Biomarker Candidates for Tumors Identified from Deep-Profiled Plasma Stem Predominantly from the Low Abundant Area.

The plasma proteome has the potential to enable a holistic analysis of the health state of an individual. However, plasma biomarker discovery is difficult due to its high dynamic range and variability. Here, we present a novel automated analytical approach for deep plasma profiling and applied it to a 180-sample cohort of human plasma from lung, breast, colorectal, pancreatic, and prostate cancers. Using a controlled quantitative experiment, we demonstrate a 257% increase in protein identification and a 263% increase in significantly differentially abundant proteins over neat plasma. In the cohort, we identified 2732 proteins. Using machine learning, we discovered biomarker candidates such as STAT3 in colorectal cancer and developed models that classify the diseased state. For pancreatic cancer, a separation by stage was achieved. Importantly, biomarker candidates came predominantly from the low abundance region, demonstrating the necessity to deeply profile because they would have been missed by shallow profiling.

Composition and physiological functions of the porcine colostrum.

The first secretion, 24-h post parturition of the mammary glands of sows, known as colostrum, is high in protein and low in lactose and fat. As a consequence of an insufficient ingestion of colostrum, more than 50% of piglets fail to reach weaning and die. The composition and some functions of colostrum have been previously reported. For example, colostrum carbohydrates consist of mainly lactose. Lipids in the colostrum are mostly triacylglycerols, but <1% is fatty acids, which may act as homeostasis regulators. Similarly, proteins are found mostly as casein and whey, the latter being ≥80% immunoglobulins. Colostrum-derived immunoglobulins and bioactive proteins such as azurocidin help the immune system of the piglet fend off infections. In addition, leukocytes and exosomes are other minor but nonetheless equally crucial bioactive components in the porcine colostrum. Modern pig farming has achieved increases in pig productivity and litter size, but this has been accomplished in detriment of the health and the survival rate of piglets. Therefore, porcine colostrum is now even more important in pig farming. In the present review, we discuss the current knowledge on the composition and physiological functions of the porcine colostrum and briefly propose future research directions.

The Effect of Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Seeds and Hemp Seed Oil on Vascular Dysfunction in Obese Male Zucker Rats.

Seeds of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) contain a large amount of protein (26.3%), dietary fiber (27.5%), and fatty acids (33.2%), including linoleic, α-linolenic, and some amount of γ-linolenic acid. In our study, obese male Zucker rats (n = 6) at 8 weeks of age were supplemented for a further 4 weeks with either ground hemp seeds (12% diet) or lipid fractions in the form of hemp seed oil (4% diet). Hemp oil decreased blood plasma HDL-cholesterol (x0.76, p ≤ 0.0001), triglycerides (x0.55, p = 0.01), and calculated atherogenic parameters. Meanwhile, hemp seeds decreased HDL-cholesterol (x0.71, p ≤ 0.0001) and total cholesterol (x0.81, p = 0.006) but not the atherogenic index. The plasma antioxidant capacity of water-soluble compounds was decreased by the seeds (x0.30, p = 0.0015), which in turn was associated with a decrease in plasma uric acid (x0.18, p = 0.03). Dietary hemp seeds also decreased plasma urea (x0.80, p = 0.02), while the oil decreased the plasma total protein (x0.90, p = 0.05). Hemp seeds and the oil decreased lipid peroxidation in the blood plasma and in the heart (reflected as malondialdehyde content), improved contraction to noradrenaline, and up-regulated the sensitivity of potassium channels dependent on ATP and Ca2+. Meanwhile, acetylcholine-induced vasodilation was improved by hemp seeds exclusively. Dietary supplementation with ground hemp seeds was much more beneficial than the oil, which suggests that the lipid fractions are only partially responsible for this effect.

