Intermittent mild cold acclimation ameliorates intestinal inflammation and immune dysfunction in acute cold-stressed broilers by regulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway

To investigate the potential protective effect of prior cold stimulation on broiler intestine induced by acute cold stress (ACS). A total of 384 one-day-old broilers were divided into control (CON), ACS, cold stimulation Ⅰ (CS3+ACS), and cold stimulation Ⅱ (CS9+ACS) groups. Broilers in CON and ACS groups were reared normally, and birds in CS3+ACS and CS9+ACS groups were reared at 3℃ and 9℃ below CON group for 5 h, respectively, on alternate days from d 15 to 35. Broilers in ACS, CS3+ACS, and CS9+ACS groups were subjected to 10℃ for 24 h on d 43. Eventually, small intestine tissues were collected for histopathological observation and indexes detection. The results showed that intestinal tissues in all ACS-broilers exhibited inflammatory cell infiltrates, microvilli disruption, reduced villus length in jejunum and increased crypt depth in jejunum and ileum. Whereas these phenomena were relatively light in CS3+ACS group. Compared to CON group, mRNA expression of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway-related genes (TLR4, MyD88, NF-κBp65, COX-2, iNOS, PTGEs, TNF-α), Th1/Th17-derived cytokines (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-8, IL-12, IFN-γ, IL-17), and HSPs (HSP40, HSP60, HSP70, HSP90) was upregulated (P < 0.05), and that of Th2-deviated cytokines (IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-13) and IκBα was downregulated (P < 0.05) in small intestine in almost all ACS-broilers. Compared to ACS group, mRNA expression of most of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway-related genes, Th1/Th17-derived cytokines, and HSPs was downregulated and that of Th2-derived cytokines was upregulated in CS3+ACS group (P < 0.05). Protein expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, p-p65/p65, p-IκBα/IκBα, IKK, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-10, and HSPs were similar to their mRNA expression. The concentration of sIgA and activities of CAT, SOD, and GSH-px were decreased and MDA and H2O2 were increased in ACS and CS9+ACS groups compared to CON group (P < 0.05). Therefore, cold stress caused oxidative stress and inflammation, leading to gut immune dysfunction; while mild cold stimulation at 3℃ below normal rearing temperature alleviated cold stress-induced intestinal injure and dysfunction by modulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway in broilers.

Combined exposure of emamectin benzoate and microplastics induces tight junction disorder, immune disorder and inflammation in carp midgut via lysosome/ROS/ferroptosis pathway

Pesticides and plastics bring convenience to agriculture and life, but also bring residual pollution in the environment. Emamectin benzoate (EMB) is the most popular pesticide at present. The harm of microplastics (MPs) to water and aquatic organisms is gradually increasing, and the possibility that it appears synchronously with various pesticides increases. However, the damage of EMB and MPs to the carp midgut and its mechanism have not been clarified. Therefore, based on the EMB or/and MPs exposure models, this study explored the mechanism of midgut injury through transcriptomics, immunofluorescence, western blot methods, and so on. Studies in vivo and in vitro showed that EMB or MPs exposure caused cilia shortening, lysosome damage, and ROS overproduction, which led to Fe2+ content increase, GSH/GSSG system disorder, lipid peroxidation, and ferroptosis. This process further led to the down-regulation of Cx43, Occludin, Claudin, and ZO-1, which further caused barrier damage, immune-related genes (immunoglobulin, IFN-γ) decrease and inflammation-related genes (TNF-α, IL-1β) increase. Combined exposure was more significant than that of single exposure, and the addition of EN6 and NAC proved that lysosome/ROS/ferroptosis regulated these midgut damages. In conclusion, EMB or/and MPs exposure induce tight junction disorder, immune disorder and inflammation in carp midgut through the lysosome/ROS/ferroptosis pathway.

Baicalein inhibits apoptosis and autophagy induced by chlorpyrifos exposure to kidney of Cyprinus carpio through activation of PI3K/AKT pathway

Chlorpyrifos (CPF), a widely used organophosphate pesticide that has caused large-scale contamination globally, has become a major concern. Baicalein (BAI), as a flavonoid extract, shows anti-inflammatory as well as antioxidant activities. The kidneys of fish serve to excrete toxins and are major target organs for environmental contaminants. However, it is not obvious whether BAI can counteract the damage caused by CPF exposure to fish kidneys. Therefore, we conducted a 30-day simulation of CPF poisoning and/or BAI treatment by adding 23.2 μg/L CPF to water and/or 0.15 g/kg BAI to feed. In the transmission electron microscopy results, we observed obvious phenomenon of autophagy and apoptosis in the CPF group, and the TUNEL staining and immunofluorescence of LC3B and p62 double-staining results confirmed that CPF induced autophagy and apoptosis in the kidney of common carp. Furthermore, CPF induced the increase of ROS level and inhibition of PI3K and Nrf2 pathways, which in turn triggered oxidative stress, autophagy and apoptosis in carp kidney according to western blot, RT-qPCR and kit assays. However, addition of BAI significantly alleviated oxidative stress, autophagy and apoptosis due to binding to PI3K protein. Additionally, through phylogenetic tree and structural domain analyses, we also found that the binding sites of BAI and PI3K are conserved in a variety of representative species. These results suggest that BAI antagonizes CPF-caused renal impairments in carp involving the PI3K/AKT pathway and the Nrf2 pathway. Our findings provide new insights into the nephrotoxicity effects of CPF and the potential use of BAI as a detoxification agent for CPF intoxication.

Resveratrol improves emamectin benzoate-induced pyroptosis and inflammation of Ctenopharyngodon idellus hepatic cells by alleviating oxidative stress/endoplasmic reticulum stress

Emamectin benzoate (EMB) is the most widely used pesticide in the world and contributes to water pollution. Owing to the lack of a specific antidote, EMB has a severe negative impact on the health of aquatic organisms. Resveratrol (RES), a substance with antioxidant capacity, is secreted by the fruits of many plants. This study was to explore the protection of RES against EMB-induced pyroptosis and inflammatory response in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) hepatic liver (L8824) cells by oxidative stress/endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. The results showed that compared to the CON group, EMB induced oxidative stress in L8824 cells with the increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS), methane dicarboxylic aldehyde (MDA), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) contents and the decrease of total superoxide dismutase (t-sod) and glutathione peroxidase (gsh-px) activities (P < 0.05). In addition, EMB triggered ERS, increasing the relative mRNA expression of protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (perk), inositol requiring enzyme 1 alpha (ire1α), glucose-regulated protein 78 (grp78), activating transcription factor 4 (atf4), activating transcription factor 6 (atf6), and CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (chop) and the protein expression of eukaryotic initiation factor 2α (eif2α), chop, atf6, and atf4. Meanwhile, EMB further induced pyroptosis by upregulating the mRNA and protein expression of nlrp3, aptamer protein (asc), caspase-1, gsdmd, interleukin-1β (il-1β), and interleukin-18 (il-18). EMB also induced inflammation in L8824 cells by increasing the mRNA expression of interleukin-2 (il-2), interleukin-6 (il-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (tnf-α), and ifn-γ and decreasing the content of interleukin-10 (il-10). However, compared to the EMB group, the oxidant indices and expression of genes related to ER stress, pyroptosis, and pro-inflammatory factors were significantly down-regulated (P < 0.05), whereas the antioxidant indicators and anti-inflammatory factor were significantly up-regulated in the EMB + RES group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, EMB caused hepatocytes pyroptosis and inflammation in grass carp, and RES could alleviate EMB-induced pyroptosis and inflammation in L8824 cells by ameliorating oxidative stress/ER stress.

