Biocontrol of Escherichia coli O157:H7 by Enterobacter asburiae AEB30 on intact cantaloupe melons

Escherichia coli O157:H7 causes >73,000 foodborne illnesses in the United States annually, many of which have been associated with fresh ready-to-eat produce including cantaloupe melons. In this study, we created a produce-associated bacterial (PAB) library containing >7500 isolates and screened them for the ability to inhibit the growth of E. coli O157:H7 using an in vitro fluorescence-based growth assay. One isolate, identified by 16S and whole-genome sequence analysis as Enterobacter asburiae, was able to inhibit the growth of E. coli by ~30-fold in vitro and produced zones of inhibition between 13 and 21 mm against 12 E. coli outbreak strains in an agar spot assay. We demonstrated that E. asburiae AEB30 was able to grow, persist and inhibit the growth of E. coli on cantaloupe melons under simulated pre- and post-harvest conditions. Analysis of the E. asburiae AEB30 genome revealed an operon encoding a contact-dependent growth inhibition (CDI) system that when mutated resulted in the loss of E. coli growth inhibition. These data suggest that E. asburiae AEB30 is a potential biocontrol agent to prevent E. coli contamination of cantaloupe melons in both pre- and post-harvest environments and that its mode of action is via a CDI system.

Establishment of a chicken intestinal organoid culture system to assess deoxynivalenol-induced damage of the intestinal barrier function

BACKGROUND

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a mycotoxin that has received recognition worldwide because of its ability to cause growth delay, nutrient malabsorption, weight loss, emesis, and a reduction of feed intake in livestock. Since DON-contaminated feedstuff is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, we used chicken organoids to assess the DON-induced dysfunction of the small intestine.

RESULTS

We established a culture system using chicken organoids and characterized the organoids at passages 1 and 10. We confirmed the mRNA expression levels of various cell markers in the organoids, such as KI67, leucine-rich repeat containing G protein-coupled receptor 5 (Lgr5), mucin 2 (MUC2), chromogranin A (CHGA), cytokeratin 19 (CK19), lysozyme (LYZ), and microtubule-associated doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1), and compared the results to those of the small intestine. Our results showed that the organoids displayed functional similarities in permeability compared to the small intestine. DON damaged the tight junctions of the organoids, which resulted in increased permeability.

CONCLUSIONS

Our organoid culture displayed topological, genetic, and functional similarities with the small intestine cells. Based on these similarities, we confirmed that DON causes small intestine dysfunction. Chicken organoids offer a practical model for the research of harmful substances.

Perfluorooctanoic acid suppresses sperm functions via abnormal Protein Kinase B activation during capacitation

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a perfluorinated compound, a synthesized chemical, and has been used in several industrial products for more than 70 years. Although PFOA is known to exert toxic effects in normal cells, there is no detailed information on its reproductive toxicity and its effects on sperm functions related to protein kinase B (AKT). Therefore, this study was conducted to explore the effects of PFOA on sperm functions via AKT. Boar spermatozoa were incubated with different concentrations of PFOA (0, 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 μM) to induce capacitation. Sperm functions (sperm motility, motion kinematic parameters, capacitation status, cell viability, and intracellular ATP levels) were evaluated. In addition, the expression levels of AKT, phospho-AKT, phospho-PKA, and tyrosine phosphorylated proteins were evaluated by western blotting. Results showed significant decreases in sperm motility and motion kinematic parameters. PFOA treatment significant suppressed spermatozoa capacitation and intracellular ATP levels. Furthermore, it significantly decreased the levels of phospho-PKA and tyrosine phosphorylated proteins. The levels of AKT phosphorylation at Thr308 and Ser473 also significantly decreased. These findings suggest that PFOA diminishes sperm functions during capacitation and induces unnatural phosphorylation in AKT, leading to reproductive toxicity. Therefore, people should be aware of reproductive toxicity when using PFOA.

Use of Pantoea agglomerans ASB05 as a biocontrol agent to inhibit the growth of Salmonella enterica on intact cantaloupe melons

AIMS

To identify biocontrol agents to prevent the growth of Salmonella serotype Enterica on cantaloupe melons during the pre- and postharvest periods.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We created a produce-associated bacterial library containing 8736 isolates and screened it using an in-vitro fluorescence inhibition assay to identify bacteria that inhibit the growth of S. Enterica. One isolate, Pantoea agglomerans ASB05, was able to grow, persist, and inhibit the growth of S. Enterica on intact cantaloupe melons under simulated pre- and postharvest conditions. We also demonstrated that the growth inhibition of S. Enterica by P. agglomerans ASB05 was due to the production of a phenazine type antibiotic.

CONCLUSIONS

Pantoea agglomerans ASB05 is an effective biocontrol agent for the prevention of S. Enterica growth on intact cantaloupe melons in both the pre- and postharvest environments.

TLR/MyD88-Mediated Inflammation Induced in Porcine Intestinal Epithelial Cells by Ochratoxin A Affects Intestinal Barrier Function

The intestinal epithelium performs vital functions such as nutrient absorption and acting as an intestinal barrier to maintain the host's homeostasis. Mycotoxin, which affects the processing and storage of animal feedstuff, is a problematic pollutant in farming products. Ochratoxin A generated by Aspergillus and Penicillium fungi causes inflammation, intestinal dysfunction, decline in growth, and reduced intake in porcine and other livestock. Despite these ongoing problems, OTA-related studies in intestinal epithelium are lacking. This study aimed to demonstrate that OTA regulates TLR/MyD88 signaling in IPEC-J2 cells and induces barrier function impairment through tight junction reduction. We measured expression of TLR/MyD88 signaling-related mRNAs and proteins. The indicator of intestinal barrier integrity was confirmed through immunofluorescence and transepithelial electrical resistance. Additionally, we confirmed whether inflammatory cytokines and barrier function were affected by MyD88 inhibition. MyD88 inhibition alleviated inflammatory cytokine levels, tight junction reduction, and damage to barrier function due to OTA. These results indicate that OTA induces TLR/MyD88 signaling-related genes and impairs tight junctions and intestinal barrier function in IPEC-J2 cells. MyD88 regulation in OTA-treated IPEC-J2 cells mitigates the tight junction and intestinal barrier function impairments. Our findings provide a molecular understanding of OTA toxicity in porcine intestinal epithelial cells.

Pyroptosis-Mediated Damage Mechanism by Deoxynivalenol in Porcine Small Intestinal Epithelial Cells

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is known as a vomitoxin, which frequently contaminates feedstuffs, such as corn, wheat, and barley. Intake of DON-contaminated feed has been known to cause undesirable effects, including diarrhea, emesis, reduced feed intake, nutrient malabsorption, weight loss, and delay in growth, in livestock. However, the molecular mechanism of DON-induced damage of the intestinal epithelium requires further investigation. Treatment with DON triggered ROS in IPEC-J2 cells and increased the mRNA and protein expression levels of thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP). To investigate the activation of the inflammasome, we confirmed the mRNA and protein expression levels of the NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (ASC), and caspase-1 (CASP-1). Moreover, we confirmed that caspase mediates the mature form of interleukin-18, and the cleaved form of Gasdermin D (GSDMD) was increased. Based on these results, our study suggests that DON can induce damage through oxidative stress and pyroptosis in the epithelial cells of the porcine small intestine via NLRP3 inflammasome.

Efficacy of fucoxanthin extract from Sargassum horneri on 3T3-L1 pre-adipocyte differentiation

Obesity, a chronic disease characterized by excessive body fat accumulation, is associated with significant health risks. The state of being overweight or obese leads to a number of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and osteoarthritis. Accordingly, the regulation of adipocyte proliferation and differentiation has been the focus of many studies. The goal of the present study was to investigate the function of fucoxanthin, extracted from Sargassum horneri, in adipocyte (3T3-L1 cells) differentiation. A quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was conducted to investigate the mRNA expression levels of adipocyte differentiation-related genes under fucoxanthin stimulation. All adipocyte-related genes responded to PIC stimuli. Additionally, using western blotting, we confirmed that fucoxanthin reduced adipocyte differentiation. These results indicate that fucoxanthin extracted from Sargassum horneri can regulate adipogenesis. Further studies are needed to reveal the signaling pathways that lead to reduced adipocyte differentiation induced by fucoxanthin.

