[Clinical effects of autologous follicular unit extraction transplantation in the treatment of small area secondary cicatricial alopecia after burns].

Objective: To explore the clinical effects of autologous follicular unit extraction (FUE) transplantation in the treatment of small area secondary cicatricial alopecia (hereinafter referred to as cicatricial alopecia) after burns. Methods: A retrospective observational study was carried out. According to the adopted treatment methods, 18 patients (12 males and 6 females, aged (29±6) years) who received autologous FUE transplantation for small area cicatricial alopecia after burns from March 2017 to November 2019 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University were included in FUE transplantation group, and 18 patients (13 males and 5 females, aged (33±5) years) who were treated with expanded flap transplantation for small area cicatricial alopecia after burns by the same surgery team during the same period in the same hospital were included in expanded flap transplantation group. All the patients were followed up for more than 1 year. At the last follow-up, the follicular unit density in the transplanted area was measured by Folliscope hair detection system and the hair survival rate was calculated; the visual analogue scale (VAS) method was adopted to evaluate the treatment effect; patients were asked their satisfaction with the treatment effect and the occurrence of complications during follow-up; the hair growth and the scalp thickness, pain, pruritus, pigmentation, and surface roughness of the transplanted area were recorded. Data were statistically analyzed with Fisher's exact probability test and independent sample t test. Results: At the last follow-up, the follicular unit density in the transplanted area of patients in FUE transplantation group was (46.8±2.0)/cm2, which was significantly higher than (42.5±4.3)/cm2 in expanded flap transplantation group (t=3.84, P<0.01); the hair survival rates of patients were similar between the two groups (P>0.05). At the last follow-up, VAS scores evaluating the treatment effect of patients were similar between the two groups (P>0.05); the satisfaction score of patients toward the treatment effect in FUE transplantation group was 8.6±1.1, which was significantly higher than 7.6±0.8 in expanded flap transplantation group (t=2.89, P<0.01). During the follow-up, no inflammation or infection occurred in patients of the two groups, but only 2 patients in expanded flap transplantation group had postoperative pain. At the last follow-up, the transplanted area of patients in the two groups was covered with new hair, and the hair growth direction was basically consistent with the surrounding normal hair; scalp thickness, pain, pruritus, pigmentation, and surface roughness of the transplanted area of patients were similar between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusions: Autologous FUE transplantation has better long-term follicular unit density and patients' satisfaction than expanded flap transplantation in the treatment of small area cicatricial alopecia after burns, showing better postoperative effect and a good prospect of clinical application.

[Influence of comprehensive incubational measures on the perioperative treatment of extensively burned patients who underwent escharectomy and skin grafting].

Objective: To explore the influence of standardized and comprehensive incubational measures on perioperative treatment of extensively burned patients who underwent escharectomy and skin grafting. Methods: From January 2017 to November 2018, 50 patients with extensive burn who underwent escharectomy and skin grafting in the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University and met the inclusion criteria of this study, were recruited in this retrospective cohort study. According to the incubational measures at that time, 20 patients (14 males and 6 females, aged (33.5±5.2) years) who received routine incubation during the perioperative period from January to October 2017 were set as routine incubation group, and 30 patients (23 males and 7 females, aged (35.8±1.4) years) who received standardized comprehensive incubational measures during the perioperative period from November 2017 to November 2018 were set as comprehensive incubation group. Their body temperature was controlled mainly in 4 stages: preoperative preparation and transfer from intensive care unit (ICU) to operating room, preoperative preparation in operating room, intraoperative operating room management, as well as postoperative transfer from operating room to ICU. The initial body temperature in operating room and intraoperative hypothermia duration, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative recovery time, postoperative chill, blister, and ulcer, and wound healing rate on post operation day (POD) 10 were recorded and calculated. Data were statistically analyzed with two independent samples t test and chi-square test. Results: (1) The initial body temperature in operating room of patients in comprehensive incubation group was (36.3±0.4) ℃, which was significantly higher than (35.6±0.4)℃ in routine incubation group, t=6.658, P<0.01; the intraoperative duration of hypothermia was (205±38) min, which was significantly shorter than (234±42) min in routine incubation group, t=2.564, P<0.05. (2) The intraoperative blood loss of patients in comprehensive incubation group was (323±114) mL, which was significantly less than (490±162) mL in routine incubation group, t=4.272, P<0.01; the postoperative recovery time was (36±8) min, which was significantly shorter than (49±17) min in routine incubation group, t=3.229, P<0.01. (3) The incidence of postoperative chill of patients in comprehensive incubation group was significantly lower than that in routine incubation group (χ(2)=28.626, P<0.01). The incidences of postoperative blister and ulcer of patients between the 2 groups were close. (4) On POD 10, the wound healing rate of patients in comprehensive incubation group was (78.08±0.06)%, which was significantly higher than (71.03±0.08)% in routine incubation group, t=3.694, P<0.01. Conclusions: The standardized and comprehensive incubational measures can effectively improve the initial body temperature of patients entering the operating room, shorten the intraoperative duration of hypothermia, reduce the amount of blood loss and postoperative complications, as well as shorten the postoperative recovery time, thus improve the wound healing rate.

