E Group Research Articles

Fatty acid profile of eggs produced by laying hens fed diets containing different shares of fish oil

This paper presents the results of the research on the use of fish oil (FO) in combination with soybean oil (SO) in laying hens diet on physical and chemical properties of fresh eggs and those stored in a refrigerator for 28 d at + 4°C. Fatty acids (FA) profile, as well as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) values in yolks are also presented. The following feeding treatments have been used: C (control, without FO), E1 (0.3% FO + 4.7% SO), E2 (0.6% FO + 4.4% SO), E3 (0.9% FO + 4.1% SO), E4 (1.2% FO + 3.8% SO) and E5 (1.5% FO + 3.5% SO). Laying hens diets were balanced at the level of 176.10 g/kg crude protein and 11.50 MJ/kg ME. The results of the study showed that feeding treatments affected the relative shares of the eggs basic parts (P < 0.05). The egg storage duration significantly reduced Haugh units (HU), egg and albumen egg weight, and increased the yolk color intensity (P < 0.001). Fish oil share increment in the diets resulted in the EPA (eicosapentaenoic FA) content increase from 10.27 to 20.10 mg/100 g egg; DHA (docosahexaenoic FA) from 105.44 to 236.87 mg/100 g egg and ∑ n-3 PUFA (polyunsatureated FA) from 204.59 to 327.35 mg/100 g egg. The ∑ n-6 PUFA/∑ n-3 PUFA ratio decreased from 8.69 (C group) to 4.54 (E5 group). TBARS values were affected by feeding treatments as well as treatment-storage interactions (P < 0.01).

Dietary Supplementation of Some Antioxidants as Attenuators of Heat Stress on Chicken Meat Characteristics

The study evaluated the effect of dietary chromium and vitamin C, Zinc, and sorrel wood powder supplements on chicken health and the nutritional, textural, and sensorial quality of chicken meat. A total of 120 Cobb 500 chickens (heat stress, 32 °C) were assigned into four treatments: control diet (C) and three test diets including 200 µg/kg diet chromium picolinate and supplemented with: 0.25 g vitamin C(VC)/kg diet (E1), 0.025 g Zn/kg diet (E2), and 10 g creeping wood sorrel powder (CWS)/kg diet (E3). Crude protein concentration increased in the breast meat from the E3 group; crude fat decreased in E1 and E3 compared to those fed the C diet. Dietary combinations of CrPic with VC, Zn, and CWS increased redness and decreased the luminosity parameter of breast meat compared with the C group. Dietary combinations of CrPic with VC and CWS lowered the hardness of breast meat. Significant positive correlation was found between hardness–gumminess (r = 0.891), gumminess–cohesiveness (r = 0.771), cohesiveness–resilience-EE (r = 0.861; r = 0.585), ash-L* (r = 0.426), and a negative one between ash–a* (r = 0.446). In conclusion, a dietary combination of CrPic with VC, Zn, and CWS as antioxidant sources could have a beneficial effect on quality without affecting sensory attributes.

Effects of bee bread, Cornelian cherries treatment on the femoral bone structure using Zucker diabetic fatty rats as an animal model

This is a pilot study dealing with the reduced femoral bone structure in Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats following a 10 weeks treatment with bee bread and Cornelian cherries. The adult ZDF rats were divided into 4 groups: the E1 group received bee bread (500 mg/kg b.w. daily), the E2 group received Cornelian cherries (500 mg/kg b.w. per day), the E3 group was simultaneously supplemented by bee bread and Cornelian cherries (500 + 500 mg/kg b.w. daily), and the C group served as an untreated diabetic control. A non-significant decrease in the blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride concentrations, ALP activity and a non-significant increase in the insulin, total body weight of the ZDF rats, femoral length and weight were observed in the E1, E2, and E3 groups. The treatments had no impact on the relative volume of the cortical bone, bone mineral density, bone surface and cortical bone thickness. On the contrary, the relative volume of the trabecular bone, trabecular thickness and trabecular bone surface were significantly increased in the E1 group. The relative volume of the trabecular bone and trabecular thickness were significantly elevated in the E2 group. In the E3 group, the trabecular thickness was found to have significantly increased. Single administrations of either bee bread or Cornelian cherries had more positive effects on the trabecular bone microarchitecture in the ZDF rats than the simultaneous supplementation.

