The effects and mechanism of action of methane on ileal motor function

BACKGROUND

Methane has been associated with constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome, slowing intestinal transit time by augmenting contractile activity. However, the precise mechanism underlying this effect remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated the mechanisms underlying the effect of methane on contractile activity, and whether such effects are mediated by nerve impulses or muscular contraction.

METHODS

We connected guinea pig ileal muscle strips to a force/tension transducer and measured amplitudes of contraction in response to electrical field stimulation (EFS; 1, 2, 8, 16 Hz) following methane infusion in the presence of tetradotoxin (TTX), atropine, guanethidine, or GR 113808. We then performed calcium imaging using Oregon Green 488 BAPTA-1 AM in order to visualize changes in calcium fluorescence in response to EFS following methane infusion in the presence of TTX, atropine, or a high K⁺ solution.

KEY RESULTS

Methane significantly increased amplitudes of contraction (P<.05), while treatment with TTX abolished such contraction. Methane-induced increases in amplitude were inhibited when lower-frequency (1, 2 Hz) EFS was applied following atropine infusion (P<.05). Neither guanethidine nor GR 113808 significantly altered contraction amplitudes. Methane significantly increased calcium fluorescence, while this increase was attenuated following atropine infusion (P<.05). Although calcium fluorescence was increased by the high K⁺ solution under pretreatment with TTX, the intensity of fluorescence remained unchanged after methane infusion.

CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES

The actions of methane on the intestine are influenced by the cholinergic pathway of the enteric nervous system. Our findings support the classification of methane as a gasotransmitter.

Association between circulating leptin levels and systemic lupus erythematosus: an updated meta-analysis

Objective We aimed to evaluate the relationship between circulating leptin levels and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane library databases were searched. Meta-analyses were performed comparing serum/plasma leptin levels in patients with SLE and healthy controls, and on patients with SLE in subgroups based on ethnicity, sample size, data type, and matched variables (age, sex, and/or body mass index (BMI)). Results Eighteen studies including 1333 patients with SLE and 1048 controls were ultimately selected, which showed that leptin levels were significantly higher in the SLE group than in the control group (SMD = 0.611, 95% CI = 0.275-0.947, p < 0.001). When we excluded two outlier studies because of high heterogeneity, leptin levels were also significantly higher in the SLE group than in the control group (SMD = 0.619, 95% CI = 0.431-0.807, p < 0.001). Stratification by ethnicity showed significantly elevated leptin levels in the SLE group in European, Asian, Arab, Latin American, and mixed populations. Subgroup analysis by sample size showed significantly higher leptin levels in the SLE group by small ( n ≤ 100) and large sample numbers ( n > 100) (SMD = 0.780, 95% CI = 0.445-1.115, p < 0.001; SMD = 0.495, 95% CI = 0.275-0.715, p < 0.001). Stratification by data type revealed significantly higher leptin levels in the original data and imputed data groups. Subgroup analysis adjustment revealed significantly higher leptin levels in the SLE group, regardless of adjustment for variables. Conclusions Our meta-analysis demonstrated that leptin levels were significantly higher in patients with SLE, regardless of ethnicity, sample size, data type, and matched variables.

