Accuracy of laying hens in jumping upwards and downwards between perches in different light environments

Eighty Lohmann Brown layer hens were reared in floor pens fitted with perches from 1 day of age. After the peak of lay (25 weeks of age), their ability to jump to and from perches in different light environments was assessed in two experiments using digital video techniques that allowed detailed measurements of take-off, flight and landing behaviours.In Experiment 1, birds jumped up or down (angles of 10 and 18°) between two horizontal perches that were separated by a gap of 60 cm under different lighting conditions (5, 10 or 20 lux; incandescent or high- or low-frequency fluorescent). In Experiment 2, the horizontal distance was increased to 80 cm and contrast between perch and background was varied. Fifty-two hens (65%) achieved the training criterion for Experiment 1: jumping a 60 cm gap five times of which three in a row. Thirty-two of these hens (62%) subsequently failed to achieve the 80 cm jump criterion for Experiment 2.In Experiment 1, birds took off sooner (P<0.001), turned their heads further downward relative to the landing perch (P<0.001), beat their wings more often during flight (P<0.001), and took longer to achieve balance (P<0.001) when jumping downward rather than upward. In Experiment 2, refusals to jump, and clumsy or missed landings, occurred more frequently on downward than upward jumps (P<0.001). These behaviours were unaffected by lighting conditions, or by the amount of contrast between the perch and its background.In conclusion, behaviours indicating inaccurate control of landing were more frequent on downward than on upward jumps (P<0.001). However, these behaviours were not affected by light intensity, light type or contrast. The results suggest that there is a difference between the two types of jumps in the risk of injury to hens housed in aviaries where perches must be used to gain access to resources.     

The influence of seat height on the mechanical function of the triceps surae muscles during steady-rate cycling

The purpose of this study was to manipulate bicycle seat height in order to perturbate muscle length, contraction velocity and excitation of soleus and medial gastrocnemius muscles. One group of female riders (n = 13) rode a stationary ergometer at 200 W and a cadence of 80 rpm. Individuals rode at a self-selected seat height, a 10% lowered and 5% raised seat position. It was hypothesized that because the two muscles would operate at decreased contraction velocities at the low seat, the integrated EMG would be less for the lowest seat position. The soleus and medial gastrocnemius muscles showed a significant decrease in integrated EMG value with decreased seat height (soleus F_2,24 = 5.4, p < 0.01, gastrocnemius F_2,24 = 51.6, p < 0.0001). The combined effect of the movement at the ankle and knee joints resulted in increased length of gastrocnemius rather than shortening at the lowered seat-height position as anticipated. This suggested that there was a greater role of knee-joint angle in determining the muscle excitation for medial gastrocnemius. The original hypothesis was accepted, confirming the importance of setting proper seat height.     

Retinopathy is a Strong Determinant of Atherosclerosis in Type 2 Diabetes: Correlation with Carotid Intima Media Thickness

ObjectiveWe investigated the correlation between the severity of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and carotid intima media thickness (IMT) as a marker of atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes.MethodsThe study group consisted of 140 normo-tensive Egyptian patients (68 males and 72 females) with type 2 diabetes and DR. Carotid IMT was evaluated using high-resolution B-mode ultrasonography. DR was assessed and graded using colored fundus photography and fundus fluorescein angiography, as either nonproliferative DR (NPDR) or proliferative DR (PDR).ResultsCarotid IMT was greater in patients with PDR compared to those with NPDR (1.094 ± 0.142 mm vs. 0.842 ± 0.134 mm; P < .001). Carotid IMT showed positive correlation with diabetes duration (P < .01), systolic blood pressure (P < .001), diastolic blood pressure (P < .01), fasting blood glucose (P < .01), postprandial blood glucose (PPBG) (P < .001), glycated hemoglobin (P < .01), total cholesterol (P < .01), triglycerides (TGs) (P < .001), and DR (P < .0001). No significant difference was found between males and females in any of the studied parameters. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the determinants of carotid IMT in the studied group were age (P < .01), PPBG (P < .01), TGs (P < .001), and DR (P < .0001).ConclusionOur study proves that both NPDR and PDR are strong determinants of carotid IMT and atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes. (Endocr Pract. 2015;21:226-230)     