Baicalin suppressed necroptosis and inflammation against chlorpyrifos toxicity; involving in ER stress and oxidative stress in carp gills

Chlorpyrifos (CPF) has caused large-scale pollution worldwide and posed a threat to non-target organisms. Baicalein (BAI) is a flavonoid extract with anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The gills are the mucosal immune organ and the first physical barrier of fish. However, it is not clear whether BAI counteracts organophosphorus pesticide CPF exposure-caused gill damage. Therefore, we established the CPF exposure and BAI intervention models by adding 23.2 μg/L CPF in water and/or 0.15 g/kg BAI in feed for 30 days. The results showed that CPF exposure could cause gill histopathology lesions. Moreover, CPF exposure led to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, caused oxidative stress and Nrf2 pathway activation, and triggered NF-κB-mediated inflammation reaction and necroptosis in carp gills. BAI adding effectively relieved the pathological changes, and lighten inflammation and necroptosis involving in the elF2α/ATF4 and ATF6 pathways through binding to GRP78 protein. Moreover, BAI could ease oxidative stress, but did not affect Nrf2 pathway in carp gills under CPF exposure. These results suggested that BAI feeding could alleviate necroptosis and inflammation against chlorpyrifos toxicity through elF2α/ATF4 and ATF6 axis. The results partially explained the poisoning effect of CPF, and showed BAI could be act as an antidote for organophosphorus pesticides.

[Characteristics of autonomic neuropathy in patients with vestibular migraine]

Objective: To investigate the characteristics of autonomic neuropathy in patients with vestibular migraine (VM) by sympathetic skin reflex (SSR) and R-R interval variation (RRIV). Methods: Seventy-three patients with interseizure VM and 36 healthy controls in the Department of Neurology affiliated to Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital of Tongji University from November 1, 2019 to December 31, 2021 were prospectively enrolled. SSR and RRIV were performed and relevant parameters were recorded, including SSR latency, SSR amplitude, RRIV during calm breathing (R%), RRIV during deep breathing (D%), RRIV difference between deep breathing and calm breathing (D%-R%), RRIV ratio between deep breathing and calm breathing (D%/R%), and the difference and correlation of various parameters between VM patients and healthy controls were analyzed. Results: Among the 73 patients with VM, there were 12 males and 61 females, and aged (46±13) years. While among 36 healthy controls, there were 6 males and 30 females, and aged (46±7) years. Among the 73 VM patients, abnormal SSR, abnormal RRIV, abnormal SSR and RRIV, and abnormal SSR or RRIV was detected in 38 cases (52%), 17 cases (23%), 11 cases (15%) and 44 cases (60%), respectively. Compared with healthy controls, the lower extremity SSR latency [(1 719±289) ms] in VM patients was longer than that in control group [(1 500±349) ms] (P=0.001), but the upper extremity SSR amplitude [1.6 (0.8, 3.0) mV] was lower than that in control group [2.6 (1.8, 4.2) mV] (P=0.006). SSR amplitude, R% and D% were negatively correlated with age in VM patients (r_s=-0.311, P=0.007; r_s=-0.237, P=0.043; r_s=-0.263, P=0.024, respectively). SSR of lower extremity in VM patients was longer than that of upper extremity [(1 719±289) ms vs (1 244±185) ms, P<0.001], but the amplitude of lower extremity was lower than that of upper extremity [0.8 (0.3, 1.7) mV vs 1.6 (0.8, 3.0) mV, P<0.001]. SSR latency of upper limb was positively correlated with SSR latency of lower limb (r=0.436, P<0.001), the amplitude of upper limb was positively correlated with amplitude of lower limb (r_s=0.456, P<0.001), and D% was positively correlated with R% (r_s=0.357, P=0.002). Conclusion: The autonomic neuropathy during VM interphase features with imbalance between sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system, and the sympathetic nerve function is mainly impaired.

Serum bone remodeling parameters and transcriptome profiling reveal abnormal bone metabolism associated with keel bone fractures in laying hens

Keel bone fractures affect welfare, health, and production performance in laying hens. A total of one hundred and twenty 35-wk-old Hy-line Brown laying hens with normal keel (NK) bone were housed in furnished cages and studied for ten weeks to investigate the underlying mechanism of keel bone fractures. At 45 wk of age, the keel bone state of birds was assessed by palpation and X-ray, and laying hens were recognized as NK and fractured keel (FK) birds according to the presence or absence of fractures in keel bone. The serum samples of 10 NK and 10 FK birds were collected to determine bone metabolism-related indexes and slaughtered to collect keel bones for RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq), Micro-CT, and histopathological staining analyses. The results showed that the concentrations of Ca, phosphorus, calcitonin, 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃, and osteocalcin and activities of alkaline phosphatase and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) in serum samples of FK birds were lower than those of NK birds (P < 0.05), but the concentrations of parathyroid hormone, osteoprotegerin, and corticosterone in serum samples of FK birds were higher than those of NK birds (P < 0.05). TRAP staining displayed that FK bone increased the number of osteoclasts (P < 0.05). Micro-CT analysis indicated that FK bone decreased bone mineral density (P < 0.05). Transcriptome sequencing analysis of NK and FK bones identified 214 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (|log2FoldChange| > 1, P < 0.05), among which 88 were upregulated and 126 downregulated. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway (KEGG) analysis indicated that 14 DEGs related to skeletal muscle movement and bone Ca transport (COL6A1, COL6A2, COL6A3, PDGFA, MYLK2, EGF, CAV3, ADRA1D, BDKRB1, CACNA1S, TNN, TNNC1, TNNC2, and RYR3) were enriched in focal adhesion and Ca signaling pathway, regulating bone quality. This study suggests that abnormal bone metabolism related to keel bone fractures is possibly responded to fracture healing in laying hens.

[Association between serum sex hormone-binding globulin and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis]

Objective: To investigate the association between serum sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 371 middle-aged and young obese patients who were hospitalized and underwent liver puncture in Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital from January 2016 to April 2021 were included. The population was divided into control group (n=43) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) group (n=328) based on the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease activity score. Subjects in NAFLD group were further divided into non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) (n=60), uncertain-NASH (n=172), and NASH (n=96). Serum SHBG was tested in patients with NAFLD who were divided into three subgroups according to tertiles. The liver pathological characteristics in different SHBG level subgroups were compared. The risk factors of NASH were analyzed by logistic regression. The prediction model of NASH noninvasive diagnosis was established by forward stepwise regression, and the diagnostic value of non-invasive model for NASH was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results: The median age in patients were (32±10) years old with a body mass index of (39.16±6.58) kg/m², including 236 females (63.6%). Serum SHBG level [M (Q₁, Q₃)] in NAFLD group was significantly lower than that in control group [16.90 (11.43, 23.00) vs. (23.45 (15.40, 31.22) mmol/L, P<0.05], and progressively diminished in NAFL, uncertain-NASH and NASH subgroups [(22.24±10.47), (20.57±19.58), (15.80±8.74) mmol; P for trend<0.05]. Compared with the high-leveled SHBG subgroup, the steatosis score (2.09±0.80 vs. 1.51±0.72, P<0.01) and lobular inflammation score (1.10±0.68 vs. 0.85±0.68, P<0.05) were significantly higher in the low-leveled SHBG group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that lower serum SHBG level was an independent risk factor for NASH (OR=2.527, 95%CI: 1.296 to 4.928, P<0.05). The area under ROC curve of SHBG combined with aspartate aminotransferase in predicting NASH in NAFLD patients was 0.752 (95%CI: 0.696 to 0.809). Conclusion: Low serum SHBG level is associated with NASH.

