Microfluidic-Assisted Self-Assembly of Molecular Hydrogelator at Water-Water Interfaces for Continuous Fabrication of Supramolecular Microcapsules.

Control over the self-assembly of small molecules at specific areas is of great interest for many high-tech applications, yet remains a formidable challenge. Here, how the self-assembly of hydrazone-based molecular hydrogelators can be specifically triggered at water-water interfaces for the continuous fabrication of supramolecular microcapsules by virtue of the microfluidic technique is demonstrated. The non-assembling hydrazide- and aldehyde-based hydrogelator precursors are distributed in two immiscible aqueous polymer solutions, respectively, through spontaneous phase separation. In the presence of catalysts, hydrazone-based hydrogelators rapidly form and self-assemble into hydrogel networks at the generated water-water interfaces. Relying on the microfluidic technique, microcapsules bearing a shell of supramolecular hydrogel are continuously produced. The obtained microcapsules can effectively load enzymes, enabling localized enzymatic growth of supramolecular fibrous supramolecular structures, reminiscent of the self-assembly of biological filaments within living cells. This work may contribute to the development of biomimetic supramolecular carriers for applications in biomedicine and fundamental research, for instance, the construction of protocells.

Localized self-assembly of macroscopically structured supramolecular hydrogels through reaction-diffusion.

Localized molecular self-assembly has been developed as an effective approach for the fabrication of spatially resolved supramolecular hydrogels, showing great potential for many high-tech applications. However, the fabrication of macroscopically structured supramolecular hydrogels through molecular self-assembly remains a challenge. Herein, we report on localized self-assembly of low molecular weight hydrogelators through a simple reaction-diffusion approach, giving rise to various macroscopically patterned supramolecular hydrogels. This is achieved on the basis of an acid-catalyzed hydrazone supramolecular hydrogelator system. The acid was pre-loaded in a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate, generating a proton gradient in the vicinity of the PDMS surface after immersing the PDMS in the aqueous solution of the hydrogelator precursors. The acid dramatically accelerates the in situ formation and self-assembly of the hydrazone hydrogelators, leading to localized formation of supramolecular hydrogels. The growth rate of the supramolecular hydrogels can be easily tuned through controlling the concentrations of the hydrogelator precursors and HCl. Importantly, differently shaped supramolecular hydrogel objects can be obtained by simply changing the shapes of PDMS. This work suggests that reaction-diffusion-mediated localized hydrogelation can serve as an approach towards macroscopically structuralized supramolecular hydrogels, which may find potential applications ranging from tissue engineering to biosensors.

Dynamic Growth of Macroscopically Structured Supramolecular Hydrogels through Orchestrated Reaction-Diffusion.

Living organisms are capable of dynamically changing their structures for adaptive functions through sophisticated reaction-diffusion processes. Here we show how active supramolecular hydrogels with programmable lifetimes and macroscopic structures can be created by relying on a simple reaction-diffusion strategy. Two hydrogel precursors (poly(acrylic acid) PAA/CaCl2 and Na2 CO3 ) diffuse from different locations and generate amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) nanoparticles at the diffusional fronts, leading to the formation of hydrogel structures driven by electrostatic interactions between PAA and ACC nanoparticles. Interestingly, the formed hydrogels are capable of autonomously disintegrating over time because of a delayed influx of electrostatic-interaction inhibitors (NaCl). The hydrogel growth process is well explained by a reaction-diffusion model which offers a theoretical means to program the dynamic growth of structured hydrogels. Furthermore, we demonstrate a conceptual access to dynamic information storage in soft materials using the developed reaction-diffusion strategy. This work may serve as a starting point for the development of life-like materials with adaptive structures and functionalities.

[Systematic evaluation on efficacy and safety of Gingko Ketone Ester Dropping Pills in treatment of angina pectoris and coronary heart disease].

