Conjoint Analysis of SMRT- and Illumina-Based RNA-Sequencing Data of Fenneropenaeus chinensis Provides Insight Into Sex-Biased Expression Genes Involved in Sexual Dimorphism

Fenneropenaeus chinensis (F. chinensis) is one of the most commercially important cultured shrimps in China. The adult F. chinensis exhibit sexual dimorphism in growth and body color. In this research, we profiled the whole transcriptome of F. chinensis by using single molecule real-time-based full-length transcriptome sequencing. We further performed Illumina-based short reads RNA-seq on muscle and gonad of two sexes to detect the sex-biased expression genes. In muscle, we observed significantly more female-biased transcripts. With the differentially expressed transcripts (DETs) in muscle, some pathways related to the energy metabolism were enriched, which may be responsible for the difference of growth. We also digged out a pathway named porphyrin and chlorophyll metabolism. It was speculated to relevant to the difference of body color between the two sexes of shrimp. Interestingly, almost all DETs in these pathways were female-biased expression in muscle, which could explain the phenomenon of better growth performance and darker body color in female. In gonad, several pathways involved in reproduction were enriched. For instance, some female-biased DETs participated in the arachidonic acid metabolism, which was reported crucial in female reproduction. In conclusion, our studies identified abundant sex-biased expression transcripts and important pathways involved in sexual dimorphism by using the RNA-seq method. It provided a basis for future researches on the sexual dimorphism of F. chinensis.

The effects of dietary soybean hulls particle size and diet form on nursery and finishing pig performance

Two experiments were conducted to investigate increasing unground and finely ground soybean hulls fed in meal or pelleted form on nursery and finishing pig performance. In experiment 1, 1,100 nursery pigs (initially 6.8 ± 0.1 kg and 28 d of age) were used in a 42-d study with 11 replicates per treatment. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial with main effects of soybean hulls (10% vs. 20%), grind type (unground, 617 µ vs. ground, 398 µ), and diet type (pelleted vs. meal form). No three-way or soybean hull level × grind type interactions were observed. Overall, average daily gain (ADG) was increased (P < 0.05) by pelleting, decreased (P < 0.05) by grinding, but unaffected by soybean hull levels. Grind type × diet form interactions were observed (P < 0.05) for gain:feed ratio (G:F) and a tendency for average daily feed intake (ADFI; P < 0.10). This was because grinding soybean hulls decreased (P < 0.05) ADFI and increased (P < 0.05) G:F when fed in meal form; however, grinding did not affect ADFI and decreased (P < 0.05) G:F when diets were pelleted. Increasing soybean hulls increased (P < 0.05) ADFI and decreased (P < 0.05) G:F when diets were fed in meal form, but these effects were not observed when diets were pelleted (diet form × soybean hull level interaction, P < 0.06). In experiment 2, 1,215 pigs (initially 21.1 ± 0.1 kg) were used in a 118-d study with nine replications per treatment. Treatments were a corn–soybean meal–based control diet and four diets arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial with the main effects of soybean hulls (7.5% vs. 15%) and grind type (unground, 787 µ vs. ground, 370 µ). All diets were fed in meal form. No soybean hull level × grind type interactions were observed for any growth or carcass responses. Increasing dietary soybean hulls from 0% to 15%, regardless of particle size, did not affect ADG or ADFI, but decreased (linear, P < 0.02) G:F. Carcass yield, hot carcass weight, and backfat depth decreased (linear, P < 0.03) whereas percentage lean increased (linear, P < 0.01) with increasing soybean hulls. Pigs fed ground soybean hulls had increased backfat depth (P < 0.01) and decreased (P < 0.01) percentage lean and fat-free lean index. In summary, increasing soybean hulls up to 20% decreased G:F in nursery and finishing pigs, whereas pelleting nursery diets improved ADG and eliminated the negative effect of increasing soybean hulls on G:F. Grinding soybean hulls reduced growth performance in nursery and finishing pigs.

An overview of health issues and development in a large clinical cohort of children with Angelman syndrome

This study presents a broad overview of health issues and psychomotor development of 100 children with Angelman syndrome (AS), seen at the ENCORE Expertise Center for AS in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. We aimed to further delineate the phenotype of AS, to evaluate the association of the phenotype with genotype and other determinants such as epilepsy and to get insight in possible targets for intervention. We confirmed the presence of a more severe phenotype in the 15q11.2‐q13 deletion subtype. Novel findings were an association of (early onset of) epilepsy with a negative effect on development, a high occurrence of nonconvulsive status epilepticus, a high rate of crouch gait in the older children with risk of deterioration of mobility, a relatively low occurrence of microcephaly, a higher mean weight for height in all genetic subtypes with a significant higher mean in the nondeletion children, and a high occurrence of hyperphagia across all genetic subtypes. Natural history data are needed to design future trials. With this large clinical cohort with structured prospective and multidisciplinary follow‐up, we provide unbiased data on AS to support further intervention studies to optimize outcome and quality of life of children with AS and their family.

