Decreased eggshell strength caused by impairment of uterine calcium transport coincide with higher bone minerals and quality in aged laying hens

BACKGROUND

Deteriorations in eggshell and bone quality are major challenges in aged laying hens. This study compared the differences of eggshell quality, bone parameters and their correlations as well as uterine physiological characteristics and the bone remodeling processes of hens laying eggs of different eggshell breaking strength to explore the mechanism of eggshell and bone quality reduction and their interaction. A total of 240 74-week-old Hy-line Brown laying hens were selected and allocated to a high (HBS, 44.83 ± 1.31 N) or low (LBS, 24.43 ± 0.57 N) eggshell breaking strength group.

RESULTS

A decreased thickness, weight and weight ratio of eggshells were observed in the LBS, accompanied with ultrastructural deterioration and total Ca reduction. Bone quality was negatively correlated with eggshell quality, marked with enhanced structures and increased components in the LBS. In the LBS, the mammillary knobs and effective layer grew slowly. At the initiation stage of eggshell calcification, a total of 130 differentially expressed genes (DEGs, 122 upregulated and 8 downregulated) were identified in the uterus of hens in the LBS relative to those in the HBS. These DEGs were relevant to apoptosis due to the cellular Ca overload. Higher values of p62 protein level, caspase-8 activity, Bax protein expression and lower values of Bcl protein expression and Bcl/Bax ratio were seen in the LBS. TUNEL assay and hematoxylin-eosin staining showed a significant increase in TUNEL-positive cells and tissue damages in the uterus of the LBS. Although few DEGs were identified at the growth stage, similar uterine tissue damages were also observed in the LBS. The expressions of runt-related transcription factor 2 and osteocalcin were upregulated in humeri of the LBS. Enlarged diameter and more structural damages of endocortical bones and decreased ash were observed in femurs of the HBS.

CONCLUSION

The lower eggshell breaking strength may be attributed to a declined Ca transport due to uterine tissue damages, which could affect eggshell calcification and lead to a weak ultrastructure. Impaired uterine Ca transport may result in reduced femoral bone resorption and increased humeral bone formation to maintain a higher mineral and bone quality in the LBS.

Inclusion of guanidinoacetic acid in a low metabolizable energy diet improves broilers growth performance by elevating energy utilization efficiency through modulation serum metabolite profile

This study was aimed to explore the elevating energy utilization efficiency mechanism for the potentially ameliorative effect of guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) addition on growth performance of broilers fed a low metabolizable energy (LME) diet. A total of 576 d old broilers were randomly allocated to one of the six treatments: a basal diet (normal ME, positive control, PC), or an LME diet (50 kcal/kg reduction in ME, negative control, NC) supplemented with 0.02%, 0.04%, 0.06%, and 0.08% GAA from 1 to 42 d of age, respectively. The GAA fortification in LME diet linearly or quadratically dropped (P < 0.05) the feed conversion ratio (FCR) from 22 to 42 and 1 to 42 d of age, abdominal fat rate on day 42, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) on day 21, and serum creatinine (CREAN) on days 21 and 42, elevated (P < 0.05) breast muscle rate and leg muscle rate on day 42, serum creatine kinase (CK) on days 21 and 42, as well as alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) on day 21. The dietary optimal GAA levels were 0.03%-0.08% based on the best-fitted quadratic models (P < 0.03) of the above parameters. Thus, the PC, LME, and 0.04% GAA-LME groups were selected for further analysis. Serum essential amino acids (EAA) tryptophan, histidine and arginine, non-essential amino acids (NEEA) serine, glutamine and aspartic acid were significantly decreased (P < 0.05), compared to PC diet by LME or 0.04% GAA-LME diet. 0.04% GAA-LME group reversed (P < 0.05) the reduction of arginine, 3-methyhistidine, and 1-methylhistidine by LME diet. Besides, six birds at 28 d of age from LME and 0.04% GAA-LME groups were selected for energy utilization observation in calorimetry chambers. The results demonstrated that 0.04% GAA-LME group significantly improved (P < 0.05) the ME intake (MEI) and net energy (NE) compared to the LME diet. Overall, these findings suggest that 0.04% GAA is the ideal dose of broilers fed the LME diet, which can significantly improve the growth performance and carcass characteristics by modulation of creatine metabolism through elevating serum CK activity and arginine concentration.

Biophysiology of in ovo administered bioactive substances to improve gastrointestinal tract development, mucosal immunity, and microbiota in broiler chicks

Early embryonic exogenous feeding of bioactive substances is a topic of interest in poultry production, potentially improving gastrointestinal tract (GIT) development, stimulating immunization, and maximizing the protection capability of newly hatched chicks. However, the biophysiological actions and effects of in ovo administered bioactive substances are inconsistent or not fully understood. Thus, this paper summarizes the functional effects of bioactive substances and their interaction merits to augment GIT development, the immune system, and microbial homeostasis in newly hatched chicks. Prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics are potential bioactive substances that have been administered in embryonic eggs. Their biological effects are enhanced by a variety of mechanisms, including the production of antimicrobial peptides and antibiotic responses, regulation of T lymphocyte numbers and immune-related genes in either up- or downregulation fashion, and enhancement of macrophage phagocytic capacity. These actions occur directly through the interaction with immune cell receptors, stimulation of endocytosis, and phagocytosis. The underlying mechanisms of bioactive substance activity are multifaceted, enhancing GIT development, and improving both the innate and adaptive immune systems. Thus summarizing these modes of action of prebiotics, probiotics and synbiotics can result in more informed decisions and also provides baseline for further research.

Uterine microbial communities and their potential role in the regulation of epithelium cell cycle and apoptosis in aged hens

BACKGROUND

Alterations of the uterine microbiome are closely associated with various intrauterine diseases and physiological conditions, which are well-established in mammals. However, as representative oviparous animals, the research on the uterine microbial ecosystem and its functions with physiological homeostasis is limited in chickens. Additionally, continuous egg-laying disrupts the oviducal immune defenses of aged hens, susceptible to pathogen invasion, causing poor egg quality and food-borne infections in humans. Here, we investigated aging-related changes in the oviduct microbial colonization and transmission from the gut to eggs and their roles in a hen model.

