Abstract: This work explores the intricate functions of mTOR and its downstream effector p70S6K in human health and disease. mTOR, a highly conserved serine/threonine kinase, serves as a central signaling hub integrating various cellular processes. Its dysregulation is implicated in numerous human diseases, highlighting its importance in cellular homeostasis. p70S6K, a crucial downstream target of mTOR, plays a vital role in mediating the effects of mTOR on protein synthesis and cell growth. DDIT4: Induced by hypoxia, DNA damage, and nutrient deprivation, DDIT4 inhibits mTOR signaling via the TSC1/TSC2 complex, which suppresses mTORC1 activity. Research has focused on metadichol, a nanoemulsion of long-chain alcohols with C28 as the primary component. Key Observations1. Metadichol increases DDIT4 expression, but mTOR and P70S6 kinase expression are downregulated. Conversely, decreases in DDIT4 are associated with increased mTOR and P70S6 kinase levels.2. The effects are consistent in PBMCs (immune cells) and various cancer cell lines (U87, A-549, MDAMB-231-HCT116, and Hep G2. The involvement of DDIT4, mTOR, and p70S6K in various physiological processes and pathological conditions, including cancer, diabetes, and aging, underscores their potential as therapeutic targets. Metadichol shows significant promise in targeting DDIT4, mTOR, and p70S6K for cancer treatment, given the crucial roles of these proteins in cancer cell growth, survival, and metastasis. Compared with most mTOR, p70S6K, and DDIT4 inhibitors described in the literature, which are active in the nanomolar to micromolar range, the activity of metadichol at 1 pg/mL (10‒12 g/mL) is exceptionally potent.Metadichol’s ability to modulate DDIT4, mTOR, and P70S6 kinase suggests that it regulates cellular growth and stress responses. In cancer, it may inhibit proliferation, while in PBMCs, it could balance immune function. These findings highlight the potential of metadichol as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of mTOR-driven diseases.

Abstract: There are two types of noninvasive biomarkers of human embryo developmental potential, those based on a direct assessment of embryo morphology over time, and those using spent media after embryo in vitro culture as source of information. Both are derived from previously acquired knowledge on different aspects of preimplantation embryo development. These aspects include embryo morphology and kinetics, chromosomal ploidy status, metabolism, and embryonic gene transcription, translation and expression. As to the direct assessment of morphology and kinetics, pertinent data can be obtained by analyzing sequential microscopic images of in-vitro cultured embryos. Spent media can serve a source of genomic, metabolomic, transcriptomic and proteomic markers. Methods used in the early pioneering studies, such as microscopy, fluorescence in situ hybridization, autoradiography, electrophoresis and immunoblotting, or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, are too subjective, invasive and/or time consuming. As such, they are unsuitable for the current in vitro fertilization (IVF) practice which needs objective, rapid and noninvasive selection of the best embryo for uterine transfer or cryopreservation. This has been made possible by the use of high-throughput techniques, such as time-lapse (for direct embryo evaluation), and next-generation sequencing, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, mass spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, near-infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance (for spent culture media analysis). In this review, individual markers are presented systematically, with each marker’s history, current status, including available methodologies, strenghts and limitations, so as to make the essential information accessible to all health professionals, even those whose expertise in the matter is limited.

Abstract: Given the endoscopic possibilities and the need to improve AI in sheep, the objective of this study was to develop a transcervical endoscopic technique for artificial insemination in sheep. The study was conducted on 35 ewes divided according to the artificial insemination (AI) technique applied. In a pilot study, two techniques were tested using a rigid endoscope coupled to a protective sheath totaling 3mm, in a group of ewes not subjected to fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) protocol and those subjected to the protocol (GPes, n=5 and GPep, n=10). After the pilot study, two additional techniques were tested in synchronized ewes for FTAI: a control group with cervical traction (GC, n=10) and an AI group using vaginoscopy with a multiport for the passage of a rigid endoscope (GVe, n=10). The GPes and GPep groups showed 100% (5/5) and 10% (1/10) cervical passage rates, respectively. The GPep group had 90% (9/10) superficial cervical inseminations, 10% (1/10) intrauterine inseminations, and a 10% (1/10) pregnancy rate. In GC and GVe, 3.5±3.3 and 1.6±1.2 cervical rings were passed, respectively. Additionally, semen deposition resulted in 20% (2/10) intrauterine inseminations and 80% (8/10) deep cervical inseminations for GC, while GVe had 20% (2/10) intrauterine inseminations and 80% (8/10) superficial cervical inseminations. The pregnancy rate was 20% (2/10) for both GC and GVe groups. The GPen technique proved efficient for hysteroscopy; however, GPep was not efficient for AI due to the presence of typical estrus mucus. Nevertheless, it laid the foundation for the development of GVe, which showed promise in gynecological evaluations, enabling intrauterine AI and a complete gynecological assessment.

