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Supplementing animal feed with probiotic additives can promote muscle production and improve meat quality. The study aimed to explore the effects of dietary probiotics supplementation on the performance, meat quality and muscle transcriptome profile in Sunit lamb. Overall, feeding probiotics significantly increased the body length, LT area, pH 24h and intramuscular fat (IMF) content, but decreased cooking loss and meat shear force compared to the control group (P <.05). A total of 651 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were found in probiotic supplemented lambs. Pathway analysis revealed that DEGs were involved in multiple pathways related to muscle development and fat deposition, such as the ECM-receptor interactions, the MAPK signaling pathway and the FoxO signaling pathway. Therefore, dietary probiotic supplementation can improve muscle development and final meat quality in Sunit lambs by altering gene expression profiles associated with key pathways, providing unique insights into the molecular mechanisms by which dietary probiotics regulate muscle development in the lamb industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) play pivotal roles in the preservation and fermentation of forage crops in spontaneous or inoculated silages. Highlights of silage LAB over the past decades include the discovery of the roles of LAB in silage bacterial communities and metabolism and the exploration of functional properties. The present article reviews published literature on the effects of LAB on the succession, structure, and functions of silage microbial communities involved in fermentation. Furthermore, the utility of functional LAB in silage preparation including feruloyl esterase‐producing LAB, antimicrobial LAB, lactic acid bacteria with high antioxidant potential, pesticide‐degrading LAB, lactic acid bacteria producing 1,2‐propanediol, and low‐temperature‐tolerant LAB have been described. Compared with conventional LAB, functional LAB produce different effects; specifically, they positively affect animal performance, health, and product quality, among others. In addition, the metabolic profiles of ensiled forages show that plentiful probiotic metabolites with but not limited to antimicrobial, antioxidant, aromatic, and anti‐inflammatory properties are observed in silage. Collectively, the current knowledge on the roles of LAB in crop silage indicates there are great opportunities to develop silage not only as a fermented feed but also as a vehicle of delivery of probiotic substances for animal health and welfare in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary The pharyngeal arch arteries (PAAs) are a series of paired embryonic blood vessels that give rise to several major arteries that connect directly to the heart. During development, the PAAs emerge from nkx2.5 -expressing mesodermal cells and connect the dorsal head vasculature to the outflow tract of the heart. Despite their central role in establishing the circulatory system, the embryonic origins of the PAA progenitors are only coarsely defined, and the factors that specify them and their regenerative potential are unclear. Using fate mapping and mutant analysis, we find that PAA progenitors are derived from the tcf21 and nkx2.5 double-positive head mesoderm and require these two transcription factors for their specification and survival. Unexpectedly, cell ablation shows that the tcf21 +; nkx2.5 + PAA progenitors are not required for PAA formation. We find that this compensation is due to the replacement of ablated tcf21 +; nkx2.5 + PAA cells by endothelial cells from the dorsal head vasculature. Together, these studies assign the embryonic origin of the great vessel progenitors to the interface between the pharyngeal and cardiac mesoderm, identify the transcription factor code required for their specification, and reveal an unexpected plasticity in the formation of the great vessels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the effects of oxidative stability variation on meat quality and flavor in biceps femoris (BF) and longissimus dorsi (LD) muscles of lambs during postmortem aging. The samples were stored at 4±1℃; the meat quality, flavor and muscle oxidative stability were measured on day 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 of postmortem aging. The results showed that malondialdehyde (MDA) content increased in both muscle types; superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) activities decreased, as did total antioxidative capacity (T‐AOC). LD muscle showed lower MDA content and antioxidative activity than BF muscle. Meat quality analyses indicated that aging increased the lightness (L*), redness (a*), and yellowness (b*) values of meat while improving its tenderness. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry results showed that volatile flavor compounds were more abundant in LD muscle than in BF muscle. As the aging time extended, relative contents of aldehyde and alcohol increased in both muscles. The key flavor compounds during postmortem aging including heptanal, octanal, nonanal, and decanal were screened by relative odor activity value (ROAV), and the content of key flavor compounds showed the trend of increasing, which were usually associated with fresh green grass, nutty, and fat descriptors. In conclusion, the oxidative muscles displayed better antioxidative capacity, and postmortem aging altered the oxidative stability of lamb muscle, which affected the meat quality and flavor. Practical Application: Meat aging is an important strategy to improve the quality of various meat traits (including flavor). The results of this work could be of interest to meat professionals who will be able to apply in actual production by choosing the best aging time based on flavor and meat quality for different muscle parts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common gastrointestinal cancers in the world, and its incidence is increasing all over the world including China. In recent years, research data show that some miRNAs are differentially expressed in cancer tissues, and their expression is closely