Effects of replacing fish meal with soy protein concentrate and of DL-methionine supplementation in high-energy, extruded diets on the growth and nutrient utilization of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss.

PubMed

Mambrini, M; Roem, A J; Carvèdi, J P; Lallès, J P; Kaushik, S J

1999-11-01

Our objectives were to test the potential replacement of fish meal by soy protein concentrate (SPC) in high-energy, extruded diets fed to rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and to evaluate the efficiency of DL-methionine supplementation of soy-based diets. Groups of trout (initial BW 103 to 106 g) were fed to visual satiety with isonitrogenous (6.6% DM) high-energy (22.8 MJ/kg DM gross energy), extruded diets, in which fish meal was progressively replaced with SPC (0, 50, 75, and 100%). Three 100% SPC diets were formulated to be either unsupplemented or supplemented with DL-methionine, so that total methionine content was .8 or 1.0% of DM. The quality of the SPC source used was assessed by measuring the antitryptic and antigenic activities and the concentrations of the isoflavones daidzein and genistein. Apparent digestibility of the diets was determined using the indirect method. A growth trial was conducted over 90 d at a water temperature of 18 degrees C. In addition to body composition analysis, plasma amino acid concentrations, anti-soy protein antibodies in the serum, and isoflavone concentrations in the bile were measured. The SPC source tested exhibited low antitryptic and antigenic activities, but it contained high concentrations of isoflavones (1,990 and 5,903 ppm for daidzein and genistein, respectively). Protein digestibility was high (92%) and was unaffected either the proportion of SPC in the diet or by DL-methionine supplementation. This was also true for the availability of amino acids, except phenylalanine. Digestibility of lipid and energy was reduced by 19% when SPC totally replaced fish meal. Growth rate was reduced when more than 50% of the dietary protein was of soy origin (daily growth coefficient of 3.2 and 2.1% for the control and the unsupplemented 100% SPC diet, respectively). The effect on growth was mainly explained by a general decline in feed intake (13.7 and 12.0 g DM x kg BW(-1) x d(-1) for the control and the unsupplemented 100% SPC diet, respectively) and in lipid and, thus, in energy digestibility. The DL-methionine supplementation partially reversed the depressive effects of high dietary SPC incorporation (+13% growth), mainly by enhancing intake. The negative effect of SPC incorporation either may be due to the high isoflavone concentration or to an interaction between the soy protein component and the dietary lipids.

Behavioral and developmental effects of preventing iron-deficiency anemia in healthy full-term infants.

PubMed

Lozoff, Betsy; De Andraca, Isidora; Castillo, Marcela; Smith, Julia B; Walter, Tomas; Pino, Paulina

2003-10-01

To determine the behavioral and developmental effects of preventing iron-deficiency anemia in infancy. Healthy full-term Chilean infants who were free of iron-deficiency anemia at 6 months were assigned to high- or low-iron groups or to high- or no-added-iron groups. Behavioral/developmental outcomes at 12 months of age included overall mental and motor test scores and specific measures of motor functioning, cognitive processing, and behavior. There were no differences between high- and low-iron groups in the prevalence of iron-deficiency anemia or behavioral/developmental outcome, and they were combined to form an iron-supplemented group (n = 1123) for comparison with the no-added-iron group (n = 534). At 12 months, iron-deficiency anemia was present in 3.1% and 22.6% of the supplemented and unsupplemented groups, respectively. The groups differed in specific behavioral/developmental outcomes but not on global test scores. Infants who did not receive supplemental iron processed information slower. They were less likely to show positive affect, interact socially, or check their caregivers' reactions. A smaller proportion of them resisted giving up toys and test materials, and more could not be soothed by words or objects when upset. They crawled somewhat later and were more likely to be tremulous. The results suggest that unsupplemented infants responded less positively to the physical and social environment. The observed differences seem to be congruent with current understanding of the effects of iron deficiency on the developing brain. The study shows that healthy full-term infants may receive developmental and behavioral benefits from iron supplementation in the first year of life.

Effect of enzyme addition on the nutritive value of high oleic acid sunflower seeds in chicken diets.

PubMed

Brenes, A; Centeno, C; Viveros, A; Arija, I

2008-11-01

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of enzyme addition in chicken diets containing high oleic acid sunflower seeds (HOASS). In the first experiment (4 to 21 d of age), enzyme addition (lipase, phospholipase, and a combination of these) was used at the inclusion level of 1 g/kg in diets containing HOASS (250 g/kg) compared with a control corn-soybean diet. Weight gain, feed consumption, relative liver weight, fat digestibility, and amylase, lipase, serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and creatine phosphokinase (CPK) activities were reduced, and feed conversion, relative duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and ceca lengths, plasma uric acid, cholesterol, and glucose concentrations were increased in the unsupplemented HOASS diet compared with the control diet. The addition of enzymes to the HOASS diet increased weight gain, feed consumption, relative pancreas and liver weights, fat digestibility, amylase and lipase activities, plasma uric acid, calcium, serum LDH and CPK, and total protein concentration and reduced feed conversion, relative spleen weight, relative duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and ceca lengths, plasma cholesterol, and glucose compared with the unsupplemented HOASS diet. In the second experiment (0 to 21 d of age), the same enzymes (0.5 g/kg each) were included in diets containing 150 g/kg of HOASS compared with a conventional sunflower meal diet (150 g/kg). The HOASS diet did not affect performance but reduced relative pancreas and abdominal fat weights and relative duodenum and ceca lengths, and increased crude fat, CP, and essential and nonessential amino acid digestibilities (except Ser, which was reduced) compared with the control diet. The addition of enzymes in the HOASS diet increased weight gain, feed consumption, and relative pancreas weight and reduced feed conversion, CP, and essential and nonessential amino acid digestibilities compared with the unsupplemented HOASS diet. In conclusion, the addition of 250 g of HOASS/kg in the diets caused a negative effect on performance, digestive organ sizes, fat and protein digestibilities, and pancreatic enzymes and modified blood parameters. However, the inclusion of HOASS at 150 g/kg improved some of these parameters and amino acid digestibilities. The enzyme addition counteracted some of these effects.

Immune effects of dietary anethole on Eimeria acervulina infection.

PubMed

Kim, Duk Kyung; Lillehoj, Hyun S; Lee, Sung Hyen; Jang, Seung Ik; Park, Myeong Seon; Min, Wongi; Lillehoj, Erik P; Bravo, David

2013-10-01

The effects of anethole on in vitro and in vivo parameters of chicken immunity during experimental avian coccidiosis were evaluated. Anethole reduced the viability of invasive Eimeria acervulina sporozoites after 2 or 4 h of treatment in vitro by 45 and 42%, respectively, and stimulated 6.0-fold greater chicken spleen cell proliferation compared with controls. Broiler chickens continuously fed from hatch with an anethole-supplemented diet and orally challenged with live E. acervulina oocysts showed enhanced BW gain, decreased fecal oocyst excretion, and greater E. acervulina profilin antibody responses compared with infected chickens given an unsupplemented standard diet. The levels of transcripts encoding the immune mediators IL6, IL8, IL10, and tumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily member 15 (TNFSF15) in intestinal lymphocytes were increased in E. acervulina-infected chickens fed the anethole-containing diet compared with untreated controls. Global gene expression analysis by microarray hybridization identified 1,810 transcripts (677 upregulated, 1,133 downregulated) whose levels were significantly altered in intestinal lymphocytes of anethole-fed birds compared with unsupplemented controls. From this transcriptome, 576 corresponding genes were identified. The most significant biological function associated with these genes was "Inflammatory Response" in the "Disease and Disorders" category. This new information documents the immunologic and genomic changes that occur in chickens following anethole dietary supplementation that may be relevant to host protective immune response to avian coccidiosis.

Effects of Different Amounts of Supplemental Selenium and Vitamin E on the Incidence of Retained Placenta, Selenium, Malondialdehyde, and Thyronines Status in Cows Treated with Prostaglandin F2α for the Induction of Parturition

PubMed Central

Jovanović, Ivan B.; Veličković, Miljan; Vuković, Dragan; Milanović, Svetlana; Valčić, Olivera; Gvozdić, Dragan

2013-01-01

The incidence of retained placenta (RP) in cows increases in cases of parturition induced by prostaglandin F2α. We analyzed the effects of different doses of supplemental selenium and vitamin E on the incidence of RP, blood selenium, plasma thyronines, and malondialdehyde concentration. Thirty-three clinically healthy, multiparous Holstein-Frisian cows were assigned to 3 groups and supplemented with a single intramuscular injection of sodium selenite (SS) and tocopherol acetate (TAc) between days 250 to 255 of gestation: control—unsupplemented; group A—10 mg SS + 400 mg TAc; group B—20 mg SS + 800 mg TAc. Parturition was induced using PGF2α not before day 275 of gestation. The RP incidence was reduced from 66.7% in the control to 38.2 and 30.8% in groups A and B, respectively. Blood selenium and glutathione peroxidase activity in treated groups were significantly higher compared to control, with no significant difference between groups A and B. Plasma malondialdehyde in group B was significantly lower than that in control and group A, while thyronines levels were not affected. Comparison of RP and non-RP cows, independently of supplement treatment, revealed higher blood selenium and glutathione peroxidase activity and lower MDA and thyroxine in non-RP animals, while triiodothyronine level did not differ. PMID:26464914

Effects of irradiated Ergosan on the growth performance and mucus biological components of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sheikhzadeh, Najmeh; Chehrara, Fatemeh; Heidarieh, Marzieh; Nofouzi, Katayoon; Baradaran, Behzad

2016-01-01

Effects of irradiated and non-irradiated Ergosan extract (alginic acid) on rainbow trout growth performance and skin mucosal immunity were compared. Ergosan was irradiated at 30 kGy in a cobalt-60 irradiator. A total of 252 fish (128.03±9.4 g) were randomly divided into four equal groups, given the basal diet either unsupplemented with Ergosan (control group) or supplemented with crude Ergosan (5 g/kg), ethanol-extracted Ergosan (0.33 g/kg) or irradiated Ergosan (0.33 g/kg) according to this protocol: basal diet for 15 days, treatment diet for 15 days, basal diet for 10 days and treatment diet for 15 days. Highest growth performance was observed in fish fed irradiated Ergosan ( P <0.05). Dietary administration of different Ergosan types did not cause any changes in mucus protein level, but improved alkaline phosphatase level and hemagglutination titer compared with the control (basal diet without Ergosan) on day 55 of feeding trial ( P <0.05). Furthermore, the highest value of lysozyme activity was observed in gamma-irradiated Ergosan on day 55. In conclusion, gamma-irradiated Ergosan at 0.33 g/kg was found to improve growth performance and mucus biological components significantly in comparison with the control group (basal diet without Ergosan).

Effect of exogenous enzymes in maize-based diets varying in nutrient density for young broilers: growth performance and digestibility of energy, minerals and amino acids.

PubMed

Cowieson, A J; Ravindran, V

2008-01-01

1. A total of 192 male broilers (Cobb 500) were used in a growth and digestibility assay, involving a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments, to assess the effects of an enzyme cocktail of xylanase, amylase and protease in maize-based diets. 2. The following two diets were formulated: a positive control diet containing adequate nutrient concentrations for broiler starters as per breeder recommendations and a negative control diet to contain approximately 0.63 MJ/kg apparent metabolisable energy (AME) and 3% amino acids less than the positive control. 3. A further two dietary treatments were developed by supplementing each control diet with an enzyme product containing xylanase, amylase and protease. 4. Birds fed on the negative control diet had poorer weight gain and feed efficiency than those given the positive control diet. There was no effect of diet or enzyme on feed intake. The digestibility of nitrogen, calcium, phosphorus and most amino acids were unaffected by dietary nutrient density. 5. Supplementation of both the positive and negative control diets with the enzyme improved weight gain and feed efficiency compared with the unsupplemented diets. In the case of the negative control, supplemental enzyme improved performance to that of the unsupplemented positive control diet. There was no interaction between diet and enzyme for either weight gain or FCR, suggesting similar beneficial responses regardless of the nutrient density of the diet. 6. In both diets, enzyme supplementation improved AME by an average of 3% (0.35 MJ/kg DM) and nitrogen retention by an average of 11.7% (26 g/kg DM intake vs 29 g/kg DM intake). There was no interaction between diet and enzyme for AME or nitrogen retention. 7. Ileal digestibilities of calcium and phosphorus were not influenced by supplemental enzyme, whereas the digestibility of nitrogen and most amino acids was improved by enzyme addition compared with the unsupplemented control diets. There was no interaction between diet and enzyme for the ileal digestibility of nitrogen and amino acids. 8. These data demonstrate that it is possible to improve the nutritional value of a maize/soy-based diet for broiler starters through the use of exogenous enzymes. The nutrient density of the diet does not appear markedly to influence the response to enzyme, offering flexibility in the use of enzymes for maize-based diets. 9. It is concluded that the energy and amino acid values of maize-based diets for broilers can be enhanced by supplementation with an enzyme cocktail of xylanase, amylase and protease, offering potential economic benefits to producers.

Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation and Loss of Bone Mineral Density in Women Undergoing Breast Cancer Therapy

PubMed Central

Datta, Mridul; Schwartz, Gary G.

2013-01-01

An unintended consequence of breast cancer therapies is an increased risk of osteoporosis due to accelerated bone loss. We conducted a systematic review of calcium and/or vitamin D (Ca±D) supplementation trials for maintaining bone mineral density (BMD) in women with breast cancer using the “before-after” data from the Ca±D supplemented comparison group of trials evaluating the effect of drugs such as bisphosphonates on BMD. Whether Ca±D supplements increase BMD in women undergoing breast cancer therapy has never been tested against an unsupplemented control group. However, results from 16 trials indicate that the Ca±D doses tested (500-1500 mg calcium; 200-1000 IU vitamin D) were inadequate to prevent BMD loss in these women. Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of mortality in women with breast cancer. Because calcium supplements may increase cardiovascular disease risk, future trials should evaluate the safety and efficacy of Ca±D supplementation in women undergoing breast cancer therapy. PMID:23932583

Effect of Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi mushroom) or Olea europaea (olive) leaves on oxidative stability of rabbit meat fortified with n-3 fatty acids.

PubMed

Trebušak, Tina; Levart, Alenka; Salobir, Janez; Pirman, Tatjana

2014-03-01

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi mushroom) or Olea europaea (olive tree) leaves on oxidative stability of rabbit meat fortified with n-3 fatty acids. Forty-eight slovenska kunka (SIKA) rabbits were divided into four homogeneous groups. The control group (CONT-) received diet with 6% palm fat; other groups received diet with 6% linseed oil and were either unsupplemented (CONT+) or supplemented with 1% of G. lucidum (REISHI) or O. europaea leaves (OLIVE). Rabbits were slaughtered and fatty acid composition, concentration of vitamin E and malondialdehyde (MDA) in back muscle were analyzed. The results showed that linseed oil addition improved fatty acid composition by increasing polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) proportion, decreasing proportion of saturated fatty acid (SFA) and reducing n-6/n-3 ratio in rabbit meat. Groups that were supplemented with linseed oil had lower content of α-tocopherol and higher content of γ-tocopherol, compared to the CONT- group. The addition of potential antioxidants did not effectively prevent oxidation of rabbit meat. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Influence of culture medium supplementation of tobacco NT1 cell suspension cultures on the N-glycosylation of human secreted alkaline phosphatase.

PubMed

Becerra-Arteaga, Alejandro; Shuler, Michael L

2007-08-15

We report for the first time that culture conditions, specifically culture medium supplementation with nucleotide-sugar precursors, can alter significantly the N-linked glycosylation of a recombinant protein in plant cell culture. Human secreted alkaline phosphatase produced in tobacco NT1 cell suspension cultures was used as a model system. Plant cell cultures were supplemented with ammonia (30 mM), galactose (1 mM) and glucosamine (10 mM) to improve the extent of N-linked glycosylation. The highest levels of cell density and active extracellular SEAP in supplemented cultures were on average 260 g/L and 0.21 U/mL, respectively, compared to 340 g/L and 0.4 U/mL in unsupplemented cultures. The glycosylation profile of SEAP produced in supplemented cultures was determined via electrospray ionization mass spectrometry with precursor ion scanning and compared to that of SEAP produced in unsupplemented cultures. In supplemented and unsupplemented cultures, two biantennary complex-type structures terminated with one or two N-acetylglucosamines and one paucimannosidic glycan structure comprised about 85% of the SEAP glycan pool. These three structures contained plant-specific xylose and fucose residues and their relative abundances were affected by each supplement. High mannose structures (6-9 mannose residues) accounted for the remaining 15% glycans in all cases. The highest proportion (approximately 66%) of a single complex-type biantennary glycan structure terminated in both antennae by N- acetylglucosamine was obtained with glucosamine supplementation versus only 6% in unsupplemented medium. This structure is amenable for in vitro modification to yield a more human-like glycan and could serve as a route to plant cell culture produced therapeutic glycoproteins. (c) 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Recurrent neural tube defects, risk factors and vitamins.

PubMed Central

Wild, J; Read, A P; Sheppard, S; Seller, M J; Smithells, R W; Nevin, N C; Schorah, C J; Fielding, D W; Walker, S; Harris, R

1986-01-01

Data from our trial of periconceptional vitamin supplementation for the prevention of neural tube defects have been analysed to assess the influence of various factors on recurrence rates of neural tube defect. Our data suggest that the risk of recurrence of neural tube defect is influenced by the number of previous neural tube defects, area of residence, immediately prior miscarriage, and interpregnancy interval. None of these factors, however, contributed any significant differential risk between supplemented and unsupplemented mothers. Hence we conclude that the highly significant difference in recurrence rates of neural tube defect between supplemented and unsupplemented mothers was due to vitamin supplementation. PMID:3521496

Effects of a viscous-fibre supplemented evening meal and the following un-supplemented breakfast on post-prandial satiety responses in healthy women.

PubMed

Yong, Mei Kei; Solah, Vicky A; Johnson, Stuart K; Meng, Xingqiong; Kerr, Deborah A; James, Anthony P; Fenton, Haelee K; Gahler, Roland J; Wood, Simon

2016-02-01

The post-prandial satiety response and "second-meal effect" of a viscous fibre supplement PolyGlycopleX(®) (PGX(®)) was evaluated in a single-blind, randomised controlled crossover study of 14 healthy adult women. The two hour post-prandial satiety response, expressed as the area under the curve (AUC) of perceived hunger/fullness score versus post-prandial time, of a standardised evening meal with concurrent intake of either PGX softgel or rice flour softgel (control) was determined. On the following morning, after an overnight fast, the four hour satiety response to a standardised breakfast with no softgel supplementation was assessed. A significantly higher satiety response (AUC) to the standard dinner for the PGX-supplemented dinner compared with the control dinner (p=0.001) was found. No significant difference (p=0.09) was observed in the satiety response (AUC) of the breakfast regardless of which supplemented-dinner had been consumed prior, however the p value indicated a trend towards a higher response to the breakfast following the PGX-supplemented dinner. The fullness scores of the breakfast following the PGX-supplemented dinner at 15, 30, 90, 120, 150, 180, 210 and 240min post-prandial were significantly higher than those for the breakfast following the control dinner (p=<0.001, 0.007, 0.009, 0.009, 0.049, 0.03, 0.003 and <0.001 respectively). PGX supplementation at dinner increased the satiety effects of both the dinner itself and the subsequent un-supplemented breakfast; a "second meal effect" indicting the potential for this fibre supplement to induce extended satiety. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effect of zinc bacitracin and phytase on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass and meat traits of broilers.

PubMed

Attia, Y A; Bovera, F; Abd El-Hamid, A E; Tag El-Din, A E; Al-Harthi, M A; El-Shafy, A S

2016-06-01

A total of 336 one-day-old Hubbard broiler chickens were randomly distributed among 8 groups, each containing six replicates (7 chickens/replicate). From 1 to 40 days of age, the groups fed the same starter, grower and finisher diets. The control group was unsupplemented; zinc bacitracin (ZnB) group received the antibiotic at 0.5 g/kg; fungal phytase (FP) groups received 250, 500 and 1000 U/kg diet of Aspergillus niger phytase (FP_250, FP_500 and FP_1000 groups), respectively; bacterial phyatse (BP) groups received 250, 500 and 1000 U/kg diet of Escherichia coli phytase (BP_250EP, BP_500EP and BP_1000EP groups) respectively. Considering the whole experimental period, body weight gain was unaffected by ZnB and different concentrations of bacterial and fungal phytase; however, the feed conversion ratio of the group fed a diet supplemented with 500 U of BP was better (p < 0.01) than those fed with a diet supplemented with 500 U of FP. BP_250 group had a higher (p < 0.05) apparent digestibility of ether extract compared to FP_250 group. In conclusion, bacterial phytase at 500 U may enhance performance of broiler chickens fed during days 1-40 of age and yield similar growth performance and economic efficiency to those of eB-supplemented groups. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition © 2015 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Oestrogen receptor-alpha activation augments post-exercise myoblast proliferation.

PubMed

Thomas, A; Bunyan, K; Tiidus, P M

2010-01-01

Our laboratory has shown that oestrogen acts to augment myoblast (satellite cell) activation, proliferation and total number and that this may occur through an oestrogen receptor (OR)-mediated mechanism. The purpose of this study was to further investigate the mechanism of oestrogen influence on augmentation of post-exercise myoblast numbers through use of a specific OR-alpha agonist, propyl pyrazole triol (PPT). Ovariectomized rats were used (n = 64) and separated into four groups: sham, oestrogen supplemented, agonist supplemented, and a combined oestrogen and agonist supplemented group. These groups were further subdivided into control (unexercised) and exercise groups. Surgical removal of white vastus and soleus muscles was performed 72 h post-exercise. Muscle samples were immunostained for the myoblast markers Pax7 and MyoD. A significant increase in total (Pax7-positive) and activated (MyoD-positive) myoblasts was found in all groups post-exercise. A further significant augmentation of total and activated myoblasts occurred in oestrogen supplemented, agonist supplemented and the combined oestrogen and agonist supplemented groups post-exercise in white vastus and soleus muscles relative to unsupplemented animals. These results demonstrate that both oestrogen and the specific OR-alpha receptor agonist, PPT, can significantly and to similar degrees augment myoblast number and activation following exercise-induced muscle damage. This suggests that oestrogen acts through an OR-mediated mechanism to stimulate myoblast proliferation following exercise, with OR-alpha playing a primary role.

Substitution rate and milk yield response to corn silage supplementation of late-lactation dairy cows grazing low-mass pastures at 2 daily allowances in autumn.

PubMed

Pérez-Prieto, L A; Peyraud, J L; Delagarde, R

2011-07-01

Feed costs in dairy production systems may be decreased by extending the grazing season to periods such as autumn when grazing low-mass pastures is highly probable. The aim of this autumn study was to determine the effect of corn silage supplementation [0 vs. 8 kg of dry matter (DM) of a mixture 7:1 of corn silage and soybean meal] on pasture intake (PI), milk production, and grazing behavior of dairy cows grazing low-mass ryegrass pastures at 2 daily pasture allowances (PA; low PA=18 vs. high PA=30 kg of DM/cow above 2.5 cm). Twelve multiparous Holstein cows were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design with 14-d periods. Pre-grazing pasture mass and pre-grazing plate meter pasture height averaged 1.8 t of DM/ha (above 2.5 cm) and 6.3 cm, respectively. The quality of the offered pasture (above 2.5 cm) was low because of dry conditions before and during the experiment (crude protein=11.5% of DM; net energy for lactation=5.15 MJ/kg of DM; organic matter digestibility=61.9%). The interaction between PA and supplementation level was significant for PI but not for milk production. Supplementation decreased PI from 11.6 to 7.6 kg of DM/d at low PA and from 13.1 to 7.3 kg of DM/d at high PA. The substitution rate was, therefore, lower at low than at high PA (0.51 vs. 0.75). Pasture intake increased with increasing PA in unsupplemented treatments, and was not affected by PA in supplemented treatments. Milk production averaged 13.5 kg/d and was greater at high than at low PA (+1.4 kg/d) and in supplemented than unsupplemented treatments (+5.2 kg/d). Milk fat concentration averaged 4.39% and was similar between treatments. Milk protein concentration increased from 3.37 to 3.51% from unsupplemented to supplemented treatments, and did not vary according to PA. Grazing behavior parameters were only affected by supplementation. On average, daily grazing time decreased (539 vs. 436 min) and daily ruminating time increased (388 vs. 486 min) from 0 to 8 kg of supplement DM. The PI rate was 6g of DM/min lower in supplemented than in unsupplemented treatments (17 vs. 23 g of DM/min). The high milk yield response to supplementation may be related to a cumulative effect of the low-mass pasture (low PI) and the low quality of the pasture, which strongly limited energy supply in unsupplemented cows. Copyright © 2011 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

D-tagatose is a bulk sweetener with zero energy determined in rats.

PubMed

Livesey, G; Brown, J C

1996-06-01

The ketohexose D-tagatose is readily oxidized but contributes poorly to lipid deposition. We therefore examined whether this sugar contributes to energy requirements by determining its net metabolizable energy value in rats. All substrate-induced energy losses from D-tagatose, with sucrose as reference standard, were determined as a single value accounting for the sum of the energy losses to feces, urine, gaseous hydrogen and methane and substrate-induced thermogenesis. A randomized parallel design involving two treatment periods (adaptation to D-tagatose and subsequent energy balance) and two control groups (to control for treatment effects in each period) was used. Rats consumed 1.8 g test carbohydrate daily as a supplement to a basal diet for a 40- or 41-d balance period after prior adaptation for 21 d. Growth, protein and lipid deposition were unaffected by supplementary gross energy intake from D-tagatose compared with an unsupplemented control, but sucrose significantly (P < 0.05) increased all three. Based on the changes induced in protein and fat gain during the balance period it was calculated that D-tagatose contributed -3 +/- 14% of its heat of combustion to net metabolizable energy, and therefore this ketohexose effectively has a zero energy value. D-Tagatose would potentially be helpful in body weight control, especially in diabetic subjects because of its antidiabetogenic effects.

Relationships among diet, physical activity, and dual plane dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry bone outcomes in pre-pubertalgirls.

PubMed

Ren, Jie; Brann, Lynn S; Bruening, Kay S; Scerpella, Tamara A; Dowthwaite, Jodi N

2017-12-01

In pre-pubertal girls, nutrient intakes and non-aquatic organized activity were evaluated as factors in vertebral body bone mass, structure, and strength. Activity, vitamin B 12 , and dietary fiber predicted bone outcomes most consistently. Exercise and vitamin B 12 appear beneficial, whereas high fiber intake appears to be adverse for vertebral body development. Childhood development sets the baseline for adult fracture risk. Most studies evaluate development using postero-anterior (PA) dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) areal bone mineral density, bone mineral content, and bone mineral apparent density. In a prior analysis, we demonstrated that PA DXA reflects posterior element properties, rather than vertebral body fracture sites, such that loading is associated with subtle differences in vertebral body geometry, not 3D density. The current analysis is restricted to pre-pubertal girls, for a focused exploration of key nutrient intakes and physical activity as factors in dual plane indices of vertebral body geometry, density, and strength. This cross-sectional analysis used paired PA and supine lateral (LAT) lumbar spine DXA scans to assess "3D" vertebral body bone mineral apparent density (PALATBMAD), "3D" index of structural strength in axial compression (PALATIBS), and fracture risk index (PALATFRI). Diet data were collected using the Youth/Adolescent Questionnaire (YAQ, 1995); organized physical activity was recorded via calendar-based form. Pearson correlations and backward stepwise multiple linear regression analyzed associations among key nutrients, physical activity, and bone outcomes. After accounting for activity and key covariates, fiber, unsupplemented vitamin B 12 , zinc, carbohydrate, vitamin C, unsupplemented magnesium, and unsupplemented calcium intake explained significant variance for one or more bone outcomes (p < 0.05). After adjustment for influential key nutrients and covariates, activity exposure was associated with postero-anterior (PA) areal bone mineral density, PA bone mineral content, PA width, lateral (LAT) BMC, "3D" bone cross-sectional area (coronal plane), "3D" PALATIBS, and PALATFRI benefits (p < 0.05). Physical activity, fiber intake, and unsupplemented B 12 intake appear to influence vertebral body bone mass, density, geometry, and strength in well-nourished pre-pubertal girls; high fiber intakes may adversely affect childhood vertebral body growth.

Effect of elemental nano-selenium on semen quality, glutathione peroxidase activity, and testis ultrastructure in male Boer goats.

PubMed

Shi, Li-guang; Yang, Ru-jie; Yue, Wen-bin; Xun, Wen-juan; Zhang, Chun-xiang; Ren, You-she; Shi, Lei; Lei, Fu-lin

2010-04-01

The objective of this experiment is to study the effects of novel elemental nano-selenium in the diet on testicular ultrastructure, semen quality and GSH-Px activity in male goats. Forty-two 2-month-old bucks were offered a total mixed ration which had been supplemented with nano-Se (0.3mg/kg Se) or unsupplemented (the control group only received 0.06mg/kg Se-background), for a period of 12 weeks (from weaning to sexual maturity). Results showed that the testicular Se level, semen glutathione peroxidase and ATPase activity increased significantly in the nano-Se supplementation group compared with control (P<0.05). The semen quality (volume, density, motility and pH) was not affected by added Se in diets, however, the sperm abnormality rate of control bucks was significantly higher than Se supplemented bucks (P<0.05). The testes of 5 goats in each group were examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and showed that in Se-deficient bucks the membrane was damaged, and showed the occurrence of abnormalities in the mitochondria of the midpiece of spermatozoa. In conclusion, selenium deficiency resulted in abnormal spermatozoal mitochondria, and supplementation with nano-Se enhanced the testis Se content, testicular and semen GSH-Px activity, protected the membrane system integrity and the tight arrayment of the midpiece of the mitochondria. Further studies are required to research the novel elemental nano-Se with characterization of bioavailability and toxicity in small ruminants. Copyright 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Chromium (D-phenylalanine)3 supplementation alters glucose disposal, insulin signaling, and glucose transporter-4 membrane translocation in insulin-resistant mice.

PubMed

Dong, Feng; Kandadi, Machender Reddy; Ren, Jun; Sreejayan, Nair

2008-10-01

Chromium has gained popularity as a nutritional supplement for diabetic and insulin-resistant subjects. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of chronic administration of a novel chromium complex of d-phenylalanine [Cr(D-phe)(3)] in insulin-resistant, sucrose-fed mice. Whole-body insulin resistance was generated in FVB mice by 9 wk of sucrose feeding, following which they were randomly assigned to be unsupplemented (S group) or to receive oral Cr(D-phe)(3) in drinking water (SCr group) at a dose of 45 mug.kg(-1).d(-1) ( approximately 3.8 mug of elemental chromium.kg(-1).d(-1)). A control group (C) did not consume sucrose and was not supplemented. Sucrose-fed mice had an elevated serum insulin concentration compared with controls and this was significantly lower in sucrose-fed mice that received Cr(D-phe)(3), which did not differ from controls. Impaired glucose tolerance in sucrose-fed mice, evidenced by the poor glucose disposal rate following an intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test, was significantly improved in mice receiving Cr(D-phe)(3). Chromium supplementation significantly enhanced insulin-stimulated Akt phosphorylation and membrane-associated glucose transporter-4 in skeletal muscles of sucrose-fed mice. In cultured adipocytes rendered insulin resistant by chronic exposure to high concentrations of glucose and insulin, Cr(D-phe)(3) augmented Akt phosphorylation and glucose uptake. These results indicate that dietary supplementation with Cr(D-phe)(3) may have potential beneficial effects in insulin-resistant, prediabetic conditions.

Glucose and electrolyte supplementation of drinking water improve the immune responses of poults with inanition.

PubMed

El Hadri, L; Garlich, J D; Qureshi, M A; Ferket, P R; Odetallah, N H

2004-05-01

Enteric disorders predispose poultry to malnutrition. The objectives of this paper were 1) to simulate the inanition of poult enteritis mortality syndrome by restricting feed intake and 2) to develop a drinking water supplement that supports the immune functions of poults with inanition. Poults were restricted to 14 g of feed/d for 7 d beginning at 14 d of age then fed ad libitum until 36 d (recovery). The control was fed ad libitum. During the feed-restriction period, duplicate groups of 6 poults received 1 of 5 drinking water treatments: 1) restricted feed, unsupplemented water; 2) restricted feed + electrolytes (RE); 3) RE + glucose + citric acid (REGC); 4) REGC + betaine (REGCB); or 5) REGCB + zinc-methionine (REGCBZ). Immunological functions were assessed by inoculating poults with SRBC and B. abortus (BA) antigen at 15, 22, and 29 d of age. Antibody (Ab) titers were determined 7 d later for primary, secondary, and recovery responses. The primary and secondary total Ab titers to SRBC for restricted feed were 4.71 and 6.16 log3, which where lower (P < 0.05) than for controls (8.00 and 9.66 log3) and the other treatments. The recovery Ab titer for controls was 10.7, significantly higher than restricted feed (8.71) and RE (8.10) groups but not different from other treatments. The primary total Ab responses to BA were significantly lower in the restricted feed and RE groups as compared with the control and other treatments. Although feed restriction of poults to maintenance reduces the humoral immune responses, these responses can be significantly improved by drinking water containing electrolytes and especially sources of energy such as glucose and citric acid.

Modified natural clinoptilolite detoxifies small mammal's organism loaded with lead II: genetic, cell, and physiological effects.

PubMed

Topashka-Ancheva, Margarita; Beltcheva, Michaela; Metcheva, Roumiana; Rojas, J Antonio Heredia; Rodriguez-De la Fuente, Abraham O; Gerasimova, Tsvetelina; Rodríguez-Flores, Laura E; Teodorova, Svetla E

2012-06-01

The detoxification capacity of the clinoptilolite modification KLS-10-MA used as food additive in small mammals, chronically lead-exposed, was proven for the first time. The modified clinoptilolite was prepared based on natural Bulgarian clinoptilolite deposits. As a powder, it was mechanically mixed at 12.5% concentration with the conventional forage for small rodents. Lead in the form of aqueous solution of Pb(NO(3))(2) was diluted in the drinking water. In the ecotoxicological experiment covering 90 days, imprinting control region laboratory mice were used. They were allocated into four groups: group 1, (control): animals fed with conventional food for small rodents and water; group 2: animals fed with conventional food + clinosorbent KLS-10-MA and water; group 3: animals fed with conventional food and water + Pb(NO(3))(2); and group 4: animals fed with conventional food + KLS-10-MA and water + Pb(NO(3))(2). A group of non-exposed healthy animals was fed with conventional forage mixed with KLS-10-MA to prove eventual toxicity of the sorbent and influence on growth performance. The changes in the chromosome structure, mitotic index, erythrocyte form, erythropoiesis, and body weight gain were recorded. On day 90, the following relations were established: Pb-exposed and clinoptilolite-supplemented mice exhibited 2.3-fold lower chromosome aberrations frequency, 2.5-fold higher mitotic index, and 1.5-fold higher percentage normal erythrocytes 1.3-fold higher body weight compared to Pb-exposed and unsupplemented animals. The obtained data showed that the sorbent is practically non-toxic. The results of the present study encourage a further elaboration of a reliable drug based on the tested substance in the cases of chronic lead intoxication.

Effects of Hanseniaspora opuntiae C21 on the growth and digestive enzyme activity of juvenile sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Yuexin; Liu, Zhiming; Yang, Zhiping; Bao, Pengyun; Zhang, Congyao; Ding, Jianfeng

2014-07-01

The effects of a diet containing Hanseniaspora opuntiae C21 on growth and digestive enzyme activity were estimated in juvenile Apostichopus japonicus. Groups of sea cucumbers were fed diets containing H. opuntiae C21 at 0 (control), 104, 105, and 106 CFU (colony-forming units)/g feed. Results showed that after 45 d the specific growth rate (SGR) of sea cucumbers fed a C21-supplemented diet at 10 4 CFU/g feed was significantly higher than that of the control ( P < 0.05). Intestinal trypsin and lipase activities were significantly enhanced by C21 administration at 104 and 105 CFU/g feed compared with the control ( P < 0.05). After feeding for 23-42 d, C21 was demonstrated by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis to be present in the intestine of sea cucumbers. In addition, after feeding the C21-supplemented diets for 15 d, the sea cucumbers were switched to an unsupplemented diet and C21 was confirmed to be capable of colonizing the intestine for at least 31 d after cessation of feeding. In conclusion, C21 was shown to successfully colonize the intestine of juvenile A. japonicus via dietary supplementation, and improve growth and digestive enzyme activity.

Hepatoprotective effect of chrysin on prooxidant-antioxidant status during ethanol-induced toxicity in female albino rats.

PubMed

Sathiavelu, Jayanthi; Senapathy, Giftson Jebakkan; Devaraj, Rajkumar; Namasivayam, Nalini

2009-06-01

To evaluate the effect of chrysin, a natural, biologically active compound extracted from many plants, honey and propolis, on the tissue and circulatory antioxidant status, and lipid peroxidation in ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Rats were divided into four groups. Groups 1 and 2 received isocaloric glucose. Groups 3 and 4 received 20% ethanol, equivalent to 5 g/kg bodyweight every day. Groups 2 and 4 received chrysin (20 mg/kg bodyweight) dissolved in 0.5% dimethylsulfoxide. The results showed significantly elevated levels of tissue and circulatory thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, conjugated dienes and lipid hydroperoxides, and significantly lowered enzymic and non-enzymic antioxidant activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione-related enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glutathione-S-transferase, reduced glutathione, vitamin C and vitamin E in ethanol-treated rats compared with the control. Chrysin administration to rats with ethanol-induced liver injury significantly decreased the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, lipid hydroperoxides and conjugated dienes, and significantly elevated the activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glutathione-S-transferase and the levels of reduced glutathione, vitamin C and vitamin E in the tissues and circulation compared with those of the unsupplemented ethanol-treated rats. The histological changes observed in the liver and kidney correlated with the biochemical findings. Chrysin offers protection against free radical-mediated oxidative stress in rats with ethanol-induced liver injury.

Effects of maternal folic acid supplementation on airway remodeling and allergic airway disease development.

PubMed

İscan, Burcin; Tuzun, Funda; Eroglu Filibeli, Berna; Cilekar Micili, Serap; Ergur, Bekir Ugur; Duman, Nuray; Ozkan, Hasan; Kumral, Abdullah

2018-03-27

Maternal folic acid supplementation has been recommended prior to and during the first trimester of pregnancy to reduce the risk of infant neural tube defects. However, an uncertain relationship between folic acid supplementation during pregnancy and development of childhood asthma exists. Recent data show a methyl donor-rich diet could increase the risk of developing allergic airway disease through DNA methylation and aberrant gene transcription. This study evaluated the effect of folic acid supplementation during pregnancy on airway remodeling and allergic airway disease vulnerability in a mouse asthma model. BALB/c mice were divided into four groups according to gestational folic acid supplementation and postnatal ovalbumin (OVA) exposure: Group 1 (whole pregnancy folic acid supplementation + OVA-exposed group), Group 2 (first gestational week folic acid supplementation + OVA-exposed group), Group 3 (no folic acid supplementation + OVA-exposed group), and Group 4 (control group). Offspring were sacrificed on day 45 for immunohistological and ultrastructural tests. In OVA challenged groups, folic acid supplementation led to a thicker epithelial and subepithelial smooth muscle layer than in the unsupplemented group. Moreover, folic acid supplementation during whole pregnancy (Group 1) was associated with a thicker epithelial and subepithelial smooth muscle layer than folic acid supplementation during the first week of pregnancy (Group 2), suggesting a duration-response relationship. Electron microscopic imaging revealed that structural changes including the loss of epithelial integrity, thickening of basement membrane, and subepithelial fibrosis were more prominent in the folic acid supplementation groups. This study suggested that maternal folic acid supplementation during pregnancy affects airway remodeling and increases the allergic responses induced by ovalbumin challenge in offspring. In addition, the effect size increased as the duration and cumulative dose increased.

Dietary Supplementation with Medium-Chain Triglycerides Reduces Candida Gastrointestinal Colonization in Preterm Infants.

PubMed

Arsenault, Amanda B; Gunsalus, Kearney T W; Laforce-Nesbitt, Sonia S; Przystac, Lynn; DeAngelis, Erik J; Hurley, Michaela E; Vorel, Ethan S; Tucker, Richard; Matthan, Nirupa R; Lichtenstein, Alice H; Kumamoto, Carol A; Bliss, Joseph M

2018-03-24

Candida is an important cause of infections in premature infants. Gastrointestinal colonization with Candida is a common site of entry for disseminated disease. The objective of this study was to determine whether a dietary supplement of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) reduces Candida colonization in preterm infants. Preterm infants with Candida colonization (n=12) receiving enteral feedings of either infant formula (n=5) or breastmilk (n=7) were randomized to MCT supplementation (n=8) or no supplementation (n=4). Daily stool samples were collected to determine fungal burden during a 3 week study period. Infants in the MCT group received supplementation during 1 week of the study period. The primary outcome was fungal burden during the supplementation period as compared to the periods before and after supplementation. Supplementation of MCT led to a marked increase in MCT intake relative to unsupplemented breast milk or formula as measured by capric acid content. In the treatment group, there was a significant reduction in fungal burden during the supplementation period as compared to the period before supplementation (RR = 0.15, p = 0.02), with a significant increase after supplementation was stopped (RR = 61, p < 0.001). Fungal burden in the control group did not show similar changes. Dietary supplementation with MCT may be an effective method to reduce Candida colonization in preterm infants.

Maternal choline supplementation programs greater activity of the phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PEMT) pathway in adult Ts65Dn trisomic mice.

PubMed

Yan, Jian; Ginsberg, Stephen D; Powers, Brian; Alldred, Melissa J; Saltzman, Arthur; Strupp, Barbara J; Caudill, Marie A

2014-10-01

Maternal choline supplementation (MCS) induces lifelong cognitive benefits in the Ts65Dn mouse, a trisomic mouse model of Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease. To gain insight into the mechanisms underlying these beneficial effects, we conducted a study to test the hypothesis that MCS alters choline metabolism in adult Ts65Dn offspring. Deuterium-labeled methyl-d9-choline was administered to adult Ts65Dn and disomic (2N) female littermates born to choline-unsupplemented or choline-supplemented Ts65Dn dams. Enrichment of d9-choline metabolites (derived from intact choline) and d3 + d6-choline metabolites [produced when choline-derived methyl groups are used by phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PEMT)] was measured in harvested tissues. Adult offspring (both Ts65Dn and 2N) of choline-supplemented (vs. choline-unsupplemented) dams exhibited 60% greater (P≤0.007) activity of hepatic PEMT, which functions in de novo choline synthesis and produces phosphatidylcholine (PC) enriched in docosahexaenoic acid. Higher (P<0.001) enrichment of PEMT-derived d3 and d6 metabolites was detected in liver, plasma, and brain in both genotypes but to a greater extent in the Ts65Dn adult offspring. MCS also yielded higher (P<0.05) d9 metabolite enrichments in liver, plasma, and brain. These data demonstrate that MCS exerts lasting effects on offspring choline metabolism, including up-regulation of the hepatic PEMT pathway and enhanced provision of choline and PEMT-PC to the brain. © FASEB.

Carbon tetrachloride-induced liver disease in rats: the potential effect of supplement oils with vitamins E and C on the nutritional status

PubMed Central

Ismail, Rasha S. A.; El-Megeid, Ashraf A. A.; Abdel-Moemin, Aly R.

2009-01-01

The aim of the present investigation was to study the effects of olive oil (OO), corn oil (CO), and flaxseed oil (FO), with or without supplementation of vitamins E and C, on food intake, body weight gain %, liver weight to body weight %, total lipids, liver functions, and liver histology in male rats intoxicated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Forty-two rats were divided into two main groups. The first main group was fed on basal diet (BD) as a negative control group (NC). The second main group received subcutaneous injections of CCl4 in paraffin oil (50% v/v 2ml/kg) twice a week to induce chronic damage in the liver. The group was then divided into six subgroups, three of which were fed on 4% unsupplemented oils (CO, FO, and OO) as positive control for the three oils used. The rest of the groups were fed on 4% of the same oils supplemented with vitamins E and C. The results of the flaxseed oil rat group indicate that supplementing vitamin E and C led to a significant reduction in the mean values of total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and liver alanine amino transferase enzyme (ALT). Moreover, it caused an increase of the mean value of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) as compared to the negative control group (NC). The olive oil group supplemented with the same vitamins showed a significant decrease in the mean value of serum TC and significant (P<0.05) increase in the mean value of serum HDL-C as compared to NC. The results of the corn oil group supplemented with vitamins showed a significant increase in the mean value of serum HDL-C as compared to the negative control group. The histology results confirmed that the group hepatically injured with CCl4 treatment and fed on supplemented FO or OO showed apparently normal hepatocytes. Conclusion: The most effective treatment was observed with oils supplemented with vitamins E and C. Hierarchically FO achieved the best results compared to other additives, followed by OO and finally CO showing the least effective treatment among the observed groups. PMID:19675745

Carbon tetrachloride-induced liver disease in rats: the potential effect of supplement oils with vitamins E and C on the nutritional status.

PubMed

Ismail, Rasha S A; El-Megeid, Ashraf A A; Abdel-Moemin, Aly R

2009-06-30

The aim of the present investigation was to study the effects of olive oil (OO), corn oil (CO), and flaxseed oil (FO), with or without supplementation of vitamins E and C, on food intake, body weight gain %, liver weight to body weight %, total lipids, liver functions, and liver histology in male rats intoxicated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)). Forty-two rats were divided into two main groups. The first main group was fed on basal diet (BD) as a negative control group (NC). The second main group received subcutaneous injections of CCl(4) in paraffin oil (50% v/v 2 ml/kg) twice a week to induce chronic damage in the liver. The group was then divided into six subgroups, three of which were fed on 4% unsupplemented oils (CO, FO, and OO) as positive control for the three oils used. The rest of the groups were fed on 4% of the same oils supplemented with vitamins E and C. The results of the flaxseed oil rat group indicate that supplementing vitamin E and C led to a significant reduction in the mean values of total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and liver alanine amino transferase enzyme (ALT). Moreover, it caused an increase of the mean value of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) as compared to the negative control group (NC). The olive oil group supplemented with the same vitamins showed a significant decrease in the mean value of serum TC and significant (P<0.05) increase in the mean value of serum HDL-C as compared to NC. The results of the corn oil group supplemented with vitamins showed a significant increase in the mean value of serum HDL-C as compared to the negative control group. The histology results confirmed that the group hepatically injured with CCl(4) treatment and fed on supplemented FO or OO showed apparently normal hepatocytes. The most effective treatment was observed with oils supplemented with vitamins E and C. Hierarchically FO achieved the best results compared to other additives, followed by OO and finally CO showing the least effective treatment among the observed groups.

Ultrasonography to investigate the effect of supplementing whole milk with complex carbohydrates and specific amino acids on curd retention in the abomasum of dairy calves.

PubMed

Singh, K; Leath, S R; Henderson, H V; Molenaar, A J; Watson, T J; Pacheco, D; McMahon, C D

2016-09-01

To determine whether the retention time of curd in the abomasum of calves was influenced by supplementing milk with a plant-derived carbohydrate and amino acid supplement, evaluated non-invasively using ultrasonography. Female dairy calves aged between 2-6 days of age were sourced from a commercial farm in March 2013. All calves were fed whole milk until weaning (4 L per day); 21 calves were supplemented with a probiotic until 18 days of age, and thereafter with a plant-derived complex carbohydrate and amino acid supplement until weaning, and 22 calves were just fed whole milk. Treatment groups were balanced for age, weight and breed. At 9-14, 24-29 and 52-57 days of age, the abomasum of each calf was examined using ultrasonography immediately before and after feeding, 1 and 2 hours after feeding, and then at 30 minute intervals until curd was no longer visible in the abomasum. Abomasal volume and curd size were recorded to assess retention time of curd in the abomasum. At 9-14 days of age, mean retention time of curd in the abomasum was similar (4.6 hours) in both groups. At 24-29 days of age, when the supplemented calves had been receiving the supplement for approximately 10 days, mean curd retention time was longer by 1.4 (SE 0.28) hours in supplemented compared with unsupplemented calves (p<0.001). At 52-57 days of age, mean retention time was longer by 0.7 (SE 0.34) hours compared to unsupplemented calves (p=0.05). Using ultrasonography, changes in abomasal content could be followed non-invasively over time and it was demonstrated that the plant-derived complex carbohydrate supplement increased the curd retention time in the abomasum. We speculate that the increased retention time enables an increased availability of nutrients following a more complete digestion of milk, thereby improving animal performance.

Effect of Carotenoid Supplemented Formula on Carotenoid Bioaccumulation in Tissues of Infant Rhesus Macaques: A Pilot Study Focused on Lutein

PubMed Central

Jeon, Sookyoung; Neuringer, Martha; Johnson, Emily E.; Kuchan, Matthew J.; Pereira, Suzette L.; Johnson, Elizabeth J.; Erdman, John W.

2017-01-01

Lutein is the predominant carotenoid in the developing primate brain and retina, and may have important functional roles. However, its bioaccumulation pattern during early development is not understood. In this pilot study, we investigated whether carotenoid supplementation of infant formula enhanced lutein tissue deposition in infant rhesus macaques. Monkeys were initially breastfed; from 1 to 3 months of age they were fed either a formula supplemented with lutein, zeaxanthin, β-carotene and lycopene, or a control formula with low levels of these carotenoids, for 4 months (n = 2/group). All samples were analyzed by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Final serum lutein in the supplemented group was 5 times higher than in the unsupplemented group. All brain regions examined showed a selective increase in lutein deposition in the supplemented infants. Lutein differentially accumulated across brain regions, with highest amounts in occipital cortex in both groups. β-carotene accumulated, but zeaxanthin and lycopene were undetectable in any brain region. Supplemented infants had higher lutein concentrations in peripheral retina but not in macular retina. Among adipose sites, abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue exhibited the highest lutein level and was 3-fold higher in the supplemented infants. The supplemented formula enhanced carotenoid deposition in several other tissues. In rhesus infants, increased intake of carotenoids from formula enhanced their deposition in serum and numerous tissues and selectively increased lutein in multiple brain regions. PMID:28075370

Growth of Pseudomonas C on C1 Compounds: Continuous Culture

PubMed Central

Battat, E.; Goldberg, I.; Mateles, R. I.

1974-01-01

Pseudomonas C was grown in continuous culture on methanol, formaldehyde, or formate as sole carbon source. On methanol μmax = 0.49/h and yield constant (Y) = 0.54; on formaldehyde and on unsupplemented media, μmax was about 0.2/h and Y was 0.15, whereas addition of p-aminobenzoic acid, folic acid, serine, or glycine to the medium raised Y to about 0.26 to 0.29, and addition of p-aminobenzoic acid, folic acid, serine, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, and Tween 80 raised the yield to 0.35. On formate and on unsupplemented media, μmax = 0.2/h and Y = 0.02, whereas addition of 0.1 mM p-aminobenzoic acid increased μmax to about 0.47 and Y to about 0.23. At low cell concentrations or growth rates a beneficial effect of CO2 was observed. Formaldehyde or formate, when added together with methanol, were utilized simultaneously with the methanol. PMID:4375436

Vitamin D supplementation for preventing infections in children under five years of age

PubMed Central

Yakoob, Mohammad Y; Salam, Rehana A; Khan, Farhan R; Bhutta, Zulfiqar A

2016-01-01

Background Vitamin D is a micronutrient important for bone growth and immune function. Deficiency can lead to rickets and has been linked to various infections, including respiratory infections. The evidence on the effects of supplementation on infections in children has not been assessed systematically. Objectives To evaluate the role of vitamin D supplementation in preventing pneumonia, tuberculosis (TB), diarrhoea, and malaria in children under five years of age. This includes high-, middle-, and low-income countries. Search methods We searched the Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group Specialized Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP; http://www.who.int/ictrp/en/), ClinicalTrials.gov and the ISRCTN registry (http://www.isrctn.com/) up to 16 June 2016. Selection criteria We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated preventive supplementation of vitamin D (versus placebo or no intervention) in children under five years of age. Data collection and analysis Two review authors independently screened the titles and abstracts, extracted the data, and assessed the risk of bias of included trials. Main results Four trials met the inclusion criteria, with a total of 3198 children under five years of age, and were conducted in Afghanistan, Spain, and the USA. Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency varied widely in these populations (range: 73.1% in Afghanistan, 10 to 12% in USA, and 6.2% in Spain). The included trials evaluated mortality (two trials), pneumonia incidence (two trials), diarrhoea incidence (two trials), hospitalization (two trials), and mean serum vitamin D concentrations (four trials). We do not know whether vitamin D supplementation impacts on all-cause mortality because this outcome was underpowered due to few events (risk ratio (RR) 1.43, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.54 to 3.74; one trial, 3046 participants, low quality evidence). For pneumonia, episodes of 'radiologically confirmed' first or only episode of pneumonia were little different in the supplemented and unsupplemented group (Rate Ratio: 1.06, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.89 to 1.26; two trials, 3134 participants, moderate quality evidence), and similarly for children with confirmed or unconfirmed pneumonia (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.87 to 1.04; one trial, 3046 participants). In these two trials there were no obvious differences between supplemented and unsupplemented children regarding episodes of diarrhoea. In the single large trial from Afghanistan, the trial authors reported that vitamin D supplementation was associated with an increase in repeat episodes of pneumonia confirmed by chest radiograph (RR 1.69, 95% CI 1.28 to 2.21; one trial, 3046 participants), but not reflected in the outcome of confirmed or unconfirmed pneumonia (RR 1.06, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.13; one trial, 3046 participants). For hospital admission measured in one small trial, there was no difference detected (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.20 to 3.62; one trial, 88 participants; very low quality evidence). The mean serum vitamin D concentrations were higher in supplemented compared to unsupplemented children at the end of supplementation (MD 7.72 ng/mL, 95% CI 0.50 to 14.93; four trials, 266 participants, low quality evidence). These results were driven primarily by two smaller trials with large magnitudes of effect. In the other two bigger trials, serum vitamin D concentrations were elevated in the intervention group for most of the trial duration but not at the end of supplementation. This may be due to time elapsed at measurement from the last dose, incomplete compliance, or increased need of vitamin D with infant age. We did not find any trial that reported on the incidence of TB, malaria or febrile illness, duration of pneumonia, duration of diarrhoea, severity of infection, and cause-specific mortality (due to TB, diarrhoea, or malaria). Authors' conclusions Evidence from one large trial did not demonstrate benefit of vitamin D supplementation on the incidence of pneumonia or diarrhoea in children under five years. To our knowledge, trials that evaluated supplementation for preventing other infections, including TB and malaria, have not been performed. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY Vitamin D supplementation for preventing infections in children under five Background Vitamin D is a micronutrient important for bone growth and immune function. Deficiency can lead to rickets and has been linked to various infections, including respiratory infections. Several studies have reported an association between vitamin D deficiency and infections among children, and is thought to be related to the role of vitamin D in the immune system. In this systematic review, Cochrane researchers examined the role of vitamin D supplementation in prevention of infections in children under five years of age. The researchers studied the infections of pneumonia, tuberculosis (TB), diarrhoea, and malaria in this review. Study characteristics The review authors examined the available evidence up to 17 June 2016, and included four trials with a total of 3198 children under five years of age. The included trials were conducted in Afghanistan, Spain and the USA. Key findings The review did not detect an effect of vitamin D supplementation on death (low quality evidence); the occurrence of the first or only episode of pneumonia; or on children with pneumonia, irrespective of whether this had been confirmed by hospital tests (moderate quality evidence). Limited evidence showed that there was no obvious difference in the first or repeat episodes of diarrhoea between supplemented and unsupplemented children. We do not know about whether Vitamin D influences hospital admissions as there was only one small study measuring this (very low quality evidence). The mean serum vitamin D concentrations were higher in the supplemented versus unsupplemented children at the end of supplementation period (low quality evidence). One large trial from Afghanistan showed an increase in repeat episodes of confirmed pneumonia but not on confirmed and unconfirmed pneumonia. None of the included trials reported on TB or malaria as outcomes. Conclusions One large trial has not demonstrated an effect of vitamin D on death or respiratory infections in children under five years of age. We did not find trials evaluating Vitamin D supplementation to prevent other infections such as TB and malaria. PMID:27826955

Vitamin D supplementation for preventing infections in children under five years of age.

PubMed

Yakoob, Mohammad Y; Salam, Rehana A; Khan, Farhan R; Bhutta, Zulfiqar A

2016-11-09

Vitamin D is a micronutrient important for bone growth and immune function. Deficiency can lead to rickets and has been linked to various infections, including respiratory infections. The evidence on the effects of supplementation on infections in children has not been assessed systematically. To evaluate the role of vitamin D supplementation in preventing pneumonia, tuberculosis (TB), diarrhoea, and malaria in children under five years of age. This includes high-, middle-, and low-income countries. We searched the Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group Specialized Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP; http://www.who.int/ictrp/en/) , ClinicalTrials.gov and the ISRCTN registry (http://www.isrctn.com/) up to 16 June 2016. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated preventive supplementation of vitamin D (versus placebo or no intervention) in children under five years of age. Two review authors independently screened the titles and abstracts, extracted the data, and assessed the risk of bias of included trials. Four trials met the inclusion criteria, with a total of 3198 children under five years of age, and were conducted in Afghanistan, Spain, and the USA. Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency varied widely in these populations (range: 73.1% in Afghanistan, 10 to 12% in USA, and 6.2% in Spain). The included trials evaluated mortality (two trials), pneumonia incidence (two trials), diarrhoea incidence (two trials), hospitalization (two trials), and mean serum vitamin D concentrations (four trials).We do not know whether vitamin D supplementation impacts on all-cause mortality because this outcome was underpowered due to few events (risk ratio (RR) 1.43, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.54 to 3.74; one trial, 3046 participants, low quality evidence).For pneumonia, episodes of 'radiologically confirmed' first or only episode of pneumonia were little different in the supplemented and unsupplemented group (Rate Ratio: 1.06, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.89 to 1.26; two trials, 3134 participants, moderate quality evidence), and similarly for children with confirmed or unconfirmed pneumonia (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.87 to 1.04; one trial, 3046 participants). In these two trials there were no obvious differences between supplemented and unsupplemented children regarding episodes of diarrhoea.In the single large trial from Afghanistan, the trial authors reported that vitamin D supplementation was associated with an increase in repeat episodes of pneumonia confirmed by chest radiograph (RR 1.69, 95% CI 1.28 to 2.21; one trial, 3046 participants), but not reflected in the outcome of confirmed or unconfirmed pneumonia (RR 1.06, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.13; one trial, 3046 participants).For hospital admission measured in one small trial, there was no difference detected (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.20 to 3.62; one trial, 88 participants; very low quality evidence).The mean serum vitamin D concentrations were higher in supplemented compared to unsupplemented children at the end of supplementation (MD 7.72 ng/mL, 95% CI 0.50 to 14.93; four trials, 266 participants, low quality evidence). These results were driven primarily by two smaller trials with large magnitudes of effect. In the other two bigger trials, serum vitamin D concentrations were elevated in the intervention group for most of the trial duration but not at the end of supplementation. This may be due to time elapsed at measurement from the last dose, incomplete compliance, or increased need of vitamin D with infant age.We did not find any trial that reported on the incidence of TB, malaria or febrile illness, duration of pneumonia, duration of diarrhoea, severity of infection, and cause-specific mortality (due to TB, diarrhoea, or malaria). Evidence from one large trial did not demonstrate benefit of vitamin D supplementation on the incidence of pneumonia or diarrhoea in children under five years. To our knowledge, trials that evaluated supplementation for preventing other infections, including TB and malaria, have not been performed.

Maternal choline supplementation programs greater activity of the phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PEMT) pathway in adult Ts65Dn trisomic mice

PubMed Central

Yan, Jian; Ginsberg, Stephen D.; Powers, Brian; Alldred, Melissa J.; Saltzman, Arthur; Strupp, Barbara J.; Caudill, Marie A.

2014-01-01

Maternal choline supplementation (MCS) induces lifelong cognitive benefits in the Ts65Dn mouse, a trisomic mouse model of Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease. To gain insight into the mechanisms underlying these beneficial effects, we conducted a study to test the hypothesis that MCS alters choline metabolism in adult Ts65Dn offspring. Deuterium-labeled methyl-d9-choline was administered to adult Ts65Dn and disomic (2N) female littermates born to choline-unsupplemented or choline-supplemented Ts65Dn dams. Enrichment of d9-choline metabolites (derived from intact choline) and d3 + d6-choline metabolites [produced when choline-derived methyl groups are used by phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PEMT)] was measured in harvested tissues. Adult offspring (both Ts65Dn and 2N) of choline-supplemented (vs. choline-unsupplemented) dams exhibited 60% greater (P≤0.007) activity of hepatic PEMT, which functions in de novo choline synthesis and produces phosphatidylcholine (PC) enriched in docosahexaenoic acid. Higher (P<0.001) enrichment of PEMT-derived d3 and d6 metabolites was detected in liver, plasma, and brain in both genotypes but to a greater extent in the Ts65Dn adult offspring. MCS also yielded higher (P<0.05) d9 metabolite enrichments in liver, plasma, and brain. These data demonstrate that MCS exerts lasting effects on offspring choline metabolism, including up-regulation of the hepatic PEMT pathway and enhanced provision of choline and PEMT-PC to the brain.—Yan, J., Ginsberg, S. D., Powers, B., Alldred, M. J., Saltzman, A., Strupp, B. J., Caudill, M. A. Maternal choline supplementation programs greater activity of the phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PEMT) pathway in adult Ts65Dn trisomic mice. PMID:24963152

Effects of selenium dietary enhancement on hatchery-reared coho salmon, Oncorhynchus kisutch (Walbaum), when compared with wild coho: hepatic enzymes and seawater adaptation evaluated.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Felton, S.P.; Landolt, M.L.; Grace, R.; Palmisano, A.N.

1996-01-01

Hatchery-reared coho salmon, Oncorhynchus kisutch (Walbaum), were fed elevated levels of selenium (as Na2SeO3) to raise eviscerated body burdens to the level measured in wild counterparts. The goal was to find a dietary concentration that would achieve the desired effect without causing damage to growth and normal development. To measure some indices of health, the detoxifying enzymes chosen were hepatic glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD). Eviscerated body selenium (Se) concentration, GSH-Px and SOD levels were measured during and at the end of the 9 month freshwater feeding trial. Selenium retention and enzyme activity were also measured during 6 months’residence in sea water (SW). Selenium supplements were added to a commercial ration to give final concentrations of 1.1, 8.6, 11.1, 13.6 μg g-1 Se in the four respective diets. The results indicated that a dietary concentration of 8.6 μg g-1selenium was capable of inducing eviscerated body burdens similar to those found in wild fish. The elevated selenium levels persisted throughout the freshwater (FW) rearing phase, but declined when the fish were fed an unsupplemented ration upon SW entry. Superoxide dismutase levels did not increase above control levels. Glutathione peroxidase levels increased in fish fed the supplemented diets. GSH-Px activity declined in the higher supplemented dietary groups when all groups were reduced to the control group level of 1.1 μg g-1. Cumulative mortality in SW was 20% in fish fed either the 1.1 or the 8.6 μg g-1 Se diets. The 8.6 μg g-1 Se supplemented diets did produce healthy coho, comparable to their wild counterparts.

Reproductive toxicity assessment of chronic dietary exposure to soy isoflavones in male rats.

PubMed

Faqi, Ali S; Johnson, William D; Morrissey, Robert L; McCormick, David L

2004-06-01

Epidemiologic and experimental data suggest that consumption of diets that are rich in isoflavones may decrease cancer risk in the breast, prostate, and other tissues. Isoflavones such as genistein and daidzein are structurally similar to endogenous estrogens, and demonstrate both estrogenic and weak anti-estrogenic activities; these activities may underlie the impaired fertility and reproductive tract disorders reported in animals exposed to high doses of isoflavones. To identify possible effects of isoflavones on male fertility, we evaluated reproductive parameters in Wistar-Unilever rats receiving dietary exposure to PTI G-2535, a characterized mixture of soy-derived isoflavones containing 45% genistein, 23% daidzein, and 4% glycitein. Beginning at 10 weeks of age, rats received chronic dietary exposure to the soy isoflavone mixture (200 or 2000 mg/kg diet) for a minimum of 12 months. Controls received unsupplemented chow diet only for the same period. Dietary exposure to isoflavones induced no gross toxicity or alterations in body weight gain. Absolute and relative weights of the testis and epididymis in groups receiving high or low doses of isoflavones were comparable to those of controls, and histopathologic evaluations demonstrated that testicular morphology was similar in all study groups. Isoflavone exposure had no significant effects on spermatid count, sperm production, or sperm morphology in any group. These data suggest that the reproductive system of adult male rats is relatively insensitive to isoflavone toxicity at dose levels that demonstrate significant activity in cancer chemoprevention, and that male reproductive function is unlikely to be affected by long-term administration of isoflavones for cancer prevention or other purposes. The results of this study conducted in adult male rats differ from the significant alterations in reproductive parameters that have been reported in female rats receiving prenatal or juvenile exposure to isoflavones.

Dietary arginine supplementation affects microvascular development in the small intestine of early-weaned pigs.

PubMed

Zhan, Zhenfeng; Ou, Deyuan; Piao, Xiangshu; Kim, Sung Woo; Liu, Yanhong; Wang, Junjun

2008-07-01

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary arginine levels on microvascular development of the small intestine in early-weaned pigs. Twenty-four crossbred pigs (5.0 +/- 0.3 kg body weight) were individually housed and randomly allotted to 1 of 3 diets supplemented with 0, 0.7, and 1.2% L-arginine (8 pigs per group). Pigs consumed the diets ad libitum for 10 d. We collected blood samples on d 3, 6, and 10. On d 10, 6 pigs from each group were randomly selected and killed for tissue sample collection. Compared with control pigs, dietary supplementation with 0.7% L-arginine increased (P < 0.05) jejunal concentrations of nitrite and nitrate (stable oxidation products of nitric oxide), intestinal villus height, as well as plasma proline and arginine concentrations on d 6 and 10. Dietary supplementation with 0.7% L-arginine also increased (P < 0.05) immunoreactive expression of CD34 in duodenal submucosa, ileal mucosa and submucosa, and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in duodenal submucosa, jejunal mucosa and submucosa, and ileal mucosa compared with the control and 1.2% L-arginine supplementation. Dietary supplementation with 1.2% L-arginine increased (P < 0.05) the concentration of jejunal endothelin-1 compared with the control pigs. Immunoexpression of VEGF in duodenal mucosa and plasma lysine concentrations on d 6 and 10 were lower (P < 0.05) in pigs supplemented with 1.2% L-arginine than in unsupplemented pigs. Collectively, these findings indicate that the effects of L-arginine on microvascular development are beneficial at lower levels but have adverse effects at higher intakes. Dietary supplementation with 0.7% L-arginine may be a useful method to improve microvascular development in the small intestine of early-weaned pigs.

Effect of vancomycin, tylosin, and chlortetracycline on vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium colonization of broiler chickens during grow-out

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Broiler chickens may serve as reservoirs for human colonization by vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE). We examined the effects of vancomycin and two commonly-used antimicrobial feed additives on VRE colonization in broiler chickens during grow-out. Chicks received unsupplemented feed or feed ...

Resurgence of nutritional rickets associated with breast-feeding and special dietary practices.

PubMed

Edidin, D V; Levitsky, L L; Schey, W; Dumbovic, N; Campos, A

1980-02-01

Ten cases of nutritional rickets seen over a 10-month period are reviewed. The salient clinical features are summarized, and the striking association with unsupplemented breast-feeding, fad diets, and lack of immunizations is discussed. The importance of recognizing such associated practices for purposes of early diagnosis and intervention is stressed.

Enhanced production of recombinant nattokinase in Bacillus subtilis by the elimination of limiting factors.

PubMed

Chen, Po Ting; Chao, Yun-Peng

2006-10-01

By systematic investigation, glutamate and a mixture of metal ions were identified as factors limiting the production of nattokinase in Bacillus subtilis. Consequently, in medium supplemented with these materials, the recombinant strain secreted 4 times more nattokinase (260 mg l(-1)) than when grown in the unsupplemented medium.

Contrasting effects of Bifidobacterium breve NCIMB 702258 and Bifidobacterium breve DPC 6330 on the composition of murine brain fatty acids and gut microbiota.

PubMed

Wall, Rebecca; Marques, Tatiana M; O'Sullivan, Orla; Ross, R Paul; Shanahan, Fergus; Quigley, Eamonn M; Dinan, Timothy G; Kiely, Barry; Fitzgerald, Gerald F; Cotter, Paul D; Fouhy, Fiona; Stanton, Catherine

2012-05-01

We previously showed that microbial metabolism in the gut influences the composition of bioactive fatty acids in host adipose tissue. This study compared the effect of dietary supplementation for 8 wk with human-derived Bifidobacterium breve strains on fat distribution and composition and the composition of the gut microbiota in mice. C57BL/6 mice (n = 8 per group) received B. breve DPC 6330 or B. breve NCIMB 702258 (10(9) microorganisms) daily for 8 wk or no supplement (controls). Tissue fatty acid composition was assessed by gas-liquid chromatography while 16S rRNA pyrosequencing was used to investigate microbiota composition. Visceral fat mass and brain stearic acid, arachidonic acid, and DHA were higher in mice supplemented with B. breve NCIMB 702258 than in mice in the other 2 groups (P < 0.05). In addition, both B. breve DPC 6330 and B. breve NCIMB 702258 supplementation resulted in higher propionate concentrations in the cecum than did no supplementation (P < 0.05). Compositional sequencing of the gut microbiota showed a tendency for greater proportions of Clostridiaceae (25%, 12%, and 18%; P = 0.08) and lower proportions of Eubacteriaceae (3%, 12%, and 13%; P = 0.06) in mice supplemented with B. breve DPC 6330 than in mice supplemented with B. breve NCIMB 702258 and unsupplemented controls, respectively. The response of fatty acid metabolism to administration of bifidobacteria is strain-dependent, and strain-strain differences are important factors that influence modulation of the gut microbial community by ingested microorganisms.

Relationship between macular pigment and visual function in subjects with early age-related macular degeneration.

PubMed

Akuffo, Kwadwo Owusu; Nolan, John M; Peto, Tunde; Stack, Jim; Leung, Irene; Corcoran, Laura; Beatty, Stephen

2017-02-01

To investigate the relationship between macular pigment (MP) and visual function in subjects with early age-related macular degeneration (AMD). 121 subjects with early AMD enrolled as part of the Central Retinal Enrichment Supplementation Trial (CREST; ISRCTN13894787) were assessed using a range of psychophysical measures of visual function, including best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), letter contrast sensitivity (CS), mesopic and photopic CS, mesopic and photopic glare disability (GD), photostress recovery time (PRT), reading performance and subjective visual function, using the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (NEI VFQ-25). MP was measured using customised heterochromatic flicker photometry. Letter CS, mesopic and photopic CS, photopic GD and mean reading speed were each significantly (p<0.05) associated with MP across a range of retinal eccentricities, and these statistically significant relationships persisted after controlling for age, sex and cataract grade. BCVA, NEI VFQ-25 score, PRT and mesopic GD were unrelated to MP after controlling for age, sex and cataract grade (p>0.05, for all). MP relates positively to many measures of visual function in unsupplemented subjects with early AMD. The CREST trial will investigate whether enrichment of MP influences visual function among those afflicted with this condition. ISRCTN13894787. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.

Dietary zinc supplementation throughout pregnancy protects against fetal dysmorphology and improves postnatal survival after prenatal ethanol exposure in mice.

PubMed

Summers, Brooke L; Rofe, Allan M; Coyle, Peter

2009-04-01

We have previously demonstrated that ethanol teratogenicity is associated with metallothionein-induced fetal zinc (Zn) deficiency, and that maternal subcutaneous Zn treatment given with ethanol in early pregnancy prevents fetal abnormalities and spatial memory impairments in mice. Here we investigated whether dietary Zn supplementation throughout pregnancy can also prevent ethanol-related dysmorphology. Pregnant mice were injected with saline or 25% ethanol (0.015 ml/g intraperitoneally at 0 and 4 hours) on gestational day (GD) 8 and fed either a control (35 mg Zn/kg) or a Zn-supplemented diet (200 mg Zn/kg) from GD 0 to 18. Fetuses from the saline, saline + Zn, ethanol and ethanol + Zn groups were assessed for external birth abnormalities on GD 18. In a separate cohort of mice, postnatal growth and survival of offspring from these treatment groups were examined from birth until postnatal day 60. Fetuses from dams treated with ethanol alone in early pregnancy had a significantly greater incidence of physical abnormalities (26%) compared to those from the saline (10%), saline + Zn (9%), or ethanol + Zn (12%) groups. The incidence of abnormalities in ethanol + Zn-supplemented fetuses was not different from saline-treated fetuses. While ethanol exposure did not affect the number of fetal resorptions or pre- or postnatal weight, there were more stillbirths with ethanol alone, and cumulative postnatal mortality was significantly higher in offspring exposed to ethanol alone (35% deaths) compared to all other treatment groups (13.5 to 20.5% deaths). Mice supplemented with Zn throughout pregnancy had higher plasma Zn concentrations than those in un-supplemented groups. These findings demonstrate that dietary Zn supplementation throughout pregnancy ameliorates dysmorphology and postnatal mortality caused by ethanol exposure in early pregnancy.

Effect of dietary taurine supplementation on growth, feed efficiency, and nutrient composition of juvenile sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria)

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Juvenile sablefish were fed a low taurine, basal feed with seven graded levels of supplemental taurine to determine taurine requirements for growth and feed efficiency. The basal feed was plant based, formulated primarily with soy and corn proteins with a minimal (9%) amount of fishmeal. The unsuppl...

The effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus as feed supplement on skin mucosal immune parameters, intestinal microbiota, stress resistance and growth performance of black swordtail (Xiphophorus helleri).

PubMed

Hoseinifar, Seyed Hossein; Roosta, Zahra; Hajimoradloo, Abdolmajid; Vakili, Farzaneh

2015-02-01

The present study evaluates the effects of different levels of dietary Lactobacillus acidophilus as feed supplement on intestinal microbiota, skin mucus immune parameters and salinity stress resistance as well as growth performance of black swordtail (Xiphophorus helleri). One-thousand and eight hundred healthy black swordtail larvae (0.03 ± 0.001 g) were randomly distributed in 12 tanks (100 L) at a density of 150 fish per aquaria and fed different levels of dietary L. acidophilus (0, 1.5 × 10(8), 3 × 10(8) and 6 × 10(8) CFU g(-1)) for 10 weeks. At the end of trial, there were significant differences among antibacterial activity of skin mucus in probiotic fed fish and control group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the skin mucus protein level and alkaline phosphatase activity in control group were significantly lower than those of L. acidophilus fed fish (P < 0.05). Microbiological assessments revealed that feeding with probiotic supplemented diet remarkably increased total autochthonous bacteria and autochthonous lactic acid bacteria levels (P < 0.05). The results showed that dietary administration of L. acidophilus significantly elevated black swordtail resistance against salinity stress (i.e survival %) (P < 0.05). Also, dietary administration of different levels of L. acidophilus improved weight gain, SGR, FCR compared to fish fed unsupplemented diet (P < 0.05). These results demonstrate beneficial effects of dietary L. acidophilus on mucosal immune parameters, intestinal microbiota, stress resistance and growth parameters of black swordtail and the appropriate inclusion is 6 × 10(8) CFU g(-1). Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Branched-chain amino acids alter neurobehavioral function in rats

PubMed Central

Coppola, Anna; Wenner, Brett R.; Ilkayeva, Olga; Stevens, Robert D.; Maggioni, Mauro; Slotkin, Theodore A.; Levin, Edward D.

2013-01-01

Recently, we have described a strong association of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) and aromatic amino acids (AAA) with obesity and insulin resistance. In the current study, we have investigated the potential impact of BCAA on behavioral functions. We demonstrate that supplementation of either a high-sucrose or a high-fat diet with BCAA induces anxiety-like behavior in rats compared with control groups fed on unsupplemented diets. These behavioral changes are associated with a significant decrease in the concentration of tryptophan (Trp) in brain tissues and a consequent decrease in serotonin but no difference in indices of serotonin synaptic function. The anxiety-like behaviors and decreased levels of Trp in the brain of BCAA-fed rats were reversed by supplementation of Trp in the drinking water but not by administration of fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, suggesting that the behavioral changes are independent of the serotonergic pathway of Trp metabolism. Instead, BCAA supplementation lowers the brain levels of another Trp-derived metabolite, kynurenic acid, and these levels are normalized by Trp supplementation. We conclude that supplementation of high-energy diets with BCAA causes neurobehavioral impairment. Since BCAA are elevated spontaneously in human obesity, our studies suggest a potential mechanism for explaining the strong association of obesity and mood disorders. PMID:23249694

Concentrations of calcium and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (vitamin D3) in plasma of wild kākāpō (Strigops habroptilus) living on two islands in New Zealand.

PubMed

Chatterton, J; Pas, A; Alexander, S; Leech, M; Jakob-Hoff, R; Jensen, B P; Digby, A

2017-07-01

AIMS This preliminary study had the objectives of describing the concentrations of ionised calcium and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25(OH)D 3 ) in the blood of wild kākāpō (Strigops habroptilus) living on two islands in New Zealand, and to determine the effects of supplementary feeding on these blood parameters. METHODS Blood samples were obtained from 33 kākāpō living on two offshore islands during routine health checks in 2015. Birds on Hauturu were sampled in May (n=5) and birds on Whenua Hou were sampled in July (n=15) and November (n=26). Of the birds sampled on Whenua Hou in November, 15 received supplementary food prior to sampling. Samples were analysed for pH, and concentrations of ionised calcium, total calcium, phosphorous, total protein, albumin, globulin, uric acid and 25(OH)D 3 . RESULTS Concentrations of ionised calcium did not differ between unsupplemented birds on the two islands, nor between supplemented (median 1.17 (95% CI=1.12-1.20) mmol/L) and unsupplemented (median 1.09 (95% CI=1.08-1.14) mmol/L) birds sampled in November on Whenua Hou (p>0.05), and were comparable with published normal ranges for other psittacines. Concentrations of 25(OH)D 3 did not differ between unsupplemented birds on the two islands (p>0.05), but were higher in supplemented (median 8.00 (95% CI=4.76-8.45) nmol/L) than unsupplemented (median 0.00 (95% CI=-0.16-0.48) nmol/L) birds on Whenua Hou (p<0.001). All values were much lower than published ranges for healthy psittacines. There was no difference between male and female birds on Whenua Hou for any parameter measured (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE The calcium status of the kākāpō in this study was comparable to other wild psittacines, however concentrations of 25(OH)D 3 were much lower. The concentrations of 25(OH)D 3 may be within the normal range for the species, however further data are required to confirm this. The significant increase in concentrations of 25(OH)D 3 in supplementary fed birds suggests that this food was providing more of the nutrient than the wild diet at that time of year, although the effects of this are unknown. Further investigation is required into the calcium and vitamin D 3 status of kākāpō, across a wider range of locations, seasons and ages. This would help define normal ranges for these parameters, allow interpretation in clinically abnormal individuals, and guide the refinement of supplementary foods. This information would, therefore, assist the future conservation management of this critically endangered species.

Experimental support for the effects of a probiotic/digestive enzyme supplement on serum cholesterol concentrations and the intestinal microbiome.

PubMed

Ichim, Thomas E; Patel, Amit N; Shafer, Kim A

2016-06-22

Elevated levels of blood cholesterol are associated with cardiovascular disease, a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Current therapies for addressing elevated blood cholesterol can be inadequate, ineffective or associated with side effects; therefore, the search for additional therapies is ongoing. This study evaluated Daily Body Restore (DBR), a proprietary blend of 9 probiotic organisms of the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, and 10 digestive enzymes, for its effects on cholesterol metabolism using an in vitro system and a mouse model. We used a murine model of hypercholesterolemia induced by a high fat diet to evaluate the effects of DBR on blood cholesterol concentrations. Hypercholesterolemic mice were supplemented with DBR in their drinking water for 8 weeks and compared to control mice given low fat diets or unsupplemented high fat diets. To evaluate the effects of DBR on the activity of gut microbiota in vitro, the Shime(®) system consisting of sequential colon reactors was supplemented with DBR for analysis of short chain fatty acid production. Analysis of hypercholesterolemic mice after 4 and 8 weeks of DBR supplementation revealed significant decreases in blood concentrations of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and increases in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) while triglyceride concentrations were unaltered. Specifically, after 4 weeks of DBR supplementation, there was a 47 % decrease in LDL and a 32 % increase in HDL in peripheral blood compared to unsupplemented, high fat diet-fed mice. After 8 weeks of DBR treatment, LDL concentrations were dramatically reduced by 78 % and HDL was increased by 52 % relative to control mice. Addition of DBR to the Shime(®) system led to significantly increased production of propionate in colon reactors, indicative of microbial production of short chain fatty acids known to inhibit cholesterol synthesis. DBR, a probiotic and digestive enzyme supplement, lowered harmful LDL and increased HDL levels in a mouse model and also exerted in vitro effects consistent with cholesterol-lowering activity. Given the magnitude of the effects of DBR, these findings are promising for clinical implementation of DBR for treating hypercholesterolemia.

Modulation of ruminal and intestinal fermentation by medicinal plants and zinc from different sources.

