Experimental Period Research Articles

ИЗМЕНЕНИЕ ПОКАЗАТЕЛЕЙ КАЧЕСТВА ЗЕРНА ЯРОВОЙ МЯГКОЙ ПШЕНИЦЫ В АЛТАЙСКОМ КРАЕ ВО ВРЕМЕННОМ ЛАГЕ

The purpose of research is to study the time dynamics of grain quality indicators of spring soft wheat of different reproductions of zoned varieties in industrial crops in the subzones of the Altai Region for the period from 2016 to 2021. Objectives: to study the hydrothermal conditions of the growing seasons of the studied time log and show the variability of grain quality indicators of spring soft wheat. The object of the study is a grain sample taken to determine grain quality indicators (gluten quantity and quality, falling number, glassiness, natural weight) in agricultural organizations of the Altai Region in 2016–2021, located in all subzones. The general population consisted of 300 samples. The samples were analyzed in a certified laboratory in accordance with accepted GOST standards; the results of the analyzes were documented in the form of an approved protocol form. The work also used well-known scientific methods: experimental, geographical, analysis and synthesis, retrospective, systemic. When processing analytical information, statistical processing methods were used; information and logical analysis was used to identify relationships between quality indicators and weather conditions changing during the experimental period. Hydrothermal conditions by subzone in the period 2016–2021 varied from extremely dry (HTC = 0.02 in May 2021 in the arid steppe) to very wet (HTC = 8.72 in May 2019 in the middle forest-steppe). The time log under study was characterized by significant dynamics of hydrothermal conditions over years, months and decades, which affected the quality of spring wheat grain. We determined polygons for the distribution of the share of values across grouping intervals for the amount of gluten, gluten quality, falling number, glassiness and volumetric weight of grain, as well as the relationship between the grain quality indicators of spring wheat for the studied time log, by comparing the coefficients of information content and the efficiency of the communication channel. It has been established that the time log has the greatest impact on the natural weight and quality of gluten.

The Impact of a Western Diet and Resistance Training in a Rat Model of Mammary Cancer

This study aimed to investigate the impact of a Western diet and resistance training on cardiac remodeling in a rat model of chemically induced mammary cancer. Fifty-six female Wistar rats were randomly assigned to one of eight experimental groups, evaluating the impact of Western and standard diets, exercise and sedentarism, and the induction of mammary cancer. Mammary cancer was induced via the intraperitoneal administration of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) (50 mg/kg) at seven weeks of age. The resistance training protocol consisted of ladder climbing three times per week for an 18-week period, with a gradual increase in load over time. At the end of the 20-week experimental period, the animals were anesthetized and underwent echocardiography. Subsequently, the animals were euthanized, and organs and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) were collected and analyzed. A histopathological examination was performed on the mammary tumors. The Western diet increased relative VAT and contributed to cardiovascular and tumor-related changes, including an increase in interventricular septum thickness (IVS) and left ventricle posterior wall thickness (LVPW) at end-systole. Exercise reduced fat accumulation, improved cardiac performance, and helped regulate cardiovascular function, as indicated by a higher eccentricity index (EI) in the WD+EX group compared to the WD group. The WD was associated with increased VAT accumulation and initially delayed tumor initiation; however, over time, it contributed to bigger tumor aggressiveness. This diet also delayed tumor initiation but increased LVPW. Exercise, when combined with a WD, accelerated tumorigenesis, malignant transformation and invasiveness, resulted in the higher prevalence of invasive tumors. These findings underscore the complex and potentially compounding effects of diet and exercise on cancer progression.

