Dietary combination of linseed and hazelnut skin as a sustainable strategy to enrich lamb with health promoting fatty acids.

This study investigated the effect of the inclusion of extruded linseed and hazelnut skin on fatty acid (FA) metabolism in finishing lambs. Forty lambs were divided into 4 groups and fed for 60 d with: a conventional cereal-based diet, or the same diet with 8% of extruded linseed, or 15% of hazelnut skin, or 4% of linseed plus 7.5% of hazelnut skin as partial replacement of maize. Dietary treatments did not affect growth performances, carcass traits, and ruminal fermentation. The combined effect of linseed and hazelnut skin enriched the intramuscular fat with health promoting FA. Particularly, increases in α-linolenic acid (3.75-fold), and very long-chain n-3 poly-unsaturated FA (+ 40%) were attributed to the supplementation with linseed, rich in α-linolenic acid. In addition, increases in rumenic (+ 33%), and vaccenic (+ 59%) acids were attributed to hazelnut skin tannins modulating ruminal biohydrogenation and accumulating intermediate metabolites. The simultaneous inclusion of linseed and hazelnut skin can be a profitable strategy for enriching the intramuscular fat of lambs with health promoting FA, without adverse effects on ruminal fermentation and animal performance.

Changes in adolescents with borderline personality features and caregivers after dialectical behaviour multifamily group therapy / Cambios en adolescentes con rasgos de trastorno límite de personalidad y cuidadores tras un grupo multifamiliar de terapia dialéctico conductual

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is an effective treatment for symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and has been adapted to adolescent population (DBT-A). The objective of this pilot study was to determine if DBT-A skill group as a stand-alone treatment could improve rearing styles and emotion regulation in adolescents with BPD features and their parents. We designed a 12-week skills group intervention with 14 adolescents with BPD features and their caregivers. Participants (81.82% female) ranged in age from 14 to 17 (M= 15.55 SD=.82).We tested the results of the intervention using the non-parametric Wilcoxon test and calculated effect sizes. To understand individual changes, we reported clinical reliable change (CRC). Acceptability of the intervention was also evaluated. The intervention was effective for improving rearing styles (more affectionate and less criticism) in parents and adolescents. Changes in emotion regulation processes were mixed. Some of the changes were stable 6 months after intervention. Participants reported good levels of satisfaction with the intervention. A DBT-A multifamily group intervention could modify potential mechanisms related with the developing BPD as rearing styles. The duration of the intervention could not be enough to improve emotion regulation processes. Developing early interventions with adolescents with BPD features could modify mechanisms that prevent the establishment of BDP. (AU)

La Terapia Dialéctico Conductual (TDC) es efectiva para el tratamiento de los síntomas del Trastorno Límite de Personalidad (TLP) y ha sido adaptada a población adolescente (TDC-A). El objetivo de este estudio piloto fue determinar si el grupo de habilidades de TDC-A como tratamiento independiente podría mejorar los estilos de crianza y la regulación emocional en adolescentes con características de TLP y sus padres. Diseñamos una intervención grupal de habilidades de 12 semanas de duración con 14 adolescentes con características de TLP y sus cuidadores. Los partici-pantes (81.82% mujeres) tenían edades desde 14 a 17 años (M= 15.55 SD= .82).Evaluamos los resultados de la intervención mediante la prueba no paramétrica de Wilcoxon y el cálculo de los tamaños del efecto. Para conocer los cambios individuales, informamos el cambio clínico significativo (CCS). También se evaluó la aceptabilidad de la intervención. La intervención fue efectiva para mejorar los estilos de crianza (más afectivo y menos crítico) en padres y adolescentes. Los cambios en los procesos de regulación emocional fueron mixtos. Algunos de los cambios se mantuvieron estables 6 meses después de la intervención. Los participantes reportaron buenos niveles de satisfacción con la intervención. Una intervención multifamiliar grupal de TDC-A podría modificar los potenciales mecanismos relacionados con el desarrollo del TLP como son los estilos de crianza. La intervención podría no ser suficiente para mejorar los procesos de regulación emocional. Desarrollar una intervención temprana con adolescentes con rasgos de TLP podría modificar los mecanismos que previenen el establecimiento de TLP. (AU)

