Fermented Aronia melanocarpa pomace improves the nutritive value of eggs, enhances ovarian function, and reshapes microbiota abundance in aged laying hens.

Introduction: There is a decline in the quality and nutritive value of eggs in aged laying hens. Fruit pomaces with high nutritional and functional values have gained interest in poultry production to improve the performance. Methods: The performance, egg nutritive value, lipid metabolism, ovarian health, and cecal microbiota abundance were evaluated in aged laying hens (320 laying hens, 345-day-old) fed on a basal diet (control), and a basal diet inclusion of 0.25%, 0.5%, or 1.0% fermented Aronia melanocarpa pomace (FAMP) for eight weeks. Results: The results show that 0.5% FAMP reduced the saturated fatty acids (such as C16:0) and improved the healthy lipid indices in egg yolks by decreasing the atherogenicity index, thrombogenic index, and hypocholesterolemia/hypercholesterolemia ratio and increasing health promotion index and desirable fatty acids (P < 0.05). Additionally, FAMP supplementation (0.25%-1.0%) increased (P < 0.05) the ovarian follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and estrogen 2 levels, while 1.0% FAMP upregulated the HSD3B1 expression. The expression of VTG II and ApoVLDL II in the 0.25% and 0.5% FAMP groups, APOB in the 0.5% FAMP group, and ESR2 in the 1% FAMP group were upregulated (P < 0.05) in the liver. The ovarian total antioxidant capacity was increased (P < 0.05) by supplementation with 0.25%-1.0% FAMP. Dietary 0.5% and 1.0% FAMP downregulated (P < 0.05) the Keap1 expression, while 1.0% FAMP upregulated (P < 0.05) the Nrf2 expression in the ovary. Furthermore, 1.0% FAMP increased cecal acetate, butyrate, and valerate concentrations and Firmicutes while decreasing Proteobacteria (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Overall, FAMP improved the nutritive value of eggs in aged laying hens by improving the liver-blood-ovary function and cecal microbial and metabolite composition, which might help to enhance economic benefits.

Differences in intestinal and renal Ca and P uptake in three different breeds of growing-finishing pigs.

This study investigated the differences in bone growth and turnover and calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) uptake among three different breeds of growing-finishing pigs. Ninety healthy Duroc, Xiangcun black (XCB), and Taoyuan black (TYB) pigs (30 pigs per breed) at 35 day-old (D) with the average body weight (BW) of their respective breed were assigned and raised to 185 D. The results showed that Duroc pigs had higher bone weight and length than the XCB and TYB pigs at 80, 125, and 185 D and the bone index at 185 D (p < 0.05). Duroc pigs had higher bone mineral densities (femur and tibia) compared with the other two breeds at 80 D and 125 D, whereas TYB pigs had higher mineral content and bone breaking load (rib) compared with the other two breeds at 185 D (p < 0.05). The bone morphogenetic protein-2 and osteocalcin concentrations were higher, and TRACP5b concentration was lower in serum of TYB pigs at 125 D (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, parathyroid hormone, thyroxine, and fibroblast growth factor 23 concentrations were higher in serum of TYB pigs at 185 D (p < 0.05). The TYB pigs had higher apparent total tract digestibility of P at 80 D and 185 D and bone Ca and P contents at 185 D in comparison to the Duroc pigs (p < 0.05). Furthermore, gene expressions related to renal uptake of Ca and P differed among the three breeds of pigs. Collectively, Duroc pigs have higher bone growth, whereas TYB pigs have a higher potential for mineral deposition caused by more active Ca uptake.

