DM Ratio Research Articles

Dairy cow performance and nutrient utilisation when offered high or low digestibility grass silages at two levels of total diet crude protein

The hypothesis of this study was that grass silage digestibility would influence the response of dairy cows offered diets differing in crude protein (CP) content. Thirty-two mid-lactation Holstein dairy cows were used in a 2 period (21-d adaption phase, 7-d measurement phase), partially balanced change-over experiment. Four treatments were organized in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, comprising 2 grass silages differing in digestible organic matter in the dry matter (D-value; 748 and 668 g/kg DM, High-D and Low-D, respectively) and 2 total diet CP levels (target 145 g/kg DM and 175 g/kg DM, High CP and Low CP, respectively). The latter were achieved using 2 iso-energetic concentrates which differed in CP level (173 and 228 g/kg DM). Silages and concentrates were mixed and offered as a total mixed ration in a 50:50 DM ratio. At the end of the feeding study, nutrient utilization was measured using 4 cows per treatment. Except for milk urea nitrogen there were no interactions between silage digestibility and total diet CP for cow performance and nutrient utilization. The High-D silage improved cow performance and increased nitrogen-use-efficiency (NUE). Reducing total diet CP also increased NUE, but there were negative impacts on cow performance. While there were benefits of offering grass silage with a high digestibility, responses to total diet CP were similar at both levels of silage digestibility.

Replacement Nellore heifers receiving supplementation under different herbage allowance: effects on forage characteristics, performance, physiology, and reproduction

In Brazil, heifers typically calve at 36–48 months. Due to the high demand for meat and the need to reduce slaughter age, high supplementation has become commonly used in beef cattle farming. However, the literature remains scarce on studies that explore the impact of grazing management during the background phase on the productivity and reproductive efficiency of young Nellore heifers. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of two-herbage allowances (HA) on forage characteristics, performance, physiology and reproductive parameters of replacement Nellore heifers. Ninety weaned heifers [169 ± 19 kg of shrunk body weight (SBW); 210 ± 28 days of age] were blocked by initial BW and randomly assigned to receive different HA: (1) High herbage allowance (HHA: 7.2 kg DM/kg BW) and (2) Low herbage allowance (LHA: 3.3 kg DM/kg BW); and divided into six paddocks, totaling 12 paddocks. The experimental period was divided into the growing phase (D173) and the reproductive season (D83). Continuous stocking with a variable stocking rate was used. The supplement was provided daily with expected intake of around 10 g/kg of BW. The HHA pasture showed greater values of canopy height, greater HA, and lower values of CP and CP: in vitro digestible DM ratio than the LHA pasture over the days of the study (P ≤ 0.05). Herbage mass and the green stem proportion were lower in LHA pasture (P < 0.01), while the green leaf (g/kg DM) and senescent stem proportions (g/kg DM) were higher (P = 0.080) when compared to HHA pasture. Heifers maintained on HHA pasture had a higher average daily gain (P < 0.01), forage intake (P < 0.003), higher SBW (P < 0.01), Longissimus area (P < 0.01), and 12th-rib fat thickness (P < 0.01) than those kept in the LHA pasture. The proportion of heifers that reached the weight at maturity on D173 (P = 0.027) and the proportion of pubertal pregnancy heifers (P = 0.042) were greatest in the HHA treatment. The blood urea nitrogen (P = 0.002) was higher in heifers maintained in the LHA pasture. Heifers maintained in HHA pasture showed higher values of relative abundance of mRNA for UGT1A6 (P = 0.004) and IGFBP3 (P = 0.072). The use of HHA criteria increased forage intake, body gain, and carcass attributes of animals, which led to better reproductive performance of Nellore heifers.

Trichopria anastrephae: A Promising Neotropical-Native Parasitoid for Drosophila suzukii Control

Trichopria anastrephae: A Promising Neotropical-Native Parasitoid for Drosophila suzukii Control

Effect of different energy, protein levels and their interaction on productive performance, egg quality, digestibility coefficient of laying Japanese quails

