Identification of a novel multi-drug resistant plasmid co-harbouring extended-spectrumβ-lactamase resistance genes bla_(PER-4)and bla_(OXA-10)in Moellerella wisconsensis of sheep

Moellerella wisconsensis is proposed for a member of the family Enterobacteriaceae previously designated as Enteric Group 46.In 1984,the majority of the bacterial isolates(6/8,75%)had been identified in Wisconsin,USA(Hickman-Brenner et al.2021).Thus,this bacterial was named M.wisconsensis.Despite the passage of nearly four decades since its discovery,limited research has been conducted on this bacterium.This may be attributed to the misidentification of M.wisconsensis as Escherichia coli(Stock et al.2003).Currently,the presence of these microorganisms has been identified in both humans and animals,leading to the development of various clinical symptoms such as diarrhea,urinary tract infections,and bacteremia(Aller et al.2009;Leroy et al.2016).

The CRISPR/Cas9 induces large genomic fragment deletions of MSTN and phenotypic changes in sheep

The CRISPR/Cas9 system has been extensively used to engineer genetic loci for the generation of knockouts, insertions, and point mutations in animal models. However, many mutations that have been reported in animals are small insertions or deletions. This study used the CRISPR/Cas9 system to induce large DNA fragment deletions in MSTN via three guide RNAs in sheep. This successfully achieved the precise gene editing of the ovine MSTN gene by injecting both Cas9 m RNA and sg RNAs into embryos at the one-cell stage. Of 10 edited animals, 3 animals(30%) exhibited large genomic fragment deletions(~5 kb). Furthermore, the body weights of these 3 animals were significantly different(P0<0.0001, P15=0.001, P30=0.005, P60=0.027) between lambs with large deletions and wildtype lambs. In addition, the edited lambs were also significantly different(P0<0.0001, P15<0.0001, P30=0.002, P60=0.011) compared with wildtype. These results suggest that the generated MSTN knockout sheep is a reliable and effective animal model for further study. Furthermore, this method is time-and labor-saving, and efficient for the creation of animal models for agriculture, biology, and medicine.

Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals atlas of dairy goat testis cells

Single-cell RNA sequencing(scRNA-seq)is useful for exploring cell heterogeneity.For large animals,however,little is known regarding spermatogonial stem cell(SSC)selfrenewal regulation,especially in dairy goats.In this study,we described a high-resolution scRNA-seq atlas derived from a dairy goat.We identified six somatic cell and five spermatogenic cell subtypes.During spermatogenesis,genes with significantly changed expression were mainly enriched in the Notch,TGF-β,and Hippo signaling pathways as well as the signaling pathway involved in the regulation of stem cell pluripotency.We detected and screened specific candidate marker genes(TKTL1 and AES)for spermatogonia.Our study provides new insights into goat spermatogenesis and the development of testicular somatic cells.

Differentiation of neuron-like cells from mouse parthenogenetic embryonic stem cells

Parthenogenetic embryonic stem cells have pluripotent differentiation potentials, akin to fertilized embryo-derived embryonic stem cells. The aim of this study was to compare the neuronal differentiation potential of parthenogenetic and fertilized embryo-derived embryonic stem cells. Before differentiation, karyotype analysis was performed, with normal karyotypes detected in both parthenogenetic and fertilized embryo-derived embryonic stem cells. Sex chromosomes were identified as XX. Immunocytochemistry and quantitative real-time PCR detected high expression of the pluripotent gene, Oct4, at both the mRNA and protein levels, indicating pluripotent differentiation potential of the two embryonic stem cell subtypes. Embryonic stern cells were induced with retinoic acid to form embryoid bodies, and then dispersed into single cells. Single cells were differentiated in N2 differentiation medium for 9 days. Immunocytochemistry showed parthenogenetic and fertilized embryo-derived embryonic stem cells both express the neuronal cell markers nestin, ~lll-tubulin and myelin basic protein. Quantitative real-time PCR found expression of neuregenesis related genes （Sox-1, Nestin, GABA, Pax6, Zic5 and Pitxl） in both types of embryonic stem cells, and Oct4 expression was significantly decreased. Nestin and Pax6 expression in parthenogenetic embryonic stem cells was significantly higher than that in fertilized embryo-derived embryonic stem cells. Thus, our experimental findings indicate that parthenogenetic embryonic stem cells have stronger neuronal differentiation potential than fertilized embryo-derived embryonic stem cells.

