Use of milk electrical conductivity for the differentiation of mastitis causing pathogens in Holstein cows

Mastitis is one of the most prevalent and costly diseases in dairy cattle. Key components for adequate mastitis control are the detection of early stages of infection, as well as the selection of appropriate management interventions and therapies based on the causal pathogens associated with the infection. The objective was to characterize the pattern of electrical conductivity (EC) in milk during intramammary infection, considering specific mastitis-causing pathogen groups involvement. Cows (n = 200) identified by an in-line mastitis detection system with a positive deviation ≥15% in the manufacturer’s proprietary algorithm for EC (high electrical conductivity (HEC)) were considered cases and enrolled in the study at the subsequent milking. One control (CON) cow, within normal ranges for EC, was matched to each case. A composite milk sample was collected aseptically from each cow for bacteriological culture. Milk yield (MY) and EC were recorded for each milking during ±7 days relative to enrollment. Milk cultures were categorized into gram positive (GP), gram negative (GN), other (OTH) and no growth (NOG). Data were submitted for repeated-measures analysis with EC as the dependent variable and EC status at day −1, bacteriological culture category, parity number, stage of lactation and days relative to sampling as main independent variables. Average (± standard error (SE)) EC was greater in HEC than in CON cows (12.5 ± 0.5 v. 10.8 ± 0.5 mS/cm) on the day of identification (day −1). Milk yield on day −1 was greater in CON than in HEC (37.6 ± 5.1 v. 33.5 ± 5.2 kg). For practical management purposes, average EC on day −1 was similar for the different bacteriological culture categories: 11.4 ± 0.6, 11.7 ± 0.5, 12.3 ± 0.8 and 11.7 ± 0.5 mS/cm in GN, GP, OTH and NOG, respectively. Parity number was only associated with day −1 EC in HEC group, with the greatest EC values in parity 3 (12.3 ± 0.3 mS/cm), followed by parity 2 (11.9 ± 0.2 mS/cm), parity >3 (11.6 ± 0.5 mS/cm) and primiparous cows (11.2 ± 0.2 mS/cm). An effect on EC for the interaction of day relative to identification by pathogen gram category was observed. The same interaction effect was observed on daily MY. Overall, the level of variation for MY and EC between- and within-cows was substantial, and as indicated by the model diagnostic procedures, the magnitude of the variance in the cows in the CON group resulted in deviations from normality in the residuals. We concluded that characteristic temporal patterns in EC and MY in particular pathogen groups may provide indications for differentiation of groups of mastitis-causing pathogens. Further research to build detection models including EC, MY and cow-level factors is required for accurate differentiation.     

Pre-weaning management of calves on commercial dairy farms and its influence on calf welfare and mortality

Welfare and management of calves is of increasing interest and also influences performance of these animals in later life. The aim of this study was to assess management and environmental conditions under which pre-weaned dairy calves are reared on commercial Irish dairy farms. We included 47 spring-calving, pasture-based herds in this study. Herd and animal-specific data, such as mortality rate, age and breed, were gathered from all participants via the HerdPlus® database. Information pertaining to management practices was collected by conducting an interview with the principal calf rearer, while an assessment of calf housing facilities was conducted to identify conditions calves were reared in. The environmental assessment included measurements of space allowance per calf, as well as feeding equipment hygiene. To assess calf behaviour video observations were used, while accounting for the number of calves present in a group and the space available per calf. Faecal samples were also collected to determine the presence of enteric pathogens among calves. To compare calf space allowance, group size and presence of enteric pathogens early and late in the calving season each farm was visited twice. Calf mortality was not associated with either herd size, space allowance per calf or post-colostrum feeding practices. Higher calf mortality was identified among herds which reported experiencing an on-set of calf pneumonia during weeks 8 to 10 of the calving season. This study demonstrates that factors associated with calf welfare on commercial Irish dairy farms (e.g. space allowance, mortality rate) are independent of herd size. Some management practices however, such as methods used for treating health issues can affect rates of calf mortality experienced. Calf mortality, for example, was lower in herds which treated diarrhoea cases by administering electrolytes, while continuing to offer milk. Behavioural observations indicate that smaller group sizes could promote expression of positive behaviours, potentially resulting from an overall improvement in welfare. Space allowance per calf was not associated with observed behaviour frequencies. We also identified that similar rates of calf mortality are experienced across herds of different sizes.     

