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This review considers current evidence on physical activity and dietary behaviours in the context of prostate cancer prevention and survivorship outcomes. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer amongst men, with over 1⋅4 million newly diagnosed cases globally each year. Due to earlier detection via screening and advances in treatments, survival rates are amongst the highest of all cancer populations. However, hormone treatments (i.e. androgen deprivation therapy) can lead to undesirable body composition changes, increased fatigue and reduced health-related quality of life, which can impair the overall wellbeing of men living with and beyond prostate cancer. Existing research has only provided limited evidence that physical activity and nutrition can impact a man's risk of prostate cancer but cohort studies suggest they can influence survival outcomes after diagnosis. Additionally, data from observational and intervention studies suggest that habitual physical activity (or structured exercise) and healthy diets can help to ameliorate hormone-related treatment side-effects. Current physical activity guidelines state that prostate cancer patients should complete at least three sessions of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, along with two resistance exercise sessions, but dietary guidelines for prostate cancer patients are less well defined. In conclusion, regular physical activity and nutritional interventions may improve survival outcomes and attenuate some adverse side-effects of hormone treatments in men with prostate cancer. However, further research is required to improve our understanding of the health impacts of physical activity (including structured exercise) and nutrition in relation to prostate cancer prevention and survivorship.

Epidemiological evidence shows that regular physical activity is associated with reduced risk of primary and recurrent colon cancer. However, the underlying mechanisms of action are poorly understood. We evaluated the effects of stimulating a human colon cancer cell line (LoVo) with human serum collected before and after an acute exercise bout vs nonexercise control serum on cancer cell proliferation. We also measured exercise-induced changes in serum cytokines and intracellular protein expression to explore potential biological mechanisms. Blood samples were collected from 16 men with lifestyle risk factors for colon cancer (age ≥50 years; body mass index ≥25 kg/m2; physically inactive) before and immediately after an acute bout of moderate-intensity aerobic interval exercise (6 × 5 minutes intervals at 60% heart rate reserve) and a nonexercise control condition. Stimulating LoVo cells with serum obtained immediately after exercise reduced cancer cell proliferation compared to control (−5.7%; P = .002). This was accompanied by a decrease in LoVo cell γ-H2AX expression (−24.6%; P = .029), indicating a reduction in DNA damage. Acute exercise also increased serum IL-6 (24.6%, P = .002). Furthermore, stimulating LoVo cells with recombinant IL-6 reduced γ-H2AX expression (β = −22.7%; P

Background A colorectal resection is standard treatment for patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the procedure results in significant post-operative mortality and reduced quality of life. Maximising pre-operative cardiopulmonary fitness could improve post-surgical outcomes. PREPARE-ABC is a multi-centre, three-armed, randomised controlled trial investigating the effects of exercise interventions, with motivational support on short and longer-term recovery outcomes in CRC patients undergoing major lower-gastrointestinal surgery. The trial included an internal pilot phase with parallel process evaluation. The aim of the process evaluation was to optimise intervention implementation for the main trial. Methods Mixed methods process evaluation conducted in 14 UK hospitals between November 2016 and March 2018. Data included a site profile questionnaire and telephone scoping interview with hospital staff, 34 qualitative observations of standard care and 14 observations of intervention delivery, 13 semi-structured interviews with healthcare professionals (HCPs) and 28 semi-structured interviews with patients. Data analysis focused on describing intervention delivery within each arm, assessing fidelity, acceptability and how variation in delivery was linked to contextual characteristics. Results Standard care exercise advice was typically limited to maintaining current activity levels, and with lead-in time to surgery affecting whether any exercise advice was provided. Variation in HCP capacity affected the ability of colorectal units to deploy staff to deliver the intervention. Patients’ exercise history and motivation prior to surgery influenced HCP perceptions and delivery of the motivational components. Observations indicated a high level of fidelity to delivery of the exercise interventions. All but one of the 28 interviewed patients reported increasing exercise levels as a result of receiving the intervention, with most finding them motivational and greatly valuing the enhanced level of social support (versus standard care) provided by staff. Conclusion Hospital-supervised and home-based exercise interventions were highly acceptable for most patients undergoing surgery for CRC. Delivery of pre- and post-operative exercise within the CRC care pathway is feasible but systematic planning of capacity and resources is required to optimise implementation.

