Generalized Linear Models (2nd ed.)

This book draws on a wide range of scientific research on the contribution that insects make to ecosystems, diets, food security and livelihoods in both developed and developing countries.

/pdf/edible-insects-future-prospects-for-food-and-feed-security-l4wwbjrpgl.pdf

Edible insects: future prospects for food and feed security

Oxidative stress (OS), a state characterized by an imbalance between pro-oxidant molecules including reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, and antioxidant defenses, has been identified to play a key role in the pathogenesis of subfertility in both males and females. The adverse effects of OS on sperm quality and functions have been well documented. In females, on the other hand, the impact of OS on oocytes and reproductive functions remains unclear. This imbalance between pro-oxidants and antioxidants can lead to a number of reproductive diseases such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and unexplained infertility. Pregnancy complications such as spontaneous abortion, recurrent pregnancy loss, and preeclampsia, can also develop in response to OS. Studies have shown that extremes of body weight and lifestyle factors such as cigarette smoking, alcohol use, and recreational drug use can promote excess free radical production, which could affect fertility. Exposures to environmental pollutants are of increasing concern, as they too have been found to trigger oxidative states, possibly contributing to female infertility. This article will review the currently available literature on the roles of reactive species and OS in both normal and abnormal reproductive physiological processes. Antioxidant supplementation may be effective in controlling the production of ROS and continues to be explored as a potential strategy to overcome reproductive disorders associated with infertility. However, investigations conducted to date have been through animal or in vitro studies, which have produced largely conflicting results. The impact of OS on assisted reproductive techniques (ART) will be addressed, in addition to the possible benefits of antioxidant supplementation of ART culture media to increase the likelihood for ART success. Future randomized controlled clinical trials on humans are necessary to elucidate the precise mechanisms through which OS affects female reproductive abilities, and will facilitate further explorations of the possible benefits of antioxidants to treat infertility.

/pdf/the-effects-of-oxidative-stress-on-female-reproduction-a-285352e9d1.pdf

The effects of oxidative stress on female reproduction: a review

Escherichia coli is one of the most important causes of postweaning diarrhea in pigs. This diarrhea is responsible for economic losses due to mortality, morbidity, decreased growth rate, and cost of medication. The E. coli causing postweaning diarrhea mostly carry the F4 (K88) or the F18 adhesin. Recently, an increase in incidence of outbreaks of severe E. coli-associated diarrhea has been observed worldwide. The factors contributing to the increased number of outbreaks of this more severe form of E. coli-associated diarrhea are not yet fully understood. These could include the emergence of more virulent E. coli clones, such as the 0149:LT:STa:STb:EAST1:F4ac, or recent changes in the management of pigs. Development of multiple bacterial resistance to a wide range of commonly used antibiotics and a recent increase in the prevalence and severity of the postweaning syndromes will necessitate the use of alternative measures for their control. New vaccination strategies include the oral immunization of piglets with live avirulent E. coli strains carrying the fimbrial adhesins or oral administration of purified F4 (K88) fimbriae. Other approaches to control this disease include supplementation of the feed with egg yolk antibodies from chickens immunized with F4 or F18 adhesins, breeding of F18- and F4-resistant animals, supplementation with zinc and/ or spray-dried plasma, dietary acidification, phage therapy, or the use of probiotics. To date, not a single strategy has proved to be totally effective and it is probable that the most successful approach on a particular farm will involve a combination of diet modification and other preventive measures.

/pdf/escherichia-coli-in-postweaning-diarrhea-in-pigs-an-update-4wo1vercjl.pdf

Escherichia coli in postweaning diarrhea in pigs: an update on bacterial types, pathogenesis, and prevention strategies.

http://www.anuragaja.staff.ipb.ac.id/files/2012/10/Kumar_2010_FC_Phytate-human-rev.pdf

Dietary roles of phytate and phytase in human nutrition: A review

http://www.anuragaja.staff.ipb.ac.id/files/2012/10/Selle_2007_AFST_Phytase-poultry-rev.pdf

Microbial phytase in poultry nutrition

Phytates: occurrence, bioavailability and implications in poultry nutrition

The excretion of large amounts of P in effluent from intensive pig and poultry units is indicative of the poor availability of phytate-bound P in plant-derived feed ingredients. This environmental problem prompted the development and acceptance of microbial phytase feed enzymes for single-stomached animals. Their introduction led to an increasing recognition that phytate may have adverse effects on protein utilisation in addition to P. Consequently, the nutritional relevance of protein-phytate interactions for pigs and poultry is considered in the present review. Since the current understanding of the effects of protein-phytate interactions comes mainly from responses obtained to added phytase, literature on the influence of microbial phytases on amino acid digestibility and utilisation is summarised, followed by a discussion of possible mechanisms contributing to the negative effects of phytate. However, the rationale for the protein responses to added phytase remains largely speculative, and several modes of action are probably involved. It may be that the release of protein from protein-phytate complexes occurring naturally in feed ingredients, the prevention of formation of binary and ternary protein-phytate complexes within the gut, the alleviation of the negative impact of phytate on digestive enzymes and the reduction in endogenous amino acid losses are all contributing factors. A better understanding of the mechanisms of protein-phytate interactions and the modes of action of exogenous phytase enzymes is clearly desirable. Studies are also needed to identify and quantify the factors that contribute to the variable amino acid responses to added phytase. It appears that the relative solubilities of phytate salts and proteins from different feed ingredients and their effects on the extent of protein-phytate complex formation, coupled with variations in the effectiveness of phytase in different dietary contexts, may be the major factors responsible.

/pdf/phytate-and-phytase-consequences-for-protein-utilisation-4012vcqxrl.pdf

Velmurugu Ravindran

Papers

Microbial phytase in poultry nutrition

Phytates: occurrence, bioavailability and implications in poultry nutrition

Phytate and phytase: consequences for protein utilisation.

Consequences of calcium interactions with phytate and phytase for poultry and pigs

Influence of microbial phytase on apparent ileal amino acid digestibility of feedstuffs for broilers