Assessment of methionine plus cystine requirement of tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) based on zootechnical performance, body composition, erythrogram, and plasmatic and hepatic metabolites.

Tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) is a species of great cultural and economic importance in aquaculture in the Amazon region. Methionine is considered the first limiting sulfur amino acid in practical fish diets, which encourages investigating its use in diets for tambaqui. This study aimed to verify the digestible methionine plus cystine (Met + Cys) requirement in diets for tambaqui (89.52 ± 0.53 g) for 60 days. The treatments investigated were: 6.50, 7.80, 9.10, 10.40, 11.70, and 13.00 g Met + Cys kg diet-1. The estimated requirement based on final weight, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and specific growth rate was 9.04, 8.92, 8.91, and 8.58 g Met + Cys kg diet-1, respectively, while on body protein deposition, body fat deposition, body ash deposition, and nitrogen retention efficiency was 9.29, 9.20, 9.19, and 8.72 g Met + Cys kg diet-1, respectively. Linear regression demonstrated that increased digestible Met + Cys in the diet decreased plasma total protein, globulin, and liver total protein levels. Quadratic regression showed that the highest value for liver glycogen was found with a 10.40 g Met + Cys kg diet-1. Another quadratic regression demonstrated a lower hepatic aspartate aminotransferase (AST) enzymatic activity in fish fed between 7.80 and 11.70 g Met + Cys kg diet-1. The different treatments did not influence the erythrogram. In conclusion, when considering an integrative view of the results for growth performance, whole-body deposition, and liver parameters without harming the physiological and metabolic status, we recommended choosing a diet with digestible Met + Cys between 8.58 and 9.29 g kg- 1 for tambaqui.

Thulium fiber laser in cystine calculi.

INTRODUCTION: Thulium Fiber Laser (TFL) is the most modern technology to treat nephrolithiasis and ureterolithiasis in endourology. Although there are a lot of new studies coming up, we still don't have data on how this laser works in some rare diseases.Cystinuria is the most common genetic nephrolithiasis disorder (1), known for its recurrent lithiasis (2). Our main goal in this video is to show a successful case of cystine calculi treated with Thulium Fiber Laser (Laser Fiber Dust/Quanta System™). Cystinuria is the most common genetic nephrolithiasis disorder (1), known for its recurrent lithiasis (2). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 25 years-old male, cystinuric, presented with a CT scan, showing a 10mm stone on the right side and two calculi 6 and 7 mm on the left side, all located in the lower calyx. Bilateral flexible ureteroscopy was done using a reusable digital flexible ureteroscope. Starting on the left side, we repositioned the stone from the lower to the upper calyx, using a tipless front opening basket. Lithotripsy was performed using TFL. Settings were 100 Hz (frequency) and 100 mJ (energy) for dusting.  Popcorn technique was also used, setting the laser at 100Hz and 200 mJ, obtaining good dusting. On the right side, lithotripsy was performed in the inferior calyx, also resulting in "snowstorm". Procedure time was 120 minutes. RESULTS: The postoperative was uneventful. Follow up CT showed a 3 mm residual fragment in the right kidney. CONCLUSION: This video demonstrates the treatment of bilateral cystine calculi with Thulium Fiber Laser. Reasonable procedure time and excellent dusting results are encouraging, pointing towards great improvements in endourology.

Immunosuppressive, antimicrobial and insecticidal activities of inhibitor cystine knot peptides produced by teratocytes of the endoparasitoid wasp Cotesia flavipes (Hymenoptera: Braconidae).

Teratocytes are specialized cells released by parasitoid wasps into their hosts. They are known for producing regulatory molecules that aid the development of immature parasitoids. We have recently reported the primary structures of cystine-rich peptides, including some containing inhibitor cystine knot (ICK) motifs, produced by teratocytes of the parasitoid Cotesia flavipes (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). ICKs are known for their stability and diverse biological functions. In this study, we produced four putative ICK peptides from the teratocytes of C. flavipes using solid-phase peptide synthesis or recombinant expression in E. coli, and investigated their functions on host immune modulation as well their potential to impair the development of two lepidopterans after ingestion of the peptides. In addition, the peptides were assayed against pathogens and human cells. The peptides did not influence total hemocyte count but suppressed cellular immunity, detectable as a reduction of hemocyte encapsulation (CftICK-I, CftICK-II, CftICK-III) and spread indexes (CftICK-IV) in the host. None of the peptides influenced the activities of prophenoloxidase and phenoloxidase in the hemolymph of larval Diatraea saccharalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). CftICK-I and CftICK-II with previously unknown function showed antifungal activity against Candida albicans but were non-toxic to human cells. CftICK-I, CftICK-II, and CftICK-III increased larval mortality and reduced leaf consumption of D. saccharalis, a permissive host for C. flavipes. The CftICK-III also increased larval mortality and reduced leaf consumption of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), a non-permissive host for C. flavipes. This study highlights biological functions and biotechnological potential of ICK peptides from the teratocytes of C. flavipes.

