Animal Safety Research Articles

Real-Time Tracking of Wildlife with IoT Solutions in Movement Ecology

Movement ecology has grown increasingly significant in the backdrop of global environmental changes, emphasizing the importance of understanding animal mobility patterns. The integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technology offers transformative potential for real-time wildlife tracking, addressing limitations of traditional methods like radio telemetry. Through IoT devices, researchers can acquire immediate, high-resolution datasets spanning vast distances, capturing multiple data points such as environmental conditions and physiological parameters. Existing implementations range from monitoring elephant movements in Africa to observing bird migrations. However, while promising, challenges like battery longevity, device weight, data management, and animal safety persist. As technological advances emerge, future prospects include more efficient, integrated solutions combining IoT with other technologies, poised to reshape and enrich our understanding of wildlife movement.

Innovation and development of the aquaculture nutrition research and feed industry in China

AbstractAquaculture in China has undergone significant evolution in recent decades, transitioning from traditional practices to a vital food production industry. Alongside the rapid growth of aquaculture in China, aquafeed production continues to expand swiftly. This review attempts to establish an overview of the history and achievements in aquaculture nutrition research and feed industry in China. The development of scientific concept and methodology, especially the advanced molecular biology technology guarantees the shift from traditional nutrition to molecular nutrition, and subsequently to precision nutrition in aquaculture nutrition research. This evolution has facilitated the formulation of effective strategies to enhance the growth, health and product quality of aquatic animals. The advancements of aquaculture nutrition research and feed industry have also been propelled by innovative research concepts rooted in principles such as the health and safety of aquatic animals, the quality of aquatic products, resource conservation and environmental friendliness, and the advancements in key processing technologies within the aquafeed industry. The future perspectives of the aquaculture nutrition research and feed industry in China are also proposed. The present work aims to provide a reference for promoting the development of aquaculture nutrition research and feed industry in China.

Optimization of Virus Yield as a Strategy to Increase the Efficiency of Rabies Vaccine by BHK-21 Cells in a Bioreactor

Background: Rabies is a usually fatal viral zoonotic and preventable disease. The efficacy and safety of animal rabies vaccination made in permanent BHK-21 cell culture have been proven over a long period of use. By increasing the yield of cells and viruses, the efficacy of the vaccine can be increased. Objectives: The objective of this study was to optimize and maximize the output of a rabies vaccine made on BHK cells in a bioreactor. Methods: This study examined the impacts of independent parameters, such as pH, temperature, cell density, and dissolved oxygen (DO), on rabies virus strain PV-PARIS yield for a central composite design. To achieve high viral production, this study used the central composite approach to optimize cell development. Results: The findings showed that BHK-21 cells were grown under the ideal conditions of pH 7.21, temperature 35.05ºC, 68.75% for DO, and 2.30 × 106 cell/mL of cell density to produce high titers of rabies virus (4.7 × 107 plaque-forming unit [PFU]/mL). High correlation coefficients (0.927) validated that the predicted model was well-fitted with the data, and the statistical analysis of the collected data indicated that the experimental data and predicted model were well-matched. The accuracy of this model’s predictions was correlated with values of adjusted R-squared (R2Adj) and predicted R-squared (R2Pred). Conclusions: These upgrades lead to a more reliable and economical procedure that makes industrialization and commercialization easier.

Chromium propionate in turkeys: effect on performance and animal safety

Two hundred eighty-eight male Nicholas Large White turkey poults were used to determine the effect of supplementing turkeys with chromium propionate (Cr Prop) from 1 to 84 d of age on performance and animal safety. Treatments consisted of Cr prop supplemented to provide 0, 0.2, or 1.0 mg Cr/kg diet. One mg of supplemental Cr is 5 times (x) the minimal concentration of Cr Prop that enhanced insulin sensitivity in turkeys. Each treatment consisted of 8 floor pens with 12 poults per pen. Turkeys were individually weighed initially, and at the end of the starter 1 (d 21), starter 2 (d 42), grower 1 (d 63), and grower 2 phase (d 84). On d 85, blood was collected from the wing vein in heparinized tubes from 2 turkeys per pen for plasma chemistry measurements. A separate blood sample was collected from the same turkeys in tubes containing K2EDTA for hematology measurements. Turkey performance was not affected by treatment during the starter 1 phase. Gain was greater (P = 0.024) and feed/gain lower (P = 0.030) for turkeys supplemented with Cr compared with controls during the starter 2 phase. Over the entire 84-d study turkeys supplemented with Cr had greater (P = 0.005) ADG and tended (P = 0.074) to gain more efficiently than controls. Gain (P = 0.180) and feed/gain (P = 0.511) of turkeys supplemented with 0.2 mg Cr/kg did not differ from those receiving 1.0 mg Cr/kg over the entire 84-d study. Feed intake was not affected by treatment. Body weights of turkeys supplemented with Cr were heavier (P = 0.005) than controls by d 84. Chromium supplementation did not affect hematological measurements and had minimal effect on plasma chemistry variables. Results of this study indicates that Cr Prop supplementation can improve turkey performance, and is safe when supplemented to turkey diets at 5x the minimal concentration that enhanced insulin sensitivity.

