Factors affecting the occurrence of enteritis in 10- to 12-month-old eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus)

Eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus) younger than 19 months at Kanazawa Zoological Gardens, Japan, frequently died of enteritis. The main cause of death was coccidiosis. This study aimed to reveal retrospectively the clinical features of enteritis and factors contributing to its high occurrence. In addition, haematological and serum biochemical parameters in kangaroos younger than 24 months were analyzed. The findings suggested that enteritis occurrence was higher in 10- to 12-month-old kangaroos than other ages and during seasons with high temperature and humidity than during seasons with low temperature and humidity. The haematological and serum biochemical analyses showed decreases in glucose, total cholesterol, calcium, and triglyceride levels at approximately 10 months of age. Joeys emerge from their mother's pouch at 8 months of age and permanently leave it at approximately 10 months of age. Subsequently, the joeys are exposed to the external environment and infectious agents. Although the joeys continue suckling until 13-19 months of age, the joeys start to eat the similar feed to the adult and their nutritional status may change at approximately 10 months of age. Seasonal influences, species behavior, and shifts in dietary composition are proposed to be contributory to the increased occurrence of enteritis between 10 and 12 months of age.

Molar eruption and identification of the eastern grey kangaroo (Macropus giganteus) at different ages

To treat dental disorders and estimate age, it is important that veterinarians understand teeth eruption sequence for the animal in question. Few dental images of the eastern grey kangaroo have been published. In the present study, radiographic imagings of 29 kangaroos, ranging in age from 12 months to 10 years 9 months, was used to surveil the replacement of premolars and the eruption of molars. These images revealed eruption patterns in five stages, while the second and third deciduous premolars were shed non-systematically. Furthermore, the third premolars and fourth molars erupted in the mandible earlier than in the maxilla, which may contribute to the frequency of mandibular dental disorders.

Measurements of Multiparticle Correlations in d+Au Collisions at 200, 62.4, 39, and 19.6 GeV and p+Au Collisions at 200 GeV and Implications for Collective Behavior

Recently, multiparticle-correlation measurements of relativistic p/d/^{3}He+Au, p+Pb, and even p+p collisions show surprising collective signatures. Here, we present beam-energy-scan measurements of two-, four-, and six-particle angular correlations in d+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200, 62.4, 39, and 19.6 GeV. We also present measurements of two- and four-particle angular correlations in p+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV. We find the four-particle cumulant to be real valued for d+Au collisions at all four energies. We also find that the four-particle cumulant in p+Au has the opposite sign as that in d+Au. Further, we find that the six-particle cumulant agrees with the four-particle cumulant in d+Au collisions at 200 GeV, indicating that nonflow effects are subdominant. These observations provide strong evidence that the correlations originate from the initial geometric configuration, which is then translated into the momentum distribution for all particles, commonly referred to as collectivity.

Bonhoeffer-van der Pol Oscillator Model of the Sino-Atrial Node: A Possible Mechanism of Heart Rate Regulation

A Bonhoeffer-van der Pol equation with a stable limit cycle is proposed as a model of the pacemaker in the sino-atrial node to exptain heart rate regulation. Standard tools, such as the phase transition curve in nonlinear dynamic system theory, are used to analyze the model and results are compared with other studies on experiments with dogs.

Reconstructing Bifurcation Diagrams of Dynamical Systems Using Measured Time Series

We present an algorithm for reconstructing the bifurcation structure of a dynamical system from time series. The method consists in finding a parameterized predictor function whose bifurcation structure is similar to that of the given system. Nonlinear autoregressive (NAR) models with polynomial terms are employed as predictor functions. The appropriate terms in the NAR models are obtained using a fast orthogonal search scheme. This scheme eliminates the problem of multiparameter optimization and makes the approach robust to noise. The algorithm is applied to the reconstruction of the bifurcation diagram (BD) of a neuron model from the simulated membrane potential waveforms. The reconstructed BD captures the different behaviors of the given system. Moreover, the algorithm also works well even for a limited number of time series.

Nuclear Dependence of the Transverse-Single-Spin Asymmetry for Forward Neutron Production in Polarized p+A Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

During 2015, the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) provided collisions of transversely polarized protons with Au and Al nuclei for the first time, enabling the exploration of transverse-single-spin asymmetries with heavy nuclei. Large single-spin asymmetries in very forward neutron production have been previously observed in transversely polarized p+p collisions at RHIC, and the existing theoretical framework that was successful in describing the single-spin asymmetry in p+p collisions predicts only a moderate atomic-mass-number (A) dependence. In contrast, the asymmetries observed at RHIC in p+A collisions showed a surprisingly strong A dependence in inclusive forward neutron production. The observed asymmetry in p+Al collisions is much smaller, while the asymmetry in p+Au collisions is a factor of 3 larger in absolute value and of opposite sign. The interplay of different neutron production mechanisms is discussed as a possible explanation of the observed A dependence.