Enhancing Clinical Validation for Early Cardiovascular Disease Prediction through Simulation, AI, and Web Technology.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain a major global health challenge and a leading cause of mortality, highlighting the need for improved predictive models. We introduce an innovative agent-based dynamic simulation technique that enhances our AI models' capacity to predict CVD progression. This method simulates individual patient responses to various cardiovascular risk factors, improving prediction accuracy and detail. Also, by incorporating an ensemble learning model and interface of web application in the context of CVD prediction, we developed an AI dashboard-based model to enhance the accuracy of disease prediction and provide a user-friendly app. The performance of traditional algorithms was notable, with Ensemble learning and XGBoost achieving accuracies of 91% and 95%, respectively. A significant aspect of our research was the integration of these models into a streamlit-based interface, enhancing user accessibility and experience. The streamlit application achieved a predictive accuracy of 97%, demonstrating the efficacy of combining advanced AI techniques with user-centered web applications in medical prediction scenarios. This 97% confidence level was evaluated by Brier score and calibration curve. The design of the streamlit application facilitates seamless interaction between complex ML models and end-users, including clinicians and patients, supporting its use in real-time clinical settings. While the study offers new insights into AI-driven CVD prediction, we acknowledge limitations such as the dataset size. In our research, we have successfully validated our predictive proposed methodology against an external clinical setting, demonstrating its robustness and accuracy in a real-world fixture. The validation process confirmed the model's efficacy in the early detection of CVDs, reinforcing its potential for integration into clinical workflows to aid in proactive patient care and management. Future research directions include expanding the dataset, exploring additional algorithms, and conducting clinical trials to validate our findings. This research provides a valuable foundation for future studies, aiming to make significant strides against CVDs.

Cirrhosis due to hepatic sarcoidosis: A rare presentation.

Key Clinical Message: Sarcoidosis, although predominantly affecting the lungs, can present with cirrhosis, posing diagnostic challenges. Elevated ACE levels and atypical liver enzyme patterns should prompt consideration of sarcoidosis in cryptogenic cirrhosis cases, necessitating comprehensive evaluation including liver biopsy and imaging for accurate diagnosis and timely management. Abstract: Sarcoidosis is a systemic disease that can affect various organs, leading to a diverse range of clinical manifestations that make diagnosis challenging. Here, we present a case of sarcoidosis in a middle-aged male who presented with cirrhosis. The cause of cirrhosis remained unknown for 4 years until the development of lymphadenopathy and ground-glass opacities on lung imaging. A liver biopsy was performed, which revealed noncaseating granulomatous inflammation, thereby identifying sarcoidosis as the cause of cirrhosis. The patient was treated with oral steroids, which slightly improved his liver function over a short period. Given the diverse presentations of sarcoidosis, it should be considered as a possible differential diagnosis in cases of cryptogenic cirrhosis.

Dietary probiotic and synbiotic supplementation starting from maternal gestation improves muscular lipid metabolism in offspring piglets by reshaping colonic microbiota and metabolites.

