Effects of complete substitution of dietary grain and protein sources with by-products on the production performance of mid-lactation dairy cows fed diets based on barley silage under heat-stress conditions

This study evaluated the effects of replacing cereal grains and soybean meal with by-products (BY) on production performance, nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation, nutrient recovery, and eating and chewing behavior of moderate-producing dairy cows under heat-stress conditions. Twelve multiparous Holstein cows (116.7 ± 12.01 d in milk; 42.7 ± 5.06 kg/d milk yield; 665 ± 77 kg body weight; mean ± SD) were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square with 28-d periods (21 d for diet adaptation and 7 d for sampling and data collection). Cows were fed a total mixed ration containing a 39.2:60.8 ratio of forage to concentrate throughout the experiment. All diets were formulated to be isoenergetic and isonitrogenous, with different concentrates. Diets were (1) control diet based on cereal grains (CON: ground corn and ground barley, plus soybean meal); (2) sugar-rich BY diet (S-BY-CM: beet pulp, citrus pulp, and liquid molasses, plus canola meal); and (3) cereal grain BY diet (CG-BY: rice bran, corn germ meal, wheat bran, barley sprout, and broken corn). Our results showed that replacing grains with BY increased neutral detergent fiber intake and digestibility but decreased starch intake, human-edible energy, and human-edible protein. Milk yield and dry matter intake (DMI) decreased more in cows fed the CG-BY diet compared with the other 2 treatments. In contrast, no significant differences were observed between the CON and S-BY-CM diets in terms of milk yield and DMI. The S-BY-CM diet increased energy-corrected milk production compared with the CG-BY diet (36.2 vs. 34.3 kg/d), but CG-BY enhanced feed conversion efficiency compared with the other 2 treatments. Although the S-BY-CM diet prolonged the eating and sorting of small particles, neither of the dietary treatments affected chewing activity or ruminal pH 4 h after feeding. Furthermore, both diets containing BY contributed to an increase in milk fat content in comparison to the CON group. Additionally, the CG-BY and S-BY-CM diets demonstrated better performance than the CON diet in terms of human-edible feed conversion efficiency for protein and energy. The results indicated that S-BY-CM can completely replace barley and corn grain in the diet of mid-lactating dairy cows exposed to heat-stress conditions without any negative effect on production and ruminal pH. However, the inclusion of CG-BY did impair DMI, milk yield, and digestibility of nutrients and is not recommended during heat-stress conditions.

Association between common cardiovascular risk factors and clinical phenotype in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy from the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) EurObservational Research Programme (EORP) Cardiomyopathy/Myocarditis registry

AIMS

The interaction between common cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is poorly studied. We sought to explore the relation between CVRF and the clinical characteristics of patients with HCM enrolled in the EURObservational Research Programme (EORP) Cardiomyopathy registry.

METHODS AND RESULTS

1739 patients with HCM were studied. The relation between hypertension (HT), diabetes (DM), body mass index (BMI), and clinical traits was analysed. Analyses were stratified according to the presence or absence of a pathogenic variant in a sarcomere gene. The prevalence of HT, DM, and obesity (Ob) was 37, 10, and 21%, respectively. HT, DM, and Ob were associated with older age (P<0.001), less family history of HCM (HT and DM P<0.001), higher New York Heart Association (NYHA) class (P<0.001), atrial fibrillation (HT and DM P<0.001; Ob p = 0.03) and LV (left ventricular) diastolic dysfunction (HT and Ob P<0.001; DM P = 0.003). Stroke was more frequent in HT (P<0.001) and mutation-positive patients with DM (P = 0.02). HT and Ob were associated with higher provocable LV outflow tract gradients (HT P<0.001, Ob P = 0.036). LV hypertrophy was more severe in Ob (P = 0.018). HT and Ob were independently associated with NYHA class (OR 1.419, P = 0.017 and OR 1.584, P = 0.004, respectively). Other associations, including a higher proportion of females in HT and of systolic dysfunction in HT and Ob, were observed only in mutation-positive patients.