For the evaluation of the effects of various quantities of crude protein (CP) and metabolizable energy (ME) (kcal/kg diet) in Japanese quail lay chicken meals on performance, digestion coefficients, and nutritional value. An experiment was undertaken in the summer season; 216 eight-wk-old Japanese quail laying hens were allocated at random to 1 of 9 groups in a factorial design (3×3) experiment involving 3 levels of CP (18, 20, and 22%) plus 3 levels of ME (2,800, 2,900, or 3,000 kcal/kg ME diet). The testing period lasted from 8 to 20 wk. The findings demonstrated that the relationship between protein and energy levels significantly impacted all productive outcomes except the feed conversion ratio (P < 0.01). Throughout the overall period 8 to 20 wk of age, the greatest measurements of egg weight (11.9 g) and egg mass (8.33 g) occurred in hens fed 20% CP with 2,900 kcal/kg diet, yet the lowest values of egg weight (11.2 g) and egg mass (6.72 g) were noticed in hens fed 22% CP with 2,900 kcal/kg diet. The data showed that the combination of dietary energy and protein levels had a substantial (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01) effect on all egg quality trials evaluated. The results indicated that the interaction between dietary energy and protein concentrations substantially impacted DM and EE digestion ratios (P < 0.01). Finally, when feeding layer Japanese quail between the ages of 8 and 20 wk during the summer, a dietary energy content of 2,900 kcal ME/kg with 20% CP is recommended.

Verification of Safety and Efficacy of Sleeve Gastrectomy Based on National Registry by Japanese Society for Treatment of Obesity.

In Japan, bariatric surgical treatment was started in 1982. The Japanese Society for Treatment of Obesity (JSTO) was established in 2007, and then, JSTO started the national registry of bariatric surgery cases and multidisciplinary educational program. A total of 44 facilities registered 4055 bariatric surgical cases until 2021. In this study, the purpose is to clarify the indication, the safety and the effectiveness of the sleeve gastrectomy using national registry database compiled by JSTO. Preoperative BMI ranged from 27.6 to 90.7 kg/m2, and the mean value was 42.7. With regard to gender, men/women was 1/1.3. Age was 42.2 as mean. As preoperative comorbidities, DM ratio was 54.4% of the patients, hypertension 64.5%, dyslipidemia 65.1%, and sleep apnea syndrome 69.8%. As an operation method, laparoscopic method was conducted in 99.7% of the cases. The intraoperative incidence rate was 0.9%. Conversion rate to open method was 1.1%. Postoperative morbidity ratio was 5.6%, and mortality was 0%. Reoperations were performed in 1.5% of the cases. Postoperative hospital stay was 5 days in median value. Body weight loss was 27.6 kg in the mean value after follow-up days of 279 ± 245. As the effect on the preoperative metabolic comorbidities, DM has improved in 82.9% of the cases, hypertension 67.9% and dyslipidemia 66.6%. In conclusion, using JSTO database, we evaluated the indication, postoperative complications and weight loss effect of sleeve gastrectomy in Japan. Regarding the evaluation of the effect on preoperative comorbidities, future follow-up based on more detailed criteria was considered to be necessary.

Investigation on strengths and hydration products of portland cement blending with dolomite powder and metakaolin at 20 °C and 60 °C

This study aimed to understand the synergistic effect of dolomite powder (DM) and metakaolin (MK) on the strengths and hydration products of Portland cement (PC), then facilitating DM application in PC. Results showed that the combination of DM and MK improved the flexural and compressive strengths of mortars at 20 °C and 60 °C markedly. This was mainly due to that the combined effect of DM and MK improved the pore structure. At 20 °C, the incorporation of MK in the PC-DM pastes stimulated the generation of calcium carboaluminate including hemicarbonate (Hc) and monocarbonate (Mc). An increase in the MK to DM ratio resulted in the increment of Hc at the early age. At the later age, further dissolution of DM promoted the transformation of Hc to Mc. At 60 °C, hydrotalcite (Ht) was found in the pastes with low MK dosages (≤5 wt%), and Ht was mainly distributed in the DM particle surface. However, the additions of high MK dosages (≥10 wt%) restricted the formation of Ht. The lack of portlandite might be the major reason for the limitation of Ht formation. In addition, iron containing calcium carboaluminate could be identified in the PC-DM-MK system cured at 60 °C, especially with high MK dosages.