Comparative efficacy and safety of intravenous or subcutaneous belimumab in combination with standard therapy in patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus: a Bayesian network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Objective In this study, we aimed to assess the relative efficacy and safety of intravenous (IV) or subcutaneous (SC) belimumab compared with those of placebo in patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods We performed a Bayesian network meta-analysis to combine the direct and indirect evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the efficacy and safety of belimumab 1 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg IV administration, and belimumab 200 mg SC injection, and placebo in patients with active SLE despite having received standard therapy. Results Five RCTs (3460 patients) met the inclusion criteria. The SLE Responder Index (SRI) response rate at week 52 was significantly higher in the belimumab 10 mg/kg group than in the placebo group (OR 2.63, 95% CrI 2.14-3.23). Similarly, the SRI response rates were significantly higher in the belimumab 1 mg/kg, and belimumab 200 mg SC groups than in the placebo group (OR 2.42, 95% CrI 1.90-3.09; OR 1.71, 95% CrI 1.27-2.29). Ranking probability based on surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) indicated that belimumab 10 mg/kg had the highest probability of being the best treatment for achieving the SRI response (SUCRA = 0.9174), followed by belimumab 1 mg/kg (SUCRA = 0.7338), belimumab 200 mg SC (SUCRA = 0.3487), and placebo (SUCRA = 0.0000). However, a sensitivity test by omitting one outlier study showing low SRI response rate compared with the other three studies (11% vs. 33%, 40%, 48%) showed that belimumab 200 mg SC and belimumab 10 mg/kg had the highest probability of being the best treatment for achieving the SRI response (SUCRA = 0.7903, SUCRA = 0.7456), followed by belimumab 1 mg/kg, and placebo. The number of serious adverse events (SAEs) did not differ significantly among the four treatment options. Conclusions Belimumab at 1 and 10 mg/kg IV and belimumab 200 mg SC in combination with standard therapy was an efficacious intervention for active SLE, and was not associated with a significant risk of SAEs.

Circulating leptin level in rheumatoid arthritis and its correlation with disease activity: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the circulating serum leptin level and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to establish a correlation between serum leptin levels and RA activity.

METHODS

We searched the PUBMED, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases. A meta-analysis was performed, comparing the serum/plasma leptin levels in patients with RA and healthy controls. Correlation coefficients between serum leptin level and either disease activity score 28 (DAS28) or C‑reactive protein (CRP) in RA patients were also examined.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies with a total of 648 RA patients and 426 controls were included in this meta-analysis. Circulating leptin level was significantly higher in the RA group than in the control group (SMD = 1.056, 95 % CI = 0.647-1.465, p = 4.2 × 10^-7). In addition, stratification by ethnicity showed a significantly elevated leptin level in the RA group in Caucasian, Turkish, and Arab populations (SMD = 0.813, 95 % CI = 0.137-1.490, p = 0.018, SMD = 0.981, 95 % CI = 0.307-1.655, p = 0.004, and SMD = 1.469, 95 % CI = 0.443-2.495, p = 0.005 respectively). A meta-analysis of correlation coefficients showed a small but significantly positive correlation between the circulating leptin level and either DAS28 (correlation coefficient = 0.275, 95 % CI = 0.076-0.452, p = 0.007) or CRP (correlation coefficient = 0.274, 95 % CI = 0.068-0.458, p = 0.010).

CONCLUSIONS

Our meta-analysis demonstrated that the circulating leptin level is significantly higher in patients with RA and that a small but significantly positive correlation exists between leptin levels and RA activity.

Association between BANK1 polymorphisms and susceptibility to autoimmune diseases: A meta-analysis

This study aimed to explore whether BANK1 polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to autoimmune diseases. We conducted a meta-analysis on the associations between the BANK1 rs10516487, rs3733197, and rs17266594 polymorphisms and autoimmune diseases. Twenty-two articles with a total of 22,684 patients and 36,437 controls were included in the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis revealed a significant association between autoimmune diseases and the BANK1 rs10516487 T allele (OR = 1.161, 95% CI = 1.092-1.275, p = 1.9 × 10-6, heterogeneity p<0.001). The analysis also revealed an association between autoimmune diseases and the BANK1 rs3733197 A allele (OR = 1.178, 95% CI = 1.105-1.256, p = 4.5 × 10-7, heterogeneity p = 0.002) and the rs17266594 T allele (OR = 1.189, 95% CI = 1.073-1.315, p = 0.001, heterogeneity p<0.001). Meta-analysis by autoimmune disease type revealed an association between both systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis and the BANK1 rs10516487 T allele (OR = 1.294, 95% CI = 1.232-1.360, p<1.0 × 10-8, heterogeneity p = 0.556; OR = 1.102, 95% CI = 1.027-1.183, p = 0.017, heterogeneity p = 0.048). However, meta-analysis failed to indicate an association between the BANK1 rs10516487 T allele and rheumatoid arthritis (RA; OR = 1.006, 95% CI = 1.956-1.058, p = 0.819). This meta-analysis demonstrates that BANK1 rs10516487, rs3733197, and rs17266594 polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to autoimmune diseases.

