Application of Machine Learning Algorithms to Describe the Characteristics of Dairy Sheep Lactation Curves.

In recent years, machine learning (ML) algorithms have emerged as powerful tools for predicting and modeling complex data. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the prediction ability of different ML algorithms and a traditional empirical model to estimate the parameters of lactation curves. A total of 1186 monthly records from 156 sheep lactations were used. The model development process involved training and testing models using ML algorithms. In addition to these algorithms, lactation curves were also fitted using the Wood model. The goodness of fit was assessed using correlation coefficient (r), mean absolute error (MAE), root mean square error (RMSE), relative absolute error (RAE), and relative root mean square error (RRSE). SMOreg was the algorithm with the best estimates of the characteristics of the sheep lactation curve, with higher values of r compared to the Wood model (0.96 vs. 0.68) for the total milk yield. The results of the current study showed that ML algorithms are able to adequately predict the characteristics of the lactation curve, using a relatively small number of input data. Some ML algorithms provide an interpretable architecture, which is useful for decision-making at the farm level to maximize the use of available information.

Decrease of Greenhouse Gases during an In Vitro Ruminal Digestibility Test of Forage (Festuca arundinacea) Conditioned with Selenium Nanoparticles.

The Festuca arundinacea Schreb. is one of the most used forage grasses due to its duration, productivity, great ecological breadth, and adaptability. Livestock has been criticized for its large production of greenhouse gases (GHG) due to forage. The advancement of science has led to an increase in the number of studies based on nanotechnologies; NPs supplementation in animal nutrition has found positive results in the fermentation of organic matter and the production of fatty acids and ruminal microorganisms. The objectives of this study were (1) to evaluate the in vitro digestibility of forage containing selenium (Se) nanoparticles (NPs), and to identify the specific behavior of the ruminal fermentation parameters of F. arundinacea Schreb. and (2) quantify the production of greenhouse gases (total gas and methane) (3) as well as the release of bioactive compounds (phenols, flavonoids, tannins, and selenium) after fermentation. Three treatments of SeNPs were established (0, 1.5, 3.0, and 4.5 ppm). The effects of foliar fertilization with SeNPs son digestion parameters were registered, such as the in vitro digestion of dry matter (IVDM); total gas production (Atotal gas) and methane production (ACH4); pH; incubation time(to); the substrate digestion rate (S); tSmax and the lag phase (L); as well as the production of volatile fatty acids (VFA), total phenols, total flavonoids, and tannins in ruminal fluid. The best results were obtained in the treatment with the foliar application of 4.5 ppm of SeNPs; IVDMD (60.46, 59.2, and 59.42%), lower total gas production (148.37, 135.22, and 141.93 mL g DM-1), and CH4 (53.42, 52.65, and 53.73 mL g DM-1), as well as a higher concentration of total VFA (31.01, 31.26, and 31.24 mmol L-1). The best results were obtained in the treatment with the foliar application of 4.5 ppm of SeNPs in the three different harvests; concerning IVDMD (60.46, 59.2, and 59.42%), lower total gas production (148.37, 135.22, and 141.93 mL g DM-1), and CH4 (53.42, 52.65, and 53.73 mL g DM-1), as well as a higher concentration of total VFA (31.01, 31.26, and 31.24 mmol L-1). The F. arundinacea Schreb. plants fertilized with 4.5 ppm released-in the ruminal fluid during in vitro fermentation-the following contents: total phenols (98.77, 99.31, and 99.08 mgEAG/100 mL), flavonoids (34.96, 35.44, and 34.96 mgQE/100 g DM), tannins (27.22, 27.35, and 27.99 mgEC/100g mL), and selenium (0.0811, 0.0814, and 0.0812 ppm).

Physicochemical Water Quality Influence on the Parasite Biodiversity in Juvenile Tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) Farmed at Valle Del Mezquital in the Central-Eastern Socioeconomic Region of Mexico.

