Effect of Dietary Extruded Linseed and Walnut Meal Mixture (8:1) on Performance and Plasma Protein Profile in Weaned Piglets

The effects of dietary extruded linseed (ELS):walnut meal (WM) mixture (8:1) on performance and plasma protein profile in weaned piglets was evaluated for 21 d. Topigs piglets (n=40; BW=8.02±0.82 kg), age 30±3 days, were allotted into 2 groups and fed 2 diets: control [C, based on corn-triticale-soybean meal (SBM)] and experimental (ELS:WM, where the ELS:WM mixture (8:1) partially replace SBM). Blood samples were collected at 7d and 21d after weaning. The plasma protein profile (total protein, total bilirubin, albumin, creatinine, uric acid, urea nitrogen-BUN) were determined by a chemistry analyser. Dietary ELS:WM mixture improve the BW (P=0.047) and ADG (P=0.036) of piglets at 21d after weaning vs C, whereas ADFI and F:G ratio were increase (P>0.05). The plasma protein profile of piglets fed dietary mixture was not affected at 7d and 21d after weaning, except plasma BUN concentration that was decrease (P=0.027) at 21d after weaning. Lower BUN concentration indicated higher availability of dietary nitrogen reflected in a higher deposition of protein. We concluded that dietary ELS:WM mixture improve piglets performance and positively afect plasma protein profile, especially BUN in weaning period

Effects of the dietary millet (Panicum Miliaceum) on some quality characteristics of liver, Longissimus dorsi and Semitendinosus muscle on pigs

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of 25% millet (Panicum miliaceum) as replacement of triticale on some quality characteristics of pig meat. Forty pigs Topigs hybrid (initial body weight 13.58 ± 0.37 kg) used in the trial for 30 days were assigned into two dietary treatments: control diet (M) and experimental diet (E, with 25% millet that replaces triticale from M diet). The pigs were slaughtered (n=3/group) at 81 ± 3 days (final body weight 32 ± 4.5 kg). The samples were taken from the liver, Longissimus dorsi (LD) and Semitendinosus (ST) muscle and analyzed for: pH, colour and texture profile. The pH value of the liver and texture profile of all the tissue samples from E diet were not statistically different comparing to the M diet. Pigs fed E diet had a significantly increased value of redness a* in the liver (>17%) and in the ST (>45.5%) compared to M group. The liver yellowness b* was significantly higher (>53%) in the E group compared to the M group. For all tissue samples, the shear force was significantly affected in group E compared to the M group. In conclusion, the replacement of triticale with millet could be recommended for inclusion in pigs diets, without affecting pig meat quality

Third trimester intrauterine fetal death caused by complex cord entanglement

Abstract: Umbilical cord entanglement occurs during early pregnancy. Typically, fetal asphyxia and demise because of umbilical cord entanglement is a unique characteristic of mono-amniotic twin pregnancies. We describe a case of a woman in late pregnancy that presented to medical consult at 36 weeks of amenorrhea because of the absence of fetal movements. The ultrasound found no fetal heartbeat and because the patient had two previous cesarean sections, another one was performed. We discovered a complex entanglement of the umbilical cord around the leg of the fetus that proved to be the cause of the fetal demise. Cord entanglement must be considered in cases of unexplained intrauterine fetal death. For all cases of intrauterine demise, it is important to look for marks of this condition around different parts of the body. Key Words: umbilical cord entanglement, intrauterine demise. A 28-year-old woman, gravida 3, para 3 presented to the medical consult in the third trimester of pregnancy accusing absence of fetal movements for one day. The ultrasound detected a fetus in the vertex presentation with normal biometry for gestational age. However, no fetal heart activity and blood flow was detected by Doppler ultrasonography. The patient had two previous cesarean sections resulting in two normal newborns. This pregnancy had been monitored, and no abnormal event occurred until 34 week of amenorrhoeea. Because of the risk of uterine rupture a cesarean section was performed. After the fetus was extracted, we discovered that the umbilical cord was wrapped tightly around the right leg two times 1) University of Medicine and Discussion The umbilical cord represents the fetal lifeline during intrauterine development. Certain conditions, such as cord length abnormalities, malpresentations of the fetus, premature membrane ruptures, excessive fetal movements and external cephalic version predispose the cord to accidents Cord entanglement, one important category of umbilical cord accidents, usually occurs during early pregnancy. Rarely, cord entanglement can compromise the cord blood flow and cause fetal demise. During late pregnancy, cord entanglement around different parts o

