Marriage of Organic and Grubbs Catalysts for Tandem Synthesis of Bottlebrush Polyesters.

Bottlebrush polymers (BBPs) have gained wide attention for their special characters, such as rigid main/side chains, stemming from the exceedingly high graft density. This study aims to provide a simple synthetic approach to BBPs with polyester side chains by merging ring-opening alternating copolymerization (ROAP) and ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP). A simple phosphazene base (tBuP1) is employed for the ROAP of phthalic anhydride and epoxide, after which Grubbs third-generation catalyst (G3) is added to in situ switch on ROMP of the macromonomer, i.e., norbornenyl-ended alternating polyester. The compatibility of tBuP1 with G3 and well-controlled ROMP is evidenced by DOSY-NMR of mixed catalysts, characterization of BBPs, and side-chain degradation. The method can also be extended to BBPs with one-step synthesized block copolyesters side chains. These results highlight the strength of the non-nucleophilic organobase catalyst for convenient construction of complex (degradable) polymers with compositional diversity.

Analysis on the relationship between winter precipitation and the annual variation of horse stomach fly community in arid desert steppe, Northwest China (2007-2019).

Gasterophilus spp. have been found to be widespread in reintroduced Przewalski's horses in the Kalamaili Nature Reserve (Northwest China). However, data on the annual variation in Gasterophilus infections are lacking. To analyze the epidemiological features and determine the cause of the annual variation in Gasterophilus infections, we treated 110 Przewalski's horses with ivermectin and collected Gasterophilus larvae from fecal samples each winter from 2007 to 2019. All 110 Przewalski's horses studied were found to be infected by Gasterophilus spp., and a total of 141 379 larvae were collected. Six species of Gasterophilus were identified with the following prevalence: G. pecorum (100%), G. nasalis (96.36%), G. nigricornis (94.55%), G. haemorrhoidalis (56.36%), G. intestinalis (59.09%), and G. inermis (3.64%). The mean infection intensity of Gasterophilus spp. larvae in Przewalski's horses was 1285 ± 653. G. pecorum (92.96% ± 6.71%) was the most abundant species. The intensity of Gasterophilus spp. (r = -0.561, P < 0.046) was significantly correlated with winter precipitation. Our findings confirmed that, in the Kalamaili Nature Reserve, gasterophilosis is a severe parasitic disease in Przewalski's horses. Winter precipitation at the beginning of the year can indirectly affect the intensity and composition of Gasterophilus spp. in Przewalski's horses at the end of the year. Therefore, the water-related ecological regulation should be carried out to help reduce the parasite infection of Przewalski's horses.

Effects of Gasterophilus pecorum infestation on the intestinal microbiota of the rewilded Przewalski's horses in China.

Horse botflies have been a threat to the Przewalski's horses in the Kalamaili Nature Reserve in Xinjiang of China since their reintroduction to the original range. As larvae of these parasites could infest the intestine of a horse for months, they could interact with and alter the structure and composition of its intestinal microbiota, affecting adversely its health. Nonetheless, there are no such studies on the rewilded Przewalski's horses yet. For the first time, this study characterizes the composition of the intestinal microbiota of 7 rewilded Przewalski's horses infected severely by Gasterophilus pecorum following and prior to their anthelmintic treatment. Bioinformatics analyses of the sequence data obtained by amplicon high throughput sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA genes showed that G. pecorum infestation significantly increased the richness of the intestinal microbial community but not its diversity. Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were found the dominant phyla as in other animals, and the parasitic infestation decreased the F/B ratio largely by over 50%. Large reduction in relative abundances of the two genera Streptococcus and Lactobacillus observed with G. pecorum infestation suggested possible changes in colic and digestion related conditions of the infected horses. Variations on the relative abundance of the genus groups known to be pathogenic or symbiotic showed that adverse impact of the G. pecorum infestation could be associated with reduction of the symbiotic genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium that are probiotics and able to promote immunity against parasitic infection.

