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Synergistic effect of seed dressing fungicides, vermicompost application and varieties on Fusarium wilt intensity, yield, and yield components of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)
No full textBackground: Chickpea Fusarium wilt is the foremost devastating fungal disease that leads to massive grain yield loss in chickpea. Field experiments were therefore carried out to appraise the synergistic effect of seed dressing fungicides, vermicompost and chickpea varieties on Fusarium wilt intensity, and yield of chickpea. Methods: Treatment combinations were arranged in a factorial randomized complete block design. Results: The finding revealed that the interaction among seed dressing fungicides, chickpea varieties and vermicompost application had a significant impact on wilt intensity, yield, and related yield attributes of chickpea. Thus, the Natoli variety when treated with Goldazim 500SC seed dressing fungicide and supplemented with vermicompost showed the lowest wilt incidences (0.35%) and percent severity index (PSI) (0.6%) at Fogera site. Conversely, untreated Dehra variety retained the highest mean incidence and PSI of 27.26% and 31.07%, respectively at Bahir Dar Zuria. The maximum grain yield recorded was 2953.8 kg ha-1 achieved by the Natoli treated with Goldazim 500SC and receiving vermicompost application. The study also noted that the highest grain yield loss due to Fusarium wilt were 27.8% at Bahir Dar Zuria and 23.96% in Fogera district correlating with increased disease incidence and severity. The correlation analysis between disease intensity parameters and yield components in chickpeas demonstrated significant negative relationships, indicating that the increased Fusarium wilt intensity adversely affected yield and yield contributing components. Conclusion: The integrated application of seed dressing fungicides and vermicompost, in moderately resistant varieties like Natoli, offers a promising strategy for minimizing the adverse impact of Fusarium wilt and maximizing chickpea productivity
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in dog blood serum levels and semen quality
No full textBackground Growing evidence links chemical exposure to declining reproductive function in both humans and dogs. Our aim was to investigate the exposure of a wide range of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in dog serum and to investigate the association between PFAS exposure and endocrine parameters as well as semen quality. Method Semen samples (n=65) were collected from Bernese mountain dogs during 2020. Sperm motility was evaluated under a phase-contrast microscope (100x, 200x). Total sperm count was calculated using a B & uuml;rker chamber. Sperm morphology was evaluated using standard protocols in wet preparations of semen fixed in buffered formalin and stained with carbolfuchsin-eosin. Serum was analyzed using a combined targeted and suspect screening approach for quantitative analysis of 50 PFAS. Following extraction, instrumental analysis was performed using an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatograph coupled to a Q ExactiveOrbitrap mass spectrometer. PFAS concentrations were associated with semen quality and endocrine biomarkers using Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression. Results In all samples, PFOA, PFNA, PDFA, PFPeS, PFHxS and PFOS could be detected, although PFPeS levels were not above the quantification limit. The levels of the dominant congeners were on average (5th-95th percentile) PFOA 0.44 (0.05-1.3) ng/g serum, PFHxS 0.39 (0.05-0.96) ng/g serum, and PFOS 2.1 (0.35-6.4) ng/g serum. Fifteen suspect PFAS congeners were identified, where perflouro-4-ethylcyclohexanesulfonate (PFECHS), H-PFOA, H-PFNA, and H-PFDA were found in > 60% of the samples. Significant associations were found between PFBS motility (beta = 136.56, p = 0.03) and free androgen index (beta = 0,931, p=0.02). Conclusion For the first time, levels of a wide range of target and suspect PFAS are described in dog serum. PFAS levels in dog serum were similar to those in cats and humans, confirming that humans and pets, to a considerable extent, may share exposure to PFAS through the home environment. The study contributes to bridging the existing knowledge gap of exposure to endocrine disruptors and health effects in dogs, and thus to the research infrastructure bridging between species with the benefit of both humans and pets in a true One Health approach
Salmonella spp. isolated from foods in Cambodia: Genetic characterization and antimicrobial resistance
No full textSalmonella is a major global public health concern. In Cambodia, data on its prevalence in the food chain is limited, despite salmonellosis being a notable cause of gastrointestinal illness, particularly among children. This thesis aimed to generate new knowledge on the occurrence of Salmonella and its genetic traits associated with antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in fresh food products in Cambodia. A total of 285 food samples, including 75 meats, 50 seafood/fish, and 160 leafy green vegetables, were randomly collected from Phnom Penh local markets and nearby vegetable farms during 2020-2021. Cross-contamination risks were observed during food sampling through a checklist and a brief interview assessing hygiene practices and food handling procedures. As outlined in ISO 6579-1:2017, culture-based methods were employed to isolate Salmonella from all food samples, which were confirmed through biochemical, serological, and PCR tests. Following this, the Antimicrobial Susceptibility Test (AST) was conducted for the AMR phenotypes among Salmonella isolates. