Including 8 hours of access to alfalfa in 1 or 2 grazing sessions in dairy cows fed a partial mixed ration: Effects on intake, behavior, digestion, and milk production and composition

The aim of this study was to evaluate the inclusion of alfalfa grazing during 8 h continuous or partitioned in 2 separated sessions of 4 h after each milking, on nutrient intake, digestibility, ruminal fermentation, feeding behavior, milk production, milk composition, and milk fatty acid profile, in late-lactation cows fed a partial mixed ration (PMR). Twelve dairy cows (193 ± 83 d in milk, 584 ± 71 kg of body weight) were housed in individual outdoor pens and assigned to treatments according to a 3 × 3 Latin square design replicated 4 times. The treatments were as follows: (1) control (T0), cows were fed a total mixed ration (TMR) provided ad libitum 20.0% crude protein (CP), 32.2% neutral detergent fiber (NDF); (2) fed a diet combining a PMR which had the same ingredient composition as the TMR (60% of ad libitum intake) + 1 session of 8 h of pasture (T8), continuous grazing alfalfa (Medicago sativa; 20.6% CP, 35.8% NDF) after the p.m. milking; and (3) PMR (60% of ad libitum intake) + 2 daily sessions of 4 h of access to pasture after each milking (T4+4). The experiment lasted 57 d and was divided into 3 periods of 19 d each. The first 12 d of each period was used for diet adaptation, and the last 7 d was used for data collection. No differences among treatments were observed for any of the productive variables, feeding efficiency, or purine derivatives excretion. Cows in T0 had greater intake and apparent digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, and nonfibrous carbohydrates compared with T4+4 and T8. Compared with T0, alfalfa grazing increased the concentration of C18:1 trans-11 and decreased those of C16:0 and C17:0 in milk fat. Cows in T4+4 consumed 1.1 more kg DM/d of alfalfa and N provided by alfalfa in the diet was 3 percentage points higher compared with T8 cows (266 vs. 229 g/d, respectively). In addition, T4+4 cows had a greater daily range of ruminal pH than T8 (0.73 vs. 0.93), and the highest concentrations of NH3-N were recorded during the a.m. grazing session while in T8 cows it occurred during the night. In conclusion, including 8 h of alfalfa grazing in T8 and T4+4 treatments allowed the substitution between 35.8 and 38.7% of the total dry matter intake (DMI) of a PMR (with a similar CP concentration to alfalfa) for pasture, maintaining milk solids production and increasing the C18:1 trans-11 of milk fat compared with a TMR in mid late-lactation cows. In an herbage plus PMR diet, splitting the 1 continuous grazing session of 8 h into 2 sessions of 4 h increased the proportion of energy and N provided by alfalfa pasture and reduced PMR intake, without modifying the total nutrient intake or productive performance of cows.

The influence of the co-exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and toxic metals on DNA damage in brazilian lactating women and their infants: A cross-sectional study using machine learning approaches

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and toxic metals are widely spread pollutants of public health concern. The co-contamination of these chemicals in the environment is frequent, but relatively little is known about their combined toxicities. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the influence of the co-exposure to PAHs and toxic metals on DNA damage in Brazilian lactating women and their infants using machine learning approaches. Data were collected from an observational, cross-sectional study with 96 lactating women and 96 infants living in two cities. The exposure to these pollutants was estimated by determining urinary levels of seven mono-hydroxylated PAH metabolites and the free form of three toxic metals. 8-Hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels in the urine were used as the oxidative stress biomarker and set as the outcome. Individual sociodemographic factors were also collected using questionnaires. Sixteen machine learning algorithms were trained using 10-fold cross-validation to investigate the associations of urinary OH-PAHs and metals with 8-OHdG levels. This approach was also compared with models attained by multiple linear regression. The results showed that the urinary concentration of OH-PAHs was highly correlated between the mothers and their infants. Multiple linear regression did not show a statistically significant association between the contaminants and urinary 8OHdG levels. Machine learning models indicated that all investigated variables did not present predictive performance on 8-OHdG concentrations. In conclusion, PAHs and toxic metals were not associated with 8-OHdG levels in Brazilian lactating women and their infants. These novelty and originality results were achieved even after applying sophisticated statistical models to capture non-linear relationships. However, these findings should be interpreted cautiously because the exposure to the studied contaminants was considerably low, which may not reflect other populations at risk.

On the co-elution of benzo[a]pyrene and dibenzo[a,l]pyrene in chromatographic fractions and their unambiguous determination in tobacco extracts via laser-excited time resolved Shpol'skii spectroscopy

High performance liquid chromatography is widely used for the analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in a wide variety of samples. Of particular concern are benzo[a]pyrene and dibenzo[a,l]pyrene, two of the most toxic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons ever tested. Under EPA method 610, these two compounds co-elute with almost identical retention times. Our studies demonstrate the feasibility of directly determining them in a chromatographic fraction without further separation. Their unambiguous determination is based on spectral and lifetime information with a two-step experimental procedure consisting of the evaporation of the chromatographic fraction followed by the dissolution of the residue with microliters of n-octane. With the aid of a 77 K fiber optic probe, limits of detection at the parts-per-billion concentration level (ng mL^-1) are obtained from the microliter sample via laser excited time resolved Shpol'skii spectroscopy. This approach is then applied to the analysis of benzo[a]pyrene and dibenzo[a,l]pyrene in tobacco extracts.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs): Updated aspects of their determination, kinetics in the human body, and toxicity

