Immunoglobulin Concentrations Research Articles

Dietary Replacement of Soybean Meal with Zanthoxylum bungeanum Seed Meal on Growth Performance, Blood Parameters, and Nutrient Utilization in Broiler Chickens

Zanthoxylum bungeanum seed meal (ZBM), a novel plant protein raw material, has shown promising potential in enhancing the growth of broiler chickens as a substitute for soybean meal (SBM) in feed. In the artificial digestive experiment of vitro experiments, the digestibility of ZBM and SBM were assessed using the SDS-III Single Stomach Animal Biometric Digestion System. Subsequently, 180 1-day old AA chicks were divided into three groups for in vivo experiments: corn–soybean-meal-based diet (CON group); ZBM replacing 5% soybean meal in the basal diet (ZBM-1 group); ZBM replacing 10% soybean meal in the basal diet (ZBM-2 group). The experiment period lasted for 42 days. Compared to SBM, ZBM demonstrated higher crude protein content, dry matter digestibility, and extracorporeal digestible protein. Compared with the CON group, the broilers in the ZBM-2 group showed improved ADG and ADFI during the 1–21 d, 22–42 d, and 1–42 d periods (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the ZBM groups exhibited significant increases in slaughter performance compared with the CON group (p < 0.05). The substitution of ZBM for SBM also leads to a significant reduction in serum enzyme indicators (p < 0.05). Additionally, the lipoprotein and total cholesterol of the ZBM groups were significantly lower than those of the CON group (p < 0.05). Substituting SBM with ZBM significantly enhances the activity of superoxide dismutase and the content of immunoglobulin G in broiler serum, while reducing the content of malondildehyde (p < 0.05). The ZBM groups showed significantly higher utilization of dry matter, crude protein, and energy compared with the CON group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the study confirmed that the substitution of SBM with 5–10% ZBM in broiler diets has a significant positive effect on growth, development, antioxidant capacity, immune function, and nutrient utilization. This study not only provides a theoretical foundation for the utilization of ZBM in broiler diets but also offers an effective approach for reducing reliance on soybean meal.

Concentrations of selected immunological parameters in the serum and processing fluid of suckling piglets and the serum and colostrum of their mothers

BackgroundBlood sampling from neonatal piglets is related to multiple disadvantages. Therefore, a new, alternative matrix is required to assess piglets’ early immune status efficiently. The present study aimed to assess the usefulness of processing fluid for determining selected piglets’ immune parameters. 264 pigs − 31 sows, 146 male piglets, and 87 female piglets from commercial indoor farrow-to-finish pig herd were included in this study. 264 serum, 31 colostrum, and 146 processing fluid samples were collected. Serum was collected from all animals, colostrum was collected from sows, and processing fluid was collected from male piglets only. Using commercial ELISA tests, the concentration of various immunoglobulins, cytokines, and acute phase proteins was assessed in each matrix. Statistical analyses were employed to determine differences in the concentration of measured indices between piglets’ serum and processing fluid and correlations in the concentration of tested indices between particular sets of matrices.ResultsStatistical analyses did not reveal significant differences in the IgG, IgA, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, and IFN-γ concentration between piglets’ serum and processing fluid (p > 0.05). A positive correlation (p < 0.05) regarding the concentration of some indices between processing fluid and samples collected from sows was also observed.ConclusionsProcessing fluid can be considered a promising alternative to blood for assessing some immunological indices in piglets, such as IgG, IgA, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, and IFN-γ, and, possibly, in the indirect assessment of some indices in lactating sows, including IgA, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IFN-γ, or Pig-MAP.

The selenoprotein from selenium-rich glutinous rice improves spleen immune protection by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway

Moderate amounts of selenium supplementation have a positive effect on the immune response. Selenium deficiency status can lead to reduced immunity, but the benefits of a natural selenium-rich diet for selenium deficiency are unknown. In this experiment, low selenium feed (0.02 mg Se/kg diet) was given to the mice for 5 weeks and selenium supplementation with selenoprotein (SeP) for 4 weeks, and the selenium-deficient mouse model was successfully established. SeP supplementation had significant protective effects, including increased antioxidant capacity and alleviation of inflammatory damage. SeP markedly elevated the activities of thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the serum, kidney, liver, and spleen of selenium-deficient mice. SeP can restore the condition of damaged spleen tissue, raise the spleen index in mice, and encourage an increase in immunoglobulin (IgA, IgG, and IgM) content. The levels of catalase (CAT), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), GSH-Px, and cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) were all significantly elevated by SeP. SeP showed superior immunomodulatory effects over inorganic selenium (Na2SeO3). Together, these results suggest that SeP may be a potential dietary selenium supplement that can reduce symptoms of spleen damage caused by selenium deficiency.

