Effects of dietary astaxanthin on growth performance, muscle composition, non-specific immunity, gene expression, and ammonia resistance of juvenile ivory shell (Babylonia areolate).

Astaxanthin is one of the important immunopotentators in aquaculture. However, little is known about the physiological changes and stress resistance effects of astaxanthin in marine gastropods. In this study, the effects of different astaxanthin concentrations (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 mg/kg) on the growth, muscle composition, immune function, and resistance to ammonia stress in Babylonia areolata were investigated after three months of rearing. With the increase in astaxanthin content, the weight gain rate (WGR), specific growth rate (SGR), and survival rate (SR) of B. areolata showed an increasing trend. The 75-100 mg/kg group was significantly higher than the control group (0 mg/kg). There was no significant difference in the flesh shell ratio (FSR), viscerosomatic index (VSI), and soft tissue index (STI) of the experimental groups. Astaxanthin (75 mg/kg) significantly increased muscle crude protein content and increased hepatopancreas alkaline phosphatase (AKP), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activity. Astaxanthin (75-100 mg/kg) significantly increased the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and acid phosphatase (ACP) of the hepatopancreas and decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) content of B. areolata. Astaxanthin significantly induced the expression levels of functional genes, such as SOD, Cu/ZnSOD, ferritin, ACP, and CYC in hepatopancreas and increased the survival rate of B. areolata under ammonia stress. The addition of 75-100 mg/kg astaxanthin to the feed improved the growth performance, muscle composition, immune function, and resistance to ammonia stress of B. areolata.

Effects of dietary chitosan oligosaccharide on the growth, intestinal microbiota and immunity of juvenile red claw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus).

This study aimed to evaluate the potential benefits of chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) on red claw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) and explore its underlying mechanisms. The crayfish were randomly divided into six groups, and the diets were supplemented with COS at levels of 0 (C0), 0.2 (C1), 0.4 (C2), 0.6 (C3), 0.8 (C4), and 1 (C5) g kg-1. Treatment with COS significantly improved the growth performance of the crayfish with a higher weight gain rate (WGR) and specific growth rate (SGR) in the C2 group compared to the C0 group. Additionally, the content of crude protein in the crayfish muscles in the C1 group was significantly higher than that of the C0 group. Regarding non-specific immunity, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and alkaline phosphatase (AKP), and the levels of expression of the genes related to immunity (SOD; anti-lipopolysaccharide factor [ALF]; thioredoxin1 [Trx1]; C-type lysozyme, [C-LZM]; and GSH-Px) in the hepatopancreas and hemolymph increased significantly (P < 0.05) after supplementation with 0.4 g kg-1 of COS, while the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased (P < 0.05). The survival rate of C. quadricarinatus increased (P < 0.05) in the C2, C3, C4, and C5 groups after the challenge with Aeromonas hydrophila. This study found that COS has the potential to modulate the composition of the intestinal microbiota and significantly reduce the abundance of species of the phylum Proteobacteria and the genera Aeromonas and Vibrio in the gut of C. quadricarinatus, while the abundance of bacteria in the phylum Firmicutes and the genus Candidatus_Hepatoplasma improved significantly. This study suggests that the inclusion of COS in the diet of C. quadricarinatus can enhance growth, boost immunity, and increase resistance to infection with A. hydrophila, especially when supplemented at 0.4-0.8 g kg-1.

Metabolites, gene expression, and gut microbiota profiles suggest the putative mechanisms via which dietary creatine increases the serum taurine and g-ABA contents in Megalobrama amblycephala.

