Dietary supplementation with pioglitazone hydrochloride improves intramuscular fat, fatty acid profile, and antioxidant ability of thigh muscle in yellow-feathered chickens.

BACKGROUND: Muscle fat content and fatty acid composition play an important role in poultry flavor and taste. To investigate the effects of pioglitazone hydrochloride (PGZ) on growth performance and thigh muscle quality in yellow-feathered chickens, 360 female chickens were randomly divided into three groups and treated with three doses of PGZ (0, 7.5, and 15 mg kg-1 ) for 28 days. Each group had six replicates of 20 chickens. RESULTS: The results showed that dietary supplementation with 15 mg kg-1 PGZ increased average daily feed intake (ADFI) and the average daily gain (ADG) from 0 to 14 days. Furthermore, the triglyceride (TG) level was decreased by 15 mg kg-1 PGZ, whereas the eviscerated yield was increased. The relative weight of the heart and kidneys showed a linear increase with dietary PGZ supplementation, and the drip loss of the thigh muscle was significantly decreased by 15 mg kg-1 PGZ supplementation. Moreover, a* value, intramuscular fat (IMF), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) showed a linear increase, and pH24 h and drip loss showed a quadratic influence with the levels of PGZ supplementation. In particular, the PUFA proportion was increased by 7.63% and 9.14% in the 7.5 mg kg-1 PGZ and 15 mg kg-1 PGZ groups, respectively. Additionally, 15 mg kg-1 of PGZ increased the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX ) activity. CONCLUSION: In summary, 15 mg kg-1 PGZ has substantial effects on growth performance and meat quality, particularly by decreasing drip loss and increasing IMF content, PUFA proportions, and antioxidant ability. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Diversity of dermal fibroblasts as major determinant of variability in cell reprogramming.

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are adult somatic cells genetically reprogrammed to an embryonic stem cell-like state. Notwithstanding their autologous origin and their potential to differentiate towards cells of all three germ layers, iPSC reprogramming is still affected by low efficiency. As dermal fibroblast is the most used human cell for reprogramming, we hypothesize that the variability in reprogramming is, at least partially, because of the skin fibroblasts used. Human dermal fibroblasts harvested from five different anatomical sites (neck, breast, arm, abdomen and thigh) were cultured and their morphology, proliferation, apoptotic rate, ability to migrate, expression of mesenchymal or epithelial markers, differentiation potential and production of growth factors were evaluated in vitro. Additionally, gene expression analysis was performed by real-time PCR including genes typically expressed by mesenchymal cells. Finally, fibroblasts isolated from different anatomic sites were reprogrammed to iPSCs by integration-free method. Intriguingly, while the morphology of fibroblasts derived from different anatomic sites differed only slightly, other features, known to affect cell reprogramming, varied greatly and in accordance with anatomic site of origin. Accordingly, difference also emerged in fibroblasts readiness to respond to reprogramming and ability to form colonies. Therefore, as fibroblasts derived from different anatomic sites preserve positional memory, it is of great importance to accurately evaluate and select dermal fibroblast population prior to induce reprogramming.

Comparing the mRNA expression profile and the genetic determinism of intramuscular fat traits in the porcine gluteus medius and longissimus dorsi muscles.