Abstract: The metalloid tellurium (Te) is toxic to bacteria; however, the element is also extremely rare. Thus, most bacteria will never encounter Te in their environment. Nonetheless significant research has been performed on bacterial Te resistance, due to the medical applications of the element. The so-called “tellurium resistance (TeR) genes” were first described on plasmids isolated from clinically relevant Enterobacteriaceae. With time, it has become apparent that, given the rarity of Te on the planet, the primary functions of these genes are distinct from their originally described TeR activity. Nonetheless, the description of these genes as “tellurium resistance genes” has persisted. In this review, we examine the history and discovery of the TeR genes. An analysis of 137,000 high-quality (meta)genomes revealed terZABCDF, telA, and tehAB to be relatively common among bacterial genome annotations, and they frequently described as “tellurium resistance genes”. We synthesized the literature to describe the functions of these ubiquitous genes beyond TeR. These genes have functions in diverse cellular processes including phage resistance, antibiotic resistance, cell cycle regulation, manganese resistance, and metalation of exoenzymes. Considering this analysis, we propose that it is time to rethink the primary functions of the so-called “tellurium resistance genes”.

Abstract: This article reviews publicly available environmental monitoring reports for two “open loop” Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) regasification plants operating in Italian coastal waters: Porto Viro (Veneto region, in operation since September 2009) and Livorno (Tuscany region, in operation since October 2013). These plants are key infrastructure for Italy’s energy independence. This review was undertaken to assess the effectiveness of the current monitoring programs and suggest potential improvements. Based on the information reviewed, it was found that many of the contaminants being analyzed were consistently below the limits of quantification and did not provide useful data for understanding the potential impact of the plants’ emissions. Additionally, this review found that the concentration of oxidizing chlorination residuals (CPOs, TROs) was not being measured, despite its importance in assessing potential harm to marine organisms. This article concludes by recommending the implementation of a peer-review process for both the monitoring schemes and the periodic monitoring reports, and suggests that future monitoring efforts should prioritize the analysis of the most relevant parameters and indicators.

Abstract: This study focuses on showing drinking water problems, sustaining environmental conditions, river basin improvement, and heavy metals concentration reduction, using selected plants as a nature-based solution for degraded wetland ecosystems. Unconventional water treatments are increasingly tested as phytoremediation is an auxiliary part of effluent treatment systems or sanitary waste, which eliminate or mitigate toxic molecules present in water. Selected plants are intensively used for revegetation of degraded river basins and water amelioration systems throughout small-scale constructed wetlands in water bodies near to factories. Large-scale constructed wetlands use different plants. Several plants occur in natural wetlands and can be used in constructed ones. Many of those plants associate with arbuscular mycorrhizae fungi (AMF) plant-fungal ecological studies pointed out that among commonly used plants, vetiver grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides) and Urochloa brizantha, having vigorous deep roots, commonly used for revegetation and for arbuscular mycorrhizae (AMF) multiplication, respectively, developing infective propagules. Thypha species grow and are cultivated for sustainable water systems. Cyperaceae representants were also investigated. In the present study, recent reports on drinking water characteristics and amelioration were compiled to disseminate knowledge on water quality, treatment and conservation. Among vegetation types, the best candidate is Vetiver grass, which is resistant to pests and diseases being tolerant to climatic variations, probably by its efficient absorption of nutrients and the occurrence of associated AMF, most of Glomeraceae. Due to its economic importance for sustainable agricultural production and other uses besides its environmental services, as important promoters of soil health in wetlands, more detailed research is needed on the biotic interactions and inoculant production in those studied plants.