Socializing Models During Lactation Alter Colonic Mucosal Gene Expression and Fecal Microbiota of Growing Piglets

The enrichment of the social environment during lactation alleviates the stress of weaned piglets. It is significant to understand how the enriched social environment improves the weaning stress of piglets. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of colonic mucosa, 16S rRNA sequencing of feces, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) of colonic content were used to determine the effects of social contact during lactation. In this study, thirty litter lactating piglets were divided into intermittent social contact (ISC) group that contacted with neighbors intermittently, continuous social contact (CSC) group that contacted with neighbors starting at day (D) 14 after birth, and control (CON) group in which piglets were kept in their original litter. The piglets were weaned at D35 and regrouped at D36. The colonic mucosal RNA-seq, fecal microbes, and SCFAs of colonic contents of 63-day-old piglets were analyzed. The results of RNA-seq showed that compared with the CON group, the pathways of digestion and absorption of minerals, protein, and vitamins of piglets were changed in the ISC group, whereas the pathways of retinol metabolism and nitrogen metabolism in the colonic mucosal were affected and stimulated the immune response in the CSC group. Compared with the CON group, the abundances of pernicious microorganisms (Desulfovibrio, Pseudomonas, Brevundimonas, etc.) in the CSC group and pernicious microorganisms (Desulfovibrio, Neisseria, Sutterella, etc.) and beneficial bacteria (Bifidobacterium, Megamonas, and Prevotella_9) in the ISC group were significantly higher (p < 0.05). The abundances of proinflammatory bacteria (Coriobacteriaceae_unclassified, Coprococcus_3, and Ruminococcus_2) in the CSC group were significantly increased (p < 0.05), but the abundances of SCFAs producing bacteria (Lachnospiraceae_UCG-010, Parabacteroides, Anaerotruncus, etc.) and those of anti-inflammatory bacteria (Eubacterium, Parabacteroides, Ruminiclostridium_9, and Alloprevotella) were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) in the CSC group. Compared with the CON group, the concentrations of microbial metabolites, acetate, and propionate in the colonic contents were reduced (p < 0.05) in the ISC group, whereas the concentration of acetate was reduced (p < 0.05) in the CSC group. Therefore, both ISC and CSC during lactation affected the composition of fecal microbes and changed the expression of intestinal mucosal genes related to nutrient metabolism and absorption of piglets.

[Effects of parity on nutrition and health status of Chinese women of childbearing age]

Objective: To analyze effects of parity on women's nutrition and health status. Methods: This study was based on the data bank of "Chinese Nutrition and Health Surveillance of Children and Adolescents Aged 0-17 years old and Lactating Mothers from 2016 to 2017". Using a multi-stage stratified random sampling method, 17 771 women at 0 to 24 months postpartum from 31 provinces in Mainland China were included in this study. Questionnaires were used to collect data on women's general demographic characteristics, parity, mode of delivery, pre-pregnancy weight, pre-delivery weight, diseases before and during pregnancy, postpartum hemorrhage. Current body height, body weight, waist circumference, and blood pressure were measured. Blood hemoglobin, blood glucose and blood lipids were detected. Pre-pregnancy BMI, gestational weight gain, postpartum weight retention, postpartum BMI, the rates of anemia, hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia were calculated. Survey sample weights were calculated according to the sampling design and number of children under 2 years old from the sixth population census data of China. Effects of parity on the observational indicators after adjusting for confounding factors were analyzed by multivariate linear regression and multivariate logistic regression. Results: The age of 17 771 women was (29.5±5.0) years old, 12.2% (2 172) were over 35 but less than 40 years old, and 3.2% (563) were over 40 years old; the women with one parity, two parities, and three parities accounted for 47.3% (8 413), 48.5% (8 620) and 4.2% (738), respectively; urban women accounted for 49.9% (8 875), and rural women accounted for 50.1% (8 896). The results from multivariate linear regression showed that the pre-pregnancy BMI of women with two and three parities was 0.55 kg/m² and 0.76 kg/m² higher than women with one parity, respectively; the results of multivariate logistic regression showed that the OR(95%CI) of pre-pregnancy anemia was 1.45(1.04-2.02) for women with three parities compared with women with one parity, and the OR(95%CI) of anemia during pregnancy for women with two parities was 1.20(1.06-1.35) compared with women with one parity. Conclusion: Parity is associated with pre-pregnancy BMI and risk of anemia before and during pregnancy in women of reproductive age.

Tumor microenvironment and its clinicopathological and prognostic associations in surgically resected cutaneous angiosarcoma

PURPOSE

Cutaneous angiosarcoma (CAS) is a rare but typically aggressive malignant vascular neoplasm of the skin. Tumor microenvironment (TME) of CAS and its associations with baseline clinicopathological features and patient outcomes are very important, especially when considering the recent advances in understanding of the tumor biology.

METHODS/PATIENTS

We retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients who underwent surgical resection for CAS at a tertiary Hospital. The pretreated specimens were evaluated by immunohistochemistry for programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1), densities of tumor infiltrative lymphocytes (TILs) (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD45RO+, FoxP3+), as well as c-MYC and Ki-67 expressions. Overall survival (OS) was estimated by Kaplan-Meier method and compared with Log-rank test.

RESULTS

A total of 21 CAS patients were identified. Median age was 67 (ranges: 20-81) years, 14 (66.7%) were male, and over 50% had lesions of scalp. Histopathological examination showed a predominantly spindle cell type (57.1%). All patients underwent surgery, 16 (76.2%) were treated further. PD-L1 was positively stained (> 1%) in tumor cells (42.9%) and TILs (23.8%). PD-1 expression (> 1%) was identified in TILs of 11 (52.4%) cases. PD-1/PD-L1 expressions were significantly associated with the higher densities of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD45RO+, and Foxp3+ TILs, but not with patient characteristics or c-MYC or Ki-67 expression. Median OS was 18.5 months (95% CI 6.0-35.9), although no prognostic significance was observed with respect to any clinicopathological features.

CONCLUSION

We characterized TME and its clinical and prognostic association in CAS. PD-1/PD-L1 expressions were significantly associated with TILs subtypes but not with OS.

Longitudinal investigations of anatomical and morphological development of the gastrointestinal tract in goats from colostrum to postweaning

The digestive tract development in goat kids around weaning is vital to the establishment of digestion and absorption function, growth, and health of adults. The objective was to explore the effects of age and solid feed on the anatomical and morphological development of the gastrointestinal tract of Laiwu Black goat kids. Forty-eight female Laiwu Black goats at 8 ages (1, 7, 14, 28, 42, 56, 70, and 84 d; 6 goats per group) were selected and killed for anatomical and morphological analysis. The goats experienced the following 4 diet phases: maternal colostrum (MC; d 1, d 7), maternal milk (MM; d 14, d 28), maternal milk plus solid diet (MMSD; d 42, d 56) and only solid diet (OSD; d 70, d 84). The body and carcass weights were not significantly changed during MC and MM phases but changed during the MMSD phase. The absolute growth of body and carcass weights were higher in the MMSD phase than in MM phase. In addition, the dressing percentage was the highest in the MMSD phase. The body size indices evolved progressively and increased over time. The percentage of internal and external organs to body weight decreased over time, whereas the percentage to complex stomach percentage increased. The rumen and omasum weight experienced synchronous absolute growth over time, especially in the OSD phase. In contrast, the absolute growth of the reticulum and abomasum was the highest in MMSD and MC phases, respectively. After weaning, the goats showed the highest papillae height, lamina propria, muscle layer thickness, and epithelial thickness. The OSD phase showed the highest colonic mucosa thickness, ileal villus height, and ileal muscle layer thickness. The crypt depth was higher in the MMSD phase than in the MM phase. Moreover, the crypt depth and muscle layer thickness of jejunum increased over time. Furthermore, duodenal crypt depth, muscle layer thickness, and epithelial thickness increased in the OSD phase compared with other stages. In conclusion, the histological investigation supports the improvement of the morphological development of the digestive tract and the growth performance in the solid feed phase. It is recommended to add solid food as early as 4 wk old.

