Effects of dietary niacinamide and CP concentrations on the nitrogen excretion, growth performance, and meat quality of pigs

Reducing the dietary CP concentration in the formulation of low-protein diets without adverse effects on animal growth performance and meat quality remains challenging. In this study, we investigated the effects of nicotinamide (NAM) on the nitrogen excretion, growth performance, and meat quality of growing-finishing pigs fed low-protein diets. To measure the nitrogen balance, we conducted two trials: in nitrogen balance trial 1, four crossbred (Duroc × Landrace × Large White) barrows (40 ± 0.5 kg BW) were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design with four diets and periods. The diets consisted of a basal diet + 30 mg/kg NAM (a control dose), basal diet + 90 mg/kg NAM, basal diet + 210 mg/kg NAM, and basal diet + 360 mg/kg NAM. In nitrogen balance trial 2, another four barrows (40 ± 0.5 kg BW) were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. The diets consisted of a basal diet + including 30 mg/kg NAM (control), basal diet + 360 mg/kg NAM, low-protein diet + 30 mg/kg NAM, and low-protein diet + 360 mg/kg NAM. To measure growth performance, two trials were conducted. In growth performance trial 1, 40 barrows (37.0 ± 1.0 kg) were randomly allocated to one of four dietary treatments (n = 10 per group), whereas in growth performance trial 2, 300 barrows (41.4 ± 2.0 kg) were randomly allocated to one of four dietary treatments, with each dietary treatment conducted in five repetitions with 15 pigs each. The four diets in the two growth performance trials were similar to those in nitrogen balance trial 2. Supplementing the diet with 210 or 360 mg/kg NAM reduced urinary nitrogen excretion and total nitrogen excretion and increased nitrogen retention comparted with the control diet (P < 0.05). Compared with the control diet, the low-protein diet with 360 mg/kg NAM reduced faecal, urinary, and total nitrogen excretion (P < 0.05) without affecting nitrogen retention and average daily gain (P > 0.05). Pigs fed the low-protein diet with 360 mg/kg NAM showed a decreased intramuscular fat content in the longissimus thoracis muscle when compared with pigs fed the control diet (P > 0.05). Our results suggest NAM as a suitable dietary additive to reduce dietary CP concentration, maximise nitrogen retention and growth performance, and decrease fat deposition in pigs.

Dynamical Synthesis of ^{4}He in the Scission Phase of Nuclear Fission

In the exothermic process of fission decay, an atomic nucleus splits into two or more independent fragments. Several aspects of nuclear fission are not properly understood, in particular the formation of the neck between the nascent fragments, and the subsequent mechanism of scission into two or more independent fragments. Using an implementation of time-dependent density functional theory, based on a relativistic energy density functional and including pairing correlations, we analyze the final phase of the process of induced fission of ^{240}Pu, and show that the timescale of neck formation coincides with the assembly of two α-like clusters. Because of its much larger binding energy, the dynamical synthesis of ^{4}He in the neck predominates over other light clusters, e.g., ^{3}H and ^{6}He. At the instant of scission the neck ruptures exactly between the two α-like clusters, which separate because of the Coulomb repulsion and are eventually absorbed by the two emerging fragments. The mechanism of light charged clusters formation at scission could also be linked to ternary fission.

[Analysis of the factors influencing the elimination strategies with the current status of diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis C in hospital]