contributed with the prognosis of CRC. Microarray technology was used, and 179 miRNAs were screened out with significantly altered expression in CRC tissues compared with adjacent tissues. The expression of mir-145-5p in tumor tissues was 3.48 times lower than that in normal tissues. Using bioinformatics technology and network resource prediction, we found that mir-145-5p had a potential target gene relationship with msln gene. Then, qRT-PCR was used to validate the expression level of mir-145-5p and msln mRNA in CRC and paracancerous tissues. The results showed that msln mRNA was higher than in normal tissues, while mir-145-5p was lower, with statistically significant difference (P < 0.01 , n = 3). Furthermore, the expression of msln protein in CRC and normal colorectal tissues was detected by protein mass spectrometry (MRM) (n = 3) and immunohistochemistry in a total case of 30 colorectal cancer tissues and normal tissues. Result showed that the positive expression of msln in CRC was higher than that in normal colorectal tissues, 1.38 e -6 and 1.89 e -6, respectively (P < 0.01 , n = 3). Furthermore, in 48 h RTCA real-time monitoring experiment, mir-145-5p showed inhibitory effect on the proliferation of colo320 cells stimulated by msln. This study demonstrated that msln is a target gene of mir-145-5p in CRC. Besides, mir-145-5p negatively regulates the proliferation of CRC colo320 cells through downregulating msln gene expression in CRC colo320 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are a major regulator in the development of endometrial cancer (EC). It was indicated that TAMs could crosstalk with cancer cells via transferring exosomes which carrying microRNAs (miRNAs). Firstly, we found that TAMs could promote the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of EC cells and inhibit its apoptosis. Next, we further found that TAMs regulated the EMT and apoptosis of EC cells through transferring exosomes into EC cells. Then, lowly expressed miR-192-5p in TAMs-derived exosomes was proved. Moreover, our data demonstrated that upregulation of miR-192-5p in TAMs-derived exosomes could significantly promote the apoptosis of EC cells and impede its EMT. IRAK1 was proved to be a downstream target of miR-192-5p. Importantly, we indicated that miR-192-5p-overexpressed TAMs-derived exosomes regulated the EC cells apoptosis and EMT through inhibiting IRAK1/NF-κB signaling pathway. In addition, we also revealed that overexpression of miR-192-5p in TAMs-derived exosomes obviously limits the growth of tumors. Overall, in TAMs-derived exosomes, our data demonstrated that overexpression of miR-192-5p could effectively suppress the progression of EC. Our data provid a new target for EC treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims/Hypothesis: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is increasing rapidly worldwide. Previous animal models were established to study consequences of offspring after exposure to severe intrauterine hyperglycemia. In this study we are aiming to characterize the blood pressure levels and renal function of male offspring obtained from diabetic mothers with moderate hyperglycemia. Methods: We established a rat model with moderate hyperglycemia after pregnancy by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ). The male offspring were studied and fed with either normal diet or high salt diet after weaning. Arterial pressure and renal function were measured. Results: Arterial pressure of male offspring increased from 12 weeks by exposure to intrauterine moderate hyperglycemia. At 20 weeks, high salt diet accelerated the blood pressure on diabetic offspring compared to diabetic offspring fed with normal diet. We found offspring exposed to intrauterine moderate hyperglycemia had a trend to have a higher creatinine clearance rate and significant increase of urinary N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) excretion indicating an early stage of nephropathy progression. Conclusions/Interpretation: We observed the high blood pressure level and early renal dysfunction of male offspring obtained from diabetic mothers with moderate hyperglycemia. Furthermore, we investigated high salt diet after weaning on offspring exposed to intrauterine hyperglycemia could exacerbate the blood pressure and renal function. Renin angiotensin system (RAS) plays an important role in hypertension pathogenesis and altered gene expression of RAS components in offspring with in utero hyperglycemia exposure may account for the programmed hypertension. Therefore, our study provides evidence “fetal programming” of maternal diabetes is critical for metabolic disease development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To compare the therapeutic effects of Xijiao Dihuang Decoction combined with Yinqiao Powder and its disassembled prescription on influenza pneumonia in mice, and to explore the different effects of Xijiao Dihuang Decoction and Yinqiao Powder in the interruptive therapy. Methods ICR mice and BALB/c mice were randomly divided into the normal group, model group, Xiiiao Dihuang Decoction combined with Yinqiao Powder (XDY) group, Xiiiao Dihuang ( XD) Decoction group, Yinqiao Powder (YQ) group, and Tamiflu group. The mice in all groups except the normal group were infected with influenza virus by nasal drops. Each group was administered with the corresponding decoction or solution 1 h after infection, once a day for 6 consecutive days. The ICR mice were observed for 14 days, and their weight and survival time were recorded. The BALB/c mice were sampled on the 2nd, 4th, and 6th days after infection, and lung tissue pathological sections were observed under the light microscope. The levels of IAV-NP mRNA in lung tissue were detected by RT-PCR, and the levels of TNF-a and IL-6 in lung tissue were detected by ELISA. Results In the XDY group, improved survival rate, prolonged survival time and postponed extreme death period of infected mice were observed, and the effect was better than that of either the XD group or YQ group, with better effect in XD group than YQ group. The effect of the XDY group was better than that of either the XD group or YQ group in alleviating the inflammatory pathological changes of lung tissue infected mice on the 6th day, with the lesions of XD group less than those of YQ group. Compared with the model group, the expression of IAV-NP mRNA in the YQ group was down-regulated on the 2nd, 4th and 6th days (P <0. 