Low dietary phosphorus impairs keel bone health and quality in laying hens

1. Phosphorus (P) is a necessary nutrient for egg production and bone quality in poultry diets. To investigate the effects of low dietary available P (avP) on keel bone, 180 laying hens were fed either a control (C, 0.3% avP) or low phosphorus (LP, 0.15% avP) diet from 20-36 weeks of age (WOA). Each diet was replicated in six cages with 15 birds per cage. Keel samples were collected at 24, 28, 32, and 36 WOA to measure indicators.2. The incidence of keel bone damage in the LP group was higher than C group and increased with age throughout the experiment period. Keel bone length from laying hens in the LP group was shorter than C group (P < 0.05) at 32 and 36 WOA.3. The mRNA expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) and ratio of RANKL to osteoprotegerin (OPG) were upregulated (P < 0.05), and that of sclerostin and OPG was downregulated (P < 0.05) in the LP group in comparison to hens in the C group. Meanwhile, mRNA expression of the integrin-binding sialoprotein was increased at 24 and 28 WOA (P < 0.05), and decreased at 32 and 38 WOA (P < 0.05) in the LP group.4. Laying hens in LP group had increased trabecular separation and bone surface fraction (P < 0.05), decreased bone volume, bone volume fraction, trabecular number and thickness, and bone mineral density (P < 0.05) at 32 WOA. The LP-fed hens had increased K, Ti, Mn, Fe, Zn, Se, Sr and Pb bone concentrations (P < 0.05), and decreased P and TI bone concentrations (P < 0.05) at 36 WOA.5. Feeding hens a P-deficient diet with 0.15% avP and 3.37% Ca during the laying period impaired keel bone quality, which could be related to the osteoporosis.

Effects of long-term exposure to music on behaviour, immunity and performance of piglets

Context Music induces physiological responses in animals, and as an enriched environment, it may have a positive effect on behaviour and productivity. Aims This study aimed to determine the effects of different kinds of music on immunity, stress response and performance of piglets. Methods In total, 144 hybrid piglets (Yorkshire × Durac × Minpig) at the age of 7 weeks were divided into three treatment groups: slow-tempo string music (65 beats per min), fast-tempo wind music (200 beats per min), and control (i.e. no music). Exposure to music lasted for 42 days, from 8 to 14 weeks of age. During the experimental period, behavioural activities were observed, and physiological parameters, immune responses and growth performance were measured. Key results Results showed that long-term music exposure increased (P &lt; 0.01) playing and tail-wagging behaviours compared with the control group, but had no effect (P &gt; 0.05) on walking, lying, exploring, fighting or feeding behaviours. No effect (P &gt; 0.05) was found on the levels of growth hormone, salivary cortisol, serum cortisol, adrenocorticotrophic hormone, β-endorphin or dopamine, or on the performance of growing pigs. However, the specific music type slow-tempo string significantly (P &lt; 0.05) increased interleukin-4. Conclusions Long-term exposure to music does not affect stress response or growth performance in piglets. However, it promotes positive mood as indicated by increased playing and tail-wagging activities, and induces positive immunomodulation through increased interleukin-4 levels in piglets. Implications Exposure to music may be used to promote positive mood, and hence enhance welfare, in piglets.

Immunocyte density in parathyroid carcinoma is correlated with disease relapse

PURPOSE

Parathyroid carcinoma (PC) is an endocrine malignancy with a poor prognosis. The tumour immune microenvironment is a critical factor influencing the outcomes of multiple cancer types. However, knowledge of the immune microenvironment in PC remains limited.

METHODS

The intratumoural density of immunocytes and the Ki-67 index were evaluated immunohistochemically in 51 PC patient samples and were compared with clinicopathological features and parafibromin staining results. The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards analysis were used to estimate the effects of these variables on clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

Intratumoural immunocyte density was not correlated with age, gender, urolithiasis, or palpation of a neck mass. The Ki-67 index was correlated with the intratumoural density of CD3⁺ cells (P = 0.022) and CD8⁺ cells (P = 0.021) and serum calcium levels (P = 0.022). In the intratumoural area of primary foci, Kaplan-Meier method showed that the risk factors associated with recurrence/metastasis were a low density of CD3⁺ (P = 0.017), CD8⁺ (P = 0.019) and CD45⁺ cells (P = 0.047), a high density of CD163⁺ cells (P = 0.003) and a high Ki-67 index (P = 0.004). Cox regression multivariate analysis revealed that CD163⁺ cell density (hazard ratio (HR) 16.19, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.99-131.66; P = 0.009) and CD8⁺ cell density (HR 0.13, 95% CI 0.02-0.76, P = 0.024) were independent factors associated with PC relapse.

CONCLUSION

The immune microenvironment is an important factor influencing the relapse of PC. The intratumoural density of CD3⁺, CD8⁺, CD45⁺, and CD163⁺ immunocytes was correlated with disease-free survival (DFS) in patients with PC. Immunotherapy based on T lymphocytes or tumour-associated macrophages may be a promising treatment strategy.

Gender and age differences in the association between sleep characteristics and fasting glucose levels in Chinese adults

AIM

The present study examined the associations between night-time sleep duration, midday napping duration and bedtime, and fasting glucose levels, and whether or not such associations are dependent on gender and age.

METHODS

This study was a cross-sectional analysis of 172,901 adults aged≥40 years living in mainland China. Sleep duration was obtained by self-reports of bedtime at night, waking-up time the next morning and average napping duration at midday. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG)≥7.0mmol/L was defined as hyperglycaemia. Independent associations between night-time sleep duration, midday naptime duration and bedtime with hyperglycaemia were evaluated using regression models.

RESULTS

Compared with night-time sleep durations of 6-7.9h, both short (<6h) and long (≥8h) night-time sleep durations were significantly associated with an increased risk of hyperglycaemia in women [odds ratio (OR): 1.12, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-1.29 and OR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.08-1.21, respectively], and revealed a U-shaped distribution of risk in women and no significant association in men. Long midday nap durations (≥1h) were significantly but weakly associated with hyperglycaemia (OR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01-1.09) compared with no napping without interactions from gender or age, whereas the association between bedtime and fasting glucose levels did vary according to gender and age.

CONCLUSION

Night-time sleep duration, midday napping duration and bedtime were all independently associated with the risk of hyperglycaemia, and some of the associations between these sleep characteristics and hyperglycaemia were gender- and age-dependent.

Keel fracture changed the behavior and reduced the welfare, production performance, and egg quality in laying hens housed individually in furnished cages

Keel fracture has adverse effects on welfare, behavior, health, production performance, and egg quality of laying hens. To investigate this, 90 healthy Lohmann white laying hens with normal keel bones at 17 wk of age (WOA) were used in this study and housed individually in furnished cages. All hens were marked with fractured keel (FK) or normal keel (NK) based on the keel bone status through palpation at 5 time-points (22, 27, 32, 37, and 42 WOA). After the palpation, the behavior was observed for 2 consecutive days at each time-point, and the total number of eggs produced, dirty eggs, broken eggs, and feed intake of FK and NK laying hens were recorded at 27–32, 32–37, and 37–42 WOA, respectively. After each behavioral observation, 10 fresh FK hens and 10 NK hens were randomly selected to determinate the welfare and egg quality. The results showed that the incidences of keel fracture increased with the age of laying hens. Compared with NK hens, the sitting and standing behaviors significantly increased (P < 0.05) while feeding, walking, perching, and jumping behaviors significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in FK hens. There were no significant changes in drinking, preening, comforting, cage pecking, and nesting behaviors between NK and FK hens (P > 0.05). During the experiment period, the egg production rate, body weight, daily feed intake, and eggshell strength, thickness, and weight decreased (P < 0.05) and duration of tonic immobility increased (P < 0.05) in FK hens compared with those in NK hens. At 27–32 WOA, FK hens had significantly elevated broken egg rate (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the dirty egg rate, egg shape index, protein height, Haugh unit, feather cover score, and toe and foot pad health score (P > 0.05). Therefore, keel fracture in laying hens caused changes in behavior and reduced the welfare, production performance, feed intake, and eggshell quality.

