Effects of the supplemental chromium form on performance and oxidative stress in broilers exposed to heat stress.

This experiment was conducted to investigate effects of the organic complex form of supplemental chromium (Cr) on performance, oxidative stress markers, and serum profile in broilers exposed to heat stress (HS). A total of 1,200 10-day-old boilers (Ross-308) was divided into one of the 6 treatments (2 environmental temperatures x 3 diets with different Cr forms). The birds were kept in temperature-controlled rooms at either 22 ± 2°C 24 h/d (thermoneutral, TN group) or 34 ± 2°C for 8 h/d, 08:00 to 17:00 h, followed by 22°C for 16 h (HS group) and fed either a basal diet (C) or the basal diet supplemented with Cr (200 µg/kg) through 1.600 mg of CrPic (12.43% Cr) and 0.788 mg of CrHis (25.22% Cr). Feed intake and body weight were recorded weekly. After cervical dislocation, liver samples were harvested to analyze Cr concentration and glucose transporter-2,4 (GLUT-2,4) expression. The breast meat also was sampled for the concentration of Cr and expressions of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). Data were analyzed by 2-way ANOVA. Heat stress caused depressions in feed intake (12.1%) and weight gain (21.1%) as well as elevations in feed conversion (11.2%) and abdominal fat (32.8%). It was also associated with depletion of Cr reserves and increases in serum concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, creatine, and enzymes. Exposure to HS was accompanied by suppression of the expressions of Nrf2 and GLUT-2 in muscle and GLUT-4 in the liver and amplification of the expression of NF-κB in muscle. Both Cr sources partially alleviated detrimental effects of HS on performance and metabolic profile. The efficacy of Cr as CrHis was more notable than Cr as CrPic, which could be attributed to higher bioavailability. In conclusion, CrHis can be added into the diet of broilers during hot seasons to overcome deteriorations in performance and wellbeing related to oxidative stress.

Long-term outcomes of AMS Spectra® penile prosthesis implantation and satisfaction rates.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the surgical implantation techniques of AMS Spectra malleable penile prosthesis, its intraoperative and postoperative complications, and the rates of patient and partner satisfaction. Forty-six patients on whom AMS Spectra malleable penile prosthesis implantation was performed between 2009 and 2014 were retrospectively examined. Any complications seen intraoperatively and postoperatively were determined. International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-5, total IIEF erectile function domain scores were calculated preoperatively. IIEF-5, total IIEF erectile function domain and Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS) scores were calculated in the postoperative third, sixth and twelfth months. The mean age of the patients was 63.6±7.28 (38-80) years. The mean erectile dysfunction period was 4.29±2.51 years, and the mean follow-up period was 3.19±1.6 years. The mean IIEF-5 score was 5.86±0.92 before surgery, and it was 22.5±0.62 at the end of the follow-up. The mean total IIEF erectile function domain score was 6.02±1.09 before surgery, and it was 26.02±0.21 at the end of the follow-up. The mean EDITS score was 71.06±3.16 at the end of the follow-up. The mean EDITS score of the patients partners was 65.08±4.34 at the end of the follow-up. The overall satisfaction rates were 96.2% for the patients and 84.6% for the partners. As a result of this study, the AMS Spectra penile prosthesis implantation is an effective, reliable and economic method. It can be used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction in selected patient groups offering high patient and partner satisfaction rates.

Determination of Kα,ß excitation factors in thin target for selected elements from Y to Te at 59.54 keV excitation energy.

The paper presents the first measurements of the Kα and Kß excitation factors for some selected elements from Y to Te. To determine the Kα and Kß excitation factors, the experimental values of K shell X-ray production cross sections and total absorption photoelectric cross sections were used. The measurements were performed using a Si(Li) detector coupled with 2048 multichannel analyzer and an Am-241 annular radioisotope source which is emitted 59.54 keV γ-photons. It is observed that the Kα excitation factors are 5-6 times larger than the Kß excitation factors. The measured excitation factors were compared only with theoretical calculated ones since there are no other experimental reports for the present elements in the literature. The present experimental values of Kα and Kß excitation factors are in satisfactory agreement with the theoretical results.

