Evaluation of automated monitoring calving prediction in dairy buffaloes a new tool for calving management

Abstract Buffalo is one of the leading milk-producing dairy animals. Its production and reproduction are affected due to some factors including inadequate monitoring around parturition, which cause economic losses like delayed birth process, increased risk of stillbirth, etc. The appropriate calving monitoring is essential for dairy herd management. Therefore, we designed a study its aim was, to predict the calving based on automated machine measured prepartum behaviors in buffaloes. The data were collected from n=40 pregnant buffaloes of 2nd to 5th parity, which was synchronized. The NEDAP neck and leg logger tag was attached to each buffalo at 30 days before calving and automatically collected feeding, rumination, lying, standing, no. of steps, no. of switches from standing to lying (lying bouts) and total motion activity. All behavioral data were reduced to -10 days before the calving date for statistical analysis to use mixed model procedure and ANOVA. Results showed that feeding and rumination time significantly (P<0.05) decreased from -10 to -1 days before calving indicating calving prediction. Moreover, Rumination time was at lowest (P<0.001) value at 2h before the calving such behavioral changes may be useful to predict calving in buffaloes. Similarly, lying bouts and standing time abruptly decreased (P<0.05) from -3 to -1 days before calving, while lying time abruptly increased (P<0.01) from -3 to -1 days before calving (531.57±23.65 to 665.62±18.14, respectively). No. of steps taken and total motion significantly (P<0.05) increased from -10 to -1 days before calving. Feeding time was significantly (P<0.02) lowered in 3rd parity buffaloes compared with 2nd, 4th and 5th parity buffaloes, while standing time of 5th parity buffaloes were lowered (P<0.05) as compared to 2nd to 4th parity buffalos at -1 day of prepartum. However, rumination, lying, no. of steps taken and total motion activity at -1 day of prepartum was independent (P>0.05) of parity in buffaloes. Neural network analysis for combined variables from NEDAP technology at the daily level yielded 100.0% sensitivity and 98% specificity. In conclusion NEDAP technology can be used to measured behavioral changes -10 day before calving as it can serve as a useful guide in the prediction calving date in the buffaloes.

The panda-derived Lactiplantibacillus plantarum BSG201683 improves LPS-induced intestinal inflammation and epithelial barrier disruption in vitro

Captive pandas are suffering from intestinal infection due to intestinal microbiota characterized by a high abundance of Enterobacteriaceae induced by long-term captivity. Probiotic supplements showed improvement in intestinal barrier function and inflammation. However, the effects of panda-derived probiotics on the intestinal epithelium and inflammation have not been elucidated. In the present study, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) impaired Caco-2 and RAW264.7 inflammatory models were applied to assess the protection of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum BSG201683 (L. plantarum G83) on barrier disruption and inflammation. The results showed that treatment with L. plantarum G83 significantly decreased the paracellular permeability to fluorescein isothiocyanate conjugated dextran (MW 4000, FITC-D4) after LPS induction. Meanwhile, L. plantarum G83 alleviated the reduction in tight junction (TJ) proteins and downregulated proinflammatory cytokines caused by LPS in Caco-2 cells. L. plantarum G83 also significantly decreased the expression and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. In addition, the IL-10 increased in both Caco-2 and RAW264.7 cells after L. plantarum G83 treatment. The phagocytosis activity of RAW264.7 cells was significantly increased after L. plantarum G83 treatment. Toll-like receptor 4/ nuclear factor kappa-B (TLR4/NF-κB) signaling pathways were significantly down-regulated after L. plantarum G83 intervention, and the phosphorylation of NF-κB/p65 was consistent with this result. Our findings suggest that L. plantarum G83 improves intestinal inflammation and epithelial barrier disruption in vitro.

Incidental Prostate Cancer: A 23-Year Review Of A Tertiary Care Hospital

Prostate cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed malignancy in men worldwide. The prevalence has been increasing with significant differences between regions. This study assesses the prevalence of incidental prostate cancer detected in specimens removed during bladder outlet obstruction operation. A retrospective analysis of the records of patients who had either endoscopic or open prostatectomy from January 1998 to December 2021 was conducted. The variables analysed were age, procedure, date of surgery, and Gleason score. A total of 2,842 patients underwent surgery on the prostate gland during the study period. Most of the patients, i.e. 2,733 (96.2%), were pathologically diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia, while only 110 (3.9%) had prostate cancer. The frequency of incidental prostate cancer following surgery for bladder outlet obstruction has decreased over the last two decades at our centre, possibly because of an increase in PSA testing.

Expression profiling of IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 genes in lung tissues of Aseel, Crossbred Naked neck, and White Leghorn chicken challenged with H9N2 Influenza virus

Aseel and Naked neck are major chicken breeds of the tropics and well-known for their thermotolerance and robustness. However, both of them especially Aseel are very susceptible to Avian Influenza (AI) which cause huge mortalities. The role of cytokines in relation to the pathology and severity of the disease caused by the endemic strain (H9N2) of AIV in these breeds remained thus far unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of H9N2 AIV on the expression level of IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 in the lung tissues of Aseel, crossbred Naked Neck, and White Leghorn (WLH). In total 60 birds, 20 from each breed, were used in this study, whereas 30 birds (10 from each breed) were challenged intranasally with H9N2 virus with a concentration of 106 EID50 at 6wk of age and other half were treated as control. The lung tissues were sampled at 5th day post-infection to study the differential expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 using qRT-PCR. Our data revealed a significant difference (P<0.001) in the gene expression levels among all the breeds in response to viral challenge. It was also observed that after exposure to H9N2 virus, Aseel birds showed the highest increase in their expressions of interleukin (IL-1 β, IL-6, and IL-8) genes followed by Naked Neck and WLH respectively suggesting greater susceptibility of Aseel to AIV compared with other breeds. However, these results are in agreement with the severity of disease and incidence of mortality caused by AI in these breeds.

A rare form of male pseudohermaphroditism-Persistent Mullerian Duct Syndrome

Persistent Mullerian Duct Syndrome (PMDS) is a rare disorder of defective sexual development in males. It is characterized by aberrant synthesis or inadequate action of Mullerian inhibiting factor resulting in derivatives of Mullerian duct, i.e. uterus, fallopian tube and upper vagina, to persist in a phenotypic male with 46XY karyotype. Here, we report a 19-year-old male with bilateral undescended testes. Further evaluation revealed that the patient had both his testes placed intra-abdominally along with a rudimentary uterus.

Surface Display of porcine circovirus type 2 antigen protein cap on the spores of bacillus subtilis 168: An effective mucosal vaccine candidate

The oral mucosal vaccine has great potential in preventing a series of diseases caused by porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) infection. This study constructed a recombinant Bacillus subtilis RB with PCV2 Capsid protein (Cap) on its spore surface and cotB as a fusion partner. The immune properties of the recombinant strain were evaluated in a mouse model. IgA in intestinal contents and IgG in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results demonstrated that recombinant spores could activate strong specific mucosal and humoral immune responses. In addition, spores showed good mucosal immune adjuvant function, promoting the proliferation of CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and other immune cells. We also found that the relative expression of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α and IFN in the small intestinal mucosa was significantly up-regulated under the stimulation of recombinant bacteriophage. These effects are important for the balance of Th1/Th2-like responses. In summary, our results suggest that recombinant B. subtilis RB as a feed additive provides a new strategy for the development of novel and safe PCV2 mucosal subunit vaccines.

