HL Groups Research Articles

Liver paraoxonase 3 expression and the effect of liraglutide treatment in a rat model of diabetes.

This study investigated liver expression of paraoxonase 3 (PON3), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt), and nuclear factor (NF)-κB in a rat model of type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and assessed the effect of liraglutide treatment. To investigate liver PON3 expression in rats withT2DM assess its role in disease pathogenesis, and determine the effect of liraglutide on its expression. Type 2 diabetes mellitus was induced in 3 groups of rats: positive control group (PC; no treatment), and low-dose (LL; 100 μg/kg) and high-dose (HL; 200 μg/kg) liraglutide groups. Healthy rats served as a normal control (NC) group. Protein and mRNA expression were measured with western blot and reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), respectively. After liraglutide treatment, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), fasting insulin (FINS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels were lower in HL rats compared with LL ones (p < 0.05). Compared to NC rats, FPG, FINS, HOMA-IR, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglyceride (TG), and IL-6 levels were the lowest in HL rats, followed by LL and PC ones (p < 0.05). Body weight (BW) was lower in LL and HL groups than in NC and PC (p < 0.05). The liver expression of PON3, PI3K and Akt were the highest in HL rats, followed by LL and PC (p < 0.05). The NF-κB expression was the lowest in HL rats, followed by LL and PC (p < 0.05). The PON3 expression was decreased in the diabetic rat liver. Liraglutide can increase PI3K, Akt and PON3 expression, and decrease NF-κB expression. The effect of liraglutide on improving insulin resistance and abnormal glucolipid metabolism in T2DM rats may be associated with increased liver PON3 expression.

Bacillus Amyloliquefaciens-9 as an Alternative Approach to Cure Diarrhea in Saanen Kids.

Simple SummaryDiarrhea is often the main cause of neonatal deaths on dairy goat farms. Poor management leads to infection with pathogenic bacteria and viruses causing enteritis, the main cause of diarrhea. Efficient drugs should be developed to prevent and treat kids with diarrhea. In the current study, the role of GBacillus-9 in the prevention and treatment of Saanen kids suffering diarrhea was assessed. Our data showed that GBacillus-9 restored the intestinal microbial disorder that resulted from diarrhea and suggested that GBacillus-9 could be used as a product to improve the gut health of kids.Bacillus amyloliquefaciens-9 (GBacillus-9), derived from the intestinal tract of the white-spotted bamboo shark, secretes a variety of antimicrobial compounds that inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria. In this study, the role of GBacillus-9 in the prevention and treatment of Saanen kids with diarrhea was assessed. Six healthy kids (HL) and six kids with diarrhea (DL) were selected. All kids were fed with 0.3% (w/v) GBacillus-9 (spray power) in raw milk for two weeks. The proportion of kids with diarrhea decreased gradually as the trial progressed, and 100% DL kids were cured at day 15. GBacillus-9 increased the serum immunoglobulin (Ig) G, interleukin (IL)-4, and IL-6 concentration (p < 0.05). The amplicon sequencing analysis of the fecal bacterial community revealed that the fecal microbiota was remarkably different between the HL and the DL groups at day 0. After two weeks of feeding with GBacillus-9, no significant difference in fecal microbiota was observed between HL and DL groups at the phylum level. GBacillus-9 restored the intestinal microbial disorder associated with serum immunoglobulin and interleukin concentration. Correlation analysis showed that GBacillus-9 altered globulin and interleukin concentration and that immunoglobulin was associated with Firmicutes. Collectively, our results revealed that GBacillus-9 improved the gut health of kids by improving microbial homeostasis.

Presence of cytomegalovirus and human herpesvirus 6 in-patients with lymphomas

Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) remain latent after primary infection and can be reactivated after immunosuppression. Very little is known about the prevalence of these herpes viruses in lymphomas patients following cytotoxic chemotherapy in the absence of allogeneic transplantation. Therefore, this study investigated the frequency of HHV-6, its impact on clinical manifestations and its possible association with the risk of development of CMV infection in Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (HL &NHL). Methods and materials: This study included 62 patients with lymphomas (25 HL and 37 NHL) diagnosed and treated in the hematology department of Farhat Hached Hospital in Sousse (Tunisia) during the period from June 2015 to July 2018. One hundred and twenty-four healthy individuals were used as age and sex-matched control group. Herpesviruses DNA (HHV6 and/or CMV) were detected by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Nested PCR was used to discern HHV-6 variants A and B for each HHV6 positive sample. Results: Herpesviruses DNA (HHV6 and/or CMV) was present in 12 of the 62 patients with lymphomas (19.35%), a frequency that was significantly higher than that in the control group (4/124, 3.2%) (p < 0.01).There was no significant difference between HL or NHL groups regarding the presence of HHV6 and or CMV (p = 0.74). The CMV DNA was identified in eight patients (1HL, 7NHL) while in 4 both CMV and HHV-6(3HL, 1NHL).CMV infection was associated with a significantly higher rate of HHV6 infection (p < 0.01). Variant B was found in 2 HL patients and variant B in 2 NHL while all the control group individuals showed positive for HHV-6 variant B. Ten out of twelve infected patients were symptomatic with fever and pneumonia (60%), lymphopenia (<500/μL) (30%), diarrhea (20%), hepatitis (10%). The presence of both herpes viruses DNA was not significantly associated with more frequent symptomatic infection (100% vs. 75%, p = 0.5). Conclusion: The detection of CMV and/or HHV6 were more commonly observed in patients with lymphomas and HHV-6 infection was often revealed with CMV infection. In the future, enhanced prospective surveillance may help shed more light on the clinical significance of these herpes virus infections in patients with lymphomas.

