Perfluorotetradecanoic acid exposure to adult male rats stimulates corticosterone biosynthesis but inhibits aldosterone production

Perfluorotetradecanoic acid (PFTeDA) is a novel perfluoroalkyl substance that ubiquitously exists in the environment. However, whether PFTeDA affects adrenal cortex function remains unclear. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (age of 60 days) were daily administered with PFTeDA (0, 1, 5, and 10 mg/kg body weight) through gavage for 28 days. PFTeDA did not change body and adrenal gland weights. PFTeDA markedly elevated serum corticosterone level at 10 mg/kg but lowering serum aldosterone level at this dosage without influencing serum adrenocorticotropic hormone level. PFTeDA thickened zona fasciculata without affecting zona glomerulosa. PFTeDA remarkably upregulated the expression of corticosterone biosynthetic genes (Mc2r, Scarb1, Star, Cyp21, Cyp11b1, and Hsd11b1) and their proteins, whereas downregulating aldosterone biosynthetic enzyme Cyp11b2 and its protein, thereby distinctly altering their serum levels. PFTeDA markedly downregulated the expression of antioxidant genes (Sod1 and Sod2) and their proteins at 10 mg/kg. PFTeDA significantly decreased SIRT1/PGC1α and AMPK signaling while stimulating AKT1/mTOR signaling. Corticosterone significantly inhibited testosterone production by adult Leydig cells at >0.1 μM in vitro; however aldosterone significantly stimulated testosterone production at 0.1 nM. In conclusion, exposure to PFTeDA at male rat adulthood causes corticosterone excess and aldosterone deficiency via SIRT1/PGC1α, AMPK, and AKT1/mTOR signals, which in turn additively leads to testosterone deficiency.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances inhibit human and rat 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1: Quantitative structure-activity relationship and molecular docking analysis

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) substances are enduring industrial materials. 17β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase isoform 1 (17β-HSD1) is an estrogen metabolizing enzyme, which transforms estrone into estradiol in human placenta and rat ovary. Whether PFAS inhibit 17β-HSD1 and what the structure-activity relationship (SAR) remains unexplored. We screened 18 PFAS for inhibiting human and rat 17β-HSD1 in microsomes and studied their SAR and mode of action(MOA). Of the 11 perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs), C8-C14 PFCAs at a concentration of 100 μM substantially inhibited human 17β-HSD1, with order of C11 (half-maximal inhibition concentration, IC50, 8.94 μM) > C10 (10.52 μM) > C12 (14.90 μM) > C13 (30.97 μM) > C9 (43.20 μM) > C14 (44.83 μM) > C8 (73.38 μM) > others. Of the 7 per- and poly-fluorosulfonic acids (PFSAs), the potency was C8S (IC50, 14.93 μM) > C7S (80.70 μM) > C6S (177.80 μM) > others. Of the PFCAs, C8-C14 PFCAs at 100 μM markedly reduced rat 17β-HSD1 activity, with order of C11 (IC50, 9.11 μM) > C12 (14.30 μM) > C10 (18.24 μM) > C13 (25.61 μM) > C9 (67.96 μM) > C8 (204.39 μM) > others. Of the PFSAs, the potency was C8S (IC50, 37.19 μM) > C7S (49.38 μM) > others. In contrast to PFOS (C6S), the partially fluorinated compound 6:2 FTS with an equivalent number of carbon atoms demonstrated no inhibition of human and rat 17β-HSD1 activity at a concentration of 100 μM. The inhibition of human and rat enzymes by PFAS followed a V-shaped trend from C4 to C14, with a nadir at C11. Moreover, human 17β-HSD1 was more sensitive than rat enzyme. PFAS inhibited human and rat 17β-HSD1 in a mixed mode. Docking analysis revealed that they bind to the NADPH and steroid binding site of both 17β-HSD1 enzymes. The 3D quantitative SAR (3D-QSAR) showed that hydrophobic region, hydrogen bond acceptor and donor are key factors in binding to 17β-HSD1 active sites. In conclusion, PFAS exhibit inhibitory effects on human and rat 17β-HSD1 depending on factors such as carbon chain length, degree of fluorination, and the presence of carboxylic acid or sulfonic acid groups, with a notable V-shaped shift observed at C11.

Leydig cell development in pubertal male rats is blocked by perfluorotetradecanoic acid through decreasing AMPK-mTOR-autophagy pathway

Perfluorotetradecanoic acid (PFTeDA) is a type of perfluoroalkyl acid that has been linked to various health effects in animals and humans. The study aimed to investigate the potential impact of PFTeDA exposure on Leydig cell development in rats during puberty. Understanding the effects of PFTeDA on Leydig cells is crucial as these cells play a significant role in male reproductive function. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were gavaged with PFTeDA at doses of 0, 1, 5, and 10mg/kg/day from postnatal day 35 to 56. The serum hormone levels were measured and testicular transcriptome changes were analyzed by RNA-seq and verified by qPCR, and the levels of steroidogenesis-related proteins and energy regulators were measured. PFTeDA significantly reduced serum testosterone levels while slightly increasing LH levels. RNA-seq and qPCR analysis showed that genes responsive to oxidative phosphorylation (Naufa1 and Ndufs6) and steroidogenesis (Ldlr, Star, Cyp11a1) were markedly downregulated at ≥5mg/kg, while those related to ferroptosis (Alox15) and cell senescence (Map2k3 and RT1-CE3) were significantly upregulated. PFTeDA markedly reduced SIRT1 (silent information regulator 1) /PGC-1α (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α) and AMPKA (AMP activated kinase A), LC3B and Beclin1 (biomarkers for autophagy) levels while increasing phosphorylated mTOR. In vitro treatment of PFTeDA at 5 μM significantly reduced androgen output of Leydig cells from 35-day-old male rats while ferrostatin 1 (10 μM) reversed PFTeDA-mediated inhibition. In conclusion, the inhibitory effects of PFTeDA on pubertal rat Leydig cell development are possibly regulated by inducing ferroptosis thereby downregulating SIRT1/AMPKA/ autophagy pathways, eventually resulting in reduced steroidogenesis.

Analysis of Brachypodium distachyon UVR8 reveals conservation in UV-B receptors

The Ultraviolet Resistance Locus 8 (UVR8) in plants recognizes Ultraviolet-B (UV-B) and plays a crucial role by regulating plant growth through a series of signal transduction events. However, the UVR8 in monocotyledon crops has not been systematically analyzed. We identified BdUVR8 (BRADI_3g45740) from the genome of Brachypodium distachyon, a relative of wheat, by analyzing the phylogenetic tree, gene expression pattern, detecting the accumulation of UV-B response metabolites, and check the phenotype recovery. The BdUVR8 protein sequence is similar to the known UVR8 of other species. The phylogenetic tree of UVR8 shows clear divergence between dicotyledons and monocotyledons. The expression analysis reveals that UV-B down-regulates BdUVR8 by 70% and up-regulates the chalcone synthase (BdCHS) gene 3.4-folds in B. distachyon. The pCAMBIA1300::BdUVR8-mCherry construct introduced into Arabidopsis uvr8 mutants shows that BdUVR8 protein localized in the cytoplasm translocates into the nucleus in response to UV-B irradiation. The introduction of BdUVR8 into uvr8 rescued the hypocotyl elongation by UV-B and restored the expression of HY5, Chalcone synthase, and Flavanone 3-hydroxylase as well as the accumulation of total flavonoids. Altogether, our results show that BdUVR8 is a photoreceptor that perceives UV-B in B. distachyon.