CONCLUSION

Common CVRF are associated with a more severe HCM phenotype, suggesting a proactive management of CVRF should be promoted. An interaction between genotype and CVRF was observed for some traits.

Outcome of Heart Transplant Candidates Based on a High Volume Heart Transplant Center Experience in Iran

Background

The waiting list for heart transplants is a valuable data registry that would offer very useful information on the characteristics of patients who have various outcomes while waiting in the list.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to look at the prognosis of those waiting for heart transplants as well as the factors that increase mortality.

Methods

Advanced heart failure patients' demographic, clinical, hemodynamic, and echocardiographic results, as well as their prognosis, were retrieved from the national registry for heart transplantation between 2011 and 2018. The study population was defined and compared in four groups: 1) Death while awaiting HTX, 2) Death after HTX, 3) Alive without a transplant, 4) Transplanted and alive.

Results

The data of 207 patients [75% male, mean (SD) age of 34(10) years] were analyzed. The most common etiology of heart failure was idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. A total of 86 patients (41%) were successfully transplanted, with a median (IQR) time between listing and transplantation of 84 (30¬219) days, 54 patients (26.1%) were dead and 32% were still alive. The multivariate analysis showed right atrial pressure, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, cardiac index, and systolic blood pressure at the time of listing as independent predictors of death.

Conclusion

The study on HTX waiting list is very useful for both allocation strategies and administrative planning for patients with advanced heart failure by development of accurate models and scoring systems using predictors of death in the waiting list.

CNS Post-Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder in a Heart Recipient: A Case Report

Solid organ recipients have increased risk of malignancy in comparison with general population. Although post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders are the second most common cancer in transplanted patients, primary CNS lymphoma is a rare presentation of these disorders. Among the wide range of neurologic complications in post- transplant period, some characteristics could be helpful for diagnosing of this disorder. Rarity of CNS lymphoma may lead to late diagnosis of this disease while early detection has utmost importance for better management of it. Here, we describe a heart recipient young woman with focal neurologic symptoms 14 months after transplantation and some features that could be helpful for on-time diagnosis.

Adipose derived stem cells and platelet rich plasma improve the tissue integration and angiogenesis of biodegradable scaffolds for soft tissue regeneration

Current surgical reconstruction for soft tissue replacement involves lipotransfer to restore soft tissue replacements but is limited by survival and longevity of the fat tissue. Alternative approaches to overcome these limitations include using biodegradable scaffolds with stem cells with growth factors to generate soft tissue. Adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs) offer great potential to differentiate into adipose, and can be delivered using biodegradable scaffolds. However, the optimal scaffold to maximise this approach is unknown. This study investigates the biocompatibility of nanocomposite scaffolds (POSS-PCL) to deliver ADSCs with and without the addition of growth factors using platelet rich plasma (PRP) in vivo. Rat ADSCs were isolated and then seeded on biodegradable scaffolds (POSS-PCL). In addition, donor rats were used to isolate PRP to modify the scaffolds. The implants were then subcutaneously implanted for 3-months to assess the effect of PRP and ADSC on POSS-PCL scaffolds biocompatibility. Histology after explanation was examined to assess tissue integration (H&E) and collagen production (Massons Trichome). Immunohistochemistry was used to assess angiogenesis (CD3, α-SMA), immune response (CD45, CD68) and adipose formation (PPAR-γ). At 3-months PRP-ADSC-POSS-PCL scaffolds demonstrated significantly increased tissue integration and angiogenesis compared to PRP, ADSC and unmodified scaffolds (p < 0.05). In addition, PRP-ADSC-POSS-PCL scaffolds showed similar levels of CD45 and CD68 staining compared to unmodified scaffolds. Furthermore, there was increased PPAR-γ staining demonstrated at 3-months with PRP-ADSC-POSS-PCL scaffolds (p < 0.05). POSS-PCL nanocomposite scaffolds provide an effective delivery system for ADSCs. PRP and ADSC work synergistically to enhance the biocompatibility of POSS-PCL scaffolds and provide a platform technology for soft tissue regeneration.

