Linkage between the intestinal microbiota and residual feed intake in broiler chickens

Background:Intestinal microbiota plays a key role in nutrient digestion and utilization with a profound impact on feed efficiency of livestock animals.However,the intestinal microbes that are critically involved in feed efficiency remain elusive.Methods:To identify intestinal bacteria associated with residual feed intake(RFI)in chickens,male Cobb broiler chicks were individually housed from day 14 to day 35.Individual RFI values were calculated for 56 chickens.Luminal contents were collected from the ileum,cecum,and cloaca of each animal on day 35.Bacterial DNA was isolated and subjected to 16S rRNA gene sequencing.Intestinal microbiota was classified to the feature level using Deblur and QIIME 2.High and low RFI groups were formed by selecting 15 and 17 chickens with the most extreme RFI values for subsequent LEfSe comparison of the difference in the microbiota.Spearman correlation analysis was further performed to identify correlations between the intestinal microbiota composition and RFI.Results:No significant difference in evenness,richness,and overall diversity of the microbiota in the ileum,cecum,or cloaca was observed between high and low RFI chickens.However,LEfSe analysis revealed a number of bacterial features being differentially enriched in either high or low RFI chickens.Spearman correlation analysis further identified many differentially enriched bacterial features to be significantly correlated with RFI(P<0.05).Importantly,not all short-chain fatty acid(SCFA)producers showed a positive association with RFI.While two novel members of Oscillibacter and Butyricicoccus were more abundant in low-RFI,high-efficiency chickens,several other SCFA producers such as Subdoligranulum variabile and two related Peptostreptococcaceae members were negatively associated with feed efficiency.Moreover,a few closely-related Lachnospiraceae family members showed a positive correlation with feed efficiency,while others of the same family displayed an opposite relationship.Conclusions:Our results highlight the complexity of the intestinal microbiota and a need to differentiate the bacteria to the species,subspecies,and even strain levels in order to reveal their true association with feed efficiency.Identification of RFI-associated bacteria provides important leads to manipulate the intestinal microbiota for improving production efficiency,profitability,and sustainability of poultry production.

Perturbations of the ileal mycobiota by necrotic enteritis in broiler chickens

Background:Intestinal microbiota is critical for maintaining animal health and homeostasis.However,involvement of the fungal community,also known as the mycobiota,in animal health and disease is poorly understood.This study was aimed to examine the association between the intestinal mycobiota and the severity of necrotic enteritis(NE),an economically significant poultry disease.Methods:A total of 90 day-of-hatch Cobb broilers were infected with Eimeria maxima on d 10,followed by an oral challenge with C.perfringens on d 14 to induce NE,while another 10 broilers were served as mock-infected controls.On d 17,the lesions in the jejunum were scored,and the ileal digesta were subjected to DNA isolation and real-time PCR quantification of total bacterial and fungi populations.Internal transcribed spacer 2(ITS2)amplicon sequencing was also performed to profile the ileal mycobiota composition.Changes in the ileal mycobiota in response to NE were investigated.Spearman correlation analysis was further conducted to identify the correlations between relative abundances of individual ileal fungi and the severity of NE.Results:While the total bacterial population in the ileum was increased by 2-to 3-fold in NE chickens,the total fungal population was progressively declined in more exacerbated NE,with the most severely infected chickens showing a nearly 50-fold reduction relative to mock-infected controls.Richness of the ileal mycobiota also tended to reduce in chickens with NE(P=0.06).Compositionally,among 30 most abundant fungal amplicon sequence variants(ASVs),11 were diminished and 7 were enriched(P<0.05),while 12 remained largely unchanged in NEafflicted chickens(P>0.05).Multiple Wallemia and Aspergillus species were markedly diminished in NE(P<0.05)and also showed a significant negative correlation with NE severity(P<0.05).Conclusions:Dysbiosis of the ileal mycobiota is induced evidently by NE and the extent of the dysbiosis is positively correlated with disease severity.These findings suggest a possible role of the intestinal mycobiota in NE pathogenesis and highlight the mycobiota as a new potential target for NE mitigation in poultry.

