The relationship between lysozyme gene polymorphism and quality changes during the storage of eggs derived from 2 commercial strains of Japanese quail.

During the storage irreversible changes occur in eggs that result in a deterioration of their quality. The most significant changes affect the albumen. One of the major proteins of albumen present in egg white is lysozyme, which protects the embryo from microorganisms. This enzyme also contributes to the qualitative characteristics of albumen. It is possible that its polymorphism also affects the quality and stability of the obtained raw material that is, table eggs. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the potential effect of polymorphism in the lysozyme gene and protein on the quality changes during the storage of eggs derived from 2 genetic strains of Japanese quail belonging to various utility types. Eggs from selected females of laying and meat-type breeds were stored for 14 wk. During this period the egg quality traits were evaluated 10 times. DNA was isolated from each female and all exons of the lysozyme gene had been sequenced. In total, fourteen SNPs' and one 4-bp indel mutation were identified in exons and adjacent intronic sequences, among which SNP1 (1:32140723) resulted in a substitution of lysine with glutamine (Q21K). The results showed that SNP1 (strain S22), as well as the SNP2, SNP5, SNP7, SNP8, SNP10, SNP11, SNP12 and SNP13 were significantly associated with breaking strength during egg storage in both investigated Japanese quail strains. Furthermore, a 3 haplotype blocks containing nine SNPs (2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12 and 13) were identified. These blocks displayed 8 distinct haplotypes that had significant association with breaking strength at all storage time points where egg quality analyses were performed. The study also revealed significant effects of breed and storage time on the egg quality traits. These results provide new insights into the genetic basis of egg quality during storage and could be incorporated into the breeding programs involving these strains.

Changes in the lodging resistance of winter wheat from 1950s to the 2020s in Henan Province of China.

BACKGROUND: Lodging is a major factor contributing to yield loss and constraining the mechanical harvesting of wheat crops. Genetic improvement through breeding effectively reduced the lodging and improved the grain yield, however, the physiological mechanisms involved in providing resistance to lodging are different in the breeding stage and are not clearly understood. The purpose of this study was to compare the differences in the lodging resistance (LR) of the wheat varieties released during the different decades and to explore the effect of the application of nitrogen (N) fertilizer on the plasticity of LR. RESULTS: A field study was conducted during the cultivation seasons of 2019-2020 and 2020-2021, in soil supplemented with three N levels: N0 (0 kg ha-1), N180 (200 kg ha-1), and N360 (360 kg ha-1) using eight varieties of wheat released for commercial cultivation from 1950 to date. The results obtained showed that genetic improvement had significantly enhanced the LR and grain yield in wheat. In the first breeding stage (from 1950 to 1980s) the lodging resistant index increased by 15.0%, which was primarily attributed to a reduced plant height and increased contents of cellulose, Si, and Zn. In the second breeding stage (the 1990s-2020s) it increased by 172.8%, which was mainly attributed to an increase in the stem diameter, wall thickness, and the contents of K, Ca, Fe, Mn, and Cu. The application of N fertilizer improved the grain yield but reduced the LR in wheat. This was mainly due to an increase in plant height resulting in an elevation of the plant center of gravity, a decrease in the contents of cellulose, and a reduction in the area of large-sized vascular bundles in the stems, even if N supplementation increased the concentrations of K, Ca, and Si. CONCLUSION: Although breeding strategies improved the stem strength, the trade-off between the grain yield and LR was more significantly influenced by the addition of N. Overcoming this peculiar situation will serve as a breakthrough in improving the seed yield in wheat crops in the future.

Effects of Twisting and Surface Finish on the Mechanical Properties of Natural Gut Harp Strings.

Natural gut harp strings are made from twisted bundles of gut strips, which are dried, ground, and varnished. The effects of varying the twist angle and surface finishing on the mechanical properties of gut harp strings have been explored. Strings were tested over a range of twist angles from 23.5∘ to 58.3∘, and with all four combinations of ground or unground and varnished or unvarnished surface finishing. The principal effects of varying the degree of twisting were that the breaking strength and tensile Young's modulus both fell as the twist angle was increased. String makers must therefore make a compromise between sound quality and string strength and durability. Leaving the string unvarnished dramatically increased the sensitivity to changes in humidity, which, in turn, affected the thermal tuning sensitivity and creep behaviour. Grinding the string surface prior to varnishing had no significant effect on the behaviour, but did make some difference to the thermal tuning sensitivity if the string was left unvarnished. Increasing the humidity frequently triggered episodes of additional string creep. There appeared to be a threshold effect, with the additional creep triggered when the string linear density exceeded its previous maximum. When the string was not creeping, there appeared to be a strong coupling mechanism between changes in the linear density and complementary changes in the string tension, such that there was almost no net effect on the string frequency. This behaviour was independent of the twist angle and the surface finishing, suggesting that whatever the coupling mechanism was, it was not dependent on the twisted structure of the string.