Short communication: Risk factors identified at arrival associated with average daily gain at a grain-fed veal facility: A prospective single cohort study

The primary objective of this prospective cohort study was to identify factors evaluated upon arrival at a grain-fed veal facility that were associated with increased growth. A secondary objective was to determine if the factors associated with average daily gain (ADG) varied between the pre- and postweaning periods. Calves were visually assessed and scored using a standardized health scoring system immediately upon arrival. They were also weighed and vaccinated, and had blood drawn from their jugular vein to determine their serum total protein level. Weights were taken on d 49 and 78 after arrival and were used to calculate ADG. Three mixed linear regression models were created to determine factors associated with ADG from 0 to 49 d after arrival, 0 to 78 d after arrival, and 49 to 78 d after arrival. A total of 998 calves were evaluated and weighed upon arrival; 636 and 915 of those calves were weighed at d 49 and d 78, respectively. Mean ADG were 610 g/d from 0 to 49 d after arrival, 860 g/d from 0 to 78 d after arrival, and 1,240 g/d from 49 to 78 d after arrival. In the model evaluating growth from 0 to 49 d, calves arriving at the facility with a higher body mass index (BMI) gained more weight per day than calves that arrived with a lower BMI. If calves arrived in the spring, they gained 201 g/d more than calves that arrived in the winter. For the period following weaning (d 49 to 78), BMI was also associated with growth. For every additional 1 g/cm² increase in BMI at arrival, calves gained an additional 1.55 g/d from d 49 to 78. Growth from arrival to d 78 was affected solely by BMI. For every 1 g/cm² increase in BMI at arrival, calves gained 1.23 g/d more during the entire observation period. Body mass index and season at arrival affected growth through the initial period at a grain-fed veal facility. Producers should consider these factors, especially BMI, when purchasing calves to maximize the calves' growth potential.

Novel Polymeric Nanocarriers Reduced Zinc and Doxycycline Toxicity in the Nematode Caenorhabditis elegans

The objective was to evaluate the toxicity of zinc- and doxycycline-loaded polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism. These NPs are composed of ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and methacrylic acid. NPs were loaded with doxycycline (D-NPs) and zinc (Zn-NPs) by chemical adsorption, and loading efficacy was demonstrated. Worm death rate in a concentration-response curve basis was calculated for lethality. Metabolism was evaluated through pharyngeal pumping assay. Body length measurements, brood size and egg lays were used to gauge growth, reproduction and fertility respectively. Intracellular hydrogen peroxide levels were determined to assess the reactive oxygen species production. One-way ANOVA and Bonferroni were used for comparisons (p < 0.05). Tested NPs at the highest dosage did not affect lethality or worm metabolism, expressed in terms of death rate and pharyngeal pumping per minute, respectively. Zn-NPs slightly increased worm growth. The concentration of the intracellular hydrogen peroxide levels was the lowest in the D-NPs group. The distinct NPs and concentrations employed were shown to be non-toxic for in situ administration of zinc and doxycycline, reducing the harmful effects of these compounds.

Nutritional, clinical and immunological status of children at HIV diagnosis in the continental region of Equatorial Guinea

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the nutritional, clinical and immunological status of children at HIV diagnosis in the continental region of Equatorial Guinea.

METHODS

Children <18 years diagnosed with HIV between 2009 and 2017 were included. Clinical, immunological and nutritional data were collected. Weight-for-height, weight-for-age and height-for-age Z-scores were calculated using WHO Child Growth Standards. The population was assessed in two equal periods (2009-2013 and 2014-2017) from the time of diagnosis.

RESULTS

A total of 213 children were diagnosed with HIV (49.3% males), median age 3.8 years (IQR: 1.5-8.2). A total of 121 cases (56.8%) were at WHO clinical stage III, and 53 (24.9%) were at WHO clinical stage IV. CDC immunological stage II was diagnosed in 51/130 (39.2%) and CDC stage III in 44/130 (33.8%). About 56.2% of children were underweight (weight-for-age <-2 SD); 20.1% moderately and 36.1% severely so. About 27.6% of children were wasted (weight-for-height <-2 SD); 11.9% moderately and 15.7% severely so. About 56.3% of children were stunted (height-for-age <-2 SD); 20.7% moderately and 35.6% severely so. The prevalence of wasting was higher in children ≤5 years than in children >5 years (36.4% vs. 19.1%, P = 0.026). In the second period, the prevalence of moderate-severe immunodeficiency decreased (87.2% to 67.0%, P = 0.018), without significant differences in the other nutritional or clinical data. Severe underweight was a risk factor for moderate-severe immunodeficiency (aOR: 4 [95% CI: 1.4-11.4], P = 0.010).

