LC Treatment Research Articles

A Low-Carbohydrate DietImproves Glucose Metabolism in Lean Insulinopenic Akita Mice Along With Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitor.

ObjectiveA low-carbohydrate diet (LC) can be beneficial to obese subjects with type2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) presents prompt glucose-lowering effects in subjects with T2DM. We investigated how LC and SGLT2i could similarly or differently influence on the metabolic changes, including glucose, lipid, and ketone metabolism in lean insulinopenic Akita mice. We also examined the impacts of the combination.MethodsMale Akita mice were fed ad libitum normal-carbohydrate diet (NC) as a control or low-carbohydrate diet (LC) as an intervention for 8 weeks with or without SGLT2i treatment. Body weight and casual bold glucose levels were monitored during the study, in addition to measuring TG, NEFA, and ketone levels. We quantified gene expressions involved in gluconeogenesis, lipid metabolism and ketogenesis in the liver and the kidney. We also investigated the immunostaining analysis of pancreatic islets to assess the effect of islet protection.ResultsBoth LC and SGLT2i treatment reduced chronic hyperglycemia. Moreover, the combination therapy additionally ameliorated glycemic levels and preserved the islet morphology in part. LC but not SGLT2i increased body weight accompanied by epididymal fat accumulation. In contrast, SGLT2i, not LC potentiated four-fold ketone production with higher ketogenic gene expression, in comparison with the non-treated Akita mice. Besides, the combination did not enhance further ketone production compared to the SGLT2i alone.ConclusionsOur results indicated that both LC and SGLT2i reduced chronic hyperglycemia, and the combination presented synergistic favorable effects concomitantly with amelioration of islet morphology, while the combination did not enhance further ketosis in Akita mice.

RADT-05. CLINICAL OUTCOMES OF PROTON CRANIOSPINAL IRRADIATION FOR PATIENTS WITH LEPTOMENINGEAL CARCINOMATOSIS

Abstract Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis (LC) is a devastating complication of metastatic tumors. Radiotherapy (RT) is integral to LC treatment, and proton craniospinal irradiation (CSI) may make RT more effective by targeting the entire central nervous system (CNS) compartment. We evaluated outcomes in patients treated with proton CSI for LC. We identified 56 patients treated with proton CSI for LC between 2018 and 2020 at our institution. Data on patient demographics, disease and treatment history, cerebrospinal fluid circulating tumor cells (CSF CTCs), and gene alterations were collected. Kaplan Meier analysis and Cox regression models were used to compare correlates with CNS time to progression (TTP), CNS progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Most patients had non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC, n=27, 48%) or breast cancer (n=21, 38%). The median age was 58 (30-77), and median KPS was 80 (60-90). The median RT dose was 30Gy (25-36). The median follow-up was 12 months (1-22), with 26 (46%) patients alive at the last follow-up. Of 35 (63%) patients who progressed, 6 (11%) progressed in the CNS, 13 (23%) progressed systemically, and 16 (29%) progressed in both. The median TTP, PFS and OS was 8 months (1-21), 6 months (1-21) and 8 months (1-22), respectively. No difference in PFS (7 vs. 6 months, p=0.6) and OS (8 vs. 7 months, p=0.3) was observed between patients with NSCLC and breast cancer. Of patients alive at 3 months, 79% showed stable or improved functional status after CSI. Decreased CSF CTCs immediately post CSI had significantly improved PFS (8 vs. 5 months with no CTC decrease, HR=0.3, p=0.02). Lastly, we identified genetic correlates with survival outcomes. Proton CSI appears to be a promising treatment for LC in select patients, resulting in prolonged CNS disease control and survival. A randomized trial is currently underway to assess its efficacy prospectively.

Effects of housing conditions on behaviour and physiology in the Finnraccoon (Nyctereutes procyonoides ussuriensis)

The welfare of juvenile Finnraccoons (Nyctereutes procyonoides ussuriensis) was compared between various housing conditions through the measurement of day-time behaviour and physiological variables. For the small control treatment (SC), Finnraccoons were raised in pairs in small cages; in the large area treatment (LA), in pairs in large cages; in the large control treatment (LC), in groups of four in large cages and in the large enrichment treatment (LE), in groups of four in large cages with access to a nest-box and a large tube, from weaning to pelting time. Study subjects consisted of a total of 152 Finnraccoons. As autumn progressed, day-time resting increased, especially allohuddling; while active behaviours decreased. Allohuddling was the most common type of resting; apart from in the LE treatment, resting shelters were used effectively alongside allohuddling. Locomotion was observed more frequently in LA and LC treatments, ie in large cages without shelters. The nest-box roof was preferred to the platform as an elevated location, and the nest-box to the tube as a resting shelter. Agonistic interactions were not observed. Males grew heavier than females and had heavier organs. No systematic differences in haematological and other physiological parameters were found between the treatments. Catching time was shortest in the SC treatment. The LE treatment compromised animals cleanliness. Based on the intensive positive social interactions and regular shelter use, group housing and access to resting shelters are recommended for juvenile Finnraccoons.