Effects of L-arginine, guanidinoacetic acid and L-citrulline supplementation in reduced-protein diets on bone morphology and mineralization of laying hens.

The alterations in feed ingredients and the nutrient matrix to produce reduced-protein diets may affect bone morphology and mineralization in laying hens. This study was implemented to determine the effects of L-arginine (Arg), guanidinoacetic acid (GAA), and L-citrulline (Cit) supplementation to Arg-deficient reduced-protein diets on bone morphology, strength, and mineralization status of laying hens. Individually housed Hy-Line Brown laying hens were evenly distributed to five dietary treatments with 25 replicates per treatment from 20 to 40 wk of age. Treatments consisted of a standard protein diet (17% crude protein, SP), a reduced-protein diet deficient in Arg (13% crude protein, RP), and RP supplemented with Arg (0.35% Arg, RP-Arg), GAA (0.46% GAA equivalent to 0.35% Arg, RP-GAA), or Cit (0.35% Cit equivalent to 0.35% Arg, RP-Cit) to reach the Arg level of SP diets. Birds fed the SP diet had similar bone weight, ash, length, width, Seedor index, breaking strength, and serum mineral concentration, but higher toe B level (P < 0.001) compared to those fed the RP diet at wk 40. Birds fed the SP diet consumed more but also excreted more K and B compared to those fed the RP diet (P < 0.01). Birds fed the SP diet had lower Cu digestibility (P = 0.01) and higher B retention (P < 0.01) compared to those offered the RP diet. Supplementation of Arg, GAA, and Cit to the RP diet increased relative femur weight and length (P < 0.001). Citrulline supplementation also increased relative tibia and femur ash, and Zn digestibility (P < 0.05). Supplementation of GAA to the RP diet decreased serum Ca, P, and Mg levels, decreased tibia Fe and Mg levels and toe Mg level, but increased Al, Fe, Zn, and Mn digestibility (P < 0.05). The current findings demonstrated the capacity of laying hens to adapt to low mineral intake by increasing mineral utilization. Overall, bone morphology and breaking strength, and serum mineral level in laying hens were not influenced by dietary CP levels. Dietary Arg, GAA, or Cit supplementation were effective in improving bone morphology and mineralization in laying hens fed Arg-deficient RP diets.

Correlations between organic matrix and eggshell properties of 3 kinds of eggshells in Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata).

In order to analyze the relationship between organic matrix and eggshell properties in Muscovy duck eggshells with different qualities, the organic matrices in the eggshells of normal, pimpled, and striped eggs of white-feathered Muscovy ducks were extracted and separated into acid-insoluble, water-insoluble, and facultative-soluble matrix (both acid- and water-soluble). There was no significant difference in calcified shell thickness between normal and pimpled eggs. However, the percentages of acid-insoluble matrix and total matrix were significantly higher, and the breaking strength was significantly lower in pimpled eggs than those in normal eggs. In striped eggs, the percentages of acid-insoluble matrix, facultative-soluble matrix, and total matrix, calcified shell weight, calcified shell thickness, and breaking strength were significantly lower than those in normal eggs. The amount and percentage of 3 organic matrices (water-insoluble matrix, facultative-soluble matrix, and total matrix) were significantly positively correlated with calcified shell thickness in normal eggs rather than striped and pimpled eggs. Our results also demonstrated that there was no linear correlation between the organic components in the 3 Muscovy duck eggshells and the mechanical properties of the eggshells. The lower breaking strength of pimpled eggshells might be due to the unbalanced enrichment of certain proteins, whereas the striped eggs might mainly result from thinner calcified shells and poor balance between different sedimentary layers.

Efficacy of a bacterial 6-phytase supplemented beyond traditional dose levels on jejunal mucosa-associated microbiota, ileal nutrient digestibility, bone parameters, and intestinal health, and growth performance of nursery pigs.