ВЛИЯНИЕ КОРМОВОЙ ДОБАВКИ С СОРБЦИОННЫМИ СВОЙСТВАМИ И ФИТОКОМПОНЕНТОМ НА РАЗВИТИЕ ВНУТРЕННИХ ОРГАНОВ ПЕРЕПЕЛОВ

The purpose of research is to study the effectiveness and safety of using active carbon feed additive (ACFA) when raising young quails. The object of the study is Texas white quail. Objectives of the study: to determine the effect of the studied feed additive on the main zootechnical indicators and the development of internal organs of quails. The studies were carried out according to standard methods for production studies of poultry feeding. We studied young Texas white quail, which were raised for meat, in the vivarium of the Krasnodar Scientific Center for Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine. The duration of the experiment was 42 days. The first group (control) received complete feed produced by Yuzhnaya Korona LLC without additives. The second received ACFA in a percentage of 0.1 % by weight of the feed during the entire experimental period, the third received the first 28 days of cultivation. Based on the results of the studies, it was revealed that the live weight of quails increased relative to the control by 6.9 (P < 0.001) and 4.5 % (P < 0.01); safety – by 2.5 and 1.3 % according to the sequence of groups. Feed costs per unit of production were reduced by 6.5 and 3.9 %, respectively. The internal organs of all groups of birds developed within normal limits; significant differences were noted in the length of the cecum in the second group of the experiment – this indicator decreased by 17.2 % (P < 0.01). In the third group, there was a downward trend of 1.6 %. Intestinal length decreased significantly by 15.0 % (P < 0.001) and 17.4 % (P < 0.01), respectively. The data obtained during the experiment indicate that the use of ACFA with sorption properties and a phytocomponent has a positive effect on the main zootechnical indicators. The use of the studied additive did not have a negative effect on the development of internal organs of quails.

Effects of high-intensity interval training on physical performance, systolic blood pressure, oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in skeletal muscle of spontaneously hypertensive rats.

To investigate whether high-intensity interval training (HIIT) improves physical performance, systolic blood pressure, and markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in skeletal muscle of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Nineteen male SHR rats were randomly assigned to two groups: sedentary (SHRC) and trained (SHR+T). The SHR+T group trained five times a week for eight weeks on a treadmill, while the SHR group remained without any exercise stimulus throughout the experimental period. Maximum physical performance and systolic blood pressure (SBP) were assessed before and after the training period. The following variables were measured in the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle: gene expression of the NADPH oxidase complex (NOX2, NOX4, p22phox, p47phox) and the NF-kB pathway (NF-kB and Ik-B), lipid peroxidation (malonaldehyde; MDA), protein carbonylation, hydrophilic antioxidant capacity (HAC) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α). SHR+T rats showed higher physical performance and levels of IL-6, and lower SBP and protein carbonylation (p<0.05), compared with SHRC rats. No significant differences (p>0.05) were observed in the other variables. Our results indicate that HIIT is an effective non-pharmacologic strategy to improve physical performance, reduce SBP, and modulate the skeletal muscle oxidative damage and inflammation in hypertensive rats.

Longevity of enamel fluoride reservoirs formed after fluoride application: an in situ study.

Professional fluorides form reaction products on tooth substrates which once dissolved interfere with the caries process. However, the persistence of these reservoirs before the need of a new application is unknown. We investigated in situ the effect of various cariogenic challenges and exposure to fluoride toothpaste on the retention of enamel fluoride reservoirs. In a blind, 4 period crossover study, 12 participants wore palatal devices containing human enamel slabs previously treated with one application of acidulated phosphate fluoride gel. No biofilm or biofilm accumulation and exposure to 20% sucrose 0, 2 or 8 times/day were tested. Participants used non-fluoridated or fluoridated toothpastes (1,100 mg F/kg) throughout the experimental periods. Slabs were collected after 2, 7, or 14 days to assess remaining alkali-soluble fluoride reservoir concentrations. The loss of the enamel fluoride reservoirs was accelerated either in the absence of biofilm or under biofilms exposed to sucrose 8 times/day (p<0.05). The loss of these reservoirs was reduced by fluoride toothpaste use (p<0.05). The results support a personalized recommendation of the frequency of professional fluoride application based on patients' caries activity, since the cariogenic challenge and exposure to fluoride influence the retention of fluoride reservoirs formed on enamel by professional fluoride application.