Evaluation of blood platelet count and function in patients with erectile dysfunction.

We evaluated and compared blood total platelet count, mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW) values of patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) and control subjects. A total 57 male patients (mean age 49.7 ± 12 years) with ED and 59 control men (mean age 49.7 ± 10.7 years) were included in the study. All patients were evaluated using medical history with International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) scores, physical examination and routine blood analysis. Total blood count, including white blood cell (WBC), total platelet counts, MPV and PDW parameters, were recorded in both groups. MPV values were detected to be significantly higher in patients with ED than control group: 10.7 ± 1 and 9.72 ± 1.5, respectively (P = 0.001). Similarly, PDW values were significantly higher in patients with ED than control group: 14.6 ± 2.8 and 12.9 ± 1.9, respectively (P = 0.001). However, mean platelet and mean WBC counts were similar in both groups (P = 0.45). We demonstrated that MPV and PDW values significantly increased in patients with ED compared with the control group. According to these findings, platelet function might play an important role in patients with ED that warrants further research.

The Technical and Financial Effects of Parenteral Supplementation with Selenium and Vitamin E during Late Pregnancy and the Early Lactation Period on the Productivity of Dairy Cattle.

This study aimed to determine the effects of parenteral selenium (Se) and vitamin E supplementation on economic impact, milk yield, and some reproductive parameters in high-yield dairy cows in the dry period and in those at the beginning of lactation. At the beginning of the dry period, cows (n = 323) were randomly divided into three groups as follows: Treatment 1 (T1), Treatment 2 (T2), and Control (C). Cows in group T1 received this preparation 21 days before calving and on calving day, and cows in group T2 received it only on calving day. The cows in the control group did not receive this preparation. Supplementation with Se increased Se serum levels of cows treated at calving day (p<0.05). Differences in milk yield at all weeks and the electrical conductivity values at the 8th and 12th weeks were significant (p<0.05). Supplementation with Se and Vitamin E decreased the incidence of metritis, the number of services per conception and the service period, but had no effects on the incidence of retained fetal membrane. A partial budgeting analysis indicated that Se supplementation was economically profitable; cows in group T1 averaged 240.6$ per cow, those in group T2 averaged 224.6$ per cow. Supplementation with Se and Vitamin E has been found to increase serum Se levels, milk yield, and has positive effects on udder health by decreasing milk conductivity values and incidence of sub-clinical mastitis.

Chromium-histidinate ameliorates productivity in heat-stressed Japanese quails through reducing oxidative stress and inhibiting heat-shock protein expression.

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of a histidine complex of chromium (chromium histidinate, CrHis) on egg production, lipid peroxidation and the expression of hepatic nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and heat-shock proteins (HSPs) in Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) exposed to heat stress (HS). A total of 180 5-week-old female quails were reared either at 22°C for 24 h/d (thermoneutral, TN) or 34°C for 8 h/d (heat stress, HS) for 12 weeks. Birds in both environments were randomly given one of three diets: basal diet and basal diet supplemented with 400 or 800 µg of elemental Cr as CrHis per kg of diet. Blood, egg yolk and liver samples collected at the end of the trial were analysed to determine concentrations of cholesterol and malondialdehyde (MDA) and expressions of transcription and heat-shock proteins. Exposure to HS caused reductions in feed intake (-8.1%) and egg production (-15.8%), elevations in serum (14.8%) and egg-yolk (29.0%) cholesterol concentrations, decreases in serum (113%) and egg-yolk (73.0%) MDA concentrations and increases in the expressions of hepatic NF-κB (52.3%) and HSPs (averaging 53.6%). The effects of increasing supplemental CrHis on the response variables were more notable in the HS environment than in the TN environment. There were considerable improvements in feed intake and egg production, decreases in serum and egg-yolk cholesterol concentrations and suppressions in the expressions of hepatic nuclear protein and HSPs in response to increasing supplemental CrHis concentration in the diet of quails reared under the HS environment. In conclusion, supplemental CrHis improves productivity through alleviating oxidative stress and modulating the expressions of hepatic NF-κB and HSPs in heat-stressed quails.

