Omics-based biomarkers as useful tools in metabolic dysfunctionassociated steatotic liver disease clinical practice:How far are we?

Unmet needs exist in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD)risk stratification.Our ability to identify patients with MASLD with advanced fibrosis and at higher risk for adverse outcomes is still limited.Incorporating novel biomarkers could represent a meaningful improvement to current risk predictors.With this aim,omics technologies have revolutionized the process of MASLD biomarker discovery over the past decades.While the research in this field is thriving,much of the publication has been haphazard,often using single-omics data and specimen sets of convenience,with many identified candidate biomarkers but lacking clinical validation and utility.If we incorporate these biomarkers to direct patients’management,it should be considered that the roadmap for translating a newly discovered omics-based signature to an actual,analytically valid test useful in MASLD clinical practice is rigorous and,therefore,not easily accomplished.This article presents an overview of this area’s current state,the conceivable opportunities and challenges of omics-based laboratory diagnostics,and a roadmap for improving MASLD biomarker research.

Body-mass index correlates with severity and mortality in acute pancreatitis: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Obesity rates have increased sharply in recent decades. As there is a growing number of cases in which acute pancreatitis(AP) is accompanied by obesity, we found it clinically relevant to investigate how body-mass index(BMI) affects the outcome of the disease.AIM To quantify the association between subgroups of BMI and the severity and mortality of AP.METHODS A meta-analysis was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis(PRISMA) Protocols. Three databases(PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library) were searched for articles containing data on BMI, disease severity and mortality rate for AP. Englishlanguage studies from inception to 19 June 2017 were checked against our predetermined eligibility criteria. The included articles reported all AP cases with no restriction on the etiology of the disease. Only studies that classified AP cases according to the Atlanta Criteria were involved in the severity analyses. Odds ratios(OR) and mean differences(MD) were pooled using the random effects model with the DerSimonian-Laird estimation and displayed on forest plots. The meta-analysis was registered in PROSPERO under number CRD42017077890.RESULTS A total of 19 articles were included in our meta-analysis containing data on 9997 patients. As regards severity, a subgroup analysis showed a direct association between AP severity and BMI. BMI < 18.5 had no significant effect on severity;however, BMI > 25 had an almost three-fold increased risk for severe AP in comparison to normal BMI(OR = 2.87, 95%CI: 1.90-4.35, P < 0.001). Importantly,the mean BMI of patients with severe AP is higher than that of the non-severe group(MD = 1.79, 95%CI: 0.89-2.70, P < 0.001). As regards mortality, death rates among AP patients are the highest in the underweight and obese subgroups. A BMI < 18.5 carries an almost two-fold increase in risk of mortality compared to normal BMI(OR = 1.82, 95%CI: 1.32-2.50, P < 0.001). However, the chance of mortality is almost equal in the normal BMI and BMI 25-30 subgroups. A BMI >30 results in a three times higher risk of mortality in comparison to a BMI < 30(OR = 2.89, 95%CI: 1.10-7.36, P = 0.026).CONCLUSION Our findings confirm that a BMI above 25 increases the risk of severe AP, while a BMI > 30 raises the risk of mortality. A BMI < 18.5 carries an almost two times higher risk of mortality in AP.

为改变而设计

NOS是墨西哥城的一间设计咨询公司。“NOS”的语义来自西班牙文的“NOSOTROS”，意为“我们”。创始人奥吉斯汀·塞兹（AGUSTINOTEGUISAIZ）认为，来自发展中国家的设计师与发达国家的同行并无不同，“对于设计师来说，无论你来自发展中国家还是发达国家，设计并无差异。创新理念源于人们改变世界的愿望。”

Oocyte Cryopreservation in Human Assited Reproduction

Embryo cryopreservation（CP） has became a very important part of the clinical use of in vitro fertilization. Oocyte CP offers more advantages compared with embryo freezing with regard to less ethical, legal and moral problems. However, the efficiency of this procedure is still low, which prevents its clinical application in wide range. The aim of our paper is to review the basic principles, technical and safety aspects and current status of oocyte cryopreservation in human assisted reproduction.