Enhanced immune responses and protection against the secondary infection in mud crab (Scylla paramamosain) primed with formalin-killed Vibrio parahemolyticus

Mud crab (Scylla paramamosain) is an economically important marine crustacean species commonly distributed in China and Indo-west Pacific countries. However, the disease outbreaks caused by Vibrio parahemolyticus have resulted in high mortality and disastrous economic losses in the mud crab culture industry. Immune priming has shown the capacity of protecting invertebrates against pathogens in the second exposure, with profound implications for the prevention of infectious diseases. In this study, the survival and immune responses of mud crabs received primary exposure to formalin-killed V. parahemolyticus (immune priming, IP) and secondary challenge with live counterparts (lethal challenge, LC) were investigated. The priming dose of 2 × 105 cells·g−1 of inactivated V. parahemolyticus showed the highest survival rate (75.7%). There was no significant difference among the primed groups that received lethal challenge at different time points (P > .05). The cumulative survival of the primed (FVP) group (73.5%) was significantly higher than that of the control (SA) and naïve groups after the second challenge with live V. parahemolyticus. The efficiency of pathogen clearance, total hemocyte count, and phagocytic rate were significantly increased in FVP group compared to SA group after the IP and LC treatments. By contrast, no significant changes in antibacterial activity, phagocytic index and phenoloxidase activity (excepting at 6 hpi) were found in the comparison between FVP and SA groups. These results suggested the occurrence of priming phenomenon in mud crab, primary immunization with inactivated V. parahemolyticus can improve survival following infection and enhance cellular immune responses, the particularly phagocytic rate that contributes to the elevated phagocytosis. This finding provides a novel direction in protecting mud crab against vibriosis.

Therapy of Hodgkin lymphoma in Russia during the COVID-19 pandemic

Relevance. COVID-19 pandemic currently has a significant negative impact on the treatment of patients with oncological pathology, including patients with classic Hodgkin lymphoma. Generalized data on publications on the impact of concomitant pathology on the severity of infection show a significant increase in the risk of death from infection in male patients, aged 60 years, with the presence of 3 concomitant diseases, among which particularly negative role is played by diseases of the cardiovascular system, diabetes, oncology, chronic lung disease, immunodeficiency conditions. Particularly dangerous is the development of COVID-19 infection in an interval of less than 14 days from the course of antitumor therapy. At the same time, patients with Hodgkin lymphoma require immediate treatment, often associated with toxic, immunosuppressive therapy, frequent visits to the clinic, hospitalizations. International communities have not yet developed clear guidelines for the management of patients with Hodgkins lymphoma. Taking into account the understanding that the circulation of coronoviral infection will continue in the population, the Advisory board on the Problems of Hodgkin Lymphoma Therapy in the COVID-19 Pandemic is highly relevant.
 Aim. To change and adapt current treatment approaches in the current epidemiological environment.
 Results. The main directions of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the treatment of patients with cancer pathology, including patients with classical Hodgkin lymphoma, were determined, key problems in the treatment of LC during the COVID-19 pandemic were identified, and measures aimed at reducing the risk for patients were developed. Existing approaches to first-line, relapse/refracturing cHL therapy, including salvage therapy, and auto/allo SCT during the COVID-19 pandemic, have been adapted.

MicroRNA-892a regulates laryngocarcinoma cell proliferation via Dicer.

This work expanded the knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying LC progression by exploring the role of miR-892a in the viability of TU212 and M4E cells. The results showed that miR-892a, which exhibited elevated expression in LC cells and tissue specimens of patients with LC, exerted an inhibitory effect on Dicer expression, whereas silencing of miR-892a in TU212 and M4E cells hindered cell proliferation and growth and promoted apoptosis. Furthermore, miR-892a was demonstrated to directly target Dicer 3'-UTR and inhibit its expression. These findings demonstrated that miR-892a acted as an LC oncogene via its action on Dicer, which further confirmed that miR-892a can serve as a diagnostic indicator or promising agent for LC treatment.

