Serial electroconvulsive Seizure alters dendritic complexity and promotes cellular proliferation in the mouse dentate gyrus; a role for Egr3

BACKGROUND

Despite being one of the safest, most effective treatments for severe mood disorders, the therapeutic mechanisms of electroconvulsive therapy remain unknown. Electroconvulsive seizure (ECS) induces rapid, high-level expression of immediate early genes (IEGs) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), in addition to stimulation of neurogenesis and dendritic remodeling of dentate gyrus (DG) neurons. We have previously shown that this upregulation of BDNF fails to occur in the hippocampus of mice lacking the IEG Egr3. Since BDNF influences neurogenesis and dendritic remodeling, we hypothesized that Egr3-/- mice will exhibit deficits in neurogenesis and dendritic remodeling in response to ECS.

OBJECTIVE

To test this hypothesis, we examined dendritic remodeling and cellular proliferation in the DG of Egr3-/- and wild-type mice following repeated ECS.

METHODS

Mice received 10 daily ECSs. Dendritic morphology was examined in Golgi-Cox-stained tissue and cellular proliferation was analyzed through bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) immunohistochemistry and confocal imaging.

RESULTS

Serial ECS in mice results in dendritic remodeling, increased spine density, and cellular proliferation in the DG. Loss of Egr3 alters the dendritic remodeling induced by serial ECS but does not change the number of dendritic spines or cellular proliferation consequences of ECS.

CONCLUSION

Egr3 influences the dendritic remodeling induced by ECS but is not required for ECS-induced proliferation of hippocampal DG cells.

Metabolizable energy and amino acid digestibility in spray-dried animal plasma using broiler chick and precision-fed rooster assays

Four experiments were conducted to determine ME and amino acid (AA) digestibility of spray-dried animal plasma (SDAP) and soybean meal (SBM). The 48-h precision-fed adult rooster assay was used in 2 experiments; TMEn and standardized AA digestibility were determined using conventional and cecectomized roosters, respectively, 50 weeks of age and weighing approximately 2,200 g. Eight individually-caged roosters (4 per diet) were fasted for 26 h, then precision-fed 30 g of SDAP mixture (containing 50% corn) or SBM mixture (containing 50% corn). The TMEn and AA digestibility for SDAP and SBM were calculated by the difference procedure. The TMEn for SDAP was greater (P < 0.05) than SBM (3,743 and 2,669 kcal/kg DM, respectively). Similarly, mean AA digestibility of SDAP was greater (P < 0.05) than SBM (94 and 86%, respectively). Two assays were conducted using Ross male broilers to determine AMEn and apparent (AIAAD) and standardized (SIAAD) ileal AA digestibility of SDAP and SBM. A 3 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments was used to determine AMEn; 126 chicks (6 replicate pens of 7 chicks) were fed a corn-SBM-based reference diet, a diet containing 30% SDAP, or a diet containing 30% SBM from d 7 to 10 and 18 to 21. A 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments was used to determine AIAAD and SIAAD; 168 chicks (12 replicate pens of 7 chicks) were fed a semi-purified diet containing 25% SDAP or a semi-purified, isonitrogenous diet containing 41% SBM from d 7 to 10 and 18 to 21. The AMEn for SDAP was greater (P < 0.05) than SBM at d 10 (3,851 and 2,089 kcal/kg DM, respectively) and d 21 (4,239 and 2,849 kcal/kg DM, respectively). The second assay showed an increase (P < 0.05) in AIAAD and SIAAD for SDAP compared with SBM at d 10 (mean SIAAD for SDAP and SBM were 96% and 84%, respectively) and d 21 (97% and 87%, respectively). Regardless of assay or age, these results indicate SDAP is a highly digestible feed ingredient with high ME and AA digestibility.

Effects of spray-dried bovine plasma protein in milk replacers fed at a high plane of nutrition on performance, intestinal permeability, and morbidity of Holstein calves

Spray-dried plasma protein (SDP) has been shown to improve growth and intestinal function in young calves when included in milk replacers (MR) fed at conventional rates. Use of an SDP and wheat protein blend to replace a portion of whey protein has been shown to perform similarly to using an all-whey protein control MR. However, a trend in the dairy industry is to feed calves for greater rates of growth during the preweaning period. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of increasing amounts of SDP inclusion in MR on growth and health of calves fed at a high plane of nutrition. Young (<7 d) Holstein calves were offered starter and assigned to 1 of 5 MR treatments: an all-milk protein (whey) control MR (0SDP, n = 26) or MR containing 5% SDP (5SDP, n = 20), 7.5% SDP (7.5SDP, n = 14), 10% SDP (10SDP, n = 20), or 12% of an approximate 1:1 SDP plus wheat protein blend (PW, n = 17). All MR were formulated to contain 26% CP and 16% fat and were fed at a maximum rate of 1 kg of powder (as fed) from d 8 to 36. Amounts of MR powder were decreased by 25%/wk from d 37 to weaning at d 57. Thereafter, calves were provided only starter feed until the end of the study at d 63. On d 4, 15, 36, and 57, intestinal permeability was assessed via oral administration of lactulose and d-mannitol followed by analysis of lactulose and mannitol in blood at 60 min after administration. Increasing SDP led to a small linear decrease in MR consumed. There was a tendency for a positive linear relationship between increasing SDP and average daily gain of body weight, and SDP had mixed effects on body frame variables. Increasing SDP tended to increase fecal scores and increased the amount of fluid therapy given. Diet had no effect on intestinal permeability. Increasing SDP led to an increase in serum total cholesterol and serum urea N and tended to have a quadratic effect on serum glucose concentration on d 36. Calves fed PW tended to have increased withers height, increased intestinal permeability on d 36, and an increased likelihood of being medicated for any reason or being medicated for respiratory illness, but growth and health were not different from the control diet otherwise. Feeding PW led to an increase in serum total cholesterol and tended to lead to increased serum glucose concentration on d 36. Results of this study indicate that SDP can be included at up to 10% as fed in the MR of calves fed at a high plane of nutrition (1 kg/d of MR powder, as fed) with improvements in average daily gain. Additionally, a 1:1 SDP plus wheat protein blend can be used at 12% inclusion with no difference in most health and growth parameters.

Effect of bioactive proteins on gait kinematics and systemic inflammatory markers in mature horses

Twenty-seven mature Quarter horses were used in a randomized design to determine the effects of bioactive protein supplementation on gait kinematics and systemic inflammatory markers in a 34-d trial. Treatments consisted of oral doses of 230 g/d of pelleted supplements containing 0 g (CON; n = 9), 40 g of bioactive protein (40BP; n = 9; LIFELINE, APC, LLC, Ankeny, IA), and 80 g of bioactive protein (80BP; n = 9) daily. Horses were fed a commercial concentrate at 0.5% BW (as-fed) and received ad libitum coastal bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) hay daily. On day 33, horses consistent in exercise (CON, n = 6; 40BP, n = 8; 80BP, n = 7) participated in a trailering and riding challenge. Kinematic gait analysis was performed on day 0 for use as a covariate, and on day 14, 28, and 34 to allow for the determination of potential time and dosage effects. Video footage was collected and analyzed using gait analysis software (EquineTec, Monroe, GA) for the determination of stride length (SL) and range of motion (ROM). Blood was collected via jugular venipuncture on days 0, 14, 28, and 34 for determination of systemic expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-1β. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS. A trend towards treatment × time interaction was observed in ROM of the knee at the walk (P = 0.10), due to the increasing ROM for 40BP and 80BP as time increased and decreasing ROM for CON. A treatment × time interaction was observed (P < 0.01) for hock ROM at a walk resulting from CON and 80BP decreasing from day 14 to 28 with 40BP increasing, while from day 28 to 34 ROM at a walk decreased for 40BP and increased for 80BP. The main effect of treatment on hock ROM at the walk was quadratic (P < 0.01) and characterized by higher ROM values for 40BP compared to CON or 80BP. Dietary treatment lengthened (P = 0.04) SL of the hind limb at the walk for 40BP and 80BP compared to CON on both days 14 and 28. A significant treatment × time interaction was observed in the expression of IL-1β (P < 0.01) and can be explained by lower concentrations of IL-1β for 80BP on day 34 compared to the other treatments, with 40BP being intermediate and CON being the highest. Increased articular ROM with decreased expression of IL-1β may indicate potential anti-inflammatory effects of 80 g/d of bioactive proteins.

