Intramammary administration of lipopolysaccharides at parturition enhances immunoglobulin concentration in goat colostrum.

In newborn ruminants, transfer of passive immunity is essential to obtain protection against pathogens. This study aimed to increase the permeability of the blood-milk barrier using intramammary lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in goats at parturition to modulate colostrum composition. Twenty multiparous Majorera dairy goats were randomly allocated in one of the two experimental groups. The LPS group (n = 10) received an intramammary administration (IA) of saline (2 mL) containing 50 µg of LPS from Escherichia coli (O55:B5) in each half udder at parturition. The control group (n = 10) received an IA of saline (2 mL). Rectal temperature (RT) was recorded, and a blood sample was collected at parturition (before IA). In addition, RT was measured, and blood and colostrum/milk samples were collected on day (d) 0.125 (3 hours), 0.5 (12 hours), 1, 2, 4, 7, 15 and 30 relative to the IA. Goat plasma immunoglobulin G (IgG) and M (IgM) and serum ß-hydroxybutyrate, glucose, calcium, free fatty acids, lactate dehydrogenase and total protein concentrations were determined. Colostrum and milk yields as well as chemical composition, somatic cell count (SCC), IgG and IgM concentrations were measured. The MIXED procedure (SAS 9.4) was used, and the model included the IA, time, and the interaction between both fixed effects. Statistical significance was set as P < 0.05. Goats from the LPS group showed higher RT on d 0.125, 0.5 and 4 relative to the IA compared to the control group (PIA×Time = 0.007). Goat serum biochemical variables and plasma IgG and IgM concentrations were not affected by the IA. Colostrum and milk yield as well as chemical composition were not affected by the IA, except for milk lactose percentage that was lower in the LPS group compared to the control group (4.3 ± 0.08 and 4.6 ± 0.08%, respectively PIA = 0.026). Colostrum SCC was higher in the LPS group than in the control group (3.5 ± 0.09 and 3.1 ± 0.09 cells × 106/mL, respectively; PIA = 0.011). Similarly, milk SCC increased in the LPS group compared to the control group (PIA = 0.004). The LPS group showed higher IgG (PIA = 0.044) and IgM (PIA = 0.037) concentrations on colostrum than the control group (31.9 ± 4.8 and 19.0 ± 4.8 mg/mL, 0.8 ± 0.08 and 0.5 ± 0.08 mg/mL, respectively). No differences in milk IgG and IgM concentrations between groups were observed. In conclusion, the IA of LPS at parturition increases RT, SCC and IgG and IgM concentrations in colostrum without affecting either yield or chemical composition.

Feed restriction around parturition does not affect colostrum immunoglobulin G concentration in dairy fat-tailed sheep but does affect performance and blood metabolites in newborn lambs.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of prepartum and postpartum feed restriction of fat-tailed dairy sheep on colostrum IgG concentration, and performance and blood metabolites of newborn fat-tailed lambs. Twenty fat-tailed dairy sheep were randomly allocated into control (Ctrl; n = 10) and feed restriction (FR; n = 10) groups. The Ctrl group received a diet that met 100% of energy requirements, both prepartum (from wk -5 to parturition) and postpartum (from parturition to wk 5). The FR group received a diet equivalent to 100, 50, 65, 80, and 100% of the energy requirements in wk -5, -4, -3, -2, and -1 relative to parturition, respectively. After parturition, the FR group received a diet equivalent to the 100, 50, 65, 80, and 100% of the energy requirements in wk 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, respectively. At birth, lambs were assigned to their dam's experimental group. Both the Ctrl lambs (n = 10) and the FR lambs (n = 10) were allowed to suck colostrum and milk from the dams. Colostrum samples (50 mL) were collected at parturition (0 h) and then at 1, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 72 h postpartum. Blood samples were collected from all lambs before suckling colostrum (0 h) and then at 1, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 72 h after birth and weekly until the end of the experimental period (i.e., wk 5 relative to birth). The data were evaluated using the MIXED procedure of SAS (SAS Institute Inc.). The model included feed restriction, time, and the interaction feed restriction × time as fixed effects. The individual lamb was set as a repeated subject. Variables measured in colostrum and plasma were considered dependent variables, and significance was set at P < 0.05. Prepartum and postpartum feed restriction in fat-tailed dairy sheep did not affect colostrum IgG concentration. Consequently, no differences in blood IgG concentrations were observed in the lambs. In addition, the prepartum and postpartum feed restriction experienced by fat-tailed dairy sheep caused decreased body weight and milk intake in lambs from the FR group compared with the Ctrl group. Feed restriction also promoted increased concentration of blood metabolites such as triglycerides and urea in FR lambs compared with control lambs. In conclusion, prepartum and postpartum feed restriction in fat-tailed dairy sheep did not affect either colostrum IgG concentration or blood IgG concentration of the lambs. However, prepartum and postpartum feed restriction decreased lamb milk intake and, therefore, lamb body weight gain during the first 5 wk after birth.