A 90-day experiment was conducted to explore the effects of creatine on growth performance, liver health status, metabolites, and gut microbiota in Megalobrama amblycephala. There were 6 treatments as follows: control (CD, 29.41% carbohydrates), high carbohydrate (HCD, 38.14% carbohydrates), betaine (BET, 1.2% betaine + 39.76% carbohydrates), creatine 1 (CRE1, 0.5% creatine + 1.2% betaine + 39.29% carbohydrates), creatine 2 (CRE2, 1% creatine + 1.2% betaine + 39.50% carbohydrates), and creatine 3 (CRE3, 2% creatine + 1.2% betaine + 39.44% carbohydrates). The results showed that supplementing creatine and betaine together reduced the feed conversion ratio significantly (P < 0.05, compared to CD and HCD) and improved liver health (compared to HCD). Compared with the BET group, dietary creatine significantly increased the abundances of Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, ZOR0006, and Bacteroides and decreased the abundances of Proteobacteria, Fusobacteriota, Vibrio, Crenobacter, and Shewanella in the CRE1 group. Dietary creatine increased the content of taurine, arginine, ornithine, γ-aminobutyric acid (g-ABA), and creatine (CRE1 vs. BET group) and the expression of creatine kinase (ck), sulfinoalanine decarboxylase (csad), guanidinoacetate N-methyltransferase (gamt), glycine amidinotransferase (gatm), agmatinase (agmat), diamine oxidase1 (aoc1), and glutamate decarboxylase (gad) in the CRE1 group. Overall, these results suggested that dietary supplementation of creatine (0.5-2%) did not affect the growth performance, but it altered the gut microbial composition at the phylum and genus levels, which might be beneficial to the gut health of M. amblycephala; dietary creatine also increased the serum content of taurine by enhancing the expressions of ck and csad and increased the serum content of g-ABA by enhancing the arginine content and the expressions of gatm, agmat, gad, and aoc1.

Flavonoids and prenylhydroquinones from the prepared folium of Epimedium sagittatum Maxim. and their inhibition against phosphodiesterase5A.

An effort to identify novel active substances of the prepared folium of Epimedium sagittatum Maxim. (PFES) that was an important herb for male erectile dysfunction (ED) was taken. At present, phosphodiesterase-5A (PDE5A) is the most important target of new drugs for the treatment of ED. Therefore, the inhibition ingredients in PFES were systematically screened for the first time in this study. Eleven compounds, including eight new flavonoids and three prenylhydroquinones were isolated: sagittatosides DN (1-11), and their structures were elucidated by spectra and chemical analyses. Among them, a novel prenylflavonoid with oxyethyl group (1) was obtained and three prenylhydroquinones (9-11) were firstly isolated from Epimedium. All compounds were analyzed for the inhibition against PDE5A by molecular docking, and they all showed significant binding affinity as same as sildenafil. Their inhibitory activities were verified, and the results showed compound 6 had significant inhibition against PDE5A1. The isolation of new flavonoids and prenylhydroquinones with inhibitory activities of PDE5A from PFES implied that this herb might be a good source for the treatment of ED agents finding.

Gambogenic acid induces apoptosis and autophagy through ROS-mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress via JNK pathway in prostate cancer cells.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common malignant tumor in males, which frequently develops into castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) with limited therapies. Gambogenic acid (GNA), a flavonoids compound isolated from Gamboge, exhibits anti-tumor capacity in various cancers. Our results showed that GNA revealed not only antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic activities but also the induction of autophagy in PCa cells. In addition, autophagy inhibitor chloroquine enhanced the pro-apoptosis effect of GNA. Moreover, the activation of JNK pathway and the induction of apoptosis and autophagy triggered by GNA were attenuated by JNK inhibitor SP600125. We also found that GNA significantly promoted reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Meanwhile, suppressing ER stress with 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA) markedly blocked the activation of JNK pathway induced by GNA. Further research indicated that ROS scavenger N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) effectively abrogated ER stress and JNK pathway activation induced by GNA. Furthermore, NAC and 4-PBA significantly reversed GNA-triggered apoptosis and autophagy. Finally, GNA remarkably suppressed prostate tumor growth with low toxicity in vivo. In conclusion, the present study revealed that GNA induced apoptosis and autophagy through ROS-mediated ER stress via JNK signaling pathway in PCa cells. Thus, GNA might be a promising therapeutic drug against PCa.

