Effects of a multispecies direct-fed microbial on gastrointestinal permeability during feed restriction in a growing heifer model.

The objectives were to evaluate the effects of a 4-strain direct-fed microbial (DFM) on gastrointestinal tract (GIT) permeability and inflammation during feed restriction (FR) in heifers. Holstein heifers (n = 32; mean ± standard deviation; 295 ± 25 kg body weight; 287 ± 17 d of age) were used in an experiment conducted in 2 replicates (16/replicate). Heifers were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 top-dressed dietary treatments: (1) control (CON; 10 g/d dried lactose; n = 16) or (2) DFM containing a commercial blend of Lactobacillus animalis, Propionibacterium freudenreichii, Bacillus licheniformis, and Bacillus subtilis at 11.8 × 109 cfu/d (PRO; 10 g/d 4-strain DFM; n = 16). The trial consisted of 2 experimental periods (P): P1 (14 d) served as baseline for P2 (5 d), when all heifers were restricted to 40% of their P1 dry matter intake (DMI). On P1 d 12 and P2 d 2 and 5, GIT permeability was evaluated using oral chromium (Cr)-EDTA. By design, FR decreased DMI (60%) and body weight (∼18 kg) in all heifers. Regardless of treatment, during FR, all heifers had decreased circulating glucose, ß-hydroxybutyrate, insulin, and l-lactate (4, 14, 45, and 19%, respectively), but increased nonesterified fatty acids, serum amyloid A, and haptoglobin (3.0-, 1.7-, and 5.0-fold, respectively). Circulating white blood cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and basophils decreased (4, 7, 5, and 6%, respectively), whereas eosinophils increased (41%) during P2 irrespective of dietary treatment. Circulating IFN-γ inducible protein-10 increased (23%) during FR compared with P1 regardless of treatment. Plasma Cr area under the curve increased in all heifers on d 2 and 5 (10 and 14%, respectively) of P2 relative to P1, but this was unaltered by dietary treatment. In summary, FR compromised GIT barrier function and stimulated an inflammatory response, but this did not appear to be ameliorated by PRO.

Impact of the extent of extraprostatic extension defined by Epstein's method in patients with negative surgical margins and negative lymph node invasion.

BACKGROUND: To assess the impact of the degree of extraprostatic extension (EPE) on biochemical recurrence (BCR) and utility of the original Epstein's criteria to define EPE in a cohort of pT3aN0 without positive surgical margin (PSM). METHODS: A two-center retrospective analysis was performed on data from 490 pT3aN0 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy between 2000 and 2012. Patients with neoadjuvant and/or adjuvant therapy, detectable PSA and PSM were excluded. Our pathologists used Epstein's criteria to report the degree of EPE. When pathology reports did not reflect the terms 'focal' or 'established' (non-focal), slides were analyzed by a single genitourinary pathologist for final evaluation. The end point was defined by BCR. RESULTS: Selection criteria yielded 247 patients. Mean follow-up was 56.3±4.6 months; mean age at surgery was 62.5 years. Sixty-one (24.7%) patients experienced BCR during follow-up. Patients with focal extension had a 5-year recurrence-free survival of 89% versus 80% for those with non-focal extension (P=0.0018). In multivariate analysis, both pathologic Gleason score (hazard ratio 2.5; 95% confidence interval 1.4-4.5; P=0.002) and the extent of EPE (hazard ratio 1.8; 95% confidence interval 1.1-3.5; P=0.029) were significant predictors of BCR. CONCLUSIONS: The extent of EPE is an independent predictor of BCR in pT3aN0 prostate cancer without PSM. This study reinforces the utility of the subjective Epstein approach already adopted by most pathologists for quantification of the extent of EPE.

Ovarian activity and reproductive performance of dairy cows fed different amounts of phosphorus.

Fifty-four multiparous Holsteins were utilized to determine the effect of dietary P on ovarian activity and reproductive performance. Cows were assigned at calving to diets containing 0.35 or 0.47% P. Ovarian activity was monitored 3 times weekly by ultrasonography, beginning 10 d after parturition until the end of a 60-d voluntary waiting period. After this period, cows were synchronized and bred using the Ovsynch protocol. During wk 2 of lactation, the number of small (3 to 5 mm in diameter) and large (>9 mm) follicles was similar between groups, but the number of medium (6 to 9 mm) follicles was lower for 0.35% P than for 0.47% P (1.2 vs. 1.9). Dietary P did not affect the number of days to first postpartum ovulation or the diameter of dominant and ovulating follicles. The multiple ovulation rate and the proportion of cows that were anovulatory or developed follicular cysts did not differ between groups. Dietary P amount did not influence corpus luteum development or blood progesterone concentration during the voluntary waiting period. The first service conception rate and pregnancy loss from 30 to 60 d after breeding were not affected. The overall pregnancy rate during the first 200 d of lactation (60.9 and 60.0%) and the number of services per pregnancy (2.1 and 1.9) did not differ between groups. Serum inorganic P was elevated from 6 to 7 mg/dL during the first 3 mo postpartum as dietary P was increased. Fecal P content measured during the first 16 wk of lactation averaged 0.63 and 0.89%, 29% lower for the 0.35% P group. Mean milk yield during the first 40 wk of lactation did not differ, averaging 40.5 and 39.0 kg/d for the 0.35 and 0.47% P groups, respectively. Overall, varying dietary P from 0.35 to 0.47% did not affect postpartum ovarian activity, reproductive performance, or milk production.

