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Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2024It has been well documented that n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) can alleviate inflammation caused by () lipopolysaccharides (LPS), the etiologic agents that...
It has been well documented that n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) can alleviate inflammation caused by () lipopolysaccharides (LPS), the etiologic agents that causing yellow or white dysentery in young pigs. However, it remains unclear whether the increase in n-3 PUFA availability could enhance the ability of nursery pigs to resist invasion by . LPS. Twenty-four 21-day-old female piglets, each two of them from the same sow fed the beef tallow (BT) or fish oil (FO) diets, were allocated into four treatment groups: BT-CON, piglets from the BT-fed sows and intraperitoneally injected with saline (9 g/L); BT-LPS, piglets from the BT-fed sows and injected with LPS (100 μg/kg body weight); FO-CON, piglets from the FO-fed sows and injected with saline; FO-LPS, piglets from the FO-fed sows and injected with LPS. Following 2 h of LPS challenge, the magnitudes of increase in body temperature approached to a marked ( 0.01) difference between the BT-CON and BT-LPS piglets, whereas the dramatic ( 0.01) difference between the FO-CON and FO-LPS piglets was only observed at 4 h post LPS challenge. The body temperature averaged across the time points evaluated was about 0.2°C lower ( 0.05) in the FO group than in the BT group. The FO group had lower ( 0.05) mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, lower increase in serum interleukin (IL)-1β ( < 0.10) and IL-8 ( 0.05) levels, higher ( 0.01) serum albumin concentration, and higher ( = 0.10) ratios of jejunum villus height to crypt depth than the BT group. The FO group had much higher ( 0.0001) ileal content of C20:5n3, C24:0, and C22:6n3, which were 2-4 times the content of the BT group. LPS challenge resulted in decreased ( 0.05) intestinal C20:1 and C20:5n3 content, and the decrease ( 0.05) in intestinal C20:3n6 and C24:1 content was observed in the BT-LPS piglets rather than in the FO-LPS piglets. Taken together, this study indicated that maternal consumption of fish oil protected breast-fed piglets against LPS-induced damage through reshaping of intestinal fatty acids profile, which sheds new light on the development of nutritional strategies to enhance the ability of young pigs to resist invasion.
PubMed: 38952807
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1417078 -
Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2024High temperatures have detrimental effects on the performance and physiology of broiler chickens. Medicinal plants have various biological activities and may enhance the...
High temperatures have detrimental effects on the performance and physiology of broiler chickens. Medicinal plants have various biological activities and may enhance the heat resistance of chickens during heat waves. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the potential roles of using specific local medicinal plants to alleviate the negative impacts of heat stress (HS) in broilers. In this study, 180 day-old chicks were used to investigate the effects of HS and dietary indigenous medicinal plants on growth performance, antioxidant biomarkers, and intestinal health. The chicks were assigned to six groups (18 pens with 10 chicks per pen) with three replicates each. In the first group, the chicks were kept under thermoneutral conditions (CON) and fed a basal diet. The other five groups were exposed to recurrent heat stress and fed a basal diet (T1, HS group) or supplemented with Artemisia Sieberi (1.25 g/kg of feed; T2), Achillea Fragrantissima (15 g/kg of feed; T3), (10 g/kg of feed; T4), and all the previous additives (all-in-one) combined at the same dose levels mentioned above (T5). At 21 days of age, the chicks from each group were exposed to two phases of heat stress: phase 1 from days 21 to 34 (34 ± 1°C) followed by phase 2 from days 35 to 39 (37 ± 1°C). The results indicate that HS significantly increased rectal temperature and respiration rate in broiler chickens. Feed intake and body weight gain were improved in all supplemented groups, while the feed conversion ratio was decreased in response to the dietary inclusion of medicinal plants. Additionally, glutathione peroxidase and immunoglobulin G levels were increased in the T3, T4, and T5 groups compared to the other groups. HS induced significant upregulated in the mRNA levels of heat shock protein 70 and interleukin-8, while the mRNA of occludin was decreased. The T3, T4, and T5 showed significantly decreased expression of hepatic HSP70 and ileum IL-8 genes and increased ileum mRNA occludin levels relative to the CON and T1 groups. In conclusion, supplementation with these plants enhances growth performance and maintains intestinal health sustaining the productivity of broiler chickens under HS conditions.
