Microarray-based detection of resistance and virulence factors in commensal Escherichia coli from livestock and farmers in Egypt

The objective of our study was to provide a molecular analysis using DNA-microarray based assays of commensal E. coli populations from apparently healthy livestock and their attendants to assess the virulence potential as well as multidrug resistance (MDR) genotypes. We randomly collected 132 fecal samples from seemingly healthy smallholder´s food producing animals [buffalo (n = 32) and cattle (n = 50)] as well as from contacting farmers (n = 50). Bacterial isolation and identification were performed using standard protocols, while E. coli isolates were characterized using a DNA microarray system targeting 60 different virulence and 47 antibiotic resistance genes of clinical importance and allowing assignment to most common H and O types. From the fecal samples examined, 47 E. coli isolates were obtained. The array predicted serotypes for 14 out of the 47 E. coli isolates. Six E. coli isolates were identified as STEC since Shiga toxin genes were detected. In summary, 36 different virulence genes were identified; of which, hemL, lpfA and iss were most prevalent. Thirty-four E. coli isolates were found to carry at least one antimicrobial resistance gene. Of these, 20 did exhibit genes allowing strain classification as MDR. More than half of the isolates contained antimicrobial resistance genes associated with beta lactam resistance 27/47 (57.5 %). The 13 remaining isolates did not contain any resistance gene tested with the array. Our study demonstrated the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes and virulence genotypes among commensal E. coli of human and animal sources.

Adipose-Derived Stromal/Stem Cells from Large Animal Models: from Basic to Applied Science

Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) isolated from domestic animals fulfill the qualitative criteria of mesenchymal stem cells, including the capacity to differentiate along multiple lineage pathways and to self-renew, as well as immunomodulatory capacities. Recent findings on human diseases derived from studying large animal models, have provided evidence that administration of autologous or allogenic ASCs can improve the process of healing. In a narrow group of large animals used in bioresearch studies, pigs and horses have been shown to be the best suited models for study of the wound healing process, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal disorders. To this end, current literature demonstrates that ASC-based therapies bring considerable benefits to animal health in both spontaneously occurring and experimentally induced clinical cases. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the diversity, isolation, and characterization of ASCs from livestock. Particular attention has been paid to the functional characteristics of the cells that facilitate their therapeutic application in large animal models of human disease. In this regard, we describe outcomes of ASCs utilization in translational research with pig and horse models of disease. Furthermore, we evaluate the current status of ASC-based therapy in veterinary practice, particularly in the rapidly developing field of equine regenerative medicine. In conclusion, this review presents arguments that support the relevance of animal ASCs in the field of regenerative medicine and it provides insights into the future perspectives of ASC utilization in animal husbandry.

A Meta-Analysis of the Prevalence of Toxoplasmosis in Livestock and Poultry Worldwide

Toxoplasma gondii causes toxoplasmosis with a global prevalence in the world. A large proportion of human illness is most frequently associated with consuming raw and undercooked meat or other animal products containing infective parasitic stages of T. gondii. This systematic review and meta-analysis study evaluated the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in cattle, sheep, camels, goats, and poultry worldwide. The search was performed in databases including PubMed, WoS, Scopus, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and ISC from 2000 to 2019 in Persian and English. The main inclusion criteria were the prevalence of toxoplasmosis among livestock and poultry and the prevalence indices by sample size. During these 20 years, the overall prevalence of toxoplasmosis in livestock and poultry was 28.3% (95% confidence interval (CI) 25-31.9%) using the random-effects meta-analysis model. The highest prevalence of T. gondii in livestock and poultry animals was found in Asia in 2014 with 89.8% (95% CI 78.5-95.5%). The lowest prevalence was found in Asia in 2013 with 1.26% (95% CI 0.4-3.8%). A quarter of livestock and poultry were infected with T. gondii. Since livestock products are globally important sources of people's diet, our findings are useful for policymakers to control T. gondii infection in livestock.

Comparative studies on the effect of pig adipose-derived stem cells (pASCs) preconditioned with hypoxia or normoxia on skin wound healing in mice

Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) from human and animal fat have emerged as therapeutic alternatives for damaged tissues. Pre-conditioning of ASCs with hypoxia results in their functional enhancement, which might facilitate the process of healing. However, there is still a critical need for large-scale preclinical studies to reinforce the translation of these findings into clinical practice for humans and in veterinary medicine. Here, we adapted a full-thickness excisional skin wound mouse model to evaluate and compare the effect of pig adipose-derived stem cells (pASCs) cultured under normoxia (pASCs-Nor) or hypoxia (pASCs-Hyp) on the healing process. We show that pASCs-Hyp accelerated re-epithelialization, increased hyaluronic acid (HA) content, and decreased scar elevation index (SEI) during the late stage of healing (day 21). Transplantation of pASCs-Hyp also promoted expression of angiogenic marker VegfA and decreased levels of pro-scarring Tgfβ1. Mice tolerated xenotransplantation of the pASCs with no impact on macrophage (CD68 -positive cell) content. However, wounds treated with pASCs-Hyp exhibited decreased elasticity at the early stage of healing and increased expression of Wnt signaling members including Wnt10a, Wnt11, and β-catenin, which are associated with scar-forming wound repair. In conclusion, pASCs treatment may provide a critical step toward the evaluation of pASCs as therapeutically relevant cells in the context of wound healing.

