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Background: Hepatic encephalopathy is a major complication of cirrhosis and is associated with a poor prognosis. Objective: To identify mutations in the gene sequence for glutaminase in humans that could be responsible for the development of hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis. Design: Cohort study. Setting: Outpatient clinics in 6 Spanish hospitals. Patients: 109 consecutive patients with cirrhosis in the estimation cohort, 177 patients in the validation cohort, and 107 healthy control participants. Measurements: Patients were followed every 3 or 6 months until the development of hepatic encephalopathy or liver transplantation, death, or the end of the study. Results: The genetic analyses showed that glutaminase TACC and CACC haplotypes were linked to the risk for overt hepatic encephalopathy. Mutation scanning of the glutaminase gene identified a section in the promoter region where base pairs were repeated (a microsatellite). Over a mean follow-up of 29.6 months, hepatic encephalopathy occurred in 28 patients (25.7%) in the estimation cohort. Multivariable Cox models were used to determine the following independent predictors: Child-Turcotte-Pugh stage (hazard ratio [HR], 1.6 [95% CI, 1.29 to 1.98]; P = 0.001), minimal hepatic encephalopathy (HR, 3.17 [CI, 1.42 to 7.09]; P = 0.006), and having 2 long alleles of the microsatellite (HR, 3.12 [CI, 1.39 to 7.02]; P = 0.006). The association between 2 long alleles of the microsatellite and overt hepatic encephalopathy was confirmed in a validation cohort (HR, 2.1 [CI, 1.17 to 3.79]; P = 0.012). Functional studies showed higher luciferase activity in cells transfected with the long form of the microsatellite, which suggests that the long microsatellite enhances glutaminase transcriptional activity. Limitation: Other genes and allelic variants might be involved in the clinical expression of hepatic encephalopathy. Conclusion: This study identifies a genetic factor that is associated with development of hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis. Primary Funding Source: Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spanish Ministry of Health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contents The sperm of European eel shows a high density and the time of spermatozoa motility is very short after activation with sea water. These characteristics make difficult the sperm handling and its quality assessment. Several diluents were previously described for the Japanese eel obtaining over 3 weeks’ conservation times under refrigeration, but they rendered bad results in the European species. In the present study, several diluents were developed taking as basis the P1 medium, and using different dilution ratios (1 : 50, 1 : 100) and two pH (6.5, 8.5). The effect of the addition of bovine serum albumin (BSA, 2% w/v) was also evaluated. At 24 h, undiluted samples already showed significant lower motility and viability than sperm samples diluted in the different media. The results for diluents with pH 6.5 and 8.5 were different. Spermatozoa diluted in media at pH 6.5 cannot be activated at 24 h, while samples diluted in the diluents with pH 8.5 and added with BSA did not show significant differences with respect to the fresh sperm motility until 48 h. The viability (percentage of alive cells) did not show differences until 1 week, independent of the dilution ratio. After 1 week, the motility was approximately 30% in the media containing BSA, which presented no differences for head size of the spermatozoa (perimeter and area) until 72 h and 1 week, respectively. In conclusion, the combination of one medium having similar physico-chemical characteristics to the seminal plasma, including pH 8.5, and supplemented with BSA can be used in different dilution ratios for the sperm’s short-term storage, preserving its motility capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Polymorphic variations in the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTT) moderate the depressogenic effects of tryptophan depletion. After childbirth there is a sharp reduction in brain tryptophan availability, thus polymorphic variations in 5-HTT may play a similar role in the post-partum period.Aims: To study the role of 5-HTT polymorphic variations in mood changes after delivery.Method: One thousand, eight hundred and four depression-free Spanish women were studied post-partum. We evaluated depressive symptoms at 2-3 days, 8 weeks and 32 weeks post-partum. We used diagnostic interview to confirm major depression for all probable cases. Based on two polymorphisms of 5-HTT (5-HTTLPR and STin2 VNTR), three genotype combinations were created to reflect different levels of 5-HTT expression.Results: One hundred and seventy-three women (12.7%) experienced major