AA Levels Research Articles

Omega-6 fatty acids and risk of cardiovascular disease: insight from systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and a mendelian randomization study

Abstract Background Omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) represent almost 15% of the total energy intake in the Western countries. Their effects on several cardiovascular (CV) risk factors are still controversial. Purpose We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials (RCTs) as well as a Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to evaluate the links (or possible causality) between supplementation or serum levels of omega-6 PUFA, CV disease (CVD) and cardiometabolic risk factors. Methods Selected databases were searched until 31 August 2019 to identify prospective studies investigating the effects of omega-6 PUFAs supplementation on CVD events/mortality. Random-effects model meta-analysis was performed for quantitative data synthesis. Trial sequential analysis (TSA) was used to evaluate the optimal sample size to detect a 20% reduction in outcomes after administration of omega-6 PUFAs. Inverse variance weighted method (IVW), weighted median-based method, MR-Egger and MR-Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and Outlier (PRESSO) were applied for MR. Results In the meta-analysis of 9 studies with 4,433 participants we showed that omega-6 PUFAs supplementation was not associated with CVD event risk - RR 0.94 (95% CI: 0.77–1.15, heterogeneity p=0.031; I2=66.2%, n=4 studies). The pooled estimate (RR) of the effect of omega-6 PUFAs supplementation on CVD death was 1.06 (95% C:I 0.73–1.55, heterogeneity p=0.011; I2=66.2%, n=6 studies), on CHD events 0.84 (95% CI: 0.61–1.16, heterogeneity p=0.001; I2=79.4%), on MI 0.87 (95% CI: 0.74–1.01, heterogeneity p=0.381; I2=2.3%) (Figure), and on stroke 1.36 (95% CI: 0.45–4.07, heterogeneity p=0.082; I2=55.3%). In MR analysis we showed that individuals with genetically higher serum adrenic acid (AA; 22:4, n-6) levels had a greater risk of CHD events (IVW=Beta: 0.526, p=0.007), MI (IVW=Beta: 0.606, p=0.017) and stroke (IVW=Beta: 1.694, p=0.009), as well as higher levels of FBG (IVW=Beta: 0.417, p=1.0x10–3), LDL-C (IVW=Beta: 0.806, p=4.9x10–5), HDL-C (IVW=Beta: −0.820, p=4.3x10–17), whereas lower levels of TG (IVW=Beta: −1.064, p=1.2x10–12) and TC (IVW=Beta: −1.064, p=1.2x10–12). Conclusions In the pooled analysis different omega-6 PUFAs supplementation did not affect the risk of MI, stroke and CHD event/mortality or the serum concentration of cardiometabolic parameters (data not presented), however in MR analysis, higher AA levels significantly associated with the risk of CHD, MI and stroke, as well as with elevated levels of FBG, LDL-C and HDL-C and reduced levels of TC and TG. There is probably lack of class effect for omega-6 PUFAs, therefore further studies are needed to assess the effects of omega-6 PUFAs on cardiometabolic outcomes. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Socio-environmental exposures explaining the opposites spatial patterns of mortality due to breast and cervical cancer in Argentinean women

Background: This work aimed to characterize the spatial patterns of breast (BC) and cervix (CC) cancer mortalities in Argentina (2013-2015) and to propose a socio-environmental model explaining the observed differences. Methods: An ecological multigroup design (n=511 counties nested in 24 provinces) were carried out in Argentina. Age-standardized mortality rates (SMR) of BC and CC by county were estimated. Using the 2013-2015 average rates, a Getis-Ord analysis was performed to identify spatial clusters of high (hot spots) and low (cold spots) values of SMRs. A two-level logistic regression model was fixed to assess the relationship between the presence of hot and cold spots of each cause, accounting for the spatial variability. Finally, mixed-effects Poisson models were fitted using BC or CC SMRs as outcomes, and agricultural activity -AA- level (null/intermediate/high), urban scale (big cities/middle-sized or small cities/towns) and % households with unsatisfied basic needs (UBN) as fixed effects-covariates, including a random intercept (province as clustering variable). Interaction terms between AA and UBN levels were included. Results: Mortality spatial patterns were opposite between CC and BC. The presence of BC hot spot was significantly associated with the presence of CC cold spot. Increased risk of BC mortality was associated with a higher AA level. This effect was not independent of UBN, given that in the intermediate AA areas, UBN was inversely associated with BC mortality. Besides, lower BC mortality risk was linked to the smallest urban scales (vs. big cities). An opposite effect of the urban scale was observed for CC mortality. Significant interaction terms between AA and UBN levels were found, showing that in areas with high AA, increasing NBI was associated with higher CC SMR. Conclusions: Concomitant socio-environmental exposures linked to socioeconomic conditions, anthropic exposures and urbanization could explain the differences between BC and CC mortality spatial patterns in Argentina.