TLR7/8 signalling affects X-sperm motility via the GSK3α/β-hexokinase pathway for the efficient production of sexed dairy goat embryos

Background:Goat milk is very similar to human milk in terms of its abundant nutrients and ease of digestion.To derive greater economic benefit,farmers require more female offspring(does);however,the buck-to-doe offspring sex ratio is approximately 50%.At present,artificial insemination after the separation of X/Y sperm using flow cytometry is the primary means of controlling the sex of livestock offspring.However,flow cytometry has not been successfully utilised for the separation of X/Y sperm aimed at sexing control in dairy goats.Results:In this study,a novel,simple goat sperm sexing technology that activates the toll-like receptor 7/8(TLR7/8),thereby inhibiting X-sperm motility,was investigated.Our results showed that the TLR7/8 coding goat Xchromosome was expressed in approximately 50%of round spermatids in the testis and sperm,as measured from cross-sections of the epididymis and ejaculate,respectively.Importantly,TLR7/8 was located at the tail of the Xsperm.Upon TLR7/8 activation,phosphorylated forms of glycogen synthase kinaseα/β(GSK3α/β)and nuclear factor kappa-B(NF-κB)were detected in the X-sperm,causing reduced mitochondrial activity,ATP levels,and sperm motility.High-motility Y-sperm segregated to the upper layer and the low-motility X-sperm,to the lower layer.Following in vitro fertilisation using the TLR7/8-activated sperm from the lower layer,80.52±6.75%of the embryos were XX females.The TLR7/8-activated sperm were subsequently used for in vivo embryo production via the superovulatory response;nine embryos were collected from the uterus of two does that conceived.Eight of these were XX embryos,and one was an XY embryo.Conclusions:Our study reveals a novel TLR7/8 signalling mechanism that affects X-sperm motility via the GSK3α/β-hexokinase pathway;this technique could be used to facilitate the efficient production of sexed dairy goat embryos.

A nanobody-based blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detecting antibodies against pseudorabies virus glycoprotein E

Pseudorabies(PR)is an acute infectious disease of pigs caused by the PR virus(PRV)and results in great economic losses to the pig industry worldwide.PRV glycoprotein E(gE)-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)has been used to distinguish gE-deleted vaccine-immunized pigs from wild-type virus-infected pigs to eradicate PR in some countries.Nanobody has the advantages of small size and easy genetic engineering and has been a promising diagnostic reagent.However,there were few reports about developing nanobody-based ELISA for detecting anti-PRV-gE antibodies.In the present study,the recombinant PRV-gE was expressed with a bacterial system and used to immunize the Bactrian camel.Then,two nanobodies against PRV-gE were screened from the immunized camel by phage display technique.Subsequently,two nanobody-HRP fusion proteins were expressed with HEK293T cells.The PRV-gE-Nb36-HRP fusion protein was selected as the probe for developing the blocking ELISA(bELISA)to detect anti-PRV-gE antibodies.Through optimizing the conditions of bELISA,the amount of coated antigen was 200 ng per well,and dilutions of the fusion protein and tested pig sera were separately 1:320 and 1:5.The cut-off value of bELISA was 24.20%,and the sensitivity and specificity were 96.43 and 92.63%,respectively.By detecting 233 clinical pig sera with the developed bELISA and a commercial kit,the results showed that the coincidence rate of two assays was 93.99%.Additionallly,epitope mapping showed that PRV-gE-Nb36 recognized a conserved conformational epitope in different reference PRV strains.Simple,great stability and low-cost nanobody-based bELISA for detecting anti-PRV-gE antibodies were developed.The bELISA could be used for monitoring and eradicating PR.

