CV Groups Research Articles

Investigation into the safety, and serological responses elicited by delivery of live intranasal vaccines for bovine herpes virus type 1, bovine respiratory syncytial virus, and parainfluenza type 3 in pre-weaned calves.

Despite the fact that pneumonia remains a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in pre-weaned calves, relatively little is known regarding the effects of the concurrent administration of intranasal pneumonia virus vaccines, particularly in calves with high levels of maternally derived antibodies. The objective of this study was to use a cohort of 40 dairy and dairy-beef female and male calves (27 females and 13 males) to determine serological responses to concurrent administration at 3 weeks of age (22 ± 4.85 days) of two commercially available intranasal (IN) vaccines for the viruses: bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), bovine herpes virus 1 (BoHV-1), and parainfluenza-3-virus (PI3-V). The study groups were as follows: (i) Bovilis IBR Marker Live only® (IO), (ii) Bovilis INtranasal RSP Live® only (RPO), (iii) Concurrent vaccination with Bovilis IBR Marker Live® & Bovilis Intranasal RSP Live® (CV), and (iv) a control group of non-vaccinated calves (CONT). The calves' serological response post-IN vaccination, clinical health scores, rectal temperatures, and weights were measured. Data were analyzed in SAS using mixed models and logistic regression. The CV calves had an average daily weight gain (ADG) of 0.74 (±0.02) kg, which was similar to CONT (0.77 ± 0.02 kg). Despite no significant differences in the antibody levels between study groups 3 weeks post-IN vaccination, following the administration of subsequent parenteral injections in the form of Bovilis Bovipast RSP®(antigens; inactivated BRSV, inactivated PI3-V, inactivated Mannheimia haemolytica) and Bovilis IBR Marker Live®, the antibody levels of the BRSV and PI3-V increased in both the CV and RPO study groups. Concurrent vaccination resulted in no increase in fever and no difference in health scores when compared to CONT.

A microcomputed tomography analysis of adaptation in premolars with flared root canals restored with different digitally custom fabricated post materials

Statement of problemPreserving and strengthening the remaining tooth structure of compromised flared root canals after endodontic treatment is challenging. PurposeThe purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the adaptation of milled polymer- infiltrated ceramic, fiber-reinforced composite resin, and high-performance semicrystalline thermoplastic resin posts as used to restore mandibular premolars with flared root canals. Material and methodsForty sound mandibular premolars were randomly divided into 4 groups: custom Vita Enamic (CV), custom fiber-reinforced composite resin (CF), custom polyetherketoneketone (CP), and prefabricated fiber (RF) posts. After endodontic treatment, each tooth was sectioned 1.5 mm occlusal to the cementoenamel junction. Then, the post space was prepared and flared, except the RF group, to a depth of 9 mm. The post space in RF group was prepared with a post drill. For the CV, CF, and CP groups, the posts were milled, finished, and cemented to their corresponding teeth. Each tooth was scanned using a microcomputed tomography device, and the reconstructed images were analyzed in mesiodistal, buccolingual, and horizontal planes. The cement thickness, cement volume, and volume of voids were measured. The data were analyzed using 3-way ANOVA (cement thickness) and 2-way ANOVA (cement volume and voids volume) tests followed by the post hoc Tukey test (α=.05). ResultsThe 3-way ANOVA test revealed a significant interaction (P<.001) between material type, section, and surface on the cement thickness. The mean cement thickness in the RF group was significantly higher than in the CV group (P=.001) and CF group (P=.005). The least mean cement thickness was at the apical section followed by the cervical and middle sections. Regarding cement volume, the 2-way ANOVA test showed statistically significant interaction between material type and section. The mean cement volume in the RF group was significantly lower than in the CV group (P=.001), CF group (P=.001), and CP group (P=.001). The highest mean cement volume was in the cervical section followed by the middle and apical sections. The 2-way ANOVA test showed statistically significant interaction (P<.001) between material type and section on the volume of voids. Significant differences were found between the mean volume of voids at the cervical and middle sections (P=.001) and the cervical and apical sections (P=.002). ConclusionsCompared with prefabricated fiber posts, digitally fabricated polymer-infiltrated ceramic and fiber-reinforced composite resin posts had a thinner cement layer with minimal thickness at the apical section. The digitally fabricated posts had higher cement volume, especially at the cervical section, than prefabricated fiber posts. High volumes of voids were related to the cervical section of all tested posts.

Anti-atrial Fibrillatory and Cardiorenal Protective Effects of the Combination of Valsartan and Cilnidipine in Dahl Salt-Sensitive Rats.

