bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biliary effects of liraglutide and sitagliptin, a 12‐week randomized placebo‐controlled trial in type 2 diabetes patients
Authors: Smits Mark M. , Tonneijck Lennart , Muskiet Marcel H.A. , Hoekstra Trynke , Kramer Mark H.H. , Diamant Michaela , Nieuwdorp Max , Groen Albert K. , Cahen Djuna L. , van Raalte Daniël H.
Published: July 2016

Aims

Treatment with glucagon‐like peptide (GLP)‐1 receptor agonists or dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)‐4 inhibitors might increase gallstone formation; however, the mechanisms involved are unknown. We aimed to assess the effects of these drugs on gallbladder volume and bile acid profile.

Materials and methods

A total of 57 type 2 diabetes patients (mean ± SD age, 62.8 ± 6.9 years; BMI, 31.8 ± 4.1 kg/m2; HbA1c, 7.3% ± 0.6%), treated with metformin and/or sulfonylureas, were included in this 12‐week randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, single‐centre trial between July 2013 and August 2015 at the VU University Medical Center, the Netherlands. Patients received the GLP‐1 receptor agonist liraglutide, the DPP‐4 inhibitor sitagliptin or matching placebo for 12 weeks. Gallbladder fasting volume and ejection fraction were measured using ultrasonography after a high‐fat meal. Serum bile acids were measured in the fasting and postprandial state and in faecal samples. The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01744236).

Results

Neither liraglutide nor sitagliptin had an effect on gallbladder fasting volume and ejection fraction (p > .05). Liraglutide increased serum levels of deoxycholic acid in the fasting state [0.20 µmol/L (95% CI 0.027‐0.376), p = 0.024] and postprandial state [AUC 40.71 (13.22‐68.21), p = 0.005] and in faeces [ratio 1.5 (1.03‐2.19); p = 0.035]. Sitagliptin had no effect on serum bile acids, but increased faecal levels of chenodeoxycholic acid [ratio 3.42 (1.33‐8.79), p = 0.012], cholic acid [ratio 3.32 (1.26‐8.87), p = 0.017] and ursodeoxycholic acid [ratio 3.81 (1.44‐10.14), p = 0.008].

Conclusions

Neither liraglutide nor sitagliptin has an effect on gallbladder volume. Observed changes in bile acids with liraglutide suggest alterations in the intestinal microbiome, while sitagliptin appears to increase hepatic bile acid production.
Occurrence of leaf spot caused by Cristulariella depraedans on Acer ginnala
Authors: Cho S. E. , Park J. H. , Choi Y. J. , Lee S. H. , Lee C. K. , Shin H. D.
Published: July 2016

The occurrence of previously unknown leaf spots on Amur maples (Acer ginnala) has consistently been noticed during disease surveys in Korea since 2004. The symptoms included circular or irregular leaf spots that were greyish‐green to brownish‐grey in colour, which led to leaf senescence and premature defoliation. The morphological and cultural characteristics confirmed the identity of the causal agent as Cristulariella depraedans. This identification was supported by sequence comparisons based on ITS and LSU regions. The monospore isolate proved to be pathogenic when inoculated to the host plant under artificial conditions. This is the first report of C. depraedans infecting Amur maples in the world.
Heritability and prevalence of selected osteochondrosis lesions in yearling Thoroughbred horses
Authors: Russell J. , Matika O. , Russell T. , Reardon R. J. M.
Published: July 2016

Background

Osteochondrosis is considered multifactorial in origin, with factors such as nutrition, conformation, body size, trauma and genetics thought to contribute to its pathogenesis. Few studies have investigated the effects of genetic variability of osteochondrosis in Thoroughbreds.

Objectives

To describe the prevalence and genetic variability of a subset of osteochondrosis lesions in a group of Thoroughbred yearlings.

Study design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Radiographs of 1962 Thoroughbred yearlings were retrieved from clinical records obtained between 2005 and 2013. Pedigree information was obtained from the Australian Stud Book. Osteochondrosis lesions were documented in selected joints and estimates of heritability were obtained by fitting linear mixed models inASREMLsoftware.

Results

The overall prevalence of osteochondrosis was 23%. Osteochondrosis was identified in 10% of stifle joints, 6% of hock joints and 8% of fetlock joints. The heritability estimates ranged from 0 to 0.21. The largest estimates were 0.10, 0.14, 0.16 and 0.21 for lesions of the distal intermediate ridge of the tibia, dorso‐proximal proximal phalanx (P1), any stifle osteochondrosis, and lesions of the lateral trochlear ridge of the distal femur, respectively. Although calculated heritability estimates had high standard errors, meta‐analyses combining the present results with published estimates were significant at 0.10, 0.17, 0.15 and 0.20 for stifle, tarsal, fetlock and these joints combined, respectively. In addition, there was a permanent environment attributable to the dam effect.

Main limitations

Inclusion criteria were based on radiographic findings in specific joints at a specific age range in Thoroughbreds.

Conclusions

The present results indicate that only a proportion of osteochondrosis in Thoroughbreds is heritable. The permanent environment effects of the dam were observed to have effects on some categories of osteochondrosis.
Fatty liver oxidative events monitored by autofluorescence optical diagnosis: Comparison between subnormothermic machine perfusion and conventional cold storage preservation
Authors: Croce Anna Cleta , Ferrigno Andrea , Bertone Vittorio , Piccolini Valeria Maria , Berardo Clarissa , Di Pasqua Laura Giuseppina , Rizzo Vittoria , Bottiroli Giovanni , Vairetti Mariapia
Published: July 2016

Aim

Aims

Livers with moderate steatosis are currently recruited as marginal organs to face donor shortage in transplantation, even though lipid excess and oxidative stress increase preservation injury risk. Sensitive, real‐time detection of liver metabolism engagement could help donor selection and preservation procedures, ameliorating the graft outcome. Hence, we investigated endogenous biomolecules with autofluorescence (AF) properties as biomarkers supporting the detection of liver oxidative events and the assessment of metabolic responses to external stimuli.