Objective: To understand the current status of screening, diagnosis, and treatment and analyze the factors influencing micro-elimination strategy, so as to achieve hepatitis C elimination in hospital. Methods: Anti-HCV and HCV RNA test results of patients from October 2017 to September 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Anti-HCV positive rates and factors influencing different genders, ages, places of residence and departments were analyzed. After comparing anti-HCV-positive patients with HCV RNA-positive patients with duplicate entries in "Name" and "Date of birth", the data were divided into three categories: anti-HCV positive without HCV RNA test, HCV RNA positive in single test, and HCV RNA positive many times in multiple tests. The above three types of patients were followed-up by telephone. According to the hospital follow-up results, current status of diagnosis and treatment and the factors influencing the micro-elimination strategy of hepatitis C were studied and analyzed. The comparison of data between groups were performed using χ(2) or χ(2) continuity-correction test. Results: Anti-HCV positive detection rate was 1.34% (899/66 866). The positive rate of male patients aged 40 and over residing in cities was significantly higher than female patients under 40 years old residing in rural areas, and the difference was statistically significant (χ(2) = 55.178, 264.11, 36, 351, P < 0.05). There were 90 (10.02%) and 809 cases (89.98%) in outpatient and inpatient departments, respectively, with no statistically significant difference between the two (χ(2) = 0.002, P > 0.05). The total number of anti-HCV positive cases were 196 in Gastroenterology (22.0%), 75 in Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (8.3%), 74 in Neurology (8.2%), 63 in Orthopedics (7.0%) and 55 in Endocrinology departments (6.1%), and the difference in the positive rate among different departments were also statistically significant (χ(2) = 271.585, P < 0.05). Among the 480 cases who were followed-up, 215 (44.79%) were lost to follow-up, 84 cases (39.07%) were unregistered, 77 cases (16.04%) were untreated, 15 cases (19.48%) were unaware of their state of illness, 46 cases (59.74%) were diagnosed without concern, 16 cases (20.78%) were diagnosed but did not take medicine, 60 cases were under treatment, and 29 cases were mostly on counterfeit drugs (48.33%). Conclusion: Comprehensive diagnosis and treatment education to non-specialist clinicians and timely manner regular follow-up of patients is a key factor and an important link to formulate a simple, easy and sustainable model to improve the efficiency of screening, diagnosis, and treatment of hepatitis C micro-elimination strategy in hospital. In addition, it will also play an important role in achieving the strategic goal of "eliminating hepatitis C as a public health threat by 2030".

Intrauterine Inflammation Damages Placental Angiogenesis via Wnt5a-Flt1 Activation

Intrauterine inflammation is the main reason for neonatal adverse outcomes and normal placenta perfusion plays an important role in fetal development. However, whether inflammation will affect placental angiogenesis and the underlying mechanism are still poorly understood. To investigate lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced intrauterine inflammation on placenta angiogenesis and Wnt5a-Flt1 expression. LPS-induced intrauterine inflammation rat model was established. Preterm rat outcomes were analyzed and angiogenesis of placenta villi was calculated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) of CD34 staining, and placenta Wnt5a-Flt1 expression was detected by western blot and IHC. Compared to control group, neonatal rats in LPS group showed higher death rate (1.4% vs 10.1%, p < 0.05) and lower birth weight (6.36 ± 0.48 vs 5.70 ± 0.67, p < 0.01); the villi vessel area and mean diameter in the placenta were significantly reduced in the LPS group (total area %, 16.7% ± 0.6% vs 8.7% ± 0.4%, p < 0.01, n = 9; mean diameter (pixel), 15.6 ± 0.5 vs 12.9 ± 0.3, p < 0.01, n = 9). Placenta Wnt5a-Flt1 expression was upregulated significantly (integrated optical density (IOD) in IHC: Wnt5a, 1667 ± 1204 vs 11,076 ± 4046, p < 0.05; Flt1, 2554 ± 466.2 vs 7998 ± 1613, p < 0.05; western blot: Wnt5a, 0.33 ± 0.05 vs 0.96 ± 0.06, p < 0.05; Flt1, 0.36 ± 0.15 vs 1.08 ± 0.08, p < 0.05). Intrauterine inflammation gave rise to offspring death rate and low birth weight; the mechanism might be disordered placental angiogenesis via Wnt5a-Flt1 activation triggered by inflammation.

[Predictive effect of neonatal morbidities on the poor outcomes at 12 months corrected age in very low birth weight premature infants]