PubMed

Váradyová, Zora; Mravčáková, Dominika; Holodová, Monika; Grešáková, Ľubomira; Pisarčíková, Jana; Barszcz, Marcin; Taciak, Marcin; Tuśnio, Anna; Kišidayová, Svetlana; Čobanová, Klaudia

2018-06-14

Two experiments were conducted on sheep to determine the effect of dietary supplementation with zinc and a medicinal plant mixture on haematological parameters and microbial activity in the rumen and large intestine. In Experiment 1, 24 male lambs were randomly divided into four groups: One group was fed an unsupplemented basal diet (control), and three groups were fed a diet supplemented with 70 mg Zn/kg diet in the form of Zn sulphate (ZnSO 4 ), a Zn-chelate of glycine hydrate (Zn-Gly) or a Zn-proteinate (Zn-Pro), for five months. The ruminal content was collected separately from each lamb, and batch cultures of ruminal fluid were incubated in vitro with mixture of medicinal plants (Mix) with different roughage:concentrate ratios (800:200 and 400:600, w/w). Bioactive compounds in Mix were quantified by UPLC/MS/MS. In Experiment 2, four sheep were fed a diet consisting of meadow hay and barley grain (400:600, w/w), with Zn-Gly (70 mg Zn/kg diet), Mix (10% replacement of meadow hay) or Zn-Gly and Mix (Zn-Gly-Mix) as supplements in a Latin square design. Mix decreased total gas (p < 0.001) and methane (p < 0.01) production in vitro. In Experiment 1, caecal isobutyrate and isovalerate concentrations varied among the dietary treatments (p < 0.01). The isovalerate concentration of the zinc-supplemented groups in the distal colon was higher (p < 0.001) compared with the control. In Experiment 2, the molar proportion of isobutyrate was the highest in the faeces of the sheep fed the diet with Zn-Gly-Mix (p < 0.01). The plasma zinc concentration was higher in the groups fed a diet supplemented with zinc (p < 0.001). The haematological profile and antioxidant status did not differ between the dietary groups (p > 0.05). The diets containing medicinal plants and organic zinc thus helped to modulate the characteristics of fermentation in ruminants. © 2018 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Potassium Salts Inhibit Growth of the Cyanobacteria Microcystis spp. in Pond Water and Defined Media: Implications for Control of Microcystin-Producing Aquatic Blooms.

PubMed

Parker, D L; Kumar, H D; Rai, L C; Singh, J B

1997-06-01

Ten metals were assayed in 21 Indian ponds which comprised three groups: (i) eutrophic alkaline ponds containing <2.5 mM potassium and thick growths of Microcystis aeruginosa or Microcystis flos-aquae during most of the year, (ii) equally eutrophic alkaline ponds containing >2.8 mM potassium and no detectable Microcystis growth, and (iii) oligo- or mesotrophic ponds with various potassium and hydrogen ion concentrations and no persistent Microcystis blooms. The effects of potassium on Microcystis growth were examined in filter-sterilized pond water and in defined culture media. A 50% reduction in the 10-day yield of cultured M. aeruginosa was observed in DP medium and pond water supplemented with 1 and 3 mM KCl, respectively. In contrast, the addition of 2 to 30 mM NaCl did not suppress the growth of M. aeruginosa in either DP medium or pond water. Both 5 mM KCl and 20 mM KHCO(inf3) in J medium strongly inhibited the growth of M. flos-aquae C3-9, whereas 5 to 30 mM NaCl had no effect and 20 mM NaHCO(inf3) was stimulatory. For pond water cultured with a mixture of M. aeruginosa and the duckweed Wolffia arrhiza, M. aeruginosa dominated in unsupplemented water and W. arrhiza dominated in water supplemented with 4.8 mM KCl. Implications for the ecology and control of Microcystis blooms are discussed.

Potassium Salts Inhibit Growth of the Cyanobacteria Microcystis spp. in Pond Water and Defined Media: Implications for Control of Microcystin-Producing Aquatic Blooms

PubMed Central

Parker, D. L.; Kumar, H. D.; Rai, L. C.; Singh, J. B.

1997-01-01

Ten metals were assayed in 21 Indian ponds which comprised three groups: (i) eutrophic alkaline ponds containing <2.5 mM potassium and thick growths of Microcystis aeruginosa or Microcystis flos-aquae during most of the year, (ii) equally eutrophic alkaline ponds containing >2.8 mM potassium and no detectable Microcystis growth, and (iii) oligo- or mesotrophic ponds with various potassium and hydrogen ion concentrations and no persistent Microcystis blooms. The effects of potassium on Microcystis growth were examined in filter-sterilized pond water and in defined culture media. A 50% reduction in the 10-day yield of cultured M. aeruginosa was observed in DP medium and pond water supplemented with 1 and 3 mM KCl, respectively. In contrast, the addition of 2 to 30 mM NaCl did not suppress the growth of M. aeruginosa in either DP medium or pond water. Both 5 mM KCl and 20 mM KHCO(inf3) in J medium strongly inhibited the growth of M. flos-aquae C3-9, whereas 5 to 30 mM NaCl had no effect and 20 mM NaHCO(inf3) was stimulatory. For pond water cultured with a mixture of M. aeruginosa and the duckweed Wolffia arrhiza, M. aeruginosa dominated in unsupplemented water and W. arrhiza dominated in water supplemented with 4.8 mM KCl. Implications for the ecology and control of Microcystis blooms are discussed. PMID:16535629

Baked corn (Zea mays L.) and bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) snack consumption lowered serum lipids and differentiated liver gene expression in C57BL/6 mice fed a high-fat diet by inhibiting PPARγ and SREBF2.

PubMed

Dominguez-Uscanga, Astrid; Loarca-Piña, Guadalupe; Gonzalez de Mejia, Elvira

2017-12-01

The aim was to determine the effect of consuming a baked white corn/bean snack (70/30% blend) on improving diet-induced dyslipidemia and liver differential gene expression in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). C57BL/6 mice were randomized into six groups and different doses of the snack (0.5-2.0 g/d) supplemented to a basal HFD for 12 weeks. Unsupplemented HFD and a standard diet were used as positive and negative controls, respectively. Groups receiving HFD1.0, HFD1.5 and HFD2.0 showed attenuation in body weight gain (20%). Serum cholesterol and triglycerides were reduced (P<.05), 29% and 31%, respectively. Blood glucose was also reduced (P<.05) in all groups receiving the snack. Histological analysis showed a reduction in adipocyte diameters (P<.05) suggesting an attenuation of lipid accumulation. Snack consumption induced differential expression of 529 genes in the liver; RGS16 was the highest up-regulated molecule (+15-fold change). Increased expression of this gene could have improved glucose metabolism in HFD2.0. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis downstream analysis showed a predicted inhibition of target genes of peroxisome PPARγ and key regulators of lipogenic genes in the liver. The results suggest that consumption of a white corn/bean snack (70%/30% blend) attenuates weight gain, fat mass accumulation, adipocyte size and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in HFD-fed mice by inhibiting PPARγ and SREBF2. The study proposes that this type of product might be beneficial by preventing dyslipidemia, obesity and hepatic steatosis. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Glutamine supplemented parenteral nutrition to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia in the intensive care unit.

PubMed

Aydoğmuş, Meltem Türkay; Tomak, Yakup; Tekin, Murat; Katı, Ismail; Hüseyinoğlu, Urfettin

2012-12-01

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a form of nosocomial pneumonia that increases patient morbidity and mortality, length of hospital stay, and healthcare costs. Glutamine preserves the intestinal mucosal structure, increases immune function, and reduces harmful changes in gut permeability in patients receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). We hypothesized that TPN supplemented by glutamine might prevent the development of VAP in patients on mechanical ventilator support in the intensive care unit (ICU). With the approval of the ethics committee and informed consent from relatives, 60 patients who were followed in the ICU with mechanical ventilator support were included in our study. Patients were divided into three groups. The first group received enteral nutrition (n=20), and the second was prescribed TPN (n=20) while the third group was given glutamine-supplemented TPN (n=20). C-reactive protein (CRP), sedimentation rate, body temperature, development of purulent secretions, increase in the amount of secretions, changes in the characteristics of secretions and an increase in requirement of deep tracheal aspiration were monitored for seven days by daily examination and radiographs. No statistically significant difference was found among groups in terms of development of VAP (p=0.622). Although VAP developed at a lower rate in the glutamine-supplemented TPN group, no statistically significant difference was found among any of the groups. Glutamine-supplemented TPN may have no superiority over unsupplemented enteral and TPN in preventing VAP.

Growth and tolerance of infants fed formula supplemented with polydextrose (PDX) and/or galactooligosaccharides (GOS): double-blind, randomized, controlled trial.

PubMed

Ashley, Claude; Johnston, William H; Harris, Cheryl L; Stolz, Suzanne I; Wampler, Jennifer L; Berseth, Carol Lynn

2012-06-07

To ensure the suitability of an infant formula as the sole source of nutrition or provide benefits similar to outcomes in breastfed infants, advancements in formula composition are warranted as more research detailing the nutrient composition of human milk becomes available. This study was designed to evaluate growth and tolerance in healthy infants who received one of two investigational cow's milk-based formulas with adjustments in carbohydrate, fat, and calcium content and supplemented with a prebiotic blend of polydextrose (PDX) and galactooligosaccharides (GOS) or GOS alone. In this multi-center, double-blind, parallel-designed, gender-stratified prospective study 419 infants were randomized and consumed either a marketed routine cow's milk-based infant formula (Control; Enfamil® LIPIL®, Mead Johnson Nutrition, Evansville, IN) (n = 142) or one of two investigational formulas from 14 to 120 days of age. Investigational formulas were supplemented with 4 g/L (1:1 ratio) of a prebiotic blend of PDX and GOS (PDX/GOS; n = 139) or 4 g/L of GOS alone (GOS; n = 138). Anthropometric measurements were taken at 14, 30, 60, 90, and 120 days of age. Daily recall of formula intake, tolerance, and stool characteristics was collected during study weeks 1 and 2 and 24-h recall was collected at 60, 90, and 120 days of age. Medically-confirmed adverse events were recorded throughout the study. There were no group differences in growth rate from 14 to 120 days of age. Discontinuation rates were not significantly different among study groups. No differences in formula intake or infant fussiness or gassiness were observed. During study weeks 1 and 2 and at 60 days of age stool consistency ratings were higher (i.e. softer stools) for infants in the PDX/GOS and GOS groups versus Control and remained higher at 120 days for the PDX/GOS group (all P < 0.05). The overall incidence of medically-confirmed adverse events was similar among groups. Investigational routine infant formulas supplemented with 4 g/L of either a prebiotic blend of PDX and GOS or GOS alone were well-tolerated and supported normal growth. Compared to infants who received the unsupplemented control formula, infants who received prebiotic supplementation experienced a softer stooling pattern similar to that reported in breastfed infants. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00712608.

[Isolated dietary counselling program versus supplement and dietary counselling in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection].

PubMed

de Luis, Daniel; Aller, Rocío; Bachiller, Pablo; González-Sagrado, Manuel; de Luis, Javier; Izaola, Olatz; Terroba, María Concepción; Cuéllar, Luis

2003-04-26

Nutritional intervention is a controversial area. The aim of the study was to compare the influence on nutritional status of nutritional supplementation with a standard polymeric formula as well as nutritional counselling versus isolated nutritional counselling in a group of HIV-infected patients. There were 70 patients, 66 of whom were fully evaluated for each study end point after application of prospectively determined evaluability criteria. Of these, 35 were randomized to group I (standard formula) and 35 were randomized to unsupplemented group II. Group I patients received standard enteral formula (3 cans/day, 250 ml per can). Patients were submitted to a prospective serial assessment of their nutrition status (anthropometric and biochemical status) and the nutritional intake was determined by means of 24-hours written food records. Determinations were performed at baseline and at 3 months. Treatment with oral supplements in group I resulted in a significant and sustained increase in weight (2.75%; p < 0.05) which was mostly due to fat mass (10.8%; p < 0.05). In contrast, no changes were detected in group II patients. The increase in body weight and tricipital skinfold was significant in group I. Total body water and fat free-mass remained without changes. CD4 counts and viral load remained stable in both groups. Oral nutritional supplements for a 3-months period resulted in body weight gain in HIV-infected patients, increasing the fat mass. An isolated nutritional counselling did not result in such an increase.

Thymoquinone potentiates chemoprotective effect of Vitamin D3 against colon cancer: a pre-clinical finding

PubMed Central

Mohamed, Amr M; Refaat, Bassem A; El-Shemi, Adel G; Kensara, Osama A; Ahmad, Jawwad; Idris, Shakir

2017-01-01

Prevention of colon cancer among high-risk group has been long lasting research goal. Emerging data have evidenced the anticancer activities of Vitamin D3 (Vit.D) and Thymoquinone (TQ). The aim of the current study was to evaluate the synergistic potential of Thymoquinone and Vitamin D3 in the control of colon cancer progression using azoxymethane-induced rat model. Vit.D and TQ were given individually or in combination 4 week prior to induction and continued for a total of 20 week. At the end of the study, all animals were euthanized and their resected colons were examined macroscopically and microscopically for tumor growth. Colonic tissue preparations were used for measuring gene expression and/or protein levels of selected pro and anti-tumor biomarkers using quantitative RT-PCR, ELISA and immunohistochemistry. Compared with their individual supplementation, combined Vit.D/TQ showed prominent anti-tumor effect manifested by significant reduction (P < 0.05) of the numbers of grown tumors and large aberrant crypts foci. Mechanistically, gene expression and/or protein quantification studies revealed that combined Vit.D/TQ supplementation induced significant reduction (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05) of pro-cancerous molecules (Wnt, β-catenin, NF-κB, COX-2, iNOS, VEGF and HSP-90) as well as significant increase (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively) of anti-tumorigenesis biomarkers (DKK-1, CDNK-1A, TGF-β1, TGF-β/RII and smad4) as compared to un-supplemented or individually supplemented groups, respectively. In conclusion, TQ augmented the chemopreventive effect of Vit.D during the initiation phase of colon cancer in rat model, with the potential to suppress progression of pre-neoplastic lesions in colon carcinogenesis. PMID:28337306

Patients undergoing long-term treatment with antihypertensive eye drops responded positively with respect to their ocular surface disorder to oral supplementation with antioxidants and essential fatty acids.

PubMed

Galbis-Estrada, Carmen; Pinazo-Durán, Maria D; Cantú-Dibildox, Jorge; Marco-Ramírez, Carla; Díaz-Llópis, Manuel; Benítez-del-Castillo, Javier

2013-01-01

Glaucoma and dry eye disorders (DEDs) are frequent comorbidities. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids have been extensively studied in relation to eye diseases. Our objective was to determine the effects of oral supplementation with a combined formulation of antioxidants and essential polyunsaturated fatty acids on expression of cytokines and chemokines in tears from patients with DEDs or primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Participants (n = 97) were distributed into three groups: (1) individuals with nonsevere DEDs (DEDG), (2) individuals with nonadvanced POAG (POAGG), and (3) healthy controls. These groups were randomized into two subgroups: one received a daily antioxidant and essential polyunsaturated fatty acid supplement (two pills) for 3 months (+S), and the other did not (-NS). Participants were interviewed and ophthalmologically examined. Concentrations of specific cytokines and chemokines in reflex tears were determined by multiplexed particle-based flow cytometry. The data were analyzed statistically (SPSS version 15.0). Comparison of the results from the DEDG and POAGG patients showed significant differences in tear expression of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (P = 0.008), tumor necrosis factor α (P = 0.005), vascular endothelial growth factor (P = 0.038), interleukin-4 (P = 0.030), and interleukin-6 (P = 0.044). The main signs and symptoms of dry eyes such as dryness, burning, photophobia, eye heaviness, and blurred vision, as well as positive changes in eyelashes, hair, nails and skin, were significantly improved in DEDG +S and POAGG +S patients relative to unsupplemented patients. Inflammation biomarkers were differentially expressed in glaucomatous tears, but the differences changed upon antioxidant/essential polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation. Chronic instillation of antihypertensive eye drops must be considered for integrating protocols to glaucoma standards of care.

Oral Supplementation of Parturient Mothers with Vitamin D and Its Effect on 25OHD Status of Exclusively Breastfed Infants at 6 Months of Age: A Double-Blind Randomized Placebo Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Naik, Prasanna; Faridi, M M A; Batra, Prerna; Madhu, S V

2017-12-01

Exclusively breastfed infants are at increased risk of vitamin D deficiency and many lactating mothers have been found deficient in 25OHD stores. To compare serum vitamin D levels in exclusively breastfed infants at 6 months of age with or without oral supplementation of 600,000 IU of vitamin D3 to mothers in early postpartum period. Exclusively breastfeeding term parturient mothers were randomized 24-48 hours following delivery to receive either 600,000 IU of vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) over 10 days in a dose of 60,000 IU/day or placebo. 25OHD levels were measured by Radio Immuno Assay method at recruitment and after 6 months in all mothers and their infants. Urinary calcium and creatinine ratio was measured to monitor adverse effects of vitamin D3 in both mothers and infants at 14 weeks and 6 months of age. X-ray of both wrists in anteroposterior view and serum alkaline phosphatase of infants were done in both groups at 6 months of age to look for evidence of rickets. Maternal profile was similar in intervention (A) and control (B) groups. Mothers' serum 25OHD levels at recruitment were also similar being 16.2 ± 9.3 ng/mL in group A and 14.1 ± 7.1 ng/mL in group B. After 6 months, 25OHD levels were 40.3 ± 21.6 and 22.9 ± 20.1 ng/mL in group A and group B mothers (p ≤ 0.00), respectively. The serum 25OHD levels in cord blood were 9.9 ± 5.7 and 8.9 ± 5.1 ng/mL, respectively, in infants born to mothers in intervention and control groups (p = 0.433). At 6 months of age, the serum 25OHD levels significantly (p < 0.00) raised to 29.1 ± 14.6 ng/mL in infants of group A compared to those of group B (15.7 ± 17.7 ng/mL). Four infants developed radiological rickets at 6 months of age, two infants each in intervention group and study group. As against 10 infants in the control group (16.94%), no infant in the study group had biochemical rickets. Urinary calcium and creatinine ratio in mothers and infants at 14 weeks and 6 months of age in both intervention and study group was within normal limits, indicating there was no adverse effects of oral administration of 600,000 IU of vitamin D3. Serum 25OHD levels of exclusively breastfed infants significantly rise at 6 months of age when their mothers are orally supplemented with 60,000 IU of vitamin D3 daily for 10 days in the early postpartum period in comparison to infants of vitamin D3 unsupplemented mothers.

Maternal choline supplementation improves spatial learning and adult hippocampal neurogenesis in the Ts65Dn mouse model of Down syndrome.

PubMed

Velazquez, Ramon; Ash, Jessica A; Powers, Brian E; Kelley, Christy M; Strawderman, Myla; Luscher, Zoe I; Ginsberg, Stephen D; Mufson, Elliott J; Strupp, Barbara J

2013-10-01

In addition to intellectual disability, individuals with Down syndrome (DS) exhibit dementia by the third or fourth decade of life, due to the early onset of neuropathological changes typical of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Deficient ontogenetic neurogenesis contributes to the brain hypoplasia and hypocellularity evident in fetuses and children with DS. A murine model of DS and AD (the Ts65Dn mouse) exhibits key features of these disorders, notably deficient ontogenetic neurogenesis, degeneration of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons (BFCNs), and cognitive deficits. Adult hippocampal (HP) neurogenesis is also deficient in Ts65Dn mice and may contribute to the observed cognitive dysfunction. Herein, we demonstrate that supplementing the maternal diet with additional choline (approximately 4.5 times the amount in normal rodent chow) dramatically improved the performance of the adult trisomic offspring in a radial arm water maze task. Ts65Dn offspring of choline-supplemented dams performed significantly better than unsupplemented Ts65Dn mice. Furthermore, adult hippocampal neurogenesis was partially normalized in the maternal choline supplemented (MCS) trisomic offspring relative to their unsupplemented counterparts. A significant correlation was observed between adult hippocampal neurogenesis and performance in the water maze, suggesting that the increased neurogenesis seen in the supplemented trisomic mice contributed functionally to their improved spatial cognition. These findings suggest that supplementing the maternal diet with additional choline has significant translational potential for DS. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Maternal choline supplementation improves spatial learning and adult hippocampal neurogenesis in the Ts65Dn mouse model of Down syndrome

PubMed Central

Velazquez, Ramon; Ash, Jessica A.; Powers, Brian E.; Kelley, Christy M.; Strawderman, Myla; Luscher, Zoe I.; Ginsberg, Stephen D.; Mufson, Elliott J.; Strupp, Barbara J.

2014-01-01

In addition to intellectual disability, individuals with Down syndrome (DS) exhibit dementia by the third or fourth decade of life, due to the early onset of neuropathological changes typical of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Deficient ontogenetic neurogenesis contributes to the brain hypoplasia and hypocellularity evident in fetuses and children with DS. A murine model of DS and AD (the Ts65Dn mouse) exhibits key features of these disorders, notably deficient ontogenetic neurogenesis, degeneration of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons (BFCNs), and cognitive deficits. Adult hippocampal (HP) neurogenesis is also deficient in Ts65Dn mice and may contribute to the observed cognitive dysfunction. Herein, we demonstrate that supplementing the maternal diet with additional choline (approximately 4.5 times the amount in normal rodent chow) dramatically improved the performance of the adult trisomic offspring in a radial arm water maze task. Ts65Dn offspring of choline-supplemented dams performed significantly better than unsupplemented Ts65Dn mice. Furthermore, adult hippocampal neurogenesis was partially normalized in the maternal choline supplemented (MCS) trisomic offspring relative to their unsupplemented counterparts. A significant correlation was observed between adult hippocampal neurogenesis and performance in the water maze, suggesting that the increased neurogenesis seen in the supplemented trisomic mice contributed functionally to their improved spatial cognition. These findings suggest that supplementing the maternal diet with additional choline has significant translational potential for DS. PMID:23643842

The role of vitamin E or clay in growing Japanese quail fed diets polluted by cadmium at various levels.

PubMed

Abou-Kassem, D E; Mahrose, Kh M; Alagawany, M

2016-03-01

This study was conducted to verify whether vitamin (Vit) E or natural clay as feed additives has the potential to modulate the deleterious effects resulting from exposure to cadmium (Cd) in growing Japanese quail. 648 Japanese quail chicks (1 week old) were used to evaluate the effects of dietary Cd (0, 40, 80 and 120 mg/kg diet) and two levels of Vit E (0, 250 mg/kg diet) or two levels of natural clay (0 and 100 mg/kg diet) to study the influences of Cd, Vit E, clay or their different combinations on growth performance, carcass traits, some blood biochemical components and Cd residues in muscles and liver. Live BW and weight gain of quails were linearly decreased with increasing dietary Cd levels. Moreover, feed conversion was significantly worsened with increasing Cd level. Mortality percentage was linearly increased as dietary Cd level increased up to 120 mg/kg diet. Carcass percentage was linearly decreased as dietary Cd level increased. While, giblets percentage were linearly and quadratically differed as dietary Cd level increased. Cd caused significant changes in total plasma protein, albumin, globulin, A/G ratio, creatinine, urea-N and uric acid concentrations as well as ALT, AST and ALP activities. Increasing dietary Cd level was associated with its increase in the muscles and liver. Dietary supplementation with 250 mg of Vit E/kg diet or 100 mg clay/kg improved live BW, BW gain and feed conversion when compared with the un-supplemented diet. Quails fed diet contained 250 mg Vit E/kg and those fed 100 mg clay/kg had the highest percentages of carcass and dressing than those fed the un-supplemented diet. Blood plasma biochemical components studied were better when birds received 250 mg of Vit E/kg diet and those received 100 mg clay/kg. Cd residues in the muscles and liver were significantly less in the birds had 250 mg of Vit E/kg or those received 100 mg clay/kg diet than those un-supplemented with Vit E. Growth performance traits and blood plasma biochemical components studied were significantly affected linearly by the interactions among Cd and each of Vit E and clay levels. In conclusion, the present results indicate that the deleterious effects induced by Cd plays a role in decreasing the performance of Japanese quail and that dietary supplementation with natural clay or Vit E may be useful in partly alleviating the adverse effects of Cd.

Monitoring sinew contraction during formation of tissue-engineered fibrin-based ligament constructs.

PubMed

Paxton, Jennifer Z; Wudebwe, Uchena N G; Wang, Anqi; Woods, Daniel; Grover, Liam M

2012-08-01

The ability to study the gross morphological changes occurring during tissue formation is vital to producing tissue-engineered structures of clinically relevant dimensions in vitro. Here, we have used nondestructive methods of digital imaging and optical coherence tomography to monitor the early-stage formation and subsequent maturation of fibrin-based tissue-engineered ligament constructs. In addition, the effect of supplementation with essential promoters of collagen synthesis, ascorbic acid (AA) and proline (P), has been assessed. Contraction of the cell-seeded fibrin gel occurs unevenly within the first 5 days of culture around two fixed anchor points before forming a longitudinal ligament-like construct. AA+P supplementation accelerates gel contraction in the maturation phase of development, producing ligament-like constructs with a higher collagen content and distinct morphology to that of unsupplemented constructs. These studies highlight the importance of being able to control the methods of tissue formation and maturation in vitro to enable the production of tissue-engineered constructs with suitable replacement tissue characteristics for repair of clinical soft-tissue injuries.

Effects of alfalfa meal on the intestinal microbial diversity and immunity of growing ducks.

PubMed

Jiang, J F; Song, X M; Wu, J L; Jiang, Y Q

2014-12-01

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of alfalfa meal diets on the intestinal microbial diversity and immunity of growing egg-type ducks. A total of 128 healthy 7-week-old female egg-type Shaoxing ducks were selected and randomly assigned into four dietary treatments: 0%, 3%, 6% and 9% alfalfa meal for 8 weeks. Each treatment consisted of four replicates of eight ducks each. Polymerase chain reaction denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) was used to characterize the microbiota. The results showed that the DGGE fingerprints of the V6-V8 fragments of the 16S rRNA from the caeca and faeces of ducks fed 3%, 6% and 9% alfalfa meal had significantly higher microbiota species richness than those fed 0% alfalfa meal (p < 0.05). The Shannon-Weiner index of the microbiota from the caeca and faeces of ducks fed 3%, 6% and 9% alfalfa meal was significantly higher than those fed 0% alfalfa meal (p < 0.05). Molecular analysis of the caecal and faecal DNA extracts showed that the alfalfa meal diet promotes the intestinal microbial diversity, as indicated by their higher species richness and Shannon-Weiner index. However, the groups did not significantly differ in terms of average daily gain, feed intake and gain-to-feed ratio (p > 0.05), and the 3-9% alfalfa meal did not affect the growth performance of the growing egg-type ducks. The proliferation of T and B lymphocytes was significantly greater (p < 0.05) in the groups supplemented with 3%, 6% and 9% of alfalfa meal than the unsupplemented control group, and alfalfa meal promoted the lymphocytes proliferation of the growing egg-type ducks. Dietary alfalfa meal supplementation increases intestinal microbial community diversity and improves of the immune response growing egg-type ducks. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition © 2014 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Barium selenate supplementation and its effect on intramammary infection in pasture-based dairy cows.

PubMed

Ceballos, A; Kruze, J; Barkema, H W; Dohoo, I R; Sanchez, J; Uribe, D; Wichtel, J J; Wittwer, F

2010-04-01

A significant proportion of cattle receive inadequate dietary Se because of its low content in soils and pastures of various regions of the world. Several economically important diseases in dairy cows, such as mastitis, have been associated with Se deficiency. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a single injection of a long-acting form of Se at drying off on the risk and incidence rate of new intramammary infections and on milk somatic cell count in the subsequent lactation in pasture-based dairy cows. Forty-nine Chilean Holstein-Friesian cows were fed a diet containing <0.05 mg of Se/kg of ration dry matter. During the dry period, cows were allocated to 1 of 2 groups, a supplemented (n=24) group treated with a single subcutaneous injection of barium selenate 2 mo before calving and a control group (n=25) that remained unsupplemented. Duplicate foremilk samples were aseptically collected within 6 d after calving and every 2 wk until drying-off for bacteriological culture. Milk samples were also collected monthly for somatic cell count evaluation. Blood samples were collected before treatment and at 30, 90, 180, and 270 d after treatment for analysis of blood glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity. The activity of glutathione peroxidase was higher in supplemented cows 30 d after the injection until the end of the study. The risk and incidence rate of new intramammary infections was not affected by supplementation. A progressive increase in somatic cell count was observed throughout lactation, but there was no effect of supplementation. In conclusion, a one-time injection of barium selenate 2 mo before calving in these pasture-based dairy cows did not affect udder health in the subsequent lactation, indicating that Se basal intake was adequate for preventing subclinical mastitis in pasture-based cows in southern Chile. Copyright (c) 2010 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Delignification of wheat straw by Pleurotus spp. under mushroom-growing conditions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tsang, L.J.; Reid, I.D.; Coxworth, E.C.

1987-06-01

Pleurotus sajor-caju, P. sapidus, P. cornucopiae, and P. ostreatus mushrooms were produced on unsupplemented wheat straw. The yield of mushrooms averaged 3.6% (dry-weight basis), with an average 18% straw weight loss. Lignin losses (average, 11%) were lower than cellulose (20%) and hemicellulose (50%) losses. The cellulase digestibility of the residual straw after mushroom harvest was generally lower than that of the original straw. It does not appear feasible to simultaneously produce Pleurotus mushrooms and a highly delignified residue from wheat straw. (Refs. 24).

Vitamin D status and weight loss: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized and nonrandomized controlled weight-loss trials.

PubMed

Mallard, Simonette R; Howe, Anna S; Houghton, Lisa A

2016-10-01

Obesity is associated with lower concentrations of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D; however, uncertainty exists as to the direction of causation. To date, meta-analyses of randomized controlled vitamin D-supplementation trials have shown no effect of raising circulating vitamin D on body weight, although several weight-loss-intervention trials have reported an increase in circulating vitamin D after weight reduction. We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized and nonrandomized controlled trials to determine whether weight loss compared with weight maintenance leads to an increase in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D. A systematic search for controlled weight-loss-intervention studies published up to 31 March 2016 was performed. Studies that included participants of any age with changes in adiposity and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D as primary or secondary outcomes were considered eligible. We identified 4 randomized controlled trials (n = 2554) and 11 nonrandomized controlled trials (n = 917) for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Random assignment to weight loss compared with weight maintenance resulted in a greater increase in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D with a mean difference of 3.11 nmol/L (95% CI: 1.38, 4.84 nmol/L) between groups, whereas a mean difference of 4.85 nmol/L (95% CI: 2.59, 7.12 nmol/L) was observed in nonrandomized trials. No evidence for a dose-response effect of weight loss on the change in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D was shown overall. Our results indicate that vitamin D status may be marginally improved with weight loss in comparison with weight maintenance under similar conditions of supplemental vitamin D intake. Although additional studies in unsupplemented individuals are needed to confirm these findings, our results support the view that the association between obesity and lower serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D may be due to reversed causation with increased adiposity leading to suboptimal concentrations of circulating vitamin D. This trial was registered at www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/ as CRD42015023836. © 2016 American Society for Nutrition.

Dietary Supplementation with Chromium Picolinate Influences Serum Glucose and Immune Response of Brown-Egg Laying Hens.

PubMed

Zhang, Shumin; Sun, Xiaoming; Liao, Xiudong; Lu, Lin; Zhang, Liyang; Ma, Qiugang; Luo, Xugang

2018-01-29

To investigate the effect of chromium picolinate (CrPic) on egg production performance, egg quality, blood indices, and immune function of laying hens, 270 23-week-old Beijing Red brown-egg laying hens were randomly assigned to one of three treatments with six replicates of 15 birds per replicate for each treatment in a completely randomized design. Laying hens were fed a Cr-unsupplemented corn-soybean meal basal diet (control, containing 0.45 mg Cr/kg by analysis) or the basal diet supplemented with 0.4 or 0.6 mg Cr/kg from CrPic for 10 weeks. Laying hens fed diets supplemented with CrPic had a lower (P < 0.05) serum glucose (GLU) concentration and higher (P < 0.03) serum antibody titer against Newcastle disease than those fed the control diet at 33 weeks of age. However, supplemental CrPic had no effect (P > 0.05) on egg production and egg quality of brown-egg laying hens from 24 to 33 weeks of age. The results from this study indicated that supplemental CrPic decreased serum GLU and enhanced the immune function of brown-egg laying hens.

Ionophore strategy affects growth performance and carcass characteristics in feedlot steers.

PubMed

Thompson, A J; Smith, Z K F; Corbin, M J; Harper, L B; Johnson, B J

2016-12-01

One hundred ninety-two steers (BW = 354 ± 23.5 kg) were used in a randomized block design to evaluate the effects of ionophore and ractopamine hydrochloride (RH) supplementation strategies on performance and carcass characteristics. Twelve pens of 4 steers were assigned to each of the following treatments: unsupplemented control (CON), laidlomycin propionate (12.1 mg/kg DM) with or without RH (LPRH and LP, respectively), and monensin sodium (36.4 mg/kg DM) with RH (MSRH). Steers were fed for 151 d, of which respective treatments received RH (Actogain; Zoetis, Florham Park, NJ) at a rate of 300 mg/(animal · d) for the final 32 d. Laidlomycin was removed from the LPRH treatment during this period, as no combination feeding has been approved. Upon harvest, carcass data were collected by trained personnel, and subsequent analysis of the LM was conducted to estimate tenderness using Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF). Prior to RH supplementation, both LP and LPRH had greater ADG ( ≤ 0.02) and G:F ( < 0.01) than CON, whereas MSRH was intermediate. During the final 32 d, MSRH improved G:F ( ≤ 0.02) compared to all other treatments and tended to increase ADG over unsupplemented controls ( = 0.05). Cattle receiving LP without RH had significantly greater BW at d 151 than CON ( = 0.02), whereas both RH treatments tended to improve final BW ( ≤ 0.09). Ionophores improved ADG ( ≤ 0.03) and G:F ( < 0.01) for the entire feeding period, and although LP-supplemented cattle had greater DMI for the final 32 d than both RH treatments ( ≤ 0.01), intakes for the 151-d trial were similar among treatments. Carcass weights were greater ( = 0.04) in cattle fed LP with no RH than CON, where cattle yielded an average of 12 kg more HCW. Ractopamine increased LM area in MSRH-supplemented cattle ( = 0.03) and tended to increase LM area for steers receiving LPRH ( = 0.07). Longissimus steaks of MSRH-supplemented cattle had greater WBSF values than CON ( = 0.04) after 7 d of postmortem aging and greater WBSF values than LPRH steaks after 28 d ( = 0.03). All other carcass and WBSF measurements were similar among treatments. The results of this study indicate that LP supplementation without RH may yield a performance similar to and carcass responses associated with the administration of a β-agonist. These results also suggest that performance and carcass characteristics for cattle fed LP are similar to those of cattle fed monensin throughout the feeding period.

Nisin production in realkalized fed-batch cultures in whey with feeding with lactose- or glucose-containing substrates.

PubMed

Costas Malvido, Mónica; Alonso González, Elisa; Pérez Guerra, Nelson

2016-09-01

Nisin production by Lactococcus lactis CECT 539 was followed in batch cultures in whey supplemented with different concentrations of glucose and in two realkalized fed-batch fermentations in unsupplemented whey, which were fed, respectively, with concentrated solutions of lactose and glucose. In the batch fermentations, supplementation of whey with glucose inhibited both the growth and bacteriocin production. However, fed-batch cultures were characterized with high productions of biomass (1.34 and 1.51 g l(-1)) and nisin (50.6 and 60.3 BU ml(-1)) in comparison to the batch fermentations in unsupplemented whey (0.48 g l(-1) and 22.5 BU ml(-1)) and MRS broth (1.59 g l(-1) and 50.0 BU ml(-1)). In the two realkalized fed-batch fermentations, the increase in bacteriocin production parallels both the biomass production and pH drop generated in each realkalization and feeding cycle, suggesting that nisin was synthesized as a pH-dependent primary metabolite. A shift from homolactic to heterolactic fermentation was observed at the 108 h of incubation, and other metabolites (acetic acid and butane-2,3-diol) in addition to lactic acid accumulated in the medium. On the other hand, the feeding with glucose improved the efficiencies in glucose, nitrogen, and phosphorus consumption as compared to the batch cultures. The realkalized fed-batch fermentations showed to be an effective strategy to enhance nisin production in whey by using an appropriate feeding strategy to avoid the substrate inhibition.

Maternal choline supplementation improves spatial mapping and increases basal forebrain cholinergic neuron number and size in aged Ts65Dn mice.

PubMed

Ash, Jessica A; Velazquez, Ramon; Kelley, Christy M; Powers, Brian E; Ginsberg, Stephen D; Mufson, Elliott J; Strupp, Barbara J

2014-10-01

Down syndrome (DS) is marked by intellectual disability (ID) and early-onset of Alzheimer's disease (AD) neuropathology, including basal forebrain cholinergic neuron (BFCN) degeneration. The present study tested the hypothesis that maternal choline supplementation (MCS) improves spatial mapping and protects against BFCN degeneration in the Ts65Dn mouse model of DS and AD. During pregnancy and lactation, dams were assigned to either a choline sufficient (1.1g/kg choline chloride) or choline supplemented (5.0g/kg choline chloride) diet. Between 13 and 17months of age, offspring were tested in the radial arm water maze (RAWM) to examine spatial mapping followed by unbiased quantitative morphometry of BFCNs. Spatial mapping was significantly impaired in unsupplemented Ts65Dn mice relative to normal disomic (2N) littermates. Additionally, a significantly lower number and density of medial septum (MS) hippocampal projection BFCNs was also found in unsupplemented Ts65Dn mice. Notably, MCS significantly improved spatial mapping and increased number, density, and size of MS BFCNs in Ts65Dn offspring. Moreover, the density and number of MS BFCNs correlated significantly with spatial memory proficiency, providing support for a functional relationship between these behavioral and morphometric effects of MCS for trisomic offspring. Thus, increasing maternal choline intake during pregnancy may represent a safe and effective treatment approach for expectant mothers carrying a DS fetus, as well as a possible means of BFCN neuroprotection during aging for the population at large. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Maternal choline supplementation improves spatial mapping and increases basal forebrain cholinergic neuron number and size in aged Ts65Dn mice

PubMed Central

Ash, Jessica A.; Velazquez, Ramon; Kelley, Christy M.; Powers, Brian E.; Ginsberg, Stephen D.; Mufson, Elliott J.; Strupp, Barbara J.

2014-01-01

Down syndrome (DS) is marked by intellectual disability (ID) and early-onset of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) neuropathology, including basal forebrain cholinergic neuron (BFCN) degeneration. The present study tested the hypothesis that maternal choline supplementation (MCS) lessens hippocampal dysfunction and protects against BFCN degeneration in the Ts65Dn mouse model of DS and AD. During pregnancy and lactation, dams were assigned to either a choline sufficient (1.1 g/kg choline chloride) or choline supplemented (5.0 g/kg choline chloride) diet. Between 13 and 17 months of age, offspring were tested in the radial arm water maze (RAWM) to examine spatial learning and memory followed by unbiased quantitative morphometry of BFCNs. Spatial mapping was significantly impaired in unsupplemented Ts65Dn mice relative to normal disomic (2N) littermates. Additionally, a significantly lower number and density of medial septum (MS) hippocampal projection BFCNs was also found in unsupplemented Ts65Dn mice. Notably, MCS significantly improved spatial mapping and increased number, density, and size of MS BFCNs in Ts65Dn offspring. Moreover, the density and number of MS BFCNs correlated significantly with spatial memory proficiency, providing powerful support for a functional relationship between these behavioral and morphometric effects of MCS for the trisomic offspring. Thus, increasing maternal choline intake during pregnancy may represent a safe and effective treatment approach for expectant mothers carrying a DS fetus, as well as a possible means of BFCN neuroprotection during aging for the population at large. PMID:24932939

The effect of dietary betaine on intestinal and plasma levels of betaine in uninfected and coccidia-infected broiler chicks.

PubMed

Fetterer, R H; Augustine, P C; Allen, P C; Barfield, R C

2003-07-01

Chicks fed betaine supplemented diets and infected with Eimeria acervulina and Eimeria maxima had markedly higher levels of betaine in the duodenum and mid-gut than unsupplemented, infected chicks. Uninfected chicks fed betaine exhibited almost twice the levels of betaine in the gut as infected chicks. Plasma betaine levels were lower in E. maxima-infected chicks than in E. acervulina-or Eimeria tenella-infected chicks. Betaine supplementation reversed the decrease in weight gain in E. maxima- infected chicks but had no effect on the decrease in weight gains in E acervulina- and E. tenella-infected chicks. Coccidia-infected birds on normal diets regularly exhibit increases in plasma NO(2)(+)NO(3). This increase was abolished in E.tenella-infected birds on betaine supplement. Betaine feeding did not alter this effect in E. acervulina- and E. maxima-infected birds. Results indicate that betaine supplementation has a positive effect on gut betaine levels in birds infected with E. acervulina and E. maxima. In all treatment groups, infection lowered the levels of betaine.

Interaction between vitamins C and E affects their tissue concentrations, growth, lipid oxidation, and deficiency symptoms in yellow perch (Perca flavescens).

PubMed

Lee, Kyeong-Jun; Dabrowski, Konrad

2003-05-01

We have conducted studies with juvenile yellow perch (Perca flavescens) over a period of 20 weeks to address the question of the interaction between water- and lipid-soluble antioxidant vitamins. Fish (2.25+/-0.14 g) were divided into twelve groups, and triplicate groups were fed one of four casein-based, semi-purified diets formulated to contain low or high vitamin E levels of either 5 or 160 mg/kg without or with vitamin C supplementation (250 mg/kg). Diets were designated as -C-E, -C+E, +C-E, or +C+E, respectively. The fish fed the +C+E diet showed significantly higher weight gain, feed intake, and feed efficiency than the groups fed vitamin C-deficient diets. Total ascorbate concentrations of liver were significantly higher in fish fed vitamin C-supplemented diets than in fish fed the vitamin C-deficient diet after 16 and 20 weeks. The liver alpha-tocopherol concentrations were increased by supplemental vitamin C in vitamin E-deficient dietary groups which indicates a sparing or regenerating effect of vitamin C on vitamin E. Fish fed vitamin C-deficient diets (-C-E and -C+E) exhibited severe deficiency symptoms, such as scoliosis, lens cataracts, anorexia, and haemorrhages. The cumulative mortality was significantly higher in the -C-E groups. The thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances value was significantly higher in blood plasma of fish fed a diet unsupplemented with both vitamins. The findings in the present study with yellow perch support the hypothesis that vitamin C regenerates and/or spares vitamin E in vivo.

Amelioration of ethionine toxicity in the chick.

PubMed

Lowry, K R; Baker, D H

1987-06-01

Several chick bioassays were conducted to evaluate means of ameliorating ethionine toxicity. Supplementing a corn-soy diet marginally deficient in sulfur amino acids (methionine + cystine) with .075% D,L-ethionine reduced weight gain in 8-day-old chicks by 70% compared to gains of unsupplemented controls. Dietary addition of .50% DL-methionine prevented reduction in weight gain and feed intake resulting from ethionine supplementation whereas feeding supplemental L-cystine was without effect. Supplementation of the ethionine-containing diet with either choline or betaine ameliorated the growth depression, although neither compound was able to completely overcome the toxic effects of ethionine. Dietary ethionine did not affect plasma levels of free methionine or cystine but did increase plasma free glycine 6-fold. Dietary addition of .50% DL-methionine caused normalization of plasma glycine levels whereas it elevated plasma methionine concentration. Although results suggested the possibility of ethionine-induced serine or threonine deficiency, dietary additions of .75% L-serine or .75% L-threonine failed to improve chick weight gain. These studies suggest that ethionine, in addition to affecting transsulfuration and transmethylation activity may exert specific effects on certain amino acids in tissue pools.

Dietary Prebiotics and Probiotics Influence the Growth Performance, Feed Utilisation, and Body Indices of Snakehead (Channa striata) Fingerlings

PubMed Central

Munir, Mohammad Bodrul; Hashim, Roshada; Abdul Manaf, Mohammad Suhaimee; Nor, Siti Azizah Mohd

2016-01-01

This study used a two-phase feeding trial to determine the influence of selected dietary prebiotics and probiotics on growth performance, feed utilisation, and morphological changes in snakehead (Channa striata) fingerlings as well as the duration of these effects over a post-experimental period without supplementation. Triplicate groups of fish (22.46 ±0.17 g) were raised on six different treatment diets: three prebiotics (0.2% β-glucan, 1% galacto-oligosaccharides [GOS], 0.5% mannan-oligosaccharides [MOS]), two probiotics (1% live yeast [Saccharomyces cerevisiae] and 0.01% Lactobacillus acidophilus [LBA] powder) and a control (unsupplemented) diet; there were three replicates for each treatment. All diets contained 40% crude protein and 12% crude lipid. Fish were fed to satiation three times daily. No mortalities were recorded during Phase 1; however, 14% mortality was documented in the control and prebiotic-amended fish during Phase 2. At the end of Phase 1, growth performance and feed utilisation were significantly higher (p<0.05) in the LBA-treated fish, followed by live yeast treatment, compared with all other diets tested. The performance of fish on the three prebiotic diets were not significantly different from one another but was significantly higher than the control diet. During Phase 2 (the post-feeding phase), fish growth continued until the 6th week for the probiotic-based diets but levelled off after four weeks for the fish fed the prebiotic diets. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was higher in all treatments during the post-feeding period. The hepatosomatic index (HSI) did not differ significantly among the tested diets. The visceral somatic index (VSI) and intraperitoneal fat (IPF) were highest in the LBA-based diet and the control diet, respectively. The body indices were significantly different (p<0.05) between Phases 1 and 2. This study demonstrates that probiotic-based diets have a more positive influence on the growth, feed utilisation, and survival of C. striata fingerlings compared with supplementation with prebiotics. PMID:27688855

The study of riboflavin requirement in broiler chickens.

PubMed

Olkowski, A A; Classen, H L

1998-01-01

Riboflavin status indices in tissues (brain, liver, heart) and blood plasma, and performance parameters were studied in male and female broiler chickens in response to a wide range of dietary supplementation of riboflavin in order to establish the requirement for riboflavin in fast growing modern broilers. The birds fed riboflavin supplemented diets were increasing their body weight at a higher rate than those fed the unsupplemented diet, but this was apparent only during the first stage of growth (days 1 to 21). Supplementation of 2 mg riboflavin per kg was sufficient to support the maximum growth rate. Feed consumption was not affected by different levels of dietary supplementation of riboflavin. The supplementation of riboflavin in the diet increased (p < 0.001) plasma riboflavin level, but the magnitude of response decreased with age. The main component in the tissues was FAD, followed by FMN and riboflavin. Overall, the dietary riboflavin supplementation had highly significant (p < 0.001) effects on tissue FAD, FMN, and riboflavin status, but the effect of supplementation was clearly pronounced only at days 7 and 14, and thereafter the status of FAD, FMN, and riboflavin in the tissues did not differ between unsupplemented and supplemented birds. Neither FAD, FMN, and riboflavin nor GSSG-RED activity correlate with the level of supplementation. Saturation levels of riboflavin in the blood plasma and tissues, corresponded with dietary riboflavin levels of supplementation at 1 to 2 mg per kg. Based on the performance and biochemical data, the dietary requirement of riboflavin for fast growing broilers should be set at a level of 5 mg/kg. The currently recommended allowance of 3.6 mg riboflavin per kg of ration is not sufficient for modern breeds of broiler chickens.

Maternal dietary zinc supplementation enhances the epigenetic-activated antioxidant ability of chick embryos from maternal normal and high temperatures.

PubMed

Zhu, Yongwen; Liao, Xiudong; Lu, Lin; Li, Wenxiang; Zhang, Liyang; Ji, Cheng; Lin, Xi; Liu, Hsiao-Ching; Odle, Jack; Luo, Xugang

2017-03-21

The role of maternal dietary zinc supplementation in protecting the embryos from maternal hyperthermia-induced negative effects via epigenetic mechanisms was examined using an avian model (Gallus gallus). Broiler breeder hens were exposed to two maternal temperatures (21°C and 32°C) × three maternal dietary zinc treatments (zinc-unsupplemented control diet, the control diet + 110 mg zinc/kg inorganic or organic zinc) for 8 weeks. Maternal hyperthermia increased the embryonic mortality and induced oxidative damage evidenced by the elevated mRNA expressions of heat shock protein genes. Maternal dietary zinc deficiency damaged the embryonic development associated with the global DNA hypomethylation and histone 3 lysine 9 hyperacetylation in the embryonic liver. Supplementation of zinc in maternal diets effectively eliminated the embryonic mortality induced by maternal hyperthermia and enhanced antioxidant ability with the increased mRNA and protein expressions of metallothionein IV in the embryonic liver. The increased metallothionein IV mRNA expression was due to the reduced DNA methylation and increased histone 3 lysine 9 acetylation of the metallothionein IV promoter regardless of zinc source. These data demonstrate that maternal dietary zinc addition as an epigenetic modifier could protect the offspring embryonic development against maternal heat stress via enhancing the epigenetic-activated antioxidant ability.

Effect of field pea-based creep feed on intake, digestibility, ruminal fermentation, and performance by nursing calves grazing native range in western North Dakota.

PubMed

Gelvin, A A; Lardy, G P; Soto-Navarro, S A; Landblom, D G; Caton, J S

2004-12-01

Two experiments evaluated digestive and performance effects of field pea-based creep feed in nursing calf diets. In Exp.1, eight nursing steer calves (145 +/- 27 kg initial BW) with ruminal cannulas were used to evaluate effects of supplementation and advancing season on dietary composition, intake, digestion, and ruminal fermentation characteristics. Treatments were unsupplemented control (CON) and field pea-based creep (SUP; 19.1% CP, DM basis) fed at 0.45% BW (DM basis) daily. Calves grazed native range with their dams from early July through early November. Periods were 24 d long and occurred in July (JUL), August (AUG), September (SEP), and October (OCT). Experiment 2 used 80 crossbred nursing calves, 48 calves in yr 1 and 32 calves in yr 2 (yr 1 = 144 +/- 24 kg; yr 2 = 121 +/- 20 kg initial BW), to evaluate effects of field pea-based creep on calf performance. Treatments included unsupplemented control (CON); field pea-based creep feeds containing either 8% (LS); or 16% (HS) salt; and soybean meal/field pea-based creep containing (as-fed basis) 16% salt (HIPRO). Masticate samples from SUP calves in Exp.1 had greater CP (P = 0.05) than those from CON calves. Forage CP and ADIN decreased linearly with advancing season (P = 0.01 and 0.03, respectively). In vitro OM digestibility of diet masticate decreased from JUL to OCT (P < 0.01; 58.5 to 41.3%). Forage intake did not differ (P = 0.33) between treatments but increased linearly with advancing season (1.67, 1.90, 3.12, 3.38 kg/d for JUL, AUG, SEP, and OCT, respectively; P < 0.01). Milk intake (percentage of BW) did not differ (P = 0.56) between CON and SUP calves but decreased linearly (P < 0.01) with advancing season. Supplemented calves had greater (P = 0.03) total intake (g/kg of BW; forage + milk + creep) compared with CON calves. Treatment did not affect (P < 0.30) rate of in situ disappearance of forage or creep. Forage DM, CP, and creep DM disappearance rate decreased linearly (P < or = 0.02) with advancing season. Supplementation decreased (P = 0.05) ruminal pH, whereas ruminal ammonia and VFA concentrations were greater (P < or = 0.02) in SUP calves. In Exp. 2, creep-fed calves had greater ADG and final BW than CON calves (P < 0.01). Calves offered HS tended (P = 0.07) to have increased gain efficiency above CON than LS calves. Field peas can be used as an ingredient in creep feed to increase calf weight gain without negatively affecting ruminal fermentation and digestion.

The effect of supplementation of multistrain probiotic preparation in combination with vitamins and minerals to the basal diet on the growth performance, carcass traits, and physiological response of broilers

PubMed Central

Sugiharto, Sugiharto; Isroli, Isroli; Yudiarti, Turrini; Widiastuti, Endang

2018-01-01

Aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of supplementation of multistrain probiotic preparation in combination with vitamins and minerals to the broiler chicken diets on their growth performance, hematological parameters, and carcass traits. Materials and Methods: Two hundred and eighty-eight Lohmann 1-day-old broiler chicks were randomly allocated to four groups, i.e., control (without additional supplementation) and three experimental treatments where basal diet was enriched by 0.1%, 0.5%, or 1% of multistrain probiotic preparation in combination with vitamins and minerals, respectively. Blood sampling was conducted on day 28, while the selected organs and eviscerated carcasses were collected on day 42. Results: Dietary supplementation did not affect (p>0.05) the final body weight, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio of broilers. Supplementation by 0.1% and 0.5% of multistrain probiotic preparation in combination with vitamins and minerals reduced (p≤0.05) heart relative weight of broilers. Dietary supplementation tended (p=0.07) to increase the relative weight of ileum and pancreas of broilers. Supplemented birds had lower (p≤0.05) numbers of leukocytes and eosinophils compared to unsupplemented birds. There were tendencies that supplementation of multistrain probiotics in combination with vitamins and minerals resulted in lower (p=0.07) counts of lymphocytes and heterophils when compared with no supplementation. Supplementation by 0.5% of multistrain probiotics in combination with vitamins and minerals resulted in lower (p≤0.05) serum concentration of uric acid when compared with control. There was no significant effect of dietary supplementation on carcass traits, pH, and drip loss of broiler breast muscles. Conclusion: Dietary supplementation of commercial broiler feeds with 0.5% of multistrain probiotic preparation in combination with vitamins and minerals was potential to improve digestive functions and physiological status of broiler chickens. PMID:29657411

Apparent prevention of neural tube defects by periconceptional vitamin supplementation.

PubMed Central

Smithells, R W; Sheppard, S; Schorah, C J; Seller, M J; Nevin, N C; Harris, R; Read, A P; Fielding, D W

1981-01-01

An earlier preliminary paper is expanded. Women who had given birth to one or more infants with a neural tube defect were recruited into a trial of per conceptional vitamin supplementation. Two hundred mothers attending five centres were fully supplemented (FS), 50 were partially supplemented (PS), and 300 were unsupplemented (US). Neural tube defect recurrences in the study pregnancies were 1 (0.5%), in FS, none in PS, and 13 (4%) in US mothers. The difference in outcome between FS and US mothers is significant. The most likely explanation is that supplementation has prevented some neural tube defects, but further studies are needed. PMID:7332338

Comparison of soy-protein and egg albumin on endogenously secreted zinc

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Oberleas, D.; Smith, J.C.

1986-03-05

Male albino rats (Charles River) were maintained on a basal soy-protein diet, unsupplemented with Zn and with 1.6% Ca for 4 weeks (Ca)(Phy)/(Zn) = 9.4(molar). Animals were subdivided in 2 expts. between soy-protein 0.8% Ca, 11.24 mg Zn/Kg diet (4.2(molar)) or 1.6% Ca, 11.21 mg Zn/Kg (9.4(molar)) and egg albumin 0.8% Ca, 0.46 mg Zn/Kg diet and 1.6% Ca, 0.37 mg Zn/Kg diet at which time each animal was injected with 10 ..mu..Ci /sup 65/Zn. Daily fecal collections were made for 14 days and ratios of /sup 65/Zn Soy:Egg alb. calculated. The very low concentration of Zn in the eggmore » albumin diet restricted the pancreatic secretion of Zn and the differential effect of phytate on these diets was not apparent as shown earlier with soy and casein diets. This was also reflected in the growth rates of the exptl. groups in that the egg albumin fed rats gained -4.4 and -9.0 g/wk; soy fed rats gained 28.0 and 17.3 g/wk.« less

Rumen microbial abundance and fermentation profile during severe subacute ruminal acidosis and its modulation by plant derived alkaloids in vitro.

PubMed

Mickdam, Elsayed; Khiaosa-Ard, Ratchaneewan; Metzler-Zebeli, Barbara U; Klevenhusen, Fenja; Chizzola, Remigius; Zebeli, Qendrim

2016-06-01

Rumen microbiota have important metabolic functions for the host animal. This study aimed at characterizing changes in rumen microbial abundances and fermentation profiles using a severe subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) in vitro model, and to evaluate a potential modulatory role of plant derived alkaloids (PDA), containing quaternary benzophenanthridine and protopine alkaloids, of which sanguinarine and chelerythrine were the major bioactive compounds. Induction of severe SARA strongly affected the rumen microbial composition and fermentation variables without suppressing the abundance of total bacteria. Protozoa and fungi were more sensitive to the low ruminal pH condition than bacteria. Induction of severe SARA clearly depressed degradation of fiber (P < 0.001), which came along with a decreased relative abundance of fibrolytic Ruminococcus albus and Fibrobacter succinogenes (P < 0.001). Under severe SARA conditions, the genus Prevotella, Lactobacillus group, Megasphaera elsdenii, and Entodinium spp. (P < 0.001) were more abundant, whereas Ruminobacter amylophilus was less abundant. SARA largely suppressed methane formation (-70%, P < 0.001), although total methanogenic 16S rRNA gene abundance was not affected. According to principal component analysis, Methanobrevibacter spp. correlated to methane concentration. Addition of PDA modulated ruminal fermentation under normal conditions such as enhanced (P < 0.05) concentration of total SCFA, propionate and valerate, and increased (P < 0.05) degradation of crude protein compared with the unsupplemented control diet. Our results indicate strong shifts in the microbial community during severe SARA compared to normal conditions. Supplementation of PDA positively modulates ruminal fermentation under normal ruminal pH conditions. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Maternal vitamin D₃ supplementation at 50 μg/d protects against low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D in infants at 8 wk of age: a randomized controlled trial of 3 doses of vitamin D beginning in gestation and continued in lactation.

PubMed

March, Kaitlin M; Chen, Nancy N; Karakochuk, Crystal D; Shand, Antonia W; Innis, Sheila M; von Dadelszen, Peter; Barr, Susan I; Lyon, Michael R; Whiting, Susan J; Weiler, Hope A; Green, Tim J

2015-08-01

Vitamin D supplementation is recommended for breastfed infants. Maternal supplementation beginning in gestation is a potential alternative, but its efficacy in maintaining infant 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration after birth is unknown. We determined the effect of 3 doses of maternal vitamin D supplementation beginning in gestation and continued in lactation on infant serum 25(OH)D and compared the prevalence of infant serum 25(OH)D cutoffs (>30, >40, >50, and >75 nmol/L) by dose at 8 wk of age. Pregnant women (n = 226) were randomly allocated to receive 10, 25, or 50 μg vitamin D₃/d from 13 to 24 wk of gestation until 8 wk postpartum, with no infant supplementation. Mother and infant blood was collected at 8 wk postpartum. At 8 wk postpartum, mean [nmol/L (95% CI)] infant 25(OH)D at 8 wk was higher in the 50-μg/d [75 (67, 83)] than in the 25-μg/d [52 (45, 58)] or 10-μg/d [45 (38, 52)] vitamin D groups (P < 0.05). Fewer infants born to mothers in the 50-μg/d group had a 25(OH)D concentration <30 nmol/L (indicative of deficiency) than infants in the 25- and 10-μg/d groups, respectively (2% compared with 16% and 43%; P < 0.05). Fewer than 15% of infants in the 10- or 25-μg/d groups achieved a 25(OH)D concentration >75 nmol/L compared with 44% in the 50-μg/d group (P < 0.05). Almost all infants (∼98%, n = 44) born to mothers in the 50-μg/d group achieved a 25(OH)D concentration >30 nmol/L. At 8 wk postpartum, mean maternal 25(OH)D concentration was higher in the 50-μg/d [88 (84, 91)] than in the 25-μg/d [78 (74, 81)] or 10-μg/d [69 (66, 73)] groups (P < 0.05). Maternal supplementation beginning in gestation with 50 μg vitamin D₃/d protects 98% of unsupplemented breastfed infants against 25(OH)D deficiency (<30 nmol/L) to at least 8 wk, whereas 10 or 25 μg vitamin D/d protects only 57% and 84% of infants, respectively. © 2015 American Society for Nutrition.

Effects of Supplemental Chromium Source and Concentration on Growth Performance, Carcass Traits, and Meat Quality of Broilers Under Heat Stress Conditions.

PubMed

Huang, Yanling; Yang, Jian; Xiao, Fang; Lloyd, Karen; Lin, Xi

2016-03-01

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary supplemental chromium (Cr) on growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality of broilers reared under heat stress. A total of 252 1-d-old Cobb 500 commercial female broilers were randomly allotted by body weight (BW) to one of six replicate cages (six broilers per cage) for each of seven treatments in a completely randomized design involving a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments with three Cr sources (Cr propionate, CrPro; Cr picolinate, CrPic; Cr chloride, CrCl3) and two concentrations of added Cr (0.4, or 2.0 mg of Cr/kg) plus a Cr-unsupplemented control group. Feed and distilled-deionized water were available ad libitum for an experimental phase of 42 days. For induction of heat stress, the house temperature was set at 33 ± 2 °C from 15 to 42 days of age. Results showed that birds supplemented with Cr, regardless of Cr source, had increased ADG (P = 0.032) than controls. Birds fed 2.0 mg Cr/kg diet had greater ADG (P = 0.005) than birds fed 0.4 mg Cr/kg diet. Compared to controls, birds fed with Cr had greater dressing percentage (P = 0.021). Percentage of abdominal fat decreased (P = 0.013), whereas, breast intramuscular fat (IMF) remained unaffected (P = 0.147) in Cr supplemented vs control broilers. Broilers supplemented Cr had decreased b* values of meat color (P = 0.042) in breast muscle. B*values were also lesser (P = 0.049) in birds fed CrPro than birds supplemented with CrCl3 or CrPic. Regardless of Cr source, the percentage of cooking loss was decreased (P = 0.025) with Cr supplementation in breast muscle when compared to controls. Results from this study indicate that Cr supplementation, independent of its source, could promote growth and improve carcass traits and meat quality of broilers under heat stress conditions. Chromium propionate seems to have greater beneficial effects on meat color in comparison with CrPic and CrCl3.

Vitamin B12 supplementation improves heart rate variability in healthy elderly Indian subjects.

PubMed

Sucharita, S; Thomas, T; Antony, B; Vaz, M

2012-05-21

While vitamin B(12) deficiency is global, data in elderly Indians are lacking. The problem in India is likely to be higher because of vegetarianism and malabsorption related to gastro-intestinal parasites. Autonomic dysfunction is known to occur much earlier in pernicious anemia. However, what is not known is whether these changes are reflected in healthy elderly individuals. This study assessed cardiac sympathetic and parasympathetic activity using heart rate variability (HRV) in healthy elderly individuals of low and high vitamin B(12) status and evaluated the effect of vitamin B(12) supplementation in those with low vitamin B(12) status. 140 elderly subjects aged ≥60 years were screened; 47 healthy subjects were assessed. They underwent blood sampling, anthropometry, HRV and nerve conduction assessment. Subjects were classified based on vitamin B(12) level (148 pmol/L) into deplete vitamin B(12) and replete vitamin B(12) groups. Elderly subjects with low vitamin B(12) status underwent cyanocobalamin supplementation (100 μg) for 3 months. Low frequency (LF) HRV in absolute units was significantly lower in the low vitamin B(12) group. Following supplementation, LF HRV in absolute units and total power rose significantly as compared to pre-supplementation values for the entire supplemented group. In conclusion, elderly with lower vitamin B(12) status have reduced low frequency HRV suggestive of sympathetic involvement. Supplementation with vitamin B(12) for 3 months results in a significant increase in low frequency HRV to values comparable with unsupplemented, but vitamin B(12) replete elderly. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Organic acids and ethanol inhibit the oxidation of methane by mire methanotrophs.

PubMed

Wieczorek, Adam S; Drake, Harold L; Kolb, Steffen

2011-07-01

Aerobic methane (CH(4) ) oxidation reduces the emission of CH(4) from mires and is regulated by various environmental factors. Organic acids and alcohols are intermediates of the anaerobic degradation of organic matter or are released by plant roots. Methanotrophs isolated from mires utilize these compounds preferentially to CH(4) . Thus, the effect of organic acids and ethanol on CH(4) oxidation by methanotrophs of a mire was evaluated. Slurries of mire soil oxidized supplemental CH(4) down to subatmospheric concentrations. The dominant pmoA and mmoX genotypes were affiliated with sequences from Methylocystis species capable of utilization of acetate and atmospheric CH(4) . Soil slurries supplemented with acetate, propionate or ethanol had reduced CH(4) oxidation rates compared with unsupplemented or glucose-supplemented controls. Expression of Methylocystis-affiliated pmoA decreased when CH(4) consumption decreased in response to acetate and was enhanced after acetate was consumed, at which time the consumption of CH(4) reached control levels. The inhibition of methanotroph activity might have been due to either toxicity of organic compounds or their preferred utilization. CH(4) oxidation was reduced at 5 and 0.5 mM of supplemental organic compounds. Acetate concentrations may exceed 3 mM in the investigated mire. Thus, the oxidation of CH(4) might decrease in microzones where organic acids occur. © 2011 Federation of European Microbiological Societies. Published by Blackwell Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comparison of the effect of raw and blanched-frozen broccoli on DNA damage in colonocytes.

PubMed

Lynn, Anthony; Fuller, Zoë; Collins, Andrew R; Ratcliffe, Brian

2015-07-01

Consumption of cruciferous vegetables may protect against colorectal cancer. Cruciferous vegetables are rich in a number of bioactive constituents including polyphenols, vitamins and glucosinolates. Before consumption, cruciferous vegetables often undergo some form of processing that reduces their content of bioactive constituents and may determine whether they exert protective effects. The aim of this study was to compare the ability of raw and blanched-frozen broccoli to protect colonocytes against DNA damage, improve antioxidant status and induce xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes (XME). Fifteen Landrace × Large White male pigs were divided into five age-matched and weight-matched sets (79 days, SD 3, and 34·7 kg, SD 3·9, respectively). Each set consisted of siblings to minimize genetic variation. Within each set, pigs received a cereal-based diet, unsupplemented (control) or supplemented with 600 g day(-1) of raw or blanched-frozen broccoli for 12 days. The consumption of raw broccoli caused a significant 27% increase in DNA damage in colonocytes (p = 0·03) relative to the control diet, whereas blanched-frozen broccoli had no significant effect. Both broccoli diets had no significant effect on plasma antioxidant status or hepatic and colonic XME. This study is the first to report that the consumption of raw broccoli can damage DNA in porcine colonocytes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Effects of a herbal medicine, Hippophae rhamnoides, on cardiovascular functions and coronary microvessels in the spontaneously hypertensive stroke-prone rat.

PubMed

Koyama, Tomiyasu; Taka, Akira; Togashi, Hiroko

2009-01-01

The dry fruits of Hippophae rhamnoides (so-called "Saji" or "Sea buckthorn") are used in China as a herbal medicine. The present work studied the effects on microvessels in the left ventricular wall, hematological parameters, cardiovascular performance and plasma constituents in spontaneously hypertensive stroke-prone rats (SHRSP/EZO) treated with Hippophae for 60 days. Analyses showed that the powder made of dry Hippophae fruits contains the vitamins C, B1, B2 and E, provitamin A, rutin, serotonin, cytosterol, selenium and zinc, among other constituents. The experimental rats were fed ad libitum with blocks of rat chow supplemented with Hippophae powder at a concentration of 0.7 g/kg in rat powder chow, while control rats were unsupplemented chow. The mean arterial blood pressure, heart rate, total plasma cholesterol, triglycerides, and glycated hemoglobin were significantly decreased by the Hippophae treatment. The arteriolar capillary portions of microvessels expressing alkaline phosphatase decreased, but there was a trend for an increase in the total capillary density. It was concluded that Hippophae fruits improved the metabolic processes accompanied by reduction of hypertensive stress on the ventricular microvessels.

Protein quality and oil digestibility of Lupinus mutabilis: metabolic studies in children.

PubMed

Lopez de Romaãna, G; Graham, G G; Morales, E; Massa, E; MacLean, W C

1983-04-01

The nutritional quality of lupins (Lupinus mutabilis) for infants and children was evaluated in two sets of balance studies. In the first the digestibility and protein quality of diets based on lupin flour, with and without methionine supplementation, were compared with those of a control diet consisting of casein, sucrose and vegetable oil. Apparent nitrogen absorption from lupin flour (81.8 and 84.3% of intake) was slightly but significantly less than that during casein control periods (87.2 and 86.8% of intake, P less than 0.05 and less than 0.001). Apparent nitrogen retention from unsupplemented lupin (15.6 +/- 5.8% of intake) was significantly less than that from casein in the corresponding control periods (29.8 +/- 4.9%, P less than 0.001); a small but significant (P less than 0.05) increase in nitrogen retention was observed during the control period following the lupin diet when compared with that preceding it. Methionine supplementation of lupin produced a marked improvement in apparent nitrogen retention (to 22.2 +/- 6.9%, P less than 0.05). In the second set of studies the digestibility of lupin oil was compared with that of a blend of soybean and cottonseed oils (50:50). Excretion of fecal fat (9.8 +/- 3.0% of intake) and fecal energy (6.7 +/- 1.2% of intake) with the diet containing lupin oil were similar to those observed with the control diet. Both the protein quality and oil digestibility of Lupinus mutabilis are very similar to those from soybeans processed in a similar manner. For certain countries the lupin could be a valuable source of protein and edible oil for human consumption.

High-dose biotin therapy leading to false biochemical endocrine profiles: validation of a simple method to overcome biotin interference.

PubMed

Piketty, Marie-Liesse; Prie, Dominique; Sedel, Frederic; Bernard, Delphine; Hercend, Claude; Chanson, Philippe; Souberbielle, Jean-Claude

2017-05-01

High-dose biotin therapy is beneficial in progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) and is expected to be adopted by a large number of patients. Biotin therapy leads to analytical interference in many immunoassays that utilize streptavidin-biotin capture techniques, yielding skewed results that can mimic various endocrine disorders. We aimed at exploring this interference, to be able to remove biotin and avoid misleading results. We measured free triiodothyronine (fT3), free thyroxine (fT4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), parathyroid homrone (PTH), 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin, C-peptide, cortisol (Roche Diagnostics assays), biotin and its main metabolites (liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry) in 23 plasmas from MS patients and healthy volunteers receiving high-dose biotin, and in 39 biotin-unsupplemented patients, before and after a simple procedure (designated N5) designed to remove biotin by means of streptavidin-coated microparticles. We also assayed fT4, TSH and PTH in the 23 high-biotin plasmas using assays not employing streptavidin-biotin binding. The biotin concentration ranged from 31.7 to 1160 µg/L in the 23 high-biotin plasmas samples. After the N5 protocol, the biotin concentration was below the detection limit in all but two samples (8.3 and 27.6 μg/L). Most hormones results were abnormal, but normalized after N5. All results with the alternative methods were normal except two slight PTH elevations. In the 39 biotin-unsupplemented patients, the N5 protocol did not affect the results for any of the hormones, apart from an 8.4% decrease in PTH. We confirm that most streptavidin-biotin hormone immunoassays are affected by high biotin concentrations, leading to a risk of misdiagnosis. Our simple neutralization method efficiently suppresses biotin interference.

Roles of Diet and the Acid Tolerance Response in Survival of Common Salmonella Serotypes in Feces of Finishing Pigs

PubMed Central

Rajtak, Ursula; Boland, Fiona; Bolton, Declan; Fanning, Séamus

2012-01-01

The persistence of Salmonella in the environment is an important factor influencing the transmission of infection in pig production. This study evaluated the effects of acid tolerance response (ATR), organic acid supplementation, and physical properties of feed on the survival of a five-strain Salmonella mixture in porcine feces held at 4 and 22°C for 88 days. Acid-adapted or non-acid-adapted nalidixic acid-resistant Salmonella strains were used to inoculate feces of pigs fed four different diets, which consisted of a nonpelleted, finely ground meal feed or a finely ground, pelleted feed that was left unsupplemented or was supplemented with K-diformate. Organic acid supplementation and physical properties of feed markedly influenced Salmonella survival, but the effects were highly dependent on storage temperature; survival was unaffected by ATR. The most pronounced effects were observed at 22°C, a temperature similar to that of finishing pig houses. The supplementation of meal diets with K-diformate significantly reduced the duration of survival (P < 0.1) and increased rates of decline (P < 0.0001) of salmonellae in feces compared to survival in feces of pigs fed unsupplemented meal. The pelleting of feed, compared to feeding meal, significantly reduced (P < 0.1) the duration of survival in feces held at 22°C. Only minor effects of feed form and acid supplementation on survivor numbers were observed at 4°C. Differences in the fecal survival of Salmonella could not be related to diet-induced changes in fecal physiochemical parameters. The predominant survival of S. enterica serovar Typhimurium DT193 and serotype 4,[5],12:i:- in porcine feces demonstrates the superior ability of these serotypes to survive in this environment. Fecal survival and transmission of Salmonella in pig herds may be reduced by dietary approaches, but effects are highly dependent on environmental temperature. PMID:22038599

Supplementation of Mice with Specific Nondigestible Oligosaccharides during Pregnancy or Lactation Leads to Diminished Sensitization and Allergy in the Female Offspring.

PubMed

Hogenkamp, Astrid; Knippels, Leon M J; Garssen, Johan; van Esch, Betty C A M

2015-05-01

The maternal environment and early life exposure affect immune development in offspring. We investigated whether development of food allergy in offspring is affected by supplementing pregnant or lactating sensitized or nonsensitized mice with a mixture of nondigestible oligosaccharides. Dams were sensitized intragastrically with ovalbumin before mating, with use of cholera toxin (CT) as an adjuvant. Nonsensitized dams received CT only. Dams were fed a control diet or a diet supplemented with short-chain galacto oligosaccharides (scGOSs), long-chain fructo oligosaccharides (lcFOSs), and pectin-derived acidic oligosaccharides (pAOSs) in a ratio of 9:1:2 at a dose of 2% during pregnancy or lactation, resulting in 7 experimental groups. After weaning, offspring were fed a control diet and ovalbumin-CT sensitized. Acute allergic skin responses (ASRs), shock symptoms, body temperature, and specific plasma immunoglobulins were measured upon intradermal ovalbumin challenge. Th2/Th1- and regulatory T cells were analyzed with use of quantitative polymerase chain reaction and flow cytometric analysis in spleen, mesenteric lymph nodes, and blood. Supplementing sensitized pregnant or lactating dams with scGOS/lcFOS/pAOS resulted in lower ASRs in the offspring [offspring of sensitized female mice fed experimental diet during pregnancy (S-Preg): 48 ± 2.1 μm; offspring of sensitized female mice fed experimental diet during lactation (S-Lact): 60 ± 6.2 μm] compared with the sensitized control group (119 ± 13.9 μm). In the S-Lact group, this coincided with an absence of shock symptoms compared with the offspring of sensitized female mice fed control food during pregnancy and lactation (S-Con) and S-Preg groups, and lower ovalbumin-IgG1 [S-Con: 3.8 ± 0.1 arbitrary units (AUs); S-Preg: 3.3 ± 0.1 AUs; S-Lact: 2.4 ± 0.1 AUs] and higher ovalbumin-IgG2a concentrations (S-Con: 1.1 ± 0.1 AUs; S-Preg: 0.8 ± 0.1 AUs; S-Lact: 2.0 ± 0.1 AUs). Supplementing nonsensitized pregnant or lactating dams with scGOS/lcFOS/pAOS resulted in lower plasma ovalbumin-IgE [offspring of nonsensitized female mice fed experimental diet during pregnancy (NS-Preg): 1.6 ± 0.4 AUs; offspring of nonsensitized female mice fed experimental diet during lactation (NS-Lact): 0.3 ± 0.1 AUs vs. offspring of nonsensitized female mice fed control food during pregnancy and lactation (NS-Con): 3.1 ± 0.6 AUs] and ovalbumin-IgG1 (NS-Lact: 2.3 ± 0.3 AUs vs. NS-Con: 3.4 ± 0.3 AUs) concentrations in offspring. Ovalbumin-IgG2a plasma concentrations were higher in offspring of scGOS/lcFOS/pAOS-supplemented dams (NS-Preg: 1.1 ± 0.1 AUs; NS-Lact: 1.1 ± 0.1 AUs) than in those of unsupplemented, nonsensitized controls (0.4 ± 0.0 AUs). These data show impaired sensitization in offspring of scGOS/lcFOS/pAOS-supplemented mice. A number of the analyzed variables are differentially affected by whether supplementation occurs during pregnancy or lactation, and the outcome of dietary supplementation is affected by whether the mother has been sensitized to ovalbumin and CT. © 2015 American Society for Nutrition.

Vitamin B12 status and the effects of vitamin B12 supplementation during the first year of life of spring calves from pasture-fed dairy herds.

PubMed

Grace, N D; Knowles, S O; Nortjé, R

2014-09-01

To determine the vitamin B12 status of dairy calves during their first year of life, and to evaluate the benefits of vitamin B12 supplementation. In Experiment I, 20 17-day-old heifer calves from the AgResearch Flock House herd were monitored until 198 days old. On Days 0 and 90 of the study, half of the animals received an injection of microencapsulated vitamin B12 at 0.12 mg/kg bodyweight. All received colostrum, milk replacer and calf meal, with ad libitum access to pasture. At regular intervals the calves were weighed and serum collected for vitamin B12 measurement. In Experiment II at Flock House and the adjacent Landcorp Tangimoana station, 80 150-day-old heifer calves were monitored until 342 days old. On Days 0 and 97, half of the animals received vitamin B12 as per Experiment I. At regular intervals samples were collected from 12 calves per group, to determine concentrations of vitamin B12 in serum. Mean concentration of vitamin B12 in milk replacer was 63 (SE 4) µg/kg dry matter (DM). Cobalt concentrations in calf meal were 0.45-1.58 and 0.07-0.28 mg/kg DM in pastures. From 17 to 198 days of age (Experiment I) mean concentrations of vitamin B12 in serum of the control group decreased from 119 (SE 8) to 57 (SE 5) pmol/L. From 150 to 342 days of age (Experiment II), overall mean concentrations of the control groups at Flock House and Tangimoana were 90 (SE 2) and 96 (SE 3) pmol/L, respectively. Vitamin B12 injections increased (p<0.001) serum concentrations for at least 90 days, with peak concentrations of 323 (SE 23) (Experiment I) and 520 (SE 22) (Experiment II) pmol/L reached 28-35 days after each injection. Liveweight gain was not increased by supplementation and there was no difference in final liveweight between groups. Concentrations of vitamin B12 in serum of unsupplemented calves prior to weaning indicated their vitamin B12 status was adequate due to the vitamin B12 and Co content of the milk replacer, and calf meal. Concentrations decreased during the transition to a pasture-based diet. Supplementation increased concentrations of vitamin B12 in serum but did not improve liveweight gains. Under this calf rearing system, vitamin B12 deficiency is unlikely to occur prior to weaning, and vitamin B12 supplementation is unlikely to increase growth rates of grazing calves when concentrations of vitamin B12 in serum are > 90 pmol/L.

Creep feeding nursing beef calves.

PubMed

Lardy, Gregory P; Maddock, Travis D

2007-03-01

Creep feeding can be used to increase calf weaning weights. However, the gain efficiency of free-choice, energy-based creep feeds is relatively poor. Generally, limit-feeding, high-protein creep feeds are more efficient, and gains may be similar to those produced by creep feeds offered free choice. Creep feeding can increase total organic matter intake and improve the overall energy status of the animal. Creep-fed calves tend to acclimate to the feedlot more smoothly than unsupplemented calves. Furthermore, provision of a high-starch creep feed may have a positive influence on subsequent carcass quality traits. Creep feeding can be applied to numerous environmental situations to maximize calf performance; however, beef cattle producers should consider their individual situations carefully before making the decision to creep feed.

Vegetarian diets and children.

PubMed

Sanders, T A; Reddy, S

1994-05-01

The diets and growth of children reared on vegetarian diets are reviewed. Excessive bulk combined with low energy density can be a problem for children aged < or = 5 y and can lead to imparied growth. Diets that have a high content of phytate and other modifiers of mineral absorption are associated with an increased prevalence of rickets and iron-deficiency anemia. Vitamin B-12 deficiency is a real hazard in unsupplemented or unfortified vegan and vegetarian diets. It is suggested that vegans and vegetarians should use oils with a low ratio of linoleic to linolenic acid in view of the recently recognized role of docosahexaenoic acid in visual functioning. If known pitfalls are avoided, the growth and development of children reared on both vegan and vegetarian diets appears normal.

A multi-mineral natural product inhibits liver tumor formation in C57BL/6 mice

PubMed Central

Aslam, Muhammad N.; Bergin, Ingrid; Naik, Madhav; Hampton, Anna; Allen, Ron; Kunkel, Steven L.; Rush, Howard; Varani, James

2012-01-01

C57BL/6 mice were maintained for up to 18-months on high-fat and low-fat diets with or without a multi-mineral-supplement derived from the skeletal remains of the red marine algae Lithothamnion calcareum. Numerous grossly observable liver masses were visible in animals on the “western-style” high-fat diet sacrificed at 12 and 18 months. The majority of the masses were in male mice (20 out of 100 males versus 3 out of 100 females; p=0.0002). There were more liver masses in animals on the high-fat diet than on the low-fat diet (15 out of 50 on high-fat versus 5 out of 50 on low-fat; p=0.0254). The multi-mineral supplement reduced the number of liver masses in mice on both diets (3 out of 25 male mice in the low-fat diet group without the supplement versus 1 out of 25 mice with supplement; 12 of 25 male mice in the high-fat diet group without the supplement versus 3 of 25 mice with supplement [p=0.0129]). Histological evaluation revealed a total of 17 neoplastic lesions (9 adenomas and 8 hepatocellular carcinomas), and 18 pre-neoplastic lesions. Out of 8 hepatocellular carcinomas, 7 were found in unsupplemented diet groups. Steatosis was widely observed in livers with and without grossly observable masses, but the multi-mineral supplement had no effect on the incidence of steatosis or its severity. Taken together, these findings suggest that a multi-mineral-rich natural product can protect mice against neoplastic and pre-neoplastic proliferative liver lesions that may develop in the face of steatosis. PMID:22222483

Oral fish oil positively influences nutritional-inflammatory risk in patients with haematological malignancies during chemotherapy with an impact on long-term survival: a randomised clinical trial.

PubMed

Chagas, T R; Borges, D S; de Oliveira, P F; Mocellin, M C; Barbosa, A M; Camargo, C Q; Del Moral, J Â G; Poli, A; Calder, P C; Trindade, E B S M; Nunes, E A

2017-12-01

Studies suggest that the ingestion of fish oil (FO), a source of the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), can reduce the deleterious side-effects of chemotherapy. The aim of this randomised clinical trial was to evaluate the effect of supplementation with oral FO for 9 weeks on nutritional parameters and inflammatory nutritional risk in patients with haematological malignancies during the beginning of chemotherapy. Twenty-two patients with leukaemia or lymphoma were randomised to the unsupplemented group (UG) (n = 13) or supplemented group (SG) (n = 9). SG received 2 g/day of fish oil for 9 weeks. Nutritional status, serum acute-phase proteins and plasma fatty acids were evaluated before (T0) and after (T1) the intervention period. Data were analysed using two models; model 1, comprising data from all patients included in the study, and model 2, comprising data from UG patients with no increase in the proportions of EPA and DHA in plasma and data from SG patients showing an at least 100% increase in plasma EPA and DHA. SG showed an increased plasma proportion of EPA and DHA in both models. In model 2, C-reactive protein (CRP) and CRP/albumin ratio showed larger reductions in the SG. Overall long-term survival in both models (465 days after the start of the chemotherapy) was higher in the group ingesting fish oil (P < 0.05). These findings indicate an improved nutritional-inflammatory risk and potential effects on long-term survival in patients with haematological malignancies supplemented with FO during the beginning of chemotherapy. © 2017 The British Dietetic Association Ltd.