Requirement of digestible methionine + cystine in Japanese quails during the laying phase / Exigência de metionina + cistina digestível para codornas japonesas em fase de postura

An experiment was carried out with Japanese quails in the initial laying phase, from 43 to 168 days of age, to determine the nutritional requirement of digestible methionine + cystine for this period. 375 quails were used, being fifteen quails used per experimental unit. A total of 5 treatments (0.60, 0.75, 0.90, 1.05 and 1.20% digestible methionine + cystine) were used in a completely randomized design with 5 replicates each. The performance parameters evaluated were feed intake (g / bird), body weight (g), egg weight (g), laying rate (%), egg mass (g eggs.bird.day-1 ), feed conversion by mass and dozen eggs (g.g-1 of eggs, g.dz-1 of eggs), viability (%) and the body chemical composition (%). The egg quality parameters were: % of component (yolk, albumen and shell relative to egg weight), specific gravity (g mL-1 ), Haugh unit, yolk index, shell weight per surface area and thickness of the shell (mm). Quadratic effect was found on the performance parameters evaluated (P0.05). The nutritional recommendation of digestible methionine + cystine for Japanese quails at laying phase is 0.90% from the maximum point obtained for the egg mass, egg weight and laying rate, corresponding to daily intake of 241.54 mg of digestible methionine + cystine / day, respectively.

Foi desenvolvido um experimento com codornas japonesas na fase inicial de postura, de 43 a 168 dias de idade, com o objetivo de determinar a exigência nutricional de metionina + cistina digestível para este período. Foram utilizadas 375 codornas, sendo 15 aves por unidade experimental. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado (DIC) totalizando 5 tratamentos (0,60; 0,75; 0,90; 1,05 e 1,20 % de metionina + cistina digestível) com 5 repetições cada. As variáveis de desempenho avaliadas foram, consumo de ração (g/ave), peso corporal (g), peso do ovo (g), taxa de postura (%), produção de massa de ovos (g ovos.ave. dia-1), conversão alimentar por massa e dúzia de ovos (g.g-1 de ovos, g.dz-1 de ovos), viabilidade (%) e a composição química corporal (%). As variáveis de qualidade dos ovos foram, percentagem do componente (gema, albúmen e casca em relação ao peso do ovo), gravidade específica (g mL.-1), unidade Haugh, índice de gema e peso da casca por superfície de área. Foi encontrado efeito quadrático sobre as variáveis de desempenho avaliadas (P0,05). A recomendação nutricional de metionina + cistina digestível para codornas japonesas na fase de postura é de 0,90% a partir do ponto de máxima obtido para as variáveis massa de ovos, peso de ovos e taxa de postura, correspondendo ao consumo diário de 241,54 mg de metionina + cistina digestível / dia, respectivamente.

Requirement of digestible methionine + cystine for growing Japanese quail and its subsequent effects on laying phase

The objective of this study was to estimate the nutritional requirement of digestible methionine + cystine for Japanese quail during the growth phase and its residual effect on the laying phase. One experiment was conducted, including three phases: starter, from 1 to 14 days of age; grower, from 15 to 42 days of age; and laying, from 43 to 168 days of age. The experimental design was entirely randomized with five treatments (0.52, 0.64, 0.76, 0.88, and 1.00% of digestible methionine + cystine) and five replicates. In starter phase, 48 quail/experimental unit (box) were used; in grower phase, 31 quail/experimental unit (box) were used, which were reared until 14 days old, receiving conventional feed and, in laying phase, 12 quail/experimental unit were selected from grower phase to evaluate the residual effect. To evaluate animal performance, feed intake (g/bird), body weight (g), weight gain (g), feed conversion (g/g), and viability (%) were analyzed. At 14 and 42 days of age, the relative weight (%) of liver, spleen, and cloacal pouch organs, the birds' warping (%) and body chemical composition (%) were evaluated. During laying, performance and egg quality were evaluated. In the starter and grower stages, quadratic effects were observed for all performance variables. Laying performance results confirmed the estimates obtained in the grower phase; however, there was no effect on egg quality. Considering the best feed conversion, the nutritional recommendation of digestible methionine + cystine for Japanese quail in the starter phase is 0.85% and in the grower phase, it is 0.77%, corresponding to daily intake of 50.43 and 158.5 mg of digestible methionine + cystine/day, respectively.