Nimodipine and Steroid Combination Therapy for Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss

To evaluate the treatment outcomes of nimodipine and steroid combination therapy for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL). Retrospective case review. Tertiary referral center. Seventy-eight patients who were diagnosed with ISSNHL were divided into two group based on the treatment strategies used: steroid+nimodipine (SN, n = 36) and steroid only (SO, n = 42) groups. Based on the level of hearing loss before treatment, subgroup analysis (<90 dB HL, SN-S versus SO-S groups; ≥90 dB HL, SN-P versus SO-P groups) was performed. Nimodipine+dexamethasone versus dexamethasone alone. Hearing thresholds and complete/partial recovery rate after treatment. Hearing thresholds after treatment were not significantly different between the SN and SO groups (46.8 ± 29.4 versus 54.8 ± 27.6 dB HL, p = 0.218). However, the complete recovery rate was significantly higher in the SN group than in the SO group (41.7% versus 16.8%, p = 0.014). In subgroup analysis, the complete recovery rate was significantly higher in the SN-S group than in the SO-S group (60.9% versus 19.2%, p = 0.003), whereas the difference between the SN-P and SO-P groups was not significant (7.7% versus 12.5%, p = 0.672). The cumulative incidence of complete recovery was significantly higher in SN-S group than in the SO-S group (p = 0.005); the mean recovery time was 4.4 weeks (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.8-6.1) in the SN-S group and 8.8 weeks (95% CI, 7.0-10.5) in the SO-S group. The results of this study suggest that nimodipine and steroid combination therapy for ISSNHL results in a higher complete recovery rate than steroid alone in patients with moderate to severe hearing loss.

Polymorphism of genes controlling low level of linolenic acid in lines from VIR flax genetic collection

Background. Linseed solin varieties were created for nutrition, but the effect of oil fatty acid (FA) composition on other characters is not clear.&#x0D; Materials and methods. Using 6 inbreeding generations from 26 heterogeneous flax accessions were generated 19 high (HL), 7 medium (ML) and 14 low linolenic (LL) lines. For each lines contents of 5 basic FA: palmitic, stearic, oleic (OLE), linoleic (LIO) and linolenic (LIN); the ratio LIO/LIN, oil iodine number, vegetative period (VP) phases and plants size were evaluated. Development of CAPS marker for LuFAD3A gene was performed using idtdna.com. Sequencing of LIN genes sites was done in the Centre MCT SPBGU and Eurogen.&#x0D; Results. ANOVA showed significant differences HL, ML and LL groups for PAL, OLE, LIO, LIN, LIO/LIN, IOD. Considerable decrease of LIN, causes asymmetric changes in FA ratio and correlations between them and other traits. Factor analysis revealed the influence of two factors. The first one divided lines according to their LIN level and characters associated with it, the second one according to the VP and OLE. LIN synthesis is controlled by two complementary genes LuFAD3A and LuFAD3B. Sequencing of LuFAD3A gene 1 exon of 6 lines revealed a mutation (G255 A255), resulting in formation of stop codon. Developed developed CAPS-marker confirmed the homozygosity of hybrids between LL (gc-391) and HL lines (gc-65, 109, 121). Descendants of hybrid between gc-109 and gc-391 ripened 8-10 days earlier than gc-391. CAPS markers of LuFAD3B gene revealed differences between HL, ML, LL lines. Sequencing of this gene first exon and the beginning of the second one in 3 lines (1HL, 2LL) showed that this method reveals a mutation in the second restriction site, located in the 2 exon (C6 T6), and causing the replacement Hys Tyr.&#x0D; Conclusion. Lines from GC have wide variability of FA and other agronomic characters, combination of which will expand the cultivation of solin.

Predictors of metabolic response in propensity-matched lymphoma patients on interim 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography/computed tomography using standardized imaging and reporting protocol: Do we really have one?