Climate extremes pose a global threat to crop security. Conservation agriculture is expected to offer substantial climate adaptation benefits. However, synergistic effects of conservation practices on yield during normal versus extreme climates and underlying regulatory mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we analyze 29-years of climate data, cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) yield, and soil data under 32 management practices in Tennessee, USA. We find that long-term no-tillage enhanced agroecosystem resilience and yield stability under climate extremes and maximized yield under favorable climate. We demonstrate that no-tillage benefits are tied with enhanced soil structural stability and organic carbon. No-tillage enhanced the effectiveness of legume cover crop in stabilizing cotton yield during relatively dry or wet, and dry years, while nitrogen fertilizer rate and precipitation timing, controlled yield stability in wetter years. Our findings provide evidence-based insights into how management strategies can enhance agroecosystem resilience and production stability in climate extremes. Long-term no-tillage systems enhance cotton yield resilience to climate extremes through improved soil quality in Tennessee, USA, according to a 29-year rain-fed plot-scale cotton experiment.

Purpose To report patient activation, which is the knowledge, skills, and confidence in self-managing health conditions, and patient-reported outcomes of men after prostate cancer treatment from a community pharmacy lifestyle intervention. Methods The 3-month lifestyle intervention was delivered to 116 men in nine community pharmacies in the UK. Patient Activation Measure (PAM) was assessed at baseline, 3 and 6 months. Prostate cancer-related function and quality of life were assessed using the European Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC-26) and EuroQOL 5-dimension 5-level (EQ5D-5L) questionnaires at baseline and 6 months. Lifestyle assessments included Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) at baseline, 3 and 6 months and Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ) at baseline and 3 months. Results PAM score increased from 62 [95% CI 59–65] at baseline to 66 [64–69] after the intervention (p = 0.001) and remained higher at 6 months (p = 0.008). Scores for all the EPIC-26 domains (urinary, bowel and hormonal) were high at both assessments, indicating good function (between 74 [70–78] and 89 [86–91]), except sexual domain, where scores were much lower (21 [17–25] at baseline, increasing to 24 [20–28] at 6 months (p = 0.012)). In EQ5D-5L, 3% of men [1–9] reported self-care problems, while 50% [41–60] reported pain and discomfort, and no significant changes over time. Men who received androgen deprivation therapy, compared with those who did not, reported higher (better) urinary incontinence scores (p p = 0.003), bowel (p p Conclusions The intervention led to significant improvements in patient activation, exercise and diet. Community pharmacy could deliver effective services to address sexual dysfunction, pain and discomfort which are common after prostate cancer.

Purpose This study explored cancer survivors’ views and experiences of receiving physical activity advice post-diagnosis. We also determined the influence of sociodemographic characteristics on the recall of physical activity advice and whether receiving advice was associated with meeting physical activity guidelines. Methods An anonymised, mixed-methods, 27-item survey was distributed to cancer survivors via online cancer communities in the UK. Results Of the 242 respondents, 52% recalled receiving physical activity advice. Of those who recalled receiving advice, only 30% received guidance on type of physical activity and 14% were referred to another source of information or exercise specialist. Advice was most often given after treatment cessation, with only 19% of respondents receiving advice during active treatment. Most respondents (56%) expressed a need for further information. There was no evidence of associations between sociodemographic characteristics and recall of physical activity advice. However, cancer survivors who perceived the physical activity advice they received as being appropriate (odds ratio [OR] 3.8, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.4–10.7) and those with a higher level of education (OR 3.2, 95% CI: 1.8–5.8) were more likely to meet aerobic exercise guidelines. Females were less likely to meet resistance exercise guidelines than males (OR 0.44, 95% CI: 0.21–0.90). Conclusion There is scope to improve the provision of physical activity advice in cancer care by providing advice in a timely manner after diagnosis, referring patients to a suitable exercise or rehabilitation specialist when indicated, and using a tailored approach to ensure the advice is appropriate for specific sociodemographic groups.