Abstract 2791: Semaphorin7A and estrogen work in concert to promote mammary tumor growth and alter the immune tumor microenvironment

Abstract Breast cancer (BC) is the 2nd leading cause of cancer-related death in women. Increased lymphatic vessel density (LVD), lymphovascular invasion (LVI), and lymph node positivity (LN+) are associated with increased metastasis in BC patients. LVD, LVI, and LN+ are promoted by angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, which can be induced by tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). TAMs are implicated in creating a pro-tumor tumor microenvironment (TME) in various cancers. We have shown that semaphorin7A (SEMA7A)—a signaling molecule that activates integrin-mediated signaling cascades—is associated with decreased survival and increased metastasis in BC patients. In mouse models, SEMA7A expression is associated with increased LVD and TAM presence. SEMA7A can also induce expression of lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC)-associated proteins, such as podoplanin (PDPN), on macrophages to polarize them into “PoEMs” (PDPN-expressing macrophages). Furthermore, PoEMs intercalate into lymphatic vessels to form PoEM-LEC chimeric vessels; tumor cells are found within these vessels at the PoEM-LEC junctions. We have also shown that SEMA7A promotes programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) expression on TAMs, LECs, PoEMs, and BC cells to inhibit anti-tumor immune responses and promote a pro-tumor TME. In neuronal cells, SEMA7A expression is regulated by steroid hormones in a B1-integrin mediated manner. Given the link between SEMA7A and hormones, we hypothesized that SEMA7A expression in tumors could be induced by estrogen (E2) and that SEMA7A and E2 may cooperate to create a pro-tumor immune TME (iTME). To test this, we orthotopically implanted E0771-DDK (Ctrl) and E0771-DDK-SEMA7A (SEMA7A overexpressing [OE]) cells into female mice with or without E2 supplementation. E0771 cells have recently been characterized as the luminal B subtype—which is ER+ and highly proliferative—and E0771 cells are dependent upon E2 supplementation for growth in vivo. SEMA7A OE tumors without E2 overcame the need for E2 and grew as well as the Ctrl+E2 tumors, but SEMA7A+E2 significantly accelerated tumor growth. Tumors were harvested for flow cytometry (FC) to reveal that E2 increased SEMA7A expression in Ctrl tumors to similar levels observed in the SEMA7A OE and SEMA7A+E2 significantly increased expression of PD-L1 expression on tumor cells. Additionally, SEMA7A+E2 was the only condition to increase the presence of intratumoral LECs; however, E2, SEMA7A, and SEMA7A+E2 all induced PD-L1 expression on LECs. Additionally, SEMA7A and SEMA7A+E2 groups had more TAMs and PoEMs compared to controls, and significantly more of those TAMs/PoEMs were PD-L1+. Lastly, we treated Ctrl and SEMA7A OE tumors (in the presence of E2) with anti-PD1 or anti-PD-L1 therapies and only the SEMA7A OE tumors responded. These results indicate that E2 can induce SEMA7A expression in tumors and that SEMA7A can cooperate with E2 to inhibit anti-tumor immunity. Citation Format: Alan Elder, Lyndsey Crump, Alexander Stoller, Traci Lyons. Semaphorin7A and estrogen work in concert to promote mammary tumor growth and alter the immune tumor microenvironment [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 2791.

Use of steroid pre-treatments in IVF-ICSI cycles with GnRH antagonist protocol and their impact on gestational outcomes