Upregulation of long noncoding RNA RAB11B-AS1 promotes tumor metastasis and predicts poor prognosis in lung cancer.

BackgroundLung cancer (LC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality in China and worldwide. Despite the progress in diagnosis and treatment of LC, the prognosis of LC remains poor. Studies have demonstrated that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a critical role in carcinogenesis and cancer development.MethodsHere we examined the expression and potential function of lnc-RAB11B-AS1 in LC both in vitro and in vivo. All experiments in this study were conducted using A549 and PC-9 cell lines according to protocols described in this paper. The clinic characteristics were analyzed using logistic regression, cox model, log rank test, biochemical analysis using qRT-PCR, transfections, nude mice model, and cell biological analysis using Transwell assay, CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry, and rescue experiments, and immunohistochemistry.ResultsThe results showed that lnc-RAB11B-AS1 was significantly overexpressed in LC tissues compared to the corresponding non-tumor tissues. Patients with a higher level of lnc-RAB11B-AS1 expression showed a poorer overall survival rate. Functionally, overexpression of lnc-RAB11B-AS1 promotes cell proliferation, migration and invasion abilities of LC cell lines, which suggests lnc-RAB11B-AS1 may play an oncogenic role in LC. lnc-RAB11B-AS1 was located in physical contiguity with RAB11B gene and found positively regulates the RAB11B expression, and the protein levels of RAB11B in LC tissues also found to positively correlated with the level of lnc-RAB11B-AS1 expression. RAB11B silencing partially abrogated lnc-RAB11B-AS1-induced proliferation of the LC cell lines used in this study.ConclusionsThis study provided a novel evidence into the function of lncRNA-driven carcinogenesis. Our findings highlighted the importance of lnc-RAB11B-AS1 and RAB11B in LC progression and indicated that lnc-RAB11B-AS1 may serve as a novel and valuable prognostic biomarker for LC.

The Effect of Modified Curcumin Compounds on the Numbers and Morphology of Microglia

Chronic neuroinflammation is a promising therapeutic target in many neurodegenerative and age‐related brain disorders. In this study, we investigated two highly bioavailable curcumin preparations, Longvida (LC) and Meriva (MC) for their anti‐inflammatory properties, using the GFAP‐IL6 mouse model. We hypothesized that the highly bioavailable curcumin, as a potent cytokine‐suppressive anti‐inflammatory drug, will decrease microglial and astroglial activation measured by cell number and morphology, and consequently improve motor and cognitive functions.MethodsGFAP‐IL6 and wild type mice were fed with LC and MC for 1 and 5 months, respectively. LC fed mice were tested on the elevated walking beam, Rotarod, Barnes maze and Novel object recognition tests before all the mice were sacrificed. Immunohistological staining for microglia and astrocytes were carried out and unbiased stereological analysis was completed for all groups on microglia(labelled by Iba‐1 and TSPO) and astrocytes numbers (GFAP) as well as the morphology of the cells were analyzed using the MBF Biosciences system (StereoInvestigator and Neurolucida 360).ResultsShort term MC oral administration lead to a dose‐dependent reduction in neuroinflammatory markers. Moreover, MC decreased the number of activated microglia and astroglia, as well as changed the microglial morphology from activated to resting state. Long term LC treatment led to a significant decrease in the number of microglia in the hippocampus and cerebellum and in turn, led to significant improvement of both motor and cognitive function. Both short‐ and long‐term consumption of modified curcumin preparations significantly downregulated microglial activation GFAP‐IL6 mice. Spatial memory and recognition memory improvements were also found in mice fed with LC in comparison to control counterparts. Our results promise potential therapeutic applications of both Longvida and Meriva curcumin against brain inflammation and associated cognitive and motor decline.Support or Funding InformationThe present study was supported by a project grant (#P00023016) by Indena S.P.A, Italy to GM and EG. F.U has been supported by a postgraduate scholarship by Western Sydney University.

