Meat quality traits and fatty acid composition of breast muscles from ducks fed with yellow lupin

The protein sources in feed have a huge impact on good-quality and -quantity meat traits. Yellow lupin (YL) seeds have a similar level of protein as soybean meal (SBM). The most popular is SBM that is genetically modified (GMO). During this age, the consumer market requires non-GMO products. Yellow lupin used as a high-protein substitute for SBM in feed has an effect on the quality of meat from broiler ducks. The aim of the study was to analyse and compare meat quality traits in breast and leg muscles as well as fatty acid (FA) composition in breast muscles from ducks fed mixtures containing YL as an alternative to SBM. Two hundred 1-day-old Cherry Valley ducks were kept in pens on litter in two equal dietary groups, four replications with 25 birds per group. The control group (1) received balanced feed containing SBM. The treatment group (2) received balanced feed containing YL. The feed provided to both groups contained 55% of concentrate and 45% of wheat. Birds received feed and water ad libitum and were reared for 8 weeks. After that, 16 ducks (eight from each group) of BW close to the mean for the whole group were slaughtered. Plucked and gutted carcasses were analysed in a laboratory for quality parameters. Meat was analysed for pH, colour, water-holding capacity and drip loss. Samples of breast muscles were analysed for the content of cholesterol, collagen, intramuscular fat and FA composition. The proposed feed mixture containing YL had no impact on meat traits, content of muscles or fat in duck carcasses (P > 0.05). The values of lightness (L*) and yellowness (b*) and collagen content in breast muscles were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in group 2 (YL). A lower ability to retain water, that is, higher water-holding capacity (percentage of water lost from meat) (P < 0.05), was found for leg muscles from group 2 (YL). The content of C16:0, C18:0, C20:4 n-6, C22:4 n-6, C22:5 n-3, total content of saturated fatty acids (SFA), values of atherogenic index and thrombogenic index were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in group 2 (YL) than in group 1 (SBM). The content of C18:2 n-6 and the polyunsaturated fatty acids-to-SFA ratio (P/S) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in ducks fed the diet with the inclusion of YL. Diets with YL could be proposed as a partial substitute for SBM in duck-rearing.

The effect of faba bean extrusion on the growth performance, nutrient utilization, metabolizable energy, excretion of sialic acids and meat quality of broiler chickens

Soybean meal in broiler chicken diets can partly be replaced by faba bean seeds. Unfortunately, high levels of antinutritional factors and resistant starch found in these seeds can have a detrimental impact on both broiler chickens' performance and nutrient digestibility. It is, however, possible to increase the usefulness of faba bean for broiler nutrition by a technological process known as extrusion. In this study, the authors made and attempt to investigate the effect of different forms of faba bean seeds (raw or extruded) on broiler chicken performance, nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy values (AMEN), nutrient utilization and meat quality, as well as on the excretion of total and free sialic acids. In the trial, the total of 160 1-day-old male broiler chicks of the Ross 308 strain were used. Experimental birds were randomly assigned to two dietary treatments, each containing 10 replication (floor pens); one replication included nine birds. The first group contained 300 g/kg diet of raw faba bean seeds, whereas the second group - 300 g/kg diet of extruded faba bean seeds. The applied extrusion process was found to exert a positive impact and led to a decrease in phytic phosphorus, H, NDF, ADF and resistant starch content in studied faba bean seeds. Experimental birds fed diets containing extruded faba bean seeds were characterized by a lower feed intake (2299 g) and feed conversion ratios (FCRs) (1.52 g/g) in comparison with the other group (feed intake 2466 g; FCR 1.61 g/g). Extrusion of faba bean seeds improved dry matter retention, dietary AMEN value, apparent ileal digestibility of dry matter and starch, as well as most amino acids. In addition, the above-mentioned process resulted in a decrease in the excretion of total and free sialic acids. Extruded faba bean seeds failed to have a significant impact on broiler meat quality. It was concluded that application of extrusion can increase the use of faba bean seeds in broiler chicken nutrition.

