PC Group Research Articles

Effects of Aerobic Exercise on Rats with Hyperandrogenic Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.

Hyperandrogenism is a key pathologic characteristic of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and exercise can alleviate the accompanying inflammation and decrease the high androgen levels, but the mechanism is still unclear, so the purpose of this study is to explore the pathophysiologic characteristics of hyperandrogenic PCOS and the mechanism underlying its amelioration with aerobic exercise. Thirty-two female rats were randomly allocated to a normal control group (NC, n = 8), exercise control group (EC, n = 8), PCOS group (PC, n = 8), and PCOS plus exercise group (PE, n = 8). The PC and PE groups were injected with a dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) solution to induce the hyperandrogenic PCOS rat model. The EC and PE groups underwent a Masashi swimming protocol (120 min per session, 6 days/week, for 15 days). Results indicated that the concentrations of leptin (LP) in the EC group were significantly lower than those in the NC group (p < 0.05). Compared with the NC group, the levels of testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), LP, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and free fatty acids (FFA) were all significantly augmented in the PC group (all p < 0.05). In addition, compared with the NC group, the levels of adiponectin (ADP) were significantly decreased (p < 0.05), and the expression of aromatase cytochrome P450 (P450arom) in ovarian tissue was significantly elevated in the PC group (p < 0.05). The levels of T, FSH, LP, and FFA were also significantly increased in the PE group (p < 0.05). Compared with the PC group, the levels of T and LP in the PE group were significantly diminished (p < 0.05), and the levels of ADP were significantly increased in the PE group (p < 0.05). T was positively correlated with E2, FSH, AMH, LP, TNF-α, IL-6, and FFA levels, while ADP was negatively correlated with LP and E2. These results showed that hyperandrogenism, chronic low-grade inflammation, and leptin resistance may interact to influence the occurrence and development of PCOS. Aerobic exercise can alleviate the internal inflammation by relieving leptin resistance and may mitigate the sex hormone disorder and hyperandrogenism in rats with PCOS by affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis.

P–218 Analysis of the occurrence of microbial contamination in IVF culture system and the effect of microorganisms on embryo development and clinical outcomes

Abstract Study question what is the source, prevalence, and influence of microbial contamination on in vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo transfer (ET) cycles? Summary answer Microbial contamination mainly occurs on Day 2, most caused by Escherichia coli carried with semen. ICSI could prevent contamination effectively and get good clinical outcomes. What is known already Microbial contamination occurs in IVF-ET system occasionally, which is hard to stop happening. The IVF culture system and laboratory environment, the patients’ follicular fluid and semen are not absolutely sterile, while the antibiotics in culture medium isn’t effective for all microbe types, and the artificial operations may bring in microbes. Generally, microbial contamination leads to degradation of embryos, reduction the number of embryos available, and infection of female reproductive tract, which would increase the cost of patients’ time, money, and bring psychological damages. A better understanding of embryo contamination in IVF culture system is of added value. Study design, size, duration A total of 29583 IVF-ET cycles were enrolled in this prospective observational study, from January 2010 to December 2020, included 70 microbial contamination cycles discovered in Day1-Day3 (D1-D3) of in vitro culture. Follicular fluid and semen saved on oocyte retrieval day, and culture medium contaminated were examined and identified for microorganisms at each contamination cycle. Participants/materials, setting, methods Compared the contamination rate of different insemination methods (IVF/ICSI/IVF+ICSI), different in vitro culture days (D1-D3), and different samples examination (follicular fluid, semen, culture medium) respectively, identified the source of microorganism types, compared the IVF culture outcomes and clinical outcomes between total contamination group (TC group, 42 cases) and partial contamination group (PC group, 28 cases). Main results and the role of chance A total of 70 microbial contamination cases occurred in 29583 oocyte retrieving cycles (0.24%), and it was observed only in IVF embryos but never in ICSI (Intracytoplasmic sperm injection) embryos. 38 contamination cases occurred on D2 with a highest ratio (54.3%) compared to D1 (32.9%) and D3(12.9%); Compared with follicular fluid, semen was the main cause inducing contamination from D1 to D3, and Escherichia coli in semen and culture medium, Enterococcus faecalis in follicular fluid proved to be the most common sources. Compared with TC group, the PC group showed a lower rate of No-available embryos (21.4% vs 81.0%) and a higher rate of blastocyst formation (41.2% vs 28.6%), In addition, the clinical pregnancy rate of PC group was higher than that of TC group in both fresh and frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles (31.3% vs 16.7%, 38.5% vs 0.0%). Limitations, reasons for caution Further study is still necessary to better understand the sources that induce microbial contamination embryos, and more efficient methods are required to remove the microbes on these contaminated embryos so as better develop and manage a sterile micro-environment for successful embryo growth. Wider implications of the findings: The differential embryonic microbe types associated to different IVF culture and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing IVF-ET might have profound implications for understanding the microbial sources and making a better management of IVF culture system. Trial registration number Not applicable

Effect of different surface treatments on surface roughness and flexural strength of repaired 3D-printed denture base: An in vitro study