Expression patterns of OCT4, NANOG, and SOX2 in goat preimplantation embryos from in vivo and in vitro

The transcription factors, including OCT4, NANOG, and SOX2, played crucial roles in the maintenance of self-renewal and pluripotency in embryonic stem cells （ESCs）. They expressed in preimplantation mammalian development with spa- tio-temporal pattern and took part in regulation of development. However, their expression and roles in goat had not been reported. In the present study, the expression of OCT4, NANOG, and SOX2 in goat preimplantation embryos both in vivo and in vitro were detected by real-time RCR and immunofluorescence. For in vivo fertilized embryos, the transcripts of OCT4, NANOG, and SOX2 could be detected from oocytes to blastocyst stage, their expression in morula and blastocyst stages was much higher than other stage. OCT4 protein was detected from oocyte to blastocyst, but the fluorescence was more located-intensive with nuclei from 8-cell stage, its expression present in both inner cell mass （ICM） and trophoblast cells （TE） at blastocyse stage. NANOG protein was similar to OCT4, the signaling of fluorescence completely focused on cell nuclei, while the SOX2 firstly showed nuclei location in morula. Comparing to in vivo fertilized embryo, the mRNA of these three transcription factors could be detected at 8-cell stage in parthenogenetic embryos （in vitro）. Thereafter, the expressional level rose gradually along with embryo development. The locations of OCT4 and NANOG proteins were similar to in vivo fertilized embryos, and they located in cell nuclei from morula to blastocyst stage, while SOX2 protein firstly could be detected in cell nuclei at 8-cell stage. These differences suggested that OCT4, NANOG, and SOX2 played different function in regulating development of goat preimplantation embryos. These results may provide a novel insight to goat embryo development and be useful for goat ESCs isolation.

Production and Characterisation of Monoclonal Antibodies against 19-Nortestosterone

Objective To produce anti‐19‐Nortestosterone （NT） monoclonal antibodies and identify their immunological characteristics. Methods Hybridomas were prepared by fusing NS0 mouse myeloma cells with splenocytes isolated from immunized BALB/c mice. Noncompetitive and competitive indirect ELISA were employed to screen positive cell clones. A caprylic acid ammonium sulphate （CAAP） method was used to purify NT mAb, and the Batty saturation method was used to determine the affinity constant （Kaff）. Results Five hybridoma cell lines, named NT‐1, NT‐2, NT‐3, NT‐4, and NT‐5, were identified and their corresponding mAbs were of the IgG 1 isotype with a k light chain. The Kaffs of all mAbs were between 2.6 and 4.7×10 9 L/mol. The titers and IC 50 values of purified ascite fluids were in the range of （0.64–2.56）×10 5 and （0.55–1.0） ng/mL, respectively. Of all the cross‐reacting steroids, α ‐NT was the most reactive with the mAbs at 62% with NT‐1 mAb and 64% with NT‐2 mAb. Negligible cross‐reactivity （0.01%） with other steroids was observed. Conclusion The establishment of these hybridomas allows the potential development of a rapid test kit, and may provide an alternative method for the detection of NT residues in food producing animals.

Two nanobody‑based immunoassays to differentiate antibodies against genotype 1 and 2 porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus(PRRSV)infection causes significant economic loss to the global pig industry.Genotype 1 and 2 PRRSV(PRRSV-1 and-2)infections have been reported in China,Europe and America.For accurate prevention,nanobodies were first used as diagnostic reagents for PRRSV typing.In this study three nanobodies targeting both PRRSV-1 and-2,two targeting PRRSV-1 and three targeting PRRSV-2,were screened and produced.To develop two competitive ELISAs(cELISAs),the g1-2-PRRSV-Nb3-HRP nanobody was chosen for the g1-2-cELISA,to detect common antibodies against PRRSV-1 and-2,and the g1-PRRSV-Nb136-HRP nanobody was chosen for the g1-cELISA,to detect anti-PRRSV-1 antibodies.The two cELISAs were developed using PRRSV-1-N protein as coating antigen,and the amounts for both were 100 ng/well.The optimized dilution of testing pig sera was 1:20,the optimized reaction times were 30 min,and the colorimetric reaction times were 15 min.Then,the cut-off values of the g1-2-cELISA and g1-cELISA were 26.6%and 35.6%,respectively.Both of them have high sensitivity,strong specificity,good repeatability,and stability.In addition,for the 1534 clinical pig sera,an agreement rate of 99.02%(Kappa values=0.97)was determined between the g1-2-cELISA and the commercial IDEXX ELISA kit.For the g1-cELSIA,it can specifically detect anti-PRRSV-1 antibodies in the clinical pig sera.Importantly,combining two nanobody-based cELISAs can differentially detect antibodies against PRRSV-1 and-2.