The effect of Cirsium arvense extract on antioxidant status in quail.

1. The herb Creeping Thistle, Cirsium arvense (C. arvense), has been used in folk medicine due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. 2. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary C. arvense extract supplementation on performance, egg quality, nutrient digestibility and antioxidant status in quail. 3. Quails (n = 150) were allocated randomly to one of the three dietary treatments: basal diet and basal diet enriched with 100 and 200 mg C. arvense extract per kg diet. 4. Dietary enrichment with C. arvense extract altered neither performance and egg quality parameters nor nutrient digestibility. Although there were no changes in concentrations of vitamin A and E in serum, liver and egg yolk, supplemental C. arvense extract decreased MDA concentrations in serum, liver and egg yolk by 39.3, 40.5 and 51.5%, respectively, in a dose-response manner. As supplemental C. arvense extract increased to 200 mg/kg, the activity of hepatic SOD, CAT and GSH-Px increased by 14.5, 17.4 and 35.5%, respectively. 5. Addition of C. arvense extract up to 200 mg to per kg diet enhanced antioxidant status in laying quail and their eggs, without affecting performance and other egg quality parameters. 6. Future studies are needed to elucidate the mechanism behind the antioxidant effects of C. arvense extract.

Effectors of alcohol-induced cell killing in Drosophila.

Heavy alcohol consumption provokes an array of degenerative pathologies but the signals that couple alcohol exposure to regulated forms of cell death are poorly understood. Using Drosophila as a model, we genetically establish that the severity of ethanol challenge dictates the type of death that occurs. In contrast to responses seen under acute exposure, cytotoxic responses to milder challenges required gene encoding components of the apoptosome, Dronc and Dark. We conducted a genome-wide RNAi screen to capture targets that specifically mediate ethanol-induced cell death. One effector, Drat, encodes a novel protein that contains an ADH domain but lacks essential residues in the catalytic site. In cultured cells and neurons in vivo, depletion of Drat conferred protection from alcohol-induced apoptosis. Adults mutated for Drat showed both improved survival and enhanced propensities toward sedation after alcohol challenge. Together, these findings highlight novel effectors that support regulated cell death incited by alcohol stress in vitro and in vivo.

Chromium histidinate protects against heat stress by modulating the expression of hepatic nuclear transcription factors in quail.

1. This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of supplemental chromium histidinate (CrHis) on performance and expressions of hepatic nuclear factors kappaB, an enhancer (NF-κB) and an inhibitor (IκBα) of activated B cells in heat-stressed Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). 2. A total of 180, 10-d-old Japanese quail were allocated randomly into 6 groups in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement. Birds were reared either at 22°C for 24 h/d (thermoneutral, TN) or 34°C for 8 h/d (heat stress, HS) for 32 d and fed on one of three diets supplemented with 0, 400 or 800 µg of CrHis per kg of diet. Each group consisted of 10 cages, each containing three quail. Data (performance variables and hepatic NF-κB and IκBα) were analysed using 2-way ANOVA. 3. Heat stress caused reductions in cumulative feed intake (FI) by 5·7%, weight gain (WG) by 13·0%, final body weight (FBW) by 10·3%, carcase weight by 12·6% and carcase efficiency by 2·3% and an increase in feed conversion ratio (FCR, feed consumed, g:weight gained, g) by 8·4%. As supplemental CrHis level increased up to 800 µg/kg, there were linear increases in cumulative FI (from 602 to 609 g), WG (from 134 to 138 g), FBW (from 167 to 171 g), cold carcase weight (from 110 to 114 g) and cold carcase efficiency (from 65·5 to 66·4%) and a decrease in FE (from 4·51 to 4·42). The environmental temperature by CrHis level interaction effect on performance parameters was insignificant. Hepatic NF-κB p65 concentration was higher and hepatic IκBα concentration was lower in quail exposed to HS than in quail kept at TN temperature. Increasing supplemental CrHis level linearly inhibited hepatic NF-κB p65 expression from 134·4 to 105·3% and linearly enhanced hepatic IκBα expression from 73·4 to 99·6%. The decrease in hepatic NF-κB expression and the increase in hepatic IκB expression were more notable in the TN environment than in the HS environment. 4. In conclusion, heat stress depressed performance variables and augmented lipid peroxidation and supplemental CrHis alleviated oxidative stress through modulating expressions of stress-related hepatic nuclear transcription factors (NF-κB and IκBα).

