Using Machine Learning and Finite Element Analysis to Extract Traction-Separation Relations at Bonding Wire Interfaces of Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor Modules.

For insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) modules using wire bonding as the interconnection method, the main failure mechanism is cracking of the bonded interface. Studying the mechanical properties of the bonded interface is crucial for assessing the reliability of IGBT modules. In this paper, first, shear tests are conducted on the bonded interface to test the bonded interface's strength. Then, finite element-cohesive zone modeling (FE-CZM) is established to describe the mechanical behavior of the bonded interface. A novel machine learning (ML) architecture integrating a convolutional neural network (CNN) and a long short-term memory (LSTM) network is used to identify the shape and parameters of the traction separation law (TSL) of the FE-CZM model accurately and efficiently. The CNN-LSTM architecture not only has excellent feature extraction and sequence-data-processing abilities but can also effectively address the long-term dependency problem. A total of 1800 sets of datasets are obtained based on numerical computations, and the CNN-LSTM architecture is trained with load-displacement (F-δ) curves as input parameters and TSL shapes and parameters as output parameters. The results show that the error rate of the model for TSL shape prediction is only 0.186%. The performance metric's mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) is less than 3.5044% for all the predictions of the TSL parameters. Compared with separate CNN and LSTM architectures, the proposed CNN-LSTM-architecture approach exhibits obvious advantages in recognizing TSL shapes and parameters. A combination of the FE-CZM and ML methods in this paper provides a promising and effective solution for identifying the mechanical parameters of the bonded interfaces of IGBT modules.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Slaty-backed Forktail, Enicurus schistaceus (Passeriformes: Muscicapidae) and phylogenetic analysis.

The complete mitogenome of the Slaty-backed Forktail (Enicurus schistaceus) was first sequenced using next-generation sequencing. It was 17,112 bp long, with a base composition of 14.17% G, 31.77% C, 30.73% A, and 23.33% T and an AT content of 54.06%. Similar to other mitochondrial genomes within the Muscicapidae family, E. schistaceus exhibited a relatively consistent mitogenome arrangement; it consisted of 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes, 13 protein-coding genes, and one control region. Notably, ND6 and eight tRNA genes were encoded on the light strand. Phylogenetic analysis of the 12 Muscicapidae mitogenomes substantiated the monophyly of all genera, including E. schistaceus. Furthermore, the analysis demonstrated a close relationship between Enicurus and Myophonus.

Selection of Flagship Species and Their Use as Umbrellas in Bird Conservation: A Case Study in Lishui, Zhejiang Province, China.

The concept of flagship species is widely used in conservation biology. Flagship birds play a key role in raising conservation funds, increasing awareness of biodiversity conservation, and maintaining ecosystem services. This study selected flagship bird species in Lishui, Zhejiang Province, China, and assessed their conservation effectiveness and ability to serve as umbrella species. A regional bird survey program from 2019-2022 recorded 361 bird species in Lishui. This study constructed a framework of flagship species selection based on social, ecological, economic, and cultural criteria. The analytic hierarchy process-entropy weight method (AHP-EM) was used to rank the score of 361 bird species, and the MaxEnt model was used to analyze the suitable distribution areas of these species. Finally, 10 species, which covered the distribution sites of all 361 bird species, were selected as the flagship species of Lishui. The distribution areas covered all the nature reserves and the priority areas of biodiversity of Lishui, in which these 10 species can also serve as umbrella species to protect local biodiversity. The methodology and ideas in this study could provide insights into the application of conservation concepts at the local level, as well as suggest possible recommendations for local governments to select flagship species for conservation.

Effects of Different Proportions of Amaranthus hypochondriacus Stem and Leaf Powder Inclusions on Growth Performance, Carcass Traits, and Blood Biochemical Parameters of Broilers.