A new adaptation for in vitro co-culture of single porcine parthenogenetic embryos using feeder cells

Feeder cells can promote cell proliferation and help overcome the developmental arrest of early embryos by producing growth factors. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of feeder cells on the development of all single porcine parthenogenetic embryos in vitro. Firstly, we showed that the cleavage and blastocyst formation rate of all single procine parthenogenetic embryos co-cultured with feeder cells increased in contrast to those cultured without feeder cells (p⟨0.05). However, no statistically significant differences were observed between the blastocyst formation rate in the embryos co-cultured with 3 different kinds feeder cells namely oviduct epithelial feeder cells, granulose feeder cells and porcine fetal fibroblast feeder cells (p>0.05). Secondly, highly significant differences were observed between the cleavage and blastocyst formation rate (p⟨0.05) when the embryos were co-cultured with oviduct epithelial feeder cells in different volume drops ranging from 3 to 20 μL and the cleavage rate were the highest when cultured in 5 μL drops. Thirdly, the tempospacial pattern of the development of single embryos co-cultured with oviduct epithelial feeder cells was consistent with that of traditional multi-embryo culture, indicating that the co-culturing does not affect the developmental competence of the porcine parthenogenetic embryos. Finally, highly significant differences were observed between the cleavage and blastocyst formation rate with and without zona pellucida in vitro (p⟨0.05). In this study, a new adaption of in vitro co-culture of single porcine parthenogenetic embryos using feeder cells has been successfully established and this will facilitate further investigations to discover the mechanistic mode of developmental arrest of porcine embryos.

Effects of Long-Term Gentle Handling on Behavioral Responses, Production Performance, and Meat Quality of Pigs

Simple Summary

As an important part of modern livestock production, human–animal relationships influence the welfare of farm animals. Previous studies have shown that short-term gentle handling can reduce pigs’ anxiety, and improve production performance and possibly meat quality. However, the effectiveness of long-term gentle handling is still unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the impact of gentle handling of growing pigs over a relatively long period of time on their behavior, production performance, and meat quality after slaughter. Our results show that gentle handling increased intimacy between the handler and handled pigs, whereas long-term gentle handling had little effect on pig production performance, or on carcass and meat quality. On the other hand, long-term gentle handling had positive effects on production performance, and reduced pigs’ anxiety and increased their willingness to approach the handler. Hence, this study provides insights into the positive effects of long-term human–animal interactions on pig production.

Abstract

In order to investigate the effect of gentle handling on the behavior, performance, and meat quality of pigs from weaning to slaughter, 144 6-week-old weaned hybrid Min piglets (a native breed) were selected and divided into a handling group (HG: 9 pens × 8 pigs) and a control group (CG: 9 pens × 8 pigs). After 6 weeks of handling, we observed and then evaluated the pigs’ responses to a handler with behavioral scores. Moreover, we measured heart rate and production performance. Three pigs were randomly selected from each of the 18 pens and divided into a handling group (HG: n = 27) and a control group (CG: n = 27), and the HG pigs were given gentle handling until slaughter. Subsequently, we evaluated meat quality and the production performance of six pigs from each group. The results show that AA test (approaching–avoidance test) scores in HG pigs, the number of contacts with the handler and absence of contact with the handler, were significantly higher than in the CG pigs (p < 0.01). The occurrences of avoidance and looking at the handler were lower in the HG than in the CG group (p < 0.01); however, heart rate was not found to be significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.63). No significant difference was found in the average daily gain, average daily feed intake, and feed conversion ratio between the two groups during the two periods (p > 0.05). The b* value was determined 45 min after slaughter, and it was significantly lower in the HG than that in the CG group (p = 0.002). Furthermore, 2 h after slaughter, the L value of the HG group was significantly higher than that of the CG group (p = 0.047), but no difference was observed in carcass quality or other meat quality indicators between the two groups (p > 0.05). The results indicate that gentle handling could reduce pigs’ anxiety and increase their willingness to approach the handler, increasing the intimacy of the pigs and handlers. However, long-term gentle handling had little effect on pig performance, carcass quality, and meat quality.

Interactive effects of dietary vitamin K3 and Bacillus subtilis PB6 on the growth performance and tibia quality of broiler chickens with sex separate rearing

Both vitamin K and probiotics can promote the bone health of poultry and mammals. The present study was conducted to investigate the interactive effects between vitamin K3 (VK3) and Bacillus subtilis PB6 on the growth performance and tibia quality of broiler chickens with sex separate rearing. In a 3 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, 720 one-day-old broiler chicks (Arbor Acres) were assigned to 12 groups with three levels of dietary VK3 (0, 0.5 and 4.0 mg/kg), with or without probiotic supplementation (500 g/t) and with sex separation (male and female). Each group included 3 replicates with 20 birds per replicate. During day 1 to 21, 0.5 and 4.0 mg/kg of VK3 increased average daily gain (ADG) of all birds and average daily feed intake of male birds (P < 0.05). During day 22 to 42, probiotic supplementation increased the ADG of birds (P < 0.05). Probiotic addition increased the weight, length, diameter and strength of tibia in all birds, and 0.5 and 4.0 mg/kg of VK3 increased the tibial breaking strength of male birds at day 21 (P < 0.05). Vitamin K3 and probiotic synergistically increased tibial breaking strength at day 42 and ash content at day 21 (P < 0.05). Three factors exhibited interactive effects on the chemical composition of tibia at day 42, and female birds fed 4 mg/kg of VK3 and probiotic had the highest contents of ash, calcium and phosphorus (P < 0.05). Bacillus subtilis PB6 increased the serum phosphorus level of male birds at day 21 and serum calcium level of female ones at day 42 (P < 0.05). At day 21, in the probiotic-supplemented birds, serum osteocalcin (OCN) and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP) were increased by 0 and 4.0 mg/kg of VK3, respectively (P < 0.05). Probiotic increased serum OCN and cooperated with VK3 to increase the serum BALP at day 42 (P < 0.05). Vitamin K3 and probiotic synergistically down-regulated the mRNA expression of Runt-related transcription factor 2 and OCN at day 21 (P < 0.05). Vitamin K3 down-regulated the alkaline phosphatase (liver/bone/kidney) expression in male birds at day 21 and 42, but probiotic up-regulated the expression of these genes at day 42 (P < 0.05). In conclusion, VK3 and B. subtilis PB6 promoted the growth performance of broilers during starter and grower phases, respectively. They synergistically improved the physical and chemical traits of tibias, especially in grower phase, by modulating calcium and phosphorus metabolism as well as osteogenic gene expression.

[Prevalence and influencing factors of carotid plaque in population at high-risk for cardiovascular disease in Jiangsu province]

Objective: To understand the prevalence of carotid plaque (CP) in population at high-risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Jiangsu province and identify related influencing factors. Methods: Based on the China Patient-centered Evaluative Assessment of Cardiac Events Million Persons Project from 2015 to 2016, a total of 11 392 persons at high-risk for CVD were selected from six project areas in Jiangsu province for the questionnaire survey, physical measurement, laboratory test and bilateral ultrasound examination of carotid arteries. The prevalence of CP and influencing factors of abnormal carotid arteries, CP and plaque burden (CP≥2) were analyzed. Results: Among the persons surveyed, 4 821 (42.3%) were males. The age of the persons surveyed was (59.4±8.9) years. There were 5 971 abnormal carotid arteries cases (52.4%), including 1 782 carotid intima-media thickness thickening cases (15.6%), 3 811 CP cases (33.5%) and 378 carotid stenosis cases (3.3%). Older age (OR=2.253, 95%CI: 2.127-2.386), urban residence (OR=2.622, 95%CI: 2.375-2.895), hypertension (OR=1.439, 95%CI: 1.195-1.732), smoking (OR=1.441, 95%CI: 1.259- 1.650), pulse pressure difference (OR=1.270, 95%CI: 1.198-1.347), fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (OR=1.109, 95%CI: 1.059-1.161) and LDL-C/HDL-C (OR=1.225, 95%CI: 1.164-1.288) were possible risk factors of CP in population at high risk for CVD. Being women (OR=0.558, 95%CI: 0.494-0.630), high BMI (OR=0.948, 95%CI: 0.904-0.994), higher levels of education (OR=0.708, 95%CI: 0.531-0.945), and higher annual household income (OR=0.773, 95%CI: 0.669-0.894) were the possible protective factors. Conclusions: Over half of the population at high-risk for CVD in Jiangsu showed abnormal carotid arteries. High blood pressure, high blood glucose, high blood lipids and smoking were the main factors that could be changed.