Aquaculture parasite biodiversity dependents on multiple environmental characteristics, including water quality. The analysis of this relationship aims to support improvements in the production management of tilapia. For this purpose, a total of 100 juvenile fishes (Oreochromis spp.) and 30 water samples were collected at Valle del Mezquital in the Central-Eastern socioeconomical region of Mexico. A study of parasite biodiversity was carried out and water quality parameters were determined. Biodiversity in the habitat was measured using the Simpson diversity index, which considers the number of species present and the abundance of each one; we also calculate the Berger-Parker index to estimate the proportional importance of the most abundant species. In general, it was found that 86% of the examined specimens were parasitized. Parasite biodiversity was 11 genera (Simpson index = 0.55). Trichodina spp. (Ciliophora) was the dominant genus (Berger-Parker index = 0.51). The protozoa Apiosoma spp. was associated with the water hardness (Berger-Parker index = 0.57). Furthermore, the presence of monogeneans showed a positive correlation with the levels of nitrites and ammonium in the water (Berger-Parker index = 0.06-0.55). This characterization may represent a useful tool in the comprehensive management of parasites that affect the farmed tilapia. However, new data is necessary to expand the knowledge about the environment-host-parasite relationship.

The Application of Ultrasound in Honey: Antioxidant Activity, Inhibitory Effect on α-amylase and α-glucosidase, and In Vitro Digestibility Assessment.

In the present study, the effects of ultrasound (10, 20, and 30 min) on the bioactive compounds, antioxidant capacity, enzymatic inhibition, and in vitro digestion of six honey extracts from the Oaxaca state, Mexico, were analyzed. Significant differences were found in each honey extract with respect to the ultrasonic treatment applied (p < 0.05). In the honey extract P-A1 treated with 20 min of ultrasound, the phenols reached a maximum concentration of 29.91 ± 1.56 mg EQ/100 g, and the flavonoids of 1.92 ± 0.01 mg EQ/100 g; in addition, an inhibition of α-amylase of 37.14 ± 0.09% was noted. There were also differences in the phases of intestinal and gastric digestion, presenting a decrease in phenols (3.92 ± 0.042 mg EQ/100 g), flavonoids (0.61 ± 0.17 mg EAG/100 mg), antioxidant capacity (8.89 ± 0.56 mg EAG/100 mg), and amylase inhibition (9.59 ± 1.38%). The results obtained from this study indicate that, in some honeys, the processing method could increase the concentration of bioactive compounds, the antioxidant capacity, and the enzymatic inhibition; however, when subjected to in vitro digestion, the properties of honey are modified. The results obtained could aid in the development of these compounds for use in traditional medicine as a natural source of bioactive compounds.

Sea urchins: an update on their pharmacological properties.

Sea urchins are a group of benthic invertebrates characterized by having rigid globose bodies, covered in spines, and have an innate immune system that has allowed them to survive in the environment and defend against many pathogens that affect them. They are consumed for their unique flavor, but also for possessing a rich source of bioactive compounds which make them a source for a wide array of medicinal properties. Thus, these may be used to discover and develop new drugs such as anti-bacterials, anti-carcinogenics and anti-virals. Precisely for those reasons, this revision is centered on the known biological activities in various sea urchin species. Recently, the potential pharmacological benefits of nine sea urchin species [Diadema antillarum (Philippi 1845), Echinometra mathaei (de Blainville), Evechinus chloroticus (Valenciennes), Mesocentrotus nudus (Agassiz, 1863), Paracentrotus lividus (Lamarck, 1816), Scaphechinus mirabilis (Agazzis, 1863), Stomopneustes variolaris (Lamarck, 1816), Tripneustes depressus (Agassiz, 1863), and Tripneustes ventricosus (Lamarck, 1816)] have been evaluated. Our work includes a comprehensive review of the anti-fungal, anti-parasitic, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, anti-viral, anti-diabetic, anti-lipidemic, gastro-protective and anti-cardiotoxic effects. Furthermore, we revised the compounds responsible of these pharmacological effects. This work was intended for a broad readership in the fields of pharmacology, drugs and devices, marine biology and aquaculture, fisheries and fish science. Our results suggest that organic extracts, as well as pure compounds obtained from several parts of sea urchin bodies are effective in vitro and in vivo pharmacological models. As such, these properties manifest the potential use of sea urchins to develop emergent active ingredients.

