Effects of corn grain processing and protein source on calf performance, rumen fermentation, and blood metabolites

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of the interaction between corn grain processing and protein source on feed intake, growth performance, rumen fermentation, and blood metabolites of dairy calves. Seventy-two 3-day-old Holstein calves with an initial weight of 39.1 ± 3.24 kg were randomly assigned (n = 12 calves (6 male and 6 female) per treatment) to a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments with the factors of physical form of the corn grain [coarsely ground (CG) and steam-flaked (SF)] and protein type [canola meal (CAN), canola meal + soybean meal (CASY), and soybean meal (SOY)] were assigned. The study showed a significant correlation between corn grain processing method and protein source on calf performance, including starter feed intake, total dry matter intake (DMI), body weight, average daily gain (ADG), and feed efficiency (FE). The CG-CAN and SF-SOY treatments resulted in the highest feed intake and DMI in the post-weaning and total period, respectively. Interestingly, corn processing did not affect feed intake, ADG, and FE, but the highest ADG was observed at SF-SOY and CG-CAN. In addition, the interaction between corn processing method and protein source improved FE in calves fed CG-CAN and SF-SOY during the preweaning period and throughout the period. Although skeletal growth parameters were unchanged, calves fed SOY and CASY had greater body length and withers height than calves fed CAN during the preweaning period. Rumen fermentation parameters were also not affected by the treatments, except that calves fed CAN had a higher molar proportion of acetate than calves fed SOY and CASY. Corn grain processing and protein source did not affect glucose, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), or β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentrations, except for the highest blood glucose level observed in the CAN treatment and the highest BUN level observed in the preweaned calves fed SOY. However, a two-way interaction was observed for BHB concentration, suggesting that ground corn grain resulted in higher BHB concentration during the preweaning and postweaning periods than steam-flaked corn. In summary, it is recommended to incorporate canola meal with ground corn or soybean meal with steam-flaked corn in calf starters to enhance calf growth.

Empirical model of teachers' neuroplasticity knowledge, mindset, and epistemological belief system

Educational research has shown that teachers' knowledge and beliefs are two important variables that significantly affect their pedagogical practice and decisions. Relying on the premise that knowledge is superior to beliefs in a pure epistemic dimension and rooted in the previous empirical studies, we examined the hypothesis that teachers' knowledge of neuroplasticity affects their epistemological belief system mediated by mindset. Using a survey consisting of established scales about these variables, we collected data from a sample of 345 teachers. Structural equation modeling was performed to test the hypothesis. Results showed that the path coefficients (direct effects) from teachers' knowledge of neuroplasticity to their mindset and epistemological belief system were statistically significant. In other words, we found that teachers with a higher score in the knowledge of neuroplasticity had a growth mindset and a sophisticated epistemological belief system. Teachers' knowledge of neuroplasticity also had an indirect effect on their epistemological belief system mediated by mindset. This result has a conceptual contribution to the literature because it suggests that teachers' knowledge of neuroplasticity is a predicting variable for mindset and epistemological belief system. In practice, it provides us with a tool for developing teachers' growth mindset and sophisticated epistemological beliefs.

Feeding corn germ instead of corn grain on the performance of Holstein dairy cows fed low-forage diet and human-edible feed conversion efficiency

Using corn germ (CG) instead of corn grain could maintain dairy cow performance and might increase the efficiency of human food production. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of replacing corn grain with CG on the performance, nutrient intake, and digestibility of dairy cows. It also aimed to investigate the effect of CG on the efficiency of human food production in high-producing Holstein dairy cows in early lactation. Nine multiparous Holstein cows with 65.6 ± 8.5 DIM, milk yield of 55.6 ± 4.5 kg/d, and body weight of 611.3 ± 43.3 kg (mean ± SD) were used in a 3 × 3 Latin square design with 21-d periods. Treatments were (1) control treatment (CT, diet contains corn grain), (2) alternative treatment (AT, diet where corn grain was replaced with CG), and (3) balanced treatment (BT, diet where corn grain was replaced with CG but with the same energy content as CT). Control and balanced diets were isoenergetic (6.61 MJ/kg of DM); however, AT had higher energy (6.77 MJ/kg of DM). Treatments had no effect on dry and organic matter intake. NDF intake, however, was higher in CG diets compared with CT (P = 0.0001). Total-tract digestibility of DM tended to be reduced (P = 0.08), and OM digestibility was reduced (P = 0.05) by the inclusion of CG in diets. Whole and energy-corrected milk production were greater in AT compared with CT and BT (P < 0.05). Milk yield was similar in cows fed CT and BT. Treatments had no effect on milk composition or feed efficiency. Diet CT, when compared with CG diets, had lower efficiency in terms of human-edible feed conversion efficiency (HeFCE) and net food production (P < 0.05). Diet BT had greater HeFCE and net production of human-edible CP than AT (P < 0.05). Plasma BHBA, non-esterified fatty acids, and glucose concentrations were not affected by treatments, but plasma cholesterol was higher in cows that consumed CG diets (P = 0.04). The results indicate that, in high-producing early lactation dairy cows fed high concentrate diets, net food protein production can be substantially improved without lowering milk production through the reduction of dietary starch from 30.2 to 24.8% by replacing corn grain with CG.

