Novel Cultivation of six-year-old Korean Ginseng (Panax ginseng) in pot: From Non-Agrochemical Management to Increased Ginsenoside.

Background: Ginseng (Panax ginseng Meyer) is a perennial plant belonging to the Araliaceae family that is known to have various beneficial effects including improving memory loss and spatial cognitive ability, and anti-cancer and anti-diabetes activity. Its functional benefits also include improving liver function, regulating blood pressure, stress, and providing antioxidant activity. Usually, various agrochemicals are used in cultivating ginseng preventing from many diseases. Methods: FCGP (field cultivated ginseng in pot) was implemented by imitating MCWG (mountain cultivated wild ginseng). Pesticide analysis of pot cultivation was carried out and the contents of bioactive components such as ginsenoside were also analyzed. Results: FCGP ginsenoside content was higher than that of FCG (field cultivated ginseng) and MCWG. FCGP has been shown to have a relatively high antioxidant effect compared with cultivated ginseng. Conclusion: It was confirmed that ginseng can be grown for 6 years without resorting to use of pesticides. In addition, it was confirmed that effective accumulation of physiologically active ingredients such as ginsenoside is possible. Our result represents FCGP is a novel method of pesticide-free ginseng cultivation.

Effects of different stocking density and various phytogenic feed additives dosage levels on growing-finishing pigs.

This study was to investigate the effects of different phytogenic feed additives (PFA) dosage levels in growing- finishing pigs stressed by high stocking density. A total of 72 mix sexed 12 weeks growing pigs ([Landrace × Yorkshire] × Duroc) with initial body weight (BW) of 49.28 ± 4.58 kg were used for 8 weeks. There were 3 replicate pens in each treatment group, with 3 pigs per pen. The dietary treatment groups consisted of basal diets in animal welfare density (negative control [NC]), basal diet in high stocking density (positive control [PC]), PC + 0.04% essential oil (ES1), PC + 0.08% essential oil (ES2), PC + 0.10% bitter citrus extract & essential oil (CES1), PC + 0.20% bitter citrus extract & essential oil (CES2), PC + 0.05% grape pomace extract (GP1), PC + 0.10% grape pomace extract (GP2). The reduction of space allowance decreased (p < 0.05) average daily gain, feed efficiency, and digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, and gross energy. Also, the fecal score of PC groups increased (p < 0.05) compared with other groups. Basic behaviors (feed intake, standing, lying) were inactive (p < 0.05) and singularity behavior (biting) was increased (p < 0.10) under high stocking density. There was no difference in blood profile. However, the supplementation of PFA alleviated the negative effects such as reduced growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and some increasing stress indicators in th blood (cortisol) and animal behavior (biting). In conclusion, the negative effect of high stocking density was most effectively mitigated by the normal dosage of the mixture of bitter citrus extract and essential oil additive (CES1).

Correction: Thang et al. Effects of Different Colored LEDs on the Enhancement of Biologically Active Ingredients in Callus Cultures of Gynura procumbens (Lour.) Merr. Molecules 2019, 24, 4336.

There were some errors in the original publication [...].