Comparison of Pethidine and Ketamine for the Treatment of Postoperative Shivering

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of Ketamine vs Pethidine for treating postoperative shivering in patients undergoing surgery under general anaesthesia. Study Design: Quasi-experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: Operation Theatre, Combined Military Hospital Sialkot Pakistan, from Jan to Apr 2020. Methodology: Following strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, patients who experienced postoperative shivering in the postanesthesia care unit (recovery) were enrolled through consecutive sampling and randomized into group-A or group B using the lottery method. Group-A received Pethidine 0.5 mg/kg and Group-B received Ketamine 0.2 mg/kg. The shivering grade was evaluated at 0 minutes and 5 minutes after administration of drugs by using a validated four-point scale. Results: Mean age of the patients was 34.12 ± 9.88 years and 34.83 ± 9.77 years in group-A and group B, respectively. At 5 min, the recovery rate of shivering was significantly higher in the Pethidine group than in the Ketamine group. In group-A, effecttiveness (grade 0) was noticed in 124 patients (86.2%) and in group-B effectiveness (grade-0) was seen in 74 patients (51.4%). A statistically significant difference (p<0.01) was found between the two groups. Conclusion: Pethidine 0.5 mg/kg is a more effective drug for treating postoperative shivering.

Dietary Probiotic Supplementation Suppresses Subclinical Necrotic Enteritis in Broiler Chickens in a Microbiota-Dependent Manner

Background

Chicken meat is one of the most consumed meats worldwide and poultry production is increasing at an exponential rate. Reducing antibiotic usage has resulted in the recurrence of subclinical necrotic enteritis again and influenced global poultry production. Probiotics are potential antibiotic substitutes that can be used to prevent subclinical necrotic enteriti. However, the precise mechanism of action of probiotics and information on which gut microbes confer this efficacy remain elusive.

Methods and results

The subclinical necrotic enteritis animal model was used to reveal the mechanism underlying the effect of probiotics on intestinal health through RNA sequencing and 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing. Bacillus licheniformis H2 feeding significantly reduced the relative abundance of Clostridium perfringens in the ileum and markedly ameliorated the pathological damage in the ileum and liver. In addition, oral administration of B. licheniformis H2 contributed to the enhancement of the intestinal barrier function and epithelial renewal, reducing energy consumption, and improving enteral nutrition absorption. Probiotic B. licheniformis H2 also ameliorated the inflammatory response and increased the immunity of subclinical necrotic enteritis infected broilers. Finally, B. licheniformis H2 feeding regulated liver gene expression to suppress immune response and promoted growth and metabolism depending on the gut microbiota.

Conclusions

These results indicated the mechanism of probiotic action of B. licheniformis H2 in maintaining intestinal health and thus promoting growth and B. licheniformis H2 may serve as an antibiotic substitute to prevent subclinical necrotic enteritis in poultry farming.

A versatile tRNA modification-sensitive northern blot method with enhanced performance

The 22 mitochondrial and ∼45 cytosolic tRNAs in human cells contain several dozen different post-transcriptional modified nucleotides such that each carries a unique constellation that complements its function. Many tRNA modifications are linked to altered gene expression, and deficiencies due to mutations in tRNA modification enzymes (TMEs) are responsible for numerous diseases. Easily accessible methods to detect tRNA hypomodifications can facilitate progress in advancing such molecular studies. Our laboratory developed a northern blot method that can quantify relative levels of base modifications on multiple specific tRNAs ∼10 yr ago, which has been used to characterize four different TME deficiencies and is likely further extendable. The assay method depends on differential annealing efficiency of a DNA-oligo probe to the modified versus unmodified tRNA. The signal of this probe is then normalized by a second probe elsewhere on the same tRNA. This positive hybridization in the absence of modification (PHAM) assay has proven useful for i⁶A37, t⁶A37, m³C32, and m^2,2G26 in multiple laboratories. Yet, over the years we have observed idiosyncratic inconsistency and variability in the assay. Here we document these for some tRNAs and probes and illustrate principles and practices for improved reliability and uniformity in performance. We provide an overview of the method and illustrate benefits of the improved conditions. This is followed by data that demonstrate quantitative validation of PHAM using a TME deletion control, and that nearby modifications can falsely alter the calculated apparent modification efficiency. Finally, we include a calculator tool for matching probe and hybridization conditions.

Antecedents of sustainable e-waste disposal behavior: the moderating role of gender

This study presents an integrative sustainable e-waste model, drawing on organismic integration theory and gender schema theory. E-waste behavior has attracted considerable attention in the cleaner production literature in recent years. However, there is growing debate, and little research has been conducted in developing countries, especially Pakistan, to investigate the motivational factors influencing sustainable e-waste behavior. This study empirically examines the different effects of motivational (intrinsic, identified, introjected, and external) regulations on sustainable e-waste disposal behavior and identifies whether customer gender moderates these effects. To address this gap, we recruited 209 households, and structural equation modeling (SEM) and multi-group modeling (MGM) techniques were used to test the proposed hypotheses using AMOS. When assessing customers' habits and external, introjected, identified, and intrinsic motivations in terms of gender differences, the SEM results revealed that female has more motivational sentiments and compliance to social norms for disposing e-waste behavior. The MGM results revealed that the effect of intrinsic motivation on sustainable e-waste disposal behavior is important for male customers, while the impact of external motivation is important for female customers. Identified motivation appears to be a significant predictor both for male and female customers. Finally, we briefly discuss the study's implications for theory and practice and highlight priorities for future research.

Silicone Elastomer Composites Fabricated with MgO and MgO-Multi-Wall Carbon Nanotubes with Improved Thermal Conductivity

The effect of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and magnesium oxide (MgO) on the thermal conductivity of MWCNTs and MgO-reinforced silicone rubber was studied. The increment of thermal conductivity was found to be linear with respect to increased loading of MgO. In order to improve the thermal transportation of phonons 0.3 wt % and 0.5 wt % of MWCNTs were added as filler to MgO-reinforced silicone rubber. The MWCNTs were functionalized by hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) to activate organic groups onto the surface of MWCNTs. These functional groups improved the compatibility and adhesion and act as bridging agents between MWCNTs and silicone elastomer, resulting in the formation of active conductive pathways between MgO and MWCNTs in the silicone elastomer. The surface functionalization was confirmed with XRD and FTIR spectroscopy. Raman spectroscopy confirms the pristine structure of MWCNTs after oxidation with H₂O₂. The thermal conductivity is improved to 1 W/m·K with the addition of 20 vol% with 0.5 wt % of MWCNTs, which is an ~8-fold increment in comparison to neat elastomer. Improved thermal conductive properties of MgO-MWCNTs elastomer composite will be a potential replacement for conventional thermal interface materials.

The Panda-Derived Lactobacillus plantarum G201683 Alleviates the Inflammatory Response in DSS-Induced Panda Microbiota-Associated Mice

Intestinal diseases are one of the main causes of captive giant panda death. Their special dietary habits and gastrointestinal tract structure often lead to intestinal epithelium damage and secondary intestinal infection. The captive giant panda is predisposed to suffer from microbiota dysbiosis due to long-term artificial feeding and antibiotic misuse. However, there are few reported probiotics to treat giant panda enteritis and the associated dysbiosis. This study aims to elucidate the mechanism by which Lactobacillus plantarum G201683 (L. plantarum G83), a promising panda-derived probiotic, exerts a protective effect on intestinal inflammation in the dextran sulfate sodium- (DSS) induced panda microbiota-associated (DPMA) mouse model. The DPMA mouse was generated by antibiotic treatment and 5% DSS drinking water administration to assess the effect of L. plantarum G83 on intestinal inflammation and microbiota in vivo. Our results demonstrated the successful generation of a DPMA mouse model with Enterobacteriaceae enrichment, consistent with the giant panda intestinal microbiota. L. plantarum G83 decreased clinical and histological severity of intestinal inflammation, enhanced intestinal tight junction protein expression (ZO-1, Occludin) and alleviated inflammatory cytokine production (TNF-) in the colon of DPMA mice. The administration of L. plantarum G83 altered the microbiota composition by decreasing pathogen associated taxa such as E. coli and increasing abundance of beneficial bacteria including Bifidobacterium spp. These changes in microbiota composition were associated with an increased concentration of short chain fatty acids (SCFA), reduced NF-κB signaling, and an altered balance of T helper cell subsets. Our findings support L. plantarum G83 as a promising probiotic to treat intestinal inflammation in the giant panda.

