An accurate feed formulation is essential for optimizing feed efficiency and minimizing feed cost for swine and poultry production. Because energy and amino acid (AA) account for the major cost of ...swine and poultry diets, a precise determination of the availability of energy and AA in feedstuffs is essential for accurate diet formulations. Therefore, the methodology for determining the availability of energy and AA should be carefully selected. The total collection and index methods are 2 major procedures for estimating the availability of energy and AA in feedstuffs for swine and poultry diets. The total collection method is based on the laborious production of quantitative records of feed intake and output, whereas the index method can avoid the laborious work, but greatly relies on accurate chemical analysis of index compound. The direct method, in which the test feedstuff in a diet is the sole source of the component of interest, is widely used to determine the digestibility of nutritional components in feedstuffs. In some cases, however, it may be necessary to formulate a basal diet and a test diet in which a portion of the basal diet is replaced by the feed ingredient to be tested because of poor palatability and low level of the interested component in the test ingredients. For the digestibility of AA, due to the confounding effect on AA composition of protein in feces by microorganisms in the hind gut, ileal digestibility rather than fecal digestibility has been preferred as the reliable method for estimating AA digestibility. Depending on the contribution of ileal endogenous AA losses in the ileal digestibility calculation, ileal digestibility estimates can be expressed as apparent, standardized, and true ileal digestibility, and are usually determined using the ileal cannulation method for pigs and the slaughter method for poultry. Among these digestibility estimates, the standardized ileal AA digestibility that corrects apparent ileal digestibility for basal endogenous AA losses, provides appropriate information for the formulation of swine and poultry diets. The total quantity of energy in feedstuffs can be partitioned into different components including gross energy (GE), digestible energy (DE), metabolizable energy (ME), and net energy based on the consideration of sequential energy losses during digestion and metabolism from GE in feeds. For swine, the total collection method is suggested for determining DE and ME in feedstuffs whereas for poultry the classical ME assay and the precision-fed method are applicable. Further investigation for the utilization of ME may be conducted by measuring either heat production or energy retention using indirect calorimetry or comparative slaughter method, respectively. This review provides information on the methodology used to determine accurate estimates of AA and energy availability for formulating swine and poultry diets.
Task-optimized convolutional neural networks (CNNs) show striking similarities to the ventral visual stream. However, human-imperceptible image perturbations can cause a CNN to make incorrect ...predictions. Here we provide insight into this brittleness by investigating the representations of models that are either robust or not robust to image perturbations. Theory suggests that the robustness of a system to these perturbations could be related to the power law exponent of the eigenspectrum of its set of neural responses, where power law exponents closer to and larger than one would indicate a system that is less susceptible to input perturbations. We show that neural responses in mouse and macaque primary visual cortex (V1) obey the predictions of this theory, where their eigenspectra have power law exponents of at least one. We also find that the eigenspectra of model representations decay slowly relative to those observed in neurophysiology and that robust models have eigenspectra that decay slightly faster and have higher power law exponents than those of non-robust models. The slow decay of the eigenspectra suggests that substantial variance in the model responses is related to the encoding of fine stimulus features. We therefore investigated the spatial frequency tuning of artificial neurons and found that a large proportion of them preferred high spatial frequencies and that robust models had preferred spatial frequency distributions more aligned with the measured spatial frequency distribution of macaque V1 cells. Furthermore, robust models were quantitatively better models of V1 than non-robust models. Our results are consistent with other findings that there is a misalignment between human and machine perception. They also suggest that it may be useful to penalize slow-decaying eigenspectra or to bias models to extract features of lower spatial frequencies during task-optimization in order to improve robustness and V1 neural response predictivity.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Kong C, Chen X. Int J Nanomedicine. 2022;17:6427-6446. The authors have advised affiliation 2 on page 6427 is incorrect. The correct affiliation should read "2Department of Human Anatomy, Guangxi ...Medical University, Nanning, People's Republic of China". The authors apologize for this error.
The human luteinising hormone choriogonadotropin receptor (LHCGR) is a G-protein coupled receptor activated by both human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and luteinizing hormone (LH), two structurally ...related gonadotropins with essential roles in ovulation and maintenance of the corpus luteum. LHCGR expression predominates in ovarian tissues where it elicits functional responses through cyclic adenosine mononucleotide (cAMP), Ca
and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signalling. LHCGR expression has also been localized to the human endometrium, with purported roles in decidualization and implantation. However, these observations are contentious. In this investigation, transcripts encoding LHCGR were undetectable in bulk RNA sequencing datasets from whole cycling endometrial tissue and cultured human endometrial stromal cells (EnSC). However, analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing data revealed cell-to-cell transcriptional heterogeneity, and we identified a small subpopulation of stromal cells with detectable LHCGR transcripts. In HEK-293 cells expressing recombinant LHCGR, both hCG and LH elicited robust cAMP, Ca
and ERK signals that were absent in wild-type HEK-293 cells. However, none of these responses were recapitulated in primary EnSC cultures. In addition, proliferation, viability and decidual transformation of EnSC were refractory to both hCG and LH, irrespective of treatment to induce differentiation. Although we challenge the assertion that LHCGR is expressed at a functionally active level in the human endometrium, the discovery of a discrete subpopulation of EnSC that express LHCGR transcripts may plausibly account for the conflicting evidence in the literature.
