The Prognostic Role of CYP Enzyme in Kidney Transplantation: A Single Centre Experience

BACKGROUND

The main goal of immunosuppressive agents is to reach a balance of preserving allograft function while minimizing adverse effects. The purpose of our research is to corroborate the role of CYP3A enzyme in developing individual medication therapy via measuring medicine levels in patients' blood samples.

METHODS

This retrospective analysis studies 15 kidney transplant recipients. We carried out genotyping (CYP3A5, CYP3A4) after isolating DNA and RNA in patient and donor blood samples; we also determined CYP3A4 messenger RNA expression in case of recipients. Tacrolimus blood levels, dosage, and tacrolimus concentration normalized by dose and the body weight (C₀/D ratio) were evaluated.

RESULTS

In this research, recipients were divided into 2 groups based on their CYP3A5 genotype. Those who carry CYP3A5*1 allele (*1/*1 or *1/*3) are CYP3A5 expressors, whereas those who are homozygous for the nonfunctional CYP3A5*3 allele are CYP3A5 nonexpressors. There were 3 patients with functioning CYP3A5 enzyme (patients with CYP3A5*1/*3 genotype) where increased tacrolimus metabolism was expected. Our data show that C₀/D ratio of CYP3A5 nonexpressors was around 3 times higher than of CYP3A5 expressors. Looking at CYP3A4 enzyme, we found 1 patient carried CYP3A4*22/*22 genotype where we expected decreased CYP3A4 expression. It is clear that this patient had adequate therapy medication levels (9.50 μg/L) despite having received very low dosage of tacrolimus (0.03 mg/weight/d).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results confirmed the importance of determining CYP status of recipients after a transplant because individual differences were observed in tacrolimus treatment that were partly influenced by CYP status of recipients.

Analysis of the acceptance practice of deceased donor kidneys in a single Hungarian transplant centre

Összefoglaló. Bevezetés: A magyarországi vesetranszplantáció 2013 óta az Eurotransplant (ET) keretein belül zajlik. A debreceni vesetranszplantációs centrumhoz évente kb. 200 kadáverdonorvese-felajánlás érkezik, melyek 37%-a kerül a megismert adatok alapján elfogadásra. Nem minden elfogadott vese kerül beültetésre, aminek számos oka lehet. Célkitűzés: A debreceni szakmai gyakorlat elemzése és bemutatása reprezentatív mintán. Módszer: A debreceni centrumhoz 2016. november és 2020. március között 624 vesefelajánlás érkezett. A felajánlott vesék 37%-a (n = 229) került előzetesen elfogadásra, később az elfogadott vesék 63%-a (n = 144) került beültetésre. Centrumunkban az ún. 'standard criteria', azaz tökéletes minőségű donorvesék szignifikánsan magasabb arányban kerültek elfogadásra, majd beültetésre, mint az 'extended criteria', azaz kompromisszummal vállalhatók. Az elfogadott és nem elfogadott veséket vizsgálva a KDPI (kidney donor profile index) és a KDRI (kidney donor risk index) értéke szignifikánsan magasabb volt az elutasított donorok esetében (p<0,001). Eredmények: Elemeztük, hogy a felajánlott, de a centrum által nem beültetett donorveséket más ET-centrumban elfogadták-e. Látható, hogy a felajánlott 624 donorvese közül 144 Debrecenben, 313 pedig más ET-centrumban került beültetésre, viszont 167 vese beültetése egyik ET-centrumban sem történt meg (discarded organ). A 36-85 KDPI-értékkel rendelkező csoportból került beültetésre a legtöbb donorvese (180 vese) más ET-centrumban. A Debrecenben beültetett kadáverdonor-vesék KDPI- és KDRI-értéke szignifikánsan alacsonyabb volt a nekünk felajánlott, majd máshol beültetett vesékhez képest. Következtetés: Összességében elmondható, hogy a debreceni centrumban a magas rizikócsoportba tartozó donorszervek elutasításra kerültek, miközben más centrumban a nagy részüket beültették. Ez alapján a 36-85 KDPI-értékű csoport a transzplantációs esetszám bővítésének lehetséges forrása a recipiens ismeretében. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(26): 1022-1028.

SUMMARY

INTRODUCTION

Kidney transplantation in Hungary is carried out via Eurotransplant (ET). Our centre in Debrecen receives around 200 kidney offers a year, of which 37% are accepted. Not all accepted kidneys are transplanted, which can be a result of a number of causes. Obejctive: A debreceni szakmai gyakorlat elemzése és bemutatása reprezentatív mintán.

METHOD

Between November 2016 and March 2020, the centre of Debrecen received 624 kidney offers. 37% (n = 229) of the offered kidneys got preliminarily accepted, of which 63% (n = 144) were transplanted later. In our centre, standard criteria donor kidneys were accepted and transplanted in significantly higher rate, than extended criteria donor kidneys. Looking at accepted and rejected kidneys, KDPI and KDRI values were significantly higher in the case of the refused ones (p<0.001).

RESULTS

Part of our assessment is to analyze whether kidneys offered to and refused by us got accepted in other transplant centres. In the examined period, of the 624 kidneys offered to our centre 144 were transplanted in Debrecen, 313 were transplanted in other ET centres, while 167 were not transplanted at all (discarded organ). The majority of transplanted kidneys in other ET centres had KDPI values between 36 and 85 (180 kidneys.) KDPI and KDRI values of kidneys transplanted in our centre were significantly lower than those that were offered to us, but got transplanted elsewhere.

CONCLUSION

To summarize, we can say that high-risk donor organs are refused in the transplant centre of Debrecen, while the majority of them are being transplanted in other centres. Based on this, kidneys of KDPI value between 36 and 85 are a possible source of expanding the number of transplantations, with regards to the recipient. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(26): 1022-1028.