Short-term effects and adherence to the practice of different meditation modalities in mindfulness-based interventions / Efectos a corto plazo y adherencia en la práctica de diferentes modalidades de meditación en intervenciones basadas en mindfulness

Antecedents: Previous research has distinguished between mindfulness practices, specifically focused-attention meditation and open-monitoring meditation, noting that the different modalities appear to impact medium- and long-term benefits. However, understanding their distinct effects in the very short term is also crucial, as it may elucidate some of the adherence issues. Objectives: This study aims to examine the short-term effects of various meditation practices that differ in attentional focus and stimuli among novices. The focus is on immediate affect, perceived difficulty, and adherence. Method: A randomized controlled within-subject design with pretest and posttest measures was employed in a workshop consisting of four sessions (four weekly sessions of 1 hour each). Four experimental conditions were established: Internal and Focused (I-FA, Internal Focused-attention), External and Focused (E-FA, External Focused-attention), Internal and Open (IOM, Internal Open monitoring), and External and Open (E-OM, External Open monitoring). Results: The E-OM modality demonstrated a more significant reduction in discomfort compared to the I-OM modality. Participants reported higher difficulty in meditating on external stimuli compared to internal stimuli, irrespective of whether the meditation was focused or open. However, at least in this study, the modality type did not seem to influence adherence to the meditation practice. Conclusions: The findings suggest the importance of further investigating E-OM meditation as an alternative to I-OM at the beginning of mindfulness training.(AU)

Antecedentes: Investigaciones previas han diferenciado entre prácticas de mindfulness, específicamente la meditación de atención focalizada y la meditación de monitoreo abierto, señalando que las diferentes modalidades parecen tener impactos en beneficios a medio y largo plazo. Sin embargo, comprender sus efectos diferenciales a nivel anímico también es crucial, ya que puede arrojar luz sobre algunos problemas de adherencia. Objetivos: Este estudio tiene como objetivo examinar los efectos a corto plazo de diversas prácticas de meditación que difieren en el enfoque de la atención y los estímulos entre los principiantes. El enfoque se centra en el afecto inmediato, la dificultad percibida y la adherencia. Método: Se empleó un diseño controlado aleatorio dentro de sujetos con medidas pre y post en un taller que constaba de cuatro sesiones (cuatro sesiones semanales de 1 hora cada una). Se establecieron cuatro condiciones experimentales: Interna y Focalizada (I-FA, Atención focalizada interna), Externa y Focalizada (E-FA, Atención focalizada externa), Interna y Abierta (I-OM, Monitoreo abierto interno), y Externa y Abierta (E-OM, Monitoreo abierto externo). Resultados: La modalidad E-OM demostró una reducción más significativa en la incomodidad en comparación con la modalidad I-OM. Los participantes informaron mayor dificultad al meditar con estímulos externos en comparación con estímulos internos, independientemente de si la meditación era focalizada o abierta. Sin embargo, al menos en este estudio, el tipo de modalidad no pareció influir en la adherencia a la práctica de meditación. Conclusiones: Los hallazgos sugieren la importancia de investigar las potenciales ventajas de incluir la meditación E-OM como alternativa a I-OM en el comienzo del entrenamiento en mindfulness.(AU)

Exploring Pathways and Obstacles to Well-Being in Victims of Terrorism: A Qualitative Approach.

On March 11, 2004, Madrid suffered one of the worst terrorist attacks in the history of Spain, leaving more than 190 dead and 2,000 injured. For years, the psychological consequences of the attacks have been studied; however, its long-term effects on symptomatology and especially on well-being remains unknown. This study aims to explore, through a qualitative approach, pathways and obstacles to the well-being of those affected directly or indirectly by the attacks of March 11 in Madrid. Two focus groups were held, one for indirect victims and one for direct victims. Subsequently, a thematic analysis of the materials obtained was carried out. More than 10 years after the attacks, most of the participants reported great difficulty in achieving well-being. Acceptance and victims' associations seemed to act as key facilitators, while symptoms, political institutions and the media were the main obstacles. Direct and indirect victims presented similar data although aspects such as guilt and family relationships played a different role in their well-being.