Association between circulating transforming growth factor-β1 level and polymorphisms in systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis: A meta-analysis

This study systemically reviewed evidence regarding the relationship between circulating blood transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) levels and systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and associations between TGF-β1 polymorphisms and susceptibility to SLE and RA.  We conducted a meta-analysis on the serum/plasma TGF-β1 levels in SLE and RA patients and healthy controls, and the associations between TGF-β1 +869 T/C, +915 C/G, and -509 T/C polymorphisms and SLE or RA risk. Twenty-eight studies were considered in this meta-analysis. Circulating TGF-β1 levels were significantly lower in the SLE group than in controls (SMD = -1.164, 95% CI = -2.257 - -0.070, P = 0.037). Serum/plasma TGF-β1 levels were not significantly different between RA and control groups (SMD = 0.699, 95% CI = -0.379 - 1.717, p = 0.211). No association between TGF-β1 +869 T/C polymorphism and SLE was found. However, meta-analysis showed an association between the TGF-β1 +869 T allele and RA in all subjects (OR = 1.282, 95% CI = 1.118-1.470, P = 3.8 x 10-4). Analysis after stratification by ethnicity indicated that the T allele was significantly associated with RA in Asians and Arabs (OR = 1.429, 95% CI = 1.179-1.733, P = 2.9 x 10-4; OR = 1.352, 95% CI = 1.097-1.668, P = 0.005), but not Europeans. However, no association was found between TGF-β1 +915 G/C or -509 C/T polymorphisms and RA or SLE. Meta-analysis revealed a significantly lower circulating TGF-β1 level in SLE patients, and a significant association between TGF-β1 +869 T/C polymorphism and RA development.

Circulating prolactin level in systemic lupus erythematosus and its correlation with disease activity: a meta-analysis

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between circulating prolactin level and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and to establish a correlation between plasma/serum prolactin levels and SLE activity.

Methods

We performed a meta-analysis comparing the plasma/serum prolactin levels in patients with SLE to controls, and examined correlation coefficients between circulating prolactin level and SLE disease activity.

Results

Twenty-five studies with a total of 1056 SLE patients and 426 controls were included. Prolactin levels were significantly higher overall in the SLE group than in the control group (standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.987, 95% CI = 0.512–1.463, p = 4.7 × 10−5). Stratification by ethnicity showed significantly elevated prolactin levels in the SLE group in Asian, Latin American, and mixed populations (SMD = 0.813, 95% CI = 0.137–1.490, p = 0.018; SMD = 0.981, 95% CI = 0.307–1.655, p = 0.004; SMD = 1.469, 95% CI = 0.443–2.495, p = 0.005, respectively), but not in the European population. Subgroup analysis by sample size showed significantly higher prolactin levels in the SLE group by small ( n < 30) and large sample numbers ( n > 30). Meta-analysis of correlation coefficients showed a significantly positive correlation between circulating prolactin level and SLE activity (correlation coefficient = 0.379, 95% CI = 0.026–0.487, p = 4.0 × 10−9). Circulating prolactin levels were positively associated with SLE activity in European, Asian, and mixed populations (SMD = 0.532, 95% CI = 0.443–0.609  p < 1.0 × 10−8; SMD = 0.427, 95% CI = 0.240–0.583, p = 2.4 × 10−5; SMD = 0.433, 95% CI = 0.212–0.591, p = 2.7 × 10−5, respectively).