Nelore females along a new Brazilian agricultural frontier: hematological and clinical-biochemical approaches / [Abordagens hematológicas e bioquímicas clínicas de fêmeas Nelore na nova fronteira agrícola brasileira]

The Nelore breed is the second largest bovine breed in the world and has actively participated in the expansion of new Brazilian agricultural frontiers. In this context, the purpose of this study was to determine the hematological and biochemical reference intervals of healthy Nelore matrices raised under an extensive regime without supplementation along southwest of Piauí state. Blood samples were collected from fifty-five multiparous female of the Nelore breed. Biochemical and hematological parameters were analyzed using a parametric statistical method with 95% CI of reference limits. The average values of red blood cells, hemoglobin as well as hematimetric indices showed reference ranges similar to reference standards. The hematocrit as well as granulocytes and agranulocytes presented alterations typical of animals raised in environments with higher temperatures. Mineral, enzymatic, protein and metabolic profiles were similar to other bovine breeds but with a narrower range of values. However, lower mean values were observed for levels of ionized calcium, total protein and urea. Nelore females present slightly different biochemical and hematological profiles from other breeds, which might result from the environmental and nutritional management applied and the natural deficiency of nitrogen, phosphorus and calcium in the region's pastures.(AU)

Nelore é a segunda maior raça bovina do mundo e tem participado ativamente da expansão das novas fronteiras agrícolas brasileiras. Nesse contexto, o objetivo do presente estudo foi determinar os intervalos de referência hematológicos e bioquímicos de matrizes Nelore criadas em regime extensivo sem suplementação, ao longo do sudoeste do estado do Piauí. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas de 55 fêmeas multíparas da raça Nelore. Os parâmetros bioquímicos e hematológicos foram analisados por método estatístico paramétrico com IC 95% para os limites de referência. Os valores médios de hemácias, hemoglobina e índices hematimétricos apresentaram intervalos de referência semelhantes aos padrões de referência. Tanto o hematócrito quanto os granulócitos e os agranulócitos apresentaram alterações típicas de animais criados em ambientes com temperaturas mais elevadas. Os perfis mineral, enzimático, proteico e metabólico foram semelhantes aos de outras raças bovinas, mas com uma faixa de valores mais estreita. No entanto, valores médios mais baixos foram observados para os níveis de cálcio ionizado, proteína total e ureia. Fêmeas Nelore apresentam perfis bioquímicos e hematológicos ligeiramente diferentes de outras raças, o que pode resultar dos manejos ambiental e nutricional aplicados e da deficiência natural de nitrogênio, fósforo e cálcio nas pastagens da região.(AU)

Hepatotoxic evaluation of toosendanin via biomarker quantification and pathway mapping of large-scale chemical proteomics.

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a major side effect, sometimes can't be exactly evaluated by current approaches partly as the covalent modification of drug or its reactive metabolites (RMs) with proteins is a possible reason. In this study, we developed a rapid, sensitive, and specific analytical method to assess the hepatotoxicity induced by drug covalently modified proteins based on the quantification of the modified amino acids using toosendanin (TSN), a hepatotoxic chemical, as an example. TSN RM-protein adducts both in rat liver and blood showed good correlation with the severity of hepatotoxicity. Thus, TSN RM-protein adducts in serum can potentially serve as minimally invasive biomarkers of hepatotoxicity. Meanwhile, large-scale chemical proteomics analysis showed that at least 84 proteins were modified by TSN RMs in rat liver, and the bioinformatics analysis revealed that TSN might induce hepatotoxicity through multi-target protein-protein interaction especially involved in energy metabolism. These findings suggest that our approach may serve as a valuable tool to evaluate DILI and investigate the possible mechanism, especially for complex compounds.

Predicting colostrum and calf blood components based on refractometry.

Provision of good quality colostrum is essential for the passive immunity and nutrition of newborn calves. In order to better predict the quality of colostrum and the transfer of passive immunity, the relationships between colostrum components and between calf serum components were examined in this study. Samples of bulk tank milk, colostrum pooled from several cows 0-4 d postpartum, and colostrum collected from individual cows twice daily for 3 d post-partum were compared. With the exception of fat percentage, there were strong correlations between the levels of the components in the pooled colostrum and in the individual cow colostrum collected 0-1 d postpartum. The correlations between total solids as measured by Brix refractometry and total protein, immunoglobulin G (IgG), lactose % and protein % in colostrum within 1 d postpartum and pooled colostrum were 0.92, 0.90, -0.88 and 0.98, respectively. These high correlations enabled these colostrum components to be accurately predicted from Brix % and therefore, the volume of colostrum required to feed neonate calves can be optimised based on Brix refractometry to avoid failure of passive immunity transfer. To assess whether the components obtained from colostrum were correlated in calf blood, newborn calves were separated from their dams before suckling and blood sampled before feeding (day 0), and on days 1 and 7, after receiving colostrum or milk twice a day. The correlations between glucose, total protein, IgG, and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels in the calf blood were lower than the correlations observed between the colostrum components. The highest correlation was between serum protein measured by refractometer and serum IgG within one week postpartum. GGT activity was not a good indicator of serum IgG levels. However, serum protein refractometer measurements predicted serum IgG level with high accuracy, providing an on-farm test to determine that calves have received sufficient passive immunity and colostrum components.

