-
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... May 2024The objective of this experiment was to delve into the impacts of transportation on goats. Sixteen healthy goats were selected as experimental animals; these goats were...
The objective of this experiment was to delve into the impacts of transportation on goats. Sixteen healthy goats were selected as experimental animals; these goats were transported at a speed ranging from 35 to 45 km/h for 20 h. The changes in the physiological indexes, blood physiological indexes, biochemical indexes, rumen fermentation indexes, and rumen microbial structure composition of goats before and after transportation were measured. The results showed that after transportation, the contents of IgM, IgA, IgG, and Thyroxine decreased very significantly, while the contents of propionic acid, Hemoglobin and Epinephrine significantly increased, and the contents of VFA, acetic acid, butyric acid, isobutyric acid, isovaleric acid, LPS, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, Major Acute Phase Protein, protein carbonyl, and cortisol increased very significantly. There was no significant difference in α-diversity and β-diversity, and the relative abundance of rumen microorganisms was not significantly different at either phylum or genus levels. The experimental findings revealed that continuous transportation for a duration of 20 h can induce a severe stress response in goats, leading to compromised immune function, diminished antioxidant capacity, escalated inflammatory response, and altered rumen fermentation indices. However, the experiment did not reveal any significant impact on the structure and composition of the rumen microbiota.
PubMed: 38891663
DOI: 10.3390/ani14111616 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... May 2024The aim of the study was to investigate in vitro the antibacterial activity of 8 commercial drinking water additives against major zoonotic poultry pathogens ( spp., ,...
The aim of the study was to investigate in vitro the antibacterial activity of 8 commercial drinking water additives against major zoonotic poultry pathogens ( spp., , Typhimurium, and spp.). We tested two essential oil-based phytogenics (Phyto CSC Liquide B, AEN 350 B Liquid), two acid-based eubiotics (Salgard liquid, Intesti-Flora), and four blends of essential oils and organic acids (ProPhorce SA Exclusive, Herbal acid, Rigosol-N and Eubisan 3000). The antibacterial activity was determined by estimating the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) using a microdilution method. The MICs of the products against spp. ranged from 0.071% to 0.568% /, in which Herbal acid, a blend rich in lactic and phosphoric acids, also containing thyme and oregano oils, exhibited the highest efficacy (MIC: 0.071% /) against all the tested strains. The MICs of the tested products against ranged between 0.071% and 1.894% /. Specifically, the MIC of Rigosol-N, a blend of high concentrations of lactic and acetic acid, was 0.142% / for both tested strains, whereas the MICs of Intesti-Flora, a mixture rich in lactic and propionic acid, ranged from 0.284% to 0.568% /. The MICs of the products against Typhimurium were between 0.095% and 1.894% /. Specifically, the MIC of Eubisan 3000, a blend rich in oregano oil, was 0.284% /. The MICs against were between 0.142% and 9.090% /. The MICs of Phyto CSC Liquide B, which is rich in -cinnamaldehyde, were between 3.030% and 9.090% /, showing the highest MIC values of all tested products. Finally, the MIC values of the tested commercial products against spp. were 0.095% to 3.030% /. The MICs of ProPhorce SA Exclusive, a highly concentrated blend of formic acid and its salts, were 0.095-0.142% / against spp., while the MICs of AEN 350 B Liquid were between 0.284% and 1.894% exhibiting high spp. strain variability. In conclusion, all the selected commercial products exhibited more or less antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria and, thus, can be promising alternatives to antibiotics for the control of zoonotic poultry pathogens and the restriction of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria.
PubMed: 38891658
DOI: 10.3390/ani14111611 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... May 2024The branches and leaves (LBL) are known to contain a range of active substances that have positive effects on animal immunity and antioxidation. This study aimed to...
