scholarly journals Effects of enhanced insect feeding on the faecal microbiota and transcriptome of a family of captive common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yumiko Yamazaki ◽  
Shigeharu Moriya ◽  
Shinpei Kawarai ◽  
Hidetoshi Morita ◽  
Takefumi Kikusui ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Control Group ◽  
Faecal Microbiota ◽  
Insect Feeding ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Common Marmosets ◽  
Linear Discriminant ◽  
Functional Correlation ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Physiological Impact

Common marmosets have been widely used in biomedical research for years. Nutritional control is an important factor in managing their health, and insect intake would be beneficial for that purpose because common marmosets frequently feed on insects in natural habitats. Here, we examined the effect of enhanced insect feeding on the gut by analysing the faecal microbiota and transcripts of captive marmosets. A family consisting of six marmosets was divided into two groups. During the seven-day intervention period, one group (the insect feeding group, or Group IF) was fed one cricket and one giant mealworm per marmoset per day, while the other (the control group, or Group C) was not fed these insects. RNA was extracted from faecal samples to evaluate the ecology and transcripts of the microbiota, which were then compared among time points before (Pre), immediately after (Post), and two weeks after intervention (After) by total RNA sequencing. The gut microbiota of marmosets showed Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Proteobacteria as dominant phyla. Linear discriminant analysis showed differential characteristics of microbiota with and without insect feeding treatment. Further analysis of differentially expressed genes revealed increases and decreases in Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes, respectively, corresponding to the availability of insects under both Post and After conditions. Significant changes specific to insect feeding were also detected within the transcriptome, some of which were synchronized with the fluctuations in the microbiota, suggesting a functional correlation or interaction between the two. The rapid changes in the microbiota and transcripts may be deeply connected to the original microbiota community shaped by marmoset feeding ecology in the wild. The results were informative for identifying the physiological impact of insect feeding to produce a better food regimen and for detecting transcripts that are currently unidentifiable.

Effects of enhanced insect feeding on the fecal microbiome and transcriptome of a family of captive common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yumiko Yamazaki ◽  
Shigeharu Moriya ◽  
Shinpei Kawarai ◽  
Hidetoshi Morita ◽  
Takefumi Kikusui ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Period ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Insect Feeding ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Common Marmosets ◽  
Fecal Microbiome ◽  
Total Rna ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Physiological Impact ◽  
First Time

Abstract Background: Common marmosets have been widely used in biomedical research for years. Nutritional control is an important factor in managing their health, and insect intake would be beneficial for that purpose because common marmosets frequently feed on insects in natural habitats. However, the effect of insect feeding on the marmoset body has not been clearly characterized. Here, we examined the effect of enhanced insect feeding on the gut by analyzing the fecal microbiome and transcriptome of captive marmosets. Methods: A family consisting of six marmosets was divided into two groups. During the seven-day intervention period, one group (the insect feeding group, or Group IF) was fed one cricket and one giant mealworm per marmoset per day, while the other (the control group, or Group C) was not fed these insects. RNA was extracted from fecal samples to evaluate the ecology and transcriptome of the microbiome, which were then compared among time points before (Pre), just after (Post), and two weeks after intervention (After) by total RNA sequencing (total RNA-seq). Results: General health status was not changed throughout the experimental period in either group. Distinct changes were observed only in the microbiome of Group IF after the insect feeding treatment. A species of flagellate, Hypotrichomonas mariae , was identified for the first time in common marmosets, but only after enhanced insect feeding. The structure of the microbiome differed between the groups with and without insect feeding. There were significant changes in the transcriptome of Group IF only, and some of the changes in the transcriptome mirrored the fluctuations in the microbiome. Conclusions: Enhanced insect feeding modified the distribution of the fecal microbiomes of the marmosets, which were suggested to interact with the transcriptomes. The rapid changes in the microbiome and transcriptome are deeply connected to the feeding ecology of marmosets in the wild. The results were informative for identifying the physiological impact of insect feeding and for detecting transcripts that are currently unidentifiable. The present study supports a feeding regimen for captive marmosets that includes insects to maintain the natural balance of symbiotic metabolism in the gut microbiome.