PubMed: 38952804
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1410580 -
Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2024The systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to determine the estimates of the prevalence and infection rates of natural and experimental infections of...
The systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to determine the estimates of the prevalence and infection rates of natural and experimental infections of amphistome species in intermediate host snails (IHs) across different continents. A search of peer-reviewed literature on natural and experimental infections of freshwater snails with amphistome species was conducted from four electronic databases from 1984 to 2023. The estimates of the prevalence and/or infection rates were based on 36 eligible peer-reviewed articles, which met the inclusion criteria and reported on natural and experimental infections of amphistome species in freshwater snails. The results showed that a total of 1,67,081 snail species from the peer-reviewed articles were examined for natural infections and 7,659 snail species for experimental infections. The overall pooled prevalence of amphistome infections from naturally infected snails was 2% (95% CI: 0-4), while the overall pooled prevalence of amphistome infections from infections was 40% (95% CI: 18-64). The highest pooled prevalence of natural infection was 3%, which was recorded in Europe (95% CI: 1-7%). The highest overall prevalence of naturally infected amphistome was 6% (95% CI: 0-20%) for . The Americas had the highest pooled prevalence of experimental amphistome infection among freshwater snails (66%; 95% CI: 26-96%). The highest pooled infection rate of 65% (95% CI: 12-100%) was recorded for in experimental infections. was the only snail that qualified for meta-analysis for natural infection with with a pooled prevalence of 3% (95% CI: 1-8%). infected with and infected with in the experimental infection qualified for the meta-analysis, with an overall infection rate of 66% (95% CI: 34-92%) and 30% (95% CI: 0-74%), respectively. The pooled prevalence of amphistome species infection in the intermediate host (IH) snails based on detection techniques was higher with PCR compared to the dissection and shedding of cercariae. The results from the quality effects model revealed a high heterogeneity and publication bias between studies. This meta-analysis provided valuable insights into the prevalence and infection rates of amphistome species in snail IHs across different geographical regions.
PubMed: 38952801
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1418979 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2024In China, the rapid progression of population aging presents significant challenges to society and the economy, drawing widespread attention to the health conditions of...
INTRODUCTION
In China, the rapid progression of population aging presents significant challenges to society and the economy, drawing widespread attention to the health conditions of older adults. While aging is often seen as a societal burden, the phenomenon of intergenerational economic support reveals the potential for older adults to continue playing an active role within their families. This study delves into how older parents' financial support to their children can reciprocally influence their own health, exploring the potential non-linear relationships involved.
METHODS
This research, utilizing data from the 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, employs instrumental variable techniques and cross-sectional threshold models to examine how financial support provided by older adults to their children affects their health. It particularly highlights the varied impacts of economic support on older adults' health at different levels of support.
RESULTS
The findings indicate that moderate intergenerational economic support significantly enhances the health of older adults, while either minimal or excessive financial support does not demonstrate the same positive effect. Additionally, subjective life expectancy plays a mediating role between intergenerational economic support and the health of older adults, further emphasizing the beneficial impact of economic support.
DISCUSSION
The study underscores the importance of moderate intergenerational economic support in improving the health of older adults amidst aging challenges. Future policies and practices should consider how to encourage and optimize such support to address the challenges of an aging society, enhance the welfare of older adults, and promote healthy aging.
Topics: Humans; China; Aged; Longitudinal Studies; Female; Male; Intergenerational Relations; Cross-Sectional Studies; Middle Aged; Aging; Health Status; Aged, 80 and over; Financial Support
PubMed: 38952730
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1337829 -
Current Research in Parasitology &... 2024Although bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) act as natural reservoirs for many zoonotic pathogens around the world, few studies have investigated the occurrence of agents in...