The branches and leaves (LBL) are known to contain a range of active substances that have positive effects on animal immunity and antioxidation. This study aimed to examine how LBL impacts the growth and slaughter performance as well as rumen fermentation and microbiota in Hu sheep. A total of 50 male Hu sheep of indigenous origin, aged 3 months, were randomly divided into 5 groups of 10 sheep each. The groups were given different levels of LBL supplementation (0%, 3%, 6%, 9%, and 12%) to evaluate growth performance and nutrient apparent digestibility. Rumen fluid samples were collected for analysis of the fermentation parameters and rumen chyme was examined to study the rumen microbiota. The slaughter performance, meat quality, and organ index were evaluated at the conclusion of the experiment. The results showed that the final body weight and average daily gain of the LBL1 group were significantly higher than those of the CON group, LBL3 group, and LBL4 group ( < 0.05). The average dry matter intake of the LBL4 group was significantly lower than that of other experimental groups ( < 0.05). The apparent digestibility of CP in the LBL1 and LBL2 groups was higher than that in other experimental groups ( < 0.05). At the same time, the eye muscle area and grade-rule (GR) value of Hu sheep in the LBL1 group significantly increased and the quality of Hu sheep meat improved ( < 0.05). There was no significant difference in organ weight and organ index between the experimental groups ( > 0.05). The pH of the rumen fluid in the LBL1 group was significantly lower than that in the CON group ( < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the NH-N content between the experimental groups ( > 0.05). The propionate and valerate in the rumen fluid of Hu sheep in the LBL2 group were significantly higher than those in other experimental groups ( < 0.05). In addition, this had no significant effect on the structure and abundance of the rumen microbiota ( > 0.05). LBL is a promising functional feed. Adding an appropriate amount of LBL to the diet can improve the feed efficiency, growth performance, and meat quality of Hu sheep but has no adverse effects on the rumen. In this experiment, the appropriate supplemental level of LBL in the diet was 3%.
PubMed: 38891656
DOI: 10.3390/ani14111610 -
Foods (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024In the present study, four species that could degrade Fuzhuan brick tea polysaccharide-3 (FBTPS-3) were isolated from human feces and identified to be , . The four...
In the present study, four species that could degrade Fuzhuan brick tea polysaccharide-3 (FBTPS-3) were isolated from human feces and identified to be , . The four species showed growth on FBTPS-3 as the carbon source, and showed the best capability for utilizing FBTPS-3 among the four species since could utilize more FBTPS-3 during 24 h fermentation. Moreover, the four species could metabolize FBTPS-3 and promote the production of acetic, propionic and isovaleric acids. Transcriptome analysis of revealed that 602 genes were up-regulated by FBTPS-3, including two carbohydrate-active enzyme clusters and four polysaccharide utilization loci (PULs). The PUL 1 contained GH28 family that could hydrolyze rhamnogalacturonan and other pectic substrates, which was in line with our previous work that rhamnose and galacturonic acid were the main component monosaccharides of FBTPS-3. Collectively, the results suggested that FBTPS-3 could be utilized by spp., and it might be developed as a promising prebiotic targeting Bacteroidetes in intestinal environment.
PubMed: 38890895
DOI: 10.3390/foods13111666 -
Foods (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Owing to the interplay of genetic and environmental factors, obesity has emerged as a significant global public health concern. To gain enhanced control over obesity, we...
Owing to the interplay of genetic and environmental factors, obesity has emerged as a significant global public health concern. To gain enhanced control over obesity, we examined the effects of type 2 resistant starch (RS2) and its promoted microbial-derived metabolite, indole-3-propionic acid (IPA), on hepatic steatosis, antioxidant activity, and gut microbiota in obese mice. Neither RS2 nor low-dose IPA (20 mg kg) exhibited a reduction in body weight or improved glucose and lipid metabolism in post-obesity state mice continuously fed the high-fat diet (HFD). However, both interventions improved hepatic steatosis, with RS2 being more effective in all measured parameters, potentially due to changes in gut microbiota and metabolites not solely attributed to IPA. LC-MS/MS analysis revealed increased serum IPA levels in both RS2 and IPA groups, which positively correlated with and Clostridium. Moreover, RS2 exhibited a more significant restoration of gut dysbiosis by promoting the abundance of health-promoting bacteria including and . These findings suggest that the regulatory role of RS2 on tryptophan metabolism only partially explains its prebiotic activity. Future studies should consider increasing the dose of IPA and combining RS2 and IPA to explore their potential interventions in obesity.