[Design and clinical application of specialized protective cap for patients with alopecia after autologous hair transplantation].

Objective: To investigate the design of specialized protective cap for patients with alopecia after autologous hair transplantation and its application value in nursing care after autologous hair transplantation. Methods: The author designed a kind of specialized protective cap for patients with alopecia after autologous hair transplantation with elastic gauze, fiber, silica gel, and other materials. It was divided into two parts, the front piece was mainly used to protect the hair receiving site, and the back piece was mainly used for pressure hemostasis at the hair donor site. From February 2017 to January 2019, 81 patients with alopecia and had autologous hair transplantation in the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Military Medical University, who met the inclusion criteria, were enrolled in this prospective controlled study. According to the tail number of admission number of each patient, 43 patients with odd numbers were recruited in protective cap group (38 males and 5 females, aged 23 to 52 years) and 38 patients with even numbers were recruited in convention group (34 males and 4 females, aged 22 to 55 years). After hair transplantation surgery, patients in the two groups received routine postoperative education. Patients in the conventional group were treated with conventional dressing after surgery. On this basis, patients in protective cap group wore the specialized protective caps for at least 1 week continuously except for necessary dressing change, wound clean, and dressing remove. The follow-ups was performed by responsible doctors and nurses at clinic. The postoperative hemorrhage at the hair donor site on post surgery day (PSD) 3 and swelling of scalp at the surgical site on PSD 7, the folliculitis at the hair receiving site and survival condition of transplanted hair follicle at the receiving site, and satisfaction score within 3 months after surgery were observed and recorded. Data were statistically analyzed with two independent sample t test, chi-square test, and Fisher's exact probability test. Results: (1) On PSD 3, one patient in protective cap group had hemorrhage at the hair donor site, which was significantly less than 8 patients in convention group (P<0.05). (2) On PSD 7, 4 patients in protective cap group had swelling of scalp at the surgical site, which was significantly less than 11 patients in convention group (χ(2)=5.160, P<0.05). (3) Within 3 months after surgery, 0 patient in protective cap group had folliculitis at the hair receiving site, which was less than 3 patients in convention group. (4) In 3 months after surgery, the survival number of hair follicle in each 100 transplanted hair follicles at the hair receiving site of patients in protective cap group was 94.9±2.8, which was significantly more than 91.1±4.7 in convention group (t=4.354, P<0.01). (5) The patients' satisfaction score in protective cap group was (14.2±2.6) points, which was significantly higher than (12.1±3.0) points in convention group (t=3.338, P<0.01). Conclusions: After autologous hair transplantation, the specialized protective cap can reduce postoperative hemorrhage at the hair donor site, swelling of scalp at the surgical site, as well as improve the survival rate of transplanted hair follicles at the hair receiving site and score of patient satisfaction.

[Long-term outcome of patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy post percutaneous transluminal septal ablation].

