Plasma Content Research Articles

Dietary supplementation with 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 regulates productive performance, lipid metabolism and gut microbiota in aged laying ducks

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation with 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) on productive performance, lipid metabolism and gut microbiota in aged laying ducks. A total of 432 healthy Longyan ducks at 60-week of age were randomly allotted to 6 groups, each with 6 replicates of 12 ducks. Ducks were given a basal diet (without added 25(OH)D3) or that diet supplemented with 800, 1600, 2400, 3200, or 4000 IU/kg 25(OH)D3 for a total of 16 wk. Dietary supplementation with 25(OH)D3 improved egg production, egg mass and average daily feed intake, and decreased the feed conversion ratio (FCR) of ducks during the whole trial period (linear, quadratic; P < 0.05). Supplementation with 25(OH)D3 decreased very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) content in yolk (P = 0.008), decreased high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) content in plasma (P = 0.002). Hepatic index, VLDL, LDL, triglyceride and total cholesterol content in liver, nonalcoholic fatty liver activity score of liver and alanine aminotransferase content in plasma were decreased with supplementation of 25(OH)D3 (linear or quadratic; P < 0.05). The decreased hepatic apolipoprotein B 100 and lipoprotein lipase expression, and increased hepatic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α and sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 expression resulted from 25(OH)D3 supplementation (linear, quadratic; P < 0.05). Moreover, 25(OH)D3 supplementation increased the villus/crypt ratio (linear, quadratic; P < 0.05) and expression of zonula occludens protein 1 and nuclear factor-κ-gene binding in duodenum (P < 0.05). The supplementation of 25(OH)D3 reduced the abundance of Wittenberg polluted soil-2 bacteria, Synergistota, Bacteroidales, Colidextribacter, Eggerthellaceae, Oscillospira, Oscillibacter, UCG-009, Barnesiellaceae and Lachnospiraceae_UCG-010 in cecal contents (P < 0.05). Dietary requirements for 25(OH)D3 for ducks (60 to 76 wk), were estimated to be 3377 IU/kg for egg production, 3434 IU/kg for egg mass, and 3256 IU/kg for FCR. In summary, dietary 25(OH)D3 supplementation improved productive performance and influenced liver and plasma lipid homeostasis in aged laying ducks, which may be associated with the reduction of bacteria involved in carbohydrate metabolism in the cecum. Supplementing the basal diet with 3250 to 3450 IU/kg 25(OH)D3 is recommended for aged laying ducks (60 to 76 wk).

Experimental study on metallic impurity behavior with boronization wall conditioning in EAST tokamak

Operation of EAST tokamak with full metal wall without any wall conditioning are attempted in 2023 and 2024 experimental campaign to address the issues related to ITER tungsten wall operation. It is found that H-mode plasma could be sustained even with a substantial increase in metallic impurity content caused by strong plasma-wall interaction under uncoated metal wall. Boronization wall conditioning is therefore performed to improve the plasma performance with higher injected power. This study aims to quantitatively assess the impact of boronization wall conditioning on metallic impurity concentration and behavior in the EAST tokamak. It is then proved to be an effective wall conditioning approach for significantly controlling high-Z impurity content. In this work, the impurity spectra at extreme ultraviolet (EUV) wavelength range measured by sets of fast-time-response and space-resolved EUV spectrometers are widely used in the data analysis. The variation in the boron content in plasma after boronization are investigated by monitoring the 2nd order of B V line at 48.59 Å. It is found that the persistence time of boron in EAST device after a boronization with 10 g of carborane (C2B10H12) is about 2000 s (∼150 shots) of discharge duration. The impact of different wall conditions (uncoated metal wall and boron coated wall) on metallic impurity content are then quantitatively studied. After boronization, the concentration of tungsten (CW) and molybdenum (CMo) dropped by 85 %, e. g., from 2.0 × 10-4 to 4.1 × 10-5 and from 4.6 × 10-5 to 6.3 × 10-6, respectively. While the concentration of copper (CCu) and iron (CFe) decreased by approximately 50 % and 65 %, respectively, e. g., from 4.3 × 10-5 to 2.1 × 10-5 and from 2.0 × 10-4 to 6.9 × 10-5. A comparison of the line emission profiles from tungsten ions of W26+ − W32+ and W43+ before and after boronization reveals an overall reduction in the intensity while without obvious change in the profile shape, which suggests a reduction in metallic impurities source after boronization instead of altering impurity transport in core plasma significantly.

Maternal Supplementation Spermidine During Gestation Improves Placental Angiogenesis and Reproductive Performance of High Prolific Sows.