Comparison between Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation with multicatheter interstitial brachytherapy and Whole Breast Irradiation, in clinical practice.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) with multicatheter interstitial brachytherapy (BT) and whole breast irradiation (WBI), in terms of toxicity, aesthetic result, quality of life and survival, in clinical practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comparative study of two prospectively recorded cohorts of 76 breast cancer patients who complied with the recommendations of GEC-ESTRO for APBI was conducted. The main objective was toxicity, quality of life measured through validated questionnaires and the aesthetic results. Secondary objectives were overall survival and disease-free survival. RESULTS: Seventy-six stage I/II breast cancer patients, with a mean age of 66 years entered the study. APBI group showed less acute G1-2 dermatitis (51.4 vs 94.9%, p < 0.001) and late hyperpigmentation (0 vs 17.9%, p = 0.04). There were no differences in aesthetic results, both assessed by the patient herself and by the doctor. Statistically significant differences in measures of quality of life were observed in favour of the APBI, both in EORTC QLQ-BR23 and body image scale questionnaires. With a median follow-up of 72 months (6 years), the estimated overall survival at 5 and 10 years was 96.8 and 77.7%, respectively, and disease-free survival at 5 and 10 years was 91.1 and 69.4%, respectively, without statistically significant differences between groups. DISCUSSION: APBI is an attractive alternative in candidate patients with initial breast cancer, with benefits in acute toxicity and quality of life and fewer visits to the hospital, without compromising tumor control or survival.

Se and I status in pregnant ewes from a pastoral system and the effect of supplementation with Se and I or only Se on wool quality of lambs.

Australian Merino ewes and lambs producing fine fibre wool for export are raised in the north-west of Uruguay in pasture-based systems. We studied the status of selenium and iodine in pregnant Merino ewes (10 per treatment) grazing in natural pasture, in natural pasture and supplemented with Se (0.1 mg Se/kg dry matter intake) and I (1 mg I/kg dry matter intake), or in natural pasture and supplemented with Se alone (0.1 mg Se/kg dry matter intake), during the last 30 days of gestation. Further, we evaluated the performance and wool quality of their offspring. Content of Se and I in natural pasture, in the sera of pregnant ewes, and in the wool of their offspring and levels of thyroidal hormones-TSH, T4, and free T3 (FT3)-in the sera of pregnant ewes were determined. The performance of lambs and the commercial parameters of fine fibre wool produced were measured. Results showed normal Se levels in serum (0.12-0.15 mg/l) in the ewes grazing in natural pasture (0.07-0.09 mg/kg DM) during late pregnancy. The observed increase in Se content in the pasture at lambing (0.11-0.16 mg/kg DM) improved serum Se levels (0.216 mg/l); however, the serum levels were not affected by the supplementation. I content in pasture showed adequate levels (0.50-0.60 mg/kg DM), which were reflected in the blood serum values 30 days prior to lambing (0.197-0.208 mg/l). However, at lambing, the I content in blood serum decreased (0.150 mg/l). Further, the supplementation did not modify the serum I levels (0.163-0.175 mg/l). An increase in FT3 levels in ewes at lambing could be associated with the increase in Se content in pasture and/or the adequate I content in pasture. No effect of supplementation was observed. Lambs showed good results regarding the quality of fine fibre wool and performance after supplementation with Se and I or Se alone and exhibited slightly improved Se and I content in wool. In conclusion, natural pasture provides adequate status in Se and I for the Merino ewes and their offspring without any additional beneficial effects of supplementation with Se and I or only Se.

Agave salmiana fructans as gut health promoters: Prebiotic activity and inflammatory response in Wistar healthy rats.