Influence of graded inclusion of white lupin (Lupinus albus) meal on performance, nutrient digestibility and ileal viscosity of laying hens

1. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of white lupin (Lupinus albus) meal (WLM) addition on the intestinal viscosity, bird performance and nutrient utilisation of laying hens. 2. The experiment was conducted with 360 laying hens aged 21 weeks fed one of 6 treatments, including a corn-soybean meal control diet (CON) and 5 experimental diets containing 60, 120, 180, 240 and 300 g/kg WLM. 3. A linear increase in feed intake (p < 0.001) was observed with higher levels of WLM from 0 to 300 g/kg. Laying rate decreased quadratically (p < 0.05) and egg weight (at 6th, 12th and 18th weeks of the trial) decreased linearly with WLM inclusion from 0 to 300 g/kg. Birds fed 60 g/kg or more of WLM laid lighter eggs (p < 0.05) than CON hens. When 240 g/kg or more WLM was included into the diet, laying rate was affected negatively (p < 0.05). 4. As WLM increased from 0 to 300 g/kg, apparent metabolisable energy and pre-caecal digestibility of dry matter and crude protein decreased quadratically (p < 0.05). When 300 g/kg of WLM was used, there was a tendency (p < 0.1) to decrease pre-caecal starch digestibility. WLM dose exerted a quadratic effect (p < 0.05) on total sialic acid excretion. As WLM increased, the viscosity of ileal digesta linearly increased (p < 0.05). 5. In the 6th and 12th weeks of the experiment (p < 0.05), eggshell thickness decreased linearly when 240 g/kg of WLM was added. At the 6th, 12th and 18th weeks, a linear decrease in eggshell content was observed (p < 0.05) after WLM addition. 6. In conclusion, the graded inclusion of WLM into laying hens' diets resulted in depressed performance, AME_N and eggshell quality.

The efficiency of propolis in post-colostral dairy calves

Abstract. The study aimed at an assessment of a possibility of calves’ health status improvement in neonatal period by preventive application of 10 % ethanol extract of propolis (EEP). An influence of EEP on selected biochemical and haematological parameters of blood, body weight gains and diarrhoea symptoms intensity was determined. Propolis contains a range of biologically active compounds and exhibits numerous beneficial properties. Ethanolic extract is a form of propolis that is usually used in prevention. Forty five calves were used in the experiment. The assessment of clinical symptoms of diarrhoea, dehydration and vitality was conducted and calves (without symptoms of diarrhoea) were divided into 3 groups (15 calves in each): control, and two experimental (2 and 4 ml of EEP/day). The results of the study point that EEP may be a useful mean improving health status of calves. After an application of propolis in a dose of 4 ml/day higher daily gains were noted when compared to the control calves. Although no obvious influence of EEP on haematological parameters was noted, the positive influence on erythropoiesis and Fe content was observed. Higher EEP dose caused a significant decrease in lactic acid (LA) level. No influence on macroelements and electrolytes in blood serum was noted.

Interleukin 6-174G>C polymorphism and risk of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: case-control study and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Vascular inflammation contributes to the pathogenesis of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Interleukin 6 (IL6) is a proinflammatory cytokine involved in many vascular pathologies. Two studies analyzing an association of the functional IL6 gene -174G>C promoter polymorphism with aSAH provided inconsistent results. The aim of this study was to investigate whether this IL6 polymorphism is associated with aSAH in a Polish population.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We genotyped 276 aSAH patients and 581 unrelated control subjects. All were of Caucasian origin. In addition, a meta-analysis combining results of the current and previously published studies was conducted.

RESULTS

The distribution of IL6 genotypes and alleles did not differ significantly between aSAH (GG - 29.7%, GC - 50.0%, CC - 20.2%, G - 54.7%) and control subjects (GG - 32.0%, GC - 47.3%, CC - 20.7%, G - 44.3%). In the meta-analysis, the IL6-174G>C polymorphism was not associated with aSAH risk either.

CONCLUSIONS

We failed to find an association between the IL6 -174G>C polymorphism and aSAH in analyzed European populations.