Oilseed Supplementation Improves Milk Composition and Fatty Acid Profile of Cow Milk: A Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression.

Oilseed supplementation is a strategy to improve milk production and milk composition in dairy cows; however, the response to this approach is inconsistent. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of oilseed supplementation on milk production and milk composition in dairy cows via a meta-analysis and meta-regression. A comprehensive and structured search was performed using the following electronic databases: Google Scholar, Primo-UAEH and PubMed. The response variables were: milk yield (MY), atherogenic index (AI), Σ omega-3 PUFA, Σ omega-6 PUFA, fat, protein, lactose, linoleic acid (LA), linolenic acid (LNA), oleic acid (OA), vaccenic acid (VA), conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) and saturated fatty acid (SFA) contents. The explanatory variables were breed, lactation stage (first, second, and third), oilseed type (linseed, soybean, rapeseed, cottonseed, and sunflower), way (whole, extruded, ground, and roasted), dietary inclusion level, difference of the LA, LNA, OA, forage and NDF of supplemented and control rations, washout period and experimental design. A meta-analysis was performed with the "meta" package of the statistical program R. A meta-regression analysis was applied to explore the sources of heretogeneity. The inclusion of oilseeds in dairy cow rations had a positive effect on CLA (+0.27 g 100 g−1 fatty acids (FA); p < 0.0001), VA (+1.03 g 100 g−1 FA; p < 0.0001), OA (+3.44 g 100 g−1 FA; p < 0.0001), LNA (+0.28 g 100 g−1 FA; p < 0.0001) and UFA (+8.32 g 100 g−1 FA; p < 0.0001), and negative effects on AI (−1.01; p < 0.0001), SFA (−6.51; p < 0.0001), fat milk (−0.11%; p < 0.001) and protein milk (−0.04%; p < 0.007). Fat content was affected by animal breed, lactation stage, type and processing of oilseed and dietary NDF and LA contents. CLA, LA, OA and UFA, desirable FA milk components, were affected by type, processing, and the intake of oilseed; additionally, the concentrations of CLA and VA are affected by washout and design. Oilseed supplementation in dairy cow rations has a positive effect on desirable milk components for human consumption. However, animal response to oilseed supplementation depends on explanatory variables related to experimental design, animal characteristics and the type of oilseed.

Encapsulation Preserves Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Activities of Cactus Acid Fruit Bioactive Compounds under Simulated Digestion Conditions.

Cactus acid fruit (Xoconostle) has been studied due its content of bioactive compounds. Traditional Mexican medicine attributes hypoglycemic, hypocholesterolemic, anti-inflammatory, antiulcerogenic and immunostimulant properties among others. The bioactive compounds contained in xoconostle have shown their ability to inhibit digestive enzymes such as α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Unfortunately, polyphenols and antioxidants in general are molecules susceptible to degradation due to storage conditions, (temperature, oxygen and light) or the gastrointestinal tract, which limits its activity and compromises its potential beneficial effect on health. The objectives of this work were to evaluate the stability, antioxidant and antidiabetic activity of encapsulated extract of xoconostle within double emulsions (water-in-oil-in-water) during storage conditions and simulated digestion. Total phenols, flavonoids, betalains, antioxidant activity, α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition were measured before and after the preparation of double emulsions and during the simulation of digestion. The ED40% (treatment with 40% of xoconostle extract) treatment showed the highest percentage of inhibition of α-glucosidase in all phases of digestion. The inhibitory activity of α-amylase and α-glucosidase related to antidiabetic activity was higher in microencapsulated extracts than the non-encapsulated extracts. These results confirm the viability of encapsulation systems based on double emulsions to encapsulate and protect natural antidiabetic compounds.

