FR Groups Research Articles

Thin Delivery Stents Can Obviate the Need for Additional Fistula Dilatation of Large Diameter in Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Hepaticogastrostomy.

Background/Objectives: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS) often requires fistula dilation owing to the placement of a large diameter of the delivery stent. The recently developed delivery devices, which are as thin as 5.9/6.0 Fr, may save the need for fistula dilation. Therefore, we investigated whether large fistula dilation would be required or not in the case of this newly developed thin-diameter delivery stents. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study involving 33 patients implemented with a self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) during EUS-HGS. The patients were categorized based on the delivery device diameter into thin (n = 13; delivery device diameter: 5.9/6.0 Fr) and thick (n = 20; delivery device diameter: 8.5 Fr) groups. We compared the initial rate of success, technical success, and clinical success between the thin and thick groups. The initial rate of success was defined as successful stent placement without a balloon or large diameter mechanical dilation. Results: The rate of the initial stenting success was significantly higher in the thin group (100% [13/13]) compared with that in the thick group (65.0% [13/20]) (p = 0.027). In the thick group, seven cases with technical difficulty in terms of stent placement could be successfully completed with additional fistula dilation with a 9 Fr bougie dilator or 4 mm balloon dilator; this resulted in a technical success of 100% in both groups ultimately. The rate of clinical success was 100% and 95.0% in the thin and thick groups, respectively (p = 1.00). Conclusions: Thin delivery stents may facilitate stent placement without the need for a balloon fistula or large-diameter mechanical dilation.

The effect of multi-directional sprint training on change-of-direction speed and reactive agility of collegiate tennis players.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of random route multi-directional sprint training (MDST) compared to fixed route MDST on change-of-direction speed (CODS) and reactive agility (RA), and to investigate the correlation between CODS, RA and short-distance straight sprint speed (SDSS). A total of 19 collegiate tennis players from Beijing Sport University were randomly assigned to either the random route MDST group (RR group, N = 9, age: 22.22 ± 2.22 years) or the fixed route MDST group (FR group, N = 10, age: 21.90 ± 1.66 years). Both groups completed a progressive load intervention training for 3 weeks, three times a week. The RR group's random route, mirroring the distance and number of change-of-direction (COD) in the FR group's fixed route, was specifically designed. The spider run, T-drill, RA test and 5-m straight line sprint test were performed before and after the intervention. Both groups showed improved performance in the spider run (p < 0.05), T-drill (p < 0.01) and 5-m straight (p < 0.001) line sprint test after the intervention. Additionally, there was no significant difference in the improvement of CODS and SDSS between the two groups (p > 0.05). The RA of the RR and FR groups after the intervention was significantly higher than before intervention (p < 0.001), and RR group showed greater improvement in RA compared to the FR group. There was a moderate correlation between spider run and T-drill (r = 0.523), RA (r = 0.388), and no significant correlation between spider run and 5-m straight sprint (p > 0.05). T-drill was moderately correlated with RA (r = 0.347) and 5-m straight sprint (r = 0.321). RA was moderately correlated with 5-m straight sprint (r = 0.551). Three-week multi-directional sprint training can effectively improve the change-of-direction speed, reactive agility and short-distance straight sprint speed of collegiate tennis players. And random route multi-directional sprint training has better effect on improving reactive agility.

P-638 Paternal Consumption of Caloric and Non-Caloric Sweeteners is Associated with Sex-Specific Differences in Reproductive outcomes in offspring