Statement of problemInformation regarding three-dimensional-printed (3D-printed) dentures, especially when using the additive manufacturing technique, and the repair strength of this type of denture is sparse. PurposeThe purpose of this in vitro study was to assess the effect of different surface treatments on the surface roughness and flexural strength of repaired 3D-printed denture base. Material and methodsOne hundred and twenty 3D-printed bar-shaped specimens were fabricated from acrylic resin and divided into 6 groups (n=20). The positive control group consisted of intact specimens. The other specimens were sectioned in half with a 1-mm gap. Except for the specimens in the negative control group, the remaining specimens were treated with erbium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) laser, airborne-particle abrasion, a combination of laser and airborne-particle abrasion, and bur grinding. All sectioned specimens were repaired by autopolymerizing acrylic resin and thermocycled after measuring their surface roughness with a profilometer. The flexural strength test was performed with a universal testing machine. One specimen of each group was inspected under a scanning electron microscope. The data were analyzed with ANOVA, followed by the Games-Howell post hoc test or the Kruskal-Wallis test followed by the Mann-Whitney test with Bonferroni adjustment. ResultsThe mean flexural strength of the PC group was significantly higher than that of all repaired groups (P<.001). All surface-treated groups showed significantly higher flexural strength (P<.05) and surface roughness (P<.004) than the negative control group. Bur grinding provided significantly higher flexural strength than other surface treatments (P<.001) and higher surface roughness than laser and airborne-particle abrasion plus laser (P<.001). ConclusionsAll surface treatments significantly increased the surface roughness and flexural strength, but none of them yielded a strength comparable with that of the intact group. Bur grinding provided the highest flexural strength.

Postgraduate pharmacist development- an evaluation of Jordanian pharmacist experiences to inform and shape an evidence-based professional development policy.

Building capacity for developing skills as leadership, teamwork, and continuous academic support has become essential for fulfilling a successful pharmacy career. This study aims to assess Jordanian pharmacists’ views on professional development, namely: the continuous education infrastructure, strategies and programs for personal development, leadership skills, incentive schemes, drug information resources and digital services. As well as exploring options for better academic support delivered to pharmacists. To capture participant’s views, an online validated and reliable survey was developed. Non-probability sampling design was used. Participants were qualified pharmacists working at Royal Medical Services (RMS) and Community Pharmacists (CP). Comparison and descriptive statistics were used to report the results. A total of 271 pharmacists participated, 144 from RMS (8% more than the needed sample) and 127 CP (7% more than the needed sample). There was a strong desire amongst both RMS and PC groups for continuous educational training particularly in the following areas, first: Advanced counselling and communication skills (means = 8.99±0.145, CI 95% = 3.70–4.28 and 9.37±0.096, CI 95% = 4.18–4.56). Second: Personal development skills (mean = 8.92±0.142, CI 95% = 3.64–4.20 and 9.02±0.145, CI 95% = 3.73–4.30). Third, Pharmaceutical health promotion (mean = 8.05±0.180, CI 95% = 2.70–3.41 and 8.57±0.159, CI 95% = 3.26–3.89). Only 19.4% and 18.1% of the RMS and CPs respectively reported the presence of a written policy for personal development and leadership in their workplace. There were few incentives for pharmacists to participate in research. Few pharmacists used the available drug information and toxicology centers. The professional and continuous personal development of pharmacists support an evolving healthcare system. This study emphasizes the need for a tailored and documented postgraduate educational strategy, personal development, and leadership skills training in Jordan. Implementing a well-defined scheme of incentives should be encouraged to engage pharmacists in continuous professional development programs and pharmaceutical research. Such strategy and training should enhance both professional and personal performance.

Antihyperuricemic Effect of Dendropanax morbifera Leaf Extract in Rodent Models.

Dendropanax morbifera is a well-known traditional medicine used in China and Korea to treat intestinal disorders, urosis, diuresis, and chronic glomerulonephritis. Hyperuricemia is a metabolic disorder characterized by a high uric acid level in serum due to an imbalance between uric acid production and excretion and causes gout. Recently, the prevalence of hyperuricemia worldwide has been continuously increasing. Xanthine oxidase (XOD) inhibitors (allopurinol (ALP) and febuxostat) and uricosuric agents (benzbromarone and probenecid) are used to treat hyperuricemia clinically. However, because these drugs are poorly tolerated and cause side effects, such as kidney diseases, hepatotoxicity, gastrointestinal symptoms, and hypersensitivity syndrome, only a limited number of drugs are available. We investigated the antihyperuricemic effects of Dendropanax morbifera leaf ethanol extract (DMLE) and its underlying mechanisms of action through in vitro and in vivo studies. We evaluated uric acid levels in serum and urine, and xanthine oxidase (XOD) inhibition activity in the serum and liver tissue of a hyperuricemic rat model of potassium oxonate (PO)-induced hyperuricemic rats. In vitro study, XOD-inhibitory activity was the lowest among the test substances at the IC50 of ALP. However, the IC50 of DMLE-70 was significantly low compared with that of other DMLEs (p < 0.05). In PO-induced hyperuricemic rats, uric acid (UA) levels in serum and urine were significantly reduced in all DMLE-70 and allopurinol-treated (ALT) groups than in the PC group (p < 0.05). UA levels in urine were lower than those in serum in all DME groups. In PO-induced hyperuricemic rats, DMEE-200 reduced UA concentration in serum and increased UA excretion in the urine. These findings suggest that DMLE exerts antihyperuricemic and uricosuric effects on promoting UA excretion by enhanced secretion and inhibition of UA reabsorption in the kidneys. Thus, DMLE may be a potential treatment for hyperuricemia and gout.