Pirarucu requires taurine to maximize growth and antioxidant status when fed diets high in plant-based ingredients

Taurine (Tau) is a free conditionally essential amino acid for most fish species that plays a significant nutritional role, mainly in carnivorous fish species. However, limited studies are still available regarding the role of Tau on pirarucu nutrition, an important Amazonian fish species. Therefore, this study used diets high in plant-based ingredients to investigate the effect of taurine (Tau) supplementation on juvenile pirarucu's growth, metabolism, and health (n = 115, Weight = 504.12 ± 19 g). Fish were fed five diets containing increasing levels of Tau: 0.95, 5.1, 9.6, 12.9, and 17.2 g/kg in a completely randomized design with three replicates per treatment. After a 60-day feeding trial, growth, hematology, blood chemistry, Tau content in muscle, carcass, and liver, antioxidant status, and immunological parameters were evaluated. The control group (0.95 g/kg Tau) showed the lowest growth. According to the segmented regression model, the recommended Tau level for maximizing the development of juvenile pirarucu was 4.49 g/kg of feed. Additionally, fish fed the lowest dietary Tau level showed the highest ROS (reactive oxygen species) concentration. Dietary Tau levels did not affect hematological parameters and blood chemistry (p > 0.05). Fish fed 9.6 g/kg of Tau showed increased catalase activity, while the control group had the worst result in NBT (nitroblue tetrazolium reduction test). Fish fed with the highest dietary Tau levels (12.9 and 17.2 g/kg) showed increased total serum immunoglobulin concentration. These results suggest that the optimal inclusion level of Tau in diets for juvenile pirarucu is 4.49 g/kg of feed and that this amino acid acts as a mitigator of oxidative stress.

The addition of curcumin to the diet of post-weaning dairy calves: effects on ruminal fermentation, immunological, and oxidative responses.

Incorporating Curcumin into animal diets holds significant promise for enhancing both animal health and productivity, with demonstrated positive impacts on antioxidant activity, anti-microbial responses. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether adding Curcumin to the diet of dairy calves would influence ruminal fermentation, hematologic, immunological, oxidative, and metabolism variables. Fourteen Jersey calves were divided into a control group (GCON) and a treatment group (GTRA). The animals in the GTRA received a diet containing 65.1mg/kg of dry matter (DM) Curcumin (74% purity) for an experimental period of 90 days. Blood samples were collected on days 0, 15, 45, and 90. Serum levels of total protein and globulins were higher in the GTRA group (P < 0.05) than the GCON group. In the GTRA group, there was a reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß and IL-6) (P < 0.05) and an increase in IL-10 (which acts on anti-inflammatory responses) (P < 0.05) when compared to the GCON. There was a significantly higher (P < 0.05) concentration of immunoglobulin A (IgA) in the serum of the GTRA than the GCON. A Treatment × Day interaction was observed for haptoglobin levels, which were higher on day 90 in animals that consumed Curcumin than the GCON (P < 0.05). The catalase and superoxide dismutase activities were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in GTRA, reducing lipid peroxidation when compared to the GCONT. Hematologic variables did not differ significantly between groups. Among the metabolic variables, only urea was higher in the GTRA group when compared to the GCON. Body weight and feed efficiency did not differ between groups (meaning the percentage of apparent digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, and acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF). There was a tendency (P = 0.09) for treatment effect and a treatment x day interaction (P = 0.05) for levels of short-chain fatty acids in rumen fluid, being lower in animals that consumed curcumin. There was a treatment vs. day interaction (P < 0.05) for the concentration of acetate in the rumen fluid (i.e., on day 45, had a reduction in acetate; on day 90, values were higher in the GTRA group when compared to the GCON). We conclude that there was no evidence in the results from this preliminary trial that Curcumin in the diet of dairy calves interfered with feed digestibility. Curcumin may have potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune effects that may be desirable for the production system of dairy calves.

Investigation of the relationship between atopic dermatitis of dogs and intestinal epithelial damage.

A significant association between atopic dermatitis and leaky gut syndrome has been demonstrated in humans. No studies have been conducted to determine whether there is an association between atopic dermatitis and intestinal damage in dogs. This study aimed to determine whether there is an association between canine atopic dermatitis and intestinal damage using selected intestinal-related biomarkers. Twenty-six dogs with atopic dermatitis and 10 healthy dogs were included. Moderate-to-severe pruritus, erythema, erosion and alopecia on different parts of the body were sought in dogs to suspect atopic dermatitis. The presence of atopic dermatitis was confirmed by an allergic skin test.Serum biomarkers including intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP), intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP), trefoil factor-3 (TFF-3), immunoglobulin E (IgE), interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-13 (IL-13) concentrations were measured from venous blood samples. Of the 26 dogs tested for allergens, 16 were found to be sensitive to mould mites, 10 to vernal grass, eight to house dust mites, five to wheat dust and five to grass pollen mix allergens. Significant increases in serum IAP, TFF-3, IgE, IL-4 and IL-13 concentrations were determined. It was thought that the increase in TFF-3 and IAP concentrations may be due to the presence of intestinal epithelial damage and the repair of this damage. In addition, the development of atopic dermatitis may be predisposed to the entry of allergens into the body through sites of intestinal damage.

