Impact of FAPI-46/dual-tracer PET/CT imaging on radiotherapeutic management in esophageal cancer

BACKGROUND

Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is expressed in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of various cancers. In our analysis, we describe the impact of dual-tracer imaging with Gallium-68-radiolabeled inhibitors of FAP (FAPI-46-PET/CT) and fluorodeoxy-D-glucose (FDG-PET/CT) on the radiotherapeutic management of primary esophageal cancer (EC).

METHODS

32 patients with EC, who are scheduled for chemoradiation, received FDG and FAPI-46 PET/CT on the same day (dual-tracer protocol, 71%) or on two separate days (29%) We compared functional tumor volumes (FTVs), gross tumor volumes (GTVs) and tumor stages before and after PET-imaging. Changes in treatment were categorized as "minor" (adaption of radiation field) or "major" (change of treatment regimen). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining for FAP was performed in all patients with available tissue.

RESULTS

Primary tumor was detected in all FAPI-46/dual-tracer scans and in 30/32 (93%) of FDG scans. Compared to the initial staging CT scan, 12/32 patients (38%) were upstaged in nodal status after the combination of FDG and FAPI-46 PET scans. Two lymph node metastases were only visible in FAPI-46/dual-tracer. New distant metastasis was observed in 2/32 (6%) patients following FAPI-4 -PET/CT. Our findings led to larger RT fields ("minor change") in 5/32 patients (16%) and changed treatment regimen ("major change") in 3/32 patients after FAPI-46/dual-tracer PET/CT. GTVs were larger in FAPI-46/dual-tracer scans compared to FDG-PET/CT (mean 99.0 vs. 80.3 ml, respectively (p < 0.001)) with similar results for nuclear medical FTVs. IHC revealed heterogenous FAP-expression in all specimens (mean H-score: 36.3 (SD 24.6)) without correlation between FAP expression in IHC and FAPI tracer uptake in PET/CT.

CONCLUSION

We report first data on the use of PET with FAPI-46 for patients with EC, who are scheduled to receive RT. Tumor uptake was high and not depending on FAP expression in TME. Further, FAPI-46/dual-tracer PET had relevant impact on management in this setting. Our data calls for prospective evaluation of FAPI-46/dual-tracer PET to improve clinical outcomes of EC.

Facing life-threat during youth: a qualitative study on challenges, coping, and needs among adolescents and young adults with cancer

PURPOSE

While the unique situation of adolescents and young adults with cancer (AYAs) has become the focus of research and clinical practice, little is known about how they deal with the threat to life at a curative stage. The aim of this study was to obtain insight into the challenges, coping strategies, and needs of AYAs regarding the life-threatening nature of their diseases.

METHODS

Face-to-face in-depth interviews were conducted with patients who were 18-39 years old at diagnosis. The interviews took place 2-5 years after their diagnosis. Patients who were still undergoing treatment or who were suspected of recurrence were excluded. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients (mean age 27.33 years, nine females) were interviewed in a large comprehensive cancer center in Germany. Before diagnosis, AYAs had not faced their own mortality and had little experience with cancer. The sudden confrontation with a life-threatening disease and therapy, as well as experiencing the death of other AYAs, challenged them. Fear, particularly regarding recurrence and death, and the loss of trust in their own bodies were the major emotions that continued to limit them even after the end of treatment. For mothers, concern of leaving their young children alone was paramount. Coping strategies frequently mentioned were hope, avoidance, self-soothing, and valuing the experience as a chance. Health care professionals were expected to be reassuring, motivating, and open and to provide honest information based on individual and current needs.

CONCLUSION

AYAs appear to cope with life-threats similarly to older patients but have additional unique challenges, including inexperience with life-threatening diseases and responsibility for young children. More research is needed in this area, although it is already evident that AYAs need honest and reassuring communication regarding the life-threat during any curable phases of their disease. Trial registration number DRKS00030277; September 27, 2022 (German Clinical Trials Register).

Acute and persistent effects of oral glutamine supplementation on growth, cellular proliferation, and tight junction protein transcript abundance in jejunal tissue of low and normal birthweight pre-weaning piglets

Breeding for higher fertility has resulted in a higher number of low birthweight (LBW) piglets. It has been shown that LBW piglets grow slower than normal birthweight (NBW) littermates. Differences in growth performance have been associated with impaired small intestinal development. In suckling and weaning piglets, glutamine (Gln) supplementation has been associated with improved growth and intestinal development. This study was designed to examine the effects of oral Gln supplementation on growth and small intestinal parameters in LBW and NBW suckling piglets. At birth (day 0), a total of 72 LBW (1.10 ± 0.06 kg) and 72 NBW (1.51 ± 0.06) male piglets were selected. At day 1, litters were standardized to 12 piglets, and experimental piglets supplemented daily with either Gln (1 g/kg BW) or isonitrogenous amounts of Alanine (Ala) as control (1.22 g/kg BW) until day 12. Creep feed was offered from day 14 onward. Subgroups of piglets were euthanized at days 5, 12, and 26 for the analyses of jejunal morphometry, cellular proliferation, glutathione concentration and transcript abundance of tight junction proteins. From age day 11 to 21, Gln supplemented LBW (LBW-Gln) piglets were heavier than Ala supplemented LBW (LBW-Ala) littermates (P = 0.034), while NBW piglets were heavier until age day 26 compared to LBW littermates. Villus height was higher in LBW-Gln compared to LBW-Ala on age day 12 (P = 0.031). Sporadic differences among supplementation and birthweight groups were detected for jejunal cellular proliferation, cellular population and glutathione concentration, whereas age was the most dominant factor. These results show that Gln supplementation improved the growth of LBW piglets compared to LBW-Ala beyond the termination of Gln supplementation, but this was not associated with consistent effects on selected parameters of jejunal development.

Interaction of panic and episodic breathlessness among patients with life-limiting diseases: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Episodic breathlessness is often accompanied by panic. A vicious cycle of breathlessness-panic-breathlessness leads to emergencies with severe breathlessness and/or fear of dying. However, the interaction between episodic breathlessness and panic is poorly understood. Thus, the aim is a better understanding of the interaction between panic and episodic breathlessness to develop appropriate support for patients suffering from this symptom.

METHODS

Patients suffering from episodic breathlessness due to life-limiting diseases answered questions on the characteristics of episodic breathlessness and panic-spectrum psychopathology, including underlying mechanisms. Using the Patient Health Questionnaire and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Diagnoses (SCID), patients were screened for panic disorder. An open-ended question captured the patients' descriptions of panic during breathlessness episodes.

RESULTS

Forty-six patients [52% women, mean age =66 years; standard deviation (SD) 7.3 years] provided information: 61% suffered from panic during the entire breathlessness episode, 39% experienced panic in every episode, and 25% were diagnosed with panic disorder. Exploratory data analysis was conducted. Patients with high scores in breathlessness catastrophizing thoughts experienced more panic in a breathlessness episode (P<0.001) and considered themselves more panic than low-scorers (P=0.024). There was a significant indirect effect of episodic breathlessness intensity on the panic experienced in an episode, and this effect was mediated by catastrophizing thoughts regarding breathlessness (b=0.164; 95% CI: 0.105, 0.222). Patients described in the open-ended question experiencing only panic or breathlessness, or a combination of both. Some patients managed to differentiate panic from episodic breathlessness, and used strategies to avoid panic in an episode.

CONCLUSIONS

Research on treatment options for episodic breathlessness should not only focus on panic in breathlessness episodes, but also on underlying mechanisms such as catastrophizing thoughts, as they aggravate the burden.

Hair cortisol concentration in postpartum dairy cows and its association with parameters of milk production

Hair cortisol concentration (HCC) is considered as an indicator for a minimally invasive assessment of long-term stress. In dairy cows, in addition to stress influences, changing physiological conditions during gestation and lactation (eg, due to varying energy requirements or fluctuating milk yield) may affect HCCs. Thus, the aim of our study was to investigate HCCs of dairy cows during different stages of lactation and to determine the relationship between milk production traits and hair cortisol levels. Samples of natural hair and regrown hair were collected from 41 multiparous Holstein Friesian cows at 100-d intervals from parturition to 300 d postpartum. All samples were analyzed for cortisol concentration and the association of HCC with milk productions traits was evaluated. Our results show that cortisol concentration in natural hair increased after parturition and was highest 200 d postpartum. Cumulative milk yield from parturition to 300 d showed moderate and positive correlation with HCC in natural hair at 300 d. There was a positive correlation between urea concentration in milk and cortisol levels in regrown hair at 200 d, and between somatic cell count in milk and HCC in natural and regrown hairs 200 d postpartum. Together, these findings suggest that physiological loads during lactation, eg, caused by metabolic stress and/or inflammation, may be associated with increased HCC levels. In addition, the results on hair color confirm previous findings in cattle that black hair has higher cortisol concentrations than white hair. Black hair therefore appears to be more suitable for hair cortisol analysis as it provides higher protection against photodegradation.

Abomasal infusion of essential fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid during late pregnancy and early lactation affects immunohematological and oxidative stress markers in dairy cows

Oxidative stress and inflammation, as natural parts of metabolic adaptations during the transition from late gestation to early lactation, are critical indicators of dairy cows' metabolic health. This study was designed to investigate the effects of abomasal infusion of essential fatty acids (EFA), particularly α-linolenic acid, and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on plasma, erythrocyte, and liver markers of oxidative stress in dairy cows during the transition period. Rumen-cannulated German Holstein cows (n = 38) in their second lactation (11,101 ± 1,118 kg milk/305 d, mean ± standard deviation) were abomasally infused with one of the following treatments from d -63 antepartum until d 63 postpartum (PP): CTRL (n = 9; 76 g/d coconut oil); EFA (n = 9; 78 g/d linseed plus 4 g/d safflower oil); CLA (n = 10; isomers cis-9,trans-11 and trans-10,cis-12 CLA; 38 g/d); and EFA+CLA (n = 10; 120 g/d). Hematological parameters as well as markers of oxidative status were measured in plasma, erythrocytes, and liver before and after calving. Immunohematological parameters, including erythrocyte number, hematocrit, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, leukocytes, and basophils, were affected by time, and their peak levels were observed on the day after calving. The oxidative stress markers glutathione peroxidase 1 and reactive oxygen metabolites in plasma and erythrocytes were both affected by time, exhibiting the highest levels on d 1 PP, whereas β-carotene, retinol, and tocopherol were at their lowest levels at the same time. Immunohematological parameters were only marginally affected by fatty acid treatment in a time-dependent manner. As such, lymphocyte and atypical lymphocyte counts were both significantly highest in the groups that received EFA at d 1 PP. Moreover, EFA supplementation increased the mean corpuscular volume and showed a trend for induction of mean corpuscular hemoglobin compared with the CLA group during the transition period. The PP mean thrombocyte volume was higher in the EFA than in the CLA group (except for d 28) and both EFA and CLA reduced number of thrombocytes and thrombocrit at distinct time points. Hepatic mRNA abundance of markers related to oxidative status, including glutathione peroxidase (GPX-1) and catalase (CAT), was lower (P < 0.05) in EFA-treated than non-EFA-treated cows at d 28 PP. Dairy cows at the onset of lactation were characterized by induced markers of both oxidative stress and inflammation. Supplementing EFA and CLA had minor and time-dependent effects on markers of oxidative stress in plasma, erythrocytes, and liver. A comparison of EFA supplementation with CLA or CTRL showed higher immunohematological response at d 1 PP and lower hepatic antioxidant levels by d 28 PP. Supplementation with EFA+CLA had only a minor effect on oxidative markers, which were more similar to those with the EFA treatment. Altogether, despite the time-dependent differences, the current findings show only minor effects of EFA and CLA supplementation in the prevention of early lactation-induced oxidative stress.