RESULTS

The results of 16S rDNA sequencing showed significant differences in the oviduct microbial composition between young (38 weeks) and aged (77 weeks) laying hens. SourceTracker analysis further revealed differences in the effects of microbial transmission on the oviducal microbiota between young and aged hens. Enhanced barrier defense with cell apoptosis suppression and cell cycle arrest of the uterus were observed in aged hens reducing microbial transmission from the lower to upper reproductive tract. In addition, a total of 361 significantly differential metabolites were identified using metabolomics in the aged uterine microbiota, especially in products of amino acid metabolism and biosynthesis of various secondary metabolites, which might have essential effects on cell apoptosis by regulating immune responses and cell cycle. Notably, antibiotics disrupted uterine microbiota by dietary intervention and direct perfusion did not retard aging-related physiological changes but further aggravated aging processes by disrupting the cell cycle and apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The microbiota continuum along the reproductive tract in aged birds differs from that in young birds, especially with a significant shift in the uterus. The aged uterine microbiota probably contributes to the regulation of cell cycle and apoptosis by microbial metabolites primarily involved in amino acid metabolism and biosynthesis of various secondary metabolites. These findings provide new insights into the roles of the reproductive tract microbiota in regulating the cell programming of the aged host, contributing to the exploration of the microbiome as a target for diagnosing aging health status and therapy for gynecological diseases in women. Video Abstract.

Improvement in growth performance and digestive function from amniotic injections of N-acetylglutamate in broiler chickens

BACKGROUND

N-acetylglutamate (NAG) is the initial and essectial substrate in the process of de novo arginine synthesis, plays an important role in intestinal development. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of in ovo feeding of NAG, 1.5 mg/egg at 17.5 days of incubation (DOI) via amnion, on hatching performance, early intestinal histomorphometry, jejunal barrier, digestive function, and growth performance of broiler chickens between 1 and 14 days of age.

RESULTS

Amniotic injection of NAG had no significant effect on hatching characteristics compared with the non-injected control group (NC group). Birds in the NAG solution-injected group (NAG group) exhibited lower average daily feed intake and better feed efficiency during a period of 1-14 days. In comparison with the NC group, the NAG group had decreased crypt depth (CD) in the ileum and increased villus height (VH) / CD in the jejunum at 7 days, and decreased CD in duodenum and significantly increased VH in the jejunum at 14 days. However, the effects of in ovo supplementation with NAG on the density of goblet cells, and gene expression of mucin 2 and alkaline phosphatase were not significant. Chicks in the NAG group had a significantly higher mRNA expression level of trypsin and maltase in jejunum at 7 days than the NC group but not at 14 days.

CONCLUSION

Amniotic injections of NAG (1.5 mg/egg) at 17.5 DOI could improve early growth performance of broilers during 1-14 days after hatching by accelerating the development of the intestine and enhancing jejunal digestive function. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Recent Trends on Mitigative Effect of Probiotics on Oxidative-Stress-Induced Gut Dysfunction in Broilers under Necrotic Enteritis Challenge: A Review

Gut health includes normal intestinal physiology, complete intestinal epithelial barrier, efficient immune response, sustained inflammatory balance, healthy microbiota, high nutrient absorption efficiency, nutrient metabolism, and energy balance. One of the diseases that causes severe economic losses to farmers is necrotic enteritis, which occurs primarily in the gut and is associated with high mortality rate. Necrotic enteritis (NE) primarily damages the intestinal mucosa, thereby inducing intestinal inflammation and high immune response which diverts nutrients and energy needed for growth to response mediated effects. In the era of antibiotic ban, dietary interventions like microbial therapy (probiotics) to reduce inflammation, paracellular permeability, and promote gut homeostasis may be the best way to reduce broiler production losses. The current review highlights the severity effects of NE; intestinal inflammation, gut lesions, alteration of gut microbiota balance, cell apoptosis, reduced growth performance, and death. These negative effects are consequences of; disrupted intestinal barrier function and villi development, altered expression of tight junction proteins and protein structure, increased translocation of endotoxins and excessive stimulation of proinflammatory cytokines. We further explored the mechanisms by which probiotics mitigate NE challenge and restore the gut integrity of birds under disease stress; synthesis of metabolites and bacteriocins, competitive exclusion of pathogens, upregulation of tight junction proteins and adhesion molecules, increased secretion of intestinal secretory immunoglobulins and enzymes, reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines and immune response and the increased production of anti-inflammatory cytokines and immune boost via the modulation of the TLR/NF-ĸ pathway. Furthermore, increased beneficial microbes in the gut microbiome improve nutrient utilization, host immunity, and energy metabolism. Probiotics along with biosecurity measures could mitigate the adverse effects of NE in broiler production.

Glycosylated proteins with abnormal glycosylation changes are potential biomarkers for early diagnosis of breast cancer

Conventional cancer management relies on tumor type and stage for diagnosis and treatment, which leads to recurrence and metastasis and death in young women. Early detection of proteins in the serum aids diagnosis, progression, and clinical outcomes, possibly improving survival rate of breast cancer patients. In this review, we provided an insight into the influence of aberrant glycosylation on breast cancer development and progression. Examined literatures revealed that mechanisms underlying glycosylation moieties alteration could enhance early detection, monitoring, and therapeutic efficacy in breast cancer patients. This would serve as a guide for the development of new serum biomarkers with higher sensitivity and specificity, providing possible serological biomarkers for breast cancer diagnosis, progression, and treatment.

Potential Feed Additives as Antibiotic Alternatives in Broiler Production

This article aimed to describe the current use scenario, alternative feed additives, modes of action and ameliorative effects in broiler production. Alternative feed additives have promising importance in broiler production due to the ban on the use of certain antibiotics. The most used antibiotic alternatives in broiler production are phytogenics, organic acids, prebiotics, probiotics, enzymes, and their derivatives. Antibiotic alternatives have been reported to increase feed intake, stimulate digestion, improve feed efficiency, increase growth performance, and reduce the incidence of diseases by modulating the intestinal microbiota and immune system, inhibiting pathogens, and improving intestinal integrity. Simply, the gut microbiota is the target to raise the health benefits and growth-promoting effects of feed additives on broilers. Therefore, naturally available feed additives are promising antibiotic alternatives for broilers. Then, summarizing the category, mode of action, and ameliorative effects of potential antibiotic alternatives on broiler production may provide more informed decisions for broiler nutritionists, researchers, feed manufacturers, and producers.