Effect of Spray-Dried Plasma Form and Duration of Feeding on Broiler Performance During Natural Necrotic Enteritis Exposure

The effect of duration of feeding (continuous or discontinued after d 14) and form (granular vs. powder) of spray-dried plasma (SDP) on performance and mortality of broilers using used litter was evaluated with 240 Ross × Ross 308 male broilers (6 broilers per pen, 8 pens per treatment). Dietary treatments were control (no SDP) or SDP as powder or granular included in the pellet and fed continuously (d 0 to 35) or discontinued after d 14. During the experiment, broilers developed necrotic enteritis, and tissue cultures were positive for Escherichia coli and Salmonella, resulting in 50% mortality on control broilers. Addition of SDP to the feed improved (P < 0.05) average daily gain, feed intake, and feed efficiency for each period of the study (d 0 to 14, 15 to 28, 29 to 35, and 0 to 35). Continuous feeding of SDP improved (P < 0.05) average daily gain, feed intake, and feed efficiency from d 15 to 35 compared with broilers fed SDP to d 14. Liveability was improved (P < 0.05) in broilers consuming SDP either for 14 d or continuously throughout the experiment compared with control broilers. Spray-dried granular plasma was more effective than spray-dried powder plasma from d 0 to 14. The results of this experiment confirmed that SDP improved broiler growth rate, feed intake, feed efficiency, and minimized enteric challenge associated with necrotic enteritis with maximal protection afforded by continuous feeding. The response to SDP was independent of age of the broiler.

Seasonal Efficacy of Vegetated Filter Strips for Phosphorus Reduction in Surface Runoff

A vegetated filter strip (VFS) is a measure commonly implemented in agricultural landscapes for the purpose of improving water quality. However, much of the evidence to support their effectiveness comes from warm regions dominated by rainfall driven runoff. This study assessed the performance of VFS plots and compared them with annual crop strips to reduce phosphorus (P) levels in runoff in the cold climate of the Canadian Prairies. Analysis of water samples from 22 events during the study indicated no significant difference in the inflow and outflow concentrations of total dissolved P (TDP) or total P (TP) for either the VFS or the annual crop strips. Although the VFS plots had little effect on TDP or TP during the spring, they performed better during the growing season, reducing mean TP concentrations in five out of seven, or 71%, of these events. The VFS plots did not perform as well during the fall events, with the overall mean TP concentration in runoff increasing after flowing through the filters during this time period.

Short communication: Effects of porcine plasma or combined sodium butyrate and Bacillus subtilis on growth and health of grain-fed veal calves

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of incorporating 2 commonly used additives or spray-dried porcine plasma in calf milk replacer (CMR) on calf performance and health. Male Holstein calves (n = 158) transported from auction barns and local dairy farms were randomly assigned to receive 1 of 3 decoquinate-containing CMR for the first 49 d of the experiment: all milk protein and no additives (CONT); 15% of crude protein (CP) replaced with spray-dried porcine plasma, no additives (PLM); or all milk protein and an added combination of sodium butyrate (rate 1.4 kg of butyric acid/Mt) and Bacillus subtilis (1.28 million cfu/g of feed; BB). All milk replacers were formulated to contain 26% CP and 17% fat, 2.4% Lys, and 0.8% Met, and were bucket-fed at daily feeding rates of 520 g during wk 1 and 2, 650 g during wk 3, and 900 g during wk 4 and 5, in a total of 4, 5, and 6 L of solution, respectively. Calves were offered texturized calf starter (18% CP) upon arrival until wk 3 and transitioned to a corn and pellet ration with 2% straw (18.1% CP). No prophylactic administration of antibiotics occurred. All calves were gradually weaned over a 2-wk period. Calves were individually housed until weaned and then housed in groups of 5 in a mechanically ventilated facility in southwestern Ontario, Canada. Fecal scores, treatments administered (antibiotic or supportive therapy), and mortalities were recorded daily. Body weight was measured using a digital scale at arrival and at 14, 49, 56, and 78 d after arrival. No differences were found among the groups with respect to growth, feed efficiency, or incidence of diarrhea or respiratory infection treatment. Calves supplemented with BB had a greater hazard of mortality over the growing period compared with CONT. An interaction was found between the BB group and the level of total serum protein, with the BB group having a lower proportion of days with a fecal score of 3 when the calves had a higher total serum protein level. Calves fed PLM had a lower proportion of d with a fecal score of 3 relative to CONT but no difference in the proportion of d with a fecal score of 2 or higher. This study found that the addition of spray-dried plasma in CMR reduced diarrhea severity; however, supplementing BB was associated with a higher hazard of calf mortality and had a varying response on fecal score.

Low-p_{T} e^{+}e^{-} Pair Production in Au+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV and U+U Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=193 GeV at STAR

We report first measurements of e^{+}e^{-} pair production in the mass region 0.4<M_{ee}<2.6  GeV/c^{2} at low transverse momentum (p_{T}<0.15  GeV/c) in noncentral Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV and U+U collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=193  GeV. Significant enhancement factors, expressed as ratios of data over known hadronic contributions, are observed in the 40%-80% centrality of these collisions. The excess yields peak distinctly at low p_{T} with a width (sqrt[⟨p_{T}^{2}⟩]) between 40 and 60  MeV/c. The absolute cross section of the excess depends weakly on centrality, while those from a theoretical model calculation incorporating an in-medium broadened ρ spectral function and radiation from a quark gluon plasma or hadronic cocktail contributions increase dramatically with an increasing number of participant nucleons. Model calculations of photon-photon interactions generated by the initial projectile and target nuclei describe the observed excess yields but fail to reproduce the p_{T}^{2} distributions.

Evaluation of ultraviolet-C and spray-drying processes as two independent inactivation steps on enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli K88 and K99 strains inoculated in fresh unconcentrated porcine plasma

The objectives of this study were to assess the effectiveness of an ultraviolet (UV‐C, 254 nm) irradiation system and the spray‐drying method as two independent safety steps on inactivation of Escherichia coli K88 and K99 spiked in porcine plasma at 6·46 ± 0·04 log₁₀ ml⁻¹ and 6·78 ± 0·67 log₁₀ ml⁻¹ respectively for UV‐C method, and at 7·31 ± 0·39 log₁₀ ml⁻¹ and 7·66 ± 0·11 log₁₀ ml⁻¹, respectively for the spray‐drying method. The UV‐C method was performed at different UV light doses (from 750 to 9000 J l⁻¹) using a pilot plant UV‐C device working under turbulent flow. Spray‐drying treatment was done at inlet temperature 220 ± 1°C and two different outlet temperatures, 80 ± 1°C or 70 ± 1°C. Results indicated that UV‐C treatment induced a 4 log₁₀ viability reduction for both E. coli at 3000 J l⁻¹. Full inactivation of both E. coli strains was achieved in all spray‐dried samples dehydrated at both outlet temperatures. The special UV‐C system design for turbid liquid porcine plasma is a novel treatment that can provide an additional redundant biosafety feature that can be incorporated into the manufacturing process for spray‐dried animal plasma.

Significance and Impact of the Study

The safety of raw materials from animal origin such as spray‐dried porcine plasma (SDPP) may be a concern for the swine industry. Ultraviolet treatment at 254 nm (UV‐C) of liquid plasma has been proposed as an additional biosafety feature in the manufacturing process of SDPP. We found that UV‐C exposure in the liquid plasma at 3000 J l⁻¹ reduces about 4 log10 ml⁻¹ for E. coli K88 and K99. Full inactivation of both E. coli strains was achieved in all spray‐dried samples. The incorporation of UV‐C treatment to liquid plasma improves the robustness of the SDPP manufacturing process.