Sulforaphane prevents LPS‑induced inflammation by regulating the Nrf2‑mediated autophagy pathway in goat mammary epithelial cells and a mouse model of mastitis

Background Mastitis not only deteriorates the composition or quality of milk,but also damages the health and pro-ductivity of dairy goats.Sulforaphane(SFN)is a phytochemical isothiocyanate compound with various pharmacologi-cal effects such as anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory.However,the effect of SFN on mastitis has yet to be elucidated.This study aimed to explore the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and potential molecular mechanisms of SFN in lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced primary goat mammary epithelial cells(GMECs)and a mouse model of mastitis.Results In vitro,SFN downregulated the mRNA expression of inflammatory factors(tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin(IL)-1βand IL-6),inhibited the protein expression of inflammatory mediators(cyclooxygenase-2(COX2),and inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS))while suppressing nuclear factor kappa-B(NF-κB)activation in LPS-induced GMECs.Additionally,SFN exhibited an antioxidant effect by increasing Nrf2 expression and nuclear translocation,up-regulating antioxidant enzymes expression,and decreasing LPS-induced reactive oxygen species(ROS)produc-tion in GMECs.Furthermore,SFN pretreatment promoted the autophagy pathway,which was dependent on the increased Nrf2 level,and contributed significantly to the improved LPS-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory response.In vivo,SFN effectively alleviated histopathological lesions,suppressed the expression of inflammatory factors,enhanced immunohistochemistry staining of Nrf2,and amplified of LC3 puncta LPS-induced mastitis in mice.Mechanically,the in vitro and in vivo study showed that the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative stress effects of SFN were mediated by the Nrf2-mediated autophagy pathway in GMECs and a mouse model of mastitis.Conclusions These results indicate that the natural compound SFN has a preventive effect on LPS-induced inflam-mation through by regulating the Nrf2-mediated autophagy pathway in primary goat mammary epithelial cells and a mouse model of mastitis,which may improve prevention strategies for mastitis in dairy goats.

Oleic acid reduces steroidogenesis by changing the lipid type stored in lipid droplets of ovarian granulosa cells

Background:Oleic acid is an abundant free fatty acid present in livestock that are in a negative energy-balance state,and it may have detrimental effects on female reproduction and fertility.Oleic acid induces lipid accumulation in bovine granulosa cells,which leads to a foam cell-like morphology and reduced steroidogenesis.However,why oleic acid increases lipid accumulation but decreases steroidogenesis remains unclear.This study focused on oleic acid’s effects on lipid type and steroidogenesis.Results:Oleic acid increased the lipid accumulation in a concentration-dependent manner and mainly increased the triglyceride level and decreased the cholesterol ester level.Oleic acid also led to a decline in estradiol and progesterone production in porcine granulosa cells in vitro.In addition,oleic acid up-regulated the expression of CD36 and diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2,but down-regulated the expression of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutarylcoenzyme A reductase,scavenger receptor class B member 1 and acetyl-Coenzyme A acetyltransferase 2,as well as steroidogenesis-related genes,including cytochrome P450 family 11 subfamily A member 1,cytochrome P450family 19 subfamily A member 1 and 3 as well as steroidogenic acute regulatory protein at the mRNA and protein levels.An oleic acid-rich diet also enhanced the triglyceride levels and reduced the cholesterol levels in ovarian tissues of female mice,which resulted in lower estradiol levels than in control-fed mice.Compared with the control,decreases in estrus days and the numbers of antral follicles and corpora lutea,as well as an increase in the numbers of the atretic follicles,were found in the oleic acid-fed female mice.Conclusions:Oleic acid changed the lipid type stored in lipid droplets of ovarian granulosa cells,and led to a decrease in steroidogenesis.These results improve our understanding of fertility decline in livestock that are in a negative energy-balance state.

The Pathogenicity of Chicken Pathogenic <i>Escherichia coli</i>Is Associated with the Numbers and Combination Patterns of Virulence-Associated Genes

