Application of Positron Emission Particle Tracking (PEPT) for the evaluation of powder behaviour in an incline linear blender for Continuous Direct Compression (CDC)

Positron Emission Particle Tracking (PEPT) is a non-invasive measurement technique which offers the ability to track the motion of individual particles with high temporal and spatial resolution, and thus build up an understanding of the bulk behaviour of a system from its microscopic (particle level) dynamics. Using this measurement technique, we have developed a series of novel metrics to better understand the behaviours of powders during the steady-state operation of a continuous blender system. Results are presented concerning the response of particle motion to processing parameters (mixing blade configuration and RPM), quantifying the motion in terms of predicted mixing performance. It was found that both increasing rpm and increasing hold-up mass (by selecting fewer transport blades and more mixing blades) provided improved mixing conditions. Interestingly, under specific conditions, there is evidence of convection-like mixing occurring at the interface of the transport and mixing region. This suggests the existence of a potential 'folding region' whereby powder is transported up the barrel (and away from the powder bulk bed) before being reconstituted back into the bulk mass. The results also provide valuable experimental data for the development, calibration and validation of future Discrete Element Method (DEM) simulations.

Crossing the Old Local Breed Deutsches Lachshuhn with the Layer Breed White Rock: Effects on Laying Performance of the Females and Fattening Performance of the Males

We tested the novel cross of the old local breed Deutsches Lachshuhn and the layer breed White Rock, as well as purebred Deutsches Lachshuhn, for their suitability as dual-purpose chickens under 100% organic husbandry conditions, and compared their performance and welfare with the two dual-purpose crosses New Hampshire × Bresse and Bresse × White Rock, which are already established in Germany. Chicks were reared in mixed-sex groups until slaughter of the males at 15 or 18 weeks of life. Data on laying performance and animal welfare were recorded until the hens' 72nd week of life. Laying performance of Deutsches Lachshuhn × White Rock was almost twice as high as that in purebred hens, while fattening performance of the males did not differ. Deutsches Lachshuhn × White Rock, New Hampshire × Bresse and Bresse × White Rock realized a balanced performance profile of 242-250 eggs per hen alive and a final live weight of the males of 2924-3105 g after 18 weeks of rearing. The efficiency of a pair of chickens (one male and one female) was very similar for the crosses (3.69-3.77 kg feed kg-1 marketable product), while purebred Deutsches Lachshuhn was less efficient (6.35 kg feed kg-1 marketable product). Crossing the breed Deutsches Lachshuhn with a layer breed therefore improved laying performance and overall efficiency of the birds compared to purebred Deutsches Lachshuhn.

Addendum: Werner, D.; et al. Early Immunocastration of Pigs: From Farming to Meat Quality. Animals 2021, 11, 298

The authors wish to add the following to this paper [...]

Early Immunocastration of Pigs: From Farming to Meat Quality

The study aimed to test a very early immunization of pigs to prevent boar taint with regard to its practicability and influence on production performance, its reliability in ensuring good meat and fat quality, and animal welfare. Immunization was already conducted at piglet production stage and could be easily integrated into routine vaccination (week 3) and weaning practices (week 7). The fattening and slaughter performance of the animals was not affected by the immunization regime and was within the usual range. In addition, there were no abnormalities in animal behavior and the prevalence of injuries caused by aggressive interactions. All animals were classified as infertile on the basis of the histological examination of the testicles. However, the testosterone levels measured at slaughter were significantly higher in animals of the early immunization regime than in animals subjected to the standard immunization regime. Androstenone and skatole levels as the main components of boar taint were, on average, higher and varied to a greater extent in early immunized animals. Furthermore, the comparison of the immunization scheme did not result in significant differences for meat quality and for fatty acid composition.

