Effect of the age and sex on growth performance and feather quality of 13 to 25-weeks-old White Roman geese.

This study aimed to determine the effect of age and sex in weeks on growth, carcass performances, and feather quality of White Roman geese and analyze the relative effect of age and sex in weeks on feather characteristics in geese. In animal experiments, 120 White Roman geese aged 13 wk were randomly distributed among 12 pens and fed grower diet ad libitum during the growing period, with each pen containing 10 males or 10 females, depending on a completely random design. Ten geese each in their 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, and 25 wk of age were sacrificed. The results showed that the age had no significant effect on the body weight (BW) of geese (P > 0.05). The chest girth was significantly longer in 21 to 25 wk old than in 13- to 19-wk-old geese (P < 0.05). The results reveal no significant change in carcass weight of grower geese among 13- to 25-wk age groups (P > 0.05). The down percentage of the 25-wk-old age group was significantly higher than that of the 13-, 15-, and 17-wk age groups (P < 0.05). The male geese had a higher dry feather weight than the females (P < 0.05). Similarly, the 18-h feed-deprived body weight (18-h FDBW) and 4 to 10 cm feather weight were significantly negatively correlated in grower geese (-0.42). This provides the feather industry an opportunity for the better utilization of grower geese by-products. In conclusion, the age has no influence on BW among 13- to 25-wk-old geese, and a good down percentage and dry weight were observed at 25 wk of age. The 18-h FDBW and down percentage had a significantly negative correlation (-0.55) in grower geese.

Semi-automatic method for pre-surgery scoliosis classification on X-ray images using Bending Asymmetry Index.

PURPOSE: Bending Asymmetry Index (BAI) has been proposed to characterize the types of scoliotic curve in three-dimensional ultrasound imaging. Scolioscan has demonstrated its validity and reliability in scoliosis assessment with manual assessment-based X-ray imaging. The objective of this study is to investigate the ultrasound-derived BAI method to X-ray imaging of scoliosis, with supplementary information provided for the pre-surgery planning. METHODS: About 30 pre-surgery scoliosis subjects (9 males and 21 females; Cobb: 50.9 ± 19.7°, range 18°-115°) were investigated retrospectively. Each subject underwent three-posture X-ray scanning supine on a plain mattress on the same day. BAI is an indicator to distinguish structural or non-structural curves through the spine flexibility information obtained from lateral bending spinal profiles. BAI was calculated semi-automatically with manual annotation of vertebral centroids and pelvis level inclination adjustment. BAI classification was validated with the scoliotic curve type and traditional Lenke classification using side-bending Cobb angle measurement (S-Cobb). RESULTS: 82 curves from 30 pre-surgery scoliosis patients were included. The correlation coefficient was R2 = 0.730 (p < 0.05) between BAI and S-Cobb. In terms of scoliotic curve type classification, all curves were correctly classified; out of 30 subjects, 1 case was confirmed as misclassified when applying to Lenke classification earlier, thus has been adjusted. CONCLUSION: BAI method has demonstrated its inter-modality versatility in X-ray imaging application. The curve type classification and the pre-surgery Lenke classification both indicated promising performances upon the exploratory dataset. A fully-automated of BAI measurement is surely an interesting direction to continue our endeavor. Deep learning on the vertebral-level segmentation should be involved in further study.

Effects of fermented soybean meal with Bacillus velezensis, Lactobacillus spp. or their combination on broiler performance, gut antioxidant activity and microflora.

