Characterization of Pectoralis Major Muscle Satellite Cell Population Heterogeneity, Macrophage Density, and Collagen Infiltration in Broiler Chickens Affected by Wooden Breast.

Muscle satellite cells (MSCs) are myogenic stem cells that play a critical role in post-hatch skeletal muscle growth and regeneration. Activation of regeneration pathways to repair muscle fiber damage requires both the proliferation and differentiation of different MSC populations as well as the function of resident phagocytic cells such as anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory macrophages. The Wooden Breast (WB) phenotype in broiler chickens is characterized by myofiber degeneration and extensive fibrosis. Previous work indicates that the resident MSC populations expressing the myogenic regulatory factors, Myf-5 and Pax7 are larger and more proliferative in broilers severely affected with WB vs. unaffected broilers. To further characterize the cellular and molecular changes occurring in WB-affected muscles, samples from pectoralis major (PM) muscles with varying severity of WB (WB score 0 = normal; 1 = mildly affected; 2 = severely affected) were collected at 25 and 43 days post-hatch (n = 8 per score per age) and processed for cryohistological and protein expression analyses. Collagen per field and densities of macrophages and MyoD+, Myf-5+, and Pax7+ MSC populations were quantified on immunofluorescence-stained cryosections. Relative collagen protein expression was quantified by fluorescent Western Blotting. In both 25 and 43-days-old broilers, the proportion of collagen per field (P ≤ 0.021) and macrophage density (P ≤ 0.074) were greater in PM exhibiting severe WB compared with normal. At day 43, populations of MyoD+, Myf-5+:MyoD+ MSC were larger and relative collagen protein expression was greater in WB-affected vs. unaffected broilers (P ≤ 0.05). Pax7+ MSC relative to total cells was also increased as WB severity increased in 43-days-old broilers (P ≤ 0.05). Densities of Myf-5+ (P = 0.092), MyoD+ (P = 0.030), Myf5+:MyoD+ (P = 0.046), and Myf-5+:MyoD+:Pax7+ (P = 0.048) MSC were greater in WB score 1 birds compared with WB score 0 and 2 birds. Overall, alterations in the resident MSC and macrophage populations and collagen protein content were observed in WB-affected muscle. Further investigation will be required to determine how these changes in cell population kinetics and local autocrine and paracrine signaling are involved in the apparent dysregulation of muscle maintenance in WB-affected broilers.

Radioactive seed migration after prostate brachytherapy with iodine-125 using loose seeds versus stranded seeds.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the incidence and clinical parameters that could influence migration of seeds in localized prostate cancer patients treated by stranded versus loose sources by Iodine-125 brachytherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 100 patients were treated from January/1998 until December/2006. Age, PSA, clinical stage, Gleason, prostate volume, number of seeds, activity of radioactive seeds, and dosimetric parameters, such as V100, V150 and D90 were evaluated. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 79 months (18 - 120. CI 95%: 72 - 85). Overall, 6 of 100 patients experienced seed migration. Seed migration was found in 4/50 (8%) patients using loose seeds and in 2/50 (4%) treated by stranded seeds. Mean value dosimetric parameters for stranded seeds were greater than those for loose seeds (V100(%): 88.7/82, D90(Gy): 149.2/140.3, D90(%): 104.2/93.8, V150 (%): 53.8/47, respectively). No significant difference in migration of seeds was detected between loose and stranded seeds considering age (p = 0.33), PSA (p = 0.391), prostate volume (p = 0.397), activity of radioactive seeds (p = 0.109), number of seeds (p = 0.338), V100 (p = 0.332), although significant differences were measured in the values of D90(% and Gy) (p = 0.022 and 0.011) and V150 (p = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS: Seed migration after brachytherapy might occur and it does affect post-implant dosimetry.

Evaluation of logistic processing to reduce cross-contamination of commercial broiler carcasses with Campylobacter spp.