PubMed: 38890854
DOI: 10.3390/foods13111625 -
Gut Microbes 2024Alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) is recognized as a global health crisis, contributing to approximately 20% of liver cancer-associated fatalities. Dysbiosis of the...
Alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) is recognized as a global health crisis, contributing to approximately 20% of liver cancer-associated fatalities. Dysbiosis of the gut microbiome is associated with the development of ALD, with the gut microbial metabolite urolithin A (UA) exhibiting a potential for alleviating liver symptoms. However, the protective efficacy of UA against ALD and its underlying mechanism mediated by microbiota remain elusive. In this study, we provide evidence demonstrating that UA effectively ameliorates alcohol-induced metabolic disorders and hepatic endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress through a specific gut-microbiota-liver axis mediated by major urinary protein 1 (MUP1). Moreover, UA exhibited the potential to restore alcohol-induced dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiota by enriching the abundance of (), (), and (), along with their derived metabolite propionic acid. Partial attenuation of the hepatoprotective effects exerted by UA was observed upon depletion of gut microbiota using antibiotics. Subsequently, a fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) experiment was conducted to evaluate the microbiota-dependent effects of UA in ALD. FMT derived from mice treated with UA exhibited comparable efficacy to direct UA treatment, as it effectively attenuated ER stress through modulation of MUP1. It was noteworthy that strong associations were observed among the hepatic MUP1, gut microbiome, and metabolome profiles affected by UA. Intriguingly, oral administration of UA-enriched , , and can enhance propionic acid production to effectively suppress ER stress via MUP1, mimicking UA treatment. Collectively, these findings elucidate the causal mechanism that UA alleviated ALD through the gut-microbiota-liver axis. This unique mechanism sheds light on developing novel microbiome-targeted therapeutic strategies against ALD.
Topics: Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Animals; Mice; Liver; Liver Diseases, Alcoholic; Male; Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Coumarins; Dysbiosis; Humans; Bacteria
PubMed: 38889450
DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2024.2367342 -
Frontiers in Microbiology 2024Ruminal methane production is the main sink for metabolic hydrogen generated during rumen fermentation, and is a major contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emission....
Ruminal methane production is the main sink for metabolic hydrogen generated during rumen fermentation, and is a major contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emission. Individual ruminants exhibit varying methane production efficiency; therefore, understanding the microbial characteristics of low-methane-emitting animals could offer opportunities for mitigating enteric methane. Here, we investigated the association between rumen fermentation and rumen microbiota, focusing on methane production, and elucidated the physiological characteristics of bacteria found in low methane-producing cows. Thirteen Holstein cows in the late lactation stage were fed a corn silage-based total mixed ration (TMR), and feed digestion, milk production, rumen fermentation products, methane production, and rumen microbial composition were examined. Cows were classified into two ruminal fermentation groups using Principal component analysis: low and high methane-producing cows (36.9 vs. 43.2 L/DMI digested) with different ruminal short chain fatty acid ratio [(C2+C4)/C3] (3.54 vs. 5.03) and dry matter (DM) digestibility (67.7% vs. 65.3%). However, there were no significant differences in dry matter intake (DMI) and milk production between both groups. Additionally, there were differences in the abundance of OTUs assigned to uncultured sp., , and other 12 bacterial phylotypes between both groups. Specifically, a previously uncultured novel sp. with lactate-producing phenotype was detected, with higher abundance in low methane-producing cows. These findings provide evidence that may be associated with low methane and high propionate production. However, further research is required to improve the understanding of microbial relationships and metabolic processes involved in the mitigation of enteric methane.