The Evaluation of UPro as a New Nutrient on High-Quality Egg Production From the Perspective of Egg Properties, Intestinal Histomorphology, and Oviduct Function of Laying Hens

This study was to investigate the effects of UPro as a new nutritive fortifier on high-quality egg production from the perspective of egg properties, intestinal histomorphology, and oviduct function of laying hens. Four hundred thirty-two Hy-Line Brown laying hens aged 56 weeks were allocated to four groups. Layers were given a basal diet or supplemented with different levels of small peptides (0.2, 0.4, and 0.8%) to replace soybean meal. After 1-week adaptation period, the feeding trial was conducted for 12 weeks. The results showed that UPro addition significantly decreased (P < 0.05) the hardness, stickiness, and chewiness of albumen of layers on weeks 12. A linear elevation (P < 0.05) in the albumen height, Haugh unit (HU), and crude protein content of albumen of layers were noted on week 12 along with dietary UPro addition increasing, and the villus height (VH) and villus height-to-crypt depth radio (VCR) of jejunum also linearly increasing (P < 0.05). In addition, there were linear elevations (P < 0.05) in the relative mRNA expression of Sec23 homolog A (Sec23A) and protein-O-mannosyltransferase1 (POMT1) in layers as dietary UPro addition increased. In conclusion, dietary UPro addition could improve intestinal health, increase the absorption of nutrients, and improve egg quality of laying hens. The possible mechanism underlying UPro improving the quality and processing characteristics of albumen is up-regulating Sec23A and POMT1 expression of magnum. These findings will promote the application of UPro as a new nutritional additive in the production of high-quality eggs.

Influences of Beta-Alanine and l-Histidine Supplementation on Growth Performance, Meat Quality, Carnosine Content, and mRNA Expression of Carnosine-Related Enzymes in Broilers

Simple Summary

In recent years, much attention has been paid to developing functional meat, which contains more functional peptides to impart health benefits. Poultry meat is a good source of imidazole dipeptides (carnosine and its derivative anserine), which are active endogenous constituents and may convey versatile physiological functions to promote health conditions. Carnosine is synthesized from l-histidine and beta-alanine. Dietary addition of histidine and/or beta-alanine may elevate the carnosine content in broiler meat. The current study further investigated the interaction of l-histidine and beta-alanine supplementation on carnosine content, meat quality, and gene expression of carnosine-related enzymes in broilers, which can facilitate a better understanding of the relationship between l-histidine and beta-alanine in carnosine synthesis.

Abstract

The current study investigated the effect of dietary l-histidine and beta-alanine supplementation on growth performance, meat quality, carnosine content, and gene expression of carnosine-related enzymes in broilers. A two-factor design was adopted in this study. A total of 640 1-day-old male broilers were assigned to eight treatments with factorial arrangement containing four levels of l-histidine (0, 650, 1300, or 1950 mg/kg) and two levels of beta-alanine (0 or 1200 mg/kg) supplementation; 0 mg/kg histidine and/or 0 mg/kg were treated as control groups. Each treatment including eight replicates with 10 birds each and the feeding trial lasted for 42 days. Dietary supplementation with l-histidine and beta-alanine did not affect average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of broilers during the grower (22–42 days) and the entire phase (1–42 days), compared with the control group (p > 0.05). The only exception was a significantly reduced ADG in the 1950 mg/kg l-histidine group in the starter period (1–21 days, p < 0.05). l-Histidine at 1950 mg/kg significantly decreased redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) values of the meat at 45 min postmortem (p < 0.05), whereas it increased b* value and pH in breast muscle at 24 h postmortem. Moreover, dietary supplementation with beta-alanine alone or combination with l-histidine significantly increased ΔpH in breast muscle (p < 0.01). Dietary l-histidine markedly increased total superoxide dismutase activity and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) both in breast muscle (p < 0.01) and in plasma (p < 0.01), and it decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in breast muscle (p < 0.01). Dietary addition of beta-alanine, alone or combination, significantly increased T-AOC in breast muscle (p < 0.01) and markedly decreased MDA content both in breast muscle and in plasma (p < 0.01). Addition of l-histidine and beta-alanine significantly increased muscle peptide (carnosine and anserine) content (p < 0.05) and upregulated the expression of carnosine synthase, transporter of carnosine/ l-histidine, and l-histidine decarboxylase genes (p < 0.05), with greater change occurring in the combination group of 1300 mg/kg l-histidine and 1200 mg/kg beta-alanine. Overall, dietary l-histidine and beta-alanine could improve meat quality and antioxidant capacity, enhance the carnosine and anserine content, and upregulate the gene expression of carnosine synthesis-related enzymes in broilers.

Dietary oregano essential oil supplementation improves intestinal functions and alters gut microbiota in late-phase laying hens

BACKGROUND

Dietary essential oil (EO) supplementation can exert favorable effects on gut health in broilers. However, it is unknown whether EO could improve intestinal functions, consequently beneficial for egg performance and quality in late-phase laying hens. This study was aimed to investigate the potential effects of EO on production performance, egg quality, intestinal health and ileal microbiota of hens in the late phase of production. A total of 288 60-week-old Hy-line Brown laying hens were randomly divided into 4 groups and fed a basal diet (control) or basal diets supplemented with oregano EO at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg (EO100, EO200 and EO400).

RESULTS

Dietary EO supplementation resulted in a quadratic decrease (P < 0.05) in feed conversion ratio with lower (P < 0.05) feed conversion ratio in EO200 group than the control during weeks 9-12 and 1-12 of the trial. Compared to the control, EO addition resulted in higher (P < 0.05) eggshell thickness at the end of week. 4, 8 and 12 and higher (P < 0.05) chymotrypsin activity. There was a quadratic elevation (P < 0.05) in ileal chymotrypsin and lipase activity, along with a linear increase in villus height to crypt depth ratio. Quadratic declines (P < 0.05) in mRNA expression of IL-1β, TNF-α, IFN-γ and TLR-4, concurrent with a linear and quadratic increase (P < 0.05) in ZO-1 expression were identified in the ileum with EO addition. These favorable effects were maximized at medium dosage (200 mg/kg) of EO addition and intestinal microbial composition in the control and EO200 groups were assessed. Dietary EO addition increased (P < 0.05) the abundances of Burkholderiales, Actinobacteria, Bifidobacteriales, Enterococcaceae and Bacillaceae, whereas decreased Shigella abundance in the ileum.