The purpose of this prospective study was to determine metabolic response predictor(s) in propensity-matched patients having lymphomas who had baseline and interim 18fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron-emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) using strict standardized imaging and reporting protocols. This prospective study was conducted at PET/CT section of a JCI-accredited healthcare facility from April 2017 to February 2018. Patients with baseline and interim 18FDG PET/CT scans using standardized protocol were selected. Interim scans were performed not earlier than 2nd or later than 4th chemotherapy. During the study period, 97 of 112 consecutive patients with lymphomas (Hodgkin-HL: 32/97 and Non-Hodgkin-NHL: 65/97) were included in the study. Mean age of cohort was 45 ± 19 years (71% male and 29% female) having a mean body mass index (BMI) of 25.57 ± 5.54 Kg/m2 having Stage I (21%), Stage II (18%), Stage III (16%), and Stage IV (45%) disease. Bulky disease was found in 14% and 18FDG-avid marrow deposits in 33%. Standardized PET/CT imaging protocol as per EANM guidelines was strictly adopted for baseline and interim studies. %Δ changes in fasting blood sugar, 18FDG dose, uptake time, and liver SUV mean were 3.96%, 2.83%, 2.49%, and 12.15%, respectively. Based on Deauville's scoring, cohort was divided into responders having Score 1–3 (49/97) and nonresponders having Score 4–5 (48/97). The demographic analysis found no significant difference between responders and nonresponders for age, gender, BMI, staging, bulky disease or marrow involvement, and study protocol. No significant coefficient or odd ratios were found on multivariate analysis for age, gender, maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), size, BMI, NHL, and advance disease (Stage III and IV) in both groups (χ2: 5.12; receiver operating characteristic [95% confidence interval]: 0.616 [0.51–0.713]; P =0.528). Among responders, baseline SUVmax and tumor size had a direct correlation with a metabolic response on iPET, more pronounced in NHL than HL groups (SUVmax: 13.4 vs. 19.5 and size: 52 vs. 87 mm; P < 0.0001). We conclude that no significant predictor was found for response in propensity-matched patients with lymphomas (both HL and NHL) who had baseline and interim PET/CTs acquired with a standardized protocol. However, NHL responders were found to have higher baseline median SUVmax and larger lesion size as compared to HL responders. Although, these data are not in concordance with published findings but need to be validated with larger studies using standardized imaging and reporting protocols in propensity-matched patients with lymphomas.

Use of formant centralization ratio for vowel impairment detection in normal hearing and different degrees of hearing impairment

Purpose: Hearing-impaired (HI) speakers show changes in vowel production and formant frequencies, as well as more cases of overlapping between vowels and more restricted formant space, than hearing speakers. This study was intended to explore whether the use of different acoustic parameters (Formant Centralization Ratio (FCR), Vowel Space Area (VSA), F2i/F2u ratio (second formant of/i,u/)) was suitable or not for characterizing impairments in the articulation of vowels in the speech of HL speakers. In fact, correlated acoustic parameters are used to determine the limits of tongue movements in vowel production in different severity degrees of hearing impairment.Methods: Speech recordings of 40 speakers with HL and 40 healthy controls were acoustically analyzed. The vowels (/a/,/i/,/u/) were extracted from the word context and, then, the first and second formants were calculated. The same vowel-formant elements were used to construct the FCR, expressed as (F2u + F2a + F1i + F1u)/(F2i + F1a), the F2i/F2u ratio, and the vowel space area (VSA), expressed as ABS((F1i*(F2a–F2u)+F1a*(F2u–F2i)+F1u*(F2i–F2a))/2).Results: The FCR differentiated HL groups from the control group and the discrimination was not gender-sensitive. All parameters were found to be strongly correlated with each other.Conclusions: The findings of this study showed that FCR was a more sensitive acoustic parameter than F2i/F2u ratio and VSA to distinguish speech of the HL groups from that of the normal group. Thus, FCR is considered to be applicable as an early objective measure of impaired vowel articulation in HL speakers.

Effects of AT1 receptor antagonism on interstitial and ultrastructural remodeling of heart in response to a hypercaloric diet.

Palatable hypercaloric feeding has been associated with angiotensin‐II type 1 receptor (AT1R) stimulation and cardiac remodeling. This study analyzed whether AT1R antagonism attenuates cardiac remodeling in rats subjected to a palatable hypercaloric diet. Male Wistar‐Kyoto rats were subjected to a commercial standard rat chow (CD) or a palatable hypercaloric diet (HD) for 35 weeks and then allocated into four groups: CD, CL, HD, and HL; L groups received losartan in drinking water (30 mg/kg/day) for 5 weeks. Body weight, adiposity, and glycemia were evaluated. The cardiovascular study included echocardiography, and myocardial morphometric and ultrastructural evaluation. Myocardial collagen isoforms Type I and III were analyzed by Western blot. Both HD and HL had higher adiposity than their respective controls. Cardiomyocyte cross‐sectional‐area (CD 285 ± 49; HD 344 ± 91; CL 327 ± 49; HL 303 ± 49 μm2) and interstitial collagen fractional area were significantly higher in HD than CD and unchanged by losartan. HD showed marked ultrastructural alterations such as myofilament loss, and severe mitochondrial swelling. CL presented higher Type I collagen expression when compared to CD and HL groups. The ultrastructural changes and type I collagen expression were attenuated by losartan in HL. Losartan attenuates systolic dysfunction and ultrastructural abnormalities without changing myocardial interstitial remodeling in rats subjected to a palatable hypercaloric diet.

Heavier- and lighter-load isolated lumbar extension resistance training produce similar strength increases, but different perceptual responses, in healthy males and females.