Phytogenic feed additives alleviate pathogenic Escherichia coli-induced intestinal damage through improving barrier integrity and inhibiting inflammation in weaned pigs.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of each phytogenic feed additive (PFA; PFA1, bitter citrus extract; PFA2, a microencapsulated blend of thymol and carvacrol; PFA3, a mixture of bitter citrus extract, thymol, and carvacrol; PFA4, a premixture of grape seed, grape marc extract, green tea, and hops; PFA5, fenugreek seed powder) on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, intestinal morphology, and immune response in weaned pigs infected with Escherichia coli (E. coli). RESULTS: A total of 63 4-week-old weaned pigs were placed in individual metabolic cages and assigned to seven treatment groups. The seven treatments were as follows: 1) NC; basal diet without E. coli challenge, 2) PC; basal diet with E. coli challenge, 3) T1; PC + 0.04% PFA1, 4) T2; PC + 0.01% PFA2, 5) T3; PC + 0.10% PFA3, 6) T4; PC + 0.04% PFA4, 7) T5; PC + 0.10% PFA5. The experiments lasted in 21 d, including 7 d before and 14 d after the first E. coli challenge. In the E. coli challenge treatments, all pigs were orally inoculated by dividing a total of 10 mL of E. coli F18 for 3 consecutive days. The PFA-added groups significantly increased (P < 0.05) average daily gain and feed efficiency and decreased (P < 0.05) the fecal score at d 0 to 14 post-inoculation (PI). Tumor necrosis factor α was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the PFA-added groups except for T1 in d 14 PI compared to the PC treatment. The T3 had a higher (P < 0.05) immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin A concentration compared to the PC treatment at d 7 PI. Also, T3 showed significantly higher (P < 0.05) villus height:crypt depth and claudin 1 expression in ileal mucosa, and significantly down-regulated (P < 0.05) the expression of calprotectin compared to the PC treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Supplementation of PFA in weaned pigs challenged with E. coli alleviated the negative effects of E. coli and improved growth performance. Among them, the mixed additive of bitter citrus extract, thymol, and carvacrol showed the most effective results, improving immune response, intestinal morphology, and expression of tight junctions.

Stimbiotic supplementation modulated intestinal inflammatory response and improved boilers performance in an experimentally-induced necrotic enteritis infection model.

BACKGROUND: Two experiments were conducted to establish an optimal NE challenge model and evaluate the efficacy of stimbiotic (STB) supplementation in necrotic enteritis (NE) challenged broilers. In Exp. 1, a total of 120 Arbor Acres (AA) broilers (45.0 ± 0.21 g) were randomly assigned to 6 treatments in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement. Vaccine treatments included non-challenge (0), × 10 the recommended dose (× 10) or × 20 the recommended dose (× 20) by the manufacturer. Clostridium perfringens (CP) treatments were non-challenge (No) or 3 mL of 2.2 × 107 CFU CP challenge (Yes). In Exp. 2, a total of 72 AA broilers (40.17 ± 0.27 g) were randomly assigned to 6 treatments in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement. Dietary treatments included non-additive (CON), 100 mg/kg STB (STB) and 100 mg/kg STB on top of a typical commercial blend including an essential oil, probiotics, and enzyme (CB). Challenge treatments included non-NE challenge (No) and NE challenge (Yes) as established in Exp. 1. RESULTS: In Exp. 1, CP and vaccine challenge decreased (P < 0.05) body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG) and feed intake (FI), and increased (P < 0.05) the number of broilers with diarrhea and intestinal lesions. The oral administration of × 20 recommended dose of vaccines coupled with 3 mL of 2.2 × 107 CFU CP resulted in (P < 0.01) a significantly increased incidence of wet litter and intestinal lesions. Thus, this treatment was chosen as the challenge model for the successful inducement of NE in Exp. 2. In Exp. 2, the NE challenge negatively affected (P < 0.01) growth performance, ileal morphology, immunoglobulin contents in blood, caecal microbiota in the caecum, footpad dermatitis, intestinal lesion scores, tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α) and endotoxin in the serum compared with the non-NE challenged birds. The supplementation of STB and CB in diets enhanced (P < 0.05) growth performance, intestinal microbiota, and blood profiles by stimulating ileal morphology (VH and VH:CD) and propionate production in the cecum, and there were no differences in measured variables between STB and CB supplemented birds. CONCLUSION: Overall, these results indicate that STB supplementation was able to reduce the inflammatory response and improve the performance of NE challenged birds, and the supplementation of STB alone was as effective as a typical commercial blend containing a number of other additives.

