Individual efficiency for the use of feed resources in rabbits

[EN] A Bayesian procedure, which allows consideration of the individual variation in the feed resource allocation pattern, is described and implemented in 2 sire lines of rabbit (Caldes and R). The procedure is based on a hierarchical Bayesian scheme, where the first stage of the model consists of a multiple regression model of feed intake on metabolic BW and BW gain. In a second stage, an animal model was assumed including batch, parity order, litter size, and common environmental litter effects. Animals were reared during the fattening period (from weaning at 32 d of age to 60 d of age) in individual cages on an experimental farm, and were fed ad libitum with a commercial diet. Body weight (g) and cumulative feed intake (g) were recorded weekly. Individual BW gain (g) and average BW (ABW, g) were calculated from these data for each 7-d period. Metabolic BW (g(0.75)) was estimated as ABW(0.75). The number of animals actually measured was 444 and 445 in the Caldes and R lines, respectively. Marginal posterior distributions of the genetic parameters were obtained by Gibbs sampling. Posterior means (posterior SD) for heritabilities for partial coefficients of regression of feed intake on metabolic BW and feed intake on BW gain were estimated to be 0.35 (0.17) and 0.40 (0.17), respectively, in the Caldes line and 0.26 (0.19) and 0.27 (0.14), respectively, in line R. The estimated posterior means (posterior SD) for the proportion of the phenotypic variance due to common litter environmental effects of the same coefficients of regression were respectively, 0.39 (0.14) and 0.28 (0.13) in the Caldes line and 0.44 (0.22) and 0.49 (0.14) in line R. These results suggest that efficiency of use of feed resources could be improved by including these coefficients in an index of selection.Research was supported by INIA SC00-011. The authors acknowledge comments and suggestions made by M. Baselga and A. Blasco from the Universidad Politécnica de Valencia (Spain) and R. Rekaya for his assistance in solving numerical problems.Piles, M.; García-Tomas, M.; Rafel, O.; Ibañez Escriche, N.; Ramon, J.; Varona, L. (2007). Individual efficiency for the use of feed resources in rabbits. Journal of Animal Science. 85(11):2846-2853. https://doi.org/10.2527/jas.2006-218S284628538511Blasco, A. (2001). The Bayesian controversy in animal breeding. Journal of Animal Science, 79(8), 2023. doi:10.2527/2001.7982023xBlasco, A., Piles, M., & Varona, L. (2003). A Bayesian analysis of the effect of selection for growth rate on growth curves in rabbits. Genetics Selection Evolution, 35(1). doi:10.1186/1297-9686-35-1-21Cameron, N. D., & Thompson, R. (1986). Design of multivariate selection experiments to estimate genetic parameters. Theoretical and Applied Genetics, 72(4), 466-476. doi:10.1007/bf00289528Estany, J., Camacho, J., Baselga, M., & Blasco, A. (1992). Selection response of growth rate in rabbits for meat production. Genetics Selection Evolution, 24(6), 527. doi:10.1186/1297-9686-24-6-527Gelman, A., & Rubin, D. B. (1992). Inference from Iterative Simulation Using Multiple Sequences. Statistical Science, 7(4), 457-472. doi:10.1214/ss/1177011136Geyer, C. J. (1992). Practical Markov Chain Monte Carlo. Statistical Science, 7(4), 473-483. doi:10.1214/ss/1177011137Gianola, D., & Sorensen, D. (2004). Quantitative Genetic Models for Describing Simultaneous and Recursive Relationships Between Phenotypes. Genetics, 167(3), 1407-1424. doi:10.1534/genetics.103.025734MIGNON-GRASTEAU, S. (1999). Genetic parameters of growth curve parameters in male and female chickens. British Poultry Science, 40(1), 44-51. doi:10.1080/00071669987827Paracchini, V., Pedotti, P., & Taioli, E. (2005). Genetics of Leptin and Obesity: A HuGE Review. American Journal of Epidemiology, 162(2), 101-114. doi:10.1093/aje/kwi174Piles, M., Gianola, D., Varona, L., & Blasco, A. (2003). Bayesian inference about parameters of a longitudinal trajectory when selection operates on a correlated trait1. Journal of Animal Science, 81(11), 2714-2724. doi:10.2527/2003.81112714xPiles, M., Gomez, E. A., Rafel, O., Ramon, J., & Blasco, A. (2004). Elliptical selection experiment for the estimation of genetic parameters of the growth rate and feed conversion ratio in rabbits1. Journal of Animal Science, 82(3), 654-660. doi:10.2527/2004.823654xRauw, W. M., Luiting, P., Verstegen, M. W. A., Vangen, O., & Knap, P. W. (2000). Differences in food resource allocation in a long-term selection experiment for litter size in mice 2. Developmental trends in body weight against food intake. Animal Science, 71(1), 39-47. doi:10.1017/s1357729800054874Rauw, W. M., Knap, P. W., Verstegen, M. W. A., & Luiting, P. (2002). Food resource allocation patterns in lactating females in a long-term selection experiment for litter size in mice. Genetics Selection Evolution, 34(1). doi:10.1186/1297-9686-34-1-83Rekaya, R., Carabaño, M. J., & Toro, M. A. (2000). Bayesian Analysis of Lactation Curves of Holstein-Friesian Cattle Using a Nonlinear Model. Journal of Dairy Science, 83(11), 2691-2701. doi:10.3168/jds.s0022-0302(00)75163-0Rekaya, R., Weigel, K. A., & Gianola, D. (2001). Hierarchical nonlinear model for persistency of milk yield in the first three lactations of Holsteins. Livestock Production Science, 68(2-3), 181-187. doi:10.1016/s0301-6226(00)00239-6Varona, L., Moreno, C., Garcia Cortes, L. A., & Altarriba, J. (1998). Bayesian Analysis of Wood’s Lactation Curve for Spanish Dairy Cows. Journal of Dairy Science, 81(5), 1469-1478. doi:10.3168/jds.s0022-0302(98)75711-xWakefield, J. C., Smith, A. F. M., Racine-Poon, A., & Gelfand, A. E. (1994). Bayesian Analysis of Linear and Non-Linear Population Models by Using the Gibbs Sampler. Applied Statistics, 43(1), 201. doi:10.2307/298612