Compound Probiotics Improve Body Growth Performance by Enhancing Intestinal Development of Broilers with Subclinical Necrotic Enteritis

The aim of this study is to explore whether or not the combined application of BS15 and H2 is capable to have a more effective control effect on SNE in broilers. A total of 240 1-day-old female chickens were randomly divided into 5 groups: (a) basal diet in negative control group (NC group); (b) basal diet + SNE infection (coccidiosis vaccine + CP) (PC group); (c) basal diet + SNE infection + H2 pre-treatment (BT group); (d) basal diet + SNE infection + BS15 pre-treatment (LT group); and (e) basal diet + SNE infection + H2 pre-treatment + BS15 pre-treatment (MT group). The results showed the MT group had the most positive effect on inhibiting the negative effect of growth performance at 42 days of age. In the detection of the NC, PC, and MT group indicators at 28 days of age, we found that MT group significantly promoted ileum tissue development of broilers, and the ileum of broilers in the MT group formed a flora structure different from NC and PC, although it was found that the MT group had no effect on the butyrate level in the cecum, but it could affect the serum immune level, such as significantly reducing the level of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-8 and increasing the content of immunoglobulin IgM and IgG. In conclusion, the composite preparation of Lactobacillus johnsonii BS15 and Bacillus licheniformis H2 could effectively improve the growth performance against SNE broilers, which is possibly caused by the improvement of the immune levels, the reduction of inflammation levels, and the promotion of the intestinal development.

Outcomes of Transurethral Resection of Prostate in Patients with and without Renal Failure Secondary to an Enlarged Prostate

The natural history of benign enlargement of the prostate is variable and ranges from mild symptoms to chronic retention and renal failure. In this study, the outcomes of patients with urinary retention alone were compared with those of chronic retention and renal failure caused by an enlarged prostate. The first group had 79, while the second group had 20 patients included. The mean maximum flow rate after transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) in the two groups was 16.9 ± 7.9 vs. 14.6 ± 4.1 ml/sec (p value > 0.05), and the mean post-void volume was 15.1 ± 27.6 vs. 21.7 ± 35.7 ml (p value > 0.05), respectively. However, the residual symptoms after surgery were higher in the chronic retention group. It was concluded that patients, with chronic retention experience and higher postoperative residual storage symptoms, after transurethral resection of the prostate, are able to void without a catheter and their renal functions were stabilised. Key Words: Transurethral resection of the prostate, Prostatic hyperplasia, Renal insufficiency, Urinary bladder neck obstruction.

Effects of production system and feeding regimen on carcass and meat quality traits of Naked Neck chicken

To evaluate the effect of a production system and feeding regimen on meat quality attributes of Naked Neck chickens, a total of 150 cockerels at 18 weeks old (1625 ± 70 g) were collected from 10 treatment groups with five replicates of three birds. The factorial arrangement of treatments consisted of two production systems (intensive and free-range) and five nutritional regimens, namely 100% commercial feed; 75% commercial feed plus 25% kitchen waste; 50% commercial feed plus 50% kitchen waste; 25% commercial feed plus 75% kitchen waste; and 100% kitchen waste. Carcass traits, meat quality, and meat organoleptic were found to differ significantly among production systems, feeding regimens, and their interaction. Higher liver weight was observed in birds reared under an intensive system. Higher gizzard weight was noted in birds fed with 100% kitchen waste, whereas lower gizzard weight was observed in birds fed the commercial diet. The meat from cockerels fed with 75% kitchen waste was most yellow, whereas the meat from the birds fed with 100% kitchen waste was least yellow. At two hours after slaughter, pH of the meat was highest in birds fed 50% kitchen waste and lowest in birds fed 100% kitchen waste. The interaction of production system and feeding regimen was significant for overall acceptability score. In conclusion, Naked Neck chickens performed equally well under intensive and free-range systems, irrespective of the level of kitchen waste that they were fed.

Dietary Probiotic Bacillus licheniformis H2 Enhanced Growth Performance, Morphology of Small Intestine and Liver, and Antioxidant Capacity of Broiler Chickens Against Clostridium perfringens-Induced Subclinical Necrotic Enteritis

The reduction in the use of antibiotics in the poultry industry has considerably increased the appearance of Clostridium perfringens (CP)-induced subclinical necrotic enteritis (SNE), forcing researchers to search alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) like probiotics. This study aimed to investigate the effect and the underlying potential mechanism of dietary supplementation of Bacillus licheniformis H2 to prevent SNE. A total of 180 1-day-old male broiler chickens (Ross 308) were randomly divided into three groups, with six replicates in each group and ten broilers per pen: (a) basal diet in negative control group(NC group); (b) basal diet + SNE infection(coccidiosis vaccine + CP) (SNE group); (c) basal diet + SNE infection + H2 pre-treatment(BL group). Growth performance, morphology of small intestine and liver, and antioxidant capacity of the serum, ileum, and liver were assessed in all three groups. The results showed that H2 significantly suppressed (P < 0.05) the negative effects on growth performance induced by SNE, including loss of body weight gain, decrease of feed intake, and raise of feed conversion ratio among the different treatments at 28 days. The addition of H2 also increased (P < 0.05) the villus height: crypt depth ratio as well as villus height in the ileum. Chicks fed with H2 diet had lower malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in the ileum in BL group than that in SNE group (P < 0.05). Moreover, compared with other treatment groups, dietary H2 improved the activities of antioxidant enzymes in the ileum, serum, and liver (P < 0.05). H2 may also prevent SNE by significantly increasing the protein content (P < 0.05) of Bcl-2 in the liver. Dietary supplementation of H2 could effectively prevent the appearance of CP-induced SNE and improve the growth performance of broiler chickens damaged by SNE, of which the mechanism may be related to intestinal development, antioxidant capacity, and apoptosis which were improved by H2.

Type 3 secretion system 1 of Salmonella typhimurium and its inhibitors: a novel strategy to combat salmonellosis

Unsuccessful vaccination against Salmonella due to a large number of serovars, and antibiotic resistance, necessitates the development of novel therapeutics to treat salmonellosis. The development of anti-virulence agents against multi-drug-resistant bacteria is a novel strategy because of its non-bacterial feature. Hence, a thorough study of the type three secretion system (T3SS) of Salmonella would help us better understand its role in bacterial pathogenesis and development of anti-virulence agents. However, T3SS can be inhibited by different chemicals at different stages of infection and sequenced delivery of effectors can be blocked to restrict the progression of disease. This review highlights the role of T3SS-1 in the internalization, survival, and replication of Salmonella within the intestinal epithelium and T3SS inhibitors. We concluded that the better we understand the structures and functions of T3SS, the more we have chances to develop anti-virulence agents. Furthermore, greater insights into the T3SS inhibitors of Salmonella would help in the mitigation of the antibiotic resistance problem and would lead us to the era of new therapeutics against salmonellosis.