Dairy calves provided with environmental enrichment are more active, playful and have fewer feeding interruptions

Concerns for farm animal welfare have led to the use of environmental enrichment to stimulate natural behaviours and promote positive emotions. In cattle, the provision of brushes is sometimes recommended but their use in calves and the effects they may have are not well established. The use of precision technologies enables the collection of detailed behavioural data that can be used as welfare indicators. Here we use ultra-wideband location sensors to measure activity and play, along with automatic milk feeders to measure feeding. We assessed the effects of stationary brushes on the behaviour of 226 dairy calves for up to 72 days. Half of the calves had access to the brushes for half of the experimental period. Using a mixed-effects linear model we showed that when brushes were present calves had significantly higher activity, fed slower, had fewer interruptions in their meals and spent less time around the feeder, suggesting reduced competition. Furthermore, calves that had access to brushes during the trial were more active and playful, even on days when the brushes were not available, compared to the control group. This finding indicates for the first time that enrichment may have a lasting effect on calf behaviour and welfare.

An Investigation of Using ChatGPT to Personalize Student’s Learning Process in EFL Writing Classes

The application of ChatGPT has been considered a powerful tool to help students simplify writing tasks. Students have indeed utilized the benefits of ChatGPT to personalize their writing learning process more effectively, leading to the ultimate goal of developing writing capacity. The case study, employing both quantitative and qualitative research, aimed to explore how effectively ChatGPT promotes students’ personalization in learning writing. To achieve the purpose of the inquiry, the study utilized pretest and posttest analysis, documents and semi-structured interviews after conducting a two-month experimental teaching period. The findings revealed that students expressed their dynamic engagement and preferences with ChatGPT during their writing learning process. Additionally, students demonstrated their purposeful selection of ideas that suited their writing requirements and level. What was more, using ChatGPT assisted them in identifying various writing mistakes in terms of expression and word usage; thereby, students boosted up their critical thinking skills in adjusting and revising their writing better. However, the students still pointed out some limitations in receiving immediate feedback from their teachers outside the classroom. Therefore, some pedagogical implications were highly recommended to help students make full use of the benefits of ChatGPT in learning writing.

Effects of water acidifiers on the growth performance, intestinal function and gut microflora in broilers

ABSTRACT 1. This study evaluated the effect of acidified drinking water on the gastrointestinal function and intestinal health of broilers. 2. A total of 630 one-day-old male broilers (Arbor Acre) were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: drinking water treatment (CON), drinking water + 0.5 ml Selko pH®/L (Selko pH), or + 0.85 ml Forticoat®/L (Forticoat) treated groups. Performance data, gut and digesta samples were collected from the broilers at the age of 21 and 42 d. 3. The results showed that acidifying drinking water had no significant effect on body weight or average daily gain (ADG). However, addition of Forticoat significantly increased (p < 0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR) throughout the experimental period and significantly increased (p < 0.05) pepsin activity on d 21. The Selko pH supplemented drinking water significantly increased (p < 0.05) the relative length of the duodenum and jejunum on d 21. The relative length of the jejunum and caecum on d 42 compared to birds receiving CON. The addition of the Forticoat to drinking water significantly increased (p < 0.05) the relative length of the jejunum and caecum on d 42 than for samples from birds in the CON group. In the caecal chyme, abundance of Blautia, Bifidobasterium, Faecalibacterium, Limosilactobacillus and Akkermania spp. on d 21 were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the caecum of birds receiving Selko pH than those in CON group and the number of Escherichia Shigella in Selko pH and Forticoat group were significantly lower (p < 0.05). 4. Overall, adding Seiko pH and Forticoat to drinking water improved pepsin activity, reduced the number of caecal pathogens, increased the number of beneficial bacteria and improved intestinal health in broilers.

Study on the infection characteristics and pathogenesis of duck circovirus 1 in Cherry Valley meat ducks.

Duck circovirus (DuCV) infected multiple breeds of ducks and was widespread in duck factories worldwide. Infected ducks exhibited feathering disorder, growth retardation and immunosuppression, which lead to secondary infection with other pathogens easily. But till now, there has been little research on the study of DuCV due to the absence of appropriate cultural measures. This study developed an animal model to investigate the pathogenesis of DuCV-1 in vivo by infecting 84 one-day-old Cherry Valley meat ducklings. At 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days post-infection (DPI), six Cherry Valley meat ducks were randomly chosen to detect some indexes. The results showed that ducks infected with DuCV-1 exhibited depression, feather disorders and gained weight slowly. DuCV-1 was detected in serum, cloacal swabs, and throat swabs at 1 DPI and sustained during the experimental period. The contents of calcium, phosphorus and lymphocytes decreased while alanine aminotransferase and total bilirubin increased in the serum of sick ducks. DuCV-1 was detectable in all organs and caused multiple local lesions. The virus was initially detected in the liver and the organ with the highest viral titer was the thymus. Besides, immune organ indexes were significantly decreased. These results demonstrated that DuCV-1 could be transmitted horizontally and cause infection persistently. It possesses broad tissue tropism, damaging immune organs and potentially inducing immune suppression. This study could provide references for future research on the pathogenic mechanism of DuCV.