scholarly journals Effect of competitive exclusion in rabbits using an autochthonous probiotic

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Cunha ◽  
Ângelo Mendes ◽  
Dinis Rego ◽  
Diana Meireles ◽  
Ruben Fernandes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pathogenic Bacteria ◽  
Competitive Exclusion ◽  
Alternative Methods ◽  
Pulse Field ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Faecal Microbiota ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
The Impact

<p>Animal nutrition has been severely challenged by the ban on antimicrobials as growth promoters. This has fostered the study of alternative methods to avoid colonisation by pathogenic bacteria as well as to improve the growth of animals and feed conversion efficiency. These new options should not alter the normal intestinal microbiota, or affect it as little as possible. The use of probiotics, which are live microorganisms that beneficially affect the host by improving its intestinal microbial balance, can be seen as a promising way to achieve that goal. In this study, New Zealand White rabbits were fed diets containing an autochthonous probiotic of Enterococcus spp., with the strains EaI, EfaI and EfaD, and Escherichia coli, with the strains ECI 1, ECI 2 and ECD, during a 25-d trial, to evaluate the impact of the probiotic on the faecal microbiota, including population dynamics and antimicrobial resistance profiles. A control group of rabbits, which was fed a diet containing a commonly used mixture of antimicrobials (colistin, oxytetracycline, and valnemulin), was also studied. To assess the colonisation ability of the mentioned probiotic, the faecal microbiota of the rabbits was characterised up to 10 d after the administration had ended. Isolates of enterococci and E. coli were studied for phylogenetic relationships using enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC-PCR) and pulse-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), respectively. Although partially affected by an unexpected clinical impairment suffered by the rabbits in the experimental group, our results showed the following. The difference between the growth rate of the animals treated with antimicrobials and those fed the probiotic was not statistically significant (P&gt; 0.05). The competitive exclusion product was present in the faecal samples in a large proportion, but stopped being recovered by culture as soon as the administration ended and the housing conditions were changed. Multidrug-resistant strains of enterococci and E. coli were more commonly recovered from faecal samples of animals fed diets containing antimicrobials, than from rabbits fed diets with our probiotic formula. The use of E. coli probiotics to prevent infection by enteropathogenic strains must be carefully considered due to the possible occurrence of gastrointestinal signs. On the other hand, enterococci strains may be more effective, but lack the long-term colonisation ability.</p>

scholarly journals Acute changes in the colonic microbiota are associated with large intestinal forms of surgical colic

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shebl E. Salem ◽  
Thomas W. Maddox ◽  
Philipp Antczak ◽  
Julian M. Ketley ◽  
Nicola J. Williams ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Beta Diversity ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
16S Rrna Genes ◽  
Rrna Genes ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Faecal Microbiota ◽  
Alpha And Beta Diversity ◽  
Colonic Microbiota ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
And Control

Abstract Background Horses that undergo surgery for treatment of primary large colon disease have been reported to be at increased risk of developing recurrent colic episodes postoperatively. The reasons for this are currently unknown. The aim of the current study was to characterise the faecal microbiota of horses with colic signs associated with primary large colon lesions treated surgically and to compare the composition of their faecal microbiota to that of a control group of horses undergoing emergency orthopaedic treatment. Faecal samples were collected from horses in both groups on admission to hospital, during hospitalisation and following discharge from hospital for a total duration of 12 weeks. Additionally, colonic content samples were collected from surgical colic patients if pelvic flexure enterotomy was performed during laparotomy. A total of 12 samples were collected per horse. DNA was extracted from samples using a commercial kit. Amplicon mixtures were created by PCR amplification of the V1 – V2 regions of the bacterial 16S rRNA genes and submitted for sequencing using the Ion Torrent PGM next-generation sequencing system. Multivariate data analysis was used to characterise the faecal microbiota and to investigate differences between groups. Results Reduced species richness was evident in the colonic samples of the colic group compared to concurrent sampling of the faeces. Alpha and beta diversity differed significantly between the faecal and colonic microbiota with 304 significantly differentially abundant OTUs identified. Only 46 OTUs varied significantly between the colic and control group. There were no significant differences in alpha and beta diversity of faecal microbiota between colic and control horses at admission. However, this lack of significant differences between groups should be interpreted with caution due to a small sample size. Conclusions The results of the current study suggest that faecal samples collected at hospital admission in colic cases may not accurately represent changes in upper gut microbiota in horses with colic due to large colon disease.

scholarly journals Acute changes in the colonic microbiota are associated with large intestinal forms of surgical colic.