Antioxidant potential,tannin and polyphenol contents of seed and pericarp of three Coffea species

Objective:To investigate the antioxidant activity,total phenolic and total tannin content of the pericarp and the seed of Coffea benghalensis(C.benghalensis) and Coffea liberica compared to Coffea arabica(C.arabica).Methods:The antioxidant potential,total tannin and polyphenol contents of the immature and mature seed and pericarp of C.benghalensis and Coffea liberica were quantified and compared to C.arabica.Enhanced chemiluminescence(ECL).2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydruzyl(DPPH).oxygen radical absorbance capacity,Folin-Ciocaltcau method and total tannin content assays were used.Results:Trolox equivalent(TE/g plant material) values obtained by ECL and DPPH methods showed loose correlation(r^2=0.587)while those measured by oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay were higher without correlation in each plant.A closer correlation was detected between the ECL method and the percentage antioxidant activity of the DPPH technique(r^2=0.610 7) in each species,however the immature pericarp of C.benghalensis showed much higher DPPH scavenging potential than was seen in the ECL assay.The immature pericarp of C.benghalensis expressed the highest tannin and polyphenol content,and a high polyphenol level was also detected in the immature seed of C.arabica.The immature pericarp of Bengal and Liberian coffees showed the largest amount of phenolic contents.Conclusions:The obtained data highlight the potential role of C.benghalensis as a new source of natural antioxidants and polyphenols compared to C.arabica.

Compared efficacy of preservation solutions on the outcome of liver transplantation:Meta-analysis

AIM To compare the effects of the four most commonly used preservation solutions on the outcome of liver transplantations.METHODS A systematic literature search was performed using MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library databases up to January 31^(st), 2017. The inclusion criteria were comparative, randomized controlled trials(RCTs) for deceased donor liver(DDL) allografts with adult and pediatric donors using the gold standard University of Wisconsin(UW) solution or histidinetryptophan-ketoglutarate(HTK), Celsior(CS) and Institut Georges Lopez(IGL-1) solutions. Fifteen RCTs(1830 livers) were included; the primary outcomes were primary non-function(PNF) and one-year posttransplant graft survival(OGS-1). RESULTS All trials were homogenous with respect to donor and recipient characteristics. There was no statistical difference in the incidence of PNF with the use of UW, HTK, CS and IGL-1(RR = 0.02, 95%CI: 0.01-0.03, P = 0.356). Comparing OGS-1 also failed to reveal any difference between UW, HTK, CS and IGL-1(RR = 0.80, 95%CI: 0.80-0.80, P = 0.369). Two trials demonstrated higher PNF levels for UW in comparison with the HTK group, and individual studies described higher rates of biliary complications where HTK and CS were used compared to the UW and IGL-1 solutions. However, the meta-analysis of the data did not prove a statistically significant difference: the UW, CS, HTK and IGL-1 solutions were associated with nearly equivalent outcomes.CONCLUSION Alternative solutions for UW yield the same degree of safety and effectiveness for the preservation of DDLs, but further well-designed clinical trials are warranted.

Network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on esophagectomies in esophageal cancer:The superiority of minimally invasive surgery

BACKGROUND Previous meta-analyses,with many limitations,have described the beneficial nature of minimal invasive procedures.AIM To compare all modalities of esophagectomies to each other from the results of randomized controlled trials(RCTs)in a network meta-analysis(NMA).METHODS We conducted a systematic search of the MEDLINE,EMBASE,Reference Citation Analysis(https://www.referencecitationanalysis.com/)and CENTRAL databases to identify RCTs according to the following population,intervention,control,outcome(commonly known as PICO):P:Patients with resectable esophageal cancer;I/C:Transthoracic,transhiatal,minimally invasive(thoracolaparoscopic),hybrid,and robot-assisted esophagectomy;O:Survival,total adverse events,adverse events in subgroups,length of hospital stay,and blood loss.We used the Bayesian approach and the random effects model.We presented the geometry of the network,results with probabilistic statements,estimated intervention effects and their 95% confidence interval(CI),and the surface under the cumulative ranking curve to rank the interventions.RESULTS We included 11 studies in our analysis.We found a significant difference in postoperative pulmonary infection,which favored the minimally invasive intervention compared to transthoracic surgery(risk ratio 0.49;95%CI:0.23 to 0.99).The operation time was significantly shorter for the transhiatal approach compared to transthoracic surgery(mean difference-85 min;95%CI:-150 to-29),hybrid intervention(mean difference-98 min;95%CI:-190 to-9.4),minimally invasive technique(mean difference-130 min;95%CI:-210 to-50),and robot-assisted esophagectomy(mean difference-150 min;95%CI:-240 to-53).Other comparisons did not yield significant differences.CONCLUSION Based on our results,the implication of minimally invasive esophagectomy should be favored.