A549 Alveolar Carcinoma Spheroids as a Cytotoxicity Platform for Carboxyl- and Amine-Polyethylene Glycol Gold Nanoparticles.

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) present with unique physicochemical features and potential for functionalization as anticancer agents. Three-dimensional spheroid models can be used to afford greater tissue representation due to their heterogeneous phenotype and complex molecular architecture. This study developed an A549 alveolar carcinoma spheroid model for cytotoxicity assessment and mechanistic evaluation of functionalized AuNPs. A549 spheroids were generated using an agarose micro-mold and were characterized (morphology, acid phosphatase activity, protein content) over 21 culturing days. The 72-h cytotoxicity of carboxyl-polyethylene glycol- (PCOOH-) and amine-polyethylene glycol- (PNH2-) functionalized AuNPs against Day 7 spheroids was assessed by determining spheroid morphology, acid phosphatase activity, protein content, caspase-3/7 activity, and cell cycle kinetics. Spheroids remained stable over the experimental period. Although the A549 spheroids' volume increased while remaining viable over the culturing period, structural integrity decreased from Day 14 onwards. The PCOOH-AuNPs lacked cytotoxicity at a maximum concentration of 1.2 × 1012 nanoparticles/mL with no prominent alteration to the cellular processes investigated, while the PNH2-AuNPs (at a maximum of 4.5 × 1012 nanoparticles/mL) displayed dose- and time-dependent cytotoxicity with associated loss of spheroid compactness, debris formation, DNA fragmentation, and a 75% reduction in acid phosphatase activity. Differentiation between cytotoxic and non-cytotoxic AuNPs was achieved, with preliminary elucidation of cytotoxicity endpoints. The PNH2-AuNPs promote cytotoxicity by modulating cellular kinetics while destabilizing the spheroid ultrastructure. The model serves as a proficient platform for more in-depth elucidation of NP cytotoxicity at the preclinical investigation phase.

The role of carbon and nitrogen ratio on sewage sludge microbiota for producing polyhydroxyalkanoates.

The products of an advanced sewage sludge fermentation process can be used to generate polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), precursors of bioplastics considered excellent candidates for replacing petroleum-derived plastics. The aerobic feast-anoxic famine cycling strategy has proven to be an efficient method for enriching sewage sludge microbiota with PHA-producing microorganisms. This work evaluated the effect of different carbon to nitrogen ratios (C/N) of 3.5, 2, and 1g COD/g N for modulating the structure of sewage sludge microbiota to improve PHA production. The study was executed on a pilot plant scale using wasted activated sludge as an organic carbon source derived from an oxic-settling anaerobic plant that collects wastewater from various facilities at the University of Palermo campus. PHA production performance was monitored over three experimental periods characterized by a different C/N ratio. The results showed that lower C/N ratios reduced PHA production with 20, 24, and 26 % w/w of PHAs for COD/N values of 1, 2, and 3.5g COD/g N, respectively. In parallel, the metataxonomic analysis revealed a higher abundance of PHA-producing microorganisms at the ratio of 3.5g COD/g N, such as Proteobacteria, specifically Betaproteobacteria. In addition, the analysis showed an increase in fungal abundance and diversity as decrease the ratio C/N decreased. Thus, these findings demonstrate the utility of metataxonomics in elucidating the relationships between operating conditions, bacterial and fungal microbiota structure and the achievement of specific outputs. The insights gained from this study demonstrated a positive correlation between C/N ratios, PHA-producing microorganisms, and PHA yields.

