Endocrine and metabolic traits in goat kids around weaning

Eleven Saanen kids, three days after birth, were divided into two groups: WEAN and MILK. All kids were fed goat milk until the 5th week of age, when the WEAN group began a weaning protocol. MILK group continued to receive goat milk for the entire experimental period, while WEAN group was weaned at 47 days of age. Starting from the 3rd week of age, body weight was recorded and blood samples were taken weekly, before the first meal of the day. Plasma was analysed for glucose, total protein, free aminoacid, insulin, leptin and ghrelin.Weaning did not affect plasma levels of total protein and leptin, but decreased plasma glucose and free aminoacid, and increased ghrelin concentration. Moreover, weaning decreased plasma insulin level more than three times. This result was probably the consequence of the lower concentration of plasma glucose of the WEAN group, but the effect could be enforced by the milk-borne insulin ingested by the MILK kids with the diet. Goat milk contains peptides that can pass across the intestinal epithelium and enter the systemic circulation, suggesting a possible role in accomplishing the immature ability of suckling animals to produce hormones and growth factors

Shear-Wave Velocity Characterization of the USGS Hawaiian Strong-Motion Network on the Island of Hawaii and Development of an NEHRP Site-Class Map

To assess the level and nature of ground shaking in Hawaii for the purposes of earthquake hazard mitigation and seismic design, empirical ground-motion prediction models are desired. To develop such empirical relationships, knowledge of the subsurface site conditions beneath strong-motion stations is critical. Thus, as a first step to develop ground-motion prediction models for Hawaii, wspectral-analysis-of-surface-waves (SASW) profiling was performed at the 22 free-field U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) strong-motion sites on the Big Island to obtain shear-wave velocity (V(S)) data. Nineteen of these stations recorded the 2006 Kiholo Bay moment magnitude (M) 6.7 earthquake, and 17 stations recorded the triggered M 6.0 Mahukona earthquake. V(S) profiling was performed to reach depths of more than 100 ft. Most of the USGS stations are situated on sites underlain by basalt, based on surficial geologic maps. However, the sites have varying degrees of weathering and soil development. The remaining strong-motion stations are located on alluvium or volcanic ash. V(S30) (average V(S) in the top 30 m) values for the stations on basalt ranged from 906 to 1908 ft/s [National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) site classes C and D], because most sites were covered with soil of variable thickness. Based on these data, an NEHRP site-class map was developed for the Big Island. These new V(S) data will be a significant input into an update of the USGS statewide hazard maps and to the operation of ShakeMap on the island of Hawaii.George E. Brown, Jr. Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation (NEES) under NSF CMS-0086605FEMA HSFEHQ-06-D-0162, HSFEHQ-04-D-0733U.S. Geological Survey, Department of the Interior 08HQGR0036Geotechnical Engineering Cente

Angiostrongylus dujardini infection in a coconut lorikeet (Trichoglossus haematodus) from a zoological garden in Switzerland.

Angiostrongylus spp. (Metastrongyloidea) can cause severe disease in several animal species and humans. This report describes an infection with Angiostrongylus dujardini in a captive Coconut lorikeet (Trichoglossus haematodus) from a zoo in Switzerland. The bird was reported being attacked by conspecifics, removed from the flock, and hospitalized. It showed lethargy, moderately reduced body condition, and lack of reaction to visual stimuli. Analgesic and antibiotic treatment were initiated but because of worsening of its general condition the bird was euthanized the following day. Necropsy revealed multifocal, subcutaneous hemorrhages, diffusely reddened lungs and a moderately dilated right heart with several intraluminal nematodes embedded in a coagulum. Four worms were collected and microscopically examined. They were identified as adult females, measuring 19-21 mm long x 0.4-0.5 mm wide, with general morphological and morphometric characteristics consistent with angiostrongylid nematodes. In lung sections, multifocal collection of thin-walled embryonated eggs in variable stages of development was observed along with fully developed nematode larvae within the lumina of alveoli and lung vessels. Associated granulomatous infiltrates indicated a severe, multifocal, chronic, granulomatous pneumonia. The diagnosis of A. dujardini infection was formulated by morphological examination of adult and larval stages, supported by molecular analysis (PCR-amplification and sequencing of the ITS2, 5.8S and 28S rDNA flanking regions). This is the first report of A. dujardini infection in an avian species, providing evidence that birds can serve as accidental hosts of this parasite in addition to mammals, and that the parasite can reach maturity and multiply in the avian cardiorespiratory system

Cross-talk between red blood cells and plasma influences blood flow and omics phenotypes in severe COVID-19

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and can affect multiple organs, among which is the circulatory system. Inflammation and mortality risk markers were previously detected in COVID-19 plasma and red blood cells (RBCs) metabolic and proteomic profiles. Additionally, biophysical properties, such as deformability, were found to be changed during the infection. Based on such data, we aim to better characterize RBC functions in COVID-19. We evaluate the flow properties of RBCs in severe COVID-19 patients admitted to the intensive care unit by using microfluidic techniques and automated methods, including artificial neural networks, for an unbiased RBC analysis. We find strong flow and RBC shape impairment in COVID-19 samples and demonstrate that such changes are reversible upon suspension of COVID-19 RBCs in healthy plasma. Vice versa, healthy RBCs resemble COVID-19 RBCs when suspended in COVID-19 plasma. Proteomics and metabolomics analyses allow us to detect the effect of plasma exchanges on both plasma and RBCs and demonstrate a new role of RBCs in maintaining plasma equilibria at the expense of their flow properties. Our findings provide a framework for further investigations of clinical relevance for therapies against COVID-19 and possibly other infectious diseases