Negative pressure wound therapy with instillation and dwell time in the wound management of necrotizing fasciitis.

OBJECTIVE: Recent literature has shown that negative pressure wound therapy with instillation and dwell time (NPWTi-d) is a valid method of managing complex wounds and gained increasingly wider interest due in part to the increasing complexity of wounds. The purpose of this case study was to obtain information on the profile of NPWTi-d in necrotizing fasciitis patients, investigate the role it play in wound bed preparation, length of hospital stay and number of debridement operations. METHODS: NPWTi-d has been used in patients with necrotizing fasciitis with either normal saline or Prontosan® solution and complete the treatment were involved in the present study. Following aggressive surgical debridement, NPWTi-d was initiated by instilling solution with a set dwell time of 5-10 min, followed by continuous NPWT of -125 mm Hg for 3-5 h. The system was changed on a 3-5 days schedule until sufficient granulation tissue was evident. Patients received systemic antibiotics and underwent wound debridement as indicated. Data of wound bed preparation, length of hospital stay, duration of NPWTi-d therapy, number of surgical interventions were collected retrospectively from patient medical records. RESULTS: A total of 32 patients with diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis received NPWTi-d were included. Granulation tissue was found to be sufficient in 9-16 days. The mean duration of NPWTi-d therapy was 12.5 days prior to wound closure by split-thickness autograft (n = 21), suture (n = 9), or flap transplantation (n = 2).Patients received NPWTi-d treatment over a period of 8-16 days. The mean length of hospitalization was 22.8 days. All wounds were successfully closed and no recurrence of infection or adverse event was observed during NPWTi-d treatment. CONCLUSION: In these patients, NPWTi-d facilitates wound cleansing and wound bed preparation and offers the clinician an additional tool for the management of necrotizing fasciitis. Further well designed prospective investigations with low risk of bias are needed to confirm these findings in the future work.

The impact of temperature on the life cycle of Gasterophilus pecorum in northwest China.

BACKGROUND: The departure of the mature larvae of the horse stomach bot fly from the host indicates the beginning of a new infection period. Gasterophilus pecorum is the dominant bot fly species in the desert steppe of the Kalamaili Nature Reserve (KNR) of northwest China as a result of its particular biological characteristics. The population dynamics of G. pecorum were studied to elucidate the population development of this species in the arid desert steppe. METHODS: Larvae in the freshly excreted feces of tracked Przewalski's horses (Equus przewalskii) were collected and recorded. The larval pupation experiments were carried out under natural conditions. RESULTS: There was a positive correlation between the survival rate and the number of larvae expelled (r = 0.630, p < 0.01); the correlation indicated that the species had characteristic peaks of occurrence. The main periods during which mature larvae were expelled in the feces were from early April to early May (peak I) and from mid-August to early September (peak II); the larval population curve showed a sudden increase and gradual decrease at both peaks. Under the higher temperatures of peak II, the adults developing from the larvae had a higher survival rate, higher pupation rate, higher emergence rate and shorter eclosion period than those developing from peak I larvae. Although G. pecorum has only one generation per year, its occurrence peaked twice annually, i.e. the studied population has a bimodal distribution, which doubles parasitic pressure on the local host. This phenomenon is very rarely recorded in studies on insect life history, and especially in those on parasite epidemiology. CONCLUSION: The period during which G. pecorum larvae are naturally expelled from the host exceeds 7 months in KNR, which indicates that there is potentially a long period during which hosts can become infected with this parasite. The phenomenon of two annual peaks of larvae expelled in feces is important as it provides one explanation for the high rate of equine myiasis in KNR.