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shebl Ebrahim Salem ◽  
Thomas W Maddox ◽  
Philipp Antczak ◽  
Julian M Ketley ◽  
Nicola J Williams ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Beta Diversity ◽  
Total Duration ◽  
16S Rrna Genes ◽  
Rrna Genes ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Faecal Microbiota ◽  
Alpha And Beta Diversity ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
And Control

Abstract Abstract Background Horses that undergo surgery for treatment of primary large colon disease have been reported to be at increased risk of developing recurrent colic episodes postoperatively. The reasons for this are currently unknown. The aim of the current study was to characterise the faecal microbiota of horses with colic signs associated with primary large colon lesions treated surgically and to compare the composition of their faecal microbiota to that of a control group of horses undergoing emergency orthopaedic treatment. Faecal samples were collected from horses in both groups on admission to hospital, during hospitalisation and following discharge from hospital for a total duration of 12 weeks. Additionally, colonic content samples were collected from surgical colic patients if pelvic flexure enterotomy was performed during laparotomy. A total of 12 samples were collected per horse. DNA was extracted from samples using a commercial kit. Amplicon mixtures were created by PCR amplification of the V1 – V2 regions of the bacterial 16S rRNA genes and submitted for sequencing using the Ion Torrent PGM next-generation sequencing system. Multivariate data analysis was used to characterise the faecal microbiota and to investigate differences between groups. Results Reduced species richness was evident in the colonic samples of the colic group compared to concurrent sampling of the faeces. Alpha and beta diversity differed significantly between the two sets of samples with 304 significantly differentially abundant OTUs identified. Only 46 OTUs varied significantly between the colic and control group. There were no significant differences in alpha and beta diversity of faecal microbiota between colic and control horses at admission. Conclusions The results of the current study suggest that faecal samples collected at hospital admission in colic cases may not accurately represent changes in upper gut microbiota in horses with colic due to large colon disease.

Calculation of Predictive Odds for Possible Carriers of Haemophilia

1975 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. D. Forbes ◽  
A. D. McLaren ◽  
C. R. M. Prentice
Keyword(s):  
Biological Activity ◽  
Discriminant Analysis ◽  
Factor Viii ◽  
Factor Vii ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Posterior Odds ◽  
Linear Discriminant ◽  
Bayesian Calculation ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Betting Odds

The predictive odds for possible carriers of haemophilia have been calculated using data derived from normal and known carrier populations. For each individual the concentration of factor VII-related antigen (A) and factor VIII biological activity (B) was measured. The data has been studied by linear discriminant analysis linked to a Bayesian calculation of posterior odds using the predictive distributions of both the normal and obligatory carrier populations. The proportion of possible carriers assigned to the definite carrier group or control group is dependent on which betting odds are regarded as most suitable for counselling patients. For instance, if betting odds of 5 : 1 were given it was possible to assign 22 of 32 possible carriers (69 per cent) to control or carrier groups. Of this group of 22 possible carriers, 11 were thought to be normal and 11 were thought to be haemophilia carriers.

scholarly journals Numerical assessment in the wild: insights from social carnivores

2018 ◽  
Vol 373 (1740) ◽  
pp. 20160508 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Benson-Amram ◽  
Geoff Gilfillan ◽  
Karen McComb
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Wild Animals ◽  
Playback Experiments ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Numerical Assessment ◽  
Individual Discrimination ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Assessment Skills ◽  
In The Wild