Keel Fracture Causes Stress and Inflammatory Responses and Inhibits the Expression of the Orexin System in Laying Hens

Simple Summary

Keel fracture is an important health and welfare problem in laying hens in all production systems. Previous studies have shown that keel fracture can influence hens’ behavior, reduce production performances, and cause pain in laying hens. Additionally, keel fracture also affects their feed intake. However, it is not clear whether the keel fracture induces stress, inflammation, or influences the orexin systems in laying hens. Orexin, also called hypocretin, is associated with the regulation of feed intake, energy homeostasis, and metabolism in poultry animals. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of keel fracture on stress and inflammatory responses and the activity of the orexin system of laying hens. Our results indicate that keel fracture not only induced stress and inflammatory responses, but inhibited the activity of the orexin system in laying hens. This study provides insights into the adverse effects of keel fracture on laying hens.

Abstract

Keel fracture has negative effects on the health and welfare of laying hens. We investigated effects of keel fracture on stress, inflammation, and the orexin system in laying hens. Ninety 17-week-old Lohmann white laying hens were palpated and euthanatized at 42 weeks old, and marked as normal keel (NK)/fractured keel (FK) from absence/presence of keel fracture. Serum, brain, liver, and abdominal-muscle samples were collected from 10 NK and 10 FK hens to determine the stress and inflammatory responses and the activity of orexin systems by corticosterone content, expression of heat shock proteins (TNF-α 60, 70, 90), and inflammatory factors (tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, nuclear factor-kappa Bp65 (NF-κBp65), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), prostaglandin E synthases (PTGEs), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), interleukin-1β (IL-1β)), orexin (ORX), and orexin-receptor 1/2 (ORXR1/ORXR2). The FK hens had higher serum corticosterone content, Hsps, and inflammatory factor mRNA expression levels than NK hens, although levels of iNOS in the liver and TNF-α in the muscle were similar. Protein levels of Hsp70 and Hsp90 in the brain and liver, iNOS and COX-2 in the liver, NF-κBp65, iNOS, and COX-2 in the brain of FK hens were increased compared with NK hens. Furthermore, FK hens had lower mRNA expression of ORX, ORXR1, and ORXR2 than NK hens. Therefore, keel fracture causes stress and inflammation, and inhibits the expression of the orexin system in laying hens.

[investigation on the triggers and the effect of healthy education on recurrence of vestibular migraine]

Objective:The aim of this study is to investigate the predisposing factors and the effect of healthy education on recurrence of vestibular migraine (VM), so as to provide a scientific basis for increasing the knowledge rate and reducing the recurrence rate of VM patients. Method: Questionnaires, memory diary, regular follow-up, etc. were used to understand the possible predisposing factors of VM patients. Self-assessment depression scale (SDS) and self-assessment anxiety scale (SAS) were used to evaluate patients' mental and psychological status, and visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to evaluate the severity of vertigo. Health education was conducted for VM patients through face-to-face consultation, material distribution, modern multimedia and other methods. The knowledge rate, anxiety and fear psychological state, recurrence frequency of vertigo, duration and severity of vertigo were compared before and after the healthy education. Result:Of 103 cases of the object of study, 100 patients (97.1%) with different degree of sleep disorders, 96 cases (93.2%) had a clear family history with vertigo or dizziness headache, 90 cases (87.4%) had history of motion sickness, 90 cases (87.4%) had confined space history of intolerance, 82 cases (79.6%), recurrent cause psychological anxiety, fear, 80 cases (77.7%), lack of exercise, 79 cases (76.7%) under pressure from life or work, 53 (51.5%) had food preference, 8 cases (7.8%) think much rain attacks more frequent when humid climate,seven (6.8%) reported more episodes during the spring or spring/summer exchanges.After health education, patients were followed up for 6 months to 2 years with a median of 15 months, and their knowledge rate of VM was increased from 12.6% (13 cases) to 98% (101 cases).The psychological ratio of anxiety and fear decreased from 79.6% (82 cases) to 7.8% (8 cases).The SAS score decreased from 47.9±4.4 to 45.5±4.2, and the SDS score decreased from 39.7±3.6 to 38.2±3.8.The unhealthy lifestyle and eating habits （lack of exercise, stress, and eating preferences at least 1 item）decreased from 89.4% (92 cases) to 32.1% (33 cases).The recurrence rate of 83.5% (86 cases) of the patients was reduced by 1 time or more, and the rate of no recurrence increased from 1% (1 case) to 15.5% (16 cases) within half a year.The duration of the attack was reduced by 20% or more in 48.5%(50 cases),The mean duration of the attack declined from (17.4±1.4) hours before healthy education to (10.5±0.9) hours after healthy education.The VAS score of 86.4%(89 cases) with recurrence severity decreased by 2 points or more. The average VAS score before and after education was (6.6±0.1) points and (4.5±0.1) points respectively.The above differences were statistically significant (P<0.01) compared with those before and after education.Conclusion: Sleep disorder, airtight space intolerance, excessive stress, lack of exercise, and dietary preference may be related factors to trigger VM attacks. Healthy education can significantly improve the awareness of VMs, and promote patients to change their lifestyle and eating habits. It can significantly improve patients' anxiety and fear psychological state, reduce the frequency of attack, shorten the duration of attack, and reduce the severity of selfassessment, which is worthy of clinical promotion.

Association between type 1 and type 2 diabetes and risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: A meta-analysis of cohort studies

AIM

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is thought to be associated with an increased risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), although the evidence so far remains inconsistent. Thus, our study aimed to further assess this association.

METHODS

Electronic searches were performed of the PubMed, Web of Science and Embase databases up to 11 March 2019. A random-effects model was used to calculate summary relative risks (RRs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

A total of 20 articles including data from 35 cohort studies matched our inclusion criteria, and 31 RRs were calculated for type 2 DM; the summary RR was 1.20 (95% CI: 1.12-1.30, I² = 84.7%). Also, four RRs were calculated for type 1 DM, and the result was significant (RR: 1.55, 95% CI: 1.15-2.08, I² = 0.0%). The results of subgroup analyses demonstrated that the association between DM and NHL was much more substantial in an Asian population, while sensitivity analyses suggested the robustness of a positive association between DM and NHL risk. In addition, the RR of NHL correlated negatively with duration of DM, with the highest risk found in patients within 1-2 years of DM diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

Our study findings suggest a moderate increase in risk of NHL in type 1 and 2 DM patients. Future studies should investigate the effects of duration of DM and antidiabetes interventions on NHL risk.

Model-informed drug development approach supporting approval of the 4-week (Q4W) dosing schedule for nivolumab (Opdivo) across multiple indications: a regulatory perspective

BACKGROUND

A nivolumab dosage regimen of 480 mg intravenously (i.v.) every 4 weeks (Q4W) was approved by FDA for the majority of the approved indications for nivolumab.

METHODS

The proposed new dosage regimen was supported by pharmacokinetic modeling and simulation, dose/exposure-response relationships for efficacy and safety in the indicated patient populations, and the clinical safety data with the 480 mg Q4W dosage regimen. Pharmacokinetic exposures achieved with 480 mg Q4W were predicted for 4166 patients in 21 clinical studies with various types of solid and hematological tumors. Exposure-response analyses were conducted to predict 480 mg Q4W safety and efficacy across all FDA-approved indications for nivolumab.

