Effects of feeding guanidinoacetic acid on oxidative status and creatine metabolism in broilers subjected to chronic cyclic heat stress in the finisher phase.

Dietary guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) has been shown to affect creatine (Cr) metabolic pathways resulting in increased cellular Cr and hitherto broiler performances. Yet, the impact of dietary GAA on improving markers of oxidative status remains equivocal. A model of chronic cyclic heat stress, known to inflict oxidative stress, was employed to test the hypothesis that GAA could modify bird's oxidative status. A total of 720-day-old male Ross 308 broilers were allocated to 3 treatments: 0, 0.6 or 1.2 g/kg GAA was added to corn-SBM diets and fed for 39 d, with 12 replicates (20 birds each) per treatment. The chronic cyclic heat stress model (34°C with 50-60% RH for 7 h daily) was applied in the finisher phase (d 25-39). Samples from 1 bird per pen were taken on d 26 (acute heat stress) and d 39 (chronic heat stress). GAA and Cr in plasma were linearly increased by feeding GAA on either sampling day, illustrating efficient absorption and methylation, respectively. Energy metabolism in breast and heart muscle was greatly supported as visible by increased Cr and phosphocreatine: ATP, thus providing higher capacity for rapid ATP generation in cells. Glycogen stores in breast muscle were linearly elevated by incremental GAA, on d 26 only. More Cr seems to be directed to heart muscle as opposed to skeletal muscle during chronic heat stress as tissue Cr was higher in heart but lower in breast muscle on d 39 as opposed to d 26. The lipid peroxidation marker malondialdehyde, and the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase showed no alterations by dietary GAA in plasma. Opposite to that, superoxide dismutase activity in breast muscle was linearly lowered when feeding GAA (trend on d 26, effect on d 39). Significant correlations between the assessed parameters and GAA inclusion were identified on d 26 and d 39 using principal component analysis. To conclude, beneficial performance in heat-stressed broilers by GAA is associated with enhanced muscle energy metabolism which indirectly may also support tolerance against oxidative stress.

Hair cortisol concentrations in bovine neonates born to healthy and ill cows.

INTRODUCTION: The goal of this study was to investigate the hair cortisol concentration (HCC) in healthy and ill cows and their newborn calves. A total of 40 cows and their 42 newborn calves were divided into two groups: group 1 consisted of 19 clinically healthy cows and their 20 newborn calves, and group 2 comprised 21 cows that had had a chronic illness in the third trimester of gestation and their 22 newborn calves. A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) system was used to measure the HCC in hair samples that were collected from the cows and calves on the day the calves were born. In both groups, the mean HCCs of the calves was significantly higher than that of the cows (group 1, 31,0 vs. 0,6 pg/mg; group 2, 19,4 vs. 0,8 pg/mg; P.

INTRODUCTION: Le but de cette étude était d'étudier la concentration de cortisol dans les poils (HCC) chez des vaches saines et malades et chez leurs veaux nouveau-nés. Un total de 40 vaches et leurs 42 veaux nouveau-nés ont été divisés en deux groupes: le groupe 1 comprenait 19 vaches cliniquement saines et leurs 20 veaux nouveau-nés, et le groupe 2 comprenait 21 vaches ayant eu une maladie chronique au cours du troisième trimestre de gestation et leurs 22 veaux nouveau-nés. Un système de chromatographie liquide avec spectrométrie de masse en tandem (LC-MS/MS) a été utilisé pour mesurer le HCC dans des échantillons de poils prélevés sur les vaches et les veaux le jour de leur naissance. Dans les deux groupes, le HCC moyen des veaux était significativement plus élevé que celui des vaches (groupe 1, 31,0 pg/mg contre 0,6 pg/mg ; groupe 2, 19,4 pg/mg contre 0,8 pg/mg ; P.

New and Interesting Fungi. 6.

Three new genera, six new species, three combinations, six epitypes, and 25 interesting new host and / or geographical records are introduced in this study. New genera: Neoleptodontidium (based on Neoleptodontidium aquaticum), and Nothoramularia (based on Nothoramularia ragnhildianicola). New species: Acremonium aquaticum (from cooling pad water, USA, Cladophialophora laricicola (on dead wood of Larix sp., Netherlands), Cyphellophora neerlandica (on lichen on brick wall, Netherlands), Geonectria muralis (on moss growing on a wall, Netherlands), Harposporium illinoisense (from rockwool, USA), and Neoleptodontidium aquaticum (from hydroponic water, USA). New combinations: Cyphellophora deltoidea (based on Anthopsis deltoidea), Neoleptodontidium aciculare (based on Leptodontidium aciculare), and Nothoramularia ragnhildianicola (based on Ramularia ragnhildianicola). Epitypes: Cephaliophora tropica (from water, USA), Miricatena prunicola (on leaves of Prunus serotina, Netherlands), Nothoramularia ragnhildianicola (on Ragnhildiana ferruginea, parasitic on Artemisia vulgaris, Germany), Phyllosticta multicorniculata (on needles of Abietis balsamea, Canada), Thyronectria caraganae (on twigs of Caragana arborescens, Ukraine), and Trichosphaeria pilosa (on decayed Salix branch, Netherlands). Furthermore, the higher order phylogeny of three genera regarded as incertae sedis is resolved, namely Cephaliophora (Ascodesmidaceae, Pezizales), Miricatena (Helotiales, Leotiomycetes), and Trichosphaeria (Trichosphaeriaceae, Trichosphaeriales), with Trichosphaeriaceae being an older name for Plectosphaerellaceae. Citation: Crous PW, Akulov A, Balashov S, Boers J, Braun U, Castillo J, Delgado MA, Denman S, Erhard A, Gusella G, Jurjevic Z, Kruse J, Malloch DW, Osieck ER, Polizzi G, Schumacher RK, Slootweg E, Starink-Willemse M, van Iperen AL, Verkley GJM, Groenewald JZ (2023). New and Interesting Fungi. 6. Fungal Systematics and Evolution 11: 109-156. doi: 10.3114/fuse.2023.11.09.