Objective: To evaluate the long-term outcome of patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy(HOCM) after percutaneous transluminal septal ablation(PTSMA). Methods: HOCM patients who underwent PTSMA and surgical myectomy at the Chest Hospital of Shanghai Jiao Tong University from April 2001 to February 2019 were included in this retrospective analysis. Patients were divided into PTSMA group and surgical myectomy group. In addition, patients undergoing PTSMA were further divided into HOCM-PTSMA non-survivor group and HOCM-PTSMA survivor group. The general clinical information, procedural/surgical information and complications during hospitalization were compared between groups. Multivariate Cox regression model was used to analyze the independent risk factors for all-cause death in HOCM patients after PTSMA. Results: A total of 104 patients with HOCM who underwent PTSMA were enrolled. Mean age of the patients was (54±15) years old, including 41 females (38.7%). The follow-up time was 37.5(14.3, 76.8) months. At the last follow-up, 12 patients died (HOCM-PTSMA non-survivor group) and 92 were alive(HOCM-PTSMA survivor group). The proportion of patients with NYHA function class Ⅲ/Ⅳ was higher(P=0.036), and the posterior wall of the left ventricle was thicker(P=0.006) in the HOCM-PTSMA non-survivor group than in the HOCM-PTSMA survivor group. The immediate success rate of PTSMA in this cohort was 66%(70/104). The amount of absolute alcohol during the operation in the HOCM-PTSMA non-survivor group was (2.9±0.8) ml, which tended to be higher as compared to that in the HOCM-PTSMA survivor group((2.4±1.0)ml, P=0.056). Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis showed that patients with HOCM who underwent PTSMA had an all-cause mortality-free survival rate of 90.1%, 78.3%, and 56.9% at 5, 10 and 15 years, and a HOCM-free survival rate of 91.3%, 79.4% and 57.7% at 5, 10 and 15 years, respectively. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that age≥ 65 years was an independent risk factor for all-cause death after PTSMA in patients with HOCM (HR=2.697, 95%CI 1.292-18.977, P=0.020). There were 32 patients in the surgical myectomy group. The proportion of patients with NYHA function class Ⅲ/Ⅳ was higher than that in the PTSMA group(P<0.001), while age, gender, and major comorbidities(atrial fibrillation, coronary heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes) as well as the left atrium dimension were all similar between the two groups(all P>0.05). Patients in the surgical myectomy group were followed up for 38.0(17.6, 64.2)months, and no deaths occurred during the follow-up period. Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis showed that there were no statistically significant differences in all-cause-free and HOCM-free survival rates between patients in PTSMA group and surgical myectomy group(P=0.089 and 0.110, respectively). Conclusion: PTSMA is safe and effective for the treatment of patients with HOCM, and the long-term survival rate of patients after PTSMA is similar as patients undergoing classical surgical myectomy surgery.

Partial Recovery of Mitochondrial Function of Vitrified Porcine MII Stage Oocytes During Post-Thaw Incubation.

　　The survival of porcine oocytes is still very low after cryopreservation. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether and when the mitochondrial function of vitrified porcine oocytes could be recovered post-thaw. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mitochondrial potential, ROS level, ATP content, apoptotic rate, caspase activity, and parthenogenetics developmental ability of thawed porcine oocytes were measured after culture in vitro for 0, 1, 2 or 4 h. RESULTS: Mitochondrial potential after 2 h and 4 h post-thaw culture were 1.19 and 1.26, significantly lower than that of fresh oocytes but much higher than the groups cultured for 0 h and 1 h (P<0.05). Cryopreservation increased the ROS level in oocytes considerably, which decreased only after 2 to 4 h incubation following thaw. ATP content increased gradually over time and recovered to the level comparable to that of fresh oocytes after 4 h. Pan caspase levels increased after cryopreservation and reached the highest level at 1 h incubation. Thereafter it decreased to a low value, but still higher than fresh oocytes. Oocytes showing an early apoptotic event decreased upon 2 to 4 h incubation. The parthenogenetic cleavage and blastocyst rates were the highest (19.8% and 5.6%) after 2 h incubation. CONCLUSION: The recovery of mitochondrial function could complete after 2 to 4 h post-thaw incubation. Post-thaw incubation for 2 to 4 h reduced apoptotic events and improved parthenogenetic developmental ability of vitrified porcine MII stage oocytes.

