Explore the vast range of titles available.

Forty-eight Duroc x Landrace x Large White gilts were used to determine the relationship between proteome changes of longissimus muscle and intramuscular fat (IMF) content in arginine-supplemented pigs. Beginning at 60 kg BW, pigs were fed a corn- and soybean meal-based diet supplemented or not with 1% L-arginine until they reached a BW of 100 kg. Supplementation with 1% L-arginine did not affect the growth performance or carcass traits, while it increased IMF content by 32% (P < 0.01), it also decreased the drip loss at 48 h post-mortem and the b* meat color value at 24 h post-mortem; supplementation with 1% dietary L-arginine did not change the proportion of SFA and MUFA in muscle lipids. The proteome changes in longissimus muscle between the control and supplemented pigs showed that L-arginine significantly influenced the abundance of proteins related to energy metabolism, fiber type and structure. The increase in IMF content was positively correlated with the increased abundance of slow twitch troponin I (TNNI1) protein and negatively correlated with myosin heavy chain IIb (MyHC IIb) protein content. It is suggested that the proteome changes in longissimus muscle contributed to the greater IMF content in L-arginine supplemented pigs.

This study evaluated the ability of Aspergillus niger and Trichoderma koningii to improve the quality of tea dregs (TDs) through solid-state fermentation as well as the value of the fermented tea dregs (FTDs) produced for use as bio-feed additives. After fermentation, FTDs differed in color and structure. Fermentation with A . niger and T . koningii increased the contents of crude protein, crude fiber, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber of TDs. Compared to the unfermented group, the contents of reducing sugar, total flavonoids, total polyphenols, and theasaponins were increased in A . niger FTDs, while in T . koningii FTDs caffeine was completely degraded, the theasaponins were lower, and the contents of reducing sugar and caffeine higher. Regarding free amino acids, A . niger FTDs had the highest content of total amino acids, total essential amino acids, total non-essential amino acids, total aromatic amino acids, total branched-chain amino acids, and total non-protein amino acids, and all types of essential amino acids, followed by T . koningii FTDs and the control TDs. Fungal fermentation had similar effects on the content of various hydrolytic amino acids as those on above free amino acids, and increased the content of bitter and umami components. The composition of essential amino acids of TDs or FTDs was similar to that of the standard model, except for sulfur-containing amino acids and isoleucine. Solid-state fermentation with A . niger and T . koningii effectively improved the nutritional value of TDs, increased the contents of functional substances, and improved the flavor of TDs. This study demonstrated a feasible approach to utilize TDs that not only increases animal feed resources, but also reduces the production of resource waste and pollution.

Iron fine-tunes innate immune responses, including macrophage inflammation. In this review, we summarize the current understanding about the iron in dictating macrophage polarization. Mechanistically, iron orchestrates macrophage polarization through several aspects, including cellular signaling, cellular metabolism, and epigenetic regulation. Therefore, iron modulates the development and progression of multiple macrophage-associated diseases, such as cancer, atherosclerosis, and liver diseases. Collectively, this review highlights the crucial role of iron for macrophage polarization, and indicates the potential application of iron supplementation as an adjuvant therapy in different inflammatory disorders relative to the balance of macrophage polarization.

Amino acids provide key nutritional value, and significantly contribute to taste and flavor of meat. Here, we review the role of free amino acids in the muscle fibers in meat quality and sensory signals. We furthermore discuss how dietary supplementation of free amino acids and their derivatives (e.g. tryptophan, threonine, arginine, lysine, leucine, glutamate, threonine, sarcosine, betaines, and cysteamine) can influence these attributes. The available data shows that the quality of the meat is subject to the amino acids that are provided in the animal feed.