Halogen atoms determine the inhibitory potency of halogenated bisphenol A derivatives on human and rat placental 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2

Some halogenated bisphenol A (BPA) derivatives (tetrabromobisphenol A, TBBPA, and tetrachlorobisphenol A, TCBPA) are produced in a high volume and exist in PM_2.5 after waste burning. 11β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2 (11β-HSD2) is a critical enzyme for placental function. However, whether halogenated bisphenols inhibit 11β-HSD2 and the mode of action remains unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate BPA derivatives on human and rat placental 11β-HSD2. The inhibitory strength on human 11β-HSD2 was TBBPA (IC₅₀, 0.665 μM)>TCBPA (2.22 μM)>trichloro BPA (TrCBPA, 19.87 μM)>tetrabromobisphenol S (TBBPS, 36.76 μM)>monochloro BPA (MCBPA, 104.0 μM)>BPA (144.9 μM)>bisphenol S. All chemicals are mixed and competitive inhibitors. Rat 11β-HSD2 was less sensitive to BPA derivatives, with TBBPA (IC₅₀, 96.63 μM)>TCBPA (99.69 μM)>TrCBPA (104.1 μM)>BPA (117.1 μM)>others. Docking analysis showed that BPA derivatives bind steroid active sites. Structure-activity relationship revealed that halogen atoms and LogP were inversely correlated with inhibitory strength on human 11β-HSD2, while LogS and polar desolvation energy were positively correlated with the inhibitory strength. In conclusion, halogenated BPA derivatives are mostly potent inhibitors on human 11β-HSD2 and there is structure-dependent inhibition.

Leydig cell function in adult male rats is disrupted by perfluorotetradecanoic acid through increasing oxidative stress and apoptosis

Perfluorotetradecanoic acid (PFTeDA) is a long-chain perfluoroalkyl compound with increased applications. Its effect on Leydig cell function and its underlying mechanism remain unclear. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (60 days old) were gavaged with PFTeDA at doses of 0, 1, 5, and 10 mg/kg/day from 60 to 87 days after birth. PFTeDA significantly reduced serum testosterone levels at 1 mg/kg and higher doses, while markedly increasing serum luteinizing hormone level at 10 mg/kg and follicle-stimulating hormone at ≥1 mg/kg. PFTeDA significantly reduced the sperm number at the cauda of epididymis at ≥1 mg/kg. PFTeDA also reduced the number of CYP11A1-positive Leydig cells due to increased apoptosis shown by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. PFTeDA significantly repressed the expression of Cyp17a1 and Star and their proteins at 1-10 mg/kg, while it increased the expression of Srd5a1 and its protein (an immature Leydig cell biomarker) at 10 mg/kg. PFTeDA markedly increased testicular malondialdehyde level, while inhibiting antioxidants (SOD1, SOD2, and CAT), triggering oxidative stress, thereby further inducing BAX and CASP3 while inhibiting BCL2, which led to cell apoptosis. PFTeDA also reduced DHH level secreted by Sertoli cells, which indirectly affected Leydig cell function. PFTeDA inhibited testosterone secretion in primary Leydig cells in vitro by increasing reactive oxygen species and inducing apoptosis at 50 μM. In conclusion, PFTeDA inhibits the function of Leydig cells by inducing oxidative stress and subsequently stimulating cell apoptosis.

Metformin Alleviates Endometriosis and Potentiates Endometrial Receptivity via Decreasing VEGF and MMP9 and Increasing Leukemia Inhibitor Factor and HOXA10

Background: Endometriosis affects endometrial receptivity, a key factor for successful embryo implantation. Metformin treatment is associated with alleviating the symptoms of endometriosis; however the mechanism of metformin action is unclear. Neoangiogenesis plays an important role in the development and recurrence of endometriosis. In addition, the leukemia inhibitor factor (LIF) and HOXA10 genes are also distinguishing markers of endometriosis (decrease) and endometrial receptivity (increase). This study investigated the therapeutic potentials of metformin and the underlying mechanism using an in vivo rat endometriosis model.

Methods: Female Wistar albino mature rats with experimentally induced endometriosis were used in this study. Metformin was administered at doses of 100 mg/kg/d and 200 mg/kg/d. The volume of endometriotic implants was assessed. The protein and mRNA expression of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), the endometrial receptivity markers, LIF and HOXA10, were measured in the endometrium of rats with endometriosis.

Results: Metformin treatment significantly suppressed the growth of endometriotic implants. Further, the expression of VEGF and MMP-9 protein and mRNA in endometriotic implants were significantly reduced. Metformin also significantly upregulated LIF and HOXA10 expression in endometrium from rats with endometriosis. The inhibitory effect of metformin on the growth of endometriotic implants, VEGF and MMP-9, and upregulating effect on LIF and HOXA10, was optimal at a dose of 100 mg/kg/d.

Conclusion: Our in vivo data demonstrates that metformin treatment alleviates endometriosis and potentiates endometrial receptivity. The underlying mechanisms are associated with decreased expression of VEGF and MMP-9 genes and upregulation of the LIF and HOXA10 genes. The effect of metformin was optimal at 100 mg/kg/d. These findings provide a potential alternative for women with endometriosis with the potential to increase fertility. Metformin is an approved drug by FDA for diabetes and this study may add another potential clinical use for metformin.

Triadimefon increases fetal Leydig cell proliferation but inhibits its differentiation of male fetuses after gestational exposure

Triadimefon is a broad-spectrum fungicide widely applied in the agriculture. It is believed to be an endocrine disruptor. Whether triadimefon can inhibit the development of fetal Leydig cells and the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Thirty-two female pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned into four groups and were dosed via gavage of triadimefon (0, 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg/day) for 9 days from gestational day (GD) 12-20. Triadimefon significantly reduced serum testosterone level in male fetuses at 100 mg/kg. The double immunofluorescence staining of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and cytochrome P450 cholesterol side-chain cleavage (a biomarker for fetal Leydig cells) was used to measure PCNA-labeling in fetal Leydig cells. It markedly increased fetal Leydig cell number primarily via increasing single cell population and elevated the PCNA-labeling of fetal Leydig cells in male fetuses at 100 mg/kg while it induced abnormal aggregation of fetal Leydig cells. The expression levels of fetal Leydig cell genes, Lhcgr, Scarb1, Star, Cyp11a1, Hsd3b1, Cyp17a1, Hsd17b3, Insl3 and Nr5a1, were determined to explore its effects on fetal Leydig cell development. We found that triadimefon markedly down-regulated the expression of Leydig cell genes, Hsd17b3, Insl3, and Nr5a1 as low as 25 mg/kg and Scarb1 and Cyp11a1 at 100 mg/kg. It did not affect Sertoli cell number but markedly down-regulated the expression of Sertoli cell gene Amh at 50 and 100 mg/kg. Triadimefon significantly down-regulated the expression of antioxidant genes Sod1, Gpx1, and Cat at 25-100 mg/kg, suggesting that it can induce oxidative stress in fetal testis, and it reduced the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and AKT2 at 100 mg/kg, indicating that it can inhibit the development of fetal Leydig cells. In conclusion, gestational exposure to triadimefon inhibits the development of fetal Leydig cells in male fetuses by inhibiting its differentiation.