This study aimed to examine the influence of dietary CP on the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA) and test the additivity of AA ...digestibility in corn-soybean meal-based diets fed to broilers. Six experimental diets comprising a nitrogen-free diet and five corn-soybean meal-based diets containing 6.0%, 9.5%, 13.0%, 16.5%, and 20.0% CP were prepared. Increments in CP and AA concentrations were achieved by increasing the inclusion rate of corn and soybean meal at the expense of cornstarch. All diets contained 0.5% chromic oxide, which was included as an indigestible index. A total of 960 Ross 308 male broilers 19-day-old male broilers (Ross 308), with a mean BW of 628 g (SD = 58.0), were allocated to six dietary treatment groups in a randomized complete block design, with each treatment group have eight replicate cages and 20 birds per cage. All birds were fed the experimental diets for 4 days. On d 23, individual BW and feed intake were recorded, followed by collection of ileal digesta samples from the distal ileum. Regarding growth, the final BW, weight gain, feed intake, and gain to feed ratio increased linearly (P < 0.001) as dietary CP concentrations increased. With the increase in dietary CP concentrations from 6.0% to 20.0%, the AID of all AA, except Arg, increased linearly (P < 0.05). However, the SID of all AA, except Arg, Cys, and Pro, remained unaffected by CP concentrations in the diets. This study indicated that dietary CP concentrations from 6.0% to 20.0% have an effect on the growth performance of birds and the AID of most AA; however, the SID of most AA was not affected by dietary CP concentrations in the corn-soybean meal-based diets. In conclusion, the SID of AA is more additive than the AID of AA in poultry diets containing CP in the range of 6.0% to 20.0%.
Background
Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal-pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) is a curative and cancer preventative procedure in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and familial adenomatous ...polyposis (FAP). It can be technically difficult laparoscopically, and hence the robotic platform has been suggested as a way to enable minimally invasive surgery in more patients. This systematic review examines robotic proctectomy or proctocolectomy with IPAA. A limited meta-analysis was performed on data comparing the robotic approach to laparoscopy.
Methods
We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane database for case series of robotic IPAA procedures and studies comparing the robotic to laparoscopic or open procedures. Data examined includes operating time, conversion to open, length of stay, complications, blood loss, return of bowel function, reoperation rate and functional outcomes.
Results
Five non-randomised studies compared robotic to laparoscopic techniques; one compared robotic to open surgery and three case series are included. Operating time was significantly longer in robotic cases. Estimated blood loss was significantly less in three of four studies which reported this; hospital stay was significantly less in two. There were nonsignificant reductions in complications and readmission rates. Pooled analysis of four papers with adequate data showed a nonstatistically significant trend to less complications in robotic procedures. Three studies assessed functional and quality of life outcomes, with little difference between the platforms.
Conclusions
Available data suggests that the robotic platform is safe to use for IPAA procedures. There is minimal evidence for clinical advantages, but with little data to base decisions and significant potential for improvements in technique and cost-effectiveness, further use of the platform for this operation is warranted. It is vital that this occurs within an evaluation framework.
Long-term care facilities (LTCFs) are a potentially important reservoir of multidrug-resistant (MDR) organisms; however, limited data exist.
A point-prevalence study was conducted in four co-located ...LTCFs in Australia. Nasal and rectal swabs were cultured for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) and MDR Gram-negative bacilli (GNB). Molecular typing and resistance detection were performed. Risk factors for colonization with an MDR organism were determined using a nested case-control study.