Abstract: Biting midges, Culicoides spp. (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) are significant insect vectors capable of transmitting arboviruses, such as bluetongue virus, to livestock. New Zealand is free of Culicoides, and a national surveillance programme is in place for early detection of an incursion. Traditionally, insect trap samples from the surveillance programme are analyzed using morphology-based diagnostics under microscopes, which is time-consuming and relies on specialized taxonomic expertise. Here, we assessed the effectiveness of DNA metabarcoding using insect bulk samples and environmental DNA (eDNA) from liquid samples collected in surveillance traps. Two Cytochrome oxidate I (COI) barcoding primer sets were employed to study biodiversity and detect exotic species. Results indicated that DNA metabarcoding with homogenized insect bulk samples had a higher overall detection accuracy rate (over 81% for both primer pairs) compared to ethanol fluid-derived eDNA samples from traps (68.42% and 55.26% for the primer sets LCO1490/HCO2198 and mlCOIintF/jgHCO2198, respectively), based on congruence with morphological identification. Detection failures were likely due to eDNA extraction issues or low target species abundance. Both approaches showed similar insect community composition and diversity in the surveillance trap samples, suggesting the potential of DNA metabarcoding for biosecurity surveillance and biodiversity assessments. Overall, DNA metabarcoding using bulk insect samples could enhance the efficiency of Culicoides surveillance, reducing workload and screening time.

Abstract: Climate change significantly impacts agricultural infrastructure, particularly in communal land farming systems, where socio-economic vulner-abilities intersect with environmental stressors. This study examined the effects of climate change (extreme weather events) on different agri-cultural infrastructures (bridges, arable land, soil erosion control structures, dipping tanks, roads, and fences) using a multivariate ordered probit model (MVOP). A survey was conducted using structured questionnaires to collect data from communal farmers (n=60) in uKhahlamba Munic-ipality, Bergville. The MVOP results reveal that, floods, drought, strong winds and frost significantly influence the perceived impacts on infra-structure. Extreme weather events, including flooding and frost, are critical drivers of infrastructure damage, particularly for smallholder farmers. The findings show that bridges, soil erosion control structures, and dipping tanks are the most vulnerable, with cumulative impacts from repeated exposure to extreme weather. Roads and fences also suffer considerable damage, exacerbated by heavy rainfall, flooding and hail. These results underscore the need for climate-resilient infrastructure investments, gender-sensitive adaptation strategies, and targeted support for smallholder farmers. The study highlights the urgency of adaptive measures to mitigate the localized impacts of climate change on rural agricultural systems, contributing to the broader understanding of sustainable agricultural development and land use in vulnerable communities. The study demon-strated urgent need for implementation of strategies and policies on climate adaptation and mitigating measures.

Abstract: The study of the phytosociology of plants in the territory of the Surif region, which includes Al-Dair Village, Khirbet Dair Musa, Ali Ghoneim's Khalet, Khirbet Abu Shouk, Jabla Village, Khirbet Jamreen, and Khirbet Mishrif, among others, was the subject of this article. As this region represents a distinctive plant diversity, and these plants are part of the flora of the Mediterranean Basin, we conducted this study to identify and describe the plants of that region, in light of the significance of studies on phytosociological and community plants in southern Palestine. Arid, semi-arid, dry, sub-humid, and humid ombrotypes and inframediterranean, thermomediterranean, and mesomediterranean thermotypes are related to the Surif area in Palestine. Seven plots (releves) in a representative area were used to sample the vegetation, which was then analyzed using the Braun-Blanquet method of phytosociological analysis. This revealed one community of forests and maquis vegetation, with 210 species that were documented, 15 of which (7.14%) were endemic to this region. (Pino halepensis-Cupressiom sempervirentis), a class of Quercetea calliprini or palaestini novo (Ighbareyeh et al., 2022) & Quercetea ilicis Br.-Bl. ex. A.& O. Bols 1950, served as a representation of the forest vegetation, and order of Quercetalia ilicis Br.-Bl. ex. Molinier 1934. & Quercetalia calliprini Zohary 1960, with alliance of Pino halepensis-Cupressiom sempervirentis (Ighbareyeh et al., 2022) & Querco - Pistacion lentisci all. nova (Ighbareyeh et al., 2022), which adapted to a variety of soil types, including limestone, brown ruins, and terra rossa.