ObjectivesMuscles dominant in type I muscle fibres, such as the lumbar extensors, are often trained using lighter loads and higher repetition ranges. However, literature suggests that similar strength adaptations can be attained by the use of both heavier- (HL) and lighter-load (LL) resistance training across a number of appendicular muscle groups. Furthermore, LL resistance exercise to momentary failure might result in greater discomfort.DesignThe aims of the present study were to compare strength adaptations, as well as perceptual responses of effort (RPE-E) and discomfort (RPE-D), to isolated lumbar extension (ILEX) exercise using HL (80% of maximum voluntary contraction; MVC) and LL (50% MVC) in healthy males and females.MethodsTwenty-six participants (n = 14 males, n = 12 females) were divided in to sex counter-balanced HL (23 ± 5 years; 172.3 ± 9.8 cm; 71.0 ± 13.1 kg) and LL (22 ± 2 years; 175.3 ± 6.3 cm; 72.8 ± 9.5 kg) resistance training groups. All participants performed a single set of dynamic ILEX exercise 1 day/week for 6 weeks using either 80% (HL) or 50% (LL) of their MVC to momentary failure.ResultsAnalyses revealed significant pre- to post-intervention increases in isometric strength for both HL and LL, with no significant between-group differences (p > 0.05). Changes in strength index (area under torque curves) were 2,891 Nm degrees 95% CIs [1,612–4,169] and 2,865 Nm degrees 95% CIs [1,587–4,144] for HL and LL respectively. Changes in MVC were 51.7 Nm 95% CIs [24.4–79.1] and 46.0 Nm 95% CIs [18.6–73.3] for HL and LL respectively. Mean repetitions per set, total training time and discomfort were all significantly higher for LL compared to HL (26 ± 8 vs. 8 ± 3 repetitions, 158.5 ± 47 vs. 50.5 ± 15 s, and 7.8 ± 1.8 vs. 4.8 ± 2.5, respectively; all p < 0.005).ConclusionsThe present study supports that that low-volume, low-frequency ILEX resistance exercise can produce similar strength increases in the lumbar extensors using either HL or LL. As such personal trainers, trainees and strength coaches can consider other factors which might impact acute performance (e.g. effort and discomfort during the exercise). This data might prove beneficial in helping asymptomatic persons reduce the risk of low-back pain, and further research, might consider the use of HL exercise for chronic low-back pain symptomatic persons.

Improvement of health literacy and intervention measurements among low socio-economic status women: findings from the MyBFF@home study

BackgroundHealth literacy (HL) consists of different components and associates with several health outcomes, including obesity. It is linked to an individual’s knowledge, motivation, competencies, behavior, and application to everyday life. The present study aimed to determine the change of HL scores and to investigate the difference of intervention outcomes at the weight loss (WL) intervention and WL maintenance phase between the HL groups.MethodsA total of 322 participants from the MyBFF@home study completed the Newest Vital Sign (NVS) test at baseline. However, only data from 209 participants who completed the NVS test from baseline to WL intervention were used to determine the HL groups. Change of the NVS scores from baseline to WL intervention phase was categorized into two groups: those with HL improvement (increased 0.1 score and above) and those without HL improvement (no change or decreased 0.1 score and more). Independent variables in this study were change of energy intake, nutrient intake, physical activity, anthropometry measurements, and body composition measurements between baseline and WL intervention as well as between WL intervention and WL maintenance. An Independent sample t-test was used in the statistical analysis.ResultsIn general, both intervention and control participants have low HL. The study revealed that the intervention group increased the NVS mean score from baseline (1.19 scores) to the end of the WL maintenance phase (1.51 scores) compared to the control group. There was no significant difference in sociodemographic characteristics between the group with HL improvement and the group without HL improvement at baseline. Most of the dietary intake measurements at WL intervention were significantly different between the two HL groups among intervention participants. Physical activity and body composition did not differ significantly between the two HL groups among both intervention and control groups.ConclusionThere was an improvement of HL during the WL intervention and WL maintenance phase in intervention participants compared to control participants. HL shows positive impacts on dietary intake behavior among intervention participants. New research is suggested to explore the relationship between HL and weight loss behaviors in future obesity intervention studies.

Low‐load Resistance Exercise with Blood Flow Restriction Changes Hypoxia‐Induced Genes Expression

PURPOSETo investigate the effects of low‐load exercise with blood flow restriction on expression of genes related to hypoxia.METHODSTwenty‐four male (mean ± SD: age 21.3 ± 1.9 years, height 1.74 ± 0.8 m, body mass 73 ± 1.8 kg) were divided into three groups: low‐load exercise (LL, n=9), low‐load exercise with blood flow restriction (LL‐BFR, n=8), and high‐load exercise (HL, n=7). For LL‐BFR group a pneumatic cuff was placed on the proximal portion of the thigh and inflated at 80% of the resting arterial occlusion pressure. All subjects performed bilateral knee extension, 2x/week, during 8 weeks. LL and LL‐BFR groups performed 3–4 sets of 15 reps at 20% 1RM whereas HL performed 3–4 sets of 8–10 reps at 80% 1RM with 60s rest interval between sets. Regulated in development and DNA damage response 1 (REDD1), hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1‐alpha (HIF‐1‐alpha), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) mRNA gene expression were assessed before and after training. Mixed model for repeated measures was performed for each dependent variable, and statistical significance was set at p≤ 0.05.RESULTSREDD1 expression decreased in all groups from pre‐ to post‐training (p&lt;.0001), and significantly lower REDD1 expression was found in both LL‐BFR and HL groups when compared with LL group at post‐training (p&lt;0.05) [Figure 1A). HIF‐1α mRNA expression increased in all groups from pre‐ to post‐training (p&lt;.0001), and significantly greater values were observed in LL‐BFR and HL groups when compared with LL group at post‐training (p&lt;.0001) [Figure 1B]. VEGF mRNA expression increased in both LL‐BFR and HL groups from pre‐ to post‐training (p&lt;.0001); however, only LL‐BFR showed greater expression than LL group at post‐training (p=0.001) [Figure 1C). nNOS mRNA expression increased in all groups from preto post‐training (p&lt;.0001), and greater expression values were observed in LL‐BFR when compared with both LL and HL groups at post‐training (p&lt;.0001) [Figure 1D].CONCLUSIONLow‐load resistance exercise with blood flow restriction induced changes in selected genes expression related to hypoxia following training. These results may contribute with the skeletal muscle hypertrophy responses and increased muscular angiogenesis after training period.Support or Funding InformationThis study was not supported by any fundingThis abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Epigenetic silencing of the tumor suppressor genes SPI1, PRDX2, KLF4, DLEC1, and DAPK1 in childhood and adolescent lymphomas