Spermidine (SPD) is a widely recognized polyamine compound found in mammalian cells and plays a key role in various cellular processes. We propose that SPD may enhance placental vascular development in pregnant sows, leading to increased birth weight of piglets. Six hundred and nine sows at 60 days of gestation were randomly assigned into a basal diet (CON group), basal diet supplemented 10 mg/kg of SPD (SPD1 group), and basal diet supplemented 20 mg/kg of SPD (SPD2 group), respectively. Compared with the CON, SPD1 significantly increased the average number of healthy piglets per litter and the placental efficiency (P < 0.05), while the average number of mummified fetus per litter and the percentage of weak piglets significantly decreased (P < 0.05). In the plasma metabolomics, SPD content in plasma of sows (P = 0.075) and umbilical cord plasma of piglets (P = 0.078) had an increasing trend in response to SPD1. Furthermore, SPD1 increased the expression of the vascular endothelial cell marker protein, platelet endothelial cell adhesionmolecule-1 (PECAM-1/CD31) and the density of placental stromal vessels (P < 0.05). Moreover, as compared to CON, SPD2 significantly decreased the average number of mummified fetus per litter (P < 0.05), while the placental efficiency and the expression of amino acid transporter solute carrier (SLC) family 7, member7 (SLC7A7) and glucose transporters SLC2A2) and SLC5A4 in placental tissue significantly increased (P < 0.05). These results suggest that maternal supplementation of SPD during pregnancy increased healthy litter number, and promoted placental tissue development. Our findings provide evidence that maternal SPD has the potential to improve the production performance of sows.

How do crate materials impact the winter transport of broilers?

Pre-slaughter transportation adversely impacts the welfare, meat yield, and quality of broilers, yet the effects of different crate types on broiler chickens during winter remain underexplored. The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of plastic and iron crates in transit on meat quality, carcass, and physiological traits of broiler chickens during winter. A total of 175, 35-day-old Ross 308 male broilers with an average body weight of about 1,708 ± 33.3 g (mean ± standard error of the mean) were picked after 4 hours of feed withdrawal before transport. The control group comprises birds in the farm (n = 15) without transportation at 173 cm2/kg density. The birds were transported into fixed iron (25 birds per crate) and plastic crates (15 birds per crate) with four replicates per crate type at the same 173 cm2/kg densities. The transportation distance was 20 km for 40 min at an average speed of 30-50 km/h early morning at 8:00 am under - 1 ℃ and 47% relative humidity. There was no difference (p>0.05) in carcass traits among the treatments. Concerning meat quality, broilers transported in both crate types exhibited lower (p<0.01) a* values compared to the control group. Additionally, the iron crate group demonstrated higher (p<0.05) b* values for the breast meat compared to the other groups. In terms of blood metabolites, the iron crate group had higher (p<0.05) cortisol, glucose, and lactate levels compared to the control group that did not transport. Broilers transported in the iron crates increase stress levels in terms of higher cortisol, glucose, and lactate contents in the blood plasma compared to untransported broilers during the winter. Therefore, employing plastic crates, which induce significantly reduced cortisol and numerically lower glucose levels compared to iron crates, appears more favorable for animal welfare by mitigating stress.

Daily yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis A.St.-Hil.) intake does not affect gastric mucosa of rats

Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis A.St.-Hil.) is a plant which is widely consumed in South America as an infusion. In recent years, scientific reports have demonstrated the beneficial pharmacological properties of yerba mate on health, particularly its antioxidant effects due to polyphenols content mainly chlorogenic acid and rutin. Nevertheless, several effects on the gastrointestinal system, like gastric discomfort, heartburn, or esophageal reflux, have been suggested by consumers. However, an association between usual intake of yerba mate and the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal disorders has never been demonstrated. We conducted a study to assess the effects of daily intake of yerba mate infusions on gastric mucosa and plasmatic antioxidant properties in rats. Experiments were carried out in 30-day-old female Sprague-Dawley rats. Two different infusions with different concentrations of commercial yerba mate (YM and YM+) were used as ad libitum drinks for 90 days. Macroscopic and microscopic evaluation of gastric mucosa was assessed. In plasma, the total content of polyphenols, the antioxidant capacity and lipid peroxidation were determined. The groups who drank YM and YM+ infusion showed a mucosa with normal characteristics, both macro and microscopically, similar to control animals. Levels of total polyphenols content in plasma were higher in YM+ group compared to controls and both YM groups had lower lipid peroxidation levels. The present study demonstrated that daily intake for 90 days of an infusion of YM would not produce deleterious effects on the gastric mucosa in the absence of concomitant potential harmful factors for the gastric mucosa.

