[Establishment of treatment center for peritoneal metastasis in colorectal cancer].

The prognosis of patients with peritoneal metastasis from colorectal cancer is poor. At present, the comprehensive treatment system based on cytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has significantly improved the survival of these patients. However, CRS and HIPEC have strict indications, high procedural difficulty, and high morbidity and mortality. If CRS+HIPEC is performed in an inexperienced center, overall survival and quality of life of patients may bo compromised. The establishment of specialized diagnosis and treatment centers can provide a guarantee for standardized clinical diagnosis and treatment. In this review, we first introduced the necessity of establishing a colorectal cancer peritoneal metastasis treatment center and the construction situation of the diagnosis and treatment center for peritoneal surface malignancies at home and abroad. Then we focused on introducing our construction experience of the colorectal peritoneal metastasis treatment center, and emphasized that the construction of the center must be done well in two aspects: firstly, the clinical optimization should be realized and the specialization of the whole workflow should be strengthened; secondly, we should ensure the quality of patient care and the rights, well-being and health of every patient.

[A multicenter randomized prospective study of concurrent chemoradiation with 60 Gy versus 50 Gy for inoperable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma].

Objective: To determine whether 60 Gy is superior to standard 50 Gy for definitive concurrent chemoradiation(CCRT) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) using modern radiation technology in a phase Ⅲ prospective randomized trial. Methods: From April 2013 to May 2017, 331 patients from 22 hospitals who were pathologically confirmed with stage ⅢA-ⅣA ESCC were randomized to 60 Gy or 50 Gy with random number table. Total of 305 patients were analyzed, including 152 in 60 Gy group and 153 in 50 Gy group. The median age was 63 years, 242(79.3%) males and 63(20.7%) females. The median length of primary tumor was 5.6 cm. The clinical characteristics between two groups were comparable. All patients were delivered 2 Gy per fraction, 5 fractions per week. Concurrent weekly chemotherapy with docetaxel (25 mg/m(2)) and cisplatin (25 mg/m(2)) and 2 cycles consolidation chemotherapy with docetaxel (70 mg/m(2)) and cisplatin (25 mg/m(2), d1-3) were administrated. The primary endpoint was local/regional progression-free survival (LRPFS). The data were compared with Pearson chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. Results: At a median follow-up of 27.3 months, the disease progression rate was 37.5% (57/152), 43.8% (67/153) in the high and standard-dose group, respectively (χ(2)=1.251, P=0.263). The 1, 2, 3-year LRPFS rate was 75.4%, 56.8%, 52.1% and 74.2%, 58.4%, 50.1%, respectively (HR: 0.95, 95%CI: 0.69-1.31, P=0.761). The 1, 2, 3-year overall survival rate was 84.1%, 64.8%, 54.1% and 85.4%, 62.9%, 54.0%, respectively (HR: 0.98, 95%CI: 0.71-1.38, P=0.927). The 1, 2, 3-year progression-free survival rate was 70.8%, 54.2%, 48.5% and 65.5%, 51.9%, 45.1%, respectively (HR: 0.93, 95%CI: 0.68-1.26, P=0.621). The incidence rates in toxicities between the two groups were similar except for higher rate of severe pneumonitis in high dose group (χ(2)=11.596, P=0.021). Conclusions: The efficacy in disease control is similar between 60 Gy and 50 Gy using modern radiation technology concurrent with chemotherapy for ESCC. The 50 Gy should be recommended as the regular radiation dose with CCRT for ESCC.