Triplex-hybridizing bioconjugated gold nanoparticles for specific Y-chromosome sequence targeting of bull spermatozoa

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are widely used in biomedical applications for drug targeting and bioimaging. This often neccesitates their functionalization with biomolecules carrying a defined biological function, yielding gold nanoparticle bioconjugates. The utilization of triplex-forming oligonucleotides (TFOs) as ligands gives access to nanoconjugates as tools for specific DNA-related nanotargeting via triplex hybridization. Since triplex hybridization with nanobioconjugates has to date not been shown on biologically relevant samples, sex-specific sperm marking may be an appropriate model system to demonstrate the opportunities of this targeting method in vitro. In this study, we focused on specific labeling of repetitive target sites enriched on the bovine Y-chromosome using triplex forming oligonucleotides. First, the functionality of a specific locked nucleic acid (LNA) sequence was confirmed on bovine free DNA and on demembranated sperm heads. Thereafter, the influence of AuNPs on triplex hybridization was spectrophotometrically analyzed employing synthetic dsDNA, genomic DNA and demembranated sperm heads. Results from the SPR-peak shift indicate that TFO-AuNP hybridize to bovine gDNA in a qualitative and significant manner. These results confirm successful triplex hybridization on biologically relevant target sites as well as the establishment of a method to use gold nanoparticles as a suitable tool for sex-selective hybridization.

Microbial fuel cells for inexpensive continuous in-situ monitoring of groundwater quality

Online monitoring of groundwater quality in shallow wells to detect faecal or organic pollution could dramatically improve understanding of health risks in unplanned peri-urban settlements. Microbial fuel cells (MFC) are devices able to generate electricity from the organic matter content in faecal pollution making them suitable as biosensors. In this work, we evaluate the suitability of four microbial fuel cell systems placed in different regions of a groundwater well for the low-cost monitoring of a faecal pollution event. Concepts created include the use of a sediment/bulk liquid MFC (SED/BL), a sediment/sediment MFC (SED/SED), a bulk liquid/air MFC (BL/Air), and a bulk liquid/bulk liquid MFC (BL/BL). MFC electrodes assembly aimed to use inexpensive, durable, materials, which would produce a signal after a contamination event without external energy or chemical inputs. All MFC configurations were responsive to a contamination event, however SED/SED and BL/Air MFC concepts failed to deliver a reproducible output within the tested period of time. BL/BL MFC and SED/BL MFCs presented an increase in the average current after contamination from -0.75 ± 0.35 μA to -0.66 ± 0.41 μA, and 0.07 ± 0.2 mA to 0.11 ± 0.03 mA, respectively. Currents produced by the SED/BL MFC (SMFC) were considerably higher than for the BL/BL MFCs, making them more responsive, readable and graphically visible. A factorial design of experiments (DOE) was applied to evaluate which environmental and design factors had the greatest effect on current response in a contamination event. Within the ranges of variables tested, salinity, temperature and external resistance, only temperature presented a statistically significant effect (p = 0.045). This showed that the biosensor response would be sensitive to fluctuations in temperature but not to changes in salinity, or external resistances produced from placing electrodes at different distances within a groundwater well.

Phenotypic differentiation and phylogenetic signal of wing shape in western European biting midges, Culicoides spp., of the subgenus Avaritia

In the past decade biting midges of the subgenus Avaritia (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) have been popular subjects of applied entomological studies in Europe owing to their implication as biological vectors in outbreaks of bluetongue and Schmallenberg viruses. This study uses a combination of cytochrome oxidase subunit I barcode sequencing and geometric morphometric analyses to investigate wing shape as a means to infer species identification within this subgenus. In addition the congruence of morphological data with different phylogenetic hypotheses is tested. Five different species of the subgenus Avaritia were considered in the study (C. obsoletus (Meigen); C. scoticus Kettle and Lawson; C. chiopterus (Meigen); C. dewulfi Goetghebuer and C. imicola (Kieffer)). The study demonstrated that over 90% of individuals could be separated correctly into species by their wing shape and that patterns of morphological differentiation derived from the geometric morphometric analyses were congruent with phylogenies generated from sequencing data. Morphological data produced are congruent with monophyly of the subgenus Avaritia and the exclusion of C. dewulfi from the group containing C. obsoletus, C. scoticus and C. chiopterus. The implications of these results and their importance in a wider context of integrating multiple data types to interpret both phylogeny and species characterization is discussed.

