Effects of manganese glycine on eggshell quality, eggshell ultrastructure, and elemental deposition in aged laying hens.

Poor eggshell quality of eggs laid by aged laying hens is the major problem affecting the length of the rearing period in the laying hen industry. Trace elements are required and play vital roles in the eggshell quality of laying hens. Appropriate dose of organic microelements is environmentally friendly and sufficient to satisfy the needs of hens because of their greater bioavailability and lower excretion than inorganic forms. The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effects of manganese (Mn) glycine (MG) on eggshell quality, elemental deposition, and eggshell ultrastructure in aged laying hens. A total of 720 Hy-Line Brown hens 70 weeks old were assigned equally to four groups with six replicates of 30 birds each. The hens were fed basal diets (without Mn supplementation) supplemented with 120 mg/kg of Mn from manganese sulfate monohydrate (MSM), or 40, 80, or 120 mg/kg Mn from MG for 12 weeks. Dietary supplementation with 80 mg/kg Mn from MG resulted in the greatest eggshell strength after 6 weeks of treatment (P = 0.047), and in greater eggshell strength than observed in the MSM control after 12 weeks of treatment (P = 0.025). After 12 weeks of treatment, the eggs of hens in the MG groups showed lower mammillary layer thickness in the blunt end, equator, and acute end than observed in the MSM control group (P < 0.001). With the exception of the blunt ends of eggs from hens in the 120 mg/kg MG group, the eggs of hens in the MG groups, compared with the MSM control group, exhibited a lower mammillary layer ratio, and greater palisade layer ratio and effective layer ratio in the blunt end, equator, and acute end (P < 0.001). Dietary supplementation with 80 mg/kg Mn from MG, compared with the MSM control and 40 and 120 mg/kg MG, resulted in the greatest palisade layer thickness and effective layer thickness, and the lowest mammillary layer thickness in the equator (P < 0.001, P = 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, supplementation with 80 mg/kg Mn from MG exhibited the greatest ratio of the palisade layer and effective layer, and the lowest mammillary layer ratio in the blunt end and equator (all P < 0.001). The Mn content of eggshells in hens-fed diets supplemented with 80 and 120 mg/kg Mn from MG was greater than that in the MSM control and 40 mg/kg MG groups (P = 0.035). Dietary supplementation with 80 or 120 mg/kg Mn from MG resulted in greater tibia Mn content than observed in the 40 mg/kg MG group (P = 0.019), and greater yolk Mn content than observed in the 40 mg/kg MG and MSM control groups (P = 0.018). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 80 mg/kg Mn from MG, compared with the MSM control (120 mg/kg Mn), may increase the deposition efficiency of Mn, alter eggshell elemental composition, improve eggshell ultrastructure, and enhance eggshell strength in aged laying hens.

[Yin Chan Quan Shu, the Obstetrics and Gynecology Monograph by Wang Kentang].

Yin Chan Quan Shu (Obstetrics and gynecology monograph) is a monograph on obstetrics and gynecology compiled by Wang Kentang in the Ming Dynasty. It had four volumes and was published in the thirtieth year of Wanli (1602) in the Ming Dynasty after it was edited by Zhang Shoukong and others. It was found that Yin Chan Quan Shu has four versions remaining. They were the version printed by Shu Lin Qiao Shan Tang in the Ming Dynasty, held in the National Library of China and the Cabinet Library of Japanese Official Documents Library; the version revised according to the version of Shu Lin Qiao Shan Tang, held in the Library of Capital Medical University, Tianjin Medical College, Shanghai Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, the Library of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine and the Cabinet Library of the National Archives of Japan; the version based on the version of Shu Lin Qiao Shan Tang in the Ming Dynasty, transcribed in the fourth year of Wen Hua (1807), collected in the Cabinet Library of the National Archives of Japan; the version transcribed according to the revised version in the Ming Dynasty, collected in the Shanghai Branch of the Chinese Medical Association. It was found that there was no evidence to support the existence of the so-called "version of Kangxi in the Qing Dynasty". This means almost all versions remaining came from the versions published in the Ming Dynasty. The references of Yin Chan Quan Shu came from Pulse Classic (Mai Jing), Chan Bao, Fu Ren Da Quan Liang Fang and other works with the supplement and development by Wang Kentang.Yin Chan Quan Shu was the main sources and foundation of the Criteria of Syndrome Identification and Treatment in Gynecology (Nv Ke Zheng Zhi Zhun Sheng) by Wang Kentang.

[Quotations from The List of Medical Doctors (Ming Yi Lu) in The Medical Theory (Yi Shuo) and The Mengqiu of Famous Medical Doctors in the Previous Dynasties (Li Dai Ming Yi Meng Qiu)].