Evaluation of Clinical Findings in Patients with Lichen Planus: A retrospective study

Aim: Lichen planus is a papulosquamous disease that affects skin and mucous membranes. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the clinical and demographic characteristics, treatment models, and accompanying comorbidities of patients with lichen planus. Materials and methods: Our study included 202 patients who were diagnosed with LP clinically and histopathologically between May 2018 and May 2023. Patients' age, gender, involvement features, additional systemic diseases, laboratory findings and applied treatments were recorded retrospectively. Findings: Of the 202 patients in our study, 116 (%57.4) were female and 86 (%42.6) were male. The average age of the patients was 46.42 years (13-84). The average duration of the disease was 10.40 months (1-196). The classic type (120 patients, %64.9) was observed most typically in skin involvement, while reticular pattern (60 patients, %85.7) was observed in oral involvement. Skin involvement was detected in 185 (%91.6), oral mucosa involvement in 70 (%34.7), genital involvement in 16 (%7.9), scalp involvement in 30 (%14.8), inverse involvement in 20 (%9.9), palmoplantar involvement in 5 (%2.5) and nail involvement in 21 (%10.4) of the patients, while no ocular involvement was detected. Anti-HCV positivity was found in two (%1) patients. HBsAg positivity was detected in 11 (%5.4) patients. While the most frequent accompanying comorbidity was hypertension with %20.3 (n:41), depression-anxiety was the sequent with %14.4 (n:29). While 154 (%76.2) of the patients received only topical treatment, it was seen that 5 (%2.5) patients were given only systemic treatment. In comparison of the age groups 18-45 and &gt;45, the ratio of DM, hyperlipidemia and hypertension was identified significantly high in the group &gt;45. Conclusion: Our study shows many similarities with the literature data. However, we believe that prospective cohort studies including more patients are needed to understand LP, whose clinical and epidemiology has not been sufficiently elucidated.

Effects of maize silage substitution with sugarbeet or citrus pulp ensiled with corncobs on growth performance, digestibility, and economic benefits in buffalo calves.

Ensiling of high-moisture agro-industrial wastes with dry roughage as animal feeds may be a secure way to reduce the feeding cost. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of either sugarbeet or citrus pulp ensiled with ground corncobs and used as a replacement of maize silage or maize fodder in total mixed ration (TMR) for fattening of buffalo calves. Twenty male calves of Nili-Ravi buffalo (aged 14 ± 2months weighing 133 ± 5kg) were randomly assignedto one of four iso-nutritious (12% CP and 69% TDN) experimental diets with 50:50 forage to concentrate ratio (dry matter basis) as: (1) TMR maize silage, (2) TMR sugarbeet pulp ensiled with corncobs, (3) TMR citrus pulp ensiled with corncobs, and (4) TMR green maize fodder with wheat straw. All calves received TMRs for ad libitum intake twice daily for 80-day period. Daily feed intake, fortnightly body weights, and digestibility and N balance study during last 15days were recorded of individual animals. The calves fed TMR sugarbeet pulp silage got highest daily gain (856g/d, P < 0.05) than citrus pulp silage (776g/d) or green maize fodder (704g/d). Average intake of nutrients was same among all the calves. Feed conversion ratio and digestibility of DM, NDF, and ADF were higher (P < 0.05) with TMR sugarbeet pulp silage compared to other TMRs. Economic benefit (output/input) with TMR sugarbeet pulp silage had 15.46, 34.27, and 37.36% higher effect for fattening of buffalo calves compared to citrus pulp silage, green maize fodder, and maize silage-based TMRs, respectively. In conclusion, sugarbeet pulp ensiled with ground corncobs is simple and appropriate method for silage making and its inclusion up to 50% of DM in TMR had pronounced economic impact to the production of buffalo calves.

Sternal Komplikasyon Riski Yüksek Hastalarda İlk Sternotomi Kapamalarında Çelik Tel İle Sternal Kapatma Sistemlerinin Kombinasyonu: Termoreaktif Nitinol Klips Mi? Titanyum Sternal Kapatma Plağı Mı?