Abstract Study question Does paternal pre-conception consumption of caloric or non-caloric sweeteners (NCS) coupled with high fat diets (HFD) predispose offspring to early puberty onset in mice? Summary answer Paternal prenatal consumption of the NCS Rebaudioside A(RebA) resulted in early puberty onset in female offspring only compared to water and caloric sweetener groups. What is known already A growing body of evidence suggests that the paternal diet also influences health and disease onset in offspring. Early puberty onset is associated with metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease later in adulthood. NCS are often promoted as heathier alternatives to caloric sweeteners. Evidence examining the impact of NCS on male reproductive function and offspring health outcomes, including pubertal timing are lacking. Few studies have shown maternal HFD can contribute to early puberty onset in female offspring however to our knowledge this is the first study to investigate paternal diet and offspring reproductive outcomes. Study design, size, duration 32 6-week-old C57/BL6 male mice were randomly assigned to receive a control diet (CD) or HF plus water (Con), fructose (Fr), Acesulfame K (Ak) or RebA). After 8 weeks, mice were mated. Litters were standardised to 2 males and 2 females per group and fed a standard laboratory diet. Participants/materials, setting, methods Puberty onset was measured in females by vaginal opening (from postnatal day (PN28) and in males by preputial separation (from PN35). Oral glucose tolerance tests were carried out at PN70. Mice were culled from PN80. Data were analysed by repeated measures or 2-way ANOVA. Main results and the role of chance There were no significant differences in birth weight, sex ratio or organ weights across groups. There was an overall effect of paternal NCS on male but not female offspring weight[CR1] at cull(p &amp;lt; 0.05), with male CDRebA offspring having increased BW (29.52g±1.5) compared with CDAk at PN80 (26.4g±3; p &amp;lt; 0.05). Females from paternal HF and CD RebA group [CR2] entered puberty significantly earlier (31.8d±1) than Fr (34d±1;p&amp;lt;0.01) and Con (34±1;p&amp;lt;0.05) groups. Male offspring from HFAk had lower glucose AUC (913±31) compared with CDCon (1289±48;p&amp;lt;0.001). Female offspring from CDRebA (1263±84) and CDFr (1273±67) groups had lower glucose AUC compared with CDCon group (1445±56;p&amp;lt;0.05). Limitations, reasons for caution This study was carried out on mice therefore direct translatability to humans is limited. examining the impact of paternal NCS intakes on molecular pathways in the ovary and testes to assess offspring reproductive health later in life and to evaluate pregnancy success following mating would essential for providing further insight. Wider implications of the findings The present study adds to the experimental evidence to date suggesting that NCS may not be beneficial alternatives to sugar-sweetened products consumed preconceptionally on the health of the offspring. This study also highlights the importance of including paternal diet in research when looking at transgenerational effects. Trial registration number not applicable

Repeated inoculation with rumen fluid accelerates the rumen bacterial transition with no benefit on production performance in postpartum Holstein dairy cows

BackgroundThe dairy cow’s postpartum period is characterized by dramatic physiological changes, therefore imposing severe challenges on the animal for maintaining health and milk output. The dynamics of the ruminal microbiota are also tremendous and may play a crucial role in lactation launch. We aim to investigate the potential benefits of early microbial intervention by fresh rumen microbiota transplantation (RMT) and sterile RMT in postpartum dairy cows. Twelve fistulated peak-lactation dairy cows were selected to be the donors for rumen fluid collection. Thirty postpartum cows were divided into 3 groups as the transplantation receptors respectively receiving 10 L fresh rumen fluid (FR), 10 L sterile rumen fluid (SR), or 10 L saline (CON) during 3 d after calving.ResultsProduction performance, plasma indices, plasma lipidome, ruminal microbiome, and liver transcriptome were recorded. After fresh and sterile RMT, we found that the molar proportion of propionic acid was increased on d 7 in the FR and SR groups and the bacterial composition was also significantly changed when compared with the CON group. A similarity analysis showed that the similarities between the CON group and FR or SR group on d 7 were 48.40% or 47.85%, whereas the similarities between microbiota on d 7 and 21 in the FR and SR groups were 68.34% or 66.85%. Dry matter intake and feed efficiency were not affected by treatments. Plasma β-hydroxybutyrate concentration in the FR group was decreased and significantly different lipids mainly included phosphatidylcholine and lysophosphatidylcholine containing polyunsaturated fatty acids. Hepatic transcriptomics analysis indicated acute-phase response pathways were upregulated in the SR group.ConclusionsOur study suggests that RMT can shorten the transition process of the ruminal microbiota of postpartum dairy cows with no benefit on dry matter intake or feed efficiency. Inoculation with rumen fluid may not be a useful approach to promote the recovery of postpartum dairy cows.Graphical

Tissue markers may predict treatment response to antitumor necrosis factor-α agents in children with Crohn's disease.

Patients with moderate-severe Crohn's disease (CD) who are treated with antitumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) agents may be subjected to primary nonresponse or partial response. We aimed to identify tissue markers that may predict response to these agents. Pediatric patients (6-18 years) with either ileal or ileo-colonic CD who were treated with anti-TNF-α were stratified into three different groups based on their overall response to therapy at the end of induction including clinical and laboratory parameters (group 1-full responders [FR], group 2-partial responders [PR], group 3-nonresponders [NR]). Seven tissue markers (fibronectin, interleukin [IL]-23R, IL-23, TNF-α, collagen-III, IL-13R, and hypoxia-inducible factors [HIF]-1α) were evaluated. Immunofluorescence (IF) analyses were performed on biopsies from the terminal ileum, which were retrieved up to 6 months before treatment initiation. Twenty-six CD patients (16 [61.5%] males; age 13.9 ± 2.9 years), including 8 (30.8%) with ileal disease and 18 (69.2%) with ileo-colonic disease, were enrolled. Terminal ileum biopsies from nine patients from group 1, nine from group 2, and eight from group 3 were evaluated. Three antibodies were found to be significantly different between NR and FR groups; Collagen III and fibronectin stains were significantly more prominent in NR patients, while TNF-α stain was significantly more pronounced in FR, p < 0.05 for each. PR could not have been predicted with neither of markers. Decreased tissue IF intensity of fibronectin and collagen III and increased intensity of TNF-α may predict response to anti-TNF-α treatment.