To systemically evaluate the efficacy and safety of Gingko Ketone Ester Dropping Pills in treating angina pectoris and co-ronary heart disease. CNKI, Wanfang, SinoMed, PubMed, Cochrane Library and EMbase databases were retrieved on computer, and the randomized clinical trial(RCT) on Gingko Ketone Ester Dropping Pills in treating angina pectoris and coronary heart disease, which were published from the database establishment to December 31, 2019, were comprehensively collected. Literature screening, data extraction and quality evaluation were conducted independently by two researchers according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Literature methodology quality evaluation was conducted with use of the Cochrane Handbook 5.3.0(bias risk assessment tool). Meta-analysis was performed with RevMan 5.3.0 software. A total of 10 RCTs were included. The results of the Meta-analysis showed that as compared with conventional Western medicine alone, the application of Gingko Ketone Ester Dropping Pills combined with conventional Western medicine treatment further improved the total effective rate and electrocardiogram effect(RR=1.43,95%CI[1.20,1.71],P<0.000 1). There were statistically significant differences in the number of angina attacks, the duration of angina and the amount of nitroglycerin used. In terms of safety indicators, four studies reported adverse reactions in the experimental group, including facial flu-shing, tachycardia, dizziness, dyspnea, nausea and other symptoms. Based on the existing findings, in the treatment of angina pectoris and coronary heart disease, Gingko Ketone Ester Dropping Pills combined with conventional Western medicine can improve the clinical total effective rate, electrocardiogram effect, number of angina attacks, duration of angina and the amount of nitroglycerin used. However, in the included studies, due to some methodological quality problems which would impact the reliability of literature results more high-quality randomized controlled trials are still needed for further verification.

Transient supramolecular hydrogels formed by catalytic control over molecular self-assembly.

The present work shows how transient supramolecular hydrogels can be formed by catalytically controlled molecular self-assembly. Catalysis formation of molecular gelators leads the self-assembly along a kinetically favored pathway, resulting in transient hydrogels. This work demonstrates an effective approach towards pathway-dependent supramolecular materials.

Rumen parameters of yaks (Bos grunniens) and indigenous cattle (Bos taurus) grazing on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.

Yaks and indigenous Qaidam cattle and cattle-yak crosses (C × Y) graze on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP) throughout the year, but yaks are raised at higher elevations than cattle. Yaks do not receive supplementary feed whereas cattle require supplementary feed during harsh winter. We hypothesized that yaks would cope with the severe conditions of the QTP better than cattle and utilize the pasture more efficiently. We also hypothesized that differences between species would be pronounced in winter, when conditions are particularly harsh. To test these hypotheses, seasonal rumen fluid parameters of yaks, C × Y and cattle (n = 3 for each) were examined. Rumen fluid was collected in summer and winter from each genotype 2, 5 and 12 hr after a day of grazing. Concentrations of total volatile fatty acid (VFA), acetate, propionate, isobutyrate and isovalerate were greater in yaks than in cattle in summer (p < 0.05), while propionate concentration was lower in yaks than in cattle in winter (p < 0.05). Concentrations of ammonia and urea were greater (p < 0.001) in yaks than in cattle (p < 0.001) in summer, whereas, concentrations of free amino acids (AA) were greater in cattle than in yaks in summer and winter (p < 0.001). Concentrations of total VFA, acetate, propionate and butyrate decreased linearly (p < 0.05), whereas concentrations of isobutyrate and isovalerate increased linearly for yak and C × Y with sampling time (p < 0.05) in summer. In summer, concentrations of isobutyrate and isovalerate were greater in yaks than in cattle (p < 0.05). In conclusion, rumen fermentation characteristics of yaks showed that they coped better than cattle or C × Y in the harsh climate as we hypothesized. However, in contrast to our hypothesis, this emerged only in summer, when pasture was plentiful and not in winter, when pasture was scarce.

[Tongmai Yangxin Pills in treatment for angina pectoris of coronary heart disease: a systematic review of randomized clinical trails].