Cryptosporidium species in non-human animal species in Latin America: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Cryptosporidiosis is an infection caused by a protozoon that inhabits the gastrointestinal tract. More than forty valid species have been described in the genus Cryptosporidium, infecting a broad range of hosts around the world, some with zoonotic transmission and others with predominant anthroponotic transmission. Prevalence studies conducted in Latin American countries have been specific, without consolidating information on species prevalences. Thus, the aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis addressing the prevalence of Cryptosporidium species in animals in Latin America. The estimated pooled prevalence rate for cryptosporidiosis in animals, by means of meta-analysis with a random-effects model, based on species identification, was 18.0% (95% CI 11.0%-27.0%) with high heterogeneity. The estimated overall prevalence was 20.3% (36/177) in pets, 19.9% (1309/6573) in livestock animals and 23.9% (954/3995) in exotic/captive animals. Evidence of circulation of 16 Cryptosporidium species was found in five Latin American countries: Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Argentina and Mexico. Through meta-analysis with a random-effects model, the pooled prevalence rate for Cryptosporidium parvum was 0.7% (95% CI 0.2%-2.4%). Cryptosporidium felis (8.5%) was the most prevalent species in pets, C. parvum (10.3%) in livestock animals and Cryptosporidium galli (17.6%) in exotic/captive animals. C. parvum was the species with the greatest geographical dispersion, which can be explained by its eurixenic and zoonotic potential. Few studies on cryptosporidiosis in animals in Latin America were found, which shows that there is a need for investment in and expansion of studies on this parasite. The pooled prevalence of C. parvum in Latin America and its wide circulation are similar to what has been observed in other developing regions, which reaffirms the importance of this species as the cause of a neglected, emerging and zoonotic parasitosis.

Use of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) to shorten the generational interval in ruminants: current status and perspectives

The challenges posed by climate change and increasing world population are stimulating renewed efforts for improving the sustainability of animal production. To meet such challenges, the contribution of genomic selection approaches, in combination with assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs), to spreading and preserving animal genetics is essential. The largest increase in genetic gain can be achieved by shortening the generation interval. This review provides an overview of the current status and progress of advanced ARTs that could be applied to reduce the generation time in both female and male of domestic ruminants. In females, the use of juvenile in vitro embryo transfer (JIVET) enables to generate offspring after the transfer of in vitro produced embryos derived from oocytes of prepubertal genetically superior donors reducing the generational interval and acceleration genetic gain. The current challenge is increasing in vitro embryo production (IVEP) from prepubertal derived oocytes which is still low and variable. The two main factors limiting IVEP success are the intrinsic quality of prepubertal oocytes and the culture systems for in vitro maturation (IVM). In males, advancements in ARTs are providing new strategies to in vitro propagate spermatogonia and differentiate them into mature sperm or even to recapitulate the whole process of spermatogenesis from embryonic stem cells. Moreover, the successful use of immature cells, such as round spermatids, for intracytoplasmic injection (ROSI) and IVEP could allow to complete the entire process in few months. However, these approaches have been successfully applied to human and mouse whereas only a few studies have been published in ruminants and results are still controversial. This is also dependent on the efficiency of ROSI that is limited by the current isolation and selection protocols of round spermatids. In conclusion, the current efforts for improving these reproductive methodologies could lead toward a significant reduction of the generational interval in livestock animals that could have a considerable impact on agriculture sustainability.

Time series of chicken stool metagenomics and egg metabolomics in changing production systems: preliminary insights from a proof-of-concept

BACKGROUND

Different production systems of livestock animals influence various factors, including the gut microbiota.

METHODS

We investigated whether changing the conditions from barns to free-range chicken farming impacts the microbiome over the course of three weeks. We compared the stool microbiota of chicken from industrial barns after introducing them either in community or separately to a free-range environment.

RESULTS

Over the six time points, 12 taxa-mostly lactobacilli-changed significantly. As expected, the former barn chicken cohort carries more resistances to common antibiotics. These, however, remained positive over the observed period. At the end of the study, we collected eggs and compared metabolomic profiles of the egg white and yolk to profiles of eggs from commercial suppliers. Here, we observed significant differences between commercial and fresh collected eggs as well as differences between the former barn chicken and free-range chicken.