Angiotensin I converting enzyme(ACE)inhibitory activity and antihypertensive effects of rice peptides

In this paper,the antihypertension effect of rice peptide(RP)was studied.With spontaneously hypertensive rats(SHR)and Wistar Kyoto(WKY)as the research objects,RP disposable gastric and long-term gastric irrigation experiments were carried out and systolic blood pressure(SBP)was measured.At the end of the long-term gastric irrigation experiment,the content of nitric oxide(NO),angiotensin-converting enzyme(ACE),angiotensin II(Ang II)and renin in the plasma and the activity of ACE were determined.The results showed that RP could reduce systolic pressure of SHR and had time-dose dependence while high-dose RP signifi cantly reduced systolic pressure by 24.6 and 17.2 mm Hg,respectively after a single and long-term gastric irrigation test.RP also could inhibit the activity of ACE and increase the release of NO.These results suggested that the decompression mechanism of RP is likely to be related to the regulation of the renin-angiotensin system(RAS)and NO.

Butyrate in combination with forskolin alleviates necrotic enteritis,increases feed efficiency,and improves carcass composition of broilers

Background:The emergence of antimicrobial resistance has necessitated the development of effective alternatives to antibiotics for livestock and poultry production.This study investigated a possible synergy between butyrate and forskolin(a natural labdane diterpene)in enhancing innate host defense,barrier function,disease resistance,growth performance,and meat quality of broilers.Methods:The expressions of representative genes involved in host defense(AvBD9 and AvBD10),barrier function(MUC2,CLDN1,and TJP1),and inflammation(IL-1β)were measured in chicken HD11 macrophages in response to butyrate and forskolin in the presence or absence of bacterial lipopolysaccharides(LPS).Intestinal lesions and the Clostridium perfringens titers were also assessed in C.perfringens-challenged chickens fed butyrate and forskolincontaining Coleus forskohlii(CF)extract individually or in combination.Furthermore,growth performance and carcass characteristics were evaluated in broilers supplemented with butyrate and the CF extract for 42 d.Results:Butyrate and forskolin synergistically induced the expressions of AvBD9,AvBD10,and MUC2 in chicken HD11 cells(P<0.05)and the synergy was maintained in the presence of LPS.Butyrate and forskolin also suppressed LPS-induced IL-1βgene expression in HD11 cells in a synergistic manner(P<0.05).The two compounds significantly reduced the intestinal lesions of C.perfringens-challenged chickens when combined(P<0.05),but not individually.Furthermore,butyrate in combination with forskolin-containing CF extract had no influence on weight gain,but significantly reduced feed intake(P<0.05)with a strong tendency to improve feed efficiency(P=0.07)in a 42-d feeding trial.Desirably,the butyrate/forskolin combination significantly decreased abdominal fat deposition(P=0.01)with no impact on the carcass yield,breast meat color,drip loss,or pH of d-42 broilers.Conclusions:Butyrate and forskolin has potential to be developed as novel antibiotic alternatives to improve disease resistance,feed efficiency,and carcass composition of broilers.

Effects of Plant Tannin Extracts Supplementation on Animal Performance and Gastrointestinal Parasites Infestation in Steers Grazing Winter Wheat

Twenty-six stocker cattle (286.1 ± 25.7 kg) were used to quantify the effect of commercial plant tannin extracts (control vs. mimosa and chestnut tannins) on animal performance, gastrointestinal parasites control and plasma metabolite changes in heifers grazing winter wheat forage (Triticum aestivum L. var. “cutter”). The forage biomass and crude protein content were generally similar among treatments. Initial live-weight (LW) was similar among treatments, although final LW (P = 0.1) and average daily gain (ADG;P P Ostertagia was lower (P P P < 0.02) for chestnut tannins group than for control, and intermediate for mimosa tannins. However, cholesterol level was similar among treatment after 20 days cessation of tannins treatments. Our data suggest that heifers grazing winter wheat forage supplemented with plant tannins rather than control (non-tannins group) increased ADG (8% to 19%) for mimosa and chestnut tannins groups, respectively with no detectable detrimental effects on animal health. The increase in ADG may be due to decrease fecal parasites infections.

计算机技术与临床工作平静地等待戈多

信息技术（information technology，IT）的流程支持已经被人称为改善卫生保健质量和安全性的重要障碍。有2个方面特别引起人们的注意和投资。第一个是临床决策支持系统，亦即为改善临床医生做出决定而设计的信息系统。第二个则是一种为减少用药错误而采用的计算机医嘱输入（Computerized Physician Order Entry，CPOE）系统。该领域的文献以频繁的成功报告为特征，并且经常预言一个光明的新（近期的）未来；然而，这个未来似乎永远不会到来。在统治会议进程的欢呼和高度期望的背后，在自动贩卖信息和大量科学文献的背后，其现实情况是，目前各地所用系统虽然拥有满意的使用者，但是对医疗质量和安全性做出有效贡献者罕见。

Growth Rates of Giant Miscanthus (<i>Miscanthus</i>×<i>giganteus</i>) and Giant Reed (<i>Arundo donax</i>) in a Low-Input System in Arkansas, USA