Molecular characterization of Trichomonas infections in women of Ilam City, southwestern Iran

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the flagellated protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis. Little information is available on the epidemiology and genetic diversity of T. vaginalis in Ilam City, southwestern Iran. A descriptive cross-sectional investigation was carried out between July 2017 and December 2018 on the suspected women patients referred to eight gynecology clinics of Ilam City for probable Trichomonas infection. They were undergone a set of clinical, parasitological, and molecular examinations. During clinical consultation, posterior vaginal fornix secretions and urine samples were gathered from the participants. For the reasons such as physical conditions and cultural and religious constraints, most of participating women, especially young girls due to their virginity, preferred to give urine samples instead of vaginal discharge. The presence of Trichomonas was diagnosed by microscopic examination and molecular detection using conventional PCR targeting ITS1-rDNA. A total of 1765 suspected individuals were examined clinically via vaginal secretions (495 specimens) and urine samples (1270 specimens). Of them, 21 (1.18%) cases, including 13 vaginal secretions and 8 urine samples, were positive for Trichomonas infection by microscopy. Slightly more than half of the patients (11/21, 52.4%) complained of vulvar itching, burning, and frequent urination. Cervical lesions, patchy erythema, and vaginal discharge were recorded in 28.6%, 23.8%, and 19% of the patients respectively. All patients with positive microscopic identification were confirmed by amplification of 450-bp fragment of ITS1-rDNA. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a high rate of genetic homogeneity in which all our isolates together with homologous sequences from China, Philippines, Austria, and USA were clustered within the same clade. A statistically significant relationship was recorded between the patients positive for trichomoniasis and the presence of chronic disease (e.g., diabetes, immune system deficiency).

Influence of reducing starch in the diets with similar protein and energy contents on lactation performance, ruminal fermentation, digestibility, behaviour and blood metabolites in primiparous and multiparous dairy cows

Background

It is not clearly known whether parity can affect the outcomes of starch reduction in the diet of lactating dairy cows.

Introduction

A 2 × 2 factorial study was conducted to evaluate the effects of reducing starch in the diets with similar protein and energy contents on lactation performance, ruminal fermentation, nutrient digestibility, behaviour and blood metabolites in primiparous (PP) and multiparous (MP) dairy cows.

Methods

Twenty PP cows (DIM = 37 ± 10; 40 ± 5 kg/day of milk; mean ± SD) and 20 MP cows (DIM = 37 ± 9; 48 ± 5 kg/day of milk) were used in present study. Treatments were a factorial arrangement of two levels of starch (high vs. low) and two parity categories (PP vs. MP): (1) high‐starch diet (29.2% ± 0.70) and PP cows (HS‐PP); (2) low‐starch diet (22.3% ± 0.52) and PP cows (LS‐PP); (3) high‐starch diet and MP cows (HS‐MP) and (4) low‐starch diet and MP cows (LS‐MP). All diets were formulated to be similar in crude protein (16.1 % of dry matter) and NEL (1.60 Mcal/kg of dry matter) contents. The amount of metabolise protein was 2688 g/day in high‐starch diet and 2728 g/day in low‐starch diet. The experiment was conducted over two consecutive periods and included 4 weeks for adaptation and 3 weeks for data collection.

Results

Dry matter intake and the yield of milk true protein and lactose increased but milk fat: protein ratio and nutrient digestibility decreased for cows fed the HS diets compared with the LS diets. The ruminal proportion of propionate was greater but acetate, the acetate to propionate ratio and sorting against long particles (19 and 8 mm) were lower for cows fed the HS diets than the LS diets. Multiparous cows had a greater nutrient intake and milk yield, longer rumination meal length, greater BW, but lower plasma total antioxidant capacity, non‐esterified fatty acids, faeces pH compared with PP cows. An interaction between parity and the dietary level of starch was detected on feed efficiency measured as FCM yield/DMI in the way that only within PP cows low‐starch diet was more efficient than HS diets. We found another interaction effect of parity × starch on back fat thickens (BFT) change in the way that only within PP cows BFT change was greater for HS compared with LS diet.

Conclusion

Overall, regardless of the benefit derived from feeding a reduced‐starch diet by partially replacing grains with sugar beet pulp in the diets on nutrient digestibility, a reduced‐starch diet may be used more efficiently in PP than in MP cows but at expense of body reserves (i.e. BFT) loses.

Effects of different planes of milk feeding and milk total solids concentration on growth, ruminal fermentation, health, and behavior of late weaned dairy calves during summer

Background

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in using high quantities of milk or milk replacer (MR) in heat-stressed calves to alleviate the negative effects of high environmental temperatures on their performance. However, observations have indicated a decline in growth performance in the weaning and post-weaning period, which might be optimized with increasing total solids (TS) in milk and weaning age. This study aims to optimize the effects of higher quantities of milk on late weaned calves' performance by increasing TS concentration or delivery route in summer conditions.

Method

Forty-eight newborn Holstein calves were used in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with the factors of pre-weaning total plane of milk (PM) intake (low vs. high) and milk TS content (12% vs. 17%). The treatments were (1) low PM (LPM) intake with 12% TS (TS intake = 45.9 kg), (2) LPM intake with 17% TS (TS intake = 65.1 kg), (3) high PM (HPM) intake with 12% TS (TS intake = 63.7 kg); and (4) HPM intake with 17% TS (TS intake = 90.3 kg). Calves were weaned at d 83, and the study was terminated at d 103 of age. Performance data (every 10 day), skeletal growth (d 80 and 100), ruminal fermentation parameters (d 48 and 91), and behavioral measurements (d 69, 70, 93 and 94) were analyzed as repeated measurements with PROC MIXED of SAS 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC).

Results

Calves receiving HPM consumed less PMR from d 44 to 83 of age, but they had higher ADG from d 24 to 53 of age compared to those fed LPM (PM × age, P < 0.001). In addition, calves receiving milk with 17% TS had lower PMR intake from d 14 to 83 of age, but greater ADG from d 34 to 53 compared to those receiving milk with 12% TS (TS × age, P < 0.001). Calves that received HPM had greater skeletal growth parameters compared to LPM-fed calves, with a similar effect evident for calves fed milk with 17% TS compared with those fed milk with 12% TS. Calves receiving milk with 17% TS had greater fecal scores and diarrhea occurrence than those fed milk with 12% TS in HPM, but not LPM.