Effect of dietary pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium in sows on intestinal health of the offspring.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium (PQQ·Na2) supplementation in sows during gestation and lactation on intestinal health in offspring. A total of 40 cross-bred (landrace × large white crossed with Duroc boar) multiparity gestation sows with an average parity of 4.3 were used in this study. Forty sows were allotted to 2 dietary treatments after breeding. One group was the control sows, which were fed a corn-soybean meal control diet (Con treatment, n = 20), and the other group was the treatment sows fed a control diet with 20 mg kg-1 PQQ·Na2 after breeding and through gestation and lactation (PQQ treatment, n = 20). The activities of SOD and GSH-Px were significantly (P < 0.05) increased by PQQ·Na2 supplementation, and MDA activity was decreased (P < 0.05) in the plasma of piglets. CAT, SOD and GSH-Px activities were significantly (P < 0.05) increased, and MDA activity was decreased (P < 0.05) in the small intestine of piglets. The mRNA expression levels of SOD1, CAT and MGST1 in the jejunum were increased in newborn piglets (P < 0.05), and the mRNA expression levels of HO1, SOD1, CAT, SOD2, GPX4, GPX1 and GCLC in the jejunum were increased in weaned piglets (P < 0.05). The mRNA expression of ZO-1 was increased (P < 0.05) in the jejunum of newborn piglets, and the mRNA expression of Occludin and ZO-1 was increased (P < 0.05) in the jejunum of weaned piglets. The villous height of the duodenum and jejunum of weaned piglets was increased (P < 0.05) by dietary PQQ·Na2. In weaned piglets, Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes were the most prevalent phyla in both the Con and PQQ·Na2 treatment groups, and the most prevalent genera were Alloprevotella and Bacteroides. At the phylum level, the abundance of Firmicutes was significantly increased (P < 0.05), and the abundance of Proteobacteria was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). At the genus level, the abundance of Alloprevotella was significantly increased (P < 0.05), and the abundance of Actinobacillus and Escherichia was decreased (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with PQQ·Na2 in sows during gestation and lactation had positive effects on intestinal health in offspring.

Pyrroloquinoline quinone inhibits the production of inflammatory cytokines via the SIRT1/NF-κB signal pathway in weaned piglet jejunum.

The small intestine is an important digestive organ and plays a vital role in the life of a pig. In this study, we explored the regulatory role and molecular mechanism of pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) on intestinal health and to discussed the interaction between PQQ and vitamin C (VC). A total of 160 healthy piglets weaned at 21 d were randomly divided into four treatment groups according to 2 × 2 factoring. The results showed that dietary PQQ could significantly decrease the levels of plasma globulin, albumin/globulin (A/G), indirect bilirubin (IBIL), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (CREA) (P < 0.05 for each), total bilirubin, (TBIL) (P < 0.01), diamine oxidase (DAO) (P < 0.01) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) (P < 0.0001) and increase the levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) (P < 0.0001) in the plasma of weaned piglets. Similarly, dietary VC could significantly decrease the levels of plasma globulin, A/G, DAO (P < 0.05 for each) and IgG (P < 0.0001) and increase the levels of IgA and IgM (P < 0.0001) in the plasma of weaned piglets. In addition, dietary PQQ increased (P < 0.05) the mRNA levels of antioxidant genes (NQO1, UGT1A1, and EPHX1), thereby enhancing (oxidized) nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) concentration and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) activity in tissues. However, the addition of 200 mg kg-1 VC to the diet containing PQQ reduced most of the effects of PQQ. We further show that PQQ reduced (P < 0.05) the expression of inflammation-related genes (IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α, and COX-2) via the SIRT1/NF-κB deacetylation signaling. In conclusion, our data reveals that PQQ exerts a certain protective effect on the intestines of piglets, but higher concentrations of VC react with PQQ, which inhibits the regulatory mechanism of PQQ.

Effect of fermented blood cells on growth performance and intestinal characteristics of weaned piglets.

