Effects of energy-restricted feeding during rearing on sexual maturation and reproductive performance of Rugao layer breeders

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of energy-restricted feeding during rearing on the sexual maturation and reproductive performance of Rugao layer breeders. A total of 2,400 8-wk-old Rugao layer breeders were randomly assigned to one of 5 groups (480 pullets per group) with eight replicates and were fed one of 5 diets that were nutritionally similar with the exception of apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen (AME_n) content (2,850, 2,750, 2,650, 2,550, and 2,450 kcal AME_n/kg) from 8 to 18 wks of age. The daily amount of feed was restricted to the absolute quantity of the diet consumed by laying hens fed 2,850 kcal AME_n per kg diet ad libitum (control). From 18 to 52 wks of age, all hens were fed basal diets ad libitum. The body weight of layer breeders at 18 wks of age decreased linearly with increasing energy restriction (P < 0.001), but caught up within 3 wks of ad libitum feeding (P = 0.290). The coefficient of variation of the body weight of the hens at 18, 21, and 24 wks of age decreased linearly (P = 0.010, 0.025, and 0.041, respectively) with increasing energy restriction during rearing. Energy-restricted feeding delayed sexual organ development at 18, 20, and 22 wks of age, including the number of large yellow follicles, oviduct length, oviduct length index, oviduct index, and ovary stroma index (P < 0.05), and delayed sexual maturity, including the age at laying the first egg and the age at 5% and 50% egg production (P = 0.042, 0.004, and 0.029, respectively). Consequently, egg number from 5% to 50% egg production decreased linearly as the degree of energy restriction increased (P = 0.001) and egg production of hens in the energy-restricted feeding groups was lower than that of hens in the ad libitum feeding group (6.36, 6.43, 6.4, and 4.61% vs. 14.29%; P < 0.05) from 18 to 20 wks of age. Furthermore, egg weight increased linearly as energy restriction increased (P < 0.001) and laying hens in the most severe energy-restricted feeding group had more setting eggs (normal eggs weighing >40 g) than hens in the ad libitum feeding and lighter energy-restricted feeding groups (149.57 vs. 144.34, 142.66, 143.63, and 141.78; P < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in fertility, hatchability of fertile eggs, and hatchability of setting eggs (P = 0.381, 0.790, and 0.605, respectively). In conclusion, moderate energy restriction (85.97%, 2,450 vs. 2,850 kcal AME_n/kg) from 8 to 18 wks of age increased egg weight as well as the production of setting eggs in native layer breeders throughout the laying period, without adverse effects on productive performance from 18 to 52 wks of age, or fertility and hatchability at 52 wks of age.

[Investigation on seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infections among neonates in Fujian Province]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infections among neonates in Fujian Province, so as to provide insights into the development of interventions for the prevention and control of congenital toxoplasmosis.

METHODS

A total of 1 045 neonates delivered in Fujian Province from 2017 to 2018 were recruited, including 387 preterm infants and 658 full-term infants. Umbilical cord blood was sampled from all neonates, and the seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii IgG antibody was detected and compared between preterm and full-term infants. In addition, elbow venous blood samples were collected from neonates'mothers, and the seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii IgG antibody was detected and compared between preterm and full-term infants'mothers.

RESULTS

The overall seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii IgG antibody was 9.38% among the 1 045 neonates in Fujian Province. The seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii IgG antibody was 18.35% in the 387 preterm infants, and there was no significant difference in the seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii IgG antibody between male and female infants (17.69% vs. 18.75%, χ² = 0.07, P > 0.05). The seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii IgG antibody was 4.10% in the 658 full-term infants, and there was no significant difference in the seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii IgG antibody between male and female infants (4.14% vs. 4.08%, χ² = 0, P > 0.05). In addition, the overall seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii IgG antibody was 15.02% in all neonates' mothers, and the seroprevalence was significantly greater in preterm infants'mothers than in full-term infant's mothers (20.93% vs. 11.55%, χ² = 16.79, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The seroprevalence of T. gondii infections is significantly higher in preterm infants and their mothers than in full-term infants and their mothers. Prenatal detection of T. gondii infections and health education pertaining to toxoplasmosis prevention and control knowledge are required to be strengthened to effectively reduce the incidence of congenital toxoplasmosis.

