F1 Group Research Articles

Analysis on microbial communities and characteristic flavor metabolic of PXDB-meju by partially substituting wheat flour with soybean flour and gluten flour

Pixian Douban (PXDB) is one of the most popular condiments in China due to its unique flavor. Wheat flour that contains abundant nutrients is an important raw material in producing flavors during PXDB fermentation. In this study, wheat flour was substituted with soybean flour and gluten flour that have higher proteins in portions of 10.4% and 4.2% (F1), 8.9% and 7.2% (F2), 9.6% and 5.8% (F3). The results indicated that the substitutions increased the amino acid nitrogen content and improved flavor quality compared with traditional group (CT). Especially, the key amino acids including spartate, glutamic, arginine and lysine, and the phenylacetaldehyde as one of the most important volatile compounds exhibited preferable higher contents in F2 group than those in CT group. Metagenomic analysis showed that the abundances of predominant bacteria, including Kosakonia_cowanii, unclassified_f__Enterobacteriaceae and unclassified_g__Enterobacter, were higher in the F2 compared to the CT. Lupinus_albus and Plutella_xylostella were the top two fungi in relative abundance, with higher growth rates in F2 than in CT. Furthermore, metabolism pathway analysis revealed higher relative abundance of enzymes producing key amino acids and phenethylaldehyde in the F2 compared to the CT. Meanwhile, these enzymes were exclusively annotated to the Kosakonia_cowanii, Bacillus_velezensis and Escherichia_coli in F2. This study provided a theoretical foundation for improving PXDB flavor quality in industry production.

Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress and Cardiac Dysfunction in TERT Knockout Mice

Abstract Background Heart failure (HF) is a major cause of hospitalization in the elderly, with its incidence increasing due to aging and associated risk factors like hypertension, diabetes, and myocardial fibrosis. Aging-related myocardial fibrosis, characterized by alterations in the extracellular matrix and myocardial structure, impairs cardiac function. Mitochondrial oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in cardiac electrical and structural remodeling, necessitating a deeper understanding of its involvement in aging-related heart failure. Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the mechanisms of aging-related ventricular electrical and structural remodeling by constructing an aging mouse model. This research aims to provide potential therapeutic targets for heart failure associated with aging. Methods We developed a third-generation homozygous telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) knockout mouse model. Comparing third-generation homozygous TERT knockout mice (F3 group) with age-matched wild-type males (WT group). The study encompassed blood pressure measurement, electrocardiographic analysis, echocardiography, ELISA for cardiac biomarkers, ventricular tissue electrophysiology, fibrosis assessment through staining, transcriptomic profiling via RNA-seq, and electron microscopy of ventricular mitochondria. Results Compared to the WT group, the F3 group demonstrated increased P53 and P16 protein expression. Decreased LVEF and FS, along with increased interventricular septum thickness, left ventricular diameter, and left ventricular volume. Elevated serum NT-pro-BNP and troponin I (cTnI) levels, with prolonged QRS duration. Decreased left and right ventricular conduction velocity, accompanied by increased conduction dispersion. Notable elevation in COLI, TGFβ, and α-SMA gene transcription and protein expression in ventricular tissue. Significant differences in mitochondrial oxidative stress signal pathways via RNA-seq analysis. Elevated serum MDA levels and decreased SOD levels, with up-regulated Mn-SOD gene transcription and protein expression, and down-regulated MFN2 and Drp1 gene transcription and protein expression in ventricular tissue. Electron microscopy revealed mitochondrial abnormalities such as loose arrangement, decreased number, swelling, vacuolation, and myofilament disintegration or breakage in the F3 group. Conclusion Third-generation TERT-/- senescent mice exhibit notable cardiac impairments, including electrical remodeling, structural changes, and mitochondrial dysfunction. These findings suggest a potential link between mitochondrial oxidative stress and aging-related heart failure, indicating novel therapeutic opportunities targeting mitochondrial dysfunction for managing such conditions.