Dirofilaria repens and Dirofilaria immitis DNA findings in mosquitoes in Germany: temperature data allow autochthonous extrinsic development

After the repeated demonstration of Dirofilaria repens infections in German dogs, D. repens and Dirofilaria immitis DNA was detected in mosquitoes trapped in 2011, 2012 and 2013 in northeastern and southwestern Germany within the framework of culicid monitoring projects. As temperature is the most important factor dictating the extrinsic development of dirofilarial larvae in the potential vector, data of the German Weather Service (DWD) were analysed for the regions where the positive mosquitoes had been collected. Based on the mean daily temperatures recorded by weather stations most closely to the collection sites of the mosquitoes, it can be concluded that the mosquitoes were trapped in time periods that allowed for the completion of the developmental cycle of the worms in the mosquitoes and a subsequent transmission to a vertebrate host. The results of this study confirm the principal climatic suitability of certain German regions for the establishment of natural dirofilarial transmission cycles. Moreover, the theoretical climatic considerations, together with findings of D. repens infections in German dogs and mosquitoes, strongly suggest that the continuing spread of at least D. repens from its traditional habitats in the Mediterranean has reached southwestern and northeastern Germany.

Stoffwechselregulation durch den Zellwandbaustein Kieselsäure: Polgrößenänderungen von a-Ketoglutarsäure, Aminosäuren und Nucleosidphosphaten

When the centric diatom Cyclotella cryptica is grown in a Si (OH) 4-free medium, the glutamic acid pool decreases within 3 hours to a third of the original value, whereas the aspartic acid pool is reduced by only about 20 per cent. The pools of nucleosid-triphosphates and of glycerol-1-phosphate remain unaffected during this time. The nucleosid-diphosphates pool decreases in the same way as that of aspartic acid. The decrease in the glutamic acid pool precedes the inhibition of total protein synthesis in Si (OH) 4-deficient cells, and a significant decrease in the a-ketoglutarate pool precedes the decrease of the glutamic acid content. Already within 60 minutes ofter incubation in a Si (OH) 4-free medium, the content of a-ketoglutarate is decreased to one third of the normal value. On the other hand, the acetyl CoA pathway (enhanced fatty acid synthesis) is not inhibited. The results suggest, that the Si (OH) 4-metabolism interferes with reactions between the condensing enzyme (acetyl-CoA and oxalacetate) and a-ketoglutarate. The delay between inhibition of protein- and RNA-synthesis and the different changes in the pools of amino acids and nucleosid-triphosphates resemble the regulation of the nucleosid-triphosphate pool and RNA-synthesis in amino acid starved strains of E. coli (EDLIN and NEUHARD) 1, though the primary causes are quite different.

Phospholipid Transfer from ER to the Peribacteroid Membrane in Soybean Nodules

Organelle membranes subfractionated from nodules of Glycine max differed in lipid compo­sition. Of the enzymes assembling phospholipids, choline kinase (EC 2.7.1.32) was recovered in the cytoplasmic fraction whereas CDP choline 1,2-diacylglyceride choline phosphotransferase (EC2.7.8.2) was located in the ER. When methyl [14C]CDP choline was supplied to nodules in vivo radioactivity was found in the ER. On longer labelling periods [14C]phosphatidylcholine spread into denser regions of the gradient, including the peribacteroid membrane (which surrounds the Rhizobium japonicum symbiont). [14C]Phosphatidylcholine was a notable component of such membranes.

Adenosine triphosphatase (EC 3.6.1.3) activity in the peribacteroid membrane fraction was compared to that of other major organelle fractions. The peribacteroid membrane ATPase was equally active on pH 6.0 and 8.0, was stimulated by K+ and inhibited by DES, DCCD and MoO4. In these respects it was more similar to the ATPase activity in the ER and mitochondria than in tonoplast or cytoplasm.

The results are discussed in relation to modes of peribacteroid membrane biogenesis, in­cluding enzyme modification.