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are legacy pollutants of considerable public health concern. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons arise from natural and anthropogenic sources and are ubiquitously present in the environment. Several PAHs are highly toxic to humans with associated carcinogenic and mutagenic properties. Further, more severe harmful effects on human- and environmental health have been attributed to the presence of high molecular weight (HMW) PAHs, that is PAHs with molecular mass greater than 300 Da. However, more research has been conducted using low molecular weight (LMW) PAHs). In addition, no HMW PAHs are on the priority pollutants list of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), which is limited to only 16 PAHs. However, limited analytical methodologies for separating and determining HMW PAHs and their potential isomers and lack of readily available commercial standards make research with these compounds challenging. Since most of the PAH kinetic data originate from animal studies, our understanding of the effects of PAHs on humans is still minimal. In addition, current knowledge of toxic effects after exposure to PAHs may be underrepresented since most investigations focused on exposure to a single PAH. Currently, information on PAH mixtures is limited. Thus, this review aims to critically assess the current knowledge of PAH chemical properties, their kinetic disposition, and toxicity to humans. Further, future research needs to improve and provide the missing information and minimize PAH exposure to humans.

Urinary levels of monohydroxylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Brazilian children and health risk assessment: a human biomonitoring-based study

Monitoring human exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is a public health concern. Children are a vulnerable subgroup of the population with limited human biomonitoring data worldwide. Thus, this study aimed to measure the levels of seven PAH metabolites in urine from Brazilian children and provide risk assessment values for this exposure. Our data show naphthalene was the major contributor to children's exposure to PAHs, with a 100% detection rate. Children in urban regions presented higher exposure to PAHs, with higher concentrations of 2-naphthol in the southeast (1.09 ng/mL, p < 0.05). Furthermore, the highest concentration of 2-naphthol was found in older children (p = 0.02), suggesting a possible difference in dietary habits. Exposure to the carbaryl insecticide is suggested based on the high concentrations of 1-naphthol (1.29 ng/mL) and considering the ratio 1-naphthol/2-naphthol (1.78). Moreover, the positive correlation between the metabolites of fluorine and pyrene also suggests exposure to PAHs by petrol combustion. The risk assessment of the PAH exposure was evaluated using the estimated daily intake (EDI) for two naphthalene metabolites in the study with a 100% detection rate. The EDI was 14.47 ng/kg BW/day. The risk assessment to the PAH exposure revealed a non-carcinogenic risk profile, with a hazard quotient of 0.71. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to provide levels of PAHs in Brazilian children.

Virtual fractional flow reserve derived from coronary angiography – artery and lesion specific correlations

Introduction

Virtual Fractional flow reserve (vFFR) from standard non-hyperaemic invasive coronary angiography (ICA) has emerged as a promising non-invasive test to assess hemodynamic severity of coronary artery disease (CAD).

Purpose

To investigate the difference in vFFR analysis between vessels and specific lesions.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of consecutive patients (pts) who underwent invasive functional assessment (iFA) in a tertiary center between 2019 and 2020. vFFR was calculated using dedicated software (CAAS Workstation 8.4) based on coronary angiograms of the acquired in ≥2 different projections, by operators blinded to iFA results. Diagnostic performance of vFFR was evaluated and correlated with iFA, according to coronary vessel, vessel diameter at stenosis, diameter stenosis and area stenosis at lesion. vFFR was considered positive when &lt;0.80. FFR &lt;0.8 and iFR/RFR &lt;0.90 were classified as positive according to current clinical standards.

Results

106 coronary arteries of 95 pts (78% male, mean age 67.8±9.7 years) underwent vFFR evaluation. ICA indications were chronic coronary syndrome in 63% or acute coronary syndrome (non-culprit lesion) in the remaining pts. VFFR accuracy was good (AUC 0.839 (p&lt;0.001) and Pearson's correlation coefficient 0.533 (p&lt;0.001) when vFFR was measured in the distal vessel segment. The correlation improved when vFFR were assessed at lesion site (r=0.631, p&lt;0.001) or up to 1cm below the stenosis (0.610, p&lt;0.001). Binary concordance of 89% were observed in RCA and LAD (Sensibility -S 68%, Specificity-Sp 96%, False positive -FP 3.8%, False negative - FN 31%, predictive positive value-PPV 87%, predictive negative value- PNV 89%), while in the circumflex coronary artery binary concordance were of 77% (S 50%; Sp 82%; FP 18%; FN 50%; PPV 33% and PNV 90%). Correlation between vFFR and iFA was higher in vessels ≥2mm (r=0.730, p&lt;0.001). and in lesions in the extremes of the severity spectrum (Table 1).

Conclusion

vFFR has a moderate to high linear correlation to iFA, depending on the artery and type of lesion studied. The higher correlation was found when vFFR were measured at lesion site, in non-circumflex artery stenosis, in vessels ≥2mm and in vessels with mild or severe stenosis.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Feasibility of virtual fractional flow reserve derived from coronary angiography and its correlation with invasive functional assessment

Introduction

Invasive functional assessment (iFA) of coronary artery disease (CAD) needs expensive devices, has potential procedure-related complications and is still underutilized. Virtual Fractional Flow Reserve (vFFR) derived from invasive coronary angiography (ICA) has the potential to overcome these limitations.

Purpose

To investigate the feasibility of vFFR analysis and its correlation with iFA (iFR, RFR or FFR).

Methods

Retrospective analysis of consecutive patients (pts) who underwent iFA in a tertiary center between 2019 and 2020. vFFR was calculated using a dedicated software (CAAS Workstation 8.4) based on standard non-hyperaemic coronary angiograms acquired in ≥2 different projections, by operators blinded to iFA results. Diagnostic performance and accuracy of vFFR were evaluated. vFFR was considered positive when &lt;0.80. FFR &lt;0.8 and iFR/RFR &lt;0.90 were classified as positive according to current clinical standards.