Interaction between polyene antifungal drug and saturated phospholipid monolayer regulated by calcium ions at the air-water interface

Amphotericin B (AmB) is a polyene antifungal drug, which could directly form pores on the sterol-free phospholipid monolayers. The interaction between AmB and phospholipid can be affected by calcium ions, but the mechanism is still unclear. DPPC is a saturated phospholipid with -PC group, which is often used to simulate the outer cell membrane leaflet. And DPPC is also the main constituent of pulmonary surfactants. In this work, the DPPC monolayer was used as a model membrane to study the effect of calcium ions on the interaction between AmB and phospholipid. The influence of different concentration of calcium ions on the elastic modulus, mean molecular area increment, excess Gibbs free energy and stability of the AmB/DPPC mixed monolayer has been researched at the surface pressure of 7.5 mN/m, 12.5 mN/m and 22.5 mN/m. The AmB/DPPC monolayers at the air-water interface have been observed in real-time by Brewster angle microscope and the microstructure of the Langmuir-Blodgett monolayer films transferred onto the mica have been researched by scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscope. The results showed that calcium ions had a significant influence on the elastic modulus, mean molecular area increment, excess Gibbs free energy, stability and microstructure of the AmB/DPPC monolayer. It has been indicated that the influence of calcium ions on the interaction between AmB and DPPC molecules mainly depended on the effect of calcium ions on the orientation of AmB molecules. The calcium ions could regulate the effect of AmB to the stability of the DPPC monolayer. This regulatory role changed with the different concentrations of calcium ions and the different phase states of the monolayer. This work provides useful information to further understand the influence mechanism of calcium ions on the interaction between AmB and saturated phospholipid with -PC group, which is helpful to find out the effect mechanism of calcium ion on the interaction between AmB and the outer layer of cell membrane or pulmonary surfactants in different phase states and to understand the toxicity mechanism of AmB on the cell membrane or lungs.

Effects of DL-methionyl-DL-methionine supplementation on growth performance, immune and antioxidative responses of white leg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) fed low fishmeal diet

The study was conducted to investigate the effects of DL-Methionyl-DL-Methionine (Met-Met) (a dipeptide of two DL-methionine molecules) on growth performance, immune and antioxidative responses for Litopenaeus vannamei fed low fishmeal diet. Tested treatments consisted of positive control diet (PC) with 20 % fishmeal or 7 % fishmeal (basal diet) diets supplemented with different levels of Met-Met (0.00 %, 0.1 %, 0.15 %, 0.20 %, 0.25 % and 0.3 %). A total of 1680 shrimp (0.071 ± 0.001 g) were randomly distributed into 42 tanks (6 repetitions / each diet, 40 shrimp / tank) and fed for 91 days. Results showed that reduction of fishmeal from 20 % down to 7 % did not affect the survival rate of shrimp. Weight gain rate and feed efficiency were significantly decreased in the basal group compared to the PC group, while these were significantly increased with the increasing of Met-Met into the diets up to 0.15 % compared to the basal group. Malondialdehyde in 0.15 % Met-Met and PC groups were significantly lower than the basal group. Shrimp fed the diet with 0.15 % Met-Met had the highest phenol oxidase content and peroxidase and total antioxidant capacity. The highest values of intestinal wall thickness were observed in 0.15 % Met-Met and PC groups. The similar morphology of the hepatopancreas was observed between 0.15 % and PC groups. Overall, the present study indicated that Met-Met could improve adverse effects of Met deficiency on growth caused by low fishmeal. Low fishmeal diet with 0.15 % Met-Met (0.65 %–0.66 % Met and 1.14 % Met + Cys) is beneficial to the health of intestine and hepatopancreas, improves immunity and antioxidative capacity and promotes the growth of L. Vannamei.

Effects of a xylanase and beta-glucanase enzyme combination on growth performance of broilers fed maize-soybean meal-based diets