Dialectical Behavioral Skills Group Therapy for Parents of Adolescents With Borderline Personality Disorder: A Pilot Study.

Research has indicated the effectiveness of Dialectical behavior therapy in adolescents (DBT-A) with severe emotion dysregulation and other symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). The objective was to determine if DBT skills group with caregivers only could influence in potential mediators of DBT outcomes including rearing styles, emotion regulation and mindfulness skills, evaluated in both parents and adolescents. We implemented a 12-week group intervention based on DBT-A addressed to seven parents of adolescents with features of BPD. We tested differences after treatment using the non-parametric Wilcoxon test and calculated effect sizes. To understand individual changes, we reported clinical reliable change (CRC). The intervention was effective for improving rearing styles, emotion regulation and mindfulness skills in adolescents. Changes were stable after 6 months. The intervention showed good levels of satisfaction reported by parents. A short DBT group-only intervention with caregivers could modify relevant processes related with features of BPD in adolescents. Early interventions with adolescents with symptoms of BPD could prevent the development of BPD influencing in potential mediation mechanisms.

Influence of a temporary restriction of dietary protein in prepubertal ewe lambs on first lactation milk traits and response to a mammary gland inflammatory challenge.

This study evaluated the influence of a temporary nutritional protein restriction (NPR) performed, under commercial conditions, in prepubertal female lambs on first lactation milk production traits and the inflammatory response triggered by an inflammatory challenge of the. From 40 Assaf female lambs, we defined a control group (Cn = 20), which received a standard diet for replacement lambs and the NPR group (n = 20), which received the same diet but without soybean meal between 3 and 5 months of age. About 150 days after lambing, 24 of these ewes (13 NPR, 11C) were subjected to an intramammary infusion of E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Our dynamic study identified indicator traits of local (SCC) and systemic (rectal Ta, IL-6, CXCL8, IL-10, IL-36RA, VEGF-A) response to the LPS challenge. The NPR did not show significant effects on milk production traits and did not affect the SCC and rectal Ta after the LPS challenge. However, the NPR had a significant influence on 8 of the 14 plasma biomarkers analysed, in all the cases with higher relative values in the C group. The effects observed on VEGF-A (involved in vasculogenesis during mammary gland development and vascular permeability) and IL-10 (a regulatory cytokine classically known by its anti-inflammatory action) are the most remarkable to explain the differences found between groups. Whereas further studies should be undertaken to confirm these results, our findings are of interest considering the current concern about the future world's demand for protein and the need for animal production systems to evolve toward sustainability.

Feed efficiency in dairy sheep: An insight from the milk transcriptome.

Introduction: As higher feed efficiency in dairy ruminants means a higher capability to transform feed nutrients into milk and milk components, differences in feed efficiency are expected to be partly linked to changes in the physiology of the mammary glands. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the biological functions and key regulatory genes associated with feed efficiency in dairy sheep using the milk somatic cell transcriptome. Material and methods: RNA-Seq data from high (H-FE, n = 8) and low (L-FE, n = 8) feed efficiency ewes were compared through differential expression analysis (DEA) and sparse Partial Least Square-Discriminant analysis (sPLS-DA). Results: In the DEA, 79 genes were identified as differentially expressed between both conditions, while the sPLS-DA identified 261 predictive genes [variable importance in projection (VIP) > 2] that discriminated H-FE and L-FE sheep. Discussion: The DEA between sheep with divergent feed efficiency allowed the identification of genes associated with the immune system and stress in L-FE animals. In addition, the sPLS-DA approach revealed the importance of genes involved in cell division (e.g., KIF4A and PRC1) and cellular lipid metabolic process (e.g., LPL, SCD, GPAM, and ACOX3) for the H-FE sheep in the lactating mammary gland transcriptome. A set of discriminant genes, commonly identified by the two statistical approaches, was also detected, including some involved in cell proliferation (e.g., SESN2, KIF20A, or TOP2A) or encoding heat-shock proteins (HSPB1). These results provide novel insights into the biological basis of feed efficiency in dairy sheep, highlighting the informative potential of the mammary gland transcriptome as a target tissue and revealing the usefulness of combining univariate and multivariate analysis approaches to elucidate the molecular mechanisms controlling complex traits.