Fiber-optic sensor for handgrip-strength monitoring: conception and design.

Handgrip strength is an easy measure of skeletal muscle function as well as a powerful predictor of disability, morbidity, and mortality. In order to measure grip strength, a novel fiber-optic approach is proposed and demonstrated. The strain-dependent wavelength response of fiber Bragg gratings has been utilized to obtain the strength of individual fingers. Finite-element analysis is carried out to optimize the pressure transmission from the finger to the fiber Bragg grating. The effect of stiffness of the pressurizing media, its thickness, and the effect of contact fraction are evaluated. It is found that significant enhancement in the pressure sensitivity and wavelength-tuning range is achievable by optimizing these parameters. Also the stress-induced birefringence could be reduced to an insignificant near-zero value. The device is calibrated in terms of load to convert the wavelength shift to the strength of the grip. The time-dependent wavelength fluctuation is also studied and presented.

Effects of exogenous somatotropin (ST) on gonadal function in ruminants and swine.

During the past 15 years, many investigators have examined the effects of somatotropin (ST) on growth and lactation in farm animals. Throughout this period, concerns about potential effects of ST on reproduction have been expressed. The objective of the present review will be to focus on the effects of exogenous ST on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Plasma progesterone is increased when recombinant bovine (rb)ST is given to cattle, early in lactation, and also to sheep. Also, the release of progesterone from cultured swine and human luteal cells is increased by ST. Treatment with rbSt increases the numbers of small follicles, but does not increase the ovulatory rate of ruminants. Doses of ST similar to those used to increase milk production do not affect the secretion of testosterone or spermatogenesis in rams or bulls. Stimulatory and inhibitory effects of exogenous ST on reproductive function of gilts have been reported. Daily injections of porcine ST (pST) delayed puberty and expression of estrus after puberty. Daily administration of pST increased the number of small follicles, but not of medium follicles, whereas administration of pST by using a sustained release implant increased the number of medium follicles. Size and weight of reproductive organs and concentration of testosterone are not affected when pST is administered for at least 42 d. However, pST enhanced testicular development and spermatogenesis when given to neonatal boars. In summary, administration of exogenous ST at doses known to alter milk production and carcass composition may have subtle positive and/or negative effects on the reproductive systems of cattle and swine; however, these effects appear to be transient.

Effects of growth hormone and gonadotropin on the insulin-like growth factor system in the porcine ovary.

The effects of growth hormone (GH) +/- pregnant mare's serum gonadotropin (PMSG) on levels of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I and -II and IGF binding protein (BP)-2 and -3 in serum and follicular fluid (FFI) and on the expression of their mRNA in the ovaries of prepubertal gilts were determined. Steroids in FFI were also quantified. In the first experiment, GH, given for either 20 or 40 days, caused a distinct (threefold, p < 0.05) increase in IGF-I in both serum and FFI with no change in the FFI:serum ratio (0.65). Effects of GH on IGF-II were opposite, with a drop in circulating and FFI levels (p < 0.05). In contrast to data for IGF-I, FFI levels were higher than those in serum for IGF-II (1.42, FFI:serum); IGF-II levels and the ratio fell after GH treatment. GH for either 20 days or 40 days increased serum IGBP-3 to 140% and 250% of control values while decreasing serum IGFBP-2 by 46% and 31%, respectively (p < 0.001). FFI IGFBP-3 was increased to a similar extent by GH (p < 0.005), but IGFBP-2 was not affected. Neither progesterone (P4) nor estradiol (E2) was affected by treatment with GH. However, androstenedione (A4) was decreased by 20-day and 40-day GH treatment relative to the respective controls (p < 0.05). In the second experiment, PMSG resulted in a modest (28%) increase in intrafollicular IGF-I (p < 0.06).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of frequency of administration of exogenous porcine growth hormone on growth and carcass traits and ovarian function of prepubertal gilts.

