USE OF A HOMEOPATHIC PRODUCT IN DOGS REDUCES THE NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF CANINE ATOPIC DERMATITIS

This study aimed to determine whether a homeopathic product formulated based on Hepar sulfur, Rhus toxicodendron, Graphites, and Urtica urens would prevent atopic dermatitis in dogs. Ten male beagle dogs were used, divided into two groups with five repetitions per group. The control (CO) animals received a diet with 0.5 mL/day of placebo for 30 consecutive days in a preventive manner, and we later added ethoxyquin at 0.4 mg/day. The treated group (TRA) received a ration with 0.5 mL/day of homeopathic for 30 consecutive days as a preventive, and we later added ethoxyquin at 0.4 mg/day. Blood samples were collected on days 1, 30, and 40 to analyze antioxidant and oxidant status. In an ethogram, the presence of a crusted lesion, alopecic lesion, or hair loss were evaluated at three timepoints: pre-challenge, 5, and 10 days post-challenge. No lesions were observed in the pre-challenge period. Dogs fed the homeopathic on day 5 after challenge presented 40% less crusted lesion and 60% less hair loss than the control. Nitric oxide (NOx) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels increased over time in both groups (P < 0.001). On day 40 of the experiment, lower levels of NOx (P < 0.001) and ROS (P < 0.025) were observed in the TRA group than in the CO group. In contrast, glutathione S-transferase activity increased over time in both groups (P < 0.001); however, this increase on day 40 was more significant in the dogs in the treated group than in the control (P < 0.010). We conclude that the preventive addition of homeopathic reduced the incidence of skin lesions and prevented oxidative stress caused by canine atopic dermatitis

Calibração da técnica de Time Domain Reflectometry (TRD) para avaliação da umidade do solo, em um Latossolo Amarelo, textura muito argilosa, com diferentes valores de densidade aparente do solo - avaliação no campo.

Avaliação de umidade volumetrica do solo pela técnica de time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) para Latossolo Amarelo (Xanthic ferralsol - FAO) textura muito argilosa, com diferentes valores de p. Foram determinados os coeficientes de determinacao ajustada (R2) e o erro padrao da media. Realizou-se um ajuste por regressao multipla para P e E, selecionando-se as variaveis que contribuiam significativamente para o modelo por procedimentos de selecao stepwise. Como a variacao dos valores de p esta diretamente relacionada ao uso do solo (especie presente e o manejo praticado), foram observadas importantes diferencas entre as P das areas cultivadas e as da floresta primaria. Os valores reduzidos de P proxima as plantas de pupunha (Bactris gasipaes H.B.K.) em relacao as outras especies cultivadas (cupuaçu, Theobroma grandiflorum Schum) e Kudzu (Pueraria phaseoloides), e devido a uma elaborada trama de elevada massa de suas raizes na superficie do solo, nao permitindo haver espacos porosos. É importante o conhecimento das diferentes propriedadesdo solo que podem interferir na avaliacao de TDR, atraves dos quais e' possivel evitar ou controlar essas interferencias atraves da calibracao do campo.bitstream/item/180989/1/ID-3384-53-71.pdfAnnual Report 1996

Exploring the “Middle Earth” of network spectra via a Gaussian matrix function

We study a Gaussian matrix function of the adjacency matrix of artificial and real-world networks. We motivate the use of this function on the basis of a dynamical process modeled by the time-dependent Schrodinger equation with a squared Hamiltonian. In particular, we study the Gaussian Estrada index - an index characterizing the importance of eigenvalues close to zero. This index accounts for the information contained in the eigenvalues close to zero in the spectra of networks. Such method is a generalization of the so-called "Folded Spectrum Method" used in quantum molecular sciences. Here we obtain bounds for this index in simple graphs, proving that it reaches its maximum for star graphs followed by complete bipartite graphs. We also obtain formulas for the Estrada Gaussian index of Erdos-Renyi random graphs as well as for the Barabasi-Albert graphs. We also show that in real-world networks this index is related to the existence of important structural patters, such as complete bipartite subgraphs (bicliques). Such bicliques appear naturally in many real-world networks as a consequence of the evolutionary processes giving rise to them. In general, the Gaussian matrix function of the adjacency matrix of networks characterizes important structural information not described in previously used matrix functions of graphs

Fast and real-time electrical transistor assay for quantifying SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies

Due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic renewed attention has been directed towards viral neutralization assays and neutralizing antibodies quantification, for vaccine pre-clinical trials and determining vaccine efficacy over time. The gold standard to assess antibody titer is the plaque reduction neutralization test, an end-point assay which evaluates the highest serum antibody dilution that neutralizes viral replication, by inspecting the cytopathic effect induced on cell cultures. Here, we use planar, PEDOT:PSS-based organic electrochemical transistors for real-time, remote-controlled, reliable and fast electrical monitoring of the cytopathic effect induced by SARS29 CoV-2 on Vero E6 cell lines, allowing the quantification of serum neutralizing titer. Our low-cost and scalable device has the potential to speed-up large-scale viral neutralization screening without the need for cancerous staining or highly specialized operators. Finally, the technology could be easily transferred to assess neutralizing antibody response towards different viruses in their permissive cell substrates

West Nile virus transmission. results from the integrated surveillance system in Italy, 2008 to 2015

IIn Italy a national Plan for the surveillance of imported and autochthonous human vector-borne diseases (chikungunya, dengue, Zika virus disease and West Nile virus (WNV) disease) that integrates human and veterinary (animals and vectors) surveillance, is issued and revised annually according with the observed epidemiological changes. Here we describe results of the WNV integrated veterinary and human surveillance systems in Italy from 2008 to 2015. A real time data exchange protocol is in place between the surveillance systems to rapidly identify occurrence of human and animal cases and to define and update the map of affected areas i.e. provinces during the vector activity period from June to October. WNV continues to cause severe illnesses in Italy during every transmission season, albeit cases are sporadic and the epidemiology varies by virus lineage and geographic area. The integration of surveillance activities and a multidisciplinary approach made it possible and have been fundamental in supporting implementation of and/or strengthening preventive measures aimed at reducing the risk of transmission of WNV trough blood, tissues and organ donation and to implementing further measures for vector control

A Survey of Added Vitamins and Trace Minerals in Diets Utilized in the U.S. Swine Industry

From November 2021 to February 2022, 37 swine nutritionists representing 29 production systems and 8 nutrition supplier companies in the United States were surveyed about added vitamins and trace mineral concentrations in swine diets. Respondents were asked to provide vitamin and trace mineral inclusion rates, weight ranges associated with each dietary phase, and number of sows utilizing their nutritional recommendations. Survey participants represented 4.38 million sows, or 72% of the U.S. industry. Data were compiled into 3 nursery phases (weaning to 15 lb; 15 to 25 lb; and 25 to 50 lb), 3 finishing phases (50 to 120; 120 to 220; and 220 lb to market), gilt development, gestation, lactation, and boar diets. Within each dietary phase, the vitamins and trace minerals of interest included: vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, biotin, folic acid, vitamin B12, choline, vitamin C, carnitine, copper, iodine, iron, manganese, selenium, zinc, cobalt, and chromium. Descriptive statistics used included: average, weighted average (determined by the total number of sows), median, minimum, maximum, 25th percentile (lowest quartile), and 75th percentile (highest quartile). In addition, all average vitamin and trace mineral concentrations within each phase of production were compared to the requirement estimates reported in the NRC. The results of this survey follow similar trends observed in a previous survey in 2016. Nutritionists generally supplemented vitamins and trace minerals well above the NRC (2012) requirements. However, greater variation among respondents was observed in all vitamins and trace minerals, particularly in the fat soluble vitamins. Also, the use of alternative sources of vitamin D (25-OH-D3), E (natural, d-alpha-tocopherol), and organic or chelated minerals like copper, manganese, selenium, and zinc is becoming more frequent. In addition, comparisons to the most recent NRC (2012) requirement estimates highlight the necessity of future research to better understand vitamin and trace mineral requirements in swine diets

Effects of Increasing Levels of Soybean Meal in Nursery Diets on Growth Performance and Fecal Characteristics of 22- to 60-lb Pigs