Transforming <i>Rhodotorula</i> sp. Biomass to Active Biologic Compounds for Poultry Nutrition

In broiler chick-rearing, the color is usually acquired by synthetic carotenoids in addition to broiler diets (25–80 mg/kg feed), often represented by β-apo-8′-carotenal. In the past fifteen years, the demand for organic food products originating from free-range reared chicks started to grow, with a more directed awareness of the quality of meat and egg. Various investigations have been reporting microorganisms, such as the oleaginous red yeasts genus Rhodotorula sp., as fast-growing unicellular eukaryotes able to synthesize natural pigments. Rhodotorula sp. represents a perfect choice as a natural resource due to the capacity to adapt easily to the environment valuing low-cost sources of nutrients for their metabolism and growth. The biodiversity and the ecology effects establish novel boundaries regarding Rhodotorula sp. productivity enhancement and control of biological risks. It is, therefore, necessary to review the current knowledge on the carotenoid synthesis of Rhodotorula sp. In this paper, we aimed to address the pathways of obtaining valuable yeast carotenoids in different conditions, discussing yeast biosynthesis, bioengineering fermentative evaluation, carotenoid extraction, and the techno-economic implication of valuable pigment additives on poultry nutrition. Finally, the pro-existent gaps in research are highlighted, which may clear the air on future studies for bio-carotenoid engineering

Acceptability of Human Papilloma Virus Self-Sampling for Cervical Cancer Screening in a Cohort of Patients from Romania (Stage 2)

(1) Background: Low patient’s adherence to conventional cervical cancer screening methods determined the need to take into consideration alternative approaches, and vaginal HPV self-sampling is one of them. We aimed to evaluate, using an online survey, the Romanian women’s acceptability of vaginal HPV self-sampling. (2) Methods: A 13-questions online survey was distributed on three Facebook groups, and the results were summarized. (3) Results: Despite of good educational background, 10.8% (n = 60) of the respondents did not know what a Pap smear is, and 33% (n = 183) were not informed about the free national cervical cancer screening program. Multivariate analysis revealed an increased likelihood of vaginal self-sampling acceptance among respondents who did not know about Pap test (OR: 7.80; 95%CI: 1.062–57.431; p = 0.021), national cervical cancer screening program (OR: 1.96; 95%CI: 1.010–3.806; p = 0.02), HPV infection (OR: 7.35; 95%CI: 3.099–17.449; pp = 0.03). Moreover, women who did not previously undergo a cervical cancer screening program were more likely to accept the new screening method (OR: 1.62; 95%CI: 0.878–3.015; p = 0.04). (4) Conclusions: Our results showed high acceptability rates of vaginal HPV self-sampling among participants

Evaluation of Performance, Nitrogen Metabolism and Tissue Composition in Barrows Fed an n-3 PUFA-Rich Diet

We investigated changes in nitrogen metabolism and chemical, fatty acid (FA) and amino acid (AA) composition in tissues (longissimus dorsi (LD) and semitendinosus (ST) muscles, heart, spleen, liver and cecum) following the dietary addition of extruded linseed and walnut meal (50:50 mix). Plasma creatinine and urea nitrogen were determined as well. Two trials were designed using barrows (five replicates) allotted in two groups [(control, (SM) and experimental, (LEW))] in metabolic cages. The experimental diet rich in n-3 FA led to a significant increase of retained nitrogen (&gt;8.09% in the LEW group). The biological value of feed protein was 14.8% higher in the LEW group than in the SM group. LD muscles from the SM group and liver from the LEW group had greater nitrogen contents, whereas the heart and spleen had lower concentrations of nitrogen in the LEW group. Diet had a pronounced effect on n-3 FA, particularly on &#945;-linolenic fatty acid (ALA) (p &lt; 0.0001). The highest levels of ALA were recorded in the cecum (&gt;6.06 times in LEW) and heart (&gt;5.44 times in LEW). The highest level of lysine was noticed in the LD muscle (&gt;2.1% in SM). An n-3-rich diet significantly reduced the amount of nitrogen excreted; greater than 40% nitrogen was retained, thus improving the meat composition

Polyphenolic Composition, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities for Two Romanian Subspecies of Achillea distans Waldst. et Kit. ex Willd.