Effects of dietary nanoliposome-coated astaxanthin on haematological parameters, immune responses and the antioxidant status of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

Astaxanthin is the most prevalent carotenoid in the marine environment and is widely used as an additive in formulated aquafeeds. A 60-day feeding trial was conducted to consider the effect of dietary nanoliposome-coated astaxanthin (NA) on haematological parameters, serum antioxidant activities and immune responses of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. A total of 450 healthy fish weighing 31.00±2.09g were randomly assigned in triplicate (30 fish per replicate) to 5 dietary treatments: 0 (control), 25.00, 50.00, 75.00, and 100.00mgkg-1 NA. Fish fed the diet supplemented with 50.00mgkg-1 NA exhibited the highest values of red blood cells, white blood cells, haemoglobin and haematocrit of 1.64±0.01×106mm-3, 5.54±0.21×103mm-3, 8.73±0.24gdL-1 and 46.67%±0.88%, respectively, which were significantly higher than those fed the basal diet (p<0.05). The lowest and highest percentages of lymphocytes (67.67%±0.33%) and neutrophils (27.33%±1.20%) were also obtained in fish fed 50.00mgkg-1 NA compared to those fed the basal diet (p<0.05). Fish receiving diet supplemented with 50.00mgkg-1 NA revealed the highest serum activity in superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, lysozyme and alternative complement and the lowest level of total cholesterol, cortisol, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase than fish receiving the basal diet (p<0.05). Serum immunoglobulin (Ig) and ACH50 contents significantly increased with increasing dietary NA supplementation to the highest values of 43.17±1.46 and 293.33±2.03UmL-1, respectively, in fish fed diet supplemented with 50mgkg-1 NA (p<0.05). Supplementation of NA in rainbow trout diet at 50mgkg-1 exhibited a positive effect on haematological parameters, antioxidant capacity and immune responses. Administration of such dosage can enhance rainbow trout immune responses against unfavourable or stressful conditions, for example disease outbreaks, hypoxic condition, thermal stress and sudden osmotic fluctuations, which usually happen in an intensive culture system.

Influence of Silicon Supplementation on Growth, Immunity, Antioxidant, Hormonal Profile and Bone Health Biomarkers in Pre-ruminant Crossbred Calves.

Silicon (Si), a newer trace element, is believed to be important for healthy bone formation and to decrease bone resorption, improving the quality of bone by manipulating several hormones and enzymes. Therefore, the current investigation was conducted to determine the impact of Si supplementation on growth, immunity, antioxidant, hormonal profile and biomarkers of bone health in pre-ruminant crossbred calves. Twenty-four crossbred calves (5-7 days) were selected on the basis of their body weight (BW 31.65 ± 0.46 kg) and divided into 4 groups (n = 6) and fed as per ICAR (2013) feeding standards except that these were additionally supplemented with 0 (Si0), 50 (Si50), 100 (Si100) and 150 (Si150) mg of Si/kg dry matter (DM) in four respective groups for 90 days. Every month, peripheral blood samples were drawn (0, 30, 60 and 90 days post supplementing with Si) and analysed for antioxidant status, hormonal profile and bone health biomarkers. It is reported that dietary Si supplementation improved (P < 0.05) net body weight gain (kg), average daily gain (g) and average dry matter intake (kg), whereas feed intake (kg/100 kg BW), was not altered due to Si supplementation. Structural growth measurements were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in Si100 and Si150 groups as compared to Si50 and control groups. However, immune response (humoral as well as cell-mediated immunity), erythrocytic antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, SOD, glutathione peroxidase, GPx and catalase), plasma ferric reducing total antioxidant power (FRAP) activity and the plasma concentration of total immunoglobulins (TIg) remained unaffected by Si supplementation. Silicon increased (P < 0.05) the concentration of plasma growth hormone (GH), vitamin D3, bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP) and osteocalcin (OCN) in Si100 and Si150 groups, but the levels of calcitonin, parathyroid hormone (PTH) and hydroxyproline (HYP) remained similar among all the groups. As a result of the current investigation, it can be inferred that the inclusion of 100 and 150 mg of Si/kg DM was effective in improving the growth performance, growth hormone, vitamin D3 and bone health status in pre-ruminant calves. However, supplementation of 150 mg of Si/kg DM had no additional benefit; therefore 100 mg of Si/kg DM is the optimum level of Si supplementation in pre-ruminant calves.

