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Comparison of Three Commercial ELISA Kits for Detection of Antibodies Against SARS-CoV-2 in Serum Samples from Different Animal Species
Full text linkThe severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic, significantly impacting global health, economies, and social stability. In February 2020, the first cases of SARS-CoV-2 infections in animals were documented, highlighting the potential risks posed by regular human–animal interactions in facilitating viral transmission. In consequence, it is essential to validate surveillance methods for SARS-CoV-2 in animals. In the present study, 101 sera from different animal species (36 cats, 41 dogs, 4 ferrets, 10 wild boar, 6 domestic goats, and 4 lions) were tested using three different ELISA kits to evaluate humoral responses against SARS-CoV-2. ELISA results were compared and correlated with a pseudovirus neutralization test (pVNT), considered as the reference assay. ELISA-1, targeting the receptor binding domain (RBD) neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) of SARS-CoV-2, exhibited the highest diagnostic performance, and proved to be a reliable tool for initial screenings in high-throughput animal studies. In contrast, ELISA-2 (also targeting RBD nAbs) and ELISA-3 (targeting nucleoprotein antibodies) demonstrated lower sensitivity for detecting seropositive animals.This research was partially funded by the BBVA Foundation as part of the project ‘Investigation on the potential role of pets as animal reservoirs for SARS-CoV-2’. The authors also acknowledge the crowdfunding initiative #Yomecorono, available online at https://www.yomecorono.com (accessed on 12 December 2024). IRTA (2021 SGR 00825 and 2021 SGR 01385) and IrsiCaixa (2021 SGR 00452) are supported by CERCA Programme/Generalitat de Catalunya.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Las abejas como factor clave del rendimiento del almendro cultivado en sistemas superintensivos
No full textEl efecto de las abejas en una parcela monovarietal de almendro (‘Avijor’) ha demostrado ser muy eficaz, aumentando el cuajado de frutos en casi el doble del cuajado obtenido
en ausencia de abejas (pasando del 20,1% al 39%). El método de evaluación mediante embolsado de ramos ha mostrado ser muy útil si se lleva a cabo teniendo en cuenta la
distancia entre las flores bajo control y las colmenas. Además del efecto de la proximidad de las colmenas en el incremento de cuajado se relacionó inversamente con el peso del
grano de almendra y con la densidad floral de los ramos.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Silage of the By-Products of Mollar de Elche and Wonderful Pomegranate Varieties Preserves Nutritional Value and Antioxidant Activity of Ruminant Feed
Full text linkThe valorization of agro-industrial by-products for their use in animal feed leads to a reduction in inputs, creating the opportunity to optimize the sustainability of the agri-food chain, a priority of the SDG 2030 strategy; it also leads to a reduction in production costs. The objective of this study was to examine the changes that occur during the silage process of the pomegranate varieties Mollar de Elche (PDO) and Wonderful in terms of their nutritional and antioxidant characteristics for subsequent use in ruminant feed. Microsilos were created with the by-products of these two different pomegranate varieties. Two different microsilos for each variety were monitored on days 0 (raw material), 14, 35, 60, and 180. The variables studied included microbiology tracks, fermentation products, pH, dry matter (DM), macronutrient composition, organic acid and sugar contents, and antioxidant activity. The results show that, for both varieties, the silage process was successful; the stability of the fermentation process was determined by day 35, and its viability was ensured for a minimum period of 6 months. Furthermore, the nutritional characteristics of the raw material were preserved in the ensiled product. An evaluation of the total phenols and antioxidant capacity (ABTS and DPPH) showed that they remained stable throughout the monitoring period, despite the decrease in bioactive compounds (total phenols) at the end of the study period. It was concluded that silage is an effective preservation method for the by-products of Mollar de Elche and Wonderful pomegranate varieties, and its outcome presents valuable potential as a sustainable nutritional resource for ruminants.This research was funded by Consellería d’Innovació, universitats, ciència i innovació digital of Valencian Government (Spain), grant number CIAICO/2021/301.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Dinámica y evolución del circovirus porcino tipo 2 (PCV2): hallazgos clave sobre sus genotipos
No full textinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Histological Insights into Testicular Apoptosis Associated with Spermatogenesis in Pre-Pubertal and Adult Meagre (Argyrosomus regius)
Full text linkRecombinant gonadotropins—synthetic versions of pituitary hormones—are increasingly utilised in aquaculture for broodstock management. In this study, we explored how recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone (rFsh) affects spermatogenesis in meagre (Argyrosomus regius), with the aim of enhancing our understanding of testicular apoptosis—a common form of programmed cell death involved in modulating germ cell development and sperm output. We assessed germ cell composition and testicular apoptosis in both pre-pubertal meagre treated with rFsh and adult fish in two spermatogenic phases (proliferative and meiotic). In pre-pubertal fish, rFsh treatment led to larger testes, wider seminiferous tubules, and increased sperm presence. There was a reduction in early spermatogonia (undifferentiated germ cells) but a rise in dividing germ cells, indicating progression toward meiosis. Notably, treated fish exhibited significantly lower spermatogonial apoptosis compared to controls, suggesting rFsh promotes germ cell survival by mitigating natural cell death. In adult fish, the density of spermatogonia decreased with the progression of spermatogenesis, whereas apoptosis increased and often involved entire clones of germ cells. Overall, the study demonstrates that rFsh effectively induces testicular maturation in pre-pubertal meagre by promoting progression toward meiosis and highlights how the role of apoptosis varies across reproductive stages.The present work was funded by the project NewTechAqua (European Union’s Programme H2020, GA 862658) awarded to N.D., C.C.M., and A.C., and by a grant from the Apulian Region to R.Z. (POR PUGLIA FESR-FSE 2014/2020—Asse X-Azione 10.4—Research for Innovation—REFIN).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
The lubricating effect of fats on pellet manufacturing
Full text linkIncreased fat inclusion in livestock feed reduces physical pellet quality, which is often attributed
to die lubrication. Concrete evidence for lubrication remains, however, limited to a water-based
lubrication layer. Here, we investigated the lubricating role of fat during pellet manufacturing.