Argon plasma surface modification promotes the therapeutic angiogenesis and tissue formation of tissue-engineered scaffolds in vivo by adipose-derived stem cells

Background

Synthetic implants are being used to restore injured or damaged tissues following cancer resection and congenital diseases. However, the survival of large tissue implant replacements depends on their ability to support angiogenesis that if limited, causes extrusion and infection of the implant. This study assessed the beneficial effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) on synthetic biomaterials in combination with argon plasma surface modification to enhance vascularisation of tissue-engineered constructs.

Methods

Non-biodegradable polyurethane scaffolds were manufactured and modified with plasma surface modification using argon gas (PM). Donor rats were then used to extract ADSCs and PRP to modify the scaffolds further. Scaffolds with and without PM were modified with and without ADSCs and PRP and subcutaneously implanted in the dorsum of rats for 3 months. After 12 weeks, the scaffolds were excised and the degree of tissue integration using H&E staining and Masson’s trichrome staining, angiogenesis by CD31 and immune response by CD45 and CD68 immunohistochemistry staining was examined.

Results

H&E and Masson’s trichrome staining showed PM+PRP+ADSC and PM+ADSC scaffolds had the greatest tissue integration, but there was no significant difference between the two scaffolds (p < 0.05). The greatest vessel formation after 3 months was shown with PM+PRP+ADSC and PM+ADSC scaffolds using CD31 staining compared to all other scaffolds (p < 0.05). The CD45 and CD68 staining was similar between all scaffolds after 3 months showing the ADSCs or PRP had no effect on the immune response of the scaffolds.

Conclusions

Argon plasma surface modification enhanced the effect of adipose-derived stem cells effect on angiogenesis and tissue integration of polyurethane scaffolds. The combination of ADSCs and argon plasma modification may improve the survival of large tissue implants for regenerative applications.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13287-019-1195-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

FoxP3 gene polymorphism is associated with breast cancer in Iranian patients

AIM

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the leading causes of cancer death among women. Recent studies have characterized FoxP3 as a marker of regulatory T cells and an X-linked tumor suppressor gene, which is involved in the pathogenesis of BC. Therefore, we investigated the potential influence of three single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of FoxP3 gene on the development of BC in Iranian women.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The association between FoxP3 rs2232365, rs3761548 and rs4824747 polymorphisms and BC risk was assessed in 124 BC patients and 198 healthy controls using sequence-specific primers.

RESULTS

We identified significant difference of rs3761548 in both allele and genotype frequencies between cases and control groups. Our results showed that individuals carrying FoxP3 rs3761548 AA genotype had about 4.3-fold increased risk of BC compared with CC carriers. No significant association was found between rs3761548C>A polymorphism and clinical outcome parameters (age of onset, tumor size, lymph nodes metastasis, tumor stage, progesterone receptor status, estrogen receptor status, Ki-67 status, HER-2 status and duration of disease).

CONCLUSION

This study has provided the first genetic data on the FoxP3 gene polymorphism in south of Iran and proposes the rs3761548 polymorphism of FoxP3 gene as a risk factor, but not a prognostic marker in the development of BC in Iranian population.

Endomyocardial Biopsy via the Femoral Vein Using a Long, Curved Sheath

BACKGROUND

Endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) has been defined as the gold standard method for surveillance of rejection after heart transplantation, and it has also been used in the diagnosis of myocarditis and the unknown causes of cardiomyopathies. The procedure, however, is not free from complications. Access through the jugular vein or the femoral vein is the standard approach. In this study, we performed biopsies by using a long, curved sheath and evaluated the rate of complications with this technique.