Resveratrol protects quail hepatocytes against heat stress: modulation of the Nrf2 transcription factor and heat shock proteins.

In the present study, the effects of dietary resveratrol on the induction of heat shock proteins, transcription factors and antioxidative enzyme system in liver of quails under heat stress were investigated. A total of 180 (55-day-old) female Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) were reared either at 22 °C for 24 h/day (thermoneutral, TN) or 34 °C for 8 h/day (heat stress, HS; 09:00-17:00 hours) for 12 weeks. Birds in both environments were randomly fed one of three diets: basal diet and basal diet added with either 200 or 400 mg of resveratrol per kg of diet. The results showed that exposure to high ambient temperature induced decreases in feed intake, egg production, and hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities but increases in hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations (p < 0.001). Liver Hsp70, Hsp90 and NF-κB expression was greater while Nrf2 expression was lower for quails reared under the heat stress than for those reared under the TN environment (p < 0.0001). There were linear increases in feed intake, egg production, hepatic SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px activities as well as Nrf2 expression, but linear decreases in hepatic MDA concentrations and Hsp70, Hsp90, and NF-κB expressions with increasing supplemental resveratrol level (p < 0.0001). Two-way treatment interactions revealed that the degree of restorations in all response variables was more notable under the high ambient temperature than that of the TN environment as dietary resveratrol concentration was increased. The results of the present study suggest that supplemental resveratrol reduces oxidative stress in heat-stressed quails through modulating the hepatic heat shock proteins and nuclear transcription factors.

Tomato powder in laying hen diets: effects on concentrations of yolk carotenoids and lipid peroxidation.

1. The effects of tomato powder supplementation on performance, egg quality, serum and egg yolk carotenoids, vitamins and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations in were investigated in laying hens in mid-lay. 2. A total of 90 laying hens, 49 weeks old, were divided into 3 groups consisting of 6 replicate cages, 5 birds per cage. Birds were randomly fed on one of three diets: basal diet and basal diet added with 5 or 10 g tomato powder per kg diet. 3. As tomato powder concentration increased, there were linear increases in feed intake, egg production, egg weight and yolk colour and a linear decrease in feed conversion. Shell weight, shell thickness and Haugh unit remained unchanged in response to dietary treatments. 4. Concentrations of serum and egg yolk lycopene, ß-carotene, lutein and vitamin A increased for both diets including tomato powder, whereas MDA decreased linearly with increasing supplemental tomato powder concentration. 5. Tomato powder supplementation increased egg production persistency and increased carotenoids and vitamin A contents in egg yolk, accompanied by reduced yolk lipid peroxidation.

Effects of dietary resveratrol supplementation on egg production and antioxidant status.

