Photon vs. Proton Radiotherapy in the Definitive Treatment of Nasopharyngeal Cancer: Single Institution Experience

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Definitive therapy for nasopharyngeal cancer includes chemotherapy and radiation (RT). Common toxicities such as xerostomia, mucositis, and hearing loss are correlated with the RT dose delivered to associated organs at risk. We hypothesized that compared to our historical experience with IMRT, the implementation of proton therapy (PT) would reduce radiation dose to organs at risks without compromising oncologic outcomes.

MATERIALS/METHODS

A retrospective review of all non-metastatic stage II-IV nasopharyngeal carcinoma (SCC, lymphoepithelioma, undifferentiated carcinomas) treated with definitive therapy at our institution from 2012-2022. Disease parameters and the mean dose to organs at risk were evaluated. Statistical comparison was made with the chi square test for categorical and Wilcoxon rank sum test for continuous variables. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), using a log-rank test to compare IMRT and PT. PFS was defined as the time from the start of treatment to the first of either disease progression, relapse or death from any cause. PT was delivered with pencil-beam scanning in all patients. IMRT included multi-field treatment and volumetric-modulated arc therapy.

RESULTS

A total of 80 patients were included in analyses: 48 treated with IMRT and 32 with PT. Comparing IMRT to PT cohorts, there was no difference in the median age of patients (51 vs 55 years, p = 0.73), nor the distribution by T stage (p = 0.57) or N stage (p = 0.34) or in the percentage of patients with ECOG 2/3 performance status at presentation (p = 0.11). All but one patient received concurrent systemic therapy and there was no difference in the use of concurrent cisplatin between cohorts (83% vs 78%, p = 0.57). The most common non-cisplatin concurrent regimen was weekly carboplatin and paclitaxel. Induction chemotherapy was more commonly used in patients treated with PT (10.4% vs 25%, p = 0.04) while there was no difference in the use of adjuvant chemotherapy (10.4% vs 9.4%, p = 0.88). Among 42 cases initiating treatment since the opening of our proton center, 32 (76%) have received PT. Comparing IMRT and PT dosimetry, patients treated with PT received significantly lower mean dose to the better spared parotid gland (32.8 vs 25.7 Gy, p = 0.001), lesser spared parotid gland (35.5 vs 31.1 Gy, p = 0.047), better spared cochlea (31.5 vs 25.5 Gy, p = 0.004), lesser spared cochlea (41.8 vs 33.2 Gy, p = 0.004), larynx (44.5 vs 21.7 Gy, p<0.001), and oral cavity (42.6 vs 17.0 Gy, p<0.001). After a median follow-up time of 30 months (45 mos IMRT, 23 mos PT) the estimated 2-year PFS was 63.9% with IMRT and 90.3% with PT (p = 0.047). The estimate of 2-year overall survival was 86.8% with IMRT and 96.8% with PT (p = 0.17).

CONCLUSION

Comparing patients by radiation treatment modality, PT was associated with a statistically significant reduction in mean radiation dose to the parotid glands, cochlea, larynx, and oral cavity with excellent initial oncologic outcomes.

Cell-free, high-density lipoprotein-specific phospholipid efflux assay predicts incident cardiovascular disease

BACKGROUNDCellular cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) is a better predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events than HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) but is not suitable as a routine clinical assay.METHODSWe developed an HDL-specific phospholipid efflux (HDL-SPE) assay to assess HDL functionality based on whole plasma HDL apolipoprotein-mediated solubilization of fluorescent phosphatidylethanolamine from artificial lipid donor particles. We first assessed the association of HDL-SPE with prevalent coronary artery disease (CAD): study I included NIH severe-CAD (n = 50) and non-CAD (n = 50) participants, who were frequency matched for sex, BMI, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and smoking; study II included Japanese CAD (n = 70) and non-CAD (n = 154) participants. We also examined the association of HDL-SPE with incident CVD events in the Prevention of Renal and Vascular End-stage Disease (PREVEND) study comparing 340 patients with 340 controls individually matched for age, sex, smoking, and HDL-C levels.RESULTSReceiver operating characteristic curves revealed stronger associations of HDL-SPE with prevalent CAD. The AUCs in study I were as follows: HDL-SPE, 0.68; apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I), 0.62; HDL-C, 0.63; and CEC, 0.52. The AUCs in study II were as follows: HDL-SPE, 0.83; apoA-I, 0.64; and HDL-C, 0.53. Also longitudinally, HDL-SPE was significantly associated with incident CVD events independent of traditional risk factors with ORs below 0.2 per SD increment in the PREVEND study (P < 0.001).CONCLUSIONHDL-SPE could serve as a routine clinical assay for improving CVD risk assessment and drug discovery.TRIAL REGISTRATIONClinicalTrials.gov NCT01621594.FUNDINGNHLBI Intramural Research Program, NIH (HL006095-06).

Effects of yeast culture supplementation on lactation performance and rumen fermentation profile and microbial abundance in mid-lactation Holstein dairy cows

The continuous trend for a narrowing margin between feed cost and milk prices across dairy farms in the United States highlights the need to improve and maintain feed efficiency. Yeast culture products are alternative supplements that have been evaluated in terms of milk performance and feed efficiency; however, less is known about their potential effects on altering rumen microbial populations and consequently rumen fermentation. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of yeast culture supplementation on lactation performance, rumen fermentation profile, and abundance of major species of ruminal bacteria in lactating dairy cows. Forty mid-lactation Holstein dairy cows (121 ± 43 days in milk; mean ± standard deviation; 32 multiparous and 8 primiparous) were used in a randomized complete block design with a 7-d adaptation period followed by a 60-d treatment period. Cows were blocked by parity, days in milk, and previous lactation milk yield and assigned to a basal total mixed ration (TMR; 1.6 Mcal/kg of dry matter, 14.6% crude protein, 21.5% starch, and 38.4% neutral detergent fiber) plus 114 g/d of ground corn (CON; n = 20) or basal TMR plus 100 g/d of ground corn and 14 g/d of yeast culture (YC; n = 20; Culture Classic HD, Cellerate Yeast Solutions, Phibro Animal Health Corp.). Treatments were top-dressed over the TMR once a day. Cows were individually fed 1 × /d throughout the trial. Blood and rumen fluid samples were collected in a subset of cows (n = 10/treatment) at 0, 30, and 60 d of the treatment period. Rumen fluid sampled via esophageal tubing was analyzed for ammonia-N, volatile fatty acids (VFA), and ruminal bacteria populations via quantitative PCR amplification of 16S ribosomal DNA genes. Milk yield was not affected by treatment effects. Energy balance was lower in YC cows than CON, which was partially explain by the trend for lower dry matter intake as % body weight in YC cows than CON. Cows fed YC had greater overall ruminal pH and greater total VFA (mM) at 60 d of treatment period. There was a contrasting greater molar proportion of isovalerate and lower acetate proportion in YC-fed cows compared with CON cows. Although the ruminal abundance of specific fiber-digesting bacteria, including Eubacterium ruminantium and Ruminococcus flavefaciens, was increased in YC cows, others such as Fibrobacter succinogenes were decreased. The abundance of amylolytic bacteria such as Ruminobacter amylophilus and Succinimonas amylolytica were decreased in YC cows than CON. Our results indicate that the yeast culture supplementation seems to promote some specific fiber-digesting bacteria while decreasing amylolytic bacteria, which might have partially promoted more neutral rumen pH, greater total VFA, and isovalerate.

Effects of peripartal yeast culture supplementation on lactation performance, blood biomarkers, rumen fermentation, and rumen bacteria species in dairy cows

Feeding yeast culture fermentation products has been associated with improved feed intake and milk yield in transition dairy cows. These improvements in performance have been further described in terms of rumen characteristics, metabolic profile, and immune response. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a commercial yeast culture product (YC; Culture Classic HD, Phibro Animal Health) on performance, blood biomarkers, rumen fermentation, and rumen bacterial population in dairy cows from -30 to 50 d in milk (DIM). Forty Holstein dairy cows were enrolled in a randomized complete block design from -30 to 50 DIM and blocked according to expected calving day, parity, previous milk yield, and genetic merit. At -30 DIM, cows were assigned to either a basal diet plus 114 g/d of ground corn (control; n = 20) or a basal diet plus 100 g/d of ground corn and 14 g/d of YC (n = 20), fed as a top-dress. Cows received the same close-up diet from 30 d prepartum until calving [1.39 Mcal/kg of dry matter (DM) and 12.3% crude protein (CP)] and lactation diet from calving to 50 DIM (1.60 Mcal/kg of DM and 15.6% CP). Blood samples and rumen fluid were collected at various time points from -30 to 50 d relative to calving. Cows fed YC compared with control showed a trend for increased energy-corrected milk (+3.2 kg/d). Lower somatic cell counts were observed in YC cows than in control. We detected a treatment × time interaction in nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) that could be attributed to a trend for greater NEFA in YC cows than control at 7 DIM, followed by lower NEFA in YC cows than control at 14 and 30 DIM. In the rumen, YC contributed to mild changes in rumen fermentation, mainly increasing postpartal valerate while decreasing prepartal isovalerate. This was accompanied by alterations in rumen microbiota, including a greater abundance of cellulolytic (Fibrobacter succinogenes) and lactate-utilizing bacteria (Megasphaera elsdenii). These results describe the potential benefits of supplementing yeast culture during the late pregnancy through early lactation, at least in terms of rumen environment and performance.

