The influence of zinc-methionine bioplex supplementation to pregnant and lactating sheep on selected wool parameters

The most important nutrients affecting wool production include sulfur amino acids, such as methionine, and minerals, such as zinc, and their deficiency may cause wool production decrease. The aim of this study was to evaluate an effect of zinc and methionine chelate addition on the qualitative characteristics of Merino ewes wool and zinc content in wool fibers and on their surface. Histological evaluation of fibers was also performed. The study included 22 Polish Merino ewes divided into two groups: control and experimental (0.4&thinsp;g chelates daily per head). The experiment lasted for 4 months (3.5 months of pregnancy and 2 weeks of early lactation). The length, thickness and breaking force of wool fibers were higher in the experimental group compared to the control group. Higher content of zinc in wool of sheep from the experimental group was also demonstrated. The histological structure of fibers from both groups did not differ, as the content of zinc on their surface. It can be concluded on the basis of the obtained results that the addition of chelates favorably influenced the thickness compensation of wool fibers and amount of wool obtained from sheep during pregnancy and early lactation, as well as mechanical features of wool.</p

Wpływ zawartości zanieczyszczeń i tłuszczopotu na wyniki ciepłochronności i dielektryczność włosa na podstawie wełny z alpaki huacaya i owcy rackiej

Infl uence of the content of impurities and grease on the results of heat resistance and hair cover dielectricity on the basis of wool from Huacaya alpaca and Racka sheep. In recent years, the test method has become more and more popular by defi ning the electrical characteristics of various materials. The test is based on the difference in characteristic of the material in the electromagnetic fi eld, which is described by the level of resistance or dielectric properties of the test material. The use of phenomena related to current fl ow and resistance makes it possible to evaluate the material being tested. Determination of the material quality by this method shows differences at molecular level, which makes it more accurate than in the case of traditional methods. The study investigated the effect of impurities and grease content on the results of heat resistance and dielectricity on hair cover on the basis of wool from Huacaya alpaca and Hungarian’s Racka sheep. Studies have shown that washed wool has a better dielectric strength than greasy wool, as it has a higher resistance (P < 0.05). Wool from the Racka sheep contained more organic, organic matter and grease than alpaca wool, so the heat insulation of sheep was higher than in alpaca. Research has also shown that greasy matter together with non-organic and organic infl uences the results of electric characteristics testing, reducing wool resistance of the tested species. Wool wash affected the level of heat resistance of sheep wool and alpaca wool (P < 0.05). To conclude, washed wool is a better dielectric, which has a more positive effect on the skin coatings of people wearing clothes. However, wool washing causes a decrease in the thermal insulation of the wool

Electrical Characteristics Based on Resistance and Impedance of Polish Olkuska Sheep Lambs Wool

The aim of the study was to determine the electrical characteristics of wool derived from Polish Olkuska breed lambs. The comparison involved the features of wool both in its natural state and washed. The lambs were bathed on the 1st and 14th days of life. Electrical features were determined on the basis of impedance (Ω) and resistance (Ω) for wool samples from 16 lambs from twin litters. The wool samples were collected from the lambs on the 14th and 35th days of life. The results of blood morphology (RBC, WBC, HGB, HCT, PLT, MCV, MCH, MCHC) were used in order to evaluate the health status of both lambs subjected to bathing and control ones. The level of resistance and impedance at low frequencies in both cases demonstrated the step changes from 0 Ω to over 100 MΩ. This shows that wool has the features of a dielectric (insulator) in the frequency range from 10 Hz to 64 kHz. At a frequency of > 64 kHz, there was a linear trend of decline in the value from about 30 kΩ to the lowest values of resistance and impedance at a frequency of 1 MHz, and these values amounted to > 7.3 kΩ and > 4 kΩ, respectively. The effect of lamb bathing on the electrical properties of wool was demonstrated. These treatments resulted in an increase in resistance of wool from 35-day-old lambs bathed on the 14th day of life compared to the control group (maximum differences at the level of 40–50%). In turn, wool of lambs bathed on the 1st day of life had lower resistance than wool from lambs in the control group, on average 10–20% lower. No significant correlations were demonstrated between bathing treatment and lamb health status, except for higher levels of leukocytes in the 14-day-old lambs subject to bathing on the 1st day of life compared to the control, which amounted to 8.76 x 109/L, and 6.38 x 109/L (P ≤ 0.05), respectively

HIV health care providers are ready to introduce pre-exposure prophylaxis in Central and Eastern Europe and neighbouring countries: data from the Euroguidelines in Central and Eastern Europe (ECEE) Network Group

WOS: 000443397400006PubMed ID: 29989332ObjectivesPre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV infection has been introduced in only a few European countries. We investigated the potential to provide PrEP in the Central and Eastern European region, and in neighbouring countries. MethodsThe Euroguidelines in Central and Eastern Europe (ECEE) Network Group was formed in February 2016 to review standards of care for HIV infection in the region. Information related to PrEP was collected through on-line surveys. Respondents were recruited by ECEE members based on their involvement in HIV care. ResultsSeventy-six respondents from 23 countries participated in the survey. Twenty-six (34.2%) respondents reported that PrEP [tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)/emtricitabine (FTC)] was registered by the drug registration authority in their country. Fifty-three (70.7%) respondents reported being aware of informal' PrEP use in their country. If they had access to PrEP, 56 (74.7%) would advise its use in their practice. Forty-five (59.2%) respondents had concerns regarding PrEP use, and 10 (13.3%) expressed the need for more training. Most of the respondents (88.2%) would provide PrEP to people with high-risk behaviours. ConclusionsPrEP is already used informally in some countries in the region. Physicians are keen to use PrEP if and when it is accessible. Obstacles towards implementing PrEP in those countries were mostly related to lack of national guidelines, drug registration and governmental strategy