Growth,intake, diet digestibility,and nitrogen use in three hair sheep breeds fed alfalfa hay

Pen feeding and metabolism trials were conducted to determine intake, diet digestibility and nitrogen (N) use in three hair sheep breeds with differing growth potential offered an alfalfa hay diet. For pen feeding, 24 6-mo-old wether lambs, equally representing the Barbados Blackbelly, Katahdin, and St. Croix breeds, were paired by breed, placed in 12 enclosed cement-floor pens (2.5 m × 3.5 m), and offered chopped alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.; 17.6% CP, 50.4% NDF, and 36.4% ADF) ad libitum. Lambs were allowed a 14-d adaptation period to pens and diets, and remained on trial for 56 d. Starting body weight (BW) was different (P < 0.05) among breeds (Barbados Blackbelly: 23.8 kg; Katahdin: 36.5 kg; St. Croix: 29.1 kg). Daily gain was not different (P < 0.10) between Katahdin (131 g/d) and St. Croix (117 g/d), but both were higher (P < 0.05) than Barbados Blackbelly (87 g/d). Daily dry matter hay intake was similar among breeds (107–109 g/kg BW^0.75), and feed to gain ratio ranged from 8.7 in St. Croix and 9.1 in Katahdin to 10.5 in Barbados Blackbelly, but was not different (P > 0.10) among breeds. Six lambs per breed were used in the metabolism trial. Total DMI was greater (P < 0.01) for Katahdin (1196 g/d) than St. Croix (907 g/d) and Barbados Blackbelly (858 g/d), but was not different (P > 0.10) adjusted for body weight (mean: 71 g/kg BW^0.75). Coefficients of apparent digestibility for DM (P < 0.06), OM (P < 0.06), N (P < 0.05), NDF (P < 0.08), and ADF (P < 0.08) were higher for Katahdin compared to Barbados Blackbelly with St. Croix intermediate. Intake of N (P < 0.01), feces N (P < 0.08), urine N (P < 0.01), absorbed N (P < 0.01), and retained N (P < 0.05) also were greater for Katahdin compared to St. Croix and Barbados Blackbelly. Blood glucose, urea-N, and creatinine were not different (P > 0.10) among breeds. Breeds differed in their growth performance in line with breed mature size, and differences were observed in N digestibility and absorption.     

Effects of scapular upward rotation exercises on alignment of scapula and clavicle and strength of scapular upward rotators in subjects with scapular downward rotation syndrome

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a 6-week scapular upward rotation exercise (SURE) on scapular and clavicular alignment and scapular upward rotators strength in subjects with scapular downward rotation syndrome (SDRS). Seventeen volunteer subjects with SDRS were recruited from university populations. The alignment of the scapula and clavicle was measured using radiographic analysis and compared in subjects before and after a 6-week self-SURE program. A hand-held dynamometer was used to measure the strength of the scapular upward rotators. The subjects were instructed how to perform the self-SURE program at home. The 6-week self-SURE program was divided into two sections (the first section with non-resistive SURE during weeks 1–3, and the second section with resistive SURE using thera-band during weeks 4–6). The significance of the difference between pre- and post-program was assessed using a paired t-test, with the level of statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Significant differences between pre- and post-program were found for scapular and clavicular alignment (p < 0.05). Additionally, the comparison between pre- and post-program measurements of the strength of the scapular upward rotators showed significant differences (p < 0.05). The results of this study showed that a 6-week self-SURE program is effective for improving scapular and clavicular alignment and increasing the strength of scapular upward rotator muscles in subjects with SDRS.     