Three experiments were conducted to examine relationships among dose and frequency of administration of exogenous porcine growth hormone (pGH) on growth traits and ovarian function of prepubertal gilts. In Exp. 1, gilts were treated with 0 or 5 mg of pGH daily for 42 d or 5 mg of pGH daily on alternate weeks over a 42-d period. In Exp. 2, gilts were treated with 0, 2.5, or 5 mg of pGH daily for 31 d or daily on alternate weeks for 31 d. In Exp. 3, gilts received 5 mg of pGH daily on either wk 1, 3, and 5 or wk 2, 4, and 6 during a 42-d period. In all experiments, ADG increased dramatically and feed efficiency improved markedly during treatment with pGH, and both traits declined rapidly during periods when treatment was withdrawn. Gilts treated with pGH daily on alternate weeks tended to be more similar (P greater than .05) to control gilts for growth rate, feed efficiency, and carcass measurements than to gilts that received continuous daily administration of pGH during the entire duration of the experiments. Increased concentrations of estradiol and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I in follicular fluid and serum, decreased concentrations of IGF-II in follicular fluid, and increased weights of ovaries were evident as both dose and frequency of exogenous pGH administration increased. Therefore, gilts are extremely sensitive to administration and withdrawal of exogenous pGH during the finishing phase of the production cycle and can respond within 7 d to changes in exogenous pGH treatment regimens. Alternate weekly administration of exogenous pGH in vivo may improve follicular function, as indicated by relationships among IGF-I and IGF-II, estradiol, and progesterone, but fails to improve overall growth and carcass traits compared with controls.

Effect of constant versus adjusted dose of exogenous porcine growth hormone (pGH) on growth and reproductive characteristics of gilts.

Growth, carcass traits, and selected reproductive characteristics were evaluated in prepubertal gilts treated with either a constant mass of pGH or a mass of pGH adjusted periodically for changes in BW. Gilts (64 kg, n = 24) were given 24 daily injections of either vehicle (C; control) or one of two doses of pGH: 70 micrograms/kg of BW, with dose adjusted every 5th d for changes in BW (A; adjusted), or 70 micrograms/kg of initial BW (U; unadjusted). Gilts were slaughtered on d 25. Gilts treated with pGH had higher ADG (P less than .002) and improved feed efficiency (kg of feed/kg of gain; P = .0003) compared with controls. Weights of adrenal glands, liver, heart, and kidney were higher (all P less than .01) for Groups A and U than for Group C gilts. Average backfat thickness was less (P less than .004) for A and U gilts than for C gilts and less for Group A than for Group U (P less than .02). Furthermore, growth and carcass traits were similar (P greater than .05) for Groups A and U, except for measurements of first rib backfat, last rib backfat, and average backfat depth (P less than .05). Culture of granulosa cells (GC) was employed to assess ovarian function. Addition of FSH to the culture media enhanced secretion of progesterone (P4) by cultured GC from all in vivo treatments compared with unsupplemented cultures of GC (P less than .05). Addition of LH to the culture media enhanced secretion of P4 by cultured GC from pGH-treated gilts only (P less than .05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effects of exogenous porcine growth hormone (pGH) on growth, carcass traits, reproductive characteristics, and meat sensory attributes of young boars.

Two studies were conducted to examine the possible reduction in odors in fat and loin samples from boars treated with porcine growth hormone (pGH). In Exp. 1, boars were treated with either 0 (control: C), 3.5, or 7 mg of pGH daily from 72 to 119 kg BW. Treatment with pGH improved feed efficiency (P less than .05) but did not affect ADG, concentrations of testosterone in plasma, or aroma of cooked meat (all P greater than .05). Boars treated with pGH had less average backfat depth and marbling (both P less than .05) than C boars. Tenderness of the meat was reduced (P less than .05) by pGH treatment compared with control boars and contemporary barrows. Fat odors of pGH-treated boars were intermediate to those of barrows and control boars. In Exp. 2, boars were treated with vehicle (C) beginning at 62 kg BW or with 5 mg of pGH from either 65 kg (L) or 77 kg (H) BW to 118 kg BW. Average daily gain was higher in Group H than in Group C; Group L was intermediate. Average fat depth was lower (P = .0005) in Groups H and L than in Group C. Treatment had no effect on loin eye area, muscle marbling, texture, firmness, or pH, but color scores of Groups L and H tended to be different from each other (P = .06), and Group H muscle had more free water than that of Groups C and L (P less than .05). Weights of reproductive organs were unaffected by treatment (both experiments: P greater than .05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effects of nutrient intake and sexual age of the dam at mating on fetal development in swine.