The US Department of Energy is currently building strategies for the expansion of clean and renewable energy sources, and tall, rapidly-growing grasses such as giant miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus) and giant reed (Arundo donax) are two of the many of species that could fill this renewable energy niche. The objective was to compare stalk growth components of giant miscanthus and giant reed, in a low-input system (no irrigation and no fertilizer use) in Arkansas, USA. Due to the potential invasiveness of giant reed, our study was conducted on an upland site to minimize escape. Plant height and dry weight per stalk were measured every week for two consecutive growing seasons in 2012 and 2013. Leaf area index (LAI) was measured every two weeks from May to September in 2012. A significant species × day interaction occurred for plant height and dry weight per stalk, due to the relatively greater height and weight of giant reed compared to giant miscanthus after May. Stalk elongation rate was greater for giant reed than giant miscanthus (1.85 and 1.11 cm day-1, respectively). Leaf area index differed between species, giant reed (10.4 m2 m-2) > giant miscanthus (4.4 m2 m-2). We showed that giant reed produced taller, heavier stalks, and had a greater stalk elongation rate, compared to giant miscanthus. For sustainable bioenergy production from giant reed in Arkansas, further studies should be performed to determine ideal number of harvests per year and associated production cost.

Effect of absorbed dose and storage length on electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) signal strength in irradiated alfalfa seeds

A kind of alfalfa seeds was irradiated by 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 kGy at a dose rate of 6.288 kGy·h-1 in a self-shielded irradiator of 137Cs gamma rays. The EPR spectra, which were measured subsequently between 0.3401 and 0.3501 T, showed that there was a direct proportional relationship between the EPR signal strength of free radi- cals produced by gamma irradiation in the alfalfa seeds and absorbed dose. The first derivative EPR spectra of the al- falfa seeds were very clear and easy to identify. However, the EPR signal strength of the peak-to-peak amplitude de- creased rapidly and most of them decayed beyond 50% within 3 days after the seeds were irradiated. It tended to sta- bilize after half a month since the seeds were irradiated. The differences of the EPR signal strength between the irra- diated and unirradiated alfalfa seeds still remained. All seeds were stored at ambient temperature for more than 3 months. Therefore, using EPR spectrometry technique to measure free radicals in alfalfa seeds as a means to deter- mine whether the seeds have been irradiated or not is feasible, relatively fast and simple.

Antibiotic and Bacteriocin Sensitivity of <i>Listeria monocytogenes</i>Strains Isolated from Different Foods

This study aimed to determine the antibiotic and bacteriocin sensitivity of Listeria monocytogenes strains isolated from animal derived foods. With disc diffusion assay, all fourteen L. monocytogenes strains were suscepti-ble to the antibiotics, including penicillin G, vancomycin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, rifampicin, erythromycin, gentamicin and trime- thoprim. However, the percentages of fosfomycin and streptomycin resistances were 92.9% and 7.1%, respectively. Multiple resistances were not observed among the tested strains. The results of well diffusion assays showed that all strains were inhibited by the cell-free supernatant of a bacteriocin-producing strain, Pediococcus acidilactici 13, with the inhibition zones ranging from 16.00 to 24.50 mm. These results provide useful information on antibiotic resistance of L. monocytogenes strains isolated from foods, and can potentially be used to develop bacteriocin-based interventions to guard against the hazards associated with L. monocytogenes in ready-to-eat meat and poultry products.

Study of the Health Impact of Glyphosate Misuse in Two Prefectures in Togo and Evaluation of Its Bioaccumulation in Yam

In Togo, as in most sub-Saharan African countries, the use of herbicides in the field has become unavoidable. Because of ignorance, some farmers use them badly. For some health professionals, the misuse of glyphosate would be at the root of the increase of certain diseases observed in recent years. This study aims to verify whether the misuse of glyphosate has an impact on the increase of certain diseases. The study is based on surveys and analysis of soil and yam samples. Surveys are conducted among 73 glyphosate traders, 177 farmers and 34 women volunteers, victims of spontaneous abortions, congenital malformations and stillbirths, as well as on the use of hospital registers gathering data from 147 health centres in two prefectures between the years 2012 and 2018. The analysis of soil and yam samples is performed by thin-layer chromatography. The study reveals that 97.3% of traders have not received any training in pesticide management and 93.63% of farmers use glyphosate inappropriately at a higher than standard rate (6 l/ha). Epidemiological data between 2012 and 2018 revealed an increase in the number of different cases from one year to the next, with similar types of malformations to those found in the 34 women-controls. Thin layer chromatography shows that the soil and yam samples are contaminated with glyphosate. This survey reveals that the glyphosate sold in the survey area is mostly unregistered and its mismanagement would have environmental and health impacts that would justify, on the one hand, the increase in cases of spontaneous abortions, stillbirths and congenital malformations noted in the epidemiological data and, on the other hand, the contamination of soil and yam samples. However, this study requires further work on the determination of glyphosate residues in yam tubers in order to clarify whether the levels found there are detrimental.