Metabolomics analysis identifies glutamic acid and cystine imbalances in COVID-19 patients without comorbid conditions. Implications on redox homeostasis and COVID-19 pathophysiology.

It is well known that the presence of comorbidities and age-related health issues may hide biochemical and metabolic features triggered by SARS-CoV-2 infection and other diseases associated to hypoxia, as they are by themselves chronic inflammatory conditions that may potentially disturb metabolic homeostasis and thereby negatively impact on COVID-19 progression. To unveil the metabolic abnormalities inherent to hypoxemia caused by COVID-19, we here applied gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry to analyze the main metabolic changes exhibited by a population of male patients less than 50 years of age with mild/moderate and severe COVID-19 without pre-existing comorbidities known to predispose to life-threatening complications from this infection. Several differences in serum levels of particular metabolites between normal controls and patients with COVID-19 as well as between mild/moderate and severe COVID-19 were identified. These included increased glutamic acid and reduced glutamine, cystine, threonic acid, and proline levels. In particular, using the entire metabolomic fingerprint obtained, we observed that glutamine/glutamate metabolism was associated with disease severity as patients in the severe COVID-19 group presented the lowest and higher serum levels of these amino acids, respectively. These data highlight the hypoxia-derived metabolic alterations provoked by SARS-CoV-2 infection in the absence of pre-existing co-morbidities as well as the value of amino acid metabolism in determining reactive oxygen species recycling pathways, which when impaired may lead to increased oxidation of proteins and cell damage. They also provide insights on new supportive therapies for COVID-19 and other disorders that involve altered redox homeostasis and lower oxygen levels that may lead to better outcomes of disease severity.

Composition of feathers and pulp of two broiler genotypes.

1. Cobb and Ross broilers (200 of each sex and breed) were fed four phases of diets ad libitum formulated with balanced protein to match their amino acid requirements throughout growth. Ten birds per genotype were sampled and euthanised at two-weekly intervals from 14 to 112 d of age. All feathers were dry-plucked from each of the seven tracts (specific skin areas) and pulp (the centre of the feather filament) was removed from primary and secondary remiges.2. Daily losses of feathers were collected from an additional 20 individually-caged broilers of each breed. These feathers were separated into natal down, contour feathers, remiges and rectrices and then pooled by type, sex and genotype to quantify water and protein contents. Only those feathers collected from male Cobb 500 MX broilers were analysed for amino acid content.3. Amino acid contents of feathers from the seven tracts were measured only in Cobb males on days 1, 28 and 70; for pulp on days 28 and 70; and for the four types of moulted feathers.4. Protein content on a dry matter basis remained relatively constant over all ages and tracts during growth. Water content decreased with age in both sexes and genotype. Lysine and methionine content in feathers decreased with age while cystine, valine, leucine and serine increased. Lysine, methionine and histidine levels were higher in pulp than in mature feathers whereas cystine and valine were higher in mature feathers than in pulp.5. These results, together with information about moulting patterns in broilers, enabled the effects of age of the bird and of the type of feather, to be taken into account when determining the rate of deposition of amino acids in feathers.

Modelling of sulphur amino acid requirements and nitrogen endogenous losses in kittens.

The objective of this study was to estimate the sulphur amino acid (methionine + cystine) requirements and nitrogen endogenous losses in kittens aged 150 to 240 d. Thirty-six cats were distributed in six treatments (six cats per treatment) consisting of different concentrations of methionine + cystine (M + C): T1, 6.5 g/kg; T2, 8.8 g/kg; T3, 11.3 g/kg; T4, 13.6 g/kg; T5, 16.0 g/kg; and control, 6.5 g/kg. Diets were formulated by serial dilution of T5 (a diet relatively deficient in M + C but containing high protein concentrations) with a minimal nitrogen diet (MND). Thus, crude protein and amino acid concentrations in diets T1-T5 decreased by the same factor. The control diet was the T1 diet supplemented with adequate concentrations of M + C (6.5 g/kg; 8.8 g/kg; 11.3 g/kg; 13.6 g/kg and 16.0 g/kg). All diets were based on ingredients commonly used in extruded cat diets. Digestibility assays were performed for the determination of nitrogen balance. Nitrogen intake (NI) and nitrogen excretion (NEX) results data were fitted with an exponential equation to estimate nitrogen maintenance requirement (NMR), theoretical maximum for daily nitrogen retention (NRmaxT), and protein quality (b). M + C requirements were calculated from the limiting amino acid intake (LAAI) equation assuming a nitrogen retention of 45 to 65% NRmaxT. The NMR of kittens aged 150, 195, and 240 d was estimated at 595, 559, and 455 mg/kg body weight (BW)0.67 per day, respectively, and M + C requirements were estimated at 517, 664, and 301 mg/kg BW0.67 per day, respectively.