Beam Energy Dependence of Jet-Quenching Effects in Au+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=7.7, 11.5, 14.5, 19.6, 27, 39, and 62.4 GeV

We report measurements of the nuclear modification factor R_{CP} for charged hadrons as well as identified π^{+(-)}, K^{+(-)}, and p(p[over ¯]) for Au+Au collision energies of sqrt[s_{NN}]=7.7, 11.5, 14.5, 19.6, 27, 39, and 62.4 GeV. We observe a clear high-p_{T} net suppression in central collisions at 62.4 GeV for charged hadrons which evolves smoothly to a large net enhancement at lower energies. This trend is driven by the evolution of the pion spectra but is also very similar for the kaon spectra. While the magnitude of the proton R_{CP} at high p_{T} does depend on the collision energy, neither the proton nor the antiproton R_{CP} at high p_{T} exhibit net suppression at any energy. A study of how the binary collision-scaled high-p_{T} yield evolves with centrality reveals a nonmonotonic shape that is consistent with the idea that jet quenching is increasing faster than the combined phenomena that lead to enhancement.

Combined effects of spray-drying conditions and postdrying storage time and temperature on Salmonella choleraesuis and Salmonella typhimurium survival when inoculated in liquid porcine plasma

The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the spray-drying process on the inactivation of Salmonella choleraesuis and Salmonella typhimurium spiked in liquid porcine plasma and to test the additive effect of immediate postdrying storage. Commercial spray-dried porcine plasma was sterilized by irradiation and then reconstituted (1:9) with sterile water. Aliquots of reconstituted plasma were inoculated with either S. choleraesuis or S. typhimurium, subjected to spray-drying at an inlet temperature of 200°C and an outlet temperature of either 71 or 80°C, and each spray-drying temperature combinations were subjected to either 0, 30 or 60 s of residence time (RT) as a simulation of residence time typical of commercial dryers. Spray-dried samples were stored at either 4·0 ± 3·0°C or 23·0 ± 0·3°C for 15 days. Bacterial counts of each Salmonella spp., were completed for all samples. For both Salmonella spp., spray-drying at both outlet temperatures reduced bacterial counts about 3 logs at RT 0 s, while there was about a 5·5 log reduction at RT 60 s. Storage of all dried samples at either 4·0 ± 3·0°C or 23·0 ± 0·3°C for 15 days eliminate all detectable bacterial counts of both Salmonella spp.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Safety of raw materials from animal origin like spray-dried porcine plasma (SDPP) may be a concern for the swine industry. Spray-drying process and postdrying storage are good inactivation steps to reduce the bacterial load of Salmonella choleraesuis and Salmonella typhimurium. For both Salmonella spp., spray-drying at 71°C or 80°C outlet temperatures reduced bacterial counts about 3 log at residence time (RT) 0 s, while there was about a 5.5 log reduction at RT 60 s. Storage of all dried samples at either 4.0 ± 3.0°C or 23.0 ± 0.3°C for 15 days was effective for eliminating detectable bacterial counts of both Salmonella spp.

Effects of spray-dried plasma protein product on early-lactation dairy cows

Spray-dried plasma protein (SDP) compared with blood meal (BM) may contain various functional and active components that may benefit animal health. The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effects of feeding SDP or BM on production and blood profile in dairy cows during the transition and early-lactation periods. Seventy-two Holstein cows at 14 d before calving were used in a randomized block design. During the prepartum period, cows were fed a typical late-gestation diet containing BM (100 g/cow per day; 100BM, n = 24) or SDP (100 g/cow per day; 100SDP; n = 48). After calving, cows that were fed BM prepartum were fed a typical lactation diet formulated to provide 100 g/d of BM (100BM). Half the cows that were fed 100SDP prepartum were fed a lactation diet formulated to provide 100 g/d of SDP (100SDP; n = 24), and half were fed a diet formulated to provide 400 g/d of SDP (400SDP; n = 24) on a dry matter basis where SDP replaced BM (100SDP) or BM and soybean products (400SDP). All diets were balanced for crude protein concentration and metabolizable protein supply assuming BM and SDP were equal in rumen-degradable protein and rumen-undegradable protein. All data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC) as a randomized block design where contrasts were made for 100BM versus 100SDP for prepartum variables and 100BM versus 100SDP and 100SDP versus 400SDP for postpartum variables. Prepartum supplementation of SDP had no effect on plasma fatty acids and β-hydroxybutyrate (2 d before calving). Plasma fatty acids (255 ± 29 µEq/mL) and β-hydroxybutyrate (675 ± 70 µmol/L) at 8 and 14 d of lactation were not affected by SDP in the diet. Feeding SDP at 100 g/d compared with 100BM increased or tended to increase milk fat, protein, and lactose contents for 16 wk after parturition. Providing SDP at 400 g/d in the diet increased milk yield (42 vs. 39 kg/d), energy-corrected milk (44 vs. 41 kg/d), energy-corrected milk per kilogram of dry matter intake, and yields of milk fat (1.60 vs. 1.48 kg/d), protein (1.21 vs. 1.16 kg/d), and lactose compared with 100SDP. Body weight losses tended to be lower for 100SDP compared with 100BM without a difference between 100SDP and 400SDP. Plasma histidine concentration (d 14 of lactation) was lower for SDP compared with 100BM. In addition, plasma 1-methyl-l-histidine tended to be lower as inclusion rate of SDP increased. In conclusion, SDP at 400 g/d increased milk and milk component yields without an increase in feed intake. Studies evaluating effects of functional and active compounds in SDP on gut microbiome, gut health, and immune functions may be needed to determine mode of action.

Beam-Energy Dependence of Directed Flow of Λ, Λ[over ¯], K^{±}, K_{s}^{0}, and ϕ in Au+Au Collisions

Rapidity-odd directed-flow measurements at midrapidity are presented for Λ, Λ[over ¯], K^{±}, K_{s}^{0}, and ϕ at sqrt[s_{NN}]=7.7, 11.5, 14.5, 19.6, 27, 39, 62.4, and 200 GeV in Au+Au collisions recorded by the Solenoidal Tracker detector at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. These measurements greatly expand the scope of data available to constrain models with differing prescriptions for the equation of state of quantum chromodynamics. Results show good sensitivity for testing a picture where flow is assumed to be imposed before hadron formation and the observed particles are assumed to form via coalescence of constituent quarks. The pattern of departure from a coalescence-inspired sum rule can be a valuable new tool for probing the collision dynamics.

Effects of specialty proteins as alternatives to bovine or porcine spray-dried plasma in non-medicated diets fed to weaned pigs housed in an unsanitary environment

Two experiments were done to compare growth performance of pigs weaned at 21 ± 2 d of age that were housed in unsanitary pens and fed non-medicated diets containing alternative proteins versus spray-dried porcine (SDPP; Exp. 1) or bovine (SDBP; Exp. 2) plasma. Experiment 1 used 360 pigs fed 1 of 6 experimental diets from d 0 to 15, followed by a common diet fed to all pigs from d 15 to 28 post-weaning with 11 pens of 5 or 6 pigs/pen allotted per treatment. Experimental diets were based on 8.04% soy protein concentrate (SPC) as the control protein or a similar diet with either 2.50 or 5.00% SDPP or 0.17, 0.33, or 1.00% activated porcine plasma (APP) replacing SPC on an equal Lys basis. Experiment 2 used 300 pigs that were fed 1 of 6 experimental diets from d 0 to 14 post-weaning with 10 pens of 4 to 6 pigs/pen allotted per diet. Experiment 2 diets were based on 8.04% SPC as the control protein source or similar diets with the following specialty proteins replacing SPC on an equal Lys basis: 0.40% APP; 10.66% enzymatically hydrolyzed soy and yeast protein (EHSY); a combination (CB) of 6.36% EHSY, 0.40% APP, and 2.50% fish meal; 0.44% spray-dried whole egg from hyper-immunized hens (IEGG); or 5.00% SDBP. Results of Exp. 1 indicated pigs fed SDPP diets had greater (P < 0.05) ADG and ADFI at d 7 and 15 compared with pigs fed SPC or APP diets. Gain:feed at d 7 was higher (P < 0.05) for pigs fed diets with SDPP compared with other diets. Average BW at d 7 was greater (P < 0.05) for pigs fed diets with SDPP compared to other diets and pigs fed the 5.00% SDPP diet had greater BW at d 15 compared to diets without SDPP. At d 28 BW was greater (P < 0.05) for pigs fed the 2.50% SDPP diet compared with pigs fed diets with SPC, 0.33% APP, or 1.00% APP. Performance of pigs fed the SPC diet did not differ from APP diets at any period of the study. In Exp. 2, pigs fed the SDBP diet had greater (P < 0.05) BW, ADG, and ADFI at d 7 and 14 compared with pigs fed the other diets. Gain:feed did not differ significantly among diets. Average daily gain and ADFI of pigs did not differ among diets that did not contain SDBP. In conclusion, during the initial 2 wk post-weaning, pigs housed in unsanitary pens and fed non-medicated diets with APP in Exp. 1, or APP, EHSY, CB, or IEGG in Exp. 2 had equivalent performance to pigs fed SPC; however, performance of pigs fed diets with the alternatives was not equivalent to diets containing SDPP in Exp. 1 or SDBP in Exp. 2.