Hair cortisol concentrations in different breeds of cows: Comparison of hair from unshorn and previously shorn areas and from various regions of the body.

INTRODUCTION: The goals of this study were to investigate hair cortisol concentration (HCC) in seven different breeds of cows, to establish reference intervals for HCC in Brown Swiss cows and to compare cortisol concentrations of hair collected from four different areas of the body. Three groups of cows were used. Group 1 comprised 70 healthy cows representing four dairy breeds (Brown Swiss, Swiss Fleckvieh, Holstein Friesian, Water Buffalo) and three beef breeds (Raetian Grey, Limousin, Highland). Group 2 consisted of 60 healthy Brown Swiss cows in which two different hair samples were collected from the thoracic region to establish reference intervals; A samples consisted of hair that had grown for one month in a pre-clipped area, and B samples consisted of hair from a previously unshorn area. Group 3 comprised 21 healthy Brown Swiss cows, in which HCCs were measured in A and B samples from four different body regions (neck, shoulder, thorax, rump). Liquid chromatography tandem mass-spectrometry was used for cortisol measurement. In group 1, the highest HCCs were measured in Holstein Friesian cows at 1,75 pg/mg, which was significantly higher than those of the Brown Swiss, the Swiss Fleckvieh and the Water Buffalo cows. Hair cortisol concentration and daily milk yield of the 40 dairy cows were highly correlated (r = 0,57, P < 0,01). In group 2, the HCCs of 77 % of the A samples and 85 % of the B samp-les were below the laboratory's limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0,50 pg/mg and the results were expressed semiquantitatively as.

INTRODUCTION: Les objectifs de cette étude étaient d'étudier la concentration de cortisol dans les poils (hair cortisol concentration (HCC)) chez sept races de vaches différentes, d'établir des intervalles de référence pour le HCC chez les vaches de race Suisse Brune et de comparer les concentrations de cortisol dans les poils prélevés sur quatre zones différentes du corps. Trois groupes de vaches ont été utilisés. Le groupe 1 comprenait 70 vaches saines représentant quatre races laitières (Brown Swiss, Swiss Fleckvieh, Holstein Friesian, Buffle d'eau) et trois races à viande (Grise rhétique, Limousin, Highland). Le groupe 2 était composé de 60 vaches Brown Swiss en bonne santé, pour lesquelles deux échantillons de poils différents ont été prélevés dans la région thoracique afin d'établir des intervalles de référence ; les échantillons A étaient constitués de poils ayant poussé pendant un mois sur une zone précédemment tondue et les échantillons B étaient constitués de poils provenant d'une zone non tondue auparavant. Le groupe 3 comprenait 21 vaches suisses brunes en bonne santé, chez lesquelles les HCC ont été mesurés dans des échantillons A et B provenant de quatre régions corporelles différentes (cou, épaule, thorax, croupe). La chromatographie liquide en tandem avec spectrométrie de masse a été utilisée pour la mesure du cortisol. Dans le groupe 1, les HCC les plus élevés ont été mesurés chez les vaches Holstein Friesian à 1,75 pg/mg, ce qui était significativement plus élevé que ceux des vaches Brown Swiss, Swiss Fleckvieh et Buffle d'eau. La concentration de cortisol dans les poils et le rendement laitier quotidien des 40 vaches laitières étaient fortement corrélés (r = 0,57, P < 0,01). Dans le groupe 2, les HCC étaient inférieures à la limite de quantification (LOQ) de 0,50 pg/mg dans 77 % des échantillons A et 85 % des échantillons B et ils ont été indiquées de manière semi-quantitative comme < LOQ. Dans les échantillons restants, les HCC se situaient entre 0,50 et 1,20 pg/mg. Les valeurs des échantillons A et B n'étaient pas significativement différentes. Dans le groupe 3, les valeurs médianes des HCC des échantillons mesurables pour les 4 localisations se situaient entre 0,50 et 1,00 pg/mg de poils. Les HCC ne différaient pas significativement entre les différentes localisations corporelles ni entre les échantillons A et B. Les analyses permettent de supposer que les vaches Holstein-Friesian présentent des HCC significativement plus élevées que les vaches Brown Swiss, Swiss Fleckvieh et les bufflonnes d'eau et que cela est dû au moins en partie à leur production laitière élevée.

[Repeated drenching of calves - -Ultra-sonographic findings of the -reticulum and abomasum and -short-term -effects on pH and -D-lactate in rumen fluid and blood]. / Wiederholtes Drenchen von Kälbern ­ Ultraschallbefunde an Haube und Labmagen sowie kurzfristige Auswirkungen auf pH-Wert und D-Laktat in Pansensaft und Blut.

INTRODUCTION: An oesophageal tube feeder was used to administer milk to six clinically healthy calves every 12 hours for a total of three feedings. The calves were seven to nine days of age, and each feeding consisted of a volume of milk that was 6 % of the body weight of the calves. The reticulum and abomasum were scanned ultrasonographically before, during and after drenching. Blood samples for D-lactate determination and venous blood gas analysis were collected at -12, 0 (first drenching), 6, 12 (second drenching), 18, 24 (third drenching), 30 and 36 hours. Ruminal fluid was collected for measurement of pH and D-lactate concentration at -12 and 36 hours. Based on simultaneous ultrasonographic examinations of the reticulum and abomasum, some of the force-fed milk flowed into the reticulum and some directly into the abomasum; both organs contained milk immediately after drenching. Drenching led to ruminal acidosis evidenced by a significant decrease in median pH from 7,0 (6,0 - 7,0) to 4,5 (3,0 - 5,0) and a 93-fold increase in median D-lactate concentration from 0,39 (0,14 - 1,33) to 36,3 (17,9 - 53,3) mmol/l but it did not cause metabolic acidosis. Based on these findings, we concluded that milk administered to calves via an oesophageal tube feeder flows into the reticulum and abomasum simultaneously and three force feedings 12 hours apart cause acute ruminal acidosis, which was not accompanied by metabolic acidosis in the short term.