Plasma and milk metabolomics in lactating sheep divergent for feed efficiency.

Enhancing the ability of animals to convert feed into meat or milk by optimizing feed efficiency (FE) has become a priority in livestock research. Although untargeted metabolomics is increasingly used in this field and may improve our understanding of FE, no information in this regard is available in dairy ewes. This study was conducted to (1) discriminate sheep divergent for FE and (2) provide insights into the physiological mechanisms contributing to FE through high-throughput metabolomics. The ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q/TOF-MS) technique was applied to easily accessible animal fluids (plasma and milk) to assess whether their metabolome differs between high- and low-feed efficient lactating ewes (H-FE and L-FE groups, respectively; 8 animals/group). Blood and milk samples were collected on the last day of the 3-wk period used for FE estimation. A total of 793 features were detected in plasma and 334 in milk, with 100 and 38 of them, respectively, showing differences between H-FE and L-FE. The partial least-squares discriminant analysis separated both groups of animals regardless of the type of sample. Plasma allowed the detection of a greater number of differential features; however, results also supported the usefulness of milk, more easily accessible, to discriminate dairy sheep divergent for FE. Regarding pathway analysis, nitrogen metabolism (either anabolism or catabolism) seemed to play a central role in FE, with plasma and milk consistently indicating a great impact of AA metabolism. A potential influence of pathways related to energy/lipid metabolism on FE was also observed. The variable importance in the projection plot revealed 15 differential features in each matrix that contributed the most for the separation in H-FE and L-FE, such as l-proline and phosphatidylcholine 20:4e in plasma or l-pipecolic acid and phosphatidylethanolamine (18:2) in milk. Overall, untargeted metabolomics provided valuable information into metabolic pathways that may underlie FE in dairy ewes, with a special relevance of AA metabolism in determining this complex phenotype in the ovine. Further research is warranted to validate these findings.

Susceptibility to milk fat depression in dairy sheep and goats: Individual variation in ruminal fermentation and biohydrogenation.

Small ruminants are susceptible to milk fat depression (MFD) induced by marine lipid supplementation. However, as observed in dairy cows, there is wide individual variation in the response to MFD-inducing diets, which may be due to individual differences in ruminal processes. Therefore, we compared the ruminal responses of goats and sheep with varying degrees of MFD extent to improve our understanding of this complex syndrome. Our specific aims were to attempt to elucidate whether pre-existing variations in ruminal fermentation and biohydrogenation determine a higher tolerance or susceptibility to MFD, and whether the severity of MFD depends exclusively on the response to the diet. The trial was conducted with 25 does and 23 ewes fed a basal diet without lipid supplementation for 3 wk (control period). Then, 2% fish oil (FO) was added to the same diet for 5 additional weeks (MFD period). Based on the extent of the elicited MFD (i.e., the percentage variation between milk fat concentrations recorded at the end of the control and MFD periods), the 5 most responsive (RESPON+) and the 5 least responsive (RESPON-) animals were selected within each species. On the last day of each period, ruminal fluid samples were collected to examine fermentation parameters and fatty acid profiles. In general, the individual degree of MFD in sheep and goats did not seem to be predetermined by traits related to ruminal fermentation and biohydrogenation, including fatty acids that may serve as biomarkers of microorganisms. Regarding differences in the response to FO, the results suggest no link between MFD susceptibility and concentration of biohydrogenation intermediates such as trans-10-containing C18, C20, and C22 metabolites. The explanation for individual responses based on a shortage of ruminal acetate and 18:0 for mammary uptake also seems to be dismissed, based on the lack of variation in these compounds between RESPON+ and RESPON-. However, the concentration of unsaturated fatty acids provided by FO (e.g., cis-9 16:1, cis-11 18:1, and 20:5n-3) was higher in the rumen of RESPON+ than RESPON- ewes and does. Thus, although further research is needed, the extent of biohydrogenation of these fatty acids might be associated with tolerance or susceptibility to MFD.