BACKGROUND: Intramuscular fat (IMF) content and composition have a strong impact on the nutritional and organoleptic properties of porcine meat. The goal of the current work was to compare the patterns of gene expression and the genetic determinism of IMF traits in the porcine gluteus medius (GM) and longissimus dorsi (LD) muscles. RESULTS: A comparative analysis of the mRNA expression profiles of the pig GM and LD muscles in 16 Duroc pigs with available microarray mRNA expression measurements revealed the existence of 106 differentially expressed probes (fold-change > 1.5 and q-value < 0.05). Amongst the genes displaying the most significant differential expression, several loci belonging to the Hox transcription factor family were either upregulated (HOXA9, HOXA10, HOXB6, HOXB7 and TBX1) or downregulated (ARX) in the GM muscle. Differences in the expression of genes with key roles in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism (e.g. FABP3, ORMDL1 and SLC37A1) were also detected. By performing a GWAS for IMF content and composition traits recorded in the LD and GM muscles of 350 Duroc pigs, we identified the existence of one region on SSC14 (110-114 Mb) displaying significant associations with C18:0, C18:1(n-7), saturated and unsaturated fatty acid contents in both GM and LD muscles. Moreover, we detected several genome-wide significant associations that were not consistently found in both muscles. Further studies should be performed to confirm whether these associations are muscle-specific. Finally, the performance of an eQTL scan for 74 genes, located within GM QTL regions and with available microarray measurements of gene expression, made possible to identify 14 cis-eQTL regulating the expression of 14 loci, and six of them were confirmed by RNA-Seq. CONCLUSIONS: We have detected significant differences in the mRNA expression patterns of the porcine LD and GM muscles, evidencing that the transcriptomic profile of the skeletal muscle tissue is affected by anatomical, metabolic and functional factors. A highly significant association with IMF composition on SSC14 was replicated in both muscles, highlighting the existence of a common genetic determinism, but we also observed the existence of a few associations whose magnitude and significance varied between LD and GM muscles.

Intergenerational changes in limb circumferences in children and adolescents aged 3-18 from Kraków (Poland) from 1983 to 2010.

OBJECTIVES: Measurements of body circumferences are often used in anthropology. The research on this topic, however, rarely concerns limb girths or secular trends. The main aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of secular trends in selected limb circumferences among children and adolescents. METHODS: The research was based on measurements from two cross-sectional studies carried out in 1983 and 2010 with children and adolescents aged 3-18 from Krakow, Poland. The circumferences of the arm, forearm, thigh and calf, as well as the sum of circumferences and selected indicators, were analyzed. The series were compared using the two-way anova test. RESULTS: In most age groups of both sexes, a positive secular trend was observed for the majority of studied traits. The exception was the thigh circumference, for which, among girls, measurements in both series were similar, and negative intergenerational changes were recorded in the youngest age groups of both sexes as well as among the oldest girls. Most observed discrepancies were statistically significant in pre-school children and adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of positive secular trends shows that limb circumferences were increasing in subsequent generations, especially in boys. Contemporary girls, particularly in the older age groups, were more determined to have a slim figure and practiced conscious weight control. Summarizing, observed tendencies resulted from the improvement of socio-economic conditions, but were also related to the low level of physical activity.

Muscle quality characteristics of muscles in the thigh, upper arm and lower back in elderly men and women.

PURPOSE: The ratio of fat within skeletal muscle is an important parameter that is indicative of muscle quality, and can be assessed using ultrasonography to measure echo intensity (EI). Muscle EI indicates muscle strength and risk of physical dysfunction; however, this observation was determined following examinations of only selected muscle. The purpose of this study was to investigate the EI characteristics of muscles in several regions in elderly men and women, using physical function tests and serum cholesterol levels. METHODS: Twenty-two men and women (age 78 ± 8 years) participated in this study. The EIs were calculated from rectus femoris (RF), biceps femoris (BF) triceps brachii (TB) and multifidus (MF) using B-mode transverse ultrasound images. Seven functional tests (isometric knee-extension peak torque, functional reach, sit-to-stand, 5-m normal/maximal speed walking, handgrip strength and timed up-and-go) and blood lipid components including adipocytokines were measured in all participants. RESULTS: A statistically significant correlation between EI of the RF, TB and BF was observed (r = 0.46-0.50, P < 0.05), but not between EI of the MF and that of other muscles. EI of muscles of the limbs, which was averaged EI for RF, TB and BF, was negatively correlated with leptin levels (adjusted R2 = 0.27, P < 0.01), and EI of the MF was correlated with muscle mass and performance in the timed up-and-go test (adjusted R2 = 0.61, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that EI might be influenced by specific parameters depending on the location of the muscle.