Exposure to the natural alkaloid Berberine affects cardiovascular system morphogenesis and functionality during zebrafish development

The plant-derived natural alkaloid berberine displays therapeutic potential to treat several pathological conditions, including dyslipidemias, diabetes and cardiovascular disorders. However, data on berberine effects during embryonic development are scarce and in part controversial. In this study, using zebrafish embryos as vertebrate experimental model, we address the effects of berberine treatment on cardiovascular system development and functionality. Starting from the observation that berberine induces developmental toxicity and pericardial edema in a time- and concentration-dependent manner, we found that treated embryos display cardiac looping defects and, at later stages, present an abnormal heart characterized by a stretched morphology and atrial endocardial/myocardial detachment. Furthermore, berberine affected cardiac functionality of the embryos, promoting bradycardia and reducing the cardiac output, the atrial shortening fraction percentage and the atrial stroke volume. We also found that, during development, berberine interferes with the angiogenic process, without altering vascular permeability. These alterations are associated with increased levels of vascular endothelial growth factor aa (vegfaa) mRNA, suggesting an important role for Vegfaa as mediator of berberine-induced cardiovascular defects. Altogether, these data indicate that berberine treatment during vertebrate development leads to an impairment of cardiovascular system morphogenesis and functionality, suggesting a note of caution in its use during pregnancy and lactation.

Toxin components and toxicological importance of Galerina marginata from Turkey

Amatoxins, most of which are hepatotoxic, can cause fatal intoxication. While mushrooms in the amatoxin-containing Galerina genus are rare, they can poison humans and animals worldwide. Few studies have profiled the toxicity of Galerina marginata. In addition, many studies indicate that macrofungi can have different characteristics in different regions. In this study, the quantities of toxins present in G. marginata from different provinces in Turkey were analysed using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (RP-HPLC-UV) and liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–ESI–MS/MS). G. marginata samples were collected from three different regions of Turkey. The taxonomic categorization of mushrooms was based on their micro- and macroscopic characteristics. The presence of toxins α-amanitin (AA), β-amanitin (BA), γ-amanitin (GA), phalloidin (PHD) and phallacidin (PHC) quantities were measured using RP-HPLC-UV and then were confirmed using LC-ESI-MS/MS. BA levels were higher than AA levels in G. marginata mushrooms collected from all three regions. Moreover, the levels of GA were below the detection limit and no phallotoxins were detected. This is the first study to identify and test the toxicity of G. marginata collected from three different regions of Turkey using RP-HPLC-UV. This is also the first study to confirm the UV absorption of amatoxins in G. marginata using LC–ESI–MS/MS, which is a far more sensitive process. More studies evaluating the toxicity of G. marginata in other geographic regions of the world are needed.

Bioavailability of rumen-protected methionine, lysine and histidine assessed by fecal amino acid excretion