Probiotics and synbiotics have been intensively used in animal husbandry due to their advantageous roles in animals' health. However, there is a paucity of research on probiotic and synbiotic supplementation from maternal gestation to the postnatal growing phases of offspring piglets. Thus, we assessed the effects of dietary supplementation of these two additives to sows and offspring piglets on skeletal muscle and body metabolism, colonic microbiota composition, and metabolite profiles of offspring piglets. Pregnant Bama mini-pigs and their offspring piglets (after weaning) were fed either a basal diet or a basal diet supplemented with antibiotics, probiotics, or synbiotics. At 65, 95, and 125 days old, eight pigs per group were euthanized and sampled for analyses. Probiotics increased the intramuscular fat content in the psoas major muscle (PMM) at 95 days old, polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and n-3 PUFA levels in the longissimus dorsi muscle (LDM) at 65 days old, C16:1 level in the LDM at 125 days old, and upregulated ATGL, CPT-1, and HSL expressions in the PMM at 65 days old. Synbiotics increased the plasma HDL-C level at 65 days old and TC level at 65 and 125 days old and upregulated the CPT-1 expression in the PMM at 125 days old. In addition, probiotics and synbiotics increased the plasma levels of HDL-C at 65 days old, CHE at 95 days old, and LDL-C at 125 days old, while decreasing the C18:1n9t level in the PMM at 65 days old and the plasma levels of GLU, LDH, and TG at 95 days old. Microbiome analysis showed that probiotic and synbiotic supplementation increased colonic Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, Verrucomicrobia, Faecalibacterium, Pseudobutyrivibrio, and Turicibacter abundances. However, antibiotic supplementation decreased colonic Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Prevotella, and Unclassified_Lachnospiraceae abundances. Furthermore, probiotic and synbiotic supplementation was associated with alterations in 8, 7, and 10 differential metabolites at three different age stages. Both microbiome and metabolome analyses showed that the differential metabolic pathways were associated with carbohydrate, amino acid, and lipid metabolism. However, antibiotic supplementation increased the C18:1n9t level in the PMM at 65 days old and xenobiotic biodegradation and metabolism at 125 days old. In conclusion, sow-offspring's diets supplemented with these two additives showed conducive effects on meat flavor, nutritional composition of skeletal muscles, and body metabolism, which may be associated with the reshaping of colonic microbiota and metabolites. However, antibiotic supplementation has negative effects on colonic microbiota composition and fatty acid composition in the PMM. IMPORTANCE: The integral sow-offspring probiotic and synbiotic supplementation improves the meat flavor and the fatty acid composition of the LDM to some extent. Sow-offspring probiotic and synbiotic supplementation increases the colonic beneficial bacteria (including Firmicutes, Verrucomicrobia, Actinobacteria, Faecalibacterium, Turicibacter, and Pseudobutyrivibrio) and alters the colonic metabolite profiles, such as guanidoacetic acid, beta-sitosterol, inosine, cellobiose, indole, and polyamine. Antibiotic supplementation in sow-offspring's diets decreases several beneficial bacteria (including Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Unclassified_Lachnospiraceae, and Prevotella) and has a favorable effect on improving the fatty acid composition of the LDM to some extent, while presenting the opposite effect on the PMM.

Crude protein content in diets associated with intestinal microbiome and metabolome alteration in Huanjiang mini-pigs during different growth stages.

Introduction: Adequate crude protein (CP) content in diets plays a crucial role in the intestinal health of the animal. This study investigated the impacts of CP content in diets on the intestinal microbiome and metabolome profiles in growing Huanjiang mini-pigs. Methods: A total of 360 pigs with similar body weight (BW) were allocated for three independent feeding trials based on three different BW stages, including (i) 5-10 kg BW, diets consisting of 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22% CP content; (ii) 10-20 kg BW, diets consisting of 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20% CP content; and (iii) 20-30 kg BW, diets consisting of 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18% CP content. These experiments lasted 28, 28, and 26 days, respectively. Results: The results showed that the Shannon and Simpson indices were decreased (p < 0.05) in the ileum of pigs in response to the 14-18% CP compared with the 20% CP content at 5-10 kg BW stage, while diets containing 12 and 14% CP had higher Chao1 (p < 0.05) and Shannon (p = 0.054) indices compared with 18% CP at 20-30 kg BW stage. Compared with the 20% CP, the diet containing 16% CP displayed an increasing trend (p = 0.089) of Firmicutes abundance but had decreased (p = 0.056) Actinobacteria abundance in the jejunum at 5-10 kg BW stage. In addition, a diet containing 16% CP had higher Lactobacillus abundance in the jejunum and ileum compared with the 18, 20, and 22% CP, while had lower Sphingomonas and Pelomonas abundances in the jejunum and Streptococcus abundance in the ileum compared with the diet containing 22% CP (p < 0.05). Diets containing lower CP content altered differential metabolites in the small intestine at the early stage, while higher CP content had less impact. Conclusion: These findings suggest that a diet containing lower CP content (16% CP) may be an appropriate dietary CP content for 5-10 kg Huanjiang mini-pigs, as 16% CP content in diet has shown beneficial impacts on the intestinal microbiome and metabolome profiles at the early growth stage of pigs.

Innovative Machine Learning Strategies for Early Detection and Prevention of Pregnancy Loss: The Vitamin D Connection and Gestational Health.