METHODS

In this descriptive case series study, 97 EMBs were performed in 72 patients who were referred to a cardiovascular and medical research center in Tehran, Iran, between October 2011 and May 2013. The procedures were performed via the femoral approach by using a long bioptome with a long, curved sheath.

RESULTS

Adequate specimens were obtained in 97.9% of the total EMBs, with an average of 5 fragments per procedure. No deaths occurred, and there were no cases of pericardial effusion, myocardial rupture, papillary muscle rupture, increase in the severity of tricuspid regurgitation, atrioventricular block, sustained and nonsustained ventricular tachycardia, or atrial fibrillation. There was one case of persistent right bundle branch block.

CONCLUSIONS

Using a long, curved sheath can facilitate access to the interventricular septum compared with common sheaths and can be used safely in EMB via the femoral approach.

Interaction between the protective effects of cannabidiol and palmitoylethanolamide in experimental model of multiple sclerosis in C57BL/6 mice

Cannabinoids (CBs) have recently been approved to exert broad anti-inflammatory activities in experimental models of multiple sclerosis (MS). It has been demonstrated that these compounds could also have effects on neurodegeneration, demyelination, and autoimmune processes occurring in the pathology of MS. However, the clinical use of CBs is limited by their psychoactive effects. Among cannabinoid compounds, cannabidiol (CBD) and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) have no psychotropic activities. We induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a model of MS, by injecting myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) to C57BL/6 mice. We assessed the effects of CBD, PEA, and co-administration of CBD and PEA on neurobehavioral scores, immune cell infiltration, demyelination, axonal injury, and the expression of inflammatory cytokines by using histochemistry methods and real-time RT-PCR. Treatment with either CBD (5mg/kg) or PEA (5mg/kg) during disease onset reduced the severity of the neurobehavioral scores of EAE. This effect of CBD and PEA was accompanied by diminished inflammation, demyelination, axonal damage and inflammatory cytokine expression while concurrent administration of CBD (5mg/kg) and PEA (5mg/kg) was not as effective as treatment with either drug per se. These results suggest that, CBD and PEA, non-psychoactive CBs, attenuate neurobehavioral deficits, histological damage, and inflammatory cytokine expression in MOG-immunized animals. However, there is an antagonistic interaction between CBD and PEA in protection against MOG-induced disease.

Synthesis and Pharmacological Evaluation of New Chemical Entities from Ibuprofen as Novel Analgesic Candidates

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the first choice of drugs that are normally used for the treatment of pain and inflammation. Ibuprofen (I) and its analogues as the most widely used NSAIDs have been synthesized in recent years. In an effort to establish new candidates with improved analgesic properties, derivatives (II-VII) with substituted aromatic as well as aliphatic moieties were synthesized in this experiment and evaluated in formalin test with rats. The results were compared to ibuprofen and control groups. Findings indicated that derivatives with new alkylphenyl rings (VI and VII) had some similar or more analgesic activities relative to the control and ibuprofen groups, respectively; which could be justified as to more alkyl and phenyl groups instead of p-isobutylphenyl moiety in I.

Synthesis and antinociception activity of new substituted phenothiazines and ethylenediamines as antihistaminic drugs

Antihistamines play an important role in medicine when it comes to relieving seasonal or non-seasonal rhinitis, the common cold, and itching. They have also shown many various combinations of pharmacological properties such as anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities. Phenothiazines and ethylenediamines are 2 important classes of antihistamines with analgesic activities in addition to other pharmacological effects. In this study, some new derivatives of these compounds (V-IX) were synthesized and their antinociceptive behaviors were examined by pharmacological tests. The results indicated that new analogue with methyl groups produced a better analgesic activity than chlorine atoms but less than III (without any substitutions) in ethylenediamine class. Also in phenothiazine class, adding pyrimidine and pyridine substituted showed the better analgesic activity compared to other groups. Moreover, the analgesic activities proved that dimethylamine is the best group in amino alkyl side chain of these molecules relative to the substituted piperazines in new analogues.

Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma and Waldenström macroglobulinemia

Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL) is a low-grade, B-cell neoplasm composed of small lymphocytes, plasmacytoid lymphocytes, and plasma cells that typically involve the bone marrow, and it is associated with an immunoglobulin M (IgM) gammopathy. The definition of Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) and its relationship to LPL has been confusing in the past. In addition, the diagnosis of LPL itself can be challenging because LPL lacks disease-specific morphologic, immunophenotypic, and genetic features to differentiate it from other mature B-cell neoplasms. Accurate diagnosis of LPL/WM rests on recognition of the differential diagnostic features between LPL and other diagnostic possibilities and the use of the recently refined definition of WM and its relationship with LPL: The presence of an IgM monoclonal gammopathy of any level in the setting of bone marrow involvement by LPL. This review summarizes the clinical, laboratory, and histologic features of LPL/WM, with particular emphasis on unique aspects of LPL/WM that may aid in accurate diagnosis.

Effects of demographic factors, body mass index, alcohol drinking and smoking habits on irritable bowel syndrome: a case control study

BACKGROUND

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder.

AIMS

To identify demographic factors in patients with IBS.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

One-hundred and fifty three IBS patients seen at Taleghani Hospital Gastroenterology Clinic and met the Rome III criteria and 163 peoples who did not meet IBS criteria were consecutively enrolled. Both groups were asked to complete a self-rating questionnaire containing information, which included questions about age, sex, monthly income, education level, marital status, height, weight, alcohol drinking and smoking habits. Student's t-test, Pearson's Chi-square and logistic regression were used to statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The mean (SD) age for IBS patients 36.3 (13.5) years and 33.1 (9.9) years in non-IBS group (P < 0.001). Frequency of IBS defined by Rome III criteria was higher in females and younger individuals. Univariate analysis showed that IBS in males was associated with a lower monthly income and educational level and in females younger age, single, lower monthly income and educational level, body mass index (BMI), and unemployment status. Multivariate logistic regression identified a low level of education in males (Odds ratio [OR] = 3.6, 95% Confidence interval [CI]: 1.4-9.6) and in females, lower education level (OR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.1-5.2), lower BMI (OR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.89-0.99), unemployed (OR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.11-0.85) and smoking (OR = 6.2, 95% CI: 1.03-37.2).

CONCLUSION

We identified demographic factors in IBS patients. Being single and having a lower educational level, income, lower BMI and being unemployed were the most important factors associated with IBS, particularly in females.

Biologic and immunomodulatory properties of mesenchymal stromal cells derived from human pancreatic islets

BACKGROUND AIMS

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) have now been shown to reside in numerous tissues throughout the body, including the pancreas. Ex vivo culture-expanded MSC derived from many tissues display important interactions with different types of immune cells in vitro and potentially play a significant role in tissue homeostasis in vivo. In this study, we investigated the biologic and immunomodulatory properties of human pancreatic islet-derived MSC.

METHODS

We culture-expanded MSC from cadaveric human pancreatic islets and characterized them using flow cytometry, differentiation assays and nuclear magnetic resonance-based metabolomics. We also investigated the immunologic properties of pancreatic islet-derived MSC compared with bone marrow (BM) MSC.

RESULTS

Pancreatic islet and BM-derived MSC expressed the same cell-surface markers by flow cytometry, and both could differentiate into bone, fat and cartilage. Metabolomics analysis of MSC from BM and pancreatic islets also showed a similar set of metabolic markers but quantitative polymerase chain reactions showed that pancreatic islet MSC expressed more interleukin(IL)-1b, IL-6, STAT3 and FGF9 compared with BM MSC, and less IL-10. However, similar to BM MSC, pancreatic islet MSC were able to suppress proliferation of allogeneic T lymphocytes stimulated with anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 antibodies.

