Effects of Different Farrowing Environments on the Behavior of Sows and Piglets

We investigated the effect of different farrowing systems on the behavior of sows and piglets. In total, 22 hybrid sows (Yorkshire × Landrace) were randomly assigned into three farrowing systems, farrowing crate (FC), free farrowing pen with sloping walls (FFS), and free farrowing pen with sloping walls and nest materials (FFSN). The FFS and FFSN sows were more active, and exhibited less abnormal behaviors compared with the FC sows before and after parturition. FFS and FFSN piglets were more active compared with FC piglets. The increased activity of the FFS and FFSN sows might encourage the activity of their piglets, resulting in more proximity to sow behavior of their piglets. Providing nest materials improved the investigative behavior of sows and piglets. The total mortality of piglets in the free farrowing systems tended to be higher compared with the farrowing crate system. In conclusion, free farrowing system has beneficial effects on the behavior of sows and piglets but extra care in management needs to be taken to avoid piglet loss. Adding nest material in the farrowing pens is suggested to enrich the behavioral pattern of sows and piglets.

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Beneficial Effects of Akkermansia muciniphila Are Not Associated with Major Changes in the Circulating Endocannabinoidome but Linked to Higher Mono-Palmitoyl-Glycerol Levels as New PPARα Agonists

Cells ◽

10.3390/cells10010185 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

pp. 185

Author(s):

Clara Depommier ◽

Rosa Maria Vitale ◽

Fabio Arturo Iannotti ◽

Cristoforo Silvestri ◽

Nicolas Flamand ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Metabolic Syndrome ◽

Univariate Analysis ◽

Metabolic Effects ◽

Peroxisome Proliferator ◽

Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor ◽

Akkermansia Muciniphila ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Daily Ingestion ◽

Before And After ◽

Palmitoyl Glycerol

Akkermansia muciniphila is considered as one of the next-generation beneficial bacteria in the context of obesity and associated metabolic disorders. Although a first proof-of-concept of its beneficial effects has been established in the context of metabolic syndrome in humans, mechanisms are not yet fully understood. This study aimed at deciphering whether the bacterium exerts its beneficial properties through the modulation of the endocannabinoidome (eCBome). Circulating levels of 25 endogenous endocannabinoid-related lipids were quantified by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in the plasma of overweight or obese individuals before and after a 3 months intervention consisting of the daily ingestion of either alive or pasteurized A. muciniphila. Results from multivariate analyses suggested that the beneficial effects of A. muciniphila were not linked to an overall modification of the eCBome. However, subsequent univariate analysis showed that the decrease in 1-Palmitoyl-glycerol (1-PG) and 2-Palmitoyl-glycerol (2-PG), two eCBome lipids, observed in the placebo group was significantly counteracted by the alive bacterium, and to a lower extent by the pasteurized form. We also discovered that 1- and 2-PG are endogenous activators of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα). We hypothesize that PPARα activation by mono-palmitoyl-glycerols may underlie part of the beneficial metabolic effects induced by A. muciniphila in human metabolic syndrome.

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Reduction in mobility and COVID-19 transmission

Nature Communications ◽

10.1038/s41467-021-21358-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Pierre Nouvellet ◽

Sangeeta Bhatia ◽

Anne Cori ◽

Kylie E. C. Ainslie ◽

Marc Baguelin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Predictive Ability ◽

Control Measures ◽

Social Distancing ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Mobility Data ◽

Strict Control ◽

Before And After ◽

Proxy Measure ◽

Lower Transmission ◽

The Relationship

AbstractIn response to the COVID-19 pandemic, countries have sought to control SARS-CoV-2 transmission by restricting population movement through social distancing interventions, thus reducing the number of contacts. Mobility data represent an important proxy measure of social distancing, and here, we characterise the relationship between transmission and mobility for 52 countries around the world. Transmission significantly decreased with the initial reduction in mobility in 73% of the countries analysed, but we found evidence of decoupling of transmission and mobility following the relaxation of strict control measures for 80% of countries. For the majority of countries, mobility explained a substantial proportion of the variation in transmissibility (median adjusted R-squared: 48%, interquartile range - IQR - across countries [27–77%]). Where a change in the relationship occurred, predictive ability decreased after the relaxation; from a median adjusted R-squared of 74% (IQR across countries [49–91%]) pre-relaxation, to a median adjusted R-squared of 30% (IQR across countries [12–48%]) post-relaxation. In countries with a clear relationship between mobility and transmission both before and after strict control measures were relaxed, mobility was associated with lower transmission rates after control measures were relaxed indicating that the beneficial effects of ongoing social distancing behaviours were substantial.