In this study, we aimed to compare the sternal complication rates of traditional steel wire closure, steel wire combined with thermoreactive nitinol clips (TRC) or steel wire combined with titanium sternal closure plate (TSCP) methods used in first sternotomy closures in high risk patients. 210 patients (153 males, 57 females, mean age 62.87±10.21, distribution 21-86 years) that underwent open heart surgery via median sternotomy between May 2018-October 2020 were studied retrospectively. The patients were divided into three groups according to the methods used for sternal closure as; steel wire only (n=179), steel wire combined with TRC (n=17) and steel wire combined with TSCP (n=14). The groups were compared in terms of demographic changes, clinical specifications, and sternal complication rates. Sternal dehiscence was evaluated in 2 patients (1.1%) whose sternums were closed with only steel wire, and among all the patients included in the study, superficial wound infection was seen in these 2 patients (1.1%). Superficial wound infection was seen in 1 patient (7.1%) in the group where TSCP combined steel wire was used. No sternal dehiscence was seen in patient groups in which TSCP and TRC were used. There was no statistical significance observed regarding sternal complications among three group. DM ratio was higher among the TRC and TSCP groups (p=0.002). The patients were divided into four groups according to their body mass indexes (BMI). The BMI rates of 35-39.9 and&amp;gt; 40 kg/m2 were found to be significant in the patients for whom TRC and TSCP used (p &amp;lt;0.001) in comparison with the BMI rates of the patients to whom conventional steel wiring was applied. A forward stepwise multinomial logistic regression model was created to evaluate the use of TRC and TSCP. DM (OR=8.26) and 30-34.9 kg/m2 BMI (OR=14.28) were found significantly effective for TRC. 30-34.9 kg/m2 and 35-39.9 kg/m2 BMI (OR=10.75) were found significantly effective for TSCP. We believe that using reinforced stell wire with TSCP and TRC for closure of first sternotomies was safe and could prevent further possible sternal complications among the patients that have high risks of sternal dehiscence.

Tuning DO:DM Ratios Modulates MHC Class II Immunopeptidomes

Major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II) antigen presentation underlies a wide range of immune responses in health and disease. However, how MHC-II antigen presentation is regulated by the peptide-loading catalyst HLA-DM (DM), its associated modulator, HLA-DO (DO), is incompletely understood. This is due largely to technical limitations: model antigen-presenting cell (APC) systems that express these MHC-II peptidome regulators at physiologically variable levels have not been described. Likewise, computational prediction tools that account for DO and DM activities are not presently available. To address these gaps, we created a panel of single MHC-II allele, HLA-DR4-expressing APC lines that cover a wide range of DO:DM ratio states. Using a combined immunopeptidomic and proteomic discovery strategy, we measured the effects DO:DM ratios have on peptide presentation by surveying over 10,000 unique DR4-presented peptides. The resulting data provide insight into peptide characteristics that influence their presentation with increasing DO:DM ratios. These include DM sensitivity, peptide abundance, binding affinity and motif, peptide length, and choice of binding register along the source protein. These findings have implications for designing improved HLA-II prediction algorithms and research strategies for dissecting the variety of functions that different APCs serve in the body.

Optimal Nitrogen Fertilization to Reach the Maximum Grain and Stover Yields of Maize (Zea mays L.): Tendency Modeling

Utilization of maize stover to the production of meat and milk and saving the grains for human consumption would be one strategy for the optimal usage of resources. Variance and tendency analyses were applied to find the optimal nitrogen (N) fertilization dose (0, 100, 145, 190, 240, and 290 kg/ha) for forage (F), stover (S), cob (C), and grain (G) yields, as well as the optimal grain-to-forage, cob-to-forage, and cob-to-stover ratios (G:F, C:F, and C:S, respectively). The study was performed in central Mexico (20.691389° N and −101.259722° W, 1740 m a.m.s.l.; Cwa (Köppen), 699 mm annual precipitation; alluvial soils). N-190 and N-240 improved the individual yields and ratios the most. Linear and quadratic models for CDM, GDM, and G:F ratio had coefficients of determination (R2) of 0.20–0.46 (p &lt; 0.03). Cubic showed R2 = 0.30–0.72 (p &lt; 0.02), and the best models were for CDM, GDM, and the G:F, C:F, and C:S DM ratios (R2 = 0.60–0.72; p &lt; 0.0002). Neither SHB nor SDM negatively correlated with CDM or GDM (r = 0.23–0.48; p &lt; 0.0001). Excess of N had negative effects on forage, stover, cobs, and grains yields, but optimal N fertilization increased the proportion of the G:F, C:F, and C:S ratios, as well as the SHB and SDM yields, without negative effects on grain production.