Triadimefon suppresses fetal adrenal gland development after in utero exposure

Triadimefon is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent, which is widely used in agriculture to control mold and fungal infections. It is considered an endocrine disruptor. Whether triadimefon exposure can inhibit the development of fetal adrenal glands and the underlying mechanism remain unclear. Thirty-two pregnant female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups. Dams were gavaged triadimefon (0, 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg/day) daily for 10 days from gestational day (GD) 12 to GD 21. Triadimefon significantly reduced the thickness of the zona fasciculata of male fetuses at 100 mg/kg, although it did not change the thickness of the zona glomerulosa. It significantly reduced the serum aldosterone levels of male fetuses at a dose of 100 mg/kg, and significantly reduced serum corticosterone and adrenocorticotropic hormone levels at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg. Triadimefon significantly down-regulated the expression of Agtr1, Mc2r, Star, Cyp11b1, Cyp11b2, Igf1, Nr5a1, Sod2, Gpx1, and Cat, but did not affect the mRNA levels of Scarb1, Cyp11a1, Cyp21, Hsd3b1, and Hsd11b2. Triadimefon markedly reduced AT1R, CYP11B2, IGF1, NR5A1, and MC2R protein levels. Triadimefon significantly reduced the phosphorylation of AKT1 and ERK1/2 at 100 mg/kg without affecting the phosphorylation of AKT2. In contrast, it significantly increased AMPK phosphorylation at 100 mg/kg. In conclusion, exposure to triadimefon during gestation inhibits the development of fetal adrenal cortex in male fetuses. This inhibition is possibly due to the reduction of several proteins required for the synthesis of steroid hormones, and may be involved in changes in antioxidant contents and the phosphorylation of AKT1, ERK1/2, and AMPK.

Clinical and perinatal outcomes of fresh single-blastocyst-transfer cycles under an early follicular phase prolonged protocol according to day of trigger estradiol levels

Backgroud

This study’s objectives were to compare the clinical, perinatal, and obstetrical outcomes of patients with different estradiol (E₂) levels in fresh single-blastocyst-transfer (SBT) cycles under an early follicular phase prolonged regimen on the day of trigger.

Methods

We recruited patients in fresh SBT cycles (n = 771) undergoing early follicular phase prolonged protocols with β-hCG values above 10 IU/L between June 2016 and December 2018. Patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were divided into four groups according to their serum E₂ level percentages on the day of trigger: <25^th, 25^th–50^th, 51^st–75^th, and >75^th percentile groups.

Results

Although the rates of clinical pregnancy (85.57% (166/194)), embryo implantation 86.60% (168/194), ongoing pregnancy (71.13% (138/194)), and live birth (71.13% (138/194)) were lowest in the >75th percentile group, we did not observe any significant differences (all P > 0.05). We used this information to predict the rate of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) area under the curve (AUC) = 72.39%, P = 0.029, cut off value of E₂ = 2,893 pg/ml with the 75% sensitivity and 70% specificity. The 51^st–75^th percentile group had the highest rates of low birth weight infants (11.73% (19/162), P = 0.0408), premature delivery (11.43% (20/175), P = 0.0269), admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) (10.49% (17/162), P = 0.0029), twin pregnancies (8.57% (15/175), P = 0.0047), and monochorionic diamniotic pregnancies (8.57% (15/175); P = 0.001). We did not observe statistical differences in obstetrics complications, including gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), gestational hypertension, placenta previa, premature rupture of membranes (PROM), and preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM).

Conclusion

We concluded that serum E₂ levels on the day of trigger were not good predictors of live birth rate or perinatal and obstetrical outcomes. However, we found that high E₂ levels may not be conducive to persistent pregnancies. The E₂ level on the day of trigger can still be used to predict the incidence of early onset severe OHSS in the fresh SBT cycle.

Perfluorotridecanoic Acid Inhibits Leydig Cell Maturation in Male Rats in Late Puberty via Changing Testicular Lipid Component

Perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA) is a long-chain (C13) perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acid. Here, we report the influence of PFTrDA exposure on the maturation of rat Leydig cells in late puberty in vivo. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were administered PFTrDA by gavage of 0, 1, 5, and 10 mg/kg/day from 35 days to 56 days postpartum. PFTrDA had no effect on body weight, testis weight, and epididymis weight. It significantly decreased the serum testosterone level after 5 and 10 mg/kg exposure, while it did not alter the serum estradiol level. The serum luteinizing hormone level was markedly reduced after 10 mg/kg PFTrDA exposure, while the follicle-stimulating hormone level was unchanged. Star, Cyp11a1, Cyp17a1, Hsd3b1, and Insl3 transcript levels in the testis were markedly lowered in the 1-5 mg/kg PFTrDA group and the Lhb transcript level in the pituitary in the 10 mg/kg group. CYP11A1 and HSD11B1-positive Leydig cell numbers were markedly reduced after 10 mg/kg PFTrDA exposure. Testicular triglyceride and free fatty acid (palmitic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid) levels were significantly reduced by PFTrDA, while Mgll (up-regulation) and Scarb1 and Elovl5 (down-regulation) expression were altered. AKT1 and AMPK phosphorylation was stimulated after 10 PFTrDA mg/kg exposure. In conclusion, PFTrDA delays the maturation of Leydig cells in late puberty mainly by altering the free fatty acid profile.

New biomarker for lung cancer - focus on circSETD3

In order to explore the mechanism of gefitinib-acquired resistance in lung cancer, a new biomarker has been developed for early clinical diagnosis and intervention; human NSCLC (Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer) cell lines H292 (denoted as H292S) and PC9 (denoted as PC9S) were used to establish gefitinib-resistant NSCLC cell lines H292 and PC9 models. CCK-8 (Cell Counting Kit-8) method was used to test the drug resistance of the cells. circRNAs (circular RNAs) that were differentially expressed before and after resistance were screened by RNA sequencing technology. The effects of circSETD3 overexpression and interference on the sensitivity of gefitinib was observed to analyze the nuclear localization of circSETD3 and verify the interaction between circSETD3-miR-520h-ABCG2. The results showed that the most significant change in differential expression of human NSCLC cell lines before and after drug resistance was hsa_circ_0000567, that is, circSETD3, which is mainly present in the cytoplasm. In H292S and PC9S, compared with the negative control group, the cell proliferation ability of the overexpression group was significantly increased, and the apoptosis ability was significantly decreased. In H292R and PC9R, compared with the negative control group, the proliferation ability of the interference group was significantly decreased, and the apoptosis ability was significantly increased. Overexpression of circSETD3 to H292S and PC9S, the expression of ABCG2 increased significantly. Also, the expression of ABCG2 decreased significantly after transfection with miR-520h mimics. H292R and PC9R interfered with circSETD3, the expression of ABCG2 decreased significantly. Moreover, the expression of ABCG2 increased significantly after transfection with miR-520h inhibitor. In conclusion, circSETD3 can be used as a novel biomarker for lung cancer. It relieves miR-520h degradation of the transporter ABCG2 by down-regulating the miR-520h expression, causing gefitinib to be pumped out of the cell.