Cross-contamination of broiler carcasses with Campylobacter is a large problem in food production. Here, we investigated whether the contamination of broilers carcasses from Campylobacter-negative flocks can be avoided by logistic scheduling during processing. For this purpose, fecal samples were collected from several commercial broiler flocks and enumerated for Campylobacter spp. Based on enumeration results, flocks were categorized as Campylobacter negative or Campylobacter positive. The schedule of processing included the testing of Campylobacter-positive flocks before or after the testing of Campylobacter-negative flocks. During processing, flocks were also sampled for Campylobacter spp. before and after chilling. Campylobacter strains were identified with multiplex PCR and analyzed for relatedness with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Our results show that Campylobacter-negative flocks were indeed contaminated with Campylobacter strains originating from previously processed Campylobacter-positive flocks. Campylobacter isolates collected from carcasses originating from different farms processed on the same day showed similar pulsed-field gel electrophoresis patterns, confirming cross-contamination. These findings suggest that a simple logistic processing schedule can preserve the Campylobacter-negative status of broiler carcasses and result in products with enhanced food safety.

Determinação das características físico-químicas e das miopatias do músculo Pectoralis major em frangos de corte criados em piso de plástico perfurado / Determination of the physical-chemical characteristics and myopathy of the Pectoralis major muscle in broiler chickens raised on perforated plastic floor

Esse estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a influência da criação de frangos de corte em pisos plásticos perfurados sobre a qualidade físico-química da carne e a incidência de miopatias peitorais. Para isso, os animais foram alojados em 14 box, em dois tratamentos, cama e piso, 25 animais por box. Para a capacidade de retenção de água as aves do tratamento piso apresentaram melhores resultados; no entanto, apresentaram maior perda de água por cocção. O músculo Pectoralis major dos animais criados no piso de plástico, apresentou menor valor de força de cisalhamento, entretanto, maior força de deformação. Para as miopatias, o peito dos frangos criados no piso de plástico apresentaram maior incidência de white striping, enquanto os que permaneceram na cama de casca de arroz apresentaram maior incidência de wooden breast. A criação de frangos de corte em pisos de plástico perfurados não influenciou as características físico-químicas da carne, bem como a incidência de miopatias peitorais.

Localized prostate cancer with intermediate- or high-risk features treated with combined external beam radiotherapy and iodine-125 seed brachytherapy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to compare the results of the combined external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) with iodine-125 seed brachytherapy vs. brachytherapy alone for prostate cancer treatment in patients with intermediate and high risk of disease recurrence. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Ninety-six patients were treated from January 1998 to December 2006. Twenty-four patients received combined treatment and 72 patients received brachytherapy alone. Patients were classified into intermediate or high risk of recurrence according to the D'Amico's classification. The prescribed dose for brachytherapy was 145Gy as monotherapy and 110Gy for combined treatment. The dose of EBRT was 45Gy over 5 weeks, with 1.8Gy daily fractions. Results were analyzed based on Phoenix definition of biochemical recurrence, that is, nadir plus 2ng/mL. RESULTS: Biochemical control was achieved by 96% (23 of 24) of patients receiving combined treatment and by 72% (52 of 72) in the group treated by brachytherapy alone (p<0.015). The addition of EBRT resulted in a 94% biochemical disease-free survival at 5 years; and in brachytherapy alone group, the rate was 54% (p<0.011). Mean followup was 96 months (24-132 months; confidence interval 95%: 90-102). CONCLUSION: This study shows that in patients with localized prostate cancer, with intermediate and high risk of biochemical recurrence, the addition of EBRT can confer a significant biochemical control advantage when added to brachytherapy.

The seven-year preliminary results of brachytherapy with Iodine-125 seeds for localized prostate cancer treated at a Brazilian single-center.