Combining Embryo Transfer and Artificial Insemination to Achieve Twinning in Beef Cattle, and Effects of Different Twin Calf-Raising Methods on Neonatal Behavior and Growth

As the beef industry moves towards efficient animal production to improve sustainability in agriculture, new production and management approaches are emerging. Among the many facets of the beef industry, cow–calf operations have the most opportunity for efficiency improvement, including improvements in fertility. This project accounts for measures and methods of (1) twinning reproductive technologies and (2) twin calf perinatal care and pre-weaning rearing. The overall objective was to produce twin calves using two reproductive technologies—embryo transfer and artificial insemination. The subobjectives were to determine accuracy of twin pregnancies embryo/fetal losses using ultrasonography, evaluate parturition and dystocia, and determine the effects of different twin-raising methods on neonatal behavior and growth. A fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) protocol was applied to 77 multiparous Angus-cross cows from a commercial beef herd in northcentral South Dakota during the summer of 2019. Cows were assigned to two different treatments groups: only artificially inseminated (AI) or received an embryo transfer following artificial insemination (ET + AI). They were estrous-synchronized, artificially inseminated (AI) with black Angus semen at day 0, and received and embryo transfer (ET) at day 7. Ultrasound examination detected 56% pregnancy risk for both groups, with sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 75%, 100%, and 90.5%, respectively, for bilateral twin detection. Calves were born during spring 2020. Twin calves (n = 34) and singleton calves (n = 11) were assigned to one of three raising methods: (1) twin born and twin raised (TT; n = 16), (2) twin born and single raised (TS; n = 18), and (3) single born and single raised (S; n = 11). Neonatal nursing behavior and birth weights were recorded, and adjusted day 200 and day 280 were calculated measures of vitality and growth. Blood samples were collected at age 24 h for colostrum intake measures (total serum protein, IgG1, and IgM). Twin calves were born 20% (p &lt; 0.05) lighter in body weight than singletons; however, weights did not differ at day 280 between TT and S calves. TS calves had the shortest average latency to stand, but immunoglobulin concentrations did not differ among treatments. At weaning, cows that had birthed and raised twins produced more kilograms of live weight per pregnancy than cows birthing and raising singletons. Using ET + AI proved to increase twinning rate, and growth was maintained when raising both twins with their dam.

Immunoglobulins and serum proteins impair anti-tumor NK cell effector functions in malignant ascites.

Malignant ascites indicates ovarian cancer progression and predicts poor clinical outcome. Various ascites components induce an immunosuppressive crosstalk between tumor and immune cells, which is poorly understood. In our previous study, imbalanced electrolytes, particularly high sodium content in malignant ascites, have been identified as a main immunosuppressive mechanism that impaired NK and T-cell activity. In the present study, we explored the role of high concentrations of ascites proteins and immunoglobulins on antitumoral NK effector functions. To this end, a coculture system consisting of healthy donor NK cells and ovarian cancer cells was used. The anti-EGFR antibody Cetuximab was added to induce antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). NK activity was assessed in the presence of different patient ascites samples and immunoglobulins that were isolated from ascites. Overall high protein concentration in ascites impaired NK cell degranulation, conjugation to tumor cells, and intracellular calcium signaling. Immunoglobulins isolated from ascites samples competitively interfered with NK ADCC and inhibited the conjugation to target cells. Furthermore, downregulation of regulatory surface markers CD16 and DNAM-1 on NK cells was prevented by ascites-derived immunoglobulins during NK cell activation. Our data show that high protein concentrations in biological fluids are able to suppress antitumoral activity of NK cells independent from the mechanism mediated by imbalanced electrolytes. The competitive interference between immunoglobulins of ascites and specific therapeutic antibodies could diminish the efficacy of antibody-based therapies and should be considered in antibody-based immunotherapies.

The effect of carbetocin on the mammary gland of pigs

Carbetocin (deamino-1-monocarba-(2-Omethylthyrosine)-oxytocin) refers to a prolonged-acting, synthetic analogue of oxytocin, has pharmacodynamic properties similar to natural oxytocin. Drugs containing carbetocin have been used in the pathology of childbirth and the postpartum period. However, there is limited information in the literature on the effect of this pharmacological agent on the mammary gland of animals. The aim of the presented experimental work was to study the effect of carbetocin on the mammary gland of sows in the postpartum period. The studies were performed on the main sows in the early postpartum period. According to the principle of analogues, the animals were divided into 2 groups: experimental and control. Carbetocin was parenterally administered to sows of the experimental group at a dose of 0.07 mg with an interval of 24 hours, and uterotonic agents were not used in the control group. In animals of the experimental group, the time of induced secretion of breast secretions after administration of cabetocin was recorded. The concentration of immunoglobulins in colostrum (milk) of all studied animals was determined using a Brix refractometer. It was found that after carbetocin injection, the average duration of excretion of mammary gland secretions in sows had no significant differences during 1 and 2 days after delivery and amounted to 363.00±8.40 and 355.50±8.51 minutes, respectively. Its free release in animals occurs within 4-7 hours after administration of a prolonged oxytocin analog. The use of carbetocin in sows in the postpartum period does not lead to an increase in the amount of immunoglobulins in colostrum or transitional milk, regardless of the proportion of the mammary gland. At the same time, a significant decrease in immune proteins is recorded after 24 hours to the initial level.