CONCLUSIONS

We highlight a high proportion of malnutrition at the time of HIV diagnosis in Guinea´s paediatric population. Early diagnosis of HIV infection is a priority, achievable by training Guinea´s physicians to suspect HIV early, introducing HIV molecular diagnostic techniques and ensuring intensive nutritional treatment.

Mass-based finite volume scheme for aggregation, growth and nucleation population balance equation

In this paper, a new mass-based numerical method is developed using the notion of Forestier-Coste & Mancini (Forestier-Coste & Mancini 2012, SIAM J. Sci. Comput. 34, B840-B860. (doi:10.1137/110847998)) for solving a one-dimensional aggregation population balance equation. The existing scheme requires a large number of grids to predict both moments and number density function accurately, making it computationally very expensive. Therefore, a mass-based finite volume is developed which leads to the accurate prediction of different integral properties of number distribution functions using fewer grids. The new mass-based and existing finite volume schemes are extended to solve simultaneous aggregation-growth and aggregation-nucleation problems. To check the accuracy and efficiency, the mass-based formulation is compared with the existing method for two kinds of benchmark kernels, namely analytically solvable and practical oriented kernels. The comparison reveals that the mass-based method computes both number distribution functions and moments more accurately and efficiently than the existing method.

LncRNA DLEU2 accelerates the tumorigenesis and invasion of non-small cell lung cancer by sponging miR-30a-5p

Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to participate in the pathogenesis of non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, how lncRNA deleted in lymphocytic leukaemia 2 (DLEU2) contributes to NSCLC remains undocumented. The clinical significance of lncRNA DLEU2 and miR‐30a‐5p expression in NSCLC was analysed by using fluorescence in situ hybridization and TCGA cohorts. Gain‐ and loss‐of‐function experiments as well as a NSCLC tumour model were executed to determine the role of lncRNA DLEU2 in NSCLC. DLEU2‐sponged miR‐30a‐5p was verified by luciferase reporter, and RIP assays. Herein, the expression of lncRNA DLEU2 was elevated in NSCLC tissues, and its high expression or low expression of miR‐30a‐5p acted as an independent prognostic factor of poor survival and tumour recurrence in NSCLC. Silencing of lncRNA DLEU2 repressed the tumorigenesis and invasive potential of NSCLC, whereas re‐expression of lncRNA DLEU2 showed the opposite effects. Furthermore, lncRNA DLEU2 harboured a negative correlation with miR‐30a‐5p expression in NSCLC tissues and acted as a sponge of miR‐30a‐5p, which reversed the tumour‐promoting effects of lncRNA DLEU2 by targeting putative homeodomain transcription factor 2 in NSCLC. Altogether, lncRNA DLEU2 promoted the tumorigenesis and invasion of NSCLC by sponging miR‐30a‐5p.

Growth Performance, Body Measurements, Carcass and Some Internal Organs Characteristics of Pekin Ducks

Simple Summary

The protection and conservation of native poultry breeds, including ducks, is important for biological, cultural, emotional and scientific reasons. The objective of this study was to compare three lines of Pekin ducks for growth performance, body measurements, carcass and digestive system characteristics. The results showed significant differences between the tested lines of ducks in body weight and body measurements, as well as a small number of significant differences in carcass and digestive system characteristics. This may suggest that the tested lines of ducks are different and distinct, mainly in terms of growth and body measurements.

Abstract

Native breeds of ducks have been the subject of many studies in the past, yet the relevant knowledge is still incomplete and needs to be further expanded. The objective of this study was to provide information about differences in growth performance, dressing percentage, carcass composition and digestive morphometry among three lines of Pekin ducks from conservation flocks raised in Poland. The study used 180 sexed Pekin ducks—30 males and 30 females of line P33 (ducks of Polish origin), 30 males and 30 females of line P8 (ducks of Danish origin), and 30 males and 30 females of line P9 (ducks of French origin). Throughout the study (49 d), ducks were confined indoors in six pens. Birds were fed complete commercial diets ad libitum and had unrestricted access to water. The compared lines of ducks differed significantly in body weight from 1 to 49 d of age except of ducks of both sexes at 14 d. At 49 d of age, significant differences were observed between the tested ducks in all the body measurements. Duck genotype had a significant effect on preslaughter body weight, carcass weight and breast muscle, neck and remainders contents, caeca length, liver weight and gizzard percentage. The results show that the tested ducks were significantly different and unique, mainly in terms of the body biometric characteristics.