This study aimed to determine the efficacy of a bacterial 6-phytase (Buttiauxella spp.) supplemented beyond traditional dose levels based on jejunal mucosa-associated microbiota, apparent ileal digestibility (AID), intestinal health and bone parameters, and growth performance of nursery pigs. Seventy-two weaned pigs (36 barrows and 36 gilts at 21 d of age with 5.8 ± 0.5 kg BW) were allotted to six treatments based on randomized complete block design with sex and initial BW as blocks and fed in three dietary phases (phase 1 for 14 d, phase 2 for 10 d, and phase 3 for 14 d). The treatments included a negative control (NC) diet without phytase formulated meeting nutrient requirements by NRC and the other five treatments were deficient in calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) by 0.12% with increasing levels of a bacterial 6-phytase (0, 500, 1,000, 2,000, and 5,000 FTU/kg feed). Titanium dioxide (0.4%) was added to phase 3 diets as an indigestible marker to measure AID of nutrients. On day 45, all pigs were euthanized to collect ileal digesta to measure AID, the third metacarpus to measure bone parameters, and jejunal mucosa to evaluate intestinal health and microbiota. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure for polynomial contrasts and the NLMIXED procedure for broken line analysis using the SAS 9.4. Broken line analysis demonstrated that 948 FTU/kg feed increased (P < 0.05) the ADG and the bone P content. Increasing phytase supplementation increased (linear, P < 0.05) AID of CP, bone P, and ash content. Increasing phytase supplementation reduced (P < 0.05) the fecal score during phases 2 and 3. Broken line analysis demonstrated that 1,889 FTU/kg feed increased (P < 0.05) bone breaking strength. Increasing phytase supplementation (PC vs. Phy) increased (P < 0.05) AID of ether extract (EE) and P. The supplementation of phytase at 2,000 FTU/kg feed tended (P = 0.087) to reduce the relative abundance of Prevotellaceae. In conclusion, the supplementation of a bacterial 6-phytase beyond traditional dose levels improved bone breaking strength, bone ash, and P content, AID of CP, EE, and P, and growth performance of nursery pigs with reduced relative abundance of Bacteroidetes specifically Prevotellaceae in the jejunal mucosa. Supplementation of a bacterial 6-phytase between 1,000 and 2,000 FTU/kg feed provided benefits associated with growth performance and bone parameters of nursery pigs.

After weaning, pigs start to receive solid diets throughout nursery phase with high amounts of plant-based feedstuffs containing various antinutritional and allergenic compounds. Feed enzymes have been used in nursery diets to reduce or remove the negative impacts associated with these compounds. This study used the phytase at normal and beyond traditional doses, which specifically catalyze the hydrolysis of phytic acid and can provide benefits on bone and intestinal health, intestinal microbiota, nutrient digestibility, and growth performance of pigs. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of a bacterial 6-phytase beyond traditional dose levels on intestinal microbiota, nutrient digestibility, bone parameters and intestinal health, and growth performance of nursery pigs. Phytase supplementation improved bone breaking strength and mineralization, apparent ileal digestibility of crude protein, ether extract, and phosphorus, average daily gain, feed intake, and reduced relative abundance of Bacteroidetes specifically Prevotellaceae in the jejunal mucosa.

Effect of varying dietary crude protein and metabolizable energy levels on leg abnormalities and performance in broiler chickens

Background: Nutrient restriction is a common strategy to prevent metabolic disorders in fast growing broiler chickens, but limited information is available regarding the impact of diets with low protein and energy on leg abnormalities Objective: Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of varying crude protein (CP) and metabolizable energy (ME) levels on gastrocnemius tendon (GTeBS) and tibia breaking strength (TiBS), gait score (GS) and valgus/varus angulation (VAng). Methods: In Experiment 1, eight-d-old Ross 308 broilers (n=90) were randomly assigned into three treatments: 13/2,900 (13% CP and 2,900 kcal ME kg-1 of diet), 17/3,000 (17% CP and 3,000 kcal ME kg-1 of diet), and 21/3,025 or control (21% CP and 3,025 kcal ME kg-1 of diet). In Experiment 2, six-d-old Ross 308 chickens (n=192) were randomly distributed into two treatments: 16/3,000; 16% CP and 3,000 kcal ME kg-1 of diet and 21/3,000 or control; 21% CP and 3,000 kcal ME kg-1 of diet. In both experiments data were analyzed as one-way ANOVA. Results: In Experiment 1, broilers in the 17/3,000 and control treatments had similar (p>0.05) GTeBS (202 and 224 N, respectively), and TiBS (338 and 332 N, respectively). Birds in the 13/2,900 treatment showed higher GS (lower walking ability; 80% of birds with score >3), and greater VAng (53% of birds with score >2) than broilers in the control treatment (0% of birds with GS score >3 and 0% of birds with VAng score >2). Experiment 2, broilers in the 16/3,000 showed similar VAng, GS and TiBS than birds in the control treatment. However, birds in the 16/3,000 treatment showed lower (-26%) GTeBS than birds in the control treatment (p<0.05). Conclusions: Feeding broilers with 16% CP and 3,000 kcal ME kg-1 of diet did not affect tibia breaking strength, gait score and valgus/varus angulation. A diet containing 16% CP or less and 2,900-3,000 kcal ME kg-1 reduces tendon and tibia breaking strength.

