Effect of divergent selection for intramuscular fat on sensory traits and instrumental texture in rabbit meat

Intramuscular fat (IMF) is one of the main parameters affecting meat quality. This work analyzes the effect of selection for IMF on sensory attributes and instrumental texture parameters in rabbit meat. A total of 115 rabbits after 6 generations of divergent selection for IMF were slaughtered at 9 or 13 wk (57 and 58 animals, respectively). For each animal, the left longissimus dorsi muscle (LD) was analyzed by near-infrared spectroscopy to measure IMF whereas the right LD was used for the sensory or instrumental texture analysis. Sensory attributes measured were rabbit odor, liver odor, rabbit flavor, liver flavor, aniseed flavor, hardness, juiciness, and fibrousness. The instrumental texture parameters maximum shear force, shear firmness, and total work to cut the sample were measured by a Warner-Bratzler shear test. The line selected for high IMF showed 58% greater IMF than the line selected for low IMF. This divergence affected firmness that was 9.9% greater in the low-IMF line, although no effect was found for the other instrumental texture traits. No effect of selection was observed in any odor or flavor, except for aniseed flavor, which was greater in the high-IMF line than in the low-IMF line. Age had an effect on IMF, instrumental texture parameters, and sensory attributes. Rabbits at 13 wk showed greater IMF and instrumental and sensory hardness and more intense odor and flavor and lower juiciness than rabbits at 9 wk.

Therapeutic Targeting of CD6 in Autoimmune Diseases: A Review of Cuban Clinical Studies with the Antibodies IOR-T1 and Itolizumab

The CD6 molecule is a pan T cell marker involved in T cell regulation. Although CD6 expression has been correlated with human autoimmune diseases, only a few therapeutic approaches are exploring this molecule as target in the clinic. The biological functions and mechanisms of actions of CD6 have not been definitively established. It is probable that this molecule plays a dual role as a modulator of intracellular signaling. Itolizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody specific for human CD6, developed at the Center of Molecular Immunology in Havana, Cuba. Its parent murine antibody, the IOR-T1 mAb, had been obtained in the 80's at the Institute of Oncology and Radiology, also in Havana. This article provides an overview of the clinical data obtained in Cuban patients with autoimmune diseases who have been treated with IOR-T1 mAb or itolizumab. Furthermore, we discuss the possible mechanism of action of itolizumab basing the analysis on recent site mutagenesis and structural data, which, contrary to previous interpretations, points to a steric blocking of the CD6-CD166 interaction in the cellular context. Overall, the conducted clinical studies have demonstrated that itolizumab has favorable clinical effects and a safety profile when used as monotherapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. So far, in vitro and in vivo evidences indicate that itolizumab has immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. Hence, itolizumab represents a new therapeutic option for autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis.

Lipids of pork meat as affected by various cooking techniques / Modificaciones de los lípidos de carne de cerdo en función de su guiso

The effects of different cooking techniques on the lipids of pork meat were evaluated. The assayed cooking techniques were deep-frying (DF), shallow-frying (SF), roasting (RO) and boiling (BO). Modi fication of the roasting meat due to reheating in a microwave oven after 24 h at 4 °C (MW), was also studied. In DF and SF significant increases were found in the lipid content (13.7 and 16.7 g/100 g of dry basis, respectively) and in the nun-polar lipids (11.2 and 14.2 g/100 g of dry basis, respectively) due to the absorption of the oil used in these cooking treatments. The main variations in the fatty acid composition of phospholipids and non-polar lipids were observed in the polyunsaturated fatty acid fraction. There was an increase in the content of free fatty acids (SFA, MUFA, PUFA) after MW, BO and RO. By contrast, free fatty acid content in DF and SF was similar to the content of initial raw meat. MW showed the greatest degradation of the phospholipid fraction, with a significant decline in phosphatidyl ethanolamine. All cooking treatments produced an increase in lipid oxidation, this be ing higher in RO and MW treatments.