The current study aimed to investigate the anti-atrial fibrillatory (AF) effects of a combination of valsartan and a calcium channel blocker (cilnidipine or amlodipine) in Dahl salt-sensitive (Dahl S) rats. Seven-week-old male Dahl S rats were fed an 8% salt diet. Six weeks later, valsartan (60 mg/kg, Val group), cilnidipine + valsartan (10 + 60 mg/kg, CV group), amlodipine + valsartan (3 + 60 mg/kg, AV group), or vehicle was orally administered daily for 5 weeks. Echocardiography and atrial electrophysiological evaluations were performed on the last day of treatment. Blood pressure in each drug treatment group was lower than in the Vehicle group. The duration of AF induced by atrial burst stimulation was shorter in the Val group (3.2 ± 1.6 s) than in the Vehicle group (11.2 ± 6.0 s), which was further shortened in the CV and AV groups (1.1 ± 0.3 and 1.3 ± 0.3 s, respectively). Left ventricular ejection fraction and left ventricular fractional shortening were greater in the CV and AV groups than those in the Vehicle group. Urinary albumin excretion in the CV group was the lowest among the drug-treated groups. The results collectively suggest that the combination of a calcium channel blocker with valsartan could be useful in terms of its anti-AF action as well as for improving cardiac and renal functions.

Using 7T MRI to study hippocampal structures in Alzheimer’s disease and post‐SARS‐CoV2 infection

AbstractBackground7T MRI allows implementation of high‐resolution quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) which can be used to assess the cerebral microvascular/hypoperfusion pathogenic hypothesis in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and in the post‐SARS‐CoV2 setting to explore if there may be similarities in brain changes in these two conditions. The magnetic susceptibility (reflective of tissue iron) of hippocampal subfields was assessed in patients with 1) CSF‐Amyloidß‐status AD; 2) mild COVID‐19 over 6 months previously (Cv); 3) severe COVID‐19 with ICU admission &gt;6 months previously (ICU‐Cv); and 4) age‐matched healthy controls (HC).Methods33 participants (10 HC, 14 Cv, 9 ICU‐Cv) for the COVID study and 24 participants (14 AD, 11HC) from AD patients with confirmed CSF‐Amyloidß levels, aged 42‐79, were scanned on a 7T scanner with the following protocol T2* GRE for the AD groups (0.7×0.7×0.7mm3,TE/TR = 20/31ms) and T2* multi‐echo GRE for the Cv groups (0.38×0.38×0.75mm3,TE1/TE2/TR = 8.2/18.4/24ms). Data were processed using QSMbox1 to produce susceptibility maps. PSIR (0.55×0.55×0.55mm3,TE/TR = 3.1/6.9ms) and T2‐weighted FSE (0.38×0.39×1.5mm3, TE/TR = 117/5900ms) images were used to segment the hippocampal subfields (Figure 1)2. One‐way analyses were used in SPSS for comparison between the HC group and each of the Cv, ICU‐Cv, and AD groups.ResultsThere was no change in susceptibility for the whole hippocampus between AD and HC, but there was a significant difference for the DG subfield (p = 0.045), Figure 2. For COVID patients, there was a significant difference between the susceptibility of the whole hippocampus in the ICU‐Cv group (p = 0.035), but not in the Cv group (p = 0.788), Figure 3, compared to HC. In subfield analyses there was a trend towards decreased susceptibility in the subiculum, an area known to be affected by Alzheimer pathology, in the ICU‐Cv group (p = 0.032) compared to HC.ConclusionThe lower susceptibility within the hippocampal structures observed in AD and ICU‐Cv patients may reflect less iron either from cerebral hypoperfusion or vascular injuries in AD or additionally result from sequelae of hypoxaemia in ICU‐Cv. The study provides preliminary evidence of detectable in vivo microstructural changes in hippocampal subfields in both AD and post‐COVID settings. Funding: Medical Research Council, UK (MR/T005580/1); National Institute of Health, USA (1R56AG074467‐01)

The NC-CC dichotomy explained by significant addition of CAI-like dust to the Bulk Molecular Cloud (BMC) composition

