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Occurrence and the potential ecological risk of veterinary antimicrobials in swine farm wastewaters in Japan : Seasonal changes, relation to purchased quantity and after termination of oxytetracycline usage
Get PDFjournal articleThis study provides the first comprehensive investigation of the residual concentrations of eight classes of antimicrobial agents (AMs, 20 compounds) in 13 swine wastewater treatment facilities in Japan. These facilities implemented the aerobic activated sludge (AS) or its alternative methods. The maximum concentrations before treatment were found at the level of 7100, 6900, 6000, 3600, 3400, and 1400 µg/L for tilmicosin, oxytetracycline (OTC), chlortetracycline, lincomycin , sulfamethoxazole, and trimethoprim, respectively. The highest detection rate (96.3%) in influents was noted for the morantel, which was a feed additive. The seasonal difference in residual concentration was much greater for tetracyclines (TCs) and macrolides (MLs) when their residual concentrations were high, especially in the cold season. There was a positive correlation between the purchased quantity of TCs and fluoroquinolones (FQs) and their residue levels detected in the effluents (p 99.8% and >92% in the influents and effluents, respectively. This data suggested that it is essential to reduce the amount used and introduce more efficient methods and operating conditions to constantly remove AMs during the treatment to reduce the risk of AM discharge from swine farms.journal articl
Effects of using cheese whey and soy sauce yeast on the quality characteristics of fermented seasonings prepared with chicken
Get PDFjournal article鶏挽肉に食塩，米麹，水および酵素剤を混合後，加熱タイプと非加熱タイプ（UCW）のチーズホエイ（CW）と醤油用酵母（SSY）接種の有無が異なる計8 種類のもろみを調製し，35°Cで24 週間発酵させた．発酵中のもろみと火入れ・ろ過後の最終製品の物理化学的性状，最終製品の呈味成分および味覚センサによる呈味性の評価（MTS）を行った．その結果，CWを利用した鶏肉発酵調味料（CW-CFS）では発酵中にもろみのL*値やpH 値は低下し，b*値や全窒素分は増加した．これらの傾向はUCW 使用区で顕著であった．遊離アミノ酸や有機酸総量はうま味と正の相関が認められた．MTS データの主成分分析バイプロットからCW発酵調味料（CWFS），CFS，CW-CFSでの味の識別が可能となった．SSY接種により，試料間でうま味，原料由来の苦み，酸味および塩味に差異を生じた．Chicken breast meat was mixed with salt, rice koji mold, tap-water and an enzyme agent. Eight types of moromis were prepared by mixing these ingredients (i) in the absence of heat and (ii) by heating at 85°C for 30 min with unheated cheese whey (CW) and soy sauce yeast (Zygosaccharomyces rouxii) (SSY). The prepared mixtures were fermented at 35°C for 24 weeks. After fermentation, the moromis samples were heated to 85°C for 30 min and filtered through No. 5C filter paper. The physicochemical properties of the fermented mixtures and fermented seasoning products as well as the extractive components of the latter were investigated. In addition, measurements of the latter using a multichannel taste sensor (MTS) were performed. A decline in the L* and pH values and an increase in the b* value and salt-soluble nitrogen content of the moromis during fermentation were observed in the fermented seasonings of chicken (CFS) with CW (CW-CFS). This tendency was particularly prominent in unheated CW moromis. The total amino acid content and total organic acid content were both positively correlated (r＝0.936−0.953) with the strength of the umami taste in the final products. Differences in taste were distinguishable among products prepared using the fermented seasonings of CW (CWFS), CFS and CW-CFS based on principal component analysis (PCA) biplots of the MTS data. The PCA biplots indicated differences in the umami, bitterness originated from raw materials, sourness, and saltiness among the products, depending on the inoculation of SSY.journal articl
Effect of Defoliation Time on Rye Yield and Its Quality under Dual-Purpose Cultivation for Roughage and Concentrate Production
Get PDFjournal articleA dual-purpose cultivation system allows cereals to produce both roughage and concentrate during one growing season. To establish a cultivation system for rye, the appropriate time for foliage mowing was determined to ensure a yield of nutrient-rich roughage from the first crop and abundant grain from the second crop. This is because the stage of growth at defoliation affects the yield and quality of both crops. The experimental rye line ‘4R-504’ was grown in two successive cropping seasons; 2019/2020 and 2020/2021. Foliage was mowed at three different growth stages: the booting stage (BT), the early-heading stage (EH), and the fully heading stage (FH). Along with the growth stage, the plants grew taller, and the highest dry matter yield in the first crop was observed in FH (757 g m−2), which was 1.5 times higher than that in BT (480 g m−2). Although the nutritional value was higher in plants harvested at an earlier growth stage, the EH and FH plants showed a higher dry matter yield, resulting in a higher production of metabolizable energy per area. Plants that had been mowed earlier regrew vigorously and produced an abundant amount of grains in the second crop. BT showed the highest grain yield of 239 g m−2, which corresponds to 60% of the yield from the unmowed control. FH produced grains of only 76 g m−2, which barely met the requirement of the dual-purpose cropping system. To enhance the nutritional yield of roughage, it is recommended to harvest the first crop at the early heading stage. Conversely, to achieve a higher grain yield, defoliation should be carried out during the booting stage.journal articl