The influence of condition on the metabolic profile of Czech Fleckvieh cows in the perinatal period

Abstract. The objective of the study was to determine the influence of Czech Fleckvieh cow‘s condition before parturition on chosen blood biochemical indices in perinatal period and at the beginning of lactation. The study was conducted on 38 multiparous cows 3–14 days prepartum. The cows were selected with respect to body condition score (BCS): BCS>4 points (group I, n=18) and BCS<4 points (group II, n=20). Blood was collected at 3–14 and 1–2 days prepartum and 1–2, 21 days postpartum and analyzed for lipid-carbohydrate, protein parameters and enzymatic activity. Cow‘s condition, milk yield and composition were also estimated. Changes in Czech Fleckvieh cow‘s condition in a transition period do not have any clear influence on milk yield and composition. An excessive BCS before calving leads to its higher decrease at the beginning of lactation and may indirectly point to a higher energy deficiency in the first period of lactation. It is confirmed by glucose concentration in blood serum decrease (P<0.01) in 3rd week of lactation when compared to cows with a proper condition before calving (3.39 vs. 2.45 mmol/l). Overnormative condition before calving also negatively influences the content of triacylglycerols, alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin in blood serum in the first days postpartum. TAG transport from liver to blood is impaired at the beginning of lactation in cows with high condition prepartum. The study demonstrated that in Czech Fleckvieh dairy type cows intensified lipolysis and ketogenesis in perinatal period do not take place pointing to high adaptation possibilities of their metabolism.

Growth parameters and meat quality of Pekin ducks fed on different level of dried distillers grains with solubles

Abstract. The experiment was carried out on 160 commercial Pekin ducks, strain P55. At the day of hatching birds were sexed, marked individually, weighed and divided randomly into four equal groups (four sup-groups, each). From Day 1 to Day 21 all birds received the same commercial feed, while from 4th to 8th week of rearing were fed in the following feeding groups: control, fed with commercial feed and experimental: with 15 %, 25 % and 30 % inclusion of dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS). At 8th week of rearing from every group five males and five females were selected semi-randomly, slaughtered conventionally and slaughter yield, carcass composition and physicochemical meat characteristics were evaluated. Results from this study showed that Pekin ducks can be fed on diets containing up to 25 % DDGS without any significant decrease in slaughter yield, muscles contents and breast meat quality. Higher DDGS level (30 %) caused significant (P<0.05) decrease in final body weight and slaughter yield of females, however, the percentage of skin with subcutaneous fat and abdominal fat contents were lower (P<0.05).

Influence of propylene glycol and glycerin in Simmental cows in periparturient period on milk yield and metabolic changes

Abstract. The aim of this study was to compare the influence of propylene glycol and glycerin added to Total Mixed Ration (TMR) dose on lipid-carbohydrate metabolism, activity of selected liver enzymes and milk yield of Simmental cows in periparturient period. Forty two cows of Simmental breed were divided into 3 groups (n=14). Cows from the experimental groups were given 300 ml/d of either propylene glycol or glycerin from 7th day prepartum to 21st day postpartum. In week 5 of lactation in cows that were given propylene glycol and in week 12 in cows receiving glycerin Body Condition Score (BCS) was higher as compared to control cows. An application of glycerin resulted in the highest milk yield. Higher glucose content in groups that were given propylene glycol and glycerin would have contributed to the reduction of negative energy balance at the beginning of lactation. The lowest increase in aspartate transaminase (AST) and bilirubin level was observed in cows receiving glycerin. The study demonstrated that metabolic changes in Simmental breed cows in the periparturient period are dramatic, and an application of glucogenic precursors may improve metabolic efficiency.

Lack of nifH gene in some endophytic bacteria isolated on RC solid medium

Presence of endophytic bacteria was reported in many crops including maize (Zea mays L.). Endophytes play a significant role in plant nutrient and pesticide uptake. Application of endophytic bacteria is a goal of sustainable agriculture. Occurrence of Azospirillum strains is often reported as tissue inhabiting bacteria of maize. The biological N2-fixation is one of most important processes assigned to this bacteria. The objective of this study was to examine the biodiversity of Azospirillum spp. isolated from the leaves of 6 cultivars of Zea mays L.. They were cultivated on two experimental fields at Smolice and Kobierzyce, (Poland). Strains of Azospirillum spp. were isolated on the solid RC medium. Forty four isolates grown as a small intensive red colonies were selected. To verify ability to N2-fixation isolates were analyzed based on nifH gene presence. Presence of nifH gene was tested using PCR method with PolF and PolR universal degenerate primers. The presence of nifH gene was found in 6 tested strains isolated from leaves of 3 cultivars (Cyrkon, Kosmo230, KB2704) from Smolice location, only. Our results suggest that selection of Azospirillum-like strains on RC solid medium based on appearance of colony is not correlated with theirs ability to nitrogen fixation or used degenerated primers (PolF, PolR) are not universal enough.