Resveratrol, a polyphenol derived from red grapes, berries, and peanuts, exerts antiinflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary resveratrol supplementation on performance and serum and egg yolk antioxidant status in quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). A total of 150 five-week-old quails were allocated randomly to 1 of 3 dietary treatments: basal diet and basal diet supplemented with 200 or 400 mg of resveratrol/kg of diet. Each diet was offered to 10 cages of 5 birds in each from 4 to 16 wk of age. Serum and egg samples were collected at the beginning and end the experimental period to be evaluated for malondialdehyde (MDA), vitamin A, and vitamin E. Data were subjected to analysis of covariance using the MIXED procedure. There was no treatment effect on feed intake, egg production, or egg quality parameters related to shell, yolk, and albumen. There were no effects of resveratrol supplementation on serum and egg yolk vitamin A concentrations. The quails supplemented with resveratrol had a lower serum MDA concentration (0.56 vs. 0.88 mg/L, P<0.03) and a higher serum vitamin E concentration (5.72 vs. 3.56 mg/L, P<0.008) than those not supplemented with resveratrol. Moreover, there was a linear decrease in serum MDA concentration (P<0.02) and a linear increase in serum vitamin E concentration (P<0.01) as supplemental resveratrol level increased. The treatment groups had less egg yolk MDA concentration than the control group (0.21 vs. 0.15 microg/g, P<0.002). Egg yolk MDA concentration decreased linearly in response to increasing dietary resveratrol level (P<0.0003). In conclusion, inclusion of resveratrol up to 400 mg/kg into quail diets enhanced antioxidant status of birds and eggs. Further studies should investigate the carryover effects of dietary resveratrol supplementation on product quality with respect to shelf life, antioxidant stability, and its nutritive value for human consumption.

Genistein supplementation to the quail: effects on egg production and egg yolk genistein, daidzein, and lipid peroxidation levels.

Genistein, a soy phytoestrogen, is a powerful antioxidant. In the present study, we investigated the effects of dietary genistein supplementation on Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) laying performance and egg yolk contents of malondialdehyde (MDA), vitamin A, and vitamin E. Malondialdehyde is an indicator of lipid peroxidation, whereas vitamins A and E have antioxidant properties. Birds (n=150; 5 wk old) were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups consisting of 50 birds (5 replicates of 10) and were fed a basal diet or the basal diet supplemented with either 400 or 800 mg of genistein/kg of diet. The experimental period lasted 90 d with a 17L:7D photo schedule. As antioxidant indices, yolk MDA and vitamin (A and E) concentrations were measured by HPLC. Dietary genistein supplementation (800 mg/kg) increased feed intake, egg production, egg weight, Haugh unit, shell thickness, and shell weight and improved feed efficiency at a greater extent than the other levels (0 and 400 mg/kg). Egg yolk genistein concentration was increased (P<0.0001), whereas egg yolk MDA concentration was decreased (P<0.0001) at the highest level of genistein supplementation. However, genistein supplementation did not affect egg yolk daidzein, vitamin A, and vitamin E levels. There was an inverse relationship between egg yolk genistein and MDA concentration (y=0.02xe(genistein), R2=0.74, P<0.0001). Results of the present study indicate that supplementing with dietary genistein (800 mg/kg) improved performance, egg quality, and egg yolk genistein content and decreased egg yolk MDA concentration in quail.

p53 directs focused genomic responses in Drosophila.

p53 is a fundamental determinant of cancer susceptibility and other age-related pathologies. Similar to mammalian counterparts, Drosophila p53 integrates stress signals and elicits apoptotic responses that maintain genomic stability. To illuminate core-adaptive functions controlled by this gene family, we examined the Drosophila p53 regulatory network at a genomic scale. In development, the absence of p53 impacted constitutive expression for a surprisingly broad scope of genes. By contrast, stimulus-dependent responses governed by Drosophila p53 were limited in scope. The vast majority of stress responders were induced and p53 dependent (RIPD) genes. The signature set of 29 'high stringency' RIPD genes identified here were enriched for intronless loci, with a non-uniform distribution that includes a recently evolved cluster unique to Drosophila melanogaster. Two RIPD genes, with known and unknown biochemical activities, were functionally examined. One RIPD gene, designated XRP1, maintains genome stability after genotoxic challenge and prevents cell proliferation upon induced expression. A second gene, RnrL, is an apoptogenic effector required for caspase activation in a model of p53-dependent killing. Together, these studies identify ancient and convergent features of the p53 regulatory network.