A retrospective analysis for criteria of surgical intervention in Japanese Black calves with respiratory signs caused by perinatal rib fracture
Get PDFjournal articleMedical records of 16 Japanese Black calves with respiratory signs associated with perinatal rib fracture were analyzed, retrospectively, to speculate criteria of surgical intervention for the disease. For this analysis, the severity of respiratory condition was classified into three grades: Grade 1, with no wheezing, Grade 2, with wheezing after excitement but not at rest and Grade 3, with wheezing at rest. Grade 1 (n=3) received only conservative management. Seven of Grade 2 (n=8) and all of Grade 3 (n=5) had surgical management. Clinical outcome was good in all of Grade 1, and the surgical success rate was 83% in other groups. Our result suggests that surgical intervention should be considered for cases with more the severity of Grade 2.journal articl
Collagen Network Formation in In Vitro Models of Musculocontractural Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
Get PDFjournal articleLoss-of-function mutations in carbohydrate sulfotransferase 14 (CHST14) cause musculocontractural Ehlers–Danlos syndrome-CHST14 (mcEDS-CHST14), characterized by multiple congenital malformations and progressive connective tissue fragility-related manifestations in the cutaneous, skeletal, cardiovascular, visceral and ocular system. The replacement of dermatan sulfate chains on decorin proteoglycan with chondroitin sulfate chains is proposed to lead to the disorganization of collagen networks in the skin. However, the pathogenic mechanisms of mcEDS-CHST14 are not fully understood, partly due to the lack of in vitro models of this disease. In the present study, we established in vitro models of fibroblast-mediated collagen network formation that recapacitate mcEDS-CHST14 pathology. Electron microscopy analysis of mcEDS-CHST14-mimicking collagen gels revealed an impaired fibrillar organization that resulted in weaker mechanical strength of the gels. The addition of decorin isolated from patients with mcEDS-CHST14 and Chst14−/− mice disturbed the assembly of collagen fibrils in vitro compared to control decorin. Our study may provide useful in vitro models of mcEDS-CHST14 to elucidate the pathomechanism of this disease.journal articl
Transgenic Zebrafish Expressing Rat Cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) : Augmentation of Acetaminophen-Induced Toxicity in the Liver and Retina
Get PDFjournal articleMetabolic activation is the primary cause of chemical toxicity including hepatotoxicity. Cytochrome P450 2E (CYP2E) is involved in this process for many hepatotoxicants, including acetaminophen (APAP), one of the most common analgesics and antipyretics. Although the zebrafish is now used as a model for toxicology and toxicity tests, the CYP2E homologue in zebrafish has not been identified yet. In this study, we prepared transgenic zebrafish embryos/larvae expressing rat CYP2E1 and enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) using a β-actin promoter. Rat CYP2E1 activity was confirmed by the fluorescence of 7-hydroxycoumarin (7-HC), a metabolite of 7-methoxycoumarin that was specific for CYP2 in transgenic larvae with EGFP fluorescence (EGFP [+]) but not in transgenic larvae without EGFP fluorescence (EGFP [−]). APAP (2.5 mM) caused reduction in the size of the retina in EGFP [+] larvae but not in EGFP [−] larvae, while APAP similarly reduced pigmentation in both larvae. APAP at even 1 mM reduced the liver size in EGFP [+] larvae but not in EGFP [−] larvae. APAP-induced reduction of liver size was inhibited by N-acetylcysteine. These results suggest that rat CYP2E1 is involved in some APAP-induced toxicological endpoints in the retina and liver but not in melanogenesis of the developing zebrafish.journal articl
Can Drones Help Smallholder Farmers Improve Agriculture Efficiencies and Reduce Food Insecurity in Sub-Saharan Africa? Local Perceptions from Malawi