PSLBI-13 Characterizing the seminal microbiota in mature rams managed on divergent planes of nutrition, and in their male offspring

Abstract Increasing evidence suggests that the bovine semen harbors commensal microbiota, and it may be important in male fertility. However, much is unknown regarding the seminal microbiota, its evolution and factors shaping this community in sheep. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether managing the rams on divergent planes of nutrition can influence the seminal microbiota in mature rams and their male offspring. For this, Rambouillet rams (n = 24; 1.5 to 4 yr old) were randomly assigned to one of three groups: 1) a positive plane of nutrition [target 12% gain in their initial body weight (BW; POS, n = 8); 2) a maintenance [maintain the initial BW (MNT, n = 8)]; and 3) a negative [target a 12% reduction in BW (NEG; n = 8)] plane of nutrition over 84 d. The rams were individually housed and fed a common diet, and feed allocations were adjusted weekly. Following the 84-d feeding period, these rams were used to breed 240 mature Rambouillet ewes (1:10 ram:ewe ratio) over 28 d of breeding. After lambing, the male lambs were maintained on a similar diet for 124 d. Semen samples from the mature rams (F0 generation) were collected on d 28, 56, and 84, and semen samples from offspring rams (F1 generation) were collected at 330 d of age via electroejaculation. Genomic DNA was extracted from semen samples and the seminal microbiota characterized using 16S rRNA gene (V3-V4) sequencing. Several environmental and negative extraction controls were also sequenced to assess potential contaminants in these samples. Overall community structure of the seminal microbiota in F0 rams was not affected by the divergent planes of nutrition (PERMANOVA: P ≥ 0.05) or by sampling time (P > 0.05). Microbial richness (observed ASVs) was also not different (P > 0.05) between the three groups of F0 rams at any of the sampling time points; however, microbial diversity (P < 0.05) in the F0 rams was influenced by sire dietary treatment. Microbial community structure, richness and diversity did not differ among the POS, MNT and NEG F1 generation rams (P > 0.05). Actinobacteriota, Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, Proteobacteria and Fusobacteriota were the most abundant phyla. Only Bacteroidota abundance was significantly (P < 0.05) different between three F0 groups, with POS rams had greater (18.6%) of this phylum on d 28 as compared with MNT (2.1%) and NEG (5.1%). The predominant genera identified included Fastidiosipila, Corynebacterium, Trueperella, Arthrobacter, Dietzia, Bifidobacterium, Streptobacillus, Ornithinimicrobium, and Porphyromonas, and their relative abundance was not affected (P > 0.05) by the dietary treatment in F0 rams. Overall, rams managed on positive and negative planes of nutrition harbored similar seminal microbiota to control rams, and divergent nutrition also had no effect on the offspring ram seminal microbiota.

Effect of Feeding Processed Soybean Meal on Broiler’s Performance, Immune response, carcass characteristics, Intestinal Morphology and Blood Parameters

This study aimed to assess the effect of different levels of processed soybean meal (PSBM) on growth performance, immune responses, intestinal morphology, cecal bacterial count, carcass characteristics, and blood parameters of broilers. A total of 560 Ross 308 broiler chickens were randomly assigned into seven groups. The control group received a basal diet containing a standard soybean meal. The groups S1, G1, and F1 received diets containing 2.5% of PSBM at the starter, growing, and finishing periods, while S2, G2, and F2 groups have received diets containing 5% of PSBM. The results showed that the average daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio were significantly better in the groups fed the diet containing 5% PSBM than in others. A significant decrease was observed in the pancreatic parameters of the G2 and F2 groups compared to the control. Additionally, PSBM replacement did not affect the villus length of all intestinal regions (p>0.05). Nevertheless, increasing dietary PSBM content has reduced intestinal goblet cell number (p

Effects of replacing fishmeal with Spirulina platensis powder on the Zig-zag eel (Mastacembelus armatus): Growth performance, flesh quality, digestibility, and gut microbial composition