Effect of Acupuncture along Meridians on Pain Degree and Treatment of Acute Lumbar Sprain.

Aim: This study is aimed at investigating the effect of acupuncture along meridians on pain degree and treatment of acute lumbar sprain. Methods: A total of 96 patients with acute lumbar sprain from May 2019 to March 2021 in our hospital were selected and divided into the study and control groups. The patients in the control group were administered conventional western medicine and massage therapy, while the study group underwent acupuncture along meridians based on the control group. The therapeutic effect, visual analogue scale (VAS), Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), and lumbar range of motion (ROM) scores, emG inversion times, emG amplitude of the sacrospinalis muscle, and the serum TNF-α and IL-6 levels were determined. Results: The total effective rate of the study group was significantly higher than that of the control group. After treatment, the VAS, RMDQ, and ROM scores of the study group were significantly lower than those of the control group. Before the intervention, the EMG inversion times and the EMG amplitude of the spinous process muscle in the study group were not significantly different from those in the control group. After the intervention, the number and amplitude of EMG reversal in the study group were significantly higher than those in the control group. After the intervention, the serum levels of TNF-α (pg/ml) and IL-6 (pg/ml) in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group. Conclusion. Meridian acupuncture for acute lumbar sprain can effectively improve body function, relieve pain, regulate serum inflammatory factors, and improve the overall therapeutic effect.

Effects of Elephantopus scaber extract on growth, proximate composition, immunity, intestinal microbiota and resistance of the GIFT strain of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus to Streptococcus agalactiae.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of Elephantopus scaber extract on the GIFT (genetic improvement of farmed tilapia) strain of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus. A total of 800 tilapia with an initial body weight of 1.34 ± 0.09 g each were randomly divided into five groups. The tilapia in the control group (E0 group) were fed on a basal diet only. Meanwhile, tilapia in the four experimental groups were fed on a basal diet supplemented with 1 g/kg (E1 group), 3 g/kg (E2 group), 5 g/kg (E3 group), and 7 g/kg (E4 group) of E. scaber extract for 10 weeks. Results showed that the survival rate was higher in the experimental groups than in the control group. Compared with the control group, some growth parameters (FW, WGR, SGR, VSI, and HSI) were significantly improved in the E1 group and E2 group. The crude lipid content in the dorsal muscle and liver was lower in the E1 group than in the control group. After E. scaber extract supplementation, activities of immunity-related enzymes (ACP, AKP, T-AOC, SOD, CAT, GSH-Px and LZM) in plasma, liver, spleen and head kidney, and expressions of immunity-related genes (IL-1ß, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and CCL-3) in liver, spleen and head kidney showed various degrees of improvement, while MDA content and Hsp70 expression level were decreased. The survival rate of tilapia increased in all the supplementation groups after Streptococcus agalactiae treatment. E. scaber extract addition changed the species composition, abundance, and diversity of intestinal microbiota in tilapia. These results demonstrate that E. scaber extract supplementation in diet can improve the growth, immunity, and disease resistance of GIFT against S. agalactiae. E. scaber extract supplementation can also change intestinal microbiota and reduce crude lipid content in dorsal muscle and liver. The above indicators show that the optimal dose of E. scaber extract for GIFT is 1 g/kg.

Effects of dietary Bacillus amyloliquefaciens CECT 5940 supplementation on growth performance, antioxidant status, immunity, and digestive enzyme activity of broilers fed corn-wheat-soybean meal diets.