The Biological Effect of Enriching the Plasma Content in Platelet-Rich Plasma: An In Vitro Study.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) formulations have become valuable therapeutic tools in regenerative medicine. In addition, these blood derivates have been successfully included in cell therapy as fetal bovine serum substitutes, due to the real need to avoid the risk of host immunologic reactions and the animal disease transmission associated with reagents from animal origin. However, the protocols for obtaining them should be optimized to improve their biological potential. PRP-derived preparations with different concentrations of the platelet and plasma components were obtained from the blood of five donors by freeze-drying. Measurements of the pH, protein, and growth factor concentration were performed. Moreover, their biological effects on cell proliferation and migration and their angiogenic potential were assessed. An increased plasma component concentration resulted in an augmented quantity of the total protein content, a significative variation in the hepatocyte growth factor concentration, and an experimental but clinically irrelevant alteration of the pH value. No significant changes were induced in their potential to enhance proliferative and migratory responses in epithelial cells, with the latter being reduced for dermal fibroblasts. The endothelial cell capacity for tube formation was significatively reduced. An increased blood plasma content did not improve the biological potential of the formulations. However, they have emerged as a promising approach for regenerative therapies where neovascularization must be avoided.

Determination of Citrate Content of Commonly Transfused Blood Products

Abstract Background Citrate is a calcium-chelating anion used as an anticoagulant in the collection and manufacturing of blood products for transfusion. Overwhelming of normal hepatic catabolism of infused citrate, such as in liver failure or in massive transfusion, may cause citrate toxicity. Resultant hypocalcemia, impaired coagulation, and metabolic alkalosis results in increased patient mortality and morbidity. The citrate load per blood product unit is rarely known to the transfusionist, precluding precise calcium repletion. Manufacturing data of citrate content is available, but it is unreliable and often contradictory. The aim of this project is to directly measure the citrate concentrations of common blood products including packed red blood cells (pRBCs), plasma, and apheresis platelets. Methods Blood products (or samples thereof) were obtained, centrifuged, and assayed using a benchtop enzymatic citrate assay (Sigma-Aldrich). This technique generates a chromogenic product detectable via spectrophotometry at 570nm via conversion of citrate to a pyruvate intermediate. Blood products were serially diluted to the assay’s concentration measurement range based on estimations from the product manufacturing processes. Validation studies were performed to verify no significant interference from native pyruvate or from hemolysis at the dilutions used. All samples were run with a paired reference standard. Product type, storage duration, volume, and anticoagulant/preservative solution were recorded. Results Preliminary testing was performed on eleven pRBC units, twelve apheresis platelet units, and four whole blood(WB)-derived plasma. Measured citrate content of AS-1 and AS-5 units ranged from 43.56 - 114.5 mg while that of AS-3 units ranged from 327.23 – 816.82 mg, compared to manufacturing estimates of 188 mg and 883 mg, respectively. Measured citrate content of apheresis platelets ranged from 822-1533 mg compared to manufacturing estimates of 805 mg. Measured citrate content of WB-derived plasma also exceeded the manufacturing estimate of 1201 mg. Interference from pyruvate and hemolysis were insignificant at the dilutions used for testing. Validation of pRBC segment sampling is ongoing. Conclusion Varying guidelines exist for the correction of hypocalcemia during ongoing trauma resuscitation; however, guidance is limited regarding repletion by specific blood product. Our investigation affirms significant heterogeneity in pRBC citrate concentrations by collection method and identifies lower citrate concentrations than expected. This may be due to citrate metabolism by RBCs during storage. Platelet and FFP products contain significantly greater citrate masses by comparison, with a high degree of variation observed due to inherent product volume variability. Further sampling and testing are ongoing to establish reliable expected citrate loads for commonly transfused blood products.

LC-MRM-MS-based lipidomics reveals differences in the digestion, absorption, and metabolism of phosphatidylcholines from Egg, Soy, and Krill in vivo

The acyl chain composition of dietary sources phosphatidylcholine (PC) is highly diverse. However, the effect of different PC intakes on the digestive products lysophosphatidylcholines (LPCs) and plasma metabolite species has not been elucidated. Here, LC-MRM-MS analysis was employed to identify and quantify 36 PC and 10 LPC molecular species in small intestinal contents, jejunum, plasma, and colonic contents within 12 h after administration of Egg-PC, Soy-PC, and Krill-PC. These results showed that the three PCs were rapidly hydrolyzed to LPCs within 0.5 h of reaching the small intestine, and the LPC species showed significant positive correlations with the corresponding fatty acid composition of the dietary PC. Notably, the abundance of plasma PUFA_PUFA PCs such as PC18:2_18:2 increased 5.8-fold after administration of Soy-PC for 2 h. Strikingly, administration of krill-PC for 2 h increased plasma LPC20:5 and PC16:0_20:5 by 23.6-fold and 26.6-fold, respectively, compared to 0 h, but the level of PC20:5_20:5 was low. In addition, correlation between the LPC species in small intestinal contents and plasma phospholipid species were analyzed, shedding light on the rules of re-esterification and absorption. These results could be useful for efficiently exploiting the nutritional functions of PCs with different acyl chains.