Effect of light intensity on survival, growth and physiology of rohu, Labeo rohita (Cyprinidae) fry

Purpose: Light intensity is one of the important environmental factors that have strong influence on larviculture. Culture of fish at high intensity of light generates harmful radicals in the body that can compromise their health and production. The present study aims to evaluate the effect of various light intensities on the physiology of rohu Labeo rohita fry.Materials and Methods: Rohu fry (13.56 ± 0.4 mg) were exposed at five different light intensities: 0.17 ± 0.005 (Lc, control), 1.45 ± 0.23 (L1), 2.69 ± 0.47 (L2), 3.93 ± 0.72 (L3) and 5.06 ± 0.95 Wm−2 (L4). After 90 days of culture, rohu were harvested.Results and Conclusions: A 2-5% mortality of rohu was recorded in L3 and L4 treatments. The average weight and specific growth rate were significantly (p < .05) higher in Lc treatment compared to others. The light intensity and swimming activity of rohu showed direct relationship, whereas, light intensity showed inverse relation with nitric oxide synthase and reduced glutathione levels. Significantly (p < .05) higher glutathione S-transferase and glutathione peroxidase activies were found in rohu exposed at L4 treatment. Higher light intensities resulted in oxidative stress in the muscles of rohu. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, carbonyl protein and heat shock protein 70 were significantly (p < .05) higher in rohu exposed at L4 compared to other treatments. Exposure of rohu fry to intense light resulted into physiological stress and immunosupression.

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Lactobacillus Casei YYL3 and L. Plantarum YYL5 on Growth, Immune Response and Intestinal Microbiota in Channel Catfish.

Simple SummaryChannel catfish became one of the most efficient aquaculture species due to its fast growth and considerable commercial importance, however, the intensive farming of these fish resulted in disease pressure and the eutrophic conditions. In this study, we isolated two strains of lactobacillus, Lactobacillus casei YYL3 and L. plantarum YYL5, which can be potentially used as feed additives to promote the growth performance, disease resistance against Edwardsiella ictaluri, and dramatically change the composition of intestinal microbiota of channel catfish.The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of probiotics L. casei YYL3 (Lc) and L. plantarum YYL5 (Lp) on growth performance, innate immunity, disease resistance and intestinal microbiota of channel catfish. A total of 252 catfish (67.20 ± 1.46 g) were randomly divided into 3 groups which were fed with basal diet, Lc-added (3.0 × 108 cfu/g) or Lp-added (3.0 × 108 cfu/g) diets, respectively. After 4 weeks of feeding, Lc significantly enhanced the growth and feed utilization of channel catfish compared with the control group (CG). Following that, the catfish were challenged with an intraperitoneal injection of 200 μL of the pathogenic E.ictaluri (2.0 × 106 cfu/mL), the relative percent survival of Lc and Lp were 38.28% and 12.76%, respectively. High-throughput sequencing indicated Lc and Lp reduced the alpha diversity of the intestinal microbiota in channel catfish. Lactobacillus were overwhelming in the guts during probiotics treatment, but almost vanished away after 2 weeks post-cessation of probiotics administration. Compared to CG, Lc and Lp resulted in an increased abundance of Pseudomonas and decreased amount of Aeromonas. Functional analysis revealed that Lc treatment upregulated the relative abundance of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways including lipid metabolism, metabolism of other amino acids, metabolism of terpenoids and polyketides, xenobiotics biodegradation and metabolism, and nucleotide metabolism. Combined, our data revealed that Lc, as a feed additive at 3.0 × 108 cfu/g, could promote the growth performance, disease resistance and dramatically change the composition of intestinal microbiota of channel catfish.

Prognosis of non-small-cell lung cancer in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

The risk of lung cancer is higher in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) because both conditions share common risk factors. However, no standard treatment modality for LC in IPF exists due to rare incidence, poor prognosis, and acute exacerbation (AE) of IPF during treatment. We aimed to determine the efficacy of LC treatments and the prognosis in LC patients with IPF according to the LC stage and GAP (gender [G], age [A], and two physiology variables [P]) stage. From 2003 to 2016, 160 retrospectively enrolled patients were classified according to the LC clinical stage and GAP stage. The average (±standard deviation) patient age was 70.1 ± 8.2 years; the cohort predominantly comprised men (94.4%). In GAP stage I, surgery was significantly associated with better survival outcomes in LC. In contrast, no treatment modality yielded significant clinical improvement in GAP stage II/III. The incidences of AE in IPF and its mortality during treatment were 13.8% and 6.3%, respectively. AE occurred commonly in advanced GAP stage. Active treatment should be considered in GAP stage I. The performance status and LC stage should be considered when deciding about the necessity of surgery for patients in advanced GAP stage.