Various virulence-associated genes or pathogenicity island are responsible for determining the pathogenicity of Escherichia coli strains. However, the correlation of the number and combination patterns of virulence-associated genes in Escherichia coli strains with their pathogenicity remains largely unknown. In this work, 581 chicken Escherichia coli strains were isolated from 1045 liver samples of dead chickens from 50 chicken farms at four provinces in China during 2007-2012. Based on the pathogenic test of SPF chickens, 320 chickens pathogenic Escherichia coli isolates were identified as highly (n = 193), intermediate (n = 98) and low pathogenic (n = 29) strains, respectively. Furthermore, the number of virulence genes in the 320 chicken pathogenic and 50 non-pathogenic Escherichia coli strains was examined. Our results reveal that thirteen virulence genes in Escherichia coli strains were detected, and all strains carried at least two or more than two virulence-associated genes. This study also suggests that highly pathogenic E. coli strains simultaneously carried at least 8 to13 virulence genes while intermediate pathogenic strains carried at least 5 to 8 virulence genes. The number of virulence-associated genes detected in highly pathogenic strains showed there were more significant differences than that in low pathogenic strains (P irp2, fyuA, and colV in high pathogenic strains was significantly higher than that in low and non-pathogenic strains (P irp2, fyuA, iucA, iucD, iutA, papC, iss, tsh, and colV were more often detected in highly and intermediate pathogenic E. coli strains. Taken together, our results provide evidences demonstrating that the pathogenicity of Escherichia coli strains is closely associated with the number and combination patterns of virulence-associated genes.

Performance, Immune, and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Chickens as Affected by Thyme and Licorice or Enzyme Supplemented Diets

Numbers of 300 day-old broiler chickens through a CRD design with 5 treatments, 3 replicates and 20 chicks in each pen were used to evaluate the effect of thyme (T), licorice (L), thyme + licorice (TL), and enzyme supplemented (E) diets on performance, immune and carcass characteristics. According to the results, performance traits, immune indices, and carcass traits in herbal medicine and enzyme supplemented diets were improved significantly than control diet (P < 0.05). Weight gain and FCR in T and E groups were significantly higher and lower than other groups respectively (P < 0.05). Internal organs such as abdominal fat and liver weight as indicators of lipogenesis rate were decreased in T, L, and TL diets than control or E diet significantly (P < 0.05). Immune organs such as burse and spleen weight as indicators of immune situation were increased in TL diet than other treatments significantly (P < 0.05). These findings indicated that thyme and licorice singly or in combination as organic herbal medicine can affect performance, carcass and immune characteristics. Also an improved immune organ such as burse or spleen in this study indicates that this herbal medicine can promote the immune situation and efficacy of health and livability.

Microfluidics-based assay on the effects of microenvironmental geometry and aqueous flow on bacterial adhesion behaviors

Abstract A new microfluidic system with four different microchambers （a circle and three equilateral concave polygons） was designed and fabricated using poly（dimethylsiloxane） （PDMS） and the soft lithography method. Using this microfluidic device at six flow rates （5, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 μL/h）, the effects of microenvironmental geometry and aqueous flow on bacterial adhesion behaviors were investigated. Escherichia coli HB101 pGLO, which could produce a green fluorescent protein induced by L-arabinose, was utilized as the model bacteria. The results demonstrated that bacterial adhesion was significantly related to culture time, microenvironment geometry, and aqueous flow rates. Adhered bacterial density increased with the culture time. Initially, the adhesion occurred at the microchamber sides, and then the entire chamber was gradually covered with increased culture time. Adhesion densities in the side zones were larger than those in the center zones because of the lower shearing force in the side zone. Also, the adhesion densities in the complex chambers were larger than those in the simple chambers. At low flow rates, the orientation of adhered bacteria was random and disorderly. At high flow rates, bacterial orientation became close to the streamline and oriented toward the flow direction; All these results implied that bacterial adhesion tended to occur in complicated aqueous flow areas.The present study provided an on-chip flow system for physiological behavior of biological cells, as well as provided a strategic cue for the prevention of bacterial infection and biofilm formation.

A combinatorial approach to study hepatoprotective activity of Acanthus ilicifolius leaf extract against hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)