Early-life maternal deprivation affects the mother-offspring relationship in domestic pigs, as well as the neuroendocrine development and coping behavior of piglets

Early-life adversity may have programming effects on the psychological and physiological development of offspring. Domestic pigs (Sus scrofa) are an excellent model species for studying these effects because of their many physiological similarities to humans. Piglets from 10 sows were subjected to daily 2-h maternal deprivation on postnatal days (PND) 2–15 alone (DA) or in a group of littermates (DG). Control piglets (C) from 10 sows stayed with their mothers. Mother-offspring interaction, milk oxytocin, and cortisol were analyzed. An open-field/novel-object (OF/NO) test was performed with piglets on PNDs 16 and 40. Plasma cortisol and immune parameters were determined on PND 5 and 16. Two piglets from each group and sow were sacrificed on PND 20 and stress-related gene expression in the limbic system and prefrontal cortex (PFC), as well as splenic lymphocyte proliferative abilities, were examined. The milk cortisol of sows increased during the first separation of mother and offspring on the second day of lactation, whereas milk oxytocin did not change. The increase in cortisol by the OF/NO test on PND 16 was greater in C piglets than in DA and DG ones. DA piglets showed less agitated behavior than DG and C piglets in the OF/NO test at PND 16, but appeared more fearful. On PND 40, DA piglets showed more arousal than DG and C piglets in the OF/NO test. Neither plasma IgA nor N/L ratios in blood nor mitogen-induced proliferation of spleen lymphocytes were affected by deprivation. We found a higher mRNA expression of CRHR1 in the hypothalamus and a higher expression of MR in the hippocampus in DA piglets than in DG ones. The expression of GR, MR, and CRHR1 genes in the PFC was reduced by maternal deprivation, however, the expression of arginine vasopressin and oxytocin receptors was not affected. Repeated maternal deprivation induces sustained effects on stress reactivity and behavior of domestic piglets. Some of these effects were buffered by the presence of littermates. In addition, we found sex-specific differences in behavior and gene expression.

Effects of Oral Glutamine Supplementation, Birthweight and Age on Colonic Morphology and Microbiome Development in Male Suckling Piglets

Mortality, impaired development and metabolic dysfunctions of suckling low-birthweight piglets may be influenced by modulating the intestinal microbiome through glutamine supplementation. Therefore, this study examined whether glutamine supplementation may affect the colonic development and microbiome composition of male low- and normal-birthweight piglets at 5 and 12 days of age. Suckling piglets were supplemented orally with glutamine or alanine. Colonic digesta samples were obtained for 16S rDNA sequencing, determination of bacterial metabolites and histomorphological tissue analyses. Glutamine-supplemented piglets had lower concentrations of cadaverine and spermidine in the colonic digesta (p < 0.05) and a higher number of CD3+ colonic intraepithelial lymphocytes compared to alanine-supplemented piglets (p < 0.05). Low-birthweight piglets were characterised by a lower relative abundance of Firmicutes, the genera Negativibacillus and Faecalibacterium and a higher abundance of Alistipes (p < 0.05). Concentrations of cadaverine and total biogenic amines (p < 0.05) and CD3+ intraepithelial lymphocytes (p < 0.05) were lower in low- compared with normal-birthweight piglets. In comparison to the factor age, glutamine supplementation and birthweight were associated with minor changes in microbial and histological characteristics of the colon, indicating that ontogenetic factors play a more important role in intestinal development.

Personality traits affect learning performance in dwarf goats (Capra hircus)

A wide range of species exhibit time- and context-consistent interindividual variation in a number of specific behaviors related to an individual's personality. Several studies have shown that individual differences in personality-associated behavioral traits have an impact on cognitive abilities. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between personality traits and learning abilities in dwarf goats. The behavior of 95 goats during a repeated open field (OF) and novel object test (NO) was analyzed, and two main components were identified using principal component analysis: boldness and activity. In parallel, the goats learned a 4-choice visual initial discrimination task (ID) and three subsequent reversal learning (RL) tasks. The number of animals that reached the learning criterion and the number of trials needed (TTC) in each task were calculated. Our results show that goats with the lowest learning performance in ID needed more TTC in RL1 and reached the learning criterion less frequently in RL2 and RL3 compared to animals with better learning performance in ID. This suggests a close relationship between initial learning and flexibility in learning behavior. To study the link between personality and learning, we conducted two analyses, one using only data from the first OF- and NO-test (momentary personality traits), while the other included both tests integrating only animals that were stable for their specific trait (stable personality traits). No relationship between personality and learning was found using data from only the first OF- and NO-test. However, stability in the trait boldness was found to have an effect on learning. Unbold goats outperformed bold goats in RL1. This finding supports the general hypothesis that bold animals tend to develop routines and show less flexibility in the context of learning than unbold individuals. Understanding how individual personality traits can affect cognitive abilities will help us gain insight into mechanisms that can constrain cognitive processing and adaptive behavioral responses.

Only I Know Now, of Course, How to Deal With it, or Better to Deal With it: A Mixed Methods Phase II Study of a Cognitive and Behavioral Intervention for the Management of Episodic Breathlessness

CONTEXT

Episodic breathlessness is characterized by increased breathlessness intensity, and it is burdensome for patients. A vicious cycle of breathlessness-anxiety/panic-breathlessness leads to emergencies that can rarely be alleviated by drugs. Non-pharmacological interventions seem to be beneficial: Can a brief cognitive and behavioral intervention help patients to better manage episodic breathlessness?

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the feasibility, safety, acceptability, and potential effects of a brief cognitive and behavioral intervention for the management of episodic breathlessness.

METHODS

Between February 2019 and February 2020, 49 patients with life-limiting diseases suffering from episodic breathlessness were enrolled in the single-arm phase II study. The baseline assessment was followed by the one- to two-hour intervention. In weeks two, four, and six after the intervention, the outcomes (main outcome of potential effects: mastery of breathlessness) were assessed, and in week six, a qualitative interview, and the final assessment took place. A mixed-methods approach was used to evaluate mainly the feasibility, including interviewing informal carers.

RESULTS

46/49 patients (24 female; 36 with COPD; mean age: 66.0 years) participated in the baseline assessment, 38 attended the intervention, 32 completed the final assessment, and 22 were interviewed. Study procedures and the intervention were feasible and mainly well accepted and patients did not experience burdens caused by it (28/32). In the interviews, patients described a positive change in their competencies in managing episodic breathlessness and feelings of anxiety during the episode. Mastery of breathlessness improved after the intervention.

CONCLUSION

The brief cognitive and behavioral intervention and the study procedures are feasible, safe, and well accepted. We can describe a change for better management of episodic breathlessness in patients after the intervention, still, this needs to be evaluated in a Phase III trial for inclusion in the management of episodic breathlessness.

Cellular detection of the chemokine receptor CXCR4 in bovine mammary glands and its distribution and regulation on bovine leukocytes

Mastitis has a high incidence in dairy cows. Experimental infection with Escherichia coli increased the number of leukocytes in milk and the gene expression of the chemokine receptor CXCR4 in mammary gland tissues. A link between CXCR4 expression and lipopolysaccharide sensing was demonstrated in other species using in vitro models. The receptor that binds the chemokine stomal cell-derived factor 1 might be associated with the inflammatory response in bovine mammary glands. However, studies in cows are rare, and data on the localization of CXCR4 in bovine mammary glands and its distribution in bovine leukocytes are lacking. Fatty acids (FA) affect the inflammatory response. In human peripheral blood monocytes, exposure to conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) decreases the expression of CXCR4, leading to a decreased inflammatory response in these cells. In this study, we analyzed the expression of CXCR4 in the mammary glands of dairy cows by immunohistochemistry (n = 5) and laser capture microdissection followed by qualitative PCR (n = 3). We characterized the surface expression of CXCR4 on bovine leukocytes, including monocyte subpopulations, first by flow cytometry (n = 5) and then confirmed these results by Western blotting (n = 3). Rumen fistulated dairy cows (n = 4; 126 ± 4 d in milk) were fitted with abomasal infusion tubes, arranged in a 4 × 4 Latin square design, and supplemented for 6 wk twice daily with rising doses of FA followed by a 3-wk washout period. Then, CXCR4 expression on leukocytes was analyzed. The cows received a corn-based diet and were supplemented with coconut oil delivering medium-chain FA (38 g/d), linseed-safflower oil mix delivering n-3 FA (EFA, 39 g of linseed oil and 2 g of safflower oil per day), Lutalin (cis-9,trans-11 and trans-10,cis-12 CLA, 5 g/d; BASF), and EFA + CLA. In the bovine mammary gland, the epithelial cells of the lactiferous duct, but not alveolar epithelial cells, showed clear CXCR4 protein and mRNA signals. Among the leukocyte subsets, monocytes displayed the highest percentage of CXCR4-positive cells (87%), whereas circulating neutrophils showed almost no CXCR4 surface expression (3%) but stored the receptor intracellularly. The percentage of CXCR4-positive leukocytes was not affected by the different FA supplements, but FA supplementation reduced the receptor abundance per cell (40% on average). In conclusion, CXCR4 was clearly detected in the lactiferous duct cells of the mammary gland but not in the alveolar epithelial cells. Compared with other leukocytes, bovine monocytes showed the highest signal intensity of CXCR4 on their surface, whereas granulocytes stored CXCR4 intracellularly. Supplementation with all the FA reduced the surface expression of CXCR4 per leukocyte and could therefore potentially affect the inflammatory status associated with the surface expression of CXCR4. The importance of our observations should be verified in cows with mastitis in the future.

The effect of age on discrimination learning and self-control in a marshmallow test for pigs

Both humans and nonhuman animals need to show self-control and wait for a larger or better reward instead of a smaller or less preferred but instant reward on an everyday basis. We investigated whether this ability undergoes ontogenetic development in domestic pigs (similar to what is known in human infants) by testing if and for how long nine- and 16-week-old pigs wait for a larger amount of their preferred reward. In a delay-of-gratification task, animals first learned that a small reward was hidden under a white cup and a large reward under a black cup, and then the delay to deliver the large reward was gradually increased. The results show that older pigs could wait longer for a larger reward than younger pigs (10.6 ± 1.3 s vs. 5.2 ± 1.5 s), thereby confirming our hypothesis of ontogenetic development of self-control in pigs. This self-control is likely to be regulated by the behavioural inhibition system and associated systems. Self-control or, more specifically the lack of it may be involved in the development of abnormal behaviours, not only in humans but also in animals. Therefore, research on self-control in decision-making might provide a new perspective on abnormal behaviours in captive animals.

Quality of life of GIST patients with and without current tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment: Cross-sectional results of a German multicentre observational study (PROSa)

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST).

METHODS

In the multicentre PROSa study, the HRQoL of adult GIST patients was assessed between 2017 and 2019 using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer HRQoL questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30). We performed group comparisons and multivariate linear regressions.

RESULTS

Among 130 patients from 13 centres, the mean global HRQoL was 63.3 out of 100 points. Higher sores indicate better HRQoL. The highest restrictions were in emotional, social, role functioning, insomnia, fatigue, and pain. In multivariate linear regression, we found no significant differences between patients receiving tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment and those without TKI treatment as well as between patients treated with curative or with palliative intent. Patients who received multiple lines of TKI treatment had the most restrictions, notably in physical (unstandardized regression coefficient [B] = -15.7), role (B = -25.7), social (B = -18.4), and cognitive functioning (B = -19.7); fatigue (B = 15.93); general health (B = -14.23); and EORTC-sum score (B = -13.82) compared to all other patients.

