Development and Validation of an Indirect Whole-Virus ELISA Using a Predominant Genotype VI Velogenic NewCastle Disease Virus Isolated from Lebanese Poultry

Commercial ELISA kits are commonly used to assess the levels of chicken antibodies against NewCastle Disease Virus (NDV) and trace a field strain infection. Nevertheless, the specificity of these kits vis-à-vis endemic strains in Lebanon remains in question. This study developed an in-house indirect ELISA system to evaluate the level of chicken antibodies against a predominant velogenic NDV strain belonging to Genotype VI. A checkerboard analysis comprised a five-factorial multivariate experiment to optimize the protocol: coating antigen concentration, blocking buffer utilization, serum and conjugate dilution levels, and OD reading wavelength. The developed test was optimized and then validated through parallel testing of the sera of 20 broilers and 5 layers using standard serological assays. There was a strong correlation between the developed ELISA results and those obtained with the Hemagglutination Inhibition test (P < 0.01), and a commercial NDV ELISA kit (P < 0.05). The specificity, sensitivity, and reproducibility of the developed ELISA suggest that it can be used as the test of choice for the assessment of chicken antibody titers against locally circulating velogenic NDV strains, specifically those belonging to Genotype VI. It also offers better help in the serological detection of birds’ exposure to the said strains.

Impact of Dietary Lactobacillus plantarum Postbiotics on the Performance of Layer Hens under Heat Stress Conditions

This experiment was conducted to determine the performance of heat-stressed layers fed a diet containing the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum RS5 or its products of fermentation (postbiotics). Twenty-week-old Isa White layers, were subdivided into six treatments of 32 individually caged birds. Half of the birds were reared under regular temperature conditions, while the other half was subjected to cyclic daily heat stress. Layers were offered one of three diets: 1) Control;2) Control + Lactobacillus plantarum RS5 probiotic;3) Control + Lactobacillus plantarum RS5 postbiotics. Birds were tested for performance and visceral organ development for 5 months. Heat stress negatively affected the birds’ feed intake, egg weight, shell weight percentage, Haugh unit, shell thickness, yolk color, body weight and spleen weight percentage. Postbiotics significantly increased egg production (p < 0.05) in comparison to the control and the probiotic fed group (94.8% vs 92.6% vs 93.1%, respectively). Birds under probiotic or postbiotic diet showed a significantly higher (p < 0.05) feed intake and egg weight, although the probiotic had a more pronounced and gradual effect. Specific gravity, yolk weight percentage and shell thickness didn’t show differences among dietary groups. The Haugh Unit was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in probiotic group which also showed a significantly lower yolk color index (p < 0.05). The different feed treatments did not impact the bird’s viscera weight percentage, except for the ileum that was significantly lower (p < 0.05) under postbiotic supplementation. Both probiotics and postbiotics could be used as a potential growth promoters and might alleviate heat stress impact in poultry industry.

Effect of Tillage Practices on Hydro-Physical Properties of Soils in a Rice-Grown Environment in North Central Nigeria

This study details soil’s physical and chemical properties in a rice-grown environment in Minna environs Niger State, Nigeria, under different soil and water conservation practices. Soil samples were collected at 0 - 10 cm, 10 - 20 cm and 20 - 30 cm, respectively, using a soil auger to determine their physical and chemical properties such as moisture content, particle size, bulk density, particle density, porosity and organic matter. The textural classification determined the percentage dominance of the soil types in each study site location. The moisture content of site 1 ranged between 14.3% to 13.7%, site 2 ranged between 13.2% to 10.2%, site 3 ranged between 15.4% to 13.2%, site 4 ranged between 15.6% to 13.6% and site 5 ranged between 16.1% to 10.9%. The clay content of sites 3, 4 and 5 is higher than that of sites 1 and 2, while the silt contents of sites 1, 2 and 3 are higher than that of sites 4 and 5. The mean value of soil organic carbon from each study location was 2.37%, 2.03%, 2.43%, 2.07% and 2.17% for sites 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, respectively. Therefore, site 1 is susceptible to erosion because of poor infiltration rate and well-ploughed or cultivated land by the tractor (harrowed). The particle sizes analysis indicated that the soil type in Site 1 and Site 2 is mainly sandy loam, while Site 3 and Site 5 are mainly loamy and predominantly clay loam in Site 4.

