The duck gut microbiota is essential for host health and is considered a potential reservoir for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). However, research on ARGs in the duck gut microbiota is limited. This study collected 120 intestinal content samples from five segments (duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, and colorectum) of ducks raised under two rearing conditions (with or without an open-air swimming pool). We compiled a comprehensive inventory of microbial genes in the duck gut and conducted an analysis of microbial composition and function across all intestinal segments using 16S rRNA gene sequencing combined with metagenomics. The findings revealed that Firmicutes were the most prevalent microbes in all intestinal segments. In the foregut (duodenum, jejunum, and ileum), microbial functions were mainly related to genetic information processing such as transcription, translation, replication, and glycosynthesis/gluconeogenesis. Conversely, in the hindgut (cecum and colorectum), microbial functions were primarily associated with the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites and various metabolic pathways. The analysis of ARGs indicated a higher relative abundance of ARGs in the cecum and colorectum (P < 0.05) of ducks in the presence of an open-air swimming pool compared to the absence of one. Furthermore, through co-occurrence network analysis, we identified Bacteroides, Roseburia, Ruminococcus, and Blautia as potential hosts of ARGs such as tetQ, tet32, tet37, vanR, vanG, and acrB in the hindgut. This study provides new insights into the complex relationship between ARGs and the microbial community in duck intestines, laying a theoretical groundwork for understanding the transmission dynamics of ARGs in these ecosystems.
Mahmoud Abd-Elkareem, Mohsen A. Khormi, Mohammed A. Alfattah
et al.
Abstract Background Saidi sheep are one of the most important farm animals in Upper Egypt, particularly in the Assiut governorate. Since they can provide meat, milk, fiber, and skins from low-quality roughages, sheep are among the most economically valuable animals bred for food in Egypt. Regarding breeding, relatively little is known about the Saidi breed. In mammals, the uterus is a crucial reproductive organ. Therefore, the purpose of this work was to provide further details on the histological, histochemical, and immunohistochemical analyses of superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), glutathione reductase (GR), and progesterone receptor alpha (PRA) as well as terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) dUTP nick-end labeling assay (TUNEL) of the uterus during the follicular phase of estrous cycle in Saidi sheep. Thus, 11 healthy Saidi ewes (38.5 ± 2.03 kg weight) ranging in age from 2 to 5 years were used to examine the histological changes in the uterus. Results In Saidi sheep, the uterine histological and immunological picture during the follicular phase of the estrous cycle was characterized by epithelial and stromal proliferation and apoptosis. Leucocytic recruitment (lymphocytes, plasma, and mast cells) was also observed. Uterine gland adenogenesis, vascular angiogenesis, oxidative marker expression, and PRA expression in the muscles, stroma, and epithelium were the most noticeable features of the follicular phase. Conclusion This study provides new evidence of the role of PRA, SOD2, GR, and mast cells in controlling uterine epithelial proliferation and apoptosis in the Saidi sheep during the follicular phase of the estrus cycle. These findings have growing significance in understanding the key mechanisms that characterize successful reproduction and enhancing the fertility and reproductive efficiency in Saidi Sheep.
Morphological differences can provide insights into species' ecological adaptations and evolutionary processes. This study focuses on examining the effects of sex and species dimorphism on foot morphology in two different partridge species, the Chukar Partridge (Alectoris chukar) and the Gray Partridge (Perdix perdix). A total of 68-foot samples, including both right and left foot, were analyzed from 34 partridges collected in Sivas province. The analysis revealed that, regardless of sex, the first toe of Chukar Partridges was longer than that of Gray Partridges. When comparing species, the angle between the toes of female Chukar Partridges was wider than that of female Gray Partridges, while the angle between the toes of male Gray Partridges was wider than that of male Chukar Partridges. In terms of sex differences, the angle between the toes of male Gray Partridges was wider than that of female Gray Partridges, while the angle between the toes of female Chukar Partridges was wider than that of male Chukar Partridges. The contribution of directional asymmetry to variation was found to be lower than that of fluctuating asymmetry in both shape and size, suggesting that the asymmetry may result from developmental differences rather than lateral bias. Overall, the width of the toe angle was linked to habitat preferences and ecological adaptations. These findings suggest that the foot morphology of partridges may be shaped by factors such as sex, species, and habitat, and that these adaptations may help birds cope with environmental challenges.