INTRODUCTION: Une sonde d'alimentation œsophagienne a été utilisée pour administrer par trois fois du lait à six veaux cliniquement sains toutes les 12 heures. Les veaux étaient âgés de sept à neuf jours, et chaque repas comprenait un volume de lait correspondant à 6 % de leur poids corporel. Le réticulum et la caillette ont été examinés par ultrasons avant, pendant et après le drenchage. Des échantillons de sang pour la détermination du D-lactate et pour l'analyse des gaz du sang veineux ont été prélevés à ­12, 0 (premier drenchage), 6, 12 (deuxième drenchage), 18, 24 (troisième drenchage), 30 et 36 heures. Le jus de panse a été prélevé pour mesurer le pH et la concentration de D-lactate à ­12 et 36 heures. D'après les examens ultrasonographiques simultanés du réticulum et de la caillette, une partie du lait administré s'est écoulée dans le réticulum et une autre directement dans la caillette : les deux organes contenaient du lait immédiatement après le drenchage. Le drenchage a entraîné une acidose ruminale mise en évidence par une diminution significative du pH médian de 7,0 (6,0 ­ 7,0) à 4,5 (3,0 ­ 5,0) et une concentration médiane de D-lactate 93 fois plus élevée de 0,39 (0,14 ­ 1,33) à 36,3 (17,9 ­ 53,3) mmol/l, mais il n'a pas provoqué d'acidose métabolique. Sur la base de ces résultats, nous avons conclu que le lait administré aux veaux par l'intermédiaire d'une sonde d'alimentation œsophagienne s'écoule simultanément dans le réticulum et la caillette et que trois gavages à 12 heures d'intervalle provoquent une acidose ruminale aiguë qui ne s'est pas accompagnée d'une acidose métabolique à court terme.

New and Interesting Fungi. 5.

Nine new genera, 17 new species, nine new combinations, seven epitypes, three lectotypes, one neotype, and 14 interesting new host and / or geographical records are introduced in this study. New genera: Neobarrmaelia (based on Neobarrmaelia hyphaenes), Neobryochiton (based on Neobryochiton narthecii), Neocamarographium (based on Neocamarographium carpini), Nothocladosporium (based on Nothocladosporium syzygii), Nothopseudocercospora (based on Nothopseudocercospora dictamni), Paracamarographium (based on Paracamarographium koreanum), Pseudohormonema (based on Pseudohormonema sordidus), Quasiphoma (based on Quasiphoma hyphaenes), Rapidomyces (based on Rapidomyces narthecii). New species: Ascocorticium sorbicola (on leaves of Sorbus aucuparia, Belgium), Dactylaria retrophylli (on leaves of Retrophyllum rospigliosii, Colombia), Dactylellina miltoniae (on twigs of Miltonia clowesii, Colombia), Exophiala eucalyptigena (on dead leaves of Eucalyptus viminalis subsp. viminalis supporting Idolothrips spectrum, Australia), Idriellomyces syzygii (on leaves of Syzygium chordatum, South Africa), Microcera lichenicola (on Parmelia sulcata, Netherlands), Neobarrmaelia hyphaenes (on leaves of Hyphaene sp., South Africa), Neobryochiton narthecii (on dead leaves of Narthecium ossifragum, Netherlands), Niesslia pseudoexilis (on dead leaf of Quercus petraea, Serbia), Nothocladosporium syzygii (on leaves of Syzygium chordatum, South Africa), Nothotrimmatostroma corymbiae (on leaves of Corymbia henryi, South Africa), Phaeosphaeria hyphaenes (on leaves of Hyphaene sp., South Africa), Pseudohormonema sordidus (on a from human pacemaker, USA), Quasiphoma hyphaenes (on leaves of Hyphaene sp., South Africa), Rapidomyces narthecii (on dead leaves of Narthecium ossifragum, Netherlands), Reticulascus parahennebertii (on dead culm of Juncus inflexus, Netherlands), Scytalidium philadelphianum (from compressed air in a factory, USA). New combinations: Neobarrmaelia serenoae, Nothopseudocercospora dictamni, Dothiora viticola, Floricola sulcata, Neocamarographium carpini, Paracamarographium koreanum, Rhexocercosporidium bellocense, Russula lilacina. Epitypes: Elsinoe corni (on leaves of Cornus florida, USA), Leptopeltis litigiosa (on dead leaf fronds of Pteridium aquilinum, Netherlands), Nothopseudocercospora dictamni (on living leaves of Dictamnus albus, Russia), Ramularia arvensis (on leaves of Potentilla reptans, Netherlands), Rhexocercosporidium bellocense (on leaves of Verbascum sp., Germany), Rhopographus filicinus (on dead leaf fronds of Pteridium aquilinum, Netherlands), Septoria robiniae (on leaves of Robinia pseudoacacia, Belgium). Lectotypes: Leptopeltis litigiosa (on Pteridium aquilinum, France), Rhopographus filicinus (on dead leaf fronds of Pteridium aquilinum, Netherlands), Septoria robiniae (on leaves of Robinia pseudoacacia, Belgium). Neotype: Camarographium stephensii (on dead leaf fronds of Pteridium aquilinum, Netherlands). Citation: Crous PW, Begoude BAD, Boers J, Braun U, Declercq B, Dijksterhuis J, Elliott TF, Garay-Rodriguez GA, Jurjevic Z, Kruse J, Linde CC, Loyd A, Mound L, Osieck ER, Rivera-Vargas LI, Quimbita AM, Rodas CA, Roux J, Schumacher RK, Starink-Willemse M, Thangavel R, Trappe JM, van Iperen AL, Van Steenwinkel C, Wells A, Wingfield MJ, Yilmaz N, Groenewald JZ (2022) New and Interesting Fungi. 5. Fungal Systematics and Evolution 10: 19-90. doi: 10.3114/fuse.2022.10.02.