Impact of Perinatal Different Intrauterine Environments on Child Growth and Development: Planning and Baseline Data for a Cohort Study

Background

Several studies have shown that exposure of the fetus and newborn to prenatal and perinatal events, respectively, may influence the health outcomes of the child throughout their life cycle.

Objective

This study aimed to increase the knowledge on the impact of different intrauterine environments on child growth and development, as we know that pregnancy and early years are a window of opportunity for health promotion and prevention interventions of diseases.

Methods

The recruitment occurred 24 to 48 hours after delivery and involved mothers and their newborns in 2 public hospitals in Porto Alegre, Brazil, from December 2011 to January 2016. The mothers-newborns dyads were allocated to 5 groups: diabetes mellitus, mothers with a clinical diagnosis of diabetes; systemic arterial hypertension (SAH), mothers with a clinical diagnosis of systematic arterial hypertensive disease during pregnancy; maternal smoking, mothers who smoked at any moment of gestation; small for gestational age (SGA), mothers with SGA newborns because of intrauterine growth restriction; and control, mothers without the clinical characteristics previously mentioned. Several protocols and anthropometric measurements were applied in the interviews at immediate postpartum and 7 and 15 days and 1, 3, and 6 months after birth. For this study, we analyzed only data collected during postpartum interviews. The statistical analyses were performed using Pearson chi-square test, Mann-Whitney test, or Kruskal-Wallis test with Dunn post hoc. The significance level was set at 5%. The Hospital Ethics and Research Committees approved the study.

Results

Of the 485 eligible mothers-newborns dyads, 400 agreed to participate (82.5%, 400/485). As expected, newborns from the SGA group had significantly lower birth weight, smaller stature, and lower cephalic perimeter (P<.001). This group also had the highest percentage of primiparous women in comparison with other groups (P=.005) except for control. Mothers from the SAH group had the highest mean age, the highest percentage of cesarean sections, and presented greater gestational weight gain.

Conclusions

In this study, we describe the planning and structure for the systematic follow-up of mother-newborn dyads in the first 6 months after birth, considering the important demographic and epidemiological transition scenario in Brazil. The results of this prospective longitudinal study may provide a better understanding of the causal mechanisms involved in health and life course disease related to different adverse intrauterine environments.

MiR-421 promotes the development of osteosarcoma by regulating MCPIP1 expression

Despite improvements in surgical resection and adjuvant chemotherapy, the prognosis and outcomes of patients with osteosarcoma remains poor due to the occurrence of metastasis or relapse. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1-induced protein-1 (MCPIP1), a zinc-finger RNA-binding protein, is known to regulate inflammatory responses and repress breast cancer growth. However, the regulation of MCPIP1 by microRNAs has not been clearly elucidated in osteosarcoma. In this study, we found that miR-421 expression was upregulated and MCPIP1 expression was downregulated in the osteosarcoma specimens from patients. Moreover, MCPIP1 expression was inversely correlated with miR-421 expression in the clinical samples. Furthermore, the upregulation of miR-421 and downregulation of MCPIP1 resulted in poor overall survival and severe disease progression, respectively, in the patients with osteosarcoma. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter gene assays confirmed that miR-421 specifically targets and binds to the 3'-UTR of MCPIP1. The overexpression of miR-421 induced cell proliferation, invasion, and migration, and the release of pro-inflammatory IL-6 in cultured human osteosarcoma cells. Additionally, the administration of miR-421 to tumor-bearing mice facilitated osteosarcoma growth by downregulating MCPIP1 expression. Taken together, these findings indicate that miR-421 is able to promote the development of osteosarcoma by regulating MCPIP1 expression, and can be a potential therapeutic target for osteosarcoma.

The Impact of Postnatal Systemic Steroids on the Growth of Preterm Infants: A Multicenter Cohort Study

Postnatal steroids, often used to prevent and treat bronchopulmonary dysplasia, may influence the growth of preterm infants, although data are scarce in the literature. This is a multicenter cohort study including surviving preterm infants <32 weeks at birth (n = 17,621) from the Spanish Neonatal Network SEN1500 database, without major congenital malformations. Linear regression models were adjusted for postnatal steroids, respiratory severity course (invasive mechanical ventilation at 28 days), progression to moderate–severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (O₂ at 36 weeks), length of stay, sex, gestational age and z-scores at birth. A subgroup analysis depending on the timing of administration, ventilation status at 28 days and moderate–severe BPD diagnosis was also performed. Overall, systemic postnatal steroids were not independently associated with poorer weight gain (0.1; 95% CI: −0.05 to 0.2 g/kg/day), linear growth (0; 95% CI: −0.03 to 0.01 cm/week) or head circumference growth (−0.01; 95% CI: −0.02 to 0 cm/week). Patients who received steroids after 28 days or who were not O₂ dependent at 36 weeks after having received steroids gained more weight (0.22; 95% CI: 0.04 to 0.4 and 0.2; 95% CI: 0.004 to 0.5 g/kg/day, respectively). Globally, systemic postnatal steroids had no significant adjusted effect on postnatal growth.