EFFECTS OF "SWIM WITH THE TURTLES" TOURIST ATTRACTIONS ON GREEN SEA TURTLE (CHELONIA MYDAS) HEALTH IN BARBADOS, WEST INDIES.

PubMed

Stewart, Kimberly; Norton, Terry; Mohammed, Hamish; Browne, Darren; Clements, Kathleen; Thomas, Kirsten; Yaw, Taylor; Horrocks, Julia

2016-04-01

Along the West Coast of Barbados a unique relationship has developed between endangered green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) and humans. Fishermen began inadvertently provisioning these foraging turtles with fish offal discarded from their boats. Although initially an indirect supplementation, this activity became a popular attraction for visitors. Subsequently, demand for this activity increased, and direct supplementation or provisioning with food began. Food items offered included raw whole fish (typically a mixture of false herring [Harengula clupeola] and pilchard [Harengula humeralis]), filleted fish, and lesser amounts of processed food such as hot dogs, chicken, bread, or various other leftovers. Alterations in behavior and growth rates as a result of the provisioning have been documented in this population. The purpose of this study was to determine how tourism-based human interactions are affecting the overall health of this foraging population and to determine what potential health risks these interactions may create for sea turtles. Juvenile green sea turtles (n=29) were captured from four sites off the coast of Barbados, West Indies, and categorized into a group that received supplemental feeding as part of a tour (n=11) or an unsupplemented group (n=18) that consisted of individuals that were captured at sites that did not provide supplemental feeding. Following capture, a general health assessment of each animal was conducted. This included weight and morphometric measurements, a systematic physical examination, determination of body condition score and body condition index, epibiota assessment and quantification, and clinical pathology including hematologic and biochemical testing and nutritional assessments. The supplemented group was found to have changes to body condition, vitamin, mineral, hematologic, and biochemical values. Based on these results, recommendations were made to decrease negative behaviors and health impacts for turtles as a result of this provisioning.

Garlic and associated allyl sulfur components inhibit N-methyl-N-nitrosourea induced rat mammary carcinogenesis.

PubMed

Schaffer, E M; Liu, J Z; Green, J; Dangler, C A; Milner, J A

1996-04-19

Our previous studies demonstrated that dietary garlic powder supplementation inhibits N-nitrosamine induced DNA alkylation in liver and mammary tissue. The present studies compared the impact of dietary supplementation with garlic powder or two garlic constituents, water-soluble S-allyl cysteine (SAC) and oil-soluble diallyl disulfide (DADS), on the incidence of mammary tumorigenesis induced by N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU). Female Sprague-Dawley rats were fed semi-purified casein based diets with or without supplements of garlic powder(20g/kg), SAC (57 micromol/kg) or DADS (57 micromol/kg) for 2 weeks prior to treatment with MNU (15 mg/kg body wt). Garlic powder, SAC and DADS supplementation significantly delayed the onset of mammary tumors compared to rats receiving the unsupplemented diet. Tumor incidence 23 weeks after MNU treatment was reduced by 76, 41 and 53% in rats fed garlic, SAC and DADS, respectively, compared to controls (P<0.05). Total tumor number was reduced 81, 35 and 65% by these supplements, respectively (P<0.05). In a separate study the quantity of mammary DNA alkylation occurring 3 h after MNU treatment was reduced in rats fed garlic, SAC or DADS (P<0.05). Specifically, O(6)-methylguanine adducts were reduced by 27, 18 and 23% in rats fed supplemental garlic, SAC and DADS, respectively, compared to controls. N(7)-Methylguanine adducts decreased by 48, 22 and 21% respectively, compared to rats fed the control diet. These studies demonstrate that garlic and associated allyl sulfur components, SAC and DADS, are effective inhibitors of MNU-induced mammary carcinogenesis.

Essential trace elements in milk and blood serum of lactating donkeys as affected by lactation stage and dietary supplementation with trace elements.

PubMed

Fantuz, F; Ferraro, S; Todini, L; Mariani, P; Piloni, R; Salimei, E

2013-11-01

The aim of this trial was to study the concentration of zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), selenium (Se), cobalt (Co) and iodine (I) in milk and blood serum of lactating donkeys, taking into account the effects of lactation stage and dietary supplementation with trace elements. During a 3-month period, 16 clinically healthy lactating donkeys (Martina-Franca-derived population), randomly divided into two homogeneous groups (control (CTL) and trace elements (TE)), were used to provide milk and blood samples at 2-week intervals. Donkeys in both groups had continuous access to meadow hay and were fed 2.5 kg of mixed feed daily, divided into two meals. The mixed feed for the TE group had the same ingredients as the CTL, but was supplemented with a commercial premix providing 163 mg Zn, 185 mg Fe, 36 mg Cu, 216 mg Mn, 0.67 mg Se, 2.78 mg Co and 3.20 mg I/kg mixed feed. The concentrations of Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, Se, Co and I were measured in feeds, milk and blood serum by inductively coupled plasma-MS. Data were processed by ANOVA for repeated measures. The milk concentrations of all the investigated elements were not significantly affected by the dietary supplementation with TE. Serum concentrations of Zn, Fe, Cu Mn and Se were not affected by dietary treatment, but TE-supplemented donkeys showed significantly higher concentrations of serum Co (1.34 v. 0.69 μg/l) and I (24.42 v. 21.43 μg/l) than unsupplemented donkeys. The effect of lactation stage was significant for all the investigated elements in milk and blood serum, except for serum manganese. A clear negative trend during lactation was observed for milk Cu and Se concentrations (-38%), whereas that of Mn tended to increase. The serum Cu concentration was generally constant and that of Co tended to increase. If compared with data reported in the literature for human milk, donkey milk showed similarities for Zn, Mn, Co and I. Furthermore, this study indicated that, in the current experimental conditions, the mineral profile of donkey milk was not dependent on dietary TE supply.

Food availability affects onset of reproduction in a long-lived seabird.

PubMed

Vincenzi, Simone; Hatch, Scott; Mangel, Marc; Kitaysky, Alexander

2013-06-07

Life-history theory predicts that suboptimal developmental conditions may lead to faster life histories (younger age at recruitment and higher reproductive investment), but experimental testing of this prediction is still scarce in long-lived species. We report the effects of an experimental manipulation of food availability during early development and at recruitment on the onset of reproduction and reproductive performance (productivity at first breeding) in a long-lived seabird, the black-legged kittiwake Rissa tridactyla, breeding on Middleton Island, Alaska. Birds were born and raised in nests with supplemented food ('fed') or unsupplemented control nests ('unfed'), and later recruited into either fed or unfed nests. Fed chicks grew faster than unfed chicks, and males grew faster than females. Birds were more likely to reproduce at younger ages when recruiting into fed nests. Faster growth during development tended to increase age at recruitment in all individuals. Social rank of individuals also affected age at recruitment: B-chicks recruited earlier than A-chicks and singletons recruited later than A- and B-chicks. Productivity increased with the age at recruitment and growth rate as chick, but much of the variability remained unexplained. We conclude that results of this study at least partially support predictions of life-history theory: younger age at first breeding for kittiwakes that experienced suboptimal natal conditions, as well as greater productivity of early recruiting kittiwakes that grew in control nests compared with those that grew in food-supplemented nests.

Iron Supplementation Decreases Severity of Allergic Inflammation in Murine Lung

PubMed Central

Hale, Laura P.; Kant, Erin Potts; Greer, Paula K.; Foster, W. Michael

2012-01-01

The incidence and severity of allergic asthma have increased over the last century, particularly in the United States and other developed countries. This time frame was characterized by marked environmental changes, including enhanced hygiene, decreased pathogen exposure, increased exposure to inhaled pollutants, and changes in diet. Although iron is well-known to participate in critical biologic processes such as oxygen transport, energy generation, and host defense, iron deficiency remains common in the United States and world-wide. The purpose of these studies was to determine how dietary iron supplementation affected the severity of allergic inflammation in the lungs, using a classic model of IgE-mediated allergy in mice. Results showed that mice fed an iron-supplemented diet had markedly decreased allergen-induced airway hyperreactivity, eosinophil infiltration, and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, compared with control mice on an unsupplemented diet that generated mild iron deficiency but not anemia. In vitro, iron supplementation decreased mast cell granule content, IgE-triggered degranulation, and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines post-degranulation. Taken together, these studies show that iron supplementation can decrease the severity of allergic inflammation in the lung, potentially via multiple mechanisms that affect mast cell activity. Further studies are indicated to determine the potential of iron supplementation to modulate the clinical severity of allergic diseases in humans. PMID:23029172

Dietary Capsicum and Curcuma longa oleoresins increase intestinal microbiome and necrotic enteritis in three commercial broiler breeds.

PubMed

Kim, Ji Eun; Lillehoj, Hyun S; Hong, Yeong Ho; Kim, Geun Bae; Lee, Sung Hyen; Lillehoj, Erik P; Bravo, David M

2015-10-01

Three commercial broiler breeds were fed from hatch with a diet supplemented with Capsicum and Curcuma longa oleoresins, and co-infected with Eimeria maxima and Clostridium perfringens to induce necrotic enteritis (NE). Pyrotag deep sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA showed that gut microbiota compositions were quite distinct depending on the broiler breed type. In the absence of oleoresin diet, the number of operational taxonomic units (OTUs), was decreased in infected Cobb, and increased in Ross and Hubbard, compared with the uninfected. In the absence of oleoresin diet, all chicken breeds had a decreased Candidatus Arthromitus, while the proportion of Lactobacillus was increased in Cobb, but decreased in Hubbard and Ross. Oleoresin supplementation of infected chickens increased OTUs in Cobb and Ross, but decreased OTUs in Hubbard, compared with unsupplemented/infected controls. Oleoresin supplementation of infected Cobb and Hubbard was associated with an increased percentage of gut Lactobacillus and decreased Selenihalanaerobacter, while Ross had a decreased fraction of Lactobacillus and increased Selenihalanaerobacter, Clostridium, Calothrix, and Geitlerinema. These results suggest that dietary Capsicum/Curcuma oleoresins reduced the negative consequences of NE on body weight and intestinal lesion, in part, through alteration of the gut microbiome in 3 commercial broiler breeds. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Expression of fatty acid sensing G-protein coupled receptors in peripartal Holstein cows.

PubMed

Agrawal, Alea; Alharthi, Abdulrahman; Vailati-Riboni, Mario; Zhou, Zheng; Loor, Juan J

2017-01-01

G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR), also referred as Free Fatty Acid Receptors (FFAR), are widely studied within human medicine as drug targets for metabolic disorders. To combat metabolic disorders prevalent in dairy cows during the transition period, which co-occur with negative energy balance and changes to lipid and glucose metabolism, it may be helpful to identify locations and roles of FFAR and other members of the GPCR family in bovine tissues. Quantitative RT-PCR (qPCR) of subcutaneous adipose, liver, and PMNL samples during the transition period (-10, +7, and +20 or +30 d) were used for expression profiling of medium- (MCFA) and long-chain fatty acid (LCFA) receptors GPR120 and GPR40 , MCFA receptor GPR84 , and niacin receptor HCAR2/3 . Adipose samples were obtained from cows with either high (HI; BCS ≥ 3.75) or low (LO; BCS ≤ 3.25) body condition score (BCS) to examine whether FFAR expression is correlated with this indicator of health and body reserves. Supplementation of rumen-protected methionine (MET), which may improve immune function and production postpartum, was also compared with unsupplemented control (CON) cows for liver and blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) samples. In adipose tissue, GPR84 and GPR120 were differentially expressed over time, while GPR40 was not expressed; in PMNL, GPR40 was differentially expressed over time and between MET vs. CON, GPR84 expression differed only between dietary groups, and GPR120 was not expressed; in liver, GPCR were either not expressed or barely detectable. The data indicate that there is likely not a direct role in liver for the selected GPCR during the transition period, but they do play variable roles in adipose and PMN. In future, these receptors may prove useful targets and/or markers for peripartal metabolism and immunity.

A Canola Oil-Supplemented Diet Prevents Type I Diabetes-Caused Lipotoxicity and Renal Dysfunction in a Rat Model.

PubMed

Cano-Europa, Edgar; Ortiz-Butron, Rocio; Camargo, Estela Melendez; Esteves-Carmona, María Miriam; Oliart-Ros, Rosa Maria; Blas-Valdivia, Vanessa; Franco-Colin, Margarita

2016-11-01

We investigated the effect of a canola oil-supplemented diet on the metabolic state and diabetic renal function of a type I diabetes experimental model. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: (1) normoglycemic+chow diet, (2) normoglycemic+a canola oil-supplemented chow diet, (3) diabetic+chow diet, and (4) diabetic+a canola oil-supplemented chow diet. For 15 weeks, animals were fed a diet of Purina rat chow alone or supplemented with 30% canola oil. Energetic intake, water intake, body weight, and adipose tissue fat pad were measured; renal function, electrolyte balance, glomerular filtration rate, and the plasmatic concentration of free fatty acids, cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose were evaluated. The mesenteric, retroperitoneal, and epididymal fat pads were dissected and weighed. The kidneys were used for lipid peroxidation (LP) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) quantifications. Diabetic rats fed with a canola oil-supplemented diet had higher body weights, were less hyperphagic, and their mesenteric, retroperitoneal, and epididymal fat pads weighed more than diabetic rats on an unsupplemented diet. The canola oil-supplemented diet decreased plasmatic concentrations of free fatty acids, triglycerides, and cholesterol; showed improved osmolarity, water clearances, and creatinine depuration; and had decreased LP and ROS. A canola oil-supplemented diet decreases hyperphagia and prevents lipotoxicity and renal dysfunction in a type I diabetes mellitus model.

Augmentation of water-holding and textural properties of breast meat from oxidatively stressed broilers by dietary antioxidant regimens.

PubMed

Delles, R M; Xiong, Y L; True, A D; Ao, T; Dawson, K A

2015-01-01

1. The impact of dietary antioxidants and degree of oil oxidation on textural attributes of chicken broiler breast meat stored in oxygen-enriched, air-permeable polyvinylchloride and skin packaging systems during retail display at 2-4°C for up to 21 d was assessed. 2. Broilers were fed on diets either with a low-oxidised oil (peroxide 23 mEq O2/kg) or with a high-oxidised oil (peroxide 121 mEq O2/kg), with or without an algae-based antioxidant and organic mineral antioxidant supplement for 42 d. 3. Fatty acids and radical scavenging activities of the diets were estimated. Meat colour, pH, myofibrillar protein profile and textural traits were measured. 4. Diets with high-oxidised oil reduced stearic, linoleic and linolenic acid content compared to low-oxidised oil samples, regardless of antioxidant supplementation. Meat colour and pH varied among dietary treatments throughout storage. Meat samples from the antioxidant dietary group, irrespective of oil oxidation level, had lower amounts of purge and cooking losses compared to the unsupplemented diets. For all packaging systems, meat shear force was significantly higher for broilers fed on high-oxidised diets. 5. The results demonstrate that dietary antioxidant supplementation can minimise the negative impact of oxidised oil on the quality of broiler meat packaged in different atmospheric environments.

Cilostamide and forskolin treatment during pre-IVM improves preimplantation development of cloned embryos by influencing meiotic progression and gap junction communication in pigs.

PubMed

Park, Bola; Lee, Hanna; Lee, Yongjin; Elahi, Fazle; Lee, Joohyeong; Lee, Seung Tae; Park, Choon-Keun; Hyun, Sang-Hwan; Lee, Eunsong

2016-08-01

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of treatment with the cAMP modulators cilostamide and/or forskolin during pre-IVM culture on meiotic progression, gap junction communication, intraoocyte cAMP level and glutathione content, embryonic development after parthenogenesis, and somatic cell nuclear transfer in pigs. Cumulus-oocyte complexes were cultured for 24 hours in unsupplemented medium or media containing 20 μM cilostamide and/or 50 μM forskolin. After pre-IVM, oocytes were cultured for 41 to 44 hours in a standard IVM medium to induce oocyte maturation. When the nuclear status of oocytes was examined after pre-IVM for 24 hours, a higher (P < 0.01) proportion of oocytes treated with forskolin (85.5%) and cilostamide + forskolin (92.6%) remained at the germinal vesicle stage compared with untreated (20.6%) and cilostamide-treated oocytes (54.7%). cAMP level in pre-IVM oocytes was significantly increased by combined treatment with cilostamide + forskolin (21.38 fmol/oocyte) relative to the no pre-IVM control, no treatment, cilostamide, and forskolin groups (2.85, 1.88, 1.74, and 8.95 fmol/oocyte, respectively). Forskolin with or without cilostamide significantly maintained open-gap junction communication relative to no treatment. Blastocyst formation in parthenogenesis was significantly (P < 0.01) improved by forskolin (65.3%) relative to other treatments (28.3% to 48.1%). Supplementation of pre-IVM with dibutyryl cAMP showed similar blastocyst formation as forskolin treatment (61.1% and 61.0%, respectively). In somatic cell nuclear transfer, simultaneous treatment with cilostamide + forskolin significantly (P < 0.05) increased embryonic development to the blastocyst stage (42.9%) relative to the no pre-IVM, control, and cilostamide groups (32.3, 28.6, and 32.8%, respectively). The glutathione contents in pre-IVM oocytes were increased by no treatment, forskolin, and cilostamide + forskolin (1.38, 1.39, and 1.27 pixels/oocyte, respectively) compared with no pre-IVM and cilostamide (1.00 and 0.99 pixels/oocyte, respectively; P < 0.05). Our results reported that the meiotic progression of immature pig oocytes could be reversibly attenuated by cAMP, whereas treatment with cilostamide and forskolin during pre-IVM had positive effects on developmental competence of oocytes in pigs, probably by improving cytoplasmic maturation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Severe vitamin D deficiency in Arab-American women living in Dearborn, Michigan.

PubMed

Hobbs, Raymond D; Habib, Zeina; Alromaihi, Dalal; Idi, Leila; Parikh, Nayana; Blocki, Frank; Rao, D Sudhaker

2009-01-01

To determine the prevalence and degree of 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency in a group of Arab-American women in the largest, most-concentrated Arab-American settlement in the United States and to search for correlations with dress, diet, and use of vitamin D-fortified foods and vitamin supplements. In this cross-sectional study, Arab-American women, 18 years and older, who attended an ethnic market on April 7 or 14, 2007, were recruited. Participants were interviewed by bilingual English- and Arabic-speaking investigators using a semi-structured interview to assess dress; demographic variables; medical history; medication use; clinical symptoms associated with vitamin D deficiency (eg, joint or bone pain, muscle weakness); and dietary intake of vitamin D from fortified orange juice, milk, and vitamin supplementation. Blood samples were drawn to measure concentrations of serum calcium, creatinine, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, parathyroid hormone, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Participants were initially divided into 2 groups based on whether the woman was veiled and further subdivided into 3 groups on the basis of vitamin D intake from supplemented food sources (milk or vitamin D-fortified orange juice) and vitamin pills: unveiled, veiled and taking supplements, and veiled and taking no supplements. Eighty-seven women participated. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were uniformly low, with the highest levels in the unveiled group (median [interquartile range]) (8.5 ng/mL [5.75-13.5 ng/mL]) followed by the veiled, supplemented group (7 ng/mL [4-11.5 ng/mL]) and the veiled, unsupplemented group (4 ng/mL [2-6.8 ng/mL]). 25-Hydroxyvitamin D levels were lower in women with less experience in the United States and in those with less education. Vitamin D-fortified orange juice consumption had a greater positive predictive effect on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels than either milk or vitamin pills and may possibly serve as a surrogate marker for vitamin D awareness. Vitamin D deficiency, as assessed by 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations, is endemic in a sample of Arab-American women living in Dearborn, Michigan. These findings potentially identify an important health problem in the largest, most-concentrated Arab-American population in the United States.

Previous exposure to dietary phytase reduces the endogenous energy losses from precision-fed chickens.

PubMed

Pirgozliev, V; Acamovic, T; Bedford, M R

2009-09-01

1. A precision feeding experiment was conducted with broiler chickens, which were previously fed on diets with or without phytase, to study the effects of previous exposure to dietary phytase supplementation on the excretions of endogenous energy, nitrogen, amino acids and minerals. 2. Female Ross 308 broiler chickens, which had previously received one of 4 experimental diets (low P maize/soy diets (control, D), D + 250 international units of phytase per kg diet (FTU), D + 500 FTU and D + 2500 FTU) were used in the study. All birds were starved and then given 50 ml of glucose solution at 44 d of age. The birds were allocated to individual metabolism cages in a randomised block design with 8 replicates of each of the 4 dietary treatments. 3. Chickens which had been previously fed on diets supplemented with phytase excreted 32% less energy and 28% less dry matter per kg metabolic body weight (W(075)) from endogenous sources, compared to birds fed the unsupplemented diet. 4. Birds previously given phytase supplemented diets excreted 60% less sodium than those given the control diet, but there was no effect on all other minerals investigated. There was no effect of diet on the excretion of endogenous N, sialic acid or amino acids. 5. The results showed that the effects of feeding chickens on diets with supplementary phytase may continue for a few days after the diets are withdrawn. This suggests that previous exposure to phytase may alter the nutritive value of follow-on diets, which may be a commercially important effect.

Dietary Aloe QDM Complex Reduces Obesity-Induced Insulin Resistance and Adipogenesis in Obese Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet.

PubMed

Shin, Seulmee; Kim, Seulah; Oh, Hee-Eun; Kong, Hyunseok; Shin, Eunju; Do, Seon-Gil; Jo, Tae Hyung; Park, Young-In; Lee, Chong-Kil; Kim, Kyungjae

2012-06-01

Obesity-induced disorders contribute to the development of metabolic diseases such as insulin resistance, fatty liver diseases, and type 2 diabetes (T2D). In this study, we evaluated whether the Aloe QDM complex could improve metabolic disorders related to blood glucose levels and insulin resistance. Male C57BL/6 obese mice fed a high-fat diet for 54 days received a supplement of Aloe QDM complex or pioglitazone (PGZ) or metformin (Met) and were compared with unsupplemented controls (high-fat diet; HFD) or mice fed a regular diet (RD). RT-PCR and western blot analysis were used to quantify the expression of obesity-induced inflammation. Dietary Aloe QDM complex lowered body weight, fasting blood glucose, plasma insulin, and leptin levels, and markedly reduced the impairment of glucose tolerance in obese mice. Also, Aloe QDM complex significantly enhanced plasma adiponectin levels and insulin sensitivity via AMPK activity in muscles. At the same time, Aloe QDM decreased the mRNA and protein of PPARγ/LXRα and scavenger receptors in white adipose tissue (WAT). Dietary Aloe QDM complex reduces obesity-induced glucose tolerance not only by suppressing PPARγ/LXRα but also by enhancing AMPK activity in the WAT and muscles, both of which are important peripheral tissues affecting insulin resistance. The Aloe QDM complex could be used as a nutritional intervention against T2D.

Dietary Aloe QDM Complex Reduces Obesity-Induced Insulin Resistance and Adipogenesis in Obese Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet

PubMed Central

Shin, Seulmee; Kim, Seulah; Oh, Hee-Eun; Kong, Hyunseok; Shin, Eunju; Do, Seon-Gil; Jo, Tae Hyung; Park, Young-In; Lee, Chong-Kil

2012-01-01

Obesity-induced disorders contribute to the development of metabolic diseases such as insulin resistance, fatty liver diseases, and type 2 diabetes (T2D). In this study, we evaluated whether the Aloe QDM complex could improve metabolic disorders related to blood glucose levels and insulin resistance. Male C57BL/6 obese mice fed a high-fat diet for 54 days received a supplement of Aloe QDM complex or pioglitazone (PGZ) or metformin (Met) and were compared with unsupplemented controls (high-fat diet; HFD) or mice fed a regular diet (RD). RT-PCR and western blot analysis were used to quantify the expression of obesity-induced inflammation. Dietary Aloe QDM complex lowered body weight, fasting blood glucose, plasma insulin, and leptin levels, and markedly reduced the impairment of glucose tolerance in obese mice. Also, Aloe QDM complex significantly enhanced plasma adiponectin levels and insulin sensitivity via AMPK activity in muscles. At the same time, Aloe QDM decreased the mRNA and protein of PPARγ/LXRα and scavenger receptors in white adipose tissue (WAT). Dietary Aloe QDM complex reduces obesity-induced glucose tolerance not only by suppressing PPARγ/LXRα but also by enhancing AMPK activity in the WAT and muscles, both of which are important peripheral tissues affecting insulin resistance. The Aloe QDM complex could be used as a nutritional intervention against T2D. PMID:22916045

Glycerol supplementation of the growth medium enhances in situ detoxification of furfural by Clostridium beijerinckii during butanol fermentation.

PubMed

Ujor, Victor; Agu, Chidozie Victor; Gopalan, Venkat; Ezeji, Thaddeus Chukwuemeka

2014-01-01

Lignocellulose-derived microbial inhibitors such as furfural and 5-hydroxymethyl furfural adversely affect fermentation of lignocellulosic biomass hydrolysates to fuels and chemicals due to their toxicity on fermenting microbes. To harness the potential of lignocellulose as a cheap source of fermentable sugars, in situ detoxification of furfural and other lignocellulose-derived microbial inhibitors is essential. To enhance in situ detoxification and tolerance of furfural by Clostridium beijerinckii NCIMB 8052 during acetone-butanol-ethanol (ABE) fermentation, the effect of glycerol on NADH/NADPH generation and ABE production by furfural (4, 5, and 6 g/L)-challenged cultures was investigated in this study. In all instances, beneficial outcomes were observed. For example, the fermentation medium supplemented with glycerol and subjected to 5 g/L furfural elicited up to 1.8- and 3-fold increases, respectively, in NADH and NADPH levels in C. beijerinckii 8052 relative to the control culture. These critical changes are the likely underpinnings for the glycerol-mediated 2.3-fold increase in the rate of detoxification of 5 g/L furfural, substrate consumption, and ABE production compared to the unsupplemented medium. Collectively, these results demonstrate that increased intracellular NADH/NADPH in C. beijerinckii 8052 due to glycerol utilization engenders favorable effects on many aspects of cellular metabolism, including enhanced furfural reduction and increased ABE production.

Cholesterol supplementation improves growth rates of Histomonas meleagridis in vitro.

PubMed

Gruber, Janine; Pletzer, Alena; Hess, Michael

2018-02-01

Research on the energy metabolism of various protozoan parasites showed the essentiality and benefits of cholesterol in the cultivation of these organisms. However, not much is known about the energy metabolism of Histomonas meleagridis, although such information is of high importance to improve cultivation of the parasite for advancements in diagnostics, research and vaccine development. By supplementing a serum enriched cultivation medium with cholesterol, numbers of parasites could be doubled in comparison to unsupplemented negative controls. This effect was demonstrated for two different strains of the parasite, at different levels of in vitro-passages and for histomonads under xenic or monoxenic settings. Supplementing medium free of serum with cholesterol, resulted in significant growth of the parasite over 72 h. However, there were differences in growth behaviour in serum free medium between the different histomonad cultures and continuous passaging of the cultures without serum was not possible. Monitoring the bacterial growth of two different co-cultivated E. coli strains in monoxenic histomonad cultures during these experiments showed that there was no significant impact of cholesterol on the bacteria. Therefore, a direct effect of cholesterol on the parasite itself could be demonstrated. The results of these experiments supply new insights into the metabolism of H. meleagridis and it can be concluded that cholesterol is an important component to enhance parasite growth in vitro. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Homocysteine and Coronary Heart Disease: Meta-analysis of MTHFR Case-Control Studies, Avoiding Publication Bias

PubMed Central

Verhoef, Petra; Dötsch-Klerk, Mariska; Lathrop, Mark; Xu, Peng; Nordestgaard, Børge G.; Holm, Hilma; Hopewell, Jemma C.; Saleheen, Danish; Tanaka, Toshihiro; Anand, Sonia S.; Chambers, John C.; Kleber, Marcus E.; Ouwehand, Willem H.; Yamada, Yoshiji; Elbers, Clara; Peters, Bas; Stewart, Alexandre F. R.; Reilly, Muredach M.; Thorand, Barbara; Yusuf, Salim; Engert, James C.; Assimes, Themistocles L.; Kooner, Jaspal; Danesh, John; Watkins, Hugh; Samani, Nilesh J.

2012-01-01

Background Moderately elevated blood levels of homocysteine are weakly correlated with coronary heart disease (CHD) risk, but causality remains uncertain. When folate levels are low, the TT genotype of the common C677T polymorphism (rs1801133) of the methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase gene (MTHFR) appreciably increases homocysteine levels, so “Mendelian randomization” studies using this variant as an instrumental variable could help test causality. Methods and Findings Nineteen unpublished datasets were obtained (total 48,175 CHD cases and 67,961 controls) in which multiple genetic variants had been measured, including MTHFR C677T. These datasets did not include measurements of blood homocysteine, but homocysteine levels would be expected to be about 20% higher with TT than with CC genotype in the populations studied. In meta-analyses of these unpublished datasets, the case-control CHD odds ratio (OR) and 95% CI comparing TT versus CC homozygotes was 1.02 (0.98–1.07; p = 0.28) overall, and 1.01 (0.95–1.07) in unsupplemented low-folate populations. By contrast, in a slightly updated meta-analysis of the 86 published studies (28,617 CHD cases and 41,857 controls), the OR was 1.15 (1.09–1.21), significantly discrepant (p = 0.001) with the OR in the unpublished datasets. Within the meta-analysis of published studies, the OR was 1.12 (1.04–1.21) in the 14 larger studies (those with variance of log OR<0.05; total 13,119 cases) and 1.18 (1.09–1.28) in the 72 smaller ones (total 15,498 cases). Conclusions The CI for the overall result from large unpublished datasets shows lifelong moderate homocysteine elevation has little or no effect on CHD. The discrepant overall result from previously published studies reflects publication bias or methodological problems. Please see later in the article for the Editors' Summary PMID:22363213

Feeding value of whole raw soya beans as a protein supplement for beef cattle consuming low-quality forages.

PubMed

Arelovich, H M; Lagrange, S; Torre, R; Martinez, M F; Laborde, H E

2018-02-01

Experiments (Exp) I and II were conducted to compare raw whole soya beans (WSB), roasted (rWSB) or other protein sources as supplements of low-quality forages fed ad libitum to beef cattle, upon DM intake (DMI), ruminal and blood parameters, and animal performance. Exp I: treatments for wheat straw fed to four ruminally cannulated steers were (i) Control-WS: no supplement; (ii) WSB-WS: whole soya beans; (iii) rWSB-WS: roasted WSB; and (iv) SBM-WS: soybean meal-wheat midds mixture; all fed at 1.4 kg DM/day. Exp II: 12 steers grazed deferred grain sorghum (DS) receiving these treatments: (i) Control-DS: no supplement; (ii) WSB-DS: 1.26 kg DM/day whole soya beans; and (iii) SFM-DS: 1.35 kg DM/day of sunflower meal. In Exp I, WS DMI resulted 47, 52 and 41% greater for WSB-WS, rWSB-WS and SBM-WS, respectively, than Control-WS (p < .05). In Exp II, the DMI of DS was unaffected by supplementation; a substitution of DS by supplement was found for WSB-DS (p < .05); however, total diet and digestible DMI increased with supplementation (p < .05). Rumen pH in Exp I remained unaffected by supplementation, but N-NH 3 as well as blood urea-N in Exp II increased (p < .05). In Exp II, average daily weight gains improved similarly with both supplements compared with Control-DS. Additionally, feed-to-gain ratio decreased (p < .05), being lower for WSB-DS (8.3) vs. SFM-DS (9.9). Roasting effects of WSB as a supplement for low-quality forages were not detected, and all protein sources increased total diet DMI and forage utilization. Only moderate cattle weight gains could be expected for unsupplemented DS. © 2017 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Comparative growth characteristics and yield attributes of Lingzhi or Reishi medicinal mushroom, Ganoderma lucidum (Higher Basidiomycetes) on different substrates in India.

PubMed

Jandaik, Savita; Singh, Rajender; Sharma, Mamta

2013-01-01

The present study investigated the effects of four forestry byproducts (sawdust of oak, mango, khair, and tuni) and three agricultural residues (paddy straw, wheat straw, and soybean waste) along with four supplements (wheat bran, rice bran, corn flour, and gram powder) on growth characteristics (spawn run and primordial formation) and yield of Ganoderma lucidum. There were significant differences (P=0.05) in yield regardless of substrates and supplements used in experimentation. Among substrates, agriculture residues supported better yield and biological efficiency of G. lucidum compared to forestry byproducts irrespective of the supplements. The highest yield (82.5 g) and biological efficiency (27.5%) were recorded from paddy straw supplemented with wheat bran, which invariably resulted in significantly higher yield compared to the unsupplemented check(s) or other supplements used in this study.

UV-A induced oxidative stress is more prominent in naturally pigmented aged human RPE cells compared to non-pigmented human RPE cells independent of zinc treatment.

PubMed

Biesemeier, Antje; Kokkinou, Despina; Julien, Sylvie; Heiduschka, Peter; Berneburg, Mark; Bartz-Schmidt, Karl Ulrich; Schraermeyer, Ulrich

2008-02-27

To investigate the effects of zinc supplementation on human amelanotic (ARPE-19) and native pigmented retinal pigment epithelial cells (hRPE) under normal light conditions and after ultraviolet A light exposure. hRPE cells, containing both melanin and lipofuscin granules, were prepared from human donor eyes of 60-70 year old patients. Cells of the amelanotic ARPE-19 cell line and pigmented hRPE cells were treated with zinc chloride and subjected to oxidative stress by UV-A irradiation. Intracellular H(2)O(2) formation was measured using a fluorescence oxidation assay. Additionally, apoptosis and viability assays were performed. Control cells were treated identically except for irradiation and zinc supplementation. Under normal light conditions, zinc treated hRPE cells produced less H(2)O(2) than unsupplemented hRPE cells. Viability and apoptosis events did not change. After UV-A irradiation, ARPE and hRPE cells were greatly impaired in all tests performed compared to the non-irradiated controls. No differences were found after zinc supplementation. hRPE cells showed a higher apoptosis and mortality rate than non-pigmented cells when stressed by UV-A light. ARPE cells never showed any zinc related effects. In contrast, without irradiation, zinc supplementation reduced H(2)O(2) production in pigmented hRPE cells slightly. We did not find any zinc effect in irradiated hRPE cells. After UV light exposure, pigmented cells showed a higher apoptosis and mortality than cells lacking any pigmentation. We conclude that cells with pigmentation consisting of melanin and lipofuscin granules have more prooxidative than antioxidative capacity when stressed by UV light exposure compared to cells lacking any pigmentation.

Arachidonic acid-and docosahexaenoic acid-enriched formulas modulate antigen-specific T cell responses to influenza virus in neonatal piglets.

PubMed

Bassaganya-Riera, Josep; Guri, Amir J; Noble, Alexis M; Reynolds, Kathryn A; King, Jennifer; Wood, Cynthia M; Ashby, Michael; Rai, Deshanie; Hontecillas, Raquel

2007-03-01

Whereas the immunomodulatory effects of feeding either arachidonic acid (AA) or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) separately have been previously investigated, little is known about the immunomodulatory efficacy of AA or DHA when they are fed in combination as infant formula ingredients. The objective of this study was to investigate the ability of AA- and DHA(AA/DHA)-enriched infant formula to modulate immune responses in the neonate in response to an inactivated influenza virus vaccine. Neonatal piglets (n = 48) were weaned on day 2 of age and distributed into 16 blocks of 3 littermate piglets each. Within each block, piglets were randomly assigned to a control formula, AA/DHA-enriched formula (0.63% AA and 0.34% DHA), or sow milk for 30 d. On day 9, 8 blocks of piglets were immunized with an inactivated influenza virus vaccine. On days 0, 9, 16, 23, and 30 after weaning, we measured influenza virus-specific T cell proliferation and phenotype of T subsets in peripheral blood. A delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction test was administered on day 28. Cytokine messenger RNA expression was determined by quantitative real time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction on day 30. The influenza virus-specific CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cell ex vivo lymphoproliferative responses were significantly lower on day 23 after immunization in piglets receiving dietary AA/DHA supplementation and sow milk than in those receiving the unsupplemented control formula. The immunomodulatory effects of AA/DHA-enriched formulas were consistent with up-regulation of interleukin 10 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Overall, it appears that the AA/DHA-enriched formula modulated antigen-specific T cell responses in part through an interleukin 10-dependent mechanism.

Effect of dietary probiotic and high stocking density on the performance, carcass yield, gut microflora, and stress indicators of broilers.

PubMed

Cengiz, Özcan; Köksal, Bekir H; Tatlı, Onur; Sevim, Ömer; Ahsan, Umair; Üner, Aykut G; Ulutaş, Pınar A; Beyaz, Devrim; Büyükyörük, Sadık; Yakan, Akın; Önol, Ahmet G

2015-10-01

A study was carried out to evaluate the effect of dietary probiotic supplementation and stocking density on the performance, relative carcass yield, gut microflora, and stress markers of broilers. One-day-old Ross 308 male broiler chickens (n = 480) were allocated to 4 experimental groups for 42 d. Each treatment had 8 replicates of 15 chicks each. Two groups were subjected to a high stocking density (HSD) of 20 birds/m² and the other 2 groups were kept at low stocking density (LSD) of 10 birds/m². A basal diet supplemented with probiotic 1 and 0.5 g/kg of diet (in starter and finisher diets, respectively) was fed to 2 treatments, one with HSD and the other with LSD, thereby making a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. There was no interaction between stocking density (LSD and HSD) and dietary probiotic (supplemented and unsupplemented) for all the variables. Feed intake and weight gain were significantly low and feed conversion ratio was poor in broilers at HSD. Dietary probiotic significantly enhanced the feed intake and weight gain in starter phase only. Dietary probiotic supplementation had no effect (P > 0.05) on total aerobs, Salmonella sp., and Lactobacilli populations in the intestines of broilers. However, HSD reduced the Lactobacilli population only (P < 0.05). Relative breast yields were significantly higher in broilers reared at LSD than HSD. Thigh meat yield was higher in broilers in HSD group compared to LSD. Dietary probiotic did not affect the relative carcass yield and weight of lymphoid organs. Serum malondialdehyde, corticosterone, nitric oxide, and plasma heterophil:lymphocyte ratio were not affected either by stocking density or dietary probiotic supplementation. In conclusion, HSD negatively affected the performance and intestinal Lactobacilli population of broilers only, whereas probiotic supplementation enhanced the performance of broilers during the starter phase only. Total aerobes, Salmonella, Lactobacilli carcass yield, and stress indicators of broilers were not affected by the dietary supplementation of probiotic under the conditions of the present study. © 2015 Poultry Science Association Inc.

Dietary supplementation of chinese ginseng prevents obesity and metabolic syndrome in high-fat diet-fed mice.

PubMed

Li, Xiaoxiao; Luo, Jing; Anandh Babu, Pon Velayutham; Zhang, Wei; Gilbert, Elizabeth; Cline, Mark; McMillan, Ryan; Hulver, Matthew; Alkhalidy, Hana; Zhen, Wei; Zhang, Haiyan; Liu, Dongmin

2014-12-01

Obesity and diabetes are growing health problems worldwide. In this study, dietary provision of Chinese ginseng (0.5 g/kg diet) prevented body weight gain in high-fat (HF) diet-fed mice. Dietary ginseng supplementation reduced body fat mass gain, improved glucose tolerance and whole body insulin sensitivity, and prevented hypertension in HF diet-induced obese mice. Ginseng consumption led to reduced concentrations of plasma insulin and leptin, but had no effect on plasma adiponectin levels in HF diet-fed mice. Body temperature was higher in mice fed the ginseng-supplemented diet but energy expenditure, respiration rate, and locomotive activity were not significantly altered. Dietary intake of ginseng increased fatty acid oxidation in the liver but not in skeletal muscle. Expression of several transcription factors associated with adipogenesis (C/EBPα and PPARγ) were decreased in the adipose tissue of HF diet-fed mice, effects that were mitigated in mice that consumed the HF diet supplemented with ginseng. Abundance of fatty acid synthase (FASN) mRNA was greater in the adipose tissue of mice that consumed the ginseng-supplemented HF diet as compared with control or un-supplemented HF diet-fed mice. Ginseng treatment had no effect on the expression of genes involved in the regulation of food intake in the hypothalamus. These data suggest that Chinese ginseng can potently prevent the development of obesity and insulin resistance in HF diet-fed mice.

Growth, enzymatic glutathione peroxidase activity and biochemical status of juvenile barramundi (Lates calcarifer) fed dietary fermented soybean meal and organic selenium.

PubMed

Ilham, I; Fotedar, Ravi

2017-06-01

Solvent-extracted soybean meal (SBM) was fermented using baker's yeast Saccharomyces cerevisae at 30 °C for 5 days. Four isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets containing 75% SBM protein, either fermented or non-fermented (SBM and FSBM), and supplemented or not with organic Se (OS) (SBM OS and FSBM OS ), were fed to triplicate groups of juvenile barramundi (Lates calcarifer) (initial weight of 5 g) for 75 days. A fishmeal (FM)-based diet formulated for juvenile barramundi was used as a reference diet. The growth of fish was significantly affected by either the interaction of SBM type or by the OS level. In fish fed diets supplemented with OS (SBM OS and FSBM OS ), final weight (FW), specific growth rate (SGR) and weight gain (WG) were higher in fish fed the fermented SBM (FSBM OS ) than in those fed the non-fermented SBM (SBM OS ). The apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) of protein was higher in the fish fed the fermented SBM, either supplemented or unsupplemented with OS. However, there were no significant differences in the ADC of dry matter (DM) and lipids among the tested diets and in comparison to the reference diet. The haematocrit and leucocrit of fish fed the FSBM OS diet were lower than those of fish fed the FM diet. Furthermore, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity was significantly influenced by OS supplementation in the experimental diets; GPx activity was greater in the fish fed diets supplemented with OS. Creatinine kinase (CK) of all groups of fish was higher than the CK of those fed the reference diet. These results suggest that with a proper nutritional level, OS supplementation may act as an important factor in enzymatic GPx activity and in the haematology and blood biochemistry status of juvenile barramundi fed fermented SBM-based diets, encouraging improvement of the overall growth performance.

Breast milk is the best.

PubMed

Saroja, K

1981-02-01

Throughout the world, the concept that the best milk is breast milk is gaining momentum from ever increasing supportive scientific evidence. In India the average mother even with her poor nutritional status has the ability to breastfeed her infant for prolonged periods, sometimes extending to nearly 2 years. Human milk generally forms the only source of dietary protein for poor Indian infants, and the nutritional status of poor infants and children would be much worse than what it is today if not for breast milk. The positive economic and health implications of breast milk are obvious; it is the most hygienic, safest, and suitable nourishment a mother can provide for her infant. Recently, there has been an unfortunate trend toward artificial feeding among the average Indian mother. This practice is spreading among rural mothers and mothers of low socioeconomic groups. Due to poverty and ignorance many mothers neither can prepare the artificial milk feeding formula hygienically nor feed their children well, and the children are not only deprived of essential nutrients but are exposed to unnecessary intestinal infections introduced through unsterilized bottles and nipples. The Protein Advisory Group of the UN has warned against early abandonment of breastfeeding, particularly in poor families, as devastating to the health and survival of infants. The practice of artificial feeding also has adverse economic implications. The expenditure incurred in the processing, packing, distributing, preparing, and refrigerating cow's milk is enormous and one that a developing country like India cannot afford. Breast feeding also has the advantage of a certain amount of contraceptive effect. Generalizations for the promotion of breastfeeding include the following: 1) unsupplemented human milk is all that is needed to sustain growth and good nutrition for the first 6 months of life; 2) the volume and composition of human milk among poor women is surprisingly good despite their low nutrition status; and 3) limited studies have suggested that improvement in both the quantity and quality of breast milk is feasible. Modifications that should be made in health services are outlined.

Post-discharge supplementation of vitamins and minerals for preterm neonates.

PubMed

Dall'Agnola, Alberto; Beghini, Lorenzo

2009-10-01

Ninety percent of premature babies has nutritional deficiency at discharge. It is very important that not only carbohydrates, proteins, fats, but also mineral salts, and vitamins are in quantities and adequate quality according to the needs of the various scientific neonatal and nutrition programs so as to avoid any shortcomings or excess. The growth, neurodevelopmental outcome and quality of life depend on, among other factors, an adequate nutritional supply with essential nutrients including minerals. It is now recommended that all infants and children, including adolescents, have a minimum daily intake of 400 IU of vitamin D beginning soon after birth. The standard initial dose of vitamin K1 for full term infants (1.0 mg) may be too high for premature infants. The addition of folate and especially vitamin B-12 with formula feedings, provided an effective and nontoxic means of reducing anemia of prematurity. Several investigators have reported higher plasma concentrations of selenium and glutathione peroxidase in preterm infants fed with selenium-supplemented formula than in infants fed with unsupplemented formula.

Growth determinations for unattached bacteria in a contaminated aquifer.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Harvey, R.W.; George, L.H.

1987-01-01

Growth rates of unattached bacteria in groundwater contaminated with treated sewage and collected at various distances from the source of contamination were estimated by using frequency of dividing cells and tritiated-thymidine uptake and compared with growth rates obtained with unsupplemented, closed-bottle incubations. Estimates of bacterial generation times [(In 2)/mu] along a 3-km-long transect in oxygen-depleted (0.1 to 0.7 mg of dissolved oxygen liter-1) groundwater ranged from 16 h at 0.26 km downgradient from an on-land, treated-sewage outfall to 139 h at 1.6 km and correlated with bacterial abundance (r2 = 0.88 at P less than 0.001). Partitioning of assimilated thymidine into nucleic acid generally decreased with distance from the contaminant source, and one population in heavily contaminated groundwater assimilated little thymidine during a 20-h incubation. Several assumptions commonly made when frequency of dividing cells and tritiated-thymidine uptake are used were not applicable to the groundwater samples.

Long-term preservation of chilled canine semen using vitamin C in combination with green tea polyphenol.

PubMed

Wittayarat, Manita; Kimura, Taichi; Kodama, Risa; Namula, Zhao; Chatdarong, Kaywalee; Techakumphu, Mongkol; Sato, Yoko; Taniguchi, Masayasu; Otoi, Takeshige

2012-01-01

Vitamin C and green tea polyphenol are known to have antioxidant effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of canine semen after preservation with diluents containing vitamin C and polyphenol at 5 degree C for 4 weeks. In experiment 1, we investigated the effects of vitamin C combined with polyphenol supplementation on chilled semen quality. The addition of vitamin C (0.5 or 1 mM) with 0.75 mg per mL polyphenol to semen extender provided significantly higher percentages of sperm motility and viability during cold storage compared to unsupplemented semen. In experiment 2, we determined the optimal working concentration of vitamin C in the semen extender by comparison of a range of concentrations between 0.1 and 20 mM. Supplementation of 0.5 mM vitamin C plus polyphenol yielded the highest percentages of sperm motility and viability; however, there was no beneficial effect on the plasma membrane and acrosomal integrity of the spermatozoa.

Iron translocation in Pleurotus ostreatus basidiocarps: production, bioavailability, and antioxidant activity.

PubMed

Yokota, M E; Frison, P S; Marcante, R C; Jorge, L F; Valle, J S; Dragunski, D C; Colauto, N B; Linde, G A

2016-02-22

Translocation of minerals from substrate to mushrooms can change the medicinal characteristics, commercial value, and biological efficiency of mushroom. In the present study, we demonstrated that addition of iron to the substrate reduces the yield of Pleurotus ostreatus mushroom. The biological efficiency of the mushroom varied from 36.53% on the unsupplemented substrate to 2.08% for the substrate with 500 mg/kg iron added. The maximum iron concentration obtained for mushroom was 478.66 mg/kg (dry basis) and the maximum solubility in vitro was 293.70 mg/kg (dry basis). Iron translocation increased the ash and protein content, reduced antioxidant activity, and enhanced the aroma and flavor characteristics of the mushroom. However mushroom has higher amounts of iron than vegetables like collard greens, it is not feasible to use mushrooms as the only dietary source of iron. The study also indicated that because of more bioaccumulation of iron in mycelium than in the mushroom, mycelium and not mushroom, could be a better alternative as a non-animal iron source.

Effects of varying ruminally undegradable protein supplementation on forage digestion, nitrogen metabolism, and urea kinetics in Nellore cattle fed low-quality tropical forage.

PubMed

Batista, E D; Detmann, E; Titgemeyer, E C; Valadares Filho, S C; Valadares, R F D; Prates, L L; Rennó, L N; Paulino, M F

2016-01-01

Effects of supplemental RDP and RUP on nutrient digestion, N metabolism, urea kinetics, and muscle protein degradation were evaluated in Nellore heifers () consuming low-quality signal grass hay (5% CP and 80% NDF, DM basis). Five ruminally and abomasally cannulated Nellore heifers (248 ± 9 kg) were used in a 5 × 5 Latin square. Treatments were the control (no supplement) and RDP supplementation to meet 100% of the RDP requirement plus RUP provision to supply 0, 50, 100, or 150% of the RUP requirement. Supplemental RDP (casein plus NPN) was ruminally dosed twice daily, and RUP supply (casein) was continuously infused abomasally. Jugular infusion of [NN]-urea with measurement of enrichment in urine was used to evaluate urea kinetics. The ratio of urinary 3-methylhistidine to creatinine was used to estimate skeletal muscle protein degradation. Forage NDF intake (2.48 kg/d) was not affected ( ≥ 0.37) by supplementation, but supplementation did increase ruminal NDF digestion ( < 0.01). Total N intake (by design) and N retention increased ( < 0.001) with supplementation and also linearly increased with RUP provision. Urea entry rate and gastrointestinal entry rate of urea were increased by supplementation ( < 0.001). Supplementation with RUP linearly increased ( = 0.02) urea entry rate and tended ( = 0.07) to linearly increase gastrointestinal entry rate of urea. Urea use for anabolic purposes tended ( = 0.07) to be increased by supplementation, and RUP provision also tended ( = 0.08) to linearly increase the amount of urea used for anabolism. The fraction of recycled urea N incorporated into microbial N was greater ( < 0.001) for control (22%) than for supplemented (9%) heifers. Urinary 3-methylhistidine:creatinine of control heifers was more than double that of supplemented heifers ( < 0.001). Control heifers reabsorbed a greater ( < 0.001) fraction of urea from the renal tubule than did supplemented heifers. Overall, unsupplemented heifers had greater mobilization of AA from myofibrillar protein, which provided N for urea synthesis and subsequent recycling. Supplemental RUP, when RDP was supplied, not only increased N retention but also supported increased urea N recycling and increased ruminal microbial protein synthesis.

Performance, nutritional behavior, and metabolic responses of calves supplemented with forage depend on starch fermentability.

PubMed

Mojahedi, S; Khorvash, M; Ghorbani, G R; Ghasemi, E; Mirzaei, M; Hashemzadeh-Cigari, F

2018-05-16

This study evaluated the interactive effects of forage provision on performance, nutritional behavior, apparent digestibility, rumen fermentation, and blood metabolites of dairy calves when corn grains with different fermentability were used. Sixty 3-d-old Holstein calves were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Dietary treatments were (1) steam-flaked (SF) corn without alfalfa hay (AH) supplementation (SF-NO), (2) SF corn with AH supplementation (SF-AH), (3) cracked (CR) corn without AH supplementation (CR-NO), and (4) CR corn with AH supplementation (CR-AH). All calves received the same amount of pasteurized whole milk and weaned on d 56 of the experiment; the study was terminated on d 70. Steam-flaked corn contained higher amounts of gelatinized starch in comparison with cracked corn (44.1 vs. 12.5% of total starch, respectively). Starter intake was not affected by corn processing methods or AH provision during the pre- or postweaning periods. However, we noted an interaction between corn processing methods and forage supplementation for starter intake during d 31 to 50 of the experiment, where calves fed on SF-AH starter had greater starter intake than those fed SF-NO starter, but the starter intake was not different between CR-NO and CR-AH fed calves. Furthermore, AH increased average daily gain (ADG) of calves fed an SF-based diet but not in calves fed a CR-based diet during the preweaning and overall periods. Interaction between forage provision and time was significant for ADG and feed efficiency, as calves supplemented with forage had higher ADG (0.982 vs. 0.592, respectively) and feed efficiency compared with forage unsupplemented calves at the weaning week. Forage supplementation resulted in more stable ruminal condition compared with nonforage-fed calves, as evidenced by higher ruminal pH (5.71 vs. 5.29, respectively) at postweaning and lower non-nutritive oral behavior around weaning time (55 vs. 70.5 min, respectively). The concentration of blood β-hydroxybutyrate was also greater in calves supplemented with forage than in unsupplemented calves. Results of the present study indicated that performance response and skeletal growth were the same between 2 corn processing methods. Forage provision improved ADG of calves fed the SF-based diet, but not the CR-based diet throughout the study. Copyright © 2018 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Treatment with acetyl-l-carnitine during in vitro maturation of buffalo oocytes improves oocyte quality and subsequent embryonic development.

PubMed

Xu, Hui-Yan; Yang, Xiao-Gan; Lu, Sheng-Sheng; Liang, Xing-Wei; Lu, Yang-Qing; Zhang, Ming; Lu, Ke-Huan

2018-06-01

Oocyte quality is one of the important factors in female fertility, in vitro maturation (IVM), and subsequent embryonic development. In the present study, we assessed whether acetyl-l-carnitine (ALC) supplementation during in vitro maturation of buffalo oocytes could improve oocyte quality and subsequent embryonic development. To determine the optimal level of ALC supplementation, we matured cumulus-oocyte complexes in maturation medium supplemented with 0, 2.5, and 5 mM ALC. The oocytes with a polar body were selected for parthenogenetic activation (PA) and in vitro fertilization (IVF). We found that oocytes matured in 2.5 mM ALC had significantly higher PA blastocyst rate (P < 0.05) and blastocyst cell number than those of unsupplemented oocytes (P < 0.05) and a significantly higher IVF blastocyst rate than that of oocytes matured in 5 mM ALC (P < 0.05). In all further experiments, we supplemented the maturation medium with 2.5 mM ALC. We then tested whether ALC supplementation could improve various markers of oocytes and cumulus cells. We compared cell proliferation; concentrations of reactive oxygen species (ROS), intracellular ATP, estradiol, and progesterone; mitochondrial distribution; mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNA); and expression levels of four genes encoding oocyte-derived factors (GDF9, BMP15) and steroid hormones (StAR, P450scc) between the supplemented and unsupplemented oocytes and cumulus cells. Cumulus cells matured with ALC supplementation were more prolific than those matured without ALC supplementation (P < 0.05). Oocytes treated with ALC had lower concentrations of intracellular ROS (P < 0.05) and a higher rate of diffuse mitochondrial distributions (P < 0.05) than those of untreated oocytes. Additionally, the mtDNA was higher in the ALC-treated oocytes (P < 0.05) and cumulus cells (P < 0.05) than that in the untreated cells. The ALC-treated maturation medium had a higher postmaturation concentration of estradiol than that of the untreated medium (P < 0.05). Finally, the gene expression levels of P450scc and GDF9 were greater in ALC-treated oocytes and cumulus cells than those in untreated cells (P < 0.05). Therefore, in buffalo, our results suggest that ALC affects mitochondrial function, regulates oocyte-derived paracrine factors, and increases the production of steroid hormones, leading to increased quality of matured oocytes and improved embryonic development in vitro. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Dietary Aloe Improves Insulin Sensitivity via the Suppression of Obesity-induced Inflammation in Obese Mice.

PubMed

Shin, Eunju; Shim, Kyu-Suk; Kong, Hyunseok; Lee, Sungwon; Shin, Seulmee; Kwon, Jeunghak; Jo, Tae Hyung; Park, Young-In; Lee, Chong-Kil; Kim, Kyungjae

2011-02-01

Insulin resistance is an integral feature of metabolic syndromes, including obesity, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia. In this study, we evaluated whether the aloe component could reduce obesity-induced inflammation and the occurrence of metabolic disorders such as blood glucose and insulin resistance. Male C57BL/6 obese mice fed a high-fat diet for 54 days received a supplement of aloe formula (PAG, ALS, Aloe QDM, and Aloe QDM complex) or pioglitazone (PGZ) and were compared with unsupplemented controls (high-fat diet; HFD) or mice fed a regular diet (RD). RT-PCR and western blot analysis were used to quantify the expression of obesity-induced inflammation. Aloe QDM lowered fasting blood glucose and plasma insulin compared with HFD. Obesity-induced inflammatory cytokine (IL-1β, -6, -12, TNF-α) and chemokine (CX3CL1, CCL5) mRNA and protein were decreased markedly, as was macrophage infiltration and hepatic triglycerides by Aloe QDM. At the same time, Aloe QDM decreased the mRNA and protein of PPARγ/LXRα and 11β-HSD1 both in the liver and WAT. Dietary aloe formula reduces obesity-induced glucose tolerance not only by suppressing inflammatory responses but also by inducing anti-inflammatory cytokines in the WAT and liver, both of which are important peripheral tissues affecting insulin resistance. The effect of Aloe QDM complex in the WAT and liver are related to its dual action on PPARγ and 11β-HSD1 expression and its use as a nutritional intervention against T2D and obesity-related inflammation is suggested.

Evidence for the essentiality of arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acid in the postnatal maternal and infant diet for the development of the infant's immune system early in life.

PubMed

Richard, Caroline; Lewis, Erin D; Field, Catherine J

2016-05-01

Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA), especially the balance between arachidonic (AA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids are known to have important immunomodulatory roles during the postnatal period when the immune system is rapidly developing. AA and DHA are required in infant formula in many countries but are optional in North America. The rationale for adding these LCPUFA to full-term formula is based on their presence in breast milk and randomized controlled studies that suggest improved cognitive function in preterm infants, but results are more variable in full-term infants. Recently, the European Food Safety Authority has proposed, based on a lack of functional evidence, that AA is not required in infant formula for full-term infants during the first year of life but DHA should remain mandatory. The purpose of this review is to review the evidence from epidemiological and intervention studies regarding the essentiality of AA and DHA in the postnatal infant and maternal diet (breast-feeding) for the immune system development early in life. Although studies support the essentiality of DHA for the immune system development, more research is needed to rule out the essentiality of AA. Nevertheless, intervention studies have demonstrated improvement in many markers of immune function in infants fed formula supplemented with AA and DHA compared with unsupplemented formula, which appears to consistently result in beneficial health outcomes including reduction in the risk of developing allergic and atopic disease early in life.

Dietary Aloe Improves Insulin Sensitivity via the Suppression of Obesity-induced Inflammation in Obese Mice

PubMed Central

Shin, Eunju; Shim, Kyu-Suk; Kong, Hyunseok; Lee, Sungwon; Shin, Seulmee; Kwon, Jeunghak; Jo, Tae Hyung; Park, Young-In; Lee, Chong-Kil

2011-01-01

Background Insulin resistance is an integral feature of metabolic syndromes, including obesity, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia. In this study, we evaluated whether the aloe component could reduce obesity-induced inflammation and the occurrence of metabolic disorders such as blood glucose and insulin resistance. Methods Male C57BL/6 obese mice fed a high-fat diet for 54 days received a supplement of aloe formula (PAG, ALS, Aloe QDM, and Aloe QDM complex) or pioglitazone (PGZ) and were compared with unsupplemented controls (high-fat diet; HFD) or mice fed a regular diet (RD). RT-PCR and western blot analysis were used to quantify the expression of obesity-induced inflammation. Results Aloe QDM lowered fasting blood glucose and plasma insulin compared with HFD. Obesity-induced inflammatory cytokine (IL-1β, -6, -12, TNF-α) and chemokine (CX3CL1, CCL5) mRNA and protein were decreased markedly, as was macrophage infiltration and hepatic triglycerides by Aloe QDM. At the same time, Aloe QDM decreased the mRNA and protein of PPARγ/LXRα and 11β-HSD1 both in the liver and WAT. Conclusion Dietary aloe formula reduces obesity-induced glucose tolerance not only by suppressing inflammatory responses but also by inducing anti-inflammatory cytokines in the WAT and liver, both of which are important peripheral tissues affecting insulin resistance. The effect of Aloe QDM complex in the WAT and liver are related to its dual action on PPARγ and 11β-HSD1 expression and its use as a nutritional intervention against T2D and obesity-related inflammation is suggested. PMID:21494375

Accumulation and depletion of liver copper stores in dairy cows challenged with a Cu-deficient diet and oral and injectable forms of Cu supplementation.

PubMed

Balemi, S C; Grace, N D; West, D M; Smith, S L; Knowles, S O

2010-06-01

To quantify the capacity of the liver to respond to a Cu-deficient diet and various forms of Cu supplementation in dairy cows with high Cu status. Sixty non-pregnant, non lactating mixed-age Friesian dairy cows were fed baled silage for 116 days, containing 5.8 mg Cu/kg dry matter (DM), that provided an inadequate Cu intake. They were either unsupplemented (Control); or treated thrice weekly orally with solutions containing the equivalent of 150 mg Cu/day as copper sulphate pentahydrate (CS), copper amino chelate (CAC), or copper glycinate (CG); 16 g Cu as CuO wire particles, administered in an intra-ruminal bolus on Day 0; or 100 mg Cu as calcium copper edetate, administered by S/C injection on Days 0 and 58. On Days -5, 14, 28, 58, 86 and 116, liver biopsies and blood samples were obtained for determination of Cu. Mean initial concentrations of Cu in liver for all groups was 827 (SE 42) micromol/kg fresh tissue. In control cows, this decreased to 552 micromol/kg on Day 116, and averaged 670 micromol/kg over the length of the trial. Oral forms of Cu supplementation increased overall mean concentrations in liver to 960 (SE 79), 1,050 (SE 81) and 1,100 (SE 84) micromol/kg for CS, CAC and CG, respectively, but there was no difference between form of supplement. Mean concentrations were significantly increased by bolus treatment, but not by injection. Concentrations of Cu in serum in all groups decreased from 12.1 (SE 0.3) to 10.4 (SE 0.6) micromol/L by Day 116, with no differences due to treatments. The initial concentration of Cu in liver significantly affected the rate of accumulation of Cu among cows supplemented orally. In cows with an initial concentration <1,100 micromol/kg, the average increase was 4.1 micromol/kg fresh tissue/day, whereas rates were variable, even negative, when initial concentrations were >1,100 micromol/kg. Release of Cu over 116 days in cows given the bolus was calculated to be equivalent to an oral intake of CS of 106 mg Cu/day. In dairy cows with a high Cu status fed a Cu-deficient diet, responses to supplementation with two chelated forms of Cu administrated orally were similar to those due to CS. Copper as CuO was about 77% as effective as oral supplementation with chemically similar inorganic Cu. Initial concentrations of Cu in liver influenced the rate of accumulation following oral supplementation. Changes in concentrations of Cu in liver were readily observed following oral supplementation over a wide range of initial concentrations, whereas these changes could not be detected in serum. The liver is thus a good index of the Cu status of dairy cows.

Effects of chito-oligosaccharide supplementation on performance, nutrient digestibility, and serum composition in broiler chickens.

PubMed

Li, X J; Piao, X S; Kim, S W; Liu, P; Wang, L; Shen, Y B; Jung, S C; Lee, H S

2007-06-01

A total of 196 day-old male broiler chicks were randomly allocated to 1 of 4 treatments in a study conducted to determine the effects of dietary supplementation of chito-oligosaccharide (COS) on growth, nutrient digestibility, and serum composition. The experimental diets consisted of an unsupplemented control diet based on corn, soybean meal, and fish meal or similar diets supplemented with either chlortetracycline, 50 mg/kg of COS, or 100 mg/kg of COS. Each treatment was fed to 7 replicate pens of birds, with 7 birds per pen. Broiler performance, nutrient digestibility, cecal microbial concentrations, and serum indices were measured at the end of the starter (d 21) and grower phases (d 42). During the starter period and overall, broilers fed 50 or 100 mg/kg of COS had better (P<0.05) average daily gain, average daily feed intake, and feed conversion than the control birds. The performance of birds fed chlortetracycline was generally intermediate between that of the control and the 2 COS treatments. Compared with the birds in the control or chlortetracycline treatments, the birds receiving 100 mg/kg of COS had better nutrient digestibility of DM, energy, calcium, and phosphorus; higher (P<0.05) concentrations of cecal Lactobacillus; and lower (P<0.05) serum triglyceride and total cholesterol during the starter phase. During the grower phase, the birds fed 100 mg/kg of COS had higher (P<0.05) calcium digestibility and CP retention than those fed the chlortetracycline treatment, and lower concentrations of cecal Escherichia coli than birds in the control treatment. The serum growth hormone level in birds fed 50 mg/kg of COS was higher (P<0.05) than in the other treatments. The birds fed 100 mg/kg of COS had lower (P<0.05) serum triglyceride, higher (P<0.05) serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and higher serum total protein content than birds in the other treatments. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with COS appeared to improve the average daily gain of broilers by increasing the average daily feed intake and nutrient digestibility and modulating the concentrations of cecal microbial flora. Additionally, COS increased serum protein and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and decreased serum triglyceride.

Bifidobacterium breve with α-linolenic acid and linoleic acid alters fatty acid metabolism in the maternal separation model of irritable bowel syndrome.

PubMed

Barrett, Eoin; Fitzgerald, Patrick; Dinan, Timothy G; Cryan, John F; Ross, R Paul; Quigley, Eamonn M; Shanahan, Fergus; Kiely, Barry; Fitzgerald, Gerald F; O'Toole, Paul W; Stanton, Catherine

2012-01-01

The aim of this study was to compare the impact of dietary supplementation with a Bifidobacterium breve strain together with linoleic acid & α-linolenic acid, for 7 weeks, on colonic sensitivity and fatty acid metabolism in rats. Maternally separated and non-maternally separated Sprague Dawley rats (n = 15) were orally gavaged with either B. breve DPC6330 (10(9) microorganisms/day) alone or in combination with 0.5% (w/w) linoleic acid & 0.5% (w/w) α-linolenic acid, daily for 7 weeks and compared with trehalose and bovine serum albumin. Tissue fatty acid composition was assessed by gas-liquid chromatography and visceral hypersensitivity was assessed by colorectal distension. Significant differences in the fatty acid profiles of the non-separated controls and maternally separated controls were observed for α-linolenic acid and arachidonic acid in the liver, oleic acid and eicosenoic acid (c11) in adipose tissue, and for palmitoleic acid and docosahexaenoic acid in serum (p<0.05). Administration of B. breve DPC6330 to MS rats significantly increased palmitoleic acid, arachidonic acid and docosahexaenoic acid in the liver, eicosenoic acid (c11) in adipose tissue and palmitoleic acid in the prefrontal cortex (p<0.05), whereas feeding B. breve DPC6330 to non separated rats significantly increased eicosapentaenoic acid and docosapentaenoic acid in serum (p<0.05) compared with the NS un-supplemented controls. Administration of B. breve DPC6330 in combination with linoleic acid and α-linolenic acid to maternally separated rats significantly increased docosapentaenoic acid in the serum (p<0.01) and α-linolenic acid in adipose tissue (p<0.001), whereas feeding B. breve DPC6330 with fatty acid supplementation to non-separated rats significantly increased liver and serum docosapentaenoic acid (p<0.05), and α-linolenic acid in adipose tissue (p<0.001). B. breve DPC6330 influenced host fatty acid metabolism. Administration of B. breve DPC6330 to maternally separated rats significantly modified the palmitoleic acid, arachidonic acid and docosahexaenoic acid contents in tissues. The effect was not observed in non-separated animals.

Bifidobacterium breve with α-Linolenic Acid and Linoleic Acid Alters Fatty Acid Metabolism in the Maternal Separation Model of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

PubMed Central

Barrett, Eoin; Fitzgerald, Patrick; Dinan, Timothy G.; Cryan, John F.; Ross, R. Paul; Quigley, Eamonn M.; Shanahan, Fergus; Kiely, Barry; Fitzgerald, Gerald F.; O'Toole, Paul W.; Stanton, Catherine

2012-01-01

The aim of this study was to compare the impact of dietary supplementation with a Bifidobacterium breve strain together with linoleic acid & α-linolenic acid, for 7 weeks, on colonic sensitivity and fatty acid metabolism in rats. Maternally separated and non-maternally separated Sprague Dawley rats (n = 15) were orally gavaged with either B. breve DPC6330 (109 microorganisms/day) alone or in combination with 0.5% (w/w) linoleic acid & 0.5% (w/w) α-linolenic acid, daily for 7 weeks and compared with trehalose and bovine serum albumin. Tissue fatty acid composition was assessed by gas-liquid chromatography and visceral hypersensitivity was assessed by colorectal distension. Significant differences in the fatty acid profiles of the non-separated controls and maternally separated controls were observed for α-linolenic acid and arachidonic acid in the liver, oleic acid and eicosenoic acid (c11) in adipose tissue, and for palmitoleic acid and docosahexaenoic acid in serum (p<0.05). Administration of B. breve DPC6330 to MS rats significantly increased palmitoleic acid, arachidonic acid and docosahexaenoic acid in the liver, eicosenoic acid (c11) in adipose tissue and palmitoleic acid in the prefrontal cortex (p<0.05), whereas feeding B. breve DPC6330 to non separated rats significantly increased eicosapentaenoic acid and docosapentaenoic acid in serum (p<0.05) compared with the NS un-supplemented controls. Administration of B. breve DPC6330 in combination with linoleic acid and α-linolenic acid to maternally separated rats significantly increased docosapentaenoic acid in the serum (p<0.01) and α-linolenic acid in adipose tissue (p<0.001), whereas feeding B. breve DPC6330 with fatty acid supplementation to non-separated rats significantly increased liver and serum docosapentaenoic acid (p<0.05), and α-linolenic acid in adipose tissue (p<0.001). B. breve DPC6330 influenced host fatty acid metabolism. Administration of B. breve DPC6330 to maternally separated rats significantly modified the palmitoleic acid, arachidonic acid and docosahexaenoic acid contents in tissues. The effect was not observed in non-separated animals. PMID:23185248

Mixed Pro- and Anti-Oxidative Effects of Pomegranate Polyphenols in Cultured Cells

PubMed Central

Danesi, Francesca; Kroon, Paul A.; Saha, Shikha; de Biase, Dario; D’Antuono, Luigi Filippo; Bordoni, Alessandra

2014-01-01

In recent years, the number of scientific papers concerning pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) and its health properties has increased greatly, and there is great potential for the use of bioactive-rich pomegranate extracts as ingredients in functional foods and nutraceuticals. To translate this potential into effective strategies it is essential to further elucidate the mechanisms of the reported bioactivity. In this study HepG2 cells were supplemented with a pomegranate fruit extract or with the corresponding amount of pure punicalagin, and then subjected to an exogenous oxidative stress. Overall, upon the oxidative stress the gene expression and activity of the main antioxidant enzymes appeared reduced in supplemented cells, which were more prone to the detrimental effects than unsupplemented ones. No differences were detected between cells supplemented with the pomegranate juice or the pure punicalagin. Although further studies are needed due to the gaps existing between in vitro and in vivo studies, our results suggest caution in the administration of high concentrations of nutraceutical molecules, particularly when they are administered in concentrated form. PMID:25350111

Rapid degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid facilitated by acetate under methanogenic condition.

PubMed

Yang, Zhiman; Xu, Xiaohui; Dai, Meng; Wang, Lin; Shi, Xiaoshuang; Guo, Rongbo

2017-05-01

Acetate can be used as an electron donor to stimulate 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), which has not been determined under methanogenic condition. This study applied high-throughput sequencing and methanogenic inhibition approaches to investigate the 2,4-D degradation process using the enrichments obtained from paddy soil. Acetate addition significantly promoted 2,4-D degradation, which was 5-fold higher than in the acetate-unsupplemented enrichments in terms of the 2,4-D degradation rate constant. Dechloromonas and Pseudomonas were the dominant 2,4-D degraders. Methanogenic inhibition experiments indicated that the 2,4-D degradation was independent of methanogenesis. It was proposed that the accelerated 2,4-D degradation in the acetate-supplemented enrichment involved an unusual interaction, where members of the acetate oxidizers primarily oxidized acetate and produced H 2 . H 2 was utilized by the 2,4-D degraders to degrade 2,4-D, but also partially consumed by the hydrogenotrophic methanogens to produce methane. The findings presented here provide a new strategy for the remediation of 2,4-D-polluted soils. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fermentation of molasses using a thermotolerant yeast, Kluyveromyces marxianus IMB3: simplex optimisation of media supplements.

PubMed

Gough, S; Flynn, O; Hack, C J; Marchant, R

1996-09-01

The use of molasses as a substrate for ethanol production by the thermotolerant yeast Kluyveromyces marxianus var. marxianus was investigated at 45 degrees C. A maximum ethanol concentration of 7.4% (v/v) was produced from unsupplemented molasses at a concentration of 23% (v/v). The effect on ethanol production of increasing the sucrose concentration in 23% (v/v) molasses was determined. Increased sucrose concentration had a similar detrimental effect on the final ethanol produced as the increase in molasses concentration. This indicated that the effect may be due to increased osmotic activity as opposed to other components in the molasses. The optimum concentration of the supplements nitrogen, magnesium, potassium and fatty acid for maximum ethanol production rate was determined using the Nelder and Mead (Computer J 7:308-313, 1965) simplex optimisation method. The optimum concentration of the supplements were 0.576 g1(-1) magnesium sulphate, 0.288 g1(-1) potassium dihydrogen phosphate and 0.36% (v/v) linseed oil. Added nitrogen in the form of ammonium sulphate did not affect the ethanol production rate.

Effects of Maternal Choline Supplementation on the Septohippocampal Cholinergic System in the Ts65Dn Mouse Model of Down Syndrome.

PubMed

Kelley, Christy M; Ash, Jessica A; Powers, Brian E; Velazquez, Ramon; Alldred, Melissa J; Ikonomovic, Milos D; Ginsberg, Stephen D; Strupp, Barbara J; Mufson, Elliott J

2016-01-01

Down syndrome (DS), caused by trisomy of chromosome 21, is marked by intellectual disability (ID) and early onset of Alzheimer's disease (AD) neuropathology including hippocampal cholinergic projection system degeneration. Here we determined the effects of age and maternal choline supplementation (MCS) on hippocampal cholinergic deficits in Ts65Dn mice compared to 2N mice sacrificed at 6-8 and 14-18 months of age. Ts65Dn mice and disomic (2N) littermates sacrificed at ages 6-8 and 14-18 mos were used for an aging study and Ts65Dn and 2N mice derived from Ts65Dn dams were maintained on either a choline-supplemented or a choline-controlled diet (conception to weaning) and examined at 14-18 mos for MCS studies. In the latter, mice were behaviorally tested on the radial arm Morris water maze (RAWM) and hippocampal tissue was examined for intensity of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) immunoreactivity. Hippocampal ChAT activity was evaluated in a separate cohort. ChAT-positive fiber innervation was significantly higher in the hippocampus and dentate gyrus in Ts65Dn mice compared with 2N mice, independent of age or maternal diet. Similarly, hippocampal ChAT activity was significantly elevated in Ts65Dn mice compared to 2N mice, independent of maternal diet. A significant increase with age was seen in hippocampal cholinergic innervation of 2N mice, but not Ts65Dn mice. Degree of ChAT intensity correlated negatively with spatial memory ability in unsupplemented 2N and Ts65Dn mice, but positively in MCS 2N mice. The increased innervation produced by MCS appears to improve hippocampal function, making this a therapy that may be exploited for future translational approaches in human DS.

Cyanidin 3-glucoside attenuates obesity-associated insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis in high-fat diet-fed and db/db mice via the transcription factor FoxO1.

PubMed

Guo, Honghui; Xia, Min; Zou, Tangbin; Ling, Wenhua; Zhong, Ruimin; Zhang, Weiguo

2012-04-01

Obesity is a major risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes, and both conditions are now recognized to possess significant inflammatory components underlying their pathophysiologies. Here, we hypothesized that cyanidin 3-glucoside (C3G), a typical anthocyanin reported to possess potent anti-inflammatory properties, would ameliorate obesity-associated inflammation and metabolic disorders, such as insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis in mouse models of diabesity. Male C57BL/6J obese mice fed a high-fat diet for 12 weeks and genetically diabetic db/db mice at an age of 6 weeks received dietary C3G supplementation (0.2%) for 5 weeks. We found that dietary C3G lowered fasting glucose levels and markedly improved the insulin sensitivity in both high-fat diet fed and db/db mice as compared with unsupplemented controls. White adipose tissue messenger RNA levels and serum concentrations of inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1) were reduced by C3G, as did macrophage infiltration in adipose tissue. Concomitantly, hepatic triglyceride content and steatosis were alleviated by C3G. Moreover, C3G treatment decreased c-Jun N-terminal kinase activation and promoted phosphorylation and nuclear exclusion of forkhead box O1 after refeeding. These findings clearly indicate that C3G has significant potency in antidiabetic effects by modulating the c-Jun N-terminal kinase/forkhead box O1 signaling pathway and the related inflammatory adipocytokines. Crown Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Carotenoids buffer the acute phase response on fever, sickness behavior and rapid bill color change in zebra finches.

PubMed

George, Deanna B; Schneider, Brent C; McGraw, Kevin J; Ardia, Daniel R

2017-08-15

Carotenoids are finite resources that animals can allocate to self-maintenance, attractiveness or reproduction. Here we test how carotenoids affect the acute phase response (APR), an intense rapid systemic response characterized by fever, sickness behavior and production of acute phase proteins, which serves to reduce pathogen persistence. We conducted a 2×2 factorial design experiment in captive adult male and female zebra finches ( Taeniopygia guttata ) to determine the effects of carotenoid supplementation on the intensity of the APR. We measured changes in feeding rate, activity level and body temperature of the birds. We found that, relative to unsupplemented controls, carotenoid-supplemented birds exhibited less severe reductions in feeding and activity, smaller increases in body temperature and lower circulating levels of haptoglobin (an acute phase protein) 24 h after inducing an APR. Among supplemented individuals, those with higher blood carotenoid levels exhibited a lower reduction in activity rate after 24 h. Forty-eight hours after APR induction, birds exhibited a significant decrease in plasma carotenoid levels and a decrease in bill hue, with less reduction in hue in carotenoid-supplemented individuals. These results demonstrate that carotenoids can alleviate several important behavioral and physiological effects of an APR and that bill color can change rapidly following induction of the costly APR immune defense. In particular, immune activation may have caused birds to preferentially draw down carotenoids from the bloodstream, ostensibly for use in health. Rapid bill color changes over a 48-h period support growing evidence that bills may serve as short-term signals of health and condition. © 2017. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

Applied electric field enhances DRG neurite growth: influence of stimulation media, surface coating and growth supplements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wood, Matthew D.; Willits, Rebecca Kuntz

2009-08-01

Electrical therapies have been found to aid repair of nerve injuries and have been shown to increase and direct neurite outgrowth during stimulation. This enhanced neural growth existed even after the electric field (EF) or stimulation was removed, but the factors that may influence the enhanced growth, such as stimulation media or surface coating, have not been fully investigated. This study characterized neurite outgrowth and branching under various conditions: EF magnitude and application time, ECM surface coating, medium during EF application and growth supplements. A uniform, low-magnitude EF (24 or 44 V m-1) was applied to dissociated chick embryo dorsal root ganglia seeded on collagen or laminin-coated surfaces. During the growth period, cells were either exposed to NGF or N2, and during stimulation cells were exposed to either unsupplemented media (Ca2+) or PBS (no Ca2+). Parallel controls for each experiment included cells exposed to the chamber with no stimulation and cells remaining outside the chamber. After brief electrical stimulation (10 min), neurite length significantly increased 24 h after application for all conditions studied. Of particular interest, increased stimulation time (10-100 min) further enhanced neurite length on laminin but not on collagen surfaces. Neurite branching was not affected by stimulation on any surface, and no preferential growth of neurites was noted after stimulation. Overall, the results of this report suggest that short-duration electric stimulation is sufficient to enhance neurite length under a variety of conditions. While further data are needed to fully elucidate a mechanism for this increased growth, these data suggest that one focus of those investigations should be the interaction between the growth cone and the substrata.

The polyphenol oleuropein aglycone protects TgCRND8 mice against Aß plaque pathology.

PubMed

Grossi, Cristina; Rigacci, Stefania; Ambrosini, Stefano; Ed Dami, Teresa; Luccarini, Ilaria; Traini, Chiara; Failli, Paola; Berti, Andrea; Casamenti, Fiorella; Stefani, Massimo

2013-01-01

The claimed beneficial effects of the Mediterranean diet include prevention of several age-related dysfunctions including neurodegenerative diseases and Alzheimer-like pathology. These effects have been related to the protection against cognitive decline associated with aging and disease by a number of polyphenols found in red wine and extra virgin olive oil. The double transgenic TgCRND8 mice (overexpressing the Swedish and Indiana mutations in the human amyloid precursor protein), aged 1.5 and 4, and age-matched wild type control mice were used to examine in vivo the effects of 8 weeks dietary supplementation of oleuropein aglycone (50 mg/kg of diet), the main polyphenol found in extra virgin olive oil. We report here that dietary supplementation of oleuropein aglycone strongly improves the cognitive performance of young/middle-aged TgCRND8 mice, a model of amyloid-ß deposition, respect to age-matched littermates with un-supplemented diet. Immunofluorescence analysis of cerebral tissue in oleuropein aglycone-fed transgenic mice showed remarkably reduced ß-amyloid levels and plaque deposits, which appeared less compact and "fluffy"; moreover, microglia migration to the plaques for phagocytosis and a remarkable reduction of the astrocyte reaction were evident. Finally, oleuropein aglycone-fed mice brain displayed an astonishingly intense autophagic reaction, as shown by the increase of autophagic markers expression and of lysosomal activity. Data obtained with cultured cells confirmed the latter evidence, suggesting mTOR regulation by oleuropein aglycone. Our results support, and provide mechanistic insights into, the beneficial effects against Alzheimer-associated neurodegeneration of a polyphenol enriched in the extra virgin olive oil, a major component of the Mediterranean diet.

