Podcasts about methods two

Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2020.10.09.332841v1?rss=1 Authors: Barreto-Duarte, B., Andrade-Gomes, F. H., Arriaga, M. B., Araujo-Pereira, M., Cubillos-Angulo, J. M., Andrade, B. B. Abstract: Background Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1) is an autosomal dominant disease that affects one in every 3000 individuals. This disease can present a wide range of clinical manifestations, ranging from skin abnormalities to severe vascular changes. Although little recognized, cerebrovascular diseases (CVD), often present since childhood and diagnosed late, may have clinical manifestations ranging from headache and cognitive deficits to aneurysm rupture causing death. Thus, the CVD play an important role in the clinical manifestations, the severity of the condition and the prognosis of patients with NF-1. This systematic review aims to summarize the body of evidence linking NF-1 and CVD the in children. Methods Two independent reviewers performed a systematic review on the PubMed and EMBASE search platforms, using the following key terms: "neurofibromatosis type 1", "recklinghausen disease", "children", "adolescents", "stroke", "moyamoya disease", "vascular diseases", "cerebrovascular disorders", "aneurysm" and "congenital abnormalities". Studies focused on assessing the development of CVD in children with NF-1 were included. Results Seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Twelve different clinical manifestations have been associated with cerebrovascular changes in children with NF-1; 44,5% of diagnosed patients were asymptomatic. Conclusion The available evidence suggests that cerebrovascular diseases are related with the progression of NF-1, even in the absence of a clear clinical manifestation. In addition, better prognosis was observed when imaging tests were performed to screen for cerebrovascular changes. This generated early interventions and consequently more favorable outcomes. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info

Calf care personnel on dairy farms and their educational opportunities Find the Big 3 Take-Away Infographic at otovets.com/cuttingedge Big Take Away #1: Only 50% of individuals employed in calf care have a high school diploma or GED. This makes the understanding and uptake of recommendations much more difficult, potentially effecting compliance. With larger calf herd employee’s have 7x more likely chance of having less than a high school education. Big Take Away #2: . In this study they showed that language barriers are a common issue; with over 70% of employees speaking Spanish and less than 35% of owners and vets able to communicate in this language. This contributed calf feeders being 3.4 times more likely to be trained by experienced feeders than management personal. Big Take Away #3: Generation Y and Millennials tend to value more training and employee development with Coulombe in 2016 noting that Hispanic Millennials place greater emphasis on being comfortable with the workplace and seeing themselves there for a long time. Tailoring trainings to ease comfort in the job through understanding of role and “why” will help with long term vision. Ultimate Message: A huge opportunity exists for veterinarians to assume the role of the consultant that can tie together age, education, language and management barriers. Dairy operations are lacking in consultants that can fill this role effectively. Understanding the implications of each of these factors and how to bridge them will be key to the success of any future agricultural consultant. Calf care personnel on dairy farms and their educational opportunities Link: https://www.journalofdairyscience.org/article/S0022-0302(19)30146-8/fulltext Published by W.M Sischo, D. A. Moore, R. Pereira, L. Warnick, D. L. Moore, J. Vanegas, S. Kurtz, K. Heaton, D. Kinder, J. Siler, and M. A. Davis Location: Arizona, Idaho, New York, Oregon and Washington Objective: The objective of this project was to describe selected demographics of calf care employees on large and small dairy farms as part of a larger project to understand on-farm communication with regard to calf health and treatment. One of the aims of this study was to provide background information that might inform educational efforts on prudent antimicrobial use for calf health on dairy farms and calf ranches, particularly for those with multiple employees involved in calf care. Methods: Two to 8 individuals per farm involved with calf care, including owners, veterinarians, and calf managers, feeders, and treaters, were interviewed in either English or Spanish. Interviews were conducted in person on 53 dairy farms located in Arizona, Idaho, New York, Oregon, and Washington State. The number of preweaned calves on the farm ranged from 9 to 1,500 (median = 93). A total of 224 individuals were interviewed across 8 job titles.

Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2020.04.28.061184v1?rss=1 Authors: Grydeland, H., Sederevicius, D., Wang, Y., Bartres-Faz, D., Bertram, L., Dobricic, V., Düzel, S., Ebmeier, K. P., Lindenberger, U., Nyberg, L., Pudas, S., Sexton, C. E., Sole-Padulles, C., Walhovd, K. B., Fjell, A. M. Abstract: Objective: To test the hypothesis that worse self-reported sleep relates to reduced hippocampal integrity as indexed by increased intra-hippocampal water diffusion, and that this relationship is stronger in the presence of {beta}-amyloid (A{beta}) accumulation, a marker of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology. Methods: Two-hundred and fifty-one participants, aged 19-81 years, completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and 2 diffusion tensor imaging sessions, on average 3 years apart, allowing estimates of decline in hippocampal microstructural integrity as indexed by increased mean diffusivity (MD). We used the delayed recall from the California Verbal Learning Test to measure memory change. 18F-Flutemetamol PET, in 108 participants above 44 years of age, yielded 23 A{beta} positive cases. Genotyping enabled controlling for APOE {varepsilon}4 status, and polygenic scores for sleep efficiency and AD. Results: Worse global sleep quality and sleep efficiency related to more rapid reduction in hippocampal microstructural integrity over time. Focusing on sleep efficiency, this relationship was stronger in presence of cortical A{beta} accumulation. Sleep efficiency also related to memory decline indirectly via hippocampal integrity decline. The results were not explained by genetic risk for sleep efficiency and AD. Conclusions: Poor self-reported sleep efficiency related to decline in hippocampal integrity, especially in the presence of A{beta} accumulation. Poor sleep and hippocampal microstructural decline may partly explain memory decline in older adults with A{beta} pathology. The relationships were not explained by genetic risk, and poor self-reported sleep efficiency might constitute a risk factor for AD, although the causal mechanisms driving the of observed associations are unknown. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info

This article can be reviewed for FREE on reseachgate.net at https://tinyurl.com/trzw6rj. Check out my typed summary of this episode at otovets.com/cuttingedge.  This summary is best viewed in a browser but is mobile friendly as well. Efficacy of repeatedly used CIDR device in cattle reproduction: a metaanalysis review of progesterone concentration and conception rate Published by Muhammad Furqan Asghar CHACHER, Armağan ÇOLAK, Armağan HAYIRLI Hypothesis: Considerable residual P4 concentration exists in used CIDR (U-CIDR) devices and the achieved blood P4 concentration on days 14–15 after insertion suggests that CIDR devices can be reused upon disinfection in order to minimize the cost of using such a device. Objective: To withdraw conclusions from the available literature regarding P4 concentrations in devices and animals as well as conception rate (CR) responses in cases of multiple U-CIDR devices subjected to various disinfection methods in cattle. Location:  Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Department of Animal Nutrition and Nutritional Disorders at Ataturk University Turkey. Methods: Two datasets were compiled from 8 and 7 research articles involving 3434 (2653 heifers + 771 lactating cows + 10 ovariectomized cows) and 7301 cattle (3879 heifers + 3422 lactating cows) to evaluate blood P4 concentration and conception rate, respectively, in response to repeatedly used CIDR devices after sanitization via autoclaving and disinfection. Outcomes: As the number of CIDR usages increased, blood P4 concentration decreased linearly (y = –0.484X + 3.135, R2 = 0.99, P < 0.001). Blood P4 concentration (1.52 vs. 2.20 ng/mL; P < 0.002) and conception rate (40.76 vs. 32.96%, P < 0.05) for lactating cows were lower than those for heifers. The sanitization method did not affect blood P4 concentration, but reused CIDR device subjected to disinfection was associated with reduced conception rate. In summary, depending upon the initial P4 load (1.38–1.90 g), the CIDR device could be used twice in lactating cows and four times in heifers after autoclaving to achieve target blood P4 concentrations.

Objective: Evaluation of the implementation process of a kindergarten-based intervention ('TigerKids') to promote a healthy lifestyle. Design: Questionnaire survey among kindergarten teachers about programme implementation and acceptance. Setting: Kindergartens in Bavaria, Germany. Methods: Two hundred and fifteen kindergartens were included; 96.3 % returned informative questionnaires. `TigerKids' is a multi-approach behavioural intervention programme to increase physical activity level and to promote healthy eating in preschool children. Project elements and materials are designed for kindergarten teachers, children, and their parents. The main outcome measures of the study are implementation, acceptance, and estimated effectiveness of the intervention programme. Results: The elements for promoting healthy lifestyle were implemented regularly in the participating kindergartens: 94.2 % used the drinking station daily, 75.8 % prepared the magic fruit plate daily, and 63.3 % carried out the activity programme at least two times per week. The educators reported that the children ate more fruits and vegetables, drank more non-sugared beverages, and were more active. The designed materials and elements for the children, the educators, and the parents were also evaluated positively by the kindergarten teachers. Conclusion: The `TigerKids' programme is a suitable instrument for health promotion in the kindergarten setting.