Effects of postnatal omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on offspring pro-resolving mediators of inflammation at 6 months and 5 years of age: A double blind, randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Resolution of inflammation is an active process involving specialised pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) generated from the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation during infancy may provide an intervention strategy to modify SPMs and reduce oxidative stress. This study evaluates the effect of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in infancy on SPMs and F2-isoprostanes from 6 months to 5 years of age. METHODS: In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study design, 420 infants were randomized to a daily supplement of omega-3 fatty acids (280mg DHA and 110mg EPA) or olive oil (control), from birth to age 6 months. Blood was collected at birth (cord blood), 6 months, 12 months and 5 years. Plasma SPMs included 18-HEPE, E-series resolvins, 17-HDHA, D-series resolvins, 14-HDHA, 10S,17S-DiHDoHE, MaR1 and PD1. F2-isoprostanes were measured in plasma and urine, as markers of oxidative stress in vivo. RESULTS: The change in the concentration of 18-HEPE from birth to 6 months was greater in the omega-3 fatty acid group (Ptimepoint*group=0.04) with levels at 6 months significantly higher than controls (P=0.02). Other SPMs were not different between the groups at any time point. Plasma 18-HEPE concentration were associated with erythrocyte EPA concentrations after age and group adjustments (P<0.001), but not with allergic outcomes at 12 months. There were no between-group differences in plasma and urinary F2-isoprostanes at any time point. CONCLUSION: Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation from birth to 6 months of age increased SPM at 6 months but the effects were not sustained after supplementation ceased. Given that 18-HEPE is a biologically active metabolite, future studies should examine how the increase in 18-HEPE relates to potential health benefits of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in infancy.

Prenatal omega-3 fatty acid supplementation does not affect offspring telomere length and F2-isoprostanes at 12 years: A double blind, randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress and nutritional deficiency may influence the excessive shortening of the telomeric ends of chromosomes. It is known that stress exposure in intrauterine life can produce variations in telomere length (TL), thereby potentially setting up a long-term trajectory for disease susceptibility. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 LCPUFA) supplementation during pregnancy on telomere length and oxidative stress in offspring at birth and 12 years of age (12y). DESIGN: In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study, 98 pregnant atopic women were randomised to 4g/day of n-3 LCPUFA or control (olive oil [OO]), from 20 weeks gestation until delivery. Telomere length as a marker of cell senescence and plasma and urinary F2-isoprostanes as a marker of oxidative stress were measured in the offspring at birth and 12y. RESULTS: Maternal n-3 LCPUFA supplementation did not influence offspring telomere length at birth or at 12y with no changes over time. Telomere length was not associated with F2-isoprostanes or erythrocyte total n-3 fatty acids. Supplementation significantly reduced cord plasma F2-isoprostanes (P<0.001), with a difference in the change over time between groups (P=0.05). However, the differences were no longer apparent at 12y. Between-group differences for urinary F2-isoprostanes at birth and at 12y were non-significant with no changes over time. CONCLUSIONS: This study does not support the hypothesis that n-3 LCPUFA during pregnancy provides sustained effects on postnatal oxidative stress and telomere length as observed in the offspring.

The effects of customised brainwave music on orofacial pain induced by orthodontic tooth movement.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of listening to brainwave music (BWM), which is composed by individual electroencephalogram (EEG) signals, in relieving orthodontic pain, compared to cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), an established psychotherapy in pain management. METHODS: Thirty-six participants matched for age, gender and anxiety/pain levels were randomly assigned to the BWM group (n = 12), the CBT group (n = 12) or the control group (n = 12). Baseline resting EEG data were fabricated into BWM for the BWM group. EEG signals and pain perception [assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS)] of participants were recorded for the first week after orthodontic appliances placement. EEG data were analysed by multiple approaches. RESULTS: Brainwave music and CBT groups presented significantly lower pain perception than the control group on days 1-4. According to EEG analysis outcomes, the BWM group showed improved functional connectivity among different brain regions, lower EEG complexity and enhanced power in theta and alpha bands, compared to CBT and control groups, especially on day 2. Differences were clustered in the prefrontal, frontal, parietal and occipital regions, whilst the EEG parameters had negligible linear association with VAS scores. CONCLUSIONS: Brainwave music is effective in controlling orthodontic pain, possibly via restoring functional connectivity and brain regularity influenced by pain.

Study on the Mechanism Underlying the Regulation of the NMDA Receptor Pathway in Spinal Dorsal Horns of Visceral Hypersensitivity Rats by Moxibustion.