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Brain Training and Sulforaphane Intake Interventions Separately Improve Cognitive Performance in Healthy Older Adults, Whereas a Combination of These Interventions Does Not Have More Beneficial Effects: Evidence from a Randomized Controlled Trial

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13020352 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (2) ◽

pp. 352

Author(s):

Rui Nouchi ◽

Qingqiang Hu ◽

Toshiki Saito ◽

Natasha Yuriko dos Santos Kawata ◽

Haruka Nouchi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Active Control ◽

Processing Speed ◽

Cognitive Functions ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Memory Performance ◽

Brain Training ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Before And After ◽

Double Blinded

Background: Earlier studies have demonstrated that a single-domain intervention, such as a brain-training (BT) game alone and a sulforaphane (SFN) intake, positively affects cognition. This study examined whether a combined BT and SFN intake intervention has beneficial effects on cognitive function in older adults. Methods: In a 12-week double-blinded randomized control trial, 144 older adults were randomly assigned to one of four groups: BT with SFN (BT-S), BT with placebo (BT-P), active control game (AT) with SFN (AT-S), and active control game with placebo (AT-P). We used Brain Age in BT and Tetris in AT. Participants were asked to play BT or AT for 15 min a day for 12 weeks while taking a supplement (SFN or placebo). We measured several cognitive functions before and after the intervention period. Results: The BT (BT-S and BT-P) groups showed more improvement in processing speed than the active control groups (AT-S and AT-P). The SFN intake (BT-S and AT-S) groups recorded significant improvements in processing speed and working memory performance unlike the placebo intake groups (BT-P and AT-P). However, we did not find any evidence of the combined intervention’s beneficial effects on cognition. Discussion: We discussed a mechanism to improve cognitive functions in the BT and SFN alone interventions.

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Hemodynamic Responses in Lower Limb Lymphedema Patients Undergoing Physical Therapy

Biology ◽

10.3390/biology10070642 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (7) ◽

pp. 642

Author(s):

Bianca Brix ◽

Olivier White ◽

Christian Ure ◽

Gert Apich ◽

Paul Simon ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Therapy ◽

Lymphatic System ◽

Orthostatic Intolerance ◽

Hemodynamic Responses ◽

Stand Test ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Sit To Stand ◽

Complete Decongestive Therapy ◽

Before And After ◽

Baseline Values

Background: Lymphedema arises due to a malfunction of the lymphatic system, leading to extensive tissue swelling. Complete decongestive therapy (CDT), which is a physical therapy lasting for 3 weeks and includes manual lymphatic drainages (MLD), leads to fluid mobilization and increases in plasma volume. Here, we investigated hemodynamic responses induced by these fluid shifts due to CDT and MLD. Methods: Hemodynamic parameters were assessed continuously during a sit-to-stand test (5 min baseline, 5 min of standing, and 5 min of recovery). This intervention was repeated on days 1, 2, 7, 14, and 21 of CDT, before and after MLD. Volume regulatory hormones were assessed in plasma samples. Results: A total number of 13 patients took part in this investigation. Resting diastolic blood pressure significantly decreased over three weeks of CDT (p = 0.048). No changes in baseline values were shown due to MLD. However, MLD led to a significant decrease in heart rate during orthostatic loading over all epochs on therapy day 14, as well as day 21. Volume regulatory hormones did not show changes over lymphedema therapy. Conclusion: We did not observe any signs of orthostatic hypotension at rest, as well as during to CDT, indicating that lymphedema patients do not display an elevated risk of orthostatic intolerance. Although baseline hemodynamics were not affected, MLD has shown to have potential beneficial effects on hemodynamic responses to a sit-to-stand test in patients undergoing lymphedema therapy.