To systematically review the efficacy and safety of Tongmai Yangxin Pills in treatment for angina pectoris of coronary heart disease. CNKI, WanFang, VIP, SinoMed, PubMed, EMbase and the Cochrane Library databases were retrieved online to collect randomized controlled trials(RCTs) of Tongmai Yangxin Pills for angina pectoris of coronary heart disease since the establishment to November 2018. Two investigators screened out literatures independently, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of included studies. The risk assessment of included references was made according to criteria recommended by Cochrane Handbook 5.3. Meta-analysis was then performed by RevMan 5.3 software. A total of 9 RCTs were included. The results of Meta-analysis showed that compared with the single application of chemotherapy, the combined administration with Tongmai Yangxin Pills and Western medicine could significantly improve the clinical efficacy of angina(RR=1.22, 95%CI[1.13, 1.31]), the improvement rate of electrocardiogram(RR=1.31, 95%CI[1.21, 1.42]), and the clinical efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) syndrome(RR=1.17, 95%CI[1.02, 1.35]). Only one study reported adverse events, while 5 studies reported no adverse event. According to current evidences, in the treatment of angina pectoris of coronary heart disease, Tongmai Yangxin Pills has a better clinical efficacy in the treatment of angina pectoris of coronary heart disease in terms of the improvement rate of electrocardiogram and the clinical efficacy of TCM syndrome. Due to the limited quality and quantity of the included studies, more high-quality studies are required to verify the above conclusions.

[Network Meta-analysis of Yiqi Huoxue Chinese patent medicine for coronary heart disease with angina pectoris].

To assess the clinical efficacy of Yiqi Huoxue Chinese patent medicine for coronary heart disease with angina pectoris by using network Meta-analysis method. The relative randomized controlled trials( RCTs) of Yiqi Huoxue Chinese patent medicine for coronary heart disease with angina pectoris were retrieved from China National Knowledge Infrastructure( CNKI),Wan Fang,VIP and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database( CBM) in July 2018. Two researchers independently completed the literature screening,data extraction and quality evaluation according to the pre-determined inclusion and exclusion criteria,and the results were cross-checked.The data were analyzed by Win Bugs,and STATA software was used for plotting. Finally,114 RCTs were included,involving 7 Yiqi Huoxue Chinese patent medicines and 11 775 patients. Network Meta-analysis showed that the total effective rate for improvement in AP symptoms had 7 direct comparisons and 21 indirect comparisons,8 of which were statistically significant. The ECG improvement had 7 direct comparisons and 21 indirect comparisons,7 of which were statistically significant. In terms of the total effective rate of improvement in AP symptoms,the order of efficacy was as follows: Shensong Yangxin Capsules > Shexiang Baoxin Pills > Qishen Yiqi Dropping Pills > Tongxinluo Capsules > Wenxin Granules > Qishen Capsules > Naoxintong Capsules. In terms of ECG improvement,the order of efficacy was as follows: Shexiang Baoxin Pills > Tongxinluo Capsules > Naoxintong Capsules > Qishen Yiqi Dropping Pills> Wenxin Granules > Shensong Yangxin Capsules > Qishen Capsules. The results showed that Shensong Yangxin Capsules and Shexiang Baoxin Pills had certain advantages in the treatment of coronary heart disease with angina pectoris. Due to the small sample size,more studies were required to further verify the evidences.

Effects of feeding drunken horse grass infected with Epichloë gansuensis endophyte on animal performance, clinical symptoms and physiological parameters in sheep.