Antecedentes: La restricción de nutrientes es una estrategia común para prevenir trastornos metabólicos en pollos de engorde, sin embargo, se dispone de información limitada sobre el impacto de las dietas bajas en proteína y energía en las anomalías de piernas. Objetivo: Se llevaron a cabo dos experimentos para evaluar el efecto de niveles variables de proteína cruda (PC) y energía metabolizable (EM) en la fuerza de rotura del tendón del gastrocnemio (GTeBS) y tibia (TiBS), la evaluación de marcha (GS) y la angulación en valgus/varus (VAng). Métodos: En el Experimento 1, pollos de engorde Ross 308 de ocho días de edad (n = 90) se asignaron al azar en tres tratamientos: 13/2.900; 13% PC y 2.900 kcal ME kg-1 de dieta, 17/3.000; 17% PC y 3.000 kcal ME kg-1 de dieta y 21/3.025 o control; 21% PC y 3.025 kcal ME kg-1 de dieta. En el Experimento 2, pollos Ross 308 de seis días de edad (n = 192) se distribuyeron aleatoriamente en dos tratamientos: 16/3.000; 16% PC y 3.000 kcal ME kg-1 de dieta y 21/3.000 o control; 21% PC y 3.000 kcal ME kg-1 de dieta. En ambos experimentos los datos se analizaron como ANOVA de una vía. Resultados: En el Experimento 1, los pollos de los tratamientos 17/3.000 y control tuvieron GTeBS (202 y 224 N, respectivamente) y TiBS (338 y 332 N, respectivamente) similares (p>0,05). Las aves del tratamiento 13/2.900 mostraron mayor GS (menor capacidad para caminar; 80% de las aves con puntaje >3) y mayor VAng (53% de las aves con puntaje >2) que los pollos del tratamiento control (0% de aves con un puntaje GS >3 y 0% de aves con un puntaje VAng >2). En el Experimento 2, los pollos del 16/3.000 mostraron VAng, GS y TiBS similares a los de las aves del tratamiento control. Sin embargo, las aves del tratamiento 16/3.000 mostraron menor (-26%) GTeBS que las aves control (p<0,05). Conclusiones: La alimentación de pollos de engorde con 16% PC y 3.000 kcal EM kg-1 de dieta no afecta la resistencia a la ruptura de la tibia, la marcha y la angulación valgus/varus. La dieta formulada con 16% de PC o menos y 2.900-3.000 kcal de EM kg-1 reduce la resistencia a la ruptura del tendón y de la tibia.

Antecedentes: A restrição de nutrientes é uma estratégia comum para prevenir distúrbios metabólicos em frangos de corte, no entanto, há informações limitadas disponíveis sobre o impacto de dietas de baixa proteína e baixa energia nas anormalidades de pernas destas aves. Objetivo: Dois experimentos foram realizados para avaliar o efeito de diferentes níveis de proteína bruta (PB) e energia metabolizável (EM) em força de ruptura do tendão do músculo gastrocnêmio (GTeBS), forca de ruptura da tíbia (TiBS), gait score (GS) e angulação em valgus/varus (VAng). Métodos: Experimento 1, foram utilizados 308 frangos de corte machos da linhagem Ross com oito dias de idade (n = 90) distribuidos aleatoriamente em três tratamentos: dieta controle com 21% PB e 3.025 kcal EM kg-1 13/2.900; dieta con 13% PB e 2.900 kcal EM kg-1, y 17% PB e 3.000 kcal EM kg-1 . Experimento 2, foram utilizados 308 frangos de corte da linhagem Ross com seis dias de idade (n = 192) distribuídos aleatoriamente em dois tratamentos: dieta controle con 21% PB e 3.000 kcal EM kg-1 e dieta com 16% PB e 3.000 kcal EM kg-1 . Em ambos os experimentos, os dados foram submetidos a ANOVA. Resultados: Experimento 1, os frangos de corte submetidos ao dos tratamentos 17/3.000 e controle nao apresentaram diferencas significativas (p>0,05) para as variáveis GteBS (202 y 224 N, respectivamente) e TiBS (338 y 332 N, respectivamente). Os frangos submetidos ao 13/2.900 apresentaram maior frequência de GS (menor capacidade de locomocao; 80% das aves com pontuação>3) e maior VAng (53% das aves com pontuação>2) do que os frangos do tratamento controle (0% das aves com pontuação GS>3 e 0% das aves com pontuação VAng>2). Experimento 2, os frangos do 16/3.000 apresentaram VAng, GS e TiBS semelhantes aos das aves do tratamento controle. Entretanto, as aves do tratamento 16/3.000 apresentaram GTeBS mais baixo (-26%) em comparacao as aves do tratamento de controle (p<0,05). Conclusões: A dieta com 16% PB e 3.000 kcal EM kg-1 não afetou a forca de ruptura da tíbia, gaite score marcha e angulação em valgus/varus de frangos de corte. Uma dieta com níveis de 16% de PB ou menos e 2.900-3.000 kcal EM kg-1 reduziu a resistência à ruptura do tendão e a resistência de tibia de frangos de corte.