Protein demand from aquaculture exacerbates environmental pressures. Zig-zag eel (Mastacembelus armatus, MA) is a new aquaculture species in southern China and has great potential for future promotion. In this study, we used Spirulina platensis powder (SPP) to replace 0–20 % of fishmeal in the feed, respectively. A 10-week aquaculture experiment was conducted on 600 MAs with five groups of F0 (0 %), F1 (5 %), F2 (10 %), F3 (15 %), and F4 (20 %) set up with equal nitrogen (approximately 50.00 % crude protein) and equal fat (about 5.50 % crude fat) feeds. The experimental results showed that replacing fishmeal with different proportions of SPP significantly reduced FCR (p < 0.05), increased WGR and SGR (p < 0.05), and reduced the feeding cost, with the best performance in F2. Polynomial analysis combining WGR and SGR showed that the optimum percentage of substitution was 10.93 % and 11.09 % in MA diets, respectively. The addition of SPP significantly reduced the levels of EPA and DHA content (p < 0.05), significantly increased the proportion of C14:0, C16:1, C20:5n3, and C22:6n3 (p < 0.05), and a high proportion of SPP addition significantly decreased saturated fatty acid content (p < 0.05). The length of intestinal villi and the secretion levels of Chymotrypsin and Pepsin were significantly increased (p < 0.05), and the secretion level of Lipase was significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in the experimental group. A low percentage of SPP increased microbial diversity in MA’s gut. Functional pathways related to metabolic functions were the most obvious broad groups with the most significant changes in relative abundance in the experimental group, and Plesiomonas and Aeromonas may be the key microorganisms involved in regulating the digestion and metabolism of SPP in the gut of MA.

Multi-Omics Reveals the Effects of Spirulina platensis Powder Replacement of Fish Meal on Intestinal Metabolism and Stress in Zig-Zag Eel (Mastacembelus armatus).

The booming aquaculture industry has created a strong demand for fishmeal and increased environmental pressures. Spirulina, as a potential alternative to fishmeal, has been shown to have growth-promoting and animal health-enhancing properties. In this study, 600 large spiny loaches, divided into five experimental groups, F0, F1, F2, F3, and F4, were reared for 10 weeks using Spirulina platensis powder (SPP) as a substitute for 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% of fishmeal, respectively. The results of intestinal physiological indexes showed that superoxide dismutase was lower than F0 in all treatment groups, and the activity of F3 was significantly lower than F0 (p < 0.05). The activity of malondialdehyde was significantly higher than that of F0 in all groups except F3 (p < 0.05). The addition of SPP also led to a decrease in the activity of acid phosphatase in the intestine, which was significantly lower in all treatment groups compared to the F0 group (p < 0.05). The results of serum physiology showed that the activity of superoxide dismutase in serum gradually increased with the increase in the percentage of SPP addition, and the F3 group produced a significant difference from the F0 group (p < 0.05). The transcriptomics results showed that DEGs in the low percentage substitution group (<15%) were mostly enriched in metabolism-related pathways, such as bile secretion; DEGs in the high percentage substitution group (>15%) were mostly enriched in inflammation-related pathways, such as complement p and coagulation cascades. Metabolomics confirmed that nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism and glycerophospholipid metabolism were the two pathways that were significantly enriched in the treatment groups of fishmeal replacement by SPP. The present study demonstrated that a low percentage (<15%) of fishmeal replacement by SPP in feed mobilized MA digestive metabolism, whereas a high percentage (>15%) of replacement induced intestinal stress. Considering the health and farm efficiency aspects, the proportion of SPP in feed formulation for MA should be less than 15%.

The effect of favipiravir on fracture healing.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of favipiravir on fracture healing. Forty-eight female rats which had a femur fracture with intramedullary Kirschner wire fixation performed were divided into 6 groups; 2 control groups (C1, C2) and 4 experimental groups (F1, F2, F3, F4). The control groups (C1, C2) received physiological saline by oral gavage for 14 days. Two of the experimental groups (F1, F2) received favipiravir by oral gavage for 5 days, whereas the other groups (F3, F4) received it for 14 days. C1, F1 and F3 groups were sacrificed and evaluated on the 14th day, and C2, F2 and F4 groups were sacrificed and evaluated on the 28th day. The fracture sites were assessed for healing radiologically using the Lane and Sandhu scoring system, and assessed histologically using the Huo et al. scoring system. There was no difference between the groups regarding radiological and histological evaluations made on the 14th day (P > .05, P=.216, respectively). On the 28th day, the radiological scores were found to be significantly higher in the control group when compared to the experimental groups (P < .05). Histologically, the control group demonstrated better fracture healing than the groups that had favipiravir administered (P < .001). This study has shown that favipiravir can have negative effects on fracture healing both radiologically and histologically.