The Medical Theory (Yi Shuo) and The Mengqiu of Famous Medical Doctors in the Past Dynasties (Li Dai Ming Yi Meng Qiu) are two medical books that originated in the Song Dynasty. The two books quoted from The List of Medical Doctors (Ming Yi Lu) many times while the author and the issue time of The List of Medical Doctors (Ming Yi Lu) has not been clearly known up to know. It was found that there were 25 quotations in The Medical Theory (Yi Shuo) and 31 quotations in The Mengqiu of Famous Medical Doctors in the Past Dynasties (Li Dai Ming Yi Meng Qiu) from The List of Medical Doctors (Ming Yi Lu). The contents quoted in the two books are also found in The Mysterious Medical List (Shen Mi Ming Yi Lu) written by Dang Yongnian in the Song Dynasty. In this sense, it can be inferred that The List of Medical Doctors (Ming Yi Lu) mentioned above should be The Mysterious Medical List (Shen Mi Ming Yi Lu).

[Effect and mechanism of astaxanthin on acute kidney injury in rats with full-thickness burns].

Objective: To explore the effect and mechanism of astaxanthin on acute kidney injury in rats with full-thickness burns. Methods: Forty-eight male Sprague Dawley rats of 8 to 10 weeks were divided into sham injury group, simple burn group, burn+ vehicle group, burn+ low-dose astaxanthin group, burn+ medium-dose astaxanthin group, and burn+ high-dose astaxanthin group according to the random number table, with 8 rats in each group. The back skin of rats in sham injury group were immersed in warm water of 20 ℃ for 15 s to simulate burn injury, and the back skin of rats in the other 5 groups were immersed in boiled water of 100 ℃ for 15 s to inflict full-thickness burn of 30% total body surface area. Fluid resuscitation was performed in rats in the 5 groups except of sham injury group immediately and 6 h after injury. At 30 min after injury, the rats in sham injury group and simple burn group were injected with 1 mL/kg normal saline via tail vein, rats in burn+ vehicle group were injected with 1 mL/kg astaxanthin solvent via tail vein, and rats in burn+ low-dose astaxanthin group, burn+ medium-dose astaxanthin group, and burn+ high-dose astaxanthin group were respectively injected with 5, 10, 20 mg/kg astaxanthin solution of 5, 10, 20 mg/mL via tail vein. The renal tissue was collected at post injury hour (PIH) 48, and hematoxylin eosin staining was used for histopathological observation and renal tubular injury score. At PIH 48, the venous blood was collected for detecting serum creatinine level through blood biochemical analyzer, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The renal tissue was collected to detect the mRNA expressions of myeloperoxidase (MPO), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), and IL-6 by real-time fluorescent quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction method, and the protein expressions of Toll like receptor 4 (TLR4), phosphorylated nuclear factor kappa B (p-NF-кB) p65, and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) were detected by Western blotting. Besides, the expression of HO-1 in renal tissue was detected by immunofluorescence method. Data were statistically analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis H test, Dunn-Sidák correction, one-way analysis of variance, and Bonferroni method. Results: (1) At PIH 48, there were no inflammatory cell infiltrating and degeneration or necrosis of cells in renal tissue of rats in sham injury group, and the structure of renal tubules was intact. The renal tubules of burn rats in each group showed injury manifestation of separation between epithelial cell and basement membrane, and vacuole cells and lysate protein aggregation. The injury degree of renal tissue of rats in burn+ high-dose astaxanthin group was obviously decreased compared with that in simple burn group. (2) At PIH 48, compared with that of sham injury group, the renal tubular damage scores of rats in simple burn group, burn+ vehicle group, burn+ low-dose astaxanthin group, and burn+ medium-dose astaxanthin group were significantly increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with those of simple burn group and burn+ vehicle group, the renal tubular