INORGANIC PHOSPHORUS FORMS IN AN OXISOL UNDER NO-TILL AFTER INDUSTRIAL AND MUNICIPAL RESIDUES APPLICATION

Industrial and municipal residues applied to agricultural crops under no-till (NT) can promote benefits to many soil properties. The reuse of such materials reduces the supply of mineral fertilizers and provides greater economic and environmental sustainability. Besides being attenuators of soil acidity, some of these residues are excellent sources of plant nutrients such as phosphorus (P). Understanding the dynamics of P arising from residues applied in tropical soils is important to assist in crops fertilization management. In this context, the objective was to quantify the inorganic P forms (Pi) through the P fractionation in an Oxisol that received application of municipal and industrial residues. Four residues composed treatments: LC - centrifuged sewage sludge with addition of lime (CaO); LB - sewage sludge from the biodigester with the addition of polyelectrolytes; E - steel slag; and Lcal - lime mud applied at doses of 0, 2, 4 and 8 Mg ha-1. The P fractionation was performed in soil samples collected at 0-5, 5-10, 10-20 and 20-40 cm layers. The LC treatment provided the highest values of anion exchange resin (AER) Pi. The residual P has presented stability thus does not show significant differences regarding its distribution along with the soil profile.

Cancer-Derived VEGF-C Increases Chemokine Production in Lymphatic Endothelial Cells to Promote CXCR2-Dependent Cancer Invasion and MDSC Recruitment.

Breast cancer-derived vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) has been shown to enhance lymphangiogenesis in lymph nodes to accelerate cancer metastasis. However, the remodeling of lymph node microenvironments by VEGF-C remains elusive. By in vivo selection, we established a subline (named as “LC”) with strong lymphatic tropism and high VEGF-C expression from the human MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line. Co-culture with LC cells or treatment with LC-conditioned medium upregulated the expression of CXC chemokines in lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs), which could be inhibited by pre-incubation with VEGF-C-neutralizing antibodies and VEGFR3 inhibitors. The chemokines produced by LECs enhanced recruitment of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) to tumor-draining and distant lymph nodes in tumor-bearing mice. Treatment with a CXCR2 inhibitor after tumor cell inoculation dramatically decreased the number of MDSCs in lymph nodes, suggesting the importance of the chemokine/CXCR2 signaling axis in MDSC recruitment. In addition, LEC-released chemokines also stimulated the expression of serum amyloid A1 (SAA1) in cancer cells, enhancing their lymphatic invasion by increasing VE-cadherin phosphorylation, junction disruption, and vascular permeability of LECs. Clinical sample validation confirmed that SAA1 expression was associated with increased lymph node metastasis. Collectively, we reveal a novel mechanism by which cancer cell-derived VEGF-C remodels lymphovascular microenvironments by regulating chemokine production in LECs to promote cancer invasion and MDSC recruitment. Our results also suggest that inhibition of CXCR2 is effective in treating lymphatic metastasis.

Energy to protein ratios in supplements for grazing heifers in the rainy season

This study evaluated the effect of energy and protein supplementation on the nutritional characteristics, ingestive behavior, and productive performance in grazing heifers during the rainy season. Forty crossbred heifers (Nelore breed predominance) were used in the study, with an age of 14months and an initial mean weight of 182 ± 1.13kg. The treatments consisted of mineral supplementation ad libitum (control) and three supplements formulated to contain an energy: protein ratio (TDN:CP) of 1.13, 2.62, and 4.06; these were denominated as low (LC, 0.5kg animal d-1), medium (MC, 1.0kg animal d-1), and high consumption (HC, 1.5kg animal d-1), respectively, in order to guarantee an intake of 300g of crude protein (CP) animal-1 d -1, with variation in energy content. There was a difference (P < 0.05) in crude protein intake, with a 44% reduction for the LC treatment in relation to HC. The lowest grazing time (398min) was observed with the MC treatment. Urinary urea-N (UreaN) was lower for control animals (P < 0.05). Average daily gain (ADG) was lower for the control animals than for the supplemented animals (P < 0.05); there was no difference in ADG between the animals receiving supplementation. High supplementation levels and TDN:CP ratios are not recommended because they do not justify the increased costs of supplementation. Therefore, when forage presents great nutritional characteristics, it is possible to optimize the performance of the animals with low to medium consumption supplementation.

Probiotic Lactobacillus casei: Effective for Managing Childhood Diarrhea by Altering Gut Microbiota and Attenuating Fecal Inflammatory Markers.

