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Editors:
, , , , and
Mosquitoes transmit many of the pathogens that cause zoonotic diseases from wildlife and livestock to people, with devasting consequences for public health. The factors affecting the ecology and evolution of the transmission dynamics of these mosquito-borne pathogens can be revealed using multidisciplinary research approaches. This 7th volume of the ECVD series focuses on the ecological factors that determine the transmission dynamics of mosquito-borne pathogens naturally circulating between animals of different taxa and their importance for human health. The authors revise the current knowledge on the pathogens that affect wildlife, including those maintained in captivity, as well as the use of cutting-edge techniques for the identification of potential vectors of these pathogens. In addition, this volume explores the role of factors related to global change, including changes in landscape use, deforestation and urbanization, as major drivers of the distribution of mosquito vectors and the dynamics of pathogen transmission. Finally, updated information on the approaches used to identify and control mosquito-borne diseases is presented, with a particular focus on those affecting humans. In summary, this book provides an updated review of the different mosquito-borne pathogens affecting animals and their public health relevance.
Editors:
, , , , and
Mosquitoes transmit many of the pathogens that cause zoonotic diseases from wildlife and livestock to people, with devasting consequences for public health. The factors affecting the ecology and evolution of the transmission dynamics of these mosquito-borne pathogens can be revealed using multidisciplinary research approaches. This 7th volume of the ECVD series focuses on the ecological factors that determine the transmission dynamics of mosquito-borne pathogens naturally circulating between animals of different taxa and their importance for human health. The authors revise the current knowledge on the pathogens that affect wildlife, including those maintained in captivity, as well as the use of cutting-edge techniques for the identification of potential vectors of these pathogens. In addition, this volume explores the role of factors related to global change, including changes in landscape use, deforestation and urbanization, as major drivers of the distribution of mosquito vectors and the dynamics of pathogen transmission. Finally, updated information on the approaches used to identify and control mosquito-borne diseases is presented, with a particular focus on those affecting humans. In summary, this book provides an updated review of the different mosquito-borne pathogens affecting animals and their public health relevance.
Do you want to support dairy farmers in adjusting their management regarding the transition period of dairy cows? The book Pathways to health and disease for dairy cows provides veterinarians and farm advisors background information and practical tools. This unique book combines theoretical information with practical tools, and draws crosslinks between six aspects of transition cow biology. The book comprises two parts: an introduction chapter and six study chapters.
The first chapter outlines new ideas about the role of management in dairy farming:
- External conditions, comprising environment and farm management, continuously influence the internal body management of the cow.
- External conditions either support physiology or induce pathophysiology and pathology, for which new definitions are introduced.
- Advisory work on dairy farms must be based on the management of external conditions and not on herd performance data.
The six study chapters focus on the transition period and provide the reader with updated contemporary knowledge on (patho)physiology and pathology, and how they connect with risk factors, preventive measures, and monitoring tools.
Veterinarians and farm advisors must make a professional U-turn to support dairy farmers in solving and preventing disturbances in health and production. This book must be regarded as a start for resetting our traditional view and approach to cow health and disease.
The first chapter outlines new ideas about the role of management in dairy farming:
- External conditions, comprising environment and farm management, continuously influence the internal body management of the cow.
- External conditions either support physiology or induce pathophysiology and pathology, for which new definitions are introduced.
- Advisory work on dairy farms must be based on the management of external conditions and not on herd performance data.
The six study chapters focus on the transition period and provide the reader with updated contemporary knowledge on (patho)physiology and pathology, and how they connect with risk factors, preventive measures, and monitoring tools.
Veterinarians and farm advisors must make a professional U-turn to support dairy farmers in solving and preventing disturbances in health and production. This book must be regarded as a start for resetting our traditional view and approach to cow health and disease.