CONCLUSION

The highest HRQoL restrictions were in GIST patients receiving multiple lines of TKI therapy. Underlying causes need further investigation.

Effects of temperature on proliferation of myoblasts from donor piglets with different thermoregulatory maturities

Background

Climate change and the associated risk for the occurrence of extreme temperature events or permanent changes in ambient temperature are important in the husbandry of farm animals. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of permanent cultivation temperatures below (35 °C) and above (39 °C, 41 °C) the standard cultivation temperature (37 °C) on porcine muscle development. Therefore, we used our porcine primary muscle cell culture derived from satellite cells as an in vitro model. Neonatal piglets have limited thermoregulatory stability, and several days after birth are required to maintain their body temperature. To consider this developmental step, we used myoblasts originating from thermolabile (five days of age) and thermostable piglets (twenty days of age).

Results

The efficiency of myoblast proliferation using real-time monitoring via electrical impedance was comparable at all temperatures with no difference in the cell index, slope or doubling time. Both temperatures of 37 °C and 39 °C led to similar biochemical growth properties and cell viability. Only differences in the mRNA expression of myogenesis-associated genes were found at 39 °C compared to 37 °C with less MYF5, MYOD and MSTN and more MYH3 mRNA. Myoblasts grown at 35 °C are smaller, exhibit higher DNA synthesis and express higher amounts of the satellite cell marker PAX7, muscle growth inhibitor MSTN and metabolic coactivator PPARGC1A. Only permanent cultivation at 41 °C resulted in higher HSP expression at the mRNA and protein levels. Interactions between the temperature and donor age showed that MYOD, MYOG, MYH3 and SMPX mRNAs were temperature-dependently expressed in myoblasts of thermolabile but not thermostable piglets.

Conclusions

We conclude that 37 °C to 39 °C is the best physiological temperature range for adequate porcine myoblast development. Corresponding to the body temperatures of piglets, it is therefore possible to culture primary muscle cells at 39 °C. Only the highest temperature of 41 °C acts as a thermal stressor for myoblasts with increased HSP expression, but it also accelerates myogenic development. Cultivation at 35 °C, however, leads to less differentiated myoblasts with distinct thermogenetic activity. The adaptive behavior of derived primary muscle cells to different cultivation temperatures seems to be determined by the thermoregulatory stability of the donor piglets.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12860-021-00376-4.

Effects of 2 liquid feeding rates over the first 3 months of life on whole-body energy metabolism and energy use efficiency of dairy calves up to 5 months

Intensified milk replacer (MR) feeding in calves has nutritional long-term effects and is suggested to increase milk production later in life. However, the underlying mechanisms are not completely understood. The aim of our study was to investigate whether MR feeding intensity has long-term effects on energy metabolism and energy use efficiency of dairy calves. Newborn female Holstein calves (n = 28) were randomly assigned to 2 liquid feeding groups offered daily either 10% of body weight (BW) colostrum followed by 10% of BW MR (10%-MR) or 12% of BW colostrum followed by 20% of BW MR (20%-MR). Calves were housed individually. Weaning was completed by the end of wk 12. Hay and calf starter were fed from d 1 until the end of wk 14 and 16, respectively. A total mixed ration was fed from wk 11 onward, and the metabolizable energy intake (MEI) was determined daily. Energy metabolism of calves was measured in respiratory chambers before weaning in wk 6 and 9, and after weaning in wk 14 and 22. The MEI/BW^0.75 was higher before weaning but lower during and shortly after weaning in 20%-MR calves. During the preweaning period, the 20%-MR animals had higher average daily gain, BW, back fat thickness and muscle diameter, but lower plasma β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations. The group difference in average daily gain ceased in wk 9, differences in back fat thickness and muscle diameter ceased after weaning, whereas difference in BW^0.75 persisted until wk 23. The energy conversion ratio (BW gain/MEI) was not different before weaning, but was lower during and after weaning in 20%-MR calves. The higher MEI and BW^0.75 in 20%-MR calves resulted in higher heat production (HP), as well as in higher carbohydrate oxidation (COX) and fat oxidation during the preweaning period. Gas exchange variables normalized to BW^0.75 or MEI differed between groups only during preweaning. The energy balance was lower in 10%-MR calves in wk 6 and 9. The HP/BW^0.75 and COX/BW^0.75 were higher, whereas HP/MEI was lower in 20%-MR calves in wk 6. When normalized to BW^0.75 and MEI, HP in wk 6 and 9, and COX in wk 9 was lower in 20%-MR calves. In conclusion, 20%-MR calves showed greater efficiency estimates preweaning, but this effect did not occur after weaning, suggesting that energy use efficiency does not persist until later stages in life.

The dark side of white hair? Artificial light irradiation reduces cortisol concentrations in white but not black hairs of cattle and pigs

Analysing hair cortisol concentrations (HCCs) is a minimally invasive way to retrospectively assess long-term stress, and its application in studies of animal welfare and stress has attracted considerable interest. However, not only stress-related effects but also hair-specific characteristics and external influences can affect HCCs and interfere with the interpretation of results. Thus, it was the aim of this study to investigate the impact of daylight and UV irradiation on cortisol concentrations in the hairs of pigs and cattle. We also examined whether a potential irradiation effect on HCCs depended on the colour of the hair. For this purpose, black and white hair samples from 18 Saddleback pigs and 18 Holstein Friesian cattle were exposed to artificial light (both visible and UV) and compared with control hair samples from the same animals kept in the dark. Exposure to artificial light significantly decreased HCCs in both pigs (P < 0.05) and cattle (P < 0.001), and hair colour had an influence on HCCs, with black hair showing higher cortisol levels than white hair (cattle: P < 0.001, pigs: P = 0.07). The interaction between light exposure and hair colour was significant in both pigs (P < 0.01) and cattle (P < 0.001), so light exposure reduced HCCs in porcine white hair but not black hair. In cattle, light-exposed white hair exhibited lower hair cortisol levels than control white hair or black hair. These results demonstrate that artificial light irradiation degrades hair cortisol or favours its elimination by structural changes of the hair matrix. However, this effect was only detectable in white hair, indicating that the melanin pigments in black hair absorbed radiation, thereby reducing the effects of photodegradation. Compared with other known influencing factors on HCCs, such as age and body region, the influence of light irradiation was relatively low in this in vitro experiment. However, further studies should investigate this influence under real-life animal conditions, such as outdoor and indoor housing.

Two mouse lines selected for large litter size display different lifetime fecundities

We recently described two outbred mouse lines that were selected for large litter size at first delivery. However, lifetime fecundity appears to be economically more important for the husbandry of many polytocous species for which mouse lines might serve as bona fide animal models (e.g. for pigs). In the present study, we compared the lifetime fecundities of two highly fertile mouse lines (FL1 and FL2: >20 offspring/litter at first delivery) with those of an unselected control line (ctrl) and two lines that were selected for high body weight (DU6) and high protein mass (DU6P) without selection pressure on fertility. We tested the hypothesis that selection for large litter size at first parturition would also increase lifetime fecundity in mice, and we observed very large differences between lines. Whereas FL1 and ctrl delivered up to nine and ten litters, none of the DU6 and DU6P females gave birth to more than five litters. In line with this observation, FL1 delivered the most pups per lifetime (85.7/female). FL2 females produced the largest average litter sizes (20.4 pups/litter) in the first four litters; however, they displayed a reduced number of litters. With the exception of ctrl, litter sizes declined from litter to litter. Repeated delivery of litters with high offspring numbers did not affect the general health of FL females. The presented data demonstrate that two biodiverse, highly fertile mouse lines selected for large litter size at first delivery show different lifetime reproductive fitness levels. Thus, these mouse lines might serve as valuable mouse models for investigating lifetime productivity and longevity in farm animals.

Utilization of Interdisciplinary Tumor Boards for Sarcoma Care in Germany: Results from the PROSa Study

BACKGROUND

Data on institutional structures of sarcoma care in Germany are scarce. The utilization of an interdisciplinary tumor board (IDTB) is an essential part of modern cancer care. We investigated to which extent and when IDTB are used in sarcoma care. We hypothesized that IDTB before treatment initiation were used more often at certified cancer centers and at high-volume centers and that IDTB utilization increased over time.

METHODS

From 2017 to 2020 we conducted a prospective cohort study, undertaking major efforts to include the whole spectrum of sarcoma treatment facilities. To analyze potential predictors of IDTB utilization, we calculated multivariable logistic regressions.

RESULTS

Patients and survivors (n = 1,309) from 39 study centers (22 tertiary referral hospitals, 9 other hospitals, and 8 office-based practices) participated; 88.3% of the patients were discussed at some stage of their disease in an IDTB (56.1% before treatment, 78% after therapy, and 85.9% in metastatic disease). Hypotheses were confirmed regarding the utilization of IDTB in certified cancer centers (vs. all others: OR = 5.39; 95% CI 3.28-8.85) and the time of diagnosis (2018/2019 vs. until 2013: OR = 4.95; 95% CI 2.67-9.21).

CONCLUSION

Our study adds to the evidence regarding the institutional structures of sarcoma care in Germany. Utilization of a tumor board before therapy seems to be in an implementation process that is making progress but is far from complete. Certification is a possible tool to accelerate this development.

Effect of maternal supplementation with essential fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid on metabolic and endocrine development in neonatal calves

We tested the hypothesis that the maternal supply of essential fatty acids (EFA), especially α-linolenic acid, and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), affects glucose metabolism, the endocrine regulation of energy metabolism and growth, and the intestinal development of neonatal calves. We studied calves from dams that received an abomasal infusion of 76 g/d coconut oil (CTRL; n = 9), 78 g/d linseed oil and 4 g/d safflower oil (EFA; n = 9), 38 g/d Lutalin (BASF SE) containing 27% cis-9,trans-11 and trans-10,cis-12 CLA (CLA; n = 9), or a combination of EFA and CLA (EFA+CLA; n = 11) during the last 63 d of gestation and early lactation. Calves received colostrum and transition milk from their own dam for the first 5 d of life. Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I, leptin, and adiponectin concentrations were measured in milk. Blood samples were taken before first colostrum intake, 24 h after birth, and from d 3 to 5 of life before morning feeding to measure metabolic and endocrine traits in plasma. On d 3 of life, energy expenditure was evaluated by a bolus injection of NaH¹³CO₃ and determination of CO₂ appearance rate. On d 4, additional blood samples were taken to evaluate glucose first-pass uptake and ¹³CO₂ enrichment after [¹³C₆]-glucose feeding and intravenous [6,6-²H₂]-glucose bolus injection, as well as postprandial changes in glucose, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), insulin, and glucagon. On d 5, calves were killed 2 h after feeding and samples of small intestinal mucosa were taken for histomorphometric measurements. The concentrations of IGF-I, adiponectin, and leptin in milk decreased during early lactation in all groups, and the concentrations of leptin in first colostrum was higher in EFA than in CTRL cows. Plasma glucose concentration before first colostrum intake was higher in EFA calves than in non-EFA calves and was lower in CLA calves than in non-CLA calves. Plasma IGF-I concentration was higher on d 1 before colostrum intake in EFA calves than in EFA+CLA calves and indicated an overall CLA effect, with lower plasma IGF-I in CLA than in non-CLA calves. Postprandial NEFA concentration was lowest in EFA and CLA calves. The postprandial rise in plasma insulin was higher in EFA than in non-EFA calves. Plasma adiponectin concentration increased from d 1 to d 2 in all groups and was higher on d 3 in CLA than in non-CLA calves. Plasma leptin concentration was higher on d 4 and 5 in EFA than in non-EFA calves. Maternal fatty acid treatment did not affect energy expenditure and first-pass glucose uptake, but glucose uptake on d 4 was faster in EFA than in non-EFA calves. Crypt depth was lower, and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth was higher in the ilea of CLA than non-CLA calves. Elevated plasma glucose and IGF-I in EFA calves immediately after birth may indicate an improved energetic status in calves when dams are supplemented with EFA. Maternal EFA and CLA supplementation influenced postprandial metabolic changes and affected factors related to the neonatal insulin response.