Exploring Pathways and Obstacles to Well-Being in Victims of Terrorism: A Qualitative Approach

On March 11, 2004, Madrid suffered one of the worst terrorist attacks in the history of Spain, leaving more than 190 dead and 2,000 injured. For years, the psychological consequences of the attacks have been studied; however, its long-term effects on symptomatology and especially on well-being remains unknown. This study aims to explore, through a qualitative approach, pathways and obstacles to the well-being of those affected directly or indirectly by the attacks of March 11 in Madrid. Two focus groups were held, one for indirect victims and one for direct victims. Subsequently, a thematic analysis of the materials obtained was carried out. More than 10 years after the attacks, most of the participants reported great difficulty in achieving well-being. Acceptance and victims’ associations seemed to act as key facilitators, while symptoms, political institutions and the media were the main obstacles. Direct and indirect victims presented similar data although aspects such as guilt and family relationships played a different role in their well-being. (AU)

Are We Sailing in the Right Direction for Deeper Insights Into Acceptance? Evidence From a Systematic Review of Research in Laboratory Settings.

This systematic review aims to review and update the current state of research on the acceptance strategy for a healthy population in a laboratory setting. Using a previously defined search strategy, the PsycInfo, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were searched from 1961 to May 2020 for articles on this topic. Twenty-five high-quality articles, involving a total of 2265 participants, met inclusion criteria. According to these results, acceptance is a strategy with promising outcomes for handling pain in healthy populations, although its superiority over other strategies to reduce negative affect, anger, and other pain variables is unclear. The instructions and outcome variables vary widely between studies, and few studies compare acceptance with mindfulness. We discuss these findings and provide information to guide future researchers for designing fine-grained investigations that can address the gaps in this area.

Insects as alternative feed for ruminants: comparison of protein evaluation methods.

BACKGROUND: The high dependence of intensive ruminant production on soybean meal and the environmental impact of this crop encourage the search for alternative protein-rich feeds. The use of insects seems promising, but the extent of their ruminal protein degradation is largely unknown. This parameter has major influence not only on N utilization efficiency but also on the environmental burden of ruminant farming. In addition, although assessing ruminal N degradation represents a key first step to examine the potential of new feeds, it is a challenging task due to the lack of a reference method. This study was conducted to investigate the potential of 4 insects (Tenebrio molitor, Zophobas morio, Alphitobius diaperinus and Acheta domesticus) as alternative protein sources for ruminants, using 3 methodologies: 1) a regression technique based on the in vitro relationship between gas production and ammonia-N concentration; 2) a conventional in vitro technique of batch cultures of ruminal microorganisms, based on filtering the incubation residue through sintered glass crucibles; and 3) the in situ nylon bag technique. The in vitro intestinal digestibility of the non-degraded protein in the rumen was also determined. Soybean meal was used as a reference feedstuff. RESULTS: Comparison of evaluation methods (regression, in vitro and in situ) did not allow to reliably select a single value of ruminal N degradation for the studied substrates, but all techniques seem to establish a similar ranking, with good correlations between methods, particularly between regression and in situ results. Regardless of the methodology, nitrogen from the 4 insects (with contents ranging from 81 to 112 g/kg of dry matter) did not show high ruminal degradation (41-76%), this value being always lower than that of soybean meal. Furthermore, the in vitro intestinal digestibility of non-degraded N was relatively high in all feeds (≥ 64%). CONCLUSION: Overall, these results support the potential of the 4 studied insects as alternative feedstuffs for ruminants. Among them, T. molitor showed the lowest and greatest values of ruminal N degradation and intestinal digestibility, respectively, which would place it as probably the best option to replace dietary soybean meal and increase the sustainability of ruminant feeding.

