Effects of oil and global environmental drivers on two keystone marine invertebrates.

Ocean warming (OW) and acidification (OA) are key features of global change and are predicted to have negative consequences for marine species and ecosystems. At a smaller scale increasing oil and gas activities at northern high latitudes could lead to greater risk of petroleum pollution, potentially exacerbating the effects of such global stressors. However, knowledge of combined effects is limited. This study employed a scenario-based, collapsed design to investigate the impact of one local acute stressor (North Sea crude oil) and two chronic global drivers (pH for OA and temperature for OW), alone or in combination on aspects of the biology of larval stages of two key invertebrates: the northern shrimp (Pandalus borealis) and the green sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis). Both local and global drivers had negative effects on survival, development and growth of the larval stages. These effects were species- and stage-dependent. No statistical interactions were observed between local and global drivers and the combined effects of the two drivers were approximately equal to the sum of their separate effects. This study highlights the importance of adjusting regulation associated with oil spill prevention to maximize the resilience of marine organisms to predicted future global conditions.

The efficacy of raw and concentrated bentonite clay in reducing the toxic effects of aflatoxin in broiler chicks.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of two adsorbents, a raw bentonite clay (RC) and a concentrated bentonite clay (CC), in ameliorating the toxic effects of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). Results of the in vitro study (pH 3.0) indicated the CC adsorbed more AFB1 than RC (93.39 mg/g vs. 79.30 mg/g) suggesting that CC may be more effective than RC in reducing the toxic effects of AFB1. One hundred and eighty day-old straight run broiler chicks were assigned to 6 replicate pens of 5 chicks each and assigned to 6 dietary treatments from hatch to day 21. Dietary treatments included: 1) basal diet (BD) containing no AFB1 or adsorbents; 2) BD plus 0.50% RC; 3) BD plus 0.50% CC; 4) BD plus 2.0 mg AFB1/kg; 5) BD plus 2.0 mg AFB1/kg plus 0.50% RC; and 6) BD plus 2.0 mg AFB1/kg plus 0.50% CC. Dietary AFB1 concentrations were confirmed by analysis and diets were screened for other mycotoxins prior to the start of the experiment. The addition of AFB1 to the feed reduced (P < 0.05) growth performance and increased (P < 0.05) relative liver weight (RLW) and kidney weight (RKW) of chicks fed AFB1 compared to control chicks on day 21. These changes were ameliorated (P < 0.05) by the addition of RC and CC to the AFB1 diet. Mild to moderate lesions of aflatoxicosis (2.25) were observed in chicks fed AFB1 alone on day 21. The addition of both RC and CC to the AFB1 diet decreased (P < 0.05) but did not prevent liver lesions (0.92 and 1.42, respectively). Results indicate that both RC and CC were effective in reducing the toxic effects of AFB1, however the cost of processing of CC would make the RC a more economical product for reducing the effects of AFB1 in young broiler chicks.

Palliative treatment for advanced biliary adenocarcinomas with combination dimethyl sulfoxide-sodium bicarbonate infusion and S-adenosyl-L-methionine.

Adenocarcinoma of the gallbladder and cholangiocarcinoma account for 4% and 3%, respectively, of all gastrointestinal cancers. Advanced biliary tract carcinoma has a very poor prognosis with all current available modalities of treatment. In this pilot open-label study, the authors investigated the efficacy and safety of a combination of dimethyl sulfoxide-sodium bicarbonate (DMSO-SB) infusion and S-adenosyl-L-methionine (ademetionine) oral supplementation as palliative pharmacotherapy in nine patients with advanced nonresectable biliary tract carcinomas (ABTCs). Patients with evidence of biliary obstruction with a total serum bilirubin ≤300 µmol/L were allowed to join the study. The results of this 6-month study and follow-up of all nine patients with ABTC indicated that the investigated combination treatment improved pain control, blood biochemical parameters, and quality of life for the patients. Moreover, this method of treatment has led to a 6-month progression-free survival for all investigated patients. The treatment was well tolerated for all patients without major adverse reactions. Given that ABTC is a highly fatal malignancy with poor response to chemotherapy and targeted drugs, the authors consider that the combination of DMSO-SB and ademetionine deserves further research and application as a palliative care and survival-enhancing treatment for this group of patients.