Visceral hypersensitivity is enhanced in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients. Treatment of IBS visceral pain by moxibustion methods has a long history and rich clinical experience. In the clinic, moxibustion on the Tianshu (ST25) and Shangjuxu (ST37) acupoints can effectively treat bowel disease with visceral pain and diarrhea symptoms. To investigate the regulatory function of moxibustion on the Tianshu (ST25) and Shangjuxu (ST37) acupoints on spinal cord NR1, NR2B, and PKCε protein and mRNA expression in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) visceral hypersensitivity rats, we did some research. In the study, we found that moxibustion effectively relieved the IBS visceral hyperalgesia status of rats. Analgesic effect of moxibustion was similar to intrathecal injection of Ro 25-6981. The expression of NR1, NR2B, and PKCε in the spinal dorsal horns of IBS visceral hyperalgesia rats increased. Moxibustion on the Tianshu and Shangjuxu acupoints might inhibit the visceral hypersensitivity, simultaneously decreasing the expression of NR1, NR2B, and PKCε in spinal cord of IBS visceral hyperalgesia rats. Based on the above experimental results, we hypothesized NR1, NR2B, and PKCε of spinal cord could play an important role in moxibustion inhibiting the process of central sensitization and visceral hyperalgesia state.

Dysregulation of Hypothalamo-Pituitary-Adrenocortical Axis in Overweight Female Diabetic Subjects is Associated with Downregulation of Corticosteroid Receptors and 11ß-HSD1 in the Brain.

The objective of this work was to assess hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis dysregulation in overweight diabetic women and investigate the possible mechanism using overweight diabetic rats. Twenty-two overweight diabetic women were recruited alongside 34 lean and 23 overweight healthy women serving as controls. Dexamethasone suppression test (0.25 mg DST) and low dose adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation assay were used to evaluate the HPA axis activity. Then, high fat diet (HF) and STZ-induced diabetic rats were utilized to investigate the possible mechanism. After measurement of corticosterone circadian patterns and dexamethasone suppression levels, mRNA amounts of mineralocorticoid receptors (MR), glucocorticoid receptors (GR), and 11ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11ß-HSD1) were determined by real time PCR at hippocampus, hypothalamus, and pituitary levels. Overweight diabetic women showed impaired HPA axis with negative feedback efficacy (suppression ratio F-DEX%: 0.52±0.06% vs. 0.49±0.06% vs. 0.14±0.08%), as well as increased adrenal cortisol secretion response to low dose ACTH stimulation. Interestingly, F-DEX% was negatively correlated with BMI (r=- 0.323, p=0.003), waist circumference (r=- 0.319, p=0.004), and HbA1c (r=- 0.334, p=0.002). Stepwise linear regression analysis showed F-DEX% was significantly related to HbA1c level (ß=- 0.328, p=0.007) after adjusting for other covariates (age, BMI, waist circumference, SBP, TC, TG, and HOMA-IR). Furthermore, 11ß-HSD1, MR, and GR mRNA expression levels were reduced at pituitary level while GR expression was downregulated at hippocampus level in HF and HF+STZ rats. In conclusion, hyperactive HPA axis in overweight diabetic subjects may be associated with downregulation of 11ß-HSD1, MR, and GR in the brain.

Effects of exogenous melatonin and photoperiod on sexual maturation in pullets.

Hy-Line Gray commercial pullets were maintained under 8-h photoperiods, 16-h photoperiods and 16-h photoperiods supplemented with a diet containing 20 or 200 mg/kg melatonin (MEL) to investigate the role of MEL in sexual development. A total of 256 Hy-Line Gray commercial pullets were placed, four birds to a cage, in four similar light-proof rooms (8-h photoperiod) at 6 weeks of age. At 70 day, three rooms containing a total of 192 birds were transferred to a 16-h photoperiod, whereas 64 birds were maintained under the 8-h photoperiod. Diets containing MEL at 20 and 200 mg/kg were fed to birds in two of the rooms under 16-h photoperiods. Birds maintained under an 8-h photoperiod matured 11.25 day later than those maintained under a 16-h photoperiod (p < 0.05). The group of birds receiving 20 mg/kg MEL matured 1.19 day later than those maintained under the 16-h photoperiod and 10.06 day earlier than those maintained under the 8-h photoperiod. The group of birds receiving 200 mg/kg MEL matured 3.13 day later than those maintained under a 16-h photoperiod and 8.12 day earlier than those maintained under an 8-h photoperiod. The average body weight of birds maintained under the 8-h photoperiod was greater than that of birds maintained under the 16-h photoperiod (p < 0.05) and was similar between the different MEL groups. The abdominal fat weight was lower in 16L:8D group compared with 8L:16D group (p < 0.05). The concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, oestrogen and insulin did not differ significantly among the groups. The melatonin concentration in 200 mg/kg melatonin group was higher than that observed in the other groups; however, this concentration did not differ significantly (p > 0.05). These data suggest that the birds did not perceive the final 8-h photoperiod as being part of the night when they were given the MEL diets; continuously high plasma MEL was not observed in birds that responded as if they were in constant darkness. However, the later maturity of the groups administered MEL diets compared with the groups maintained under a constant 16-h photoperiod clearly indicated that MEL has some influence on the sexual maturity of pullets.