Low Concentrations of Phytoalexins Correlate with Resistance in Regenerated Plants from Meristem Cultures of Vicia faba L

In tissue cultures from shoot apex meristems with leaf primordias of Vicia faba cv. TP667, addition of low concentration of auxins (0.01 mg ・1-1) induced regeneration of whole plants at high frequency (100%). The combination of NAA and kinetin or GA , also induced a high yield of plant regeneration. Regenerated plants from various cultivars on a medium with 2 ,4 D (0.01 mg ・1-1) were infected with Botrytis cinerea, Phytophthora megasperma and R hizoctonia solani. Accumulation of phytoalexins, ethylene production and the resistance to fungal diseases were studied. In general, production of phytoalexins occurred at a high level in all cultivars infected with B. cinerea. Ethylene production varied more in the seven cultivars studied than phytoalexin accumulation. No cultivar was resistant to B. cinerea. The highest resistance and the low est concentration of phytoalexin was found after infection by R. solani, and phytoalexin accumulation and resistance were interm ediate in plants infected by P. megasperma. The data suggest that only low to medium concentrations of phytoalexin in faba beans are correlated with resistance of regenerated plants.

A randomised multicentre phase II study with cisplatin/docetaxel vs oxaliplatin/docetaxel as first-line therapy in patients with advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer

Background:

This study was designed to compare cisplatin/docetaxel with oxaliplatin/docetaxel in patients with advanced and metastatic non-small lung cancer as a first-line treatment.

Methods:

Patients were randomly assigned to receive either cisplatin 75 mg m⁻² and docetaxel 75 mg m⁻² every 3 weeks or oxaliplatin 85 mg m⁻² and docetaxel 50 mg m⁻² every 2 weeks. The primary end point was response rate, and secondary end points were toxicity, time to progression and overall survival.

Results:

A total of 88 patients (median age: 65 (39–86) years; stage IV: 93%) were randomly assigned. Response rate (complete and partial response) was 47% (95% CI: 33–61%) in the cisplatin/docetaxel arm and 28% (95% CI: 17–43%) in the oxaliplatin/docetaxel arm (P=0.118). There was no significant difference in time to progression (6.3 vs 4.9 months, P=0.111) and median overall survival (11.6 vs 7.0 months, P=0.102) with cisplatin/docetaxel vs oxaliplatin/docetaxel, although slight trends favouring cisplatin were seen. Oxaliplatin/docetaxel was associated with significantly less (any grade) renal toxicity (56% vs 11%), any grade fatigue (81% vs 59%), complete alopecia (76% vs 27%), any grade leukopenia (84% vs 61%) and grade 3/4 leukopenia (44% vs 14%) and neutropenia (56% vs 27%).

Conclusion:

Oxaliplatin/docetaxel has activity in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer, but it seems to be inferior to cisplatin/docetaxel.

[Tuberculous encephalitis, Landouzy sepsis and Pott's disease: complications after surgery for spinal stenosis]

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease with a decreasing incidence in Germany. In particular, the occurrence of reinfections and possible complications associated with this disease, such as tuberculous meningitis/encephalitis and Landouzy sepsis are rare in industrial countries. In this article the intensive care treatment of a patient who initially underwent surgery for spinal stenosis is reported. Due to recurrent appearance of neurological symptoms with increasing severity and abscess formation in the spine, further surgery was performed. Additionally, the patient developed sepsis and meningitis. At this time an infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis could be detected in both cerebrospinal fluid and abscess material of the spine suggesting a Landouzy sepsis, tuberculous meningitis/encephalitis and the suspicion of an underlying Pott's disease.

Prognosis of metastatic gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancer by HER2 status: a European and USA International collaborative analysis

BACKGROUND

To determine whether human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status is an independent prognostic factor in metastatic gastric and gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor samples from 381 metastatic gastric/GEJ cancer patients enrolled at Krankenhaus Nordwest and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Centers on six first-line trials of chemotherapy without trastuzumab were examined for HER2 by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and in situ hybridization (ISH). IHC 3+ or ISH-positive tumors were considered HER2 positive.

RESULTS

Seventy-eight of 381 patients (20%) had HER2-positive disease. In the multivariate logistic model, there were significantly higher rates of HER2 positivity in patients with liver metastasis (liver metastasis 31%; no liver metastasis 11%; P = 0.025) and intestinal histology (intestinal 33%; diffuse/mixed 8%; P = 0.001). No significant differences in HER2 positivity were found between resections and biopsies or primaries and metastases. Patients with HER2-positive gastric cancer had longer median overall survival compared with HER2-negative gastric cancer patients (13.9 versus 11.4 months, P = 0.047), but multivariate analysis indicated that HER2 status was not an independent prognostic factor (hazard ratio 0.79; 0.44-1.14; P = 0.194).