ABSTRACTThe aim of the study was to investigate the expression and methylation status of seven distinctive genes with tumor suppressing properties in childhood and adolescent lymphomas. A total of 96 patients with Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL, n = 41), Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL, n = 15), and reactive lymphoid hyperplasia (RLH, n = 40, as controls) are included in the research. The expression status of CDKN2A, SPI1, PRDX2, DLEC1, FOXO1, KLF4 and DAPK1 genes were measured with QPCR method after the RNA isolation from paraffin blocks of tumor tissue and cDNA conversion. DNA isolation was performed from samples with low gene expression followed by methylation PCR study specific to promoter regions of these genes. We found that SPI1, PRDX2, DLEC1, KLF4, and DAPK1 genes are significantly less expressed in patient than the control group (p = 0.0001). However, expression of CDKNA2 and FOXO1 genes in the patient and control groups were not statistically different. The methylation ratios of all genes excluding the CDKN2A and FOXO1 were significantly higher in the HL and NHL groups than the controls (p = 0.0001). We showed that SPI1, PRDX2, DLEC1, KLF4 and DAPK1 genes are epigenetically silenced via hypermethylation in the tumor tissues of children with HL and NHL. As CDKN2A gene was not expressed in both patient and control groups, we conclude that it is not specific to malignancy. As FOXO1 gene was similarly expressed in both groups, its relationship with malignancy could not be established. The epigenetically silenced genes may be candidates for biomarkers or therapeutic targets in childhood and adolescent lymphomas.

Pre-hatching temperature training improves performance in dual- and laying-type cockerels fed with different protein and energy concentrations

The hypothesis of the present study was that pre-hatching temperature training (PTT) with short-term warm stimulation might improve hatching results and have long-lasting effect on growth performance, production efficiency, and robustness in laying-type and dual-purpose cockerels. Further, during the growth period these results may be modified by the protein and energy level of the diet. A total of 2880 eggs (Lohmann Brown-LB/Lohmann Dual-LD) were incubated from day 1 to 17 under normal incubation temperature (37.2–37.4°C) and until hatching in two groups with different temperature programs (control: 37.2–37.4°C or PTT: plus 1°C above standard for 2 h daily). For a subsequent 70 days growing period, 160 LB and 160 LD cockerels from each incubation group were randomly distributed in 8 treatments (8 pens/treatment; 10 birds/pen) resulting from two genotypes of cockerels, two incubation programs, and two dietary protein/energy levels (200 g crude protein/11 MJ AME N/kg – low level, LL; 215 g/12 MJ – high level, HL). PTT had no negative effect on hatching results in LB and LD cockerels. The origin of cockerels had a significant effect on feed intake, growth performance, and feed to gain ratio. The final body weight at day 70 was 85% higher in LD than in LB cockerels (2500 g/1351 g). In LD, but not so pronounced in LB cockerels, performance and production efficiency were significantly improved by PTT. In LD cockerels, the final body weight on day 70 reached in the LL and HL fed groups 2558 and 2528 g, respectively (control: LL 2432 g/HL 2482). Over the total growing period the feed to gain ratio was 10% higher in the LL fed LB/LD groups (2.56/2.29 kg/kg) compared with the HL groups (2.30/2.06 kg/kg). From day 1 until 49, the lowest feed to gain ratio ( P<0.05) of 1.81 kg/kg was calculated for the PTT group of LD cockerels fed with HL feed. Slaughter after 70 days showed significant differences in breast meat and legs, and percentage of abdominal fat between bird genotype and of the different incubated groups. While the thyroid weight was influenced by genotype only, the bursa weight depended also on experienced PTT at the age of 70 days. Possibly, robustness and therefore stress- and immune response might benefit from PTT in both LD and LB cockerels as indicated by increased mean relative bursa weight of 18 and 21%, respectively.