The increase in feed costs has led feeder to replace protein source. Blood meal can be used in piglet diets instead of fish meal (FM). The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of fermented blood cells (FBCs) on the growth performance and intestinal health of weaned piglets. One hundred eighty 28-day-old piglets were assigned and were divided into 4 groups (9 L per groups and 5 pigs per litters) randomly. The piglets were fed one of four experimental diets, fish meal, blood cells (BCs), liquid-state fermented blood cells (LFBCs) or solid-state fermented blood cells (SFBCs) respectively. The dietary with LFBCs and SFBCs increased the average daily gain and feed intake (ADFI) and average daily gain (ADG) (p < .05). In duodenum, LFBC group increased the villous height (p < .05). The SFBC and LFBC group significantly increased the villous height (p < .05) in the jejunum. Fermented blood cells exhibit a positive regulatory function on the intestinal tract and modulate intestinal microflora. Compared with the fish meal group, the CAT, GSH-PX and SOD activity, and MDA level was no significant differences in jejunum and plasma of weaned piglets (p > .05). LFBCs and SFBCs significantly increased the bifidobacteria and lactobacillus number in the caecum (p < .05). Dietary LFBCs increased the expression of ZO-1 mRNA in the jejunal of weaned piglets (p < .05). In conclusion, dietary with fermented blood cells in weaned piglets had improved growth performance and intestinal health of weaned piglets.

Transcriptome analysis of the effect of pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium (PQQ·Na2) on reproductive performance in sows during gestation and lactation.

BACKGROUND: Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), which is a water soluble, thermo-stable triglyceride-quinone, is widely distributed in nature and characterized as a mammalian vitamin-like redox cofactor. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium (PQQ·Na2) on reproductive performance in sows. RESULTS: Dietary supplementation with PQQ·Na2 significantly increased the total number of piglets born, the number of piglets born alive and the born alive litter weight. It also increased the antioxidant status in the placenta, plasma and milk. The concentration of NO was significantly increased in the plasma and placenta. RNA-seq analysis showed that 462 unigenes were differentially expressed between the control (Con) treatment and PQQ treatment groups. Among these unigenes, 199 were upregulated, while 263 unigenes were downregulated. The assigned functions of the unigenes covered a broad range of GO categories. Reproduction (27, 7.03%) and the reproduction process (27, 7.03%) were assigned to the biological process category. By matching DEGs to the KEGG database, we identified 29 pathways. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, dietary supplementation with PQQ·Na2 in gestating and lactating sows had positive effects on their reproductive performance.

Effect of pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium in female rats during gestating and lactating on reproductive performance and the intestinal barrier functions in the progeny.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium (PQQ·Na2) supplementation on the reproductive performance and intestinal barrier functions of gestating and lactating female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats and their offspring. Dietary supplementation with PQQ·Na2 increased the number of implanted embryos per litter during gestation and lactation at GD 20 and increased the number of viable fetuses per litter, and the weight of uterine horns with fetuses increased at 1 d of newborn. The mRNA expression levels of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx2), superoxide dismutase (SOD1), solute carrier family 2 member 1 (Slc2a1) and solute carrier family 2 member 3 (Slc2a3) in the placenta were increased with dietary PQQ·Na2 supplementation. Dietary supplementation with PQQ·Na2 in gestating and lactating rats increased the CAT, SOD and GPx activities of the jejunal mucosa of weaned rats on PD 21. Dietary supplementation with PQQ·Na2 in female rats affected the expression of tight junction proteins (claudin, zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and occludin) in the jejunal mucosa of their offspring by increasing the expression of ZO-1 mRNA in the expression of ZO-1 and claudin mRNA in the jejunal mucosa of weaned rats on PD 21. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with PQQ·Na2 in gestating and lactating female rats had positive effects on their reproductive performance and on the intestinal barrier of weaned rats.

Genetic diversity of common Gasterophilus spp. from distinct habitats in China.