Üreteral stent ilişkli semptomlarda 4.0 Fr’e karşın 4.8 Fr double J stentler: ankete dayalı karşılaştırmalı bir çalışma

Purpose: The aim was to investigate the difference in Ureteral Stent-Related Symptom Questionnaire (USSQ) scores with the use of different stent diameters (4.0 Fr versus 4.8 Fr).&#x0D; Materials and methods: Between August 2022 and January 2023, patients with double J stent insertion after endoscopic ureteral stone and retrograde intrarenal surgery in two different centers were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups according to stent size of 4.0 Fr and 4.8 Fr. All of the patients were called for check-up in the 2nd week after discharge and were questioned using the USSQ. &#x0D; Results: A total of 228 patients, 112 in the 4.0 Fr group and 116 in the 4.8 Fr group, were included in the study. At the 2nd week visit, the total USSQ scale scores were 73.9 ± 8.9, and 80.0 ± 9.8 for the 4.0 Fr and 4.8 Fr groups, respectively (p&lt; 0.001). Stent dislocation was detected in 10 (8.1%) patients in the 4.0 Fr group and in 3 patients (2.5%) in the 4.8 Fr group (p=0.049). The symptom score scale was analyzed separately based on subdomains. The mean value for the urinary index score was 24.5 ± 3.6 for the 4.0 Fr group and 27.6 ± 3.4 for the 4.8 Fr group (p&lt; 0.001). Body pain index score was 16.4±3.8 and 18.6±3.8 for the 4.0 Fr and 4.8 Fr groups, respectively (p

Effect of kelp powder on the resistance of Aeromonas hydrophila in the gut of hybrid snakeheads (Channa maculata ♀ × Channa argus ♂).

To assess the level of oxidative stress, expression of immune-related genes, histomorphology, and changes in the intestinal tract of hybrid snakeheads(Channa maculata ♀ × Channa argus ♂) under stress from kelp powder in place of flour against Aeromonas hydrophila. We set up experimental diets: a control (C) diet of 20% flour, an experimental (MR) diet of 10% kelp powder and 10% flour, and an experimental (FR) diet of 0% starch and 15% kelp powder. The experimental fish in each group were infected with Aeromonas hydrophila after 60 days of feeding. For this experiment, some of the experimental fish in group C were injected with PBS as a negative control group (PBS). The results showed that the C group had significantly higher SOD, CAT, and T-AOC activity and expression of TAK1, IKKβ, IL-1β, and TNF-α genes in the MyD88 pathway than the PBS group. CAT activity and the expression of TAK1, IL-1β and TNF-α genes in the MyD88 pathway were significantly lower in the MR group than in the C group. Furthermore, the number of goblet cells in the MR group was significantly higher than in the C group. Furthermore, microorganisms such as Bacteroidota and Actinobacteriota were significantly lower in the C group than in the PBS and FR groups, as were beneficial bacteria such as Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 and Sphingomonas. Replacing flour with kelp powder increases hybrid snakehead gut resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila.

Metformin attenuates cardiac deficiencies and repairs hepatic insulin signaling in a rat model of acute food insecurity followed by recovery