damage scores of rats in burn+ medium-dose astaxanthin group and burn+ high-dose astaxanthin group were significantly decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with that of burn+ low-dose astaxanthin group, the renal tubular damage score of rats in burn+ high-dose astaxanthin group was significantly decreased (P<0.01). (3) At PIH 48, the level of serum creatinine of rats in sham injury group was (2.42±0.06) mg/L, which was significantly lower than (6.11±0.11), (6.48±0.08), (5.79±0.09), (4.03±0.12) mg/L of simple burn group, burn+ vehicle group, burn+ low-dose astaxanthin group, and burn+ medium-dose astaxanthin group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The level of BUN of rats was (21.9±1.3) mmol/L in sham injury group, significantly lower than (32.1±7.4) mmol/L of simple burn group and (30.2±4.8) mmol/L of burn+ vehicle group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). At PIH 48, compared with those of simple burn group and burn+ vehicle group, the levels of serum creatinine and BUN of (16.0±2.9) mmol/L in burn+ medium-dose astaxanthin group, serum creatinine of (3.02±0.08) mg/L and BUN of (14.5±2.9) mmol/L in burn+ high-dose astaxanthin group, and serum creatinine of (22.8±5.5) mmol/L of rats in burn+ low-dose astaxanthin group were significantly decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). At PIH 48, compared with those of burn+ low-dose astaxanthin group, the levels of serum creatinine and BUN of burn+ high-dose astaxanthin group and serum creatinine of burn+ medium-dose group were obviously decreased (P<0.05 or P< 0.01). (4) At PIH 48, compared with those of sham injury group, the mRNA expressions of MPO, IL-1ß, and IL-6 in renal tissue of rats in simple burn group, burn+ vehicle group, burn+ low-dose astaxanthin group, and burn+ medium dose astaxanthin group, and the mRNA expressions of IL-1ß and IL-6 in renal tissue of rats in burn+ high-dose astaxanthin group were obviously increased (P<0.01). Compared with those of simple burn group and burn+ vehicle group, the mRNA expressions of MPO, IL-1ß, and IL-6 in renal tissue of rats were significantly decreased in burn+ low-dose astaxanthin group, burn+ medium-dose astaxanthin group, and burn+ high-dose astaxanthin group (P<0.01). Compared with those of burn+ low-dose astaxanthin group, the mRNA expressions of MPO, IL-1ß, and IL-6 in renal tissue of rats were significantly decreased in burn+ medium-dose astaxanthin group and burn+ high-dose astaxanthin group (P<0.01). The mRNA expressions of MPO, IL-1ß, and IL-6 in renal tissue of rats in burn+ high-dose astaxanthin group were significantly decreased compared with those of burn+ medium-dose astaxanthin group (P<0.01). (5) At PIH 48 h, compared with those of sham injury group, the protein expressions of TLR4 and p-NF-кB p65 in renal tissue of rats in simple burn group, burn+ vehicle group, burn+ low-dose astaxanthin group, and burn+ high-dose astaxanthin group were obviously increased (P<0.01). Compared with those of simple burn group, the protein expressions of TLR4 and p-NF-кB p65 in renal tissue of rats in burn+ low-dose astaxanthin group, burn+ medium dose astaxanthin group, and burn+ high-dose astaxanthin group were significantly decreased (P<0.01). (6) The results of Western blotting combined with immunofluorescence method showed that compared with that of sham injury group, the protein expression of HO-1 in renal tissue of rats in burn+ vehicle group, burn+ low-dose astaxanthin group, burn+ medium-dose astaxanthin group, and burn+ high-dose astaxanthin group were significantly increased at PIH 48 (P<0.01), and the protein expression of HO-1 in renal tissue of rats in burn+ medium-dose astaxanthin group and burn+ high-dose astaxanthin group was significantly increased compared with that of simple burn group (P<0.01). Conclusions: Astaxanthin can attenuate the structural damage and functional decline of renal tissue and regulate the release of injury-related inflammatory factors, thus to protect the rats from acute kidney injury after burn. The HO-1/TLR4/NF-кB signaling pathway is the main regulatory mechanism of astaxanthin to achieve anti-inflammation-based renoprotection.