Effects of sodium bicarbonate and yeast on nutrient intake,digestibility, and ruminal fermentation of light-weight lambs fed finishing diets

This study was conducted to determine the effects of adding yeast culture and sodium bicarbonate to the finishing diets for lambs on intake, digestibility, rumina1 parameters and nitrogen retention. Twenty Pelibuey male lambs, weighing an average of 23 kg, were assigned to one of four treatment groups according to a completely randomized design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Treatments were: (1) no additive (NA); (2) 0.12% yeast culture (YC); (3) 0.5% sodium bicarbonate (SB); and (4) 0.12% YC and 0.5% SB. During the 7-day collection period, SB increased DM intake (P < 0.05), while YC had no effect (P > 0.05) on intake. Intake of non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC) was increased (P < 0.05) with SB in the ration, but not by supplementing YC (P > 0.05). The YC had no effect (P > 0.05) on dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) or non-fibrous carbohydrates digestibility. A higher intake of NFC with the SB treatments was associated with a lower (P < 0.05) digestibility. SB increased excretion of NDF (P < 0.05), which reduced its digestibility (P < 0.05) by more than 9 percentage units. Lambs consuming diets with SB had 27% more N retained, in contrast with those fed the basal diet without additives. Rumen pH was greater than the minimum considered to cause acidosis (≤pH 5.5). The SB reduced (P < 0.05) percent molar acetate and increased (P < 0.05) percent molar propionate, which is in contrast to what has been normally observed with dairy cattle research. A lower acetate to propionate ratio with the SB rations may be a result of a lower digestibility and a higher intake of NDF, which may have increased the rate of passage of fiber particles through the gastrointestinal tract.     

Spatial reorganisation of muscle activity correlates with change in tangential force variability during isometric contractions

The aim of this study was to quantify the effects of spatial reorganisation of muscle activity on task-related and tangential components of force variability during sustained contractions. Three-dimensional forces were measured from isometric elbow flexion during submaximal contractions (50 s, 5–50% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC)) and total excursion of the centre of pressure was extracted. Spatial electromyographic (EMG) activity was recorded from the biceps brachii muscle. The centroids of the root mean square (RMS) EMG and normalised mutual information (NMI) maps were computed to assess spatial muscle activity and spatial relationship between EMG and task-related force variability, respectively. Result showed that difference between the position of the centroids at the beginning and at the end of the contraction of the RMS EMG and the NMI maps were different in the medial–lateral direction (P < 0.05), reflecting that muscle regions modulate their activity without necessarily modulating the contribution to the task-related force variability over time. Moreover, this difference between shifts of the centroids was positively correlated with the total excursion of the centre of pressure at the higher levels of contractions (>30% MVC, R² > 0.30, P < 0.05), suggesting that changes in spatial muscle activity could impact on the modulation of tangential forces. Therefore, within-muscle adaptations do not necessarily increase force variability, and this interaction can be quantified by analysing the RMS EMG and the NMI map centroids.     

Differences in proprioception,muscle force control and comfort between conventional and new-generation knee and ankle orthoses

The aim of this study was to compare muscle force control and proprioception between conventional and new-generation experimental orthoses. Sixteen healthy subjects participated in a single-blind controlled trial in which two different types of orthosis were applied to the dominant knee or ankle, while the following variables were evaluated: muscle force control (accuracy), joint position sense, kinesthesia, static balance as well as subjective outcomes. The use of experimental orthoses resulted in better force accuracy during isometric knee extensions compared to conventional orthoses (P = 0.005). Moreover, the use of experimental orthoses resulted in better force accuracy during concentric (P = 0.010) and eccentric (P = 0.014) ankle plantar flexions and better knee joint kinesthesia in the flexed position (P = 0.004) compared to conventional orthoses. Subjective comfort (P < 0.001) and preference scores were higher with experimental orthoses compared to conventional ones. In conclusion, orthosis type affected static and dynamic muscle force control, kinesthesia, and perceived comfort in healthy subjects. New-generation experimental knee and ankle orthoses may thus be recommended for prophylactic joint bracing during physical activity and to improve the compliance for orthosis use, particularly in patients who require long-term bracing.     

