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Evidence of the relationship between fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) levels, dietary quality and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in rural populations is limited. Here, we aimed to investigate the association between fecal SCFA levels and T2DM and the combined effects of dietar quality on T2DM in rural China. In total, 100 adults were included in the case–control study. Dietary quality was assessed by the Alternate Healthy Eating Index 2010 (AHEI-2010), and SCFA levels were analysed using the GC-MS system. Generalised linear regression was conducted to calculate the OR and 95 % CI to evaluate the effect of SCFA level and dietary quality on the risk of T2DM. Finally, an interaction was used to study the combined effect of SCFA levels and AHEI-2010 scores on T2DM. T2DM participants had lower levels of acetic and butyric acid. Generalised linear regression analysis revealed that the OR (95 % CI) of the highest acetic and butyric acid levels were 0·099 (0·022, 0·441) and 0·210 (0·057, 0·774), respectively, compared with the subjects with the lowest tertile of level. We also observed a significantly lower risk of T2DM with acetic acid levels > 1330·106 μg/g or butyric acid levels > 585·031 μg/g. Moreover, the risks of higher acetic and butyric acid levels of T2DM were 0·007 (95 % CI: 0·001, 0·148), 0·005 (95 % CI: 0·001, 0·120) compared with participants with lower AHEI-2010 scores (all P < 0·05). Acetate and butyrate levels may be important modifiable beneficial factors affecting T2DM in rural China. Improving dietary quality for body metabolism balance should be encouraged to promote good health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The simulated digestion and fermentation characteristics in vitro of exopolysaccharide (EPS) of Levilactobacillus brevis M‐10 were studied to evaluate its postbiotic properties. The simulated digestion results showed that EPS could not be degraded in saliva but could be very slightly degraded in gastric juice and could be degraded in intestinal juice. The results of simulated fermentation demonstrated that EPS could lower the intestine pH and be utilized by gut microbes to produce short‐chain fatty acids such as propionic acid and butyric acid. Meanwhile, EPS significantly raised the diversity of human gut microbiota, and the relative abundances of Phascolarctobacterium were significantly increased, whereas Fusobacterium and Morganella significantly decreased. In conclusion, EPS from L. brevis M‐10 was a good postbiotic as inulin. This was the first report about EPS as the postbiotic of L. brevis M‐10 screened from broomcorn millet sour porridge in northwestern Shanxi Province, China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To retrospectively explore the characteristics of plasma amino acids (PAAs) in children with autism spectrum disorder and their clinical association via case-control study. A total of 110 autistic and 55 healthy children were recruited from 2014 to 2018. The clinical phenotypes included severity of autism, cognition, adaptability, and regression. Compared with the control group, autistic children had significantly elevated glutamate, γ-Amino-n-butyric acid, glutamine, sarcosine, δ-aminolevulinic acid, glycine and citrulline. In contrast, their plasma level of ethanolamine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, homocysteine, pyroglutamic acid, hydroxyproline, ornithine, histidine, lysine, and glutathione were significantly lower. Elevated neuroactive amino acids (glutamate) and decreased essential amino acids were mostly distinct characteristics of PAAs of autistic children. Increased level of tryptophan might be associated with severity of autism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid development of the livestock industry, finding new sources of feed has become a critical issue that needs to be addressed urgently. China is one of the top five sunflower producers in the world and generates a massive amount of sunflower stalks annually, yet this resource has not been effectively utilized. Therefore, in order to tap into the potential of sunflower stalks for animal feed, it is essential to explore and develop efficient methods for their utilization. In this study, various proportions of alfalfa and sunflower straw were co-ensiled with the following mixing ratios: 0:10, 2:8, 4:6, 5:5, 6:4, and 8:2, denoted as A0S10, A2S8, A4S6, A5S5, A6S4, and A8S2, respectively. The nutrient composition, fermentation quality, microbial quantity, microbial diversity, and broad-spectrum metabolomics on the 60th day were assessed. The results showed that the treatment groups with more sunflower straw added (A2S8, A4S6) could start fermentation earlier. On the first day of fermentation, Weissella spp.dominated overwhelmingly in these two groups. At the same time, in the early stage of fermentation, the pH in these two groups dropped rapidly, which could effectively reduce the loss of nutrients in the early stage of fermentation. In the later fermentation period, a declining trend in acetic acid levels was observed in A0S10, A2S8, and A4S6, while no butyric acid production was detected in A0S10 and A2S8 throughout the process. In A4S6, butyric acid production was observed only after 30 days of fermentation. From the perspective of metabolites, compared with sunflower ensiling alone, many bioactive substances such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenes are upregulated in mixed ensiling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The supplementation of sodium butyrate (SB) has proven to be an effective way to provide extra butyrate to improve the homeostasis and gut health of broilers and consequently enhance their performance. However, the rapid release of SB in the gastrointestinal system leads to lower efficiency in poultry production. Sustained-release sodium butyrate (MSSB) has shown potential, with a lower dosage required and a better effect on performance. A comparison of rapid SB absorption and MSSB in terms of performance, serum parameters, and gut microbiota is poorly demonstrated in the literature, especially in yellow broilers, a primary source of the live poultry trade in China. Our study found that, overall, MSSB contributes to improved performance, immunity, and gut health. Specifically, the supplementation of MSSB lowered the feed:gain ratio and increased the IgA, isovalerate, and villus height of yellow broilers. Alterations in gut microbiota, including the predicted composition and function, have also been observed, namely, in Clostridia UCG-014, Bacilli RF39, and Oscillospiraceae UCG-005. The mediation analysis revealed a causal effect between Clostridia UCG-014 in the gut and serum IgA, with the tryptophan