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Plant based dietary ingredients contain non-starch polysaccharides (NSP). Both soluble and insoluble NSP may limit intestinal absorption and digestion of dietary nutrients along the intestinal tract of monogastric animals. Increased digesta viscosity also occurs, which results in satiety and potential health issues. DIGESTAWell XG (Probiotech International Inc.), a commercially available enzyme-based feed additive that contains increased endo-1,4-ß-xylanase and endo-1,3(4)-ß-glucanase activity, hydrolyzes NSP resulting in increased nutrient availability and digestibility. Therefore, it was hypothesized that nursery pigs consuming low net energy (NE) diets with DIGESTAWell XG will demonstrate similar growth performance as nursery pigs consuming greater NE diets. A 47-day trial was conducted with 21-day old nursery pigs (6.0 kg) allocated to three groups: control (CON), low energy (-56 kcal/kg feed; LE), and low energy + enzyme (LE+E). All groups had 13 pens of 28 pigs (n = 364), and received wheat and corn mix based diets that had a similar NSP content (11.4%). CON diets had greater NE (2,456 kcal/kg feed) relative to the LE and LE+E groups (2400 kcal/kg feed). The diet of the LE+E group was supplemented with DIGESTAWell XG at 0.22kg/Ton of feed. For each pen the daily feed intake, weekly weight, diarrhea index and mortality were recorded. Data were analyzed by an ANOVA model (Statistix 8.0; Analytical Software, FL) including treatment and pen as fixed and random effects, respectively, and a Chi-square test for pairwise differences. Compared with both CON and LE, LE+E increased (P < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) during weeks 4 to 7 and weeks 1 to 7, and significantly increased final weight (Table 1). During weeks 1 to 3, ADG and ADFI did not differ between CON and LE+E groups, and the LE+E group was significantly greater than LE. Over the entire period, LE impacted (P < 0.05) negatively the feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared with CON, however, during weeks 4-7 the LE+E had similar FCR compared with CON (P > 0.05). No significant effects were observed on mortality or diarrhea index. In conclusion, DIGESTAWell XG improves piglet performance when dietary NE content is decreased which may offer some formulation flexibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated successional colonization of fresh perennial ryegrass (PRG) by the rumen microbiota over time. Fresh PRG was incubated in sacco in the rumens of three Holstein × Friesian cows over a period of 8 h, with samples recovered at various times. The diversity of attached bacteria was assessed using 454 pyrosequencing of 16S rRNA (cDNA). Results showed that plant epiphytic communities either decreased to low relative abundances or disappeared following rumen incubation, and that temporal colonization of the PRG by the rumen bacteria was biphasic with primary (1 and 2 h) and secondary (4-8 h) events evident with the transition period being with 2-4 h. A decrease in sequence reads pertaining to Succinivibrio spp. and increases in Pseudobutyrivibrio, Roseburia and Ruminococcus spp. (the latter all order Clostridiales) were evident during secondary colonization. Irrespective of temporal changes, the continually high abundances of Butyrivibrio, Fibrobacter, Olsenella and Prevotella suggest that they play a major role in the degradation of the plant. It is clear that a temporal understanding of the functional roles of these microbiota within the rumen is now required to unravel the role of these bacteria in the ruminal degradation of fresh PRG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ruminal methanogens, bacteria and ciliate protozoa of Svalbard reindeer grazing natural pastures in October (late fall) and April (late winter) were investigated using molecular-based approaches. The appetite of the Svalbard reindeer peaks in August (summer) and is at its lowest in March (winter). Microbial numbers, quantified by real-time PCR, did not change significantly between October and April, when food intakes are at similar levels, although the numbers of methanogens tended to be higher in October ( P=0.074), and ciliate numbers tended to be higher in April ( P=0.055). Similarly, no change was detected in the bacterial and protozoal population composition by rRNA gene-based denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis. Dominant methanogens were identified using a 16S rRNA gene library (97 clones) prepared from pooled PCR products from reindeer on October pasture ( n=5). Eleven of the 22 distinct operational taxonomic units (OTUs) generated exhibited a high degree of sequence similarity to methanogens affiliated with Methanobacteriales (eight OTUs), Methanomicrobiales (one OTU) and Methanosarcinales (two OTUs). The remaining 11 OTUs (53% of the clones) were associated with a cluster of uncultivated ruminal archaea. This study has provided important insights into the rumen microbiome of a high-arctic herbivorous animal living under harsh nutritional conditions, and evidence suggesting that host type affects the population size of ruminal methanogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Consecutive batch cultures (CBC), involving nine serial transfers at 3, 5 and 7d intervals (21, 45 and 63d, respectively) were established to enrich for plant fibre degrading co-cultures of anaerobic fungi and methanogens from rumen digesta. Microbial diversity and fermentation end-products were measured at appropriate intervals over each CBC