Probiotic alleviate fluoride-induced memory impairment by reconstructing gut microbiota in mice

Fluoride which is widespread in our environment and food due to its geological origin and industrial pollution has been identified as a developmental neurotoxicant. Gut-brain axis provides new insight into brain-derived injury. We previously found the psychoactive effects of a probiotic strain, Lactobacillus johnsonii BS15 against fluoride-induced memory dysfunction in mice by modulating the gut-brain axis. In this study, we aimed to detect the link between the reconstruction of gut microbiota and gut-brain axis through which probiotic alleviate fluoride-induced memory impairment. We also added an hour of water avoidance stress (WAS) before behavioral tests and sampling, aiming to demonstrate the preventive effects of the probiotic on fluoride-induced memory impairment after psychological stress. Mice were given fluoridated drinking water (sodium fluoride 100 ppm, corresponding to 37.8 ± 2.4 ppm F¯) for 70 days and administered with PBS or a probiotic strain, Lactobacillus johnsonii BS15 for 28 days prior to and throughout a 70 day exposure to sodium fluoride. Results showed that fluoride increases the hyperactivity of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and reduces the exploration ratio in novel object recognition (NOR) test and the spontaneous exploration during the T-maze test in mice following WAS, which were significantly improved by the probiotic. 16S rRNA sequencing showed a significant separation in ileal microbiota between the fluoride-treated mice and control mice. Lactobacillus was the main targeting bacteria and significantly reduced in fluoride-treated mice. BS15 reconstructed the fluoride-post microbiota and increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus. D-lactate content and diamine oxidase (DAO) activity, two biomarkers of gut permeability were reduced in the serum of probiotic-inoculated mice. ZO-1, an intestinal tight junction protein was reduced by fluoride in mRNA, and its protein levels were increased by the probiotic treatment. Moreover, the hippocampus which is essential to learning and memory, down-regulated mRNA level of both the myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG), and protein levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), including the improvement of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) by BS15 in fluoride-exposed mice after WAS. Via spearman correlation analysis, Lactobacillus displayed significantly positive associations with the behavioral tests, levels of nerve development related factors, and intestinal tight junction proteins ZO-1, and negative association with TNF-α of the hippocampus, highlighting regulatory effects of gut bacteria on memory potential and gut barrier. These results suggested the psychoactive effects of BS15 on fluoride-induced memory dysfunction after psychological stress. In addition, there may be some correlations between fluoride-induced memory dysfunction and reconstruction of gut microbiota. AVAILABILITY OF DATA AND MATERIALS: 16S rRNA sequencing reads have uploaded to NCBI. The accession code of 16S rRNA sequencing reads in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) BioProject database: PRJNA660154.

Greener approach to substitute chemical reduction clearing process for fabric dyed with Foron Blue E-BL 150, Foron Rubine RD-GFL and Foron Brilliant Yellow S-6GL using indigenous resources

Fabric dyed with disperse dyes followed a reduction clearing process (RCP)/chemical clearing process (CCP) to remove the unfixed dye from the fabric. In the clearing process, unfixed dyes and chemicals are discharged into streams. To combat this issue, an environment friendly approaches is explored that is a biological clearing using indigenous fungal strains of white-rot fungi (Pleurotus ostreatus and Ganoderma lucidum). In this context, fabrics dyed with three disperse dyes (Foron Blue E-BL 150, Foron Rubine RD-GFL and Foron Brilliant Yellow S-6GL) were considered. The fabric cleared with biological clearing process improved the quality of fabric versus chemically cleared fabric and among the tested strains, G. lucidum showed higher efficiency for color strength improvement. However, no significant difference in tensile and tear strength of all fabric samples was observed. The quality of effluents in clearing reduction process for three dyes was assessed and it was observed that water quality parameters including chemical oxygen demand (COD), total organic carbon (TOC), biological oxygen demand (BOD), total suspended solids (TSS), pH, dissolved oxygen (DO) and total dissolved solids (TDS) improved significantly and results revealed that the biological clearing approach can substitute chemical reduction clearing process for fabric dyed with dyes, which is greener and eco-friendly versus conventional processes to avoid unfixed dyes discharge in to water bodies.

Probiotics and MicroRNA: Their Roles in the Host-Microbe Interactions

Probiotics are widely accepted to be beneficial for the maintenance of the gut homeostasis - the dynamic and healthy interactions between host and gut microorganisms. In addition, emerging as a key molecule of inter-domain communication, microRNAs (miRNAs) can also mediate the host-microbe interactions. However, a comprehensive description and summary of the association between miRNAs and probiotics have not been reported yet. In this review, we have discussed the roles of probiotics and miRNAs in host-microbe interactions and proposed the association of probiotics with altered miRNAs in various intestinal diseases and potential molecular mechanisms underlying the action of probiotics. Furthermore, we provided a perspective of probiotics-miRNA-host/gut microbiota axis applied in search of disease management highly associated with the gut microbiome, which will potentially prove to be beneficial for future studies.

Pretreatment with probiotics ameliorate gut health and necrotic enteritis in broiler chickens, a substitute to antibiotics

Necrotic enteritis (NE) is being considered as one of the most important intestinal diseases in the recent poultry production systems, which causes huge economic losses globally. NE is caused by Clostridium perfringens, a pathogenic bacterium, and normal resident of the intestinal microflora of healthy broiler chickens. Gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of broiler chicken is considered as the most integral part of pathogen's entrance, their production and disease prevention. Interaction between C. perfringens and other pathogens such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella present in the small intestine may contribute to the development of NE in broiler chickens. The antibiotic therapy was used to treat the NE; however European Union has imposed a strict ban due to the negative implications of drug resistance. Moreover, antibiotic growth promoters cause adverse effects on human health as results of withdrawal of antibiotic residues in the chicken meat. After restriction on use of antibiotics, numerous studies have been carried out to investigate the alternatives to antibiotics for controlling NE. Thus, possible alternatives to prevent NE are bio-therapeutic agents (Probiotics), prebiotics, organic acids and essential oils which help in nutrients digestion, immunity enhancement and overall broiler performance. Recently, probiotics are extensively used alternatives to antibiotics for improving host health status and making them efficient in production. The aim of review is to describe a replacement to antibiotics by using different microbial strains as probiotics such as bacteria and yeasts etc. having bacteriostatic properties which inhibit growth of pathogens and neutralize the toxins by different modes of action.

Lactobacillus plantarum BSGP201683 Improves the Intestinal Barrier of Giant Panda Microbiota-Associated Mouse Infected by Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli K88

Giant pandas often suffered from gastrointestinal disease, especially the captive sub-adult one. Our study aims to investigate whether L. plantarum G83, a good panda-derived probiotic, can improve the intestinal barrier against the enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli K88 (E. coli K88) infection in giant panda microbiota-associated mice (GPAM). We treated SPF mice with antibiotics cocktail and transplanted the giant panda intestinal microbiota to set up a GPAM. Our results demonstrated that the microbiota of GPAM changed over time and was relatively stable in the short-term experiment (2-4 weeks). Whereafter, the GPAM pretreated with L. plantarum G83 for 15 days and infected with enterotoxigenic E. coli K88. The result indicated that the number of Bifidobacteria spp. increased in GPAM-G and GPAM-GE groups; the Lactobacillus spp. only increased in the GPAM-G group. Although the abundance of Enterobacteriaceae spp. only decreased in the GPAM-G group, the copy number of Escherichia coli in the GPAM-E group was significantly lower than that in the other groups. Meanwhile, the L. plantarum G83-induced alteration of microbiota could increase the mRNA expression of Claudin-1, Zo-1, and Occludin-1 in the GPAM-G group in the ileum; only Occludin-1 was increased in the GPAM-GE group. The sIgA in the ileum showed a positive response, also the result of body weight and histology in both the GPAM-G and GPAM-GE group. These results indicated that the L. plantarum G83 could improve the intestinal barrier to defense the enterotoxigenic E. coli K88 invasion.

Lactobacillus johnsonii BS15 improves intestinal environment against fluoride-induced memory impairment in mice-a study based on the gut-brain axis hypothesis

Background

Excessive fluoride can lead to chronic neurodegeneration characterized by neuron and myelin loss and memory dysfunction. The gut–brain axis hypothesis suggests that gut microbiota plays a crucial role in regulating brain function. Thus, using probiotics to adjust the gut microenvironment may be a potential therapy for mental diseases.