Influence of thigh activation on the VO2 slow component in boys and men.

PURPOSE: During constant work rate exercise above the lactate threshold (LT), the initial rapid phase of pulmonary oxygen uptake (VO2) kinetics is supplemented by an additional VO2 slow component (VO2Sc) which reduces the efficiency of muscular work. The VO2Sc amplitude has been shown to increase with maturation but the mechanisms are poorly understood. We utilized the transverse relaxation time (T2) of muscle protons from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to test the hypothesis that a lower VO2 slow component (VO2Sc) amplitude in children would be associated with a reduced muscle recruitment compared to adults. METHODS: Eight boys (mean age 11.4 ± 0.4) and eight men (mean age 25.3 ± 3.3 years) completed repeated step transitions of unloaded-to-very heavy-intensity (U → VH) exercise on a cycle ergometer. MRI scans of the thigh region were acquired at rest and after VH exercise up to the VO2Sc time delay (ScTD) and after 6 min. T2 for each of eight muscles was adjusted in relation to cross-sectional area and then summed to provide the area-weighted ΣT2 as an index of thigh recruitment. RESULTS: There were no child/adult differences in the relative VO2Sc amplitude [Boys 14 ± 7 vs. Men 18 ± 3 %, P = 0.15, effect size (ES) = 0.8] during which the change (∆) in area-weighted ΣT2 between the ScTD and 6 min was not different between groups (Boys 1.6 ± 1.2 vs. Men 2.3 ± 1.1 ms, P = 0.27, ES = 0.6). A positive and strong correlation was found between the relative VO2Sc amplitude and the magnitude of the area-weighted ∆ΣT2 in men (r = 0.92, P = 0.001) but not in boys (r = 0.09, P = 0.84). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence to show that progressive muscle recruitment (as inferred from T2 changes) contributes to the development of the VO2Sc during intense submaximal exercise independent of age.

[Effect of isokinetic training of thigh muscle group on graft remodeling after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of isokinetic training of thigh muscle group on graft remodeling after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, and summarize the relevant rules to guide the clinic. METHODS: Between August 2016 and December 2016, forty patients underwent arthroscopic ACL reconstruction using hamstring tendon were randomly divided into isokinetic group and control group ( n=20). The two groups of patients underwent staged rehabilitation treatment. The isokinetic group replaced the traditional intervention with the corresponding isokinetic strength training from 3 to 6 months after operation, and the traditional rehabilitation intervention was used in the control group. Finally, 12 cases of isokinetic group and 12 cases of control group with complete follow-up were enrolled in study. There was no significant difference in gender, age, body mass index, side of injury, the interval between injury and operation, and preoperative International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score between the two groups ( P>0.05). The peak torque (PT) of knee extension and flexion and hamstring quadriceps ratio (H/Q) were measured at 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and the second-look arthroscopy. The MRI examination was performed at the same time to evaluate graft remodeling. The shape, tension, and degree of vascularization of grafts were observed under arthroscopy. The grafts were harvested and observed by HE staining. RESULTS: The invertal between ACL reconstruction and the second-look arthroscopy was (23.57±3.23) months in isokinetic group and (23.22±3.56) months in control group, showing no significant difference between the two groups ( P>0.05). At the second-look arthroscopy, the IKDC score was 90.45±4.73 in isokinetic group and 89.32±4.54 in control group, showing significant differences when compared with preoperative scores in the two groups ( P<0.05). But there was no significant difference between the two groups ( t=0.868， P=0.404). At 3 months after operation, there was no significant difference in the PT of knee extension and flexion between the two groups ( P>0.05). At 6 months, 12 months, and the second-look arthroscopy, the PT of knee extension and flexion in isokinetic group were higher than those in control group ( P<0.05). The H/Q at 6 months and 12 months were higher in isokinetic group than in control group, and the differences were significant ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in MRI score between the two groups at 3 months, 6 months, and the second-look arthroscopy ( P>0.05). The MRI score at 12 months was significantly higher in isokinetic group than in control group ( P<0.05). At the second-look arthroscopy, there was no significant difference in the arthroscopic score between the two groups ( P>0.05), and the histological score of the isokinetic group was superior to the control group ( P<0.05). CONCLUSION: On the basis of regular rehabilitation training, using the isokinetic training system to develop a suitable post-surgical isokinetic rehabilitation training program is helpful in early muscle strength recovery, early graft remodeling, and even long-term histological results after ACL reconstruction.