Results

Out of 113 coronary arteries of 102 pts, vFFR was successfully analysed in 106 (94%). Reasons for vFFR analysis failure were: vessel projection overlap (48%), &lt;2 angiographic projections (28%) and table movement while acquisition (24%). From 106 coronary arteries of 95 pts with analysable vFFR (78% male, mean age 67.8±9.7 years), 90 (85%) showed agreement with the respective iFA result. The vFFR predicted which lesions were physiologically significant and which were not with accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of 73%, 73%, 83%, 53%, and 92% respectively. The mean difference between vFFR and iFA were −0.0484±0.096 and Pearson's correlation coefficient was 0.533 (p&lt;0.001). The ROC area under the curve was 0.839 (0.751–0.928, p&lt;0.001).

Conclusion

FFR were feasible in 94% of cases analysed retrospectively. As compared to gold-standard iFA, vFFR had an overall moderate accuracy in detecting ischemia-producing lesions and a negative predictive value &gt;90%. vFFR has the potential to substantially simplify physiological coronary lesion assessment and thus improve its current uptake.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Bland-Altman plot between vFFR and IFA

DEC-205 is essential for control of WNV infection and immunity in the CNS during WNV encephalitis

West Nile Virus (WNV) is the leading cause of mosquito-borne neuroinvasive disease in the United States. Upon entry into the central nervous system (CNS), WNV infects neurons, causing neuronal injury and inflammation, potentially resulting in long-term sequelae and death. Studies have shown that infiltrating virus-specific CD8+ T cells are dependent on dendritic cell-mediated reactivation in the CNS to restrict viral replication and pathogenesis within the CNS. Previous reports have shown that CD8+DEC-205+ dendritic cells (DCs) rapidly accumulate within the CNS during WNV encephalitis; however, their specific role in host defense has not been demonstrated. DEC-205, an endocytic receptor expressed by DC subsets, is responsible for cross-presentation and can promote either antigen (Ag) specific effector T cell activation or immunological T cell tolerance. Using a mouse model of WNV encephalitis, we show that DEC-205 critically regulates effector T cell responses within the CNS. DEC-205−/− mice exhibited enhanced mortality compared to wild-type (WT) controls. The enhanced susceptibility of the DEC-205−/− mice arose from an increased viral burden; however, this was associated with increased numbers of infiltrating and activated T cells and increased inflammatory myeloid cells suggesting that DEC-205 promotes protective immune responses within the CNS that limit immunopathology during a neurotropic viral infection. These data clarify the role of DEC-205+ DCs in the restriction of viral pathogenesis and implicate DEC-205+ DCs as a key regulator of protective immune responses within the CNS.

Shpol'skii spectroscopy of metabolites of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in primary alcohols at 77 K and 4.2 K

We present for the first time experimental evidence on the line-narrowing effect caused by primary alcohols on the spectral features of metabolites of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons at 77 K and 4.2 K. The investigated metabolites include 1-hydroxypyrene, 2-hydroxyfluorene, 9-hydroxyphenanthrene, 3-hydroxybenzo[a]pyrene, 4-hydroxybenzo[a]pyrene, 5-hydroxybenzo[a]pyrene, B[a]P-trans-7,8-dihydrodiol (±), B[a]P-trans-9,10-dihydrodiol (±), B[a]P-r-7,t-8-dihydrodiol-c-9,10-epoxide (±) and B[a]P-r-7,t-8-dihydrodiol-t-9,10-epoxide(±). The narrowest spectra and highest fluorescence enhancements were observed by matching the length of the alcohol to the length of the n-alkane that best fits the molecular dimensions of the parent polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The analytical figures of merit show potential for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of PAH metabolites via Shpol'skii Spectroscopy.

Distraction index measurement on the dog's hip joint using a dedicated software

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to test the accuracy of a new automated computer software tool for the assessment of passive hip laxity. The hip laxity was estimated using the dedicated computer software by two blinded evaluators, one previously trained and one without specific training for distraction index measurement, in two independent sessions using 230 hip joints from 115 dogs that underwent screening for passive hip laxity using the distraction view. Previously, all of these radiographs were sent to PennHIP Analysis Center for an official distraction index record. The measurement repeatability of the two sessions was adequate for both evaluators. The reproducibility of the official distraction index measurement, mean distraction index±standard deviation 0.44±0.15, was adequate (P>0.05) for the trained evaluator, 0.44±0.15, and non-adequate (P<0.05), for the non-trained evaluator 0.47±0.17. The distraction index measurement tool proposed can be used with confidence for hip laxity evaluation by trained evaluators, as it provided good repeatability and reproducibility of official reports. The simplicity of the process described leads to a less time-consuming and more affordable procedure.

AB1360-HPR A MODEL TO IMPROVE MINORITY PATIENT RECRUITMENT IN LUPUS CLINICAL TRIALS - THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF RHEUMATOLOGY MIMICT PROJECT EXPERIENCE

Background:

In the US, African Americans and Latinos are underrepresented in lupus clinical trials (LCTs),1despite experiencing the greatest lupus disease burden.2,3Low participation in LCTs results in inadequate data on treatment effectiveness for minority patients, and fewer opportunities for better care and treatment options.1Only one percent of minority patients are referred to clinical trials each year.4Provider barriers to making referrals include limited time and unfamiliarity with lupus and LCT opportunities.4Using US fedral grant funds, the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) developed MIMICT, a two-part model with associated materials to address provider-side LCT referral barriers. The materials include a toolkit for clinical trial sites and an educational toolkit for providers.