CONCLUSION

Our data indicate that the gut microbiota can undergo alterations over time in response to changes in production systems. These changes subsequently exert an influence on the metabolites found in the eggs. The preliminary results of our proof-of-concept study motivate larger scale observations with more individual chicken and longer observation periods.

Targeting myostatin using quercetin as a media supplement to improve myogenesis for cultured meat production: An in silico and in vitro study

Cultured meat (CM) is an alternative protein food and is produced by cultivating muscle satellite (stem) cells (MSCs) derived from livestock animals (bovine, chickens, and porcine) through myogenesis leading to generate muscle mass. Myostatin (MSTN) is well well-known negative regulator of myogenesis, and in the present study, in silico screening of natural compounds was performed to identify MSTN inhibitors. Interestingly, quercetin was found to inhibit MSTN (binding energy -7.40 kcal/mol), and this was further validated by a 100 ns molecular dynamics simulation. Quercetin was added to culture media to boost myogenesis, and its potent antioxidant property helped maintain media pH. Furthermore, quercetin increased the myotube thickness and length, increased MSC differentiation, and upregulated the gene and protein expressions of myoblast determination protein 1 (MYOD), Myogenin (MYOG), and Myosin heavy chains (MYH) in vitro. In addition, quercetin inhibited the activities of MSTN, activin receptor type-2B (ACVR2B), and SMAD2 and 3, and thus significantly enhanced MSC differentiation and myotube formation. Overall, this study shows that quercetin might be useful for enhancing large-scale CM production. It is hoped that this study provides a starting point for research in the CM area aimed to enhancing product quality, nutritional values, and the efficacy of large-scale production.

Phytogenic feed additives as natural antibiotic alternatives in animal health and production: A review of the literature of the last decade

The use of antibiotics in animal production raises great public safety concerns; therefore, there is an urgent need for the development of substitutes for antibiotics. In recent decades, plant-derived feed additives have been widely investigated as antibiotic alternatives for use in animal health and production because they exert multiple biological functions and are less likely to induce resistance development. This review summarizes the research history and classification of phytogenic feed additives and their main functions, potential modes of action, influencing factors, and potential negative effects. Further, we highlight the challenges in developing sustainable, safe, and affordable plant-derived antibiotic alternatives for use in livestock production.

Network visualization of genes involved in skeletal muscle myogenesis in livestock animals

BACKGROUND

Muscle growth post-birth relies on muscle fiber number and size. Myofibre number, metabolic and contractile capacities are established pre-birth during prenatal myogenesis. The aim of this study was to identify genes involved in skeletal muscle development in cattle, sheep, and pigs - livestock.

RESULTS

The cattle analysis showed significant differences in 5043 genes during the 135-280 dpc period. In sheep, 444 genes differed significantly during the 70-120 dpc period. Pigs had 905 significantly different genes for the 63-91 dpc period.The biological processes and KEGG pathway enrichment results in each species individually indicated that DEGs in cattle were significantly enriched in regulation of cell proliferation, cell division, focal adhesion, ECM-receptor interaction, and signaling pathways (PI3K-Akt, PPAR, MAPK, AMPK, Ras, Rap1); in sheep - positive regulation of fibroblast proliferation, negative regulation of endothelial cell proliferation, focal adhesion, ECM-receptor interaction, insulin resistance, and signaling pathways (PI3K-Akt, HIF-1, prolactin, Rap1, PPAR); in pigs - regulation of striated muscle tissue development, collagen fibril organization, positive regulation of insulin secretion, focal adhesion, ECM-receptor interaction, and signaling pathways (PPAR, FoxO, HIF-1, AMPK). Among the DEGs common for studied animal species, 45 common genes were identified. Based on these, a protein-protein interaction network was created and three significant modules critical for skeletal muscle myogenesis were found, with the most significant module A containing four recognized hub genes - EGFR, VEGFA, CDH1, and CAV1. Using the miRWALK and TF2DNA databases, miRNAs (bta-miR-2374 and bta-miR-744) and transcription factors (CEBPB, KLF15, RELA, ZNF143, ZBTB48, and REST) associated with hub genes were detected. Analysis of GO term and KEGG pathways showed that such processes are related to myogenesis and associated with module A: positive regulation of MAP kinase activity, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, insulin-like growth factor binding, focal adhesion, and signaling pathways (PI3K-Akt, HIF-1, Rap1, Ras, MAPK).

CONCLUSIONS

The identified genes, common to the prenatal developmental period of skeletal muscle in livestock, are critical for later muscle development, including its growth by hypertrophy. They regulate valuable economic characteristics. Enhancing and breeding animals according to the recognized genes seems essential for breeders to achieve superior gains in high-quality muscle mass.