PubMed: 38887715
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1404991 -
Frontiers in Neuroscience 2024This mini-review explores the role of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Highlighting the microbiota-gut-brain axis, this study... (Review)
Review
This mini-review explores the role of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Highlighting the microbiota-gut-brain axis, this study investigated the bidirectional communication between the gut microbiome and mental health. SCFAs, byproducts of gut microbial fermentation, have been examined for their potential impact on PTSD, with a focus on molecular mechanisms and therapeutic interventions. This review discusses changes in SCFA levels and bacterial profiles in individuals with PTSD, emphasizing the need for further research. Promising outcomes from clinical trials using probiotics and fermented formulations suggest potential avenues for PTSD management. Future directions involve establishing comprehensive human cohorts, integrating multiomics data, and employing advanced computational methods, with the goal of deepening our understanding of the role of SCFAs in PTSD and exploring microbiota-targeted interventions.
PubMed: 38887367
DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1394953 -
European Review For Medical and... Jun 2024Frozen shoulder is a prevalent condition among individuals in their middle and later years. Invasive therapy has shown promising results in the treatment of frozen... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
OBJECTIVE
Frozen shoulder is a prevalent condition among individuals in their middle and later years. Invasive therapy has shown promising results in the treatment of frozen shoulders, but its widespread adoption has been hampered by high costs and the need for advanced medical technology. As a result, patients with frozen shoulders often turn to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for symptomatic relief. However, the oral administration of NSAIDs can lead to troublesome adverse effects on the gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and urinary systems. In contrast, topical NSAIDs have gained attention for their excellent efficacy and lower adverse effects in various chronic pain conditions. Therefore, our study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of topical NSAIDs in improving pain and mobility among patients with frozen shoulders.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
A total of 108 patients experiencing moderate to severe pain and mobility impairment due to frozen shoulder were enrolled in this study. The participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (n=72) or the control group (n=36). The experimental group received daily treatment with the loxoprofen hydrogel patch (LOX-P) in addition to basic rehabilitation physiotherapy. The control group was treated with flurbiprofen cataplasm (FLU-C) twice a day, along with rehabilitation physiotherapy. The primary endpoint for evaluating the efficacy of the two patches was the Constant-Murley score (CMS). Clinical symptom data, adverse events, and patient satisfaction were also recorded.
RESULTS
After 14 days of treatment, the effective rate was 66.67% (n=48) in the experimental group and 41.67% (n=15) in the control group. The overall difference in the effective rates was 25.00% (95% CI=5.20-42.52; p=0.013). The safety profiles of the two topical agents were similar, with only a few adverse events reported.
CONCLUSIONS
The loxoprofen hydrogel patch demonstrates a significant ability to alleviate shoulder pain and restore shoulder function in the treatment of frozen shoulder, with minimal adverse reactions. Chictr.org.cn ID: ChiCTR2100052375.
Topics: Humans; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Bursitis; Middle Aged; Administration, Topical; Male; Female; Physical Therapy Modalities; Phenylpropionates; Aged; Treatment Outcome; Flurbiprofen; Adult
PubMed: 38884511
DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202406_36381 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024A series of 4-ferrcenylbutyl carboxylate esters with different alkyl chain length (C-C) of carboxylic acids were synthesized using FeO@SiO@(CH)-Im-bisEthylFc[I]...
A series of 4-ferrcenylbutyl carboxylate esters with different alkyl chain length (C-C) of carboxylic acids were synthesized using FeO@SiO@(CH)-Im-bisEthylFc[I] nanoparticles as catalyst and have been characterized with FT-IR, H NMR, and C NMR. Ferrocenyl-based esters were used as corrosion inhibitors of mild steel in the 1M HCl solution as corrosive media. The corrosion inhibition efficiency of the synthesized ferrocenyl-based esters has been assessed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), potentiodynamic polarization (PDP), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The 4-ferrocenylbutyl propionate showed a more effective corrosion inhibition behavior among the studied esters with 96% efficiency after immersion in the corrosive media for 2 weeks. The corrosion inhibition mechanism is dominated by formation of passive layer of inhibitor on the surface of the mild steel by adsorption. Moreover, the adsorption characteristics of 4-butylferrcenyl carboxylate esters on mild steel were thoroughly explored using density functional theory calculations. It was found that the Fe atoms located around the C impurity in the mild steel are the most efficient and active sites to adsorb 4-butylferrcenyl carboxylate esters.
PubMed: 38879584
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64471-0