Modulation of colostrum composition and fatty acid status in neonatal calves by maternal supplementation with essential fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid starting in late lactation

Sufficient maternal supply of essential fatty acids (EFA) to neonatal calves is critical for calf development. In the modern dairy cow, EFA supply has shifted from α-linolenic acid (ALA) to linoleic acid (LA) due to the replacement of pasture feeding by corn silage-based diets. As a consequence of reduced pasture feeding, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) provision by rumen biohydrogenation was also reduced. The present study investigated the fatty acid (FA) status and performance of neonatal calves descended from dams receiving corn silage-based diets and random supplementation of either 76 g/d coconut oil (CTRL; n = 9), 78 g/d linseed oil and 4 g/d safflower oil (EFA; n-6/n-3 FA ratio = 1:3; n = 9), 38 g/d Lutalin (BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany) providing 27% cis-9,trans-11 and trans-10,cis-12 CLA, respectively (CLA; n = 9), or a combination of EFA and CLA (EFA+CLA; n = 11) in the last 9 wk before parturition and following lactation. The experimental period comprised the first 5 d of life, during which calves received colostrum and transition milk from their own dam. The nutrient compositions of colostrum and transition milk were analyzed. Plasma samples were taken after birth and before first colostrum intake and on d 5 of life for FA analyses of the total plasma fat and lipid fractions. Maternal EFA and CLA supplementation partly affected colostrum and transition milk composition but did not change the body weights of calves. Most EFA in calves were found in the phospholipid (PL) and cholesterol ester (CE) fractions of the plasma fat. Maternal EFA supplementation increased the percentage of ALA in all lipid fractions of EFA and EFA+CLA compared with CTRL and CLA calves on d 1 and 5, and the increase was much greater on d 5 than on d 1. The LA concentration increased from d 1 to 5 in the plasma fat and lipid fractions of all groups. The concentrations of docosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and arachidonic acid in plasma fat were higher on d 1 than on d 5, and the percentage of n-3 metabolites was mainly increased in PL if dams received EFA. The percentage of cis-9,trans-11 CLA was higher in the plasma fat of EFA+CLA than CTRL calves after birth. By d 5, the percentages of both CLA isomers increased, leading to higher proportions in plasma fat of CLA and EFA+CLA than in CTRL and EFA calves. Elevated cis-9,trans-11 CLA enrichment was observed on d 5 in PL, CE, and triglycerides of CLA-treated calves, whereas trans-10,cis-12 CLA could not be detected in individual plasma fractions. These results suggest that an altered maternal EFA and CLA supply can reach the calf via the placenta and particularly via the intake of colostrum and transition milk, whereas the n-3 and n-6 FA metabolites partly indicated a greater transfer via the placenta. Furthermore, the nutrient supply via colostrum and transition milk might be partly modulated by an altered maternal EFA and CLA supply but without consequences on calf performance during the first 5 d of life.

Differences between Holstein dairy cows in renal clearance rate of urea affect milk urea concentration and the relationship between milk urea and urinary nitrogen excretion

Urine and fecal excretions from cattle contribute to global nitrogen (N) emissions. The milk urea nitrogen (MUN) concentration in dairy cows is positively correlated with urinary urea N (UUN) emissions, and both decline with the reduction in crude protein intake. However, MUN concentration may differ between individual cows despite feeding the same ration. Thus, we hypothesized that due to differences in endogenous N utilization cows with high MUN concentration excrete more UUN than cows with a low MUN concentration. The objective of the present study was to elucidate N partitioning and urea metabolism in dairy cows with divergent MUN concentrations fed two planes of crude protein. Twenty Holstein dairy cows with high (HMU; n = 10) and low (LMU; n = 10) milk urea concentrations were fed two isocaloric diets with a low (LP) and normal (NP) crude protein level. Methane and ammonia emissions were recorded in respiration chambers. Feed intake, feces and urine excretions and milk yield were recorded for four days and subsamples were analyzed for total N and N-metabolites. A carbon-13 labeled urea bolus was administered intravenously followed by a series of plasma samplings. Total N and UUN excretions and ammonia emissions from excreta were lower on the LP diet, however, methane emissions, urinary N excretions and ammonia emissions were comparable between groups. Although plasma and salivary urea concentrations, urea pool size and urea turnover were higher, HMU cows had lower renal urea clearance rates. Additionally, HMU cows had lower renal clearance rates for creatinine, uric acid and creatine and excreted less uric acid (on the LP diet only) and creatine with urine. In conclusion, contrary to our hypothesis, HMU cows did not excrete more UUN than LMU cows. The lower urinary creatine excretion of HMU cows suggests that these animals have a lower environmental nitrogen footprint.

Glucose metabolism and the somatotropic axis in dairy cows after abomasal infusion of essential fatty acids together with conjugated linoleic acid during late gestation and early lactation

Sufficient glucose availability is crucial for exploiting the genetic potential of milk production during early lactation, and endocrine changes are mainly related to repartitioning of nutrient supplies toward the mammary gland. Long-chain fatty acids, such as essential fatty acids (EFA) and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), have the potential to improve negative energy balance and modify endocrine changes. In the present study, the hypothesis that combined CLA and EFA treatment supports glucose metabolism around the time of calving and stimulates insulin action and the somatotropic axis in cows in an additive manner was tested. Rumen-cannulated German Holstein cows (n = 40) were investigated from wk 9 antepartum (AP) until wk 9 postpartum (PP). The cows were abomasally supplemented with coconut oil (CTRL, 76 g/d); 78 g/d of linseed and 4 g/d of safflower oil (EFA); Lutalin (CLA, isomers cis-9,trans-11 and trans-10,cis-12 CLA, each 10 g/d); or the combination of EFA+CLA. Blood samples were collected several times AP and PP to determine the concentrations of plasma metabolites and hormones related to glucose metabolism and the somatotropic axis. Liver tissue samples were collected several days AP and PP to measure glycogen concentration and the mRNA abundance of genes related to gluconeogenesis and the somatotropic axis. On d 28 AP and 21 PP, endogenous glucose production (eGP) and glucose oxidation (GOx) were measured via tracer technique. The concentration of plasma glucose was higher in CLA than in non-CLA-treated cows, and the plasma β-hydroxybutyrate concentration was higher in EFA than in non-EFA cows on d 21 PP. The eGP increased from AP to PP with elevated eGP in EFA and decreased eGP in CLA-treated cows; GOx was lower in CLA than in CTRL on d 21 PP. The plasma insulin concentration decreased after calving in all groups and was higher in CLA than in non-CLA cows at several time points. Plasma glucagon and cortisol concentrations on d 21 PP were lower in CLA than non-CLA groups. The glucagon/insulin and glucose/insulin ratios were higher in CTRL than in CLA group during the transition period. Plasma IGF-I concentration was lower in EFA than non-EFA cows on d 42 AP and was higher during the dry period and early lactation in CLA than in non-CLA cows. The IGF binding protein (IGFBP)-3/-2 ratio in blood plasma was higher in CLA than in non-CLA cows. Hepatic glycogen concentration on d 28 PP was higher, but the mRNA abundance of PC and IGFBP2 was lower in CLA than non-CLA cows on d 1 PP. The EFA treatment decreased the mRNA abundance of IGFBP3 AP and PCK1, PCK2, G6PC, PCCA, HMGCS2, IGFBP2, and INSR at several time points PP. Results indicated elevated concentrations of plasma glucose and insulin along with the stimulation of the somatotropic axis in cows treated with CLA, whereas EFA treatment stimulated eGP but not mRNA abundance related to eGP PP. The systemic effects of the combined EFA+CLA treatment were very similar to those of CLA treatment, but the effects on hepatic gene expression partially corresponded to those of EFA treatment.

Influences of Maternal Conjugated Linoleic Acid and Essential Fatty Acid Supply During Late Pregnancy and Early Lactation on T and B Cell Subsets in Mesenteric Lymph Nodes and the Small Intestine of Neonatal Calves

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers are known for their health-promoting effects in mammals and metabolic functions in dairy cows and are synthesized in the forestomach depending on essential fatty acid (EFA) intake. The current preliminary study investigated effects of a maternal fatty acid supplementation (MFAS) during late pregnancy and early lactation with coconut oil (CON, control), CLA (Lutalin®), or CLA + EFA (Lutalin® linseed oil; safflower oil) on plasma fatty acid composition and T and B cell subsets in mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) and the small intestine of 5-day-old calves. MFAS of CLA + EFA increased α-linolenic, eicosapentaenoic, docosapentaenoic, and n-3 fatty acid proportions in calf plasma fat on days 1 and 5 after birth (P < 0.05). On day 5, CLA and CLA + EFA calves showed higher plasma fat trans-10, cis-12 CLA proportions, and CLA calves had higher plasma cis-9, trans-11 CLA proportions compared with CON calves (P < 0.1). MFAS of CLA tended to increase CD4⁺ T cell subsets in MLN and increased CD21⁺ B cell subsets in ileal lamina propria compared with CON but decreased CD2⁺ T cell subsets in jejunal lamina propria (P < 0.05). CLA + EFA decreased CD4⁺ T cell subsets in MLN compared with CLA (P < 0.05). MFAS of CLA seemed to affect the intestinal adaptive immune system of calves, but additional EFA supplementations reversed CLA effects. Possible direct CLA and EFA effects or whether changes in milk composition affected this immune modulation must be clarified in further studies.

Hemispheric Specialization for Processing the Communicative and Emotional Content of Vocal Communication in a Social Mammal, the Domestic Pig

In humans, speech perception is lateralized, with the left hemisphere of the brain dominant in processing the communicative content and the right hemisphere dominant in processing the emotional content. However, still little is known about such a division of tasks in other species. We therefore investigated lateralized processing of communicative and emotionally relevant calls in a social mammal, the pig (Sus scrofa). Based on the contralateral connection between ears and hemispheres, we compared the behavioural and cardiac responses of 36 young male pigs during binaural and monaural (left or right) playback to the same sounds. The playback stimuli were calls of social isolation and physical restraint, whose communicative and emotional relevance, respectively, were validated prior to the test by acoustic analyses and during binaural playbacks. There were indications of lateralized processing mainly in the initial detection (left head-turn bias, indicating right hemispheric dominance) of the more emotionally relevant restraint calls. Conversely, there were indications of lateralized processing only in the appraisal (increased attention during playback to the right ear) of the more communicative relevant isolation calls. This implies differential involvement of the hemispheres in the auditory processing of vocalizations in pigs and thereby hints at similarities in the auditory processing of vocal communication in non-human animals and speech in humans. Therefore, these findings provide interesting new insight in the evolution of human language and auditory lateralization.