Clinical study on the treatment of Qingfei Paidu Granules combined with nondrug therapy for asymptomatic patients with novel coronavirus.

The COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing for over 2 years with evolving viral strains, including the highly infectious Omicron variant, underscores the pivotal role of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in pandemic intervention. Qingfei Paidu Granules (QFPG) are incorporated into the national TCM diagnosis and treatment protocol. This study aims to assess the clinical effectiveness of QFPG combined with nonpharmacological interventions in asymptomatic novel coronavirus infection. Using a full-group randomized controlled trial, asymptomatic individuals from 3 wards of Fangcang Hospital were randomly assigned to 3 groups, each comprising 150 cases: F1, the nonpharmacological treatment group, receiving only Five Elements Music Therapy and Gongfa Therapy; F2, the comprehensive treatment group, receiving QFPG treatment combined with Five Elements Music Therapy and Gongfa Therapy; and F3, the pharmacological treatment group, receiving only QFPG treatment. The treatment duration for each group was 6 days. Clinical efficacy and safety among different treatment groups were observed, including the conversion time of COVID-19 nucleic acid detection, duration of hospitalization, conversion rate from mild to moderate cases, and occurrence of adverse events. All 450 participants were included and completed the study. The conversion rates on the first day of treatment were 10.7%, 30%, and 11.3% for the F1, F2, and F3 groups, respectively. Compared to F1, both F2 and F3 showed shortened first conversion time and time to double negative results, with first conversion times of 1.92 days for F2 and 2.29 days for F3. Additionally, the time in F2 was shorter compared to F3. Hospitalization duration was shortened in both F2 and F3 compared to F1, with no statistically significant difference between F2 and F3. The conversion rate from mild to moderate cases was lower in both F2 and F3 compared to F1, but the difference between F2 and F3 was not significant. Combining QFPG with traditional Chinese nonpharmacological interventions effectively shortened the conversion time of COVID-19 nucleic acid detection and reduced the conversion rate from asymptomatic infection to mild/moderate cases. This treatment approach is worth promoting in the management of asymptomatic patients during pandemics. ClinicalTrials.gov, ChiCTR2200059007.

EFFECT OF SPERMS FREEZABILITY ON SOME SEMEN ATTRIBUTES AND AMINO ACID CONCENTRATIONS IN SEMINAL PLASMA OF HOLSTEIN BULLS

This study investigated the effect of different sperm freezability on some semen characteristics and amino acid concentrations in the seminal plasma of Holstein bulls cryopreserved for two years. The semen straws (0.25 ml) that cryopreserved for two years were divided into three equal groups (7 bulls per group) according to the sperm’s freezability: medium (73.02%; F1), good (83.76%; F2), and high (91.20%; F3). The F1 bulls were superior (P≤ 0.05) in sperm’s cell individual motility (SCIM) for fresh semen as compared with F2 and F3 bulls. The F2 and F3 groups were superior (P≤ 0.01) to the F1 group in live sperm percentage at cryopreservation. The sperm’s DNA damage percentage was lesser (P≤ 0.05) in the F1 and F3 groups as compared with the F2 group. The differences among groups in normal sperm percentage, sperm’s plasma membrane and acrosome integrity percentage, malondialdehyde, and total antioxidant concentrations lacked significance. The essential and non-essential amino acid concentrations in seminal plasma did not differ among groups. In conclusion, sperm freezability influenced some semen attributes but did not affect amino acid concentrations in the seminal plasma of Holstein bulls.

The effect of a combination of kepok banana peel (musa acuminata balbisiana colla) and bay leaf (syzygium polyanthum) extracts on bleeding time in wistar rats (rattus norvegicus)

Background: The body injured potential for bleeding. Hemostatic drugs used to stop bleeding have many side effects. Kepok banana peels and bay leaves contain flavonoids and tannins which can stop bleeding.Objective: This study aims to determine the effect of a combination of kepok banana peel extract and bay leaves on bleeding time in Wistar rats. Methods: True experimental research type with post test only with control group design. 20 rats were divided into 5 groups, group K- was given aquadest, group K+ : epinephrine 1mg/1ml, group F1: kepok banana peel extract and bay leaves 25%:75%, group F2 was given extract 50:50%, and group F3 was given 75%:25% extract. Results: One Way ANOVA test obtained a value of p=0,002 showing that there was a significant difference in the time to stop bleeding for each treatment group, followed by the Post Hoc Games Howell test.Conclusion: The F3 group with a combination of 75% kepok banana peel extract and 25% bay leaf extract was the most effective group in accelerating bleeding time in Wistar rats