Protein profiles in plasma: Development from infancy to 5 years of age.

PURPOSE: Little is known about the longitudinal development of different plasma protein levels during early childhood and particularly in relation to lifestyle factors. This study aimed to monitor the plasma proteome early in life and the influence of different lifestyles. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: A multiplex bead-based immunoassay was used to analyze plasma levels of 97 proteins in 280 blood samples longitudinally collected in children at 6, 12, 24, and 60 months of age living in families with an anthroposophic (n = 15), partly anthroposophic (n = 27), or non-anthroposophic (n = 28) lifestyle. RESULTS: A total of 68 proteins (70%) showed significantly altered plasma levels between 6 months and 5 years of age. In lifestyle stratified analysis, 59 of 97 (61%) proteins were altered over time within one or more of the three lifestyle groups. Nearly half of these proteins (28 out of 59) changed irrespective of lifestyle. The temporal changes represented four longitudinal trends of the plasma proteins during development, also following stratification of lifestyle. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Our findings contribute to understand the development of the plasma proteome under the influence of lifestyle exposures in early childhood.

A Microbiota-Directed Food Intervention for Undernourished Children.

BACKGROUND: More than 30 million children worldwide have moderate acute malnutrition. Current treatments have limited effectiveness, and much remains unknown about the pathogenesis of this condition. Children with moderate acute malnutrition have perturbed development of their gut microbiota. METHODS: In this study, we provided a microbiota-directed complementary food prototype (MDCF-2) or a ready-to-use supplementary food (RUSF) to 123 slum-dwelling Bangladeshi children with moderate acute malnutrition between the ages of 12 months and 18 months. The supplementation was given twice daily for 3 months, followed by 1 month of monitoring. We obtained weight-for-length, weight-for-age, and length-for-age z scores and mid-upper-arm circumference values at baseline and every 2 weeks during the intervention period and at 4 months. We compared the rate of change of these related phenotypes between baseline and 3 months and between baseline and 4 months. We also measured levels of 4977 proteins in plasma and 209 bacterial taxa in fecal samples. RESULTS: A total of 118 children (59 in each study group) completed the intervention. The rates of change in the weight-for-length and weight-for-age z scores are consistent with a benefit of MDCF-2 on growth over the course of the study, including the 1-month follow-up. Receipt of MDCF-2 was linked to the magnitude of change in levels of 70 plasma proteins and of 21 associated bacterial taxa that were positively correlated with the weight-for-length z score (P<0.001 for comparisons of both protein and bacterial taxa). These proteins included mediators of bone growth and neurodevelopment. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide support for MDCF-2 as a dietary supplement for young children with moderate acute malnutrition and provide insight into mechanisms by which this targeted manipulation of microbiota components may be linked to growth. (Supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the National Institutes of Health; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04015999.).

Comparison between two preventive treatments for hyperketonaemia carried out pre-partum: effects on non-esterified fatty acids, ß-hydroxybutyrate and some biochemical parameters during peripartum and early lactation.

The objective of this study was to compare the effect of two different preventive protocols, on serum ß-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentration and liver health indices pre-partum and during early-lactation in high-yielding Holstein dairy cows. One hundred cows were randomly divided into three groups: control group (CTRL, n = 20, without preventive treatment), second group (SUPP, n = 40 animals treated with a compound based on acetyl-methionine, inositol, cyanocobalamin, l-alanine, l-arginine, l-threonine, l-glutamic acid supplementation and α-lipoic acid) and third group (MON, n = 40 animals treated with monensin). Blood samples were collected from all cows at on 3 occasions pre-partum and 3 occasions post-partum. Body condition (BCS) score was evaluated and glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), BHB, triglycerides, total cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT), total bilirubin, total proteins, globulins, albumin and urea concentrations were assessed. Two-way repeated measures analysis of variance was applied. Statistically significant differences among the three experimental groups were found in the values of all studied parameters (P < 0.05). Our results confirm the established beneficial effect of MON treatment in decreasing BHB levels and increasing glucose availability after calving. Serum biochemical analysis revealed the expected post-partum alterations attributable to adaptations that influenced the metabolism and liver function in CTRL, whereas these alterations were reduced or absent in SUPP and MON. Results from the present study suggest that both preventive protocols, but in particular SUPP, could positively affect selected indicators of energy metabolism reducing the risk of hyperketonaemia and increase of liver function in Holstein dairy cows, both pre- and post-partum.