Objectives:

Our objectives are to:

•Describe the US LCTs disparities.

•Discuss the research methodology to evaluate the two-part MIMICT model.

•Assess the feasibility of the model to increase minority involvement in clinical trials.

Methods:

We designed two studies to evaluate the MIMICT model.The first study used an online, pretest/posttest, two-group evaluation approach to assess the extent to which the educational toolkit increased providers‘ knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy, and behavioral intentions to refer minority patients to clinical trial. We conducted the study in 2018 with primary care providers (PCPs) and again in 2019/2020 with speciality providers. The second study used a longitudinal, mised methods, case-study approach to explore the real-world use of the toolkits with clinical trial site teams at two university medical centers.

Results:

In the first study,among MIMCT-exposed PCPs, mean scores indicated statistical significance at p≤0.001 with more knowledge about referring [55.84 (sd=23.51) vs 41.76 (sd=19.98)], more self-efficacy to refer [55.00 (sd=37.22) vs. 37.99 (sd=34.42)], and more intentions to refer [61.36 (43.85) vs. 33.41 (41.16)] African American patients to LCTs among the treatment group than the control group, respectively. This presentation will discuss additional data comparing the study in 2018 and the study in 2019/2020 and look comparatively at outcomes across provider type.

In the second study, we found that the driver for successful engagemetn of providers and their subsequent use of the educational toolkit was the development of a trusting relationship between the clinical trial site teams and providers in the community. The development of trust took repeated and varied modes of contact, which we will discuss in-depth.

Conclusion:

The MIMICT educational toolkit increase knowledge, self-efficacy, and intentions to refer lupus patients to LCTs. However, building trust between LCT sites and local providers takes time and repeated outreach, but the potential benefits to medicine and minority health are substantial.

References:

[1]The Society for Women’s Health Research. (2011). Dialogues on diversifying clinical trials: successful strategies for engaging women and minorities in clinical trials. Washington, DC: Food and Drug Administration, Office of Women’s Health.

[2]Falasinnu, T., Chaichian, Y., Bass, M. B., & Simard, J. F. (2018). The representation of gender and race/ethnic groups in randomized clinical trials of individuals with sytemic lupus erythematosus.Current Rheumatology Reports, 20(4).

[3]Pons-Estel, G. J., Alarcon, G. S., Scofield, L., Reinlib, L., & Cooper, G. S. (2010). Understanding the epidemiological progression of systemic lupus erythematosus.Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism, 39(4).

[4]Korieth, K. (2016). Engaging healthcare providers as research facilitators.The CenterWatch Monthly, 23,1-5.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

DEC-205+ DCs within the CNS critically modulate CD8+ T cell-mediated immunity against WNV encephalitis

West Nile Virus (WNV) is the leading cause of mosquito-borne neuroinvasive disease in the United States. Upon entry into the central nervous system (CNS, WNV infects neurons causing neuronal injury and inflammation potentially resulting in long-term sequelae and death. In order to restrict viral replication and pathogenesis within the CNS, infiltrating virus-specific CD8+ T cells are dependent on dendritic cell (DC) mediated reactivation. While previous reports have shown that DCs rapidly accumulate within the CNS during infection, the subset necessary to induce T-cell mediated protection against WNV has not been clarified. Previously, DEC-205+ DCs were detected within the CNS during WNV infection. DEC-205, an endocytic receptor expressed on a subset of DCs, promotes cross-presentation and induction of anti-viral immunity. However, the specific role of DEC-205+ DCs in establishing immunity against WNV encephalitis is not known. We hypothesize that DEC-205+ DCs restrict WNV pathogenesis by activating anti-viral T cell immunity in the CNS. We show that DEC-205−/− mice have increased clinical disease and mortality compared to wild-type (WT) controls. The enhanced susceptibility of the DEC-205−/− mice arose from increased viral burden, however, this was associated with increased neuronal chemokine expression and numbers of infiltrating T cells and inflammatory myeloid cells. These results suggest that DEC-205+ DCs promote protective immune responses to CNS viral infection that limits immunopathology. These findings will uncover the mechanism by which DEC-205+ DCs modulate protective immune responses within the CNS in order to restrict a neurotropic viral infection.

Instrumental improvements for the trace analysis of structural isomers of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with molecular mass 302 Da

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are some of the most common environmental pollutants encountered worldwide. Eco-toxicological studies attribute a significant portion of the biological activity of PAH contaminated samples to the presence of high molecular weight PAHs (HMW-PAHs), i.e. PAHs with molecular mass (MM) greater than 300 Da. The research presented here focuses on the analysis of PAH isomers of MM 302 Da. This is not a trivial task. There are 23 isomers with MM 302 Da available to commercial and academic researchers. Many of them are difficult to separate in the chromatographic column and have virtually identical fragmentation patterns. The selectivity of HPLC absorption and fluorescence detectors is modest for resolving co-eluting isomers. Previous work in our lab demonstrated the potential of laser excited time-resolved Shpol'skii spectroscopy (LETRSS) for the analysis of 302 Da isomers in HPLC fractions. The main limitation of the technique was instrumental and due to the narrow range of excitation wavelengths of the tunable dye laser used for sample excitation. Herein, we remove this limitation with an optical parametric oscillator (OPO)-based wavelength tuning laser that covers the whole excitation range of 302 Da isomers. It is possible now to excite each isomer at its excitation wavelength for maximum fluorescence emission and reach limits of detection at the parts-per-trillion level (pg.mL^-1). The excitation bandwidth of the OPO laser (0.2 nm) is a good match for the narrow excitation spectra of 302 Da isomers in n-octane. This feature, associated to unique vibrational fluorescence profiles and lifetime decays, allows for the unambiguous identification of co-eluting isomers in RPLC fractions. The same is true for their quantitative analysis in coal tar samples.