Methods

Livers from male Wistar rats fed a 12‐day methionine/choline‐deficient (MCD) diet were subjected to AF spectrofluorometric analysis (fiber‐optic probe, 366‐nm excitation) before and after organ isolation, and following preservation (cold storage or 20°C machine perfusion) and reperfusion.

Results

Innovative dynamic AF results on lipid oxidation to lipofuscin‐like lipopigments, correlating with biochemical oxidative damage (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) and antioxidant defense (glutathione) parameters, suggested lipid engagement in MCD livers counteracting reactive oxidizing species. The maintained MCD liver functionality was supported by limited changes in bilirubin AF spectral profile, reflecting bile composition balance, despite their intrinsic mitochondrial weakness, confirmed by adenosine 5′‐triphosphate levels, and regardless of different preservation effects on energy metabolism revealed by conventional reduced forms of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate and flavin AF data.

Conclusion

Autofluorescence showed that, after a relatively short time on an MCD diet, livers are still able to face oxidizing events and maintain a functional balance. These results strengthen AF as a supportive diagnostic tool in experimental hepatology, to characterize marginal livers in real time, monitor their response to ischemia/reperfusion, and investigate protective therapeutic agents.
A Novel Polymeric Precursor for Boron Nitride Ceramics: Synthesis, Characterization, and Ceramic Conversion
Authors: Zhong Bo , Chai Zhenfei , Xia Long , Wen Guangwu , Cheng Shuaifeng , Huang Yudong
Published: July 2016

A new polymeric boron nitride (BN) precursor poly[(phenylamino)borazine] (PPAB) with good melt‐processing performance was successfully synthesized by reaction of B‐trichloroborazine (TCB), aniline, and N‐methylaniline under mild conditions. The as‐synthesized PPAB as well as its structural evolution during the ceramic conversion was studied by means of various complementary techniques. The effect of process parameters including monomer ratio, reaction time, and reaction temperature on the properties of polymers was investigated, and the optimized parameters were obtained. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) analysis of typical PPAB revealed that the number‐average molecular weight (Mn) was 30,520 Da and the polymerization degree was 319. The polymer could be converted to BN ceramics under ammonia atmosphere at 1200°C with carbon content as low as 0.9wt%. The PPAB polymer could be melt‐spun into continuous polymer fibers by hand drawing, which could be further transformed into BN ceramic fibers with good quality. The PPAB polymer is promising for applications that require BN precursor with stable melt processability.
Densification of 8Y‐Tetragonal‐Stabilized Zirconia Optoceramics with Improved Optical Properties by Y Segregation
Authors: Prakasam Mythili , Weill François , Lebraud Eric , Viraphong Oudomsack , Buffiére Sonia , Largeteau Alain
Published: July 2016

8% Yttria‐stabilized zironcia (8YSZ) transparent ceramics have a wide technological applications. Segregation of the Y around the grain boundaries is favored by slow heating rate. The optimized sintering parameters helped in obtaining transparent ceramics of 8YSZ with a high percentage of cubic phase in addition to the presence of tetragonal phase. HRTEM was used to verify the grain growth suppression and to observe the presence of the cubic phase. The presence of cubic phase has suppressed the grain growth, which increased the transparency in the visible and infrared region without the addition of dopants or by utilizing high pressure.
Development of a spectroscopic method to determine the content of free radical scavenging compounds and oxidation products in thermally oxidised oils
Authors: Song JuHee , Jang Eun Yeong , Kim Mi‐Ja , Kim Young‐Jun , Lee JaeHwan
Published: July 2016

A simple spectroscopic method using 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) was developed to simultaneously monitor the contents of free radical scavenging antioxidants (FRSs) and oxidised lipid products during oxidation through selection of proper solvents. Validation of the DPPH method was conducted in a stripped oil matrix, and practical applicability of the method was tested with heated oils. The absorbance of DPPH in isooctane simultaneously reflected the changing amounts of both FRSs and oxidised lipid products, whereas the absorbance in methanol mainly reflected changes in FRSs. Total polar materials (TPMs) were found to be representative of oxidised lipid products, which reacted with DPPH in isooctane better than in methanol. Validation parameters including accuracy, precision, linearity, limit of detection and limit of quantification were determined using α‐tocopherol as a model for FRSs and TPMs for oxidised lipid products. The DPPH protocol in isooctane and in methanol is useful for assessing the degree of oxidation in heated oils through comparing the contents of FRSs and oxidised lipids.
Gene conversion of the major histocompatibility complex class I Caja‐G in common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)
Authors: Neehus Anna‐Lena , Wistuba Joachim , Ladas Nektarios , Eiz‐Vesper Britta , Schlatt Stefan , Müller Thomas
Published: July 2016