135 Effect of Different Bovine Breeds on Efficiency of Embryo Production by Ovum Pick-Up-IVF

Production of bovine embryos by ovum pick-up (OPU)-IVF has increased in recent years. However, numerous factors affect efficiencies of embryo production using this technology. This study was investigated the effects of different breeds on embryo production by OPU-IVF. In total, 98 OPU-IVF sessions were conducted on 41 Holstein and 27 Japanese Black cows from February 2015 to May 2017. The collected cumulus–oocyte complexes (COC) were matured for 22 h. After co-culture of COC with sperm for 6 h, the presumptive zygotes were washed and denuded by pipetting. Those zygotes were then cultured in CR1aa medium supplemented with 5% calf serum for 9 days in a micro-well culture dish. Blastocyst formation rates were analysed at 9 days post-insemination (hpi). The kinetics of embryo development was observed at 27, 31, and 55 hpi. Four factors were considered for selecting embryos to predict pregnancy competence: (1) timing of first cleavage; (2) formation of 2 blastomeres after first cleavage at 31 hpi; (3) absence of fragments after first cleavage at 31 hpi; (4) formation of 8 or more blastomeres at 55 hpi. The quality of blastocysts was compared with the proportions of embryos that were selected based on these 4 factors. Data were analysed by the Chi-squared test with Yates’ correction and Student’s t-test. Total numbers of COC from Holstein or Japanese Black cows were 1330 (n = 51) and 1543 (n = 47), respectively. However, no differences were observed in the numbers of collected and cultured COC per OPU session between Holstein (26.1 ± 20.1 and 21.7 ± 20.1) and Japanese Black (32.8 ± 24.7 and 28.7 ± 22.7) cows. The percentage of COC linked into Grade 1, 2, or 3 was 47.6, 32.1, and 10.7% for Japanese Black and 45.8, 25.6, and 12.2% for Holstein cows, respectively. The proportion of COC with expanded cumulus cells was significantly higher (P < 0.01) in Holstein (12.7%) than in Japanese Black (7.7%) cows. The number of blastocyst and transferable embryo production per OPU session in Holstein (7.5 ± 8.3 and 7.3 ± 7.7) cows was not different from that in Japanese Black (10.6 ± 9.3 and 9.8 ± 9.0) cows. Moreover, there was no difference in blastocyst formation rates between Japanese Black (36.8%) and Holstein (34.8%) cows. Percentages of embryos selected by factors 1 to 4 were 42.6, 66.8, 59.1, and 54.4% in Holstein, and 54.6, 83.2, 72.2, and 75.2% in Japanese Black cows, respectively. Proportions of blastocysts in Holstein and Japanese Black cows selected by a combination of all 4 factors were 21.6 and 36.1%, respectively. There were significant differences (P < 0.01) between the 2 breeds in terms of proportion of blastocysts selected based on individual factors as well as a combination of all 4 factors. These results suggested that the efficiency of embryo production did not differ between Japanese Black and Holstein cows. However, the quality of embryos selected by a combination of 4 factors was significantly higher in Japanese Black than in Holstein cows.

Prospects for observing and localizing gravitational-wave transients with Advanced LIGO, Advanced Virgo and KAGRA

We present possible observing scenarios for the Advanced LIGO, Advanced Virgo and KAGRA gravitational-wave detectors over the next decade, with the intention of providing information to the astronomy community to facilitate planning for multi-messenger astronomy with gravitational waves. We estimate the sensitivity of the network to transient gravitational-wave signals, and study the capability of the network to determine the sky location of the source. We report our findings for gravitational-wave transients, with particular focus on gravitational-wave signals from the inspiral of binary neutron star systems, which are the most promising targets for multi-messenger astronomy. The ability to localize the sources of the detected signals depends on the geographical distribution of the detectors and their relative sensitivity, and [Formula: see text] credible regions can be as large as thousands of square degrees when only two sensitive detectors are operational. Determining the sky position of a significant fraction of detected signals to areas of 5-[Formula: see text] requires at least three detectors of sensitivity within a factor of [Formula: see text] of each other and with a broad frequency bandwidth. When all detectors, including KAGRA and the third LIGO detector in India, reach design sensitivity, a significant fraction of gravitational-wave signals will be localized to a few square degrees by gravitational-wave observations alone.