Quality Assessment of Donor Kidneys and the Tendency of Kidney Acceptance: A Single-Center Experience

PURPOSE

The increasing age of donors and the increasing tendency of comorbidities requires an extension in acceptance criteria. In this review, the tendency for acceptance and refusal was analyzed by examining reasons for declining donor kidneys at the kidney transplantation center in Debrecen. This analysis aimed to assess the quality of donor kidneys and indicate why two-thirds of donated organs were refused.

METHOD

Our center in Debrecen received 535 kidney offers (based on exclusion criteria) between November 2016 and August 2019, which were retrospectively analyzed. Donor kidneys were evaluated using expanded criteria donor, kidney donor profile index (KDPI), and kidney donor risk index criteria systems.

RESULTS

Thirty-five percent (n = 189) of the kidneys offered to the center in Debrecen had been approved in advance, and later 63% (n = 119) were transplanted. Using the KDPI system, 41% of donors had a KDPI above 85, of which 23% were accepted, while acceptance of kidneys with a KDPI of 0 to 35 was around 70%. When examining causes of donor kidney refusal, 90% of the organs had donor quality problems, 13% had logistical cause (long cold ischemic time, large age difference between donor and recipient), and 10.5% had immunologic cause. In 13% of cases, the refusal of donor organs was due to the coexistence of several problems.

CONCLUSION

Our data showed that high-risk donor organs were being refused in our center; however, they are being transplanted at a higher rate in other Eurotransplant centers. The decision to refuse or accept donor organs depends on several factors, including expected waiting time, patient's clinical characteristics, and quality of life.

Effect of ambient temperature on the productive and carcass traits of growing rabbits divergently selected for body fat content

Rabbits are particularly sensitive to heat stress which can affect productive performance, with rabbit breed/line possibly playing a role on the response to this condition. The study aimed at evaluating the effect of different ambient temperatures on the live performance and carcass traits of growing rabbits divergently selected for total body fat content. The two genetic lines (Lean and Fat) were selected based on the total body fat content estimated by computer tomography during five generations. From birth to slaughter (13 weeks of age), the rabbits were housed in two rooms where the temperature was controlled with air conditioners: in the control room the average ambient temperature was 20 °C and in the high temperature room it was 28 °C. After weaning (35 d), 60 Lean and 60 Fat rabbits/room were housed by two in wire-mesh cages and fed ad libitum with commercial pellets. The BW and feed intake (FI) were measured at 5, 7, 9, 11 and 13 weeks of age to calculate the daily weight gain (DWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Mortality was recorded daily. At the end of the experiment, rabbits were slaughtered and carcass traits were measured. Mortality was independent of temperature and line. The temperature significantly influenced the FI, DWG, BW and the fat deposits: they were lower at higher ambient temperature. The effect of temperature differed according to the rabbits' total body fat content. At control temperature, the FI (165 vs 155 g/day; P < 0.05) and FCR (4.67 vs 4.31; P < 0.05) were higher in Fat rabbits, which also had more perirenal (36.2 vs 23.1 g; P < 0.05) and scapular fat (10.8 vs 7.1 g; P < 0.05). At high temperature, no differences in fat depots (14.5 vs 9.8 g; 5.3 vs 3.5 g) were found between the two lines. It can be concluded that temperature × genetic line interaction had an important role in productive and carcass traits, as the effect of temperature differs between Lean and Fat rabbits.

Divergent selection for fat index in Pannon Ka rabbits: genetic parameters, selection response

<p>The objective of this study was to estimate the response to selection for total body fat content of rabbits measured by computer tomography (CT). A divergent selection experiment was performed using Pannon Ka rabbits, which were previously selected for number of kits born alive. The so-called zero generation consisted of 351 Pannon Ka rabbits, from which the index, total body fat volume (cm³) divided by the body weight (kg), was measured. Rabbits with low and high fat index values were selected to form the parent groups of the lean and fat lines, respectively. The lines consisted of 55-72 females and 35-47 males, depending on the line and generation. After three generations, the rabbits were evaluated by means of a single trait animal model. The fat index showed a moderate heritability estimate (0.28±0.03). The magnitude of the common litter effect was small (0.10±0.02). The breeding values averaged per generation provided slightly asymmetrical responses. Based on the results, the divergent selection was successful in confirming that CT is a very suitable method for performing selection for body composition traits.</p>

Terrain uplift due to natural hydrologic overpressure in karstic conduits

Water supply from karst sources is a worldwide natural resource and the exploitation is tied to the knowledge of the positions of the hydrologic channels. We show that surface deformation induced by flood events in karst conduits is observable, and consists in uplift and outward movement from the hydraulic channel. Precipitation events produce the natural occurrence of subsurface hydraulic overpressure up to 1 MPa. Numerical modeling shows that the stresses are so strong to uplift and dislocate the surface by several mm and induce tilts in the order of microradians. The naturally induced deformation is compatible with a transient internal pressure loading of a channel. The results can be used to find new channels with dense GNSS networks. Sea water incursion and channels accessed for tourism could be monitored. Seismicity has been shown to have a seasonal variation in some areas, which could be explained by the subsurface stresses induced by the natural subsurface overpressure. The pressure induced deformation is expected to be observed in all karstic systems worldwide.