Deoxynivalenol Induces Apoptosis via FOXO3a-Signaling Pathway in Small-Intestinal Cells in Pig

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a mycotoxin that is found in feed ingredients derived from grains such as corn and wheat. Consumption of DON-contaminated feed has been shown to cause damage to the intestine, kidneys, and liver. However, the molecular mechanism by which DON exerts its effect in the small intestine is not completely understood. As a result, we profiled gene expression in intestinal epithelial cells treated with DON and examined the molecular function in vitro. We hypothesized that DON could induce apoptosis via the FOXO3a-signaling pathway in intestinal epithelial cells based on these findings. DON induced the apoptosis and the translocation of FOXO3a into the nucleus. Moreover, the inhibiting of FOXO3a alleviated the apoptosis and expression of apoptosis-related genes (TRAL, BCL-6, CASP8, and CASP3). ERK1/2 inhibitor treatment suppressed the translocation of FOXO3a into the nucleus. Our discovery suggests that DON induces apoptosis in intestinal epithelial cells through the FOXO3a-signaling pathway.

Gene expression profiling after ochratoxin A treatment in small intestinal epithelial cells from pigs

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a well-known mycotoxin that causes disease through the ingestion of contaminated food or feed, for example, in the porcine industry. The intestinal epithelium acts as the first barrier against food contamination. We conducted a study on the exposure of the porcine intestinal epithelium to OTA. We used the intestinal porcine epithelial cell line IPEC-J2 as an in vitro model to evaluate the altered molecular mechanisms following OTA exposure. Gene expression profiling revealed that OTA upregulated 782 genes and downregulated 896, totalling 1678 differentially expressed genes. Furthermore, immunofluorescence, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and western blotting confirmed that OTA damages the tight junction protein ZO-1. Moreover, OTA activated the expression of inflammatory genes (IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, NF-kB, TLR4, and TNF-α). In summary, this study confirmed that OTA alters various molecular mechanisms and has several adverse effects on IPEC-J2 cells.

Circulating RNA Profiling in Postreperfusion Plasma From Kidney Transplant Recipients

BACKGROUND

Ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) is inevitable in kidney transplantation (KT) and may lead to impaired tubular epithelial cell function and reduce graft function and survival. Renal IRI is a complex cellular and molecular event; therefore, investigating the genetic or molecular pathways associated with the early phase of KT would improve our understanding of IRI in KT. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a critical role in various pathologic events associated with IRI.

METHODS

We compared the expression profile of miRNAs extracted from 2 blood plasma samples, 1 from periphery and the other form gonadal veins immediately after reperfusion, in a total 5 cases of KT.

RESULTS

We observed that the total RNA yield was higher in postreperfusion plasma and that a subset of miRNAs was upregulated (miR-let-7a-3p, miR-143-3p, and miR-214-3p) or downregulated (let-7d-3p, let-7d-3p, miR-1246, miR-1260b, miR-1290, and miR-130b-3p) in postreperfusion plasma. Gene ontology analyses revealed that these subsets target different biological functions. Twenty-four predicted genes were commonly targeted by the upregulated miRNAs, and gene ontology enrichment and pathway analyses revealed that these were associated with various cellular activities such as signal transduction or with components such as exosomes and membranous organelles.

CONCLUSION

We present 2 subsets of miRNAs that were differentially upregulated or downregulated in postreperfusion plasma. Our findings may enhance our understanding of miRNA-mediated early molecular events related to IRI in KT.

Clinical outcomes in pediatric patients with normal renal histopathology

Background

There have been some cases where abnormal histopathologic findings could not be found in the kidney could even with proper specimen collection through percutaneous renal biopsy (PRB) in accordance with its indication. We analyzed the incidence and clinical outcomes of children who showed normal histopathological findings in their PRBs.

Methods

The medical records of 552 pediatric subjects who underwent PRB between 2005 and 2016 were reviewed. Twenty-six subjects were excluded because allograft biopsy was performed in nine subjects, and the age at biopsy was greater than 18 years in 17 subjects. Finally, 526 subjects were enrolled in this study.

Results

Of the 526 pediatric patients, 32 (6.1%) showed no histopathological abnormalities in their PRBs. The male-to-female ratio of the patients was 1.9:1, and the mean ages at the first visit and at biopsy were 10.6 ± 4.1 and 11.4 ± 3.8 years, respectively. In accordance with the biopsy indications, recurrent gross hematuria showed the highest incidence rate, but combined hematuria and proteinuria had the lowest incidence rate regarding normal renal histopathology among all the subjects. At a mean follow-up of 35.5 ± 23.6 months, urinary abnormalities had improved in more than 50% of the subjects with normal renal histopathology, and none of the patients showed progression to end-stage renal disease or required rebiopsy due to symptom worsening during the follow-up period.

Conclusion

The clinical outcomes of children with normal PRB histopathologic findings are generally good. Further studies to evaluate their long-term outcomes are needed.

Investigation of soil microbiome under the influence of different mulching treatments in northern highbush blueberry

Microbial communities on soil are fundamental for the long-term sustainability of agriculture ecosystems. Microbiota in soil would impact the yield and quality of blueberries since microbial communities in soil can interact with the rhizosphere of plant. This study was conducted to determine how different mulching treatments induce changes in soil microbial composition, diversity, and functional properties. A total of 150 soil samples were collected from 5 different mulch treatments (sawdust, green weed mat, sawdust topped with green weed mat, black weed mat, and sawdust topped with black weed mat) at 3 different depths (bottom, middle, and top region of 20 cm soil depth) from 2 different months (June and July 2018). A total of 8,583,839 sequencing reads and 480 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) of bacteria were identified at genus level. Eight different plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) were detected, and the relative abundances of Bradyrhizobium, Bacillus, and Paenibacillus were more than 0.1% among all soil samples. Sampling depth and month of soil samples impacted the amount of PGPR, while there were no significant differences based on mulch type. Functional properties of bacteria were identified through PICRUSt2, which found that there is no significant difference between mulch treatment, depth, and month. The results indicated that sampling month and depth of soil impacted the relative abundance of PGPR in soil samples, but there were no significant differences of functional properties and beneficial microbial communities based on mulch type.

MicroRNA expression profiling during the suckling-to-weaning transition in pigs

Weaning induces physiological changes in intestinal development that affect pigs’ growth performance and susceptibility to disease. As a posttranscriptional regulator, microRNAs (miRNAs) regulate cellular homeostasis during intestinal development. We performed small RNA expression profiling in the small intestine of piglets before weaning (BW), 1 week after weaning (1W), and 2 weeks after weaning (2W) to identify weaning-associated differentially expressed miRNAs. We identified 38 differentially expressed miRNAs with varying expression levels among BW, 1W, and 2W. Then, we classified expression patterns of the identified miRNAs into four types. ssc-miR-196a and ssc-miR-451 represent pattern 1, which had an increased expression at 1W and a decreased expression at 2W. ssc-miR-499-5p represents pattern 2, which had an increased expression at 1W and a stable expression at 2W. ssc-miR-7135-3p and ssc-miR-144 represent pattern 3, which had a stable expression at 1W and a decreased expression at 2W. Eleven miRNAs (ssc-miR-542-3p, ssc-miR-214, ssc-miR-758, ssc-miR-4331, ssc-miR-105-1, ssc-miR-1285, ssc-miR-10a-5p, ssc-miR-4332, ssc-miR-503, ssc-miR-6782-3p, and ssc-miR-424-5p) represent pattern 4, which had a decreased expression at 1W and a stable expression at 2W. Moreover, we identified 133 candidate targets for miR-196a using a target prediction database. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses revealed that the target genes were associated with 19 biological processes, 4 cellular components, 8 molecular functions, and 7 KEGG pathways, including anterior/posterior pattern specification as well as the cancer, PI3K–Akt, MAPK, GnRH, and neurotrophin signaling pathways. These findings suggest that miRNAs regulate the development of the small intestine during the weaning process in piglets by anterior/posterior pattern specification as well as the cancer, PI3K–Akt, MAPK, GnRH, and neurotrophin signaling pathways.

Evaluation of pig behavior changes related to temperature, relative humidity, volatile organic compounds, and illuminance

The objective of this study was evaluation of pig behavior changes related to temperature, relative humidity, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and illuminance. A total of 24 growing pigs ([Yorkshire × Landrace] × Duroc) were used in the experiment. A sensor was installed at a height of 0.5 m in the center of the pig house. In experiment 1, temperature was changed every four days to 18°C (T1), 22°C (T2), 26°C (T3), and then 30°C (T4). In experiment 2, relative humidity was adjusted to 45% (low humidity [LH]), 60% (middle humidity [MH]), and then 75% (high humidity [HH]) for four days. In experiment 3, after cleaning the pig house just before experiment, only minimal ventilation was provided. VOCs and pig behaviors were observed for 7 days without cleaning the pig house. In experiment 4, three light bulbs of 40 W (470 lumens / 45 lx; low illuminance [LI]), 75 W (1,055 lumens / 103 lx; middle illuminance [MI]), and 100 W (1,521 lumens / 146 lx; high illuminance [HI]) were used for four days each. Pig behavior analysis was performed for following criteria : Feed intake, Standing, Lying, Sitting, Drink water, Rooting, Posture transition (lying-standing), Posture transition (standing-lying), Wallowing, and Biting. In experiment 1, feed intake time was lower (p < 0.05) for the T3 than other treatment groups. Standing time was highest (p < 0.05) for the T1 and lowest (p < 0.05) for the T3. Lying time was shorter (p < 0.05) in T1 and T2 compared to T3 and T4. Drinking frequency was higher (p < 0.05) for the T4 than other treatment groups. In experiment 2, the frequency of rooting and wallowing increased (p < 0.05) with increasing humidity. LH showed the lowest (p < 0.05) rooting frequency and HH showed the highest (p < 0.05) rooting frequency. In experiment 3, VOCs concentration did not (p > 0.05) change pig behavior. In experiment 4, lying time was the longest (p < 0.05) at LI and shortest (p < 0.05) at HI. Therefore, pig behavior is heavily influenced by the environment, especially temperature and humidity. However, correlation between pig behavior to VOCs and illuminance seems to be needed more research.