The effectiveness of combined anesthesia in comparison with general anesthesia in thyroid and parathyroid surgery: a single-center prospective randomized study

BACKGROUND. Operations on the organs of the anterior surface of the neck (thyroidectomy, carotidectomy, plastic surgery, etc.) are widespread in the Russian Federation. The development of adequate anesthesiological support for these interventions is an urgent task of modern anesthesiology. The introduction of combined regional anesthesia techniques into surgical practice makes it possible to minimize postoperative complications, manifested in the form of severe pain syndrome, postoperative nausea and vomiting. AIM. To conduct a comparative assessment of the effectiveness of combined (general + regional) and only general anesthesia during operations on the thyroid and parathyroid glands. MATERIALS AND METHODS. In a prospective randomized study, 60 patients operated on for thyroid and parathyroid gland diseases were divided into 2 groups: in group 1, general anesthesia was performed in combination with blockade of the internal fascia of the neck and bilateral blockade of the superficial branches of the cervical plexus, as well as the Berry ligament area under ultrasound navigation; patients of group 2 were operated on in conditions of combined general anesthesia. The hemodynamic profile during surgery, plasma cortisol concentration, required doses of fentanyl, intensity of postoperative pain syndrome, need for anesthesia, and recovery time were evaluated. RESULTS. Combined (general + regional) anesthesia was characterized by a decrease in fentanyl consumption compared with the group receiving only general anesthesia (p 0.0001), a decrease in cortisol content in blood plasma 12 hours after extubation (p=0.0439), a reduction in median pain after tracheal extubation 3 and 12 hours after surgery (p=0.0190, p 0.0001), as well as a twofold reduction in the time interval from the end of the operation to the moment of extubation (p=0.0001). The assessment of patients on the Aldreth awakening scale in the group of people who underwent combined anesthesia indicates a higher willingness of patients to be transferred from the operating room to the awakening ward (p=0.0114). CONCLUSION. The study demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of the combined anesthesia technique in thyroid and parathyroid surgery, which provides adequate anesthetic protection for patients.

Association Between Zinc Ion Concentrations in Seminal Plasma and Sperm Quality: A Chinese Cross-Sectional Study.

This study investigates the impacts of zinc ion concentration in in seminal plasma and the total amount of Zn2+ per ejaculation on sperm quality evaluation parameters. In addition, we assessed the reliability of using zinc content in seminal plasma to evaluate sperm quality. We analyzed semen from 964 men and found that men over 40years old had significantly lower concentrations of Zn2+ in ejaculated semen compared to other age groups (p < 0.05), with no significant difference in Zn2+ concentrations among other age groups (p > 0.05). The total amount of Zn2+ in one ejaculation did not show a statistical difference between the normal semen and the abnormal semen groups (p > 0.05). Statistical differences were observed in sperm kinetic parameters and DNA fragmentation index between the normal Zn2+ total amount group and the abnormal group (p < 0.05). However, there was no statistical difference in morphological parameters (p > 0.05). Spearman correlation analysis showed a negative correlation between Zn2+ concentrations in seminal plasma, age, and sperm fructose and a positive correlation between semen volume, abstinence time, sperm concentration, neutral α-glycosidase, and citric acid content (p < 0.05). The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that Zn2+ concentrations had poor accuracy and specificity in assessing sperm quality (p > 0.05). Although there is a partial correlation between Zn2+ concentrations in seminal plasma and certain semen quality parameters, relying solely on Zn2+ concentrations to evaluate sperm quality lacks accuracy and specificity.

Chlorella and vegetable oil inclusion in diets for growing rabbits: effects on growth, digestibility, plasma metabolites, and caecal fermentations and microbiota