Symposium review: Strategies to improve the efficiency and profitability of heifer raising

Regional Research Project NC-2042 has a main objective to study calf and heifer nutrition. Within this objective, feeding the postweaned heifer is considered a major priority to improve the profitability and sustainability of US dairy farms. Through optimizing nutrient utilization by precision feeding, using alternative feeds, high-fiber diets, and feed additives, this research group has worked to enhance dairy heifer nutrition. Research has focused on precision feeding heifers and incorporating high- and low-fiber diets into this system of feeding. This is accomplished by meeting the nutrient needs of the heifer for a desired rate of growth while enhancing total-tract nutrient digestibility, reducing waste and improving profitability. High-fiber forages have been studied as a means of controlling ad libitum dry matter intakes and thus weight gain in heifers. These results provide producers with a means of feeding heifers while reducing costs. Similarly, utilizing alternative feedstuffs in heifer diets has also been a major research area for this group including comprehensive research on distillers co-products, and new protein sources such as camelina and carinata meals. Results indicated that these products can be satisfactorily incorporated into heifer diets. Studying feed additives has also been a function of the research group. Research with Ascophyllum nodosum and cinnamaldehyde indicated that calves find these additives unpalatable and that supplementing cinnamaldehyde to postweaned heifers showed no benefit. However, sodium butyrate and yeast supplementation proved to be beneficial in the growth and feed efficiency of heifers. Research from this group has an effect on heifer feeding, resulting in new information that can aid in the sustainability of dairy farms. This review will focus on the area of postweaned heifer nutrition.

Altered rumen fermentation patterns in lactating dairy cows supplemented with phytochemicals improve milk production and efficiency

Tannins and other phytochemicals are known to improve RUP in the diet by binding protein and then limiting ruminal degradation, which may improve milk yield and milk protein synthesis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary phytochemicals (tannins and Capsicum species) as rumen modifiers on production parameters and milk efficiency in dairy cows. Twenty-four multiparous Holstein cows (96 ± 16 d in milk; mean ± standard deviation) were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design balanced to measure carryover effects. Cows were blocked according to days in milk, milk production, and body weight and randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups (n = 8/group). Each group was assigned to a unique treatment sequence across the 3 periods in the Latin square. The experiment consisted of a 14-d covariate period and three 30-d treatment periods. Cows received a basal diet supplemented with soybean meal pellets (SB) as the control diet, phytochemicals (RUM; Rumiviv, CCPA, Janzé, France) pelleted with soybean meal, or expeller soybean meal (ESBM; SoyPlus, West Central Soy, Ralston, IA). Milk production and dry matter intake during the last 4 d of each period were used for statistical analysis. Blood and rumen fluid samples were collected on d 27 of each period. Rumen fluid was analyzed for ammonia N and volatile fatty acids as well as ruminal bacteria via quantitative PCR amplification of 16S ribosomal DNA genes. Greater milk yield (37.9 vs. 36 kg/d), energy-corrected milk (39.7 vs 37.1 kg/d), and protein yield (1.15 vs. 1.08 kg/d) were observed in RUM compared with SB, but these parameters were similar between RUM and ESBM. Concentrations of total volatile fatty acids (118.1 vs. 101.5 mM) were greater in RUM in comparison to SB and ESBM diets. Cows fed RUM had greater β-hydroxybutyrate (0.49 vs. 0.42 mmol/L) than SB and ESBM. Selenomonas ruminantium, Succinimonas amylolytica, and Streptococcus bovis in rumen fluid were lower in RUM fed cows in comparison to SB and ESBM. Increased total volatile fatty acids and lower ruminal abundance of bacteria associated with low feed efficiency in RUM cows can partially explain the improvements observed in milk yield and milk efficiency. Overall, these data suggest that feeding a combination of tannin mixture and Capsicum can significantly affect rumen fermentation characteristics via partial manipulation of rumen microbiota, and these effects were reflected in improved milk production and efficiency.

Symposium review: Colostrum management and calf nutrition for profitable and sustainable dairy farms

Multistate dairy management research project NC-2042, which is part of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, has devoted an ongoing objective to calf and heifer nutrition and management. Within this objective, colostrum research has been a priority due to continued opportunities to improve this area on US dairy farms. Research has focused on heating colostrum to reduce bacterial populations and pathogens while increasing IgG absorption. Research also identified other proteins that are reduced when heating colostrum. Studies indicated an apparent upper limit to IgG absorption from colostrum fed to calves. Additional studies have shed light on absorption of IgG from colostrum replacers and evaluated the use of lactoferrin and sodium bicarbonate in both maternal colostrum and colostrum replacers. Milk replacer formulation, feeding strategies, and the effect of calfhood nutrition on future performance have also been researched. Finally, water quality and its effect on calves and heifers have been studied. This review focuses on research done by multistate research project NC-2042 member states in the area of colostrum and calf nutrition and management.

P1536Does free thyroxine (fT4) predict risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD)?

Background

Thyroid hormones are associated with arrhythmic risk, but their relationship to ASCVD is unclear. The Rotterdam Study* reported associations of higher fT4 and lower thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels with ASCVD, including within the euthyroid range. Free T3 (fT3) was not assessed.

Methods

We tested whether fT4, fT3, and TSH levels were associated with ASCVD in Intermountain Healthcare. All patients >18 y old with an fT4 level in the electronic medical record database were included. The hormone reference ranges were divided into quartiles (Q), and associations with prevalent and incident ASCVD were assessed by multivariable regression and trend tests.

Results

A total of 212,202 patients (age = 64.4±11.2 y; 66.6% women) were included and followed for 6.1±4.4 y. Of these, 8.3%, 86.6%, and 5.1% had fT4 levels below, within, and above the reference range. CAD was prevalent in 18.9% of fT4 Q1 patients. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for coronary artery disease (CAD) increased through (Q4/Q1 OR=1.36) and beyond (High/Q1 OR=1.71) the normal range, p-trend<0.001 (Table). Smaller incremental risks were noted for fT3 (Q4/Q1 OR=1.13; High/Q1 OR=1.25). The frequencies of incident MI (Q1=2.5%) and stroke (Q1=5.4%) were low and did not show a concentration-related risk gradient. Incident all-cause death (Q1=24.3%) increased slightly for Q4 and high fT4 (OR=1.05, 1.06) but not fT3; death also increased with low fT4 (OR=1.28). TSH showed no consistent gradient within the normal range for prevalent or incident events; however, mortality increased with both high and low TSH.

Thyroid Hormone Levels and Prevalent CAD Prevalent CAD (adjusted OR) Low Normal Q1 Normal Q2 Normal Q3 Normal Q4 High fT4 (n=212,202) OR=1.08, p=0.02 OR=1.00 referent OR=1.11, p<0.001 OR=1.21, p<0.001 OR=1.36, p<0.001 OR=1.71, p<0.001 fT3 (n=30,200) OR=1.12, p<0.001 OR=1.00 referent OR=0.98, p=0.61 OR=1.02, p=0.53 OR=1.13, p<0.001 OR=1.25, p<0.001 TSH (n=183,227) OR=1.39, p<0.001 OR=1.00 referent OR=0.93, p=0.42 OR=0.88, p=0.15 OR=0.92, p=0.35 OR=1.73, p<0.001 Reference Q 1–4 are: fT4: 0.75–0.90; 0.91–1.01; 2.02–1.14; 1.15–1.50 ng/dL; TSH: 0.54–1.30; 1.31–2.04; 2.05–3.68; 3.69–6.80 uIU/mL; fT3: 2.40–2.60; 2.70–2.80; 2.90–3.10; 3.20–4.20 pg/dL.

Conclusions

Consistent with the Rotterdam Study, we found an increase in prevalent CAD with increasing fT4 levels within and beyond the normal range and, uniquely, a more modest relationship with fT3. We could not confirm a normal-range relationship between hormone levels and incident events or between TSH and prevalent disease. The relationship of fT4 levels to ASCVD is intriguing, is deserving of further study, and may have important implications for ASCVD prevention.

*A Bano, et-al. Circ Res 2017; 121:1397–1400

Growth performance, nutrient utilization, and health of dairy calves supplemented with condensed whey solubles

Our objective was to evaluate growth performance, nutrient utilization, and health of calves supplemented with condensed whey solubles (CWS). Twenty-four Holstein calves (2 d old) in hutches were used in a 12-wk randomized complete block design study. Calves were blocked by birth date and sex. Treatments were (1) control (CON) with no supplement and (2) 50 g/d of CWS. Preweaning CWS was fed with milk and postweaning CWS was top-dressed on starter pellets. Calves were fed 2.83 L of pasteurized milk 2×/d during wk 1 to 5, 1×/d in wk 6, and weaned at d 42. Calves had ad libitum access to starter pellets and water. Individual intakes of milk and starter pellets were measured daily. Fecal scores (0 = firm, 3 = watery) and respiratory scores (healthy ≤3, sick ≥5), calculated from the sum of scores for rectal temperature, cough, ocular, and nasal discharge, were recorded daily. Body weights (BW), frame growth, and jugular blood samples were taken once every week at 3 h after the morning feeding. Fecal grab samples were collected in wk 12 for analysis of apparent total-tract digestibility. Data were analyzed using MIXED procedures of SAS 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC) with repeated measures. Total dry matter intake was greater in calves fed CWS compared with CON. Calves fed CWS tended to have greater BW during the postweaning period. Gain:feed, average daily gains, withers heights, and concentrations of plasma urea nitrogen were not different. Concentrations of plasma β-hydroxybutyrate were greater in calves fed CWS compared with CON. Serum glucose concentrations were greater in calves fed CON during the preweaning stage, but similar concentrations were found between treatments during the postweaning stage. Rumen pH, ammonia-N, and total volatile fatty acids were similar between treatments. The acetate:propionate ratio was greater in calves fed CWS. The apparent total-tract digestion of nutrients was similar; however, CON tended to have greater digestion of neutral detergent fiber. Fecal scores were not different, but a treatment by week interaction was observed. Supplementing CWS improved starter intake, postweaning BW, β-hydroxybutyrate, fecal scores, and maintained frame growth.