Plant-based Natural Products for Wound Healing: A Critical Review.

Wound healing is an intricate process consisting of four overlapping phases, namely hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodelling. Effective treatment of wounds depends upon the interaction of appropriate cell types, cell surface receptors, and the extracellular matrix with the therapeutic agents. Several approaches currently used for treating wounds, such as advanced wound dressing, growth factor therapy, stem cell therapy, and gene therapy, are not very effective and lead to impaired healing. Further, repeated use of antibiotics to treat open wounds leads to multi- drug resistance. Today there is considerable interest in plant-based drugs as they are believed to be safe, inexpensive, and more suitable for chronic wounds. For example, a large number of plant- based extracts and their bioactive compounds have been investigated for wound healing. In recent years the structural and mechanistic diversity of natural products have become central players in the search for newer therapeutic agents. In the present review, a thorough critical survey of the traditionally used plant-based drugs used worldwide for wound healing with special reference to the natural products/bioactive compounds isolated and screened is presented. It is hoped that this review will attract the attention of the research community involved in newer drug design and development for wound healing.

Bone quality and composition are influenced by egg production, layer line, and oestradiol-17ß in laying hens.

Keel bone fractures are a serious animal welfare problem in laying hens. The aim of the current study was to assess the influence of egg production, oestradiol-17ß, and selection for high laying performance on bone quality. Hens of two layer lines differing in laying performance (WLA: 320 eggs per year, G11: 200 eggs per year) were allocated to four treatment groups. Group S received a deslorelin acetate implant that suppressed egg production. Group E received an implant with the sexual steroid oestradiol-17ß. Group SE received both implants and group C did not receive any implant. In the 63rd week of age, composition and characteristics of the tibiotarsi were assessed using histological analysis, three-point bending test, thermogravimetric analysis, infrared spectroscopy, and two-dimensional X-ray diffraction, respectively. Non-egg-laying hens showed a higher total bone area and a higher relative amount of cortical bone compared to egg-laying hens. Hens of layer line G11 showed a higher relative amount of medullary bone and a higher degree of mineralization of the cortical bone compared to hens of layer line WLA. These differences in bone composition may explain different susceptibility to keel bone fractures in non-egg-laying compared to egg-laying hens as well as in hens of layer lines differing in laying performance. The effect of exogenous oestradiol-17ß on bone parameters varied between the layer lines indicating a genetic influence on bone physiology and the way it can be modulated by hormone substitution.

Effect of "Murcchana samskara" on therapeutic efficacy of BhallatakadiGhrita.

'Bhallatakadi Ghrita' (BG), comprising the plant extracts of Semecarpus anacardium L., Argemone mexicana L., Cocculus hirsutus L., and Woodfordia fruticosa K. 'Murcchana samskara' of ghee before any 'ghrita-paka' preparation evidenced the maximum acceptability for topical application. The current study dealt with the effect of the 'Murcchana' process on the therapeutic efficacy of BG. In the first step, 'Murcchita' ghee was prepared as per reference texts and then developed the 'Murcchita Bhallatakadi Ghrita' (M-BG), which was further assessed for wound healing activity using incision and excision wound animal models. 'Murcchanasamskara' altered the wound healing ability of M-BG (100% wound contraction on 15th post wounding day with 13.50 ± 0.22 days complete re-epithelization time and 562.33 ± 7.37 g breaking strength). The presence of antioxidants, polyphenols, flavonoids, and fatty acids (known for their potential wound healing properties) in M-BG could accelerate the wound contraction rate (P < 0.001). The present investigation has corroborated the Ayurvedic/traditional attribute of 'Murcchanasamskara' to augment the medicinal properties of the BG.

Supplemental Effects of Phytase on Modulation of Mucosa-Associated Microbiota in the Jejunum and the Impacts on Nutrient Digestibility, Intestinal Morphology, and Bone Parameters in Broiler Chickens.