Effects of different Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis ratios on nutrient digestibility, fecal microflora, and gas emissions of growing pigs.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different mixing ratios of Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis in diets on nutrient digestibility, fecal microflora, and odor gas emissions of growing pigs. A total of four crossbred ([Landrace × Yorkshire] × Duroc) barrows with average body weight (BW) of 41.2 ± 0.7 kg were randomly allotted four diets over four periods in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Treatments were as follows: Control (CON, basal diet), CON + 0.2% probiotic complex (L4S6, B. licheniformis and B. subtilis at a 4:6 ratio), CON + 0.2% probiotic complex (L5S5, B. licheniformis and B. subtilis at a 5:5 ratio), CON + 0.2% probiotic complex (L6S4, B. licheniformis and B. subtilis at a 6:4 ratio). Dietary probiotic supplementation showed higher crude protein (CP) digestibility values and lower Escherichia coli counts in fecal samples than the CON group (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in NH3 or H2S emission until day 3. The positive effect of H2S and NH3 emissions was detected earlier with the L4S6 and L5S5 compared to the L6S4, which had a lower ratio of B. subtilis. Both the L4S6 and L5S5 probiotic complexes significantly decreased the fecal H2S and NH3 emission in days 4 and 6 (p < 0.05). On day 7, all probiotic complexes decreased (p < 0.05) H2S and NH3 emissions than the CON group. Our results agreed that the dietary supplementation of Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis complexes in growing pigs can significantly improve CP digestibility and reduce fecal E. coli counts, NH3 and H2S emissions. Notably, the higher mixing ratio of Bacillus subtilis in probiotic supplementation is more effective in reducing the odor of manure.

Effects of different inorganic: organic zinc ratios or combination of low crude protein diet and mixed feed additive in weaned piglet diets.

Thirty-six weaned piglets with an initial body weight (BW) of 8.43 ± 0.40 kg (28 days of age, ([Landrace × Yorkshire] × Duroc) were randomly assigned to 6 treatments for a 2-week feeding trial to determine the effects of different inorganic zinc (IZ), organic zinc (OZ) or combination of low crude protein diet (LP) and Mixed feed additive (MFA) on diarrhea score, nutrient digestibility, zinc utilization, blood profiles, organ weight, and fecal microflora in weaned piglet diet. The pigs were individually placed in 45 × 55 × 45 cm stainless steel metabolism cages in an environmentally controlled room (30 ± 1°C). The dietary treatments included a negative control (NC), positive control (PC; zinc oxide, 1,000 mg/kg), T1 (IZ : OZ, 850 : 150), T2 (IZ : OZ 700 : 300), T3 (IZ : OZ, 500 : 500), and T4 (LP + MFA [0.1% Essential oils + 0.08% Protease + 0.02% Xylanase]). The daily feed allowance was adjusted to 2.7 times the maintenance requirement for digestible energy (2.7 × 110 kcal of DE/kg BW0.75). This allowance was divided into two equal parts, and the piglets were fed at 08 : 30 and 17 : 30 each day. Water was provided ad libitum through a drinking nipple. The diarrhea score was significantly increased (p < 0.05) in NC treatment compared with other treatments. The apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter (DM), nitrogen (N), and gross energy (GE) was significantly increased (p < 0.05) in the T2 treatment compared with the PC and NC treatments in week 1. In week 2, the ATTD of DM, N, and GE was significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in the NC treatment compared with other treatments. The T3 treatment had significantly higher (p < 0.05) ATTD and apparent ileal digestibility of zinc than the PC and T1 treatments. The Escherichia coli count in feces was significantly decreased in the T4 treatment compared with the NC and T2 treatments. The Lactobacillus count in feces was significantly increased in the T4 and T1 treatment compared with the T2 and T3 treatments. In conclusion, IZ : OZ 500 : 500 levels could improve nutrient digestibility and zinc utilization in weaned piglets, Moreover, MFA in LP diets could be used as a zinc alternative.

Crystal Structure of H227A Mutant of Arginine Kinase in Daphnia magna Suggests the Importance of Its Stability.

Arginine kinase (AK) plays a crucial role in the survival of Daphnia magna, a water flea and a common planktonic invertebrate sensitive to water pollution, owing to the production of bioenergy. AK from D. magna (DmAK) has four highly conserved histidine residues, namely, H90, H227, H284, and H315 in the amino acid sequence. In contrast to DmAK WT (wild type), the enzyme activity of the H227A mutant decreases by 18%. To identify the structure-function relationship of this H227A mutant enzyme, the crystal 3D X-ray structure has been determined and an unfolding assay using anilino-1-naphthalenesulfonic acid (ANS) fluorescence has been undertaken. The results revealed that when compared to the DmAK WT, the hydrogen bonding between H227 and A135 was broken in the H227A crystal structure. This suggests that H227 residue, closed to the arginine binding site, plays an important role in maintaining the structural stability and maximizing the enzyme activity through hydrogen bonding with the backbone oxygen of A135.