First Babies from Cryopreserved Oocytes in Hungary

Objective To evaluate the value of oocyte cryopreservation （CP） in our clinical ICSI program. Methods Freezing procedure with medium containing 1.5 mol/L propanediol （PrOH） ＋ 0. 3 mol/L succrose and traditional slow-freezingprotocol were used. Thawed oocytes were fertilized with ICSI （4-6 h after thawing）, and fertilization was assessed 12-16 h later. Laser assisted hatching was performed on all transferred embryos and embryo transfer was carried out 48-72 h after ICSI. Results Eighty-five eggs were thawed and survival rate of 75.3% （64/85） was obtained. Sixty-four oocytes were inseminated with ICSI, 47fertilized （47/64; 73.4%） and a cleavage rate of 85% （40/47） was obtained. Embryo transfers were performed in 18 patients, and 4 （19%） resulted in clinical pregnancies. One of the pregnancies encountered first trimester abortion. Implantation rate were 17.2% （5/29） per embryo and 5.8% （5/85） per egg thawed. In all cases, chorion biopsy was performed resulting 46 XY kariotype. Conclusion Our results provide further evidence of that although egg freezing cannot currently claim to be a routine procedure in human IVF,, there will certainly be a place for oocyte CP in reproductive medicine in the future.

The standards for skill assessment of operational marine forecast system

To support navigational and environmental applications in coastal waters, marine opera- tional forecast models must be developed and implemented. A forecast model must guarantee that it is scientifically sound and practically robust for performance and must meet or excel all target frequencies or durations before being released to the public. This paper discusses the standard policies and procedures for evaluation of operational marine forecast models. The primary variables to be evaluated are water lev- els, currents and water density (water temperature and salinity).

木结构、被动式、绿色、保温建筑——卡塔戈原住民kaplakajui培训中心

项目坐落于哥斯达黎加卡塔戈省图利亚瓦尔的原住民保护区内,它不仅融合了原住民保护区卡维卡尔的综合发展协会的公共精神,而且吸收了社会支持研究所(IMAS)和哥斯达黎加可持续建筑基金会Holcim提供的养分。项目设计的主要目的是建立一个城乡一体化的方案,提升社区凝聚力,同时增强环境设计的可持续性。

Age and Calcium Sources in Laying Hen Feed Affect Calcium Digestibility

The apparent calcium (Ca) digestibility coefficient (ADC) and true digestibility coefficient (TDC) of different inorganic calcium sources were determined in laying hens of different ages. Three Ca digestibility tests were carried out, each assessing 240 Lohmann Brown lineage laying hens distributed in a completely randomized design. Nine dietary treatments were arranged in a 3 × 3 factorial design consisting of three ages (40, 50 and 70 weeks) × three Ca (dicalcium phosphate (DCP) sources, fine (FL) and coarse (CL)) limestone, comprising eight replicates per treatment of six birds per experimental unit. Regarding the DCP, the ADC was higher (P < 0.05) in 40-week-old birds. The DCP ADC for 40-, 50- and 70-week-old birds was 0.889, 0.613 and 0.712, respectively. No effect (P > 0.05) of age on the ADC was noted for either FL or CL. Comparing Ca sources, DCP exhibited a higher (P < 0.05) ADC (0.889), followed by FL (0.699) and CL (0.515), in 40-week-old birds. DCP (0.712) and FL (0.652) presented (P < 0.05) higher ADC compared to CL (0.482), in 70-week-old birds. No effect of Ca sources at 50 weeks on the ADC was observed (P > 0.05). Endogenous loss values of 790, 860 and 930 mg·kg-1 of consumed dry matter were observed at 40, 50 and 70 weeks, respectively. For the TDC, no interaction (P > 0.05) was observed between Ca sources and bird age. The highest TDC value (P > 0.05) was found in birds fed DCP (0.786) followed by FL (0.637) and CL (0.534). In addition, birds at 40 weeks of age (0.714) exhibited higher TDC values (P < 0.05) compared to animals at 50 weeks of age (0.608). The findings reported herein demonstrate that the true digestibility is greater in the youngest birds and that consumed the DCP and the FL in relation to the birds that consumed the CL.