The effect of flunixin meglumine on eating and rumination variables in cows after omentopexy for correction of left displaced abomasum.

INTRODUCTION: Eating and rumination variables were recorded using a pressure sensor integrated into the noseband of a halter in 60 cows with left displaced abomasum (LDA) before and after postoperative administration of flunixin meglumine (FM). Group 1 comprised 9 healthy control cows that were used to establish reference intervals. Group 2 included 60 cows with LDA that received one of the following three treatments: intravenous saline solution (2A, n=20), 1.1 mg/kg FM (2B, n=20) or 2.2 mg/kg FM (2C, n=20) once daily for 3 days after right-flank omentopexy. Median eating times on the day before surgery were 93 (2A), 80 (2B) and 114 (2C) min, which were below the reference interval (246 to 381 min). On the day after surgery, eating times had increased significantly to 201 (2A), 172 (2B) and 216 (2C) min, after which time they continued to increase. Eating and rumination times, numbers of regurgitated feed boluses per day and chewing cycles per bolus did not differ among treated groups. Postoperative administration of FM did not affect eating and rumination variables in this study, and normalisation of these variables was attributable to surgical correction of LDA.

INTRODUCTION: Les variables d'alimentation et de rumination ont été enregistrées à l'aide d'un capteur de pression intégré à la muserolle d'un licol chez 60 vaches avec déplacement à gauche de la caillette (LDA) avant et après l'administration postopératoire de flunixine méglumine (FM). Le groupe 1 comprenait 9 vaches témoins en bonne santé qui ont été utilisées pour établir des intervalles de référence. Le groupe 2 comprenait 60 vaches avec LDA qui ont reçu l'un des trois traitements suivants : solution saline intraveineuse (2A, n=20), 1,1 mg/kg FM (2B, n=20) ou 2,2 mg/kg FM (2C, n= 20) une fois par jour pendant 3 jours après omentopexie par le flanc droit. La durée médiane des repas la veille de la chirurgie était de 93 (2A), 80 (2B) et 114 (2C) minutes, ce qui était inférieur à l'intervalle de référence (246 à 381 min). Le lendemain de la chirurgie, la durée des repas avait augmenté de manière significative à 201 (2A), 172 (2B) et 216 (2C) minutes, après quoi elle a continué à augmenter. Les temps de repas et de rumination, le nombre de bolus alimentaires régurgités par jour et les cycles de mastication par bolus ne différaient pas entre les groupes traités. L'administration postopératoire de FM n'a pas affecté les variables d'alimentation et de rumination dans cette étude et la normalisation de ces variables était attribuable à la correction chirurgicale de la LDA.

Taxonomy and phylogeny of the Erysiphe lonicerae complex (Helotiales, Erysiphaceae) on Lonicera spp.

The phylogeny and taxonomy of powdery mildews, belonging to the genus Erysiphe, on Lonicera species throughout the world are examined and discussed. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that sequences retrieved from Erysiphe lonicerae, a widespread powdery mildew species distributed in the Northern Hemisphere on a wide range of Lonicera spp., constitutes a complex of two separate species, viz., E. lonicerae (s. str.) and Erysiphe ehrenbergii comb. nov. Erysiphe lonicerae occurs on Lonicera spp. belonging to Lonicera subgen. Lonicera (= subgen. Caprifolium and subgen. Periclymenum), as well as L. japonica. Erysiphe ehrenbergii comb. nov. occurs on Lonicera spp. of Lonicera subgen. Chamaecerasus. Phylogenetic and morphological analyses have also revealed that Microsphaera caprifoliacearum (≡ Erysiphe caprifoliacearum) should be reduced to synonymy with E. lonicerae (s. str.). Additionally, Erysiphe lonicerina sp. nov. on Lonicera japonica in Japan is described and the new name Erysiphe flexibilis, based on Microsphaera lonicerae var. flexuosa, is introduced. The phylogeny of Erysiphe ehrenbergii and E. lonicerae as well as other Erysiphe species on honeysuckle is discussed, and a survey of all species, including a key to the species concerned, is provided. Citation: Bradshaw M, Braun U, Götz M, Takamatsu S (2020). Taxonomy and phylogeny of the Erysiphe lonicerae complex (Helotiales, Erysiphaceae) on Lonicera spp. Fungal Systematics and Evolution 7: 49-65. doi: 10.3114/fuse.2021.07.03.

Redefining genera of cereal pathogens: Oculimacula, Rhynchosporium and Spermospora.