metabolism appearing to be a key mediator in this relationship. This study shows that MSSB can improve the performance and enhance the immunity of yellow broilers. Our results are significant because they reveal the beneficial effects together with the potential mechanism of MSSB in yellow broilers. The beneficial effects of butyric acid in poultry production are well documented, while the relationship between sodium butyrate (SB) and microcapsule sustained-release sodium butyrate (MSSB), especially in yellow broilers, remains poorly investigated. This study was designed to elucidate the function as well as the potential mechanisms of SB and MSSB in enhancing health in yellow broilers. In total, 360 one-day-old yellow broilers were allocated to three treatment groups. The control group (CON) received a basic diet, while the SB group was provided with 1000 mg/kg of sodium butyrate (SB), and the MSSB received microcapsule sustained-release sodium butyrate (MSSB), all over a period of 56 days. Compared to the CON group, the dietary supplementation of both SB and MSSB showed a lower feed:gain ratio (p < 0.01). No significant (p > 0.05) difference in antioxidant capacity was observed between the three groups. We observed significantly higher levels (p < 0.05) of immunoglobulins and a reduction in concentrations in both the SB and MSSB groups compared to the CON group. Furthermore, both SB and MSSB induced alterations in the diversity, structure, and function of gut microbiota. MSSB demonstrated even more pronounced beneficial effects than SB, particularly in regard to the serum IgA level (p = 0.05), cecal isovalerate concentration (p < 0.05), and villus height (p < 0.01). The sequencing of the gut microbiota revealed that MSSB led to a significant increase in the relative abundance of Clostridia UCG-014, Bacilli RF39, and Oscillospiraceae UCG-005. Predictions of bacterial function indicated changes in KEGG pathways, including an enrichment of tryptophan metabolism (ko00380), and a reduction in fructose and mannose metabolism (ko00051), chloroalkane and chloroalkene degradation (ko00625), and naphthalene degradation (ko00626) in yellow broilers fed with MSSB. Among these, the mediation analysis revealed a causal effect between the Clostridia UCG-014 in the gut and serum IgA, with tryptophan metabolism being a key mediator in this relationship. Our results suggest that dietary MSSB can improve the growth performance, immunity, and gut microbiota of yellow broilers. MSSB increased the abundance of Clostridia UCG-014 and activated the tryptophan metabolism pathway (ko00380), contributing to IgA levels in yellow broilers through this mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orychophragmus violaceus is a local Brassicaceae in China, while most of it is directly mowed and discarded after the ornamental period. In order to develop forage resources, this study firstly evaluated the potential preservation of O. violaceus silage. O. violaceus was harvested at full-bloom stage, and ensiled without (CK) or with maize meal (Y5), lactic acid bacteria inoculant (Z) and compound additive (Y5Z) for 60d. Results of chemical and microbiological analysis showed that a large amount of lactic acid was produced and the final pH value was below 4.1 in silages regardless of additive application. CK silage was well preserved as indicated by the low levels of dry matter loss and butyric acid content, and the predominant genus were identified as Enterococcus and Pediococcus. Y5 silage had potential health risks for humans and animals as seen by frequent occurrence of pathogenic bacteria Clostridium and Achromobacter. Z and Y5Z silages were poorly preserved, resulting in great dry matter loss and butyric acid content. Considering the abundant acetic acid production, the dominant Lactobacillus might possess a heterofermentative pathway in Z and Y5Z silages. In conclusion, O. violaceus has the potential to be long stored as silage because of its sufficient water-soluble carbohydrates, while exogenous lactic acid bacteria and maize meal generally provided little positive effect. In future research, efficient homofermentative Lactobacillus strains were suggested to be screened to further enhance the ensiling process of O. violaceus silage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lonicera macranthoides, a medicinal herb mainly distributed in southern China, is widely utilized in traditional Chinese medicine for its high yield and strong pharmacological properties rich in phenolic acids and flavonoids. However, the factors regulating plant growth and secondary metabolism in L. macranthoides remain largely unknown. In this study, the effects of seven light qualities and plant growth regulators combinations on seedlings growth and metabolite accumulation were investigated. Plants under red light produced the greatest shoot and root biomass, and promoted plant photosynthesis, as indicated by significantly greater values of net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs), intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci), and transpiration rate (Tr), followed by white and blue light. The plant height and stem diameter of the tissue-cultured seedlings on the medium with 1.0 mg/L 6-benzyladenine (BA) + 1.0 mg/L indole 3-butyric acid (IBA) were the highest, while the seedlings on the medium containing 2.0 mg/L BA + 0.2 mg/L IBA produced the highest amounts of phenolic acids and flavonoids. Red light dramatically enhanced the accumulation of chlorogenic acid (CGA), ferulic acid, luteoloside, and rutin compared to those under other light spectrum conditions on media with low levels of auxin (0.2 mg/L IBA). However, higher auxin levels (1.0 mg/L IBA) dramatically inhibited CGA production under red light. Moreover, blue light promoted the accumulation of chlorogenic acid and luteoloside. The results indicate that the plant growth and secondary metabolism were dramatically influenced by light quality and auxin/cytokinin combinations. Our findings provide effective strategies aiming to enhance biomass yield and bioactive compound production in L. macranthoides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is common in southern China that rice (Oryza sativa L.) fields are sown with a cover crop like Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.) following autumn harvest. The objective of the present research was to compare the effects of different no-tillage methods on the yield, nutritive composition and silage fermentation quality of Italian ryegrass. Italian ryegrass was planted in winter fallow paddy fields on 9 days (NT9) and 5 days (NT5) prior to rice harvest and on 1 day after rice harvest for 2 years. Sowing prior to harvest was no-tillage, and sowing after rice harvest was either notillage (NT1) or conventional