depression during the 32-week post-partum period. Depressive symptoms were associated with the high-expression 5-HTT genotypes in a dose-response fashion at 8 weeks post-partum, but not at 32 weeks.Conclusions: High-expression 5-HTT genotypes may render women more vulnerable to depressive symptoms after childbirth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was undertaken at 2 saleyard (1 domestic, DS, and 1 export, ES) and 2 abattoir (1 domestic, DA, and 1 export, EA) locations in New South Wales, Australia, to assess the compliance (presence) and readability of body tattoos used to identify individual pigs presented for sale or slaughter. Each location was visited on 3 trading or slaughter days, and tattoo presence and readability of porkers (25 to 60 kg of BW), baconers (60 to 90 kg of BW), backfatters (>90 kg of BW but not for breeding), and breeders were recorded. A total of 4,655 pigs were inspected, including 158 DS, 1,599 ES, 1,257 DA, and 1,641 EA. Tattoo performance at the saleyards was influenced by producer (P < 0.05). Average brand presence at the DS (93.0%) did not differ (P = 0.28) from ES (74.2%). Tattoo compliance ranged from 88.3 to 100% of pigs across pig classes (P> 0.05) at DS. At the ES, tattoo compliance among baconers, backfatters, and breeding stock ranged from 82.4 to 88.3% and was greater (P < 0.05) than that of porkers (70.3%). Average readability was 85.4% at ES and 77.6% at DS (P> 0.05). Tattoo compliance differed (P <0.05) between abattoirs (98.7% at DA and 92.6% at EA). Readability was greater (P < 0.05) at the EA (80.1%) than at the DA (72.0%). Final performance, as readable brands among animals sold or slaughtered, of the official tattoo system was similar between locations and ranged from 63 to 74%. Our results suggest that current compliance and readability of tattoos would compromise traceback to the farm of origin in the event of an emergency animal disease outbreak. Education activities on legislation requirements and tattoo procedure would likely increase compliance and performance of the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contents The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the influence of pH and bicarbonate concentration in the activation or inhibition of European eel ( Anguilla anguilla) spermatozoa and to evaluate the effect of different cryoprotectants: dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO), acetamide, ethylene glycol, propanol, glycerol and methanol (MeOH). The effect of these factors was evaluated comparing the percentage of motile cells, the percentage of alive cells (by Hoechst staining) and the spermatozoa morphometry pre- and post-cryopreservation (by computer-assisted morphology analysis). Based on the above findings, three cryoprotectants (DMSO, MeOH and glycerol) were chosen and evaluated in two media (P1 and P1 modified) with different concentrations of NaHCO3 and in the presence or absence of foetal bovine serum (FBS). The effect of these factors was evaluated comparing the percentage of alive and motile cells post-cryopreservation. DMSO was the cryoprotectant showing better results in relation to the percentage of spermatic alive cells post-freezing and caused a smaller modification of the head spermatozoa morphology. The combination of P1-modified medium with DMSO and containing FBS increased slightly but significantly the percentage of motile spermatozoa post-cryopreservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field study was conducted on a 2,300-sow piggery in southwestern New South Wales, Australia, over a 17-wk period (from weaning at 4 wk of age) to assess the suitability for lifetime traceability of weaners of 4 identification devices: 1) full duplex ear tag (FDX, AIlfiex), 2) half duplex ear tag designed for cattle (HDX, Leadertronic), 3) conventional ear tag (Leader), and 4) ear tattoo (Ketchum ear tattoo 101). Visual read- ability, retention rate, electronic failures, and adverse side effects were assessed at 8 wk after application at both sites and before slaughter at 14 or 17 wk after application at site A and site B, respectively. A total of 394 weaner pigs were randomly assigned after weaning to 6 treatment groups and reared either in small groups in intensive, indoor, concrete-based pens (n = 224; site A) or in a large group on deep litter (n = 170; site B). Visual readability was similar for all ear tag types before slaughter (P > 0.05); however, visual readability of the ear tattoo was lower (P < 0.05), with between 78.2 and 60.0% illegible due to ink fading. Few tags were lost in the 8-wk period after application; however, tag loss increased for each tag device after this period and varied with housing system. Conventional tag loss was greater among pigs housed at site A (29.0%) than in pigs housed at site B (4.9%) in the 6- to 9-wk