Risk factors for suicidal behaviour in late-life depression: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Suicide is a leading cause of preventable death worldwide, with its peak of maximum incidence in later life. Depression often puts an individual at higher risk for suicidal behaviour. In turn, depression deserves particular interest in old age due to its high prevalence and dramatic impact on health and wellbeing. AIM: To gather integrated evidence on the potential risk factors for suicide behaviour development in depressive older adults, and to examine the effects of depression treatment to tackle suicide behaviour in this population. METHODS: A systematic review of empirical studies, published from 2000 onwards, was conducted. Suicidal behaviour was addressed considering its varying forms (i.e., wish to die, ideation, attempt, and completed suicide). RESULTS: Thirty-five papers were selected for review, comprising both clinical and epidemiological studies. Most of studies focused on suicidal ideation (60%). The studies consistently pointed out that the risk was related to depressive episode severity, psychiatric comorbidity (anxiety or substance use disorders), poorer health status, and loss of functionality. Reduced social support and loneliness were also associated with suicide behaviour in depressive older adults. Finally, the intervention studies showed that suicidal behaviour was a robust predictor of depression treatment response. Reductions in suicidal ideation were moderated by reductions in risk factors for suicide symptoms. CONCLUSION: To sum up, common and age-specific risk factors seem to be involved in suicide development in depressive older adults. A major effort should be made to tackle this serious public health concern so as to promote older people to age healthily and well.

Elucidating genes and gene networks linked to individual susceptibility to milk fat depression in dairy goats.

Dietary supplementation with marine lipids modulates ruminant milk composition toward a healthier fatty acid profile for consumers, but it also causes milk fat depression (MFD). Because the dairy goat industry is mainly oriented toward cheese manufacturing, MFD can elicit economic losses. There is large individual variation in animal susceptibility with goats more (RESPO+) or less (RESPO-) responsive to diet-induced MFD. Thus, we used RNA-Seq to examine gene expression profiles in mammary cells to elucidate mechanisms underlying MFD in goats and individual variation in the extent of diet-induced MFD. Differentially expression analyses (DEA) and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) of RNA-Seq data were used to study milk somatic cell transcriptome changes in goats consuming a diet supplemented with marine lipids. There were 45 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between control (no-MFD, before diet-induced MFD) and MFD, and 18 between RESPO+ and RESPO-. Biological processes and pathways such as "RNA transcription" and "Chromatin modifying enzymes" were downregulated in MFD compared with controls. Regarding susceptibility to diet-induced MFD, we identified the "Triglyceride Biosynthesis" pathway upregulated in RESPO- goats. The WGCNA approach identified 9 significant functional modules related to milk fat production and one module to the fat yield decrease in diet-induced MFD. The onset of MFD in dairy goats is influenced by the downregulation of SREBF1, other transcription factors and chromatin-modifying enzymes. A list of DEGs between RESPO+ and RESPO- goats (e.g., DBI and GPD1), and a co-related gene network linked to the decrease in milk fat (ABCD3, FABP3, and PLIN2) was uncovered. Results suggest that alterations in fatty acid transport may play an important role in determining individual variation. These candidate genes should be further investigated.

Individual differences in responsiveness to diet-induced milk fat depression in dairy sheep and goats.