Tebuconazole exposure disrupts placental function and causes fetal low birth weight in rats

Tebuconazole (TEB) is one of the widely used broad-spectrum triazole fungicides. Its accumulation in mammals leads to various endocrine disruptions. However, it is unclear whether the exposure of TEB during pregnancy affects the growth and development of fetus and placenta. Here, TEB was exposed to pregnant Sprague-Dawley female rats from gestational days 12-21 of 0, 25, 50 or 100 mg/kg for 10 days. TEB reduced placental estradiol levels. TEB disrupted the structure and function of the placenta, leading to hypertrophy, fibrin exudation, edema, calcification, arterial fibroblast proliferation, and trophoblastic infarction. RNA-seq analysis showed that TEB mainly down-regulated the expression of iron transport genes and up-regulated the expression of genes for immune/inflammatory responses. Further qPCR showed that TEB down-regulated Tfrc, Hamp, Eif2ak2 and up-regulated the expression of Cd34, Cd36, Jag1, Pln, Cyp1a1, Esrra, and Aqp1 at 50 and 100 mg/kg. Western blot and semi-quantitative immunohistochemical staining also demonstrated that TEB lowered the levels of TFRC and EIF2AK2 and increased the levels of CD34, CD36, JAG1, CYP1A1, and ESRRA at 50 and 100 mg/kg. In conclusion, TEB severely damages the structure and function of the placenta, leading to hypertrophy of the placenta, low birth weight and feminization of the male fetus possibly via several pathways including iron transport and TNF signaling.

Impact of acute kidney injury on in-hospital outcomes among patients hospitalized with acute heart failure: a propensity score matched analysis

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is frequently present in patients admitted for acute heart failure (AHF). Several studies have evaluated the mortality risk and have concluded poor prognosis in any patient with AKI admitted for AHF. For the most part, the additional morbidity and mortality burden in AHF patients with AKI has been attributed to the concomitant comorbidities, and/or interventions.

Purpose

We sought to determine the impact of acute kidney injury (AKI) on in-hospital outcomes in patients presenting with acute heart failure (AHF). We identified isolated AKI patients after excluding other concomitant diagnoses and procedures, which may contribute to an increased risk of mortality and morbidity.

Methods

Data from the National Inpatient Sample (2012- 14) were used to identify patients with the principal diagnosis of AHF and the concomitant secondary diagnosis of AKI. Propensity score matching was performed on 30 baseline variables to identify a matched cohort. The outcome of interest was in-hospital mortality. We further evaluated in-hospital procedures and complications.

Results

Of 1,470,450 patients admitted with AHF, 24.3% had AKI. After propensity matching a matched cohort of 356,940 patients was identified. In this matched group, the AKI group had significantly higher in-hospital mortality (3.8% vs 1.7%, p&lt;0.001). Complications such as sepsis and cardiac arrest were higher in the AKI group. Similarly, in-hospital procedures including CABG, mechanical ventilation and IABP were performed more in the AKI group. AHF patients with AKI had longer in-hospital stay of ∼1.7 days.

Conclusions

In a propensity score-matched cohort of AHF with and without AKI, the risk of in-hospital mortality was &gt;2-fold in the AKI group. Healthcare utilization and burden of complications were higher in the AKI group.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Zearalenone disrupts the placental function of rats: A possible mechanism causing intrauterine growth restriction

Zearalenone is an estrogenic mycotoxin produced by a variety of Fusarium fungi. There is evidence that exposure to zearalenone can cause intrauterine growth restriction, but little is known about the mechanism in the rat placenta caused by zearalenone. From gestational day 14-21, female Sprague Dawley rats (60 days old) were gavaged with zearalenone (0, 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg/day body weight). Zearalenone dose-dependently reduced serum LH and FSH levels of dams at ≥ 5 mg/kg. RNA-seq and qPCR showed that zearalenone significantly down-regulated Slc38a1 expression at 2.5 mg/kg, Echs1 and Pc at 10 mg/kg, as well as Slc1a5, Cd36, Ldlr, Hadhb, and Cyp17a1 expression at a dose of 20 mg/kg, while it up-regulated the expression of Notch signal (Dvl1 and Jag 1). After zearalenone treatment, their proteins showed a similar trend. Zearalenone reduced the phosphorylation of AKT1, ERK1/2, and mTOR at 5 mg/kg or higher and 4EBP1 at 5 mg/kg. Zearalenone also increased BECLIN1, LC3B, and p62 levels and elevated BAX/BCL2 and CASP3/PROCASP3 ratios. In conclusion, zearalenone disrupts placental function such as reduction of nutrient transport and lipid metabolism possibly via AKT1/ERK1/2/mTOR-mediated autophagy and apoptosis.

Implication of Modified Chemical Profiles of Different Seed Proteins through Heat-Related Processing to Protein Nutrition and Metabolic Characteristics in Ruminant Systems

The objectives of this study were to reveal the implication of modified chemical profiles of protein in cool-season-adapted cereal seeds through heat-related processing to protein nutrition and metabolic characteristics in ruminant systems. The parameters of protein-related chemical and nutritive profiles modified by heat-related processing included (a) chemical and nutrient profiles, (b) degradation kinetics (K_d and BCP), (c) digestion (IDP and TDP), (d) degraded protein balance (DPB/OEB value), and (e) metabolizable protein (MP, DVE, and FMV values). The seeds used in this study included cool-season-adapted wheat (CSW), triticale (CST), and corn (CSC). Each grain source had 3 consecutive year-replicated samples and were subjected to different heat-related processing: dry heating (DH) and moist heating (MH). The results showed that (1) the heat-related processing significantly modified metabolic characteristics of protein in the seeds (p < 0.05), (2) in comparison to DH, MH had a dramatic improvement (p < 0.05) in protein utilization profiles (decreased rumen degradation and increased intestinal digestion), (3) the seeds had significant (p < 0.05) difference in rumen degradation and intestinal digestion, (4) among the seeds, the CSW had the highest milk value (FMV; p < 0.05) and was increased by MH application (p < 0.05), and (5) the results showed that the seeds responded independently to different heat-related processing. MH-related processing had a more profound impact on CSW and CST in chemical profiles and nutrition. The CSC had less response to the heat-related processing.

Prolonged pituitary down-regulation with full-dose of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist in different menstrual cycles: a retrospective cohort study

Background

The efficiency of prolonged down-regulation caused by a full-dose of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) injected during different menstrual phases has not yet been researched. Our goal was to evaluate the effects of GnRH-a, which was used in different phases of the menstrual cycle in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study. A total of 320 patients received a prolonged pituitary down-regulated full-dose (3.75 mg) of triptorelin in the early follicular phase, and 160 patients received the same full-dose of triptorelin during the mid-luteal phase. Clinical and laboratory outcomes were compared between the two groups.