Preference of rabbit does among different nest materials

Nest quality is important for the survival of new-born rabbits. Nesting material in rabbit farms generally consists of wood shavings, which is completely different from the dry grass used by the European wild rabbit (<em>Oryctolagus cuniculus</em>). The aim of the experiments was to examine which nest materials are preferred by rabbit does when building their nest. In experiment 1, the choice of multiparous rabbit does (n=37) among nest boxes bedded with different nesting materials was monitored. In each pen (1.0×1.83 m) 1 doe and 4 nest boxes (0.37×0.23×0.31 m) with different nest materials (meadow hay [H], wheat straw [S], fine fibre material [Lignocel^®, L] or wood shavings [W]) were placed 3 days before the expected parturition (gestation length is about 31 d in the Pannon White breed). Some 48.6% of the does kindled in nest boxes that contained pure materials (L: 40.5%, S: 5.4%, H: 2.7%), and 51.3% of the does kindled in nest boxes where the nest materials of different nest boxes were mixed by the does (S with L: 21.5%, S with L and H: 5.4%, W with L: 8.1%, L with H and S: 5.4%). Does preferred kindling in the nest box bedded with L, and most of them refused the nest box with W. In experiment 2/a (n=32 does) and 2/b (n=25 does), each pen (1×0.91 m) was equipped with 3 and 2 hay racks and filled with H, S or L, and H or S, respectively. The experiments lasted from the 27^th day of pregnancy until the day of parturition and 24-h video recordings (10 does/experiment) were evaluated throughout the experiment. The events of carrying the nest materials from the hay racks were registered. In experiment 2/a, the frequency of nest material carrying was highest on the day of parturition. The preferred nest material was L (compared to H and S) on each experimental day except day 30 of pregnancy. At the day of kindling, 87.5, 6.3 and 6.3% of the nests contained pure L, mixed L-H and L-S, respectively. In experiment 2/b, the frequency of nest material carrying (mostly S) was highest on the day of parturition, and on days 27 and 30 of pregnancy. More does built nests with only S (72%) than H (16%), and in 12% of the cases the S and H were mixed. For the purpose of nest building, material S was the most frequently used (72%) compared to other possibilities (H: 16%, S-H: 12%). It can be concluded that rabbit does showed the following clear preferences for specific nest building materials: L&gt;S&gt;H&gt;W.

[Clinical neurophysiological methods in diagnosis and treatment of cerebrovascular diseases]

Neurophysiological methods are gaining ground in the diagnosis and therapy of cerebrovascular disease. While the role of the EEG (electroencephalography) in the diagnosis of post-stroke epilepsy is constant, quantitative EEG para-meters, as new indicators of early efficiency after thrombolysis or in prognosis of patient's condition have proved their effectiveness in several clinical studies. In intensive care units, continuous EEG monitoring of critically ill patients became part of neurointenzive care protocols. SSEP (somatosesnsory evoked potencial) and EEG performed during carotid endarterectomy, are early indicative intraoperativ neuromonitoring methods of poor outcome. Neurorehabilitation is a newly discovered area of neurophysiology. Clinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in the rehabilitation of stroke patients. Brain computer interface mark the onset of modern rehabi-litation, where the function deficit is replaced by robotic tehnology.

Membrane Transporters in Physiological Barriers of Pharmacological Importance

Membrane transporters expressed in barrier forming cell types provide a dual filtration system as unwanted xenobiotics are effluxed by ABC transporters, and compounds essential for the organism, such as nutrients or physiological substrates, are taken up by influx transporters. The majority of efflux transporters apically-localized in barrier forming cell types are ABC transporters that may limit absorption or distribution, and promote excretion. Pharmaceutical scientists are increasingly aware of the limitations these efflux transporters represent. Influx transporters are also critically important, as apically-located influx transporters may counteract the effect of co-localized efflux transporters, promoting absorption or reabsorption, as well as facilitating distribution of low passive permeability substrates into tissues that are otherwise heavily guarded by efflux transporters. In excretory organs, basolaterally-localized influx transporters cooperate with apically-localized efflux trransporters to efficiently drive transcellular movement of xenobiotics and their metabolites. Pharmacological inhibition of absorption or reabsorption of unwanted nutrients and endobiotics has become a great opportunity for pharmaceutical development. For drug developers, these transporters also offer the opportunity to target specific organs and cell types. Targeting drugs to cells and tissues harboring the pharmacological target not only makes drugs more efficient, but can also make them less toxic, as it allows for administration of lower doses and less distribution of drugs into non-target organs.

Abcb1a (P-glycoprotein) limits brain exposure of the anticancer drug candidate seliciclib in vivo in adult mice

Seliciclib displayed limited brain exposure in vivo in adult rats with mature blood-brain barrier (BBB). Selicilib was shown to be a specific substrate of human ABCB1 in vitro. To demonstrate that ABCB1/Abcb1 can limit brain exposure in vivo in mice we are showing that seliciclib is a substrate of mouse Abcb1a, the murine ABCB1 ortholog expressed in the BBB as LLC-PK-Abcb1a cells displayed an efflux ratio (ER) of 15.31±3.54 versus an ER of 1.44±0.10 in LLC-PK1-mock cells. Additionally, in the presence of LY335979, an ABCB1/Abcb1a specific inhibitor, the observed ER for seliciclib in the LLC-PK1-mMdr1a cells decreased to 1.05±0.25. To demonstrate in vivo relevance of seliciclib transport by Abcb1a mouse brain microdialysis experiments were carried out that showed that the AUC_brain/AUC_blood ratio of 0.143 in anesthetized mice increased about two-fold to 0.279 in the presence of PSC833 another ABCB1/Abcb1a specific inhibitor. PSC833 also increased the brain exposure (AUC_brain) of seliciclib close to 2-fold (136 vs 242) in awake mice. In sum, Abcb1a significantly decreases seliciclib permeability in vitro and is partly responsible for limited brain exposure of seliciclib in vivo in mice.