CONCLUSIONS

Approximately 20% of Western patients with metastatic gastric cancer are HER2 positive. Unlike breast cancer, HER2 positivity is not independently prognostic of patient outcome in metastatic gastric or GEJ.

Two invasive mosquito species, Aedes albopictus and Aedes japonicus japonicus, trapped in south-west Germany, July to August 2011

Adult females of two invasive species, Aedes albopictus and Aedes japonicus japonicus, were collected for the first time in July and August 2011 in Germany. Previously, only immature stages of these species had been found in the country. Repeated detection of these species reveals the Upper Rhine Valley in south-west Germany to be a particularly sensitive region for the introduction and establishment of exotic mosquito species that needs careful observation.

The validation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 mRNA gene expression as a predictor of outcome in patients with metastatic gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

The prognostic role of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in metastatic gastric cancer has not been validated.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We carried out a molecular analysis in 222 metastatic gastric cancer patients obtained from clinical trials. We assessed the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of MMP-9, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-A, and epidermal growth factor receptor in a training cohort of 130 patients and conducted an independent validation in 92 patients. Automated RNA extraction from paraffin and RT-quantitative PCR was used. Immunohistochemistry for MMP-9 and diverse immune cell infiltrates was conducted.

RESULTS

In the training cohort, only MMP-9 significantly correlated with patient's survival. At the cut-off with the highest predictive value, 19% of patients had MMP-9 expression above this cut-off and these showed a median survival of 3.6 months compared with 10.5 months (P=1.7e(-6)) in patients with lower expression. Corresponding 1- and 2-year survivals were 9% and 44% and 0 and 21%, respectively. The application of this cut-off to the validation cohort revealed similar distributions of overall survival according to MMP-9 expression on uni- (P<0.001) and multivariate analyses (P<0.001). No differences in survival according to MMP-9 below best cut-off were found. MMP-9 protein assessed by immunohistochemistry was not prognostic.

CONCLUSION

MMP-9 mRNA expression above a certain cut-off level is associated with dismal survival.

Choline kinase II is present only in nodules that synthesize stable peribacteroid membranes

Host-cell cytoplasm from soybean plants infected with the peribacteroid membrane (PBM)-building Rhizobium japonicum strain 61-A-101 (effective, N(2)-fixing) had much higher choline kinase activity than cytoplasm from either uninfected tissue or tissue infected with the non-PBM-building (ineffective, non-N(2)-fixing) strain 61-A-24. Ion-exchange chromatography showed that both types of nodule and root tissue possessed constitutive choline kinase I activity that had a K(m) for choline of approximately 150 muM. The nodules of the effective symbiosis had another activity, choline kinase II (K(m) = 81 muM). Nondenaturing and NaDodSO(4) electrophoresis revealed no multimeric subunit structure of the two enzyme forms but did show the molecular sizes for choline kinase I, 58-59 kDa, and choline kinase II, 60 kDa. Choline kinase I and II and pI values of 8.1 and 8.5, respectively, and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis of whole cytoplasm from control and infected tissue showed a spot corresponding to choline kinase II only in the case of the effective symbiosis, whereas both tissue types had spots corresponding to choline kinase I. Choline kinase II is presumed to be encoded by the plant as neither free-living nor symbiotic (bacteroid) forms of the prokaryote showed any choline kinase activity.

Reduction of acetylene and hydrazine with a molybdenum-glutathione complex

Crystalline preparations of a molybdenum-glutathione complex catalyze the reduction of acetylene to ethylene in the presence of borohydride. The reaction proceeds at rates up to 6 mol of C(2)H(2) produced per min per mol of bound Mo, which is 4% of the activity of a quantity of nitrogenase with an equivalent amount of Mo. The activity of the complex is enhanced 100-fold by ATP, but the addition of ADP has no effect. Stimulation in activity by GTP is about the same as that by ATP, and the effects of CTP or UTP are considerably less. Inhibition of acetylene-reduction activity by the addition of 32 mM orthophosphate was 14%, by 32 mM pyrophosphate 62%, by 0.2 atm of O(2) 65%, and by 0.5 atm of CO 12%; 0.5 atm of H(2) had no effect. The molybdenum-glutathione complex also catalyzes the reduction of hydrazine to ammonia in a reaction that is dependent upon borohydride. The reaction is enhanced about 7-fold by ATP and proceeds at a rate of 2 mol of NH(3) produced per min per mol of bound Mo.