Different steroid pre-treatments have been used to schedule the start of the ovarian stimulation in IVF cycles. Currently, there is controversy about their effects on gestational outcomes. We designed a three-armed randomised controlled trial (RCT). Eighty-six normoresponder patients undergoing IVF treatment with antagonist GnRH protocol were allocated to three different groups. In the group 1, 34 patients received oral contraceptive pill (OCP) from the first day of the cycle to five days before starting ovarian stimulation, in the group 2, 25 patients received 2 mg/12 hours of oral E2 valerate from day 25 of the previous cycle until the day before starting stimulation, and finally, in the group 3, 27 patients did not receive any treatment. There are no statistically significant differences neither in clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) (40.9% OCP vs. 28.6% E2 vs. 53.3% no treatment group, p=.388) nor live birth rate (LBR) (31.8% OCP vs. 28.6% E2 vs. 46.7% no treatment group, p=.537) between groups in fresh embryo transfer. Likewise, no differences were found in the cumulative CPR, nor in cumulative LBR. However, there is a tendency to worst outcomes in the E2 group. In this E2 group, we observed better results with longer exposition, although no significant differences are reached (E2 mean days in the pregnant group 8.29 vs. 6.83 in the non-pregnant group, p=.08). Our study shows no significant differences in pregnancy rates between groups, but the E2 group is trending at worse gestational results. Trial registration number: Eudra-CT registration number is 2014-001809-40. Impact Statement What is already known on this subject? Nowadays, there is much controversy about how pregnancy rates could be affected by the selection of steroid pre-treatments used in order to schedule IVF cycles. However, these treatments are widely utilised in clinical practice. What the results of this study add? The results support the clinical findings of most of the studies previously published. No significant differences in gestational outcomes were found between the groups treated with steroid pre-treatments and the control group. Additionally, oestrogen pre-treatment seems to be related to better pregnancy outcomes when the exposition is longer. Thus, an earlier start of this treatment in the luteal phase could be the optimal approach. What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? This study pretends to provide clarity about the treatment guidelines of steroid pre-treatments to schedule the clinical work without impact on gestational outcomes.

Features of the surface water oxygen regime in the Ukrainian Polesie Region

The research analyzed seasonal changes of the oxygen regime and related indicators on the example of water objects of the Ukrainian Polesie Region. The region shows different directions of economic use. Zebrafish ( Danio rerio Hamilton–Buchanan) and the Prussian carp ( Carassius auratus gibelio Bloch) were used as test objects to investigate survival responses. Dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration in water, pH values and temperatures were determined by standard methods. Based on research results, the main problems were determined pertaining to the oxygen regime of investigated waters, i.e. the increase in temperature and toxicity of the aquatic environment in the summer. A rather dangerous decrease in DO concentration, almost up to the levels of maximum allowable concentration (MAC) (4.10 mg∙dm–3 in group E1 and 6.07 mg∙dm–3 in group E2), was observed in August and it was typical for the reservoirs with a slow water movement. Flowing river waters (group E3) were eliminated due to their better aeration compared to other groups. The correlation analysis based on the presented data revealed a high and average degree of probable correlation between the DO concentration and water temperature, as well as an average degree of correlation with general toxicity determined on sensitive species of D. rerio, and in group E1 on the persistent species C. auratus gibelio as well. The interrelations and equations of the rectilinear regression can be used to predict the oxygen regime of the waters investigated and other surface waters having similar problems.

Decompression effects on bone healing in rat mandible osteomyelitis

Osteomyelitis (OM) of the jaw is usually caused by a chronic odontogenic infection. Decompression is the release the intraluminal pressure in the cystic cavity allowing gradual bone growth from the periphery. The aim of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of decompression in an OM jaw model. A 4-mm-diameter defect was made on mandibles of fourteen Sprague–Dawley rats and inoculated with S. aureus (20 μl of 1 × 107 CFU/ml) injection. Two weeks later, four groups were made as non-treatment (C1), only curettage (C2), curettage and decompression (E1), and curettage and decompression with normal saline irrigation (E2). After four weeks, each group was analyzed. Most micro-CT parameters, including bone mineral density [0.87 (± 0.08) g/cm3] with bone volume [0.73 (± 0.08) mm3] was higher in E2 group than that of C1 group (p = 0.04, p = 0.05, respectively). E2 group in histology showed the highest number of osteocytes than those of control groups, 91.00 (± 9.90) (p = 0.002). OPN were expressed strongly in the E1 (“5”: 76–100%) that those of other groups. Decompression drains induced advanced bone healing compared to that of curettage alone. Therefore, it could be recommended to use decompressive drain for enhancing the jaw OM management.

Evaluation of endometrial progesterone receptor expression after 12 weeks of exposure to a low-dose vaginal estradiol insert.

