Effects of pistachio by‐products on digestibility,milk production,milk fatty acid profile and blood metabolites in Saanen dairy goats

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of pistachio by‐products (PBP) on nutrient digestibility, blood metabolites and milk fatty acid (FA) profile in Saanen dairy goats. Nine multiparous lactating Saanen goats (on day 90 post‐partum, 45 ± 2/kg BW) were randomly assigned to a 3 × 3 Latin square design with three treatment diets: 1) control diet (alfalfa hay based), 2) 32% PBP and 3) 32% PBP + polyethylene glycol (PEG‐4000; 1 g/kg dry matter). Each period lasted 21 days, including 14 day for treatment adaptation and 7 day for data collection. Pistachio by‐products significantly decreased (p < 0.01) crude protein (CP) digestibility compared with the control diet (64.4% vs. 58.7%), but PEG addition did not differ for CP digestibility of goats fed 32% PBP + PEG and those fed the two other diets. The digestibility of NDF tended (p = 0.06) to decrease for goats fed PBP compared with those fed the control diet. Yields of milk and 4% fat‐corrected milk were not affected by dietary treatments. Compared with the control diet, PBP supplementation appreciably changed the proportions of almost all the milk FA measured; the main effects were decreases (p < 0.01) in FA from 8:0 to 16:0 and increases (p < 0.01) proportions of cis‐9, trans‐11 18:2 and trans‐11 18:1, monounsaturated FA, polyunsaturated FA and long‐chain FA. The saturated FA, short‐chain FA and medium‐chain FA proportions were lower (p < 0.01) in goats fed the two PBP supplemented diet than in those fed the control diet and PEG addition led to intermediate proportions of saturated FA, unsaturated and monounsaturated FA. Inclusion of PBP in the diet decreased (p < 0.01) plasma concentrations of glucose and urea nitrogen compared with the control diet. It was concluded that PBP can be used as forage in the diet of dairy goats without interfering with milk yield. Inclusion of 32% PBP in the diet of dairy goats had beneficial effects on milk FA profile but PEG addition to PBP did not contribute to enhance further milk FA profile.     

Dynamics of microcrack propagation in hardwood during heat treatment investigated by synchrotron-based X-ray tomographic microscopy

The process of crack propagation in wood during pyrolysis is strongly linked to heterogeneities in its hierarchical porous structure. Fundamental understanding of this process is necessary for the analysis of the behavior of wood structural elements during fire exposure. Synchrotron-based X-ray tomographic microscopy combined with a recently developed laser-based furnace at the TOMCAT beamline of the Swiss Light Source provides a unique opportunity to study the heat-induced propagation of microcracks in hardwood in situ with high spatial and temporal resolutions. In this study, attention was focused on the 3D microstructure of beech and the interconnectivity between morphology and cracking patterns. It is shown that thermal cracks initiate mainly along the ray cells in hardwood and in the junction of seasonal growth layers. There is a clear indication of increased total porosity of the wood due to charring.     

Linagliptin Protects Human SH-SY5Y Neuroblastoma Cells against Amyloid-β Cytotoxicity via the Activation of Wnt1 and Suppression of IL-6 Release

Background:Alzheimer’s disease is one of the neurodegenerative disorders typified by the aggregate of Aβ and phosphorylated tau protein. Oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, because of Aβ peptides, are strongly involved in the pathophysiology of AD. Linagliptin shows neuroprotective properties against AD pathological processes through alleviation of neural inflammation and AMPK activation. Methods:We assessed the benefits of linagliptin pretreatment (at 10, 20, and 50 nM concentrations), against Aβ1-42 toxicity (20 μM) in SH-SY5Y cells. The concentrations of secreted cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, and signaling proteins, including pCREB, Wnt1, and PKCε, were quantified by ELISA. Results:We observed that Aβ led to cellular inflammation, which was assessed by measuring inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6). Moreover, Aβ1-42 treatment impaired pCREB, PKCε, and Wnt1 signaling in human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. Addition of Linagliptin significantly reduced IL-6 levels in the lysates of cells, treated with Aβ1-42. Furthermore, linagliptin prevented the downregulation of Wnt1 in Aβ1-42-treated cells exposed. Conclusion: The current findings reveal that linagliptin alleviates Aβ1-42-induced inflammation in SH-SY5Y cells, probably through the suppression of IL-6 release, and some of its benefits are mediated through the activation of the Wnt1 signaling pathway. Key Words: Alzheimer disease, Interleukin-6, Linagliptin, Wnt1 protein     

Evaluation of vacuum and dynamic cell seeding of polyglycolic acid and chitosan scaffolds for cartilage engineering