Genome-wide association studies for mottled eggs in chickens using a high-density single-nucleotide polymorphism array

Mottled eggs in layer chickens are gaining increasing attention because of the economic impact on the egg industry caused by the reduced sale value of commodity eggs. However, the genetic architecture underlying mottled eggs is not well understood. The genetic architecture underlying the mottled egg trait was investigated using genome-wide association studies (GWAS) by high-density arrays, using a total of 407 pink eggs and 799 blue eggs from an F₂ resource population generated by crossing Dongxiang Blue-shelled and White Leghorn chickens. The mottled egg score in blue eggs was found to be higher than that in pink eggs. The single-nucleotide polymorphism heritability of mottled egg at laying day and storage for 7 days was 0.18 and 0.20, respectively. Bivariate GWAS provided 29 significant loci, mainly located on GGA2, GGA3, GGA8, GGA10, GGA15, GGA17, and GGA23, affecting mottled egg on laying day. Candidate genes RIMS2, SLC25A32, RIMBP2, VPS13B, and RGS3 were obtained for mottled eggshell by bivariate GWAS and gene annotation. Our findings provide new insights into the genetic architecture of mottled egg in hens, and demonstrate that a genomic selection method would be profitable for breeding out the mottled egg trait.

Circular RNA hsa_circ_0006168 contributes to cell proliferation, migration and invasion in esophageal cancer by regulating miR-384/RBBP7 axis via activation of S6K/S6 pathway

OBJECTIVE

Esophageal cancer (EC) ranks as the sixth leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are involved in the pathogenesis of different cancers. However, the regulatory mechanism of circ_0006168 in EC progression is still unclear.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The expression of circ_0006168, microRNA (miR)-384, and retinoblastoma binding protein 7 (RBBP7) in tumors and cells was measured by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). The stability of circ_0006168 was analyzed after RNase R treatment. 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was conducted to evaluate cell viability. Transwell assay was applied to determine cell migration and invasion. Glucose consumption and lactate production were detected using glucose detection and lactic acid detection kits. The interaction between miR-384 and circ_0006168 or RBBP7 was certified by Dual-Luciferase reporter system. Protein expression of pyruvate kinase (PK), RBBP7, S6 ribosomal protein kinase (S6K), phosphorylated S6K (p-S6K), S6, phosphorylated S6 (p-S6) was analyzed by Western blot.

RESULTS

Circ_0006168 and RBBP7 were over-expressed while miR-384 was low-expressed in EC tumors and cells. The repression of circ_0006168 attenuated cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and glycolysis in EC. Of note, circ_0006168 functioned as a sponge while RBBP7 acted as a target of miR-384 in EC. Rescue experiment revealed that miR-384 inhibitor abrogated circ_0006168 silencing-induced repression on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in EC. Meanwhile, upregulation of RBBP7 restored the inhibition of miR-384 on EC cell progression. Moreover, circ_0006168 was able to improve RBBP7 level by interacting with miR-384. Also, circ_0006168 could activate S6K/S6 pathway by regulating RBBP7 expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Abundance of circ_0006168 contributes to cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and glycolysis in EC by competitively sponging miR-384 to facilitate RBBP7 expression, representing prospective targets for EC therapy.

MiR-15 suppressed the progression of bladder cancer by targeting BMI1 oncogene via PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of microRNA-15 (miR-15) in the progression of bladder cancer (BC) cell and its underlying mechanism.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Human BC specimens were collected from BC patients during operations. BC cell lines (T24, BIU87, and HT1376) and normal uroepithelial cell lines SV-HUV-1 were cultured. The abilities of cell proliferation and invasion were detected by Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) and transwell assay, respectively. Additionally, the relevant mRNA and protein expressions were measured by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR), Western blot and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Furthermore, the luciferase reporter assay was used to verify the target gene of miR-15. Besides, Xenograft tumor formation assay was performed to confirm the effect of miR-15 on tumor growth.

RESULTS

A low expression of miR-15 was detected by qRT-PCR, whereas the high expression of B cell-specific Moloney murine leukemia virus integration site 1 (BMI1) was detected by immunocytochemical assay in BC tissues. Moreover, miR-15 expression and BMI1 expression were significantly associated with the overall survival of BC patients. MTT and transwell assay results stated that the up-regulation of miR-15 inhibited BC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. BMI-1 was verified as a direct target of miR-15 in BC using Luciferase reporter assay. Besides, miR-15 regulated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related makers, protein kinase B (AKT), and the phosphorylation of AKT protein levels in BC using the Western blot assay. Xenograft tumor formation assay indicated that the over-expression of miR-15 inhibited the tumor growth.

CONCLUSIONS

We stated that miR-15 suppressed BC cell progression by targeting BMI1 through the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling pathway, which provided a potential target for BC treatment.