CONCLUSIONS

Dietary EO addition could enhance digestive enzyme activity, improve gut morphology, epithelial barrier functions and modulate mucosal immune status by altering microbial composition, thus favoring feed efficiency and eggshell quality of late-phase laying hens.

Dietary supplemental xylooligosaccharide modulates nutrient digestibility, intestinal morphology, and gut microbiota in laying hens

This study was conducted to evaluate the prebiotic effects of dietary xylooligosaccharide (XOS) supplementation on performance, nutrient digestibility, intestinal morphology, and gut microbiota in laying hens. In a 12-wk experiment, a total of 288 Hy-Line Brown layers at 50 wk of age were randomly assigned into 3 dietary treatments supplemented with XOS at 0, 200 or 400 mg/kg. Each treatment had 8 replicates with 12 birds each. Hens fed XOS diets showed a lower feed-to-egg ratio during wk 7 to 12 and a higher egg yolk color value in wk 12 compared with those fed the control diet (P < 0.05). Dietary XOS supplementation improved the apparent total tract digestibility of gross energy and nitrogen at the end of the 12th wk (P < 0.05). In addition, a higher villus height-to-crypt depth ratio of the ileum was observed in XOS-added groups (P < 0.05). The high throughput sequencing analysis of bacterial 16S rRNA revealed that dietary XOS supplementation at 200 mg/kg altered cecal microbiota. Alpha diversity analysis illustrated a higher cecal bacterial richness in birds fed with XOS at 200 mg/kg. The composition of cecal microbiota modulated by the XOS addition was characterized by an increased abundance of Firmicutes along with a reduced abundance of Bacteroidetes. At the genus level, dietary XOS supplementation triggered decreases in Bacteroides and Campylobacter concurrent with increases in Lactobacillus and several short chain fatty acid producers including Desulfovibrio, Faecalitalea, Faecalicoccus, and 5 genera of family Lachnospiraceae. Collectively, dietary XOS addition improved the feed conversion ratio by modulating nutrient digestibility and ileal morphology in laying hens, which could be attributed to the enhancement of bacterial diversity and alteration of microbial composition.

Effects of in ovo feeding of N-acetyl-L-glutamate on early intestinal development and growth performance in broiler chickens

The present study determined the effects of in ovo feeding (IOF) of N-acetyl-L-glutamate (NAG) on early intestinal development and growth performance of broilers. A total of 702 fertile broiler eggs were randomly divided into 3 treatments: 1) non-punctured control group, 2) saline-injected control group, and 3) NAG solution-injected group (1.5 mg/egg). At 17.5 D of incubation, 300 μL of each solution was injected into each egg of injected groups. Results indicated that the hatchability and healthy chicken rate were not affected by NAG injection (P > 0.05). Chicks from NAG solution-injected group had significantly decreased average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio during 1-14 D than those in the non-punctured control group (P < 0.05). Compared with the non-punctured control group, IOF of NAG significantly increased the density of goblet cells in jejunum at hatch, duodenum at 7 D, and ileum at 14 D; decreased crypt depth in jejunum at hatch; and increased villus height in duodenum and jejunum and villus height:crypt depth ratio in duodenum at 7 D (P < 0.05). The intestinal mRNA expression of Na⁺-dependent neutral amino acid transporter, peptide transporter, and excitatory amino acid transporter 3 did not differ between groups at 7 or 14 D. However, the mRNA expression level of rBAT in jejunum significantly increased in the NAG solution-injected group than in the non-punctured control group at 7 D (P < 0.05). In conclusion, IOF of NAG (1.5 mg/egg) accelerated the early intestinal development by enhancing intestinal immune and absorption function, thereby positively affecting the feed efficiency for the first 2 wk post-hatch.

Supplemental Bacillus subtilis DSM 32315 manipulates intestinal structure and microbial composition in broiler chickens

Knowledge about the modulation of gut microbiota improves our understanding of the underlying mechanism by which probiotic treatment benefits the chickens. This study examined the effects of Bacillus subtilis DSM 32315 on intestinal structure and microbial composition in broilers. Broiler chicks were fed basal diets without or with B. subtilis supplementation (1.0 × 10⁹ spores/kg of diet). Supplemental B. subtilis increased average body weight and average daily gain, as well as elevated villus height and villus height to crypt depth ratio of ileum in broilers. Multi-dimension analysis showed a certain degree of separation between the cecal microbiota from treatment and control groups. Increased Firmicutes abundance and reduced Bacteroidetes abundance in cecum were observed responded to B. subtilis addition, which also increased the abundances of Christensenellaceae and Caulobacteraceae, and simultaneously decreased the abundances of potentially harmful bacteria such as Vampirovibrio, Escherichia/Shigella and Parabacteroides. Network analysis signified that B. subtilis addition improved the interaction pattern within cecal microbiota of broilers, however, it exerted little influence on the metabolic pathways of cecal microbiota by comparison of the functional prediction of metagenomes. In conclusion, supplemental B. subtilis DSM 32315 improved growth performance and intestinal structure of broilers, which could be at least partially responsible by the manipulation of cecal microbial composition.

Gas stunning with CO2 affected meat color, lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress, and gene expression of mitogen-activated protein kinases, glutathione S-transferases, and Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase in the skeletal muscles of broilers

BACKGROUND

Meat color and lipid peroxidation are important traits related to meat quality. CO2 concentration is a critical factor that can affect meat quality in the commercial use of gas stunning (GS). However, the effect and mechanism of CO2 stunning on meat color and lipid peroxidation during long-term storage remain poorly studied. We aimed to study the effects of GS methods, especially CO2 concentration, on meat color and meat lipid peroxidation in broilers during long-term storage at 4 °C and to explore the potential mechanism of meat color change via lipid peroxidation and the inner lipid peroxide scavenging system.

METHODS

Eighteen broilers were sacrificed after exposure to one of the following gas mixtures for 90 s: 40% CO2 + 21% O2 + 39% N2 (G40%), 79% CO2 + 21% O2 (G79%), or no stunning (0% CO2, control). Meat color, serum variables, enzyme activities, and the gene expression of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were determined.