The molar extinction coefficient of bacteriochlorophyll e and the pigment stoichiometry in Chlorobium phaeobacteroides

We have determined the molar extinction coefficient of bacteriochlorophyll (BChl) e, the main light-harvesting pigment from brown-coloured photosynthetic sulfur bacteria. The extinction coefficient was determined using pure[Pr,E]BChl eF isolated by reversed-phase HPLC from crude pigment extracts of Chlorobium (Chl.) phaeobacteroides strain CL1401. The extinction coefficients at the Soret and Qy bands were determined in four organic solvents. The extinction coefficient of BChl e differs from those of other related Chlorobium chlorophylls (BChl c and BChl d) but is similar to that of chlorophyll b. The determined extinction coefficient was used to calculate the stoichiometric BChl e to BChl a and BChl e to carotenoids ratios in whole cells and isolated chlorosomes from Chl. phaeobacteroides strain CL1401 using the spectrum-reconstruction method (SRCM) described by Naqvi et al. (1997) (Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc 53: 2229–2234). In isolated chlorosomes, BChl a content was ca. 1% of the total BChl content and the stoichiometric ratio of BChl e to carotenoids was 6. In whole cells,however, BChl a content was 3–4%, owing to the presence of BChl a-containing elements, i.e. FMO protein and reaction centre. An average of 5 BChl e molecules per carotenoid was determined in whole cells.EU(Contract No FMRX–CT96–0081). Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia (Ref. BIO96–1229–002–01)Peer reviewe