Growth rate of body weight and measurements in pheasants reared up to the 24th week of life (Short Communication)

Abstract. The aim of the present research was to evaluate the growth rate of the weight and body measurements of pheasants reared up to the 24th week of life, fed with all-mash mixtures. In the 3rd, 8th, 12th , 16th, 20th and 24th week of life the birds were weighed individually and their body measurements were measured based on which the growth rate indices of the traits researched were calculated. It was found that the body weight of pheasants of both sexes was increasing with the bird age, however there were noted no significant differences of that trait between the 16th and the 20th and the 20th and the 24th week of rearing. As for all the evaluation dates, except or the 3rd week of rearing, sexual dimorphism of the body weight was clearly seen, which was significant (P≤0.05). Similarly as the weight, also the pheasant body measurements were increasing on successive rearing dates. Between the 20th and the 24th week of rearing no significant differences were recorded in most of the traits evaluated. Sexual dimorphism concerning the body measurements was found in birds starting from the 12th or the 16th week of life. The highest growth rate of the body weight and measurements was observed in pheasants up to the 8th week of rearing. The growth rate of all the body measurements was decreasing after the 16th week of rearing, which shows that the pheasant growth was completed.

Quality of life among diabetic and non-diabetic patients on maintenance haemodialysis

AIMS

To compare the quality of life of end stage renal disease (ESRD) diabetic and non-diabetic patients undergoing chronic haemodialysis.

METHODS

A case-control study of 54 diabetic and 60 non-diabetic patients undergoing maintenance haemodialysis. All subjects completed the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form (KDQOL-SF) version 1.3 questionnaire as well as the SF-36 Health Survey (SF-36).

RESULTS

When compared to the control non-diabetic group, physical health was significantly impaired in diabetic dialysis patients (P<0.005) and staff encouragement was significantly worse (P<0.05). In both groups, all other compounds of the SF-46 and variables related to kidney disease were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

To improve diabetic haemodialysis patients' quality of life, physical activity should be incorporated to the routine dialysis care and health care professionals should support them more intensively.

Mitochondrial diversity of early-branching metazoa is revealed by the complete mt genome of a haplosclerid demosponge

The first mitochondrial (mt) genomes of demosponges have recently been sequenced and appear to be markedly different from published eumetazoan mt genomes. Here we show that the mt genome of the haplosclerid demosponge Amphimedon queenslandica has features that it shares with both demosponges and eumetazoans. Although the A. queenslandica mt genome has typical demosponge features, including size, long noncoding regions, and bacterialike rRNA genes, it lacks atp9, which is found in the other demosponges sequenced to date. We found strong evidence of a recent transposon-mediated transfer of atp9 to the nuclear genome. In addition, A. queenslandica bears an incomplete tRNA set, unusual amino acid deletion patterns, and a putative control region. Furthermore, the arrangement of mt rRNA genes differs from that of other demosponges. These genes evolve at significantly higher rates than observed in other demosponges, similar to previously observed nuclear rRNA gene rates in other haplosclerid demosponges.

FGFs control the patterning of the inner ear but are not able to induce the full ear program

FGF2 or FGF8 applied ectopically, close to the developing otic placode enhances transcription of a subset of ear marker genes such as Nkx5-1, SOHo1 and Pax2. Other ear expressed genes (Dlx5 and BMP4) are not up-regulated by FGFs. Ectopic FGFs lead to an increase in size of the vestibulo-cochlear ganglion. This phenotypic change is due to an increased recruitment of epithelial cells to the neuronal fate rather than to an enhanced proliferation. We also observed an induction of additional, vesicle-like structures upon ectopic FGF treatment, but this induction never led to enrolment of a full ear program. We further demonstrate that FGF8 is expressed in two separate, short waves, first at the otic placode stage and later at the vesicle stage. Both activities correspond to critical morphogenetic events in ear development. We propose that FGF8 is an important regulator of otocyst patterning.