RESULTS

For the overall population, the geometric mean exposure achieved with 480 mg i.v. Q4W was 5.2% higher for steady state Cavg and 15.6% lower for Ctrough than those with 3 mg/kg i.v. Q2W, the approved dosage regimen. The simulated concentration-time course achieved with 480 mg Q4W regimen was below the median concentration achieved with 10 mg/kg i.v. Q2W that was also studied in clinical trials. The predicted probability of adverse events was similar between 480 mg Q4W and that observed with the 3 mg/kg Q2W regimen. Efficacy results were found to be similar between Q2W and Q3W dosage regimens in patients with renal cell carcinoma. The predicted efficacy for each indication suggested that the efficacy with 480 mg Q4W is unlikely to be compromised compared with that observed with 3 mg/kg Q2W.

CONCLUSIONS

The model-informed analyses of predicted exposure, efficacy and safety based on data from extensive clinical experience with nivolumab suggest that the benefit-risk profile of 480 mg Q4W regimen is comparable to the approved 3 mg/kg Q2W regimen, thus providing the regulatory basis for the approval of 480 mg Q4W regimen in the absence of clinical efficacy data with this new dosage regimen.

CO2 concentration affects in vitro pig embryo developmental capacity

Culture gas atmosphere is one of the most important factors affecting embryo development in vitro. The main objective of this study was to compare the effects of CO concentration on the subsequent pre-implantation developmental capacity of pig embryos in vitro, including embryos obtained via parthenogenesis, in vitro fertilization (IVF), and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Pig embryos were developed in four different CO2 concentrations in air: 3%, 5%, 10%, or 15%. The cleavage rate of pig parthenogenetic, IVF, or ICSI embryos developed in CO2 concen- trations under 5% was the highest. There were no significant differences in the oocyte cleavage rate in ICSI embryos in CO2 concentrations under 3% and 5% (p>0.05). However, as CO2 levels increased (up to 15%) the blastocyst output on day 7, from parthenogenetic, IVF, and ICSI em- bryos, decreased to 0%. These findings demonstrate that CO2 positively affects the developmen- tal capacity of pig embryos. However, high or low CO2 levels do not significantly improve the developmental capacity of pig embryos. The best results were obtained for all of the pig embryos at a 5% CO2 concentration.

Effects of Acute Cold Stress After Long-Term Cold Stimulation on Antioxidant Status, Heat Shock Proteins, Inflammation and Immune Cytokines in Broiler Heart

To investigate the effects of acute cold stress (ACS) on chicken heart after cold stimulation, female broilers were raised in either normal (C) or gradually decreasing temperatures (CS I and CS II) for 34 days followed by a 24 h ACS at 7°C. Cardiac tissues were collected from the pre-ACS and ACS time points to analyze the histopathological changes, antioxidant status and the expression of heat shock proteins, inflammatory factors and immune-related cytokines. The CS II heart tissues showed shrunken cell membranes and nuclei, disordered or ruptured myocardial fibers, higher MDA content and upregulation in HSP27, HSP40, HSP70, NF-κB, COX-2, PTGEs, iNOS, TNF-α and IL-4 mRNAs, and in protein levels of HSP40, NF-κB and iNOS and reduction in CAT, GSH-px and SOD activity, as well as HSP90 and IFN-γ levels compared to the control tissues before ACS. In contrast, the HSPs were significantly increased, and the inflammatory and immune related factors were unaltered prior to the ACS in the CS I compared to the C group. Following ACS, MDA content was significantly increased and antioxidant activity was significantly decreased in the CS I and CS II groups compared to the C group. The levels of HSP27, HSP70, HSP90, inflammatory factors and IL-4 were significantly reduced and that of IFN-γ was significantly increased in CS I broiler hearts; the reverse trends were seen in CS II relative to CS I. Compared to the pre-ACS levels, that of HSP27, HSP40, HSP60, inflammatory factors and IL-4 were increased and IFN-γ was decreased in the C and CS II groups after ACS. Therefore, cold stimulation at drastically lower temperatures induced cardiac damage, which was further aggravated by ACS. In contrast, cold stimulation at only 3°C lower than normal temperature improved the adaptability of the broilers to ACS.

Type 1 innate lymphoid cells are associated with type 2 diabetes

AIM

Type 1 innate lymphoid cells (ILC1s) play a major role in regulating systemic inflammatory diseases. However, the relationship between ILC1s and type 2 diabetes (T2D) remains unclear. Thus, the present study investigated the relationship between ILC1s and glucose homoeostasis in humans.

METHODS

A total of 37 newly diagnosed T2D patients and 32 subjects with normal glucose tolerance (NGT), matched for age and body mass index (BMI), were enrolled in the study. Flow cytometric analysis of ILC1s derived from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and omental adipose tissue was performed.

RESULTS

T2D patients displayed greater numbers and frequencies of circulating and adipose tissue ILC1s (P < 0.05) compared with NGT subjects, and the two types of ILC1s correlated positively with each other. Circulating ILC1s were positively associated with glycated haemoglobin (HbA_1c), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), homoeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), adipose tissue insulin resistance index (Adipo-IR) and serum free fatty acids (FFAs). A logistic regression model revealed that patients with higher ILC1 levels exhibited a 13.481-fold greater risk of developing T2D.

CONCLUSION

This study is the first to provide evidence that ILC1 abnormalities are involved in the development of diabetes. The data also suggest a potential role of ILC1s as therapeutic indicators in the treatment of T2D.

Effects of dietary threonine and immune stress on growth performance, carcass trait, serum immune parameters, and intestinal muc2 and NF-κb gene expression in Pekin ducks from hatch to 21 days

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of different dietary threonine (Thr) levels and immune stress on Pekin ducklings' growth performance, carcass traits, serum immune parameters, and intestinal mucin 2 (MUC2) and nuclear factor kB (NF-κB) gene expressions. A total of 320 Pekin ducklings was randomly assigned to a 5 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Each treatment group consisted of 4 replicate pens with 8 ducks per pen. Ducklings were fed 5 graded levels of Thr: 0.49, 0.56, 0.60, 0.65, and 0.76% from hatch to 21 d of age. At 11 d of age, ducks in the stressed groups were challenged with bovine serum albumin (BSA), and ducks in the unstressed groups were injected with normal saline water. The results showed that increasing Thr supplementation from 0.49 to 0.56% in the diet can improve BWG; feed consumption; weight and relative weight of breast and leg; weight of liver, bursa of Fabricius, spleen, and thymus; serum natural immune globulin A (IgA) concentration; and MUC2 gene expression in the ileum of 21-day-old Pekin ducks, significantly (P < 0.05). Immune stress with BSA had a significant effect on 21-day-old Pekin ducklings' BWG, feed consumption, and weight and relative weight of breast and thymus (P < 0.05), but no interaction between BSA and dietary Thr content was noticed in our experiment in 21-day-old Pekin ducks (P < 0.05). Dietary Thr requirements of the unstressed groups and stressed groups based on broken-line model analyses for ducks' BWG were 0.705 and 0.603%, respectively, and for ducks' feed consumption were 0.724 and 0.705%, respectively.

[The influencing factors of anemia for pregnant women between 2010-2012 in China]

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of anemia and related risk factors for pregnant women in China. Method: Based on Chinese National Nutrition and Health Surveillance 2010-2012, a total of 3 501 pregnant women were investigated from 150 counties of 31 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions in China, using a multi-stage stratified cluster randomization sampling method. General information of pregnant women, health status, and food intake during the gestation, was collected through a questionnaire investigation. 6 ml fasting venous blood was collected for the determination of hemoglobin concentration. Data were analyzed using multiple logistic regression to investigate the prevalence of anemia and the related influencing factors. Results: The 605 of 3 501 pregnant women had anemia. The prevalence of anemia was 17.2%; and mild anemia accounted for about 61.0% (369/605). Compared with the pregnant women living in the large cities, the OR (95%CI) of those living in the poor rural areas was 1.46 (1.08-1.98). Compared with the pregnant women living in the south area of China, the OR (95%CI) of those living in the north area of China was 1.39 (1.15-1.68); Compared with the pregnant women in the first trimester, the OR (95%CI) of those in the second trimester and the third trimester were 1.79 (1.33-2.43) and 2.11 (1.56-2.85), respectively. The OR (95%CI) of pregnant women who had used folic acid supplementation within the 6 months prior to gestation was 0.76 (0.63-0.93) compared with those who had not used. Conclusion: From 2010 to 2012, the epidemic characteristics of anemia was mild for the pregnant women in China, and pregnant women residential areas, periods of pregnancy and whether to take folic acid were related to anemia.