Background: Acute diarrhea is a major cause of childhood morbidity and an economic burden for families. The aim of this study is to explore the effect of probiotics on clinical symptoms, intestinal microbiota, and inflammatory markers during childhood diarrhea. Methods: Children (n = 81) aged six months to six years (mean age 2.31 years) hospitalized for acute diarrhea were randomized to receive probiotics (Lactobacillus casei variety rhamnosus; n = 42) or no probiotics (n = 39) orally twice daily for seven days. Feces samples were also collected to evaluate microbial content using a traditional agar plate and next-generation sequencing. Immunoglobulin A (IgA), lactoferrin, and calprotectin were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and compared in different groups. Other clinical symptoms or signs, including fever, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloated abdomen, daily intake, appetite, and body weight were also assessed. Results: Data were collected from 81 individuals across three different time points. Total fecal IgA levels in fecal extracts of the probiotics group were higher than those in the control group, reaching statistical significance (p < 0.05). Concentrations of fecal lactoferrin and calprotectin were significantly downregulated in patients with probiotic Lactobacillus casei variety rhamnosus (Lc) consumption compared to those of the control (p < 0.05). Probiotic Lc administration may be beneficial for gut-microbiota modulation, as shown by the data collected at one week after enrollment. Counts of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus species were elevated in stool culture of the probiotic group. Appetite and oral intake, body-weight gain, abdominal pain, bloating, as well as bowel habits (diarrhea) were much better in children receiving probiotics compared with those in the control group. Conclusion: Fecal IgA increased during acute diarrhea under Lc treatment; in contrast, fecal lactoferrin and calprotectin were downregulated during acute diarrhea under Lc treatment. Probiotic Lc may be a useful supplement for application in children during acute diarrhea to reduce clinical severity and intestinal inflammatory reaction.

Effects of air abrasion and glow-discharge plasma treatment on bonding resin cement to ceria-stabilized zirconia/alumina nanocomposite.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of air abrasion and plasma treatment on the bond strength between resin and ceriastabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystals/alumina (Ce-TZP/Al2O3). Ce-TZP/Al2O3 specimens were ground with #1000 silicon-carbide paper, air abraded with alumina, and then exposed to glow-discharge plasma (Abrasion/Plasma). Specimens without air abrasion and/or plasma exposure were also prepared as controls (Abrasion/No plasma, No abrasion/Plasma, and No abrasion/No plasma). The specimens were bonded to resin composite disks with a self-adhesive resin cement (SA) or a luting composite containing no functional monomer (LC). Shear bond strengths were determined after 10,000 thermocycles at 4 and 60°C, and the data were analyzed by nonparametric tests (α=0.05, n=8/group). When using SA, the Abrasion/Plasma specimens exhibited the highest bond strength, followed by the Abrasion/No plasma, No abrasion/Plasma, and No abrasion/No plasma specimens. For LC, neither air abrasion nor plasma treatment exhibited any significant effect on bond strength.

Nutrient intake, feeding patterns, and abnormal behavior of growing bulls fed different concentrate levels and a single fiber source (corn stover silage)

Twenty-eight bulls weighing 227 ± 6.8 (SD) kg were randomly assigned to four concentrate levels (1-1.5 kg [low level of concentrate {LC}], 1.5-2 kg [medium level of concentrate], 2-2.5 kg [high level of concentrate {HC}], and 2.5-3 kg [highest level of concentrate {H+C}]) and fed corn stover silage ad libitum. At the beginning of the experiment, the bulls in each treatment were fed 1, 1.5, 2, and 2.5 kg of concentrate, respectively, and these levels were increased by 0.25 kg at the end of each month to compensate for the growth requirements of the bulls. After three months, increases in the concentrate level from LC to HC resulted in increased (P < 0.05) trend of acid detergent fiber and neutral detergent fiber intake, whereas the decreasing (P < 0.05) trend of acid detergent fiber and neutral detergent fiber intake was observed when concentrate level was increased from HC to H+C. The longest (P < 0.05) time required to consume the concentrate was observed in the H+C treatment, whereas the lowest time (P < 0.05) required to consume the concentrate was observed in the LC treatment. The highest (P < 0.05) silage consumption was observed for the LC treatment at 16:00 (26 minutes). Chewing was highest (P < 0.05) at 04:00 and 18:00 for the H+C treatment. The LC bulls showed longer (P < 0.05) lying behavior during 18:00 and 24:00 compared with other groups. Abnormal behavior was maximum (P < 0.05) in the H+C bulls at 09:00 (17 minutes). Overall, increasing the concentrate in the diet altered specific behaviors and increased the abnormal behaviors, which could compromise the bulls' welfare.