Fungal Planet description sheets: 558-624

Novel species of fungi described in this study include those from various countries as follows: Australia: Banksiophoma australiensis (incl. Banksiophoma gen. nov.) on Banksia coccinea, Davidiellomycesaustraliensis (incl. Davidiellomyces gen. nov.) on Cyperaceae, Didymocyrtis banksiae on Banksia sessilis var. cygnorum, Disculoides calophyllae on Corymbia calophylla, Harknessia banksiae on Banksia sessilis, Harknessia banksiae-repens on Banksia repens, Harknessia banksiigena on Banksia sessilis var. cygnorum, Harknessia communis on Podocarpus sp., Harknessia platyphyllae on Eucalyptus platyphylla, Myrtacremonium eucalypti (incl. Myrtacremonium gen. nov.) on Eucalyptus globulus, Myrtapenidiella balenae on Eucalyptus sp., Myrtapenidiella eucalyptigena on Eucalyptus sp., Myrtapenidiella pleurocarpae on Eucalyptuspleurocarpa, Paraconiothyrium hakeae on Hakea sp., Paraphaeosphaeria xanthorrhoeae on Xanthorrhoea sp., Parateratosphaeria stirlingiae on Stirlingia sp., Perthomyces podocarpi (incl. Perthomyces gen. nov.) on Podocarpus sp., Readeriella ellipsoidea on Eucalyptus sp., Rosellinia australiensis on Banksia grandis, Tiarosporella corymbiae on Corymbia calophylla, Verrucoconiothyriumeucalyptigenum on Eucalyptus sp., Zasmidium commune on Xanthorrhoea sp., and Zasmidium podocarpi on Podocarpus sp. Brazil: Cyathus aurantogriseocarpus on decaying wood, Perenniporia brasiliensis on decayed wood, Perenniporia paraguyanensis on decayed wood, and Pseudocercospora leandrae-fragilis on Leandrafragilis.Chile: Phialocephala cladophialophoroides on human toe nail. Costa Rica: Psathyrella striatoannulata from soil. Czech Republic: Myotisia cremea (incl. Myotisia gen. nov.) on bat droppings. Ecuador: Humidicutis dictiocephala from soil, Hygrocybe macrosiparia from soil, Hygrocybe sangayensis from soil, and Polycephalomyces onorei on stem of Etlingera sp. France: Westerdykella centenaria from soil. Hungary: Tuber magentipunctatum from soil. India: Ganoderma mizoramense on decaying wood, Hodophilus indicus from soil, Keratinophyton turgidum in soil, and Russula arunii on Pterigota alata.Italy: Rhodocybe matesina from soil. Malaysia: Apoharknessia eucalyptorum, Harknessia malayensis, Harknessia pellitae, and Peyronellaea eucalypti on Eucalyptus pellita, Lectera capsici on Capsicum annuum, and Wallrothiella gmelinae on Gmelina arborea.Morocco: Neocordana musigena on Musa sp. New Zealand: Candida rongomai-pounamu on agaric mushroom surface, Candida vespimorsuum on cup fungus surface, Cylindrocladiella vitis on Vitis vinifera, Foliocryphia eucalyptorum on Eucalyptus sp., Ramularia vacciniicola on Vaccinium sp., and Rhodotorula ngohengohe on bird feather surface. Poland: Tolypocladium fumosum on a caterpillar case of unidentified Lepidoptera.Russia: Pholiotina longistipitata among moss. Spain: Coprinopsis pseudomarcescibilis from soil, Eremiomyces innocentii from soil, Gyroporus pseudocyanescens in humus, Inocybe parvicystis in humus, and Penicillium parvofructum from soil. Unknown origin: Paraphoma rhaphiolepidis on Rhaphiolepsis indica.USA: Acidiella americana from wall of a cooling tower, Neodactylaria obpyriformis (incl. Neodactylaria gen. nov.) from human bronchoalveolar lavage, and Saksenaea loutrophoriformis from human eye. Vietnam: Phytophthora mekongensis from Citrus grandis, and Phytophthora prodigiosa from Citrus grandis. Morphological and culture characteristics along with DNA barcodes are provided.

Transient receptor potential ion channels in primary sensory neurons as targets for novel analgesics

The last decade has witnessed an explosion in novel findings relating to the molecules involved in mediating the sensation of pain in humans. Transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels emerged as the greatest group of molecules involved in the transduction of various physical stimuli into neuronal signals in primary sensory neurons, as well as, in the development of pain. Here, we review the role of TRP ion channels in primary sensory neurons in the development of pain associated with peripheral pathologies and possible strategies to translate preclinical data into the development of effective new analgesics. Based on available evidence, we argue that nociception-related TRP channels on primary sensory neurons provide highly valuable targets for the development of novel analgesics and that, in order to reduce possible undesirable side effects, novel analgesics should prevent the translocation from the cytoplasm to the cell membrane and the sensitization of the channels rather than blocking the channel pore or binding sites for exogenous or endogenous activators.

Rapid genotyping of genetically modified laboratory animals from whole blood samples without DNA preparation

A new, rapid method is described which permits the genotyping of genetically modified animals from a microlitre volume of whole blood samples via one step polymerase chain reaction amplification. The major advantage of the presented method is the exclusion of a DNA preparation step, which significantly reduces the time expenditure and work load of the genetic testing. Pilot studies indicate, that this method is efficient and applicable also on tissue biopsies and larger amount of blood providing a rapid and reliable new technique over conventional genotyping approaches.