Evaluation of Forage Productivity and Nutritional Value of Kenaf (&lt;i&gt;Hibiscus cannabinus&lt;/i&gt; L.) at Different Fertilizer Application Amounts and Different Stages of Maturity

The purpose of this study was to assess the forage productivity and nutritive value of kenaf at different fertilizer application amounts and various stages of maturity. The experiment was conducted from May to September 2020, the amount of 80 kg of kenaf seed/ha was supplied with different types and amounts of nitrogen fertilizer and the plants were harvested at 10-day intervals from different harvesting dates (24th August and 3rd, 13th, 23rd September). According to the different fertilizer types and application amounts, the highest kenaf height was recorded in the inorganic fertilizer amounts of 200 and 250 kg N/ha and the fresh and DM yield were significantly improved in the inorganic nitrogen amount of 250 kg N/ha. The highest CP and TDN content in the leaf was achieved in the inorganic fertilizer amounts of 150 and 200 kg N/ha, respectively; and the highest TDN content in the stem was also found in the inorganic fertilizer amount of 200 kg N/ha. According to the different harvesting dates, the highest DM ratio was found in the harvesting date of 13th September, the leaf ratio increased with advanced maturity, whereas the stem ratio decreased significantly and the highest DM yield of kenaf was recorded in the harvesting dates of 13th and 23rd September. Besides, the highest CP, CF, CA, ADF, NDF and TDN content in the leaf as influenced by different harvesting dates was 15.4, 31.8, 10.2, 22.1, 34.7 and 76.5%, respectively, and the CP, CA, ADF and TDN in stem decreased significantly with advanced maturity of kenaf. In conclusion, the optimal fertilizer amounts and the appropriate harvesting dates for a high forage yield and high-quality kenaf as livestock feed were the inorganic fertilizer application amounts of 200-250 kg N/ha and from 13th and 23rd September, respectively.

Nitrogen Uptake Efficiency, Mediated by Fine Root Growth, Early Determines Temporal and Genotypic Variations in Nitrogen Use Efficiency of Winter Oilseed Rape.

Maintaining seed yield under low N inputs is a major issue for breeding, which requires thoroughly exploiting the genetic diversity of processes related to Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE). However, dynamic analysis of processes underlying genotypic variations in NUE in response to N availability from sowing to harvest are scarce, particularly at the whole-plant scale. This study aimed to dynamically decipher the contributions of Nitrogen Uptake Efficiency (NUpE) and Nitrogen Utilization Efficiency (NUtE) to NUE and to identify traits underlying NUpE genetic variability throughout the growth cycle of rapeseed. Three experiments were conducted under field-like conditions to evaluate seven genotypes under two N conditions. We developed NUE_DM (ratio of total plant biomass to the amount of N available) as a new proxy of NUE at harvest, valid to discriminate genotypes from the end of inflorescence emergence, and N conditions as early as the beginning of stem elongation. During autumn growth, NUpE explained up to 100% of variations in NUE_DM, validating the major role of NUpE in NUE shaping. During this period, under low N conditions, up to 53% of the plant nitrogen was absorbed and NUpE genetic variability resulted not from differences in Specific N Uptake but in fine-root growth. NUtE mainly contributed to NUE_DM genotypic variation during the reproductive phase under high-N conditions, but NUpE contribution still accounted for 50–75% after flowering. Our study highlights for the first time NUpE and fine-root growth as important processes to optimize NUE, which opens new prospects for breeding.

YOUNG PATIENTS WITH TYPE 1 DIABETES MELLITUS WITHOUT CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES ARE CHARACTERIZED BY HIGH FREQUENCY OF UNFAVOURABLE BLOOD PRESSURE PHENOTYPES