A multicentre comparative study between laparoscopic and open surgery for intussusception in adults

AIM

Intussusception in adults is rare and requires surgery in most cases. While abdominal laparoscopic surgery (LS) is becoming more popular, there are few reports on the outcomes of adult intussusception treated with LS. This study compared the feasibility of LS vs open surgery (OS) for adult intussusception.

METHOD

We reviewed retrospectively the medical records of adult patients with intussusception from three tertiary hospitals between 2000 and 2016. The patients were divided into LS and OS groups, and their surgical outcomes were compared.

RESULTS

Surgery was indicated in 71 patients with intussusception (41 LS and 30 OS). The median age of the patients was 49.0 and 51.5 years in the LS and OS groups, respectively (P = 0.930). Overall, nine (12.7%) patients had a negative laparotomy or laparoscopy with spontaneous reduction of the intussusception. Conversion to OS from LS was necessary in one patient (2.4%). The operative time and intra-operative and postoperative complication rates were not significantly different. However, there were more serious complications such as bowel perforation and major vessel injury in the LS group. The patients in the LS group had a shorter time to first food intake and hospital stay vs patients in the OS group (4.0 vs 6.0 days, P < 0.001, and 7.0 vs 10.5 days, P < 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSION

LS may be feasible for adult intussusception; there may be more severe intra-operative complications than in OS.

The effect of protease on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and expression of growth-related genes and amino acid transporters in broilers

During the course of this trial, our team assessed the influence of protease upon the growth performance, the nutrient digestibility, and the expression of growth-related genes and amino acid transporters within the liver, muscle, and small intestines of broilers. During the first step, our team allocated 600 broilers into four dietary treatments for a period of 35 days in order to measure the growth performance and nutrient digestibility of the broilers selected. The separate treatments contained 10 replicates (15 birds per replicate). The treatments were composed of: 1) CON, basal diet; 2) T1, basal diet + 0.03% protease; 3) T2, basal diet + 0.06% protease; and 4) T3, basal diet + 0.09% protease. Next, the broiler chick sample tissue was harvested from the CON and T3 groups in order to conduct gene expression analysis following the feeding trials the broilers underwent. Our team discovered that the broilers fed protease diets possessed increased body weight and an average daily gain, but conversely, had lower feed conversion ratios when their dietary protease levels increased from 0% to 0.09% (p < 0.05). Additionally, significant linear improvements were identified among the nutrient digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, energy, and amino acids within broilers supplied with protease diets when contrasted and compared with broilers supplied with the basal diet (p < 0.05). In addition, the gene expression of the genes IGF1, IGF2, GH, and LEP in the liver, and the genes MYOD1 and MYOG in the breast muscles, was significantly increased after broilers were fed with a protease diet as compared to broilers that subsisted on a basal diet (p < 0.05). Protease supplementation also raised the expression levels within these amino acid transporters: SCL6A19, SLC7A1, SLC7A7, SLC7A2, SLC7A6, SLC7A9, and SLC15A1, located in the small intestine, when compared to the basal diet (p < 0.05). Our results suggest that protease supplementation in their diet improved the growth performance of broilers via an increase in the expression growth-related genes within broiler liver and muscle tissue. In addition, protease supplementation enhanced broiler digestibility via the upregulation of amino acid transporter expression within the small intestine.

Image-guided biopsy in the age of personalised medicine: strategies for success and safety

Oncology has progressed into an era of personalised medicine, whereby the therapeutic regimen is tailored to the molecular profile of the patient's cancer. Determining personalised therapeutic options is achieved by using tumour genomics and proteomics to identify the specific molecular targets against which candidate drugs can interact. Several dozen targeted drugs, many for multiple cancer types are already widely in clinical use. Molecular profiling of tumours is contingent on high-quality biopsy specimens and the most common method of tissue sampling is image-guided biopsy. Thus, for radiologists performing these biopsies, the paradigm has now shifted away from obtaining specimens simply for histopathological diagnosis to acquiring larger amounts of viable tumour cells for DNA, RNA, or protein analysis. These developments have highlighted the central role now played by radiologists in the delivery of personalised cancer care. This review describes the principles of molecular profiling assays and biopsy techniques for optimising yield, and describes a scoring system to assist in patient selection for percutaneous biopsy.

Tuberculosis risk is associated with genetic polymorphisms in the LRP2, CUBN, and VDR genes

BACKGROUND

Vitamin D (Vit. D) is used extensively during tuberculosis treatment. Low levels of serum Vit. D increase the risk of active tuberculosis development. Altered expression of the proteins involved in Vit. D metabolism impairs cathelicidin production, thereby increasing the host susceptibility to tuberculosis.

OBJECTIVE

We are trying to investigate whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in LRP2, CUBN, and VDR genes could affect tuberculosis development.

METHODS

We included participants of the Korean Association Resource (KARE), part of the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES), and used their recorded data. A total of 8840 people (4182 men and 4658 women) were eligible subjects. The 5-kb regions from the ends of transcripts of GC, LRP2, CUBN, and VDR genes were amplified to select 13, 47, 70, and 15 SNPs, respectively. For association analysis and statistical analysis, PLINK version 1.07 and PASW Statistics version 18.0 were used.

RESULTS

Significant correlation was observed in 11, 2, and 1 SNPs in LRP2, CUBN, and VDR genes. The effect of rs6747692 of LRP2 on transcription factor binding was confirmed using RegulomeDB. We confirmed that rs2239182 of VDR is located in the genomic eQTL region and can affect transcription factor binding and gene expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Genetic polymorphisms in genes encoding proteins involved in Vit. D metabolism influence immune system components. Therefore, such polymorphisms may influence the susceptibility to Mycobacterium tuberculosis invasion and alter the defense mechanisms against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. The correlation between genetic variation and tuberculosis development can provide new guidelines for the management of tuberculosis.

Microbiome characterization of poultry products based on the poultry part and production label

Poultry is one of the most consumed meats worldwide and there are many different types of poultry products available on the market for consumers. Many poultry producers provide a variety of labeled meats based on rearing system such as organic, free-range and antibiotic-free. However, these labels often can be misleading by implying organic products are better in safety and quality compared to poultry products without additional labels. In this study, the microbiological profiles of commercial poultry products were characterized via a next generation sequencing. A variety of poultry products including whole carcass, leg, breast and thigh were purchased from local markets and subdivided by labels indicating organic, non-antibiotic, free range and no-label. According to the microbiome analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene, similar level of species richness were observed in comparison by labels, however, different parts and producers exhibited significant differences. Also, microbial similarities among groups were measured and most samples showed relatively close clustering based on the poultry part and the producer. The results emphasize potential contamination routes and the importance of the control strategy during the pre-harvest step of poultry products. The results also envision potential opportunities to improve current production procedure being utilized by industries.

N-acetylcysteine modulates cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression, liver injury, and oxidative stress in miniature pigs

Cyclophosphamide, a cytotoxic anticancer agent, induces immunosuppression and has several adverse effects. N-acetylcysteine alleviates oxidative stress, liver injury, and intestinal tissue damage. The present study examined whether N-acetylcysteine modulates the adverse effects of cyclophosphamide in pigs. Miniature pigs (n = 15) were used as an experimental model to evaluate the effects of N-acetylcysteine treatment on immune reactions, liver injury, and oxidative stress after cyclophosphamide challenge. Corn-soybean meal based dietary treatments were as follows: control diet with either saline injection, cyclophosphamide injection, or 0.5% N-acetylcysteine and cyclophosphamide injection. N-acetylcysteine increased the number of immune cells and decreased TNF-α production after cyclophosphamide injection and decreased TNF-α, IFN-γ, NF-κB, and IL-8 expression and increased IL-10 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Serum levels of alanine transaminase and aspartate aminotransferase decreased, superoxide dismutase activity increased, and malondialdehyde activity decreased following N-acetylcysteine treatment after cyclophosphamide injection. N-acetylcysteine decreases immunosuppression, liver injury, and oxidative stress in cyclophosphamide-challenged miniature pigs. The present study suggests that N-acetylcysteine has therapeutic application in livestock for modulating immune reactions, liver injury, and oxidative stress.