OBJECTIVE: A series of experiment were conducted to evaluate the effects of replacing a part of soybean meal (SBM) at 6% of broiler diets with fermented soybean meal (FSBM) obtained by single or two-stage fermentation by measuring growth performance, antioxidant activity in the jejunum and distal intestinal microflora. METHODS: Soybean meal samples were prepared by single-stage fermentation using Bacillus velezensis (Bv) (FSBMB), or Lactobacillus spp. (as commercial control) (FSBML). Additional SBM sample was prepared by two-stage fermentation using Bv and subsequently using Lactobacillus brevis ATCC 367 (Lb) (FSBMB+L). Enzyme activity, chemical composition, trichloroethanoic acid-nitrogen solubility index (TCA-NSI) and antioxidant activity were measured. Then, in an in vivo study, 320 Ross308 broilers were divided into four groups with ad libitum supply of feed and water. Four groups were fed either a corn-soybean meal diet (SBM), or one of fermented SBM diets (FSBMB+L, FSBMB, and FSBML). Growth, serum characteristics, microflora, and the mRNA expression of selected genes were measured. RESULTS: Compared to SBM, FSBMB+L contained lower galacto-oligosaccharide, allergic protein, and trypsin inhibitor, and higher TCA-NSI by about three times (p<0.05). Reducing power and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging ability correlated positively with the TCA-NSI content in FSBM. Growth performances were not significantly different among four groups. In jejunum of 35-day-old broilers, partial replacement of SBM by FSBMB+L increased the activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase (CAT), and the FSBMB group had the highest catalase activity (p<0.05). Partial replacement of SBM by FSBM increased relative mRNA expressions of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and peptide transporter 1 (PepT1) (p<0.05); however, FSBMB+L increased CAT mRNA level to 5 times of the control (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Using Bv- and Lb-processed SBM through two-stage fermentation to partially replace 6% of diets will improve the gut's antioxidant activity under commercial breeding in broilers.

Endometriosis classification, staging and reporting systems: a review on the road to a universally accepted endometriosis classification.

BACKGROUND: In the field of endometriosis, several classification, staging and reporting systems have been developed. However, endometriosis classification, staging and reporting systems that have been published and validated for use in clinical practice have not been systematically reviewed up to now. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the current review is to provide a historical overview of these different systems based on an assessment of published studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic Pubmed literature search was performed. Data were extracted and summarised. RESULTS: Twenty-two endometriosis classification, staging and reporting systems have been published between 1973 and 2021, each developed for specific and different purposes. There is still no international agreement on how to describe the disease. Studies evaluating different systems are summarised showing a discrepancy between the intended and the evaluated purpose, and a general lack of validation data confirming a correlation with pain symptoms or quality of life for any of the current systems. A few studies confirm the value of the Enzian system for surgical description of deep endometriosis. With regards to infertility, the endometriosis fertility index has been confirmed valid for its intended purpose. CONCLUSIONS: Of the 22 endometriosis classification, staging and reporting systems identified in this historical overview, only a few have been evaluated, in 46 studies, for the purpose for which they were developed. It can be concluded that there is no international agreement on how to describe endometriosis or how to classify it, and that most classification/staging systems show no or very little correlation with patient outcomes. WHAT IS NEW?: This overview of existing systems is a first step in working towards a universally accepted endometriosis classification.

An International Terminology for Endometriosis, 2021.

BACKGROUND: Different classification systems have been developed for endometriosis, using different definitions for the disease, the different subtypes, symptoms and treatments. In addition, an International Glossary on Infertility and Fertility Care was published in 2017 by the International Committee for Monitoring Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ICMART) in collaboration with other organisations. An international working group convened over the development of a classification or descriptive system for endometriosis. As a basis for such system, a terminology for endometriosis was considered a condition sine qua non. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the current paper is to develop a set of terms and definitions on endometriosis that would be the basis for standardisation in disease description, classification and research. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The working group listed a number of terms relevant to be included in the terminology, documented currently used and published definitions, and discussed and adapted them until consensus was reached within the working group. Following stakeholder review, further terms were added, and definitions further clarified. Although definitions were collected through published literature, the final set of terms and definitions is to be considered consensus-based. After finalisation of the first draft, the members of the international societies and other stakeholders were consulted for feedback and comments, which led to further adaptations. RESULTS: A list of 49 terms and definitions in the field of endometriosis is presented, including a definition for endometriosis and its subtypes, different locations, interventions, symptoms and outcomes. Endometriosis is defined as a disease characterised by the presence of endometrium-like epithelium and/or stroma outside the endometrium and myometrium, usually with an associated inflammatory process. CONCLUSIONS: The current paper outlines a list of 49 terms and definitions in the field of endometriosis. The application of the defined terms aims to facilitate harmonisation in endometriosis research and clinical practice. Future research may require further refinement of the presented definitions. WHAT IS NEW?: A consensus based international terminology for endometriosis for clinical and research use.

Effects of mushroom waster medium and stalk residues on the growth performance and oxidative status in broilers.