tillage (CK). The grass was harvested and ensiled two times each year. The growing year had no significant effects on the yield and most nutrition components, while it had significant effects on pH value, butyric acid and NH3-N contents of silage. There were no differences in the yield, nutritional composition and silage fermentation quality among sowing methods. The neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber of NT1 decreased slightly compared with NT9, NT5 and CK (p > .05). There was no difference in silage fermentation quality among the four treatments. The best sowing method for Italian ryegrass with second cut in winter fallow paddy was no-tillage sowing after rice harvest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cervical cancer (CC) is a common gynecological malignancy with high morbidity worldwide. Butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid produced by intestinal flora, has been reported to inhibit cervical carcinogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the pro-apoptotic effects of butyrate on CC and the underlying mechanisms. Methods: Human HeLa and Ca Ski cells were used in this study. Cell proliferation, cell migration and invasion were detected by CCK-8 and EdU staining, transwell and wound healing assay, respectively. Cell cycle, mitochondrial membrane potential and apoptosis were evaluated by flow cytometry. Western blot and RT-qPCR were carried out to examine the related genes and proteins to the mitochondrial complex Ι and apoptosis. Metabolite changes were analyzed by energy metabolomics and assay kits. The association between G protein-coupled receptor 41, 43, 109a and CC prognosis was analyzed using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Results: CCK-8 results showed significant inhibition of CC cell proliferation induced by butyrate treatment, which was confirmed by EdU staining and cell cycle detection. Data from the transwell and wound healing assay revealed that CC cell migration was dramatically reduced following butyrate treatment. Additionally, invasiveness was also decreased by butyrate. Western blot analysis showed that cleaved Caspase 3 and cleaved PARP, the enforcers of apoptosis, were increased by butyrate treatment. The results of Annexin V/PI staining and TUNEL also showed an increase in butyrate-induced apoptotic cells. Expression of Cytochrome C (Cytc), Caspase 9, Bax, but not Caspase 12 or 8, were up-regulated under butyrate exposure. Mechanistically, the decrease in mitochondrial NADH and NAD + levels after treatment with butyrate was observed by energy metabolomics and the NAD+/NADH Assay Kit, similar to the effects of the complex Ι inhibitor rotenone. Western blot results also demonstrated that the constituent proteins of mitochondrial complex Ι were reduced by butyrate. Furthermore, mitochondria-dependent apoptosis has been shown to be initiated by inhibition of the complex Ι. Conclusion: Collectively, our results revealed that butyrate inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of CC cells, and induced mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis by inhibiting mitochondrial complex Ι. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alfalfa is harvested two or three times a year in central and western Inner Mongolia, China. However, the variations in bacterial communities as affected by wilting and ensiling, and the ensiling characteristics of alfalfa among the different cuttings, are not fully understood. To enable a more complete evaluation, alfalfa was harvested three times a year. At each time of cutting, alfalfa was harvested at early bloom, wilted for 6 h, and then ensiled in polyethylene bags for 60 days. The bacterial communities and nutritional components of fresh alfalfa(F), wilted alfalfa(W) and ensiled alfalfa(S), and the fermentation quality and functional profile of bacterial communities of the three cuttings alfalfa silage, were then analyzed. Functional characteristics of silage bacterial communities were evaluated according to the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes. The results showed that all nutritional components, fermentation quality, bacterial communities, carbohydrate, amino acid metabolism and key enzymes of bacterial communities were influenced by cutting time. The species richness of F increased from the first cutting to the third cutting; it was not changed by wilting, but was decreased by ensiling. At phylum level, Proteobacteria were more predominant than other bacteria, followed by Firmicutes (0.063-21.39%) in F and W in the first and second cuttings. Firmicutes (96.66-99.79%) were more predominant than other bacteria, followed by Proteobacteria (0.13-3.19%) in S in the first and second cuttings. Proteobacteria, however, predominated over all other bacteria in F, W, or S in the third cutting. The third-cutting silage showed the highest levels of dry matter, pH and butyric acid (p < 0.05). Higher levels of pH and butyric acid were positively correlated with the most predominant genus in silage, and with Rosenbergiella and Pantoea. The third-cutting silage had the lowest fermentation quality as Proteobacteria were more predominant. This suggested that, compared with the first and second cutting, the third cutting is more likely to result in poorly preserved silage in the region studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Microbially fermented feed can improve the nutritional value and quality of the feed. Liquid feeding can increase feed intake and reduce the morbidity and mortality of piglets. Therefore, in this study, the integrated technology of a diet fermented with bacterial enzymes and liquid feeding was used to study its effects on the growth performance and intestinal health of weaned piglets. Compared with the control group (standard dry feed, control group), the diet of the liquid feeding group (liquid feeding group with fermented diet) was able to increase palatability, improve nutrient digestibility, and modulate metabolism, resulting in higher feed efficiency and better growth performance. The results of this study provide a reference for the development and utilization of antibiotic-free feed for weaned piglets. Microbial fermentation has been widely used to preserve or improve the nutritional properties of food. Liquid feeding can increase feed intake and reduce the morbidity of piglets. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a diet fermented with bacteria and enzymes and liquid feeding on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, digestive enzyme activity, microflora, and expressions of intestinal development-related genes in weaning pigs. A total of 198 piglets (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) with body weights of 8.70 ± 0.45 kg were assigned to three groups with six replicates per treatment, and 11 weaned piglets per replicate according to the initial body weight and sex. The three dietary treatments (all nonpelleted diets) were a standard dry feed as the control (CON), a control diet supplemented with antibiotics (AB), and a liquid feeding with a fermented diet (LFD). The liquid feeding diet, having the same composition and proportion of each ingredient as the control diet, was prepared by storing the dietary cereals (corn, soybeans, etc.) and water (1:0.5, wt/wt) in a closed tank at 26–30 °C with enzymes and bacteria, and then adding the remaining dietary ingredients immediately before feeding. The whole trial lasted 42 days. On days 11 to 14 and 39 to 42, fresh faecal samples were collected to evaluate the apparent total tract digestibility of nutrients. Performance, digestibility, serum physiochemical parameters, intestinal barrier function, microbiota, and microbial metabolites were measured. The experimental data were subjected to analysis of variance using the GLM procedure of SAS for a complete randomized block design, with a "pen" as the experimental unit. The results showed that the AB increased (p < 0.05) average daily gain and reduced (p < 0.05) feed conversion (F/G) over the course of 1–14 days compared to the control. The liquid feeding group significantly increased (p < 0.05) average daily gain, average daily feed intake, and final body weight compared to the other two dietary groups. The digestibility of crude protein, ether extract, ash, gross energy, Ca, and P also improved in the liquid feeding group. Moreover, the liquid feeding group significantly decreased (p < 0.05) serum urea nitrogen and D-lactate concentrations, as well as the activity of diamine oxidase, and increased (p < 0.05) serum total protein and glucose concentrations on day 14. Furthermore, the liquid feeding group significantly increased (p < 0.05) mRNA expressions of zonula occludens-2 (ZO-2) in the jejunum and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), ZO-2, occludin, and claudin-1 in the ileum. In addition, microbiota measurement suggested an increase in Lactobacillus content and a decrease in Escherichia coli with higher (p < 0.05) concentrations of acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, and total volatile fatty acids in the caecal and colonic digesta of piglets in the liquid feeding group. In conclusion, the diet in the liquid feeding group was able to increase palatability, improve nutrient digestibility, and modulate metabolism, which resulted in higher feed efficiency and better growth performance in the piglets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study analyzed the relationship between soil microbes and the microbial diversity and structure of the distal gut of the terrestrial golden snub-nosed monkey and Eurasian otter in the Foping National Nature Reserve (FNNR), Shaanxi Province, China, and provides baseline information regarding the gut microbiota of these wild species. Understanding the interaction between the microbial composition in the habitat and the gut of wildlife will contribute to conservation efforts since changes in the gut microbiome have been proven to influence the healthy and nutritional status of the host. This study analyzed the relationship between soil microbes and the microbial diversity and structure of the distal gut of the terrestrial golden snub-nosed monkey and Eurasian otter in the Foping National Nature Reserve (FNNR). A total of 15 otter fecal samples and 18 monkey fecal samples were collected from which 5 and 6 samples, respectively, were randomly selected for microbiome analysis. The remaining samples were used for fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) analysis. Soil samples from the otter and monkey habitats at each sampling point (eight in total) were also collected for microbiome analysis. The microbial phyla with the greatest relative abundance in soil or animal samples were Proteobacteria (41.2, 32.7, and 73.3% for soil, otters, and monkeys, respectively), Firmicutes (0.4% soil, 30.1% otters, and 14.4% monkeys), Bacteroidota (5.6% soil, 17.0% otters, and 8.3% monkeys), and Acidobacteriota (24.6% soil, 1.7% otters, and 0.1% monkeys). The estimation of alpha diversity indices revealed that the feature, Chao1, and Shannon indices of the soil microbiome were the greatest (p < 0.01) among the three groups, followed by those of the otter microbiome and those of the monkey microbiome (p < 0.01). Beta diversity analyses confirmed differences in the microbiota of the three types of samples. The determination of SCFA concentration in feces revealed that total volatile fatty acids, acetic acid, and isovaleric acid were greater (p < 0.05) in otters than in monkeys, while propionic acid followed the opposite pattern (p < 0.05). Correlation analysis of the microbiome and SCFA contents showed that propionic acid was positively correlated with significantly different bacterial groups, while acetic and butyric acid and total volatile acids were negatively correlated. This study confirmed that the fecal microbes of Eurasian otters and golden snub-nosed monkeys in the reserve are related to the soil microbial communities of their habitats, but they have different bacterial community structures and compositions, and there are different SCFA metabolic patterns in the gut of the two animals. The present study will help to improve wildlife protection in the FNNR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has already become a global pandemic. Recently, reports showed its pathogenesis was closely related to a disorder of gut microbiota. In China, the Liu–Wei–Di–Huang Pills (LWDH) have treated T2DM for thousands of years. However, its therapeutic mechanism associated with gut microbiota is worthy of further study. Aims: This study aims to investigate the effects of LWDH on T2DM by regulating gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in Goto–Kakizaki (GK) rats. Methods: T2DM models were successfully established based on GK rats and administrated with LWDH. The changes in fasting blood glucose (FBG), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and serum insulin (INS) were determined, and the immunohistochemical (IHC) method was used to test INS expression in pancreas. The 16S-ribosomal DNA (16S rDNA) sequencing analysis assessed gut microbiota structural changes; a gas chromatography–mass spectrometer (GC–MS)-based metabolomics method was adopted to detect SCFA levels. The pathological morphology of jejunum was detected by hematoxylin–eosin (H&E) staining, and the expression of GPR43, GPR41, GLP-1, and GLP-1R was evaluated by qRT-PCR and ELISA, respectively. Results: We observed that GK rats treated with LWDH: (a) has altered the microbial structure and promoted the abundance of bacteria