The following study evaluated effects of a xylanase and beta-glucanase combination on growth performance of broilers fed energy reduced versus nutritionally adequate maize-soybean meal-based diets. A total of 648, one-day-old male broilers (Ross 308) were assigned to floor-pens (24 birds/pen, nine pens/treatment, three treatments) in a randomised block design. Treatments included: (1) a nutritionally adequate positive control diet (PC); (2) a negative control (NC) diet in which energy, crude protein and digestible amino acids were reduced by 3.4% (-105 kcal apparent metabolisable energy), 2.3% and 1.2 to 3.0% vs PC, respectively; and (3) NC plus a xylanase and beta-glucanase combination that supplied 1,220 U xylanase and 152 U beta-glucanase per kilogram of final feed. All diets contained a background of 500 FTU/kg phytase and were offered to birds ad libitum. Birds fed NC showed reduced average daily gain (ADG) by -6.1% (P&lt;0.05); increased feed conversion ratio (FCR) by 9.2 points (P&lt;0.05), and overall (d 1-35) body weight corrected FCR which was increased by 9.4 points (P&lt;0.05) vs the PC group. Enzyme supplementation increased final BW (+4.2%, P&lt;0.05), ADG (+5.4%, P&lt;0.05) and tended to reduce FCR (+7.5 points, P=0.054) from d 22-35 vs NC, without affecting average daily feed intake. Improvements in performance due to the enzyme combination were equivalent to performance on the PC diet in all cases. The results suggested that significant improvements in growth performance of broilers fed maize-soybean meal-based diets which had been reduced in energy and nutrients can be realised by supplementation with xylanase in combination with beta-glucanase.

Protective Effects of Fisetin in the Mice Induced by Long-Term Scrotal Hyperthermia

Exposure to heat in the male reproductive system can lead to transient periods of partial or complete infertility. The current study aimed to examine the beneficial effects of Fisetin against spermatogenic disorders in mice affected by long-term scrotal hyperthermia. For this purpose, hyperthermia was induced daily by exposure to the temperature of 43 °C for 20 min for 5 weeks. Except for the Healthy group, six other groups were exposed to heat stress: two treated groups including Preventive and Curative which received oral administration of fisetin (10 mg/kg/day) starting immediately before heat exposure and 15 consecutive days after the end of the heat exposure, respectively. And for each treated group, two groups including Positive Control (Pre/Cur+PC group) and vehicle (Pre/Cur+DMSO group) were considered. Our results showed that the testicular volume; the density of spermatogonia, primary spermatocyte, round spermatid, and Sertoli and Leydig cells; and sperm parameters, as well biochemical properties of the testis tissue, were remarkably higher in both Preventive and Curative groups compared to the other hyperthermia-induced groups and were highest in Preventive ones. Unlike the c-kit gene transcript which was significantly increased in the Fisetin treatment groups (specially the Preventive group), the expression of HSP72 and NF-kβ genes, Caspase3 protein, and DFI in sperm cells were significantly more decreased in Preventive and Curative groups compared to other hyperthermia-induced groups and were lowest in Preventive ones. Overall, Fisetin exerts preventive and curative effects against spermatogenic disorders induced by long-term scrotal hyperthermia.

Previous mode of delivery affects subsequent pregnancy outcomes: a Chinese birth register study.

BackgroundWith the comprehensive implementation of the second child policy in China, the proportion of multiparous women has increased dramatically in the past few years. As nearly half of them have a history of previous cesarean delivery, there is widespread concern regarding complications of their pregnancy.MethodsThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the previous delivery mode on subsequent pregnancy outcomes in the real world based on data from a Chinese birth registry. Birth registry data from July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017 among a Chinese population were collected and analyzed retrospectively. This study included 14 representative hospitals from 10 provinces of China. All delivery data were collected by an internet-based system using a birth registration platform. The study enrolled 36,355 multiparas. Information extracted for analysis included basic demographic characteristics, previous delivery mode, current delivery mode, major maternal complications, and neonatal outcomes. Pregnancy outcomes of women with previous cesarean delivery (PCS group, n=14,774) were compared with the outcomes of women with previous vaginal delivery (PVD group, n=21,581).ResultsThere were statistically significant differences in the major pregnancy outcomes between the PCS group and the PVD group. The PCS group had a higher incidence of cesarean section (CS), placenta previa, postpartum hemorrhage, uterus rupture, hysterectomy, gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension, delivery before 37 weeks of gestation, low birth weight, and Apgar Score at 5 min ≤3.ConclusionsWomen with previous cesarean delivery had poorer pregnancy outcomes than women with previous vaginal delivery. Avoiding unnecessary CS, especially in primiparas is essential to improving maternal and neonatal outcomes in later pregnancies.

Effects of Pig Skin Collagen Supplementation on Broiler Breast Meat.

This study aimed to enhance the quality of broiler breast meat by adding pig skin collagen to feed. A total of 50 Ross 308 broilers were classified according to the following feeding regime for two weeks: basal diet (NC), basal diet+0.1% fish collagen (PC), basal diet+0.1% pig skin collagen (T1), basal diet+0.5% pig skin collagen (T2), and basal diet+1.0% pig skin collagen (T3). The moisture content was the highest in the PC group, and the protein content was the lowest in the T1 group (p<0.05). The fat content was higher in the T1 and PC groups, whereas the ash content was higher in the T3 group (p<0.05). Drip loss was the highest in the NC group and the lowest in the T2 group (p<0.05). Lightness was low in groups T2 and T3, redness was low in groups T2 and PC, and yellowness was low in groups T1, T2, and PC (p<0.05). The collagen content of the chicken breast was the highest in the T3 group, and that of the skin was the highest in the T1 group (p<0.05). The texture characteristics of springiness, cohesiveness, chewiness, and hardness were the highest in the T3 group (p<0.05). In conclusion, the supplementation of a broiler diet with pig skin collagen was found to increase the collagen content of the breast meat, indicating the improved quality of the broiler breast meat.