BACKGROUND: Gasterophilus species are widely distributed around the world. The larvae of these flies parasitize the digestive tract of equids and cause damage, hindering horse breeding and protection of endangered species. However, study of the genetic structure of geographically distinct Gasterophilus populations is lacking. Here, we analyzed the genetic diversity of Gasterophilus pecorum, G. intestinalis, G. nasalis and G. nigricornis from three typical grasslands (meadow, desert and alpine steppes) in China as compared to published sequences from Italy, Poland and China (Daqing and Yili), based on the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase cox1 and cox2 gene sequences. RESULTS: Haplotype diversity and nucleotide diversity of mitochondrial genes was generally high in all Gasterophilus populations. Due to the unique natural climatic conditions of the alpine steppe, there were high levels of genetic differentiation among different geographical populations of G. pecorum and G. nasalis, indicating that environmental variations influenced population genetic structure. Frequent exchanges between meadow and desert steppe Gasterophilus species resulted in low genetic differentiation. The highest exchange rates were found among G. intestinalis populations. Genetic differentiation was only observed on a large geographical scale, which was confirmed by analyzing population genetic structure. Three species, G. pecorum, G. intestinalis and G. nasalis, from meadow steppe showed a high emigration rate, indicating that the direction of Gasterophilus dispersal in China was from east to west. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that the four Gasterophilus species have a high level of genetic diversity and different degrees of genetic differentiation and gene flow among different populations of the same species, reflecting their potential to adapt to the environment and the environmental impact on genetic structure. Knowledge of the genetic structure, population history, and migration will help understand the occurrence and prevalence of gasterophilosis and provide a basis for controlling the local spread of Gasterophilus spp.

Lower energy radial shock wave therapy improves characteristics of hypertrophic scar in a rabbit ear model.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (rESWT) on scar characteristics and transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1/Smad signaling in order to explore a potential modality for the treatment of hypertrophic scars (HS). The HS model was generated in rabbit ears, then rabbits were randomly divided into 3 groups: Lower (L)-ESWT [treated with rESWT with lower energy flux density (EFD) of 0.1 mJ/mm2], higher (H)-ESWT (treated with a higher EFD of 0.18 mJ/mm2) and the sham ESWT group (S-ESWT; no ESWT treatment). Scar characteristics (wrinkles, texture, diameter, area, volume of elevation, hemoglobin and melanin) were assessed using the Antera 3D® system. The protein and mRNA expression of TGF-ß1, Smad2, Smad3 and Smad7 was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, respectively. The Antera 3D® results indicated that wrinkles and hemoglobin of the HS were significantly improved in both of the rESWT groups when compared with the S-ESWT group. However, these changes appeared much earlier in the L-ESWT group than the H-ESWT. Scar texture was also improved in the L-ESWT group. However, rESWT did not influence HS diameter, area, volume of elevation or melanin levels. rESWT had no effect on TGF-ß1 or Smad7 expression in either of rESWT groups. Although no difference was observed in Smad2 mRNA expression in the L-ESWT group, the Smad3 mRNA and protein expression significantly decreased when compared with the H-ESWT and S-ESWT groups. By contrast, Smad2 and Smad3 mRNA expression were upregulated in the H-ESWT group. These results demonstrated that rESWT with 0.1 mJ/mm2 EFD improved some characteristics of the HS tissue. Downregulation of Smad3 expression may underlie this inhibitory effect. Inhibition of the TGF-ß1/Smad signal transduction pathway may be a potential therapeutic target for the management of HS.

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy with low-energy flux density inhibits hypertrophic scar formation in an animal model.