Colloidal Synthesis and Characterization of Tetrapod-Shaped Magnetic Nanocrystals

Tetrapod-shaped maghemite nanocrystals are synthesized by manipulating the decomposition of iron pentacarbonyl in a ternary surfactant mixture under mild thermal conditions. Adjustment of the reaction parameters allows for the systematic tuning of both the width and the length of the tetrapod arms, which grow preferentially along the 〈111〉 easy axis direction. Such degree of control leads to modulation of the magnetic behavior of the nanocrystals, which evolves systematically as their surface magnetization phase and shape anisotropy are progressively increased

Aquaculture Perspective of Multi-Use Sites in the Open Ocean: The Untapped Potential for Marine Resources in the Anthropocene

This volume addresses the potential for combining large-scale marine aquaculture of macroalgae, molluscs, crustaceans, and finfish, with offshore structures, primarily those associated with energy production, such as wind turbines and oil-drilling platforms. The volume offers a comprehensive overview and includes chapters on policy, science, engineering, and economic aspects to make this concept a reality. The compilation of chapters authored by internationally recognized researchers across the globe addresses the theoretical and practical aspects of multi-use, and presents case studies of research, development, and demonstration-scale installations in the US and EU

Deep genetic differentiation in the little tunny from the Mediterranean and east Atlantic.

In this study we present the analysis of the stock structure of Little tunny (Euthynnus alletteratus) using the mitochondrial control region as a genetic marker. More than 500 individuals distributed in six locations were analyzed. Samples were from three main regions: Mediterranean (Tunisia and Spain), and northeast Atlantic (Portugal and Senegal) and southeast Atlantic (Côte d’Ivoire and Gabon). Deep genetic differences were found between these locations. The phylogenetic tree showed a complete reciprocal monophyly association of the individuals in two main regions: Portugal, Spain and Tunisia; and Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire and Gabon. The level of genetic differentiation between these two areas is similar to the differences found between species of the genus Euthynnus. These results suggest a scenario of having two species of Little tunny in its Mediterranean-Atlantic distribution. Further evidence with other non-linked genetic markers along morphological and meristic data is necessary to fully confirm these two putative species. However, based on these results a separate management unit can be considered: i) Northeast Atlantic/Mediterranean (Portugal, Spain and Tunisia), and ii) the northeast/Southeast Atlantic (Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire and Gabon). RÉSUMÉ Dans cette étude, nous présentons l'analyse de la structure du stock de la thonine commune (Euthynnus alletteratus) en utilisant la zone mitochondriale de contrôle comme marqueur génétique. Plus de 500 spécimens répartis sur six sites ont été analysés. Les échantillons provenaient de trois régions principales : Méditerranée (Tunisie et UE-Espagne), Atlantique Nord-Est (Portugal et Sénégal) et Atlantique Sud-Est (Côte d'Ivoire et Gabon). De profondes différences génétiques ont été constatées entre ces endroits. L'arbre phylogénétique affichait une association monophylique réciproque complète des spécimens dans deux régions principales : l’UE-Portugal, l’UE-Espagne et la Tunisie ; et le Sénégal, la Côte d'Ivoire et le Gabon. Le niveau de différenciation génétique entre ces deux régions est similaire aux différences constatées entre les espèces du genre Euthynnus. Ces résultats suggèrent un scénario de présence de deux espèces de thonidés mineurs dans sa distribution méditerranéenne-atlantique. Des preuves supplémentaires avec d'autres marqueurs génétiques non liés ainsi que des données morphologiques et méristiques sont nécessaires pour confirmer pleinement ces deux espèces supposées. Toutefois, sur la base de ces résultats, une unité de gestion distincte peut être envisagée : i) Atlantique Nord-Est/Méditerranée (UE-Portugal, UE-Espagne et Tunisie) et ii) Atlantique Nord-Est/Sud-Est (Sénégal, Côte d'Ivoire et Gabon). RESUMEN En este estudio presentamos el análisis de la estructura del stock de la bacoreta (Euthynnus alletteratus) utilizando la región de control mitocondrial como marcador genético. Se analizaron más de 500 ejemplares distribuidos en seis localizaciones. Las muestras procedían de tres regiones principales: Mediterráneo (Túnez y España), Atlántico nororiental (Portugal y Senegal) y Atlántico suroriental (Côte d'Ivoire y Gabón). Se hallaron profundas diferencias genéticas entre las tres localizaciones: El árbol filogenético presentaba una asociación monofilética recíproca completa de los ejemplares en dos regiones principales: Portugal, España y Túnez; y Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire y Gabón. El nivel de diferenciación genética entre estas dos zonas es similar a las diferencias halladas entre especies del género Euthynnus. Estos resultados sugieren un escenario con dos especies de bacoreta en su distribución atlántica-mediterránea. Son necesarias más pruebas con otros marcadores genéticos no vinculados con datos morfológicos y neríticos para confirmar más estas dos especies putativas. Sin embargo, en base a estos resultados, puede considerarse una unidad de ordenación separada: i) Atlántico nororiental/Mediterráneo (Portugal, España y Túnez) y ii) Atlántico suroriental/nororiental (Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire y Gabón).Versión del edito