In Vitro Antibacterial Potential of Salix babylonica Extract against Bacteria that Affect Oncorhynchus mykiss and Oreochromis spp.

Aquaculture development is limited by bacteria associated with several diseases; antibiotics are used for the treatment of these affections, but bacteria have developed resistance to these drugs. It is important to develop effective treatments that allow the production of antibiotic-free food. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the in vitro antibacterial effects of Salix babylonica hydro-alcoholic extract (SbHE) against Aeromonas hydrophila, Listonella anguillarum, Edwarsiella tarda, and Streptococcus iniae, bacteria that affect Oncorhynchus mykiss and Oreochromis spp. production. SbHE was obtained through the maceration technique. Reference strains were used and their sensitivity to antibiotics was determined. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) of SbHE were determined. Results showed that three of four evaluated bacteria were multidrug resistant, except S. iniae. SbHE showed antibacterial activity against all bacteria. Results indicate an MIC of 1.56 to 25 mg/mL and an MBC of 3.12 to 100 mg/mL. The greatest inhibitory activity occurred against L. anguillarum obtaining a MIC of 1.56 mg/mL and an MBC of 3.12 mg/mL. Results indicate that SbHE has bactericidal activity against A. hydrophila, L.anguilalurm, and S. iniae as well as bacteriostatic activity against E. tarda and could be an alternative treatment against these bacteria.

Comportamiento epidemiológico de la leptospirosis en México durante el periodo 2013-2019 / Epidemiologic behavior of leptospirosis in México during the period 2013-2019

RESUMEN Objetivo Determinar el comportamiento temporal y espacial de la leptospirosis en México durante el periodo 2013-2019. Materiales y Métodos Se utilizó la información depositada en los boletines epidemiológicos del Sistema Nacional de Vigilancia Epidemiológica de México. Para determinar el comportamiento espacial se construyeron canales endémicos y análisis de series de tiempo. Para determinar el comportamiento espacial, se utilizó el modelo estadístico espacial Scan. Resultados Se determinó que los casos de leptospirosis en México se presentan todo el año; sin embargo, los picos endémicos se observaron en los meses de agosto, septiembre y octubre. Con respecto al comportamiento espacial, no se determinó ninguna agrupación estadísticamente; no obstante, los estados con la mayor prevalencia fueron: Sinaloa, con 146.7 casos por cada millón de habitantes, y Tabasco, con 142 casos por cada millón de habitantes. Discusión La leptospirosis es una enfermedad influenciada por los hábitos y las costumbres de la población, al igual que por variables climatológicas que favorecen el contacto con el agente etiológico. Esto coincide con lo reportado por otros estudios que han determinado que la incidencia de leptospirosis aumenta durante la época de lluvia y que esta enfermedad se relaciona con actividades de recreación en zonas tropicales. Conclusiones La leptospirosis es una enfermedad zoonótica emergente de gran importancia en México, que se presenta con mayor frecuencia en época de lluvias. Los estados de Sinaloa y Tabasco son los más afectados.(AU)

ABSTRACT Objetive To determine the temporal and spatial behavior of leptospirosis in Mexico during the period 2013-2019. Materials and Methods It was used the information deposited in the epidemiological bulletins of National System of Epidemiological Surveillance of Mexico. To determine spatial behavior, endemic channels and time series analyzes were constructed. The spatial statistical model Scan was used to determine the spatial behavior. Results It was determined that leptospirosis cases in Mexico occur throughout the year, however endemic peaks were observed during the months of August, September and October. Regarding to spatial behavior, it was not statistically determined any aggrupation, nevertheless the States with the highest prevalence were Sinaloa with 146.7 cases per million of habitants and Tabasco with 142 cases per million of habitants. Discussion Leptospirosis is a disease which is affected by habits and customs of the populations, as well as by climatological events, favoring the contact with the etiological agent, which coincides with that reported in other studies, in which it was determined that leptospirosis incidence increases during the rainy season, likewise, it was reported that this disease is related to recreational activities in tropical areas. Conclusions To date leptospirosis is an important emerging zoonotic disease in Mexico, the disease occurs more frequently during rainy season, being Sinaloa and Tabasco the most affected States by this disease.(AU)