Abstract: Betalains are natural bioactive pigments characterized by their nitrogen-containing structure, water solubility, and non-toxic properties, occurring naturally in various plant species across different families. Among these plants, Celosia argentea, a member of the Amaranthaceae family, has been identified as a particularly rich source of betalains, synthesizing and accumulating significant quantities of both red-purple betacyanins and yellow-orange betaxanthins. The value of betalains extends far beyond their role as brilliant natural colorants; these bioactive substances possess an impressive array of health-promoting properties that have attracted significant scientific interest, with research demonstrating that betalains exhibit potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, alongside notable antimicrobial properties, while studies have revealed their anticancer, antidiabetic, and antilipidemic effects, as well as their ability to provide hepatoprotective and neuroprotective benefits. This diverse profile of biological activities has positioned betalains as valuable ingredients across multiple industries, with applications spanning food and beverages, where they serve as natural colorants and functional ingredients; textiles, where they provide sustainable dyeing alternatives; and the cosmetic and pharmaceutical sectors, where their therapeutic properties can be harnessed for various health-promoting products. This review presents a comprehensive examination of the current research status regarding betalain production in C. argentea, exploring the biosynthetic pathways responsible for betalain formation, analyzing their diverse biological properties, discussing their wide-ranging applications across different industries, and offering perspectives on future research directions in this promising field.

Abstract: Pest management has entered a new era with the emergence of three innovative antisense technologies: RNAi, CUAD, and CRISPR/Cas. These technologies, which operate through sequence-specific nucleic acid duplex formation and guided nuclease activity, offer unprecedented potential for targeted pest control. While RNA-guided systems such as RNAi and CRISPR/Cas were initially discovered in non-insect models as fundamental biological mechanisms (primarily in antiviral defense), the DNA-guided CUAD system was first identified in insect pests as a practical tool for pest control, while its broader role in ribosomal RNA (rRNA) biogenesis only recently recognized. These surprising discoveries have unveiled an entirely new dimension of gene regulation, with profound implications for sustainable pest management. Despite certain similarities of these technologies, RNAi, CUAD, and CRISPR/Cas differ in their mode of action, specificity, and applicability. No single approach provides a universal solution for all insect pests; instead, each is likely to be most effective against specific pest groups. Moreover, these technologies enable the rapid adaptation of pest management strategies by countering target-site resistance, ensuring long-term efficacy. This review provides a critical synthesis of the unique advantages and limitations of each antisense technology, highlighting their complementary roles in eco-friendly, nucleic acid-guided insect pest control. By bridging fundamental discoveries with applied research, we offer new perspectives on their practical implementation, underscoring the urgent need for their integration into modern pest management strategies.

Abstract: Anthropogenic warming of the world’s oceans is not just an environmental crisis but can result in a significant threat to human health. A combination of a warming ocean and increased human activity in coastal waters sets the stage for increased pathogenic Vibrio-human interaction. Warming patterns due to climate change have already been related to the emergence of Vibrio outbreaks in temperate and cold regions. Seafood, including seaweeds is uniquely poised to contribute to global food and nutrition security. In recent years there has been a resurgence of interest in seaweeds due to its many uses, its high nutritional value, and its ability to provide ecosystem services, such as habitat provision, carbon and nutrient uptake, and coastal protection. However, some seaweed species can be a reservoir for harboring pathogenic Vibrio and illnesses like gastroenteritis have recently been associated with foods prepared with seaweeds. Here we investigated the impact of elevated water temperatures on the abundance of major human pathogens Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio alginolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus/cholerae in seaweed and coastal waters. Three seaweed species, Fucus serratus, Palmaria palmata, and Ulva spp. were exposed to temperature treatments (16°C and 20°C) to assess effects of mean temperature rise on Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio alginolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus/cholerae colonisation. Colony-forming units (CFU) were counted from seaweed surfaces and surrounding water. F. serratus and P. palmata showed significantly higher Vibrio abundance at higher temperatures compared to Ulva spp., however, temperature did not significantly affect abundance of tested Vibrio species in surrounding waters. These results indicate that certain seaweed species may serve as major hotspots for human pathogenic bacteria in warmer conditions with implications for human health.

Abstract: Strawberry production in tropical and subtropical climates has been adversely affected by rising temperatures and reduced cooling periods, leading to a decrease in flower induction and overall yield. This experiment aimed to investigate the effects of root zone cooling on short-day strawberry plants cultivated under evaporative greenhouse conditions. The cooling methods employed included of four root zone cooling treatments: normal water dripping (NWD), cold-water (10 °C) dripping (CWD), cold-water dripping plus cold-water pipe (CWD+CWP), and normal water dripping plus cold-water pipe (NWD+CWP) embedded within the growing media. The results indicated that the CWD+CWP treatment being particularly effective, reducing RZT by approximately 2 °C compared to other treatments. Thereby promoting both vegetative and reproductive growth, particularly in the ‘Akihime’ strawberry. In the absence of root zone cooling, ‘Akihime’ and ‘Pharachatan 88’ were still capable of producing flowers and yield, whereas ‘Pharachatan 80’ was no. In addition, ‘Pharachatan 80’ was affected by CWD+CWP which shown highest of total phenolic compound, total anthocyanin and total vitamin C among all treatments. It can be concluded that reducing the root zone temperature through the combined use of cold water dripping embedded cold-water pipe in the growing media can enhance the growth and development of short-day strawberry plants cultivated under evaporative greenhouse conditions in tropical climate.