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) analysis was performed to identify serovars and detect antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), plasmids, virulence genes, and Salmonella pathogenicity islands (SPIs). A high prevalence of Salmonella spp. 48% (138/285) was reported across samples, with the highest occurrence in meat (71%). Thirty-two distinct serovars were detected, with the most common being: S. Corvallis, S. Haifa, S. Weltevreden, S. Agona, S. Kentucky, and S. Livingstone. Inadequate hygiene and sanitation practices during handling, storage, and preservation at both farm and market levels, which likely cause crosscontamination opportunities, were also observed. The AMR result showed widespread resistance, affecting 71% of isolates, including 39% with multidrug resistance (MDR) supported by a diverse range of AMR-associated genes. High genetic diversity was detected, including plasmids, virulence-associated genes, and SPIs linked to AMR. These findings highlight the urgent need for integrated food safety interventions and robust antimicrobial stewardship to mitigate the risk of foodborne transmission of AMR Salmonella in Cambodia
From waste to value? Balancing climate and social outcomes in social supermarkets
No full textSurplus food redistribution (redirecting unsold but edible food to consumers) is promoted as a dual strategy to reduce food waste and alleviate food insecurity. Social supermarkets (retail-like outlets offering surplus food at reduced prices to low-income consumers) have emerged as a market-based model, offering surplus food at reduced prices to low-income consumers. However, their sustainability impacts remain under-examined, particularly regarding trade-offs between environmental and social outcomes. This study assessed seven social supermarkets in Stockholm, Sweden, using three methods: (1) life cycle assessment to estimate climate impacts, including substitution and rebound effects (emissions from re-spending savings); (2) nutrient calculations to evaluate the nutritional quality of redistributed food; and (3) customer surveys to explore experiences of food security, autonomy, and food waste behaviours. Based on full-year primary data, potential climate savings were 2.57 kg CO2e/FU, of which 90 % was offset by rebound effects, reducing the net savings to 0.27 kg CO2e/FU. The food was nutritionally balanced and high in dietary fibre (3 g/MJ), and vitamin C (13 mg/MJ), while low in added sugar. Customers valued autonomy and choice, suggesting a potential trade-off between consumer agency and environmental performance. While social supermarkets supported climate mitigation and food access, their distinguishing value lies in combining these functions with enhanced autonomy and nutritionally balanced food. To build on these strengths and address the identified trade-offs, policies should link food waste prevention with social welfare measures, ensuring realistic climate benefits while improving equitable food access
Fungal-based wastewater treatment: pharmaceutical removal and nutrient release from a pellet system
No full textIn this study, we evaluated the use of fungal pellets produced from commercially available mushroom spawn of two white-rot fungi (Pleurotus ostreatus and Trametes versicolor) for removing pharmaceuticals from municipal wastewater. The impact of the treatment on 33 pharmaceuticals in wastewater sampled from various process stages, including after primary and secondary clarification and tertiary treated effluent, was evaluated. Treatments were tested for up to 72 h, with monitoring of pharmaceutical concentrations, laccase activity, and nutrient levels. High removal efficiencies, exceeding 90 %, were achieved within 24 h of treatment, including for several pharmaceuticals prioritized under the revised Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive. Removal performance remained high in the wastewater collected after primary clarification, demonstrating that the spawnbased fungal pellets remained functional in this complex wastewater matrix. This finding is of interest as the treatment resulted in increased levels of organic carbon and total phosphorus, highlighting the need for downstream management or process integration. Integration early in the treatment process, coupled with strategies for biomass valorization and nutrient control, could enhance its application in municipal wastewater management. Our results support the feasibility of fungal pellet treatment as a sustainable option for pharmaceutical removal. Further research is needed to address transformation products, economic viability, and largescale deployment
A global dataset of terrestrial biological nitrogen fixation