Nucleosynthetic isotope anomalies of planetary materials provide insight into their genetic ties, informing our understanding of early Solar System isotopic architecture and evolution. Isotope anomalies of non‑carbonaceous (NC) and carbonaceous (CC) materials in multi-element space suggests their variability primarily emerged from mixing between several primordial nebular source regions in the nascent protoplanetary disk. In particular, it has been suggested that the elemental and isotopic compositions of CC meteorites reflect admixtures of NC-like, CI-like, and CAI-like components. Despite the plethora of elements for which isotope anomalies have been characterized, no mixing model has quantitatively reproduced CC meteorite compositions for more than two elements.In this paper, we leverage the recent characterization of Fe isotope anomalies in NC and CC materials, as well as CAIs, to place new constraints on the evolution of the early Solar System and the origin of the CC chondrites. We first respond to the recent proposal, based on Fe isotope analyses of returned samples from Cb-type asteroid Ryugu, that Ryugu and CI chondrites are genetically distinct from NC and CC bodies, originating from a third “CI reservoir” beyond the location of the CC reservoir. Namely, we propose that the appearance of such a trichotomy in meteoritic heritages arises from the current lack of Fe isotope data for CC achondrites. We go on to present a self-consistent mixing model that explains the Ti, Cr, Fe, and Ca concentrations and isotope anomalies of the CM, CV, CO, CK, and CR chondrite groups via admixing of (i) elementally OC-like material, (ii) CI/Ryugu-like material, (iii) isotopically CAI-like dust, and (iv) CAIs sensu stricto. We find that the CAI-like dust constitutes a major and broadly constant fraction (∼36%) of all CC chondrites, and identify the CI-like component with the bulk composition of the Solar System's parent molecular cloud, denoting it BMC for “Bulk Molecular Cloud.” We interpret our results in the context of a qualitative model for early Solar System isotopic evolution.

One-Year Clinical Evaluation of Four Desensitizing Agents in the Management of Cervical Dentin Hypersensitivity: A Randomized, Prospective, Blinded Clinical Trial

Objective: The objective of this randomized, prospective, and blinded clinical study was to evaluate the efficacy of four desensitizing agents in the long-term treatment of cervical dentin hypersensitivity (HD) and their impact on the quality of life of the research volunteers.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: A total of 116 teeth were randomized and divided into 4 groups (n=29 teeth) according to the applied treatment: GD - Gluma Desensitizer; CV - Clinpro White Varnish; SB - Single Bond; AS - AdheSE. Sensitivity levels were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) immediately after the application of each material, and at 7, 30, 60, and 360 days post-treatment. The patients completed a quality of life questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Kruskall Wallis test with the Dwass-Steel-Critchlow-Fligner post-test were used for intergroup evaluation (p&lt;0.05).&#x0D; Results: In the intragroup comparison, there was a statistically significant decrease (p&lt;0.05) in sensitivity from the initial period for the GD, CV, and AS groups. There was an improvement in the patients' quality of life.&#x0D; Conclusion: This clinical study demonstrated the effectiveness of the desensitizing agents in the long-term treatment of cervical dentin hypersensitivity, with the exception of SB. Clinical relevance: HD is a clinical condition that directly affects patients' quality of life. This study revealed three effective desensitizing agents for a prolonged period.

Partial replacement of soybean meal with Chlorella vulgaris in broiler diets influences performance and improves breast meat quality and fatty acid composition

Alternative feed ingredients, such as microalgae, may be more sustainable in comparison to conventional feedstuffs that need large amounts of arable land and are often imported. This study evaluates the effects of Chlorella vulgaris various inclusion levels in the diet of broiler chickens on performance, carcass yield, organ measurements, breast meat quality, fatty acids profile, and antioxidant capacity. A total of two hundred forty 5 d old male Ross 308 broilers were randomly allotted to 4 groups (6 replicates of 10 birds each). Each group received either a control diet or a diet where soybean meal was replaced with 10% (CV10%), 15% (CV15%), or 20% C. vulgaris for 40 d. Performance parameters, carcass and meat traits were evaluated. Compared to the control group, birds supplemented with C. vulgaris (15% and 20%) had lower body weight, weight gain, and feed intake (P < 0.0001), whereas no differences were observed between the control and CV10% groups (P > 0.05). Feed conversion ratio did not differ between control and CV groups. Diets containing C. vulgaris significantly increased ileal digesta viscosity, weight and size of several gastrointestinal compartments, as well as breast muscle yield (P < 0.0001). Incorporation of C. vulgaris resulted in yellower breast muscle (P < 0.0001), with significantly increased chlorophyll a (P < 0.05), chlorophyll b, and total carotenoids contents (P < 0.0001). Inclusion of C. vulgaris decreased bacterial count in meat samples in comparison to controls (P < 0.0001). A 20% C. vulgaris inclusion resulted in higher water holding capacity (P < 0.05) and lower cooking loss (P < 0.05). As dietary C. vulgaris increased, concentrations of DHA + EPA (P < 0.05) and n-3 PUFA (P < 0.0001) increased in breast meat, while the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio decreased (P < 0.0001). Sensory analysis showed that breast meat from the CV10% group had the highest acceptance score. Overall, dietary concentrations of C. vulgaris of up to 20% improve breast meat quality, whereas 10% of C. vulgaris inclusion is recommended.