Objective: To investigate the prognostic effect of neonatal morbidities on poor outcomes at 12 months corrected age in very low birth weight (VLBW) premature infants . Method: From November 2013 to October 2014, a multi-center retrospective study was conducted in 8 tertiary Maternal and Children's hospitals in Guangdong, Hunan and Fujian. The premature infants survived to a postmenstrual age (PMA) of 36 weeks with birth weight less than 1 500 g and without congenital diseases were included, and divided into two groups according to poor outcomes. The birth weight, gestational age, morbidities and poor outcomes (death, cerebral palsy, cognitive delay, et al) were recorded. Data were analyzed with Chi-square test to investigate the relationship between morbidities and poor outcomes. And the predictive effect of the top three morbidities were analyzed by Logistic regression analysis. Result: Total of 834 VLBW premature infants (473 boys and 361 girls) finished the follow-up, whose average gestational age and birth weight were (30.6±1.8) weeks and (1 189±159)g. The incidences of BPD, severe ROP, NEC, brain injury and sepsis were 207 (24.8%), 119 (14.3%), 58 (7.0%), 281 (33.7%) and 124 (14.9%), respectively. There were significant differences between the two groups in the incidences of BPD, severe ROP, NEC, brain injury and sepsis(χ(2)=42.10, 47.20, 4.81, 44.28, 18.63, all P<0.01), which had significant correlation with poor outcomes at 12 months corrected age. The three top morbidities were severe ROP, BPD and brain injury(OR=3.82, 2.90, 2.80). Combined morbidities with BPD, severe ROP and brain injury correlated with higher risk of poor outcomes (one morbidity, OR=3.14, β=1.15; two morbidities, OR=7.31, β=1.99; three morbidities, OR=22.41, β=3.11; all P<0.01). Conclusion: BPD, severe ROP, NEC, brain injury and sepsis were the risk factors of poor outcomes at 12 months corrected age in VLBW infants. And the more combined morbidities with severe ROP, BPD and brain injury, the higher risk of poor outcomes in this population. Trial registration Clinical Trails, NCT03104946.

Cordyceps sinensis promotes immune regulation and enhances bacteriostatic activity of PA-824 via IL-10 in Mycobacterium tuberculosis disease

PA-824 is a novel bicyclic nitroimidazole anti-tuberculosis (TB) drug. Cordyceps sinensis (Berk.) Sacc. (CS) was proven to be a good immunomodulatory compound. This research aimed to investigate the effect of CS on PA-824 in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) infected mice (female CBA/J mice, 6 to 8 weeks of age and 20±2 g of weight). Mice were randomly assigned to 4 groups: PA-824, CS, PA-824+CS, and control. To verify the effect of PA-824 and CS on M.tb, after drug administration, mice lungs were harvested and bacterial colony formations were measured. Cells were isolated from infected lungs and spleens to analyze the percentage of CD4⁺ T cells (CD11a positive). Lung cells were cultured to detect the secretion of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) by ELISA. IFN-γ and IL-10 double-positive CD4⁺ cells in peripheral blood were measured by flow cytometry. The expression levels of IL-2 and IL-10 in mice lungs were analyzed by real-time PCR and western blot. Results showed that PA-824 combined with CS led to the lowest lung colony-forming units (CFU) counts among treated groups. Furthermore, this beneficial outcome might be associated with the decreased CD11a on CD4⁺ cells in mice lungs and spleens. Moreover, the suppressed secretion of IFN-γ and IL-10, and IL-10 expressions, as well as the decreased IFN-γ and IL-10 double-positive CD4⁺ cells in blood, could also be associated with the positive effect. However, no significant effect on IL-2 production was found. The combination of PA-824 and CS had more effective bacteriostatic and immunomodulatory effects on M.tb infected mice than PA-824 alone. In conclusion, CS has the potential to be an effective adjuvant in TB treatment.

Radix Astragali lowers kidney oxidative stress in diabetic rats treated with insulin

Fluctuations in glucose levels in diabetic patients can result in oxidative stress, resulting in an increased risk for diabetic complications. We investigated whether antioxidation would protect the kidney from oxidative stress in diabetic rats treated with insulin and provide evidence for the efficacy of antioxidant treatment in diabetes management. Diabetes was induced by injection of Streptozotocin intraperitoneally in male Wistar rats. Diabetic rats received either insulin, both insulin and Radix Astragali (RA), RA, or no treatment. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in kidney were determined. The changes of blood glucose levels and body weight were monitored. The levels of serum creatinine (Scr) were determined. The expression of PKCα was determined by western blot. NF-κB activation in kidney was assessed using EMSA. Compared to diabetic rats treated with insulin alone, the diabetic rats treated with combination of insulin and RA showed: (1) significantly lower levels of MDA, IL-6, TNF-α, and Scr (p < 0.05); (2) significantly higher SOD and GSH-Px activities (p < 0.05); (3) significantly lower NF-κB activation and lower expression levels of PKCα (p < 0.05); (4) significantly smaller kidney-to-body weight ratio (p < 0.05). RA is an effective agent in lowering oxidative stress in diabetic rats treated with insulin. Antioxidation is beneficial in reducing the risk of kidney damage due to oxidative stress in diabetic patients.