Dimethyl sulfoxide-sodium bicarbonate infusion for palliative care and pain relief in patients with metastatic prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer (adenocarcinoma of the prostate) is the most widespread cancer in men. It causes significant suffering and mortality due to metastatic disease. The main therapy for metastatic prostate cancer (MPC) includes androgen manipulation, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy and/or radioisotopes. However, these therapeutic approaches are considered palliative at this stage, and their significant side effects can cause further decline in patients' quality of life and increase non-cancer-related morbidity/mortality. In this study, the authors have used the infusion of dimethyl sulfoxide-sodium bicarbonate (DMSO-SB) to treat 18 patients with MPC. The 90-day follow-up of the patients having undergone the proposed therapeutic regimen showed significant improvement in clinical symptoms, blood and biochemistry tests, and quality of life. There were no major side effects from the treatment. In searching for new and better methods for palliative treatment and pain relief, this study strongly suggested therapy with DMSO-SB infusions could provide a rational alternative to conventional treatment for patients with MPC.

Chlordiazepoxide and lavender oil alter unconditioned anxiety-induced c-fos expression in the rat brain.

Lavender oil has a long history of use for treating anxiety, but only recent research has examined its effects using standard behavioural methods used to test novel drugs. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of inhaled lavender oil on anxiety related behaviour of rats in the open field and to compare them with the effects of chlordiazepoxide (CDP), a typical anxiolytic drug. Additionally c-fos immunochemistry was used to investigate whether lavender oil produced the same pattern of c-fos expression as CDP in eight different brain areas associated with anxiety. As previously found, lavender oil showed anxiolytic properties in the open field similar to but not as extensive as those of CDP. Immunochemistry results indicated that exposure to the open field increased c-fos expression, while CDP reversed the effects of this behavioural stressor on c-fos expression in all brain regions examined except the central nucleus of the amygdala, where c-fos expression increased. Lavender oil had similar effects to CDP on the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, the dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus and the central nucleus of the amygdala. These results strengthen the suggestion that inhaling lavender oil has anxiolytic behavioural effects, but they are weaker than the effects of benzodiazepines, and there is limited evidence that they are mediated by the same neural processes.

Effects of dietary fat modification on insulin sensitivity and on other risk factors of the metabolic syndrome--LIPGENE: a European randomized dietary intervention study.

BACKGROUND: Excessive energy intake and obesity lead to the metabolic syndrome (MetS). Dietary saturated fatty acids (SFAs) may be particularly detrimental on insulin sensitivity (SI) and on other components of the MetS. OBJECTIVE: This study determined the relative efficacy of reducing dietary SFA, by isoenergetic alteration of the quality and quantity of dietary fat, on risk factors associated with MetS. DESIGN: A free-living, single-blinded dietary intervention study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: MetS subjects (n = 417) from eight European countries completed the randomized dietary intervention study with four isoenergetic diets distinct in fat quantity and quality: high-SFA; high-monounsaturated fatty acids and two low-fat, high-complex carbohydrate (LFHCC) diets, supplemented with long chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC n-3 PUFAs) (1.2 g per day) or placebo for 12 weeks. SI estimated from an intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) was the primary outcome measure. Lipid and inflammatory markers associated with MetS were also determined. RESULTS: In weight-stable subjects, reducing dietary SFA intake had no effect on SI, total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration, inflammation or blood pressure in the entire cohort. The LFHCC n-3 PUFA diet reduced plasma triacylglycerol (TAG) and non-esterified fatty acid concentrations (P < 0.01), particularly in men. CONCLUSION: There was no effect of reducing SFA on SI in weight-stable obese MetS subjects. LC n-3 PUFA supplementation, in association with a low-fat diet, improved TAG-related MetS risk profiles.

Unethical aspects of homeopathic dentistry.

In the last year there has been a great deal of public debate about homeopathy, the system of alternative medicine whose main principles are that like cures like and that potency increases relative to dilution. The House of Commons Select Committee on Science and Technology concluded in November 2009 that there is no evidence base for homeopathy, and agreed with some academic commentators that homeopathy should not be funded by the NHS. While homeopathic doctors and hospitals are quite commonplace, some might be surprised to learn that there are also many homeopathic dentists practising in the UK. This paper examines the statements made by several organisations on behalf of homeopathic dentistry and suggests that they are not entirely ethical and may be in breach of various professional guidelines.

Immunotoxicity and oxidative stress in the Arctic scallop Chlamys islandica: effects of acute oil exposure.