Objective: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) remains a disease with high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Hypertension (HTN) may be underdiagnosed in this population. Data on ABPM profile in patients with T1DM are lacking. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of different BP phenotypes and dipping patterns in patients with T1DM without known CVD. Design and method: Study group included 125 patients with T1DM aged 18–44 years: 60% males, 29.2 ± 7.6 years, median DM duration 6.9 years). 24-hour ABPM of brachial BP was performed with BPLab Vasotens. BP levels and phenotypes were classified according to 2018 ESC/ESH HTN guidelines. p &lt; 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Mean office BP was 120.9 ± 14.6/77.3 ± 9.3mmHg, daytime–120.7 ± 10.4mmHg, nighttime-112.8 ± 11.4/72.6 ± 9.9mmHg, 24-h BP–119.5 ± 9.3/75.2 ± 8.7mmHg. High normal BP was registered in 9.6% HTN in 4.8%. According to ABPM measurement sustained HTN was confirmed in 4.8%, true normotension–in 72% and masked HTN was found in 23.2%. Isolated nocturnal HTN was revealed in 14.4%. Patients with sustained HTN compared to masked HTN had longer median duration of DM (14.8 vs 5.3 years) and higher median urine albumin-creatinine ratio (UACR) (33.4 vs 18.1 mg/g), p &lt; 0.05. For further analysis patients with sustained and masked HTN were united into one group. Patients with HTN compared to normotensives were older (31.5 ± 7.9vs29.1 ± 8.2 years), higher median UACR (23.8 vs 14.5 mg/g) and received higher insulin doses (41.3vs28.6 U), p &lt; 0.01. Median SBP diurnal index (DI) in normotensives was 10.3%, in hypertensives –6.2% (p &lt; 0.05). Dipping profiles of SBP in patients with HTN and normotensives were as follows: 57.1% non-dippers, 20% night-peakers and 22.9% dippers vs 37.8% non-dippers and 62.2% dippers respectively (p &lt; 0.05). Non-dipping profile (DI &lt; 10%) compared to dipping profile was characterized by a trend to higher median UACR (27.9 vs 16.7 mg/g), longer median DM duration (7.2 vs 6.1 years), p = 0.05. Conclusions: Young patients with T1DM have high frequency of masked HTN and non-dipping profile. Worse BP phenotypes were associated with higher albuminuria. Routine ABPM may be recommended in this population in order to reveal high-risk patients and optimize the treatment. The publication was prepared with the support of the RUDN University Program 5-100

AB0552 CHARACTERISTICS OF MYOSITIS SPECTRUM DISEASE - RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS OVERLAP CASES IN A HUNGARIAN COHORT

Background:Overlap syndromes are autoimmune disorders in which classification criteria of at least two connective tissue diseases (CTDs) are fulfilled. The Division of Clinical Immunology in Debrecen, Hungary oversees patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) since the 1980’s.Objectives:In a work called The Myositis Antibody Research Project, which is coordinated together with the Bath Institute for Rheumatic Diseases (UK), authors investigated 330 patients with myositis, all treated in this Hungarian center.Methods:The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the frequency, clinical and serological parameters and therapeutic options in myositis – rheumatoid arthritis overlap cases in this group of 330 patients.Results:The frequency of overlap cases, as seen in literature, was 13.64%. The importance of myositis-associated antibodies (MAAs) can be seen on this results: 44.44% of overlap patients, while only 7.02% of not overlap patients were MAA positive. Out of our 45 overlap patients twenty-seven myositis - RA overlap patients could be identified. Among these 27 patients the women:men ratio was 12.5:1, PM:DM ratio was 2.375:1. Muscle weakness and sceletal involvement was present in every patient, myalgia in 77.78% and Raynaud’s phenomenon in 48.15% of the patients; general symptoms during disease relapse (fatigue, weight loss, fever) were present in 59.26%, 18.52% and 14.82%, respectively. Ten cases had seropositive rheumatoid arthritis, with high titer of rheumatoid factor. Authors underline the importance of lung involvement as internal organ manifestation: 8 patients had anti-synthetase antibodies (six anti-Jo-1, one anti-PL-7 and one anti-PL-12). In anti-PL-7 and anti-PL-12 positive patients interstitial lung disease (ILD) appeared some years before myositis and early agressive management of ILD resulted in fast remission of muscle weakness. Anti-Mi-2 and anti-SRP could be detected in two patients. Most frequent used disease modifying antirheumatic drugs were cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and cyclosporine, 19 patients received DMARD combination therapy. Biological therapy was used in 3 patients, intravenous or subcutaneous immuneglobulin in 4 patients and one patient with RA – myositis – antiphospholipid syndrome died because of asipartion pneumonia.Conclusion:Authors conclude that it is really challenging to treat these overlap cases: they form a very heterogenous group of patients and management has to be personalized.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

Enhanced Thermal Dehydrogenation of Ammonia Borane by d-Mannitol

Hydrogen release from solid-state ammonia borane (AB, NH3BH3) exhibits a long induction period and requires a relatively high temperature. In the present work, d-mannitol (DM, C6H8(OH)6) was used as an additive to enhance the hydrogen release properties of AB. At proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell operating temperatures, the influence of various operating process parameters (temperature and heating rate) and AB–DM ratio has been investigated. In addition, the composition of gaseous products was analyzed to identify the reaction mechanism using mass spectrometry. In particular, the formation of ammonia, which poisons PEM fuel cells, was quantitatively analyzed. Using solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance, solid products were characterized to better understand the mechanism of AB thermolysis. In the presence of DM, the onset reaction temperature decreased to 80 °C, whereas dehydrogenation kinetics were significantly improved. With DM as an additive, we obtained a high hydrogen yield of 9.1 wt % (1.75...