This experiment aimed to study the effects of different proportions of Amaranthus hypochondriacus stem and leaf powder (AHSL) on the growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, carcass traits, meat quality, and blood biochemical parameters of broilers from day 1 to day 42. The experiment utilized a single-factor experimental design, with a total of 216 one-day-old male broilers (Ross 308) randomly assigned to three dietary treatment groups (eight replicate cages of nine birds per cage). The dietary treatments included a control diet, a 3% AHSL diet and a 6% AHSL diet for days 0-21. Then, the 3% and 6% AHSL diets were changed to 5% and 10% AHSL for days 22-42. The results showed that the inclusion levels of AHSL did not affect growth performance, carcass traits, or meat quality on days 21 and 42 (p > 0.05). However, the inclusion levels of AHSL decreased the apparent nutrient digestibility (AND) of dry matter (DM) (p ˂ 0.001) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (p ˂ 0.001) and increased the serum concentration of phosphorus (p ˂ 0.001) on day 21. On day 42, the inclusion levels of AHSL decreased the AND of DM (p = 0.025) and NDF content (p ˂ 0.001), but increased the AND of crude protein (CP) (p = 0.004). In particular, the diet containing 10% AHSL significantly increased the serum enzyme activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (p = 0.046) and the serum concentration of total protein (TP) (p ˂ 0.001) on day 42. Overall, AHSL can be used as a new and effective feed ingredient in broiler diets. It can replace part of the corn-soybean meal diet without any adverse effects, which is beneficial for conserving feed resources. Additionally, AHSL can be included at a level of up to 10% during the broiler growth period.

A combined pig model to determine the net absorption of volatile fatty acids in the large intestine under different levels of crude fiber.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to develop a combined model to quantify the net absorption of volatile fatty acids (VFA) in the large intestine (LI) of pigs. METHODS: Fifteen female growing pigs (Duroc × Large White × Landrace) were ranked by body weight (30 ± 2.1 kg) on day 0 and assigned to one of three treatments, namely the basal diet containing different crude fiber (CF) levels (LCF: 3.0% CF, MCF: 4.5% CF, and HCF: 6.0% CF). The pigs were implanted with the terminal ileum fistula and the cannulation of the ileal mesenteric vein (IMV), portal vein (PV), and left femoral artery (LFA) from days 6 to 7. [13 C]-Labeled VFA and P-aminohippuric acid were constantly perfused into the terminal ileum fistula and the cannulation of the IMV (day 15), respectively. Blood samples were collected from the PV and the LFA during perfusion (5 h), and LI samples were collected. RESULTS: The net flux of [12 C]-acetic acid in the PV was greater for LCF versus MCF (p = 0.045), but no difference was observed in the net flux of [12 C]-propionic acid (p = 0.505) and [12 C]-butyric acid (p = 0.35) in the PV among treatments. The deposition of [12 C]-acetic acid in the LI was greater for LCF versus MCF (p = 0.014), whereas the deposition of [12 C]-propionic acid (p = 0.007) and [12 C]-butyric acid (p = 0.037) in the LI was greater for LCF versus HCF. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, this pig model was found conducive to study the net absorption of VFAs in the LI, and LCF had more net absorption of VFAs in the LI than MCF and HCF.

Investigation of Choroidal Blood Flow and Thickness Changes Induced by Near Work in Young Adults.

PURPOSE: This research aimed to determine the effects of near work on macular choroidal blood flow and thickness in young adults. METHODS: A total of 109 participants (19-28 years old) were recruited from Capital Medical University in China. The participants spent 40 min reading a book text at a distance of 33 cm. Swept-source optical coherence tomography/optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCT/OCTA) was performed to measure the changes in choriocapillaris perfusion area (CCPA) and choroidal thickness (ChT) after 40 min of near work. The SS-OCT/OCTA data covered an area of 6 mm × 6 mm, which centered on the fovea. RESULTS: The baseline ChT and CCPA before near work were negatively correlated with AL, while positively correlated with the magnitude of spherical equivalent (p < .001). Total CCPA decreased significantly by 6 mm × 6 mm macular area after near work compared to that before near work (24.26 ± 1.96 vs. 24.63 ± 1.61 mm2, p<.001). The macular ChT was lower after 40 min of reading than that before 40 min of reading, but no significant difference was observed (302.25 ± 77.69 vs. 304.92 ± 79.73 µm, p = .078). The extent of choroidal thinning was significantly positively correlated with the magnitude of CCPA reduction (p < .001). The decline in CCPA after near work was significantly positively correlated with axial length (AL; p < .001). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that near work significantly decreased CCPA. The extent of CCPA reduction after near work was associated with higher severity of myopia and choroidal thinning. The baseline CCPA and ChT decreased gradually with AL.