period before slaughter. The overall readability of FDX and HDX tags did not differ (P > 0.05) between sites; how- ever, overall readability of FDX tags at 98.4% was better (P < 0.05) than 71.8% for HDX tags. Tag costs ranged from $0.73 for the conventional ear tag to $2.42 for the HDX ear tag. The identification devices did not induce production-limiting adverse effects after they were applied. Under conditions of this study, FDX electronic ear tags were the most efficacious for lifetime identification of weaner pigs on-farm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 351 Iberian pigs with equal numbers of both sexes from 2 commercial farms were used to study the ability of various identification devices to guarantee the traceability required for labeled meat products from Iberian pigs reared under extensive production conditions in Spain. The performance of tattoos, visual ear tags, electronic ear tags, and i.p.-injected transponders of half duplex and full duplex technologies were compared during a production cycle from nursery to slaughter at 15 mo of age (156 ± 3 kg of BW). No major health reactions to any of the identification methods were detected. Results showed that tattooing was not an adequate identification procedure due to reading difficulties as a consequence of dark skin, soiled appearance, and figure deformation. Ear tag losses and failures were affected by fencing type and increased in one of the farms (20.4 and 15.7% for losses and failures, respectively; P < 0.05) as a consequence of using barbed-wire fences. Ear tag losses decreased when fences changed to stone blocks at 365 d of age. Visual and electronic ear tag losses during transport and slaughter were low (3.7% for visual and 3.1% for electronic tag). Results of injectable transponders during the growing-fattening period were variable and were more readable for the half duplex than for the full duplex i.p. transponders (92.0 vs. 68.7% ± 1.5; P < 0.05). Handheld transceivers worked properly under extensive conditions, although the body size and skin characteristics of the Iberian breed might limit the performance of reading devices, and the use of transceivers with longer reading distances is recommended. The main problem observed with i.p. transponders was their low recovery rate at slaughter due to the lack of adherence of the transponders to the omentum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Terminal cancer-associated cachexia, characterized by a marked weight loss, anorexia, asthenia and anemia, is usually associated with a malnutrition status. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate whether a diet formulated with a crayfish enzymatic extract, enriched in essential amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids, and astaxanthin, would be effective for the treatment of cancer-associated cachexias, by decreasing mortality and morbidity rates in cachectic rats and/or improving survival. METHODS: Two types of diet were used: a standard diet and one formulated with crayfish enzymatic extract. Rats were divided into two groups (24 animals per group): one without tumor (T-) and the other with tumor (T+) (AH-130 Yoshida ascites hepatoma). Each group was further divided into two subgroups (12 animals per subgroup). Two subgroups (T-(standard) and T+(standard)) were fed the standard diet and the other two (T-(CFEE) and T+(CFEE)) the crayfish enzymatic extract one for four weeks, after which different tissue and plasma parameters were studied. RESULTS: The implantation of the tumor resulted in a considerable loss of muscle and adipose tissue mass in both groups, but the loss of muscle and fat was lower in the group fed the crayfish enzymatic extract diet. There was also a concomitant increase in the plasma concentration of TNF-alpha, although the increase was smaller in the crayfish enzymatic extract-treated group. CONCLUSION: This study shows that although the treatment of cachetic rats with the crayfish enzymatic extract diet did not revert the cachexia, it increased survival (57.1% vs. 25.9% in the group treated with crayfish enzymatic extract and standard diets, respectively) and meliorated the cachexia symptoms - anorexia and body mass loss (muscle and adipose tissue). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traceability during slaughter was studied in 1,581 pigs identified by different devices. Treatments were visual ear tags (n = 1,300), electronic ear tags of different technologies (half-duplex, n = 636; full-duplex, n = 632), and intraperitoneally injected transponders of different technologies (half-duplex 32 mm, n = 645; full-duplex 34 mm, n = 642). Piglets were individually identified at weaning and intensively fed until 100 kg of BW. Pigs were slaughtered in 2 commercial slaughterhouses (including scalding, flaming, and peeling) at different throughputs (450 and 550 pigs/h). Readability during slaughtering was checked visually and using standardized handheld transceivers. No effect of slaughterhouse was detected (P > 0.05). Ear tag losses in the slaughtering line were similar for visual (3.7%) and half-duplex (3.5%) but were increased for full-duplex (11.5%; P < 0.05). Moreover, electronic failures during slaughtering did not differ (P > 0.05) between ear tags (half-duplex, 1.1%; full-duplex, 0.6%). Intraperitoneally injected transponders were not affected by slaughtering (retention 100%, no failures), and 89.0% of the transponders were manually recovered from the abdominal viscera in the offal trays. The remaining transponders (11.0%) were lost on the floor, but none were found in the carcasses. No differences (P > 0.05) in recovery were observed between intraperitoneal transponders. Considering on-farm and slaughterhouse data, total traceability from farm to carcass release was greater (P < 0.05) for intraperitoneally injected transponders (98.2%) than for ear tags. Between ear tags, the greatest traceability was obtained with visual tags (95.7%), which differed (P < 0.05) from electronic tags (half-duplex, 91.4%; full-duplex, 84.5%; P < 0.05). Intraperitoneally injected transponders were an efficient and reliable identification system for tracing pigs from farm to the end of the slaughter line, allowing the transfer of pig identification to the carcass. Adherence of intraperitoneally injected transponders to the viscera should be improved to reduce risks of loss in the meat chain. A dual system based on intraperitoneally injected transponders and plastic ear tags would allow a redundant and automatic reading system that is efficient and reliable for data management and traceability in the swine industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three types of ceramic mini-boluses, B1 [13.8 g; 10.5 × 51.0 mm (o.d. × length)], B2 (16.2 g; 12.2 × 42.2 mm), and B3 (20.1 g; 11.2 × 56.4 mm), were used to electronically identify as soon as possible after birth a total of 545 lambs of 3 breeds: Ripollesa (meat breed, n = 274), Manchega (dairy breed, n = 129), and Lacaune (dairy breed, n = 142). Boluses were administered by a trained operator using a balling gun or directly by hand. Lambs were also identified with 2 types of plastic ear tags in the left (temporary, 1.5 g) and the right (permanent, 4.1 g) ears. Lamb and identification device performances were checked during suckling (to wk 5 or 7) and fattening. At 24 kg of BW, lambs were slaughtered (n = 385) or kept for breeding (n = 144). No differences in performance were observed between the 2 dairy breeds, and their data were pooled. Minimum BW for bolus administration was lower in dairy than in meat lambs (P < 0.001). Across breeds, B1 and B3 did not differ in lamb age (27 d) and weight (9.2 kg) at administration, but B2 required older and heavier lambs (33 d and 11.1 kg; P < 0.01). Boluses did not affect lamb performance, but final readability at slaughter differed between B1 and B2 (97.7 and 95.2%, respectively) and B3 (100%), and between ear tags (temporary, 98.1; permanent, 100%). Bolus recovery was 100% in all cases, but the proportion of boluses found in the reticulum varied among bolus type (83.3 to 93.8%; P < 0.05). Three B1 (2%) were recovered from the abomasum. In a second experiment, effects of the intermediate mini-bolus (B2) on diet digestibility were evaluated. Digestibility of control and bolus-administered, Manchega ram lambs (14.9 kg of BW; n = 8) fed ad libitum with 2 pelleted concentrates and barley straw was assessed in digestibility crates. Feed intake and nutrient digestibility were measured in four 21-d periods, during which lambs received the 2 diets consecutively. No differences in intake, growth performance, or nutrient digestibility were observed between control and bolused lambs. In conclusion, the B3 mini-bolus proved to be an efficient device for identification of lambs before weaning (recommended age, >4 wk; recommended BW, >10 kg), allowing a reliable traceability of dairy and meat lambs until slaughter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twelve types of electronic identification ruminal boluses of different dimensions were used to obtain a model for predicting their retention in the forestomachs of sheep. Boluses (n = 1,662) were made of ceramic materials, and their dimensions varied in o.d. (9 to 21 mm), length (37 to 68 ram), volume (2.5 to 21.0 mL), and specific gravity (0.85 to 3.91). Each bolus contained a half-duplex, standardized, glass-encapsulated transponder (32 × 3.8 mm). Boluses were administered to sheep (n = 1,497) of different ages by using the appropriate balling guns, and their retention under semiintensive conditions was recorded for at least 2 yr. When a bolus was lost, the