OBJECTIVE: The study developed mushroom stalk residues as feed additives in the broiler diet for improving the growth performance and immunity of broilers as well as to increase the value of mushroom stalk residues. METHODS: In total, 300 ROSS 308 broilers were randomly allocated into fifteen pens with five dietary treatments: i) control, basal diet; ii) CMWM, supplemented with 1% Cordyceps militaris waster medium (CM); iii) CMPE, supplemented with 0.5% CM+0.5% Pleurotus eryngii stalk residue (PE); iv) CMPS, supplemented with 0.5% CM+0.5% Pleurotus sajorcaju stalk residue (PS); v) CMFV, supplemented with 0.5% CM+0.5% Fammulina velutipes stalk residue (FV). RESULTS: The chemical analysis results showed that CM extracts, PE extracts, PS extracts, and FV extracts contain functional components such as polysaccharides and phenols and have both 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate scavenging and Ferrous scavenging capacities. The group CMWM saw increased body weight gain and feed conversion rate and the promotion of jejunum villus growth, but there is no significant difference in the intestinal bacteria phase. Antioxidant genes in the nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2)- antioxidant responsive element pathway among the groups are significantly higher than that of the control group, especially in group CMWM. CONCLUSION: The mushroom stalk residues have antioxidant functional components, can improve the intestinal health and body weight gain of chickens, and can activate the antioxidant pathway of Nrf2 to increase the heme oxygenase-1 expression. The treatment with 1% CM was the most promising as a feed additive.

Effects of dietary supplementation with Taiwanese tea byproducts and probiotics on growth performance, lipid metabolism, and the immune response in red feather native chickens.

OBJECTIVE: This study compared the catechin composition of different tea byproducts and investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with green tea byproducts on the accumulation of abdominal fat, the modulation of lipid metabolism, and the inflammatory response in red feather native chickens. METHODS: Bioactive compounds were detected, and in vitro anti-obesity capacity analyzed via 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. In animal experiments, 320 one-day-old red feather native chickens were divided into 4 treatment groups: control, basal diet supplemented with 0.5% Jinxuan byproduct (JBP), basal diet supplemented with 1% JBP, or basal diet supplemented with 5×106 colony-forming unit (CFU)/kg Bacillus amyloliquefaciens+5×106 CFU/kg Saccharomyces cerevisiae (BA+SC). Growth performance, serum characteristics, carcass characteristics, and the mRNA expression of selected genes were measured. RESULTS: This study compared several cultivars of tea, but Jinxuan showed the highest levels of the anti-obesity compound epigallocatechin gallate. 3T3-L1 preadipocytes treated with Jinxuan extract significantly reduced lipid accumulation. There were no significant differences in growth performance, serum characteristics, or carcass characteristics among the groups. However, in the 0.5% JBP group, mRNA expression of fatty acid synthase (FAS) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) were significantly decreased. In the 1% JBP group, FAS, ACC and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ levels were significantly decreased. Moreover, inflammation-related mRNA expression levels were decreased by the addition of JBP. CONCLUSION: JBP contained abundant catechins and related bioactive compounds, which reduced lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, however there was no significant reduction in abdominal fat. This may be due to a lack of active anti-obesity compounds or because the major changes in fat metabolism were not in the abdomen. Nonetheless, lipogenesis-related and inflammation-related mRNA expression were reduced in the 1% JBP group. In addition, dietary supplementation with tea byproducts could reduce the massive amount of byproducts created during tea production and modulate lipid metabolism and the inflammatory response in chickens.

Laetiporus sulphureus-fermented wheat bran enhanced the broiler growth performance by improving the intestinal microflora and inflammation status.