With increasing oil exploration in Arctic regions, the risk of an accidental oil spill into the environment is inevitably elevated. As a result, concerns have been raised over the potential impact of oil exposure on Arctic organisms. This study assessed the effects of an acute oil exposure (mimicking an accidental spill) on the immune function and oxidative stress status of the Arctic scallop Chlamys islandica. Scallops were exposed to the water accommodated fraction of crude oil over 21 d (maximum SigmaPAH 163 microg l(-1)) and immune endpoints and oxidative stress parameters were measured. Mortalities were recorded during the exposure and reductions in immunocompetence were observed, with significant impairment of phagocytosis and cell membrane stability. Scallops were also subjected to oxidative stress, with a significant reduction in glutathione levels and induction of lipid peroxidation. After the acute oil exposure had subsided, no recovery of immune function was observed indicating potential for prolonged sublethal effects.

Immune function in the Arctic Scallop, Chlamys islandica, following dispersed oil exposure.

With the current expansion of offshore oil activities in Arctic regions, there is an urgent need to establish the potential effects of oil-related compounds on Arctic organisms. As susceptibility to growth, disease and survival is determined partly by the condition of an organism's immune system, measurement of endpoints linked to the latter system provide important early warning signals of the sub-lethal effects of exposure to contaminants. This study assessed the impact of dispersed oil exposure on immune endpoints in the Arctic Scallop Chlamys islandica, using a combination of cellular and humoral biological responses. Laboratory exposures of C. islandica to sub-lethal dispersed oil concentrations (0.06 and 0.25 mg l(-1)) were conducted over 15 days, followed by a 7-day recovery period in clean, filtered seawater. Cellular endpoints were significantly altered following dispersed oil exposure: haemocyte counts (P<0.01) and protein levels (P<0.01) were significantly elevated, whilst cell membrane stability (P<0.001) and phagocytosis (P<0.01) demonstrated a significant reduction. Whilst these results indicate alteration in the immune endpoints measured, this appears to be reversible upon removal of the contaminant stress. However, the impact of long-term continuous exposure and high-level acute exposure to oil is still unknown, and may have consequences for disease resistance and hence survival.

Breathing exercises for asthma: a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The effect of breathing modification techniques on asthma symptoms and objective disease control is uncertain. METHODS: A prospective, parallel group, single-blind, randomised controlled trial comparing breathing training with asthma education (to control for non-specific effects of clinician attention) was performed. Subjects with asthma with impaired health status managed in primary care were randomised to receive three sessions of either physiotherapist-supervised breathing training (n = 94) or asthma nurse-delivered asthma education (n = 89). The main outcome was Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ) score, with secondary outcomes including spirometry, bronchial hyper-responsiveness, exhaled nitric oxide, induced sputum eosinophil count and Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ), Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) and hyperventilation (Nijmegen) questionnaire scores. RESULTS: One month after the intervention there were similar improvements in AQLQ scores from baseline in both groups but at 6 months there was a significant between-group difference favouring breathing training (0.38 units, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.68). At the 6-month assessment there were significant between-group differences favouring breathing training in HAD anxiety (1.1, 95% CI 0.2 to 1.9), HAD depression (0.8, 95% CI 0.1 to 1.4) and Nijmegen (3.2, 95% CI 1.0 to 5.4) scores, with trends to improved ACQ (0.2, 95% CI 0.0 to 0.4). No significant between-group differences were seen at 1 month. Breathing training was not associated with significant changes in airways physiology, inflammation or hyper-responsiveness. CONCLUSION: Breathing training resulted in improvements in asthma-specific health status and other patient-centred measures but not in asthma pathophysiology. Such exercises may help patients whose quality of life is impaired by asthma, but they are unlikely to reduce the need for anti-inflammatory medication.

Anxiolytic effects of lavender oil inhalation on open-field behaviour in rats.

To establish a valid animal model of the effects of olfactory stimuli on anxiety, a series of experiments was conducted using rats in an open-field test. Throughout, effects of lavender oil were compared with the effects of chlordiazepoxide (CDP), as a reference anxiolytic with well-known effects on open-field behaviour. Rats were exposed to lavender oil (0.1-1.0 ml) for 30 min (Experiment 1) or 1h (Experiment 2) prior to open-field test and in the open field or injected with CDP (10 mg/kg i.p.). CDP had predicted effects on behaviour, and the higher doses of lavender oil had some effects on behaviour similar to those of CDP. In Experiment 3, various combinations of pre-exposure times and amounts of lavender oil were used. With sufficient exposure time and quantity of lavender the same effects were obtained as in Experiment 2. Experiment 4 demonstrated that these behavioural effects of lavender could be obtained following pre-exposure, even if no oil was present in the open-field test. In Experiments 2-4, lavender oil increased immobility. Together, these experiments suggest that lavender oil does have anxiolytic effects in the open field, but that a sedative effect can also occur at the highest doses.