A natural Ala610Val substitution causing glucocorticoid receptor hypersensitivity aggravates consequences of endotoxemia

Despite the crucial role of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in proper immune responses, the effect of GR hypersensitivity on inflammation is rarely reported. To fill this knowledge gap, we exploited the natural gain-of-function substitution in the porcine glucocorticoid receptor (GR_Ala610Val) and challenged pigs carrying normal or hypersensitive GR using 50 µg/kg lipopolysaccharide (LPS) following pretreatment with either saline or single bolus of 60 µg/kg dexamethasone (DEX). The GR_Ala610Val substitution reduced baseline cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and triglyceride concentration and granulocyte proportion whereas baseline platelet counts were elevated. Val-carriers, i.e. AlaVal as well as ValVal pigs, showed less LPS-induced cortisol rise but the cortisol fold change was similar in all genotypes. Differently, ACTH response to LPS was most significant in GR_Ala610Val heterozygotes (AlaVal). LPS-induced disorders, including sickness behaviors, anorexia, thrombocytopenia, cytokine production, and metabolic alterations were more intense in Val-carriers. On the other hand, Val-carriers were more sensitive to DEX effect than wild types (AlaAla) during endotoxemia, but not under unchallenged conditions. This is the first report revealing aggravated responses to endotoxemia by GR gain-of-function. Together, these results imply that GR hypersensitivity is difficult to diagnose but may represent a risk factor for endotoxemia and sepsis.

Changes in fatty acids in plasma and association with the inflammatory response in dairy cows abomasally infused with essential fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid during late and early lactation

Dairy cows are exposed to increased inflammatory processes in the transition period from late pregnancy to early lactation. Essential fatty acids (EFA) and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) are thought to modulate the inflammatory response in dairy cows. The present study investigated the effects of a combined EFA and CLA infusion on the fatty acid (FA) status in plasma lipids, and whether changes in the FA pattern were associated with the acute phase and inflammatory response during late pregnancy and early lactation. Rumen-cannulated Holstein cows (n = 40) were assigned from wk 9 antepartum to wk 9 postpartum to 1 of 4 treatment groups. Cows were abomasally supplemented with coconut oil (CTRL, 76 g/d), linseed and safflower oil (EFA, 78 g/d of linseed oil and 4 g/d of safflower oil; ratio of oils = 19.5:1; n-6:n-3 FA ratio = 1:3), Lutalin (CLA, 38 g/d; isomers cis-9,trans-11 and trans-10,cis-12; each 10 g/d), or both (EFA+CLA). Blood samples were taken to measure changes in FA in blood plasma on d -63, -42, 1, 28, and 56, and in plasma lipid fractions (cholesterol esters, free fatty acids, phospholipids, and triglycerides) on d -42, 1, and 56 relative to calving, and in erythrocyte membrane (EM) on d 56 after calving. Traits related to the acute phase response and inflammation were measured in blood throughout the study. Liver samples were obtained for biopsy on d -63, -21, 1, 28, and 63 relative to calving to measure the mRNA abundance of genes related to the inflammatory response. The concentrations of α-linolenic acid and n-3 FA metabolites increased in lipid fractions (especially phospholipids) and EM due to EFA supplementation with higher α-linolenic acid but lower n-3 metabolite concentrations in EFA+CLA than in EFA treatment only. Concentration of linoleic acid decreased in plasma fat toward calving and increased during early lactation in all groups. Concentration of plasma arachidonic acid was lower in EFA- than in non-EFA-treated groups in lipid fractions and EM. The cis-9,trans-11 CLA increased in all lipid fractions and EM after both CLA treatments. Plasma haptoglobin was lowered by EFA treatment before calving. Plasma bilirubin was lower in EFA and CLA than in CTRL at calving. Plasma concentration of IL-1β was higher in EFA than in CTRL and EFA+CLA at certain time points before and after calving. Plasma fibrinogen dropped faster in CLA than in EFA and EFA+CLA on d 14 postpartum. Plasma paraoxonase tended to be elevated by EFA treatment, and was higher in EFA+CLA than in CTRL on d 49. Hepatic mRNA abundance revealed time changes but no treatment effects with respect to the inflammatory response. Our data confirmed the enrichment of n-3 FA in EM by EFA treatment and the inhibition of n-3 FA desaturation by CLA treatment. The elevated n-3 FA status and reduced n-6:n-3 ratio by EFA treatment indicated a more distinct effect on the inflammatory response during the transition period than the single CLA treatment, and the combined EFA+CLA treatment caused minor additional changes on the anti-inflammatory response.

Effects of a combined essential fatty acid and conjugated linoleic acid abomasal infusion on metabolic and endocrine traits, including the somatotropic axis, in dairy cows

The objective of this study was to test the effects of essential fatty acids (EFA), particularly α-linolenic acid (ALA), and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) supplementation on metabolic and endocrine traits related to energy metabolism, including the somatotropic axis, in mid-lactation dairy cows. Four cows (126 ± 4 d in milk) were used in a dose-escalation study design and were abomasally infused with coconut oil (CTRL; 38.3 g/d; providing saturated fatty acids), linseed and safflower oils (EFA; 39.1 and 1.6 g/d; n-6:n-3 FA ratio = 1:3), Lutalin (CLA; cis-9,trans-11 and trans-10,cis-12 CLA, 4.6 g/d of each), or EFA and CLA (EFA+CLA) for 6 wk. The initial dosage was doubled twice after 2 wk, resulting in 3 dosages (dosages 1, 2, and 3). Each cow received each fat treatment at different times. Cows were fed with a corn silage-based total mixed ration providing a low-fat content and a high n-6:n-3 fatty acid ratio. Plasma concentrations of metabolites and hormones (insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins only on wk 0 and 6) were analyzed at wk 0, 2, 4, and 6 of each treatment period. Liver biopsies were taken before starting the trial and at wk 6 of each treatment period to measure hepatic mRNA abundance of genes linked to glucose, cholesterol and lipid metabolism, and the somatotropic axis. The changes in the milk and blood fatty acid patterns and lactation performance of these cows have already been published in a companion paper. The plasma concentration of total cholesterol increased with dosage in all groups, except CLA, reaching the highest levels in EFA+CLA and CTRL compared with CLA. The high-density lipoprotein cholesterol plasma concentration increased in CTRL and was higher than that in EFA and CLA, whereas the concentration of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased in a dose-dependent manner in EFA and EFA+CLA, and was higher than that in CLA. Hepatic mRNA expression of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA synthase 1 was upregulated in all groups but was highest in EFA+CLA. Expression of sterol regulatory element-binding factor 1 tended to be lowest due to EFA treatment, whereas expression of long chain acyl-CoA-synthetase was lower in EFA than in CTRL. Hepatic mRNA expression of GHR1A tended to be higher in EFA+CLA than in CTRL. The plasma concentration of insulin-like growth factor I increased in CLA, and the plasma IGFBP-2 concentration was lower in EFA+CLA than in CTRL at wk 6. The plasma concentration of adiponectin decreased in EFA+CLA up to dosage 2. Plasma concentrations of albumin and urea were lower in CLA than in CTRL throughout the experimental period. Supplementation with EFA and CLA affected cholesterol and lipid metabolism and their regulation differently, indicating distinct stimulation after the combined EFA and CLA treatment. The decreased IGFBP-2 plasma concentration and upregulated hepatic mRNA abundance of GHR1A in EFA+CLA-supplemented cows indicated the beneficial effect of the combined EFA and CLA treatment on the somatotropic axis in mid-lactation dairy cows. Moreover, supplementation with CLA might affect protein metabolism in dairy cows.

Changes in fluid and acid-base status of diarrheic calves on different oral rehydration regimens

The administration of oral rehydration solutions (ORS) is an effective method to treat dehydration and acidosis in calves suffering from diarrhea. The ORS can be prepared in water or milk. The aim of the present study was to elucidate how fluid and acid-base balance change after feeding milk compared with ORS prepared in water or milk to diarrheic calves. Calves (n = 30) with naturally acquired diarrhea were sequentially assigned in a 2:1 ratio to the following pretreatments: milk and water-ORS (pretreatment 1; n = 20 calves) or milk-ORS (pretreatment 2; n = 10 calves), respectively. The assignment was done on the day of diarrhea diagnosis. On d 3 ± 1 following assignment to pretreatment group, and after a fasting period of 9 h, diarrheic calves were subjected to the following treatments: 2 L of milk (pretreatment 1; n = 10 calves), water-ORS (pretreatment 1; n = 10 calves), or milk-ORS (pretreatment 2; n = 10 calves). Blood samples were taken before and at several time points until 6 h after feeding. Plasma protein, osmolality, and electrolytes were determined and a blood gas analysis was performed. Change in plasma volume was calculated according to plasma protein, and water intake during the experimental period was recorded. Plasma volume was increased 30 min after feeding water-ORS or milk but the increase was less pronounced after feeding milk compared with water-ORS. After feeding milk-ORS, no significant increase in plasma volume could be detected. Because of the pretreatment, plasma osmolality was higher in calves fed milk-ORS, but no change in plasma osmolality after feeding was detected. No difference in water consumption between the treatment groups was noted within the observed 6-h period. The pH was increased after feeding milk-ORS, whereas water-ORS and milk-feeding did not increase pH in blood. Pretreatment with milk-ORS resulted in higher baseline d-lactate concentration, but feeding milk-ORS reduced d-lactate values after feeding. In calves with diarrhea, plasma volume increased more quickly and to a greater extent after feeding water-ORS; thus, we recommend treating diarrheic calves with water-ORS before supplying milk. Nevertheless, diarrheic calves need milk to fulfill their energy needs. The administration of ORS in milk combined with free water access is more advisable than feeding milk exclusively because milk has no alkalinizing ability and contains less sodium. However, the effects of milk-ORS feeding on d-lactate levels in diarrheic calves need further elucidation.

Is it getting in the hair? - Cortisol concentrations in native, regrown and segmented hairs of cattle and pigs after repeated ACTH administrations

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is part of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis response to stress and induces the release of cortisol, which is commonly used as an indicator in stress and animal welfare research. In recent years, hair cortisol concentration (HCC) gained increasing importance as a promising retrospective indicator for stress in animals. Thus, the aim of our study was to validate HCC as a potential indicator of increased endogenous cortisol release in cattle and pigs by repeated ACTH administrations followed by cortisol analysis in different hair types. For this purpose, 34 cattle and 38 gilts were treated either with repeated i.m. injections of ACTH or saline every second day over a period of 4 weeks. Saliva samples were taken before and after injections once a week from selected animals to verify the endogenous cortisol response. At the end of the treatment (week 4) and after 8 and 12 weeks, samples of natural and regrown hair were taken from the caudo-dorsal region of the back and analyzed for cortisol concentrations. In addition, natural hair was sampled after 12 weeks and cut into segments prior to analysis. Treatment with ACTH revealed a significant increase in salivary cortisol after application in both species, although this increase was attenuated in pigs compared to cattle. In week 4, HCCs were significantly elevated in natural and regrown hair of ACTH-treated animals. In cattle, HCCs significantly increased after ACTH treatment in natural, regrown and segmental hair compared with control animals, indicating that HCC may be a promising indicator of stress, as cortisol levels in all hair types reflected the preceding period with increased cortisol release. In pigs, there were no differences in HCCs between treatments. This may be caused by the lower systemic cortisol response in pigs, but seasonally reduced hair growth and external cross-contamination of hair by saliva and urine under commercial husbandry conditions may also interfere with the validity of HCC in this species.