Efficacy, safety and patient reported outcomes (PROS) in adult patients with atopic dermatitis treated with dupilumab at week-52 in usual clinical practice

P15 Background: Dupilumab, an anti-interleikin-4-receptor-a monoclonal antibody, is a new treatment for atopic dermatitis in adults. Objective: To evaluate – at week 52 – patient reported outcomes, satisfaction, efficacy and safety, with dupilumab in adult patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis refractory to the usual treatments previously performed under conditions of usual clinical practice. Methods: Twelve patients were enrolled. Patients from our hospital, under routine clinical practice, were treated with subcutaneous dupilumab 300 mg every 2 weeks. The outcomes were evaluated at baseline, week 4, 8, 12, 16, 28 , 40 and week 52. The variables evaluated were: itch, difficulty to sleep, previous stressful life events, severity (SCORAD), anxiety and depression symptoms (HADS), quality of life (DLQI, EQ5D3L), satisfaction, adherence to the treatment, efficacy and safety. Results: At week 52 significant improvement was observed in severity, itch, difficulty to sleep, anxiety and depression symptoms, and quality of life. Satisfaction with dupilumab compared to previous treatments was significantly higher in all aspects assessed. No significant dupilumab-induced laboratory abnormalities were noted, and adverse events were mild and transient. Conclusions: Dupilumab used under routine clinical practice for 52 weeks improved atopic dermatitis signs and symptoms, with a good safety profile and patient satisfaction

Epidemiological, Clinical and Genetic Study of Hypophosphatasia in A Spanish Population: Identification of Two Novel Mutations in The Alpl Gene

Hypophosphatasia (HPP) is a genetic disease caused by one or several mutations in ALPL gene encoding the tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase affecting the mineralization process. Due to its low prevalence and lack of recognition, this metabolic disorder is generally confused with other more frequent bone disorders. An assessment of serum total alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels was performed in 78,590 subjects. Pyridoxal-5′-phosphate (PLP) concentrations were determined and ALPL gene was sequenced in patients potentially affected by HPP. Functional validation of the novel mutations found was performed using a cell-based assay. Our results showed persistently low serum ALP levels in 0.12% of subjects. Among the studied subjects, 40% presented with HPP-related symptoms. Nine of them (~28%) had a history of fractures, 5 (~16%) subjects showed chondrocalcinosis and 4 (~13%) subjects presented with dental abnormalities. Eleven subjects showed increased PLP concentrations. Seven of them showed ALPL gene mutations (2 of the mutations corresponded to novel genetic variants). In summary, we identified two novel ALPL gene mutations associated with adult HPP. Using this protocol, almost half of the studied patients were diagnosed with HPP. Based on these results, the estimated prevalence of mild HPP in Spain could be up to double than previously reported.Resource for Biocomputing, Visualization, and Informatics at the University of California, San Francisco (with support from NIH P41-GM103311)grants from Alexion and FEIOMM, by Instituto de Salud Carlos III (grants PI18-00803 and PI18-01235)co-funding from FEDER and by Junta de Andalucía (grant PI-0207-2016)GM-N is supported by the predoctoral program from Instituto de Salud Carlos III (FI17/00178) and by the Research Initiation Grants for Official Master Students program from the University of Granada (2017)PJR is a Ramon y Cajal Researcher from the MINECO (RYC-2015-18383) at GENyO and University of Granada

Infant Formula Supplemented With Milk Fat Globule Membrane, Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids, and Synbiotics Is Associated With Neurocognitive Function and Brain Structure of Healthy Children Aged 6 Years: The COGNIS Study