Both sheep and goats can display very different individual degrees of milk fat depression (MFD), which might explain some apparent contradictions in the literature. Because the antilipogenic effect of certain fatty acids (FA) is the most likely origin of MFD, characterizing the milk FA profile of animals showing different degrees of MFD seems a helpful step to understand the physiological basis of the tolerance or susceptibility to the syndrome. Analyzing whether specific traits may predetermine a particular responsiveness would also be of relevance to meet this aim. However, information about these aspects is scant, not only in goats and sheep but in ruminants in general. This study was conducted with 25 Murciano-Granadina does and 23 Assaf ewes that were fed a total mixed ration without lipid supplementation for 3 wk (control period). Then, all animals received the same basal diet supplemented with 2% of fish oil (FO) for 5 additional weeks (MFD period). At the end of this second period, and on the basis of the extent of FO-induced decreases in milk fat concentration, the 5 most responsive (RESPON+) and the 5 least responsive (RESPON-) animals were selected within each species, 20 in total. Milk yield and composition, including a comprehensive FA profile, were examined at the end of each period. By design, between-group variation in milk fat concentration and yield was substantial, but no significant interaction with the effect of species was detected. Reductions in these 2 performance traits averaged 6% in RESPON- and 26% in RESPON+. Results do not allow suggesting that responsiveness to MFD would be clearly predetermined neither by the studied performance traits nor by milk FA profile, although a certain relationship with energy balance might exist. Furthermore, variations in ewes and does displaying different individual degrees of MFD may be associated with changes in certain candidate milk fat inhibitors, such as trans-10 18:1 and cis-9 16:1, whereas trans-10,cis-12 conjugated linoleic acid would only have a minor role in determining MFD severity. Alterations in the molar yield of de novo and preformed FA suggest relevant differences in the mechanisms underlying MFD in RESPON+ and RESPON-, with interspecies effects being observed only in more tolerant animals. Further research is still required to elucidate key determinants of responsiveness to MFD.

Effect of Dietary Supplementation with Lipids of Different Unsaturation Degree on Feed Efficiency and Milk Fatty Acid Profile in Dairy Sheep.

Lipids of different unsaturation degree were added to dairy ewe diet to test the hypothesis that unsaturated oils would modulate milk fatty acid (FA) profile without impairing or even improving feed efficiency. To this aim, we examined milk FA profile and efficiency metrics (feed conversion ratio (FCR), energy conversion ratio (ECR), residual feed intake (RFI), and residual energy intake (REI)) in 40 lactating ewes fed a diet with no lipid supplementation (Control) or supplemented with 3 fats rich in saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated FA (i.e., purified palmitic acid (PA), olive oil (OO), and soybean oil (SBO)). Compared with PA, addition of OO decreased milk medium-chain saturated FA and improved the concentration of potentially health-promoting FA, such as cis-9 18:1, trans-11 18:1, cis-9 trans-11 CLA, and 4:0, with no impact on feed efficiency metrics. Nevertheless, FA analysis and decreases in FCR and ECR suggested that SBO supplementation would be a better nutritional strategy to further improve milk FA profile and feed efficiency in dairy ewes. The paradox of differences observed depending on the metric used to estimate feed efficiency (i.e., the lack of variation in RFI and REI vs. changes in FCR and ECR) does not allow solid conclusions to be drawn in this regard.

Predicting optimal interventions for clinical depression: Moderators of outcomes in a positive psychological intervention vs. cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Identifying differences in the clinical response to specific interventions is an important challenge in the field of Clinical Psychology. This is especially true in the treatment of depression where many treatments appear to have comparable outcomes. In a controlled trial, we compared a positive psychology group intervention, the Integrative Positive Psychological Intervention for Depression (IPPI-D; n = 62) to a cognitive-behavioral therapy group intervention (CBT; n = 66) for depression. No statistically or clinically-significant differences between the treatments were found, but a slight advantage was observed, on average, for IPPI-D. The aim of the present study was to identify and combine moderators of the differential efficacy of these two psychological interventions for clinical depression. For this purpose, a secondary analysis using the Personalized Advantage Index (PAI) was performed to identify the intervention predicted to produce the better outcome for each patient. Six of the 21 potential moderators were found to predict differential efficacy between the treatments. IPPI-D was predicted to be the optimal treatment for 73% of the sample. Baseline features that characterized these individuals were: mental and physical comorbidity, prior antidepressant medication, higher levels of negative thoughts, and higher personal growth. The 27% who were predicted to achieve better outcomes in CBT than in IPPI-D tended to have these baseline features: no comorbidities, no prior antidepressant medication, lower levels of negative thoughts, and lower personal growth.