BACKGROUND: Many reports showed that grass-endophyte symbiosis induced livestock poisoned. Yet, there is no study evaluating clinical symptoms and physiological parameters in sheep fed Epichloë gansuensis endophyte-infected grass. The objective of the present study was to investigate these indexes by feeding sheep with endophyte-infected A. inebrians (E+ Group) or endophyte-free A. inebrians (E- Group) drunken horse grass or alfalfa hay (Control Group). RESULTS: The Epichloë endophyte caused obvious toxicity symptoms in the sheep fed E+ A. inebrians, with 1 of the 5 sheep having died by the 35th day. The feed intake and body weight gain of the E+ Group were significantly less than the E- and control groups (P < 0.05). Serum concentrations of alanine aminotransferase (ALT, 45.5 mmol/L) and aspartate aminotransferase for the E+ group (AST, 139.3 mmol/L) were significantly (P < 0.05) greater than for the E- (ALT, 31.2 mmol/L; AST, 78.6 mmol/L) and control (ALT, 32.6 mmol/L; AST, 56.6 mmol/L) groups at the fifth week; serum concentration of creatinine for the E+ group (63.8 mmol/L) was also significantly (P < 0.05) greater than for E- (56.6 mmol/L) and control groups (58.5 mmol/L). Meanwhile, urine biochemical indices for the E+ group indicated that ketone and occult blood were significantly (P < 0.05) elevated compared to the other groups while urine pH values were significantly (P < 0.05) acidic. The relative weight of heart, brain, liver, lung and kidney for Group E+ were almost two fold more than the other groups, but uterus weight was about half that found for Group E- or Control. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the Epichloë endophyte infection is the cause of A. inebrians toxicity to sheep. Interestingly, none of the measured parameters differed significantly between E- and the control groups, which implied that drunken horse grass could be utilized efficiently by sheep when not infected by the Epichloë endophyte.

Global transcriptome profiling analysis reveals insight into saliva-responsive genes in alfalfa.

KEY MESSAGE: We studied the genome-wide multiple time-course transcriptome dynamics after saliva deposition in alfalfa and demonstrate that saliva deposition functions as a stress that negatively affects the regrowth of alfalfa. Saliva deposition is one of the key factors influencing plant-herbivore interactions during grazing. Although many studies have focused on the effects of saliva deposition on plant regrowth, no consistent conclusions have been reached. Alfalfa is the most extensively cultivated forage legume, yet most alfalfa cultivars, thus far, are not grazing-tolerant. To better understand the underlying mechanism, we undertook a study to evaluate the global changes in the transcriptome of alfalfa after cow saliva deposition treatment. In this study, cDNA libraries from alfalfa seedlings at 0, 4, 8, and 24 h after cow saliva deposition were constructed and sequenced, resulting in the identification of 53,195 annotated unigenes, from which 4,814 unigenes were significantly differentially expressed. A metabolic pathway enrichment analysis demonstrated that saliva deposition functions as a stress that negatively affects the regrowth of alfalfa by modifying jasmonic acid synthesis, enhancing the susceptibility to pathogens and reducing the expression levels of ribosomal protein genes. In the present study, we demonstrate the potential effects of saliva deposition on alfalfa regrowth at the transcriptome level. These fundamental and important findings could facilitate further investigations into the molecular mechanisms underlying the responses of alfalfa and other related species to herbivore grazing.

Improved muscle fatty acid composition and oxidative stability in lambs grazing on sainfoin pasture.

As a mode of animal management, grazing on pasture has the potential to improve animal performance and provide healthy meat. However, there is little information about the effects of lamb meat quality grazed on sainfoin pasture. Therefore, the present study was conducted to compare the fatty acid composition and oxidative stability of growing lambs. The twenty-four lambs were randomly divided into grazing on sainfoin pasture (GS) or feeding indoors pelleted total mixed ration (FI). The results show that GS had the higher polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), especially n-3 PUFA (P = 0.002), and beneficial for nutritional index of fatty acid. Corresponding that GS had lower the Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) in raw (P = 0.005) and cooked meat (P = 0.008). The GS had higher total phenols (P = 0.021), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) (P = 0.048) and α-Tocopherol of meat (P = 0.004). In conclusion, grazing on sainfoin pasture in lambs can improve muscle fatty acid composition and oxidative stability than feeding indoors.

Chemical Reaction Steers Spatiotemporal Self-Assembly of Supramolecular Hydrogels.