The contribution of dominance and inbreeding depression in estimating variance components for litter size in Pannon White rabbits

In a synthetic closed population of Pannon White rabbits, additive (VA ), dominance (VD ) and permanent environmental (VPe ) variance components as well as doe (bF d ) and litter (bF l ) inbreeding depression were estimated for the number of kits born alive (NBA), number of kits born dead (NBD) and total number of kits born (TNB). The data set consisted of 18,398 kindling records of 3883 does collected from 1992 to 2009. Six models were used to estimate dominance and inbreeding effects. The most complete model estimated VA and VD to contribute 5.5 ± 1.1% and 4.8 ± 2.4%, respectively, to total phenotypic variance (VP ) for NBA; the corresponding values for NBD were 1.9 ± 0.6% and 5.3 ± 2.4%, for TNB, 6.2 ± 1.0% and 8.1 ± 3.2% respectively. These results indicate the presence of considerable VD . Including dominance in the model generally reduced VA and VPe estimates, and had only a very small effect on inbreeding depression estimates. Including inbreeding covariates did not affect estimates of any variance component. A 10% increase in doe inbreeding significantly increased NBD (bF d  = 0.18 ± 0.07), while a 10% increase in litter inbreeding significantly reduced NBA (bF l  = -0.41 ± 0.11) and TNB (bF l  = -0.34 ± 0.10). These findings argue for including dominance effects in models of litter size traits in populations that exhibit significant dominance relationships.

Alcohol-induced premature permeability in mouse placenta-yolk sac barriers in vivo

OBJECTIVE

Acute alcohol exposure induces malformation and malfunction of placenta-yolk sac tissues in rodents, reducing the labyrinth zone in the placenta and altering the permeability and fluidity of the cell membrane. During normal mouse placentation the cells line up in an optimal way to form a hemotrichorial placenta where layers II and III are connected through gap junctions. These act as molecular sieves that limit the passage of large molecules. PlGF is a developmentally regulated protein that controls the passage of molecules in the vasculosyncytial membranes and media of large blood vessels in the placental villi. In addition to the chorioallontoic placenta, rodents also have another type of placenta that consists of Reichert's membrane within the trophoblast cell layer on the maternal side and the parietal endodermal cells on the embryonic site. This forms a separate materno-fetal transport system. We study here whether alcohol affects these two placental barriers, leading to placental malfunction that in turn diminishes the nutrient supply to the embryo.

STUDY DESIGN

CD-1 mice received two intraperitoneal injections of 3 g/kg ethanol at 4 h intervals at 8.75 days post coitum (dpc). The placentas were collected on 9.5, 11.5 and 14.5 dpc and used for histopathological protein studies. Hemotrichorial cell layer structure interactions through connective tissue and gap junction were analyzed by electron microscopy. The permeability of the feto-maternal barrier was visualized with Evans Blue.

RESULTS

VEGF, a permeability inducer, was found to be up-regulated in the mouse placenta after acute alcohol exposure, and permeability was also affected by altered structures in the barriers that separate the feto-maternal blood circulation which destroyed the gap junctions in the hemotrichorial cell layer, reduced the thickness of Reichert's membrane and interfered with with Reichert's trophoblast/Reichert's parietal interaction. These defects together could have caused the permeability malfunction of the placenta-yolk sac tissues as visualized and quantified here by Evans Blue leakage.

CONCLUSIONS

An altered PlGF/VEGF ratio together with barrier malformation may contribute to placental malfunction by altering the permeability of the feto-maternal barriers. Further studies are needed in order to show whether premature permeability is involved in the intrauterine growth restriction observed in human FAS embryos.

Effect of age and body weight on carcass traits and meat composition of rabbits

Abstract. A total of 238 Pannon White growing rabbits were slaughtered at 74, 84 and 94 days of age, at an average body weight of 2.53, 2.84 and 3.15 kg, respectively. Within each age group five body weight categories were formed in such a way that the weight difference between two neighbouring groups was equally 0.3 kg. The design of the experiment permitted the separate examination of the effects exerted by age and body weight on carcass traits and on meat chemical composition of the left hind leg (HL) and that of m. Longissimus dorsi (MLD). Dressing out percentage significantly increased with the increase of age in all body weight categories, as well as with the increase of body weight. The effect of age on the ratio of the fore part of the carcass depended on the body weight: significant difference was found in lower body weight categories. The ratio of the intermediate part of the carcass was not affected by age but it increased in rabbits of higher body weight. The ratio of the hind part of the carcass increased in older animals, while it decreased in rabbits of higher body weight, and this decrease was higher in older rabbits. The ratio of the perirenal fat to reference carcass significantly decreased with age in all body weight categories, but it significantly increased in rabbits of higher body weight. With the advancement of age the moisture content of the HL increased, while that of the MLD did not change. With the increase of body weight, moisture content decreased in both the HL and in the MLD. The fat content of both HL and MLD decreased in older animals, while it increased in rabbits of higher body weight.

Genetic parameters and genetic trends of reproduction traits in synthetic Pannon rabbits using repeatability and multi-trait animal models

Abstract. Genetic parameters and genetic trends of total number of born kits (TNB), and number of kits born alive (NBA) were estimated in Pannon White and Pannon Ka rabbits for the first four parities. REML and BLUP procedures were applied using repeatability and multi-trait animal models (PEST and VCE software). Heritability estimates were low for both traits and breeds and ranged between 0.060.43–0.07 (0.010.43–0.02) and 0.040.43–0.06 (0.020.43–0.02) for TNB and NBA, respectively (standard errors of estimates are given in brackets). The estimated permanent environmental effects showed higher relative importance compared to the additive genetic effects and they ranged between 0.070.43–0.13 (0.010.43–0.02) and 0.080.43–0.14 (0.010.43–0.02) for TNB and NBA, respectively. High genetic correlation coefficients were found between TNB and NBA (0.97±0.02, 0.96±0.02) for Pannon White and Pannon Ka, respectively. The genetic correlation coefficients estimated between TNB and between NBA of the successive parities (as separate traits) ranged between 0.640.43–0.97 (0.040.43–0.11) and 0.560.43–0.99 (0.030.43–0.10) for Pannon White and Pannon Ka, respectively. The estimated genetic trends for TNB and NBA were negligible for the Pannon White and small (0.030.43–0.02 [0.010.43–0.01]) for Pannon Ka. The mean squared errors (MSE) of the repeatability and multi-trait models were similar but the correlation coefficients of between the observed and predicted values were lower for the multi-trait (0.270.43–0.61) than for the repeatability models (0.43–0.65).