Weight gain responses of laying-type pullets to methionine plus cystine intake.

Each individual in the population has a distinct maximum growth potential, and the growth curve may vary depending on the response to nutrient intake, growth phase and variability among animals. The present study aimed to (1) model weight gain (WG) response to methionine+cystine (Met+Cys) supply using different mathematical functions, (2) identify functions that better fit the growth responses of pullets, (3) determine the Met+Cys requirements that maximize WG based on breeding standards and (4) partition the Met+Cys requirements for WG and maintenance. Three trials were performed using 1448 laying-type pullets. We adopted a completely randomized design with eight treatments and six replicates. The first trial (2 to 6 weeks, P1) used 15 pullets per experimental unit. The second and third trials (8 to 12 weeks, P2; 14 to 18 weeks, P3) were used eight pullets per replicate. The Met+Cys levels were obtained using a dilution technique. The mathematical functions used to describe WG responses to Met+Cys intake were broken line, broken line with curvilinear ascendancy, Michaelis-Menten, saturation kinetics and three logistic and three exponential models. Models were selected using the Bayesian information criterion and evaluated by residual analysis. It was possible to model the responses using the studied functions. The best functions were obtained by logistic and sigmoidal models in P1 and P2, and with the broken line by the curvilinear ascendancy model in P3. The Met+Cys intake that determined the maximum potential for WG (WGmax) in P1, P2 and P3 were 313, 381 and 318 mg/day, respectively. The Met+Cys requirements for WG were 20, 22 and 27 mg/g, and for maintenance were 214, 53 and 30 mg/kgBW0.75 for P1, P2 and P3, respectively.

Hematology and serum biochemistry of broilers at the initial and growth stages submitted to different levels of digestible sulfur amino acids / Hematologia e bioquímica sérica de frangos de corte submetidos a diferentes níveis de aminoácidos sulfurados digestíveis

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of digestible methionine and cystine (Met + Cys) levels on the hematological and serum biochemical parameters of broiler chickens during the initial and growth stages. For this, 1,800 male chicks of the Coob 500 strain were used, with 900 chicks in the initial phase (1 to 21 days old) and 900 chicks in the growth phase (22 to 42 days old), distributed in a completely randomized design of five treatments with six replicates of 30 birds. The treatments consisted of 0.545, 0.616, 0.711, 0.782, and 0.853%; and 0.514, 0.571, 0.647, 0.704, and 0.761% digestible Met + Cys for “1 to 21” and “22 to 42” days of breeding, respectively. Results showed that digestible Met + Cys levels in broiler feed altered some hematological parameters (erythrocyte, hematocrit hemoglobin, total leukocytes, heterophile: lymphocyte) and serum biochemistry (uric acid, PST, total LDL, and TG). The digestible Met + Cys levels in the diet of broilers affected the hematological parameters and serum biochemistry, especially at higher levels. From the inclusion level 0.761 of Met + Cist in the broiler diet, red blood cells, hemoglobin and hematocrit changes begin to appear.(AU)

Teve-se como objetivos neste estudo avaliar o efeito dos níveis de metionina + cistina (Met+Cis) digestível na dieta sobre os parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos séricos de frangos de corte na fase inicial e de crescimento. Para isso, utilizou-se 1.800 pintos, machos, da linhagem Coob 500, sendo 900 pintos para a fase inicial (1 a 21 dias de idade) e mais 900 pintos para a fase de crescimento (22 a 42 dias de idade), distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado composto de cinco tratamentos, com seis repetições de 30 aves. Os tratamentos consistiram em 0,545; 0,616; 0,711; 0,782 e 0,853% e 0,514; 0,571; 0,647; 0,704 e 0,761% de Met+Cis digestíveis para a fase inicial e de crescimento, respectivamente. Os resultados demonstraram que níveis de Met+Cis digestível na alimentação de frango de corte, acarretam alterações em parâmetros hematológicos como: hemácia, hematócrito, hemoglobina, leucócitos totais, relação heterófilo: linfócito; e bioquímico sérico como: ácido úrico, albumina, colesterol total, proteínas séricas totais (PST), lipoproteína de baixa densidade (LDL) e triglicerídeos (TG). Os níveis digestíveis de Met + Cys na dieta de frangos de corte afetam os parâmetros hematológicos e a bioquímica sérica, principalmente em níveis mais elevados. A partir do nível de inclusão 0.761 de Met + Cist na dieta de frangos de corte, começam a aparecer alterações nos glóbulos vermelhos, hemoglobina e hematócrito.(AU)