time-course. While methanogenic populations remained diverse, anaerobic fungal diversity was related to transfer interval and appeared to decrease with increasing transfer number. Acetate was the principal aqueous fermentation end-product with minimal quantities of lactate and formate detected. Methane and carbon dioxide were detected in the gaseous head-space of all co-cultures and the total amounts of gas generated per transfer was greater with transfer intervals of 5 and 7d compared with a 3d interval, although the 3d interval tended to be more efficient per unit time. In conclusion, rapidly growing, methane producing co-cultures of anaerobic fungi and methanogens from rumen digesta were easy to establish on lignocellulose (barley straw) and maintain over considerable time periods. These results suggest such co-cultures have potential in industrial scale anaerobic digestion (AD) of highly fibrous substrates, which are resistant to degradation in conventional AD plants. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The molecular diversity of the rumen microbiome was investigated in five semi-domesticated adult female Norwegian reindeer ( Rangifer tarandus tarandus) grazing on natural summer pastures on the coast of northern Norway (71.00° N, 25.30° E). Mean population densities (numbers per gram wet weight) of methanogenic archaea, rumen bacteria and ciliate protozoa, estimated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), were 3.17 × 109, 5.17 × 1011 and 4.02 × 107, respectively. Molecular diversity of rumen methanogens was revealed using a 16S rRNA gene library (54 clones) constructed using pooled PCR products from the whole rumen contents of the five individual reindeer. Based upon a similarity criterion of <97%, a total of 19 distinct operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were identified, nine of which are potential new species. The 16S rRNA sequences generated from the reindeer rumen exhibited a high degree of sequence similarity to methanogens affiliated with the families Methanobacteriaceae (14 OTUs) and Methanosarcinaceae (one OTU). Four of the OTUs detected belonged to a group of uncultivated archaea previously found in domestic ruminants and thought to be dominant in the rumen together with Methanobrevibacter spp. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis profiling of the rumen bacterial 16S rRNA gene and the protozoal 18S rRNA gene indicated a high degree of animal variation, although some bands were common to all individuals. Automated ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis (ARISA) profiling of the ruminal Neocallimastigales population indicated that the reindeer are likely to contain more than one type of anaerobic fungus. The ARISA profile from one animal was distinct from the other four. This is the first molecular investigation of the ruminal methanogenic archaea in reindeer, revealing higher numbers than expected based on methane emission data available. Also, many of the reindeer archaeal 16S rRNA gene sequences were similar to those reported in domesticated ruminants in Australia, Canada, China, New Zealand and Venezuela, supporting previous findings that there seems to be no host type or geographical effect on the methanogenic archaea community structure in ruminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anaerobic fungi ( Neocallimastigales) are active degraders of fibrous plant material in the rumen. However, only limited information is available relating to how quickly they colonize ingested feed particles. The aim of this study was to determine the dynamics of initial colonization of forage by anaerobic fungi in the rumen and the impact of different postsampling wash procedures used to remove loosely associated microorganisms. Neocallimastigales-specific molecular techniques were optimized to ensure maximal coverage before application to assess the population size (quantitative PCR) and composition (automated ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis) of the colonizing anaerobic fungi. Colonization of perennial ryegrass (PRG) was evident within 5 min, with no consistent effect of time or wash procedure on fungal population composition. Wash procedure had no effect on population size unlike time, which had a significant effect. Colonizing fungal population size continued to increase over the incubation period after an initial lag of c. 4 min. This dynamic differs from that reported previously for rumen bacteria, where substantial colonization of PRG occurred within 5 min. The observed delay in colonization of plant material by anaerobic fungi is suggested to be primarily mediated by the time taken for fungal zoospores to locate, attach and encyst on plant material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial colonization is central to ruminal degradation of dietary material yet little is known about the dynamics of this process. The aim of this study was to characterize the initial stages of bacterial colonization of forage, and to assess the impact that different postsample processing and analysis methods had on the results obtained. Bacterial 16S rRNA gene-based analysis of damaged, nonconserved perennial ryegrass, incubated in sacco in the bovine rumen, required the development and validation of new quantitative PCR and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) primers. Analysis with previously available primer sets was compromised due to dominant amplification of forage-derived chloroplast 16S rRNA genes. DGGE analysis of incubated samples demonstrated that a diverse