Effects of Hericium erinaceus polysaccharide on immunity and apoptosis of the main immune organs in Muscovy duck reovirus-infected ducklings.

To investigate the effects of Hericium erinaceus polysaccharide (HEP) on immunity in Muscovy duck reovirus (MDRV)-infected ducklings and explore its mechanism of action, an MDRV contact-infection model was established. Then, we investigated the influence of HEP on morphology of main immune organs in MDRV-infected ducklings by HE staining, while antioxidant capacity (T-AOC, MDA), serum protein levels (TP, ALB, GLO), complement levels (C3, C4) and antibody levels (IgA, IgM, IgG) were detected. Apoptotic indexes (apoptosisi rate and FAS-L) were also quantified by TUNEL method and immunohistochemical staining. Meanwhile, FADD and CytC (apoptosis-related genes), were tested by quantitative RT-PCR. Results showed that HEP could reduce the injuries of immune organs caused by MDRV. Additionally, HEP markedly diminished MDA (p < 0.01), while significantly increased T-AOC, TP, ALB, GLO, C3, C4, IgA, IgM and IgG (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05). Then, HEP shifted apoptosis time to an early MDRV-infected stage and reduced apoptosis at later MDRV-infected stage. This was associated with changes of FADD and CytC. Collectively, our data suggested that HEP could reduce the immunesuppression by many ways, such as decreasing organs' injuries, improving antioxidant capacity, serum proteins levels, antibody levels and complement levels, while diminish the apoptosis by lowering the FADD and CytC.

Curcuminoids supplementation ameliorates iron overload, oxidative stress, hypercoagulability, and inflammation in non-transfusion-dependent ß-thalassemia/Hb E patients.

Curcuminoids, polyphenol compounds in turmeric, possess several pharmacological properties including antioxidant, iron-chelating, and anti-inflammatory activities. Effects of curcuminoids in thalassemia patients have been explored in a limited number of studies using different doses of curcuminoids. The present study aims to evaluate the effects of 24-week curcuminoids supplementation at the dosage of 500 and 1000 mg/day on iron overload, oxidative stress, hypercoagulability, and inflammation in non-transfused ß-thalassemia/Hb E patients. In general, both curcuminoids dosages significantly lowered the levels of oxidative stress, hypercoagulability, and inflammatory markers in the patients. In contrast, reductions in iron parameter levels were more remarkable in the 1000 mg/day group. Subgroup analysis revealed that a marker of hypercoagulability was significantly decreased only in patients with baseline ferritin ≤ 1000 ng/ml independently of curcuminoids dosage. Moreover, the alleviation of iron loading parameters was more remarkable in patients with baseline ferritin > 1000 ng/ml who receive 1000 mg/day curcuminoids. On the other hand, the responses of oxidative stress markers were higher with 500 mg/day curcuminoids regardless of baseline ferritin levels. Our study suggests that baseline ferritin levels should be considered in the supplementation of curcuminoids and the appropriate curcuminoids dosage might differ according to the required therapeutic effect. Thai Clinical Trials Registry (TCTR): TCTR20200731003; July 31, 2020 "retrospectively registered".

Survival and analysis of predictors of mortality in patients undergoing replacement renal therapy: a 20-year cohort.