Reduced insulin-mediated glucose uptake by euglycemic clamp in offspring of patients with type 2 diabetes

Family studies point to an important genetic element in the genesis of type 2 diabetes. A variety of metabolic abnormalities have been documented in offspring of patients with type 2 diabetes. It has not been shown, however, at what age reduced insulin sensitivity is demonstrable using the sensitive the euglycemic clamp technique. To address this issue we screened 425 consecutive type 2 diabetic patients and examined all available (n = 48) normotensive, normoglycemic, non-smoking offspring (mean age 31.4+/-0.9 years) and compared them to 22 healthy offspring of non-diabetic parents (controls). The two groups were of similar age and BMI. Measurements in offspring and controls included baseline IRI, tissue glucose uptake (TGU, using euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp technique), and 24 hour ambulatory blood pressure (ABP). TGU was significantly (p < 0.001) lower in offspring of diabetic parents (338.8+/-19.9 (mol/kg/min) when compared to controls (516.6+/-22.2 micromol/kg/min). 24 h systolic ABP was significantly higher (p < 0.02) in propositi compared to controls (121.2+/-2.2 mm Hg and 113.8+/-1.7 mm Hg, respectively). No difference in triglycerides concentration was found. A borderline negative correlation was observed, however, between triglyceride levels and TGU (R = -0.48, p < 0.001). TGU was not related to the presence or absence of diabetic nephropathy in the parents. We conclude: Insulin resistance and various facets of the metabolic syndrome are demonstrable even at age 30 years in young non-obese, normotensive offspring of patients with type 2 diabetes. These disturbances are not related to the presence of microvascular complications in parents.

[Insulin resistance in offspring of type 2 diabetic patients]

Diabetes mellitus is the disease with heterogeneous aetiology. Among the causes of hyperglycaemia the insulin resistance with it's genetical background is mentioned. The aim of the study was the assessment of insulin resistance in healthy offspring of type 2 diabetic patients as well as assessment whether the coexistence of nephropathy in parents has an impact on insulin resistance in offspring. 56 subjects with positive familial history of diabetes type 2 divided into 2 groups were admitted. Subgroup A1 30 subjects (mean age 33.0 +/- 8.5 years) consisted of those who had familial history of diabetes without nephropathy and subgroup A2 26 subjects (mean age 33.0 +/- 6.5 years) with familial history of diabetic nephropathy. Control group consisted of 30 healthy volunteers without familial history. Euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp test was performed in all subjects studied. Tissue glucose uptake (TGU) was significantly lower while fasting insulinemia In0 was significantly higher in A1 and A2 groups when compared to controls (respectively TGU 5.6 +/- 2.2, 6.3 +/- 2.5 and 9.5 +/- 2.2 mg/kg/min p < 0.005, In0 19.4 +/- 8.3, 20.8 +/- 8.9 and 11.4 +/- 6.0 p < 0.001). No differences in TGU and In0 when compared A1 vs. A2 group were found. In-depth analysis did not show any differences in relation on whether diabetes was inherited from father's or mother's side. It was also shown that BMI did not interfere on insulin resistance in patients with positive familial history of diabetes. We conclude that insulin resistance has the genetical background and that insulin resistance and nephropathy are inherited separately.

Nef proteins of distinct HIV-1 or -2 isolates differ in their binding properties for HCK: isolation of a novel Nef binding factor with characteristics of an adaptor protein

The Nef gene of the human and simian immunodeficiency viruses HIV and SIV has been implicated in pathogenicity; however, the mechanism by which Nef induces disease is still unknown. An impact on signal transduction in cells has been suggested by the interaction of Nef from an HIV-1 strain and tyrosine kinases like HCK and LCK as well as serine/threonine kinases. We have confirmed the binding of HCK to HIV-1 subtype B Nef and demonstrated an equally strong interaction with a subtype E Nef protein but weaker binding to Nef of HIV-2 subtype A (HIV-2D194). No binding, however, was observed to HIV-2 subtype B Nef (HIV-2D205). Instead, this protein bound to a novel cellular protein, Nefin 1, with characteristics of an adaptor protein and strong expression in all human hematopoietic tissues. Nefin 1 binds through an amino-terminal domain, which is related to SH3 domains. For interaction of Nef with Nefin 1, the PxxP motif and the three-dimensional conformation of the molecule appear necessary. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that Nef proteins of divergent strains of HIV-1 and HIV-2 may use different elements of signal transduction pathways for the induction of pathogenicity in vivo.