Currently, the amount of sequenced and classified MHC class I genes of the common marmoset is limited, in spite of the wide use of this species as an animal model for biomedical research. In this study, 480 clones of MHC class I G locus (Caja‐G) cDNA sequences were obtained from 21 common marmosets. Up to 10 different alleles were detected in each common marmoset, leading to the assumption that the Caja‐G loci duplicated in the marmoset genome. In the investigated population, four alleles occurred more often, giving evidence for higher immunological advantage of these alleles. In contrast to the human non‐classical MHC class I genes, Caja‐G shows high rates of polymorphism at the relevant peptide‐binding sites, despite its phylogenetic relationship to the non‐classical HLA‐G. Our results provide information for better understanding of the immunological properties of the common marmoset and confirm the theory of a gene conversion of the Caja‐G due to its detected plasticity and the absence of any known HLA‐A equivalent.
Longer Paced QRS Duration is Associated With Increased Prevalence of Right Ventricular Pacing‐Induced Cardiomyopathy
Authors: KHURSHID SHAAN , LIANG JACKSON J. , OWENS ANJALI , LIN DAVID , SCHALLER ROBERT , EPSTEIN ANDREW E. , MARCHLINSKI FRANCIS E. , FRANKEL DAVID S.
Published: July 2016

Paced QRS and RV Pacing‐Induced Cardiomyopathy

Introduction

Pacing‐induced cardiomyopathy (PICM) is an important cause of heart failure in patients exposed to frequent right ventricular (RV) pacing. While echocardiography is diagnostic, the optimal surveillance strategy remains unknown. We sought to identify clinical and electrocardiographic factors associated with the presence of PICM to guide further testing.

Methods and Results

We retrospectively studied 1,750 consecutive patients undergoing pacemaker implantation 2003–2012. Patients were included if baseline LVEF was normal, single chamber ventricular or dual chamber pacemaker (but not ICD or cardiac resynchronization therapy device) was implanted, frequent (≥20%) RV pacing was present and repeat echocardiogram was available following implantation. PICM was defined as ≥10% decrease in LVEF, resulting in LVEF <50%. Patients with alternative causes of cardiomyopathy were excluded. Clinical and electrocardiographic indicators of PICM were identified using multivariate logistic regression. Of 184 patients meeting study criteria, 42 (22.8%) developed PICM, with decrease in mean LVEF from 62.1% to 35.3% over mean follow‐up 2.5 years. Longer follow‐up paced QRS duration was associated with the presence of PICM (multivariate odds ratio 1.34 per 10 millisecond increase, 95% CI 1.06‐1.63, p = 0.01). Paced QRS duration ≥150 milliseconds was 95% sensitive for PICM. Only half of patients with PICM had heart failure signs or symptoms at the time of echocardiographic diagnosis.

Conclusion

Patients with frequent RV pacing and paced QRS duration ≥150 milliseconds should be screened by echocardiogram to assess for PICM. Patients with paced QRS duration <150 milliseconds likely do not require screening, in the absence of heart failure signs or symptoms.
Spontaneous hemobilia after liver transplantation: Frequency, risk factors, and outcome of endoscopic management
Authors: Park Tae Young , Lee Sung Koo , Nam Kwangwoo , Oh Dongwook , Song Tae Jun , Park Do Hyun , Lee Sang Soo , Seo Dong‐Wan , Kim Myung‐Hwan
Published: July 2016

Background and Aim

Spontaneous hemobilia is an uncommon liver transplantation (LT)‐related biliary complication. The frequency, etiology, and mechanism of spontaneous hemobilia after LT are not known. This study aimed to assess the outcome of endoscopic management for spontaneous hemobilia after LT, and to investigate its frequency and risk factors.

Methods

The records of patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography to manage hemobilia after LT at the Asan Medical Center, Korea, between January 2006 and April 2014 were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

A total 2701 cases of LT was performed in the study period, and 33 LT patients with spontaneous hemobilia were included in the study group. Endoscopic nasobiliary drainage was achieved in 33 cases (100%). In 29 of 33 patients (87.9%), hemobilia was improved. The frequency of spontaneous hemobilia was 1.22% (33/2701). On multivariate analysis, United Network for Organ Sharing status I or IIa (odds ratio [OR] 3.095, 95% CI 1.097–8.732, P = 0.033), alcoholic liver cirrhosis (OR 3.942, 95% CI 1.261–12.324, P = 0.018), and body mass index < 24.5 kg/m2 (OR 2.329, 95% CI 1.005–5.397, P = 0.049) were significant risk factors for spontaneous hemobilia after LT.

Conclusions

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic nasobiliary drainage are feasible methods for the management of spontaneous hemobilia after LT. In patients with United Network for Organ Sharing status I and IIa, alcoholic liver cirrhosis, or body mass index < 24.5 kg/m2, special attention should be paid to the occurrence of spontaneous hemobilia after LT.
Rice caryopsis development II: Dynamic changes in the endosperm
Authors: Wu Xiaoba , Liu Jinxin , Li Dongqi , Liu Chun‐Ming
Published: July 2016