Foetal fractional thigh volume: an early 3D ultrasound marker of neonatal adiposity.

BACKGROUND: The predisposition for obesity is suggested to originate in the prenatal period. Prenatal markers are needed to identify foetuses at risk for neonatal adiposity, as early marker of childhood obesity. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to assess the association between foetal fractional thigh volume (TVol) and neonatal percentage fat mass from mid-gestation onward. METHODS: In this perinatal cohort study, singleton pregnancies with term born infants were included. Foetal TVol was measured on three-dimensional ultrasound scans (3D US) obtained at 22, 26 and 32 weeks of gestation. Neonatal body composition measurement (percentage body fat (%BF)) was planned between 42+0 and 42+6 -week postmenstrual age. Cross-sectional and longitudinal linear regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: Seventy-nine mother-child pairs were included. Median (interquartile range) TVol increased from 7.6 (7.1; 8.5) cm3 at 22 weeks to 36.5 (33.8; 40.9) cm3 at 32 weeks. Median neonatal %BF was 14.3% (11.7; 17.0). TVol at 22 weeks (ß = -1.58, 95% CI -2.45; -0.70, explained variance 31%) was negatively associated with %BF, but no associations were found at 26 and 32 weeks of gestation. TVol growth between 22 and 32 weeks of gestation (explained variance 18%) was also statistically significantly negatively associated with %BF. CONCLUSIONS: Foetal TVol is a promising 3D US marker for prediction of neonatal adiposity from mid-gestation onward.

Comparison of the Viability and Yield of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells (ASCs) from Different Donor Areas.

BACKGROUND: Adipose tissue contains variable amounts of stem cells that have recently attracted increased interest due to their strong proliferative and differentiation capacity. However, significant heterogeneity exists in terms of stem cell yield and viability profile among individuals as well as different donor areas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between June 2016 and July 2016, forty (40) women underwent outpatient cosmetic liposuction procedures conferring a total of 53 lipoaspirates; inner thigh (n=13), outer thigh (n=9), abdomen (n=9), waist (n=16) and inner knee (n=6). Lipoaspirates were harvested using a tulip low-pressure syringe lipoaspiration system with a diameter of 3 mm. Centrifugation separated adipocytes from the stromal vascular fraction (SVF). Isolation of the adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) was achieved through culture of the SVF. Viability of SVF cells and ASCs was evaluated with trypan blue dye under microscope and using flow cytometry with 7-AAD staining, respectively. Total cell count was estimated for both the SVF and ASCs. RESULTS: Outer thigh exhibited significantly higher SVF cell count compared to any other donor site (p<0.05). In addition, inner and outer thigh showed a significantly higher number of ASCs compared to abdominal, waist, and inner knee samples (p<0.05). Finally, viability of SVF cells (range, 94-95%) and ASCs (range, 93.12-96.14%) was excellent with no significant differences among donor areas. CONCLUSION: Tissue-harvesting area is a strong determinant of the quality of the fat grafts. Compared to abdomen, waist and inner knee, thighs seem favorable in terms of viability profile and yield of SVF cells and ASCs. Further randomized controlled trials incorporating a larger cohort of patients are warranted in order to verify our results.

Long-term effects of iron:zinc interactions on growth in rats.