RESULTS

The concentrations of serum triiodothyronine (T3, P = 0.03) and the ratio of serum free triiodothyronine/free thyroxine (FT3/FT4, P <  0.01) were decreased, whereas levels of serum cortisol (P <  0.01) were increased in the 40% CO2 group compared with the control group. Additionally, the thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) 3 d (P <  0.01) and TBARS 6 d (P = 0.01) in breast meat and the TBARS 3 d in thigh meat (P <  0.01) were increased in the 40% CO2 group compared with the control group. Serum T3 was negatively correlated with TBARS6 d both in the breast and thigh meat (r = - 0.63, P <  0.01 and r = - 0.47, P = 0.05 respectively). T3/T4 was negatively correlated with TBARS6 d in the breast meat and in the thigh meat (r = - 0.57, P = 0.01; and r = - 0.53, P = 0.03 respectively). Compared with the control group, Lightness (L*) 1 d (P = 0.03) and L*9 d (P < 0.01) were increased, whereas total chromatic aberration (E*) 1 d (P = 0.05) and E*3 d (P < 0.01) were decreased in the breast meat of both the G40% and G79% groups. The values of yellowness (b*) 3 d (P = 0.01), b*6 d (P < 0.01) and E*6 d (P < 0.01) in the thigh meat were lower in both the G40% and G79% groups than in the control group. In the breast muscle, the mRNA levels of c-Jun N-terminal kinase 2 (JNK2, P = 0.03), GSTT1 (P = 0.04), and SOD1 (P = 0.05) were decreased, and the mRNA levels of JNK1 (P = 0.07), Nrf2 (P = 0.09), and GSTA3 (P = 0.06) were slightly lower in both the G40% and G79% groups compared with the control group. However, among these genes, only the mRNA level of JNK1 was decreased in the G40% group compared with the control group and the G79% group (P = 0.03) in the thigh muscle.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with the control group, meat color quality in the breast meat was decreased, and the expression of genes in the MAPK/Nrf2/ARE (antioxidant responsive element) antioxidant pathway in breast muscle was partly suppressed by GS of both 40% and 79% CO2. However, oxidative stress and meat lipid peroxidation during storage were aggravated by GS with 40% CO2 compared to GS with 79% CO2 and no GS.

Proteomic comparison by iTRAQ combined with mass spectrometry of egg white proteins in laying hens (Gallus gallus) fed with soybean meal and cottonseed meal

Cottonseed meal (CSM) is commonly used in hens' diets to replace soybean meal (SBM). However, the molecular consequences of this substitution remains unclear. To investigate the impact of this substitution at the molecular level, iTRAQ combined with biochemical analysis was performed in Hy-Line W-36 hens supplemented with a mixed diet of CSM and SBM. Egg weight, albumen height, and Haugh unit were significantly reduced in the CSM100 group (100% crude protein of SBM replaced by CSM) compared with the SBM group (P<0.05). A total of 15 proteins, accounting for 75% of egg white proteins with various biological functions of egg whites, were found to be reduced. This finding may relate to the decrease of albumen quality in the CSM100 group. Oviduct magnum morphology and hormone analysis indicated that a reduced level of plasma progesterone caused reduced growth of the tubular gland and epithelial cells in the magnum, further decreasing egg white protein synthesis in the magnum. These findings help demonstrate the molecular mechanisms of a CSM diet that cause adverse effects on albumen quality, while also showing that SBM should not be totally replaced with CSM in a hen diet.

Nutritional modulation of health, egg quality and environmental pollution of the layers

World egg production and consumption have been increasing for the past decades. Traditional strategies in poultry nutrition have made vital contributions to this great growth in quantity. However, current global issues should be considered in modern egg production such as growing populations and food security, food safety and quality, limited resources and environmental problems. The development of knowledge of poultry nutrition and modern biotechnology provides novel nutritional approaches to closely fit the requirement of pullets and laying hens, which will consequently decrease the nutrition excretion and maintain the lower cost of feed. Nutrition has also been widely accepted as a strategy to influence health and diseases of laying hens. The maintenance of good health is an important prerequisite for improving productivity and egg quality. In addition, there are many measures and strategies for minimizing the incidence of egg defects and providing a choice of lifestyle to enhance human health. This paper reviews current research progress on developing innovative technologies and strategies to maximize animal health and performance, improve the quality of egg products and minimize pollution caused by poultry production.

Effect of dietary protein sources on production performance, egg quality, and plasma parameters of laying hens

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary protein sources (soybean meal, SBM; low-gossypol cottonseed meal, LCSM; double-zero rapeseed meal, DRM) on laying performance, egg quality, and plasma parameters of laying hens.

METHODS

A total of 432 32-wk-old laying hens were randomly divided into 6 treatments with 6 replicates of 12 birds each. The birds were fed diets containing SBM, LCSM100, or DRM100 individually or in combination with an equal amount of crude protein (CP) (LCSM50, DRM50, and LCSM50-DRM50). The experimental diets, which were isocaloric (metabolizable energy, 11.11 MJ/kg) and isonitrogenous (CP, 16.5%), had similar digestible amino acid profile. The feeding trial lasted 12 weeks.

RESULTS

The daily egg mass was decreased in the LCSM100 and LCSM50-DRM50 groups (p<0.05) in weeks 41 to 44. The LCSM50 group did not affect egg production compared to the SBM group in weeks 41 to 44 (p>0.05) and showed increased yolk color at the end of the trial (p<0.05). Compared to the SBM group, the LCSM100 and LCSM50-DRM50 groups showed decreased albumen weight (p<0.05), CP weight in the albumen (p<0.05) and CP weight in the whole egg (p<0.05) at 44 weeks. Plasma total protein (TP) levels were lower in the LCSM100 group than in the SBM group at 44 weeks (p<0.05); however, TP, albumin, and globulin levels were not significantly different between the LCSM50 group and the SBM group or between the DRM50 group and the SBM group (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

Together, our results suggest that the LCSM100 or DRM100 diets may produce the adverse effects on laying performance and egg quality after feeding for 8 more weeks. The 100.0 g/kg LCSM diet or the148.7 g/kg DRM diet has no adverse effects on laying performance and egg quality.