Dietary supplementation with acidifiers improves the growth performance, meat quality and intestinal health of broiler chickens.

This experiment was conducted to study the effects of dietary supplementation with acidifiers on the growth performance, meat quality, and intestinal health of broiler chickens. A total of 648 male Arbor Acres broiler chickens at 1 d old were randomly divided into 6 groups, and each group consisted of 6 replicates with 18 broilers per replicate. The dietary treatments were as follows: negative control (NC, the basal diet), NC + antibiotic (enramycin, 8 mg/kg, positive control [PC]), NC + phosphoric acid (PA, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 g/kg), and NC + lactic acid (LA, 0.3 g/kg). The feeding trial lasted for 42 d. The results showed that the feed-to-gain ratio of the NC + acidifier groups was lower than that of the NC and PC groups from 1 to 42 d (P < 0.05). Compared with the values in the NC group, the pH of breast muscle was significantly higher in the NC + PA (0.2 g/kg) and LA (0.3 g/kg) groups (P < 0.05), and the cooking loss was lower in the breast muscle of the NC + PA (0.1 g/kg) and LA (0.3 g/kg) groups (P < 0.05). In addition, the shear force of the breast muscle and thigh muscle and the pH value in the crop, gizzard and duodenum of the antibiotic and acidifier groups were significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Moreover, the trypsin, chymotrypsin, and lipase activities of the duodenum in the NC + PA (0.2 and 0.3 g/kg) groups, as well as the villus height-to-crypt depth (VH:CD) ratio of the duodenum in the NC + PA (0.1 g/kg) group was significantly greater (P < 0.05) compared with those in the NC group. Meanwhile, the number of total aerobic bacteria, Escherichia coli and Salmonella in the cecum of the NC + PA (0.1 g/kg) and LA (0.3 g/kg) groups were decreased (P < 0.05). Collectively, diet supplementation with acidifiers could improve the growth performance, meat quality, and intestinal health of broilers, in which the effects of PA (0.1 g/kg and 0.2 g/kg) are better than the other supplementations.

A bactericide peptide changing the static and dilatational surface elasticity properties of zwitterionic lipids at the air-water interface: Relationship with the thermodynamic, structural and morphological properties

In this paper, we studied how different hydrophilicity degrees of the polar groups of the lipids dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and dipalmitoyl phosphatidylethanolamine (DPPE) influence the interaction of the antibiotic peptide vancomycin (VC), affecting the physicochemical properties of the monolayers, including thermodynamic, rheological, structural and morphological ones. Lipid Langmuir monolayers were prepared at air-water interfaces with VC aqueous solution as subphase and characterized with tensiometry, Brewster angle microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, dilatational, and interfacial shear rheology. The presence of PC or PE groups as polar head groups of the phospholipid monolayers modulated the interaction of VC adsorbing from the aqueous subphase since for DPPC, vancomycin condenses the monolayer, making it less stable, fluid, and more disordered. In contrast, for DPPE, vancomycin expands the monolayer, making it more stable, keeping the compressibility, and leading to the formation of interfacial aggregates, which are not observed for DPPC. We concluded thatelectrostatic interactions induced the insertion of the peptide into the polar heads of the monolayers (DPPE), while hydrophobic interactions, in addition to ion-dipole interactions, induced the adsorption of the peptide onto the polar head of the monolayers (DPPC).

Effects of Probiotic and/or Prebiotic Supplementations on Immune Response, Haematology, Oxidant-antioxidant Biomarkers, and Cytokine mRNA Expression Levels in the Caeca of Broilers Infected with Salmonella

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of incorporation of the probiotic mix, prebiotic, and synbiotic supplements on immune response, interleukin-6, interleukin-10, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene expression, hematology, and oxidant-antioxidant biomarkers of broilers infected with Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Typhimurium mixed infection. A total of 273 commercial Cobb 500 chicks were randomly allocated into seven experimental groups, including NC group: fed only a basal diet (negative control), PC group; fed a basal diet and infected with Salmonellae on 3 rd life day (positive control), ProSa group: administrated probiotic mix in drinking water and then infected with Salmonellae, Presa group: fed prebiotic with basal diet and then infected with Salmonellae, SynSa: received probiotic mix and prebiotic (synbiotic) and then infected with Salmonellae, Pro group: given probiotic mix in feed, and Pre group: basal diet supplemented with prebiotic. The probiotic mix, prebiotic, and synbiotic supplementation significantly increased total IgY levels in the sera of infected birds in comparison to those of positive control. Also, the additives significantly downregulated IL-6 and iNOS gene expressions while they significantly upregulated IL-10 gene expression in the caeca of infected birds, in comparison to those of positive control. Also, the supplementary treatments significantly improved Salmonella-induced changes in hematology and oxidant-antioxidant biomarkers of infected groups. Compared with different supplementary treatments, the synbiotic significantly robust immune response of Salmonellainfected birds when compared with single supplementation of probiotic mix or prebiotic. In conclusion, probiotics, prebiotic, and in particular synbiotic supplements improved immune response, hematological and antioxidative biomarkers of birds experimentally infected with mixed Salmonellae.