Prebiotic effects of Agave salmiana fructans at five different doses were evaluated by the growth of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Clostridium strains and SCFA production in the cecum and proximal colon of healthy Wistar rats. Mucosal integrity, bacterial proliferation, and inflammatory response were also examined. Growth of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus strains was improved by 12.5% doses of fructans in both cecum and proximal colon tissues, and a significant decrease of Clostridium (P < 0.05) was observed. Increases in mucosal thickness, proliferation, and cell adhesion were mainly observed in the cecum. High concentration of butyric acid and total SCFA were contained in the 12.5% doses. This study provides direct evidence of the prebiotic effects of Agave salmiana fructans, demonstrating that a diet supplemented with a 12.5% dose of fructans promotes major growth of probiotic bacteria and could be used as a potential prebiotic ingredient under the conditions used in this study. Taken together, these results further indicate the significance of Agave salmiana fructans as a prebiotic ingredient in the regulation and prevention of gastrointestinal diseases, as well as for the design of functional foods.

Sarcopenia, frailty and their prevention by exercise.

Sarcopenia is a major component of the frailty syndrome, both being considered as strong predictors of morbidity, disability, and death in older people. In this review, we explore the definitions of sarcopenia and frailty and summarize the current knowledge on their relationship with oxidative stress and the possible therapeutic interventions to prevent or treat them, including exercise-based interventions and multimodal strategies. We highlight the relevance of the impairment of the nervous system and of the anabolic response (protein synthesis) in muscle aging leading to frailty and sarcopenia. We also discuss the importance of malnutrition and physical inactivity in these geriatric syndromes. Finally, we propose multimodal interventions, including exercise programs and nutritional supplementation, as the strategies to prevent and treat both sarcopenia and frailty.

Association Between Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis and Air Pollution, Meteorological Factors, and Grass Pollen Counts in Madrid (1996 and 2009).

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between meteorological and pollution-related variables and the symptoms of patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis due to sensitization to grass pollen during 2 different time periods in Madrid, Spain. METHODS: Between March 23 and December 31 in 1996 and 2009, we carried out a daily count of grass pollen grains (Burkard spore trap) and recorded the rhinitis symptom scores in 2 groups of patients with a history of seasonal allergic rhinitis (n=25 in 1996 and n=23 in 2009). Descriptive statistics of the same variables during the study periods were recorded. Associations between variables were assessed using the paired-samples Wilcoxon test and categorical principal component analysis (CatPCA, SPSS24 package). RESULTS: The mean symptom score was low in 1996 and moderate in 2009. The 1996 and 2009 CatPCA analysis explained around 66.4% and 70.5% of the variance, respectively. The strongest relationships in 1996 were between symptoms and grass pollen counts (R=0.55) and between temperature and ozone (R=0.63). In 2009, the association between temperature and pollution-related variables was even stronger than in 1996 (ozone [R=0.53] and PM10 [R=0.34], with a positive sign in both cases). CONCLUSIONS: The effect of temperature and pollution (mainly ozone, even at lower atmospheric concentrations than in established guidelines for effects on health) may have contributed to the higher seasonal allergic rhinitis symptom score recorded in 2009.

Resistant Cytomegalovirus Infection After Renal Transplantation: Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Resistant cytomegalovirus (R-CMV) is an emerging problem in the renal transplantation population. The most frequent CMVs are high-resistance mutations (UL97 gene). METHODS: We describe our experience in management of R-CMV after renal transplant at our center (2012-2016). RESULTS: We encountered 3 cases of R-CMV infection after renal transplant (all primary infections). All 3 patients received induction therapy with corticosteroids, tacrolimus, and mycophenolate mofetil. The first patient (basiliximab induction, preemptive CMV) developed CMV replication on day +53, which responded poorly both to standard-dose valganciclovir (vGCV) and high-dose ganciclovir (GCV) (creatinine clearance [CrCl] >70 mL/min; vGCV 900 mg twice daily for 50 days and GCV 7.5 mg/kg twice daily for 8 days). Hematologic toxicity occurred. The R-CMV test was positive and foscarnet (FOS) was initiated (90 mg/kg twice daily for 21 days). The second patient presented CMV infection (day +30, thymoglobulin induction, CMV prophylaxis), which was not controlled with the high dose (CrCl 23 mL/min; GCV 3.5 mg/kg twice daily and vGCV 900 mg twice daily), resulting in severe neutropenia. R-CMV was detected and FOS initiated (FOS 50 mg/kg twice daily for 7 days and 50 mg/kg every 2 days for 13 days). The third patient's infection occurred on day +22 (basiliximab induction, preemptive CMV). Standard-dose vGCV was uneffective (CrCl >70 mL/min, vGCV 900 mg twice daily) and it did not respond to the high dose (GCV 7.5 mg/kg twice daily and vGCV 2700 mg/d). Moderate hematologic toxicity occurred. R-CMV was diagnosed and FOS treatment begun (FOS 70 mg/kg per day for 2 weeks). CONCLUSIONS: Resistant CMV infection may be severe due to viral infection and side effects of high-dose antiviral treatment. We presented 3 cases requiring the use of FOS in the absence of response or toxic effects from the usual treatment, with an optimal sustained response (temporary in case 2) and without serious side effects.