Conclusions

Increasing PM and milk TS concentration improved growth in summer-exposed calves as demonstrated by increased pre-weaning ADG, pre- and post-weaning BW, and structural growth.

Reliability and Validity of Persian Version of State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Among High School Students

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was to assess the reliability and validity of the Persian version of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Form Y (STAI-Y) among high school students.

METHODS

A sample of 492 high school students in Kermanshah city, Iran were randomly selected via multistage sampling. They were asked to complete the STAI-Y and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) to determine the correlation coefficients. Data analysis was performed via descriptive statistics, factor analysis, Cronbach's coefficient alpha, and Pearson correlation coefficient.

RESULTS

In the Persian version of STAI-Y, the Cronbach's alpha for internal consistency was 0.886 for trait anxiety and 0.846 for state anxiety. The convergent validity between STAI-Y and BAI was 0.612 for trait anxiety and 0.643 for state anxiety (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The reliability, internal consistency, and validity of the Persian version of the STAI-Y is good among high school students in Kermanshah.

Effects of hydrolyzed cottonseed protein supplementation on performance, blood metabolites, gastrointestinal development, and intestinal microbial colonization in neonatal calves

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of an enzymatically hydrolyzed cottonseed protein (HCSP) as a peptide source on performance, blood metabolites, gastrointestinal development, and intestinal microbes. Forty-eight newborn Holstein calves were randomly assigned to 1 of the 4 dietary treatments including 0, 2, 4, and 6% of HCSP (dry matter basis). All calves received the same amount of pasteurized whole milk, weaned on d 56 of the experiment, and the study was concluded on d 70. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED in SAS (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC) as a randomized complete block design with linear and quadratic contrasts. Results showed that increased amount of HCSP linearly decreased the starter intake during the postweaning (d 57 to 70) and overall period (d 1 to 70). In addition, when dietary HCSP increased during the overall period, average daily gain tended to linearly decrease. All skeletal growth variables also linearly decreased as dietary HCSP increased at the end of the study, except for body length, which did not differ among the treatments. Serum cortisol concentration was higher in calves supplemented with 6% of HCSP at weaning and at the end of the study. This indicates that these calves may have experienced a stressful condition compared with calves in other treatments. Total antioxidant capacity was quadratically affected by HCSP supplementation; calves fed 2 and 4% of HCSP diets had the highest total antioxidant capacity, whereas calves fed 0 and 6% HCSP diets had lower total antioxidant capacity at weaning and at end of the study. Calves supplemented with 6% HCSP had lower empty reticulo-rumen and omasum weights and rumen wall thickness compared with calves in other treatments at the end of the study. In conclusion, supplementation of HCSP at the rate of 2% of starter diet enhanced antioxidant status without any detrimental effects on the performance and metabolic status of calves, whereas greater inclusion rates impaired starter intake and growth of calves, and exposed them to a stressful status.

Performance of dairy cows fed diets with similar proportions of undigested neutral detergent fiber with wheat straw substituted for alfalfa hay, corn silage, or both

This study evaluated the effects of feeding diets that were formulated to contain similar proportions of undigested neutral detergent fiber (uNDF) from forage, with wheat straw (WS) substituted for corn silage (CS), alfalfa hay (AH), or both. The diets were fed to lactating dairy cows and intake, digestibility, blood metabolites, and milk production were examined. Thirty-two multiparous Holstein cows (body weight = 642 ± 50 kg; days in milk = 78 ± 11 d; milk production = 56 ± 6 kg/d; mean ± standard deviation) were used in a randomized block design with 6-wk periods after a 10-d covariate period. Each period consisted of 14 d of adaptation followed by 28 d of data collection. The control diet contained CS and AH as forage sources (CSAH) with 17% of dietary dry matter as uNDF after 30 h of incubation (uNDF₃₀). Wheat straw was substituted for AH (WSCS), CS (WSAH), or both (WSCSAH) on an uNDF₃₀ basis, and beet pulp was used to obtain similar concentrations of NDF digestibility after 30 h of incubation (NDFD₃₀ = 44.5% of NDF) across all diets. The 4 diets also contained similar concentrations of net energy for lactation and metabolizable protein. Dry matter intake was greatest for WSCS (27.8 kg/d), followed by CSAH (25.7 kg/d), WSCSAH (25.2 kg/d), and WSAH (24.2 kg/d). However, yields of milk, 3.5% fat-corrected milk (FCM), and energy-corrected milk did not differ, resulting in higher FCM efficiency (kg of FCM yield/kg of dry matter intake) for WSAH (1.83) and WSCSAH (1.79), followed by CSAH (1.69) and WSCS (1.64). Milk protein percentage was greater for CSAH (2.84%) and WSCS (2.83%) than for WSAH (2.78%), and WSCSAH (2.81%) was intermediate. The opposite trend was observed for milk urea nitrogen, which was lower for CSAH (15.8 mg/dL), WSCS (15.8 mg/dL), and WSCSAH (17.0 mg/dL) than for WSAH (20 mg/dL). Total-tract NDF digestibility and ruminal pH were greater for diets containing WS than the diet without WS (CSAH), but digestibility of other nutrients was not affected by dietary treatments. Cows fed WSAH had less body reserves (body weight change = -13.5 kg/period) than the cows fed the other diets, whereas energy balance was greatest for those fed WSCS. The results showed that feeding high-producing dairy cows diets containing different forage sources but formulated to supply similar concentrations of uNDF₃₀ while maintaining NDFD_30, net energy for lactation, and metabolizable protein constant did not influence milk production. However, a combination of WS and CS (WSCS diet) compared with a diet with CS and AH improved feed intake, ruminal pH, total-tract NDF digestibility, and energy balance of dairy cows.