The objective of this experiment was to assess a new method to determine the bioavailability (BA) of rumen-protected (RP)His, RPLys and RPMet products by determining rumen escape (RE) and fecal excretion of undigested AA from RPAA. Eight lactating Holstein cows (79 ± 21 days in milk, 53.0 ± 7.0 kg/d milk yield), four of which rumen-cannulated, were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design experiment with four, 26-day experimental periods and a preceding 22-day background (BG) period. Four combinations of nine commercial and experimental RPAA (HisA, HisB, LysA, LysB, LysC, MetA, MetB, MetC, MetD) were fed daily to supply 20, 25, and 35 g/day of digestible (d)His, dLys and dMet, respectively. The following treatment combinations were used: (1) HisALysAMetA, (2) HisBLysBMetB, (3) LysCMetC and (4) LysCMetD. Spot sampling of feces was performed during the BG period to establish basal levels of AA in feces. Total fecal collection and blood sampling were performed during the last three days of each experimental period. Rumen escape fraction of each RPAA product was determined in situ and was greater for HisA (0.90) than for HisB (0.64), ranged from 0.33 to 0.85 (SEM = 0.017) for RPLys and from 0.53 to 0.95 (SEM = 0.017) for RPMet. Apparent post-ruminal digestibility of AA from RPAA was calculated as [(RE of AA, g/day – BG corrected fecal AA output, g/day) ÷ RE of AA, g/day]. Digestibility was similar between the two RPHis products (0.85 and 0.90). Apparent post-ruminal digestibility of Lys from RPLys products varied from 0.30 to 0.79 and digestibility for RPMet varied from 0.85 to 0.96. Bioavailability was calculated as: (RE, g/g × AA digestibility, g/g) × 100 and was greater for HisA compared with HisB (76.1 and 57.9 % respectively), varied from 9.63 (LysC) to 67.0 % (LysA) for the RPLys and was lowest for MetC (49.3 %) and greatest for MetD (91.9 %) among the RPMet products. Plasma His concentration was greater for HisA than for HisB and plasma Met concentration was greater for MetD compared with the other three RPMet products, reflecting estimated BA of the RPAA products. In contrast, plasma Lys concentration did not differ among RPLys products. This study showed that a method using fecal AA output in combination with RE of RPAA can reveal differences in BA between RPAA products. This is a first step in establishing the fecal AA excretion technique for determination of BA of RPAA and warrants further validation.

Low Serum Eicosapentaenoic Acid Levels in Cryptogenic Stroke with Active Cancer

Background and PurposeThe increased prevalence of cancer has led to it being considered an important factor in the cause of cryptogenic stroke. In recent years, polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, have been shown to prevent cancer development and progression. This study aimed to clarify the characteristics of serum polyunsaturated fatty acids in cryptogenic stroke with active cancer. MethodsThe serum levels polyunsaturated fatty acid fractions (eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA; docosahexaenoic acid, DHA; dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid, DHLA; and arachidonic acid, AA) in cases of cryptogenic stroke, sampled within 5 days after admission, were measured. Active cancer was defined as a new diagnosis, treatment, progression or recurrence within 6 months before admission, or metastatic cancer. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to explore the relationship between serum polyunsaturated fatty acids and cryptogenic stroke with active cancer. ResultsAmong 123 cases classified as cryptogenic stroke, 27 had active cancer. The serum EPA levels (1.26 ± 0.72 versus 1.89 ± 1.27 umol/l; P = 0.02) were significantly lower in cryptogenic stroke with active cancer, whereas the serum DHA, DHLA and AA levels did not significantly differ. Multivariate logistic analysis revealed that the serum EPA levels were associated with cryptogenic stroke with active cancer independently of age and serum D-dimer levels (odds ratio, 0.974; 95% confidence interval, 0.949–0.999; P = 0.04). ConclusionsIn our study, low serum EPA levels were associated with cryptogenic stroke with active cancer. This suggests that low serum EPA levels may have some involvement in the pathogenesis of cryptogenic stroke with active cancer.

Estimating degradation of individual essential amino acids in fish meal and blood meal by rumen microbes in a dual-flow continuous-culture system