01), and the IAV-NP mRNA expression on the 4th and 6th days was lower than that in the XDY group (P <0. 01), while there was no significant diiference in the IAV-NP mRNA expression of XD group and the model group on the 4th and 6th days. The levels of TNF-different effects of Xijiao Dihuang Decoction and Yinqiao Powder in the interruptive therapy. Methods ICR mice and BALB/c mice were randomly divided into the normal group, model group, Xiiiao Dihuang Decoction combined with Yinqiao Powder ( XDY) group, Xiiiao Dihuang ( XD) Decoction group, Yinqiao Powder (YQ) group, and Tamiflu group. The mice in all groups except the normal group were infected with influenza virus by nasal drops. Each group was administered with the corresponding decoction or solution 1 h after infection, once a day for 6 consecutive days. The ICR mice were observed for 14 days, and their weight and survival time were recorded. The BALB/c mice were sampled on the 2nd, 4th, and 6th days after infection, and lung tissue pathological sections were observed under the light microscope. The levels of IAV-NP mRNA in lung tissue were detected by RT-PCR, and the levels of TNF-a and IL-6 in lung tissue were detected by ELISA. Results In the XDY group, improved survival rate, prolonged survival time and postponed extreme death period of infected mice were observed, and the effect was better than that of either the XD group or YQ group, with better effect in XD group than YQ group. The effect of the XDY group was better than that of either the XD group or YQ group in alleviating the inflammatory pathological changes of lung tissue infected mice on the 6th day, with the lesions of XD group less than those of YQ group. Compared with the model group, the expression of IAV-NP mRNA in the YQ group was down-regulated on the 2nd, 4th and 6th days (P <0. 01), and the IAV-NP mRNA expression on the 4th and 6th days was lower than that in the XDY group (P <0. 01), while there was no significant diiference in the IAV-NP mRNA expression of XD group and the model group on the 4th and 6th days. The levels of TNF-a and IL-6 in lung tissues of the XDY, XD and YQ groups were lower than that of the model group on the 4th and 6th days (P <0. 05, P <0. 01), with the levels of the XDY group lower than that of either XD or YQ group (P <0. 05, P <0.01) . The level of TNF-a in XD group on the 6th day was lower than that in YQ group (P <0.05), while the level of IL-6 in XD group on the 2nd, 4th days was lower than that in YQ group (P <0. 01) . Conclusion With an antiviral effect of the Yinqiao Powder and anti-inflammatory effect of the Xiao Dihuang Decoction, the combination of the two prescriptions seems to stop the pathogen in the early stage of viral infection, and reverse the severe inflammation in the extreme stage to achieve the therapeutic effect. and IL-6 in lung tissues of the XDY, XD and YQ groups were lower than that of the model group on the 4th and 6th days (P <0. 05, P <0. 01), with the levels of the XDY group lower than that of either XD or YQ group (P <0. 05, P <0.01) . The level of TNF-a in XD group on the 6th day was lower than that in YQ group (P <0.05), while the level of IL-6 in XD group on the 2nd, 4th days was lower than that in YQ group (P <0. 01) . Conclusion With an antiviral effect of the Yinqiao Powder and anti-inflammatory effect of the Xiao Dihuang Decoction, the combination of the two prescriptions seems to stop the pathogen in the early stage of viral infection, and reverse the severe inflammation in the extreme stage to achieve the therapeutic effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 has spread globally with over 90,000,000 incidences and 1,930,000 deaths by Jan 11, 2021, which poses a big threat to public health. It is urgent to distinguish COVID-19 from common pneumonia. In this study, we reported multiple clinical feature analyses on COVID-19 in Inner Mongolia for the first time. We dynamically monitored multiple clinical features of all 75 confirmed COVID-19 patients, 219 pneumonia patients, and 68 matched healthy people in Inner Mongolia. Then, we studied the association between COVID-19 and clinical characteristics, based on which to construct a novel logistic regression model for predicting COVID-19. As a result, among the tested clinical characteristics, WBC, hemoglobin, C-reactive protein (CRP), ALT, and Cr were significantly different between COVID-19 patients and patients in other groups. The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.869 for the logistic regression model using multiple factors associated with COVID-19. Furthermore, the CRP reaction showed five different time-series patterns with one-peak and double-peak modes. In conclusion, our study identified a few clinical characteristics significantly different between COVID-19 patients and others in Inner Mongolia. The features can be used to establish a reliable logistic regression model for predicting COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to obtain sheep bone protein hydrolysates (SBPHs) with antioxidant activity from sheep bone byproducts and evaluate their stability and processing characteristics under different conditions. Then, the antioxidant peptides were identified and synthesized, and their antioxidant mechanism of action was investigated using molecular docking. The results showed that SBPHs obtained by alkaline protease hydrolysis had high antioxidant capacity and a high proportion of hydrophobic amino acids (41.33%). The antioxidant activity of SBPHs was intolerant to high temperatures and weakly resistant to acids and alkalis. NaCl improved the reducing power, sugars maintained the antioxidant activity, and metal ions reduced the antioxidant activity of SBPHs. SBPHs maintained higher antioxidant activity after simulated gastrointestinal digestion. Three fractions were isolated by ultrafiltration, among which P–I (MW < 3 kDa) had the strongest antioxidant activity. Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC‒MS/MS) showed that 17 peptides with Peptide Ranker >0.85 were found in P–I. Among the synthesized peptides, VYPFPGPIPN had the strongest antioxidant activity, which was mainly exerted through hydrogen bonding, π-π stacking and π-alkyl bonding with Keap1. This study provides a reference for subsequent studies on the production, storage and antioxidant function utilization of SBPHs. [Display omitted] • Sheep-bone protein hydrolysate had good stability and gastrointestinal tolerance. • The P–I fraction had best antioxidant activity and stability during in vitro digestion. • The peptide VN-10 displayed greater antioxidant activity than LL-5 and SN-12. • Molecular docking revealed interactions between VN-10 and Keap1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, jerky samples were prepared from seasoned beef with and without the addition of starter culture. They were then dried or fried and analyzed to identify the quality parameters and volatile flavor compounds. Samples (starter and control) were divided into drying (inoculated‐drying, I‐D; noninoculated‐drying, N‐D) and frying (inoculated‐frying, I‐F; noninoculated‐frying, N‐F) groups. Water activity (aw), lightness (L*), and redness (a*) values were significantly affected (p <.001) by the postcooking procedures (drying or frying). Hardness, chewiness, and resilience were significantly lower in the dried groups than in the fried groups (p <.05). The formation of volatile compounds was affected by cooking treatment, with the highest levels observed in the I‐F group. After frying, the most abundant flavor compounds in the I‐D and N‐D groups were terpenes and sulfur‐containing compounds, followed by aromatic hydrocarbons, ketones, and alcohols. The most common compounds among all groups were acetoin, D‐limonene, anethole, styrene, and tetramethylpyrazine. Overall, the jerky in the I‐F group had the best color and tenderness scores among all groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present work was to investigate the effects of feeding regimens (pasture vs. mixed diet) on meat quality, fatty acids, volatile compounds, and antioxidant properties in lamb meat. In total, 24 lambs were allotted into two feeding regimens at 10.23 kg live weight. Lambs were fed on pasture grass (PG group, n = 12) or mixed diet (M group, n = 12). Longissimusthoracis (LT) muscle samples from the M group had a higher intramuscular fat (IMF) (p < 0.05), pH45minvalue (p < 0.01), and ash (p < 0.05) than the PG group. In contrast, the shear force (p < 0.05), L*(p < 0.05), and b* (p < 0.001) in M group were lower than in PG group. Analyses indicated that PG group contained higher linolenic acid (C18:3n3) and docosatrienoic acid (C22:3n6) (p < 0.05) than the M group. Major volatile compounds in the muscles included hexanal, heptanal, nonanal, octanal, 1‐pentanol, 1‐hexanol, 1‐octen‐3‐ol, and 2,3‐octanedione. The levels of hexanal, nonanal, and 2,3‐octanedione were significantly lower in PG lamb muscle (p < 0.01). In contrast, 1‐pentanol and 1‐hexanol levels were higher in M lamb muscle (p < 0.01). Muscle from PG lamb exhibited higher catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity (p < 0.05). PG muscle also contained a higher radical‐scavenging ability (RSA; p < 0.001) and cupric‐reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC; p < 0.05). Overall, the improved antioxidant status in PG muscle inhibited lipid peroxidation (aldehydes and ketones), thereby improving the meat quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Feeding regimens effected gene expression of FADS1 and FADS2 in adipose tissue. • The content of n-3 PUFA, especially EPA and DHA is higher in pastured sheep. • Different tissues have variable sensibilities to feeding regimens. Abstract The present study investigated the effects of two feeding regimens on meat quality, fatty acid profile and metabolism as it relates to gene expression in Sunit sheep. Two feeding regimens were used (pasture feeding and barn feeding, PF and BF) each containing 10 Sunit sheep. Results of this study indicated that PF sheep had significantly (P < 0.05) higher L* and b* values in their muscle compared to BF sheep. Also, the fatty acid composition of longissimus dorsi muscle and subcutaneous adipose tissues differed between feeding regimens. In this respect, concentrations of palmitic acid (C16:0) in the subcutaneous adipose tissue were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in BF sheep. Pastured sheep exhibited greater concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) including: linolenic acid (C18:3) (P < 0.001), DHA (P < 0.05), EPA (P < 0.001) and CLA cis-9, trans-11(P < 0.05) in their muscle compared to BF sheep. The expression of nine candidate genes related to fatty acid metabolism were analyzed by qPCR. In longissimus dorsi muscle, expression of acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACACA; P < 0.05) was up-regulated in BF sheep. Expression of the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPARγ) (P < 0.05), stearoyl CoA desaturase (SCD) (P < 0.01), fatty acid desaturase1 (FADS1) (P < 0.05) and fatty acid desaturase 2 (FADS2) (P < 0.05) were up-regulated in PF sheep. Pasture feeding also increased (P < 0.05) expression of lipoprotein lipase (LPL), PPARγ, SCD, FADS1and fatty acid elongase 5 (Elove5) in the subcutaneous adipose tissue, however, the feeding regimens did not change expression of fatty acid synthase (FASN) and carnitine palmitoyl transferase I (CPT1). The results of this study indicated that the feeding regimen could be an important tool in manipulating the fatty acid profile of animal adipose tissue by altering the gene expression of enzymes involved in fat metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The silage quality of forage soybean (FS) rich in protein with crop corn (CN) or sorghum (SG) rich in water soluble carbohydrate was investigated, and microbial community after ensiling was analyzed. Results showed that pH in mixed silages dropped to 3.5–3.8 lower than 100%FS silage (4.5). Microbial analysis indicated that mixed ensiling could