The rice endosperm plays crucial roles in nourishing the embryo during embryogenesis and seed germination. Although previous studies have provided the general information about rice endosperm, a systematic investigation throughout the entire endosperm developmental process is still lacking. In this study, we examined in detail rice endosperm development on a daily basis throughout the 30‐day period of post‐fertilization development. We observed that coenocytic nuclear division occurred in the first 2 days after pollination (DAP), cellularization occurred between 3 and 5 DAP, differentiation of the aleurone and starchy endosperm occurred between 6 and 9 DAP, and accumulation of storage products occurred concurrently with the aleurone/starchy endosperm differentiation from 6 DAP onwards and was accomplished by 21 DAP. Changes in cytoplasmic membrane permeability, possibly caused by programmed cell death, were observed in the central region of the starchy endosperm at 8 DAP, and expanded to the whole starchy endosperm at 21 DAP when the aleurone is the only living component in the endosperm. Further, we observed that a distinct multi‐layered dorsal aleurone formed near the dorsal vascular bundle, while the single‐ or occasionally two‐cell layered aleurone was located in the lateral and ventral positions of endosperm. Our results provide in detail the dynamic changes in mitotic divisions, cellularization, cell differentiation, storage product accumulation, and programmed cell death that occur during rice endosperm development.
Porcine hepatocyte–Kupffer cell co‐culture as an in vitro model for testing the efficacy of anti‐inflammatory substances
Authors: Mátis G. , Kulcsár A. , Petrilla J. , Talapka P. , Neogrády Z.
Published: July 2016

As Kupffer cells are highly involved in the regulation of hepatic inflammatory response, the main goal of this study was to improve and to characterize a hepatocyte–Kupffer cell co‐culture of pig origin for modelling endotoxin‐induced hepatic inflammation and for testing the efficacy of potential anti‐inflammatory substances. This monolayer co‐culture was prepared from primary isolated swine hepatocytes and Kupffer cells in the ratio of 6:1 and 2:1, mimicking different states of liver inflammation. The prepared cell cultures were characterized by immunohistochemical CD‐68 detection. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge of both co‐cultures resulted in elevated interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) and that of 6:1 co‐cultures in increased IL‐6 production with a higher extent than on hepatocyte monocultures, justifying the key role of Kupffer cells in pro‐inflammatory cytokine production. LPS‐induced IL‐8 production was successfully attenuated by concomitant application of both sodium butyrate and terpinen‐4‐ol on hepatocyte monocultures, but not on co‐cultures, demonstrating the importance of the presence of Kupffer cells in cell cultures as inflammatory models. Based on these initial data, the applied porcine primary hepatocyte–Kupffer cell co‐culture is suggested to be a proper tool for in vitro investigations on liver physiology and hepatic inflammation in pigs and can be used as a useful model mimicking in vivo conditions in veterinary research.
Guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) drinking preferences: do nipple drinkers compensate for behaviourally deficient diets?
Authors: Balsiger A. , Clauss M. , Liesegang A. , Dobenecker B. , Hatt J.‐M.
Published: July 2016

When offered diets with hay ad libitum, rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) clearly prefer open dishes over nipple drinkers, but whether this preference also applies in guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) is unsure. We tested the drinker preference of 10 guinea pigs when offered open dishes (OD) and nipple drinkers (ND) simultaneously and measured the amount of water consumed by each animal on four different diets (grass hay 100%, or as 10% of intake on diets of fresh parsley, seed mix or pelleted complete feed, respectively) on either of the drinking systems. All animals ingested the hay portion of the combined diets first. The amount of water consumed differed significantly between individual animals. Animals drank less water on parsley than on the other diets. Nine of 10 animals clearly preferred ND when having a choice, and eight of these drank more when on ND only. The difference between the drinking systems was not consistent across all diets: on hay, similar amounts of water were drunk when on OD or ND only. Differences in water intake were reflected in urine production. Because drinking from ND in guinea pigs involves jaw movements similar to those in chewing, the results could suggest that when motivation for oral processing behaviour is not satisfied by a diet, animals may respond in using ND beyond physiological water necessity. Whereas physiological water requirements are probably better investigated with other drinking systems due to a possible overestimation when using ND, offering ND to pet guinea pigs most likely offers a form of behavioural enrichment that at the same time may increase water intake and hence act as prophylaxis against urolithiasis.
Effect of system of lamb rearing and season on early post‐partum fertility of ewes and growth performance of lambs in Katahdin sheep
Authors: Rastle‐Simpson S. , D'Souza K. , Redhead A. , Singh‐Knights D. , Baptiste Q. , Knights M.
Published: July 2016

The effect of season (S), lamb rearing system (RT) and grain supplementation (GS) on post‐partum fertility in Katahdin ewes and growth in Katahdin lambs was evaluated. Katahdin ewes were bred to lamb in fall (n = 36) or spring (n = 56) and at approximately 2.5 months post‐partum were randomly assigned to be permanently separated or to continue to suckle their lambs for an additional 3 months. All ewes were joined with rams following treatment to synchronize oestrus. Weaned (W, n = 84) and continuously suckled lambs (CSK, n = 88) were fed forage only (n = 84; hay and pasture for fall‐ and spring‐born lambs respectively) or were supplemented (n = 88; 18% crude protein ration ad libitum) and all weighed biweekly. Ewes rebred in the fall had a shorter ram introduction to lambing interval (p < 0.05), higher prolificacy (p = 0.001) and higher lambing rates (p = 0.02); however, the proportion of ewes lambing was not affected by season. The first service lambing rate was lower in ewes continuously suckling lambs in the spring, but not in the fall breeding season (S × RT, p = 0.03). Lambs that continuously suckled their dams and were supplemented grew quicker and gained more (p < 0.001) than their weaned and unsupplemented counterparts. The effect of CSK on growth rate of lambs was greater in the spring (RT × S; p = 0.05), and the effect of supplementation on growth rate of lambs was greater in the fall (GS × S; p < 0.0001). In conclusion, Katahdin lambs achieved higher weight gains from continuous suckling and grain supplementation. Moreover, Katahdin ewes are capable of early rebreeding post‐partum while suckling their lambs, which makes them suited for use in accelerated lambing programmes.
Significant effect of NSP‐ase enzyme supplementation in sunflower meal‐based diet on the growth and nutrient digestibility in broilers
Authors: Bilal M. , Mirza M. A. , Kaleem M. , Saeed M. , Reyad‐ ul‐ferdous Md. , Abd El‐Hack M. E.
Published: July 2016

