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The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of increasing levels of condensed tannin extracted from Acacia mearnsii on the performance, carcass traits, meat quality, methane (CH 4) emissions, and health of finishing Nellore bulls in a feedlot system. Eighty 20-month-old Nellore bulls (426.7 ± 24.46 kg of body weight (BW)) were individually housed with ad libitum access to feed and water. The study followed a completely randomized design with five treatments, each consisting of sixteen animals. Treatments included a negative control (no additives), 3 levels of tannin (0.8, 1.6, and 3.2 g of tannin/kg DM; Tanfeed®, Tanac Company), and a positive control (28 mg/kg DM monensin; Elanco®). Animals underwent a 21-day adaptation period with three step-up adaptation diets before entering the 89-day finishing phase. The adaptation dietary program consisted of ad libitum feeding with 3 adaptation diets over 21 days, in which the finishing phase lasted 89 days. The adaptation dietary program consisted of ad libitum feeding of 3 step-up adaptation diets for 3 weeks (21 d). The concentrate level of the diet (DM basis) increased from 40 % to 50 % in week 1, 50–56 % in week 2, and 56–75 % in week 3 (finishing diet). The experimental period (adaptation + finishing phases) lasted 110 d. The diet was formulated to meet the requirements while considering an average daily gain (ADG) of 1.6 kg/d. Enteric CH 4 emissions were estimated using the sulfur hexafluoride (SF 6) tracer gas technique. Performance and carcass traits, except for shear force and ash in meat, were not affected by increasing levels of dietary tannin or monensin (P>0.10). Regression analysis indicated a quadratic effect on shear force, with the lowest value observed at 1.6 g/kg DM of dietary tannin inclusion (P=0.05). Ash in meat increased quadratically with tannin inclusion, peaking at 1.6 g/kg DM of tannin addition, differing from monensin-treated bulls (P=0.05). However, CH 4 emission as g/d decreased quadratically with increasing tannin levels (P<0.01), reaching the lowest emission at 0.8 g/kg DM of tannin inclusion, differing from monensin treatment (P<0.01). Also, CH 4 emission intensity (g/kg DMI at CH 4 sampling period) tended to decrease quadratically with tannin inclusion (P=0.09), with the lowest intensity observed at 0.8 g/kg DM of tannin inclusion, but not differing from monensin-treated bulls. Liver abscess and rumen scores were not impacted by tannin level in the diet (P = 0.26 and 0.19, respectively); however, the odds of having a liver (0 to A+ scale) and ruminitis score (0-10 scale) of 0 was 0.178 less for monensin-treated bulls compared to control and 0.224 less for monensin than tannin-treated bulls at 3.2 g/kg DM of inclusion, respectively. Overall, condensed tannin effectively reduced meat shear force and CH 4 emissionin finishing Nellore bulls in a dose-dependent manner, without detrimental effects on performance. • Condensed tannin reduced the shear force of meat in a dose-dependent manner. • Methane emission and its intensity decreased with the tannin inclusion. • Tannin and monensin did not affect liver abscess or ruminitis score in finishing bulls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Natalizumab (NTZ) is a highly effective treatment for relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis (MS), but its withdrawal is often followed by disease reactivation or rebound, even if other disease‐modifying treatments (DMTs) are administered. In this study, for the first time, the safety and efficacy of autologous hematopoietic stem‐cell transplantation (aHSCT) performed following NTZ discontinuation were retrospectively compared with conventional DMTs. Methods: Patients with relapsing‐remitting MS treated with NTZ who discontinued the drug after at least six administrations and with at least 6 months of follow‐up were included. Patients underwent aHSCT after a minimum of 6 months following NTZ withdrawal, receiving meanwhile cyclophosphamide or corticosteroids, or other DMTs approved for MS (control group) after an adequate wash‐out period. Both hematological and neurological follow‐up were assessed according to standard policies. Results: A total of 52 patients were included, 11 who received aHSCT and 41 who received DMTs. Baseline clinical and demographic characteristics were similar between the two groups. No fatality or life‐threatening complications, including progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, were observed. At 3 years following NTZ discontinuation, no evidence of disease activity was reported in 54.5% of the patients in the aHSCT group compared with 11.5% of those in the DMT group (P = 0.0212). Disease reactivation in the patients with aHSCT was observed only during wash‐out/bridging therapy and 100% of the cases were free from disease activity after aHSCT. Conclusions: These data suggest that an aggressive therapy should be established after NTZ with the shortest