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with Bacillus amyloliquefaciens CECT 5940 (BA-5940) on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immunity, and digestive enzyme activity of broiler chickens. A total of 720 one-day-old Arbor Acres male broiler chicks (average body weight, 45.87 ± 0.86 g) were randomly allocated to 5 treatments of 8 replicates with 18 chicks in each replicate. Broilers in the control group were fed a corn-wheat-soybean basal diet, the other 4 groups were fed the same basal diet supplemented with 500, 1,000, 1,500, or 2,000 mg/kg Ecobiol (1.27 × 109 CFU/g BA-5940) for 42 d, respectively. Broilers fed diets supplemented with BA-5940 showed a quadratic response (P < 0.05) of average daily gain (ADG) and feed to gain ratio (F:G) during d 22 to 42 and d 0 to 42. The glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities in serum and liver, and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in liver of broilers on d 42 increased linearly (P < 0.05) with increasing levels of BA-5940, while malondialdehyde (MDA) level in serum decreased linearly (P < 0.05). Concentrations of serum immunoglobulin (Ig) A and IgM on d 21, and IgM on d 42 increased linearly (P < 0.05) as BA-5940 levels increased. Supplementation with increasing levels of BA-5940 linearly decreased serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels on d 21 and 42, while increased interleukin (IL)-10 concentration (linear, P < 0.05) on d 21. Meanwhile, the levels of IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α in the mucosa of jejunum and ileum were decreased (linear, P < 0.05) on d 42 as dietary supplementation of BA-5940 increased. Additionally, supplementation with BA-5940 also increased the activities of amylase (linear, P < 0.01), lipase (linear, P < 0.05) and chymotrypsin (linear, P < 0.01) in jejunal digesta, and lipase (linear, P < 0.05) in ileal digesta of broilers on d 42. To summarize, inclusion of BA-5940 in corn-wheat-soybean meal-based diet improved growth performance of broilers through improving antioxidant capacity, immunity, and digestive enzyme activity. Based on the results of this study, 1.1-1.6 × 109 CFU/kg BA-5940 is recommended for supplementation in broiler diets.

Superhydrophobic, electrically conductive and multifunctional polymer foam composite for chemical vapor detection and crude oil cleanup.

The leakage of chemicals (either vapors or liquids) severely threatens the environment and even people's health. It remains a great challenge to develop multifunctional and durable materials that can not only detect the chemical vapors but also clean up the liquid chemicals especially high viscous crude oil. Here, a superhydrophobic and conductive foam composite (SCFC) is prepared by decorating carbon black nanoparticles (CBNPs) onto the skeleton of the pre-swollen polymer foam under the assistance of ultrasonication. The CBNPs are firmly embedded onto the skeleton surface, exhibiting a strong interfacial adhesion and hence excellent surface stability and durability. The SCFC possesses stable vapor sensing behavior and can detect various chemical vapors with a low detection limit and good cycling performance. When used for oil/water separation, the SCFC has large oil adsorption capacity for different oils with excellent reusability. Also, the outstanding photo-thermal conversion performance of the SCFC can be used to significantly reduce the oil viscosity and hence realize efficient cleanup of the crude oil. The multifunctional SCFC has promising applications in the field of environment protection, flexible electronics, etc.

Effects of Manganese Hydroxychloride on Growth Performance, Antioxidant Capacity, Tibia Parameters and Manganese Deposition of Broilers.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with manganese hydroxychloride (MHC) on production performance, antioxidant capacity, tibial quality, and manganese (Mn) deposition of broilers. A total of 756 one-day-old male Arbor Acres broilers were randomly allotted to 7 treatments of 6 replicates with 18 broilers per replicate. Broilers were fed corn-soybean meal basal diets supplemented of 100 mg/kg Mn as Mn sulfate (MnSO4), or 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100 mg/kg Mn as MHC for 42 days. The growth performance of broilers was not affected by dietary MnSO4 or MHC (p > 0.05), whereas the dressing percentage increased linearly (p < 0.05) with increasing of dietary MHC addition level. The activities of catalase (CAT) and manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), and total antioxidant capability (T-AOC) in serum and liver on day 42 increased linearly (p < 0.05) with increasing of dietary MHC level, while malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration reduced linearly (p < 0.05). The length, strength, and density index of tibia increased linearly (p < 0.05) on day 21 as MHC supplementation level increased; there were no differences between MnSO4 group and 40-100 mg/kg Mn as MHC groups in tibial parameters of broilers (p > 0.05). As supplemental MHC levels increased, the Mn contents in heart, liver, kidney, and tibia increased linearly on day 42 (p < 0.05). In summary, dietary supplementation with MHC improved antioxidant capacity, bone quality, and Mn contents in broilers, but no effects on growth performance were detected. Based on the results of this study, dietary inclusion of 50-90 mg/kg Mn in the form of MHC to broilers is recommended.