Conclusions

Our meta-analysis demonstrated that circulating prolactin levels are higher in patients with SLE, and that a significantly positive correlation exists between prolactin levels and SLE activity.

Vitamin D receptor FokI, BsmI, and TaqI polymorphisms and susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis : A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore whether vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

Meta-analyses were conducted on the associations between the VDR FokI, BsmI, and TaqI polymorphisms and RA.

RESULTS

A total of seven studies were considered in the meta-analysis, involving a total of 923 patients and 912 controls. Meta-analysis of the VDR FokI polymorphism showed no association between RA and the F allele in the entire studied cohort (odds ratio, OR = 1.1740, 95 % confidence interval, CI = 0.994-1.387, p = 0.059). However, stratification by ethnicity revealed a significant association between the F allele and RA in Europeans (OR = 1.402, 95 % CI = 1.126-1.746, p = 0.003). Furthermore, an association was found between RA and the VDR FokI polymorphism using both the dominant model and homozygote contrast. Meta-analysis revealed no association between RA and the VDR BsmI B and TaqI T polymorphisms in Europeans (OR for the B allele = 1.065, 95 % CI = 0.911-1.245, p = 0.427; OR for the T allele = 1.065, 95 % CI = 0.834-1.361, p = 0.613).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis suggests that the VDR FokI polymorphism is associated with susceptibility to RA in European populations.

The effects of posterior cruciate ligament deficiency on posterolateral corner structures under gait- and squat-loading conditions: A computational knee model

Objectives

The aim of the current study was to analyse the effects of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) deficiency on forces of the posterolateral corner structure and on tibiofemoral (TF) and patellofemoral (PF) contact force under dynamic-loading conditions.

Methods

A subject-specific knee model was validated using a passive flexion experiment, electromyography data, muscle activation, and previous experimental studies. The simulation was performed on the musculoskeletal models with and without PCL deficiency using a novel force-dependent kinematics method under gait- and squat-loading conditions, followed by probabilistic analysis for material uncertain to be considered.

Results

Comparison of predicted passive flexion, posterior drawer kinematics and muscle activation with experimental measurements showed good agreement. Forces of the posterolateral corner structure, and TF and PF contact forces increased with PCL deficiency under gait- and squat-loading conditions. The rate of increase in PF contact force was the greatest during the squat-loading condition. The TF contact forces increased on both medial and lateral compartments during gait-loading conditions. However, during the squat-loading condition, the medial TF contact force tended to increase, while the lateral TF contact forces decreased. The posterolateral corner structure, which showed the greatest increase in force with deficiency of PCL under both gait- and squat-loading conditions, was the popliteus tendon (PT).

Conclusion

PCL deficiency is a factor affecting the variability of force on the PT in dynamic-loading conditions, and it could lead to degeneration of the PF joint.

Cite this article: K-T. Kang, Y-G. Koh, M. Jung, J-H. Nam, J. Son, Y.H. Lee, S-J. Kim, S-H. Kim. The effects of posterior cruciate ligament deficiency on posterolateral corner structures under gait- and squat-loading conditions: A computational knee model. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:31–42. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.61.BJR-2016-0184.R1.

Effect of atomic size on undercoolability of binary solid solution alloy liquids with Zr, Ti, and Hf using electrostatic levitation

We investigate the relationship between the excess volume and undercoolability of Zr-Ti and Zr-Hf alloy liquids by using electrostatic levitation. Unlike in the case of Zr-Hf alloy liquids in which sizes of the constituent atoms are matched, a remarkable increase of undercoolability and negative excess volumes are observed in Zr-Ti alloy liquids as a function of their compositional ratios. In this work, size mismatch entropies for the liquids were obtained by calculating their hard sphere diameters, number densities, and packing fractions. We also show that the size mismatch entropy, which arises from the differences in atomic sizes of the constituent elements, plays an important role in determining the stabilities of metallic liquids.