It's getting hairy - External contamination may affect the validity of hair cortisol as an indicator of stress in pigs and cattle

Hair cortisol concentration (HCC) is increasingly used for the assessment of enhanced hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity, e.g., caused by repeated or long-term stressful conditions or pathologies. However, there is still a lack of knowledge regarding the mechanisms and sources of cortisol incorporation into the hair and possible confounding factors, especially in non-human animals. Farm animals are usually kept under confined housing conditions, have close contact with each other and with soiled environments and may thus be exposed to contamination with urine, feces and saliva, which are known to contain substantial concentrations of cortisol or its metabolites. Therefore, the aim of our study was to investigate the impact of contamination with urine, feces and saliva on the cortisol concentration in the hair of pigs and cattle. In an in vitro experiment, hair strands of 12 pigs and 12 cattle were repeatedly contaminated with urine and saliva, containing either low or high cortisol concentrations, or with the feces of the respective species and were compared with hair treated with water or untreated hair. Contamination was performed over 20 days for two hours daily. Thereafter, all samples were washed, ground, extracted and analyzed for HCCs following the same protocol. Our results showed that contamination with urine caused a considerable and concentration-dependent increase in HCCs in both species. Saliva had a comparable effect only in cattle. In addition, the treatment with water led to a reduction in the cortisol concentration of porcine hair, whereas contamination with feces caused an increase in HCC only in cattle. Our findings provide evidence that contamination of hair with cortisol-containing body fluids causes incorporation of cortisol into the hair shaft, probably via diffusion depending on the concentration gradient. In that case, cortisol in hair derived from contamination cannot be distinguished from cortisol originating from blood. Thus, contamination may affect the validity of hair cortisol as an indicator of HPA axis activity and cannot be prevented by decontamination protocols prior to analysis.

Analysis of Driver Mutational Hot Spots in Blood-Derived Cell-Free DNA of Patients with Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma Obtained before Intracerebral Biopsy

In newly diagnosed systemic diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, next-generation sequencing of plasma-derived cell-free DNA (cfDNA) detects somatic mutations as accurate as genotyping of the tumor biopsy. A distinct diffuse large B-cell lymphoma entity confined to the central nervous system is primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL), which requires intracerebral biopsy and neuropathologic analysis to establish the diagnosis. So far, a biomarker for diagnosis and follow-up of PCNSL that can be investigated in blood has not been identified. This article addresses the question whether somatic mutations of the CD79B and MYD88 driver genes of PCNSL can be detected in cfDNA at disease diagnosis. Stereotactic biopsies and cfDNA of 27 PCNSL patients were analyzed for CD79B and MYD88 mutations. As control, cfDNA derived from six healthy volunteers was used. CD79B and MYD88 hot spot mutations were identified in 16 of 27 (59%) and 23 of 27 (85%) PCNSL biopsies, respectively, but only in 0 of 27 (0%) and 1 of 27 (4%) corresponding cfDNA samples, respectively. In cfDNA of one of four patients with Waldenstrom disease, as a further control, the MYD88 L265P mutation was readily detected, despite complete clinical remission. These data suggest that in PCNSL even if they carry such mutations, alterations of CD79B and MYD88 cannot be reliably detected in blood-derived cfDNA obtained before intracerebral biopsy.

Early-Life Maternal Deprivation Predicts Stronger Sickness Behaviour and Reduced Immune Responses to Acute Endotoxaemia in a Pig Model

Early-life adversity may have programming effects on neuroendocrine and immune adaptation mechanisms in humans and socially living animals. Using a pig model, we investigated the effect of daily 2-h maternal and littermate deprivation from postnatal days 2–15, either alone (DA) or in a group of littermates (DG) on the neuroendocrine, immunological and behavioural responses of piglets challenged with the bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on day 42. LPS increased plasma concentrations of cortisol, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) and induced typical signs of sickness in all piglets. DA+DG piglets showed stronger signs of sickness compared to control (C) piglets. Plasma TNF-α concentrations were significantly lower in DA+DG males. In addition, the TNF-α/IL-10 ratio was significantly lower in DA than in DG and C males. Gene expression analyses showed lower hypothalamic TNF-α mRNA expression and diminished mRNA expression of the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) and IL-10 in the amygdala of DA+DG piglets in response to LPS. Interestingly, males showed a higher MR- and a lower IL-10 mRNA expression in the amygdala than females. The present data suggest that repeated maternal deprivation during early life may alter neuroendocrine and immune responses to acute endotoxaemia in a sex-specific manner.

Overlap of Peak Growth Activity and Peak IGF-1 to IGFBP Ratio: Delayed Increase of IGFBPs versus IGF-1 in Serum as a Mechanism to Speed up and down Postnatal Weight Gain in Mice

Forced expression of insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs) in transgenic mice has clearly revealed inhibitory effects on somatic growth. However, by this approach, it cannot be solved if or how IGFBPs rule insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-dependent growth under normal conditions. In order to address this question, we have used growth-selected mouse models (obese and lean) and studied IGF-1 and IGFBPs in serum with respect to longitudinal growth activity in males and females compared with unselected controls. In mice of both genders, body weights were recorded and daily weight gains were calculated. Between 2 and 54 weeks of age, serum IGF-1 was determined by ELISA and intact IGFBP-2, -3 and -4 were quantified by Western ligand blotting. The molar ratio of IGF-1 to the sum of IGFBP-2 to -4 was calculated for all groups and plotted against the daily weight gain curve. Growth-selected mice are characterized by higher daily weight gains and extended periods of elevated growth activity if compared to matched unselected controls. Therefore, adult mice from the obese and lean groups can achieve more than twofold increased body weight in both genders (p < 0.001). Between 2 and 11 weeks of age, in obese and lean mice of both genders, serum IGF-1 concentrations are increased more prominently if compared to unselected controls (p < 0.001). Instead, substantial decreases of IGFBPs, particularly of IGFBP-2, are observed in males and females of all groups at the age of 2 to 4 weeks (p < 0.001). Due to the strong increase of IGF-1 but not of IGFBPs between two and four weeks of age, the ratio of IGF-1 to IGFBP-2 to -4 in serum significantly increased in all groups and genders (p < 0.05). Notably, the IGF-1 to IGFBP ratio was higher in male and female obese mice if compared to unselected controls (p < 0.05).

Accuracy and precision of McMaster and Mini-FLOTAC egg counting techniques using egg-spiked faeces of chickens and two different flotation fluids

Faecal egg counting techniques (ECTs) are useful tools for assessing anthelmintic efficacy and selecting hosts resistant to parasite infection. McMaster (MM) is one of the most commonly used ECTs, but it suffers from low sensitivity and precision. Mini-FLOTAC (MF) has been proposed to replace MM, but so far has not been evaluated for gastro-intestinal nematode infections in chickens. This study compared sensitivity, precision, and accuracy of MM and MF with two trials using egg-spiked faecal samples ranging from 50-1250 eggs per gram of faeces (EPG). In addition, effects of two flotation fluids with different specific gravities (SG), namely salt (SG = 1.20) and sucrose solutions (SG = 1.32), on accuracy and time-spent for both ECTs were evaluated. Overall sensitivity based on the composite reads across all EPG-levels was 97.1 % for MM and 100 % for MF. MF was, however, more sensitive (P = 0.003) or tended to (P = 0.087) be more sensitive than MM at only the lowest EPG-level (i.e. 50 EPG) using one of the duplicate reads, whereas there was no significant difference at any EPG-level using composite reads. Overall average precision of MF (79.5 %) was higher (P < 0.001) than that of MM (63.4 %) across all EPG-levels. Precision of MM increased from 22 to 87 % with increasing EPG-levels from 50-1250 EPG. Corresponding precision estimates for MF ranged from 76 to 91 %. Overall recovery rate of MM (74.6 %) was significantly higher (P < 0.001) than that of MF (60.1 %). There was no significant difference in recovery rate of spiked-eggs among different EPG-levels (P = 0.833). Recovery rate of MM ranged from 64 % to 79 % across different EPG-levels, while it ranged from 54 % to 64 % with MF without an interaction between ECT and EPG-level (P = 0.701). It took more time (P < 0.001) to process (prepare and read) samples with MF than with MM using the same flotation fluid. The sugar solution tended to (P = 0.100) increase egg-recovery with both ECTs, while increasing (P < 0.001) time-spent for processing the samples. Our data collectively suggest that MM is less sensitive than MF only at around minimum detection level of MM when using unrepeated reads. We conclude that McMaster is faster, relatively more accurate but less precise than Mini-FLOTAC. The sugar solution with higher SG increases accuracy of both techniques at the expense of increased labour time.

Effects of abomasal infusion of essential fatty acids together with conjugated linoleic acid in late and early lactation on performance, milk and body composition, and plasma metabolites in dairy cows

Rations including high amounts of corn silage are currently very common in dairy production. Diets with corn silage as forage source result in a low supply of essential fatty acids, such as α-linolenic acid, and may lead to low conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) production. The present study investigated the effects of abomasal infusion of essential fatty acids, especially α-linolenic acid, and CLA in dairy cows fed a corn silage-based diet on performance, milk composition, including fatty acid (FA) pattern, and lipid metabolism from late to early lactation. Rumen-cannulated Holstein cows (n = 40) were studied from wk 9 antepartum to wk 9 postpartum and dried off 6 wk before calving. The cows were assigned to 1 of 4 treatment groups. Cows were abomasally supplemented with coconut oil (CTRL, 76 g/d), linseed and safflower oil (EFA, 78 and 4 g/d; linseed/safflower oil ratio = 19.5:1; n-6/n-3 FA ratio = 1:3), Lutalin (CLA, 38 g/d; BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany; isomers cis-9,trans-11 and trans-10,cis-12 each 10 g/d) or EFA+CLA. Milk composition was analyzed weekly, and blood samples were taken several times before and after parturition to determine plasma concentrations of metabolites related to lipid metabolism. Liver samples were obtained by biopsy on d 63 and 21 antepartum and on d 1, 28, and 63 postpartum to measure triglyceride concentration. Body composition was determined after slaughter. Supplementation of CLA reduced milk fat concentration, increased body fat mass, and improved energy balance (EB) in late and early lactation, but EB was lowest during late lactation in the EFA group. Cows with CLA treatment alone showed an elevated milk citrate concentration in early lactation, whereas EFA+CLA did not reveal higher milk citrate but did have increased acetone. Milk protein was increased in late lactation but was decreased in wk 1 postpartum in CLA and EFA+CLA. Milk urea was reduced by CLA treatment during the whole period. After calving, the increase of nonesterified fatty acids in plasma was less in CLA groups; liver triglycerides were raised lowest at d 28 in CLA groups. Our data confirm an improved metabolic status with CLA but not with exclusive EFA supplementation during early lactation. Increased milk citrate concentration in CLA cows points to reduced de novo FA synthesis in the mammary gland, but milk citrate was less affected in EFA+CLA cows, indicating that EFA supplementation may influence changes in mammary gland FA metabolism achieved by CLA.

Which patients with pre-treated locally advanced or metastatic sarcoma benefit most from trabectedin treatment: First results of a retrospective study of the German Interdisciplinary Sarcoma Group (GISG-14 - ReTraSarc)

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Background: Despite the growing amount of published data regarding the outcomes of sarcoma patients treated with trabectedin, still some questions remain unanswered. The aim of the ReTraSarc trial (NCT03284320) was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of trabectedin in a large German population. Methods: Patients treated between 2007-2018 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients had histologically confirmed soft tissue (STS; n = 478) or bone (BS; n = 31) sarcoma; either metastatic (n = 468) or locally advanced (n = 41) disease, and had received at least one cycle of trabectedin. Based on follow-up data (until October 2019), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) after initiation of trabectedin treatment were estimated according to the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: A total of 509 patents were analyzed. Patients had a mean age of 54 years for STS and 30 years for BS-patients, and 25.4% of them aged > 65 years. Overall, 71.4% of patients had a good performance status (ECOG 0/1), and 37.7% received two prior lines, 28.3% three and 34% received > 3 prior lines of systemic treatment. Patients received a median of 3 cycles (IQR: 2-6 cycles) of trabectedin. Trabectedin resulted in an objective response rate (ORR) of 10% with a 37.4% of disease control rate (DCR). The median PFS and OS were 2.5 months (IQR: 1.4-6.1 months) and 8.2 months (IQR: 3-21 months), respectively. Significantly more patients with liposarcoma (22.1%; 95% CI: 15.2-32.2) were free from progression at 12 months after treatment as compared with patients with leiomyosarcoma (8.5%; 95% CI: 4.8-14.9). More analyses of effectiveness and safety are in progress (e.g. stratified per sarcoma subtypes or therapeutic line) and will be presented. Conclusions: The results of this real-life study, with a large number of patients and long-term follow-up, allow us to better analyze PFS and OS in sarcoma patients treated with trabectedin, given in different treatment lines and after dose modifications and/or cycle delays. Additionally, the results of this study enable us to evaluate the real-life impact of rechallenge with trabectedin in a further therapy line. Clinical trial information: NCT03284320 .