Physiometabolic effects of Agave salmiana fructans evaluated in Wistar rats.

A prospective completely randomized experimental study was conducted using 48 animals to evaluate the physiometabolic effects of Agave salmiana fructans as a dietary supplement in healthy Wistar rats. Five fructans concentrations from 5 to 20% (w/w) and one control were used in the rats' diet and were divided into six groups (n=8 rats/group). The treatments were carried out for 35days, during which glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, body-weight gain, food intake, fecal excretion, organ weights, renal and hepatic functions and a histological analysis of the cecum were evaluated. Glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, renal and hepatic functions were not significantly affected by any treatment. Body-weight gain and food intake were lower in the rat groups fed fructans than in the control group. Increased fecal excretion (p<0.05) was observed only in animals fed 12.5 and 20% fructans. Mice supplemented with fructans exhibited increased weight and length (p<0.05) in the cecum and colon. A histological analysis of the cecum showed cellular proliferation with a dose of 12.5% and membrane lysis at doses of 15 and 20%. In conclusion, the inclusion of 12.5% of Agave salmiana fructans in the animals' diets exerts beneficial physiometabolic effects after the seventh treatment day.

A Note on Fatty Acids Profile of Meat from Broiler Chickens Supplemented with Inorganic or Organic Selenium.

This investigation evaluated, in broiler chickens Pectoralis and Gastrocnemius muscles, the effect of the dietary supplementation with sodium selenite (0.3 ppm) versus selenomethionine (0.3 ppm), on the fatty acids composition, lipids indices, and enzymes indexes for desaturase, elongase, and thioesterase. The selenium reduced, in both muscles, the content of atherogenic fatty acids, C14:0 and C16:0, while it increased the C18:1 level. On the other hand, selenium increased, in both muscles, the content of C18:3n3 and EPA, but not DPA and DHA. No selenium effect was detected for PUFA/SFA, n-6, n-3, n-6/n-3, and atherogenic and thrombogenic indices. As for the enzyme indexes, a selenium effect is only detected for thioesterase. Taken together, the results highlight the potential effect of dietary selenium, mainly selenomethionine, in the modulation of the composition of fatty acids in chicken meat, in particular, reducing the content of atherogenic fatty acids and increasing the health promoting n-3 PUFA.

Properties of Resveratrol: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies about Metabolism, Bioavailability, and Biological Effects in Animal Models and Humans.

Plants containing resveratrol have been used effectively in traditional medicine for over 2000 years. It can be found in some plants, fruits, and derivatives, such as red wine. Therefore, it can be administered by either consuming these natural products or intaking nutraceutical pills. Resveratrol exhibits a wide range of beneficial properties, and this may be due to its molecular structure, which endow resveratrol with the ability to bind to many biomolecules. Among these properties its activity as an anticancer agent, a platelet antiaggregation agent, and an antioxidant, as well as its antiaging, antifrailty, anti-inflammatory, antiallergenic, and so forth activities, is worth highlighting. These beneficial biological properties have been extensively studied in humans and animal models, both in vitro and in vivo. The issue of bioavailability of resveratrol is of paramount importance and is determined by its rapid elimination and the fact that its absorption is highly effective, but the first hepatic step leaves little free resveratrol. Clarifying aspects like stability and pharmacokinetics of resveratrol metabolites would be fundamental to understand and apply the therapeutic properties of resveratrol.

Comparing phosphorus indices from twelve southern U.S. states against monitored phosphorus loads from six prior southern studies.

