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Milk microbiome contributes substantially to the formation of specific organoleptic and physicochemical characteristics of dairy products. The assessment of the composition and abundance of milk microbiota is a challenging task strongly influenced by many environmental factors. Specific dairy products may be designated by the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) labeling, which however, occasionally fail to differentiate them according to specific quality characteristics, which are defined by different microbiota-driven reactions. Combining the above limitations, the scope of the present study, was to summarize the existing information toward three main issues. First, to assess the influence level of the diet type and grazing to rumen–GI tract, mammary gland, and udder microbiome formation in ruminants. Second, to discuss the factors affecting milk microbiota, as well as the effect of the endo-mammary route on milk microbial taxa. Lastly, to evaluate “milk microbiome” as a tool for product differentiation, according to origin, which will contribute to a more robust PDO and PGI labeling. Although the limitations are still a matter of fact (especially considering the sample collection, process, evaluation, and avoidance of its contamination), significant progress has been made, regarding the identification of the factors affecting dairy products’ microbiota and its core composition. In conclusion, although so far not totally efficient in dairy products molecular identification, with the progress in soil, water, plant, and animal host’s microbiota assembly’s characterization, microbiomics could provide a powerful tool for authentication and traceability of dairy products.

Biofouling constitutes one of the main obstacles in the sector of shellfish farming. Under this perspective, it is of highly importance to critically combine the updated information regarding the invasive potential of ascidian species, together with the factors contributing toward these events. The biological features of each species in relation to the gathering of the main non-indigenous species in the Mediterranean basin represent the first step toward mitigation of negative effects of the phenomenon. Further, there are limited studies investigating the physiological changes of bivalves caused by biofouling while leading to an increase in stress biomarkers. In the present review, the major ascidian species negatively affecting bivalve culture in the Mediterranean Sea are presented, alongside monitoring of ascidians from four Greek mussel farming locations as typical mussel culture cases. Among the main ascidian species, Styela plicata, Clavelina oblonga, Ciona robusta, Aplidium sp., Didemnum sp., Botryllus schlosseri, and Didemnum drachi are included, with the last three being the most harmful for this aquaculture sector. Based on the existing literature and research conducted so far, future research directions are proposed, in an effort to effectively control or efficiently manage ascidian biofouling organisms. Overall, perspectives toward the way we manage the biofouling phenomenon, such as the use of ascidian’s by-products in feedstuffs, chemical and pharmaceutical industry, or their incorporation in bivalve co-culture and integrated multi-trophic aquaculture systems represent promising alternative approaches.

The members of genus Moniezia are the common parasites of livestock in tropical areas. The tapeworm, Moniezia expansa is commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract of the small and large ruminants. The present study focused on reporting the prevalence of M. expansa in small ruminants of southern Punjab: sheep and goats, in relation with epidemiological factors like age and gender. An overall prevalence of 27.2% was estimated for the small ruminants with higher infection rates in males (29.8%) and younger age group (<1 year; 32.9%). Moreover, the molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of the isolates based on partial cox1 gene indicated the placement of these sequences in the M. expansa cluster. Two distinct haplotypes, without any host tropism, were identified within the Pakistani isolates. A meta-analysis for M. expansa was run for all available global reports exhibiting an overall pooled prevalence of 21.3% (CI 95%: 13.5–29.0). Additionally, a global dataset encompassing 59 partial cox1 sequences submitted from different geographical locations was also assessed. Moderate haplotype diversity (0.760 ± 0.051) and significantly negative deviations from neutrality were estimated. The median joining haplotype network for these sequences revealed an interesting population structure indicating highly divergent sequences from China and Iraq compared to Pakistan, India, Vietnam, Senegal and Ethiopia. Given inconsistencies in genetic data there is a dire need to carry out molecular studies across the entire distributional range of M. expansa to delineate genetic diversity and population structure of the species. This will also be crucial in reevaluating the taxonomy of genus Moniezia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aujeszky's Disease, caused by the pseudorabies virus (PRV), is an acute, often fatal disease affecting mainly pigs and incidentally other animals. While eradicated in several countries, PRV persists in wild boar populations, posing a risk to domestic pigs. This study investigates PRV prevalence in wild boars in the region of Epirus, located in the northwest of Greece. During the 2021–2022 hunting season, 110 lung samples from hunted wild boars were collected and analyzed for PRV DNA and cytopathic effects in cell cultures. PRV DNA was detected in 19 samples (17.3%), 18 of which exhibiting cytopathic effects, allowing for virus titer determination. Notably, in one sample, PRV DNA was detected without a cytopathic effect. These findings underscore the continued presence