Phylogenetic and expression analysis of the angiopoietin-like gene family and their role in lipid metabolism in pigs.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the phylogenetic and expression analysis of the angiopoietin-like (ANGPTL) gene family and their role in lipid metabolism in pigs. METHODS: In this study, the amino acid sequence analysis, phylogenetic analysis, and chromosome adjacent gene analysis were performed to identify the ANGPTL gene family in pigs. According to the body weight data from 60 Jinhua pigs, different tissues of 6 pigs with average body weight were used to determine the expression profile of ANGPTL1-8. The ileum, subcutaneous fat, and liver of 8 pigs with distinct fatness were selected to analyze the gene expression of ANGPTL3, ANGPTL4, and ANGPTL8. RESULTS: The sequence length of ANGPTLs in pigs was between 1,186 and 1,991 bp, and the pig ANGPTL family members shared common features with human homologous genes, including the high similarity of the amino acid sequence and chromosome flanking genes. Amino acid sequence analysis showed that ANGPTL1-7 had a highly conserved domain except for ANGPTL8. Phylogenetic analysis showed that each ANGPTL homologous gene shared a common origin. Quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that ANGPTL family members had different expression patterns in different tissues. ANGPTL3 and ANGPTL8 were mainly expressed in the liver, while ANGPTL4 was expressed in many other tissues, such as the intestine and subcutaneous fat. The expression levels of ANGPTL3 in the liver and ANGPTL4 in the liver, intestine and subcutaneous fat of Jinhua pigs with low propensity for adipogenesis were significantly higher than those of high propensity for adipogenesis. CONCLUSION: These results increase our knowledge about the biological role of the ANGPTL family in this important economic species, it will also help to better understand the role of ANGPTL3, ANGPTL4, and ANGPTL8 in lipid metabolism of pigs, and provide innovative ideas for developing strategies to improve meat quality of pigs.

Ferula sinkiangensis against gastric cancer: a network pharmacology, molecular docking and cell experiment study.

Background: Ferula sinkiangensis (F. sinkiangensis) is a traditional Chinese medicine that has been used for thousands of years to treat stomach ailments. To identify the main active compounds and explore the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effect of F. sinkiangensis against gastric cancer (GC) by network pharmacology, molecular docking analysis and cell experiment. Methods: Based on a review of the literature and previous experiments conducted by our research group, the active compounds of F. sinkiangensis were obtained. Active compounds and their target genes were screened from SwissADME, Pubchem, and Pharmmapper databases. GC-related target genes were obtained from GeneCards. The drug-compound-target-disease (D-C-T-D) network and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network were constructed by Cytoscape 3.7.2 and STRING database, and the core target genes and core active compounds were identified. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were conducted using the R package clusterProfiler. The core genes with high expression in GC were screened, which correlated with a poor prognosis using the GEPIA, UALCAN, HPA, and KMplotter databases. KEGG signaling pathway analysis was further conducted to predict the mechanism of F. sinkiangensis during the process of GC inhibition. The AutoDock vina 1.1.2 program was used to verify the molecular docking of the core active compounds and core target genes. MTT, Transwell, and Wound healing assay were used to detect the effects of ethyl acetate extract of F. sinkiangensis on the proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis of GC cells. Results: Final results indicated that the active compounds include Farnesiferol C, Assafoetidin, Lehmannolone, Badrakemone, etc. The identified core target genes were GPI, TKT, GLYCTK, ERBB2, GAPDH, etc. The Glycolysis/Gluconeogenesis pathway and the Pentose Phosphate pathway might play important roles in the treatment of GC with F. sinkiangensis. The data from the study showed that F. sinkiangensis was able to inhibit the proliferation of GC cells. Meanwhile, F. sinkiangensis remarkedly repressed the invasion and migration of GC cells in in vitro experiment. Conclusions: This study revealed that F. sinkiangensis has an antitumor effect in in vitro experiment, and that the mechanism of F. sinkiangensis in GC treatment shows characteristics of multi-components, multi-targets, and multi-pathways, which provides a theoretical basis for its clinical application and subsequent experimental verification.

Effects of Landscape Context on Bird Community in the Subtropical Evergreen Broad-Leaved Forest of Wuyishan National Park.