Peripheral orthopaedic surgery down-regulates hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor and impairs remote memory in mouse

Peripheral orthopaedic surgery induces a profound inflammatory response. This includes a substantial increase in cytokines and, especially, in the level of interleukin (IL)-1β in the hippocampus, which has been shown to impair hippocampal-dependent memory in mice. We have employed two tests of contextual remote memory to demonstrate that the inflammatory response to surgical insult in mice also results in impairment of remote memory associated with prefrontal cortex (PFC). We have also found that, under the conditions presented in the social interaction test, peripheral orthopaedic surgery does not increase anxiety-like behaviour in our animal model. Although such surgery induces an increase in the level of IL-1β in the hippocampus, it fails to do so in the PFC. Peripheral orthopaedic surgery also results in a reduction in the level of hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and this may contribute, in part, to the memory impairment found after such surgery. Our data suggest that a reduction in the level of hippocampal BDNF and an increase in the level of hippocampal IL-1β following surgery may affect the transference of fear memory in the mouse brain.

[The role of breastfeeding in the infant nourishment]

Breastfeeding is a natural nutrition of newborns, infants and toddlers, which is best suited to their specific needs. Breast milk has evolved throughout the existence of the species that best match the specific needs of the newborn. The more we know about the nutritional, immunological and other beneficial properties of the breast milk and breast-feeding; the clearer is its importance. It is assumed that breastfeeding may be one of the factors that reduce the development of several diseases in a later age. Breastfeeding is a unique emotional experience. Closer contact with a child during breast-feeding creates the child a sense of security, love, and forms a strong emotional bond with mother and provides the child's sense of security and love.

Effect of alternative rearing methods on the behaviour and on the growth and slaughter traits of growing rabbits

Abstract. The aim of this study was to compare the behaviour and the production and slaughter traits of growing rabbits reared in different alternative rearing systems and in conventional fattening cages. The experiment was carried out with 312 Pannon White growing rabbits between 5 and 11 weeks of age. According to the pen size, floor type and stocking density 8 experimental groups were created. For analyzing the different behavioural patterns 24 h video recordings were performed weekly by using infrared cameras. The body weight and the feed consumption of the rabbits were also measured weekly. At 11 weeks of age all of the animals were slaughtered and dissected. For the comparison of the behaviour and production of the experimental and control animals the Dunnett-test was used. It was established that the different alternative rearing methods have a significant effect only on the social and stereotype behaviour of the rabbits. The daily weight gain was highest in the control animals, while lowest in the rabbits reared on deep litter. The feed consumption, the feed conversion ratio and the slaughter characteristics were not affected by the rearing method. It was concluded that from the ethological point of view housing rabbits in pens – particularly on deep litter – has a favourable effect on both of the social and stereotype behaviours’ frequency. However, when rabbits are reared on deep litter, some consumption of the litter material should be calculated, but it does not decrease the pellet consumption and the final liveweight of the animals significantly.

The genetic variability of Hungarian Tsigai sheep

Abstract. Microsatellite analysis was used to estimate the genetic origin, differences, relationship within 10 Hungarian Tsigai populations. The number of alleles was 262 at the 16 examined locus. Fifteen population specific alleles were detected. The mean number of alleles detected per locus ranged from 4.3 (OarAE119) to 11.9 (MAF70). Genetic distance values were calculated from Nei’s minimum genetic distance (DA) formula. Phylogenetic tree was constructed using UPGMA algorithm. The results indicated that the genetic difference was negligible between the following populations pair-wise: two Hungarian indigenous populations (Kardoskút1-IN and Kardoskút2-IN); the Hungarian indigenous population Soltszentimre-IN and the Milking Tsigai population Akasztó-ZO; the Hungarian indigenous population Csanádpalota-IN and the transitional type population Makó-Rákos-TR. Microsatellite genotyping prooved to be efficient tool for examing the genetic relationships among Hungarian Tsigai populations.

Milk production of pseudopregnant multiparous does

The aim of the experiment was to evaluate the milk production of pseudopregnant does. In this experiment, data of multiparous, inseminated, pregnant (IP, n=15) does and two groups of presumably pseudopregnant multiparous does: inseminated, non-pregnant (INP, n=17) and induced to ovulation by GnRH (1.5 μg per animal) at the day of insemination (11 d after parturition) (non-inseminated, ovulating: NIO, n=15) were analysed. The progesterone level was measured at the 12th d after treatment to determine if females were pseudopregnant. All IP and NIO does were pregnant and pseudopregnant, respectively. Within the INP group, 10 and 7 does were diagnosed as positive (INPO) or negative (INPNO) for pseudopregnancy. Two of the INPNO does perished during lactation. The average milk production of groups IP, INP and NIO was 212, 92 and 72 g/d, respectively (P&lt;0.001). The proportion of rabbit does reaching daily milk yields of &lt;10, 10-50, 50-100, 100-160, &gt;160 g in the various groups were: IP=0, 0, 0, 0 and 100%, NIO=20, 13, 27, 40 and 0%, INP=15, 15, 15, 55 and 0%, respectively. The daily milk yield of the 5 INPNO does was 2, 6, 27, 84 and 139 g, respectively. These results demonstrated that multiparous empty does, pseudopregnant or non-pseudopregnant, can produce milk, but in lower quantities than multiparous does after kindling.