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy Prior to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: A Series of 89 Patients

Purpose: There are still un-responded questions concerning the type of and the timing of axillary procedures that has to be performed in association with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Methods: We led a prospective, multicentric, non-randomized study to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of sentinel lymph node biopsy before neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The clinical and radiological response to chemotherapy was evaluated after 4 treatment cycles and at the end of chemotherapy. Axillary lymph node dissection was performed 3 to 4 weeks after chemotherapy. Histological analysis of sentinel lymph node biopsies and axillary lymph node dissections were studied for each patient. Results: Eighty nine patients had sentinel lymph node biopsy. The identification rate for sentinel lymph nodes was 98.9%. The sentinel lymph node biopsies were metastatic in 44 of 88 patients. Axillary lymph nodes were metastatic in 12 cases. The negative predictive value was 91.1% [95%CI: 85.1% - 97.1%]. Conclusion: Identification rate and negative predictive value of sentinel lymph node biopsy prior to neoadjuvant chemotherapy confirm that the procedure is suitable with its use in standard practice. This approach comprises two surgical procedures, but allows a better nodal status evaluation.

The Pattern of Sediment Dispersion in the Front Sector of the Stenhouse and Ajax Glaciers, Visca Anchorage, King George Island, Antarctica

This study investigated the dispersal pattern of suspended sediment in the areas near the Stenhouse and Ajax glaciers, Visca Anchorage, Martel Inlet, King George Island, Antarctica. This study was conducted using visible band processing of Quickbird high-resolution spatial images obtained in October 2006. The methodology was also based on the collection and interpretation of data obtained from water samples collected in Admiralty Bay in December 2004. The digital processing of satellite images was performed using a classification method based on the reflectance characteristics of water. The classified images improved visual identification of the dispersion pattern of suspended sediments in the study area. These data were related to the interpretation of analyses conducted on suspended particulate matter (SPM) in the water. The sediment dispersal pattern observed may be associated with glacial erosion processes, their input of meltwater from the front of the glaciers into the study area, detritus flow processes and glaciomarine circulation in the region.

In vitro induced pluripotency from urine-derived cells in porcine

BACKGROUND The generation of induced pluripotent stem cells(iPSC)has been a game-changer in translational and regenerative medicine;however,their large-scale applicability is still hampered by the scarcity of accessible,safe,and reproducible protocols.The porcine model is a large biomedical model that enables translational applications,including gene editing,long term in vivo and offspring analysis;therefore,suitable for both medicine and animal production.AIM To reprogramme in vitro into pluripotency,and herein urine-derived cells(UDCs)were isolated from porcine urine.METHODS The UDCs were reprogrammed in vitro using human or murine octamer-binding transcription factor 4(OCT4),SRY-box2(SOX2),Kruppel-like factor 4(KLF4),and C-MYC,and cultured with basic fibroblast growth factor(bFGF)supplementation.To characterize the putative porcine iPSCs three clonal lineages were submitted to immunocytochemistry for alkaline phosphatase(AP),OCT4,SOX2,NANOG,TRA181 and SSEA 1 detection.Endogenous transcripts related to the pluripotency(OCT4,SOX2 and NANOG)were analyzed via reverse transcription quantitative realtime polymerase chain reaction in different time points during the culture,and all three lineages formed embryoid bodies(EBs)when cultured in suspension without bFGF supplementation.RESULTS The UDCs were isolated from swine urine samples and when at passage 2 submitted to in vitro reprogramming.Colonies of putative iPSCs were obtained only from UDCs transduced with the murine factors(mOSKM),but not from human factors(hOSKM).Three clonal lineages were isolated and further cultured for at least 28 passages,all the lineages were positive for AP detection,the OCT4,SOX2,NANOG markers,albeit the immunocytochemical analysis also revealed heterogeneous phenotypic profiles among lineages and passages for NANOG and SSEA1,similar results were observed in the abundance of the endogenous transcripts related to pluripotent state.All the clonal lineages when cultured in suspension without bFGF were able to form EBs expressing ectoderm and mesoderm layers transcripts.CONCLUSION For the first time UDCs were isolated in the swine model and reprogrammed into a pluripotentlike state,enabling new numerous applications in both human or veterinary regenerative medicine.