A new index for the outcome of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a common pathological form of nephrotic syndrome. This study analyzed the value of pathological lesions and clinical prognosis of different segmental glomerulosclerosis ratios in FSGS. Two hundred and six FSGS patients were collected from Dec 2013 to Apr 2016. The patients were divided into two groups according to the proportion of glomerular segmental sclerosis: F1 (SSR ≤ 15%, n = 133) and F2 (SSR > 15%, n = 73). The clinical and pathological data were recorded and analyzed, and statistical differences were observed between the serum uric acid level and the percentage of chronic renal failure. The pathological results showed significant differences in interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IFTA), degree of mesangial hyperplasia, vascular lesions, synaptopodin intensity, and foot process effacement between the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed significant differences in creatinine (OR: 1.008) and F2 group (OR: 1.19). In all patients, the prognoses of urine protein and serum creatinine levels were statistically different. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that F2 (hazard ratio: 2.306, 95% CI 1.022–5.207) was associated with a risk of ESRD (end stage renal disease). The proportion of segmental glomerulosclerosis provides a guiding value in the pathological diagnosis and clinical prognosis of FSGS.

On the combinatorial rank of quantum groups of type F4

In this paper, we calculate the combinatorial rank of the positive part [Formula: see text] of the multiparameter version of the small Lusztig quantum group, where [Formula: see text] is a simple Lie algebra of type [Formula: see text]. For this purpose, we also present the basis and relations of the quantum algebra, calculate the coproduct of its PBW-generators and determine all skew-primitive elements of this quantum group. In conclusion, we obtain that the combinatorial rank of [Formula: see text] is 4.

436 Immunotherapy Sensitization via Tumor Acidosis Mitigation by Esomeprazole Monitored with MRI

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Acidity and the lactate-to-pyruvate ratio correlate with immunotherapy resistance. AcidoCEST MRI and hyperpolarized magnetic resonance spectroscopy (HP-MRS) measure extracellular pH and lactate-to-pyruvate ratio. We will establish a baseline for these biomarkers then observe changes after combination esomeprazole and immunotherapy. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: We used multiple melanoma models created via serial in vivo passage under immunotherapeutic pressure (FVAX, CTLA-4, PD-1, PD-L1). We used four of these corresponding to 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% resistance (TMT, F2, F3, and F4, respectively). HP-MRS was performed two weeks post implantation in male BL6 mice with AcidoCEST MRI 2-3 days later. Tumors were implanted in additional mice and grown for 1 week. We used esomeprazole as a possible immunotherapy sensitizer. Esomeprazole (or PBS) alone and in combination with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB; αCTLA-4, αPD-1) was then conducted every 3 days for 3 doses. ICB was administered 3h after esomeprazole. AcidoCEST MRI was performed the day after the final dose of combination therapy and 3h after esomeprazole (or PBS) alone. HP-MRS was performed 2-3 days after acidoCEST MRI. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: There was a statistical increase in the lactate-to-pyruvate ratio of the F4 group compared with TMT, F2, and F3 groups (p &lt; 0.05). The TMT, F2, and F3 groups did not differ significantly. The extracellular pH (pHe) of the TMT group was statistically lower than the F2 and F4 groups (p &lt; 0.05). The pHe did not differ significantly between the TMT and F3 groups nor the F2, F3, and F4 groups. The lactate-to-pyruvate ratio and pHe after combination treatment with esomeprazole and ICB did not differ compared to PBS+ICB control. Treatment with esomeprazole alone generated higher lactate-to-pyruvate ratio compared with PBS alone. Tumor volume curves and survival curves of mice bearing F4 tumors treated with esomeprazole combination with ICB showed no difference compared with PBS+ICB, PBS alone, and esomeprazole alone. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: We differentiated between the 100% and 25% resistant models with both pHe and lactate-to-pyruvate ratio, although the pHe was counterintuitive. Esomeprazole was ineffective, but other potential sensitizers exist. A non-invasive clinical imaging tool and sensitizer would permit more personalized treatment plans so treatment is more effective.