Fifty-four Duroc gilts (mean wt = 88 kg, mean age = 164 d) were fed a 15% protein diet either ad libitum (F) or at a rate of approximately 50% of ad libitum daily (1.8 kg: L) prior to mating at either second (Exp. 1) or first (Exp. 2) observed estrus. Gilts were checked for estrus twice daily with a mature, active boar, mated at the appropriate estrus, and fed 1.8 kg of the prebreeding diet per gilt daily until slaughter between 42 and 49 days of gestation, mated gilts were slaughtered and measurements taken on fetuses and reproductive organs. In Exp. 1, fetal weight per day of gestational age (FetWDA), placental weight (PLW), crown-to-rump length (CRL) and uterine space per fetus (SP) were greater for fetuses from L gilts than F gilts (all P less than .05) with no difference in number of fetuses (P greater than .05). In Exp. 2, FetWDA was greater for fetuses from F gilts than L gilts (P less than .05), however there was no difference due to level of feeding for PLW, CRL and SP (all P greater than .10). Fetal weight (FW) was highly correlated with CRL indicated that a cubic relationship existed (both r = .97). In both studies, male fetuses grew more rapidly than female fetuses (P less than .05). These studies indicate that pre-breeding nutritional status and sexual age of the dam at conception have differential effects on fetal growth rate, but relationships among FW and CRL are not readily altered by pre-breeding level of feeding or sexual age of the dam at conception.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of treatment with and subsequent withdrawal of exogenous porcine somatotropin on growth and reproductive characteristics of gilts.

Two experiments were conducted to examine responses of gilts to treatment with and withdrawal of exogenous porcine somatotropin (PST). In Exp. 1, 36 prepubertal gilts (79.7 +/- .9 kg; 159.1 +/- .7 d) were allotted randomly to receive daily either 0 micrograms PST (C) or 70 micrograms PST/kg initial BW for either 21 (PST-3) or 42 d (PST-6). Gilts were examined for estrus daily by a mature boar starting on d 22 and continuing for up to 50 d. Gilts that expressed estrus were mated and removed from treatment. PST-treated gilts had higher ADG (P less than .01) and lower feed/gain (P less than .02) than C gilts. Following initiation of boar exposure, C gilts (mean interval to estrus = 2.0 d) exhibited estrus earlier than PST-3 (24.8 d) and PST-6 (24.0 d) gilts (P less than .07); however, only two C gilts were observed in estrus compared with six PST-3 and six PST-6 gilts. In Exp. 2, 40 prepubertal gilts (72.6 +/- 1.0 kg; 141.1 +/- .7 d) were allotted randomly to receive daily either 0 mg PST (C) or 5 mg PST for 30 d. On d 31, half the gilts were comingled with unfamiliar penmates and examined for estrus daily by a mature boar for up to 45 d. Estrual gilts were removed from treatment.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Reproductive and growth responses of gilts to exogenous porcine pituitary growth hormone.

Forty gilts (mean wt = 72 kg) were administered daily either vehicle (C = control) or 70 micrograms porcine growth hormone (pGH)/kg BW. After 30 d of treatment, eight gilts per group (Exp. 1) were slaughtered and blood, uteri and ovaries were collected. Follicular fluid (FFl) was collected and granulosa cells (GC) were cultured. The remaining gilts (Exp. 2) were treated for up to 35 additional days and examined twice daily for estrus. Estrusal gilts were removed from the experiment. Noncyclic gilts (n = 9 of 12 pGH; n = 4 of 12 C) were slaughtered on d 66 and their ovaries were examined. Ovarian weights were not different for pGH and C gilts in either Exp. 1 (P greater than .1) or Exp. 2 (P = .09). Uterine weights were greater for pGH-treated than for C gilts (P less than .007) in Exp. 1, but not in Exp. 2. Concentrations of estradiol (E2) in plasma and FF1 and of progesterone (P) in plasma and FF1 were not different for pGH and C gilts. Concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) in FF1 and in serum were greater for pGH than for C gilts (P less than .01). Concentration of P in serum-free medium of cultured GC was lower for GH than for C (P less than .05) in the presence or absence of gonadotropins in Exp. 1. The FSH-stimulated secretion of P was also lower for GC of pGH-treated gilts in Exp. 2, indicating a failure of GC to differentiate in culture. Only one pGH gilts in Exp. 2 manifested estrus, compared with seven C gilts (P less than .025). In Exp. 1, ADG was higher (P less than .03) and feed/gain lower (P less than .07) for pGH gilts. Longissimus muscle area (LMA) was not different (P = .19) between groups. Backfat thickness (BF) was lower (P less than .005) in pGH than in C in both Exp. 1 and 2. We conclude that exogenous pGH increased growth rate, improved feed efficiency and altered carcass traits in gilts. However, these effects were associated with impaired ovarian development of prepubertal gilts and a low incidence of estrus.