Mesothelin expression in esophageal adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma and its possible impact on future treatment strategies

Background

Mesothelin is expressed at very low levels by normal mesothelial cells but is overexpressed in several human cancers. This makes mesothelin a promising target for immunotherapy. Limited data exist about mesothelin expression in esophageal carcinoma. In a current clinical trial, the highly potent anti-mesothelin antibody anetumab ravtansine is used in patients with mesothelin-positive tumors. Response rates are correlated with mesothelin expression (using the Ventana antibody) in tumor cells. No data are available on expression levels using the Ventana antibody. Most data have been generated using the Novocastra antibody. As patients are selected for clinical trials based on antibody staining of tumor samples, a comparison of these two available antibodies is crucial.

Methods

We analyzed 481 esophageal carcinomas [373 esophageal adenocarcinomas (EACs), 108 esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (ESCCs)] using two different monoclonal antibodies (Novocastra and Ventana) for mesothelin expression (low-mid and high-level expression, as used in one clinical trial). We also checked for the correlation of these results with clinical and molecular data.

Results

We revealed different staining results for both antibodies in EACs: Ventana: 53.6% (low expression: 25.3%; high expression: 28.3%) and Novocastra: 35.7% (low expression: 21.2%; high expression 14.5%). In ESCC we found comparable staining results: Ventana: 13.3% (low expression: 9.5%; high expression: 3.8%) and Novocastra: 13% (low expression: 11.1%; high expression: 1.9%). ARID1a-deficient EAC patients demonstrated significantly higher rates of mesothelin-positive tumors than ARID1a intact EAC patients. No correlations were found with other molecular alterations (TP53 mutation, ERBB2 amplification) or survival rates.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest study analyzing the importance of mesothelin expression in esophageal carcinoma. This study revealed a significant number of mesothelin-positive esophageal carcinomas, especially adenocarcinomas. New therapeutic targets are urgently required to improve the outcome of patients with locally advanced or metastasized esophageal carcinoma. The inhibition of mesothelin can be a new attractive target.

Effects of 2 colostrum and subsequent milk replacer feeding intensities on methane production, rumen development, and performance in young calves

A growing need exists for the development of practical feeding strategies to mitigate methane (CH₄) emissions from cattle. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of milk replacer feeding intensity (MFI) in calves on CH₄ emission, rumen development, and performance. Twenty-eight female newborn Holstein calves were randomly assigned to 2 feeding groups, offered daily either 10% of the body weight (BW) in colostrum and subsequently 10% of the BW in milk replacer (MR; 10%-MR), or 12% of the BW in colostrum followed by 20% of the BW in MR (20%-MR). In wk 3, half of each feeding group was equipped with a permanent rumen cannula. Both groups were weaned at the end of wk 12. Hay and calf starter (mixture of pelleted grains) were offered from d 1 until wk 14 and 16, respectively. A total mixed ration was offered from wk 11 onward. Feed intake was measured daily and BW, anatomical measures, and rumen size weekly. Methane production and gastrointestinal passage rate were measured pre-weaning in wk 6 and 9 and post-weaning in wk 14 and 22, with additional estimation of organic matter digestibility. Rumen fluid, collected in wk 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 14, 18, and 22, was analyzed for volatile fatty acid concentrations. Although the experimental period ended in wk 23, rumen volume of 17 calves was determined after slaughter in wk 34. Data was analyzed using ANOVA for the effects of feeding group, cannulation, and time, if applicable. Dry matter intake (DMI) of solid feed (SF) in 20%-MR animals was lower pre-weaning in wk 6 to 10 but mostly higher post-weaning. From wk 6 onward, anatomical measures and BW were greater in 20%-MR animals, and only the differences in body condition score gradually ceased post-weaning. Following the amount of SF intake, 10%-MR calves emitted more CH₄ pre-weaning in wk 9, whereas post-weaning the 20%-MR group tended to have higher levels. Methane emission intensity (CH₄/BW) was lower pre-weaning in 20%-MR animals but was comparable to the 10%-MR group post-weaning. Methane yield (CH₄/DMI of SF) and estimated post-weaning organic matter digestibility were not affected by MFI. Rumen size normalized to heart girth was greater in 10%-MR calves from wk 5 to 10, but differences did not persist thereafter. In wk 34, rumen volume was higher in 20%-MR calves, but normalization to BW revealed no difference between feeding groups. In conclusion, high MFI reduces CH₄ emission from calves pre-weaning, although this effect ceases post-weaning.

Seasonal variations in quantitative and qualitative sperm characteristics in fertile and subfertile stallions

Horses are seasonal breeders with a natural breeding season beginning in spring and extending through midsummer. In this study, quantitative and qualitative parameters of chilled stallion semen were compared between fertile and subfertile stallions and between the breeding and the non-breeding season. Semen quality parameters compared included ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, total sperm number, sperm morphology, and computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA)-derived sperm movement characteristics obtained from two groups of warmblood stallions (n=8; four fertile stallions and four subfertile stallions), which differ in the seasonal pregnancy rate 80 %–90 % (fertile) vs. 40 %–60 % (subfertile). A total of 64 ejaculates were collected from the stallions (n=8; four in the breeding season and four in the non-breeding season of each stallion). No significant differences in the semen quality parameters between the fertile and the subfertile stallions in the non-breeding season were observed. However, in the breeding season the proportion of morphologically normal sperm, total motility, progressive motility, average path velocity (VAP), and curvilinear velocity (VCL) were significantly higher in the fertile group (P<0.05) when compared with the subfertile group. In addition, a significant seasonal variation in the proportion of morphological normal sperm was found in the fertile group between the breeding and the non-breeding season (P<0.05). Moreover, significant seasonal variations (P<0.05) in CASA parameters of mean VAP, straight line velocity (VSL), and beat-cross frequency (BCF) were observed in the fertile and the subfertile stallions, which tended to be lower in the non-breeding season. In conclusion, differences between the fertile and the subfertile stallions were observed only in the breeding season, and a few of CASA-derived parameters seemed to be significantly lower during the non-breeding season in both the fertile and the subfertile stallions.

Claudin 18.2 expression in esophageal adenocarcinoma and its potential impact on future treatment strategies

The incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) has rapidly increased, particularly in the Western world. Despite improvements in perioperative treatments, the overall survival of patients remains low. Claudin 18.2 is a tight junction protein that is exclusively expressed in the gastric epithelia. However, following malignant transformation, gastric cancer metastases maintain this expression. Therefore, claudin 18.2 is a promising target for immunotherapy. Previous clinical trials have revealed improved anti-tumor activity in patients treated with an anti-claudin antibody by investigating the expression of claudin 18.2 in tumor cells. However, there is currently very limited data on the importance of claudin 18.2 expression in EAC. The present study analyzed the distribution of claudin 18.2 using immunohistochemistry in 485 patients with EAC, including their lymph node metastases. Additionally, these results were associated with clinical and molecular data. Claudin 18.2 was detected in 89/485 patients (18.4%). No correlations between expression and clinicopathological data (sex, age, pT stage, lymph node metastasis and grading) were observed. However, significantly decreased claudin 18.2 expression was observed in tumor types with upregulated human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 expression (P=0.036). Additionally, neoadjuvant treatment did not have any significant impact on claudin 18.2 expression (P=0.331). To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the largest systematic investigation of claudin 18.2 protein expression in EAC. The results obtained suggested that claudin 18.2 may serve as a promising therapeutic target in a substantial number of patients with EAC.

Substitution of Dietary Sulfur Amino Acids by dl-2-Hydroxy-4-Methylthiobutyric Acid Reduces Fractional Glutathione Synthesis in Weaned Piglets

BACKGROUND

Cys is limiting for reduced glutathione (GSH) synthesis and can be synthesized from Met. We hypothesized that the dietary Met hydroxyl analogue dl-2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutyric acid (dl-HMTBA) affects Cys and GSH metabolism and oxidative stress defense differently than Met.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to elucidate whether dl-HMTBA supplementation of a Met-deficient diet affects Cys flux, GSH fractional synthetic rate (FSR), and the basal oxidative stress level relative to Met supplementation in pigs.

METHODS

Twenty-nine male German Landrace piglets aged 28 d were allocated to 3 dietary groups: a basal diet limiting in Met (69% of Met plus Cys requirement) supplemented with either 0.15% l-Met (LMET; n = 9), 0.15% dl-Met (DLMET; n = 11), or 0.17% dl-HMTBA (DLHMTBA; n = 9) on an equimolar basis. At age 54 d the pigs received a continuous infusion of [1-13C]-Cys to calculate Cys flux and Cys oxidation. After 3 d, GSH FSR was determined by [2,2-2H2]-glycine infusion, and RBC GSH and oxidized GSH concentrations were measured. At age 62 d the animals were killed to determine hepatic mRNA abundances of enzymes involved in GSH metabolism, GSH concentrations, and plasma oxidative stress defense markers.

RESULTS

The Cys oxidation was 21-39% and Cys flux 5-15% higher in the fed relative to the feed-deprived state (P < 0.001). On average, GSH FSR was 49% lower (P < 0.01), and RBC GSH and total GSH concentrations were 12% and 9% lower, respectively, in DLHMTBA and DLMET relative to LMET pigs (P < 0.05). In the feed-deprived state, Gly flux, the GSH:oxidized glutathione (GSSG) ratio, RBC GSSG concentrations, plasma oxidative stress markers, and the hepatic GSH content did not differ between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Although GSH FSR was higher in LMET compared with DLMET or DLHMTBA feed-deprived pigs, these differences were not reflected by lower oxidative stress markers and antioxidant defense enzymes in LMET pigs.

Doxorubicin plus dacarbazine, doxorubicin plus ifosfamide, or doxorubicin alone as a first-line treatment for advanced leiomyosarcoma: A propensity score matching analysis from the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Soft Tissue and Bone Sarcoma Group

BACKGROUND

The optimal treatment for advanced leiomyosarcoma is still debated. Given histotype-specific prospective controlled data lacking, this study retrospectively evaluated doxorubicin plus dacarbazine, doxorubicin plus ifosfamide, and doxorubicin alone as first-line treatments for advanced/metastatic leiomyosarcoma treated at European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Soft Tissue and Bone Sarcoma Group (EORTC-STBSG) sites.

METHODS

The inclusion criteria were a confirmed histological diagnosis, treatment between January 2010 and December 2015, measurable disease (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors 1.1), an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≤2, and an age ≥ 18 years. The endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and overall response rate (ORR). PFS was analyzed with methods for interval-censored data. Patients were matched according to their propensity scores, which were estimated with a logistic regression model accounting for histology, grade, age, sex, performance status, tumor site, and tumor extent.