Landscape context can reflect the habitat structure and play an important role in bird species occurrences and abundance. For local biodiversity conservation and restoration, we examined the effects of landscape context on bird communities at different altitude gradients. Our study was conducted in four altitude gradients (<300 m, 300-599 m, 600-899 m, 900-1200 m) of subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest in Wuyishan National Park, China. The bird survey was carried out in 115 transects in spring, summer, autumn and winter. We examined the effects of altitude, season and landscape context. The result showed that (1) species richness and abundance at <300 m altitude were highest among the four altitude gradients, and they showed more significant differences than those at other altitude gradients; (2) the species richness of birds was associated with altitude, season and landscape context, as the season is more significant than other explanatory variables; (3) at the landscape level, habitat configuration is more important. The average canopy height and contagion index positively correlated with the species richness and abundance of birds at all four altitude gradients. In particular, the average canopy height is significant at 300-599 m and 600-899 m altitude gradients. The study results can provide a theoretical basis and guidance for future national park conservation and management and ecological restoration in the subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest regions.

Effects of Environmental Factors on Bird Communities in Different Urbanization Grades: An Empirical Study in Lishui, a Mountainous Area of Eastern China.

The rapid development of urbanization has changed landscape patterns and biological habitats severely and, therefore, affected biodiversity. In this study, we selected 75 townships in Lishui, a mountainous area in eastern China, to conduct bird surveys for two years. We analyzed the birds' composition characters in townships with different levels of development in order to identify the effects on bird diversity of the urban development level, land cover pattern, landscape pattern, and other factors. In total, 296 bird species from 18 orders and 67 families were recorded between December 2019 and January 2021. A total of 166 species of birds belonged to Passeriformes (56.08%). The seventy-five townships were divided into three grades by K-means cluster analysis. The average number of bird species, richness index, and diversity index were higher in G-H (highest urban development level) compared with the other grades. At the township level, landscape diversity and landscape fragmentation were the key factors that positively affected the bird species number, diversity index, and richness index. Landscape diversity had a greater effect than landscape fragmentation, particularly on the Shannon-Weiner diversity index. The diversity and heterogeneity of urban landscapes could be improved by constructing biological habitats in future urban development planning to maintain and increase biodiversity. The results obtained in this study provide a theoretical basis for urban planning in mountainous areas, and a reference for policymakers to formulate biodiversity conservation strategies, construct reasonable biodiversity patterns, and solve practical biodiversity conservation problems.

Effect of Dietary Supplementation with Mannose Oligosaccharides on the Body Condition, Lactation Performance and Their Offspring of Heat-Stressed Sows.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of dietary supplementation with mannose oligosaccharide (MOS) on the condition of the body and the reproductive and lactation performances of sows. Eighty pregnant sows were randomly assigned to four groups with a 2 × 2 factorial design: with or without MOS (1 g/kg) and with or without heat stress (HS) challenge. The temperature in the HS groups (HS and HM group) was controlled at 31.56 ± 1.22 °C, while the temperature in the active cooling (AC) groups (AC and AM group) was controlled at 23.49 ± 0.72 °C. The weight loss of sows in the AC group was significantly lower than that of sows in the HS group (p < 0.01). The weight and backfat thickness loss of sows supplemented with MOS displayed a downward trend. The average birth weight of the litter significantly increased in the HM group (basic diet + MOS) compared with the HS group (p < 0.05). The milk protein of sows significantly decreased under the HS condition at 2 and 12 h after delivery (p < 0.05). However, the milk immunoglobin G (IgG) of sows in the HS group increased significantly compared with that of sows in the HM group (p < 0.05) at 12 and 24 h after delivery. The levels of serum urea nitrogen (UREA) and glucose (GLU) decreased significantly under the HS condition (p < 0.05), while the level of interleukin-6 (IL-6) increased significantly under the HS condition (p < 0.05). Dietary supplementation with MOS also significantly reduced TNF-α under the AC conditions (p < 0.05). In conclusion, HS significantly affected the body condition, lactation performances and their offspring of sows. However, dietary supplementation with 1 g/kg MOS did not result in statistically significant changes.

The Inhibitory Effect and Mechanism of Ferula akitschkensis Volatile Oil on Gastric Cancer.

Ferula akitschkensis volatile oil (FAVO) has a good inhibitory activity on gastric cancer cell proliferation, but the mechanism of action is not yet clear. In this study, we tested the antigastric cancer efficacy and mechanism of FAVO using both in vivo and in vitro models. The results showed that FAVO effectively inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of human gastric cancer SGC-7901 cells, the formation of small tubules of human umbilical vein endothelial cells as well as zebrafish intersegmental vessel and intestinal vein angiogenesis. In vivo experiments showed that FAVO significantly delayed the growth of SGC-7901 tumor-bearing nude mice and induced higher serum IL-2 and IFN-γ and reduced serum IL-6. Western blot results showed that FAVO reduced the expression of HIF-2α, VEGF, VEGFR2, P-VEGFR2, Akt, and P-Akt in SGC-7901 cells with CoCl2 induced hypoxia. We further clarified the main chemical components of FAVO through GC-MS analysis. In summary, FAVO may inhibit tumor growth and angiogenesis via inhibiting the HIF-2α/VEGF signaling pathway.