Musculoskeletal injuries in real tennis

Introduction: Real tennis is a growing, unique, and well-established sport. To date, there has been no epidemiological data on real tennis injuries. The primary aim of this retrospective study is to record the incidence and document any trends in real tennis musculoskeletal injuries, so as to improve injury awareness of common and possibly preventable injuries.

Methods: A surveillance questionnaire e-mailed to 2,036 Tennis & Rackets Association members to retrospectively capture injuries sustained by amateur and professional real tennis players over their playing careers.

Results: A total of 485 (438 males and 47 females) questionnaires were fully completed over 4 weeks. A total of 662 musculoskeletal injuries were recorded with a mean of 1.4 injuries per player (range 0–7). The incidence of sustaining an acute real tennis musculoskeletal injury is 0.4/1000 hrs. The three main anatomical locations reported injured were elbow 15.6% (103/662), knee 11.6% (77/662), and face 10.0% (66/662). The most common structures reported injured were muscle 24% (161/661), tendon 23.4% (155/661), ligament 7.0% (46/661), soft tissue bruising 6.5% (43/661), and eye 6.2% (41/661). The majority of the upper limb injuries were gradual onset (64.7%, 143/221), and the lower limb injuries were sudden onset (72.0%, 188/261).

Conclusion: This study uniquely provides valuable preliminary data on the incidence and patterns of musculoskeletal injuries in real tennis players. In addition, it highlights a number of reported eye injuries. The study is also a benchmark for future prospective studies on academy and professional real tennis players.

Growth performance and health of dairy calves given water treated with a reverse osmosis system compared with municipal city water

Our objective was to determine effects of drinking reverse osmosis water (RW) versus municipal city water (MW) on growth, nutrient utilization, and health scores of calves. Twenty-four Holstein calves (14 females, 10 males; 2 d old; 44.6 ± 6.10 kg of body weight), housed in individual hutches, were used in a 10-wk randomized complete block design study. Calves were blocked by birthdate and sex. Treatments were RW (Culligan Water Filtration System, Brookings, SD) versus MW (Brookings Municipal Utilities, Brookings, SD) that contained 13 and 387 mg/L of total dissolved solids, respectively. Milk replacer (28% crude protein; 18% fat) was fed twice daily during wk 1 through 5 and then once daily during wk 6. At each feeding, 0.45 kg of dry milk replacer was mixed with 2.83 L of the respective water type according to treatment. Calves were fed water, respective to treatment, and calf starter pellets ad libitum throughout the study. All intakes were recorded daily. Daily total respiratory scores (healthy ≤3, sick ≥5) were calculated from the sum of scores for rectal temperature, cough, and ocular and nasal discharges. Fecal consistency scores (0 = firm, 3 = watery) were also recorded daily. Body weights and frame growth were measured 2 d every 2 wk and jugular blood samples were collected 1 d every 2 wk at 3 h after the morning feeding. Fecal grab samples were collected 5 times per day for 3 d during wk 10 for analysis of apparent total-tract digestibility of nutrients. We found treatment by week interactions for dry matter intake and gain-to-feed ratio, and total dry matter intake increased more during the study for RW than MW. Gain-to-feed ratio was greater during the first few weeks of the feeding period for RW compared with MW and then comparable during the rest of study. Water intake was less in RW than MW, potentially indicating more efficient water use by calves. Frame growth, body weight, average daily gain, serum glucose, plasma urea nitrogen, β-hydroxybutyrate, total-tract digestibility of dry matter, and crude protein were similar. Fecal scores tended to be lower (firmer) in calves on RW, with an interaction by time. Respiratory scores decreased during the weaning period when calves drank RW. Results demonstrated calves drinking RW had similar growth and improved health scores with treatment by time interactions compared with MW.

Evaluation of carinata meal as a feedstuff for growing dairy heifers: Effects on growth performance, rumen fermentation, and total-tract digestibility of nutrients

Our objective was to determine the effects of feeding carinata meal (CRM) compared with distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) on growth performance, rumen fermentation, and nutrient utilization in peripubertal dairy heifers. A 16-wk randomized block design experiment with 24 Holstein heifers [6.6 ± 0.7 mo and 218 ± 27 kg of body weight (BW)] was conducted. Treatments diets were (1) 10% cold-pressed CRM and (2) 10% DDGS on a dry matter (DM) basis. The remainder of the diets consisted of grass hay, ground corn, soybean meal, and mineral mix. Diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous and isocaloric. Heifers were individually fed using a Calan gate feeding system, and the rations were limit-fed at 2.65% of BW on a DM basis to target a 0.8 kg/d of average daily gain. Heifers were weighed every 2 wk and the ration amount offered was adjusted accordingly. Frame sizes, BW, and body condition scores were measured 2 d every 2 wk throughout the study. During wk 12 and 16, rumen fluid samples were collected via esophageal tubing for pH, ammonia N, and volatile fatty acid analyses. In wk 16, fecal grab samples were collected for apparent total-tract digestibility estimation. Heifer DM intake, BW, average daily gain, and gain:feed were similar between treatments. No differences were observed between treatments in frame measurements or body condition scores. Rumen pH tended to be greater in CRM compared with DDGS. Rumen ammonia N and total volatile fatty acid concentration were not different between treatments. Apparent total-tract digestibility of DM, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber were decreased in CRM compared with DDGS. A tendency was detected for reduced organic matter digestibility in CRM. No difference was observed between treatments for crude protein total-tract digestibility. However, these differences in total-tract nutrient digestibility were not large enough to influence growth performance. Overall, results demonstrated that growing heifers can be limit-fed diets with 10% CRM and maintain growth performance compared with a control diet containing 10% DDGS.

Growth performance, rumen fermentation, nutrient utilization, and metabolic profile of dairy heifers limit-fed distillers dried grains with ad libitum forage

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of feeding a corn- and soybean-product-based concentrate mix or distillers dried grains with solubles concentrate mix with ad libitum grass hay to dairy heifers. A 16-wk randomized complete block design study was conducted using 24 heifers [18 Holstein and 6 Brown Swiss; 219 ± 2 d of age (±standard deviation); 230 ± 4 kg of body weight] to evaluate the effect of diet on dry matter intake (DMI), growth performance, rumen fermentation, metabolic profile, and nutrient digestibility. Treatments were (1) corn and soybean product concentrate mix, and (2) distillers-dried-grains-with-solubles-based concentrate mix (DDG). Both concentrate mixes were limit-fed at 0.8% of body weight and grass hay was offered ad libitum. Heifers were individually fed using Calan gates and orts were recorded daily at feeding. Heifers were weighed every 2 wk and ration concentrate mix offered was adjusted accordingly. Frame measurements and body condition score were recorded every 2 wk. Rumen fluid was collected via esophageal tubing during wk 12 and 16 for pH, ammonia N, and volatile fatty acid analysis. Jugular blood samples were collected every 4 wk for metabolite and metabolic hormone analysis. Total-tract digestibility of nutrients was evaluated during wk 16 by fecal grab sampling. No treatment by week interactions were observed for any of the growth measurements and growth measurements and DMI did not differ between treatments. A treatment by time interaction was observed for rumen butyrate percentage with heifers fed DDG having a greater percentage. Total volatile fatty acid concentration, acetate molar percentage, and acetate:propionate decreased with the DDG treatment, whereas propionate molar percentage increased. No treatment by week interactions were observed for any of the metabolites or metabolic hormones measured. A tendency was observed for glucose and plasma urea nitrogen concentration to decrease with DDG. Plasma cholesterol and insulin increased with DDG. Results demonstrated that limit-feeding heifers DDG at 0.8% of body weight with ad libitum grass hay maintained growth performance, average daily gain, DMI, and gain:feed, with shifts in the metabolic profile compared with the corn and soybean product concentrate mix.

Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC) Guideline for Pharmacogenetics-Guided Warfarin Dosing: 2017 Update

This document is an update to the 2011 Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC) guideline for CYP2C9 and VKORC1 genotypes and warfarin dosing. Evidence from the published literature is presented for CYP2C9, VKORC1, CYP4F2, and rs12777823 genotype-guided warfarin dosing to achieve a target international normalized ratio of 2-3 when clinical genotype results are available. In addition, this updated guideline incorporates recommendations for adult and pediatric patients that are specific to continental ancestry.

Both initial red cell distribution width (RDW) and change in RDW during heart failure hospitalization are associated with length of hospital stay and 30-day outcomes

INTRODUCTION

We examined the predictive ability of red cell distribution width (RDW) and the change in RDW during hospitalization (ΔRDW) for length of stay (LOS) and 30-day outcomes after heart failure (HF) inpatient stay.

METHODS

Electronic query of Intermountain Healthcare medical records identified patients (N = 6414) with a primary diagnosis of HF who were discharged between 2004 and 2013, had RDW measured within 24 h after admission, and had RDW tested at least once more during the same hospitalization. ΔRDW was defined as the last RDW within 24 h prior to discharge minus the first RDW.