Feed mashes were formulated to contain different levels (0, 20, 40, 60 g kg− 1) of separately added
(exogenous) fat with a low- (soya oil; − 22 ◦C) or high melting point (poultry fat; 30 ◦C), or fat
stored within feed particles (intrinsic) by including sunflower expeller. Increasing fat content
decreased net energy consumption by the compactor (-0.02 ± 0.01 kWh t− 1 (g kg− 1 dry
matter)− 1; P = 0.001) and the addition of exogeneous fats resulted in fat-enriched areas on the
pellet surface, indicating the formation of a lubrication layer. Higher inclusion levels of fat
reduced compressive pellet strength (-0.08 ± 0.04 kN m− 1 (g kg− 1 dry matter)− 1; P < 0.001),
which is partially attributable to the concurrent decrease in pellet temperature increment during
compaction due to lubrication. Inclusion of intrinsic fat had a more limited effect on net specific
energy consumption (0.02 ± 0.01 kWh t− 1 (g (kg− 1 dry matter)− 1; P = 0.049) relative to the
inclusion of exogeneous soya oil. A similar trend was observed for pellet compressive strength
(0.07 ± 0.04 kN m− 1 (g kg− 1 dry matter)− 1; P = 0.084). The selection of fat source and inclusion
level are essential for producing high quality pellets, by managing the occurrence of lubrication.The authors gratefully acknowledge the assistance of Lluis Padrell, Andreu Vilalta, Franc Cugat and Jose Orti, and Josep Ramos, as well as the laboratory staff of the IRTA research centre Mas Bover. We thank Raoul Fix for his assistance with the dynamic mechanical thermal analysis and the development of the basic microscopy protocol and Arjen Bader for his advice and assistance regarding the fluorescence lifetime imaging. This study was financially supported by The VICTAM Foundation, Agrifirm NWE B.V., DSM, Elanco Animal Health, Pelleting Technology Netherlands, Phileo S.I. Lesaffre, Topsector Agri & Food, Wageningen University & Research, and Zetadec and was part of the project “Pelleting in Circular Agriculture” (project number: LWV1965).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Detection of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) toxins using a colorimetric immunosensing tool for food safety control
Full text linkFrom 1985 to 2018, 35 % of shellfish poisoning cases worldwide were due to paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP). The main representative toxin congener of the PSP toxin family is saxitoxin (STX), a highly toxic neurotoxin capable of blocking nerve impulse transmission and causing death by respiratory arrest, representing a danger to the environment and human health. The presence of PSP toxins in shellfish is currently detected through instrumental analysis methods, which are costly, or more rarely with the mouse bioassay, which is ethically criticized. Therefore, the development of new approaches for their detection is desired. This study presents the development of a colorimetric immunoassay in which STX has been immobilized on magnetic beads (MBs) for the subsequent competition between free STX present in the sample and immobilized STX for the binding site of an anti-STX antibody, using a secondary antibody labeled with horseradish peroxidase to reveal the signal. The immunoassay exhibits a dose-dependent behavior with an IC50 for STX of 10.9 ng mL-1. The system shows low matrix effects with a loading capacity of 250 mg of shellfish flesh mL-1 and, therefore, an effective limit of detection (LOD) of 17.2 µg kg⁻¹. The detection of STX and gonyautoxin-2 & gonyautoxin-3 in shellfish samples is also demonstrated. Furthermore, the covalent immobilization of STX on MBs is stable and allows the reusability of the system up to four times. This immunosensing system has been proved to be successful in the screening and quantification of PSP toxin contents in shellfish samples from Spain and Oman.This research was funded by the project FONDEF ID22I10218 Saxifast (ANID, Chile), project VIU 24P0097 (ANID, Chile), Research and Development (ANID) Scholarship Program DOCTORADO NACIONAL/2021 21211641, and COPAS-COASTAL ANID FB210021 and the Spanish project BiOCEANsing (PID2023–149899OB-C21) from the Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN) and Agencia Estatal de Investigación (AEI). The authors acknowledge support from CERCA Programme/Generalitat de Catalunya.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Effects of solid-state fermentation with Pleurotus ostreatus on the nutritional and techno-functional properties of alternative protein ingredients