Adenosine Inhibits Ovarian Cancer Growth Through Regulating RhoGDI2 Protein Expression

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the effect of adenosine (Ado) on the growth of ovarian cancer and to explore the related mechanisms.

Methods

The effect of Ado on the proliferation of A2780 human ovarian cancer cells was examined according to the MTT method. Moreover, the nude mouse model of subcutaneous A2780 xenograft was constructed, and then, Ado and cisplatin were administered intraperitoneally to investigate the effect of Ado on tumor growth in vivo. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was carried out to study the effect of Ado on the expression of Rho-specific guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitor 2 (RhoGDI2) in the subcutaneous xenografts. Afterwards, the commercially constructed RhoGDI2 siRNA plasmid was transfected into A2780 cells, and tube formation assay was conducted to determine the effect of down-regulating RhoGDI2 expression on the regulation of angiogenesis in ovarian cancer by Ado. Besides, Western blotting was performed to detect the effect of RhoGDI2 down-regulation on the regulation of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2), MMP-9, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1 or CD31) expression in ovarian cancer cells by Ado.

Results

The relative viability of cells subsequent to Ado treatment proved to be both concentration- and time dependent. IHC results showed that Ado evidently enhanced the RhoGDI2 protein expression. In addition, interference with RhoGDI2 outstandingly attenuated the ability of Ado to suppress tumor cell invasion and induce angiogenesis in vitro. Furthermore, molecular mechanism studies indicated that Ado remarkably inhibited the expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, VEGF, TGF-β, TNF-α, and CD31, while interference with RhoGDI2 restored the expression of the above-mentioned angiogenic factors.

Conclusion

Ado inhibits the growth of A2780 human ovarian cancer cells through inhibiting tumor cell invasion and angiogenesis in a RhoGDI2-dependent manner.

Effect of Varying Levels of Chromium Propionate on Growth Performance and Blood Biochemistry of Broilers

Simple Summary

The current study evaluated the effects of dietary chromium propionate supplementation on growth performance and blood biochemistry of broilers. Results showed that chromium propionate has improved weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of broilers. Also, meat to fat ratio improved and lean meat may be produced. Based on the study results, the recommended level of chromium propionate supplementation to broiler diet for better performance and weight gain is 400 ppb.

Abstract

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of varying levels of chromium propionate on blood biochemistry and growth performance of broilers (1–35 days). Five diets were formulated by using chromium propionate with inclusion levels of 0, 200, 400, 800 and 1600 ppb. A total of 300 broilers were divided into 5 groups with 6 replicates of 10 birds in each under completely randomized design. The starter feed intake remained unaffected (p > 0.05) whereas finisher and overall feed intake was different (p < 0.05) among different experimental groups. Feed conversion ratio and weight gain in starter, finisher and overall improved significantly (p < 0.05) with the increasing levels of chromium propionate. Blood glucose was decreased (p < 0.05) with increasing dietary chromium level. Chromium supplementation did not affect antibodies titers against NDV and AIV-H9. Neither live, hilal, after skin removal, eviscerated, chest weight and legs with shanks weight nor liver and heart weights were affected (p > 0.05) while gizzard weight reduced significantly (p < 0.05) due to supplementation of chromium. On the basis of results, it may be concluded that chromium propionate supplementation improved weight gain and FCR and reduced blood glucose. However, better performance and weight gain may be achieved if chromium propionate is added at the rate of 400 ppb in broiler diets.