Objective:To evaluate endometrial progesterone receptor (PGR) expression in menopausal women who used vaginal 4-μg and 10-μg estradiol (E2) inserts or placebo.Methods:REJOICE was a randomized, placebo-controlled trial investigating vaginal E2 inserts in women with moderate to severe dyspareunia due to menopause. In this post hoc analysis, 25 eligible women with endometrial biopsies were randomly selected from each treatment group (4-μg and 10-μg E2 vaginal inserts and placebo). Endometrial biopsy sections were immunostained using an anti-PR (A and B) monoclonal antibody. Cell staining was quantified using an artificial intelligence feature-recognition algorithm. Mean PGR expression levels were analyzed between baseline and week 12.Results:PGR expression results were available for 22 women in the 4-μg E2 group, and 25 women each for the 10-μg E2 and placebo groups. Similar PGR expression levels were observed at baseline (0.301-0.470 pmol/mg) and after 12 weeks of treatment (0.312-0.432 pmol/mg) for all treatment groups, with no significant differences between baseline and week 12.Conclusions:No meaningful differences in endometrial PGR expression were observed with the vaginal E2 (4- and 10-μg) inserts at week 12 from baseline, supporting the hypothesis that local exposure to E2 from a low-dose, vaginal insert placed near the vaginal introitus will not be sufficient to upregulate endometrial PGR expression. Coupled with the lack of histologic changes and systemic absorption, our data suggest that these softgel vaginal E2 inserts would not be expected to stimulate endometrial hyperplasia leading to a potential endometrial safety issue in postmenopausal women with moderate to severe dyspareunia, a symptom of vulvar and vaginal atrophy. Further study on the endometrial safety of softgel vaginal E2 inserts is under way.

Copolymerization of Ring-Opening Oxaspiro Comonomer with Denture Base Acrylic Resin by Free-Radical/Cationic Hybrid Polymerization.

Background:Polymerization shrinkage is an innate characteristic of thermo-polymerized denture base acrylic resin. Volumetric shrinkage is still a problem, although myriad material modifications. Ring-opening oxaspiro monomers have promising volumetric expansions of about 7%. These monomers have diminished the shrinkage in dental filling resins through copolymerization (CP). However, their CP with denture base resins is not reported yet.Purpose:The aim is to confirm the CP of an oxaspiro monomer with methyl methacrylate (MMA) by radical-cationic hybrid polymerization and to assess the degree of conversion (DC) of the formed copolymer.Materials and Methods:The oxaspiro monomer was synthesized by a transesterification reaction. The study groups were based on the composition and thermo-polymerization method. The control and E1 groups were thermo-polymerized in water-bath, whereas the E2 group in a laboratory autoclave. Both E1 and E2 groups contained the oxaspiro monomer and cationic initiator. E2 group had an additional radical initiator. The CP and DC were confirmed and assessed by infrared spectroscopy.Results:Accentuation of carbonyl peak, the disappearance of the spiro-carbon peak, and the appearance of ether linkages in experimental groups confirmed the ring-opening. E2 group had the highest DC.Conclusion:The oxaspiro monomer successfully copolymerized with MMA and had good DC.

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF MUSCLE AFTER RED GRAPE POMACE APPLICATION IN THE NUTRITION OF BROILER CHICKENS

The aim of this work was to evaluate basic chemical composition (% of water, protein, fat and cholesterol) of breast and thigh muscle after supplementation with Alibernet red grape pomace (RGP) into diet of broiler chickens Ross 308. At the beginning, 200 one-day Ross 308 broiler chickens of mixed gender were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=50). The control group (C) did not receive any additional supplementation. The feed of experimental group E1 was enriched with 1% RGP per 1 kg of feed mixture (FM), experimental group E2 with 2% RGP per 1 kg of FM and experimental group E3 with 3% RGP per 1 kg of FM. The FMs were produced without any antibiotics and coccidiostatics and the fattening period lasted for 42 days. Based on the results, we can state that the application of red grape pomace did not significantly affect the chemical composition of the breast muscle except of higher fat content (P≥0.05) in all experimental groups compared to control group (♂, ♀). In the case of thigh muscle, we found significantly higher (P≤0.05) water content (♂) in control group (71.26 g.100 g-1) compared to experimental groups E2 (70.04 g.100 g-1) and E3 (69.51 g.100 g-1). We also found significant differences (P≤0.05) in crude protein content (♂) between experimental group E3 (21.91 g.100 g-1) compared to experimental groups E1 (21.63 g.100 g-1) and E2 (21.59 g.100 g-1). Overall, it seems like that supplementation with RGP in selected amounts did not have significant beneficial effect on chemical composition of chicken meat compared to control group.