Assessment of overall microbial community shift during Cheddar cheese production from raw milk to aging

Cheese is a fermented dairy product that is made from animal milk and is considered to be a healthy food due to its available nutrients and potential probiotic characteristics. Since the microbes in the cheese matrix directly contribute to the quality and physicochemical properties of cheese, it is important to understand the microbial properties of cheese. In this study, Cheddar cheeses produced on three different dates at the Arbuthnot Dairy Center at Oregon State University were collected to determine the microbial community structure. A total of 773,821 sequencing reads and 271 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) were acquired from 108 samples. Streptococcus and Lactococcus were observed as the most abundant ASVs in the cheese, which were used as the starter lactic acid bacteria (SLAB). Escherichia coli was detected in the raw milk; however, it was not detected after inoculating with SLAB. According to an alpha diversity analysis, SLAB inoculation decreased the microbial richness by inhibiting the growth of other bacteria present in the milk. A beta diversity analysis showed that microbial communities before the addition of SLAB clustered together, as did the samples from cheese making and aging. Non-starter lactic acid bacteria (NSLAB) were detected 15 weeks into aging for the June 6th and June 26th produced cheeses, and 17 weeks into aging for the cheese produced on April 26th. These NSLAB were identified as an unidentified group of Lactobacillaceae. This study characterizes the changes in the Cheddar cheese microbiome over the course of production from raw milk to a 6-month-aged final product. KEY POINTS: • 271 ASVs were acquired from cheese production from raw milk to 6-month aging. • Addition of SLAB changed the microbial diversity during Cheddar cheese making procedure. • NSLAB were detected more than 15 weeks after aging. Graphical Abstract.

Achyranthes japonica extracts supplementation to growing pigs positively influences growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal microbial shedding, and fecal gas emission

Objective

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of Achyranthes japonica extracts (AJE) on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal microbial shedding, and fecal gas emission of growing pigs.

Methods

A total of 180 ([Landrace×Yorkshire]×Duroc) growing pigs with initial body weight (BW) of 23.94±1.54 kg were used in this study to investigate the effects of AJE as a feed additive. Dietary treatments included: i) CON (basal diet), ii) TRT1 (basal diet+0.05% AJE), and iii) TRT2 (basal diet+0.10% AJE).

Results

As a result of the dietary supplementation of 0% to 0.10% AJE, a linear increase of BW (p<0.05) on d 21 and 42, a linear increase of average daily gain (ADG) (p<0.05) during d 21 to 42, a trend in linear increase of ADG (p<0.10) during d 0 to 21 and d 0 to 42, a linear increase of gain to feed ratio (G:F) (p<0.05) during d 0 to 42, and a tendency in the linear increase of G:F during d 21 to 42 were observed in this study. Additionally, dietary supplementation of 0% to 0.10% AJE had a linear increase (p<0.05) on the apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter (DM) and energy, a linear increase (p<0.05) on lactic acid bacteria counts, a tendency in reducing (linear effect, p<0.10) coliform bacteria counts, and a linear decrease (p<0.05) in excreta H₂S emission content in growing pigs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the results suggested that AJE had the potential to enhance growth performance, DM and energy digestibility, and fecal lactic acid bacteria counts, and decrease the fecal coliform bacteria counts and excreta H₂S emission in growing pigs.

Microbial communities of a variety of cheeses and comparison between core and rind region of cheeses

Understanding the microbial community of cheese is important in the dairy industry, as the microbiota contributes to the safety, quality, and physicochemical and sensory properties of cheese. In this study, the microbial compositions of different cheeses (Cheddar, provolone, and Swiss cheese) and cheese locations (core, rind, and mixed) collected from the Arbuthnot Dairy Center at Oregon State University were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing with the Illumina MiSeq platform (Illumina, San Diego, CA). A total of 225 operational taxonomic units were identified from the 4,675,187 sequencing reads generated. Streptococcus was observed to be the most abundant organism in provolone (72 to 85%) and Swiss (60 to 67%), whereas Lactococcus spp. were found to dominate Cheddar cheese (27 to 76%). Species richness varied significantly by cheese. According to alpha diversity analysis, porter-soaked Cheddar cheese exhibited the highest microbial richness, whereas smoked provolone cheese showed the lowest. Rind regions of each cheese changed color through smoking and soaking for the beverage process. In addition, the microbial diversity of the rind region was higher than the core region because smoking and soaking processes directly contacted the rind region of each cheese. The microbial communities of the samples clustered by cheese, indicated that, within a given type of cheese, microbial compositions were very similar. Moreover, 34 operational taxonomic units were identified as biomarkers for different types of cheese through the linear discriminant analysis effect size method. Last, both carbohydrate and AA metabolites comprised more than 40% of the total functional annotated genes from 9 varieties of cheese samples. This study provides insight into the microbial composition of different types of cheese, as well as various locations within a cheese, which is applicable to its safety and sensory quality.

Intake of Watermelon or Its Byproducts Alters Glucose Metabolism, the Microbiome, and Hepatic Proinflammatory Metabolites in High-Fat-Fed Male C57BL/6 J Mice

BACKGROUND

Watermelon intake has demonstrated effects on blood pressure regulation along with other health benefits.

OBJECTIVE

We hypothesized that intake of whole watermelon and products made from watermelon rind (WR) and watermelon skin (WS) would remediate metabolic complications in C57BL/6 J male mice fed a diet modeling a Western-style diet.

METHODS

Ten-week-old male C57BL/6 J mice were provided either a low-fat (LF) diet [10% fat (by energy), 8% sucrose (by energy) and no added cholesterol], a high-fat (HF) diet [45% fat (by energy), 20% kcal sucrose (by energy), and 1% (w/w) cholesterol], or an HF diet plus WS, WR, or watermelon flesh (WF) for 10 wk. Dried WF was provided at 8% of total energy (equivalent to 2 servings/d) and watermelon skin and rind were added at 2.25% (w/w, dry weight of additives) of diet. Animals were provided experimental diets ad libitum. Body weights, food intake, and glucose tolerance were determined. Serum insulin, inflammatory markers, microbiome, and the relative hepatic concentrations of 709 biochemicals were measured postmortem.

RESULTS

The final body weight of the LF control group was significantly lower than that of the HF-fed control group (32.8 ± 0.9 g compared with 43.0 ± 1.7 g, P ≤ 0.05). Mice in treatment groups fed HF supplemented with watermelon products had final body weights similar to those of the HF-fed control mice. Serum insulin concentrations were reduced by ∼40% in mice fed an HF diet with WR supplementation compared with mice fed an HF diet alone (P ≤ 0.05). Depending on the individual species or group, microbiome populations changed significantly. Supplementation with WF resulted in a return to the basal hepatic concentrations of monohydroxy fatty acids and eicosanoids observed in LF-fed mice (P ≤ 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In obese male mice, supplementation with each of the watermelon products to an HF diet improved fasting blood glucose, circulating serum insulin concentrations, and changes in hepatic metabolite accumulation. At a modest level of supplementation to an HF diet, fiber-rich additives made from WR and WS further improved glucose metabolism and energy efficiency and shifted the microbiome composition.

Prebiotics and the poultry gastrointestinal tract microbiome

Feed additives that can modulate the poultry gastrointestinal tract and provide benefit to bird performance and health have recently received more interest for commercial applications. Such feed supplements offer an economic advantage because they may directly benefit poultry producers by either decreasing mortality rates of farm animals, increasing bird growth rates, or improve feed efficieny. They can also limit foodborne pathogen establishment in bird flocks by modifying the gastrointestinal microbial population. Prebiotics are known as non-digestible carbohydrates that selectively stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria, thus improving the overall health of the host. Once prebiotics are introduced to the host, 2 major modes of action can potentially occur. Initially, the corresponding prebiotic reaches the intestine of the chicken without being digested in the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract but are selectively utilized by certain bacteria considered beneficial to the host. Secondly, other gut activities occur due to the presence of the prebiotic, including generation of short-chain fatty acids and lactic acid as microbial fermentation products, a decreased rate of pathogen colonization, and potential bird health benefits. In the current review, the effect of prebiotics on the gastrointestinal tract microbiome will be discussed as well as future directions for further research.