A Bacterium-like Particle Vaccine Displaying Envelope Proteins of Canine Distemper Virus Can Induce Immune Responses in Mice and Dogs.

Canine distemper virus (CDV) can cause fatal infections in giant pandas. Vaccination is crucial to prevent CDV infection in giant pandas. In this study, two bacterium-like particle vaccines F3-GEM and H4-GEM displaying the trimeric F protein or tetrameric H protein of CDV were constructed based on the Gram-positive enhanced-matrix protein anchor (GEM-PA) surface display system. Electron microscopy and Western blot results revealed that the F or H protein was successfully anchored on the surface of GEM particles. Furthermore, one more bacterium-like particle vaccine F3 and H4-GEM was also designed, a mixture consisting of F3-GEM and H4-GEM at a ratio of 1:1. To evaluate the effect of the three vaccines, mice were immunized with F3-GEM, H4-GEM or F3 and H4-GEM. It was found that the level of IgG-specific antibodies and neutralizing antibodies in the F3 and H4-GEM group was higher than the other two groups. Additionally, F3 and H4-GEM also increased the secretion of Th1-related and Th2-related cytokines. Moreover, F3 and H4-GEM induce IgG and neutralizing antibodies' response in dogs. Conclusions: In summary, F3 and H4-GEM can provoke better immune responses to CDV in mice and dogs. The bacterium-like particle vaccine F3 and H4-GEM might be a potential vaccine candidate for giant pandas against CDV infection.

Fatty Acid Composition of Commercial Smoked Salmon Products

In this study, the fatty acid composition of smoked salmon fillets sold in grocery stores in Türkiye was investigated. Gas chromatography (GC) was used to determine fatty acid composition from extracted lipid. The main saturated fatty acids observed in smoked salmon samples were myristic acid (C14:0), palmitic acid (C16:0) and stearic acid (C18:0); monounsaturated fatty acids were palmitoleic acid (C16:1), oleic acid (C18:1n9), and vaccenic acid (C18:1n7); polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were linoleic acid (C18:2n6), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5n3) and decosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6n3). Among the monounsaturated fatty acids, oleic acid was found to be the fatty acid with the highest value. Oleic acid amounts were found to vary between 27.22% and 35.52%. PUFA values in smoked salmon fillet groups were determined as 27.77%, 27.49%, 32.94% and 30.62%. The highest EPA value was determined in F1 group with 4.29% and the lowest value was determined in F2 group with 2.07%. DHA amounts were between 11.74% and 6.22%. The ratio of Σn6/Σn3 was between 0.80 (F4 group) and 1.16 (F2 group). As a result, it was concluded that the smoked fish fillets examined had high nutritional quality in terms of fatty acids. Among the groups, especially F3 and F4 groups were found to have rich content in terms of PUFA and Σn3 values.

Two-Generation Toxicity Study of the Antioxidant Compound Propyl-Propane Thiosulfonate (PTSO).

Propyl-propane thiosulfonate (PTSO), an antioxidant organosulfur compound present in the genus Allium, has become a potential natural additive for food and feed, as well as a possible biopesticide for pest control in plants. A toxicological assessment is necessary to verify its safety for livestock, consumers, and the environment. As part of the risk assessment of PTSO, this study was designed to explore its potential reproductive toxicity in mice following the OECD 416 guideline. The investigation spans two generations to comprehensively evaluate potential reproductive, teratogenic, and hereditary effects. A total of 80 CD1 mice per sex and generation were subjected to PTSO exposure during three phases (premating, gestation, and lactation). This evaluation encompassed three dose levels: 14, 28, and 55 mg PTSO/kg b.w./day, administered through the feed. No clinical changes or mortality attributed to the administration of PTSO were observed in the study. Some changes in the body weight and food consumption were observed, but not related to sex or in a dose-dependent manner. The two parental generations (F0, F1) exhibited normal reproductive performance, and the offspring (F1 and F2) were born without any abnormalities. The serum sexual hormone levels (progesterone -P-, testosterone -T-, estradiol -E2-, follicular stimulating hormone -FSH-, and luteinizing hormone -LH-) were in a normal range. Although significant changes were observed in the sperm analysis in the case of F0 group, no variation was found for F1 group, and no alterations in fertility were recorded either. The absolute organ weights and relative organ weight/body weight and organ weight/brain weight ratios, and the complete histopathological study, showed no significant alterations in males and females for all the generations considered. Considering all the results obtained, PTSO is not considered a reproductive or developmental toxicant in mice under the assayed conditions. These results support the good safety profile of PTSO for its potential application in the agrifood sector.