This study investigates the effects of Laetiporus sulphureus-fermented wheat bran (LS) as a feed supplementation on the immunomodulative properties in broiler chickens. Crude phenolic compounds, crude polysaccharides, crude triterpenoids, and ergosterol were determined in LS water extracts. In animal experiments, 400 male broilers (Ross 308) were randomly assigned into 5 groups fed with a corn-soybean-based diet (control) and a control diet replaced with 5% wheat bran (WB), 10% WB, 5% LS, and 10% LS, respectively. Each group had 4 replicates and 20 birds per pen (total of 80 birds/treatment). The results showed that the 5% LS-supplemented group had significantly higher BW in the finisher phase (22-35 D). Better feed conversion ratio (P < 0.05) of LS-supplemented groups was observed in both the finisher phase and the overall experimental period. The LS-supplemented groups had significantly lower coliform counts in the ileum than the other treatment and control groups (P < 0.05). The results of serum immunoglobulin showed that LS supplementation significantly increased serum IgA concentration compared with the control and WB-supplemented groups (P < 0.05). Simultaneously, ileal IgA contents of the LS groups were significantly higher than in the WB and control groups (P < 0.05). Regarding proinflammatory cytokines, serum tumor necrosis factor alpha and IL-6 in the LS-supplemented groups were significantly lower than those in the 10% WB group (P < 0.05), whereas serum tumor necrosis factor alpha and IL-1ß in the 5% LS group were significantly lower than in both the control and WB-supplemented groups (P < 0.05). An investigation on the effects of LS on immune-related genes in broiler showed that chickens supplemented with 5% LS had lower levels of liver and jejunum IL-1ß and NF-κB mRNA compared with the control group and WB groups (P < 0.05). In conclusion, LS supplementation can potentially enhance growth performance of broilers by improving intestinal microflora and inflammation status.

Effects of dietary Antrodia cinnamomea fermented product supplementation on metabolism pathways of antioxidant, inflammatory, and lipid metabolism pathways-a potential crosstalk.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to fathom the underlying mechanisms of nutrition intervention and redox sensitive transcription factors regulated by Antrodia cinnamomea fermented product (FAC) dietary supplementation in broiler chickens. METHODS: Four hundreds d-old broilers (41±0.5 g/bird) assigned to 5 groups were examined after consuming control diet, or control diet replaced with 5% wheat bran (WB), 10% WB, 5% FAC, and 10% FAC. Liver mRNA expression of antioxidant, inflammatory and lipid metabolism pathways were analyzed. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) concentration in each group were tested in the chicken peripheral blood mononuclear cells (cPBMCs) of 35-d old broilers to represent the stress level of the chickens. Furthermore, these cells were stimulated with 2,2'-Azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to evaluate the cell stress tolerance by measuring cell viability and oxidative species. RESULTS: Heme oxygenase-1, glutathione S-transferase, glutamate-cysteine ligase, catalytic subunit, and superoxide dismutase, and nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) that regulates the above antioxidant genes were all up-regulated significantly in FAC groups. Reactive oxygen species modulator protein 1 and NADPH oxygenase 1 were both rather down-regulated in 10% FAC group as comparison with two WB groups. Despite expressing higher level than control group, birds receiving diet containing FAC had significantly lower expression level in nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and other genes (inducible nitric oxide synthase, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1ß, nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-richcontaining family, pyrin domain-containing-3, and cyclooxygenase 2) involving in inflammatory pathways. Additionally, except for 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A reductase that showed relatively higher in both groups, the WB, lipoprotein lipase, Acetyl-CoA carboxylase, fatty acid synthase, fatty acid binding protein, fatty acid desaturase 2 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha genes were expressed at higher levels in 10% FAC group. In support of above results, promoted Nrf2 and inhibited NF-κB nuclear translocation in chicken liver were found in FAC containing groups. H2O2 and NO levels induced by LPS and AAPH in cPBMCs were compromised in FAC containing diet. In 35-d-old birds, PGE2 production in cPBMCs was also suppressed by the FAC diet. CONCLUSION: FAC may promote Nrf2 antioxidant pathway and positively regulate lipid metabolism, both are potential inhibitor of NF-κB inflammatory pathway.

Effects of dietary Antrodia cinnamomea fermented product supplementation on antioxidation, anti-inflammation, and lipid metabolism in broiler chickens.

