Evaluation of oregano (Origanum vulgare) essential oil supplementation on growth performance, digestive enzymes, intestinal histomorphology and gut microbiota of Black Sea salmon, Salmo labrax

This study aimed to determine the effect of dietary oregano (Origanum vulgare) essential oil (EO) on the growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, intestinal histomorphology, and intestinal microbiota of the Black Sea salmon juvenile (Salmo labrax). Fish were fed diets different levels of oregano EO such as 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg kg-1. For this purpose, a total of 675 fish were distributed randomly in triplicate into 5 experiment groups in 15 experiment tanks. Fish with average initial weights of 3.52±0.01 g were fed by hand at 3% of live weight for 90 days. At the end of the study, feeding with oregano EO supplementation did not significantly affect the growth performance of fish. Except for pepsin, there were no significant differences in the activity of digestive enzymes among the control and oregano EO groups. Besides, oregano EO at the doses of 50 or 400 mg kg-1 may have the potential to increase the surface area required for digestion by increasing intestinal villi length. Moreover, all doses of oregano EO showed antimicrobial properties by decreasing the count of lactic acid bacteria in the intestine. Supplementation with 100 and 200 mg kg-1 oregano EO in diets decreased the total coliform, Escherichia coli and lactic acid bacteria counts when compared to the control group. The results showed that oregano EO may positively affect digestion and absorption without adverse effects on the growth performance of Black Sea salmon juvenile. © 2022 Osman Tolga Özel et al., published by Sciendo

Influence of laurel (Laurus nobilis) essential oil on gut function of Black Sea salmon (Salmo labrax) juveniles

The present work investigated the efects of dietary incorporation of laurel (Laurus nobilis) essential oil on the zootechnical performance and digestive physiology of juvenile Black Sea salmon (Salmo labrax). In this trial, 15 fberglass tanks (39×39 cm square and 33 cm high) were used. Forty-fve fsh (3.52±0.01 g) were placed randomly per tank. Fish were fed for 90 days with the diet containing 50, 100, 200, or 400 mg kg−1 laurel (Laurus nobilis) essential oils, respectively. The work was performed in the recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) operating with freshwater. Fish were manually fed 3% level of live weight during the experiment period. Final weight (FW), weight gain (WG), feed conversion rate (FCR), and specifc growth rate (SGR) were not afected by laurel essential oil supplementation. Dietary laurel essential oil (50 mg kg−1) afected positively the surface area of fsh intestinal villus that required for digestion. Both villus height and villus width were afected positively in fsh fed with 50 mg laurel essential oil kg−1. While incorporation with 100 mg laurel essential oil kg−1 increased the total α-amylase enzyme, 50 mg laurel kg−1 increased lipase enzyme. Moreover, 50 mg laurel essential oil kg−1 increased lactic acid bacteria (LAB) count in fsh. Besides, 50 mg laurel essential oil kg−1 reduced the number of total coliform and E. coli

The Rheology of the Carotid Sinus: A Path Toward Bioinspired Intervention

The association between blood viscosity and pathological conditions involving a number of organ systems is well known. However, how the body measures and maintains appropriate blood viscosity is not well-described. The literature endorsing the function of the carotid sinus as a site of baroreception can be traced back to some of the earliest descriptions of digital pressure on the neck producing a drop in blood delivery to the brain. For the last 30 years, improved computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations of blood flow within the carotid sinus have demonstrated a more nuanced understanding of the changes in the region as it relates to changes in conventional metrics of cardiovascular function, including blood pressure. We suggest that the unique flow patterns within the carotid sinus may make it an ideal site to transduce flow data that can, in turn, enable real-time measurement of blood viscosity. The recent characterization of the PIEZO receptor family in the sinus vessel wall may provide a biological basis for this characterization. When coupled with other biomarkers of cardiovascular performance and descriptions of the blood rheology unique to the sinus region, this represents a novel venue for bioinspired design that may enable end-users to manipulate and optimize blood flow

Experiences with surgical treatment of ventricle septal defect as a post infarction complication