High-Urgency Renal Transplantation for Patients With Vascular Access Failure: A Single-Center Experience

In the face of access failure for renal replacement therapy or severe complications despite or due to dialysis, high-urgency renal transplant (HU-RT) allocation is possible. Vascular access failure patients have multiple comorbidities and a higher risk of cardiovascular and thrombotic events. Thus, it is presumed that graft and patient survivals might be worse for these patients. The aim of this paper was to analyze the characteristics and outcomes of HU-RT patients due to access failure for renal replacement therapy when comparing them to a population of deceased-donor renal transplant (DDRT) patients. We analyzed data from our Renal Transplantation Unit from January 2006 to April 2017. In this period, 374 patients had a renal transplant. Of these, 11 patients received a high-urgency deceased-donor renal transplant (HU-DDRT). Compared with patients who had a DDRT, HU-DDRT patients were predominantly female (54.5% vs 43.5%, P = .007) and younger (41.6 ± 7.9 vs 49.4 ± 11.8, P = .031). HU-DDRT patients were not significantly more sensitized than DDRT (14.1 ± 27.4 vs 13.5 ± 24.1, P = .935), and had a comparable number of HLA mismatches (3.4 ± 1.4 vs 3.6 ± 1.2, P = .343). Despite the higher incidence in hypertensive (90.9 vs 73.5%, P = .196) and diabetic patients (27.3% vs 15.7%, P = .305) in the HU-DDRT group, this difference was not statistically significant. The percentage of retransplantation was similar in both groups (9.1% vs 7.2%, P = .808). Donor sex, age, and baseline serum creatinine were similar between the groups. There was an increased proportion of expanded criteria donors in HU-DDRT (54.5% vs 25.1%, P = .028). There were no differences in cold or warm ischemia time nor in serum creatinine at discharge or during the first 2 years of follow-up. In both groups, a similar proportion of patients experienced acute rejection episodes. Comparable to DDRT patients, HU-DDRT patients had a high proportion of graft survival at the 1-year follow-up (90.9% vs 93.1%, P = .777). At a 2-year follow-up, graft survival was lower in the HU-DDRT group (81.8% vs 91.5%, P = .267). Mean follow-up for both groups was comparable (78.5 ± 46.7 vs 68.4 ± 40.8 months, P = .424). Overall, graft loss occurred in approximately 36.4% of HU-DDRT patients and 20.9% of DDRT patients (P = .219). Both groups had an overall mortality rate of around 9%. The differences were not statistically significant due to the limited number of patients. More comorbidities and reportedly worse cardiovascular prognosis of access failure (AF) patients and use of expanded criteria donors did not negatively reflect in worse short-term outcomes in our cohort, which highlights the importance of HU-RT in prolonging the survival of AF patients.

Genetic structure of the Canarian palm tree (Phoenix canariensis) at the island scale: does the 'island within islands' concept apply to species with high colonisation ability?

Oceanic islands are dynamic settings that often promote within-island patterns of strong population differentiation. Species with high colonisation abilities, however, are less likely to be affected by genetic barriers, but island size may impact on species genetic structure regardless of dispersal ability. The aim of the present study was to identify the patterns and factors responsible for the structure of genetic diversity at the island scale in Phoenix canariensis, a palm species with high dispersal potential. To this end, we conducted extensive population sampling on the three Canary Islands where the species is more abundant and assessed patterns of genetic variation at eight microsatellite loci, considering different within-island scales. Our analyses revealed significant genetic structure on each of the three islands analysed, but the patterns and level of structure differed greatly among islands. Thus, genetic differentiation fitted an isolation-by-distance pattern on islands with high population densities (La Gomera and Gran Canaria), but such a pattern was not found on Tenerife due to strong isolation between colonised areas. In addition, we found a positive correlation between population geographic isolation and fine-scale genetic structure. This study highlights that island size is not necessarily a factor causing strong population differentiation on large islands, whereas high colonisation ability does not always promote genetic connectivity among neighbouring populations. The spatial distribution of populations (i.e. landscape occupancy) can thus be a more important driver of plant genetic structure than other island, or species' life-history attributes.

Microplastic and tar pollution on three Canary Islands beaches: An annual study

Marine debris accumulation was analyzed from three exposed beaches of the Canary Islands (Lambra, Famara and Las Canteras). Large microplastics (1-5mm), mesoplastics (5-25mm) and tar pollution were assessed twice a month for a year. There was great spatial and temporal variability in the Canary Island coastal pollution. Seasonal patterns differed at each location, marine debris concentration depended mainly of local-scale wind and wave conditions. The most polluted beach was Lambra, a remote beach infrequently visited. The types of debris found were mainly preproduction resin pellets, plastic fragments and tar, evidencing that pollution was not of local origin, but it cames from the open sea. The levels of pollution were similar to those of highly industrialized and contaminated regions. This study corroborates that the Canary Islands are an area of accumulation of microplastics and tar rafted from the North Atlantic Ocean by the southward flowing Canary Current.

Mycotic Pseudoaneurysm After Kidney Transplantation: Two Case Reports

BACKGROUND

Vascular complications after kidney transplantation may cause allograft loss. Here, we describe 2 patients with extrarenal mycotic pseudoaneurysm after kidney transplantation.