The inclusion of microalgae in livestock diets has been shown to enhance animal productivity, immune response, and meat quality. However, the role of chlorella (Chlorella vulgaris) in growing rabbit nutrition has been scarcely explored, with available studies focusing on low inclusion levels (<1%) and their effects on rabbit growth and immune response. This study evaluated the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, plasma metabolites, caecal fermentative activity, and caecal microbiota composition of growing rabbits fed diets with different inclusion levels of chlorella and crude fat. A total of 648 mixed-sex Grimaud crossbred rabbits (33 d of age; 841 ± 140 g live weight) were fed 6 experimental diets (96 rabbits per diet for the growth trial) based on a bifactorial design with three dietary inclusion levels of chlorella (0%, 1%, and 2%) and two levels of crude fat (3% and 5%) obtained by the inclusion of soybean oil (1% and 3%, respectively). The trial lasted 38 days until slaughter. From 47 to 51 days of age, 72 rabbits (12 per diet) were submitted to a digestibility trial. At 51 days of age, samples of plasma and caecal content were collected from 36 rabbits (6 rabbit per diet) to analyse plasma metabolites, caecal fermentations, and caecal microbiota. Rabbit live weight at 71 days of age (2 700 g, on average), weight gain (48.8 g/d) and feed conversion ratio (3.27) were unaffected by chlorella inclusion, while feed conversion ratio improved (−5%; P < 0.001) with an increase of crude fat from 3% to 5%. The digestibility of ADF (23.2% vs. 20.9%; P < 0.05) and crude fat (83.8% vs. 85.6%; P < 0.01) improved with the inclusion of chlorella at 2%, as well as the digestibility of crude fat (82.4% vs. 86.9%; P < 0.001) and gross energy (57.3% vs. 58.7%; P < 0.001) with crude fat inclusion at 5%. Plasma non-esterified fatty acids decreased (−19%; P < 0.05) in diets with 5% crude fat. Neither chlorella nor crude fat inclusion levels affected other plasma metabolites, caecal fermentations, or caecal microbiota. Overall, the inclusion of chlorella up to 2% in diets for growing rabbits did not significantly affect diet nutritional value, animal performance, or caecal activity. On the other hand, increasing crude fat to 5% improved the overall feed efficiency.

A step‐by‐step progressive strategy exploring whole metabolic profiles in vivo for Polygalae Radix with/without licorice

AbstractIntroductionPolygalae Radix (PR) is known to relieve toxicity and increase efficiency in various diseases after processing. However, there were few studies for aromatic carboxylic acids (ACAs) due to the limited detection, especially for the metabolites within m/z 100–2000.ObjectivesThis study aims to elucidate the whole metabolism of PR with/without licorice (LP), focusing on metabolites within m/z 100–2000 and pharmacodynamics in vivo.Material and methodsThis study was established by the combination of multidimensional ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography coupled with a mass spectrometer (UPLC–MS) technology with protein sedimentation method to analyze metabolites in plasma, brain, colon, and stomach contents. Quantitative monitoring ACAs was enhanced with our novel stable isotope derivatization (SILD) technique. And then the pharmacokinetics (PK) study of relatively large metabolites was carried out. A targeted network pharmacology approach was established to avoid false positive results, mapping interactions relevant to Alzheimer's disease (AD), and other conditions.ResultsThe 85 polygala metabolites were qualitatively analyzed in plasma, brain, colon, and stomach contents. The 11 types of relatively large metabolites and 8 types of ACAs were quantitatively monitored. Among them, nine types of relatively large metabolites were assessed through PK studies. In targeted network pharmacology, it highlighted the significance of small molecular metabolites, including ACAs et al, which were frequently overlooked. LP may play a more key role mainly through neural active ligand‐receptor interaction, AD, and pertussis pathways. These findings have outlined a step‐by‐step strategy for in‐depth research in vivo, laying a foundation for further verification of biological function.

PSII-27 Dietary fiber fractions supplementation modulates pro-inflammatory cytokines, hindgut ammonia-nitrogen concentration, and diarrhea severity of nursery pigs

Abstract Dietary fiber may functionally modulate the intestinal health of pigs depending on the content of dietary fiber fraction (DFF). The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of DFF based on soluble dietary fiber (SDF) and insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) ratio on growth performance, blood parameters, hindgut ammonia-nitrogen concentrations, and diarrhea severity (fecal consistency score, FCS) of nursery pigs. Mixed-sex pigs (n = 200) with an average body weight (BW) of 7.56 ± 0.86 kg were randomly assigned to 1 of 5 dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design, with 5 pigs per pen and 8 pens per treatment. Pigs were fed a basal diet (BD, containing 8.80% IDF and 0.70% SDF), or the BD diet supplemented with dietary fiber to provide an additional 2% DFF to provide SDF and IDF, from inulin and lignocellulose, respectively, in ratios of 1:1 (DFF1), 1:3 (DFF2), 1:5 (DFF3), and 1:7 (DFF4) for 28 d. Overall, there were no dietary effects on ADFI, ADG, and F:G (P &amp;gt; 0.05). Compared with the BD diet, there was no overall effect of DFF on blood parameters, except for reduced plasma interleukin (IL) -6 and IL-1β concentrations (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Plasma IL-6 was reduced in DFF1 by 20.1%, while plasma IL-1β was reduced in DFF2, DFF3, and DFF4 by average 20% (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Decreasing SDF:IDF ratio increased plasma urea nitrogen (P &amp;lt; 0.05) and tended to decrease plasma myeloperoxidase (P &amp;lt; 0.10) in a quadratic manner. Amongst all treatments, pigs fed DFF1 or DFF2 diet had the least plasma content of superoxide dismutase while pigs fed DFF3 had the greatest (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Pigs fed DFF, regardless of SDF:IDF ratio, had reduced cecal and colonic ammonia-nitrogen compared with BD (P &amp;lt; 0.01). Overall, FCS was reduced by DFF compared with BD (P &amp;lt; 0.001). Decreasing SDF:IDF ratio reduced FCS in a quadratic manner (P &amp;lt; 0.05). The results indicate that 2% DFF supplementation with inulin and lignocellulose, regardless of the SDF:IDF, modulated pro-inflammatory cytokines, hindgut ammonia-nitrogen concentration, and diarrhea severity in nursery pigs.