Effects of Compression of the 4th Ventricle (CV4) Treatment on Medical Student Anxiety

Abstract Introduction: This study explores the effects of one Compression of the 4th Ventricle (CV4) treatment performed by experienced osteopathic physicians on reactive anxiety in healthy medical students. Anxiety was assessed with heart rate, blood pressure, and the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A). Methods: Western University of Health Sciences IRB #15/IRB/113 was obtained for this single blind study. Volunteer first and second year medical students naïve to Osteopathic Cranial Manipulative Medicine, both in curriculum and as a patient, were recruited for this two-day study. Students were de-identified and demographic information was collected. On the first day, all 64 students received a sham treatment. Eight practitioners agreed on CV4 and sham techniques (mastoid cranial hold). In the CV4 technique, the operator’s thenar eminences contact the lateral angles of the occiput, and the operator encouraged the extension phase and discouraged the flexion phase of the CRI. Compression continued until a still point was reached in each student as identified by the practitioner. Students were evaluated before and after treatment using heart rate, blood pressure, and the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A). Results: No significant difference was found in demographics of the two groups. A significant difference between sham and CV4 treatments was found for heart rate (p=0.036), but not for systolic or diastolic blood pressure (p=0.446 and p=0.799, respectively). Average heart rate reduction of CV4 group was 3.11 and of sham group was 1.12, with p=0.036 (Mann Whitney U = 1271). Heart rate increased in a few students after both CV4 and sham treatments. Average HAM-A score for students before and after CV4 treatment were 21.9 and 18.3, with an average net reduction of 3.58 compared to the sham’s 2.77, but results were not found to be statistically significant (p=0.09, U=1172). Conclusion: A statistically significant average reduction in heart rate, but not in blood pressure or HAM-A scores, was found after CV4 treatment compared to sham treatment. More studies with larger samples are needed to further investigate the effects of CV4.

Surface Properties of Polymer Resins Fabricated with Subtractive and Additive Manufacturing Techniques.

This study aimed to compare the surface roughness, hardness, and flexure strength of interim indirect resin restorations fabricated with CAD-CAM (CC), 3D printing (3D), and conventional techniques (CV). Twenty disk (3 mm × Ø10 mm) and ten bar specimens (25 × 2 × 2 mm) were fabricated for the CC, 3D, and CV groups, to be used for surface roughness, micro-hardness, and flexural strength testing using standardized protocol. Three indentations for Vickers micro-hardness (VHN) were performed on each disk and an average was identified for each specimen. Surface micro-roughness (Ra) was calculated in micrometers (μm) using a 3D optical non-contact surface microscope. A three-point bending test with a universal testing machine was utilized for assessing flexural strength. The load was applied at a crosshead speed of 3 mm/min over a distance of 25 mm until fracture. Means and standard deviations were compared using ANOVA and post hoc Tukey–Kramer tests, and a p-value of ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Ra was significantly different among the study groups (p < 0.05). Surface roughness among the CC and CV groups was statistically comparable (p > 0.05). However, 3D showed significantly higher Ra compared to CC and CV samples (p < 0.05). Micro-hardness was significantly higher in 3D samples (p < 0.05) compared to CC and CV specimens. In addition, CC and CV showed comparable micro-hardness (p > 0.05). A significant difference in flexural strength was observed among the study groups (p < 0.05). CC and 3D showed comparable strength outcomes (p > 0.05), although CV specimens showed significantly lower (p < 0.05) strength compared to CC and 3D samples. The 3D-printed provisional restorative resins showed flexural strength and micro-hardness comparable to CAD-CAM fabricated specimens, and surface micro-roughness for printed specimens was considerably higher compared to CAD-CAM and conventional fabrication techniques.

