Evaluation of ruminal methane and ammonia formation and microbiota composition as affected by supplements based on mixtures of tannins and essential oils using Rusitec

Background Dietary supplements based on tannin extracts or essential oil compounds(EOC)have been repeatedly reported as a promising feeding strategy to reduce the environmental impact of ruminant husbandry.A previous batch culture screening of various supplements identified selected mixtures with an enhanced potential to mitigate ruminal methane and ammonia formation.Among these,Q-2(named after quebracho extract and EOC blend 2,composed of carvacrol,thymol,and eugenol)and C-10(chestnut extract and EOC blend 10,consisting of oregano and thyme essential oils and limonene)have been investigated in detail in the present study with the semi-continuous rumen simulation technique(Rusitec)in three independent runs.For this purpose,Q-2 and C-10,dosed according to the previous study,were compared with a non-supplemented diet(negative control,NC)and with one supplemented with the commercial EOC-based Agolin^(R) Ruminant(positive control,PC).Results From d 5 to 10 of fermentation incubation liquid was collected and analysed for pH,ammonia,protozoa count,and gas composition.Feed residues were collected for the determination of ruminal degradability.On d 10,samples of incubation liquid were also characterised for bacterial,archaeal and fungal communities by high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA and 26S ribosomal large subunit gene amplicons.Regardless of the duration of the fermentation period,Q-2 and C-10 were similarly efficient as PC in mitigating either ammonia(-37%by Q-2,-34%by PC)or methane formation(-12%by C-10,-12%by PC).The PC was also responsible for lower feed degradability and bacterial and fungal richness,whereas Q-2 and C-10 effects,particularly on microbiome diversities,were limited compared to NC.Conclusions All additives showed the potential to mitigate methane or ammonia formation,or both,in vitro over a period of 10 d.However,several differences occurred between PC and Q-2/C-10,indicating different mechanisms of action.The pronounced defaunation caused by PC and its suggested consequences apparently determined at least part of the mitigant effects.Although the depressive effect on NDF degradability caused by Q-2 and C-10 might partially explain their mitigation properties,their mechanisms of action remain mostly to be elucidated.

Acute effects of stochastic resonance whole body vibration

AIM: To investigate the acute effects of stochastic resonance whole body vibration(SR-WBV) training to identify possible explanations for preventive effects against musculoskeletal disorders.METHODS: Twenty-three healthy, female students participated in this quasi-experimental pilot study. Acute physiological and psychological effects of SR-WBV training were examined using electromyography of descending trapezius(TD) muscle, heart rate variability(HRV), different skin parameters(temperature, redness and blood flow) and self-report questionnaires. All subjects conducted a sham SR-WBV training at a low intensity(2 Hz with noise level 0) and a verum SR-WBV training at a higher intensity(6 Hz with noise level 4). They were tested before, during and after the training. Conclusions were drawn on the basis of analysis of variance.RESULTS: Twenty-three healthy, female students participated in this study(age = 22.4 ± 2.1 years; body mass index = 21.6 ± 2.2 kg/m2). Muscular activity of the TD and energy expenditure rose during verum SRWBV compared to baseline and sham SR-WBV(all P < 0.05). Muscular relaxation after verum SR-WBV was higher than at baseline and after sham SR-WBV(all P < 0.05). During verum SR-WBV the levels of HRV were similar to those observed during sham SR-WBV. The same applies for most of the skin characteristics, while microcirculation of the skin of the middle back was higher during verum compared to sham SR-WBV(P < 0.001). Skin redness showed significant changes over the three measurement points only in the middle back area(P = 0.022). There was a significant rise from baseline to verum SR-WBV(0.86 ± 0.25 perfusion units; P = 0.008). The self-reported chronic pain grade indicators of pain, stiffness, well-being, and muscle relaxation showed a mixed pattern across conditions. Muscle and joint stiffness(P = 0.018) and muscular relaxation did significantly change from baseline to different conditions of SR-WBV(P < 0.001). Moreover, muscle relaxation after verum SR-WBV was higher than after sham SR-WBV(P < 0.05).CONCLUSION: Verum SR-WBV stimulated musculoskeletal activity in young healthy individuals while cardiovascular activation was low. Training of musculoskeletal capacity and immediate increase in musculoskeletal relaxation are potential mediators of pain reduction in preventive trials.