OBJECTIVE: This study was investigated the effects of dietary supplementation of Antrodia cinnamomea fermented product on modulation of antioxidation, anti-inflammation, and lipid metabolism in broilers. METHODS: Functional compounds and in vitro antioxidant capacity were detected in wheat bran (WB) solid-state fermented by Antrodia cinnamomea for 16 days (FAC). In animal experiment, 400 d-old broiler chickens were allotted into 5 groups fed control diet, and control diet replaced with 5% WB, 10% WB, 5% FAC, and 10% FAC respectively. Growth performance, intestinal microflora, serum antioxidant enzymes and fatty acid profiles in pectoral superficial muscle were measured. RESULTS: Pretreatment with hot water extracted fermented product significantly reduced chicken peripheral blood mononuclear cells death induced by lipopolysaccharide and 2,2'-Azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride. Birds received 5% and 10% FAC had higher weight gain than WB groups. Cecal coliform and lactic acid bacteria were diminished and increased respectively while diet replaced with FAC. For FAC supplemented groups, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity increased at 35 days only, with catalase elevated at 21 and 35 day. Regarding serum lipid parameters, 10% FAC replacement significantly reduced triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein level in chickens. For fatty acid composition in pectoral superficial muscle of 35-d-old chickens, 5% and 10% FAC inclusion had birds with significantly lower saturated fatty acids as compared with 10% WB group. Birds on the 5% FAC diet had a higher degree of unsaturation, followed by 10% FAC, control, 5% WB, and 10% WB. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, desirable intestinal microflora in chickens obtaining FAC may be attributed to the functional metabolites detected in final fermented product. Moreover, antioxidant effects observed in FAC were plausibly exerted in terms of improved antioxidant enzymes activities, increased unsaturated degree of fatty acids in chicken muscle and better weight gain in FAC inclusion groups, indicating that FAC possesses promising favorable mechanisms worthy to be developed.

Potential crosstalk of oxidative stress and immune response in poultry through phytochemicals - A review.

Phytochemicals which exist in various plants and fungi are non-nutritive compounds that exert numerous beneficial bioactive actions for animals. In recent years following the restriction of antibiotics, phytochemicals have been regarded as a primal selection when dealing with the challenges during the producing process in the poultry industry. The selected fast-growing broiler breed was more fragile when confronting the stressors in their growing environments. The disruption of oxidative balance that impairs the production performance in birds may somehow be linked to the immune system since oxidative stress and inflammatory damage are multi-stage processes. This review firstly discusses the individual influence of oxidative stress and inflammation on the poultry industry. Next, studies related to the application of phytochemicals or botanical compounds with the significance of their antioxidant and immunomodulatory abilities are reviewed. Furthermore, we bring up nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) for they are respectively the key transcription factors involved in oxidative stress and inflammation for elucidating the underlying signal transduction pathways. Finally, by the discussion about several reports using phytochemicals to regulate these transcription factors leading to the improvement of oxidative status, heme oxygenase-1 gene is found crucial for Nrf2-mediated NF-κB inhibition.

Evaluation of potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of Antrodia cinnamomea powder and the underlying molecular mechanisms via Nrf2- and NF-κB-dominated pathways in broiler chickens.

Antrodia cinnamomea, a precious and unique medical fungus existing exclusively in Taiwan, exhibits antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties. This study was conducted to evaluate the beneficial effects of A. cinnamomea powder (ACP) and to further illuminate its underlying antioxidant and immunomodulation molecular mechanisms in broilers. The functional compounds of ACP-crude triterpenoids, crude polysaccharides, and total phenolic content-were assayed, respectively. Two-hundred-forty one-day-old broilers (Ross 308) were assigned to 4 treatment groups receiving dietary supplementation with ACP at 0, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4% for 35 days. Each group had 4 replicate pens, with 15 birds per pen. During 1 to 21- and 22 to 35-day periods, chickens on ACP-supplemented diet demonstrated increased body weight gain, compared to those on the control diet, resulting in increased weight gain throughout the entire experimental period with an increased tendency in feed consumption yet no significant difference in FCR. Blood antioxidant potentiality, superoxide dismutase (SOD), increased in birds fed the supplemented diet at both 21 and 35 d, accompanied by higher catalase (CAT) activity at 21 days. In vivo peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and 2,2΄-Azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH) capability showed that the diminished cell viability caused by both challenge factors was improved in ACP-supplemented groups. Antioxidant genes dominated by Nrf2 genes, such as HO-1 and GCLC, were up-regulated in 35-day-old birds. Inflammatory-related genes, such as IL-1ß and IL-6, ruled mainly by NF-κB, were rather down-regulated by 0.2% ACP addition at 21 and 35 days. Protein expression of Nrf2 and NF-κB in the liver supported the mRNA results, demonstrating that all ACP-supplemented groups showed significantly higher Nrf2 expression, whereas the NF-κB was inhibited. In conclusion, preferable microbial balance may putatively indicate the improvement of immunomodulatory-related capacity by ACP. Furthermore, ACP could induce the Nrf2-dependent pathway and decrease the NF-κB-dominated inflammatory signaling pathway. Antioxidant and immune capacity in terms of antioxidant enzymes and cell tolerance also was elevated by ACP. Concomitantly, body weight increasing with ACP supplementation as compared to the corresponding control group further implied the promising effects exerted by ACP.