and consistent population of ruminal bacteria colonized rapidly. Postsampling methodologies did not affect overall population profiles whereas the washing method appeared to influence bacterial numbers. However, regardless of processing methodology, bacterial numbers increased rapidly within 5 min, stabilizing after 15 min of incubation. These findings reveal for the first time the dynamics of bacterial colonization of forage within the rumen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flavomycin is a phosphoglycolipid antibiotic that promotes growth in ruminants. The aim of this study was to characterize the effects of flavomycin on ruminal micro-organisms and their metabolic consequences. In sheep receiving a mixed grass hay/concentrate diet, inclusion of 20 mg flavomycin day-1 decreased ruminal ammonia and total volatile fatty acid concentrations (P<0.001), but the acetate : propionate ratio was unchanged. Ruminal pH tended to be lower with flavomycin, and ammonia-production rates of ruminal digesta from control animals measured in vitro tended to be inhibited by flavomycin. Pure-culture studies indicated that anaerobic fungi, protozoa and most bacterial species were insensitive to flavomycin. Fusobacterium necrophorum was the most sensitive species tested, along with some high-activity ammonia-producing (HAP) species. Effects on F. necrophorum in vivo were inconsistent due to large inter-animal variation. HAP numbers appeared to be decreased. Changes in the rumen bacterial-community structure were assessed by using denaturing-gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis of rumen digesta 16S rRNA. DGGE profiles differed from animal to animal, but remained consistent from day to day. The community structure changed when flavomycin was introduced. The roles of F. necrophorum and HAP species in ammonia formation and of F. necrophorum in the invasion of wall tissue are consistent with the observed effects of flavomycin on ruminal ammonia formation and, in other studies, on decreasing tissue-turnover rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Free faecal water (FFW) in equines causes soiling of the hindquarters and tail and may also include additional symptoms. The cause of FFW is unknown. In this study it was investigated whether the microbes present in the last part of the gut (i.e., the hindgut microbiota) may be involved. From the analysis of faecal samples, it was found that horses suffering from FFW had no differences in their hindgut microbiota compared to healthy horses stabled at the same location. However, subsequent treatment of the FFW horses with a faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from a healthy donor animal resulted in a decrease in FFW symptom severity. Nevertheless, animals did not respond uniformly to this treatment, with some only having temporary decreases in FFW symptom severity. No lasting changes in the hindgut microbiota of the FFW horses occurred as a result of the faecal transplant. The practical implication of these findings is that FMT can potentially be used to temporarily alleviate FFW symptom severity in horses, although future studies using controls are needed to confirm the effectiveness of FMT to treat FFW. Free faecal water (FFW) in equines results in pollution of the hindquarters and tail and can also involve clinical signs. Though the cause of FFW is unknown, it was hypothesized that it may involve the gut microbiota. This hypothesis was addressed as follows. First, the faecal prokaryotic community composition of horses suffering from FFW relative to healthy controls (n = 10) was compared. Second, FFW horses were treated with a standardised faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) protocol (n = 10), followed by assessment of FFW symptom severity and faecal prokaryotic community composition over a follow-up period of 168 days. No significant differences were found in the faecal microbiota composition of FFW horses compared to healthy controls (p > 0.05). Relative to before FMT, FFW symptom severity decreased in affected horses 14 days after FMT (p = 0.02) and remained decreased for the remainder of the study (p < 0.02). However, individual animal responses to FMT varied. FMT had no effect on FFW horse faecal prokaryotic community composition in terms of alpha or beta diversity. Alpha diversity of the donor inocula used in the FMT was always lower than that of the faecal microbiota of the FFW treated horses (p < 0.001). In conclusion, whilst findings indicate FFW horses do not have an altered hindgut microbiota, some horses that received FMT had a temporary alleviation of FFW symptom severity without causing changes in the faecal microbiota. Future studies using controls are now needed to confirm the effectiveness of FMT to treat FFW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rumen is known to contain DNA-based viruses, although it is not known whether RNA-based viruses that infect fungi (mycoviruses) are also present. Analysis of publicly available rumen metatranscriptome sequence data from sheep rumen samples (n  = 20) was used to assess whether RNA-based viruses exist within the ovine rumen. A total of 2466 unique RNA viral contigs were identified that had homology to nine viral families. The Partitiviridae was the most consistently observed mycoviral family. High variation in the abundance of each detected mycovirus suggests that rumen mycoviral populations vary greatly between individual sheep. Functional analysis of the genes within the assembled mycoviral contigs suggests that the mycoviruses