Methods

Mice in the prob group were administrated with Lactobacillus johnsonii BS15 for 28 days prior to and throughout a 70-day exposure to sodium fluoride. The drinking water of all groups (F and prob groups) except the control group were replaced by high-fluoride water (100 mg NaF/L) on day 28. Animals in each group were divided into two subsets: one underwent behavioral test, and the other was sacrificed for sampling. The mRNA expression level and protein content related to inflammatory reaction in the ileum and hippocampus were respectively detected by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA expression levels of proteins related to myelin structure, apoptosis, and memory in the hippocampus and tight junction proteins in the ileum were determined by RT-qPCR and/or immunohistochemistry. Gut permeability markers (D-lactate and diamine oxidase (DAO)) in the serum were also examined by ELISA.

Results

The results showed that fluoride exposure induced a lower spontaneous exploration (P < 0.05) in T-maze test, which indicated an impairment of memory. Spontaneous exploration of BS15-treated mice was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that in F group. Fluoride reduced (P < 0.05) levels of myelin structural protein (proteolipid protein) and neurogenesis-associated proteins (brain-derived neurotrophic factor and cAMP/Ca²⁺ responsive element-binding protein), induced disordered inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-6; P < 0.05), increased pro-apoptotic genes (caspase-3; P < 0.05), and decreased anti-apoptotic genes (Bcl-2; P < 0.05) in the hippocampus, of which the influences were reversed by BS15. BS15 treatment exerted significant preventive effects on reversing the gut inflammation induced by excessive fluoride intake by reducing (P < 0.05) the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ)) and remarkably increasing (P < 0.05) the level of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10). Moreover, the serum DAO activity and D-lactate concentration significantly increased by fluoride were also reduced (P < 0.05) by BS15. This result indicated the profitable effect of BS15 on gut permeability.

Conclusion

L. johnsonii BS15 intake could benefit the neuroinflammation and demyelination in the hippocampus by improving the gut environment and ameliorating fluorine-induced memory dysfunction.

Analysis of miRNA Expression in the Ileum of Broiler Chickens During Bacillus licheniformis H2 Supplementation Against Subclinical Necrotic Enteritis

Subclinical necrotic enteritis (SNE) is one of the serious threats to the poultry industry. Probiotics have been proven to exert beneficial effects in controlling SNE. However, their exact mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Moreover, few studies have focused on their impact on microRNAs (miRNAs). Therefore, the present study aimed to explore the miRNA expression profiles in the ileum of broiler chickens during probiotic supplementation for controlling SNE. A total of 180 newly hatched male broilers were randomly allocated into three groups, including a negative control group, an SNE infection group, and a Bacillus licheniformis H2 pretreatment group. Illumina high-throughput sequencing was conducted to identify the miRNA expression of the three groups. Results showed that 628 miRNAs, including 582 known miRNAs and 46 novel miRNAs, were detected in the miRNA libraries. The target genes of 57 significantly differentially expressed miRNAs were predicted and annotated. Moreover, they were found to be partly enriched in pathways related to immunity and inflammation such as tumor necrosis factor receptor binding, immune response-regulating signaling pathway, Toll-like receptor 2 signaling pathway, interleukin-15 production, activation of NF-κB-inducing kinase activity, and MAP kinase tyrosine/serine/threonine phosphatase activity. Some of the target genes of 57 miRNAs were related to the MAPK signaling pathway. Furthermore, the expression of several miRNAs, which may be involved in the MAPK signaling pathway, was significantly affected by SNE induction and showed no significant difference in the presence of H2. All these findings provide comprehensive miRNA expression profiles of three different treatment groups. They further suggest that H2 could exert beneficial effects in controlling SNE through immune and inflammatory response associated with altered miRNA expression, such as the MAPK signaling pathway.

Screening of immune-related differentially expressed genes from primary lymphatic organs of broilers fed with probiotic bacillus cereus PAS38 based on suppression subtractive hybridization

To explore the molecular mechanism of the effect of Bacillus cereus PAS38 on the immunity of broilers, sixty 7-day-old broilers were divided into two groups with three replicates. The control group was fed with basal diet, and the treatment group was fed with basal diet containing Bacillus cereus PAS38 1×10⁶ CFU/g. Thymus and bursa of fabricius were taken from two groups of broilers at the age of 42 days, total RNA was extracted, differential gene library was constructed by SSH technology, and immune-related differential genes were screened. Then, we used siRNA to interfere with the expression of some differential genes in the original generation lymphocytes of broiler blood to detect the change of cytokines mRNA expression level. A total of 42 immune-related differentially expressed genes were screened, including 22 up-regulated genes and 20 down-regulated genes. When 7 differentially up-regulated genes associated with enhanced immune function were interfered with in lymphocytes, some immune-promoting cytokines were down-regulated. These results showed that Bacillus cereus PAS38 might up-regulate the expression of JCHAIN, PRDX1, CD3E, CDK6 and other genes in immune organs of broilers, thereby affecting the development of immune organs, the expression of various cytokines and the transduction of immune signals, improving the immune capacity of broilers.

Translation of insulin granule proteins are regulated by PDI and PABP

Glucose mediated insulin biosynthesis is tightly regulated and shared between insulin granule proteins such as its processing enzymes, prohormone convertases, PC1/3 and PC2. However, the molecular players involved in the co-ordinated translation remain elusive. The trans-acting factors like PABP (Poly A Binding Protein) and PDI (Protein Disulphide Isomerize) binds to a conserved sequence in the 5'UTR of insulin mRNA and regulates its translation. Here, we demonstrate that 5'UTR of PC1/3 and PC2 also associate with PDI and PABP. We show that a' and RRM 3-4 domains of PDI and PABP respectively, are necessary for RNA binding activity to the 5'UTRs of insulin and its processing enzymes.

Targeting mitochondrial and cytosolic substrates of TRIT1 isopentenyltransferase: Specificity determinants and tRNA-i6A37 profiles

The tRNA isopentenyltransferases (IPTases), which add an isopentenyl group to N6 of A37 (i6A37) of certain tRNAs, are among a minority of enzymes that modify cytosolic and mitochondrial tRNAs. Pathogenic mutations to the human IPTase, TRIT1, that decrease i6A37 levels, cause mitochondrial insufficiency that leads to neurodevelopmental disease. We show that TRIT1 encodes an amino-terminal mitochondrial targeting sequence (MTS) that directs mitochondrial import and modification of mitochondrial-tRNAs. Full understanding of IPTase function must consider the tRNAs selected for modification, which vary among species, and in their cytosol and mitochondria. Selection is principally via recognition of the tRNA A36-A37-A38 sequence. An exception is unmodified tRNATrpCCA-A37-A38 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, whereas tRNATrpCCA is readily modified in Schizosaccharomyces pombe, indicating variable IPTase recognition systems and suggesting that additional exceptions may account for some of the tRNA-i6A37 paucity in higher eukaryotes. Yet TRIT1 had not been characterized for restrictive type substrate-specific recognition. We used i6A37-dependent tRNA-mediated suppression and i6A37-sensitive northern blotting to examine IPTase activities in S. pombe and S. cerevisiae lacking endogenous IPTases on a diversity of tRNA-A36-A37-A38 substrates. Point mutations to the TRIT1 MTS that decrease human mitochondrial import, decrease modification of mitochondrial but not cytosolic tRNAs in both yeasts. TRIT1 exhibits clear substrate-specific restriction against a cytosolic-tRNATrpCCA-A37-A38. Additional data suggest that position 32 of tRNATrpCCA is a conditional determinant for substrate-specific i6A37 modification by the restrictive IPTases, Mod5 and TRIT1. The cumulative biochemical and phylogenetic sequence analyses provide new insights into IPTase activities and determinants of tRNA-i6A37 profiles in cytosol and mitochondria.