White (<i>Trifolium repens</i>L.) and Arrowleaf (<i>Trifolium vesiculosum</i>Savi) Clover Emergence in Varying Loblolly Pine (<i>Pinus taeda</i>L.) Tree Alley Spacings

Agroforestry systems have the potential to provide year-long income opportunities via the integrated forage or crop, timber, and livestock. Legumes are an attractive alternative option during the growing season when more traditional forages may not be as productive. The objective of this study was to test the establishment of arrowleaf and white clover grown under varying pine tree alley widths. In 2011, existing forage was removed in 15-yr old loblolly pine tree row alleys of different widths (3.7, 4.9, 7.3, and 9.8 m), including an open area. Arrowleaf, as an annual, was replanted in 2012. Seedlings were counted twice/year, while dry matter was measured three times/year. Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) was measured in all alley widths to compare light penetration through the canopy. Hot and dry conditions occurred throughout 2012, affecting results. In 2012 and 2013, the greatest PAR for most treatments was observed in June. Seedling counts for all treatments were greatest immediately after establishment, and gradually declined throughout the course of the study. Dry matter yields increased throughout the growing season, and were greatest in arrowleaf clover in the open area on all measurement dates;however, increased weed pressure and repeated flooding affected yields. This study demonstrated that clover establishment in shady wooded areas is possible, but only under suitable environmental conditions.

Food Safety Strategies:The One Health Approach to Global Challenges and China’s Actions

WORLD FOOD SAFETY DAY World Food Safety Day(WFSD)(1)celebrated on 7 June 2021 aims to draw attention and inspire action to help prevent,detect and manage foodborne risks,contributing to food security,human health,economic prosperity,agriculture,market access,tourism and sustainable development.The theme of 2021,“Safe food today for a healthy tomorrow”,stresses that production and consumption of safe food has immediate and long-term benefits for people,the planet and the economy.Recognizing the systemic connections between the health of people,animals,plants,the environment and the economy will help us meet the needs of the future.

Upgrading from One-way Informing to Two-way Audienceoriented Health Communication:CFSA Initiations for World Food Safety Day

Food safety is vital to the development of human society.On December 20,2018,the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 73/250 proclaiming a World Food Safety Day.As of 2019,every June 7 is a time to increase social awareness of food safety and to encourage actions for good health promotion.The Third World Food Safety Day on June 7,2021 aims to draw attention and inspire action to help prevent,detect,and manage foodborne risks,contributing to food security,human health,economic prosperity,agriculture,market access,tourism,and sustainable development(1).Food safety risk communication shifts from the traditional approach of one-way sender-oriented to a two-way audience-oriented communication approach.

Global Food Safety Strategies:Need to Develop Roadmap of Implementation in China

The Updated Global Strategy for Food Safety(GSFS)The Seventy-Fifth Session of World Health Assembly(75th WHA)has adopted the updated Global Strategy for Food Safety(2022-2030):towards stronger food safety system and global cooperation with the recommendations from the 150th Executive Board meeting(1-2).This response to the WHA 73.5 resolution on“Strengthening efforts on food safety”and Member States are requested to update GSFS to respond to current and emerging challenges.Developed by the World Health Organization(WHO)Secretariat with the advice of the Technical Advisory Group(TAG)on Food Safety:Safer Food for Better Health(Figure 1),the vision of the updated strategy is to ensure that all people,everywhere,consume safe and healthy food to reduce the burden of foodborne diseases.The updated strategy aims to guide and support Member States in their efforts to prioritize.