RESULTS

Three hundred three patients from 18 EORTC-STBSG sites were identified. One hundred seventeen (39%) received doxorubicin plus dacarbazine, 71 (23%) received doxorubicin plus ifosfamide, and 115 (38%) received doxorubicin. In the 2:1:2 propensity score-matched population (205 patients), the estimated median PFS was 9.2 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.2-9.7 months), 8.2 months (95% CI, 5.2-10.1 months), and 4.8 months (95% CI, 2.3-6.0 months) with ORRs of 30.9%, 19.5%, and 25.6% for doxorubicin plus dacarbazine, doxorubicin plus ifosfamide, and doxorubicin alone, respectively. PFS was significantly longer with doxorubicin plus dacarbazine versus doxorubicin (hazard ratio [HR], 0.72; 95% CI, 0.52-0.99). Doxorubicin plus dacarbazine was associated with longer OS (median, 36.8 months; 95% CI, 27.9-47.2 months) in comparison with both doxorubicin plus ifosfamide (median, 21.9 months; 95% CI, 16.7-33.4 months; HR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.40-1.06) and doxorubicin (median, 30.3 months; 95% CI, 21.0-36.3 months; HR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.43-0.99). Adjusted analyses retained an effect for PFS but not for OS. None of the factors selected for multivariate analysis had a significant interaction with the received treatment for both PFS and OS.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the largest retrospective study of first-line treatment for advanced leiomyosarcoma. In the propensity score-matched population, doxorubicin and dacarbazine showed favorable activity in terms of both ORR and PFS and warrants further evaluation in prospective trials.

Within a hair's breadth - Factors influencing hair cortisol levels in pigs and cattle

During the last two decades, hair cortisol concentration (HCC) has proven to be a promising marker for the evaluation of increased hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity caused by repeated or long-term stressful conditions. A minimally invasive sampling procedure, simple storage and the retrospective characteristic of one hair sample are reasons why HCC is increasingly used not only in human medicine but also in animal welfare research. However, before applying HCC as a reliable indicator for stress, it is important to investigate potential influencing factors in addition to stressors in the species of interest. Thus, the aim of our study was to elucidate the impact of age, sex, hair color, body region, age of hair segments and season of hair sampling on HCC in pigs and cattle. Hair samples were taken by electric clippers and analyzed by ELISA after extraction. Our results show similar effects of influencing factors in both species. Significantly increased HCCs were found in young animals after birth compared with older age groups. In addition, HCCs were significantly higher in samples obtained from the tail tip in comparison with samples from the shoulder, neck and back regions, in black hair compared with white hair and in distal hair segments. Season had an impact on HCC only in cattle, which exhibited higher levels in winter than in summer. In conclusion, age, body region, hair color, hair segment and season affect hair cortisol concentrations and should be considered and controlled for when HCC is applied as a potential stress indicator in pigs and cattle. In addition, further research is necessary to elucidate the mechanisms by which cortisol is incorporated into the hair shaft.

Systemic Effects by Intrathecal Administration of Triamcinolone Acetonide in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis

In patients suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS), intrathecal injection of triamcinolone acetonide (TCA) has been shown to improve symptoms of spasticity. Although repeated intrathecal injection of TCA has been used in a number of studies in late-stage MS patients with spinal cord involvement, no clinical-chemical data are available on the distribution of TCA in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or serum. Moreover, the effects of intrathecal TCA administration on the concentrations of endogenous steroids remain poorly understood. Therefore, we have quantified TCA and selected endogenous steroids in CSF and serum of TCA-treated MS patients suffering from spasticity. Concentrations of steroids were quantified by LC-MS, ELISA, or ECLIA and compared with the blood-brain barrier status, diagnosed with the Reibergram. The concentration of TCA in CSF significantly increased during each treatment cycle up to >5 μg/ml both in male and female patients (p < 0.001). Repeated TCA administration also evoked serum concentrations of TCA up to >30 ng/ml (p < 0.001) and severely depressed serum levels of cortisol and corticosterone (p < 0.001). In addition, concentrations of circulating estrogen were significantly suppressed (p < 0.001). Due to the potent suppressive effects of TCA on steroid hormone concentrations both in the brain and in the periphery, we recommend careful surveillance of adrenal function following repeated intrathecal TCA injections in MS patients.

Involvement of Plasma Endocannabinoids and the Hypothalamic Endocannabinoid System in Increasing Feed Intake after Parturition of Dairy Cows

The endocannabinoids (ECs) N-arachidonylethanolamide (anandamide; AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) participate in the control of feed intake and energy metabolism. Most mammals increase their feed intake after parturition to cope with the increased energy and nutrient requirements for milk synthesis, thereby increasing their metabolic rate. Here we investigated in experiment 1 the regulation of plasma AEA and 2-AG concentrations during the transition from late pregnancy to early lactation in dairy cows, and analyzed in experiment 2 the expression of the EC system in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and the arcuate nucleus (ARC) of the hypothalamus of late and early lactating cows using immunohistochemistry. Cows in experiment 1 were retrospectively grouped based on peak plasma fatty acid concentrations to a high (H) or low (L) group. Feed intake was not different between groups before parturition, but was lower in H than L cows during early lactation. Plasma AEA and 2-AG concentrations increased 2.2- to 2.4-fold during early lactation, in which time plasma AEA concentrations rose faster in H cows than in L cows postpartum. Upregulation of N-acyl phosphatidylethanolamine-specific phospholipase D together with tending increased cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) expression, and downregulation of fatty acid amide hydrolase in early lactating cows suggested an increased PVN AEA tone. The abundance of CB1 in the ARC and diacylglycerol lipase-alpha was not different between late and early lactating cows, but PVN monoacylglycerol lipase expression was 30% higher in early lactating cows, indicating diminished PVN 2-AG concentrations. The results show a potential involvement of AEA in stimulating feed intake and of 2-AG in regulating energy metabolism of early lactating cows.

Reduced Fragmentation of IGFBP-2 and IGFBP-3 as a Potential Mechanism for Decreased Ratio of IGF-II to IGFBPs in Cerebrospinal Fluid in Response to Repeated Intrathecal Administration of Triamcinolone Acetonide in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease of the brain and spinal cord causing a wide range of symptoms such as impaired walking capability, spasticity, fatigue, and pain. The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system has regulatory functions for the induction of inflammatory pathways in experimental encephalomyelitis. We have therefore assessed expression and regulation of the IGF system on the level of IGFs and IGFBPs in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the course of four repeated triamcinolone acetonide (TCA) administrations in two female and four male MS patients. Sample series of 20 treatment cycles were analyzed. IGF-I and IGF-II were quantified by ELISAs, and IGFBPs were analyzed by quantitative Western ligand (qWLB) and Western immunoblotting (WIB) in order to differentiate intact and fragmented IGFBPs. The ratios of fragmented to intact IGFBP-2 and -3 were calculated in serum and CSF. Finally, the ratios of IGF-I and IGF-II to the total IGF-binding activity, quantified by qWLB, were determined as an indicator of IGF-related bioactivity. After the fourth TCA administration, the average level of IGF-I was increased in serum (p < 0.001). The increase of IGF-I concentrations in serum resulted in an increased ratio of IGF-I to IGFBPs in the circulation. By contrast in CSF, fragmentation of IGFBP-2 and IGFBP-3 and the ratio of IGF-II to intact IGFBPs were decreased at the fourth TCA administration (p < 0.01). Furthermore, reduced fragmentation of IGFBP-3 in CSF was accompanied by increased concentrations of intact IGFBP-3 (p < 0.001). We conclude that reduced fragmentation of IGFBPs and concomitant reduction of IGF-II to IGFBP ratios indicate regulation of bioactivity of IGF-II in CSF during repeated intrathecal TCA administration in MS patients.

Establishment and validation of cell pools using primary muscle cells derived from satellite cells of pig skeletal muscle

Primary cell cultures derived from satellite cells of skeletal muscle provide an appropriate in vitro model for proliferating myoblasts and differentiating myotubes for muscle biological research. These cell cultures may consist of harvested cells per animal or of a cell pool made of cells from several animals. However, cell pooling reduces the biological variability of the different cell donors. On the other hand, the use of cell pools offers an opportunity to use less donor tissue and to perform long-term projects with a broad spectrum of analysis and replications. In the literature, information about the donors of cell pools, the procedure used for pooling, and the characterization/validation of cell pools is often lacking. In this study, we established three cell pools consisting of M. rhomboideus or M. longissimus from ten or six piglets, each with one gender and medium birth weight. Real-time impedimetric monitoring was used to evaluate the proliferative growth behavior of myoblasts for the cell pools in comparison to their corresponding unpooled cells over a period of 72 h, with a measurement being taken every 30 min. For each of the tested cell pools, cell index, slope, and doubling time did not differ between the cell pool and the unpooled cells of the donor animals. Differentiation capacity and mRNA expression of PAX7, MYOD and MYOG remained unchanged between the cell pool and the unpooled cells. Current results support that the use of cell pools is an appropriate method to reflect the average proliferative growth behavior of unpooled cells.

Effects of abomasal infusion of essential fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid on performance and fatty acid, antioxidative, and inflammatory status in dairy cows

The objective of this study was to test the effects of essential fatty acids (EFA), particularly α-linolenic acid, and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) supplementation on fatty acid (FA) composition, performance, and systemic and hepatic antioxidative and inflammatory responses in dairy cows. Four cows (126 ± 4 d in milk) were investigated in a 4 × 4 Latin square and were abomasally infused with 1 of the following for 6 wk: (1) coconut oil (control treatment, CTRL; 38.3 g/d; providing saturated FA), (2) linseed and safflower oil (EFA treatment; 39.1 and 1.6 g/d, respectively; providing mainly α-linolenic acid), (3) Lutalin (BASF, Ludwigshafen, Germany; CLA treatment; cis-9,trans-11 and trans-10,cis-12 CLA, 4.6 g/d each), (4) or EFA+CLA. The initial dosage was doubled every 2 wk, resulting in 3 dosages (dosage 1, 2, and 3). Cows were fed a corn silage-based total mixed ration with a high n-6/n-3 FA ratio. Dry matter intake and milk yield were recorded daily, and milk composition was measured weekly. The FA compositions of milk fat and blood plasma were analyzed at wk 0, 2, 4, and 6. The plasma concentration and hepatic mRNA abundance of parameters linked to the antioxidative and inflammatory response were analyzed at wk 0 and 6 of each treatment period. Infused FA increased in blood plasma and milk of the respective treatment groups in a dose-dependent manner. The n-6/n-3 FA ratio in milk fat was higher in CTRL and CLA than in EFA and EFA+CLA. The sum of FA <C16 in milk fat decreased in CLA and EFA+CLA in a dosage-dependent manner. Energy-corrected milk and milk fat decreased in CLA and EFA+CLA in a dosage-dependent manner and were higher in EFA and CTRL than in CLA at dosages 2 and 3. Energy balance tended to be highest in CLA cows. Milk protein content was lower in CLA and EFA+CLA than in CTRL. Milk urea concentration decreased in CLA and EFA+CLA in a dosage-dependent manner and was lower in CLA and EFA+CLA than in EFA and CTRL at dosages 2 and 3. Milk citrate concentration increased in CLA in a dosage-dependent manner and was higher in CLA and EFA+CLA than in EFA and CTRL. Glutathione peroxidase activity in blood plasma was lower in CTRL than in EFA, and plasma concentration of β-carotene increased in EFA and EFA+CLA with dosage. Increased milk citrate pointed at reduced de novo FA synthesis and a better antioxidative status in milk due to CLA treatment. Supplementation with CLA may also affect milk protein synthesis, but EFA and CLA treatment did not influence the inflammatory status in a consistent manner in mid-lactating cows.