Dynamic behaviour of the soft palate during nasal positive pressure ventilation under anaesthesia and paralysis: comparison between patients with and without obstructive sleep-disordered breathing

BACKGROUND

Difficult mask ventilation is common and is known to be associated with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). It is our hypothesis that the incidence of expiratory retropalatal (RP) airway closure (primary outcome) during nasal positive pressure ventilation (PPV) is more frequent in patients with SDB (apnea hypopnea index ≥5 h^-1) than non-SDB subjects.

METHODS

The severity of SDB was assessed before surgery using a portable sleep monitor. In anaesthetized and paralysed patients with (n=11) and without SDB (n=9), we observed the behaviour of the RP airway endoscopically during nasal PPV with the mouth closed and determined the dynamic RP closing pressure, which was defined as the highest airway pressure above which the RP airway closure was reversed. The static RP closing pressure was obtained during cessation of mechanical ventilation in patients with dynamic RP closure during nasal PPV.

RESULTS

The expiratory RP airway closure accompanied by expiratory flow limitation occurred more frequently in SDB patients (9/11, 82%) than in non-SDB subjects (2/9, 22%; exact logistic regression analysis: P=0.022, odds ratio 3.6, 95% confidence interval 1.1-15.4). Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses indicated AHI >10h^-1 and presence of habitual snoring as clinically useful predictors for the occurrence of RP closure during PPV. Dynamic RP closing pressure was greater than the static RP closing pressure by approximately 4-5 cm H₂O.

CONCLUSIONS

Valve-like dynamic RP closure that limits expiratory flow during nasal PPV occurs more frequently in SDB patients.

A multicenter retrospective study of the risk factors associated with medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw after tooth extraction in patients receiving oral bisphosphonate therapy: can primary wound closure and a drug holiday really prevent MRONJ?

Root amputation, extraction of a single tooth, bone loss or severe tooth mobility, and an unclosed wound were significantly associated with increased risk of developing medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). We recommend a minimally traumatic extraction technique, removal of any bone edges, and mucosal wound closure as standard procedures in patients receiving bisphosphonates.

INTRODUCTION

Osteonecrosis of the jaws can occur following tooth extraction in patients receiving bisphosphonate drugs. Various strategies for minimizing the risk of MRONJ have been advanced, but no studies have comprehensively analyzed the efficacy of factors such as primary wound closure, demographics, and drug holidays in reducing its incidence. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively investigate the relationships between these various risk factors after tooth extraction in patients receiving oral bisphosphonate therapy.

METHODS

Risk factors for MRONJ after tooth extraction were evaluated using univariate and multivariate analysis. All patients were investigated with regard to demographics; type and duration of oral bisphosphonate use; whether they underwent a discontinuation of oral bisphosphonates before tooth extraction (drug holiday), and the duration of such discontinuation; and whether any additional surgical procedures (e.g., incision, removal of bone edges, root amputation) were performed.

RESULTS

We found that root amputation (OR = 6.64), extraction of a single tooth (OR = 3.70), bone loss or severe tooth mobility (OR = 3.60), and an unclosed wound (OR = 2.51) were significantly associated with increased risk of developing MRONJ.

CONCLUSIONS

We recommend a minimally traumatic extraction technique, removal of any bone edges, and mucosal wound closure as standard procedures in patients receiving bisphosphonates. We find no evidence supporting the efficacy of a pre-extraction short-term drug holiday from oral bisphosphonates in reducing the risk of MRONJ.

Prolactin regulatory element-binding protein is involved in suppression of the adiponectin gene in vivo

PURPOSE

Prolactin regulatory element-binding protein (PREB), a member of the WD-repeat protein family, has been recognized as a transcriptional factor that regulates prolactin promoter activity in the anterior pituitary of rats. PREB is expressed not only in the pituitary but also in various other tissues, including the adipose tissue. Previous studies have shown that PREB acts as a transcriptional regulator and suppresses the expression of the adiponectin gene in cultured 3T3L1 preadipocytes. The aim of this study was to further examine the potential role of PREB in adipose tissue in vivo.

METHODS

Transgenic mice that overexpressing PREB (PREB transgenic mice) were generated. Insulin resistance was evaluated in PREB transgenic mice using glucose and insulin tolerance tests. Adiponectin expression in the adipose tissue was examined by western blot analysis and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The expression levels of stearoyl-CoA desaturase (Scd) and adiponectin receptor 2(ADIPOR2) were quantified by qPCR.