in Firmicutes, including Lactobacillus, Allobaculum, and Ruminococcus_2, (b) increased SCFAs levels involving acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid and (c) alleviated T2DM and jejunum injuries potentially based on SCFAs-GPR43/41-GLP-1 pathway. Conclusion: LWDH could improve T2DM by regulating gut microbiota and SCFAs, and the therapeutic mechanism might be related to the SCFAs-GPR43/41-GLP-1 pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to explore the changes in the microbial community on the silage material surface and during the ensiling process of whole-plant maize in different regions. Whole-plant maize silages were sampled in Ziyun, Guanling, and Weinning counties within warm and humid climate areas in southern China. Silages were sampled at 0, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 45 days during ensiling. The nutritional components, fermentation properties, and microbiomes were examined to evaluate the influence of sampling area and fermentation time on the quality of silage. The results showed that the pH values of all silages significantly decreased (<4.2 at ensiling day 2) during fermentation and all silages achieved satisfactory fermentation at 45 days. Butyric acid was not detected during ensiling, and the contents of acetic acid and ammonia nitrogen in the final silages were below 6 g/kg DM and 50 g/kg total nitrogen, respectively. Weissella was the dominant epiphytic bacteria of raw material in Ziyun and Weinning, while Lactobacillus was prevalent in Guanling. Lactobacillus dominated the ensiling process, and its abundance significantly increased with increasing fermentation time in the three groups. Lactobacillus was negatively correlated with pH of all silages (p < 0.05) and positively correlated with lactic acid, propionic acid and acetic acid (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the bacterial community was significantly correlated with environmental factors. Altitude had a highly positive correlation with the abundance of Stenotrophomonas , Chryseobacterium , and Massilia (p < 0.01), while precipitation was negatively correlated with these bacteria. The humidity and average temperature significantly influenced the Lactobacillus and Weissella abundances of fresh whole-plant maize. During the ensiling process, the silages from three regions had similar bacterial dynamic changes, and the Lactobacillus formed and maintained good fermentation characteristics in whole-plant maize silage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China is a large agricultural country with the most abundant straw resources in the world, and about 1.04 billion tons of straw is produced annually. Using anaerobic fermentation technology to transform straw into high-yielding calorific value of biogas is one of the effective ways to solve the environmental pollution caused by incineration, and is also an important means to improve the total quantification and resource utilization of agricultural waste. Straw is composed of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin, which are tight association and intertwined by chemical bonds. This dense structure will prevent straw from contacting with microorganisms. Therefore, pretreatments are necessary to facilitate biogas production by overcoming hydrolysis limitations. In the present study, rice straw were pretreated by microbial community for semi-continuous anaerobic fermentation, after taking out the samples in the fermentation stage of acid production, the degradation of rice straw by microbial community for acid production effect was studied by high-throughput sequencing and metagenomic technology, and the structure and function of microbial community were analyzed, which was then applied to semi-continuous anaerobic fermentation for methane production. The acid production fermentation temperature was (35±1)℃, and semi-continuous anaerobic fermentation was (35±1)℃. The inoculation amount of the microbial community in the fermentation stage of acid production was 3%, after fermentation for 3 days, the volatile fatty acid (VFAs) and alcohol produced by biological pretreatment was centrifuged at 2 000 r/min for 10 min, and then 285.7 mL of which was inoculated into the semi-continuous anaerobic fermentation, the fermentation lasted for 40 days, and the hydraulic retention time (HRT) was 7 days. In the anaerobic fermentation tank, the biogas slurry of pig manure fermentation with the inoculation volume ratio of 20% was used as the inoculation material. The degradation of rice straw by microbial community in the acid production fermentation was found mainly occurred in the first 3 days, and the degradation rate of rice straw reached 64.05%, the degradation rate of rice straw by microbial community was 89.02% after 12 days of pretreatment, and the degradation rates of hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin were 88.73%, 80.51% and 62.68%, respectively. The metabolites of rice straw pretreated by microbial community were mainly acetic acid and butyric acid, which accounted for 54.51% and 29.02% of the total VFAs, respectively. Microbial community is mainly composed of Cellulosilyticum, Prevotella, Pseudomonas, Mobilitalea, Lysinibacillus, Clostridium and Oscillibacter etc, all of them have a relative contribution to carbon metabolism of more than 45%, among them, Prevotella and Cellulosilyticum on metabolism of fructose, mannose and pentose transformation have the largest relative contribution, reaching 20.90% and 11.98%, respectively. Pseudomonas has the largest relative contribution to lignin degradation, reaching 7.5%. Semi-continuous anaerobic fermentation was carried out on rice straw pretreated by microbial community, the daily gas yield, methane content and daily methane yield increased by 11.34%, 25.24% and 34.10% respectively compared with the control, and the daily methane yield was always maintained at about 200 mL/d. We conclude that rice straw pretreatment by microbial community can effectively improve the efficiency of rice straw anaerobic fermentation to produce methane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The selection of sampling bags for odour measurement by olfactometry is critical and challenging since the loss of odorants during storage and transportation is usually high. However, there are no recommendations or limitations on the storage time for the standard Triangle odour bag method used in China. In order to optimise the selection of sampling bags, selected types of sampling bags (Fluode, BOPET, FEP and Tedlar) were tested and compared by using selected key odorants (dimethyl sulphide, 2-butanone, 2,3-butanedione, 4-methylphenol, indole, skatole, acetic acid, propanoic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid and hexanoic acid). The concentrations