RESULTS

Median LOS by initial RDW quartiles was Q1: 3.0, Q2: 3.1, Q3: 3.7, and Q4: 4.0 days (P-trend<0.001), and by ΔRDW quartiles was Q1: 4.1, Q2: 3.4, Q3: 3.6, and Q4: 4.7 days (P-trend<0.001). Both initial RDW (16.8 ± 2.8% vs. 16.3 ± 2.7%, P < 0.001) and ΔRDW (0.21 ± 1.09% vs. 0.14 ± 1.04%, P = 0.039) predicted 30-day readmission vs. no readmit. For 30-day decedents vs. survivors, initial RDW was 17.3 ± 3.0% vs. 16.3 ± 2.6% (P < 0.001), while ΔRDW was +0.20 ± 1.14% vs. +0.14 ± 1.04% (P = 0.15).

CONCLUSIONS

Greater initial RDW and ΔRDW during HF hospitalization were associated with 30-day mortality, longer LOS, and 30-day all-cause readmission, suggesting both ΔRDW and initial RDW may aid in personalizing prognosis and treatment.

Feeding distillers dried grains in replacement of forage in limit-fed dairy heifer rations: Effects on metabolic profile and onset of puberty

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of increasing the inclusion rate of distillers dried grains (DDGS) in replacement of forage in limit-fed diets on the metabolic profile and onset of puberty in dairy heifers. A 16-wk randomized complete block design study was conducted using 48 Holstein heifers (199 ± 2 d of age) with 3 treatments. Treatments were (1) 30% DDGS (30DG), (2) 40% DDGS (40DG), and (3) 50% DDGS (50DG), with the remainder of the diet consisting of grass hay and 1.5% mineral mix. Heifers were housed in groups of 6 and individually limit-fed using Calan gates at 2.65, 2.50, and 2.35% of body weight (BW) on a dry matter (DM) basis for 30DG, 40DG, and 50DG, respectively. Jugular blood samples were collected during wk 0, 4, 8, 12, and 16 for metabolite and metabolic hormone analysis. Additional samples were taken during wk 16 for plasma fatty acid analysis. When heifers weighed 200 kg, coccygeal vein blood samples were taken twice per week for progesterone analysis to estimate onset of puberty. Blood samples continued until cycling was confirmed via ultrasound for the presence of a corpus luteum. A quadratic response and a linear tendency in the proportion of total fatty acids as linoleic acid were observed. Linear and quadratic responses for plasma concentrations of linoleic acid and arachidonic acid occurred. Overall results for fatty acid analysis demonstrated that total fatty acid and polyunsaturated fatty acids concentration in the blood were linearly increased, with a quadratic response for polyunsaturated fatty acids with 30DG and 50DG having the greatest concentrations. No interactions of treatment by week were observed for any of the metabolites and metabolic hormones measured. Glucose, insulin, insulin-like growth factor-1, leptin, and triglycerides were similar across treatments. A linear response of plasma urea nitrogen and a quadratic response tendency for cholesterol concentration were observed. Age and BW at puberty were similar across treatments. Limit-feeding heifers with greater inclusion rates of DDGS maintained energy status without the accumulation of excess adipose tissue as indicated by leptin. Treatments had no detrimental effects on age or BW at puberty.

Are short (blue) wavelengths necessary for light treatment of seasonal affective disorder?

Despite widely published speculation regarding a potential potency advantage of short-wavelength (blue-appearing) light for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) treatment, there have been few systematic studies. Those comparing short-wavelength to broad-wavelength (white) light under actual clinical conditions suggest equivalent effectiveness. This multicenter, parallel-group design trial was undertaken to compare the effects of light therapy on SAD using blue (~465 nm) versus blue-free (595-612 nm) LED lights. Fifty-six medication-free subjects aged 21-64 years who met DSM-IV-TR criteria for recurrent major depression with winter-type seasonal pattern were enrolled in this blinded study at five participating centers between January and March 2012. Thirty-five subjects met the criteria for randomization to 30 min of either blue (~465 nm) or blue-free (595-612 nm) daily morning light therapy. Twenty-nine subjects completed the study; three subjects withdrew due to treatment-related adverse events, including migraines, and three withdrew for non-study-related reasons. The primary effectiveness variable was depression score (SIGH-ADS) after six weeks of daily light treatment. Secondary effectiveness variables included quality-of-life (QoL) and suicidality ratings. Using an intent-to-treat analysis, mean depression scores were different at baseline for the blue group (29 ± 5 versus 26 ± 5, p = 0.05 blue versus blue-free, respectively), and the initial score was used as a covariate. Baseline scores were not significantly different between treatment groups among those who completed the study, and no significant differences in depression scores were observed after 6 weeks (mean ± SD scores at 6 weeks: 5.6 ± 6.1 versus 4.5 ± 5.3, p = 0.74, blue versus blue-free, respectively). In addition, the proportion of subjects who met remission criteria, defined as a depression score ≤8, was not significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.41); among the 29 subjects who completed the study, 76% of subjects experienced remission by the end of the trial, which coincided with the beginning of spring. The QoL and suicidality ratings were also significantly improved from pre- to post-treatment, with no significant difference between treatments. No subject experienced worsening or non-improved symptoms over the 6-week trial. The main finding of this study is that subjects treated with blue light did not improve more than subjects treated with blue-free light; both showed substantial improvement on multiple measures. Failure to find differences may have resulted from methodological constraints, including a small sample size. Recruitment began mid-winter during an unusually mild season, and the trial was terminated earlier than planned by the study sponsor due to a failure to detect a difference. However, if confirmed in a larger randomized sample, these results suggest that blue wavelengths are not necessary for successful SAD treatment.

Constraint is associated with earlier circadian phase and morningness: Confirmation of relationships between personality and circadian phase using a constant routine protocol

Associations among personality, diurnal preference, and circadian phase were investigated using a constant routine laboratory protocol. One hundred and sixty-eight healthy participants aged 18-30 years (Women n = 68) completed either a 30- or 50-hour constant routine under dim-light conditions (<3 lux), during which circadian phase was measured from core body temperature and melatonin. Prior to laboratory admission, self-report measures of personality and diurnal preference were also obtained. The personality trait of Constraint correlated positively with morning diurnal preference and earlier circadian phase, with circadian phase partially mediating the relationship between Constraint and diurnal preference. No other personality variables correlated with circadian phase. Sex was an important covariate in several of the relationships investigated due to lower levels of Constraint and later CBT phase amongst men and was thus controlled for in all relevant analyses. Findings from this highly controlled study are consistent with previous field research in suggesting that earlier circadian phase is associated with the personality trait of Constraint.

Using fluorescent lipids in live zebrafish larvae: From imaging whole animal physiology to subcellular lipid trafficking

Lipids serve essential functions in cells as signaling molecules, membrane components, and sources of energy. Defects in lipid metabolism are implicated in a number of pandemic human diseases, including diabetes, obesity, and hypercholesterolemia. Many aspects of how fatty acids and cholesterol are absorbed and processed by intestinal cells remain unclear and present a hurdle to developing approaches for disease prevention and treatment. Numerous studies have shown that the zebrafish is an excellent model for vertebrate lipid metabolism. In this chapter, we review commercially available fluorescent lipids that can be deployed in live zebrafish to better understand lipid signaling and metabolism. In this chapter, we present criteria one should consider when selecting specific fluorescent lipids for the study of digestive physiology or lipid metabolism in larval zebrafish.

Epidemiology of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis in the United States: high rates persist in the post-HIV era

BACKGROUND

The incidence of tuberculosis (TB) in the United States has declined following a logarithmic pattern, with few exceptions. One exception was during the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic, which was thought to have caused the deviation. However, since then, alternative explanations have been proposed, including the increased burden of chronic diseases, immigration, and the increase in the use of immune suppressant medications.

METHODS

Epidemiological data of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Bureau of the Census were analyzed regarding TB incidence, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, immigration status, and age for the period 1953-2011.

RESULTS

Data analysis identified a deviation from the logarithmic decline in TB cases that started in the mid-2000s. This divergence did not appear to be related to HIV status. The overall decline in TB cases since 1953 has been almost exclusively due to a reduction in pulmonary TB (PTB) and not to extra-pulmonary TB (EPTB).

CONCLUSIONS

The HIV/AIDS epidemic likely played a significant role in the 1979-1985 deviation, but not subsequently. Furthermore, EPTB as a proportion of total TB cases has remained high. Further studies to delineate the etiologies of these findings are needed.

Feeding fat from distillers dried grains with solubles to dairy heifers: I. Effects on growth performance and total-tract digestibility of nutrients

The objective of this study was to determine if increased dietary fat from dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) in diets of growing heifers affected dry matter intake, average daily gain (ADG), growth performance, and nutrient digestibility. Thirty-three Holstein heifers (133±18 d old) were used in a 24-wk randomized complete block design. Treatments were (1) control (CON) containing ground corn and soybean products, (2) low-fat (LFDG) containing low-fat, high-protein DDGS and ground corn, and (3) high-fat (HFDG) with traditional DDGS. All diets contained 39.8% grass hay, 24.8% corn silage, and 1.5% vitamins and minerals. The HFDG diet was formulated to contain 4.8% fat compared with 2.8% in the CON and LFDG diets, which were greater in nonfibrous carbohydrate. Diets had a net energy gain of 1.0Mcal/kg of dry matter and were limit-fed at 2.45% of body weight. Heifers were weighed every 2wk and rations were adjusted accordingly. Heart girth, hip and wither heights, body length, and body condition score were recorded every 2wk. Total-tract digestion of nutrients was evaluated during wk16 using fecal grab sampling and an external marker. No treatments by time interactions were found. Dry matter intakes, body weights, ADG, and gain-to-feed ratio were similar among treatments; however, ADG averaged 0.96kg/d among treatments, which is greater than recommended. All body frame measurements and body condition scores were similar among treatments. Total-tract digestibilities of dry matter and organic matter were not different among treatments. However, crude protein and neutral detergent fiber digestibility were increased in the HFDG diet compared with the CON and LFDG diets. These results demonstrate that using DDGS or low-fat DDGS with corn in growing heifer rations can maintain performance. Utilizing the fat in DDGS as a dietary energy source in replacement of starch from corn did not influence growth performance or negatively affect nutrient digestion.

