Effects of dietary methionine supplementation from different sources on growth performance and meat quality of barrows and gilts.

Methionine is indispensable for growth and meat formation in pigs. However, it is still unclear that increasing dietary sulphur-containing amino acid (SAA) levels using different methionine sources affects the growth performance and meat quality of barrows and gilts. To investigate this, 144 pigs (half barrows and half gilts) were fed the control (100% SAA, CON), DL-Methionine (125% SAA, DL-Met)-supplemented, or OH-Methionine (125% SAA, OH-Met)-supplemented diets during the 11-110 kg period. The results showed that plasma methionine levels varied among treatments during the experimental phase, with increased plasma methionine levels observed following increased SAA consumption during the 25-45 kg period. In contrast, pigs fed the DL-Met diet had lower plasma methionine levels than those fed the CON diet (95-110 kg). Additionally, gilts fed the DL-Met or OH-Met diets showed decreased drip loss in longissimus lumborum muscle (LM) compared to CON-fed gilts. OH-Met-fed gilts had higher pH45min values than those fed the CON or DL-Met diets, whereas OH-Met-fed barrows had higher L45min values than those fed the CON or DL-Met diets. Moreover, increased consumption of SAA, regardless of the methionine source, tended to decrease the shear force of the LM in pigs. In conclusion, this study indicates that increasing dietary levels of SAA (+25%) appeared to improve the meat quality of gilts by decreasing drip loss and increasing meat tenderness.

[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.

Low-level laser irradiation promotes the differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells into osteoblasts through the APN/Wnt/ß-catenin pathway.

OBJECTIVE: The relationship between adiponectin (APN) pathway and Wnt pathway was explored through BMSCs, and the effect of low-level laser irradiation (LLLI) on bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) and its mechanism were further studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 3-week-old Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were selected, and mesenchymal stem cells were separately cultured and purified. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to analyze cell proliferation. After osteogenic and adipogenic induction, cultures were conducted, respectively, cells were stained with alizarin red and oil red O. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect the expressions of osteogenesis-related genes, runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), and osteocalcin (OC) and those of adipogenesis-related genes, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ) and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha (c/EBPα). Western blotting was used to detect the expressions of ß-catenin in the cytoplasm and nucleus. The lentiviral expression vector of adiponectin receptors (APN-R) was constructed, and the expression of APN receptor genes was silenced. The expressions of ß-catenin in APN receptors and the nucleus within cells were detected. RESULTS: LLLI promoted the bone formation by inducing the differentiation direction of mesenchymal stem cells, increasing the number of osteoblasts in the bone marrow and inhibiting the reduction of the number of adipocytes. LLLI regulates the Wnt pathway, promotes the entry of ß-catenin into the nucleus, activates the osteogenic effect of the Wnt pathway so as to promote the bone formation of osteoblasts and inhibit bone resorption of osteoclasts. LLLI promotes the entry of ß-catenin into the nucleus and the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs through the APN pathway. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, LLLI can promote osteogenesis and inhibit adipocytes formation, thus attenuating bone resorption of osteoclasts. The mechanism of LLLI is that it promotes the entry of ß-catenin into the nucleus and regulates the Wnt pathway and the differentiation direction of mesenchymal stem cells through the APN signal pathway, thus promoting bone formation.

The effect of selenium supplementation on coronary heart disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Selenium is a crucial mineral with antioxidant and immune functions, and selenium deficiency may increase the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). However, the effect of selenium supplementation on CHD is still controversial according to numerous randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The aim of our meta-analysis study was to investigate the impact of selenium on CHD. METHODS: PUBMED, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were systematically searched to identify RCTs evaluating the effect of selenium supplementation on CHD mortality, blood lipid profile (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and total cholesterol), serum C-reactive protein (CRP), and the level of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) from inception until September 20, 2016. Odds ratio of CHD mortality and the associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using the fixed effect model. Weighted mean difference or standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to determine the lipid profile, serum CRP, and GSH-PX using fixed effect or random effect models depending on the observed heterogeneity. RESULTS: A total of 16 eligible RCTs with 43998 participants were included. Significant effects were observed for serum CRP (SMD=-0.48; 95% CI, -0.96 to 0; p=0.049) and GSH-PX (SMD=0.5; 95% CI, 0.36-0.64; p<0.001) after selenium supplementation. However, selenium supplementation was not statistically associated with CHD mortality and an aberrant lipid profile. CONCLUSION: Selenium supplementation decreased serum CRP and increased the GSH-PX level, suggesting a positive effect on reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in CHD. However, selenium supplementation is not sufficient to reduce mortality and to improve the lipid status.