Background: Adequate nutrient intake during the first few months of life plays a critical role on brain structure and function development. Objectives: To analyze the long-term effects of an experimental infant formula (EF) on neurocognitive function and brain structure in healthy children aged 6 years compared to those fed with a standard infant formula or breastfed. Methods: The current study involved 108 healthy children aged 6 years and participating in the COGNIS Study. At 0-2 months, infants were randomized to receive up to 18 months of life a standard infant formula (SF) or EF enriched with milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) and synbiotics. Furthermore, a reference group of breastfed (BF) infants were also recruited. Children were assessed using neurocognitive tests and structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) at 6 years old. Results: Experimental infant formula (EF) children showed greater volumes in the left orbital cortex, higher vocabulary scores and IQ, and better performance in an attention task than BF children. EF children also presented greater volumes in parietal regions than SF kids. Additionally, greater cortical thickness in the insular, parietal, and temporal areas were found in children from the EF group than those fed with SF or BF groups. Further correlation analyses suggest that higher volumes and cortical thickness of different parietal and frontal regions are associated with better cognitive development in terms of language (verbal comprehension) and executive function (working memory). Finally, arachidonic acid (ARA), adrenic acid (AdA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels in cheek cell glycerophospholipids, ARA/DHA ratio, and protein, fatty acid, and mineral intake during the first 18 months of life seem to be associated with changes in the brain structures at 6 years old. Conclusions: Supplemented infant formula with MFGM components, LC-PUFAs, and synbiotics seems to be associated to long-term effects on neurocognitive development and brain structure in children at 6 years old.This project has been funded by Laboratorios Ordesa, S.L. Contract University of Granada General Foundation, No. 3349 and SMARTFOODS (CIEN) Contract University of Granada General Foundation, No. 4003, Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness. Furthermore, the project has been partially funded by HORIZON 2020 EU DynaHEALTH Project (GA No. 633595).S

The mycotoxin phomoxanthone A disturbs the form and function of the inner mitochondrial membrane.

Mitochondria are cellular organelles with crucial functions in the generation and distribution of ATP, the buffering of cytosolic Ca2+ and the initiation of apoptosis. Compounds that interfere with these functions are termed mitochondrial toxins, many of which are derived from microbes, such as antimycin A, oligomycin A, and ionomycin. Here, we identify the mycotoxin phomoxanthone A (PXA), derived from the endophytic fungus Phomopsis longicolla, as a mitochondrial toxin. We show that PXA elicits a strong release of Ca2+ from the mitochondria but not from the ER. In addition, PXA depolarises the mitochondria similarly to protonophoric uncouplers such as CCCP, yet unlike these, it does not increase but rather inhibits cellular respiration and electron transport chain activity. The respiration-dependent mitochondrial network structure rapidly collapses into fragments upon PXA treatment. Surprisingly, this fragmentation is independent from the canonical mitochondrial fission and fusion mediators DRP1 and OPA1, and exclusively affects the inner mitochondrial membrane, leading to cristae disruption, release of pro-apoptotic proteins, and apoptosis. Taken together, our results suggest that PXA is a mitochondrial toxin with a novel mode of action that might prove a useful tool for the study of mitochondrial ion homoeostasis and membrane dynamics

Buttermilk and krill oil phospholipids improve hippocampal insulin resistance and synaptic signaling in aged rats.

Impaired glucose metabolism and mitochondrial decay greatly increase with age, when cognitive decline becomes rampant. No pharmacological or dietary intervention has proven effective, but proper diet and lifestyle do postpone the onset of neurodegeneration and some nutrients are being investigated. We studied insulin signaling, mitochondrial activity and biogenesis, and synaptic signaling in the hippocampus and cortex following dietary supplementation with bioactive phospholipid concentrates of krill oil (KOC), buttermilk fat globule membranes (BMFC), and a combination of both in aged rats. After 3 months of supplementation, although all groups of animals showed clear signs of peripheral insulin resistance, the combination of KOC and BMFC was able to improve peripheral insulin sensitivity. We also explored brain energy balance. Interestingly, the hippocampus of supplemented rats-mainly when supplemented with BMFC or the combination of KOC and BMFC-showed an increase in intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels, whereas no difference was observed in the cerebral cortex. Moreover, we found a significant increase of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus of BMFC+KO animals. In summary, dietary supplementation with KOC and/or BMFC improves peripheral and central insulin resistance, suggesting that their administration could delay the onset of these phenomena. Moreover, n-3 fatty acids (FAs) ingested as phospholipids increase BDNF levels favoring an improvement in energy state within neurons and facilitating both mitochondrial and protein synthesis, which are necessary for synaptic plasticity. Thus, dietary supplementation with n-3 FAs could protect local protein synthesis and energy balance within dendrites, favoring neuronal health and delaying cognitive decline associated to age-related disrepair.pre-print769 K