Immunomodulatory effects of phytogenics in chickens and pigs - A review.

Environmental stressors like pathogens and toxins may depress the animal immune system through invasion of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) tract, where they may impair performance and production, as well as lead to increased mortality rates. Therefore, protection of the GIT tract and improving animal health are top priorities in animal production. Being natural-sourced materials, phytochemicals are potential feed additives possessing multiple functions, including: anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-viral and antioxidative properties. This paper focuses on immunity-related physiological parameters regulated by phytochemicals, such as carvacrol, cinnamaldehyde, curcumin, and thymol; many studies have proven that these phytochemicals can improve animal performance and production. On the molecular level, the impact of inflammatory gene expression on underlying mechanisms was also examined, as were the effects of environmental stimuli and phytochemicals in initiating nuclear factor kappa B and mitogen-activated protein kinases signaling pathways and improving health conditions.

Effects of mulberry leaves on production performance and the potential modulation of antioxidative status in laying hens.

This study evaluated the antioxidant ability of Taisung No. 3 mulberry leaf extract (MLE) as well as the potential of mulberry leaf (ML)-based dietary supplementation for modulating the antioxidative status of laying hens. The results showed that the MLE had a total phenolic compound content of 7.4 ± 0.15 mg of gallic acid equivalent/g dry weight (DW) and a total flavonoid content of 4.4 ± 0.19 mg of quercetin equivalent/g DW. The 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free-radical-scavenging ability was 45.9% when 0.1 mg/mL MLE was added. The lipid oxidation inhibition ability was 43.9% when 50 mg/mL MLE was added. We subjected 96 laying hens (Hendrix Genetics) to 4 treatments, namely diets supplemented with dry ML at 0 (control), 0.5, 1, or 2% for 12 weeks. Each treatment involved 8 replicates with 3 hens each. The results indicated that the 0.5% ML-supplemented group exhibited significantly higher mRNA levels of antioxidant-regulated genes, such as Nrf2, HO-1, and GST, and significantly lower ROMO1 gene expression levels at wk 12. The serum malondialdehyde level was lower and the catalase activity and superoxide dismutase activity were higher in all the ML-supplemented groups than in the control group. The egg mass and feed conversion rate significantly improved in the ML-supplemented groups compared with the control group, and, overall, 1% ML supplementation had the most favorable effects at one to 12 weeks. The egg yolk weight, shell weight, shell strength, shell thickness, yolk color, and Haugh unit were increased among all ML-supplemented groups at one to 12 weeks. On the basis of these observations, we conclude that 0.5% ML can be used as a new feed additive to potentially modulate the antioxidative status of laying hens and improve their production performance and egg quality.

Antioxidant molecular targets of wheat bran fermented by white rot fungi and its potential modulation of antioxidative status in broiler chickens.

1. The study focused on antioxidant molecular targets of wheat bran fermented by white rot fungi (WRF) in poultry. After solid-state fermentation of wheat bran by WRF for 12 d, scanning electron microscopy found that the lignocellulose structure showed degradation and fragmentation. 2. A total of 300 1-d-old broilers were evenly divided by gender and randomly allocated into the following treatments: (1) maize-soybean meal (control group), (2) 10% of wheat bran replacing maize (10% WB group) or (3) 10% of fermented wheat bran replacing maize (10% FWB group). 3. The results indicated that the antioxidant gene expression, such as haem oxygenase-1 and glutathione-S-transferase of chicken peripheral blood mononuclear cells, of the 10% FWB group was significantly higher than that of the control group at d 35. For genes of Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxygenase 1 and reactive oxygen species modulator protein 1, the expression of the 10% FWB group was lower than that of the control group at d 21 and 35. 4. In conclusion, wheat bran fermented by WRF could increase lignocellulolytic enzyme activities and the levels of active components that further regulate the expression of antioxidant molecular targets in poultry.

Antioxidant capacity of phytochemicals and their potential effects on oxidative status in animals - A review.