Forty-eight states in the United States use phosphorus (P) indices to meet the requirements of their Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Code 590 Standard, which provides national guidance for nutrient management of agricultural lands. The majority of states developed these indices without consultation or coordination with neighboring states to meet specific local conditions and policy needs. Using water quality and land treatment data from six previously published articles, we compared P loads with P-Index values and ratings using the 12 southern P indices. When total measured P loads were regressed with P-Index rating values, moderate to very strong relationships (0.50 to 0.97) existed for five indices (Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina) and all but one index was directionally correct. Regressions with dissolved P were also moderate to very strong ( of 0.55 to 0.95) for the same five state P indices (Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina); directionality of the Alabama Index was negative. When total measured P loads were transformed to current NRCS 590 Standard ratings (Low [<2.2 kg P ha], Moderate, [2.2-5.5 kg P ha], and High [>5.5 kg P ha]) and these ratings were then compared to the southern-Index ratings, many of the P indices correctly identified Low losses (77%), but most did not correctly identify Moderate or High loss situations (14 and 31%, respectively). This study demonstrates that while many of the P indices were directionally correct relative to the measured water quality data, there is a large variability among southern P indices that may result in different P management strategies being employed under similar conditions.

Anoxia-induced release of colloid- and nanoparticle-bound phosphorus in grassland soils.

Particle-facilitated transport is a key mechanism of phosphorus (P) loss in agroecosystems. We assessed contributions of colloid- and nanoparticle-bound P (nPP; 1-415 nm) to total P released from grassland soils receiving biannual poultry litter applications since 1995. In laboratory incubations, soils were subjected to 7 days of anoxic conditions or equilibrated at pH 6 and 8 under oxic conditions and then the extract was size fractionated by differential centrifugation/ultrafiltration for analysis of P, Al, Fe, Si, Ti, and Ca. Selected samples were characterized by transmission electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy (TEM-EDS) and field flow fractionation (FFF-ICP-MS). Particles released were present as nanoaggregates with a mean diameter of 200-250 nm, composed of ~50-nm aluminosilicate flakes studded with Fe and Ti-rich clusters (<10 nm) that contained most of the P detected by EDS. Anoxic incubation of stimulated nPP release with seasonally saturated soils released more nPP and Fe(2+)(aq) than well-drained soils; whereas, nonreductive particle dispersion, accomplished by raising the pH, yielded no increase in nPP release. This suggests Fe acts as a cementing agent, binding to the bulk soil P-bearing colloids that can be released during reducing conditions. Furthermore, it suggests prior periodic exposure to anoxic conditions increases susceptibility to redox-induced P mobilization.

La radiación UVA-1: un nuevo aporte en la fototerapia dermatológica / Ultraviolet radiation A1 (UVA-1): therapeutic use in dermatology

La radiación ultravioleta ha sido usada durante décadas para el tratamiento de diversas enfermedades cutáneas. La radiación ultravioleta A1 (UVA-1) que tiene una longitud de onda entre los 340nm y 400 nm está disponible desde el año 1981, pero recién en las últimas dos décadas se ha estudiado, publicado y reportado su potencial uso terapéutico en la dermatología. Los primeros beneficios de su uso se reportaron en la dermatitis atópica donde se utilizaron dosis altas de UVA-1 para tratar las exacerbaciones severas de esta condición. Luego, nuevas indicaciones terapéuticas de su uso se fueron expandiendo a otras enfermedades cutáneas tales como: morfea, liquen escleroso, queratosis liquenoide, linfomacutáneo de células T y otras dermatopatías. La radiación UVA-1 al tener una longitud de onda más larga penetra a las capas más profundas de la dermis, lo que le permite una acción en la modificación de la respuesta inflamatoria, la respuesta inmunológica y los mecanismos de reparación cutánea.

Ultraviolet light radiation has been used for decades for the treatment of several cutaneous diseases. The ultraviolet radiation A1 (UVA-1) with a wave length between 340 nm-400 nm has been available since 1981, but only in the last two decades it has been studied and published for therapeutic use in dermatology. The first reported benefits of its use were reported in atopic dermatitis in which high doses of UVA-1were used to treat severe exacerbations of this condition. Thereafter, new therapeutic indications expanded its use for other cutaneous diseases like: morphea, lichen sclerosus, lichenoid keratosis, cutaneous T cell lymphoma and other skin conditions. The UVA-1 radiation has a long wavelength that make possible to reach the deep dermis and to modify the inflammatory response, immunological response and the cutaneous repair mechanisms.