Genetic diversity and population structure of the synthetic Pannon White rabbit revealed by pedigree analyses

Demographic history, current status, and efficiency of the mating strategy were analyzed using the pedigree of Pannon White (PW) rabbits born between 1992 and 2007. Potential accumulation of detrimental effects and loss of genetic diversity were also considered. Calculations and estimates were done most often for rabbits born in 2007, whereas other reference populations (REFPOPXXXX) were specified explicitly. The pedigree contained 4,749 individuals and 580 founders, and its completeness was 82.1% up to 10 and 94.5% up to 5 generations, respectively. Generation intervals through different pathways averaged 1.2 yr. When adjusted to the pedigree completeness, the amount of inbreeding (F(i)) of rabbits was comparable (5.54%) with that of other livestock populations, whereas the 10 (30) founders contributing the most to inbreeding explained a large part of the population inbreeding [i.e., 42.24% (73.18%)]. The ancestral inbreeding coefficient of REFPOP2004 (10.67%) was one-half that of REFPOP2007 (20.66%), showing its strong dependence on pedigree length. Family variance, inbreeding, and realized effective population size were 84.18 (REFPOP2006; this variable could not be calculated for the last year examined), 37.19, and 91.08, respectively. The effective numbers of ancestors, founders, and founder genomes were 48, 26, and 7.33, respectively. Although the circular mating scheme applied was generally effective, the large accumulated reduction in genetic variability indicates the need to revise and improve the current breeding strategy.

Structure-activity relationship of antiparasitic and cytotoxic indoloquinoline alkaloids, and their tricyclic and bicyclic analogues

Based on the indoloquinoline alkaloids cryptolepine (1), neocryptolepine (2), isocryptolepine (3) and isoneocryptolepine (4), used as lead compounds for new antimalarial agents, a series of tricyclic and bicyclic analogues, including carbolines, azaindoles, pyrroloquinolines and pyrroloisoquinolines was synthesized and biologically evaluated. None of the bicyclic compounds was significantly active against the chloroquine-resistant strain Plasmodium falciparum K1, in contrast to the tricyclic derivatives. The tricyclic compound 2-methyl-2H-pyrido[3,4-b]indole (9), or 2-methyl-beta-carboline, showed the best in vitro activity, with an IC(50) value of 0.45 microM against P. falciparum K1, without apparent cytotoxicity against L6 cells (SI>1000). However, this compound was not active in the Plasmodium berghei mouse model. Structure-activity relationships are discussed and compared with related naturally occurring compounds.

Coupling of conduction electrons to two-level systems formed by hydrogen: a scattering approach

An effective Hamiltonian for a two-level system (TLS) which could model the interaction between a tunneling proton and the conduction electrons of a metal is investigated in a comparative way. In the conventional first-order Born approximation with plane waves, and for small-distance displacement of the tunneling particle, a simple correlation between the atomic motion and angular momentum change of the scattering electron is deduced. For such a displacement, and within a distorted wave Born approximation for initial and final states, the change in the scattering amplitude is expressed via bounded trigonometric functions of the corresponding difference of scattering phase shifts. The numerical value of this amplitude change is analyzed in the framework of a self-consistent screening description for an impurity embedding in a paramagnetic electron gas. The coupling thus obtained of the tunneling proton to a homogeneous electron gas is too weak to be in the range required for realization of the two-channel Kondo effect.

Capsaicin-sensitive primary sensory neurons in the mouse express N-Acyl phosphatidylethanolamine phospholipase D

Our previous finding, that the capsaicin- and KCl-induced Ca²⁺-dependent production of the intra- and intercellular signaling molecule N-arachidonoyl ethanolamine (anandamide) in cultured primary sensory neurons could be abolished and reduced by ∼2/3 by capsaicin-induced degeneration of capsaicin-sensitive neurons, respectively suggests that a major sub-population of capsaicin-sensitive cells together with a group of non-capsaicin-sensitive cells should express enzymes involved in Ca²⁺-dependent anandamide synthesis. N-acyl phosphotidylethanolamine phospholipase D (NAPE-PLD) is known to be involved in Ca²⁺-dependent anandamide production. Hence, here, we used reverse transcriptase and quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction to study NAPE-PLD expression in dorsal root ganglia and to clarify the sub-population of cells expressing this enzyme. Cultures prepared from mouse dorsal root ganglia were grown either in the absence or presence of the neurotoxin, capsaicin (10 μM) overnight. We report, that NAPE-PLD is expressed both in dorsal root ganglia and cultures prepared from dorsal root ganglia and grown in the absence of capsaicin. Furthermore, we also report that capsaicin application downregulates the expression of NAPE-PLD as well as the capsaicin receptor, transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 ion channel, by about 70% in the cultures prepared from dorsal root ganglia. These findings indicate that a major sub-population of capsaicin-sensitive primary sensory neurons expresses NAPE-PLD, and suggest that NAPE-PLD is expressed predominantly by capsaicin-sensitive neurons in dorsal root ganglia. These data also suggest that NAPE-PLD might be a target to control the activity and excitability of a major sub-population of nociceptive primary sensory neurons.

The second von Willebrand type A domain of cochlin has high affinity for type I, type II and type IV collagens

Cochlin is colocalized with type II collagen in the extracellular matrix of cochlea and has been suggested to interact with this collagen. Here we show that the second von Willebrand type A domain of cochlin has affinity for type II collagen, as well as type I and type IV collagens whereas the LCCL-domain of cochlin has no affinity for these proteins. The implications of these findings for the mechanism whereby cochlin mutations cause the dominant negative DFNA9-type hearing loss are discussed.