BACKGROUND: optimal management of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in hemodialysis (HD) patients should be more studied because it is a serious risk factor for mortality, being considered an unquestionable global priority. METHODS: we performed a retrospective cohort study from the Nephrology Service in Brazil evaluating the survival of patients with ESRD in HD during 20 years. Kaplan-Meier method with the Log-Rank and Cox's proportional hazards model explored the association between survival time and demographic factors, quality of treatment and laboratory values. RESULTS: Data from 422 patients were included. The mean survival time was 6.79 ± 0.37. The overall survival rates at first year was 82,3%. The survival time correlated significantly with clinical prognostic factors. Prognostic analyses with the Cox proportional hazards regression model and Kaplan-Meier survival curves further identified that leukocyte count (HR = 2.665, 95% CI: 1.39-5.12), serum iron (HR = 8.396, 95% CI: 2.02-34.96), serum calcium (HR = 4.102, 95% CI: 1.35-12.46) and serum protein (HR = 4.630, 95% CI: 2.07-10.34) as an independent risk factor for the prognosis of survival time, while patients with chronic obstructive pyelonephritis (HR = 0.085, 95% CI: 0.01-0.74), high ferritin values (HR = 0.392, 95% CI: 0.19-0.80), serum phosphorus (HR = 0.290, 95% CI: 0.19-0.61) and serum albumin (HR = 0.230, 95% CI: 0.10-0.54) were less risk to die. CONCLUSION: survival remains low in the early years of ESRD treatment. The present study identified that elevated values of ferritin, serum calcium, phosphorus, albumin, leukocyte, serum protein and serum iron values as a useful prognostic factor for the survival time.

Molecular classification of the placebo effect in nausea.

In this proof-of-concept study, we tested whether placebo effects can be monitored and predicted by plasma proteins. In a randomized controlled design, 90 participants were exposed to a nauseating stimulus on two separate days and were randomly allocated to placebo treatment or no treatment on the second day. Significant placebo effects on nausea, motion sickness, and (in females) gastric activity could be verified. Using label-free tandem mass spectrometry, 74 differentially regulated proteins were identified as correlates of the placebo effect. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analyses identified acute-phase proteins and microinflammatory proteins to be involved, and the identified GO signatures predicted day-adjusted scores of nausea indices in the placebo group. We also performed GO enrichment analyses of specific plasma proteins predictable by the experimental factors or their interactions and identified 'grooming behavior' as a prominent hit. Finally, Receiver Operator Characteristics (ROC) allowed to identify plasma proteins differentiating placebo responders from non-responders, comprising immunoglobulins and proteins involved in oxidation reduction processes and complement activation. Plasma proteomics is a promising tool to identify molecular correlates and predictors of the placebo effect in humans.

Consumption of avocado oil (Persea americana) improves the biochemical profile of rats submitted to long-term androgenic stimulation.

INTRODUCTION: Introduction: indiscriminate use of anabolic steroids is associated with cardiovascular diseases, renal damage, and hepatic toxicity. Contrastingly, nutraceutical foods such as avocados prevent and control several diseases, as they can reduce the effects of oxidative stress. Objective: this study evaluates the benefits of consuming an avocado oil-based diet to attenuate the systemic damage caused by supraphysiological doses of testosterone, by analyzing the biochemical profile of 28 42-day-old male Wistar rats. Methods: silicone pellets containing testosterone were surgically implanted, and they received control or avocado oil-based feed. After 20 weeks, all the male rats were anesthetized and their blood samples collected. Results: although the high hormone concentration had a negative influence on the biochemical profile of these animals, the groups that consumed avocado oil exhibited a reduction in serum triacylglycerols (-21 %; p = 0.0001), VLDL (-20 %; p = 0.0085), LDL (-78 %; p < 0.0001), and total cholesterol (-12 %; p < 0.0001), along with positive changes in their HDL concentrations (+7 %; p = 0.001). The avocado oil groups also manifested a reduction in the total concentration of serum proteins (-24 %; p = 0.0357), albumin (-26 %; p = 0.0015), urea (-14 %; p = 0.04), and creatinine (-33 %; p < 0.0001). The concentration of liver transaminases was found to be higher in the animals included in the induced group (ALT, +66 %; p = 0.0005, and AST, +23 %; p = 0.0021), whereas they remained stable in the avocado oil group. Conclusion: from the above, it may be concluded that supraphysiological doses of testosterone are related to increased risk factors for cardiovascular, renal, and hepatic diseases, and that the consumption of avocado oil shields the biochemical profile, thus reducing the associated risk factors.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: el uso indiscriminado de esteroides anabólicos se asocia con enfermedades cardiovasculares, daño renal y toxicidad hepática. En cambio, los alimentos nutracéuticos como el aguacate previenen y controlan varias enfermedades, ya que pueden reducir los efectos del estrés oxidativo. Objetivo: este estudio evalúa los beneficios de consumir una dieta basada en aceite de aguacate para atenuar el daño sistémico causado por dosis suprafisiológicas de testosterona mediante el análisis del perfil bioquímico de 28 ratas Wistar macho de 42 días de edad. Métodos: se implantaron quirúrgicamente perdigones de silicona que contenían propionato de testosterona y los animales recibieron una alimentación de control o una basada en el aceite de aguacate. Después de 20 semanas se anestesiaron todos los animales y se recogieron sus muestras de sangre. Resultados: aunque la alta concentración de hormonas tuvo una influencia negativa en el perfil bioquímico de estos animales, los grupos que consumieron aceite de aguacate mostraron una reducción de los triglicéridos séricos (-21 %; p = 0,0001), las VLDL (-20 %; p = 0,0085), las LDL (-78 %; p < 0,0001) y el colesterol total (-12 %; p < 0,0001), con cambios positivos en las LDL (+7 %; p = 0,001). Los grupos alimentados con aceite de aguacate manifestaron una reducción de la concentración total de proteínas séricas (-24 %; p = 0,0357), albúmina (-26 %; p = 0,0015), urea (-14 %; p = 0,04) y creatinina (-33 %; p < 0,0001). Se encontró que la concentración sérica de transaminasas hepáticas era mayor en los animales del grupo inducido (ALT: +66 %; p = 0,0005, y AST: +23 %; p = 0,0021), mientras que en los grupos con aceite de aguacate, los parámetros hepáticos se mantuvieron estables. Conclusión: de todo ello se puede concluir que las dosis suprafisiológicas de testosterona están relacionadas con un aumento de los factores de riesgo de sufrir enfermedades cardiovasculares, renales y hepáticas, y que el consumo de aceite de aguacate protege el perfil bioquímico, lo que reduce los factores de riesgo asociados.