of key odorants were detected by PTR-MS. Firstly, background contamination was tested, with total amount of background pollutants produced by Tedlar being significantly higher than the other three types of sampling bags, while FEP and BOPET had less background contaminants. Secondly, recovery tests showed that the SOAV (sum of odour activity values) recoveries after 24 h of storage of Fluode, Tedlar, FEP and BOPET were 19.5%, 24.2%, 47.7% and 27.7%, respectively. FEP had better recovery than others, especially for the storage of 4-methylphenol (~55% recovery after 48 h), which is one of the key odorants emitted from intensive pig production. Finally, the recovery tests for 2,3-butanedione were performed under various conditions and results indicated that the storage of 2,3-butanedione in sampling bags depends on bag type (e.g. single bags or double bags), initial concentration level (10 ppbv, 100 ppbv or 1000 ppbv), the inner surface area-to-volume ratio and light condition (dark, natural light or LED light). • Four types of sampling bag (Fluode, FEP, BOPET and Tedlar) were tested. • Background contaminant concentrations from Tedlar bags were significantly higher. • FEP showed best performance for recovery of tested odorants especially p-cresol. • Recovery of 2,3-butanedione depends on initial concentration and storage conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The crossbred goats which found only in China. • The heat challenge has adverse effects on rumen fermentation, blood parameters and growth performance of goats. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of heat challenge on growth performance as well as ruminal, blood and physiological parameters of Chinese crossbred goats. During the heat challenge period, the goats exhibited significantly higher skin temperatures, pulse rates and respiration rates than during the control period. The rumen pH and concentrations of ammonia-N (NH 3 -N), total volatile fatty acids (TVFAs), acetic acid and propionic acid were significantly lower during the heat challenge period than during the control period. In addition, the butyric acid concentration, acetate-to-propionate ratio (A/P ratio) and oxidation–reduction potential (ORP) in the rumen were significantly increased in heat-challenged goats compared to those in control period. During the heat challenge period, the goats showed significantly higher serum creatine kinase (CK) activity and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and malonaldehyde (MDA) concentrations than during the control period, while the glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity and the serum total protein (TP) and vitamins C and E concentrations were significantly lower (P < 0.05) during the control period. During the heat challenge period, the goats exhibited significantly lower (P < 0.05) dry matter (DM) intake (DMI) and average daily gain (ADG) than during the control period and significantly higher (P < 0.05) digestibilities of DM, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) than during the control period. These results suggest that the effect of a heat challenge on goats is systemic. Therefore, in goat production practices, the adverse effects of heat stress should not be ignored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fuzi decoction (FZD) is clinically used to treat chronic heart failure (CHF) in China, but the mechanism underlying FZD treatment in CHF remains unclear. Here, we investigated the potential mechanism underlying FZD treatment of CHF in rats. First, the compounds in FZD-containing serum of rats were identified, and 16 S rRNA sequencing and GC–MS-based untargeted metabolomics analysis were then performed. The levels of fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were determined and compared, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) was used to verify the role of the gut microbiota. Our results identified 27 in FD-containing serum. FZD increased the Firmicutes -to- Bacteroidetes ratio and the Lactobacillus abundance and affected the β diversity of the gut microbiota in rats with CHF. Differential species analysis showed that Lactobacillus and Prevotella were biomarkers of FZD treatment of CHF. Untargeted metabolomics analysis revealed that FZD affected valine, leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis; galactose metabolism; and aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis in rats with CHF. Furthermore, FZD significantly increased the acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid and isopentanoic acid levels in the feces of rats with CHF. Correlation analysis showed that the butyric acid and Lactobacillus levels had the strongest correlation in the control, sham and high-dose FZD (HFZD) groups, and many microbiota components were closely related to differentially abundant metabolites. FMT revealed that the fecal microbiota obtained from the HFZD group changed the heart rate; the brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, and metabolite levels; and the gut microbiota in rats with CHF. In summary, our study revealed that the mechanism of action of FZD in CHF treatment may be related to improvements in the gut microbiota, elevations in the SCFA content and the regulation of valine, leucine, and isoleucine biosynthesis; galactose metabolism; and other metabolic pathways. [Display omitted] • Lactobacillus and Prevotella may be biomarkers of Fuzi decoction (FZD) for chronic heart failure (CHF) treatment. • FZD restores the metabolic disorder caused by CHF. • FZD increased the content of short-chain fatty acid in the feces of rats with CHF. • Fecal microbiota transplantation demonstrated the role of gut microbiota in the treatment of CHF by FZD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leymus chinensis is an important grass in China and Russia. Six lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains ( LB, LPL1, LPL2, LPL3, LCL and WH) from L. chinensis silage were screened and identified and their effects on fermentation quality were investigated. All six strains were grown at 6·5% NaCl and pH 4·00. Strains LPL1, LPL2 and LPL3 were identified as Lactobacillus plantarum, and LB, WH and LCL were classified as Lactobacillus brevis, Weissella hellenica and Lactobacillus casei respectively. The six isolated strains and a commercial inoculant ( Lactobacillus buchneri) were added to L. chinensis for ensiling at densities of 500 and 600 kg m−3. The control was sprayed with the same volume of distilled water. The effects of the strains on fermentation quality after 45 d ensiling and aerobic stability during 8 d of exposure to air were evaluated. The 600 kg m−3 silage had lower pH, butyric acid, ammonia nitrogen content and coliform bacteria counts than the 500 kg m−3 density silage ( P < 0·05). The