CONCLUSIONS

Our in vitro analysis shows pancreatic islet-derived MSC have phenotypic, biologic and immunomodulatory characteristics similar, but not identical, to BM-derived MSC. We propose that pancreatic islet-derived MSC could potentially play an important role in improving the outcome of pancreatic islet transplantation by promoting engraftment and creating a favorable immune environment for long-term survival of islet allografts.

A quick and effective method of limb preparation with health, safety and efficiency benefits

INTRODUCTION

Pre-operative limb preparation (PLP) usually involves lifting the limb and holding it in a fixed 'static' posture for several minutes. This is hazardous to theatre staff. Furthermore, 'painting' the limb can be time consuming and difficult areas such as between toes and fingers may remain unsterile. We demonstrate the time efficiency and asepsis achieved using the 'sterile bag' preparation technique. An additional advantage is the ability to prepare and anaesthetise a limb prior to theatre, increasing efficiency substantially for units with a large throughput of cases, such as day-case hand surgery lists.

METHODS

We monitored the duration of PLP in 20 patients using the 'sterile bag' technique compared to 20 patients using a conventional 'painting' method. Additionally, microbiology samples acquired from prepared upper limbs of 27 sequential patients operated on by a single surgeon over a two-month period were sent for culture immediately prior to commencement of surgery.

RESULTS

The mean duration of the 'sterile bag' PLP was significantly lower than that of the conventional method (24 seconds vs 85 seconds, p=0.045). The technique can take as little as ten seconds (n=1). Final microbiology reports showed no growth for any of the 27 patients from whom a culture sample was taken.

CONCLUSIONS

The sterile bag technique is effective in achieving asepsis, has the potential to increase theatre efficiency and reduces manual handling hazards compared to the conventional method. It is now taught to all theatre staff in our hospital during manual handling training. It can be undertaken in approximately ten seconds with practice for the upper limb.

High expression of Fas ligand on cord blood dendritic cells: a possible immunoregulatory mechanism after cord blood transplantation

BACKGROUND

Allogeneic cord blood transplantation is associated with less severe graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Dendritic cells (DCs), as the most potent antigen-presenting cells of the immune system, play a central role in the development of GVHD. Because apoptosis induction is one of the known mechanisms that DCs use to regulate T-cell responses, we studied the immunostimulatory and apoptosis induction capacities of cord blood dendritic cells (CBDCs) and peripheral blood dendritic cells (PBDCs) to evaluate the mechanisms underlying the lower incidence of GVHD after cord blood transplantation. Presence of apoptosis-related markers Fas, Fas ligand (FasL), and CD40 and costimulatory molecules, along with the proportion of myeloid and lymphoid DCs subsets, were also measured on CBDCs and PBDCs.

METHODS

Fresh CBDCs and PBDCs were isolated from cord and peripheral mononuclear cells as lineage-negative cells by using monoclonal antibodies against CD3, CD11b, CD14, CD16, CD19, CD56, CD34, and CD66b. DCs were cocultured with allogeneic T cells, and the effect of CBDCs and PBDCs on T-cell apoptosis and proliferation were determined through flow cytometric analysis and 3H-thymidine incorporation.

RESULTS

Our findings showed that CBDCs markedly augment apoptosis of CD3+ T-cells. FasL expression on CBDCs was significantly higher than on PBDCs. However, there was no difference between Fas expression on CBDCs and PBDCs. Moreover, CBDCs were poor stimulators of allogenic T cells in mixed leukocyte reaction compared with adult peripheral blood DCs. They also displayed decreased expression of HLA-DR and CD86 molecules. The ratio of lymphoid DCs (CD11c-, CD123+) to myeloid DCs (CD11c+, CD123-) was also significantly higher in CBDCs compared with PBDCs.

CONCLUSIONS

It seems that less severe GVHD after cord blood transplantation is due not only to a higher degree of immaturity of CBDCs, but also to delivery of apoptotic signals to the host T cells that recognize allo-MHC molecules on CBDCs in the early phase of immune response.