Influence of Water and Humidity on Wood Modification with Lactic Acid

Impregnation of dry wood with pure lactic acid oligomers(OLAs)followed by heat treatment confers promising properties to wood because of OLA’s good diffusion,in-situ polymerization and persistence in cell walls.Treatment provides drastic reduction of the equilibrium moisture content,high dimensional stability and good durability.The presence of water during treatment has been evaluated.Curing of OLA impregnated dry wood in humid atmosphere leads to a strong and global degradation of the material.OLA treatment of wet wood only impacts the water leaching rate negatively.Treatment of dry wood with OLA diluted in water additionally decreases the biological resistance and is not efficient for decreasing hygroscopicity.Treatment of dry wood with lactic acid solution leads to a lower polymerization level but confers good properties.

The Effect of Pre-Exercise Cooling on Performance Characteristics: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Exercising in high environmental temperatures may cause precocious hyperthermia induced fatigue resulting in a decreased athletes’ performance output. This systematic review with meta-analysis investigated the possible effects of pre-exercise cooling on performance output. This study was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines and the PICO-model was used to establish the research question. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool was applied to assess the validity of the included studies. Study eligibility was given when the studies compared the effects between any kind of pre-cooling and non-cooling strategies prior to exercise on performance output. Twenty-nine studies met the inclusion criteria for quantitative analysis. Risk of bias was high or unclear but the performance bias was low. The estimated standardized mean difference revealed that external pre-cooling (21 studies) enhanced performance (Hedges’ g = 0.49 [95% CI: 0.33 to 0.64]), with the main effect observed in endurance cycling or running. Internal (7 studies) and mixed-method (5 studies) pre-cooling failed to significantly affect performance parameters. However, the main output parameter, evaluated in these studies, was peak power output. Subgroup analysis for different outcome measures was not possible because meaningful grouping was not plausible. Limitations of this meta-analysis were the high or unclear risk of bias and the comparability of the included studies. Future studies should also determine the effects of different pre-cooling applications on female and untrained participants. Based on the results of this meta-analysis, it can be concluded that there is some evidence in favour of external pre-cooling to avoid precocious hyperthermia induced fatigue in endurance athletes exercising in hot environments.

Vegetation-based bioindication of humus forms in coniferous mountain forests

Humus forms, especially the occurrence and the thickness of the horizon of humified residues(OH), provide valuable information on site conditions.In mountain forest soils, humus forms show a high spatial variability and data on their spatial patterns is often scarce. Our aim was to test the applicability of various vegetation features as proxy for OH thickness.Subalpine coniferous forests dominated by Picea abies(L.) H. Karst. and Larix decidua Mill. were studied in the Province of Trento, Italian Alps,between ca. 900 and 2200 m a.s.l. Braun-Blanquet vegetation relevés and OH thickness were recorded at152 plots. The vegetation parameters, tested for their suitability as indicators of OH thickness,encompassed mean Landolt indicator values of the herb layer(both unweighted and cover-weighted means) as well as parameters of vegetation structure(cover values of plant species groups) calculated from the relevés. To our knowledge, the predictive power of Landolt indicator values(LIVs) for humus forms had not been tested before. Correlations between OH thickness and mean LIVs were strongest for the soil reaction value, but indicator values for humus,nutrients, temperature and light were also significantly correlated with OH thickness. Generally,weighting with species cover reduced the indicator quality of mean LIVs for OH thickness. The strongest relationships between OH thickness and vegetation structure existed in the following indicators: the cover of forbs(excluding graminoids and ferns) and the cover of Ericaceae in the herb layer. Regression models predicting OH thickness based on vegetation structure had almost as much predictive power as models based on LIVs. We conclude that LIVs analysis can produce fairly reliable information regarding the thickness of the OH horizon and, thus,the humus form. If no relevé data are readily available,a field estimation of the cover values of certain easily distinguishable herb layer species groups is much faster than a vegetation survey with consecutive indicator value analysis, and might be a feasible way of quickly indicating the humus form.

Acute effects of partial-body vibration in sitting position

AIM To investigate the acute effects of sinusoidal and stochastic resonance partial-body vibration in sitting position, including muscle activity, heart rate variability, balance and flexibility.METHODS Fifty healthy participants were assigned randomly to two training conditions: A sinusoidal partial-body vibration(SIN, 8 Hz) or a stochastic resonance partial-body vibration(STOCH, 8 ± 2 Hz). For baseline assessment participants sat on the vibration platform without vibration. Both training conditions consisted of five series of a one-minute vibration training and a one-minutebreak between them. In this experimental study surface electromyography(EMG) of the erector spinae(ES), one of the back muscles, and heart rate variability(HRV) was measured at baseline and during training. Balance and flexibility were assessed at baseline and immediately after training. Balance was measured with the modified star excursion balance test(mS EBT) and flexibility was assessed through the modified fingertip-to-floor method(mF TF).RESULTS Paired sample t-test showed a significant increase in balance that was restricted to STOCH(t =-2.22, P = 0.018; SIN: t =-0.09, P = 0.466). An increase in flexibility was also restricted to STOCH(t = 2.65, P = 0.007; SIN: t = 1.41, P = 0.086). There was no significant change of muscle activity in the ES-EMG in STOCH or SIN conditions. In both training conditions, HRV decreased significantly, but remained in a low-load range(STOCH: t = 2.89, P = 0.004; SIN: t = 2.55, P = 0.009).CONCLUSION In sitting position, stochastic resonance partial-body vibration can improve balance and flexibility while cardiovascular load is low. STOCH can be a valuable training option to people who are unable to stand(e.g., people, who are temporarily wheelchair-bound).