six isolated strains decreased pH, butyric acid content and increased lactic acid content, and all inoculants increased L. chinensis silage aerobic stability except LCL ( P < 0·05). The fermentation quality of L. chinensis silage increased with higher ensiling density. The LAB strains improved the fermentation quality, and high-quality silage could be obtained at low ensiling density with the addition of the LAB strains. The strains improved the aerobic stability; Lb. buchneri and Lb. brevis showed the best performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As centenarians provide a paradigm of healthy aging, investigating the comprehensive metabolic profiles of healthy centenarians is of utmost importance for the pursuit of health and longevity. However, relevant reports, especially studies considering the dietary influence on metabolism, are still limited, mostly lacking the guidance of a model of healthy aging. Therefore, exploring the signatures of the integrative metabolic profiles of the healthy centenarians from a famous longevous region, Bama County, China, should be an effective way. The global metabolome in urine and the short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the feces of 30 healthy centenarians and 31 elderly people aged 60−70 from the longevous region were analyzed by non-targeted metabolomics combined with metabolic target analysis. The results showed that the characteristic metabolites related to longevity were mostly summarized into phosphatidylserine, lyso-phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylinositol, bile acids, and amino acids (p < 0.05). Six metabolic pathways were found significant relevant to longevity. Furthermore, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, and total SCFA were significantly increased in the centenarian group (p < 0.05) and were also positively associated with the dietary fiber intake (p < 0.01). It was age-accompanied and diet-associated remodeling of phospholipid, amino acid, and SCFA metabolism that expressed the unique metabolic signatures related to exceptional longevity. This metabolic remodeling is suggestive of cognitive benefits, better antioxidant capacity, the attenuation of local inflammation, and health-span-promoting processes, which play a critical and positive role in shaping healthy aging.

With the rapid development of swine production in China, odor pollution associated with piggery facilities has become an increasing environmental concern. N-butyric acid (n-BA) is one of the key odor compounds selected to represent volatile fatty acids (VFAs) found in piggery facilities. In this study, two biofilters (BFs) packed with compost (BFC) or sludge (BFS) and two biotrickling filters (BTFs) packed with pall rings (BTFP) or multidimensional hollow balls (BTFM), respectively, were compared with regard to their performances in the removal of n-BA. The non-biological removal capacities of packing material of the bioreactors on a per unit volume basis were BFS>BFC>BTFM>BTFP. Maximum biological removal capacities per unit volume of packing material of the bioreactors all exceeded 9.1 kg/m3·d and in the order of BFC>BTFM>BFS>BTFP. Kinetic analysis as well as overall evaluation by radar graphs showed that the BTFs achieved superior removal rates to the BFs in the order of BTFM>BTFP>BFC>BFS. The biotrickling filter packed with multidimensional hollow balls could be an effective technology for VFAs removal. Results from this research provide economical and effective alternatives for odor control in piggery facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We evaluated the effects of direct use of an ectomycorrhiza fungal inoculum (Boletus edulis) mixed with indolebutyric acid (IBA), super-absorbent polymers (SAP) and organic compound fertilizer on the survival and growth of Populus hopeiensis saplings on a semiarid site in Inner Mongolia, China, during the first 5 years after planting, and the practical feasibility of using this inoculum mixture over large semiarid areas in North China. SAP was critical for survival of Populus sapling during the first 2 years after planting, while IBA and fertilizer promoted sapling growth in some cases. Saplings inoculated with Boletus edulis had better survival, height growth and diameter at breast height than those in control plots. Ectomycorrhizal inoculation also enhanced stem relative turgidity, stem capacitance and resistance against canker, while decreasing disease incidence. Ectomycorrhizal fungal inoculum was probably the main factor improving tree survival and growth in the 5 years after planting. A mixture consisting of ectomycorrhizal inoculum, IBA, SAP and organic compound fertilizer, with weight proportions in gram of 75:0.04:10:15, has a potential to improve the establishment and early survival of short-rotation forest plantations of P. hopeiensis in semiarid areas. A recommended approach is to mix the ectomycorrhizal fungal inoculum with dry soil at a volume ratio of 1:1000, then adding 10g of soil/ectomycorrhizal fungal inoculum mixtures directly into the planting hole evenly around roots. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Intestinal dysfunction of farm animals, such as intestinal inflammation and altered gut microbiota, is the critical problem affecting animal welfare, performance and farm profitability. China has prohibited the use of antibiotics to improve feed efficiency and growth performance for farm animals, including poultry, in 2020. With the advantages of maintaining gut homeostasis, enhancing digestion, and absorption and modulating gut microbiota, organic acids are regarded as promising antibiotic alternatives. Butyric and citric acids as presentative organic acids positively impact growth performance, welfare, and intestinal health of livestock mainly by reducing pathogenic bacteria and maintaining the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) pH. This review summarizes the discovery of butyric acid (BA), citric acid (CA) and their salt forms, molecular structure and properties, metabolism, biological functions and their applications in poultry nutrition. The research findings about BA, CA and their salts on rats, pigs and humans are also briefly reviewed. Therefore, this review will fill the knowledge gaps of the scientific community and may be of great interest for poultry nutritionists, researchers and feed manufacturers about these two weak organic acids and their effects on intestinal health and gut microbiota community, with the hope of providing safe, healthy and nutrient-rich poultry products to consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Oudemansiella radicata polysaccharides (ORP) was indigestible. • ORP was degraded and utilized by gut microbiota. • The acetic acid, propionic acid and n-butyric acid