Nephropathy of type II diabetes: evidence for hereditary factors?

Family studies point to an important genetic element in the genesis of diabetic nephropathy, but it is not known whether renal abnormalities are present prior to the onset of diabetes. To address this issue we examined all consecutive patients suffering from type II diabetes with a duration of more than 10 years who attended a diabetes outpatient clinic. Ninety-four patients had nephropathy, 307 did not. All offspring who were phenotypically normal (no hypertension, normal oral glucose tolerance, non-smoking) and agreed to participate were examined, 26 from nephropathic and 30 from non-nephropathic diabetic parents. They were compared with 30 offspring matched for age, gender and BMI from non-diabetic parents as controls. We measured urinary albumin excretion under baseline conditions and at several time points after ingestion of 300 g cooked beef and submaximal treadmill exercise, respectively. In addition, casual blood pressure, ambulatory blood pressure, urinary albumin and urinary alpha-1-microglobulin were measured. Primary renal disease was excluded by clinical examination. Under baseline conditions, median urinary albumin excretion rate (AER; microgram/min) was significantly (P < 0.005) higher in offspring of nephropathic type II diabetic patients (7.8; range 1.04 to 19.5) than in the offspring of non-nephropathic type II diabetic patients (4.8; 0.36 to 17.5) and controls (4.4; 0.16 to 18.4). Submaximal treadmill exercise caused a greater proportional increase of AER in offspring of nephropathic type II diabetics (median 16-fold) than in offspring of non-nephropathic diabetic patients (6.3-fold) or controls (4.8-fold). In offspring of nephropathic diabetic patients casual and particularly ambulatory systolic blood pressures were significantly higher, but AER was not correlated with blood pressure. In summary, higher values, albeit within the normal range, for baseline and postexercise albuminuria were noted in phenotypically normal offspring of parents with type II diabetes and nephropathy. The observation suggests that changes in transglomerular albumin traffic are demonstrable prior to the onset of diabetes and diabetic nephropathy in subjects with a potential genetic predisposition to these conditions.

[Circadian rhythm of blood pressure in patients with chronic kidney failure in the course of diabetes treated with peritoneal dialysis]

In order to evaluate the disturbances in circadian rhythms of blood pressure in 10 patients with chronic renal failure treated with CAPD, we performed blood pressure monitoring during the two following twenty-four hour periods. 40 healthy young male volunteers were included as a control group. They were divided into two subgroups: men whose parents have or have not hypertension. We used Oxford Medilog ABP equipment. Optimal CAPD parameters were confirmed by calculation Kt/V and pcr. To evaluate circadian rhythms in blood pressure we used Cosinor analysis, and to calculate the day-night blood pressure differences we used Student's t-test. In our study we did not find circadian rhythms of systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressure in CAPD patients. There were also no statistically significant day-night blood pressure differences. The lack of circadian rhythms in blood pressure and statistically significant day-night differences can be explained in patients as the result of volume expansion and other abnormalities such as the lack of diurnal rhythm in atrial natriuretic peptide, rHuEpo therapy, sympathetic overactivation and others.

[Circadian rhythm of blood pressure in patients with chronic renal failure treated with hemodialysis]

In our study we tried to assess the abnormalities in circadian blood pressure variations in 20 patients with chronic renal failure treated with hemodialysis. In this group of patients we controlled blood pressure during 48-hours (including the dialytic and the interdialytic day). We used Oxford Medilog ABP equipment. As a control we included 40 healthy men, divided into two subgroups; men whose parents had or had not hypertension (20 men in each subgroup). To confirm the optimal HD parameters we controlled Kt/V and per. To evaluate circadian rhythms in blood pressure we used Cosinor analysis, and to assess the day-night blood pressure differences we used Student's t-test. We did not find that circadian rhythms in blood pressure in HD patients were existed. We found that in HD patients systolic blood pressure was higher at daytime of dialytic day, subsequently fell down to lower levels at night-time and next day, and returned to higher levels the next night (before the next hemodialysis). It can be connected with alterations in body fluid status during dialysis. Other disturbances in circadian rhythms in blood pressure can be explained as the results of other disturbances that existed in patients with chronic renal failure such as the lack of diurnal rhythm in secretion of atrial natriuretic factor, sympathetic overactivation, rHuEpo therapy and others.