Increased oestradiol in hepatitis E virus-infected pregnant women promotes viral replication

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection causes subclinical diseases, leading to high mortality (>25%) in pregnant women. HEV replication is aggressively escalated in pregnant women, especially in the third trimester of pregnancy. Oestrogen plays an important role in pregnancy. However, the pathogenesis of HEV in pregnant women or immunosuppressive pregnant women (such as HIV-infected or organ-transplanted pregnant women) remains unclear. We investigated the role of oestradiol in HEV infection in a cell culture system. HEV-infected pregnant women had significantly higher oestradiol levels compared with uninfected individuals. HEV infection was significantly increased in cells treated with analogues of oestradiol, diethylstilbestrol (DES) or 17β-oestradiol in a dose-dependent way. However, tamoxifen, an antagonist oestrogen, inhibited HEV replication. HEV infection inhibits oestrogen receptor (ER-α) expression. Immunofluorescence and co-immunoprecipitation assays indicated that ER-α interacted with the helicase of HEV ORF1 indirectly. More importantly, HEV infection was exacerbated in immunosuppressive cells treated with an inhibitor of PI3K-AKT-mTOR signal pathway (LY296004) and supplemented with pregnant women serum with high oestradiol simultaneously. These results strongly suggest that pregnant women with high oestradiol and/or immunosuppression will be vulnerable to HEV infection.

[Status and related factors for gestational weight gain of Chinese pregnant women during 2010-2012]

Objective: To examine the status and related factors for gestational weight gain of Chinese pregnant women at different trimesters in 2010-2012. Methods: Participants were from Chinese National Nutrition and Health Surveillance in 2010-2012. Using a multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling method, we recruited 2 805 singleton pregnant women with gestational age 13 weeks or more from 31 provinces of China. A standard questionnaire was used to collect general information and pre-pregnancy weight; body weight and height of pregnant women were measured using a unified weighing scale and stadiometer, dietary intake during the previous year was collected using a food frequency questionnaire. A multiple logistic regression was used to analyze potential factors associated with appropriate gestational weight gain. Results: Among 2 805 pregnant women, 1 441 were in the second (13-27 weeks) and 1 364 in the third trimesters (≥28 weeks) . In the 2(nd) trimester, 229 cases (15.9%), 440 cases (30.5%) and 772 cases (53.6%) were insufficient gestational weight gain, appropriate gestational weight gain and excessive gestational weight gain respectively. So were 256 cases (18.8%), 474 cases (34.8%), 634 cases (46.5%) in the 3(rd) trimester respectively. In the multivariate unconditional logistic model, less fruit intake was associated with insufficient weight gain for women in the 2(nd) trimester (OR (95%CI): 1.58 (1.06-2.34)). Pregnant women with Han ethnicity who live in the small/medium city had lower risk of insufficient weight gain in the 3(rd) trimester (OR (95%CI): 0.58 (0.34-0.98)). Those pregnant women with physical activity <1 hour/day had a higher risk of excessive weight gain (OR (95%CI): 1.33 (1.02-1.73)). Conclusion: The prevalence of appropriate gestational weight gain was low in China. Our study suggests that pregnant weight gain is associated with fruit intake, types of residential area and physical activity.

[Prevalence of calf muscle cramps and influencing factors for pregnant women in China during 2010-2012]

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of calf muscle cramps and possible influencing factors for pregnant women in China. Methods: Using a multi-stage stratified probability proportional to size cluster randomization sampling method during 2010-2012. A total of 3 582 pregnant women were investigated at 150 counties from 31 provinces in China mainland. Information on calf muscle cramps, demographic socio-economic status, pregnancy information, and the physical activities was collected through questionnaires. The semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to collect food intake of pregnant women. Dynamic cluster analysis was used to assess dietary pattern. Multiple logistic regression was used to investigate the possible influencing factors for calf muscle cramps. Results: The prevalence of calf muscle cramps was 32.9% (1 180/3 582) in Chinese pregnant women, which was 11.6% (87/748), 28.2% (420/1 492), and 50.2% (673/1 342), respectively, during the first, second and third trimester. There were significant differences between them (χ(2)=349.16, P<0.001). Dietary patterns of the pregnant women were classified into three groups, which called relatively balanced pattern, high vegetables and fruits pattern, and high dairy pattern. Among the three groups, the prevalence of calf muscle cramps was 32.0% (952/2 971), 37.2% (186/500), and 37.8% (42/111), with significant differences (χ(2)=6.39, P=0.041). The OR (95%CI) values of calf muscle cramps in the second and third trimester was 2.96 (2.28-3.83), and 8.02 (6.16-10.44), respectively, comparing with the first trimester. The OR (95%CI) values of calf muscle cramps in the women taking calcium before pregnant was 1.45 (1.19-1.76), comparing with the one who was not taken. The OR (95%CI) values of calf muscle cramps in the women who had been diagnosed by pregnancy-induced hypertension was 5.76 (2.06-16.12), comparing with the one who had not been diagnosed. The OR (95%CI) values of calf muscle cramps in the high vegetables and fruits pattern and high dairy pattern was 1.13 (0.91-1.41), and 1.18 (0.76-1.81), respectively, comparing with the relatively balanced pattern. Conclusion: The prevalence of calf muscle cramps was relatively high in Chinese pregnant women, which was significantly different among three trimesters. The residential areas, occupation, and pregnancy-induced hypertension might be related to the prevalence of calf muscle cramps. However, there was no significant difference among different dietary patterns.

Levothyroxine monotherapy versus levothyroxine and selenium combination therapy in chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis

PURPOSE

New strategies are needed for prevention and treatment of chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis (CLT). This study aimed to assess whether combination of levothyroxine treatment and selenium (Se) supplementation results in improved therapeutic effects in CLT compared with levothyroxine monotherapy.

METHODS

An open-label, randomized controlled study was performed in 60 CLT patients assigned to two groups. Levothyroxine group (LT) patients (n = 24) received levothyroxine alone for 3 months; meanwhile, the combination (LTSS) group (n = 36) was administered levothyroxine with selenium yeast capsule. Blood selenium concentrations, anti-thyroid peroxidase (TPO) and anti-thyroglobulin (Tg) antibody levels, and inflammatory cytokine amounts were compared between both groups before and after treatment.

RESULTS

At baseline, similar values were obtained in both groups for all the parameters assessed (p > 0.05). After treatment, significantly increased blood selenium levels (µg/L) [90.05 (80.69, 107.76) vs. 39.64 (29.42, 51.10), p < 0.001] and decreased anti-TPO antibody (23.63 ± 9.31 vs. 32.00 ± 10.41%, p = 0.002), anti-Tg antibody (35.84 ± 15.21 vs. 45.47 ± 14.24%, p = 0.015) and IL-2 amounts (pg/mL) [159.29 (124.54, 189.70) vs. 226.48 (190.74, 266.56), p < 0.001] were observed in the LTSS group compared with the LT group post-treatment; meanwhile, similar IL-10 concentrations [23.14 (21.65, 28.56) pg/mL vs. 24.68 (21.71, 29.67) pg/mL] were obtained in both groups. Subgroup analysis of patients with hypothyroidism showed the same trend observed in the whole population; in patients with normal thyroid function, only Se and IL-2 amounts differed between the two treatment groups. Correlation analysis of of the indexes: in HT patients, the basal serum selenium concentration was positively correlated with TT₄ (r = 0.294, p < 0.05), significantly negatively correlated with TSH (r = -0.343, p < 0.01), and had no significant correlation with TT3 (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicated that levothyroxine and selenium combination results in improved therapeutic effects than the levothyroxine monotherapy in preventing CLT progression.