Current feeding systems are based on the assumption that the AA profile of rumen undegraded protein is similar to that of the original feed. The objective of this experiment was to determine rumen bacterial degradation of individual essential AA in fish meal (FM) and blood meal (BM). Eight dual-flow continuous-culture fermentors were used in a completely randomized block design with a factorial arrangement of treatments and 3 replicated periods. Fermentors were supplied with 95 g of dry matter/d of isonitrogenous diets. Treatments contained a nonprotein N source (urea and tryptone) that was substituted with increasing proportions of FM or BM (0, 33, 67, or 100%). Diets consisted of 22.0% crude protein, 35.2% neutral detergent fiber, 34.6% nonfiber carbohydrates, 2.0% ether extract, and 9.2% ash. We hypothesized that the increase in the flow of individual AA would be attributed to the increase in the supply of the AA from each protein supplement. True organic matter degradation was decreased by increasing levels of FM or BM, but did not affect degradation of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber, total volatile fatty acids (VFA) concentration, or the molar proportion of propionate. There was a substrate by level of inclusion interaction in acetate molar proportion and branched-chain VFA. Butyrate concentration decreased linearly with increasing levels of FM and BM in treatment. Changes in branched-chain VFA reflected differences in content of branched-chain AA between supplements and the level of inclusion, although the quadratic effect suggests that other factors were involved. Ammonia-N concentration showed a substrate by level of inclusion interaction. Total dietary N and AA flows increased with increasing levels of FM or BM in treatment. The efficiency of bacterial crude protein synthesis was not affected by treatment, but the flow of bacterial N decreased in FM diets as the level of FM increased. Flows of AA increased linearly with increasing levels of the respective AA from supplements. Arginine, Ile, Met and Phe were more degradable, while His was more resistant to bacterial degradation. Results suggest that the resistance to rumen bacterial degradation of individual AA varies within FM and BM protein and may affect the estimates of dietary supply of individual AA to the small intestine.

Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation for cystic fibrosis.

Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation for cystic fibrosis.

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Serum sphingosine-1-phosphate levels and Sphingosine-1-Phosphate gene polymorphisms in acute respiratory distress syndrome: a multicenter prospective study

BackgroundSphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a signaling phospholipid involved in pathophysiologic progression of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) through its roles in endothelial barrier function and immune modulation. We hypothesized that decreased serum S1P level is associated with the clinical outcomes of ARDS and polymorphisms in the S1P gene are associated with serum S1P levels.MethodsThis multicenter prospective study includes ARDS patients and healthy blood donors as controls. Serum S1P levels were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Eight tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the S1P gene were detected, and their associations with S1P levels were evaluated.ResultsA total of 121 ARDS patients and 100 healthy individuals were enrolled. Serum S1P levels were lower in ARDS patients than in controls (P < 0.001). Decreased S1P levels correlated with more organ dysfunction and higher Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores. Changes in S1P levels in ARDS patients were associated with the clinical outcomes. The recessive model for SNP rs3743631 suggests that GG homozygote is associate with a higher risk for ARDS. The dominant model for SNP rs907045 suggests that AA or TA genotype might increase the risk for ARDS. In ARDS patients, the rs3743631 GG genotype showed lower S1P levels than those harboring AG and AA genotypes. The serum S1P levels of rs907045 AA or TA genotype patients were lower than those of TT genotype.ConclusionsSerum S1P levels are dramatically decreased in ARDS patients. Reduced S1P levels are associated with worse clinical outcomes. There is a significant association between S1P rs3743631, rs907045 polymorphisms and susceptibility of ARDS.

Arginine requirements for maintenance and egg production for broiler breeder hens