Bacillus strains improve growth performance via enhancing digestive function and anti-disease ability in young and weaning rex rabbits

Numerous studies have shown that probiotic Bacillus could promote growth and enhance anti-disease ability in animal. In present study, the mixture of three Bacillus strains, which were isolated from rex rabbits and showed high cellulose, protease, and amylase activities, was added into the diet for investigating its effects on young and weaning rex rabbits. For experiment 1, 40 young rex rabbits (9 weeks old) were randomly divided into four groups and fed with diets containing 0 (NC), 1.0 × 10⁵ cfu/g (LC), 1.0 × 10⁶ cfu/g (MC), and 1.0 × 10⁷ cfu/g (HC) Bacillus strains for 4 weeks. For experiment 2, 80 weaning rex rabbits (5 weeks old) were randomly divided into four groups and fed with diet containing 0 (control), 1.0 × 10⁵ cfu/g (T-1), 1.0 × 10⁶ cfu/g (T-2), and 1.0 × 10⁷ cfu/g (T-3) Bacillus strains for 8 weeks. The results showed that Bacillus strains at a dose of 1.0 × 10⁶ cfu/g significantly enhanced growth performance, increased immune organ indexes, improved serum biochemical parameters, and heightened antioxidant capacity. It also markedly improved the intestinal microbiota by increasing Lactobacillus spp., Bacillus spp. counts, and decreased Escherichia coli count. In addition, the Bacillus mixture raised the concentrations of acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid as well as protease, amylase, and cellulase activities of young and weaning rex rabbits. Moreover, for weaning rex rabbits, the inclusion of Bacillus strains also upregulated the abundance of cellulolytic bacteria and improved intestinal morphology. Therefore, our results indicated that Bacillus strains could facilitate the growth of young and weaning rex rabbits by improving digestive function and anti-disease ability. KEY POINTS: • Bacillus with high extracellular enzyme activity were isolated from rex rabbits. • Bacillus could improve growth performance of young and weaning rex rabbits. • The digestive function of young and weaning rex rabbits could be improved by Bacillus.

Probiotics mitigating subclinical necrotic enteritis (SNE) as potential alternatives to antibiotics in poultry

Subclinical necrotic enteritis (SNE) caused by Clostridium perfringens (CP), is an important disease in chickens, which causes huge economic losses by damaging the intestinal mucosa, decreasing digestion and absorption of nutrients. Use of antibiotics at a sub-therapeutic level as antimicrobial growth promoters in poultry feed prevents the birds from SNE and improves growth. Due to the ban on the use of antibiotics in 2006 as antimicrobial growth promoters have led to the reemergence of the disease. Worldwide numerous studies have been carried out to investigate the alternatives to antibiotics for the prevention of SNE. Possible alternatives to control SNE include probiotics, prebiotics, bacteriophages, essential oils, organic acids, secondary metabolites and other microbial products. Currently, probiotics are most extensively used in poultry production as an alternative to antibiotics. This review summarizes recent insights and experimental evidence on the use of different microorganisms like Bacillus, Lactic acid bacteria, Bifidobacteria, Enterococcus, yeast, etc. as valuable probiotics for prevention of SNE and potential molecular mechanisms responsible for ameliorating effects of probiotics against SNE.

Isolation and Preliminary Screening of a Weissella confusa Strain from Giant Panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)

Weissella confusa has recently received attention for its probiotic potential. Some W. confusa and Weissella cibaria strains isolated from fermented foods show favorable probiotic effects. However, the probiotic properties of W. confusa isolated from giant panda remain unreported to date. Thus, this study isolated a W. confusa strain from giant panda feces and then investigated its characteristics and probiotic properties. A lactic acid bacteria strain was isolated from giant panda fecal samples. The isolated strain was screened by in vitro probiotic property tests, including in vitro antimicrobial test, antioxidant test, surface hydrophobicity, and stress resistance. On the basis of biochemical identification and 16S rDNA sequencing, the W. confusa strain was identified as BSP201703. This Weissella confusa strain can survive at pH 2 and 0.3% (w/v) concentration of bile salt environment and inhibit common intestinal pathogens. It also possesses an in vitro antioxidant capacity, a high auto-aggregation ability, and a high surface hydrophobicity. BSP201703 might serve as a probiotic to giant pandas.

Efficacy of Bacillus methylotrophicus SY200 strain as feed additive against experimental Salmonella typhimurium infection in mice

To investigate the effects of Bacillus methylotrophicus SY200 on Salmonella typhimurium (STM) infection in mice, a total of 36 three-week-old male mice were selected and randomly divided into 3 equal groups (N = 12). Group A and group B were fed with basal diet while group C was fed the basal diet supplemented with 0.1% (w/w) B. methylotrophicus SY200 during the 21 days experimental period. On the 14th day of the experiment, mice of group A were intragastrically administered with 0.5 ml of normal saline, group B and C were orally administered with 0.5 ml of STM suspension. On the first day and seventh day after STM challenge, the number of total white blood cells (WBCs) and neutrophils, relative weight of visceral organs, the number of Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. in ileum and cecum, and diversity of cecal microflora were measured. The results showed that: on the first day and seventh day after STM challenge, the number of WBCs and neutrophils in the blood of the mice was the highest in group B, then followed by group C, and group A. On the first day after STM challenge, the relative weight of spleen in group C was significantly higher than that in group B (p < 0.05), moreover, compared with group B, B. methylotrophicus SY200 significantly reduced the number of Salmonella spp. and E. coli (p < 0.05), and increased the number of Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. (p < 0.05) in the intestines of mice, and improved the Shannon-Wiener diversity (H), Simpson (E) and richness (S) indices of cecal flora of mice (p < 0.05). The results indicated that B. methylotrophicus SY200 could alleviate the inflammatory reaction after STM infection and resist the adverse effects of STM infection on mice intestinal flora.

Exploring nutritive profile, metabolizable energy, protein, and digestible amino acids contents of indigenous protein sources of different locations for male broilers

2 experiments were conducted to explore nutrient composition, AME, AMEn, standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of CP, and amino acids (AA) of 4 indigenous protein sources including canola meal (CM), rapeseed meal (RSM), guar meal (GM), and sunflower meal (SFM) collected from 2 different locations, Multan (MUL; n = 3) and Sukkur (SKR; n = 3), of Pakistan. Higher (P < 0.05) dry matter (DM), CP, and gross energy (GE), whereas lower (P < 0.05) ash contents were found in SKR, CM, and RSM compared with those from MUL. The MUL GM had higher (P < 0.05) crude fiber (CF) and CP, whereas lower (P < 0.05) GE compared with those from SKR. The SFM from MUL had higher DM, whereas lower CF and CP contents than SKR. In the first experiment, 216 21-d-old male broilers (Ross 308) were distributed over 8 test diets (4 ingredients × 2 locations) and 1 basal diet, with 4 replicates containing 6 birds each (9 × 4 × 6), in a complete randomized design to determine AME and AMEn. The results indicated higher (P < 0.05) AME and AMEn in MUL CM than SKR. In the second experiment, 216 21-d-old male broilers (Ross 308) were raised in 36 cages (6 birds each) to determine SID of CP and AA in a complete randomized design. 8 test diets (4 ingredients × 2 locations) and a protein-free diet, with 4 replicates each, were tested. The SID of CP and some AA were higher (P < 0.05) in MUL CM and RSM than SKR. The SKR GM had a higher (P < 0.05) SID of CP, arginine, methionine, threonine, valine, and cysteine compared with that from MUL. The SFM from MUL had higher (P < 0.05) SID of CP, arginine, histidine, methionine, valine, alanine, aspartate, cysteine, and serine than SKR. In conclusion, major differences do exist between CM, GM, RSM, and SFM from different locations in terms of nutrients, AME, digestible CP, and AA contents for male broilers.