Impact of calsporin® (Bacillus subtilis C-3102) supplementation on growth performance and intestinal function in geese.

The objective of this study was to preliminarily explore the effects of Calsporin® (Bacillus subtilis C-3102) on the growth performance, intestinal morphology, apparent digestibility, and cecal microbiota of geese. A total of 144 Sanhua geese, aged 35 days, were randomly divided into three groups: a control group, a group receiving a basal diet supplemented with 30 ppm Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis), and a group receiving a basal diet supplemented with 60 ppm B. subtilis. Each group had six replicates, with eight geese per replicate. The study consisted of a one-week pre-feeding period followed by a four-week experimental period. The results indicated that, compared to the control group, the group supplemented with 60 ppm B. subtilis showed a significant increase in final body weight and the average daily gain (P < 0.05). Both the 30 ppm and 60 ppm B. subtilis groups exhibited significant improvements in the feed/gain (F/G) ratio (P < 0.05). Additionally, supplementation with either 30 ppm or 60 ppm B. subtilis significantly increased the height of the ileum villi (P < 0.05), with a trend towards an increased villus height to crypt depth (VH/CD) ratio (P > 0.05). In terms of digestive enzyme activity, both 30 ppm and 60 ppm B. subtilis supplementation significantly enhanced the activities of ileum cellulase and chymotrypsin (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the apparent digestibility of crude ash, crude protein, and Ca was significantly improved in the 60 ppm B. subtilis group (P < 0.05). Microbial analysis revealed that B. subtilis increased the abundance of potential probiotics bacterial families, such as Turicibacter, and butyrate-producing, including Prevotellaceae Ga6Al. In conclusion, supplementation with 60 ppm B. subtilis can significantly enhance the growth performance, intestinal morphology, and apparent digestibility of geese. Increasing the supplementation level may further optimize these benefits.

Impact of fermented bamboo powder on the morphology and physiology of the gastrointestinal tract in yellow-feather broiler chickens.

Bamboo powder, a novel ingredient, is gaining recognition for its potential as a dietary supplement in poultry feed. This study aimed to investigate the effects of fermented bamboo powder (FBP) on antioxidant status, gut hormone activities, intestinal digestive enzyme activities, gut morphological structure, gastrointestinal development, and the expression of nutritional transporter genes in dwarf yellow-feather broiler chickens. A total of 600 healthy 1-day-old chicks were allocated randomly into two groups, with 10 replicates per group and 30 chicks in each replicate. The control group was provided with a standard basal diet, whereas the experimental group received the same basal diet supplemented with 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, and 6.0 g/kg of fermented bamboo powder (FBP) in four phases: Phase I (days 1-22), Phase II (days 23-45), Phase III (days 46-60), and Phase IV (days 61-77). Phases I and II were categorized as the pretreatment period (days 0-45), while Phases III and IV represented the experimental period (days 46-77). Tissue samples were collected during Phase IV for further analysis. After 77 days of feeding, results revealed that FBP supplementation significantly enhanced the levels of gastrointestinal hormones (Glucagon-like peptide 1, Peptide YY, Cholecystokinin, and 5-hydroxytryptamine) in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. Similarly, the activities of digestive enzymes (protease, chymotrypsin, trypsin, and amylase) were significantly increased in the small intestine. It also improved gut morphology by increasing villus height, crypt depth, and goblet cell counts in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. Additionally, antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase) were significantly increased, while malondialdehyde content was significantly decreased in the jejunum. Additionally, FBP supplementation significantly enhanced gizzard development. Overall, FBP supplementation modulated gut hormones and enzymes, enhanced gut morphology and promoted antioxidant status and gene expression related to nutrient transport and antioxidant defenses in broiler chickens. These findings suggest that FBP has the potential as a beneficial dietary supplement in poultry feed.

Safety study of fluralaner solution on poultry red mite: A clinical study screening of the optimal dose and focusing on hepatic and renal parameters.