Amprolium exposure alters mice behavior and metabolism in vivo

Background: Thiamine deficiency(TD) models have been developed, mainly using the thiamine analog pyrithiamine. Other analogs have not been used in rodents. We aimed to evaluate the effects and mechanisms of intraperitoneal(ip) amprolium-induced TD in mice. We also evaluated the associated pathogenesis using antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds(Trolox, dimethyl sulfoxide).Methods: Male mice were separated into two groups, one receiving a standard diet(control animals), and the other a TD diet(deficient groups) for 20 days. Control mice were further subdivided into three groups receiving daily ip injections of saline(NaCl0.9%; Cont group), Tolox(Tr group) or dimethyl sulfoxide(DMSO; Dmso group). The three TD groups received amprolium(Amp group), amprolium and Trolox(Amp+Tr group), or amprolium and DMSO(Amp+Dmso group). The animals were subjected to behavioral tests and then euthanized. The brain and viscera were analyzed.Results: Amprolium exposure induced weight loss with hyporexia, reduced the behavioral parameters(locomotion, exploratory activity, and motor coordination), and induced changes in the brain(lower cortical cell viability) and liver(steatosis). Trolox co-treatment partially improved these conditions, but to a lesser extent than DMSO.Conclusions: Amprolium-induced TD may be an interesting model, allowing the deficiency to develop more slowly and to a lesser extent. Amprolium exposure also seems to involve oxidative stress and inflammation, suggested as the main mechanisms of cell dysfunction in TD.

Expression of differential nitric oxide synthase isoforms in human gastric mucosa infected with Helicobacter pylori

Objective: To study the relationship between nitric oxide synthase (NOS) expression in human gastric mucosa and Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) infection. Methods: Gastric mucosa samples were obtained from antrum of 33 patients received gastroendoscopy. H.pylori infection was confirmed by Giems staining and bacteria culture under microaerophilic conditions. Expression of iNOS, eNOS and nitrotyrosine were detected by immunohistochemistry. Results: (1) The positive rate of H. pylori infection was 66.7%(22/33). (2) iNOS positive staining in inflammatory cells was detected in 77.3%(17/22) of samples with H.pylori and 27.3%(3/11) without H.pylori infection (P<0.01). (3) eNOS expression in inflammatory cells was found in 77.3%(17/22) of samples with H. pylori and 18.2%(2/11) without H.pylori infection (P<0.01). (4) Nitrotyrosine expression in inflammatory cells was observed in 59.1%(13/22) of samples with H. pylori and 54.5%(6/11) without H. pylori infection (P>0.05). (5) Moderate and severe infiltrations of inflammatory cells were found in 86.4%(19/22) of gastric biopsies with H. pylori and 9.1%(1/11) of samples without H. pylori infection (P<0.01). Conclusion: H.pylori infection might promote infiltration of mononuclear cells and macrophages in gastric mucosa and induce iNOS expression in these cells. The accumulated nitric oxide in local area may result in gastric mucosa damage.

The changes of serum nitric oxide, angiotensin Ⅱ and superoxide anion in renal artery hypertension rat

Objectives To study the changes of nitric oxide, angiotensin Ⅱ and superoxide anion in renal artery hypertension pathogenesis. Methods Male Wistar rats weighing 256 -285g were divided into 5 groups randomly, 10 rats of each group. Control group: false operation was made and routine diet was given; Ligature group: left renal artery was ligatured uncompletely and routine diet was given; Ligature + Losartan group: left renal artery was ligatured uneompletely and Losartan 20mg · kg^(-1) · d^(-1) was added in the drinking water; Ligature + L -Arg group: left renal artery was ligatured uncompletely and L -Arg 2g · kg^(-1) · d^(-1) was added in the drinking water; Ligature + L - Arg + Losartan group: left renal artery was ligatured uncompletely and L - Arg 2g· kg^(-1)· d^(-1) and Losartan 20mg · kg^(-1)· d^(-1) was added in the drinking water. Blood pressure and heart rate were measured before and at the end of the experiment. One week after ligature, blood was drawn to determine angiotensin Ⅱ, cGMP, nitric oxide, nitric oxide synthase (NOS), O_2^-, superoxide dismutase (SOD). Results Systolic blood pressure was higher in ligature group than that in control group (p <0.05), systolic blood pressure was much lower in ligature + Losartan group than that in ligature group. Heart rate did not change significantly after experiment (p > 0. 05). AngⅡ was higher in ligature group than that in control group, even much higher in ligature + Losartan group (p < 0. 01 ). There was no difference of cGMP in each group (p >. 05). The concentration of NO was lower in ligature group (p <0.05), NO was higher in ligature + L - Arg + Losartan group than that in ligature group (p <0.05). O_2^- was higher in ligature group and ligature + L - Arg group than that in control group (p < 0. 05), O_2^- was lower in ligature + Losartan group than that in ligature group (p <0. 05). The level of SOD was lower in ligature group than that in control group (p <0.05), higher in ligature + L- Arg group and ligature + L - Arg + Losartan group than that in ligature group (p <0. 05). Conclusions AngⅡ,O_2^- and NO imbalance play an important role in hypertension pathogenesis, LArg and losartan may have protective effect.