Influence of aeration implements, phosphorus fertilizers, and soil taxa on phosphorus losses from grasslands.

Attenuation of rainfall within the solum may help to move contaminants and nutrients into the soil to be better sequestered or utilized by crops. Surface application of phosphorus (P) amendments to grasslands may lead to elevated concentrations of P in surface runoff and eutrophication of surface waters. Aeration of grasslands has been proposed as a treatment to reduce losses of applied P. Here, results from two small-plot aeration studies and two field-scale, paired-watershed studies are supplemented with previously unpublished soil P data and synthesized. The overall objective of these studies was to determine the impact of aeration on soil P, runoff volume, and runoff P losses from mixed tall fescue [Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) Darbysh.]-bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L.) grasslands fertilized with P. Small-scale rainfall simulations were conducted on two soil taxa using three types of aeration implements: spikes, disks, and cores. The-field scale study was conducted on four soil taxa with slit and knife aeration. Small-plot studies showed that core aeration reduced loads of total P and dissolved reactive P (DRP) in runoff from plots fertilized with broiler litter and that aeration was effective in reducing P export when it increased soil P in the upper 5 cm. In the field-scale study, slit aeration reduced DRP losses by 35% in fields with well-drained soils but not in poorly drained soils. Flow-weighted concentrations of DRP in aerated fields were related to water-soluble P applied in amendments and soil test P in the upper 5 cm. These studies show that the overall effectiveness of mechanical soil aeration on runoff volume and P losses is controlled by the interaction of soil characteristics such as internal drainage and compaction, soil P, type of surface-applied manure, and type of aeration implement.

Selenium, copper, zinc, iron and manganese content of seven meat cuts from Hereford and Braford steers fed pasture in Uruguay.

Tenderloin (T), eye of rump (E), striploin (S), eye round (ER), tri-tip (TT), rib-eye roll (RR) and three rib plate-flank on (RP) meat cuts were evaluated. Selenium contents ranged between 0.42 and 1.20 mg/kg wet tissue (wt) in Hereford (H) breed and between 0.49 and 1.3 mg/kg wt in Braford (B) breed. In H and B breeds, T, TT and RP, and TT and RP were the richest cuts in selenium, respectively. Copper contents ranged between 0.25 and 1.04 mg/kg wt in H, and between 0.19 and 1.09 mg/kg wt in B. In H breed, RP had significantly more Cu than ER, TT, and RR. In B breed, ER and RR show a significant lower Cu level in comparison to the other meat cuts. Zinc contents ranged between 23 and 72.7 mg/kg wt in H, and between 23 and 63.9 mg/kg wt in B. RP is the richest cut in Zn compared to the other cuts in the two breeds. Iron contents ranged between 16.4 and 48.2 mg/kg wt in H, and between 14.2 and 47.9 mg/kg wt in B. In H breed, RR shows a lower content compared to the other cuts, except RP and S. In B breed, RR had the lowest level of Fe compared to the other cuts, except RP and T. Manganese contents ranged between 0.05 and 0.17 mg/kg wt in H, and between 0.04 and 0.48 mg/kg wt in B. In H no differences were detected between cuts. In B breed, ER cut shows the highest level of Mn.

Fatty acids and neurodevelopment.

Knowledge of the importance of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), arachidonic acid (AA), and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) in neurodevelopment was originally obtained from animal studies. These fatty acids are rapidly accreted in brain during the first postnatal year in animal and human infants, and they are found in high concentrations in breast milk. Reports of enhanced intellectual development in breast-fed children, and reports linking LCPUFA deficiency with neurodevelopmental disorders have stressed the physiological importance of DHA in visual and neural systems. In addition to high concentrations of fatty acids in breast milk, they are also present in fish and algae oil and have recently been added to infant formulas. Esterified poplyunsaturated fatty acids act in cellular membranes, in signal transduction, in neurotransmission, and in the formation of lipid rafts. Nonesterified polyunsaturated fatty acids can modulate gene expression and ion channel activities, thus becoming neuroprotective agents. The conversion of linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid into ARA and DHA have led to randomized clinical trials that have studied whether infant formulas supplemented with DHA or both DHA and ARA would enhance visual and cognitive development. This review gives an overview of fatty acids and neurodevelopment, focusing on the findings from these studies.