Results

The basic characteristics of the two groups were comparable. The mean number of retrieved oocytes, fertilized oocytes, cleavage oocytes and good quality embryos were comparable between the two groups. Although there was a higher antral follicle count, cyst formation rate, fertilization rate and cleavage rate in the follicular phase group, no statistically significant effects were seen on implantation rate (41.15% vs. 45.91%), clinical pregnancy rate (60.38% vs. 61.36%), ongoing pregnancy rate (57.74% vs. 57.58%), live birth rate (56.23% vs. 57.58%) or early abortion rate (2.64% vs. 3.79%) per fresh transfer cycle. Moreover, severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome rates at the early stage (1.89% vs. 2.27%) were low in both groups.

Conclusions

Prolonged pituitary down-regulation achieved by utilizing a full-dose of GnRH-a administrated in either phase of the menstrual cycle can have a positive effect on ongoing pregnancy rate and live-birth rate per fresh embryo transfer cycle. Ovarian cyst formation rate was higher in the follicular phase group, but this did not have any adverse impact on clinical results.

The effects of source and concentration of dietary fiber, starch, and fatty acids on the daily patterns of feed intake, rumination, and rumen pH in dairy cows

The daily patterns of feed intake and rumination influence rumen fermentation, rumen pH, and timing of absorbed nutrients in the dairy cow, but the effects of diet composition on these patterns are not well characterized. Data from 3 previously published experiments were examined to determine the influence of dietary starch, fiber, and fatty acids (FA) on daily patterns of intake, rumination, and rumen pH. Dietary neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and starch were investigated in 2 experiments, each with duplicated 4 × 4 Latin square designs with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments in cows fed cows 1×/d at 1200 and 1400 h, respectively. To investigate fiber content and digestibility in the first experiment, brown midrib or isogenic conventional corn silage were fed in low- and high-NDF diets (29 and 38%, respectively). To investigate starch source and concentration in the second experiment, ground high-moisture corn or dry ground corn were fed in low- and high-starch diets (21 and 32%, respectively). Effect of fat concentration and saturation was investigated in the third experiment using a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design that fed cows 1×/d at 0900 h; treatments included a control diet with no added fat and 2.5% added saturated FA, unsaturated FA, or a mixture of the saturated and unsaturated FA. In the first 2 experiments, intake followed a similar daily pattern regardless of starch and NDF concentration or digestibility. Rumination displayed a treatment by time interaction for both NDF and starch concentration, with high-fiber, low-starch diets causing greater rumination overnight but not midday. High-starch diets decreased total daily rumen pH equally across the day, but did not change the daily pattern. Type of corn silage did not affect the daily patterns of rumination or rumen pH, but pH was reduced throughout the day in brown midrib diets. In the third experiment, no interactions between fatty acid supplement and time of day were observed for intake, rumination, or rumen pH. Within all experiments, rumination fit or tended to fit a 24-h rhythm regardless of diet, with the amplitude of the rumination being reduced in low-starch diets and diets containing saturated FA or a mixture of saturated and unsaturated FA. Overall, intake, rumination, and rumen pH follow a daily pattern that was minimally modified by dietary fiber and starch type and level or fat level and fatty acid profile.

Particle size and endosperm type of dry corn grain altered duodenal flow of B vitamins in lactating dairy cows

The objective of the experiment was to determine if factors such as endosperm type (floury vs. vitreous) and particle size (fine vs. medium) of dry corn grain, known to affect starch digestibility in the rumen, modify apparent ruminal synthesis and duodenal flow of B vitamins in lactating dairy cows. Eight lactating multiparous Holstein cows equipped with rumen and duodenal cannulas were assigned randomly to a treatment sequence according to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement in duplicate 4 × 4 Latin square design experiment. Duration of each experimental period was 21 d. When expressed per unit of dry matter intake (DMI), floury treatments increased duodenal flow and apparent ruminal synthesis of niacin and folates but tended to increase apparent degradation of thiamin in the rumen. Duodenal flow of thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folates, and vitamin B₁₂, expressed per unit of DMI, decreased with an increase in particle size. Similarly, apparent degradation of thiamin and riboflavin was greater and apparent synthesis of niacin, folates, and vitamin B₁₂ was reduced when cows were fed coarser dry corn grain particles. Neither endosperm type nor particle size had an effect on duodenal flow and apparent ruminal synthesis of vitamin B₆. Apparent ruminal syntheses, expressed per unit of DMI, of all studied B vitamins but thiamin were negatively correlated with apparent ruminal digestibility of neutral detergent fiber. Duodenal flow of microbial N was positively correlated with apparent ruminal synthesis of riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B₆, and folates. Under the conditions of the present experiment, except for thiamin, the effects of factors increasing starch digestibility of dry corn grain in the rumen on the amounts of B vitamins available for absorption by the dairy cow seem to be mediated through differences on ruminal digestibility of neutral detergent fiber and, to a lesser extent, on duodenal microbial N flow.

A novel mutation +5904 C>T of RUNX1 site in the erythroid cell-specific regulatory element decreases the ABO antigen expression in Chinese population

BACKGROUND

An erythroid cell-specific regulatory element (+5·8-kb) in the first intron of ABO is responsible for the antigen differential expression and the regulatory activity of the element was affected by the nucleotide mutation in the +5·8-kb region. Currently, many individuals with ABO subgroups were found in the Chinese population, but there was little information about the function of +5·8-kb region in these individuals. Here, we studied the mechanism of the mutation in the +5·8-kb region responsible for reducing of antigen expression in 30 ABO subtype Chinese individuals without mutation in the coding region or splicing site.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The nucleotide sequence of the partial intron 1 covering the +5·8-kb site was amplified and directly sequenced. The haplotype with the novel mutation was obtained by the TOPO TA cloning. Both of the ABO promoter and the +5·8 kb regulatory element were subcloned into the basic luciferase reporter plasmid using the double endonuclease digestion. The promoter activity was examined by the dual-luciferase report vector with K562 cells.

RESULTS

A novel nucleotide substitution +5904 C>T located at RUNX1-binding site in the +5·8 kb site was identified from three individuals with B subtypes. +5890 T>G were found in three Bel and one Ael phenotypes. Cotransfection and luciferase assays demonstrated that the +5904 C>T could obviously reduce activity of the +5·8 kb site.

CONCLUSION

The study suggested that the transcriptional activity of the +5·8 kb site could be downregulated by the single point mutation of RUNX1 motif, leading to reduction in A or B antigen expression.

4-Phenylpyrimidine monolayer protection of a copper surface from salt corrosion

4-Phenylpyrimidine (4-PPM) containing N heteroatoms can easily form compact and uniform layers on metallic surfaces. In this work, the protection of a copper surface from corrosion in 3 wt% NaCl by a 4-PPM layer was investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and polarization methods. Under optimum conditions, the inhibition efficiency of a 4-PPM layer for copper corrosion reached 83.2%. Raman analysis in conjunction with calculations using density functional theory (DFT) based on the B3LYP/LANL2DZ basis set suggested that the 4-PPM molecule anchored on the copper surface via the N₁ atom to construct a uniform layer.

The efficiency of a 4-phenylpyrimidine monolayer optimally self-assembled on a copper surface against corrosion by a 3 wt% NaCl solution could reach 83.2%.