Effects of encapsulated cinnamaldehyde on growth performance, intestinal digestive and absorptive functions, meat quality and gut microbiota in broiler chickens.

Essential oils are potential antimicrobial alternatives and their applications in animal feeds are limited due to their fast absorption in the upper gastrointestinal tract. This study investigated the effects of encapsulated cinnamaldehyde (CIN) at 50 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg on the growth performance, organ weights, meat quality, intestinal morphology, jejunal gene expression, nutrient digestibility, and ileal and cecal microbiota. A total of 320 male day-old broiler Cobb-500 chicks were randomly allocated to four treatments with eight pens per treatment (10 birds per pen): 1) basal diet (negative control, NC); 2) basal diet supplemented with 30 mg/kg avilamycin premix (positive control, PC); 3) basal diet with 50 mg/kg encapsulated CIN (EOL); 4) basal diet with 100 mg/kg encapsulated CIN (EOH). Despite birds fed EOH tended to increase (P = 0.05) meat pH at 24 h, all pH values were normal. Similar to PC group, meats from birds fed EOL and EOH showed a reduced (P < 0.05) Warner–Bratzler force shear (WBFS) compared to the NC group. The highest villus to crypt ratios (VH/CD; P < 0.05) were observed in broilers fed either EOL or EOH, with an average of 14.67% and 15.13% in the duodenum and 15.13% and 13.58% in the jejunum, respectively. For jejunal gene expressions, only six out of the 11 studied genes showed statistically significant differences among the dietary treatments. Gene expressions of cationic amino acid transporter 1 (CAT-1) and neutral amino acid transporter 1 (B0AT-1) were upregulated in EOH-fed birds compared to PC and NC-fed birds (P < 0.05), respectively; while the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was downregulated in EOL-fed birds when compared to NC birds (P < 0.05). Nonetheless, the expressions of cadherin 1 (CDH-1), zonula occludens 1 (ZO-1), and maltase-glucoamylase (MG) were all upregulated (P < 0.05) in EOH-fed birds compared to PC-fed birds. The apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of dry matter, crude protein, crude fat and of all 18 tested amino acids increased in EOL-fed birds (P < 0.01). Additionally, relative abundances (%) of ileal Proteobacteria decreased, while ileal and cecal Lactobacillus increased in EOH-fed birds (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary encapsulated CIN improved meat quality and gut health by reducing meat WBFS, increasing VH/CD in intestines, jejunal gene expressions, AID of nutrients and beneficial ileal and cecal microbiota composition.

Inappropriate sinus tachycardia in post-covid-19 Syndrome

Funding AcknowledgementsType of funding sources: None.BackgroundPersistent symptoms after the acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection are referred to as "post-COVID-19 syndrome" (PCS), with a reported incidence ranging between 35% and 87%. Fatigue, palpitations and exercise intolerance are common complains among PCS patients in whom unexplained sinus tachycardia, occasionally exacerbated by postural changes, is a frequent observation that remains poorly characterized.PurposeWe sought to characterize the prevalence of inappropriate sinus tachycardia (IST) and postural orthostatic tachycardia (POTS) in a consecutive and prospective population of patients with PCS.MethodsConsecutive patients with persistent symptoms 3 months after an acute SARS-CoV-2 infection were prospectively evaluated at a multi-disciplinary PCS unit. All patients were screened for IST or POTS and those with confirmed criteria underwent comprehensive cardiovascular examination including echocardiography, 24-hour Holter, Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ), six-minute walking test (6MWT) and inflammation and myocardial biomarkers. Two control patients, matched by age and gender, were assigned to each case: one with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection without PCS (group 2) and one without prior SARS-CoV-2 infection (group 3).ResultsIST or POTS criteria were met in 34 out of the 200 PCS patients (17%). The mean age was 39 ± 10 years, with 29 women (91%). The interval from the index COVID-19 disease to the PCS diagnosis was 71 ± 17 days, with a majority of patients (n = 29,85%) not requiring hospital admission during the acute phase. At physical examination, the mean heart rate was 96 ± 3bpm at supine and 112 ± 17bpm at the upright position, with 8 patients fulfilling diagnostic criteria of POTS. No underlying structural heart disease, pro-inflammatory state, myocyte injury or hypoxia were identified among our patient population. The 6MWT showed a significantly diminished exercise capacity with a 59% of the estimated distance after adjustment by age, sex and body mass index; an impaired quality of life was also identified, as suggested by a median MLFHQ total score of 67 out of 105 points. The 24-hour Holter showed an increase in HR predominantly during daytime in group 1 (mean daytime HR of 94 ± 3bpm), an altered heart rate variability with a decrease in time domain parameters [PNN50 4 ± 4 in group 1 (vs. 11 ± 9 in group 2 and 18 ± 9 in group 3; p < 0.002)respectively; SD 100 ± 20 (vs. 127 ± 38 and 136 ± 13; p = 0.009) and a decrease in frequency domain parameters [LF 751 ± 450 (vs. 1721 ± 1009 and 2199 ± 920; p = 0.01), HF 336 ± 280 (vs. 823 ± 1200 and 1229 ± 630; p = 0.01)].ConclusionsIST and its POTS variant are a prevalent condition among PCS patients and may at least partially explain the common symptoms of fatigue, impaired exercise and palpitations that characterize the PCS. Cardiac autonomic nervous system imbalance may account as a plausible pathophysiological mechanism of IST in PCS patients.