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Complications of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with mechanical defects are associated with poor prognosis. Surgical intervention is indicated for a majority of these patients. The goal of surgical intervention is to improve the systolic cardiac function and to achieve a hemodynamic stability. In this present study we reviewed the outcome of patients with post infarction ventricular septal defect (PVSD) who underwent cardiac surgery.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We analysed retrospectively the hospital records of 41 patients, whose ages range from 48 to 81, and underwent a surgical treatment between 1990 and 2005 because of PVSD.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>In 22 patients concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting (CAGB) was performed. In 15 patients a residual shunt was found, this required re-op in seven of them. The time interval from infarct to rupture was 8.7 days and from rupture to surgery was 23.1 days. Hospital mortality in PVSD group was 32%. The mortality of urgent repair within 3 days of intractable cardiogenic shock was 100%. The mortality of patients with an anterior VSD and a posterior VSD was 29.6% vs 42.8%, respectively. All patients who underwent the surgical repair later than day 36 survived.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Surgical intervention is indicated for a majority of patients with mechanical complications. Cardiogenic shock remains the most important factor that affects the early results. The surgical repair of PVSD should be performed 4–5 weeks after AMI. To improve surgical outcome and hemodynamics the choice of surgical technique and surgical timing as well as preoperative management should be tailored for each patient individually.</p

Is there a spatial match between roadkill and mitigation measures identified by functional connectivity modeling?

Linear transportation infrastructure affects the ability of wildlife species to live and move through anthropized landscapes. Mitigation measures are thus needed to maintain population viability. Several methods have been employed to determine optimal locations for these measures, including connectivity modeling, which targets areas with the strongest connectivity and/or potential connectivity gains. However, these results are seldom compared to biological data, such as roadkill. The objective of our study is to: i) to gain a deeper understanding of the relationships between roadkill and connectivity, ii) to spatially identify road sections with a high risk of roadkill and, iii) to compare high-risk roadkill areas with the locations identified for potential mitigation measures. We performed a generalized linear model to explain occurrence and abundance of roadkill and predict high-risk roadkill areas. The mitigation measures corresponded to either i) existing crossing structures that could be enhanced to facilitate wildlife passage, selected from the initial connectivity or ii) new wildlife crossings designed to reconnect habitats identified through connectivity gains.Our results indicate that connectivity significantly influences the occurrence and abundance of roadkill. However, the high-risk roadkill areas only partially align with the locations designated for mitigation measures. Since some roadkill occurs outside of high-connectivity areas, factors other than connectivity must also be taken into consideration. This study offers valuable insights and underscores the complexity of the relationships between connectivity, roadkill, and mitigation efforts. Furthermore, by integrating spatial modeling, mitigation strategies, and roadkill data, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of corridor restoration areas and their importance in species conservation

Coupling spatial modeling with expert opinion approaches to restore multispecies connectivity of major transportation infrastructure

International audienceIt is widely recognized that major transportation infrastructures such as highways degrade habitats, increase the risk of collision mortality, and cause alterations in landscape connectivity by reducing connections between habitats due to the barrier effect. Wildlife crossings (underpasses and overpasses) have therefore become standard practice to reduce these effects on wildlife. Most studies aim to identify relevant locations for the creation of new wildlife crossings, but it is very rare for results based on modeling tools or animal movement records, for example, to be confronted with expert opinion and knowledge. Our paper provides a methodological framework combining modeling tools and field expertise from a multi-scale perspective. We used complementary connectivity metrics from graph theory to accurately quantify and spatialize the most relevant areas to improve habitat connectivity with multispecies conservation goals. The connectivity analysis was coupled with field expertise to take into account the local context, and technical and land feasibility. We prioritized existing road structures for improvement, found the best locations for new wildlife crossings, and made specific, costed technical recommendations. We empirically tested this approach on a large highway network in Northern France. This allowed us to define work principles to improve 109 existing road structures and to create underpasses or overpasses on 15 road sections. This innovative study for operational purposes has been a useful tool to assist the decision-making process of land-use planners who wish to improve wildlife crossings on major transportation infrastructures

Surgical Management of Liver Hydatid Cyst Related Non-traumatic Emergencies: Single Center Experience