Testing Toxicity and Antidote Effect of Selenium Nanoparticles with <i>Paramecium caudatum</i>

A simple method for assessment of the toxicity and antidote effect of selenium nanoparticles with Paramecium caudatum is presented. Light microscopy in combination with computerized video tracking is employed for the determination of the survival time of P. caudatum. Up to 800 mg/L, selenium nanoparticles are not acutely toxic. With respect to a potential antidote effect, the lethality of silver nanoparticles, silver nitrate, sodium hydrogen selenite, and sodium selenite to P. caudatum was decreased and survival time was extended upon pre-treatment with selenium nanoparticles. Taken together, these findings suggest that administration of selenium nanoparticles attenuates exposure to toxicants. Selenium nanoparticles could be a good functional additive for food management in animals.

Pathogenicity and amino acid sequences of hemagglutinin cleavage site and neuraminidase stalk of differently passaged H9N2-avian influenza virus in broilers

Low pathogenic Avian Influenza (AI) virus has the ability to evolve to high pathogenic viruses resulting in significant economic losses in the poultry sector. This study aims at assessing the impact of H9N2 viral passaging in broilers and its relatedness to pathogenicity and amino acid (a.a) sequences of the hemagglutinin (HA) cleavage site and neuraminidase (NA) stalk. The original H9N2 AI virus (P0) was used to challenge ten-21 days old broilers. Individual recovery of H9N2 virus from homogenates of trachea, lungs and airsacs was attempted in 9 days old chicken embryos, as a conclusion of the first passage (P1). Tracheal isolates of H9N2 were passaged for a second (P2) and a third (P3) time in broilers, followed by a similar embryonic recovery procedure. The a.a. sequence of a part of HA1 cleavage site and Neuraminidase stalk were compared among the differently passaged viruses;an assessement of the relatedness of the determined a.a. sequences to the pathogenicity in broilers, based on frequency of mortality, morbidity signs, gross and microscopic lesions at 3 days post challenge with the P1, P2, and P3-H9N2, is concluded. An increase in certain morbidity signs and specific lesions was observed in P2- and P3-H9N2 challenged broilers compared to birds challenged with P1-H9N2. A conserved R-S-S-R amino acid sequence at the HA1 cleavage site was observed in the differently passaged H9N2, associated with a variability in the NA stalk-a.a sequences. The passaging of the low pathogenic H9N2 virus in broilers leads to a trend of increase in pathogenicity, manifested in higher frequency of morbidity signs, and of specific gross and microscopic lesions of the examined organs. This passaging was associated with a conserved a.a. sequence of the hemaglutinin cleavage site and a variability in the sequence of the neuraminidase stalk. A detailed study of the potential of the detected variability in the neuraminidase stalk of H9N2 in induction of a higher pathogenicity in broilers will be the subject of future investigations.

Influence of Nostoc entophytum and Tetracystis sp. on Winter Survival of Rapeseed

Bioassay results proved that several microalgae strains of the Mosonmagyaróvár Algal Culture Collection (MACC) enhanced plant growth, due to their hormone content and other secondary metabolites. The aim of the current research was to improve autumn growth and winter survival of rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) by treatment with two microalgae strains selected by bioassay results. Experimental plots were set up in Mosonmagyaróvár in 2010 and 2013. Winter rapeseed hybrid (B. napus L. cv. Orlando) plants were treated in 4-6 leaves stage with 0.3 g/L and 1 g/L suspensions of MACC-612 Nostoc entophytum Bornet & Flahault and MACC-430 Tetracystis sp. in middle of October. After the treatments, the following parameters were recorded: chlorophyll-a and b, carotenoid, dry matter content of leaves, average amount of autumn foliage, diameter of root collar, length of shoot tips, fresh and dry weight of root, and number of plants in autumn and spring. Both microalgae treatments significantly increased pigment concentration and dry matter content of leaves, number of fully grown leaves (13%-46%) and dry root weight (16%-36%). Treatments with 0.3 g/L and 1 g/L MACC-612 suspensions increased the length of shoot apices by 14%-18% and 25%-35%, respectively. Number of overwintered control plants decreased significantly in both years (31%), but there was no decrease in parcels treated with 1 g/L of MACC-612 and MACC-430. Microalgae treatments could increase plant growth and survival, which contributed to the significant increase of thousand seed weight (18%-25%) and total yield (by 10%-24%).