Relationships between HbA1c and continuous glucose monitoring metrics of glycaemic control and glucose variability in a large cohort of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes

AimsTo evaluate the relationships between HbA1c and Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) metrics in children/adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). MethodsHbA1c and real-life CGM data of the 12 weeks preceding its measurement were retrospectively collected from 654 children/adolescents with T1D. The relationships between HbA1c and CGM metrics were assessed by Spearman correlation coefficient. Participants were categorized into groups based on HbA1c and CGM metrics values. ANOVA was run across HbA1c and CGM metrics groups in the entire study population and in subjects stratified by CGM type, insulin therapy, age and puberty. ResultsHbA1c was positively correlated with mean glucose, SD, %TAR > 180 mg/dL, %TAR > 250 mg/dL, HBGI and negatively with %TIR, %TBR and %time < 54 mg/dL. HbA1c-based groups were significantly associated with these metrics, but for each group their value widely ranged with a substantial overlap between them. HbA1c and HbA1c-based groups were not associated with %CV and LBGI, as well as %CV and LBGI-based groups had not significantly different HbA1c. Comparable results were found analysing subjects according to age, type of CGM, insulin therapy and puberty. ConclusionsThe relationships between HbA1c and CGM metrics described in this cohort of paediatric subjects with T1D support the importance of the evaluation of these metrics, in particular %CV and LBGI, independently of HbA1c value.

High Levels of the Cleaved Form of Galectin-9 and Osteopontin in the Plasma Are Associated with Inflammatory Markers That Reflect the Severity of COVID-19 Pneumonia.

Numbers of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have increased rapidly worldwide. Plasma levels of full-length galectin-9 (FL-Gal9) and osteopontin (FL-OPN) as well as their truncated forms (Tr-Gal9, Ud-OPN, respectively), are representative inflammatory biomarkers. Here, we measured FL-Gal9, FL-OPN, Tr-Gal9, and Ud-OPN in 94 plasma samples obtained from 23 COVID-19-infected patients with mild clinical symptoms (CV), 25 COVID-19 patients associated with pneumonia (CP), and 14 patients with bacterial infection (ID). The four proteins were significantly elevated in the CP group when compared with healthy individuals. ROC analysis between the CV and CP groups showed that C-reactive protein had the highest ability to differentiate, followed by Tr-Gal9 and ferritin. Spearman’s correlation analysis showed that Tr-Gal9 and Ud-OPN but not FL-Gal9 and FL-OPN, had a significant association with laboratory markers for lung function, inflammation, coagulopathy, and kidney function in CP patients. CP patients treated with tocilizumab had reduced levels of FL-Gal9, Tr-Gal9, and Ud-OPN. It was suggested that OPN is cleaved by interleukin-6-dependent proteases. These findings suggest that the cleaved forms of OPN and galectin-9 can be used to monitor the severity of pathological inflammation and the therapeutic effects of tocilizumab in CP patients.

Immunological Hallmarks of Inflammatory Status in Vaso-Occlusive Crisis of Sickle Cell Anemia Patients.

Sickle Cell Anemia (SCA) is the most common genetic disorder around the world. The mutation in the β-globin gene is responsible for a higher hemolysis rate, with further involvement of immunological molecules, especially cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, and anaphylatoxins. These molecules are responsible for inducing and attracting immune cells into circulation, thus contributing to increases in leukocytes and other pro-inflammatory mediators, and can culminate in a vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC). This study aimed to characterize the levels of these molecules in SCA patients in different clinical conditions in order to identify potential hallmarks of inflammation in these patients. An analytical prospective study was conducted using the serum of SCA patients in steady-state (StSt; n = 27) and VOC (n = 22), along with 53 healthy donors (HD). Samples from the VOC group were obtained on admission and on discharge, in the convalescent phase (CV). Levels of chemokines (CXCL8, CXCL10, CL2, CLL3, CCL4, CL5, and CCL11), cytokines (IL-1β, IL-1ra, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-13, IL-17A, TNF-α, and IFN-γ) and growth factors (VEGF, FGFb, PDGF-BB, GM-CSF, and G-CSF) were measured using a Luminex assay, and anaphylatoxins (C3a, C4a, and C5a) were measured using Cytometric Bead Array. SCA patients in StSt showed a pro-inflammatory profile, and were indicated as being higher producers of CCL2, IL-1β, IL-12p70, IFN-γ, IL-17A, and GM-CSF, while VOC is highlighted by molecules IL-4 and IL-5, but also IL-2, IL-7, PDGF-BB, and G-CSF. PDGF-BB and IL-1ra seemed to be two important hallmarks for the acute-to-chronic stage, due to their significant decrease after crisis inflammation and statistical difference in VOC and CV groups. These molecules show higher levels and a strong correlation with other molecules in VOC. Furthermore, they remain at higher levels even after crisis recovery, which suggest their importance in the role of inflammation during crisis and participation in immune cell adhesion and activation. These results support a relevant role of cytokines, neutrophil and monocytes, since these may act as markers of VOC inflammation in SCA patients.