Effects of aflatoxin B1 on reproductive performance of farmed Nile tilapia

This study evaluated the effect of dietary aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) on growth, milt and egg quality in matured Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Triplicate groups of Nile tilapia (initial body weight 24.1 ± 2.6 g) were fed with either of four diets (Diets 1 to 4) designed to contain 0, 20, 200 and 2000 μg AFB₁ kg⁻¹ diets for 24 weeks. After 24 weeks of AFB₁ exposure, growth was significantly (P <0.05) different between the control and the AFB₁ exposed treatments in both sexes. No significant differences were observed in 17β-oestradiol, absolute fecundity, oocytes volume and diameters between AFB₁ exposure groups and the control group. However, we observed a significant reduction in relative fecundity and gonad somatic index (GSI) in females fed 2000 μg AFB₁ kg⁻¹ diet. On the other hand, we observed significant differences (P <0.05) in gonadosomatic index (GSI), testosterone, milt count and motility between males in the control group and AFB₁ treatments. We conclude that rearing Nile tilapia with aflatoxin-contaminated diets for a prolonged period affects milt quality, fecundity (at higher doses) and growth performance. This implies that for optimal seed production, provision of aflatoxin free diets should be part of the management practices in Nile tilapia hatcheries.

Dietary supplementation of potassium sorbate, hydrated sodium calcium almuniosilicate and methionine enhances growth, antioxidant status and immunity in growing rabbits exposed to aflatoxin B1 in the diet

The present experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation with some feed additives (potassium sorbate; Sor, hydrated sodium calcium almuniosilicate; Hsc and L-methionine; L-M) against aflatoxin B1 (AF) toxicity in rabbits. A total of 72 growing rabbits (5-week-old) were distributed into six equal groups (4 replicates with 3 rabbits each). The experimental groups are as follows: control group, AF group (supplemented with AF 0.3 mg/kg diet), AF + Sor group (AF 0.3 mg/kg diet + Sor 2 g/kg diet), AF + Hsc group (AF 0.3 mg/kg diet + Hsc 5 g/kg diet), AF + L-M group (AF 0.3 mg/kg diet + L-M 8 g/kg diet) and AF + Mix group (AF 0.3 mg/kg diet + 2 Sor + 5 Hsc + 8 L-M g/kg diet). Live body weight and weight gain at 13 weeks of age were significantly reduced by AF. Feed intake at 13 weeks of age was decreased in AF, AF + Hsc and AF + Mix compared to the control. AF, AF + Hsc and AF + Mix showed the lowest total antioxidant capacity compared to the control. The highest level of reactive oxygen species and 8-Hydroxy-2-desoxyguanosine was observed in AF group. Using of other supplements with AF increased immunoglobulinM than AF alone. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of Sor, L-M, Hsc or their mixture was effective in reducing the adverse effects of AF on performance, antioxidant and immune status of rabbits with more better improvement obtained by Sor or L-M separately.

Interaction of Carbohydrate Coated Cerium-Oxide Nanoparticles with Wheat and Pea: Stress Induction Potential and Effect on Development

: Reports about the influence of cerium-oxide nanoparticles (nCeO₂) on plants are contradictory due to their positive and negative effects on plants. Surface modification may affect the interaction of nCeO₂ with the environment, and hence its availability to plants. In this study, the uncoated and glucose-, levan-, and pullulan-coated nCeO₂ were synthesized and characterized. The aim was to determine whether nontoxic carbohydrates alter the effect of nCeO₂ on the seed germination, plant growth, and metabolism of wheat and pea. We applied 200 mgL^-1 of nCeO₂ on plants during germination (Ger treatment) or three week-growth (Gro treatment) in hydroponics. The plant response to nCeO₂ was studied by measuring changes in Ce concentration, total antioxidative activity (TAA), total phenolic content (TPC), and phenolic profile. Our results generally revealed higher Ce concentration in plants after the treatment with coated nanoparticles compared to uncoated ones. Considering all obtained results, Ger treatment had a stronger impact on the later stages of plant development than Gro treatment. The Ger treatment had a stronger impact on TPC and plant elongation, whereas Gro treatment affected more TAA and phenolic profile. Among nanoparticles, levan-coated nCeO₂ had the strongest and positive impact on tested plants. Wheat showed higher sensitivity to all treatments.

MicroRNA-139-3p Inhibits The Growth And Metastasis Of Ovarian Cancer By Inhibiting ELAVL1

Background

The aberrant expression of microRNA-139-3p (miR-139-3p) has been recently involved in the development of multiple tumor types, but its function in ovarian cancer remains not well investigated. In this study, we mainly investigated the function of miR-139-3p in the progression of ovarian cancer.

Methods

The levels of miR-139-3p in ovarian cancer cells and tissues were detected using quantitative real-time-PCR (qRT-PCR) assay. The proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion of ovarian cancer cell were determined, respectively. A luciferase reporter assay was used to confirm ELAV Like RNA Binding Protein 1 (ELAVL1) was a target gene of miR-139-3p. The expression of ELAVL1 was detected using Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining assay. The roles of miR-139-3p on the growth and metastasis of ovarian cancer cell in vivo were explored using transplanted tumor model and experimental lung metastasis model.