Genetic Variant in Flavin-Containing Monooxygenase 3 Alters Lipid Metabolism in Laying Hens in a Diet-Specific Manner

Genetic variant T329S in flavin-containing monooxygenase 3 (FMO3) impairs trimethylamine (TMA) metabolism in birds. The TMA metabolism that under complex genetic and dietary regulation, closely linked to cardiovascular disease risk. We determined whether the genetic defects in TMA metabolism may change other metabolic traits in birds, determined whether the genetic effects depend on diets, and to identify genes or gene pathways that underlie the metabolic alteration induced by genetic and diet factors. We used hens genotyped as FMO3 c.984 A>T as well as those with the homozygous normal genotype. For each genotype, hens were provided with either a corn-soybean meal basal diets (SM), which contains lower levels of TMA precursor, or the basal diets supplemented with 21% of rapeseed meal (RM), which contains higher levels of TMA precursor. An integrative analysis of metabolomic and transcriptomic was used to explore the metabolic patterns of FMO3 genetic variant in hens that were fed the two defined diets. In birds that consumed SM diets, the T329S mutation increased levels of plasma TMA and lipids, FMO3 mRNA levels, and the expression of genes involved in long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis. In birds that consumed RM diets, the T329S mutation induced fishy odor syndrome, a repression in LXR pathway and a reciprocal change in lipid metabolism. Variations in TMA and lipid metabolism were linked to the genetic variant in FMO3 in a diet-specific manner, which suggest FMO3 functions in TMA metabolism and lipid homeostasis. LXR pathway and polyunsaturated fatty acid metabolism are two possible mechanisms of FMO3 action in response to dietary TMA precursor.

Effect of different luteal support schemes on clinical outcome in frozen-thawed embryos transfer cycles

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical outcome of frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) when using different luteal support schemes.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of FET cycles was performed from June 2013 and December 2013. Infertile women, who underwent FET cycles utilizing embryos cryopreserved on day 3 post-insemination following an initial fresh IVF cycle. Patients were divided into three groups according to the luteal support scheme. Grade A (oral administration of progesterone, n=156), Group B (vaginal administration of progesterone, n=345), Group C (dissolved progesterone in oil with intramuscular infection, n=885), and group C was divided into two subgroups according to with (subgroup Cl, n=521) or without (subgroup C2 ,n=364) human chorionic gonadotrophi (hCG) injected intramuscularly. The authors compared patients' characteristics and the pregnancy outcomes of each group.

RESULTS

There was no difference in the patient characteristics of each group. There was no difference in the implantation rate or clinical and ongoing pregnancy rate among oral, vaginal, and intramuscular progesterone groups. The abortion and ectopic pregnancy rates were not significantly different among the three groups.

CONCLUSION

Oral progesterone in the FET cycles is convenient and has similar pregnancy outcomes compared with intramuscular or vaginal administration.

Effect of dietary protein sources and storage temperatures on egg internal quality of stored shell eggs

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of various protein sources (soybean meal, SBM; cottonseed protein, CSP; double-zero rapeseed meal, DRM) on the internal quality (Haugh unit, yolk index, albumen pH, yolk hardness and yolk springiness) of eggs when stored at either 4 or 28°C for 28 d. A total of 288 laying hens (32 wk of age) were randomly allotted to 6 treatment groups (4 replicates per treatment) and fed diets containing SBM, CSP, or DRM individually or in combination with equal crude protein content (SBM-CSP, SBM-DRM, and CSP-DRM) as the protein ingredient(s). A 6 × 2 factorial arrangement was employed with dietary types and storage temperatures (4 and 28°C) as the main effects. After 12 wk of diet feeding, a total of 216 eggs was collected for egg internal quality determination. The results showed as follows: 1) lower egg quality was observed in the DRM group compared with the other groups when stored at 4 and 28°C for 28 d (P < 0.05), while there was no difference in egg internal quality among the other groups. 2) The CSP diet resulted in higher yolk hardness compared with the other diets when eggs were stored at 4°C for 28 d (P < 0.05). Lower Haugh unit was observed in the DRM and SBM-DRM groups compared with the other groups when eggs were stored for 28 d at 4°C (P < 0.05). 3) Yolk breakage occurred in the DRM group and eggs could not be analyzed for egg internal quality when stored at 28°C for 28 d. The overall results indicated that CSP or DRM as the sole dietary protein source for laying hens may adversely affect the internal quality of stored eggs as compared with the SBM diet, and half replacement of CSP combined with SBM may maintain similar egg quality to SBM diet alone for eggs stored under refrigerated conditions.

Effects of octacosanol extracted from rice bran on blood hormone levels and gene expressions of glucose transporter protein-4 and adenosine monophosphate protein kinase in weaning piglets

The object of this study was to explore the regulatory mechanism of octacosanol to the body of animals and the effects of octacosanol on blood hormone levels and gene expressions of glucose transporter protein (GLUT-4) and adenosine monophosphate protein kinase (AMPK) in liver and muscle tissue of weaning piglets. A total of 105 crossbred piglets ([Yorkshire × Landrace] × Duroc) with an initial BW of 5.70 ± 1.41 kg (21 d of age) were used in a 6-wk trial to evaluate the effects of octacosanol and tiamulin supplementation on contents of triiodothyronine (T₃), thyroxine (T₄), growth hormone (GH), glucagon (GU) and adrenaline (AD) in blood and gene expressions of GLUT-4 and AMPK in liver and muscle. Piglets were randomly distributed into 3 dietary treatments on the basis of BW and sex. Each treatment had 7 replicate pens with 5 piglets per pen. Treatments were as followed: control group, tiamulin group and octacosanol group. The results showed that compared with control group and tiamulin group, octacosanol greatly promoted the secretion of T₃, GH, GU and AD (P < 0.01) and significantly up-regulated the gene expressions of GLUT-4 and AMPK in muscle and liver tissues (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the control group and tiamulin group in T₃, T₄, GH, GU or AD (P > 0.05). Results of the present study has confirmed that octacosanol affects energy metabolism of body by regulating secretion of blood hormones and related gene expression in tissue of weaning piglets, which can reduce stress response and has an impact on performance.

CO₂ sorption kinetics of scaled-up polyethylenimine-functionalized mesoporous silica sorbent

Two CO2 solid sorbents based on polyethylenimine, PEI (M(n) ∼ 423 and 10K), impregnated into mesoporous silica (MPS) foam prepared in kilogram quantities via a scale-up process were synthesized and systematically characterized by a range of analytical and surface techniques. The mesoporous silica sorbent impregnated with lower molecular weight PEI, PEI-423/MPS, showed higher capacity toward CO2 sorption than the sorbent functionalized with the higher molecular weight PEI (PEI-10K/MPS). On the other hand, PEI-10K/MPS exhibited higher thermal stability than PEI-423/MPS. The kinetics of CO2 adsorption on both PEI/MPS fitted well with a double-exponential model. According to this model CO2 adsorption can be divided into two steps: the first is fast and is attributed to CO2 adsorption on the sorbent surface; the second is slower and can be related to the diffusion of CO2 within and between the mesoporous particles. In contrast, the desorption process obeyed first-order kinetics with activation energies of 64.3 and 140.7 kJ mol(-1) for PEI-423/MPS and PEI-10K/MPS, respectively. These studies suggest that the selection of amine is critical as it affects not only sorbent capacity and stability but also the energy penalty associated with sorbent regeneration.

