.6% (38.8–47.0), 45.9% (41.9–50.7), and 64.2% (59.1–70.3), respectively. Median Sp was 90.9% (88.0–93.6) for LE, 92.2% (89.2–94.9) for CYTO and 96.6% (91.3–99.8) for VDS. Median within-herd prevalence of reproductive tract disease was estimated at 47.9% (39.0–56.7). At a threshold ≥ 2 (mucus with flecks of pus), VDS had the highest Se and Sp among the tests evaluated. The LE is an interesting diagnostic alternative for detecting reproductive tract disease in dairy cows. At a threshold ≥ 2 (moderate amount of leukocytes), LE Se and Sp were comparable to those of CYTO.This is the first study reporting the accuracy of LE, CYTO, and VDS for diagnosing reproductive tract diseases in dairy cows at the moment of sampling.

Inspection of Bottom Sediments near Underwater Sources of Chemical Pollution

The task of targeted sampling of sediments in the immediate vicinity of objects presumed to be sources of chemical pollution of the sea has been solved. A cassette sampler with six grabs was built, which is constantly controlled by cable under video surveillance. The device is operated from a light boat, which can be kept in place over the object and moved in a preset direction. Positioning at the moment of sampling is carried out by fixing the coordinates of the boat by GPS/GLONASS. The efficiency of the developed sampling system is proved by successful use of the device in surveying a number of potentially hazardous underwater objects found in chemical weapons disposal areas in the Baltic Sea.

Soil aggregate stability improves greatly in response to soil water dynamics under natural rains in long-term organic fertilization

Soil structure in highly-weathered soils is adjusted by soil water content (SWC) under natural precipitation, and is also driven by the soil chemical properties. Such a relationship may be further dependent on types of fertilization. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of long-term fertilization (NPK, NPK + straw, manure, and control) after 17 continuous years on the SWC, temperature, aggregate stability, and the associated chemical properties (oxides, organic matter, and zeta potential), and to elucidate the relationship between SWC and aggregate. The aggregate stability (MWD), consecutive SWC, temperature, and chemical properties from 0 to 10 and 10 to 25 cm were measured during one year. Our results showed that the manure and NPK + straw treatments significantly improved the soil aggregate stability (P < 0.05) (e.g., average MWD 1.13 vs. 0.74 mm for manure vs. control at 0–10 cm) due to increase in the fraction of macroaggregate (>2 mm). The SWC values and degree of variation at the same time were also improved more in manure and NPK + straw treatments than others. Soil aggregate MWD was significantly negatively correlated the SWC at the moment of soil sampling (WC0) for all treatments. But the aggregates under two organic treatments was not significantly correlated with the antecedent SWC before half day and 4 days (WC0.5 and WC4), which indicated that the aggregates under manure and NPK + straw treatments were relatively stable when SWC changed before 0.5 and 4 days. The high stability of aggregates in the two organic-treated soils was also confirmed by very low relative slaking index values. The fertilization positive effect on soil aggregation to resist slaking was also attributed to the decline in soil clay zeta potential and improvement in soil OM and amorphous Fe oxides compared to control. The results suggest that long-term manure and NPK + straw application can improve aggregate stability and resistance to slaking under SWC variation whereas application of NPK only did not show such an effect.

Сравнительное исследование фармакокинетики рекомбинантной проурокиназы при субконъюнктивальном и инстилляционном методах введения