Background/Aims: Recessive mutations in the LHX3 homeodomain transcription factor gene are associated with developmental disorders affecting the pituitary and nervous system. We describe pediatric patients with combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD) who harbor a novel mutation in LHX3. Methods: Two female siblings from related parents were examined. Both patients had neonatal complications. The index patient had CPHD featuring deficiencies of GH, LH, FSH, PRL, and TSH, with later onset of ACTH deficiency. She also had a hypoplastic anterior pituitary, respiratory distress, hearing impairment, and limited neck rotation. The LHX3 gene was sequenced and the biochemical properties of the predicted altered proteins were characterized. Results: A novel homozygous mutation predicted to change amino acid 194 from threonine to arginine (T194R) was detected in both patients. This amino acid is conserved in the DNA-binding homeodomain. Computer modeling predicted that the T194R change would alter the homeodomain structure. The T194R protein did not bind tested LHX3 DNA recognition sites and did not activate the a-glycoprotein and PRL target genes. Conclusion: The T194R mutation affects a critical residue in the LHX3 protein. This study extends our understanding of the phenotypic features, molecular mechanism, and developmental course associated with mutations in the LHX3 gene. copyright (C) 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel

Background: Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is the rate-limiting enzyme in the conversion of heme into biliverdin, carbon monoxide (CO) and free iron. Biliverdin is then subsequently reduced to bilirubin by the enzyme bilverdin reductase. In the past decades a lot of effort was conducted to investigate the beneficial effects of HO-1 and its end products biliverdin/bilirubin and CO. Due to intensive research, solid organ transplantation can nowadays be seen as clinical routine. However ischemia reperfusion injury (IR), acute rejection episodes and the occurrence of chronic rejection remain main problems. The severity of IRI can be seen as a prognostic factor for early graft function, immunogenecity of grafts as well as for long term graft survival. The goal of our experiments was to investigate the potential beneficial effects of bilirubin and biliverdin on ischemia reperfusion in a kidney transplantation model of the rat. Methods: Two different sets of experiments were performed: First, kidneys of Lewis rats were exposed to 60 minutes of warm ischemia by clamping the renal artery followed by a 24h reperfusion period. This model was used to find the optimal dosing regimen of bilirubin/biliverdin before the more clinical relevant model of kidney transplantation in the rat was performed. We found that three doses of 10mg/Kg bilirubin were the most effective dose regimen to protect kidneys from ischemia reperfusion injury. In the second set of experiments, kidney transplantation was performed in Lewis rats. Kidneys were harvested and stored in 4C cold UW-solution for 18h. Subsequently the kidneys were transplanted isotopically into the recipient rat. Time of warm ischemia was kept in all experiments constantly at 60 minutes. After 24h of reperfusion tissue samples and serum were harvested for further analyses. Results: Systemic treatment of bilirubin led to a significant amelioration of organ function after ischemia reperfusion injury as assessed by measuring serum creatinine levels and BUN levels after 24h of reperfusion. In addition treated animals showed increased eGFR and a better cell integrity as histomorphological analyses could demonstrate. Conclusion: Systemic treatment with bilirubin and bilverdin has beneficial effects on graft function after ischemia rerperfusion injury.

Background: There have been sporadic reports of hypersensitivity reactions to plants of the Cannabinaceae family (hemp and hops), but it has remained unclear whether these reactions are immunologic or nonimmunologic in nature. Objective: We examined the IgE-binding and histamine-releasing properties of hashish and marijuana extracts by CAP-FEIA and a basophil histamine release test. Methods: Two workers at a forensic laboratory suffered from nasal congestion, rbinitis, sneezing and asthmatic symptoms upon occupational contact with hashish or marijuana, which they had handled frequently for 25 and 16 years, respectively. Neither patient had a history of atopic disease. Serum was analyzed for specific IgE antibodies to hashish or marijuana extract by research prototype ImmunoCAP, and histamine release from basophils upon exposure to hashish or marijuana extracts was assessed. Results were matched to those of 4 nonatopic and 10 atopic control subjects with no known history of recreational or occupational exposure to marijuana or hashish. Results: Patient 1 had specific IgE to both hashish and marijuana (CAP class 2), and patient 2 to marijuana only (CAP class 2). Controls proved negative for specific IgE except for 2 atopic individuals with CAP class 1 to marijuana and 1 other atopic individual with CAP class 1 to hashish. Stimulation of basophils with hashish or marijuana extracts elicited histamine release from basophils of both patients and 4 atopic control subjects. Conclusions: Our results suggest an IgE-related pathomechanism for hypersensitivity reactions to marijuana or hashish. Copyright (C) 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel

Background and Objective Air temperature changes are associated with increased cardiovascular and respiratory risk, but the roles of inflammatory and coagulation markers are not well understood. We investigated the associations between temperature and several blood markers in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and pulmonary disease (PD). Methods Two studies were conducted in Erfurt, Germany, over two successive winters. 578 and 381 repeated blood measurements were collected from 57 CHD and 38 PD patients, respectively. Data on patient characteristics and disease history were gathered at baseline. Meteorological data were collected from existing networks. Associations were analysed using additive mixed models with random patient effects. Effect modification by diabetes status was investigated only in CHD patients, as only two PD patients had diabetes. Results Mean daily air temperature varied between -13 degrees C and 16 degrees C in both study periods. A 10 degrees C decrease in the 5-day temperature average before blood withdrawal led to an increase in platelet counts (% change from the mean: 3.0%, 95% CI 0.6% to 5.5%) and fibrinogen (5.5%, 1.3% to 9.7%), no change in C-reactive protein in PD patients, and a decrease in C-reactive protein in CHD patients. A 2-day delayed increase in factor VII associated with temperature decrease was seen in CHD patients (4.9%; 0.7% to 9.2%), while PD patients showed no effect. `Effects in CHD patients without diabetes' into `Effects on factor VII in CHD patients without diabetes'. Conclusions This study suggests that temperature decrease is associated with change in several blood parameters. The complex interplay of blood markers at low temperature may contribute to the observed association between cold and cardiovascular mortality and morbidity.

Objective: To validate the prognostic value of preoperative levels of CYFRA 21-1, CEA and the corresponding tumor marker index (TMI) in patients with stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: Two hundred forty stage I NSCLC patients (80 in pT1 and 160 in pT2; 100 squamous cell carcinomas, 91 adenocarcinomas, 32 large-cell carcinomas, 17 with other histologies; 171 males and 69 females) who had complete resection (R0) between 1986 and 2004 were included in the analysis. CYFRA 21-1 and CEA were measured using the Elecsys system (Roche) and AxSym-System (Abbott), respectively. Univariate analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method to identify potential associations between survival and age, gender, CYFRA 21-1, CEA and TMI. Results: Overall 3- and 5-year survival rates were 74 and 64%, respectively. Male gender (p = 0.0009) and age 1 70 years (p = 0.0041) were associated with a worse prognosis; there were no differences between pT1 and pT2 nor between histological subtypes. Three- year survival was 72% for CYFRA 21-1 levels > 3.3 ng/ml versus 75% for levels 6.7 ng/ ml versus 75% for CEA 70 years were associated with a worse outcome, but elevated levels of CEA and CYFRA 21-1, and TMI risk were not. Copyright (C) 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Background: With the current improvements in primary lung care, the long-term control of brain metastases becomes a clinical challenge. No established therapeutic approaches exist for cranial relapse after response to previous radiotherapy and systemic therapy. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors like erlotinib with its proven activity in non-small cell lung cancer may provide clinical benefits in such patients. Patients and Methods: Two case reports are presented illustrating the efficacy of erlotinib in patients with recurrent brain metastases and parallel thoracic progression. Results: Both patients showed lasting partial remissions in the brain and lung, and clinical symptom improvement. Conclusion: The observed survival times of above 18 and 15 months, respectively, since occurrence of cranial disease manifestation in line with the achieved progression-free survival times of 9 and 6 months by the erlotinib third-line therapy are remarkable. The use of targeted therapies after whole-brain irradiation should be investigated more systematically in prospective clinical trials.

Background: Quantification of bioactive, free serum cortisol concentrations can characterize adrenocortical function more appropriately compared to total serum cortisol measurement. Ultrafiltration or equilibrium dialysis of serum samples allow direct measurement of free serum cortisol concentrations but respective methods have poorly been validated so far. The aim of our study was to investigate the analytical performance of free serum cortisol measurement employing equilibrium dialysis and ultrafiltration. Methods: Two commercially available ultrafiltration devices and self-assembled dialysis cells, respectively, were studied. Cortisol was quantified in filtrate or dialysate using an automated immunoassay system. Using two serum pools, the inter-assay coefficient of variation was determined for the three methods and a method comparison was performed. Results: Inter-assay coefficients of variation (n=10) between 3.2% and 14.8% were observed in the imprecision study. Method comparison demonstrated close agreement between free serum cortisol results obtained by ultrafiltration and equilibrium dialysis, respectively (equilibrium dialysis = 1.2x ultrafiltration+3.9 nmol/L; r=0.99; n=35). Conclusions: Direct quantification of free serum cortisol after equilibrium dialysis or ultrafiltration of the samples offers acceptable reproducibility and results in close agreement can be obtained. Both methods can potentially be introduced into a routine laboratory setting.