Bio-inspired laminated graphite nanosheets/copper composites

Bio-inspired laminated graphite nanosheets/copper composites with modified mechanical properties.

Enhanced performance configuration for fast-switching deformed helix ferroelectric liquid crystal continuous tunable Lyot filter

In this paper, we present a novel design configuration of double DHFLC wave plate continuous tunable Lyot filter, which exhibits a rapid response time of 185 μs, while the high-contrast ratio between the passband and stop band is maintained throughout a wide tunable range. A DHFLC tunable filter with a high-contrast ratio is attractive for realizing high-speed optical processing devices, such as multispectral and hyperspectral imaging systems, real-time remote sensing, field sequential color display, and wavelength demultiplexing in the metro network. In this work, an experimental prototype for a single-stage DHFLC Lyot filter of this design has been fabricated using photoalignment technology. We have demonstrated that the filter has a continuous tunable range of 30 nm for a blue wavelength, 45 nm for a green wavelength, and more than 50 nm for a red wavelength when the applied voltage gradually increases from 0 to 8 V. Within this tunable range, the contrast ratio of the proposed double wave plate configuration is maintained above 20 with small deviation in the transmittance level. Simulation and experimental results showed the proposed double DHFLC wave plate configuration enhances the contrast ratio of the tunable filter and, thus, increases the tunable range of the filter when compared with the Lyot filter using a single DHFLC wave plate. Moreover, we have proposed a polarization insensitive configuration for which the efficiency of the existing prototype can theoretically be doubled by the use of polarization beam splitters.

Effects of dietary conjugated linoleic acids on lipid metabolism and antioxidant capacity in laying hens

To examine the effects of dietary conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) on lipid metabolism and antioxidant capacity in laying hens, Hy-Line Brown layers (n = 384, 52 weeks old) were randomly allocated to one of four dietary treatments. Each treatment had six replicates of 16 hens each. All birds were assigned to a corn-soybean meal-based diet containing a mixture of CLA at 0%, 1%, 2% or 4% for six weeks. With increasing dietary CLA, egg weight and feed intake decreased, and yolk colour was darkened. Feed efficiency was improved at 1% and 2% dietary CLA. Serum triglyceride concentration was significantly reduced by CLA in a dose dependent manner. A linear decrease in total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and an increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were observed after CLA supplementation. With increasing dietary CLA, the deposition of two major isomers of CLA (c9, t11; t10, c12) in yolk lipids increased linearly, the proportion of saturated fatty acids increased and monounsaturated fatty acids decreased significantly. The proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids was highest at 1% CLA. Compared to the control, CLA supplementation significantly increased the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, inhibited hydroxyl radicals and superoxide anion production, and decreased the malonaldehyde concentrations in both serum and liver. The results demonstrated that dietary CLA meliorated serum lipid profiles and enhanced the antioxidant capacity of laying hens.

Proinflammatory protein CARD9 is essential for infiltration of monocytic fibroblast precursors and cardiac fibrosis caused by Angiotensin II infusion

Background

Angiotensin II (Ang II)–induced cardiac remodeling with the underlying mechanisms involving inflammation and fibrosis has been well documented. Cytosolic adaptor caspase recruitment domain 9 (CARD9) has been implicated in the innate immune response. We aimed to examine the role of CARD9 in inflammation and cardiac fibrosis induced by Ang II.

Methods

Two-month-old CARD9-deficient (CARD9^−/−) and wild-type (WT) male mice were infused with Ang II (1,500 ng/kg/min) or saline for 7 days. Heart sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and Masson trichrome and examined by immunohistochemistry; and activity and protein levels were measured in macrophages obtained from mice.

Results

WT mice with Ang II infusion showed a marked increase in CARD9⁺ macrophages in the heart, but CARD9^−/− mice showed significantly suppressed macrophage infiltration and expression of proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF). Importantly, Ang II–induced cardiac fibrosis (extracellular matrix and collagen I deposition) was diminished in CARD9^−/− hearts, as was the expression of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and level of myofibroblasts positive for α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Furthermore, Ang II activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), JNK and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in WT macrophages was reduced in CARD9^−/− macrophages.

Conclusion

CARD9 plays an important role in regulating cardiac inflammation and fibrosis in response to elevated Ang II.

Assessment of melamine contamination in crop, soil and water in China and risks of melamine accumulation in animal tissues and products

The scandal of melamine-adulterated infant formula in China in September 2008 demanded the need to assess the extent of melamine contamination in the environment and food products and possible risks of consuming melamine-contaminated diets. In this work, our extensive work tested water, soil and crop samples from 21 provinces in China. Soils nearby and waste waters from melamine-manufacturing factories were examined, and the highest melamine concentrations in waste water and soil samples were 226.766 and 41.136 mg/kg, respectively. Six of 94 irrigation water samples had melamine at a concentration of 21-198 microg/L. Only 1 sample collected from 124 farmlands farther than 150 km from melamine factories was detected for melamine at a content of 176 microg/L. Only 3 out of 557 crop samples contaminated more than 1mg/kg melamine, with the highest level of 2.05 mg/kg in a wheat sample. When basal diets contained 2mg/kg melamine were fed to various animals, deposition of melamine in animal tissues and products was all lower than 122 microg/kg. The melamine deposition was much higher (e.g., 4483 microg/kg in the kidney of chicken) when diets contained 100 mg/kg melamine but was found to be completely depleted after 96 h for all animals after switching to the basal diets. Our work may be valuable to regulate melamine production and monitor the safety of food and animal products.

An optimised, small-scale preparation of high-quality RNA from dry seeds of Davidia involucrata

INTRODUCTION

The dormancy of Davidia involucrata seeds normally lasts for an extended period of time and because of this unique property the species is an excellent model for studying the molecular mechanisms of plant dormancy. The use of minimal plant material is desirable for RNA extraction since D. involucrata is a rare plant and it is relatively difficult to collect large amounts of seeds in order to perform molecular biology studies.