Targeted disruption of Col11a2 produces a mild cartilage phenotype in transgenic mice: comparison with the human disorder otospondylomegaepiphyseal dysplasia (OSMED)

Transgenic mice were prepared by homologous recombination with a Col11a2 targeting gene in which an inverted neomycin-resistant gene was inserted between restriction sites in exons 27 and 28. The targeted allele was transcribed in shortened mRNAs, which could be detected by Northern blotting. However, translation of the full-length Col11a2 chain was unable to occur because of the presence of premature termination codons within the inverted neomycin-resistant gene. Analysis of pepsin-resistant collagen chains from rib cartilage of homozygous mice demonstrated the lack of synthesis of intact alpha2(XI) chains. However, pepsin-resistant collagen chains of either alpha1(XI) or alpha1(V) were still detected on sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Therefore, alpha2(XI) chains are not essential for the assembly of some molecular forms of triple-helical type V/XI collagen. The phenotype was milder than in the cho/cho mouse in which, as the result of mutation, translation of the full-length alpha1(XI) chain fails to occur and the mice die at birth (Li et al., 1995). Homozygous mice without expression of an alpha2(XI) chain had a smaller body size, receding snouts, and deafness. Nasal bones in the homozygous transgenic mice were specifically shorter and dimpled on their external surfaces. Chondrocytes in growth plates of all long bones were markedly disorganized and failed to align in columns. Analysis of growth plates from transgenic mice by in situ hybridization showed expression of alpha1(II) and alpha1(XI) but not of alpha1(I) or alpha1(V) which, in contrast, were expressed in the developing bone and in the bone collar. Expression of alpha1(X) specifically in the hypertrophic cartilage was observed in normal and transgenic mice. No obvious osteoarthritis was observed throughout the life of homozygous mice up to 1 year of age, although minor morphologic anomalies in the articular cartilages were discernible. The mild phenotype is consistent with similar mutations in the COL11A2 gene seen in patients with nonocular Stickler syndrome and some patients with otospondylomegaepiphyseal dysplasia (OSMED), as well as in patients with a nonsyndromic form of deafness called DFNA13.

[Treatment of nonunion of scaphoid bone by transfer of radial periosteal bone flap pedicled with recurrent branch of radial artery]

OBJECTIVE

To introduce the operation method of treatment of nonunion of scaphoid bone by transfer of pedicled radial periosteal bone flap.

METHODS

From Match 1986, 26 cases with old nonunion of scaphoid bone were treated by transfer of radial periosteal bone flap pedicled with recurrent branch of radial artery, the size of bone flap was 1.0 cm x 0.4 cm x 0.5 cm.

RESULTS

All patients with old nonunion of scaphoid bone were healed by first intention, bone union was occurred after 2 to 3 months of operation, and wrist joint almost recovered normal function.

CONCLUSION

It is an effective operation method to treat nonunion of scaphoid bone.

Synthesis of glucosylated 1,2,3-triazole derivatives

A series of potential bioactive compounds, 1-glucosyl-4-heterocyclyl-5-(p-substituted-phenyl)-1,2,3-triazoles , were synthesized. Highly stereoselective products were obtained in good yield. Primary activity screening showed that this type of N-glucosylic compound possessed antitumour and antiviral activities.

Seroprevalence and risk factors of human cysticercosis in a community of Shandong, China

A community-based seroepidemiologic survey on Taenia solium cysticercosis in humans was carried out in Shandong Province, China. Blood specimens from 2,898 residents were collected and examined for anti-cysticercus antibody. Information on demographic and potential risk factors was obtained using a standardized questionnaire. The overall seroprevalence of cysticercosis was 3.2%. Seropositivity tended to increase with age ranging from 1.8% in children under 6 years of age to 5.7% in those over 60 years old. Distance between village residence and the town of the community was negatively associated with seropositivity (Chi-square for trend test p = 0.02). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified four risk factors for cysticercosis infection in the community: defecating indiscriminately (OR = 1.35, 95% CI 1.01-1.81), being unable to identify diseased pork (OR = 4.09, 95% CI 1.53-10.97), raising pigs (OR = 1.36, 95% CI 1.09-1.69), and more than 60 years old (OR = 1.49, 95% CI 1.10-2.02. These findings have implications for developing appropriate strategies for the control of Taenia solium cysticercosis in the community.