Chemotaxis and nod Gene Activity of Bradyrhizobium japonicum in Response to Hydroxycinnamic Acids and Isoflavonoids

For Bradyrhizobium japonicum, the chemotactic and the nod gene-inducing effects of hydroxycinnamic acids and two of their derivatives were compared with those of isoflavonoids. Only the hydroxycinnamic acids were strong chemoattractants, while the other substances tested were chemotactically inactive. Besides the known nod gene induction by isoflavonoids, a weak nod gene induction by coniferyl alcohol, chlorogenic acid, and ferulic acid was found.

Toxicological potential of 2-alkylcyclobutanones – specific radiolytic products in irradiated fat-containing food – in bacteria and human cell lines

Food irradiation has been considered as a safe processing technology to improve food safety and preservation, eliminating efficiently bacterial pathogens, parasites and insects. This study aims to characterize the toxicological potential of 2-alkylcyclobutanones (2-ACBs), radiolytic derivatives of triglycerides, formed uniquely upon irradiation of fat-containing food. In irradiated food they are generated proportionally to fat content and absorbed radiation dose. The cyto- and genotoxic potentials of various highly pure synthetic 2-ACBs were studied in bacteria and human cell lines. While pronounced cytotoxicity was evident in bacteria, no mutagenic activity has been revealed by the Ames test in Salmonella strains TA 97, TA 98 and TA 100. In mammalian cells genotoxicity was demonstrated mainly by the induction of DNA base lesions recognized by the Fpg protein as determined by both the Comet Assay and the Alkaline Unwinding procedure. Formation of DNA strand breaks was observed by the Alkaline Unwinding procedure but not by the Comet Assay. The extent of cytotoxicity and genotoxicity were dependent on chain length and degree of unsaturation of the fatty acid chain. Further studies will have to clarify mechanisms of action and potential relevance for human exposure situation.

[Trimethylaminuria (fish-odour syndrome)--hints for a new therapeutic option with desmopressin]

There is still no medical treatment available for the so-called fish-odour syndrome (trimethylaminuria). A recent coincidental observation points to a possible therapy with desmopressin. Theoretical considerations about the possible mechanism can explain the observed effects.

Valdecoxib does not interfere with the CYP2D6 substrate metoprolol

OBJECTIVE

We reported recently that celecoxib inhibits the metabolism of the cytochrome P450 (CYP)2D6 substrate metoprolol in volunteers. Valdecoxib, the active metabolite of parecoxib, has also been claimed to interfere with the metabolism of CYP2D6 substrates. However, little support for this contention is available despite the intensive use of parecoxib in the perioperative setting. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the effect of valdecoxib on the pharmacokinetics of the clinically relevant CYP2D6 substrate metoprolol.

METHODS

An open, randomized, 3-period crossover study was performed in 15 healthy male volunteers. Metoprolol (50 mg) was given in all 3 periods without, or following a 7-day pre-treatment with valdecoxib (20 mg, o.d.) or rofecoxib (25 mg, o.d.), to achieve steady state conditions of COX-2 inhibitors in Periods 2 and 3. In a small group of extensive metabolizers (EM/EM), short-term application of twice the dose was investigated.

RESULTS

No effect of valdecoxib (20 mg/d) or rofecoxib (25 mg/d) were detected on the area under the plasma concentration-time curve of metoprolol (323 +/- 333 to 324 +/- 296 or 309 +/- 256 microg x h/l) or at a higher dose. No significant changes of pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic parameters of metoprolol were apparent.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that, at therapeutic doses, valdecoxib and rofecoxib do not influence the CYP2D6 substrate metoprolol.