Characterization of linoleic acid (C18:2) concentration in commercial corn silage and grain hybrids

Corn silage and high-moisture corn grain are commonly recognized as risk factors for biohydrogenation-induced milk fat depression and may be due to the high concentration of linoleic acid (C18:2) in corn. Corn silage and corn grain have a low concentration of fatty acids (FA), but due to their high inclusion rate in diets they contribute substantially to unsaturated FA intake. The first objective of this study was to characterize the contribution of individual plant parts to total FA in whole-plant chopped corn. The second objective was to characterize the variation in FA profile in commercial silage and grain hybrids and evaluate the relationship between FA profile and other nutrients. To determine the location of FA in the corn plant, 4 stalks from 4 different commercial hybrids were separated into stalk, husk and shank, leaves, cob, and kernels. On a dry matter basis, 80.5% of total FA were in the kernels, 11.8% in the leaves, 5.1% in the stalk, 1.7% in the cob, and 1.0% in the husk and shank. More than 96% of the oleic acid (C18:1) and 92.5% of the C18:2 was in the kernels, whereas 71.0% of the linolenic acid (C18:3) was in the leaves. Next, the FA composition of fresh whole-plant chopped corn from 124 silage hybrids and grain from 72 grain hybrids was determined over 2 yr from test plots in Pennsylvania. Last, to extend the characterization, FA composition of whole-plant corn silage from 45 hybrids grown in test plots in South Dakota were characterized. In the fresh whole-plant chopped corn from PA test plots, C18:2 as a percentage of total FA averaged from 48.7% in 2013 (percentiles: 10th = 45.2, 90th = 52.2) and 48.0% in 2014 (percentiles: 10th = 44.1, 90th = 49.4). Concentration of C18:2 in corn grain averaged 57.5% in the 2013 (percentiles: 10th = 53.4, 90th = 60.8) and 56.1% in 2014 (percentiles: 10th = 53.5, 90th = 59.4). In the corn silage from South Dakota, the concentration of C18:2 as percentage of total FA averaged 45.4% (percentiles: 10th = 39.4, 90th = 50.2) and C18:2 concentration as a percent of dry matter averaged 1.1% (percentiles: 10th = 0.76, 90th = 1.41). An increase in the concentration of C18:2 was associated with a decrease in C18:3 in fresh whole-plant chopped corn and with a decrease in C18:1 in corn grain. Total FA and C18:2 (as a percentage of dry matter) were positively correlated with starch and negatively correlated with neutral detergent fiber in both fresh whole-plant chopped corn and corn silage samples, whereas no correlation with these traits was observed for C18:2 as a percentage of total FA. In conclusion, FA concentration and profile of corn silage reflects to a great extent the FA composition of kernels and the proportion of grain in the silage. The variation in C18:2 across hybrids provides the opportunity to develop selection programs to decrease C18:2 in corn silage and grain. Selection based on C18:2 concentration as a percent of total FA is preferred as this trait did not correlate with other nutritional properties.

Short communication: Effects of lysolecithin on milk fat synthesis and milk fatty acid profile of cows fed diets differing in fiber and unsaturated fatty acid concentration

Thirteen multiparous Holstein cows were used in a crossover design that tested the effect of lysolecithin in diets differing in neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and unsaturated fatty acid (FA) concentrations. Experimental periods were 20 d in length and included two 10-d phases. A standard fiber and lower fat diet was fed the first 10 d (30.5% NDF, no added oil, lower-risk phase) and a lower NDF and higher oil diet was fed during the second 10 d (29.0% NDF and 2% oil from whole soybeans and soybean oil, high-risk phase). Treatments were control and 10 g/d of lysolecithin (LYSO) extended in a ground corn carrier. Milk was sampled on d 0, 5, and 10 of each phase for determination of fat and protein concentration and FA profile. We found no effect of treatment or treatment by time interaction for dry matter intake, milk yield, or milk protein concentration. A treatment by time interaction was observed for milk fat concentration and yield. Milk fat concentration was higher in LYSO on d 5 of the lower-risk phase, but decreased progressively in both treatments during the high-risk phase. Milk fat yield was not different among treatments during the lower-risk phase, but was lower in LYSO on d 15 and tended to be lower on d 20 during the high-risk phase. Concentrations of milk de novo FA decreased and preformed FA increased during the high-risk phase, but we found no effect of treatment or treatment by time interactions. We noted an effect of time, but no treatment or treatment by time interactions for milk trans FA isomers. Briefly, trans-11 C18:1 and cis-9,trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid progressively decreased as trans-10 C18:1 and trans-10,cis-12 conjugated linoleic acid progressively increased during the high-risk phase. The LYSO increased milk fat concentration when feeding a higher fiber and lower unsaturated FA diet, but decreased milk fat yield when feeding a lower fiber and higher unsaturated FA diet, although biohydrogenation pathways and capacity did not appear to be modified. The effect of lysolecithin on rumen fermentation warrants further investigation, but is not recommended when feeding lower fiber and higher unsaturated fat diets.

Simultaneous genotyping of human platelet alloantigen-1 to 28bw systems by multiplex polymerase chain reaction sequence-based typing

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Human platelet alloantigen (HPA) genotyping is important for the diagnosis and prevention the alloimmune platelet disorders. In this study, a simultaneous genotyping method for HPA-1 to -28bw systems was established using multiplex PCR-SBT and the frequencies of genotypes and alleles of HPA-1 to -28bw systems in the Zhejiang Han population were analysed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The specific primers were designed according to the nucleotide sequences of HPA-1 to 28bw systems which are located in ITGB3, GP1BA, ITGA2B, ITGA2, GP1BB and CD109, respectively. The multiplex PCR amplification systems were used, and then, the amplicons were purified and sequenced. A total of 335 healthy volunteer blood donors were detected.

RESULTS

The genotypes of ten reference samples from Platelet Immunology Workshop of ISBT were in concordance with the known genotypes. Among the 28 HPA systems, HPA a and b alleles were found in HPA-1 to 6w, HPA-15 and HPA-21w systems in the Chinese Han population, while only HPA aa genotype was detected in the other HPA systems. The frequencies of HPA-1a and HPA-1b were 0·993 and 0·007, with 0·943 and 0·057 for HPA-2a and HPA-2b, 0·527 and 0·473 for HPA-3a and HPA-3b, 0·997 and 0·003 for HPA-4a and HPA-4b, 0·991 and 0·009 for HPA-5a and HPA-5b, 0·980 and 0·020 for HPA-6wa and HPA-6wb, 0·508 and 0·492 for HPA-15a and HPA-15b and 0·994 and 0·006 for HPA-21wa and HPA-21wb.

CONCLUSIONS

One multiplex PCR-SBT method for HPAs was established and the data of the study could help to prevent and treat for alloimmune thrombocytopenia.

Diagnosis and outcome of childhood perineurioma

INTRODUCTION

Intraneural perineurioma is a rare peripheral nerve tumor of childhood and early adulthood. Patients demonstrate progressive muscle weakness and atrophy largely without sensory complaints.