Axin interactor, dorsalization-associated (AIDA) protein promotes appetite and regulates hepatic glycolipid metabolism in Schizothorax prenanti

Axin interactor, dorsalization-associated (AIDA) is a protein that interacts with Axin and involved in the regulation of embryonic development, intestinal fat absorption, and adaptive thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue. However, the roles of AIDA in feeding behavior and hepatic glycolipid metabolism in the fish remain uncovered. In this study, the AIDA gene of Schizothorax prenanti (S. prenanti) was cloned and the recombination AIDA protein of S. prenanti was obtained using a prokaryotic expression system. The highest expression level of the AIDA gene was detected in the hypothalamus, followed by the cerebral cortex, liver, muscle, and heart. Fasting induced the expression level of AIDA gene in the liver, cerebral cortex, and hypothalamus, but refeeding attenuated the AIDA expression. Furthermore, the recombinant AIDA protein (200 ng/g BW) i.c.v. injection increased the food intake of S. prenanti by increasing the expression levels of orexigenic factors (AgRP and Ghrelin) and decreasing the expression of anorexigenic factors (Cart, CCK, and Leptin). In addition, the i.p. injection of recombinant AIDA protein significantly decreased the glucose, TC, and TG contents in plasma and reduced the glycogen and TG contents in liver. These results demonstrate that AIDA protein increases appetite and regulates hepatic glycolipid metabolic processes in S. prenanti.

Syndecan-1 as Potential Messenger of Effects of Remote Postconditioning in Experiments with Brain Ischemia

The mechanisms of cerebral reperfusion injury restriction by remote conditionig (RC) is interesting due to its possible effects on functional recovery after brain ischemia. The assessment of the role of syndecan-1 (SDC-1) and annexin-5 (ANXA5) content in blood plasma was performed by ischemic-reperfusion injury on middle cerebral artery model in rats. We used RC protocol. Randomized controlled trials were conducted. Ischemia had been done by MCAo (middle cerebral artery occlusion) by Belayev [6]. Animals used were the Wistar rat-males weighting 250 g. under general anesthesia (Zoletil 100 и Xylazine 2%). MCAo animals had been detected 41.4*±1.3 ng/ml SDC-1 plasma’s level (30%). MCAo animals with RC protocol had been detected 67.8**±5.8 ng/ml SDC-1 plasma’s level (112%). Infarction volume in MCAo animals’ brain reviled 31.97 ± 2.5% injury; the volume of infarction was 13.6 ± 1.3%. Swelling of tissue in МCАо animals with RC was 16 ± 2.1%; in contrary, in МCАо animals’ swelling of tissue was bigger up to 47 ± 3.3%. Correlation analysis in MCAo animals with RC reviled high direct correlation relationship between infarction area and muscle strength in the right forelimb (КК=0.72). Correlation analysis reviled very high inverse correlation between infarct area and capillary blood flow in МCАо animals with RC (p 0.01; r = -0.98). It is being discussed the SDC-1 protein in blood plasma may play role of potential regulator of infarct–limiting effects of remote ischemic postconditioning which cause functional recovery.

Nutritional Impacts of Dietary Selenium, Iodine and their Interaction on Egg Performance, and Antioxidant Profile in Laying Longyuan Duck Breeders.