Although bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) act as natural reservoirs for many zoonotic pathogens around the world, few studies have investigated the occurrence of agents in bats, especially vampire bats. The family (order Rickettsiales) encompasses obligate intracellular bacteria of the genera , , , , , and . The present study aimed to investigate, using molecular techniques, the presence of species of , , and in vampire bats sampled in northern Brazil. Between 2017 and 2019, spleen samples were collected from vampire bats belonging to two species, ( 228) from the states of Pará ( = 207), Amazonas ( = 1), Roraima ( = 18) and Amapá ( = 3), and ( = 1) from Pará. Positivity rates of 5.2% (12/229), 3% (7/229), and 10.9% (25/229) were found in PCR assays for spp. (16S rRNA gene), a spp. ( gene) and spp. (16S rRNA gene), respectively. The present study revealed, for the first time, the occurrence of spp. and different genotypes of spp. in vampire bats from Brazil. While phylogenetic analyses based on the and genes of and 16S rRNA of spp. revealed phylogenetic proximity of the genotypes detected in vampire bats with agents associated with domestic ruminants, phylogenetic inferences based on the and genes evidenced the occurrence of genotypes apparently exclusive to bats. sp. phylogenetically associated with was also detected in vampire bats sampled in northern Brazil.
PubMed: 38952690
DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2024.100182 -
Journal of Biomedical Optics Jun 2024Biomanufacturing utilizes modified microbial systems to sustainably produce commercially important biomolecules for use in agricultural, energy, food, material, and... (Review)
Review
SIGNIFICANCE
Biomanufacturing utilizes modified microbial systems to sustainably produce commercially important biomolecules for use in agricultural, energy, food, material, and pharmaceutical industries. However, technological challenges related to non-destructive and high-throughput metabolite screening need to be addressed to fully unlock the potential of synthetic biology and sustainable biomanufacturing.
AIM
This perspective outlines current analytical screening tools used in industrial cell strain development programs and introduces label-free vibrational spectro-microscopy as an alternative contrast mechanism.
APPROACH
We provide an overview of the analytical instrumentation currently used in the "test" portion of the design, build, test, and learn cycle of synthetic biology. We then highlight recent progress in Raman scattering and infrared absorption imaging techniques, which have enabled improved molecular specificity and sensitivity.
RESULTS
Recent developments in high-resolution chemical imaging methods allow for greater throughput without compromising the image contrast. We provide a roadmap of future work needed to support integration with microfluidics for rapid screening at the single-cell level.
CONCLUSIONS
Quantifying the net expression of metabolites allows for the identification of cells with metabolic pathways that result in increased biomolecule production, which is essential for improving the yield and reducing the cost of industrial biomanufacturing. Technological advancements in vibrational microscopy instrumentation will greatly benefit biofoundries as a complementary approach for non-destructive cell screening.
Topics: Spectrum Analysis, Raman; Vibration; Bacteria
PubMed: 38952688
DOI: 10.1117/1.JBO.29.S2.S22711 -
Frontiers in Bioengineering and... 2024Phenotypic analysis has significant potential for aiding breeding efforts. However, there is a notable lack of studies utilizing phenotypic analysis in the field of...
Phenotypic analysis has significant potential for aiding breeding efforts. However, there is a notable lack of studies utilizing phenotypic analysis in the field of edible fungi. is a lucrative edible fungus with significant market demand and substantial industrial output, and early-stage phenotypic analysis of is imperative during its breeding process. This study utilizes image recognition technology to investigate the phenotypic features of the mycelium of . We aim to establish the relations between these phenotypic characteristics and mycelial quality. Four groups of mycelia, namely, the non-degraded and degraded mycelium and the 5th and 14th subcultures, are used as image sources. Two categories of phenotypic metrics, outline and texture, are quantitatively calculated and analyzed. In the outline features of the mycelium, five indexes, namely, mycelial perimeter, radius, area, growth rate, and change speed, are proposed to demonstrate mycelial growth. In the texture features of the mycelium, five indexes, namely, mycelial coverage, roundness, groove depth, density, and density change, are studied to analyze the phenotypic characteristics of the mycelium. Moreover, we also compared the cellulase and laccase activities of the mycelium and found that cellulase level was consistent with the phenotypic indices of the mycelium, which further verified the accuracy of digital image processing technology in analyzing the phenotypic characteristics of the mycelium. The results indicate that there are significant differences in these 10 phenotypic characteristic indices ( ), elucidating a close relationship between phenotypic characteristics and mycelial quality. This conclusion facilitates rapid and accurate strain selection in the early breeding stage of .
PubMed: 38952667
DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1338276 -
Ecology and Evolution Jul 2024This study delves into the concept of niche conservatism (NC) and its implications for how hornets (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) and honeybees respond to climate change. Our...