Consent was obtained from 115 (85%) of 136 eligible participants. Forty-one (36%) residents carried at least one type of MDR organism. The prevalence was 16% MRSA (n = 18), 6% VRE (n = 7) and 21% MDR GNB n = 24; including extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli (n = 12) and Acinetobacter baumannii (n = 6). The majority of ESBL-producing E. coli and A. baumannii were clonal. Current wound management adjusted OR (AOR) 8.81 (95% CI 2.78-27.94), P < 0.001, medical device in situ AOR 5.58 (95% CI 1.34-23.32), P = 0.018 and pressure ulcer AOR 3.69 (95% CI 1.06-12.86), P = 0.04 were independent risk factors for MDR organism colonization. Advanced dementia AOR 3.54 (95% CI 1.23-10.23), P = 0.02 and prolonged antibiotic use AOR 2.95 (95% CI 1.01-8.60), P = 0.047 were independently associated with MRSA colonization, whilst current wound management AOR 15.59 (95% CI 4.85-50.10), P < 0.001 and fluoroquinolone use AOR 4.27 (95% CI 1.20-15.25), P = 0.025 were risk factors for MDR GNB colonization.
LTCFs are an important reservoir of MDR organisms, with person-to-person transmissions being a potential issue. We have identified several predictors of colonization with MDR organisms, allowing a more targeted management of high-risk residents.
Histone H3 lysine-4 (H3K4) methylation is associated with transcribed genes in eukaryotes. In Drosophila and mammals, both di- and tri-methylation of H3K4 are associated with gene activation. In ...contrast to animals, in Arabidopsis H3K4 trimethylation, but not mono- or di-methylation of H3K4, has been implicated in transcriptional activation. H3K4 methylation is catalyzed by the H3K4 methyltransferase complexes known as COMPASS or COMPASS-like in yeast and mammals. Here, we report that Arabidopsis homologs of the COMPASS and COMPASS-like complex core components known as Ash2, RbBP5, and WDR5 in humans form a nuclear subcomplex during vegetative and reproductive development, which can associate with multiple putative H3K4 methyltransferases. Loss of function of ARABIDOPSIS Ash2 RELATIVE (ASH2R) causes a great decrease in genome-wide H3K4 trimethylation, but not in di- or mono-methylation. Knockdown of ASH2R or the RbBP5 homolog suppresses the expression of a crucial Arabidopsis floral repressor, FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC), and FLC homologs resulting in accelerated floral transition. ASH2R binds to the chromatin of FLC and FLC homologs in vivo and is required for H3K4 trimethylation, but not for H3K4 dimethylation in these loci; overexpression of ASH2R causes elevated H3K4 trimethylation, but not H3K4 dimethylation, in its target genes FLC and FLC homologs, resulting in activation of these gene expression and consequent late flowering. These results strongly suggest that H3K4 trimethylation in FLC and its homologs can activate their expression, providing concrete evidence that H3K4 trimethylation accumulation can activate eukaryotic gene expression. Furthermore, our findings suggest that there are multiple COMPASS-like complexes in Arabidopsis and that these complexes deposit trimethyl but not di- or mono-methyl H3K4 in target genes to promote their expression, providing a molecular explanation for the observed coupling of H3K4 trimethylation (but not H3K4 dimethylation) with active gene expression in Arabidopsis.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Summary
Background Skin ageing is influenced by environmental factors such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The effects of UV radiation on skin functions should be investigated using human in vitro ...models to understand the mechanisms of skin ageing. Additionally, marine algae provide a valuable source for identifying and extracting biologically active substances.
Objectives In this study, sargachromanol E was isolated from a marine brown alga, Sargassum horneri, and its inhibitory effect on skin ageing was investigated using UVA‐irradiated dermal fibroblasts.
Methods Formation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation induced by UVA irradiation were investigated in UVA‐irradiated human dermal fibroblasts. The levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) were determined by reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis.
Results Sargachromanol E did not exhibit any significant cytotoxicity or phototoxicity in UVA‐exposed dermal fibroblasts. Additionally, sargachromanol E suppressed intracellular formation of ROS, membrane protein oxidation, lipid peroxidation and expression of collagenases such as MMP‐1, MMP‐2 and MMP‐9, all of which are caused by UVA exposure. It was further found that these inhibitions were related to an increase in the expression of the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) genes, TIMP1 and TIMP2. Moreover, we have shown that the transcriptional activation of activator protein 1 (AP‐1) signalling caused by UVA irradiation was inhibited by treatment with sargachromanol E.
Conclusions This study suggests that UVA irradiation modulates MMP expression via the transcriptional activation of AP‐1 signalling, whereas treatment with sargachromanol E protected cell damage caused by UVA irradiation.
What’s already known about this topic?
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Sargachromanol E isolated from Sargassum horneri prevents photoageing of skin.
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Skin photoageing can result from extrinsic factors such as ultraviolet (UV)A, which weakens collagen fibres.
What does this study add?
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Photoageing studies indicate that UVA‐induced expression of matrix metalloproteinases is associated with matrix degradation in dermal fibroblasts.
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Sargassum horneri is a valuable source for the isolation of skin‐protective chemicals.
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