Transparent neural interfaces:challenges and solutions of microengineered multimodal implants designed to measure intact neuronal populations using high-resolution electrophysiology and microscopy simultaneously

The aim of this review is to present a comprehensive overview of the feasibility of using transparent neural interfaces in multimodal in vivo experiments on the central nervous system.Multimodal electrophysiological and neuroimaging approaches hold great potential for revealing the anatomical and functional connectivity of neuronal ensembles in the intact brain.Multimodal approaches are less time-consuming and require fewer experimental animals as researchers obtain denser,complex data during the combined experiments.Creating devices that provide high-resolution,artifactfree neural recordings while facilitating the interrogation or stimulation of underlying anatomical features is currently one of the greatest challenges in the field of neuroengineering.There are numerous articles highlighting the trade-offs between the design and development of transparent neural interfaces;however,a comprehensive overview of the efforts in material science and technology has not been reported.Our present work fills this gap in knowledge by introducing the latest micro-and nanoengineered solutions for fabricating substrate and conductive components.Here,the limitations and improvements in electrical,optical,and mechanical properties,the stability and longevity of the integrated features,and biocompatibility during in vivo use are discussed.

Effect of fosfomycin,Cynara scolymus extract,deoxynivalenol and their combinations on intestinal health of weaned piglets

Weaning is a challenging stage of pig farming.Animals undergo environmental,social and dietary changes leading to weaning stress syndrome.In order to compensate for the detrimental effects of weaning stress,antibiotics and natural extracts are used as feed additives,sometimes without fully understanding the interactions between them or even with low concentrations of mycotoxins that are frequently present in feed.The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of fosfomycin(FOS),Cynara scolymus extract(CSE),deoxynivalenol(DON) and their combined administration on intestinal health of weaned piglets.The experiment was designed as a 2×2×2 factorial arrangement with 3 factors(FOS,CSE and DON treatments),2 levels each(presence and absence) and 3 repeats.Weaned piglets(n=24)were randomly divided in groups to receive the different treatments,namely DON administered in diet(50 μg/kg BW),FOS administered into the drinking water(30 mg/kg BW),CSE administered in diet(15 mg/kg BW) and all their combinations.After 15 d,the animals were euthanized and gastrointestinal tract samples were immediately taken to evaluate gastrointestinal pH,Enterobacteriaceae to lactic acid bacteria(E:L) ratio,volatile fatty acid(VFA) concentrations,disaccharidase(lactase,sucrase and maltase)activity,histology(intestinal absorptive area [IAA] and goblet cells count) and mucus ability to adhere pathogenic Escherichia coli.From our results,FOS and CSE treatments,individually or combined,produced a lower E:L ratio,an enhanced production of butyrate,increased disaccharidase activity(particularly maltase),and a greater IAA and goblet cells count along with an increase in pathogenic bacteria adherence to intestinal mucus.Deoxynivalenol did not show interactions with the other factors and its administration produced decreases on VFA,disaccharidase activity and goblet cells count.In conclusion,weaning piglets receiving diets containing FOS,CSE or both exhibited evident beneficial intestinal effects compared to animals receiving diets free from these compounds.On the contrary,the presence of DON at sub-toxic concentrations produced detrimental effects on intestinal health.The knowledge of the physiological and pathological gut changes produced by these compounds contributes to understand their potential productive consequences.

INVOLVEMENT OF NITRIC OXIDE IN THE VASODILATOR AND DEPRESSOR EFFECT OF CALCITONIN GENE-RELATED PEPTIDE

In present study,we examined the effects of N-nitro-L-arginine（LNNA）,an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase（NOS）,and/or methylene blue（MB）,a blocker of guanylate cyclase on the vasodilator response of isolated rat arteries including aorta and mesenteric artery to calcitonin