This study delves into the concept of niche conservatism (NC) and its implications for how hornets (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) and honeybees respond to climate change. Our primary objectives are threefold: firstly, to assess whether distinct environmental niche spaces (E-space) exist between 12 hornets and honeybees like and in Asia; Secondly, to explore the degree to which Asian hornets have attained geographic equilibrium alongside honeybee species. Lastly, is to investigate how the geographic niche overlap (G-space) between hornets and honeybees could potentially change under climate change scenarios. To accomplish these goals, we employed ordination and ecological niche modeling techniques to analyze 91 pairs of hornets and honeybees in both geographic (G-space) and environmental (E-space) contexts. Then, we projected the potential impacts of climate change on the future geographic overlap between hornets and honeybees, specifically under the SSP585 climate scenario for the year 2070. Our results demonstrated that the environmental niches (E-space) of hornets and honeybees can be treated as interchangeable, indicating they have similar environmental preferences despite being unrelated taxa. We found that currently exhibits a moderate geographic niche overlap (G-space) of 0.63 with both honeybee species. Meanwhile, demonstrates an overlap of 0.46 with and 0.63 with . The overlap of with might potentially decrease to 0.51 and 0.56 with . For , the overlap could reach 0.41 with and 0.6 with under a climate change scenario. This study indicates that the limited spatial overlap between honeybees and hornets across certain areas in Asia is more likely influenced by geographical barriers rather than solely environmental unsuitability for hornets. In this study, we delve into the concept of niche conservatism (NC) and its implications for how hornets (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) and honeybees respond to climate change.
PubMed: 38952666
DOI: 10.1002/ece3.11615 -
Ecology and Evolution Jul 2024Urban environments expose wildlife to levels of anthropogenic noise they would not experience in rural areas (e.g., traffic noise), and research suggests that many...
Urban environments expose wildlife to levels of anthropogenic noise they would not experience in rural areas (e.g., traffic noise), and research suggests that many species adjust their acoustic signals for optimal transmission in urban soundscapes. However, our understanding of anuran (order Anura) responses to noise pollution in urban environments of the southeastern United States is limited, particularly for species that can breed during winter. Our goal was to examine how vocal anuran advertisement call characteristics during winter varied with increasing distance from roadways in bottomland hardwoods of Louisiana, USA. We deployed acoustic recording units at two sites (i.e., rural and urban) perpendicular to Interstate 10 at 200-, 400-, and 600-m intervals (i.e., close, middle, and far) from November 2019 to January 2020. We detected Cajun Chorus Frogs () and Cricket Frogs ( spp.) at our rural site, and only detected Cricket Frogs at our urban site. At the rural site, Cajun Chorus Frogs produced longer duration notes at the far location compared to the middle location. At the urban site, Cricket Frogs produced higher dominant frequency calls at the close location compared to the far and middle locations and longer duration notes at the far location compared to the close location. We were unable to account for additional factors in our models (e.g., temperature, noise levels), but our results generally align with previous research. Our study provides baseline data for future research to examine the potential effects of traffic noise on winter advertisement calls in locations with similar environmental conditions and species.
PubMed: 38952649
DOI: 10.1002/ece3.11679 -
Food Chemistry: X Jun 2024Lemongrass essential oil (LEO), extracted from high-oil lemongrass, gains prominence as a versatile natural product due to growing demand for safe health solutions. LEO... (Review)
Review
Lemongrass essential oil (LEO), extracted from high-oil lemongrass, gains prominence as a versatile natural product due to growing demand for safe health solutions. LEO comprises beneficial compounds like citral, isoneral, geraniol, and citronellal, offering diverse pharmacological benefits such as antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, and anticancer effects. LEO finds applications in food preservation, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, enhancing profitability across these sectors. The review focuses on the extraction of LEO, emphasizing the need for cost-effective methods. Ultrasound and supercritical fluid extraction are effective in reducing extraction time, increasing yields, and enhancing oil quality. LEO shows promise as a valuable natural resource across industries, with applications in packaging, coating, and film development. LEO's ability to extend the shelf life of food items and impart natural flavors positions it as a valuable asset. Overall, the review emphasizes LEO's therapeutic, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, strengthening its potential in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic sectors.
PubMed: 38952570
DOI: 10.1016/j.fochx.2024.101521