possible wash‐out period. aHSCT after 6 months from NTZ withdrawal appears to be safe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Totipotency is the ability of a cell to regenerate a whole organism. Plant somatic embryogenesis (SE) is a remarkable example of totipotency because somatic cells reverse differentiation, respond to an appropriate stimulus and initiate embryo development. Although SE is an ideal system to investigate de-differentiation and differentiation, we still lack a deep molecular understanding of the phenomenon due to experimental restraints. Results: We applied the INTACT method to specifically isolate the nuclei of those cells undergoing SE among the majority of non-embryogenic cells that make up a callus. We compared the transcriptome of embryogenic cells to the one of proliferating callus cells. Our analyses revealed that embryogenic cells are transcriptionally rather than metabolically active. Embryogenic cells shut off biochemical pathways involved in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism and activate the transcriptional machinery. Furthermore, we show how early in SE, ground tissue and leaf primordia specification are switched on before the specification of a shoot apical meristem. Conclusions: This is the first attempt to specifically profile embryogenic cells among the different cell types that constitute plant in vitro tissue cultures. Our comparative analyses provide insights in the gene networks regulating SE and open new research avenues in the field of plant regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the widespread use of assisted reproductive techniques ( ART), DNA methylation of specific genes involved in spermatogenesis achieves increasingly clinical relevance, representing a possible explanation of increased incidence of syndromes related to genomic imprinting in medically assisted pregnancies. Several trials suggested a relationship between male sub-fertility and sperm DNA methylation, although its weight on seminal parameters alteration is still a matter of debate. To evaluate whether aberrant sperm DNA methylation of imprinted genes is associated with impaired sperm parameters. Meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials evaluating imprinted genes sperm DNA methylation comparing men with idiopathic infertility to fertile controls. Twenty-four studies were included, allowing a meta-analytic evaluation for H19, MEST, SNRPN, and LINE-1. When a high heterogeneity of the results was demonstrated, the random effect model was used. H19 methylation levels resulted significantly lower in 879 infertile compared with 562 fertile men (7.53%, 95% CI: 5.14-9.93%, p < 0.001), suggesting a 9.91-fold higher risk ratio to show aberrant sperm DNA methylation (95% CI: 5.55-17.70, p < 0.001, I2 = 19%) in infertile men. The mean MEST methylation level was significantly higher in 846 infertile compared with 353 fertile men (3.35%, 95% CI: 1.41-5.29%, p < 0.001), as well as for SNRPN comparing 301 infertile men with 124 controls (3.23%, 95% CI: 0.75-5.72%, p < 0.001). LINE-1 methylation levels did not differ between 291 infertile men and 198 controls (0.44%, 95% CI: −2.04-1.16%, p = 0.63). The meta-analytic approach demonstrated that male infertility is associated with altered sperm methylation at H19, MEST, and SNRPN. Although its role in infertility remains unclear, sperm DNA methylation could be associated with the epigenetic risk in ART. In this setting, before proposing this analysis in clinical practice, an accurate identification of the most representative genes and a cost-effectiveness evaluation should be assessed in ad hoc prospective studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data from 156 Nellore males were used to develop equations for the prediction of retail beef yield and carcass fat content, expressed as kilograms and as a percentage, from live animal and carcass measurements. Longissimus muscle area and backfat and rump fat thickness were measured by ultrasound up to 5 d before slaughter and fasted live weight was determined 1 d before slaughter. The same traits were obtained after slaughter. The carcass edible portion (CEP in kg and CEP% in percentage; n = 116) was calculated by the sum of the edible portions of primal cuts: hindquarter, forequarter, and spare ribs. Trimmable fat from the carcass boning process, with the standardization of about 3 mm of fat on retail beef, was considered to be representative of carcass fat content. Most of the variation in CEP was explained by fasted live weight or carcass weight (R² of 0.92 and 0.96); the same occurred for CEP% (R² of 0.15 and 0.13), and for CEP, the inclusion of LM area and fat thickness reduced the equation bias (lower value of Mallow's Cp statistics). For trimmable fat, most variation could be explained by weight or rump fat thickness. In general, the equations developed from live animal measurements showed a predictive power similar to the equations using carcass measurements. In all cases, the traits expressed as kilograms were better predicted (R² of 0.39 to 0.96) than traits expressed as a percentage (R² of 0.08 to 0.42). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study were to estimate genetic parameters for indicator traits of feed efficiency and to recommend traits that would result in better responses to selection for increased weaning weight (weaning weight adjusted to 210 d of age [W210]), ADG, and metabolic BW (BW0.75) and lower DMI. Records of W210 from 8,004 Nellore animals bom between 1978 and 2011 and postweaning performance test records from 678 males and females bom between 2004 and 2011 were used. The following feed efficiency traits were evaluated: G:F, partial efficiency of growth (PEG), relative growth rate (RGR), Kleiber's ratio (ICR), residual feed intake (RFI), residual weight gain (RWG), and residual intake and gain (RIG). Covariance and variance components were estimated by the restricted maximum likelihood method using multitrait analysis under an animal model. Estimates of genetic gain and correlated responses were obtained considering single-stage and 2-stage selection. Heritability estimates were 0.22 ± 0.03 (W210), 0.60 ± 0.08 (DMI), 0.42 ± 0.08 (ADG), 0.56 ± 0.06 (BW0.75), 0.19 ± 0.07 (G:F), 0.25 ± 0.09 (PEG), 0.19 ± 0.07 (RGR), 0.22 ± 0.07 (KR), 0.33 ± 0.10 (RFI), 0.13 ± 0.07 (RWG), and 0.19 ± 0.08 (RIG). The genetic correlations of DMI with W210 (0.64 ± 0.10), ADG (0.87 ± 0.06), and BW0.75 (0.84 ± 0.05) were high. The only efficiency traits showing favorable responses to selection for lower DMI were G:F, PEG, RFI, and RIG. However, the use of G:F, PEG, or RFI as a selection criterion results in unfavorable correlated responses in some growth traits. The linear combination of RFI and RWG through RIG is the best selection criterion to obtain favorable responses in postweaning growth and feed intake of Nellore cattle in single-stage selection. Genetic gains in feed efficiency are expected even after preselection for W210 and subsequent feed efficiency testing of the preselected animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Empty body and carcass chemical compositions, expressed as content of water, ether extract, protein, minerals, and energy, were evaluated in Nellore bulls with different residual feed intakes (RFI). Forty-nine not castrated males, with 343 kg of average initial BW and 398 kg of average slaughter BW, were studied. Animals were divided in two subgroups: reference group (RG) and ad libitum feeding group. At the end of the adaptation period, animals of subgroup RG were slaughtered and the other animals were finished in individual pens for approximately 100 d, until they reached a subcutaneous fat thickness over the LM of 4 mm, and were slaughtered at an average age of 540 d. Body composition was obtained after grinding, homogenizing, sampling, analyzing, and combining blood, hide, head + feet, viscera, and carcass. Tissue deposition rates and chemical composition of gain were also measured based on gains estimated by comparative slaughter technique. No significant differences in slaughter BW (P = 0.8639), empty BW (P = 0.7288), HCW (P = 0.6563), or empty body and carcass rates of gain were observed between RFI groups, demonstrating that the low (-0.331 kg DM/d) and high (+0.325 kg DM/d) RFI animals presented similar body sizes and growth rates. No significant differences in empty body or carcass content of water, ether extract, protein, minerals, and energy were observed between the low and high RFI animals. And also there were no significant differences in empty BW or carcass gain, demonstrating that low and high RFI animals had a similar growth potential. More efficient animals (low RFI) consumed less feed than less efficient animals (high RFI) but presented similar body sizes, growth rates, and empty body and carcass chemical composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The combination of paclitaxel and cisplatin is considered the standard regimen for advanced ovarian cancer (AOC). A meta-analysis has shown that the incorporation of anthracyclines into first-line chemotherapy might improve long-term survival by 7-10%. We designed a phase I-II study in patients with AOC using a combination of a fixed dose of cisplatin with paclitaxel and epirubicin both given at escalating doses every 3 weeks. The objectives of this study were to determine both the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and the antitumor activity of this combination.Methods: Six different dose levels were planned. The starting doses were cisplatin 75 mg/m2, paclitaxel 140 mg/m2, and epirubicin 50 mg/m2. The doses of paclitaxel were escalated in 20-mg/m2 increments, alternating with 20-mg/m2 increments of epirubicin. Ten patients with AOC entered the phase I study. Three patients each were enrolled at level I and level II and four patients at level III, and at each level, 15 courses were administered. Patients received a median of five courses.Results: Nonhematological