Long-term precipitation in Southwestern Europe reveals no clear trend attributable to anthropogenic forcing

We present a long-term assessment of precipitation trends in Southwestern Europe (1850-2018) using data from multiple sources, including observations, gridded datasets and global climate model experiments. Contrary to previous investigations based on shorter records, we demonstrate, using new long-term, quality controlled precipitation series, the lack of statistically significant long-term decreasing trends in precipitation for the region. Rather, significant trends were mostly found for shorter periods, highlighting the prevalence of interdecadal and interannual variability at these time-scales. Global climate model outputs from three CMIP experiments are evaluated for periods concurrent with observations. Both the CMIP3 and CMIP5 ensembles show precipitation decline, with only CMIP6 showing agreement with long term trends in observations. However, for both CMIP3 and CMIP5 large interannual and internal variability among ensemble members makes it difficult to identify a trend that is statistically different from observations. Across both observations and models, our results make it difficult to associate any declining trends in precipitation in Southwestern Europe to anthropogenic forcing at this stage.This work was supported by the research projects CGL2017-82216-R, CGL2017-83866-C3-3-R and PCI2019-103631, financed by the Spanish Commission of Science and Technology and FEDER; CROSSDRO project financed by the AXIS (Assessment of Cross(X) - sectoral climate Impacts and pathways for Sustainable transformation), JPI-Climate co-funded call of the European Commission and INDECIS which is part of ERA4CS, an ERA-NET initiated by JPI Climate, and funded by FORMAS (SE), DLR (DE), BMWFW (AT), IFD (DK), MINECO (ES), ANR (FR) with co-funding by the European Union (Grant 690462)

Functional implications of bound phenolic compounds and phenolics-food interaction: A review

Sizeable scientific evidence indicates the health benefits related to phenolic compounds and dietary fiber. Various phenolic compounds-rich foods or ingredients are also rich in dietary fiber, and these two health components may interrelate via noncovalent (reversible) and covalent (mostly irreversible) interactions. Notwithstanding, these interactions are responsible for the carrier effect ascribed to fiber toward the digestive systemand canmodulate the bioaccessibility of phenolics, thus shaping health-promoting effects in vivo. On this basis, the present review focuses on the nature, occurrence, and implications of the interactions between phenolics and food components. Covalent and noncovalent interactions are presented, their occurrence discussed, and the effect of food processing introduced. Once reaching the large intestine, fiber-bound phenolics undergo an intense transformation by the microbial community therein, encompassing reactions such as deglycosylation, dehydroxylation, ¿- and ß-oxidation, dehydrogenation, demethylation, decarboxylation, C-ring fission, and cleavage to lower molecular weight phenolics. Comparatively less information is still available on the consequences on gut microbiota. So far, the very most of the information on the ability of bound phenolics tomodulate gut microbiota relates to in vitro models and single strains in culture medium.Despite offering promising information, such models provide limited information about the effect on gut microbes, and future research is deemed in this field.This work was partially supported by PTDC/SAU-NUT/30448/2017 with funding from Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT) through national funds. Perez-Gregorio acknowledges her FCT research contract (SFRH/BPD/85293/2012) and LAQV-REQUIMTE as the host institution. Open Access Funding provided by Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore within the CRUI-CARE Agreement