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Cyclosporine increases ischemia-induced endothelial progenitor cell mobilization through manipulation of the CD26 system

AJP Regulatory Integrative and Comparative Physiology ◽

10.1152/ajpregu.00543.2007 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 294 (3) ◽

pp. R811-R818 ◽

Cited By ~ 31

Author(s):

Chao-Hung Wang ◽

Wen-Jin Cherng ◽

Ning-I Yang ◽

Chia-Ming Hsu ◽

Chi-Hsiao Yeh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Critical Role ◽

Serum Levels ◽

Blood Levels ◽

Short Term ◽

Endothelial Progenitor ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Dpp Iv ◽

Before And After ◽

Cell Mobilization

Cyclosporin A (CsA) improves the success rate of transplantation. The CD26/dipeptidylpeptidase IV (DPP IV) system plays a critical role in mobilizing endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) from bone marrow. This study investigated whether CsA manipulates CD26/DPP IV activity and increases EPC mobilization. C57BL/6 mice were divided into control and CsA-treated groups. Before and after hindlimb ischemia was induced, circulating EPC number and serum levels of different cytokines were measured. Compared with the controls, CsA treatment significantly increased the blood levels of stroma-derived factor-1α and stem cell factor after ischemic stress ( P < 0.001). The CsA group displayed a significant increase in the number of circulating EPCs (sca-1+KDR+ and c-kit+CD31+ EPCs, both P < 0.05). In vivo, CsA caused a significant increase in the numbers of EPCs incorporated into the Matrigel and ischemic limbs ( P < 0.05). In the peripheral blood, CsA significantly decreased CD26+ cell numbers and attenuated the plasma CD26/DPP IV activity ( P < 0.001). Furthermore, short-term CsA treatment significantly improved the perfusion of ischemic limbs and decreased the spontaneous digital amputation rate. In summary, CsA manipulates the mobilization of EPCs into the circulation via the CD26/DPP IV system. Short-term CsA treatment has beneficial effects on angiogenesis of ischemic tissues.

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The Usefulness of Impedance Cardiography for Predicting Beneficial Effects of Cardiac Rehabilitation in Patients with Heart Failure

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2013/595369 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 2013 ◽

pp. 1-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Grzegorz Gielerak ◽

Paweł Krzesiński ◽

Ewa Piotrowicz ◽

Ryszard Piotrowicz

Keyword(s):

Heart Failure ◽

Cardiac Rehabilitation ◽

Exercise Tolerance ◽

Impedance Cardiography ◽

The Other ◽

Pronounced Increase ◽

Fluid Content ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Patients With Heart Failure ◽

Before And After

Aim. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is an important part of heart failure (HF) treatment. The aim of this paper was to evaluate if thoracic fluid content (TFC) measured by impedance cardiography (ICG) is a useful parameter for predicting the outcome of CR.Methods. Fifty HF patients underwent clinical and noninvasive haemodynamic (TFC) assessments before and after 8-week CR.Results. As a result of CR, the patients’ exercise tolerance improved, especially in terms of peak VO2(18.7 versus 20.8 mL × kg−1× min−1;P=0.025). TFC was found to identify patients with significantly improved peak VO2after CR. “High TFC” patients (TFC > 27.0 kOhm−1), compared to those of “low TFC” (TFC < 27.0 kOhm−1), were found to have more pronounced increase in peak VO2(1.3 versus 3.1 mL × kg−1× min−1;P=0.011) and decrease in TFC (4.0 versus 0.7 kOhm−1;P<0.00001). On the other hand, the patients with improved peak VO2(n=32) differed from those with no peak VO2improvement in terms of higher baseline TFC values (28.4 versus 25.3 kOhm−1;P=0.039) and its significant decrease after CR (2.7 versus 0.2 kOhm−1;P=0.012).Conclusions. TFC can be a useful parameter for predicting beneficial effects of CR worth including in the process of patients’ qualification for CR.

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Individual canine Airway Response Variability to a Deep Inspiration

Clinical Medicine Insights Circulatory Respiratory and Pulmonary Medicine ◽

10.4137/ccrpm.s6531 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 5 ◽

pp. CCRPM.S6531

Author(s):

Robert H. Brown ◽

David W. Kaczka ◽

Katherine Fallano ◽

Steve Shapiro ◽

Wayne Mitzner

Keyword(s):

Temporal Variability ◽

Variable Response ◽

High Resolution Computed Tomography ◽

Dose Rates ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Airway Constriction ◽