Mid-term response assessment in multiple myeloma using a texture analysis approach on dual energy-CT-derived bone marrow images - A proof of principle study.

PURPOSE: To identify textural features on dual-energy CT (DECT)-generated virtual non calcium (VNC) bone marrow images in a small group of patients with multiple myeloma undergoing systemic treatment which could potentially help for mid-term response assessment. METHODS: 44 patients (59.1 ±â€¯11.2 yr.) with multiple myeloma who underwent unenhanced whole-body reduced-dose DECT before and after systemic therapy were evaluated. All patients had current hematologic laboratory tests including serum levels of immunoglobulins, albumin, and total proteins. Using DECT post-processing, bone marrow images of the axial skeleton were reconstructed. The vertebral bodies T10-L5 were segmented for quantification of 1st order (n = 18) and 2nd order Gray Level Co-occurrence Matrix (GLCM) textural features (n = 23) based on an open-source radiomics library (Pyradiomics), which were then compared with the hematologic response category to treatment. Five patients underwent only active surveillance at intervals after previous successful therapy. RESULTS: According to hematologic diagnosis, 29 patients were classified as complete response (CR), 10 as partial response (PR) and 5 as stable disease (SD). We observed a significant drop of the 1st order textural features "10th percentile" (p = 0.009), "median" (p = 0.01), and "minimum" (p < 0.0001) after treatment, whereas the 1st order feature "range" (p = 0.0004) and the 2nd order GLCM feature "difference variance" (p = 0.007) significantly increased in patients experiencing CR. A similar trend, however, without statistical significance, could be observed in patients achieving PR after treatment. 2nd order GLCM feature "difference variance" proved to be a significant discriminator (p = 0.01) between patients with CR and PR (sensitivity 0.93, specificity 0.70) for a cut-off value of -0.28. In patients classified CR, both the mean serum protein and the beta-2 microglobulin decreased after treatment, whereas the serum albumin increased (p < 0.01). The same trend without significance could be observed in patients classified PR. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in textural features applied on VNC bone marrow images in the pre- and posttreatment settings correlate well with myeloma-specific hematologic parameters and provide complementary information for the assessment of the late effects of treatment on the bone marrow.

Effects of dietary asafoetida (Ferula sinkiangensis K. M. Shen) levels on feeding attraction activity, growth performance, healthiness, and digestive enzyme activity in juvenile Lateolabrax japonicus.