Distribution and toxicological risk assessment of metals in commercial fish species from a lentic ecosystem in Nigeria

Background of StudyThe increasing exposure of lentic water bodies to pollutants and the ability of aquatic organisms to bioaccumulate heavy metals in its edible body parts has raised concerns on the food safety of aquatic animals harvested from them. This study investigated the distribution of metals in the organs of C. gariepinus and T. zillii from Ikpoba reservoir and evaluated the potential human health risk associated with their consumption. MethodologyFish samples of Clarias gariepinus and Tilapia zillii were collected for a period of six months (January 2019 to June 2019) from Ikpoba reservoir using a drag net with the assistance of artisanal fishermen. Fish samples were properly identified and heavy metal content in the gills, liver and muscles were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. FindingsThe results showed that C. gariepinus had higher mean concentration of metals and metalloids than T. zillii in all the organs examined. The order of accumulation of metals in the gills and muscles of C. gariepinus and T. zillii was Fe > Zn > Mg > Cu > Pb > Cd, while order in the liver for both fish species was Fe > Zn > Cu > Mg > Pb > Cd. Human health risk assessment for metals in C. gariepinus and T. zillii indicated no significant health risk to the adults (HI < 1), whereas children were predisposed to health risk of non-carcinogenic effect (HI > 1). Carcinogenic risk values for Pb and Cd in adults and children did not exceed the acceptable carcinogenic risk value for humans. The integrated carcinogenic risk (ICR) values classified the consumption of C. gariepinus and T. zillii as low – medium risk (Grade III). ConclusionThe study has shown that the consumption of the selected fish species is not safe for children. Also, the consumption of the gills of C. gariepinus along with the head portion of the fish should be discouraged to reduce exposure to heavy metal toxicity. The continuous monitoring of activities within the reservoir watershed to mitigate heavy metal pollution of the reservoir is recommended.

Helminthological status of sports and breeding horses exported outside the Russian Federation

Every year a large number of animals are transported across the territory of the Russian Federation. In 2022, the movement of 156,229 heads of horses was recorded. To minimize the risks of spreading infections and invasions, strict veterinary requirements have been developed, including mandatory deworming during quarantine before shipment. The animals must arrive at their destination free of parasitic diseases. The study aimed to find out the possible risks of the spread of helminthiasis of horses with newly imported animals. Horses in transit through the city were examined. Blagoveshchensk from the farms of Central Russia to the country of East Asia. Feces were examined by flotation and larvoscopy methods, followed by determination of the systematic position of parasites. Helminthic invasion was detected in 64.3% of the examined animals with varying intensity. Both widespread helminthiasis of horses (trichonematosis, paraskaridosis) and dangerous diseases that are not registered in horses of equestrian clubs of Blagoveshchensk (alfortiosis, strongylosis, delafondiosis, anoplocephalidosis) have been identified. Taking into account the time of transportation, the duration of action of anthelmintic drugs in the body of horses and the timing of the preimaginal development of various types of helminths, the identification of these diseases indicates poor-quality deworming before transportation from the point of departure. When organizing the movement of horses, more careful control over the organization of the transportation process and compliance with regulatory requirements is needed to ensure the epizootic safety of animals, reduce the risks of spreading infections and invasions in safe territories.

Preclinical In-Vivo Safety and Toxicokinetics of D-PLEX100 in an Abdominal Surgery Incision Model in Juvenile Miniature Swine.