Effect of insect protein and protease on growth performance, blood profiles, fecal microflora and gas emission in growing pig.

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effect of Hermetia illucens larvae (HIL) as protein and protease on growth performance, blood profiles, fecal microflora, and gas emission in growing pig. In experiment 1, the seventy-two crossbred growing pigs ([Landrace × Yorkshire] × Duroc) with an initial body weight (BW) of 27.98 ± 2.95 kg were randomly allotted to one of four dietary treatments (3 pigs per pen and 6 replicates pen per treatments). The experimental design was a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments evaluating two diets (Poultry offal diets and HIL diets) without or with supplementing protease. The poultry offal in basal diet has been replaced by HIL. In experiment 2, the four crossbred growing pigs ([Landrace × Yorkshire] × Duroc) with an initial BW of 28.2 ± 0.1 kg were individually accepted in stainless steel metabolism cages. The dietary treatments included: 1) PO- (PO-; poultry offal diet), 2) PO+ (PO- + 0.05% protease), 3) HIL- (3% PO of PO- diet was replacement 3% HIL), 4) HIL+ (HIL- + 0.05% protease). In experiment 1, From weeks 0 to 2, average daily gain (ADG) and feed efficiency (G:F) were significantly increased in the PO diet group compared with the HIL group. From weeks 2 to 4, ADG and G:F were higher for protease group than for non-protease group. At weeks 2 and 4, the PO diet group had lower blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels than HIL diet group. In experiment 2, crude protein (CP) and nitrogen (N) retention were decreased by HIL diet at weeks 2 and 4. The fecal microflora and gas emission were not affected by HIL and protease. The HIL diet showed lower CP digestibility than PO diet and total essential amino acids digestibility tended to higher in PO diet than HIL diet. In summary, the present study revealed that replacement of the PO protein with the HIL protein and the additive of protease in growing pig diets during the overall experimental period had no negative effect.

Structural evidence for visual arrestin priming via complexation of phosphoinositols.

Visual arrestin (Arr1) terminates rhodopsin signaling by blocking its interaction with transducin. To do this, Arr1 translocates from the inner to the outer segment of photoreceptors upon light stimulation. Mounting evidence indicates that inositol phosphates (InsPs) affect Arr1 activity, but the Arr1-InsP molecular interaction remains poorly defined. We report the structure of bovine Arr1 in a ligand-free state featuring a near-complete model of the previously unresolved C-tail, which plays a crucial role in regulating Arr1 activity. InsPs bind to the N-domain basic patch thus displacing the C-tail, suggesting that they prime Arr1 for interaction with rhodopsin and help direct Arr1 translocation. These structures exhibit intact polar cores, suggesting that C-tail removal by InsP binding is insufficient to activate Arr1. These results show how Arr1 activity can be controlled by endogenous InsPs in molecular detail.