Chromium isotopic insights into the origin of chondrite parent bodies and the early terrestrial volatile depletion

Chondrites are meteorites from undifferentiated parent bodies that provide fundamental information about early Solar System evolution and planet formation. The element Cr is highly suitable for deciphering both the timing of formation and the origin of planetary building blocks because it records both radiogenic contributions from 53Mn-53Cr decay and variable nucleosynthetic contributions from the stable 54Cr nuclide. Here, we report high-precision measurements of the mass-independent Cr isotope compositions (ε53Cr and ε54Cr) of chondrites (including all carbonaceous chondrites groups) and terrestrial samples using for the first time a multi-collection inductively-coupled-plasma mass-spectrometer to better understand the formation histories and genetic relationships between chondrite parent bodies. With our comprehensive dataset, the order of decreasing ε54Cr (per ten thousand deviation of the 54Cr/52Cr ratio relative to a terrestrial standard) values amongst the carbonaceous chondrites is updated to CI = CH ≥ CB ≥ CR ≥ CM ≈ CV ≈ CO ≥ CK > EC > OC. Chondrites from CO, CV, CR, CM and CB groups show intra-group ε54Cr heterogeneities that may result from sample heterogeneity and/or heterogeneous accretion of their parent bodies. Resolvable ε54Cr (with 2SE uncertainty) differences between CV and CK chondrites rule out an origin from a common parent body or reservoir as has previously been suggested. The CM and CO chondrites share common ε54Cr characteristics, which suggests their parent bodies may have accreted their components in similar proportions. The CB and CH chondrites have low-Mn/Cr ratios and similar ε53Cr values to the CI chondrites, invalidating them as anchors for a bulk 53Mn-53Cr isochron for carbonaceous chondrites. Bulk Earth has a ε53Cr value that is lower than the average of chondrites, including enstatite chondrites. This depletion may constrain the timing of volatile loss from the Earth or its precursors to be within the first million years of Solar System formation and is incompatible with Earth’s accretion via any of the known chondrite groups as main contributors, including enstatite chondrites.

Micro-distribution of oxygen isotopes in unequilibrated enstatite chondrites

We report petrology and high precision, in situ oxygen isotope analyses of silicates in chondrules, fragments, metal-rich nodules and refractory inclusions from the ALH 81189 (EH3), ALH 85159 (paired with ALH 81189) and from the MAC 88136 (EL3) chondrite. This is the first report of oxygen isotope ratios for individual objects in an EL3 and for the silicates associated with the metal-rich nodules that are characteristic of unequilibrated enstatite (E3) chondrites. The oxygen isotopic data from the chondrules and other objects form a trend, on a 3-isotope plot, that coincides with the slope ∼1 primitive chondrule mineral (PCM) line (initially defined by chondrules from the Acfer 094 primitive carbonaceous chondrite), with most objects clustering at the intersection of the PCM line with the terrestrial fractionation (TF) line, near whole rock E3. The data from EH3 and EL3 overlap and show a similar distribution, suggesting they formed from a similar pool of precursors or in similar gaseous environments, but their mineral compositions suggest differences in their nebular environments and/or parent bodies. Silicates in the metal-rich nodules we analyzed (in both EH3 and EL3) have oxygen isotope ratios (as well as mineral compositions) similar to the silicate (metal-free) chondrules. This is consistent with formation of the metal-rich nodules prior to chondrite accretion, in an environment and from a process similar to that which formed the coexisting chondrules, but from more metal-rich mixtures of precursors. Olivine in an AOA from ALH 81189 is 16O-rich with δ18O = −46.5‰, δ17O = −48.0‰, similar to the AOAs and refractory inclusions previously reported in E3 and in all other chondrite groups. There is a clear distinction in oxygen isotopic compositions between the chondrules in the E3 chondrites and those in the LL and R as well as those in CV and CM chondrite groups. Chondrules from CR and E chondrites plot closer to the PCM line than all other chondrite groups with E3 chondrules having a different distribution toward more 16O-poor compositions. Chondrules in other chondrite groups form trends above and below the PCM. From the distribution of EC chondrules along the PCM line, we propose that similar pools of chondrule precursors were present in the different (carbonaceous, CR and Acfer 094 and non-carbonaceous, E) chondrule forming regions in the protoplanetary disk but with different amounts of 16O-rich refractory materials, prior to development of the postulated Jupiter divide that potentially separated inner (non-carbonaceous) from outer (carbonaceous chondrite) Solar System materials or Jupiter was inefficient in completely separating these materials.