Get PDFjournal articleSmallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa play a vital role in achieving food security and nutrition, yet they are often overlooked by development policies and lack access to the technology and information needed to increase their agricultural productivity. This is particularly true in Malawi, where smallholder farmers make up over 80% of the population and face a range of risks and challenges, including vulnerability to climate change, that threaten their livelihoods, food security, and nutrition. While drones and precision agriculture technology have had a significant impact on agriculture in high-income countries, their application by smallholder farmers in low-income countries is not well understood. This study, conducted in 2022, examines how drones can assist smallholder farmers in increasing their agricultural productivity and food security in Malawi. It explores how smallholders perceive the use of drones and the potential benefits and limitations of using drones in their farming operations. A unique aspect of this study aims to understand smallholders’ perceptions of open data and data privacy. The results show that when smallholder farmers interact with drone data, they have a better understanding of their farm and are able to make more informed decisions that use fewer inputs and reduce production costs. Overall, this study demonstrates the potential for drones to assist smallholder farmers improve their on-farm knowledge, increase agricultural productivity, and mitigate the risks and challenges they face, leading to improved livelihoods and a more sustainable and secure food supply. Policymakers can promote the adoption of drone technology among smallholder farmers by developing policies that encourage public–private partnerships to create affordable, locally adapted drone technologies and programs that meet their unique needs, while also ensuring responsible use of drones in agriculture through regulations that address concerns about data privacy and security.journal articl
Diverse genome-wide DNA methylation alterations in canine hepatocellular tumours
Get PDFjournal article[Background] Canine hepatocellular tumours (HCTs) are common primary liver tumours. However, the exact mechanisms of tumourigenesis remain unclear. Although some genetic mutations have been reported, DNA methylation alterations in canine HCT have not been well studied. [Objectives] In this study, we aimed to analyse the DNA methylation status of canine HCT. [Methods] Tissues from 33 hepatocellular carcinomas, 3 hepatocellular adenomas, 1 nodular hyperplasia, 21 non-tumour livers from the patients and normal livers from 5 healthy dogs were used. We analysed the DNA methylation levels of 72,367 cytosine-guanine dinucleotides (CpG sites) in all 63 samples. [Results and conclusions] Although a large fraction of CpG sites that were highly methylated in the normal liver became hypomethylated in tumours from most patients, we also found some patients with less remarkable change or no change in DNA methylation. Hierarchical clustering analysis revealed that 32 of 37 tumour samples differed from normal livers, although the remaining 5 tumour livers fell into the same cluster as normal livers. In addition, the number of hypermethylated genes in tumour livers varied among tumour cases, suggesting various DNA methylation patterns in different tumour groups. However, patient and clinical parameters, such as age, were not associated with DNA methylation status. In conclusion, we found that HCTs undergo aberrant and diverse patterns of genome-wide DNA methylation compared with normal liver tissue, suggesting a complex epigenetic mechanism in canine HCT.journal articl
Fitness Trade-Offs between Phage and Antibiotic Sensitivity in Phage-Resistant Variants : Molecular Action and Insights into Clinical Applications for Phage Therapy
Get PDFjournal articleIn recent decades, phage therapy has been overshadowed by the widespread use of antibiotics in Western countries. However, it has been revitalized as a powerful approach due to the increasing prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. Although bacterial resistance to phages has been reported in clinical cases, recent studies on the fitness trade-offs between phage and antibiotic resistance have revealed new avenues in the field of phage therapy. This strategy aims to restore the antibiotic susceptibility of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, even if phage-resistant variants develop. Here, we summarize the basic virological properties of phages and their applications within the context of antimicrobial resistance. In addition, we review the occurrence of phage resistance in clinical cases, and examine fitness trade-offs between phage and antibiotic sensitivity, exploring the potential of an evolutionary fitness cost as a countermeasure against phage resistance in therapy. Finally, we discuss future strategies and directions for phage-based therapy from the aspect of fitness trade-offs. This approach is expected to provide robust options when combined with antibiotics in this era of phage ‘re’-discovery.journal articl