Influences of different sources and levels of crude fiber on performances, fatty acids profile and carcass traits in growing-fattening pigs’ diet

Abstract The present study has investigated the potential of including different sources and levels of fiber (6.5% and 7.5%) in growing-fattening pigs’ diet. The nine weeks feeding trial was conducted on nine hybrids TOPIGS castrated males with an initial average weight of 25.25±2.11 kg, randomly assigned to 3 experimental groups with 3 replicates per group. The control group (C) was fed with a corn, wheat and soybean basal diet and it was characterized by 3.5% crude fiber (CF), the experimental groups E1 had 6.5% CF (4% alfalfa meal and 12.36 % sunflower meal) and E2 had 7.5% (6% alfalfa and 18.38% sunflower meal) decreasing the dietary rate inclusion of soybean meal from C (21.42% soybean meal). Bodyweight (initial, final), average daily feed intake (ADFI), leftovers were registered and average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR) were calculated during the experiment. At the end of the study, the pigs were slaughtered for the determination of carcass traits and meat quality parameters. The productive performances were not influenced by the source or level of the fiber content. The saturated fatty acid (SFA) values were significantly different (P&lt;0.05) in E1 group for shoulder and belly samples compared to C and for breast samples on E2. Higher MUFA concentrations significantly different (P&lt;0.05) were noticed for ham, sirloin, rack, shoulder, breast on E1. PUFA, Ω:6 concentration shown significant differences (P&lt;0.05) within E2 to all meat samples collected, except the neck. The best carcass classification results were recorded in the E1 with 6.5% cellulose (50% Class S and 50% Class E) according to the SEUROP system classification. The study concluded that the dietary percentages of alfalfa meal and sunflower meal did not compromise productive performances but the average muscle thickness and meat percentage registered lower values compared with group C. Further studies with the same raw materials but changing the inclusion percentages should have experimented with emphasis on carcass traits results.

Effect of proximal box elevation on fracture resistance and microleakage of premolars restored with ceramic endocrowns.

BackgroundRestoration of endodontically treated premolar is in high risk for biomechanical failure, and often presents with subgingival margins. Proximal box elevation (PBE) has been used to relocate subgingival cavity outlines.ObjectiveTo evaluate the influence of PBE on fracture resistance and gingival microleakage of premolars with endodontic access cavities following ceramic endocrown.MethodsEighty sound maxillary premolars with standardized Class II cavities on mesial surfaces were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 20 in each group). Groups E1, E2 and E3, with proximal margins located in dentin/cementum, 2 mm below the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ), simulated subgingival location. Group E4 (supragingival group), with proximal margins located in enamel, 1 mm above the CEJ, was used as the positive control. For margin elevation of the proximal cavities, bulk-fill Smart Dentin Replacement (SDR), a visible light cured resin composite, was applied in group E1, and conventional resin composite (3M Z350 XT, a light-activated composite) was placed in group E2. Group E3 was only treated with a ceramic crown and served as the negative control. In all groups, computer-aided design (CAD) ceramic endocrowns were adhesively inserted, and fracture resistance, failure mode and microleakage were evaluated.ResultsA higher fracture resistance value was observed in PBE groups E1 and E2, regardless of the materials used (P = 0.038, and 0.010, respectively, vs E3), and fracture resistance in group E1 was higher than that in group E2. In teeth without PBE, the percentage of catastrophic failures reached 70%. Compared to group E3, a lower frequency distribution of microleakage was detected in supragingival group E4 (P = 0.031). No increased percentage of microleakage was observed in groups treated with PBE.ConclusionFor endodontically treated maxillary premolars restored with ceramic endocrowns, PBE increases fracture resistance but not microleakage.

Conjugated equine estrogen used in postmenopausal women associated with a higher risk of stroke than estradiol

This study aimed to evaluate the risk of ischemic stroke (IS) in hormone therapy (HT) with oral conjugated equine estrogen (CEE) and estradiol (E2) in postmenopausal women in Taiwan. A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database, a population-based healthcare claims dataset. Eligible women, aged 40–65 years, who received HT with E2 and CEE orally were enrolled. The primary outcome was IS. Propensity score matching with menopausal age and comorbidities was used. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to calculate the incidence and hazard ratios (HRs) for IS. The mean menopausal ages of the E2 and CEE groups were 50.31 ± 4.99 and 50.45 ± 5.31 years, respectively. After adjusting for age and comorbidities, the incidence of IS was 1.17-fold higher in the women treated with CEE than in those treated with E2 (4.24 vs. 3.61/1000 person-years), with an adjusted HR (aHR) of 1.23 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05–1.44). Moreover, HT with CEE initiated within 5 years of menopause had a higher HR than E2 (aHR = 1.20; 95% CI 1.02–1.42). In conclusion, HT with oral CEE might be associated with a higher risk of IS than E2 in postmenopausal Taiwanese women. The use of HT with CEE should be cautioned with the risk of IS.

Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Induced by Needle Puncture and Ovariectomy: A Rat Coccygeal Model.

Objectives To establish a novel animal model of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) in rats and to investigate the effect of 17β-estradiol (E2) intervention in this model. Methods This study was divided into two parts: animal model (four groups: Sham, ovariectomy (OVX), Puncture, and OVX+Puncture; three-time points: 4, 8, and 12 weeks; three female rats/group/time point) and drug intervention (Sham, OVX+Puncture+corn oil, and OVX+Puncture+E2; three female rats/group). The rats were analyzed by micromagnetic resonance imaging (MRI), hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, and safranin-O staining. Results MRI and histological scores significantly differed among the four groups at the three-time points (all P < 0.05). IVDD progressed with time in the OVX, Puncture, and OVX+Puncture groups (all P < 0.05). The changes were the most obvious in the OVX+Puncture group. In the E2 intervention part, the Veh group had the worst MRI signals and histological scores (P < 0.05). The MRI scores in the E2 group were less obvious compared to the Sham group (P > 0.05). Also, the histological scores were significantly different between the Sham and E2 groups (P < 0.05). Conclusions The combination of ovariectomy and needle puncture can synergically induce IVDD in rat coccygeal discs. Estrogen treatment can effectively ameliorate IVDD progression in the newly established IVDD models.

Use of protein kinase C and phospholipase A2 inhibitors in bovine endometrial cells treated with estradiol and calcium ionophore

The release of endometrial prostaglandin-F2α (PGF2α) in bovine females can be induced in vivo by estradiol (E2). However, its role in this mechanism has not been clarified. We hypothesized that E2 stimulates the activity and abundance of protein kinase C (PKC) and phospholipase A2 (PLA2). Our objective in this study was to analyze the effects of PKC and PLA2 inhibitors on PGF2α synthesis induced by E2 and calcium ionophore (CI) in bovine endometrial cells (BEND cells; Experiment 1). Additionally, we evaluated the abundance of PKC and PLA2 in endometrial explants of cows treated or not with E2 17 days after estrus (D17, D0 = estrus; Experiment 2). In Experiment 1, BEND cells were submitted to a PKC inhibitor (10 μM of C25H24N4O2; bisindolylmaleimide I, or BIS I), a PLA2 inhibitor (20 μM of arachydoniltrifluoromethane or AACOCF3), or none. The BEND cells were subsequently treated with E2 and CI, and PGF2α concentrations were measured in the culture medium through radioimmunoassay. For DIF-12 (PGF2α concentration 12 h after treatment subtracted from PGF2α concentration at hour 0), no PKC inhibitor effect was observed (P= 0.2709). However, DIF-12 was lower (P &lt; 0.05) for groups treated with the PLA2 inhibitor and PLA2 inhibitor + CI + E2 groups than the control and CI + E2 groups. Thus, AACOCF3 was an efficient PLA2 inhibitor in the BEND cells culture system, and E2 did not stimulate the synthesis of PKC and PLA2. In Experiment 2, cyclic Nellore heifers received none (n = 5) or 3 mg (n = 6) of 17β-E2 on D17 and were slaughtered 2 h after administration. The abundance of PKC and PLA2 in the endometrial tissue was evaluated using Western blotting analysis. No E2 effect was observed on PKC (P = 0.08) and PLA2 (P = 0.56). We concluded that E2 did not stimulate the activity and abundance of PKC and PLA2.