Effects of high moisture ear corn on production performance, milk fatty acid composition, serum antioxidant status, and immunity in primiparous dairy cows.

This study evaluated the effects of high moisture ear corn (HMEC) on production performance, milk fatty acid composition, serum antioxidant status, and immunity in primiparous dairy cows. A total of 45 healthy primiparous Holstein cows (36.50±4.30 kg of milk/day, 201±9.00 lactating days in milk) were sorted into 3 groups: control group (CG, n = 15), 50% HMEC (replacing 50% steam-flaked corn with HMEC, n = 15), and 100% HMEC (replacing steam-flaked corn with HMEC, n = 15) on an equal dry matter (DM) basis. The study consisted of adaptation period of 14 days, followed by a formal period of 60 days. Feed intake and milk yield were recorded daily. Milk and blood samples were collected on 1, 30, and 60 d of the experimental period. The 50% HMEC group and 100% HMEC group significantly increased (p<0.05) milk yield and dry matter intake (DMI) in dairy cows compared to the control group (CG). The 100% HMEC group showed an increase (p<0.05) in 4% fat-corrected milk (4% FCM). Both the 50% HMEC group and 100% HMEC group exhibited significant decreases (p<0.05) in the content of C10:0, C12:0, and C14:0 fatty acids, along with a significant increase (p<0.05) in cis-9C18:1 content. The saturated fatty acid (SFA) content was significantly lower (p<0.05) in the 50% HMEC and 100% HMEC groups than that of CG. Conversely, the monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) content was higher (p<0.05) in the 50% HMEC and 100% HMEC groups than that in CG. Notably, the 100% HMEC group significantly increased (p<0.05) the serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) content, while also decreasing the serum malondialdehyde (MDA) content (p<0.05). Moreover, the 100% HMEC group significantly increased (p<0.05) the content of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM). High moisture ear corn could improve production performance and milk fatty acid levels and enhance immunity and antioxidant capacity in dairy cows. These results lay the foundation for the wider application of HMEC in ruminant animal diets.

Evaluation of Clostridium autoethanogenum protein as a new protein source for broiler chickens in replacement of soybean meal.

The object of this study was to investigate the effect of replacing soybean meal with Clostridium autoethanogenum protein (CAP) in broiler diets on growth performance, blood indicators, antioxidant capacity, and immune function. A total of 180 Arbor Acres broilers were randomly divided into three treatments, each treatment with six replicates and 10 broilers per replicate for a 42-day feeding trial. The control group (CON) was fed corn-soybean meal based diet. The CAP-1 and CAP-2 groups were considered to use CAP to replace 25% or 50% of soybean meal in the diet, respectively. The average daily gain and average daily feed intake of broilers at 1-21 d, 22-42 d, and 1-42 d were measured, and the feed conversion ratio was calculated. At the 42nd day of age, two broilers with similar weights and fasted for 12h were selected in each replicate for blood collection from the brachial wing vein. The blood routine indicators, serum biochemical indicators, serum antioxidant capacity, and immunoglobulin content of broiler chickens were measured. Replacement of soybean meal with 25% (CAP-1) and 50% (CAP-2) CAP significantly increased the average daily gain of 22-42 d and 1-42 d and decreased the average daily feed intake and feed conversion rate (p<0.05). The CAP-1 group, and CAP-2 group significantly increased hemoglobulin in the blood of broilers, while the CAP-2 group increased hematocrit content (p<0.05). Compared with the control group, the contents of superoxide dismutase and immunoglobulin A in serum of the CAP-2 group were significantly increased, while the contents of malondialdehyde in CAP group were significantly decreased (p<0.05). Replacing soybean meal with CAP led to significant improvements in the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and immunoglobulin content of broilers.