Dijet imbalance measurements in Au+Au and pp collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV at STAR

We report the first dijet transverse momentum asymmetry measurements from Au+Au and pp collisions at RHIC. The two highest-energy back-to-back jets reconstructed from fragments with transverse momenta above 2  GeV/c display a significantly higher momentum imbalance in heavy-ion collisions than in the pp reference. When reexamined with correlated soft particles included, we observe that these dijets then exhibit a unique new feature-momentum balance is restored to that observed in pp for a jet resolution parameter of R=0.4, while rebalancing is not attained with a smaller value of R=0.2.

Measurement of D^{0} Azimuthal Anisotropy at Midrapidity in Au+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

We report the first measurement of the elliptic anisotropy (v_{2}) of the charm meson D^{0} at midrapidity (|y|<1) in Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV. The measurement was conducted by the STAR experiment at RHIC utilizing a new high-resolution silicon tracker. The measured D^{0} v_{2} in 0%-80% centrality Au+Au collisions can be described by a viscous hydrodynamic calculation for a transverse momentum (p_{T}) of less than 4  GeV/c. The D^{0} v_{2} as a function of transverse kinetic energy (m_{T}-m_{0}, where m_{T}=sqrt[p_{T}^{2}+m_{0}^{2}]) is consistent with that of light mesons in 10%-40% centrality Au+Au collisions. These results suggest that charm quarks have achieved local thermal equilibrium with the medium created in such collisions. Several theoretical models, with the temperature-dependent, dimensionless charm spatial diffusion coefficient (2πTD_{s}) in the range of ∼2-12, are able to simultaneously reproduce our D^{0} v_{2} result and our previously published results for the D^{0} nuclear modification factor.

Charge-Dependent Directed Flow in Cu+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

We present the first measurement of charge-dependent directed flow in Cu+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV. The results are presented as a function of the particle transverse momentum and pseudorapidity for different centralities. A finite difference between the directed flow of positive and negative charged particles is observed that qualitatively agrees with the expectations from the effects of the initial strong electric field between two colliding ions with different nuclear charges. The measured difference in directed flow is much smaller than that obtained from the parton-hadron-string-dynamics model, which suggests that most of the electric charges, i.e., quarks and antiquarks, have not yet been created during the lifetime of the strong electric field, which is of the order of, or less than, 1  fm/c.

Evaluation of serum protein-based arrival formula and serum protein supplement (Gammulin) on growth, morbidity, and mortality of stressed (transport and cold) male dairy calves

Previous studies with calves and other species have provided evidence that blood serum-derived proteins and fructooligosaccharides (FOS) may benefit intestinal health. We assessed the effects of supplementing products containing serum proteins as a component of arrival fluid support or serum proteins plus FOS (in addition to additional solids, minerals, and vitamins) in an early life dietary supplement on performance, morbidity, and mortality of stressed (transport, cold) male calves. Male Holstein calves (n = 93) <1 wk old were stratified by arrival body weight (BW) and plasma protein concentration, and then randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatment groups in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of one-time administration of fluid support [either control electrolyte solution (E) or the serum protein-containing arrival formula (AF)] and 14 d of either no supplementation (NG) or supplementation with Gammulin (G; APC Inc., Ankeny, IA), which contains serum proteins and FOS in addition to other solids, minerals, and vitamins. Upon arrival at the research facility, calves were orally administered either AF or E. At the next feeding, half of the calves from each fluid support treatment received either milk replacer (20% crude protein, 20% fat) or the same milk replacer supplemented with G (50 g/d during the first 14 d). Starter and water were freely available. Feed offered and refused was recorded daily. Calf health was assessed by daily assignment of fecal and respiratory scores. Stature measures and BW were determined weekly. Blood samples were obtained at d 0 (before treatments), 2, 7, 14, and 28. Calves were weaned at d 42 and remained in the experiment until d 56. After 2 wk of treatments, calves previously fed AF had greater body length (66.6 vs. 66.0 cm), intakes of dry matter (38.7 vs. 23.5 g/d) and crude protein (9.2 vs. 5.6 g/d) from starter, and cortisol concentration in blood (17.0 vs. 13.9 ng/mL) than calves fed E. Supplementation with G resulted in greater BW gain during the first 2 wk, increased intakes of dry matter and CP, and decreased respiratory scores. For the 8-wk experiment, G supplementation resulted in lower mean fecal score (1.6 vs. 1.8) and fewer antibiotic treatments per calf (1.5 vs. 2.5) than NG. Survival was greater in G than in NG calves (98 vs. 84%). Despite the marked reduction in morbidity and mortality, blood indicators of acute-phase response, urea N, and total protein were not affected by AF or G in transported cold-stressed male calves.

Measurement of the Transverse Single-Spin Asymmetry in p^{↑}+p→W^{±}/Z^{0} at RHIC

We present the measurement of the transverse single-spin asymmetry of weak boson production in transversely polarized proton-proton collisions at sqrt[s]=500  GeV by the STAR experiment at RHIC. The measured observable is sensitive to the Sivers function, one of the transverse-momentum-dependent parton distribution functions, which is predicted to have the opposite sign in proton-proton collisions from that observed in deep inelastic lepton-proton scattering. These data provide the first experimental investigation of the nonuniversality of the Sivers function, fundamental to our understanding of QCD.

Beam Energy Dependence of the Third Harmonic of Azimuthal Correlations in Au+Au Collisions at RHIC

We present results from a harmonic decomposition of two-particle azimuthal correlations measured with the STAR detector in Au+Au collisions for energies ranging from sqrt[s_{NN}]=7.7 to 200 GeV. The third harmonic v_{3}^{2}{2}=⟨cos3(ϕ_{1}-ϕ_{2})⟩, where ϕ_{1}-ϕ_{2} is the angular difference in azimuth, is studied as a function of the pseudorapidity difference between particle pairs Δη=η_{1}-η_{2}. Nonzero v_{3}^{2}{2} is directly related to the previously observed large-Δη narrow-Δϕ ridge correlations and has been shown in models to be sensitive to the existence of a low viscosity quark gluon plasma phase. For sufficiently central collisions, v_{3}^{2}{2} persist down to an energy of 7.7 GeV, suggesting that quark gluon plasma may be created even in these low energy collisions. In peripheral collisions at these low energies, however, v_{3}^{2}{2} is consistent with zero. When scaled by the pseudorapidity density of charged-particle multiplicity per participating nucleon pair, v_{3}^{2}{2} for central collisions shows a minimum near sqrt[s_{NN}]=20  GeV.