Epidemiological Evaluation of Bacillus cereus-Induced Foodborne Outbreaks — China, 2010–2020

Introduction:Bacillus cereus(B.cereus)is a common gram-positive bacterium that contaminates starch-rich food and can cause outbreaks of foodborne diseases.This study describes characteristics of outbreaks caused by B.cereus in China during 2010–2020 and explore the possible reasons for changes in the number of outbreaks over time.Results of this analysis can efficiently help guide and allocate public resources to prevent B.cereus caused foodborne diseases.Methods:Descriptive statistical methods were used to analysis the data on B.cereus outbreaks in China during this period.The data were identified,reported at all levels in China through National Foodborne Disease Outbreak Surveillance System.Results:From 2010 to 2020,a total of 419 foodborne outbreaks prompted by B.cereus were reported in China,leading to 7,892 cases,2,786 hospital admissions,and 5 fatalities.The bulk of the outbreaks were recorded in the summer,primarily between May and September.The most recurrent food vehicle was linked with rice or flour-based products,notably those made with rice or fried rice.School canteens bore the brunt of the B.cereus outbreaks.In multifactor outbreaks,food contamination was identified as the most common culprit;while in instances where only one factor contributed,improper storage was most frequently implicated.Conclusion:The prevalence of B.cereus outbreaks remained relatively consistent throughout the studied period.Understanding the types of foods,causative factors,and contributing elements leading to B.cereus outbreaks can help inform prevention strategies for foodborne illnesses.The majority of outbreaks were associated with rice-or flour-based foods in school canteens,suggesting contamination and improper storage during food preparation.Consequently,it is essential to prioritize continuous education for canteen staff on food safety,efficacious management,and proper practices.The implementation of comprehensive guidelines,encompassing multiple critical aspects,can potentially reduce the occurrence of B.cereus outbreaks.

Mushroom Poisoning Outbreaks—China,2010–2020

ABSTRACT Introduction:Mushroom poisoning was the leading cause of foodborne disease outbreaks and outbreak-associated deaths in China.Mushroom poisoning outbreak surveillance can provide insight into the epidemiological characteristics of mushroom poisonings and guide policymaking and health education to reduce illnesses and deaths.Methods:Foodborne Disease Outbreak Surveillance System was upgraded in 2011 to collect foodborne disease outbreaks in China.Mushroom poisoning outbreaks during 2010–2020 were selected to analyze geographical distribution,seasonal distribution,and setting of food preparation.Results:A total of 10,036 outbreaks,which resulted in 38,676 illnesses and 788 deaths,were reported in this period.Mushroom poisonings occurred all over the country,but with highest incidence in the southwest and central China.

Controlling COVID-19 Transmission due to Contaminated Imported Frozen Food and Food Packaging

BACKGROUND The emergence of the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)has been sharply increasing with more than eighty million confirmed cases worldwide(1).It has been contained in China through stringent nonpharmaceutical interventions(2).A combination of strict border control and quarantine measures have effectively prevented the spread of the virus from infected travelers,but the risk of resurgence caused by other routes of transmission(fomite transmission)has been identified in a number of localized outbreaks(3-7).

Driver sleepiness,fatigue,careless behavior and risk of motor vehicle crash and injury:Population based case and control study

Background： A few studies have been conducted to determine the relationship between road motor vehicle crashes （MVC） and serious injuries related to tiredness, fatigues and sleeping. Aim： To determine the effects of aggressive behaviour, driver sleepiness and fatigue on MVC and related injuries among Turkish population. Design and setting： Population-based case and control study conducted at the accident emergency departments of hospitals and roads. Subjects： 515 car drivers involved in crashes with injury were admitted to hospital and 1030 car drivers involved while driving on public roads as control group during the study period. Methods： The Manchester driver behaviour questionnaire （DBQ） measured the aberrant driving behaviours leading to accidents. Participants completed a fatigue severity scale （FSS） and Stanford Sleeping questionnaire an epworth scale with items related to socio-demographic information, driving experiences, adherence to traffic laws （such as speed limits and seat belt）, and drivers＇ driving records. Results： In a representative sampling, participant＇s age ranged from 25 to 65 and the mean and standard deviation were 36.5 _＋ 7.8 for cases and 37.0 4- 8.0 for controls. There was a significant difference in both group of drivers regarding BMI, level of education, marital status, driving experience, seat belt use, excessive speed limits, physical activity number of sleeping hours, mobile phone use, and cigarette smoking habit （p = 0.017）. Also, there was a significant higher mean score on all the DBQ violation questions among case group in comparison with the control group （p 〈 0.001）. Further, cases had higher prevalence of Epworth sleeping disorders （p 〈 0.001） and fatigue severity （p - 0.003） compared to control drivers. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that excessive speed, fatigue, lapses, errors, Stanford sleepiness score, violations, mobile phone use and Epworth sleepiness scale were significantly associated with injury involvement in vehicle crash, after adjusting for driving experience and annual mileage. Conclusion： The current study confirmed that drivers with chronic fatigue, acute sleepiness, and careless driver behavior may significantly increases the risk of road crash which can be lead to serious injury.