Results

MiR-139-3p was down-regulated in ovarian cancer tissues and ovarian cancer cell lines (SK-OV-3, A2780 and OVCAR-3). Overexpression of miR-139-3p decreased the growth, colony formation, migration and invasiveness of SK-OV-3 and OVCAR-3 cells. Moreover, overexpression of miR-139-3p reduced the growth and lung metastasis of ovarian cancer cells in vivo. The luciferase reporter gene assay indicated that ELAVL1 was a target of miR-139-3p and its expression was negatively regulated by miR-139-3p. Furthermore, the expression of ELAVL1 was inversely correlated with miR-139-3p level in ovarian cancer tissue.

Conclusion

Taken together, we demonstrated that miR-139-3p regulated ovarian cancer growth and metastasis by modulating the expression of ELAVL1.

A Calorie-Restricted Ketogenic Diet Reduces Cerebral Cortex Vascularization in Prepubertal Rats

The antiepileptic effect of ketogenic diets is acknowledged but its mechanism of action is poorly understood. The present work aimed to evaluate possible effects of a calorie-restricted ketogenic diet (CRKD) on brain growth and angiogenesis in normal prepubertal rats. Two groups of prepubertal rats were fed with a standard diet (group 1) or a CRKD (group 2) for ten weeks. Then, rats were sacrificed and the thickness for the following structures was evaluated by histology: (1) cerebral cortex, (2) deep cerebral white matter, and (3) substantia nigra. The capillary density was also evaluated within: (1) cerebral cortex, (2) dentate gyrus of the hippocampus, (3) periaqueductal grey matter, and (4) substantia nigra. The results showed a smaller thickness of all the areas examined and a reduced capillary density within the cerebral cortex in the CRKD-treated group compared to the control group. These findings suggest an association between reduced angiogenesis within the cerebral cortex and the antiepileptic effects of CRKD.

These are not the trends you are looking for: poorly calibrated single-pass electrofishing data can bias estimates of trends in fish abundance

There is increasing interest in the potential of single-pass and timed electrofishing to assess status and trends in fish populations. However, where capture probability varies over time, there is a risk that uncalibrated electrofishing data could fail to detect, or provide biased estimates of trends. This study analysed a long-term electrofishing dataset collected over 50 years in an intensively studied catchment where egg deposition and emigrant production declined by c. 82% and 35% over the same time. The electrofishing data were used to illustrate the effects of changing capture probability on estimated trends in juvenile Atlantic salmon Salmo salar abundance. Temporal variability in capture probability was modelled. Trends in abundance were then estimated from uncalibrated single-pass electrofishing count data and compared with estimates from data calibrated for capture probability. The calibrated data revealed significant declines in S. salar fry (age 0) and parr (age ≥ 1) abundance. However, the trend estimates from the uncalibrated data were positively biased and not significant. Exploration of alternative (realistic) scenarios with different trends in true abundance and capture probability suggests that uncalibrated electrofishing data can provide very misleading estimates of trends. The problem is exacerbated in data where capture probability is low. It is recommended that single-pass and timed electrofishing methods should not be used to assess trends in fish populations without regular (annual) calibration.

Body mass index trajectories in early childhood in relation to cardiometabolic risk profile and body composition at 5 years of age

BACKGROUND

Both impaired and accelerated postnatal growth have been associated with adult risks of obesity and cardiometabolic diseases, like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. However, the timing of the onset of cardiometabolic changes and the specific growth trajectories linking early growth with later disease risks are not well understood.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to identify distinct trajectories of BMI growth from 0 to 5 y and examine their associations with body composition and markers of cardiometabolic risk at age 5 y.

METHODS

In a prospective birth cohort study of 453 healthy and term Ethiopian children with BMIs assessed a median of 9 times during follow-up, we identified subgroups of distinct BMI trajectories in early childhood using latent class trajectory modeling. Associations of the identified growth trajectories with cardiometabolic markers and body composition at 5 y were analyzed using multiple linear regression analyses in 4 adjustment models for each outcome.

RESULTS

We identified 4 heterogeneous BMI growth trajectories: stable low BMI (19.2%), normal BMI (48.8%), rapid catch-up to high BMI (17.9%), and slow catch-up to high BMI (14.1%). Compared with the normal BMI trajectory, children in the rapid catch-up to high BMI trajectory had higher triglycerides (TGs) (range of β-coefficients in Models 1-4: 19-21%), C-peptides (23-25%), fat masses (0.48-0.60 kg), and fat-free masses (0.50-0.77 kg) across the 4 adjustment models. Children in the stable low BMI trajectory had lower LDL cholesterol concentrations (0.14-0.17 mmol/L), HDL cholesterol concentrations (0.05-0.09 mmol/L), fat masses (0.60-0.64 kg), and fat-free masses (0.35-0.49 kg), but higher TGs (11-13%).