Dietary levels of methionine plus cystine and chelated copper on the chemical composition of eggs and yolk cholesterol of 49-week-old brown laying hens / Níveis dietéticos de metionina + cistina e cobre quelatado sobre a composição química e colesterol dos ovos de poedeiras marrons com 49 semanas de idade

The present study aims to evaluate the possible interactions of dietary levels of methionine plus cystine (Met + Cys) and organic copper (Cu) on the chemical composition of eggs, using 320 Hy-Line Brown hens at 49 weeks of age. Composition and deposition variables were evaluated in a 4 × 5 factorial arrangement, with total analysed levels of 18, 44, 71, and 99 mg kg-1 of Cu and 0.613, 0.631, 0.816, 0.918, and 0.955% Met + Cys. We allocated four replicate cages (four hens/cage) to each treatment group. Two eggs per plot were sampled to determine the chemical composition of albumen and yolk, based on natural and dry matter and on daily rates of deposition. An interaction effect of Met + Cys and Cu levels was observed for deposition rates of ash and Cu in the yolk, and the chemical composition of Ethereal Extract (EE) and ash in eggs, EE in albumen and Nitrogen, EE, and ash in the yolk. An isolated effect was observed for Met + Cys on egg chemical composition and on shell and yolk fractions, as well as on deposition rates of albumen N, EE, and ash, and yolk EE. The yolk cholesterol content increased by 18.17% with increasing Met + Cys in diets. In conclusion, the chemical composition of eggs varied with dietary Met + Cys and organic Cu concentrations. Dietary levels of Met + Cys determined the yolk cholesterol concentration in laying hens.

O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar as possíveis interações dos níveis alimentares de metionina mais cistina (Met + Cys) e cobre orgânico (Cu) na composição química dos ovos, utilizando 320 galinhas Hy-Line Brown com 49 semanas de idade. As variáveis de composição e deposição foram avaliadas em arranjo fatorial 4 × 5, com níveis totais analisados de 18, 44, 71 e 99 mg kg-1 de Cu e 0,613, 0,631, 0,816, 0,918 e 0,955% de Met + Cys. Alocaram-se quatro gaiolas replicadas (quatro galinhas / gaiola) para cada grupo de tratamento. Foram amostrados dois ovos por parcela para determinar a composição química do albúmen e da gema, com base na matéria natural e seca e nas taxas diárias de deposição. Foi observado um efeito de interação dos níveis de Met + Cys e Cu para as taxas de deposição de cinzas e Cu na gema e composição química do Extrato Etéreo (EE) e cinzas nos ovos, EE no albume e nitrogênio, EE e cinzas na gema. gema. Um efeito isolado foi observado para Met + Cys na composição química dos ovos e nas frações de casca e gema, bem como nas taxas de deposição de N no albúmen, EE e cinzas e gema EE. O teor de colesterol na gema aumentou 18,17% com o aumento de Met + Cys nas dietas. A composição do ovo variou com as concentrações de Met + Cys e Cu orgânico. Os níveis alimentares de Met + Cys determinaram a concentração de colesterol na gema em galinhas poedeiras.

Choline and digestible methionine + cystine supplementation for quail in the laying phase / Suplementação de colina e metionina + cistina digestível para codornas em fase de postura

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of levels of choline and digestible methionine + cystine in diets for quail in the laying phase. A total of 280 Japanese laying quail were assigned to one of eight treatments in a completely randomized design in a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement consisting of dietary supplementation with four levels of choline (0.0, 0.042, 0.084 and 0.126%) and two levels of digestible methionine + cystine (0.857 and 0.685%), with five replicates and seven birds per plot. The experimental period was 84 days, represented by four 21-day evaluation cycles in which quail performance and egg quality were evaluated. There was no interaction effect between the factors for any of the studied variables, except quail weight. The highest tested levels of methionine + cystine and choline supplementation improved egg weight, feed conversion egg mass-1 and yolk percentage. By contrast, albumen percentage decreased linearly as choline inclusion in the diet was elevated. The choline supplementation levels induced a quadratic response from eggshell percentage, whose optimum result was estimated at the choline level of 0.05% in the diet. Egg specific gravity decreased linearly as choline supplementation was increased. The indicated level of digestible methionine + cystine in the diet of Japanese quail in the laying phase is 0.857%, while choline should be supplemented at 0.126%.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito dos níveis de colina e metionina + cistina digestível em dietas para codornas em fase de postura. Um total de 280 codornas japonesas foi submetido a oito tratamentos, em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 4 × 2, composto por suplementação alimentar com quatro níveis de colina (0,0; 0,042; 0,084 e 0,126%) e dois níveis de metionina + cistina digestível (0,857 e 0,685%), com cinco repetições e sete aves por parcela. O período experimental foi de 84 dias, representado por quatro ciclos de avaliação de 21 dias, em que foram avaliados o desempenho das codornas e a qualidade dos ovos. Não houve efeito de interação entre os fatores para nenhuma das variáveis estudadas, exceto o peso das codornas. Os níveis mais altos testados de suplementação com metionina + cistina e colina melhoraram o peso dos ovos, a conversão alimentar em massa de ovos e a porcentagem de gema. Por outro lado, a porcentagem de albumina diminuiu linearmente à medida que a inclusão de colina na dieta foi elevada. Os níveis de suplementação de colina induziram uma resposta quadrática da porcentagem de casca de ovo, cujo resultado ideal foi estimado no nível de colina de 0,05% na dieta. A gravidade específica do ovo diminuiu linearmente à medida que a suplementação de colina foi aumentada. O nível indicado de metionina + cistina digestível na dieta de codornas japonesas na fase de postura é de 0,857%, enquanto a colina deve ser suplementada em 0,126%.