Surface Display of Antigen Protein VP8* of Porcine Rotavirus on Bacillus Subtilis Spores Using CotB as a Fusion Partner

Porcine rotavirus is a major cause of acute viral gastroenteritis in suckling piglets, and vaccination is considered to be an effective measure to control these infections. The development of a live mucosal vaccine using Bacillus subtilis spores as an antigen delivery vehicle is a convenient and attractive vaccination strategy against porcine rotavirus. In this study, a shuttle vector was constructed for the spore surface display of the spike protein VP8* from porcine rotavirus (the genotype was G5P[7]). A successful display of the CotB-VP8* fusion protein on the spore surface was confirmed by Western blot and immunofluorescence microscopy analysis. The capacity for immune response generated after immunization with the recombinant strain was evaluated in a mouse model. The intestinal fecal IgA and serum IgG were detected by enzyme-linked-immunosorbent serologic assay (ELISA). Importantly, recombinant strain spores could elicit strong specific mucosal and humoral immune responses. These encouraging results suggest that recombinant B. subtilis BV could provide a strategy for a potential novel application approach to the development of a new and safe mucosal subunit vaccine against porcine rotavirus.

Transcriptome analysis revealed ameliorative effect of probiotic Lactobacillus johnsonii BS15 against subclinical necrotic enteritis induced hepatic inflammation in broilers

Subclinical necrotic enteritis (SNE) broadly occurs in boilers, which reduces the growth performance by causing serious economic and social problems. The following study was conducted to better understand the molecular mechanism of the SNE on liver inflammation and to examine the innovative prevention of Lactobacillus johnsonii BS15 upon SNE. The research was based on the regulatory molecular mechanism of Lactobacillus johnsonii BS15, and its effect on liver inflammatory pathways in the broiler with SNE infection. Day old one hundred and eighty (Cobb 500) broiler chickens were distributed into 3 groups (control, SNE and BS15 group) and reared for 28 days. RNA sequencing was used for the analysis of gene expression extracted from liver samples. Gene expression was detected with the help of quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). RNA-Seq analysis revealed altered expressions of genes involved in liver inflammatory pathway. A total number of 385 genes were found as differentially expressed (DEGs) in the liver samples that belonged to SNE group as compared with the control liver samples (p < 0.05). Out of those 385 genes, 117 were down-regulated and 268 were up-regulated. The DEGs related to liver inflammation between control group and SNE group or SNE and BS15 groups, included cluster of differentiation 80 (CD80), Interleukin 1 beta (IL1B), Phosphoinositide 3- Kinase regulatory subunit 5 (PIK3R5), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), Toll-like receptor 2 A (TLR2A), and proto-oncogene protein (FOS). The RNA-Seq analysis provided DEGs expression and this result was validated by qRT-PCR. Results confirmed that these genes are essential in the regulation of liver inflammation in the SNE infected chickens. Findings of current research indicated that the hepatic inflammation could be induced by SNE in broilers. Simultaneously, effects of SNE infection on liver could be subsided by improved TLRs signaling pathway with the naturally present prophylactic strategy as BS15.

Analysis of hepatic transcriptome demonstrates altered lipid metabolism following Lactobacillus johnsonii BS15 prevention in chickens with subclinical necrotic enteritis

Background

Subclinical necrotic enteritis (SNE) widely outbreaks in chickens which inflicted growth-slowing, causing enormous social and economic burdens. To better understand the molecular underpinnings of SNE on lipid metabolism and explore novel preventative strategies against SNE, we studied the regulatory mechanism of a potential probiotic, Lactobacillus johnsonii BS15 on the lipid metabolism pathways involved in chickens with SNE.

Methods

One hundred eighty one-day-old chickens were randomly divided into three groups and arranged with basal diet (control and SNE group). Added with BS15 (1 × 10⁶ cfu/g) or Man Rogosa Sharpe (MRS) liquid medium for 28 days. The hepatic gene expression of each group was then measured using high-throughput analysis methods (RNA-Seq). Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression changes of the related genes.

Results

The results showed that there are eleven lipid metabolic pathways were found during the prevention of BS15 treatment in SNE chickens by RNA-Seq, including the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway and arachidonic acid metabolism. BS15 notably facilitated the expressions of fatty acid binding protein 2 (FABP2), acyl-CoA synthetase bubblegum family member 1 (ACSBG1), perilipin 1 (PLIN1) and perilipin 2 (PLIN2), which were involved in PPAR signaling pathway of SNE chickens. Besides, suppression of phospholipase A2 group IVA (PLA2G4A) in arachidonic acid metabolism was observed in SNE chickens after BS15 prevention. The expression patterns of FABP2, ACSBG1, PLIN1, PLIN2 and PLA24G in qRT-PCR validation were consistent with RNA-Seq results.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that SNE may affect the hepatic lipid metabolism of chickens. Meanwhile, BS15 pretreatment may provide a prospective natural prophylaxis strategy against SNE through improving the PPAR signaling pathway and arachidonic acid metabolism.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12944-018-0741-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Interaction of HuDA and PABP at 5'UTR of mouse insulin2 regulates insulin biosynthesis

Understanding the regulation of insulin biosynthesis is important as it plays a central role in glucose metabolism. The mouse insulin gene2 (Ins2) has two splice variants; long (Ins2L) and short (Ins2S), that differ only in their 5’UTR sequence and Ins2S is the major transcript which translate more efficiently as compared to Ins2L. Here, we show that cellular factors bind preferentially to the Ins2L 5’UTR, and that PABP and HuD can bind to Ins2 splice variants and regulate its translation. In vitro binding assay with insulin 5’UTR and different HuD isoforms indicate that the ‘N’ terminal region of HuD is important for RNA binding and insulin translation repression. Using reporter assay we showed that specifically full-length HuD A isoform represses translation of reporter containing insulin 5’UTR. We further show that PABP and HuD interact with each other in RNA-dependent manner and this interaction is affected by glucose and PDI (5’UTR associated translation activator). These results suggest that PABP interacts with HuD in basal glucose conditions making translation inhibitory complex, however upon glucose stimulation this association is affected and PABP is acted upon by PDI resulting in stimulation of insulin translation. Together, our findings snapshot the mechanism of post-transcriptional regulation of insulin biosynthesis.

Probiotic Lactobacillus johnsonii BS15 Improves Blood Parameters Related to Immunity in Broilers Experimentally Infected with Subclinical Necrotic Enteritis

The probiotic strain Lactobacillus johnsonii BS15 could exert beneficial effects on growth performance, lipid metabolism, and intestinal microflora in healthy broilers and those afflicted with subclinical necrotic enteritis (SNE). In particular, BS15 prevents SNE by enhancing intestinal immunity. To further understand the immune regulatory mechanism of BS15, we evaluated its effects on the overall immunity of broilers by determining blood parameters in healthy and SNE broilers. In this study, two experiments were conducted. Experiment 1 involved a 42-day experimental period and used 450 1-day-old male chicks. The chicks were randomly divided into three groups and fed with a basal diet with or without 1 × 10⁵ or 10⁶ colony-forming units (cfu) BS15/g as feed. Experiment 2 involved a 28-day experimental period and used 180 1-day-old male chicks. The chicks were randomly allotted into three groups and given with or without 1 × 10⁶ cfu BS15/g BS15 as feed. SNE infection was treated in all broilers, except in those in the normal diet group. Antioxidant abilities, immunoglobulins, and cytokines in the serum were assessed. T-lymphocyte subsets in peripheral blood were also determined. The first experiment demonstrated that BS15 enhanced the antioxidant abilities; the serum levels of immunoglobulins, interleukin-2, and interferon-gamma; and CD3⁺CD4⁺ T-lymphocyte percentage in peripheral blood on day 21. However, limited significant changes were observed on day 42. The second experiment revealed that BS15 supplementation positively influenced the antioxidant abilities and increased the serum levels of immunoglobulins and cytokines that were affected by SNE. BS15 also positively affected T-lymphocyte subsets in peripheral blood during SNE infection. These findings suggest that BS15 supplementation may prevent SNE in broilers by improving blood parameters related to immunity and enhancing intestinal immunity. Furthermore, BS15 supplementation can improve blood parameters in healthy broilers, especially at the starter phase.

