Comparative Plasmid-Mediated Molecular Resistance Status of Diarrheic Escherichia coli Isolates from Human and Goat Kids

Globally antibiotic resistance has become a major concern, which warrants the real time monitoring for resistance in very common pathogenic organisms. E. coli is normal micro flora in humans, but sometimes it can be pathogenic. For the observation and increment of antimicrobial resistance among pathogen, E. coli has been one of the important pathogens. It is present everywhere in fecal, water, food etc., if resistant E. coli will present in the environment that it can be transferrable anywhere through water, fecal food, animals and humans. This is very dangerous to living beings. This study was designed on status of antibiotic resistance in E. coli isolates in human kids and animal kids, both. Newborns are affected more because of poor or lack of immune system. In this study, fecal materials were used as sample material collected from goat kids (0-3 months) and human children (up to 3 years) residing in same local area. Fifteen fecal samples were collected from human children (up to 3 years) and goat kids (0-3 months) in each case to study the risk of transmission of resistance in E. coli isolates. PCR was conducted on genomic DNA isolates for the presence of usp A gene of E. coli. Multiplex PCR were conducted on plasmid DNA isolates for the resistance specific genes. Molecular resistance results in goat kids isolates showed resistance to antibiotics with tetracycline, sulphonamide, gentamycin, streptomycin and cephalothin to the level of 93.33, 53.33, 46.66, 13.33 & 6.66% respectively, whereas, human E. coli isolates were showed the highest resistance to sulphonamide, Tetracycline and β-lactams were as 53.33, 46.66 and 13.33% respectively but no resistance with gentamycin and streptomycin. Here, we concluded that humans and animals both were refractory to the various groups of antibiotics. This study will help in making the strategy for prevention or reduction of resistance in public

A Mix of Dietary Fibres Changes Interorgan Nutrients Exchanges and Muscle-Adipose Energy Handling in Overfed Mini-Pigs

This study evaluates the capacity of a bread enriched with fermentable dietary fibres to modulate the metabolism and nutrients handling between tissues, gut and peripheral, in a context of overfeeding. Net fluxes of glucose, lactate, urea, short chain fatty acids (SCFA), and amino acids were recorded in control and overfed female mini-pigs supplemented or not with fibre-enriched bread. SCFA in fecal water and gene expressions, but not protein levels or metabolic fluxes, were measured in muscle, adipose tissue, and intestine. Fibre supplementation increased the potential for fatty acid oxidation and mitochondrial activity in muscle (acox, ucp2, sdha and cpt1-m, p < 0.05) as well as main regulatory transcription factors of metabolic activity such as pparα, pgc-1α and nrf2. All these features were associated with a reduced muscle fibre cross sectional area, resembling to controls (i.e., lean phenotype). SCFA may be direct inducers of these cross-talk alterations, as their feces content (+52%, p = 0.05) was increased in fibre-supplemented mini-pigs. The SCFA effects could be mediated at the gut level by an increased production of incretins (increased gcg mRNA, p < 0.05) and an up-regulation of SCFA receptors (increased gpr41 mRNA, p < 0.01). Hence, consumption of supplemented bread with fermentable fibres can be an appropriate strategy to activate muscle energy catabolism and limit the establishment of an obese phenotype.

Suppression of PTRF Alleviates Post-Infectious Irritable Bowel Syndrome via Downregulation of the TLR4 Pathway in Rats

Background: Accumulating evidence suggests that the polymerase I and transcript release factor (PTRF), a key component of the caveolae structure on the plasma membrane, plays a pivotal role in suppressing the progression of colorectal cancers. However, the role of PTRF in the development of functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorders remains unclear. Post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (PI-IBS) is a common functional GI disorder that occurs after an acute GI infection. Here, we focused on the role of PTRF in the occurrence of PI-IBS and investigated the underlying mechanisms.Methods: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (5 μg/ml) was used to induce inflammatory injury in human primary colonic epithelial cells (HCoEpiCs). Furthermore, a rat model of PI-IBS was used to study the role of PTRF. Intestinal sensitivity was assessed based on the fecal water content. A two-bottle sucrose intake test was used to evaluate behavioral changes. Furthermore, shRNA-mediated knockdown of PTRF was performed both in vitro and in vivo. We detected the expression of PTRF in colonic mucosal tissues through immunohistochemistry (IHC), western blotting (WB), and immunofluorescence (IF) analysis. Luciferase activity was quantified using a luciferase assay. Co-localization of PTRF and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) was detected using IF analysis. The activation of the signaling pathways downstream of TLR4, including the iNOs, p38, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathways, was detected via WB. The levels of NO, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.Results: LPS significantly induced PTRF expression and signaling downstream of TLR4, including p38, ERK, and JNK pathways, in HCoEpiCs. Moreover, shRNA-mediated knockdown of PTRF in HCoEpiCs significantly decreased the phosphorylation of JNK, ERK, and p38 and iNOS expression. In PI-IBS rats, the lack of PTRF not only reduced fecal water content and suppressed depressive behavior but also increased the body weight. Furthermore, we found a strong co-localization pattern for PTRF and TLR4. Consistently, the lack of PTRF impaired TLR4 signaling, as shown by the decreased levels of p-JNK, p-ERK, and p-p38, which are upstream factors involved in iNOS expression.Conclusion: PTRF promoted PI-IBS and stimulated TLR4 signaling both in vitro and in vivo. The results of this study not only enlighten the pathogenesis of PI-IBS but also help us understand the biological activity of PTRF and provide an important basis for the clinical treatment of PI-IBS by targeting PTRF.