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of increasing soybean meal (SBM) on late nursery pig performance. In Exp. 1, a total of 266 pigs (241 × 600 DNA; initially 22.2 ± 0.37 lb) were used in a 21-d trial with 14 replicate pens per treatment and 4 to 5 pigs per pen. Pens of pigs were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 dietary treatments which were corn-based with SBM levels of 25.0, 28.9, 32.5, or 36.2%. In Exp. 2, a total of 340 pigs (241 × 600 DNA; initially 29.8 ± 0.40 lb) were used in a 21-d trial with 14 replicate pens per treatment and 4 to 5 pigs per pen. Pens of pigs were randomly assigned to 1 of 5 dietary treatments which were corn-based with SBM levels of 25.0, 28.9, 32.5, or 36.2, or 40.0%. In both experiments, at weaning, pigs were distributed into pens based on body weight, gender, sow parity, and age. Before the start of the experimental period, pigs were fed a phase 1 followed by a phase 2 control diet. After 21 and 26 d for Exp. 1 and 2, respectively, pens of pigs were randomly allotted to treatments in a randomized complete block design with BW as the blocking factor. An addition of SBM replaced feed-grade amino acids (AAs) to form experimental diets and all diets were formulated to be nearly isocaloric with SBM NE considered to be 100% of corn NE. Dietary additions of feed-grade AA were adjusted to meet or exceed AA requirements in relation to Lys for Ile, Met, Cys, Thr, Trp, and Val. Diets were fed in meal form. In Exp. 1, increasing SBM from 25.0 to 36.2%, decreased ADG (linear, P = 0.012), ADFI (linear, P \u3c 0.001), and final BW (linear, P = 0.021) with the greatest change occurring when SBM increased from 28.9 to 32.5%. No evidence for difference was observed for F/G (P = 0.729). In Exp. 2, starting with a heavier initial weight, increasing SBM from 25.0 to 40.0%, decreased ADFI (linear, P = 0.017) with the greatest change occurring when SBM increased from 32.5 to 36.2%. However, no evidence for difference (P ≥ 0.198) was observed for ADG, final BW, and F/G. This study showed that when pigs were fed high levels of SBM starting from 22 lb in the nursery period, pig performance was negatively affected. However, delaying the use of elevated SBM levels until pigs reach 30 lb resulted in reduced feed intake without impacting growth or feed efficiency. Thus, feeding up to 28.9% SBM for nursery pigs starting at 22 lb does not compromise performance, and starting pigs on higher SBM diets when pigs are closer to 30 lb did not affect ADG or F/G

Effects of Increasing Soybean Meal Levels on Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Pigs in Grower and Late-Finishing Phases

Four experiments were conducted to determine the effects of increasing soybean meal (SBM) on grower and late-finishing pig performance. In Exp. 1, a total of 615 pigs (initially 95.2 ± 1.51 lb) were used in a 28-d trial with 14 replicate pens per treatment and 8 to 10 pigs per pen. Pens of pigs were randomly assigned to 1 of 5 dietary treatments which were corn-based with soybean meal levels of 19.1, 22.6, 26.3, 29.9, or 33.5%. In Exp. 2, a total of 615 pigs (initially 225.5 ± 3.42 lb) were used in a 30-d trial with 14 replicate pens per treatment and 8 to 10 pigs per pen. Pens of pigs were randomly assigned to 1 of 5 dietary treatments which were corn-based with soybean meal levels of 11.2, 14.2, 17.2, 20.2, or 23.2%. In both experiments, treatments were assigned in a completely randomized design and soybean meal inclusion was increased, replacing feed grade amino acids to form the treatments. For Exp. 1, increasing SBM increased (linear, P = 0.038) ADG and improved (P \u3c 0.001) feed efficiency, with the greatest change from increasing SBM from 19.1 to 22.6%. For late-finishing pigs (Exp. 2), no differences (P \u3e 0.10) were observed for any growth performance or carcass criteria. Experiments conducted in a second series were conducted with the same basic procedures as Exp. 1 and 2, but all diets contained DDGS, and were conducted in a commercial facility. In Exp. 3, a total of 1,080 pigs (initially 86.1 ± 1.72 lb) were used in a 28-d trial with 10 replicate pens per treatment and 27 pigs per pen. Pens of pigs were assigned to 1 of 4 dietary treatments which were corn-20% DDGS-based and soybean meal was added at 18.2, 23.5, 28.9, or 34.3%. For Exp. 4, a total of 1,080 pigs (initially 225.2 ± 2.50 lb) were used in a 33-d trial with 10 replicate pens per treatment and 27 pigs per pen. Pens of pigs were assigned to 1 of 4 dietary treatments which were corn-10% DDGS-based with soybean meal levels of 9.5, 13.5, 17.5, or 21.5%. When DDGS was included in the diet, no differences (P \u3e 0.10) were observed for any growth performance criteria for early- or late-finishing pigs. In conclusion, increasing levels of SBM (up to 33.5% of the diet) in grower pig diets linearly improved ADG and feed efficiency in corn-soybean meal-based diets. However, when DDGS was included in the diet, pig performance was not affected when SBM ranged from 18.2 to 34.3%. For late-finishing pig diets, increasing the SBM from approximately 10 to 23% in diets with or without DDGS did not result in any changes in growth and carcass parameters. These results suggest that high levels of SBM in the diet (no feed-grade amino acids) are well tolerated and do not negatively affect pig growth