D-PLEX100 (D-PLEX) is a novel product candidate made of a polymer-lipid-based matrix (PLEX platform) which contains doxycycline that is being released at a constant rate for 30days. D-PLEX was developed to prevent surgical site infections, which are a major global health challenge. Previous studies have shown its safety in adult humans, adult swine, and adult rabbits. The aim of this study was to assess the toxicity and safety of D-PLEX also in juvenile animals to support future clinical trials in pediatric patients. Yucatan miniature swine were selected as a model, primarily due to their relatively larger mass. D-PLEX or placebo (formulation without doxycycline) was administered locally to abdominal incisions, and the animal's safety parameters were followed for 9months and compared to sham-control swine. There was no evidence of any systemic safety concern or local toxicity at the incision site in D-PLEX-treated animals. D-PLEX was detected after 1month and was fully resorbed at the 3-month time point. The surgical incision sites were fully healed at the 6-month time point in all D-PLEX-treated animals. Toxicokinetic (TK) assessments revealed that doxycycline exhibited low Cmax and therefore minimal systemic exposure following a single dose of local administration. This study provides evidence for the safety of D-PLEX and PLEX-based formulation in juvenile miniature swine and supports its further testing in clinical pediatric population. In addition, it can be used as a reference for future preclinical studies aiming to evaluate the safety of other PLEX-based product candidates for the pediatric population.

Forensic analysis of toxic substances in fatalities with suspected companion animal cruelty

The increasing prevalence of toxic substance-exposure in pets in South Korea endangers the health and safety of numerous companion animals, and has become a cause for concern. Notably, the annual incidence of forensic analysis in pets has increased by more than 150% in South Korea, mainly in populous regions such as Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi. In response to this growing issue, veterinary forensic examinations were conducted on 549 dogs and cats from 2019 to 2022. This study revealed the presence of various toxic substances, including pesticides, insecticides, and drugs such as analgesics, anesthetics, antidepressants, and muscle relaxants, in pets. Among the 38 different toxins identified in pets, coumatetralyl, methomyl, terbufos, and buprofezin were the most frequently detected. In this study, toxic substances for pets were identified based on the “toxic agent list for humans,” developed by the National Forensic Services, because no list of toxic agents for animals currently exists and data regarding potentially toxic substances for dogs and cats is limited. This is one of the limitations of this study, and necessitates the establishment of a toxic agent list for animals. Continued monitoring and research is also recommended to reveal the incidence, causes, and solutions of toxicity in animals.

Moringa Oleifera: Phytochemistry, pharmacology

The retrospective research on the Moringa Oleifera at the molecular level are reviewed in this study. The family Moringaceae includes roughly thirteen different species of moringa trees. The most well-known species of moringa is Moringa Oleifera Lam are used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of illnesses. Many tropical and subtropical nations support the growth of the Moringa Oleifera Lam. tree. Commercial cultivation occurs in regions including South and Central America, Africa, India, Hawaii, Mexico, and Asia. M. oleifera's seeds, leaves, roots, and flowers are frequently employed in traditional medicine, while the immature pods, leaves, and seed are utilised as food ingredients for human consumption. M. oleifera leaf extracts are essential for animal safety investigations and antioxidant activities. No negative impacts on humans have been reported thus far. Studies utilising powdered M. oleifera leaf preparations have shown anti-dyslipidemic and anti-diabetic effects. Leaf extracts and powders were used on animals to confirm these actions. Alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenols, phenolic acids, and phenolic acids are the compounds responsible for the effects. This study's objective was to examine M. oleifera as a potential miracle tree and place more emphasis on its applications. Therefore, it is necessary to research the standardised M. oleifera leaf extracts that have a wide variety of applications. Future research would use this study's findings as a backdrop. They also have antitumor, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, antispasmodic, diuretic, antihypertensive, cholesterol-lowering, antioxidant, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.

Impact of Feed Quality on Livestock Productivity

Abstract&#x0D; Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate impact of feed quality on livestock productivity.&#x0D; Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.&#x0D; Findings: High-quality feed rich in essential nutrients, such as protein and energy, plays a crucial role in enhancing the growth, reproduction, and overall health of livestock. Research consistently demonstrates that access to nutritious feed leads to increased weight gain in meat-producing animals, higher milk yields in dairy cattle, and improved reproductive performance in breeding stock. Conversely, poor-quality feed or inadequate nutrition can lead to stunted growth, lower milk production, reduced fertility, and increased susceptibility to diseases. Therefore, optimizing feed quality through proper nutrition management is a fundamental factor in maximizing livestock productivity and ensuring sustainable agricultural practices.&#x0D; Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Nutrient Utilization Theory, Liebig's Law of the Minimum and Optimal Foraging Theory may be used to anchor future studies on impact of feed quality on livestock productivity. Livestock producers should implement stringent quality control measures to ensure the consistency and safety of animal feeds. Government agencies and industry associations can develop educational programs and training initiatives for livestock farmers.