Production of succinic acid from sugarcane molasses supplemented with a mixture of corn steep liquor powder and peanut meal as nitrogen sources by Actinobacillus succinogenes.

The potential of using corn steep liquor powder (CSLP), peanut meal (PM), soybean meal (SM), cotton meal (CM) and urea as the substitute of yeast extract (YE) as the nitrogen source was investigated for producing succinic acid (SA). Actinobacillus succinogenes GXAS137 was used as the fermenting bacterium and sugarcane molasses was used as the main substrate. None of these materials were able to produce SA as high as YE did. The CSLP could still be considered as a feasible and inexpensive alternate for YE as the yield of SA produced using CSLP was second only to the yield of SA obtained by YE. The use of CSLP-PM mixed formulation (CSLP to PM ratio = 2·6) as nitrogen source produced SA up to 59·2 g l(-1) with a productivity of 1·2 g l(-1) h(-1). A batch fermentation using a stirred bioreactor produced up to 60·7 g l(-1) of SA at the same formulation. Fed-batch fermentation that minimized the substrate inhibition produced 64·7 g l(-1) SA. These results suggest that sugarcane molasses supplemented with a mixture of CSLP and PM as the nitrogen source could be used to produce SA more economically using A. succinogenes. Significance and impact of the study: Succinic acid (SA) is commonly used as a platform chemical to produce a number of high value derivatives. Yeast extract (YE) is used as a nitrogen source to produce SA. The high cost of YE is currently the limiting factor for industrial production of SA. This study reports the use of a mixture of corn steep liquor powder (CSLP) and peanut meal (PM) as an inexpensive nitrogen source to substitute YE. The results showed that this CSLP-PM mixed formulation can be used as an effective and economic nitrogen source for the production of SA.

The value of adding transcutaneous neuromuscular electrical stimulation (VitalStim) to traditional therapy for post-stroke dysphagia: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Dysphagia is not uncommon after stroke. Dysphagia may delay the functional recovery and substantially affects the quality of life after stroke, mainly if lest untreated. To detect and treat dysphagia as early as possible is critical for patients' recovery after stroke. Electrical stimulation has been reported as a treatment for pharyngeal dysphagia in recent studies, but the therapeutic effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (VitalStim®) therapy lacks convincing supporting evidence, needs further clinical investigation. AIM: To investigate the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (VitalStim®) and traditional swallowing therapy on recovery of swallowing difficulties after stroke. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: University hospital. POPULATION: 135 stroke patients who had a diagnosis of dysphagia at the age between 50-80. METHODS: 135 subjects were randomly divided into three groups: traditional swallowing therapy (N. = 45), VitalStim® therapy (N. = 45), and VitalStim® therapy plus traditional swallowing therapy (N. = 45). The traditional swallowing therapy included basic training and direct food intake training. Electrical stimulation was applied by an occupational therapist, using a modified hand-held battery-powered electrical stimulator (VitalStim® Dual Channel Unit and electrodes, Chattanooga Group, Hixson, TN, USA). Surface electromyography (sEMG), the Standardized Swallowing Assessment (SSA), Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study (VFSS) and visual analog scale (VAS) were used to assess swallowing function before and 4 weeks after the treatment. RESULTS: The study included 118 subjects with dysphagia, 40 in the traditional swallowing therapy group and VitalStim® therapy group, 38 in the VitalStim and traditional swallowing therapy group. There were significant differences in sEMG value, SSA and VFSS scores in each group after the treatment (P < 0.001). After 4-week treatment, sEMG value (917.1 ± 91.2), SSA value (21.8 ± 3.5), oral transit time (0.4 ± 0.1) and pharyngeal transit time (0.8 ± 0.1) were significantly improved in the VitalStim® and traditional swallowing therapy group than the other two groups (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Data suggest that VitalStim® therapy coupled with traditional swallowing therapy may be beneficial for post-stroke dysphagia. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: VitalStim® therapy coupled with traditional swallowing therapy can improve functional recovery for post-stroke dysphagia.