The influence of iron (Fe) on the bioavailability and functional status of zinc (Zn) was studied in young rats using metabolic balances and tissue dosages, which were compared to growth. Diets supplied adequate intakes of Fe (45 and 300 mg/kg diet) and Zn (14 and 45 mg/kg) for 2 mo. Two metabolic balance determinations were performed that were correlated for Zn and Fe during the first and the last weeks of the study. A significant effect of Fe supply, but not of Zn was displayed on Fe absorption; both Fe and Zn diet concentrations had a significant influence on Zn absorption. Fe and Zn organ contents were significantly correlated with the amount absorbed during the two metabolic balances. There was a positive correlation between liver and muscle Fe and Fe absorption, and Fe absorption and muscle Zn, as well as a negative one with liver Zn; a positive correlation was displayed between Zn absorption and Zn organ content. No correlation was found between Zn absorption and Fe tissue content. Growth was correlated with Zn, but not with Fe absorption during both balances. A positive correlation was displayed between growth and Zn liver content, and a negative one with Fe liver content. Care must be taken to give growing subjects balanced diets or supplementation, since the negative interactions between these trace elements are likely to persist as long as the diet is given.

Fetal thigh and upper arm volumes by 3D-sonography: comparison between multiplanar and XI VOCAL methods.

OBJECTIVE: To compare fetal upper arm and thigh volume measurements acquired by three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound using the multiplanar and the eXtended Imaging Virtual Organ Computer-aided AnaLysis (XI VOCAL) methods with different number of sectional planes. METHODS: This study enrolled 40 healthy pregnant women between 20 and 40 weeks of gestation. The volume of fetal limbs was calculated using the multiplanar (with 5.0 mm intervals) and the XI VOCAL (with 5, 10, 15, and 20 slice planes) methods. Comparison between the techniques was made by analysis of variance and Bonferroni statistical tests. RESULTS: Mean fetal upper arm volume measured by the 15 sectional planes XI VOCAL method was lower than the same method using 5 and 10 planes instead (p = 0.025 and 0.039, respectively). Fetal thigh volume showed no statistically significant differences among all studied methods. CONCLUSION: The XI VOCAL using 15 sectional planes method underestimated the fetal upper arm volume by 5 and 10 planes XI VOCAL techniques.

Prediction of birth weight using fetal thigh and upper-arm volumes by three-dimensional ultrasonography in a Brazilian population.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the accuracy of three-dimensional (3DUS) upper-arm (VolArm) and thigh (VolTh) volume measurements in the prediction of birth weight (BW). METHODS: A cross-sectional study involving 81 live singletons was performed. VolArm and VolTh were obtained using 3DUS multiplanar mode with 5 mm slices. Linear and polynomial regressions were calculated to determine the best formula to predict BW using VolArm and VolTh. Analysis of variance was used to compare errors in BW using these formulae and using Shepard's and Hadlock's formulae. The interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to assess intra and interobserver variability of measurements. RESULTS: The best formula to predict BW based on VolArm was a simple linear equation (BW = 803.91 + 39.89VolArm), and for VolTh it was a second degree polynomial equation (BW = 32.37VolTh - 0.06VolTh(2)). A third formula using both parameters was also constructed (BW = 792.87 + 22.81VolArm + 7.54VolTh). The error (E), percent error (PE), absolute error (AE) and absolute percent error (APE) for the BW prediction using VolArm were 0 g, 163.4 g, 0.5% and 5.4%, respectively. The same results for E, PE, AE and APE using VolTh were 0.99 g, 155.5 g, 0.3% and 5.2% and for the combined formula using both VolArm and VolTh the E, PE, AE and APE were 0 g, 138.4 g, -0.4% and 4.6%, respectively. VolArm and VolTh were highly reproducible with intraobserver ICC of 0.98 and 0.99 and interobserver ICC of 0.96 and 0.97, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: BW estimated through formulae that use the fetal arm and thigh volumes assessed through 3DUS are not superior to two-dimensional formulae.

Effects of selenium and methionine supplementation of breeder hen diets on selenium concentration and oxidative stability of lipids in the thigh muscles of progeny.