Serum cystatin C: A potential predictor for hospital-acquired acute kidney injury in patients with acute exacerbation of COPD

Hospital-acquired acute kidney injury (HA-AKI) is associated with poor prognosis. In this study, we evaluated whether serum cystatin C on admission could predict AKI in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). The retrospective study was conducted using data on adult inpatients with AECOPD from January 2014 to January 2017. A total of 1035 patients were included, among which 79 (7.6%) with HA-AKI were identified. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to investigate predictors of HA-AKI in patients with AECOPD. HA-AKI was associated with poor prognosis, and patients with HA-AKI had higher inpatient mortality (34.2% vs. 2.6%, p < 0.001). Furthermore, after adjusting for confounders, HA-AKI was an independent risk factor for inpatient mortality for patients with AECOPD (odds ratio (OR) 11.02; 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.77–25.45; p < 0.001). Four independent risk factors for HA-AKI (age, levels of urea and cystatin C, and platelet count on admission) were identified in patients with AECOPD. Cystatin C (OR 5.22; 95% CI 2.49–10.95; p < 0.001) was a significant independent predictor of AKI in patients with AECOPD. HA-AKI in patients with AECOPD could be identified with a sensitivity of 73.5% and a specificity of 75.9% (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.803, 95% CI 0.747–0.859) by cystatin C level (cutoff value = 1.3 mg/L) and with a sensitivity of 75.9% and a specificity of 82.0% (AUC = 0.853, 95% CI 0.810–0.896) using a model comprising all significant predictors. Serum cystatin C has the potential for use to predict the risk of HA-AKI in patients with AECOPD.

An analysis of the variations and clinical applications of the lateral circumflex femoral artery

BACKGROUND

Identifying the arterial variation of the lateral circumflex femoral artery (LCFA) is a vital step in planning surgical and radiological approach. The aim of the study was to evaluate the variations and discuss the clinical correlates of the LCFA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty eight adult cadavers (male 45, female 13) with 115 usable sides were used to assess and classify the origin and branches of the LCFA. Also its external diameter, distance from mid-inguinal ligament to sites of origin from the profunda femoris artery or femoral arteries.

RESULTS

There were seven types of LCFA variations in this sample. We classified them as types A to G, of which type A was normal, that is, the one showing a single LCFA arising from the profunda femoris artery. Nearly 50.43% of the sample had type B-G variations, each having 13, 10, 23, 4, 4, and 3 cases, accounting for 11.30%, 8.70%, 20.00%, 3.48%, 3.48%, and 2.61%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

There are many variant types in the LCFA. To avoid iatrogenic injuries, clinicians must have a sound understanding of the variation types of this important blood vessel.

Efficacy evaluation of selenium-enriched yeast in laying hens: effects on performance, egg quality, organ development, and selenium deposition

The aim of this study was to compare the dynamic changes of egg selenium (Se) deposition and deposition efficiency and to evaluate the efficacy of selenium-enriched yeast (SY) in laying hens over the 84 d feeding period after SY supplementation. A total of one thousand one hundred fifty-two 30-wk-old, Hy-Line Brown hens were randomly assigned to 1 of 6 groups (192 laying hens per group) with 6 replicates of 32 birds each, fed a basal diet (without Se supplementation), basal diet with 0.3 mg/kg of Se from sodium selenite (SS) or basal diets with 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, or 0.4 mg/kg of Se from SY, respectively. The results showed that the Se concentrations in the eggs and breasts from hens fed a SY-supplemented diet were significantly higher than those from hens fed a SS-supplemented diet or a basal diet (P < 0.001). There was a positive linear and quadratic correlation between Se concentrations in the eggs from hens fed a SY-supplemented diet and dietary Se supplementation on days 28, 56, and 84 (r² = 0.931, 0.932, 0.976, P < 0.001; r² = 0.946, 0.935, 0.976, P < 0.001), respectively. The Se deposition efficiency in whole eggs from hens fed a basal or SY-supplemented diet weresignificantly higher than those in eggs from hens fed a SS-supplemented diet on days 28, 56, and 84 (P < 0.001), respectively. In addition, there was a positive linear and quadratic correlation between Se concentrations in the eggs from hens fed SY-supplemented diet (r² = 0.655, 0.779, 0.874, 0.781, P < 0.001; r² = 0.666, 0.863, 0.944, 0.781, P < 0.001) or SS-supplemented diet (r² = 0.363, P = 0.002; r² = 0.440, P = 0.002) and number of feeding days. In conclusion, the organic Se from SY has higher bioavailability and deposition efficiency of Se in whole eggs as compared with inorganic Se from SS. The Se concentrations and Se deposition efficiency in the eggs increased from hens fed a SS- or SY-supplemented diet but decreased from hens fed a basal diet with the extension of the experimental duration. The results indicate that the dietary Se supplementation from SY should be limited to a maximum of 0.1 mg Se/kg complete feed when the eggs and meat produced from hens fed a SY-supplemented diet are used as food for humans directly, whereas up to 0.4 mg/kg organic Se from SY can be used to supplement the diets for laying hens when the products are used as raw materials for producing Se-enriched food.