detected had simple genomes, often only carrying the machinery required for replication. The fungal population of the ovine rumen was also assessed using metagenomics data from the same samples, and was consistently dominated by the phyla Ascomycota and Basidomycota. The strictly anaerobic phyla Neocallimastigomycota were also present in all samples but at a low abundance. This preliminary investigation has provided clear evidence that mycoviruses with RNA genomes exist in the rumen, with further in-depth studies now required to characterise this mycoviral community and determine its role in the rumen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Women living with HIV (WLH) lack evidence-based information about reproductive options while managing pressures from family, clinicians, and communities to give up the idea of having children. As the reproduction intentions of WLH are not well understood, stigmatizing behaviors force them to hide their disease to avoid rejection by their family, partner, and social networks. Compliance with social norms, fear of stigma, and discrimination influence their experience. Current research is individual qualitative studies lacking the synthesis perspective necessary to guide intervention development. The purpose of this study was to synthesize the evidence to explain the reproductive decision-making process for WLH in developed countries. Methods: A systematic review with qualitative research synthesis was conducted through searches in 10 electronic databases (CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Scopus, Social Science Citation Index, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Cuidatge, Cuiden Enfispo, and SciELO). Studies published in journals from 1995 to 2019 with qualitative data about reproductive decision-making among WLH in developed countries were eligible for inclusion. Developed country was operationalized by membership in the OECD for comparative conditions of social wellbeing and economic stability. The CASP and JBI checklists for qualitative research were used to assess study quality and methodological integrity. Thematic analysis and qualitative meta-summary techniques were used for the synthesis. Results: Twenty studies from 12 developed countries were included in the synthesis. Findings were organized into 3 meta-themes from 15 themes and 45 subthemes, including: (1) Shattered identity, (2) Barriers, inequities, and misinformation, (3) Coping, resiliency, and support. Reproductive decision-making was perceived as a complex process influenced by facilitators and barriers. The facilitators helped WLH cope with their new situation to become more resilient, while the barriers made their situation more difficult to manage. Conclusion: WLH encounter reproductive decision-making with knowledge deficits and limited social support. An integrated approach to holistic care with comprehensive multidisciplinary counseling is needed to support WLH. Clinicians could benefit from professional development to learn how to be authentically present for WLH, including engaging in conversations, demonstrating compassion, and understanding situations. Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines need to be tailored for the family planning and sexual health needs of WLH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corrections to the article that was published in the 2007 issue are presented.

Simple Summary: Butyrate is an established feed additive for supporting gut health in pigs and poultry and also young ruminants where it is used to promote rumen development. However, the effect of supplementing dairy cows with butyrate ahead of calving has been less extensively studied, and it is not known what effect precalving butyrate supplementation has on the calf. The purpose of this on-farm study was to investigate the effect of magnesium butyrate (MgB) fed daily for the last 3 weeks before the expected time of calving on dairy cow and calf-related parameters. The study findings showed that prepartum MgB enhanced colostrum yield and the total yield of immunglobulin G, protein and lactose. Improved early lactation performance, calving ease, fertility and body condition score were observed in the cows of the MgB-supplemented group, and their calves had increased vitality at birth. These findings highlight that prepartum MgB supplementation of dairy cows gives a wide range of benefits, which also extend to the calf. Butyrate promotes rumen epithelium growth and function; however, the effect of prepartum butyrate supplementation on dairy cow productivity, health and their offspring has not been extensively studied. Furthermore, no studies have investigated the effect of magnesium butyrate (MgB), which is also a source of magnesium. A trial was performed to test the hypothesis that prepartum MgB supplementation (105 g/cow/day) would increase colostrum quality and improve calving, newborn calf vitality and cow health. Multiparous Holstein cows were randomly assigned to MgB supplemented (n = 107) and Control groups (n = 112). Colostrum yield and the total yield of IgG, protein and lactose were higher (p ≤ 0.05) in the supplemented group. The calving assistance rate was lower (p ≤ 0.012), and the neonatal vitality score was higher (p ≤ 0.001) in the MgB group. Improved parameters related to cow health and fertility were observed in the supplemented group. The MgB group also had higher milk yield during the first week of lactation (p ≤ 0.001), and a higher (p ≤ 0.05) body condition score from 3 to 9 weeks after calving. In