The taxonomy of Oculimacula, Rhynchosporium and Spermospora is re-evaluated, along with that of phylogenetically related genera. Isolates are identified using comparisons of DNA sequences of the internal transcribed spacer ribosomal RNA locus (ITS), partial translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1), actin (act), DNA-directed RNA polymerase II largest (rpb1) and second largest subunit (rpb2) genes, and the nuclear ribosomal large subunit (LSU), combined with their morphological characteristics. Oculimacula is restricted to two species, O. acuformis and O. yallundae, with O. aestiva placed in Cyphellophora, and O. anguioides accommodated in a new genus, Helgardiomyces. Rhynchosporium s. str. is restricted to species with 1-septate conidia and hooked apical beaks, while Rhynchobrunnera is introduced for species with 1-3-septate, straight conidia, lacking any apical beak. Rhynchosporium graminicola is proposed to replace the name R. commune applied to the barley scald pathogen based on nomenclatural priority. Spermospora is shown to be paraphyletic, representing Spermospora (type: S. subulata), with three new species, S. arrhenatheri, S. loliiphila and S. zeae, and Neospermospora gen. nov. (type: N. avenae). Ypsilina (type: Y. graminea), is shown to be monophyletic, but appears to be of minor importance on cereals. Finally, Vanderaaea gen. nov. (type: V. ammophilae), is introduced as a new coelomycetous fungus occurring on dead leaves of Ammophila arenaria. Citation: Crous PW, Braun U, McDonald BA, Lennox CL, Edwards J, Mann RC, Zaveri A, Linde CC, Dyer PS, Groenewald JZ (2020). Redefining genera of cereal pathogens: Oculimacula, Rhynchosporium and Spermospora. Fungal Systematics and Evolution 7: 67-98. doi: 10.3114/fuse.2021.07.04.

Phylogenetic placement and reassessment of Asperisporium pongamiae as Pedrocrousiella pongamiae gen. et comb. nov. (Mycosphaerellaceae).

The leaf spot disease of Pongamia pinnata caused by an asperisporium-like asexual morph, which is usually referred to as Asperisporium pongamiae, is quite common during monsoon seasons in India. Phylogenetic analyses, based on LSU and rpb2 sequence data, and blast searches using ITS sequence data, revealed that this ascomycete forms a lineage within Mycosphaerellaceae distant from all other generic lineages. Pedrocrousiella gen. nov., with P. pongamiae comb. nov., based on Fusicladium pongamiae (≡ A. pongamiae), as type species is introduced for this lineage. This species has been considered the asexual morph of Mycosphaerella pongamiae (≡ Stigmatea pongamiae). However, this connection is unproven and was just based on the occasional association of the two taxa in some collections. Several attempts to induce the formation of a sexual morph in culture failed, therefore the putative connection between these morphs could not be confirmed. Asperisporium pongamiae-pinnatae is reduced to synonymy with P. pongamiae. Asperisporium pongamiae-pinnatae was introduced because of the wrong assumption that F. pongamiae had been described on another host, Pongamia globosa. But Fusicladium pongamiae was actually described in India on Pongamia glabra, which is a synonym of P. pinnata, and hence on the same host as Asperisporium pongamiae-pinnatae. Pedrocrousiella pongamiae clusters in a clade containing Distocercospora, Clypeosphaerella, and "Pseudocercospora" nephrolepidicola, a species which is not congeneric with Pseudocercospora. Phylogenetically, Pedrocrousiella is distant from the Asperisporium s. str. clade (type species A. caricae), which is more closely related to Amycosphaerella, Pseudocercosporella, Distomycovellosiella and Nothopassalora. Citation: Rajeshkumar KC, Braun U, Groenewald JZ, Lad SS, Ashtekar N, Fatima S, Anand G (2021). Phylogenetic placement and reassessment of Asperisporium pongamiae as Pedrocrousiella pongamiae gen. et comb. nov. (Mycosphaerellaceae). Fungal Systematics and Evolution 7: 165-176. doi: 10.3114/fuse.2021.07.08.

Guanidinoacetic acid supplementation improves feed conversion in broilers subjected to heat stress associated with muscle creatine loading and arginine sparing.

It was hypothesized that dietary guanidinoacetic acid (GAA), the precursor of creatine (Cr), would be beneficial to heat-stressed finisher broilers owing to improved cellular energy status and arginine sparing effects. A total of 720 one-day-old male Ross 308 broilers were allocated to 3 treatments, 0 (control), 0.6, or 1.2 g/kg of GAA added to complete corn-soybean meal diets, and were fed for 39 D, with 12 replicates (20 birds each) per treatment. A chronic cyclic heat stress model (at a temperature of 34°C and 50 to 60% relative humidity for 7 h daily) was applied in the finisher phase (day 25-39). Samples were taken on day 26 and 39 to determine thrombocyte, white blood cell, corticosterone, protein and amino acid levels in blood and Cr, phosphocreatine (PCr), and adenosine triphosphate levels in the breast muscle. Meat quality was assessed on day 40 after overnight fasting. Guanidinoacetic acid at a dose of 1.2 g/kg decreased feed-to-gain ratio compared with the control in the grower phase (1.32 vs. 1.35, respectively; P <0.05). In the finisher period, the supplementation of 1.2 g/kg of GAA reduced feed intake compared with the control (-3.3%, P <0.05), whereas both GAA supplementation levels improved feed efficiency markedly (1.76, 1.66, and 1.67 for 0 [control], 0.6, and 1.2 g/kg of GAA, respectively, P <0.05). Mortality outcomes highlight that GAA feeding improved survival during heat stress, supported by lower panting frequency (linear effect, P <0.05). Plasma arginine was higher with increase in dietary GAA concentration on day 26 (+18.3 and + 30.8% for 0.6 and 1.2 g/kg of GAA, respectively; P <0.05). This suggests enhanced availability of arginine for other metabolic purposes than de novo GAA formation. In the breast muscle, PCr (day 39, P <0.05), free Cr (day 39, P <0.05), total Cr (both days, P <0.05), and PCr-to-adenosine triphosphate ratio (day 39, P <0.05) levels were increased with higher GAA content in diet. Guanidinoacetic acid supplementation improved feed conversion and survival during chronic cyclic heat stress, which may be associated with enhanced breast muscle energy status and arginine sparing effect.