Impact of riding in a coercively obtained Rollkur posture on welfare and fear of performance horses

Rollkur, the usually coercively obtained hyperflexion of the horse's neck, is employed as a training method by some dressage riders; however, its use is controversial as it may cause discomfort and adversely affect the horse's welfare. The objectives of this study were to determine: (1) if horses showed differences in stress, discomfort and fear responses as measured by heart rate and behaviour when ridden in Rollkur (R) obtained by pressure on the reins compared to regular poll flexion (i.e. with the nose-line being at or just in front of the vertical; N), and (2) if they showed a preference between the two riding styles when given the choice. Fifteen riding horses were ridden 30 times through a Y-maze randomly alternating between sides. Riding through one arm of the Y-maze was always followed by a short round ridden in R, whereas riding through the other arm was followed by a short round ridden in N. Immediately after the conditioning phase, horses were again repeatedly ridden into the maze; however, riders left it to the horse to decide which arm of the maze to enter. During R, horses moved slower and showed more often behavioural signs of discomfort, such as tail-swishing, head-tossing or attempted bucks (P < 0.05), and 14 of the 15 horses chose significantly (P < 0.05) more often the maze-arm associated with N rather than R. Subsequently, eight of the horses were also subjected to two fear tests following a short ride in N as well as a ride in R. During R, horses tended to react stronger (P = 0.092) to the fear stimuli and to take longer (P = 0.087) to approach them. These findings indicate that a coercively obtained Rollkur position may be uncomfortable for horses and that it makes them more fearful and therefore potentially more dangerous to ride. Further studies need to assess horses’ reaction to gradual training of Rollkur, as opposed to a coercively obtained hyperflexion, in order to decide whether the practice should be banned.     

The effects of wrist motion and hand orientation on muscle forces: A physiologic wrist simulator study

Although the orientations of the hand and forearm vary for different wrist rehabilitation protocols, their effect on muscle forces has not been quantified. Physiologic simulators enable a biomechanical evaluation of the joint by recreating functional motions in cadaveric specimens. Control strategies used to actuate joints in physiologic simulators usually employ position or force feedback alone to achieve optimum load distribution across the muscles. After successful tests on a phantom limb, unique combinations of position and force feedback – hybrid control and cascade control – were used to simulate multiple cyclic wrist motions of flexion-extension, radioulnar deviation, dart thrower’s motion, and circumduction using six muscles in ten cadaveric specimens. Low kinematic errors and coefficients of variation of muscle forces were observed for planar and complex wrist motions using both novel control strategies. The effect of gravity was most pronounced when the hand was in the horizontal orientation, resulting in higher extensor forces (p < 0.017) and higher out-of-plane kinematic errors (p < 0.007), as compared to the vertically upward or downward orientations. Muscle forces were also affected by the direction of rotation during circumduction. The peak force of flexor carpi radialis was higher in clockwise circumduction (p = 0.017), while that of flexor carpi ulnaris was higher in anticlockwise circumduction (p = 0.013). Thus, the physiologic wrist simulator accurately replicated cyclic planar and complex motions in cadaveric specimens. Moreover, the dependence of muscle forces on the hand orientation and the direction of circumduction could be vital in the specification of such parameters during wrist rehabilitation.     