The response of broiler chickens to 3 levels of sunflower meal and 2 levels of NSP‐ase enzyme combination (with and without) was investigated in 3 × 2 factorial arrangement under complete randomized design (CRD). A total of 240 Hubbard broiler chicks were fed on practical mash diets having 2950 kcal of ME and 21% CP from 1 to 42 days of age. The BW gain was not significantly reduced when 25% SFM was added in the diets during 1 to 42 days of age. Supplementation of NSP‐ase in broiler diets (day 1–42 overall) demonstrated non‐significant differences (p < 0.05) across the treatments in terms of FI and BWG. The difference in feed:gain at 15% or 20% SFM was observed to be non‐significant. Replacement of SBM with SFM or inclusion of SFM at higher level (25%) increased/deteriorated FCR. The addition of exogenous NSP‐ase showed a significant improvement (p < 0.01) in feed:gain. The improvement was clearly demonstrated when SFM was added to the experimental diet at 15% or even 20%. Supplementation of NSP‐ase at the 25% inclusion level could not, however, sustain the beneficial effect, which was possibly due to excessively high dietary CF. No difference was noted across the treatments regarding carcass response. Relative gizzard weight and intestinal weight were observed to be improved in birds consuming higher levels of SFM (p = 0.00). The digestibility of CF was observed to improve when SFM was used at 20% and 25% in the diets. No improvement in the digestibility of CF was observed with NSP‐ase supplementation, which meant other factors were clearly involved. Supplementation of NSP‐ase improved FCR up to 20% SFM. At 25% SFM, no improvement in the digestibility of CF was observed with NSP‐ase supplementation.
Relieving effect of Artemisia argyi aqueous extract on immune stress in broilers
Authors: Zhang P. F. , Shi B. L. , Su J. L. , Yue Y. X. , Cao Z. X. , Chu W. B. , Li K. , Yan S. M.
Published: July 2016

This experiment aimed to investigate the relieving action of Artemisia argyi aqueous extract (AAE) on immune stress in broiler chickens. A 2 × 2 factorial design was used to test the effect of 2 dietary treatments (adding 0 or 1000 mg/kg AAE) and 2 immune stress treatments (injecting saline or lipopolysaccharide (LPS)). A total of 96 one‐day‐old Arbor Acres (AA) broilers were randomly divided into four treatment groups with six replicates, four birds in each replicate. Broilers in Treatment groups 1 and 2 were fed with the basal diet, and those in Treatment groups 3 and 4 were fed with the experimental diet supplemented with 1000 mg/kg AAE. On days 14, 16, 18 and 20, broilers in both Treatments 1 and 3 were injected intra‐abdominally with LPS solution at the dose of 500 μg LPS per kg BW with the LPS dissolved in sterile saline at a concentration of 100 μg/ml, and those in Treatments 2 and 4 were injected intra‐abdominally with equal amount of sterile 0.9% saline. Blood samples were collected on days 21 and 28. The results showed that dietary supplementation of AAE prevented reductions in average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) of broilers caused by LPS on d 15–21. On day 21, the injection of LPS increased serum adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone (CORT); meanwhile, feeding AAE reduced the rise of CORT caused by LPS. Immune parameters such as interleukin‐1 (IL‐1), interleukin‐2 (IL‐2), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin A (IgA) were also improved by LPS, but the content of IL‐2 and IgG in broilers fed with AAE diet was significantly lower than that of broilers fed with control diet. All the data suggested that diets supplemented with AAE could relieve the immune stress response of broilers.
Serum leptin is a predictor for central arterial stiffness in hypertensive patients
Authors: Tsai Jen‐Pi , Hsu Bang‐Gee , Lee Chung‐Jen , Hsieh Yi‐Hsien , Chen Yu‐Chih , Wang Ji‐Hung
Published: July 2016

Aim

Serum adipokines have a role in the development of arterial stiffness. We aimed to investigate the risk factors of developing arterial stiffness and the association of leptin and arterial stiffness in hypertensive (HTN) patients.

Methods

There were 101 HTN patients enrolled. Fasting blood samples and baseline characteristics were obtained and carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) was measured with the SphygmoCor system. A cfPWV > 10 m/s was defined as high arterial stiffness, and ≤ 10 m/s as low arterial stiffness.

Result

Forty‐seven patients (46.5 %) had high arterial stiffness, and had a higher percentage of diabetes (P = 0.044), , older age (P < 0.001), higher pulse pressure (P = 0.049), and higher serum blood urea nitrogen (P = 0.029), creatinine (P = 0.027), intact parathyroid hormone (P = 0.004), serum leptin level (P = 0.002), C‐reactive protein (P < 0.001), but lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (P = 0.006) compared to patients with low arterial stiffness. After adjusting for factors significantly associated with arterial stiffness by multivariate logistic regression analysis, it revealed that leptin (aOR = 1.037, 95% CI = 1.007–1.067, P = 0.014), having DM (aOR = 4.885, 95% CI = 1.590–15.006, P = 0.006), and elevated CRP (aOR = 1.503, 95% CI = 1.110–2.0371,P = 0.009) were significant independent predictors of arterial stiffness in HTN patients.