Comparison of Diagnostic Performance in Thyroid Nodules on US: Deep Convolutional Neural Network Models vs Endocrinologists With Various Experiences

Abstract Objectives: To diagnose thyroid cancer, ultrasonography is a primary tool, but diagnostic accuracy varies according to the proficiency of clinicians. The aim of this study was to compare diagnostic performance between deep convolutional neural network (CNN) models and endocrinologist with various experiences. Methods: Patients who underwent fine needle aspiration at endocrinology department in Seoul National University Hospital, between April 2014 and June 2019, were reviewed. Among them, thyroid nodules which were pathologically confirmed by surgery and maximal diameter greater than 1cm were included. Ultrasonography images of thyroid nodules were reviewed by 13 endocrinologists with various experiences: 0 month (E0, n=8), 1 year (E1, n=2), and &amp;gt;5 years (E5, n=3). Results: Of total 451 thyroid nodules, 66.5% was diagnosed as cancer and 83.7% was papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Sensitivity and specificity of CNN were 85.3% and 63.6%, respectively, and its area under the curve (AUC) was 0.855. Compared to CNN, mean accuracy of E0 group was significantly lower (Accuracy 68.7% vs 78.0%, P &amp;lt;0.001), and after CNN-assistance, that of E0 was significantly improved (68.7% [before] vs 73.93% [after], P = 0.008). E1 and E5 groups showed similar diagnostic performance to CNN, and CNN-assistance did not change it. Next, subgroup analysis was performed according to the histologic subtypes. AUC of CNN in PTC (0.925) was much higher than that of other cancers including FTC (0.529). Interestingly, CNN-assistance significantly improved diagnostic performance for PTC not only in beginners (E0), but also a subset of experienced endocrinologist (E1 and E5). Conclusions: CNN has good diagnostic performance in the diagnosis of PTC. Endocrinologist with lower experience in ultrasonography, CNN-assistance is beneficial for improving diagnostic performance especially in PTC.

High-Throughput Sequencing Reveals Bacterial Diversity in Raw Milk Production Environment and Production Chain in Tangshan City of China.

Raw milk is a nature media of microbiota that access milk from various sources, which constitutes a challenge in dairy production. This study characterizes the relationship between the raw milk quality and the bacteria diversity at different sampling sites in dairy farms, aiming to provide a strong scientific basis for good hygienic practices and optimized procedure in milk production. High-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA V3-V4 region was used to analyze the components, abundance and diversity of 48 bacterial population sampled from 8 different sites in dairy farm: pre-sterilized cow’s teats (C1), post-sterilized cow’s teats (C2), milking cluster (E), milk in storage tank (M1), transport vehicle (M2), storage equipment (E2), cow’s dung samples (F) and drinking water (W). Firmicutes account for predominantly 32.36% (C1), 44.62% (C2), 44.71% (E), 41.10% (M1), 45.08% (M2), 53.38% (F) of all annotated phyla. Proteobacteria accounts for 81.79% in W group and Actinobacteria 56.43% in E2 group. At the genus level, Acinetobacter was the most abundant genus that causes bovine mastitis, Acinetobacter and Arthrobacter were dominant in C1, C2, and E groups, Kocuria in E2 group and Arcobacter in W group. E, C1, and C2 group have very similar bacterial composition, and M1 and M2 demonstrated similar composition, indicating that the milking cluster was polluted by the environment or contact with cow udders. Bacterial population composition in different sampling sites identified by NGS reveals a correlation between the bacteria communities of raw milk production chain and the quality of raw milk.

UCP1 and TRPM8 Expression in the Brown Fat Did Not Affect the Restriction of Menthol-Induced Hyperthermia by Estradiol in Ovariectomized Rats.

Estradiol (E2) modulates the central and peripheral thermoregulatory responses to cold. Menthol is an agonist of transient receptor potential melastatin type 8 (TRPM8), which is a peripheral cold receptor. E2 suppresses menthol-induced elevation of body temperature (Tb) in ovariectomized rats, but the mechanism is unknown. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of E2 on uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), a thermogenic gene, and TRPM8 mRNA levels in ovariectomized rats applied menthol. A silastic tube was implanted in ovariectomized rats with and without E2 underneath the dorsal skin (E2(+) and E2(-) groups), and data loggers for Tb measurement into peritoneal cavity. After application of 10% L-menthol or vehicle to the skin of the whole trunk of rats, Tb was measured for 2 h. The interscapular brown adipose tissue (BAT) and spinal ganglia of cervical, thoracic, and lumbar parts were obtained for RT-qPCR assay. In the menthol application, Tb in the E2(+) group was lower than that in the E2(-) group. The UCP1 mRNA in the BAT, TRPM8 mRNA in the BAT and spinal ganglia in all areas did not differ between the E2(+) and E2(-) groups. In conclusion, the UCP1 and TRPM8 expression in the brown fat did not affect the restriction of the menthol-induced hyperthermia by estradiol in ovariectomized rats.