Gut bacteria Vibrio sp. and Aeromonas sp. trigger the expression levels of proinflammatory cytokine: First evidence from the germ-free zebrafish

Gut microbiota plays a central part in the regulation of multiple host metabolic pathways, such as homeostasis, immunostasis, mucosa permeability, and even brain development. Though, slight known about the function of an individual gut bacterium in zebrafish. In this study, germ-free (GF) and conventionally reared (CV) zebrafish models utilized for studying the role of gut bacteria Vibrio sp. and Aeromonas sp. After the analysis of gut microbial profile in zebrafish male and female at three-month age, Proteobacteria and Fusobacteria dominated the main composition of zebrafish intestinal microflora. However, the relative richness of them was different base on gender variance. Aeromonas sp. and Vibrio sp. belonging to Proteobacteria phylum of bacteria were isolated from zebrafish gut, and their potential capacities to trigger innate immunity were investigated. In gut microbiota absence, the expression levels of the innate immunity genes in the GF group were not significantly changed compared to the CV group. After exposure to Aeromonas sp. and Vibrio sp., the expression levels of myd88, TLRs-, and inflammation-related genes were increased in both GF and CV groups, except tlr2 and NLRs-related genes. However, the expression level of NF-κB and JNK/AP-1 pathway genes were all decreased after exposure to Aeromonas sp. and Vibrio sp. in both GF and CV groups. Interestingly, inflammation-related genes (tnfa, tnfb, and il1β) were activated in the CV group, and there were not significantly changed in the GF group, indicating that other bacteria were indispensable for Aeromonas sp. or Vibrio sp. to activate the inflammation response. Taken together, this is the first study of gut bacteria Vibrio sp. and Aeromonas sp. prompting the innate immune response using the GF and CV zebrafish model.

Cranial osteopathic treatment and stress-related effects on autonomic nervous system measured by salivary markers: A pilot study

BackgroundVariations in the concentration of salivary alpha amylase (sAA) may indicate a change in the autonomic nervous system functionality. In osteopathic medicine it has long been stated that the osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) can modulate the autonomic nervous system. Studies carried out on the compression of the fourth ventricle (CV4) have shown a positive effect in reducing the sympathetic tone. The goal of this pilot study is measuring the physiological response of the sAA levels after CV4 technique. Methods90 subjects were randomly assigned to a sham, a control or a CV4 group. Randomization accounted for sex and score in the STAI-2 (form Y) questionnaire. Each subject completed the STAI-1 (form Y) questionnaire to evaluate the anxiety of the moment. sAA activity and saliva flow rate were measured. Saliva was collected before, immediately after and 30 min after treatment. ResultsWithin group analysis revealed that sAA activity increased significantly immediately after the technique application only in the CV4 group (p = 0,05). Between groups analysis show a significant difference of the sAA activity in the CV4 group respect the control group (p < 0,05), but no significant difference between CV4 and sham group (p > 0,05). The effect in the CV4 group after the intervention is highly variable and appeared to be related to the level of stress measured with the STAI-Y1 questionnaire (p = 0,002). ConclusionsThis study shows a positive effect of the CV4 procedure on sAA activity even if not significantly different from the sham procedure, probably due to the confounding effect of stress variability between groups.

Variations of HRV and skin conductance reveal the influence of CV4 and Rib Raising techniques on autonomic balance: A randomized controlled clinical trial

IntroductionThe aim of the present study was to evaluate whether Fourth Ventricle Compression Technique (CV4) and Rib Raising (RR) osteopathic techniques influence Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) activity, as measured by Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and Skin Conductance (SC). MethodA randomized-controlled clinical trial has been performed from June 2010 to January 2011. 32 healthy adults (33.9 ± 14 years, and 72% female) were selected. Subjects were randomized in three groups: CV4 group, RR group and Placebo group. Each subject of each group underwent respective technique only once. HRV and SC were continuously recorded during the session. All data analysis was performed using SPSS statistical software (version 21.0) and the significance level was considered at p ≤ 0.05. ResultsRR technique intra-group subject analysis showed a significant decrease in LF/HF ratio (F = 25.18; p < 0.001), a statistically significant decrease of LF (F = 27.09; p < 0.001), and increase of HF, both at the end of treatment (F = 27.09; p < 0.001). CV4 technique intra-group subject analysis showed a significant reduction of the LF/HF ratio (F = 81.15; p < 0.001), a significant decrease in LF (F = 38.29; p < 0.001) and a significant increase of HF, at the end of treatment (F = 38.28; p < 0.001). Between-group analysis showed only a significant difference in LF/HF ratio between CV4 and PL groups (F = 3.44; p = 0.042). DiscussionOur results suggest that the application of CV4 and RR techniques favors a shift in the autonomic balance towards a parasympathetic predominant state. Thus, their use within OMT protocol, as holistic approach, might improve the outcome of the treatment of clinical neuro-vegetative conditions.