This study aimed to determine supplemental effects of phytase on modulation of the mucosa-associated microbiota in the jejunum, intestinal morphology, nutrient digestibility, bone parameters, and growth performance of broiler chickens. Three hundred and sixty newly hatched broiler chickens (Ross 308) (44 ± 2 g BW) were randomly allotted in 6 treatments with 10 birds per cage based on a completely randomized design and fed for 27 d. The treatments consisted of one negative control (NC), diet formulated meeting the requirements suggested by Ross recommendations (2019), and without phytase supplementation. The other treatments consisted of a positive control diet (PC) formulated with 0.15% deficient Ca and P and split into 5 treatments with different phytase inclusion levels (0, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000 FTU/kg feed). Titanium dioxide (0.4%) was added to feeds as an indigestible marker to measure apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of nutrients. On d 27, 3 birds were randomly selected from each cage and euthanized to collect samples for analyzing the mucosa-associated microbiota in the jejunum, oxidative stress status, AID, and bone parameters. Data were analyzed using the proc Mixed of SAS 9.4. Phytase supplementation tended to have a quadratic effect (p = 0.078) on the overall ADG (maximum: 41 g/d at 2833 FTU/kg of feed). Supplementation of phytase at 2,000 FTU/kg increased (p < 0.05) the relative abundance of Lactobacillus and reduced (p < 0.05) Pelomonas. Moreover, it tended to reduce Helicobacter (p = 0.085), Pseudomonas (p = 0.090) Sphingomonas (p = 0.071). Phytase supplementation increased (p < 0.05) the villus height and the AID of CP; and tended to increase (p = 0.086) the AID of P. Phytase supplementation increased (p < 0.05) breaking strength and P content in the tibia. In conclusion, phytase supplementation showed potential benefits on the modulation of the mucosa-associated microbiota in the jejunum by tending to reduce harmful bacteria (Pelomonas, Helicobacter, and Pseudomonas) and increase beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillus). In addition, it showed positive effects increasing apparent ileal digestibility of CP and P, enhancing intestinal morphology (villus height), and improving the bone parameters (bone breaking strength, ash, and P content). Phytase supplementation at a range of 38 to 59 FTU/d or 600 to 950 FTU/kg of feed provided the most benefits related to nutrient digestibility.

Identification and Functional Annotation of Genes Related to Bone Stability in Laying Hens Using Random Forests.

Skeletal disorders, including fractures and osteoporosis, in laying hens cause major welfare and economic problems. Although genetics have been shown to play a key role in bone integrity, little is yet known about the underlying genetic architecture of the traits. This study aimed to identify genes associated with bone breaking strength and bone mineral density of the tibiotarsus and the humerus in laying hens. Potentially informative single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) were identified using Random Forests classification. We then searched for genes known to be related to bone stability in close proximity to the SNPs and identified 16 potential candidates. Some of them had human orthologues. Based on our findings, we can support the assumption that multiple genes determine bone strength, with each of them having a rather small effect, as illustrated by our SNP effect estimates. Furthermore, the enrichment analysis showed that some of these candidates are involved in metabolic pathways critical for bone integrity. In conclusion, the identified candidates represent genes that may play a role in the bone integrity of chickens. Although further studies are needed to determine causality, the genes reported here are promising in terms of alleviating bone disorders in laying hens.

Biomimetic Mechanically Enhanced Carbon Nanotube Fibers by Silk Fibroin Infiltration.

Natural materials, such as silk, nacre, and bone, possess superior mechanical properties which are derived from their unique hierarchical structures. Individual carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are considered as one of the strongest materials. However, macroscopic CNT fibers usually have breaking strength far below that of individual CNTs. In this work, by mimicking the structure of natural silk fibers, strong and stiff CNT fibers are prepared by infiltrating silk fibroin (SF) into CNT fibers. There are abundant hydrogen bonds in SF, contributing to the enhanced interactions between neighboring CNTs. Glycerol is selected to promote the formation of ß-sheet conformation in SF, leading to further enhanced strength and modulus. Remarkably, the SF infiltrated CNT fibers show breaking strength of 1023 MPa, toughness of 10.3 MJ m-3 , and Young's modulus of 81.3 GPa, which are 250%, 132%, and 442% of the pristine CNT fibers. The structure of the SF and the interactions between CNTs and SF are studied via Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulation. Mimicking the hierarchical structures of natural silk fibers and enhance the interfacial load transfer by infiltrating SF are effective for reinforcing CNT fibers, which may be useful in the design and preparation of other structural materials.

Evaluation of wound healing potential of Bhallatakadi Ghrita - cow ghee based polyherbal formulation: in-vivo excision and incision wound model.