States of acute severe food restriction (sFR) can result voluntarily, e.g., anorexia nervosa (~1-4% of women in their lifetime) or involuntarily, e.g., very low food insecurity (~3.8% of U.S. households). This is often followed by periods of normal food intake, i.e., refeeding. We’ve shown increased propensity toward the development of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and cardiac injury in our sFR-Refed rat model. Rats receive 40% of their normal ad libitum grams of rat chow for 2-weeks followed by 3-months of recovery (ad libitum feeding). We hypothesized that treatment with metformin, a type 2 diabetic therapeutic, would attenuate features of MetS and potentially reverse or attenuate cardiac damage. Female Fischer rats (3-months old) were randomly assigned to one of four treatments: 1) Control (CT); 2) Metformin (MF); 3) sFR-Refed (FR); or 4) FR-MF (n = 9/group). MF (0.5% incorporated into the chow) was fed for 5-weeks (from week 8-12) of the study before euthanizing at week 14. Ultrasound was conducted to assess heart function just after food restriction ended (week 4, prior to beginning MF) and near the end of the study (week 13 after completion of MF). Cardiac output (CO) and heart rate (HR) were decreased (38 and 15%, respectively, p &lt; 0.05) in the FR groups (week 4), relative to CT. In week 13, CO in the FR rats was still 11% lower than CT rats (p = 0.04); however, not in the FR-MF group (2% higher than CT). MF alone did not significantly alter CO or HR. There were no significant differences in final body weight; however, liver weight was increased by MF (p = 0.008, 2-way ANOVA). Fat pads were weighed and parametrial fat (visceral) was increased in the FR group and this rise attenuated by MF (g/185 g·bw): 5.7 ± 0.2 (CT); 5.5 ± 0.3 (MF); 7.0 ± 0.3 (FR); 6.1 ± 0.3 (FR-MT), (p &lt; 0.0003 between CT and FR, unpaired t-test). To analyze the effects of MF on insulin signaling pathways in liver, hepatic cell suspensions were incubated ex vivo with insulin. Isolated proteins were biotinylated and incubated with antibody arrays (Phospho-antibody array, PIG-219, Full Moon Biosystems). Antibody spot densities were quantitated and normalized between chips. MF treatment altered the expression or phosphorylation of 24 distinct proteins (by 2-way ANOVA). FR in the presence or absence of MF altered 8. In addition, MF prevented the sFR-induced up-regulation of several proteins including the activating phosphorylation of ATP citrate lyase (ACLY), an enzyme involved in fatty acid biogenesis, and tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC2), a known inhibitor of insulin signaling. In sum, sFR-Refed rats had features of MetS including visceral adiposity, as well as, reduced cardiac function. Treatment in the post-sFR period (after body weight recovery) was beneficial in attenuating this phenotype. Thus, metformin may be therapeutic to reduce MetS and cardiac injury associated with periods of food insecurity. Funding included the Marriott Foundation fellowship to CE; and addition Georgetown University internal funding. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2023 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Chicken meat quality raised in an integrated organic production system

This work aimed to evaluate and compare the meat quality of chicken raised by traditional confinement (CR) and integrated (FR) conditions. Eighty chickens (40 for each group) were slaughtered, and parts yield, chemical composition, and meat quality parameters were measured. There was no significant difference in parts yield. Protein content in the breast of the CR group was significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.05) higher than that of the FR group. The ash content of chicken thighs in the FR group was significantly higher than in the CR group. The cooked chicken breast from the FR group was significantly more tender than that from the CR group. The TBARS values of&amp;nbsp;breast and thigh meats on the sixth day after grinding&amp;nbsp;did not differ between CR and FR groups. However, the chickens raised in the FR had better appearance (color), fatty acids composition, and tenderness perspective than those in the CR system. All these results indicated that the plant-animal integrated system is a good alternative to the traditional confinement production system that can enhance farm diversity, land use efficiency, and sustainability of farm agriculture.

Evaluation of using a double helical, closed-cell stent-retriever (Skyflow) for thrombectomy procedures in acute arterial occlusion: A preclinical study and a clinical trial

Background and purposeStent retriever thrombectomy is the standard therapeutic approach for ischemic stroke with acute large-vessel occlusion. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of a new thrombectomy device (Skyflow) in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke. MethodsAfter an arterial occlusion model was established, stent-retriever thrombectomy was performed. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and autopsy were carried out immediately after thrombectomy in six animals in the acute experimental group. Simulated stent-retriever thrombectomy was performed for three animals in the subacute experimental group, and follow-up angiography and vascular pathological examination were assessed 90 days after the operation. In the clinical trial, 192 patients with intracranial anterior circulation large vessel occlusion, within 8 ​h of symptom onset, were included to undergo thrombectomy with either Skyflow or Solitaire FR stent retriever. Efficacy and safety endpoints were recorded (including successful reperfusion, favorable clinical outcomes, time from puncture to reperfusion, instrument operation success rates and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores at 7 days for efficacy endpoints, and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and all-cause mortality rates for safety endpoints). ResultsAll blood vessels achieved successful recanalization in the animal models. In the clinical trial, successful recanalization was attained in 88.4% of patients of the Skyflow group, which was comparable to that of the Solitaire FR group (82.5%) in the full analysis set of the clinical trial. There were no severe complications on DSA, an animal autopsy, or vessel pathological examination in animal experiments. Additionally, no statistically significant difference was observed between the Skyflow and Solitaire FR groups in the clinical trial regarding the safety endpoints. ConclusionThis study showed that the new Skyflow stent retriever is safe and effective for the treatment of acute large vessel occlusion, as demonstrated in our animal study and human trial.