[Epidemiologic behavior of leptospirosis in México during the period 2013-2019]. / Comportamiento epidemiológico de la leptospirosis en México durante el periodo 2013-2019.

OBJETIVE: To determine the temporal and spatial behavior of leptospirosis in Mexico during the period 2013-2019. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was used the information deposited in the epidemiological bulletins of National System of Epidemiological Surveillance of Mexico. To determine spatial behavior, endemic channels and time series analyzes were constructed. The spatial statistical model Scan was used to determine the spatial behavior. RESULTS: It was determined that leptospirosis cases in Mexico occur throughout the year, however endemic peaks were observed during the months of August, September and October. Regarding to spatial behavior, it was not statistically determined any aggrupation, nevertheless the States with the highest prevalence were Sinaloa with 146.7 cases per million of habitants and Tabasco with 142 cases per million of habitants. DISCUSSION: Leptospirosis is a disease which is affected by habits and customs of the populations, as well as by climatological events, favoring the contact with the etiological agent, which coincides with that reported in other studies, in which it was determined that leptospirosis incidence increases during the rainy season, likewise, it was reported that this disease is related to recreational activities in tropical areas. CONCLUSIONS: To date leptospirosis is an important emerging zoonotic disease in Mexico, the disease occurs more frequently during rainy season, being Sinaloa and Tabasco the most affected States by this disease.

OBJETIVO: Determinar el comportamiento temporal y espacial de la leptospirosis en México durante el periodo 2013-2019. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Se utilizó la información depositada en los boletines epidemiológicos del Sistema Nacional de Vigilancia Epidemiológica de México. Para determinar el comportamiento espacial se construyeron canales endémicos y análisis de series de tiempo. Para determinar el comportamiento espacial, se utilizó el modelo estadístico espacial Scan. RESULTADOS: Se determinó que los casos de leptospirosis en México se presentan todo el año; sin embargo, los picos endémicos se observaron en los meses de agosto, septiembre y octubre. Con respecto al comportamiento espacial, no se determinó ninguna agrupación estadísticamente; no obstante, los estados con la mayor prevalencia fueron: Sinaloa, con 146.7 casos por cada millón de habitantes, y Tabasco, con 142 casos por cada millón de habitantes. DISCUSIÓN: La leptospirosis es una enfermedad influenciada por los hábitos y las costumbres de la población, al igual que por variables climatológicas que favorecen el contacto con el agente etiológico. Esto coincide con lo reportado por otros estudios que han determinado que la incidencia de leptospirosis aumenta durante la época de lluvia y que esta enfermedad se relaciona con actividades de recreación en zonas tropicales. CONCLUSIONES: La leptospirosis es una enfermedad zoonótica emergente de gran importancia en México, que se presenta con mayor frecuencia en época de lluvias. Los estados de Sinaloa y Tabasco son los más afectados.

Molecular Identification and Virulence Potential of the Genus Aeromonas Isolated from Wild Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in Mexico.