Micro-premature infants in New Jersey show improved mortality and morbidity from 2000-2018.

BACKGROUND:Micro-premature newborns, gestational age (GA) ≤ 25 weeks, have high rates of mortality and morbidity. Literature has shown improving outcomes for extremely low gestational age newborns (ELGANs) GA ≤ 29 weeks, but few studies have addressed outcomes of ELGANs ≤ 25 weeks.OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the trends in outcomes for ELGANs born in New Jersey, from 2000 to 2018 and to compare two subgroups: GA 23 to 25 weeks (E1) and GA 26 to 29 weeks (E2).METHODS:Thirteen NICUs in NJ submitted de-identified data. Outcomes for mortality and morbidity were calculated.RESULTS:Data from 12,707 infants represents the majority of ELGANs born in NJ from 2000 to 2018. There were 3,957 in the E1 group and 8,750 in the E2 group. Mortality decreased significantly in both groups; E1, 43.2% to 30.2% and E2, 7.6% to 4.5% over the 19 years. The decline in E1 was significantly greater than in E2. Most morbidities also showed significant improvement over time in both groups. Survival without morbidity increased from 14.5% to 30.7% in E1s and 47.2% to 69.9% in E2s. Similar findings held for 501–750 and 751–1000g birth weight strata.CONCLUSIONS:Significant declines in both mortality and morbidity have occurred in ELGANs over the last two decades. These rates of improvements for the more immature ELGANs of GA 230 to 256 weeks were greater than for the more mature group in several outcomes. While the rates of morbidity and mortality remain high, these results validate current efforts to support the micro-premature newborn.

Hesperidin and Naringin Improve Broiler Meat Fatty Acid Profile and Modulate the Expression of Genes Involved in Fatty Acid β-oxidation and Antioxidant Defense in a Dose Dependent Manner.

The beneficial properties of the flavanones hesperidin and naringin as feed additives in poultry have lately been under investigation. In broilers, both flavanones have been shown to exhibit antioxidant properties while their individual effects on fatty acid (FA) composition and the underlying molecular mechanisms of their activity have not been explored. Here, we studied their effects on broiler meats’ FA profiles and on the expression of genes related to lipid metabolism, antioxidant defense and anti-inflammatory function. The experimental design comprised six treatment groups of broilers, each supplemented from day 11 until slaughter at 42 days with hesperidin, naringin or vitamin E, as follows: the E1 group received 0.75 g of hesperidin per kg of feed, E2 received 1.5 g hesperidin/kg feed, N1 received 0.75 g naringin/kg feed, N2 received 1.5 g naringin/kg feed, vitamin E (VE) received 0.2 g a-tocopheryl acetate/kg feed, and the control group was not provided with a supplemented feed. The VE treatment group served as a positive control for antioxidant activity. An analysis of the FA profiles of the abdominal adipose tissue (fat pad), major pectoralis (breast) and biceps femoris (thigh) muscles showed that both hesperidin and naringin had significant effects on saturated FA (SFA), polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) and omega n-6 content. Both compounds reduced SFA and increased PUFA and n-6 content, as well as reducing the atherogenicity and thrombogenicity indices in the breast muscle and fat pad. The effects on the thigh muscle were limited. An analysis of gene expression in the liver revealed that naringin significantly increased peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα), Acyl-CoA oxidase 1 (ACOX1) and glutathione disulfide reductase (GSR) expression. In the breast muscle, both hesperidin and naringin increased fatty acid synthase (FASN) expression and hesperidin increased the expression of adiponectin. In brief, both hesperidin and naringin supplementation beneficially affected FA profiles in the breast meat and fat pad of broiler chicken. These effects could be attributed to an increase in FA β-oxidation since the increased expression of related genes (PPARα and ACOX1) was observed in the liver. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of hesperidin and naringin previously observed in the meat of broilers could be attributed, at least partly, to the regulation of antioxidant defense genes, as evidenced by the increased GSR expression in response to naringin supplementation.