PATIENTS

Patient 1 was a 54-year-old man who developed pseudoaneurysm 60 days after transplantation, and patient 2 was a 48-year-old woman who was diagnosed with a pseudoaneurysm 5 months after transplantation.

RESULTS

Patient 1 had a deceased-donor kidney transplant with end-to-side external iliac arterial anastomosis that was reconstructed 8 days after transplantation owing to rupture and major bleeding. At 60 days after transplantation, he had high serum creatinine level and Doppler ultrasonography showed a pseudoaneurysm of the arterial graft anastomosis and postanastomotic renal artery stenosis. Treatment included surgical excision of the pseudoaneurysm, vascular reconstruction, and fluconazole, with mycologic culture of the resected pseudoaneurysm showing Candida albicans. Patient 2 developed nondisabling intermittent claudication at 5 months after kidney transplantation, with a pseudoaneurysm subsequently observed on Doppler ultrasonography and computerized tomographic angiography. Treatment included renal artery thrombectomy and common iliac bypass to the hilar donor renal artery with inverted ipsilateral long saphenous vein. Operative samples showed C albicans, and she was treated with fluconazole. Both patients had satisfactory outcomes, and both kidney allografts were preserved.

CONCLUSIONS

Extrarenal mycotic pseudoaneurysms after kidney transplantation require a high index of suspicion for early diagnosis, and preservation of the kidney graft may be achieved with the use of surgical treatment and antifungal therapy.

Serum Magnesium and Related Factors in Long-Term Renal Transplant Recipients: An Observational Study

BACKGROUND

Low serum magnesium (MgS) is a known risk factor for cardiovascular and mineral bone disease. In renal transplant recipients (RTRs), low MgS levels have been related to higher glomerular filtration rates (GFR) and with calcineurin inhibitors, particularly tacrolimus. We aimed to evaluate MgS in renal transplant recipients with over 1 year of follow-up to establish related risk factors and the impact of the use of cyclosporine versus tacrolimus.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study of 94 RTRs with more than 12 months of follow-up. Hypomagnesemia was defined as serum magnesium level <1.5 mg/dL.

RESULTS

Hypomagnesemia was found in 5.3% of patients. MgS showed a negative correlation with creatinine clearance. A positive correlation between MgS with urinary magnesium and phosphorus was found. Cyclosporine versus tacrolimus analysis did not show a significant difference regarding MgS when considering all the population and the subgroup of patients with GFR >45 mL/min/1.73 m². On the subgroup with GFR <45 mL/min/1.73 m², those on tacrolimus had lower MgS than those on cyclosporine, but those same patients presented with significantly different GFR, higher in the tacrolimus subgroup.

CONCLUSIONS

Hypomagnesemia has a low prevalence in RTRs with more than 1 year of follow-up. MgS levels evidenced a strong correlation with GFR. A significant difference on MgS levels between patients on tacrolimus and cyclosporine was found only when considering GFR <45 mL/min/1.73 m², in which patients on tacrolimus had significantly higher GFR than patients on cyclosporine, which may explain these results.

Predictive Factors of Acute Rejection in Low Immunologic Risk Kidney Transplant Recipients Receiving Basiliximab

INTRODUCTION

The optimal immunosuppressive induction therapy in kidney transplant recipients with low immunologic risk of acute rejection (AR) is still controversial. The use of basiliximab (BSX) has led to a significant decrease of AR with a low side effect profile.

OBJECTIVE

This study sought to evaluate predictive risk factors for AR in low immunologic risk patients subjected to immunosuppressive induction therapy with BSX.

METHODS

We reviewed all low immunologic risk patients (panel reactive antibody [PRA] level <50%, who had undergone a first deceased-donor transplant) subjected to immunosuppressive induction therapy with BSX, calcineurin inhibitor, mycophenolate mofetil, and prednisolone (n = 346). AR was defined as any rejection occurring until 12 months posttransplantation. Predictive risk factors for AR were evaluated by logistic regression and, to find the best cut-off of PRA related to a higher incidence of AR, receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed.

RESULTS

The rate of AR was 7.8%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified age at the time of transplantation (P = .040) and PRA level (P = .001) as independent risk factors for AR. ROC curve analysis confirmed that PRA >10% was related to an increased incidence of AR (19.2% vs 6.0%, P = .005).

CONCLUSIONS

A higher incidence of AR was observed in low immunologic risk kidney transplant patients with a PRA level >10%. These data support the use of more intensive immunosuppressive induction therapy in patients with low immunologic risk and a PRA level >10%.

Hyperacute Rejection in a Kidney Transplant With Negative Crossmatch: A Case Report

Hyperacute rejection (HAR) is a rare event that can be prevented by crossmatch tests that detect anti-human leukocyte antigen antibodies against the donor. We present the case of a 43-year-old man who underwent a deceased-donor kidney transplantation with a negative complement-dependent cytotoxicity and a negative flow cytometry crossmatch. Luminex technology detected anti-DQ donor-specific antibodies (DSA) with a mean fluorescence intensity of 11,000. A single plasmapheresis session was carried out, followed by immunosuppression with immunoglobulin, antithymocyte globulin, tacrolimus, and methylprednisolone. Minutes after graft reperfusion, in the presence of clinical evidence of HAR, the patient underwent nephrectomy. The investigation for the presence of anti-major histocompatibility complex class I-related chain A and anti-endothelial antibodies was negative. This case reinforces the importance of DSA, and more specifically, of anti-DQ DSA in the allogeneic response when detected by solid-phase tests, even with a negative crossmatch, assuming they can be responsible for HAR.