Attempting to Compensate for Reduced Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase Protein with Nitrate Supplementation Cannot Overcome Metabolic Dysfunction but Rather Has Detrimental Effects in Dystrophin-Deficient mdx Muscle.

PubMed

Timpani, Cara A; Trewin, Adam J; Stojanovska, Vanesa; Robinson, Ainsley; Goodman, Craig A; Nurgali, Kulmira; Betik, Andrew C; Stepto, Nigel; Hayes, Alan; McConell, Glenn K; Rybalka, Emma

2017-04-01

Duchenne muscular dystrophy arises from the loss of dystrophin and is characterized by calcium dysregulation, muscular atrophy, and metabolic dysfunction. The secondary reduction of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) from the sarcolemma reduces NO production and bioavailability. As NO modulates glucose uptake, metabolism, and mitochondrial bioenergetics, we investigated whether an 8-week nitrate supplementation regimen could overcome metabolic dysfunction in the mdx mouse. Dystrophin-positive control (C57BL/10) and dystrophin-deficient mdx mice were supplemented with sodium nitrate (85 mg/l) in drinking water. Following the supplementation period, extensor digitorum longus and soleus were excised and radioactive glucose uptake was measured at rest (basal) and during contraction. Gastrocnemius was excised and mitochondrial respiration was measured using the Oroboros Oxygraph. Tibialis anterior was analyzed immunohistochemically for the presence of dystrophin, nNOS, nitrotyrosine, IgG and CD45+ cells, and histologically to assess areas of damage and regeneration. Glucose uptake in the basal and contracting states was normal in unsupplemented mdx muscles but was reduced following nitrate supplementation in mdx muscles only. The mitochondrial utilization of substrates was also impaired in mdx gastrocnemius during phosphorylating and maximal uncoupled respiration, and nitrate could not improve respiration in mdx muscle. Although nitrate supplementation reduced mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide emission, it induced mitochondrial uncoupling in red gastrocnemius, increased muscle fiber peroxynitrite (nitrotyrosine), and promoted skeletal muscle damage. Our novel data suggest that despite lower nNOS protein expression and likely lower NO production in mdx muscle, enhancing NO production with nitrate supplementation in these mice has detrimental effects on skeletal muscle. This may have important relevance for those with DMD.

Effects of Maternal Choline Supplementation on the Septohippocampal Cholinergic System in the Ts65Dn Mouse Model of Down Syndrome

PubMed Central

Kelley, Christy M.; Ash, Jessica A.; Powers, Brian E.; Velazquez, Ramon; Alldred, Melissa J.; Ikonomovic, Milos D.; Ginsberg, Stephen D.; Strupp, Barbara J.; Mufson, Elliott J.

2016-01-01

Down syndrome (DS), caused by trisomy of chromosome 21, is marked by intellectual disability (ID) and early onset of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) neuropathology including hippocampal cholinergic projection system degeneration. Here we determined the effects of age and maternal choline supplementation (MCS) on hippocampal cholinergic deficits in Ts65Dn mice. Ts65Dn mice and disomic (2N) littermates sacrificed at ages 6–8 and 14–18 mos were used for an aging study, and Ts65Dn and 2N mice derived from Ts65Dn dams were maintained on either a choline-supplemented or a choline-controlled diet (conception to weaning) and examined at 14–18 mos for MCS studies. In the latter, mice were behaviorally tested on the radial arm Morris water maze (RAWM) and hippocampal tissue was examined for intensity of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) immunoreactivity. Hippocampal ChAT activity was evaluated in a separate cohort. ChAT-positive fiber innervation was significantly higher in the hippocampus and dentate gyrus in Ts65Dn mice compared with 2N mice, independent of age or maternal diet. Similarly, hippocampal ChAT activity was significantly elevated in TS65Dn mice compared to 2N mice, independent of maternal diet. A significant increase with age was seen in hippocampal cholinergic innervation of 2N mice, but not Ts65Dn mice. Degree of ChAT intensity correlated negatively with spatial memory ability in unsupplemented 2N and Ts65Dn mice, but positively in MCS 2N mice. The increased innervation produced by MCS appears to improve hippocampal function, making this a therapy that may be exploited for future translational approaches in human DS. PMID:26391045

Acute and chronic safety and efficacy of dose dependent creatine nitrate supplementation and exercise performance.

PubMed

Galvan, Elfego; Walker, Dillon K; Simbo, Sunday Y; Dalton, Ryan; Levers, Kyle; O'Connor, Abigail; Goodenough, Chelsea; Barringer, Nicholas D; Greenwood, Mike; Rasmussen, Christopher; Smith, Stephen B; Riechman, Steven E; Fluckey, James D; Murano, Peter S; Earnest, Conrad P; Kreider, Richard B

2016-01-01

Creatine monohydrate (CrM) and nitrate are popular supplements for improving exercise performance; yet have not been investigated in combination. We performed two studies to determine the safety and exercise performance-characteristics of creatine nitrate (CrN) supplementation. Study 1 participants (N = 13) ingested 1.5 g CrN (CrN-Low), 3 g CrN (CrN-High), 5 g CrM or a placebo in a randomized, crossover study (7d washout) to determine supplement safety (hepatorenal and muscle enzymes, heart rate, blood pressure and side effects) measured at time-0 (unsupplemented), 30-min, and then hourly for 5-h post-ingestion. Study 2 participants (N = 48) received the same CrN treatments vs. 3 g CrM in a randomized, double-blind, 28d trial inclusive of a 7-d interim testing period and loading sequence (4 servings/d). Day-7 and d-28 measured Tendo™ bench press performance, Wingate testing and a 6x6-s bicycle ergometer sprint. Data were analyzed using a GLM and results are reported as mean ± SD or mean change ± 95 % CI. In both studies we observed several significant, yet stochastic changes in blood markers that were not indicative of potential harm or consistent for any treatment group. Equally, all treatment groups reported a similar number of minimal side effects. In Study 2, there was a significant increase in plasma nitrates for both CrN groups by d-7, subsequently abating by d-28. Muscle creatine increased significantly by d-7 in the CrM and CrN-High groups, but then decreased by d-28 for CrN-High. By d-28, there were significant increases in bench press lifting volume (kg) for all groups (PLA, 126.6, 95 % CI 26.3, 226.8; CrM, 194.1, 95 % CI 89.0, 299.2; CrN-Low, 118.3, 95 % CI 26.1, 210.5; CrN-High, 267.2, 95 % CI 175.0, 359.4, kg). Only the CrN-High group was significantly greater than PLA (p < 0.05). Similar findings were observed for bench press peak power (PLA, 59.0, 95 % CI 4.5, 113.4; CrM, 68.6, 95 % CI 11.4, 125.8; CrN-Low, 40.9, 95 % CI -9.2, 91.0; CrN-High, 60.9, 95 % CI 10.8, 111.1, W) and average power. Creatine nitrate delivered at 3 g was well-tolerated, demonstrated similar performance benefits to 3 g CrM, in addition, within the confines of this study, there were no safety concerns.

Carcass merit and meat quality in Suffolk lambs, Katahdin lambs, and meat-goat kids finished on a grass-legume pasture with and without supplementation.

PubMed

Turner, K E; Belesky, D P; Cassida, K A; Zerby, H N

2014-10-01

The experiment evaluated traditional U.S. sheep (Suffolk), hair sheep (Katahdin), and meat goat (Boer crossbred; Goat) carcass and meat quality parameters when finished on pasture with and without supplemental whole cottonseed (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Supplemented animals had greater ribeye area (P<0.01), body wall thickness (P<0.001), and lean quality score (P<0.05) than unsupplemented animals. Whole cottonseed increased fatty acids (FA) 18:1 trans-10, 18:1 trans-12, 18:2, and Omega6:Omega3 ratio and decreased FA 18:1 trans-11, 18:3, and Omega3 in longissimus muscle (LM). Katahdin LM had greater (P<0.001) intramuscular fat compared to Suffolk and Goat. Goat LM had less (P<0.001) FA 14:0, 18:0, 18:1 t11, 18:3, 20:3n-6, and saturated FA when compared to Suffolk or Katahdin. Carcass weights from pasture-finished sheep and goats would be acceptable for most ethnic markets in the USA. Omega6:Omega3 ratios in chevon and lamb were within the guidelines for meats that can improve human diets and health. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni effect on the hemolytic potential of Listeria monocytogenes.

PubMed

Sansano, S; Rivas, A; Pina-Pérez, M C; Martinez, A; Rodrigo, D

2017-06-05

The effect of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni on the hemolytic potential of Listeria monocytogenes was studied by means of the assessment of the Listeriolysin O (LLO) production. The three factors under study, stevia concentration in the range [0-2.5] % (w/v), incubation temperature (10 and 37°C), and exposure time (0-65h) significantly affected (p≤0.05) the hemolytic activity of L. monocytogenes. Results showed that at the lower incubation temperature the hemolytic potential of the bacterium was significantly reduced, from 100% at 37°C to 8% at 10°C (after 65h of incubation) in unsupplemented substrate (0% stevia). Irrespective of the temperature, 10 or 37°C, supplementation of the medium with stevia at 2.5 % (w/v) reduced the bacterium's hemolytic activity by a maximum of 100%. Furthermore, the time of exposure to 2.5 % (w/v) stevia concentration was also a significant factor reducing the hemolytic capability of L. monocytogenes. The possibility of reducing the pathogenic potential of L. monocytogenes (hemolysis) by exposure to stevia should be confirmed in real food matrices, opening a research niche with a valuable future impact on food safety. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Citrus flavanones prevent systemic inflammation and ameliorate oxidative stress in C57BL/6J mice fed high-fat diet.

PubMed

Ferreira, Paula S; Spolidorio, Luis C; Manthey, John A; Cesar, Thais B

2016-06-15

The flavanones hesperidin, eriocitrin and eriodictyol were investigated for their prevention of the oxidative stress and systemic inflammation caused by high-fat diet in C57BL/6J mice. The mice received a standard diet (9.5% kcal from fat), high-fat diet (45% kcal from fat) or high-fat diet supplemented with hesperidin, eriocitrin or eriodictyol for a period of four weeks. Hesperidin, eriocitrin and eriodictyol increased the serum total antioxidant capacity, and restrained the elevation of interleukin-6 (IL-6), macrophage chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). In addition, the liver TBARS levels and spleen mass (g per kg body weight) were lower for the flavanone-treated mice than in the unsupplemented mice. Eriocitrin and eriodictyol reduced TBARS levels in the blood serum, and hesperidin and eriodictyol also reduced fat accumulation and liver damage. The results showed that hesperidin, eriocitrin and eriodictyol had protective effects against inflammation and oxidative stress caused by high-fat diet in mice, and may therefore prevent metabolic alterations associated with the development of cardiovascular diseases in other animals.

Post-thaw amendment of cryopreserved sperm for use in artificial insemination of a viviparous fish, the green swordtail Xiphophorus helleri

PubMed Central

Dong, Qiaoxiang; Huang, Changjiang; Tiersch, Terrence R.

2017-01-01

Sperm cryopreservation protocols have been developed for live-bearers such as the green swordtail Xiphophorus helleri and the platyfish Xiphophorus couchianus. Despite the high post-thaw motility (~75%) obtained in both species, the requirements of sperm storage within the female reproductive tract coupled with the process of internal fertilization place functional demands upon cryopreserved sperm samples far beyond those of oviparous species. The purpose of this study was to facilitate the artificial insemination process with cryopreserved sperm of X. helleri through evaluation of parameters related to sperm quality after thawing. Specifically, this study evaluated the effects on motility for fresh and thawed sperm samples of centrifugation (for concentration of sperm and washing for removal of cryoprotectant), ionic composition, and additions of glucose and fetal bovine serum (FBS) in extender solutions. Centrifugation at 1000 ×g for 10 min at 4 °C was found to have no adverse effects on sperm motility of fresh samples, and for cryopreserved samples, the removal of glycerol by washing yielded higher and longer post-thaw motility (e.g., 168 h vs. 48 h for the controls). Suspension of fresh sperm samples in magnesium-free Hanks’ balanced salt solution (HBSS) did not affect motility; however, HBSS prepared with the absence of potassium or calcium, and the use of unsupplemented saline (NaCl alone) as extenders significantly reduced sperm motility. The presence of glucose in HBSS yielded higher and longer motility for fresh and thawed samples, but addition of glucose at greater than 2 g/L were unnecessary. Addition of 20% FBS prior to freezing was found to increase the post-thaw motility significantly compared to control treatment with 14% glycerol alone. Also addition of 20% FBS after thawing and centrifugation was found to induce the formation of sperm bundles, which may be beneficial for internal fertilization success. In conclusion, concentration of sperm and the removal of cryoprotectant (through centrifugation), and the addition of 20% FBS in the extender is recommended for future insemination trials with cryopreserved samples. PMID:29269962

Sodium butyrate improved performance while modulating the cecal microbiota and regulating the expression of intestinal immune-related genes of broiler chickens.

PubMed

Bortoluzzi, C; Pedroso, A A; Mallo, J J; Puyalto, M; Kim, W K; Applegate, T J

2017-09-01

This study evaluated the effect of sodium butyrate (SB) on performance, expression of immune-related genes in the cecal tonsils, and cecal microbiota of broiler chickens when dietary energy and amino acids concentrations were reduced. Day-old male Ross 708 broiler chicks were fed dietary treatments in a 3 × 2 factorial design (8 pens per treatment) with 3 dietary formulations (control diet; reduction of 2.3% of amino acids and 60 kcal/kg; and reduction of 4.6% of amino acids and 120 kcal/kg) with or without the inclusion of 0.1% of SB. Feed intake (FI), body weight gain (BW gain), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were recorded until 28 d of age. From 14 to 28 d, there was an interaction of nutrient density by SB (P = 0.003) wherein BW gain of birds fed SB was impaired less by the energy/amino acids reduction than unsupplemented birds. A similar result was obtained from 1 to 28 d (P = 0.004). No interaction (P < 0.05) between nutrient density by SB was observed for FCR. Nutritional density of the diets and SB modified the structure, composition, and predicted function of the cecal microbiota. The nutritionally reduced diet altered the imputed function performed by the microbiota and the SB supplementation reduced these variations, keeping the microbial function similar to that observed in chickens fed a control diet. The frequency of bacterial species presenting the butyryl-CoA: acetate CoA-transferase gene increased in the microbiota of chickens fed a nutritionally reduced diet without SB supplementation, and was not changed by nutrient density of the diet when supplemented with SB (interaction; P = 0.01). SB modulated the expression of immune related genes in the cecal tonsils; wherein SB upregulated the expression of A20 in broilers fed control diets (P < 0.05) and increased IL-6 expression (P < 0.05). These results show that SB had positive effects on the productive performance of broilers fed nutritionally reduced diets, partially by modulating the cecal microbiota and exerting immune-modulatory effects. © 2017 Poultry Science Association Inc.

Yeast cell-wall products containing beta-glucan plus ascorbic acid affect neonatal Bos taurus calf leukocytes and growth after a transport stressor.

PubMed

Eicher, S D; Wesley, I V; Sharma, V K; Johnson, T R

2010-03-01

The objectives were to ascertain whether a yeast cell-wall derivative that was 1.8% beta-glucan in combination with ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate could improve innate immunity and mediate transportation stress in neonatal calves, and to compare the 1.8% beta-glucan yeast cell-wall derivative with a more purified yeast cell-wall derivative (70% beta-glucan). Treatments were 1) an unsupplemented control (CNT); 2) 113 g of a 1.8% (approximately 2%) beta-glucan derivative of yeast cell walls plus 250 mg of l-ascorbic acid phosphate (BG2); or 3) 150 mg of a purified beta-glucan fraction from yeast cell walls (approximately 70% beta-glucan) plus 250 mg/feeding of l-ascorbic acid phosphate (BG70). Calves (n = 39) were transported for 4 h, placed in outdoor hutches, and randomly assigned to treatments. Treatments (mixed with a milk replacer) were individually fed twice daily for 28 d. Calves were offered calf starter, free choice, throughout the study. Weekly starter intake and BW were measured, and fecal samples were collected for Salmonella Typhimurium and Escherichia coli O157:H7 PCR analysis. Blood was collected immediately before transport (d 0) and on d 3, 7, 10, 14, 21, and 28 after transport. Starter intake and DMI were less (P < 0.05) at d 28 for the BG2 and BG70 treatments compared with the CNT treatment. Hematocrit percentages increased (P = 0.002) throughout the experiment. White blood cell counts (treatment x time interaction, P = 0.066) were less for the calves supplemented with BG70 than for those supplemented with BG2 (P = 0.01) or for CNT calves (P = 0.04) on d 28. Granulocyte counts changed (P = 0.04) throughout the experiment. A trend (P = 0.077) for a treatment x time interaction was detected for peripheral blood mononuclear cell counts (PBMC). Counts of PBMC were greater (P = 0.006) for the BG2 treatment compared with the CNT treatment on d 3. Calves given the BG70 supplement had fewer PBMC than those given the BG2 supplement on d 21 (P = 0.03) and 28 (P = 0.05). Fibrinogen concentrations were affected only by time (P = 0.002). Time effects were detected for phagocytosis (P = 0.005), oxidative burst (P < 0.001), expression of cluster of differentiation 18 (P = 0.001), and increased cluster of differentiation 18 (P = 0.006). Phagocytosis was less (P = 0.05) for calves in the BG70 group than for those in the CNT group. Percentage of calves positive for E. coli O157:H7 was greatest (P

The effectiveness of dietary sunflower meal and exogenous enzyme on growth, digestive enzymes, carcass traits, and blood chemistry of broilers.

PubMed

Alagawany, Mahmoud; Attia, Adel I; Ibrahim, Zenat A; Mahmoud, Reda A; El-Sayed, Sabry A

2017-05-01

High costs of conventional protein feed sources including soybean meal (SBM) generated the need for finding other alternatives. Thus, the present study was designed to evaluate the impact of graded replacements of SBM by sunflower seed meal (SFM) with or without enzyme supplementation on growth performance, digestive enzymes, carcass traits, and blood profile of broiler chickens. A total of 240 unsexed 1-week-old broiler chicks (Hubbard) were randomly divided into eight treatment groups of 30 chicks each in five replicates each of six chicks in a factorial design (4 × 2) arrangement, including four levels of SFM (0, 25, 50, and 75% replacing SBM) and two levels of enzyme (0- or 0.1-g/kg diet) supplementation. Performance traits including feed conversion ratio, body weight, and weight gain were significantly (P < 0.01) improved with increasing SFM up to 50% substitution for SBM or with enzyme supplementation in broiler diet during the experiment. However, feed intake of broiler chicks was decreased with enzyme supplementation (P < 0.05). The activities of digestive enzymes (protease and amylase) were significantly (P < 0.05) influenced and enhanced by SFM and enzyme inclusion in diets, respectively. The activities of protease and amylase were improved with SFM diet supplemented with 0.1 g/kg enzyme in comparison with those with the un-supplemented diet. The evaluated carcass traits were not statistically (P > 0.05) influenced by feeding SFM meal or enzyme addition. Biochemical blood parameters were significantly (P < 0.01) affected by SFM, enzyme, or their interaction in broiler diets, except for globulin that was not affected by dietary enzyme. It is concluded that increasing SFM level in the diet up to 50% replacing SBM with the supplementation of enzyme improved the growth performance and enhanced positively carcass traits as well as the activity of digestive enzymes in broiler chickens.

Effects of maternal dietary manganese and incubation temperature on hatchability, antioxidant status, and expression of heat shock proteins in chick embryos.

PubMed

Zhu, Y W; Lu, L; Li, W X; Zhang, L Y; Ji, C; Lin, X; Liu, H C; Odle, J; Luo, X G

2015-12-01

To investigate whether supplementing manganese (Mn) to the maternal diet could reduce the deleterious effect of heat stress on the developing embryo, the hatchability, antioxidant status, and expression of heat shock proteins (HSP) were evaluated in chick embryos under normal and high incubation temperatures. A completely randomized design ( = 6) with 2 maternal dietary Mn treatments (unsupplemented control basal diet versus the basal diet + 120 mg Mn/kg as inorganic Mn) × 2 incubation temperatures (normal, 37.8°C, versus high, 39.0°C) was used. High incubation temperature did not affect ( > 0.19) hatchability and embryo mortality and development but did increase ( < 0.05) activities of heart manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and liver copper zinc superoxide dismutase and liver MnSOD mRNA and protein levels in embryos. High incubation temperature also decreased ( < 0.003) HSP70 protein level in the heart but had no effects ( > 0.07) in the liver of embryos. Maternal diet with Mn supplementation not only increased ( < 0.05) the hatchability and Mn content ( < 0.001) in the yolk and embryonic tissues and the activity of MnSOD in the heart ( < 0.004) as well as relative liver weight ( < 0.05) under normal incubation temperature but also decreased ( ≤ 0.05) embryo mortality and HSP90 mRNA level in the liver and heart of embryos. Furthermore, under high incubation temperature, maternal diet Mn supplementation increased ( < 0.002) MnSOD protein expression in the liver of embryos but had no effect ( > 0.43) under normal incubation temperature. These results indicated that high incubation temperature induced self-protective responses of chick embryos with a modification of antioxidant status and a depression of HSP70 protein level. Maternal dietary supplementation of Mn could improve the hatchability as well as antioxidant ability to protect against heat challenge in embryos during incubation.

Dietary Aloe Reduces Adipogenesis via the Activation of AMPK and Suppresses Obesity-related Inflammation in Obese Mice.

PubMed

Shin, Eunju; Shin, Seulmee; Kong, Hyunseok; Lee, Sungwon; Do, Seon-Gil; Jo, Tae Hyung; Park, Young-In; Lee, Chong-Kil; Hwang, In-Kyeong; Kim, Kyungjae

2011-04-01

Metabolic disorders, including type II diabetes and obesity, present major health risks in industrialized countries. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) has become the focus of a great deal of attention as a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of metabolic syndromes. In this study, we evaluated whether dietary aloe could reduce obesity-induced inflammation and adipogenesis. Male C57BL/6 obese mice fed a high-fat diet for 54 days received a supplement of aloe formula (PAG, ALS, Aloe QDM, and Aloe QDM complex) or pioglitazone (PGZ) and were compared with unsupplemented controls (high-fat diet; HFD) or mice fed a regular diet (RD). RT-PCR and western blot analysis were used to quantify the expression of obesity-induced inflammation. Aloe QDM complex down-regulated fat size through suppressed expression of scavenger receptors on adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs) compared with HFD. Both white adipose tissue (WATs) and muscle exhibited increased AMPK activation through aloe supplementation, and in particular, the Aloe QDM complex. Obesity-induced inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and -6) and HIF1α mRNA and protein were decreased markedly, as was macrophage infiltration by the Aloe QDM complex. Further, the Aloe QDM complex decreased the translocation of NF-κB p65 from the cytosol in the WAT. Dietary aloe formula reduced obesity-induced inflammatory responses by activation of AMPK in muscle and suppression of proinflammatory cytokines in the WAT. Additionally, the expression of scavenger receptors in the ATM and activation of AMPK in WAT led to reduction in the percent of body fat. Thus, we suggest that the effect of the Aloe QDM complex in the WAT and muscle are related to activation of AMPK and its use as a nutritional intervention against T2D and obesity-related inflammation.

Is early nutrition related to short-term health and long-term outcome?

PubMed

Szajewska, Hania; Makrides, Maria

2011-01-01

This paper summarizes the literature concerning the effects of administering (1) long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA), (2) probiotics and/or (3) prebiotics to preterm infants. Clinically relevant, short- and long-term efficacy outcomes, such as those related to a reduced risk of disease, as well as outcomes related to safety, were sought. MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library literature searches performed in September 2010 were limited to randomized controlled trials, their systematic reviews or meta-analyses. LCPUFA supplementation, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), of infant formula for preterm infants has consistently demonstrated better visual development of preterm infants compared with unsupplemented formulas. There is increasing evidence to suggest that LCPUFA supplementation for preterm infants is also related to improvements in more global measures of development, without any adverse effects. It is, however, important to note that the DHA doses tested in the infant formula interventions for preterm infants have been rather conservative. Newer studies comparing dietary DHA concentrations that match in utero accumulation rates with dietary DHA concentrations typical in the milk of women consuming little fish or in supplemented infant formulas demonstrate that these higher DHA doses are related to improvements in domains of cognitive development. Although further work is needed to better understand the optimal DHA requirements of preterm infants, it is clear that a dietary source of DHA is important to support neurodevelopment. To date, the most promising application of probiotics in preterm infants is the prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis by the administration of certain probiotics. Many other benefits of administering probiotics and/or prebiotics to preterm infants are, however, largely unproven. Efficacy and safety should be established for each probiotic and/or prebiotic product. Further research should specify strain-specific outcomes and determine optimal dosing schedules. Safety and long-term follow-up studies are of particular interest. Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Dietary Aloe Reduces Adipogenesis via the Activation of AMPK and Suppresses Obesity-related Inflammation in Obese Mice

PubMed Central

Shin, Eunju; Shin, Seulmee; Kong, Hyunseok; Lee, Sungwon; Do, Seon-Gil; Jo, Tae Hyung; Park, Young-In; Lee, Chong-Kil; Hwang, In-Kyeong

2011-01-01

Background Metabolic disorders, including type II diabetes and obesity, present major health risks in industrialized countries. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) has become the focus of a great deal of attention as a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of metabolic syndromes. In this study, we evaluated whether dietary aloe could reduce obesity-induced inflammation and adipogenesis. Methods Male C57BL/6 obese mice fed a high-fat diet for 54 days received a supplement of aloe formula (PAG, ALS, Aloe QDM, and Aloe QDM complex) or pioglitazone (PGZ) and were compared with unsupplemented controls (high-fat diet; HFD) or mice fed a regular diet (RD). RT-PCR and western blot analysis were used to quantify the expression of obesity-induced inflammation. Results Aloe QDM complex down-regulated fat size through suppressed expression of scavenger receptors on adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs) compared with HFD. Both white adipose tissue (WATs) and muscle exhibited increased AMPK activation through aloe supplementation, and in particular, the Aloe QDM complex. Obesity-induced inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and -6) and HIF1α mRNA and protein were decreased markedly, as was macrophage infiltration by the Aloe QDM complex. Further, the Aloe QDM complex decreased the translocation of NF-κB p65 from the cytosol in the WAT. Conclusion Dietary aloe formula reduced obesity-induced inflammatory responses by activation of AMPK in muscle and suppression of proinflammatory cytokines in the WAT. Additionally, the expression of scavenger receptors in the ATM and activation of AMPK in WAT led to reduction in the percent of body fat. Thus, we suggest that the effect of the Aloe QDM complex in the WAT and muscle are related to activation of AMPK and its use as a nutritional intervention against T2D and obesity-related inflammation. PMID:21637388

Sources of variation in plasma corticosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone in the male northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis): II. Effects of urbanization, food supplementation and social stress.

PubMed

Wright, Sarah; Fokidis, H Bobby

2016-09-01

Perturbations in an organism's environment can induce significant shifts in hormone secretory patterns. In this context, the glucocorticoid (GC) steroids secreted by the adrenal cortex have received much attention from ecologists and behaviorists due to their role in the vertebrate stress response. Adrenal GCs, such as corticosterone (CORT), are highly responsive to instability in environmental and social conditions. However, little is understood about how adrenal dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is influenced by changing conditions. We conducted field experiments to determine how circulating CORT and DHEA vary during restraint stress in the male northern cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis). Specifically, we examined how four different changes in the physical (urbanization and food availability) and social (territorial conflict, distress of a mate) environment affect CORT and DHEA levels. The majority of cardinals responded to restraint stress by increasing and decreasing CORT and DHEA, respectively, however this depended on sampling context. Cardinals sampled from urban habitats had both lower initial and restraint stress CORT concentrations, but a comparable DHEA pattern to those sampled from a forest. Supplementing food to territorial males did not alter circulating initial DHEA or CORT concentrations nor did it change the response to restraint stress when compared to unsupplemented controls. Exposing cardinals to varying durations of song playback, which mimics a territorial intrusion, did not affect CORT levels, but did attenuate the DHEA response to restraint stress. Examining a larger dataset of males captured before, after or at the same time as their female mate, allowed us to address how the stress of a captured mate affected the male's CORT and DHEA response. Males showed elevated initial and restraint CORT and DHEA when their female mate was captured first. Taken together, these data demonstrate that both CORT and DHEA secretion patterns depends on environmental, and particularly current social conditions. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effects of nano-selenium on performance, meat quality, immune function, oxidation resistance, and tissue selenium content in broilers.

PubMed

Cai, S J; Wu, C X; Gong, L M; Song, T; Wu, H; Zhang, L Y

2012-10-01

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of nano-selenium (nano-Se) on performance, meat quality, immune function, oxidation resistance, and tissue selenium content in broilers. A total of five hundred forty 1-d-old male Arbor Acres broilers were randomly allotted to 1 of 5 treatments with each treatment being applied to 6 replicates of 18 chicks. The 5 treatments consisted of corn-soybean meal-based diets supplemented with 0.0, 0.3, 0.5, 1.0, or 2.0 mg/kg of nano-Se. The selenium content of the unsupplemented control diet was 0.09 mg/kg for the starter phase (0 to 21 d) and 0.08 mg/kg for the grower phase (22 to 42 d). There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in performance, meat color, or immune organ index (thymus, bursa, and spleen) due to supplementation with nano-Se. On d 42, a significant quadratic effect of nano-Se was observed on glutathione peroxidase activity, free radical inhibition, contents of IgM, glutathione, and malondialdehyde in serum, on glutathione peroxidase activity, free radical inhibition in liver, and on glutathione peroxidase activity in muscle, with birds fed 0.30 mg/kg of nano-Se exhibiting the best effect and birds fed 2.0 mg/kg of nano-Se showing the worst effect on these parameters. Liver and muscle selenium content increased linearly and quadratically as the dietary nano-Se level increased (P < 0.01), and reached the highest value when 2.0 mg/kg of nano-Se was fed. Based on a consideration of all experiment indexes, 0.3 to 0.5 mg/kg is suggested to be the optimum level of supplementation of nano-Se, and the maximum supplementation of nano-Se could not be more than 1.0 mg/kg in broilers.

Lifelong alpha-tocopherol supplementation increases the median life span of C57BL/6 mice in the cold but has only minor effects on oxidative damage.

PubMed

Selman, Colin; McLaren, Jane S; Mayer, Claus; Duncan, Jackie S; Collins, Andrew R; Duthie, Garry G; Redman, Paula; Speakman, John R

2008-02-01

The effects of dietary antioxidant supplementation on oxidative stress and life span are confused. We maintained C57BL/6 mice at 7 +/- 2 degrees C and supplemented their diet with alpha-tocopherol from 4 months of age. Supplementation significantly increased (p = 0.042) median life span by 15% (785 days, n = 44) relative to unsupplemented controls (682 days, n = 43) and also increased maximum life span (oldest 10%, p = 0.028). No sex or sex by treatment interaction effects were observed on life span, with treatment having no effect on resting or daily metabolic rate. Lymphocyte and hepatocyte oxidative DNA damage and hepatic lipid peroxidation were unaffected by supplementation, but hepatic oxidative DNA damage increased with age. Using a cDNA macroarray, genes associated with xenobiotic metabolism were significantly upregulated in the livers of female mice at 6 months of age (2 months supplementation). At 22 months of age (18 months supplementation) this response had largely abated, but various genes linked to the p21 signaling pathway were upregulated at this time. We suggest that alpha-tocopherol may initially be metabolized as a xenobiotic, potentially explaining why previous studies observe a life span extension generally when lifelong supplementation is initiated early in life. The absence of any significant effect on oxidative damage suggests that the life span extension observed was not mediated via any antioxidant properties of alpha-tocopherol. We propose that the life span extension observed following alpha-tocopherol supplementation may be mediated via upregulation of cytochrome p450 genes after 2 months of supplementation and/or upregulation of p21 signaling genes after 18 months of supplementation. However, these signaling pathways now require further investigation to establish their exact role in life span extension following alpha-tocopherol supplementation.

Relative bioavailability of iron proteinate for broilers fed a casein-dextrose diet.

PubMed

Ma, X Y; Liu, S B; Lu, L; Li, S F; Xie, J J; Zhang, L Y; Zhang, J H; Luo, X G

2014-03-01

An experiment was carried out to determine the bioavailability of organic Fe as Fe proteinate (Alltech, Nicholasville, KY) relative to inorganic Fe source (FeSO4•7H2O) for broiler chicks fed a casein-dextrose diet. A total of 448 1-d-old Arbor Acres commercial male broiler chicks were randomly allotted to 1 of 8 replicate cages (8 chicks per cage) for each of 7 treatments in a completely randomized design involving a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments with 2 Fe sources (Fe proteinate and Fe sulfate) and 3 levels of added Fe (10, 20, or 40 mg of Fe/kg) plus a Fe-unsupplemented control diet containing 4.56 mg of Fe/kg by analysis. Feed and distilled-deionized water were available ad libitum for an experimental phase of 14 d. At 14 d of age, blood samples were collected for testing hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit, and calculating total body Hb Fe, whereas liver and kidney samples were excised for Fe analyses. The results showed that ADG, ADFI, blood Hb, hematocrit, and total body Hb Fe and Fe concentrations in liver and kidney increased linearly (P < 0.0001), whereas mortality decreased linearly (P < 0.0001) as dietary Fe level increased. However, only blood Hb concentration and total body Hb Fe differed (P < 0.004) between the 2 Fe sources. Based on slope ratios from the multiple linear regression of Hb concentration and total body Hb Fe on daily intake of analyzed dietary Fe, the bioavailability of Fe proteinate relative to FeSO4•7H2O (100%) was 117 and 114%, respectively (P < 0.009). The results indicated that blood Hb concentration and total body Hb Fe were sensitive indices in reflecting differences in bioavailability among different Fe sources, and Fe proteinate was significantly more available to broilers than inorganic Fe sulfate in enhancing Hb concentration and total body Hb Fe.

Assessment of 3-epi-25-hydroxyvitamin D levels during cholecalciferol supplementation in adults with chronic liver diseases.

PubMed

Stokes, Caroline S; Volmer, Dietrich A

2016-12-01

Recently, hepatic immaturity was cited as a possible reason for high levels of the C-3 epimer of 25-hydroxyvitamin (25(OH)D) in premature infants: however what role, if any, the liver plays in controlling epimer concentrations is unknown. This study assesses 3-epi-25-hydroxyvitamin D (3-epi-25(OH)D) levels during the course of cholecalciferol supplementation in adults with chronic liver diseases (CLD). Vitamin D metabolites were analyzed in 65 CLD patients with 25(OH)D <30 ng/mL who received 20 000 IU cholecalciferol/week for 6 months. The primary outcome assessed serum 25(OH)D and 3-epi-25(OH)D in response to supplementation. Corresponding values from 16 CLD patients with sufficient vitamin D levels receiving no supplementation were compared. The epimer was detected in all samples and at lower relative concentrations with lower vitamin D baseline status, i.e., severe vitamin D deficiency (<10 ng/mL) as compared with deficient (10-19.9 ng/mL), insufficient (20-29.9 ng/mL), or sufficient (≥30 ng/mL) vitamin D levels (2.4% vs. 4.8%, 5.2%, 5.8%, respectively; P < 0.001). Similar relative concentrations for 3-epi-25(OH)D, ranging from 4.3%-7.1% (absolute concentrations: 1.1-4.0 ng/mL; all P < 0.001), were obtained in response to cholecalciferol in all supplemented patients, regardless of inadequacy threshold. Epimer levels significantly decreased (P = 0.007) in unsupplemented patients, coinciding with decreasing serum 25(OH)D concentrations over time. No epimer differences between patients with (n = 17) or without (n = 48) cirrhosis were demonstrated. The 3-epi-25(OH)D was present in serum of all patients at comparable levels to those reported by others. Epimer levels increased linearly with increasing 25(OH)D levels after supplementation. However, no effect of cirrhosis on epimer concentrations was observed.

Reproductive Ecology of Yakima River Hatchery and Wild Spring Chinook; Yakima/Klickitat Fisheries Project Monitoring and Evaluation Report 3 of 7, 2003-2004 Annual Report.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Knudsen, Curtis

2004-05-01

This is the third in a series of annual reports that address reproductive ecological research and comparisons of hatchery and wild origin spring chinook in the Yakima River basin. Data have been collected prior to supplementation to characterize the baseline reproductive ecology, demographics and phenotypic traits of the unsupplemented upper Yakima population, however this report focuses on data collected on hatchery and wild spring chinook returning in 2003; the third year of hatchery adult returns. This report is organized into three chapters, with a general introduction preceding the first chapter and summarizes data collected between April 1, 2003 and Marchmore » 31, 2004 in the Yakima basin. Summaries of each of the chapters in this report are included below. A major component of determining supplementation success in the Yakima Klickitat Fishery Project's spring chinook (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) program is an increase in natural production. Within this context, comparing upper Yakima River hatchery and wild origin fish across traits such as sex ratio, age composition, size-at-age, fecundity, run timing and gamete quality is important because these traits directly affect population productivity and individual fish fitness which determine a population's productivity.« less

Impact of maternal heat stress in conjunction with dietary zinc supplementation on hatchability, embryonic development, and growth performance in offspring broilers.

PubMed

Zhu, Y W; Li, W X; Lu, L; Zhang, L Y; Ji, C; Lin, X; Liu, H C; Odle, J; Luo, X G

2017-07-01

The aim of this study was to investigate whether maternal dietary supplementations with different zinc (Zn) sources could reduce the deleterious effect of maternal heat stress on hatchability performance and progeny growth performance. A completely randomized design (n = 6) with 2 maternal environmental temperatures [normal 21 ± 1°C (NT) vs. high 32 ± 1°C (HT)] × 3 maternal dietary supplemental Zn levels [Zn-unsupplemented control diet (CON), the control diet + 110 mg of Zn/kg of diet as either inorganic ZnSO4 (iZn) or organic Zn with a moderate chelation strength (oZn)] was used. HT decreased (P < 0.05) fertility, hatchability, chick hatch weight, and embryonic survival. HT also decreased (P ≤ 0.05) progeny BW, ADG, and ADFI at one to 21, 22 to 28, and 29 to 42 d of age as well as breast muscle ratio and plasma aspartate aminotransferase and creatine kinase activities at 42 d of age. Maternal dietary Zn supplementation with either iZn or oZn increased (P < 0.004) Zn contents in yolk and liver, non-weak chick ratio, as well as progeny BW, ADFI, and survivability at one to 21 d of age. Notably, the addition of oZn increased (P < 0.05) hatchability and progeny thigh meat quality by reducing b* value. The progeny ADG at one to 21 d and 22 to 28 d of age and BW at 28 d of age from maternal NT were not affected (P > 0.46) by maternal dietary Zn supplementation, but the above 3 indices from HT-iZn (P < 0.05) and HT-oZn (P < 0.003) were higher than those from HT-CON. Our results indicate that maternal heat stress impairs hatching performance, embryonic development, and progeny growth performance, inducing metabolic changes, while supplementation of Zn in maternal diets regardless of Zn sources improved hatch chick quality and survivability of offspring and alleviated the negative effect of maternal heat stress on growth performance of offspring during the starter period. In addition, maternal dietary supplementation with the organic Zn improved hatchability and progeny meat quality. © 2017 Poultry Science Association Inc.

Enhanced production of mineralized nodules and collagenous proteins in vitro by calcium ascorbate supplemented with vitamin C metabolites.

PubMed

Rowe, D J; Ko, S; Tom, X M; Silverstein, S J; Richards, D W

1999-09-01

Vitamin C or ascorbate is important in wound healing due to its essential role in collagen synthesis. To study wound healing in the periodontium, cells adherent to expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) augmentation membranes, recovered from edentulous ridge augmentation procedures, have been established in culture in our laboratories. The objective of this study was to determine whether treatment of these cells with a calcium ascorbate, which contains vitamin C metabolites (metabolite-supplemented ascorbate), would increase the production of collagenous protein and mineralized tissue in vitro, as compared to unsupplemented calcium ascorbate (ascorbate). Cells derived from ePTFE membranes were cultured with beta-glycerophosphate and the test agents for 2 to 5 weeks, and the surface areas of the cell cultures occupied by mineralized nodules were measured using computerized image analysis. One experiment tested the effects of calcium threonate, one of the vitamin C metabolites in metabolite-supplemented ascorbate. Incorporation of radioactive proline and glycine was used as a measure of total protein (radioactivity precipitated by trichloracetic acid) and collagenase-digestible protein (radioactivity released by collagenase digestion.) Co-localization of collagen and fibronectin was examined by immunofluorescence. In vitro treatment of these cells with metabolite-supplemented ascorbate increased the area of the cell cultures occupied by mineralized nodules after 5 weeks. Cell cultures treated with metabolite-supplemented ascorbate also exhibited significant increases in total protein. The increase in collagenous proteins in these cultures accounted for 85% of the increase in total protein. The greatest difference between treatment groups was observed in the cell-associated fraction containing the extracellular matrix. The additional collagen exhibited normal co-distribution with fibronectin. In cultures treated with ascorbate spiked with calcium threonate, the area of mineralized tissue was significantly greater than in ascorbate-treated cultures, but was less than that observed in cultures treated with metabolite-supplemented ascorbate. In vitro treatment with ascorbate containing vitamin C metabolites enhanced the formation of mineralized nodules and collagenous proteins. Calcium threonate may be one of the metabolites influencing the mineralization process. Identifying factors which facilitate the formation of mineralized tissue has significant clinical ramifications in terms of wound healing and bone regeneration.

The environmental impact of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) use in dairy production

PubMed Central

Capper, Judith L.; Castañeda-Gutiérrez, Euridice; Cady, Roger A.; Bauman, Dale E.

2008-01-01

The environmental impact of using recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) in dairy production was examined on an individual cow, industry-scale adoption, and overall production system basis. An average 2006 U.S. milk yield of 28.9 kg per day was used, with a daily response to rbST supplementation of 4.5 kg per cow. Rations were formulated and both resource inputs (feedstuffs, fertilizers, and fuels) and waste outputs (nutrient excretion and greenhouse gas emissions) calculated. The wider environmental impact of production systems was assessed via acidification (AP), eutrophication (EP), and global warming (GWP) potentials. From a producer perspective, rbST supplementation improved individual cow production, with reductions in nutrient input and waste output per unit of milk produced. From an industry perspective, supplementing one million cows with rbST reduced feedstuff and water use, cropland area, N and P excretion, greenhouse gas emissions, and fossil fuel use compared with an equivalent milk production from unsupplemented cows. Meeting future U.S. milk requirements from cows supplemented with rbST conferred the lowest AP, EP, and GWP, with intermediate values for conventional management and the highest environmental impact resulting from organic production. Overall, rbST appears to represent a valuable management tool for use in dairy production to improve productive efficiency and to have less negative effects on the environment than conventional dairying. PMID:18591660

High-Gravity Brewing: Effects of Nutrition on Yeast Composition, Fermentative Ability, and Alcohol Production

PubMed Central

Casey, Gregory P.; Magnus, Carol A.; Ingledew, W. M.

1984-01-01

A number of economic and product quality advantages exist in brewing when high-gravity worts of 16 to 18% dissolved solids are fermented. Above this level, production problems such as slow or stuck fermentations and poor yeast viability occur. Ethanol toxicity has been cited as the main cause, as brewers' yeasts are reported to tolerate only 7 to 9% (vol/vol) ethanol. The inhibitory effect of high osmotic pressure has also been implicated. In this report, it is demonstrated that the factor limiting the production of high levels of ethanol by brewing yeasts is actually a nutritional deficiency. When a nitrogen source, ergosterol, and oleic acid are added to worts up to 31% dissolved solids, it is possible to produce beers up to 16.2% (vol/vol) ethanol. Yeast viability remains high, and the yeasts can be repitched at least five times. Supplementation does not increase the fermentative tolerance of the yeasts to ethanol but increases the length and level of new yeast cell mass synthesis over that seen in unsupplemented wort (and therefore the period of more rapid wort attenuation). Glycogen, protein, and sterol levels in yeasts were examined, as was the importance of pitching rate, temperature, and degree of anaerobiosis. The ethanol tolerance of brewers' yeast is suggested to be no different than that of sake or distillers' yeast. PMID:16346630

Carotenoid trade-off between parasitic resistance and sexual display: an experimental study in the blackbird (Turdus merula)

PubMed Central

Baeta, R; Faivre, B; Motreuil, S; Gaillard, M; Moreau, J

2007-01-01

Many parasites depress the expression of the carotenoid-based colour displays of their hosts, and it has been hypothesized that animals face a trade-off in carotenoid allocation between immune functions and ‘degree of ornamentation’. While numerous correlative studies suggest that parasite infection decreases the intensity of carotenoid-based colour displays, the existence of this trade-off has never been demonstrated experimentally in a host–parasite model. In this study, we used the blackbird (Turdus merula) and Isospora (an intestinal parasite) to assess whether this trade-off does indeed exist. Blackbirds were supplemented with carotenoids while simultaneously being exposed to parasites. Supplemented males circulated more carotenoids in the blood and developed more brightly coloured bills than unsupplemented males. In addition, supplementation slowed down the replication rate of parasites. Supplementation with carotenoids enabled infected birds to maintain their bill coloration, whereas birds that were infected but not supplemented showed reduced bill coloration. At the same time, infection slowed carotenoid assimilation in the blood. Overall, we demonstrated that bill colour reflects a bird's health, and that only males with a carotenoid-rich diet are capable of coping with costs associated with parasitic infection. Carotenoids are thus traded off between host physiological response to parasites and secondary sexual traits. Further investigations are required to determine the physiological mechanisms that govern this trade-off. PMID:18055388

Correlations between Maternal, Breast Milk, and Infant Vitamin B12 Concentrations among Mother-Infant Dyads in Vancouver, Canada and Prey Veng, Cambodia: An Exploratory Analysis.

PubMed

Chebaya, Philip; Karakochuk, Crystal D; March, Kaitlin M; Chen, Nancy N; Stamm, Rosemary A; Kroeun, Hou; Sophonneary, Prak; Borath, Mam; Shahab-Ferdows, Setareh; Hampel, Daniela; Barr, Susan I; Lamers, Yvonne; Houghton, Lisa A; Allen, Lindsay H; Green, Tim J; Whitfield, Kyly C

2017-03-12

Vitamin B12 plays an essential role in fetal and infant development. In regions where animal source food consumption is low and perinatal supplementation is uncommon, infants are at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency. In this secondary analysis, we measured total vitamin B12 concentrations in maternal and infant serum/plasma and breast milk among two samples of mother-infant dyads in Canada (assessed at 8 weeks post-partum) and in Cambodia (assessed between 3-27 weeks post-partum). Canadian mothers ( n = 124) consumed a daily vitamin B12-containing multiple micronutrient supplement throughout pregnancy and lactation; Cambodian mothers ( n = 69) were unsupplemented. The maternal, milk, and infant total vitamin B12 concentrations (as geometric means (95% CI) in pmol/L) were as follows: in Canada, 698 (648,747), 452 (400, 504), and 506 (459, 552); in Cambodia, 620 (552, 687), 317 (256, 378), and 357 (312, 402). The majority of participants were vitamin B12 sufficient (serum/plasma total B12 > 221 pmol/L): 99% and 97% of mothers and 94% and 84% of infants in Canada and Cambodia, respectively. Among the Canadians, maternal, milk, and infant vitamin B12 were all correlated ( p < 0.05); only maternal and infant vitamin B12 were correlated among the Cambodians ( p < 0.001).

The Triple Response Assay and Its Use to Characterize Ethylene Mutants in Arabidopsis.

PubMed

Merchante, Catharina; Stepanova, Anna N

2017-01-01

Exposure of plants to ethylene results in drastic morphological changes. Seedlings germinated in the dark in the presence of saturating concentrations of ethylene display a characteristic phenotype known as the triple response. This phenotype is robust and easy to score. In Arabidopsis the triple response is usually evaluated at 3 days post germination in seedlings grown in the dark in rich media supplemented with 10 μM of the ethylene precursor ACC in air or in unsupplemented media in the presence of 10 ppm ethylene. The triple response in Arabidopsis consists of shortening and thickening of hypocotyls and roots and exaggeration of the curvature of apical hooks. The search for Arabidopsis mutants that fail to show this phenotype in ethylene or, vice versa, display the triple response in the absence of exogenously supplied hormone has allowed the identification of the key components of the ethylene biosynthesis and signaling pathways. Herein, we describe a simple protocol for assaying the triple response in Arabidopsis. The method can also be employed in many other dicot species, with minor modifications to account for species-specific differences in germination. We also compiled a comprehensive table of ethylene-related mutants of Arabidopsis, including many lines with auxin-related defects, as wild-type levels of auxin biosynthesis, transport, signaling, and response are necessary for the normal response of plants to ethylene.

Aortic wall damage in mice unable to synthesize ascorbic acid

PubMed Central

Maeda, Nobuyo; Hagihara, Hiroyuki; Nakata, Yukiko; Hiller, Sylvia; Wilder, Jennifer; Reddick, Robert

2000-01-01

By inactivating the gene for l-gulono-γ-lactone oxidase, a key enzyme in ascorbic acid synthesis, we have generated mice that, like humans, depend on dietary vitamin C. Regular chow, containing about 110 mg/kg of vitamin C, is unable to support the growth of the mutant mice, which require l-ascorbic acid supplemented in their drinking water (330 mg/liter). Upon withdrawal of supplementation, plasma and tissue ascorbic acid levels decreased to 10–15% of normal within 2 weeks, and after 5 weeks the mutants became anemic, began to lose weight, and die. Plasma total antioxidative capacities were approximately 37% normal in homozygotes after feeding the unsupplemented diet for 3–5 weeks. As plasma ascorbic acid decreased, small, but significant, increases in total cholesterol and decreases in high density lipoprotein cholesterol were observed. The most striking effects of the marginal dietary vitamin C were alterations in the wall of aorta, evidenced by the disruption of elastic laminae, smooth muscle cell proliferation, and focal endothelial desquamation of the luminal surface. Thus, marginal vitamin C deficiency affects the vascular integrity of mice unable to synthesize ascorbic acid, with potentially profound effects on the pathogenesis of vascular diseases. Breeding the vitamin C-dependent mice with mice carrying defined genetic mutations will provide numerous opportunities for systematic studies of the role of antioxidants in health and disease. PMID:10639167

Aortic wall damage in mice unable to synthesize ascorbic acid.

PubMed

Maeda, N; Hagihara, H; Nakata, Y; Hiller, S; Wilder, J; Reddick, R

2000-01-18

By inactivating the gene for L-gulono-gamma-lactone oxidase, a key enzyme in ascorbic acid synthesis, we have generated mice that, like humans, depend on dietary vitamin C. Regular chow, containing about 110 mg/kg of vitamin C, is unable to support the growth of the mutant mice, which require L-ascorbic acid supplemented in their drinking water (330 mg/liter). Upon withdrawal of supplementation, plasma and tissue ascorbic acid levels decreased to 10-15% of normal within 2 weeks, and after 5 weeks the mutants became anemic, began to lose weight, and die. Plasma total antioxidative capacities were approximately 37% normal in homozygotes after feeding the unsupplemented diet for 3-5 weeks. As plasma ascorbic acid decreased, small, but significant, increases in total cholesterol and decreases in high density lipoprotein cholesterol were observed. The most striking effects of the marginal dietary vitamin C were alterations in the wall of aorta, evidenced by the disruption of elastic laminae, smooth muscle cell proliferation, and focal endothelial desquamation of the luminal surface. Thus, marginal vitamin C deficiency affects the vascular integrity of mice unable to synthesize ascorbic acid, with potentially profound effects on the pathogenesis of vascular diseases. Breeding the vitamin C-dependent mice with mice carrying defined genetic mutations will provide numerous opportunities for systematic studies of the role of antioxidants in health and disease.

Influence of benzoic acid and phytase in low-phosphorus diets on bone characteristics in growing-finishing pigs.

PubMed

Bühler, K; Liesegang, A; Bucher, B; Wenk, C; Broz, J

2010-10-01

In 2 simultaneous experiments (Exp. 1 and Exp. 2), the effects of benzoic acid (BA) and phytase (Phy) in low-P diets on bone metabolism, bone composition, and bone stability in growing and growing-finishing pigs were examined. Experiment 1 was conducted with 16 crossbred gilts in the BW range of 25 to 66 kg of BW, whereas in Exp. 2, 32 crossbred gilts (25 to 108 kg of BW) were used. All pigs were individually housed in pens and restrictively fed 1 of 4 diets throughout the experiment. Total P content of the wheat-soybean diets was 4 g/kg (all values on an as-fed basis). The experimental diets were 1) unsupplemented control diet; 2) control diet with 0.5% BA; 3) Phy diet with 750 Phy units (FTU) of Phy/kg and no BA; and 4) PhyBA, control diet with 750 FTU of Phy/kg and 0.5% BA. Blood samples were taken at the beginning of the experiment, wk 3 (only for pigs in Exp. 1), wk 6, and before slaughter to determine P and Ca in serum and concentrations of total alkaline phosphatase, serum crosslaps (marker for bone resorption), and osteocalcin (marker for bone formation). Ash, P, and Ca contents of bones and bone stability were examined using the left metatarsal bones and tibia of the pigs after slaughter. Benzoic acid did not influence any of the blood variables (P > 0.09). The addition of Phy increased (P < or =0.03) P concentration in serum from 2.71 +/- 0.08 to 3.03 +/- 0.07 mmol/L at wk 3 and content of serum crosslaps from 0.39 +/- 0.02 to 0.45 +/- 0.02 ng/mL at wk 6 and decreased (P < 0.05) osteocalcin at wk 6 by 160 ng/mL. No long-term effect of diets on serum mineral concentrations, alkaline phosphatase, and bone markers in serum could be detected. Benzoic acid negatively affected (P < or = 0.03) Ca content in bones and distal bone mineral density, especially in the younger pigs. In the control diet with 0.5% BA and the control diet with 750 FTU of Phy/kg and 0.5% BA, the CA content in bones and distal bone mineral density were reduced by 6 and 11%, respectively. Throughout the whole growing and finishing period, Phy increased (P < or =0.02) ash, P, and Ca contents in bones by 29.4, 4.8, and 11.6 g/kg of DM, respectively. Bone mineral density and bone mineral content were greater in diets with Phy (P < or = 0.03), as well as breaking strength of tibia (+22%) and metatarsal bones (+27%; P < 0.01). The results of this study indicate that for a healthy skeleton, BA should not be used in low-P diets without the addition of Phy.

Carry-over effects of food supplementation on recruitment and breeding performance of long-lived seabirds

PubMed Central

Vincenzi, Simone; Hatch, Scott; Merkling, Thomas; Kitaysky, Alexander S.

2015-01-01

Supplementation of food to wild animals is extensively applied as a conservation tool to increase local production of young. However, in long-lived migratory animals, the carry-over effects of food supplementation early in life on the subsequent recruitment of individuals into natal populations and their lifetime reproductive success are largely unknown. We examine how experimental food supplementation early in life affects: (i) recruitment as breeders of kittiwakes Rissa tridactyla born in a colony on Middleton Island (Alaska) between 1996 and 2006 (n = 1629) that bred in the same colony through 2013 (n = 235); and (ii) breeding success of individuals that have completed their life cycle at the colony (n = 56). Birds were raised in nests that were either supplemented with food (Fed) or unsupplemented (Unfed). Fledging success was higher in Fed compared with Unfed nests. After accounting for hatching rank, growth and oceanic conditions at fledging, Fed fledglings had a lower probability of recruiting as breeders in the Middleton colony than Unfed birds. The per-nest contribution of breeders was still significantly higher for Fed nests because of their higher productivity. Lifetime reproductive success of a subset of kittiwakes that thus far had completed their life cycle was not affected by the food supplementation during development. Our results cast light on the carry-over effects of early food conditions on the vital rates of long-lived animals and support food supplementation as an effective conservation strategy for long-lived seabirds. PMID:26180065

Sodium Chloride Supplementation Is Not Routinely Performed in the Majority of German and Austrian Infants with Classic Salt-Wasting Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia and Has No Effect on Linear Growth and Hydrocortisone or Fludrocortisone Dose.

PubMed

Bonfig, Walter; Roehl, Friedhelm; Riedl, Stefan; Brämswig, Jürgen; Richter-Unruh, Annette; Fricke-Otto, Susanne; Hübner, Angela; Bettendorf, Markus; Schönau, Eckhard; Dörr, Helmut; Holl, Reinhard W; Mohnike, Klaus

2018-01-01

Sodium chloride supplementation in salt-wasting congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is generally recommended in infants, but its implementation in routine care is very heterogeneous. To evaluate oral sodium chloride supplementation, growth, and hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone dose in infants with salt-wasting CAH due to 21-hydroxylase in 311 infants from the AQUAPE CAH database. Of 358 patients with classic CAH born between 1999 and 2015, 311 patients had salt-wasting CAH (133 females, 178 males). Of these, 86 patients (27.7%) received oral sodium chloride supplementation in a mean dose of 0.9 ± 1.4 mmol/kg/day (excluding nutritional sodium content) during the first year of life. 225 patients (72.3%) were not treated with sodium chloride. The percentage of sodium chloride-supplemented patients rose from 15.2% in children born 1999-2004 to 37.5% in children born 2011-2015. Sodium chloride-supplemented and -unsupplemented infants did not significantly differ in hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone dose, target height-corrected height-SDS, and BMI-SDS during the first 2 years of life. In the AQUAPE CAH database, approximately one-third of infants with salt-wasting CAH receive sodium chloride supplementation. Sodium chloride supplementation is performed more frequently in recent years. However, salt supplementation had no influence on growth, daily fludrocortisone and hydrocortisone dose, and frequency of adrenal crisis. © 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Effect of a phytogenic feed additive on the susceptibility of Onchorhynchus mykiss to Aeromonas salmonicida.

PubMed

Menanteau-Ledouble, S; Krauss, I; Santos, G; Fibi, S; Weber, B; El-Matbouli, M

2015-06-29

In recent years, feed additives have increasingly been adopted by the aquaculture industry. These supplements not only offer an alternative to antibiotics but have also been linked to enhanced growth performance. However, the literature is still limited and provides contradictory information on their effectiveness. This is mainly due to the wide variety of available products and their complex mechanisms of action. Phytogenic feed additives have been shown to have antimicrobial effects and can improve growth performance. In the present study, we investigated the susceptibility of several fish pathogenic bacteria to a phytogenic essential oil product in vitro. In addition, we determined the protective effect of a commercial phytogenic feed additive containing oregano, anis and citrus oils on the resistance of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss to infection by Aeromonas salmonicida. The bacterium was administered through 3 different routes: intra-peritoneal injection, immersion in a bacterial solution and cohabitation with infected fish. Mortality rates were significantly lower in infected rainbow trout that had received the feed additive: the overall mortality rate across all routes of infection was 18% in fish fed a diet containing the additive compared to 37% in fish that received unsupplemented feed. The route of infection also significantly impacted mortality, with average mortality rates of 60, 17.5 and 5% for intra-peritoneal injection, immersion and cohabitation, respectively. In general, fish were better protected against infection by immersion than infection by injection.

Nonredundant Roles of Iron Acquisition Systems in Vibrio cholerae

PubMed Central

Peng, Eric D.; Wyckoff, Elizabeth E.; Mey, Alexandra R.; Fisher, Carolyn R.

2015-01-01

Vibrio cholerae, the causative agent of the severe diarrheal disease cholera, thrives in both marine environments and the human host. To do so, it must encode the tools necessary to acquire essential nutrients, including iron, under these vastly different conditions. A number of V. cholerae iron acquisition systems have been identified; however, the precise role of each system is not fully understood. To test the roles of individual systems, we generated a series of mutants in which only one of the four systems that support iron acquisition on unsupplemented LB agar, Feo, Fbp, Vct, and Vib, remains functional. Analysis of these mutants under different growth conditions showed that these systems are not redundant. The strain carrying only the ferrous iron transporter Feo grew well at acidic, but not alkaline, pH, whereas the ferric iron transporter Fbp promoted better growth at alkaline than at acidic pH. A strain defective in all four systems (null mutant) had a severe growth defect under aerobic conditions but accumulated iron and grew as well as the wild type in the absence of oxygen, suggesting the presence of an additional, unidentified iron transporter in V. cholerae. In support of this, the null mutant was only moderately attenuated in an infant mouse model of infection. While the null mutant used heme as an iron source in vitro, we demonstrate that heme is not available to V. cholerae in the infant mouse intestine. PMID:26644383

Effect of strategic feed supplementation on productive and reproductive performance in yak cows.

PubMed

Long, R J; Zhang, D G; Wang, X; Hu, Z Z; Dong, S K

1999-01-27

A total of 2230 yak cows (5-13 years of age) in two populations with different milking systems were investigated. One population had a system of milking once a day (MOD), and the other population twice a day (MTD). The average milk yield of MOD cows was 0.7 +/- 0.2 kg/day within a milking period of 109 +/- 9 days. This compared with an average of 1.24 +/- 0.3 kg/day in 127 +/- 6 days in MTD yaks (p < 0.01). The cows showed a calving rate of 71% under the MOD system and 51.4% under the MTD system. Three farms with a total of 104 MTD cows between six and 12 years of age were used to provide three different feeding groups. The groups were fed with, or without oat hay or highland barley straw in amounts of 1-1.5 kg/head/day from December to April. The three farms were designated as Farm I, Farm II, and Farm III. Farm I had 41 cows with body weight of 230 +/- 67 kg each for grazing with no supplement (GNS). Farm II had 30 animals with body weight of 216 +/- 28 kg each for grazing + oat hay (GOH). Farm III had 33 animals body weight of 221 +/- 34 kg each for grazing + highland barely straw (GBS). The calving rates of the cows in GOH and GBS were 23 and 19% higher, respectively, than GNS cows (p < 0.01), and the highest rate reached 76.7% in GOH. The live weight loss of the cows in GNS was considerably higher (p < 0.01) than in the two other groups. Ten GOH cows and 12 GNS cows were used to collect milk samples for measuring the progesterone concentration using RIA kits provided by IAEA/FAO: Milk was sampled every five days from calving until 90 days postpartum. In the unsupplemented group, milk progesterone (P4) levels suggested that cows had started cyclic ovarian activity by 40 days postpartum, whereas only 25% had been observed in estrus. In the supplemented group, 80% of cows had started cyclic ovarian activity by the same time and 70% had been seen in estrus. Two types of cyclic activity in terms of progesterone changed were found. With Type I (normal), 50 and 80% of cows from GNS and GOH, respectively, had cyclic changes of P4 in milk at 40 days postpartum. With Type II, the P4 levels in the milk remained 0.89 ng/ml until 90 days postpartum. A total of 46 grazing cows between five and 13 years of age (body weight 214 +/- 68 kg) was used to collect blood samples to measure concentrations of nutrient of metabolites at two weeks pre-calving and at two weeks, two months and four months postcalving, respectively. The concentrations of nutrient metabolites [albumin, globulin, urea, beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) and inorganic phosphorus] suggested general underfeeding of energy and protein in the winter/late pregnancy period with some recovery in lactation. Energy constraints appeared again as the summer progressed. No dietary phosphate deficiency was found. BHB and albumin testing on serum yaks could be a useful tool to identify poor nutritional status during the winter and so illustrate the need for supplementation.

Testing the effect of dietary carotenoids on larval survival, growth and development in the critically endangered southern corroboree frog.

PubMed

Byrne, Phillip G; Silla, Aimee J

2017-03-01

The success of captive breeding programs (CBPs) for threatened species is often limited due to a lack of knowledge of the nutritional conditions required for optimal growth and survival. Carotenoids are powerful antioxidants known to accelerate vertebrate growth and reduce mortality. However, the effect of carotenoids on amphibian life-history traits remains poorly understood. The aim of our study was to use a manipulative laboratory experiment to test the effect of dietary-carotenoid supplementation during the larval life stage on the survival, growth and development of the critically endangered southern corroboree frog (Pseudophryne corroboree). Larvae were fed either a carotenoid supplemented diet or an unsupplemented diet and the survival, growth and development of individuals was monitored and compared. There was no significant effect of dietary treatment on larval survival, growth rate, time taken to reach metamorphosis, or body size at metamorphosis. Our findings provide no evidence that carotenoid supplementation during the larval life stage improves the growth and development of southern corroboree frogs. However, because the carotenoid dose used in our study did not have any detrimental effects on P. corroboree larvae, but has previously been shown to improve adult coloration, immunity, and exercise performance, carotenoid supplementation should be considered when evaluating the nutritional requirements of P. corroboree in captivity. Carotenoid supplementation studies are now required for a diversity of anuran species to determine the effects of carotenoids on amphibian survival, growth and development. Understanding the effects of dietary carotenoids on different life-history traits may assist with amphibian captive breeding and conservation. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Methane production by anaerobic digestion of Bermuda grass

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Klass, D.L.; Ghosh, S.

1981-01-01

Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) is one of the high-yield warm-season grasses that has been suggested as a promising raw material for conversion to methane. Experimental work performed with laboratory digesters to study the anaerobic digestion of Coastal Bermuda grass harvested in Louisiana and having a C/N ratio of 24 is described. Methane yields of about 1.9 SCF/lb of volatile solids (VS) added were observed under conventional mesophilic high-rate conditions. When supplemental nitrogen additions were made, the methane yields increased. This observation along with the compositional data compiled on the grass used in this work indicated that the nitrogen content ofmore » the unsupplemented grass was insufficient to sustain high-rate digestion at the higher yield level. However, as the C/N ratio was reduced by addition of ammonium chloride, the methane yield continually increased up to 3.5 SCF/lb added at the lowest C/N ratio examined (6.3) even after relatively high concentrations of ammonium nitrogen were measured in the effluent. It appears that the added nutrient had a stimulatory effect on methane production above the point where nitrogen was not limiting. Thermophilic digestion with supplemental nitrogen additions afforded methane yields of about 2.7 SCF/lb VS added. Carbon and energy balances were calculated and the relative biodegradabilities of the organics were estimated. It was concluded from this work that Coastal Bermuda grass can be converted to high-methane gas under conventional anaerobic digestion conditions. The performance of the particular lot of grass studied was substantially improved by supplemental nitrogen additions. (Refs. 12).« less

Effects of chestnut tannins on performance and antioxidative status of transition dairy cows.

PubMed

Liu, H W; Zhou, D W; Li, K

2013-09-01

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of chestnut tannins (CT) on performance and antioxidative status of transition dairy cows. Twenty multiparous Chinese Holstein cows in late gestation were paired according to expected calving date and randomly assigned either to a diet supplemented with CT (CNT, 10 g of CT/kg of diet, dry matter basis) or to an unsupplemented control (CON) diet from 3 wk prepartum to 3 wk postpartum. Blood samples were taken on d -21, 1, 7, and 21 relative to calving for analysis of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and malondialdehyde (MDA). Liver samples were taken by puncture biopsy on d 1 and 21 relative to calving for analysis of SOD, GSH-Px, and MDA. Data were analyzed for a completely randomized block design with repeated measures. The addition of CT had no significant effects on dry matter intake, body weight, body condition score, milk yield, 3.5% fat-corrected milk yield, and milk composition but did decrease milk MDA and somatic cell score in transition dairy cows. Dry matter intake decreased from d -21 to 0 and increased from d 1 to 21 relative to calving across treatments. During the experimental period, body weight and body condition score decreased, whereas milk MDA and somatic cell score increased across treatments. A time effect was also observed for plasma MDA, which peaked on d 1 relative to calving and remained higher than that on d -21 relative to calving across treatments. Addition of CT decreased MDA concentrations in plasma and liver. Neither time nor CT × time effects were observed for SOD and T-AOC in plasma and SOD and GSH-Px in liver; a time effect was observed for plasma GSH-Px, which peaked on d 1 relative to calving and remained higher than those on d -21 relative to calving across treatments. Addition of CT increased SOD, GSH-Px, and T-AOC activities in plasma and SOD and GSH-Px activities in liver. In conclusion, addition of CT might inhibit lipid peroxidation and increase antioxidant enzymes activities in plasma and liver of transition dairy cows. Supplementation of CT may be a feasible means to improve the antioxidative status of transition dairy cows. Copyright © 2013 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effect of tannins and saponins in Samanea saman on rumen environment, milk yield and milk composition in lactating dairy cows.

PubMed

Anantasook, N; Wanapat, M; Cherdthong, A; Gunun, P

2015-04-01

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of tannins and saponins in Samanea saman on rumen fermentation, milk yield and milk composition in lactating dairy cows. Four multiparous early-lactating dairy cows (Holstein-Friesian cross-bred, 75%) with an initial body weight (BW) of 405 ± 40 kg and 36 ± 8 day in milk were randomly assigned to receive dietary treatments according to a 4 × 4 Latin square design. The four dietary treatments were unsupplemented (control), supplemented with rain tree pod (S. saman) meal (RPM) at 60 g/kg, supplemented with palm oil (PO) at 20 g/kg, and supplemented with RPM at 60 g/kg and PO at 20 g/kg (RPO), of total dry matter (DM) intake. Cows were fed with concentrate diets at a ratio of concentrate to milk yield of 1:2, and chopped 30 g/kg of urea-treated rice straw was fed ad libitum. The RPM contained condensed tannins and crude saponins at 88 and 141 g/kg of DM respectively. It was found that supplementation with RPM and/or PO to dairy cows diets did not show negative effect on ruminal pH, blood urea nitrogen and milk urea nitrogen concentration (p > 0.05). However, supplementation with RPM resulted in lower ammonia nitrogen (NH3 -N) concentration (p < 0.05). In addition, propionic acid and milk production increased while acetic acid, acetic to propionic ratio, methane production, methanogens and protozoal population decreased with RPM and/or PO supplementation. Furthermore, addition of PO and RPO in the diets increased milk fat while supplementation of RPM resulted in greater milk protein and Fibrobacter succinogenes numbers (p < 0.05). The population of Ruminococcus flavefaciens and Ruminococcus albus were not affected by any treatments. The findings on the present study showed that supplementation with RPM and RPO to diets of cows improved the rumen environment and increased milk yield, content of milk protein and milk fat. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition © 2014 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

The Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Indian Reservation of Oregon John Day Basin Office : Watershed Restoration Projects : 2002 Annual Report.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon. John Day Basin Office.

The John Day is the nation's second longest free-flowing river in the contiguous United States and the longest containing entirely unsupplemented runs of anadromous fish. Located in eastern Oregon, the basin drains over 8,000 square miles, Oregon's fourth largest drainage basin, and incorporates portions of eleven counties. Originating in the Strawberry Mountains near Prairie City, the John Day River flows 284 miles in a northwesterly direction, entering the Columbia River approximately four miles upstream of the John Day dam. With wild runs of spring Chinook salmon and summer steelhead, westslope cutthroat, and redband and bull trout, the John Day systemmore » is truly a basin with national significance. The majority of the John Day basin was ceded to the Federal government in 1855 by the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon (Tribes). In 1997, the Tribes established an office in the basin to coordinate restoration projects, monitoring, planning and other watershed activities on private and public lands. Once established, the John Day Basin Office (JDBO) formed a partnership with the Grant Soil and Water Conservation District (GSWCD), also located in the town of John Day, who contracts the majority of the construction implementation activities for these projects from the JDBO. The GSWCD completes the landowner contact, preliminary planning, engineering design, permitting, construction contracting, and construction implementation phases of most projects. The JDBO completes the planning, grant solicitation/defense, environmental compliance, administrative contracting, monitoring, and reporting portion of the program. Most phases of project planning, implementation, and monitoring are coordinated with the private landowners and basin agencies, such as the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and Oregon Water Resources Department. In 2002, the JDBO and GSWCD proposed continuation of their successful partnership between the two agencies and basin landowners to implement an additional twelve (12) watershed conservation projects. The types of projects include off channel water developments, riparian fencing, juniper control, permanent diversions, pump stations, infiltration galleries and return-flow cooling systems. Project costs in 2002 totaled $423,198.00 with a total amount of $345,752.00 (81%) provided by the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) and the remainder coming from other sources such as the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR), Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Partners in Wildlife Program and individual landowners.« less

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40 CFR 798.2650 - Oral toxicity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

...) Control groups. A concurrent control group is required. This group shall be an untreated or sham-treated control group or, if a vehicle is used in administering the test substance, a vehicle control group. If... vehicle control groups are required. (3) Satellite group. (Rodent) A satellite group of 20 animals (10...

40 CFR 798.2650 - Oral toxicity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

...) Control groups. A concurrent control group is required. This group shall be an untreated or sham-treated control group or, if a vehicle is used in administering the test substance, a vehicle control group. If... vehicle control groups are required. (3) Satellite group. (Rodent) A satellite group of 20 animals (10...

40 CFR 798.2650 - Oral toxicity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

...) Control groups. A concurrent control group is required. This group shall be an untreated or sham-treated control group or, if a vehicle is used in administering the test substance, a vehicle control group. If... vehicle control groups are required. (3) Satellite group. (Rodent) A satellite group of 20 animals (10...

40 CFR 798.2650 - Oral toxicity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

...) Control groups. A concurrent control group is required. This group shall be an untreated or sham-treated control group or, if a vehicle is used in administering the test substance, a vehicle control group. If... vehicle control groups are required. (3) Satellite group. (Rodent) A satellite group of 20 animals (10...

40 CFR 798.2650 - Oral toxicity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

...) Control groups. A concurrent control group is required. This group shall be an untreated or sham-treated control group or, if a vehicle is used in administering the test substance, a vehicle control group. If... vehicle control groups are required. (3) Satellite group. (Rodent) A satellite group of 20 animals (10...

[Effects of the renal blood flow at different levels by transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation combined general anesthesia induced controlled hypotension].

PubMed

Fang, Jian-Qiao; Zhang, Le-Le; Shao, Xiao-Mei

2012-11-01

To observe the intervention of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on the renal blood flow at different levels of mean arterial pressure (MAP) in controlled hypotension. Forty-two male beagle dogs were randomly divided into seven groups, i. e., the general anesthesia group, the 50% controlled group, the 40% controlled group, the 30% controlled group, the 50% experimental group, the 40% experimental group, and the 30% experimental group, 6 in each group. Beagles in the general anesthesia group were not treated with controlled hypotension, and the target MAP was achieved in those of the rest groups and maintained for 60 min. In the experimental groups, TEAS was applied to bilateral Hegu (LI4), Zusanli (ST36), Sanyinjiao (SP6), and Quchi (LI11) at 2/100 Hz with the stimulation strength of (4 +/- 1) mA starting from the stability of their physiological conditions to 60 min of maintaining the target MAP level. The changes of the renal blood flow were monitored at different time points using laser Doppler. From starting pressure control to the target MAP level, the renal blood flow was significantly lower in the 30% controlled group than in the general anesthesia group and the basic level of the same group (P < 0.05), while there was no obvious change in the 30% experimental group. In maintaining the blood pressure, the renal blood flow was significantly lower in the 50% controlled group, the 40% controlled group, the 30% controlled group, and the 30% experimental group than in the general anesthesia group (P < 0.05), while there was no obvious change in the 50% experimental group or the 40% experimental group. By the end of blood pressure recovery, the renal blood flow restored to the basic level in the 50% controlled group, the 50% experimental group, and the 40% experimental group (P > 0.05), while it was not restored to the basic level in the 40% controlled group, the 30% controlled group, and the 30% experimental group (P < 0.05). TEAS combined general anesthesia in controlled hypotension could effectively improve the renal blood flow, thus protecting the kidney.

Construction and preliminary immunobiological characterization of a novel, non-reverting, intranasal live attenuated whooping cough vaccine candidate.

PubMed

Cornford-Nairns, Renee; Daggard, Grant; Mukkur, Trilochan

2012-06-01

We describe the construction and immunobiological properties of a novel whooping cough vaccine candidate, in which the aroQ gene, encoding 3-dehydroquinase, was deleted by insertional inactivation using the kanamycin resistance gene cassette and allelic exchange using a Bordetella suicide vector. The aroQ B. pertussis mutant required supplementation of media to grow but failed to grow on an unsupplemented medium. The aroQ B. pertussis mutant was undetectable in the trachea and lungs of mice at days 6 and 12 post-infection, respectively. Antigen-specific antibody isotypes IgG1 and IgG2a, were produced, and cell-mediated immunity [CMI], using interleukin-2 and interferon-gamma as indirect indicators, was induced in mice vaccinated with the aroQ B. pertussis vaccine candidate, which were substantially enhanced upon second exposure to virulent B. pertussis. Interleukin- 12 was also produced in the aroQ B. pertussis-vaccinated mice. On the other hand, neither IgG2a nor CMI-indicator cytokines were produced in DTaP-vaccinated mice, although the CMI-indicator cytokines became detectable post-challenge with virulent B. pertussis. Intranasal immunization with one dose of the aroQ B. pertussis mutant protected vaccinated mice against an intranasal challenge infection, with no pathogen being detected in the lungs of immunized mice by day 7 post-challenge. B. pertussis aroQ thus constitutes a safe, non-reverting, metabolite-deficient vaccine candidate that induces both humoral and cellmediated immune responses with potential for use as a single-dose vaccine in adolescents and adults, in the first instance, with a view to disrupting the transmission cycle of whooping cough to infants and the community.

The measurement of muscle protein synthesis in broilers with a flooding dose technique: use of 15N-labelled phenylalanine, GC-MS and GC-C-IRMS.

PubMed

Dänicke, S; Böttcher, W; Simon, O; Jeroch, H

2001-01-01

An experiment was carried out to measure fractional muscle protein synthesis rates (k(s)) in broilers with injection of a flooding dose of phenylalanine (1 ml/100 g body weight of 150 mM phenylalanine; 38 atom percent excess (APE) [15N]phenylalanine). K(s) was calculated from the [15N] enrichment in phenylalanine of tissue-free and protein-bound phenylalanine using both gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas chromatography combustion isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC-C-IRMS) for measurements after a 10 min isotope incorporation period. The tertiary-butyldimethylsilyl (t-BDMS) derivatives of phenylalanine were used for gas chromatographic separation in both systems. GC-MS and GC-C-IRMS were calibrated for a range of 7 to 37 [15N]APE and 0 to 0.62 [15N]APE, respectively, and for sample sizes of 0.45 to 4.5 nmol phenylalanine and 7 to 40 nmol phenylalanine, respectively. Reproducibility of standards as a measure of precision varied from 0.06 to 0.29 [15N]APE and from 0.0004 to 0.0018 [15N]APE in GC-MS and GC-C-IRMS, respectively. K(s) was measured in the m. pectoralis major of broilers fed rye based diets (56%) which were provided either unsupplemented (-) or supplemented (+) with an enzyme preparation containing xylanase. K(s) in breast muscles was significantly increased from 21.8%/d to 23.9%/d due to enzyme supplementation. It can be concluded from the study that the measurement of protein synthesis in broilers with the flooding dose technique can be carried out by using [15N]phenylalanine, GC-MS and GC-C-IRMS.

Supplementing formula-fed piglets with a low molecular weight fraction of bovine colostrum whey results in an improved intestinal barrier.

PubMed

De Vos, M; Huygelen, V; Van Raemdonck, G; Willemen, S; Fransen, E; Van Ostade, X; Casteleyn, C; Van Cruchten, S; Van Ginneken, C

2014-08-01

To test the hypothesis that a low molecular weight fraction of colostral whey could affect the morphology and barrier function of the small intestine, 30 3-d-old piglets (normal or low birth weight) were suckled (n = 5), artificially fed with milk formula (n = 5), or artificially fed with milk formula with a low molecular weight fraction of colostral whey (n = 5) until 10 d of age. The small intestine was sampled for histology (haematoxylin and eosin stain; anti-KI67 immunohistochemistry) and enzyme activities (aminopeptidase A, aminopeptidase N, dipeptidylpeptidase IV, lactase, maltase, and sucrase). In addition, intestinal permeability was evaluated via a dual sugar absorption test and via the measurement of occludin abundance. Artificially feeding of piglets reduced final BW (P < 0.001), villus height (P < 0.001), lactase (P < 0.001), and dipeptidylpeptidase IV activities (P < 0.07), whereas crypt depth (P < 0.001) was increased. No difference was observed with regard to the permeability measurements when comparing artificially fed with naturally suckling piglets. Supplementing piglets with the colostral whey fraction did not affect BW, enzyme activities, or the outcome of the dual sugar absorption test. On the contrary, the small intestines of supplemented piglets had even shorter villi (P = 0.001) than unsupplemented piglets and contained more occludin (P = 0.002). In conclusion, at 10 d of age, no differences regarding intestinal morphology and permeability measurements were observed between the 2 BW categories. In both weight categories, the colostral whey fraction affected the morphology of the small intestine but did not improve the growth performances or the in vivo permeability. These findings should be acknowledged when developing formulated milk for neonatal animals with the aim of improving the performance of low birth weight piglets.

Production of Oxidative and Hydrolytic Enzymes by Coprinus cinereus (Schaeff.) Gray from Sisal Wastes Supplemented with Cow Dung Manure

PubMed Central

Raymond, Prosper; Mshandete, Anthony Manoni; Kajumulo Kivaisi, Amelia

2015-01-01

The activity of oxidative and hydrolytic enzymes of the edible and medicinal white rot fungi Coprinus cinereus (Schaeff.) Gray mushroom was observed during mycelia growth and fruiting body development in solid substrate fermentation using sisal waste fractions amended with cow dung manure as supplement. Laccase had the highest titre value among the five detected enzymes. Its activity was higher during mycelia growth compared to fruiting phase, with 10% supplemented substrate formulation unmixed sisal leaf decortication residues [abbreviated SL : SB (100 : 0)] displaying the highest activity of 39.45 ± 12.05 Ug−1. Lignin peroxidase (LiP) exhibited a characteristic wave-like pattern with the highest peaks found either during full mycelia colonization or soon after first flush harvest; the highest activity of 1.93 ± 0.62 Ug−1 was observed on unsupplemented SL : SB (100 : 0) substrate formulation during mycelia colonization. For hydrolytic enzymes, the highest carboxymethyl cellulase (CMCase) activity of 2.03 ± 0.70 Ug−1 was observed on 20% supplemented SL : SB (0 : 100) after first flush; that of pectinase (1.90 ± 0.32 Ug−1) was revealed after third flush on 10% supplemented SL : SB (0 : 100) substrate formulation while 10% supplemented SL : SB (25 : 75) exhibited the highest xylanase activity (1.23 ± 0.12 Ug−1) after first flush. These findings show that the activities of both oxidative and hydrolytic enzymes were regulated in line with developmental phase of growth of Coprinus cinereus. PMID:26664748

Dairy diet phosphorus and rainfall timing effects on runoff phosphorus from land-applied manure.