Hypertrophic scar is characterized by excessive deposits of collagen during skin wound healing, which could become a challenge to clinicians. This study assessed the effects of the extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on hypertrophic scar formation and the underlying gene regu-lation. A rabbit ear hypertrophic scar model was generated and randomly divided into three groups: L-ESWT group to receive L-ESWT (energy flux density of 0.1 mJ/mm2), H-ESWT (energy flux density of 0.2 mJ/mm2) and sham ESWT group (S-ESWT). Hypertrophic scar tissues were then collected and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson's trichrome staining, respectively, to assess scar elevation index (SEI), fibroblast density and collagen fiber arrangement. Expression of cell proliferation marker proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were assessed using RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry in hypertrophic scar tissues. H&E staining sections showed significant reduction of SEI and fibroblast density in both ESWT treatment groups compared to S-ESWT, but there was no dramatic difference between L-ESWT and H-ESWT groups. Masson's trichrome staining showed that collagen fibers were more slender and broader and oriented in parallel to skin surface after administration of ESWT compared to control tissues. At the gene level, PCNA­positive fibroblasts and α-SMA-positive myofibroblasts were significantly decreased after L-ESWT or H-ESWT compared to the controls. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in expression of PCNA mRNA between L-ESWT or H-ESWT and S-ESWT, whereas expression of α-SMA mRNA significantly decreased in L-ESWT compared to that of H-ESWT and S-ESWT (P=0.002 and P=0.030, respectively). In conclusion, L-ESWT could be effective on suppression of hypertrophic scar formation by inhibition of scar elevation index and fibroblast density as well as α-SMA expression in hypertrophic scar tissues of the rabbit model.

Couple-kissing flaps for successful repair of severe sacral pressure ulcers in frail elderly patients.

BACKGROUND: Surgical repair of severe pressure ulcers (PUs) in elderly patients remains a challenge for clinicians due to the complicated comorbidities and the special physical characteristics of elderly patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate the application of couple-kissing flaps (CKF) in the reconstruction of sacral PUs in these patients. METHODS: Elderly patients (over 70 years) with stage 3 or stage 4 PUs who underwent CKF immediately after radical debridement between July 2012 and December 2015 were enrolled in this retrospective study. Patients' demographics were extracted from the medical records. RESULTS: A total of 12 patients were involved in this study. The average age of the patients was 76.83 years (ranged from 71 to 92 years). The donor site was closed primarily in all cases. All the flaps healed uneventfully without complications. Follow-up observations were conducted for an average of 13.6 months (ranged from 9 months to 2 years). Cosmetic results were satisfactory, with no surgical site breakdown or recurrence of PU in any of the cases. Three representative cases are presented. CONCLUSIONS: The CKF is a reliable and satisfactory option for the reconstruction of severe sacral PUs defects in elderly patients. CKF is associated with an relatively low rate of complications and recurrence.

Necrotizing soft tissue infection: clinical characteristics and outcomes at a reconstructive center in Jilin Province.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes in necrotizing fasciitis (NF) patients in a reconstructive unit in northeastern China. METHODS: Medical records of patients diagnosed with and treated for NF in the extremities from November 2013 to December 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic data, clinical presentation, duration of signs and symptoms, location of infection, predisposing factors, causative microbiological organisms, laboratory risk indicator for necrotizing fasciitis (LRINEC) score, number of surgical debridements, length of hospital stay, treatments, and outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 39 consecutive patients were treated for severe NF (32 male and 7 female). Diabetes mellitus and blunt trauma were the most common risk factors (13 and 9 cases, respectively). The positive predictive value of the LRINEC score in NF diagnosis was 46.2%. Mean duration of signs and symptoms was 4.6 days. Staphylococcus aureus was the most commonly isolated bacteria (20 cases). All patients underwent their first debridement within 12 h of presentation (mean, 4.6 h). Mean number of surgical treatments was 2.8 (range, 2-5) per patient, including debridements. All patients survived, and mean length of hospital stay was 30.81 (range, 21-43) days. Three patients underwent limb amputation. CONCLUSIONS: In our clinical experience, early detection and aggressive debridement are the cornerstones of NF treatment. Antibiotic therapy and intensive care support is essential in severe cases of NF. Anaerobic tissue culture and frozen section biopsy could be adopted as routine tests for diagnosis and decision-making in NF. These findings should inform clinical decisions about the treatment of individual patients with NF.

Gasterophilus (Diptera, Gasterophilidae) infestation of equids in the Kalamaili Nature Reserve, China.