Subsequent Response ◽

Before And After ◽

Airway Response ◽

Airway Tone

In healthy individuals, a DI can reverse (bronchodilation) or prevent (bronchoprotection) induced airway constriction. For individuals with asthma or COPD, these effects may be attenuated or absent. Previous work showed that the size and duration of a DI affected the subsequent response of the airways. Also, increased airway tone lead to increased airway size variability. The present study examined how a DI affected the temporal variability in individual airway baseline size and after methacholine challenge in dogs using High-Resolution Computed Tomography. Dogs were anesthetized and ventilated, and on 4 separate days, HRCT scans were acquired before and after a DI at baseline and during a continuous intravenous infusion of methacholine (Mch) at 3 dose rates (17, 67, and 200 μg/mm). The Coefficient of Variation was used as an index of temporal variability in airway size. We found that at baseline and the lowest dose of Mch, variability decreased immediately and 5 minutes after the DI ( P < 0.0001). In contrast, with higher doses of Mch, the DI caused a variable response. At a rate of 67 μg/min of Mch, the temporal variability increased after 5 minutes, while at a rate of 200 μg/min of Mch, the temporal variability increased immediately after the DI. Increased airway temporal variability has been shown to be associated with asthma. Although the mechanisms underlying this temporal variability are poorly understood, the beneficial effects of a DI to decrease airway temporal variability was eliminated when airway tone was increased. If this effect is absent in asthmatics, this may suggest a possible mechanism for the loss of bronchoprotective and bronchodilatory effects after a DI in asthma.

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Abstract MP35: Physical Activity Before and After Cancer Diagnosis and Total and Cause-Specific Mortality

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.137.suppl_1.mp35 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 137 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Paulette D Chandler ◽

Deirdre Tobias ◽

Jule E Buring ◽

I-Min Lee ◽

Daniel Chasman ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Cancer Diagnosis ◽

Cancer Mortality ◽

Total Mortality ◽

Health Study ◽

Specific Mortality ◽

Before And After ◽

After Cancer ◽

Cvd Mortality

Background: Given the increased prevalence of cancer survivors in the United States, it is imperative to define risk factors for potential reductions in total and cause-specific mortality. Physical activity (PA) represents a promising target for intervention. Design: We prospectively evaluated PA from questionnaires before and after cancer diagnosis with total and cause-specific mortality among 13,297 subjects diagnosed with invasive cancer combined from the Physicians’ Health Study (PHS) (n=6328), Physicians’ Health Study II (PHS II) (n=912), and Women's Health Study (WHS) (n=6057). WHS and PHS participants were free of baseline cancer; PHS II participants reported no active cancer at baseline. We ascertained PA before and after an incident cancer diagnosis based on reports on repeated follow-up questionnaires. Death was ascertained by medical records and death certificates. Cox regression estimated combined hazard ratios (HRs) of mortality by PA adjusted for age, randomized treatments, BMI, and other lifestyle/demographic factors. We evaluated the interaction between PA before and after cancer diagnosis by comparing PA ≤1 versus ≥2 times/wk. Results: The mean follow-up after cancer diagnosis was 8.0, 7.5, and 5.2 y for WHS, PHS, and PHS II, respectively, during which there were 5623 deaths (WHS, 2164; PHS, 3269; PHS II; 190). Higher PA before cancer diagnosis was associated with significantly lower mortality. Compared with PA ≤ once/wk, the HRs (95% CIs) associated with PA 2-4 and >4 times/wk were 0.87 (0.82-0.93) and 0.88 (0.82-0.94) for total mortality; 0.77 (0.63-0.95) and 0.79 (0.62-0.997) for CVD mortality, and 0.90 (0.83-0.98) and 0.90 (0.83-0.98) for cancer mortality. Higher PA after cancer diagnosis was associated with significantly lower total and cancer mortality and non-significantly lower CVD mortality, with HRs (95% CIs) of 0.65 (0.58-0.72) and 0.66 (0.59-0.73) for total mortality; 0.78 (0.59-1.03) and 0.82 (0.61-1.10) for CVD mortality, and 0.66 (0.57-0.77) and 0.64 (0.55-0.74) for cancer mortality. There was a significant interaction of PA before and after cancer diagnosis for total (p int =0.02) and cancer (p int =0.007) mortality, but not CVD mortality (p int =0.38). Conclusions: Greater PA both before and after cancer diagnosis were significantly associated with lower total and cancer mortality. Higher PA before cancer diagnosis was also associated with lower CVD mortality. PA may be an important target for lower mortality after cancer diagnosis.

