The amino acid profile of Camelina sativa seeds correlates with the strongest immune response in dairy ewes.

Camelina sativa is an alternative protein source (with a specific amino acid profile) rich also in bioactive compounds (such as polyunsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants), which have immunomodulatory properties. This study aimed to assess the impact of the dietary inclusion level of Camelina seeds, on the expression levels of key genes involved in ewes' innate immunity. Forty-eight dairy ewes were assigned into four homogenous groups of 12 animals that were fed individually with alfalfa hay, wheat straw, and concentrate. The concentrate of the control group (CON) had no Camelina seeds, while in the treated groups, Camelina seeds (CSs) were incorporated at 6 (CS6), 11 (CS11), and 16% (CS16) in the concentrates, respectively, as partial substitution of both soybean meal and maize grain. The relative transcript levels of the immune-related genes were determined using a real-time PCR platform. The relative transcript levels of toll-interleukin receptor-domain-containing adapter-inducing interferon-ß, tumour necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 3, Interferon regulatory factor 5, and Mitogen-activated protein kinase were upregulated in monocytes of the CS11-fed ewes. Furthermore, in the CS6-fed ewes, the relative transcript levels of Interleukin-1 beta (IL1B) were upregulated in monocytes compared to the CON, while those of IL1B, Interleukin-8, and Interleukin-10 were upregulated in neutrophils compared to the CON and the CS11-fed ewes. The highest inclusion level of CS (CS16) did not have a negative impact on ewes' innate immunity. The response of monocytes on dietary amino acid (mainly threonine, tyrosine, serine, and lysine) changes related to Camelina inclusion is different from that of neutrophils. The observed responses need to be further investigated.

The effect of dietary Chlorella vulgaris inclusion on goat's milk chemical composition, fatty acids profile and enzymes activities related to oxidation.

The impact of dietary supplementation with microalgae on goat's milk chemical composition, fatty acids (FA) profile and enzymes activities related to antioxidant mechanism has not been well documented. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary inclusion of Chlorella vulgaris on the following: (i) milk yield, chemical composition and FA profile, (ii) the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione transferase (GST) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in blood plasma and (iii) the activities of SOD, GR and lactoperoxidase (LPO) in milk of goats. Furthermore, the oxidative stress indicators for measuring total antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity [ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) and 2, 2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) assays] and oxidative stress biomarkers [malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyls (PC)] were also determined in blood plasma and milk of the animals. For this purpose, 16 cross-bred goats were divided into two homogenous groups. Each goat of both groups was fed individually with alfalfa hay and concentrates separately. The concentrates of the control group (Control) had no microalgae, while those of the Chlorella group were supplemented with 10 g lyophilized Chlorella vulgaris/kg concentrates (Chlorella). Thus, the average intake was 5.15 g Chlorella vulgaris/kg DM. The results showed that the dietary inclusion of Chlorella vulgaris had not noticeable impact on goat's milk yield, chemical composition and FA profile. Significantly higher SOD (by 10.31%) and CAT (by 18.66%) activities in the blood plasma of goats fed with Chlorella vulgaris compared with the control were found. Moreover, the dietary supplementation with Chlorella vulgaris caused a significant increase in SOD (by 68.84%) activity and a reduction in PC (by 24.07%) content in goat's milk. In conclusion, the Chlorella vulgaris inclusion in goat's diets improved the antioxidant status of both animals and milk.

Effect of under- and overfeeding on sheep and goat milk and plasma enzymes activities related to oxidation.

Twenty-four dairy sheep and goats, respectively, were assigned each to three homogenous subgroups per animal species and fed the same diet in quantities which met 70% (underfeeding), 100% (control) and 130% (overfeeding) of their energy and crude protein requirements. The results showed that the underfed sheep in comparison with the control had significantly lower glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities and total antioxidant capacity (measured with Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma [FRAP] assay) in their blood plasma. A significant increase in the glutathione transferase (GST) and GPX activities, malondialdehyde content and total antioxidant capacity (measured with 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) [ABTS] assay) in the blood plasma of underfed goats compared with controls was observed, while the opposite happened for the GR and SOD activities. The underfeeding in both animal species caused a significant increase in the protein carbonyls (PC) content of their blood plasma. The overfeeding, compared with the control, caused a significant decline in the GPX activity and total antioxidant capacity (measured with FRAP) in the blood plasma of sheep while the opposite happened for the GPX and GST activities in the case of goats. The overfed animals, of both species, compared with the respective controls, had higher PC content in their blood plasma. The feeding level had no noticeable impact on the antioxidants' enzymes activities of milk in both animal species. Moreover, the underfeeding in the blood plasma and the overfeeding in milk of both animal species resulted into a significant increase in the PC content. Finally, only in sheep milk, the underfeeding, compared with the respective control, and overfeeding reduced significantly the total antioxidant capacity (measured with ABTS). The feeding level caused oxidative stress in both organism and milk but the response was different in animal species and needs further investigation.