The P2Y1 Receptor in the Colonic Submucosa of Rats and Its Correlation with Opioid-Induced Constipation

Aims: To explore the expression changes of P2Y1 in the distal colonic submucosa of opioid induced constipation (OIC) rats and its correlation with the occurrence of OIC. Methods: OIC model was generated by intraperitoneal injection of loperamide hydrochloride, a selective agonist of the μ-opioid receptor (MOR). Seven days later, the model was assessing by detecting the fecal traits and calculating the fecal water cotent. The distribution of MOR-containing neurons and P2Y1-containing neurons in colonic submucosal plexus of rat were demonstrated by immunofluorescence histochemistry. Western Blot was used to evaluate the expression changes of MOR, P2Y1 and ATP synthase subunit beta (ATPB) in colonic submucosa, while the RT-PCR analysis was performed to determine the relative mRNA expression of MOR, P2Y1 and ATPB. Results: After seven days, the feces of OIC rats had an appearance of like sausage-shaped pieces, and the fecal water content, stool weight of OIC rats were decreased. Immunofluorescence histochemistry showed the co-expression of MOR and ATPB, P2Y1 and calbindin (CB) in the nerve cells of distal colonic submucosal plexus. RT-PCR showed that MOR mRNA levels were significantly increased in the distal colonic submucosa of OIC rats, while the mRNA levels of P2Y1 were decreased. Western blot results showed that MOR protein expression was increased, and the P2Y1 protein expression was significantly decreased in the distal colonic submucosa of OIC rats.Conclusion: P2Y1 is associated with the occurrence of OIC in rats, and the expression of MOR and P2Y1 and OIC are correlated with each other.

Water Balance in Giraffes

Wild giraffes live in arid environments. Having access to water and minimizing water requirements are critical. The main sources of water are the water in browse and water generated by metabolism. Giraffes rely less on surface water: intermittent use of surface water is a legendary characteristic of giraffes. The volume of water needed depends on body mass. For a giraffe weighing 750 kg, ~25 L of water is needed daily. The water content of browse is ~60%, and as a giraffe of that mass will eat ~35 kg of fresh browse daily, it simultaneously will acquire ~20 L of water. Metabolism of the fat, carbohydrates, and proteins in 35 kg of fresh browse will produce ~10 L of water. These two sources of water exceed daily requirements and reduce the need to drink surface water. Water is lost through feces, evaporation from the skin and respiratory tract, and in urine. Fecal water loss and water lost in exhaled air amount to ~4 L daily (~2 L each). It is not known if giraffes sweat, but their skin contains active sweat glands. The volume of water lost as sweat will vary according to what thermoregulatory mechanisms are activated to minimize sweating, but may be 5 L daily. Obligatory excretion of water-soluble wastes in urine can account for most water lost daily, and that amount is related to kidney anatomy and function. In a 750-kg giraffe, obligatory urine volume is ~10 L daily.

Nurse-led multidisciplinary cooperation for early screening and protection of fecal water dermatitis in hospitalized patients with enterostomy

IntroductionTo investigate the effect of nurse-led multidisciplinary cooperation in the early screening and protection of fecal water dermatitis in hospitalized patients with enterostomy.Material and methodsAn enterostomy management team led by nurses with multidisciplinary cooperation was established to investigate the current situation of fecal water dermatitis in patients with enterostomy in our hospital, and the causes of fecal water dermatitis were analyzed. Based on the evidence-based results, the management plan for the prevention of fecal water dermatitis in patients with enterostomy was implemented.ResultsThe incidence of fecal water dermatitis in patients with enterostomy decreased from 45.56% to 20.73%, the screening rate of nutritional risk for patients with enterostomy increased from 45.57% to 97.56%, the accuracy of stoma positioning by nurses was increased from 65.82% to 98.78%, the incidence of basement warping in enterostomy was decreased from 29.80% to 1.95%, the incidence of fecal water leakage decreased from 50.76% to 22.53%, the one-hour leakage rate of stoma basement increased from 4.48% to 97.29%, the awareness rate of patients' related knowledge increased from 43.03% to 80.48%, and the average score of self-care ability of patients (family members) increased from 99.5 to 126.7, Patients' mean quality of life scores increased from 80.73 to 98.57, and patients' mean self-efficacy scores increased from 78.34 to 99.26.The differences in the above indicators were statistically significant (P < 0.01).ConclusionsNurse-led multidisciplinary cooperation can improve early screening and protection of fecal water dermatitis in hospitalized patients with enterostomy and improve the quality of life of patients.