AM3, a natural glycoconjugate, induces the functional maturation of human dendritic cells.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Dendritic cells (DCs) are dedicated antigen-presenting cells able to initiate specific immune responses and their maturation is critical for the induction of antigen-specific T-lymphocyte responses. Here, we have investigated the effects of Inmunoferon-active principle (AM3), the active agent of a commercial immunomodulatory drug, on human monocyte-derived DCs (MDDCs). EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: MDDCs derived from healthy and hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients were stimulated with AM3. We analysed the expression of cell surface proteins by flow cytometry, that of cytokine production by ELISA, and the expression of chemokines and chemokine receptors by RNase protection assays. T-lymphocyte proliferation was assessed in mixed lymphocyte reactions, protein expression by western blot and luciferase-based reporter methods, and Toll-like receptor (TLR)-blocking antibodies were employed to analyse TLR activity. KEY RESULTS: In MDDCs, AM3 induced or enhanced expression of CD54, CD83, CD86, HLA-DR, chemokines and chemokine receptors, interleukin (IL)-12p70 and IL-10. Furthermore, AM3 stimulated MDDCs to increase proliferation of allogenic T cells. AM3 triggered nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB and phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase. AM3 promoted NF-kappaB activation in a TLR-4-dependent manner, and blocking TLR-4 activity attenuated the enhanced expression of CD80, CD83 and CD86 induced by AM3. AM3 enhanced the expression of maturation-associated markers in MDDCs from HCV-infected patients and increased the proliferation of T lymphocytes induced by these MDDCs. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: These results underline the effects of AM3 in promoting maturation of MDDCs and suggest that AM3 might be useful in regulating immune responses in pathophysiological situations requiring DC maturation.

Aerating grasslands: effects on runoff and phosphorus losses from applied broiler litter.

Aeration has been promoted as improving infiltration of rainfall and extending grass or forage productivity, but research on the impact of this practice on P losses from grasslands has had mixed results. We designed a study to determine at the field scale, using a paired watershed approach, the impact of slit aeration on runoff volume and P losses in runoff from fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.)/bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L.) hay fields fertilized with broiler litter. Three pairs of 0.8-ha fields, each with similar soils (Typic Kanhapludults, Aquic Hapludults, and Aquultic Hapludalfs), were fertilized with broiler litter and monitored under similar management from 1995 through 1998, then one field in each pair received aeration treatment from 2001 through 2003. In the field with mostly well-drained soils, grassland aeration reduced surface runoff volume and mass losses of dissolved reactive P (DRP) in runoff by approximately 35%. In contrast, when poorly drained soils dominated, grassland aeration increased runoff volume (4.8 mm/runoff event) and mass losses of DRP and total P (0.25 kg TP ha-1 per runoff event). This implies that aeration of well-drained soils in the top poultry-producing counties of Georgia (0.2 million ha) could decrease dissolved phosphorus losses by more than 500 Mg P each year. This is not the case if soils are poorly drained.

A model for phosphorus transformation and runoff loss for surface-applied manures.

Agricultural P transport in runoff is an environmental concern. An important source of P runoff is surface-applied, unincorporated manures, but computer models used to assess P transport do not adequately simulate P release and transport from surface manures. We developed a model to address this limitation. The model operates on a daily basis and simulates manure application to the soil surface, letting 60% of manure P infiltrate into soil if manure slurry with less than 15% solids is applied. The model divides manure P into four pools, water-extractable inorganic and organic P, and stable inorganic and organic P. The model simulates manure dry matter decomposition, and manure stable P transformation to water-extractable P. Manure dry matter and P are assimilated into soil to simulate bioturbation. Water-extractable P is leached from manure when it rains, and a portion of leached P can be transferred to surface runoff. Eighty percent of manure P leached into soil by rain remains in the top 2 cm, while 20% leaches deeper. This 2-cm soil layer contributes P to runoff via desorption. We used data from field studies in Texas, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Arkansas to build and validate the model. Validation results show the model accurately predicted cumulative P loads in runoff, reflecting successful simulation of the dynamics of manure dry matter, manure and soil P pools, and storm-event runoff P concentrations. Predicted runoff P concentrations were significantly related to (r2=0.57) but slightly less than measured concentrations. Our model thus represents an important modification for field or watershed scale models that assess P loss from manured soils.