PubMed

Hanrahan, Laura P; Jokela, William E; Knapp, Joanne R

2009-01-01

Surface-applied dairy manure can increase P concentrations in runoff, which may contribute to eutrophication of lakes and streams. The amount of dietary P fed to dairy cows (Bos taurus) and the timing of a rain event after manure application may further affect runoff P losses. The objective of this study was to examine dietary P supplementation effects on manure and runoff P concentrations from rain events occurring at different time intervals after manure application. Manure from dairy cows fed an unsupplemented low P diet (LP; 3.6 g P kg(-1)) or a diet supplemented with either an inorganic (HIP; 4.4 g P kg(-1)) or an organic (HOP; 4.6 g P kg(-1)) source was hand-applied onto soil-packed pans at 56 wet Mg ha(-1). Thirty min of runoff was collected from simulated rain events (30 mm h(-1)) 2, 5, or 9 d after manure application. Total P (TP) concentrations in runoff from HIP and HOP diet manure from the 2-d rain were 46 and 31% greater than that of the LP diet. Runoff P concentrations from high P diets were numerically higher than that of the LP diet at 5 and 9 d after application, but differences were significant only for dissolved reactive P (DRP) at 5 d. Large decreases in runoff TP (89%) and DRP (65%) concentrations occurred with delay of rainfall from 2 d until 5 d. The proportion of TP as DRP increased as the time between manure application and runoff increased. Results showed that reducing dietary P and extending the time between manure application and a rain event can significantly reduce concentrations of TP and DRP in runoff.

An Optimal Dietary Zinc Level of Brown-Egg Laying Hens Fed a Corn-Soybean Meal Diet.

PubMed

Qin, Shizhen; Lu, Lin; Zhang, Xichun; Liao, Xiudong; Zhang, Liyang; Guo, Yanli; Luo, Xugang

2017-06-01

An experiment was conducted to estimate the optimal dietary zinc (Zn) level of brown-egg laying hens fed a corn-soybean meal diet from 20 to 40 weeks of age. A total of 120 20-week-old Beijing Red commercial laying hens were randomly allotted by bodyweight to one of five treatments with six replicates of four birds each in a completely randomized design, and fed a Zn-unsupplemented corn-soybean meal basal diet containing 27.95 mg Zn/kg by analysis and the basal diets supplemented with 30, 60, 90, or 120 mg Zn/kg as Zn sulfate (reagent grade ZnSO 4 ·7H 2 O) for a duration of 20 weeks. Laying performance, egg quality, tissue Zn concentrations, and activities of serum alkaline phosphatase (AKP), and liver copper-Zn superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) were measured. Regression analyses were performed to estimate an optimal dietary Zn level whenever a significant quadratic response (P < 0.05) was observed. Tibia Zn concentration (P = 0.002) and serum AKP activity (P = 0.010) showed significant quadratic responses to dietary supplemental Zn levels. The estimates of dietary Zn requirements for brown-egg laying hens from 20 to 40 weeks of age were 71.95 and 64.63 mg/kg for tibia Zn concentration and serum AKP activity, respectively. The results from this study indicate that the tibia Zn might be a more suitable and reliable parameter for Zn requirement estimation, and the optimal dietary Zn level would be about 72 mg/kg for brown-egg laying hens fed a corn-soybean meal diet from 20 to 40 weeks of age.

Hydrogenase activity in the foodborne pathogen Campylobacter jejuni depends upon a novel ABC-type nickel transporter (NikZYXWV) and is SlyD-independent.

PubMed

Howlett, Robert M; Hughes, Bethan M; Hitchcock, Andrew; Kelly, David J

2012-06-01

Campylobacter jejuni is a human pathogen of worldwide significance. It is commensal in the gut of many birds and mammals, where hydrogen is a readily available electron donor. The bacterium possesses a single membrane-bound, periplasmic-facing NiFe uptake hydrogenase that depends on the acquisition of environmental nickel for activity. The periplasmic binding protein Cj1584 (NikZ) of the ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporter encoded by the cj1584c-cj1580c (nikZYXWV) operon in C. jejuni strain NCTC 11168 was found to be nickel-repressed and to bind free nickel ions with a submicromolar K(d) value, as measured by fluorescence spectroscopy. Unlike the Escherichia coli NikA protein, NikZ did not bind EDTA-chelated nickel and lacks key conserved residues implicated in metallophore interaction. A C. jejuni cj1584c null mutant strain showed an approximately 22-fold decrease in intracellular nickel content compared with the wild-type strain and a decreased rate of uptake of (63)NiCl(2). The inhibition of residual nickel uptake at higher nickel concentrations in this mutant by hexa-ammine cobalt (III) chloride or magnesium ions suggests that low-affinity uptake occurs partly through the CorA magnesium transporter. Hydrogenase activity was completely abolished in the cj1584c mutant after growth in unsupplemented media, but was fully restored after growth with 0.5 mM nickel chloride. Mutation of the putative metallochaperone gene slyD (cj0115) had no effect on either intracellular nickel accumulation or hydrogenase activity. Our data reveal a strict dependence of hydrogenase activity in C. jejuni on high-affinity nickel uptake through an ABC transporter that has distinct properties compared with the E. coli Nik system.

Helicobacter pylori HP1512 Is a Nickel-Responsive NikR-Regulated Outer Membrane Protein▿

PubMed Central

Davis, Gregg S.; Flannery, Erika L.; Mobley, Harry L. T.

2006-01-01

Helicobacter pylori is dependent upon the production of the highly abundant and active metalloenzyme urease for colonization of the human stomach. Thus, H. pylori has an absolute requirement for the transition metal nickel, a required cofactor for urease. To investigate the contribution of genes that are factors in this process, microarray analysis comparing the transcriptome of wild-type H. pylori 26695 cultured in brucella broth containing fetal calf serum (BBF) alone or supplemented with 100 μM NiCl2 suggested that HP1512 is repressed in the presence of 100 μM supplemental nickel. When measured by comparative real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR), HP1512 transcription was reduced 43-fold relative to the value for the wild type when cultured in BBF supplemented with 10 μM NiCl2. When grown in unsupplemented BBF, urease activity of an HP1512::cat mutant was significantly reduced compared to the wild type, 4.9 ± 0.5 μmol/min/mg of protein (n = 7) and 17.1 ± 4.9 μmol/min/mg of protein (n = 13), respectively (P < 0.0001). In silico analysis of the HP1511-HP1512 (HP1511-1512) intergenic region identified a putative NikR operator upstream of HP1512. Gel shift analysis with purified recombinant NikR verified nickel-dependent binding of H. pylori NikR to the HP1511-1512 intergenic region. Furthermore, comparative real-time qPCR of four nickel-related genes suggests that mutation of HP1512 results in reduced intracellular nickel concentration relative to wild-type H. pylori 26695. Taken together, these data suggest that HP1512 encodes a NikR-nickel-regulated outer membrane protein. PMID:17030579

Comparative study of a new organic selenium source v. seleno-yeast and mineral selenium sources on muscle selenium enrichment and selenium digestibility in broiler chickens.

PubMed

Briens, Mickaël; Mercier, Yves; Rouffineau, Friedrich; Vacchina, Veronique; Geraert, Pierre-André

2013-08-01

Two experiments were conducted on broiler chickens to compare the effect of a new organic Se source, 2-hydroxy-4-methylselenobutanoic acid (HMSeBA; SO), with two practical Se additives, sodium selenite (SS) and Se yeast (SY). The relative bioavailability of the different Se sources was compared on muscle (pectoralis major) total Se, selenomethionine (SeMet) and selenocysteine (SeCys) concentrations and apparent digestibility of total Se (ADSe). In the first experiment, from day (d) 0 to d21, Se sources were tested at different supplied levels and compared with an unsupplemented diet (NC). No significant effects were observed on growth performance during the experimental period. However, the different Se sources and levels improved muscle Se concentration compared with the NC, with a significant source effect in the following order: SS < SY < SO (P<0·05). Seleno-amino acids speciation results for NC, SY and SO at 0·3 mg Se/kg feed indicated that muscle Se was only present as SeMet or SeCys, showing a full conversion of Se by the bird. The second experiment (d0-d24) compared SS, SY or SO at 0·3 mg Se/kg feed. The ADSe measurements carried out between d20 and d23 were 24, 46 and 49% for SS, SY and SO, respectively, with significant differences between the organic and mineral Se sources (P<0·05). These results confirmed the higher bioavailability of organic Se sources compared with the mineral source and demonstrated a significantly better efficiency of HMSeBA compared with SY for muscle Se enrichment.

40 CFR 798.2450 - Inhalation toxicity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... study. (2) Control groups. A concurrent control group is required. This group shall be an untreated or sham-treated control group. Except for treatment with the test substance, animals in the control group... generate an appropriate concentration of the substance in the atmosphere, a vehicle control group shall be...

40 CFR 798.2450 - Inhalation toxicity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... study. (2) Control groups. A concurrent control group is required. This group shall be an untreated or sham-treated control group. Except for treatment with the test substance, animals in the control group... generate an appropriate concentration of the substance in the atmosphere, a vehicle control group shall be...

40 CFR 798.2450 - Inhalation toxicity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... study. (2) Control groups. A concurrent control group is required. This group shall be an untreated or sham-treated control group. Except for treatment with the test substance, animals in the control group... generate an appropriate concentration of the substance in the atmosphere, a vehicle control group shall be...

40 CFR 798.2450 - Inhalation toxicity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... study. (2) Control groups. A concurrent control group is required. This group shall be an untreated or sham-treated control group. Except for treatment with the test substance, animals in the control group... generate an appropriate concentration of the substance in the atmosphere, a vehicle control group shall be...

40 CFR 798.2450 - Inhalation toxicity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... study. (2) Control groups. A concurrent control group is required. This group shall be an untreated or sham-treated control group. Except for treatment with the test substance, animals in the control group... generate an appropriate concentration of the substance in the atmosphere, a vehicle control group shall be...

Essential considerations in developing attention control groups in behavioral research.

PubMed

Aycock, Dawn M; Hayat, Matthew J; Helvig, Ashley; Dunbar, Sandra B; Clark, Patricia C

2018-06-01

Attention control groups strengthen randomized controlled trials of behavioral interventions, but researchers need to give careful consideration to the attention control activities. A comparative effectiveness research framework provides an ideal opportunity for an attention control group as a supplement to standard care, so participants potentially receive benefit regardless of group assignment. The anticipated benefit of the control condition must be independent of the study outcome. Resources needed for attention control activities need to be carefully considered and ethical considerations carefully weighed. In this paper we address nine considerations for the design and implementation of attention control groups: (1) ensure attention control activities are not associated with the outcome; (2) avoid contamination of the intervention or control group; (3) design comparable control and intervention activities; (4) ensure researcher training to adequately administer both treatment arms; (5) design control activities to be interesting and acceptable to participants; (6) evaluate attention control activities; (7) consider additional resources needed to implement attention control activities; (8) quantifying the effects of attention control and intervention groups; and (9) ethical considerations with attention control groups. Examples from the literature and ongoing research are presented. Careful planning for the attention control group is as important as for the intervention group. Researchers can use the considerations presented here to assist in planning for the best attention control group for their study. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

[Osteogenic potential of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells from ovariectomied osteoporotic rat].

PubMed

Li, Dong-ju; Ge, Dong-xia; Wu, Wen-chao; Wu, Jiang; Li, Liang

2005-05-01

To investigate the difference of osteogenic potential of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) between healthy rats and osteoporotic rats. We established the animal model of osteoporosis by performing ovariectom on the 3-month-old female Sprague-Dawley rats. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs) were isolated from the rats of control group and of ovariectomized (ovx) group by means of the density-gradient centrifugation method, and the 3rd-4th passage MSCs were used in all the experiments. The experiments comprised 4 groups: (1) Marrow mesenchymal stem cells control group (MSCs control group); (2) Marrow mesenchymal stem cells ovx group (MSCs ovx group); (3) Osteogenesis induction control group (OSI control group); (4) Osteogenesis induction ovx group (OSI ovx group). Cell cycle and proliferation index (PI) of MSCs were detected by flow cytometry. The expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was detected by dynamics method with substrate of phosphoric acid para-Nitro benzene. The levels of osteocalcin were detected with the isotope labelling method. (1) PI of MSCs was lower in MSCs ovx group than in MSCs control group. (2) The expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was much higher in OSI control group than in the MSCs control group; the expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was much higher in the OSI control group than in OSI ovx group after 7-day and 14-day osteogenic induction. (3) The level of osteocalcin was much higher in the OSI control group than in the MSCs control group after 14-day, 21-day, 28-day osteogenic induction. The level of osteocalcin was much higher in the OSI control group than in the OSI ovx group. Both the proliferative potential and the osteogenic potential of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from the ovariectomized osteoporotic rat are decreased.

Outcomes 18 years after implementation of a nonoperative caries preventive program--the Nexö-method--on children in Moscow, Russia.

PubMed

Kuzmina, Irina; Ekstrand, Kim R

2015-08-01

To report the long-term effect (18 years) of the Nexö-method, initially implemented in groups of children in Moscow in 1994. Three groups of children were included in the initial study in 1994. This study is a follow-up study of two of the three initial groups: a group of 6-year-olds (test group6 ; control group6 ) and a group of 11-year-olds (test group11 , control group11) , n = 50 individuals in each of the four subgroups. In 2012, >80% of the participants in the two groups (now aged 24 and 28 years old) were re-examined by the original examiner, who was blinded to which group the patients had belonged in the initial study. After re-examination, the participants were interviewed by a person not otherwise attached to the study. Finally, caries data were collected from 100 24-year-olds and 100 28-year-olds who attended the dental school (50%) and private clinic (50%) in Moscow (External control groups24,28 ). The outcome variables of the study were plaque and gingival status, and DMFT/S. In 2012, the control groups24,28 displayed significantly higher plaque scores than the test groups24,28 (P-values < 0.05). No differences were seen regarding gingivitis scores (P-values > 0.41). Mean DMFT/S in 2012 was test group24 = 6.98/10.51, control group24 = 8.84/13.14 (P = 0.02/0.06). External control group24 = 8.89/15.86 (test24 versus external control group24 , P = 0.01/0.007; control24 versus external control group24 , P = 0.94/0.16). Test group28 = 6.74/10.83, control group28 = 8.70/14.48 (P = 0.02/0.008). External control group28 = 9.03/18.06 (test28 versus external control28 , P = 0.03/0.001; control28 versus external control28 , P = 0.68/0.07). The interview indicated that the participants in the test groups were more aware of factors that are considered important for control of caries than participants in the control groups. The data from this group of Moscow citizens suggest a long-term positive effect of the Nexö-method implemented during childhood. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

The use of control groups in artificial grammar learning.

PubMed

Reber, Rolf; Perruchet, Pierre

2003-01-01

Experimenters assume that participants of an experimental group have learned an artificial grammar if they classify test items with significantly higher accuracy than does a control group without training. The validity of such a comparison, however, depends on an additivity assumption: Learning is superimposed on the action of non-specific variables-for example, repetitions of letters, which modulate the performance of the experimental group and the control group to the same extent. In two experiments we were able to show that this additivity assumption does not hold. Grammaticality classifications in control groups without training (Experiments 1 and 2) depended on non-specific features. There were no such biases in the experimental groups. Control groups with training on randomized strings (Experiment 2) showed fewer biases than did control groups without training. Furthermore, we reanalysed published research and demonstrated that earlier experiments using control groups without training had produced similar biases in control group performances, bolstering the finding that using control groups without training is methodologically unsound.

Striving for group agency: threat to personal control increases the attractiveness of agentic groups.

PubMed

Stollberg, Janine; Fritsche, Immo; Bäcker, Anna

2015-01-01

When their sense of personal control is threatened people try to restore perceived control through the social self. We propose that it is the perceived agency of ingroups that provides the self with a sense of control. In three experiments, we for the first time tested the hypothesis that threat to personal control increases the attractiveness of being part or joining those groups that are perceived as coherent entities engaging in coordinated group goal pursuit (agentic groups) but not of those groups whose agency is perceived to be low. Consistent with this hypothesis we found in Study 1 (N = 93) that threat to personal control increased ingroup identification only with task groups, but not with less agentic types of ingroups that were made salient simultaneously. Furthermore, personal control threat increased a sense of collective control and support within the task group, mediated through task-group identification (indirect effects). Turning to groups people are not (yet) part of, Study 2 (N = 47) showed that personal control threat increased relative attractiveness ratings of small groups as possible future ingroups only when the relative agency of small groups was perceived to be high. Perceived group homogeneity or social power did not moderate the effect. Study 3 (N = 78) replicated the moderating role of perceived group agency for attractiveness ratings of entitative groups, whereas perceived group status did not moderate the effect. These findings extend previous research on group-based control, showing that perceived agency accounts for group-based responses to threatened control.

[Gastric dynamics analysis of TEAS combined SNP induced general anesthesia when controlled hypotension dropped to 60% of the MAP baseline].

PubMed

Zhang, Le-Le; Fang, Jian-Qiao; Shao, Xiao; Lian, Lin-Li; Yu, Xiao-Jing; Dong, Zhen-Hua; Mo, Ya-Di

2015-01-01

To observe the effect of gastric dynamics by transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) combined general anesthesia when controlled hypotension dropped to 60% of the mean arterial prenssure (MAP) baseline, and to provide experimental evidence for organ protection in clinical controlled hypotension. Eighteen male beagles were randomly divided into three groups, the general anesthesia group (blank), the general anesthesia induced controlled hypotension group (control), and the general anesthesia combined TEAS induced controlled hypotension group (experiment), 6 in each group. Controlled hypotension was performed in the latter two groups with isoflurane inhalation and intravenous injection of sodium nitroprusside (SNP). The mean arterial pressure (MAP) was lowered to 60% of the MAP baseline and kept for 60 min. Controlled hypotension was not performed in Beagles of the control group. For Beagles in the experiment group, TEAS [2/100 Hz, (4 ± 1) mA] was applied to bilateral Hegu (LI4), Quchi (LI11), Zusanli (ST36), and Sanyinjiao (SP6) from stable physiological conditions to the end of maintaining stages. Changes of EGG frequencies and EGG amplitudes were monitored. Serum levels of gastrin (GAS) and motilin (MTL) were also detected at corresponding time points during and after experiment. As for the pressure control effect of TEAS combined general anesthesia in the controlled hypotension, during the process of controlled hypotension (T1-T4), MAP levels of two controlled pressure groups remained relatively stable, and were kept at 60% of the MAP baseline. When the blood pressure dropped to the target low MAP and maintained at 60 min (T1-T4), EGG amplitudes of Beagles in all the three groups showed decreasing tendency. But it was more obviously lower than its basic level in the control group (P <0.05), while it was not obviously decreased in the experiment group (P < 0.05). EGG frequencies of Beagles in all the three groups showed no obvious change during this stage. By the end of the MAP rising stage (T8), the EGG amplitude of the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group and the blank group (P < 0.05), while it didn' t show any obvious increase in the control group. During this period, EGG frequencies of the two controlled hypotension groups decreased more than those of the blank group. Two h after rising blood pressure (at T9), EGG amplitudes and frequencies in the two controlled hypotension groups basically restored to their respective baselines and levels of the blank group at T9. At 2 h (T9) after controlled hypotension, serum levels of GAS and MTL were lower than those of basic levels in the two controlled hypotension groups (P <0.05). However, serum levels of GAS and MTL had an increasing trend in the two controlled hypotension groups at 24-72 h (T10-T12). Besides, the increasing speed and amplitude was better in experiment group than in the control group at T10-T12. However, there was no statistical difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). At 72 h (T12) serum levels of GAS and MTL had basically restored to their basic levels in the two controlled hypotension groups and that of the blank control group. EGG amplitudes could be effectively improved in TEAS combined general anesthesia for controlled hypotension at 60% of the MAP baseline, the recovery of the serum GAS level accelerated, gastric power improved and stomach protected.

Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy with anal cushion suspension and partial internal sphincter resection for circumferential mixed hemorrhoids.

PubMed

Lu, Ming; Shi, Guang-Ying; Wang, Guo-Qiang; Wu, Yan; Liu, Yang; Wen, Hao

2013-08-14

To identify a more effective treatment protocol for circumferential mixed hemorrhoids. A total of 192 patients with circumferential mixed hemorrhoids were randomized into the treatment group, where they underwent Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy with anal cushion suspension and partial internal sphincter resection, or the control group, where traditional external dissection and internal ligation were performed. Postoperative recovery and complications were monitored. The time to wound healing was 12.96 ± 2.25 d in the treatment group shorter than 19.58 ± 2.71 d in the control group. Slight pain rate was 58.3% in the treatment group higher than 22.9% in the control group; moderate pain rate was 33.3% in the treatment group lower than 56.3% in the control group severe pain rate was 8.4% in the treatment group lower than 20.8% in the control group. No edema rate was 70.8% in the treatment group higher than 43.8% in the control group; mild local edema rate was 26% in the treatment group lower than 39.6% in the control group obvious local edema was 3.03% in the treatment group lower than 16.7% in the control group. No stenosis rate was 85.4% in the treatment group higher than 63.5% in the control group; moderate stenosis rate was 14.6% in the treatment group Lower than 27.1% in the control group severe anal stenosis rate was 0% in the treatment group lower than 9.4% in the control group. Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy with anal cushion suspension and partial internal sphincter resection is the optimal treatment for circumferential mixed hemorrhoids and can be widely applied in clinical settings.

Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy with anal cushion suspension and partial internal sphincter resection for circumferential mixed hemorrhoids

PubMed Central

Lu, Ming; Shi, Guang-Ying; Wang, Guo-Qiang; Wu, Yan; Liu, Yang; Wen, Hao

2013-01-01

AIM: To identify a more effective treatment protocol for circumferential mixed hemorrhoids. METHODS: A total of 192 patients with circumferential mixed hemorrhoids were randomized into the treatment group, where they underwent Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy with anal cushion suspension and partial internal sphincter resection, or the control group, where traditional external dissection and internal ligation were performed. Postoperative recovery and complications were monitored. RESULTS: The time to wound healing was 12.96 ± 2.25 d in the treatment group shorter than 19.58 ± 2.71 d in the control group. Slight pain rate was 58.3% in the treatment group higher than 22.9% in the control group; moderate pain rate was 33.3% in the treatment group lower than 56.3% in the control group severe pain rate was 8.4% in the treatment group lower than 20.8% in the control group. No edema rate was 70.8% in the treatment group higher than 43.8% in the control group; mild local edema rate was 26% in the treatment group lower than 39.6% in the control group obvious local edema was 3.03% in the treatment group lower than 16.7% in the control group. No stenosis rate was 85.4% in the treatment group higher than 63.5% in the control group; moderate stenosis rate was 14.6% in the treatment group Lower than 27.1% in the control group severe anal stenosis rate was 0% in the treatment group lower than 9.4% in the control group. CONCLUSION: Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy with anal cushion suspension and partial internal sphincter resection is the optimal treatment for circumferential mixed hemorrhoids and can be widely applied in clinical settings. PMID:23946609

Effect of dietary vitamin C on the growth performance and innate immunity of juvenile cobia (Rachycentron canadum).

PubMed

Zhou, Qicun; Wang, Ligai; Wang, Hualang; Xie, Fengjun; Wang, Tuo

2012-06-01

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary vitamin C on growth performance, hematologic parameters and innate immune responses in juvenile cobia, Rachycentron canadum. Seven practical diets were formulated to contain 0.0 (as the basal diet), 13.6, 27.2, 54.4, 96.6, 193.4 and 386.5 mg ascorbic acid equivalent kg(-1) diet. Each diet was fed to triplicate groups of juvenile cobia with initial body weight of 5.5 g in 500-L cylindrical fiberglass tank. The results of 8 weeks feeding trial showed that typical vitamin C-deficient signs such as spinal deformation and body nigrescence were observed in the fish fed the basal diet. Fish fed the basal diet had significantly lower weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR), protein efficiency ratio (PER) and feed efficiency (FE) than those fed the diets supplemented with vitamin C, but no significant differences were observed among diets supplemented with vitamin C. However, survival rate was significantly affected by the dietary vitamin C levels, fish fed the basal diet had lower survival rate than those fed the diets supplemented with vitamin C. The ascorbic acid concentration in liver was correlated positively with the dietary vitamin C levels, however, the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) concentrations in liver was not significantly affected by the dietary vitamin C levels, although, fish fed the basal diet had the highest TBARS values among all treatments. The activities of serum lysozyme, superoxide dismutase (SOD), alkaline phophatase (AKP) and total immunoglobulin (Ig) were significantly influenced by the dietary vitamin C levels, fish fed the basal diet had lower lysozyme, SOD, AKP and total Ig than those fed diets supplemented with vitamin C. The serum glucose and triglyceride concentrations were significantly affected by the dietary vitamin C levels. Fish fed the basal diet had lower red blood cell and hemoglobin values than those fed the vitamin C supplemented diets. The challenge experiment with Vibrio harveyi showed that lower cumulative survival was in fish fed the unsupplemented diet, the cumulative survival were significantly increased with increase of the dietary ascorbic acid levels from 13.6 to 96.6 mg kg(-1), while the cumulative survival reached plateau when dietary ascorbic acid levels increased from 96.6 to 386.5 mg kg(-1). These results indicated that dietary vitamin C did significantly influence on growth performance and immune response of juvenile cobia. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Striving for group agency: threat to personal control increases the attractiveness of agentic groups

PubMed Central

Stollberg, Janine; Fritsche, Immo; Bäcker, Anna

2015-01-01

When their sense of personal control is threatened people try to restore perceived control through the social self. We propose that it is the perceived agency of ingroups that provides the self with a sense of control. In three experiments, we for the first time tested the hypothesis that threat to personal control increases the attractiveness of being part or joining those groups that are perceived as coherent entities engaging in coordinated group goal pursuit (agentic groups) but not of those groups whose agency is perceived to be low. Consistent with this hypothesis we found in Study 1 (N = 93) that threat to personal control increased ingroup identification only with task groups, but not with less agentic types of ingroups that were made salient simultaneously. Furthermore, personal control threat increased a sense of collective control and support within the task group, mediated through task-group identification (indirect effects). Turning to groups people are not (yet) part of, Study 2 (N = 47) showed that personal control threat increased relative attractiveness ratings of small groups as possible future ingroups only when the relative agency of small groups was perceived to be high. Perceived group homogeneity or social power did not moderate the effect. Study 3 (N = 78) replicated the moderating role of perceived group agency for attractiveness ratings of entitative groups, whereas perceived group status did not moderate the effect. These findings extend previous research on group-based control, showing that perceived agency accounts for group-based responses to threatened control. PMID:26074832

40 CFR Appendix C to Part 300 - Swirling Flask Dispersant Effectiveness Test, Revised Standard Dispersant Toxicity Test, and...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

..., if two groups (product A and a non-nutrient control) are tested at each of three points in time (day... groups: Group 1: Non-nutrient Control Group 2: Nutrient Control Group 3: Test Product 4.7.4.2The raw data... different from those of both the nutrient control (group 2) and the non-nutrient control (group 1) for those...

40 CFR Appendix C to Part 300 - Swirling Flask Dispersant Effectiveness Test, Revised Standard Dispersant Toxicity Test, and...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

..., if two groups (product A and a non-nutrient control) are tested at each of three points in time (day... groups: Group 1: Non-nutrient Control Group 2: Nutrient Control Group 3: Test Product 4.7.4.2The raw data... different from those of both the nutrient control (group 2) and the non-nutrient control (group 1) for those...

40 CFR Appendix C to Part 300 - Swirling Flask Dispersant Effectiveness Test, Revised Standard Dispersant Toxicity Test, and...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

..., if two groups (product A and a non-nutrient control) are tested at each of three points in time (day... groups: Group 1: Non-nutrient Control Group 2: Nutrient Control Group 3: Test Product 4.7.4.2The raw data... different from those of both the nutrient control (group 2) and the non-nutrient control (group 1) for those...

40 CFR Appendix C to Part 300 - Swirling Flask Dispersant Effectiveness Test, Revised Standard Dispersant Toxicity Test, and...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

..., if two groups (product A and a non-nutrient control) are tested at each of three points in time (day... groups: Group 1: Non-nutrient Control Group 2: Nutrient Control Group 3: Test Product 4.7.4.2The raw data... different from those of both the nutrient control (group 2) and the non-nutrient control (group 1) for those...

47 CFR 24.720 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... vertical ownership chain. (e) Control Group. A control group is an entity, or a group of individuals or... assure de facto control, such as for example, when the voting stock of the control group is widely... member of the applicant's (or licensee's) control group and whose gross revenues and total assets, when...

47 CFR 24.720 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... vertical ownership chain. (e) Control Group. A control group is an entity, or a group of individuals or... assure de facto control, such as for example, when the voting stock of the control group is widely... member of the applicant's (or licensee's) control group and whose gross revenues and total assets, when...

47 CFR 24.720 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... vertical ownership chain. (e) Control Group. A control group is an entity, or a group of individuals or... assure de facto control, such as for example, when the voting stock of the control group is widely... member of the applicant's (or licensee's) control group and whose gross revenues and total assets, when...

47 CFR 24.720 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... vertical ownership chain. (e) Control Group. A control group is an entity, or a group of individuals or... assure de facto control, such as for example, when the voting stock of the control group is widely... member of the applicant's (or licensee's) control group and whose gross revenues and total assets, when...

47 CFR 24.720 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... vertical ownership chain. (e) Control Group. A control group is an entity, or a group of individuals or... assure de facto control, such as for example, when the voting stock of the control group is widely... member of the applicant's (or licensee's) control group and whose gross revenues and total assets, when...

Association between ABO blood/rhesus grouping and hepatitis B and C: a case-control study.

PubMed

Pourhassan, Abolfazl

2014-06-01

During past decades, a connection between hepatitis and the host ABO/Rh blood groups has been always under dispute, with no appropriately designed study yet. This study aimed to investigate possible association between ABO blood/Rh groups with both hepatitis B and C. In this case-control setting, 200 healthy individuals (controls), 200 patients with chronic Hepatitis-B infection (HB) and 200 patients with chronic Hepatitis-C infection (HC) were recruited from 2010 to 2013 in Tabriz Sina Hospital. ABO blood and Rh grouping was performed and the results were compared between the case and control groups. Both pair of the control and HB groups and the control and HC groups were matched for their subjects' age and sex. In the control group, 178 subjects (89%) were Rh+ and 22 subjects (11%) were Rh-. In the HB group, there were 180 Rh+ (90%) and 20 Rh- (10%) patients. In the HC group there were 168 Rh+ (84%) and 32 Rh-negative (16%) patients. Both pair of the control and HB groups (p = 0.74), as well as the control and HC groups (p = 0.14) were comparable for the status of Rh. In the control group there were 84 (42%), 32 (16%), 66 (33%) and 18 (9%) subjects with A, B, O and AB blood groups, respectively. The corresponding figures were 84 (42%), 34 (17%), 58 (29%) and 24 (12%) for the HB patients; and 80 (40%), 29 (14.5%), 85 (42.5%) and 6 (3%) for the HC patients. Comparing between the control and HB groups showed no significant difference in terms of the frequency of ABO blood groups (p = 0.70). However, with comparing the control and HC groups, the rate of O blood group was significantly higher in the HC group and concomitantly, the rate of AB blood group was significantly higher in the control group (p = 0.04). Although, there is not a significant association between ABO blood groups and HB, this association is significant between certain ABO blood groups and HC.

40 CFR 799.9630 - TSCA developmental neurotoxicity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

.... (2) Control group. A concurrent control group is required. This group must be a sham-treated group or, if a vehicle is used in administering the test substance, a vehicle control group. The vehicle must neither be developmentally toxic nor have effects on reproduction. Animals in the control group must be...

40 CFR 799.9630 - TSCA developmental neurotoxicity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

.... (2) Control group. A concurrent control group is required. This group must be a sham-treated group or, if a vehicle is used in administering the test substance, a vehicle control group. The vehicle must neither be developmentally toxic nor have effects on reproduction. Animals in the control group must be...

40 CFR 799.9630 - TSCA developmental neurotoxicity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

.... (2) Control group. A concurrent control group is required. This group must be a sham-treated group or, if a vehicle is used in administering the test substance, a vehicle control group. The vehicle must neither be developmentally toxic nor have effects on reproduction. Animals in the control group must be...

26 CFR 1.414(b)-1 - Controlled group of corporations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 26 Internal Revenue 5 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Controlled group of corporations. 1.414(b)-1...(b)-1 Controlled group of corporations. (a) Defintion of controlled group of corporations. For purposes of this section, the term “controlled group of corporations” has the same meaning as is assigned...

26 CFR 1.414(b)-1 - Controlled group of corporations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 26 Internal Revenue 5 2012-04-01 2011-04-01 true Controlled group of corporations. 1.414(b)-1...(b)-1 Controlled group of corporations. (a) Defintion of controlled group of corporations. For purposes of this section, the term “controlled group of corporations” has the same meaning as is assigned...

26 CFR 1.414(b)-1 - Controlled group of corporations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 26 Internal Revenue 5 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Controlled group of corporations. 1.414(b)-1...(b)-1 Controlled group of corporations. (a) Defintion of controlled group of corporations. For purposes of this section, the term “controlled group of corporations” has the same meaning as is assigned...

26 CFR 1.414(b)-1 - Controlled group of corporations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 26 Internal Revenue 5 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Controlled group of corporations. 1.414(b)-1...(b)-1 Controlled group of corporations. (a) Defintion of controlled group of corporations. For purposes of this section, the term “controlled group of corporations” has the same meaning as is assigned...

26 CFR 1.414(b)-1 - Controlled group of corporations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 26 Internal Revenue 5 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Controlled group of corporations. 1.414(b)-1... Controlled group of corporations. (a) Defintion of controlled group of corporations. For purposes of this section, the term “controlled group of corporations” has the same meaning as is assigned to the term in...

40 CFR 798.3320 - Combined chronic toxicity/oncogenicity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... concurrent control for those groups not intended for early sacrifice. At least 40 rodents (20 females and 20 males) should be used for satellite dose group(s) and the satellite control group. The purpose of the... percent at the time of termination. (2) Control groups. (i) A concurrent control group (50 females and 50...

40 CFR 798.3320 - Combined chronic toxicity/oncogenicity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... concurrent control for those groups not intended for early sacrifice. At least 40 rodents (20 females and 20 males) should be used for satellite dose group(s) and the satellite control group. The purpose of the... percent at the time of termination. (2) Control groups. (i) A concurrent control group (50 females and 50...

40 CFR 798.3320 - Combined chronic toxicity/oncogenicity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... concurrent control for those groups not intended for early sacrifice. At least 40 rodents (20 females and 20 males) should be used for satellite dose group(s) and the satellite control group. The purpose of the... percent at the time of termination. (2) Control groups. (i) A concurrent control group (50 females and 50...

40 CFR 798.3320 - Combined chronic toxicity/oncogenicity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... concurrent control for those groups not intended for early sacrifice. At least 40 rodents (20 females and 20 males) should be used for satellite dose group(s) and the satellite control group. The purpose of the... percent at the time of termination. (2) Control groups. (i) A concurrent control group (50 females and 50...

40 CFR 798.3320 - Combined chronic toxicity/oncogenicity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... concurrent control for those groups not intended for early sacrifice. At least 40 rodents (20 females and 20 males) should be used for satellite dose group(s) and the satellite control group. The purpose of the... percent at the time of termination. (2) Control groups. (i) A concurrent control group (50 females and 50...

Control group design: enhancing rigor in research of mind-body therapies for depression.

PubMed

Kinser, Patricia Anne; Robins, Jo Lynne

2013-01-01

Although a growing body of research suggests that mind-body therapies may be appropriate to integrate into the treatment of depression, studies consistently lack methodological sophistication particularly in the area of control groups. In order to better understand the relationship between control group selection and methodological rigor, we provide a brief review of the literature on control group design in yoga and tai chi studies for depression, and we discuss challenges we have faced in the design of control groups for our recent clinical trials of these mind-body complementary therapies for women with depression. To address the multiple challenges of research about mind-body therapies, we suggest that researchers should consider 4 key questions: whether the study design matches the research question; whether the control group addresses performance, expectation, and detection bias; whether the control group is ethical, feasible, and attractive; and whether the control group is designed to adequately control for nonspecific intervention effects. Based on these questions, we provide specific recommendations about control group design with the goal of minimizing bias and maximizing validity in future research.

Control Group Design: Enhancing Rigor in Research of Mind-Body Therapies for Depression

PubMed Central

Kinser, Patricia Anne; Robins, Jo Lynne

2013-01-01

Although a growing body of research suggests that mind-body therapies may be appropriate to integrate into the treatment of depression, studies consistently lack methodological sophistication particularly in the area of control groups. In order to better understand the relationship between control group selection and methodological rigor, we provide a brief review of the literature on control group design in yoga and tai chi studies for depression, and we discuss challenges we have faced in the design of control groups for our recent clinical trials of these mind-body complementary therapies for women with depression. To address the multiple challenges of research about mind-body therapies, we suggest that researchers should consider 4 key questions: whether the study design matches the research question; whether the control group addresses performance, expectation, and detection bias; whether the control group is ethical, feasible, and attractive; and whether the control group is designed to adequately control for nonspecific intervention effects. Based on these questions, we provide specific recommendations about control group design with the goal of minimizing bias and maximizing validity in future research. PMID:23662111

Heterogenic control groups in randomized, controlled, analgesic trials of total hip and knee arthroplasty.

PubMed

Karlsen, Anders P; Mathiesen, Ole; Dahl, Jørgen B

2018-03-01

Postoperative analgesic interventions are often tested adjunct to basic non-opioid analgesics in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Consequently, treatment in control groups, and possible assay sensitivity, differs between trials. We hypothesized that postoperative opioid requirements and pain intensities vary between different control groups in analgesic trials. Control groups from RCTs investigating analgesic interventions after total hip and knee arthroplasty were categorized based on standardized basic analgesic treatment. Morphine consumption 0 to 24 hours postoperatively, and resting pain scores at 6 and 24 hours for subgroups of basic treatments, were compared with ANOVA. In an additional analysis, we compared pain and opioid requirements in trials where a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) was administered as an intervention with trial where NSAID was administered in a control group. We included 171 RCTs employing 28 different control groups with large variability in pain scores and opioid requirements. Four types of control groups (comprising 78 trials) were eligible for subgroup comparisons. These subgroups received "opioid" alone, "NSAID + opioid", "acetaminophen + opioid", or "NSAID + acetaminophen + opioid", respectively. Morphine consumption and pain scores varied substantially between these groups, with no consistent superior efficacy in any subgroup. Additionally, trials administering NSAID as an intervention demonstrated lower pain scores and opioid requirements than trials where NSAID was administered in a control group. Analgesic treatment in RCT control groups varies considerably. Control groups receiving various combinations of opioid, NSAID and acetaminophen did not differ consistently in pain and opioid requirements. Pain and opioid requirements were lower in trials administering NSAID as an intervention compared with trials administering NSAID in a control group.

Consensus definitions and application guidelines for control groups in cerebrospinal fluid biomarker studies in multiple sclerosis.

PubMed

Teunissen, Charlotte; Menge, Til; Altintas, Ayse; Álvarez-Cermeño, José C; Bertolotto, Antonio; Berven, Frode S; Brundin, Lou; Comabella, Manuel; Degn, Matilde; Deisenhammer, Florian; Fazekas, Franz; Franciotta, Diego; Frederiksen, Jette L; Galimberti, Daniela; Gnanapavan, Sharmilee; Hegen, Harald; Hemmer, Bernhard; Hintzen, Rogier; Hughes, Steve; Iacobaeus, Ellen; Kroksveen, Ann C; Kuhle, Jens; Richert, John; Tumani, Hayrettin; Villar, Luisa M; Drulovic, Jelena; Dujmovic, Irena; Khalil, Michael; Bartos, Ales

2013-11-01

The choice of appropriate control group(s) is critical in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarker research in multiple sclerosis (MS). There is a lack of definitions and nomenclature of different control groups and a rationalized application of different control groups. We here propose consensus definitions and nomenclature for the following groups: healthy controls (HCs), spinal anesthesia subjects (SASs), inflammatory neurological disease controls (INDCs), peripheral inflammatory neurological disease controls (PINDCs), non-inflammatory neurological controls (NINDCs), symptomatic controls (SCs). Furthermore, we discuss the application of these control groups in specific study designs, such as for diagnostic biomarker studies, prognostic biomarker studies and therapeutic response studies. Application of these uniform definitions will lead to better comparability of biomarker studies and optimal use of available resources. This will lead to improved quality of CSF biomarker research in MS and related disorders.

[MAPK signaling pathways involved in aluminum-induced apoptosis and necroptosis in SH-SY5Y cells].

PubMed

Jia, Xiaofang; Zhang, Qinli; Niu, Qiao

2014-11-01

To explore the role of MAPK signaling pathway in apoptosis and necroptosis induced by aluminum in SH-SY5Y cells. To imitate neural cell death induced by aluminium, AlCl3 x 6H2O (4 mmol/L) was used to treat SH-SY5Y cells. Necrostatin-1 (Nec-1,60 μmol/L), the specific inhibitor for necroptosis, and zVAD-fmk (20 μmol/L), the specific inhibitor for apoptosis, were added into cultures for inhibiting the occurrence of necroptosis and apoptosis. CCK-8 was performed to measure cell viability, flow cytometry was used to test the difference of apoptosis rate and necrosis rate between groups, and western-blot was used to detect the change of MAPK protein. Compared with blank control group, solvent control group, Nec-1 control group and zVAD-fmk control group, cell viabiligy of Al(3+) exposed group, Al(3+) plus Nec-1 group and Al(3+) plus zVAD-fmk group decreaced (P < 0.05). Compared with Al(3+) exposed group, cell viability of Al(3+) plus Nec-1 group and Al(3+) plus zVAD-fmk group increased (P < 0.05). Necrotic rate and apoptotic rate in Al(3+) exposed group, Al(3+) plus Nec-1 group and Al(3+) plus zVAD-fmk group obviously increased compared with blank control group, solvent control group, Nec-1 control group and zVAD-fmk control group (P < 0.05). Compared with Al(3+) exposed group, necrotic and apaptotic rate of Al(3+) plus zVAD-fmk group and Al(3+) plus Nec-1 group were statistically significant decreased (P < 0.05). Compared with blank control group, solvent control group, Nec-1 control group and zVAD-fmk control group, expression of p-p38 in Al(3+) exposed group, Al(3+) plus Nec-1 group and Al(3+) plus zVAD-fmk group increased obviously (P < 0.05), and expression of p-ERK decreased significantly (P < 0.05). Compared with Al(3+) exposed group, expression of p-p38 decreased (P < 0.05), but p-ERK increased in Al(3+) plus Nec-1 group (P < 0.05). The ERK and p38 MAPK signaling pathways are involved in aluminum-induced necroptosis in SH-SY5Y cells, but only ERK signaling pathway is involved in aluminum-induced apoptosis, and JNK signaling pathway is not involved in aluminum-induced cell death.

Improved Decision Making Through Group Composition

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-09-01

design for this research was actually a quasiexperimental design , because equivalent experimental and control groups could not be guaranteed...The Nonequivalent Control Group Design (25:126) O1 X 02 03 04 control group after the simulation exercise. Final game scores were collected from 02... Control Group Design ...... 88 20. Data Analysis Techniques ............. 98 21. The Control and Treatment Team Members’

Effects of Dietary Fermented Seaweed and Seaweed Fusiforme on Growth Performance, Carcass Parameters and Immunoglobulin Concentration in Broiler Chicks

PubMed Central

Choi, Y. J.; Lee, S. R.; Oh, J-W.

2014-01-01

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of brown seaweed (Undaria pinnatifida) by-product and seaweed fusiforme (Hizikia fusiformis) by-product supplementation on growth performance and blood profiles including serum immunoglobulin (Ig) in broilers. Fermentation of seaweeds was conducted by Bacillus subtilis and Aspergillus oryzae. In a 5-wk feeding trial, 750 one-d-old broiler chicks were divided into 5 groups, and were assigned to the control diet or experimental diets including control+0.5% brown seaweed (BS) by-product, control+0.5% seaweed fusiforme (SF) by-product, control+0.5% fermented brown seaweed (FBS) by-product, and control+0.5% fermented seaweed fusiforme (FSF) by-product. As a consequence, body weight gain (BWG) and gain:feed of seaweed by-product groups were clearly higher, when compared to those of control diet group from d 18 to 35 and the entire experimental period (p<0.05). In mortality rate, seaweed by-product groups were significantly lower when compared to control diet group during entire experimental period (p<0.05). However, Feed Intake of experimental diets group was not different from that of the control group during the entire experimental period. Whereas, Feed Intake of fermented seaweed by-product groups was lower than that of non-fermented seaweed groups (p<0.05). Total organ weights, lipids, and glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (GOT) of all treatment groups were not different from those of control group. However, glutamic pyruvate transaminase (GPT) of all treatment groups was higher than that of control group at d 17 (p<0.05). In case of serum Igs concentration, the concentration of IgA antibody in BS, SF, FSF treatment groups was significantly higher than in control group at d 35 (p<0.01). IgA concentration in FBS supplementation groups was negligibly decreased when compared to the control group. IgM concentration in the serums of all treatment groups was significantly higher than in control group (p<0.05) and in fermented seaweed by-product groups were much higher than in non-fermented seaweed groups (p<0.05). On the other hand, IgG concentrations in all treatment groups were lower than in control group (p<0.05). Taken together, our results suggest that by-product dietary supplementation of BS, SF, FBS, and FSF in poultry may provide positive effects of growth performance and immune response. PMID:25050025

Improving the quality of randomized controlled trials in Chinese herbal medicine, part II: control group design.

PubMed

Bian, Zhao-Xiang; Moher, David; Dagenais, Simon; Li, You-Ping; Liu, Liang; Wu, Tai-Xiang; Miao, Jiang-Xia

2006-03-01

To discuss the types of control groups in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM), and to provide suggestions for improving the design of control group in future clinical studies in this therapeutic area. A search of the Cochrane Library was conducted in July 2005 to identify RCTs of CHM, and 66 RCTs with CHM for type 2 diabetes mellitus were obtained as the basis for further analysis. Of 66 RCTs with CHM for type 2 diabetes mellitus, 61 (92.4%) trials had both a treatment group and a control group. Twenty-seven (40.9%) RCTs compared CHM plus conventional drug vs conventional drug, 24 (36.4%) compared CHM vs conventional drug, 5 (7.6%) compared CHM vs placebo, 3 (4.5%) compared CHM plus conventional drug vs conventional drug plus placebo, 3 (4.5%) compared CHM plus conventional drug vs other CHM, 1 (1.5%) compared CHM vs no treatment, 1 (1.5%) compared CHM plus placebo vs conventional drug plus placebo, 1 (1.5%) compared CHM vs CHM plus conventional drug vs conventional drug vs placebo, and 1 (1.5%) compared CHM vs conventional drug vs CHM plus conventional drug. A variety of control groups were used in RCTs of CHM for type 2 diabetes mellitus, including placebo, active, and no treatment control groups. Justification for selecting particular types of control groups were not provided in the trials reviewed in this study. Different control groups may be appropriate according to the study objectives, and several factors should be considered prior to selecting control groups in future RCTs of CHM. (1) Investigators of CHM who design clinical trials should understand the rationale for selecting different types of control groups; (2) Control groups for RCTs should be selected according to study objectives; (3) Active control groups should select interventions for comparisons that have the strongest evidence of efficacy and prescribe them as recommended; (4) Placebo control groups should select a placebo that mimics the physical characteristics of test intervention as closely as possible and is completely inert; (5) No treatment control groups should only be used when withholding treatment is ethical and objectives outcomes will not be subject to bias due to absent blinding; (6) Crossover control groups may be appropriate in chronic and stable conditions.

40 CFR 798.3260 - Chronic toxicity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... dose groups and in the controls should be low to permit a meaningful evaluation of the results. For non... meaningful and valid statistical evaluation of chronic effects. (2) Control groups. (i) A concurrent control group is suggested. This group should be an untreated or sham treated control group or, if a vehicle is...

40 CFR 798.2250 - Dermal toxicity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... animals scheduled to be sacrificed before completion of the study. (2) Control groups. A concurrent control group is required. This group shall be an untreated or sham-treated control group or, if a vehicle is used in administering the test substance, a vehicle control group. If the toxic properties of the...

40 CFR 798.3260 - Chronic toxicity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... dose groups and in the controls should be low to permit a meaningful evaluation of the results. For non... meaningful and valid statistical evaluation of chronic effects. (2) Control groups. (i) A concurrent control group is suggested. This group should be an untreated or sham treated control group or, if a vehicle is...

40 CFR 798.2250 - Dermal toxicity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... animals scheduled to be sacrificed before completion of the study. (2) Control groups. A concurrent control group is required. This group shall be an untreated or sham-treated control group or, if a vehicle is used in administering the test substance, a vehicle control group. If the toxic properties of the...

40 CFR 798.2250 - Dermal toxicity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... animals scheduled to be sacrificed before completion of the study. (2) Control groups. A concurrent control group is required. This group shall be an untreated or sham-treated control group or, if a vehicle is used in administering the test substance, a vehicle control group. If the toxic properties of the...

40 CFR 798.2250 - Dermal toxicity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... animals scheduled to be sacrificed before completion of the study. (2) Control groups. A concurrent control group is required. This group shall be an untreated or sham-treated control group or, if a vehicle is used in administering the test substance, a vehicle control group. If the toxic properties of the...

40 CFR 798.2250 - Dermal toxicity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... animals scheduled to be sacrificed before completion of the study. (2) Control groups. A concurrent control group is required. This group shall be an untreated or sham-treated control group or, if a vehicle is used in administering the test substance, a vehicle control group. If the toxic properties of the...

40 CFR 798.3260 - Chronic toxicity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... dose groups and in the controls should be low to permit a meaningful evaluation of the results. For non... meaningful and valid statistical evaluation of chronic effects. (2) Control groups. (i) A concurrent control group is suggested. This group should be an untreated or sham treated control group or, if a vehicle is...

40 CFR 798.3260 - Chronic toxicity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... dose groups and in the controls should be low to permit a meaningful evaluation of the results. For non... meaningful and valid statistical evaluation of chronic effects. (2) Control groups. (i) A concurrent control group is suggested. This group should be an untreated or sham treated control group or, if a vehicle is...

40 CFR 798.3260 - Chronic toxicity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... dose groups and in the controls should be low to permit a meaningful evaluation of the results. For non... meaningful and valid statistical evaluation of chronic effects. (2) Control groups. (i) A concurrent control group is suggested. This group should be an untreated or sham treated control group or, if a vehicle is...

Women's experiences as members of attention control and experimental intervention groups in a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Beal, Claudia C; Stuifbergen, Alexa; Volker, Deborah; Becker, Heather

2009-12-01

Attention control groups are often used in research testing the efficacy of psychosocial and behavioural interventions in order to control for placebo effects. The authors conducted a descriptive qualitative study to investigate how participants viewed their experiences in attention control and experimental intervention groups following a randomized controlled trial for women with fibromyalgia syndrome. Moderately structured interviews were conducted with 18 women (12 from the experimental intervention group and 6 from the attention control group). Members of the control group reported some benefits but few behavioural changes as a result of participating in the RCT, and some participants expressed disappointment at not receiving the intervention. Perceptions of changes in attitudes towards fibromyalgia syndrome and behaviours reported by the intervention group appear to be consistent with the theory underlying the intervention. Possible placebo effects identified in both groups include negative and positive social interactions with other participants.

The Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Indian Reservation of Oregon John Day Basin Office : Watershed Restoration Projects : 2003 Annual Report.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon. John Day Basin Office.

The John Day is the nation's second longest free-flowing river in the contiguous United States and the longest containing entirely unsupplemented runs of anadromous fish. Located in eastern Oregon, the basin drains over 8,000 square miles, Oregon's fourth largest drainage basin, and incorporates portions of eleven counties. Originating in the Strawberry Mountains near Prairie City, the John Day River flows 284 miles in a northwesterly direction, entering the Columbia River approximately four miles upstream of the John Day dam. With wild runs of spring Chinook salmon and summer steelhead, westslope cutthroat, and redband and bull trout, the John Day systemmore » is truly a basin with national significance. The majority of the John Day basin was ceded to the Federal government in 1855 by the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon (Tribes). In 1997, the Tribes established an office in the basin to coordinate restoration projects, monitoring, planning and other watershed activities on private and public lands. Once established, the John Day Basin Office (JDBO) formed a partnership with the Grant Soil and Water Conservation District (GSWCD), which contracts the majority of the construction implementation activities for these projects from the JDBO. The GSWCD completes the landowner contact, preliminary planning, engineering design, permitting, construction contracting, and construction implementation phases of most projects. The JDBO completes the planning, grant solicitation/defense, environmental compliance, administrative contracting, monitoring, and reporting portion of the program. Most phases of project planning, implementation, and monitoring are coordinated with the private landowners and basin agencies, such as the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and Oregon Water Resources Department. In 2003, the JDBO and GSWCD proposed continuation of their successful partnership between the two agencies and basin landowners to implement an additional twelve (12) watershed conservation projects. The types of projects include off channel water developments, juniper control, permanent diversions, pump stations, and return-flow cooling systems. Due to funding issues and delays, permitting delays, fire closures and landowner contracting problems, 2 projects were canceled and 7 projects were rescheduled to the 2004 construction season. Project costs in 2003 totaled $115,554.00 with a total amount of $64,981.00 (56%) provided by the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) and the remainder coming from other sources such as the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR), Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Partners in Wildlife Program and individual landowners.« less

John Day Watershed Restoration Projects, annual report 2003.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Brown, Linda

The John Day is the nation's second longest free-flowing river in the contiguous United States and the longest containing entirely unsupplemented runs of anadromous fish. Located in eastern Oregon, the basin drains over 8,000 square miles, Oregon's fourth largest drainage basin, and incorporates portions of eleven counties. Originating in the Strawberry Mountains near Prairie City, the John Day River flows 284 miles in a northwesterly direction, entering the Columbia River approximately four miles upstream of the John Day dam. With wild runs of spring Chinook salmon and summer steelhead, westslope cutthroat, and redband and bull trout, the John Day systemmore » is truly a basin with national significance. The majority of the John Day basin was ceded to the Federal government in 1855 by the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon (Tribes). In 1997, the Tribes established an office in the basin to coordinate restoration projects, monitoring, planning and other watershed activities on private and public lands. Once established, the John Day Basin Office (JDBO) formed a partnership with the Grant Soil and Water Conservation District (GSWCD), which contracts the majority of the construction implementation activities for these projects from the JDBO. The GSWCD completes the landowner contact, preliminary planning, engineering design, permitting, construction contracting, and construction implementation phases of most projects. The JDBO completes the planning, grant solicitation/defense, environmental compliance, administrative contracting, monitoring, and reporting portion of the program. Most phases of project planning, implementation, and monitoring are coordinated with the private landowners and basin agencies, such as the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and Oregon Water Resources Department. In 2003, the JDBO and GSWCD proposed continuation of their successful partnership between the two agencies and basin landowners to implement an additional twelve (12) watershed conservation projects. The types of projects include off channel water developments, juniper control, permanent diversions, pump stations, and return-flow cooling systems. Due to funding issues and delays, permitting delays, fire closures and landowner contracting problems, 2 projects were canceled and 7 projects were rescheduled to the 2004 construction season. Project costs in 2003 totaled $115,554.00 with a total amount of $64,981.00 (56%) provided by the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) and the remainder coming from other sources such as the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR), Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Partners in Wildlife Program and individual landowners.« less

Fermentation Cover Brine Reformulation for Cucumber Processing with Low Salt to Reduce Bloater Defect.

PubMed

Zhai, Y; Pérez-Díaz, I M

2017-12-01

Reformulation of calcium chloride (CaCl 2 ) cover brine for cucumber fermentation was explored as a mean to minimize the incidence of bloater defect. This study particularly focused on cover brine supplementation with calcium hydroxide (Ca[OH] 2 ), sodium chloride (NaCl), and acids to enhance buffer capacity, inhibit the indigenous carbon dioxide (CO 2 )- producing microbiota, and decrease the solubility of the gas. The influence of the cover brine formulations tested, on the cucumber fermentation microbiota, biochemistry, CO 2 production, and bloating defect was studied using metagenetics, HPLC analysis, a portable gas analyzer and bloater index, respectively. Cover brine supplementation with Ca(OH) 2 and acetic acid resulted in complete fermentations with final pH values 0.5 units higher than the un-supplemented control. Lactic acid production increased by approximately 22%, possibly inducing the observed reduction in the relative abundance of Enterobacteriaceae by 92%. Ca(OH) 2 supplementation also resulted in an increased relative abundance of Leuconostocaceae by 7%, which likely contributed to the observed increment in CO 2 levels by 25%. A 50% reduction on acetic acid formation was detected when cover brines were supplemented with Ca(OH) 2 and 690 mM (4%) NaCl. No significant difference was observed in bloater index as the result of Ca(OH) 2 or NaCl supplementation in cover brines, given that the CO 2 levels remained at above the 20 mg/100 mL needed to induce the defect. It is concluded that the modified cover brine formulation containing Ca(OH) 2 and NaCl enables the complete conversion of sugars, decreases production of CO 2 and levels of Enterobacteriaceae, but insignificantly reduces bloater index. A cucumber fermentation cover brine containing Ca(OH) 2 , 0.26% CaCl 2 , 345 mM (2%) NaCl, and acetic acid to pH 4.7 has a functional combination of ingredients enabling a complete conversion of sugars to lactic acid with reduced production of acetic acid and CO 2 . It represents a process ready cover brine formulation with the potential to allow the manufacture of cucumber pickles with low salt, enhanced food safety, and reduce environmental impact and water usage. Pilot commercial scale cucumber fermentations brined with such ingredients are to reveal the efficacy of this process ready formulation in the presence of oxygen from air in tanks, as opposed to 3.8 L (1-US gal) closed jars in the laboratory. © 2017 Institute of Food Technologists®.

29 CFR 4001.3 - Trades or businesses under common control; controlled groups.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... CORPORATION GENERAL TERMINOLOGY § 4001.3 Trades or businesses under common control; controlled groups. For... control with such person. (2) Persons are under common control if they are members of a “controlled group... 29 Labor 9 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Trades or businesses under common control; controlled...

29 CFR 4001.3 - Trades or businesses under common control; controlled groups.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... CORPORATION GENERAL TERMINOLOGY § 4001.3 Trades or businesses under common control; controlled groups. For... control with such person. (2) Persons are under common control if they are members of a “controlled group... 29 Labor 9 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Trades or businesses under common control; controlled...

29 CFR 4001.3 - Trades or businesses under common control; controlled groups.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... CORPORATION GENERAL TERMINOLOGY § 4001.3 Trades or businesses under common control; controlled groups. For... control with such person. (2) Persons are under common control if they are members of a “controlled group... 29 Labor 9 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Trades or businesses under common control; controlled...

29 CFR 4001.3 - Trades or businesses under common control; controlled groups.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... CORPORATION GENERAL TERMINOLOGY § 4001.3 Trades or businesses under common control; controlled groups. For... control with such person. (2) Persons are under common control if they are members of a “controlled group... 29 Labor 9 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Trades or businesses under common control; controlled...

29 CFR 4001.3 - Trades or businesses under common control; controlled groups.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... CORPORATION GENERAL TERMINOLOGY § 4001.3 Trades or businesses under common control; controlled groups. For... control with such person. (2) Persons are under common control if they are members of a “controlled group... 29 Labor 9 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Trades or businesses under common control; controlled...

Long-term efficacy of a rural community-based integrated intervention for prevention and management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a cluster randomized controlled trial in China's rural areas.

PubMed

Yuan, X; Tao, Y; Zhao, J P; Liu, X S; Xiong, W N; Xie, J G; Ni, W; Xu, Y J; Liu, H G

2015-11-01

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a rural community-based integrated intervention for early prevention and management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in China. This 18-year cluster-randomized controlled trial encompassing 15 villages included 1008 patients (454 men and 40 women in the intervention group [mean age, 54 ± 10 years]; 482 men and 32 women in the control group [mean age, 53 ± 10 years]) with confirmed COPD or at risk for COPD. Villages were randomly assigned to the intervention or the control group, and study participants residing within the villages received treatment accordingly. Intervention group patients took part in a program that included systematic health education, smoking cessation counseling, and education on management of COPD. Control group patients received usual care. The groups were compared after 18 years regarding the incidence of COPD, decline in lung function, and mortality of COPD. COPD incidence was lower in the intervention group than in the control group (10% vs 16%, <0.05). A decline in lung function was also significantly delayed in the intervention group compared to the control group of COPD and high-risk patients. The intervention group showed significant improvement in smoking cessation compared with the control group, and smokers in the intervention group had lower smoking indices than in the control group (350 vs 450, <0.05). The intervention group also had a significantly lower cumulative COPD-related death rate than the control group (37% vs 47%, <0.05). A rural community-based integrated intervention is effective in reducing the incidence of COPD among those at risk, delaying a decline in lung function in COPD patients and those at risk, and reducing mortality of COPD.

Weight change in control group participants in behavioural weight loss interventions: a systematic review and meta-regression study

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Unanticipated control group improvements have been observed in intervention trials targeting various health behaviours. This phenomenon has not been studied in the context of behavioural weight loss intervention trials. The purpose of this study is to conduct a systematic review and meta-regression of behavioural weight loss interventions to quantify control group weight change, and relate the size of this effect to specific trial and sample characteristics. Methods Database searches identified reports of intervention trials meeting the inclusion criteria. Data on control group weight change and possible explanatory factors were abstracted and analysed descriptively and quantitatively. Results 85 trials were reviewed and 72 were included in the meta-regression. While there was no change in control group weight, control groups receiving usual care lost 1 kg more than control groups that received no intervention, beyond measurement. Conclusions There are several possible explanations why control group changes occur in intervention trials targeting other behaviours, but not for weight loss. Control group participation may prevent weight gain, although more research is needed to confirm this hypothesis. PMID:22873682

Weight change in control group participants in behavioural weight loss interventions: a systematic review and meta-regression study.

PubMed

Waters, Lauren; George, Alexis S; Chey, Tien; Bauman, Adrian

2012-08-08

Unanticipated control group improvements have been observed in intervention trials targeting various health behaviours. This phenomenon has not been studied in the context of behavioural weight loss intervention trials. The purpose of this study is to conduct a systematic review and meta-regression of behavioural weight loss interventions to quantify control group weight change, and relate the size of this effect to specific trial and sample characteristics. Database searches identified reports of intervention trials meeting the inclusion criteria. Data on control group weight change and possible explanatory factors were abstracted and analysed descriptively and quantitatively. 85 trials were reviewed and 72 were included in the meta-regression. While there was no change in control group weight, control groups receiving usual care lost 1 kg more than control groups that received no intervention, beyond measurement. There are several possible explanations why control group changes occur in intervention trials targeting other behaviours, but not for weight loss. Control group participation may prevent weight gain, although more research is needed to confirm this hypothesis.

40 CFR 799.9130 - TSCA acute inhalation toxicity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... of the substance in the atmosphere, a vehicle control group should be used when historical data are... system to assign animals to test groups and control groups randomly is required. (2) Control groups. A concurrent untreated control group is not necessary. Where a vehicle other than water is used to generate an...

40 CFR 799.9130 - TSCA acute inhalation toxicity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... of the substance in the atmosphere, a vehicle control group should be used when historical data are... system to assign animals to test groups and control groups randomly is required. (2) Control groups. A concurrent untreated control group is not necessary. Where a vehicle other than water is used to generate an...

40 CFR 799.9130 - TSCA acute inhalation toxicity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... of the substance in the atmosphere, a vehicle control group should be used when historical data are... system to assign animals to test groups and control groups randomly is required. (2) Control groups. A concurrent untreated control group is not necessary. Where a vehicle other than water is used to generate an...

40 CFR 798.6560 - Subchronic delayed neuro-toxicity of organophosphorus substances.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... employed. (2) Number of animals. Ten hens should be used for each treatment and control group. (3) Control group—(i) General. A concurrent control group should be used. This group should be treated in a manner... control group(s). The highest dose level should result in toxic effects, preferably delayed neurotoxicity...

40 CFR 798.6560 - Subchronic delayed neuro-toxicity of organophosphorus substances.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... employed. (2) Number of animals. Ten hens should be used for each treatment and control group. (3) Control group—(i) General. A concurrent control group should be used. This group should be treated in a manner... control group(s). The highest dose level should result in toxic effects, preferably delayed neurotoxicity...

40 CFR 798.6560 - Subchronic delayed neuro-toxicity of organophosphorus substances.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... employed. (2) Number of animals. Ten hens should be used for each treatment and control group. (3) Control group—(i) General. A concurrent control group should be used. This group should be treated in a manner... control group(s). The highest dose level should result in toxic effects, preferably delayed neurotoxicity...

40 CFR 798.6560 - Subchronic delayed neuro-toxicity of organophosphorus substances.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... employed. (2) Number of animals. Ten hens should be used for each treatment and control group. (3) Control group—(i) General. A concurrent control group should be used. This group should be treated in a manner... control group(s). The highest dose level should result in toxic effects, preferably delayed neurotoxicity...

40 CFR 798.6560 - Subchronic delayed neuro-toxicity of organophosphorus substances.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... employed. (2) Number of animals. Ten hens should be used for each treatment and control group. (3) Control group—(i) General. A concurrent control group should be used. This group should be treated in a manner... control group(s). The highest dose level should result in toxic effects, preferably delayed neurotoxicity...

Evaluation of clinical curative effects of disposable stitching instrument in redundant prepuce patients

PubMed Central

Wang, Haitao; Chen, Ningjie; Huo, Ran; Yang, Jincun; Li, Xia; Xing, Nan

2017-01-01

The present study aimed to investigate the clinical curative effect of disposable stitching instrument operation in patients with redundant prepuce or phimosis. A total of 102 cases of patients with circumcision were randomly selected (from June 2013 to December 2014) from the department of plastic and aesthetic surgery of our hospital and were randomly divided into control and observation groups (n=51). Patients in the control group were treated by traditional circumcision operation, while patients in the observation group were treated by novel disposable circumcision stitching instrument. Operation time, bleeding volume, incision healing time, postoperative complications and incision aesthetic satisfaction in the groups were observed. As a result, intraoperative bleeding volume of patients in the observation group was significantly less in comparison to the control group. Operation time and incision healing time of patients in the observation group was shorter than that of the control group. Additionally, the incidence of postoperative complications of patients in the observation group was noted to be lower than that of the control group. On the other hand, the incision aesthetic satisfaction of patients in the observation group was higher than that of the control group. Blood vessel counting and nerve fiber counting of tissue specimen in the observation group were more than those of the control group. Postoperative VAS scores of patients in the observation group were significantly lower than that of the control group. Each rating scale scores of EPQ of patients in the observation group improved significantly compared with that of the control group. In conclusion, the present findings show that disposable circumcision stitching instrument operation is more advantageous in comparison to the traditional procedure along with minimal compilations and better post surgery health condition of patients. PMID:28672929

The protective effect of EGB761 on vessels of denervated gastrocnemius in rats and its mechanism.

PubMed

Zhang, Dongyi; Wu, Rui; Kang, Hao; Hong, Guangxiang; Kang, Shensong; Zhang, Zhengwen

2011-12-01

This study investigated the protective effect of EGB761 on blood vessels of denervated gastrocnemius of rat and its possible mechanism. Fifteen male adult SD rats were randomly divided into three groups: normal control group (n=3), control group (n=6) and EGB761-treated group (n=6). The rats in the control and EGB761-treated group underwent a neurotomy to bilateral sciatic nerves. Then, they were administered EGB761 [100 mg/(kg·d)] and isovolumic normal saline, respectively by gavage everyday. No treatment was given to the rats in the normal control group. Gastrocnemius was harvested at 1 and 3 week(s) postoperatively in each group. Immunohistochemical method was used to detect the ratio of capillary/fiber (CFR) of denervated gastrocnemius and the expression of VEGF, fetal liver kinase -1(Flk-1) receptor and HSP70 in the vascular wall. The results showed that in the normal control group, VEGF, Flk-1 and HSP70 were expressed in the vessel wall of gastrocnemius, with Flk-1 expressed only in the endothelial cell of vessels. CFR in the EGB761-treated group was significantly higher than that in the control group at 1 week and 3 week(s) after neurotomy. The expression of VEGF and Flk-1 in the vessel wall of both control and EGB761-treated group was much lower than that in the normal control group, and the expression of these proteins in the EGB761-treated group was decreased as compared with that in the control group. The expression of HSP70 in the vessel wall of both control and EGB761-treated groups was enhanced when compared with that in the normal control group, and it was substantially augmented in the EGB761-treated group in comparison to the control group. It was concluded that EGB761 has a protective effect on blood vessels of denervated gastrocnemius, which is related to the increased HSP70 expression but not the expression of VEGF and its receptor Flk-1.

[A control study of a school-based life skills education on prevention of behavior problems in third-grade schoolchildren].

PubMed

Lin, Hong; Wang, Yu-feng; Wu, Ye-ping

2007-06-18

To evaluate the effectiveness on the prevention of behavior problems of life skills education combining school-based and parent-involved approaches for third-grade students in China. This research was targeted at the population of third-grade children in two elementary schools in Qinhuangdao City, Hebei Province. Nine regular school classrooms were randomly divided into three groups: the intervention group (n=208), internal control group (n=209) and external control group (n=204). The intervention included 26-hour competence promotion for students and 5-hour parent training. The Rutter Scale by parent and teacher were used to evaluate the effects at pretest, posttest and 6-month follow-up. Improvement was observed among children in the intervention group than those in the control groups. The statistical difference was significant (P<0.05).1.The prevalence of total behavior problems, antisocial behavior and neurotic behavior problem at home: At termination, the prevalence in intervention group(11.2%,3.6% and 6.1%)was lower (except neurotic behavior) than those in internal control group (19.4%,5.6% and 6.1%)and external control group (18.9%,8.9% and 5.3%). At 6-month follow-up, the prevalence in intervention group (10.2%,2.5% and 3.6%)was still lower than those in internal control group (17.2%,6.8% and 6.8%)and external control group (17.8%,7.8% and 6.7%).2. The prevalence of total behavior problems and antisocial behavior problem at school: At termination, the prevalence in intervention group(5.3% and 4.3%)was lower than those in internal control group(10.1% and 7.7%)and external control group(14.9% and 12.4%). At 6-month follow-up, the prevalence in intervention group(2.9% and 2.4%)was still lower than those in internal control group (10.2% and 9.7%)and external control group(11.3% and 10.3%). Life skills education could reduce the children's home and school behavior problems, especially for antisocial behavior. The effects of intervention maintained during the 6-month follow-up study.

[A strategic family medicine model for controlling borderline and mild arterial hypertension].

PubMed

Uzcátegui Contreras, D; Granadillo Vera, D; Salinas, P J; Alvarez, N

1999-10-31

To research on the relationship of the patient and his/her family as a non-pharmacological factor for blood hypertension. To determine whether a hyposodic, hypocaloric, hypofat, and hypocholesterolemic diet decreases the blood tension. To determine whether physical exercises in the patient and his/her family help to reduce the hypertension. To observe whether the psychological therapy of muscles relaxation helps to reduce the hypertension. To evaluate in the sample of families, the experience of each member, as well as their suggestions and complaints about the programme. To design the strategic model to control the blood tension by ambulatory means. Controlled intervention study, descriptive, non-randomized, prospective. PLACEMENT: Primary care. Study group of 10 patients, 10 wives, and 12 children, and control group of 10 patients excluding family members. With both groups (study and control) there were meetings every 15 days for 6 months according to an established schedule. In the meetings there were given talks, pamphlets, physical exercises, muscles relaxation therapy, all about blood hypertension. There were questionnaires before and after each activity. MEASURING AND MAIN RESULTS: In both groups (study and control) there was a statistically significant (t < 0.01) reduction in the weight. The blood systolic tension decreased in both positions, seated and standing, in the study group (difference statistically significant) but not so in the control group, although there was a non-significant difference (decrease of 1.5 mmHg) in the seated position. The diastolic tension decreased significantly in the study group both in seated and standing positions, not so in the control group. The study sample showed that systolic tension seated and standing had a statistically significant reduction in the study group but not so in the control group. The weight had statistically significant reduction in both study and control groups. Total cholesterol had statistically significant decrease in the study group but not in the control group. HDL-C had statistically significant reduction in the study group; in the control group there was a decrease but not statistically significant. The triglycerides did not decrease statistically significant in any of the groups (study and control).

Sensitization and cross-reactions of dermatophyte and Candida albicans allergens in patients with chronic urticaria.

PubMed

Zhang, Min; Liu, Fang; Liu, Haibo; Shen, Yongnian; Kong, Qingtao; Sang, Hong

2016-10-01

Chronic fungal infections are known to exacerbate allergic symptoms, including those of asthma and chronic urticaria (CU). We applied four prepared fungal antigens of Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Epidermophyton floccosum, and Candida albicans to examine sensitization to each in subjects with CU and onychomycosis and in healthy subjects, and to evaluate the etiologic role of dermatophytic infection in CU and observe any cross-reactions among these four antigens. Participants were divided into four groups, including those with CU with onychomycosis (experiment group), those with onychomycosis without allergic diseases (control group 1), those with CU without fungal infections (control group 2), and a healthy group (control group 3). In all subjects, skin prick tests with the four fungal antigens were performed. Subjects in the experiment group and control group 1 were also submitted to mycologic investigations. The experiment group showed significantly higher rates of positivity than the three control groups to T. rubrum, E. floccosum, and T. mentagrophytes antigens. Control group 1 showed rates higher than those in control groups 2 and 3; no significant difference emerged between control groups 2 and 3. Positivity to the C. albicans antigen did not differ among the four groups. In control group 1, rates of positivity to the three dermatophytic antigens did not differ significantly but did for C. albicans. Fungal infection seems to be an important determinant of trichophyton hypersensitivity. Cross-reactions among T. mentagrophytes, T. rubrum, and E. floccosum antigens were obvious, but none emerged between the antigens of the three dermatophytes and that of C. albicans. © 2016 The International Society of Dermatology.

26 CFR 1.1563-1 - Definition of controlled group of corporations and component members and related concepts.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... section. (4) Combined group—(i) Definition. The term combined group means any group of three or more... 26 Internal Revenue 13 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Definition of controlled group of corporations...) Certain Controlled Corporations § 1.1563-1 Definition of controlled group of corporations and component...

40 CFR 798.4700 - Reproduction and fertility effects.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

.... (iv) Number of animals. Each test and control group shall contain at least 20 males and a sufficient number of females to yield at least 20 pregnant females at or near term. (2) Control groups. (i) A concurrent control group shall be used. This group shall be an untreated or sham treated control group or if...

40 CFR 798.4700 - Reproduction and fertility effects.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

.... (iv) Number of animals. Each test and control group shall contain at least 20 males and a sufficient number of females to yield at least 20 pregnant females at or near term. (2) Control groups. (i) A concurrent control group shall be used. This group shall be an untreated or sham treated control group or if...

40 CFR 798.4700 - Reproduction and fertility effects.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

.... (iv) Number of animals. Each test and control group shall contain at least 20 males and a sufficient number of females to yield at least 20 pregnant females at or near term. (2) Control groups. (i) A concurrent control group shall be used. This group shall be an untreated or sham treated control group or if...

40 CFR 798.4700 - Reproduction and fertility effects.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

.... (iv) Number of animals. Each test and control group shall contain at least 20 males and a sufficient number of females to yield at least 20 pregnant females at or near term. (2) Control groups. (i) A concurrent control group shall be used. This group shall be an untreated or sham treated control group or if...

40 CFR 798.4700 - Reproduction and fertility effects.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

.... (iv) Number of animals. Each test and control group shall contain at least 20 males and a sufficient number of females to yield at least 20 pregnant females at or near term. (2) Control groups. (i) A concurrent control group shall be used. This group shall be an untreated or sham treated control group or if...

Effects of xylitol as a sugar substitute on diabetes-related parameters in nondiabetic rats.

PubMed

Islam, Md Shahidul

2011-05-01

Abstract The present study was examined the effects of xylitol feeding on diabetes-associated parameters in nondiabetic rats. Seven-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: control (five rats), sucrose (six rats), and xylitol (six rats). Animal had free access to a commercial rat pellet diet, and ad libitum water, 10% sucrose solution, and 10% xylitol solution were supplied to the control, sucrose, and xylitol groups, respectively. After 3 weeks of feeding of experimental diets, food intakes were significantly (P<.05) lower in the sucrose and xylitol groups compared with the control group. Drink intake was significantly higher in the sucrose group but significantly lower in the xylitol group compared with the control group. Body weight gain was significantly lower in the xylitol group compared with the sucrose group. Weekly nonfasting blood glucose was significantly increased, but fasting blood glucose was significantly decreased, in the sucrose group compared with the control and xylitol groups. Significantly better glucose tolerance was observed in the xylitol group compared with the control and sucrose groups. Serum insulin and fructosamine concentrations were not significantly influenced by the feeding of xylitol or sucrose. Relative liver weight and liver glycogen were significantly increased in the xylitol group compared with the sucrose group, whereas no difference was observed between the xylitol and control groups. Serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol were significantly decreased in the sucrose and xylitol groups, and serum triglyceride of the xylitol group, but not the sucrose group, was significantly increased compared with the control group. Data of this study suggest that xylitol can be a better sweetener than sucrose to maintain diabetes-related parameters at a physiologically safer and stable condition.

Electronic system for high power load control. [solar arrays

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miller, E. L. (Inventor)

1980-01-01

Parallel current paths are divided into two groups, with control devices in the current paths of one group each having a current limiting resistor, and the control devices in the other group each having no limiting resistor, so that when the control devices of the second group are turned fully on, a short circuit is achieved by the arrangement of parallel current paths. Separate but coordinated control signals are provided to turn on the control devices of the first group and increase their conduction toward saturation as a function of control input, and when fully on, or shortly before, to turn on the control devices of the second group and increase their conduction toward saturation as a function of the control input as that input continues to increase. Electronic means may be used to generate signals. The system may be used for 1-V characteristic measurements of solar arrays as well as for other load control purposes.

[Study on early intervention of compound nutrition for cognitive dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease].

PubMed

Wang, Chao; Xie, Wei; Zhu, Jinfeng; Dang, Rui; Wang, Decai

2014-01-01

To observe the early prevention effect of the compound nutrients recipe for cognitive dysfunction of Alzheimer' s disease model-APP-PSN transgenic mouse. 36 APP-PSN transgenic mice aged two months randomly were divided into the intervention group supplied with compound recipe in the diet and the control group fed based feed, the former had high dose and low dose, 12 APP-PSN transgenic negative mice aged two months as the negative control were fed based feed. After 3 months' intervention, four groups' cognitive functions were evaluated using the Morris water maze, active avoidance experiment and jumping stair experiment. There was not statistically different between all the four groups for the weight and food intake. Compared with the control group, Morris water maze's incubation period of the intervention group was lower obviously, and jumping stair experiment's incubation period of the intervention group was higher obviously. In the active avoidance experiment, the high and low dose intervention group' s conditioned response accounted about 46.67% and 45.00% respectively, and the control group's conditioned response accounted about 20.83%. The differences of the three behavioral experiments between control group and intervention group had the statistical significance (P < 0.05), so the same as between control group and negative control group (P < 0.05). And there was no difference between intervention group and negative control group for the three behavioral experiments. The early supplementation with compound nutrition could postpone the occurrence and development of Alzheimer' s disease mice model's cognitive dysfunction.

The Effectiveness of Neurofeedback on Enhancing Cognitive Process Involved in Entrepreneurship Abilities among Primary School Students in District No. 3 Tehran.

PubMed

Rahmati, Narges; Rostami, Reza; Zali, Mohammad Reza; Nowicki, Stephen; Zarei, Jamilah

2014-10-01

The aim of this study is to investigate the entrepreneurial traits of school children in the city of Tehran. For this purpose, 48 students were selected with an average IQ between 90 and 119. Ranging from 7th to 12th grades, all the subjects were assessed using Nowicki-Strickland's Locus of Control Scale (N-SLCS), Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking (TTCT), and Hyperkinetic Syndrome Assessment Method (HKSD). The obtained results were then organized and categorized into three groups. One of the groups was randomly chosen as experimental and the other as the control group and the last play group. In this empirical study, the students received Sensory Motor Rhythm (SMR) and Beta neurofeedback for 20 sessions. The play group was assigned to play mind games for 20 sessions. At the same time, the control group received no experiments. After the end of the experiments, all the students in three groups were reassessed by Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking, Hyperkinetic Syndrome Assessment Method, and Nowicki-Strickland's Locus of Control Scale. The results from MANOVA showed that the neurofeedback group had demonstrated a meaningful change in creativity and locus of control while the adaptability of risk-taking was on a meaningful level for the experimental group. The results also indicate an improvement in creativity for the neurofeedback group in comparison with the play group on a 0.02 meaningful level. Similarly, the results suggest an improvement in creativity for the neurofeedback group on a 0.000 meaningful level in comparison with the control group. This is while the play group and the control group do not show any meaningful difference. The results also show an improvement in the internal locus of control for the neurofeedback group in comparison with the play group on a 0.032 meaningful level; while, it is meaningful on a 0.01 level for the neurofeedback group in comparison with the control group. The findings for the play group and control group do not show any meaningful difference. The paper concludes that neurofeedback training can be used for increasing the level of entrepreneurial traits in students.