OBJECTIVE To study the bioactive phytochemicals in the leaves of A.ilicifolius against Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) through in silico,in vitro and in vivo studies.METHODS A.ilicifolius leaves were collected from Cuddalore District,Tamil Nadu,India.Authenticated by the Botanical Survey of India.The fresh leaves of A.ilicifolius were washed and shade dried at room temperature(28 ± 2)℃.The dried leaves were powdered by electrical blender.25 gms of A.ilicifolius leaf powder was used for methanol extraction in the Soxhlet apparatus.The Phytochemical compounds were analyzed by GC-MS and the structure was retrieved from PubChem.Totally,seven HCC target proteins were collected from literature,ligand and proteins were prepared for in silico molecular docking.HepG2 cell lines were used for in vitro(MTT assay).BALB/c mice were used for in vivo studies,the biochemical parameters and histopathological studies were carried out with standard procedure.RESULTS The phytochemical26.27-Di(nor)-cholest-5,7,23-trien-22-ol,3-methoxymethoxy exhibited maximum docking score against the HCC target protein C-Jun N-terminal kinase 1(JNK 1)(-6.839798).MTT assay revealed that the extract at a concentration of 200 μg·mL-1,caused 60% cell death in HepG2 cell lines.Further animal studies using to injecting HCC induced BALB/c mice,restoration of haematological parameters and cells to normal was observed after 15 days of oral administration of the extract.These findings suggest the possibility of using A.ilicifolius leaves in the treatment of HCC.CONCLUSION The in silico,in vitro and in vivo studies indicated that the A.ilicifolius leaves had anticancereous activity against Hepatocellular carcinoma.There can be a possibility of synergistic activity of phytochemicals together against HCC.

Extremely high titer of hepatitis B surface antigen antibodies in a primary hepatocellular carcinoma patient:A case report

BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)may be caused by hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection.Post-infection recovery-associated changes of HBV indicators include decreased hepatitis B surface antigen(HBsAg)level and increased anti-HBsAg antibody titer.Testing to detect HBV DNA is conducted rarely but could detect latent HBV infection persisting after acute infection and prompt administration of treatments to clear HBV and prevent subsequent HBV-induced HCC deve-lopment.Here,we present an HCC case with an extremely high anti-HBsAg antibody titer and latent HBV infection.CASE SUMMARY A 57-year-old male patient with abdominal pain who was diagnosed with primary HCC presented with an extremely high level(over 2000 ng/mL)of serum alpha-fetoprotein.Abdominal B-ultrasonography and computed tomography scan results indicated focal liver lesion and mild splenomegaly.Assessments of serological markers revealed a high titer of antibodies against hepatitis B core antigen(anti-HBcAg antibodies),an extremely high titer(1000 mIU/mL)of hepatitis B surface antibodies(anti-HBsAg antibodies,anti-HBs)and absence of detectible HBsAg.Medical records indicated that the patient had reported no history of HBV vaccination,infection or hepatitis.Therefore,to rule out latent HBV infection in this patient,a serum sample was collected then tested to detect HBV DNA,yielding a positive result.Based on the aforementioned information,the final diagnosis was HCC associated with hepatitis B in a compensated stage of liver dysfunction and the patient was hospitalized for surgical treatment.CONCLUSION A rare HCC case with high serum anti-HBsAg antibody titer and detectable HBV DNA resulted from untreated latent HBV infection.

Localization of the VP2 Protein of Canine Parvovirus Type 2 on the Baculovirus Envelop and Its Immunogenicity in a Mouse Model

In this study, the full-length VP2 gene of canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) was cloned into the pBacSC vector which possesses baculovirus transmembrane domain (gp64 TM) gene, baculovirus cytoplasmic domain (gp64 CTD) gene, and green florescence protein (GFP) gene. Baculovirus gp64 TM and gp64 CTD in the pBacSC vector were designed to display heterologous proteins on the baculovirus envelope. After cloning the VP2 gene of CPV-2 into pBacSC vector, the recombinant plasmid pBacSC-VP2 was transformed into E. coli DH10Bac competent cells to form recombinant bacmid DNA. One recombinant baculovirus BacSC-VP2 that expresses the VP2 protein of CPV-2 was obtained. Confocal microscopy and immunogold electron microscopy were used to verify whether VP2 expressing on baculovirus envelope or cell membrane. Immunization of BALB/c mice with recombinant baculovirus BacSC-VP2, demonstrated that serum from the BacSC-VP2 treated models had higher levels of virus neutralization titers than the control groups. The results show that the recombinant baculovirus BacSC-VP2 can induce a strong immune response in a mouse model, suggesting that the pseudotyped baculovirus BacSC-VP2 can serve as a potential vaccine against CPV infections.