Cloning and characterization of a farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase from Matricaria recutita L. and its upregulation by methyl jasmonate.

Matricaria recutita (L.), commonly known as chamomile, is one of the most valuable medicinal plants because it synthesizes a large number of pharmacologically active secondary metabolites known as α-bisabolol and chamazulene. Although the plant has been well characterized in terms of chemical constituents of essential oil as well as pharmacological properties, little is known about the genes responsible for biosynthesis of these compounds. In this study, we report a new full-length cDNA encoding farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FPS), a key enzyme in the pathway of biosynthesis of isoprenoids, from M. recutita. The cDNA of MrFPS comprises 1032 bp and encodes 343 amino acid residues with a calculated molecular mass of 39.4 kDa. The amino acid sequence homology and phylogenetic analysis indicated that MrFPS belongs to the plant FPS super-family and is closely related to FPS from the Asteraceae family. Expression of the MrFPS gene in Escherichia coli yielded FPS activity. Using real-time quantitative PCR, the expression pattern of the MrFPS gene was analyzed in different tissues of M. recutita as well as in response to methyl jasmonate. The expression analysis demonstrated that MrFPS expression varies in different tissues (with maximal expression in flowers and stems) and was significantly elevated in response to methyl jasmonate. This study will certainly enhance our understanding of the role of MrFPS in the biosynthesis and regulation of valuable secondary metabolites in M. recutita at a molecular level.

Effects of calcium propionate supplementation on lactation performance, energy balance and blood metabolites in early lactation dairy cows.

To evaluate the effects of calcium propionate (CaP) supplementation on feed intake, milk yield and milk composition, energy balance, blood metabolites and urine ketones in early lactation Holstein dairy cows from 1 to 63 days in milk (DIM), 32 multiparous Holstein dairy cows, blocked by lactation number, previous 305-day milk production, and expected calving date, were arranged into four groups in a randomized block design. Treatments were control, LCaP, MCaP and HCaP with 0, 100, 200 and 300 g calcium propionate per cow per day respectively. The supplement of food grade CaP (99.8% of CaP) was hand-mixed into the top one-third of the daily ration. Cows were fed ad libitum a total mixed ration consisting of equal proportion of forage and concentrate. Feed intake, milk yield and components were not affected by CaP supplementation. The energy balance, expressed as the difference between energy input and output, tended to be higher (p = 0.08) for CaP-supplemented cows during the 63-DIM period, especially during the first 21-DIM lactation. Calcium propionate-supplemented cows showed a trend (p = 0.09) towards less loss of body weight (BW) during the 63-DIM period. Concentrations of glucose in plasma and insulin in serum were higher for cows fed CaP relative to control and linearly (p < 0.01) increased with increasing CaP supplementation. Concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) and urine ketones were lower for CaP-supplemented cows at 7, 14 and 21 DIM of lactation and linearly (p < 0.01) decreased with increasing CaP supplementation. These results indicated that nutrient digestibilities and energy status may have been improved.

Randomized phase II trial on mitomycin-C/cisplatin +/- KLT in heavily pretreated advanced breast cancer.

A randomized phase II study using mitomycin (MMC)/cisplatin (DDP) regimen with or without Kanglaite (KLT, a traditional Chinese medicine) as salvage treatment was conducted to exploit KLT's potential effects on patients with advanced breast cancer (ABC). Triweekly regimen consisted of mitomycin (8 mg/m(2)) administered intravenously on day 1, and cisplatin (25 mg/m(2)) intravenously on days 1 to 3. KLT (100 ml) was given intravenously per day on days 1 to 14 every 3 weeks. Between April 2006 and July 2007, 60 patients with a median age of 48 years were randomized into MMC/DDP with or without KLT treatment. In all, the objective response rate (ORR) was 17.5%. There were no significant differences between experimental and control treatments in terms of ORR (14.3% vs. 20.7%, p = 0.730), clinical benefit rates (24.1% vs. 28.6%, p = 0.468), median time to progression (TTP; 3.63 vs. 4.0, p = 0.872), and overall survival (OS; 7.17 vs. not reached, p = 0.120). The median TTP for patients with complete or partial responses was 6.0 months, but only 2.1 months for patients with stable or progressive disease (SD or PD; p = 0.028). While the median OS for patients who obtained clinical benefit from chemotherapy was not reached, that of patients with SD of no more than 6 months or PD was only 7.17 months (p = 0.004). There is no additional benefit when KLT is added to the MMC/DDP doublet in the management of ABC. Patients who obtained clinical benefit from chemotherapy had a longer TTP and OS.