Partial Replacement of Animal Fat with Full-Fat Almond in Broiler Chicken Diets: Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Blood Profile, Cecal-Fecal Microflora Composition, and Foot-Pad Dermatitis.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of full-fat almonds (FFA) as an alternative protein and fat source for broiler feed on broiler productivity, nutrient digestibility, blood characteristics, cecal-fecal microflora, and foot-pad dermatitis (FPD). A total of 96, one-day-old broiler chickens (Arbor Acres) with initial body weight 41.61 ± 0.36 g were placed in 16 cages. In each trial, four treatments were set up: a basal diet partially replacing animal fat with FFA 0% (Control, CON), a basal diet partially replacing animal fat with FFA 1% (T1), a basal diet partial replacing animal fat with FFA 2% (T2), a basal diet partially replacing animal fat with FFA 4% (T3). The experiment was conducted for a total of 4 weeks. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was higher (p < 0.05) in the T3 group of broilers at weeks 0 to 1 than in the CON group of broilers. From weeks 3 to 4, and for the entire experimental period, FCR was lower (p < 0.05) in the T3 group of broilers than in the CON and T1 groups of broilers. The apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of the ether extract (EE) was higher (p < 0.05) in the T3 group than in the other treatment groups, and AID of crude protein (CP) was higher (p < 0.05) in the T3 group than in the CON group. The apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of EE was lower (p < 0.05) in the CON group than in the other treatment groups, and the ATTD of CP and energy was higher (p < 0.05) in the T3 group of broilers than in the CON group of broilers. The AID and ATTD of total amino acids were higher (p < 0.05) in the T3 group than in the other treatment groups. Blood cholesterol levels were lower (p < 0.05) in the T3 group of broilers than in the CON and T1 groups of broilers, and higher (p < 0.05) in the CON group of broilers than in the T2 and T3 groups of broilers. The amount of E. coli in the cecal and fecal was lower (p < 0.05) in the T3 group than in CON and T1 groups. FPD score was higher (p < 0.05) in the T3 group of broilers than in the CON group of broilers. In conclusion, replacing a partial of animal fat with at least 4% FFA in broiler diets can increase growth performance and nutrient digestibility in broiler nutrition.

Effects of Replacing Medical Zinc Oxide with Different Ratios of Inorganic: Organic Zinc or Reducing Crude Protein Diet with Mixed Feed Additives in Weaned Piglet Diets.

One hundred twenty weaned piglets (9.34 ± 0.74 kg) were used in a four-week experiment to investigate the effects of replacing medical ZnO with a different ratio of inorganic and organic zinc (IZ:OZ) or a low-crude-protein diet (LP) with mixed feed additives (MFAs) in the weaned piglets' diet. The dietary treatments included a control (CON), T1 (T1; ZnO 1000 mg/kg), T2 (IZ:OZ 850:150), T3 (IZ:OZ 700:300), T4 (IZ:OZ, 500:500), and T5 (LP with MFAs (0.1% essential oils + 0.08% protease + 0.02% xylanase)). The growth performance was decreased (p < 0.05) in the CON treatment compared with the T4 treatment. The diarrhea incidence was decreased (p < 0.05) in the T4 and the T5 treatment compared with the CON and the T1 treatments. The apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients were increased (p < 0.05) in the T4 and T5 treatments compared with the CON, T1, and T2 treatments. The T4 treatment had a higher (p < 0.05) ATTD of zinc than the T1, T2, and T3 treatments. The fecal microflora was improved (p < 0.05) in the T5 treatment compared with the CON and T3 treatments. In conclusion, IZ:OZ 500:500 could improve growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and zinc utilization while reducing diarrhea incidence in weaned piglets. Moreover, LP with MFA could replace medical ZnO.

Robust autofocusing for scanning electron microscopy based on a dual deep learning network.

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is a high-resolution imaging technique with subnanometer spatial resolution that is widely used in materials science, basic science, and nanofabrication. However, conducting SEM is rather complex due to the nature of using an electron beam and the many parameters that must be adjusted to acquire high-quality images. Only trained operators can use SEM equipment properly, meaning that the use of SEM is restricted. To broaden the usability of SEM, we propose an autofocus method for a SEM system based on a dual deep learning network, which consists of an autofocusing-evaluation network (AENet) and an autofocusing-control network (ACNet). The AENet was designed to evaluate the quality of given images, with scores ranging from 0 to 9 regardless of the magnification. The ACNet can delicately control the focus of SEM online based on the AENet's outputs for any lateral sample position and magnification. The results of these dual networks showed successful autofocus performance on three trained samples. Moreover, the robustness of the proposed method was demonstrated by autofocusing on unseen samples. We expect that our autofocusing system will not only contribute to expanding the versatility of SEM but will also be applicable to various microscopes.

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.