Molecular characterization of tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) in pearl oyster Pinctada martensii.

Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) is a key signaling adaptor molecule for tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily and Toll-like receptor/interleukin-1 receptor family members. It signals the upstream receptors and is involved in a wide range of biological functions, such as immunity and bone metabolism. In this report, the TRAF6 gene from the pearl oyster Pinctada martensii (designated as PmTRAF6) was identified and characterized. The obtained full-length PmTRAF6 cDNA was 2273 bp, containing a 5'-untranslated region (UTR) of 297 bp, a 3'-UTR of 128 bp with a 42-bp poly (A) tail, and an open reading frame of 1848 bp that encoded 616-amino acid residues. The deduced protein sequence of PmTRAF6 contained a conserved TRAF family motif including a RING-type zinc finger, two TRAF-type zinc fingers, and a coiled-coil region followed by one meprin and TRAF homology domain. Multiple-sequence alignment indicated that TRAF6 was highly conserved among species, and PmTRAF6 showed 53% sequence identity to Azumapecten farreri and Mizuhopecten yessoensis. Furthermore, an amino acid sequence containing a low-complexity region was inserted in the TRAF6s from mollusk. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis demonstrated that PmTRAF6 was constitutively expressed in all tissues studied, with the most abundant mRNA expression in hepatopancreas and gill in P. martensii. After lipopolysaccharide stimulation, the expression of PmTRAF6 mRNA was dramatically upregulated. These results suggested that the obtained PmTRAF6 was a member of the TRAF6 family and perhaps involved in the innate immune response of pearl oyster.

Extracellular pH modulates GABAergic neurotransmission in rat hypothalamus.

Changes in extracellular pH have a modulatory effect on GABAA receptor function. It has been reported that pH sensitivity of the GABA receptor is dependent on subunit composition and GABA concentration. Most of previous investigations focused on GABA-evoked currents, which only reflect the postsynaptic receptors. The physiological relevance of pH modulation of GABAergic neurotransmission is not fully elucidated. In the present studies, we examined the influence of extracellular pH on the GABAA receptor-mediated inhibitory neurotransmission in rat hypothalamic neurons. The inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs), tonic currents, and the GABA-evoked currents were recorded with whole-cell patch techniques on the hypothalamic slices from Sprague-Dawley rats at 15-26 postnatal days. The amplitude and frequency of spontaneous GABA IPSCs were significantly increased while the external pH was changed from 7.3 to 8.4. In the acidic pH (6.4), the spontaneous GABA IPSCs were reduced in amplitude and frequency. The pH induced changes in miniature GABA IPSCs (mIPSCs) similar to that in spontaneous IPSCs. The pH effect on the postsynaptic GABA receptors was assessed with exogenously applied varying concentrations of GABA. The tonic currents and the currents evoked by sub-saturating concentration of GABA ([GABA]) (10 µM) were inhibited by acidic pH and potentiated by alkaline pH. In contrast, the currents evoked by saturating [GABA] (1mM) were not affected by pH changes. We also investigated the influence of pH buffers and buffering capacity on pH sensitivity of GABAA receptors on human recombinant α1ß2γ2 GABAA receptors stably expressed in HEK 293 cells. The pH influence on GABAA receptors was similar in HEPES- and MES-buffered media, and not dependent on protonated buffers, suggesting that the observed pH effect on GABA response is a specific consequence of changes in extracellular protons. Our data suggest that the hydrogen ions suppress the GABAergic neurotransmission, which is mediated by both presynaptic and postsynaptic mechanisms.

Hypericum perforatum L. preparations for menopause: a meta-analysis of efficacy and safety.