Rectal microbiomes and serum metabolomics reveal the improved effect of Artemisia ordosica crude polysaccharides on the lactation performance, antioxidant and immune responses of lactating donkeys

This study is aimed at investigating the effects of dietary supplementation with Artemisia ordosica crude polysaccharides (AOCP) on lactation performance, antioxidant status, and immune status of lactating donkeys and analyzing rectal microbiomes and serum metabolomes. Fourteen lactating Dezhou donkeys with similar age (6.16 ± 0.67 years of BW ± SD), weight (250.06 ± 25.18 kg), days in milk (39.11 ± 7.42 d), and averaged parity of 3 were randomly allocated into 2 treatments: a control group (CON, basal diet) and an AOCP group (AOCP, basal diet with 1.0 g/kg DM AOCP). Ten weeks were allotted for the experiment, 2 weeks for adaptation, and 8 weeks for collecting data and samples. The results showed that supplementation of donkey diets with AOCP increased lactation performance, including dry matter intake, milking yield, estimated milk yield, solids-corrected milk, energy-corrected milk, milk fat yield, milk protein yield, milk lactose yield, milk total solids yield, and milk solid not fat yield. The digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, acid detergent fiber, and neutral detergent fiber was increased in the AOCP group compared with the CON group. The AOCP group increased the concentrations of immunoglobulin A, immunoglobulin G, and immunoglobulin M, the activities of the superoxide dismutase, catalase and total antioxidant capacity in the serum. AOCP decreased the concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α, nitric oxide, reactive oxygen species, and malondialdehyde in the serum. Compared with the CON group, AOCP increased propionate, butyrate, isovalerate, and total VFA concentrations in rectal feces (P < 0.05). The addition of AOCP to increased diversity (Shannon index) and altered structure of the rectal microflora. As a result of AOCP supplementation, there has been a significant improvement in the colonization of beneficial bacteria, including Lactobacillus, Unclassified_f_Prevotellacea, Ruminococcus, and Fibrobacter genera. In contrast, a decrease in the colonization of the Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 bacterial genus and other pathogenic bacteria was observed. Meanwhile, metabolomics analysis found that AOCP supplementation upregulated metabolites L-tyrosine content while downregulating 9(S)-HODE, choline, sucrose, LysoPC (18:0), LysoPC (18:1(9Z), and LysoPC (20:2(11Z,14Z)) concentrations. These altered metabolites were involved in the PPAR signaling pathway, prolactin signaling pathway, glycerophospholipid metabolism, carbohydrate digestion and absorption, and tyrosine metabolism pathways, which were mainly related to antioxidant capacity, immune responses, and protein metabolism in the lactating donkeys. As a consequence of feeding AOCP diets, beneficial bacteria were abundant, and antioxidant and protein metabolism-related pathways were enriched, which may enhance lactation performance in donkeys. Therefore, supplementing AOCP diets is a desirable dietary strategy to improve donkey health and lactation performance.

FEATURES OF ANTIBIOTIC THERAPY IN PATIENTS WITH A COMPLICATED COURSE OF ACUTE PANCREATITIS

Background. The most common cause of death among patients with acute pancreatitis in the late period of the disease is purulent-septic complications, which occur in 30-50% of cases.&#x0D; Aim: To study of the spectrum of microorganisms in the complicated course of acute pancreatitis and justification of the appointment of antibiotic therapy, taking into account the role of Helicobacter pylori as a pathogenetic factor of the disease.&#x0D; Materials and methods: 280 patients with acute pancreatitis participated in the study, who were divided depending on the treatment tactics into the main (n=140) and comparison group (n=139). To assess the effectiveness of surgical tactics in the studied groups, a comparative analysis of the frequency of development of purulent-septic complications and the species composition of microorganisms based on the results of bacteriological examination of biological fluids was carried out.&#x0D; Results. The species composition of microorganisms in case of purulent-septic complications in patients with severe acute pancreatitis is represented mainly by gram-negative flora (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter spp., Klebsiella pneumoniae) with low sensitivity to most antibiotics, with the exception of protected semi-synthetic broad-spectrum antibiotics from the group penicillins and imipenem-cilastatin. When analyzing the studied indicators in the main group, an increase in the content of immunoglobulin M to Helicobacter pylori was detected in 41.1% (39/95) of patients with a severe course of the disease within 3 weeks from the moment of hospitalization. The use of generally accepted schemes of antibacterial therapy in combination with proton pump inhibitors for the treatment of purulent-septic complications of acute pancreatitis, taking into account the sensitivity of Helicobacter pylori to them, is not inferior to standard anti-Helicobacter treatment in terms of eradication effect (eradication was achieved in 94.9% of patients).&#x0D; Conclusions. The use of improved methods of diagnosis and treatment, including the justified appointment of antibiotic therapy taking into account Helicobacter pylori infection, made it possible to significantly reduce the frequency of development of purulent-septic complications by 18.1% (χ2=7.67, 95% CI 5.30 -30.20, p=0.005) and the number of microbial associations in the studied biological fluids by 51.3% (χ2=37.62, 95% CI 37.15-61.44, p&lt;0.0001).