Effect of low protein diets added with protease on growth performance, nutrient digestibility of weaned piglets and growing-finishing pigs.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of low protein diets added with protease on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and blood profiles of weaned piglets and growing-finishing pigs. A total of 96 weaned pigs ([Yorkshire × Landrace] × Duroc) with average body weight (BW) of 6.99 ± 0.21 kg were used in a 20-week experiment. The dietary treatments were arranged in a 2 × 3 factorial design. Treatments were as follows: In phase 1 (1-2 weeks), two protein levels as high protein (HP; 19.0%), low protein (LP; 17.0%), and three protease (PT) levels (PT0, 0%; PT1, 0.3%; and PT2, 0.5%); in phase 2 (3-4 weeks), protein levels (HP, 18.05%; LP, 16.15%) and protease levels (0%, 0.3%, and 0.5%); in phase 3 (5-12 weeks), protein levels (HP, 17.1%; LP, 15.3%) and protease level (0%, 0.15%, and 0.3%); in phase 4 (13-20 weeks), protein levels (HP, 16.15%; LP, 14.45%) and protease level (0%, 0.15%, and 0.3%). At 4 weeks and 20 weeks after treatment, BW was higher (p < 0.050) in the PT2 group than PT0 group. From weeks 0 to 4, average daily gain (ADG) and feed efficiency (G/F) were higher (p = 0.006 and p = 0.014; p = 0.014 and p = 0.044, respectively) in the PT2 group than PT0 and PT1 groups. From weeks 16 to 20, ADG and G/F were higher (p < 0.001 and p = 0.009; p = 0.004 and p = 0.033, respectively) in the PT2 group than PT0 and PT1 groups. Crude protein (CP) digestibility was higher (p = 0.013, p = 0.014, and p = 0.035, respectively) in the low protein (LP) group than high protein (HP) group at weeks 4, 12, and 20. At weeks 4 and 20, the LP diet group had lower (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively) blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels than the HP diet group. Therefore, a low CP diet added with protease could increase growth performance and CP digestibility of weaned piglets and growing-finishing pigs.

Changes in Diarrhea Score, Nutrient Digestibility, Zinc Utilization, Intestinal Immune Profiles, and Fecal Microbiome in Weaned Piglets by Different Forms of Zinc.

Twenty weaned piglets with initial body weight of 6.83 ± 0.33 kg (21 day of age, LYD) were randomly assigned to four treatments for a two-week feeding trial to determine the effects of different dietary zinc on nutrient digestibility, intestinal health, and microbiome of weaned piglets. The dietary treatments included a negative control (CON), standard ZnO (ZnO, 2500 ppm), zinc chelate with glycine (Chelate-ZnO, 200 ppm), and nanoparticle-sized ZnO (Nano-ZnO, 200 ppm). At 0 to 1 week, the diarrhea score was decreased in the CON group compared with the ZnO, Chelate-ZnO, and Nano-ZnO group. In overall period, the ZnO and Nano-ZnO groups exhibited improved diarrhea scores compared to the CON group. The apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter and gross energy was the lowest in the CON group after one week. Compared to the ZnO group, the chelate-ZnO group exhibited higher proportion of T-bet+ and FoxP3+ T cells and the nano-ZnO group had higher numbers of RORgt+ and GATA3+ T cells in the mesenteric lymph nodes. ZnO group increased IL-6 and IL-8 levels in the colon tissues and these positive effects were observed in both chelate ZnO and nano-ZnO groups with lower level. The 16S rRNA gene analysis showed that the relative abundance of Prevotella was higher in the ZnO-treated groups than in the CON group and that of Succinivibrio was the highest in the nano-ZnO group. The relative abundance of Lactobacillus increased in the ZnO group. In conclusion, low nano-ZnO levels have similar effects on nutrient digestibility, fecal microflora, and intestinal immune profiles in weaning pigs; thus, nano-ZnO could be used as a ZnO alternative for promoting ZnO utilization and intestinal immunity.

Effects of microencapsulated organic acids on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal microbial counts, and blood profiles in weaning pigs.