Feedlot rearing versus pasture grazing enhances plasma leptin and insulin-like growth factor-1 concentrations but does not anticipate puberty in dairy buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) heifers

Plasma Leptin (LEP) and Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1), related to growth and puberty onset, were assayed in growing buffalo heifers from 8 up to 21 months of age, reared in feedlot (FR, n = 13; initial body weight 132 ± 11 Kg) or grazing at pasture (PG, n = 13; 137 ± 12 Kg). The mean age at puberty was not different between the two groups (599.5 and 610.5 days, in FR and PG, respectively). At puberty, FR heifers showed higher BCS, and higher average daily weight gain (DWG) than PG ones (0.87 vs. 0.62 Kg/day), and were heavier (462 vs. 375 Kg). A negative correlation between DWG and age at puberty was significant for the PG group. Plasma Inhibin-A increased in both groups one month before puberty. Plasma LEP and IGF-1 sharply increased 2 months before puberty (about 18 months old) in FR heifers only, which showed higher concentrations of both hormones than PG heifers. Plasma LEP levels correlated positively with body weight and IGF-1. Despite hormone levels being affected by rearing systems, and being lower in heifers grazing at pasture, these latter experienced adequate growth and reproductive maturation. In fact, grazing heifers reached puberty at the same age as the feedlot reared ones, with shorter puberty–conception interval (51.3 vs. 67.2 days, for PG and FR groups, respectively) and no difference in conception rates (83.3 and 84.6%, for PG and FR groups respectively). The higher BW and DWG of FR heifers were due to body fat deposition, which did not anticipate the puberty onset. Highlights Metabolic hormones Leptin and IGF-1, linked to puberty attainment, are good indicators of the animal energetic state. Buffalo heifers reared in intensive system vs. the ones at pasture had higher hormone levels and growth, but reproductive performance was not better. Post-weaned heifers can be reared at pasture during growth and breeding, without compromising reproductive performance.

Plate-related complication and health-related quality of life after mandibular reconstruction by fibula flap with reconstruction plate or miniplate versus anterolateral thigh flap with reconstruction plate.

Plate-related complications are major long-term complications in mandible reconstruction. There are controversies regarding the use of a reconstruction plate versus miniplates and a bone flap versus a soft tissue flap with a bridging plate. Direct comparisons of a fibula flap and an anterolateral thigh flap, the applicability between a reconstruction plate and miniplate, and the correlation between plate-related complications and quality of life remain unclarified. Therefore, this study aimed to the explore complications of different flaps and plates and how they impact the patients' quality of life. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of a total of 205 patients aged >18 years who underwent segmental mandibulectomy and reconstruction using fibula flap with reconstruction plate (FR; n=86), fibula flap with miniplate (FM; n=61), and anterolateral thigh flap with reconstruction plate (AR; n=58) due to cancer ablation, osteoradionecrosis, or benign tumor excision between August 2010 and December 2019. Data on characteristics, complications, and health-related quality of life were collected and analyzed. The plate-related complication rate was the highest in the AR group (37.9%), then in the FR group (25.6%), and was the lowest in the FM group (13.1%; p=0.0079). The plate exposure rate was the highest in the AR group (24.1%), then in the FR group (15.7%), and was the lowest in the FM group (4.9%; p=0.0128). The plate fracture and dislodge rates for the AR group were both higher than those for the FR and FM groups (24.1% versus 9.3% versus 9.8%, respectively; p=0.023). The AR group had worse complication-free survival (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.61, 95% CI: 1.99-6.56, and p < 0.0001) than the FR and FM groups. Osteoradionecrosis (HR: 6.19, 95% CI: 2.11-18.21, and p=0.0009) and postoperative radiotherapy (HR: 2.87, 95% CI: 1.34-6.12, and p=0.0402) were both independent adverse factors for complication-free survival, whereas patient treated primarily (HR: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.17-0.73, and p=0.0048) was an independent protective factor. Plate-related complication negatively impacted the quality of life based on pain scores (β: -0.56, SE: 0.26, and p=0.034). Using a fibular flap fixed with miniplates and avoiding the use of a reconstruction plate may yield a reduced plate exposure rate and better health-related quality of life, particularly for patients with osteoradionecrosis or those who need postoperative radiotherapy.

Maternal intake of fructose or artificial sweetener during pregnancy and lactation has persistent effects on metabolic and reproductive health of dams post-weaning.