influence the microbial community. Although Lactobacillus and Weissella were the dominant genera in all silage samples, Lactobacillus abundance in mixed silages (33–76%) was higher compared with 100%FS silage (27%). In conclusion, FS ensiled with CN or SG could be an alternative approach to improve FS silage quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hemoglobin (Hb) measurement is a standard test among pregnant women during the first perinatal visit that is used to evaluate physical status and anemia. However, studies focusing on Hb levels and pregnancy outcomes are scarce. This study aimed to determine whether Hb levels in early pregnancy were associated with the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), pre-eclampsia (PE) and preterm birth.Methods: A hospital-based retrospective study was conducted among 21,577 singleton, non-smoking pregnancies between June 2013 and January 2015. The demographic data and medical information of each participant were collected individually through questionnaires and patient medical records. Odds ratios were generated using a multivariate logistic regression analysis to evaluate the relative risk of GDM, PE and preterm birth continuously and across different hemoglobin ranges in the overall population and in women from different pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) categories, respectively. The level of statistical significance was set at 0.05.Results: (1) For women who were underweight, normal-weight, overweight and obese, early pregnancy Hb levels were 127.8 ± 10.1 g/L, 129.6 ± 9.7 g/L, 132.2 ± 9.5 g/L and 133.4 ± 9.4 g/L, respectively. (2) Women with GDM and PE had significantly increased Hb levels during early pregnancy compared with controls, whereas women with preterm birth processed significantly decreased Hb levels. (3) After adjusting for confounders, the risks for GDM and PE increased with high maternal Hb (OR: 1.27 for Hb 130-149; OR: 2.06 for Hb ≥ 150 g/L), and the risk for preterm birth decreased with high maternal Hb (OR: 1.30 for Hb 130-149; OR: 2.38 for Hb ≥ 150 g/L) and increased with low maternal Hb (OR: 1.41 for Hb <  110 g/L). Among women whose BMI was < 24 kg/m2, high GDM (OR: 1.27 for Hb 130-149; OR: 1.84 for Hb ≥ 150 g/L) and low preterm rates (OR: 0.77 for Hb 130-149; OR: 0.23 for Hb ≥ 150 g/L) were observed with high Hb, whereas in women whose BMI was ≥24 kg/m2, only high GDM rates were observed with Hb > 150 g/L (OR: 2.33).Conclusion: These findings suggest that Hb levels during early pregnancy play a role in predicting the risk of GDM, PE and preterm birth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preliminary evidence indicates that Rht5 , a gibberellin-responsive (GAR) dwarfing gene, could reduce plant height without affecting coleoptile length and seedling vigour. However, Rht5 delayed ear emergence and anthesis, which would hinder its utilization in wheat improvement. To advance the flowering time of Rht5 dwarf plants, the dominant vernalization gene Vrn-B1 and the photoperiod-insensitive gene Ppd-D1 were introduced through two crosses between Ningchun45 ( Vrn-B1 ) and Jinmai47 ( Ppd-D1 ) with Marfed M ( Rht5 ), respectively. Fifty-nine and 71 F 2:3 and F 3:4 homozygous lines from the first and the second cross were used to evaluate the effects of Vrn-B1 and Ppd-D1 , respectively on the developmental and agronomic traits of Rht5 dwarf plants during two growing seasons in Yangling, Shaanxi, China. The results showed that Rht5 significantly reduced plant height (40.1% and 38.9%) but delayed the flowering time (14.0% and 4.8% in thermal time) in both populations. In general, Rht5 significantly decreased the spike length by 22.6% and 16.7, grain number by 14.5% and 11.5%, 1000-grain weight by 24.1% and 18.4%, and grain yield by 35.1% and 21.5% in the two populations, respectively. Vrn-B1 could not compensate for the negative effect of Rht5 on spike development and the flowering time and had no significant effect on plant height or other agronomic traits. However, Ppd-D1 was able to overcome the delaying effect of Rht5 on spike development by shortening the duration of the reproductive phase (double ridge stage-anthesis) and finally promoting earlier flowering (8.7% in thermal time) in Rht5 dwarf lines. Ppd-D1 also reduced plant height (10.0%), and the combination of Ppd-D1 and Rht5 produced even shorter plants (45.0%), achieving dwarf plants with higher lodging resistance. Additionally, Ppd-D1 increased the grain number (6.3% and 9.6%), 1000-grain weight (13.0% and 21.5%), plant yield (22.6% and 39.5%) and harvest index (31.1% and 49.6%) in both tall and dwarf plants, respectively. Clearly, the combination of Rht5 and Ppd-D1 had no negative effect on plant growth or grain yield, advanced spike development and the flowering time, and improved agronomic traits, which may be conducive to exploiting Rht5 for wheat improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To use Z-scores to compare different charts of femur length (FL) applied to our population with the aim of identifying the most appropriate chart. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in Beijing. Fifteen hospitals in Beijing were chosen as clusters using a systemic cluster sampling method, in which 15,194 pregnant women delivered from June 20th to November 30th, 2013. The measurements of FL in the second and third trimester were recorded, as well as the last measurement obtained before delivery. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, we identified FL measurements from 19996 ultrasounds from 7194 patients between 11 and 42 weeks gestation. The FL data were then transformed into Z-scores that were calculated using three series of reference equations obtained from three reports: Leung TN, Pang MW et al (2008); Chitty LS, Altman DG et al (1994); and Papageorghiou AT et al (2014). Each Z-score distribution was presented as the mean and standard deviation (SD). Skewness and kurtosis and were compared with the standard normal distribution using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. The histogram of their distributions was superimposed on the non-skewed standard normal curve (mean = 0, SD = 1) to provide a direct visual impression. Finally, the sensitivity and specificity of each reference chart for identifying fetuses <5th or >95th percentile (based on the observed distribution of Z-scores) were calculated. The Youden index was also listed. A scatter diagram with the 5th, 50th, and 95th percentile curves calculated from and superimposed on each reference chart was presented to provide a visual impression. Results: The three Z-score distribution curves appeared to be normal, but none of them matched the expected standard normal distribution. In our study, the Papageorghiou reference curve provided the best results, with a sensitivity of 100% for identifying fetuses with measurements < 5th and > 95th percentile, and specificities of 99.9% and 81.5%, respectively. Conclusions: It is important to choose an appropriate reference curve when defining what is normal. The Papageorghiou reference curve for FL seems to be the best fit for our population. Perhaps it is time to change our reference curve for femur length. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed at evaluating the predictive effects of early pregnancy lipid profiles and fasting glucose on the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in patients stratified by prepregnancy body mass index (p-BMI) and to determine the optimal cut-off values of each indicator for different p-BMI ranges. A retrospective system cluster sampling survey was conducted in Beijing during 2013 and a total of 5,265 singleton pregnancies without prepregnancy diabetes were included. The information for each participant was collected individually using questionnaires and medical records. Logistic regression analysis and receiver operator characteristics analysis were used in the analysis. Outcomes showed that potential markers for the prediction of GDM include early pregnancy lipid profiles (cholesterol, triacylglycerols, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratios [LDL-C/HDL-C], and triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratios [TG/HDL-C]) and fasting glucose, of which fasting glucose level was the most accurate indicator. Furthermore, the predictive effects and cut-off values for these factors varied according to p-BMI. Thus, p-BMI should be a consideration for the risk assessment of pregnant patients for GDM development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed at evaluating the predictive effects of early pregnancy lipid profiles and fasting glucose on the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in patients stratified by prepregnancy body mass index (p-BMI) and to determine the optimal cut-off values of each indicator for different p-BMI ranges. A retrospective system cluster sampling survey was conducted in Beijing during 2013 and a total of 5,265 singleton pregnancies without prepregnancy diabetes were included. The information for each participant was collected individually using questionnaires and medical records. Logistic regression analysis and receiver operator characteristics analysis were used in the analysis. Outcomes showed that potential markers for the prediction of GDM include early pregnancy lipid profiles (cholesterol, triacylglycerols, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratios [LDL-C/HDL-C], and triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratios [TG/HDL-C]) and fasting glucose, of which fasting glucose level was the most accurate indicator. Furthermore, the predictive effects and cut-off values for these factors varied according to p-BMI. Thus, p-BMI should be a consideration for the risk assessment of pregnant patients for GDM development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The study aimed to evaluate whether exercise intervention can be applied to pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) for controlling gestational weight gain (GWG) and combating GDM-related outcomes.Methods: Retrospective six months analysis of 14,168 single pregnant women without diabetes from 15 hospitals in Beijing in 2013. Each participant's demographic data, interventions condition and medical information were collected individually by questionnaires and relying on medical records. The level of statistical significance was set equal to 0.05.Results: 2750 (19.4%) pregnant women were diagnosed with GDM, 74.9% of them received exercise intervention during pregnancy, and the starting time was 25.8 ± 3.7 gestational weeks. Women with GDM with exercise intervention (GDM-E) had the lowest BMI increase during late and mid-pregnancy than women with GDM without exercise intervention (GDM-nE) (2.05 ± 1.32 kg/m(2) vs. 2.40 ± 1.30 kg/m(2), p < 0.01) and non-GDM women (2.05 ± 1.32 kg/m(2) vs. 2.77 ± 1.21 kg/m(2), p < 0.01). Moreover, GDM-E group experienced a significantly lower risk of preterm birth (5.58% vs. 7.98%, p < 0.001), low birth weight (1.03% vs. 2.06 %, p < 0.001) and macrosomia (9.51 % vs. 11.18%, p > 0.05) than GDM-nE group. After including dietary factors in the analysis, women with GDM without either dietary or exercise intervention (GDM-nDnE) had the highest risk of preterm birth(OR = 1.64, 95 % CI, 1.14-2.36), while women with GDM with dietary intervention only (GDM-DnE) had the highest risk of low birth weight (OR = 3.10, 95 % CI, 1.23-7.81). However, women with GDM with both dietary and exercise intervention had the lowest rate of macrosomia.Conclusion: Exercise intervention is a suitable non-invasive therapeutic option that can be readily applied to manage weight gain and improve pregnancy outcomes in women with GDM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feeding ruminant animals with legume silage, rich in non-protein nitrogen, not only results in serious groundwater pollution but also induces a large amount of methane (CH 4) releasing into atmospheric environment. Co-ensiling alfalfa with sainfoin containing condensed tannins in five ratios was investigated on silage fermentation, chemical and bacterial community composition, in vitro ruminal fermentation characteristics, CH 4 emission and archaeal and protozoal community. Fresh alfalfa and sainfoin were wilted to dry matter concentrations of 381 and 390 g/kg wet