Background Insects, such as Hermetia illucens larvae, are rich in chitin and proteins, and represent a suitable feed ingredient replacement for animals. However, little is known about the effect of administering H. illucens larvae on intestinal microbiota, bacterial metabolite profiles, and mucosal immune status in animals. This study aimed to investigate the effects of administering H. illucens larvae on colonic microbiota and bacterial metabolites production in finishing pigs. Seventy-two crossbred (Duroc × Landrace × Large White) female pigs (initial body weight, 76.0 ± 0.52 kg) were randomly allocated to three different dietary treatments: a control diet (Control group) and two diets corresponding to 4% (H1 group) and 8% (H2 group) H. illucens larvae inclusion levels, respectively. Each treatment consisted of eight pens (replicates), with three pigs per pen. After 46 days of feeding, eight pigs per treatment ( n  = 8) were slaughtered, and the colonic digesta and mucosa were collected for microbial composition and microbial fermentation products, and genes expression analyses. Results The results showed that the H1 diet significantly increased the abundance of Lactobacillus , Pseudobutyrivibrio , Roseburia , and Faecalibacterium compared with those in the control group ( P  < 0.05), with a decrease in the abundance of Streptococcus . The numbers of Lactobacillus , Roseburia , and Clostridium cluster XIVa were significantly greater in the H1 group than in the control group ( P  < 0.05). Meanwhile, H2 diet increased the number of Clostridium cluster XIVa compared with the control group ( P  < 0.05). For colonic metabolites, total short chain fatty acids, butyrate, and isobutyrate concentrations were significantly higher in the H1 group than those in the control group ( P  < 0.05); the H1 treatment caused a striking decrease in protein fermentation compared with the control group, as the concentrations of total amines, cadaverine, tryptamine, phenol, p -cresol, and skatole were significantly lower ( P  < 0.05). Additionally, H2 diet also increased butyrate concentration compared with control group ( P  < 0.05), while decreased the concentrations of phenol, p -cresol, and skatole ( P  < 0.05). Pigs in the H1 group down-regulated the expression of TLR -4 and pro-inflammatory cytokines ( IFN-γ ) compared with pigs in the control group ( P  < 0.05), and up-regulated anti-inflammatory cytokine ( IL-10 ) and intestinal barrier genes ( ZO-1 , occludin , and mucin-1 ). H2 diet up-regulated the expression of ZO-1 compared with control group ( P  < 0.05). Furthermore, the changes in the colonic mucosal gene expression were associated with changes in the bacterial composition and their metabolites. Conclusions Collectively, dietary inclusion of Hermetia illucens larvae may enhance mucosal immune homeostasis of pigs via altering bacterial composition and their metabolites. These findings provide a new perspective on insect meal as a sustainable protein source rich in nutrient ingredients for swine.

Abstract Hermetia illucens larvae meal (HILM) are rich in proteins and chitin, and represent an innovative feed ingredient for animals. However, little is known about the intestinal bacteria and immune homeostasis response of HILM as a fishmeal replacement on weanling piglets. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the changes in specific ileal and cecal bacterial populations and their metabolic profiles, and ileal immune indexes in weanling piglets fed with a diet containing HILM. A total of 128 weanling piglets were fed either a basal diet or 1 of 3 diets with 1%, 2%, and 4% HILM (HI0, HI1, HI2, and HI4, respectively). Each group consisted of 8 pens (replicates), with 4 pigs per pen. After 28 d of feeding, 8 barrows per treatment were euthanized, the ileal and cecal digesta, and ileal mucosa were collected for analyzing bacterial population and metabolic profiles, and immune indexes, respectively. Results showed that HILM increased (P < 0.05, maximum in HI2) the number of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in the ileum and cecum, but quadratically decreased (P < 0.05, minimum in HI2) the number of Escherichia coli. In the cecum, the number of Firmicutes, Ruminococcus, Clostridium cluster IV, and Prevotella showed a quadratic response to increasing (P < 0.05, maximum in HI2) HILM levels. Lactate and butyrate concentrations in the ileum and cecum were quadratically increased (P < 0.05, maximum in HI2) with increasing HILM levels. In the cecum, the amines, phenol, and indole compounds concentrations were quadratically decreased (P < 0.05, minimum in HI2) with increasing HILM levels, while total short-chain fatty acids and acetate concentrations were quadratically increased (P < 0.05, maximum in HI2). In the ileum, the TLR4, NF-κB, MyD88, and TNF-α mRNA expressions were quadratically decreased (P < 0.05, minimum in HI2) with increasing HILM levels, while the mRNA expression of IL-10, barrier function (MUC1, ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin-2), and development-related genes (IGF-1, GLP-2, and EGF) was quadratically increased (P < 0.05, maximum in HI2). Furthermore, the changes in the mucosal gene expression were associated with changes in the bacterial populations and their metabolites. Collectively, these results showed that a diet supplemented with 2% HILM affected specific bacterial populations and metabolic profiles, and maintained ileal immune status. These findings provide new insights into the use of insect meal as a suitable alternative protein source for swine feeding.