conclusion, prepartum MgB supplementation provides a wide range of benefits for dairy cows, as well as their newborn calves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of protected butyrate supplementation in broiler nutrition. Two experiments were conducted: (i) a performance study (1–35 days of age) and (ii) a study on the gut integrity and microbiome (1–21 days of age). The growth performance of birds, abundance of intestinal tight junction proteins, the quantitative characteristics of caecal microbiome and intestinal short chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations were investigated in these studies. Based on the results, it could be concluded that the addition of protected butyrate to broiler diets improved growth performance and intestinal integrity in accordance with the modulation of the caecal microbiome and the stimulated endogenous production of SCFA in the caecum. These findings provide important information that increases the understanding of the complex effects of the biologically most active SCFA, butyrate, on the overall health status and metabolism of the chicken. Short chain fatty acid (SCFA) butyrate has various beneficial effects on the gut microbiota as well as on the overall health status and metabolism of the host organism. The modulatory role of butyrate on gut barrier integrity reflected by tight junction protein expression has been already described in mammalian species. However, there is limited information available regarding chickens. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to monitor the effects of protected butyrate on claudin barrier protein and monocarboxylate transporter 1 abundance in different gastrointestinal segments of chickens as well as the growth performance of broiler chickens. The effect of protected butyrate on the caecal microbiota was monitored by quantifying the concentrations of total eubacteria and key enzymes of butyrate production. Furthermore, intestinal SCFA concentrations were also measured. Based on the data obtained, protected butyrate increased the overall performance as well as the barrier integrity of various gut segments. Protected butyrate also positively affected the SCFA concentration and composition. These findings provide valuable insight into the complex effects of protected butyrate on broiler gut health, highlighting the beneficial effects in improving intestinal barrier integrity and performance parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Balancing energy and nitrogen in the rumen is a key to both profitability and environmental sustainability. Four dairy cows were used in a Latin square experimental design to investigate the effect of severe nitrogen underfeeding (110 vs. 80% of requirements) and the type of carbohydrate consumed [neutral detergent fiber rich (FIB) vs. starch rich (STA)] on the rumen ecosystem. These dietary treatments modified both rumen fermentation and microbial populations. Compared with STA diets, consumption of FIB diets increased bacterial and fungal diversity in the rumen and also increased the concentrations of cellulolytic microorganisms, including protozoa (+38%), anaerobic fungi (+59%), and methanogens (+27%). This microbial adaptation to fiber utilization led to similar digestibility values for the 2 carbohydrate sources and was accompanied by a shift in the rumen fermentation patterns; when the FIB diets were consumed, the cows had greater ruminai pH, ammonia concentrations, and molar proportions of acetate and propionate compared with when they consumed the STA diets. Certain rumen microorganisms were sensitive to a shortage of nitrogen; rumen concentrations of ammonia were 49% lower when the low-protein (LP) diets were consumed as were total bacteria (-13%), anaerobic fungi (-28%), methanogens (-27%), protozoa (-19%), cellulolytic bacteria, and microbial diversity compared with when the high-protein (HP) diets were consumed. As a result, the digestibility of the LP diets was less than that of the HP diets. These findings demonstrated that the rumen microbial ecosystem is directly linked to the rumen fermentation pattern and, to some extent, to the efficiency of diet utilization by dairy cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant cell death occurring as a result of adverse environmental conditions is known to limit crop production. It is less well recognized that plant cell death processes can also contribute to the poor environmental footprint of ruminant livestock production. Although the forage cells ingested by grazing ruminant herbivores will ultimately die, the lack of oxygen, elevated temperature, and challenge by microflora experienced in the rumen induce regulated plant stress responses resulting in DNA fragmentation and autolytic protein breakdown during the cell death process. Excessive ruminal proteolysis contributes to the inefficient conversion of plant to microbial and animal protein which results in up to 70% of the ingested nitrogen being returned to the land as the nitrogenous pollutants ammonia and urea. This constitutes a significant challenge for sustainable livestock production. As it is estimated that 25% of cultivated land worldwide is assigned to livestock production, it is clear that understanding the fundamental biology underlying cell death in ingested forage will have a highly significant role in minimizing the impact of human activities. This review examines our current understanding of plant metabolism in the rumen and explores opportunities for exploitation of plant genetics to advance sustainable land use. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Sexual health is a multidimensional phenomenon constructed by personal, social, and cultural factors but continues to be studied with a biomedical approach. During the postpartum period, a woman transitions to mother, as well as partner-to-parent and couple-to-family. There are new realities in life in the postpartum period, including household changes and new responsibilities that can impact the quality of sexual health. This phenomenon is understudied especially in the context of Spain. The purpose of this study was to describe the lived experience of postpartum sexual health among primiparous women giving birth in Catalonia (Spain).Methods: This was a phenomenological study with a purposive sample of primiparous women. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews until saturation. Analysis followed Colaizzi's seven-step process with an eighth translation step added to limit cross-cultural threats to validity. Also, the four dimensions of trustworthiness were established through strategies and techniques during data collection and analysis.Results: Ten women were interviewed from which five themes emerged, including: Not feeling ready, inhibiting factors, new reality at home, socio-cultural factors, and the clinician within the health system. Returning to sexual health led women to engage in experiential learning through trial and error. Most participants reported reduced libido, experienced altered body image, and recounted resumption of sexual activity before feeling ready. A common finding was fatigue and feeling overloaded by the demands of the newborn. Partner support was described as essential to returning to a meaningful relationship. Discussions about postpartum sexual health with clinicians were described as taboo, and largely absent from the care model.Conclusion: Evidence-based practices should incorporate the best evidence from research, consider the postpartum sexual health experiences and preferences of the woman, and use clinician expertise in discussions that include the topic of postpartum sexual health to make decisions. As such, human caring practices should be incorporated into clinical guidelines to recognize the preferences of women. Clinicians need to be authentically present, engage in active communication, and individualize their care. More qualitative studies are needed to understand postpartum sexual health in different contexts, cultures, and countries and to identify similarities and differences through meta-synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the present study was to characterize the rumen bacterial and archaeal communities in dairy cows fed different ratios of maize silage (MS) and grass silage (GS), and place the findings in the context of ruminal fermentation as well as previously reported methane (CH4) emissions. Rumen fluid from 12 rumen cannulated dairy cows was collected after 10 and 17 days of feeding one of four diets, all of which had the same roughage to concentrate ratio of 80:20 based on dry matter (DM). Roughage in the four diets (GS100, GS0, GS67, GS33) consisted of either 1000 g/kg DM GS (GS100), 1000 g/kg DM MS (GS0), or a mixture of both silages in different proportions [667 g/kg DM GS and 333 g/kg DM MS (GS67); 333 g/kg DM GS and 677 g/kg DM MS (GS33)]. Total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations and the molar proportions of the ruminal VFA were not affected by diet. Only the molar proportion of isovalerate was affected by time, being lower on day 17 than on day 10. Bacterial and archaeal concentrations were not affected by diet but increased from day 10 to day 17. The bacterial community composition was affected by diet, time and diet × time, whereas the archaeal community composition was only affected by diet. Several bacterial and archaeal genus level groups were associated with diet, but not with time. Analysis indicated the increased use of hydrogen by succinate and lactate producing bacteria is likely to at least partially explain the previously reported lower CH4 emissions from MS fed dairy cows. Furthermore, time had a significant effect on both bacterial and archaeal concentrations, and also bacterial community composition. This indicates that the rumen microbiota had not stabilized after 10 days of feeding the experimental diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Differences in the rumen bacterial community have been previously reported for Soay sheep housed under different day length conditions. This study extends this previous investigation to other organs of the digestive tract, as well as the analysis of ciliated protozoa and anaerobic fungi. The detectable concentrations of ciliated protozoa and anaerobic fungi decreased with increased day length in both the rumen and large colon, unlike those of bacteria where no effect was observed. Conversely, bacterial community composition was affected by day length in both the rumen and large colon, but the community composition of the detectable ciliated protozoa and anaerobic fungi was not affected. Day length-associated differences in the bacterial community composition extended to all of the organs examined, with the exception of the duodenum and the jejunum. It is proposed that differences in rumen fill and ruminal 'by-pass' nutrients together with endocrinological changes cause the observed effects of day length on the different gut microbial communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Analyze and synthesize the research evidence to understand the reproductive