Source of mycorrhizal inoculum influences growth of Faidherbia albida seedlings

Poor land use management and practice inhibit the growth and establishment of tree seedlings in dryland areas.We assessed arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi(AM)status of Faidherbia albida(Del.)A.Chev.trees grown on different land uses.We quantified the growth and nutrient uptake of F.albida seedlings inoculated with AM from different sources.These efforts were based on soil and fine root samples from the rhizosphere soils of F.albida trees.AM root colonization was determined using the gridline intersect method.Spores were extracted by the wet sieving and decanting method and identified to genus level.The seedling experiment had a completely randomized onefactorial design with four treatments and five replications.Faidherbida albida seedlings were grown in a greenhouse.All in situ F.albida trees were colonized by AM fungi.AM root colonization of F.albida trees was significantly higher(P<0.0086)in area exclosures than on lands used for grazing or cultivation.Spore abundance was significantly higher(P<0.0014)in area exclosures followed by cultivated land and grazing land.Glomus was the dominant genus in all land-uses.AM-inoculated F.albida seedlings grew better(P<0.05)than non-inoculated controls.Seedlings inoculated with AM from area exclosure had significantly(P<0.05)higher growth and nutrient uptake than those inoculated with AM from grazing and cultivated land.This emphasizes the importance of the native soil AM potential for better establishment of seedlings to achieve optimum plant growth improvement and assist in rehabilitation of degraded arid lands.

Ecological Sustainability of Detar (<i>Detarium senegalense</i>J. F. Gmel) in Togo (West Africa)

Detarium senegalense J. F. Gmel., of the family of Fabaceae is one of the most exploited tree species in Togo. However, there are only few scientific studies on the distribution of this specie. This study is a contribution to the promotion of multi-purpose tree species in Togo with particular emphasis on a better knowledge of Detarium senegalense. It provides data on the ecology of the specie and his state of regeneration. The data on the specie are based on sample plots in the areas identified as hosts of the specie in Togo. A total of 77 circular plots of 1000 m2 (17.8 m radius) were established in ecological zones II, IV and V of Togo. The dendrometric parameters identified are: the total height and diameter at breast height (DBH) of Detarium senegalense and of all species found in each plot. Detarium senegalense trees of DBH < 10 cm are considered as potential regenerations. Detarium senegalense is more abundant in zones IV (forest area), followed by zone II. In zone V, Detarium senegalense is located only in the forest of “Have”. The structure of Detarium senegalense has a bell-shaped distribution with predominance of trees with large and intermediate diameters ranging between 30 and 70 cm. Trees of small DBH (Detarium senegalense occurs. This indicates a low regeneration rate of the specie. However, the structure of all species inventoried has a negative exponential distribution with predominance of small diameter trees. The sustainable management of Detarium senegalense in the forest can only be secured through a sustainable harvesting of seeds and actives promotion of natural regeneration.

Effect of Equi-Strath^&#174;on Leucocyte Occurrence in the Haired Skin of Horses

Strath?/Bio-Strath? is a plasmolyzed herbal yeast product with malt, honey and orange syrup. Its ability to support the immune system of the human being is well known and was tested in several studies. Equi-Strath?, the adapted product for horses was tested in this study. The aim of the study was to analyze the effects of Equi-Strath? on skin condition in the horse. The study included twenty healthy Franches-Montagnes stallions which were divided into two groups. The study group (SG, n = 10) received 0.06 ml/kg bodyweight of Equi-Strath?, the control group (CG, n = 10) the same amount of placebo, daily. The supplement and the placebo were given from week 1 until week 10 of the trial, orally. Skin biopsies were taken three times, once at the beginning of the study (week 0), once at half time (week 5) and once at the end of the study (week 10), followed by histological analysis including leucocytes count twice in five vision fields of each slide. No alterations of hair, adnexal structures or skin thickness were found. However, the number of perivascular lymphocytes turned out to be increased at the end of the study in 9 out of 10 animals of the study group, whereas number of lymphocytes in biopsies of the control group where increased only in 4 out of 10 animals. The increase of lymphocytes in the study group suggests an activation of the immune system due to the application of Equi-Strath?.