weight, respectively, and chopped to 2–3 cm. Chopped alfalfa and sainfoin were combined in proportions of 1:0 (S0, Control), 0.75:0.25 (S25), 0.5:0.5 (S50), 0.25:0.75 (S75) and 0:1 (S100) on a wet weight basis, respectively. Each treatment was prepared in quadruplicate and fermented for 60 days. After 60 days of fermentation, incorporation of sainfoin into alfalfa before ensiling led to an improvement in silage fermentation and inhibited silage proteolysis in a proportion-dependent manner. Excellent fermentation profiles were observed in S50 and S75 silages, in which the non-protein nitrogen decreased by 11.33% and 13.01%, respectively, compared with S0 silage. As sainfoin proportion increased, the relative abundance of Pediococcus acidilactici linearly decreased (P<0.001) but Lactobacillus pentosus had a quadratic response (P<0.001). In vitro fermentation trial showed that rumen acetate to propionate ratio linearly decreased with more sainfoin (P<0.001). Relative to S0 silage, S50 and S75 silages in vitro rumen CH 4 production decreased by 19.16% and 24.25% and dry matter digestibility only dropped by 2.97% and 3.87%, respectively. However, no significant differences between treatments were observed on the major methanogens of Methanobrevibacter (P=0.401) and Entodinium (P=0.858) or Polyplastron (P=0.713) of protozoal community. In conclusion, adding sainfoin into alfalfa prior to ensiling suppressed silage proteolysis and mitigated rumen CH 4 emission in a proportion-dependent manner, with a minor negative effect on dry matter digestibility. High-quality legume silage can be produced with S50 and S75 treatments due to the optimal balance of proteolysis inhibition, in vitro rumen CH 4 emission and dry matter digestibility. Therefore, co-ensiling of alfalfa with sainfoin could be used as a promising strategy not only to produce high-quality legume silage but also to reduce nitrogen excretion and mitigate rumen CH 4 emission from ruminant animals, and further in vivo study is needed to verify this statement. • Ruminants fed with legume silage release a great amount of methane into environment. • Inclusion of sainfoin into alfalfa lowered silage non-protein nitrogen level. • Rumen acetate to propionate ratio decreased with increasing proportion of sainfoin. • The addition of sainfoin mitigated rumen methane emission up to 32.62%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xijiao Dihuang decoction combined with Yinqiao powder (XDD-YQP) is a classical combination formula; however, its therapeutic effects in treating influenza viral pneumonia and the pharmacological mechanisms remain unclear. The therapeutic effect of XDD-YQP in influenza viral pneumonia was evaluated in mice. Subsequently, an everted gut sac model coupled with UPLC/Q-TOF MS were used to screen and identify the active compounds of XDD-YQP. Furthermore, network pharmacological analysis was adopted to probe the mechanisms of the active compounds. Lastly, we verified the targets predicted from network pharmacological analysis by differential bioinformatics analysis. Animal experiments showed that XDD-YQP has a therapeutic effect on influenza viral pneumonia. Moreover, 113 active compounds were identified from intestinal absorbed solutions of XDD-YQP. Using network pharmacological analysis, 90 major targets were selected as critical in the treatment of influenza viral pneumonia through 12 relevant pathways. Importantly, the MAPK signaling pathway was found to be closely associated with the other 11 pathways. Moreover, seven key targets, EGFR, FOS, MAPK1, MAP2K1, HRAS, NRAS, and RELA, which are common targets in the MAPK signaling pathway, were investigated. These seven key targets were identified as differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between influenza virus-infected and uninfected individuals. Hence, the seven key targets in the MAPK signaling pathway may play a vital role in the treatment of influenza viral pneumonia with XDD-YQP. This research may offer an integrative pharmacology strategy to clarify the pharmacological mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicines. The results provide a theoretical basis for a broader clinical application of XDD-YQP. [Display omitted] • An everted gut sac model coupled with UPLC/Q-TOF MS can initially screen the active compounds in traditional medicines. • XDD-YQP inhibits the inflammatory response mediated by the MAPK signaling pathway to treat influenza viral pneumonia. • Integrative pharmacology is an effective approach for predicting the pharmacological mechanisms of traditional medicines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To evaluate the importance and usefulness of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) in the first trimester in predicting adverse pregnancy outcomes.Methods: A retrospective study of 22,398 singleton pregnancies was conducted. Participants were divided into subgroups according to first-trimester FPG (low FPG, FPG < 5.1 mmol/L; medium FPG, 5.1 mmol/L ≤ FPG < 5.6 mmol/L; high FPG, 5.6 ≤ FPG < 7.0 mmol/L) and oral glucose tolerance test(OGTT) results (normal and abnormal) during pregnancy. Patient characteristics and risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes were compared. Then, the whole population of women with abnormal OGTT served as a reference, and the relative risks of maternal and neonatal complications in normal OGTT women were analyzed by categorical analyses and logistic regression. Subgroup analyses were performed according to pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI).Results: The frequency of adverse pregnancy outcomes increased with increasing FPG levels during the first trimester, regardless of OGTT results. High FPG + Abnormal OGTT had the worst outcome. Compared to the whole population of women with abnormal OGTT, Normal OGTT + Medium FPG showed the same risk of PIH and macrosomia. Normal OGTT + High FPG showed the same risk of PIH, macrosomia as well as LGA and preterm birth. Additionally, Normal OGTT + Medium FPG + BMI ≥ 24 kg/m2 showed significantly higher risk of PIH (OR = 1.867, 1.245-2.800), macrosomia (OR = 1.748, 1.304-2.344) and LGA (OR = 1.274, 1.019-1.593). Furthermore, the