of PRV in Greek wild boars, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring to prevent transmission to domestic pigs and other animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense) is an erect tetraploid, perennial, C4 grass weed species categorized among the world's most noxious weeds due to its high competitive ability against crops and the increased number of field-evolved herbicide-resistant populations. The aim of the present study was to assess the growth rate and performance of resistant (R) johnsongrass genotypes hosting Trp574Leu target-site cross-resistance at ALS gene, inhibiting various herbicides, compared to susceptible (S) conspecific weeds, in the absence and presence of corn or sunflower antagonism. Methods: The aboveground biomass, tiller, and rhizome production ability of one S and one R johnsongrass population with a Trp574-Leu substitution conferring cross-resistance to ALS-inhibiting herbicides were compared under non-competitive conditions. Furthermore, the competitive ability of these two johnsongrass populations against corn or sunflower was determined in a target-neighborhood design. Results: The S and R johnsongrass populations displayed similar growth rates concerning aboveground biomass and tiller number, whereas the R population displayed a slightly greater growth rate for rhizome production compared to the S population. Both populations grown with corn produced more aboveground biomass than the ones grown with sunflowers. The aboveground biomass of corn was reduced to a greater extent than sunflower by the presence of both johnsongrass populations, while both crops were affected more by the S than by the R population. Conclusions: Although the inheritance and the genetic background of plant materls were not addressed, the findings of this study indicate clearly that the growth rate and competitive ability of the ALS-resistant johnsongrass population are not associated with the resistance mechanism involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pinna nobilis, endemic to the Mediterranean Sea, has been experiencing a gradual population decline over recent decades due to anthropogenic pressures on its ecosystems. However, since 2016, its populations have suffered significant reductions because of pathological issues affecting the species across all its habitats. Aquaculture techniques to support the limited natural recruitment P. nobilis efforts is examined. Artificial substrates for larval attachments in aquaculture infrastructures promote the survival of the juveniles that is further enhanced through protected pre-growing "nursery" farming conditions. Specific spat collectors were placed in 2 cage-fish farms in SW Amvrakikos Gulf. The harvested spats from were transferred to pre-grow in trays hanged on a long line farm mussel that is acting as a protected "nursery", avoiding predation and any human accidentally disturbance. The survival and growth of 12 juveniles P. nobilis spat (shell length 38.1 ± 9.2 mm) in captivity (31 October 2023–15 March2023) was investigated. Out of the 12 individuals collected, 3 were examined for the presence of pathogens; only 7 survived, exhibiting enhanced growth (shell length 54.3 ± 11.6 mm) after 134 days in the nursery. The results highlight the significant role of aquaculture techniques in efforts to conserve a threatened species as well as the need for the creation of a protocol to ensure the conservation of P. nobilis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is becoming a major problem for animal and human health. Reports of resistance to colistin, an antibiotic that is considered a last resort drug against resistant Gram-negative bacteria, have been increasing over the last years. Among the different mechanisms that cause AMR to colistin, the mobilized colistin resistance (mcr) gene has been reported as responsible for the increased incidence in animals and humans since 2015. There are ten recognized distinct variants of this gene in bacteria isolated from animals, humans, food, and the environment. Companion animals could have a role in human infection by pathogenic and resistant E. coli strains as they share the same environment and are in close contact with humans. Considering this, our aim was to investigate antimicrobial resistance in companion domestic and stray dogs in Western Macedonia, Greece. Our results revealed that of the 43 individual fecal samples examined, 16% of them hosted the mcr-1 gene, all of which were isolated from stray dogs. Our results suggested that companion dogs and stray dogs can serve as reservoirs for colistin-resistant E. coli strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Atlantic blue crab, Callinectes sapidus, is acknowledged as one of the worst invasive alien species in the Mediterranean, impacting biodiversity and human activities. Native to the western Atlantic, it has expanded to European coastal waters since the early 1900s. Despite its ecological and commercial importance, genetic research on this species is limited. Here we show a comprehensive investigation of the genetic variation and evolutionary history in Callinectes sapidus using 667 mitochondrial COI gene sequences. Our dataset encompasses 36 newly generated sequences from previously understudied Mediterranean sites and 631 from worldwide locations obtained from the GenBank public database. Our findings reveal two distinct, but closely related, genetic groups within the species' distribution range, suggesting the occurrence of a potential species complex. Furthermore, in the Mediterranean, low levels of genetic variability were observed except for substantial haplotypic differentiation in Turkish samples. This study depicts the global genetic diversity and evolutionary patterns of Callinectes sapidus, offering new insights into the taxonomic status of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Aquaponics provide multiple benefits due to the simultaneous yield of vegetables and fish, however they are characterized by increased greenhouse gas emissions owing to intensive production system. The most appropriate method for quantifying the environmental effects of these systems is Life Cycle Assessment with which the identification of hotspots and the suggestion of improved production plans can be achieved. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the environmental impact of a pilot high-tech aquaponic system utilized for the simultaneous production of baby lettuce and rocket as well as rainbow trout, in indicators such as Global Warming Potential. Materials and methods: To achieve this goal, data on inputs and outputs were collected from 12 case studies that were implemented, combining different fertilizer treatments, substrate choices, plant species cultivated and water source provision. Life Cycle Assessment was performed using SimaPro v.9.4.0.2 software. Results: The results showcase that the optimal case studies include the cultivation of baby lettuce and rocket in perlite substrate using wastewater from fish and partial use of synthetic fertilizers. Indicatively, Global Warming Potential of these cases was calculated at 21.18 and 40.59 kg CO2-eq/kg of vegetable respectively. The parameter with the greatest impact on most of the environmental indicators was electricity consumption for the operation of the oxygen supply pump for the fish tanks, while greenhouse infrastructure had the greatest impact in Abiotic Depletion and Human Toxicity impact categories. In an alternative production scenario tested where renewable energy sources were used, system impacts were reduced by up to 50% for Global Warming Potential and 86% for Eutrophication impact. The results of this study aspire to constitute a significant milestone in environmental impact assessments of aquaponic production systems and the adoption of more sustainable farming practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Aquaponics is an integrated food production system that links recirculating aquaculture with hydroponics, leading to higher water use efficiency than conventional food production systems while also saving on fertilizers. In the present study, baby lettuce and baby rocket plants cultivated hydroponically in a deep water culture system using wastewater from rainbow trout were evaluated as part of a vertical decoupled aquaponic system. Materials and methods: More specifically, three different nutrient solutions were supplied: a) using fish wastewater only (designated as Fish); b) fish wastewater enriched with synthetic fertilizers (Mix); and c) a typical nutrient solution (Hoagland) as the control. Both lettuce and rocket plants were monitored in these nutrient solutions and in two different substrates, peat and perlite, as an organic and an inert substrate, respectively. The purpose of this study was to assess a vertical decoupled aquaponic system with regard to the resource use efficiency, such as water, land, and energy, while evaluating plant cultivation in the different treatments in terms of yield, growth, nitrate concentration on the leaf tissue, and foliar analysis. The photosynthetic rate and leaf color indices were also considered in the plant evaluation. Results: The Mix-Peat treatment was the most efficient growing combination in terms of land and water use efficiency, with approximately 7% better land use efficiency while using 38% less water and 10% less fertilizer than Hoagland-Peat. Moreover, lettuce plants had the highest yield in the Mix-Peat treatment, at 2,497 gm-2, which was approximately 6% higher than that of Hoagland-Peat while not being inferior in the quality measures. On the other hand, the yield of rocket was significantly higher in the Hoagland-Peat treatment, being 18% higher than that of Mix-Peat and 30% higher than that of Fish-Peat. Overall, the study confirmed that aquaponic systems could lead to higher water use efficiency and savings in fertilizers without undermining the yield and quality of lettuce, while the vertical arrangement developed within the scope of this study can increase the land useefficiency of the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biofloc technology (BFT) offers an innovative eco-friendly approach that is particularly applicable in shrimp farming. Penaeus vannamei is the most important seafood species in terms of global economic value. Nevertheless, its increasing global demand highlights the necessity for sustainable production of P. vannamei shrimps outside their native range, assuring the avoidance of genetic pollution risk. Towards this direction, the present study focuses on the feasibility of tropical shrimp species aquaculture in indoor systems evaluating BFT application in temperate zones. The achievability of P. vannamei cultivation inside greenhouses in temperate latitudes is thoroughly examined and a representative experimental biofloc setup for P. vannamei within a greenhouse in Northern Greece is demonstrated. Nevertheless, there are two major limitations, related to economy and ecology, namely the energy demand for high seawater temperature and the fact that most reared shrimps are non-indigenous species setting risk for genetic pollution, respectively. To overcome the former, energy-saving measures such as tank and greenhouse insulation in combination with a microclimate chamber construction were implemented to optimize water temperature at minimal cost. Concerning the latter, there is clear evidence that P. vannamei populations cannot be established in the Mediterranean, setting aside any environmental risk. Overall, based on the developed and tested pilot prototype, employment of optimal management practices, innovative manufacturing and clean energy alternatives, and the utilization of ecosystem services could reduce the environmental impact and maximize the profitability of biofloc operations. These actions could probably permit