Free Amino Acid-Enriched Diets Containing Rapidly but Not Slowly Digested Carbohydrate Promote Amino Acid Absorption from Intestine and Net Fluxes across Skeletal Muscle of Pigs.

BACKGROUND: The approach to matching appropriate carbohydrates alongside free amino acids to achieve optimal muscle growth remains unclear. OBJECTIVES: We investigated whether the consumption of a diet containing rapidly digested carbohydrate and free amino acids can enhance intestinal absorption and muscular uptake of amino acids in pigs. METHOD: Twelve barrows (28 kg; 11 wk old) with catheters installed in the portal vein, mesenteric vein, femoral artery, and femoral vein were randomly assigned to consume 1 of 2 free amino acid-enriched diets (3.34%) containing rapidly [waxy corn starch (WCS)] or slowly [pea starch (PS)] digested carbohydrate for 27 d. Blood was collected to determine the fluxes of plasma glucose and amino acids across the portal vein and the hindlimb muscle. Dietary in vitro carbohydrate digestive rates were also determined. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures (time × group) ANOVA. RESULTS: Carbohydrate in vitro cumulative digestibility at 30 and 240 min was 69.00% and 95.25% for WCS and 23.25% and 81.15% for PS, respectively. The animal experiment presented WCS increased individual amino acids (lysine, 0.67 compared with 0.53 mmol/min; threonine, 0.40 compared with 0.29 mmol/min; isoleucine, 0.33 compared with 0.22 mmol/min; glutamate, 0.51 compared with 0.35 mmol/min; and proline, 0.51 compared with 0.27 mmol/min), essential amino acid (EAA; 3.26 compared with 2.65 mmol/min), and branched-chain amino acid (BCAA; 0.86 compared with 0.65 mmol/min) fluxes across the portal vein during 8 h postprandial, as well as individual amino acids (isoleucine, 0.08 compared with 0.02 mmol/min; leucine, 0.06 compared with 0.02 mmol/min; and glutamine, 0.44 compared with 0.25 mmol/min), EAA (0.50 compared with 0.21 mmol/min), and BCAA (0.17 compared with 0.06 mmol/min) net fluxes across the hindlimb muscle during 8 h postprandial compared with PS (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A diet containing rapidly digested carbohydrate and free amino acids can promote intestinal absorption and net fluxes across hindlimb muscle of amino acids in pigs.

Comparative Study of the Nutritional Value and Degradation Characteristics of Amaranth Hay in the Rumen of Goats at Different Growth Stages.

The objective of this study was to investigate the rumen degradation characteristics of grain amaranth hay (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) at four different growth stages. The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional value of grain amaranth hay at different growth stages by chemical composition, in vivo digestibility, and in situ degradability. Three Boer goats with permanent ruminal fistulas were selected in this study. Amaranthus hay at four different growth stages (squaring stage (SS), initial bloom stage (IS), full-bloom stage (FS) and mature stage (MS)) was crushed and placed into nylon bags. Each sample was set up with three replicates, and two parallel samples were set up in fistulas at each time point. The rumen degradation rates of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) were determined at 0, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 72 h. The results were as follows: (1) The concentration of CP in SS was the highest and was significantly higher than that in other stages (p < 0.05), whereas the contents of NDF and ADF gradually increased with the extension of the growing period and reached a maximum in MS; (2)The degradation of CP in the rumen at 72 h of SS and IS was more than 80%. Compared with other stages, the effective degradability of CP was highest in SS (p < 0.05) and reached 87.05% at 72 h, and the degradation rate was the lowest in MS; and (3) The effective degradability of NDF in IS was the highest (p < 0.05) and reached 69.326% at 72 h. The effective degradability of ADF in MS was the highest (p < 0.05) and reached 65.728% at 72 h. The effective degradability of DM and CP in SS was the highest. In conclusion, among the four stages, IS was superior in chemical composition and rumen degradability characteristics.

Role of Episamarcandin in Promoting the Apoptosis of Human Colon Cancer HCT116 Cells through the PI3K-Akt Signaling Pathway.