Two studies were conducted with objective of determine the specific requirements of arginine (Arg) for maintenance using different unit systems; evaluate the response of broiler breeder hens of Ross 308AP genotype to different intakes of arginine, determine amino acid utilization efficiency (k), and develop a factorial model. One nitrogen balance trial (Experiment 1) was performed using 42 roosters and another dose response trial was performed using 64 broiler breeder hens (Experiment 2). The nitrogen balance trial lasted five days with 48 h of fasting (with roosters receiving only water + sucrose) and the last 72 h for feeding and excreta collection. Forty grams of each diet first-limiting in arginine was fed by tube each day (three days) to give a range of intakes from 0 to 18.5 g/kg BW d of arginine. Excreta were collected during the last 3 days of the balance period and the nitrogen content of the excreta was analyzed. A linear regression between nitrogen retention (NR) and arginine intake was performed. The studies were conducted in a complete random design. Were used with 6 treatments, 6 replicates for Experiment 1 and, 8 treatments with 6 replicates for Experiment 2, and one bird per cage. To confirm that the amino acid studied was indeed limiting and that the responses were due to the limitation of the test amino acid and not protein, we added one more treatment consisting of a control diet (totaling 7 treatments for Experiment 1 and 8 treatments for Experiment 2). The diets were formulated by dilution technique using one summit diet and one nitrogen (N)-free diet, resulting in AA levels that ranged from 2.37 to 10.27 g of arginine/kg. The data obtained were AA intake (AAI), body weight (BW), and egg output (EO). Broken line model was used to evaluate the responses. The equation from linear regression was: NR = -39.9 (± 4.5) + 1.8 (± 0.1) × Arg. The arginine required to maintain the body at zero NR were calculated to be 23 mg/kg body weight per day, respectively. For the system unit mg per kg of metabolic weight, the intake of arginine was 36. Considering the degree of maturity of the animal and body protein content the amounts of arginine required for maintenance was calculated to be 151 mg per unit of maintenance protein (BP m0.73 × u) per day. The values estimated by the model for utilization efficiency was 62 %. The arginine requirement estimated by the model at 30 weeks was 753 mg/day. The prediction of the model was improved using the coefficients estimated here with physiologically relevant units.

Isolation and structural analysis of the Bx6 and Bx7 genes controlling the biosynthesis of benzoxazinoids in rye (Secale cereale L.)

Benzoxazinoids (BXs) are plant secondary metabolites, first discovered in the 1950s, which are synthesized in many monocotyledonous species from the Poaceae family and in several dicotyledonous plants. They constitute a significant element of the plant’s defence mechanism against both biotic (pests and diseases) and abiotic (elevated salinity, heavy metals) stresses. The aim of this research was to gain more information on the genetic background of BXs biosynthesis in rye (Secale cereale L.) by isolating and sequencing the ScBx6L318 and ScBx7L318 genes encoding 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase and 7-O-methyltransferase, respectively. Using the modified Amplicon Express method, BAC clones containing the ScBx6L318 and ScBx7L318 genes were isolated and sequenced. The similarity between the ScBx6L318 and ZmBx6 genes were, correspondingly, 78% and 68% in the coding sequence (cds) and the amino acid sequence (AA). A lesser similarity was found between the ScBx7L318 and ZmBx7 genes (72% and 45% at the cds and AA levels, respectively).

How accessibility guidelines are used in Spanish World Heritage websites: an exploratory study

PurposeThis paper presents an exploratory study on the accessibility of Spanish World Heritage website home pages in the Spanish language.Design/methodology/approachThe study sample comprised 78 home pages from the institutional websites of the 47 cultural, natural and mixed assets considered as World Cultural Heritage by The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco). These home pages have been analysed using online accessibility validator tools, following the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 recommendation for the different levels of priority. The compiled data were employed in a quantitative study on adherence to WCAG guidelines. Furthermore, the types of errors made using the perspective of accessibility and usability were identified, and the application rate was calculated for these accessibility guidelines according to the type of entity managed by the websites and pages.FindingsThe results show that more than 25 percent of the cases analysed had ten accessibility errors or fewer. Moreover, it was only necessary to correct one or two types of errors in close to 40 percent of them. The paper draws the conclusion that, despite technological and legislative advances that make public entity websites accessible, there is still much to do before complete web accessibility and usability at AA and AAA level can be achieved.Practical implicationsIdentifying accessibility problems on institutional websites constitutes the first step towards creating web content that is easy to access and manage for users with disabilities. In this regard, this study contributes to improving web content according to objective guidelines such as those encouraged by the WCAG 2.0.Originality/valueThis article provides information on how accessibility and usability guidelines are implemented by institutional websites for Cultural Heritage deemed especially important. This is an issue with significant implications for users and for which, however, there is a lack of prior studies. As a result, the value and originality of this paper can be considered evident.