For neurons, especially those with long axons, the forceful transport of mitochondria, vesicles, and other cytoplasmic components by cytoskeletal motors is vital. Defects in cytoplasmic transport machinery cause a degradation of signaling capacity that is most severe for neurons with the longest axons. In humans, with motor axons up to a meter long, even a mild mutation in one copy of the gene that codes for kinesin-1, the primary anterograde axonal transport motor, can cause spastic paraplegia and other distal neuropathies.To address questions about the molecular mechanisms of organelle movement, we turned to Drosophila as a model system, because it offered rigorous genetic and molecular approaches to the identification and inhibition of specific elements of transport machinery. However, methods for direct observation of organelle transport were largely lacking. We describe here an approach that we developed for imaging the transport behaviors of specific organelles in the long motor axons of larvae. It is straightforward, the equipment is commonly available, and it provides a powerful tool for studying the contributions of specific proteins to organelle transport mechanisms.

Background Prehabilitation aims to improve post-operative outcomes by enhancing pre-operative fitness but is labour-intensive. This pilot study aimed to assess the efficacy of a tri-modal prehabilitation programme delivered by smartwatches for improving functional fitness prior to major abdominal cancer surgery. Methods A single-centre, randomised controlled pilot study, in which 22 patients were randomised to: (a) a prehabilitation group (n = 11), comprising of home-based exercise, nutritional, and dietary advice delivered using a wrist-worn smartwatch connected to a smartphone application; or (b) a control group (n = 11) receiving usual care, with patients given a smartwatch as a placebo. Eligible participants had over two weeks until planned surgery. The primary outcome was pre-operative physical activity including 6-min walk test (6MWT) distance, with secondary outcomes including change in body weight and hospital anxiety and depression score (HADS). Results Recruitment was 67% of eligible patients, with groups matched for baseline characteristics. The prehabilitation group engaged in more daily minutes of moderate [25.1 min (95% CI 9.79–40.44) vs 13.1 min (95% CI 5.97–20.31), p = 0.063] and vigorous physical activity [36.1 min (95% CI 21.24–50.90) vs 17.5 min (95% CI 5.18–29.73), p = 0.022] compared to controls. They also had significantly greater improvements in 6MWT distance compared to controls [+ 85.6 m (95% CI, + 18.06 to + 153.21) vs + 13.23 m (95% CI − 6.78 to 33.23), p = 0.014]. HADS scores remained unchanged from baseline in both groups. Conclusion Prehabilitation in the colorectal cancer care setting can be delivered using smartwatches and mobile applications. Furthermore, this study provides early indicative evidence that such technologies can improve functional capacity prior to surgery Trial registration NCT04047524.