OBJECTIVE: To compare by meta-analysis the efficacy and adverse events of Hypericum perforatum L. (St. John's Wort), or its combinations, and placebo for menopausal women. DESIGN: A systematic review and meta-analysis were carried out by searching in Pubmed, Cochrane Library, Embase and the Web of Science database. RESULTS: Extracts of Hypericum perforatum L. and its combination with herbs were significantly superior to placebo (standard mean difference = -1.08; 95% confidence interval -1.38 to -0.77); extracts of Hypericum perforatum L. proved to be more effective than placebo in the treatment of menopause. Adverse events occurred in 53 (17.4%) patients on Hypericum perforatum L. preparations and 45 (15.4%) patients on placebo (relative risk = 1.16; 95% confidence interval 0.81-1.66). CONCLUSION: Extracts of Hypericum perforatum L. have possibly fewer side-effects than placebo for the treatment of menopausal women.

Effects of Dietary Chromium Methionine on Growth Performance, Carcass Composition, Meat Colour and Expression of the Colour-related Gene Myoglobin of Growing-finishing Pigs.

To investigate the effect of dietary chromium (Cr) as Cr methionine (CrMet) on growth performance, carcass traits, pork quality, meat colour and expression of meat colour-related genes in growing-finishing pigs, 189 crossbred Duroc×(Landrace×Yorkshire) growing-finishing pigs (male, castrated, average initial BW 74.58±1.52 kg) were selected and randomly allocated into four groups. Dietary treatments per kg of feed were as follows: 0 (CT), 0.3 mg/kg (T1), 0.6 mg/kg (T2) and 0.9 mg/kg (T3) Cr (in the form of CrMet; as-fed basis), and each treatment was replicated five times with 8 to 10 pigs per replicate pen. During the 28 d of the experiment, both the ADG and the ADFI increased linearly (p<0.05) as the level of dietary Cr increased. The F/G ratio decreased linearly (p<0.05). As dietary Cr increased, loin muscle areas (linear, p = 0.013) and average backfat thickness (linear, p = 0.072) decreased. Shear force (linear, p = 0.070) and Commission Internationale de I'Éclairage (CIE) redness (quadratic, p = 0.028) were increased. In addition, CIE Lightness (quadratic, p = 0.053) were decreased as dietary Cr increased. As dietary Cr increased, total myglobin (Mb) content (quadratic, p = 0.015) and the mb mRNA levels (quadratic, p = 0.046) in longissimus muscles of pigs were up-regulated. In conclusion, supplementation of dietary Cr improved growth and meat colour, but increased shear force and decreased IMF reduced palatability of longissimus muscles. Moreover, the increasing total Mb content and mb mRNA levels indicated that CrMet dietary supplementation may improve meat colour via up-regulating expression of the mb gene.

Effect of dietary arginine and N-carbamoylglutamate supplementation on reproduction and gene expression of eNOS, VEGFA and PlGF1 in placenta in late pregnancy of sows.

The objectives of this study were to investigate the potential mechanisms of dietary arginine (Arg) and N-carbamoylglutamate (NCG) supplementation on reproductive performance of sows. Twenty-seven crossbred (Landrace×Large White) sows with similar body weight and parity at day (90±1) of gestation were assigned randomly into 3 groups (n=9) control group, Arg group, NCG group, and fed with the following diets: a control diet, and the control diet supplemented with 1.0% Arg or 0.1% NCG. Litter size was recorded. Blood samples were obtained for biochemical analyses. Placenta chorioallantoic membrane tissue collected immediately after birth to preserve in RNA stabilizer for mRNA analysis of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), endothelial growth factor a (VEGFA) and placenta growth factor 1 (PlGF1) by real time-PCR. The results showed that compared with the control group, the average birth weight of all piglets born alive were 16.2% and 14.3% higher in the Arg and NCG groups (P<0.05), respectively; plasma VEGFA was higher in the Arg group (P<0.05). The expression of VEGFA in the allantochorion tissue of the NCG-supplemented group was higher (P<0.01), and tended to be higher in the Arg-supplemented group (0.05

Polyunsaturated fatty acid intake and blood pressure in adolescents.

