Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Nathalia de Oliveira Telesca Camargo, Bruna Souza de Lima Cony, Marcos Kipper da Silva, Carolina Haubert Franceschi, Ines Andretta
Summary: This study evaluated dietary phytogenic additives (DPA) for pigs through a systematic review and meta-analysis. A total of 104 studies were included in the analysis. The most frequently tested phytogenic additives were oregano and garlic. However, their effects on performance parameters were not significant compared to the control treatments. The study suggests that further research is needed to explore the synergistic effects and dose-response of phytogenic additives in pig performance.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Nedra Abdelli, David Sola-Oriol, Jose Francisco Perez
Summary: Plant phytogenic feed additives have been widely tested in poultry production to improve feed efficiency, digestion, and reduce pathogenic load, but their mechanisms of action still need further research. More efforts are needed to determine the proper inclusion levels and fully elucidate their mode of actions.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Brianda Susana Velazquez-De Lucio, Edna Maria Hernandez-Dominguez, Matilde Villa-Garcia, Gerardo Diaz-Godinez, Virginia Mandujano-Gonzalez, Bethsua Mendoza-Mendoza, Jorge Alvarez-Cervantes
Summary: Enzymes play a crucial role in the food industry and animal feed sector. Research on new enzymes and the use of bioinformatics tools for design can improve animal productivity, reduce costs, and optimize processes. Ongoing studies are focused on enhancing the efficacy of enzymes in various industrial sectors.
Article
Agronomy
Benjamad Khonkhaeng, Metha Wanapat, Sawitree Wongtangtintharn, Kampanat Phesatcha, Chanadol Supapong, Chanon Suntara, Chalermpon Yuangklang, Kraisit Vasupen, Jiravan Khotsakdee, Pin Chanjula, Pongsatorn Gunun, Nirawan Gunun, Anusorn Cherdthong
Summary: This study found that combining Gryllus bimaculatus with Sesbania grandiflora can improve protein utilization, in vitro digestibility, propionate concentration, and cumulative gas production.
Article
Agronomy
Wanda Gorniak, Hanna Moniuszko, Konrad Wojnarowski, Aleksander Gorniak, Paulina Cholewinska, Agnieszka Waliczek, Maria Soroko, Natalia Szeligowska
Summary: The study found that regularly dewormed Arabian horses and Thoroughbreds commonly suffer from parasitic infections, with Strongylidae being the most prevalent. Adding pure linseed oil significantly reduces the number of Strongylidae in fecal samples, suggesting that plant additives obtained from arable crops may help limit drug-resistant strongylids.
Review
Biology
Ayman A. Swelum, Nesrein M. Hashem, Sameh A. Abdelnour, Ayman E. Taha, Husein Ohran, Asmaa F. Khafaga, Khaled A. El-Tarabily, Mohamed E. Abd El-Hack
Summary: This review focuses on the potential impact of phytogenics on the reproductive performance of ruminants, indicating their possible improvement on oocyte quality, reproductive performance, and pregnancy. Further comprehensive research is needed to evaluate the benefits and potential hazards of phytogenics in improving reproductive performance in ruminants.
SAUDI JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Aderanti Ifeoluwa Oni, Oluwagbemiga O. O. Adeleye, Tolulope Oluwadamilare Adebowale, Oyegunle Emmanuel Oke
Summary: The use of phytogenic feed additives (PFA) has been increasing to mitigate heat stress on chickens, which is caused by the rise of global temperature. Various bioactive compounds in different plant species and parts have been identified, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, antioxidants, growth-promoting and immune-modulating agents, that can improve the thermotolerance of broiler chickens. This review discusses the roles of PFA in managing heat stress and highlights common PFA used, particularly in tropical environments. It also emphasizes the importance of understanding the use of PFA in improving productivity and addressing consumers' concerns.
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY AND ANIMAL NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
A. E. Kholif, A. A. Hassan, Ghada M. El Ashry, M. H. Bakr, H. M. El-Zaiat, O. A. Olafadehan, O. H. Matloup, S. M. A. Sallam
Summary: The study showed that adding a 3 g/cow/day phytogenic feed additives mixture to the diet of lactating Friesian cows enhanced milk production and feed utilization, but increasing the dose to 6 g/cow/day resulted in negative effects.
ANIMAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Joshua J. Flees, Bhaskar Ganguly, Sami Dridi
Summary: Diets enriched with phytogenic feed additives can improve feed efficiency in broilers by modulating hypothalamic neuropeptides and signaling pathways associated with lipid and protein metabolism. This improvement is achieved through increased muscle protein synthesis and decreased hepatic lipogenesis.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dominik Wendner, Theresa Schott, Elisabeth Mayer, Klaus Teichmann
Summary: Industrial farming of livestock emphasizes high productivity and performance, but concerns about food and feed safety and sustainability are growing. This study used an in vitro co-culture model of the piglet gut to investigate the effects of two similar phytogenic feed additives. The results showed that these additives have a protective effect on the intestinal epithelial barrier integrity, but the effect varies depending on treatment duration and model compartment.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Prosper Jambwa, Fikile N. Makhubu, Gift Matope, Gerda Fouche, Lyndy J. McGaw
Summary: This study evaluated the antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities, as well as the in vitro safety, of compounds extracted from Senna singueana leaves. The results showed that certain compounds exhibited significant antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, Senna singueana is a promising candidate for the development of plant-based feed additives for poultry.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Ahmed E. Kholif, Olurotimi A. Olafadehan
Summary: Research on the use of phytochemicals and essential oils as substitutes for chemical feed additives in ruminant feeding shows their potential to improve ruminal fermentation and enhance livestock performance. However, challenges remain in determining the optimal dosage and the adaptation of ruminal microflora to these additives.
PHYTOCHEMISTRY REVIEWS
(2021)
Review
Veterinary Sciences
Halina Makala
Summary: This study reviewed the importance of herbs and phytogenic feed additives in poultry nutrition and their impact on animal welfare, breeding conditions, and meat quality. However, research on the effects of these additives has yielded inconsistent results. Further research on the optimal composition of herbal mixtures is crucial for meeting the high demand in the poultry meat market.
MEDYCYNA WETERYNARYJNA-VETERINARY MEDICINE-SCIENCE AND PRACTICE
(2022)
Review
Fisheries
Felix Kofi Agbeko Kuebutornye, Koushik Roy, Ewumi Azeez Folorunso, Jan Mraz
Summary: This review examines the use of plant-based feed additives in common carp aquaculture. It shows that most research focuses on improving feed efficiency and animal welfare. Different types of plant-based additives, such as essential oils and herbal extracts, have varying inclusion rates and efficacy. Factors like preparation methods also influence their effectiveness.
REVIEWS IN AQUACULTURE
(2023)
Review
Fisheries
Graziella Orso, Roberta Imperatore, Elena Coccia, Ghasem Ashouri, Marina Paolucci
Summary: The growing demand for high-quality food has led to the rapid expansion of the aquaculture sector. However, intensive farming systems pose challenges and problems, such as stress and susceptibility to diseases. Medicinal plants, particularly Lamiaceae species, are being explored as safe and environmentally friendly alternatives to chemicals for enhancing the health of farmed fish.
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Christoph Pieh, Rachel Dale, Paul L. Plener, Elke Humer, Thomas Probst
Summary: Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in stress among adolescents, largely due to social distancing and home schooling. A survey conducted after a semester of home schooling revealed that about one-third of high school students are experiencing high levels of stress, with females being nearly twice as likely to report high stress levels compared to males. Psychological support should focus on addressing stress specifically and exploring ways to reduce it.
EUROPEAN CHILD & ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Letter
Psychology, Developmental
Elke Humer, Andrea Jesser, Paul L. Plener, Thomas Probst, Christoph Pieh
Summary: This study assessed attitudes towards vaccination in Austrian adolescents and found differences in vaccination readiness based on education status, gender, and migration background. The results showed that student had higher willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccination compared to apprentices, while migration background and female gender were associated with lower vaccination willingness. Therefore, efforts should be made to improve confidence and willingness to vaccinate adolescents with lower educational levels, those with migrant backgrounds, and females.
EUROPEAN CHILD & ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Teresa O'Rourke, Rachel Dale, Elke Humer, Thomas Probst, Paul Plener, Christoph Pieh
Summary: This study aimed to assess health behaviors in Austrian apprentices and high school students during the COVID-19 pandemic and found that education group and gender have an impact on health behaviors. Apprentices had higher smoking rates, while high school students had lower alcohol consumption. Apprentices engaged in more exercise, while high school students reported better average health status. Health behaviors did not affect vaccine willingness, but high school students were more willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Elke Humer, Christoph Pieh, Ida-Maria Kisler, Wolfgang Schimbock, Petra Schadenhofer
Summary: This longitudinal study examined the mental well-being, perceived stress level, and job-related meaningfulness of TES counselors during the pandemic. The results suggest that the level of stress and well-being remained stable, but there was a slight decrease in job-related meaningfulness.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Rachel Dale, Andrea Jesser, Christoph Pieh, Teresa O'Rourke, Thomas Probst, Elke Humer
Summary: This study assessed the mental health of high school students in Austria 1.5 years after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The results showed deteriorations in mental health among girls, including decreased well-being and increased depressive symptoms, insomnia, and suicidal ideation. Boys showed an increase in suicidal thoughts. The findings highlight the need for increased psychological support and mental health literacy among adolescents.