PurposeNEWDAY-ABC (North England Women’s Diet and ActivitY After Breast Cancer) trial is a bespoke weight management and behaviour change intervention for women treated for early-stage estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer (BC) with a body mass index (BMI) of ≥25 kg/m2. Many women are overweight or report further weight gain during and after BC-treatment. Due to the complex nature of weight management, NEWDAY-ABC was co-designed with BC-survivors and health care professionals (HCPs) prior to the COVID-19 outbreak. However, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, refinements had to be made to the intervention to enable remote (virtual) delivery options, allowing the trial to proceed while adhering to government social distancing and shielding guidance. MethodsPrior to the COVID-19 outbreak, initial focus groups (FG) were conducted with n=16 BC-survivors and n=21 HCPs. Framework analysis was used to categorise what BC-survivors want from a weight management intervention. Participants (n=9) subsequently attended a two-stage successive interactive co-design workshop. Workshop 1 explored: i) techniques to motivate change; ii) approaches to overcome challenges to intervention adherence; iii) core components of the intervention. Workshop 2 explored: i) language and graphics used for the support and educational materials; ii) delivery mechanisms; iii) refinement of workshop 1 ideas. Results / findingsCo-design revealed the intervention should address: i) self-confidence and self-esteem; ii) reassurance of safe physical activity (PA) and dietary guidance for BC-survivors; iii) knowledge about what happens to the body after treatment. In terms of intervention delivery: i) self-monitoring of weight should be optional; ii) content should be as visual as possible iii) emotional needs are as important to address as PA and dietary recommendations; iv) one-to-one facilitator support is as important as group peer-support. To integrate all these elements, the NEWDAY-ABC intervention included face-to-face group support sessions. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, remote delivery options had to be embedded into the intervention design to enable this support to be provided via means that are accessible to all eligible participants, whilst adhering to the guidance on social distancing and shielding of vulnerable populations. Key considerations include:•Participant and session leader’s ability to access and engage with remote delivery•Creating a peer supportive environment remotely•Remote platform security•Effectiveness of remote delivery in achieving clinically meaningful weight loss ConclusionsThe COVID-19 pandemic has forced cancer care to quickly adapt to ways of providing remote support to meet the needs of cancer patients and survivors. While this presents many challenges, including issues of accessibility, privacy and accessing peer support, use of virtual delivery platforms and new technologies means that BC-survivors can still access this bespoke weight management intervention during an extended period of post-pandemic social distancing. The effectiveness of the NEWDAY-ABC intervention in providing the required level of peer support, guidance and self-confidence needed for clinically meaningful weight loss with virtual delivery options will be tested in a randomised controlled trial. Citation Format: Katie Pickering, Sarah Wane, Helen Speake, Helen Crank, Annie Anderson, Henry Cain, Rob Copeland, Daniela Lee, Joanne Gray, Richard McNally, Jackie Hargreaves, Judith Cohen, Matthew Northgraves, Caroline Wilson, John Saxton. The new normal; adjusting to remote ways of providing bespoke weight management support to breast cancer survivors during the COVID-19 global pandemic [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2020 San Antonio Breast Cancer Virtual Symposium; 2020 Dec 8-11; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PS8-26.

Purpose To investigate the effects of a supported home-based progressive resistance exercise training (RET) programme on indices of cardiovascular health, muscular strength and health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) in prostate cancer (PCa) patients after treatment with robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). Methods This study was a single-site, two-arm randomised controlled trial, with 40 participants randomised to either the intervention or control group over a 10-month period. In addition to receiving usual care, the intervention group completed three weekly RET sessions using resistance bands for 6 months. Participants performed 3 sets of 12–15 repetitions for each exercise, targeting each major muscle group. The control group received usual care only. Brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) was the primary outcome and assessed at baseline, 3 and 6 months. Secondary outcomes included body weight, body fat, aerobic fitness, strength and blood-borne biomarkers associated with cardiometabolic risk. Results There was no significant difference between the groups in FMD at 3 or 6 months. However, there were improvements in aerobic exercise capacity (P P P = 0.01) strength in favour of the RET group at 6 months, accompanied by greater weight loss (P = 0.04) and a reduction in body fat (P = 0.02). Improvements in HRQoL were evident in the RET group at 3 and 6 months via the PCa-specific component of the FACT-P questionnaire (both P Conclusion This study demonstrates that home-based RET is an effective and safe mode of exercise that elicits beneficial effects on aerobic exercise capacity, muscular strength and HR-QoL in men who have undergone RARP. Trial registration ISRCTN10490647.