This study was conducted to investigate the efficiency of a microencapsulated mixture of organic acids (MOA) with low protein in piglet feed on growth performance, diarrhea score, nutrient digestibility, fecal microbial counts, and blood profiles in weaning pigs. A total of 80 pigs [(Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc; 6.8 ± 0.48 kg] were randomly assigned to four dietary treatment groups: high protein (HP); low protein (LP); MOA1, LP + 0.2% MOA; and MOA2, LP + 0.3% MOA. The MOA2 group had higher average daily weight gains (during days 0-14 and days 0-28), diarrhea score (during days 0-14, during days 14-28 and days 0-28) and greater digestibility of dry matter (days 14 and 28) compared to the LP group (p < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) between the pigs fed diets with the MOA1 and MOA2 in blood profiles and fecal microflora. In conclusion, this study indicates that piglets fed 0.3% MOA in low protein diets maintained similar growth performance and nutrient digestibility, but alleviated the incidence of diarrhea compared to piglets fed high protein diets.

Predicting body compositions of live finishing pigs based on bioelectrical impedance analysis.

The objective of this study was to predict body compositions of live pigs using bioelectrical impedance procedures. In experiment 1, 32 crossbred (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) finishing pigs with an average weight at 84.06 kg were used. In experiment 2, 96 crossbred (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) finishing pigs with an average weight at 88.8 kg were used. A four-terminal body composition analyser was utilized to determine fat percentage. Lean meat percentage and backfat thickness were measured with a lean meat measuring meter. In experiment 1, fat percentage was not significantly correlated with lean meat percentage, although a tendency (p < 0.1) of a negative correlation was found. Backfat thickness was significantly correlated with fat percentage and lean meat percentage (r = 0.745 and r = -0.961, respectively). Coefficients of determination for fat percentage with lean meat percentage, fat percentage with backfat thickness, and backfat thickness with lean meat percentage were 0.503, 0.566, and 0.923, respectively. In experiment 2, fat percentage was significantly correlated with lean meat percentage (r = -0.972). Backfat thickness was also significantly correlated with fat percentage and lean meat percentage (r = 0.935 and r = -0.957, respectively). Results of this study indicate that bioelectrical impedance analysis might be useful for predicting body compositions of live finishing pigs.

Interobserver variability in Lung CT Screening Reporting and Data System categorisation in subsolid nodule-enriched lung cancer screening CTs.

OBJECTIVES: To assess interobserver agreement in Lung CT Screening Reporting and Data System (Lung-RADS) categorisation in subsolid nodule-enriched low-dose screening CTs. METHODS: A retrospective review of low-dose screening CT reports from 2013 to 2017 using keyword searches for subsolid nodules identified 54 baseline CT scans. With an additional 108 negative screening CT scans, a total of 162 CT scans were categorised according to the Lung-RADS by two fellowship-trained thoracic radiologists in consensus. We randomly selected 20, 20, 10, and 10 scans from categories 1/2, 3, 4A, and 4B CT scans, respectively, to ensure balanced category representation. Five radiologists classified the 60 CT scans into Lung-RADS categories. The frequencies of concordance and minor and major discordance were calculated, with major discordance defined as at least 6 months of management discrepancy. We used Cohen's κ statistics to analyse reader agreement. RESULTS: An average of 60.3% (181 of 300) of all cases and 45.0% (90 of 200) of positive screens were correctly categorised. The minor and major discordance rates were 12.3% and 27.3% overall and 18.5% and 36.5% in positive screens, respectively. The concordance rate was significantly higher among experienced thoracic radiologists. Overall, the interobserver agreement was moderate (mean κ, 0.45; 95% confidence interval: 0.40-0.51). The proportion of part-solid risk-dominant nodules was significantly higher in cases with low rates of accurate categorisation. CONCLUSION: This retrospective study observed variable accuracy and moderate interobserver agreement in radiologist categorisation of subsolid nodules in screening CTs. This inconsistency may affect management recommendations for lung cancer screening. KEY POINTS: • Diagnostic performance for Lung-RADS categorisation is variable among radiologists with fair to moderate interobserver agreement in subsolid nodule-enriched CT scans. • Experienced thoracic radiologists showed more accurate and consistent Lung-RADS categorisation than radiology residents. • The relative abundance of part-solid nodules was a potential factor related to increased disagreement in Lung-RADS categorisation.