EUROPEAN CHILD & ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Yvonne Schaffler, Stefan Kaltschik, Thomas Probst, Andrea Jesser, Christoph Pieh, Elke Humer
Summary: This study assesses the mental health of Austrian psychotherapists during the COVID-19 pandemic and compares it with the general population. The findings show that psychotherapists have lower odds of experiencing clinically relevant depressive, anxiety, insomnia, and stress symptoms compared to the general population.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Biology
Michael Stadler, Andrea Jesser, Elke Humer, Barbara Haid, Peter Stippl, Wolfgang Schimboeck, Elisabeth Maass, Helmut Schwanzar, Daniela Leithner, Christoph Pieh, Thomas Probst
Summary: This study investigated the changes experienced by Austrian therapists when switching to remote psychotherapy. The results show that remote therapy offered more flexibility and was appreciated as a way to continue treatment. However, there were also challenges such as limited sensory perceptions, technical problems, and signs of fatigue. Overall, remote psychotherapy seems to have been well accepted and beneficial for Austrian therapists in many settings.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Elke Humer, Thomas Keil, Carolin Stupp, Winfried Schlee, Manfred Wildner, Peter Heuschmann, Michael Winter, Thomas Probst, Ruediger Pryss
Summary: This study described the characteristics of users of the CoronaCheck mHealth platform and identified country-specific and sociodemographic associations with COVID-19-related symptoms and previous contacts with infected individuals. Users in India and South Africa reported symptoms and contacts with infected individuals more frequently than those in Germany. India also had higher reports of cough, general weakness, sore throat, and shortness of breath compared to Germany. Gender-diverse users reported symptoms and contacts more often compared to males.
JMIR PUBLIC HEALTH AND SURVEILLANCE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Elke Humer, Barbara Pammer, Yvonne Schaffler, Oswald D. Kothgassner, Anna Felnhofer, Andrea Jesser, Christoph Pieh, Thomas Probst
Summary: Mental healthcare professionals in Austria showed lower prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms compared to the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to an online survey. However, there was no difference in insomnia symptoms. Further research is needed to understand the reasons behind these findings.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jaime Delgadillo, Sanja Budimir, Michael Barkham, Elke Humer, Christoph Pieh, Thomas Probst
Summary: This study aimed to investigate and model the interactions between various risk and protective factors for suicidal ideation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Bayesian network analyses were used to analyze cross-sectional data collected in Austria and the United Kingdom. The results showed high predictive accuracy of the Bayesian network models, explaining almost 50% of the variability in suicidal ideation. 15 interrelated risk and protective factors were identified, with 7 factors replicated in both countries.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Yvonne Schaffler, Monika Bauer, Barbara Schein, Andrea Jesser, Thomas Probst, Christoph Pieh, Elke Humer
Summary: This cross-sectional study examined the challenges and resources faced by 513 psychotherapists during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mental health-related issues, global crises, and government-imposed restrictions were identified as the main burdens. Social connections, mindfulness, work satisfaction, and internal processes were found to be essential resources. The study also revealed that psychotherapists with good well-being were older, more physically active, had less representation of females, worked in private practices, had more professional experience, treated more patients, and demonstrated optimism, health focus, and satisfaction with coping methods.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Sonja Fehkuehrer, Elke Humer, Stefan Kaltschik, Christoph Pieh, Thomas Probst, Gertraud Diestler, Andrea Jesser
Summary: This pilot study examines how young people envision the future amidst the burdens caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis of responses from a survey on the mental health of Austrian students reveals their concerns and hopes for the future. Different experiences were found among young people based on gender, migration background, and psychological distress.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Katja Haider, Elke Humer, Christoph Pieh, Paul L. Plener, Andrea Jesser
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought various burdens to apprentices, prompting the need for resources to cope with them. A study involving 1442 Austrian apprentices examined their responses to open-ended questions regarding the burdens and resources during the pandemic. The findings revealed that apprentices were mostly burdened by pandemic-related restrictions and rules, the impact on their social life, and their mental health. They relied on social contacts, particularly friends, as well as personal attitudes, leisure activities, and distractions as coping resources. The study highlights the need for preventive and educational mental health measures, improved access to psychosocial services, and enhanced financial support for apprentices.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Andrea Jesser, Yvonne Schaffler, Afsaneh Gaechter, Rachel Dale, Elke Humer, Christoph Pieh
Summary: Adolescents have been greatly affected by the psychological consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, with concerns about school, restrictions, self, and interpersonal problems. Compared to the beginning of the pandemic, they are more worried about their educational and professional futures. Their most important sources of support include social contacts, recreational activities, attitudes and abilities, as well as distraction and escape. However, it is concerning that some of them use maladaptive coping strategies and are reluctant to seek professional support.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Christoph Pieh, Rachel Dale, Andrea Jesser, Thomas Probst, Paul L. Plener, Elke Humer
Summary: The study compared the mental health of adolescents with and without migration background in Austria after a semester of remote schooling and almost a year of social distancing. The results showed that adolescents with migration background had lower scores and higher prevalence of mental health problems such as well-being, depression, anxiety, and insomnia.