Taxonomy and phylogeny of cercosporoid ascomycetes on Diospyros spp. with special emphasis on Pseudocercospora spp.

A worldwide survey of cercosporoid ascomycete species on hosts of the genus Diospyros (persimmon) with key to the species based on characters in vivo is provided. Special emphasis is placed on species of the genus Pseudocercospora, which are in part also phylogenetically analysed, using a multilocus approach. Species of the latter genus proved to be very diverse, with a remarkable degree of cryptic speciation. Seven new species are described (Pseudocercospora diospyri-japonicae, P. diospyriphila, P. ershadii, P. kakiicola, P. kobayashiana, and P. tesselata), and two new names are introduced [P. kakiigena (≡ Cylindrosporium kaki, non Pseudocercospora kaki), and Zasmidium diospyri-hispidae (≡ Passalora diospyri, non Zasmidium diospyri)]. Six taxa are lectotypified (Cercospora atra, C. diospyri, C. diospyri var. ferruginea, C. flexuosa, C. fuliginosa, C. kaki), and Pseudocercospora kaki is epitypified.

[Ultrasonography of the lung in calves]. / Überblick über die Ultraschallunter­suchung der Lunge beim Kalb.

INTRODUCTION: This paper reviews the technique used for thoracic -ultrasonography of the bovine lower respiratory tract and the ultrasonographic findings in calves with -bronchopneumonia. Studies that compare the results of auscultation with those of ultrasonography and postmortem examination are included as are studies that examine the relationship between ultrasonographic findings and bacterial lung infection and prognosis. Lesions associated with bronchopneumonia, pleuropneumonia, pneumothorax and lung abscesses are -easily imaged ultrasonographically and characterised in calves.

INTRODUCTION: Cet article passe en revue la technique utilisée pour l'échographie des voies respiratoires inférieures des bovins et les résultats de l'échographie chez les veaux atteints de bronchopneumonie. Les études qui comparent les résultats de l'auscultation à ceux de l'échographie et de l'examen post mortem sont incluses, tout comme les études qui étudient la relation entre les résultats de l'échographie et l'infection pulmonaire bactérienne ainsi que le pronostic. Les lésions associées à la bronchopneumonie, à la pleuropneumonie, au pneumothorax et aux abcès pulmonaires sont facilement imagées par échographie et caractérisées chez les veaux.

Phylogenetic placement and lectotypification of Pseudotryblidium neesii (Helotiales, Leotiomycetes).

A phylogenetic analysis of combined rDNA LSU and ITS sequence data was carried out to determine the phylogenetic placement of specimens identified as Pseudotryblidium neesii. The species forms a distinct clade within Dermateaceae (Helotiales, Leotiomycetes) with Rhizodermea veluwiensis and two Dermea species. The geographical distribution of this species, previously known only from Europe on Abies alba, is extended to north-western North America where it grows exclusively on A. grandis. The name P. neesii is lectotypified in order to disentangle the complicated nomenclature of the species. A new, detailed description of P. neesii with illustrations is provided after comparison of sequenced specimens with the type material. Furthermore, the new combination Pseudographis rufonigra (basionym Peziza rufonigra) is made for a fungus previously known as Pseudographis pinicola.

Clinical, laboratory and ultrasonographic findings in 94 cows with type-1 abomasal ulcer.

INTRODUCTION: This study included 94 cows aged 2.1 to 12.0 years (5.2 ± 2.05 years) that were examined at a referral clinic because of type-1 abomasal ulcer. The most common clinical findings were poor general health status (94%), partial or complete anorexia (93%), congested scleral vessels (89%), decreased skin surface temperature (76%), decreased or absent faecal output (72%), abdominal guarding (59%), tachypnoea (56%), rumen atony (53%) and positive percussion and simultaneous auscultation and/or ballottement and simultaneous auscultation on the right side (53%). The most common laboratory findings were hypokalaemia (68%), positive base excess (60%) and azotaemia (51%). The chloride concentration of rumen fluid was increased in 48% of the cows. The diagnosis of type-1 ulcer was made during laparotomy and/or postmortem examination. One or more concurrent diseases were diagnosed in 97% of the cows. Seventy-eight (83%) cows were euthanased immediately after the initial examination, during laparotomy or after unsuccessful treatment, and eight (8.5%) cows died, and all were examined postmortem. Eight (8.5%) cows were discharged and six of these made a complete recovery.

INTRODUCTION: La présente étude a inclus 94 vaches âgées de 2,1 à 12,0 ans (5,2 ± 2,05 ans) qui ont été examinées dans une clinique de référence en raison d'un ulcère de la caillette de type 1. Les signes cliniques les plus courants étaient un mauvais état de santé général (94%), une anorexie partielle ou complète (93%), des vaisseaux scléraux congestionnés (89%), une diminution de la température de la surface de la peau (76%), une diminution ou une absence de débit fécal (72%), une défense abdominale (59%), de la tachypnée (56%), une atonie du rumen (53%) et une percussion positive avec auscultation simultanée (PSA) et / ou ballottement et auscultation simultanée (BSA) du côté droit (53%). Les résultats de laboratoire les plus courants étaient l'hypokaliémie (68%), l'excès de base positif (60%) et l'azotémie (51%). La concentration en chlorure du liquide du rumen a augmenté chez 48% des vaches. Le diagnostic d'ulcère de type 1 a été posé lors de la laparotomie et/ou de l'autopsie. Une ou plusieurs maladies concomitantes ont été diagnostiquées chez 97% des vaches. Soixante-dix-huit vaches (83%) ont été euthanasiées immédiatement après l'examen initial, pendant la laparotomie ou après un traitement infructueux, et huit vaches (8,5%) sont mortes. Toutes ont été examinées post-mortem. Huit vaches (8,5%) sont sorties de clinique et six d'entre elles ont complètement récupéré.