Preventing subclinical necrotic enteritis through Lactobacillus johnsonii BS15 by ameliorating lipid metabolism and intestinal microflora in broiler chickens

Increasing studies have focused on the beneficial effects of Lactobacillus johnsonii in certain diseases. Here, we studied the prevention ability of a probiotic strain, L. johnsonii BS15 on subclinical necrotic enteritis (SNE), and its underlying mechanism. 180 male Cobb 500 chicks were randomly allotted into three groups and administrated with BS15 (1 × 10⁶ cfu/g) or Man Rogosa Sharpe liquid medium throughout a 28-day experimental period. With the exception of the normal group, SNE infection was treated for the remaining experimental period after the chicks were fed with normal diet 14 days. Results showed that BS15 notably suppressed the SNE-induced loss of average daily gain and liver functional abnormality. Additionally, BS15 facilitated lipid metabolism of SNE boilers when the contents of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ and adipose triglyceride lipase in adipose tissue and serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased. BS15 also attenuated the hepatic lipid accumulation of stricken chicks by suppressing the genes expression of acetyl-CoA carboxylase, fatty acid synthase and sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c as well as stimulating the genes expression of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor α and carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1. Moreover, BS15 enhanced the development of SNE gut by improving the intestinal development and digestion as well as adjusting the gut microflora. Therefore, BS15 may provide a promising natural preventative strategy against SNE, which may be contributed to the amelioration of lipid metabolism and intestinal microflora.

Probiotic Enhanced Intestinal Immunity in Broilers against Subclinical Necrotic Enteritis

Along with banning of antibiotics, necrotic enteritis (NE), especially subclinical NE (SNE) whereby no clinical signs are present in chicks, has become one of the most threatening problems in poultry industry. Therefore, increasing attention has been focused on research and application of effective probiotic strains, as an alternative to antibiotics, to prevent SNE in broilers. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of Lactobacillus johnsonii BS15 on the prevention of SNE in broilers. Specifically, assessment determined the growth performance and indexes related to intestinal mucosal immunity in the ileum and cecal tonsil of broilers. A total of 300 1-day-old Cobb 500 chicks were randomly distributed into the following 5 groups: control group (fed with basal diet + de Man, Rogosa, and Sharpe liquid medium [normal diet]), SNE group (normal diet), BS15 group (basal diet + 1 × 10⁶ colony-forming units BS15/g as fed [BS15 diet]), treatment group (normal diet [days 1-28] + BS15 diet [days 29-42]), and prevention group (BS15 diet [days 1-28] + normal diet [days 29-42]) throughout a 42-day experimental period. SNE infection was treated for all chicks in the SNE, BS15, treatment, and prevention groups. The present results demonstrated that BS15 supplementation of feeds in BS15 and prevention groups exerted a positive effect on preventing negative influences on growth performance; these negative influences included low body weight gain and increased feed conversion ratio caused by SNE. Although no changes were detected in all determined indexes in cecal tonsils, BS15-treated broilers were free from SNE-caused damage in villi in the ileum. BS15 inhibited SNE-caused decrease in immunoglobulins in the ileum. In the lamina propria of ileum, T cell subsets of lymphocytes influenced by SNE were also controlled by BS15. BS15 affected antioxidant abilities of the ileum and controlled SNE-induced mitochondrion-mediated apoptosis by positively changing contents and/or mRNA expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins. These findings indicate that BS15 supplementation may prevent SNE-affected growth decline mainly through enhancing intestinal immunity in broilers.

Prolonged exposure to insulin with insufficient glucose leads to impaired Glut4 translocation

Insulin maintains glucose homeostasis by stimulating glucose uptake from extracellular environment to adipose and muscle tissue through glucose transporter (GLUT4). Insulin resistance plays a significant role in pathologies associated with type2 diabetes. It has been previously shown that hyperinsulinemia can lead to insulin resistance. In these studies very high levels of insulin was used to achieve insulin resistance. We hypothesized that one of the causes of type 2 diabetes could be insulin synthesis in the absence of glucose stimulation. We used CHO cell line, stably expressing Myc-GLUT4-GFP along with human insulin receptor to study the effect of hyperinsulinemia in the presence of low glucose (6.5 mM) or high glucose (20 mM). The insulin responsiveness of these cells was assessed by FRAP, FACS and subcellular fractionation. The results suggest that exposure of cells to insulin in low glucose conditions made these cells insulin resistant within 10 passages, while the same level of insulin in the presence of high glucose did not result in insulin resistance. These results clearly suggest that hyperinsulinemia combined with hypoglycaemia may lead to insulin resistance and may be one of the causes for the typ2 diabetes.

Nutritional and therapeutic perspectives of Chia (Salvia hispanica L.): a review

The ancient grain is becoming enormously popular in modern food regimen in many countries; the higher proportion of α-linolenic acid makes chia the superb source of omega-3 fatty (about 65 % of the oil content). Omega-3 fatty acid has been associated with a large number of physiological functions in human body. Chia seed is a potential source of antioxidants with the presence of chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, myricetin, quercetin, and kaempferol which are believed to have cardiac, hepatic protective effects, anti-ageing and anti-carcinogenic characteristics. It is also a great source of dietary fibre which is beneficial for the digestive system and controlling diabetes mellitus with higher concentration of beneficial unsaturated fatty acids, gluten free protein, vitamin, minerals and phenolic compounds. Therapeutic effects of chia in the control of diabetes, dyslipidaemia, hypertension, as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-blood clotting, laxative, antidepressant, antianxiety, analgesic, vision and immune improver is scientifically established.

Oculosporidial polyp infected secondarily by Enterobius vermicularis

Oculosporidiosis caused by Rhinosporidium seeberi is a common infectious disease of south India. Here we are reporting a rare case of oculosporidial polyp containing another parasite Enterobius vermicularis as a co infection. This is the first report of its kind in literature. A nine year old school going girl from a rural area presented with a reddish polypoidal lesion from conjunctiva along with complaints of severe itching over it. On examination, the polyp measured 5 mm × 5 mm in size, reddish, granular with a tendency to bleed on touch. Her vision was normal. All the basic investigations were within normal limits. A differential diagnosis of conjunctival papilloma, foreign body granuloma and oculosporidiosis were considered clinically. The polyp was removed completely using electro cautery with healthy margins around the lesion. To our surprise histopathological examination of the swelling revealed the presence of two different parasites in the conjunctival polyp. Sections showed sporangia of Rhinosporidium seeberi, fragments of Enterobius vermicularis and its eggs. She was then treated with anti helminthic drugs. Two months of follow up till now showed no recurrence of the lesion.

Quality of Surgical Case Notes at Dow University Hospital according to modified ANKLe score

Objective: To find out quality of surgical case notes according to modified Adjusted Note keeping and Legibility (ANKLe) score in Dow University Hospital.

Methods: For this audit, medical records of all the patients admitted in Dow University Hospital surgery department were reviewed from February 2012 to April 2012. The modified ANKLe score (total 24) is formed by the combination of, the content (out of 20) and legibility (out of 4) to give an overall score out of 24. A score of at least 20 (content score 17/20; legibility score 3/4) is considered as acceptable. It means that a surgical record is legible and the majority of the essential content is recorded.

Results: A total of 236 records were evaluated. Overall mean ± standard deviation (SD) of ANKLe score was 18.4± 2.1 out of maximum score of 24. Content and legibility has overall mean scores of 14.4 out of 20 and 3.9 out of 4 respectively. Only two variables, patient’s name and consultant on call were documented in 100% of records while the least documented variable were social history 2 (0.2%). Legibility scoring system provides that 218notes out of total set of 236 notes (that is 92.4% of overall notes) have achieved a score of 4. The benchmark of 80% was achieved in 26.1% for total ANKLe score, 6.8% for contents and 99.1% for legibility.

Conclusion: Overall, quality of records is not good but legibility part scores exceptionally high.