Conclusions

Serum leptin level could be a predictor for arterial stiffness in HTN patients.
Replication of genome‐wide association study identified seven susceptibility genes, affirming the effect of rs2856717 on renal function and poor outcome of IgA nephropathy
Authors: Wang Wei , Li Guisen , Hong Daqing , Zou Yurong , Fei Deng , Wang Li
Published: July 2016

Aim

Meta‐analysis of data from a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) identified seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as strong predictors of IgA nephropathy (IgAN). To replicate the association of these seven SNPs and understand whether they influence the clinical characteristics of IgAN, a case‐control study including 521 IgAN patients and 535 controls was conducted in a Western Han cohort.

Methods

Data were analyzed using logistic regression and multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR). Clinical data collected from 459 IgAN patients were investigated to estimate the relationship between the genotype and phenotype of IgAN. A retrospective cohort study of 315 IgAN patients was conducted to investigate the relationship between genotype and progression of renal disease over a mean period of 44.49 ± 19.94 months.

Results

Upon Bonferroni correction, none of the seven SNPs were associated with IgAN (corrected P‐value [Pc], >0.05). A combination of the rs2856717T/C, rs9275596C/T, and rs2412971A/G had effects on the susceptibility of IgAN (P = 0.001). Marginally significant association of rs2856717 T/C recessive model for the T allele was significantly associated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (<60 mL/min per 1.73 m2) in IgAN patients (P = 0.008, Pc = 0.056, odds ratio [OR] = 1.527). The T allele at rs9275596 was significantly associated with macroscopic haematuria of IgAN patients under the dominant and additive models of inheritance, (P < 0.001, Pc = 0.007, OR = 2.983) and (P < 0.001, Pc = 0.007, OR = 2.17), respectively. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed that patients carrying the TT + TC genotype for rs2856717 had reduced renal survival rate than those carrying the CC genotype (85.1% vs. 92.7%, P = 0.046).

Conclusion

rs2856717 may influence the clinical characteristics and poor outcome of IgAN. Further studies are warranted to explore the mechanisms for such genotype‐disease phenotype association.
A Note on the Regularized Approach to Biased 2SLS Estimation with Weak Instruments
Authors: Kim Namhyun , Pohlmeier Winfried
Published: July 2016

The presence of weak instruments is translated into a nearly singular problem in a control function representation. Therefore, the ‐norm type of regularization is proposed to implement the 2SLS estimation for addressing the weak instrument problem. The ‐norm regularization with a regularized parameter O(n) allows us to obtain the Rothenberg (1984) type of higher‐order approximation of the 2SLS estimator in the weak instrument asymptotic framework. The proposed regularized parameter yields the regularized concentration parameter O(n), which is used as a standardized factor in the higher‐order approximation. We also show that the proposed ‐norm regularization consequently reduces the finite sample bias. A number of existing estimators that address finite sample bias in the presence of weak instruments, especially Fuller's limited information maximum likelihood estimator, are compared with our proposed estimator in a simple Monte Carlo exercise.
Trials and Tribulations of Ventricular Pacing
Authors: DANDAMUDI GOPI , VIJAYARAMAN PUGAZHENDHI
Published: July 2016

In this review, we describe the current evidence for permanent ventricular pacing and the unmet needs related to chronic cardiac pacing.
Effects of different arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal backgrounds and soils on olive plants growth and water relation properties under well‐watered and drought conditions
Authors: Calvo‐Polanco Monica , Sánchez‐Castro Iván , Cantos Manuel , García José Luis , Azcón Rosario , Ruiz‐Lozano Juan Manuel , Beuzón Carmen R. , Aroca Ricardo
Published: July 2016

The adaptation capacity of olive trees to different environments is well recognized. However, the presence of microorganisms in the soil is also a key factor in the response of these trees to drought. The objective of the present study was to elucidate the effects of different arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi coming from diverse soils on olive plant growth and water relations. Olive plants were inoculated with native AM fungal populations from two contrasting environments, that is, semi‐arid – Freila (FL) and humid – Grazalema (GZ) regions, and subjected to drought stress. Results showed that plants grew better on GZ soil inoculated with GZ fungi, indicating a preference of AM fungi for their corresponding soil. Furthermore, under these conditions, the highest AM fungal diversity was found. However, the highest root hydraulic conductivity (Lpr) value was achieved by plants inoculated with GZ fungi and growing in FL soil under drought conditions. So, this AM inoculum also functioned in soils from different origins. Nine novel aquaporin genes were also cloned from olive roots. Diverse correlation and association values were found among different aquaporin expressions and abundances and Lpr, indicating how the interaction of different aquaporins may render diverse Lpr values.
Vascular Stains: Proposal for a Clinical Classification to Improve Diagnosis and Management
Authors: Rozas‐Muñoz Eduardo , Frieden Ilona J. , Roé Esther , Puig Luis , Baselga Eulalia
Published: July 2016

Vascular stains are a common reason for consultation in pediatric dermatology clinics. Although vascular stains include all vascular malformations, the term is most often used to refer to capillary malformations, but capillary malformations include a wide range of vascular stains with different clinical features, prognoses, and associated findings. The discovery of several mutations in various capillary malformations and associated syndromes has reinforced these differences, but clinical recognition of these different types of capillary vascular stains is sometimes difficult, and the multitude of classifications and confusing nomenclature often hamper the correct diagnosis and management. From our own experience and a review of the most relevant literature on this topic, we propose categorizing patients with capillary vascular stains into seven major clinical patterns: nevus simplex, port‐wine stain, reticulated capillary malformation, geographic capillary malformation, capillary malformation–arteriovenous malformation (CM‐AVM), cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita, and telangiectasia. We also discuss the differential diagnosis of vascular stains as well as other conditions that can closely resemble capillary malformations and thus may potentially be misdiagnosed.
Donor selection in pediatric kidney transplantation using DR and DQ eplet mismatching: A new histocompatibility paradigm
Authors: Bryan Christopher F. , Chadha Vimal , Warady Bradley A.
Published: July 2016