Influence of undegraded intake protein on intake,digestion, serum hormones and metabolites,and nitrogen balance in sheep

In Exp. 1, 20 ewes of mixed breeding were fed grass hay : straw mixtures, assigned to one of four supplemental treatments and evaluated during six collection periods. Supplemental treatments were control (no supplement), and low, medium, and high levels (5.2%, 22.1%, and 41.3% of DM, respectively) of undegraded intake protein (UIP). Supplements were formulated to be similar in degraded intake protein (DIP; 21%). Digestibilities of DM, OM, and CP were increased (P < 0.10) with protein supplementation and in medium and high compared with low UIP supplemented ewes. Digestibility of CP also was increased (P < 0.10) in ewes on high compared with medium treatments. Serum insulin was not influenced (P > 0.10) by UIP treatment, except in collection period four. In contrast, serum glucose and growth hormone were not influenced (P > 0.10) by UIP treatment. In Exp. 2, four wether lambs fed the same treatments as in Exp. 1, were used in two 4 × 4 Latin squares trials. In trial 1 lambs received a grass hay diet (6.7% CP) and in trial 2 lambs were fed 40 : 60 blend (6.6% CP) of grass hay and spring wheat straw. In both trials, N intake, urinary N, N digestion, apparent N absorption, and N retention were increased (P < 0.10) with protein supplementation. In addition, in trial 1, urinary N, N digestion, and apparent N absorption were increased (P < 0.10) in medium and high compared with low UIP and also in high compared with medium UIP treatments. In trial 2 of Exp. 2, total feed intake (g/kg BW), digestibility of DM and OM, BW, and fecal N were increased (P < 0.10) with protein supplementation. Organic matter digestion, BW, N intake, and N retention were increased by medium and high compared with low UIP. Fecal N, BW, N intake, and N retention were increased (P < 0.10) in high compared with medium UIP. These data indicate that increasing levels of UIP supplementation increases DM, OM, and CP (N) digestibility, serum urea N concentration, and N retention in sheep fed low quality forage.     

Myoelectric manifestations of fatigue in vastus lateralis,medialis obliquus and medialis longus muscles

The purpose of this study was to determine whether surface electromyography (EMG) assessment of myoelectric manifestations of muscle fatigue is capable of detecting differences between the vastus lateralis and medialis muscles which are consistent with the results of previous biopsy studies. Surface EMG signals were recorded from the vastus medialis longus (VML), vastus medialis obliquus (VMO) and vastus lateralis (VL) muscles during isometric knee extension contractions at 60% and 80% of the maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) for 10 s and 60 s, respectively. Initial values and rate of change of mean frequency (MNF), average rectified value (ARV) and conduction velocity (CV) of the EMG signal were calculated. Comparisons between the two force levels revealed that the initial values of MNF for the VL muscle were greater at 80% MVC compared to 60% MVC (P < 0.01). Comparisons between the vasti muscles demonstrated lower initial values of CV for VMO compared to VL at 60% MVC (P < 0.01) and lower than VML and VL at 80% MVC (P < 0.01). In addition, initial values of MNF were higher for VL with respect to both VML and VMO at 80% MVC (P < 0.01) and initial estimates of ARV were higher for VMO compared to VML at both force levels (P < 0.01 at 60% MVC and P < 0.05 at 80% MVC). For the sustained contraction at 80% MVC, VL demonstrated a greater decrease in CV over time compared to VMO (P < 0.05).These findings suggest that surface EMG signals and their time course during sustained isometric contractions may be useful to non-invasively describe functional differences between the vasti muscles.     

pH alters the swimming behaviors of the raphidophyte Heterosigma akashiwo: Implications for bloom formation in an acidified ocean