Dietary levels of methionine plus cystine and chelated copper on the chemical composition of eggs and yolk cholesterol of 49-week-old brown laying hens / Níveis dietéticos de metionina + cistina e cobre quelatado sobre a composição química e colesterol dos ovos de poedeiras marrons com 49 semanas de idade

The present study aims to evaluate the possible interactions of dietary levels of methionine plus cystine (Met + Cys) and organic copper (Cu) on the chemical composition of eggs, using 320 Hy-Line Brown hens at 49 weeks of age. Composition and deposition variables were evaluated in a 4 × 5 factorial arrangement, with total analysed levels of 18, 44, 71, and 99 mg kg-1 of Cu and 0.613, 0.631, 0.816, 0.918, and 0.955% Met + Cys. We allocated four replicate cages (four hens/cage) to each treatment group. Two eggs per plot were sampled to determine the chemical composition of albumen and yolk, based on natural and dry matter and on daily rates of deposition. An interaction effect of Met + Cys and Cu levels was observed for deposition rates of ash and Cu in the yolk, and the chemical composition of Ethereal Extract (EE) and ash in eggs, EE in albumen and Nitrogen, EE, and ash in the yolk. An isolated effect was observed for Met + Cys on egg chemical composition and on shell and yolk fractions, as well as on deposition rates of albumen N, EE, and ash, and yolk EE. The yolk cholesterol content increased by 18.17% with increasing Met + Cys in diets. In conclusion, the chemical composition of eggs varied with dietary Met + Cys and organic Cu concentrations. Dietary levels of Met + Cys determined the yolk cholesterol concentration in laying hens.(AU)

O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar as possíveis interações dos níveis alimentares de metionina mais cistina (Met + Cys) e cobre orgânico (Cu) na composição química dos ovos, utilizando 320 galinhas Hy-Line Brown com 49 semanas de idade. As variáveis de composição e deposição foram avaliadas em arranjo fatorial 4 × 5, com níveis totais analisados de 18, 44, 71 e 99 mg kg-1 de Cu e 0,613, 0,631, 0,816, 0,918 e 0,955% de Met + Cys. Alocaram-se quatro gaiolas replicadas (quatro galinhas / gaiola) para cada grupo de tratamento. Foram amostrados dois ovos por parcela para determinar a composição química do albúmen e da gema, com base na matéria natural e seca e nas taxas diárias de deposição. Foi observado um efeito de interação dos níveis de Met + Cys e Cu para as taxas de deposição de cinzas e Cu na gema e composição química do Extrato Etéreo (EE) e cinzas nos ovos, EE no albume e nitrogênio, EE e cinzas na gema. gema. Um efeito isolado foi observado para Met + Cys na composição química dos ovos e nas frações de casca e gema, bem como nas taxas de deposição de N no albúmen, EE e cinzas e gema EE. O teor de colesterol na gema aumentou 18,17% com o aumento de Met + Cys nas dietas. A composição do ovo variou com as concentrações de Met + Cys e Cu orgânico. Os níveis alimentares de Met + Cys determinaram a concentração de colesterol na gema em galinhas poedeiras.(AU)

Choline and digestible methionine + cystine supplementation for quail in the laying phase / Suplementação de colina e metionina + cistina digestível para codornas em fase de postura