Purpose To estimate the effectiveness of tailored physical activity and dietary interventions amongst adults attending colorectal and breast cancer screening. Methods Five literature databases were systematically searched to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of tailored physical activity and/or dietary interventions with follow-up support initiated through colorectal and breast cancer screening programmes. Outcomes included markers of body fatness, physical activity, and dietary intake. Mean differences (MDs) or standardised mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled using random effects models. Results Five RCTs met the inclusion criteria encompassing a total of 722 participants. Diet and physical activity interventions led to statistically significant reductions in body mass (MD − 1.6 kg, 95% CI − 2.7 to − 0.39 kg; I2 = 81%; low quality evidence), body mass index (MD − 0.78 kg/m2, 95% CI − 1.1 to − 0.50 kg/m2; I2 = 21%; moderate quality evidence), and waist circumference (MD − 2.9 cm, 95% CI − 3.8 to − 1.91; I2 = 0%; moderate quality evidence), accompanied by an increase in physical activity (SMD 0.31, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.50; I2 = 0%; low quality evidence) and fruit and vegetable intake (SMD 0.33, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.64; I2 = 51%; low quality evidence). Conclusion There is low quality evidence that lifestyle interventions involving follow-up support lead to modest weight loss and increased physical activity and fruit and vegetable intake. Due to the modest intervention effects, low quality of evidence and small number of studies, further rigorously designed RCTs with long-term follow-up of modifiable risk factors and embedded cost–benefit analyses are warranted (PROSPERO ref: CRD42020179960).

This nonblinded randomized controlled trial investigated the efficacy of a physical activity (PA) intervention underpinned by self-determination theory. Participants (N = 31, mean age 69 years [SD = 4.9]) diagnosed with bowel polyps were randomized to an active lifestyle program (ALP; n = 17) or standard care (n = 14). ALP received supervised exercise and counseling for 6 months. Both groups were followed up at 12 months. Outcomes were change in PA and behavioral regulation. Data were analyzed with intention to treat. At 6 months, differences were observed for behavioral regulation in favor of ALP (p p

The atmospheric 21Ne/20Ne ratio has been redetermined. The measurement method has several features, which taken in combination, offer a significant advantage over previous determinations. First, a high mass resolving power (MRP > 6000) was used to permit direct assessment of the amount of the 20NeH interference under measurement conditions. Second, measurements were made by mass jumping on a single detector; this removes any assumptions associated with calibration of a multicollector instrument. Third, a Faraday, rather than electron multiplier detector was used, as this avoids non-linearity (dead time) correction. The NeH/Ne ratio was an order of magnitude lower than other recent studies. Interferences other than NeH were assessed but the use of large sample sizes and high MRP ensured that they were resolved or negligible (effect on 21Ne/20Ne < 10−4 relative). Following convention, the 21Ne/20Ne ratios were corrected for mass dependent fractionation to the value corresponding to 22Ne/20Ne = 0.102, which yields a value for atmospheric 21Ne/20NeFC of (2935.6 ± 0.9) × 10−6 (expanded uncertainty, k = 2). The behaviour of 20NeH in the mass spectrometer was also studied. At higher pressures – as used in the isotope ratio measurements – the amount of NeH was approximately constant. For much smaller Ne samples NeH was proportional to Ne, with 20NeH/21Ne = 0.37% for Ne of atmospheric composition.

Environmental sustainability in business has become a highly debated topic as societies decide how best to meet their economic needs and care for the earth. Catholic social teaching (CST) may add theoretical richness to the discussion. We examine solidarity, subsidiarity, and pursuit of the common good as dimensions of a heavy manufacturing, U.S.-based firm’s CST orientation. We find that measures of subsidiarity and common good predict a firm’s environmental performance consistent with CST principles. Results are of interest to academics, policymakers, and citizens who wish to advance the implementation of CST, environmental sustainability, or both.

Eleven switchgrass cultivars (eight ornamental and three agronomic) were inoculated with 40 switchgrass rust isolates collected from the southeastern U.S. to study host resistance, rust virulence and host/pathogen interactions by measuring urediniospore germination percentage, latent period, and the number of uredia and urediniospores produced per cm2 of leaf surface. In general, ornamental switchgrass cultivars had reduced number of uredia and urediniospores produced per cm2 than did agronomic cultivars. Rust isolates were variable for virulence in culture (on grass blades in petri dishes); however they could not be segregated into groups based on collection locations or years. The results of this study will provide information concerning durable horizontal resistance in switchgrass for the ornamental industry. Index words:, Switchgrass, leaf rust, resistance. Species used in the study: switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L., rust (Puccinia emaculata).

