Research Note: Orange corn altered the cecal microbiome in laying hens

Carotenoids, which are pigments known to have many health benefits, such as their antioxidant properties, are being researched for their potential as a feed additive for production animals. These pigments are found in varying quantities in different breeds of corn, and their impact on the chicken microbiome requires further investigation. This 35 d laying hen (Novagen White) feeding trial involved varying the levels and composition of carotenoids by changing the corn source: white (0.9 µg total carotinoids/g total diet), yellow (5.7 µg/g), and orange (24.9 µg/g). For each of the three corn diet treatments, 6 replicate cages were randomly assigned. The cecal microbial community composition of the hens was then studied by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. The composition of the cecal bacterial community, as determined by Bray-Curtis dissimilarity, was different (P < 0.05) in chickens fed the orange corn diet, compared to chickens on the white corn diet, but there was no statistical difference between animals fed yellow corn compared to the white or orange corn groups. There was no change in the alpha diversity between any of the groups. Within Lactobacillus, which is one of the most abundant genera, 2 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) were decreased and one ASV was increased in the orange corn group compared to both the white and yellow corn groups. While previous studies showed that orange corn did not alter the community composition in broilers, it appears that orange corn based feed may alter the community composition of laying hens.

Is the pelvis stable during supine total hip arthroplasty?

Intra- operative changes in pelvic position during total hip arthroplasty (THA) can affect acetabular orientation. We evaluated these changes during supine THA using a proprietary mobile application called PelvicTracker. Twenty- two patients undergoing THA using direct anterior approach were included in the study. In the sagittal plane, the pelvis was extended (anterior tilt) as compared to the start of surgery in 19/ 22 hips at the time of cup implantation (mean extension: 3.1°; range: 1°-6°). In the transverse plane, the pelvis was rolled to the opposite side of surgery in 12 hips (mean roll: 2.8°; range: 1°-5°), to the same side in 8 hips (mean roll: 3.9°, range: 1°-9°) and unchanged in 2 hips at the time of cup implantation. Predicted change in cup version of ≥5° due to changes in pelvic position was seen in 7/22 (32%) patients. Although minor, changes in pelvic position do occur during supine THA which may affect acetabular orientation.

Bax deficiency extends the survival of Ku70 knockout mice that develop lung and heart diseases

Ku70 (Lupus Ku autoantigen p70) is essential in nonhomologous end joining DNA double-strand break repair, and ku70^−/− mice age prematurely because of increased genomic instability and DNA damage responses. Previously, we found that Ku70 also inhibits Bax, a key mediator of apoptosis. We hypothesized that Bax-mediated apoptosis would be enhanced in the absence of Ku70 and contribute to premature death observed in ku70^−/− mice. Here, we show that ku70^−/−bax^+/− and ku70^−/−bax^−/− mice have better survival, especially in females, than ku70^−/− mice, even though Bax deficiency did not decrease the incidence of lymphoma observed in a Ku70-null background. Moreover, we found that ku70^−/− mice develop lung diseases, like emphysema and pulmonary arterial (PA) occlusion, by 3 months of age. These lung abnormalities can trigger secondary health problems such as heart failure that may account for the poor survival of ku70^−/− mice. Importantly, Bax deficiency appeared to delay the development of emphysema. This study suggests that enhanced Bax activity exacerbates the negative impact of Ku70 deletion. Furthermore, the underlying mechanisms of emphysema and pulmonary hypertension due to PA occlusion are not well understood, and therefore ku70^−/− and Bax-deficient ku70^−/− mice may be useful models to study these diseases.

Differing association of macrophage subsets with atherosclerotic plaque stability

AIM

While initial research suggests that M2 macrophages are athero-protective, more recently, proatherogenic functions, such as a greater uptake of lipid than M1 macrophages, have been demonstrated, raising the question of their actual association with plaque stability. The present study, therefore, assessed the association between macrophage subset and plaque stability. Furthermore, it examined whether the fibrocyte, that we have previously identified in the plaque, represents a subset of M2 macrophages.

METHODS

Twenty human carotid atherosclerotic plaque specimens were examined for the presence of macrophages using immunohistochemistry for pan macrophages (CD68), M1 (CD64, CD86) and M2 (CD163, CD206) subsets. The slides were assessed by digital whole slide scanning/image analysis to quantify the expression of these markers in the plaque. Comparisons in marker distribution and quantity relative to plaque stability were made. Adoption of a fibrocyte phenotype was assessed by double immunofluorescence staining of the markers with procollagen I.

RESULTS

M1 and M2 macrophages were present throughout the plaque including the core and cap. While the levels of CD68 (pan macrophage maker) and CD86 negatively correlated with cap thickness, the levels of the M2 marker, CD163, did not and moreover, did not differ between plaques when they were separated into stable and unstable groups. Notably, collagen production was evident in most but not all M2 macrophages.

CONCLUSION

Our findings demonstrate that while macrophage levels in general negatively correlate with plaque cap thickness, levels of M2 macrophages do not. This may be in part due to their ability to produce collagen (ie adopt a fibrocyte phenotype) in the plaque.