As rates of obesity, diabetes, and related comorbidities have increased, the consumption of artificial sweeteners (ASs) as sugar substitutes has also risen in popularity as they are perceived as a healthier alternative to sugar sweetened products. However, there is conflicting evidence regarding the impact of AS intake on metabolic and reproductive health. Glucose intolerance during pregnancy due to intake of sugar sweetened foods can result in an increased risk for the development of type 2 diabetes post-pregnancy. However, limited information exists on the impact of AS intake during pregnancy and lactation on the mother's health in later life. We hypothesised both AS and fructose would impair metabolic health post-partum (PP) following maternal consumption during pregnancy and lactation. Female C57Bl/6 mice received a standard control diet ad libitum with either water (CD), fructose (Fr; 34.7 mm intake), or AS (AS;12.5 mm Acesulfame-K) throughout pregnancy and lactation. Post-weaning, AS and Fr dams were fed the CD diet for the remainder of the experiment. Oral glucose tolerance tests were undertaken 8 weeks PP and dams were humanely killed at 9 weeks PP, with adipose tissue and ovaries collected for analysis. Experimental diets did not influence maternal bodyweight. At 8 weeks PP, increased glucose intolerance was evident in both AS and Fr dams. Adipocyte size was significantly increased in both the AS and Fr groups PP. Further, in the ovary, AS increased expression of genes associated with follicular development and ovulation. Therefore, ASs may not represent beneficial substitutes to fructose during pregnancy, with the potential to increase the risk of T2DM in later life in mothers.

Impact of Maternal Intake of Artificial Sweetener, Acesulfame-K, on Metabolic and Reproductive Health Outcomes in Male and Female Mouse Offspring.

Guidelines advising pregnant women to avoid food and beverages with high fat and sugar have led to an increase in the consumption of “diet” options sweetened by artificial sweeteners (AS). Yet, there is limited information regarding the impact of AS intake during pregnancy on the long-term risk of cardiometabolic and reproductive complications in adult offspring. This study examined the influence of maternal acesulfame-K (Ace-K) and fructose consumption on metabolic and reproductive outcomes in offspring. Pregnant C57BL/6 mice received standard chow ad-libitum with either water (CD), fructose (Fr; 20% kcal intake), or AS (AS; 12.5 mM Ace-K) throughout pregnancy and lactation (n = 8/group). Postweaning offspring were maintained on a CD diet for the remainder of the experiment. Body weight, food intake, and water intake were measured weekly. Oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) were undertaken at 12 weeks, and the offspring were culled at week 14. Female, but not male, AS groups exhibited decreased glucose tolerance compared to Fr. There was an increase in gonadal fat adipocyte size in male offspring from AS and Fr groups compared to CD groups. In female offspring, adipocyte size was increased in the Fr group compared to the CD group. In female, but not male offspring, there was a trend toward increase in Fasn gene expression in AS group compared to the CD group. Maternal AS and Fr also negatively impacted upon female offspring estrus cycles and induced alterations to markers associated with ovulation. In summary, exposure to Ace-k via the maternal diet leads to impaired glucose tolerance and impacts adipocyte size in a sex-specific manner as well as significantly affecting estrus cycles and related gene markers in female offspring. This has implications in terms of providing tailored dietary advice for pregnant women and highlights the potential negative influence of artificial sweetener intake in the context of intergenerational impacts.

Feed restriction and supplementing with propylene glycol, monensin sodium and rumen-protected choline chloride in periparturient Ghezel ewes: Implications on production and performance of ewes and their offspring

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of supplementation of propylene glycol, monensin sodium and rumen-protected choline chloride to the late gestational restricted diet on milk production and composition, rumen fermentation and dry matter intake of ewes and their offspring performance. During the final trimester of pregnancy, 48 Ghezel ewes were randomly assigned to one of the 6 treatments: ad libitum feeding (CG, control); feed restriction (FR, 60% of ad libitum intake); feed restriction + propylene glycol (67 g/d) (FR-PG); feed restriction + propylene glycol + monensin sodium (30 mg/d) (FR-MS); feed restriction + propylene glycol + rumen-protected choline chloride (6 g/d) (FR-RPC); feed restriction + propylene glycol + monensin sodium + rumen-protected choline chloride (FR-PMC). Milk samples were collected during the first 4 weeks of lactation and analyzed for fat, protein and solids non-fat contents. Ruminal fluid was sampled on day 125 of pregnancy for the determination of volatile fatty acids and ammonia-nitrogen concentration. Dry matter intake of ewes was calculated daily according to the differences between feed provided and refused. The average daily gain of lambs was recorded until 30 days postnatal and weight on day 87 was considered as weaning weight. The data were analyzed in a completely randomized design using SAS v.9.3. The results showed that FR-RPC and FR-PMC ewes presented approximately a higher milk production (P < 0.05), milk protein and solids non-fat percentages (P < 0.01) than other ewes in almost all recording points. During the first and second weeks of lactation, the milk produced by FR ewes had the lowest fat percentage among all experimental groups (P < 0.0001). The lowest ruminal pH and ammonia-nitrogen concentration was found in FR and FR-MS ewes (P < 0.0001). Ewes in the CG and FR groups produced lower levels of total volatile fatty acids than other experimental groups (P < 0.0001). Besides, compared with other treatments, choline chloride supplementation caused a higher molar proportion of propionate (P < 0.001) while FR treatment resulted in a higher acetate production (P < 0.001) and acetate to propionate ratio (P < 0.01) compared to FR-RPC and FR-PMC treatments. Lambs born from FR-RPC ewes presented a greater average daily gain than those born from other ewes (P < 0.0001). Lambs reared by FR-PMC and FR ewes presented the highest and lowest weaning weight, respectively (P < 0.0001). It can be concluded that although feed restriction diminished animal production and offspring performance, simultaneous administration of propylene glycol, monensin sodium and rumen-protected choline chloride in restricted diets alleviated these negative effects and improved ewes milk production and offspring growth performance.