Efficacy evaluation of selenium-enriched yeast in laying hens: effects on performance, egg quality, organ development, and selenium deposition.

The aim of this study was to compare the dynamic changes of egg selenium (Se) deposition and deposition efficiency and to evaluate the efficacy of selenium-enriched yeast (SY) in laying hens over the 84 d feeding period after SY supplementation. A total of one thousand one hundred fifty-two 30-wk-old, Hy-Line Brown hens were randomly assigned to 1 of 6 groups (192 laying hens per group) with 6 replicates of 32 birds each, fed a basal diet (without Se supplementation), basal diet with 0.3 mg/kg of Se from sodium selenite (SS) or basal diets with 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, or 0.4 mg/kg of Se from SY, respectively. The results showed that the Se concentrations in the eggs and breasts from hens fed a SY-supplemented diet were significantly higher than those from hens fed a SS-supplemented diet or a basal diet (P < 0.001). There was a positive linear and quadratic correlation between Se concentrations in the eggs from hens fed a SY-supplemented diet and dietary Se supplementation on days 28, 56, and 84 (r2 = 0.931, 0.932, 0.976, P < 0.001; r2 = 0.946, 0.935, 0.976, P < 0.001), respectively. The Se deposition efficiency in whole eggs from hens fed a basal or SY-supplemented diet weresignificantly higher than those in eggs from hens fed a SS-supplemented diet on days 28, 56, and 84 (P < 0.001), respectively. In addition, there was a positive linear and quadratic correlation between Se concentrations in the eggs from hens fed SY-supplemented diet (r2 = 0.655, 0.779, 0.874, 0.781, P < 0.001; r2 = 0.666, 0.863, 0.944, 0.781, P < 0.001) or SS-supplemented diet (r2 = 0.363, P = 0.002; r2 = 0.440, P = 0.002) and number of feeding days. In conclusion, the organic Se from SY has higher bioavailability and deposition efficiency of Se in whole eggs as compared with inorganic Se from SS. The Se concentrations and Se deposition efficiency in the eggs increased from hens fed a SS- or SY-supplemented diet but decreased from hens fed a basal diet with the extension of the experimental duration. The results indicate that the dietary Se supplementation from SY should be limited to a maximum of 0.1 mg Se/kg complete feed when the eggs and meat produced from hens fed a SY-supplemented diet are used as food for humans directly, whereas up to 0.4 mg/kg organic Se from SY can be used to supplement the diets for laying hens when the products are used as raw materials for producing Se-enriched food.

Effects of high-dose selenium-enriched yeast on laying performance, egg quality, clinical blood parameters, organ development, and selenium deposition in laying hens.

Organic selenium (Se) supplementation from Se-enriched yeast (SY) has been advocated and approved for use in animal feeds by some nutritionists and researchers rather than inorganic Se from sodium selenite. However, there is little available safety data of SY in laying hens. A subchronic study was conducted to determine if high-dose SY affects the safety of hens. A total of 768, 30-wk-old, Hy-Line Brown hens were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 groups (192 laying hens per group) with 6 replicates of 32 birds each. After a 2-wk acclimation period, the birds were fed diets supplemented with 0, 0.3, 1.5, or 3.0 mg/kg Se from SY for 12 wk. Throughout the study period, clinical observations and laying performance were measured. The hematological and chemical parameters of blood samples and the Se concentration in eggs were examined after SY supplementation for 4, 8, and 12 wk, and the egg quality was measured after 12 wk. At the end of the study, full post-mortem examinations were conducted: breast Se concentrations were measured, visceral, and reproductive organs were weighed, and specified tissues were collected for subsequent histological examinations. Although the Se concentrations in the eggs and breast meat from hens fed 3.0 mg/kg of Se from SY were 1036.73% and 2127.93% higher (P < 0.001) than those from hens fed a basal diet after 12 wk, no treatment-related changes of toxicological significance were observed. Therefore, up to 3 mg/kg organic Se from SY can be used to supplement the diets for laying hens without adverse effects following 84-d administration.

[The author of Yi du (Medicine Reading) and source and history of its editions].

Yi du (Medicine Reading)was a primer of traditional Chinese medicine. The original author was Wang Ji of the Ming Dynasty, and the book was block-printed and published, after the supplement made by Cheng Yingmao of the Qing Dynasty during the reign of Kangxi Emperor of the Qing Dynasty. The editions of the book preserved in Nanjing Library and China Institute for History of Medicine and Medical Literature of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences was the original version in the reign of Kangxi Emperor. The edition in Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine was the amended version of original version in the reign of Kangxi Emperor. The version of Edo Period in the Cabinet Library of National Archives of Japan was the reprinted edition of the amended version of original version in the reign of Kangxi Emperor. The transcript of Mr. Wang Shishan's Medicine Reading of the Qing Dynasty in Nanjing Library and Suzhou Library was the hand-copied version of the original one, with 75 syndromes, including external contraction, internal injuries, woman miscellaneous diseases etc. and all sorts of prescriptions. Cheng Yingmao added his preface, 14 syndromes of children diseases and prescription verse, supplemented general notices, properties of materia medica, pulse manifestations, and revised some texts of pathogenesis to form the 7 volumes. The former 5 volumes of Yi du were in 4-character verses, the 6(th)~7(th) volumes were in 7-character verses, and the pill prescriptions were in prose, which made more convenient for beginners to read, remember, and for recitation.