Threatening incidence trends of genitourinary small cell cancer.

e17059 Background: Genitourinary localization (GU) is the most frequent extrapulmonary localization of small cell cancer (SCC). The goal of our study was to evaluate incidence trends of GU SCC (bladder (BC) and prostate (PC) in recent years, compare odds ratio (OR) and survival trends. Methods: SEER research data 18 registries, November 2019 Submission (2000-2017) was assessed for SCC histology codes 8041-8043. Patients 20 years and older were included. Age adjusted ratio for 2000 US standard population were used to calculate trends. Race groups were defined as Caucasians (White), African Americans (Black) and Other (included Asians and Native Americans). Stages were defined as localized, regional and distant. Linear regression, chi-square, log-rank test were used to estimate linear trends, OR and hazard ratios (HR). GraphPad Prism 9 (San Diego, CA) was used for analysis. Results: 1423 BC, 544 PC cases were identified. Both BC (R2 0.6151, p 0.0001) and PC (R2 0.8409, p &lt; 0.0001) showed statistically significant (SS) growth of cases. Annual percent change (APC) was 7.2% for PC and 6.8% for BC (p &lt; 0.05 for both groups). PC showed increase number of cases among Caucasians (R2 0.6236, p &lt; 0.0001) and African-Americans (R2 0.3293, p 0.0128). BC showed increase number of cases only among Caucasians (R2 0.8556, p &lt; 0.0001). Caucasian had SS increased OR compared to African Americans and Other for BC (3,503, p 0.0021 and 3.277, p 0.018 respectively). Trend analysis among the disease extend showed that in BC has SS growth was among localized (R2 0.7337, p &lt; 0.0001), regional (R2 0.4212, p 0.0036) and distant (R2 0.7801, &lt; 0.0001). For PC SS growth in number of cases was observed only in regional (R2 0.34565, 0.0109), and distant stage (R2 0.565, p 0.0003). Patients with BC had SS better survival compared to BC (HR 0.69, p &lt; 0.0001). The analysis within both groups showed worse survival with more advanced stage (HR 1.52, p 0.0236 in regional, HR 2.28, p &lt; 0.0001 in distant for PC; HR 1.27, p 0.0038 in regional, HR 2.93, p &lt; 0.0001 in distant for BC). Differentiation of the tumor grade was associated with worse survival in PC group (HR 4.46, p &lt; 0.0001 for poorly differentiated and HR 4.8, P &lt; 0.0001 for undifferentiated compared to moderately differentiated). African American and Other races had better survival compared to Caucasians in patients with BC (HR 0.29, p 0.0021 and HR 0.31, p 0.0018 respectively). Conclusions: GU SCC is a rare type of cancer, that is rapidly growing (APC 7.2% (PC) and 6.8% (BC). The number of cases is growing among Caucasians (BC and PC) and African Americans (PC). Caucasian is a risk factor for developing BC SCC, as well as worse outcomes compared to the other racial groups. The analysis showed that increase of distant stage of GU SCC at the time of diagnosis increase among both BC and PC. Patients with PC had worse survival compared to the BC. Survival tend to be worse in more advanced stages in both groups, but differentiation of the tumor affect survival only in PC patients.

Bone Marrow Adiposity in Premenopausal Women With Type 2 Diabetes With Observations on Peri-Trabecular Adipocytes.

No study has yet evaluated the relationships among bone marrow adiposity (BMA), bone histomorphometry (BH), and glycemic control in premenopausal women with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). We aimed to assess the effect of glycemic control on BMA, correlate the parameters of BH with BMA, and correlate BMA with the use of hypoglycemic agents and with bone mineral density (BMD). This was a cross-sectional study that evaluated 26 premenopausal women with T2DM who were divided into groups with HbA1c < 7% (good control [GC], n = 10) and HbA1c > 7% (poor control [PC], n = 16). BMA parameters (adipocyte number [Ad.N], total adipocyte perimeter [Ad.Pm], total adipocyte area [Ad.Ar], percentage adipocyte volume per marrow volume [Ad.V/Ma.V]) and peri-trabecular adipocyte number divided by bone surface (Ad.N/BS) were evaluated. BH static (bone volume fraction [BV/TV], osteoid thickness [O.Th], osteoid surface/bone surface [OS/BS]) and dynamic parameters and serum insulin-like growth factor-1 were measured. BMA data were compared between the GC and PC groups. Correlations were performed. Ad.N, Ad.Pm, and Ad.Ar were higher in PC (all, P = 0.04). HbA1c correlated positively with Ad.N/BS (P < 0.01) and Ad.N/BS correlated negatively with O.Th (P < 0.01) and OS/BS (P = 0.02). Positive and negative correlations were observed between insulin and metformin use, respectively, with all adipocyte parameters except Ad.N/BS (P < 0.05). Structural parameters were negatively correlated with the BMA. BMD of the femoral neck (r = -549, P < 0.01) and total femur (r = -0.502, P < 0.01) were negatively correlated with Ad.V/Ma.V. Poor glycemic control is associated with hyperplasia and hypertrophy of BMAs and with lower BV/TV. Ad.N/BS, a new BMA parameter, is correlated with HbA1c and negatively with O.Th. The use of insulin seems to stimulate the expansion of BMA while that of metformin has the opposite effect. These findings suggest that the increase in BMA may play a role in the T2DM bone disease; on the other hand, good glycemic control might help prevent it.