Short communication: Feeding fat from distillers dried grains with solubles to dairy heifers: III. Effects on posttrial reproductive and lactation performance

The objective of this research was to determine the subsequent effects on lactation and reproductive performance from feeding fat from distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) to growing dairy heifers. During the prepubertal growth phase, 33 Holstein heifers (133±18 d old) were used in a 24-wk randomized complete block design. Treatments included (1) a control diet (CON) containing ground corn and soybean products, 2) a diet with low-fat DDGS (LFDG), and (3) a higher-fat diet with traditional DDGS (HFDG). All diets contained 39.8% grass hay, 24.8% corn silage, and 1.5% vitamins and minerals. Previous results demonstrated that growth performance was maintained across treatments, but plasma cholesterol and fatty acids were greater and puberty may occur earlier in heifers fed HFDG. It was hypothesized that differences among treatments in metabolic profile and puberty may influence reproductive and first-lactation performance. Posttrial data on reproductive performance and milk production for the first 4 mo of lactation were collected for each heifer from dairy herd records. At 3wk prepartum and at calving, body weights, body condition scores, and body measurements were taken. No differences were observed among treatments for age at conception or age at calving. At calving, heifers fed the HFDG were shorter in withers height compared with heifers fed the other diets. Milk yields and components were similar or improved in heifers fed the distillers grains diets compared with heifers fed CON. Heifers fed LFDG had greater milk production and a tendency for greater milk protein yields compared with the heifers fed CON. Energy-corrected milk yields were similar among treatments. Feeding increased dietary fat from DDGS during the prepubertal growth phase did not negatively affect milk production, despite earlier attainment of puberty compared with other treatments. The overall ADG for all 3 treatments was 0.96kg/d during the prepubertal period, which is greater than recommended and may have compromised milk yield across treatments. Based on these findings, producers can feed either DDGS or LFDG with corn in replacement of soybean products and corn to prepubertal heifers and maintain or enhance subsequent reproductive and lactation performance. Dietary fat from DDGS can replace starch from corn as an energy source for prepubertal heifers without detriment to later performance.

Feeding fat from distillers dried grains with solubles to dairy heifers: II. Effects on metabolic profile

The objective of this study was to determine if increased dietary fat from dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) in diets of growing heifers affected metabolic profile, plasma fatty acid profile, and reproductive maturation. Thirty-three Holstein heifers (133±18 d of age) were used in a 24-wk randomized complete block design with 3 treatment diets. Treatment diets were (1) control (CON) containing ground corn (15.9% of DM) and soybean products (17.9%), (2) low-fat (LFDG) containing low-fat DDGS (21.9%) and ground corn (11.9%), or (3) high-fat (HFDG) with traditional DDGS (33.8%). Diets were isonitrogenous and isocaloric, but the HFDG diet was formulated to contain 4.8% fat compared with 2.8% in the CON and LFDG diets. All 3 diets were limit-fed to 2.45% of body weight on a dry matter basis, and resulted in a mean average daily gain of 0.96kg/d across treatments. Every 4wk, jugular blood was collected for analysis of metabolites and metabolic hormones. During wk20 of the feeding period, blood samples were collected for analysis of plasma fatty acid profiles. When heifers weighed between 200 and 300kg of body weight, coccygeal blood samples were taken twice weekly for analysis of progesterone to determine if puberty had been reached. Plasma concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids were similar among treatments and consistent over the duration of the study. Plasma concentrations of β-hydroxybutyrate, insulin, insulin-like growth factor-1, and leptin were similar among heifers fed each treatment diet, but increased over the duration of the feeding period. Serum concentrations of glucose tended to be less in heifers fed HFDG compared with heifers fed the CON diet. Glucose concentrations fluctuated throughout the feeding period, but no treatment by time interactions were noted. Plasma urea N concentrations were less in heifers fed LFDG compared with heifers fed HFDG and CON diets. The concentrations of plasma urea N increased over the duration of the feeding period, with no treatment by week interaction. Total plasma cholesterol was greater in heifers fed HFDG compared with the CON and LFDG diets, and a significant week effect and a week by treatment interaction were observed. Fatty acid profiles also differed among treatments based on the supply of fatty acids from the diet. Progesterone analysis indicated that heifers fed HFDG tended to be pubertal at a younger age than heifers on CON. These results demonstrate that dietary fat from DDGS can be used in high-plane of nutrition rations for growing heifers and maintain metabolic energy status compared with starch from corn, but alters the concentrations of different blood lipids.

The pigeon (Columba livia) model of spontaneous atherosclerosis

Multiple animal models have been employed to study human atherosclerosis, the principal cause of mortality in the United States. Each model has individual advantages related to specific pathologies. Initiation, the earliest disease phase, is best modeled by the White Carneau (WC-As) pigeon. Atherosclerosis develops spontaneously in the WC-As without either external manipulation or known risk factors. Furthermore, susceptibility is caused by a single gene defect inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. The Show Racer (SR-Ar) pigeon is resistant to atherosclerosis. Breed differences in the biochemistry and metabolism of celiac foci cells have been described. For example, WC-As have lower oxidative metabolism but higher amounts of chondroitin-6-sulfate and nonesterified fatty acids compared with SR-Ar. Gene expression in aortic smooth muscle cells was compared between breeds using representational difference analysis and microarray analysis. Energy metabolism and cellular phenotype were the chief gene expression differences. Glycolysis and synthetic cell types were related to the WC-As but oxidative metabolism and contractile cell types were related to the SR-Ar. Rosiglitazone, a PPARγ agonist, blocked RNA binding motif (RBMS1) expression in WC-As cells. The drug may act through the c-myc oncogene as RBMS1 is a c-myc target. Proteomic tests of aortic smooth muscle cells supported greater glycosylation in the WC-As and a transforming growth factor β effect in SR-Ar. Unoxidized fatty acids build up in WC-As cells because of their metabolic deficiency, ultimately preventing the contractile phenotype in these cells. The single gene responsible for the disease is likely regulatory in nature.

Rosiglitazone modulates pigeon atherosclerotic lipid accumulation and gene expression in vitro

Atherosclerosis is a major contributor to the overall United States mortality rate, primarily in the form of heart attacks and stroke. Unlike the human disease, which is believed to be multifactorial, pigeon atherosclerosis is due to a single gene autosomal recessive trait. The White Carneau (WC-As) strain develops atherosclerotic plaques without the presence of known environmental risk factors such as diet and classic predictors such as blood pressure or blood cholesterol levels. With similar parameters, the Show Racer (SR-Ar) is resistant to plaque development. Thiazolidinediones, including rosiglitazone, activate the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) raising cellular sensitivity to insulin. The effect of rosiglitazone was evaluated in aortic smooth muscle cells (SMC) from these 2 pigeon breeds. Primary SMC cultures were prepared from WC-As and SR-Ar squabs. Cell monolayers, which achieved confluence in 7 d, were treated with 0 or 4 µM rosiglitazone for 24 h. Cellular lipid accumulation was evaluated by oil red O staining. Control WC-As cells had significantly higher vacuole scores and lipid content than did the SR-Ar control cells. Rosiglitazone treatment decreased WC-As lipid vacuoles significantly compared with the control cells. On the other hand, lipid vacuoles in the treated and untreated SR-Ar cells did not differ significantly. The effect of rosiglitazone on WC-As SMC gene expression was compared with control SMC using representational difference analysis. Significant transcript increases were found for caveolin and RNA binding motif in the control cells compared with the rosiglitazone-treated cells as well as cytochrome p450 family 17 subfamily A polypeptide 1 (CYP171A) in the rosiglitazone-treated cells compared with the control cells. Although rosiglitazone was selected for these experiments because of its role as a PPARγ agonist, it appears that the drug also tempers c-myc expression, as genes related to this second transcription factor were differentially expressed. Both PPARγ and c-myc appear to affect WC-As SMC gene expression, which may relate to disease development, progression, or both.

Atherosclerosis-susceptible and atherosclerosis-resistant pigeon aortic cells express different genes in vivo

Spontaneous atherosclerosis in the White Carneau (WC-As) pigeon is inherited as a single gene disorder, and its progression closely mirrors the human disease. Representational difference analysis and microarray were used to identify genes that were differentially expressed between the susceptible WC-As and resistant Show Racer (SR-Ar) aortic tissue. The RNA extracted from 1-d-old squab aortas was used to make cDNA for each experiment. Fifty-six unique genes were found using representational difference analysis, with 25 exclusively expressed in the WC-As, 15 exclusive to the SR-Ar, and 16 nonexclusive genes having copy number variation between breeds. Caveolin and β-actin were expressed in the WC-As, whereas the proteasome maturation protein and the transcription complex CCR4-NOT were exclusive to the SR-Ar. Microarray analysis revealed 48 genes with differential expression. Vascular endothelial growth factor and p53 binding protein were among the 17 genes upregulated in the WC-As. Thirty-one genes were upregulated in the SR-Ar including the transforming growth factor-β signaling factor SMAD2 and heat shock protein 90. Genes representing several biochemical pathways were distinctly different between breeds. The most striking divergences were in cytoskeletal remodeling, proteasome activity, cellular respiration, and immune response. Actin cytoskeletal remodeling appears to be one of the first differences between susceptible and resistant breeds, lending support to the smooth muscle cell phenotypic reversion hypothesis of human atherogenesis.