Effects of dietary trehalose on growth, trehalose content, non-specific immunity, gene expression and desiccation resistance of juvenile red claw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus).

This study was performed to investigate the effects of dietary trehalose on growth, muscle composition, non-specific immune responses, gene expression and desiccation resistance of juvenile red claw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus). A total of 540 (body weight of 0.41 ± 0.05) crayfish were randomly divided into six groups for a feeding experiment. Six diets with trehalose levels at 0 (Diet 1), 1 (Diet 2), 2 (Diet 3), 5 (Diet 4), 10 (Diet 5) and 15 (Diet 6) g kg-1 were prepared to feed juvenile red claw crayfish for 8 weeks. The results showed that the weight gain rate (WGR) and specific growth rate (SGR) of crayfish in Diet 4, Diet 5 and Diet 6 groups were significantly improved compared with the control group (Diet 1). Muscle crude protein contents of crayfish fed Diet 4, Diet 5 and Diet 6 were significantly higher than those of the control group. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) in hepatopancreas and hemolymph of crayfish for Diet 4, Diet 5, and Diet 6 groups were significantly increased while malondialdehyde (MDA) content was significantly reduced when compared with the control. The total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities in the hepatopancreas and hemolymph of crayfish fed Diet 5 and Diet 6 were significantly higher than those in the control group. However, acid phosphatase (ACP) activity was not significantly different among all experimental groups. The hepatopancreas and intestine trehalose contents of crayfish showed an upward trend with the increase of dietary trehalose levels. Compared with the control group, supplementation of 5-15 g kg-1 trehalose in the feed up-regulated the expression levels of GPx, C-type lysozyme (C-LZM), antilipolysacchride factor (ALF), facilitated trehalose transporter homolog isoform X2 (Tret1-2) and facilitated trehalose transporter isoform X4 (Tret1-4) mRNA. In addition, supplementation of 5-15 g kg-1 trehalose in the feed could improve the survival rate of red claw crayfish under desiccation stress. These results suggested that supplementation of 5-15 g kg-1 trehalose in feed could significantly improve the growth performance, muscle protein, non-specific immunity and desiccation resistance of juvenile red claw crayfish.

The Complementarity of Amino Acids in Cooked Pulse/Cereal Blends and Effects on DIAAS.

The aim was to study the complementary effect between cereals and pulses on protein quality. The values for the digestible indispensable amino acid score (DIAAS) in cooked cereals and pulses, given alone, and blends of cooked cereals and pulses, were determined. True ileal digestibility (TID) values of amino acids for adult humans were obtained. It is difficult to determine ileal amino acid digestibility in humans directly, and for this reason, the growing pig is often used to obtain such values, as a preferred animal model. Seven growing pigs fitted with a T-cannula at the terminal ileum were allotted to a 7 × 6 incomplete Latin square with seven semi-synthetic diets (cooked mung bean, adzuki bean, millet, adlay, mung bean + millet, adzuki bean + adlay, and an N-free diet) and six 7-day periods. The mean TID values for crude protein differed significantly (p < 0.05), with millet having the highest digestibility (89.4%) and the adzuki bean/adlay mixture having the lowest (79.5%). For lysine, adzuki bean had the highest TID (90%) and millet had the lowest (70%). For the mean of all the amino acids, there was a significant (p < 0.05) effect of diet, with the TID ranging from 72.4% for the adzuki bean/adlay mixture to 89.9% for the adzuki beans. For the older child, adolescent, and adult, the DIAAS (%) was 93 for mung beans, 78 for adzuki beans, 22 for millet, 16 for adlay, and 66 for mung beans + millet, and 51 for adzuki beans + adlay. For mung beans, valine was first-limiting, and the SAA for adzuki beans, while lysine was first-limiting for the other foods. Chinese traditional diets, containing both cereals and pulses, are complementary for most, but not all of the indispensable amino acids.