CASE

We report two children with perineurioma affecting the radial and femoral nerves. Electromyography (EMG), ultrasound, and 3-T MR imaging were important tools for localizing perineurioma and permitting its differentiation from other nerve lesions. The first patient underwent surgical excision of the perineurioma and a traditional nerve graft. At 10 months post-operative follow-up, she demonstrated no meaningful recovery of muscle strength compared to her pre-operative assessment. EMG did confirm axonal continuity indicating that reinnervation had occurred via the nerve graft. The second patient underwent a two-staged surgical procedure that included an end-to-side nerve transfer. At 18 months post-operative follow-up, she demonstrated mild improvement in muscle strength and EMG evidence of ongoing reinnervation.

CONCLUSION

The surgical management of perineurioma remains controversial, and reports of clinical recovery after nerve grafts and nerve transfers vary. Nerve transfers have been reported to provide superior results to traditional nerve grafting in adults with post-traumatic plexus injuries. The modest gain in strength of our patient who underwent a nerve transfer raises the question if this may also apply to patients with perineurioma. Additional studies will be required, which must also take into consideration that features of long-standing neuropathy (i.e., limb length discrepancy) have the potential to reduce the likelihood of reinnervation and clinical recovery.

Fluconazole susceptibility of 3,056 clinical isolates of Candida species from 2005 to 2009 in a tertiary-care hospital

In recent years, Candida infections have been increasing significantly. This study was to investigate the distribution and fluconazole susceptibility of such infections. Totally, 3,056 clinical isolates were analysed, C. albicans was the most prevalent species from respiratory and vaginal specimens. However, non-albicans species constituted the majority of isolates from blood, urine, intensive care unit (ICU), organ transplant and burned patients. Similarly, Candida spp. from different specimens and clinical services had different degrees of susceptibility to fluconazole. Isolates from vagina and burned patients had the highest resistance rate, while all of the isolates from ascites and dermatological services were susceptible to fluconazole.

Pro-gastrin-releasing peptide and neuron-specific enolase: useful predictors of response to chemotherapy and survival in patients with small cell lung cancer

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was (1) to evaluate and predict the value of ProGRP and NSE in therapy and survival; (2) as well as to investigate the correlation between the ProGRP mRNA expression in peripheral blood and serum ProGRP protein.

METHODS

The study included 122 patients with SCLC without prior therapy. The serum levels of ProGRP and NSE were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and eletro-chemiluminescence immunoassay, respectively. The expression of ProGRP mRNA was detected by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Distribution of serum levels of ProGRP, NSE and ProGRP mRNA differed significantly according to tumor size, disease stage and distant metastasis (all P < 0.05), and no association was found between them and gender or age (both P > 0.05). After two courses of chemotherapy, patients of remission and stable groups showed a marked decrease in ProGRP and NSE concentrations (P < 0.05). The ProGRP concentration of patients in progression group was significantly higher than pretreatment level (P < 0.05), while NSE concentration was not. A linear nonparametric (Spearman) correlation test revealed that there was a significant correlation between ProGRP mRNA expression in peripheral blood and serum ProGRP protein level (P < 0.05). Univariate analysis found a statistically significant association of survival with disease stage, distant metastasis, ProGRP and NSE (P < 0.05). Gender, age and tumor size were not prognostic factors (P > 0.05). Multiple Cox regression model analysis found that only disease stage and NSE were significant predictors (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study has found that there is a potential role for ProGRP and NSE in both therapy monitoring and predicting survival in SCLC patients.

Whole genome sequencing identified new somatic mutations for chronic myelomonocytic leukemia

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to gain new insight into the molecular alterations of Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia (CMML).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We performed whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and subsequent Sanger sequencing validation analysis in three individuals with CMML. Genomic DNA samples from bone marrow and matching buccal mucosa samples were sequenced.

RESULTS

For all six samples, a total of 806.43 Gb data were generated, achieving a minimum mean depth of 30.76. A total of 22 somatic variants were found to be protein-altering, including 1 exonic frame shift indel, 18 missense SNVs, 2 stop gain SNVs, and 1 stop loss SNV. We focused on the five novel variants which have not been reported in known databases and successfully validated three missense SNVs in AKAP4, COL2A1, and MAML1, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

WGS analyzes provided us a new insight into the molecular events governing the pathogenesis of CMML. The somatic variants we reported here may provide new targets for further therapeutic studies.

The effects of feeding rations that differ in neutral detergent fiber and starch concentration within a day on rumen digesta nutrient concentration, pH, and fermentation products in dairy cows

There is a daily pattern of feed intake in the dairy cow, and feeding a single total mixed ration results in variation in the amount of fermentable substrate entering the rumen over the day. The object of this study was to determine if feeding multiple rations over the day that complement the pattern of feed intake would stabilize rumen pool sizes and fermentation. Nine ruminally cannulated cows were used in a 3×3 Latin square design with 23-d periods. Diets were a control diet [33.3% neutral detergent fiber (NDF)], a low-fiber diet (LF; 29.6% NDF), and a high-fiber diet (HF; 34.8% NDF). The LF and HF diets were balanced to provide the same nutrient composition as the control diet when cows were fed 3 parts of LF and 7 parts of HF. Cows on the control treatment (CON) were fed at 0900h, cows on the high/low treatment (H/L) were fed HF at 70% of daily offering at 0900h and LF at 30% of daily offering at 2200h, and cows on the low/high (L/H) treatment were fed LF at 30% of daily offering at 0900h and HF at 70% of daily offering at 1300h. All treatments were fed at 110% of daily intake. Preplanned contrasts compared CON with H/L and H/L with L/H. Feeding the LF diet in the evening resulted in a large increase in the amount of feed consumed immediately after feed delivery at that feeding. Rumen digesta starch concentration increased and NDF concentration decreased following feeding of the LF diet in both the L/H and H/L treatments. Starch pool size also increased following feeding of the LF diet in the evening and tended to increase after feeding the LF diet in the morning. Rumen ammonia concentration was increased following feeding of the HF diet in the morning and the LF diet in the evening in the H/L treatment. Additionally, cis-9 C18:1 and cis-9,cis-12 18:2 are higher in concentrate feeds and were increased after feeding the LF diet in both treatments. Trans fatty acid isomers of the normal and alternate biohydrogenation pathways followed a daily pattern, and the H/L treatment increased isomers of the alternate pathway during the overnight period following the evening feeding of the LF diet. Additionally, C17:0 decreased during the overnight period in the H/L treatment. Feeding multiple rations over the day changed feeding behavior, and the combined effect of diet composition and feeding pattern resulted in a change in rumen nutrient pool sizes and fermentation products. Feeding the low-fiber diet in the evening resulted in a large increase in feed intake after feed delivery and did not increase starch intake during the overnight period. The H/L treatment failed to stabilize rumen fermentation because of the shift in the feeding pattern. Feeding strategies that feed multiple diets over the day must integrate diet composition and feeding behavior to achieve the desired effect on rumen nutrient pools and fermentation.