No full textBiological nitrogen fixation (BNF) is the main natural source of new nitrogen inputs in terrestrial ecosystems, supporting terrestrial productivity, carbon uptake, and other Earth system processes. We assembled a comprehensive global dataset of field measurements of BNF in all major N-fixing niches across natural terrestrial biomes derived from the analysis of 376 BNF studies. The dataset comprises 32 variables, including site location, biome type, N-fixing niche, sampling year, quantification method, BNF rate (kg N ha-1 y-1), the percentage of nitrogen derived from the atmosphere (%Ndfa), N fixer or N-fixing substrate abundance, BNF rate per unit of N fixer abundance, and species identity. Overall, the dataset combines 1,207 BNF rates for trees, shrubs, herbs, soil, leaf litter, woody litter, dead wood, mosses, lichens, and biocrusts, 152 herb %Ndfa values, 1,005 measurements of N fixer or N-fixing substrate abundance, and 762 BNF rates per unit of N fixer abundance for a total of 424 species across 66 countries. This dataset facilitates synthesis, meta-analysis, upscaling, and model benchmarking of BNF fluxes at multiple spatial scales
Owner-Observed Behavioral Characteristics in Off-the-Track Thoroughbreds (OTTTBs) in Equestrian Second Careers
Get PDFThe off-the-track Thoroughbred's (OTTTB's) suitability for equestrian retraining and rehoming should always be subject to behavioral considerations. Certain attributes may be advantageous to a horse's racing performance but unfavorable to their prospects off the track. It is important to gain a non-biased understanding of how Thoroughbreds (TBs) in equestrian disciplines compare with other horses behaviorally, to minimize risks of poor welfare and safety outcomes. The current study used owner-reported information (n = 1633) from the Equine Behavior Assessment and Research Questionnaire (E-BARQ) global database to compare the behaviors of OTTTBs with those of other ridden horses. Boldness, compliance, rideability, trainability, and responsiveness to acceleration and deceleration signals were evaluated in the context of 27 E-BARQ items, as determined by exploratory factor analysis (EFA). In this study, OTTTBs demonstrated more boldness (t = 3.793; p < 0.001) and lower compliance and responsiveness to deceleration signals (t = 3.448; p < 0.001) than non-OTTTBs. Trainability, rideability, and responsiveness to acceleration signals did not differ significantly between OTTTBs and non-OTTTBs. These findings provide direction for future research into causal factors and improvement opportunities regarding the training and management of Thoroughbreds, on- and off-the-track
Feline Papillomatosis
Get PDFDifferent types of feline papillomaviruses (PVs) are associated with a variety of skin lesions and neoplasia, such as papillomas and cell carcinomas, but the virus can also be found in healthy skin. In this review, the European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases (ABCD), a scientifically independent board of veterinary experts on feline infectious diseases from 11 European Countries, discusses the current knowledge of feline PV infections. Cats most likely become infected through lesions or abrasions of the skin. Most PV infections remain asymptomatic. Besides cat-specific PVs, DNA sequences most closely related to human and bovine PVs have been detected in feline skin lesions. Diagnosis is supported by the histological detection of PV-induced cell changes and intralesional detection of viral antigen (immunostaining) or viral DNA (in situ hybridization). Immunostaining of p16CDKN2A protein (p16) can be performed as a proxy marker for PV-induced neoplasms. There is no specific treatment for PV-induced skin lesions. Spontaneous regression commonly occurs. In the case of invasive squamous cell carcinoma (ISCC), complete excision should be considered, if possible
Assessment of fire-retardant treatments and their impact on the fire performance and bonding properties of aspen and silver birch veneers
Get PDFPlywood is a valuable material that offers superior properties compared to solid wood. However, like solid wood, its poor flammability limits its suitability for various applications. This study investigates the impact of distinct types of fire retardants (FRs), designated as B, P, and U, as well as various application techniques-roller coating, spraying, and impregnation-on the bond strength and fire performance of aspen and birch veneers. A lap shear test (LST) was conducted to compare the bond strength of veneers bonded with a newly developed lignin-substituted phenolic formaldehyde (LPF) resin against a conventional formaldehyde resin (PF) to evaluate the effects of FR treatments. The results indicated that FR retention was significantly higher with impregnation and, overall, with aspen veneers than birch, except for aspen veneers treated using the spraying method with P-FR. The P-FR exhibited strong and consistent performance with birch veneers, irrespective of the treatment method. Notably, P-FR roller-coated aspen, with an FR retention of 9.5% and an ignition time of 11 s, demonstrated the best overall reaction to fire performance. With a basic protection duration of 52 s and a thermal decay time of 157 s, this combination demonstrated improved thermal resistance. The LST further revealed that FR treatments significantly impacted birch veneers, which experienced a 30-48% decrease in shear strength with PF resin relative to untreated veneers. The LPF resin was incompatible with birch veneers when treated with P-FR formulated from a protic ionic liquid. For aspen, the overall decrease in shear strength was 40%, but with B- and U-FR treatments, the reductions reached 38% and 50%, respectively-much higher than the decreases observed in birch (25% and 37%) relative to control samples. These findings provide valuable insights into the effects of fire retardants on new resins, though further research is necessary for comprehensive validation