Centrality and Transverse Momentum Dependence of Elliptic Flow of Multistrange Hadrons and ϕ Meson in Au+Au Collisions at √[sNN]=200 GeV

We present high precision measurements of elliptic flow near midrapidity (|y|<1.0) for multistrange hadrons and ϕ meson as a function of centrality and transverse momentum in Au+Au collisions at center of mass energy √[sNN]=200  GeV. We observe that the transverse momentum dependence of ϕ and Ω v2 is similar to that of π and p, respectively, which may indicate that the heavier strange quark flows as strongly as the lighter up and down quarks. This observation constitutes a clear piece of evidence for the development of partonic collectivity in heavy-ion collisions at the top RHIC energy. Number of constituent quark scaling is found to hold within statistical uncertainty for both 0%-30% and 30%-80% collision centrality. There is an indication of the breakdown of previously observed mass ordering between ϕ and proton v2 at low transverse momentum in the 0%-30% centrality range, possibly indicating late hadronic interactions affecting the proton v2.

Observation of Transverse Spin-Dependent Azimuthal Correlations of Charged Pion Pairs in p^{↑}+p at sqrt[s]=200 GeV

We report the observation of transverse polarization-dependent azimuthal correlations in charged pion pair production with the STAR experiment in p^{↑}+p collisions at RHIC. These correlations directly probe quark transversity distributions. We measure signals in excess of 5 standard deviations at high transverse momenta, at high pseudorapidities η>0.5, and for pair masses around the mass of the ρ meson. This is the first direct transversity measurement in p+p collisions.

Azimuthal Anisotropy in U+U and Au+Au Collisions at RHIC

Collisions between prolate uranium nuclei are used to study how particle production and azimuthal anisotropies depend on initial geometry in heavy-ion collisions. We report the two- and four-particle cumulants, v_{2}{2} and v_{2}{4}, for charged hadrons from U+U collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=193  GeV and Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV. Nearly fully overlapping collisions are selected based on the energy deposited by spectators in zero degree calorimeters (ZDCs). Within this sample, the observed dependence of v_{2}{2} on multiplicity demonstrates that ZDC information combined with multiplicity can preferentially select different overlap configurations in U+U collisions. We also show that v_{2} vs multiplicity can be better described by models, such as gluon saturation or quark participant models, that eliminate the dependence of the multiplicity on the number of binary nucleon-nucleon collisions.

Precision Measurement of the Longitudinal Double-Spin Asymmetry for Inclusive Jet Production in Polarized Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=200 GeV

We report a new measurement of the midrapidity inclusive jet longitudinal double-spin asymmetry, A_{LL}, in polarized pp collisions at center-of-mass energy sqrt[s]=200  GeV. The STAR data place stringent constraints on polarized parton distribution functions extracted at next-to-leading order from global analyses of inclusive deep-inelastic scattering (DIS), semi-inclusive DIS, and RHIC pp data. The measured asymmetries provide evidence at the 3σ level for positive gluon polarization in the Bjorken-x region x>0.05.

ΛΛ Correlation function in Au+Au collisions at √[S(NN)]=200 GeV

We present ΛΛ correlation measurements in heavy-ion collisions for Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV using the STAR experiment at the Relativistic Heavy-Ion Collider. The Lednický-Lyuboshitz analytical model has been used to fit the data to obtain a source size, a scattering length and an effective range. Implications of the measurement of the ΛΛ correlation function and interaction parameters for dihyperon searches are discussed.

Management of the pulp in primary teeth--an update

Management of the pulpal tissue in primary teeth is a clinical challenge facing dental practitioners on a regular basis. This article reviews the most common treatments used at the present time in the management of the pulp in deciduous teeth. It gives an overview of treatment options and the indications and contra-indications for the different treatment modalities. The evidence behind the medicaments used, their actions and success rates are discussed. Practical guidelines for choosing to retain or extract deciduous teeth and management of the primary tooth pulp with different clinical presentations are discussed. Areas of future research are highlighted.

Measurement of longitudinal spin asymmetries for weak boson production in polarized proton-proton collisions at RHIC

We report measurements of single- and double-spin asymmetries for W^{±} and Z/γ^{*} boson production in longitudinally polarized p+p collisions at sqrt[s]=510  GeV by the STAR experiment at RHIC. The asymmetries for W^{±} were measured as a function of the decay lepton pseudorapidity, which provides a theoretically clean probe of the proton's polarized quark distributions at the scale of the W mass. The results are compared to theoretical predictions, constrained by polarized deep inelastic scattering measurements, and show a preference for a sizable, positive up antiquark polarization in the range 0.05<x<0.2.

An unusual suite of sexual characters in three new species of Hymenorus (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae, Alleculinae) from Guatemala and Mexico

Two species, Hymenorus bifurcatus, and H. excavatus are described as new from Guatemala and the new species H. balli from both the state of Chiapas in southern Mexico and Guatemala. These three species are unique among the species of Hymenorus Mulsant, 1851 in the unusual and highly modified fifth ventrites of the male and the modified shape of the female ninth tergites. The unusual sexual characters of the males and females are illustrated with photographs. The usage of the generic names Hymenorus Mulsant versus Hymenophorus Mulsant is discussed.

Efficacy of dietary spray dried plasma protein to mitigate the negative effects on performance of pigs fed diets with corn naturally contaminated with multiple mycotoxins

The ability of spray dried plasma protein (SDPP) to reduce the negative effects of multiple mycotoxins from naturally contaminated corn on weaned pig performance and health was investigated (n = 180; 6.84 ± 0.11 kg). For 12 d after weaning, pigs were fed phase 1 nursery diets with either 0% SDPP (PP0) or 6% SDPP (PP6). After 12 d, pigs were fed phase 2 diets for 3 wk. Pigs fed PP0 in phase 1 continued to be fed a phase 2 diet with no SDPP (PP0/PP0) or were fed a diet including corn naturally contaminated with multiple mycotoxins (M), labeled PP0/PP0M. Pigs fed SDPP in phase 1 were fed either a diet with no SDPP (PP6/PP0), a diet with M and no SDPP (PP6/PP0M), a diet with M and 3% SDPP (PP6/PP3M), or a diet with M and 6% SDPP (PP6/PP6M). During phase 1, pigs fed PP6 had increased (P < 0.05) ADG, ADFI, and G:F, whereas immunological parameters were not altered. During phase 2, pigs consuming PP0/PP0M had reduced ADG (P < 0.01) and ADFI (P < 0.05) in contrast to pigs fed PP0/PP0, whereas the performance of pigs fed PP6/PP0M was intermediate to pigs fed PP0/PP0M and PP6/PP0. The ADG and ADFI did not differ for pigs fed PP0/PP0M and PP6/PP0M during phase 2. Performance of pigs fed PP6/PP3M in contrast to pigs fed PP6/PP0M during phase 2 did not differ; however, these pigs had lower (P < 0.05) tumor necrosis factor α and tended (P = 0.094) to have lower DNA damage. During phase 2, ADG and ADFI of pigs fed PP6/PP6M did not differ from pigs fed PP6/PP0M, but G:F tended (P = 0.067) to be increased in pigs fed PP6/PP6M. Over the entire study period, pigs fed PP0/PP0M had reduced (P < 0.05) ADG and tended (P = 0.067) to have reduced ADFI. During this time, pigs fed PP6/PP0M tended to have greater ADG and ADFI (P = 0.093 and P = 0.067, respectively) compared with pigs fed PP0/PP0M. Overall, feeding a diet with SDPP improved growth performance and feed intake of young pigs directly after weaning. Feeding multiple M had a negative impact on growth performance of pigs during this trial. This response was more significant when pigs were not fed SDPP in phase 1. Overall, when combining phase 1 and 2 performance data, daily gain and feed intake tended to be reduced when pigs were not fed 6% SDPP in phase 1. This study indicates that the composition of diets fed immediately after weaning may be important for pigs that subsequently are under a M challenge.