We investigated the effects of pH on movement behaviors of the harmful algal bloom causing raphidophyte Heterosigma akashiwo. Motility parameters from >8000 swimming tracks of individual cells were quantified using 3D digital video analysis over a 6-h period in 3 pH treatments reflecting marine carbonate chemistry during the pre-industrial era, currently, and the year 2100. Movement behaviors were investigated in two different acclimation-to-target-pH conditions: instantaneous exposure and acclimation of cells for at least 11 generations. There was no negative impairment of cell motility when exposed to elevated PCO₂ (i.e., low pH) conditions but there were significant behavioral responses. Irrespective of acclimation condition, lower pH significantly increased downward velocity and frequency of downward swimming cells (p < 0.001). Rapid exposure to lower pH resulted in 9% faster downward vertical velocity and up to 19% more cells swimming downwards (p < 0.001). Compared to pH-shock experiments, pre-acclimation of cells to target pH resulted in ~30% faster swimming speed and up to 46% faster downward velocities (all p < 0.001). The effect of year 2100 PCO₂ levels on population diffusivity in pre-acclimated cultures was >2-fold greater than in pH-shock treatments (2.2 × 10⁵ μm² s⁻¹ vs. 8.4 × 10⁴ μm² s⁻¹). Predictions from an advection-diffusion model, suggest that as PCO₂ increased the fraction of the population aggregated at the surface declined, and moved deeper in the water column. Enhanced downward swimming of H. akashiwo at low pH suggests that these behavioral responses to elevated PCO₂ could reduce the likelihood of dense surface slick formation of H. akashiwo through reductions in light exposure or growth independent surface aggregations. We hypothesize that the HAB alga's response to higher PCO₂ may exploit the signaling function of high PCO₂ as indicative of net heterotrophy in the system, thus indicative of high predation rates or depletion of nutrients.     

Apolipoprotein A-I inhibits chemotaxis,adhesion, activation of THP-1 cells and improves the plasma HDL inflammatory index

The anti-inflammatory effects of high density lipoprotein (HDL) are well described, however, such effects of Apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I) are less studied. Building on our previous study, we further explored the mechanism of anti-inflammatory effects of ApoA-I, and focused especially on the interaction between monocyte and endothelial cells and plasma HDL inflammatory index in LPS-challenged rabbits. Our results show that ApoA-I significantly decreased LPS-induced MCP-1 release from THP-1 cells and ox-LDL-induced THP-1 migration ratio (P < 0.01, respectively). ApoA-I significantly decreased sL-selectin, sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 release (P < 0.01, P < 0.01, P < 0.05, respectively) from LPS-stimulated THP-1 cells. Furthermore, ApoA-I significantly inhibited LPS-induced CD11b and VCAM-1 expression on THP-1 cells (P < 0.01, P < 0.05, respectively). ApoA-I diminished LPS-induced mCD14 expression (P < 0.01) and NFκB nuclear translocation in THP-1 cells. After single dose treatment of ApoA-I, the value of plasma HDL inflammatory index in LPS-challenged rabbits was improved significantly (P < 0.05). These results suggest that ApoA-I can inhibit chemotaxis, adhesion and activation of human monocytes and improve plasma HDL inflammatory index with presenting beneficial anti-inflammatory effects.     

Measuring voluntary quadriceps activation: Effect of visual feedback and stimulus delivery

Introduction: Quadriceps voluntary activation, assessed via the superimposed burst technique, has been extensively studied in a variety of populations as a measure of quadriceps function. However, a variety of stimulus delivery techniques have been employed, which may influence the level of voluntary activation as calculated via the central activation ratio (CAR). The purpose was to determine the effect of visual feedback, stimulus delivery, and perceived discomfort on maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) peak torque and the CAR. Methods: Quadriceps CAR was assessed in 14 individuals on two days using three stimulus delivery methods; (1) manual without visual feedback, (2) manual with visual feedback, and (3) automated with visual feedback. Results: MVIC peak torque and the CAR were not different between the automated with visual feedback (MVIC = 3.25, SE = 0.14 N m/kg; CAR = 88.63, SE = 1.75%) and manual with visual feedback (MVIC = 3.26, SE = 0.13 N m/kg, P = 0.859; CAR = 89.06, SE = 1.70%, P = 0.39) stimulus delivery methods. MVIC (2.99, SE = 0.12 N m/kg) and CAR (85.32, SE = 2.10%) were significantly lower using manual without visual feedback compared to manual with visual feedback and automated with visual feedback (CAR P < 0.001; MVIC P < 0.001). Perceived discomfort was lower in the second session (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Utilizing visual feedback ensures participant MVIC, and may provide a more accurate assessment of quadriceps voluntary activation.     