[Current status of job burnout in in-service sailors from 13 provinces and cities in China].

Objective: To investigate the current status of job burnout in in-service sailors, and to provide a basis for the development of intervention measures for job burnout in sailors. Methods: From September 2015 to May 2016, stratified cluster random sampling was used to select 6 172 in-service sailors from 13 provinces and cities as research subjects. General demographic data including age, education background, and household registration and occupational characteristics such as job position, navigating zone, and nature of employment were collected. The Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey (MBI-GS) was used to measure the levels of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, low occupational efficiency, and job burnout, and the influencing factors for job burnout were also analyzed. Results: Of all 6 172 in-service sailors, 112 (1.8%) had a positive result in emotional exhaustion, 870 (14.1%) had a positive result in depersonalization, and 3 517 (57.0%) had a positive result in low occupational efficiency. Of all sailors, 63.3% had job burnout, among whom 54.1% had mild burnout, 8.7% had moderate burnout, and 0.5% had severe burnout. There was a significant difference in the score of job burnout between the sailors with different ages, education backgrounds, types of household registration, job positions, navigating zones, ornature of employment (P<0.05). Age, education background, household registration, job position, navigating zone, and nature of employment were major influencing factors for job burnout in in-service sailors (P<0.05) , and there was a higher level of job burnout in the sailors with an age of 30-39 years, education background of junior college or above, urban registration, a job position of second mate/third engineer, a navigating zone of coastal lines, orthe nature of employment of freelance sailor. Conclusion: There is a high incidence rate of job burnout among in-service sailors, and the sailors with a young age, urban registration, a navigating zone of coastal lines, or thenature of employment of freelance sailor tend to have low occupational efficiency. Related measures should be adopted for active intervention.

Expression of toll-like receptors in hepatic cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) can specifically identify pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) by recognizing structural patterns in diverse microbial molecules, and can provide an effective defense against multiple microbial infectious. A variety of TLRs can be expressed on the surface of liver parenchymal as well as nonparenchymal cells. Kupffer cells are a type of hepatic nonparenchymal macrophage, and are positively associated with the severity of liver fibrosis. They play an important role in the synthesis and deposition of the extracellular matrix by upregulating the expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases and downregulating the activity of matrix metalloproteinases. Cirrhosis, a chronic diffuse lesion usually accompanying extensive liver fibrosis and nodular regeneration, is caused by liver parenchymal cells repeating injury-repair following reconstruction of organizational structure in the hepatic lobules. Hepatocellular carcinoma is caused by repeated and persistent chronic severe liver injury, and partial hepatocytes can eventually transform into hepatoma cells. Multiple TLRs such as TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, and TLR9, as well as other receptors, can be expressed in cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. About 53 and 85% of hepatocellular carcinoma patients frequently express TLR3 and TLR9, respectively. The chronic and repeated liver injury caused by alcohol, and HBV, HCV, or other pathogens can be recognized by TLRs through the PAMP pathway, which directly increases the risk for hepatic cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. In this review, we briefly present evidence that the novel cellular molecular mechanisms of TLRs may provide more information about new therapeutics targets of the anti-inflammatory immune response.

Both death receptor and mitochondria mediated apoptotic pathways participated the occurrence of apoptosis in porcine vitrified mii stage oocytes.