The results of a close follow-up of trainees to gain a good blood collection practice

BackgroundPhlebotomy is one of the most important steps in the preanalytical phase of a clinical laboratory process. In order to decrease phlebotomy errors, this specific procedure should be taught in detail by laboratory organizations. Our study aims to practice the training program on venous blood sampling and observe the close follow-up results.MethodsIn this observational study, 127 students who started their summer internship in Antalya Education and Research Hospital were given a one-day theoretical phlebotomy training in accordance with the Venous Blood Sampling Guidelines. After the theoretical training, phlebotomy applications of 10 students who were working in the field of out-patient blood sampling were observed both with and without their knowledge. A comprehensive checklist related to phlebotomy was created by the trainers in Antalya Education and Research Hospital and the observers answered each question as yes or no. For the statistical analysis, IBM SPSS Statistics 21.0 was used.ResultsAfter the theoretical education, the trainees were observed but no significant difference was found between the first and the second informed observations (p = 0.125). The students were observed three times more in the following week without their knowledge. There was a statistically significant difference between the first and the third unannounced observations (p=0.001).ConclusionsIn order to perform phlebotomy correctly, apart from theoretical education, a close follow-up is necessary too.     

Prospects for incorporation of epigenetic biomarkers in human health and environmental risk assessment of chemicals

Epigenetic mechanisms have gained relevance in human health and environmental studies, due to their pivotal role in disease, gene × environment interactions and adaptation to environmental change and/or contamination. Epigenetic mechanisms are highly responsive to external stimuli and a wide range of chemicals has been shown to determine specific epigenetic patterns in several organisms. Furthermore, the mitotic/meiotic inheritance of such epigenetic marks as well as the resulting changes in gene expression and cell/organismal phenotypes has now been demonstrated. Therefore, epigenetic signatures are interesting candidates for linking environmental exposures to disease as well as informing on past exposures to stressors. Accordingly, epigenetic biomarkers could be useful tools in both prospective and retrospective risk assessment but epigenetic endpoints are currently not yet incorporated into risk assessments. Achieving a better understanding on this apparent impasse, as well as identifying routes to promote the application of epigenetic biomarkers within environmental risk assessment frameworks are the objectives of this review. We first compile evidence from human health studies supporting the use of epigenetic exposure‐associated changes as reliable biomarkers of exposure. Then, specifically focusing on environmental science, we examine the potential and challenges of developing epigenetic biomarkers for environmental fields, and discuss useful organisms and appropriate sequencing techniques to foster their development in this context. Finally, we discuss the practical incorporation of epigenetic biomarkers in the environmental risk assessment of chemicals, highlighting critical data gaps and making key recommendations for future research within a regulatory context.     

Could 2021–2030 be the decade to couple new human values with ecological restoration? Valuable insights and actions are emerging from the Colombian Amazon

Looking ahead to the United Nations' 2021–2030 Decade of Ecosystem Restoration, we would like to ponder and discuss two fundamental goals to improve, mainstream, and scale up ecological restoration. The first is to cultivate alternative visions of the human dimension in relation to ecological restoration and other restorative activities. The second is to develop shared protocols for planning, revamping, and monitoring the progress of social goals related to ecological restoration within the social construction theoretical framework, based on three interrelated dimensions: stakeholder‐based problem definition, social representations, and legitimation. We draw on ongoing work in Caquetá (Colombian Amazonia) to consider how these dimensions may be incorporated into tangible restoration practices. Caquetá is facing the highest deforestation rates in the Amazonian region due to a highly volatile sociopolitical context and recent armed conflicts that have claimed thousands of victims to date. We conclude that the work in Caquetá demonstrates a process of social construction that effectively couples new human values with ecological restoration. Our work also provides evidence that the human dimension of restoration is a central issue in the restoration of human, social, and ecosystem health and must be integrated into the framework of the coming Decade of Ecosystem Restoration.     

What is the value of wild animal welfare for restoration ecology?