The poultry red mite (PRM), Dermanyssus gallinae, a significant ectoparasite causing diseases in poultry, is globally prevalent and necessitates effective control strategies. There are restrictions on the use of acaricides in poultry across several nations due to worries about medication residues. Consequently, finding safe and efficient treatments for PRM is imperative. Fluralaner solution has emerged as a potential therapeutic agent, distinguished by its rapid onset, enduring efficacy, and lack of a withdrawal period for egg production. To ascertain the optimal dosage and therapeutic efficacy of fluralaner solution in PRM treatment, this study evaluated blood biochemical parameters and mite populations across various treatment groups. A cohort of 500 laying hens was randomly assigned to one of five treatment groups, each comprising 100 individuals:high-dose group (0.1 ml/kg-bw, group 4 ×, coop 1), medium-dose group (0.05 ml/kg-bw, group 2 ×, coop 5), low-dose group (0.025 ml/kg-bw, group 1 ×, coop 2), drug-control group (Intervet Productions, 0.05 ml/kg-bw recommended dose, coop 3) and blank control group (coop 4). Hens received their respective dosages of the fluralaner solution via oral administration on Days 0 (D0) and 7 (D7) of the experimental period. Over the study's ninety days, blood biochemical markers and mite counts in each coop were measured to evaluate the drug's safety, effectiveness, and ideal dosage. Data analysis was performed utilizing SPSS software. The study findings indicated that, for effective PRM infestation treatment, a dosage of 0.5 mg fluralaner per kilogram of body weight (equivalent to 0.05 ml) administered daily, followed by a subsequent dose post a 7-day interval, is recommended. Additionally, clinical observations coupled with blood biochemical assessments confirmed the safety of fluralaner across the three tested dosage levels in hens.

Exploring the "Microbe-Metabolite-Gene" regulatory mechanism of compound probiotics on antioxidant function in heat-stressed broilers.

Nutritional modification strategies have become pivotal in addressing heat stress in poultry farming. Probiotics are increasingly recognized as a sustainable additive by researchers. The enhancement of antioxidant capacity is critical for improving the overall health and productivity of broilers. However, the molecular mechanisms by which probiotics influence antioxidant functions in heat-stressed broilers remain unclear. Consequently, this study raised 400 one day old Arbor Acres broilers until 28 d. Among them, 300 broilers, showing no significant weight differences (P > 0.05), were randomly divided into three groups (control, heat stress, and heat stress with probiotics), each consisting of five replicates with 20 broilers per replicate. The heat stress conditions were maintained at 32 ± 1°C from 9:00 to 17:00, and at 21 ± 1°C during the remaining hours, identical to the control conditions. The heat stress with probiotics group received a basal diet supplemented with 10 g/kg of compound probiotics (Lactobacillus casei: Lactobacillus acidophilus: Bifidobacterium at a ratio of 1:1:2). All groups had ad libitum access to food and water over the 14-day experimental period. Results indicated that the compound probiotics enhanced growth performance and antioxidant capacity, increasing levels of glutathione peroxidase and catalase. Weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) identified Hub genes (e.g., PANK2, FAM167A, ABCG8, DYDC2), Hub metabolites (e.g., l-glutamine, ornithine), and Hub microorganisms (e.g., Burkholderia, Macromonas) that regulate antioxidant functions in heat-stressed broilers. By integrating the WGCNA results, we constructed a "microbe-metabolite-gene" regulatory network centered around co-enriched pathways, illustrating the interrelationships between molecules. Notably, NT5C1A, GDA,l-glutamine, and guanosine were notably enriched in purine metabolism, whereas ABCG8,l-arginine, allose, and deoxyguanosine were prominently enriched in ABC transporters pathways, highlighting their crucial involvement in orchestrating the antioxidant response to heat stress. This study elucidates the molecular mechanisms by which compound probiotics enhance antioxidant functions in heat-stressed broilers, offering a theoretical foundation for probiotic applications in poultry.