Dose-response effects of woody and herbaceous forage plants on in vitro ruminal methane and ammonia formation, and their short-term palatability in lactating cows.

Plant secondary compounds (PSC) are prevalent in many woody, temperate-climate plant species and play a crucial role in dietary attempts to mitigate methane emissions in ruminants. However, their application requires sufficient palatability and feeding value. In the present study, leaves from silver birch (Betula pendula), hazel (Corylus avellana), blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum), green grape vine (Vitis vinifera) and the herbs rosebay willow (Epilobium angustifolium) and wood avens (Geum urbanum) were tested in various doses with the Hohenheim gas test method in vitro and their short-term palatability in dairy cows. For the palatability experiment, the plants were pelleted with lucerne in different proportions to obtain the same phenol content, but realised contents differed from expected contents. The pellets were provided separately from a mixed basal ration (0.4 : 0.6) to each cow, in a randomised order, for 3 days per plant. All plants mitigated in vitro methane and ammonia formation, often in a linear dose response. These levels of effects differed among plants. Significant effects were observed at 100 (hazel, rosebay willow) to 400 g/kg of plant material. The test plants had a lower feeding value than the high-quality basal diet. This was indicated by in vitro organic matter digestibility, short-chain fatty acid formation and calculated contents of net energy of lactation. Simultaneously, the linear depression of ammonia formation indicated a dose-dependent increase of utilisable CP. Only blackcurrant and birch were less preferred to lucerne. However, this aversion subsided on day 3 of offer. The rosebay willow pellets had the highest phenol content but were not the least palatable. Accordingly, PSC may not be the main determinants of palatability for the plants tested. Plants did not differ significantly in their short-term effects on milk yield and composition, and all of the plants substantially reduced milk urea content. Overall, the results suggest that hazel and vine leaves, and rosebay willow and wood avens herbs should be tested for their potential to mitigate methane and N emissions in vivo.

Hair cortisol concentration in clinically healthy slaughter calves with and -without chronic bronchopneumonic -lesions.

INTRODUCTION: The hypothesis of this study was that healthy calves undergo less stress and thus have lower hair cortisol concentrations than calves with chronic bronchopneumonic lesions. Fifty healthy calves (group 1) and 50 calves with chronic bronchopneumonic lesions (group 2) were used immediately after slaughter, at which time hair samples and both adrenal glands were collected. The hair samples and the left adrenal gland were used for cortisol measurement and the right adrenal gland was used for histological and morphometrical examinations. The median hair cortisol concentrations of calves in groups 1 and 2 were 1.6 and 1.9 pg/mg hair, respectively, and did not differ significantly. The same was true for the mean cortisol concentration of the adrenal gland (1.1 and 1.4 µg/g tissue) and for the adrenal cortisol content (3.7 and 4.6 µg). The weights of the cortex (3.3, mean, and 3.5 g, median) and medulla (1.7 and 1.8 g, both median) did not differ significantly between the groups. This study did not detect differences in hair and adrenal cortisol concentrations between clinically healthy slaughter calves with and without chronic bronchopneumonic lesions. In further studies, calves with clinical signs should be taken into account.

INTRODUCTION: L'hypothèse de cette étude était que les veaux en bonne santé sont soumis à moins de stress et ont donc des concentrations de cortisol dans les poils plus faibles que les veaux présentant des lésions broncho-pneumoniques chroniques. Cinquante veaux sains (groupe 1) et 50 veaux présentant des lésions broncho-pneumoniques chroniques (groupe 2) ont été utilisés immédiatement après l'abattage, moment auquel des échantillons de poils et les deux glandes surrénales ont été prélevés. Les échantillons de poil et la glande surrénale gauche ont été utilisés pour la mesure du cortisol et la glande surrénale droite a été utilisée pour des examens histologiques et morphométriques. Les concentrations médianes de cortisol dans les poils des veaux des groupes 1 et 2 étaient respectivement de 1,6 et 1,9 pg/mg de poil et ne différaient pas significativement. Il en a été de même pour la concentration moyenne en cortisol de la glande surrénale (1,1 et 1,4 µg/g de tissu) et pour la teneur en cortisol surrénalien (3,7 et 4,6 µg). Les poids du cortex (3,3, moyenne et 3,5 g, médiane) et de la médulla (1,7 et 1,8 g, médiane) ne différaient pas significativement entre les groupes. Cette étude n'a pas mis en évidence de différences dans les concentrations de cortisol dans les poils et les surrénales entre les veaux abattus cliniquement en bonne santé avec ou sans lésions broncho-pneumoniques chroniques. Dans des études ultérieures, les veaux présentant des signes cliniques doivent être pris en compte.

Clinical and laboratory findings in 60 cows with type-3 abomasal ulcer.

INTRODUCTION: This study involved 60 cows aged 1.9 to 13 years (mean 4.8 ± 2.3 years) with type-3 abomasal ulcer. The most common clinical signs were, in decreasing order of frequency, partial or complete anorexia (98%), obtunded demeanour (95%), decreased skin surface temperature (78%), congested scleral vessels (73%), abdominal guarding (61%), tachypnoea (58%), fever (58%) and tachycardia (55%). One or more concomitant disorders were diagnosed in 86% of the cows. The most common abnormal laboratory findings were hypokalaemia (75%), shortened glutaraldehyde test time (46%) and hyperfibrinogenaemia (43%). The diagnosis of type-3 abomasal ulcer was made in all cows during laparotomy and/or at postmortem examination. Forty-eight (80%) cows were euthanased immediately after the initial examination, during laparotomy or after unsuccessful treatment. Twelve (20%) cows were treated with a solution of sodium chloride and glucose administered via an indwelling jugular catheter, antibiotics, metamizole or flunixin, and discharged from the clinic. Ten cows were still in production two years later.