Attention to the hiding iodine deficiency in pregnant and lactating women after universal salt iodization: A multi-community study in China.

BACKGROUND: Monitoring of iodine nutrition depends chiefly on the urinary iodine concentration in representative samples from the population. International groups have recommended school-age children as a convenient group for surveys, because of their accessibility and young age, but the relevance of this group to others, especially pregnant women, is not well established. OBJECTIVE: The purpose was to compare different approaches to assessing iodine nutrition within communities, especially for pregnant and lactating women. DESIGN: In an urban and a rural site from each of the 11 Chinese provinces, covering a wide geographic and socioeconomic range, we measured the iodine content of household salt and drinking water, the thyroid volume in school children, and the urinary iodine concentration in five population subsets; in some sites we also assessed iodine in breast milk and thyroid size in adult women. RESULTS: The median urinary iodine concentrations for pregnant and lactating women were well below those of the schoolchildren from the same community in most study sites, the difference between medians, at overall level, being about 50 microg/l for the pregnant and 40 microg/l for the lactating, respectively. When ranked by median urinary iodine concentrations at overall level, the order of the groups was: all infants, schoolchildren, women of childbearing age, lactating women and pregnant women in both urban and rural sites. This relative distribution was constant among the study sites. From it, we derived a relationship to predict the median values for other groups, based on the data of schoolchildren. The median iodine content of salt was 30.9 ppm in urban sites and 31.3 ppm in rural sites, respectively, close to the nationally mandated 35 mg/kg. Water had low iodine content (3.7 microg/l) in both urban and rural sites except in a rural site from Tianjin. Ultrasonography showed that 6.5% of 1329 children in urban sites and 5.3% of 1431 children in rural sites had thyroid enlargement. Breast milk had a median iodine content of 135.9 microg/l in the urban and 157.5 microg/l in the rural. The goiter prevalence by palpation was low (2.0%) among all women examined (3367), but higher in pregnant women (2.7%) than in lactating women or other adult women. CONCLUSIONS: An effective iodized salt program has brought iodine sufficiency to most of China, but pregnant women in some areas may still risk deficiency and need further supplements. We suggest other countries and international agencies pay more attention to pregnancy, where iodine deficiency has its worst consequences.

Expression of the met receptor tyrosine kinase in muscle progenitor cells in somites and limbs is absent in Splotch mice.

Hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF/SF) stimulates proliferation, dissociation, migration and morphogenesis of cells in culture. To investigate a possible role for HGF/SF and its receptor, the Met tyrosine kinase, in embryonic development, we have analyzed their expression in mouse embryos from day 7.5 of gestation by whole-mount in situ hybridization. Met expression is first detected in the ventral portion of somites at day 9.25 of gestation (22 somite embryo) at the level of fore limb buds. As somites mature, met expression is detected in caudal somites, and is confined to the lateral and media] tips of the dermomyotome and dermomyotome/myotome respectively. In contrast, HGF/SF is expressed exclusively in the mesodermal core of the limb bud. As the dermomyotome elongates ventrolaterally, the met-expressing cells at the lateral tip appear to detach from the somite, invade the limb bud and localize at the dorsal and ventral limb sides in close proximity to HGF/SF-expressing cells. At later stages, both met- and HGF/SF-expressing cells appear to migrate distally and localize to the digit forming area of the developing hand plate. Met expression in the lateral dermomyotome and limb bud coincides with expression of Pax-3, a marker for migrating muscle precursor cells in the somite and limb. Splotch-2H and Splotch-delayed mice, which harbor mutations in Pax-3, show major disruptions in early limb muscle development. Significantly, no met-expressing cells were observed in the limbs of homozygous Splotch-2H and Splotch-delayed animals, whereas HGF/SF expression was not affected. The restricted expression of met to a sub-population of Pax-3-expressing cells in the lateral tip of the dermomyotome, demonstrates that met represents a unique molecular marker for this migratory cell population. From these observations, together with the biological activities of HGF/SF, we propose that in homozygous Splotch embryos the failure of muscle precursors to migrate into and populate the limb bud results from a loss of met expression in the cells at the ventrolateral edge of the somitic dermomyotome.

Defecography.

Defecography, a dynamic imaging modality, plays an important role in the diagnosis of functional and morphologic abnormalities of the anorectal region. We have here summarized the principle and techniques as well as observations of defecography, with special emphasis on morphologic measurements, clinical relevance, and limitations. The application of MR imaging in examination of anorectal function has also been addressed.