sustainable and economically viable farming of P. vannamei employing BFT within greenhouses in the Mediterranean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unlike the conservation of wild plants and animals, which is a global policy issue, the conservation of locally cultivated plant varieties and indigenous breeds of farm animals is largely dependent on the farmers’ choice to exploit them. This choice is subsequently influenced by consumer perceptions. As various local genetic resources of local plant varieties and farm animal breeds are of low productivity, they are not preferred by farmers and are therefore at risk of extinction. Consumer perceptions of food products originating from local genetic resources play a crucial role in the conservation of agrobiodiversity and sustainability of the primary sector, particularly in rural areas where short food supply chains can be more easily developed. The present study investigated consumer knowledge and opinions regarding products from local indigenous genetic resources in a rural area of particular agricultural importance : Western Macedonia, Greece. According to the findings, consumers have positive perceptions concerning local plant varieties and indigenous farm animal breeds, indicating their willingness to pay, but highlighting the requirement for reliable labeling. Interestingly, although Greece has a great diversity of indigenous farm animals, the public in the research area is only familiar with local plant varieties. Factors such as age, income and education level show a positive correlation with awareness for sustainability and conservation of local genetic resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of two different methods of controlling ovine reproduction (ram effect and a combination of eco-friendly substances) in three Greek indigenous sheep breeds, namely Florina, Karagouniko, and Chios. 180 ewes, aged 2–3 years old, were used, equally divided between the three Greek sheep breeds. Each breed was divided in two equal experimental groups: In group ECO (combination of eco-friendly substances), a dose of Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) was administered at day 0, followed by an intramuscular injection of prostaglandin seven days later and another dose of GnRH at day 9. In group ME, sexually active males were introduced to the females that have been isolated for 3 months. The experiment was conducted in three consecutive years: 2020, 2021, and 2022. Average estrus expression and fecundity in all three examined breeds was comparable, with the exemption of Florina ewes treated with the ecofriendly substances in the first year, a result that could be attributed to the strong seasonal pattern in estrus expression of the Florina breed. The average length to estrus expression in days was significantly lower in the eco-friendly method than the procedure using male effect and the prolificacy was higher for the Chios sheep than the Florina and the Karagouniko breeds. Overall, both methods for the induction and synchronization of estrus (male effect and PGF2a administration) could be used in sheep reproduction with promising results. Nevertheless, the male effect seems to be more efficient in indigenous breeds with long anestrus periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hatchery culture of bivalve mollusks depends on feeding with fresh microalgae which represent up to 50% of the production costs. We investigated the growth performance of juvenile Ostrea edulis and Ruditapes decussatus under 15% and 30% replacement of microalgae with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Metabolic indices were measured along with weight-specific growth rate and condition index for 28 days. 15% substitution led to great results, whereas 30% yeast-fed treatments displayed poor growth and a depressed metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Nutrition is one of the most important physiological processes for the growth and welfare of farmed animals, while interactions between the intestinal microflora and the host systems provide a key mechanism for enhancing and maintaining homeostasis. Probiotics exert a positive impact on organisms' growth and immune response, so the administration of rations enriched with probiotics is recommended. Although the physiological role of probiotics on vertebrates' growth and stress responses has been extensively studied in vertebrates, little is known regarding their effects on economically important invertebrates such as land snails. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of probiotic-enriched rations on the physiological responses in several tissues of the economically important farmed terrestrial snail, Cornu aspersum. Despite the absence of a direct effect on growth rate, an intense physiological response by various biomarkers was observed in all examined tissues. A large variety of microorganisms ingested with food constitute animals' intestinal microflora, enhancing and maintaining the homeostasis of the host. Rations enriched with probiotics are a method recommended to prevent undesirable conditions. To date, research has been limited to farmed animals and reared fish, creating a knowledge gap concerning the effect of probiotics on the growth rate, physiological responses, and energy metabolism of invertebrates such as the land snail Cornu aspersum. Herein, juvenile snails (26.23 ± 0.5 mm shell diameter and 8.23 ± 1.02 g body weight) were fed L. plantarum probiotic-enriched rations in two different proportions (1.25 mg and 2.5 mg), and their growth rate was monitored for three months. Additionally, the RNA/DNA and Bax/Bcl-2 ratios, HSP gene expression and protein levels, and ND2 expression, were measured in the hepatopancreas, digestive tract, and mantle. Although the snails' growth rate was not affected, the RNA/DNA ratio presented an increase in various tissues, indicating an intense physiological