The present study aimed to optimize the combined effect of dietary selenium (SE) and iodine (ID) on the productive and reproductive performance and antioxidant capacity of Longyuan breeding ducks. A total of 288 Longyan duck breeders aged 20 wk were randomly assigned to four groups with six replicates (n = 72 ducks/group; 12 ducks/replicate). A 2 × 2 factorial arrangement experiment was performed and included 2 supplementation levels of each SE and ID for 200 days of the experimental period. The first group (SE0/ID0) received a basal diet without SE or ID supplementation and was considered to be the control group, whereas the other three groups, SE0/ID4, SE2/ID0 and SE2/ID4, received a basal diet supplemented with 0.4 mg ID/kg, 0.2 mg SE/kg or 0.2 mg SE supplemented with 0.4 mg ID/kg, respectively. The results indicated that the albumin height of the SE2/ID0 group was lower (P < 0.05) than that of the control group, that the egg shape index of the SE2/ID4 and SE0/ID4 groups were lower (P < 0.05) than that of the control group (SE0/ID0), and that the SE concentration significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the SE2/ID0 and SE2/ID4 groups. Hatchability and embryonic mortality improved (P < 0.05) in the SE2/ID0 group. Plasma GSH-Px activity was increased (P < 0.05) by reducing the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the SE groups. In addition, the tibia length significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the ID (SE0/ID4 and SE2/ID4) groups compared with that in the control group, the plasma content of IGF-1 in the SE2/ID4 and SE0/ID4 groups were greater (P < 0.05) than that in the control group, and the bone mineral content increased (P > 0.05) in the SE2/ID0 and SE0/ID0 groups. Compared with those in the other groups, the mRNA expression of antioxidant-related genes, including Nrf2 and SHMT1 in the SE2/ID4 group was upregulated (P > 0.05), especially in the SE2/ID4 group. Overall, dietary treatment with SE2/ID4 (0.2 mg SE in 0.4 mg ID/kg diet) could be a suitable feed supplement for improving the the egg quality, health status, endogenous antioxidant content, antioxidant-related gene expression and pre-hatching quality of Longyuan duck breeders.

Effect of Dietary Energy Level during Late Gestation on Mineral Contents in Colostrum, Milk, and Plasma of Lactating Jennies.

This study investigated the effects of dietary energy levels during late gestation on mineral content in the plasma, colostrum, and milk of jennies postpartum. Twenty-four pregnant multiparous DeZhou jennies, aged 6.0 ± 0.1 years, with a body weight of 292 ± 33 kg, an average parity number of 2.7 ± 0.1, and similar expected dates of confinement (74 ± 4 days), were randomly allocated to three groups and fed three diets: high energy (12.54 MJ/kg, HE), medium energy (12.03 MJ/kg, ME), and low energy (11.39 MJ/kg, LE). Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein of each jenny at time points of 0 h, 24 h, 48 h, 5 d, 7 d, and 14 d after parturition. Additionally, milk samples were collected through manual milking, and an analysis of the mineral content was conducted. The results showed that compared with HE, both ME and LE significantly increased the levels of calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), molybdenum (Mo), and cobalt (Co) in the plasma and Ca, P, magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), Zn, selenium (Se), molybdenum (Mo), and Co in the milk of jennies postpartum (p < 0.05); ME also increased the levels of potassium (K), iron (Fe), and Mn in plasma and K and Fe in milk (p < 0.05). The levels of Ca, K, Mg, P, Fe, Cu, Mn, Co, Se, Zn, and Mo in plasma and milk gradually decreased with increasing postpartum time. Their contents were the highest at 0 h postpartum, rapidly decreased after 24 h postpartum, and declined to the lowest on day 14 postpartum. The interaction between dietary energy level and postpartum time showed that although the concentrations of the minerals Ca, P, K, Mg, Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, Co, Se, and Mo decreased in jennies' plasma and milk in the treatment groups with different energy levels as postpartum time increased, the pattern of change was also influenced by dietary energy level. The influence of dietary energy level in late gestation on the mineral content of milk and plasma during the postpartum colostrum phase was higher than that during the milk phase. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that, under the current experimental conditions, the mineral content of the colostrum, milk, and plasma of jennies after parturition was dependent on the dietary energy level during late gestation.

Quantification of the cellular content of platelet-rich plasma harvested after injection of filgrastim versus pegfilgrastim biosimilars: a prospective, single-center, crossover study

IntroductionHematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) appear in peripheral blood (PB) following mobilization due to external events or pharmaceutical agents like filgrastim and pegfilgrastim. Concentration of these into platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can be used in orthopedics. ObjectivesThis prospective, single-center, controlled laboratory study aimed to compare safety profiles of filgrastim and pegfilgrastim administration, quantifying the cellular content of PRP derived from PB post-administration. We hypothesized comparable rates and severity of adverse events (AEs) among participants, along with similar cellular content in the PRP products. MethodsTen healthy male participants underwent a crossover design with 2 interventions separated by a washout period. PB was collected before and after each intervention, producing PRP for cellular comparison in vitro. AEs were monitored for severity and frequency throughout study. ResultsSignificant AEs for filgrastim included fatigue (36%), myalgia (36%), and back pain (9.1%), compared to pegfilgrastim, which included myalgia (31%), fatigue (23%), and back pain (23%). There were no significant differences between AE occurrences (P = .49) nor relationship to study drug (P > .99). Regarding total nucleated cell count (TNC), statistical significance was found in TNC count (P = .010) and TNC concentration (P = .004). All PRP products expressed high levels (>88%) of hematopoietic progenitor cell/HSC-specific CD45+, CD34+, CD45dim+, and hematopoietic progenitor cell/HSC+ markers. ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that filgrastim and pegfilgrastim administration appear safe. Pegfilgrastim is equivalent to filgrastim for the mobilization of white blood cells and cells expressing hematopoietic cell-surface markers into the PB and consequently, into the derived PRP product. Clinical relevanceThis study presents pegfilgrastim as a single-injection alternative to filgrastim for the mobilization of HSCs into the PB and subsequent PB-derived PRP, which is more convenient and less invasive for patients.

N-Acetylcysteine Supplementation Improves Testicular Haemodynamics, Testosterone Levels, Seminal Antioxidant Capacity and Semen Quality in Heat-Stressed Goat Bucks.

Heat stress (HS) disrupts testicular homeostasis because of oxidative stress. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a thiol compound with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties. As a sequel, this research aimed to assess the ameliorative effects of NAC supplementation on the reproductive performance of goat bucks kept under environmental HS. Primarily, Doppler examination as well as semen collection and evaluation were conducted on 12 mature bucks for 2 weeks (W) as pre-heat stress control (W1 and W2) during winter (February 2023). The temperature-humidity index (THI) was 63.4-64.3 (winter season). Then during summer HS conditions (from the beginning of July till the end of August 2023) bucks were assessed before NAC supplementation (W0), afterwards they were arbitrarily assigned into two groups. The control group (CON; n = 6) received the basal diet while the NAC group (n = 6) received the basal diet in addition to oral NAC daily for 7 weeks (W1-W7). The THI was 78.1-81.6 (summer season). Testicular blood flow parameters, serum concentration of nitric oxide (NO) and testosterone were measured. Additionally, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in seminal plasma and semen quality parameters were evaluated. There were marked reductions (p < 0.05) in the resistive index (RI; W1, W4 and W5), pulsatility index (PI; W2 and W4-W7), and systolic/diastolic ratio (S/D; W4-W7) in the NAC group compared to the CON group. Furthermore, testosterone and NO levels were higher (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively) in the NAC group (W2, W3, W5 and W3-W5, respectively). Seminal plasma TAC increased (p < 0.05) and MDA decreased (p < 0.05) in the NAC group (W2, W4 and W5) compared to the CON group. Moreover, there were marked improvements (p < 0.05) in semen quality parameters (mass motility, total motility, viability and normal morphology) in the NAC group. In conclusion, oral NAC supplementation could be used to enhance the reproductive performance of goat bucks during HS conditions which is supported by remarkable enhancement in testicular haemodynamics, NO, testosterone levels and semen quality parameters.

Effect of carvedilol on pharmacokinetics of sofosbuvir and its metabolite GS-331007: role of P-glycoprotein.

Sofosbuvir (SOF) is a P-glycoprotein (P-gp) substrate, and carvedilol (CAR) is an inhibitor of P-gp, suggesting that it may affect the oral pharmacokinetics and safety of SOF. The current study investigated the pharmacokinetic interaction of CAR with SOF and its metabolite, GS-331007, and the possible consequent toxicities in rats. To assess the pharmacokinetics of SOF and GS-331007, rats were divided into three groups; all received a single oral dose of SOF preceded with saline (SAL), verapamil (VER) as a standard P-gp inhibitor, or CAR, respectively. The serosal, plasma, and hepatic tissue contents of SOF and GS-331007 were assessed using LC-MS/MS. Renal and hepatic toxicities were assessed using biochemical and histopathological tests. Serosal and plasma concentrations of SOF and GS-331007 were increased in the presence of CAR, suggesting a significant inhibitory effect of CAR on intestinal P-gp. Simultaneously, the pharmacokinetic profile of SOF showed a significant increase in the Cmax, AUC(0-t), AUC (0-∞), t1/2, and a reduction in its apparent oral clearance. While the pharmacokinetic profile of GS-331007 was not significantly affected. However, this notable elevation in drug oral bioavailability was corroborated by a significant alteration in renal functions. Hence, further clinical investigations are recommended to ensure the safety and dosing of CAR/SOF combination.