Avian influenza virus transmission is suppressed in chickens fed Lactobacillus paracasei expressing the 3D8 single-chain variable fragment protein

The 3D8 single-chain variable fragment (scFv) is a mini-antibody sequence with independent nuclease activity that shows antiviral effects against all types of viruses in chickens and mice. In this study, chickens were treated daily with an oral dose of 10⁹ CFU Lactobacillus paracasei (L. paracasei) expressing either a secreted or anchored 3D8 scFv for three weeks. After L. paracasei administration, the chickens were challenged with avian influenza virus (AIV). From each experimental group, three chickens were directly infected with 100 µL of 10^7.5 EID₅₀/mL H9N2 AIV and seven chickens were indirectly challenged through contact transmission. oropharyngeal and cloacal swab samples were collected at 3, 5, 7, and 9 days post-inoculation (dpi) from AIV-challenged chickens, AIV Shedding titres were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. Contact transmission in the chickens that were fed 3D8 scFv-secreting L. paracasei showed a significant reduction in viral shedding when compared with other groups. These results suggest that L. paracasei secreting 3D8 provides a basis for the development of ingestible antiviral probiotics with activity against AIV.

Evaluation of EPAS1 variants for association with bovine congestive heart failure

Background:  Bovine congestive heart failure (BCHF) has become increasingly prevalent in feedlot cattle in the Western Great Plains of North America. BCHF is an untreatable complex condition involving pulmonary hypertension that culminates in right ventricular failure and death. A protein variant of hypoxia-inducible factor 2 alpha (HIF2α, encoded by the endothelial PAS domain-containing protein 1 gene, EPAS1) was previously reported to be associated with pulmonary hypertension at altitudes exceeding 2,000 m. Our aim was to evaluate EPAS1 haplotypes for association with BCHF in feedlot cattle raised at moderate altitudes (1,200 m).

Methods: Paired samples of clinical cases and unaffected controls were collected at four feedlots in Nebraska and Wyoming. Each pair (n =102) was matched for source, pen, breed type, sex, arrival date, and management conditions. Cases were identified by animal caretakers, euthanized, and diagnosis was confirmed at necropsy. Cases were derived from 30 different ranch operations, with the largest source contributing 32. Animals were tested for eight EPAS1 haplotypes encoding 36 possible different diploid combinations.

Results: The common, ancestral EPAS1 haplotype encoding HIF2α with alanine (A) at position 606 and glycine (G) at position 610 was equally frequent in cases and controls (0.67). The EPAS1 variant haplotype reported to be associated with disease (encoding threonine (T) at position 606 and serine (S) at position 610) was not enriched in cases compared with controls (0.21 and 0.25, respectively). Frequencies of other EPAS1 haplotypes (e.g., encoding Q270, L362, or G671) were each less than 0.05 overall. McNemar’s test with 45 discordant pairs showed the linked T606/S610 variant was not associated with BCHF (OR = 0.73, CI ₉₅ 0.38 -1.4, p-value = 0.37).

Conclusions: HIF2α polypeptide variants were not significantly associated with BCHF in feedlot cattle at moderate altitudes. Thus, a wider search is needed to identify genetic risk factors underlying this disease.

A systematic review showing the lack of diagnostic criteria and tools developed for lower-limb cellulitis

Background

Cellulitis can be a difficult diagnosis to make. Furthermore, 31% of patients admitted from the emergency department with suspected lower‐limb cellulitis have been misdiagnosed, with incorrect treatment potentially resulting in avoidable hospital admission and the prescription of unnecessary antibiotics.

Objectives

We sought to identify diagnostic criteria or tools that have been developed for lower‐limb cellulitis.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review using Ovid MEDLINE and Embase databases in May 2018, with the aim of describing diagnostic criteria and tools developed for lower‐limb cellulitis, and we assessed the quality of the studies identified using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies‐2 tool. We included all types of study that described diagnostic criteria or tools.

Results

Eight observational studies were included. Five studies examined biochemical markers, two studies assessed imaging and one study developed a diagnostic decision model. All eight studies were considered to have a high risk for bias in at least one domain. The quantity and quality of available data was low and results could not be pooled owing to the heterogeneity of the findings.

Conclusions

There is a lack of high‐quality publications describing criteria or tools for diagnosing lower‐limb cellulitis. Future studies using prospective designs, validated in both primary and secondary care settings, are needed.

What's already known about this topic?

Diagnosing lower‐limb cellulitis on first presentation is challenging.

Approximately one in three patients admitted from the emergency department with suspected lower‐limb cellulitis do not have cellulitis and are given another diagnosis on discharge. Consequently, this results in potentially avoidable hospital admissions and the prescription of unnecessary antibiotics.

There are no diagnostic criteria available for lower‐limb cellulitis in the U.K.

What does this study add?

This systematic review has identified a key research gap in the diagnosis of lower‐limb cellulitis.

There is a current lack of robustly developed and validated diagnostic criteria or tools for use in clinical practice.

Linked Comment: https://doi.org/10.1111/bjd.18317.

https://doi.org/10.1111/bjd.18569 available online

Glucose Metabolism and Cecal Microbiome Populations Are Improved and Hepatic Biochemical Levels Altered with Consumption of Grape Powder by High-fat Fed C57BL/6 J Mice (P06-024-19)

Objectives

Grapes are nutrient-dense, particularly in polyphenolic compounds. Previous research demonstrates benefits of whole grape and grape skin, seed, and polyphenol intake on glucose homeostasis along with other health benefits. We tested the hypothesis that intake of 4 servings per day of table grape would remediate metabolic complications in C57BL/6 J (C57) male mice fed a high-fat diet with added cholesterol and fructose diet modeling an obesogenic and diabetogenic western-style diet.

Methods

Groups of mice (n = 12) were provided either low-fat plus placebo diet (LF, 10% kcal fat), high-fat plus placebo (HF, 45% kcal fat), or HF plus grape powder (HF + G), for 8 weeks. Grape powder was provided at ∼10% of total energy of diet. C57 mice were provided experimental diets ad libitum. Body weights, food intake, and glucose tolerance were determined. Postmortem, inflammatory markers, cecal microbiome, and the relative concentrations of hepatic metabolites were determined.

Results

Fasting blood glucose was reduced in the HF + G group compared to HF-fed mice. The glucose tolerance test demonstrated that the Area Under the Curve (AUC) was also reduced. Further, a significant decrease in circulating levels of insulin were observed with HF + G supplementation. The cecal microbiome from HF + G fed mice overlapped with both the HF and LF controls, but also had characteristic shifts that were unique to grape powder consumption. Metabolomic analysis indicated grape consumption impacted inflammation and β-oxidation biomarkers indicating some remediation of hepatic pathologies associated with HF food consumption. The most significantly different hepatic metabolites included grape-derived S-methymethionine and trigonelline, while other murine hepatic metabolites significantly regulated by diet included myo-inositol and 15-HETE.

Conclusions

Table grape supplementation with a HF western-style diet significantly improved fasting blood glucose, circulating insulin concentrations, and HOMA-IR in C576J/Bl male mice. demonstrating an anti-diabetic effect of grape powder. At modest level of supplementation equivalent to 4 servings/day, grape powder also improved microbiome composition and changed relative levels of specific hepatic metabolites. Up-regulation of 15-HETE by diet suggests grape powder consumption may enhance PPARγ-directed gene expression, consistent with increases in glucose sensitivity observed in this study.

Funding Sources

California Table Grape Commission.

Omega-3 fatty acids modulate cyclophosphamide induced markers of immunosuppression and oxidative stress in pigs

Immunosuppression directly correlates with economic benefits in livestock. Although omega-3, known as an energy source, is used as a pharmaceutical molecule, it remains unknown whether dietary supplementation with omega-3 can alleviate cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression in pigs. Omega-3 treatment increased the number of white blood cell, lymphocytes, and monocytes and decreased tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α production under CTX challenge. In addition, we confirmed that omega-3 decreased the expression of nuclear factor (NF)-κB, TNF-α, interferon (IFN)-γ, and interleukin (IL)-8 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Additionally, omega-3 alleviated the activities of liver injury markers (alanine transaminase [ALT] and aspartate transaminase [AST]) and modulated oxidative stress markers (superoxide dismutase [SOD], malondialdehyde [MDA], and glutathione peroxidase [GPx]) in the blood serum after the CTX challenge. Based on these results, we suggest that omega-3 treatment modulates CTX-induced immunosuppression and oxidative stress in pigs. These results may have important implications in the development of new therapeutic approaches to improve immunosuppression, hepatic injury and dysfunction, and oxidative stress in pigs.