Nisin A-producing Lactococcus cremoris formulations for pre- and post-milking teat disinfection modulate the bovine milk microbiota

BackgroundBovine mastitis is a major challenge in dairy farms. Since the agents commonly used for pre- and post-dipping can affect the udder health by modifying milk microbiota, alternative products are needed. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the use of pre- and post-dipping formulations containing the fermented broth of Nisin A-producing Lactococcus cremoris FT27 strain (treated group, TR) on the abundance and biodiversity of milk microbiota as compared to iodine-based commercial disinfectants (control group, CTR) during a three-month trial. The experiment was conducted on 20 dairy cows, divided into two groups (CTR and TR) of 10 lactating cows each. Milk samples were collected from two selected healthy quarters of each cow at 3 time-points. Microbial communities were investigated by cultural and sequence-based methods, and analyzed through bioinformatic and statistical approaches.ResultsClear differences in bacterial community composition were observed among groups, with higher species richness in TR, especially of Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, Lactococcus, and Streptococcus genera. The microbiota was dominated by Firmicutes, followed by Actinobacteriota, Proteobacteria, and Bacteroidota. Staphylococcaceae family was significantly higher in TR (p < 0.009), whereas Carnobacteriaceae, Mycobacteriaceae, and Pseudomonadaceae were significantly lower (p = 0.005, p = 0.001, and p = 0.040, respectively). CTR had considerably higher abundances of the genera Alkalibacterium (p = 0.011), Pseudomonas_E (p = 0.045), Corynebacterium (p = 0.004), and Alloiococcus (p = 0.004), and lower abundances of Staphylococcus (p < 0.009). Milk microbiota changed noticeably during the experimental period, regardless of treatment. A significant decrease was observed in both groups for Firmicutes_A phylum, with an increment in Actinobacteriota phylum, Propionibacteriaceae family, and Cutibacterium genus. Streptococcaceae significantly decreased in CTR (p = 0.013) and rose in TR (p = 0.001). Several differences were observed between the two groups during the experimental period. Streptococcus genus almost disappeared in CTR (p = 0.013), whereas it significantly increased in TR (p = 0.001). Three and twelve enriched groups were significantly identified respectively in CTR and TR using LEfSe.ConclusionsThe use of Nisin A-based teat dip formulations could be linked to greater microbial diversity compared to commercial products. Despite the influence of seasonality, the experimental formulations maintained higher milk biodiversity, suggesting that lactic acid bacteria metabolites prevent alterations in the milk microbiota.

3D printed skin dressings manufactured with spongin-like collagen from marine sponges: physicochemical properties and in vitro biological analysis

The search for innovative materials for manufacturing skin dressings is constant and high demand. In this context, the present study investigated the effects of a 3D printed skin dressing made of spongin-like collagen (SC) extract from marine sponge (Chondrilla caribensis), used in 3 concentrations of SC and alginate (C1, C2, C3). For this proposal, the physicochemical, morphological andin vitrobiological results were investigated. The results demonstrated that, after immersion, C2 presented a higher mass loss and C3 present a higher pH in experimental periods. Also, a higher porosity was observed for C1 and C2 skin dressings, with a higher swelling ratio for C2. For Fourier transform infrared, peaks of Amide A, -CH2, -COOH and C-O-C were seen. Moreover, the macroscopic image demonstrated a skin dressing with rough surface and grayish color that is naturally observed inChondrilla caribensis. For scanning electron microscopy analysis the presence of pores could be observed for all skin dressings, with fibers disposed in layers. Thein vitroanalyses demonstrated the viability of HFF-1 and L929 cell lines 70% of the values found for cell proliferation compared to Control Group. Furthermore, the cell adhesion analysis demonstrated that both cell lines adhered to the 3 different skin dressings and non-cytotoxicity was observed. Taking together, all the results suggest that the skin dressings are biocompatible and present non-cytotoxicity in thein vitrostudies, being considered a suitable material for tissue engineering proposals.