BACKGROUND: Oocytes vitrification is widely used for cryopreservation of female genetic resources. OBJECTIVE: In order to illuminate the apoptotic pathways of porcine MII stage oocytes after vitrification. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study used in situ fluorescence staining and RT-PCR to detect the expression levels of some key molecules from death receptor and mitochondria mediated apoptotic pathways. RESULTS: (1) Early stage apoptosis were detected in both PI staining survival oocytes and PI staining dead oocytes. (2) The fluorescence intensity of caspase 8, caspase 9, caspase 3 and pan caspase from vitrified oocytes were 32.03, 16.56, 16.70 and 8.43 respectively, which were much higher than those from fresh oocytes (4.02, 4.83, 4.23 and 3.08, P < 0.05). (3) Not only the genes from death receptor mediated apoptotic pathway, but also from mitochondrial mediated apoptotic pathway were changed greatly. CONCLUSION: The death of porcine vitrified oocytes could be induced by apoptosis, both death receptor and mitochondria mediated apoptotic pathways participated the occurrence of apoptosis in porcine vitrified MII stage oocytes.

Effect of hyperbaric oxygenation on mitochondrial function of neuronal cells in the cortex of neonatal rats after hypoxic-ischemic brain damage.

The timing and mechanisms of protection by hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO) in hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD) have only been partially elucidated. We monitored the effect of HBO on the mitochondrial function of neuronal cells in the cerebral cortex of neonatal rats after HIBD. Neonatal Sprague-Dawley rats (total of 360 of both genders) were randomly divided into normal control, HIBD, and HIBD+HBO groups. The HBO treatment began immediately after hypoxia-ischemia (HI) and continued once a day for 7 consecutive days. Animals were euthanized 0, 2, 4, 6, and 12 h post-HI to monitor the changes in mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) occurring soon after a single dose of HBO treatment, as well as 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 days post-HI to study ΔΨm changes after a series of HBO treatments. Fluctuations in ΔΨm were observed in the ipsilateral cortex in both HIBD and HIBD+HBO groups. Within 2 to 12 h after HI insult, the ΔΨm of the HIBD and HIBD+HBO groups recovered to some extent. A secondary drop in ΔΨm was observed in both groups during the 1-4 days post-HI period, but was more severe in the HIBD+HBO group. There was a secondary recovery of ΔΨm observed in the HIBD+HBO group, but not in the HIBD group, during the 5-7 days period after HI insult. HBO therapy may not lead to improvement of neural cell mitochondrial function in the cerebral cortex in the early stage post-HI, but may improve it in the sub-acute stage post-HI.

Effect of Nanoparticles on the Survival and Development of Vitrified Porcine GV Oocytes.

BACKGROUND: Some mammalian oocytes have been successfully cryopreserved by vitrification. However, the survival and developmental rate of vitrified oocytes is still low. The incorporation of nanoparticles into cryoprotectant (CPA) may improve the efficiency of vitrification by changing the properties of solutions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The toxicity of different concentrations of hydroxy apatite (HA), silica dioxide (SO2), aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (20 nm in diameter) to oocytes was tested and the toxicity threshold value of each nanoparticle was determined. Porcine GV oocytes were vitrified in optimized nano-CPA, and effects of diameter and concentration of nanoparticles on the survival rate and developmental rate of porcine GV oocytes were compared. RESULTS: HA nanoparticles have demonstrated the least toxicity among four nanoparticles and the developmental rate of GV-stage porcine oocytes was 100% when its concentration was lower than 0.5%. By adding 0.1% HA into VS, the developmental rate of GV-stage porcine oocytes (22%) was significantly higher than other groups. The effect of vitrification in nano-CPA on oocytes was related to the concentration of HA nanoparticles rather than their size. By adding 0.05% HA nanoparticles (60nm in diameter), the developmental rate increased dramatically from 14.7% to 30.4%. CONCLUSION: Nano-cryopreservation offers a new way to improve the effect of survival and development of oocytes, but the limitation of this technology shall not be ignored.