Evidence that intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may modify blood pressure (BP) is generally limited to middle-aged or hypertensive populations. This study examined cross-sectional associations between BP and dietary intake of PUFAs in 814 adolescents aged 13-15 years participating in the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study. Fatty acid intakes were assessed using 3-day diet records and resting BP was determined using multiple oscillometric readings. In multivariate regression models, systolic BP was inversely associated with intakes of polyunsaturated (b=-0.436, P<0.01), omega-3 (b=-2.47, P=0.02), omega-6 (b=-0.362, P=0.04) and long chain omega-3 fatty acids (b=-4.37, P=0.04) in boys. Diastolic BP and mean arterial pressure were inversely associated with intakes of long chain omega-3 fatty acids in boys (b=-3.93, P=0.01, b=-4.05, P=0.01, respectively). For specific long-chain omega-3s, significant inverse associations were observed between eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid, such as systolic BP decreasing by 4.7 mm Hg (95% CI -9.3 to -0.1) for a quarter gram increase in EPA, but no significant associations were observed with docosapentaenoic acid. No significant associations were observed in girls, or with the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio. Our results suggest that gender may moderate relationships between fatty acid intake and BP in adolescence.

Dietary supplementation with Chinese herbal powder enhances ileal digestibilities and serum concentrations of amino acids in young pigs.

This study was designed to determine the effect of ultra-fine Chinese herbal powder as a dietary additive on serum concentrations and apparent ileal digestibilities (AID) of amino acids (AA) in young pigs. In Experiment 1, 60 Duroc x Landrace x Yorkshire piglets weaned at 21 days of age were randomly assigned to one of three treatments, representing supplementation with 0 or 2 g/kg of the powder, or 0.2 g/kg of colistin (an antibiotic) to corn- and soybean meal-based diets (n = 20 per group). Blood samples from five piglets per group were collected on days 7, 14, and 28 to determine serum AA concentrations. In Experiment 2, 12 barrows with an average initial body weight of 7.64 kg were randomly assigned to one of the three dietary treatments, followed by surgical placement of a simple T-cannula at the terminal ileum. All of the diets contained 0.1% titanium oxide as a digestibility marker. The samples of terminal ileal digesta were collected on day 7 for determining AID of AA. Results show that dietary supplementation with the herbal powder increased (P < 0.05) serum concentrations and AID of most AA by 10-50% and 10-16%, respectively. As an indicator of improved intestinal function, AID values of calcium were also enhanced in piglets supplemented with the herbal powder. Dietary supplementation of colistin increased serum concentrations and AID values of some AA by 8-44% and 10-15%, respectively, in comparison with the non-supplemented group. These novel findings demonstrate that the herbal powder can enhance the digestibility of dietary protein and the intestinal absorption of AA into the systemic circulation in post-weaning pigs, therefore providing a new mechanism for its growth- and immunity-promoting efficacy.

Dietary supplementation with Astragalus polysaccharide enhances ileal digestibilities and serum concentrations of amino acids in early weaned piglets.

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) on growth performance, apparent ileal digestibilities (AID) of amino acids (AA), and their serum concentrations in early weaned piglets. In Exp. 1, 60 pigs were weaned at 21 days of age (BW 7.35 +/- 0.23 kg) and allocated to three treatments (20 pigs/treatment), representing supplementing 0.0% (control), 0.02% colistin (antibiotic), or 0.1% APS to a corn- and soybean meal-based diet. Average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and feed/gain ratio (F/G) were measured weekly. Blood samples were obtained from five pigs selected randomly from each treatment for the measurement of serum free AA concentrations on days 7, 14, and 28. In Exp. 2, 12 pigs were weaned at 21 day of age (BW 7.64 +/- 0.71 kg), assigned to three treatment groups as in Exp. 1, and surgically fitted with a simple T-cannula at the terminal ileum. Ileal digesta samples were obtained for the measurement of AID of AA on days 7, 14 and 28. Dietary APS did not affect ADFI, but enhanced (P < 0.05) ADG by 11 and 4.4%, and improved F/G by 5.6 and 8.4%, respectively, compared with the control and antibiotic groups. Addition of APS to the diet increased AID and serum concentrations of most nutritionally essential and non-essential AA (including arginine, proline, glutamate, lysine, methionine, tryptophan, and threonine) on days 14 and 28. Circulating levels of total AA were affected by the age of pigs and treatment x time interaction. Collectively, these findings indicate that APS may ameliorate the digestive and absorptive function and regulate AA metabolism to beneficially increase the entry of dietary AA into the systemic circulation, which provide a mechanism to explain the growth-promoting effect of APS in early weaned piglets.