Feeding Strategies Before and at Mixing: The Effect on Sow Aggression and Behavior.

Simple SummarySows in domestic settings are often mixed into new groups of animals, resulting in the need to form hierarchies, causing aggression and related stress. Restrictively fed gestating sows are unlikely to be sated, and are more likely to view food as a limited resource and to be frustrated and aggressive. Creating satiety in sows as they are mixed may be a simple method to reduce mixing aggression. This experiment assessed the provision of different diets; a standard diet (CON) or high (HI) volume of a “standard” diet, or a diet enhanced with lignocellulose (fiber source) fed before mixing (LC) and at mixing (LCM), was studied. There were treatment effects on fight duration, the number of fights, injuries, condition scores, and time spent eating and drinking. These results suggest that feeding a diet containing 2.5% lignocellulose and a standard diet at a high feeding level for four days post-mixing may affect overall aggression within groups and sow satiety levels. Our data found decreased fight numbers and increased fight duration in the LCM compared to the LC treatment, and therefore, feeding the fiber source before mixing affects aggression levels differently than when fed just after mixing. A further understanding of different fiber sources and how their properties affect digestion and sow satiety would enable critical evaluation and use of fiber sources for benefit in reducing aggression at mixing.Hierarchy formation in domestic sows results in aggression and stress, which might be ameliorated through nutritional satiety. The effect on aggression in group housed, gestating sows provided a standard or high volume of a “standard” diet, or diet enhanced with lignocellulose before, at, and after mixing was studied. Ninety-six Large White cross Landrace weaned sows were allocated to: control diet (CON), high volume diet (HI), and lignocellulose-enhanced diet before and at mixing (LC), and after mixing (LCM) (24 sows per treatment). Sows were housed in stalls for 10 days before mixing, when the CON, HI, and LCM groups were fed a standard diet, and in the LC group, a diet enhanced with lignocellulose at 2.5% was given. At mixing, the CON group continued on a standard diet at 2.5 kg/sow per day, HI were fed the standard diet at 4 kg/sow per day for the first four days and 2.5 kg/sow per day thereafter, and LC and LCM were fed the lignocellulose-enhanced diet at 2.5 kg/sow per day. Behavior, salivary cortisol concentrations, lesion number, and condition were recorded on M0, M1, M6, and M14. Reproduction was assessed using pregnancy rate and progesterone measurements. There were several treatment effects on aggression in the sows following mixing. There were significantly lower fight numbers (CON = 0.34 ± 0.03 Log (1 + x) transformed mean and SEM (1.49 untransformed adjusted mean), LC = 0.31 ± 0.04 (1.14), LCM = 0.42 ± 0.04 (0.28), HI = 0.35 ± 0.04 (1.64); p = 0.001) and longer individual fight durations in the LCM group compared to the CON and LC group (CON = 0.88 s ± 0.07 Log transformed mean and SEM (10.31 s, untransformed adjusted mean), LC = 0.89 ± 0.09 (13.51), LCM = 1.16 ± 0.07 (21.43), HI = 01.03 ± 0.07 (16.42); p = 0.04), and overall higher injury numbers in the LC and LCM groups than the HI. Time spent eating was significantly lower in the CON group than both HI and LC (CON = 7.79 ± 0.37, LC = 8.91 ± 0.38, LCM = 8.49 ± 0.42, HI = 9.55 ± 0.39; p = 0.007). The time spent drinking was also affected by treatment, with more time spent drinking in CON than LC (p = 0.024). The condition score of the sows was affected by diet, with higher condition scores in the HI group than LCM and LC (CON = 2.98 ± 0.11, LC = 2.75 ± 0.10, LCM = 2.74 ± 0.10, HI = 3.12 ± 0.10; p = 0.017). These results suggest that feeding a diet containing 2.5% lignocellulose and a standard diet at a high feeding level for four days post-mixing may affect overall aggression and possibly satiety levels. Our data found decreased fight numbers and increased fight duration in the LCM compared to the LC treatment, and therefore, feeding the fiber source before mixing affects aggression levels differently than when fed just after mixing. A further understanding of different fiber sources and how their physiochemical properties affect digestion and sow satiety would enable critical evaluation and use of fiber sources for benefits in reducing aggression at mixing.