Douglas-fi r(Pseudotsuga menziesii(Mirb.)Franco)in Europe:an overview of management practices

Douglas-fir(Pseudotsuga menziesii(Mirb.)Franco),one of the most commercially important tree species in western North America and one of the most valuable timber trees worldwide,was introduced to Europe in 1827.It became a major species for aff orestation in Western Europe after WWII,currently grows in 35 countries on over 0.83 million ha and is one of the most widespread nonnative tree species across the continent.A lower sensitivity to drought makes Douglas-fi r a potential alternative to the more drought-sensitive Norway spruce so its importance in Europe is expected to increase in the future.It is one of the fastest growing conifer species cultivated in Europe,with the largest reported dimensions of 2.3 m in diameter and 67.5 m in height.Pure stands have high productivity(up to 20 m 3 ha−1 a−1)and production(over 1000 m 3 ha−1).The species is generally regenerated by planting(initial stocking density from less than 1000 seedlings ha−1 to more than 4000 ha−1),using seedlings of European provenance derived from seed orchards or certifi ed seed stands.As the range of end-uses of its wood is very wide,the rotation period of Douglas-fi r is highly variable and ranges between 40 and 120 years.When the production of large-sized,knotfree timber is targeted,thinnings are always coupled with pruning up to 6 m.There is an increasing interest in growing Douglas-fi r in mixtures and managing stands through close-to-nature silviculture,but the species’intermediate shade tolerance means that it is best managed through group selection or shelterwood systems.

Sensory characterization of bowel cleansing solutions

AIM: To evaluate the sensory characteristics of commercial bowel cleansing preparations.METHODS: Samples of 4 commercially available bowel cleansing preparations, namely polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution(PEG), PEG + ascorbic acid(PEG-Asc), sodium picosulfate(SPS), and oral sodium sulfate(OSS) were prepared according to the manufacturer's instructions. Descriptive analysis was conducted(n = 14) using a 15-cm line scale with the Compusense at-hand? sensory evaluation software. Acceptability testing(n = 80) was conducted using the 9-point hedonic scale. In addition, a Just-About-Right(JAR) scale was included for the four basic tastes to determine their intensity compatibility with acceptability levels in the products.RESULTS: Samples were significantly different, in descriptive analysis, for all attributes(P < 0.05) except for sweetness. SPS received the highest ratings for turbidity, viscosity appearance, orange odor and orange flavor; PEG-Asc for citrus odor and citrus flavor; OSS for sweetener taste, sweet aftertaste, bitterness, astringency, mouthcoating, bitter aftertaste and throatburn, and along with PEG-Asc, the highest ratings for saltiness, sourness and adhesiveness. Acceptability results showedsignificant differences between the various samples(P < 0.05). SPS received significantly higher ratings for overall acceptability, acceptability of taste, odor and mouthfeel(P < 0.05). JAR ratings showed that PEG and PEG-Asc were perceived as slightly too salty; SPS and OSS were slightly too sweet, while SPS, PEG-Asc and OSS were slightly too sour and OSS slightly too bitter. While using small sample volumes was necessary to avoid unwanted purgative effects, acceptability ratings do not reflect the true effect of large volumes intake thus limiting the generalization of the results.CONCLUSION: Further improvements are needed to enhance the sensory profile and to optimize the acceptability for better compliance with these bowel cleansing solutions.

Impact of Adrenaline or Cortisol Injection on Meat Quality Development of Merino Hoggets

Increased levels of stress hormones in the muscle could lead to post mortem metabolic/structural modiifcations that could be relfected on meat quality. The present study investigated the metabolic effect of either adrenaline or cortisol injected into lambs in order to obtain an animal model of acute stress. Results showed that adrenaline or cortisol injection lead to glucose metabolism and muscle temperature increase. Muscle pH immediately post mortem was affected by adrenaline treatment. Water holding capacity （WHC） of fresh muscle, ifnal muscle pH and temperature registered at 24 h post mortem were not affected by injected hormones. Hardness and adhesiveness of LD muscle evaluated 3 d post mortem tended to increase as a result of adrenaline or cortisol injection. Results demonstrated that injected hormones were able to affect the post mortem muscle biochemistry and the pH/T curve independently of ifnal muscle pH.