The members of the Aeromonas genus are important foodborne pathogens, with a worldwide distribution. Wild rainbow trout, from the national protected area Santuario del Agua State Park, Corral de Piedra, were analyzed. Species of Aeromonas were isolated from the trout, and their pathogenic potential was analyzed based on different pathogenicity and virulence factors. The isolates were identified as A. allosaccharophila (n = 15), A. sobria (n = 8), A. veronii (n = 3), A. rivipollensis (n = 2), A. piscicola (n = 2), and A. popoffii (n = 1), by RNA polymerase sigma factor (rpoD) gene sequencing. Sequence similarity with the type strain was 92.2 to 99.6% for A. sobria isolates, 97.8 to 98.0% for A. allosaccharophila isolates, 99.2% for the A. popoffii isolate, 99.2 to 100% for A. piscicola isolates, and 98.2 to 99.2% for A. veronii isolates. Notably, isolates A30T2-gills and A30T2-spleen showed sequence similarity of 98.0% with strain A. media CECT 4232T and 99.0% with strain A. rivipollensis P2G1T. Virulence genes were detected by PCR at the following frequencies: fla and serine protease, 96.77%; aerA, 93.54%; aexT, 87.09%; lipases, 74.19%; ascV and ahyB, 67.74%; exu, 61.29%; act, 41.93%; ascF-G, 38.70%; lafA, 32.26%; alt, 6.46%; aopP, 9.67%; and ast, 3.23%. These results indicate that several Aeromonas species had the potential pathogenicity to infect wild rainbow trout in the waterway created by the Corral de Piedra dam, suggesting they could be an emerging zoonotic pathogen.

Evaluation of comparative advantages in the profitability and competitiveness of the small-scale dairy system of Tulancingo Valley, Mexico.

This article combines a Policy Analysis Matrix with a sensitivity and poverty line analysis with the objective of evaluating the economic contribution of comparative advantages to the private profitability and competitiveness of small-scale dairy systems. For 1 year, socioeconomic data were collected from 82 farms selected from four strata via statistical sampling. Two scenarios were established to determine the quantitative contribution of comparative advantages: (1) a simulated scenario, which accounted for the cost of purchasing the total food and the opportunity cost of the family labour force (FLF), and (2) an actual production scenario, which accounted for the cost of producing food and eliminating the payment of the FLF and included other income. The E3 and E4 producers were the most profitable and competitive in the simulated scenario and actual production scenario. Of the four scales evaluated, the E2 and E1 producers were the most efficient in taking advantage of the economic contribution provided by the comparative advantages in their own production of food and employment of the FLF, in addition to accounting for other income, a condition that increased their profitability by 171 and 144% and competitiveness by 346 and 273%, respectively. The poverty results indicated that only E3 and E4 producers were non-vulnerable in the simulated scenario and actual production scenario. The purchase of food was the comparative advantage with the greatest sensitivity to cost increases in the two scenarios analysed, which exacerbated the effect on the E1 and E2 producers.

Actividad antibacteriana y sobre nematodos gastrointestinales de metabolitos secundarios vegetales: enfoque en Medicina Veterinaria / Antibacterial activity and on gastrointestinal nematodes of secondary vegetable metabolites: focus on Veterinary Medicine

En la actualidad el uso de plantas medicinales se ha convertido en una alternativa para el tratamiento y control de enfermedades tanto en medicina veterinaria como en medicina humana. En estudios recientes se ha reportado que los metabolitos secundarios presentes en la mayoría de las plantas ejercen efectos a nivel productivo y de salud; ya que poseen efectos bactericidas o bacteriostáticos, antihelmíntico (taninos y saponinas), anticancerígeno, antioxidante e inmunoestimulante (compuestos fenólicos, saponinas alcaloides y terpenos); e incluso gracias a su contenido de metabolitos secundarios se han propuesto como parte de la alimentación en animales debido a que pueden mejorar parámetros productivos y reproductivos. La presencia o ausencia de estos efectos dependerá del tipo de planta, tipo de metabolito secundario y la cantidad y frecuencia con la que se consuman. El objetivo de la presente revisión fue realizar una búsqueda bibliográfica de los principales metabolitos secundarios de plantas con actividades antimicrobianas y sobre nematodos gastrointestinales, reportadas en Medicina Veterinaria.