Significance of the isolation of Staphylococcus aureus from a central venous catheter tip in the absence of concomitant bacteremia: a clinical approach

The optimal approach following the isolation of Staphylococcus aureus from an intravascular catheter tip in the absence of concomitant bacteremia remains unclear. We aimed to determine the rate of delayed complications in these patients. We performed a retrospective observational study (during the period 2002-2012) including patients with a catheter tip culture yielding S. aureus. Patients were followed up for ≥6 months. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of delayed staphylococcal complications (either bacteremia and/or metastatic distant infections). A total of 113 patients were included (75 % male, median age 61 years): 46 and 67 with negative and positive blood cultures, respectively. We found a lower rate of delayed staphylococcal complications in cases with no bacteremia within 48 h since catheter removal than in cases of confirmed S. aureus catheter-related bacteremia (0.0 % vs. 25.4 %; p-value < 0.001). In the group without bacteremia, there was a subgroup of 15 patients (32.6 %) who did not receive antimicrobial treatment. Again, delayed complications occurred less commonly in this subgroup of patients without bacteremia (0.0 % vs. 25.4 %; p-value = 0.033). In contrast to patients with S. aureus catheter-related bacteremia, no delayed infectious complications were observed in patients with an isolated catheter tip culture yielding S. aureus and negative blood cultures within 48 h of catheter removal. Futures studies are needed to assess if the therapeutic approach could be different for this group of patients.

Changes in the survival of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus in childhood: 30 years experience in Chile

The objective of this study was to analyse the survival rate and cause of death in children with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) during the past 30 years in Chile. A retrospective analysis was performed between 1969 and 2000 on patients attending pediatric rheumatology centres in Santiago, Chile. Survival and causes of death in 31 children followed from 1969 to 1980 fulfilling the 1982 American College of Rheumatology criteria for SLE and treated with oral steroids were compared with 50 other patients who were treated with oral steroids and an aggressive treatment of IV bolus of cyclophosphamide (38 patients) and azathioprine (12 patients). Global survival at five and 10 years follow-up for the patients studied from 1969 to 1980 was 68 and 40%, respectively. During the second study period these values were significantly improved and global survival reached 95% at five years and 90% at 10 years follow-up (P, 0.05). Survival at 10 years follow-up for patients with lupus nephropathy increased from 28% (study period 1964-1980) to 86% (study period 1984-2000). Twelve children died (38%) during the 1964-1980 study period. The causes of death were six due to kidney failure, three due to infectious conditions and another three of unknown causes. During the 1980-2000 study period mortality reached 6% (three cases), two cases died of a lupus flare-up and one case due to infection. In the last three decades, we have seen an important increase in the survival of children with SLE, especially in those patients with renal involvement. Management with immunosuppressive drugs, such as IV cyclophosphamide or azathioprine has changed the prognosis in these children. These results demonstrate that our children with SLE increased their life expectancy but are now faced with new types of morbidity because of the sequelae related to the disease itself.

Cucurbit[7]uril-stabilized gold nanoparticles as catalysts of the nitro compound reduction reaction

Catalytic performance of cucurbit[7]uril-stabilized gold nanoparticles on the reduction reaction of 4-nitrophenol and nitrofurantoin.

Immunological evaluation of rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with itolizumab

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease characterized by joint inflammation that affects approximately 1% of the general population. Itolizumab, a monoclonal antibody specific for the human CD6 molecule mainly expressed on T lymphocytes, has been shown to inhibit proliferation of T cells and proinflammatory cytokine production in psoriasis patients. We have now assessed the immunological effect of itolizumab in combination with methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis by analyzing clinical samples taken from 30 patients enrolled in a clinical trial. T and B cell subpopulations were measured at different time points of the study. Plasma cytokine levels and anti-idiotypic antibody response to itolizumab were also evaluated. The combined treatment of itolizumab and methotrexate led to a reduction in the frequency of T cell subpopulations, and plasma levels of proinflammatory cytokines showed a significant decrease up to at least 12 weeks after treatment ended. No anti-idiotypic antibody response was detected. These results support the relevance of the CD6 molecule as a therapeutic target for the treatment of this disease.

Electro-acupuncture for treatment of knee pain from osteoarthritis and the possible endocrinology changes: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background

Osteoarthritis of the knee is a major cause of disability among adults. Electro-acupuncture is considered a potentially useful treatment for osteoarthritis. The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy of electro-acupuncture on pain control, pain perception, plasma cortisol and beta-endorphin levels, patient-perceived quality of life, and pain medication use in patients with chronic knee pain.

Methods/design

This study is a placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind, parallel design trial. One hundred sixty out-patients who are more than 50 years old and who have osteoarthritis of the knee will be recruited from the island of Mallorca, Spain. Each participant will be randomly placed into one of two groups: (sham) electro-acupuncture non-insertion technique and real electro-acupuncture.

Acupuncture treatments will be the Traditional Chinese Medicine type. The patients will be evaluated after a period of 1 month (with two weekly sessions), 3 months (with one monthly session), 6 months (with one session every 45 days), and 1 year later with follow-up sessions at the end of the study (with one session every 2 months).

The primary outcomes will be based on the observed changes from the baseline of the visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) for pain measured at 12 weeks after the end of treatment.