Supramolecular structures are widespread in living system, which are usually spatiotemporally regulated by sophisticated metabolic processes to enable vital biological functions. Inspired by living system, tremendous efforts have been made to realize spatiotemporal control over the self-assembly of supramolecular materials in synthetic scenario by coupling chemical reaction with molecular self-assembly process. In this review, we focused on the works related to supramolecular hydrogels that are regulated in space and time using chemical reaction. Firstly, we summarized how spatially controlled self-assembly of supramolecular hydrogels can be achieved via chemical reaction-instructed self-assembly, and the application of such a self-assembly methodology in biotherapy was discussed as well. Second, we reviewed dynamic supramolecular hydrogels dictated by chemical reaction networks that can evolve their structures and properties against time. Third, we discussed the recent progresses in the control of the self-assembly of supramolecular hydrogels in both space and time though a reaction-diffusion-coupled self-assembly approach. Finally, we provided a perspective on the further development of spatiotemporally controlled supramolecular hydrogels using chemical reaction in the future.

Spatiotemporal control over self-assembly of supramolecular hydrogels through reaction-diffusion.

Supramolecular self-assembly is ubiquitous in living system and is usually controlled to proceed in time and space through sophisticated reaction-diffusion processes, underpinning various vital cellular functions. In this contribution, we demonstrate how spatiotemporal self-assembly of supramolecular hydrogels can be realized through a simple reaction-diffusion-mediated transient transduction of pH signal. In the reaction-diffusion system, a relatively faster diffusion of acid followed by delayed enzymatic production and diffusion of base from the opposite site enables a transient transduction of pH signal in the substrate. By coupling such reaction-diffusion system with pH-sensitive gelators, dynamic supramolecular hydrogels with tunable lifetimes are formed at defined locations. The hydrogel fibers show interesting dynamic growing behaviors under the regulation of transient pH signal, reminiscent of their biological counterpart. We further demonstrate a proof-of-concept application of the developed methodology for dynamic information encoding in a soft substrate. We envision that this work may provide a potent approach to enable transient transduction of various chemical signals for the construction of new colloidal materials with the capability to evolve their structures and functionalities in time and space.

Seasonal variations in the fatty acid profile of milk from yaks grazing on the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau.

An experiment was conducted to study the seasonal changes in the fatty acid profile of milk from yaks (Bos grunniens) when kept at altitudes of 3000 m above sea level (a.s.l.) and higher. Data and samples were collected in summer (July), autumn (September), winter (November) and spring (March) from ten lactating yaks (four in spring). The yaks grazed pastures adjacent to the farm building throughout the year. In spring only they received 0·6 kg crop by-products per day (dry matter basis). Fresh alpine grasses, available in summer and autumn, showed high concentrations of α-linolenic acid (46-51 g/100 g lipids) compared with the dry, yellow vegetation of winter and spring (16 g/100 g lipids). In autumn and summer, the milk fat had higher concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids than in winter. These polyunsaturated fatty acids were comprised of vaccenic acid, rumenic acid and α-linolenic acid, which are all considered beneficial to human health. The rare fatty acid, γ-linolenic acid, was also detected in yak milk, especially in the milk obtained in spring. The results suggest that yak milk, which is the most important basic food of the Tibetan herders, has the most favourable fatty acid profile when yaks grazed green pasture, which also corresponds to the period of highest milk production.

Dynamic supramolecular hydrogels mediated by chemical reactions.

Supramolecular self-assembly in a biological system is usually dominated by sophisticated metabolic processes (chemical reactions) such as catalysis of enzymes and consumption of high energy chemicals, leading to groups of biomolecules with unique dynamics and functions in an aqueous environment. In recent years, increasing efforts have been made to couple chemical reactions to molecular self-assembly, with the aim of creating supramolecular materials with lifelike properties and functions. In this feature article, after summarising the work of chemical reaction mediated supramolecular hydrogels, we first focus on a typical example where dynamic self-assembly of molecular hydrogels is activated by in situ formation of a hydrazone bond in water. We discuss how the formation of the hydrazone-based supramolecular hydrogels can be controlled in time and space. After that, we describe transient assembly of supramolecular hydrogels powered by out-of-equilibrium chemical reaction networks regulated by chemical fuels, which show unique properties such as finite lifetime, dynamic structures, and regenerative capabilities. Finally, we provide a perspective on the future investigations that need to be done urgently, which range from fundamental research to real-life applications of dynamic supramolecular hydrogels.