Associations of soil iron with citrus tree decline and variability of sand,soil water,pH, magnesium and Diaprepes abbreviatus root weevil: Two-site study

The hypothesis of associations of environmental soil heterogeneity with citrus tree decline and Diaprepes abbreviatus (L.) root weevil variability was tested in two flatwoods fields of ‘Hamlin’ orange trees (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osb.). Studies were conducted on a loamy, poorly drained Mollisol in Osceola County, central Florida in 2002, and on a sandy, poorly drained Spodosol in DeSoto County, south-west Florida during 2001–2003. Adult weevils were monitored using 50 Tedders traps arranged in a 34 m × 25 m grid at the Osceola site, and using 100 identical traps in a 30 m × 15 m grid at the DeSoto site. Soil water content (SWC), texture, pH, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu and other nutrients were measured at each trap. Soil was strongly acidic (pH 4.9 ± 0.4) at the Osceola site but near neutral (pH 6.6 ± 0.4) at the DeSoto site. The Mehlich-I extractable soil Mg and Ca were correlated to soil pH and SWC in both soils, and extractable Fe was related to pH, SWC and Mg in the Spodosol (0.30 < R² < 0.65, P < 0.01). The weevil density was high in areas low in soil Mg and Ca in the acidic Mollisol, but high in areas with high soil pH, and Mg and low sand content in the near neutral Spodosol (P < 0.05). Tree decline was associated with soil Fe concentrations >40 mg kg⁻¹ in the Mollisol (P < 0.01). Weevil density was low at a soil pH between 5.7 and 6.2. The range of spatial dependence of weevil population, soil pH, SWC, Fe, Mg and sand varied between 60 and 100 m in the Mollisol and the Spodosol. Soil-weevil-tree simple and multivariate linear models were established to put into practices for predicting and controlling the weevil population and tree decline in the future. Differences in site characteristics suggested the need for site-specific weevil and citrus tree management.     

Clinical profile of sheep fed non-conventional feeds containing phenols and condensed tannins

A study was carried out to investigate the effects of feeding low quality non-conventional feeds (NCF) containing phenols and condensed tannins on the clinical profiles of sheep. Thirty-two Omani sheep were fed one of four diets with two base roughages, urea-treated palm frond (UTPF) and Rhodesgrass hay (RGH) and two concentrates, commercial concentrate (CC) and a by-products concentrate (BC) for 120 days. Haematological, serum biochemical and urine analyses were used to assess sheep health. Non-conventional feeds (urea-treated palm frond and by-products concentrate) contained higher levels of polyphenols and condensed tannins than conventional feeds (Rhodesgrass hay and commercial cubes). Feeds based on urea-treated palm frond had lower dry matter, crude protein, acid detergent fibre, neutral detergent fibre, gross energy (P < 0.001) and ash (P < 0.05) digestibility coefficients than those based on Rhodesgrass hay. Animals fed NCF had lower feed intake (P < 0.001) and lower body gain (P < 0.001) than those fed conventional ones. They also produced larger volumes of faeces (P < 0.01) which contained higher levels of nitrogen (P < 0.001) and had lower viscosity values of intestinal content (P < 0.001). Rumen liquor of NCF-fed animals had higher pH and lower ammonia–nitrogen levels (P < 0.01). Animals fed urea-treated palm frond plus by-products concentrate had lower lymphocyte (P < 0.01), monocyte (P < 0.05) and eosinophil (P < 0.05) counts by the end of the trial than those fed Rhodesgrass hay based diets. The urea-treated palm frond and by-products concentrate fed animals had lower blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels (P < 0.05), higher (P < 0.01) alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and lower serum iron (P < 0.001) than those fed Rhodesgrass hay based diets. There was a trend of increasing blood, leukocytes and specific gravity in the urine of NCF-fed animals. This experiment implies that feeding low quality non-conventional feeds containing antinutritional factors for relatively long periods might produce subtle negative effects on the physiology and chemistry of the digestive system and blood parameters which might negatively affect sheep health and make them more susceptible to diseases.     