Oligosaccharide profiles of HIV-2 external envelope glycoprotein: dependence on host cells and virus isolates

The glycosylation pattern of the external envelope glycoprotein of human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2) was studied in dependence on host cells and virus isolates. Strains HIV-2ALT, HIV-2ROD and HIV-2D194, differing in their biological properties and in the amino acid sequences of their env genes, were propagated in MOLT4, HUT78 and U937 cells, in human peripheral blood lymphocytes and monocytes/macrophages in the presence of [6-3H]glucosamine. Radiolabelled viral glycoproteins were isolated from the cell-free supernatants and digested with trypsin. Glycans were sequentially liberated by endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase H and peptide-N4-(N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminyl) asparagine amidase F, and fractionated according to charge and size. Comparison of the oligosaccharide profiles revealed that the envelope glycoproteins of different virus isolates, propagated in the same host cells, yielded very similar glycan patterns, whereas cultivation of an isolate in different host cells resulted in markedly divergent oligosaccharide maps. Variations concerned the proportion of high-mannose-, hybrid- and complex-type substituents, as well as the state of charge and structural parameters of the complex-type species. As a characteristic feature, complex-type glycans of macrophage-derived viral glycoprotein were almost exclusively substituted by lactosamine repeats. Hence, glycosylation of the HIV-2 external envelope glycoprotein seems to be primarily governed by host cell-specific factors rather than by the amino acid sequence of the corresponding polypeptide backbone.

Anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) drug HOE/BAY946 increases membrane hydrophobicity of human lymphocytes and specifically suppresses HIV-protein synthesis

The polysulfated polyxylan HOE/BAY946, which has been tested in two pilot studies in ARC/AIDS patients and in asymptomatic HIV carries in Germany, was believed to act by inhibiting virus attachment to the cell. However, the drug was also found to reduce the amount of HIV particles released from infected peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in vitro. Furthermore, preincubation of PBMC with the drug led to a partial inhibition of a following HIV infection, suggesting that the drug also affects virus entry. Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) measurements on uninfected human lymphocytes using 5-proxyl-nonane as spin label demonstrated smaller hyperfine coupling constant (aN) values in the presence of HOE/BAY946 or dextran sulfate 5000. Accordingly, h-1p/h-1H ratios were decreased, indicating increased plasma membrane hydrophobicity and a membrane-stabilizing effect of the drugs. Culture of the chronically HIV-infected monocytic cell line U937/HIV-2D194 in the presence of HOE/BAY946 specifically and drastically reduced the release of virions and the intracellular synthesis of viral proteins as determined by radioimmunoprecipitation and reverse transcriptase assays. In conclusion, although the EPR studies showed a physico-chemical effect on membrane polarity, HOE/BAY946 and dextran sulfate clearly affect processes beyond the cell membrane. Thus, in contrast to previous reports suggesting that polysulfated sugars affect HIV only by inhibiting virus binding to uninfected cells, they clearly inhibit HIV in infected cells as well and appear to have a pleiotropic mode of action. Such drugs may be less likely to result in viral resistance after prolonged application than substances acting only on one step in the life cycle of the virus.