Playback experiments have proved to be a useful tool to investigate the extent to which wild animals understand numerical concepts and the factors that play into their decisions to respond to different numbers of vocalizing conspecifics. In particular, playback experiments have broadened our understanding of the cognitive abilities of historically understudied species that are challenging to test in the traditional laboratory, such as members of the Order Carnivora. Additionally, playback experiments allow us to assess the importance of numerical information versus other ecologically important variables when animals are making adaptive decisions in their natural habitats. Here, we begin by reviewing what we know about quantity discrimination in carnivores from studies conducted in captivity. We then review a series of playback experiments conducted with wild social carnivores, including African lions, spotted hyenas and wolves, which demonstrate that these animals can assess the number of conspecifics calling and respond based on numerical advantage. We discuss how the wild studies complement those conducted in captivity and allow us to gain insights into why wild animals may not always respond based solely on differences in quantity. We then consider the key roles that individual discrimination and cross-modal recognition play in the ability of animals to assess the number of conspecifics vocalizing nearby. Finally, we explore new directions for future research in this area, highlighting in particular the need for further work on the cognitive basis of numerical assessment skills and experimental paradigms that can be effective in both captive and wild settings. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue ‘The origins of numerical abilities’.

Response of Interspecific Hybrid Species of Manchurian Ash to MJ and NO Signals and Preliminary Study on the Formation Mechanism of Drought Resistance Advantage

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yang Cao ◽  
fei song ◽  
Xingtang Zhao ◽  
Liming He ◽  
Yaguang Zhan
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Drought Stress ◽  
Drought Resistance ◽  
Interspecific Hybrid ◽  
Normal Growth ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Physiological Indicators ◽  
Manchurian Ash ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Set Up

Abstract Background: In this study, sodium nitrate (SNP, a donor of nitric oxide) and methyl jasmonate (MJ) were used as exogenous hormones. The experiment was conducted with the offspring (interspecific hybrid) D110 of ash and ash, and their respective parents (non-interspecific hybrid) D113 and 4-3 as experimental materials. The experiment set up three experimental groups of drought stress, exogenous hormone SNP and MJ, and a control group under normal growth (non-drought stress), to study the physiological indicators and gene expression of manchurian ash. Result: The results showed that under drought stress and exogenous application of hormone SNP or MJ, there were significant differences between hybrids and parents in plant growth, photosynthesis, defense enzyme activity, hormone content and gene expression.Conclusions: This experiment provides a new theoretical support for the existing hormone breeding methods of manchurian ash, which can improve the drought resistance of manchurian ash and increase its survival rate in the wild. Increasing the growth rate and breeding efficiency of manchurian ash brings new ideas.

scholarly journals Faecal Microbiota Analysis of Piglets During Lactation

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 762 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanya L. Nowland ◽  
Valeria A. Torok ◽  
Wai Y. Low ◽  
Mary D. Barton ◽  
Kate J. Plush ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Use ◽  
Animal Disease ◽  
Faecal Microbiota ◽  
Alpha And Beta Diversity ◽  
Animal Disease Control ◽  
Potential Development ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
Effect Of Treatment ◽  
Global Concern ◽  
Faecal Microbiome

Antimicrobial use in animals and the potential development of antimicrobial resistance is a global concern. So, non-antimicrobial techniques for animal disease control are needed. This study aimed to determine whether neonatal ceftiofur (CF) treatment affects piglet faecal microbiomes and whether faecal microbiome transplantation (FMT) can correct it. Two focal piglets per sow were assigned to treatments as follows: cffresh (n = 6) received CF (3 mg/kg intramuscular) at 7 d and fresh FMT at 13 d; cffrozen (n = 7) received CF at 7 d and frozen FMT at 13 d; CF (n = 8) received CF at 7 d and no FMT; and no CF (n = 5) received no CF or FMT. DNA was extracted from faecal samples collected on days 7, 13, and 18 for 16S rRNA amplicon analysis. All faecal blends used for the FMT consisted of pooled donor pig faeces at 1:2 ratio with saline, delivered orally at 3 mL/kg. Alpha and beta diversity metrics increased with age (p < 0.05). However, no effect of antibiotic or FMT treatment was evident in 13 and 18 d old piglets (p > 0.05). Although no effect of treatment was observed, information regarding microbial membership during lactation was gained.