Do you want to support dairy farmers in adjusting their management regarding the transition period of dairy cows? The book Pathways to health and disease for dairy cows provides veterinarians and farm advisors background information and practical tools. This unique book combines theoretical information with practical tools, and draws crosslinks between six aspects of transition cow biology. The book comprises two parts: an introduction chapter and six study chapters.
The first chapter outlines new ideas about the role of management in dairy farming:
- External conditions, comprising environment and farm management, continuously influence the internal body management of the cow.
- External conditions either support physiology or induce pathophysiology and pathology, for which new definitions are introduced.
- Advisory work on dairy farms must be based on the management of external conditions and not on herd performance data.
The six study chapters focus on the transition period and provide the reader with updated contemporary knowledge on (patho)physiology and pathology, and how they connect with risk factors, preventive measures, and monitoring tools.
Veterinarians and farm advisors must make a professional U-turn to support dairy farmers in solving and preventing disturbances in health and production. This book must be regarded as a start for resetting our traditional view and approach to cow health and disease.
The first chapter outlines new ideas about the role of management in dairy farming:
- External conditions, comprising environment and farm management, continuously influence the internal body management of the cow.
- External conditions either support physiology or induce pathophysiology and pathology, for which new definitions are introduced.
- Advisory work on dairy farms must be based on the management of external conditions and not on herd performance data.
The six study chapters focus on the transition period and provide the reader with updated contemporary knowledge on (patho)physiology and pathology, and how they connect with risk factors, preventive measures, and monitoring tools.
Veterinarians and farm advisors must make a professional U-turn to support dairy farmers in solving and preventing disturbances in health and production. This book must be regarded as a start for resetting our traditional view and approach to cow health and disease.
Authors:
, , , , , and
Abstract
The secondary metabolite 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NPA) is produced by certain fungi. The metabolite is a potent toxin which inhibits the citric acid cycle. A medical case from 2021 described a 69-year-old Danish man who ingested 3-nitropropionic acid contaminated coconut water. The man died 26 hours after ingestion. Subsequent analysis identified Apiospora saccharicola as the fungi responsible for synthesising 3-NPA in the coconut. The metabolic pathway for 3-NPA is unknown but is thought to be activated by adverse growth conditions. This study aimed to confirm that Apiospora can produce 3-NPA within coconuts and develop a quick and easy method for detection of 3-NPA in coconut water using 1H NMR. This method can possibly aid in detection of 3-NPA in contaminated groceries, such as coconut water.
Authors:
, , , and
Abstract
Nowadays, there is great pressure in cities on the demand and supply of food as well as environmental needs, and where Urban Agriculture emerges in various forms to confront this situation. Indeed, Urban Agriculture is a form of agriculture, highlighting its multiple functions in ensuring food security, maintaining urban ecosystem services, and improve the quality of life. Moreover, the use and transformation of abandoned areas is proving to be an appropriate way of creating new green spaces. This research article focuses on analysing the alignment between governance mechanisms, the distribution of the value created, together with the benefits derived. The comparison is based on four case studies in France, two in Paris (“La Caverne” and “Veni-Verdi”) and two in Rouen (“Le Champ des Possibles” and “Le Jardin de l’Astéroïde”) with different vocations (social vs economic), and which will serve as a basis for investigations into the theme of Food Governance Structures. This research work consisted of carrying out interviews with the stakeholders involved in Urban Agricultural Projects, as well as on-site visits for analysis and evaluation. An empirical analysis through the NVivo Software is used, which allowed the qualitative analysis of the data. The results show that there are similarities between the different initiatives, such as having a well-structured administrative office headed by a president, treasurer and employees. At the same time, there are a few differences in terms of the type of structure, key priorities and management structure. Indeed, three of the four initiatives evaluated aim to reach out to local residents and to understand the benefits of having agricultural spaces in our cities and to recreate this link with nature, unlike the economic initiative, which focuses more on business and commerce and less on social and educational inclusion.