Pump-tuned deep-infrared femtosecond optical parametric oscillator across 6-7 μm based on CdSiP2

We report on a high-power femtosecond optical parametric oscillator (OPO) at 80 MHz repetition rate, tunable across 6318-7061 nm in the deep-infrared (deep-IR) using pump wavelength tuning. The OPO, based on CdSiP₂ (CSP), is synchronously pumped by a commercial Ti:sapphire-pumped femtosecond OPO in the near-IR, enabling rapid static tuning of the CSP OPO with minimal adjustments to its cavity length. The deep-IR CSP OPO provides as much as 32 mW of average idler power at 6808 nm with spectral bandwidth >1000  nm (at -10  dB level) across the tuning range. By implementing intracavity dispersion control, near-transform-limited signal pulses of ∼100  fs duration with smooth single-peak spectrum are achieved at 1264 nm, corresponding to an idler wavelength at 6440 nm. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time such practical idler powers in the deep-IR have been generated from a dispersion-compensated CSP femtosecond OPO at sub-100 MHz repetition rate.

Living kidney donor transplantation: an alternative with limitations

BACKGROUND

The major issues involved in the decision to donate are the perioperative risk and the risk of chronic kidney disease or even end-stage renal disease. The usual glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in kidney donors after transplantation is approximately 70% of the predonation rate; however, some have a GFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m(2). So after kidney donation, mild to moderate renal insufficiency may occur. Thus, it is important to identify predictor factors of postdonation kidney function.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the influence of predictor factors in the evolution of the remaining kidney function and to quantify nonpredictable and unexpected developments in GFR at 1 year post donation.

METHODS

We performed a study of the evolution of renal function pre- and postnephrectomy of 55 living donors without perioperative comorbidities and a mean follow-up of 6.03 ± 2.7 years.

RESULTS

One year after nephrectomy donor function was 32% lower than the prenephrectomy value and 21% of donors had an eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m(2). In multivariate logistic regression a living donor with a predonation eGFR <100 but >80 mL/min/1.73 m(2) had 5.24 times a chance of having an eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) at 1 year post donation than if he had an eGFR ≥100 mL/min/1.73 m(2). Among 15 donors with prenephrectomy eGFR ≥80 and <100 mL/min/1.73m(2), 8 (53%), RR = 3.26 (1.517-7.012) had eGFR <60 mL/min/ 1.73 m(2).

CONCLUSIONS

The eGFR predonation and donor age influenced the first-year postnephrectomy eGFR. Some donors had a more accelerated eGFR fall, not always related to predonation eGFR and age.

Renal transplantation in type 1 diabetes mellitus: an unusual case report

Diabetes mellitus (DM) may progress to diabetic nephropathy (DN) in approximately 40% of cases and it accounts for one of the most common causes of end-stage of renal disease (ESRD). The pathogenesis of DN involves complex interactions between metabolic and hemodynamic factors. DM type 1 has a dominant impact on morbidity and mortality after renal transplantation. We report a kidney transplantation patient with DM and DN as the etiology of end-stage renal disease and whose post-transplantation evolution over 19 years was remarkably atypical. DM was diagnosed at the age of 7 years and the patient suffered a rapid and aggressive progression of her disease with early development of DN and diabetic retinopathy. Nineteen years post-transplantation, the patient shows neither deterioration of graft function nor clinical reactivation of DN. There seems to be two quite distinct answers to the same injury supported by a group of factors that led to micro- and macrovascular lesions, all present before transplantation and potentially aggravated through some immunosuppressive therapy. This clinical evolution suggests the hypothesis that not only the graft but also the donor may have inherent characteristics that enabled him to display the resistance to DN despite the genetic susceptibility of the receptor. The answers to these questions would help to explain why some patients with diabetes progress to macro- and microvascular complications and others remain resistant to developing these vascular disorders. In this case, the resistance to DN is apparently a feature related to the donor.

Single cell-derived clones from human adipose stem cells present different immunomodulatory properties

Human adipose mesenchymal stem cells are a heterogeneous population, where cell cultures derived from single-cell-expanded clones present varying degrees of differential plasticity. This work focuses on the immunomodulatory/anti-inflammatory properties of these cells. To this end, five single-cell clones were isolated (generally called 1.X and 3.X) from two volunteers. Regarding the expression level of the lineage-characteristic surface antigens, clones 1·10 and 1·22 expressed the lowest amounts, while clones 3·10 and 3·5 expressed more CD105 than the rest and clone 1·7 expressed higher amounts of CD73 and CD44. Regarding cytokine secretion, all clones were capable of spontaneously releasing high levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and low to moderate levels of IL-8. These differences can be explained in part by the distinct methylation profile exhibited by the clones. Furthermore, and after lipopolysaccharide stimulation, clone 3.X produced the highest amounts of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, while clones 1·10 and 1·22 highly expressed IL-4 and IL-5. In co-culture experiments, clones 1.X are, together, more potent inhibitors than clones 3.X for proliferation of total, CD3(+) T, CD4(+) T and CD8(+) T lymphocytes and natural killer (NK) cells. The results of this work indicate that the adipose stem cell population is heterogeneous in cytokine production profile, and that isolation, characterization and selection of the appropriate cell clone is a more exact method for the possible treatment of different patients or pathologies.

Are there real advantages of induction therapy with basiliximab in renal transplantation?