Effects of organic chromium sources on growth performance, lipid metabolism, antioxidant status, breast amino acid and fatty acid profiles in broilers.

BACKGROUND: Trivalent chromium (Cr) is involved in carbohydrate, lipid, protein and nucleic acid metabolism in animals. This study evaluated the effects of different organic Cr forms with Cr methionine (CrMet), Cr picolinate (CrPic), Cr nicotinate (CrNic), and Cr yeast (Cr-yeast) at the level of 400 µg kg-1 Cr, on growth performance, lipid metabolism, antioxidant status, breast amino acid and fatty acid profiles of broilers. In total, 540 one-day-old Arbor Acres male broilers were randomly assigned to five treatments with six replicates (18 broilers per replicate) until day 42. RESULTS: The results showed growth performance was not affected by Cr sources. The Cr-yeast group had lower serum cortisol levels than the CrNic group (P < 0.05). Besides, Cr-yeast increased methionine and cysteine content in breast compared with the control group. Liver malondialdehyde content was lower in the CrMet group than the CrPic group on day 42 (P < 0.05). The n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) values were increased, but the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio was decreased in both CrMet and CrNic groups (P < 0.05). There were no significant effects on broilers' serum antioxidant status and breast total essential amino acid content among all treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Diets supplemented with organic Cr could regulate lipid metabolism, and improve amino acid and fatty acid profiles in broiler breast. Moreover, Cr-yeast was the most effective source in improving methionine and cysteine content, whereas CrMet was more effective than CrNic in increasing n-3 PUFA value and decreasing n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio in breast meat and effectively strengthened liver antioxidant ability than CrPic. © 2020 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of folic acid on oligozoospermia with MTHFR polymorphisms in term of seminal parameters, DNA fragmentation, and live birth rate: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: It has been reported that paternal folic acid deficiency is correlated with male infertility and increased birth defects in the offspring. However, there are few data concerning the influence of folic acid supplementation on male-factor infertility with MTHFR gene polymorphisms. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether folic acid supplementation has a beneficial effect on oligozoospermia with MTHFR gene polymorphisms in Chinese infertility population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The infertile men suffering oligozoospermia with MTHFR gene polymorphisms were randomly divided into the folic acid treatment groups receiving folic acid 0.8 mg daily for 3 months and the placebo groups receiving placebo for 3 months. Semen parameters, seminal MDA, and DNA fragmentation were measured. Furthermore, spontaneous pregnancy rate and live birth rate were evaluated. RESULTS: Administration of folic acid for 3 months could significantly improve the seminal parameters in patients with MTHFR 677 TT genotype in comparison with that receiving placebo. Moreover, seminal MDA and sperm DNA fragmentation index in patients with MTHFR 677 TT genotype significantly declined at the end of treatment. Spontaneous pregnancy rate and live birth rate tended to be significantly higher in couples in which the men with MTHFR 677 TT genotype receiving folic acid than that receiving placebo. However, folic acid treatment did not exhibit any advantage in MTHFR 677 CT, 1298 AC, 1298 CC, 1793 GA, or combined 677 CT/1298 AC genotype. DISCUSSION: The anti-oxidation function of folic acid is one of possible mechanisms invovled in improving seminal parameters and pregnancy outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Folic acid supplementation has a beneficial effect on oligozoospermia with MTHFR 677 TT genotype in term of seminal parameters, seminal MDA, sperm DNA fragmentation, and pregnancy outcome.