Adjusting for 30-hour undigested neutral detergent fiber in substitution of wheat straw and beet pulp for alfalfa hay and corn silage in the diet of high-producing cows

This study examined the feeding effects of wheat straw (WS) and beet pulp (BP) substituted for corn silage (CS) and alfalfa hay (AH) based on forage 30-h undigested neutral detergent fiber (uNDF₃₀) on lactation performance in high-producing dairy cows. Twelve multiparous (body weight = 611 ± 31 kg, days in milk = 97 ± 13; 51 ± 3 kg/d of milk; mean ± standard error) Holstein cows were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design with 28-d periods. Three treatments were established by substituting WS for CS and AH such that the concentration of forage uNDF₃₀ in all diets was the same. The treatments were (1) 0% forage uNDF₃₀ from WS (WS0; control), (2) 50% forage uNDF₃₀ from WS (WS50), and (3) 100% forage uNDF₃₀ from WS (WS100). Beet pulp was added in the straw diets to achieve similar dietary neutral detergent fiber digestibility after 30-h incubation (NDFD₃₀). The 3 diets were similar in forage uNDF₃₀ (14% of dry matter), total uNDF₃₀ (∼18.5% of dry matter), and NDFD₃₀ (approximately 42% of neutral detergent fiber). The substitution of WS and BP for AH and CS decreased the proportion of forage (40, 31, and 22.3% of dry matter) and forage neutral detergent fiber (21.2, 19.7, and 18.3% of dry matter) for WS0, WS50, and WS100, respectively, in the diet. However, the substitution linearly increased mean rumen pH (5.90, 6.09, and 6.28 for WS0, WS50, and WS100, respectively), digestibility of nutrients, and selection for long particles of diets without affecting dry matter intake. The substitution also linearly increased cholesterol and blood urea nitrogen concentration in the blood. Milk fat percentage, fat production, fat:protein ratio, and milk urea nitrogen increased linearly when treatments changed from WS0 to WS100, whereas the production of energy-corrected milk (ECM) was not affected by the treatments. Milk yield and milk protein yield were affected in a curvilinear manner and were lower in WS100 than other treatments. The efficiency of ECM production linearly increased in the diet with higher inclusion of WS and BP substitution in the diet (1.66, 1.70, and 1.72 for WS0, WS50, and WS100, respectively), but body weight, body weight change, and backfat thickness of cows were not different among treatments. In conclusion, the substitution of WS and BP for CS and AH with fixed uNDF₃₀ improved feed efficiency and rumen pH, decreased milk and protein yield, and did not affect ECM yield.

Evaluation of Apoptotic Markers and Tissue Histology Indicate a Slight Advantage of Slow Freezing Method over Vitrification for Sheep Ovarian Tissues

BACKGROUND

An efficient cryopreservation method is very important for preserving the fertility of sheep ovarian tissues.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the slow freezing method and vitrification for cryopreservation of sheep ovarian tissues.

METHODS

Dissected cortex fragments from ten sheep ovaries were used for the comparative study. Cryopreserved and control tissues were cultured for 24h and then evaluated according to follicular morphology and apoptotic assessment.

RESULTS

In both slow freezing and vitrification methods, normal follicles were reduced when compared to the non-frozen control group. There were significantly more abnormal follicles with vitrification than with slow freezing method (P < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences with regard to apoptotic gene expression or the percentage of Caspase3 positive follicles among cryopreserved and control groups.

CONCLUSION

A slight advantage of the slow freezing method was observed over vitrification for cryopreservation of sheep ovarian tissue fragments.

High Frequency Acceleration: A New Tool for Alveolar Bone Regeneration

INTRODUCTION

A common problem in clinical dentistry is the significant and rapid bone loss that occurs after periodontitis, osteoporosis, tooth extractions, lack of function, or any other pathologic condition that target the alveolar bone. Currently there is no stable solution for the long-term preservation or rehabilitation of alveolar bone. In this article, we review the latest concepts on bone response to mechanical stimulation, and summarize the results of our studies on the effect of high frequency acceleration (HFA) on healthy alveolar bone and on healing alveolar bone after extractions.

METHODS

In both studies, we used adult Sprague Dawley rats to test the response of alveolar bone to different frequencies and accelerations applied to the maxillary molars.

RESULTS

Once we determined which parameters of HFA induced a higher osteogenic response, we tested the effect of this mechanical stimulation during bone healing after molar extraction. Our studies strongly show that HFA can stimulate bone formation in the healthy alveolar bone surrounding the tooth/point of application as well as the distant bone surrounding the neighboring teeth. When HFA was applied to the second molar, after extraction of the third molar, it accelerated bone healing and prevented alveolar bone resorption in and around the extraction socket.

CONCLUSION

HFA is a noninvasive safe treatment that can be used to prevent alveolar bone loss, accelerate bone healing and to improve the quality and quantity of alveolar bone under both physiological and pathological conditions.

Rosa Damascena Improved Sexual Dysfunction in Males Under Methadone Treatment – Results from a Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Introduction

Patients with severe opioid dependency might be treated with methadone, a pure μ-opioid-receptor, with promising results. Though, as for opioids, side effects are high, and among those, sexual dysfunction is among the most disturbing side effects.

Aims

Investigating the influence of Rosa Damascena oil to improve sexual dysfunction among male methadone users.

Methods

A total of 60 male patients (mean age: 30 years) with diagnosed opioid dependence and currently under treatment of methadone were randomly assigned either to the verum (Rosa Damascenca oil drops) or placebo condition. At baseline, and four and eight weeks later, patients completed self-rating questionnaires covering sexual dysfunction and happiness.

Results

Over time sexual dysfunction decreased and happiness increased in the verum, but not in the placebo condition.

Conclusions

Results from this double blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled clinical trial showed that Rosa Damascena oil improved sexual dysfunction and happiness among male opioid addicts while under substitution treatment with methadone.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Which psychological and socio-demographic dimensions predict amphetamine abuse?

Introduction

Amphetamine abuse has become a serious health concern worldwide, and this holds also true for Iran.