sheep was rebolused with a heavier bolus. All sheep wore 2 plastic ear tags: one for the official control of health programs and the other for farm use. To determine the anatomical limit for a bolus passing through the gastrointestinal tract, the size of the reticulo-omasal orifice was measured in 46 adult sheep (male, n = 14; female, n = 32) that died by causes not related to bolus administration during the experiment. No signs of disease or growth alteration were detected in the bolused sheep. Total ear tag losses during the experiment period were 7.5% on average. Bolus retention (5 to 100%) varied according to bolus features and age of the sheep, but it showed a plateau after 18 mo. Inadequately dimensioned boluses were regurgitated or passed through the gastrointestinal tract and were excreted with the feces. The diameter of the reticulo-omasal orifice in adult sheep differed between male and female (23.1 and 21.8 mm, respectively; P < 0.01) and was greater than the o.d. of the retained boluses. Retention rate was predicted from bolus weight and volume by a logistic regression (R2 = 0.997; P < 0.001). When retention data from the literature (59.0 to 100%) were included in the model, the adjustment was slightly lower (R2 = 0.967). As a result, the minimum bolus weight estimated to reach a 99.5% retention rate in sheep varied between 16 and 45 g when volume varied between 3 and 22 mL, for boluses with a specific gravity between 2.0 and 5.2. In conclusion, bolus retention rate in sheep varied dramatically according to their features. For safe and efficient retention of electronic identification boluses in sheep, boluses of small volume and diameter (e.g., <15 mm) with specific gravity and weight greater than 3.0 and 20 g, respectively, are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 1,822 pigs from 2 farms (farm A, n = 1,032; farm B, n = 790) were used to evaluate pig traceability under on-farm conditions by using identification devices (n = 4,434) of different technologies. The devices were visual ear tags (n = 1,533; Model 1, n = 776; Model 2, n = 757), electronic ear tags (n = 1,446; half-duplex, n = 702; full-duplex, n = 744), and intraperitoneally injected transponders (n = 1,455; half- duplex, n = 732; full-duplex, n = 723). A group of 790 pigs wore 3 types of devices, and 1,032 wore 2 devices. Piglets were identified before (wk 1 to 3 of age; farm A) or after (wk 3 to 4 of age; farm B) weaning and intensively fattened until approximately 100 kg of BW. Readability of devices was checked at each farm operation by using standardized handheld transceivers. No negative effects of the identification devices on animal health (mortality rate, 8.4%) or performance were detected. On-farm losses averaged 1.6% for ear tags (visual, 0.8%; half-duplex, 1.9%; full-duplex, 2.7%; P > 0.05) and 1.8% for intraperitoneally injected transponders (half-duplex, 1.7%; full-duplex, 1.9%; P > 0.05). Moreover, 1.4% electronic failures occurred in the electronic ear tags (half-duplex, 2.2%; full-duplex, 0.6%; P < 0.05) but not in the intraperitoneally injected transponders. Final on-farm readability was greater (P < 0.05) for visual ear tags (99.2%) than for electronic ear tags (half-duplex, 95.9%; full-duplex, 96.7%; P> 0.05). Readability for intraperitoneally injected transponders was intermediate (half-duplex, 98.3%; full-duplex, 98.1%; P> 0.05). Electronic devices were in all cases easier and faster to read than the visual ear tags. Visual ear tags and intraperitoneally injected transponders were efficiently retained under conditions of commercial pig farms, which agrees with the minimum values recommended by the International Committee for Animal Recording (>;98%). When readability and reading ease were also included as decision criteria, injectable transponders were preferred. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 1,203 beef calves were used to evaluate 2 series of electronic identification boluses. Calves were intensively fattened and slaughtered at approximately 1 yr of age. Series 1 (n = 576 calves) consisted of 10 types of boluses with the same external dimensions (o.d. × length: 21 × 68 mm) but varying in weight (11 to 75 g) and specific gravity (0.63 to 3.36). Six boluses were made of ceramic (5 prototypes and 1 commercial bolus) and 4 were tubes made of plastic filled with concrete. Series 2 (n = 627 calves) consisted of 3 prototypes and 5 commercial boluses of different ceramic materials varying in external dimensions (o.d.: 15 to 21 mm; length: 39 to 78 mm), weight (20 to 73 g), and specific gravity (3.00 to 3.87). Boluses were administered to milk-fed calves (2 to 5 wk of age) by using adapted balling guns. To determine the anatomical limit for a bolus passing through the gastrointestinal tract, the size of the reticulo-omasal orifice was measured in 90 male