Effects of supplementing sweet sorghum with grapeseeds on carcass parameters, and meat quality, amino acid, and fatty acid composition of lambs.

OBJECTIVE: Sweet sorghum is an important forage crop for ruminants, especially in low rainfall areas. Grapeseeds are an abundant by-product of wine-making and contain bioactive substances that can improve the antioxidant capacity of meat. We examined the effect of sweet sorghum forage with supplementary grapeseeds on carcass and meat quality in lambs. METHODS: Twenty-eight Small-tailed Han lambs (body weight = 19.1±1.20 kg), aged 3 to 4 months, were penned, and fed individually. The lambs were divided into four groups (n = 7 each) and were offered one of four diets: i) sweet sorghum silage; ii) sweet sorghum silage + grapeseeds; iii) sweet sorghum hay; and iv) sweet sorghum hay + grapeseeds. The grapeseeds were added to the concentrate at 6% DM and the diets were fed for 100 d. RESULTS: Sweet sorghum silage tended (p = 0.068) to increase hot carcass weight, while grapeseeds tended (p = 0.081) to decrease dressing percentage without affecting other carcass parameters. Lambs consuming supplementary grapeseeds increased (p<0.05) meat redness and tended to decrease (p = 0.075) concentration of methionine in meat. Lambs consuming sweet sorghum silage increased (p<0.001) water content of the meat and had a lower (p<0.05) concentration of n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio than lambs consuming sweet sorghum hay. Saturated fatty acids content in meat was lowest (p<0.05) in lambs consuming sweet sorghum silage with grapeseeds. Lambs with supplementary grapeseeds tended (p<0.10) to increase eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid and have a lower thrombogenic index than lambs not consuming grapeseeds. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that sweet sorghum with supplementary grapeseeds fed to lambs; i) improved the color of the meat to be more appetizing to the consumer; ii) tended to improve the fatty acids composition of the meat; and iii) lowered thrombogenic index of the meat.

Use of nonprescription medicines by patients with COPD: a survey in Chongqing Municipality, China.

To study the impact of self-administration of nonprescription medicines (NPMs) on patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), in Chongqing Municipality, China. A total of 85 patients who had used NPM were assigned to the NPM group. Another 83 patients who had only used prescription medicines (PMs) were assigned to the PM group. Their income, educational levels, health status, public health insurance coverage, the expense of drugs during exacerbation, and the numbers of acute exacerbations during the past year were surveyed, and the approved drugs for COPD were evaluated. The contents of corticosterone in various types of NPMs were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. The proportion of use of NPM in hospitalized patients with COPD was 12.96%. The percentage of illiteracy and low income was significantly higher in COPD patients in the NPM group than those in the PM group. The cost of drugs per day and the quality of life in the NPM group were lower than those in the PM group. Further analysis revealed that 15 of 21 NPMs contained corticosteroids. More importantly, medical advice from doctors and nurses appeared to be effective. Some Chinese patients with COPD living in the Chongqing area of China used NPMs that contained corticosteroids. Health education and advisement can effectively limit the use of NPMs.

Response of sheep rumen fermentation and microbial communities to feed infected with the endophyte Epichloë gansuensis as evaluated with rumen-simulating technology.