Randomized cross-over trial of short-term water-only fasting: metabolic and cardiovascular consequences

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Routine, periodic fasting is associated with a lower prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD). Animal studies show that fasting may increase longevity and alter biological parameters related to longevity. We evaluated whether fasting initiates acute changes in biomarker expression in humans that may impact short- and long-term health.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Apparently-healthy volunteers (N = 30) without a recent history of fasting were enrolled in a randomized cross-over trial. A one-day water-only fast was the intervention and changes in biomarkers were the study endpoints. Bonferroni correction required p ≤ 0.00167 for significance (p < 0.05 was a trend that was only suggestively significant). The one-day fasting intervention acutely increased human growth hormone (p = 1.1 × 10⁻⁴), hemoglobin (p = 4.8 × 10⁻⁷), red blood cell count (p = 2.5 × 10⁻⁶), hematocrit (p = 3.0 × 10⁻⁶), total cholesterol (p = 5.8 × 10⁻⁵), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p = 0.0015), and decreased triglycerides (p = 1.3 × 10⁻⁴), bicarbonate (p = 3.9 × 10⁻⁴), and weight (p = 1.0 × 10⁻⁷), compared to a day of usual eating. For those randomized to fast the first day (n = 16), most factors including human growth hormone and cholesterol returned to baseline after the full 48 h, with the exception of weight (p = 2.5 × 10⁻⁴) and (suggestively significant) triglycerides (p = 0.028).

CONCLUSION

Fasting induced acute changes in biomarkers of metabolic, cardiovascular, and general health. The long-term consequences of these short-term changes are unknown but repeated episodes of periodic short-term fasting should be evaluated as a preventive treatment with the potential to reduce metabolic disease risk. Clinical trial registration (ClinicalTrials.gov): NCT01059760 (Expression of Longevity Genes in Response to Extended Fasting [The Fasting and Expression of Longevity Genes during Food abstinence {FEELGOOD} Trial]).

Systematic review: faecal microbiota transplantation in the management of inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND

The intestinal microbiota is involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been used for the management of IBD as well as infectious diarrhoea.

AIM

To undertake a systematic review of FMT in patients with IBD.

METHODS

The systematic review followed Cochrane and PRISMA recommendations. Nine electronic databases were searched in addition to hand searching and contacting experts. Inclusion criteria were reports (RCT, nonrandomised trials, case series and case reports) of FMT in patients with IBD.

RESULTS

Of the 5320 articles identified, 17 fulfilled the inclusion criteria, none of which were controlled trials. There were nine case series/case reports of patients receiving FMT for management of their IBD, and eight where FMT was for the treatment of infectious diarrhoea in IBD. These 17 articles reported on 41 patients with IBD (27 UC, 12 Crohn's, 2 unclassified) with a follow-up period of between 2 weeks and 13 years. Where reported, FMT was administered via colonoscopy/enema (26/33) or via enteral tube (7/33). In patients treated for their IBD, the majority experienced a reduction of symptoms (19/25), cessation of IBD medications (13/17) and disease remission (15/24). There was resolution of C. difficile infection in all those treated for such (15/15).

CONCLUSIONS

Whilst the available evidence is limited and weak, it suggests that faecal microbiota transplantation has the potential to be an effective and safe treatment for IBD, at least when standard treatments have failed. Well-designed randomised controlled trials are required to investigate these findings.

Systematic review: faecal microbiota transplantation in the management of inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND

The intestinal microbiota is involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been used for the management of IBD as well as infectious diarrhoea.

AIM

To undertake a systematic review of FMT in patients with IBD.

METHODS

The systematic review followed Cochrane and PRISMA recommendations. Nine electronic databases were searched in addition to hand searching and contacting experts. Inclusion criteria were reports (RCT, nonrandomised trials, case series and case reports) of FMT in patients with IBD.

RESULTS

Of the 5320 articles identified, 17 fulfilled the inclusion criteria, none of which were controlled trials. There were nine case series/case reports of patients receiving FMT for management of their IBD, and eight where FMT was for the treatment of infectious diarrhoea in IBD. These 17 articles reported on 41 patients with IBD (27 UC, 12 Crohn's, 2 unclassified) with a follow-up period of between 2 weeks and 13 years. Where reported, FMT was administered via colonoscopy/enema (26/33) or via enteral tube (7/33). In patients treated for their IBD, the majority experienced a reduction of symptoms (19/25), cessation of IBD medications (13/17) and disease remission (15/24). There was resolution of C. difficile infection in all those treated for such (15/15).

CONCLUSIONS

Whilst the available evidence is limited and weak, it suggests that faecal microbiota transplantation has the potential to be an effective and safe treatment for IBD, at least when standard treatments have failed. Well-designed randomised controlled trials are required to investigate these findings.

Differentially expressed genes in aortic smooth muscle cells from atherosclerosis-susceptible and atherosclerosis-resistant pigeons

Susceptibility to spontaneous atherosclerosis in the White Carneau (WC-As) pigeon shows autosomal recessive inheritance. Aortic smooth muscle cells (SMC) cultured from susceptible WC-As and resistant Show Racer (SR-Ar) pigeons exhibit developmental and degenerative features corresponding to the respective SMC at atherosclerosis-prone sites in vivo. We used representational difference analysis to identify differentially expressed genes between WC-As and SR-Ar aortic SMC. Total RNA was extracted from cultured primary SMC of each breed, converted to double-stranded cDNA, followed by direct comparison in reciprocal representational difference analysis experiments. Difference products were cloned, sequenced, and identified by BLAST against the chicken genome. Six putative biochemical pathways were distinctly different between breeds with genes involved in energy metabolism and contractility exhibiting the most striking disparity. Genes associated with glycolysis and a synthetic SMC phenotype were expressed in WC-As cells. In contrast, SR-Ar cells expressed genes indicative of oxidative phosphorylation and a contractile SMC phenotype. In WC-As cells, the alternatives of insufficient ATP production limiting contractile function or the lack of functional contractile elements downregulating ATP synthesis cannot be distinguished due to the compressed in vitro versus in vivo developmental time frame. However, the genetic potential for effectively coupling energy production to muscle contraction present in the resistant SR-Ar was lacking in the susceptible WC-As.

Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium Guidelines for CYP2C9 and VKORC1 genotypes and warfarin dosing

Warfarin is a widely used anticoagulant with a narrow therapeutic index and large interpatient variability in the dose required to achieve target anticoagulation. Common genetic variants in the cytochrome P450-2C9 (CYP2C9) and vitamin K-epoxide reductase complex (VKORC1) enzymes, in addition to known nongenetic factors, account for ~50% of warfarin dose variability. The purpose of this article is to assist in the interpretation and use of CYP2C9 and VKORC1 genotype data for estimating therapeutic warfarin dose to achieve an INR of 2-3, should genotype results be available to the clinician. The Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC) of the National Institutes of Health Pharmacogenomics Research Network develops peer-reviewed gene-drug guidelines that are published and updated periodically on http://www.pharmgkb.org based on new developments in the field.(1).

Integration of genetic, clinical, and INR data to refine warfarin dosing

Well-characterized genes that affect warfarin metabolism (cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C9) and sensitivity (vitamin K epoxide reductase complex 1 (VKORC1)) explain one-third of the variability in therapeutic dose before the international normalized ratio (INR) is measured. To determine genotypic relevance after INR becomes available, we derived clinical and pharmacogenetic refinement algorithms on the basis of INR values (on day 4 or 5 of therapy), clinical factors, and genotype. After adjusting for INR, CYP2C9 and VKORC1 genotypes remained significant predictors (P < 0.001) of warfarin dose. The clinical algorithm had an R(2) of 48% (median absolute error (MAE): 7.0 mg/week) and the pharmacogenetic algorithm had an R(2) of 63% (MAE: 5.5 mg/week) in the derivation set (N = 969). In independent validation sets, the R(2) was 26-43% with the clinical algorithm and 42-58% when genotype was added (P = 0.002). After several days of therapy, a pharmacogenetic algorithm estimates the therapeutic warfarin dose more accurately than one using clinical factors and INR response alone.

Lux vs. wavelength in light treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder

OBJECTIVE

Published dosing guidelines for treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) refer to photopic lux, which is not appropriate for short-wavelength light. Short wavelengths are most potent for many non-visual responses to light. If SAD therapy were similarly mediated, standards utilizing lux risk overestimating necessary dose. We investigated antidepressant responses to light using two light-emitting diode (LED) sources, each emitting substantial short-wavelength light, but <2500 lux.

METHOD

A randomized, double-blind trial investigated 3-week 45 min/day out-patient treatment with blue-appearing (goLITE) or blue-enriched white-appearing light in 18 moderately-depressed adults (12F, 49.1 +/- 9.5 years). Equivalent numbers of photons within the short-wavelength range were emitted, but the white source emitted twice as many photons overall and seven-fold more lux.

RESULTS

Depression ratings (SIGH-ADS; http://www.cet.org) decrease averaged 82% (SD = 17%) from baseline (P < 0.0001) in both white- and blue-light groups. Both sources were well tolerated.