Cracking in semi-rigid cement-stabilized macadam bases constitutes a prevalent distress in asphalt pavements. While extensive research exists on grouting materials for crack rehabilitation, quantitative assessment methodologies for treatment efficacy remain underdeveloped. This study proposes a novel evaluation framework integrating fiber Bragg grating (FBG) technology to monitor pavement mechanical responses under traffic loads. Conducted on the South China Expressway project, the methodology encompassed (1) a method for back-calculating the modulus of the asphalt layer based on Hooke’s Law; (2) a sensor layout plan with FBG sensors buried at the top of the pavement base in seven sections; (3) statistical analysis of the asphalt modulus based on the mechanical response when a large number of vehicles passed; and (4) comparative analysis of modulus variations to establish quantitative performance metrics. The results demonstrate that high-strength geopolymer materials significantly enhanced the elastic modulus of the asphalt concrete layer, achieving 34% improvement without a waterproofing agent versus 19% with a waterproofing agent. Polymer-treated sections exhibited a mean elastic modulus of 676.15 MPa, substantially exceeding untreated pavement performance. Low-strength geopolymers showed marginal improvements. The modulus hierarchy was as follows: high-strength geopolymer (without waterproofing agent) > polymer > high-strength geopolymer (with waterproofing agent) > low-strength geopolymer (without waterproofing agent) > low-strength geopolymer (with waterproofing agent) > intact pavement > untreated pavement. These findings demonstrate that a high-strength geopolymer without a waterproofing agent and high-polymer materials constitute optimal grouting materials for this project. The developed methodology provides critical insights for grout material selection, construction process optimization, and post-treatment maintenance strategies, advancing quality control protocols in pavement rehabilitation engineering.

Brevibacillus laterosporus (B. laterosporus) is widely distributed in nature and demonstrates significant potential for applications in biological control, environmental protection, agricultural production, and clinical medicine. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the applications of B. laterosporus in crop cultivation and animal feeding, as well as an examination of the antimicrobial peptides produced by B. laterosporus and their antibacterial mechanisms. B. laterosporus enhances crop cultivation by secreting hydrolases to improve nutrient absorption capabilities, synthesizing hormones to promote crop growth, and producing proteins to inhibit the reproduction of harmful organisms. B. laterosporus has been used to improve animal production by regulating the structure of the intestinal microbiota and inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria through the secretion of various antimicrobial peptides. The bactericidal activity of Brevilaterins secreted by B. laterosporus is attributed to their ability to bind to lipopolysaccharide/lipid II molecules on the cell membrane, thereby altering permeability. Brevilaterins also inhibit bacterial reproduction by affecting relevant gene pathways in the cell membranes of pathogenic bacteria. These pathways include ATP synthesis, peptidoglycan biosynthesis, membrane transport, and cellular metabolism. In conclusion, B. laterosporus exhibits substantial potential as a probiotic activity in crop and animal production. However, applications of B. laterosporus in animal production could be improved, necessitating further research to elucidate the underlying probiotic mechanisms.