This study identifies the active ingredients of Ferula sinkiangensis and investigates the role and mechanism of episamarcandin in colon cancer cells. The silica gel column chromatography was utilized to separate the chemical components of Ferula sinkiangensis. Sephadex LH-20 and semipreparative HPLC were adopted for further separation and purification. The compound episamarcandin showed good anticolon cancer activity among the 13 monomeric compounds obtained. Its effects on the apoptosis, cell cycle, and invasion and migration of colon cancer HCT 116 cells and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway were further investigated. The results showed that, similar to positive control cisplatin, episamarcandin inhibited the proliferation, promoted the apoptosis, arrested cells at G0/G1 phase, and suppressed migration and invasion of HCT 116 cells. A large number of apoptotic HCT 116 cells were observed under a transmission electron microscope. Fluorescence real-time quantitative PCR and western blot analysis showed that episamarcandin increased the expression of PTEN, p53, and Bax and decreased the expression of P-Akt, Akt, mTOR, Bcl-xl, and Bcl-2. Conclusively, episamarcandin may inhibit cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and promote the apoptosis of human colon cancer HCT 116 cells possibly through the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway.

Intrauterine growth restriction alters nutrient metabolism in the intestine of porcine offspring.

BACKGROUND: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) has negative impacts on the postnatal survival, growth and development of humans and animals, with not only on newborns but also adulthood. However, the characteristics for nutrient digestion and absorption in IUGR offspring are still largely unknown. Therefore, the normal birth weight (NBW) and IUGR growing pigs were used in this study to investigate their differences in nutrient utilization, with an expectition for further nutritional optimization of the IUGR offspring during their later life. METHODS: Twelve IUGR and 12 NBW growing pigs were fitted with catheters in their portal vein to measure blood flow rate as well as nutrients and metabolites in plasma. The digestibilities of nutrients in different intestinal segments, and bacterial fermentation in the large intestine were examined to reveal the characteristics of nutrients utilization in IUGR versus NBW pigs. RESULTS: The rate of portal venous blood flow did not differ beween IUGR and NBW pigs. Plasma concentrations of total cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose were much lower but those of urea were higher in the portal vein of IUGR pigs, compared with the NBW pigs. The ileal digestibility of dry matter, gross energy and starch were lower in IUGR pigs than in NBW pigs. IUGR increased hindgut microbial diversity and bacterial fermentation activity in the caecum. In vitro cross-fermentation of ileal digesta by caecal microbes of NBW and IUGR pigs showed that gas production was much higher for IUGR ileal digesta regardless of the source of caecal inocula. CONCLUSION: IUGR impairs the nutrient digestion and absorption in small intestine, reduces caecal microbial diversity and promotes bacterial fermentation in the large intestine during the growing phase. These findings aid in our understanding of nutrient metabolism in IUGR pigs and provide the basis for future nutritional interventions.

A regression for estimating metabolizable glucose in diets of weaned piglets for optimal growth performance.

OBJECTIVE: Two experiments were conducted to provide a new approach for evaluating feed nutritional value by metabolizable glucose (MG) in piglet diets with different levels of starch and crude fiber. In Exp 1, a regression equation for MG was generated. In Exp 2, the equation was verified, and the optimal growth performance of piglets under appropriate MG levels was tested. METHODS: In Exp 1, 20 weaned piglets (7.74±0.81 kg body weight [BW]) were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments, including the basal diet containing different levels of MG (starch, 25.80%, 31.67%, 45.71%, 49.36%; crude fiber, 1.23%, 1.35%, 1.80%, 1.51%). The piglets were implanted with an ileal fistula, cannulation of the carotid artery, portal vein, and mesenteric artery. The chyme from the ileum fistula and blood samples were collected. In Exp 2, 30 weaned piglets (8.96±0.50 kg BW) were randomly assigned to 1 of 5 treatments, including the experimental diets with different levels of MG (37.6, 132.5, 300.0, 354.3, and 412.5 g/kg). The piglets' BW, and feed consumption were recorded to calculate growth performance during the 28-d experiment. RESULTS: In Exp 1, the MG levels in 4 diets were 239.62, 280.68, 400.79, and 454.35 g/kg. The regression equation for the MG levels and dietary nutrients was: Y (MG) = 12.13×X1 (starch)+23.18×X2 (crude fiber)-196.44 (R2 = 0.9989, p = 0.033). In Exp 2, treatments with 132.5 and 300.0 g/kg MG significantly (p<0.05) increased average daily gain and feed conversion efficiency of weaned piglets, increased digestibility of crude fat, and had no effect on digestibility of crude protein compared to 300.0 to 412.5 g/kg MG. CONCLUSION: The pig model combining the ileum fistula and cannulation of blood vessels was successfully used to determine the dietary MG levels. The recommended MG level in weaned pig diets is 132.5 to 300.0 g/kg.