This experiment aimed to evaluate the effects of supplementing tributyrin (TB) on the meat quality characteristics of foreshank muscle of weaned lambs. A total of 30 healthy weaned Small-Tailed Han female lambs with body weights ranging from 23.4 to 31.6 kg were selected and randomly divided into five groups, and each group consisted of 6 lambs. The control group was fed a basic total mixed ration, while other groups were fed the same ration supplemented with 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 g/kg TB, respectively. The experiment lasted 75 d, including 15 d of adaptation. Foreshank muscle obtained at the same position from each lamb was used for chemical analysis and sensory evaluation. The results showed that supplementing TB increased the muscle contents of ether extract (<i>p</i> = 0.029), calcium (<i>p</i> = 0.030), phosphorus (<i>p</i> = 0.007), and intermuscular fat length (<i>p</i> = 0.022). Besides, TB increased the muscle pH (<i>p</i> = 0.001) and redness (<i>p</i> < 0.001) but reduced the lightness (<i>p</i> < 0.001), drip loss (<i>p</i> = 0.029), cooking loss (<i>p</i> < 0.001), shear force (<i>p</i> = 0.001), hardness (<i>p</i> < 0.001), cohesiveness (<i>p</i> < 0.001), springiness (<i>p</i> < 0.001), gumminess (<i>p</i> < 0.001), and chewiness (<i>p</i> < 0.001). In addition, TB increased the muscle content of inosine-5′-phosphate (<i>p</i> = 0.004). Most importantly, TB increased the muscle contents of essential amino acids (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Furthermore, TB increased the saturated fatty acids level in the muscle (<i>p</i> < 0.001) while decreasing the unsaturated fatty acids content (<i>p</i> < 0.001). In conclusion, supplementing TB could influence the meat quality of foreshank muscle of weaned lambs by modifying the amino acid and fatty acid levels.
Competition anxiety among equestrians has been examined very little so far. Therefore, this study investigated the extent and distribution of competition anxiety in female and male equestrians. Furthermore, it was examined whether there are specific differences among equestrians in different disciplines (dressage, show jumping, western, recreational, and eventing) and performance levels. The sample (N = 406) consisted of female (n = 385) and male (n = 21) German competition riders (meanage = 34.84). Competition anxiety (somatic anxiety, concern, concentration (decrease)) was measured with the Competition Anxiety Inventory Trait (German: Wettkampf-Angst-Inventar/WAI-T). The data analysis was based on t-tests, analyses of variance (ANOVAs) including post-hoc tests and correlation analyses. The results reveal that equestrians in higher-level performance classes (2, 3, and 4) had lower perceptions of somatic anxiety (meanclass 2 = 8.70; mean class 3 = 9.13; meanclass 4 = 9.79) than respondents in lower-level classes (meanclass 6 = 11.76, p < .001). There were differences among the disciplines in concern (p < .01) and concentration (decrease); (p < .001). Dressage riders showed higher concern scores (mean = 10.67) than western riders (mean = 7.90). Furthermore, dressage riders scored higher on concentration (decrease) (mean = 7.57) compared to show jumping (mean = 6.69) and eventing (mean = 5.76). Equestrians competing in show jumping (mean = 6.69) had significantly lower concentration (decrease) scores than in recreational riding (mean = 8.22). Female riders (mean = 1.71) rated worrying thoughts as more performance-inhibiting compared to male respondents (mean = 2.19, p < .01). Dressage riders (mean = 1.74) reported feeling more physical arousal before competitions than show jumpers (mean = 1.71). These results underline the importance of considering competition anxiety to adapt training for riders, minimize risks of injuries in equestrian sports, and improve performance. Results may also be of interest for selecting advice and coaching processes.
Super mealworm <i>Zophobas morio</i> (Coleoptera: Tenbrionidea) larvae (ZML) are being investigated as potential candidates for biodiesel production. Several studies have revealed that the crude fat content of ZML can be enhanced by increasing the feed consumed. We aimed to develop an optimized ZML feed that enhances the lipid gain using 10 different ingredients. The results revealed that the highest lipid content was observed in ZML fed food waste (FW). Furthermore, we found that the weight gain of ZML improved when fed fermented FW using three selected microorganisms (3M), <i>Lactobacillus fermentum</i>, <i>Lactobacillus acidophilus</i>, and <i>Pediococcus acidilactici</i>. We also analyzed the effects of preservatives on the weight gain of ZML, and the results revealed that ZML fed 5-day 3M-fermented FW (FFW) containing 0.05% sorbic acid exhibited the highest weight gain. Based on these findings, we produced solid FFW containing 0.05% sorbic acid using 5% agar and established a manufacturing process. Body composition analysis revealed that the lipid content of the ZML fed manufactured feed was higher than that of the ZML fed wheat bran. Therefore, this study suggests that solid FFW containing 0.05% sorbic acid should be used as a commercial feed for ZML breeding to enhance lipid gain, making it an economical substrate for raw biodiesel production.
Hidayat Mohd Yusof, Nor’Aini Abdul Rahman, Rosfarizan Mohamad
et al.