New species and records of Charisius Champion from Mexico and Central America (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae, Alleculinae)

The species of the genus Charisius Champion, from Mexico and Central America are reviewed. The flightless genus Narses Champion, with one included species, N. subalatus Champion, is placed in synonymy with the genus Charisius. Four new species are described and illustrated, C. granulatus and C. punctatus (from Guatemala) and C. apterus and C. howdenorum (from Mexico). Charisius subalatus (Champion) is redescribed and illustrated. The species C. interstitialis Champion is placed in synonymy with C. zunilensis Champion. The genus is redescribed to include the four new species and N. subalatus. New distributional records are presented for all other species of the genus and a revised key is presented for identification of all the species of the genus.

Half-life of porcine antibodies absorbed from a colostrum supplement containing porcine immunoglobulins

Absorption of immunoglobulins (Ig) at birth from colostrum is essential for piglet survival. The objective was to evaluate the half-life of antibodies absorbed in the bloodstream of newborn piglets orally fed a colostrum supplement (CS) containing energy (fat and carbohydrates) and IgG from porcine plasma. Viable piglets (n = 23; 900 to 1,800 g BW) from 6 sows were colostrum deprived and blood sampled and within the next 2 h of life randomly allocated to either control group (n = 9) providing 30 mL of Ig-free milk replacer or a group (n = 14) receiving 30 mL of CS by oral gavage. Piglets were transported to a Biosafety Level 3 facility (Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal, Spain) and fed Ig-free milk replacer every 3 to 4 h for 15 d. Survival, weight, plasma IgG content by radial immunodiffusion (RID), and antibodies against porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2), porcine parvovirus (PPV), porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (Mhy), and swine influenza virus (SIV) were determined by specific ELISA before treatment administration, at 24 h, and weekly for 56 d. Clinical symptoms were not observed for either group. Mortality index was lower (17 vs. 38%; P < 0.02) and BW higher (17.7 vs. 15.3 kg; P = 0.035) for pigs supplemented with CS than piglets in the control group. At 24 h postadministration, the CS group had a plasma IgG mean of 7.6 ± 0.06 vs. 0.14 ± 0.03 mg/mL for the control group. The IgG levels in the CS group decayed until day 21 when de novo synthesis of IgG was detected in 25% of piglets. Half-life of antibody concentration (HLAC) by RID was 6.2 d. In the CS group, efficiency of PCV2 and PPV antibody transfer was high. For PCV2, all animals remained positive by day 56 and the calculated HLAC was 17.7 d. For PPV, 72.7% of piglets were ELISA positive by day 35 and HLAC was 12.0 d. For PRRS, all piglets remained positive by day 14 and the calculated HLAC was 11.9 d. For Mhy and SIV the calculated HLAC were 8.4 and 3.0 d. In summary, half-life of antibodies derived from blood plasma in the bloodstream of newborn piglets varied from 3.0 to 17.7 d. The study also confirm that antibodies derived from porcine plasma were well absorbed and can be an useful tool for providing protection against several or specific pathogens and can be a good alternative to formulate CS for newborn piglets.

Neutralizing antibodies against porcine circovirus type 2 in liquid pooled plasma contribute to the biosafety of commercially manufactured spray-dried porcine plasma

Neutralizing antibodies (NA) inherently present in pooled plasma collected at commercial abattoirs may provide some protection against potential porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) infectivity of plasma. Moreover, these NA may also contribute to the biosafety of spray-dried porcine plasma (SDPP). The objective of the study was to characterize and quantify the PCV2 antibody neutralizing capacity in pooled liquid porcine plasma and SDPP samples collected from industrial spray-drying facilities located in the Southeast and Midwest regions of the United States and the Northeast region of Spain. In the United States, PCV2 NA was determined in 1 sample of pooled liquid plasma from commercial spray-drying plants in the Southeast and 1 from the Midwest region. Obtained results were compared with those of a plasma sample from a PCV2 vaccinated sow and 1 from a PCV2 antibody negative sow. In Spain, 15 pooled liquid porcine plasma samples and 10 SDPP samples were collected at a commercial spray-drying plant total and NA against PCV2 were determined. Results with pooled liquid porcine plasma from commercial spray-drying facilities in the United States indicated that NA titers against PCV2 in these samples (log2 8.33 ± 0.41 and 9.0 ± 0.0) were similar or greater than the plasma from the PCV2-vaccinated sow (log2 6.33 ± 0.41). The analysis of U.S. samples indicated that liquid plasma diluted to 1:256 (10(-2.41)) was able to neutralize between 100 to 200 PCV2 virus particles or about 4 logs10 median tissue culture infective dose (TCID50) per milliliter. Similarly, samples from the Spanish pooled liquid plasma and the SDPP samples indicated an increased amount of NA activity against PCV2. Specifically, a dilution of 10(-2.47 ± 0.33) of plasma was able to inactivate 100 PCV2 virus particles; therefore, the inactivation capacity of commercial liquid plasma was greater than 10(4) TCID50/mL. The calculated 90% reduction in infected cells because of NA in pooled plasma samples (log2 8.2 ± 0.38) was less (P < 0.05) than in its concentrate form of SDPP (mean, log2 10.2 ± 0.85). In conclusion, PCV2 NA contained in liquid pooled plasma from market pigs was detected at greater concentrations than that from a vaccinated sow and that after spray-drying biological neutralizing activity was conserved, which implies that the inherent NA in liquid plasma may have an important role in the biosafety of commercially produced SDPP.

The liver toxicity biomarker study phase I: markers for the effects of tolcapone or entacapone

The Liver Toxicity Biomarker Study is a systems toxicology approach to discover biomarkers that are indicative of a drug's potential to cause human idiosyncratic drug-induced liver injury. In phase I, the molecular effects in rat liver and blood plasma induced by tolcapone (a "toxic" drug) were compared with the molecular effects in the same tissues by dosing with entacapone (a "clean" drug, similar to tolcapone in chemical structure and primary pharmacological mechanism). Two durations of drug exposure, 3 and 28 days, were employed. Comprehensive molecular analysis of rat liver and plasma samples yielded marker analytes for various drug-vehicle or drug-drug comparisons. An important finding was that the marker analytes associated with tolcapone only partially overlapped with marker analytes associated with entacapone, despite the fact that both drugs have similar chemical structures and the same primary pharmacological mechanism of action. This result indicates that the molecular analyses employed in the study are detecting substantial "off-target" markers for the two drugs. An additional interesting finding was the modest overlap of the marker data sets for 3-day exposure and 28-day exposure, indicating that the molecular changes in liver and plasma caused by short- and long-term drug treatments do not share common characteristics.

Minimal impact of excess iodate intake on thyroid hormones and selenium status in older New Zealanders

OBJECTIVE

Iodine deficiency has re-emerged in New Zealand, while selenium status has improved. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of excess iodine intake as iodate on thyroid and selenium status.

METHODS

In a randomized controlled trial on older people (mean±s.d. 73±4.8 years; n=143), two groups received >50  mg iodine as iodate/day for 8 weeks because of supplement formulation error, either with 100  μg selenium (Se+highI) or without selenium (highI). Four other groups received 80  μg iodine as iodate/day with selenium (Se+lowI) or without selenium (lowI), selenium alone (Se+), or placebo. Thyroid hormones, selenium status, and median urinary iodine concentration (MUIC) were compared at weeks 0, 8, and 4 weeks post-supplementation.

RESULTS

MUIC increased nine- and six-fold in Se+highI and highI groups, decreasing to baseline by week 12. Plasma selenium increased in selenium-supplemented groups (P<0.001). The level of increase in whole blood glutathione peroxidase (WBGPx) in the Se+highI group was smaller than Se+ (P=0.020) and Se+lowI (P=0.007) groups. The decrease in WBGPX in the highI group was greater than other non-selenium-supplemented groups, but differences were not significant. Ten of 43 participants exposed to excess iodate showed elevated TSH (hypothyroidism) at week 8. In all but two, TSH had returned to normal by week 12. In three participants, TSH decreased to <0.10  mIU/l (hyperthyroidism) at week 8, remaining low at week 12.

CONCLUSIONS

Excess iodate induced hypothyroidism in some participants and hyperthyroidism in others. Most abnormalities disappeared after 4 weeks. Excess iodate reduced WBGPx activity and resulted in smaller increases in WBGPx after selenium supplementation.