Also to be included in the study are the possible changes in the secondary efficacy variables from baseline as assessed by the Short Form 36 version 2 health survey (patient-perceived quality of life), patient plasma cortisol and beta-endorphin levels at the different treatment stages, the Goldberg Anxiety and Depression Scale, pain medication use, functional capacity and stiffness (WOMAC subscales), and a VAS. These variables will be assessed at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after study commencement.

Discussion

The findings from this study will help to determine whether electro-acupuncture is effective for chronic knee pain management in older people and whether electro-acupuncture can deliver results for the improvement of pain relief, stiffness, and disability. The study will therefore be a major step toward understanding the roles of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the endogenous opioid system in the effectiveness of electro-acupuncture for chronic pain.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02299713 (11 Nov. 2014).

Immunological and histological evaluation of clinical samples from psoriasis patients treated with anti-CD6 itolizumab

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease with a prevalence of approximately 2-3% in the general population. The majority of diagnosed patients have plaque psoriasis, and about 20% have moderate-to-severe disease. Itolizumab, a new monoclonal antibody specific for the CD6 molecule mainly expressed on T lymphocytes, has demonstrated to inhibit in vitro ligand-induced proliferation and pro-inflammatory cytokine production. We assessed the immunological and histopathological effect of the antibody using clinical samples taken from 26 patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis included in a clinical trial. The precursor frequency of lymphocytes activated with anti-CD2/CD3/CD28 beads, as well as the number of interferon (IFN)-γ-secreting T cells after stimulation, were measured at different time points of the study. Serum cytokine levels and anti-idiotypic antibody response to itolizumab were also evaluated. Additionally, lymphocyte infiltration and epidermis hyperplasia were studied in five patients. A significant reduction in T cell proliferation capacity and number of IFN-γ-producing T cells was found in treated patients. Serum levels of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor and IFN-γ showed an overall trend toward reduction. No anti-idiotypic antibody response was detected. A significant reduction in the epidermis hyperplasia was observed in analyzed patients. These results support the relevance of the CD6 molecule as a therapeutic target for the treatment of this disease.

Surface topographic characterization for polyamide composite injection molds made of aluminum and copper alloys

In order to ensure flexibility and rapid new product development, the mold industry made use of soft materials for cavity inserts in injection molds. However, materials of this kind are prone to wear. This article analyzes the topographic characterization of the surface and wear processes in injection molds cavities. Two materials have been used to produce the cavities: aluminum alloy EN AW‐6082 T4 and copper alloy Cu Zn39 Pb3. The surface topography was measured with the use of optical interferometry profiling technology; roughness and surface parameters were determined according to ISO 4287, ISO 25178, and EUR 15178N. In order to complete this research, an experimental part with different thicknesses and shapes was designed, and cavity inserts of aluminum and copper were made. Polyamide PA6, with 30% fiberglass reinforcement, was employed in the experimental procedure. Measurements of cavity mold surfaces were performed after 9,200 cycles on each mold and at different locations on the mold. The surface measurement was made with a white light vertical scanning interferometry, also known as coherence scanning interferometry (ISO DIS 25178‐604). The results are analyzed and differences between the two types of cavity inserts materials are discussed.

Divergent selection for intramuscular fat content in rabbits. I. Direct response to selection

The aim of this study was to evaluate the selection response on intramuscular fat (IMF) content of LM after 3 generations of divergent selection. Heritability and genetic means for IMF content were also analyzed. Selection was based on the phenotypic value of IMF content measured in 2 full sibs of the first parity. Selection pressure on females was 13% in the base generation and 26% for the next generations. Males were selected within sire families to reduce inbreeding. Line size was 13 males and 83 females in the base population and approximately 8 males and 40 females for high (High) and low (Low)lines in the next generations. A total of 668 records were used to estimate the selection response on IMF. The pedigree file used to estimate heritability and genetic means contained 1,332 animals. Data were analyzed using Bayesian methodology. Differences between lines for IMF were 0.08, 0.10, and 0.09 g/100 g muscle in the first, second, and third generation, respectively. These differences represent a direct and cumulative selection response of 9% of the mean, of which 6.8% was obtained in the first generation. Heritability of IMF content was moderate to high (0.37) with a probability of 97% of being greater than 0.20. The response to selection estimated using an animal model was 0.033, 0.052 and 0.054 g/100 g muscle in line High and -0.032, -0.046, and -0.051 g/100 g muscle in line Low in the first, second, and third generation, respectively. Results of the present experiment confirmed that IMF content can be improved through selection in rabbits.