INTRODUCTION: Cette étude portait sur 60 vaches âgées de 1,9 à 13 ans (moyenne de 4,8 ± 2,3 ans) atteintes d'un ulcère de la caillette de type 3. Les signes cliniques les plus fréquents étaient, par ordre de fréquence décroissante, une anorexie partielle ou complète (98%), un comportement apathique (95%), une diminution de la température de la peau (78%), des vaisseaux scléraux congestionnés (73%), une défense abdominale (61%) de la tachypnée (58%), de la fièvre (58%) et tachycardie (55%). Un ou plusieurs troubles concomitants ont été diagnostiqués chez 86% des vaches. Les résultats de laboratoire anormaux les plus fréquents étaient une hypokaliémie (75%), une durée réduite du test du glutaraldéhyde (46%) et une hyperfibrinogénémie (43%). Le diagnostic d'ulcère de la caillette de type 3 a été posé chez toutes les vaches au cours d'une laparotomie et/ou lors de l'examen post mortem. Quarante-huit (80%) des vaches ont été euthanasiées immédiatement après l'examen initial, pendant la laparotomie ou après un traitement infructueux. Douze (20%) vaches ont été traitées avec une solution de chlorure de sodium et de glucose administrée via un cathéter jugulaire à demeure, des antibiotiques, du métamizole ou de la flunixine et ont quitté la clinique. Dix de ces vaches étaient encore en production deux ans plus tard.

Guanidinoacetic acid is efficacious in improving growth performance and muscle energy homeostasis in broiler chicks fed arginine-deficient or arginine-adequate diets.

Two studies were conducted to test the efficacy of guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) to spare Arg and serve as a precursor of creatine (Cr) by evaluating growth performance and muscle cellular energy homeostasis in broiler chicks. In both studies, 12 replicate pens of 6 chicks received dietary treatments beginning at day 2 post-hatch. At conclusion of each study, muscle biopsy samples were collected within 60 s of euthanasia for analysis of Cr-related energy metabolites. In study 1, Arg-deficient starter and grower basal diets were supplemented with 0 (negative control, NC), 0.06, 0.12, or 0.18% GAA, or supplemental Arg (positive control, PC; 0.37 and 0.32% L-Arg in starter and grower phases, respectively). Dietary GAA elicited graded improvements, with final BW, overall BW gain, and overall G:F being increased (P < 0.05) by 0.12% GAA compared with the NC diet with no difference to PC diet. Increases (P < 0.001) of phosphocreatine (PCr), total Cr (tCr), and glycogen concentrations, as well as the PCr-to-adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and glycogen:ATP ratios, were observed with supplementation of 0.12% GAA compared with the NC diet, even exceeding responses to the PC diet. In study 2, Arg-adequate starter and grower basal diets were supplemented with 0 (negative control, NC), 0.06, or 0.12% GAA, 0.12% Cr monohydrate (PC1), or salmon protein (PC2; containing total Arg concentrations equal to those of the NC diet in each phase and containing similar Cr as in PC1). Overall G:F was increased (P < 0.05) by PC1, but not by PC2, compared with the NC, while GAA supplementation elicited a response intermediate to NC and PC1 diets. However, GAA supplementation increased (P < 0.01) concentrations of tCr and glycogen, as well as the PCr:ATP and glycogen:ATP ratios, when compared with the NC (Arg-adequate) diet. Collectively, these data indicate that GAA can be used to replace Arg in practical, Arg-deficient diets and improve muscle energy homeostasis in broiler chicks receiving either Arg-deficient or Arg-adequate practical diets.

Automated thermal extraction-desorption gas chromatography mass spectrometry: A multifunctional tool for comprehensive characterization of polymers and their degradation products.

The TED-GC-MS analysis is a two-step method. A sample is first decomposed in a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) and the gaseous decomposition products are then trapped on a solid-phase adsorber. Subsequently, the solid-phase adsorber is analyzed with thermal desorption gas chromatography mass spectrometry (TDU-GC-MS). This method is ideally suited for the analysis of polymers and their degradation processes. Here, a new entirely automated system is introduced which enables high sample throughput and reproducible automated fractioned collection of decomposition products. The fractionated collection together with low temperatures reduces the risk of contamination, improves instrumental stability and minimizes maintenance efforts. Through variation of the two main parameters (purge gas flow and heating rate) it is shown how the extraction process can be optimized. By measuring the decomposition products of polyethylene it is demonstrated that compounds with masses of up to 434 Da can be detected. This is achieved despite the low temperature (˜40 °C) of the solid-phase adsorber and the low thermal desorption temperature of 200 °C in the TDU unit. It is now shown that automated TED-GC-MS represents a new flexible multi-functional method for comprehensive polymer analyses. Comparable polymer characterization was previously only achievable through a combination of multiple independent analytical methods. This is demonstrated by three examples focused on practical challenges in materials analysis and identification: The first one is the analysis of wood plastic composites for which the decomposition processes of the polymer and the bio polymer (wood) could be clearly distinguished by fractionated collection using sequential adsorbers. Secondly, a fast quantitative application is shown by determining the weight concentrations of an unknown polyolefin blend through comparison with a reference material. Additionally, the determination of microplastic concentrations in environmental samples is becoming an increasingly important analytical necessity. It is demonstrated that with TED-GC-MS calibration curves showing good linearity for the most important precursors for microplastic, even complex matrix materials (suspended particulate matter) can be successfully analyzed.