Domestication and Feed Restriction Programming Organ Index, Dopamine, and Hippocampal Transcriptome Profile in Chickens

The domestication process exerts different phenotypic plasticity between slow- and fast-growing breeds of chicken. Feed restriction has a critical role in production performance, physiological plasticity, and stress response. Our study aimed to explore how feed restriction programed the organ index, dopamine, and hippocampal transcriptome profile between slow- and fast-growing chickens, which were fed either ad libitum (SA and FA), or feed restricted to 70% of ad libitum (SR and FR), for 30 days. Results showed that feed restriction influenced the brain organ index (P < 0.05), but not the organ index of the heart, liver, and spleen. The slow-growing breed tested had a higher brain organ index than the fast-growing breed (P < 0.05). Under feed restriction conditions, both the slow- and fast-growing breeds had significantly elevated dopamine concentrations (P < 0.05) compared to those fed ad libitum. In the GO term, upregulated genes in the FA group were enriched in the mitochondria, respiratory chain, and energy metabolism compared to the SA group (P < 0.05). Membranes and ribosomes were enriched in the cellular component between the SR and FR groups (P < 0.05). In the KEGG functional pathways, upregulated DEGs in the FR group were enriched in the cardiovascular disease category and neurodegenerative disease category compared to the FA group (P < 0.05). Downregulated DEGs in the FA group were enriched in the oxidative phosphorylation and neurodegenerative disease categories (Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease) compared with the SA group (P < 0.05). Upregulated DEGs in the FR group were enriched in the cardiovascular disease category, neurodegenerative disease category, and energy metabolism than the SR group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, feed restriction had profound effects on the brain organ index and plasma dopamine in the slow- and fast-growing chickens. Feed restriction may result in issues relating to cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases in the fast-growing breed tested, but not in the slow-growing breed.

Spousal concordance in frailty predicting mental and functional health decline: A four-year follow-up study of older couples in urban and rural China.

To examine the joint effects of self and spousal frailty status on functional and mental health in Chinese older adults and determine whether such effects vary by urban versus rural residency. Frailty is a clinical syndrome among old adults and would lead to adverse outcomes. However, studies on the interactive patterns of frailty status between spouses and the joint effects of such patterns on health outcomes are scarce. Data were from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). A total of 2,581 married seniors who participated both 2011 and 2015 waves of the CHARLS were categorised into four groups: robust self-robust spouse (RR), robust self-frail spouse (RF), frail self-robust spouse (FR) and frail self-frail spouse (FF). Frailty was measured using the physical frailty phenotype scale. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD). Functional health was measured by difficulties in activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). The generalised estimating equation was used to estimate the effects of concordant frailty on mental and functional outcomes, stratified by rural/urban residency. This study followed the STROBE checklist. The FF group reported higher levels of ADL/IADL difficulties and depressive symptoms at follow-up than the RR group; urban individuals in the RF group reported higher follow-up depression than the RR group; and rural individuals from the FR or RF groups reported more follow-up ADL/IADL difficulties than the RR group. Frailty and subsequent health decline are interdependent in older couples, and the rural/urban context is important for understanding this interdependence in the older Chinese population. Couples-based intervention strategies are needed to tackle situations in which one or both spouses are concurrently facing frailty.

Cystathionine β-synthase deficiency in the E-HOD registry-part I: pyridoxine responsiveness as a determinant of biochemical and clinical phenotype at diagnosis.