Effect of soya bean and fish oil inclusion in diets on milk and plasma enzymes from sheep and goat related to oxidation.

This study investigated the effects of dietary inclusion of soya bean oil combined with fish oil (SFO) on the activities of a) superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GR), catalase (CAT) and glutathione transferase (GST) in blood plasma and b) SOD, GR, CAT and lactoperoxidase (LPO) in the milk of sheep and goats. Furthermore, the oxidative stress indicators for measuring total antioxidant activity and free radical scavenging activity [ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) assays] and oxidative stress biomarkers [malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl (PC)] were also determined in the blood plasma and milk of the animals. For this purpose, twelve dairy sheep and twelve dairy goats were assigned each to two homogenous subgroups. Treatments in both animal species involved a control diet without added oil and a diet supplemented with 5% soya bean oil and 1% fish oil. The results showed that the inclusion of SFO in the diets of sheep and goats increased significantly the activities of CAT and GR in their blood plasma. The same effect was observed for the activities of GST and FRAP in the blood plasma of goats. Moreover, the fact that the goats had significantly higher average daily PUFA intake (3.62 g/kg BW0.75 ) compared to sheep (2.51 g/kg BW0.75 ) resulted in an enhancement in the MDA content in their plasma. A significant increase in CAT activity in the milk in both animal species fed with SFO diets was also found. Finally, due to the higher apparent transfer rate of n-3 FA from the diet to the milk in sheep, the PC concentrations were found to be enhanced in their plasma and milk. In conclusion, the impact of dietary SFO supplementation on the oxidative status of body and/or on the milk of small ruminants depends not only on the daily PUFA intake, but also on the amount of n-3 FA that reach their milk.

The effect of dietary supplementation with rumen-protected methionine alone or in combination with rumen-protected choline and betaine on sheep milk and antioxidant capacity.

This study investigated the effects of dietary inclusion of rumen-protected methionine alone or in combination with rumen-protected choline and betaine on: (i) milk yield, chemical composition and fatty acids (FA) profile and (ii) blood plasma glutathione transferase (GST) activity of periparturient ewes. Furthermore, the oxidative stress indicators for measuring total antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity [ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) assays] were also determined in plasma and milk of ewes. Thus, 45 ewes were divided into three equal groups. Each animal of the control group fed daily with a basal diet. The same diet was offered also in each animal of the other two groups. However, the concentrate fed to M group was supplemented with 2.5 g/kg rumen-protected methionine, while the concentrate fed to MCB group with 5 g/kg of a commercial product which contained a combination of methionine, choline and betaine, all three in rumen-protected form. The results showed that the M diet, compared with the control, increased significantly the ewe's milk fat and the total solids content. Likewise, a tendency for higher milk fat and total solids content in ewes fed the MCB diet was also observed. Both M and MCB diets had not noticeable impact on ewes milk FA profile. Significantly higher FRAP values in the blood plasma of ewes fed the MCB and in the milk of ewes fed with the M diet compared with the control were found. Additionally, significantly higher GST activity in the blood plasma of ewes fed the M diet, compared with the control, was observed. Moreover, a significant increase (by 20%) and a tendency for increase (by 16.72%) in the growth rate of lambs nursing ewes fed with M and MCB diets, respectively, compared to controls, were found.

Mediastinal mass with Dysphagia in an elderly patient.

We report the use of endoscopic techniques for successful diagnosis in a case of atypical esophageal tuberculosis. Tuberculosis of the esophagus is an unusual presentation of this disease, having been estimated to occur in 0.15% of the people who die of tuberculosis. A few cases of possible primary tuberculous esophagitis have been described. This report describes a patient with dysphagia who appeared to have esophageal tuberculosis without HIV and in the absence of other signs of tuberculosis. The patient responded promptly to treatment with tuberculostatics.