Aims

Investigating psychological and socio-demographic dimensions to predict amphetamine-abuse.

Methods

Hundred amphetamine abusers and 100 healthy controls took part in this cross-sectional study. Participants completed questionnaires covering socio-demographic and psychological dimensions.

Results

Compared to healthy controls, amphetamine abusers reported more insecure and ambivalent attachment styles, higher novelty-seeking and risky behaviour, less current social support and stable relationships, and lower emotional competencies. No differences were found for socio-demographic dimensions.

Conclusions

Results from this cross-sectional study underscore that amphetamine abuse was related to poor social relationships, poor emotional competencies and higher risky behaviour. The cross-sectional nature of the study, however, does preclude any conclusions about the causal direction of amphetamine abuse and poor interactional behavior.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Response of lactating dairy cows to degree of steam-flaked barley grain in low-forage diets

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of processing method (grinding vs. steam flaking) and increasing densities of steam-flaked barley grain on dry matter intake (DMI), rumen pH and fermentation characteristics, digestibility of dry matter in the total digestive tract (DDTT), and milk production of dairy cows. Eight multiparous mid-lactation Holstein cows averaging 103 ± 24 DIM, 44.5 ± 4.7 kg milk/day and weighing 611 ± 43 kg at the start of the experiment were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with 21-day periods. Cows were fed diets consisting of (DM basis) 23.8% corn silage, 13.5% chopped alfalfa hay and 62.7% concentrate. The dietary treatments were either ground barley (GB) using a hammer mill or steam-flaked barley (SFB) - varying density at 390, 340 or 290 g/l. Processing method (GB vs. SFB) did not affect DMI (23.6 kg/day on average), DDTT (71.0% on average), milk yield (43.4 kg/day on average), milk components, rumen pH and molar proportions of acetate, propionate, butyrate and sorting activity. Ruminal isovalerate concentration tended (p = 0.06) to be higher for cows fed GB than those fed SFB-based diets. Decreasing the density of SFB from 390, 340 to 290 g/l tended to linearly increase DMI (p = 0.09), decrease total solids percentage of milk (p = 0.10) and linearly decreased milk urea nitrogen (12.8, 12.4 and 12.1 mg/dl; p = 0.04); also, the sorting index (SI) of the particles retained on the 19.0-mm sieve without affecting the SI of the particles retained on 8.0-mm, 1.18-mm or passed through 1.18-mm sieve (p = 0.05). These results indicated the limited effects of processing method (grinding vs. steam flaking) and densities of SFB (390, 290 or 290 g/l) on cows' performance and feed utilization for dairy cows fed low-forage diets. Therefore, both processing methods could be recommended under current feeding conditions of dairy cows.

Saturation of the biological response to orthodontic forces and its effect on the rate of tooth movement

OBJECTIVES

Investigate the expression and activity of inflammatory markers in response to different magnitudes of orthodontic forces and correlate this response with other molecular and cellular events during orthodontic tooth movement.

SETTING AND SAMPLE POPULATION

CTOR Laboratory; 245 Sprague Dawley male rats.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Control, sham, and 5 different experimental groups received different magnitudes of force on the right maxillary first molar using a coil spring. In the sham group, the spring was not activated. Control group did not receive any appliance. At days 1, 3, 7, 14, and 28, the maxillae were collected for RNA and protein analysis, immunohistochemistry, and micro-CT.

RESULTS

There was a linear relation between the force and the level of cytokine expression at lower magnitudes of force. Higher magnitudes of force did not increase the expression of cytokines. Activity of CCL2, CCL5, IL-1, TNF-α, RANKL, and number of osteoclasts reached a saturation point in response to higher magnitudes of force, with unchanged rate of tooth movement.

CONCLUSION

After a certain magnitude of force, there is a saturation in the biological response, and higher forces do not increase inflammatory markers, osteoclasts, nor the amount of tooth movement. Therefore, higher forces to accelerate the rate of tooth movement are not justified.

A comparison of the effect of soybeans roasted at different temperatures versus calcium salts of fatty acids on performance and milk fatty acid composition of mid-lactation Holstein cows

To evaluate the effect of soybeans roasted at different temperatures on milk yield and milk fatty acid composition, 8 (4 multiparous and 4 primiparous) mid-lactation Holstein cows (42.9±3 kg/d of milk) were assigned to a replicated 4×4 Latin square design. The control diet (CON) contained lignosulfonate-treated soybean meal (as a source of rumen-undegradable protein) and calcium salts of fatty acids (Ca-FA, as a source of energy). Diets 2, 3, and 4 contained ground soybeans roasted at 115, 130, or 145°C, respectively (as the source of protein and energy). Dry matter intake (DMI) tended to be greater for CON compared with the roasted soybean diets (24.6 vs. 23.3 kg/d). Apparent total-tract digestibilities of dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein were not different among the treatments. Actual and 3.5% fat-corrected milk yield were greater for CON than for the roasted soybean diets. Milk fat was higher for soybeans roasted at 130°C than for those roasted at either 115 or 145°C. No differences were observed between the CON and the roasted soybean diets, or among roasting temperatures, on feed efficiency and nitrogen concentrations in rumen, milk, and plasma. Milk from cows fed roasted soybeans had more long-chain fatty acids and fewer medium-chain fatty acids than milk from cows fed Ca-FA. Compared with milk from cows fed the CON diet, total milk fat contents of conjugated linoleic acid, cis-9,trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid, cis-C18:2, cis-C18:3, and C22:0 were higher for cows fed the roasted soybean diets. Polyunsaturated fatty acids and total unsaturated fatty acids were greater in milk from cows fed roasted soybean diets than in milk from cows fed CON. Concentrations of C16:0 and saturated fatty acids in milk fat were greater for CON than for the roasted soybean diets. Cows fed roasted soybean diets had lower atherogenic and thrombogenic indices than cows fed CON. Milk fatty acid composition did not differ among different roasting temperatures. In summary, results showed that cows fed CON had higher DMI and milk yield than cows fed roasted soybean diets. Among different roasting temperatures (115, 130, and 145°C), soybeans roasted at 115°C led to higher milk production and lower DMI. Cows fed roasted soybeans, regardless of the roasting temperature, had more unsaturated fatty acids in milk. Using roasted soybeans in dairy cow rations could, therefore, improve the health indices of milk for human nutrition.