Tetracycline treatment of type III prostatitis nanobacteria infection of 100 cases report

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Junyi; Li, Chongxian; Wu, Baisuo; Hao, Shaojun; Ming, Aimin; Zhang, Xinji; Li, Wenjun; Zhang, Zhengchen

2018-04-01

To investigate the efficacy of tetracycline treatment of nanobacterial infection in 100 cases of type III prostatitis. randomly divided into treatment group and control group with double blind method, the treatment group was given Tetracycline Tablets 250mg, oral, 2 times a day; the control group were treated with Levofloxacin Tablets 0.lg, oral, 2 times a day; observation of curative effect of two groups of patients after 1 months of treatment. after the treatment group patients NIH-CPSI score and pain, urinary symptoms and quality of life scores were significantly lower than that of control group (P<0.01); after treatment, observation group lecithin corpuscle scale score was significantly higher than the control group (P<0.05). The treatment group and the control group patients after prostate fluid and cultured positive cases of nanobacterial numbers were 21 (21%) and 100 cases (100%), the positive rate of nanobacteria in observation group was significantly lower than the control group (P<0.05). There is a good effect Tetracycline Tablets treatment of nanobacterial infection of type III prostatitis.

[Efficacy and safety of Xiaoaiping combined with chemotherapy in the treatment of advanced esophageal cancer].

PubMed

Wang, F; Fan, Q X; Wang, H H; Han, D M; Song, N S; Lu, H

2017-06-23

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Xiaoaiping combined with chemotherapy in the treatment of advanced esophageal cancer. Methods: This is a multi-center, randomized, open label and parallel controlled study. A total of 124 advanced esophageal cancer patients with Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) score ≥60 and expected survival time≥3 months were enrolled. We adopted design and divided the patients into study and control group. The patients in study group received Xiaoaiping combined with S-1 and cisplatin. The control group received S-1 and cisplatin. Each group included 62 patients and 21 days as a treatment cycle. The efficacy and adverse events in patients of the two groups were observed and compared. Results: 57 patients in the study group and 55 in the control group were included in efficacy assessment. The response rate was 54.4% and 34.5% in the study group and control group, respectively( P <0.05). Disease control rates were 86.0% and 69.1%, respectively( P <0.05). The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 7.97 in the study group and 6.43 months in the control group( P <0.05). The median overall survival(OS) was 12.93 in the study group and 10.93 months in the control group( P <0.05). The most common adverse events in the two groups were nausea and vomiting, thrombocytopenia, anemia, neutropenia, liver damage, pigmentation, oral mucositis, renal impairment and diarrhea. The incidences of nausea, vomiting, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, neutropenia and diarrhea in the study group were significantly higher than those in the control group( P <0.05). Conclusion: Xiaoaiping combined with S-1 and cisplatin significantly increased response rate, and prolongedpatients' survival in patients with advanced esophageal cancer.

Financial analysis of East Coast fever control strategies in traditionally managed Sanga cattle in Central Province of Zambia.

PubMed

Minjauw, B; Rushton, J; James, A D; Upton, M

1999-01-01

Five different East Coast fever (ECF)-control strategies (involving ECF immunisation by the infection-and-treatment method) were tested in groups of traditionally managed Sanga cattle in the Central Province of Zambia over a period of 2.5 years. Two groups were under intensive tick control (weekly spraying with acaricide)--one group immunised and the other non-immunised. Two groups were under no tick control--one group immunised and the other non-immunised. The fifth group was under seasonal tick control (18 sprays/year) and was immunised against ECF. The input and output data were used to construct discounted cash flows for each group. The seasonally sprayed and immunised group gave the highest net present value, and the non-immunised group with no tick control, the lowest. A break-even analysis showed that the immunisation costs could rise to US$25.9 per animal before profitability was affected. For herds under intensive tick control, immunisation was of no financial benefit. The results demonstrate the value of immunisation, and indicate the importance of its combination with seasonal tick-control measures.

Anti-ageing effects of dentifrices containing anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial agents (Tomarina®) on gingival collagen degradation in rats.

PubMed

Koichiro, Irie; Tomofuji, Takaaki; Ekuni, Daisuke; Endo, Yasumasa; Kasuyama, Kenta; Azuma, Tetsuji; Tamaki, Naofumi; Yoneda, Toshiki; Morita, Manabu

2014-01-01

Previous studies have demonstrated the relationship between ageing and oxidative stress. In this study, we examined the effects of topical application of a dentifrice containing anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial agents (Tomarina®) to the gingival surface on gingival collagen degradation in rats. Fischer 344 male rats (4 or 8 months old) were divided into two groups: experimental group and control group. Tomarina® (the experimental group) or control dentifrice (the control group) was applied 5 days per week for 2 months. In the control group, gingival collagen density decreased with ageing. In the experimental group, the collagen density did not change with ageing, and was greater than that in the control group at 10 months of age (p < 0.0083). In addition, the control group showed an increase in serum oxidative stress with ageing. The experimental group also showed increased serum oxidative stress, but the value was lower than the control group at 10 months of age (p < 0.0083). Furthermore, low expressions of protein oxidative damage in the periodontal tissue were observed in the experimental group, compared to the control group at 6 months and 10 months. These findings indicate that Tomarina® might suppress the effects of ageing on gingival collagen degradation, by decreasing oxidative stress in the rat model.

Experimental determination of group flux control coefficients in metabolic networks

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Simpson, T.W.; Shimizu, Hiroshi; Stephanopoulos, G.

1998-04-20

Grouping of reactions around key metabolite branch points can facilitate the study of metabolic control of complex metabolic networks. This top-down Metabolic Control Analysis is exemplified through the introduction of group control coefficients whose magnitudes provide a measure of the relative impact of each reaction group on the overall network flux, as well as on the overall network stability, following enzymatic amplification. In this article, the authors demonstrate the application of previously developed theory to the determination of group flux control coefficients. Experimental data for the changes in metabolic fluxes obtained in response to the introduction of six different environmentalmore » perturbations are used to determine the group flux control coefficients for three reaction groups formed around the phosphoenolpyruvate/pyruvate branch point. The consistency of the obtained group flux control coefficient estimates is systematically analyzed to ensure that all necessary conditions are satisfied. The magnitudes of the determined control coefficients suggest that the control of lysine production flux in Corynebacterium glutamicum cells at a growth base state resides within the lysine biosynthetic pathway that begins with the PEP/PYR carboxylation anaplorotic pathway.« less

Evaluation of the effects of fulvestrant and micronized progesterone on the post-operative adhesion formation and ovarian reserve in rat model with immunohistochemical and biochemical analysis.

PubMed

Oner, Gokalp; Ulug, Pasa; Demirci, Elif; Kumtepe, Yakup; Gündogdu, Cemal

2015-01-01

To evaluate the effects of fulvestrant and micronized progesterone on post-operative adhesion formation and ovarian reserve in a rat uterine horn adhesion. In this prospective randomized controlled trial, 32 female Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into four groups including control group (Group 1), the control adhesion group (Group 2), 1 mg/kg daily intramuscular fulvestrant received group (Group 3) and 1 mg/kg daily oral micronized progesterone received group (Group 4). The extent and severity of adhesions were scored and samples were taken from adhesion areas to investigate the grades of adhesions according to the immunohistochemical scoring system. Ovarian reserves were measured with anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and histological ovarian follicles count. The extent, severity and total adhesion scores were reduced in all treatment groups compared to control adhesion group (Group 2). Similarly, immunohistochemical adhesion scores were lower in the treatment groups. AMH and follicle count were significantly found lower in adhesion groups compared with control group. However, treatment groups were found to have higher ovarian reserve compared to control adhesion group (Group 2). Fulvestrant and micronized progesterone were found to reduce post-operative adhesion formations and have decreased detrimental effects of adhesion formation on ovarian reserve.

Effect of Sahaja yoga meditation on quality of life, anxiety, and blood pressure control.

PubMed

Chung, Sheng-Chia; Brooks, Maria M; Rai, Madhur; Balk, Judith L; Rai, Sandeep

2012-06-01

The present study investigates the effect of Sahaja yoga meditation on quality of life, anxiety, and blood pressure control. The prospective observational cohort study enrolled two study groups: those receiving treatment from the International Sahaja Yoga Research and Health Center (meditation group) and those receiving treatment from the Mahatma Gandhi Mission Hospital (control group). Researchers measured quality of life, anxiety, and blood pressure before and after treatment. Sixty-seven (67) participants in the meditation group and 62 participants in the control group completed the study. The two groups were comparable in demographic and clinical characteristics. At baseline, the meditation group had higher quality of life (p<0.001) than controls but similar anxiety level (p=0.74) to controls. Within-group pre- versus post-treatment comparisons showed significant improvement in quality of life, anxiety, and blood pressure in the meditation group (p<0.001), while in controls, quality of life deteriorated and there was no improvement in blood pressure. The improvement in quality of life, anxiety reduction, and blood pressure control was greater in the meditation group. The beneficial effect of meditation remained significant after adjusting for confounders. Meditation treatment was associated with significant improvements in quality of life, anxiety reduction, and blood pressure control.

40 CFR 799.9620 - TSCA neurotoxicity screening battery.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... dose and control group for behavioral testing. At least five males and five females should be used in each dose and control group for terminal neuropathology. If interim neuropathological evaluations are... of the study. Animals shall be randomly assigned to treatment and control groups. (3) Control groups...

40 CFR 799.9620 - TSCA neurotoxicity screening battery.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... dose and control group for behavioral testing. At least five males and five females should be used in each dose and control group for terminal neuropathology. If interim neuropathological evaluations are... of the study. Animals shall be randomly assigned to treatment and control groups. (3) Control groups...

40 CFR 799.9620 - TSCA neurotoxicity screening battery.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... dose and control group for behavioral testing. At least five males and five females should be used in each dose and control group for terminal neuropathology. If interim neuropathological evaluations are... of the study. Animals shall be randomly assigned to treatment and control groups. (3) Control groups...

Voluntary Release Pilot Program: Effects on Attrition of General Detail Personnel

DTIC Science & Technology

1978-07-01

compared to 45 percent for Great Lakes. Within the control group, the distribution of recruits in quality group B was nearly equivalent at all RTCs. Also...for the control group). Loss group data were related to educational level in the control group onlyi Holders of GED certificates and non -high school...within the control group, represent no greater an attri- tion, disciplinary, or desertion risk than non -DELTAs. No significant differences associated

The relationship of motion sickness susceptibility to learned autonomic control for symptom suppression

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cowings, P. S.; Toscano, W. B.

1982-01-01

Twenty-four men were randomly assigned to four equal groups matched in terms of their Coriolis Sickness Susceptibility Index (CSSI). Two groups of subjects were highly susceptible to motion sickness, and two groups were moderately susceptible. All subjects were given six C551 tests at 5-d intervals. Treatment Groups I (highly susceptible) and II (moderately susceptible) were taught to control their autonomic responses, using a training method called autogenic-feedback training (AFT) before the third, fourth, and fifth CSSI tests. Control groups III (highly susceptible) and IV (moderately susceptible) received no treatment. Results showed that both treatment groups significantly improved performance on CSSI tests after training; neither of the control groups changed significantly. Highly and moderately susceptible subjects in the two treatment groups improved at comparable rates. Highly susceptible control group subjects did not habituate across tests as readily as the moderately susceptible controls.

Asthma disease management: regression to the mean or better?

PubMed

Tinkelman, David; Wilson, Steve

2004-12-01

To assess the effectiveness of disease management as an adjunct to treatment for chronic illnesses, such as asthma, and to evaluate whether the statistical phenomenon of regression to the mean is responsible for many of the benefits commonly attributed to disease management. This study evaluated an asthma disease management intervention in a Colorado population covered by Medicaid. The outcomes are presented with the intervention group serving as its own control (baseline and postintervention measurements) and are compared with a matched control group during the same periods. In the intervention group, 388 asthmatics entered and 258 completed the 6-month program; 446 subjects participated in the control group. Facilities charges were compared for both groups during the baseline and program periods. Both groups were well matched demographically and for costs at baseline. Using the intervention group as its own control revealed a 49.1% savings. The control group savings were 30.7%. Therefore, the net savings were 18.4% (P < .001) for the intervention group vs controls. Although the demonstrated savings were less using a control group to correct for regression to the mean, they were statistically significant and clinically relevant. When using a control group to control for the statistical effects of regression to the mean, a disease management intervention for asthma in a population covered by Medicaid is effective in reducing healthcare costs.

Information without Implementation: A Practical Example for Developing a Best Practice Education Control Group.

PubMed

Balderson, Benjamin H; McCurry, Susan M; Vitiello, Michael V; Shortreed, Susan M; Rybarczyk, Bruce D; Keefe, Francis J; Korff, Michael Von

2016-01-01

This article considers methodology for developing an education-only control group and proposes a simple approach to designing rigorous and well-accepted control groups. This approach is demonstrated in a large randomized trial. The Lifestyles trial (n = 367) compared three group interventions: (a) cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) for osteoarthritis pain, (b) CBT for osteoarthritis pain and insomnia, and (c) education-only control (EOC). EOC emulated the interventions excluding hypothesized treatment components and controlling for nonspecific treatment effects. Results showed this approach resulted in a control group that was highly credible and acceptable to patients. This approach can be an effective and practical guide for developing high-quality control groups in trials of behavioral interventions.

The use of control groups in music therapy research: a content analysis of articles in the Journal of Music Therapy.

PubMed

Jones, Jennifer D

2006-01-01

The use of a control group is fundamental to experimental research design, though the use with clinical populations must be carefully considered. The purpose of this research was to examine the use of control groups in research with clinical and nonclinical populations published in Journal of Musical Therapy from 1964 through 2004. Criteria for inclusion were music or music therapy as an independent variable applied to one or more groups and at least one control group that did not receive a music treatment. Control groups were qualified as alternative treatment, placebo, no contact, and treatment as usual. Of the 692 articles, 94 met these criteria, 62 clinical and 32 nonclinical, representing 13.5% of the publications. Results indicated that research with clinical populations involved a mean of 38.1 subjects typically divided into two groups, an experimental and a control group. The pretest-posttest design was the most common (55%) as was a treatment as usual control group (45%). These design methods maximized the impact of the experimental music treatment on outcome. Experimental music groups significantly improved over control groups in the vast majority of studies identified. Undoubtedly, the foundation for evidence-based clinical practice is firm.

78 FR 36541 - Public Interface Control Working Group (ICWG) Meeting

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-06-18

... DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Department of the Air Force Public Interface Control Working Group (ICWG... Systems (GPS) Directorate will be hosting a Public Interface Control Working Group (ICWG) meeting for the....mil by August 7, 2013. Public Interface Control Working Group Meeting (ICWG) Date(s) and Times: 24-25...

Effect of health education on severe thalassemia prevention and control in communities in Cambodia.

PubMed

Cheng, Kimhaung; Fucharoen, Supan; Sanchaisuriya, Kanokwan; Fucharoen, Goonnapa; Sanchaisuriya, Pattara; Jetsrisuparb, Arunee

2018-01-01

Severe thalassemia diseases are a major health problem in Southeast Asia. In Cambodia, there has never been a significant program for prevention or control of severe thalassemia. We, therefore, studied the effect of a health education program on severe thalassemia prevention and control in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. A quasi-experimental study in several communities around Phnom Penh was done. The respective intervention and control group comprised 124 and 117 people, between 18 and 40 years of age, male and female. Pre- and post-tests using a validated and reliable questionnaire were performed in the intervention group and one test was done in the control group. A health education program was organized to give important information to the intervention group and, at the end of the process, to the control group. The outcomes were evaluations of their knowledge and attitude vis-à-vis severe thalassemia prevention and control, and participating in thalassemia screening. Among participants in the intervention group, 105 (84.7%) considered undergoing blood screening vs. 65 (55.6%) in the control group ( p -value < 0.001). In the intervention group, the respective mean scores for knowledge and attitude to a prevention and control program for severe thalassemia before and after health education were 2.6 VS 6.5 ( p -value < 0.001) and 4.6 VS 6.5 ( p -value < 0.001). The intention to undergo screening was significantly higher in the intervention group than the control group. Knowledge and attitude towards prevention and control of severe thalassemia was significantly improved in the intervention group. Health education clearly heightens awareness and improves consideration of screening for prevention and control of severe thalassemia.

Role of intrapartum transcervical amnioinfusion in patients with meconium-stained amniotic fluid.

PubMed

Bhatia, Pushpa; Reena, Kumari; Nangia, Sangita

2013-03-01

The study was undertaken to evaluate maternal, perinatal outcomes following transcervical intrapartum amnioinfusion in women with meconium-stained amniotic fluid. A prospective comparative study was conducted on 100 women with meconium-stained amniotic fluid in labor. Group A: study group (50 cases) received amnioinfusion. Group B: control group (50 cases) did not receive amnioinfusion. FHR monitoring was done using cardiotocography. Significant relief from variable decelerations was seen in 68.18 % cases in the amnioinfusion group as compared to 7.1 % cases in the control group. 78 % cases who were given amnioinfusion had vaginal delivery as compared to 18 % cases in the control group. Fourteen percent cases in the study group had cesarean delivery as compared to 68 % cases in the control group. Meconium aspiration syndrome was seen in six percent neonates in the study group as compared to 20 % in the control group. Two neonates died in the control group due to meconium aspiration syndrome. There was no maternal mortality or major maternal complication. Intrapartum transcervical amnioinfusion is valuable in patients with meconium-stained amniotic fluid.

[Liposome-mediated glial growth factor 2 gene therapy in brain injury: an experimental study with rats].

PubMed

Xue, Ya-jun; Dong, Yan; Han, Xi; Wei, Mei-yang; Ge, Jun-hui; Cai, Ru-jue; Hu, Guo-han; Luo, Chun; Zhu, Cheng; Lu, Yi-cheng

2006-09-05

To explore the protective effect of glial growth factor-2 (GGF2) on brain injury. Thirty-four SD rats underwent lateral fluid percussion to establish brain injury models and then were randomly divided into 4 groups: treatment group (n = 10, the plasmid pEGFP-N1-GGF2 mixed with liposome was injected into the brain tissue directly), vector control group (n = 10, the vector pEGFP-N1 mixed with liposome was injected into the brain tissue directly), liposome control group (n = 10, liposome was injected), and sham operation group (n = 4). Three assessment tasks were performed for neurobehavioral evaluation: Clivas Test, Beam Balance Test and Beam Walking Test. 10 days after brain injury, the rats were sacrificed and their brains were embedded in paraffin for HE staining, Nissle staining and immunohistochemical examination of MBP, NSE, and GFAP. The Clivas test score of the treatment group was 66.25 +/- 3.54, significantly higher than those of the vector control group and. liposome control group (58.31 +/- 3.72 and 57.21 +/- 3.93 respectively, both P < 0.05). The beam test score of the treatment group was 2.59 +/- 0.21, significantly lower than those the vector control group and liposome control group (3.41 +/- 0.25 and 3.24 +/- 0.22 respectively, both P < 0.05). The walking test score of the treatment group was 20.15 +/- 2.59, significantly lower than those of control group and liposome control group (27.00 +/- 3.47 and 27.80 +/- 3.00 respectively, both P < 0.05). The improvement in beam walking test was the greatest. The neuron number in the external granular layer and external pyramidal layer in cortex of the treatment group was 98 +/- 10, significantly more than those of the vector control group and liposome group (75 +/- 7 and 67 +/- 8, both P < 0.05). The neuron number in the internal pyramidal layer in cortex of the treatment group was 37 +/- 4, significantly more than those of the vector control group and liposome group (19 +/- 3 and 23 +/- 4 respectively, both P < 0.05). The neuron number in the CA1 region in hippocampus of the treatment group was 102 +/- 11, significantly more than those of the vector control group and liposome group (67 +/- 8 and 58 +/- 9 respectively, both P < 0.01). Higher level of immunoreactivity with MBP was also detected in the cortex in the rats of the treatment group. Cationic liposome-mediated GGF2 gene therapy effectively promotes the recovery of brain injury.

Understanding Gulf War Illness: An Integrative Modeling Approach

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-10-01

group (Task 2; Subtask1). The latest iteration of this analysis focused on n=11 animals control and n=11 DFP exposed animals without corticosterone... Groups : 1 – Control Group (Male and Female Intact) 2 – GWI Model – Cort+DFP (Male and Female OVX) 3 – Control OVX (Female) 4 – GWI Model + Enbrel...The designed protocol counts with five basic experimental groups : Group 1 (Untreated Control no toxic exposure); Group 2 (Toxic exposed, no

A school-based program for control of group a streptococcal upper respiratory tract infections: a controlled trial in Southern China.

PubMed

Lin, Shuguang; Kaplan, Edward L; Rao, Xuxu; Johnson, Dwight R; Deng, Mulan; Zhuo, Qiling; Yang, Pingzhen; Mai, Jinzhuang; Dong, Taiming; Liu, Xiaoqing

2008-08-01

A prospective, school-based study included daily monitoring for incidence of symptomatic streptococcal-associated pharyngitis and monthly determinations of group A streptococcal prevalence. A treatment group received penicillin/erythromycin therapy at school for positive throat cultures; the control group sought medical care from their regular provider. Prevalence and incidence of group A streptococcal pharyngitis were significantly lower among the treatment group than in the controls.

The Pervasive Problem With Placebos in Psychology: Why Active Control Groups Are Not Sufficient to Rule Out Placebo Effects.

PubMed

Boot, Walter R; Simons, Daniel J; Stothart, Cary; Stutts, Cassie

2013-07-01

To draw causal conclusions about the efficacy of a psychological intervention, researchers must compare the treatment condition with a control group that accounts for improvements caused by factors other than the treatment. Using an active control helps to control for the possibility that improvement by the experimental group resulted from a placebo effect. Although active control groups are superior to "no-contact" controls, only when the active control group has the same expectation of improvement as the experimental group can we attribute differential improvements to the potency of the treatment. Despite the need to match expectations between treatment and control groups, almost no psychological interventions do so. This failure to control for expectations is not a minor omission-it is a fundamental design flaw that potentially undermines any causal inference. We illustrate these principles with a detailed example from the video-game-training literature showing how the use of an active control group does not eliminate expectation differences. The problem permeates other interventions as well, including those targeting mental health, cognition, and educational achievement. Fortunately, measuring expectations and adopting alternative experimental designs makes it possible to control for placebo effects, thereby increasing confidence in the causal efficacy of psychological interventions. © The Author(s) 2013.

Awake craniotomy may further improve neurological outcome of intraoperative MRI-guided brain tumor surgery.

PubMed

Tuominen, Juho; Yrjänä, Sanna; Ukkonen, Anssi; Koivukangas, John

2013-10-01

Results of awake craniotomy are compared to results of resections done under general anesthesia in patients operated with IMRI control. We hypothesized that stimulation of the cortex and white matter during awake surgery supplements IMRI control allowing for safer resection of eloquent brain area tumors. The study group consisted of 20 consecutive patients undergoing awake craniotomy with IMRI control. Resection outcome of these patients was compared to a control group of 20 patients operated in the same IMRI suite but under general anesthesia without cortical stimulation. The control group was composed of those patients whose age, sex, tumor location, recurrence and histology best matched to patients in study group. Cortical stimulation identified functional cortex in eight patients (40 %). Postoperatively the neurological condition in 16 patients (80 %) in the study group was unchanged or improved compared with 13 patients (65 %) in the control group. In both groups, three patients (15 %) had transient impairment symptoms. There was one patient (5 %) with permanent neurological impairment in the study group compared to four patients (20 %) in the control group. These differences between groups were not statistically significant. There was no surgical mortality in either group and the overall infection rate was 5 %. Mean operation time was 4 h 45 min in the study group and 3 h 15 min in the control group. The study consisted of a limited patient series, but it implies that awake craniotomy with bipolar cortical stimulation may help to reduce the risk of postoperative impairment following resection of tumors located in or near speech and motor areas also under IMRI control.

Methods to decrease blood loss and transfusion requirements for liver transplantation.

PubMed

Gurusamy, Kurinchi Selvan; Pissanou, Theodora; Pikhart, Hynek; Vaughan, Jessica; Burroughs, Andrew K; Davidson, Brian R

2011-12-07

Excessive blood loss and increased blood transfusion requirements may have significant impact on the short-term and long-term outcomes after liver transplantation. To compare the potential benefits and harms of different methods of decreasing blood loss and blood transfusion requirements during liver transplantation. We searched The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials in The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Science Citation Index Expanded, and metaRegister of Controlled Trials until September 2011. We included all randomised clinical trials that were performed to compare various methods of decreasing blood loss and blood transfusion requirements during liver transplantation. Two authors independently identified the trials and extracted the data. We analysed the data with both the fixed-effect and the random-effects model using RevMan Analysis. For each outcome we calculated the risk ratio (RR), mean difference (MD), or standardised mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) based on available data analysis. We also conducted network meta-analysis. We included 33 trials involving 1913 patients. The sample size in the trials varied from 8 to 209 participants. The interventions included pharmacological interventions (aprotinin, tranexamic acid, epsilon amino caproic acid, antithrombin 3, recombinant factor (rFvIIa), oestrogen, prostaglandin, epinephrine), blood substitutes (blood components rather than whole blood, hydroxy-ethyl starch, thromboelastography), and cardiovascular interventions (low central venous pressure). All the trials were of high risk of bias. Primary outcomes were reported in at least two trials for the following comparisons: aprotinin versus control, tranexamic acid versus control, recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) versus control, and tranexamic acid versus aprotinin. There were no significant differences in the 60-day mortality (3 trials; 6/161 (3.7%) in the aprotinin group versus 8/119 (6.7%) in the control group; RR 0.52; 95% CI 0.18 to 1.45), primary graft non-function (2 trials; 0/128 (0.0%) in the aprotinin group versus 4/89 (4.5%) in the control group; RR 0.15; 95% CI 0.02 to 1.25), retransplantation (3 trials; 2/256 (0.8%) in the aprotinin group versus 12/178 (6.7%) in the control group; RR 0.21; 95% CI 0.02 to 1.79), or thromboembolic episodes (3 trials; 4/161 (2.5%) in the aprotinin group versus 5/119 (4.2%) in the control group; RR 0.59; 95% CI 0.19 to 1.84) between the aprotinin and control groups. There were no significant differences in the 60-day mortality (3 trials; 4/83 (4.8%) in the tranexamic acid group versus 5/56 (8.9%) in the control group; RR 0.55; 95% CI 0.17 to 1.76), retransplantation (2 trials; 3/41 (7.3%) in the tranexamic acid group versus 3/36 (8.3%) in the control group; RR 0.79; 95% CI 0.18 to 3.48), or thromboembolic episodes (5 trials; 5/103 (4.9%) in the tranexamic acid group versus 1/76 (1.3%) in the control group; RR 2.20; 95% CI 0.38 to 12.64) between the tranexamic acid and control groups. There were no significant differences in the 60-day mortality (3 trials; 8/195 (4.1%) in the recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) group versus 2/91 (2.2%) in the control group; RR 1.51; 95% CI 0.33 to 6.95), thromboembolic episodes (2 trials; 24/185 (13.0%) in the rFVIIa group versus 8/81 (9.9%) in the control group; RR 1.38; 95% CI 0.65 to 2.91), or serious adverse events (2 trials; 90/185 (48.6%) in the rFVIIa group versus 30/81 (37.0%) in the control group; RR 1.30; 95% CI 0.94 to 1.78) between the rFVIIa and control groups. There were no significant differences in the 60-day mortality (2 trials; 6/91 (6.6%) in the tranexamic acid group versus 1/87 (1.1%) in the aprotinin group; RR 4.12; 95% CI 0.71 to 23.76) or thromboembolic episodes (2 trials; 4/91 (4.4%) in the tranexamic acid group versus 2/87 (2.3%) in the aprotinin group; RR 1.97; 95% CI 0.37 to 10.37) between the tranexamic acid and aprotinin groups. The remaining outcomes in the above comparisons and the remaining comparisons included only only trial under the primary outcome or the outcome was not reported at all in the trials. There were no significant differences in the mortality, primary graft non-function, graft failure, retransplantation, thromboembolic episodes, or serious adverse events in any of these comparisons. However, the confidence intervals were wide, and it is not possible to reach any conclusion on the safety of the interventions. None of the trials reported the quality of life in patients.Secondary outcomes were reported in at least two trials for the following comparisons - aprotinin versus control, tranexamic acid versus control, rFVIIa versus control, thromboelastography versus control, and tranexamic acid versus aprotinin. There was significantly lower allogeneic blood transfusion requirements in the aprotinin group than the control group (8 trials; 185 patients in aprotinin group and 190 patients in control group; SMD -0.61; 95% CI -0.82 to -0.40). There were no significant differences in the allogeneic blood transfusion requirements between the tranexamic acid and control groups (4 trials; 93 patients in tranexamic acid group and 66 patients in control group; SMD -0.27; 95% CI -0.59 to 0.06); rFVIIa and control groups (2 trials; 141 patients in rFVIIa group and 80 patients in control group; SMD -0.05; 95% CI -0.32 to 0.23); thromboelastography and control groups (2 trials; 31 patients in thromboelastography group and 31 patients in control group; SMD -0.73; 95% CI -1.69 to 0.24); or between the tranexamic acid and aprotinin groups (3 trials; 101 patients in tranexamic acid group and 97 patients in aprotinin group; SMD -0.09; 95% CI -0.36 to 0.19). The remaining outcomes in the above comparisons and the remaining comparisons included only only trial under the primary outcome or the outcome was not reported at all in the trials. There were no significant differences in the blood loss, transfusion requirements, hospital stay, or intensive care unit stay in most of the comparisons. Aprotinin, recombinant factor VIIa, and thromboelastography groups may potentially reduce blood loss and transfusion requirements. However, risks of systematic errors (bias) and risks of random errors (play of chance) hamper the confidence in this conclusion. We need further well-designed randomised trials with low risk of systematic error and low risk of random errors before these interventions can be supported or refuted.

The Preliminary Effects of Massage and Inhalation Aromatherapy on Chemotherapy-Induced Acute Nausea and Vomiting: A Quasi-Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial.

PubMed

Zorba, Pinar; Ozdemir, Leyla

2017-04-20

Despite pharmacological treatment, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) are observed in patients. This quasi-randomized controlled pilot study evaluated the feasibility and preliminary effects of massage and inhalation aromatherapies on chemotherapy-induced acute nausea/vomiting. Seventy-five patients with breast cancer were randomly grouped into 1 of 3 groups: massage (n = 25), inhalation (n = 25), and control (n = 25). The patients in the massage group received 20-minute aromatherapy foot massage, whereas those in the inhalation group received 3-minute inhalation aromatherapy before their second, third, and fourth chemotherapy cycles. The control group underwent only the routine treatment. A nausea, vomiting, and retching patient follow-up form was used to evaluate nausea severity by visual analog scale and frequency of vomiting and retching. The incidence of nausea and retching was significantly higher in the control group than in the other groups in the third and fourth chemotherapy cycles (P < .001). Furthermore, in these 2 cycles, the incidence of nausea and retching was significantly lower in the massage group than in the inhalation group (P < .001). Nausea severity was significantly lower among patients in the massage and inhalation groups than in the control group in all 3 cycles (P < .001). Nausea severity was significantly lower in the massage and inhalation aromatherapy groups than in the control group. Nausea and retching incidence was reduced in the aromatherapy groups compared with that in the control group. Nonpharmacological approaches are recommended for managing CINV. Massage and inhalation aromatherapy seems promising regarding the management of CINV.

[The effect of edaravone on MAPKs signal pathway associated with Abeta(25-35) treatment in PC12 cells].

PubMed

Zhang, Gui-lian; Guo, Ying-ying; Zhang, Lei; Li, Ting-ting; Du, Yun; Yao, Li; Zhang, Wang-gang; Wu, Hai-qin; Ma, Zhu-lin

2015-03-01

To explore whether edaravone protects cells damage via mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signal pathway, and which procedure of p38 be affected so as to add theories for AD pathogenesis and treatments. According to different drugs treated, PC12 cells in vitro were divided into four groups. Negative control group: cells were treated with media alone. AD model group: cells were treated with 30 pmol/L Abeta(25-35). Inhibitor control group: cells were treated with 10 micromol/L SB203580 Cp38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38) inhibitor], 10 micromol/L SP600125 [c-Jun NH2 terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor], or 10 micromol/L PD98059 extracelular signal regulated kinase (ERK) inhibitor]. Low-dose, middle-dose and high-dose edaravone group: cells plated for 24 hours treated with 30 micromol/L Abeta(25-35) and co-treated with 20, 40, 80 micromol/L edaravone 3 hours, respectively. The morphology of the treated cells were observed, the p-p38, p-JNK and p-ERK proteins in each group were tested by the Western blot. The p38 mRNA were tested in each group above (only add SB203580 10 micromol/L in third group) by the real time PCR. (1) The p-p38 protein was significantly increased in model control group compared with that in negative control group (P<0.05). The p-p38 protein in the inhibitor group and edaravone groups was decreased significantly (P<0.05) when compared with that in model control group. The p-p38 proteins were significantly increased in the three edaravone groups compared with that in inhibiter control group (P<0.05). The p-p38 protein in middle-dose edaravone group was decreased compared with that in low-dose edaravone group (P<0.05). There was no relationship in dose-dependent manner about edaravone. Compared with three edaravone groups, the p-p38 protein was lower than it in high-dose edaravone & inhibiter group (P<0.05). (2) The p-JNK protein was significantly increased in model control group compared with that in negative control group (P<0.05). The p-JNK protein in the inhibitor group was decreased compared with that in model control group (P<0.05). (3) No significantly difference of p-ERK protein concentration was observed in other groups when compared with that in negative control group (P>0.05 each). (4) Compared with negative control group, the p38 mRNA in model control group was significantly increased, and it was significantly decreased in inhibitor control group (P<0.05 each). In 40 micromol/L and 80 micromol/L edaravone groups, the p38 mRNA was significantly decreased compared with that in model control group, and it still was decreased compared with that in inhibitor control group (P<0.05). The p38 mRNA in 40 micromol/L edaravone group was the lowest among three edaravone groups, and it was obviously different from that in 20 micromol/L and 80 micromol/L edaravone groups (P<0.05). Abeta(25-35) could increase the p-p38 and p-JNK protein expression in cultured PC12 cells, but there was no obviously expression of p-ERK protein. These indicated that Abeta(25-35) might activate MAPKs signal pathway, especially p38 and JNK, and lead to PC12 cell damage. Edaravone could decrease p38 mRNA induced-Abeta(25-35), which indicated edaravone could protect PC12 cell damage via blocking p38 signal pathway in mRNA stage and protein stage simultaneously. Hence, it is promising that edaravone would be a new medicine for AD.

Effect of Dietary Processed Sulfur Supplementation on Texture Quality, Color and Mineral Status of Dry-cured Ham.

PubMed

Kim, Ji-Han; Ju, Min-Gu; Yeon, Su-Jung; Hong, Go-Eun; Park, WooJoon; Lee, Chi-Ho

2015-01-01

This study was performed to investigate the chemical composition, mineral status, oxidative stability, and texture attributes of dry-cured ham from pigs fed processed sulfur (S, 1 g/kg feed), and from those fed a basal diet (CON), during the period from weaning to slaughter (174 d). Total collagen content and soluble collagen of the S group was significantly higher than that of the control group (p<0.05). The pH of the S group was significantly higher than that of the control group, whereas the S group had a lower expressible drip compared to the control group. The S group also showed the lower lightness compared to the control group (p<0.05). In regard to the mineral status, the S group had significantly lower Fe(2+) and Ca(2+) content than the control group (p<0.05), whereas the proteolysis index of the S group was significantly increased compared to the control group (p<0.05). The feeding of processed sulfur to pigs led to increased oxidative stability, related to lipids and pigments, in the dry-cured ham (p<0.05). Compared to the dry-cured ham from the control group, that from the S group exhibited lower springiness and gumminess; these results suggest that feeding processed sulfur to pigs can improve the quality of the texture and enhance the oxidative stability of dry-cured ham.

Prevention of Pulmonary Fibrosis via Trichostatin A (TSA) in Bleomycin Induced Rats.

PubMed

Ye, Qing; Li, Yanqin; Jiang, Handong; Xiong, Jianfei; Xu, Jiabo; Qin, Hui; Liu, Bin

2014-10-20

To investigate the effects of non selective histone deacetylase inhibitors Trichostatin A (TSA)on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. To investigate the effects of non selective histone deacetylase inhibitors Trichostatin A ( TSA ) on HDAC2, p-SMAD2, HDAC2 mRNA, SMAD2mRNA in pulmonary fibrosis rats and investigate impossible mechanism. 46 SPF level male SD rats were randomly divided into four groups: ten for normal control group, fourteen for model control group I, twelve for model control group II and ten for treatment group. Rat pulmonary fibrosis was induced by bleomycin(5mg/kg) via single intratracheal perfusion in the two model control groups and treatment group. Normal control mice were instilled with a corresponding volume of 0.9% saline intratracheally. Treatment group was treated by the dilution of TSA 2mg/kg DMSO 60ul and0.9% saline 1.2ml intraperitoneal injection from the next day ,once a day for three days. Model control group II was treated by the dilution of DMSO 60ul and0.9% saline 1.2ml intraperitoneal injection from the next day once a day for three days. Model control group I and normal control group were treated by 0.9% saline 1.2ml intraperitoneal injection from the next day once a day for three days. All the animals were sacrificed on the 21 day after modeling. The pathological changes were observed by hematoxylin and eosin(HE)stain and masson trichrome stain. The expression of HDAC2 mRNA,SMAD2 mRNA were measured by real-time PCR. The protein level of HDAC2 and p-SMAD2 in serum was measured by Western blot. The pulmonary fibrosis in treatment group were significantly alleviated compared to the two model control groups (P<0.05). Real-time PCR showed that the treatment group had lower expression of lung tissue HDAC2 mRNA than the two model control groups and normal control group (P<0.05). The expression of lung tissue SMAD2 mRNA increased in the two model control groups and treatment group (P<0.05),but there were no significant differences among the three groups(P>0.05). Western blot indicated that the protein level of HDAC2 and p-SMAD2 in serum increased in the two model control groups compared with normal control group(P<0.05).But treatment group had lower protein level of HDAC2 (P<0.05) and no significant difference in the protein level of p-SMAD2 compared to the two model control groups (P>0.05). Non selective histone deacetylase inhibitors of Trichostatin A (TSA) can reduce the bleomycin induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats. TSA attenuates pulmonary fibrosis and it can inhibit HDAC2 expression at the gene and protein level. Bleomycin induced fibrosis has the relationship with p-SMAD2 in gene and protein levels, but TSA inhibit bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis effect with no relation with SMAD2 phosphorylation pathways.

A compound herbal preparation (CHP) in the treatment of children with ADHD: a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Katz, M; Levine, A Adar; Kol-Degani, H; Kav-Venaki, L

2010-11-01

Evaluation of the efficacy of a patented, compound herbal preparation (CHP) in improving attention, cognition, and impulse control in children with ADHD. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. University-affiliated tertiary medical center. 120 children newly diagnosed with ADHD, meeting DSM-IV criteria. Random assignment to the herbal treatment group (n = 80) or control group (placebo; n = 40); 73 patients in the treatment group (91%) and 19 in the control group (48%) completed the 4-month trial. Test of Variables of Attention (TOVA) administered before and after the treatment period; overall score and 4 subscales. The treatment group showed substantial, statistically significant improvement in the 4 subscales and overall TOVA scores, compared with no improvement in the control group, which persisted in an intention-to-treat analysis. The well-tolerated CHP demonstrated improved attention, cognition, and impulse control in the intervention group, indicating promise for ADHD treatment in children.

Gastroprotective and mucosa homeostatic activities of coconut milk and water on experimentally induced gastropathies in male wistar rats.

PubMed

Ajeigbe, K O; Owonikoko, W M; Egbe, V; Iquere, I; Adeleye, G

2017-10-01

In this biphasic study, 45 male wistar rats were divided into 9 groups. In Phase 1, Group 1 was treated with normal saline and served as the overall control, group 2 was treated with 95% Ethanol and represents the ulcer control, groups 3 and 4 received coconut water (CW; 4ml/100g BWt) and milk (CM; 4ml/100g BWt) for 4weeks while group 5 received Omeprazole (Omep; 20mg/kg BWt) during terminal week. 95% Ethanol-induced ulceration followed the treatments in all except group 1. In the second phase, Group 1 was the overall control, group 2 served as ulcer control by receiving acetic acid only, group 3 received coconut milk, and group 4 received omep. CM and omep were administered post-ulcer induction for 3 and 6days twice daily. Blood collection after 1hour was through cardiac puncture for haemocytometry, and gastric tissues harvested for histopathological investigations. Results showed significantly reduced ulcer score and gastric lesion index in Omep, CW and CM groups compared to ulcer control. WBC, neutrophil, lymphocyte counts in Omep, CW and CM groups were significantly reduced compared to ulcer and overall control groups. C-reactive protein was significantly reduced in CM compared to control. Neutrophil Infiltration score reduced while mucus cell density increased significantly in Omep; CM compared to control. EGFR and CD 31 assessment revealed significantly higher expressions in coconut-milk group compared to the ulcer control. We conclude that the protective effects of coconut (water and milk) is expressed by inflammation suppression, upregulation of mucus cell population and catalyses mucosa homeostasis via angiogenesis and mucosal cell proliferation following mucosa. erosion. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Impaired theory of mind in first-episode schizophrenia: comparison with community, university and depressed controls.

PubMed

Kettle, Jonathan W L; O'Brien-Simpson, Laurie; Allen, Nicholas B

2008-02-01

First order theory of mind, as measured by the 'Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test' Revised, is impaired in schizophrenia. However, no study has investigated whether this occurs in first-episode schizophrenia. Also, it is unclear whether such a deficit is specific to schizophrenia, and whether convenience control samples, particularly undergraduate university students, represent valid comparison groups. This study investigated theory of mind ability, measured by the 'Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test' Revised, in a group of first-episode schizophrenia outpatients (n=13) and three control groups: outpatients with non-psychotic major depression (n=14), individuals from the general community (n=16) and from an undergraduate university course (n=27). The schizophrenia group exhibited significant theory of mind impairments compared to both non-psychiatric control groups but not the depression group. Unexpectedly, the depression group was not significantly impaired compared to the community control group, and the university control group exhibited superior theory of mind ability relative to all three groups. The findings indicate theory of mind deficits in first episode schizophrenia and support the implementation of theory of mind interventions in first-episode schizophrenia treatment programs. Results also indicate that community rather than university control groups represent more valid comparison groups in first-episode schizophrenia research.

27 CFR 46.237 - Controlled group member.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 27 Alcohol, Tobacco Products and Firearms 2 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Controlled group member... Tubes Held for Sale on April 1, 2009 Filing Requirements § 46.237 Controlled group member. If the dealer is a member of a controlled group, but has its own employer identification number, the dealer must...

26 CFR 1.382-8 - Controlled groups.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 26 Internal Revenue 4 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Controlled groups. 1.382-8 Section 1.382-8...) INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED) Insolvency Reorganizations § 1.382-8 Controlled groups. (a) Introduction. This section provides rules to adjust the value of a loss corporation that is a member of a controlled group of...

27 CFR 46.237 - Controlled group member.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 27 Alcohol, Tobacco Products and Firearms 2 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Controlled group member... Tubes Held for Sale on April 1, 2009 Filing Requirements § 46.237 Controlled group member. If the dealer is a member of a controlled group, but has its own employer identification number, the dealer must...

27 CFR 46.237 - Controlled group member.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 27 Alcohol, Tobacco Products and Firearms 2 2012-04-01 2011-04-01 true Controlled group member. 46... Tubes Held for Sale on April 1, 2009 Filing Requirements § 46.237 Controlled group member. If the dealer is a member of a controlled group, but has its own employer identification number, the dealer must...

26 CFR 1.382-8 - Controlled groups.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 26 Internal Revenue 4 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Controlled groups. 1.382-8 Section 1.382-8...) INCOME TAXES Insolvency Reorganizations § 1.382-8 Controlled groups. (a) Introduction. This section provides rules to adjust the value of a loss corporation that is a member of a controlled group of...

47 CFR 80.1183 - Remote control for maneuvering or navigation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... synchronization signal and a message signal composed of a documentation number group, a company control group, an... control group, composed of three letters taken from AAA through ZZZ, which must be transmitted one time... transmitted one time. (iv) The termination of transmission group, composed of the control character “EM...

76 FR 8353 - Positioning Systems Directorate Will Be Hosting an Interface Control Working Group (ICWG) Meeting...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-02-14

... an Interface Control Working Group (ICWG) Meeting for Document ICD-GPS-870 AGENCY: Interface Control Working Group (ICWG) meeting for document ICD-GPS-870. ACTION: Meeting Notice. SUMMARY: This notice... Working Group (ICWG) meeting for document ICD-GPS-870, Navstar Next Generation GPS Operational Control...

47 CFR 80.1183 - Remote control for maneuvering or navigation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... synchronization signal and a message signal composed of a documentation number group, a company control group, an... control group, composed of three letters taken from AAA through ZZZ, which must be transmitted one time... transmitted one time. (iv) The termination of transmission group, composed of the control character “EM...

47 CFR 80.1183 - Remote control for maneuvering or navigation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... synchronization signal and a message signal composed of a documentation number group, a company control group, an... control group, composed of three letters taken from AAA through ZZZ, which must be transmitted one time... transmitted one time. (iv) The termination of transmission group, composed of the control character “EM...

47 CFR 80.1183 - Remote control for maneuvering or navigation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... synchronization signal and a message signal composed of a documentation number group, a company control group, an... control group, composed of three letters taken from AAA through ZZZ, which must be transmitted one time... transmitted one time. (iv) The termination of transmission group, composed of the control character “EM...

47 CFR 80.1183 - Remote control for maneuvering or navigation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... synchronization signal and a message signal composed of a documentation number group, a company control group, an... control group, composed of three letters taken from AAA through ZZZ, which must be transmitted one time... transmitted one time. (iv) The termination of transmission group, composed of the control character “EM...

76 FR 77554 - Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Growing...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-12-13

... applicants to Project GATE were randomly assigned to either a program group or a control group. The project... telephone survey of participants and control group members was conducted to collect three waves of data at... program group or a control group. Members of the program group are eligible to receive GATE II services...

Impact of village-based health education of tobacco control on the current smoking rate in Chinese rural areas.

PubMed

Wang, Jian-miao; Xiong, Wei-ning; Xie, Jun-gang; Liu, Xian-sheng; Zhao, Jian-ping; Zhang, Zhen-xiang; Xu, Yong-jian

2016-02-01

The number of smokers in Chinese rural areas is more than 200 million, which is twice that in cities. It is very significant to carry out tobacco control interventions in rural areas. We performed this community intervention study to evaluate the efficacy of village-based health education of tobacco control on the male current smoking rate in rural areas. The population of this study was the males above 15 years old from 6 villages in rural areas. The villages were randomly assigned to intervention group or control group (3 villages in each group). Self-designed smoking questionnaire was applied. The intervention group received the village-based health education of tobacco control for one year. The primary outcome measurement was the male current smoking rate. In the baseline investigation, completed surveys were returned by 814 male residents from the control group and 831 male residents from the intervention group. The male current smoking rate in the control group and the intervention group was 61.2% and 58.5%, respectively, before intervention. There was no significant difference between these two groups (P>0.05). After one-year intervention, the current smoking rate in the intervention group (51.2%) was significantly lower than that in the control group (62.8%) (P<0.001). Our study suggested that the village-based health education of tobacco control was effective in lowering the male current smoking rate in rural areas, which could be a suitable and feasible way for tobacco control in the Chinese rural areas.

Psychosocial consequences of allocation to lung cancer screening: a randomised controlled trial.

PubMed

Aggestrup, Louise Mosborg; Hestbech, Mie Sara; Siersma, Volkert; Pedersen, Jesper Holst; Brodersen, John

2012-01-01

To examine the psychosocial consequences of being allocated to the control group as compared with the screen group in a randomised lung cancer screening trial. The Danish Lung Cancer Screening Trial, a randomised controlled trial, ran from 2004 to 2010 with the purpose of investigating the benefits and harms of lung cancer screening. The participants in Danish Lung Cancer Screening Trial were randomised to either the control group or the screen group and were asked to complete the questionnaires Consequences Of Screening and Consequences Of Screening in Lung Cancer (COS-LC). The Consequences Of Screening and the COS-LC were used to examine the psychosocial consequences of participating in the study, by comparing the control and the screen groups' responses at the prevalence and at the incidence round. There was no statistically significant difference in socio-demographic characteristics or smoking habits between the two groups. Responses to the COS-LC collected before the incidence round were statistically significantly different on the scales 'anxiety', 'behaviour', 'dejection', 'self-blame', 'focus on airway symptoms' and 'introvert', with the control group reporting higher negative psychosocial consequences. Furthermore, the participants in both the control and the screen groups exhibited a mean increase in negative psychosocial consequences when their responses from the prevalence round were compared with their responses from the first incidence round. Participation in a randomised controlled trial on lung cancer screening has negative psychosocial consequences for the apparently healthy participants-both the participants in the screen group and the control group. This negative impact was greatest for the control group.

The benefits of a simplified method for CPR training of medical professionals: a randomized controlled study.

PubMed

Allan, Katherine S; Wong, Natalie; Aves, Theresa; Dorian, Paul

2013-08-01

We developed and tested a training method for basic life support incorporating defibrillator feedback during simulated cardiac arrest (CA) to determine the impact on the quality and retention of CPR skills. 298 subjects were randomized into 3 groups. All groups received a 2h training session followed by a simulated CA test scenario, immediately after training and at 3 months. Controls used a non-feedback defibrillator during training and testing. Group 1 was trained and tested with an audiovisual feedback defibrillator. During training, Group 1 reviewed quantitative CPR data from the defibrillator. Group 2 was trained as per Group 1, but was tested using the non-feedback defibrillator. The primary outcome was difference in compression depth between groups at initial testing. Secondary outcomes included differences in rate, depth at retesting, compression fraction, and self-assessment. Groups 1 and 2 had significantly deeper compressions than the controls (35.3 ± 7.6 mm, 43.7 ± 5.8 mm, 42.2 ± 6.6 mm for controls, Groups 1 and 2, P=0.001 for Group 1 vs. controls; P=0.001 for Group 2 vs. controls). At three months, CPR depth was maintained in all groups but remained significantly higher in Group 1 (39.1 ± 9.9 mm, 47.0 ± 7.4 mm, 42.2 ± 8.4 mm for controls, Groups 1 and 2, P=0.001 for Group 1 vs. control). No significant differences were noted between groups in compression rate or fraction. A simplified 2h training method using audiovisual feedback combined with quantitative review of CPR performance improved CPR quality and retention of these skills. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Dynamic Key Management Schemes for Secure Group Access Control Using Hierarchical Clustering in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsaur, Woei-Jiunn; Pai, Haw-Tyng

2008-11-01

The applications of group computing and communication motivate the requirement to provide group access control in mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs). The operation in MANETs' groups performs a decentralized manner and accommodated membership dynamically. Moreover, due to lack of centralized control, MANETs' groups are inherently insecure and vulnerable to attacks from both within and outside the groups. Such features make access control more challenging in MANETs. Recently, several researchers have proposed group access control mechanisms in MANETs based on a variety of threshold signatures. However, these mechanisms cannot actually satisfy MANETs' dynamic environments. This is because the threshold-based mechanisms cannot be achieved when the number of members is not up to the threshold value. Hence, by combining the efficient elliptic curve cryptosystem, self-certified public key cryptosystem and secure filter technique, we construct dynamic key management schemes based on hierarchical clustering for securing group access control in MANETs. Specifically, the proposed schemes can constantly accomplish secure group access control only by renewing the secure filters of few cluster heads, when a cluster head joins or leaves a cross-cluster. In such a new way, we can find that the proposed group access control scheme can be very effective for securing practical applications in MANETs.

[Effects of chronic intermittent hypoxia on oxidative stress and inflammatory response and the interventional roles of adiponectin].

PubMed

Pan, Guoyu; Su, Mei; Ding, Wenxiao; Ding, Ning; Huang, Hanpeng; Zhang, Xilong

2015-04-28

To explore the effects of chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) on oxidative stress and inflammatory response and the interventional roles of adiponectin (Ad). A total of 45 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups of control group, CIH and CIH+Ad (n = 15 each). The control group breathed room air while the CIH and CIH+Ad groups received CIH 8 h/d for 5 successive weeks. The CIH+Ad group Ad had an injection of 10 µg once a week through tail vein. At the end of experiment (Day 35), comparison was performed among three groups about Ad, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin (IL) 6 from serum as well as malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase (SOD), myeloperoxidase (MPO), reactive oxygen spieces (ROS) and nuclear factor (NF) κB from genioglossus. Serum Ad level in CIH group was lower than those in control and CIH+Ad groups ((4 208 ± 2 239) vs (7 051 ± 2 432) and (6 405 ± 2 384) ng/ml, all P < 0.05) with no statistic difference between control and CIH+Ad groups. Both serum levels of TNF-α and CRP were higher in CIH group than those in control and CIH+Ad groups ((70.87 ± 35.16) vs (26.54 ± 20.32) and (29.50 ± 22.54) pg/ml, as well as (31.84 ± 11.48) vs (22.68 ± 9.63), (25.32 ± 8.34) mg/L, all P < 0.05)with no significant difference between control and CIH+Ad groups. Serum IL-6 levels were all higher in CIH group and CIH+Ad group than that in control group ((30.54 ± 12.25) and (23.04 ± 13.) vs (14.10 ± 8.83) pg/ml, all P < 0.05) with no significant difference between CIH and CIH+Ad groups. Genioglossal malondialdehyde level was significantly elevated in CIH group than those in control and CIH+Ad groups ((8.05 ± 4.53) vs (5.18 ± 3.03) and ((5.74 ± 3.06) nmol/mg, all P < 0.01) with no significant difference between control and CIH+Ad groups. Genioglossal SOD activity was lower in CIH+Ad group than that in CIH group but higher than that in control group ((42.42 ± 23.17) vs (61.77 ± 36.38) and (18.62 ± 11.67) U/mg, all P < 0.05). Genioglossal MPO levels were significantly higher in both CIH and CIH+Ad groups than that in control group ((0.40 ± 0.29) and (0.31 ± 0.17) vs (0.17 ± 0.08) µU/mg, all P < 0.01), with no significance between CIH and CIH+Ad groups. The relative level of total reactive oxygen species (ROS) in genioglossus of CIH+Ad group was significantly lower than that in CIH group but higher than that in control group (1.94 ± 1.01 vs 3.31 ± 1.56 and 1.08 ± 0.38 all P < 0.05). The transcription of NF-κB was significantly higher in CIH group than that in control and CIH+Ad groups (2.24 ± 0.34 vs 0.78 ± 0.21, P < 0.05), but there was no statistical difference with CIH+Ad group (1.04 ± 0.27). CIH may induce oxidative stress and inflammation possibly through NF κB pathway while a supplement of Ad attenuates the above CIH-induced responses.

The Effectiveness of Neurofeedback on Enhancing Cognitive Process Involved in Entrepreneurship Abilities among Primary School Students in District No. 3 Tehran

PubMed Central

Rahmati, Narges; Rostami, Reza; Zali, Mohammad Reza; Nowicki, Stephen; Zarei, Jamilah

2014-01-01

Introduction: The aim of this study is to investigate the entrepreneurial traits of school children in the city of Tehran. Methods: For this purpose, 48 students were selected with an average IQ between 90 and 119. Ranging from 7th to 12th grades, all the subjects were assessed using Nowicki-Strickland’s Locus of Control Scale (N-SLCS), Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking (TTCT), and Hyperkinetic Syndrome Assessment Method (HKSD). The obtained results were then organized and categorized into three groups. One of the groups was randomly chosen as experimental and the other as the control group and the last play group. In this empirical study, the students received Sensory Motor Rhythm (SMR) and Beta neurofeedback for 20 sessions. The play group was assigned to play mind games for 20 sessions. At the same time, the control group received no experiments. After the end of the experiments, all the students in three groups were reassessed by Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking, Hyperkinetic Syndrome Assessment Method, and Nowicki-Strickland’s Locus of Control Scale. Results: The results from MANOVA showed that the neurofeedback group had demonstrated a meaningful change in creativity and locus of control while the adaptability of risk-taking was on a meaningful level for the experimental group. The results also indicate an improvement in creativity for the neurofeedback group in comparison with the play group on a 0.02 meaningful level. Similarly, the results suggest an improvement in creativity for the neurofeedback group on a 0.000 meaningful level in comparison with the control group. This is while the play group and the control group do not show any meaningful difference. The results also show an improvement in the internal locus of control for the neurofeedback group in comparison with the play group on a 0.032 meaningful level; while, it is meaningful on a 0.01 level for the neurofeedback group in comparison with the control group. Discussion: The findings for the play group and control group do not show any meaningful difference. The paper concludes that neurofeedback training can be used for increasing the level of entrepreneurial traits in students. PMID:27284392

Molecular markers for identifying a new selected variety of Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Yang; Zhang, Xiaojun; Liu, Jingwen; Li, Fuhua; Huang, Hao; Li, Yijun; Liu, Xiaolin; Xiang, Jianhai

2015-01-01

Selective breeding of the Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei during the last decade has produced new varieties exhibiting high growth rates and disease resistance. However, the identification of new varieties of shrimps from their phenotypic characters is difficult. This study introduces a new approach for identifying varieties of shrimps using molecular markers of microsatellites and mitochondrial control region sequences. The method was employed to identify a new selected variety, Kehai No. 1 (KH-1), from three representative stocks (control group): Zhengda; Tongwei; and a stock collected from Fujian Province, which is now cultured in mainland China. By pooled genotyping of KH-1 and the control group, five microsatellites showing differences between KH-1 and the control group were screened out. Individual genotyping data confirmed the results from pooled genotyping. The genotyping data for the five microsatellites were applied to the assignment analysis of the KH-1 group and the control group using the partial Bayesian assignment method in GENECLASS2. By sequencing the mitochondrial control regions of individuals from the KH-1 and control group, four haplotypes were observed in the KH-1 group, whereas 14 haplotypes were obtained in the control group. By combining the microsatellite assignment analysis with mitochondrial control region analysis, the average accuracy of identification of individuals in the KH-1 group and control group reached 89%. The five selected microsatellite loci and mitochondrial control region sequences were highly polymorphic and could be used to distinguish new selected varieties of L. vannamei from other populations cultured in China.

Biochemical metabolic changes assessed by 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy after radiation-induced hepatic injury in rabbits

PubMed Central

Yu, Ri-Sheng; Hao, Liang; Dong, Fei; Mao, Jian-Shan; Sun, Jian-Zhong; Chen, Ying; Lin, Min; Wang, Zhi-Kang; Ding, Wen-Hong

2009-01-01

AIM: To compare the features of biochemical metabolic changes detected by hepatic phosphorus-31 magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P MRS) with the liver damage score (LDS) and pathologic changes in rabbits and to investigate the diagnostic value of 31P MRS in acute hepatic radiation injury. METHODS: A total of 30 rabbits received different radiation doses (ranging 5-20 Gy) to establish acute hepatic injury models. Blood biochemical tests, 31P MRS and pathological examinations were carried out 24 h after irradiation. The degree of injury was evaluated according to LDS and pathology. Ten healthy rabbits served as controls. The MR examination was performed on a 1.5 T imager using a 1H/31P surface coil by the 2D chemical shift imaging technique. The relative quantities of phosphomonoesters (PME), phosphodiesters (PDE), inorganic phosphate (Pi) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) were measured. The data were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: (1) Relative quantification of phosphorus metabolites: (a) ATP: there were significant differences (P < 0.05) (LDS-groups: control group vs mild group vs moderate group vs severe group, 1.83 ± 0.33 vs 1.55 ± 0.24 vs 1.27 ± 0.09 vs 0.98 ± 0.18; pathological groups: control group vs mild group vs moderate group vs severe group, 1.83 ± 0.33 vs 1.58 ± 0.25 vs 1.32 ± 0.07 vs 1.02 ± 0.18) of ATP relative quantification among control group, mild injured group, moderate injured group, and severe injured group according to both LDS grading and pathological grading, respectively, and it decreased progressively with the increased degree of injury (r = -0.723, P = 0.000). (b) PME and Pi; the relative quantification of PME and Pi decreased significantly in the severe injured group, and the difference between the control group and severe injured group was significant (P < 0.05) (PME: LDS-control group vs LDS-severe group, 0.86 ± 0.23 vs 0.58 ± 0.22, P = 0.031; pathological control group vs pathological severe group, 0.86 ± 0.23 vs 0.60 ± 0.21, P = 0.037; Pi: LDS-control group vs LDS-severe group, 0.74 ± 0.18 vs 0.43 ± 0.14, P = 0.013; pathological control group vs pathological severe group, 0.74 ± 0.18 vs 0.43 ± 0.14, P = 0.005) according to LDS grading and pathological grading, respectively. (c) PDE; there were no significant differences among groups according to LDS grading, and no significant differences between the control group and experimental groups according to pathological grading. (2) The ratio of relative quantification of phosphorus metabolites: significant differences (P < 0.05) (LDS-moderate group and LDS-severe group vs LDS-control group and LDS-mild group, 1.94 ± 0.50 and 1.96 ± 0.72 vs 1.43 ± 0.31 and 1.40 ± 0.38) were only found in PDE/ATP between the moderate injured group, the severe injured group and the control group, the mild injured group. No significant difference was found in other ratios of relative quantification of phosphorus metabolites. CONCLUSION: 31P MRS is a useful method to evaluate early acute hepatic radiation injury. The relative quantification of hepatic ATP levels, which can reflect the pathological severity of acute hepatic radiation injury, is correlated with LDS. PMID:19522022

Educational Intervention on Undergraduate Cancer Awareness and Self-Directed Learning.

PubMed

Hwang, Lih-Lian

2018-06-01

Traditional lecture-based learning (LBL) can increase cancer awareness in undergraduates. However, because of the rapidly changing knowledge base in medicine, undergraduates must develop skills required for lifelong self-directed learning (SDL). Problem-based learning (PBL) has been suggested as an SDL approach. This study used a nonequivalent control group with a pretest-posttest design for comparing PBL and LBL for their effectiveness in increasing cancer awareness and SDL among nonmedicine or nonnursing major undergraduates in a health-related general education course. Experimental groups 1 and 2 were instructed using PBL while the control group was instructed using LBL. Cancer educational programs were offered to experimental group 1 and the control group but not to experimental group 2. Among the 325 undergraduates who completed a questionnaire regarding cancer awareness and SDL in the pretest, 223 completed the 12-week follow-up survey of the posttest. Cancer awareness significantly improved between the pretest and posttest in the control group (P < 0.001). No significant difference in cancer awareness improvement was observed between experimental group 1 and the control group (P = 0.934). Cancer awareness improvement in experimental group 2 was significantly less than in the control group (P = 0.010). No statistically significant change in SDL was observed in the control group during the study (P = 0.897). However, the SDL of experimental groups 1 and 2 improved more significantly than that of the control group (P = 0.049 and 0.023, respectively). Therefore, PBL is an effective method of increasing cancer awareness and SDL in undergraduates.

Does chess instruction improve mathematical problem-solving ability? Two experimental studies with an active control group.

PubMed

Sala, Giovanni; Gobet, Fernand

2017-12-01

It has been proposed that playing chess enables children to improve their ability in mathematics. These claims have been recently evaluated in a meta-analysis (Sala & Gobet, 2016, Educational Research Review, 18, 46-57), which indicated a significant effect in favor of the groups playing chess. However, the meta-analysis also showed that most of the reviewed studies used a poor experimental design (in particular, they lacked an active control group). We ran two experiments that used a three-group design including both an active and a passive control group, with a focus on mathematical ability. In the first experiment (N = 233), a group of third and fourth graders was taught chess for 25 hours and tested on mathematical problem-solving tasks. Participants also filled in a questionnaire assessing their meta-cognitive ability for mathematics problems. The group playing chess was compared to an active control group (playing checkers) and a passive control group. The three groups showed no statistically significant difference in mathematical problem-solving or metacognitive abilities in the posttest. The second experiment (N = 52) broadly used the same design, but the Oriental game of Go replaced checkers in the active control group. While the chess-treated group and the passive control group slightly outperformed the active control group with mathematical problem solving, the differences were not statistically significant. No differences were found with respect to metacognitive ability. These results suggest that the effects (if any) of chess instruction, when rigorously tested, are modest and that such interventions should not replace the traditional curriculum in mathematics.

[Clinical observation on acupuncture by stages combined with exercise therapy for treatment of Bell palsy at acute stage].

PubMed

Qu, Yong

2005-08-01

To find out a method for increasing clinical therapeutic effect on Bell palsy at acute stage. Ninety cases of Bell palsy were randomly divided into an observation group, a control group I and a control group II, 30 cases in each group. They were treated respectively with acupuncture plus exercise therapy, simple acupuncture therapy, and simple exercise therapy, and their therapeutic effects were observed. The cured rate was 66.7% in the observation group, 53.3% in the control group I and 46.70% in the control group II, the observation group being better than the two control groups (P<0.05). Acupuncture by stage combined with exercise therapy can increase the therapeutic effect on Bell palsy at acute stage, and it is a better therapy for Bell palsy.

Investigating the prevention of hospital-acquired infection through standardized teaching ward rounds in clinical nursing.

PubMed

Zhang, R

2015-04-22

This study aimed to explore the effect of standardized teaching ward rounds in clinical nursing on preventing hospital-acquired infection. The experimental group comprised 120 nursing students from our hospital selected between June 2010 and June 2012. The control group consisted of 120 nursing students selected from May 2008 to May 2010. Traditional teaching ward rounds for nursing education were carried out with the control group, while a standardized teaching ward round was carried out with the experimental group. The comprehensive application of nursing abilities and skills, the mastering of situational infection knowledge, and patient satisfaction were compared between the two groups. The applied knowledge of nursing procedures and the pass rate on comprehensive skill tests were significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group (P < 0.05). The rate of mastery of sterilization and hygiene procedures was also higher in the experimental group than in the control group (P < 0.05). The patient satisfaction rate with infection control procedures in the experimental group time period was 98.09%, which was significantly higher than patient satisfaction in the control group time period (93.05%, P < 0.05). Standardized teaching ward rounds for nursing education expanded the knowledge of the nursing staff in controlling hospital-acquired infection and enhanced the ability of comprehensive application and awareness of infection control procedures.

Epidemiology and control of east coast fever in Zambia. A field trial with traditionally managed Sanga cattle.

PubMed

Minjauw, B; Otte, M J; James, A D

1998-06-29

The main objective of the reported field trial was to compare different East Coast Fever (ECF) control strategies for their efficacy, effect on cattle productivity and cost-effectiveness. Five strategies were tested in groups of traditionally managed Sanga cattle over a period of 2.5 years. Two groups were under intensive tick control, one group immunized by the infection and treatment method and the other non-immunized. Two groups were under no tick control, one group immunized and the other non-immunized (the control group). The fifth group was under strategic tick control and was immunized against ECF. All ECF control methods tested significantly reduced mortality, but no marked differences to the control group were seen in other production parameters. No difference in mortality was observed between animals protected from ECF by immunization or by tick control. The most cost-effective method of controlling the disease was by immunization. A financial analysis showed that under the prevailing conditions the break-even price for immunization ranged from US$21.5 to US$25.7 depending of the proportion of reactors. The carrier state induced by immunization did not lead to a persistent high incidence of ECF in non-immunized animals using the same grazing area.

The Effect of Pressure-Controlled Ventilation and Volume-Controlled Ventilation in Prone Position on Pulmonary Mechanics and Inflammatory Markers.

PubMed

Şenay, Hasan; Sıvacı, Remziye; Kokulu, Serdar; Koca, Buğra; Bakı, Elif Doğan; Ela, Yüksel

2016-08-01

The aim of this present study is to compare the effect of pressure-controlled ventilation and volume-controlled ventilation on pulmonary mechanics and inflammatory markers in prone position. The study included 41 patients undergoing to vertebrae surgery. The patients were randomized into two groups: Group 1 received volume-controlled ventilation, while group 2 received pressure-controlled ventilation. The demographic data, pulmonary mechanics, the inflammatory marker levels just after the induction of anesthetics, at the 6th and 12th hours, and gas analysis from arterial blood samples taken at the beginning and the 30th minute were recorded. The inflammatory marker levels increased in both groups, without any significant difference among groups. Peak inspiratory pressure level was higher in the volume-controlled ventilation group. This study revealed that there is no difference regarding inflammatory marker levels between volume- and pressure-controlled ventilation.

Effect of different East Coast Fever control strategies on fertility, milk production and weight gain of Sanga cattle in the Central Province of Zambia.

PubMed

Minjauw, B; Otte, J; James, A D; de Castro, J J; Sinyangwe, P

1997-12-01

Five different East Coast Fever (ECF) (Theileria parva infection) control strategies, based on tick control and/or ECF immunization, were tested in groups of traditionally managed Sanga cattle in the Central Province of Zambia over a period of 2.5 years. Two groups were kept under intensive tick control (sprayed weekly), one group immunized and one non-immunized. Two further groups were under no tick control, one group immunized and one non-immunized, while a fifth group was immunized against ECF and maintained under strategic tick control (18 sprays per year). Tick control increased milk production and weight gain but not fertility. Immunization had neither marked detrimental nor beneficial effects on the cattle productivity. The combination of strategic tick control and immunization resulted in the highest level of production and at the same time reduced the potential risk from other tick-borne diseases.

Change in Pulmonary Function after Incentive Spirometer Exercise in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Controlled Study.

PubMed

Choi, Ja Young; Rha, Dong-wook; Park, Eun Sook

2016-05-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of incentive spirometer exercise (ISE) on pulmonary function and maximal phonation time (MPT) in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP). Fifty children with CP were randomly assigned to two groups: the experimental group and the control group. Both groups underwent comprehensive rehabilitation therapy. The experimental group underwent additional ISE. The forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume at one second (FEV₁), FEV₁/FVC ratio, peak expiratory flow (PEF), and MPT were assessed as outcome measures before and after 4 weeks of training. There were significant improvements in FVC, FEV₁, PEF, and MPT in the experimental group, but not in the control group. In addition, the improvements in FVC, FEV₁, and MPT were significantly greater in the experimental group than in the control group. The results of this randomized controlled study support the use of ISE for enhancing pulmonary function and breath control for speech production in children with CP.

[Effect of Jianpi Yangzheng Xiaozheng Recipe on Apoptosis and Autophagy of Subcutaneous Transplanted Tumor in Nude Mice: an Experimental Study on Mechanism].

PubMed

Wu, Jian; Liu, Shen-lin; Zhang, Xing-xing; Chen, Min; Zou, Xi

2015-09-01

To observe the effect of Jianpi Yangzheng Xiaozheng Recipe (JYXR) on the tumor inhibition rate of subcutaneous transplanted tumor gastric cancer cell line MGC-803 in BALB/c nude mice, and to study its molecular mechanism of apoptosis and autophagy. Gastric cancer cell line MGC-803 was subcutaneously inoculated to nude mice for preparing transplanted gastric cancer models. Totally 32 BALB/c nude mice were randomly divided into 4 groups according to random digit table, i.e., the negative control group, the positive control group, the high dose JYXR group, the low dose JYXR group, 8 in each group. Normal saline was administered to mice in the negative control group by gastrogavage. 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) at 2. 5 mg/kg was administered to mice in the positive control group by gastrogavage. JYXR at 85 and 43 g/kg was administered to mice in the high dose JYXR group and the low dose JYXR group by gastrogavage, once per day for 10 successive days. The effect of JYXR on the tumor inhibition rate of subcutaneous transplanted tumor was observed. Effects of JYXR on gene expression levels of Bax, Bcl-2, Fas, Cyclin D1, Cyclin D2, and Cyclin D3 in transplanted tumor were observed by real-time PCR. Effects of JYXR on protein expression levels of Procaspase-3, Procaspase-8, Procaspase-9, cleaved-PARP, Beclin-1, and LC3B were detected using Western blot. (1) Compared with the negative control group, the tumor weight was obviously reduced in the rest three groups (P <0. 05). The tumor weight was higher in the high dose JYXR group and the low dose JYXR group than in the positive control group (P <0. 05). (2) Results of RT-PCR indicated that, compared with the negative control group, expression levels of Bax were up-regulated, but expression levels of Bcl-2, Cyclin D1, Cyclin D2, and Cyclin D3 were down-regulated in the positive control group and JYXR groups (P <0. 05). The expression level of Fas was up-regulated in the positive control group and the high dose JYXR group (P <0. 05). Compared with the positive control group, expression levels of Fas, and Bax were all down-regulated, but expression levels of Bcl-2, Cyclin D2, and Cyclin D3 were all up-regulated in the high dose JYXR group and the low dose JYXR group (all P <0. 05). The expression level of Cyclin D1 was down-regulated in the high dose JYXR group, but it was up-regulated in the low dose JYXR group ( both P <0. 05). (3) Results of Western blot showed, compared with the negative control group, expression levels of Procaspase-3, Procaspase-8, and Procaspase-9 were down-regulated, but expression levels of cleaved-PARP, Beclin-1, and LC3B II were up-regulated in the high dose JYXR group and the low dose JYXR group (all P <0.05). Compared with the negative control group, expression levels of Procaspase-3, Procaspase-8, Procaspase-9, and LC3B II were down-regulated, but expression levels of cleaved-PARP, Beclin-1, and LC3B I were up-regulated in the positive control group (all P <0. 05). JYXR showed significant inhibition on subcutaneous transplanted tumor gastric cancer cell line MGC-803 in BALB/c nude mice. Its mechanism might be associated with activating apoptosis and autophagy correlated factors.

Psychosocial consequences in the Danish randomised controlled lung cancer screening trial (DLCST).

PubMed

Rasmussen, Jakob F; Siersma, V; Pedersen, J H; Brodersen, J

2015-01-01

To measure the psychosocial consequences in the Danish lung cancer screening trial (DLCST) and compare those between the computed tomography (CT) group and the control group. This study was a single centre randomised controlled trial with five annual screening rounds. Healthy current or former heavy smokers aged 50-70 years (men and women) were randomised 1:1 to a CT group and a control group. Heavy smokers were defined by having smoked ≥20 pack years and former smokers by being abstinent ≤10 years. Both groups were invited annually to the screening clinic to complete the validated lung-cancer-specific questionnaire consequences of screening lung cancer (COS-LC). The CT group was also offered a low dose CT scan of the lungs. The COS-LC measures nine scales with psychosocial properties: Anxiety, Behaviour, Dejection, Negative impact on sleep, Self-blame, Focus on Airway Symptoms, Stigmatisation, Introvert, and Harm of Smoking. 4104 participants were randomised to the DLCST and the COS-LC completion rates for the CT group and the control group were 95.5% and 73.6%, respectively. There was a significant increase in negative psychosocial consequences from baseline through rounds 2-5 for both the CT group and the control group (mean increase >0, p<.0001 for 3 of 4 possible scales). During rounds 2-5 the control group experienced significantly more negative psychosocial consequences in seven of nine scales compared with the CT group (mean Δ score >0 and p<.033). Lung cancer CT-screening trials induced more negative psychosocial reactions in both the CT group and the control group compared with the baseline psychosocial profile. The CT group experienced less negative psychosocial consequences compared with the control group, which might be explained by reassurance among those with normal screening results. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00496977. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Musculoskeletal problems in Parkinson's disease: neglected issues.

PubMed

Kim, Young Eun; Lee, Woong-Woo; Yun, Ji Young; Yang, Hui June; Kim, Han-Joon; Jeon, Beom S

2013-07-01

To identify the prevalence and clinical features of musculoskeletal problems in patients with Parkinson disease (PD) compared to controls. 400 PD patients and 138 age- and sex-matched controls were interviewed by physicians about their musculoskeletal problems. The prevalence of musculoskeletal problems was significantly higher in the PD group than in the control group (66.3% vs. 45.7%, P < 0.001). Commonly involved body sites were the low back, knee, and shoulder in that order. The low back was more frequently involved in the PD group than in the control group (44.3% vs. 24.6%, P < 0.001), and the shoulder tended to be more involved in the PD group than in the control group (15.0% vs. 8.7%, P = 0.061). However, the knee was similarly involved in both group (12.3% vs. 18.0%, P = 0.121). Among the past diagnoses associated with musculoskeletal problems, frozen shoulder, low back pain, osteoporosis and fracture were more common in the PD group than in the control group (P < 0.05). Older age, female, and a higher score on the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale I & II were associated with musculoskeletal problems in the PD group. Only 26.8% of the PD patients and 52.5% of the controls with musculoskeletal problems answered that their musculoskeletal problems were recovering. Furthermore, musculoskeletal problems in the PD group tended to receive less treatment than that of the control group (P = 0.052). Musculoskeletal problems were more common in the PD group than in the controls. Furthermore, despite PD patients having a higher prevalence, they did not receive adequate treatment. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

40 CFR 799.9305 - TSCA Repeated dose 28-day oral toxicity study in rodents.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... additional satellite group of 10 animals (five per sex) in the control and in the top dose group for... treatment. (2) Dosage. (i) Generally, at least three test groups and a control group should be used, but if..., animals in the control group should be handled in an identical manner to the test group subjects. If a...

40 CFR 799.9305 - TSCA Repeated dose 28-day oral toxicity study in rodents.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... additional satellite group of 10 animals (five per sex) in the control and in the top dose group for... treatment. (2) Dosage. (i) Generally, at least three test groups and a control group should be used, but if..., animals in the control group should be handled in an identical manner to the test group subjects. If a...

40 CFR 799.9305 - TSCA Repeated dose 28-day oral toxicity study in rodents.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... additional satellite group of 10 animals (five per sex) in the control and in the top dose group for... treatment. (2) Dosage. (i) Generally, at least three test groups and a control group should be used, but if..., animals in the control group should be handled in an identical manner to the test group subjects. If a...

40 CFR 799.9305 - TSCA Repeated dose 28-day oral toxicity study in rodents.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... additional satellite group of 10 animals (five per sex) in the control and in the top dose group for... treatment. (2) Dosage. (i) Generally, at least three test groups and a control group should be used, but if..., animals in the control group should be handled in an identical manner to the test group subjects. If a...

40 CFR 799.9305 - TSCA Repeated dose 28-day oral toxicity study in rodents.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... additional satellite group of 10 animals (five per sex) in the control and in the top dose group for... treatment. (2) Dosage. (i) Generally, at least three test groups and a control group should be used, but if..., animals in the control group should be handled in an identical manner to the test group subjects. If a...

26 CFR 1.267(f)-1 - Controlled groups.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 26 Internal Revenue 3 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Controlled groups. 1.267(f)-1 Section 1.267(f)-1...) INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED) Items Not Deductible § 1.267(f)-1 Controlled groups. (a) In general—(1) Purpose... transactions between members of a controlled group (intercompany sales). The purpose of this section is to...

26 CFR 1.267(f)-1 - Controlled groups.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 26 Internal Revenue 3 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Controlled groups. 1.267(f)-1 Section 1.267(f)-1...) INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED) Items Not Deductible § 1.267(f)-1 Controlled groups. (a) In general—(1) Purpose... transactions between members of a controlled group (intercompany sales). The purpose of this section is to...

26 CFR 1.267(f)-1 - Controlled groups.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 26 Internal Revenue 3 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Controlled groups. 1.267(f)-1 Section 1.267(f)-1...) INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED) Items Not Deductible § 1.267(f)-1 Controlled groups. (a) In general—(1) Purpose... transactions between members of a controlled group (intercompany sales). The purpose of this section is to...

26 CFR 1.1563-1 - Definition of controlled group of corporations and component members and related concepts.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... and component members and related concepts. 1.1563-1 Section 1.1563-1 Internal Revenue INTERNAL... related concepts. (a) Controlled group of corporations—(1) In general—(i) Types of controlled groups. For...) Additional concepts used in applying the controlled group rules. (A) The term testing date means the date...

Testing and Evaluating C3I Systems That Employ AI. Volume 1. Handbook for Testing Expert Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-01-31

Designs ....... ............. .. 6-29 Nonequivalent Control Group Design ...does not receive the system; and (c) nonequivalent (and nonrandomized) control group designs that rely on statistical techniques like analysis of...implementation); (b) multiple time-series designs using a control group ; and (c) nonequivalent control group designs that obtain pretest and

Comparison of Control Group Generating Methods.

PubMed

Szekér, Szabolcs; Fogarassy, György; Vathy-Fogarassy, Ágnes

2017-01-01

Retrospective studies suffer from drawbacks such as selection bias. As the selection of the control group has a significant impact on the evaluation of the results, it is very important to find the proper method to generate the most appropriate control group. In this paper we suggest two nearest neighbors based control group selection methods that aim to achieve good matching between the individuals of case and control groups. The effectiveness of the proposed methods is evaluated by runtime and accuracy tests and the results are compared to the classical stratified sampling method.

Experience with multiple control groups in a large population-based case-control study on genetic and environmental risk factors.

PubMed

Pomp, E R; Van Stralen, K J; Le Cessie, S; Vandenbroucke, J P; Rosendaal, F R; Doggen, C J M

2010-07-01

We discuss the analytic and practical considerations in a large case-control study that had two control groups; the first control group consisting of partners of patients and the second obtained by random digit dialling (RDD). As an example of the evaluation of a general lifestyle factor, we present body mass index (BMI). Both control groups had lower BMIs than the patients. The distribution in the partner controls was closer to that of the patients, likely due to similar lifestyles. A statistical approach was used to pool the results of both analyses, wherein partners were analyzed with a matched analysis, while RDDs were analyzed without matching. Even with a matched analysis, the odds ratio with partner controls remained closer to unity than with RDD controls, which is probably due to unmeasured confounders in the comparison with the random controls as well as intermediary factors. However, when studying injuries as a risk factor, the odds ratio remained higher with partner control subjects than with RRD control subjects, even after taking the matching into account. Finally we used factor V Leiden as an example of a genetic risk factor. The frequencies of factor V Leiden were identical in both control groups, indicating that for the analyses of this genetic risk factor the two control groups could be combined in a single unmatched analysis. In conclusion, the effect measures with the two control groups were in the same direction, and of the same order of magnitude. Moreover, it was not always the same control group that produced the higher or lower estimates, and a matched analysis did not remedy the differences. Our experience with the intricacies of dealing with two control groups may be useful to others when thinking about an optimal research design or the best statistical approach.

[Effect of jian-gan-le on advanced schistosomiasis].