Quantitative assessment of the enzymatic degradation of amorphous cellulose by using a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring

The systematic evaluation of the degradation of an amorphous cellulose film by a monocomponent endoglucanase (EG I) by using a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) identified several important aspects relevant to the study the kinetics of cellulose degradation by enzymes. It was demonstrated that, to properly evaluate the mechanism of action, steady state conditions in the experimental set up need to be reached. Rinsing or diluting the enzyme, as well as concentration of the enzyme, can have a pronounced effect on the hydrolysis. Quantification of the actual hydrolysis was carried out by measuring the film thickness reduction by atomic force microscopy after the enzymatic treatment. The values correlated well with the frequency data obtained by QCM-D measurement for corresponding films. This demonstrated that the evaluation of hydrolysis by QCM-D can be done quantitatively. Tuning of the initial thickness of films enabled variation of the volume of substrate available for hydrolysis which was then utilized in establishing a correlation between substrate volume and hydrolytic activity of EG I as measured by QCM-D. It was shown that, although the amount of substrate affects the absolute rate of hydrolysis, the relative rate of hydrolysis does not depend on the initial amount of substrate in steady state system. With this experimental setup it was also possible to demonstrate the impact of concentration on crowding of enzyme and subsequent hydrolysis efficiency. This effort also shows the action of EG I on a fully amorphous substrate as observed by QCM-D. The enzyme was shown to work uniformly within the whole volume of swollen film, however being unable to fully degrade the amorphous film.

Commercially produced spray-dried porcine plasma contains increased concentrations of porcine circovirus type 2 DNA but does not transmit porcine circovirus type 2 when fed to naive pigs

The porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) antibody and DNA status of porcine plasma products collected during the commercial spray-drying process were evaluated. Samples evaluated included 52 pooled liquid plasma (fresh) samples collected at 14 regional abattoirs before transport to 1 of 2 spray-drying facilities, 32 pooled liquid plasma (concentrated) samples collected after arrival at the spray-drying facilities at different stages before the spray-drying process, and 32 samples in powdered form (spray-dried) collected after spray drying. All 116 samples were positive for PCV2 antibody, with PCV2 ELISA sample-to-positive ratios ranging from 9.2 to 13.6 on a DM basis. Porcine circovirus type 2 DNA (4.5 to 7.9 log(10) PCV2 copies/mL, DM basis) was present in 82.7% (43/52) of the fresh plasma samples, 71.9% (23/32) of the concentrated plasma samples and 78.1% (25/32) of the spray-dried plasma samples, with a greater prevalence of PCV2b than PCV2a. To determine the infectivity of PCV2 DNA-positive commercial spray-dried plasma, nine 10-wk-old 68-kg PCV2-naïve pigs were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups and rooms: 1) a negative control (no plasma in the feed, not inoculated with PCV2); 2) a positive control (no plasma in the feed, inoculated with PCV2); and 3) plasma-fed pigs (4% porcine plasma in the feed for 42 d, not inoculated with PCV2). All positive control pigs became viremic by 7 d postinoculation and seroconverted by 42 d postinoculation, whereas pigs in the negative control group and in the spray-dried plasma group were PCV2 PCR negative and did not seroconvert to PCV2 for the duration of the study. The results indicate that PCV2 DNA and antibodies are commonly found in commercial spray-dried plasma. However, no evidence of infectivity of the PCV2 DNA was found in naïve pigs when commercial spray-dried plasma was included in the diet under the conditions of this study.

Selenium and iodine supplementation: effect on thyroid function of older New Zealanders

BACKGROUND

The New Zealand population has both marginal selenium status and mild iodine deficiency. Adequate intakes of iodine and selenium are required for optimal thyroid function.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to determine whether low selenium and iodine status compromises thyroid function in an older New Zealand population.

DESIGN

We investigated the effects of selenium and iodine supplementation in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial in 100 Dunedin volunteers aged 60-80 y. Participants received 100 microg Se/d as l-selenomethionine, 80 microg I, 100 microg Se + 80 microg I, or placebo for 3 mo. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (T(3)), free thyroxine (T(4)), thyroglobulin, plasma selenium, whole-blood glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, and urinary iodine concentrations (UICs) were measured.

RESULTS

Plasma selenium (P < 0.0001) and whole-blood GPx activity (P<0.0001) increased from baseline to week 12 in the selenium and selenium plus iodine groups in comparison with the placebo group. Median UIC at baseline was 48 microg/L (interquartile range: 31-79 microg/L), which is indicative of moderate iodine deficiency. UIC increased in the iodine and selenium plus iodine groups and was significant only for the iodine group (P = 0.0014). Thyroglobulin concentration decreased by 24% and 13% of baseline in the iodine and selenium plus iodine groups in comparison with the placebo group (P = 0.009 and P = 0.108, respectively). No significant treatment effects were found for TSH, free T(3), free T(4), or ratio of T(3) to T(4).

CONCLUSIONS

Additional selenium improved GPx activity but not the thyroid hormone status of older New Zealanders. Iodine supplementation alleviated the moderate iodine deficiency and reduced elevated thyroglobulin concentrations. No synergistic action of selenium and iodine was observed. The trial was registered at www.anzctr.org.au/registry/ as ACTRN012605000368639.

Next-to-leading-order predictions for t-channel single-top production at hadron colliders

We present the predictions at next-to-leading order (NLO) in the strong coupling for the single-top cross section in the t channel at the Tevatron and the LHC. Our calculation starts from the 2-->3 Born amplitude gq-->tb[over ]q;{'}, keeping the b-quark mass nonzero. A comparison is performed with a traditional NLO calculation of this channel based on the 2-->2 Born process with a bottom quark in the initial state. In particular, the effect of using kinematic approximations and resumming logarithms of the form log(Q2/m(b)2) in the 2-->2 process is assessed. Our results show that the 2-->3 calculation is very well behaved and in substantial agreement with the predictions based on the 2-->2 process.

Integrative genomic and gene expression analysis of chromosome 7 identified novel oncogene loci in non-small cell lung cancer

Lung cancer accounts for over a quarter of cancer deaths, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounting for approximately 80% of cases. Several genome studies have been undertaken in both cell models of NSCLC and clinical samples to identify alterations underlying disease behaviour, and many have identified recurring aberrations of chromosome 7. The presence of recurring chromosome 7 alterations that do not span the well-studied oncogenes EGFR (at 7p11.2) and MET (at 7q31.2) has raised the hypothesis of additional genes on this chromosome that contribute to tumourigenesis. In this study, we demonstrated that multiple loci on chromosome 7 are indeed amplified in NSCLC, and through integrative analysis of gene dosage alterations and parallel gene expression changes, we identified new lung cancer oncogene candidates, including FTSJ2, NUDT1, TAF6, and POLR2J. Activation of these key genes was confirmed in panels of clinical lung tumour tissue as compared with matched normal lung tissue. The detection of gene activation in multiple cohorts of samples strongly supports the presence of key genes involved in lung cancer that are distinct from the EGFR and MET loci on chromosome 7.

The Liver Toxicity Biomarker Study: Phase I Design and Preliminary Results

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is the primary adverse event that results in withdrawal of drugs from the market and a frequent reason for the failure of drug candidates in development. The Liver Toxicity Biomarker Study (LTBS) is an innovative approach to investigate DILI because it compares molecular events produced in vivo by compound pairs that (a) are similar in structure and mechanism of action, (b) are associated with few or no signs of liver toxicity in preclinical studies, and (c) show marked differences in hepatotoxic potential. The LTBS is a collaborative preclinical research effort in molecular systems toxicology between the National Center for Toxicological Research and BG Medicine, Inc., and is supported by seven pharmaceutical companies and three technology providers. In phase I of the LTBS, entacapone and tolcapone were studied in rats to provide results and information that will form the foundation for the design and implementation of phase II. Molecular analysis of the rat liver and plasma samples combined with statistical analyses of the resulting datasets yielded marker analytes, illustrating the value of the broad-spectrum, molecular systems analysis approach to studying pharmacological or toxicological effects.