BACKGROUND

Randomized clinical trials have supported the use of interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) antagonists as induction therapy in renal transplantation. This strategy has reduced the incidence of acute rejection episodes (ARE) but not improved graft survival. Our objective was to investigate the impact of induction therapy using the IL-2R antagonist basiliximab, as compared with no induction therapy, on relevant clinical outcomes-initial length of stay, incidence of ARE, long-term graft function, and graft survival.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients transplanted in a tertiary care center between 1996 and 2011. We selected patients who received cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil, and prednisolone (n = 334) to classify as: no induction therapy (n = 131; group 1); induction therapy with basiliximab (n = 203; group 2). Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was assessed with the 4-variable Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation.

RESULTS

Mean follow-up was 72.7 ± 35.4 months. Patients who received basiliximab had a shorter mean hospital stay (19.2 versus 22.5 days; P = .02), lower incidence of ARE (10.8% versus 23.7%; P = .02) and better graft function post transplantation at 12 months (mean eGFR 59.4 ± 18.4 versus 54.8 ± 18.7 mL/min/1.73 m(2); P = .015) and 5 years (mean eGFR 64.1 ± 21.5 versus 55.4 ± 19.6 mL/min/1.73 m(2); P = .009). On multivariate analysis, induction therapy with basiliximab was independently associated with a lower incidence of ARE and better graft function at 1 and 5 years after transplantation. There was no difference in 5-year graft survival between the two groups (log-rank: P = .54).

CONCLUSIONS

Induction therapy with basiliximab was associated with a reduced incidence of ARE and better long-term graft function but no difference in 5-year graft survival.

Isoinertial and isokinetic sprints: muscle signalling

To determine if the muscle signalling response to a 30 s all-out sprint exercise is modulated by the exercise mode and the endocrine response, 27 healthy volunteers were divided in 2 groups that performed isokinetic (10 men and 5 women) and isoinertial (7 men and 5 women) Wingate tests. Blood samples and vastus lateralis muscle biopsies were taken before, immediately after, 30 and 120 min after the sprints. Groups were comparable in age, height, body weight, percentage of body fat, peak power per kg of lower extremities lean mass (Pmax) and muscle fibre types. However, the isoinertial group achieved a 25% greater mean power (Pmean). Sprint exercise elicited marked increases in the musculus vastus lateralis AMPKα, ACCβ, STAT3, STAT5 and ERK1/2 phosphorylation (all P<0.05). The AMPKα, STAT3, and ERK1/2 phosphorylation responses were more marked after the isoinertial than isokinetic test (interaction: P<0.01). The differences in muscle signalling could not be accounted for by differences in Pmax, although Pmean could explain part of the difference in AMPKα phosphorylation. The leptin, insulin, glucose, GH, IL-6, and lactate response were similar in both groups. In conclusion, the muscle signalling response to sprint exercise differs between isoinertial and isokinetic sprints.

Cross-sectional area of the tendons of the tarsal region in Standardbred trotter horses

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY

The assessment of a normal range for cross-sectional area (CSA) of tendons in the tarsal region is important in order to use them as reference values in the identification of pathological changes of dimensions.

OBJECTIVES

To provide normal reference values for the CSA of the tendons of the tarsus of Standardbred trotter horses (STH) by means of ultrasonography.

METHODS

Transverse echographic images of the tendons were obtained at different levels proximodistally; these images were digitised and CSA values (mean ± s.d.) were obtained for each structure.

RESULTS

The largest structure corresponded with the lateral digital flexor/caudal tibial tendon complex at Level 1 and the smallest was the medial digital flexor tendon at Level 4. Almost all tendons showed a slight decreasing in their CSA when crossing the tarsus.

CONCLUSIONS

The normal CSA values of tendinous structures in the tarsal region of the STH are reported. These data could be used as anatomical references.

POTENTIAL RELEVANCE

The establishment of reference values could serve as a tool to discriminate between normal and abnormal dimensions of tarsal tendons in STH. Other horse breeds should need their own reference values.

Leptin receptor 170 kDa (OB-R170) protein expression is reduced in obese human skeletal muscle: a potential mechanism of leptin resistance

To examine whether obesity-associated leptin resistance could be due to down-regulation of leptin receptors (OB-Rs) and/or up-regulation of suppressor of cytokine signalling 3 (SOCS3) and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) in skeletal muscle, which blunt janus kinase 2-dependent leptin signalling and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) phosphorylation and reduce AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase (ACC) phosphorylation. Deltoid and vastus lateralis muscle biopsies were obtained from 20 men: 10 non-obese control subjects (mean +/- s.d. age, 31 +/- 5 years; height, 184 +/- 9 cm; weight, 91 +/- 13 kg; and percentage body fat, 24.8 +/- 5.8%) and 10 obese (age, 30 +/- 7 years; height, 184 +/- 8 cm; weight, 115 +/- 8 kg; and percentage body fat, 34.9 +/- 5.1%). Skeletal muscle OB-R170 (OB-R long isoform) protein expression was 28 and 25% lower (both P < 0.05) in arm and leg muscles, respectively, of obese men compared with control subjects. In normal-weight subjects, SOCS3 protein expression, and STAT3, AMPKalpha and ACCbeta phosphorylation, were similar in the deltoid and vastus lateralis muscles. In obese subjects, the deltoid muscle had a greater amount of leptin receptors than the vastus lateralis, whilst SOCS3 protein expression was increased and basal STAT3, AMPKalpha and ACCbeta phosphorylation levels were reduced in the vastus lateralis compared with the deltoid muscle (all P < 0.05). In summary, skeletal muscle leptin receptors and leptin signalling are reduced in obesity, particularly in the leg muscles.