Purpose: to compare the dynamics of recombinant prourokinase (RPU) in humor of the anterior chamber of the eye with regard to administration technique (instillations vs. subconjunctival injection) using fluorescent spectrophotometry. Material and methods. 62 samples of anterior chamber humor were obtained from 62 patients (62 eyes) who underwent cataract surgery, with rigid pupil due exfoliation syndrome or after an earlier acute iridocyclitis. The patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 received the medication by forced instillations of RPU solution with the concentration of 330 IU per 1 ml of 0.9 % sodium chloride continuously for 10 minutes, the rate being 30 drops per minute. Group 2 (31 patients, 31 eyes) received a subconjunctival injection of 0.5 ml of 0.9 % sodium chloride solution that contained 5,000 IU of RPU. For each sample, the time elapsed from the moment of RPU administration to the moment of humor sampling was noted. RPU concentration in the samples was determined by fluorescent spectrophotometry using the HITACHI 650-60 device (Japan). Results. Inforced instillations, RPU is detected in the humor of the anterior chamber starting from the 5th minute after the instillation, with rapid growth of concentration, which attains the level of 3100 IU/ml in 30 to 60 minutes. Then, however, the concentration drops, with the half-life period being 160 to 180 minutes. In subconjunctival injections RPU is detected after the same time span after the procedure; however, its concentration grows for 120 to 160 minutes, reaching the level of 2500 IU/ml, and only then begins to fall gradually, the half-life period being as long as 320-360 minutes. Conclusions. RPU may be used for the treatment of fibrinoid syndrome with practically the same efficacy by subconjunctival injections or by force instillation. This is explained by the fact that the enzyme is found in anterior chamber humor in sufficient concentrations in either case. The pharmacokinetics of therapeutic concentration of the medicine in the humor of the anterior chamber envisages a single subconjunctival administration and permits two instillations in the 24-hour period Russian ophthalmological journal. 2017; 10 (2): 18-22. (in Russian). doi: 10.21516/2072-0076-2017-10-2-18-22.

Oxygen isotope and deuterium composition of snow cover on the profile of Western Siberia from Tomsk to the Gulf of Ob

The purpose of this work is to study the variability of the isotope composition (δ18О, δD, d exc) of the snow cover on a long transect of Western Siberia from the southern taiga to the tundra. The study of the snow cover is of paleogeographic, paleogeocryological, and paleohydrological value. The snow cover of western Siberia was sampled on a broadly NS transzonal profile from the environs of Tomsk (southern taiga zone) to the eastern coast of the Gulf of Ob (tundra zone) from February 19 to March 4, 2014. Snow samples were collected at 31 sites. Most of the samples represented by fresh snow, i.e., snow that had fallen a day before the moment of sampling were collected in two areas. In the area of Yamburg, the snow specimens collected from the surface are most probably settled snow of different ages. The values of δ18О in the snow from Tomsk to Yamburg varied from–21.89 to–32.82‰, and the values of δD, from–163.3 to–261.2‰. The value of deuterium excess was in the range of 4.06–19.53‰.

Cuantificación de bacterias diazótrofas aisladas de suelos cacaoteros (Theobroma cacao L.), por la técnica de Número Más Probable (NMP)

Esta investigación tuvo como objetivo cuantificar bacterias diazótrofas y comparar fisicoquímicamente suelos rizosféricos de tres cacaotales (Theobroma cacao L.) del Departamento Norte de Santander, Colombia; para lo cual se caracterizaron, diferenciándose en área cultivada, manejo agronómico y edad del cultivo. A partir de diluciones seriadas de las muestras y empleando la técnica de Número Más Probable (NMP), en medios de cultivo semiselectivos (NFb, JMV, LGI, JNFb) semisólidos, se cuantificaron las diazótrofas, evaluando como positivo la formación de una película subsuperficial en el medio contenido en viales sellados; muestras pares se enviaron al laboratorio Bioambiental (UNET) para los análisis fisicoquímicos. Como resultado, las muestras evaluadas mostraron deficiencias en el porcentaje de materia orgánica y elementos como Potasio, Fósforo y Magnesio. Se reportaron estadísticamente diferencias altamente significativas en NMP. La mayor cuantificación de diazótrofas se reportó en la finca Florilandia, que se caracterizó por tener riego por goteo. La mayor cuantificación de diazotrófas se registró en los medios NFb y JMV, demostrándose una mayor presencia de los presuntos géneros Azospirillum sp. y Burkholderia sp. los cuales son fácilmente aislados de suelos rizosféricos, a diferencia de los géneros Herbaspirillum sp. y Gluconacetobacter sp. que por su carácter endófito suelen ser menos predominantes en este tipo de muestras. Se concluye además, que las características fisicoquímicas del suelo, la humedad y las relaciones climáticas al momento de la toma de las muestras, condicionan la cantidad de exudados de las raíces y por tanto son factores que condicionaron la presencia de diazótrofas en las muestras.Palabras clave: Azospirillum, Burkholderia, cacao, rizósfera

Multiple Mating, Paternity and Complex Fertilisation Patterns in the Chokka Squid Loligo reynaudii.