decisions made by women living with HIV from the beginning of the epidemic to the present. Evaluate the barriers and the facilitators for reproductive decision-making. Identify areas of strength, improvement, and those requiring further research. Design and data sources Systematic review following the PRISMA guideline. PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, SocINDEX, Embase, and Scopus databases were searched from 1985 to 2016 using the following Keywords: HIV, AIDS, pregnancy, reproduction, and decision-making. Study selection A total of 42 research papers were included in this review. Initially, 1563 papers were identified for the review by database (n = 1544) and hand (n = 19) searches. With three review levels, 1521 papers were excluded (title review, n = 1272; abstract review, n = 136; and full paper review, n = 113). Studies published in English in peer-reviewed journals using both quantitative and qualitative methods and addressing reproductive decisions in women living with HIV were included. Thirdly, inclusion eligibility was assessed by title, abstract, and full text. Review methods Random allocation conducted by the primary researcher assigned an equal number of papers to each researcher for review, including detailed instructions with an abstraction form. Discrepancies were resolved by two researchers. Research quality was assessed using the NCHBL Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies, the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme for the qualitative studies and its version for systematic reviews Results The review included 42 papers, both quantitative (n = 24) and qualitative methods (n = 14). Most studies were completed by physicians (n = 16) or nurses (n = 15). More than two-thirds of the studies were performed in urban settings with predominantly African-American women (n = 27). Eight factors were identified as influencing the reproductive decision-making process in women living with HIV: ‘Socio-demographic, Health status and Pregnancy’, ‘Religion and spirituality’, ‘Beliefs and Attitudes about Antiretroviral Therapy’, ‘Healthcare providers’, ‘Significant others’, ‘Motherhood and fulfillment’, ‘Fear of perinatal infection and infection of partner(s)’, ‘Birth control and pregnancy management’. Conclusions Health care providers are not providing patient-centered care by applying scientific evidence to their practice when advising women with HIV in making reproductive decisions. Despite the strong evidence indicating pregnancy for women with HIV results in a safe birthing trajectory, one not likely to jeopardize the health of the either the mother or fetus, providers continue to recommend the women with HIV avoid pregnancy and neglect to invite partners to participate in the discussion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two cultures of anaerobic fungi were isolated from the forestomach of an Indian camel ( Camelus dromedarius ). Phylogenetic analysis using both the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and large-subunit (LSU) regions of the rRNA locus demonstrated that these isolates were identical and formed a distinct clade within the anaerobic fungi (phylum Neocallimastigomycota). Morphological examination showed that these fungi formed monocentric thalli with filamentous rhizoids and uniflagellate zoospores, broadly similar to members of the genus Piromyces . However, distinctive morphological features were observed, notably the pinching of the cytoplasm in the sporangiophore and the formation of intercalary rhizoidal swellings. Since genetic analyses demonstrated this fungus was only distantly related to Piromyces spp. and closer to the polycentric Anaeromyces clade, we have assigned it to a new genus and species Oontomyces anksri gen. nov., sp. nov. Interrogation of the GenBank database identified several closely related ITS sequences, which were all environmental sequences obtained from camels, raising the possibility that this fungus may be specific to camelids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anaerobic fungi (phylum Neocallimastigomycota) inhabit the gastrointestinal tract of mammalian herbivores, where they play an important role in the degradation of plant material. The Neocallimastigomycota represent the earliest diverging lineage of the zoosporic fungi; however, understanding of the relationships of the different taxa (both genera and species) within this phylum is in need of revision. Issues exist with the current approaches used for their identification and classification, and recent evidence suggests the presence of several novel taxa (potential candidate genera) that remain to be characterised. The life cycle and role of anaerobic fungi has been well characterised in the rumen, but not elsewhere in the ruminant alimentary tract. Greater understanding of the 'resistant' phase(s) of their life cycle is needed, as is study of their role and significance in other herbivores. Biotechnological application of anaerobic fungi, and their highly active cellulolytic and hemi-cellulolytic enzymes, has been a rapidly increasing area of research and development in the last decade. The move towards understanding of anaerobic fungi using -omics based (genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic) approaches is starting to yield valuable insights into the unique cellular processes, evolutionary history, metabolic capabilities and adaptations that exist within the Neocallimastigomycota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Quantitative estimations of zoosporic fungi in