and 62 female fattened calves at slaughter. Three calves in series 1 (0.3%) could not swallow the 21-mm (o.d.) bolus at the first attempt and received the bolus 1 wk later. No problems for early administration were found with thinner boluses (o.d. <20 mm) in series 2, and no signs of disease or growth alteration were detected in any bolused calves. Retention rate until slaughter varied according to bolus features and ranged from 0 to 100% (series 1), and from 69.7 to 100% (series 2). Inadequately dimensioned boluses were regurgitated or passed through the gastrointestinal tract and were excreted with the feces. The diameter of the reticulo-omasal orifice differed between male and female yearling calves (32.5 and 29.9 mm, respectively; P < 0.01) and was greater than the o.d. of the retained boluses. Retention rate was predicted from bolus weight and volume by a logistic regression (R2 = 0.99, P < 0.001), in which the minimum bolus weight estimated to reach a 99.5% retention rate was 61 g when volume and specific gravity were 22.4 mL and 2.72, respectively. To achieve an effective retention rate of electronic identification boluses in the forestomachs of fattening calves, bolus volume and specific gravity, in addition to weight, should be optimized. No boluses of specific gravity lower than 3.0 and thicker than 20 mm o.d. are recommended for identification of cattle from early rearing (<20 d of age) to slaughtering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the representations odontology students had of their career path. Second-year odontology students were questioned about their own motivations and the motivations they attributed to dentists in choosing this profession. Methods: The students were asked to complete a questionnaire during the first course and again after 5 months. It was thus possible to study the evolution of their motivations after 5 months of interactions with their fellow students and professors. Results: Whether or not students were able to choose their career path following the selection examination at the end of the first year of the medical programme was an important variable in determining individual motivations and the motivations they attributed to dentists in choosing the dental profession. For example, students who were unable to choose their career path reported that they would like to work in the public health system, while those who were able to choose said they chose odontology as a vocation. The closing of the gap between the two groups during the period between the two questionnaires highlighted the increasing cohesion of the group. Conclusion: Beyond the differences between the motivations provided, this study showed that students who had not planned to become dentists before the selection examination needed some time to familiarise themselves with the situation and accept the change in their career path. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 557 newborn piglets were used to compare eight identification devices, including one plastic ear tag as a control (C, n = 348) and two types of electronic ear tags (El, n = 106; and E2, n = 103), and five types of injectable transponders (n = 557): small 12-mm (D12, n = 116; and S12, n = 110), medium 23-mm (T23, n = 108), and large (32-mm, T32, n = 115; and 34-mm, S34, n = 108). Injections were made s.c. in the auricle base (n = 248) and intraperitoneally (n = 309) using a new technique. All piglets were identified with two devices, but using electronic ear tags in con- junction with injection in the auricle was avoided on the same pig. Readability of devices was checked during fattening (until 110 kg BW) and slaughtering. On-farm losses were lower for control than for electronic ear tags (C = 1.1%; El = 8.8%, and E2 = 44.9%, P < 0.01); the latter also suffered electronic failures (El = 5.5%, and E2 = 55.1%; P < 0.001). On-farm losses of transponders injected in the auricle base were greater in large (S34 = 72.5%; and T32 = 46.3%; P < 0.05) than in small transponders (S12 = 19.4%, and D12 = 17.1%), but T23 (29.8%) only differed from S34. Transponder size did not affect on-farm losses for intraperitoneal injections in which only one loss was recorded (0.4%). All ear tags had similar losses during transportation to the slaughterhouse (1.2%), but no losses were observed in injectables. Slaughtering losses did not differ between ear tags (C = 11.2%; and El = 6.4%), but apart from losses, 12.8% of El failed electronically. Injection site affected losses and breakages during slaughtering (auricle base = 6.4%, and intraperitoneal = 0%), but recovery time did not significantly differ (auricle base = 28.6 s, and intraperitoneal = 18.9 s). Transponders in the auricle base were recovered by sight (30.2%), palpation (27.4%), or by cutting (42.5%). Intraperitoneal transponders were mainly