Objective: To examine the association between self-reported activity pacing (a strategy to manage fatigue symptoms) and objectively-measured physical activity behaviours in adults with multiple sclerosis. Design: Single cross-sectional study Setting: Multiple sclerosis rehabilitation centre in Colchester, United Kingdom. Subjects: Twenty-one adults (59 ± 9 years) with multiple sclerosis. Main measures: Physical activity behaviours (activity level: activity counts per minute; activity variability: highest activity counts per minute each day divided by activity counts per minute on that day) were measured with accelerometers. Self-reported activity pacing (Activity Pacing and Risk of Overactivity Questionnaire), fatigue severity (Fatigue Severity Scale) and health-related quality of life (RAND-12-Item Short-Form Health Survey) were measured. Scatter plots were used to explore associations between measures. Results: Activity level was 258 ± 133 counts per minutes, activity variability was 4 ± 1, self-reported activity pacing was 3 ± 1, fatigue severity was 5 ± 2 and health-related quality of life was 43 ± 8. Increased self-reported activity pacing was associated with lower activity levels and less variability in daily activities. Conclusion: This investigation suggests that people with multiple sclerosis who have low physical activity levels could be inappropriately using activity pacing as a reactionary response to their multiple sclerosis symptoms.

The purpose of this study was to compare fitness parameters and cardiovascular disease risk of older and younger men with prostate cancer (PCa) and explore how men's fitness scores compared to normative age values. 83 men were recruited post‐treatment and undertook a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), sit‐to‐stand, step‐and‐grip strength tests and provided blood samples for serum lipids and HbA1c. We calculated waist‐to‐hip ratio, cardiovascular risk (QRISK2), Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) and Godin leisure‐time exercise questionnaire [GLTEQ]. Age‐group comparisons were made using normative data. Men > 75 years, had lower cardiopulmonary fitness, as measured by VO2 Peak (ml/kg/min) 15.8 + 3.8 p 75 years had more cardiovascular risk factors compared to normative standards for men of their age. Although ADT was more frequent in older men, this was not found to be associated with cardiopulmonary fitness, but obesity and low levels of physical activity were. Secondary prevention should be addressed in men with PCa to improve men's overall health.

Closed-loop insulin delivery systems have the potential to address suboptimal glucose control in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes. We compared safety and efficacy of the Cambridge hybrid closed-loop algorithm with usual care over 6 months in this population.In a multicentre, multinational, parallel randomised controlled trial, participants aged 6-18 years using insulin pump therapy were recruited at seven UK and five US paediatric diabetes centres. Key inclusion criteria were diagnosis of type 1 diabetes for at least 12 months, insulin pump therapy for at least 3 months, and screening HbAOf 147 people initially screened, 133 participants (mean age 13·0 years [SD 2·8]; 57% female, 43% male) were randomly assigned to either the closed-loop group (n=65) or the control group (n=68). Mean baseline HbAThe Cambridge hybrid closed-loop algorithm had an acceptable safety profile, and improved glycaemic control in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes. To ensure optimal efficacy of the closed-loop system, usage needs to be consistently high, as demonstrated with CamAPS FX.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

Summary Providing physical activity advice in the bowel cancer screening setting could help to reduce the risk of cancer and cardiometabolic disease in older adults. This study investigated the views of healthcare professionals (HCPs) regarding the provision of physical activity advice as part of the UK Bowel Cancer Screening Programme. A purposive sample of HCPs (aged 22–63 years, with 1–26 years of experience) from four bowel cancer screening disciplines (four endoscopists, four colorectal surgeons, four staff nurses and four specialist screening practitioners) were recruited from a large National Health Service gastroenterology unit. Data collection used individual interviews and focus groups, with topics being guided by an a priori topic guide. All interviews and focus groups were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Three key themes, which contextualize the views and perceptions of HCPs recruited to the study, emerged from the framework analysis: (i) appraisal of the concept; (ii) perceived barriers to implementation; (iii) steps to implementation. While the general concept was viewed positively, there were differences of opinion and a range of perceived barriers were revealed. Ideas for effective implementation were also presented, taking into consideration the need for time efficiencies and importance of optimizing effectiveness. This qualitative study provided important insights into the perceptions of HCPs regarding the provision of physical activity advice in the bowel cancer screening setting, and yielded novel ideas for effective implementation.