Effects of different levels of dietary protein with or without plant extract YGF251 on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profiles, fecal microbial shedding, and fecal gas emission in growing pigs

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of plant extract YGF251 supplementation in different protein level diets on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profiles, fecal microbial shedding, and fecal gas emission in growing pigs. A total of 144 pigs (24.72 ± 1.54 kg) were randomly assigned to the treatments in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of dietary protein levels (15.50%, 14.00% or 12.50%) and plant extract YGF251 levels (0 or 0.05%) with 6 replications per treatment and 4 pigs per pen. Pigs fed low protein diets had reduced average daily gain (p < 0.05) and increased feed conversion ratio (p < 0.01) compared with pigs fed high protein diets. The apparent total tract digestibility of nitrogen was decreased (p < 0.05) when reducing dietary protein level. Fecal ammonia and hydrogen sulfide emissions were reduced (p < 0.05) when reducing dietary protein level. In conclusion, the results of the current study indicated that reducing dietary protein level impaired growth performance and nitrogen digestibility but reduced ammonia and hydrogen sulfide emissions in growing pigs. Dietary supplementation with 0.05% herbal extract YGF251 was not effective in improving growth performance, nutrient digestibility, or in decreasing gas emission in different protein diets.

Application of Whole-Genome Sequencing to Transposon Mutants of Salmonella Heidelberg

Transposons are elements widely dispersed among organisms which are able to move and replicate fragments of genomes. The extensive variability in transposons present in most organisms requires extensive identification and interpretation of the resulting transposon mutants after transposon mutagenesis. However, much of this is reliant on utilizing randomness characteristics of transposon to identify essential genes for the organism of interest. Integration of the transposon mutant approach with commercialized next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology has helped to advance transposon identification by sequencing millions of reads generated from a single run on an NGS platform. Transposon sequencing is defined as a gene sequencing methodology that allows for the identification of nonessential genes and the determination of gene function using a random transposon insertional mutagenesis followed by massively parallel sequencing. The detailed protocol will be outlined in this chapter. The genomic DNA integrated with the transposons is sequenced using an NGS platform in order to determine the location of each mutation.

Effects of a blend of organic acids and medium-chain fatty acids with and without Enterococcus faecium on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood parameters, and meat quality in finishing pigs

An experiment was conducted to assess effects of Enterococcus faecium and a blend of organic acids (OAs) and medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) in finishing pigs. A total of 120 pigs [Duroc × (Yorkshire × Landrace); 51.04 ± 1.82 kg] were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments: CON, basal diet; BOM1, CON + 500 mg kg−1 blend of OAs and MCFAs; BOM2, CON + 1000 mg kg−1 blend of OAs and MCFAs; EBOM1, BOM1 + 20 mg kg−1 E. faecium; EBOM2, BOM2 + 20 mg kg−1 E. faecium. Pigs fed EBOM1 and EBOM2 diets had higher average daily gain and average daily feed intake (during days 36–70 and days 1–70) and greater digestibility of dry matter (days 35 and 70) compared with those fed BOM1 and BOM2 diets (P < 0.05). However, no differences on blood parameters and meat quality were observed between pigs offered BOM1 and BOM2 diets and those fed EBOM1 and EBOM2 diets (P > 0.05). In conclusion, supplementation with the combination of E. faecium and a blend of OAs and MCFAs was more effective in improving growth performance and nutrient digestibility than supplementation with blend of OAs and MCFAs alone in finishing pigs.

Effect of dietary Spirulina (Arthrospira) platensis on the growth performance, antioxidant enzyme activity, nutrient digestibility, cecal microflora, excreta noxious gas emission, and breast meat quality of broiler chickens

This study examined the effects of dietary Spirulina (Arthrospira) platensis supplementation on growth performance, antioxidant enzyme activity, nutrient digestibility, cecal microflora, excreta noxious gas emission, organ weight and breast meat quality in broiler chickens. In total, 800 Ross 308 male broiler chickens (1-d-old) were randomly divided into 5 dietary treatments with 10 replicate cages (16 birds/replicate) per treatment for 5 wk. The dietary treatments were a control basal diet without Spirulina or with 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, or 1.0% Spirulina. Body weight gain, feed conversion, and/or European production efficiency index improved linearly with supplementation of Spirulina during d 8 to 21, 22 to 35, and overall d 1 to 35 (P < 0.05). Dietary Spirulina supplementation caused a significant increase in the serum enzyme activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase (linear, P < 0.05). Apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter and nitrogen showed a linear increase in Spirulina supplementation (P < 0.05). Cecal Lactobacillus count linearly increased and excreta ammonia gas emission linearly decreased, as dietary Spirulina supplementation increased (P < 0.05). There were no significant effects on relative organ weight and breast meat quality of broilers fed with Spirulina diets; however, 7 d drip loss linearly decreased in treatment groups fed with Spirulina (P < 0.05). These results indicate that adding Spirulina to the diet of broilers can improve antioxidant enzyme activity, dry matter and nitrogen digestibility, cecal Lactobacillus population, excreta ammonia gas emission, and 7 d drip loss of breast meat. In addition, dietary inclusion of 1.0% Spirulina powder might provide a good alternative to improve broiler chicken production.

Effects of feeding Original XPC™ to broilers with a live coccidiosis-vaccine under industry conditions: Part 1. Growth performance and Salmonella inhibition

Supplementation of poultry diets with Diamond V Original XPC™ (XPC) has been proposed as a means to ameliorate the commonly observed loss of appetite and depression of growth in birds given a live coccidiosis vaccine. A study was conducted to compare the effects on bird performance of a live coccidiosis vaccine in broilers, with and without the dietary inclusion of XPC (1.25 g/kg). Ross 708 male broilers (n = 1,280) were allocated to one of 4 feed treatments: cocci-vaccine (T1), cocci-vaccine + XPC (T2), cocci-vaccine + salinomycin in the grower diet only, (T3), and cocci-vaccine + salinomycin in the grower diet + XPC (T4). Birds consuming diets containing XPC (T2 and T4) and salinomycin (T3) exhibited increased (P < 0.05) feed intake and significantly heavier body weights at 28 d (1.70, 1.74, and 1.67 kg, respectively) and 42 d (3.29, 3.31, and 3.26 kg, respectively). Feed conversion ratio at 28 d was improved (P < 0.05) by adding XPC to diets (T2: 1.47 and T4: 1.44) compared to control diets (T1: 1.50 and T3: 1.47). Salmonella prevalence determined via selective media indicated the inclusion of XPC in the diet resulted in a significant reduction of Salmonella when compared to treatments lacking XPC. Molecular confirmation of Salmonella species indicated S. Kentucky to be present in 38 of the 39 positive samples. Results revealed the ability of XPC in reducing the prevalence of Salmonella. Results from this study also suggest that XPC could be used in conjunction with a live coccidiosis-vaccine to increase growth rate and improve feed conversion of broilers. However, further work is needed to delineate more specific effects directly attributable to XPC.

Evaluation of three different patterns of feed intake during early lactation in lactating sows

Forty-five multiparous sows (Landrace × Yorkshire; parity: 3.58 ± 1.30) were used to determine the effects of three patterns of feed intake during early lactation on the performance of lactating sows. Experimental treatments were as follows: IFI-1.4, the amount of feed increased by 1.4 kg per day for the first 5 days post-farrowing, followed by ad libitum feeding until weaning; IFI-1.0, the amount of feed increased by 1.0 kg per day for the first 7 days post-farrowing, followed by ad libitum feeding until weaning; IFI-0.7, the amount of feed increased by 0.7 kg per day for the first 10 days post-farrowing, followed by ad libitum feeding until weaning. The number of live piglets at birth/litter in three dietary treatments was 11.50, 10.07, and 10.85, respectively. Sows in the IFI-1.4 treatment had lower backfat loss during lactation, greater daily feed intake during days 1-6, 7-12, and 1-24 compared with those in the IFI-0.7 treatment (p < .05). The litter weaning weight, litter weight gain, and average litter daily gain in the IFI-1.4 treatment were greater compared with those in the IFI-0.7 treatment (p < .05). In conclusion, the results indicated that the IFI-1.4 feed intake pattern allowed lactating sows and their litters to obtain optimal performance.

Difructose dianhydride improves intestinal calcium absorption, wound healing, and barrier function

The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is critical for nutrient absorption and is an important barrier against harmful pathogens and antigens. Difructose anhydrides (DFA)-IVs are nondigestible disaccharides that enhance calcium and iron absorption by affecting the intestinal epithelial tissue. However, their effects on intestinal functions are not fully understood. In this study, we performed a feeding trial and found that dietary DFA-IVs improved growth performance, relative breast muscle and liver weight, and digestibility and blood calcium and iron concentrations in broilers. Additionally, dietary DFA-IVs increased expression of genes related to growth in the liver, muscle development, and absorption of calcium and iron in the intestine. In vitro experiments revealed that DFA-IV treatment improved intestinal wound-healing (migration, proliferation, and differentiation) after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge in small intestinal epithelial cells. Furthermore, DFA-IV treatment enhanced the intestinal barrier function, which increased the transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and decreased the permeability of fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran (FD-4) after LPS challenge in small intestinal epithelial cells. Collectively, these data indicate that DFA-IV could be used as a feed additive to enhance calcium and iron absorption by affecting the intestinal wound healing and permeability. This study may help improve our understanding of the molecular effects of DFA-IV on the intestine.