CONCLUSION

Short-wavelength LED light sources may be effective in SAD treatment at fewer lux than traditional fluorescent sources.

Ruminal degradation and intestinal digestibility of dried or wet distillers grains with increasing concentrations of condensed distillers solubles

The objective of this experiment was to determine the effect that the amount of condensed distillers solubles (CDS) added back to distillers grains (DG) and its form, wet or dried, have on nutrient digestion. Three Holstein cows with ruminal cannulas were used to evaluate in situ ruminal degradability of DM and CP and in vitro intestinal digestibility of CP. Condensed distillers solubles were added back to wet DG in the following ratios of wet DG to CDS: 100:0, 86.7:13.3, 73.3:26.7, and 60:40. One-half of each mixed feed at each ratio was dried, and the other one-half remained wet, resulting in 8 DG samples. Feeds were incubated in the rumen for 0, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 48 h. Intestinal CP digestibility was measured on residue from 12-h ruminal incubation feeds by the pepsin-pancreatin method. The soluble fraction of DM and CP was greater (P < 0.001) for wet compared with dried DG and increased as CDS increased in each blend (P < 0.001). The potentially degradable fraction of DM and CP was greater (P < 0.001) for dried compared with wet DG and decreased as CDS increased in each blend (P < 0.01). The rate of DM and CP degradation was not (P > 0.05) affected by form or inclusion of CDS. Rumen-degraded DM was greater (P < 0.001) for wet compared with dried DG (59.7 vs. 48.6%), and as the percentage of CDS increased, it increased (P < 0.001) from 49.3 to 61.2%. Rumen-degraded protein (RDP) was greater (P < 0.001) for wet DG than dried DG (53.1 vs. 38.0%). In addition, RDP increased (P < 0.001) from 42.0 to 50.5% as the concentration of CDS increased from 0 to 40%. Estimated intestinal digestibility of rumen-undegraded protein was greater (P = 0.003) for wet DG compared with dried DG (69.7 vs. 64.0%), but was unaffected (P = 0.11) by the addition of CDS. Intestinal absorbable dietary protein was greater (P < 0.001) for dried DG (39.7%) compared with wet DG (32.7%), and decreased (P < 0.001) from 39.9 to 32.0% with increasing concentrations of CDS. Total digestible protein (TDP) increased (P < 0.001) from 77.7 to 85.8% for dried and wet DG, whereas different ratios of DG to CDS resulted in similar TDP. Based on this study, ruminal DM and CP degradability and intestinal protein digestibility of DG increased when the percentage of CDS increased. Although dried DG can supply more ruminal undegraded protein, wet DG can supply more TDP.

Ensiling characteristics of wet distillers grains mixed with soybean hulls and evaluation of the feeding value for growing Holstein heifers

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the fermentation characteristics of ensiled wet corn distillers grains with solubles (WDG) alone or mixed with soybean hulls (SH) and the ability of the mixture to maintain growth performance in dairy heifers. The first experiment was an ensiling study using laboratory silos. Ensiled blends were 100% WDG, 85% WDG with 15% SH, and 70% WDG with 30% SH on an as-fed basis. Silos were opened for analysis on d 0, 3, 7, and 21. The pH was less in the 100% WDG compared with other treatments (P < 0.01), but all treatments had a pH near 4. Lactic acid concentration was greater in 100% WDG compared with the blends of WDG and SH (P < 0.01). Acetic acid was not found in 100% WDG and increased over time in the 2 blends (P < 0.01). Other differences between blends, such as DM, CP, ammonia N, fiber, and fat, were reflective of the different concentrations of WDG and SH in the blends. In the second experiment, the 70% WDG and 30% SH (as-fed) blend was ensiled in a silo bag and then evaluated as a feed for growing dairy heifer diets. Twenty-four heifers were used in a randomized complete block design and assigned to be fed 1 of 3 diets: 1) control, 2) low inclusion of WDGSH, and 3) a high inclusion of WDGSH. All treatment diets consisted of 50% brome grass hay on a DM basis. The control diet had 50% of the diet (DM basis) as a grain mix, which was composed of corn, soybean meal, and minerals. The low WDGSH diet contained 24.4% of the blend and 25.6% grain mix. The high WDGSH diet contained 48.7% of the blend and 1.3% mineral mix. Average daily gain and most of the body growth measures were similar among treatments. However, DMI decreased linearly (P < 0.01) as the WDGSH blends were fed, resulting in improved (P = 0.02) G:F. Results from these experiments indicated that WDG can be effectively ensiled with SH and sustain adequate growth rate when fed to growing dairy heifers.

Characterization of internal exposure to enriched uranium at a former gaseous diffusion plant

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is conducting a nested case-control study of mortality from multiple myeloma involving 581 subjects who worked at the Oak Ridge K-25 Gaseous Diffusion Plant. Internally-deposited uranium is the primary agent being considered in the exposure assessment. Routine operation and maintenance of the plant presented the potential for inhaling uranium of various enrichments. As part of the exposure assessment, records describing the various plant processes and procedures, documentation on the medical monitoring program, uranium urinalysis data, and procedures and analytical methods for monitoring uranium exposure were retrieved and reviewed. Uranium urinalysis data consisted of 161,055 uranium urinalysis results obtained by fluorometry and 171,914 results obtained by alpha particle counting. Approximately 20% of the workers were monitored for internal exposure using urine sampling. Mean and median uranium concentrations in urine for the monitored study subjects were slightly lower than for the entire population of monitored K-25 workers. The specific activity of uranium excreted in urine was determined by comparing results obtained using fluorometric and alpha activity measurements and indicate that the majority of internal exposure involved uranium that was depleted or enriched to no more than 4% U.

Estimating active bone marrow dose from occupational exposure to uranium at a former gaseous diffusion plant

Active bone marrow absorbed doses were estimated for 581 workers as part of a nested case-control study of multiple myeloma mortality at the Oak Ridge Gaseous Diffusion Plant (K-25). Uranium urinalysis results obtained by fluorometric and gross alpha measurements were available for about 20% of the 581 study subjects. These data were used to determine intakes of uranium as a result of occupational exposure during operation of the K-25 facility. Uranium solubility was inferred from the observed urinary excretion rate, job titles, and department codes. Data suggest that most study subjects were exposed to uranyl fluoride, a relatively soluble uranium compound. The median cumulative bone marrow dose determined for subjects with bioassay data was 0.06 mGy with a geometric standard deviation of 4.48. Subjects without bioassay data were assigned cumulative bone marrow dose based upon job titles and department codes.

Ruminal and Intestinal Degradability of Distillers Grains plus Solubles Varies by Source

Currently in the dairy industry, there is a concern about the variability in the nutrient content among sources of distillers grains plus solubles (DG), but little research has evaluated the variability in metabolizable AA among sources. The ruminal degradability of crude protein (CP) in soybean meal (SBM), dried DG from 5 sources (DG1, DG2, DG3, DG4, and DG5), and 1 source of wet DG (WDG) were determined using 2 lactating ruminally cannulated Holstein cows. Feeds were incubated in the rumen for 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 36 h. Intestinal CP digestibility via pepsin and pancreatin and AA profiles were measured on residue from 12-h ruminal incubation of feeds. Ruminal undegradable protein (RUP) was less for SBM (46.4%) than for DG. The WDG (53.6%) had less RUP than dried DG. The RUP concentrations of DG3 (59.1%) and DG5 (60.3%) were lower than DG1 (71.7%) and DG4 (67.5%), with DG1 having more than DG2 (63.7%) and DG4. Intestinal digestibility of RUP was greater for SBM (86.7%) than DG. The DG2 (76.8%) and DG3 (74.2%) had greater intestinal digestibility compared with DG1 (59.2%), DG4 (63.0%), and DG5 (68.1%). The intestinal digestibility in WDG (65.8%) was similar to all other DG except for DG1, which was lower. Total digestibility of CP was greater in SBM (93.9%) compared with DG. Among the DG sources, the CP in DG2 (85.3%) and DG3 (84.9%) was more digestible compared with DG1 (70.7%), DG4 (74.9%), and DG5 (80.8%) but not WDG (81.9%). Based on the milk protein score (MPS), which is an estimate of the proportion of milk protein that a protein source can sustain until the first limiting AA is depleted, Met was the first limiting AA in SBM and Lys in DG. The concentrations of essential AA in the RUP were not different among DG sources, but the greater MPS in WDG (0.306) compared with the dried DG (0.240) sources indicated that WDG may have been the more ideal RUP source; but, the MPS of the metabolizable protein indicated that the protein quality of WDG was similar to that in DG2, DG3, and DG5. In conclusion, protein degradability and digestibility differed greatly among DG sources, but these differences were actually not as prominent in the concentrations of metabolizable AA and MPS among these sources.

Gene mutations, atrial fibrillation, and the elusive cigar

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia. The term lone AF describes nonsyndromic atrial fibrillation that occurs in the absence of underlying structural heart disease or predisposing clinical conditions. A hereditable component leading to conduction abnormalities in AF has long been suspected, and epidemiological evidence of elevated risk for AF among first-degree relatives of probands was recently documented. The first AF-associated molecular defect was found in an affected Chinese family; initial studies narrowed the chromosomal location by linkage analysis, and Yihan Chen et al. found a specific gain-of-function mutation in KCNQ1, the gene for the alpha subunit of potassium channels.