Kidney injury induced by elevated histones in community-acquired pneumonia

Previous studies showed that extracellular histones could damage organs, but the role of extracellular histones in pneumonia patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) is unknown. This study aims to investigate the impact of extracellular histones on patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) developed AKI. Blood samples were obtained within 24 h after admission to hospital from patients who were diagnosed with CAP. According to the discharge diagnosis, the patients were divided into 2 groups (Non-AKI and AKI). In vitro, A549 cells were treated with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and conditioned media were collected. HK2 cells were exposed to the conditioned media or not. Cells proliferation and apoptosis of HK2 were determined. Clinically, Log₂ Histones (OR 3.068; 95% CI 1.544-6.097, P = 0.001) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (OR 0.945; 95% CI 0.914-0.978, P = 0.001) were predictors of AKI in CAP patients. Compared to the lower histones group, patients in the higher histones group were more likely to be admitted to ICU, receive mechanical ventilation, and have a longer length of in-hospital stay. In vitro, A549 cells injured by LPS released extracellular histones, in conditioned media which significantly promoted HK2 cells apoptosis. Extracellular histones was a high risk factor for developing AKI in CAP patients and a predictor of worse short-term outcomes. We also showed that extracellular histones in conditioned media damaged HK2 cells.Trial registration number: KY20181102-03; Date of registration: 20181102.

Incidence, Risk Factors, and Prognostic Implications of Acute Kidney Injury in Patients with Acute Exacerbation of COPD

Purpose

Little is known about the incidence, risk factors, and prognostic implications of acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) in China. In this study, we investigated the incidence, risk factors, and short-term outcomes of AKI in these patients.

Patients and Methods

We analyzed the records of 1768 patients admitted to Nanjing First Hospital with a principal diagnosis of AECOPD. Of these, 377 patients had AKI.

Results

AKI occurred in 377 patients (21%). Independent risk factors for AKI in patients with AECOPD were advanced age, coronary artery disease, anemia, cancer, chronic kidney disease, hypercapnic encephalopathy, acute respiratory failure, and mechanical ventilation. Patients with AKI had worse prognostic implications and were more likely to require mechanical ventilation (38.7% vs 19.1%, P<0.001); non-invasive mechanical ventilation (38.2% vs 18.9%, P<0.001); invasive mechanical ventilation (18.3% vs 3.1%, P<0.001); intensive care unit (ICU) admission (33.7% vs 12.9%, P<0.001); had a longer ICU stay (9 days vs 8 days, P=0.033) and longer hospitalization (13 days vs 10 days, P<0.001); and higher in-hospital mortality (18.0% vs 2.7%, P<0.001) than those without AKI. Multivariable analysis indicated that compared to patients without AKI, those with stage 1, 2, or 3 AKI had a 1.9-fold, 2.1-fold, or 6.0-fold increased risk of in-hospital death, respectively.

Conclusion

AKI is common in patients with AECOPD requiring hospitalization. Patients with AKI have worse short-term outcomes. Thus, AKI may be a prognostic predictor of patient survival.

The role of cyanide-resistant respiration in Solanum tuberosum L. against high light stress

Cyanide-resistant respiration in potato mitochondria is an important pathway for energy dissipation. It can be activated by high light; however, it is unclear what roles cyanide-resistant respiration plays in the response to high light stress in potato. We designed a CRISPR vector for the functional gene StAOX of the potato cyanide-resistant respiratory pathway. Agrobacterium tumefaciens GV3101 was transformed into potato. Hydrogen peroxide level, MDA content, antioxidant activity and cyanide-resistant respiratory capacity of potato leaves under high light stress were determined. Photosynthetic efficiency and chlorophyll content were determined. In addition, the operation of the malate-oxaloacetate shuttle route and transcription level of photorespiration-related enzymes were also examined. The results showed that two base substitutions occurred at the sequencing target site on leaves of the transformed potato. Accumulation of ROS and increased membrane lipid peroxidation were detected in the transformed potato leaves and lower photosynthetic efficiency was observed. The transcription level of the malate-oxaloacetate shuttle route and photorespiration-related enzymes also significantly increased. These results indicate that the cyanide-resistant respiration is an important physiological pathway in potato in response to high light stress. It also suggests that plant cyanide-resistant respiration is closely related to photosynthesis. This implies the unexplored importance of plant cyanide-resistant respiration in plant photosynthesis, energy conversion and carbon skeleton formation.

Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockade is associated with higher risk of contrast-induced acute kidney injury in patients with diabetes

As the incidence of diabetes and cardiovascular comorbidities continues to rise, driven by increased prevalence of obesity and an aging population, so does the demand for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to restore cardiac blood flow. Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors are commonly prescribed to hypertensive diabetic patients to prevent diabetic nephropathy. However, evidence suggests that angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) may increase the risk of contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CIAKI) following coronary angiography (CAG) and PCI. We therefore conducted a retrospective, multicenter study applying the propensity score matching method to evaluate the impact of RAAS inhibition on CIAKI in diabetic patients undergoing CAG/PCI. Among 2240 subjects that met the inclusion criteria, 704 patients in the ACEIs/ARBs group were successfully matched to eligible control patients. The incidence of CIAKI (serum creatinine increase ≥0.5 mg/dl or ≥25% from baseline within 72 h post-CAG/PCI) was significantly higher in the ACEIs/ARBs group than in the control group (26.6% vs. 16.2%, P<0.001). However, control patients showed increased risk of overall adverse cardiovascular events (4.1% vs. 1.8% for ACEIs/ARBs; P=0.016). These data indicate that RAAS inhibition increases the risk of CIAKI in diabetic patients, but confers protection against early cardiovascular events.

Complement C3 and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients: A Pilot Study

CONTEXT

Evidences have suggested complement C3 is a biomarker for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in the general population.

OBJECTIVE

The present study was conducted to explore the predictive function of C3 for NAFLD in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

CKD patients were recruited for evaluation of their liver function, kidney function, serum lipids, glycated hemoglobin, blood, and immune function. The glomerular filtration rate was calculated using the CKD-EPI equation. NAFLD was diagnosed according to predefined ultrasonographic criteria.

RESULTS

A total of 648 consecutive CKD patients were included, with 216 (33.3%) patients diagnosed with NAFLD. The NAFLD group had significant higher levels of serum protein, serum albumin, triglycerides, glycated hemoglobin, complement C3, hemoglobin (p = 0.001), alanine aminotransferase (p = 0.002), estimated glomerular filtration rate (p = 0.007), and C4 (p = 0.043) and lower levels of cystatin C, β2-microglobulin, proteinuria (p = 0.001), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p = 0.008). In a logistic regression model, only complement C3 (OR = 1.003; 95% CI 1.002-1.004, p = 0.001) was associated with a higher likelihood of being diagnosed with NAFLD. Finally, we constructed ROC curves for complement C3 for prediction of having NAFLD. The best cut-off for complement C3 was 993.5 mg/L and it yielded a sensitivity of 63.9% and a specificity of 70.1%.

CONCLUSION

Our study revealed that complement C3 can be used as a surrogate biomarker of NAFLD in CKD patients.

MicroRNA-590-5p suppresses the proliferation and invasion of non-small cell lung cancer by regulating GAB1

OBJECTIVE

Some specific microRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified to regulate the tumorigenesis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). MiR-590-5p was found to involve in the carcinogenesis of human cancers. This study aims at exploring the role of miR-590-5p in the pathogenesis of NSCLC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The expressions of miR-590-5p and GAB1 were measured by quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot, respectively. The biological functions of miR-590-5p and GAB1 on cell viability and invasion were investigated through MTT and transwell assays. The binding site between miR-590-5p and GAB1 was verified by dual-luciferase reporter gene assay (DLR).

RESULTS

MiR-590-5p expression was downregulated in NSCLC. MiR-590-5p overexpression inhibited the proliferation and invasion of NSCLC cells. Furthermore, miR-590-5p was confirmed to directly target GAB1. GAB1 knockdown had the same effect as overexpression of miR-590-5p in NSCLC. Moreover, overexpression of GAB1 partially reversed the suppressive effect of miR-590-5p on NSCLC.

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-590-5p suppressed cell proliferation and invasion of NSCLC by inhibiting GAB1 expression, indicating that miR-590-5p was a suppressive miRNA in NSCLC.