Bile acid profiles and mRNA abundance of bile acid-related genes in adipose tissue of dairy cows with high versus normal body condition

Besides their lipid-digestive role, bile acids (BA) influence overall energy homeostasis, such as glucose and lipid metabolism. We hypothesized that BA along with their receptors, regulatory enzymes, and transporters are present in subcutaneous adipose tissue (scAT). In addition, we hypothesized that their mRNA abundance varies with the body condition of dairy cows around calving. Therefore, we analyzed BA in serum and scAT as well as the mRNA abundance of BA -related enzymes, transporters, and receptors in scAT during the transition period in cows with different body conditions around calving. In a previously established animal model, 38 German Holstein cows were divided into either a high (HBCS; n = 19) or normal BCS (NBCS; n = 19) group based on their body condition score (BCS) and back fat thickness (BFT). Cows were fed different diets to achieve the targeted differences in BCS and BFT (NBCS: BCS <3.5, BFT <1.2 cm; HBCS: BCS >3.75, BFT >1.4 cm) until dry-off at 7 wk ante partum. During the dry period and subsequent lactation, both groups were fed the same diets regarding their demands. Using a targeted metabolomics approach via LC-ESI-MS /MS, BA were analyzed in serum and scAT at wk -7, 1, 3, and 12 relative to parturition. In serum, 15 BA (cholic acid (CA), chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), glycocholic acid (GCA), taurocholic acid (TCA), glycochenodeoxycholic acid (GCDCA), taurochenodeoxycholic acid (TCDCA), deoxycholic acid (DCA), lithocholic acid (LCA), glycodeoxycholic acid (GDCA), glycolithocholic acid (GLCA), taurodeoxycholic acid (TDCA), taurolithocholic acid (TLCA), β-muricholic acid (MCA(b)), tauromuricholic acid (sum of α and β) (TMCA (a+b)), glycoursodeoxycholic acid (GUDCA)) were observed, whereas in scAT 7 BA (CA, GCA, TCA, GCDCA, TCDCA, GDCA, TDCA) were detected. In serum and scAT samples, the primary BA CA and its conjugate GCA were predominantly detected. Increasing serum concentrations of CA, CDCA, TCA, GCA, GCDCA, DCA, and MCA(b) with the onset of lactation might be related to the increasing DMI after parturition. Furthermore, serum concentrations of CA, CDCA, GCA, DCA, GCDCA, TCA, LCA, and GDCA were lower in HBCS cows compared with NBCS cows, concomitant with increased lipolysis in HBCS cows. The correlation between CA in serum and scAT may point to the transport of CA across cell membranes. Overall, the findings of the present study suggest a potential role of BA in lipid metabolism depending on the body condition of periparturient dairy cows.

Exploiting Sequence-Dependent Rotamer Information in Global Optimization of Proteins

Rotamers, namely amino acid side chain conformations common to many different peptides, can be compiled into libraries. These rotamer libraries are used in protein modeling, where the limited conformational space occupied by amino acid side chains is exploited. Here, we construct a sequence-dependent rotamer library from simulations of all possible tripeptides, which provides rotameric states dependent on adjacent amino acids. We observe significant sensitivity of rotamer populations to sequence and find that the library is successful in locating side chain conformations present in crystal structures. The library is designed for applications with basin-hopping global optimization, where we use it to propose moves in conformational space. The addition of rotamer moves significantly increases the efficiency of protein structure prediction within this framework, and we determine parameters to optimize efficiency.

Significant plastic accumulation on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Australia

For over 60 years, our oceans have been a reservoir for exponentially increasing amounts of plastic waste. Plastic has been documented at all levels of the marine food web, from the deepest oceanic trenches to the most far-flung beaches. Here, we present data on the presence of significant quantities of plastic on the remote Cocos (Keeling) Island group, located 2,100 km off the northwest coast of Australia. From our comprehensive surveys of debris on the beach surface, buried, and beach-back vegetation, we estimate there are 414 million anthropogenic debris items, weighing 238 tonnes, currently deposited on the Cocos (Keeling) Island group. Of the identifiable items, ~25% were classified as disposable plastics, including straws, bags, and toothbrushes. Debris buried up to 10 cm below the surface is estimated to account for 93% (~383 million items) of all debris present on Cocos, the majority of which (~60%) is comprised of micro-debris (2–5 mm). In the absence of meaningful change, debris will accumulate rapidly on the world’s beaches. Small, buried items pose considerable challenges for wildlife, and volunteers charged with the task of cleaning-up, thus preventing new items from entering the ocean remains key to addressing this issue.

Michigan Harvest Gathering creates a sense of family

In 1998, the MHA became the primary sponsor of the Michigan Harvest Gathering food- and fund-raising drive to help the Food Bank Council of Michigan (FBCM) and its 12 regional food banks.

Looking at the alternatives

"Are there alternatives to this treatment?" In the recent past, many health care providers have been unable to fully answer that question. But as health care continues to evolve, increasing numbers of physicians, hospitals and medical schools are determining that complementary and alternative medicine does have a place in quality patient care.

Life's little miracles. The Recuperation Center helps people heal

"I see miracles happen here all the time." That's Dawn Brouwers' assessment of the Recuperation Center (TRC) in Grand Rapids, where she serves as executive director. Brouwers watches people come to TRC unable to walk, and later head for home under their own power. Patients arrive with no idea how they'll be able to live independently again, and leave with supportive systems established in their homes that allow them to be self-reliant.

Michigan hospitals: helping where there's need

The MHA received 24 nominations for the 1997 Ludwig Community Benefit Award, representing programs that range from addressing youth violence and teen pregnancy to multifaceted approaches to improve a community's overall health status. Five programs were chosen to receive Ludwig Awards this year, each of them representing an impressive collaborative effort to improve life in the communities they serve. A brief synopsis of each of these outstanding programs follows.

But we want to have a baby

Janice Jean has some words of encouragement for couples who have given up hope of ever having a child of their own. "Look at my son." Janice, 37, believes little Jacob Michael, born July 31, 1995, to her and her 40-year-old husband, Ron, is truly a miracle. And she feels Michael H. Fakih, MD, director of the Fakih Institute of Reproductive Sciences and Technologies (FIRST) and in whose honor Jacob received his middle name, is a miracle worker. "We never thought there was hope. With one fallopian tube and a zero sperm count? But I believe in miracles--and I believe in Dr. Fakih."

The key is teamwork

What does it take to be listed among the nation's top 100 hospitals? According to administrators at three Michigan facilities included in the 1995 list--Blodgett Memorial Medical Center, Grand Rapids; Butterworth Hospital, Grand Rapids; and W.A. Foote Memorial Hospital, Inc., Jackson--the key is teamwork.

Reaching into the community. Winners of the 1996 MHA Patric E. Ludwig Community Service Award

Webster's definitions of community and service form an accurate picture of what MHA seeks to reward with the 1996 MHA Patric E. Ludwig Community Service Award--members who have collaboratively worked with individuals and organizations in their communities to benefit the health and well-being of citizens. The nominees were judged on criteria that focused on true collaboration, leadership efforts, impact on community health status and innovative delivery methods. The winners were chosen from 24 deserving nominations. These four outstanding programs effectively demonstrate the spirit of community service in health care--providers working in concert with local organizations to improve the community's health status. All of the winning programs focused on healthier babies and school-aged youth. Congratulations to the winning programs. They are tangible proof of the important role MHA members play in their communities.