High-Frequency Acceleration: Therapeutic Tool to Preserve Bone following Tooth Extractions

A common problem in clinical dentistry is the significant and rapid bone loss that occurs after tooth extraction. Currently there is no solution for the long-term preservation of alveolar bone. Previously, we showed that high-frequency acceleration (HFA) has an osteogenic effect on healthy alveolar bone. However, it is not known if HFA can preserve alveolar bone after extraction without negatively affecting wound healing. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of HFA on alveolar bone loss and the rate of bone formation after tooth extraction. Eighty-five adult Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 3 groups: control, static (static load), and HFA. In all groups, the maxillary right third molar was extracted. The HFA group received HFA for 5 min/d, applied through the second molar. The static group received the same magnitude of static load. The control group did not receive any stimulation. Some animals received fluorescent dyes at 26 and 54 d. Samples were collected on days 0, 7, 14, 28, and 56 for fluorescence microscopy, micro-computed tomography, histology, RNA, and protein analyses. We found that HFA increased bone volume in the extraction site and surrounding alveolar bone by 44% when compared with static, while fully preserving alveolar bone height and width long-term. These effects were accompanied by increased expression of osteogenic markers and intramembranous bone formation and by decreased expression of osteoclastic markers and bone resorption activity, as well as decreased expression of many inflammatory markers. HFA is a noninvasive safe treatment that can be used to prevent alveolar bone loss and/or accelerate bone healing after tooth extraction.

Responses to betaine and inorganic sulphur of sheep in growth performance and fibre growth

Sulphur-containing amino acids (SAA) are essential and usually the first limiting amino acids for growth, milk and wool production. The keratin fibre that grows from epidermal tissue is rich in SAA. The rate of fibre growth and its S content are influenced by the availability of SAA. Betaine is a dietary source for a labile methyl group and actively participates in methionine metabolism by donating methyl groups for the remethylation of homocysteine to methionine. Ruminants are capable of synthesizing SAA from inorganic S sources, and most bacteria in the rumen can use inorganic S to meet their requirements for growth. The objective of this study was to examine whether betaine and an inorganic sulphur supplement could provide methyl groups and sulphur amino acids in a way that growth performance and wool production of ewes and lambs are improved. Treatments performed included betaine supplementation, sulphate supplementation and betaine plus sulphate supplementation with five replications for each treatment. The dry matter intake of the ewes was affected by betaine plus sulphate supplementation (p < 0.05). In the ewes, betaine plus sulphate supplementation increased (p < 0.05) the wool growth rate, wool yield, staple length and wool sulphur concentration, while decreasing wool wax and wool yellowness (p < 0.05). In the lambs, wool growth rate, wool yield, fibre diameter, staple length, staple strength, wool sulphur concentration, wool wax and fibre percentage did not differ (p > 0.05) between treatments. In the ewes, plasma methionine concentration increased (p < 0.05) with betaine plus sulphate treatment. No corresponding difference (p > 0.05) was observed in plasma methionine concentration in the lambs. It can be concluded that betaine plus sulphate supplementation has the potential to change wool characteristics in the ewes, while these compounds were without any effect on growth and wool production of the lambs. Combining the two supplements was advantageous.

Osteogenic effect of high-frequency acceleration on alveolar bone

Mechanical stimulation contributes to the health of alveolar bone, but no therapy using the osteogenic effects of these stimuli to increase alveolar bone formation has been developed. We propose that the application of high-frequency acceleration to teeth in the absence of significant loading is osteogenic. Sprague-Dawley rats were divided among control, sham, and experimental groups. The experimental group underwent localized accelerations at different frequencies for 5 min/day on the occlusal surface of the maxillary right first molar at a very low magnitude of loading (4 µε). Sham rats received a similar load in the absence of acceleration or frequency. The alveolar bone of the maxilla was evaluated by microcomputed tomography (µCT), histology, fluorescence microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR imaging), and RT-PCR for osteogenic genes. Results demonstrate that application of high-frequency acceleration significantly increased alveolar bone formation. These effects were not restricted to the area of application, and loading could be replaced by frequency and acceleration. These studies propose a simple mechanical therapy that may play a significant role in alveolar bone formation and maintenance.

Effects of feeding roasted safflower seeds (variety IL-111) and fish oil on dry matter intake, performance and milk fatty acid profiles in dairy cattle

Safflower seed has the highest concentration of linoleic acid among 80 oilseeds but little information exists on the effective use of SS for lactation cows. It was hypothesised that a diet supplemented with an Iranian SS variety (IL-111) in combination with fish oil (FO) would result in higher concentrations of trans-18:1 (including vaccenic acid) and conjugated linoleic acids in milk fat than feeding an unsupplemented control diet. Our objective was to determine the effects of feeding diets containing: (i)

CONTROL

(C); (ii) 25 g of roasted SS IL-111 (RSS); (iii) 20 g FO and (iv) 25 g RSS + 10 g FO (RSS + FO) per kilogram of dietary DM on feed intake, ruminal fermentation, milk production and fatty acid profile. Eight multiparous Holstein cows were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design study. The experiment had four periods of 21 days. Milk Fat percentage was lower (p < 0.01) with FO supplementation and averaged 19.0 and 21.5 g/kg milk with FO and RSS + FO compared with 30.3 and 32.5 g/kg with C and RSS. Feed intake also was lower (p < 0.01) with FO vs. C (23.1 vs. 24.5 kg/day) but feeding RSS resulted in greater feed intake compared with other treatments (26 kg/day). Despite lower feed intake with FO, milk production did not change from controls but feeding RSS + FO resulted in greater milk yield than controls (42.6 vs. 39.3 kg/day). Ruminal pH was greater (p < 0.01) in cows fed FO than other treatments. Supplemental FO alone or in combination with RSS resulted in dramatic increases (p < 0.01) in c9,t11-18:2 in milk fat (12.7 and 13.2 g/day vs. 5.8 and 7.02 with C and RSS). It was surprising to note that 25 g/kg RSS can improve feed intake.