Abstract: This study examines the agroecology and bioculturality of Oxalis tuberosa Mol., in the Montúfar canton, Carchi province, Ecuador, an area where this Andean tuber is cultivated at altitudes above 3,000 meters and in soils with a pH between 5.3 and 7.8. The research was conducted in the Producampo Producers Association, composed of 33 active members, of which 87.5% are women, with an average age of 51.25 years. Oxalis tuberosa Mol., constitutes an important crop in their Integrated Agroecological Production Systems (IAPS): 62.5% of farmers use sustainable fertilization practices with bioinputs such as compost and vermicompost, while only 25% employ chemical fertilizers, with applications of approximately 5 kg every six months in secondary crops. The research adopted a mixed-methodological approach, combining semi-structured interviews with descriptive statistical analysis using Atlas.ti and statistical software. Of the total Oxalis tuberosa Mol. production, 80% is intended for personal consumption and 20% is sold at local markets. Cultivated ecotypes include “blanca” (70%) and “chaucha” (30%), both resistant to pests but susceptible to frost. Families dedicate between 32 and 80 hours per week to production, with an average of 56 hours. The findings highlight the potential of Oxalis tuberosa Mol. to improve the food resilience of Andean communities and suggest that revaluing this crop and its traditional practices can improve agricultural sustainability in the region.

Abstract: In flooded soils, the concentrations of exchangeable Mn2+ and, mainly, Fe2+ can be high and need to be considered in determining the cation exchange capacity (CEC) of the soil under flooded conditions. However, these reduced forms of Mn and Fe are oxidized and precipitated during the extraction process used by traditional methods for determining CEC, which underestimates the exchangeable portion of these cations and, consequently, the CEC value of the flooded soil. The objective of this study is to propose an alternative to estimate the exchangeable Fe2+ and the effective CEC of the flooded soil. To achieve the objective of the study, 21 surface samples (0-20 cm) of soils from rice fields were collected, distributed in the cultivation regions of southern Brazil. The soils were flooded for 50 days. The soil solution was collected on the first day of flooding and after 50 days, and pH, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe and Mn were determined. Soil subsamples were collected at two times: before flooding and after 50 days of flooding. In these samples, exchangeable cations (K, Na, Ca, Mg, Mn, Al and H+Al) were determined to calculate effective CEC and CEC at pH 7 of dry soil and after 50 days of flooding. The results were used to develop models to predict effective CEC and exchangeable Fe content after 50 days of flooding. The estimation of the effective CEC after flooding by the gradient of pH increase before and after flooding generated values closer to CEC pH 7.0, correcting the possible underdetermination of the effective CEC during flooding. The amount of exchangeable Fe estimated was higher than the exchangeable Fe determined, correcting the possible underestimation of these quantities determined during flooding. It is concluded that the estimation of the effective CEC and exchangeable Fe2+ after flooding by the proposed method proved to be efficient.

Abstract: Laboratory and field experiments have been conducted by our team since 2008 and formed the basis for these brief practical recommendations for the use of oligonucleotide insecticides (briefly, olinscides or DNA insecticides) for insect pest control in forests and agrocenoses. Most technological innovations start out very expensive and don't work well, but eventually start working well and become very cheap. CUAD biotechnology has come a long way for 17 years and is very close to the point to be implemented on a large scale against sternorrhynchans and other pest groups. These recommendations will help scientists and farmers around the world to use oligonucleotide insecticides more efficiently after registration.