Serological Cross-Reactivity of Various Aspergillus spp. with Aspergillus fumigatus: A Diagnostic Blind Spot

Introduction: Aspergillus fumigatus is the most common airborne allergen of the Aspergillus family. However, allergies to Aspergillus spp. are increasing, and subsequently, allergies to Aspergillus species other than fumigatus are also on the rise. Commercial diagnostic tools are still limited to Aspergillus fumigatus. Hence, there is a need for improved tests. We decided to investigate the correlation between serological sensitization to A. fumigatus and other Aspergillus species. Methods: Hundred and seven patients with positive skin prick tests to A. fumigatus were included in this study. Immunoglobulin E (IgE) concentrations against A. fumigatus, A. terreus, A. niger, A. flavus, and A. versicolor were measured from specimens by fluorescent enzyme-linked immunoassays. Results: Patients showed considerably higher IgE concentrations against A. fumigatus (6.00 ± 15.05 kUA/L) than A. versicolor (0.30 ± 1.01 kUA/L), A. niger (0.62 ± 1.59 kUA/L), A. terreus (0.45 ± 1.12 kUA/L), or A. flavus (0.41 ± 0.97 kUA/L). Regression analysis yielded weak positive correlations for all Aspergillus spp., but low r² values and heteroscedastic distribution indicate an overall poor fit of the calculated models. Conclusion: Serological sensitization against A. fumigatus does not correlate with sensitization against other Aspergillus spp. To detect sensitization against these, other diagnostic tools like a skin prick test solution of different Aspergillus spp. are needed.

Thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin concentration is associated with disease activity and predicts response to treatment with intravenous methylprednisolone in patients with Graves' orbitopathy.

Thyroid stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) play a central role in the pathogenesis of Graves' orbitopathy (GO), while soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) is a marker for T-cell activity. We investigated TSI and sIL-2R levels in relation to thyroid function, disease activity and severity and response to treatment with intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) in patients with GO. TSI (bridge-based TSI binding assay), sIL-2R, TSH and fT4 levels were measured in biobank serum samples from 111 GO patients (37 male, 74 female; mean age 49.2 years old) and 25 healthy controls (5 male, 20 female; mean age 39.8 years old). Clinical characteristics and response to treatment were retrospectively retrieved from patient files. Higher sIL-2R levels were observed in GO patients compared to controls (p < 0.001). sIL-2R correlated with fT4 (r = 0.26), TSH (r = -0.40) and TSI (r = 0.21). TSI and sIL-2R concentrations were higher in patients with active compared to inactive GO (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively). Both TSI and sIL-2R correlated with total clinical activity score (CAS; r = 0.33 and r = 0.28, respectively) and with several individual CAS items. Cut-off levels for predicting active GO were 2.62 IU/L for TSI (AUC = 0.71, sensitivity 69%, specificity 69%) and 428 IU/mL for sIL-2R (AUC = 0.64, sensitivity 62%, specificity 62%). In multivariate testing higher TSI (p < 0.01), higher age (p < 0.001) and longer disease duration (p < 0.01) were associated with disease activity. TSI levels were higher in patients with a poor IVMP response (p = 0.048), while sIL-2R levels did not differ between responders and non-responders. TSI cut-off for predicting IVMP response was 19.4 IU/L (AUC = 0.69, sensitivity 50%, specificity 91%). In multivariate analysis TSI was the only independent predictor of response to IVMP (p < 0.05). High TSI levels are associated with active disease (cut-off 2.62 IU/L) and predict poor response to IVMP treatment (cut-off 19.4 IU/L) in GO. While sIL-2R correlates with disease activity, it is also related to thyroid function, making it less useful as an additional biomarker in GO.

Proteomic Analysis of Egg Yolk Proteins During Embryonic Development in Wanxi White Goose.

To investigate the alterations of yolk protein during embryonic development in Wanxi white goose, the egg yolk protein composition at days 0, 4, 7, 14, 18, and 25 of incubation (D0, D4, D7, D14, D18, and D25) was analyzed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis combined with mass spectrometry. A total of 65 spots representing 11 proteins with significant abundance changes were detected. Apolipoprotein B-100, vitellogenin-1, vitellogenin-2-like, riboflavin-binding protein, and serotransferrin mainly participated in nutrient (lipid, riboflavin, and iron ion) transport, and vitellogenin-2-like showed a lower abundance after D14. Ovomucoid-like were involved in endopeptidase inhibitory activity and immunoglobulin binding and exhibited a higher expression after D18, suggesting a potential role in promoting the absorption of immunoglobulin and providing passive immune protection for goose embryos after D18. Furthermore, myosin-9 and actin (ACTB) were involved in the tight junction pathway, potentially contributing to barrier integrity. Serum albumin mainly participated in cytolysis and toxic substance binding. Therefore, the high expression of serum albumin, myosin-9, and ACTB throughout the incubation might protect the developing embryo. Apolipoprotein B-100, vitellogenin-1, vitellogenin-2-like, riboflavin-binding protein, and serotransferrin might play a crucial role in providing nutrition for embryonic development, and VTG-2-like was preferentially degraded/absorbed.