Negative effects of long-term feeding of high-grain diets to lactating goats on milk fat production and composition by regulating gene expression and DNA methylation in the mammary gland

BackgroundIt is well known that feeding a high concentrate (HC) diet to lactating ruminants likely induces subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) and leads to a decrease in milk fat production. However, the effects of feeding a HC diet for long periods on milk fatty acids composition and the mechanism behind the decline of milk fat still remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of feeding a HC diet to lactating dairy goats on milk fat yield and fatty acids composition with an emphasis on the mechanisms underlying the milk fat depression. Seventeen mid-lactating dairy goats were randomly allocated to three groups. The control treatment was fed a low-concentrate diet (35% concentrate, n = 5, LC) and there were two high-concentrate treatments (65% concentrate, HC), one fed a high concentrate diet for a long period (19 wks, n = 7, HL); one fed a high concentrate diet for a short period of time (4 wk, n = 5, HS). Milk fat production and fatty acids profiles were measured. In order to investigate the mechanisms underlying the changes in milk fat production and composition, the gene expression involved in lipid metabolism and DNA methylation in the mammary gland were also analyzed.ResultsMilk production was increased by feeding the HC diet in the HS and HL groups compared with the LC diet (P < 0.01), while the percentage of milk fat was lower in the HL (P < 0.05) but not in the HS group. The total amount of saturated fatty acids (SFA) in the milk was not changed by feeding the HC diet, whereas the levels of unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) were markedly decreased in the HL group compared with the LC group (P < 0.05). Among these fatty acids, the concentrations of C15:0 (P < 0.01), C17:0 (P < 0.01), C17:1 (P < 0.01), C18:1n-9c (P < 0.05), C18:3n-3r (P < 0.01) and C20:0 (P < 0.01) were markedly lower in the HL group, and the concentrations of C20:0 (P < 0.05) and C18:3n-3r (P < 0.01) were lower in the HS group compared with the LC group. However, the concentrations of C18:2n-6c (P < 0.05) and C20:4n-6 (P < 0.05) in the milk fat were higher in the HS group. Real-time PCR results showed that the mRNA expression of the genes involved in milk fat production in the mammary gland was generally decreased in the HL and HS groups compared with the LC group. Among these genes, ACSL1, ACSS1 & 2, ACACA, FAS, SCD, FADS2, and SREBP1 were down-regulated in the mammary gland of the HL group (P < 0.05), and the expressions of ACSS2, ACACA, and FADS2 mRNA were markedly decreased in the HS goats compared with the LC group (P < 0.05). In contrast to the gene expression, the level of DNA methylation in the promoter regions of the ACACA and SCD genes was increased in the HL group compared with the LC group (P < 0.05). The levels of ACSL1 protein expression and FAS enzyme activity were also decreased in the mammary gland of the HL compared with the LC group (P < 0.05).ConclusionsLong-term feeding of a HC diet to lactating goats induced milk fat depression and FAs profile shift with lower MUFAs but higher SFAs. A general down-regulation of the gene expression involved in the milk fat production and a higher DNA methylation in the mammary gland may contribute to the decrease in milk fat production in goats fed a HC diet for long time periods.

Cytomegalovirus reactivation in lymphoma and myeloma patients undergoing autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation

BackgroundCytomegalovirus reactivation is often diagnosed in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant recipients and therefore could lead to CMV-related disease, involving many organs in these immunocompromised patients. In contrast, few studies investigated CMV reactivation and end-organ disease in patients undergoing Autologous Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplant (ASCT) since they are considered at low risk for both reactivation and disease. ObjectivesThe primary outcome of the analysis was to understand the difference in incidence of CMV reactivation between MM and Lymphoma patients. Secondary outcomes included the difference between MM and Lymphoma patients when considering the effect of CMV reactivation on transplant related mortality (TRM) overall survival (OS) progression free survival (PFS), risk factors for reactivation, and median time to reactivation. Study designIn this report, we retrospectively compared the incidence, risk factors, and outcome of CMV reactivation in adult patients with Myeloma (MM) and Lymphoma undergoing ASCT at the American university of Beirut Medical Center in Lebanon (AUBMC). A total of 324 consecutive ASCT were performed between January 2005 and March 2016. Serial weekly monitoring for CMV quantification was done using a quantitative PCR, starting from transplantation until the hospital discharge and afterwards based on the clinical symptoms in cases of clinical suspicion of reactivation after discharge from the hospital. ResultsThe cumulative incidence of CMV reactivation was 16% (n=53) with a median time of 16 (range, 4–242) days after ASCT. The incidence of reactivation was significantly higher in the MM (22%) and NHL (20%) groups, when compared to the HL (4%) (P=0.001). There was a higher incidence of CMV reactivation according to age (≥50 vs ≤50 years) with higher incidence in the older population 24% vs 10% respectively (p=0.0043). The mean time to CMV reactivation was significantly higher in the NHL group with a mean of 53.7days when compared to the HL and MM groups with mean 19.75days and 12.66 (range, 4–34) days respectively (P=0.003). Twenty-two patients (76%) and three patients (75%) patients required specific antiviral therapy in the MM group and HL groups respectively; which was significantly higher (P<0.001) then the NHL group with 13 (65%) patients requiring specific antiviral therapy.Five patients (1.5%) developed CMV disease at a median of 60days (range, 7–107) post ASCT: there was significant difference in the mean-time to reactivation based on disease type MM versus lymphoma 10 versus 33days (P=0.007).In multivariate analysis, a higher age was associated with an increased risk of CMV reactivation; MM and NHL had higher risk of CMV reactivation when compared to HL, and progressive disease at transplant was associated with increased risk of CMV reactivation.After a median follow-up of 21.5 months (range: 1–125), there was no significant impact on PFS, however there was significant decrease in OS of lymphoma patients who had CMV reactivation when compared to those without CMV reactivation (204 and 112days respectively P=0.045). TRM increased from 1.1% in patients with no CMV reactivation to 13% in patients with CMV reactivation (P=0.003). ConclusionOur data suggests that CMV reactivation is not uncommon in ASCT recipients and may contribute to increase TRM. MM patients may have a higher incidence, of CMV reactivation with more anti-viral treatment requirements when compared to lymphoma patients, especially in older population.

Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound reduces periodontal atrophy in occlusal hypofunctional teeth.

To clarify whether low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) exposure has recovery effects on the hypofunctional periodontal ligament (PDL) and interradicular alveolar bone (IRAB). Twelve-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups (n = 5 each): a normal occlusion (C) group, an occlusal hypofunction (H) group, and an occlusal hypofunction group subjected to LIPUS (HL) treatment. Hypofunctional occlusion of the maxillary first molar (M1) of the H and HL groups was induced by the bite-raising technique. Only the HL group was irradiated with LIPUS for 5 days. The IRAB and PDL of M1 were examined by microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) analysis. To quantify mRNA expression of cytokines involved in PDL proliferation and development, real-time reverse transcription quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) was performed for twist family bHLH transcription factor 1 (Twist1), periostin, and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in the PDL samples. Micro-CT analysis showed that the PDL volume was decreased in the H group compared with that of the C and HL groups. Both bone volume per tissue volume (BV/TV) of IRAB was decreased in the H group compared with that in the C group. LIPUS exposure restored BV/TV in the IRAB of the HL group. qRT-PCR analysis showed that Twist1, periostin, and CTGF mRNA levels were decreased in the H group and increased in the HL group. LIPUS exposure reduced the atrophic changes of alveolar bone by inducing the upregulation of periostin and CTGF expression to promote PDL healing after induction of occlusal hypofunction.

Effects of dynamic feeding low and high methionine diets on egg quality traits in laying hens

This study was conducted to investigate effects of dynamic feeding low and high methionine (MET) diets on performance, egg quality traits, and serum metabolites in laying hens. A total of 180 laying hens (Brown Hy-line, 41 wk old) were allocated into 3 equal groups with 6 replicates each. The average egg production (EP) of each group was around 87% during one-week statistics before the formal experiment (P = 0.989). The control group (CON) received the control diet (contained 0.30% MET) at both 07:30 h and 15:30 hours. The low-high group (LH) received a low MET diet (containing 0.27% MET) at 07:30 h and high MET diet (containing 0.33% MET) at 15:30 hours. The high-low group (HL) received a high MET diet at 07:30 h and low MET diet at 15:30 hours. After 10 wk, blood samples were collected at 4-hour intervals in a daily cycle initially starting at 07:30 h before feeding. Results showed that the MET intake of a d was not influenced by the treatments (P > 0.05), respectively. The EP of the LH and HL group increased by 2.28 and 2.45% when compared with the CON group (P > 0.05). The hens in the LH group had a lower albumen ratio and thicker eggshell thickness than both CON and HL groups. Egg yolk ratio of the LH group was higher than the HL group (P < 0.05). The serum total cholesterol (TC), total triglyceride (TG), total protein (TP), and calcium (Ca) of the LH group was significantly lower at 07:30 h than the CON and HL groups, and the serum TG of the HL group was lower at 07:30 h than the CON group (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the LH group also had the lowest value of serum TP at 23:30 h and 03:30 h (P < 0.05). These results demonstrated that dynamic feeding low and high MET diets might alter the circadian variation of serum TC, TG, TP, and Ca, which is consistent with the change of component ratio of egg albumen and yolk and eggshell thickness.

Effect of hydrogen on endoplasmic reticulum stress during liver cold ischemia-reperfusion in rats