Paternal cocaine-seeking motivation defines offspring’s vulnerability to addiction by down-regulating GABAergic GABRG3 in the ventral tegmental area

Epidemiological investigations indicate that parental drug abuse experiences significantly influenced the addiction vulnerability of offspring. Studies using animal models have shown that paternal cocaine use and highly motivated drug-seeking behavior are important determinants of offspring addiction susceptibility. However, the key molecules contributing to offspring addiction susceptibility are currently unclear. The motivation for cocaine-seeking behavior in offspring of male rats was compared between those whose fathers self-administered cocaine (SA) and those who were yoked with them and received non-contingent cocaine administrations (Yoke). We found that paternal experience with cocaine-seeking behavior, but not direct cocaine exposure, could lead to increased lever-pressing behavior in male F1 offspring. This effect was observed without significant changes to the dose-response relationship. The transcriptomes of ventral tegmental area (VTA) in offspring were analyzed under both naive state and after self-administration training. Specific transcriptomic changes in response to paternal cocaine-seeking experiences were found, which mainly affected biological processes such as synaptic connections and receptor signaling pathways. Through joint analysis of these candidate genes and parental drug-seeking motivation scores, we found that gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor subunit gamma-3 (Gabrg3) was in the hub position of the drug-seeking motivation-related module network and highly correlated with parental drug-seeking motivation scores. The downregulation of Gabrg3 expression, caused by paternal motivational cocaine-seeking, mainly occurred in GABAergic neurons in the VTA. Furthermore, down-regulating GABAergic Gabrg3 in VTA resulted in an increase in cocaine-seeking behavior in the Yoke F1 group. This down-regulation also reduced transcriptome differences between the Yoke and SA groups, affecting processes related to synaptic formation and neurotransmitter transmission. Taken together, we propose that paternal cocaine-seeking behavior, rather than direct drug exposure, significantly influences offspring addiction susceptibility through the downregulation of Gabrg3 in GABAergic neurons of the VTA, highlighting the importance of understanding specific molecular pathways in the intergenerational inheritance of addiction vulnerability.

Aqueous extract of Swietenia macrophylla leaf exerts an anti-inflammatory effect in a murine model of Parkinson's disease induced by 6-OHDA.

Parkinson's disease affects 2% of the population aged over 65 years and is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder in the general population. The appearance of motor symptoms is associated with the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the nigrostriatal pathway. Clinically significant nonmotor symptoms are also important for severe disability with disease progression. Pharmacological treatment with levodopa, which involves dopamine restitution, results in a temporary improvement in motor symptoms. Among the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of the disease are exacerbated oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neuroinflammation. A phytochemical prospecting study showed that the aqueous extract of the leaves from Swietenia macrophylla (Melineaceae), known as mahogany, has polyphenols with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity in a significantly higher percentage than leaf extracts from other Amazonian plants. Furthermore, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity of aqueous extract of mahogany leaf has already been demonstrated in an in vitro model. In this study, we hypothesized that the aqueous extract of mahogany leaf (AEML) has a neuroprotective effect in a murine model of Parkinson's disease induced by 6-hydroxidopamine (6-OHDA), due to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of its phenolic compounds. Mice were treated daily with the mahogany extract at a dose of 50 mg/kg, starting 7 days before 6-OHDA infusion until post-surgery day 7. The animals from the 6-OHDA/mahogany group, which corresponds to animals injected with the toxin and treated with aqueous extract of the mahogany leaf, presented distinct behavioral phenotypes after apomorphine challenge and were therefore subdivided into 2 groups, 6-OHDA/mahogany F1 and 6-OHDA/mahogany F2. The F1 group showed a significant increase in contralateral rotations, whereas the F2 group did not show rotations after the apomorphine stimulus. In the F1 group, there was an increase, although not significant, in motor performance in the open field and elevated plus maze tests, whereas in the F2 group, there was significant improvement, which may be related to the lesser degree of injury to the nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathway. The TH+ histopathological analysis, a dopaminergic neuron marker, confirmed that the lesion to the nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathway was more pronounced in 6-OHDA/mahogany F1 than in 6-OHDA/mahogany F2. Our main result consisted of signs of improvement in the inflammatory profile in both the F1 and F2 6-OHDA/mahogany groups, such as a lower number of IBA-1+ microglial cells in the ventral striatum and substantia nigra pars compacta and a reduction in GFAP+ expression, an astrocyte marker, in the dorsal striatum. In this study, several bioactive compounds in the aqueous extract of mahogany leaf may have contributed to the observed beneficial effects. Further studies are necessary to better characterize their applicability for treating chronic degenerative diseases with inflammatory and oxidative bases, such as Parkinson's disease.