Effect of soy isoflavones on blood pressure: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The effect of soy isoflavones on blood pressure is controversial. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary soy isoflavones on blood pressure. METHODS AND RESULTS: Trials were searched in PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase and references cited in related reviews and studies. A total of eleven trials were reviewed. Meta-analysis results showed a mean decrease of 2.5 mm Hg (95% CIs, - 5.35 to 0.34 mm Hg; P = 0.08) for systolic blood pressure and 1.5 mm Hg (95% CIs, - 3.09 to 0.17 mm Hg; P = 0.08) for diastolic blood pressure in the soy isoflavones-treated group compared to placebo. Meta-regression and subgroup analyses indicated that blood pressure status was a significant predictor of heterogeneity for the effect of soy isoflavones on blood pressure. Subgroup analysis of hypertensive subjects revealed that a greater blood pressure reduction was identified in the soy isoflavone-treated group compared to placebo (5 trials; SBP: - 5.94, 95% CIs [- 10.55, - 1.34] mm Hg, P = 0.01; DBP: - 3.35, 95% CIs [- 6.52, - 0.19] mm Hg, P = 0.04). In contrast, treatment with soy isoflavones did not lead to a significant reduction in blood pressure in normotensive subjects (6 trials; SBP: 0.29, 95% CIs [- 2.39, 2.97] mm Hg, P = 0.83; DBP: - 0.43, 95% CIs [- 1.66, 0.81] mm Hg, P = 0.50). CONCLUSION: Soy isoflavones had an effect of lowering blood pressure in hypertensive subjects, but not in normotensive subjects. Larger trials need to be carried out to confirm the present findings.

[Clinical study on treatment of chronic aplastic anemia with busui shengxue capsule].

OBJECTIVE: To explore into the theoretical basis of Busui Shengxue Capsule (BSSXC) in treating chronic aplastic anemia (CAA). METHODS: Applying the techniques of cell culture and FACS to observe the bone marrow mononuclear, cells of 35 cases CAA before and after treatment. RESULTS: (1) BSSXC has the function of restoring the membrane receptors of IL-3, IL-6, IL-11 of hematopoietic stem cell. (2) The treatment effect of BSSXC is better than Western medicine. (3) In treatment group, to stimulate the hematopolietic stem cell with IL-3, IL-6, IL-11, the rate of cell colony forming unit and CD34+ cell were obviously different between Yang Deficiency type and Yin Deficiency type before treatment (P < 0.05). After treatment the difference between these two types was also obvious (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: BSSXC could improve the membrane receptor of hematopoietic stem cell acted by hematopoietic stimulating factors.

[Teratogenic effect of potato glycoalkaloids].

Potato glycoalkaloids were extracted from potato sprout and then analyzed to determine their purity by using TLC and HPLC methods and compare with pure alpha-Solanine and alpha-Chaconine of Sigma. The result indicated that the purity of potato glycoalkaloids is 78. 31%, which contains 73.64% alpha-Solanine and 4.67% alpha-Chaconine. The LD50 of mice was 44.721 +/- 5.860 4 mg/kg. In order to determine the toxicity and teratogenicity of potato glycoalkaloids, the effect of potato glycoalkaloids on Kunming pregnant mice were studied. The results showed that: (1) potato glycoalkaloids have teratogenic effects on embryos of mice. It could induce neural tube defects (NTDs), and may be an important teratogen of NTDs. (2) potato glycoalkaloids have embryo toxicity. It could cause the death of embryos and result in absorbed and dead fetuses. (3) potato glycoalkaloids could evidently affect the development of embryos and lead to intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). An interesting phenomena which just like the clinical manifestation of miscarriage in human being was noticed. If potato glycoalkaloids were given to the pregnant mice on the 5th or 6th day of gestation intraabdominally, vaginal bleeding and abortion would occur, and this has not been reported yet. The animal model of NTDs in this experiments supported our hypothesis that sprouted potato could be a teratogen of NTDs.

Role of calcium in electron-acupuncture analgesia and the developments of analgesic tolerance to electro-acupuncture and morphine.

Role of brain Ca2+ in electro-acupuncture analgesia and the development of analgesic tolerance to electro-acupuncture and morphine were studied. At the same time, the inhibition by protein synthesis inhibitors of the development of analgesic tolerance to electro-acupuncture was observed. The results showed that like morphine tolerance, the brain Ca2+ and cAMP levels in mice were enhanced with the development of analgesic tolerance to electro-acupuncture. After treatment with protein synthesis inhibitors anisomycin, actinomycin or cycloheximide the development of analgesic tolerance to electro-acupuncture was inhibited, and concurrently, the brain Ca2+ and cAMP levels in the animals greatly reduced. From the changes of brain Ca2+ and cAMP levels, the analgesic effects by electro-acupuncture, morphine and lanthanides seem to be very similar and share a mutual ion basis and the mechanism of action. So does the development of analgesic tolerance to electro-acupuncture and morphine. These findings also suggest that the inhibition induced by the inhibitors of the analgesic tolerance to electro-acupuncture and morphine may be related to synthesis of new peptides or RNA in brain.