Moniezia benedeni infection increases IgE+ cells in sheep (Ovis aries) small intestine

The concentration of immunoglobulin (Ig) E is the lowest among serum Igs, but it can induces type I hypersensitivity and plays an important role in anti-parasitic infection. The present study aimed to explore the residence characteristics of IgE+ cells in the sheep small intestine and the impact of Moniezia benedeni infection on them. The recombinant plasmids pET-28a-IgE were constructed and induced and expressed in Escherichia coli. BL21 (DE3). The rabbit anti-sheep IgE polyclonal antibody was prepared using the obtained recombinant protein as antigen. Finally, the levels of IgE+ cells in the small intestine of healthy (Control group) and naturally M. benedeni-infected (Infected group) sheep were detected analyzed. The results showed that the rabbit anti-sheep IgE polyclonal antibody with good immunogenicity (titer = 1: 128000) could specifically bind to the heavy chain of natural sheep IgE. In the Control group, the IgE+ cells were mainly distributed in lamina propria of the small intestine, and the densities were significantly decreased from duodenum to ileum (P<0.05), with respective values of (4.28 cells / 104 μm2, 1.80 cells / 104 μm2, and 1.44 cells / 104 μm2 in duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. In the Infected group, IgE+ cells density were 6.26 cells / 104 μm2, 3.01 cells / 104 μm2, and 2.09 cells / 104 μm2 in duodenum, jejunum and ileum respectively, which were significantly higher in all segments compared to the Control group (P<0.05), increasing by 46.26%, 67.22% and 45.14%, respectively. In addition, compared with the Control group, the IgE protein levels were significantly increased in all intestinal segments of the Infected group (P<0.01), however, there was no significant differences among the different intestinal segments within the same group (P>0.05). The results demonstrated that M. benedeni infection could significantly increase the content of IgE and the distribution density of its secreting cells in sheep small intestine. The intestinal mucosal immune system of sheep presented obvious specificity against M. benedeni infection. This lays a good foundation for further exploring molecular mechanisms of the intestinal mucosal immune system monitoring and responding to M. benedeni infection.

The Substitution of Fishmeal with Yeast Culture in the Yellow Catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco) Diet: Growth, Serum Biochemical Indices, and Intestinal and Hepatopancreatic Histology.

Yeast culture is a complex fermentation product consisting of fermentation substrate, yeast cells and their metabolites. This study investigated the potential of yeast culture in replacing fishmeal in the diet of yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco). First, a basal diet was formulated to contain 160 g/kg fishmeal (CON), and then the dietary fishmeal was decreased to 120, 80, 40 and 0 g/kg via yeast culture inclusion, respectively, to form another four isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets (YC-12, YC-8, YC-4 and YC-0). Yellow catfish (3.00 ± 0.10 g) were fed with the above five diets with triplicates per treatment and 40 fish per replicate. After 8 weeks of feeding, the weight gain (WG), protein efficiency rate and protein retention in the YC-12 group and the feed conversion ratio (FCR) in the YC-12 and YC-8 groups showed no significant differences to the CON group (p > 0.05), but the WG in the YC-8, YC-4 and YC-0 groups was significantly lower, and the FCR in the YC-4 and YC-0 groups was significantly higher than in the CON group (p < 0.05). In terms of the whole-body composition, only the crude lipid content in the YC-0 group decreased significantly (p < 0.05). Compared with the CON group, the aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase activities and D-lactic acid content in the YC-0 group were significantly increased, and the total cholesterol content was significantly reduced (p < 0.05). The activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and alkaline phosphatase, as well as the content of complement C3 and immunoglobulin M, were significantly increased, while the MDA content was significantly reduced in the YC-12 and YC-8 groups (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the intestinal amylase and lipase activity among all the groups (p > 0.05), while the trypsin activity in the YC-12 and YC-8 groups, as well as the diamine oxidase in the YC-4 and YC-0 groups, were significantly higher than those in the CON group (p < 0.05). In the intestine histology, there was a significant decrease in the intestinal villus height in the YC-4 and YC-0 groups as well as in the villus width in the YC-0 group (p < 0.05). In the hepatopancreas histology, lipid droplets appeared in the YC-4 and YC-0 groups, and severe cell vacuolation was observed in the YC-0 group. As a summary, in a practical diet containing 160 g/kg fishmeal, yeast culture can effectively replace 40 g/kg fishmeal without negatively affecting the growth performance, nutrient utilization, serum immune and antioxidant, intestinal and hepatopancreas histology of yellow catfish.