OBJECTIVES: To compare combined vacuum and rotation with the spinner flask technique for seeding chondrocytes on chitosan versus polyglycolic acid matrices. SAMPLE POPULATION: Porcine chondrocytes. PROCEDURE: A suspension containing 5 X 10(6) chondrocytes/scaffold was used to evaluate 2 seeding techniques, including a spinner flask and a custom-designed vacuum chamber used for 2 hours prior to transfer to a bioreactor. For each seeding technique, prewetted scaffolds were composed of polyglycolic acid (PGA) mesh or macroporous chitosan sponge. Constructs were collected at 48 hours for DNA quantification, measurement of water and gycosaminoglycan (GAG) content, and scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: Yield of both seeding techniques was similar for each type of scaffold. Percentage of cells contained in the center of PGA constructs was increased with seeding in the bioreactor (43% of total cell number), compared with the spinner flask (18%).The DNA content and cell number per construct were 10 times greater for PGA constructs, compared with chitosan constructs. Chitosan scaffolds seeded in the bioreactor yielded a significantly higher GAG:DNA ratio than did PGA scaffolds. Whereas chondrones formed on chitosan scaffolds, cell distribution was more uniform on PGA scaffolds. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The vacuum-bioreactor technique allowed seeded chondrocytes to attach to PGA scaffolds within 48 hours and improved uniformity of cell distribution, compared with the spinner technique. Although formation of extracellular matrix may be stimulated by seeding chitosan scaffolds in the bioreactor, further evaluations of the seeding technique and characteristics of chitosan scaffolds are warranted.     

Wettability and liquid sorption of wood investigated by Wilhelmy plate method

The wettability of Scots pine veneers was investigated with different approaches using the Wilhelmy plate method. The probe liquids were water and octane, which differ; in that, water is able to swell the wood sample, whereas octane does not. Novel approaches based on the Wilhelmy plate method to study wettability, liquid penetration, and swelling behavior of wood veneers are introduced. First, immersion to constant depth was performed, and liquid uptake with time was evaluated. Different kinetic regimes, the fastest one associated with contact angle changes and the slowest regime associated with liquid sorption by capillary and diffusion, were observed. Two other approaches, imbibition at constant depth (with initial deeper immersion) and full immersion, were utilized in order to keep the contact angle constant during measurements. Dynamic wettability studies were done by a multi-cycle (10–20 cycles) Wilhelmy method. Based on this, the time-dependent swelling of wood and changes in sample perimeter could be obtained. Generally, water showed higher absorption than octane. In all wettability studies, and for both probe liquids, the penetration process starts with a fast initial sorption, which is followed by swelling in the case of water.     

Fracture in Norway spruce wood treated with <Emphasis Type="Italic">Physisporinus vitreus</Emphasis>

Changes in the fracture behaviour of Norway spruce tonewood after fungal treatment were studied. Specimens were incubated for 6, 9 and 12 months with Physisporinus (P.) vitreus. Fracture tests were performed in a compact-tension fracture experiment set-up, and the results were compared with the morphological analysis of the degraded wood structure and transverse sections of the crack tip viewed under light and fluorescence microscopy. It was evident that both the failure load and critical stress intensity factors were reduced in wood after prolonged incubation periods. Weight losses were significantly higher in sapwood than in heartwood. With prolonged incubation periods, the frequency of unstable fracture and brittle behaviour of the wood increased. In untreated wood, cracks were initiated in the earlywood. The process involved both delamination of the cells within the middle lamellae and rupture of the cell walls, inducing a zigzag crack tip pattern. In fungally treated wood, cracks often commenced from the intersection between late- and earlywood, resulting in a straight tangential crack line. Micrographic images showed that P. vitreus was more active in the secondary walls of latewood tracheids. In this region of the wood, the cell walls were strongly degraded after 9–12 months of incubation, resulting in a reduction in tensile strength, even though the wood did not show strong features of decay at the macroscopic level.     

Arthroscopically-assisted vs. open surgery in repairing anterior cruciate ligament avulsion