toxicity was generally mild, except for grade 3 mucositis in one course at levels II and III, and grade 3 vomiting in one course at levels I and III. Hematological toxicities were grade 3-4 neutropenia in 60%, 47% and 60% of courses at levels I, II and III, respectively, and grade 3 anemia in one course at level III. At level III two of four patients developed a dose-limiting toxicity which was grade 4 neutropenia lasting more than 1 week.Conclusions: The MTD was reached at level II with cisplatin 75 mg/m2, paclitaxel 160 mg/m2, and epirubicin 50 mg/m2. The phase II part of the study is currently ongoing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to evaluate the use of natural additives, based on essential oils and yeast cell wall products, as alternatives for monensin as a growth promoter for beef cattle. A total of 160 Nellore bulls with an average initial body weight of 352 kg were randomly distributed (40 animals/treatment) in four collective pens equipped with 24 automatic feeders (6 devices per pen). The feedlot period lasted 116 days, with a 14-day period of animal adaptation to the facilities. After the adaptation period, a transport stress (8 hours/400 km) was induced in all animals to simulate a commercial feedlot situation. The treatments were: 1) CON - Negative control (no additive); 2) MON - Monensin (27 mg/kg of dry matter (DM)); 3) EO - Essential oil-based additive (Valkalor Plus: 1.3 g/ kg DM); 4) EOYW - Essential oil and yeast cell wall-based additive (Viandi Plus: 1.8 g/ kg DM). The EO additive Valkalor Plus (IDENA®, Sautron, France) consists of a blend of essential oils (eugenol and geranyl acetate), while the EOYW additive Viandi Plus (IDENA®, Sautron, France) contains a combination of essential oils (linalol and geranyl acetate) with yeast cell wall. All statistical analyses were performed in SAS version 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc.), using GLIMMIX procedure and comparing the least square means by Tukey's test at P < 0.05 and tendency between 0.05 < P < 0.10. A tendency (P = 0.091) and a significant effect (P = 0.032) were observed for final body weight (FBW) and average daily gain (ADG), respectively. Treatment MON presented greater FBW and ADG compared to CON (546 kg; 1.656 kg/d vs. 529 kg; 1.486 kg/d) but did not differ from treatment EO and EOYW. Dietary treatment EOYW presented greater dry matter intake (DMI), compared to MON (7 %; P = 0.006), but did not differ from CON and EO (P > 0.10). On the other hand, dietary treatment MON presented greater gain: feed ratio than all other treatments (P = 0.003). The treatments CON and EO presented greater presence of liver abscesses compared to MON and EOYW (P = 0.030). On average, the presence of liver abscess was 4.62 % for MON and EOYW vs. 23 % for CON and EO. Animals fed EO and EOYW diets, particularly during the initial adaptation period (0–12 days), had greater fluctuations in DMI compared to bulls fed CON and MON diets (P < 0.0001). Bulls treated with MON spent more time eating and had a greater DMI rate (min/kg; P < 0.0001) per kg compared to EOYW bulls during both the adaptation phase and the entire study period. In terms of daily feeding behavior, MON and EO-treated bulls exhibited more visits than EOYW bulls throughout the adaptation, final, and overall study periods (P < 0.0001). The serum haptoglobin concentration was greater for animals fed EO and EOYW compared to other treatments on average and at d 116 after enrollment (P < 0.0001). Altogether, these outcomes indicate that EOYW may be a viable alternative to MON in feedlot diets for finishing animals. • Monensin enhanced bulls´ performance and efficiency compared to control. • Monensin reduced the incidence of liver abscesses in bulls compared to the control. • Essential oils and yeast cell wall lowered liver abscesses compared to control. • Essential oils and yeast cell can be a viable alternative to monensin in feedlot. • Essential oil combined with yeast cell or not increased the immune activity in bulls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the modulation of gene expression profiles in racing horses. It takes into account the chromosomal location of interleukin 8 (IL8) in Equus caballus. A genomic DNA fragment has been amplified using primers from the horse IL8 mRNA sequence. Overlapping clones 63-D22 and 163-L3 have been isolated. Through the use of bacterial artificial chromosome clone as probe in a fluorescence in situ hybridization, the location of IL8 is determined.

The article explores the Arabidopsis ad/abaxial regulatory network using target gene identification. It notes that the regulators of ad/abaxial leaf polarity in plants can control the patterns of cellular differentiation, blade outgrowth and formation of new branches. It discusses the role of the HD-ZIPIII and KANADI genes in the development of adaxial and abaxial polarity in the leaf, respectively. The regulation of subsidiary transcription factors by the REVOLUTA and Kanadi genes is detailed.