Increased colostral somatic cell counts reduce pre-weaning calf immunity, health and growth

Our objective was to study the relationships between colostral somatic cell counts (SCC, a criterion for mastitis severity at parturition) and early calf growth, blood indicators of immunity, and pre-weaning faecal and health states. Sixty-nine Holstein cows were assigned to three groups of greater (n = 21, 5051 × 10(3)), medium (n = 38, 2138 × 10(3)) and lower (n = 10, 960 × 10(3)) colostral SCC (per ml) in a completely randomized design. Calves received 2 l of colostrum on day 1, and jugular blood was sampled at birth, at 3 h after the first colostrum feeding and at 42 days of age for immunoglobulin G (IgG) measurements. Calves were fed transition milk from their dams until 3 days of age and whole milk from 4 to 60 days of age twice daily at 10% of body weight. Health status and faecal physical scores were recorded daily for 42 days. Increased colostral SCC was associated with increased serum IgG at parturition. Colostral pH increased and fat percentage decreased linearly with the rising SCC. Feeding colostrum with greater SCC was associated with reduced serum IgG concentrations at 3 h after first colostrum feeding, greater incidences of diarrhoea and compromised health status during the first 42 days of age, and reduced weaning weight gain, but had no effects on calf body length and withers height. Colostral volume and percentages of protein, lactose, solids-non-fat, total solids and IgG were comparable among groups. Results suggest a role for SCC, as an indicator of mastitis and colostral health quality, in affecting calf health. As a result of the novelty of calf health dependence on colostral SCC found, future studies to further characterize such relationships and to uncover or rule out possible mediators are required before colostral SCC could be recommended for routine on-farm use in managing dry cow and calf production.

Physiological calf responses to increased chromium supply in summer

The primary objective was to determine pre- and postweaning calf physiological responses to increased Cr supply under high ambient temperatures. In a randomized complete block design, 24 neonate Holstein calves (BW=41.5+/-1.9 kg) were grouped based on sex and randomly assigned to 3 treatments within each group. Treatments included either no supplemental Cr (control), 0.02 mg of supplemental Cr/kg of BW0.75, or 0.04 mg of supplemental Cr/kg of BW0.75. The average temperature-humidity index was 77 during the study. Chromium was provided as a commercial product in whole milk for preweaning calves and in a starter concentrate for postweaning calves. Calves were weaned at 1 kg of daily calf starter intake lasting for 6 consecutive days. A glucose tolerance test was conducted on d 25 postweaning. Treatments had no effects on preweaning dry matter intake, feed conversion ratio, average daily gain, and weaning age. Chromium decreased dry matter intake in postweaning calves; however, it did not affect growth and feed conversion ratio. Chromium lowered respiration rate at wk 5 without affecting fecal score and rectal temperature. Preweaning serum cortisol concentrations were altered by a 3-way interaction of Cr dose with calf sex and age. Preweaning serum glucose showed week-dependent increases by Cr. Serum insulin, urea, albumin, total protein, triiodothyronine, and thyroxin concentrations through weaning were not affected. The increasing Cr doses caused quadratic declines in serum thyroxin on d 21 postweaning, whereas blood triiodothyronine declined only with the higher Cr dose. Serum NEFA remained unchanged, but BHBA decreased by Cr in male calves on d 21 postweaning. The glucose tolerance test revealed linear reductions in area under insulin curve between 0 to 90 and 0 to 120 min after glucose infusion, suggesting improvements in peripheral insulin efficiency. Sex-dependent responses to Cr were observed for serum total protein and albumin concentrations at 21 d postweaning. Overall, results indicate that in summer, increased dietary Cr supply can benefit postweaning insulin metabolism, alter preweaning blood cortisol and glucose levels, and reduce respiration rate and may have only minor effects on calf growth.

Cytokine expression and accelerated tooth movement

It has been shown that inhibiting the expression of certain cytokines decreases the rate of tooth movement. Here, we hypothesized that stimulating the expression of inflammatory cytokines, through small perforations of cortical bone, increases the rate of bone remodeling and tooth movement. Forty-eight rats were divided into 4 groups: 50-cN force applied to the maxillary first molar (O), force application plus soft tissue flap (OF), force application plus flap plus 3 small perforations of the cortical plate (OFP), and a control group (C). From the 92 cytokines studied, the expression of 37 cytokines increased significantly in all experimental groups, with 21 cytokines showing the highest levels in the OFP group. After 28 days, micro-computed tomography, light and fluorescent microscopy, and immunohistochemistry demonstrated higher numbers of osteoclasts and bone remodeling activity in the OFP group, accompanied by generalized osteoporosity and increased rate of tooth movement.

Impaired wound healing in mouse models of diabetes is mediated by TNF-alpha dysregulation and associated with enhanced activation of forkhead box O1 (FOXO1)

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

The role of TNF-alpha in impaired wound healing in diabetes was examined by focusing on fibroblasts.

METHODS

Small excisional wounds were created in the db/db mice model of type 2 diabetes and normoglycaemic littermates, and in a streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetes mouse model and control mice. Fibroblast apoptosis was measured by the TUNEL assay, proliferation by detection of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) activity by DNA binding and nuclear translocation. TNF-alpha was specifically inhibited by pegsunercept.