OBJECTIVE

To improve the quality of RNA obtained from seeds of D. involucrata by eliminating the oxidation of polyphenols during extraction and by preventing polysaccharides and other impurities from being extracted.

METHODS

A previously described method was modified by the addition of 4% (w/v) poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) to the dry seeds during grinding and by adding 5% (v/v) beta-mercaptoethanol and 28% (v/v) ethanol to the extraction buffer. Two further centrifugation steps (5000 and 8000 rpm) were utilised and one-seventh volume of ethanol was incubated with the supernatant at 4 degrees C for 2-3 h prior to the precipitation of RNA.

RESULTS

Following these modifications, an effective method was established for total RNA extraction from a small amount of dry seeds of D. involucrata. The isolated RNA was shown to have high purity and integrity by gel electrophoresis and spectrophotometry, and was confirmed to be suitable for RT-PCR and the construction of cDNA libraries.

CONCLUSION

The modified method reduced the amount of seeds required for extraction of total DNA and was beneficial for preserving the endangered species.

Bacterial virus phi29 pRNA as a hammerhead ribozyme escort to destroy hepatitis B virus

The DNA-packaging pRNA of bacterial virus phi29, which forms dimers and then hexamers, contains two independent tightly self-folded domains. Circularly permuted pRNAs were constructed without impacting pRNA folding. Connecting the pRNA 5'/3' ends with variable sequences did not disturb its folding and function. These unique features, which help prevent two common problems - exonuclease degradation and misfolding in the cell, make pRNA an ideal vector to carry therapeutic RNAs. A pRNA-based vector was designed to carry hammerhead ribozymes that cleave the hepatitis B virus (HBV) polyA signal. The chimeric HBV-targeting ribozyme was connected to the pRNA 5'/3' ends as circularly permuted pRNA. Two cis-cleaving ribozymes were used to flank and process the chimeric ribozyme. The hammerhead ribozyme including its two arms for HBV targeting was able to fold correctly while escorted by the pRNA. The chimeric ribozyme cleaved the polyA signal of HBV mRNA in vitro almost completely. Cell culture studies showed that the chimeric ribozyme was able to enhance the inhibition of HBV replication when compared with the ribozyme not escorted by pRNA, as demonstrated by Northern blot and e-antigen assays. pRNA could also carry another hammerhead ribozyme to cleave other RNA substrate. These findings suggest that pRNA can be used as a vector for imparting stability to ribozymes, antisense, and other therapeutic RNA molecules in vivo.

On modelling the kinestatic charge detector for digital radiographic diagnostic and portal imaging

The kinestatic charge detection (KCD) principle has been a digital radiography technique for more than a decade. The advances of the KCD technique have gone from diagnostic imaging to portal imaging. However, little work has been done on understanding the selection of key KCD parameters and relationships between them. In the present study, an engineering model was established that could be used to optimize the placements of key parameters in terms of KCD system mechanical design. In the proposed KCD engineering model, the basic energy conservation law was applied to the process of ion transmission. It allows for the computation of the KCD design parameters such as the optimum grid placement, high voltage board tilt angle and grid wire space, as well as to provide recommendations on high voltage board and electric potentials and their ratio.

[Activation of transcription factors and induction of cytokines from macrophages in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the activation of transcription factors and induction of cytokines from alveolar macrophages in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

METHODS

Alveolar macrophages were collected by fibrobronchoscopy from 8 patients with chronic bronchitis, 8 patients with COPD, and 8 healthy volunteers. All patients were at stable stage. The macrophages thus collected were cultured and stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 10 micrograms/ml). The IL-8, IL-1 beta, TNF alpha and IL-6 thus produced were measured by ELISA in the supernatant. Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF kappa B), activator protein-1 (AP-1), AP-2 and AP-3 were detected by electrophoretic mobility shift assay.

RESULTS

The concentration of IL-8 released from macrophages of patients with COPD at stable stage before LPS stimulation was about 3 times higher than that in the healthy control (F = 4.34, P < 0.05). The concentration of IL-8 released from macrophages in patients with COPD was increased further after LPS stimulation in comparison to that in healthy controls(F = 3.56, P < 0.05). The concentration of IL-1 beta and that of TNF alpha released from macrophages of COPD patients were further increased after LPS stimulation (P < 0.05) in the COPD patients, but there was no difference in the concentration of IL-1 beta and between the control and COPD patients before LPS stimulation. The constitutive activity of AP-1 and the activity of NF kappa B induced by LPS were higher in the patients with COPD than in the controls.

CONCLUSION

The alverlar macrophages of patients with COPD at stable stage may release higher concentration of IL-8 and IL-1 beta. LPS stimulation increases the release of IL-1 beta and TNF alpha of alveolar macrophages. Enhancement of activity of NF kappa B and AP-1 may positively regulate the production of IL-8 and IL-1 beta in the airflow obstruction.

Protective effect of gypenosides on DNA and RNA of rat neurons in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury

AIM

To observe the protective effect of gypenosides (GP) on the neurons of hippocampus, cerebral cortex, corpus striatum, and dentate gyrus in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury of rats.

METHODS

Modified 4-vessel occlusion (4-VO) method was used to establish the model of acute global ischemia. The acridine orange (AO) staining method was used to observe the DNA and RNA contents of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury model in the areas.

RESULTS

The fluorescent intensity (reflecting DNA and RNA contents) of the DNA and RNA in the areas of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury was markedly abated compared with the normal control group. In the group of ig GP (100 mg/kg) it was enhanced compared with the model group and was the same as the normal control group.

CONCLUSION

The injury of the DNA and RNA in the areas of ischemia-reperfusion model was decreased by GP.

3-D AE visualization of bone-cement fatigue locations

This study addresses the visualization of crack locations in bone-cement material using a three-dimensional acoustic emission source location technique. Computer software based on an earthquake location technique was developed to determine AE source locations and was used to investigate material cracks formed at the tip of a notch in bone cement. The computed locations show that the cracks form linear features with dimensions between 0.1 and 0.2 mm although larger linear features (almost 3.5 mm) also are present. There is a difference of about 2.5 mm between the average of the event locations, and the location of the tip of the notch is 2.5 mm, which may be due to the finite size of the sensors (5 mm in diameter).