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of levels of choline and digestible methionine + cystine in diets for quail in the laying phase. A total of 280 Japanese laying quail were assigned to one of eight treatments in a completely randomized design in a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement consisting of dietary supplementation with four levels of choline (0.0, 0.042, 0.084 and 0.126%) and two levels of digestible methionine + cystine (0.857 and 0.685%), with five replicates and seven birds per plot. The experimental period was 84 days, represented by four 21-day evaluation cycles in which quail performance and egg quality were evaluated. There was no interaction effect between the factors for any of the studied variables, except quail weight. The highest tested levels of methionine + cystine and choline supplementation improved egg weight, feed conversion egg mass-1 and yolk percentage. By contrast, albumen percentage decreased linearly as choline inclusion in the diet was elevated. The choline supplementation levels induced a quadratic response from eggshell percentage, whose optimum result was estimated at the choline level of 0.05% in the diet. Egg specific gravity decreased linearly as choline supplementation was increased. The indicated level of digestible methionine + cystine in the diet of Japanese quail in the laying phase is 0.857%, while choline should be supplemented at 0.126%.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito dos níveis de colina e metionina + cistina digestível em dietas para codornas em fase de postura. Um total de 280 codornas japonesas foi submetido a oito tratamentos, em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 4 × 2, composto por suplementação alimentar com quatro níveis de colina (0,0; 0,042; 0,084 e 0,126%) e dois níveis de metionina + cistina digestível (0,857 e 0,685%), com cinco repetições e sete aves por parcela. O período experimental foi de 84 dias, representado por quatro ciclos de avaliação de 21 dias, em que foram avaliados o desempenho das codornas e a qualidade dos ovos. Não houve efeito de interação entre os fatores para nenhuma das variáveis estudadas, exceto o peso das codornas. Os níveis mais altos testados de suplementação com metionina + cistina e colina melhoraram o peso dos ovos, a conversão alimentar em massa de ovos e a porcentagem de gema. Por outro lado, a porcentagem de albumina diminuiu linearmente à medida que a inclusão de colina na dieta foi elevada. Os níveis de suplementação de colina induziram uma resposta quadrática da porcentagem de casca de ovo, cujo resultado ideal foi estimado no nível de colina de 0,05% na dieta. A gravidade específica do ovo diminuiu linearmente à medida que a suplementação de colina foi aumentada. O nível indicado de metionina + cistina digestível na dieta de codornas japonesas na fase de postura é de 0,857%, enquanto a colina deve ser suplementada em 0,126%.(AU)

Efficiency of methionine and cystine utilization by broiler chickens using stable isotopes.

The aim of this study was to develop a method to determine the efficiency of utilization of Met and Cys using stable isotopes in order to reduce the number of sacrificed animals relative to the comparative slaughter technique. Met and Cys efficiencies were obtained separately and as total SAA values. Twenty-one 14- to 28-day-old broiler chickens were fed experimental diets containing different Met:Cys ratios (44:56, 50:50 and 56:44). Birds were given diets with daily supplements of L-(15 N) Met (60 mmol/kg) or L-(15 N2 ) Cys (35 mmol/kg) throughout the entire experimental period. Excreta were collected daily, and birds were euthanized at the end of the trial to collect feather-free bodies and feathers. Samples were analysed for 15 N and 15 N-Met content. The utilization efficiency for Met, Cys and Met + Cys for feather-free bodies was 55%, 75%, and 60%, while the efficiencies for feathers were estimated at 96%, 77% and 84% respectively.

Implementation of an intraleukocitary cystine quantification method for diagnosis of cystinosis. / Implementación de un método para la cuantificación de cistina intraleucocitaria como apoyo diagnóstico para la cistinosis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Cystinosis is an inborn error of metabolism, clinically characterised by severe renal involvement and development of corneal cystine deposits, especially in the adult form of the disease. Cystinosis is a treatable condition. Therefore, an early diagnosis is necessary to start therapy. For biochemical confirmation of the condition it is necessary to quantify intracellular cystine concentrations. For this, different methods have been described with variations in cell isolation strategies and the amino acid quantification techniques used. In order to improve confirmatory biochemical diagnosis in our setting, a protocol for intraleukocitary cystine quantification was established. METHODS: A high performance liquid chromatography based method for cystine quantification in polymorphonuclear cells was implemented. Evaluation of the best anticoagulant to use and temperature stability of the sample at 4̊C were performed. In addition, we established reference values for our population. RESULTS: It was determined that intraleukocitary cystine quantification must be performed in blood samples containing acid-citrate-dextrose as anticoagulant. Samples must be processed immediately due to their poor stability even when refrigerated. Based on the results from 50 healthy individuals, the cut-off point established for our population was 0.34nmol 1/2 cystine/mg. CONCLUSION: The adaptation performed to the cystine quantification method here presented the highest control population that has been reported in the literature so far. Our results highlight the need for making available a cystine quantification method locally and confirm the convenience for each laboratory to establish its own reference values to provide greater reliability for interpreting results.

In vivo evaluation of thiol-functionalized superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles.