Effect of supplementation of L. plantarum and L. casei based probiotic milk powder on hematology, blood biochemistry and lipid profile of Charles Foster rats

Effects of supplementation of L. plantarum and L. casei based spray dried probiotic milk powder on hematology, blood biochemistry and lipid profile was investigated in Charles Foster (CF) rats. Forty-eight male CF rats (21 day old) were divided into four groups and fed on basal diets supplemented with plane spray dried milk powder without any probiotic (control) and L. plantarum, L. casei and the mixed culture of L. plantarum and L. casei based spray dried probiotic milk powder in LP, LC and LPLC treatment groups, respectively. Supplementation of diets with spray dried probiotic milk powder containing either the monoculture of L. plantarum or L. casei or their mixed culture improved health performance of rats in terms of hematological and blood biochemical parameters. Significant decrease in the total serum cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides, and a significant increase in HDL-cholesterol concentration was observed in rats fed on diets supplemented with spray dried probiotic milk powder. Although the improvement in blood biochemical, hematological parameters and serum lipid profile of experimental rats was observed in all the three probiotic milk powder supplemented groups viz. LP, LC and LPLC; however these improvement was more in the L. plantarum and L. casei mixed culture supplemented group as compared to other two monoculture probiotic milk powder supplemented groups. Nevertheless, these increases were only of statistical significance without any clinical relevance as most of these parameters were within the normal physiological values for rats.

Assessment of grazing management on farm greenhouse gas intensity of beef production systems in the Canadian Prairies using life cycle assessment

Grazing is a common practice in the beef cattle industry and is an integral component of pasture and rangeland management. The objective of this study was to evaluate impacts of grazing management scenarios on greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity [kg carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e)kg−1 beef] at the farm-gate for beef production systems in western Canada using life cycle assessment. A life cycle assessment over an 8-year period was conducted on a hypothetical but typical beef farm that managed 120 cows, 4 bulls, and their progeny. Calves were backgrounded (raised) on rangeland and market cattle were finished on grain for an average of 134±11d. Four grazing management scenarios were examined: i) light continuous grazing (LC) for all cattle, ii) heavy continuous grazing (HC) for all cattle, iii) light continuous grazing for cow-calf pairs and moderate rotational grazing for backgrounded cattle (LCMR), and iv) heavy continuous grazing for cow-calf pairs and moderate rotational grazing for backgrounded cattle (HCMR). Greenhouse gas emissions from various sources within the farm were estimated using the whole-farm model, Holos. Soil organic carbon (C) change due to each grazing management scenario was estimated using the Introductory Carbon Balance Model. Primary model inputs came from short- and long-term grazing management studies. Greenhouse gas intensity of beef varied among grazing management scenarios, ranging from 14.5–16.0kgCO2ekg−1 live weight and 24.1–26.6kgCO2ekg−1 carcass weight. Greenhouse gas intensity decreased with increasing stocking rate: that of HC grazing management was 9.2% lower than that of LC treatment (14.5 vs 16.0kgCO2ekg−1 live weight, respectively). Greenhouse gas intensity was similar (<3%) between LC and LCMR or between HC and HCMR, indicating that the use of moderate rotational grazing for the backgrounding operation in LCMR and HCMR had no effect on overall intensity estimates. However, LCMR management had 7% higher GHG intensity than HCMR (15.6 vs 14.6kgCO2ekg−1 live weight, respectively). Average farm production efficiency (kg beef per unit land area) was 17–25% higher for the HC and HCMR grazing management scenarios than the LC and LCMR scenarios. Regardless of grazing management, methane emission from enteric fermentation was the major source of emissions (67–68% of total), followed by nitrous oxide (14–16% of total) from manure management. The rate of soil C sequestration ranged from 0.01MgCha−1yr−1 for rangeland under HC to 0.46MgCha−1yr−1 for a triticale field used for swath grazing. When soil C sequestration was included in the total emission analysis, GHG intensity estimates decreased by 12–25%, and there was no difference in intensity estimates among the scenarios. The largest reduction in GHG intensity arising from soil C sequestration was observed for LC (22%) and LCMR (25%) because they sequestered more C than HC and HCMR. Overall, results of our study indicated that grazing management impacted GHG intensity of beef production by influencing diet quality, animal performance and soil C change. It also emphasizes the importance of accounting for all emission sources and sinks within a beef production system when estimating its environmental impacts.