A storage ring experiment to detect a proton electric dipole moment

A new experiment is described to detect a permanent electric dipole moment of the proton with a sensitivity of 10^-29 e ⋅ cm by using polarized "magic" momentum 0.7 GeV/c protons in an all-electric storage ring. Systematic errors relevant to the experiment are discussed and techniques to address them are presented. The measurement is sensitive to new physics beyond the standard model at the scale of 3000 TeV.

Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 polymorphisms, K469E and G261R and susceptibility to vasculitis and rheumatoid arthritis: a meta-analysis

The aim of this study was to determine whether intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to vasculitis or rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Meta-analyses were performed to assess the associations between K469E and G241R polymorphisms of ICAM-1 and vasculitis or RA. A total of 12 studies on 1,368 patients and 1,922 controls, which comprised 8 vasculitis studies and 4 RA studies, were included in the meta-analysis. We found no significant association between vasculitis and K469E E allele among the various subjects (OR = 1.238, 95% CI = 0.9781-1.566, p = 0.076). However, an association between vasculitis and K469E polymorphism was observed under homozygote contrast (OR = 1.443, 95% CI = 1.084-1.920, p = 0.012). Stratification by ethnicity and vasculitis type showed no association between vasculitis and 1 K469E polymorphism under heterozygote contrast. In addition, the meta-analysis revealed a significant association between the ICAM-1 G241R R allele and Behcet's disease (BD) (OR = 3.261, 95% CI = 1.653-6.434, p = 0.001), but not giant cell arteritis. Moreover, the meta-analysis indicated an association between RA and the R allele and RR+ RG genotype of the ICAM-1 G241R polymorphism (OR = 2.014, 95% CI = 1.215-3.339, p = 0.007; OR = 2.394, 95% CI = 1.354-4.235, p = 0.003). This meta-analysis suggests that the K469E polymorphism is associated with susceptibility to vasculitis, and that the G241R polymorphism is associated with susceptibility to BD and RA.

Association between glutathione S-transferase M1, P1, and NFKB1 polymorphisms and systemic lupus erythematosus susceptibility: a meta-analysis

This study aimed to determine whether Glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1), P1 (GSTT1), NFKB1 polymorphisms confer susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We performed a meta-analysis on the associations between GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes, and NFKB1 -94 ins/delATTG polymorphisms and SLE. In total, seven studies were considered for this meta-analysis, which comprised 2,119 SLE patients and 3,014 healthy controls. Meta-analysis of the GSTM1 null polymorphism in 869 SLE and 1,544 control subjects revealed an association between SLE and the GSTM1 null genotype (OR = 1.321, 95% CI = 1.103-1.583, p = 0.002). Stratification by ethnicity indicated an association between the GSTM1 null genotype and SLE in Asians (OR = 1.334, 95% CI = 1.096-1.623, p = 0.004). However, meta-analysis of the GSTT1 null polymorphism, comprising 717 SLE and 1,008 control subjects, revealed no association between SLE and the GSTT1 null genotype overall (OR = 0.850, 95% CI = 0.687-1.051, p = 0.113) or in an Asian population (OR = 0.794, 95% CI = 0.594-1.061, p = 0.119). Meta-analysis of the NFKB1 -94 ins/delATTG polymorphism, comprising 1,250 SLE and 1,127 control subjects, revealed an association between SLE and the NFKB1 D allele (OR = 1.127, 95% CI = 1.011-1.257, p = 0.031). Ethnicity-specific meta-analysis revealed an association between the NFKB1 D allele and SLE in Asians (OR = 1.155, 95% CI = 1.026-1.300, p = 0.017). This meta-analysis demonstrates that the functional GSTM1 and NFKB1 polymorphisms are associated with the SLE risk in Asians.