Esaxerenone Attenuates Cardiac Hypertrophy in a Pressure Overload Model in Mice

Esaxerenone, a non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) blocker, exhibits high selectivity for MR. While clinically used as an anti-hypertensive drug, its impact on cardiac remodeling remains poorly understood. This study investigated the effect of esaxerenone on pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy in mice.Eight-week-old C57BL/6 mice underwent either transverse aortic constriction (TAC) or sham surgery. Animals were divided into 2 groups: 0.003% (3.0 mg/kg) Esaxerenone-fed (EX) and normal-fed (CNT) groups (n = 64, Sham/CNT = 12, Sham/EX = 13, TAC/CNT = 18, TAC/EX = 21). Cardiac gene expressions were analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR.Food intake and body weight variations showed no significant differences between CNT and EX groups during the 2-week experimental period. The mortality rate from 24 hours after TAC surgery to the end of the experiment was 30.8% in the CNT group, however, all mice survived following TAC surgery in EX group. CNT group showed a remarkable increase in heart weight/tibial length ratio 2 weeks after TAC compared with the Sham group. The EX group demonstrated a significant decrease in HW/TL following TAC surgery (-23.4%, P = 0.041). Masson's trichrome staining revealed that the TAC/CNT group had a significantly higher proportion of fibrotic area than the Sham/CNT group. However, the TAC/EX group had a slightly lower proportion of fibrotic area than the TAC/CNT group. In cardiac gene expression analysis, ANP and Collagen 3a1 were upregulated in the TAC group but were significantly reduced following treatment with esaxerenone.Esaxerenone attenuates cardiac hypertrophy and hypertrophy-related gene expression, resulting in improved survival in a pressure overload model in mice.

Mu Opioid Agonistic Effect on Neuropeptide Gene Expression Levels Involved in Hypothalamic Feeding Regulation

Background: The regulation of food intake in the hypothalamus is one of most complicated through the integration of various neuroendocrine mechanisms. In this region, orexigenic and anorexigenic peptides play a role by responding to different stimuli. Additionally, central opioidergic systems are involved in the regulation of feeding behavior. Several neuropeptides expressed in the hypothalamus also contribute to the regulation of food intake. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of mu opioidergic agonist/antagonist molecules on both orexigenic and anorexigenic peptides gene expression levels in the hypothalamus. Methods: In our study, 48 male Wistar Albino rats were divided into 4 groups as control, morphine, naloxone and morphine+naloxone. The control group received subcutaneous SF solution for 5 days; morphine group received morphine at a dose of 10 mg/kg/day for 5 days; naloxone group SF was administered for 5 days and naloxone at a dose of 3 mg/kg 1.5 hours after the last injection: morphine+naloxone group received naloxone 1.5 hours after 5 days of morphine injection. Hypothalamus tissues were isolated from brains at the end of experimental period. Anorexigenic and orexigenic peptide expression levels were analysed by RT-PCR method. Differences between groups were statistically analyzed using one-way factorial ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc test. Results: Morphine administration results in a decrease in the expression levels of OX2R and LepR genes, but did not change ORXA, OX1R, AgRP, NPY, POMC gene expression. Naloxone administration increased AgRP and NPY expression while decreasing OX2R, LepR and APLNR gene expression levels. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that morphine may affect the gene expression of molecules related to regulation of nutrition and metabolism in the hypothalamus. Further studies are needed to clarify the possible mechanistic effects of mu opiodergic activity on the central control of feeding in morphine dependence manner.

An Automatic Irrigation System Based on Hourly Cumulative Evapotranspiration for Reducing Agricultural Water Usage

This study investigates the development and application of an automatic irrigation system based on hourly cumulative evapotranspiration (ET) to optimize cabbage growth while reducing agricultural water usage. Traditional irrigation methods often result in inefficient water use due to reliance on human judgment or fixed schedules. To address this issue, the proposed system utilizes environmental data collected from a field sensor (FS), the Korea meteorological administration (KMA), and a virtual sensor based on a machine learning model (ML) to calculate the hourly ET and automate irrigation. The ET was calculated using the FAO 56 Penman–Monteith (P-M) ETo. Experiments were conducted to compare the effectiveness of different irrigation levels, ranging from 40, 60, 80, and 100% crop evapotranspiration (ETc), on plant growth and the irrigation water productivity (WPI). During the 46-day experimental period, cabbage growth and WPI were higher in the FS and KMA 60% ETc levels compared to other irrigation levels, with water usage of 8.90 and 9.07 L/plant, respectively. In the ML treatment, cabbage growth and WPI were higher in the 80% ETc level compared to other irrigation levels, with water usage of 8.93 L/plant. These results demonstrated that irrigation amounts of approximately 9 L/plant provided the optimal balance between plant growth and water conservation over 46 days. This system presents a promising solution for improving crop yield while conserving water resources in agricultural environments.