Investigation of killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors KIR2DL2 and KIR2DL3 diversity and identification of ten novel KIR2DL3 alleles in the Chinese Han population

KIR2DL2 and KIR2DL3 are important inhibitory receptors that recognize a subset of HLA-C allelic products carrying Ser77 and Asn80. In this study, we have determined KIR2DL2 and KIR2DL3 diversity in the Chinese Han population by a PCR sequence-based typing. Based on sequencing, the coding regions of 166 Chinese Han individuals, seven new polymorphic sites (238G>A, 405G>A, 476A>G, 550G>A, 608G>A, 789T>C, 947T>C) were found. KIR2DL2*00301, *00101, KIR2DL3*00101,*00201,*013, *015 and ten new KIR2DL3 variants (KIR2DL3*00105, 00106, 00107, 00108, 019, 020, 021, 022, 023 and 024) were identified, of which KIR2DL3*00101 was the most frequent allele. Compared with the sequences of KIR2DL3*00101, all sequences of 2DL3*00105, 2DL3*00106, 2DL3*00107 and 2DL3*00108 had one nucleotide substitution(789T>C, 261C>T, 489G>A and 405G>A),but none resulted in amino acid change. An A>G substitution was observed in nucleotide position 476 in 2DL3*019, 608 G>A in 2DL3*020, 824T>C in 2DL3*021 and 238 G>A in 2DL3*023. In addition, 2DL3*022 probably arose from 2DL3*00201 with a nucleotide substitution G>A at 550. There were more HLA-C1 positive individuals than HLA-C2. In conclusion, the data of allelic polymorphism for KIR2DL2 and KIR2DL3 were obtained in the Chinese Han population and ten novel KIR2DL3 alleles were identified.

The effects of feeding time on milk production, total-tract digestibility, and daily rhythms of feeding behavior and plasma metabolites and hormones in dairy cows

The timing of feed intake entrains circadian rhythms regulated by internal clocks in many mammals. The objective of this study was to determine if the timing of feeding entrains daily rhythms in dairy cows. Nine Holstein cows were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design with 14-d periods. An automated system recorded the timing of feed intake over the last 7 d of each period. Treatments were feeding 1×/d at 0830 h (AM) or 2030 h (PM) and feeding 2×/d in equal amounts at 0830 and 2030 h. All treatments were fed at 110% of daily intake. Cows were milked 2×/d at 0500 and 1700 h. Milk yield and composition were not changed by treatment. Daily intake did not differ, but twice-daily feeding tended to decrease total-tract digestibility of organic matter and neutral detergent fiber (NDF). A treatment by time of day interaction was observed for feeding behavior. The amount of feed consumed in the first 2h after feeding was 70% greater for PM compared with AM feeding. A low rate of intake overnight (2400 to 0500 h; 2.2 ± 0.74% daily intake/h, mean ± SD) and a moderate rate of intake in the afternoon (1200 to 1700 h; 4.8 ± 1.1% daily intake/h) was noted for all treatments, although PM slightly reduced the rate during the afternoon period compared with AM. A treatment by time of day interaction was seen for fecal NDF and indigestible NDF (iNDF) concentration, blood urea nitrogen, plasma glucose and insulin concentrations, body temperature, and lying behavior. Specifically, insulin increased and glucose decreased more after evening feeding than after morning feeding. A cosine function within a 24-h period was used to characterize daily rhythms using a random regression. Rate of feed intake during spontaneous feeding, fecal NDF and iNDF concentration, plasma glucose, insulin, NEFA, body temperature, and lying behavior fit a cosine function within a 24-h period that was modified by treatment. In conclusion, feeding time can reset the daily rhythms of feeding and lying behavior, core body temperature, fecal NDF and iNDF concentration, and plasma blood urea nitrogen, glucose, and insulin concentration of dairy cows, but has no effect on daily DMI and milk production.

Detection and survival of Toxoplasma gondii in milk and cheese from experimentally infected goats

The consumption of unpasteurized goat cheese and goat's milk has been suggested as a risk factor for toxoplasmosis in humans. In the present study, detection and survival of Toxoplasma gondii in milk and cheese was studied by bioassay in mice (milk) and in cats (cheese). Eight goats were inoculated orally with 300 to 10,000 oocysts of T. gondii strain TgGoatUS26. Milk samples were collected daily up to 30 days postinoculation and bioassayed in mice and cats. For mouse bioassay, 50 ml of milk samples were centrifuged, and the sediment was inoculated subcutaneously into mice. Mice were tested for T. gondii infection by seroconversion and by the demonstration of parasites. By mouse bioassay, T. gondii was detected in milk from all eight goats. The T. gondii excretion in milk was intermittent. For cat bioassay, 400 ml (100 ml or more from each goat) of milk from four goats from 6 to 27 days postinoculation were pooled daily, and cheese was made using rennin. Ten grams of cheese was fed daily to four cats, and cat feces were examined for oocyst shedding. One cat fed cheese shed oocysts 7 to 11 days after consuming cheese. Attempts were made to detect T. gondii DNA in milk of four goats; T. gondii was detected by PCR more consistently, but there was no correlation between detection of viable T. gondii by bioassay in mice and T. gondii DNA by PCR. Results indicate that T. gondii can be excreted in goat's milk and can survive in fresh cheese made by cold-enzyme treatment. To prevent transmission to humans or animals, milk should not be consumed raw. Raw fresh goat cheese made by cold-enzyme treatment of unpasteurized milk also should not be consumed.

Surveillance of feral swine for Trichinella spp. and Toxoplasma gondii in the USA and host-related factors associated with infection

Trichinella spp. and Toxoplasma gondii are important zoonotic parasites that infect warm blooded animals and humans worldwide. Among domesticated food animals, pigs are the main host for Trichinella spiralis. Pigs, chickens, sheep, and goats are known to be infected with T. gondii at varying rates, depending on husbandry. Infections in wildlife with these parasites are generally higher than in domesticated species. Feral swine act as reservoirs of infection in the sylvatic ecosystem for Trichinella spp. and T. gondii, acting as sources of infection for peridomestic carnivores whose home ranges overlap with domestic pigs. Feral swine can have direct contact with non-biosecure domestic pigs, presenting opportunity for direct disease transmission through cannibalistic behavior. Determination of the prevalence of Trichinella spp. and T. gondii infection in feral swine is needed to understand the risk of transmission of these parasites to domestic pigs. A cross-sectional serological survey was conducted between 2006 and 2010 to estimate the antibody prevalence of Trichinella spp. and T. gondii and risk factors associated with infection in feral swine in the USA. Serum samples were tested from 3247 feral pigs from 32 states; results are reported from 26 states. Maximum entropy ecological niche modeling and spatial scan statistic were utilized to predict the geographic range and to examine clusters of infection of Trichinella spp. and T. gondii in feral pigs. The seroprevalence of antibodies to Trichinella spp. and T. gondii was 3.0% and 17.7%, respectively. Species distribution modeling indicated that the most probable distribution areas for both parasites was similar, concentrated primarily in the South and the Midwest regions of the USA. A follow up survey conducted during 2012-2013 revealed that 2.9% of 984 sampled feral swine were seropositive for Trichinella spp., and 28.4% were seropositive for T. gondii. Three hundred and thirty (330) tongues were collected from the 984 sampled animals during 2012-2013; 1.81% were tissue positive for T. spiralis muscle larvae; no other genotypes were found. The potential exists for introduction of these pathogens into domestic herds of non-biosecure domestic pigs as a result of increasing overlap of the range of feral pigs with non-biosecure domestic pigs production facilities in the USA.