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EFFECTS OF EXERCISE ON PHYSICAL FITNESS AND ANTHROPOMETRIC VARIABLES IN EX-CRACK COCAINE USERS

Revista Brasileira de Medicina do Esporte ◽

10.1590/1517-869220172304173106 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 23 (4) ◽

pp. 284-289

Author(s):

Jéssica Abatti Martins ◽

Ana Maria Volpato ◽

Vanise dos Santos Ferreira Viero ◽

Antonio Jose Grande ◽

Leonardo Roever ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Composition ◽

Physical Fitness ◽

Crack Cocaine ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Exercise Group ◽

Control Group ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Before And After ◽

Cocaine Users ◽

Total Body

ABSTRACT Introduction: Worldwide cocaine use in all its various forms is increasing; cocaine users exceeded 17 million in the world. In Brazil, this data is also alarming. A survey conducted in 2010 found that the country has more than 900,000 crack-cocaine users. Objective: To evaluate the effects of exercise on anthropometric variables and components of physical fitness in ex-crack cocaine users. Methods: Randomized controlled trial with 20 men, divided into exercise group (n=10) and control group (n=10), admitted to a detoxification center. We assessed the physical fitness components related to health (cardiorespiratory endurance, flexibility, muscular strength/endurance, and body composition) before and after the physical training program. Results: The exercise contributed to the maintenance of anthropometric variables, while the control group had an increased in total body fat and visceral fat. Regarding physical fitness, resistance training led to the increase of most variables studied, particularly strength and cardiorespiratory capacity. On the other hand, the VO2max and the strength of the sedentary subjects were reduced (P<0.05). Conclusion: The exercise showed beneficial effects on the components of physical fitness and maintenance of body composition.

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Efficacy and Safety of Fluvastatin Sodium XL 80mg in Treatment of Hypercholesterolemic Patient with Risk Factor of Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular Journal ◽

10.3329/cardio.v2i2.6631 ◽

1970 ◽

Vol 2 (2) ◽

pp. 147-155

Author(s):

FTN Malik ◽

M Badiuzzaman ◽

MN Ahmed ◽

MS Haque ◽

MS Azam ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Adverse Event ◽

Adverse Events ◽

Total Cholesterol ◽

Ldl Cholesterol ◽

Total Mortality ◽

Study Participant ◽

Lipid Lowering ◽

Final Visit ◽

Before And After ◽

Lipid Lowering Agent

Back ground: Reduction of coronary heart disease (CHD) risk through the modification of risk factors has a strong effect on clinical practice. The introduction of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme-A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins) has significantly advanced the treatment of hypercholesterolemia and in reduction of cardiovascular events and total mortality rates. Among the available statins, Fluvastatin is a newer, synthetic, second generation, potent lipid lowering agent and widely accepted in diverse population. However the safety profile and efficacy was not assessed in Bangladeshi population, a population significantly different from Caucasian population where most studies were done. Current study aimed at evaluating the safety and efficacy of fluvastatin in the specified population. Methods: The study is an open-label, multicenter, quasi experimental study conducted among 162 adult patients suffering from hypercholesterolemia. After through baseline evaluation, the patients were given with Fluvastatin 80 mg once daily for 3 months. All the patients were assessed twice, before and after treatment. Data on demography, of relevant medical history and of physical examination were collected in the both the visit along with data on relevant lipid parameters (Total Cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C and TG) were collected at final visit. Safety was assessed by evaluating adverse events, as well as laboratory abnormalities, including liver aminotransferases. Results: Serum total cholesterol was found to be significantly reduced and across two assessments the reduction was 51.2 units (P<.001). Average reduction in LDL-cholesterol was around 40 units (P<.001). Most significant reduction (140.0±305.8 units) was seen in serum LDL cholesterol (P<.001). However; no statistically significant reduction was seen in HLD cholesterol. Safety of fluvastatin was assessed by evaluating the adverse events, as well as through laboratory abnormalities, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Comparison of aminotransferase level was done before and after treatment through paired t test, Neither ALT nor the AST showed statistically significant rise after 3 months treatment of fluvastatin (P>.05). Out of 162 study participant 4.3% had their treatment interrupted, of which 1 (0.62%) had to cease treatment due to lack of efficacy, 1 (0.62%) experienced adverse event, 2 (1.24%) didn’t return to follow-up and 3 (1.86%) patients requested their physician to cease the treatment. Conclusion: Three month treatment with Fluvastatin XL 80 mg reduces most of lipid parameter of lipid profile (Total cholesterol, Triglyceride and LDL) significantly. The drug is found to be well tolerated with minimal adverse event during the course of treatment. Key words: Hypercholesterolemia; Dyslipidemia; Lipid lowering agent; Fluvastatin. DOI: 10.3329/cardio.v2i2.6631Cardiovasc. j. 2010; 2(2) : 147-155

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