Objective To evaluate the effect of hydrogen on the endoplasmic reticulum stress during liver cold ischemia-reperfusion(I/R)in rats. Methods Twenty-four SPF healthy adult male Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 200-250 g, were divided into 3 groups(n=8 each)using a random number table: sham operation group(group S), liver cold I/R group(group I/R)and hydrogen-saturated lactated Ringer′s solution group(group HL). After occlusion of the liver blood flow, livers were perfused through the portal vein with 4 ℃ hydrogen-saturated lactated Ringer′s solution 6-8 ml/min for 30 min.The liver blood flow was restored after the end of perfusion.At 6 h of reperfusion in I/R and HL groups or at 6 h after peritoneum closure in group S, blood samples from the inferior vena cava were collected for determination of serum alanine transaminase(ALT)and aspartate transaminase(AST)concentrations.After blood sampling, liver tissues were obtained for examination of pathological changes and for determination of cell apoptosis(using TUNEL), malondialdehyde(MDA)content(by thiobarbituric acid method), superoxide dismutase(SOD)activity(using xanthine oxidase method), expression of endoplasmic reticulum protein 46(ERP46), immunoglobulin heavy chain binding protein(BiP)and caspase-12(by immunohistochemistry), and expression of ERP46, BiP and caspase-12 mRNA(using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction). The pathological changes were scored.Apoptosis rate was calculated. Results Compared with group S, the serum ALT and AST concentrations, pathological scores, apoptosis rate and MDA content were significantly increased, the SOD activity was decreased, and the expression of ERP46, BiP and caspase-12 protein and mRNA was up-regulated in I/R and HL groups(P<0.05). Compared with group I/R, the serum ALT and AST concentrations, pathological scores, apoptosis rate and MDA content were significantly decreased, the SOD activity was increased, and the expression of ERP46, BiP and caspase-12 protein and mRNA was down-regulated in group HL(P<0.05). Conclusion The mechanism by which hydrogen reduces cell apoptosis may be related to inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress during liver cold I/R in rats. Key words: Hydrogen; Endoplasmic recticulum; Stress; Liver transplantation; Reperfusion injury

Effect of feeding long or short wheat hay v. wheat silage in the ration of lactating cows on intake, milk production and digestibility

The objective of this study was to evaluate in lactating cows the effect of either chopping or ensiling of wheat roughage on: intake, digestibility, lactation performance and animal behavior. Three groups of 14 lactating cows each, were fed total mixed rations (TMRs) based on either long wheat hay (HL), short wheat hay (HS) or wheat silage (SI), as the sole roughage source (30% of TMR dry matter (DM)). Parameters examined: sorting behavior, DM intake, milk yield and composition, rumination, recumbence, average daily rumen pH, digesta passage rate, and in-vivo digestibility. Performance data was summarized by day and analyzed using a proc-mixed model. The content of physically effective neutral detergent fiber (peNDF) was similar in the HL and SI and lower in the HS, resulting in similar differences among the three corresponding TMRs. In vitro DM digestibility of wheat silage was higher than that of the two hays (65.6% v. 62.8%) resulting in higher in vitro DM digestibility of the SI-TMR compared with the hay-based TMRs (79.3 v. 77.0%). HS-TMR was better than HL- or SI-TMRs at preventing feed sorting by cows after 12 or 24 h eating of the diets. Cows fed HS-TMR consumed more DM and NDF but less peNDF than the other two groups. Average daily rumen pH was similar in the three groups, but daily rumination time was highest in the cows fed HS-TMR. Rumen retention time was longest in cows fed HL-TMR. DM digestibility in cows fed SI-TMR was higher than that of HS and HL groups (65.2%, 61.8% and 62.4%, respectively), but NDF digestibility was similar in the three treatments. The highest intake of digestible DM was observed in cows fed SI-TMR, HS cows were intermediate and HL cows were the lowest. Consequently, cows fed SI-TMR had higher yields of milk, 4% fat corrected milk and energy-corrected milk (47.1, 42.9 and 43.2 kg/day, respectively) than cows fed HS-TMR (45.7, 41.0 and 41.0 kg/day, respectively) or HL-TMR (44.1, 40.3 and 40.3 kg/day, respectively). Net energy production (NEL+M+gain) per kg DM intake was highest in the SI-TMR, lowest in the HS-TMR and intermediate in the HL-TMR (1.52, 1.40 and 1.45, respectively). Animal welfare, as expressed in daily recumbence time and BW gain was similar in the SI and HS groups and higher than the HL cows.

In ovo leptin administration modulates glucocorticoid receptor mRNA expression specifically in the hypothalamus of broiler chickens

The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is well documented to play a crucial role in the central control of energy homeostasis in mammals. However, the distribution and function of the GR in the chicken brain are less clear. Leptin is a key hormone regulating energy homeostasis in mammals, yet its action in the chicken is still under debate. In this study, the distribution of GR mRNA in the chicken brain and the effects of in ovo administration of leptin and its antagonist on early post-hatch growth and GR mRNA expression in different hypothalamic nuclei were investigated via in situ hybridization (ISH) and quantitative PCR. GR mRNA was widely expressed in the chicken brain, mainly in the corpus striatum, nucleus rotundus, dorsolateral nucleus, nucleus ovoidalis, nucleus reticularis superior and the hippocampus (Hp) and in the preoptic area of the hypothalamus. High doses of leptin (5.0μg) significantly promoted post-hatch growth, resulting in a significant high body weight increased by 24.64% at day (D) 21 of life. Meanwhile, hypothalamic expression of GR mRNA in the LL and HL groups was down-regulated significantly by 7.02% and 13.65% respectively (P<0.05). ISH revealed region-specific changes: GR mRNA was found to be significantly decreased (P<0.05) in the paraventricular nucleus, periventricular nucleus and ventromedial nucleus but not in the Hp, infundibular nucleus or lateral hypothalamus of D21 broiler chickens. The leptin antagonist was able to reverse the effect of leptin on the growth rate and hypothalamic GR mRNA expression. These results provide evidence that in ovo administration of leptin influences early post-hatch growth and the hypothalamic expression of GR mRNA in broiler chickens.