OBJECTIVE: To report the seven-year preliminary results of a single-center on brachytherapy with Iodine-125 seeds, used in combination with external beam radiotherapy in selected patients with localized prostate cancer (T1-T2). MATERIALS AND METHODS: All 105 patients treated by brachytherapy with Iodine-125 seeds, from January/1998 to December/2004, were retrospectively analyzed. The prescribed dose was 144 Gy at the periphery of the prostate for isolated brachytherapy, and 110 Gy for the combination with external beam radiotherapy. The external beam radiotherapy dose was 45 Gy, at the prostatic bed. Neoadjuvant hormone therapy was indicated for selected patients, who received luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) and/or antiandrogens. For definition of biochemical relapse, it was adopted the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology consensus. RESULTS: Of the 105 patients treated, 90 were followed for a mean period of 70 months. Biochemical disease control was achieved in 62 (69%) and biochemical recurrence was manifested in 28 (31%). The analysis of each risk group showed biochemical disease control rates of 79%, 71% and 52% in the low, intermediate and high risk groups, respectively. The mean time for biochemical recurrence was 22 months. Genitourinary acute toxicity was classified as grade 0-2 (RTOG) in 88.5% and in 94.2% for the late toxicity (RTOG/EORTC). Gastrointestinal acute toxicity was graded as 0-2 (RTOG) in 100% and in 97.7% for the late morbidity. No grade 5 was detected. CONCLUSIONS: Brachytherapy with Iodine-125 seeds is an effective alternative treatment for early stage prostatic cancer, with good biochemical disease control rates and low to moderate toxicity. The best results were obtained in low and intermediate risk patients.

Radioactive seed migration after prostate brachytherapy with Iodine-125 using loose seeds versus stranded seeds

Objectives: To assess the incidence and clinical parameters that could influence migration of seeds in localized prostate cancer patients treated by stranded versus loose sources by Iodine-125 brachytherapy. Material and Methods: 100 patients were treated from January/1998 until December/2006. Age, PSA, clinical stage, Gleason, prostate volume, number of seeds, activity of radioactive seeds, and dosimetric parameters, such as V100, V150 and D90 were evaluated. Results: Mean follow-up was 79 months (18 - 120. CI 95 percent: 72 - 85). Overall, 6 of 100 patients experienced seed migration. Seed migration was found in 4/50 (8 percent) patients using loose seeds and in 2/50 (4 percent) treated by stranded seeds. Mean value dosimetric parameters for stranded seeds were greater than those for loose seeds (V100( percent): 88.7/82, D90(Gy): 149.2/140.3, D90( percent): 104.2/93.8, V150 ( percent): 53.8/47, respectively). No significant difference in migration of seeds was detected between loose and stranded seeds considering age (p = 0.33), PSA (p = 0.391), prostate volume (p = 0.397), activity of radioactive seeds (p = 0.109), number of seeds (p = 0.338), V100 (p = 0.332), although significant differences were measured in the values of D90( percent and Gy) (p = 0.022 and 0.011) and V150 (p = 0.023). Conclusions: Seed migration after brachytherapy might occur and it does affect post-implant dosimetry.

The seven-year preliminary results of brachytherapy with Iodine-125 seeds for localized prostate cancer treated at a Brazilian single-center

OBJECTIVE: To report the seven-year preliminary results of a single-center on brachytherapy with Iodine-125 seeds, used in combination with external beam radiotherapy in selected patients with localized prostate cancer (T1-T2). MATERIALS AND METHODS: All 105 patients treated by brachytherapy with Iodine-125 seeds, from January/1998 to December/2004, were retrospectively analyzed. The prescribed dose was 144 Gy at the periphery of the prostate for isolated brachytherapy, and 110 Gy for the combination with external beam radiotherapy. The external beam radiotherapy dose was 45 Gy, at the prostatic bed. Neoadjuvant hormone therapy was indicated for selected patients, who received luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) and/or antiandrogens. For definition of biochemical relapse, it was adopted the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology consensus. RESULTS: Of the 105 patients treated, 90 were followed for a mean period of 70 months. Biochemical disease control was achieved in 62 (69 percent) and biochemical recurrence was manifested in 28 (31 percent). The analysis of each risk group showed biochemical disease control rates of 79 percent, 71 percent and 52 percent in the low, intermediate and high risk groups, respectively. The mean time for biochemical recurrence was 22 months. Genitourinary acute toxicity was classified as grade 0-2 (RTOG) in 88.5 percent and in 94.2 percent for the late toxicity (RTOG/EORTC). Gastrointestinal acute toxicity was graded as 0-2 (RTOG) in 100 percent and in 97.7 percent for the late morbidity. No grade 5 was detected. CONCLUSIONS: Brachytherapy with Iodine-125 seeds is an effective alternative treatment for early stage prostatic cancer, with good biochemical disease control rates and low to moderate toxicity. The best results were obtained in low and intermediate risk patients.