OBJECTIVES: Ghee is widely considered as the Indian name for clarified butterfat and processing of ghee with therapeutic herbs i.e., ghrita is renowned for augmenting their medicinal properties. The wound is considered as a challenging clinical problem with early and late complications. To reduce the burden of wounds with the shortest period and minimum scaring, an attempt was made to prepare and evaluate the wound healing potential of ghee based polyherbal formulation. METHODS: Based on local ethnic tribal claims, Semecarpus anacardium L., Argemone mexicana L., Cocculus hirsutus L., and Woodfordia fruticosa K. were collected from Western Ghats of India. The polyherbal Bhallatakadi Ghrita (BG) formulation was prepared as per Ayurvedic procedure and assessed for its wound healing potential using incision and excision wound animal models. RESULTS: BG treated group showed a complete contraction of wounds (99.82 ± 0.10%) (p<0.001) with 15.17 ± 0.40 days re-epithelization time and breaking strength (531.50 ± 5.89) (p<0.05). The hydroxyproline content of BG was found to be significantly higher i.e., 4.23 ± 0.21 (p<0.05). Quantitative estimation of BG exhibited 54.7 ± 3.7 mg100 g-1 of polyphenols and 42.3 ± 5.4 mg.100 g-1 flavonoids in terms of gallic acid and quercetin respectively. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of gallic acid and quercetin whereas the presence of fatty acids was confirmed by GC-MS analysis. CONCLUSIONS: It may conclude that the presence of quercetin, gallic acid, and fatty acids could have accelerated the healing rate of the ghrita formulation, as they have already been known for their potential wound healing properties.

Influence of Different Rehydration Protocols on Biomechanical Properties of Allogeneic Cortical Bone Plates: A Combined in-vitro/in-vivo Study.

INTRODUCTION: Allogeneic cortical bone plates (CP) are used for alveolar ridge augmentation. Since CP are freeze-dried and dehydrated during processing, the breaking strength (BS) and the flexibility (FX) are reduced, resulting in a relevant risk for plate fractures during insertion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of rehydration time on the biomechanical properties (BS & FX) of CP in-vitro and in vivo. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 40 CP were randomly divided into four experimental groups. (A) untreated control (n = 10), rehydration for 10 (B), 30 (C) and 60 (D) minutes in 0.9% saline solution (n = 10 each). BS [Newton, N] and FX [mm] (force till fracture and distance of deflection to the breaking point) were analyzed. Besides, architectural features of all CP groups were visualized and examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In addition, the frequency of CP fractures of rehydrated- vs. non-rehydrated CP was retrospectively analyzed in 6 patients. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, significantly increased BS and FX were demonstrated after 10, 30 and 60 minutes of rehydration (p each ≤ 0.035). After a rehydration time of 10 minutes, no additional increase of BS and FX was seen when compared to30 and 60 minutes (p each = 1.0). SEM scans demonstrated that the CP fracture characteristics were influenced by the different rehydration protocols. The frequency of CP fractures was reduced in patients by CP rehydration. CONCLUSION: The biomechanical properties of CP can be significantly improved by 10 min of rehydration, resulting in an increased BS and FX, that might be clinically relevant.

Genome-wide association study of bone quality and feed efficiency-related traits in Pekin ducks.

Feeding and bone traits are vital for breeding and reproduction in the commercial duck industry. In this study, we performed a genome-wide association study for feeding and bone traits in a population of 540 lean-type Pekin ducks, followed by genotyping-by-sequencing procedures. The genetic parameters of feeding and bone traits were also estimated using genomic information. In total, seventy-eight significant SNPs were determined, and eleven of them reached the genome-wide significant level for 7 traits except for body weight at 42-day old. A peak of genome-wide significant SNPs was detected on chromosome 2 for feed conversion ratio (P-value = 7.46E-11), and the top SNP (P-value = 2.23E-08) for bone-breaking strength was also obtained in the upstream of gene RAPGEF5. This study provided a list of novel markers and candidate genes associated with feeding and bone traits in Pekin ducks, which could contribute to the genetic selection in duck breeding.

Relationship between Bone Stability and Egg Production in Genetically Divergent Chicken Layer Lines.

Impaired animal welfare due to skeletal disorders is likely one of the greatest issues currently facing the egg production industry. Reduced bone stability in laying hens is frequently attributed to long-term selection for increased egg production. The present study sought to analyse the relationship between bone stability traits and egg production. The study comprised four purebred layer lines, differing in their phylogenetic origin and performance level, providing extended insight into the phenotypic variability in bone characteristics in laying hens. Data collection included basic production parameters, bone morphometry, bone mineral density (BMD) and bone breaking strength (BBS) of the tibiotarsus and humerus. Using a multifactorial model and regression analyses, BMD proved to be of outstanding importance for bone stability. Only for the tibiotarsus were morphometric parameters and the bone weight associated with BBS. Within the chicken lines, no effect of total eggshell production on BBS or BMD could be detected, suggesting that a high egg yield itself is not necessarily a risk for poor bone health. Considering the complexity of osteoporosis, the estimated genetic parameters confirmed the importance of genetics in addressing the challenge of improving bone strength in layers.