Methylation analysis by DNA immunoprecipitation (MeDIP)

Alteration in epigenetic regulation of gene expression is a common event in human cancer and developmental disease. CpG island hypermethylation and consequent gene silencing is observed for many genes involved in a diverse range of functions and pathways that become deregulated in the disease state. Comparative profiling of the methylome is therefore useful in disease gene discovery. The ability to identify epigenetic alterations on a global scale is imperative to understanding the patterns of gene silencing that parallel disease progression. Methylated DNA immunoprecipitation (MeDIP) is a technique that isolates methylated DNA fragments by immunoprecipitating with 5'-methylcytosine-specific antibodies. The enriched methylated DNA can then be analyzed in a locus-specific manner using PCR assay or in a genome-wide fashion by comparative genomic hybridization against a sample without MeDIP enrichment. This article describes the detailed protocol for MeDIP and hybridization of MeDIP DNA to a whole-genome tiling path BAC array.

Brazil nuts: an effective way to improve selenium status

BACKGROUND

Brazil nuts provide a rich natural source of selenium, yet no studies have investigated the bioavailability of selenium in humans.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the efficacy of Brazil nuts in increasing selenium status in comparison with selenomethionine.

DESIGN

A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 59 New Zealand adults. Participants consumed 2 Brazil nuts thought to provide approximately 100 mug Se, 100 mug Se as selenomethionine, or placebo daily for 12 wk. Actual intake from nuts averaged 53 mug Se/d (possible range: 20-84 mug Se). Plasma selenium and plasma and whole blood glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities were measured at baseline and at 2, 4, 8, and 12 wk, and effects of treatments were compared.

RESULTS

Plasma selenium increased by 64.2%, 61.0%, and 7.6%; plasma GPx by 8.3%, 3.4%, and -1.2%; and whole blood GPx by 13.2%, 5.3%, and 1.9% in the Brazil nut, selenomethionine, and placebo groups, respectively. Change over time at 12 wk in plasma selenium (P < 0.0001 for both groups) and plasma GPx activity in the Brazil nut (P < 0.001) and selenomethionine (P = 0.014) groups differed significantly from the placebo group but not from each other. The change in whole blood GPx activity was greater in the Brazil nut group than in the placebo (P = 0.002) and selenomethionine (P = 0.032) groups.

CONCLUSION

Consumption of 2 Brazil nuts daily is as effective for increasing selenium status and enhancing GPx activity as 100 mug Se as selenomethionine. Inclusion of this high-selenium food in the diet could avoid the need for fortification or supplements to improve the selenium status of New Zealanders.

Impact of irradiation and immunoglobulin G concentration on absorption of protein and immunoglobulin G in calves fed colostrum replacer

The objective of this study was first to evaluate whether irradiation treatment of a commercial colostrum replacer (CR) affected acquisition of passive immunity. If the irradiation treatment negatively affected the acquisition of passive immunity, the second objective was to evaluate whether an increased total IgG mass, in a single feeding of CR derived from bovine serum fractions, could compensate for this effect. Acquisition of passive immunity was assessed by 24-h serum IgG levels, serum protein levels, apparent efficiency of absorption (AEA) of IgG, and the ability to prevent failure of passive transfer (FPT) in day-old dairy calves fed a single feeding of CR. Single-dose packs of CR were sent to a commercial irradiation facility for electron-beam irradiation at 3 to 7 kGy (low irradiation) or 15 to 20 kGy (high irradiation). Fifty-six Holstein, Jersey, or crossbred calves were randomly assigned to 1 of 5 treatments: 1) 130 g of IgG (460 g of CR), no irradiation; 2) 130 g of IgG (460 g of CR), low irradiation; 3) 160 g of IgG (518 g of CR), low irradiation; 4) 190 g of IgG (575.4 g of CR), low irradiation; and 5) 130 g of IgG (460 g of CR), high irradiation. All CR were reconstituted in water and mixed in a household blender to a constant solids concentration of 18.7%. Increasing doses of irradiation (130 g of Ig with no, low, or high irradiation) resulted in a linear decrease in 24-h serum IgG and AEA of IgG, and increased the percentage of calves with FPT. Increasing the IgG mass in the CR (130, 160, and 190 g of Ig with low irradiation) resulted in a linear increase in 24-h serum IgG and serum total protein levels, and a linear decrease in AEA of IgG. There was no effect of increasing the mass of IgG fed on the percentage of calves with FPT. The correlation between serum IgG and serum total protein at 24 h was positive; however, at 24 h the irradiation treatments reduced the serum IgG-to-serum total protein ratio. In this study, CR isolated from bovine serum, providing 130 g of IgG in the first feeding and receiving either no irradiation or a low irradiation treatment, was sufficient to prevent FPT in calves.

Lactation feed disappearance and weaning to estrus interval for sows fed spray-dried plasma

Four experiments involving 265, 410, 894, and 554 sows (Exp. 1 to 4, respectively) were conducted to determine the effect of spray-dried plasma (SDP) at 0 or 0.25% (Exp. 1 and 2) and 0 or 0.50% (Exp. 3 and 4) in lactation diets on average daily feed disappearance (FD), sum of sow BW, fetal and placental loss from d 110 gestation to weaning (SWL), litter size at weaning, litter weight at weaning, and average days from weaning to first estrus (WEI). Experiments 1, 3, and 4 were conducted during summer months, and Exp. 2 was conducted during fall to winter months. Experiment 1 used only parity 1 and parity 2 sows and Exp. 4 used only mature (>2 parities) sows, whereas Exp. 2 and 3 used all parity groups. Sows fed SDP in Exp. 1 had increased (P < 0.01) FD and a tendency for reduced (P = 0.06) SWL and WEI (P = 0.06). Sows fed SDP in Exp. 2 had a tendency for increased (P = 0.09) sow BW at weaning and reduced (P = 0.09) SWL, whereas other variables were not different between diets. Parity 1 and 2 sows fed SDP in Exp. 3 had increased (P < 0.01) FD, but mature sows fed SDP had reduced (P = 0.02) FD. Pig survival and litter size at weaning for all parity groups was not different between diets. The WEI for parity 1 sows fed SDP was reduced (P = 0.02) and tended to be reduced (P = 0.10) for mature sows fed SDP, but was not different between diets for parity 2 sows. More parity 1 sows fed SDP were detected (P = 0.01) in estrus 4 to 6 d after weaning, and fewer were detected (P < 0.01) in estrus 6 d after weaning compared with control parity 1 sows. In Exp. 4, FD was reduced (P < 0.01) for mature sows fed SDP; however, litter weight and average pig BW at weaning was increased (P < 0.01) with more (P < 0.01) marketable pigs (pig BW > 3.6 kg) weaned per litter. Relatively low dietary levels of SDP (0.25 to 0.50%) fed to parity 1 sows farrowed during summer months increased lactation FD and reduced WEI. Mature sows fed SDP during summer months consumed less lactation feed without compromising WEI, but had an increased litter weight, average pig BW, and number of marketable pigs at weaning.

Fragmentation of leucine enkephalin as a function of laser fluence in a MALDI TOF-TOF

The effects of laser fluence on ion formation in MALDI were studied using a tandem TOF mass spectrometer with a Nd-YAG laser and alpha-cyano hydrocinnamic acid matrix. Leucine enkephalin ionization and fragmentation were followed as a function of laser fluence ranging from the threshold of ion formation to the maximum available, that is, about 280-930 mJ/mm2. The most notable finding was the appearance of immonium ions at fluence values close to threshold, increasing rapidly and then tapering in intensity with the appearance of typical backbone fragment ions. The data suggest the presence of two distinct environments for ion formation. One is associated with molecular desorption at low values of laser fluence that leads to extensive immonium ion formation. The second becomes dominant at higher fluences, is associated initially with backbone type fragments, but, at the highest values of fluence, progresses to immonium fragments. This second environment is suggestive of ion desorption from large pieces of material ablated from the surface. Arrhenius rate law considerations were used to estimate temperatures associated with the onset of these two processes.