Restoration of cellular energetic balance with L-carnitine in the neuro-bioenergetic approach for cancer prevention and treatment.

Mitochondrial research has contributed to two paradigm shifts in oncology--Warburg's glycolytic metabolism and the relationship between mitochondrial function and mutagenesis. Mitochondrial dysfunction is a common phenotype in aging and cancer. Decline in mitochondrial function is due to the accumulation of mutations in mitochondrial DNA. We have hypothesized a neuro-bioenergetic concept in cancer prevention and treatment to constructively restore three physiological imbalances of cancer patients: membrane hyper-excitability, energy depletion and the build up of extra-cellular adenosine molecules. We have proposed the use of membrane-calming substances to reduce energy consumption and to restore the normal cellular energy metabolism. Based on our theory, L-carnitine's dual effect of enhanced energy production and excitatory neurotransmitter modulation should make it an ideal nutrient for cancer prevention and treatment. L-carnitine, its derivatives and other mitochondrial protectors/enhancers improve metabolic function, energy and detoxification. In combination with other membrane calming agents, L-carnitine could help reverse the membrane hyper-excitability to overcome a neuro-bioenergetic imbalance and can be used as a relevant and effective approach for cancer prevention and treatment.

New approach in asthma treatment using excitatory modulator.

The impact of a herbal extract with excitatory modulator activity in the management of asthma was studied. An open and selective 3-year follow-up of 14 chronic refractory asthmatics aged between 22 and 70 was used. Participants received an extract of Sophora flavescens Ait. Medication use, a diary card of symptoms and respiratory function were recorded. The study was retrospective and all patients gave written informed consent. The quality of life, clinical symptoms and respiratory function improved during all periods of measurement. The use of inhaled corticosteroid and beta-agonists were reduced or eliminated. There were no significant adverse reactions reported. Therefore the extract of S. flavescens as an excitatory modulator appears to be a safe and may be an effective alternative treatment for refractory chronic asthma.

Neuro-bioenergetic concepts in cancer prevention and treatment.

Cancer remains one of the most difficult and elusive disorders to prevent and treat, despite great efforts in research and treatment over the last 30 years. Researchers have tried to understand the pathogenesis of cancer by discovering the single cellular mechanism or pathway derived from a genetic mutation. There are limited efforts made toward discovering a unified concept of cancer. We propose a neuro-bioenergetic concept of cancer pathogenesis based on the central mechanism of cellular hyperexcitability via inducible overexpression of voltage-gated ion channels, ligand-gated channels and neurotransmitters. Exploration of this concept could lead to a better understanding of the cause of cancer as well as developing more effective and specific strategies toward cancer prevention and treatment.

Impact of supplement withdrawal and wheat middling inclusion on bone metabolism, bone strength, and the incidence of bone fractures occurring at slaughter in pigs.

The objective of this study was to determine if supplement withdrawal (omission of dietary vitamin and trace mineral premixes and 2/3 of inorganic P) 28-d preslaughter and the feeding of wheat middlings (dietary concentrations of 5, 15, or 30% from weaning to 16 kg, 16 to 28 kg, and 28 kg to slaughter, respectively) affect bone metabolism, bone strength, bone density, and the incidence of bone fractures at slaughter in pigs. Crossbred barrows (n = 64) were assigned to a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments (with or without supplement withdrawal, and with or without wheat middlings). Serum was collected on d 0, 14, and 27 of the preslaughter withdrawal period to determine changes in the concentrations of osteocalcin, an indicator of bone formation, and pyridinoline, an indicator of bone resorption. The serum osteocalcin and pyridinoline concentrations on d 14 and 27 were analyzed as change from the d-0 concentration. At slaughter, radiographs of the lumbar vertebrae and of the right and left femurs were taken to determine the incidence of bone fractures. Third metacarpal bones were analyzed for bone mineral density, peak load, ultimate shear stress, and percent ash. Supplement withdrawal increased (P < 0.05) serum osteocalcin and pyridinoline concentrations, indicating an increase in osteoblast activity and bone resorption. Supplement withdrawal decreased (P < 0.01) bone mineral density, peak load, ultimate shear stress, and percent ash of the metacarpal bones. Dietary wheat middling inclusion did not alter bone quality. Neither supplement withdrawal nor wheat middling inclusion affected the incidence of bone fractures at slaughter. The results of this study indicate that removing inorganic P, vitamin premix, and trace mineral premix for 28 d preslaughter increases bone turnover and decreases bone quality.