Words apart:Standardizing forestry terms and definitions across European biodiversity studies

Forest biodiversity studies conducted across Europe use a multitude of forestry terms,often inconsistently.This hinders the comparability across studies and makes the assessment of the impacts of forest management on biodiversity highly context-dependent.Recent attempts to standardize forestry and stand description terminology mostly used a top-down approach that did not account for the perspectives and approaches of forest biodiversity experts.This work aims to establish common standards for silvicultural and vegetation definitions,creating a shared conceptual framework for a consistent study on the effects of forest management on biodiversity.We have identified both strengths and weaknesses of the silvicultural and vegetation information provided in forest biodiversity studies.While quantitative data on forest biomass and dominant tree species are frequently included,information on silvicultural activities and vegetation composition is often lacking,shallow,or based on broad and heterogeneous classifications.We discuss the existing classifications and their use in European forest biodiversity studies through a novel bottom-up and top-driven review process,and ultimately propose a common framework.This will enhance the comparability of forest biodiversity studies in Europe,and puts the basis for effective implementation and monitoring of sustainable forest management policies.The standards here proposed are potentially adaptable and applicable to other geographical areas and could be extended to other forest interventions.

Stochastic resonance whole body vibration increases perceived muscle relaxation but not cardiovascular activation:A randomized controlled trial

AIM To investigate the acute effects of stochastic resonance whole body vibration(SR-WBV), including muscle relaxation and cardiovascular activation.METHODS Sixty-four healthy students participated. The participants were randomly assigned to sham SR-WBV training at a low intensity(1.5 Hz) or a verum SR-WBV training at a higher intensity(5 Hz). Systolic blood pressure(SBP), diastolic blood pressure(DBP), heart rate(HR) and selfreported muscle relaxation were assessed before and immediately after SR-WBV.RESULTS Two factorial analyses of variance(ANOVA) showed a significant interaction between pre- vs post-SR-WBVmeasurements and SR-WBV conditions for muscle relaxation in the neck and back [F(1,55) = 3.35, P = 0.048, η2 = 0.07]. Muscle relaxation in the neck and back increased in verum SR-WBV, but not in sham SR-WBV. No significant changes between pre- and post-training levels of SBD, DBD and HR were observed either in sham or verum SR-WBV conditions. With verum SR-WBV, improved muscle relaxation was the most significant in participants who reported the experience of back, neck or shoulder pain more than once a month(P < 0.05).CONCLUSION A single session of SR-WBV increased muscle relaxation in young healthy individuals, while cardiovascular load was low. An increase in musculoskeletal relaxation in the neck and back is a potential mediator of pain reduction in preventive worksite SR-WBV trials.

Stochastic resonance whole body vibration reduces musculoskeletal pain:A randomized controlled trial

AIM:To examined the effects of stochastic resonance whole-body vibration training on musculoskeletal pain in young healthy individuals.METHODS:Participants were 43 undergraduate students of a Swiss University.The study was designed as a randomized controlled trial(RCT)with randomized group allocation.The RCT consisted of two groups each given 12 training sessions during four weeks with either 5 Hz-Training frequency(training condition)or 1.5 Hz Training frequency(control condition).Outcome was current musculoskeletal pain assessed in the evening on each day during the four week training period.RESULTS:Multilevel regression analysis showed musculoskeletal pain was significantly decreased in the training condition whereas there was no change in the control condition(B=-0.023,SE=0.010,P=0.021).Decrease in current musculoskeletal pain over four weeks was linear.CONCLUSION:Stochastic resonance whole-body vibration reduced musculoskeletal pain in young healthy individuals.Stochastic resonance vibration and not any other exercise component within training caused pain reduction.

Buses retrofitting with diesel particle filters: Real-world fuel economy and roadworthiness test considerations

Retrofitting older vehicles with diesel particulate filter（DPF） is a cost-effective measure to quickly and efficiently reduce particulate matter emissions. This study experimentally analyzes real-world performance of buses retrofitted with CRT DPFs. 18 in-use Euro III technology urban and intercity buses were investigated for a period of 12 months. The influence of the DPF and of the vehicle natural aging on buses fuel economy are analyzed and discussed. While the effect of natural deterioration is about 1.2%–1.3%, DPF contribution to fuel economy penalty is found to be 0.6% to 1.8%, depending on the bus type. DPF filtration efficiency is analyzed throughout the study and found to be in average 96% in the size range of 23–560 nm. Four different load and non-load engine operating modes are investigated on their appropriateness for roadworthiness tests. High idle is found to be the most suitable regime for PN diagnostics considering particle number filtration efficiency.