The restoration community continues to discuss what constitutes good environmental stewardship. One area of tension is the extent to which the well‐being of wild animals should inform restoration efforts. We discuss three ways that the perspective of wild animal welfare can augment restoration ecology: strengthening people's relationship with nature, reinforcing biotic integrity, and reducing mechanistic uncertainty. The animal welfare movement elevates sentient animals as stakeholders and explores how environmental context directly impacts the well‐being of individuals. Viewing wild animals through this lens may encourage people to think and act with empathy and altruism. Second, we incorporate animal welfare into the concept of biotic integrity for ecological and ethical reasons. Restoring ecosystem processes may enhance animal welfare, and vice versa. Alternatively, there may be a trade‐off between these factors, requiring local decision‐makers to prioritize between restoring ecosystem function and promoting individuals' well‐being. We conclude by discussing how welfare can impact population recovery, thereby adding insights about mechanisms underpinning restoration objectives. Ultimately, restoration ecologists and proponents of wild animal welfare could enjoy a productive union.     

Source apportionment and health risk quantification for heavy metal sources in soils near aluminum-plastic manufacturing facilities in northeast China

Abstract

Identifying the source effect on heavy metals to human health risk is essential for devising and implementing restoration policies for polluted soils. For this purpose, eight heavy metals (As, Cd, Hg, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in soil profile samples (0–10, 10–20, 20–30, and 30–40?cm) collected in the area around aluminum-plastic manufacturing facilities (APMF) were determined. An absolute principal component score multiple linear regression (APCS-MLR) model supported by a health risk assessment (HRA) model was developed to determine the source apportionment of soil heavy metals and contribution rate of pollution sources to human health risk. Results showed significant accumulations of eight metals in the topsoil (0–20?cm), parent material, transportation, APMF, and agricultural practices were the four major contributing sources for heavy metals in soils, with average contribution percentages of 21.69%, 24.99%, 29.60%, and 14.25%, respectively. Carcinogenic risk factors for adults (1.23E-04) and children (1.32E-04) were found to be above the acceptable level (1E-06 to 1E-04). The health risk quantification results indicated that parent material, APMF, transportation, agricultural practices, and unidentified factors accounted for 55.76%, 14.48%, 12.09%, 10.13%, and 7.54% of the carcinogenic risk for children and adults. The adverse impacts of Cd, Zn, and Pb accumulations in soil coming from APMF activities were significant and need to receive more attention.     

Modeling of exposure to mercury in different environmental media over a 30-year period: A case study of Shimen reservoir,northern Taiwan

Abstract

Mercury is affected by the movement mechanisms in the environmental media and is normally present in dry and wet depositions and surface and water vapor, among other things. The rapid growth of mercury-related industries in the past two decades reflects the result of its increased use in water sources such as in the Shimen reservoir, northern Taiwan. Consequently, residents living nearby are exposed to mercury almost every day. In light of the effects of continued exposure to the deleterious properties of mercury, this study provides modeling results of the atmosphere, soil, and freshwater over a 30-year period (2016–2046). The associated influences in the media and mercury contamination during this period will be determined via sensitivity analysis. Finally, the results of this study facilitate the assessment of potential health hazards associated with mercury inhalation and the ingestion of MeHg-contaminated fish. The mean daily dose (mg/kg) and hazard quotient (HQ) in the children and adult were 3.52E-13 (HQ = 4.10E-09) and 1.19E-13 (HQ = 1.39E-09) for Hg inhalation and 6.38E-05 (HQ = 6.38E-01) and 4.47E-05 (HQ = 4.47E-01) for ingestion of MeHg+-contaminated fish.     

Metals and arsenic in marine fish commercialized in the NE Brazil: Risk to human health

Abstract

Arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury in fish is the result of long-term biomagnification in the food chain and is of public concern, due to the toxicity they engender. The objective of this research was to determine the concentrations of arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury in 13 species of marine fish broadly commercialized in Aracaju, SE, Brazil and to evaluate the risks of fish consumption associated with these trace elements, using the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ). As, Cd, and Pb levels were measured with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and mercury was analyzed via cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry. The results indicate a large variability in concentrations for arsenic (0.07–2.03?mg kg^–1) and mercury (0.01–1.44?mg kg^–1), associated with the animal dietary category. Cadmium (0.04–0.19?mg kg^–1) and lead (<0.01–0.45?mg kg^–1), on the other hand showed a mild variability. None of the evaluated specimens had As, Cd, and Pb THQ values higher than 1. The THQ values for mercury were higher but indicated no consumption risk, except for amberjack, and snook fish. Overall THQ indicates lower risk of consumption in fish that are at the base of the food chain, than in those that are top predators.