Diagnostic accuracy of anti-MCV and anti-CCP antibodies in rheumatoid arthritis: A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to compare the diagnostic performance of anti-mutated citrullinated vimentin (anti-MCV) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

We searched the Medline, Embase, and Cochrane library databases and performed two meta-analyses on the diagnostic accuracy of anti-MCV and anti-CCP in patients with RA compared to healthy controls.

RESULTS

We identified 12 studies that included a total of 2003 RA patients and 831 healthy controls for the meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of anti-MCV were 68.6% [95% confidence interval (CI) 66.6-79.7] and 94.2% (95% CI 92.4-96.7) and those of anti-CCP were 61.7% (95% CI 59.5-63.8) and 97.1% (95% CI 96.7-98.1), respectively. Anti-MCV PLR, NLR, and DOR were 12.99 (95% CI 8.013-21.27), 0.297 (95% CI 0.238-0.369), and 47.78 (95% CI 28.59-79.84), and those for anti-CCP were 16.71 (95% CI 11.42-24.47), 0.378 (95% CI 0.325-0.439), and 54.20 (95% CI 31.65-92.82), respectively. The AUC of anti-MCV was 0.886, and its Q* index was 0.817, indicating modest accuracy, while the AUC of anti-CCP was 0.946, and its Q* index was 0.885. The sensitivity of anti-MCV was significantly higher than that of anti-CCP in the diagnosis of RA (difference 0.069, 95% CI 0.039-0.098, p < 0.0001), but the specificity of anti-MCV was lower than that of anti-CCP (difference -0.029, 95% CI -0.051 to -0.006, p = 0.012). The Q* index of anti-MCV was significantly lower than that of anti-CCP (difference -0.068, 95% CI -0.070 to -0.065, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Our meta-analysis demonstrates that anti-MCV is more sensitive but less specific, and has lower diagnostic accuracy than anti-CCP in RA, although anti-MCV and anti-CCP showed comparable high PLRs.

Effect of microbial inoculant or molasses on fermentative quality and aerobic stability of sawdust-based spent mushroom substrate

In the first experiment, the effect of two novel Lactobacillus plantarum strains was studied on the fermentation of spent mushroom substrate (SMS) through 10d of ensiling. Based on lactic acid production and lactic acid bacteria population, L. plantarum KU5 was identified as the best strain for fermentation with a 5-L bag silo. Spent mushroom substrate was ensiled with 0.5% (v/w) L. plantarum KU5 without or with 5% molasses. Silages treated with microbial inoculant and molasses had the lowest pH and the highest fermentative odors. In a second set of experiments similar to the above 5-L silo study, the simultaneous application of L. plantarum KU5 inoculant and molasses to 80-L silos improved fermentability and aerobic stability of SMS silages. For similar treatment using ton-bag silos, aerobic stability decreased and NH3-N content increased dramatically. In conclusion, sawdust-based SMS for animal use was successfully ensiled with L. plantarum KU5 inoculant and molasses.

In situ ruminal degradation characteristics of dry matter and crude protein from dried corn, high-protein corn, and wheat distillers grains

Background

The continuing growth of the ethanol industry has generated large amounts of various distillers grains co-products. These are characterized by a wide variation in chemical composition and ruminal degradability. Therefore, their precise formulation in the ruminant diet requires the systematic evaluation of their degradation profiles in the rumen.

Methods

Three distillers grains plus soluble co-products (DDGS) namely, corn DDGS, high-protein corn DDGS (HP-DDGS), and wheat DDGS, were subjected to an in situ trial to determine the degradation kinetics of the dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP). Soybean meal (SBM), a feed with highly degradable protein in the rumen, was included as the fourth feed. The four feeds were incubated in duplicate at each time point in the rumen of three ruminally cannulated Hanwoo cattle for 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, and 48 h.