The study was to investigate effects of asafoetida (Ferula sinkiangensis K. M. Shen) powder on feeding attraction activity (FAA), growth performance, healthiness, and digestive enzyme activity of juvenile Lateolabrax japonicus. Six concentration levels (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 g/kg diets) were formulated for luring and feeding experiment. Results showed that asafoetida could stimulate the appetite of L. japonicus at the dietary levels from 10 to 25 g/kg; reduce the feed conversion ratio (FCR) and feed intake (FI) at 10-20 g/kg; increase the weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR) at 5-10 g/kg; increase the hepatosomatic index (HSI), body crude lipid content, serum total protein (TP) content, and lysozyme activity at 10-15 g/kg; decrease the moisture at 10-15 g/kg; and increase the serum total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activity at 5-15 g/kg, when compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Digestive enzyme activities including amylase (AMS) and trypsin in the intestine were significantly affected by the asafoetida powder (p < 0.05). Regression analyses between the FAA, FCR, WG, SGR, HSI, LZM, T-SOD, AMS, trypsin, and the dietary asafoetida powder levels showed that the optimal additional amount was 16.95, 13.65, 8.36, 8.15, 15.45, 9.94, 8.75, 11.77, and 7.07 g/kg, respectively, indicating that the optimal amount of asafoetida powder was located in 7.07-16.95 g/kg diet. However, combined with the significant difference analyses obtained from the current study, we would suggest the additive suitable dosage was 10 g/kg.

Avaliação hematológica e hepática de ovinos sob tratamento com torta de neem (Azadirachta indica) / Hematological and liver evaluation of sheep under treatment with neem pie (Azadirachta indica)

Devido aos altos índices de resistência dos parasitas aos diferentes princípios ativos comerciais, novas alternativas de controle vêm sendo estudadas, entre elas a fitoterapia. Essas medidas visam a busca de métodos auxiliares no controle das parasitoses, entretanto, muitos produtos estão disponíveis no mercado e não têm comprovação científica de sua eficácia ou de possíveis efeitos colaterais. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos hematológicos e hepáticos após a administração de torta de Neem (Azadirachta indica) em ovinos. Foram testadas três dosagens da torta de Neem adicionada ao sal mineral (1, 2 e 4%), administradas por 126 dias para 32 ovinos da raça Lacaune, divididos em quatro grupos sendo três grupos para os diferentes tratamentos e um controle, o qual recebeu somente sal mineral. Amostras de sangue foram colhidas a cada 21 dias para realização do hemograma completo, dosagem de proteína plasmática total e fibrinogênio e avaliação da bioquímica clínica hepática. Nestas mesmas ocasiões, amostras de fezes foram coletadas para a quantificação de ovos por grama de fezes (OPG). Foram observadas diferenças estatísticas entre momentos e grupos para diversas variáveis, porém sem estarem relacionadas à administração de torta de Neem. Os resultados obtidos de hemograma completo, dosagem de proteína plasmática total, fibrinogênio e de bioquímica clínica hepática indicaram que a administração de torta de Neem nas concentrações de 1, 2 e 4%, não interfere nos valores hematológicos, nem sobre a integridade e função hepática de ovinos da raça Lacaune.

Due to high levels of parasite resistance to different commercial active ingredients, new control alternatives are being studied, including the phytotherapy. These measures aim to search for auxiliary methods in the control of parasitic diseases. However, there are many products available in the market and there are no scientific proof of its efficacy. The objective of this study was to evaluate the hematological and hepatic effects following administration of Neem pie (Azadirachta indica) in sheep. Three concentrations of Neem cake was added to the mineral salt (1, 2 and 4%) and administered during 126 days to 32 Lacaune breed sheeps, divided into four groups: three groups for different treatments and a and a control were tested, the ladder receiving only mineral salt. Blood samples were taken every 21 days to perform the complete blood count, serum total plasma protein and fibrinogen and liver biochemical evaluation. In those same times, fecal samples were collected for quantification of eggs per gram of feces (EPG). Statistical differences between times and groups for several variables were observed, but without being related to the administration of Neem pie. The results of complete blood count, measurement of total plasma protein, fibrinogen and hepatic clinical biochemistry indicated that administration of Neem pie at concentrations of 1, 2 and 4%, does not interfere in hematological values, or on the integrity and liver function Lacaune sheep breed.

Effects of gingerols-rich extract of ginger on growth performance, serum metabolites, meat quality and antioxidant activity of heat-stressed broilers.