Early pregnancy loss (EPL) is a prevalent health concern with significant implications globally for gestational health. This research leverages machine learning to enhance the prediction of EPL and to differentiate between typical pregnancies and those at elevated risk during the initial trimester. We employed different machine learning methodologies, from conventional models to more advanced ones such as deep learning and multilayer perceptron models. Results from both classical and advanced machine learning models were evaluated using confusion matrices, cross-validation techniques, and analysis of feature significance to obtain correct decisions among algorithmic strategies on early pregnancy loss and the vitamin D serum connection in gestational health. The results demonstrated that machine learning is a powerful tool for accurately predicting EPL, with advanced models such as deep learning and multilayer perceptron outperforming classical ones. Linear discriminant analysis and quadratic discriminant analysis algorithms were shown to have 98 % accuracy in predicting pregnancy loss outcomes. Key determinants of EPL were identified, including levels of maternal serum vitamin D. In addition, prior pregnancy outcomes and maternal age are crucial factors in gestational health. This study's findings highlight the potential of machine learning in enhancing predictions related to EPL that can contribute to improved gestational health outcomes for mothers and infants.

Chinese herb ultrafine powder supplementation improves egg nutritional value and quality in laying hens.

This study evaluates the effects of dietary Chinese herb ultrafine powder (CHUP) supplementation in late-phase laying hens on the quality and nutritional values of eggs. A total of 576 Xinyang black-feather laying hens (300-day-old) were randomly allocated into eight groups for a 120-day feeding trial. Each group contained eight replicates with nine hens per replicate. The experimental groups included the control (basal diet) and different levels of CHUP groups (details in 'Materials and methods'). The results showed that the eggshell strength was increased (p < 0.05) in the L, LF, L-LF, L-T, and LF-T groups on day 60 of the trial. In addition, the plasma estradiol level in the L-LF, LF-T, and L-LF-T groups and unsaturated fatty acids concentrations in egg yolk of the CHUP groups (except LF-T group) were increased, whereas total cholesterol (T, L-LF, L-T, and L-LF-T groups) in egg yolk and the atherogenicity (T, L-T, and L-LF-T groups) and thrombogenicity (T, L-LF, L-T, and L-LF-T groups) indexes were decreased (p < 0.05) on day 60 of the trial compared with the control group. Moreover, bitter amino acids in egg albumen were decreased (p < 0.05) in the L-LF group on day 60 and the L-LF-T group on day 120 of the trial. Collectively, these findings indicate that dietary CHUP supplementation could improve eggshell quality and increase plasma reproductive hormone, fatty acid and amino acid composition, and nutritional values of eggs, especially L-LF and L-LF-T.

Intrauterine Growth Restriction Affects Colonic Barrier Function via Regulating the Nrf2/Keap1 and TLR4-NF-κB/ERK Pathways and Altering Colonic Microbiome and Metabolome Homeostasis in Growing-Finishing Pigs.

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) pigs are characterized by long-term growth failure, metabolic disorders, and intestinal microbiota imbalance. The characteristics of the negative effects of IUGR at different growth stages of pigs are still unclear. Therefore, this study explored through multi-omics analyses whether the IUGR damages the intestinal barrier function and alters the colonization and metabolic profiles of the colonic microbiota in growing-finishing pigs. Seventy-two piglets (36 IUGR and 36 NBW) were allocated for this trial to analyze physiological and plasma biochemical parameters, as well as oxidative damage and inflammatory response in the colon. Moreover, the colonic microbiota communities and metabolome were examined using 16s rRNA sequencing and metabolomics technologies to reveal the intestinal characteristics of IUGR pigs at different growth stages (25, 50, and 100 kg). IUGR altered the concentrations of plasma glucose, total protein, triglycerides, and cholesterol. Colonic tight junction proteins were markedly inhibited by IUGR. IUGR decreased plasma T-AOC, SOD, and GSH levels and colonic SOD-1, SOD-2, and GPX-4 expressions by restraining the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway. Moreover, IUGR increased colonic IL-1ß and TNF-α levels while reducing IL-10, possibly through activating the TLR4-NF-κB/ERK pathway. Notably, IUGR pigs had lower colonic Streptococcus abundance and Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio at the 25 kg BW stage while having higher Firmicutes abundance at the 100 kg BW stage; moreover, IUGR pigs had lower SCFA concentrations. Metabolomics analysis showed that IUGR increased colonic lipids and lipid-like molecules, organic acids and derivatives, and organoheterocyclic compounds concentrations and enriched three differential metabolic pathways, including linoleic acid, sphingolipid, and purine metabolisms throughout the trial. Collectively, IUGR altered the nutrient metabolism, redox status, and colonic microbiota community and metabolite profiles of pigs and continued to disrupt colonic barrier function by reducing antioxidant capacity via the Nrf2/Keap1 pathway and activating inflammation via the TLR4-NF-κB/ERK pathway during the growing-finishing stage. Moreover, colonic Firmicutes and Streptococcus could be potential regulatory targets for modulating the metabolism and health of IUGR pigs.