Molecular cloning of the alpha 3 chain of human type IX collagen: linkage of the gene COL9A3 to chromosome 20q13.3

Type IX collagen is composed of three polypeptides derived from the human genes COL9A1, COL9A2, and COL9A3 that assemble to form a mature collagen molecule with the structure alpha 1(IX)alpha 2(IX)alpha 3(IX). We have identified overlapping cDNA and genomic clones that encode for the entire alpha 3 chain of human type IX collagen. Tryptic peptides from the human alpha 3(IX) collagen chain were subjected to N-terminal amino acid sequencing, and a stretch of 124 contiguous amino acids that included the NC1, COL1, and NC2 domains was obtained. Degenerate oligonucleotide primers were designed based on the amino acid sequences of the human tryptic peptides as well as bovine peptides and sequences from chicken cDNA clones. These primers were used to amplify three overlapping PCR products that covered the majority of the human alpha 3(IX) collagen. PCR products were then used to identify overlapping cDNA clones from a human chondrocyte library. A lambda genomic clone was identified that contained the 5'-most exon that encodes the signal peptide to complete the entire structure of the human alpha 3(IX) collagen chain. Genomic amplification identified a single-strand conformational polymorphism in COL1 that was used to map COL9A3 to chromosome 20q13.3 by linkage analysis. The present study completes the structure of human type IX collagen, and linkage for COL9A3 completes the genomic mapping of cartilage collagen genes. These data will greatly assist the genetic screening of families with degenerative cartilage and eye diseases by allowing investigators to screen for a complete set of candidate collagen gene markers.

Epidemiological surveillance of filariasis after its control in Shandong Province, China

Shandong Province used to be the highly endemic area of Wuchereria bancrofti. Culex pipiens pallens was the main mosquito vector. After about 30 years of large scale anti-filariasis control campaign, filariasis was controlled throughout the province in 1983. Since then, extensive cross-sectional and consecutive longtitudinal surveillances have been carried out. Parasitological and entomological data indicated that the microfilaremia rate of the human population, and the natural infection rate of mosquito vector kept declining, with many villages dropping to zero; no children under ten were infected. Serological surveillance showed that antifilarial antibody had fallen to the same level as that in non-endemic areas 10-15 years after control. In addition, patients with chronic manifestations were reduced in number. It is suggested that the achievement in filariasis control in Shandong Province is stable: the transmission of filariasis has been interrupted. However, there are still a few residual microfilaremia cases, which may bring about new infection under conditions favorable for transmission. Infectious sources may be introduced by population movements from a neighboring province where filariasis is still endemic at present. Moreover, new cases with chronic manifestations, especially chyluria, continually emerge. So systematic surveillance should be continued and proper control measures must be taken to eventually wipe the disease out of the province.

An analysis by rotary shadowing of the structure of the mammalian vitreous humor and zonular apparatus

An electron microscopic analysis of human and bovine vitreous humor after rotary shadowing showed the presence of both collagen fibrils and an extensive loose network of hyaluronan molecules. No interaction between the collagen fibrils and the hyaluronan molecules was observed under the conditions used for rotary shadowing. Periodic "struts" were present on the surface of the collagen fibrils. These struts showed an organization the same as that previously observed for type IX collagen on the surface of collagen fibrils from chicken cartilage and vitreous. However, the knob of the noncollagenous NC4 domain of cartilage type IX collagen was not observed at the ends of the struts in a manner identical to that of chicken vitreous humor. Zonular fibrils were dissected out from bovine eyes and shown by rotary shadowing to contain a beaded fibril which is similar in morphology to the "elastin-associated" microfibrils of many connective tissues. Experiments in which the zonular fibrils were stretched and fixed prior to rotary shadowing showed that the distance between each bead is variable and can be accounted for by the bowing out of overlapping filaments which connect each bead.