Authors:
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Abstract
Mycotoxins are amongst the most prevalent food contaminants leading to serious health implications for humans and animals. Limiting exposure to them within the population remains a pressing food safety challenge. Prevention and timely detection are crucial for minimising mycotoxin contamination in food and feed. Therefore easy-to-use, rapid, eco-friendly and low-cost screening methods are increasingly implemented. Early-stage end-user engagement in the technological development process aids and guides the research towards increased societal impact. To investigate these end-user needs, the limitations of the currently used methods and the expectations towards a novel approach were mapped among stakeholders in a comprehensive survey. Stakeholders along the food supply chain (agricultural, food processing, retail, food safety and control, laboratories) were identified in five European countries and contacted. A total of 63 participants completed the survey, which was followed-up by an interview. The results of the survey revealed that different end-user groups have different priorities. Important limiting factors for agricultural, processing and retail stakeholders of the current methodologies include the complexity of sample preparation, high cost and time-to-results. Complementing the accredited laboratory tests with a pre-screening device would be especially interesting for agricultural producers (87.5% of the participants are interested) and food processors (80%), since there is an increasing demand for on-site detection of contamination. On the other hand, food control authorities and commercial laboratories indicated higher priority towards low quantification limits and multi-compound methods. The time to get the results was found to be more important than the testing cost (important aspect for 74.6 versus 66.7%). Overall, the findings of this study are critical input for end-user-targeted development of novel mycotoxin detection platforms.
Authors:
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Abstract
We evaluated the benefits of heat-stable carotenoid-producing Bacillus marisflavi SH8 spores individually and in combination with non-pigmented Bacillus subtilis SH23 spores on growth, colour change, nutritional content, innate immunity, and gut microbiota of white-leg shrimp. White-leg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei; n = 30 per tank; 2 tanks per group) were provided feed without (control group) or with SH8, SH23, or mixed spores (total, 1 × 106 cfu/g pellet) for 28 d. The SH8 and SH8-23 combination groups had significantly higher specific growth rates (9.6 and 11.0%), improved red-colour score (4 scores), astaxanthin concentration (1.8- and 2.3-fold), lipid contents (30 and 50%), and superoxidase dismutase activity (8.5 and 12.3%) than that of the control group. Analysis of shrimp’s gut microbiome using 16S rRNA metagenome sequencing revealed increased abundance of four useful species and reduced abundance of four harmful species in the combination group than in the control group. Heat-stable Bacillus spore combination improved growth parameters, nutrient content, red-colour score, live counts, and abundance of useful bacteria in the gut of L. vannamei. This is the first study to show the benefits of combining highly heat-stable pigmented and non-pigmented Bacillus spores and their possible mechanisms in a shrimp model.
Authors:
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Abstract
Edible insects such as lesser mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus) are a promising new protein source for food and feed. The feed substrate on which these insects are reared may be contaminated with residues of insecticides originating from agricultural products that may impact insect performance. In this study, two generations of A. diaperinus were chronically exposed to spinosad (2.0 and 0.2 mg/kg) and imidacloprid (0.1 and 0.01 mg/kg) in the substrate. The aim was to determine sublethal effects on performance measures (total biomass (yield), mean individual weight, number of alive individuals) of larvae, pupae, and adult beetles, as well as pupation and eclosion. Exposure to spinosad at 2.0 mg/kg resulted in significant adverse effects on most performance measures of larvae, of both generations. Imidacloprid caused a reduction in yield and mean individual weight of the larvae as compared to the control at 0.1 mg/kg, while an increase in those measures was observed at 0.01 mg/kg. Significant adverse effects on adult beetles were only observed for imidacloprid at 0.1 mg/kg, and no significant effects of this insecticide on pupation and eclosion were observed. The concentrations of tested substances in larval samples were negligible for both generations, however, transfer from substrate to larval biomass was higher in the offspring generation relative to the parent generation. More research is needed to fully assess the hazard of insecticide residues to cause sublethal effects on A. diaperinus, for which method development for more cost-efficient designs is required.