Echinacoside and Cistanche tubulosa(Schenk) R. wight have male reproductive protection effect by targeting hypothalamic and rogen receptor

OBJECTIVE Cistanche deserticola Y.C.Ma is an official plant that grows in arid or semi-arid areas.Our early work demonstrated that Cistanche extracts protect against sperm damage in mice under bisphenol A induced reproductive damage.Echinacoside(ECH) is one of the major active components.The present study investigated the mechanisms behind the possible protective effects of ECH against oligoasthenospermia in rat and identified the interaction between ECH and AR.METH.ODS The distribution of ECH was assayed by HPLC,the quantity and quality of sperm was evaluated and hormone levels were determined by radioimmunosorbent assay.The levels of androgen receptor(AR) and key steroidogenic-related genes were reduced as determined by Western blotting and qPCR analysis.The interaction between ECH and AR were evaluated by fluorescence localization assay,indirect ELISA and molecular docking.RESULTS ECH significantly increased the quantity of sperm and secretions of luteinizing hormone and testosterone.ECH was distributed to the hypothalamus but not in the testes.ECH combined with hypothalamic AR in the pocket of Met-894 and Val-713 to inhibit transfer of AR from the cytoplasm to nuclei in the hypothalamus.While negative feedback of sex hormone regula.tion was inhibited,positive feedback was stimulated to increase the secretion of luteinizing hormone and testosterone subsequently enhancing the quantity of sperm.C.militaris significantly alleviated the BPA-induced reproductive damage by increasing testicular superoxide dismutase(SOD),glutathione peroxidase(GSH-PX) and glutathione(GSH);as well as by reducing serum malondialdehyde(MDA).C.militaris not only obviously enhanced the levels of serumLH and T,but it also improved the sperm count and motility compared to the BPA-treated group.CONCLUSION C.militaris and ECH protect the BPA induced reproductive damage.ECH blocks AR activity in the hypothalamus to increase the quantity of sperm and protect against oligoasthenospermia in rats.

Avibacterium paragallinarum: an emerging birds pathogen in Qinling wildlife conservation center, China

The bacterium Avibacterium paragallinarum,previously known as Haemophilus paragallinarum,is responsible for caus-ing infectious coryza(IC)in chickens and other avian species.In this case report,an outbreak of Avibacterium paragal-linarum occurred in the Qinling area of China,resulting in clinical symptoms of facial swelling in several bird species,including Golden pheasant,Temminck's tragopan,and Peafowls,and three Golden pheasants died due to prolonged infection.Specific PCR results confrmed the presence of the pathogen in the infected birds.The report describes the clinical symptoms and pathological changes observed in the affected birds,as well as the isolation and identification of Avibacterium paragallinarum.Whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic anal sis y were performed,and this is the frst report of inter-and intra-species transmission of infectious coryza among wild birds in China.

Modulation of liver metabolism and gut microbiota by Alhagi-honey alleviated heat stress-induced liver damage

Alhagi-honey(AH)is a well-established traditional ethnic medicine with advantageous effects against diarrhea and headaches.We aimed to explore the preventive effect of AH on liver damage induced by heat stress(HS)and its underlying mechanism.HS models were established by thermostat,and mice were treated at 39℃for 10 h,lasting for 7 days.Hematoxylin-eosin(H&E)staining and Periodic Acid-Schiff(PAS)staining were used for histological observation,and transmission electron microscopy(TEM)was used for ultrastructure examination of hepatocytes.Gut microbiota(GM)composition and liver metabolites were respectively analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing and nontargeted metabolome sequencing.AH pretreatment alleviated liver damage caused by heat stress in mice.The main manifestation was that AH alleviated serum aspartate transferase(AST)and aspartate transaminase(ALT).It was found that AH improved symptoms of hepatocyte damage.In addition,the relative abundance of f_Rikenellaceae,g_Incertae_Sedis and s_Staphylococcus_Orisratti,g_Lachnoclostridium,g_GCA-900066575,and s_Alistipes_inops were modified by AH and these bacterial genera showed association with 6 metabolites(2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)acetamide,3-hydroxy-3-methylpentanedioic acid,PC(17:0/17:1),Y-L-Glutamy-L-glutamic acid,L-Isoleucine,5-Methyluridine,8,8-dimethyl-2-phenyl-4H,8H-pyrano[2,3-h]chromen-4-one).The Pearson analysis also showed a strong correlation between these microbes and 2 risk indicators(AST and ALT)of liver damage.AH alleviated HS-induced liver damage by regulating liver metabolism and maintaining normal GM.It demonstrated that AH held potential as a prophylactic drug for the prevention of HS-induced liver damage.