Production efficiency and feeding behavior of Awassi lambs and Baladi kids fed on a high concentrate diet

Fifteen Awassi lambs and 15 Baladi kids (males, averaging 14.3 kg) were used to study the differences in feeding behavior and performance of sheep and goats fed a concentrate finishing diet (CP = 16 kg/100 kg DM, ME = 2.85 Mcal/kg DM) in a complete randomized design experiment lasting 60 days. Dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM) intakes were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in lambs. Kids had higher (P < 0.05) apparent OM, crude protein (CP) and gross energy digestibilities. No significant (P > 0.05) differences were observed in apparent neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility, eating, chewing and ruminating times. However, eating and ruminating times (as min/kg NDF intake) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in kids. Final body weight and average daily weight gain were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in lambs while kids had significantly (P < 0.05) lower feed to gain ratio. Feed cost per kilogram weight gain for kids was better than that for lambs. Results demonstrated that Awassi lambs consumed more feed and grew faster than Baladi kids. However, kids were more efficient feed converters than lambs.     

Fluoxetine, 17-β estradiol or folic acid combined with intra-lateral septal infusions of neuropeptide Y produced antidepressant-like actions in ovariectomized rats forced to swim

Folic acid is antidepressant, either alone or combined with several antidepressant drugs. However, the antidepressant-like actions of folic acid combined with intra-lateral septal (LSN) infusions of neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the forced swimming test (FST) have not been tested before. Thus, systemic injections of fluoxetine (20.0 mg/kg, P < 0.05; s.c.) or 17-β estradiol (10.0 μg/rat, P < 0.05; s.c.) or oral administrations of folic acid (50.0 mg/kg, P < 0.05; 75.0 mg/kg, P < 0.05) or NPY intra-LSN (3.0 μg, P < 0.05; 3.5 μg, P < 0.05) reduced immobility of ovariectomized Wistar rats. Subthreshold doses of: folic acid (25.0 mg/kg) or 17-β estradiol (5.0 μg/rat, P < 0.05) or fluoxetine (15.0 mg/kg, P < 0.05; s.c.) combined with subthreshold doses of NPY (2.5 μg/rat, P < 0.05; intra-LSN) and these combinations produced antidepressant-like actions; which were canceled by BIBP 3226 (a NPY-Y1 receptor antagonist). It is concluded that folic acid produced antidepressant-like effects probably through the participation of the NPY Y1 receptors found in the lateral septal nuclei.     

Electromyographic mapping of the erector spinae muscle with varying load and during sustained contraction

The purpose of the study was to explore changes in the spatial distribution of erector spinae electromyography amplitude during static, sustained contractions and during contractions of increasing load. Surface electromyographic (EMG) signals were detected from nine healthy subjects using a grid of 13 × 5 electrodes placed unilaterally over the lumbar erector spinae musculature. Subjects stood in a 20° forward flexed position and performed: (1) six 20-s long contractions with loads ranging from 2.5 kg to 12.5 kg (2.5 kg increments) and (2) a 6 min sustained contraction with 7.5 kg load. Root mean square (RMS) and mean power spectral frequency (MNF) were computed from the recorded EMG signals. EMG RMS increased (P < 0.0001) and MNF remained constant during contractions of increased load. During the sustained contraction, MNF decreased (P < 0.0001) and RMS did not change over time. The centroid (center of activity) of the RMS map shifted caudally (P < 0.0001) with time during the sustained contraction but did not change with varying load. These results suggest a change in the distribution of erector spinae muscle activity with fatigue and a uniform distribution of muscle activation across loads.