were the main products. • Beneficial genera, including Bacteroides and Parabacteroides, were promoted. Oudemansiella radicata is a commercialized and nutrient-rich mushroom farmed in China. Polysaccharides (ORP) found in this mushroom possess strong biological properties. In this study, the digestibility and fermentation of ORP and its effects on gut microbiota composition were examined in a simulated digestion and fermentation system in vitro. Results showed that the molecular weight of ORP decreased after simulated digestion. However, no free monosaccharide was detected, indicating that ORP was indigestible. Besides, the overall structure of ORP was not damaged after digestion. When ORP was degraded and utilized by gut microbiota during the fermentation process, several short-chain fatty acids were formed, acetic acid, propionic acid and n-butyric acid were the main products. Notably, ORP could significantly modulate the composition, via increasing the relative abundances of Bacteroides and Parabacteroides. These results suggest that ORP can be used as a functional food to improve health and prevent diseases by promoting gut health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• CPE showed a regulating function on gut microbiota in alleviating diarrhea of mice in a dose-dependent manner. • CPE treatment restored the alpha diversity of gut microbiota in diarrheal mice. • CPE selectively reduced the relative abundance of opportunistic bacteria yet increased potential anti-diarrhea ones. • The increased concentrations of SCFAs and the serum endocrine peptides may mediate CPE's anti-diarrhea effect in mice. Cortex Phellodendri extract (CPE) has been used in China to treat diarrhea whereas the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Given that dysbiosis of gut microbiota is a potential reason for diarrhea, and that oral CPE has a low absorption rate in intestine, we hypothesized that modification of gut microbiota is an important factor in CPE's anti-diarrhea effect. To test this hypothesis, we established a diarrhea model by challenging post-weaning mice with oral Enterotoxigenic-Escherichia coli (ETEC), and then the mice were treated with two doses of CPE (80 mg/kg bodyweight and 160 mg/kg bodyweight) or the vehicle control (phosphate buffered saline). Diarrhea indices, inflammatory factors, morphology of jejunum, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and serum endocrine were determined. Modification of gut microbiota was analyzed using 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing. The changes in functional profiles of gut microbiota were predicted using software PICRUSt. We then explored the association between CPE-responding bacteria and the symptoms indices with the spearman's rank correlation coefficient and significance test. Compared with diarrheal mice, CPE decreased Gut/Carcass ratio and water content of stool, increased goblet cell density and villus height/crypt depth of jejunum, as well as decreased inflammatory indices (Tumour Necrosis Factor-α, Myeloperoxidase and Interleukin-1α). CPE shifted the gut microbiota significantly by increasing alpha diversity (observed species, ace, Shannon, and Simpson) and restoring the gut microbiota. CPE increased Firmicutes and decreased Bacteroidetes. The reduced genus Prevotella , Acinetobacter , and Morganella were positively associated with the diarrhea indices, whereas increased genus Odoribacter , Rikenella , and Roseburia were negatively associated with the diarrhea indices. The abundance of carbohydrate metabolism-related gene and SCFAs-producing bacteria were increased, which was evidenced by increased butyric acid and total SCFAs concentration in the caecum. Consequently, endocrine peptides glucagon-like peptide-1, epidermal growth factor, and peptide tyrosine tyrosine in serum were elevated. CPE shows a shift function on the gut microbiota in alleviating the diarrhea of mice in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the microbial metabolites SCFAs may mediate CPE's anti-diarrhea effect by enhancing endocrine secretion in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Sweet potato vine as a source of fiber had been used in China for many years. We investigated the effects of fresh sweet potato vine on intestinal and plasma metabolites as well as colon microbial composition in Chinese Meishan gilts. Results suggest that sweet potato vine promoted intestinal muscle development, decreased gut permeability, endotoxin and pro-inflammatory cytokines concentrations, and increased butyrate production as well as beneficial flora, thus improving gut health. This study explored the impact of fresh sweet potato vine on the growth as well as the metabolites and colon microbial composition in Chinese Meishan gilt. Twenty Meishan gilts (body weight 30 ± 0.18 kg, n = 10 per treatment) were randomly assigned to a control (CON) or sweet potato vine (SPV) supplementation diet treatment. Gilts were housed in individual stalls. In the SPV treatment, 2 kg fresh sweet potato vine was used instead of 0.18 kg basal diet which provided the same amount of digestive energy and crude protein with the exception of crude fiber (CON, 51.00 g/d vs. SPV, 73.94 g/d) in terms of dry matter intake. Gilts were slaughtered and samples were collected on day 19 after the third estrus cycle. The SPV treatment tended to increase slaughter weight of gilts (p = 0.07); it also increased (p < 0.05) gastrointestinal tract weight and intestinal muscle layer thickness. SPV treatment also decreased (p < 0.05) carcass yield and subcutaneous adipose tissue. The concentration of zonulin and endotoxin in plasma was decreased (p < 0.05) as the gilt consumed the SPV diet. Colonic fecal concentrations of endotoxin, lipocalin-2, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were decreased (p < 0.05), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) was increased (p < 0.05) in the SPV treatment. Butyric acid and acetate concentration in colonic content as well as acetate concentration in caecal content were increased (p < 0.05) in the SPV treatment. Furthermore, the expression of carnitine palmityl transferase (CPT-1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α) in gilt liver in SPV treatment was increased (p < 0.05) in comparison with CON treatment. Meanwhile, the composition of the colon microbes was also altered by SPV; representative changes included an increase in Lactobacillus, Bacteroides, Roseburia, and Lachnospira. These results indicate that gilt fed with sweet potato vine had decreased gut permeability, endotoxin and pro-inflammatory cytokines concentrations; colonic fecal microbiota was also changed, which may be further beneficial to the intestinal health of Chinese Meishan gilt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]