Polyandry is widespread and influences patterns of sexual selection, with implications for sexual conflict over mating. Assessing sperm precedence patterns is a first step towards understanding sperm competition within a female and elucidating the roles of male- and female-controlled factors. In this study behavioural field data and genetic data were combined to investigate polyandry in the chokka squid Loligo reynaudii. Microsatellite DNA-based paternity analysis revealed multiple paternity to be the norm, with 79% of broods sired by at least two males. Genetic data also determined that the male who was guarding the female at the moment of sampling was a sire in 81% of the families tested, highlighting mate guarding as a successful male tactic with postcopulatory benefits linked to sperm deposition site giving privileged access to extruded egg strings. As females lay multiple eggs in capsules (egg strings) wherein their position is not altered during maturation it is possible to describe the spatial / temporal sequence of fertilisation / sperm precedence There were four different patterns of fertilisation found among the tested egg strings: 1) unique sire; 2) dominant sire, with one or more rare sires; 3) randomly mixed paternity (two or more sires); and 4) a distinct switch in paternity occurring along the egg string. The latter pattern cannot be explained by a random use of stored sperm, and suggests postcopulatory female sperm choice. Collectively the data indicate multiple levels of male- and female-controlled influences on sperm precedence, and highlights squid as interesting models to study the interplay between sexual and natural selection.

Serodiagnosis of whooping cough in Belgium: results of the National Reference Centre for Bordetella pertussis anno 2013

Objective: Report on the pitfalls of serodiagnosis of pertussis in Belgium for 2013 by the NRC Bordetella.Methods: Determine cases of acute infection using an anti-pertussis toxin (PT) IgG antibody ELISA.Results: A total of 2471 serum samples were received. Clinical information on the duration of cough (at moment of blood sampling) is essential for a reliable interpretation of the results. In order to avoid false negative results, 213 samples for which this information was lacking were not tested. For a total of 2179 patients tested, 520 (23.9%) had antibody levels indicative of an acute infection, 261 (12%) samples were diagnosed as positive (indicative of a pertussis infection or vaccination during the last year), 143 (6.7%) samples were classified as doubtful and 752 (34,5%) (35.5%) were diagnosed as negative. The serodiagnosis of pertussis has limited value for the early diagnosis of the disease and PCR analysis on nasopharyngeal swabs is the method of choice during the first 2 weeks and always for young children <1 year old. For sera collected during the first 2 weeks with anti-PT levels below the threshold for acute infection, a second sample collected 2–3 weeks later is needed a definitive diagnosis. For 503 (23.0%) early samples, a second serum sample was requested but not provided. For 85 patients, for whom a second sample was received, 12.9% were eventually diagnosed as having an acute infection.Conclusion: In order to generate reliable serodiagnostic results for pertussis, serum samples should preferentially be collected 3 weeks after onset of symptoms.

Proton pump inhibitors affect the gut microbiome

Background and aimsProton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are among the top 10 most widely used drugs in the world. PPI use has been associated with an increased risk of enteric infections,...

Prevalence and risk factors for Lawsonia intracellularis, Brachyspira hyodysenteriae and Salmonella spp. in finishing pigs in Polish farrow-to-finish swine herds.