Tulathromycin enhances humoral but not cellular immune response in pigs vaccinated against swine influenza.

The effect of a standard, single dose therapy with tulathromycin was investigated on the postvaccinal humoral and cellular immune response in pigs vaccinated against swine influenza. Forty-five pigs, divided into 3 groups, were used (control not vaccinated (C, n=15), control vaccinated (CV, n=15), and experimentally received tulathromycin (TUL, n=15)). For vaccination of pigs, an inactivated, commercial vaccine was used. Pigs from TUL group received single dose of tulathromycin intramuscularly, at the recommended dose (2.5mg/kg body weight). Pigs from TUL and CV groups were vaccinated at 8 and 10weeks of age. The specific humoral and cellular immune response against swine influenza virus (SIV) was evaluated. The results of present study showed that humoral postvaccinal response after vaccination against SIV can be modulated by treatment with tulathromycin. In pigs from TUL group, the significantly higher titers of anti-SIV-specific antibodies were observed 4 and 6weeks after booster dose of vaccine. Simultaneously, T-cell-mediated immune response against SIV was not affected by tulathromycin. Our recent study confirmed the importance of defining the modulatory activity of tulathromycin because of its influence on the immune response to vaccines. Since the antibodies against hemagglutinin are crucial for the protection against SIV, the present observations should prompt further studies on the practical significance of recent results in terms of clinical implications (postvaccinal protection) in the field conditions.

Vitamin E supplementation and caloric restriction promotes regulation of insulin secretion and glycemic homeostasis by different mechanisms in rats.

Vitamin E and caloric restriction have antioxidant effects in mammals. The aim of this study was to evaluate effects of vitamin E supplementation and caloric restriction upon insulin secretion and glucose homeostasis in rats. Male Wistar rats were distributed among the following groups: C, control group fed ad libitum; R, food quantity reduction of 40%; CV, control group supplemented with vitamin E [30 mg·kg-1·day-1]; and RV, food-restricted group supplemented with vitamin E. The experiments ran for 21 days. Glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity was higher in the CV, R, and RV groups. Insulin secretion stimulated with different glucose concentrations was lower in the R and RV groups, compared with C and CV. In the presence of glucose and secretagogues, insulin secretion was higher in the CV group and was lower in the R and RV groups. An increase in insulin receptor occurred in the fat pad and muscle tissue of groups CV, R, and RV. Levels of hepatic insulin receptor and phospho-Akt protein were higher in groups R and RV, compared with C and CV, while muscle phospho-Akt was increased in the CV group. There was a reduction in hepatic RNA levels of the hepatocyte growth factor gene and insulin degrading enzyme in the R group, and increased levels of insulin degrading enzyme in the CV and RV groups. Thus, vitamin E supplementation and caloric restriction modulate insulin secretion by different mechanisms to maintain glucose homeostasis.

Molecular Distribution, 13C-Isotope, and Enantiomeric Compositions of Carbonaceous Chondrite Monocarboxylic Acids.

The water-soluble organic compounds in carbonaceous chondrite meteorites constitute a record of the synthetic reactions occurring at the birth of the solar system and those taking place during parent body alteration and may have been important for the later origins and development of life on Earth. In this present work, we have developed a novel methodology for the simultaneous analysis of the molecular distribution, compound-specific δ13C and enantiomeric compositions of aliphatic monocarboxylic acids (MCA) extracted from the hot-water extracts of sixteen carbonaceous chondrites from CM, CR, CO, CV and CK groups. We observed high concentrations of meteoritic MCAs, with total carbon weight percentages which in some cases approached those of carbonates and insoluble organic matter. Moreover, we found that the concentration of MCAs in CR chondrites is higher than in the other meteorite groups, with acetic acid exhibiting the highest concentration in all samples. The abundance of MCAs decreased with increasing molecular weight and with increasing aqueous and/or thermal alteration experienced by the meteorite sample. The δ13C isotopic values of MCAs ranged from -52 to +27‰, and aside from an inverse relationship between δ13C value and carbon straight-chain length for C3-C6 MCAs in Murchison, the 13C-isotopic values did not correlate with the number of carbon atoms per molecule. We also observed racemic compositions of 2-methylbutanoic acid in CM and CR chondrites. We used this novel analytical protocol and collective data to shed new light on the prebiotic origins of chondritic MCAs.