OR value for PIH was 3.759 (1.680-8.412) in Normal OGTT + High FPG + BMI ≥ 24 kg/m2 compared to women with abnormal OGTT.Conclusions: First-trimester FPG values can help identify women at increased risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes. Increased attention and management should be given to women with early pregnancy FPG ≥ 5.10 mmol/L despite a normal OGTT, especially if their BMI ≥ 24 kg/m2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Disturbances in maternal lipid metabolism have been shown to increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, there is no consensus as to what constitutes normal maternal lipid values during pregnancy. Thus, the aim of this study was to establish serum lipid reference ranges during early and middle pregnancy. Methods: We conducted a retrospective survey in Beijing from 2013 to 2014. A total of 17,610 singleton pregnancies with lipid data from early and middle pregnancy were included. First, after excluding women with adverse pregnancy outcomes, we performed a descriptive analysis of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipid cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipid cholesterol (LDL-C) levels using means and standard deviations to determine appropriate percentiles. Second, in the total population, we examined the lipid levels in different trimesters with the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes using categorical analyses and logistic regression models. Third, we determined the lipid reference range in early and middle pregnancy based on the first two results. Finally, based on the reference ranges we determined, we assessed whether the number of abnormal lipid values affected the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Results: (1) Serum levels of TC, TG, LDL-C and HDL-C all increased significantly from early to middle pregnancy, with the greatest increase in TG. (2) A trend towards an increasing incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes was observed with increasing levels of TC, TG, and LDL-C and decreasing levels of HDL-C in both early and middle pregnancy. (3) We recommend that serum TC, TG and LDL-C reference values in early and middle pregnancy should be less than the 95th percentiles, whereas that of HDL-C should be greater than the 5th percentile, i.e., in early pregnancy, TC < 5.64 mmol/L, TG < 1.95 mmol/L, HDL-C > 1.23 mmol/L, and LDL-C < 3.27 mmol/L, and in middle pregnancy, TC < 7.50 mmol/L, TG < 3.56 mmol/L, HDL-C > 1.41 mmol/L, and LDL-C < 4.83 mmol/L. (4) Higher numbers out-of-range lipids during early and middle pregnancy were correlated with a higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Conclusions: The reference ranges recommended in this paper can identify pregnant women with unfavourable lipid values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anaemia in pregnant women is a public health problem, especially in developing countries. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and related risk factors of anaemia during pregnancy in a large multicentre retrospective study (n = 44,002) and to determine the adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with or without anaemia.Methods: The study is a secondary data analysis of a retrospective study named "Gestational diabetes mellitus Prevalence Survey (GPS) study in China". Structured questionnaires were used to collect socio-demographic characteristics, haemoglobin levels and pregnancy outcomes from all the participants. Anaemia in pregnancy is defined as haemoglobin < 110 g/L. We used SPSS software to assess the predictors of anaemia and associated adverse pregnancy outcomes.Results: The overall prevalence of anaemia was 23.5%. Maternal anaemia was significantly associated with maternal age ≥ 35 years (AOR = 1.386), family per capita monthly income< 1000 CNY (AOR = 1.671), rural residence (AOR = 1.308) and pre-pregnancy BMI < 18.5 kg/m2 (AOR = 1.237). Adverse pregnancy outcomes, including GDM, polyhydramnios, preterm birth, low birth weight (< 2500 g), neonatal complications and NICU admission, increased significantly (P < 0.001) in those with anaemia than those without.Conclusions: The results indicated that anaemia continues to be a severe health problem among pregnant women in China. Anaemia is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Pregnant women should receive routine antenatal care and be given selective iron supplementation when appropriate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anaemia in pregnant women is a public health problem, especially in developing countries. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and related risk factors of anaemia during pregnancy in a large multicentre retrospective study (n = 44,002) and to determine the adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with or without anaemia. Methods: The study is a secondary data analysis of a retrospective study named "Gestational diabetes mellitus Prevalence Survey (GPS) study in China". Structured questionnaires were used to collect socio-demographic characteristics, haemoglobin levels and pregnancy outcomes from all the participants. Anaemia in pregnancy is defined as haemoglobin < 110 g/L. We used SPSS software to assess the predictors of anaemia and associated adverse pregnancy outcomes. Results: The overall prevalence of anaemia was 23.5%. Maternal anaemia was significantly associated with maternal age ≥ 35 years (AOR = 1.386), family per capita monthly income< 1000 CNY (AOR = 1.671), rural residence (AOR = 1.308) and pre-pregnancy BMI < 18.5 kg/m2 (AOR = 1.237). Adverse pregnancy outcomes, including GDM, polyhydramnios, preterm birth, low birth weight (< 2500 g), neonatal complications and NICU admission, increased significantly (P < 0.001) in those with anaemia than those without. Conclusions: The results indicated that anaemia continues to be a severe health problem among pregnant women in China. Anaemia is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Pregnant women should receive routine antenatal care and be given selective iron supplementation when appropriate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]