response. Also, probiotic administration demonstrated low levels of the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. HSP levels were higher in the presence of probiotics, probably signaling an attempt by the animal to face potentially stressful situations. Finally, ND2 expression levels in the hepatopancreas indicate intense metabolic and antioxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioinvasions constitute both a direct and an indirect threat to ecosystems. Direct threats include pressures on local trophic chains, while indirect threats might take the form of an invasion of a microorganism alongside its host. The marine dinoflagellate Hematodinium perezi, parasitizing blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus), has a worldwide distribution alongside its host. In Greece, fluctuations in the blue crab population are attributed to overexploitation and the effects of climate change. The hypothesis of the present study was that blue crab population reductions cannot only be due to these factors, and that particular pathogens may also be responsible for the fluctuations. To investigate this hypothesis, both lethargic and healthy blue crab specimens were collected from three different fishing sites in order to assess the health status of this important species. Together with the lethargic responses, the hemolymph of the infested crabs presented a milky hue, indicating the first signs of parasitic infestation with H. perezi. The histopathological results and molecular identification demonstrated the effect of the presence of H. perezi in the internal organs and their important role in the mortality of blue crabs. Specifically, H. perezi, in three different tissues examined (heart, gills, hepatopancreas), affected the hemocytes of the species, resulting in alterations in tissue structure. Apart from this dinoflagellate parasite, the epibiotic peritrich ciliate Epistylis sp. was also identified, infecting the gills. This study represents the first detection of H. perezi in the eastern Mediterranean, demonstrating that this is the main causative agent of blue crab mortality on Greek coastlines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania, which are transmitted by sand flies of the genus Phlebotomus. Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) are [...]

Seasonality in sheep reproduction and related limitations make milk production challenging throughout the year. In the present study, we investigated the response to estrus induction treatments in three indigenous breeds, Florina, Chios, and Karagouniko, as well as the melatonin receptor 1A gene variants in relation to this response. The three distinct synchronization methods were A: intravaginal sponges, B: GNRH use, and C: male effect. In group A, fertility was 85%, and Florina ewes expressed estrus at 90% in July. Ewes from Karagouniko and Chios had fecundity rates of 95% and 99%, respectively, and 100% estrus expression. The Florina ewes in group B expressed estrus at a percentage of 60%, with a fecundity rate of 57%, the Karagouniko ewes at a percentage of 65%, with a fecundity rate of 54%, and the Chios breed animals at a percentage of 87%, with a fecundity rate of 85%. Twenty to twenty-five days after ram induction, 68% of the Florina breed in group C showed signs of estrus, compared to 84% and 94% of Karagouniko and Chios breeds, respectively. In both Florina and Karagouniko breeds, all treatments showed a substantial difference in the frequency of the four identified SNPs in the MTNR1A gene between ewes who expressed estrus and ewes who did not. The genetic improvement based on the alleles analyzed in the current study is expected to decrease seasonality rates in indigenous sheep breeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identification of a plant's pollen components can be used to establish its geographical provenance, while also providing insights into the diet and foraging preferences of the honeybee (Apis mellifera L.). The diversity and amount of pollen represent crucial factors for pollinators. Here, we identified plant species visited by honeybees by analyzing the pollen pellets collected from honeybees in Kastoria, Greece. The results indicate that pollen from different periods was identified by means of floral composition. An interesting observation is that all identified plants belonged to different genera. Among the identified plants, native ones, such as the Macedonian pine, Pinus peuce, present a distinct foraging profile for local honeybees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The value of rearing indigenous animal breeds and cultivating local plant varieties is extremely high in terms of regional economy and heritage preservation. The purpose of the present research was to investigate the preferences and opinions of consumers in Western Macedonia regarding local varieties and indigenous breeds. For this purpose, an appropriate questionnaire was designed and distributed to a sample of 80 consumers from Western Macedonia. The questions combined the demographic, psychographic and institutional characteristics of consumers. According to our findings, most participants recognize the importance of the conservation of indigenous animal breeds and local plant varieties as well as the products derived from them. Additionally, a large percentage showed a preference for these products for the purpose of supporting the local economy. Nevertheless, particularly for indigenous animal breeds, despite the recognition of their high value and need for conservation, only a small proportion of the participants could name some of the indigenous breeds correctly. Conversely, this was not observed concerning local plant varieties, of which participants were more aware. Thus, better promotion and overall better marketing could enhance the recognition of these resources, emphasizing their high value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]