Objectives\ud This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (intervention). The objectives are as follows:\ud \ud To analyse the effects of a supervised exercise programme following successful lower limb revascularisation compared with standard care following lower limb revascularisation in patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease (PAD).

Dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) are precursors for lipid metabolites that reduce inflammation. Two experiments were conducted to test the hypothesis that enriching the sow diet in n-3 PUFA during late gestation and throughout lactation reduces stress and inflammation and promotes growth in weaned pigs. A protected fish oil product (PFO; Gromega) was used to enrich the diet in n-3 PUFA. In the initial experiment, time-bred gilts were fed a gestation and lactation diet supplemented with 0% (control; n = 5), 0.25% (n = 4), 0.5% (n = 4), or 1% (n = 5) PFO from 101 ± 2 d of gestation to day 16 of lactation. Adding 1% PFO to the diet increased the n-3:n-6 PUFA ratio in colostrum and milk compared with controls (P = 0.05). A subsequent experiment was performed to determine whether supplementing the sow diet with 1% PFO improved growth and reduced circulating markers of acute inflammation and stress in the offspring. Plasma was harvested from piglets (16 per treatment group) on day 0 (d of weaning) and days 1 and 3 postweaning. Pigs from the 1% PFO treatment group weighed more (P = 0.03) on day 3 postweaning and had a greater (P ˂ 0.05) n-3:n-6 PUFA ratio in plasma on each day sampled compared with 0% PFO controls. There was an overall treatment effect on plasma total cortisol (P = 0.03) and haptoglobin (P = 0.04), with lesser concentrations in pigs on the 1% PFO diet. Plasma corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG) concentrations were not different between treatment groups but were less (P ˂ 0.001) on days 1 and 3 when compared with day 0. The resultant free cortisol index [FCI (cortisol/CBG)] was less (P = 0.02) on days 1 and 3 for pigs from the 1% treatment group compared with the controls. An ex vivo lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge of whole blood collected on days 0 and 1 was used to determine whether 1% PFO attenuated release of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α). Blood from pigs within the 1% PFO treatment group tended (P = 0.098) to have a lesser mean concentration of TNF-α in response to LPS compared with blood from controls. These results suggest that providing a PFO supplement as 1% of the diet to sows beginning in late gestation and during lactation can increase the n-3:n-6 PUFA ratio in their offspring, which may improve growth and reduce the acute physiological stress response in the pigs postweaning.

Incorporation of cover crops in no-tillage (NT) cropping systems can be constrained by economic and climatic barriers. In such condition, region-specific crop rotations can diversify and increase biomass input and improve soil quality. We aimed to evaluate the 15-yr impact of six cropping systems including corn-corn (Zea mays L.) (CC), soybean-soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] (SS), cotton-cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) (TT), corn-soybean (CS), cotton-corn (TC), and soybean-cotton (ST) on soil hydro-physical properties and yield on a no-till system. Study was conducted on a Loring silt loam (fine-silty, mixed, active, thermic Oxyaquic Fragiudalfs) at Milan, TN. Incorporation of cotton in the cropping system increased near-surface penetration resistance by 17%. Field soil moisture during dry periods (θvd) was 18% greater in corn-soybean and continuous corn than other cropping systems. Including corn in cropping system also increased the wet aggregates stability (WAS) in the top 15 cm and geometric mean diameter (GMD) in the top 30 cm. Among all treatments, corn-soybean resulted in the greatest field-saturated hydraulic conductivity (Kfs = 25.2 cm day−1), cumulative infiltration after 200 min (I = 114 mm), and plant-available water content (PAWC = 0.20 cm3 cm−3). However, mean values were only different (p