Relationship between sheep feces scores and gastrointestinal microorganisms and their effects on growth traits and blood indicators.

Fecal scores are crucial for assessing the digestive and gastrointestinal status of animals. The Bristol fecal scoring system is a commonly used method for the subjective evaluation of host feces, there is limited research on fecal scoring standards for fattening Hu sheep. In this study, Hu sheep were collected for rumen, rectum, and colon contents for 16S rDNA sequencing. 514 Hu sheep feces were scored based on the Bristol fecal scoring system, and production performance at each stage was measured. Finally, we developed the scoring standard of the manure of Hu sheep in the fattening period (a total of five grades). The result shows that moisture content significantly increased with higher grades (p < 0.05). We analyzed the relationship between fecal scores and production traits, blood indices, muscle nutrients, and digestive tract microorganisms. The growth traits (body weight, body height, body length, average daily gain (ADG), and average daily feed intake (ADFI) during 80-180 days), body composition traits of the F3 group, and the carcass traits were found to be significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those of the F1 and F2 groups. There was no significant difference in gastrointestinal microflora diversity among all groups (p > 0.05). Significant differences were observed in Aspartate aminotransferase, Glucose, Total bilirubin, and Red Blood Cell Count between groups (p < 0.05). The mutton moisture content in group F4 was significantly higher than in the other groups, and the protein content was also the lowest (p < 0.05). The results of the correlation analysis demonstrated that Actinobacteria, Peptostreptococcaceae, Acidaminococcales, Gammaproteobacteria, and Proteobacteria were the significant bacteria affecting fecal scores. In addition, Muribaculaceae and Oscillospiraceae were identified as the noteworthy flora affecting growth performance and immunity. This study highlights the differences in production traits and blood indicators between fecal assessment groups and the complex relationship between intestinal microbiota and fecal characteristics in Hu sheep, suggesting potential impacts on animal performance and health, which suggest strategies for improved management.

Investigating the Association of Traits Influencing Yield and Micronutrient Content in F2 Generation of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Wheat is a key food crop for the world, providing a lot of the energy we need. It gives us about 55% of our carbohydrates and 20% of our calories. Many people eat cereal grains as their main food, but they often lack enough nutrients. This causes malnutrition, which is also called “hidden hunger”. Micronutrient malnutrition arising from Zn and Fe deficiency has emerged as a serious health concern and it afflicts over 3 billion people globally. Zinc and Iron are very important for our health. Bio-fortification circumvents the hidden hunger by improving the micronutrient composition of food grains by either increasing its concentration in edible portions or enhancing its bio-availability. The present investigation was an attempt to decipher the association among traits and their contribution towards yield by correlation and path analysis. Findings showed that the number of grains in each spike and the amount of chlorophyll in the plants were strongly related to how much grain each plant produced in both F2 groups (Rajendra Genhu 4 × HD2967 and Rajendra Genhu 3 × HD2967). On the other hand, grain iron content was inversely related to the yield. The path analysis of both crosses showed that factors like plant height, days to 50 % flowering, days to maturity and chlorophyll content had a positive direct impact on the yield. However, the zinc and iron levels in the grain had a negative direct impact on the yield. These results inferred that number of grains per spike and chlorophyll content could be used in indirect selection for yield improvement.