Circulation of orf viruses containing the NZ7-like vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-E) gene type in India

Orf, a poxviral skin infection of small ruminants is caused by orf virus (ORFV) of the genus Parapoxvirus of the Poxviridae family. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an important virulence factor that is responsible for proliferative lesions in parapoxviral infections. VEGF gene shows high intra- and inter-species variability. Two variants of VEGF have been described globally in ORFV, viz. NZ2- and NZ7-like. In the present study, ORFV isolates of different geographic regions of India were analysed on the basis of the VEGF gene. Indian ORFV isolates showed 95.7–100 % nucleotide (nt) and 78.4–99.3 % amino acid (aa) identity with each other, except ORFV-Assam/LK/14 and ORFV-Meghalaya/03 which shared 85.1–88.35 % and 79.1–81.8 % identity, at nt and aa levels, respectively with other Indian ORFV isolates. All Indian ORFVs under the study demonstrated 83.5–99.1 % nt and 80.5–97.9 % aa identity with NZ7-like VEGF as compared to 41.2–44.8 % nt and 30.7–38.4 % aa identity with NZ2-like VEGF on comparison with global ORFV strains. Phylogenetic analysis based on the VEGF gene showed two clusters of ORFV in which the Indian ORFVs clustered with NZ7-like VEGF from global ORFV strains, mostly from China. Despite the considerable variation, VEGF protein from Indian ORFV strains showed conserved VEGF homology domain with eight cysteine residues. Homology modeling of Indian ORFV strains predicted the presence of extended Loop 3 similar to NZ7-like VEGF. Therefore, the present study showed the circulation of ORFV strains with comparatively less variable NZ7-like VEGF in India which implicates its importance in the epidemiology of ORFV infections in the country.

Comparative evaluation of 2% turmeric extract with nanocarrier and 1% chlorhexidine gel as an adjunct to scaling and root planing in patients with chronic periodontitis: A pilot randomized controlled clinical trial.

Context:Nanoparticles, owing to their smaller size, penetrate regions inaccessible to other delivery systems, such as periodontal pockets. Thus, the present study aimed to comparatively evaluate efficacy of 2% curcumin with nanocarrier and 1% chlorhexidine gel as a local drug delivery (LDD) in the treatment of periodontal pockets.Materials and Methods:Forty-five chronic periodontitis patients with pocket depth 5–7 mm in two or more teeth were selected. Full-mouth scaling and root planing (SRP) was done for all patients followed by random allocation to the three treatment groups, namely SRP group (Group 1), 2% curcumin with nanogel (Group 2), and 1% chlorhexidine gel (Group 3). Clinical parameter assessment and microbiological analysis of subgingival plaque samples for Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa), Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), and Tannerella forsythia (Tf) was done at baseline, 21st day, and 45th day.Results:The results showed that when the two LDD agents were used as an adjunct to SRP in chronic periodontitis, there was an improvement in all clinical parameters. Evaluation of microbiological parameters also showed a significant reduction in Aa, Pg, and Tf levels. Comparison of 2% turmeric extract with a nanocarrier system with 1% chlorhexidine gel showed that both the agents had a comparable antibacterial effect on the three selected periodontopathic bacteria.Conclusion:The present study showed that both the LDD agents showed an effective improvement of clinical and microbiologic parameters. 2% curcumin delivered with a nanocarrier system showed results comparable to chlorhexidine gel and hence shows promising future as an LDD agent in the treatment of periodontal pockets.

Evaluation of Informatization Performance of Construction Industrialization EPC Enterprises in China

An enormous amount of investment has been spent towards informatization for the construction industrialization engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) enterprises in China; however, the performance output remains uncertain. This paper aims to evaluate the informatization performance of the construction industrialization enterprises in China based on a proposed evaluation framework. The proposed framework entails a hierarchical input and output structure; the input metrics include 4 first‐level and 17 second‐level indicators, and the outputs include 6 first‐level and 27 second‐level indicators as the metrics, respectively. Survey and interview are utilized to collect data, with effective responses from thirty construction industrialization EPC enterprises. The informatization performance of these enterprises is evaluated using an improved D‐FCA method, which incorporates the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), data envelopment analysis (DEA), and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation analysis (FCA). The research results indicate that all the surveyed enterprises meet the performance requirement, and 60% of the thirty enterprises show excellent performance, reaching A level, AA level, and AAA level. Furthermore, for those enterprises with DEA scores less than 1, which indicates inefficient use of the resources during the informatization process, strategies are proposed to improve the performance of these enterprises. This study contributes a comprehensive framework to evaluate the informatization performance of construction industrialization enterprises in China. The enterprises studied currently mainly come from some developed areas, and the overall situation for construction industrialization needs to be further studied in future research.