PubMed

He, Zheng-Wen; Wang, You-Bin; Huang, Wen-Jun

2011-06-01

A total of 80 cases of advanced schistosomiasis were selected and divided into an experiment group and a control group, 40 cases each group, by the random sampling method. The patients in the experiment group were administered with Jian-gan-le, and the patients in the control group received compound purple granules. In the experiment group, the curative rate was 25.0%, the improving rate was 70.0%, the inefficacy rate was 5%, and the efficiency rate was 95.0%. In the control group, the curative rate was 12.5%, the improving rate was 75%, the inefficacy rate was 12.5%. There was no statistic difference between the 2 groups (P all > 0.05). The expense was cheaper in the experiment group than in the control group.

Subjective memory complaints, depressive symptoms and cognition in patients attending a memory outpatient clinic.

PubMed

Lehrner, J; Moser, D; Klug, S; Gleiß, A; Auff, E; Dal-Bianco, P; Pusswald, G

2014-03-01

The goals of this study were to establish prevalence of subjective memory complaints (SMC) and depressive symptoms (DS) and their relation to cognitive functioning and cognitive status in an outpatient memory clinic cohort. Two hundred forty-eight cognitively healthy controls and 581 consecutive patients with cognitive complaints who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included in the study. A statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) between control group and patient group regarding mean SMC was detected. 7.7% of controls reported a considerable degree of SMC, whereas 35.8% of patients reported considerable SMC. Additionally, a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) between controls and patient group regarding Beck depression score was detected. 16.6% of controls showed a clinical relevant degree of DS, whereas 48.5% of patients showed DS. An analysis of variance revealed a statistically significant difference across all four groups (control group, SCI group, naMCI group, aMCI group) (p < 0.001). Whereas 8% of controls reported a considerable degree of SMC, 34% of the SCI group, 31% of the naMCI group, and 54% of the aMCI group reported considerable SMC. A two-factor analysis of variance with the factors cognitive status (controls, SCI group, naMCI group, aMCI group) and depressive status (depressed vs. not depressed) and SMC as dependent variable revealed that both factors were significant (p < 0.001), whereas the interaction was not (p = 0.820). A large proportion of patients seeking help in a memory outpatient clinic report considerable SMC, with an increasing degree from cognitively healthy elderly to aMCI. Depressive status increases SMC consistently across groups with different cognitive status.

Anxiety Management Training and Self-Control Desensitization: 15 Months Later.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Deffenbacher, Jerry L.; Michaels, Ann C.

1981-01-01

A 15-month follow-up study found that anxiety management training and self-control desensitization groups continued to report significantly less debilitating test anxiety than the control group. Anxiety management training and self-control desensitization groups also reported significantly less nontargeted anxiety than controls on both measures of…

A Randomized Study of Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (MPCNL) with the aid of a patented suctioning sheath in the treatment of renal calculus complicated by pyonephrosis by one surgery.

PubMed

Huang, Jianrong; Song, Leming; Xie, Donghua; Li, Monong; Deng, Xiaolin; Hu, Min; Peng, Zuofeng; Liu, Tairong; Du, Chuance; Yao, Lei; Liu, Shengfeng; Guo, Shulin; Zhong, Jiuqing

2016-12-08

Calculus pyonephrosis is difficult to manage. The aim of this study is to explore the value of a patented suctioning sheath assisted minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (MPCNL) in the treatment of calculus pyonephrosis. One hundred and eighty two patients with calculus pyonephrosis were randomizely divided into observation group (n = 91) and control group (n = 91). The control group was treated with MPCNL traditionally using peel-away sheath while the observation group was treated with MPCNL using the patented suctioning sheath. All the patients in the observation group underwent one stage surgical treatment, 14 patients in the control group underwent first-stage surgery with the rest of the group underwent one stage surgery. The complication rate was 12.1% in the observation group, significantly lower than the rate in the control group which was 51.6%; One surgery stone clearance in the observation group was 96.7% while it was 73.6% in the control group; operative time in the observation group was (54.5 ± 14.5) min, compared to (70.2 ± 11.7) min in the control group; the bleeding amount in the observation group was (126.4 ± 47.2) ml, compared to (321.6 ± 82.5) ml in the control group; the hospitalization duration for the observation group was (6.4 ± 2.3) days, compared to (10.6 ± 3.7) days in the control group. Comparison of the above indicators, the observation group was better than the control group with significant difference (p < 0.001 each). Minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy with the aid of the patented suctioning sheath in the treatment of calculus pyonephrosis in one surgery is economic, practical, and warrants clinical promotion. This study was registered with Chinese Clinical Trial Registry on May 18, 2016 (retrospective registration) with a trial registration number of ChiCTR-IOR-16008490 .

40 CFR 79.61 - Vehicle emissions inhalation exposure guideline.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... of the mean weight for each sex. Animals shall be randomly assigned to treatment and control groups... the control group(s) depends on the type of study, number of biological end points used in the... evaluation of chronic effects. (v) A concurrent control group is required. This group shall be exposed to...

40 CFR 79.61 - Vehicle emissions inhalation exposure guideline.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... of the mean weight for each sex. Animals shall be randomly assigned to treatment and control groups... the control group(s) depends on the type of study, number of biological end points used in the... evaluation of chronic effects. (v) A concurrent control group is required. This group shall be exposed to...

21 CFR 573.640 - Methyl esters of higher fatty acids.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... test group and of a concurrent negative control group. The significance of the difference in pericardial fluid volumes between the test group and the negative control group is determined by calculating a... pericardial fluid volumes of the test and control groups, respectively; n t and n c are the number of chicks...

40 CFR 799.9380 - TSCA reproduction and fertility effects.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... nonpregnant. (iv) Number of animals. Each control group shall contain a sufficient number of mating pairs to... should be randomly assigned to the control and treatment groups, in a manner which results in comparable... group. (A) A concurrent control group shall be used. This group shall be an untreated or sham treated...

21 CFR 573.640 - Methyl esters of higher fatty acids.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... test group and of a concurrent negative control group. The significance of the difference in pericardial fluid volumes between the test group and the negative control group is determined by calculating a... pericardial fluid volumes of the test and control groups, respectively; n t and n c are the number of chicks...

21 CFR 573.640 - Methyl esters of higher fatty acids.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... test group and of a concurrent negative control group. The significance of the difference in pericardial fluid volumes between the test group and the negative control group is determined by calculating a... pericardial fluid volumes of the test and control groups, respectively; n t and n c are the number of chicks...

21 CFR 573.640 - Methyl esters of higher fatty acids.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... test group and of a concurrent negative control group. The significance of the difference in pericardial fluid volumes between the test group and the negative control group is determined by calculating a... pericardial fluid volumes of the test and control groups, respectively; n t and n c are the number of chicks...

40 CFR 799.9380 - TSCA reproduction and fertility effects.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... nonpregnant. (iv) Number of animals. Each control group shall contain a sufficient number of mating pairs to... should be randomly assigned to the control and treatment groups, in a manner which results in comparable... group. (A) A concurrent control group shall be used. This group shall be an untreated or sham treated...

40 CFR 799.9380 - TSCA reproduction and fertility effects.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... nonpregnant. (iv) Number of animals. Each control group shall contain a sufficient number of mating pairs to... should be randomly assigned to the control and treatment groups, in a manner which results in comparable... group. (A) A concurrent control group shall be used. This group shall be an untreated or sham treated...

21 CFR 573.640 - Methyl esters of higher fatty acids.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... test group and of a concurrent negative control group. The significance of the difference in pericardial fluid volumes between the test group and the negative control group is determined by calculating a... pericardial fluid volumes of the test and control groups, respectively; n t and n c are the number of chicks...

40 CFR 799.9380 - TSCA reproduction and fertility effects.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... nonpregnant. (iv) Number of animals. Each control group shall contain a sufficient number of mating pairs to... should be randomly assigned to the control and treatment groups, in a manner which results in comparable... group. (A) A concurrent control group shall be used. This group shall be an untreated or sham treated...

Effect of Dietary Processed Sulfur Supplementation on Texture Quality, Color and Mineral Status of Dry-cured Ham

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

This study was performed to investigate the chemical composition, mineral status, oxidative stability, and texture attributes of dry-cured ham from pigs fed processed sulfur (S, 1 g/kg feed), and from those fed a basal diet (CON), during the period from weaning to slaughter (174 d). Total collagen content and soluble collagen of the S group was significantly higher than that of the control group (p<0.05). The pH of the S group was significantly higher than that of the control group, whereas the S group had a lower expressible drip compared to the control group. The S group also showed the lower lightness compared to the control group (p<0.05). In regard to the mineral status, the S group had significantly lower Fe2+ and Ca2+ content than the control group (p<0.05), whereas the proteolysis index of the S group was significantly increased compared to the control group (p<0.05). The feeding of processed sulfur to pigs led to increased oxidative stability, related to lipids and pigments, in the dry-cured ham (p<0.05). Compared to the dry-cured ham from the control group, that from the S group exhibited lower springiness and gumminess; these results suggest that feeding processed sulfur to pigs can improve the quality of the texture and enhance the oxidative stability of dry-cured ham. PMID:26761895

The effects of visual control whole body vibration exercise on balance and gait function of stroke patients.

PubMed

Choi, Eon-Tak; Kim, Yong-Nam; Cho, Woon-Soo; Lee, Dong-Kyu

2016-11-01

[Purpose] This study aims to verify the effects of visual control whole body vibration exercise on balance and gait function of stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] A total of 22 stroke patients were randomly assigned to two groups; 11 to the experimental group and 11 to the control group. Both groups received 30 minutes of Neuro-developmental treatment 5 times per week for 4 weeks. The experimental group additionally performed 10 minutes of visual control whole body vibration exercise 5 times per week during the 4 weeks. Balance was measured using the Functional Reach Test. Gait was measured using the Timed Up and Go Test. [Results] An in-group comparison in the experimental group showed significant differences in the Functional Reach Test and Timed Up and Go Test. In comparing the groups, the Functional Reach Test and Timed Up and Go Test of the experimental group were more significantly different compared to the control group. [Conclusion] These results suggest that visual control whole body vibration exercise has a positive effect on the balance and gait function of stroke patients.

[A study on vowel duration and word length of adductor spasmodic dysphonia].

PubMed

Chen, Zhipeng; Ge, Pingjiang

2016-03-01

To understand the vowel duration and statement reading of the adductor spasmodic dysphonia (ADSD) patients compared with their normal controls, and provide ideas for clinical diagnosis and treatment. Twenty-nine ADSD patients were included in the research, with 31 normal controls. All subjects filled in form voice handicap index (VHI) by themselves. Maximum phonetic time (MPT) and maximum loudness phonetic time(MLPT) were tested on /a/ sound for all patients. Also, all the patients were required to read aloud a standard mandarin assay named , duration were measured with Praat5. 0 software after sounds were collected. A one-way t-test was performed to compare spasmodic group with control group on VHI, MPT, MLPT and duration for reading standard sentences. Pearson/Spearman correlation was tested. Result: The VHI of the 29 ADSD patients is 89±12, and their normal controls 15±16, indicating that the VHI in ADSD group is significantly higher than in the control group(P<0. 01). The MPT of the ADSD group is(16. 9±9. 8 s), and the control group is (25. 3±10.0)s, indicating that MPT in the ADSD group is significantly shorter than the control group(P<0. 01). The MLPT of the ADSD group is (15.7±7. 6)s, and the control group is (26. 5±11. 4)s, indicating that MLPT in the ADSD group is significantly shorter than the control group (P<0. 01). The duration of standard sentence reading of the ADSD group is (55.0±14. 2)s, and the control group is (37. 8±4. 8)s, indicating that the duration of standard sentence reading in the ADSD group is significantly longer than the control group (P<0. 01). Correlation analysis showed that MPT and MLPT are related within the ADSD group(r=0. 697,P< 0.01), other indexes being tested have no significant correlations. The voice disorder condition of the ADSD patients is significantly worse than normal people. Their pronunciations on continuous vowels are not lasting compared with normal people. In the meantime, their ability to read sentences is worse than normal people, needing longer time to complete the reading task. There is a significant correlation between MLPT and MPT, which can be used as an alternative to MPT.

[Effects of Cangfu Congxian Decoction on Oxidative Stress in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Patients].

PubMed

Liang, Ying; Tian, Qian-hua; Mu, Yu-xia; Du, Hui-lan

2016-06-01

To observe the effect of Cangfu Congxian Decoction (CCD) on oxidative stress in granulosa cells of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients. Forty PCOS patients underwent in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) were assigned to the treatment group and the control group 1 according to random digit table, 20 in each group. Patients in the treatment group took CCD (200 mL, once in the morning and once in the afternoon) 2 months before IVF-ET, while those in the control group 1 took no Chinese medical decoction. Recruited were another 20 patients undergoing IVF-ET for tubal factors (as the control group 2). The clinical effect of IVF-ET were observed, including oocyte retrieval number, 2 pronuclear (2PN) fertilization rate, good quality embryo rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) induced transplantation cancel rate. The expression of relative oxygen species (ROS) in granulosa cells was detected using cell immunofluorescence combined with confocal microscopy and FCM. Compared with the control group 1, occyte retrieval number, 2PN fertilization rate, and good quality embryo rate increased in the control group 2 and the treatment group (P <0. 05). OHSS induced transplantation cancel rate decreased in the control group 2 (P < 0.05). Fluorescence intensity of ROS decreased in the treatment group and the control group 2, as compared with the control group 1 (P < 0.01). CCD increased good quality embryo rate by down-regulating the expression of ROS protein in ovarian granulosa cells, and correcting in vivo oxidative stress.

[KAP research and intervention effects of health education on prevention and control of occupational diseases in occupational groups in Jinzhou, China].

PubMed

Wang, D H; Liu, X L; Quan, J K

2016-04-20

To investigate the current status of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP)on the prevention and control of occupational diseases in occupational groups in Jinzhou, China, and to evaluate the intervention effects of health education. Using the cluster random sampling method, 1000 workers who underwent occupational health examination in Jinzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention from September 2014 to April 2015 were enrolled in this study. They were equally and randomly divided into intervention group and control group. The intervention group received health education for 6 months through bulletin board, promotion materials, expert lecture, Q&A session, and other relevant educational events. The questionnaire survey was performed before and after intervention. The control group received the questionnaire survey but not the health education. The overall awareness rate of prevention and control knowledge was 75.34% in 990 workers in Jinzhou, China. After the intervention, the intervention group had a significantly higher awareness rate of prevention and control knowledge than the control group (89.87%~98.86% vs 71.25%~80.82%, P<0.05); the intervention group had a significantly higher attitude accuracy for" whether occupational health examination is necessary or not" and " is willing to received the training on occupational health knowledge" than the control group(χ(2)=57.857, P<0.05; χ(2)=70.683, P<0.05); and the intervention group had a significantly higher rate of correct behavior for" whether help the business management personnel to carry out the prevention and control of occupational diseases or not" and"whether actively understand the occupational hazards of job" (χ(2)=102.186, P<0.05; χ(2)=91.159, P<0.05). Health education can significantly increase the awareness rate of prevention and control knowledge on occupational diseases in occupational groups in Jinzhou, China. However, the more structured and longterm comprehensive intervention is necessary for improving their attitude and behavior.

Targeted treatment of invasive fungal infections accelerates healing of foot wounds in patients with Type 2 diabetes.

PubMed

Chellan, G; Neethu, K; Varma, A K; Mangalanandan, T S; Shashikala, S; Dinesh, K R; Sundaram, K R; Varma, N; Jayakumar, R V; Bal, A; Kumar, H

2012-09-01

To test the hypothesis that fluconazole plus standard care is superior to the standard care for diabetic foot wounds infected with deep-seated fungal infections. We carried out a randomized, controlled, open-label, parallel-arm study in 75 patients with both fungal and bacterial infections in deep tissues of diabetic foot wounds. Thirty-seven patients (control group) were given standard care (surgical debridement + culture-specific antibiotics + offloading + glycaemic control) and 38 patients (treatment group) were given fluconazole 150 mg daily plus standard care. Wound surface area was measured every 2 weeks until the endpoints (complete epithelialization or skin grafting) were met. By week 4, the mean wound surface area reduced to 27.3 from 111.5 cm(2) in the treatment group, as opposed to 67.1 from 87.3 cm(2) in the control group. Subsequently, the mean wound surface areas were remarkably smaller in the treatment group compared with the control group, and statistically significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) in mean wound surface area were observed between the treatment group and the control group at week 6. However, no statistically significant (P ≤ 0.47) difference in complete healing was observed between the treatment group and the control group, 20 vs. 24. The mean wound healing time for the treatment group was 7.3 weeks, whereas for the control group it was 11.3 weeks (P ≤ 0.022). Similarly, the probability of wound healing in the treatment group was 50 vs. 20% in the control group at week 10. Fluconazole plus standard care was superior to standard care alone in accelerating wound reduction among patients with diabetes with deep-seated fungal infections in diabetic foot wounds. Those in the treatment group who did heal, healed more quickly (P ≤ 0.022), but overall healing was not different. © 2012 The Authors. Diabetic Medicine © 2012 Diabetes UK.

Psychosocial consequences of allocation to lung cancer screening: a randomised controlled trial

PubMed Central

Aggestrup, Louise Mosborg; Hestbech, Mie Sara; Siersma, Volkert; Pedersen, Jesper Holst

2012-01-01

Objective To examine the psychosocial consequences of being allocated to the control group as compared with the screen group in a randomised lung cancer screening trial. Method The Danish Lung Cancer Screening Trial, a randomised controlled trial, ran from 2004 to 2010 with the purpose of investigating the benefits and harms of lung cancer screening. The participants in Danish Lung Cancer Screening Trial were randomised to either the control group or the screen group and were asked to complete the questionnaires Consequences Of Screening and Consequences Of Screening in Lung Cancer (COS-LC). The Consequences Of Screening and the COS-LC were used to examine the psychosocial consequences of participating in the study, by comparing the control and the screen groups' responses at the prevalence and at the incidence round. Results There was no statistically significant difference in socio-demographic characteristics or smoking habits between the two groups. Responses to the COS-LC collected before the incidence round were statistically significantly different on the scales ‘anxiety’, ‘behaviour’, ‘dejection’, ‘self-blame’, ‘focus on airway symptoms’ and ‘introvert’, with the control group reporting higher negative psychosocial consequences. Furthermore, the participants in both the control and the screen groups exhibited a mean increase in negative psychosocial consequences when their responses from the prevalence round were compared with their responses from the first incidence round. Conclusions Participation in a randomised controlled trial on lung cancer screening has negative psychosocial consequences for the apparently healthy participants—both the participants in the screen group and the control group. This negative impact was greatest for the control group. PMID:22382119

Bias from historical control groups used in orthodontic research: a meta-epidemiological study.

PubMed

Papageorgiou, Spyridon N; Koretsi, Vasiliki; Jäger, Andreas

2017-02-01

The validity of meta-analysis is dependent upon the quality of included studies. Here, we investigated whether the design of untreated control groups (i.e. source and timing of data collection) influences the results of clinical trials in orthodontic research. This meta-epidemiological study used unrestricted literature searching for meta-analyses in orthodontics including clinical trials with untreated control groups. Differences in standardized mean differences (ΔSMD) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated according to the untreated control group through multivariable random-effects meta-regression controlling for nature of the interventional group and study sample size. Effects were pooled with random-effects synthesis, followed by mixed-effect subgroup and sensitivity analyses. Studies with historical control groups reported deflated treatment effects compared to studies with concurrent control groups (13 meta-analyses; ΔSMD = -0.31; 95% CI = -0.53, -0.10; P = 0.004). Significant differences were found according to the type of historical control group (based either on growth study or clinical archive; 11 meta-analyses; ΔSMD = 0.40; 95% CI = 0.21, 0.59; P < 0.001). The use of historical control groups in orthodontic clinical research was associated with deflation of treatment effects, which was independent from whether the interventional group was prospective or retrospective and from the study's sample size. Caution is warranted when interpreting clinical studies with historical untreated control groups or when interpreting systematic reviews that include such studies. PROSPERO (CRD42015024179). None. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Orthodontic Society. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Development and testing of Schisto and Ladders™, an innovative health educational game for control of schistosomiasis in schoolchildren.

PubMed

Ejike, Cynthia Uchechukwu; Oluwole, Akinola Stephen; Mogaji, Hammed Oladeji; Adeniran, Adebiyi Abdulhakeem; Alabi, Oladimeji Michael; Ekpo, Uwem Friday

2017-06-28

Schistosomiasis remains a public health problem in many regions of the world, including Nigeria. Current control strategy involves mass drug administration with praziquantel to the endemic population. To complement and sustain on-going preventive chemotherapy, we developed a health educational game named Schisto and Ladders™ and tested its potential for the control of schistosomiasis among schoolchildren living in Imala-Odo, a highly endemic community near Abeokuta, Nigeria. One hundred school children were randomly selected and divided into intervention and control groups through balloting. Their knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) concerning schistosomiasis transmission, control and prevention were assessed using structured questionnaires. Schisto and Ladders™ game were given to the intervention group and the popular Snake and Ladders™ game to the control group. Both games were played for 2 months under the supervision of their class teachers. A post-KAP assessment was carried out in both groups, including focus group discussions (FGDs) to investigate knowledge and the impact of the games. Knowledge about urinary schistosomiasis and its transmission significantly improved (P = 0.000) in the intervention group (68.0%) compared to the control group (8.0%). FGDs showed that the frequency of visits to dam water also significantly reduced (P = 0.048) in the intervention group (18.0%) compared to the control group (40.0%). There was a significant increase in knowledge regarding risk behaviours, prevention and control of schistosomiasis among the intervention group, but no new knowledge gained in the control group. This study demonstrates the potential of the health education game Schisto and Ladders™ for teaching basic health education and promoting behavioural changes among schoolchildren in endemic communities.

Control group design, contamination and drop-out in exercise oncology trials: a systematic review.

PubMed

Steins Bisschop, Charlotte N; Courneya, Kerry S; Velthuis, Miranda J; Monninkhof, Evelyn M; Jones, Lee W; Friedenreich, Christine; van der Wall, Elsken; Peeters, Petra H M; May, Anne M

2015-01-01

Important considerations for exercise trials in cancer patients are contamination and differential drop-out among the control group members that might jeopardize the internal validity. This systematic review provides an overview of different control groups design characteristics of exercise-oncology trials and explores the association with contamination and drop-out rates. Randomized controlled exercise-oncology trials from two Cochrane reviews were included. Additionally, a computer-aided search using Medline (Pubmed), Embase and CINAHL was conducted after completion date of the Cochrane reviews. Eligible studies were classified according to three control group design characteristics: the exercise instruction given to controls before start of the study (exercise allowed or not); and the intervention the control group was offered during (any (e.g., education sessions or telephone contacts) or none) or after (any (e.g., cross-over or exercise instruction) or none) the intervention period. Contamination (yes or no) and excess drop-out rates (i.e., drop-out rate of the control group minus the drop-out rate exercise group) were described according to the three design characteristics of the control group and according to the combinations of these three characteristics; so we additionally made subgroups based on combinations of type and timing of instructions received. 40 exercise-oncology trials were included based on pre-specified eligibility criteria. The lowest contamination (7.1% of studies) and low drop-out rates (excess drop-out rate -4.7±9.2) were found in control groups offered an intervention after the intervention period. When control groups were offered an intervention both during and after the intervention period, contamination (0%) and excess drop-out rates (-10.0±12.8%) were even lower. Control groups receiving an intervention during and after the study intervention period have lower contamination and drop-out rates. The present findings can be considered when designing future exercise-oncology trials.

The effectiveness of multimedia visual perceptual training groups for the preschool children with developmental delay.

PubMed

Chen, Yi-Nan; Lin, Chin-Kai; Wei, Ta-Sen; Liu, Chi-Hsin; Wuang, Yee-Pay

2013-12-01

This study compared the effectiveness of three approaches to improving visual perception among preschool children 4-6 years old with developmental delays: multimedia visual perceptual group training, multimedia visual perceptual individual training, and paper visual perceptual group training. A control group received no special training. This study employed a pretest-posttest control group of true experimental design. A total of 64 children 4-6 years old with developmental delays were randomized into four groups: (1) multimedia visual perceptual group training (15 subjects); (2) multimedia visual perceptual individual training group (15 subjects); paper visual perceptual group training (19 subjects); and (4) a control group (15 subjects) with no visual perceptual training. Forty minute training sessions were conducted once a week for 14 weeks. The Test of Visual Perception Skills, third edition, was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention. Paired-samples t-test showed significant differences pre- and post-test among the three groups, but no significant difference was found between the pre-test and post-test scores among the control group. ANOVA results showed significant differences in improvement levels among the four study groups. Scheffe post hoc test results showed significant differences between: group 1 and group 2; group 1 and group 3; group 1 and the control group; and group 2 and the control group. No significant differences were reported between group 2 and group 3, and group 3 and the control group. The results showed all three therapeutic programs produced significant differences between pretest and posttest scores. The training effect on the multimedia visual perceptual group program and the individual program was greater than the developmental effect Both the multimedia visual perceptual group training program and the multimedia visual perceptual individual training program produced significant effects on visual perception. The multimedia visual perceptual group training program was more effective for improving visual perception than was multimedia visual perceptual individual training program. The multimedia visual perceptual group training program was more effective than was the paper visual perceptual group training program. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Brief Group Intervention Using Emotional Freedom Techniques for Depression in College Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PubMed Central

Church, Dawson; De Asis, Midanelle A.; Brooks, Audrey J.

2012-01-01

Two hundred thirty-eight first-year college students were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Thirty students meeting the BDI criteria for moderate to severe depression were randomly assigned to either a treatment or control group. The treatment group received four 90-minute group sessions of EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques), a novel treatment that combines exposure, cognitive reprocessing, and somatic stimulation. The control group received no treatment. Posttests were conducted 3 weeks later on those that completed all requirements (N = 18). The EFT group (n = 9) had significantly more depression at baseline than the control group (n = 9) (EFT BDI mean = 23.44, SD = 2.1 versus control BDI mean = 20.33, SD = 2.1). After controlling for baseline BDI score, the EFT group had significantly less depression than the control group at posttest, with a mean score in the “nondepressed” range (P = .001; EFT BDI mean = 6.08, SE = 1.8 versus control BDI mean = 18.04, SE = 1.8). Cohen's d was 2.28, indicating a very strong effect size. These results are consistent with those noted in other studies of EFT that included an assessment for depression and indicate the clinical usefulness of EFT as a brief, cost-effective, and efficacious treatment. PMID:22848802

Brief group intervention using emotional freedom techniques for depression in college students: a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Church, Dawson; De Asis, Midanelle A; Brooks, Audrey J

2012-01-01

Two hundred thirty-eight first-year college students were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Thirty students meeting the BDI criteria for moderate to severe depression were randomly assigned to either a treatment or control group. The treatment group received four 90-minute group sessions of EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques), a novel treatment that combines exposure, cognitive reprocessing, and somatic stimulation. The control group received no treatment. Posttests were conducted 3 weeks later on those that completed all requirements (N = 18). The EFT group (n = 9) had significantly more depression at baseline than the control group (n = 9) (EFT BDI mean = 23.44, SD = 2.1 versus control BDI mean = 20.33, SD = 2.1). After controlling for baseline BDI score, the EFT group had significantly less depression than the control group at posttest, with a mean score in the "nondepressed" range (P = .001; EFT BDI mean = 6.08, SE = 1.8 versus control BDI mean = 18.04, SE = 1.8). Cohen's d was 2.28, indicating a very strong effect size. These results are consistent with those noted in other studies of EFT that included an assessment for depression and indicate the clinical usefulness of EFT as a brief, cost-effective, and efficacious treatment.

Effect of substitution of groundnut with high glucosinolate mustard (Brassica juncea) meal on nutrient utilization, growth, vital organ weight and blood composition of lambs.

PubMed

Tripathi, M K.; Mishra, A S.; Misra, A K.; Mondal, D; Karim, S A.

2001-03-01

Twenty-four 14-day-old weaner Avivastra (Russian MerinoxNali) male lambs were maintained for 180 days on ad libidum Cenchrus (Cenchrus ciliaris) hay and concentrate mixture (CM) contained groundnut meal (control) and mustard meal (MM group) as major protein source. The two CMs were isonitrogenous (21% CP) and isocaloric (2.78McalMEkg(-1) DM), while, CM fed to MM group contained 24.6mg glucosinolatesg(-1) DM. Digestibility of nutrients was similar (P>0.05) in the two groups except for CP and hemicellulose, which was higher (P<0.05) in control. Urinary N loss was higher (P<0.01) in control than in MM group, whereas N retention (% of N intake and absorbed) was higher (P<0.01) in MM group compared to control. Dry matter (gkg(-1)BW) and glucosinolate intakes were higher in MM fed group, whereas DCP and ME intakes were similar (P>0.05) in the two groups. Average daily gain (ADG) was, however, 22% higher (P<0.01) in control than in MM group. Hemoglobin and albumin contents were lower (P<0.01) in MM group than in control. Serum thiocyanate content was 26.7µgg(-1) in MM fed group, while it was not detected in control group. Thyroid weight was higher (P<0.01) while liver and kidney weights were lower (P<0.01) in MM group. Meat from dissected carcass of control group contained more protein and less fat, whereas the reverse was noticed in MM group. It is concluded that feeding mustard meal as protein supplement reduced growth rate and induced iodine deficiency. Carcass of lambs fed mustard meal had more fat and less protein.

Does hydrotherapy improve strength and physical function in patients with osteoarthritis--a randomised controlled trial comparing a gym based and a hydrotherapy based strengthening programme.

PubMed

Foley, A; Halbert, J; Hewitt, T; Crotty, M

2003-12-01

To compare the effects of a hydrotherapy resistance exercise programme with a gym based resistance exercise programme on strength and function in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA). Single blind, three arm, randomised controlled trial. 105 community living participants aged 50 years and over with clinical OA of the hip or knee. Participants were randomised into one of three groups: hydrotherapy (n = 35), gym (n = 35), or control (n = 35). The two exercising groups had three exercise sessions a week for six weeks. At six weeks an independent physiotherapist unaware of the treatment allocation performed all outcome assessments (muscle strength dynamometry, six minute walk test, WOMAC OA Index, total drugs, SF-12 quality of life, Adelaide Activities Profile, and the Arthritis Self-Efficacy Scale). In the gym group both left and right quadriceps significantly increased in strength compared with the control group, and right quadriceps strength was also significantly better than in the hydrotherapy group. The hydrotherapy group increased left quadriceps strength only at follow up, and this was significantly different from the control group. The hydrotherapy group was significantly different from the control group for distance walked and the physical component of the SF-12. The gym group was significantly different from the control group for walk speed and self efficacy satisfaction. Compliance rates were similar for both exercise groups, with 84% of hydrotherapy and 75% of gym sessions attended. There were no differences in drug use between groups over the study period. Functional gains were achieved with both exercise programmes compared with the control group.

Does hydrotherapy improve strength and physical function in patients with osteoarthritis—a randomised controlled trial comparing a gym based and a hydrotherapy based strengthening programme

PubMed Central

Foley, A; Halbert, J; Hewitt, T; Crotty, M

2003-01-01

Objective: To compare the effects of a hydrotherapy resistance exercise programme with a gym based resistance exercise programme on strength and function in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA). Design: Single blind, three arm, randomised controlled trial. Subjects: 105 community living participants aged 50 years and over with clinical OA of the hip or knee. Methods: Participants were randomised into one of three groups: hydrotherapy (n = 35), gym (n = 35), or control (n = 35). The two exercising groups had three exercise sessions a week for six weeks. At six weeks an independent physiotherapist unaware of the treatment allocation performed all outcome assessments (muscle strength dynamometry, six minute walk test, WOMAC OA Index, total drugs, SF-12 quality of life, Adelaide Activities Profile, and the Arthritis Self-Efficacy Scale). Results: In the gym group both left and right quadriceps significantly increased in strength compared with the control group, and right quadriceps strength was also significantly better than in the hydrotherapy group. The hydrotherapy group increased left quadriceps strength only at follow up, and this was significantly different from the control group. The hydrotherapy group was significantly different from the control group for distance walked and the physical component of the SF-12. The gym group was significantly different from the control group for walk speed and self efficacy satisfaction. Compliance rates were similar for both exercise groups, with 84% of hydrotherapy and 75% of gym sessions attended. There were no differences in drug use between groups over the study period. Conclusion: Functional gains were achieved with both exercise programmes compared with the control group. PMID:14644853

THE INFLUENCE OF EXTRINSIC REINFORCEMENT ON CHILDREN WITH HEAVY PRENATAL ALCOHOL EXPOSURE

PubMed Central

Graham, Diana M.; Glass, Leila; Mattson, Sarah N.

2016-01-01

Background Prenatal alcohol exposure affects inhibitory control and other aspects of attention and executive function. However, the efficacy of extrinsic reinforcement on these behaviors has not been tested. Methods Alcohol-exposed children (AE; n=34), children with ADHD (ADHD; n=23), and controls (CON; n=31) completed a flanker task with four reward conditions (no reward, reward, reward+occasional response cost, equal probability of reward+response cost). Inhibitory control was tested in the no reward conditions using a 3(group) x 2(flanker type) ANCOVA. Response to reinforcement was tested using 3(group) x 4(reward condition) x 4(flanker type) ANCOVA. Response time (RT) and accuracy were tested independently. Results Groups did not differ on demographic variables. The flanker task was successful in taxing interference control, an aspect of executive attention (i.e., responses to incongruent stimuli were slower than to congruent stimuli) and the AE group demonstrated impaired executive control over the other groups. Overall, the AE group had significantly slower response times compared to the CON and ADHD groups, which did not differ. However, reinforcement improved RT in all groups. While occasional response cost had the greatest benefit in the CON group, the type of reinforcement did not differentially affect the AE and ADHD groups. Accuracy across reward conditions did not differ by group, but was dependent on flanker type and reward condition. Conclusions Alcohol-exposed children, but not children with ADHD, had impaired interference control in comparison to controls, supporting a differential neurobehavioral profile in these two groups. Both clinical groups were equally affected by introduction of reinforcement, although the type of reinforcement did not differentially affect performance as it did in the control group, suggesting that reward or response cost could be used interchangeably to result in the same benefit. PMID:26842253

Effect of perioperative parecoxib sodium on postoperative pain control for transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma: a prospective randomized trial.

PubMed

Lv, Ning; Kong, Yanan; Mu, Luwen; Pan, Tao; Xie, Qiankun; Zhao, Ming

2016-10-01

Pain is one of the most common side effects of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) treatment. This study aimed to assess the analgesic effect of parecoxib sodium for postoperative pain control in patients with inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing TACE. This randomized placebo-controlled prospective clinical study was conducted at a single cancer centre. Patients were randomly assigned to receive parecoxib sodium (experimental group; n = 60) or 0.9 % sodium chloride (control group; n = 60) 1 h before TACE and once every 12 h for 2 days after TACE. Pain level, morphine consumption, adverse events, and quality of life were evaluated and compared between the two groups. Pain scores, percentage distribution of pain categories, and morphine consumption were significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group (P < 0.05). Fever score comparisons revealed significantly better body temperature balance in the experimental group than in the control group (P = 0.024). Quality-of-life scores in the experimental group were significantly better than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Our results demonstrate that the perioperative administration of parecoxib significantly improved its effectiveness in the control of postoperative pain after TACE. • Perioperative administration of parecoxib is effective for control of pain after TACE. • COX-2 inhibitors provide effective and safe pain control. • Parecoxib helps improve quality-of-life after TACE for patients with inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma.

Kefir treatment ameliorates dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in rats

PubMed Central

Senol, Altug; Isler, Mehmet; Sutcu, Recep; Akin, Mete; Cakir, Ebru; Ceyhan, Betul M; Kockar, M Cem

2015-01-01

AIM: To investigate the preventive effect of kefir on colitis induced with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in rats. METHODS: Twenty-four male Wistar-albino rats were randomized into four groups: normal control, kefir-control, colitis, and kefir-colitis groups. Rats in the normal and kefir-control groups were administered tap water as drinking water for 14 d. Rats in the colitis and kefir-colitis groups were administered a 3% DSS solution as drinking water for 8-14 d to induce colitis. Rats in the kefir-control and kefir-colitis groups were administered 5 mL kefir once a day for 14 d while rats in the normal control and colitis group were administered an identical volume of the placebo (skim milk) using an orogastric feeding tube. Clinical colitis was evaluated with reference to the disease activity index (DAI), based on daily weight loss, stool consistency, and presence of bleeding in feces. Rats were sacrificed on the 15th day, blood specimens were collected, and colon tissues were rapidly removed. Levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-10, malondialdehyde, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were measured in colon tissue. RESULTS: The DAI was lower in the kefir-colitis group than in the colitis group (on the 3rd and 5th days of colitis induction; P < 0.01). The DAI was also significantly higher in the colitis group between days 2 and 6 of colitis induction when compared to the normal control and kefir-control groups. The DAI was statistically higher only on the 6th day in the kefir-colitis group when compared to that in the normal control groups. Increased colon weight and decreased colon length were observed in colitis-induced rats. Mean colon length in the colitis group was significantly shorter than that of the kefir-control group. Kefir treatment significantly decreased histologic colitis scores (P < 0.05). MPO activity in the colitis group was significantly higher than in the kefir-control group (P < 0.05). Kefir treatment significantly reduced the DSS colitis-induced TNF-α increase (P < 0.01). No statistically significant differences were observed among groups for IL-10 and MDA levels. Colon tissue iNOS levels in the colitis group were significantly higher than those in the control and kefir-colitis groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Kefir reduces the clinical DAI and histologic colitis scores in a DSS-induced colitis model, possibly via reduction of MPO, TNF-α, and iNOS levels. PMID:26676086

[Interventional effects of different management programs on the outcomes of stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients].

PubMed

Zhang, Rong-bao; Tan, Xing-yu; He, Quan-ying; Chen, Qing; Gai, Jun; Wei, Jing-an; Wang, Yan

2012-11-27

To evaluate the interventional effects of different management programs on the outcomes of stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. Systemic education, follow-up and control groups were divided according to the frequency of follow-ups and the profile of participating in education. A total of 157 patients were enrolled into the COPD database from May 2002 to May 2010. They were interviewed face-to-face at our department. The investigation contained general conditions, the frequency of acute exacerbations (AE) the previous year, COPD Assessment Test (CAT), Modified British Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale (mMRC) and spirometric classification. A combined assessment was conducted. The frequency of AE and rate of AE < once the previous year in systemic education group was 0.9 ± 1.1 and 71.2%, 1.0 ± 0.8 and 68.6% in follow-up group and 1.4 ± 1.1 and 44.4% in control group. And the frequency of AE in systemic education and follow-up groups was significantly less than that in control group (P < 0.05). Rate of AE < once in systemic education and follow-up groups was significantly higher than that in control group (P < 0.01). CAT and rate of CAT ≤ 20 in systemic education, follow-up and control groups were 10.0 ± 5.0 and 96.2%, 11.1 ± 6.0 and 88.2%, 15.3 ± 6.8 and 64.8% respectively. CAT in systemic education and follow-up groups was significantly lower than that in control group (P < 0.01). Rate of CAT ≤ 20 in systemic education and follow-up groups was significantly higher than that in control group (P < 0.01). mMRC in systemic education, follow-up and control groups was 1.5 ± 0.8, 1.6 ± 0.9 and 2.1 ± 1.0 respectively. mMRC in systemic education and follow-up groups was significantly lower than that in control group (P < 0.05). Combined assessment showed that no significant difference existed in Types A and B among three groups (P > 0.05). Type C in the systemic education group was significantly higher than that of the control (P < 0.05). Type D in the systemic education and follow-up groups was significantly lower than that of the control (P < 0.01). Long-term systemic education and follow-up management program can reduce the frequency of AE of COPD effectively and improve the health status of COPD patients.

Kefir treatment ameliorates dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in rats.

PubMed

Senol, Altug; Isler, Mehmet; Sutcu, Recep; Akin, Mete; Cakir, Ebru; Ceyhan, Betul M; Kockar, M Cem

2015-12-14

To investigate the preventive effect of kefir on colitis induced with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in rats. Twenty-four male Wistar-albino rats were randomized into four groups: normal control, kefir-control, colitis, and kefir-colitis groups. Rats in the normal and kefir-control groups were administered tap water as drinking water for 14 d. Rats in the colitis and kefir-colitis groups were administered a 3% DSS solution as drinking water for 8-14 d to induce colitis. Rats in the kefir-control and kefir-colitis groups were administered 5 mL kefir once a day for 14 d while rats in the normal control and colitis group were administered an identical volume of the placebo (skim milk) using an orogastric feeding tube. Clinical colitis was evaluated with reference to the disease activity index (DAI), based on daily weight loss, stool consistency, and presence of bleeding in feces. Rats were sacrificed on the 15(th) day, blood specimens were collected, and colon tissues were rapidly removed. Levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-10, malondialdehyde, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were measured in colon tissue. The DAI was lower in the kefir-colitis group than in the colitis group (on the 3(rd) and 5(th) days of colitis induction; P < 0.01). The DAI was also significantly higher in the colitis group between days 2 and 6 of colitis induction when compared to the normal control and kefir-control groups. The DAI was statistically higher only on the 6(th) day in the kefir-colitis group when compared to that in the normal control groups. Increased colon weight and decreased colon length were observed in colitis-induced rats. Mean colon length in the colitis group was significantly shorter than that of the kefir-control group. Kefir treatment significantly decreased histologic colitis scores (P < 0.05). MPO activity in the colitis group was significantly higher than in the kefir-control group (P < 0.05). Kefir treatment significantly reduced the DSS colitis-induced TNF-α increase (P < 0.01). No statistically significant differences were observed among groups for IL-10 and MDA levels. Colon tissue iNOS levels in the colitis group were significantly higher than those in the control and kefir-colitis groups (P < 0.05). Kefir reduces the clinical DAI and histologic colitis scores in a DSS-induced colitis model, possibly via reduction of MPO, TNF-α, and iNOS levels.

[Effects of foot reflexology on essential hypertension patients].

PubMed

Park, Hyoung-Sook; Cho, Gyoo-Yeong

2004-08-01

This study was to evaluate the effects of foot reflexology on blood pressure, serum lipids level and life satisfaction in essential hypertension patients. The research design used was a nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest design. Foot Reflexology was used as the experimental treatment from June 23rd, 2003 until August 31st, 2003. Thirty-four subjects were assigned to an experimental group(18) and control group(16). Foot Reflexology was administered twice a week for 6 weeks and self foot Reflexology was administered twice a week for 4 weeks on the experimental group. There was a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure but no significant decrease in diastolic pressure in the experimental group compared to the control group. The total cholesterol level in the experimental group compared to the control group was not significantly decreased after foot reflexology. However, the triglyceride level in the experimental group compared to the control group was significantly decreased after foot reflexology. On the other hand, high density lipoprotein and low density lipoprotein levels in the experimental group compared to the control group was not significantly decreased after foot reflexology. Life satisfaction in the experimental group compared to the control group was significantly improved after foot reflexology. The results proved that foot reflexology was an effective nursing intervention to decrease systolic pressure, and triglyceride but not for the blood cholesterol and to improve life satisfaction. Therefore, blood cholesterol should be further evaluated in a larger group of subjects and for a longer period. Further research is regarded as necessary to evaluate and to compare effects of self-foot reflexology and foot reflexology.

[Clinical effect of hemoperfusion combined with hemodialysis in treatment of severe organophosphate pesticide poisoning].

PubMed

Guo, Lei; Ye, Hua; Pan, Liwei; Sun, Laifang; Ying, Binyu

2014-12-01

To investigate the clinical effect of hemoperfusion combined with hemodialysis in the treatment of severe organophosphate pesticide poisoning. Ninety-eight patients with severe organophosphate pesticide poisoning who were admitted to the emergency department of our hospital from March 2005 to September 2013 were equally divided into control group and observation group according to treatment methods. The control group was given conventional emergency treatment, while the observation group was given hemoperfusion combined with hemodialysis and the conventional emergency treatment. The clinical outcomes and complications of two groups were compared. In the control group, 35 patients were cured and 14 patients died, so the cure rate was 71.4%. In the treatment group, 46 patients were cured and 3 patients died, so the cure rate was 93.9%. The treatment group had a significantly higher cure rate than the control group (χ² = 8.611, P < 0.05). And the treatment group had significantly shorter duration of coma (P < 0.01), mean length of hospital stay (P < 0.01), and time to recovery of cholinesterase activity (P < 0.01) and a significantly reduced dose of atropine than the control group (P < 0.01). The control group had significantly more cases of urinary retention than the treatment group (18 vs. 6, χ² = 4.991, P < 0.05). And the control group had more cases of intermediate syndrome, respiratory failure, delayed neurological damage, and rebound than the treatment group. Hemoperfusion combined hemodialysis has a good clinical effect and causes fewer complications in treating severe organophosphate pesticide poisoning, so it is worthy of clinical promotion.

[Efficacy of short-term educational intervention for parents of preschool children with anxiety].

PubMed

Zhu, Ming-Zhe; Zhu, Xiao-Jing; Du, Jian-E; Zhang, Xiao-Lei

2014-09-01

To study the efficacy of short-term educational intervention for parents of preschool children with anxiety. Forty-nine children with Spence Preschool Anxiety Scale (SPAS) scores of ≥ 48 were randomly divided into intervention and control groups. The children's parents in the intervention group received a collective curriculum on children's anxiety management six times, while the control group was only followed up. All children were evaluated for anxiety by the SPAS 3 and 6 months later, and then the results were compared between the two groups. The test was completed in 21 cases of the intervention group and 22 cases of the control group. At month 3, the intervention group had a significantly lower percentage of children with SPAS scores of ≥ 48 than the control group (62% vs 91%; P<0.05), and this percentage was also significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group at month 6 (52% vs 82%; P<0.05). At month 3, the intervention group had a significantly reduced mean SPAS score, which was significantly lower than that of the control group (69 ± 12 vs 81 ± 12; P<0.01). At month 6, both groups showed significant decreases in SPAS score, but still the SPAS score was significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group (65 ± 13 vs 78 ± 13; P<0.01). Early short-term education for parents can relieve their preschool children's anxiety effectively, but the long-term effect needs to be evaluated by follow-up.

Ascorbic acid treatment elevates follicle stimulating hormone and testosterone plasma levels and enhances sperm quality in albino Wistar rats.

PubMed

Okon, Uduak Akpan; Utuk, Ikponoabasi Ibanga

2016-01-01

Infertility issues have been linked to the effect of oxidative reaction in the reproductive system. This study evaluated the effect of ascorbic acid, on fertility parameters of male albino Wistar rats was studied. Eighteen albino Wistar rats weighed between 178 g and 241 g were used, randomly assigned into three groups. Group 1 was the control group; oral gavaged 5 ml of distilled water; Groups 2 and 3 were administered medium dose (250 mg/kg) and high dose of ascorbic acid (400 mg/kg), respectively; twice daily for 21 days. Blood samples were obtained by cardiac puncture, and blood serum was obtained for hormonal assay, and the testes were harvested for sperm analysis. Follicle stimulating hormone levels significantly increased in the high-dose group as compared to both the control and medium dose groups. Luteinizing hormone levels in the medium dose group decreased significantly as compared to the control group. Testosterone significantly increased in both the medium- and high-dose groups as compared to the control group. Sperm motility increased significantly in the high-dose group as compared to both control and medium-dose groups. Percentage sperm concentration decreased significantly in the medium-dose group when compared to the control and increased significantly in the high-dose group as compared to the medium-dose group. For percentage normal morphology, there was a dose-dependent increase in the test groups when compared to control group. These results are indicative of a positive influence of ascorbic acid on male fertility modulators and may therefore, serve as a potential adjuvant treatment for male infertility cases.

A Multicomponent Exercise Intervention that Reverses Frailty and Improves Cognition, Emotion, and Social Networking in the Community-Dwelling Frail Elderly: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

PubMed

Tarazona-Santabalbina, Francisco José; Gómez-Cabrera, Mari Carmen; Pérez-Ros, Pilar; Martínez-Arnau, Francisco Miguel; Cabo, Helena; Tsaparas, Konstantina; Salvador-Pascual, Andrea; Rodriguez-Mañas, Leocadio; Viña, José

2016-05-01

Frailty can be an important clinical target to reduce rates of disability. To ascertain if a supervised-facility multicomponent exercise program (MEP) when performed by frail older persons can reverse frailty and improve functionality; cognitive, emotional, and social networking; as well as biological biomarkers of frailty, when compared with a controlled population that received no training. This is an interventional, controlled, simple randomized study. Researchers responsible for data gathering were blinded for this study. Participants from 2 primary rural care centers (Sollana and Carcaixent) of the same health department in Spain were enrolled in the study between December 2013 and September 2014. We randomized a volunteer sample of 100 men and women who were sedentary, with a gait speed lower than 0.8 meters per second and frail (met at least 3 of the frailty phenotype criteria). Participants were randomized to a supervised-facility MEP (n = 51, age = 79.5, SD 3.9) that included proprioception, aerobic, strength, and stretching exercises for 65 minutes, 5 days per week, 24 weeks, or to a control group (n = 49, age = 80.3, SD 3.7). The intervention was performed by 8 experienced physiotherapists or nurses. Protein-calorie and vitamin D supplementation were controlled in both groups. Our MEP reverses frailty (number needed to treat to recover robustness in subjects with attendance to ≥50% of the training sessions was 3.2) and improves functional measurements: Barthel (trained group 91.6 SD 8.0 vs 82.0 SD 11.0 control group), Lawton and Brody (trained group 6.9 SD 0.9 vs 5.7 SD 2.0 control group), Tinetti (trained group 24.5 SD 4.4 vs 21.7 SD 4.5 control group), Short Physical Performance Battery (trained group 9.5 SD 1.8 vs 7.1 SD 2.8 control group), and physical performance test (trained group 23.5 SD 5.9 vs 16.5 SD 5.1 control group) as well as cognitive, emotional, and social networking determinations: Mini-Mental State Examination (trained group 28.9 SD 3.9 vs 25.9 SD 7.3 control group), geriatric depression scale from Yesavage (trained group 2.3 SD 2.2 vs 3.2 SD 2.0 control group), EuroQol quality-of-life scale (trained group 8.2 SD 1.6 vs 7.6 SD 1.3 control group), and Duke social support (trained group 48.5 SD 9.3 vs 41.2 SD 8.5 control group). This program is unique in that it leads to a decrease in the number of visits to primary care physician (trained group 1.3 SD 1.4 vs 2.4 SD 2.9 control group) and to a significant improvement in frailty biomarkers. We have designed a multicomponent exercise intervention that reverses frailty and improves cognition, emotional, and social networking in a controlled population of community-dwelling frail older adults. ClinicalTrials.gov. Identifier: NCT02331459. Copyright © 2016 AMDA – The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

40 CFR 798.5395 - In vivo mammalian bone marrow cytogenetics tests: Micronucleus assay.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... five female and five male animals per experimental and control group shall be used. Thus, 10 animals...) Assignment to groups. Animals shall be randomized and assigned to treatment and control groups. (4) Control groups—(i) Concurrent controls. Concurrent positive and negative (vehicle) controls shall be included in...

40 CFR 798.5395 - In vivo mammalian bone marrow cytogenetics tests: Micronucleus assay.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... five female and five male animals per experimental and control group shall be used. Thus, 10 animals...) Assignment to groups. Animals shall be randomized and assigned to treatment and control groups. (4) Control groups—(i) Concurrent controls. Concurrent positive and negative (vehicle) controls shall be included in...

40 CFR 798.5395 - In vivo mammalian bone marrow cytogenetics tests: Micronucleus assay.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... five female and five male animals per experimental and control group shall be used. Thus, 10 animals...) Assignment to groups. Animals shall be randomized and assigned to treatment and control groups. (4) Control groups—(i) Concurrent controls. Concurrent positive and negative (vehicle) controls shall be included in...

40 CFR 798.5395 - In vivo mammalian bone marrow cytogenetics tests: Micronucleus assay.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... five female and five male animals per experimental and control group shall be used. Thus, 10 animals...) Assignment to groups. Animals shall be randomized and assigned to treatment and control groups. (4) Control groups—(i) Concurrent controls. Concurrent positive and negative (vehicle) controls shall be included in...

40 CFR 798.5395 - In vivo mammalian bone marrow cytogenetics tests: Micronucleus assay.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... five female and five male animals per experimental and control group shall be used. Thus, 10 animals...) Assignment to groups. Animals shall be randomized and assigned to treatment and control groups. (4) Control groups—(i) Concurrent controls. Concurrent positive and negative (vehicle) controls shall be included in...

Effectiveness of short-term, enhanced, infection control support in improving compliance with infection control guidelines and practice in nursing homes: a cluster randomized trial.

PubMed

Gopal Rao, G; Jeanes, A; Russell, H; Wilson, D; Atere-Roberts, E; O'Sullivan, D; Donaldson, N

2009-10-01

In this prospective cluster randomized controlled trial we evaluated the impact of short-term provision of enhanced infection control support on infection control practice in nursing homes in South London. Twelve nursing homes were recruited, six each in intervention (300 residents) and control (265 residents) groups. Baseline observations of hand hygiene facilities, environmental cleanliness and safe disposal of clinical waste showed poor compliance in both groups. Post-intervention observations showed improvement in both groups. There was no statistical difference between the two groups in the compliance for hand hygiene facilities (P=0.69); environmental cleanliness (P=0.43) and safe disposal of clinical waste (P=0.96). In both groups, greatest improvement was in compliance with safe disposal of clinical waste and the least improvement was in hand hygiene facilities. Since infection control practice improved in intervention and control groups, we could not demonstrate that provision of short-term, enhanced, infection control support in nursing homes had a significant impact in infection control practice.

[Influence of education level on self-evaluation and control of patients with bronchial asthma].

PubMed

Zhao, Hai-jin; Cai, Shao-xi; Tong, Wan-cheng; Li, Wen-jun; Fu, Liang

2008-05-01

To investigate the effect of education on self-evaluation and control level in patients with bronchial asthma. Seventy-five asthmatic patients with the initial diagnosis in line with the American Thoracic Society criteria, including 46 with junior high school education or below (group A) and 29 with senior high school education or above (group B), were asked to complete a survey to assess their symptoms and asthma attacks. Asthma control test (ACT) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) evaluation were performed 8, 12 and 24 weeks after salmeterol/fluticasone therapy. Step-down treatment was administered according to GINA guidelines. The self-evaluation of the patients was assessed according to ACT score, physical signs and pulmonary function. An ACT score over 19 indicate well controlled condition. The effect of education on the self-evaluation and control level of bronchial asthma was assessed. The two groups had similar basal level of pulmonary function (FEV1). Eight weeks after the therapy, 29 patients in group A had ACT score over 19, including 11 with high control level; in group B, 17 had ACT score over 19, of whom 4 showed high control level. There was no significant difference between the two groups in control levels and self-evaluation (P>0.05). At 12 weeks, 37 patients in group A had ACT score over 19, with 17 having high control level; 22 patients in group B had ACT score over 19, 4 showing high control level; the two groups were similar in the control levels (P>0.05) but showed significant difference in self-evaluation (P<0.05). At the time of 24 weeks, 42 and 26 patients had ACT score over 19 in the two groups, with 19 and 5 having high control level, respectively. The two groups differed significantly in the control levels (P<0.05) and self-evaluation (P<0.05). The patients' education level may play a role in self-evaluation and control level of bronchial asthma, but its impact differs in the course of the treatment.

Increased salivary oxidative stress parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes: Relation with periodontal disease.

PubMed

Arana, Carlos; Moreno-Fernández, Ana María; Gómez-Moreno, Gerardo; Morales-Portillo, Cristóbal; Serrano-Olmedo, Isabel; de la Cuesta Mayor, M Carmen; Martín Hernández, Tomás

2017-05-01

The aim of this study was to determine whether there are differences in salivary oxidative stress between patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) and healthy non-diabetic patients, and whether this oxidative stress is associated with the presence of periodontal disease in diabetic patients. This observational study included 70 patients divided into three groups according to metabolic control levels: 19 non-diabetic patients (control group); 24 patients with good metabolic control (HbA1c<7%), and 27 patients DM2 with poor metabolic control (HbA1c>7%). The following oxidative stress parameters were measured in all subjects: glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GRd), reduced glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG). Periodontal health was determined by means of the community periodontal index (CPI) recommended by the WHO. The diabetic group with good metabolic control showed a significant increase in GPx and GRd activity in comparison with the control group (P<.001). The activity of the enzymes measured was significantly less in patients with poor metabolic control in comparison with the control group and well-controlled diabetic groups (P<.001). Both diabetic groups showed higher GSSG/GSH quotients and CPI in comparison with the control group, and both parameters were significantly higher in diabetic patients with poor metabolic control in comparison with well-controlled diabetic patients. Poor metabolic control in DM2 patients is associated with higher levels of salivary oxidative stress and worse periodontal health. Copyright © 2017 SEEN. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

The Effects of Pilates Training on Balance Control and Self-Reported Health Status in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Gabizon, Hadas; Press, Yan; Volkov, Ilia; Melzer, Itshak

2016-07-01

To evaluate the effect of a group-based Pilates training program on balance control and health status in healthy older adults. A single-blind, randomized, controlled trial. General community. A total of 88 community-dwelling older adults (age 71.15 ± 4.30 years), without evidence of functional balance impairment, were recruited and allocated at random to a Pilates intervention group (n = 44) or a control group (n = 44). The Pilates intervention group received 36 training sessions over three months (3 sessions a week), while the control group did not receive any intervention. Standing upright postural stability, performance-based measures of balance, and self-reported health status was assessed in both groups at baseline and at the end of the intervention period. Compared with the control group, the Pilates intervention did not improve postural stability, baseline functional measures of balance, or health status. The results suggest that because Pilates training is not task specific, it does not improve balance control or balance function in independent older adults.

Zoledronic acid infusion for lumbar interbody fusion in osteoporosis.

PubMed

Tu, Chao-Wei; Huang, Kuo-Feng; Hsu, Hsien-Ta; Li, Hung-Yu; Yang, Stephen Shei-Dei; Chen, Yi-Chu

2014-11-01

Clinical outcomes of intravenous (IV) infusion of zoledronic acid (ZOL) for lumbar interbody fusion surgery (LIFS) remain unknown. We investigated the efficacy of IV ZOL on clinical outcome and bone fusion after LIFS. We retrospectively analyzed 64 patients with both degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis and osteoporosis who underwent LIFS from January 2007 to April 2010. All patients were followed up for 2 y. Thirty-two were treated with an IV infusion of ZOL 3 d after surgery and a second injection 1 y later, and the other 32 patients did not receive ZOL. Preoperatively and every 3 mo postoperatively, oswestry disability index questionnaire and visual analog scale (VAS) scores for back and leg were compared. Preoperative and final postoperative follow-up to evaluate for subsequent compression fractures were also performed. Pedicle screw loosening, cage subsidence, and fusion rate were documented 2 y after surgery. At 2-y follow-up, a solid fusion was achieved in 75% of the ZOL group and only 56% of the control group. At final follow up, the incidence of final subsequent vertebral compression fractures (19% of the ZOL group and 51% of the control group, P = 0.006), pedicle screw loosening (18% of the ZOL group and 45% of the control group, P = 0.03), and cage subsidence >2 mm (28% of the ZOL group and only 54% of the control group, P = 0.04) were significantly lower in the ZOL group than in the control group. The ZOL group demonstrated improvement in VAS (for leg pain VAS, 2/10 for the ZOL group and 5/10 for the control group; for back pain VAS, 2/10 for the ZOL group and 6/10 for the control group) and oswestry disability index scores (7/25 for the ZOL group and 16/25 for the control group). ZOL treatment has beneficial effects on instrumented LIFS both radiographic and clinically. Thus, ZOL treatment can be recommended for osteoporosis patients undergoing LIFS. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The effects of Internet-based exercise compared with supervised group exercise in people with type 2 diabetes: a randomized controlled study.

PubMed

Akinci, Buket; Yeldan, Ipek; Satman, Ilhan; Dirican, Ahmet; Ozdincler, Arzu Razak

2018-06-01

To compare the effects of Internet-based exercise on glycaemic control, blood lipids, body composition, physical activity level, functional capacity, and quality of life with supervised group exercise in patients with type 2 diabetes. Single-blind, randomized controlled study. A Faculty of Health Sciences. A total of 65 patients with type 2 diabetes (47 women, 18 men). Group A ( n = 22), control group - physical activity counselling once with a brochure. Group B ( n = 22), supervised group-based exercise, three days per week for eight weeks. Group C ( n = 21), Internet-based exercise following the same programme via a website. Primary outcomes - glycosylated haemoglobin, fasting blood glucose, high-density and low-density lipoprotein, triglyceride, and cholesterol. Secondary outcomes - waist and hip circumferences, body mass index, number of steps, six-minute walking test, and Euro-Quality of Life-5 Dimension. After treatment, glycaemic control (mean change for Group B; Group C; -0.80%, -0.91%, P = 0.003), waist circumference (-4.23 cm, 5.64 cm, P = 0.006), and quality of life (0.26, 0.15, P = 0.013) significantly improved in both training groups compared with the control group. Fasting blood glucose (-46.86 mg/dL, P = 0.009) and hip circumference (-2.7 cm, P = 0.011) were significantly decreased in Group B and total cholesterol (-16.4 mg/dL, P = 0.028), six-minute walking distance (30.5 m, P = 0.01), and number of steps (1258.05, P = 0.023) significantly improved in Group C compared with control group. Group B and Group C changed with equal magnitude. In type 2 diabetes, supervised group-based and Internet-based exercise can improve equally glycaemic control, waist circumference, and quality of life, and both are better than simply counselling.

Grape skin improves antioxidant capacity in rats fed a high fat diet

PubMed Central

Lee, Su-Jin; Choi, Soo-Kyong

2009-01-01

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary grape skin on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant defense system in rats fed high fat diet. The Sprague-Dawley rats were fed either control (5% fat) diet or high fat (25% fat) diet which was based on AIN-93 diet for 2 weeks, and then they were grouped as control group (C), control + 5% grape skin group (CS), high-fat group (HF), high fat + 5% grape skin group (HFS) with 10 rats each and fed corresponding diets for 4 weeks. The hepatic thiobarbituric acid reacting substances (TBARS) were increased in high fat group as compared with control group, but reduced by grape skin. The serum total antioxidant status, and activities of hepatic catalase and superoxide dismutase, xanthine oxidase and glucose-6-phosphatase were increased by supplementation of grape skin. Glutathione peroxidase activity was significantly higher in CS group than in C group. Grape skin feeding tended to increase the concentration of total glutathione, especially in control group. The ratio of reduced glutathione to oxidized glutathione was lower in high fat groups than in control groups. The ratio was increased by dietary supplementation of grape skin in control group. These results suggest that dietary supplementation of grape skin would be effective on protection of oxidative damage by lipid peroxidation through improvement of antioxidant defense system in rats fed high fat diet as well as rats with low fat diet. PMID:20098580

Acute Toxicity and Gastroprotective Role of M. pruriens in Ethanol-Induced Gastric Mucosal Injuries in Rats

PubMed Central

Hassandarvish, Pouya; Abdul Majid, Nazia; Hadi, A. Hamid A.; Nordin, Noraziah; Abdulla, Mahmood A.

2013-01-01

The investigation was to evaluate gastroprotective effects of ethanolic extract of M. pruriens leaves on ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injuries in rats. Forty-eight rats were divided into 8 groups: negative control, extract control, ulcer control, reference control, and four experimental groups. As a pretreatment, the negative control and the ulcer control groups were orally administered carboxymethylcellulose (CMC). The reference control was administered omeprazole orally (20 mg/kg). The ethanolic extract of M. pruriens leaves was given orally to the extract control group (500 mg/kg) and the experimental groups (62.5, 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg). After 1 h, CMC was given orally to the negative and the extract control groups. The other groups received absolute ethanol. The rats were sacrificed after 1 h. The ulcer control group exhibited significant mucosal injuries with decreased gastric wall mucus and severe damage to the gastric mucosa. The extract caused upregulation of Hsp70 protein, downregulation of Bax protein, and intense periodic acid schiff uptake of glandular portion of stomach. Gastric mucosal homogenate showed significant antioxidant properties with increase in synthesis of PGE2, while MDA was significantly decreased. The ethanolic extract of M. pruriens leaves was nontoxic (<5 g/kg) and could enhance defensive mechanisms against hemorrhagic mucosal lesions. PMID:23781513

Myelin protein zero and its antibody in serum as biomarkers of n-hexane-induced peripheral neuropathy and neurotoxicity effects.

PubMed

Jia, Xiaowei; Liu, Qingjun; Zhang, Yanshu; Dai, Yufei; Duan, Huawei; Bin, Ping; Niu, Yong; Liu, Jie; Zhong, Liuzhen; Guo, Jisheng; Liu, Xiaofeng; Zheng, Yuxin

2014-01-01

Chronic exposure to n-hexane can lead to peripheral neuropathy that no effective treatment regimen could be applied presently. This study investigated whether myelin protein zero (P0) protein and its antibody could be used to distinguish n-hexane intoxication and protect workers from peripheral neuropathy. We compared P0 protein and its antibody among three levels of n-hexane-exposed groups, which included 18 patients with n-hexane-induced peripheral neuropathy as case group, 120 n-hexane-exposed workers as n-hexaneexposed control group, and 147 non-hexane-exposed participants used as control group. ELISA method was applied to detect P0 protein and its antibody. P0 protein in serum was significantly higher in the case group and n-hexane-exposed control group in comparison with the control group (P < 0.01). Compared with the n-hexane-exposed control group, the case group also had significant increase of P0 protein (P < 0.01). After 6 months therapy, P0 protein was observed to decrease significantly in the case group (P < 0.01). The P0 antibody in serum was significantly higher in the n-hexane-exposed control group than in the control group (P < 0.01), but not significantly different between cases and controls. P0 antibodies in serum may be a short-term effect biomarker for n-hexane exposure. P0 protein in serum may be an early effective biomarker for peripheral nerve neuropathy and its biological limit value needs investigation in the future study.

Training caregivers: disabilities and dental hygiene.

PubMed

Gonzalez, E E; Nathe, C N; Logothetis, D D; Pizanis, V G; Sanchez-Dils, E

2013-11-01

The purpose of the study was to measure the effectiveness of oral health education and training among caregivers. Controlled study design. Participants were randomized from the sample n = 30. n = 14 participants in the experimental group and n = 10 in the control group. The experimental group received a lecture and hands-on training in oral hygiene procedures. The control group received a facilitated group discussion. Both groups received a pre-post test. Considering the two groups independently, using a paired t-test, the experimental group, n = 14 had a score difference of 0.0607 (P-value = 0.01) and the control group n = 10, had a score difference of 0.035 (P-value = 0.14). This study found that knowledge was improved among caregivers following the implementation of formal oral hygiene training. Although the control group also showed some improvements with the facilitated discussion, the results are not significant to say that both the formal training and the facilitated discussion are equally important in training caregivers effectively. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Evaluation of nanoselenium (Nano-Se) effect on hematological and serum biochemical parameters of rat in experimentally lead poisoning.

PubMed

Dehkordi, A Jafari; Mohebbi, A N; Aslani, M R; Ghoreyshi, S M

2017-04-01

The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of nanoselenium (Nano-Se) on hematological and biochemical parameters of rats experimentally intoxicated with lead (Pb). Thirty male rats were randomly divided into six groups as follows: the control, selenite, Nano-Se, Pb group, Pb + selenite, and Pb + Nano-Se groups. After 35 days, blood was collected from rats and hematology and serum biochemical parameters of oxidative stress were measured. The thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) level of Pb group was significantly higher than other groups. Also, TBARS level was significantly lower in the Pb + Nano-Se group than Pb + selenite group. The serum superoxide dismutase activities were significantly lower in Pb group than the control, Pb + selenite, and Pb + Nano-Se groups. The catalase activities in the Pb group showed no significant change when compared to other groups. In the Pb group, packed cell volume was lower than the control group. A significant difference was observed between the control group and the Pb, Pb + selenite, and Pb + Nano-Se groups. In the Pb group, the numbers of white blood cell (WBC) decreased in comparison with the control group. Also, there was significant increase in WBC counts in the Pb + Nano-Se and Pb + selenite groups in comparison with Pb group. The number of lymphocytes in the Pb group decreased in comparison with the control group. By comparing the means of the Pb + Nano-Se and Pb + selenite groups together, it was determined that there were significant differences in the lymphocytes and neutrophil counts. In conclusion, usage of selenium compounds particularly Nano-Se particles inhibits the adverse effects of Pb on antioxidant activity and immune system function in the Pb poisoning.

[Relationships between the enrichment of ETBF, Fn, Hp in intestinal and colorectal cancer].

PubMed

Zhang, J; Lu, X L; Zhao, G; Shi, H T; Geng, Y; Zhong, W T; Dong, L

2018-02-23

Objective: To explore relationships between the enrichment of ETBF, Fn, Hp in feces, tissues and colorectal cancer. Methods: Feces, lesion tissue and adjacent tissue from 24 patients with colorectal cancer and 31 patients with adenomas were collected, and we collected Feces and tissue of 20 healthy control persons. Then the copy numbers of enterotoxigenic B. fragilis (ETBF), Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn) and Helicobacter pylori (Hp) were determined by quantitative real-time PCR. Immunohistochemical method was used to examine the expression intensity of EGFR and p53, and the relationships between different expression intensity of EGFR, p53 and the numbers of three bacterias. Results: In the feces, copy numbers of ETBF and Fn were as follous: colorectal cancer group>adenomas group>healthy control group ( P <0.05). Copy numbers of Hp were as follous: colorectal cancer group>healthy control group ( P <0.01); adenomas group>healthy control group ( P <0.01). In the tissue, copy numbers of ETBF, Fn were as follows: colorectal cancer group>adenomas group>healthy control group ( P <0.05). Copy numbers of Hp were as follows: colorectal cancer group>healthy control group ( P <0.01); adenomas group>healthy control group ( P <0.01). Copy numbers of those three bacteria in the lesion tissue and the adjacent tissue had no significant difference. This happened both in colorectal cancer group and adenomas group. The different expression intensity of EGFR, p53 and the number of three bacteria showed no obviously statistical correlation( P >0.05). Conclusion: Adenomatous polyp and colorectal cancer patients show high enrichment of ETBF, Fn and Hp in both feces and tissues. ETBF, Fn and Hp probably contribute to the development of adenomatous polyp and colorectal cancer. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR-BOC-17012509.

Effects of Combined Treatment with Branched-Chain Amino Acids, Citric Acid, L-Carnitine, Coenzyme Q10, Zinc, and Various Vitamins in Tumor-Bearing Mice.

PubMed

Awa, Hiroko; Futamura, Akihiko; Higashiguchi, Takashi; Ito, Akihiro; Mori, Naoharu; Murai, Miyo; Ohara, Hiroshi; Chihara, Takeshi; Kaneko, Takaaki

2017-03-01

A functional dietary supplement (FDS) containing Coenzyme Q10, branched-chain amino acids and L-carnitine was administered to tumor-bearing mice, investigating its effects on tumor and muscle tissues. Experiment (A): B16 melanoma cells were implanted subcutaneously into the right side of the abdomen of 8- to 9-week-old C57BL/6J mice. The mice were divided into two groups: a FDS group that received oral administration of FDS (n=10), and a control group that received oral administration of glucose (n=10). The moribund condition was used as the endpoint, and median survival time was determined. Experiment (B): On day 21 after tumor implantation, tumors, soleus muscle, gastrocnemius muscle, and suprahyoid muscles were collected. Tumor and muscle weight and other aspects were evaluated in each group: FDS group (n=15) and control group (n=15). The median survival time was comparable (21 d in the FDS group vs. 18 d in the control group, p=0.30). However, cumulative food intake was significantly higher in the FDS group than the control group (p=0.011). Metastasis of melanoma to the lung was observed in the control group but not in the FDS group (p=0.043). The weight of the suprahyoid muscles was significantly higher in the FDS group than in the control group (p=0.0045). The weight of the tumor was significantly lower in the FDS group than in the control group (p=0.013). The results possibly suggest oral administration of FDS in tumor-bearing mice enhances the maintenance of suprahyoid muscles, resulting in an extended feeding period and suppression of tumor growth and metastasis.

An intervention approach for children with teacher- and parent-identified attentional difficulties.

PubMed

Semrud-Clikeman, M; Nielsen, K H; Clinton, A; Sylvester, L; Parle, N; Connor, R T

1999-01-01

Using a multimodal and multi-informant method for diagnosis, we selected 33 children by teacher and parent nomination for attention and work completion problems that met DSM-IV criteria for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Of the 33 children in this group, 21 participated in the initial intervention, and 12 were placed in an ADHD control group and received the intervention after pre- and posttesting. A similarly selected group of 21 children without difficulties in attention and work completion served as a control group. Each child was assessed on pre- and posttest measures of visual and auditory attention. After an 18-week intervention period that included attention and problem-solving training, all children in the intervention and control groups were retested on visual and auditory tasks. Children in both ADHD groups showed significantly poorer initial performance on the visual attention task. Whereas the ADHD intervention group showed commensurate performance to the nondisabled control group after training, the ADHD control group did not show significant improvement over the same period. Auditory attention was poorer compared to the control group for both ADHD groups initially and improved only for the ADHD intervention group. These findings are discussed as a possible intervention for children with difficulties in strategy selection in a classroom setting.

[Expression of HIF1-alpha on myocardium and lung in rats model of asphyxia death].

PubMed

Zhang, Geng-qian; Zhou, Bin; Du, Bing; Yang, Zhi-hui; Zhang, Bei-lei; Zhu, Yin-hua; Zhang, Lin

2006-12-01

To investigate the expression of HIF1-alpha in heart and lung tissue died from asphyxia. The rats model of asphyxia death was constructed by hanging, different asphyxia groups and control group sets were made according the postmortem time (0,2,6,24 h), immunohistochemistry and half-quantitative RT-PCR methods were used to investigate expression of HIF1-alpha and mRNA changes on heart and lung tissue. The positive staining of HIF1-alpha could be observed in the myocardium and lung tissue. Significant differences were found between the groups of asphyxia and their corresponding control group. HIF1-alpha expression was found in all the asphyxia groups while it was only expressed in the control groups of 2 h, 6 h and 24 h. Nucleic positive staining could be detected in all the asphyxia groups but none was found in the control groups. RT-PCR showed that the expression of mRNA between 0 h asphyxia group and 0 h control group were equal in both cardic muscle and lung, but elevated expression in groups of 2,6,24h compared to their control groups. The nuclear positive staining of HIF1-alpha in heart and lung can be a special character of suffocation death.

Change in Pulmonary Function after Incentive Spirometer Exercise in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Controlled Study

PubMed Central

Choi, Ja Young; Rha, Dong-wook

2016-01-01

Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of incentive spirometer exercise (ISE) on pulmonary function and maximal phonation time (MPT) in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP). Materials and Methods Fifty children with CP were randomly assigned to two groups: the experimental group and the control group. Both groups underwent comprehensive rehabilitation therapy. The experimental group underwent additional ISE. The forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume at one second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio, peak expiratory flow (PEF), and MPT were assessed as outcome measures before and after 4 weeks of training. Results There were significant improvements in FVC, FEV1, PEF, and MPT in the experimental group, but not in the control group. In addition, the improvements in FVC, FEV1, and MPT were significantly greater in the experimental group than in the control group. Conclusion The results of this randomized controlled study support the use of ISE for enhancing pulmonary function and breath control for speech production in children with CP. PMID:26996580

Atherogenic potentials of some Nigerian meals.

PubMed

Eyong, E U; Umoh, I B; Ogu, T I; Edet, E E; Eteng, M U; Igiri, A O

2007-01-01

The atherogenic potentials of peeled grated cocoyam (Xanthosoma maffafa scot) "ekpang nkukwo", pounded yam (Discorea spp) with plain soup "afia efere", and plantain porridge (Musa paradisiaca) "iwuk ukom" meals were investigated. The three meals were fed to three different groups of albino rats of Wistar strain for a period of twenty eight days. A fourth group which served as control was feed with normal rat pellet. The mean total plasma cholesterol level in the pounded yam with plain soup fed group was significantly lower [P < 0.05] when compared to the control and peeled grated cocoyam fed groups. The mean total plasma triglyceride (MTPTG) level in the pounded yam with plain soup fed group was significantly lower [P < 0.05] when compared to the control group. However the MTPTG level in the peeled grated cocoyam and plantain porridge fed groups were comparable to control. The mean HDL-cholesterol level in the peeled grated cocoyam and plantain fed groups were comparable control. The mean LDL-cholesterol level in the peeled grated cocoyam and plantain porridge fed groups was significantly lower [P < 0.05] than the control group. The LDL-cholesterol and VLDL-cholesterol in the pounded yam with plain soup fed group was significantly lower [P < 0.05] when compared to control. These findings suggest low atherogenic potentials of the pounded yam with plain soup meal compared to the peeled grated cocoyam and plantain porridge meals.

Cytomorphometric and Morphological Analysis in Women with Trichomonas vaginalis Infection: Micronucleus Frequency in Exfoliated Cervical Epithelial Cells.

PubMed

Safi Oz, Zehra; Doğan Gun, Banu; Gun, Mustafa Ozkan; Ozdamar, Sukru Oguz

2015-01-01

The aim of this study was to explore the cytomorphometric and morphological effects of Trichomonas vaginalis in exfoliated epithelial cells. Ninety-six Pap-stained cervical smears were divided into a study group and two control groups as follows: T. vaginalis cases, a first control group with inflammation, and a second control group without inflammation. Micronucleated, binucleated, karyorrhectic, karyolytic, and karyopyknotic cells and cells with perinuclear halos per 1,000 epithelial cells were counted. Nuclear and cellular areas were evaluated in 70 clearly defined cells in each smear using image analysis. The frequencies of morphological parameters in the T. vaginalis cases were higher than the values of the two control groups, and the difference among groups was found to be significant (p < 0.05). The nuclear and cytoplasmic areas of epithelial cells were diminished in patients with trichomoniasis. The mean nucleus/cytoplasm ratio in T. vaginalis patients was higher than the value in the control groups, and the difference between the study group and control group 1 was significant. However, there was no statistically significant increase between the study group and control group 2. T. vaginalis exhibited significant changes in the cellular size and nuclear structure of the cells. The rising frequency of micronuclei, nuclear abnormalities, and changing nucleus/cytoplasm ratio may reflect genotoxic damage in trichomoniasis. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel.

26 CFR 1.367(a)-3T - Treatment of transfers of stock or securities to foreign corporations (temporary).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... exchange. For purposes of this paragraph (e), the definitions of control group, control group member, and non-control group member in § 1.367(a)-7(f)(1), ownership interest percentage in § 1.367(a)-7(f)(7... recognizes gain equal to the product of the aggregate ownership interest percentage of such non-control group...

26 CFR 1.367(a)-3T - Treatment of transfers of stock or securities to foreign corporations (temporary).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... exchange. For purposes of this paragraph (e), the definitions of control group, control group member, and non-control group member in § 1.367(a)-7(f)(1), ownership interest percentage in § 1.367(a)-7(f)(7... recognizes gain equal to the product of the aggregate ownership interest percentage of such non-control group...

Leucine minimizes denervation-induced skeletal muscle atrophy of rats through akt/mtor signaling pathways

PubMed Central

Ribeiro, Carolina B.; Christofoletti, Daiane C.; Pezolato, Vitor A.; de Cássia Marqueti Durigan, Rita; Prestes, Jonato; Tibana, Ramires A.; Pereira, Elaine C. L.; de Sousa Neto, Ivo V.; Durigan, João L. Q.; da Silva, Carlos A.

2015-01-01

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of leucine treatment (0.30 mM) on muscle weight and signaling of myoproteins related to synthesis and degradation pathways of soleus muscle following seven days of complete sciatic nerve lesion. Wistar rats (n = 24) of 3–4 months of age (192 ± 23 g) were used. The animals were randomly distributed into four experimental groups (n = 6/group): control, treated with leucine (L), denervated (D) and denervated treated with leucine (DL). Dependent measures were proteins levels of AKT, AMPK, mTOR, and ACC performed by Western blot. Leucine induced a reduction in the phosphorylation of AMPK (p < 0.05) by 16% in the L and by 68% in the DL groups as compared with control group. Denervation increased AMPK by 24% in the D group as compared with the control group (p < 0.05). AKT was also modulated by denervation and leucine treatment, highlighted by the elevation of AKT phosphorylation in the D (65%), L (98%) and DL (146%) groups as compared with the control group (p < 0.05). AKT phosphorylation was 49% higher in the D group as compared with the DL group. Furthermore, denervation decreased mTOR phosphorylation by 29% in the D group as compared with the control group. However, leucine treatment induced an increase of 49% in the phosphorylation of mTOR in the L group as compared with the control group, and an increase of 154% in the DL as compared with the D group (p < 0.05). ACC phosphorylation was 20% greater in the D group than the control group. Furthermore, ACC in the soleus was 22% lower in the in the L group and 50% lower in the DL group than the respective control group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, leucine treatment minimized the deleterious effects of denervation on rat soleus muscle by increasing anabolic (AKT and mTOR) and decreasing catabolic (AMPK) pathways. These results may be interesting for muscle recovery following acute denervation, which may contribute to musculoskeletal rehabilitation after denervation. PMID:25852565

[Cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit analysis on the integrated schistosomiasis control strategies with emphasis on infection source in Poyang Lake region].

PubMed

Lin, Dan-Dan; Zeng, Xiao-Jun; Chen, Hong-Gen; Hong, Xian-Lin; Tao, Bo; Li, Yi-Feng; Xiong, Ji-Jie; Zhou, Xiao-Nong

2009-08-01

To evaluate the cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit on the integrated schistosomiasis control strategies with emphasis on infection source, and provide scientific basis for the improvement of schistosomiasis control strategy. Aiguo and Xinhe villages in Jinxian County were selected as intervention group where the new comprehensive strategy was implemented, while Ximiao and Zuxi villages in Xinzi County served as control where routine control program was implemented. New strategy of interventions included removing cattle from snail-infested grasslands and providing farmers with farm machinery, improving sanitation by supplying tap water and building lavatories and methane gas tanks, and implementing an intensive health education program. Routine interventions were carried out in the control villages including diagnosis and treatment for human and cattle, health education, and focal mollusciciding. Data were collected from retrospective investigation and field survey for the analysis and comparison of cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit between intervention and control groups. The control effect of the intervention group was better than that of the control. The cost for 1% decrease of infection rate per 100 people, 100 cattle, and 100 snails in intervention group was 480.01, 6 851.24, and 683.63 Yuan, respectively, which were about 2.70, 4.37 and 20.25 times as those in the control respectively. The total cost/benefit ratio (BCR) was lower than 1 (0.94 in intervention group and 0.08 in the control). But the total benefit of intervention group was higher than that of the control from 2005 to 2008. The forecasting analysis indicated that the total BCR in intervention group would be 1.13 at the 4th year and all cost could be recalled. Sensitivity analysis revealed that the BCR in intervention group changed in the range around 1.0 and that of the control ranged blow 0.5. The cost-benefit of intervention group was evidently higher than that of the control. The integrated control strategy focusing on infection source control brings about triplex benefits in schistosomiasis control, social development (and ecological protection) and economic efficacy, and shows better effects and benefits than the conventional control strategy.