Evaluation of Dried and Wet Distillers Grains Included at Two Concentrations in the Diets of Lactating Dairy Cows

The purpose of this study was to determine the lactation performance of dairy cows fed dried or wet distillers grains (DG) with solubles (DDGS or WDGS) at 2 dietary concentrations. A trial using 15 cows was designed as a replicated 5 x 5 Latin square with periods of 4 wk each and data collected during wk 3 and 4 of each period. Diets, on a dry matter basis, were: control, 10% DDGS, 20% DDGS, 10% WDGS, and 20% WDGS. All diets contained 25% corn silage, 25% alfalfa hay, and 50% of the respective concentrate mixes. Dry matter intake (DMI) tended to be greater for cows fed control than DG (23.4, 22.8, 22.5, 23.0, and 21.9 kg/d for control, 10% DDGS, 20% DDGS, 10% WDGS, and 20% WDGS). Milk yield (39.8, 40.9, 42.5, 42.5, and 43.5 kg/d) was greater for cows fed DG than control. Milk fat percentage (3.23, 3.16, 3.28, 3.55, and 3.40%) was similar for cows fed control and DG, but greater for cows fed WDGS than DDGS. Milk fat yield was greater for cows fed DG than control and tended to be greater for cows fed WDGS than DDGS. Milk fat from cows fed DG, especially 20% DG, was more unsaturated and contained more cis-9, trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid than when fed the control diet. Milk protein percentage (3.05, 3.01, 3.02, 3.11, and 3.06%) was similar for cows fed control and DG but greater for cows fed WDGS than DDGS. Milk protein yield was greater for cows fed DG than control, tended to be greater for cows fed WDGS than DDGS, and tended to be greater for cows fed 20% DG than 10% DG. Milk urea nitrogen was similar for cows fed control and DG but greater for cows fed WDGS than DDGS and tended to be higher for cows fed 20% DG than 10% DG. Ruminal ammonia concentrations were greater for cows fed WDGS than DDGS. Overall, feeding DG improved feed efficiency (1.70, 1.79, 1.87, 1.84, and 1.92 kg of energy-corrected milk/kg of DMI) by increasing yields of milk, protein, and fat while tending to decrease DMI.

Intracellular trafficking of retroviral vectors: obstacles and advances

Retroviruses are efficient vehicles for delivering transgenes in vivo. Their ability to integrate into the host genome, providing a permanent imprint of their genes in the host, is a key asset for gene therapy. Furthermore, the lentivirus subset of retroviruses can infect nondividing as well as dividing cells. This expands the cell types capable of gene therapy, driving the development of lentiviral vectors. However, the precise mechanisms used by different retroviruses to efficiently deliver their genes into cell nuclei remains largely unclear. Understanding these molecular mechanisms may reveal features to improve the efficacy of current retroviral vectors. Moreover, this knowledge may expose elements pliable to other gene therapy vehicles to improve their in vivo performance and circumvent the biosafety concerns of using retroviral vectors. Therefore, the mechanisms underlying the early trafficking of retroviral vectors in host cells are reviewed here, as understood from studying the native retroviruses. Events after virus entry up to nuclear delivery of the viral cDNA are discussed. Cellular obstacles faced by these retroviral vectors and how they advance beyond these barriers is emphasized.

Synaptic plasticity in the dy2J mouse model of laminin alpha2-deficient congenital muscular dystrophy

Laminin alpha2-deficient congenital muscular dystrophy is a debilitating disease affecting both muscle and neural tissue as a result of mutations in the LAMA2 gene. It presents at or soon after birth with muscle weakness and is further characterised by clinical central nervous system involvement. Laminin alpha2 is part of the extracellular matrix, linked to the cellular cystoskeleton via dystroglycan which is an integral part of the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex (DGC). We examined both short- and long-term synaptic plasticity in the C57BL6J/dy(2J) mouse, an animal model of laminin alpha2 deficient congenital muscular dystrophy. Using a cerebellar slice preparation, we show that the pre-synaptically mediated paired-pulse facilitation (PPF) was no different between dy(2J) and littermate controls. Approximately half (7/12) the dy(2J) Purkinje cells displayed a blunted LTD compared to littermate controls, and one third (4/12) of dy(2J) Purkinje cells displayed LTP. This study demonstrates that a defective laminin alpha2 causes a disruption in long-term synaptic plasticity at the Purkinje cell-parallel fibre synapse.

Generating genetic risk scores from intermediate phenotypes for use in association studies of clinically significant endpoints

While previous results of genetic association studies for common, complex diseases (eg., coronary artery disease, CAD) have been disappointing, examination of multiple related genes within a physiologic pathway may provide improved resolution. This paper describes a method of calculating a genetic risk score (GRS) for a clinical endpoint by integrating data from many candidate genes and multiple intermediate phenotypes (IPs). First, the association of all single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to an IP is determined and regression beta-coefficients are used to calculate an IP-specific GRS for each individual, repeating this analysis for every IP. Next, the IPs are assessed by a second regression as predictors of the clinical endpoint. Each IP's individual GRS is then weighted by the regression beta-coefficients from the second step, creating a single, composite GRS. As an example, 3,172 patients undergoing coronary angiography were evaluated for 3 SNPs from the cholesterol metabolism pathway. Although these data provide only a preliminary example, the GRS method detected significant differences in CAD by GRS group, whereas separate genotypes did not. These results illustrate the potential of the GRS methodology for multigenic risk evaluation and suggest that such approaches deserve further examination in common, complex diseases such as CAD.

Update of antibiotic trials for secondary prevention of coronary heart disease

The possibility that infection is a stimulus for the vascular inflammation that promotes atherogenesis has spawned clinical trials of antibiotics. These have focused primarily on Chlamydia pneumoniae as a potential atherogenic agent. In contrast to pilot studies, recent large trials, capped by the Azithromycin and Coronary Events Study and PRavastatin Or AtorVastatin Evaluation and Infection Therapy mega trials, indicate that standard antibiotics (e.g., azithromycin and gatifloxacin) are ineffective for secondary cardiovascular prevention. Despite this, observations continue to mount that infection can be a stimulus for atherothrombosis. Thus, one should rethink, revise and reformulate hypotheses, and research strategies, including novel antibiotics and treatment at earlier stages of disease, rather than discard infection prematurely as a potential etiologic factor.

Evaluation of recirculating sand filter in a cold climate

Approximately 30% of Minnesota's residents rely on onsite technologies for their wastewater treatment. There is a growing need for 'alternative' technologies to aid in treatment for difficult sites and sensitive environmental areas. Recirculating sand filters (RSFs) have been used since the 1970s for small communities with flows > 20,000 L per day, but use for small flow application (< 5,000 L/d) has been growing due to its small land use requirement. A research site was developed in southern Minnesota in 1995 to test alternative technologies, including two RSFs. In addition, in 1998, two RSFs were added to existing residential soil treatment systems that were having problems because of inadequate separation and fill soil conditions. All RSFs in this study used 0.6 metres of coarse sand for treatment, were loaded at approximately 204 L per day per square metre (5 gallons per square foot per day) and a recirculation rate of 5:1. All RSFs have effectively reduced Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Fecal Coliform (FC) and Nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus). These systems are able to achieve secondary effluent treatment levels for BOD5 and TSS. The median FC reduction was 90% with a value of 5.7 E4 cfu/100 mL, indicating additional treatment is necessary to protect health and the environment. The RSFs consistently removed 25% or more total phosphorus (TP) and 40% or more total nitrogen (TN). The RSFs did not show significantly decreased performance during the winter months. Two of the RSFs receiving rather high strength domestic waste were able to reduce a greater percentage of total nitrogen, indicated that the addition of carbon from the high strength waste is a benefit resulting in greater TN removal.

Systematics of Halosarpheia based on morphological and molecular data

The genus Halosarpheia (Halosphaeriales) was established for marine ascomycetes with obpyriform to sub-globose, coriaceous, brown to black ostiolate ascomata with long necks; hamathecia of catenophyses; thin-walled, unitunicate, persistent asci with thick-walled apices; and ellipsoid, one septate, hyaline ascospores equipped with coiled, threadlike apical appendages that unfurl in water. Emphasis on ascospore appendage morphology has led to the inclusion in the genus of morphologically disparate fungi from a variety of marine and freshwater habitats. To better understand the evolutionary relationships of Halosarpheia species, phylogenetic analyses were conducted on 16 Halosarpheia species, 13 other species of Halosphaeriales and representatives of the Microascales, Hypocreales, Sordariales and Xylariales using 18S and 28S rDNA sequence data. All of the Halosarpheia species occurred on the Halosphaeriales clade. The type species of the genus, H. fibrosa, occurred on a well-supported clade with two morphologically similar species, H. trullifera and H. unicellularis. This clade, which phylogenetically was distant from the clades of other Halosarpheia species, represents the genus Halosarpheia sensu stricto. The other Halosarpheia species were distributed among eight other well-supported clades clearly separated from one another based on molecular data. New generic names are established for six of these clades, one new species is described, and one species is transferred to Aniptodera. A table (Table I) comparing the morphology, habitat, substrate and distribution of the genera of aquatic ascomycetes with coiled, threadlike apical appendages treated in this study is provided, along with a key for their identification.

Assessing the water resources of Scotland--perspectives, progress and problems

This paper reviews historical progress in the assessment of rainfall, evaporation, runoff and groundwater resources in Scotland and, within the same water-balance framework, considers recent advances in quantifying the major hydrological fluxes, with particular reference to river flows. The contributions of hydrological models and digital cartography are considered against a background of changing information needs and the likelihood that the long term stability which has characterised water resource variability in the past may not, continue in the future. The complementary roles of modelling and hydrometric monitoring networks are considered and the need for greater integration, and an increased strategic dimension to network design and evolution is discussed.