Bioactivity of mackerel peptides on obesity and insulin resistance,an in-vivo study

Of many metabolic irregularity risk factors,glucose intolerance,insulin resistance,and abdominal obesity are the main ones.The risk of vascular diseases and cancers is rather high in such individuals therefore its treatment and prevention are equally important for the health of population.Marine including fish biopeptides have frequently shown to prevent and or ameliorate these risk factors.In our earlier studies,Atlantic mackerel hydrolysate and its fractions showed promising effects on immunity and hypertension.We,therefore,in the current study,aimed to examine the effects of mackerel hydrolysate along its cationic peptides,isolated at pH3 using electrodialysis with ultrafiltration membrane,on metabolic disorder factors in diet-induced insulin resistant obese mice.Mice were fed the chow and or the hypercaloric diet (high fat high sucrose) for the duration of 8-weeks.Subsequently the hypercaloric fed insulin resistant obese mice were gavaged daily either the vehicle and or the test material at the dosage of 208 mg of sample protein per kg mice body weight.According to our observations,mackerel peptides could not effectively modulate food intake,weight gain,adiposity,plasma glucose and insulin concentrations,hepatic cholesterol,and triglyceride levels.Thus,obesity and metabolic impairments could not be averted by the treatments in insulin resistant obese mice.In conclusion,anti-hypertensive,and immunomodulatory attributes of mackerel peptides at the tested concentrations do not seem to be correlated with its metabolic syndrome benefiting effects.To presume a general statement about the metabolic syndrome benefiting potency of Atlantic mackerel's biopeptides further research is warranted.

Precautionary analysis of sprouting potato eyes using hyperspectral imaging technology

Sprouted potatoes are not allowed for healthy diet.A good knowledge of the sprouting stage of potatoes can help manage the storage conditions and guide market distribution,thus enabling the quality assurance of potatoes on table.This article presented an intelligent method for precautionary analysis of potato eyes based on hyperspectral imaging technique.Potential potato eyes were classified into two categories according to the time gap to the sprouting date,i.e.by-sprouting and pre-sprouting potato eyes,representing eyes about to sprout and eyes that will take a while to sprout.Features used for classification were extracted by two methods,including successive projections algorithm(SPA)and a newly-developed sine fit algorithm(SFA).Then classifiers of fisher discriminant analysis(FDA)and least square support vector machine(LSSVM)were utilized for classification of potential sprouting potato eyes.Results showed that FDA was more effective than LSSVM in classifying pre-sprouting and by-sprouting potato eyes,and SFA performed well in FDA classifier with the recognition accuracy of 95.3%for prediction set.It is concluded that hyperspectral imaging has the potential for predicting the sprouting stages of potato eyes.

一种用于电化学免疫分析的抗钝化的电极浆料（英文）

目的:酶联免疫分析常用底物对硝基苯磷酸盐分解后产生对硝基苯酚(PNP),该物质对电极具有钝化作用,限制了该体系在电化学免疫分析领域的应用。因此,需要开发一种具有抗钝化作用的电极浆料。创新点:石墨烯-子液体-壳聚糖(rGO/IL/Chi)电极浆料不仅具有抗钝化作用,且拥有良好的电化学性能,制备过程中无需使用任何有机溶剂,安全环保。方法:制备rGO/IL/Chi复合浆料,涂布于单面导电金箔上,75℃,10 min,将其作为工作电极;背面涂布自制的银浆,作为参比电极和对电极;0.03 g/ml壳聚糖溶液作为绝缘浆料。结论:本研究表明,在比较商品化的玻碳电极、自制丝网印刷电极、石墨烯修饰的丝网印刷电极和rGO/IL/Chi电极对PNP的循环伏安响应时,rGO/IL/Chi电极具有最大的峰电流响应和最小的峰电位。同时,对四种电极进行性能表征时,rGO/IL/Chi电极具有最小的峰电位差和最大的峰电流。这表明rGO/IL/Chi电极具有较好的电化学性能,且对PNP有较大的响应。比较四种电极对PNP的安培响应之后,发现只有rGO/IL/Chi电极具有抗钝化作用。可将该电极用于肌钙蛋白I的检测,其检测限为0.05ng/ml。