Dietary Chinese herbal formula supplementation improves yolk fatty acid profile in aged laying hens.

Chinese herbal formula (CHF) has the potential to improve the performance of aged laying hens through integrated regulation of various physiological functions. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary CHF supplementation on the yolk fatty acid profile in aged laying hens. A total of 144 healthy 307-day-old Xinyang black-feather laying hens were randomly allocated into two groups: a control group (CON, fed a basal diet) and a CHF group (fed a basal diet supplemented with 1% CHF; contained 0.30% Leonurus japonicus Houtt., 0.20% Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge., 0.25% Ligustrum lucidum Ait., and 0.25% Taraxacum mongolicum Hand.-Mazz. for 120 days). The fatty acid concentrations in egg yolks were analyzed using a targeted metabolomics technology at days 60 and 120 of the trial. The results showed that dietary CHF supplementation increased (p < .05) the concentrations of several saturated fatty acids (SFA, including myristic acid and stearic acid), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA, including petroselinic acid, elaidic acid, trans-11-eicosenoic acid, and cis-11-eicosenoic acid), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA, including linolelaidic acid, linoleic acid, γ-linolenic acid, α-linolenic acid, 11c,14c-eicosadienoic acid, eicosatrienoic acid, homo-γ-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, and docosapentaenoic acid), and fatty acid indexes (total MUFA, n-3 and n-6 PUFA, PUFA/SFA, hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolaemic ratio, health promotion index, and desirable fatty acids) in egg yolks. Collectively, these findings suggest that dietary CHF supplementation could improve the nutritional value of fatty acids in egg yolks of aged laying hens, which would be beneficial for the production of healthier eggs to meet consumer demands.

Development of small intestinal barrier function and underlying mechanism in Chinese indigenous and Duroc piglets during suckling and weaning periods.

This study explored the developmental changes in small intestinal barrier function and the potential regulatory roles of intestinal microbiota and metabolites in different breeds of piglets during suckling and weaning periods. Taoyuan black (TB), Xiangcun black (XB), and Duroc (DR) piglets (10 litters per breed; half male and half female) were selected for sampling to evaluate the intestinal barrier-related indexes and intestinal microbiota and metabolites at 1, 10, 21 (weaned), and 24 (3 d after weaning) d old. The results showed that weaning led to severe shedding of small intestinal microvilli and sparse microvilli arrangement. D-lactate level in the ileum of TB and XB piglets during suckling and weaning periods was lower (P < 0.01) than that of DR piglets, as well as the ileal diamine oxidase level at 1 d old. The expression level of mucin 1 was higher (P < 0.05) in the ileum of TB and XB piglets than that of DR piglets, and it was the highest in the ileum of TB piglets at 21 d old. The expression levels of mucin 2 and mucin 13 were higher (P < 0.10) in TB and XB piglets than those of DR piglets at 21 d old, whereas mucin 2 and mucin 13 in the ileum of TB and XB piglets were higher (P < 0.05) than those of DR piglets at 24 d old. TB and XB piglets had a lower relative abundance of Escherichia_Shigella at 21 and 24 d old, but they had higher Streptococcus at 1 and 24 d old than DR piglets (P < 0.01). Differential metabolites between the three breeds of piglets were mainly related to oxidative phosphorylation, steroid biosynthesis, and bile acid synthesis. Collectively, these findings suggest that different pig breeds present differences in the development of the small intestinal barrier function. Compared with DR piglets, TB and XB piglets had higher intestinal permeability during the suckling period and a stronger intestinal mechanical barrier after weaning. Moreover, intestinal microbiota and metabolites are the key factors for developing small intestinal barrier functions in different breeds of piglets.