Molecular cloning of two west African HIV2 isolates that replicate well in macrophages

HIV2 strains were isolated from a Gambian with neuro-AIDS (HIV2D194) and from an asymptomatic Ghanian (HIV2D205). Like HIV1 biological subtype c, both isolates grew slowly and induced few or no syncytia, but eventually produced high levels of particle-associated reverse transcriptase (RT) in cultures of fresh peripheral blood lymphocytes. Each produced even higher levels of RT in fresh human macrophages, especially HIV2D194, where maximal RT values of 1,800,000 cpm/ml supernatant of approximately 30,000 cells were measured. The viruses were molecularly cloned after a single passage in culture. Restriction site analysis showed heterogeneity within each isolate. Nucleotide sequence analysis of HIV2D194 revealed that, genetically, it is a member of the prototypic HIV2 family, displaying 12% divergence vs. HIV2ROD and HIV2NIHZ. In contrast, HIV2D205 is the most highly divergent HIV2 strain yet described: it is equidistant in relation between the known HIV2 strains and the SIVMAC isolates (23-24% nucleotide sequence divergence).

A highly divergent HIV-2-related isolate

It has been suggested that the human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2) and the simian immunodeficiency virus from rhesus macaques (SIVmac) evolved from the sooty mangabey virus SIVsm (ref. 1). We now describe an HIV-2-related isolate, HIV-2-D205, from a healthy Ghanaian woman that is genetically equidistant to the prototypic HIV-2 strains and to SIVsm and SIVmac. Supported by the observation that HIV-2D205 differs in a step of envelope glycoprotein processing, our data indicate that it could represent an alternative HIV-2 subtype and that viruses of the HIV-2/SIVsm/SIVmac group could have already infected humans before HIV-2 and SIVsm/SIVmac diverged.

Molecular cloning of two west African human immunodeficiency virus type 2 isolates that replicate well in macrophages: a Gambian isolate, from a patient with neurologic acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, and a highly divergent Ghanian isolate

Human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2)-related viruses were isolated from a Gambian dying of exclusively neurological disease (HIV-2D194) and from an asymptomatic Ghanian (HIV-2D205). Both strains exhibited properties of HIV-1 biological subtype c: they grew slowly and induced few or no syncytia but eventually produced high levels of particle-associated reverse transcriptase in cultures of fresh peripheral blood lymphocytes, and they established stable infection of T-lymphoma (HUT-78) and monocytic (U937) cell lines. Each produced even higher levels of reverse transcriptase when fresh human monocytes/macrophages were used as target cells. The viruses were molecularly cloned after a single passage in culture, in order to minimize in vitro selection of subtypes present in vivo. Restriction-site analysis showed heterogeneity within each isolate. Nucleotide sequence analysis of a portion of the HIV-2D194 genome revealed that it is a member of the prototypic HIV-2 family, displaying 13% divergence versus HIV-2ROD and HIV-2NIHZ, as compared to 9% divergence between HIV-2ROD and HIV-2NIHZ. In contrast, HIV-2D205 is the most highly divergent HIV-2 strain yet described: it is equidistant in relation between the known HIV-2 strains and the simian immunodeficiency virus isolates from rhesus macaque monkeys (23-25% divergence).

Quinidine-induced allergic granulomatous angiitis: an unusual cause of acute renal failure

A case of systemic allergic-type vasculitis after the administration of quinidine and digoxin is described. The renal biopsy findings are unique in that they describe an arteritis with eosinophilic infiltration and non-caseating granulomata. We believe quinidine is the antigen that was responsible for the reported findings.

The origin of Raynaud's phenomenon

107 patients presenting Raynaud's phenomenon attacks were studied. It has been demonstrated by means of arteriographies that in pallid phase of Raynaud's phenomenon attacks not only the digital but also the radial ulnar and interosseous arteries are in spasm. In the cyanotic phase of Raynaud's phenomenon the natural arteriovenous anastomoses are widely open bringing about peripheral skin ischemia. On the assumption that the opening of arteriovenous anastomoses in Raynaud's phenomenon attacks is due to injury of that part of the peripheral nerve which lies in contact with the cervical vertebral column all 107 studied patients were submitted to detailed cervical vertebral column X-ray examinations. In 103 patients i.e. in 96.3% characteristic degenerative changes of cervical vertebrae were recognised. In 100 controls who never had neither Raynaud's phenomenon attacks nor cervico-brachial neuritis the same type of degenerative changes were found in 10% only. The authors presume that the Raynaud's phenomenon attacks are due to peripheral mixed nerve or their roots injury. The blue phase of Raynaud's phenomenon attacks is due to opening of arteriovenous anastomoses.