Oxidative stress suppresses animal health, performance, and production, subsequently impacting economic feasibility; hence, maintaining and improving oxidative status especially through natural nutrition strategy are essential for normal physiological process in animals. Phytochemicals are naturally occurring antioxidants that could be considered as one of the most promising materials used in animal diets in various forms. In this review, their antioxidant effects on animals are discussed as reflected by improved apparent performance, productivity, and the internal physiological changes. Moreover, the antioxidant actions toward animals further describe a molecular basis to elucidate their underlying mechanisms targeting signal transduction pathways, especially through the antioxidant response element/nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 transcription system.

Novel circulating placental markers prokineticin-1, soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1, soluble endoglin and placental growth factor and association with late miscarriage.

STUDY QUESTION: Are novel circulating placental markers prokineticin-1 (PK-1), soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1), soluble endoglin (sEng) and placental growth factor (PlGF) associated with late miscarriage in asymptomatic first trimester pregnant women? SUMMARY ANSWER: Increased serum sFlt-1 or PlGF, but not sEng or PK-1, were significantly associated with reduced miscarriage risk after adjustment for age, BMI, gestational age, smoking and blood pressure. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Abnormal placental development is observed in two-thirds of miscarriages. Identifying women at high risk of late miscarriage could help diagnose potentially treatable causes of miscarriage such as infection, thrombosis or immunological disease. Recently, the circulating placental markers PK-1, sFlt-1, sEng and PlGF have been identified; however, it is not known if circulating levels of these markers are associated with late miscarriage. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: A single-centre observational cohort study with prospectively collected data was carried out at a tertiary care centre 2010-2012, in 993 asymptomatic pregnant women. Plasma PK-1, and serum sEng, sFlt-1 and PlGF were measured once in each patient during the antenatal booking visit, and pregnancy outcome was monitored prospectively. Less than 1% of patients were lost to follow-up. Multiples of median (MOM) levels were calculated to adjust for gestational age. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Nine-hundred and ninety-three asymptomatic pregnant women attending antenatal clinic for a routine booking antenatal appointment were recruited to the study, of whom 12 were lost to follow-up and excluded from analysis. Of the cohort, 50 of the remaining 981 women suffered late miscarriage. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Gestation-adjusted sEng, sFlt-1 and PlGF levels were 11% (P < 0.01), 36% (P < 0.001) and 30% (P < 0.001), respectively, lower in women who later suffered miscarriage compared with unaffected pregnancies, while PK-1 did not differ significantly. Logistic regression modelling suggested that increased sFlt-1 (odds ratio (OR) 0.15 95% confidence interval [0.08-0.26], P = 0.0001) and PlGF (OR 0.02 [0.01-0.05], P = 0.0001), but not sEng, were associated with reduced miscarriage risk after adjustment for age, BMI, gestational age, smoking and blood pressure. The combination of sFlt-1 and PlGF did not improve the diagnostic accuracy beyond the use of sFlt-1. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: First trimester levels of sFlt-1 and PlGF, but not sEng or PK-1, were associated with late miscarriage risk in asymptomatic women. However, a new prospective study is now required to investigate the utility of these markers to predict early (<10 weeks) and late miscarriage, as well as to predict other complications of pregnancy. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Our data suggest that circulating sFlt-1 and PlGF, but not sEng or PK-1, are independently associated with late miscarriage risk in asymptomatic pregnant women attending their antenatal visit. Therefore, sFlt-1 and PlGF may represent novel markers of placental viability. These data further our understanding of placental function, and have important potential implications for utilizing novel hormonal markers to detect adverse clinical outcomes during pregnancy. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: The authors have no competing interests. The Section of Investigative Medicine is funded by grants from the MRC, BBSRC, NIHR, an Integrative Mammalian Biology (IMB) Capacity Building Award, an FP7-HEALTH-2009-241592 EuroCHIP grant and is supported by the NIHR Imperial Biomedical Research Centre Funding Scheme. This project was funded by an NIHR grant (reference: CDF-2009-02-05). The following authors are also funded as follows: CNJ is supported by an NIHR Clinical Lectureship and AMS/ Wellcome Starter Grant for Clinical Lecturers. AA and ANC are supported by NIHR academic clinical lectureships. CI-E is supported by an Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust Charity Research Fellowship. WSD is supported by an NIHR Career Development Fellowship. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Q0406/80.