Effects of mannan oligosaccharide and an antimicrobial product in nursery diets on performance of pigs reared on three different farms.

The objective of this experiment was to compare the effects of dietary mannan oligosaccharide (MOS) and a feed-grade antimicrobial (AM) on growth performance of nursery pigs reared on three different farms (A and B were large-scale commercial farms, and C was located at Michigan State University). On all farms, production was continuous flow by building, but all-in/all-out by room. Within each nursery facility, all pigs on the experiment were in one room. Pigs (Farm A, n = 771, weaning age = 18.4 d; Farm B, n = 576, weaning age = 19.0 d; Farm C, n = 96, weaning age = 20.6 d) were blocked (within farm) by BW and sex and allotted randomly to dietary treatments arranged in a 2 x 2 factorial. The two factors were 1) with and without MOS (0.3% in Phase I, 0.2% in Phases II, III, and IV; as-fed basis) and 2) with and without AM (110 mg of tylosin and 110 mg of sulfamethazine/kg of diet in all phases; as-fed basis). The four nursery phases were 4, 7, 14, and 17 d, respectively. With 35, 20, and 4 pigs per pen on Farms A, B, and C, respectively, space allowances per pig were 0.29, 0.26, and 0.56 m2. Across all farms, the addition of AM and MOS plus AM increased (P < 0.05) ADG (368, 406, and 410 g/d for control, AM, and MOS plus AM, respectively and increased ADFI (661, 703, and 710 g/d for control, AM, and MOS plus AM, respectively) for the entire 42-d experiment. The addition of MOS also increased ADG (P < 0.05) from d 0 to 42 of the experiment (394 g/d). Performance differed depending on farm (P < 0.01). Antimicrobial did not affect growth performance on Farm B, but it increased (P < 0.05) ADG on Farms A and C, ADFI on Farm A, and G:F on Farm C. Growth improvements with MOS on Farms A and B were not significant; however, pigs on Farm C fed MOS had greater (P < 0.05) ADG, ADFI, and G:F than controls. The results of this study suggest that MOS may be an alternative to tylosin and sulfa-methazine as a growth promotant in nursery diets.

Impact of vitamin and mineral supplement withdrawal and wheat middling inclusion on finishing pig growth performance, fecal mineral concentration, carcass characteristics, and the nutrient content and oxidative stability of pork.

A study was conducted to determine if supplement withdrawal (omission of dietary vitamin and trace mineral premixes and a two-thirds reduction in dietary inorganic phosphorus) for 28 d preslaughter and the feeding of wheat middlings (dietary concentrations of 5, 15, and 30% from weaning to 16, 16 to 28, and 28 kg to slaughter, respectively) affect growth performance, carcass characteristics, and fecal mineral concentrations ofthe pig, as well as the nutrient content and oxidative stability of the longissimus dorsi muscle. Crossbred pigs (n = 64) were blocked by weight and assigned to one of four dietary treatments in a 2 x 2 factorial design (with or without supplement withdrawal, and with or without wheat middlings). Supplement withdrawal and wheat middling inclusion did not influence average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake, gain/feed, or carcass traits, except for a decrease (P < 0.01) in the ADG of pigs from 28 to 65 kg when fed wheat middlings. Supplement withdrawal decreased (P < 0.01) fecal Ca, P, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn concentrations. In diets containing full vitamin and mineral supplementation, wheat middling inclusion decreased (P < 0.01) fecal Ca, Cu, Fe, and Zn concentrations and increased (P < 0.01) fecal Mn. Supplement withdrawal decreased (P < 0.05) concentrations of riboflavin, niacin, and P in the longissimus dorsi muscle, but did not affect longissimus dorsi thiamin, vitamin E, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Ca concentrations. Inclusion of wheat middlings increased (P < 0.04) longissimus dorsi thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, and vitamin E concentrations and decreased (P < 0.04) Cu concentrations. However, wheat middling inclusion did not affect (P > 0.05) longissimus dorsi Ca, P, Fe, and Zn concentrations. Dietary treatment did not affect either Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase or glutathione peroxidase activity in the longissimus dorsi. The results from this study indicate that supplement withdrawal and dietary wheat middling inclusion alter pork nutrient content and fecal mineral concentration, but not the oxidative stability of pork.