Activation of the fibrinolytic system and utilization of the coagulation inhibitors in sepsis: comparison with severe sepsis and septic shock.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether the fibrinolytic system is activated and coagulation inhibitors are utilized in sepsis, to compare the findings detected in sepsis with those found in severe sepsis and septic shock, and to compare the role played by different infectious pathogens on fibrinolysis and coagulation inhibitors. DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective study comparing patients with sepsis, severe sepsis, and septic shock and healthy volunteers in the general intensive care unit of a tertiary university hospital. PATIENTS: Eighty-two consecutive septic patients (47 with sepsis, 18 with severe sepsis, and 17 with septic shock), and 14 healthy volunteers (controls). MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: After blood sampling we measured activation markers of fibrinolysis [plasmin/alpha(2)-antiplasmin complexes (PAP), complexes of tissue plasminogen activator/plasminogen activator inhibitor (tPA/PAI), fibrin(ogen) degradation products (FDPs), D-dimmers fibrin degradation products (D-d)], the utilization marker of antithrombin III (ATIII) thrombin/antithrombin complexes (TAT), several factors of fibrinolysis [plasminogen, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1), alpha(2)-antiplasmin], and the natural coagulation inhibitors [ATIII, protein C (PrC), protein S (PrS)]. In sepsis, PAP, FDPs, D-d, and TAT were increased to 439.8+/-32.35 microg/l, 57% positive, 49% positive, and 3.46+/-0.27 microg/l, respectively, compared with control subjects (205.57+/-28.58 microg/l, 0% positive, 7% positive, and 1.61+/-0.1 microg/l, respectively). These markers further increased in severe sepsis and septic shock. With the exception of a decrease in ATIII and an increase in tPA and PAI-1, coagulation inhibitors and factors of fibrinolysis were not changed in sepsis. In severe sepsis and mainly in septic shock, coagulation inhibitors (ATIII, PrC) and plasminogen were markedly decreased, whereas tPA and PAI-1 were further increased. All changes were independent of the causative infectious pathogen. CONCLUSIONS: Fibrinolysis is strongly activated and ATIII is utilized in sepsis. These findings are further enhanced in severe sepsis and septic shock. In sepsis only ATIII is decreased. In contrast, in severe sepsis and mainly in septic shock plasminogen and the main coagulation inhibitors (i.e., ATIII, PrC) are depleted, indicating exhaustion of fibrinolysis and coagulation inhibitors. Finally, Gram-positive, Gram-negative and other micro-organisms produce identical impairment.

Contribution of expiratory muscle pressure to dynamic intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure: validation using the Campbell diagram.

In spontaneously breathing (SB) patients expiratory muscle contraction leads to an overestimation of dynamic intrinsic PEEP (PEEP(i),dyn). To quantify this overestimation, PEEP(i),dyn measured with the esophageal balloon technique was corrected for the increase in Pga over the course of expiration (Pga,exp rise), for the whole decay of Pga during inspiration (Pga,total decay) or for the part of Pga decay restricted between the onset of inspiratory effort and the point of zero flow (Pga,zf decay). Corrections were compared with the reference PEEP(i),dyn (PEEP(i),dyn ref ), calculated by using the Campbell diagram. In 15 ventilator-dependent, SB, and actively expiring patients, we found that the difference PEEP(i),dyn - Pga, total decay (mean +/- SD, 5.7 +/- 1.9 cm H(2)O) was quite similar to PEEP(i),dyn ref (5.3 +/- 1.9 cm H(2)O). Their mean difference was 0. 37 cm H(2)O with limits of agreement -0.09 to 0.83 cm H(2)O, indicating strong agreement between these methods. PEEP(i),dyn - Pga, exp rise (6.0 +/- 2.1 cm H(2)O) was also similar to PEEP(i),dyn ref. Their mean difference was 0.72 cm H(2)O with limits of agreement -1. 69 to 3.13 cm H(2)O, indicating good agreement. In contrast, mean difference of PEEP(i),dyn - Pga,zf decay and PEEP(i),dyn ref was 3. 14 cm H(2)O with limits of agreement -0.46 to 6.74 cm H(2)O, indicating lack of agreement. The error in measurement due to the subtraction of Pga,zf decay from PEEP(i),dyn (i.e., [PEEP(i),dyn - Pga,zf decay] - PEEP(i),dyn ref ) was proportional to the intensity of expiratory muscle contraction, as expressed by the Pga,exp rise (r = 0.903, p < 0.001). We conclude that in actively expiring patients an adequate correction of PEEP(i),dyn for the overestimation caused by expiratory muscle contraction can be made by subtracting either Pga,total decay or Pga,exp rise from PEEP(i), dyn, the former achieving the best performance.

Coagulation system and platelets are fully activated in uncomplicated sepsis.