Differential effect of Pistacia vera extracts on experimental atherosclerosis in the rabbit animal model: an experimental study

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background Lipid-enriched diets and oxidative stress are risk factors for the development of atherosclerosis. The effects of the methanolic (ME) and cyclohexane (CHE) extracts of the Pistacia vera nut, often included in the Mediterranean diet, were studied in the rabbit model of atherosclerosis. Methods and results Twenty-four New Zealand White rabbits received atherogenic diet (Control Group), supplemented with ME (Group ME) or CHE (Group CHE) for 3 months. Previously, a GC-MS and a UHPLC LC-DAD-ESI(-)-HRMS/MS method were developed to investigate the extracts' chemical profiles. Blood samples at baseline and monthly determined lipid profile, lipid peroxidation and liver function. The aorta, myocardium and liver were examined histologically at 3 months. Groups ME and CHE had significantly higher HDL- and non-significantly lower LDL-cholesterol median % changes from baseline than the Control Group. Triacylglycerol was significantly higher in Group CHE vs. Control. MDA values were significantly lower in Group ME vs. Control and CHE. ALT and AST were significantly higher in Group CHE vs. Control. γ-GT was lower in Group ME vs. Control. Aortic intimal thickness was significantly less in Groups ME and CHE vs. Control; Group ME atherosclerotic lesions were significantly less extensive vs. Groups Control and CHE. Only Group CHE had significant liver fatty infiltration. Conclusions During short-term administration concomitantly with atherogenic diet, both P. vera extracts were beneficial on HDL-, LDL-cholesterol and aortic intimal thickness. The ME additionally presented an antioxidant effect and significant decrease of aortic surface lesions. These results indicate that P. vera dietary inclusion, in particular its ME, is potentially beneficial in atherosclerosis management. PMID:20633299

Effects of Nordic walking training on exercise capacity and fitness in men participating in early, short-term inpatient cardiac rehabilitation after an acute coronary syndrome--a controlled trial.

PubMed

Kocur, Piotr; Deskur-Smielecka, Ewa; Wilk, Malgorzata; Dylewicz, Piotr

2009-11-01

To investigate the effects of Nordic Walking training supplemental to a standard, early rehabilitation programme on exercise capacity and physical fitness in men after an acute coronary syndrome. A controlled trial. Cardiac rehabilitation service of a provincial hospital. Eighty men 2-3 weeks after an acute coronary syndrome, with good exercise tolerance. Three-week, inpatient cardiac rehabilitation programme (control group) supplemented with Nordic Walking (Nordic Walking group), or with traditional walking training (walking training group). Exercise capacity was assessed as peak energy cost (in metabolic equivalents) in symptom-limited treadmill exercise test, and physical fitness with the Fullerton Functional Fitness Test. Exercise capacity after the rehabilitation programme was higher in the Nordic Walking group than in the control group (10.8 +/- 1.8 versus 9.2 +/- 2.2 metabolic equivalents, P =0.025). The improvement in exercise capacity in the Nordic Walking group was higher than in the control group (1.8 +/- 1.5 versus 0.7 +/- 1.4 metabolic equivalents, P =0.002). In contrast to the control group, the results of all components of the Fullerton test improved in the Nordic Walking and walking training groups. After the programme, lower body endurance, and dynamic balance were significantly better in the Nordic Walking group in comparison with the walking training and control groups, and upper body endurance was significantly better in the Nordic Walking and walking training groups than in the control group. Nordic Walking may improve exercise capacity, lower body endurance and coordination of movements in patients with good exercise tolerance participating in early, short-term rehabilitation after an acute coronary syndrome.

Influence of phytase and xylanase, individually or in combination, on performance, apparent metabolisable energy, digestive tract measurements and gut morphology in broilers fed wheat-based diets containing adequate level of phosphorus.

PubMed

Wu, Y B; Ravindran, V; Thomas, D G; Birtles, M J; Hendriks, W H

2004-02-01

1. The aim of the present study was to examine the influence of microbial phytase and xylanase, individually or in combination, on performance, apparent metabolisable energy, digesta viscosity, digestive tract measurements and gut morphology in broilers fed on wheat-soy diets containing adequate phosphorus (P). The wheat-soy basal diet was formulated to contain 4.5 g/kg non-phytate P and the experimental diets were formulated by supplementing the basal diet with xylanase (1000 xylanase units/kg diet), phytase (500 phytase units/kg diet) or a combination of phytase and xylanase. 2. Supplemental phytase improved the weight gains and feed efficiency by 17.5 and 2.9%, respectively. Corresponding improvements due to the addition of xylanase were 16.5 and 4.9%, respectively. The combination of phytase and xylanase caused no further improvements in broiler performance. 3. Individual additions of xylanase or phytase resulted in numerical improvements in apparent metabolisable energy (AME), but the differences were not significant. The combination of the two enzymes significantly increased AME. Addition of xylanase and the combination of the two enzymes reduced the viscosity of digesta in all sections of the intestine. Phytase supplementation reduced digesta viscosity in the duodenum and ileum, but not in the jejunum. 4. Enzyme supplementation lowered the relative weight and length of the small intestine. Additions of xylanase and phytase reduced the relative weight of the small intestine by 15.5 and 11.4%, respectively, while the corresponding reductions in the relative length of the small intestine were 16.5 and 14.1%, respectively. The combination of phytase and xylanase had no further effects on the relative weight and length of the small intestine compared with the xylanase group. 5. The addition of phytase increased villus height in the duodenum and decreased the number of goblet cells in the jejunum compared with those on the unsupplemented basal diet. Xylanase supplementation tended to increase goblet cell numbers in the duodenum and decreased crypt depth in thejejunum. The combination of phytase and xylanase increased villus height in the ileum and crypt depth in thejejunum and ileum. 6. In summary, the present results showed that the addition of a microbial phytase, produced by solid state fermentation and containing significant activities of beta-glucanase and xylanase, was as effective as xylanase in improving the performance of broiler chickens fed on wheat-based diets containing adequate levels of P. Improved performance with enzyme supplementation was generally associated with reduced digesta viscosity, increased AME, and reduced relative weight and length of small intestine.

Intestinal metabolism of weaned piglets fed a typical United States or European diet with or without supplementation of tributyrin and lactitol.

PubMed

Piva, A; Grilli, E; Fabbri, L; Pizzamiglio, V; Gatta, P P; Galvano, F; Bognanno, M; Fiorentini, L; Woliński, J; Zabielski, R; Patterson, J A

2008-11-01

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of supplementation of a microencapsulated blend of tributyrin and lactitol (TL) to a standard European (EU) diet without antibiotic growth promoters on intestinal metabolism and mucosa development of weaned piglets and to compare it with a standard US diet containing animal proteins, zinc oxide, copper sulfate, and carbadox. Ninety piglets weaned at 21 d were divided into 3 dietary groups consisting of 5 replicates each: 1) US diet supplemented with 55 mg/kg of carbadox, and 2.5% each of plasma proteins and spray-dried blood cells in the first phase, 3,055 mg/kg of Zn in the first and second phases, and 180 mg/kg of Cu in the third phase; 2) EU diet based on vegetable proteins and no antibiotics; and 3) the same EU diet supplemented with 3,000 mg/kg of microencapsulated TL. The study was divided into 3 phases: 0 to 7, 8 to 21, and 22 to 35 d. On d 7, 21, and 35, animals were weighed, and feed consumption and efficiency were determined. On d 14 and 35, one pig per pen was killed, and the intestinal contents and mucosa from the proximal, middle, distal jejunum and the ileum were sampled. Intestinal wall sections were fixed for histological analysis, and intestinal content was used for VFA, ammonia, and polyamine analysis. Throughout the study (d 0 to 35), the US diet had greater ADG and ADFI than the EU diet (P < 0.05). The EU diet supplemented with TL tended to have 11% greater ADG (P = 0.17). Feeding the EU diet caused a reduction in proximal and middle jejunum villi length by 10% (P < 0.05) and an increase in crypt size in proximal jejunum (P < 0.05) compared with the US diet, probably due to an increased rate of cell loss and crypt cell production. The TL supplementation resulted in longer villi along the jejunum and less deep crypts in the proximal jejunum (+15.9 and -8.9%, respectively; P < 0.05) than the unsupplemented EU diet. The TL diet increased the concentrations of cadaverine and putrescine in the small intestine (P < 0.05) and seemed to increase cadaverine, histamine, putrescine, and spermine in the large intestine by 1.5- to 10-fold compared with the US or EU diet. In conclusion, although the US diet had a greater effect on growth performance and mucosal trophic status than the EU diets, the supplementation with slowly released TL seemed to be an effective tool to partially overcome the adverse effects of vegetable protein diets.

The dynamic changes of vaginal microecosystem in patients with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis: a retrospective study of 800 patients.

PubMed

Yue, Xin-Ai; Chen, Ping; Tang, Yuanting; Wu, Xiuli; Hu, Zhengqiang

2015-12-01

Vaginal microecological environment is an important factor of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC). This study was undertaken to investigate dynamic changes of vaginal microecosystem in patients with RVVC. Four hundred patients with VVC and 400 healthy women of reproductive age who admitted to the hospital from January 2012 to December 2013 were evaluated retrospectively. Vaginal microecological factors were evaluated before and after treatment until no recurrence, including vaginal cleanliness, white blood cells, Lactobacillus, Lactobacillus classification, bacteria density, flora diversity, Nugent scores, etc. The grouping was done according to the recurrence of the disease. Every time after treatment, the relapsing patients were defined as case group and the cured patients without recurrence were defined as control group. The differences in the results between the case and the control groups were analyzed by t test. With the development of RVVC, the ages of all case groups were lower than the corresponding control groups. In different stages of the disease, the bacteria density of the case groups and their corresponding control groups had no significant difference (P > 0.05). Most of the microecological indicators of the first occurring group were significantly different (P < 0.05) from that of the control group. In the recurrence groups, only a few indicators were significantly different from the control groups. The values of all vaginal microecological indicators (except Lactobacillus) of all case groups were higher than that of the control groups. The values of Lactobacillus of all RVVC case groups were lower than that of the RVVC control groups. There were vaginal microecological imbalances in all developing stages of RVVC. As for vaginal flora, diverse sorts changed to normal Lactobacillus dominantly with the development of RVVC. In the first occurrence of RVVC, after antifungal treatment, Lactobacillus is suggested to be timely supplemented to restore vaginal microecological balance.

Clinical and virological improvement of hepatitis B virus-related or hepatitis C virus-related chronic hepatitis with concomitant hepatitis A virus infection.

PubMed

Sagnelli, Evangelista; Coppola, Nicola; Pisaturo, Mariantonietta; Pisapia, Raffaella; Onofrio, Mirella; Sagnelli, Caterina; Catuogno, Antonio; Scolastico, Carlo; Piccinino, Felice; Filippini, Pietro

2006-06-01

We evaluated the clinical and virological characteristics of hepatitis A virus infection in persons concomitantly infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV). We enrolled 21 patients with acute hepatitis A and chronic hepatitis with no sign of liver cirrhosis, 13 patients who were positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (case B group), 8 patients who were anti-HCV positive (case C group), and 21 patients with acute hepatitis A without a preexisting liver disease (control A group). Two control groups of patients with chronic hepatitis B (control B group) or C (control C group) were also chosen. All control groups were pair-matched by age and sex with the corresponding case group. Fulminant hepatitis A was never observed, and hepatitis A had a severe course in 1 patient in the case B group and in 1 patient in the control A group. Both patients recovered. On admission, HBV DNA was detected in 1 patient in the case B group (7.7%) and in 13 patients (50%) in the control B group; HCV RNA was found in no patient in the case C group and in 16 patients (81.2%) in the control C group. Of 9 patients in the case B group who were followed up for 6 months, 3 became negative for hepatitis B surface antigen and positive for hepatitis B surface antibody, 2 remained positive for hepatitis B surface antigen and negative for HBV DNA, and 4 became positive for HBV DNA with a low viral load [corrected] Of 6 patients in the case C group who were followed up for 6 months, 3 remained negative for HCV RNA, and 3 had persistently low viral loads. Concomitant hepatitis A was always self-limited, associated with a marked inhibition of HBV and HCV genomes, and possibly had a good prognosis for the underlying chronic hepatitis.

Hypolipidemic Effect of Red Gram (Cajanus cajan L.) Prebiotic Oligosaccharides in Wistar NIN Rats.

PubMed

Shakappa, Devindra; Talari, Aruna; Rajkumar, Hemalatha; Shujauddin, Mohammed

2017-08-24

The hypolipidemic effect of red gram prebiotics of raffinose family oligosaccharides was studied in Wistar National Institute of Nutrition male rat strain. The study consisted of 36 rats randomly divided into three groups of 12 rats each. For 16 weeks, Group I was fed with the control diet; Group II was fed with a diet containing 3% standard raffinose as the reference group; Group III received the diet containing 3% red gram prebiotics. The results showed that the gain in body weight was low in the red gram prebiotics-supplemented group followed by the control group; highest increase of body weight was seen in the raffinose standard-fed group. Serum glucose levels of the red gram prebiotic-fed group decreased 14.92% compared to the control group and increased 2.07% compared to the reference group. The decrease in serum triglycerides (TG) levels of the red gram prebiotic-fed groups was 32.76% compared to the control group and 33.64% compared to the reference group. Decrease in the serum TC of the red gram-fed animals was 18.51% and 4.63% compared to the control group and the reference group, respectively. Increase in the level of serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in the red gram-fed animals was 18.51% compared to the control group and 4.63% compared to the reference group. The present study can be a proof for the use of prebiotics as a preventive measure for overweight and obesity in humans, and legume prebiotics can be explored as a novel prebiotic product in the consumer market.

The effects of good glycaemic control on left ventricular and coronary endothelial functions in patients with poorly controlled Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Erdogan, Dogan; Akcay, Salaheddin; Yucel, Habil; Ersoy, I Hakkı; Icli, Atilla; Kutlucan, Ali; Arslan, Akif; Yener, Mahmut; Ozaydin, Mehmet; Tamer, M Numan

2015-03-01

Diabetics are at risk for developing overt heart failure and subclinical left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Also, impaired coronary flow reserve (CFR) reflecting coronary microvascular dysfunction is common in diabetics. However, no substantial data regarding the effects of good glycaemic control on subclinical LV dysfunction and CFR are available. To investigate whether good glycaemic control had favourable effects on subclinical LV dysfunction and CFR. Prospective, open-label, follow-up study. Diabetics (n = 202) were classified based on baseline HbA1C levels: patients with good (group 1) (<7·0%) and poor glycaemic control (≥7·0%). All patients underwent echocardiographic examination at baseline evaluation, and it was repeated at months 6 and 12. Based on HbA1C levels obtained at month 6, the patients with poor glycaemic control were divided into two groups: achieved (group 2) and not achieved good glycaemic control (group 3). The groups were comparable with respect to diastolic function parameters including left atrium diameter, mitral E/A, Sm , Em /Am , E/E' and Tei index, and these parameters did not significantly change at follow-up in the groups. At baseline, CFR was slightly higher in group 1 than in group 2 and group 3, but it did not reach statistically significant level. At follow-up, CFR remained unchanged in group 1 (P = 0·58) and group 3 (P = 0·86), but increased in group 2 (P = 0·02: month 6 vs baseline and P = 0·004: month 12 vs baseline). Diabetics with poor and good glycaemic control were comparable with respect to echocardiographic parameters reflecting subclinical LV dysfunction, and good glycaemic control did not affect these parameters. However, good glycaemic control improved CFR. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Clinical application of probiotics in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

PubMed

Tonucci, Livia Bordalo; Olbrich Dos Santos, Karina Maria; Licursi de Oliveira, Leandro; Rocha Ribeiro, Sonia Machado; Duarte Martino, Hercia Stampini

2017-02-01

Type 2 diabetes has been associated with dysbiosis and one of the possible routes to restore a healthy gut microbiota is by the regular ingestion of probiotics. We aimed to investigate the effects of probiotics on glycemic control, lipid profile, inflammation, oxidative stress and short chain fatty acids in T2D. In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 50 volunteers consumed daily 120 g/d of fermented milk for 6 wk. Participants were assigned into two groups: probiotic group, consuming fermented milk containing Lactobacillus acidophilus La-5 and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp lactis BB-12 (10 9  colony-forming units/d, each) and control group, consuming conventional fermented milk. Anthropometric measurements, body composition, fasting blood and faecal samples were taken at baseline and after 6 wk. 45 subjects out of 50 (90%) completed follow-up. After 6 wk, there was a significant decrease in fructosamine levels (-9.91 mmol/L; p = 0.04) and hemoglobin A 1 c tended to be lower (-0.67%; p=0.06) in probiotic group. TNF-α and resistin were significantly reduced in probiotic and control groups (-1.5 and -1.3 pg/mL, -.1 and -2.8 ng/mL, respectively), while IL-10 was significantly reduced (- 0.65 pg/mL; p <0.001) only in the control group. Fecal acetic acid was increased in both groups (0.58 and 0.59% in probiotic and control groups, respectively; p <0.01). There was a significant difference between groups concerning mean changes of HbA 1c (+0.31 for control group vs -0.65 for probiotic group; p=0.02), total cholesterol (+0.55 for control group vs -0.15 for probiotic group; p=0.04) and LDL-cholesterol (+0.36 for control group vs -0.20 for probiotic group p=0.03). Probiotic consumption improved the glycemic control in T2D subjects, however, the intake of fermented milk seems to be involved with others metabolic changes, such as decrease in inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and resistin) and increase in the acetic acid. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. All rights reserved.

Diagnostic performance of bone metabolic indexes for the detection of stroke.

PubMed

Tan, Li Ming; Wang, Lu; Chen, Juan-Juan; Li, Hua; Luo, Wen-Bo

2017-01-01

To explore the diagnostic performance of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), parathyroid hormone (PTH), bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP), and osteocalcin (OC) in predicting stroke.  Methods: This retrospective survey was conducted in The Second Affiliated Hospital to Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China. involved 121 cerebral infarction patients and 103 cerebral hemorrhage patients as the experimental groups, 100 volunteers as the healthy control group and 80 brain trauma patients as the disease control group. The 25(OH)D, PTH, BALP, and OC levels of all participants were measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay.  Results: The serum concentration of 25(OH)D in stroke patients was appreciably lower than that of the control groups (p less than 0.05), and subsequently, the deficiency level of 25(OH)D in the stroke population was considerably higher than that of the control groups (p less than 0.05). The serum concentrations of PTH and OC in stroke patients exceeded those found in the control groups (p less than 0.05), and the abnormal level in the stroke patients was also higher than that of the control. Compared with the control group, BALP concentrations in cerebral infarction patients were increased significantly. Additionally, abnormal levels of BALP in stroke patients were found to be higher than those in the control groups. However, concentrations and abnormal levels of BALP in cerebral hemorrhage patients were not found to be significantly different than those found in cerebral infarction and the control groups, There were no substantial differences between the 2 control groups. Conclusion: Lack of 25(OH)D and excessive PTH, BALP, and OC could indicate a high risk of stroke.

[Expression and significance of tumor necrosis factor alpha, matrix metalloproteinase 2 and collagen in skin tissue of pressure ulcer of rats].

PubMed

Wang, X H; Mao, T T; Pan, Y Y; Xie, H H; Zhang, H Y; Xiao, J; Jiang, L P

2016-03-01

To observe the expressions of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) and collagen in local skin tissue of pressure ulcer of rats, and to explore the possible mechanism of the pathogenesis of pressure ulcer. Forty male SD rats were divided into normal control group, 3 d compression group, 5 d compression group, 7 d compression group, and 9 d compression group according to the random number table, with 8 rats in each group. The rats in normal control group did not receive any treatment, whereas the rats in the latter 4 groups were established the deep tissue injury model (3 d compression group) and pressure ulcer model (the other 3 groups) on the gracilis muscle on both hind limbs using a way of cycle compression of ischemia-reperfusion magnet. The rats in 3 d compression group received only three cycles of compression, while the compressed skin of the rats in 5 d compression group, 7 d compression group, and 9 d compression group were cut through and received pressure to 5, 7 and 9 cycles after three cycles of compression, respectively. The rats in 3 d compression group were sacrificed immediately after receiving compression for 3 d (the rats in normal control group were sacrificed at the same time), and the rats in the other 3 groups were respectively sacrificed after receiving compression for 5, 7, and 9 d, and the skin tissue on the central part of gracilis muscle on both hind limbs were harvested. The morphology of the skin tissue was observed with HE staining. The expression of collagen fiber was observed with Masson staining. The expressions of collagen type Ⅳ and MMP-2 were detected by immunohistochemical method. The expressions of TNF-α and phosphorylated NF kappa B (NF-κB) were determined by Western blotting. Data were processed with one-way analysis of variance and LSD test. (1) In normal control group, the skin tissue of rats was stratified squamous epithelium, with the clear skin structure, and there was no obvious infiltration of inflammatory cells. In 3 d compression group, the skin layers of rats were clear, with quite a few fibroblasts, and the inflammatory cells began to infiltrate. In 5 d compression group, 7 d compression group, and 9 d compression group, the epidermis of rats thickened, with the number of fibroblasts reduced, and the infiltration of inflammatory cells enhanced with the compressed time prolonging. (2) In normal control group, the collagen fibers in skin tissue of rats were arranged in order, with rich content. In 3 d compression group, the collagen fibers in skin tissue of rats were arranged orderly, with high expression level, which was similar to that in normal control group (P>0.05). In 5 d compression group and 7 d compression group, the collagen fibers in skin tissue of rats were arranged in disorder, with the expression level gradually reduced, which were significantly lower than that in normal control group (with P values below 0.01). In 9 d compression group, the expression of collagen fiber in skin tissue of rats was a little higher than that in 7 d compression group, but it was still significantly lower than that in normal control group (P<0.01). (3) The expressions of collagen type Ⅳ in skin tissue of rats in normal control group, 3 d compression group, 5 d compression group, 7 d compression group, and 9 d compression group were respectively 11.0±2.8, 9.0±1.7, 8.3±2.8, 5.1±1.8, and 5.4±1.2. The expression of collagen type Ⅳ in skin tissue of rats in 3 d compression group was similar to that in normal control group (P>0.05). The expressions of collagen type Ⅳ in skin tissue of rats in 5 d compression group, 7 d compression group, and 9 d compression group were significantly lower than that in normal control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The expression of MMP-2 in skin tissue of rats in 3 d compression group was similar to that in normal control group (P>0.05). The expressions of MMP-2 in skin tissue of rats in 5 d compression group, 7 d compression group, and 9 d compression group were significantly higher than that in normal control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). (4) The expression of TNF-α in skin tissue of rats in normal control group was 0.48±0.11, and the expressions of TNF-α in skin tissue of rats in 3 d compression group, 5 d compression group, 7 d compression group, and 9 d compression group were respectively 0.84±0.08, 1.13±0.19, 1.34±0.16, and 1.52±0.23, which were all significantly higher than that in normal control group (with P values below 0.01). The expressions of phosphorylated NF-κB in skin tissue of rats in 3 d compression group and 9 d compression group were similar to that in normal control group (with P values above 0.05), and the expressions of phosphorylated NF-κB in skin tissue of rats in 5 d compression group and 7 d compression group were significantly higher than that in normal control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The high expression of MMP-2 and reduction of collagen induced by inflammatory reaction mediated by the high expression of TNF-α in local skin tissue of pressure ulcer of rats may be one of the important reasons for the formation of pressure ulcer.

Stochastic resonance whole-body vibration improves postural control in health care professionals: a worksite randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Elfering, Achim; Schade, Volker; Stoecklin, Lukas; Baur, Simone; Burger, Christian; Radlinger, Lorenz

2014-05-01

Slip, trip, and fall injuries are frequent among health care workers. Stochastic resonance whole-body vibration training was tested to improve postural control. Participants included 124 employees of a Swiss university hospital. The randomized controlled trial included an experimental group given 8 weeks of training and a control group with no intervention. In both groups, postural control was assessed as mediolateral sway on a force plate before and after the 8-week trial. Mediolateral sway was significantly decreased by stochastic resonance whole-body vibration training in the experimental group but not in the control group that received no training (p < .05). Stochastic resonance whole-body vibration training is an option in the primary prevention of balance-related injury at work. Copyright 2014, SLACK Incorporated.

[Health economics analysis of specific immunotherapy in allergic rhinitis accompanied with asthma].

PubMed

Chen, Jianjun; Xiang, Jisheng; Wang, Yanjun; Shi, Qiumei; Tan, Huifang; Kong, Weijia

2013-09-01

To investigate the cost-effectiveness of standardized specific immunotherapy (SIT) for allergic rhinitis patients accompanied with asthma (ARAS) in China. Forty ARAS patients sensitized with house dust mite (HDM) were administered with SIT (SIT group) or merely medicine treatment (control group). Alutard dermatophagoides pteronyssinus vaccine from ALK company was used for immunotherapy. The usage of symptom control medicine was according to the ARIA and GINA guideline. Cost-effectiveness ratio (CER) and Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio(ICER) analysis was conducted. The effectiveness was measured in terms of symptom scores, quality of life, objective improvement of rhinitis and asthma. Sensitive analysis was conducted to verify the stability of the results. The cost of SIT group for 1 year (6578 yuan) was higher than that of control group (1733.3 yuan), while the cost-effectiveness ratio and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of SIT group were significant better than that of control group in all items. CER was 1686.7 yuan in SIT group compared with 3466.6 yuan in control group for nasal symptom scores, 4698.6 yuan in SIT group compared with 5777.8 yuan in control group for asthma symptom scores, 3462.1 yuan in SIT group compared with 8666.7 yuan in control group. The sensitive analysis of the price 10 percent higher or lower showed the same results. The cost-effectiveness of specific immunotherapy (SIT) for mite sensitized ARAS patients was better than that of merely medicine treatment.

The effects of mind-body training on stress reduction, positive affect, and plasma catecholamines.

PubMed

Jung, Ye-Ha; Kang, Do-Hyung; Jang, Joon Hwan; Park, Hye Yoon; Byun, Min Soo; Kwon, Soo Jin; Jang, Go-Eun; Lee, Ul Soon; An, Seung Chan; Kwon, Jun Soo

2010-07-26

This study was designed to assess the association between stress, positive affect and catecholamine levels in meditation and control groups. The meditation group consisted of 67 subjects who regularly engaged in mind-body training of "Brain-Wave Vibration" and the control group consisted of 57 healthy subjects. Plasma catecholamine (norepinephrine (NE), epinephrine (E), and dopamine (DA)) levels were measured, and a modified form of the Stress Response Inventory (SRI-MF) and the Positive Affect and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS) were administered. The meditation group showed higher scores on positive affect (p=.019) and lower scores on stress (p<.001) compared with the control group. Plasma DA levels were also higher in the meditation (p=.031) than in the control group. The control group demonstrated a negative correlation between stress and positive affects (r=-.408, p=.002), whereas this correlation was not observed in the meditation group. The control group showed positive correlations between somatization and NE/E (r=.267, p=.045) and DA/E (r=.271, p=.042) ratios, whereas these correlations did not emerge in the meditation group. In conclusion, these results suggest that meditation as mind-body training is associated with lower stress, higher positive affect and higher plasma DA levels when comparing the meditation group with the control group. Thus, mind-body training may influence stress, positive affect and the sympathetic nervous system including DA activity. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

[The role of physical training in patients after myocardial infarction].

PubMed

Lazović, Milica; Devecerski, Gordana; Lazović, Marko; Zivković, Vesna

2006-01-01

Physical training is an optimal method of rehabilitation of cardiovascular patients, especially in patients with myocardial infarction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of physical training in patients with myocardial infarction during the post-hospital phase and prolonged rehabilitation by determining the test exercise parameters. This prospective clinical study included 230 patients after myocardial infarction. Group A (180 patients) participated in organized forms of exercise (post-hospital rehabilitation and prolonged rehabilitation at home) for 48 +/- 6.4 months, while the control group was without physical training. The first clinical examination and the exercise test were performed in group A after post-hospital rehabilitation and after 191 +/- 16.4 days in the control group. In all patients the last control was performed 48 +/- 6.4 months after myocardial infarction. After the first control, the mean physical workload in group A was significantly higher compared with the control group (p < 0.05). After a 48 month follow-up period the physical workload was significantly higher in group A (p < 0.01), while in the control group a significant increase of workload was not observed (p > 0.05). Comparing the duration of exercise testing, significant differences were found after the first and last control (p < 0.05; p < 0.01, respectively). The double product was significantly higher in group A than in the control group after the first and last control (p < 0.05; p < 0.01, respectively). Prolonged physical training is beneficial for patients after myocardial infarction, because it improves cardiovascular functions and physical work capacity, improves angina threshold and the patient's general health.

Efficacy and Safety of Vildagliptin as an Add-On Therapy in Inadequately Controlled Type 2 Diabetes Patients Treated With Basal Insulin.

PubMed

Saito, Daisuke; Kanazawa, Akio; Shigihara, Nayumi; Sato, Fumihiko; Uchida, Toyoyoshi; Sato, Junko; Goto, Hiromasa; Miyatsuka, Takeshi; Ikeda, Fuki; Ogihara, Takeshi; Ohmura, Chie; Watada, Hirotaka

2017-03-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of vildagliptin as an add-on therapy for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus inadequately controlled with basal insulin. Twenty-four patients treated with basal insulin and oral anti-diabetes drugs were randomly allocated into two groups: the control group (did not receive any add-on drugs) and vildagliptin group (received vildagliptin 100 mg/day for 6 months). The primary outcome was changes in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) from baseline to end of study. Treatment with vildagliptin significantly reduced HbA1c from 8.1±0.7% at baseline to 7.1±0.7% (P < 0.01), while there was no significant change of HbA1c in the control group. Vildagliptin group showed significant reduction of HbA1c compared with control group (-1.0±0.3% vs. 0.2±0.8%, P < 0.01). In addition, vildagliptin group showed a significant increase in 1,5-anhydroglucitol compared with the control group (4.5 ± 3.4 vs. 0.5 ± 4.1 μg/mL, P < 0.05). Mild hypoglycemia was reported in one patient of the vildagliptin group and two patients of the control group. Vildagliptin improved glycemic control without increasing hypoglycemia in Japanese type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with basal insulin treatment and other oral anti-diabetes drugs. This study was registered with UMIN (University Hospital Medical Information Network ID#000010849).

Effect of in-home fortification of complementary feeding on intellectual development of Chinese children.

PubMed

Chen, Chun-Ming; Wang, Yu-Ying; Chang, Su-Ying

2010-04-01

To explore the effect of in-home fortification of complementary feeding on intellectual development of Chinese children aged below 24 months. One thousand and four hundred seventy eight children aged 4-12 months were recruited and divided into study groups (formula 1 group and formula 2 group) and control group. In two study groups, in addition to the usual complementary food, children were fed with a sachet of fortified food supplement each day. Protein and micronutrients were provided in formula 1 group. Formula 2 group had the same energy intake as the formula 1 group . In addition to measurement of physical growth and detection of hemoglobin level, Development Quotient (DQ) or Intelligence Quotient (IQ) was assessed. The DQ of children aged below 24 months was 97.2, 95.5, and 93.8 in formula 1 group, formula 2 group and control group, respectively, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The DQ of children in formula 1 group, formula 2 group, and control group was 92.7, 90.4, and 88.3 respectively in the first follow up showing statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). And, DQ of children in formula 1 group, formula 2 group and control group were 96.7, 94.5, and 93.7 respectively in the second follow up, showing statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). Full-IQ of children in the formula 1 group was 3.1 and 4.5 points higher than that in formula 2 group and in control group respectively. Verbal IQ of children in the formula 1 group was 2.1 and 5 points higher than that in formula 2 group and control group respectively. Performance IQ was 2.5 and 3.1 points higher than that in formula 2 group and control group respectively. All above mentioned comparisons were statistically significant. Fortification of complementary feeding showed persistent effect on intelligence development of young children which could persist to 6 years of age. The critical time for correction of anemia could be under 18 months.

Atypical Femoral Shaft Fractures in Female Bisphosphonate Users Were Associated with an Increased Anterolateral Femoral Bow and a Thicker Lateral Cortex: A Case-Control Study.

PubMed

Jang, Seung Pil; Yeo, Ingwon; So, Sang-Yeon; Kim, Keunbyuel; Moon, Young-Wan; Park, Youn-Soo; Lim, Seung-Jae

2017-01-01

The purpose of our study was to investigate the radiographic characteristics of atypical femoral shaft fractures (AFSFs) in females with a particular focus on femoral bow and cortical thickness. We performed a fracture location-, age-, gender-, and ethnicity-matched case-control study. Forty-two AFSFs in 29 patients and 22 typical osteoporotic femoral shaft fractures in 22 patients were enrolled in AFSF group and control group, respectively. With comparing demographics between two groups, radiographically measured femoral bow and cortical thicknesses of AFSF group were compared with control group. All AFSF patients were females with a mean age of 74.4 years (range, 58-85 years). All had a history of bisphosphonate (BP) use with a mean duration of 7.3 years (range 1-17 years). Femoral bow of AFSF group was significantly higher than control group on both anteroposterior (AP) and lateral radiographs after age correction. Mean femoral bow on an AP radiograph was 12.39° ± 5.38° in AFSF group and 3.97 ± 3.62° in control group ( P < 0.0001). Mean femoral bow on the lateral radiograph was 15.71° ± 5.62° in AFSF group and 10.72° ± 4.61° in control group (after age correction P = 0.003). And cortical thicknesses of AFSF group demonstrated marked disparity between tensile and compressive side of bowed femurs in this study. An adjusted lateral cortical thickness was 10.5 ± 1.4 mm in AFSF group and 8.1 ± 1.3 mm in control group (after age correction P < 0.0001) while medial cortical thickness of AFSF group was not statistically different from control group. Correlation analysis showed that the lateral femoral bow on the AP radiograph was solely related to lateral CTI ( R = 0.378, P = 0.002). AFSFs in female BP users were associated with an increased anterolateral femoral bow and a thicker lateral cortex of femurs.

On the Reporting of Experimental and Control Therapies in Stroke Rehabilitation Trials: A Systematic Review.

PubMed

Lohse, Keith R; Pathania, Anupriya; Wegman, Rebecca; Boyd, Lara A; Lang, Catherine E

2018-03-01

To use the Centralized Open-Access Rehabilitation database for Stroke to explore reporting of both experimental and control interventions in randomized controlled trials for stroke rehabilitation (including upper and lower extremity therapies). The Centralized Open-Access Rehabilitation database for Stroke was created from a search of MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health from the earliest available date to May 31, 2014. A total of 2892 titles were reduced to 514 that were screened by full text. This screening left 215 randomized controlled trials in the database (489 independent groups representing 12,847 patients). Using a mixture of qualitative and quantitative methods, we performed a text-based analysis of how the procedures of experimental and control therapies were described. Experimental and control groups were rated by 2 independent coders according to the Template for Intervention Description and Replication criteria. Linear mixed-effects regression with a random effect of study (groups nested within studies) showed that experimental groups had statistically more words in their procedures (mean, 271.8 words) than did control groups (mean, 154.8 words) (P<.001). Experimental groups had statistically more references in their procedures (mean, 1.60 references) than did control groups (mean, .82 references) (P<.001). Experimental groups also scored significantly higher on the total Template for Intervention Description and Replication checklist (mean score, 7.43 points) than did control groups (mean score, 5.23 points) (P<.001). Control treatments in stroke motor rehabilitation trials are underdescribed relative to experimental treatments. These poor descriptions are especially problematic for "conventional" therapy control groups. Poor reporting is a threat to the internal validity and generalizability of clinical trial results. We recommend authors use preregistered protocols and established reporting criteria to improve transparency. Copyright © 2018 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Effects of glutamine induced heat shock protein 70 overexpression on atrial fibrosis and connexin 43 remodeling in isoprenaline-treated rats].

PubMed

Bao, Hong-Gang; Zhang, Wei-Ze; Ma, Ling; Li, Tao; Wang, Fei; Chen, Yong-Qing

2013-04-01

To explore the effects of glutamine (Gln) induced heat shock protein 70(Hsp70) overexpression on atrial fibrosis and connexin 43 remodeling in isoprenaline(ISO)treated rats and related mechanisms. Forty male SD rats were randomly divided into five groups (n = 8 each group): control group, DMSO group, ISO 5 mg×kg(-1)×d(-1) group (Fibrosis group), ISO 5 mg×kg(-1)×d(-1) + Ala-Gln 0.75 mg×kg(-1)×d(-1) group (Intervention group) and ISO 5 mg×kg(-1)×d(-1) + QUE 100 mg× kg(-1)×d(-1) + Ala-Gln 0.75 mg×kg(-1)×d(-1) + DMSO group (QUE group).Rats were killed after 7 d. The AngII expression in myocardial tissue was detected by radioimmunoassay; myocardial fibrosis was observed by HE staining.Collagen volume fractions were quantified by Masson staining and as the indicators of atrial fibrosis. The expressions of Hsp70, p-JNK1/2/3, c-Jun and Cx43 were determined with immunohistochemical method. AngII content was similar between the control group [(68.51 ± 10.76) pg/L] and DMSO [(71.47 ± 11.49) pg/L] group (P > 0.05), and significantly increased in fibrosis group [(211.25 ± 49.49) pg/L], intervention group [(185.32 ± 54.85) pg/L] and QUE [(189.90 ± 42.12) pg/L] group (P < 0.01 vs. control group). Atrial fibrosis was significantly higher in the fibrosis group [(29.485 ± 9.966)%] and QUE group [(25.060 ± 8.581)%] but not in the intervention group [(7.861 ± 1.867)%] compared to control group [(6.842 ± 1.674)%] and DMSO group [(7.108 ± 1.343)%]. The expression of Hsp70 was similar among the control group (0.160 ± 0.023), DMSO group (0.163 ± 0.022), fibrosis group (0.166 ± 0.028) and QUE (0.168 ± 0.027) group (P > 0.05) while significantly upregulated in the intervention group (0.215 ± 0.018) (P < 0.01 vs. control group). The expressions of p-JNK1/2/3 and c-Jun were similar between control group (0.151 ± 0.016;0.163 ± 0.022) and DMSO group (0.154 ± 0.021;0.164 ± 0.024)(P > 0.05), while significantly upregulated in fibrosis group (0.202 ± 0.025; 0.254 ± 0.044) and QUE group (0.196 ± 0.024; 0.251 ± 0.027) (P < 0.01 vs. control group) but not in intervention group (0.160 ± 0.025; 0.168 ± 0.024)were not changed obviously (P > 0.05 vs. control group). The content of Cx43 was similar between control group and DMSO group (0.231 ± 0.035 vs. 0.220 ± 0.032, P > 0.05), and was linearly distributed in intercalated disc of the cardiomyocytes, however, the content of Cx43 was significantly reduced (P < 0.01) and the Cx43 distribution was disordered in fibrosis group (0.163 ± 0.013) and QUE group (0.165 ± 0.024), while these changes were not found in intervention group. Glutamine could reduce the atrial fibrosis and Cx43 remodeling in isoprenaline-treated rats by up-regulating Hsp70 and inhibiting JNK signaling pathway activation through down-regulating p-JNK1/2/3 and c-Jun expression.

77 FR 6126 - Proposed Information Collection Activity; Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-02-07

... assigned to a treatment group offered participation in HPOG and a control group not offered the opportunity... and control group sample members. It also is necessary to collect data about implementation from... second follow-up survey of both treatment and control group members. This survey will be administered...

Association of Endotoxins and Colon Polyp: A Case-Control Study

PubMed Central

Lee, Kang-Kon

2012-01-01

Endotoxins are known to be associated with the occurrence of various chronic diseases. This study was conducted to investigate the role of endotoxins in the pathogenesis of colon polyps through a case-control study. A total of 145 subjects (74 subjects in the polyp group and 71 subjects in the control group) had undergone a colonoscopy. Age, body mass index (BMI) and endotoxin levels were found to be significantly higher in the polyp group than in the control group. The endotoxin level was still significantly higher in the polyp group than in the control group, even after age and BMI had been adjusted (polyp group 0.108 ± 0.007 EU/mL, control group 0.049 ± 0.008 EU/mL, P < 0.001). In subgroup analysis, the endotoxin level significantly increased in accordance with the number of colon polyps (one-polyp group, 0.088 ± 0.059 EU/mL; two-polyp group, 0.097 ± 0.071 EU/mL; three-or-more-polyp group, 0.149 ± 0.223 EU/mL). The endotoxin levels also significantly increased in groups with tubular adenoma with high-grade dysplasia (hyperplastic polyp group, 0.109 ± 0.121 EU/mL; tubular adenoma with low grade dysplasia group, 0.103 ± 0.059 EU/mL; tubular adenoma with high grade dysplasia group, 2.915 ± 0.072 EU/mL). In conclusion, the serum level of endotoxins is quantitatively correlated with colon polyps. PMID:22969253

Protective effects of Tualang honey on bone structure in experimental postmenopausal rats

PubMed Central

Zaid, Siti Sarah Mohamad; Sulaiman, Siti Amrah; Othman, Nor Hayati; Soelaiman, Ima-Nirwana; Shuid, Ahmad Nazrun; Mohamad, Norazlina; Muhamad, Norliza

2012-01-01

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of Tualang honey on trabecular structure and compare these effects with those of calcium supplementation in ovariectomized rats. METHODS: Forty female, Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups (n = 8): four controls and one test arm. The control arm comprised a baseline control, sham-operated control, ovariectomized control, and ovariectomized calcium-treated rats (receiving 1% calcium in drinking water ad libitum). The test arm was composed of ovariectomized, Tualang honey-treated rats (received 0.2 g/kg body weight of Tualang honey). Both the sham-operated control and ovariectomized control groups received vehicle treatment (deionized water), and the baseline control group was sacrificed without treatment. RESULTS: All rats were orally gavaged daily for six weeks after day one post-surgery. The bone structural analysis of rats in the test arm group showed a significant increase in the bone volume per tissue volume (BV/TV), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th) and trabecular number (Tb.N) and a significant decrease in inter-trabecular space (Tb.Sp) compared with the ovariectomized control group. The trabecular thickness (Tb.Th) in the test arm group was significantly higher compared with the ovariectomized-calcium treated group, and the inter-trabecular space (Tb.Sp) in the test arm group was significantly narrower compared with the ovariectomized-calcium treated group. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, ovariectomized rats that received Tualang honey showed more improvements in trabecular bone structure than the rats that received calcium. PMID:22892923

Protective effects of Tualang honey on bone structure in experimental postmenopausal rats.

PubMed

Zaid, Siti Sarah Mohamad; Sulaiman, Siti Amrah; Othman, Nor Hayati; Soelaiman, Ima-Nirwana; Shuid, Ahmad Nazrun; Mohamad, Norazlina; Muhamad, Norliza

2012-07-01

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of Tualang honey on trabecular structure and compare these effects with those of calcium supplementation in ovariectomized rats. Forty female, Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups (n =8): four controls and one test arm. The control arm comprised a baseline control, sham-operated control, ovariectomized control, and ovariectomized calcium-treated rats (receiving 1% calcium in drinking water ad libitum). The test arm was composed of ovariectomized, Tualang honey-treated rats (received 0.2 g/kg body weight of Tualang honey). Both the sham-operated control and ovariectomized control groups received vehicle treatment (deionized water), and the baseline control group was sacrificed without treatment. All rats were orally gavaged daily for six weeks after day one post-surgery. The bone structural analysis of rats in the test arm group showed a significant increase in the bone volume per tissue volume (BV/TV), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th) and trabecular number (Tb.N) and a significant decrease in inter-trabecular space (Tb.Sp) compared with the ovariectomized control group. The trabecular thickness (Tb.Th) in the test arm group was significantly higher compared with the ovariectomized-calcium treated group, and the inter-trabecular space (Tb.Sp) in the test arm group was significantly narrower compared with the ovariectomized-calcium treated group. In conclusion, ovariectomized rats that received Tualang honey showed more improvements in trabecular bone structure than the rats that received calcium.

Effects of dietary uridine 5'-monophosphate on immune responses in newborn calves.

PubMed

Mashiko, T; Nagafuchi, S; Kanbe, M; Obara, Y; Hagawa, Y; Takahashi, T; Katoh, K

2009-03-01

When compared with normal milk, bovine colostrum contains a large amount of uridine 5'-monophosphate (UMP) and its derivatives. In the present study, we carried out 2 experiments to determine the effects of dietary UMP (2 g/d) on the immune status of newborn calves. In Exp. 1, newborn Holstein bull calves were fed milk replacer alone (control group) or milk replacer supplemented with UMP (UMP group) from d 4 to 10 after birth. The increase in interferon-gamma concentration by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) on d 24 tended to be greater in the UMP group than in the control group (P = 0.06). The IgA concentration of the ileal mucosa was greater in the UMP group than in the control group (P < 0.05), although there was no difference between groups in the jejunal mucosa. In Exp. 2, newborn Holstein bull calves were fed milk replacer alone (control group) or milk replacer supplemented with UMP (UMP group) from d 4 to 56 after birth. The proliferation of PBMC was greater in the UMP group than in the control group on d 14, 28, and 42 (P < 0.01). The increase in interferon-gamma concentration by PBMC was greater in the UMP group than in the control group on d 28 and 42 (P < 0.05). From these results, we concluded that dietary UMP affected the immune responses of newborn calves.

[Clinical efficacy of special effect san xiao decoction on type 2 diabetes mellitus].

PubMed

Li, Zhi-Qiang; Chang, Hong-Juan; Sang, Wen-Feng

2013-01-01

To investigate the clinical efficacies of the special effect San Xiao decoction on type 2 diabetes mellitus and its impact on inflammatory factors. 116 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were randomly divided into control group and observation group from Aug. 2010 to Aug. 2012, and each group had 58 cases. Both of the two groups were given the conventional basic treatment and 0.5 g/time, oral, 2 times/d of metformin. The observation group was received 1 dose/d of special effect San Xiao decoction on the basis of the basic treatment, and the treatment course was 12 weeks. The fasting blood glucose (FBG), 2h postprandial blood glucose (PBG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-6 ( IL-6) and c-reactive protein (CRP) were observed after the treatment. The FBG, PBG, HbA1c and insulin sensitive index (ISI) of the observation group were better than those of the control group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01); BMI and body weight of the observation group were lower than those of the control group (P < 0.05); The blood sugar control effect of the observation group was better than that of the control group (P < 0.05); The hypoglycemia incidence of the observation group was lower than that of the control group (P < 0.01); TNF-alpha, IL-6 and CRP of the observation group were lower than those of the control group (P < 0.01). The clinical efficacy of the special effect San Xiao decoction on type 2 diabetes mellitus is significant, it has the role of alleviating inflammatory response for diabetes and it also has less adverse reactions, which is worth to be applied in clinical.

Glutamine prevents oxidative stress in a model of portal hypertension.

PubMed

Zabot, Gilmara Pandolfo; Carvalhal, Gustavo Franco; Marroni, Norma Possa; Licks, Francielli; Hartmann, Renata Minuzzo; da Silva, Vinícius Duval; Fillmann, Henrique Sarubbi

2017-07-07

To evaluate the protective effects of glutamine in a model of portal hypertension (PH) induced by partial portal vein ligation (PPVL). Male Wistar rats were housed in a controlled environment and were allowed access to food and water ad libitum . Twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided into four experimental groups: (1) control group (SO) - rats underwent exploratory laparotomy; (2) control + glutamine group (SO + G) - rats were subjected to laparotomy and were treated intraperitoneally with glutamine; (3) portal hypertension group (PPVL) - rats were subjected to PPVL; and (4) PPVL + glutamine group (PPVL + G) - rats were treated intraperitoneally with glutamine for seven days. Local injuries were determined by evaluating intestinal segments for oxidative stress using lipid peroxidation and the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) after PPVL. Lipid peroxidation of the membrane was increased in the animals subjected to PH ( P < 0.01). However, the group that received glutamine for seven days after the PPVL procedure showed levels of lipid peroxidation similar to those of the control groups ( P > 0.05). The activity of the antioxidant enzyme GTx was decreased in the gut of animals subjected to PH compared with that in the control group of animals not subjected to PH ( P < 0.01). However, the group that received glutamine for seven days after the PPVL showed similar GTx activity to both the control groups not subjected to PH ( P > 0.05). At least 10 random, non-overlapping images of each histological slide with 200 × magnification (44 pixel = 1 μm) were captured. The sum means of all areas, of each group were calculated. The mean areas of eNOS staining for both of the control groups were similar. The PPVL group showed the largest area of staining for eNOS. The PPVL + G group had the second highest amount of staining, but the mean value was much lower than that of the PPVL group ( P < 0.01). For iNOS, the control (SO) and control + G (SO + G) groups showed similar areas of staining. The PPVL group contained the largest area of iNOS staining, followed by the PPVL + G group; however, this area was significantly smaller than that of the group that underwent PH without glutamine ( P < 0.01). Treatment with glutamine prevents gut mucosal injury after PH in rats.

Comparing the fermentation performance of Escherichia coli KO11, Saccharomyces cerevisiae 424A(LNH-ST) and Zymomonas mobilis AX101 for cellulosic ethanol production

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background Fermentations using Escherichia coli KO11, Saccharomyces cerevisiae 424A(LNH-ST), and Zymomonas mobilis AX101 are compared side-by-side on corn steep liquor (CSL) media and the water extract and enzymatic hydrolysate from ammonia fiber expansion (AFEX)-pretreated corn stover. Results The three ethanologens are able produce ethanol from a CSL-supplemented co-fermentation at a metabolic yield, final concentration and rate greater than 0.42 g/g consumed sugars, 40 g/L and 0.7 g/L/h (0-48 h), respectively. Xylose-only fermentation of the tested ethanologenic bacteria are five to eight times faster than 424A(LNH-ST) in the CSL fermentation. All tested strains grow and co-ferment sugars at 15% w/v solids loading equivalent of ammonia fiber explosion (AFEX)-pretreated corn stover water extract. However, both KO11 and 424A(LNH-ST) exhibit higher growth robustness than AX101. In 18% w/w solids loading lignocellulosic hydrolysate from AFEX pretreatment, complete glucose fermentations can be achieved at a rate greater than 0.77 g/L/h. In contrast to results from fermentation in CSL, S. cerevisiae 424A(LNH-ST) consumed xylose at the greatest extent and rate in the hydrolysate compared to the bacteria tested. Conclusions Our results confirm that glucose fermentations among the tested strains are effective even at high solids loading (18% by weight). However, xylose consumption in the lignocellulosic hydrolysate is the major bottleneck affecting overall yield, titer or rate of the process. In comparison, Saccharomyces cerevisiae 424A(LNH-ST) is the most relevant strains for industrial production for its ability to ferment both glucose and xylose from undetoxified and unsupplemented hydrolysate from AFEX-pretreated corn stover at high yield. PMID:20507563

Expression of human inducible nitric oxide synthase in a tetrahydrobiopterin (H4B)-deficient cell line: H4B promotes assembly of enzyme subunits into an active dimer.

PubMed Central

Tzeng, E; Billiar, T R; Robbins, P D; Loftus, M; Stuehr, D J

1995-01-01

Murine inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase (iNOS) is catalytically active only in dimeric form. Assembly of its purified subunits into a dimer requires H4B. To understand the structure-activity relationships of human iNOS, we constitutively expressed recombinant human iNOS in NIH 3T3 cells by using a retroviral vector. These cells are deficient in de novo H4B biosynthesis and the role of H4B in the expression and assembly of active iNOS in an intact cell system could be studied. In the absence of added H4B, NO synthesis by the cells was minimal, whereas cells grown with supplemental H4B or the H4B precursor sepiapterin generated NO (74.1 and 63.3 nmol of nitrite per 10(6) cells per 24 h, respectively). NO synthesis correlated with an increase in intracellular H4B but no increase in iNOS protein. Instead, an increased percentage of dimeric iNOS was observed, rising from 20% in cytosols from unsupplemented cells to 66% in H4B-supplemented cell cytosols. In all cases, only dimeric iNOS displayed catalytic activity. Cytosols prepared from H4B-deficient cells exhibited little iNOS activity but acquired activity during a 60- to 120-min incubation with H4B, reaching final activities of 60-72 pmol of citrulline per mg of protein per min. Reconstitution of cytosolic NO synthesis activity was associated with conversion of monomers into dimeric iNOS during the incubation. Thus, human iNOS subunits dimerize to form an active enzyme, and H4B plays a critical role in promoting dimerization in intact cells. This reveals a post-translational mechanism by which intracellular H4B can regulate iNOS expression. Images Fig. 1 Fig. 3 Fig. 4 Fig. 5 PMID:8524846

The dynamics and regulation of mesenchymal cell fusion in the sea urchin embryo.

PubMed

Hodor, P G; Ettensohn, C A

1998-07-01

Cell-cell fusion occurs in a wide variety of developmental contexts, yet the mechanisms involved are just beginning to be elucidated. In the sea urchin embryo, primary mesenchyme cells (PMCs) fuse to form syncytial filopodial cables within which skeletal spicules are deposited. Taking advantage of the optical transparency and ease of micromanipulation of sea urchin embryos, we have developed methods for directly observing the dynamics of PMC fusion in vivo. A fraction of the PMCs was labeled with fluorescent dextran and transfer of the dye to unlabeled PMCs was followed by time-lapse, fluorescence microscopy. Fusion was first detected about 2 h after PMCs began to migrate within the blastocoel. Fusion proceeded in parallel with the assembly of the PMC ring pattern and was complete by the early gastrula stage. The formation of a single, extensive PMC syncytium was confirmed by DiI labeling of fixed embryos. When single micromeres were isolated and cultured in unsupplemented seawater, they divided and their progeny underwent fusion. This shows that the capacity to fuse is autonomously programmed in the micromere-PMC lineage by the 16-cell stage. PMC transplantations at late embryonic stages revealed that these cells remain fusion-competent long after their fusion is complete. At late stages, other mesenchyme cells (blastocoelar cells) are also present within the blastocoel and are migrating and fusing with one another. Fusion-competent blastocoelar cells and PMCs come into contact but do not fuse with one another, indicating that these two cell types fuse by distinct mechanisms. When secondary mesenchyme cells convert to a skeletogenic fate they alter their fusogenic properties and join the PMC syncytium, as shown by transfer of fluorescent dextran. Our analysis has provided a detailed picture of the cellular basis and regulation of mesodermal cell fusion and has important implications regarding molecular mechanisms that underlie fusion.

Improvement of FK506 Production in the High-Yielding Strain Streptomyces sp. RM7011 by Engineering the Supply of Allylmalonyl-CoA Through a Combination of Genetic and Chemical Approach.

PubMed

Mo, SangJoon; Lee, Sung-Kwon; Jin, Ying-Yu; Suh, Joo-Won

2016-02-01

FK506, a widely used immunosuppressant, is a 23-membered polyketide macrolide that is produced by several Streptomyces species. FK506 high-yielding strain Streptomyces sp. RM7011 was developed from the discovered Streptomyces sp. KCCM 11116P by random mutagenesis in our previous study. The results of transcript expression analysis showed that the transcription levels of tcsA, B, C, and D were increased in Streptomyces sp. RM7011 by 2.1-, 3.1-, 3.3-, and 4.1- fold, respectively, compared with Streptomyces sp. KCCM 11116P. The overexpression of tcsABCD genes in Streptomyces sp. RM7011 gave rise to approximately 2.5-fold (238.1 μg/ml) increase in the level of FK506 production compared with that of Streptomyces sp. RM7011. When vinyl pentanoate was added into the culture broth of Streptomyces sp. RM7011, the level of FK506 production was approximately 2.2-fold (207.7 μg/ml) higher than that of the unsupplemented fermentation. Furthermore, supplementing the culture broth of Streptomyces sp. RM7011 expressing tcsABCD genes with vinyl pentanoate resulted in an additional 1.7-fold improvement in the FK506 titer (498.1 μg/ml) compared with that observed under nonsupplemented condition. Overall, the level of FK506 production was increased approximately 5.2-fold by engineering the supply of allylmalonyl-CoA in the high-yielding strain Streptomyces sp. RM7011, using a combination of overexpressing tcsABCD genes and adding vinyl pentanoate, as compared with Streptomyces sp. RM7011 (95.3 μg/ml). Moreover, among the three precursors analyzed, pentanoate was the most effective precursor, supporting the highest titer of FK506 in the FK506 high-yielding strain Streptomyces sp. RM7011.

Contrasting denitrifier communities relate to contrasting N2O emission patterns from acidic peat soils in arctic tundra

PubMed Central

Palmer, Katharina; Biasi, Christina; Horn, Marcus A

2012-01-01

Cryoturbated peat circles (that is, bare surface soil mixed by frost action; pH 3–4) in the Russian discontinuous permafrost tundra are nitrate-rich ‘hotspots' of nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions in arctic ecosystems, whereas adjacent unturbated peat areas are not. N2O was produced and subsequently consumed at pH 4 in unsupplemented anoxic microcosms with cryoturbated but not in those with unturbated peat soil. Nitrate, nitrite and acetylene stimulated net N2O production of both soils in anoxic microcosms, indicating denitrification as the source of N2O. Up to 500 and 10 μ nitrate stimulated denitrification in cryoturbated and unturbated peat soils, respectively. Apparent maximal reaction velocities of nitrite-dependent denitrification were 28 and 18 nmol N2O gDW−1 h−1, for cryoturbated and unturbated peat soils, respectively. Barcoded amplicon pyrosequencing of narG, nirK/nirS and nosZ (encoding nitrate, nitrite and N2O reductases, respectively) yielded ≈49 000 quality-filtered sequences with an average sequence length of 444 bp. Up to 19 species-level operational taxonomic units were detected per soil and gene, many of which were distantly related to cultured denitrifiers or environmental sequences. Denitrification-associated gene diversity in cryoturbated and in unturbated peat soils differed. Quantitative PCR (inhibition-corrected per DNA extract) revealed higher copy numbers of narG in cryoturbated than in unturbated peat soil. Copy numbers of nirS were up to 1000 × higher than those of nirK in both soils, and nirS nirK−1 copy number ratios in cryoturbated and unturbated peat soils differed. The collective data indicate that the contrasting N2O emission patterns of cryoturbated and unturbated peat soils are associated with contrasting denitrifier communities. PMID:22134649

Flavanol-Enriched Cocoa Powder Alters the Intestinal Microbiota, Tissue and Fluid Metabolite Profiles, and Intestinal Gene Expression in Pigs.

PubMed

Jang, Saebyeol; Sun, Jianghao; Chen, Pei; Lakshman, Sukla; Molokin, Aleksey; Harnly, James M; Vinyard, Bryan T; Urban, Joseph F; Davis, Cindy D; Solano-Aguilar, Gloria

2016-04-01

Consumption of cocoa-derived polyphenols has been associated with several health benefits; however, their effects on the intestinal microbiome and related features of host intestinal health are not adequately understood. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of eating flavanol-enriched cocoa powder on the composition of the gut microbiota, tissue metabolite profiles, and intestinal immune status. Male pigs (5 mo old, 28 kg mean body weight) were supplemented with 0, 2.5, 10, or 20 g flavanol-enriched cocoa powder/d for 27 d. Metabolites in serum, urine, the proximal colon contents, liver, and adipose tissue; bacterial abundance in the intestinal contents and feces; and intestinal tissue gene expression of inflammatory markers and Toll-like receptors (TLRs) were then determined. O-methyl-epicatechin-glucuronide conjugates dose-dependently increased (P< 0.01) in the urine (35- to 204-fold), serum (6- to 186-fold), and adipose tissue (34- to 1144-fold) of pigs fed cocoa powder. The concentration of 3-hydroxyphenylpropionic acid isomers in urine decreased as the dose of cocoa powder fed to pigs increased (75-85%,P< 0.05). Compared with the unsupplemented pigs, the abundance ofLactobacillusspecies was greater in the feces (7-fold,P= 0.005) and that ofBifidobacteriumspecies was greater in the proximal colon contents (9-fold,P= 0.01) in pigs fed only 20 or 10 g cocoa powder/d, respectively. Moreover, consumption of cocoa powder reducedTLR9gene expression in ileal Peyer's patches (67-80%,P< 0.05) and mesenteric lymph nodes (43-71%,P< 0.05) of pigs fed 2.5-20 g cocoa powder/d compared with pigs not supplemented with cocoa powder. This study demonstrates that consumption of cocoa powder by pigs can contribute to gut health by enhancing the abundance ofLactobacillusandBifidobacteriumspecies and modulating markers of localized intestinal immunity. © 2016 American Society for Nutrition.

Flavanol-Enriched Cocoa Powder Alters the Intestinal Microbiota, Tissue and Fluid Metabolite Profiles, and Intestinal Gene Expression in Pigs1234

PubMed Central

Jang, Saebyeol; Sun, Jianghao; Chen, Pei; Lakshman, Sukla; Molokin, Aleksey; Harnly, James M; Vinyard, Bryan T; Urban, Joseph F; Davis, Cindy D; Solano-Aguilar, Gloria

2016-01-01

Background: Consumption of cocoa-derived polyphenols has been associated with several health benefits; however, their effects on the intestinal microbiome and related features of host intestinal health are not adequately understood. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the effects of eating flavanol-enriched cocoa powder on the composition of the gut microbiota, tissue metabolite profiles, and intestinal immune status. Methods: Male pigs (5 mo old, 28 kg mean body weight) were supplemented with 0, 2.5, 10, or 20 g flavanol-enriched cocoa powder/d for 27 d. Metabolites in serum, urine, the proximal colon contents, liver, and adipose tissue; bacterial abundance in the intestinal contents and feces; and intestinal tissue gene expression of inflammatory markers and Toll-like receptors (TLRs) were then determined. Results: O-methyl-epicatechin-glucuronide conjugates dose-dependently increased (P < 0.01) in the urine (35- to 204-fold), serum (6- to 186-fold), and adipose tissue (34- to 1144-fold) of pigs fed cocoa powder. The concentration of 3-hydroxyphenylpropionic acid isomers in urine decreased as the dose of cocoa powder fed to pigs increased (75–85%, P < 0.05). Compared with the unsupplemented pigs, the abundance of Lactobacillus species was greater in the feces (7-fold, P = 0.005) and that of Bifidobacterium species was greater in the proximal colon contents (9-fold, P = 0.01) in pigs fed only 20 or 10 g cocoa powder/d, respectively. Moreover, consumption of cocoa powder reduced TLR9 gene expression in ileal Peyer’s patches (67–80%, P < 0.05) and mesenteric lymph nodes (43–71%, P < 0.05) of pigs fed 2.5–20 g cocoa powder/d compared with pigs not supplemented with cocoa powder. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that consumption of cocoa powder by pigs can contribute to gut health by enhancing the abundance of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species and modulating markers of localized intestinal immunity. PMID:26936136

[Effect of manual cleaning and machine cleaning for dental handpiece].

PubMed

Zhou, Xiaoli; Huang, Hao; He, Xiaoyan; Chen, Hui; Zhou, Xiaoying

2013-08-01

Comparing the dental handpiece' s cleaning effect between manual cleaning and machine cleaning. Eighty same contaminated dental handpieces were randomly divided into experimental group and control group, each group contains 40 pieces. The experimental group was treated by full automatic washing machine, and the control group was cleaned manually. The cleaning method was conducted according to the operations process standard, then ATP bioluminescence was used to test the cleaning results. Average relative light units (RLU) by ATP bioluminescence detection were as follows: Experimental group was 9, control group was 41. The two groups were less than the recommended RLU value provided by the instrument manufacturer (RLU < or = 45). There was significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05). The cleaning quality of the experimental group was better than that of control group. It is recommended that the central sterile supply department should clean dental handpieces by machine to ensure the cleaning effect and maintain the quality.

[The improvement of mixed human serum-induced anaphylactic reaction death model in guinea pigs].

PubMed

Chen, Jiong-Yuan; Lai, Yue; Li, Dang-Ri; Yue, Xia; Wang, Hui-Jun

2012-12-01

To increase the death rate of fatal anaphylaxis in guinea pigs and the detectahie level of the tryptase of mast cell in hlood serum. Seventy-four guinea pigs were randomly divided into five groups: original model group, original model control group, improved model group, improved model control group, improved model with non-anaphylaxis group. Using mixed human serum as the allergen, the way of injection, sensitization and induction were improved. ELISA was used to detect the serum mast cell tryptase and total IgE in guinea pigs of each group. The death rate of fatal anaphylaxis in original model group was 54.2% with the different degree of hemopericardium. The severe pericardial tamponade appeared in 9 guinea pigs in original model group and original model control group. The death rate of fatal anaphylaxis in improved model group was 75% without pericardial tamponade. The concentration of the serum total IgE showed no statistically difference hetween original model group and original model control group (P > 0.05), hut the serum mast cell tryptase level was higher in the original model group than that in the original model control group (P > 0.05). The concentration of the serum total IgE and the serum mast cell tryptase level were significantly higher in improved model group than that in the improved model control group (P < 0.05). The death rate of the improved model significantly increases, which can provide effective animal model for the study of serum total IgE and mast cell tryptase.

[THERAPEUTIC AND DIETARY CORRECTION OF PROTEIN-ENERGY DEFICIENCY WITH A DRY PROTEIN COMPOSITE FORMULA IN PATIENTS WITH PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS IN A TUBERCULOSIS HOSPITAL].

PubMed

2010-01-01

The time course of changes in the degree of tuberculous intoxication syndrome (scores), body mass deficiency (body mass index), routine clinical X-ray data on 300 first detected patients with tuberculosis treated at the Regional Clinical Tuberculosis Hospital (n = 160) and the clinic of the I. M. Sechenov Moscow Medical Academy (n = 140) was assessed to evaluate the efficiency of using a dry protein composite formula in the package of therapeutic measures in inpatients with pulmonary tuberculosis. A study group included 200 patients whose basic diet comprised the dry protein composite formula DISOO Nutrinor. A control group consisted of 100 patients receiving standard antituberculosis treatment and basic diet without using the above formula. In the vast majority of study group patients (n = 152), intoxication symptoms substantially reduced 1.6 months after the start of treatment whereas this occurred noticeably later (following 2.5 months) in the control group (n = 80). Better positive changes in weight gain were found during dietary therapy with the dry protein composite formula in the study group than in the control group. During correction of a dietary protein component, the monthly body weight gain in the study group was 2.2 kg on average greater than that in the control group. The study group patients were also found to have a more significant resolution of infiltrative and focal lung changes on control X-ray studies than the control patients. Also, the study group patients showed a trend for more frequent cessation of bacterial excretion than did the controls. The rate of adverse reactions to chemotherapy was 5% (10 subjects) in the study group and thrice higher than that in the control group (15%, 15 subjects) in the control group. The findings prove the efficiency and urgency of correction of protein-energy deficiency in patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis, by supplementing the dry protein composite formula to the basic diet.

Compared with what? An analysis of control-group types in Cochrane and Campbell reviews of psychosocial treatment efficacy with substance use disorders.

PubMed

Karlsson, Patrik; Bergmark, Anders

2015-03-01

A crucial, but under-appreciated, aspect in experimental research on psychosocial treatments of substance use disorders concerns what kinds of control groups are used. This paper examines how the distinction between different control-group designs have been handled by the Cochrane and the Campbell Collaborations in their systematic reviews of psychosocial treatments of substance abuse disorders. We assessed Cochrane and Campbell reviews (n = 8) that were devoted to psychosocial treatments of substance use disorders. We noted what control groups were considered and analysed the extent to which the reviews provided a rationale for chosen comparison conditions. We also analysed whether type of control group in the primary studies influenced how the reviews framed the effects discussed and whether this was related to conclusions drawn. The reviews covered studies involving widely different control conditions. Overall, little attention was paid to the use of different control groups (e.g. head-to-head comparisons versus untreated controls) and what this implies when interpreting effect sizes. Seven of eight reviews did not provide a rationale for the choice of comparison conditions. Cochrane and Campbell reviews of the efficacy of psychosocial interventions with substance use disorders seem to underappreciate that the use of different control-group types yields different effect estimates. Most reviews have not distinguished between different control-group designs and therefore have provided a confused picture regarding absolute and relative treatment efficacy. A systematic approach to treating different control-group designs in research reviews is necessary for meaningful estimates of treatment efficacy. © 2014 The Authors. Addiction published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society for the Study of Addiction.

Independent exercise for glottal incompetence to improve vocal problems and prevent aspiration pneumonia in the elderly: a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Fujimaki, Yoko; Tsunoda, Koichi; Kobayashi, Rika; Tonghyo, Chong; Tanaka, Fujinobu; Kuroda, Hiroyuki; Numata, Tsutomu; Ishii, Toyota; Kuroda, Reiko; Masuda, Sawako; Hashimoto, Sho; Misawa, Hayato; Shindo, Naoko; Mori, Takahiro; Mori, Hiroko; Uchiyama, Naoki; Kamei, Yuichirou; Tanaka, Masashi; Hamaya, Hironobu; Funatsuki, Shingo; Usui, Satoko; Ito, Ikuno; Hamada, Kohei; Shindo, Akihito; Tokumaru, Yutaka; Morita, Yoko; Ueha, Rumi; Nito, Takaharu; Kikuta, Shu; Sekimoto, Sotaro; Kondo, Kenji; Sakamoto, Takashi; Itoh, Kenji; Yamasoba, Tatsuya; Matsumoto, Sumio

2017-08-01

To evaluate the effect of a self-controlled vocal exercise in elderly people with glottal closure insufficiency. Parallel-arm, individual randomized controlled trial. Patients who visited one of 10 medical centers under the National Hospital Organization group in Japan for the first time, aged 60 years or older, complaining of aspiration or hoarseness, and endoscopically confirmed to have glottal closure insufficiency owing to vocal cord atrophy, were enrolled in this study. They were randomly assigned to an intervention or a control group. The patients of the intervention group were given guidance and a DVD about a self-controlled vocal exercise. The maximum phonation time which is a measure of glottal closure was evaluated, and the number of patients who developed pneumonia during the six months was compared between the two groups. Of the 543 patients enrolled in this trial, 259 were allocated into the intervention group and 284 into the control; 60 of the intervention group and 75 of the control were not able to continue the trial. A total of 199 patients (age 73.9 ±7.25 years) in the intervention group and 209 (73.3 ±6.68 years) in the control completed the six-month trial. Intervention of the self-controlled vocal exercise extended the maximum phonation time significantly ( p < 0.001). There were two hospitalizations for pneumonia in the intervention group and 18 in the control group, representing a significant difference ( p < 0.001). The self-controlled vocal exercise allowed patients to achieve vocal cord adduction and improve glottal closure insufficiency, which reduced the rate of hospitalization for pneumonia significantly. gov Identifier-UMIN000015567.

Clinical usefulness of the virtual reality-based postural control training on the gait ability in patients with stroke.

PubMed

Park, Yu-Hyung; Lee, Chi-Ho; Lee, Byoung-Hee

2013-01-01

This study is a single blind randomized controlled trial to determine the effect of virtual reality-based postural control training on the gait ability in patients with chronic stroke. Sixteen subjects were randomly assigned to either experimental group (VR, n= 8) or control group (CPT, n= 8). Subjects in both groups received conventional physical therapy for 60 min per day, five days per week during a period of four weeks. Subjects in the VR group received additional augmented reality-based training for 30 min per day, three days per week during a period of four weeks. The subjects were evaluated one week before and after participating in a four week training and follow-up at one month post-training. Data derived from the gait analyses included spatiotemporal gait parameters, 10 meters walking test (10 mWT). In the gait parameters, subjects in the VR group showed significant improvement, except for cadence at post-training and follow-up within the experimental group. However, no obvious significant improvement was observed within the control group. In between group comparisons, the experimental group (VR group) showed significantly greater improvement only in stride length compared with the control group (P< 0.05), however, no significant difference was observed in other gait parameters. In conclusion, we demonstrate significant improvement in gait ability in chronic stroke patients who received virtual reality based postural control training. These findings suggest that virtual reality (VR) postural control training using real-time information may be a useful approach for enhancement of gait ability in patients with chronic stroke.

Visual indices of motor vehicle drivers in relation to road safety in Nigeria.

PubMed

Emerole, C G; Nneli, R O

2013-06-30

This study assessed the visual profile of motor vehicle drivers in Owerri, Nigeria and to analyse the relationship between the various aspects of visual function in relation to road safety. A cross-sectional descriptive study of 150 commercial vehicles drivers and 130 private vehicles drivers was conducted between November 2005 and February 2006. Data were obtained using structured interviewer administered questionnaires and clinical examination was done. Standards procedures were used to determine visual indices. Data from the better eye (eye with a better visual acuity according to international and national standards) were reported, except in the analysis of near vision of the respondents. Twenty percent of the study group had normal visual acuity of ≥6/6 compared with 46.2% in the control group. The tonometric value in 88.0% and 93.1% of study and control groups respectively was less than 24mmHg. Both groups (96.8%) had normal confrontation visual field while 95.3% of study group and 97.7% of control group had normal colour vision. The most prevailing eye conditions that may reduce visual acuity were pterygium (51.3% in study group and 13.8% in the control group), retinopathy (16.7% of study group and 6.2% of control group) and glaucoma (12.0% and 6.9% of study and control groups respectively). Nineteen percent of the study group had regular eye examination compared with 38.5% in the control group. Alcohol consumption was 64.7% in the study group and 32.3% in the control group. Most of the commercial motor drivers in Owerri, Nigeria did not meet the Federal Road Safety Commission visual acuity standard for commercial motor drivers. Visual impairments and poor visibility are strongly associated with RTA among Nigerian motor vehicle drivers. Visual acuity and visual health care were poor among commercial motor drivers. There is need for renewed efforts to enforce a compulsory periodic visual examination for drivers, and to ensure that visual requirements for driving are met.

Effect of Oral Administration of Bromelain on Postoperative Discomfort After Third Molar Surgery.

PubMed

Ghensi, Paolo; Cucchi, Alessandro; Creminelli, Luca; Tomasi, Cristiano; Zavan, Barbara; Maiorana, Carlo

2017-03-01

The purpose of this prospective randomized controlled clinical trial was to evaluate the effect of oral administration of bromelain on discomfort after mandibular third molar surgery. Eighty-four consecutive patients requiring surgical removal of a single mandibular impacted third molar under local anesthesia were randomly assigned to receiving no drug (control group, Group A), postoperative 40 mg bromelain every 6 hours for 6 days (Group B), preoperative 4 mg dexamethasone sodium phosphate as a submucosal injection (Group C), and preoperative 4 mg dexamethasone sodium phosphate as a submucosal injection plus postoperative 40 mg bromelain every 6 hours for 6 days (Group D). Standardized surgical and analgesic protocols were adopted. Maximum interincisal distance and facial contours were measured at baseline and on postoperative days 2 and 7. Pain was measured objectively by counting the number of analgesic tablets required. Patient perception of the severity of symptoms was assessed with a follow-up questionnaire (PoSSe scale). On postoperative day 2, there was a statistically significant reduction in facial edema in both Groups C and D compared with the control group, but no statistically significant differences were observed between Group B and the control group. At evaluation on postoperative day 7, Group D showed a statistically significant reduction in postoperative swelling compared with the control group. The combined use of bromelain and dexamethasone (Group D) induced a statistically significant reduction in the total number of analgesic tablets taken after surgery compared with the control group. The treatment groups had a limited, nonsignificant effect on trismus when compared with the control group. Bromelain used singly showed moderate anti-inflammatory efficacy, reducing postoperative swelling, albeit not to any significant extent compared with no drug administration. The combined use of bromelain and dexamethasone sodium phosphate yielded the best results in terms of control of postoperative discomfort.

Combining matched and unmatched control groups in case-control studies.

PubMed

le Cessie, Saskia; Nagelkerke, Nico; Rosendaal, Frits R; van Stralen, Karlijn J; Pomp, Elisabeth R; van Houwelingen, Hans C

2008-11-15

Multiple control groups in case-control studies are used to control for different sources of confounding. For example, cases can be contrasted with matched controls to adjust for multiple genetic or unknown lifestyle factors and simultaneously contrasted with an unmatched population-based control group. Inclusion of different control groups for a single exposure analysis yields several estimates of the odds ratio, all using only part of the data. Here the authors introduce an easy way to combine odds ratios from several case-control analyses with the same cases. The approach is based upon methods used for meta-analysis but takes into account the fact that the same cases are used and that the estimated odds ratios are therefore correlated. Two ways of estimating this correlation are discussed: sandwich methodology and the bootstrap. Confidence intervals for the pooled estimates and a test for checking whether the odds ratios in the separate case-control studies differ significantly are derived. The performance of the method is studied by simulation and by applying the methods to a large study on risk factors for thrombosis, the MEGA Study (1999-2004), wherein cases with first venous thrombosis were included with a matched control group of partners and an unmatched population-based control group.

Periodontal health, salivary status, and metabolic control in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Aren, Gamze; Sepet, Elif; Ozdemir, Didem; Dinççağ, Nevin; Güvener, Bora; Firatli, Erhan

2003-12-01

The aim of this study was to determine whether detectable periodontal destruction and alterations in the salivary status were present with duration of diabetes in children with type 1 insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (type 1 DM) as compared to healthy controls. Sixteen newly diagnosed children with DM (group 1), 16 children with type 1 DM of long duration (group 2), and 16 healthy children (group 3) participated in the study. Periodontal health was assessed by plaque index, gingival index, bleeding on probing, and periodontal probing depths. The flow rate, pH, buffering capacity, and peroxidase activities of stimulated saliva were determined. The data were analyzed by Kruskall-Wallis, Student t test, and Pearson's correlation analysis. The mean values for fasting blood glucose levels for the diabetic groups were significantly higher than for the controls. The mean values for salivary buffering capacities and salivary pH from the diabetic groups were significantly lower than for the controls. The plaque index values for the diabetic groups were significantly higher than for the controls. The mean gingival index value for group 1 was significantly lower than for group 2. The mean periodontal probing depths for group 1 were similar to those of the non-DM controls, but the mean periodontal probing depths for group 2 were significantly greater than for both the non-DM controls and group 1. Group 1 had significantly greater bleeding on probing scores than did the other groups (P < 0.05). The glycemic status of the diabetic subjects affects the periodontal probing depths, salivary pH, buffering capacity, and peroxidase activity.

Evaluation of a cognitive behavioural self-help manual for reducing depression: a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Songprakun, W; McCann, T V

2012-09-01

The prevalence of depression is increasing in Thailand. We used a randomized controlled trial to examine the effectiveness of a self-help programme in reducing depression in people with depression in Chiang Mai Province in Thailand. Fifty-six individuals diagnosed with moderate depression participated. They were assigned randomly to an intervention (n= 27) or control (n= 29) group. The intervention group were given a self-help manual along with standard care and treatment, while the control group continued to receive standard care and treatment. Both groups were also given a short weekly telephone call. The findings showed statistically significant differences between the groups, and within the intervention group, in their depression levels. Between baseline and post-test, a sharp decrease in depression was evident in the intervention group, whereas the level of depression increased in the control group. Between post-test and follow-up, a decrease was apparent in depression in both groups. However, the intervention group showed a much lower level of depression than the control group. The results support the use of bibliotherapy as an adjunct to mental health nurses' and other professionals' work in caring for people with moderate depression in the community. http://www.ANZCTR.org.au/ACTRN12611000905965.aspx. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing.

The effect of mystery shopper reports on age verification for tobacco purchases.

PubMed

Krevor, Brad S; Ponicki, William R; Grube, Joel W; DeJong, William

2011-09-01

Mystery shops involving attempted tobacco purchases by young buyers have been implemented in order to monitor retail stores' performance in refusing underage sales. Anecdotal evidence suggests that mystery shop visits with immediate feedback to store personnel can improve age verification. This study investigated the effect of monthly and twice-monthly mystery shop reports on age verification. Mystery shoppers visited 45 Walgreens stores 20 times. The stores were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 conditions. Control group stores received no feedback, whereas 2 treatment groups received feedback communications on every visit (twice monthly) or on every second visit (monthly) after baseline. Logit regression models tested whether each treatment group improved verification rates relative to the control group. Postbaseline verification rates were higher in both treatment groups than in the control group, but only the stores receiving monthly communications had a significantly greater improvement compared with the control group stores. Verification rates increased significantly during the study period for all 3 groups, with delayed improvement among control group stores. Communication between managers regarding the mystery shop program may account for the delayed age-verification improvements observed in the control group stores. Encouraging interstore communication might extend the benefits of mystery shop programs beyond those stores that receive this intervention. Copyright © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC

Clinically controlled study on children's infectious mononucleosis treated by Chinese medicine.

PubMed

Yao, Yuan; Duan, Hong-mei; Yan, Hui-min; Zhen, Xiao-fang; Pan, Yu-chen; Yao, Yao; Chen, Li; Jing, Xue-fang; Chen, Hai-lun

2009-10-01

To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Chinese drugs for the treatment of children's infectious mononucleosis (CIM). Sixty CIM patients were assigned into the treated group and the control group, patients in the treated group were administered with Chinese herbal decoction, and those in the control group were treated with intravenous dripping of ganciclovir 10 mg/kg per day, for a treatment course of 14 days. The total effective rate was 96.0% in the treated group and 97.1% in the control group, showing insignificant difference between groups. The efficacy in the treated group was superior to that in the control group on the fever clearance time (3.0+/-1.5 days vs 4.9+/-3.9 days ) and the disappearance time of cervical lymph node swelling (0.8+/-1.0 score vs 1.5+/-1.2 score), showing statistical significance (all P<0.05). T-cell subsets were markedly improved in both groups after treatment. Adverse reaction occurred in four cases of the control group. Using Chinese herbs for clearing heat, removing toxin, activating blood circulation, and dissolving stasis is effective and safe for the treatment of CIM. It can effectively improve the clinical symptoms and shows a certain effect on immune regulation.