the environment have historically received little attention, primarily due to methodological challenges and their complex life cycles. Conventional methods for quantitative analysis of zoosporic fungi to date have mainly relied on direct observation and baiting techniques, with subsequent fungal identification in the laboratory using morphological characteristics. Although these methods are still fundamentally useful, there has been an increasing preference for quantitative microscopic methods based on staining with fluorescent dyes, as well as the use of hybridization probes. More recently however PCR based methods for profiling and quantification (semi- and absolute) have proven to be rapid and accurate diagnostic tools for assessing zoosporic fungal assemblages in environmental samples. Further application of next generation sequencing technologies will however not only advance our quantitative understanding of zoosporic fungal ecology, but also their function through the analysis of their genomes and gene expression as resources and databases expand in the future. Nevertheless, it is still necessary to complement these molecular-based approaches with cultivation-based methods in order to gain a fuller quantitative understanding of the ecological and physiological roles of zoosporic fungi. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The effect feeding antibiotics has on the bacterial population of the rabbit caecum was investigated. No changes in total volatile fatty acid production or total bacterial counts were observed compared with nonantibiotic treated controls. However, treatment with chlortetracycline resulted in an increase of propionate at the apparent cost of butyrate ( P<0.05). Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis indicated that the two antibiotics that inhibit protein synthesis (chlortetracycline and tiamulin) exerted the most similar changes on the bacterial population structure, decreasing the diversity of the profiles. Sequence analysis of DNA from excised denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis bands was carried out. The majority of the sequences observed were most similar to bacterial sequences previously described in other gut environments, with 11% being most similar to those previously reported from the rabbit, and 95% of the sequences having 95% or greater identity to sequences already in GenBank. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The diversity of bacteria present in the caecum of the rabbit was investigated. Partial bacterial 16S rRNA genes from a digested sample collected from the caecum of an adult rabbit were amplified by PCR. Sequence analysis of the amplified fragments indicated highest similarity was to bacterial sequences previously described from other gut environments. However, only one sequence showed significant identity (97% threshold) to any previously described bacterial 16S rRNA genes. Furthermore, most of the sequences clustered together in groups lacking representatives from sequences already described, suggesting that the rabbit caecal flora contains organisms not previously described. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: There are approximately 72,000 people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) in Peru. Non-adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the most important factor for therapeutic failure and the development of resistance. Peru has achieved moderate progress in meeting the 90-90-90 targets, but only 60% of PLHIV receiving ART are virally suppressed. The purpose of this study was to understand ART adherence in the Peruvian context, including developing sociodemographic and clinical profiles, evaluating the clinical management strategies, and analyzing the relationships between the variables and adherence of PLHIV managed at a regional HIV clinic in Lambayeque Province (Northern Peru). Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with 180 PLHIV adults, non-randomly but consecutively selected with self-reported ART compliance (78.2% of the eligible population). The PLHIV profile (PLHIV-Pro) and the Simplified Medication Adherence Questionnaire (SMAQ) were used to collect sociodemographic information, clinical variables, and data specific to ART adherence. Descriptive analysis of sociodemographic and clinical characteristics was performed. Bivariate analysis was performed with the Mann–Whitney test, Chi square test, and Yates correction. Results: The 180 PLHIV sample included 78.9% men, 49.4% heterosexual, 45% with a detectable HIV-1 viral load less than 40 copies/ml, 58.3% not consistently adherent, and only 26.1% receiving Tenofovir + Lamivudine + Efavirenz. Risk factors significant for non-adherence included concurrent tuberculosis, discomfort with the ART regime, and previous pauses in ART. Multivariate analysis of nested models indicated having children is a protector factor for adherence. Conclusions: Self-reported adherence appeared to be low and the use of first-line therapy is not being prescribed homogeneously. Factors associated with nonadherence are both medical and behavioral, such as having tuberculosis, pausing ART, or experiencing discomfort with ART. The Peruvian government needs to update national technical standards, monitor medication availability, and provide education to health care professionals in alignment with evidence-based guidelines and international recommendations. Instruments to measure adherence need to be developed and evaluated for use in Latin America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]