Sex steroid levels and stress-related markers in pregnant and non-pregnant women and the effect of periodontal therapy.

Periodontal disease during pregnancy can produce adverse events; in the current study stress was investigated as an exacerbating factors of periodontal disease. The aims of this study were to evaluate the possible associations between stress and pregnancy through scanning for gingivitis and to explore the effect of non-surgical periodontal therapy (NPT) on stress-related markers (CgA, AA, β-endorphin, DHEA, sIgA and NPY) and sex steroid levels (estrogen and progesterone) in pregnant and non-pregnant women. A total of 87 subjects; 22 pregnant women with gingivitis, 25 periodontally healthy pregnant women; 22 non-pregnant women with gingivitis and 15 periodontally healthy non-pregnant women, participated in this study. Periodontal clinical measures, stress hormones and sex steroid levels were measured at baseline and following the periodontal therapy. While periodontal therapy showed an improvement in salivary CgA, AA, β-endorphin, DHEA, and sIgA levels (p<0.05) in non-pregnant women with gingivitis; neuropeptide Y levels were found to be unaffected (p>0.05). There were no significant changes in salivary CgA, AA, DHEA, sIgA, and neuropeptide Y levels in pregnant women with gingivitis (p>0.05); however, a decrease in β-endorphin levels was observed after therapy (p<0.05). Pregnant women with gingivitis had higher gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) β-endorphin levels in comparison to non-pregnant women with gingivitis. Gingival inflammation can be a psychosocial stress inducing factor during pregnancy. Furthermore, periodontal therapy may assist in reducing stress-related hormone levels in GCF during pregnancy.

Breast milk and erythrocyte fatty acid composition of lactating women residing in a peri‑urban South African township

Data on breast milk fatty acid (FA) composition in South African lactating women in relation to their FA status, as well as on potential compositional changes within feed, are limited.The aim of this study was to assess the FA composition of breast milk sampled at three time points within feed, and to determine associations with red blood cell (RBC) total phospholipid FA levels in lactating South African mothers of 2–4-month-old breastfed infants.FA composition (% total FAs) was analyzed in RBC total phospholipids, and in fore-, mid-feed and hind-milk samples of lactating mothers (n = 100) of Black African descent living in a peri‑urban township.The mean age of the lactating women was 27.8 ± 6.8 years. Geometric mean (95% CI) breast milk SFA, MUFA and PUFA contents were 37.7 (37.3,38.1), 28.5 (27.9, 28.8), and 23.5 (23.2, 24.5)%, respectively. Breast milk DHA and AA contents were 0.25 (0.24, 3.71) and 0.81 (0.79, 0.83)%, respectively, in fore-, mid- and hind-milk combined. Maternal RBC EPA, DHA and AA levels were 0.37 (0.34, 0.40), 3.8 (3.6, 4.0) and 15.4 (14.8, 16.1)%, respectively. Women who reported to consume fish often (n = 3) had significantly higher RBC EPA levels than women who consumed fish sometimes (n = 56), never (n = 14) or rarely (n = 19). Breast milk DHA positively correlated with maternal RBC DHA, while no correlations were found between breast milk AA and maternal RBC AA. Breast milk ALA and DHA contents were significantly higher in mid-feed [ALA= 0.8 (0.2, 0.2), DHA=0.3 (0.2, 0.3)] and hind-milk [ALA=0.8 (0.8, 0.9), DHA=0.3 (0.3, 0.3)] than foremilk [ALA=0.8 (0.7, 0.9), DHA=0.2 (0.2, 0.3)]. In contrast, LA and AA contents remained constant within feed.In this sample of peri‑urban South African lactating mothers, breast milk was low in DHA and high in AA compared to global means. Breast milk DHA was associated with maternal RBC status, while breast milk AA was not. We further showed that breast milk ALA and DHA increased, while LA and AA remained unchanged within feed. This suggests that n-3 PUFA maybe preferentially transferred to breast milk within feed through biomagnification.