In order to investigate the effects of dietary ginger extract (GE) enriched in gingerols on broilers under heat stress (HS) from 21 to 42 days of age, a total of 144 Ross 308 male broilers were randomly allocated to three groups with six replicates of eight broilers per replicate. Broilers in the control group were raised at 22 °C and fed a basal diet, and broilers in the other two groups were raised under cyclic HS (34 °C from 9:00 to 17:00 and at 22 °C for the rest of the time) and fed the basal diet with or without 1000 mg/kg GE. Supplementation of GE improved (P < 0.05) final body weight, average daily gain and feed conversion ratio of broilers under HS, and tended (P < 0.1) to increase breast muscle yield. The alterations of serum total protein, albumin, total cholesterol levels and aspartate aminotransferase activity under HS were reversed (P < 0.05) by GE, which also decreased (P < 0.05) serum triglyceride level and alanine aminotransferase activity. The decreased redness (a* value) and increased drip loss of breast muscle induced by HS were restored (P < 0.05) by GE. Moreover, GE supplementation increased (P < 0.05) total antioxidant capacity and decreased (P < 0.05) malondialdehyde content in liver and breast muscle, and increased (P < 0.05) glutathione peroxidase activity in serum and breast muscle. In conclusion, dietary GE supplementation restored growth performance, serum metabolites and meat quality of broilers under HS possibly by improving antioxidant activity.

Evaluation of 6'-Sialyllactose Sodium Salt Supplementation to Formula on Growth and Clinical Parameters in Neonatal Piglets.

Oligosaccharides are complex, non-digestible glycans found in large abundance in human milk. The abundance and the profile of bovine milk oligosaccharides and bovine milk based in infant formula differ from those in human milk. Recently, some human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) have been supplemented to infant formula, however, not all forms have been available in large scale. The objective of the study was to investigate the dose-dependent effects of an enzymatically-synthesized 6'-sialyllactose (6'-SL) sodium salt supplemented to swine milk replacer on growth, hematological parameters, and organ microscopic assessment in our pre-clinical neonatal pig model. Two-day-old male and female pigs (n = 47) were provided one of four experimental diets for 21 days. Diets were formulated to contain 0 (CON), 300 (LOW), 600 (MOD), or 1200 (HIGH) mg/L of 6'-SL sodium salt. On days 8 and 22, samples were collected for hematological and histological analyses. Supplemental 6'-SL sodium salt at all doses supported growth and development comparable to those observed in control animals. In addition, serum chemistries, hematology, and organ microscopic structure were unaffected by 6'-SL (p > 0.05). Thus, addition of enzymatically-synthesized 6'-SL to a milk replacer formula supported growth and clinical outcomes similar to the control formula in the neonatal piglet.

Immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects of Astragalus polysaccharide liposome in large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea).

Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) have been widely used as immunopotentiators in aquaculture, however, the best way of their administration remains to be explored. In the present study, APS liposome (APSL) was prepared by film dispersion-ultrasonic method. The optimal conditions of APSL preparation were determined by response surface methodology, with a ratio of 10:1 (w/w) for soybean lecithin to APS and 8:1 (w/w) for soybean lecithin to cholesterol, and an ultrasound time of 15 min, which produced an encapsulation efficiency of 73.88 ± 0.88% of APSL. In vivo feeding experiments in large yellow croaker showed that both APS and APSL could enhance the contents of serum total protein (TP) and albumin (ALB), activities of serum non-specific immune enzymes such as acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), and lysozyme (LZM), and phagocytic activity of head kidney macrophages. Meanwhile, they both increased the activities of serum antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) and reduced the content of final lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum, thus exhibiting the antioxidant effects. In vitro experiments on primary head kidney macrophages (PKM) showed that both APS and APSL inhibited ROS production, but obviously enhanced NO production and phagocytic activity of PKM. Furthermore, expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α), IFN-γ, and iNOS in PKM were significantly up-regulated after APS and APSL treatments, but no expression change of IFN-h was observed. Taken together, our results showed that both APS and APSL could improve several immune parameters and antioxidant ability of large yellow croaker either in vivo or in vitro, and the efficacy of APSL was markedly better than APS. These findings therefore indicated that the immunomodulatory and antioxidant activities of APS could be enhanced after encapsulated with liposome, and APSL may represent a potential drug delivery system of APS for development of immunoenhancers in aquaculture.