Quantitative proteomics analysis of the treatment of asthma rats with total flavonoid extract from chamomile.

OBJECTIVE: Asthma is a chronic immune disease that has become a serious public health problem. The currently available medications are not ideal because of their limitations and side effects; hence, new target proteins and signaling cascades for precise and safe therapy treatment are needed. This work established an ovalbumin-induced asthma rat model and treated it with total flavonoid extract from the Xinjiang chamomile. The proteins that were differentially expressed in the chamomile extract-treated asthmatic rats and the asthma and healthy rat groups were identified using isobaric tagging followed by LC-MS/MS. Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathway analysis of the differentially expressed proteins was performed. RESULTS: Pathways involved in purine metabolism, herpes simplex infection, and JNK phosphorylation and activation mediated by activated human TAK1 were enriched, indicating the intrinsic links between the mechanism of asthma development and treatment effects. Furthermore, we constructed a protein-protein interaction network and identified KIF3A as a potential target protein of chamomile extract that affected the Hedgehog signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS: This study may provide new insights into the pathogenesis of asthma and reveal several proteins and pathways that could be exploited to develop novel treatment approaches.

Effect of flaxseed oil on muscle protein loss and carbohydrate oxidation impairment in a pig model after lipopolysaccharide challenge.

Flaxseed oil is rich in α-linolenic acid (ALA), which is the metabolic precursor of EPA and DHA. The present study investigated the effect of flaxseed oil supplementation on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced muscle atrophy and carbohydrate oxidation impairment in a piglet model. Twenty-four weaned pigs were used in a 2 × 2 factorial experiment including dietary treatment (5 % maize oil v. 5 % flaxseed oil) and LPS challenge (saline v. LPS). On day 21 of treatment, the pigs were injected intraperitoneally with 100 µg/kg body weight LPS or sterile saline. At 4 h after injection, blood, gastrocnemius muscle and longissimus dorsi muscle were collected. Flaxseed oil supplementation increased ALA, EPA, total n-3 PUFA contents, protein:DNA ratio and pyruvate dehydrogenase complex quantity in muscles (P < 0·05). In addition, flaxseed oil reduced mRNA expression of toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 and nucleotide-binding oligomerisation domain protein (NOD) 2 and their downstream signalling molecules in muscles and decreased plasma concentrations of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8, and mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-6 (P < 0·05). Moreover, flaxseed oil inclusion increased the ratios of phosphorylated protein kinase B (Akt) 1:total Akt1 and phosphorylated Forkhead box O (FOXO) 1:total FOXO1 and reduced mRNA expression of FOXO1, muscle RING finger (MuRF) 1 and pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 in muscles (P < 0·05). These results suggest that flaxseed oil might have a positive effect on alleviating muscle protein loss and carbohydrates oxidation impairment induced by LPS challenge through regulation of the TLR4/NOD and Akt/FOXO signalling pathways.

Comparative study of yeast selenium vs. sodium selenite on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activity in weaned piglets challenged by Salmonella typhimurium.

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of selenium from different sources on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and blood immune indices of piglets orally challenged with Salmonella typhimurium (ST). In a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, 32 piglets (6.43 ± 0.54 kg of body mass) were assigned into four groups with or without dietary inclusion of sodium selenite (SS) or yeast selenium (YS) and with or without ST challenge (5 ml 1 × 109 cfu/ml ST or 5 ml saline) on d 13. In each period, YS increased average daily feed intake and average daily gain but did not reach statistical significance. During the challenged stage, piglets fed YS had higher digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, crude fat, and YS reduced the amount of Escherichia coli in feces. Additionally, YS regulated the composition of T-lymphocyte subset and influenced the production of inflammatory cytokines. In conclusion, in this study selenium-enriched yeast was more effective in enhancing nutrient digestibility, and inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress by inducing the activity of the lymphocytes, expression of antioxidant enzymes and so on.