CONCLUSIONS

The development of obesity and cardiometabolic risks may be established already in early childhood; thus, our data provide a further basis for timely interventions targeted at young children from low-income countries with unfavorable growth patterns. The birth cohort was registered at ISRCTN as ISRCTN46718296.

Crossbreeding applied to systems of beef cattle production to improve performance traits and carcass quality

Crossbreeding represents an important technique to improve growth, beef quality and adaptability in beef production systems in tropical countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate sire and dam breed effects on performance and carcass traits of crossbred cattle produced in a tropical environment. Heifers and steers were evaluated during the pre-weaning, the post-weaning (n = 173) and the finishing phase (n = 123). Animals were produced by mating Nellore (N_N), Angus × Nellore (A_N) and Caracu × Nellore (C_N) dams with Braford, Charbray and Caracu sires. After weaning, animals were raised grazing on Marandu grass for 12 months; thereafter they were housed in individual pens and finished in a feedlot, receiving a total mixed ration. Ultrasound carcass evaluations were performed to determine ribeye area (R_A), backfat thickness (B_T) and rump fat thickness (R_T). A_N progeny were heavier at birth than N_N (P < 0.05), and Braford progeny had greater birth BW than Caracu (P < 0.05). Greater weaning BW was observed in the A_N and C_N offspring compared to N_N (P < 0.01). Greater average daily gain during the post-weaning period was verified in the N_N progeny compared to C_N (P < 0.05). No dam or sire breed effects were observed for BW at the end of the post-weaning period (P > 0.05). Progeny of N_N cows had greater B_T (P < 0.05) and R_T (P < 0.01) at the end of the post-weaning period in relation to C_N. Greater R_A was observed in the Caracu progeny than in the Braford (P < 0.05), which showed greater R_T than the Charbray progeny at the end of the post-weaning period (P < 0.05). No dam or sire breed effects were verified for final BW at the feedlot or for feed efficiency traits (P > 0.05). A_N progeny were superior in final B_T compared to C_N (P < 0.01), and Braford progeny had greater R_T at the end of finishing than Charbray (P = 0.05). The use of crossbred dams allows an increase in productivity until weaning, but this is not maintained in the post-weaning and finishing periods. The use of Braford sires produces similar growth performance in the different stages of the production system to those seen with Charbray and Caracu sires but generates animals with higher fat thickness at the end of finishing, which may improve carcass quality and commercial value.

Stunting and growth velocity of adolescents with perinatally acquired HIV: differential evolution for males and females. A multiregional analysis from the IeDEA global paediatric collaboration

INTRODUCTION

Stunting is a key issue for adolescents with perinatally acquired HIV (APH) that needs to be better understood. As part of the IeDEA multiregional consortium, we described growth evolution during adolescence for APH on antiretroviral therapy (ART).

METHODS

We included data from sub-Saharan Africa, the Asia-Pacific, and the Caribbean, Central and South America regions collected between 2003 and 2016. Adolescents on ART, reporting perinatally acquired infection or entering HIV care before 10 years of age, with at least one height measurement between 10 and 16 years of age, and followed in care until at least 14 years of age were included. Characteristics at ART initiation and at 10 years of age were compared by sex. Correlates of growth defined by height-for-age z-scores (HAZ) between ages 10 and 19 years were studied separately for males and females, using linear mixed models.

RESULTS

Overall, 8737 APH were included, with 46% from Southern Africa. Median age at ART initiation was 8.1 years (interquartile range (IQR) 6.1 to 9.6), 50% were females, and 41% were stunted (HAZ<-2 SD) at ART initiation. Males and females did not differ by age and stunting at ART initiation, CD4 count over time or retention in care. At 10 years of age, 34% of males were stunted versus 39% of females (p < 0.001). Females had better subsequent growth, resulting in a higher prevalence of stunting for males compared to females by age 15 (48% vs. 25%) and 18 years (31% vs. 15%). In linear mixed models, older age at ART initiation and low CD4 count were associated with poor growth over time (p < 0.001). Those stunted at 10 years of age or at ART initiation had the greatest growth improvement during adolescence.

CONCLUSIONS

Prevalence of stunting is high among APH worldwide. Substantial sex-based differences in growth evolution during adolescence were observed in this global cohort, which were not explained by differences in age of access to HIV care, degree of immunosuppression or region. Other factors influencing growth differences in APH, such as differences in pubertal development, should be better documented, to guide further research and inform interventions to optimize growth and health outcomes among APH.