Impact of sugar beet pulp and wheat bran on serum biochemical profile, inflammatory responses and gut microbiota in sows during late gestation and lactation

Background Sows are frequently subjected to various stresses during late gestation and lactation, which trigger inflammatory response and metabolic disorders. Dietary fiber can influence animal health by modulating gut microbiota and their by-products, with the effects depending upon the source of the dietary fiber. This study aimed to evaluate the impacts of different fiber sources on body condition, serum biochemical parameters, inflammatory responses and fecal microbiota in sows from late gestation to lactation. Methods Forty-five multiparous sows (Yorkshire × Landrace; 3–6 parity) were assigned to 1 of 3 dietary treatments from d 85 of gestation to the end of lactation (d 21 post-farrowing): a control diet (CON, a corn-soybean meal diet), a sugar beet pulp diet (SBP, 20% SBP during gestation and 10% SBP during lactation), and a wheat bran diet (WB, 30% WB during gestation and 15% WB during lactation). Results Compared with CON, supplementation of SBP decreased (P < 0.05) lactation BW loss, reduced (P < 0.05) serum concentration of total cholesterol, non-esterified fatty acids, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α, and increased (P < 0.05) fecal water content on d 110 of gestation and d 21 of lactation, while supplementation of WB reduced (P < 0.05) serum concentration of total cholesterol on d 110 of gestation, increased (P < 0.05) fecal water content and decreased (P < 0.05) serum interleukin-6 concentration on d 110 of gestation and d 21 of lactation. In addition, sows fed SBP had lower (P < 0.01) abundance of Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 and Terrisporobacter than those fed CON, but had greater (P < 0.05) abundance of Christensenellaceae_R-7_group and Ruminococcaceae_UCG-002 than those fed the other two diets on d 110 of gestation. On d 21 of lactation, supplementation of SBP decreased (P < 0.05) the abundance of Firmicutes and Lactobacillus, but enriched (P < 0.05) the abundance of Christensenellaceae_R-7_group, Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-002, Prevotellaceae_UCG_001 and unclassified_f__Lachnospiraceae compared with WB. Compared with CON, sows fed SBP had greater (P < 0.05) fecal concentrations of acetate, butyrate and total SCFAs during gestation and lactation, while sows fed WB only had greater (P < 0.05) fecal concentration of butyrate during lactation. Conclusions Supplementation of dietary fiber during late gestation and lactation could improve sow metabolism and gut health, and SBP was more effective than WB.

One Month of Classic Therapeutic Ketogenic Diet Decreases Short Chain Fatty Acids Production in Epileptic Patients

Ketogenic diet (KD), a high fat and very low carbohydrates diet, is used worldwide for the treatment of drug resistant epilepsy but, due to its composition, it might exert an impact on gut health. Even though data of KD effects on intestinal microbiota changes are recently emerging, its influence on the gut environment has been scarcely addressed so far. The aim of this study was to investigate whether 1 month of KD affects the gut environment in epileptic patients, by analyzing short chain fatty acids (SCFA) production and fecal water toxicity. A total of seven patients were enrolled. Stool samples were collected before (T0) and after 1 month of KD (4:1 ketogenic ratio) (T1). SCFA were determined by GC-FID and fecal water toxicity in Caco-2 cell culture by comet assay. Concentrations of SCFA significantly decreased after KD (p &lt; 0.05): in particular, we found a 55% reduction of total SCFA level, a 64% reduction of acetate, 33% of propionate, and 20% of butyrate (p &lt; 0.05). Cytotoxicity of fecal water extracted from stool samples was not significantly altered by diet, while genotoxicity was slightly decreased after KD (p &lt; 0.05). Genotoxicity values were consistent with data previously obtained from a healthy Italian population. The present study suggests that 1 month of KD significantly reduce SCFA production. Since SCFA produced by gut microbiota exert many health promoting effects on either the gut environment or human metabolism, these results open a new branch of investigation into KD effects.

Microbial Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases: From Alpha to Omega

Bile acids (BAs) and glucocorticoids are steroid hormones derived from cholesterol that are important signaling molecules in humans and other vertebrates. Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (HSDHs) are encoded both by the host and by their resident gut microbiota, and they reversibly convert steroid hydroxyl groups to keto groups. Pairs of HSDHs can reversibly epimerize steroids from α-hydroxy conformations to β-hydroxy, or β-hydroxy to ω-hydroxy in the case of ω-muricholic acid. These reactions often result in products with drastically different physicochemical properties than their precursors, which can result in steroids being activators or inhibitors of host receptors, can affect solubility in fecal water, and can modulate toxicity. Microbial HSDHs modulate sterols associated with diseases such as colorectal cancer, liver cancer, prostate cancer, and polycystic ovary syndrome. Although the role of microbial HSDHs is not yet fully elucidated, they may have therapeutic potential as steroid pool modulators or druggable targets in the future. In this review, we explore metabolism of BAs and glucocorticoids with a focus on biotransformation by microbial HSDHs.