Promoting Pro-Environmental Behavior in Policymaking: A Text-Mining Approach for Literature Review.

The impact of pro-environmental behavior on policymaking has been an exciting area of research. While the relationship between pro-environmental behavior and policymaking has been explored in numerous studies, there needs to be more synthesis on this topic. This is the first text-mining study of pro-environmental effects in which policymaking is a significant factor. In response, this study, for the first time, takes a novel approach by using text mining in R programming to analyze 30 publications from the Scopus database on pro-environmental behavior in policymaking, highlighting major research themes and prospective research areas for future investigation. Results from text mining yielded 10 topic models, which are presented with a synopsis of the published research and a list of the primary authors, as well as a posterior probability via latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA). Additionally, the study conducts a trend analysis of the top 10 journals with the highest impact factor, considering the influence of each journal's mean citation. The study offers an overview of the impacts of pro-environmental behavior in policymaking, showing the most relevant and frequently discussed themes, introduces the scientific visualization of papers published in the Scopus database, and proposes future study directions. These findings can help researchers and environmental specialists better understand how pro-environmental behavior can be fostered more effectively through policymaking.

The potential of phytochemicals against epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase (EGFRK): an insight from molecular dynamic simulations.

Cancer is an umbrella term used to define various diseases with abnormal cell proliferation at the focal point. According to the WHO, cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide, with lung cancer being the second most common perpetrator after breast cancer. There are several proteins acting in harmony that lead to cancer. EGFR has been identified as one of the proteins that is linked to cell division, even when it is cancerous in nature. Cancer can be treated using therapeutic agents that target EGFR or their signaling networks. Available drugs that could inhibit EGFR have acquired resistance in most cases and multiple side effects on the human body. That is why phytochemicals are being studied for their role in this case. Around 8000 compounds were retrieved from our previously created phytochemdb database for their drug activity, and the 3D protein structure was collected from the protein data bank. The selected dataset of ligands was virtually screened through HTVS, SP, and XP to retain the top 4 hits. Molecular dynamics revealed the stability and flexibility of protein-(selected)ligand interactions. The non-bond interactions of each of the compounds with EGFR, such as Gossypetin interacting with active site MET769 and ASP831; Muxiangrine III interacting with MET769 and ASP831; Quercetagetin showing non-bonded interactions with GLU738, GLN767, and MET769 for >100% of the simulation timeframe These findings suggest further research into these compounds, which can yield a potential phytochemical drug against cancer.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Dietary Betaine Supplementation Enhances Colonic Barrier Function through the Nrf2/Keap1 and TLR4-NF-κB/MAPK Signaling Pathways and Alters Colonic Microbiota in Bama Mini-Pigs.