RESULTS

Glucose and insulin tolerance tests revealed insulin resistance in PREB transgenic mice. Serum adiponectin and leptin concentrations were decreased. Adiponectin gene expression was decreased in the adipose tissue, which was confirmed by the downregulation of the adiponectin-dependent hepatic Scd gene and upregulation of the ADIPOR2 gene in the liver of PREB transgenic mice. We also found that pioglitazone, an agonist for the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-r, improved the insulin resistance in the PREB transgenic mice after a 10-day feeding period.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrated that PREB might contribute to the regulation of adiponectin gene expression in vivo.

Systematic review and assessment of systematic reviews examining the effect of periodontal treatment on glycemic control in patients with diabetes

OBJECTIVES

There have been several systematic reviews(SRs) on whether periodontal treatment for an individual with both periodontal disease and diabetes can improve diabetes outcomes. The purpose of this investigation was to conduct a systematic review (SR) of previous meta-analyses, and to assess the methodological quality of the SRs examining the effects of periodontal treatment and diabetes. (PROSPERO Registration # CRD 42015023470).

STUDY DESIGN

We searched five electronic databases and identified previous meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials published through July 2015. In cases where the meta-analysis did not meet our criteria, the meta-analyses were recalculated. General characteristics of each included trial were abstracted, analyzed, and compared. The mean difference, 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and the I2 statistic were abstracted or recalculated. The Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews Instrument (AMSTAR) was used to assess methodological quality.

RESULTS

Of the 475 citations screened, nine systematic reviews were included. In total, 13 meta-analyses included in nine SRs were examined. In comparability analyses, meta-analyses in four SRs did not meet our criteria, and were recalcuated. Of these 13 meta-analyses, 10 suggested significant effects of periodontal treatment on HbA1c improvement. Mean differences found in the 13 meta-analyses ranged from -0.93 to 0.13. AMSTAR assessment revealed six SRs with moderate and three with high overall quality.

CONCLUSIONS

We can conclude that there is a significant effect of periodontal treatment on improvement of HbA1c in diabetes patients, although the effect size is extremely small. In addition to the small effect size, not all SRs could be considered of high quality.

Intraoperative Visualization of Subependymal Arteries at the Atrium Supplying the Descending Motor Pathway

OBJECTIVE

We previously disclosed that damage to the subependymal arteries (SEAs) caused by coagulation of the choroid plexus at the atrium can result in infarction within the lateral posterior choroidal artery territory, followed by hemiparesis. The present study describes the intraoperative anatomical findings of the SEAs and choroid plexus at the atrium, which were verified only by a few cadaveric studies.

METHODS

Locations of the SEA and descending motor pathway were determined with the neuronavigation system and subcortical electrical stimulation in 8 cases of periatrial brain tumor. Indocyanine green videoangiography was performed to verify the blood flow in the choroid plexus and SEAs.

RESULTS

Intraoperative visualization of the SEAs was performed successfully in all patients. The neuronavigation system and subcortical electrical stimulation mapping demonstrated that these SEAs penetrated into the descending motor pathway. Indocyanine green depicted the blood flow of the SEAs entering the wall of the lateral ventricle and adjacent brain parenchyma. The blood flow directions between the SEAs and choroid plexus were not uniform, because the SEAs were filled ahead of the choroid plexus in 3 cases, whereas the choroid plexus was filled first in the other 2 cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Manipulations to the inner side of the choroid plexus at the transition from the atrium to the body of lateral ventricle can damage the SEAs. Not only coagulation of the SEAs themselves, but also coagulation of choroid plexus itself may reduce the blood flow in the SEAs, resulting in ischemic complications at descending motor pathway.

Defining the distal margin of rectal cancer for surgical planning

Accurate measurement of the distal rectal tumor margin is essential in selecting the appropriate surgical procedure. However, there is no standard measurement method. The National Cancer Institute consensus group recommends use of the anal verge (AV) as a landmark, and the European Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology recommends use of the anorectal ring (ARR). In addition, whether measurements should be made on double contrast barium enema (BE) radiographs or magnetic resonance (MR) images remains controversial. We measured the distal tumor margin on both BE and MR images obtained preoperatively from 52 patients who underwent sphincter-saving resection for rectal cancer. The distances from the distal end of the tumor to the AV and the ARR were measured on both types of images, and the variability was investigated by Bland-Altman analysis. The mean distance from the tumor to the AV was 8.9 cm on the BE radiographs and 7.7 cm on the MR images (P=0.013). The mean distances to the ARR were 6.8 and 5.6 cm, respectively (P=0.070). Significant proportional bias was shown as the measured distances increased, the difference between the BE- and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based measurements increased. Use of one or the other landmark did not affect selection of the appropriate surgical procedure. We conclude that an approximate 1-cm underestimation should be taken into account when MRI-based measurement of the distal rectal tumor margin is used to choose between sphincter-saving resection and abdominoperineal resection.