Mycotoxins and Maize Value Chain: Multi-Matrix and Multi-Analyte Tools towards Global Feed and Food Safety

Maize value chains represent invaluable end-consumer products in food systems worldwide. Mycotoxin contamination along these chains causes severe economic and health impacts from the plant, animal and human safety points of view. This work aimed to develop a single standardized methodology that fulfilled extraction and detection procedures for 22 mycotoxins in maize chain matrices. The main goal concerned the validation of a QuEChERS-based ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to the tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method in compliance with established performance criteria for mycotoxin determination. Validation parameters encompassing specificity/selectivity, linearity, precision, recovery, Limits of Detection (LOD) and Limits of Quantification (LOQ) were evaluated, and acceptable data were found for all the mycotoxins in the matrices under study, namely, seeds, flowering plants, silage and feed. The applied method presented LODs and LOQs lower than 40.3 and 42.1 ng g−1, respectively, and recoveries ranging from 80.7 to 118.1%, with precision values below 20.5%. A first-time full analytical procedure in a multi-matrix and multi-analyte approach was successfully validated, representing a valuable control tool for mycotoxin monitoring in maize chains. This approach will ultimately allow a response to the need for integrated risk assessments encompassing full, comprehensive analysis of whole food chains in compliance with the maximum levels established in European regulations, and the establishment of accurate solutions in each chain-specific critical point, helping to provide more sustainable, safer and healthy food systems.

A REVIEW ON ACUTE AND SUBACUTE ORAL TOXICITY STUDIES OF SNUHI (EUPHORBIA NERIIFOLIA LINN.)

(Euphorbia neriifolia Linn.) is included in Upavisha as per Ayurvedic classics, and according to modern toxicology, it is classified as irritant organic vegetable poison. It is an active ingredient of many Ayurvedic formulations like Chitrakadi taila, Jatyadi varti, Snuhi kshara etc. These formulations are widely used to treat disease conditions like Shotha (Edema), Dushivisha, Aamdosha, etc. Before administering any potential drug to humans, it is essential to evaluate its safety in animals to define safe human doses through validated scientific toxicity studies. Hence, there is a need to conduct toxicity studies of Snuhi and its phytoconstituents in various extract forms to recognise its safety from the perspective of the Globally Harmonised Classification System. In this article, a special emphasis is done on gathering details on acute and subacute oral toxicity studies of Snuhi (Euphorbia neriifolia Linn.)

Beef’s big bottleneck: Chute safety and efficiency

The bottleneck of a production system is the area of work that receives too many requests for work than can be processed at its maximum throughput capacity. An example of a bottleneck on a dairy is the milking parlor. The farm can only milk as many cows as the parlor can throughput. Within the milking parlor, there may be smaller bottlenecks that exist and can be addressed through cattle handling, personnel training or facility remodel to remedy the bottlenecks and maximize the efficiency of the milking parlor. On a beef operation, whether it be a beef feedlot, growyard or cow-calf operation, the bottleneck for many is the processing chute. Identifying and exploring the main challenges surrounding this bottleneck can help veterinarians to better advise and consult clients. The main challenges this paper will explore include safety for the animal and human safety as well as biosecurity, and efficiency.

Long-term oral tribasic copper chloride exposure impedes cognitive function and disrupts mitochondrial metabolism by inhibiting mitophagy in rats

Copper (Cu) is an essential micronutrient element that commonly acted as a feed additive and antimicrobial in agricultural production. Tribasic copper chloride (TBCC) is a relatively new dietary Cu source, and its exposure directly or indirectly affects the safety of animals and ecological environment, thus posing a potential risk to human health. Cu overexposure would produce toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) that may have toxic effects on the host, but the mechanism of neurotoxicity remains unclear. Herein, to explore the effects of long-term TBCC-induced neurotoxicity, 150 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly allocated and treated with different doses of TBCC, and the cortical and hippocampus tissues were harvested at 0, 6, and 12 weeks after treatment. Morris Water Maze (MWM) test showed that excessive intake of TBCC could induce cognitive dysfunction in rats. Moreover, after treatment with 160 mg/kg Cu (276 mg/kg TBCC) for 12 weeks, pathological changes were observed in the cortex and hippocampus, and the number of Nissl bodies decreased significantly in the hippocampus. Additionally, mitochondrial structure was significantly altered and neuronal mitochondrial fusion/fission equilibrium was disrupted in 80 mg/kg and 160 mg/kg Cu groups at 12 weeks. With an increase in TBCC dose and treatment time, the number of mitophagosomes and the expression of mitophagy-related genes were significantly decreased after initially increasing. Furthermore, metformin (Met) and 3-methyladenine (3-MA) were used to regulate the level of mitophagy to further explore the mechanism of Cu-induced nerve cell injury in vitro., and it found that mitophagy activator (Met) would increase mitochondrial fission, while mitophagy inhibitors (3-MA) would aggravate mitochondrial metabolic disorders by promoting mitochondrial fusion and inhibiting mitochondrial division. These results indicate that long-term oral TBCC could impede cognitive function and disrupts mitochondrial metabolism by inhibiting mitophagy, providing an insightful perspective on the neurotoxicity of dietary TBCC.