Background With increasing health awareness among consumers, the demand for healthier, tastier, higher quality and nutritional value pork is increasing. It has been shown that different dietary starch sources can alter the carcass traits and meat quality. However, research on the effects of different starch sources with clear different amylose/amylopectin ratio on the amino acid and fatty acid composition in Longissimus thoracis ( L . thoracis ) muscle of pigs is limited. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different dietary starch sources on carcass traits, meat quality, muscle amino acid and fatty acid composition, and the mRNA expression levels of genes involved in lipid metabolism and muscle fiber characteristics in finishing pigs. A total of 72 Duroc × Landrace × Large White barrows were randomly allocated to 3 different dietary treatment groups with 8 replicate pens/group and 3 pigs per pen. Tapioca starch (TS), corn starch (CS), and pea starch (PS), with amylose/amylopectin ratio of 0.11, 0.25, and 0.44, respectively, were used as their dietary starch sources for 40 days. Results Results showed that the PS diet significantly increased ( P  < 0.05) the final body weight, average daily gain, loin-eye area, and fat-free lean index compared with the TS diet, but significantly decreased ( P  < 0.05) the feed to gain ratio and backfat thickness. Compared with the TS diet, PS diet also increased ( P  < 0.05) the pH 45 min , marbling scores, the content of intramuscular fat and inosine monophosphate in the L . thoracis , and decreased ( P  < 0.05) the drip loss and shear force. In addition, compared with the TS diet, PS diet increased ( P  < 0.05) the proportions of flavor amino acids, DHA, EPA, and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) in the L . thoracis compared with TS diet, but decreased ( P  < 0.05) the ratio of n-6/n-3 PUFA. Furthermore, compared with the TS diet, PS diet also upregulated ( P  < 0.05) the lipogenic genes ( FAS , LPL , SCD , ACCα ) and myosin heavy-chain ( MyHC )- IIa mRNA expression levels compared with the TS diet, but downregulated ( P  < 0.05) the CPT1B and MyHC-IIb mRNA levels. Conclusions In conclusion, these results provided compelling evidence that the different dietary starch source altered the carcass traits, meat flavor and quality in finishing pigs, and consumption of a diet with higher amylose/amylopectin ratio results in the production of a healthy, higher quality, and nutritional value pork.

Consumer demand for tasty and quality meat has been quickly increasing. This study investigated how dietary supplemented rutin affects meat quality, muscle fatty acid profile, and antioxidant capacity in the Chinese indigenous Qingyuan partridge chicken. A cohort of 180 healthy 119-day-old chickens was subjected to a randomized assignment into three groups, identified as the control, R200, and R400 groups, with respective supplementation of 0, 200, and 400 mg/kg of rutin. The results revealed insignificance in growth performance, namely, average daily gain, average daily feed intake, and feed-to-gain ratio, across the various treatment groups (p > 0.05). Nevertheless, dietary rutin supplementation increased (p < 0.05) breast muscle yield and intramuscular fat content in breast muscle and decreased (p < 0.05) drip loss in breast muscle. Rutin supplementation increased (p < 0.05) the content of high-density lipoprotein but decreased (p < 0.05) the contents of glucose, triglyceride, and total cholesterol in serum. Rutin supplementation increased (p < 0.05) the levels of DHA (C22:6n-3), total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), n-3 PUFAs, decanoic acid (C10:0), the activity of Δ5 + Δ6 (22:6 (n − 3)/18:3 (n − 3)), and the ratio of PUFA/SFA in breast muscle but decreased (p < 0.05) the level of palmitoleic acid (C16:1n-7), the ratio of n-6/n-3 PUFAs, and the activity of Δ9 (16:1 (n − 7)/16:0). Rutin treatment also reduced (p < 0.05) the contents of malondialdehyde in serum and breast muscle, and increased (p < 0.05) the catalase activity and total antioxidant capacity in serum and breast muscle and the activity of total superoxide dismutase in serum. Additionally, rutin supplementation downregulated the expression of AMPKα and upregulated the expression of PPARG, FADS1, FAS, ELOVL7, NRF2, and CAT in breast muscle (p < 0.05). Convincingly, the results revealed that rutin supplementation improved meat quality, fatty acid profiles, especially n-3 PUFAs, and the antioxidant capacity of Qingyuan partridge chickens.