New technologies applied to food frequency questionnaires: a current perspective

The food frequency questionnaires are widely used in epidemiological researches like dietary assessment method. Traditionally, they have been self-administered in paper but the use of information and communication technologies has led to develop Internet and computerized food frequency questionnaires. It is the objective of this article to offer a global perspective of the new technologies applied to FFQ. It will be presented the purpose of the food frequency questionnaire, the number of strengths of the web-based surveys versus print-surveys and finally, a description of the manuscripts that have used web-based and computerized FFQ.

Assessment of dietary adequacy for an elderly population based on a Mediterranean model

This study analysed whether at different energy levels, a varied diet based on Mediterranean Diet patterns would meet the RDIs for specific nutrients in a population > 65 y. Based on RDIs for elderly persons > 65 y for PRO, FAT CHO, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, vitamin C, B6, folate and fibre, menu models based on Mediterranean diet food patterns were calculated for the following calorie levels: 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700 and 1800 kcals. 15 menu variations for each calorie level were then created based on the previously calculated models. Utilising the Program for Alimentation and Nutrition (PAN) database, nutritional analysis was carried out for all menus and the mean nutrient values for a 2 week period were calculated for each calorie level. Intakes at all calorie levels provided adequate amounts of folate, phosphorus, iron and Vitamin B6. Intakes were low in all groups for Calcium, Zinc, Magnesium and Vitamin E, with the exception of the 1800 kcal level for Vitamin E. Results show that at low energy levels, meeting nutrient needs was difficult and that even at higher calorie intakes, contrary to what was expected, certain nutrients were found to be inadequate.

Dietary guidelines for the breast-feeding woman

Sociodemographic and economic changes in Spain have played a role in the choice of infant feeding as more and more women enter the workforce. Nevertheless, the prevalence of breast-fed-only infants at 6 weeks remains fairly high, at 65.5% in 1999, although there is a sharp decline by 3 and 6 months postpartum. Achieving adequate nutritional status for lactation principally begins during pregnancy, as this constitutes the biological stage for accumulating nutrient stores. The benefits of breast-feeding for the mother and infant are presented, along with nutrition and dietary guidelines for the nursing woman. Apart from dietary considerations, special attention should be paid to encouraging a positive attitude and environment for breast-feeding success.

Risk of inadequate intakes of vitamins A, B1, B6, C, E, folate, iron and calcium in the Spanish population aged 4 to 18

A meta-analysis of the most representative Spanish nutrition studies was carried out to identify inadequate intakes of vitamins, A, B1, B6, C, E, folate, iron, and calcium in children aged 4 to 18. Information on vegetable, fruit and fruit juice/beverage intake was also solicited. Data drawn from the selected studies yielded a total of 6540 children and adolescents in eight geographical areas. The sample was stratified by age (children: 4 to 14 years old and adolescents: 13-18 years old) and sex. Inadequate intakes (below two-thirds of the recommended values) were notable in children for vitamin E, vitamin C, and vitamin A and in girls, iron. In adolescents, low intakes were especially marked for vitamin E and vitamin A, and in girls, calcium, folate, and iron. Adolescents consumed more vegetables, fruit juice, and fruit drinks whereas children had higher fruit intakes. Regional differences in consumption were also detected. Strategies for improving nutrient intake in these vulnerable populations are discussed.

Differential effect of long-term esophageal acid exposure on mechanosensitivity and chemosensitivity in humans

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Chronic tissue injury in the esophagus associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease may result in sensitization of afferent pathways mediating mechanosensitivity and chemosensitivity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity to intraluminal acid and to distention of the esophagus in patients with mild-to-moderate gastroesophageal reflux disease.

METHODS

Perceptual responses to intraluminal acid perfusion and to esophageal distention and pressure volume relationships were evaluated in 10 healthy volunteers and in 11 patients. Mechanosensitivity was evaluated with a barostat using unbiased distention protocols and verbal descriptor ratings of sensations. Chemosensitivity to acid was determined at baseline and after a 1-month treatment of acid suppression.

RESULTS

Patients showed enhanced perception of acid perfusion but not of esophageal distension. Chemosensitivity but not mechanosensitivity was correlated with reflux symptoms and with the degree of endoscopically shown tissue injury at baseline. Tissue injury was not associated with altered compliance.

CONCLUSIONS

Mild-to-moderate chronic tissue injury in gastroesophageal reflux disease differentially affects mechanosensitive and chemosensitive afferent pathways. Chronic acid reflux by itself is not likely to play a role in reported esophageal hypersensitivity to distention in patients with noncardiac chest pain.

How could changes in diet explain changes in coronary heart disease mortality in Spain? The Spanish paradox

We review and compare trends in coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke mortality in Spain from 1966 to 1990 and changes in food consumption at national and regional levels. Since 1976, a decrease in cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in males and females has been observed, and standardized CHD mortality rates have fallen. Stroke mortality decreased during the same period. Trends in food consumption show increases in intakes of meat, dairy products, fish, and fruit, but decreases in consumption of olive oil, sugar, and all foods rich in carbohydrates. Although fat and saturated fat intakes increased, these changes were not accompanied by an increase in CHD mortality rates. This paradoxical situation can be explained by expanded access to clinical care, increased consumption of fruit and fish, improved control of hypertension, and a reduction in cigarette smoking. Diet appears to have an important role in this paradox, but it may not be as critical as other factors. Nevertheless, we suggest dietary guidelines for prevention of CHD in Spain.