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that the coagulation system and platelets are activated in sepsis, the uncomplicated and usually earliest stage of the septic process, and to compare the findings detected in sepsis with those found in severe sepsis and septic shock. DESIGN: Prospective study comparing patients with sepsis, severe sepsis, and septic shock, and healthy volunteers. SETTING: General intensive care unit in a tertiary university hospital. PATIENTS: Seventy-four consecutive septic patients (45 with sepsis, 15 with severe sepsis, and 14 with septic shock). Fourteen healthy volunteers served as control subjects. INTERVENTION: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: After blood sampling, molecular activation markers of coagulation (prothrombin fragments 1 and 2, fibrinopeptide A, thrombin-antithrombin complexes, and monomers of fibrin) and of platelets (beta-thromboglobulin and platelet factor 4), several coagulation factors, global tests of coagulation (prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time), and platelet count (PTL) were measured. In sepsis, prothrombin fragments 1 and 2, fibrinopeptide A, thrombin-antithrombin complexes, and monomers of fibrin were increased to 2.52+/-0.21 nmol/L, 20.88+/-2.52 ng/mL, 33.8+/-2.9 microg/L, and 69% positive, respectively, compared with control subjects (0.86+/-063 nmol/L, 1.14+/-0.15 ng/mL, 16.07+/-1.01 microg/L, and 0%, respectively). Beta-Thromboglobulin and the beta-thromboglobulin-to-platelet factor 4 ratio were also increased to 107.87+/-11.87 IU/mL and 8.86+/-1.06, compared with controls (18.36 +/-2.99 IU/mL and 2.67+/-0.52, respectively). With the exception of a decrease in factor XII and an increase in fibrinogen, coagulation factors, global coagulation tests, and PTL were not changed in sepsis. In severe sepsis and mainly in septic shock, coagulation factors were markedly decreased, global coagulation tests were prolonged, and PTL was reduced. All changes were independent of the causative infectious pathogen. CONCLUSION: Coagulation system and platelets are strongly activated in sepsis. In this stage, only factor XII is decreased. In contrast, in severe sepsis and mainly in septic shock, most of the coagulation factors are depleted, PTL is decreased, and global coagulation tests are prolonged, indicating exhaustion of hemostasis. Finally, Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and other microorganisms produce identical impairment of coagulation.

Effects of different expiratory maneuvers on inspiratory muscle force output.

We assessed the effects of two different expiratory maneuvers (fast [F] or slow [S]) on the ability of normal subjects (n = 12, age 35 +/- 6 yr) to generate maximal inspiratory pressures and maximal inspiratory flows near residual volume (RV). With the F maneuver, the subject exhaled rapidly to RV and immediately performed a maximal inspiratory effort, whereas with the S maneuver the subject exhaled slowly to RV, paused for 4 to 6 s at RV, and then inspired forcefully. Maximal static inspiratory pressure against an occluded airway (PImax), and maximal dynamic inspiratory pressure (PIdyn) and maximal inspiratory flow (V Imax) with no added resistance, as well as the electromyographic activity of the parasternal muscles, were measured during each maneuver. Both maneuvers were initiated from TLC and were performed randomly. In comparison with the S maneuver, the F maneuver yielded values of higher (mean +/- SE) PImax (148 +/- 5 cm H2O versus 135 +/- 7 cm H2O, p < 0.05), PIdyn (33 +/- 2 cm H2O versus 28 +/- 2 cm H2O, p < 0.05), and V Imax (12.3 +/- 0.4 L/s versus 11.4 +/- 0.6 L/s, p < 0.05). In addition, the rate of rise of PImax, the rate of rise of PIdyn, and the integrated peak electromyographic activity of the parasternal muscles were significantly greater with the F than with the S maneuver, suggesting greater inspiratory muscle (IM) activation. The enhanced IM activation may be related to a specific inspiratory-expiratory muscle interaction similar to the agonist-antagonist interactions described for a pair of skeletal muscles.

Changes in thoracopulmonary compliance and hemodynamic effects of positive end-expiratory pressure in patients with or without heart failure.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to confirm that positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) has a different effect on cardiac index (CI) in patients with or without heart failure, even after controlling for differences in thoracopulmonary compliance (Ctp) and minimizing the secondary effects of PEEP related changes in oxygenation and breathing effort. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The hemodynamic effects of PEEP were evaluated in two groups of sedated and paralyzed patients with a low Ctp at 0 PEEP: 12 patients with normal pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (Ppao) and a CI > 2.5 L/min and 12 patients with a CI < 2.5 L/min and increased oxygen extraction ratio, despite a Ppao > 15 mm Hg. RESULTS: In patients with low CI and high Ppao, PEEP had no hemodynamic effect and Ctp remained low at all PEEP levels. However, PEEP-induced CI reduction in patients with normal cardiovascular function was associated with an increase in Ctp with incremental PEEP. Concerning PEEP-related hemodynamic effects, the significance between group differences persisted when data were analyzed after controlling for Ctp changes. However, Ctp changes with PEEP were the most significant correlators and discriminators of the magnitude and direction of PEEP-induced CI change. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that (1) the observed different effect of PEEP on CI in patients with and without heart failure persists after the elimination of secondary effects due to underlying differences in Ctp, oxygenation, and breathing effort; and (2) PEEP-related changes in Ctp should be taken into consideration when dealing with the cardiovascular effects of PEEP. Our data support the hypothesis that, in addition to the transmission of PEEP to the pleural space, changes in lung volume are a significant determinant of PEEP-induced CI changes.