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)-induced milk fat depression: application of RNA-Seq technology to elucidate mammary gene regulation in dairy ewes.

Milk fat depression (MFD) is characterized by a reduction in the content of milk fat, presumably caused by the anti-lipogenic effects of rumen biohydrogenation intermediates, such as trans-10 cis-12 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). In this study, RNA-Seq technology was used to help elucidate the mammary responses involved in CLA-induced MFD in lactating ewes. To this end, we compared the milk somatic cell transcriptome of ewes suffering from CLA-induced MFD with control ewes (i.e., those without MFD), as well as with ewes fed a diet supplemented with fish oil (FO-MFD) that we previously reported affects the mammary transcriptome. In the differential expression analysis between CLA-MFD and controls, we identified 1,524 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), whereas 653 were detected between CLA- and FO-MFD groups. Although this article focuses on lipid metabolism, CLA affected the expression of many genes related to other biological processes, especially immunity. Among the 55 genes shared by both MFD conditions, some genes linked to fatty acid synthesis, such as ACACA, AACS, ACSS2, or ACSS3, were downregulated. In addition, this study provides a list of candidate genes that are not usually considered in the nutrigenomics of MFD but that may act as key regulators of this syndrome in dairy ewes.

Conditions Associated with Marine Lipid-Induced Milk Fat Depression in Sheep Cause Shifts in the In Vitro Ruminal Metabolism of 1-13C Oleic Acid.

Shifts in ruminal oleic acid (OA) metabolism have received little research attention but recent studies have suggested their association with marine lipid-induced milk fat depression (MFD) in ewes and cows. Measurement of specific products of OA within the complex mixture of digesta lipids is however challenging. Therefore, this in vitro trial combined the isotopic labelling technique with the use of rumen inoculum from cannulated sheep fed a diet supplemented or not with 2% of fish oil (which has been demonstrated to cause MFD in dairy ruminants) to characterize the metabolism of OA in response to ruminal alterations associated with MFD. The products of 13C-OA after 24 h of incubation were analysed by gas chromatography-combustion isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC-C-IRMS). Numerous 13C-labeled 18:1 intermediates and oxygenated FA were detected and no elongation or desaturation of 13OA occurred. Diet supplementation with fish oil (i.e., MFD conditions) resulted in no unique metabolites of 13OA but in relevant changes in the relative contribution of specific metabolic pathways. The inhibition of 18:0 saturation caused by this treatment appeared largely attributable to increased oxygenated FA proportion, in particular the candidate milk fat inhibitor 10-oxo-18:0, and warrants further research on the association between MFD and oxygenated FA. Changes in the concentration of 13C-labeled trans 18:1 intermediates but not in cis 18:1, were also observed.

Pattern of Changes during Treatment: A Comparison between a Positive Psychology Intervention and a Cognitive Behavioral Treatment for Clinical Depression.

Research on psychotherapy has traditionally focused on analyzing changes between the beginning and the end of a treatment. Few studies have addressed the pattern of therapeutic change during treatment. The aim of this study was to examine the pattern of changes in clinical and well-being variables during a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program compared with an integrative positive psychology interventions program for clinical depression IPPI-D. 128 women with a diagnosis of major depression or dysthymia were assigned to the CBT or PPI group. A measure of depressive symptoms (i.e., Beck Depression Inventory) and well-being (i.e., Pemberton Happiness Index) were administered four times: at the beginning and end of the treatment, as well as during treatment (at sessions 4 and 7). Through mixed-model repeated measures ANOVAs, both depressive symptoms (p .08). The percentage of improvement in depressive symptoms in the first treatment period was higher than in the later ones (ps < .005). On the contrary, well-being showed a more gradual improvement (p = .15). These results highlight the importance of assessing the pattern of changes in symptoms and well-being separately.