The aim of the study was to estimate the herd-level, within-herd prevalence, the frequency of mixed infections and risk factors for L. intracellularis, B. hyodysenteriae and Salmonella spp. in selected farrow-to-finish Polish pig herds. A total of 254 pooled fecal samples were collected from 9 to 24 week-old pigs in 70 herds. Real time PCR for detection of L. intracellularis and B. hyodysenteriae was performed. For Salmonella spp. bacteriological examination was performed. The herd-level prevalences of L. intracellularis, B. hyodysenteriae and Salmonella spp. among examined herds were 65.7%, 1.4% and 8.6%, respectively. The within-herd prevalences (in positive herds) for L. intracellularis, B. hyodysenteriae and Salmonella spp. were 51.5%, 75.0% and 30.4%, respectively. All herds with diarrhea observed during sampling were infected with L. intracellularis and 60% of herds with no diarrhea at the moment of sampling were infected with L. intracellularis (p=0.035). In herds with more than 200 sows the prevalence of Salmonella spp. was significantly higher compared to herds with less than 200 sows (p=0.027). In herds where all-in/all-out (AIAO) was respected, prevalence of L. intracellularis was significantly lower than in herds where this rule was not kept (p=0.024). Obtained results confirm that L. intracellularis is the major cause of bacterial diarrhea in finishing pigs. The present study identified AIAO and herd size as a risk factor, at the herd level, for L. intracellularis and Salmonella spp., respectively.

Faecal microbiota characterisation of horses using 16 rdna barcoded pyrosequencing, and carriage rate of clostridium difficile at hospital admission.

BackgroundThe equine faecal microbiota is very complex and remains largely unknown, while interspecies interactions have an important contribution to animal health. Clostridium difficile has been identified as an important cause of diarrhoea in horses. This study provides further information on the nature of the bacterial communities present in horses developing an episode of diarrhoea. The prevalence of C. difficile in hospitalised horses at the time of admission is also reported.ResultsBacterial diversity of the gut microbiota in diarrhoea is lower than that in non-diarrhoeic horses in terms of species richness (p-value <0.002) and in population evenness (p-value: 0.02). Statistical differences for Actinobacillus, Porphyromonas, RC9 group, Roseburia and Ruminococcaceae were revealed. Fusobacteria was found in horses with diarrhoea but not in any of the horses with non-diarrheic faeces. In contrast, Akkermansia was among the three predominant taxa in all of the horses studied. The overall prevalence of C. difficile in the total samples of hospitalised horses at admission was 3.7 % (5/134), with five different PCR-ribotypes identified, including PCR-ribotype 014. Two colonised horses displayed a decreased bacterial species richness compared to the remaining subjects studied, which shared the same Bacteroides genus. However, none of the positive animals had diarrhoea at the moment of sampling.ConclusionsThe abundance of some taxa in the faecal microbiota of diarrhoeic horses can be a result of microbiome dysbiosis, and therefore a cause of intestinal disease, or some of these taxa may act as equine enteric pathogens. Clostridium difficile colonisation seems to be transient in all of the horses studied, without overgrowth to trigger infection. A large proportion of the sequences were unclassified, showing the complexity of horses’ faecal microbiota.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12866-015-0514-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

New application of predictive direct torque control in permanent magnet synchronous generator-based wind turbine

This paper concerns the application of the predictive direct torque control (PDTC) method to a permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG). In classical methods for controlling a PMSG, the sampling frequency of the controller must be precisely determined. However, the use of PDTC in this study enables three optimal duty cycles to be predicted at the moment of sampling, significantly reducing the ripple of the electromagnetic torque and the amplitude of the stator flux below those caused by conventional control methods. Therefore, the new method allows a lower sampling frequency than the traditional method. To operate the machine side converter, the DC bus capacitor voltage must be maintained within an acceptable and stable range. Voltage-oriented vector control is used to control the active power and the reactive power, which are delivered from the DC bus capacitor, as well as to control the voltage. In this study, a complete wind turbine system is considered, including a focus on the aerodynamics and structure of each wind turbine, using Fatigue, Aerodynamics, Structures and Turbulence (FAST). Also, to prevent the rotor speed of the wind turbine from exceeding the rated rotor speed too much, a very simple pitch controller system is considered.