Chinese herbal medicine Qinggongshoutao for the treatment of amnestic mild cognitive impairment: A 52-week randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: This randomized, double-blind trial aimed to test effect of a Chinese herbal medicine, Qinggongshoutao (QGST) pill, on the cognition and progression of amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). METHODS: Patients with aMCI were randomly assigned to receive QGST, Ginkgo biloba extract, or placebo for 52 weeks. The primary outcome measures were progression to possible or probable Alzheimer's disease (AD) and change in Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive subscale scores; secondary outcome measures included assessments for cognition and function. RESULTS: Total 350 patients were enrolled, possible or probable AD developed in 10. There were significant differences in the probability of progression to AD in the QGST group (1.15%) compared with placebo group (10%). There was significant difference in Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive subscale scores in favor of QGST over the placebo group. Secondary outcome measure (Mini-Mental State Examination) also showed benefit in QGST at end point. DISCUSSION: In patients with aMCI, QGST showed lower AD progression rate than placebo at 8.85%, and may have benefit on global cognition.

Effects of guanidinoacetic acid on growth performance, creatine metabolism and plasma amino acid profile in broilers.

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) on growth performance, creatine deposition and blood amino acid (AA) profile on broiler chickens. In Exp. 1, a total of 540 one-day-old Arbor Acres male broilers (average initial body weight, 45.23 ± 0.35 g) were divided randomly into five treatments with six replicates of 18 chicks each. Broilers were fed corn-soybean meal-basal diets supplemented with 0, 600, 800, 1,000 or 1,200 mg/kg GAA for 42 days respectively. Results showed that dietary GAA inclusion increased average daily gain (ADG) and improved gain-to-feed ratio (G:F) from 1 to 42 days (p < 0.01). However, average daily feed intake was unaffected by dietary supplementation of GAA. As GAA inclusion increased, the contents of creatine in plasma and kidney were increased (linear, p < 0.01), while the contents of GAA and creatine in liver were decreased (linear, p < 0.01). Similarly, GAA supplementation was inversely related to concentrations of most essential AA in plasma. In Exp. 2, a total of 432 one-day-old Arbor Acres male broilers (average initial body weight, 39.78 ± 0.58 g) were divided randomly into four treatments with six replicates of 18 chicks each. Birds were fed a corn-soybean meal-basal diet supplemented with 0, 200, 400 or 600 mg/kg GAA for 42 days respectively. Dietary inclusion of 600 mg/kg GAA significantly increased ADG and G:F of broilers (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation of 600-1,200 mg/kg GAA can effectively improve the growth performance in broiler chickens by affecting creatine metabolism and utilization efficiency of essential AA, and 600 mg/kg GAA is the minimum dose for improving performance.

Yeast culture dietary supplementation modulates gut microbiota, growth and biochemical parameters of grass carp.

Gut microbiota contributes positively to the physiology of their host. Some feed additives have been suggested to improve livestock health and stimulate growth performance by modulating gut bacteria species. Here, we fed grass carp with 0 (control), 8% (Treat1), 10% (Treat2), 12% (Treat3) and 16% (Treat4) of yeast culture (YC) for 10 weeks. The gut microbiota was analysed by 16S rRNA gene V3-4 region via an Illumina MiSeq platform. PCoA test showed that gut bacterial communities in the control and Treat3 formed distinctly separate clusters. Although all the groups shared a large size of OTUs as a core microbiota community, a strong distinction existed at genus level. Treat3 contained the highest proportion of the beneficial bacteria and obviously enhanced the capacity of amino acid, lipid metabolism and digestive system. In addition, Treat3 significantly improved the fish growth and increased the liver and serum T-SOD activities while dramatically decreased the liver GPT and GOT. Collectively, these findings demonstrate the beneficial effects of YC feeding on gut microbiota, growth and biochemical parameters and Treat3 might be the optimal supplementation amount for grass carp, which opens up the possibility that a new feed additive can be developed for healthy aquaculture.

Effects of dietary supplemental bile acids on performance, carcass characteristics, serum lipid metabolites and intestinal enzyme activities of broiler chickens.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of bile acids derived from swine on the growth performance, carcass traits, serum lipid metabolites and intestinal enzyme activities in broiler chickens. Four hundred thirty-two 1-day-old Arbor Acres male broilers were randomly assigned to 4 treatments with 6 replicates of 18 chicks each for 42 d. The experimental treatments received a corn-soybean basal diet containing lard and were as follows: 0 (control), 40 mg, 60 mg, and 80 mg bile acids/kg of diet. Dietary of inclusion bile acids significantly increased average daily gain and decreased feed to gain ratio from d 21 to d 42 (P < 0.01). However, average daily feed intake was unaffected by dietary supplementation with bile acids. The dressing percentage and the percentage of thigh muscle in the carcass were notably (P < 0.01) higher for broilers fed diets supplemented with 60 and 80 mg/kg bile acids. In contrast, abdominal fat weight was reduced significantly (P < 0.01). In 42-day-old broilers, serum triglyceride, high density lipoprotein and low density lipoprotein concentrations were unaffected (P > 0.05) by bile acids supplementation. Supplementation with 60 and 80 mg/kg significantly increased the activity of duodenum lipase and lipoprotein lipase on d 21 and d 42, as well as decreased the activity of hormone sensitive lipase on d 42. Supplementation of diets with 60 and 80 mg/kg of bile acid can effectively enhance the activity of intestinal lipase and lipoprotein lipase and improve growth performance and carcass traits of broilers.

[Effects of Yishen Shengjing Capsules on semen quality and gonadal hormone levels in rats with dibutyl phthalate-induced reproductive function injury].

OBJECTIVE: To study the possible pathogenesis of infertility caused by dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and investigate the effects of Yishen Shengjing Capsules (YSC, kidney-tonifying and essence-producing capsules) on DBP-induced reproductive function injury and its possible action mechanisms in male Wistar rats. METHODS: Models of DBP-induced reproductive function injury were made in 80 male Wistar rats and another 20 were used as blank controls. After modeling, the model rats were randomly divided into a model control, a high-dose YSC, a medium-dose YSC, and a low-dose YSC group. Four weeks after intervention, all the animals were sacrified for observation of the histomorphologic changes in the testis under the light microscope, measurement of sperm concentration, motility and abnormality, and determination of the levels of serum testosterone (T), luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: Compared with the blank controls, the model rats showed obvious pathological changes in testicular histomorphology, significantly decreased sperm concentration and motility, increased sperm abnormality, reduced contents of serum T and LH, and elevated the level of serum FSH (P<0.01). After 4 weeks of medication, the animals of the high-, medium-, and low-dose YSC groups, in comparison with the model controls, exhibited different degrees of recovery from testicular histomorphological damage, remarkably increased sperm concentration and motility, decreased sperm abnormality, elevated levels of serum T and LH, and reduced content of serum FSH (P<0.01). There were statistically significant differences in all the parameters above between the high-dose YSC and medium- and low-dose YSC groups (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: DBP reduces sperm motility and concentration, increases sperm abnormality, causes damage to the morphological structure of the rat testis, decreases the contents of serum T and LH, and elevates the level of the serum FSH. Yishen Shengjing Capsules can improve DBP-induced productive function injury, increase sperm motility and concentration, decrease sperm abnormality, elevate the level of serum T and LH, reduce the content of serum FSH, improve the morphological structure of the testis, and thus promote the reproductive function of the male rat.

Toxicity of extracts from disposable chopsticks, toothpicks, and paper cups on L-929 cells.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the toxicity of extracts from disposable chopsticks, toothpicks, and paper cups on L-929 cells. METHODS: We followed national standards to prepare the extracts from disposable chopsticks, toothpicks, and paper cups used for the cell culture media, and the morphology of L-929 cells was observed with an optical microscope. The loss rate for adherent cells was evaluated with the trypan blue exclusion method, and cell proliferation was determined using the WST-1 assay. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the cells cultured in media containing the extracts showed signs of apoptosis and necrosis after culturing for 4 or 7 days, and the loss rate for adherent cells was significantly increased (P < 0.05). An obvious decrease in cell viability was also observed (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The extracts from disposable chopsticks, toothpicks, and paper cups can affect the growth and proliferation of L-929 cells and are potentially toxic to humans.