This article describes the synthesis, characterization and in vivo cytotoxic evaluation of thiol-functionalized superparamagnetic iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (SPIONs). They have been employed as potential vehicles for a large number of biomedical applications, such as drug delivery. Fe3O4 nanoparticles were synthesized by coprecipitation of iron salts and coated with L-cysteine. The physicochemical, morphological, and magnetic properties of Cys-Fe3O4 nanoparticles were characterized by different experimental techniques. To evaluate their applicability in nanomedicine we evaluated their cytotoxicity using Balb/C mice. The results show that Cys-SPIONs are good candidates as nanocarriers in biomedical applications.

Simple synthesis and characterization of l-Cystine functionalized δ-FeOOH for highly efficient Hg(II) removal from contamined water and mining waste.

l-Cystine functionalized δ-FeOOH nanoparticles (Cys-δ-FeOOH) were prepared by a cheap and straightforward method for using as an adsorbent of Hg(II) in aqueous solution. X-ray diffraction (XRD), attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy (ATR-IR), and Raman spectroscopy confirmed that Cys-δ-FeOOH was successfully synthesized. Cys-δ-FeOOH with 14 nm crystal size, 34 m2 g-1 surface area, and 9 nm pore size were produced. The functionalization of the δ-FeOOH surface with cysteine decreases the point of zero charge of the iron oxyhydroxide from 8.4 in δ-FeOOH to 5.7 in Cys-δ-FeOOH, which is beneficial for the adsorption of Hg(II) near neutral pH. The maximum Hg(II) adsorption capacity of the δ-FeOOH and Cys-δ-FeOOH at pH 7 were found to be 35 mg g-1 and 217 mg g-1, respectively. The kinetics data were best fitted by a pseudo-second-order model, suggesting chemical adsorption on the surface and pores of Cys-δ-FeOOH nanoparticles. Finally, δ-FeOOH and Cys-δ-FeOOH filters were constructed for purifying mercury-contaminated water. The filters were highly efficient to treat mercury-contaminated water from a Brazilian river, reducing the concentration of mercury in water to values below the allowed limits by the current legislation.

Polymorphism in the PBX1 gene is related to cystinuria in Brazilian families.

The aim of our study was to determine regions of loss of heterozygosity, copy number variation analysis, and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in Brazilian patients with cystinuria. A linkage study was performed using DNA samples from six patients with cystinuria and six healthy individuals. Genotyping was done with the Genome-Wide Human SNP 6.0 arrays (Affymetrix, Inc., Santa Clara, CA, USA). For validation, SNPs were genotyped using a TaqMan® SNP Genotyping Assay Kit. The homozygote polymorphic genotype of SNP rs17383719 in the gene PBX1 was more frequent (P = 0.015) in cystinuric patients. The presence of the polymorphic allele for this SNP increased the chance of cystinuria by 3.0-fold (P = 0.036). Pre-B-cell leukaemia transcription factor 1 (PBX1) was overexpressed 3.3-fold in patients with cystinuria. However, when we compared the gene expression findings with the genotyping, patients with a polymorphic homozygote genotype had underexpression of PBX1, while patients with a heterozygote or wild-type homozygote genotype had overexpression of PBX1. There is a 3-fold increase in the risk of the development of cystinuria among individuals with this particular SNP in the PBX1 gene. We postulate that the presence of this SNP alters the expression of PBX1, thus affecting the renal absorption of cystine and other amino acids, predisposing to nephrolithiasis.

Requirement of Digestible Methionine + Cystine to Molted Laying Hens

The present study aimed to determine the ideal requirement of digestible methionine + cystine to molted laying hens. The experimental period lasted 105 days, divided into five periods of 21 days. 144 Hisex White laying hens with 84 weeks-of-age were used. The experimental design was completely randomized with treatments constituted for six levels of digestible methionine + cystine (0.45, 0.50, 0.55, 0.60, 0.65, and 0.70%) in the diets, with four replicates of six birds each. Data collected were evaluated by polynomial regression at 5%. There was a significant effect (p 0.05) of digestible methionine + cystine on feed intake, energy intake, protein intake, egg production, and egg mass. Internal egg quality presented positive linear effect (p 0.05) on albumen height and yolk color. External egg quality was affected (p 0.05) in eggshell %, eggshell thickness and eggshell resistance, where the level of 0.60% of digestible methionine + cystine in the diets provided eggshells with better quality (higher percentage, thicker and breaking resistance). Differences (p 0.05) were also observed in glucose and triglycerides concentration, with 0.60% of digestible methionine + cystine in the diets presenting better equilibrium. Results of the present study suggested that higher levels of digestible methionine + cystine improved the performance and internal egg quality of molted laying hens. The level of 0.60% of digestible methionine + cystine provided better eggshell and equilibrium on blood biochemistry.