RESULTS

Diabetic wounds had increased TNF-alpha, fibroblast apoptosis, caspase-3/7 activity and activation of the pro-apoptotic transcription factor FOXO1, and decreased proliferating cell nuclear antigen positive fibroblasts (p < 0.05). TNF-alpha inhibition improved healing in the diabetic mice and increased fibroblast density. This may be explained by a decrease in fibroblast apoptosis and increased proliferation when TNF-alpha was blocked (p < 0.05). Although decreased fibroblast proliferation and enhanced FOXO1 activity were investigated in type 2 diabetes, they may also be implicated in type 1 diabetes. In vitro, TNF-alpha enhanced mRNA levels of gene sets related to apoptosis and Akt and p53 but not mitochondrial or cell-cycle pathways. FOXO1 small interfering RNA reduced gene sets that regulate apoptosis, Akt, mitochondrial and cell-cycle pathways. TNF-alpha also increased genes involved in inflammation, cytokine, Toll-like receptor and nuclear factor-kB pathways, which were significantly reduced by FOXO1 knockdown.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

These studies indicate that TNF-alpha dysregulation in diabetic wounds impairs healing, which may involve enhanced fibroblast apoptosis and decreased proliferation. In vitro, TNF-alpha induced gene sets through FOXO1 that regulate a number of pathways that could influence inflammation and apoptosis.

Ground versus steam-rolled barley grain for lactating cows: a clarification into conventional beliefs

Our objective was to compare the effects of grinding versus steam-rolling of barley grain at 30 or 35% of diet dry matter on feed intake, chewing behavior, rumen fermentation, and milk production in high-producing lactating cows. Eight multiparous Holstein cows (85 +/- 9 d in milk) were used in a replicated 4 x 4 Latin square design experiment with four 21-d periods. Each period included 14 d of adaptation and 7 d of sampling. Treatments included grinding (GB) or steam-rolling (SB) of barley grains at either 35 or 30% of dietary dry matter. Diets were prepared as a total mixed ration and delivered twice daily at 0730 and 1600 h. Neither processing method nor dietary barley grain inclusion rate affected dry matter intake, daily eating, ruminating and chewing times, rumen pH and major volatile fatty acid molar percentages, or milk percentages and yields of fat and protein. Energy-corrected milk yield increased for SB compared with GB at 35% but not at 30% barley grain. Feed efficiency was increased by SB, but was unaffected by dietary barley grain level. Results suggest that at 30% dietary barley grain, GB resulted in similar lactation performance as SB and that SB did not affect productivity when dietary barley grain increased from 30 to 35%. Regardless of barley grain level, grinding effectively maintained dry matter intake and rumen pH at 4 h postfeeding, whereas steam-rolling increased feed efficiency. Increasing barley grain from 30 to 35% of diet dry matter did not improve feed intake and milk production.

Short Communication: Canola Meal as a Substitute for Cottonseed Meal in Diet of Midlactation Holsteins

The growing demand by humans for monounsaturated vegetable oils has provided canola meal (CM) for use in dairy diets because it possesses an excellent nitrogen profile for rumen microbes. Six midlactation cows were used in a replicated 3 x 3 Latin square design with 3 periods of 20 d each. Treatments included diets with 1) CM, 2) 50% CM + 50% cottonseed meal (CSM), and 3) CSM. Total crude protein (CP), nonprotein nitrogen, and rapidly degradable true protein (% of CP) were greater in CM than in CSM. The neutral and acid detergent fibers, slowly degradable true protein, and unavailable CP were lower in CM than in CSM. Daily feeding of 3.4 kg of CM instead of 5.6 kg of CSM enhanced milk percentage of protein and SNF, and improved total tract digestibility of dry matter and CP. Therefore, CM offers an economical substitute for CSM in midlactation diets when commercial access, cost, and quality of CSM are variable.

Diabetes-enhanced inflammation and apoptosis--impact on periodontal pathology

Diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes, is a looming health issue with many ramifications. Because diabetes alters the cellular microenvironment in many different types of tissues, it causes myriad untoward effects, collectively referred to as 'diabetic complications'. Two cellular processes affected by diabetes are inflammation and apoptosis. This review discusses how diabetes-enhanced inflammation and apoptosis may affect the oral environment. In particular, dysregulation of tumor necrosis factor and the formation of advanced glycation products, both of which occur at higher levels in diabetic humans and animal models, potentiate inflammatory responses and induce apoptosis of matrix-producing cells. The enhanced loss of fibroblasts and osteoblasts through apoptosis in diabetics could contribute to limited repair of injured tissue, particularly when combined with other known deficits in diabetic wound-healing. These findings may shed light on diabetes-enhanced risk of periodontal diseases.

Apoptotic effects of LPS on fibroblasts are indirectly mediated through TNFR1

During periods of periodontal attachment loss, one of the most significant cellular changes is a decrease in the number of fibroblasts. We previously demonstrated that LPS induces apoptosis of fibroblastic cells in vivo, largely through TNF-alpha. We conducted in vivo experiments by subcutaneous inoculation of LPS in wild-type, TNFR1-/-R2-/-, TNFR1-/-, and TNFR2-/- mice to identify which TNF receptors are involved and the specific caspase pathway activated. LPS stimulated apoptosis through TNFR1 but not TNFR2, which was accompanied by the induced expression of 12 apoptotic genes. Fluorometric studies demonstrated that LPS in vivo significantly increased caspase-8 and caspase-3 activity, which was also dependent on TNF receptor signaling. By the use of specific caspase inhibitors, caspases-3 and -8 were shown to play an important role in LPS-induced apoptosis in vivo. Thus, LPS acts through TNFR1 to modulate the expression of apoptotic genes and activate caspases-3 and -8.