Effect of inbreeding on lean meat percentage and average daily gain in Hungarian Landrace pigs

Abstract. Pedigree and field test data – collected between 1994–2005 – were analyzed in a group of 132,548 Hungarian Landrace pigs. The analysed traits were average daily gain (ADG) and lean meat percentage (LMP). In the present study inbreeding coefficients, pedigree completeness (complete generation equivalents) and inbreeding depression for ADG and LMP were estimated. Increasing the number of generations that were considered in the pedigree the estimated inbreeding coefficients did not change after the 5th generation, but pedigree completeness was continuously increased. The estimated inbreeding depression for ADG and LMP were different applying 40 different models but the magnitude of the differences was small. The model comparison showed that the models containing litter and year-month effects had the best fit (smallest mean squared error). Increasing the inbreeding coefficient by 10 % decreased ADG by 4.01 g and practically did not affect LMP (0.003 %). It can be concluded that the estimated inbreeding depression was small and substantial depression can not be expected in the near future. However, the low level of inbreeding of the studied population can partly be explained by the short pedigrees. This suggests that Hungarian pig breeders may often import breeding animals or carry out herd replacements rather than applying continuous within group selection.

Genetic parameters of direct and ratio traits from field and station tests of pigs

Abstract. Genetic parameters of several growth and carcass traits were estimated for the Hungarian Large White (HLW) and Hungarian Landrace (HL) pig breeds. The objective of the analysis was to compare the direct (days on station test, consumed feed, valuable cuts and age) and ratio/composite (net daily gain, feed conversion, proportion of valuable cuts, lean meat percentage and average daily gain and meat quality score) traits, which were collected in the course of station and field tests. The analysis was based on the national database (1997–2003) using univariate and bivariate animal models. Estimated heritabilities for station test traits ranged between 0.34–0.69 (except for meat quality score, where the heritability was low (0.10, 0.15 for HLW and HL, respectively) and exceeded that of the field test traits (0.18–0.23). Relative importance of random litter effects was low for the station test traits (0.01–0.29) but moderate for the field test traits (0.20–0.48). The unfavourable genetic correlation between lean meat percentage and meat quality score (−0.28, −0.44 for HLW and LW, respectively) is worth mentioning. In both performance tests the direct and ratio test counterparts showed similar heritabilities and their genetic correlation were close to unity (0.74–0.95). Based on these results selection on either the direct or on the ratio traits would possibly result similar selection response.

What causes hidradenitis suppurativa?

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS)--a rather common, very chronic and debilitating inflammatory skin appendage disorder with a notoriously underestimated burden of disease--has long been a playground for the high priests of nomenclature: Ask a bunch of eminent dermatologists and skin pathologists to publicly share their thoughts on what causes HS, and they will soon get entrenched in a heated debate on whether this historical term is a despicable misnomer. Fortunately, the recently founded Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundation (HSF; http://www.hs-foundation.org), to which EXP DERMATOL serves as home journal, has broken with this unproductive tradition and has encouraged publication of the current CONTROVERSIES feature. This is exclusively devoted to discussing the pathobiology of this chronic neutrophilic folliculitis of unknown origin. Although traces of terminological bickering remain visible, it does the HS experts in our virtual debate room credit that they engage in a constructive and comprehensive dissection of potential pathogenesis pathways that may culminate in the clinical picture we know under the competing terms HS or acne inversa. These experts sketch more often complementary than mutually exclusive pathogenesis scenarios, and the outlines of a conceivable consensus on the many open pathobiology questions begin to emerge in these CONTROVERSIES. Hopefully, this heralds a welcome new tradition: to get to the molecular heart of HS pathogenesis, which can only be achieved by a renaissance of solid basic HS research, as the key to developing more effective HS therapy.

Expression of apoptosis regulatory proteins p53 and Bcl-2 in skin of patients with chronic renal failure on maintenance haemodialysis

BACKGROUND

Chronic renal failure results in multi-organ system derangement including cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, neurological, endocrinal, blood and dermatological abnormalities. Maintenance of skin homeostasis requires a delicate balance between proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. p53 and Bcl-2 proteins play a central role in the regulation of apoptosis.

OBJECTIVE

Evaluation of the expression of apoptosis regulatory proteins p53 and Bcl-2 in apparently normal skin of patients, with chronic renal failure on maintenance haemodialysis, with respect to their role in the apoptotic process.

METHODS

Biopsy specimens were obtained from 10 patients with chronic renal failure on maintenance haemodialysis, as well as seven age-matched control subjects. Computer-assisted image analysis was employed to measure epidermal thickness in H&E-stained sections. Immunoperoxidase technique was also used to demonstrate p53 and Bcl-2 proteins and the TUNEL technique for detection of apoptotic cells in these specimens.

RESULTS

The mean epidermal thickness was significantly higher (P < 0.0001) in patients than controls. Meanwhile, no apoptotic cells were detected in the epidermis of patients. On the other hand, a statistically significant difference was observed in both p53 (P = 0.0001) and Bcl-2 expression (P = 0.0003) when comparing patients and controls. Expression of p53 (2.74 +/- 0.84) and Bcl-2 (3.45 +/- 1.35) proteins was higher in skin samples obtained from patients with chronic renal failure and on maintenance haemodialysis than those from control cases (0.5 +/- 0.96 and 0.8 +/- 0.6, respectively). Moreover, Bcl-2 expression in patients was observed in basal as well as squamous cell layers of skin, whereas in control subjects it was confined to the basal cell layer only.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that an alteration in the proliferation/apoptosis balance may be present in the skin of such patients.

Taking the sting out of pain

While the role of the brain kallikrein-kinin system in the development of various pathological processes, such as oedema formation following brain injury or induction of central hypertonia has generated major interest, the possible role of this system in nociceptive processing has received little attention. In their present paper, Mortari et al. (2007) show that bradykinin B2 receptor activation in the brain by the bradykinin analogue, Thr(6)-bradykinin, isolated from the venom of the social wasp, Polybia occidentalis potently reduces acute, noxious heat-evoked reflex responses in naive rats. The unknown underlying mechanism of this powerful antinociceptive effect reminds us that the supraspinal antinociceptive system is still a "black box" in many aspects and awaits thorough investigation.