Abstract: The prostate gland, a male accessory reproductive organ, is regulated by hormonal inputs and autonomic innervation from the major pelvic ganglion. This study examined the effects of major pelvic ganglion denervation on prostate histology, immune cell infiltration, and systemic levels of prolactin, testosterone, and cytokines in rats. Male Wistar rats (300–350 g) were divided into groups receiving bilateral axotomy of the hypogastric nerve, pelvic nerve, or both, alongside a sham-operated control. After 15 days, the animals were sacrified, and prostate tissue was dissociated in DMEM medium containing DNase I and collagenase. The dissociated cells were stained with fluorochrome-conjugated antibodies, and cell characterization was performed using a flow cytometer. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was used to analyze histological characteristics, while testosterone, prolactin, and interleukin levels were measured by ELISA. Histological analysis revealed epithelial atrophy, nuclear polarity loss, cellular disorganization, and atypical hypertrophy. Immunological assessments demonstrated increased of leukocytes, T lymphocytes (CD4⁺ and CD8⁺), B lymphocytes, and macrophages following double nerve axotomy. Serum analyses showed elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and IFN-γ, as well as anti-inflammatory IL-10, in denervated animals. Hormonal assessments revealed significant increases in serum prolactin and testosterone levels, after double axotomy. Loss of neural control may promote pathological prostate changes via inflammation and hormonal dysregulation, offering insights into neuroimmune and neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying prostate pathologies.

Abstract: This paper introduces a novel machine learning approach that merges concepts from genetic algorithms, topological mathematics, and neural networks to create a robust framework for understanding complex phenotypic expressions. Unlike conventional genetic algorithms that rely on direct gene-to-phenotype mappings, our method employs genetic topological structures as inputs that undergo transformational layers before expressing deterministic phenotypes. By leveraging gradient-based optimization with carefully engineered features capturing network properties, we demonstrate that complex traits emerge not from individual genes but from the structural interactions within a genetic topology that can differentiate without losing integrity. Our results show exceptional predictive performance with an R² score of 0.9969, confirming the model's ability to capture the relationship between topological genetic structures and phenotypic outcomes with unprecedented accuracy. The framework offers promising applications in biological modeling, drug discovery, and complex systems analysis where emergent properties are key to understanding system behaviors.

Abstract: Consumers expect ruminants to graze outdoors and flocks to be of a reasonable size. Dairy goats can be kept outdoors (natural) or indoors. The farms we studied in the Centre-West of France were either organic or conventional, and all used pastures and tended to meet consumer demand for naturalness. We obtained information through semi-directed interviews. Dairy goats are susceptible to gastrointestinal infections when using pastures and this was one of the main health problems mentioned by organic farmers. There are a very limited number of medicines available for lactating dairy goats and farmers can use complementary and alternative veterinary medicine (CAVM), where they are completely autonomous in their choice. Homeopathy, phytotherapy and aromatherapy were used for various health problems on almost all the farms surveyed. Dairy goats in France are frequently bred in large farms indoors but there are smaller farms where the goats are kept outdoors on pastures. Information was gained by means of semi-directive interviews of dairy goat farmers of Centre-West France. They were either conventional or organic farms. Due to the limited drugs available for dairy goats during lactation they turned largely to complementary and alternative veterinary medicines (CAVM). Homeopathy, phytotherapy and aromatherapy were used for various health problems in almost all the farms surveyed. Herd size and farm area were negatively associated with the complex use of CAVM, possibly due to the workload on larger farms. Some CAVM were more used in relation to the management of farms: aromatherapy in organic and homeopathy in cheese making farms. The farmers with higher level of education were more likely to employ phytotherapy. The farmers were autonomous in the choice of CAVM and did not rely on the advice of the veterinarians.

Abstract: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of feeding a combination of chicory-plantain silage and supplementing Se-yeast on the response of early-lactating ewes to induce subclinical mastitis. Polypay ewes were fed either chicory-plantain si-lage or grass silage and supplemented with 3.6 mg Se-yeast /ewe/day for approximately 2 months prior to the intramammary infection (IMI) by infusing Strep. uberis into both glands. The ewes had a typical subclinical mastitis response with an 8-fold in-crease in milk somatic cells within 24h post-IMI, a decrease in milk yield, and changes in all milk components measured. The ewes experienced a mild systemic inflammation post-IMI as determined by an increase in rectal temperature and decrease in feed and water intake and, in blood, by an increase in concentration of ceruloplasmin, hapto-globin, and myeloperoxidase and decrease of paraoxonase, Zn, advanced oxidation protein products, and hematocrit with no effect on pro-inflammatory cytokines. No effect of silage type or Se-supplementation was detected in response to IMI. In sum-mary, the subclinical mastitis model used was effective in mounting an inflammatory response, although this was mild; however, feeding chicory-plantain silage and sup-plementing Se-yeast had no significant effect on the response of ewes to mammary infection.