scholarly journals Characteristics of Gut Microbiota in Children With Biliary Atresia After Liver Transplantation

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Song ◽  
Li-Ying Sun ◽  
Zhi-Jun Zhu ◽  
Lin Wei ◽  
Wei Qu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Liver Transplantation ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Biliary Atresia ◽  
Control Level ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Metagenomic Sequencing ◽  
Polyamine Biosynthesis ◽  
Fecal Samples ◽  
Linear Discriminant ◽  
Significant Difference

Background and AimsBiliary atresia (BA) is an idiopathic neonatal cholestasis and is the most common indication in pediatric liver transplantation (LT). Previous studies have suggested that the gut microbiota (GM) in BA is disordered. However, the effect of LT on gut dysbiosis in patients with BA has not yet been elucidated.MethodsPatients with BA (n = 16) and healthy controls (n = 10) were recruited. In the early life of children with BA, Kasai surgery is a typical procedure for restoring bile flow. According to whether BA patients had previously undergone Kasai surgery, we divided the post-LT patients into the with-Kasai group (n = 8) and non-Kasai group (n = 8). Fecal samples were collected in both the BA and the control group; among BA patients, samples were obtained again 6 months after LT. A total of 40 fecal samples were collected, of which 16 were pre-LT, 14 were post-LT (8 were with-Kasai, 6 were non-Kasai), and 10 were from the control group. Metagenomic sequencing was performed to evaluate the GM.ResultsThe Kruskal-Wallis test showed a statistically significant difference in the number of genes between the pre-LT and the control group, the pre-LT and the post-LT group (P &lt; 0.05), but no statistical difference between the post-LT and the control group. Principal coordinate analysis also showed that the microbiome structure was similar between the post-LT and control group (P &gt; 0.05). Analysis of the GM composition showed a significant decrease in Serratia, Enterobacter, Morganella, Skunalikevirus, and Phifllikevirus while short chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria such as Roseburia, Blautia, Clostridium, Akkermansia, and Ruminococcus were increased after LT (linear discriminant analysis &gt; 2, P &lt; 0.05). However, they still did not reach the normal control level. Concerning functional profiles, lipopolysaccharide metabolism, multidrug resistance, polyamine biosynthesis, GABA biosynthesis, and EHEC/EPEC pathogenicity signature were more enriched in the post-LT group compared with the control group. Prior Kasai surgery had a specific influence on the postoperative GM.ConclusionLT partly improved the GM in patients with BA, which provided new insight into understanding the role of LT in BA.

scholarly journals The Use of Natural Sorbents to Reduce Ammonia Emissions from Cattle Faeces

Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 2543
Author(s):  
Agnieszka Szymula ◽  
Łukasz Wlazło ◽  
Naďa Sasáková ◽  
Wioletta Wnuk ◽  
Bożena Nowakowicz-Dębek
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Animal Production ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Ammonia Emissions ◽  
Natural Sorbents ◽  
Holstein Friesian ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
Effective Reduction ◽  
Cattle Faeces ◽  
Cattle Farms

Intensification of animal production leads to an increase in ammonia emissions into the environment. For this reason, various methods and strategies are sought to reduce ammonia emissions from faeces. The aim of the study was to test the possibility of using natural sorbents and sorbent mixtures to reduce ammonia emissions from cattle faeces. Faecal samples for analysis were collected from Holstein-Friesian dairy cows during the winter. The amount of ammonia emissions from cow faeces was determined every seven days, after mixing the faeces with a mixture of selected sorbents. All of the sorbents used have the potential to remove ammonia. The most effective reduction in ammonia was achieved using biochar and a mixture of bentonite with zeolite. The reduction in these groups was 42.56% and 24.56%, respectively, relative to the control group. The results indicate that these sorbents can be used to reduce ammonia emissions from cattle farms.

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