The effects of dietary supplementation to female chickens with selenium (Se) and methionine (Met) on the next generation were studied. Lang-shan breeding hens (450) were obtained at 52 wk of age and randomly allotted to 9 treatments; 5 replicates of each treatment were carried out. The breeders were fed a basal corn-soybean meal diet (0.13 mg Se/kg) supplemented with 0, 0.30, or 0.60 mg/kg Se from Sel-Plex and 0.32%, 0.40%, or 0.54% Met for the 30-d adapting period and 70-d experiment period. Se and glutathione (GSH) concentrations, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity, and the oxidative stability of muscular lipids of 90-d progeny were determined by testing the TBARS values. When breeders received the highest levels of Met or Se, GSH-Px activity was decreased, the Se concentration and the oxidative stability of muscular lipids were increased with the supplementation of Se or Met. When breeder hens were given a Met-deficient diet, supplementing with Se decreased the Se deposition in progeny thigh. With regard to lipid oxidation, 0.3 mg/kg maternal dietary Se supplementation decreased the oxidative stability of muscle lipid and 0.6 mg/kg Se supplementation showed no difference from the control. When breeders were fed a Se-deficient diet, the GSH-Px activity was increased significantly and the oxidative stability of progeny muscles was decreased with the supplementation of Met. It was concluded that supplementation of the maternal diet with higher Se and Met can increase Se deposition in progeny muscle and lead to more effective protection against lipid oxidation in progeny thighs.

Correlation between anthropometric measures and birthweight of infants: value in measuring actual birthweight.

Birthweight (BW) is an important predictor of newborn morbidity and mortality. In Africa, infant mortality is very high mainly due to low birthweight (LBW). Most deliveries occur at home where scales are not always available. The aim of this study was to find a simple formula to predict birthweight using anthropometric measurements. In 1000 singleton Sudanese newborns, anthropometric measurements were taken within 24 hours of birth. Multiple regression analysis with backward selection was used to analyze data. The mean (standard deviation) of BW was 3131.7 (538.9) g and that of gestational age was 39.1 (1.8) weeks. All anthropometric parameters were strongly correlated with BW ( P < 0.001). The highest correlations were obtained with chest (CC), midthigh (MT), and head circumferences (HC). Using these three parameters, a simple formula was obtained to predict BW as follows: BW(g) = 97*CC + 74*MT + 85*HC - 4000 with a standard error of 285 g. For birthweights < 2000 g, specificity is near 100% and the sensitivity is > 80%. Applying a cutoff point of 2500 g, all infants (100%) with a birthweight < 2000 g are correctly identified. Our model by allowing for actual measurement of BW will enable the health worker in developing countries to select appropriate LBW infants for referral to an equipped health facility.

[Disturbed growth in height in multiple cartilaginous exostoses (author's transl)]. / Zum Problem der Längenwachstumsstörung bei multiplen cartilaginären Exostosen.

Basing on the hypothesis that reduced body height in patients with multiple cartilaginous exostoses would be mainly accounted for by shorter extremities, not by a shorter trunk, the authors clinically examined 19 exostosis patients in respect of thigh, lower leg, upper and lower arm, as well as height of the seated patient. The dimensions were compared by the method of matched pairs, with 19 volunteers without diseased skeleton, who corresponded with one of the exostosis patients in respect of age, sex and height of seated patient. Results were evaluated according to Wilcoxon's test. This showed a statistically significant reduction in length of the extremities in adults with multiple cartilaginous exostoses.

Radiotherapy in the management of Kasabach-Merritt syndrome: a case report.

A 21-day-old infant with hemangioma was brought to the hospital with enlargement of the hemangioma of the left thigh and purple discoloration around umbilicus. This led to the diagnosis of Kasabach-Merrill syndrome. Initial treatment with corticosteroid failed. The patient underwent radiotherapy that led successfully to improvement of both hemangioma and thrombocytopenia. After 2 years of follow-up, the patient has experienced long-term complications, including atrophy and growth retardation of the irradiated leg.