We investigated infections with Gasterophilus spp. in three equids within the Kalamaili Nature Reserve (northern China). We conducted necropsies on 6 Przewalski's horses (Equus ferus przewalskii) and 6 Mongolian wild asses (Equus hemionus) and administered ivermectin to 10 overwintering domestic horses to expel parasites during winter periods. All 22 equids studied (100%) were infested with Gasterophilus spp. and a total of 17,225 larvae were collected. These included six species: G. haemorrhoidalis, G. inermis, G. intestinalis, G. nasalis, G. nigricornis, and G. pecorum. The mean intensity of Gasterophilus spp. larvae was 1904 in Przewalski's horses, 780 in Mongolian wild asses, and 113 in domestic horses. Gasterophilus pecorum was the most abundant species in all three equids. Przewalski's horses, a reintroduced species, had a significantly higher intensity of Gasterophilus spp. than the Mongolian wild ass, indicating greater susceptibility to parasites in its ancestral home.

Alleviation of zearalenone toxicity by modified halloysite nanotubes in the immune response of swine.

Zearalenone (ZEN) has caused significant economic effects on swine production in China. There is growing concern that exposure to ZEN during pregnancy affects the health of the offspring due to changes in the development of the immune system. To assess the risks associated with maternal ZEN exposure, several immunological parameters were assessed in pregnant sows and their offspring. The main aim of the study was to determine if modified hallosite nanotubes (MHNTs) can be used to protect pigs against the adverse effects of ZEN. Eighteen pregnant sows (second parity Yorkshire sows) were randomly divided into three treatment groups: (1) basal diet (control group); (2) contaminated grain (instead of 50% mouldy corn); and (3) contaminated grain (instead of 50% mouldy corn) + 1% MHNTs. The pregnant sows were fed the different treated diets from days 35 to 70 of gestation. Dietary ZEN exposure decreased the organ coefficient and the mRNA expression levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-10, and increased ZEN residues and IL-4 mRNA expression in the spleen of pregnant sows and neonatal piglets. Decreases in the serum IgA and IgG levels were observed in the pregnant sows. Maternal ZEN exposure decreased the organ coefficient and the mRNA expression levels of IFN-γ and IL-10, and increased IL-4 mRNA expression in the spleen of weaning piglets. Exposure to ZEN during pregnancy decreased the level of serum IgG in the weaning piglets. Maternal exposure to ZEN induced histopathological damage and oxidative stress in the spleens of pregnant sows and their piglets. The addition of MHNTs to ZEN-contaminated diets can mitigate the negative effects induced by ZEN in the swine.

Expression of Aspergillus niger IA-001 Endo-ß-1,4-xylanase in Pichia pastoris and analysis of the enzymic characterization.

The xylanaseB (XynB) (JX560731.1) gene of Aspergillus niger IA-001 was optimized according to the codon usage of Pichia pastoris and expressed in P. pastoris GS115. The optimized XynB expression level was increased 2.8 times relative to that of the wild-type XynB, and the dual-copy XynB (optimized) expression level was increased 1.9 times relative to that of the single-copy XynB (optimized). The activity of the dual-copy XynB ((XynB-opt)2) was maximized at 15,158.23 ± 45.11 U/mL after 120 h of shaking. The optimal temperature and pH of (XynB-opt)2 were 50 °C and 5.0, respectively. (XynB-opt)2 showed a high specific activity of 6,853.00 ± 20.08 U/mg. IC analysis of the standard xylooligosaccharides showed that (XynB-opt)2 was an endo-xylanase with X2 as the main degradation product. (XynB-opt)2 was highly specific towards different natural xylans. After 24 h of hydrolysis, more than 90 % of the total hydrolysis products of xylan were X2 and X1, almost no X4 ~ X6. In addition, the enzyme exhibited resistance to many metal ions and low pH values. The superior catalytic properties of (XynB-opt)2 suggested its great potential as an effective additive in animal feed industry.