It is now appreciated that more HLA‐DR mismatching at the time of the first renal transplant is associated with higher degrees of sensitization, lower rates and longer times to retransplantation, and worse graft outcomes in children who are subsequently retransplanted. As such, our pediatric renal transplant program preferentially uses 0 or 1 HLA‐DR–mismatched kidneys and reserves 2 DR‐mismatched kidneys for recipients with an eminent need for a kidney. Based on a new HLA class II epitope matching strategy that is designed to minimize dnDSA production to DR and DQ antigens, we evaluated the prevalence of DR and DQ eplet mismatching for dd offers made to our pediatric wait‐listed candidates. Each candidate/dd pair were HLA‐DR (β1 and β3 and/or β5) and DQ (α1 and β1) allele typed by rSSO and were then evaluated for eplet mismatches by the HLAMatchmaker program. We evaluated 78 offers made to 16 children on our UNOS waiting list from 27 consecutive dd from 4/14/14 to 3/23/15. The data show that 40% (8/20) of the 1 DR‐mismatched dd offers and 64% (37/58) of the 2 DR‐mismatched offers were in the high‐risk category for both DR and DQ dnDSA development. Whereas only 15% (3/20) of the 1 DR‐mismatched offers and 5% (3/58) of the 2 DR‐mismatched offers were in the low‐risk category for both DR and DQ dnDSA development, 55% and 33% of the 1 DR‐ and 2 DR‐mismatched offers, respectively, had a favorable DQ eplet mismatch threshold. In summary, HLA class II eplet mismatching is common in potential pediatric transplant recipient/donor pairs. Additional study will be necessary to validate the DR and DQ eplet threshold levels in children and to determine whether eplet mismatching strategies in donor selection result in improved transplant outcome and decreased dnDSA production.
Cardiac cycle time effects on selection efficiency in vision
Authors: Pramme Lisa , Larra Mauro F. , Schächinger Hartmut , Frings Christian
Published: July 2016

The effect of cardiac cycle time on attentional selection was investigated in an experiment in which participants classified target letters in a visual selection task. Stimulus onsets were aligned to the R wave of the electrocardiogram and stimuli presented either during the ventricular systole or diastole. Selection efficiency was operationalized as difference in target selection performance under conditions of homogeneous and heterogeneous distractors. Differences in performance (i.e., the impact selection difficulty had on the ability to select the target) were attenuated for stimuli presented during the ventricular systole compared to the diastole. Increased baroafferent signal transmission during the systole appears to reduce interference of highly distracting stimuli on visual selection efficiency.
Suicides around Major Public Holidays in South Korea
Authors: Sohn Kitae
Published: July 2016

A dip and peak pattern of suicide around major public holidays has been found in developed countries and explained by the broken promise effect. Focusing on two major holidays in South Korea (New Year's Day and Thanksgiving Day, both on the lunar calendar), replication of the dip and peak pattern was done by analyzing individual information on all suicides from 1997 to 2014. The replicated pattern revealed the most vulnerable group to be married men aged 50+ in nonmetropolitan areas in 2006–2014. Families, friends, and policy makers can use these findings to save the vulnerable.
Solid organ transplantation in pregnancy
Authors: Wiles Kate S , Tillett Alexandra L , Harding Kate R
Published: July 2016

Key content

In the UK, there are approximately 50–60 pregnancies in women with solid organ transplants each year. Kidney transplants are the most common.

Adverse maternal and fetal outcomes, including rates of pre‐eclampsia, fetal growth restriction and preterm delivery, are higher in women with solid organ transplants than in the general obstetric population.

Management of the solid organ transplant recipient in pregnancy includes pre‐eclampsia prophylaxis and monitoring, screening for gestational diabetes and fetal growth restriction, graft surveillance and management of immunosuppressive therapy.

Multidisciplinary working is essential in the care of pregnant women with solid organ transplants.

Vaginal birth is not contraindicated in women with solid organ transplants.

Learning objectives

To gain an overview of prepregnancy, antenatal, intrapartum and postpartum care required in women with kidney transplants.

To understand how the management of pregnant women with pancreas, liver and cardiothoracic transplants compares with that of renal transplant recipients.

To learn about medications used in women with solid organ transplants and their safety in pregnancy and lactation.

Ethical issues

The absence/paucity of safety data in pregnancy for some drugs used in solid organ transplant recipients.

The lack of robust data comparing solid organ transplant recipients who have undergone a pregnancy with matched nulliparous controls in determining the impact of pregnancy on long‐term graft outcome.
Management of refractory overactive bladder
Authors: Wong Julie , Tincello Douglas G
Published: July 2016

Key content

Overactive bladder does not respond to first‐line treatment in over 50% of cases.

There is no agreed definition of what constitutes refractory overactive bladder.

Botulinum toxin injection is effective, with a long duration of action but appreciable rates of urinary retention and infection (around 10% and 20%, respectively). There remain some questions about the preferred dose and the schedule of repeat dosing.

There are few data on cost‐effectiveness of botulinum toxin.

Sacral nerve stimulation is an invasive, complex and expensive procedure.

Sacral nerve stimulation is effective, but reoperation rates and complications are common.

Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation is a less invasive, cheaper alternative to sacral nerve stimulation but long‐term efficacy is yet to be confirmed.

Learning objectives

To understand the available data on the efficacy and safety of botulinum toxin use.

To be aware of the need for thorough assessment of patients, and the importance of multidisciplinary team review and appropriate detailed counselling.

To understand the available data on the efficacy and safety of the alternative methods of neuromodulation.

Ethical issues

The long‐term benefits and risks of these treatments are not fully defined. Is it ethical to commence potentially lifelong treatment without robust, high‐quality data confirming safety?
Insulin pumps and pregnancy
Authors: White Sara L , Brackenridge Anna , Rajasingam Daghni
Published: July 2016

Key content

The workings of the insulin pump.

The evidence behind the use of insulin pumps in pregnancy.

How insulin dosage changes during pregnancy and the use of insulin pumps during labour.

The future of pump technology.

Learning objectives

To understand the basics of insulin pump therapy during pregnancy.

To understand how to achieve good multidisciplinary care for pregnant women with diabetes who use a pump during pregnancy.

Ethical issues

Do insulin pumps improve outcomes for pregnant women with diabetes?

Should continuous glucose monitoring be available for all pregnant women with diabetes who use an insulin pump?
Update on chemotherapy in gynaecological cancers
Authors: Reed Nicholas S , Sadozye Azmat H
Published: July 2016

Key content

Ovarian cancer requires multidisciplinary management, usually with postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy. In some cases, however, neo‐adjuvant chemotherapy and delayed surgery may be offered.

Recurrent ovarian cancer management is usually treated with chemotherapy, with drug choice often influenced by the platinum‐free interval.

The role of adjuvant chemotherapy for endometrial cancer remains open to debate. Adjuvant chemotherapy is increasingly offered for high‐risk cases with lymphovascular space invasion. Carboplatin and paclitaxel are the most effective drugs in adjuvant and recurrent settings.

Concomitant cisplatin with radiation therapy is the standard of care for locally advanced cervical cancer; recent studies have shown that the addition of bevacizumab to carboplatin and paclitaxel leads to improved response rates in the recurrent, metastatic setting.

There are many rare gynaecological cancers that require multidisciplinary management, and entry into clinical trials should be strongly supported.

Learning objectives

To understand the role and scheduling of chemotherapy in both newly diagnosed and recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer.

To understand when chemotherapy should be offered in cervical and endometrial cancers.

To be able to seek information sources for the management of rare and uncommon gynaecological cancers.

Ethical issues

The question of systemic lymphadenectomy remains controversial and should be carefully discussed with the patient.

Women should be encouraged to participate in clinical trials to help address some of the controversies in endometrial cancer management.
Robotic surgery in gynaecology
Authors: Nair Roopa , Killicoat Kathryn , Ind Thomas EJ
Published: July 2016

Key content

Robotic surgery has gained popularity in the last decade and the da Vinci® Surgical System has been increasingly used for complex gynaecological surgery.

The advantages of robotic surgery over conventional laparoscopic surgery are: greater degree of movement, precise dissection, 3D vision, tremor filtration and a shorter learning curve. The disadvantages are mainly the high cost and lack of haptic feedback.

The current role of robotics in gynaecological surgery.

Learning objectives

To provide an overview of the advantages and drawbacks of robotic surgery over conventional open and laparoscopic surgery.

To review the latest evidence and evaluate the role of robotics in general gynaecology and the subspecialties, including oncology and urogynaecology.

To discuss training issues for individuals and for theatre teams.

Ethical issues

Is it ethical to deny patients who would benefit from robotic surgery this option because of the cost?
Dengue and chikungunya viruses in plasma are effectively inactivated after treatment with methylene blue and visible light
Authors: Fryk Jesse J. , Marks Denese C. , Hobson‐Peters Jody , Prow Natalie A. , Watterson Daniel , Hall Roy A. , Young Paul R. , Reichenberg Stefan , Sumian Chryslain , Faddy Helen M.
Published: July 2016

BACKGROUND

Arboviruses, such as dengue viruses (DENV) and chikungunya virus (CHIKV), pose a risk to the safe transfusion of blood components, including plasma. Pathogen inactivation is an approach to manage this transfusion transmission risk, with a number of techniques being used worldwide for the treatment of plasma. In this study, the efficacy of the THERAFLEX MB‐Plasma system to inactivate all DENV serotypes (DENV‐1, DENV‐2, DENV‐3, DENV‐4) or CHIKV in plasma, using methylene blue and light illumination at 630 nm, was investigated.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Pooled plasma units were spiked with DENV‐1, DENV‐2, DENV‐3 DENV‐4, or CHIKV and treated with the THERAFLEX MB‐Plasma system at four light illumination doses: 20, 40, 60, and 120 (standard dose) J/cm2. Pre‐ and posttreatment samples were collected and viral infectivity was determined. The reduction in viral infectivity was calculated for each dose.

RESULTS

Treatment of plasma with the THERAFLEX MB‐Plasma system resulted in at least a 4.46‐log reduction in all DENV serotypes and CHIKV infectious virus. The residual infectivity for each was at the detection limit of the assay used at 60 J/cm2, with dose dependency also observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrated the THERAFLEX MB‐Plasma system can reduce the infectivity of all DENV serotypes and CHIKV spiked into plasma to the detection limit of the assay used at half of the standard illumination dose. This suggests this system has the capacity to be an effective option for managing the risk of DENV or CHIKV transfusion transmission in plasma.