The improved cortical button shows better breaking strength of sutures compared with 10 original cortical button after cyclic loading.

BACKGROUND: Suspensory cortical buttons are widely used for fixation of reconstructed ligaments during anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction because they have high usability and a favorable fixing force. However, it is not always easy to fix a reconstructed ACL while maintaining appropriate ligament tension. Therefore, we developed an improved cortical button that provides temporary tension until suturing is completed. METHODS: Button holes of our improved EndoButton are not perpendicular to the bone surface on which the button is placed, but have an angle of 45 degrees so that the button can be temporarily fixed by applying tension to the suture. The improved EndoButton and the original EndoButton (Smith & Nephew Inc., Andover, Massachusetts) were each tied to FiberWire 5/7 metric (5 M) (manufactured by Arthrex). Ten cycles of preliminary loading (0-50 N) were applied to each suture, followed by test loading (0-250 N) for 500 or 1000 cycles. Then, a tensile test was performed at a displacement velocity of 20 mm/min. RESULTS: The breaking strength of the sutures of the improved EndoButton were tend to higher than those of the sutures of the original EndoButton after 1000 loading cycles (p = 0.067, d = 0.883). The moduli of rigidity of the sutures of the improved EndoButton were higher than those of the sutures of the original EndoButton after 500 loading cycles (p = 0.027) and remained almost the same regardless of the number of loading cycles. CONCLUSION: We found that compared with the original cortical button, the improved cortical button was better able to retain suture breaking strength and modulus of rigidity, regardless of the number of load cycles.

Various bone parameters are positively correlated with hen body weight while range access has no beneficial effect on tibia health of free-range layers.

The aim of this study was to determine if body weight or range use has a significant impact on bone health in commercial free-range laying hens, and to correlate tibia bone quality parameters with individual range usage and body weight. A total of 30 Lohmann Brown hens at 74 wk of age were selected from a commercial free-range farm and were either classified as heavy (mean ± SEM body weight 2.11 ± 0.034 kg, n = 14) or light (1.68 ± 0.022 kg, n = 16) body weight, and also classified as rangers (accessed the range for 86.7% of available days, n = 16) or stayers (accessed the range for 5.00% of available days, n = 14). The left tibiae of all individuals were analyzed for morphological parameters using computed tomography, evaluated for bone breaking strength, and ashed to determine mineral composition. Keel bone scoring was performed based on observation. Data were analyzed using a 2 × 2 factorial ANOVA, and regression analysis was performed. There was no measurable effect of range usage on any of the tibia parameters investigated. The body weight was significantly correlated with tibia breaking strength (r = 0.59), tibia weight (r = 0.56), tibia length (r = 0.64), diaphyseal diameter (r = 0.61), and total tibia volume (r = 0.67). In conclusion, range access had no beneficial effect on bone health. The impact of internal hen house furnishing and movement on bone health needs further investigation.

Growth performance, meat quality, and bone-breaking strength in broilers fed dietary rice hull silicon.

Bone problems have been a key issue that perilously affects broilers' health and welfare, resulting in severe economic loss. The present study was aimed at investigating the influence of dietary rice hull silicon (RHS) on the performance, meat quality, and bone-breaking strength of broilers. One hundred 10-day-old Arbor Acres chicks were used in the study. The birds were divided into 5 groups: one group was kept as the control, and other groups were provided with 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0 mg/kg dietary RHS along with their basal diets. Results showed that diets containing various levels of dietary RHS did not adversely affect (P > 0.05) the body weight, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio. Drip loss of thigh meat showed a reduced value in the group supplemented with 7.5 mg/kg dietary RHS compared with other groups (P < 0.05), and the lowest thawing loss was observed in the same group; however, it showed no significant difference among other groups. Similarly, thawing loss of breast meat tended to decrease in the dietary RHS groups and significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in the 7.5 mg/kg RHS group. The shear force of breast meat was higher in all RHS groups, and the highest was in the 7.5 mg/kg RHS group (P < 0.05). Although tibia breaking strength increased significantly (P < 0.05) in the 7.5 mg/kg RHS group (P < 0.05), but a significant difference in femur breaking strength was not found among groups. In conclusion, dietary RHS can be used as a natural mineral supplement for improving bone-breaking strength and reducing drip and thawing loss of breast and thigh muscles, particularly RHS at a level of 7.5 mg/kg in broiler diets.