This study evaluated the effects of betaine supplementation in sows and/or their offspring's diets on the redox status, immune and inflammatory levels, colonic barrier function, and colonic microbial community of offspring piglets. Thirty-six Bama mini-sows on day 3 of gestation and their weaned offspring piglets (28 d of age) were randomly allocated to the following treatments: (1) sows and their weaned offspring fed the basal diet (control group, Con group); (2) sows fed the basal diet with 3.50 kg/t betaine, and their weaned offspring fed the basal diet (sows betaine group, SB group); (3) sows fed the basal diet with 3.50 kg/t betaine, and their weaned offspring fed the basal diet with 2.50 kg/t betaine (sow-offspring betaine group, S-OB group). Six offspring piglets from each group were selected to collect plasma and colon samples on d 30, 60, and 90 after weaning. Compared with the Con group, the plasma levels of IgA, IgM, GSH-Px, and SOD during d 30-90 after weaning, IFN-α, T-AOC, and GSH on d 30 and 60 after weaning were increased, while MDA during d 30-90 after weaning was decreased in the SB and S-OB groups (p < 0.05). In addition, the plasma levels of IFN-γ on d 60 and T-AOC on d 30 after weaning were higher in the S-OB group than those in the Con group (p < 0.05). In the colon, betaine supplementation increased plasma T-AOC, GSH, and SOD levels while decreasing MDA concentration (p < 0.05). Betaine supplementation improved the colonic protein abundances of ZO-1, occludin, and claudin in offspring and activated the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway while inhibiting the TLR4-NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathway on d 90 after weaning. The 16S rRNA sequencing results showed that betaine supplementation altered colonic microbiota composition by increasing the relative abundances of Verrucomicrobia and Actinobacteria in the SB group while decreasing proinflammatory-associated microbiota abundances (Tenericutes, Prevotella, and Parabacteroides) (p < 0.05). Collectively, these findings suggest that dietary betaine supplementation in sows and/or their offspring could improve offspring piglets' redox status and immune and anti-inflammatory levels and enhance the colonic barrier function by activating Nrf2/Keap1 and inhibiting TLR4-NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathways.

Expressions of Insulin-like Growth Factor System among Different Breeds Impact Piglets' Growth during Weaning.

The present study investigated the insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) and their receptors and binding proteins among three pig breeds during weaning. Sixty Duroc (DR), Taoyuan black (TYB), and Xiangcun black (XCB) piglets (20 piglets per breed) were selected at 21 and 24 (3 days of post-weaning) days of age to analyze organ indices, plasma concentrations of IGF and IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs) using ELISA kits, and gene expression of IGF-system-related components in different tissues. The plasma IGFBP-3 concentration in TYB piglets was higher (p > 0.05) than in the XCB and DR piglets at 21 days of age. At 21 days of age, compared with the DR piglets, the IGF-1 expression was lower (p < 0.05) in the kidney, but it was higher (p < 0.05) in the spleen of XCB and TYB piglets. At 24 days of age, the IGF-1 expression was higher (p < 0.05) in the kidney of TYB piglets than in the XCB and DR piglets, while IGFBP-3 in the stomach and IGFBP-4 in the liver of XCB and TYB piglets were lower (p < 0.05) compared with the DR piglets. Weaning down-regulated (p < 0.05) IGF-1 expression in the jejunum, spleen, and liver of piglets, while it up-regulated (p < 0.05) IGFBP-3 expression in the stomach, IGFBP-4 in the liver, IGFBP-5 in the ileum, and IGFBP-6 in the jejunum of DR piglets. Spearman's correlation analysis showed a negative correlation (p < 0.05) between plasma IGFBP-2 and IGFBP-5 concentration and the organ indices of piglets. Collectively, there were significant differences in the IGF system components among the three pig breeds. The IGF system components were altered during weaning, which might be involved in weaning stress to decrease the growth of piglets.

Correction: Muscle characteristics comparison and targeted metabolome analysis reveal differences in carcass traits and meat quality of three pig breeds.

Correction for 'Muscle characteristics comparison and targeted metabolome analysis reveal differences in carcass traits and meat quality of three pig breeds' by Bo Song et al., Food Funct., 2023, 14, 7603-7614, https://doi.org/10.1039/D2FO03709B.

Muscle characteristics comparison and targeted metabolome analysis reveal differences in carcass traits and meat quality of three pig breeds.

This study investigated the molecular basis for differences in meat yield and quality between Duroc, Taoyuan black (TB), and Xiangcun black (XB) pigs. The results show that TB pigs have lower carcass weight, lean percentage, pH decline, and glycolytic potential but have higher fat percentage, water- holding capacity, intramuscular fat content, antioxidant capacity, and percentage of slow-twitch fibers than the Duroc pigs. Moreover, muscles of TB pigs have lower protein synthesis and lipolysis gene expression than the muscles of Duroc pigs. Targeted metabolome analysis indicates that 24 metabolites significantly differ among these three pig breeds. Correlation analysis suggests that L-malic acid and ß-alanine contents in muscle are closely related to meat quality. These findings suggest that the excellent meat quality of TB pigs is closely related to muscle metabolism and fiber characteristics, while lower protein synthesis and lipolysis may contribute to less meat yield.