Cystathionine β‐synthase (CBS) deficiency has a wide clinical spectrum, ranging from neurodevelopmental problems, lens dislocation and marfanoid features in early childhood to adult onset disease with predominantly thromboembolic complications. We have analysed clinical and laboratory data at the time of diagnosis in 328 patients with CBS deficiency from the E‐HOD (European network and registry for Homocystinurias and methylation Defects) registry. We developed comprehensive criteria to classify patients into four groups of pyridoxine responsivity: non‐responders (NR), partial, full and extreme responders (PR, FR and ER, respectively). All groups showed overlapping concentrations of plasma total homocysteine while pyridoxine responsiveness inversely correlated with plasma/serum methionine concentrations. The FR and ER groups had a later age of onset and diagnosis and a longer diagnostic delay than NR and PR patients. Lens dislocation was common in all groups except ER but the age of dislocation increased with increasing responsiveness. Developmental delay was commonest in the NR group while no ER patient had cognitive impairment. Thromboembolism was the commonest presenting feature in ER patients, whereas it was least likely at presentation in the NR group. This probably is due to the differences in ages at presentation: all groups had a similar number of thromboembolic events per 1000 patient‐years. Clinical severity of CBS deficiency depends on the degree of pyridoxine responsiveness. Therefore, a standardised pyridoxine‐responsiveness test in newly diagnosed patients and a critical review of previous assessments is indispensable to ensure adequate therapy and to prevent or reduce long‐term complications.

57 President Oral Presentation Pick: The exploration of blood microRNA profiling in feedlot cattle with different lameness phenotypes

Abstract Lameness is a significant economic and welfare issue in feedlot production. Effective treatment depends on diagnosing the cause of lameness accurately. There is increasing evidence that circulating microRNAs may serve as useful biomarkers for diagnosing disease. However, their association with lameness in feedlot cattle is currently unknown. The objective of this study was to investigate whether blood miRNA profiles can be associated with a specific lameness phenotype. Blood samples were collected via venepuncture (into Tempus™ Blood RNA Tubes) from 39 feedlot cattle diagnosed with digital dermatitis (DD; n = 2), toe tip necrosis syndrome (TTNS; n = 5), footrot (FR; n = 26) and healthy controls (HC; n = 6) for miRNA profiling using RNA sequencing. Samples were obtained at the time each animal was pulled from their pens for medical treatment. Total RNA was extracted from blood samples and subjected to small RNA libraries construction and RNA-sequencing. The sequence data analysis was performed using a web-based tool, sRNAtoolbox. A total of 596 miRNAs were identified across 39 blood samples with the expression of 444, 437, 465 and 575 miRNAs detected in the HC, DD, TTNS and FR groups, respectively. In addition, group-specific miRNAs were identified with 9 in the DD group, 45 in the TTN group, 28 in the FR group and 2 in the HC group. Moreover, 41, 8 and 36 differential expressed miRNAs (DE miRNAs) were detected in DD, TTNS and FR groups, respectively, when compared to the HC group using DeSeq2. These data suggest that miRNA profiles may differ according to lameness diagnosis in beef cattle. However, further investigation incorporating functional analyses of miRNA, increased sample size and the physiological profile of the animals are required to better understand the relationship between blood miRNA profiles and lameness in feedlot cattle.

Effects of adolescent experience of food restriction and exercise on spatial learning and open field exploration of female rats

The hippocampus carries out multiple functions: spatial cognition dorsally (DH) and regulation of emotionality-driven behavior ventrally (VH). Previously, we showed that dendrites of DH and VH pyramidal neurons of female rats are still developing robustly during adolescence and are altered by the experience of food restriction and voluntary exercise on a wheel. We tested whether such anatomical changes during adolescence impact anxiety-like behavior and spatial cognition. Four groups of female rats were evaluated for these behaviors: those with wheel access in its cage from postnatal day (P) 36-44 (EX); those with food access restricted to 1 hr per day, from P40 to 44 (FR); those with EX from P36 to 44, combined with FR from P40 to 44, which we will refer to as EX + FR; and controls, CON (no EX, no FR). Open field test for anxiety-like behavior and active place avoidance test for spatial cognition were conducted at P47-49, the age when food restricted animals have restored body weight, or at P54-56, to identify more enduring effects. Anxiety-like behavior was elevated for the EX and FR groups at P47-49 but not for the EX + FR group. By P54-56, the EX + FR and EX groups exhibited less anxiety-like behavior, indicating a beneficial delayed main effect of exercise. There was a beneficial main effect of food restriction upon cognition, as the FR group showed cognition superior to CONs' at P44-46 and P54-56, while the EX + FR animals also showed enhanced spatial learning at P54-56. EX + FR animals with best adaptation to the feeding schedule showed the best spatial learning performance but with a delay. The EX group exhibited only a transient improvement. These findings indicate that FR, EX, and EX + FR in mid-adolescence are all beneficial in reducing anxiety-like behavior and improving spatial cognition but with subtle differences in the timing of their manifestation, possibly reflecting the protracted maturation of the hippocampus.