recovered loose in the abdominal cavity (81.4%), whereas 18.6% fell on the floor. As a result, traceability varied significantly (P < 0.05) between control (86.7%) and electronic ear tags (0 to 68.1%) and injectable transponders, with the auricle base (17.8 to 75.0%) having lower values than intraperitoneal (98 to 100%). Intraperitoneal injection was a very effective tool for piglet identification and traceability, ensuring the transfer of information from farm to slaughterhouse. To warrant the use of this technique in practice, transponder recovery requires further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high sperm density, together with the short spermatozoa swimming time, makes European eel sperm manipulation and assessment for quality difficult. Two diluting media (K15 and K30) previously designed for Japanese eel sperm were tested. After 24 h, European eel sperm showed significant reduction in the percentage of motile spermatozoa after activation and different motility parameters (VAP, angular velocity; VCL, curvilinear velocity; VSL, straight line velocity; BCF, beating cross frequency), concluding that these media are not suitable to preserve the sperm of this species. After a hormonal treatment to induce spermiation, sperm volume, density and motility were recorded at weekly samplings. The variation of the osmolality (325–330 mOsm kg−1), pH (8.4–8.6) and the ionic composition (concentration of Na+, K+, Mg2+ and Ca2+) of the seminal plasma were registered. Physio-chemical results were related with sperm quality throughout the treatment, to determine which must be the suitable characteristics of one extender for the sperm of this species, and to find the best conditions to obtain suitable cryopreservation media for European eel sperm. K+ concentration increased, while Ca2+ and Mg2+ concentrations showed a progressive reduction in correlation with the sperm quality improvement. Na+ showed a decreasing, but not significant tendency. P1 and P2 freezing media were designed considering the physio-chemical parameters as well as the ionic composition shown by the best quality sperm samples, and then compared with the previously described solutions, TNK and K30. Sperm quality was determined, checking the percentage of motile spermatozoa and motility parameters using computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) software. Samples were frozen after dilution (1:5, 1:20, 1:100) in different freezing media supplemented with 10% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). After thawing, samples frozen with low dilution ratio (1:5) in TNK and P1 media showed higher, although not significant, spermatozoa survival (35.5 ± 14.5 and 36.6 ± 6.7%). The addition of l-α-phosphatidylcholine to the media seems to have a positive effect, as reported in the Japanese eel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of a continuous food supply on the oxygen consumption of young Mediterranean yellowtails ( Seriola dumerili Risso, 1810) during the photophase period (14LL:10DD). Four groups with six fish each, weighing individually approx. 600 g, were distributed into open 2 m3 quadrangular fibreglass tanks, and fed with commercial pellets for 60 days. Two of the tanks received a continuous feed supply by means of automatic band feeders (ABF), whilst fish in the other two tanks were fed by hand, twice a day. To improve accuracy in calculating oxygen consumption, the effect of oxygen diffusion between the air and the water was determined by the use of a control tank of similar characteristics, containing no fish. Oxygen consumption instantaneous rate was calculated by the difference between dissolved oxygen concentrations in tanks with and without fish, multiplied by the water flow and divided by the estimated total fish biomass in each tank. In both feeding regimes, an increase in the oxygen consumption levels after feeding commencement was observed. The amplitude, however, was lower and the duration of feeding effect was higher in the group fed by ABF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on several studies related to the assessment of dry extruded diets for Octopus vulgaris. Topics discussed include preparation of dry extruded diets by using the semi-industrial extruder Clextral BC45, cohesion and water stability of diets, and compositions of the extruded diets which are yolk and maltodextrin.

Se presenta el estudio de la producción lítica tallada de la ocupación mesolítica del yacimiento al aire libre de Benàmer (Muro, Alicante). Se pretende abordar el conjunto de procesos laborales vinculados a la producción, uso y consumo de soportes líticos, hasta su definitivo abandono. En definitiva, a su historia integral como medio de acercamiento al objeto real de estudio, que no es otro que las sociedades concretas que los elaboraron y usaron.