Effect of hyperbaric oxygenation on mitochondrial function of neuronal cells in the cortex of neonatal rats after hypoxic-ischemic brain damage

The timing and mechanisms of protection by hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO) in hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD) have only been partially elucidated. We monitored the effect of HBO on the mitochondrial function of neuronal cells in the cerebral cortex of neonatal rats after HIBD. Neonatal Sprague-Dawley rats (total of 360 of both genders) were randomly divided into normal control, HIBD, and HIBD+HBO groups. The HBO treatment began immediately after hypoxia-ischemia (HI) and continued once a day for 7 consecutive days. Animals were euthanized 0, 2, 4, 6, and 12 h post-HI to monitor the changes in mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) occurring soon after a single dose of HBO treatment, as well as 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 days post-HI to study ΔΨm changes after a series of HBO treatments. Fluctuations in ΔΨm were observed in the ipsilateral cortex in both HIBD and HIBD+HBO groups. Within 2 to 12 h after HI insult, the ΔΨm of the HIBD and HIBD+HBO groups recovered to some extent. A secondary drop in ΔΨm was observed in both groups during the 1-4 days post-HI period, but was more severe in the HIBD+HBO group. There was a secondary recovery of ΔΨm observed in the HIBD+HBO group, but not in the HIBD group, during the 5-7 days period after HI insult. HBO therapy may not lead to improvement of neural cell mitochondrial function in the cerebral cortex in the early stage post-HI, but may improve it in the sub-acute stage post-HI.

Heat transfer coefficient of cryotop during freezing.

Cryotop is an efficient vitrification method for cryopreservation of oocytes. It has been widely used owing to its simple operation and high freezing rate. Recently, the heat transfer performance of cryotop was studied by numerical simulation in several studies. However, the range of heat transfer coefficient in the simulation is uncertain. In this study, the heat transfer coefficient for cryotop during freezing process was analyzed. The cooling rates of 40 percent ethylene glycol (EG) droplet in cryotop during freezing were measured by ultra-fast measurement system and calculated by numerical simulation at different value of heat transfer coefficient. Compared with the results obtained by two methods, the range of the heat transfer coefficient necessary for the numerical simulation of cryotop was determined, which is between 9000 W/(m(2)·K) and 10000 W/(m (2)·K).

Expression of TRPV6 and CaBP-D28k in the egg shell gland (uterus) during the oviposition cycle of the laying hen.

1. The aim of this study was to investigate the localisation of the transient receptor potential vanilloid channel type 6 (TRPV6) in egg shell gland (ESG) and examine the dynamic expression of TRPV6 and Calbindin-d28k (CaBP-D28k), as well as the changes in concentration of total calcium (Ca), total inorganic phosphorus (P), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcitonin (CT) in plasma during the oviposition cycle. 2. The plasma ALP activity was notably increased at 8 h. In addition, plasma CT was highest at 0 h and significantly lower at 8 h. The change of plasma PTH concentration increased slightly post-oviposition and reached a maximum at 16 h. 3. Immunohistochemical analysis indicated that TRPV6 was strongly localised to the apical luminal epithelium of the mucosa. The mRNA levels of TRPV6 and CaBP-D28k in the ESG remained very low from 0 to 4.5 h, but were significantly increased at 16 h. Furthermore, Western blotting analysis showed that the expression of TRPV6 and CaBP-D28k also reached a maximum at 16 h and was different from the concentration of CaBP-D28k. 4. In conclusion, the epithelial Ca(2+) channel TRPV6 is strongly expressed in the epithelial cells of the eggshell gland, and the increase of TRPV6 and CaBP-D28k mRNA and protein expression during eggshell formation suggests that active Ca(2+) transcellular transport exerts significant effects in delivering active calcium in the ESG.

Identification of osteoarthritis biomarkers by proteomic analysis of synovial fluid.

OBJECTIVE: To use proteomic analysis to identify novel candidate biomarker proteins in synovial fluid for the differential diagnosis of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS: Synovial fluid samples were analysed using surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF-MS). Data were used to generate an artificial neural network (ANN). The identification of one protein peak was confirmed via Western blotting. RESULTS: Fluid samples were analysed from 36 patients with osteoarthritis and 24 with rheumatoid arthritis. In total, three protein peaks (mass-to-charge ratio [m/z] 3893, 10,576 and 14,175 Da) were identified as potential biomarkers for osteoarthritis. The ANN differentiated between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis with a sensitivity of 89.4% and a specificity of 91.2%. The protein peak at m/z 10 576 was identified as S100 calcium binding protein A12 (S100A12). CONCLUSIONS: A combination of SELDI-TOF-MS and ANN identified osteoarthritis biomarkers. SELDI-TOF-MS may be a useful tool in the screening of synovial fluid for osteoarthritis diagnosis.