Effects of Enterococcus faecium SLB 120 on growth performance, blood parameters, relative organ weight, breast muscle meat quality, excreta microbiota shedding, and noxious gas emission in broilers

This 5-week study was conducted to determine the effects of Enterococcus faecium (SLB 120) on growth performance, blood parameters, relative organ weight, breast muscle meat quality, excreta microbiota shedding, and noxious gas emission in broilers. A total of 816 one-day-old male broilers were allocated to 4 groups with 12 replications (17 broilers/pen) according to body weight (43.2 ± 0.32 g). Dietary treatment groups were: (1) CON, basal diet, (2) T1, CON + 0.05% E. faecium, (3) T2, CON + 0.10% E. faecium, (4) T3, CON + 0.20% E. faecium. From day 1 to 21, dietary E. faecium supplementation showed linear increase (P < 0.05) in gain:feed ratio. From day 21 to 35 and the overall period, dietary E. faecium supplementation showed a linear increase (P < 0.05) in body weight gain and gain:feed ratio. On day 35, dietary E. faecium supplementation showed a linear increase (P < 0.05) in the apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter and nitrogen, and the relative weight of bursa of Fabricius; no differences were observed in white blood cells, red blood cells or lymphocyte counts. Dietary E. faecium supplementation showed a linear decrease (P < 0.05) in excreta E.coli counts on day 7 and 35, while excreta Lactobacillus counts were linearly increased (P < 0.05) on day 35. On day 35, dietary E. faecium supplementation linearly decreased (P < 0.05) excreta NH3, H2S, and total mercaptans emission, but only H2S emission was linearly decreased (P < 0.05) on day 7. In conclusion, the supplementation of E. faecium improved growth performance, the digestibility of dry matter and nitrogen, the relative weight of bursa of Fabricius, and shifted excreta microbiota by increasing Lactobacillus and decreasing E.coli counts, as well as decreased excreta NH3, H2S, and total mercaptans gas emission.

Tick microbial communities within enriched extracts of Amblyomma maculatum

Our objective of this study was to explore the bacterial microbiome in fresh or fresh-frozen adult Amblyomma maculatum (Gulf Coast ticks) using extracts enriched for microbial DNA. We collected 100 questing adult A. maculatum, surface disinfected them, and extracted DNA from individual ticks collected the same day or after storage at -80 °C. Because only extracts with microbial DNA concentrations above 2 ng/μL were considered suitable for individual analysis, we expected fewer samples to meet these requirements. Of individual ticks extracted, 48 extracts met this minimum concentration. We pooled 20 additional extracts that had lower concentrations to obtain seven additional pools that met the minimum DNA concentration. Libraries created from these 55 samples were sequenced using an Illumina MiSeq platform, and data sets were analyzed using QIIME to identify relative abundance of microorganisms by phylum down to genus levels. Proteobacteria were in greatest abundance, followed by Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes, at levels between 1.9% and 6.4% average relative abundance. Consistent with the Francisella-like endosymbiont known to be present in A. maculatum, the genus Francisella was detected at highest relative abundance (72.9%; SE 0.02%) for all samples. Among the top ten genera identified (relative abundance ≥ 0.5%) were potential extraction kit contaminants, Sphingomonas and Methylobacterium, the soil bacterium Actinomycetospora, and the known A. maculatum-associated genus, Rickettsia. Four samples had Rickettsia at greater than 1% relative abundance, while nine additional samples had Rickettsia at low (0.01-0.04%) relative abundance. In this study, we used the entire microbe-enriched DNA extract for whole ticks for microbiome analysis. A direct comparison of the microbiome in microbe-enriched DNA and total genomic DNA extracts from halves of the same tick would be useful to determine the utility of this extraction method in this system. We anticipate that future tick microbiome studies will be valuable to explore the influence of microbial diversity on pathogen maintenance and transmission, and to evaluate niche-specific microbiomes within individual tick tissues.

Effectiveness of 100 Beats per Minute Music on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Compression Rate Education: A Manikin Study

Introduction

Recent cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) guidelines emphasize the importance of high-quality chest compression. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of education using music on the chest compression rate.

Methods

This randomised, open-labeled study enrolled 81 medical students. They were randomly divided into three groups. After they were educated in CPR according to the American Heart Association 2010 guidelines, they performed 100 chest compressions using a mannequin capable of collecting each compression depth and speed. After that, the control group received a verbal feedback about their own results. The metronome group was also notified of their own results, and listened to the metronome sound at 100 beats per minute (bpm). The music group listened to the music (about 100 bpm). Twenty-four hours after their CPR education, chest compressions were performed again with the method identical to the first evaluation. The results were compared using multivariate analysis of variances.

Result

Compression rate (bpm): There was a significant difference between the control (mean, 110.4; 95% CI: 104.4, 116.5) and metronome group (mean, 98.5; 95% CI: 91.6, 105.4) after education (p=0.01). There was a significant difference between control and music group (mean, 98.2; 95% CI: 94.6, 101.8) after education (p<0.001) There were no differences between the music and metronome group before or after education (p=0.50, p=0.94). However, the variance of music group was significantly less than the metronome group (p=0.01). Compression depth (inches): there was no difference between the groups according to the CPR education method. (Control: 1.8±0.3; Metronome group: 1.6±0.2; Music group: 1.7±0.3 p=0.09)

Conclusion

Both education method of using music and metronome are more effective than conventional method. However the effect of using music may be better than using metronome.

Function of capric acid in cyclophosphamide-induced intestinal inflammation, oxidative stress, and barrier function in pigs

The small intestine is not only critical for nutrient absorption, but also serves as an important immune organ. Medium-chain fatty acids have nutritional and metabolic effects and support the integrity of the intestinal epithelium. However, their roles in intestinal immunity in pigs are not fully understood. We investigated the effects of a medium-chain fatty acid, capric acid, on intestinal oxidative stress, inflammation, and barrier function in porcine epithelial cells and miniature pigs after treatment with the immune suppressant cyclophosphamide. Capric acid alleviated inflammatory cytokine production (TNF-α and IL-6) and related gene expression (NF-κB, TNF-α, IFN-γ), alleviated oxidative stress (GSSG/GSH ratio, H₂O₂, and malondialdehyde), and increased oxidative stress-related gene expression (SOD1 and GCLC) in cyclophosphamide-treated IPEC-J2 cells. The permeability of FD-4 and expression of ZO-1 and OCLN in cyclophosphamide-treated IPEC-J2 cells were reduced by capric acid. Dietary capric acid reduced TNF-α, IL-6, and MDA levels and increased SOD, GPx, and the expression of genes related to pro-inflammatory, oxidative stress, and intestinal barrier functions in cyclophosphamide-treated miniature pigs. These results revealed that capric acid has protective effects against cyclophosphamide-induced small intestinal dysfunction in pigs.

Exercise to preserve β-cell function in recent-onset Type 1 diabetes mellitus (EXTOD) - a randomized controlled pilot trial

AIM

Residual β-cell function is present at the time of diagnosis with Type 1 diabetes. Preserving this β-cell function reduces complications. We hypothesized that exercise preserves β-cell function in Type 1 diabetes and undertook a pilot trial to address the key uncertainties in designing a definitive trial to test this hypothesis.

METHODS

A randomized controlled pilot trial in adults aged 16-60 years diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes within the previous 3 months was undertaken. Participants were assigned to control (usual care) or intervention (exercise consultation every month), in a 1 : 1 ratio for 12 months. The primary outcomes were recruitment rate, drop out, exercise adherence [weeks with ≥ 150 min of self-reported moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA)], and exercise uptake in the control group. The secondary outcomes were differences in insulin sensitivity and rate of loss of β-cell function between intervention and control at 6 and 12 months.

RESULTS

Of 507 individuals who were approached, 58 (28 control, 30 intervention) entered the study and 41 completed it. Participants were largely white European males, BMI 24.8 ± 3.8 kg/m² , HbA_1c 75 ± 25 mmol/mol (9 ± 2%). Mean level of objectively measured MVPA increased in the intervention group (mean 243 to 273 min/week) and 61% of intervention participants reached the target of ≥ 150 min/week of self-reported MVPA on at least 42 weeks of the year. Physical activity levels fell slightly in the control group (mean 277 to 235 min of MVPA/week). There was exploratory evidence that intervention group became more insulin sensitive and required less insulin. However, the rate of loss of β-cell function appeared similar between the groups, although the change in insulin sensitivity may have affected this.

CONCLUSION

We show that it is possible to recruit and randomize people with newly diagnosed Type 1 diabetes to a trial of an exercise intervention, and increase and maintain their exercise levels for 12 months. Future trials need to incorporate measures of greater adherence to exercise training targets, and include more appropriate measures of β-cell function. (Clinical Trials Registry No; ISRCTN91388505).

Rapid and simple method by combining FTA™ card DNA extraction with two set multiplex PCR for simultaneous detection of non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli strains and virulence genes in food samples

The aim of this research was to optimize two multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays that could simultaneously detect six non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) as well as the three virulence genes. We also investigated the potential of combining the FTA™ card-based DNA extraction with the multiplex PCR assays. Two multiplex PCR assays were optimized using six primer pairs for each non-O157 STEC serogroup and three primer pairs for virulence genes respectively. Each STEC strain specific primer pair only amplified 155, 238, 321, 438, 587 and 750 bp product for O26, O45, O103, O111, O121 and O145 respectively. Three virulence genes were successfully multiplexed: 375 bp for eae, 655 bp for stx1 and 477 bp for stx2. When two multiplex PCR assays were validated with ground beef samples, distinctive bands were also successfully produced. Since the two multiplex PCR examined here can be conducted under the same PCR conditions, the six non-O157 STEC and their virulence genes could be concurrently detected with one run on the thermocycler. In addition, all bands clearly appeared to be amplified by FTA card DNA extraction in the multiplex PCR assay from the ground beef sample, suggesting that an FTA card could be a viable sampling approach for rapid and simple DNA extraction to reduce time and labour and therefore may have practical use for the food industry.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Two multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays were optimized for discrimination of six non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and identification of their major virulence genes within a single reaction, simultaneously. This study also determined the successful ability of the FTA™ card as an alternative to commercial DNA extraction method for conducting multiplex STEC PCR assays. The FTA™ card combined with multiplex PCR holds promise for the food industry by offering a simple and rapid DNA sample method for reducing time, cost and labour for detection of STEC in food and environmental samples.

Original XPCTM Effect on Salmonella Typhimurium and Cecal Microbiota from Three Different Ages of Broiler Chickens When Incubated in an Anaerobic In Vitro Culture System

Feed supplements are utilized in the poultry industry as a means for improving growth performance and reducing pathogens. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of Diamond V Original XPCTM (XPC, a fermented product generated from yeast cultures) on Salmonella Typhimurium ST 97 along with its potential for modulation of the cecal microbiota by using an anaerobic in vitro mixed culture assay. Cecal slurries obtained from three broiler chickens at each of three sampling ages (14, 28, and 42 days) were generated and exposed to a 24 h pre-incubation period with the various treatments: XPC (1% XPC, ceca, and feeds), CO (ceca only), and NC (negative control) group consisting of ceca and feeds. The XPC, CO, and NC were each challenged with S. Typhimurium and subsequently plated on selective media at 0, 24, and 48 h. Plating results indicated that the XPC treatment significantly reduced the survival of S. Typhimurium at the 24 h plating time point for both the 28 and 42 days bird sampling ages, while S. Typhimurium reduction in the NC appeared to eventually reach the same population survival level at the 48 h plating time point. For microbiome analysis, Trial 1 revealed that XPC, CO, and NC groups exhibited a similar pattern of taxa summary. However, more Bacteroidetes were observed in the CO group at 24 and 48 h. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in alpha diversity among samples based on day, hour and treatment. For beta diversity analysis, a pattern shift was observed when samples clustered according to sampling hour. In Trial 2, both XPC and NC groups exhibited the highest Firmicutes level at 0 h but the Bacteroidetes group became dominant at 6 h. Complexity of alpha diversity was increased in the initial contents from older birds and became less complex after 6 h of incubation. Beta diversity analysis was clustered as a function of treatment NC and XPC groups and by individual hours including 6, 12, 24, and 48 h. Overall, addition of XPC influenced microbiome diversity in a similar fashion to the profile of the NC group.

Assessment of Chicken Carcass Microbiome Responses During Processing in the Presence of Commercial Antimicrobials Using a Next Generation Sequencing Approach

The purpose of this study was to 1) identify microbial compositional changes on chicken carcasses during processing, 2) determine the antimicrobial efficacy of peracetic acid (PAA) and Amplon (blend of sulfuric acid and sodium sulfate) at a poultry processing pilot plant scale, and 3) compare microbial communities between chicken carcass rinsates and recovered bacteria from media. Birds were collected from each processing step and rinsates were applied to estimate aerobic plate count (APC) and Campylobacter as well as Salmonella prevalence. Microbiome sequencing was utilized to identify microbial population changes over processing and antimicrobial treatments. Only the PAA treatment exhibited significant reduction of APC at the post chilling step while both Amplon and PAA yielded detectable Campylobacter reductions at all steps. Based on microbiome sequencing, Firmicutes were the predominant bacterial group at the phyla level with over 50% frequency in all steps while the relative abundance of Proteobacteria decreased as processing progressed. Overall microbiota between rinsate and APC plate microbial populations revealed generally similar patterns at the phyla level but they were different at the genus level. Both antimicrobials appeared to be effective on reducing problematic bacteria and microbiome can be utilized to identify optimal indicator microorganisms for enhancing product quality.

Performance and Phosphorus Utilization of Broiler Chickens Fed Low Phytate Barley and Pea Based Diets with Graded Levels of Inorganic Phosphorus

The effects of feeding diets based on soybean meal, low phytate hulless barley (Lphybarley) and low phytate pea (Lphypea) with inorganic phosphorus (iP) reduced by 50 or 100% to broiler chickens on performance, P digestibility and bone characteristics were investigated. Two hundred and ten day-old (Ross 308 strain) broiler chicks (5 birds per cage; 6 cages per diet) were randomly allocated to 7 dietary treatments for a 21-day study. Diets were formulated based on soybean meal-normal phytate hulless barley (SBM-normbarley) with added inorganic P (iP) to meet NRC (1994) P requirements (SBM-normbarley100) or with 50% less iP (SBM-normbarley50), soybean meal-Lphybarley-Lphypea with added iP (Lphybarley-Lphypea100) or iP reduced by 50% (Lphybarley-Lphypea50) or 100% (Lphybarley-Lphypea0), and soybean meal-normbarleynormal phytate pea (normpea) with added iP (normbarley-normpea100) or iP reduced by 50% (normbarley-normpea50). Birds fed the Lphybarley-Lphypea0 diet had the lowest (P<0.001) ADG compared with those fed the other diets. Reducing iP by 50% led to a reduction (P<0.05) in ADG for birds fed the SBM-normbarley- and normbarley-normpea-based diets but not in the Lphybarley- Lphypea-based diet. Reducing iP by 50% led to a reduction (P<0.05) in ADFI in birds fed the SBM-normbarley-based diet and normbarley-normpea-based diet compared with those fed adequate iP. Feed conversion ratio was not affected by diet throughout the experimental period (P>0.10). Reducing iP content reduced P retention in the SBM-normbarley-based diet but not in the normbarley-normpea-based diet but tibia ash and length were reduced in birds fed both diets (P<0.05). Reducing dietary iP content linearly increased (P < 0.05) P retention and linearly decreased (P<0.05) tibia ash and length in the Lphypea-Lphybarley-based diets. In conclusion, feeding a low phytate hulless barley-low phytate pea based diet with iP reduced by 50% supported similar performance as control and increased P retention, suggesting that utilizing a combination of low phytate ingredients can reduce the need for supplemental iP with significant cost and environmental implication.

Development of a rapid method to quantify Salmonella Typhimurium using a combination of MPN with qPCR and a shortened time incubation

A novel method was developed for the specific quantification of S. Typhimurium using a most-probable-number (MPN) combined with qPCR and a shortened incubation time (MPN-qPCR-SIT). For S. Typhimurium enumeration, dilutions of samples were transferred into three wells on a microtiter plate and the plate was incubated for 4 h. The S. Typhimurium presence in the wells was identified using a qPCR and populations were determined based on an MPN calculation. The R² between the MPN-qPCR-SIT and conventional MPN exhibited a high level of correlation (0.9335-0.9752), suggesting that the MPN-qPCR-SIT offers a reliable alternative method for S. Typhimurium quantification. Although plating and qPCR were limited in their ability to detect low levels of S. Typhimurium (e.g. 0.18 log MPN/ml), these levels could be successfully detected with the MPN-qPCR-SIT. Chicken breast samples inoculated with S. Typhimurium were incubated at 0, 4, and 24 h and incubated samples were subjected to microbiome analysis. Levels of Salmonella and Enterobacteriaceae increased significantly with incubation time. The obvious benefits of the MPN-qPCR-SIT are: 1) a further confirmation step is not required, 2) the detection limit is as low as conventional MPN, but 3) is more rapid, requiring approximately 7 h to simultaneously complete quantification.