Since the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria in the poultry industry is currently a serious threat, there is an urgent need to develop a more efficient and alternative antibacterial substance. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have exhibited antibacterial efficacy against a wide range of microorganisms. Although the in vitro antibacterial activity of ZnO NPs has been studied, little is known about the antibacterial mechanisms of ZnO NPs against poultry-associated foodborne pathogens. In the present study, ZnO NPs were successfully synthesized using <i>Lactobacillus plantarum</i> TA4, characterized, and their antibacterial potential against common avian pathogens (<i>Salmonella</i> spp., <i>Escherichia coli</i>, and <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>) was investigated. Confirmation of ZnO NPs by UV-Visual spectroscopy showed an absorption band center at 360 nm. Morphologically, the synthesized ZnO NPs were oval with an average particle size of 29.7 nm. Based on the dissolution study of Zn<sup>2+</sup>, ZnO NPs released more ions than their bulk counterparts. Results from the agar well diffusion assay indicated that ZnO NPs effectively inhibited the growth of the three poultry-associated foodborne pathogens. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were assessed using various concentrations of ZnO NPs, which resulted in excellent antibacterial activity as compared to their bulkier counterparts. <i>S. aureus</i> was more susceptible to ZnO NPs compared to the other tested bacteria. Furthermore, the ZnO NPs demonstrated substantial biofilm inhibition and eradication. The formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cellular material leakage was quantified to determine the underlying antibacterial mechanisms, whereas a scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to examine the morphological changes of tested bacteria treated with ZnO NPs. The findings suggested that ROS-induced oxidative stress caused membrane damage and bacterial cell death. Overall, the results demonstrated that ZnO NPs could be developed as an alternative antibiotic in poultry production and revealed new possibilities in combating pathogenic microorganisms.
Wilson P. Carvalho Filho, Leandro A. Fonseca, Fabricia M. Girardi
et al.
ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum amyloid A (SAA) and biomarkers of muscle activity of horses submitted to show jumping activity. To do this, the variables SAA, glucose, lactate and the biomarkers creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate amino transferase (AST) were evaluated in 10 horses submitted to the show jumping exercise in a tournament for beginners. The evaluations occurred before exercise (T0), immediately after (T1), 30 minutes (T2), 60 minutes (T3) and 24 hours after the end (T4). Data were evaluated using analysis of variance for repeated measures. The statistical software SAEG 9.1 was used to verify the level of significance between the moments for P<0.05. Glucose presented a difference between the moments T0 (97.7±13.3mg/dL) and T1 (79.7±14.1mg/dL). Lactate presented elevation in T1 (15.3±6.1mmol/L) compared to the others T0 (3.8±0.8mmol/L), T2 (6.5±3.9mmol/L), T3 (5.3±2.2mmol/L) and T4 (5.1±1.6mmol/L). The CK showed a significant difference between T0 (82.8±51.2U/L) and T1 (140.1±58.5U/L) and between T4 (74.4±43.1U/L) with T1 (140.1±58.5U/L). The AST presented no difference between moments. The show jumping activity with one-meter obstacles did not induce changes in the SAA protein between the moments.
Cytogenetics analysis even though mostlyused for the evaluation of chromosomal abnormality by arresting the cell division at metaphase stage, but is also helpful to ascertain the riverine/swamp status of buffaloes. The study was conducted to characterize two buffalo populations, viz. Sambalpuri and Manda of Odisha cytogenetically, to establish their riverine or swamp status. Metaphase chromosome spreads ofboth, Sambalpuri and Manda buffaloes showed a chromosome number of 2n=50.There were fivepairs of metacentric or sub-metacentric and 19 pairs acrocentric along with a pair of sex chromosomesin both the populations, typical of riverine buffalo. Nomorphological or chromosomal abnormality observed in any of the populations. This study thus confirms the riverine status of both the Odisha buffalo populations.
Background/Aims: Paeoniflorin (PF) is known to have anti-inflammatory and paregoric effects, but the mechanism underlying its analgesic effect remains unclear. The aim of this study was to clarify the effect of PF on Freund’s complete adjuvant (CFA)-induced inflammatory pain and explore the underlying molecular mechanism. Methods: An inflammatory pain model was established by intraplantar injection of CFA in C57BL/6J mice. After intrathecal injection of PF daily for 8 consecutive days, thermal and mechanical withdrawal thresholds, the levels of inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, microglial activity, and the expression of Akt-NF-κB signaling pathway in the spinal cord tissue were detected by animal ethological test, cell culture, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunofluorescence histochemistry, and western blot. Results: PF inhibited the spinal microglial activation in the CFA-induced pain model. The production of proinflammatory cytokines was decreased in the central nervous system after PF treatment both in vivo and in vitro. PF further displayed a remarkable effect on inhibiting the activation of Akt-NF-κB signaling pathway in vivo and in vitro. Conclusion: These results suggest that PF is a potential therapeutic agent for inflammatory pain and merits further investigation.
The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of Viburnum opulus L. fruit extract against ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced oxidative stress
during the lung transplantation. For this purpose, 30 female rats were firstly randomized to form of donor and recipients. After then, the rats were divided into
three groups named as control, I/R, and V. opulus + I/R. Experimental rats were subjected to lung transplantation with ischemia followed by 2 h of reperfusion.
Transplantation-related lung injury was evaluated by multiple parameters. A significant decrease was observed in the enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase
(SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT), and the levels of glutathione and total antioxidant status (TAS), whereas the levels of malondialdehyde
(MDA), total oxidant status (TOS), and protein carbonyl were significantly increased in lung tissue samples of I/R group in comparison to the control group.
However, treatment with V. opulus fruit extract resulted in significant reduction of MDA and protein carbonyl levels and increment of the antioxidant system. In
conclusion, V. opulus fruit extract showed protective effects against I/R-induced oxidative stress during lung transplantation probably by the radical scavenging
and antioxidant activity. Therefore, this fruit extract can be efficient in the prevention of I/R-related lung toxicity.