Effects of enzyme addition on the nutritive value of broiler diets containing hulled or dehulled Chinese double-low rapeseed meals.

An in vitro and a feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effect of fibre-degrading enzymes A (xylanase + ß-glucanase), B (xylanase) and C (xylanase + cellulase) on the nutritive value of broiler diets containing either hulled (22.5% and 23.5% for 4­21 days and 22­42 days of age, respectively) or dehulled (20% and 21.5%) Chinese double-low rapeseed meals (DLRM). Overall, in vitro digestibility of dry matter (DM) or neutral digestibility fibre (NDF) did not differ (p > 0.05) because of meal types; both crude protein (CP) and NDF digestibility was improved (p < 0.05) because of addition of enzymes B or C either to hulled or dehulled DLRM diets. Birds fed dehulled DLRM diets had a higher (p < 0.05) growth rate, feed efficiency and lower (p < 0.05) feed intake than those fed hulled DLRM diets during the overall phase. Enzyme C addition to dehulled DLRM diets resulted in improved (p < 0.05) growth rate and feed efficiency during 4­21 days of age. Enzymes A and B addition elicited a positive response in feed intake and weight gain (p < 0.05), respectively, but did not affect (p > 0.05) feed efficiency. It would appear that the nutritive value of broiler diets containing Chinese DLRM could be improved by appropriate xylanase-based enzymes. Responses of broilers to fibre-degrading enzymes could be highlighted by hull removal of fed DLRM.

Duration of feeding linseed diet influences expression of inflammation-related genes and growth performance of growing-finishing barrows.

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of dietary linseed (rich in n-3 PUFA) on expression of inflammation-related genes and on growth performance of growing-finishing barrows. Two isoenergetic and isonitrogenous diets were formulated, one as the basal diet and the other containing 10% linseed. Twenty-four Landrace x Yorkshire barrows weighing 35 +/- 3.7 kg were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatment groups, with 6 pigs per group. During the entire experimental period of 90 d, these 4 groups of pigs were first fed the basal diet and then fed the linseed diet for 0, 30, 60, and 90 d before slaughter, respectively. Pig growth; messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARgamma), IL-1beta0, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha); and plasma concentrations of the 3 proinflammatory cytokines were measured and analyzed. Average daily feed intake did not differ among treatment groups (P > 0.05), but ADG (P < 0.05) and G:F (P < 0.01) responded quadratically to the duration of linseed diet feeding, and pigs in the 60-d treatment group had the greatest ADG and G:F. The mRNA expression of PPARgamma in loin muscle and spleen increased linearly (P < 0.01) with the duration of linseed diet feeding, whereas its expression in adipose tissue was not affected (P = 0.095). Tumor necrosis factor-alpha and IL-6 mRNA expression in muscle, adipose, and spleen, as well as serum concentration of TNF-alpha, decreased linearly (P < 0.01) with the duration of linseed diet feeding. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma mRNA abundance was negatively correlated with IL-1beta, IL-6, and TNF-alpha mRNA abundance both in muscle (R(2) = 0.63, P < 0.001) and in spleen (R(2) = 0.69, P < 0.001), and PPARgamma mRNA expression in spleen (R(2) = 0.59, P < 0.01) and muscle (R(2) = 0.52, P < 0.05) was negatively correlated with serum TNF-alpha concentration. There were also significant quadratic relations between ADG and expression of PPARgamma (P < 0.05) and splenic TNF-alpha (P < 0.05). These data suggest that intake of n-3 PUFA from the linseed diet led to significant decreases in the expression of proinflammatory cytokine genes, which may stimulate growth in growing-finishing barrows, at least in part, through a PPARgamma-dependent mechanism.