Full text linkNutritional and techno-functional properties of alternative protein sources are limiting factors for their use in food products. Here, we evaluated the effect of solid-state fermentation (SSF) with Pleurotus ostreatus on quinoa, chickpea, oat and Chlorella vulgaris with oat (Cv + O), exemplifying a diverse range of plant-based sources. Results suggested protein metabolization led to a decrease in their content and changes in the amino acid profile, mostly an increase in valine, isoleucine, and threonine and a decrease in lysine and sulphur amino acids, depending on the ingredient used. Minor effects were observed in fat content and profile. Water-holding capacity improved mostly due to thermal pretreatment, while fermentation enhanced protein solubility of oat and Cv + O, the gelling and water absorption capacities of quinoa, the oil absorption capacity of chickpea and oat, and the emulsifying properties of chickpea. Thus, SSF with P. ostreatus effectively modifies plant-based ingredients, depending on the ingredient and desired functionality.This work was supported by the GIANT LEAPS project which has received funding from the European Union‘s HORIZON EUROPE research and innovation programme under grant agreement N° 101059632, and 2021 SGR 00468 (SEQUSAL), 2021 SGR 00461 (TECQUAL) and CERCA Programme from Generalitat de Catalunya. Nadia Ayllón-Parra is recipient of an IRTA PhD grant for Scientific Strategic Initiatives 2022. Authors wish to acknowledge Gerard Sabeña, Elvira Tenorio and Narcís Sais for their technical assistance.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Inovações na secagem de alimentos líquidos: secagem de levedura de cerveja por pulverização pulsada
Full text linkAtualmente, a transformação de produtos líquidos em pó é uma prática comum nas indústrias alimentares e de ingredientes. Normalmente, esta transformação é feita por pulverização, um processo que requer produtos não viscosos e homogéneos (por exemplo, leite, soro de leite, soja, café...). Estes requisitos não permitem a transformação de uma grande quantidade de produtos e subprodutos. Além disso, a quantidade de energia para a execução do processo de produção é significativa. Uma alternativa à pulverização normal é a tecnologia PSD (Pulse Spray Drying). A PSD transforma instantaneamente produtos líquidos e pastosos em pó, mantendo o seu valor nutricional e com um custo energético inferior ao da tecnologia tradicional.Este trabalho foi financiado pelo Departamento de Agao Climatica, Alimentagao e Agenda Rural da Generalitat de Catalunya atraves da Operagao 01.02.01 do PDR Catalao 2014-2022.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Population genomics and molecular epidemiology of wheat powdery mildew in Europe
Full text linkAgricultural diseases are a major threat to sustainable food production. Yet, for many pathogens we know exceptionally little about their epidemiological and population dynamics, and this knowledge gap is slowing the development of efficient control strategies. Here we study the population genomics and molecular epidemiology of wheat powdery mildew, a disease caused by the biotrophic fungus Blumeria graminis forma specialis tritici (Bgt). We sampled Bgt across two consecutive years, 2022 and 2023, and compiled a genomic dataset of 415 Bgt isolates from 22 countries in Europe and surrounding regions. We identified a single epidemic unit in the north of Europe, consisting of a highly homogeneous population. Conversely, the south of Europe hosts smaller local populations which are less interconnected. In addition, we show that the population structure can be largely predicted by the prevalent wind patterns. We identified several loci that were under selection in the recent past, including fungicide targets and avirulence genes. Some of these loci are common between populations, while others are not, suggesting different local selective pressures. We reconstructed the evolutionary history of one of these loci, AvrPm17, coding for an effector recognized by the wheat receptor Pm17. We found evidence for a soft sweep on standing genetic variation. Multiple AvrPm17 haplotypes, which can partially escape recognition by Pm17, spread rapidly throughout the continent upon its introduction in the early 2000s. We also identified a new virulent variant, which emerged more recently and can evade Pm17 resistance altogether. Overall, we highlight the potential of genomic surveillance in resolving the evolutionary and epidemiological dynamics of agricultural pathogens, as well as in guiding control strategies.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio