Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bacillus subtilis significantly change the growth performance, serum immunity and cecal microbiota of Cherry Valley ducks during the fattening period.

This study explored the effects of a Bacillus subtilis and Lactobacillus acidophilus mixture containing the co-fermented products of the two probiotics on growth performance, serum immunity and cecal microbiota of Cherry Valley ducks. This study included 480 one-day-old Cherry Valley ducks divided into four feeding groups: basal diet (control group) and basal diet supplemented with 300, 500, or 700 mg/kg of the probiotic powder; the ducks were raised for 42 days. Compared with the control group, body weight on day 42 and the average daily gain on days 15-42 significantly increased (p < 0.05), and the feed conversion rate significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in the experimental groups. Furthermore, the serum immunoglobulin (Ig) A, IgG, IgM, and interleukin (IL)-4 levels increased significantly (p < 0.05), and IL-1ß, IL-2, and tumor necrosis factor-α decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in the experimental groups. Finally, Sellimonas, Prevotellaceae NK3B31 group, Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group and Butyricoccus played an important role in the cecal microbiota of the experimental group. Thus, the probiotic powder has impacts on the growth performance, serum immunity and cecal microbiota of Cherry Valley Ducks.

Multi-omics analysis reveals that linoleic acid metabolism is associated with variations of trained immunity induced by distinct BCG strains.

Trained immunity is one of the mechanisms by which BCG vaccination confers persistent nonspecific protection against diverse diseases. Genomic differences between the different BCG vaccine strains that are in global use could result in variable protection against tuberculosis and therapeutic effects on bladder cancer. In this study, we found that four representative BCG strains (BCG-Russia, BCG-Sweden, BCG-China, and BCG-Pasteur) covering all four genetic clusters differed in their ability to induce trained immunity and nonspecific protection. The trained immunity induced by BCG was associated with the Akt-mTOR-HIF1α axis, glycolysis, and NOD-like receptor signaling pathway. Multi-omics analysis (epigenomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics) showed that linoleic acid metabolism was correlated with the trained immunity-inducing capacity of different BCG strains. Linoleic acid participated in the induction of trained immunity and could act as adjuvants to enhance BCG-induced trained immunity, revealing a trained immunity-inducing signaling pathway that could be used in the adjuvant development.

The development of a clinical nomogram to predict medication nonadherence in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common bone disease in older patients. Medication adherence is of great significance in the prognosis of this disease. Therefore, this study analyzed the high-risk factors that lead to medication nonadherence in patients with KOA and constructed a nomogram risk prediction model. The basic information and clinical characteristics of inpatients diagnosed with KOA at the Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, were collected from January 2020 to January 2022. The Chinese version of the eight-item Morisky scale was used to evaluate medication adherence. The Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) classification was performed in combination with the imaging data of patients. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analysis and logistic multivariate regression analysis were used to analyze high-risk factors leading to medication nonadherence, and a prediction model of the nomogram was constructed. The model was internally verified using bootstrap self-sampling. The index of concordance (C-index), area under the operating characteristic curve (AUC), decision curve, correction curve, and clinical impact curve were used to evaluate the model. A total of 236 patients with KOA were included in this study, and the non-adherence rate to medication was 55.08%. Seven influencing factors were included in the nomogram prediction: age, underlying diseases, diabetes, age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index (aCCI), payment method, painkillers, and use of traditional Chinese medicine. The C-index and AUC was 0.935. The threshold probability of the decision curve analysis was 0.02-0.98. The nomogram model can be effectively applied to predict the risk of medication adherence in patients with KOA, which is helpful for medical workers to identify and predict the risk of individualized medication adherence in patients with KOA at an early stage of treatment, and then carry out early intervention.

Complete chloroplast genome of Lonicera ligustrina Wall. (Caprifoliaceae) and its phylogenetic implications.

Lonicera ligustrina is a folk medicinal herb in China and India with highly potential medicinal value. Here, we reported the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of L. ligustrina (GenBank accession number: ON968694). The cp genome was 155,330 bp long, with a large single-copy region (LSC) of 88,855 bp and a small single-copy region (SSC) of 18,647 bp separated by a pair of inverted repeats (IRs) of 23,914 bp. We also reconstructed the phylogeny of Lonicera using maximum likelihood (ML) method, including our data and previously reported cp genomes of related taxa. The current study indicated that L. ligustrina is sister with the Nintooa clade of subgen. Lonicera.

Selenium regulates Nrf2 signaling to prevent hepatotoxicity induced by hexavalent chromium in broilers.

Hexavalent chromium (Cr(Ⅵ)) is considered to be a common environmental pollutant, which widely exists in industrial effluents and wastes and then potentially noxious effects to the health of the poultry. Studies have reported that selenium (Se), which is one of the essential trace elements of the poultry and participates in the oxidative metabolism, can alleviate Cr(Ⅵ)-induced organ damage by inhibiting oxidative stress, but its specific molecular mechanism remains unclear. Herein, animal models of Cr(Ⅵ)- and Se-exposure were constructed using broilers to investigate the antagonistic mechanism of Se to Cr(Ⅵ)-induced hepatotoxicity. In this experiment, the four groups of broiler models were used as the research objects: control, Se, Se plus Cr, and Cr groups. Histopathology and ultrastructure liver changes were observed. Liver-somatic index, serum biochemistry, oxidative stress, Nrf2 pathway related factors, and autophagy-related genes were also determined. Overall, Se was found to ameliorate the disorganized structure, hepatic insufficiency, and oxidative damage caused by Cr(Ⅵ) exposure. Electron microscopy analysis further showed that the number of autophagosomes was obviously decreased after Se treatment compared to Cr group. Furthermore, gene and protein expression analyses illustrated that the levels of Nrf2, glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx-1), NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), and mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) in the Se&Cr group was upregulated, along with decreased expression of Beclin 1, ATG5 and LC3 compared to the Cr group. These suggest that Se can repair the oxidative lesion and autophagy induced by Cr(Ⅵ) exposure in broiler livers by upregulating the Nrf2 signaling pathway.

[Clinical efficacy of Manlyman Spray combined with biofeedback therapy on premature ejaculation].

Objective： To observe the clinical effect of Manlyman Spray combined with biofeedback therapy in the treatment of premature ejaculation (PE)．Methods： A total of 60 primary premature ejaculation patients with stable sexual partners and regular sexual activity (≥１ times per week) from April 2021 to October 2022 were involved in the clinical observation, The patients' age is (34.3 ± 4.9) years old, and the course of the disease is (112.5 ± 65.5) months, and Manlyman Spray combined with biofeedback therapy was used to treat patients for 8 weeks. Manlyman Spray was sprayed 3 times on the surface of the penisqd for 4 weeks, and Biofeedback therapy is treated twice a week according to the AI setting module, for a total of 8 weeks. Before and 8 weeks after medication and at 4 weeks after drug withdrawal, the Intravaginal Ejaculation Latency Time (IELT), Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT) scores and Clinical Global Impression of Change (CGIC) scores were Obtained and compared. Results： After 8 weeks of treatment, the IELT of the patients was significantly prolonged (ï¼»351.4 ± 76.7ï¼½ vs ï¼»87 ± 16.8ï¼½,P<0.05) and at 4 weeks after drug withdrawal, the therapeutic effect still existed (ï¼»345.9 ± 80.3ï¼½ vs ï¼»87 ± 16.8ï¼½,P<0.05), the PEDT scores were significantly improved after treatment (ï¼»18.2 ± 1.1ï¼½ vs ï¼»9.0 ± 1.4ï¼½,P<0.05)and at 4 weeks after drug withdrawal(ï¼»18.0 ± 1.2ï¼½ vs ï¼»9.0 ± 1.4ï¼½,P<0.05), and so were the CGIC scores (ï¼»13.4 ± 1.3ï¼½ vs ï¼»3.3 ± 1.4ï¼½,P<0.05, and ï¼»12.6 ± 1.6ï¼½ vs ï¼»3.3 ± 1.4ï¼½,P<0.05). Conclusion： The combination of Manlyman Spray and biofeedback therapy can effectively treat primary premature ejaculation, with a long duration of treatment and good safety, and the specific mechanism needs further study.

Dietary Supplemental Chromium Yeast Improved the Antioxidant Capacity, Immunity and Liver Health in Broilers under High Stocking Density.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different levels of yeast chromium on growth performance, organ index, antioxidant capacity, immune performance and liver health of broilers under high stocking density. A total of 684 1-day-old Arbor Acres broilers were selected and fed a common diet from 1 to 22 days of age. At the end of 22 days, broilers with similar weight were randomly divided into six treatments, with six replications in each treatment. The broilers in control groups were fed with a control diet and raised at low stocking density of broilers (14 broilers/m2, LSD) and high stocking density (20 broilers/m2, HSD). The broilers in treatment groups were fed with diets supplemented with 200, 400, 800 and 1600 µg Cr/kg chromium yeast (Cr-yeast) under HSD, respectively. The experimental period was 23~42 days. Compared with the LSD group, the HSD group significantly decreased the liver index (ratio of liver weight to live weight of broilers) of broilers (p < 0.05), the HSD group significantly increased the content of corticosterone (CORT) and the activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and decreased the prealbumin (PA) level in the serum (p < 0.05). HSD decreased the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) contents in the serum, liver and breast, serum glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities, breast total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activities and liver catalase (CAT) activities of broilers (p < 0.05). The HSD group significantly increased the total histopathological score (p < 0.05). Compared with the HSD group, adding 200, 400, and 1600 Cr-yeast significantly increased the liver index of broilers (p < 0.05), all HSD + Cr-yeast groups decreased the ALT activities (p < 0.05), and the HSD + 800 group significantly decreased the CORT contents and the ALP activities of the serum (p < 0.05); the HSD + 400, 800 and 1600 groups increased the PA contents of the serum (p < 0.05); HSD + 800 group significantly reduced the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and Interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) contents of the serum (p < 0.05); moreover, the HSD + 400 group increased the GSH-Px activities of the serum (p < 0.05), the T-AOC and the T-SOD activities of the breast (p < 0.05) and the T-AOC and CAT activities of the liver (p < 0.05). Adding 800 Cr-yeast significantly decreased the total histopathological score (degree of hepatocyte edema and inflammatory cell infiltration) under HSD (p < 0.05). In summary, Cr-yeast can improve the antioxidant capacity and immune traits, and liver health of broilers under HSD. Based on the results of the linear regression analysis, the optimal supplementation of Cr-yeast in antioxidant capacity, immunity ability and liver health were at the range of 425.00−665.00, 319.30−961.00, and 800.00−1531.60 µg Cr/kg, respectively.

Low Level of Dietary Organic Trace Minerals Improved Egg Quality and Modulated the Status of Eggshell Gland and Intestinal Microflora of Laying Hens During the Late Production Stage.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary organic trace minerals on egg quality and intestinal microflora of laying hens during the late production stage. In total, 1,080 Jinghong-1 laying hens aged 57 weeks were randomly assigned to five treatment groups: CON, basal diet containing about 6, 29, 49, and 308 mg·kg-1 of Cu, Mn, Zn, and Fe; IT100, basal diet supplemented with 10, 80, 80, and 60 mg·kg-1 of Cu, Mn, Zn, and Fe (each as inorganic sulfates), respectively; OT20, basal diet supplemented with 2, 16, 16, and 12 mg·kg-1 of Cu, Mn, Zn, and Fe (each as organic trace minerals chelated with lysine and methionine in the ratio of 2:1 amino acid: organic trace minerals), respectively; OT30, basal diet supplemented with 3, 24, 24, and 18 mg·kg-1 of organic Cu, Mn, Zn, and Fe, respectively; and OT50, basal diet supplemented with 5, 40, 40, and 30 mg·kg-1 of organic Cu, Mn, Zn, and Fe, respectively. Overall, OT20, OT30, and OT50 had equal or higher potential to promote Cu, Mn, Zn, and Fe deposition in egg yolks compared with IT100. In addition, OT50 enhanced the eggshell breaking strength and the antioxidant status of the eggshell gland. Cecal microbiota, including Barnesiellaceae and Clostridia, were significantly decreased in IT100- and OT50-treated hens compared with the CON group. Clostridia UCG-014 was negatively correlated with eggshell weight and OCX-32. In conclusion, reduced supplementation of organic trace minerals can improve the eggshell quality and trace mineral deposition, possibly by modulating genes involved in the eggshell formation in the eggshell gland and by controling of the potentially harmful bacteria Barnesiellaceae and Clostridiales in the cecum. Inorganic trace minerals may be effectively replaced by low level of complex organic trace minerals in laying hens during the late production stage.

High Dietary Organic Iron Supplementation Decreases Growth Performance and Induces Oxidative Stress in Broilers.

Although Iron (Fe) is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in respiratory processes, excessive Fe in the diet can affect the health of broilers. We investigated the effects of diet supplemented with high levels of iron chelates with lysine and glutamic acid (Fe−LG) on the growth performance, serum biochemical parameters, antioxidant status, and duodenal mRNA expression of Fe transporters in broilers. A total of 800 1-day-old male Arbor Acres broilers were assigned to 5 groups, with 8 replicates each. Broilers were fed a corn−soybean meal basal diet or basal diets supplemented with 40, 80, 400, or 800 mg Fe/kg as Fe−LG for 6 weeks. The body weight (BW) was increased in the 80 mg Fe/kg treatment group, but decreased in the 800 mg Fe/kg treatment group on day 21. During days 1−21, compared with the control group, the supplementation of the 80 mg Fe/kg increased the average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI); however, the supplementation of the 800 mg Fe/kg group decreased the ADG and increased the FCR in broilers (p < 0.05). The heart, liver, spleen, and kidney indices were reduced in the 800 mg Fe/kg treatment group (p < 0.05). The supplementation of the 800 mg Fe/kg group increased the serum aspartate aminotransferase activity and the levels of creatinine and urea nitrogen on day 42 (p < 0.05). The broilers had considerably low liver total superoxide dismutase activity and total antioxidant capacity in the 800 mg Fe/kg treatment group (p < 0.05). Serum and liver Fe concentrations were elevated in the 400 and 800 mg Fe/kg treatment groups, but were not affected in the 40 and 80 mg Fe/kg treatment groups. The duodenal Fe transporters divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) and ferroportin 1 (FPN1) were downregulated in the Fe−LG treatment groups (p < 0.05). We conclude that a high dietary supplement of 800 mg Fe/kg in broilers leads to detrimental health effects, causing kidney function injury and liver oxidative stress.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) in Targeted Drug Delivery: Literature Review and Exploratory Data on Migrating and Differentiation Capacities of Bone MSCs into Hepatic Progenitor Cells.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), particularly bone MSCs (BMSCs) offer great potentials for targeted therapeutic applications owing to their migratory and differentiation capacities. Significant advances have been achieved in the differentiation of hepatocyte or hepatocyte-like cells both in vitro and in vivo. However, there is limited knowledge on the differentiation of BMSCs into bipotential hepatic progenitor cells or cholangiocyte. This study reviews the potentials and advances in using MSCs as vehicles for targeted drug delivery and proposes a new method for the induction of differentiation in rat BMSCs into hepatic progenitor cells in vitro and assesses the differential and migratory capacities. METHODS: The BMSCs of Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were harvested from the femur and the tibiae of the rats. After isolation and culturing, BMSCs from Passage 1 were used for the study. The in vitro differentiation of the hepatic progenitor cells was performed using a 2-step induction approach after 5-day serum deprivation from the BMSCs and culturing in Dulbecco's modified eagle medium. Spontaneous in vitro differentiation of BMSCs was examined in the absence of growth factors for 15 days as control treatment. Hepatocytes differentiation was achieved by exposing the culture to collagen type I-coated plates. Cholangiocytes differentiation was achieved with replating the BMC-HepPCs on a layer of Matrigel. Immunofluorescence was conducted on twelve-well plates to determine cell differentiations. Real-Time Quantitative Reverse Transcription PCR (qRTPCR) was used to determine the total RNA extracted using the Trizol LS reagent. In the hepatocyte differentiation group, after periodic acid-schiff (PAS) staining for glycogen, inverted microscope was used to determine differentiations and undifferentiated BMC-HepPCs served as controls. The amount of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) uptake by the BMSCs-derived hepatocytes was assessed using fluorescence microscopy. The secretion of rat albumin was quantified using a quantitative ELISA kit. RESULTS: Differentiation induction is indicative of the sequential supplementation of sodium butyrate and cytokines, which are involved in the embryonic development of the mammalian liver. Hepatic progenitor cells, derived from bone marrow, can be differentiated bidirectionally in vitro into both hepatocyte and cholangiocyte cell-lines. The differentiated cells, including hepatic progenitor cells, hepatocytes, and bile duct-like cells, were identified and analyzed at mRNA and protein levels. CONCLUSION: Our findings show that BMSCs can be utilized as novel bipotential hepatic progenitor cells and thereby for hepatobiliary disease treatment or hepatobiliary tissue-engineering.

Detection and risk assessments of multi-pesticides in 1771 cultivated herbal medicines by LC/MS-MS and GC/MS-MS.

Focus on the safety of herbal medicines has mainly been directed towards the presence of intrinsic toxicity, as found in the cases of renal and hepatic dysfunction caused by aristolochic acids. However, contamination from extrinsic hazards may impart an even greater reduction in their safety and efficacy. This study reveals that pesticides were present in the majority (88%) of a comprehensive cross-section (n = 1771) of herbal medicine samples. Alarmingly, more than half (59%) contained pesticides over the European Pharmacopoeia (EP) limit, and 43% of them contained 35 varieties of banned, extremely toxic pesticides, eight of which were detected at levels over 500 times higher than the default Maximum Residue Limit (MRL). DDTs, carbofuran, and mevinphos were confirmed as being among the most risk-inducing pesticides by three different risk assessment methods, reported to produce carcinogenic, genotoxic, reproductive, and developmental effects, in addition to carrying nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity. In light of these findings, and withstanding that extrinsic hazards can be controlled unlike intrinsic toxicity, the authors here strongly recommend the application of herbal medicine quality-control measures and solutions to safeguard against a neglected but certainly potentially serious health risk posed to the majority of the global population that consumes herbal medicines.

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.

Optimized force range of magnetic compression anastomosis in dog intestinal tissue.

BACKGROUND: Magnetic compression anastomosis (MCA) is a commonly used anastomosis method. MCA was widely used in tissues repair, gastroenterostomy, choledochoenterostomy, and so on. It is safer and more effective than stapler and manual surgical suturing. However, there are few detailed studies on the biomechanical characteristics and tissue transformation mechanisms of the anastomosis process. In this research, taking intestinal tissue as research object, we need to determine an optimal compressive force range to provide a biomechanical reference for the design of anastomats. METHODS: Magnets with different magnetic force groups (2.06, 3.21, 6.27, 13.3 and 19.2 N) were implanted into each dog to form intestinal tissue side-to-side anastomoses. Five dogs were euthanized on each of postoperative day 1, day 3, and day 7. Anastomoses were then harvested and compared with respect to postoperative complications, histology and tear-resistance load capacity (TRLC). RESULTS: The TRLC of anastomotic tissue formed by magnets with different magnetic forces differed markedly, but with the tissue growth, the TRLC differences between groups were decreased. Histology of anastomotic tissue showed that, in the initial stage, the anastomoses compressed by 2.06-N magnets did not form effectively, while the leakage appeared in the anastomoses compressed by 19.2-N magnets, in the rest groups, with magnetic force increasing, severity of ischemia and necrosis of compressed tissue increased and healing speed of anastomotic tissue improved. In the late stage, the influence of magnetic force for anastomotic tissue was gradually diminished. CONCLUSIONS: The magnetic force applied on the magnetic compression anastomats affects the necrosis speed of compressed tissue and the healing speed of anastomotic tissue. The optimal compressive force range for intestinal compression anastomosis is 6.27 N to 13.3 N, and the actual optimal compression pressure is 79.8 kPa - 169 kPa. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Magnetic compression anastomosis (MCA) is a commonly used anastomosis method. MCA was widely used in tissues repair, gastroenterostomy, choledochoenterostomy, and so on. It is safer and more effective than stapler and manual surgical suturing. However, there are few detailed studies on the biomechanical characteristics and tissue transformation mechanisms of the anastomosis process. In this research, taking intestinal tissue as research object, we need to determine an optimal compressive force range to provide a biomechanical reference for the design of anastomats.

Effect of early dietary energy restriction and phosphorus level on subsequent growth performance, intestinal phosphate transport, and AMPK activity in young broilers.

We aimed to determine the effect of low dietary energy on intestinal phosphate transport and the possible underlying mechanism to explain the long-term effects of early dietary energy restriction and non-phytate phosphorus (NPP). A 2 × 3 factorial experiment, consisting of 2 energy levels and 3 NPP levels, was conducted. Broiler growth performance, intestinal morphology in 0-21 days and 22-35 days, type IIb sodium-phosphate co-transporter (NaPi-IIb) mRNA expression, adenylate purine concentrations in the duodenum, and phosphorylated adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK-α) activity in 0-21 days were determined. The following results were obtained. (1) Low dietary energy (LE) induced a high feed conversion ratio (FCR) and significantly decreased body weight gain in young broilers, but LE induced significantly higher compensatory growth in low NPP (LP) groups than in the high or medium NPP groups (HP and MP). (2) LE decreased the villus height (VH) in the intestine, and LE-HP resulted in the lowest crypt depth (CD) and the highest VH:CD ratio in the initial phase. However, in the later period, the LE-LP group showed an increased VH:CD ratio and decreased CD in the intestine. (3) LE increased ATP synthesis and decreased AMP:ATP ratio in the duodenal mucosa of chickens in 0-21 days, and LP diet increased ATP synthesis and adenylate energy charges but decreased AMP production and AMP:ATP ratio. (4) LE led to weaker AMPK phosphorylation, higher mTOR phosphorylation, and higher NaPi-IIb mRNA expression. Thus, LE and LP in the early growth phase had significant compensatory and interactive effect on later growth and intestinal development in broilers. The effect might be relevant to energy status that LE leads to weaker AMPK phosphorylation, causing a lower inhibitory action toward mTOR phosphorylation. This series of events stimulates NaPi-IIb mRNA expression. Our findings provide a theoretical basis and a new perspective on intestinal phosphate transport regulation, with potential applications in broiler production.

Detection of lunasin in quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) and the in vitro evaluation of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

BACKGROUND: Lunasin is a novel cancer-preventive peptide that has been detected in various plants. However, the presence and bioactivity of lunasin in quinoa have not been demonstrated. RESULTS: Lunasin was detected in quinoa using ultrahigh-pressure liquid chromatography-electrosparay ionization-mass spectrometry. The content in 15 quinoa samples ranged from 1.01 × 10-3 g kg-1 dry seed to 4.89 × 10-3 g kg-1 dry seed. Significant differences (P < 0.05) in lunasin content among different cultivars (yy22, xsg86, xsg59, yy30 and yy19) from the same area and the same cultivar from different areas (Hainan, Hebei and Shanxi provinces) were observed. The lunasin isolated and purified from quinoa (QLP) exhibited a weak DPPH radical scavenging activity (no IC50 value), but a strong ABTS+ radical scavenging activity (IC50 value, 1.45 g L-1 ) and oxygen radical scavenging activity (40.06 µmol L-1 Trolox equivalents/g QLP when the concentration was 3.20 g L-1 ). In addition, QLP inhibited the production of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 on lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages by up to 44.77%, 39.81% and 33.50%, respectively, at a concentration of 0.40 g L-1 . CONCLUSION: Taken together, these findings indicate that lunasin presents in quinoa and is bioactive, which strengthens the recommendations for the development of quinoa-based functional foods. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of Dietary Nutrient Density on Small Intestinal Phosphate Transport and Bone Mineralization of Broilers during the Growing Period.

A 2 × 4 factorial experiment was conducted to determine the effects of dietary nutrient density on growth performance, small intestinal epithelial phosphate transporter expression, and bone mineralization of broiler chicks fed with diets with different nutrient densities and nonphytate phosphorus (NPP) levels. The broilers were fed with the same starter diets from 0 to 21 days of age. In the grower phase (day 22 to 42), the broilers were randomly divided into eight groups according to body weight. Relatively high dietary nutrient density (HDND) and low dietary nutrient density (LDND) diets were assigned metabolic energy (ME) values of 3,150 and 2,950 kcal/kg, respectively. Crude protein and essential amino acid levels were maintained in the same proportion as ME to prepare the two diet types. NPP levels were 0.25%, 0.30%, 0.35%, and 0.40% of the diets. Results showed that a HDND diet significantly increased the body weight gain (BWG) of broilers and significantly decreased the feed conversion ratio and NPP consumed per BWG. HDND significantly decreased tibial P content of the broilers. Conversely, mRNA expression of NaPi-IIb and protein expression of calbindin were significantly increased in the intestine of broilers fed a HDND diet. HDND also increased vitamin D receptor (VDR) expression, especially at a relatively low dietary NPP level (0.25%). The mRNA expression of NaPi-IIa in the kidneys was significantly increased at a relatively low dietary NPP level (0.25%) to maintain P balance. Tibial P, calcium, and ash content were significantly decreased, as were calbindin and VDR expression levels in the intestine at a low NPP level. Therefore, HDND improved the growth rate of broilers and increased the expression of phosphate and calcium transporter in the small intestine, but adversely affected bone mineralization.

Ginkgo biloba L. extract enhances the effectiveness of syngeneic bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in lowering blood glucose levels and reversing oxidative stress.

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are potential therapy for diabetes. Owing to the oxidative stress caused by hyperglycemia, these transplanted BMSCs are with high rate of apoptotic death after transplantation. Ginkgo biloba L. extract (EGB) is a potent antioxidant which can remove free radicals. The study was to investigate whether EGB can protect BMSCs from oxidative stress in vitro and enhance the efficacy of BMSCs in lowering blood glucose levels after transplantation. BMSCs were cultured with H2O2, EGB, or H2O2 and EGB. Cell viability, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and cell death rates were determined. Diabetes was induced by single injection of streptozotocin (STZ) in male Wistar rats. Diabetic rats received EGB, BMSCs, or EGB/BMSCs. The serum levels of glucose, insulin, interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), MDA, SOD, and GSH-Px were determined. PKCα expression and NF-κB activation in kidney were determined. The MDA levels and cell death rates in BMSCs cultured with H2O2 and EGB were significantly lower; cell viability, SOD, and GSH-Px activities were significantly higher compared with those with H2O2 alone. Compared with diabetic rats receiving BMSCs, diabetic rats receiving EGB before BMSCs transplantation showed (1) significantly lower levels of blood glucose, serum MDA, IL-6, and TNF-α, and higher levels of insulin, SOD, and GSH-Px activities; (2) significantly lower PKCα expression and NF-κB activation in the kidney. EGB administration before BMSC transplantation can enhance the effectiveness of BMSCs in lowering blood glucose levels and reversing oxidative stress in diabetic rats.

Dietary mineral sources altered lipid and antioxidant profiles in broiler breeders and posthatch growth of their offsprings.

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of mineral sources on broiler breeders and their offsprings. Broiler breeding hens were fed with diets containing either organic or inorganic trace minerals at equal levels, i.e., (1) control group was fed with basal diet supplemented with inorganic trace minerals; (2) OZ group was fed with organic Zn instead of sulfate; and (3) OTM group was fed with organic Cu, Mn, Zn, and Se instead of inorganic sources. Results indicated that OTM supplementation decreased plasma cholesterol and triglyceride and increased yolk triglyceride via increasing high-density lipid protein cholesterol and decreasing low-density lipid protein cholesterol and very low-density lipid protein (VLDL) in plasma. OZ diets decreased plasma cholesterol and triglyceride mainly by reducing VLDL concentration. For control group, increased lipid concentrations resulted in increased lipid peroxidation in serum and malondialdehyde retention in yolk. Zn retention was not affected. Otherwise, OZ diet was observed to decrease Cu in yolk and albumen. While for OTM group, albumen Cu, albumen Se, and hepatic Se of hatched chicks were increased, but yolk Cu was decreased. Moreover, organic mineral supplementations improved broilers' growth performance. In conclusion, organic mineral supplementation in breeders' diets protected breeders from lipid peroxidation, increased egg nutrition retention, and benefit for growth of broilers.

Phosphorus flows and use efficiencies in production and consumption of wheat, rice, and maize in China.

Increasing fertilizer phosphorus (P) application in agriculture has greatly contributed to the increase of crop yields during the last decades in China but it has also increased P flows in food production and consumption. The relationship between P use efficiency and P flow is not well quantified at national level. In present paper we report on P flows and P use efficiencies in rice, wheat, and maize production in China using the NUFER model. Conservation strategies for P utilization and the impact of these strategies on P use efficiency have been evaluated. Total amounts of P input to wheat, rice, and maize fields were 1095, 1240, and 1128 Gg, respectively, in China, approximately 80% of which was in chemical fertilizers. The accumulation of P annually in the fields of wheat, rice, and maize was 29.4, 13.6, and 21.3 kg ha(-1), respectively. Phosphorus recovered in the food products of wheat, rice, and maize accounted for only 12.5%, 13.5%, and 3.8% of the total P input, or 3.2%, 2.6%, and 0.9% of the applied fertilizer P, respectively. The present study shows that optimizing phosphorus flows and decreasing phosphorus losses in crop production and utilization through improved nutrient management must be considered as an important issue in the development of agriculture in China.

[Contents of secondary metabolites and anti-bacterial activity of compound Caulis Sargentodoxae decoction].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the contents of secondary metabolites and the anti-bacterial activity of seven different compound Caulis Sargentodoxae decoctions. METHODS: Kirby-Bauer disk agar diffusion method was used for measuring anti-bacterial activity. The contents of secondary metabolites were determined by spectrometry. The correlation and path analysis were used to identify the goal compound. RESULT: The secondary metabolites contents and anti-bacterial activity of seven different compound Caulis Sargentodoxae decoctions varied significantly. The total contents of six secondary metabolites of Shushao Caulis Sargentodoxae decoction was the highest, while that of Caihu Caulis Sargentodoxae decoction was the second highest and that of Yiyi Caulis Sargentodoxae decoction was the lowest. The anti-bacterial activity of Shushao Caulis Sargentodoxae decoction was the highest and that of Cangbai Caulis Sargentodoxae decoction was the lowest. The correlation and path analysis showed that the total tannin and total chlorogenic acid might be the major factors related to the anti-bacterial activity of compound Caulis Sargentodoxae decoctions. CONCLUSION: The total contents of six secondary metabolites and the anti-bacterial activity of Shushao Caulis Sargentodoxae decoction are the highest among seven different decoctions and there is a significant correlation of the anti-bacterial activity with the contents of total tannin and total chlorogenic acid.