Flexible and green multilayer paper coating for barrier enhancement of paper packaging

Packaging is critical for the preservation of merchandise like biomedical and food products. However, common packaging materials are typically single-use plastics and rarely recycled or repurposed due to various challenges. This has created a global plastic pollution disaster that affects the health and safety of aquatic and land animals. In this study, a novel multilayer packaging assembly consisting of paper, thermoplastic starch (TPS), and a thin layer (12 μm) of PLA, PBAT, PHBV (all bio-based polymers), or PVOH (as a common commercial polymer for the sake of comparison) were fabricated. The assembly of the multilayer samples were studied using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), and their characteristics, such as the oxygen and water vapor permeation, water and oil Cobb values, seal peel strength (SPS), tear strength (TS), and grease barrier properties were evaluated. Results indicated that the coatings enhanced the dry and wet strengths of the paper. All samples demonstrated considerable grease resistance based on Kit test results. Samples coated with TPS followed by PHBV (PTPHBV) exhibited the best oxygen (0.024 m3/Bar.m2.s) and water vapor barrier (1.79 g/m2.d) properties. Results in this work demonstrated that multilayer assemblies based on paper and TPS provide functional packaging properties making them promising sustainable material options for packaging applications.

Can Historical Control Group Data Be Used to Replace Concurrent Controls in Animal Studies?

The availability of large amounts of high-quality control data from tightly controlled regulated animal safety data has created the idea to re-use these data beyond its classical applications of quality control, identification of treatment-related effects and assessing effect-size relevance for building virtual control groups (VCGs). While the ethical and cost-saving aspects of such a concept are immediately evident, the potential challenges need to be carefully considered to avoid any effect which could lower the sensitivity of an animal study to detect adverse events, safety thresholds, target organs, or biomarkers. In our brief communication, we summarize the current discussion regarding VCGs and propose a path forward how the replacement of concurrent control with VCGs resulting from historical data could be systematically assessed and to come to conclusions regarding the scientific value of the concept.

Segmented filamentous bacteria-based treatment to elicit protection against Enterobacteriaceae in Layer chickens.

Gut microbes like segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB) play a key role in gut maturation during early life, as demonstrated in humans and mice. Our previous study demonstrated oral inoculation of ileum-spores containing SFB to chickens after hatch increases early SFB gut colonization, which increases immune maturation and resistance to bacteria, like Salmonella, as tested in vitro; however, more studies are needed for treatment optimization and in vivo testing. The objectives of this study were to (1) test a treatment that includes both spores and filamentous SFB, (2) validate antimicrobial ability of the treatment in layer hens in vivo, and (3) elucidate its molecular mechanism. One-day-old specific pathogen-free layers (n = 12 per group) were orally treated with either PBS (CON) or SFB-based treatment (SFB). At 4 days post-inoculation (DPI), both CON and SFB groups were orally challenged with Salmonella Typhimurium. Total Enterobacteriaceae and Salmonella were examined by plating and enumeration in feces at 7,10 and 14 dpi; and in the ileum, cecum, and spleen at 16 dpi in euthanized birds. The presence and levels of SFB were determined from ilea scrapings via microscopy and qPCR, respectively. Relative gene expression of host-derived antimicrobial peptides and cytokines in the distal ileum was determined by RT-qPCR. At 10 and 14 dpi, a significant decrease in total Enterobacteriaceae was observed in the feces of the SFB group. At necropsy, the level of SFB was significantly higher in the SFB group than in the CON group, while a significant decrease in total Enterobacteriaceae and Salmonella was observed in the ceca of the SFB group. RT-qPCR revealed increased expression of β-defensin 14, and cytokines IL-10 and IFNγ. The introduction of SFB at hatch as a prophylactic treatment may benefit commercial partners as well as consumers by reducing the incidence of Enterobacteriaceae in food animals. Reduction of these bacteria in animals would, in turn, increase animal health, productivity, and safety for consumers. Studies to optimize the treatment for poultry industry applications are ongoing in our lab.

Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns and Risk Factors Associated with ESBL-Producing and MDR Escherichia coli in Hospital and Environmental Settings in Lusaka, Zambia: Implications for One Health, Antimicrobial Stewardship and Surveillance Systems.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a public health problem threatening human, animal, and environmental safety. This study assessed the AMR profiles and risk factors associated with Escherichia coli in hospital and environmental settings in Lusaka, Zambia. This cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2022 to August 2022 using 980 samples collected from clinical and environmental settings. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was conducted using BD PhoenixTM 100. The data were analysed using SPSS version 26.0. Of the 980 samples, 51% were from environmental sources. Overall, 64.5% of the samples tested positive for E. coli, of which 52.5% were from clinical sources. Additionally, 31.8% were ESBL, of which 70.1% were clinical isolates. Of the 632 isolates, 48.3% were MDR. Most clinical isolates were resistant to ampicillin (83.4%), sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (73.8%), and ciprofloxacin (65.7%) while all environmental isolates were resistant to sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (100%) and some were resistant to levofloxacin (30.6%). The drivers of MDR in the tested isolates included pus (AOR = 4.6, CI: 1.9-11.3), male sex (AOR = 2.1, CI: 1.2-3.9), and water (AOR = 2.6, CI: 1.2-5.8). This study found that E. coli isolates were resistant to common antibiotics used in humans. The presence of MDR isolates is a public health concern and calls for vigorous infection prevention measures and surveillance to reduce AMR and its burdens.

Health based animal and meat safety cooperative communities

The purposes of meat inspection have been formulated for more than 100 years as (a) protecting health of consumers, (b) maintain the reputation of the meats in home and export markets, and (c) detecting communicable diseases of animals before they have spread beyond easy control. Today, one would add to protect animal welfare, clarify that protecting consumer health includes both chemical and biological hazards, and add food fraud to the issues of reputation. To transform the scientific knowledge into modern meat safety assurance systems (MSAS), the risk managers need to understand the social capital in the meat value chain to align the behaviors of farmers, food business operators and competent authorities with technical knowledge. The meat value chain could be perceived as a commons – a material or immaterial property held jointly by the members of a community, whom may govern access to and use of the property through social structures, traditions, and/or formal rules i.e. social capital. The social capital and food safety culture amongst farmers and food business operators is a key driver for successful meat safety while information asymmetry increases risks for a tragedy of commons scenario. Ostrom's core design principles for stable commons could inform the design of MSASs. Tools for reducing the information asymmetry and building trust and social capital between all stakeholders within the meat value chain include the food safety culture, food chain information, use of health epidemiological indicators, sensors and block chains, industry/private standards, and the applying system approach from farm to fork.

Risk of Induction of Corneal Neovascularization with Topical Erythropoietin: An Animal Safety Study.

To evaluate the pro-angiogenic effect of topical erythropoietin on cornea in chemical burn-injured rabbit eyes. The corneal alkali-burn injury was induced in 10 eyes of 10 rabbits using filter paper saturated with 1.0 mol sodium hydroxide. The eyes were categorized into the treatment group (n = 5) that received topical erythropoietin (3000 IU/mL) every 8 hr for one month versus the control group (n = 5) that received normal saline every 8 hr for one month. All eyes were treated with topical ciprofloxacin every 8 hr until corneal re-epithelialization was complete. Corneal epithelial defects, stromal opacity, and neovascularization were evaluated after the injury. At the conclusion of the study, the rabbits were euthanized and their corneas were submitted to histopathological examination. Baseline characteristics including the rabbits' weight and the severity of corneal injury were comparable in two groups. Time to complete corneal re-epithelialization was 37 days in the treatment group and 45 days in the control group (P = 0.83). There was no significant difference between the groups in the rate of epithelial healing or corneal opacification. Clinical and microscopic corneal neovascularization was observed in one eye (20%) in the treatment group and two eyes (40%) in the control group (P = 0.49). Recombinant human erythropoietin administered topically did not induce vessel formation in rabbit corneas after chemical burn.