The aim of this work was to study the chemical composition, antioxidant and antibacterial properties of Achillea distans Waldst. et Kit. subsp. distans and Achillea distans Waldst. et Kit. subsp. alpina Rochel, from the Rodna Mountains (Romania). The identification and quantification of major phenolic compounds was performed by a HPLC-MS method. The total polyphenolic and flavonoid content was determined spectrophotometrically. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH bleaching method, trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity assay (TEAC), hemoglobin ascorbate peroxidase activity inhibition (HAPX) assay, and an Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopy method. A data indicated that A. distans subsp. alpina extract has more antioxidant activity than A. distans subsp. distans extract. Luteolin, apigenin, quercetin, caffeic and chlorogenic acids were present in the two extracts of A. distans, but in different amounts. Three flavonoids were detected only in A. distans subsp. alpina. The polyphenol-richer A. distans subsp. alpina extract showed a higher antioxidant activity than A. distans subsp. distans extract. A. distans subsp. distans extract showed inhibitory activity for Gram-positive bacteria, as evaluated with four species. The quantitative and qualitative differences between the two subspecies of Achillea distans could be used as a potential taxonomic marker in order to distinguish the species

Carcass Yield and Meat Quality of Broiler Chicks Supplemented with Yeasts Bioproducts

The utilization of synthetic additives (vitamins, proteins, and pigments) in broiler chicks&rsquo; feeds may cause problems in the future, such as competitive availability, extra productive induced costs, and human health risks relayed on sole ingredients commonly used on human and animal food and feeds. A total of 320-day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to eight experimental groups (a four &times; two factorial design), receiving two dietary yeasts, lyophilizate lysates yeasts:brewer&rsquo;s spent yeasts: Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC: 0, 0.6, 1 and 1.3 g/kg) and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa (RM: with 0.3 kg/t or without), during a 42-day trial. The broilers&rsquo; 24 h post&ndash;slaughtering performance, meat quality (pH, color, proximate chemical composition, texture profile analysis), and meat sensorial evaluation were performed at the end of the trial. Dietary SC supplementation had a significant effect on fat deposits (p &lt; 0.05), thigh meat protein content (p &lt; 0.05), and breast meat lightness (p &lt; 0.05). Meanwhile, RM dietary supplementation positively affected all meat color parameters (p &lt; 0.05). Considerable interactions (SC &times; RM) were obtained on the broilers&rsquo; breast and thigh meat moisture and yellowing index. Dietary lyophilizes lysates yeasts supplementation had an effect on meat color and proximate chemical composition. Furthermore, investigation is needed to elucidate the effects of microbial pigment supplements on broiler meat biochemistry and its pigment metabolism

GENOMIC PROFILING BY MULTIPLEX LIGATION - DEPENDENT PROBE AMPLIFICATION IN CHRONIC LYMPHOCYTIC LEUKEMIA PATIENTS

The clinical management of severe pathological conditions, such as B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL), is subject to continuous optimization and re-evaluation. Patients may fully benefit from rapid, standardized laboratory tools designed to facilitate their early stratification according to disease risk, stage and prognosis. Such technologies may also aid the clinician in selecting the therapeutic option with the greatest chances of success. The presence of specific genetic abnormalities are frequently associated with the clinical outcome of oncologic patients in general, and B-CLL patients in particular. In the current study, a group of 58 B-CLL patients were evaluated for the detection of gene copy number alterations (deletions or duplication/ amplifications) within 45 distinct genetic targets, by means of a novel molecular methodology, Multiplex Ligation - Dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA). Simple or complex genetic defects were identified in 67% of cases, and the most common aberrations observed were: deletion of the short arm of chromosome 13 in 33% of cases, deletion of the long arm of chromosome 11 in 16% of cases, trisomy 12 in 16% of cases, and deletion of the short arm of chromosome 17 in 7% of cases. The main conclusion of the study presented here points towards MLPA as a potential key step of clinical management protocols in B-CLL, providing that it will be fully standardised for routine diagnosis