Alterations and Correlations of the Gut Microbiome, Performance, Egg Quality, and Serum Biochemical Indexes in Laying Hens with Low-Protein Amino Acid-Deficient Diets.

The present study was carried out to investigate the effects of methionine (Met), lysine (Lys), isoleucine (Ile), and threonine (Thr) deficiency in a low-protein diet on laying performance, egg quality, serum biochemical indices, and the gut microbiota in laying hens. A total of 300 Peking Pink laying hens, at 38 weeks of age, were randomly allocated to five dietary treatments, each of which included six replicates of ten hens. Hens were fed an amino acid-balanced diet (Met: 0.46%; Lys: 0.76%; Ile: 0.72%; Thr: 0.56%; positive control, PC), Met deficiency diet (Met-, 0.25%), Lys deficiency diet (Lys-, 0.56%), Ile deficiency diet (Ile-, 0.54%), and Thr deficiency diet (Thr-, 0.46%) for 12 weeks. Hens were housed in pairs in 45 × 45 × 45 cm wire cages with three ladders and three birds per cage. Feed and water were provided ad libitum during the entire experimental period. All data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA with Turkey’s multiple range test. Here, compared to the PC group, final body weight (FBW), average daily gain (ADG), egg production (EP), egg weight (EW), average daily egg mass (EM), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and yield of abdominal fat (AFY) in the Met-group were lower, while EW and EM were higher in the Lys-group. The feed egg ratio (FER) was increased in the Met- and Lys-groups, and EW and AFY were decreased in the Ile-group compared to the controls. Meanwhile, ADG, EP, EM, and ADFI were lower in the Thr group than the PC group. The level of triglycerides (TGs) in the four groups was lower and the concentrations of uric acid (UA) in the Met-group were higher than those in the PC group. The shell color in the Thr group was lower than the PC group. Of note, amino acid deficiency altered the gut microbial structure (e.g., increasing the level of Parabacteroides and decreasing the abundance of Lactobacillus) in hens. The correlation analysis showed that amino acid deficiency-induced gut microbiota alteration is closely associated with the change in key parameters: FER, UA, AFY, EW, EM, TG, FBW, EP, and ADFI. Collectively, our results highlight the role of adequate amino acid ratio supplementation in the low-crude-protein diet structure for laying hens.

PSVI-16 The Association of Benzoic Acid and Essential Oils Eo Reduces the Inflammatory Response of Weaned Piglets and the Diarrhea Incidence in the Nursery Phase

Abstract Benzoic acid (BA) and essential oils (EO) can minimize growth performance losses due to the removal of antibiotics and change the intestinal health of weaned piglets. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of BA and EO on inflammatory response, diarrhea incidence, and growth performance of the nursery phase. One hundred and twenty barrows were weaned at 23 days (6.40 ± 0.53 kg) and assigned into 3 treatments (10 replicates) in randomized block design: basal diet without additives (NC), basal diet with 200 ppm of colistin sulphate (PC), and association of 0,3% benzoic acid and essential oil (BA+EO). The feed intake and body weight were recorded at 0 and 42 days. The feces were assessed daily (per animal) and graded as normal feces (no diarrhea) or liquid or pasty stools (presence of diarrhea). On days 1, 3, and 9, blood samples were collected (5 replicates) for white blood cells (WBC) counts. Growth performance was analyzed by MIXED procedure (SAS, 2009) and the Tukey test was used to compare the means (P &amp;lt; 0.050). The WBC counts were analyzed by repeated-measures analysis of variance, by MIXED procedure. Diarrhea incidence was analyzed by GENMOD procedure (SAS, 2009). The BA+EO treatment showed a similar body weight (P = 0.014) and average daily gain (P = 0.012) than the PC group and lower feed conversion ratio (P = 0.037) compared to the NC group. The pigs of the BA+EO treatment had the lowest diarrhea incidence during the total period (P &amp;lt; 0.001). The supplementation with BA+EO or antibiotics reduced the counts of total WBC (P = 0.008) and neutrophils (P = 0.003). In conclusion, supplementation with BA+EO reduces the inflammatory response and the incidence of diarrhea in the nursery phase, that may be related to the improvement in the FCR.