Analysis of Crystallographic Structures and Properties of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized Using PKL Extract and Nanoscale Characterization Techniques.

In this cutting-edge research era, silver nanoparticles impose a substantial impact because of their wide applicability in the field of engineering, science, and industry. Regarding the vast applications of silver nanoparticles, in this study, the crystallographic characteristics and nanostructures of silver nanoparticles extracted from natural resources have been studied. First, biosynthetic silver nanoparticles were synthesized using the Pathor Kuchi leaf (PKL) extract as a mediator, and their crystal structures and characteristics were analyzed by UV-visible absorption spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. The average crystallite size of the synthesized silver nanoparticle was determined to be 20.26 nm, and also the lattice strain, intrinsic stress, and dislocation density were measured to be 2.19 × 10-3, 0.08235 GPa, and 3.062045 × 10-3/nm2, respectively. Further, the prepared sample of silver nanoparticles shows four peaks in the X-ray diffraction pattern, which correspond to the (111), (200), (220), and (311) face-centered cubic (FCC) crystalline planes. The outstanding finding of this work was that when the lattice parameters of the precursor were increased, the volume of the material did not considerably change, but the particle size decreased. Second, it was clearly demonstrated that this straightforward method is a clean, cost-effective, environmentally sustainable, nontoxic, and efficient route for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) using PKL leaf at ambient temperature, which also satisfies the green chemistry requirements. Finally, this study demonstrates the scope for the production of silver nanoparticles using low-cost natural resources.

Metabolomics Analysis Reveals the Potential Relationship Between Sow Colostrum and Neonatal Serum Metabolites in Different Pig Breeds.

SCOPE: Colostrum composition is an important indicator of newborn piglet survival and growth. However, limited information is available on the association between colostrum metabolites in sows and serum metabolites in neonates. Therefore, the present study aims to determine the metabolites in the colostrum of sows, in the serum of their offspring piglets, and mother-offspring metabolite correlations in different pig breeds. METHODS AND RESULTS: Colostrum and serum samples are collected from 30 sows and their piglets from three pig breeds (Taoyuan black, TB; Xiangcun black, XB; and Duroc) to analyze the targeted metabolomics. This study identifies 191 metabolites in the colostrum of sows, including fatty acids, amino acids, bile acids, carnitines, carbohydrates, and organic acids, and the concentrations of these metabolites are highest in the TB pigs. Metabolite profiles in sow colostrum and piglet serum differ among Duroc, TB, and XB pigs, and the matching metabolites are mainly enriched in the digestive system and transportation pathways. Furthermore, identification of the associations between metabolites in the colostrum of sows and their neonate sera suggests that metabolite compounds from colostrum are transported to suckling piglets. CONCLUSION: The present study findings deepen the understanding of the composition of sow colostrum metabolites and the transportation of metabolites from sow colostrum to piglets. The findings also provide insight regarding the development of dietary formulas that resemble the sow colostrum for newborn animals to maintain health and improve the early growth of offspring.

Cutaneous Sarcoidosis: A Differential Diagnosis to Consider in Undiagnosed Skin Lesions.

The presentation of sarcoidosis varies depending on the organs involved. Cutaneous sarcoidosis usually presents with other organ involvement, but isolated presentation is possible. However, diagnosing isolated cutaneous sarcoidosis can be challenging in resource-poor countries, particularly where sarcoidosis is relatively uncommon, since cutaneous sarcoidosis usually does not cause troublesome symptoms. We present a case of cutaneous sarcoidosis in an elderly female who had been suffering from skin lesions for nine years. The diagnosis was made after the appearance of lung involvement, which raised the suspicion of sarcoidosis and prompted a skin biopsy. The patient was then treated with systemic steroids and methotrexate, and her lesions improved shortly thereafter. This case highlights the importance of considering sarcoidosis as a possible cause of undiagnosed, refractory cutaneous lesions.