Results

Wheat DDGS had the highest filterable and soluble A fraction of its DM (37.2 %), but the lowest degradable B (49.5 %; P < 0.001) and an undegradable C fraction (13.3 %; P < 0.001). The filterable and soluble A fraction of CP was greatest with wheat DDGS, intermediate with corn DDGS, and lowest with HP-DDGS and SBM; however, the undegradable C fraction of CP was the greatest with HP-DDGS (41.2 %), intermediate with corn DDGS (2.7 %), and lowest with wheat DDGS and SMB (average 4.3 %). The degradation rate of degradable B fraction (% h⁻¹) was ranked from highest to lowest as follows for 1) DM: SBM (13.3), wheat DDGS (9.1), and corn DDGS and HP-DDGS (average 5.2); 2) CP: SBM (17.6), wheat DDGS (11.6), and corn DDGS and HP-DDGS (average 4.4). The in situ effective degradability of CP, assuming a passage rate of 0.06 h⁻¹, was the highest (P < 0.001) for SBM (73.9 %) and wheat DDGS (71.2 %), intermediate for corn DDGS (42.5 %), and the lowest for HP-DDGS (28.6 %), which suggests that corn DDGS and HP-DDGS are a good source of undegraded intake protein for ruminants.

Conclusions

This study provided a comparative estimate of ruminal DM and CP degradation characteristics for three DDGS co-products and SBM, which might be useful for their inclusion in the diet according to the ruminally undegraded to degraded intake protein ratio.

Association between shortened telomere length and systemic lupus erythematosus: a meta-analysis

Objective We aimed to evaluate the relationship between telomere length and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods PUBMED and EMBASE databases were searched; meta-analyses were performed comparing telomere length in SLE patients and healthy controls, and on SLE patients in subgroups based on ethnicity, sample type, assay method and data type. Results Eight studies including 472 SLE patients and 365 controls were ultimately selected which showed that telomere length was significantly shorter in the SLE group than in the control group (standardized mean difference (SMD) = -0.835, 95% confidence interval (CI) = -1.291 to -0.380, p = 3.3 × 10^-4). Stratification by ethnicity showed significantly shortened telomere length in the SLE group in Caucasian, Asian and mixed populations (SMD = -0.455, 95% CI = -0.763 to -0.147, p = 0.004; SMD = -0.887, 95% CI = -1.261 to -0.513, p = 3.4 × 10^-4; SMD = -0.535, 95% CI = -0.923 to -0.147, p = 0.007; respectively). Furthermore, telomere length was significantly shorter in the SLE group than in the control group in whole blood and peripheral blood mononuclear cell groups (SMD = -0.361, 95% CI = -0.553 to -0.169, p = 2.3 × 10^-4; SMD = -1.546, 95% CI = -2.583 to -0.510, p = 0.003; respectively); a similar trend was observed in leukocyte groups (SMD = -0.699, 95% CI = -1.511 to -0.114, p = 0.092). Meta-analyses based on assay method or data type revealed similar associations. Conclusions Our meta-analysis demonstrated that telomere length was significantly shorter in patients with SLE, regardless of ethnicity, sample type or assay method evaluated.

Association between TYK2 polymorphisms and susceptibility to autoimmune rheumatic diseases: a meta-analysis

Objective

This study aimed to explore whether TYK2 polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to autoimmune rheumatic diseases.

Methods

We conducted a meta-analysis on the association between TYK2 polymorphisms and autoimmune rheumatic diseases.