Abstract
Bifidobacterium adolescentis is one of the most abundant bifidobacterial species in the human large intestine, and is prevalent in 60-80% of healthy human adults with cell densities ranging from 109-1010 cells/g of faeces. Lower abundance is found in children and in elderly individuals. The species is evolutionary adapted to fermenting plant-derived glycans and is equipped with an extensive sugar transporter and degradation enzymes repertoire. Consequently, the species is strongly affected by dietary carbohydrates and is able to utilize a wide range of prebiotic molecules. B. adolescentis is specialized in metabolizing resistant starch and is considered a primary starch degrader enabling growth of other beneficial bacteria by cross-feeding. The major metabolic output is acetate and lactate in a ratio of 3:2. Several health-beneficial properties have been demonstrated in certain strains of B. adolescentis in vitro and in rodent models, including enhancement of the intestinal barrier function, anti-inflammatory and immune-regulatory effects, and the production of neurotransmitters (GABA), and vitamins. Although causalities have not been established, reduced abundance of B. adolescentis as part of a dysbiotic colonic microbiota in human observational studies has been associated with inflammatory bowel diseases, irritable bowel syndrome, coeliac disease, cystic fibrosis, Helicobacter pylori infection, type 1 and 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and certain allergies. It is therefore reasonable to conceive B. adolescentis as a health-associated, or even health-promoting bacterial species in humans.
Authors:
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Abstract
This study aimed to develop an ex vivo model to evaluate the efficacy of antimycotoxin additives (AMAs) against aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and fumonisin B1 (FB1) using intestinal explants of growing pigs. Four assays of two treatments with 12 replicates each (24 jejunal explants used per assay) were performed using an Ussing Chamber (UC) system: two assays to evaluate two AMAs for AFB1 and two assays to evaluate two AMAs for FB1. The difference between the two assays for both AFB1 and FB1 was the composition of the additive used. The treatments for AFB1 assays were control [Buffer solution (BS) + 1 mg/l AFB1] and AMA (BS + 1 mg/l AFB1
+ 0.5% AMA 1 or 2). The treatments for FB1 assays were control (BS + 50 mg/l FB1) and AMA (BS + 50 mg/l FB1
+ 0.5% AMA 3 or 4). The efficacy of the four additives was also tested in vitro. The AFB1 concentrations in the explants from AMAs 1 and 2 were lower (
Abstract
Crickets are being reevaluated as food and livestock feed due to their high nutritional value and low environmental impact during production, as food waste can be used as feed. On the other hand, current cricket production uses feed used in aquaculture and poultry farming, and these feeds contain animal proteins such as fish meal and chicken meal. This is simply converting other animal proteins into insect proteins. Therefore, this study aimed to test whether two-spotted cricket powder can be used as a substitute for fishmeal in diets for Gryllus bimaculatus production. Cricket weight, feed efficiency, and number of crickets were evaluated by feeding rice bran: cricket powder = 85:15 and rice bran: fish meal = 85:15, respectively, referring to the feed mix ratio used by cricket producers. Results showed no statistically significant differences between the two experiments in cricket weight and feed conversion ratio. When data were obtained separately for each growth phase, cricket weight was found to be highest in the fourth post-hatching week for the diet with cricket powder and then decreased (initial input: 1 g; 28 days: 89.45 ± 22.19 g; 35 days: 49.47 ± 14.11 g). Feed conversion efficiency was found to be higher in the second half of growth (1-7 days: 0.48; 23-28 days: 0.80). The use of insect powder as bait for crickets is a new proposal. In cricket production, adults with low reproductive capacity are packaged and sold as food or livestock feed, but by using insect powder as feed during cricket production, it is possible to reduce animal protein in the feed. In the future, we plan to investigate the usefulness of mass-produced insect powder as feed for crickets.