The management of an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) avulsion is principally by surgery. There are two major techniques in this regard; fixation through open surgery (arthrotomy) or arthroscopically-assisted repair. These are not new in the literature; however, the debate regarding the better approach is still under debate. This study focused on comparing outcome and consequences of arthroscopically-assisted vs. open surgery in repairing ACL avulsion. In a randomized clinical trial, 44 patients with unilateral ACL avulsion were recruited in Tabriz Shohada teaching Centre during a 12 month period of time. These patients were randomized in two equal age and sex-matched groups underwent either arthroscopically-assisted or open ACL repair. The constructive technique was the same in both groups without using any graft. The minimum follow-up period was 6 months including 3 weeks, 3 months and 6 months postoperatively. Range of Motion (ROM), laxity, Anterior Drawer Test (ADT) result, duration of hospital stay, wound status, nonunion and return to previous work were compared between the two groups. Mean time of suture removal (p = 0.10), minimum and maximum ROM at months 3 (p = 0.43 and 0.22, respectively) and 6 (p = 0.73 and 0.77, respectively), ADT at months 3 and 6 (p = 0.16 for both), laxity at month 6 (p = 0.28) and wound status at week 3 (p = 0.35) were not significantly different between the two groups. There was no case of nonunion at month 6 in either group. The mean hospital stay was significantly shorter in the arthroscopy group (3.77 +/- 0.92 vs. 2.50 +/- 0.51 days; p < 0.001). The mean laxity score was significantly higher in the open surgery group at month 3 (4.82 +/- 0.59 vs. 4.45 +/- 0.60; p = 0.05). The rate of nonunion was significantly higher in the open surgery group at month 3 (40.9% vs. 9.1%; p = 0.02). Patients in the arthroscopically-assisted technique group returned sooner to previous work (17.41 +/- 1.53 vs. 14.82 +/- 0.96 weeks; p < 0.001). Based on our results, arthroscopically-assisted reconstruction of ACL avulsion is superior to open surgery.     

A comparison of the haemodynamic effects of epidurally administered medetomidine and xylazine in dogs

Alpha₂ agonists have a significant role in epidural anaesthetic techniques. However, there are few reports regarding epidural administration of these drugs especially in small animals ( Greene et al. 1995; Keegan et al. 1995; Vesal et al. 1996 ). This study compared the haemodynamic effects of xylazine and medetomidine after epidural injection in dogs. Six dogs (four females and two males) weighing 27.5 ± 3.39 kg, aged 5.6 ± 1.42 years were studied on two separate occasions one month apart. Dogs were sedated with 0.5 mg kg^?1 diazepam IM and 0.1 mg kg^?1 acepromazine IM. After 20 minutes, a lumbosacral epidural injection of 0.25 mg kg^?1 xylazine was administered (group X). One month later, following the same sedation, 15 µg kg^?1 medetomidine was administered epidurally (group M). Haemodynamic variables (ECG and indirect blood pressure (Doppler)), respiratory rate and rectal temperature were recorded before (baseline) and then every 5 minutes after the epidural injection, up to 60 minutes. Differences between groups were compared by a paired t‐test. Within group changes were compared to basal values by anova . A p‐value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Both groups showed significant reductions in heart rate (106.3 ± 7.7 beats minute^?1 baseline versus 67.7 ± 7.6 (group M); 91 ± 3.8 baseline versus 52.3 ± 9 (group X)) and mean arterial blood pressure (113.1 ± 12.3 mm Hg baseline versus 87 ± 11 (group M); 118 ± 7 baseline versus 91 ± 14 (group X)). There were no differences between groups in these variables. After epidural injection, first degree atrioventricular block was recorded significantly more often in group X (50% against 33%) but second degree block was significantly more frequent in group M (66% against 33%). Also 50% of dogs in group X and 66% in group M showed sinus arrest. Respiratory rate decreased significantly in both groups following the epidural injection (20.66 ± 0.66 minute^?1 baseline versus 16.33 ± 4.77 (group M); 37.66 ± 0.56 baseline versus 16.33 ± 1.81 group X), but no differences between groups were observed. Rectal temperature decreased significantly in group X (38.16 ± 0.21) with respect to the basal measurement (39.30 ± 0.14 °C). In group M, there was no significant reduction in temperature, however, no statistical difference in rectal temperature was found between groups. This study shows that 0.25 mg kg^?1 xylazine and 15 µg kg^?1 medetomidine produce similar, significant cardiovascular and respiratory changes following lumbosacral epidural administration in dogs.     

Potential Cytotoxic Effects of Peptide Fractions from Dunaliella salina Protein Hydrolyzed by Gastric Proteases

Dunaliella salina is a halotolerant microalga with high protein content. Until now, there was no report on biological properties of peptides prepared by enzymatic digestion of D. salina proteins. Therefore, antimicrobial and antiproliferative effects of the abundant protein of D. salina were investigated. The extracted proteins were separated by fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC), and protein hydrolysis was carried out with intestinal proteases such as trypsin and chymotrypsin. The antimicrobial and antiproliferative activities of the hydrolyzed peptides were examined on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Helicobacter pylori, and colon cancer cell lines, respectively. The results demonstrated that 63 kDa protein and its derived peptides caused a decrease in bacteria growth, and <3 kDa peptide fraction significantly reduced SW480 cell viability. Therefore, the peptide fractions with antimicrobial and antiproliferative activities are worthy of further investigation as functional food ingredients for health benefits.