Background: Vast majority of complaints and physical examination findings of hydatid disease are common in emergency room patients. Different emergency presentations of hydatid cyst disease and their treatment are evaluated. We studied preoperative laboratory findings of these patients to identify any parameters to predict hydatid cyst-biliary system communication. Methods: We reviewed the files of patients who underwent emergency surgery due to liver hydatid cysts and related conditions between March 2010 and March 2014 in Ankara Numune Research and Training Hospital, Turkey, retrospectively. Patients were grouped, regarding to the presence of biliary system involvement. Results: Twelve patients (9 males, 3 females) were included. We identified two groups. Biliary system involved group (n=9) had significantly higher pre-operative gamma glutamine transferase and alkaline phosphatase levels (P=0.036). No significant difference was noted regarding other pre-operative laboratory findings. Mortality rate was 17%. Conclusion: Medical literature lacks sufficient information about hydatid disease related non-traumatic emergency surgeries. Preoperative elevated gamma glutamyl transferase and alkaline phosphatase levels may be questioned as a warning about cyst-biliary communication in hydatid cyst patients with abdominal pain in the emergency room. Future studies with larger sample sizes are needed. In addition, prolongation of the time before diagnosis in these patients may result in life threatening complications

Améliorer la transparence écologique des grandes infrastructures de transport. Le cas du réseau autoroutier du groupe Sanef

International audienceMajor transport infrastructures affect landscape connectivity and lead to implement mitigation measures such as wildlife crossings. We propose in this study a methodological framework applied to a large highway network in the North of France that allows to identify i) existing road structures to be improved as a priority through an ecological functionality index, and ii) favorable locations to create new wildlife crossing regarding habitat connectivity gains. We implemented a multispecies approach using 9 characteristic species included in the French list for national consistency of the green and blue corridor, defined by the French National Museum of Natural History, and grouped from their habitat preferences. The originality of this study lies in the identification of existing road structures to be improved and new wildlife crossings to be created to improve ecological continuity, but above all by the combining of a modeling approach and operational expertise to specify technical details. This innovative study for operational purposes was a useful tool to support decision-making of land-use planning stakeholders which want to improve the crossing of transport infrastructure by wildlife.Les grandes infrastructures de transport affectent les réseaux écologiques et nécessitent la mise en place de mesures d’atténuation tels que les passages à faune. Nous proposons dans cet article un cadre méthodologique, appliqué à un vaste réseau autoroutier dans le Nord de la France, qui permet d’identifier i) les ouvrages existants à améliorer en priorité à travers un indicateur de fonctionnalités écologiques permettant d’identifier les zones les plus stratégiques en termes de connectivité où une amélioration des fonctionnalités des ouvrages serait le plus profitable pour la faune, et ii) les emplacements favorables pour créer de nouveaux ouvrages au regard des gains générés sur la connectivité des habitats. Une analyse multi-espèces a été mise en œuvre à partir de 9 espèces caractéristiques de la Trame verte et bleue réparties en 3 groupes liées aux préférences d’habitats. L'originalité de notre approche réside en l’identification des ouvrages existants à améliorer et des nouveaux ouvrages à créer pour favoriser les continuités écologiques, mais surtout par le couplage d’une approche de modélisation et d’une expertise opérationnelle tenant compte du contexte local pour préciser les détails techniques. Cette étude innovante à visée opérationnelle a été une véritable aide à la décision pour le maitre d'ouvrage et les services de l'État, soucieux d'améliorer le franchissement des infrastructures de transport par la faune

Evaluation of growth performance and intestine villi morphology of black sea trout (Salmo labrax Pallas, 1814) fed with different protein levels containing diets

WOS: 000446445000004This study was conducted to determine changes in the growth performance and distal intestine villi morphology of juvenile Black Sea trout (Salmo labrax) fed diets with three different protein levels (40%, 45% and 50%). It was carried out in two separate sections; freshwater (RAS) and seawater. Juvenile Black Sea trout, having average initial weights of 3.44g (freshwater) and 17.70g (seawater), were fed for 90 days. WG, SGR, FCR and survival weren't affected by dietary treatment. However distal intestine villi length (VL), width (VW) and length to width ratio (VL/VW) were affected by dietary treatments. Villi length, width and length to width ratio in the fish fed with diet containing 50% protein in freshwater were found to be higher than those fed with other diets. Villi length in the fish fed with diet containing 50% protein in seawater was higher than those fed with other diets. Results showed that feeding with diets contained different protein levels did not effect on growth performance of Juvenile Black Sea trout, but affected on distal intestine villi morphology.project "Determination of nutrition requirements of Black Sea trout (Salmo labrax Pallas, 1814)"We would like to thank the support given by the researchers in the project "Determination of nutrition requirements of Black Sea trout (Salmo labrax Pallas, 1814)