Clinical and Microbiological Evaluation of Surgical and Nonsurgical Treatment of Aggressive Periodontitis.

The present study aimed to evaluate clinical and microbiological effects of surgical and nonsurgical periodontal therapy in generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP) treatment. Sixteen GAgP patients were included in this randomized split-mouth design clinical trial. Maxillary quadrants were allocated into two groups: Nonsurgical Therapy (NST) and Surgical Therapy (ST). The following clinical parameters were assessed: plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing index (BoP), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL) and gingival margin position (GMP). Concentrations of Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) in the subgingival biofilm were also determined. Clinical and microbiological parameters were assessed at baseline (n=16), 3 (n=15), 6 (n=15) and 12 months (n=8) after treatment. ST was able to promote higher PD reduction compared to NST in deep pockets at 12 months (p<0.05) and in posterior teeth at 6 months (p<0.05). In addition, higher gingival recession was observed in posterior teeth of the ST group at the 6th month (p<0.05). However, ST failed to promoted additional CAL gain in any timepoint (p>0.05). Moreover, microbiological evaluation showed no statistical difference in levels of Aa and Pg for both groups at all follow-up periods. Surgical therapy promoted similar clinical benefits to GAgP therapy. Moreover, both therapies failed to reduce Aa and Pg levels at different follow-up times.

Dietary risk evaluation of acrylamide intake with bread in Poland, determined by two comparable cleanup procedures

ABSTRACTAcrylamide is regarded as a food chemical contaminant. The aims of this work included: (i) to develop sample cleanup procedures applicable for determination of AA in soft bread samples; (ii) to determine AA levels in soft bread available in retail trade in Poland and to compare them with currently standing benchmark levels; (iii) to determine dietary risk related to AA in soft bread. The procedure based on ion-exchange solid phase extraction was more suitable to obtain LOQs corresponding to AA concentrations in soft bread samples. AA levels found in bread samples were in 3.6–163 µg kg−1 range. AA levels varied greatly from sample to sample, which suggests that both food composition and manufacturing processes play a crucial role in AA generation. When considering reference point for neoplastic effects, Margin of Exposure calculated for AA taken with soft bread ranged between 543 and 3,035.

373 Efficiency of standardized ileal digestible lysine utilization for whole body protein retention in pregnant gilts and sows during early and mid gestation

Abstract NRC (2012) gestating sow model assumes the efficiency of AA use is constant across gestation, which may not reflect changes in metabolic demand during gestation. Efficiency of utilization is determined as the slope of the response to graded levels of test AA. Previous work reported a lack of response to graded Lys [60–90% of NRC (2012) predicted requirement] in early and mid gestation. Therefore, a study was conducted to determine efficiency of SID Lys utilization for whole body protein retention in gilts and sows during early (d 48–52) and mid (d 75–79) gestation. Four isocaloric (3,373 kcal ME/kg) and isoproteic (12.75 % CP) diets containing 40, 50, 60, and 70% of NRC (2012) model-predicted daily SID Lys requirement (10.1 and 9.3 g/d in early and mid gestation, respectively) were randomly assigned to 50 females (PIC 1050; 12 gilts, 21 Parity 1, 17 Parity 2). Dietary indispensable AA contents were set to meet 100–200% of AA:Lys ratios. Whole body nitrogen (N) retention was based on N-balance studies in early and mid gestation (7-d diet adaptation and 5 d total urine collection and grab fecal sampling). Lysine efficiency was determined by simple linear regression using PROC GLM procedure of SAS. Reproductive performance data were analyzed using PROC MIXED procedure of SAS. Reproductive performance of sows (birth weight, born alive, stillborn, and mummies) was not different by parity or diet. Whole body N and SID Lys retention increased linearly (P &lt; 0.0001) with increasing SID Lys intake in early and mid gestation. Efficiency of Lys utilization in early gestation was 0.60, 0.46, and 0.50, and in mid gestation 0.58, 0.44, and 0.48 for gilts, parity 1, and parity 2 sows, respectively. Parity may play a greater role in efficiency of AA use than stage of gestation.