Achnatherum inebrians, a perennial grass, is widely distributed in China. When infected by the endophyte Epichloë gansuensis, A. inebrians produces an abundance of alkaloids that enhance plant survival but are toxic to animals. Here we used in vitro fermentation to study the impact of endophyte- infected A. inebrians (E+) addition on rumen fermentation characteristics and on microbial community and diversity as assessed with amplicon sequencing technology. We examined E+ addition at five levels, E0, E25, E50, E75, and E100, corresponding to 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of the fermentation substrate, respectively. Both the fermentation characteristics and rumen microbial community structure differed significantly among treatments. E100 resulted in the highest values for pH, the Shannon index, Kiritimatiellaeota, and Lentisphaerae levels relative to the other treatments. In contrast, E25 was associated with higher levels of ammonia nitrogen, total volatile fatty acid, propionate, butyrate, isobutyrate, valerate, of the phyla Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes, and of the genus Prevotella_1, Succiniclasticum, Family_XIII_AD3011_group, Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, Prevotellaceae_UCG-001, and Pyramidobacter as compared with other treatments. E50 resulted in the greatest values for the abundance-based coverage estimator (ACE) and the Chao1 index as compared with other treatments. E0 resulted in the greatest values for digestibility of dry matter, gas production, acetate, and Ruminobacter as compared with other treatments. This approach avoided animal toxicity experiments and confirmed that rumen fermentation characteristics and rumen microbiota were affected by E+ toxin. Therefore, E25 showed higher abundance in Prevotella_1, Prevotellaceae_ UCG-001, and Lachnospiraceae_XPB1014_group that implied they should play significant roles in E+ alkaloids degradation. And then, we can infer that rumen microorganisms should function as an antidote with respect to this poisoning reaction at moderate dietary percentages of E+.

Effects of total mixed ration with various silage on growth performance, serum parameters, ruminal fermentation, and bacteria community profile in beef cattle.

The possibilities of using high-quality forages in incorporation with total mixed ration (TMR) during the fattening period of beef cattle have been investigated. A total of 30 Simmental bulls (438.94 ± 11.45 kg) were selected and randomly divided into two groups, TMR with single corn silage (SS) and TMR with various silage (MS). The whole experiment consisted of 15 days preparation period and 69 days experimental period. Rumen fluid and blood samples were taken from six beef cattle per treatment at the end of the experiment. The results showed that the average daily gain of the MS group (1.56 kg/day) was higher than (p < .05) the SS group (1.30 kg/day), and a decrease of feed conversion ratio in the MS (10.83) group was observed compared with SS group (12.36) (p < .05). The concentration of total volatile fatty acids for MS group was greater than (p < .05) the SS group. The activities of total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase from MS group were also higher than the SS group, but lower urea nitrogen was found in the MS group from serum (p < .05). In addition, the abundances of the Prevotella-1 and Verrucomicrobia were higher in the MS group than the SS group (p < .05). An increase in the flavonoid biosynthesis was detected in the MS group compared with the SS group by Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes analysis. The present findings suggest that it is economical and healthy to substitute high-quality forage +low level of concentrate for a relatively low proportion forage +high level of concentrate in a finishing diet of beef cattle, which was a feasible and healthy strategy in the intensive feeding system.

Effect of Silage Diet (Sweet Sorghum vs. Whole-Crop Corn) and Breed on Growth Performance, Carcass Traits, and Meat Quality of Lambs.

Diet and breed directly affect ruminant carcass traits and meat quality. Therefore, this research aimed to evaluate the effect of silage diet and breed on growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality of lambs. A total of 28, 3-4 months old female lambs consisting of 14 Dorper lambs (DP) and 14 Thin-tailed Han lambs (TH) were allocated in a 2 × 2 factorial design and offered two experimental diets (sweet sorghum silage: SS; whole-crop corn silage: WS) for 90 days. Lambs fed the WS diet had a higher growth performance (p < 0.01), intramuscular fat content (p < 0.05), and bright meat color (p < 0.01) than lambs fed the SS diet. The lambs fed the SS diet showed a higher polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content than the lambs fed the WS diet (p < 0.01); there was no significant difference in growth performance and carcass characteristics between DP and TH lambs (p > 0.05). The meat of the DP lambs showed lower values of initial pH, shear force, lightness (L*), redness (a*), and saturated fatty acid (SFA) content (p < 0.05). The lamb breed influenced fewer variables of growth performance and carcass characteristics compared to the diet. The lambs fed the SS diet had higher nutritional quality meat than lambs fed the WS diet.