Percutaneous posterior lumbar interbody fusion using the B-twin expandable spinal spacer

Sixty-two suitable subjects (mean age: 49.3 years) underwent percutaneous posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PPLIF) using the B-Twin expandable spinal spacer (B-Twin ESS) and were followed thereafter for 2 years or longer. The clinical outcome was expressed by the change in pain intensity as scored on a visual analogue scale and the change in degree of disability as scored by the Oswestry Disability Index. The results were compared with those of a previous trial of PLIF using the B-Twin ESS in which the latter was introduced via the open surgical approach (OPLIF). Mean duration of operation was 103 minutes. Blood loss was negligible. No operative difficulties or complications were encountered. No participant was lost to follow-up. Disc space height had increased by a mean of 10 %. At that time there were no radiographic signs of non-union in any patient. The mean pain intensity and disability scores decreased by 66 % and 61 %, respectively, as compared to those on admission. The clinical outcome of the percutaneous method was comparable to that of the open procedure using the B-Twin ESS; however, the results can be interpreted as favoring the former in the context of minimal invasiveness. Should this outcome be validated in further trials, the technique may be adopted in selective cases.

Different apoptotic mechanisms are involved in the antiproliferative effects of 7beta-hydroxysitosterol and 7beta-hydroxycholesterol in human colon cancer cells

Plant sterols are found in fruits and vegetables. Their cholesterol-lowering effect is well documented. Our study aimed at comparing antiproliferative effects of 7beta-hydroxysitosterol (7beta-OHsito) versus 7beta-hydroxycholesterol (7beta-OHchol) on the human colon cancer cell line Caco-2. When cells were exposed for 32 h to 60 microM 7beta-OHsito or to 30 microM 7beta-OHchol, both compounds caused 50% growth inhibition. Cells treated with 7beta-OHsito showed enhanced caspase-9 and -3 activities followed by DNA fragmentation. In contrast, 7beta-OHchol did not activate caspase-3 and activation of caspase-9 and DNA fragmentation were delayed. The treatment of cells with the caspase inhibitor Z-VAD.fmk retarded the 7beta-OHsito-induced apoptotic process but not that triggered by 7beta-OHchol. Our data suggest that the two compounds in spite of their structural similarities target different cellular pathways, which lead to cell death.

Effect of Nursing Management and Skeletal Size at Weaning on Puberty, Skeletal Growth Rate, and Milk Production During First Lactation of Dairy Heifers

Forty Israeli-Holstein 5-d-old calves were used to determine the effect of increasing calf body weight (BW) and skeletal size during the nursing period on age and skeletal size at puberty and on skeletal size and performance during first lactation. The calves were randomly allotted to 2 experimental groups as follows: milk replacer (MR) [calves were given 0.450 kg/d dry matter of milk replacer for the first 50 d of life] and milk-fed (MF) [calves had free access to milk in two 30-min meals/d]. From weaning to 180 d of age, all calves were fed the same diet. At 180 d of age, the MR and MF calves were each divided into 2 equal subgroups: one subgroup from each treatment was given only growing ration, and the other was given the same ration supplemented with fish meal to supply 2% crude protein (CP) (treatments MR + CP and MF + CP, respectively). Finally, at 270 d of age, all calves were housed together and fed a growing heifer's ration until first calving. During the entire nursing period, the MF calves consumed 9.8% more DM, 39.7% more CP, and 52.4% more metabolizable energy than the MR calves. At 60 d of age, BW and all skeletal parameters were higher in the MF calves than in the MR calves. During the entire rearing period (60 to 550 d), the average BW of the MF calves was greater by 16 kg than the BW of the MR calves. Nursing management did not affect differences in skeletal parameters at calving. Average age at puberty onset was 272 +/- 26.8 d; MF calves reached puberty 23 d earlier than MR calves. Yields of milk (kg/305 d) and fat-corrected milk (FCM, kg/d) were greater for the MF + CP heifers than for the MR heifers. It was concluded that nursing by ad libitum milk, as compared with milk replacer, affected BW but not skeletal size of the adult animal, decreased age of puberty onset, and increased FCM yield at first lactation. Supplementing the diet with 2% CP during the prepubertal period increased BW but not skeletal size of the adult animal and 305-d milk and FCM yields during first lactation.