Results

Twelve studies with a total of 16,335 patients and 30,065 controls were included in the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis revealed an association between rheumatic diseases and the 2 allele of the TYK2 rs2304256 (OR = 0.885, 95% CI = 0.802–0.978, p = 0.016). Furthermore, stratification by ethnicity identified a significant association between this polymorphism and rheumatic diseases in Caucasians (OR = 0.822, 95% CI = 0.706–0.889, p = 9.5 × 10−7), but not in Asians (OR = 1.127, 95% CI = 0.835–1.522, p = 0.434). Meta-analysis by rheumatic disease type revealed a significant association between the 2 allele of the TYK2 rs2304256 and SLE in Caucasians (OR = 0.737, 95% CI = 0.673–0.808, p < 1.0 × 10−8) but not in Asians (OR = 1.211, 95% CI = 0.813–1.804, p = 0.347). Meta-analysis revealed that the rs12720356 polymorphism was associated with susceptibility to rheumatic diseases in Caucasians (OR = 0.812, 95% CI = 0.661–0.997, p = 0.046) but not in Asians. Interestingly, the rs280519 polymorphism was significantly associated with susceptibility to SLE both in Caucasians and Asians. However, no associations were found between the rs12720270, rs280500, rs280523 and rs8108236 polymorphisms and susceptibility to rheumatic diseases.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis demonstrates that the TYK2 rs2304256 and rs12720356 polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to rheumatic diseases, rs2304256 polymorphism is associated with SLE in Caucasians, and rs280519 polymorphism is associated with SLE in Caucasians and Asians.

Correlation between circulating osteopontin level in systemic lupus erythematosus and disease activity and associations between osteopontin polymorphisms and disease susceptibility: A meta-analysis

Objective This study aimed to systemically review the evidence regarding the relationship between circulating blood osteopontin (OPN) level and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), correlation between serum OPN levels and SLE activity, and association between OPN polymorphisms and SLE susceptibility. Methods We conducted a meta-analysis on the serum/plasma OPN levels in SLE patients and healthy controls, correlation coefficients between the circulating OPN level and SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) in SLE patients, and the association between OPN polymorphisms and SLE risk. Results Nine studies with 1938 SLE patients and 3037 controls were included. Meta-analysis revealed that, compared with the control group, the OPN level was significantly higher in the SLE group (SMD = 0.965, 95% CI = 0.337-1.393, p = 0.001) and in the SLE group with renal disease (SMD = 2.219, 95% CI = 0.681-3.757, p = 0.005). Meta-analysis of correlation coefficients showed a trend of positive correlation between the circulating OPN level and SLEDAI (correlation coefficient = 0.590, 95% CI = -0.025 to 0.881, p = 0.059). While no association was found between SLE and the OPN 707 T/C and 1083 G/A polymorphisms, a significant association was identified between the OPN 1239 C allele and SLE (OR = 1.192, 95% CI = 1.008-1.410, p = 0.040), and between the OPN 9250 C allele and SLE in Asians (OR = 2.070, 95% CI = 1.570-2.730, p = 2.5 × 10^-7). Conclusions Our meta-analysis revealed a significantly higher circulating OPN level in SLE patients, a trend of positive correlation between OPN levels and SLE activity, and a significant association between OPN 1239 C/A and 9250 C/T polymorphisms, and SLE development.

The functional p53 codon 72 polymorphism is associated with systemic lupus erythematosus

The aim of the study is to investigate whether the functional p53 codon 72 polymorphism is associated with susceptibility to SLE and its clinical features. A polymerase chain reaction of genomic DNA-restriction fragment length polymorphism was used to determine genotypes of the p53 codon 72 in 90 SLE patients and 114 healthy controls. Clinical/serological manifestations were analysed in each patient and correlated with the genotypes. The OR of the association of the Pro allele with SLE was 1.70 (95% CI, 1.15-2.53, P = 0.0079) and the OR of the Pro/Pro (a recessive model) was significantly increased (OR = 2.58, 95% CI = 1.24-5.39, P = 0.0093). The Armitage’s trend test indicated a significant dosage effect of the Pro allele for SLE (OR = 1.73, chi-square = 7.08, P = 0.0078). However, there was no significant association of the polymorphism with clinical/serological manifestations studied here. In conclusion, our finding suggests the functional p53 codon 72 polymorphism may be associated with SLE susceptibility, suggesting individuals who carry the Pro allele may have a higher risk to SLE susceptibility than those with the Arg allele. Further studies for replications are needed to confirm that the p53 polymorphism contributes to SLE.