Study of Synthesis and Flocculation Properties of New Modified Hydrophobic Organic Polymer P(AM-DM-DMC12)

A new modified hydrophobic organic polymer P(AM-DM-DMC12) is synthesized by free radical polymerization of three monomers in aqueous solution using a REDOX initiator system. Its structure is characterized by FT-IR and 1H-NMR, the effect of reaction conditions on the product is studied, and the flocculation performance and mechanism are discussed with the aim of wastewater turbidity and COD removal rate. The results showed that the synthesized compounds accorded with the target structure, and the optimum synthetic conditions are as follows: the molar ratio of AM, DM, and DMC12 is 4 : 1 : 1, total mass fraction of monomer is 35%, the mass fraction of redox initiator is 0.06%, and the molecular weight of P(AM-DM-DMC12) is 1.02×107. Moreover, the flocculation effect of P(AM-DM-DMC12) is obviously better than that of PAM, and it has the advantages of short flocculation time, low dosage, and wide application range of pH and has a good industrial application value and prospect.

167 Livestock Literacy: Ensiling newspaper as a renewable fiber source for ruminant animals

Abstract Per unit energy, fiber is among the most expensive components of the ruminant diet. While the use of by- or co-products can help offset the costs of feeding cattle, these feeds often increase in price with increased adoption. Wastes from human enterprises may represent the next step in feedstuff investigation. Our objective was to evaluate the suitability of newspaper as a component of silage for ruminant feeding. Newspapers were obtained from the Dick Smith Library and JTAC News at Tarleton State University (Stephenville, TX). Samples were cut into strips (approximately 4.0 × 30.2 mm) using an office shredder. Sorghum-sudangrass [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench ssp. drummondii (Nees ex Steud.) de Wet &amp; Harlan] was harvested and cut by hand to lengths of approximately 10 cm. Samples were combined to achieved DM ratios of 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100% newspaper and sorghum-sudangrass. Distilled water was added to achieve 45% DM. Samples were packed in a double layer of plastic sheeting and sealed in 19 L buckets. Laboratory silos were arranged in a Latin square design in a laboratory and allowed to ferment for 35 d. Ensiled samples were assayed for DM, particle size, and silage acids. There was no effect of newspaper percentage (P = 0.47) on silage pH. Ammonia (0.04 to 1.2% DM), total VFA (0.01 to 4.8% DM), lactic acid (0 to 46.6% VFA), and acetic acid (0.01 to 2.4% DM) increased linearly (P &lt; 0.01) with increased concentration of sorghum-sudangrass. Results indicated that newspaper alone was not an effective feedstuff to ensile. However, addition of newspaper to grass silages could represent a viable means to decrease cost and extend resources for ruminant animal producers.

Predicting nitrogen supply from dairy effluent applied to contrasting soil types

ABSTRACTA closed incubation assay was conducted to identify attributes that can be used to predict nitrogen (N) supply from dairy cattle effluents applied to contrasting soil types. The experimental design included six slurry (DM 7.9–13%) and six solid (DM 15.9–42.5%) effluents applied to a Horotiu sandy loam or a Templeton silt loam with treatments incubated at 70% of field capacity at 20°C for 2, 5, 14, 21, 35, 42, 63, 96, 119 and 175 days. After 175 days, inorganic N supply (INS) ranged from −38.6 to 82.8% of total effluent N applied while net N mineralisation (NNM) ranged from −107.4 to 65.1% of organic effluent N applied. The best predictor of INS at day 175 was the log ratio of total C to water extractable N (P < 0.001, r = −0.85) and the log ratio of DM to water extractable N (P < 0.001, r = −0.85) (water extractable N = water soluble N + hot water extractable N). These measures were inversely related to INS and effective at explaining both net mineralisation and immobilisation effects. Importantly, correlations between INS and C:N ratio measures were improved considerably when total N was substituted for a labile N measure, in this case water extractable N. We were unable to identify an effluent measure to consistently predict NNM.

DO:DM tunes antigen presentation in a BCR affinity-dependent manner

Abstract HLA-DO, a non-classical class II major histocompatibility complex (MHCII), competitively inhibits HLA-DM in B cells. B cells lower DO levels during antigen-mediated activation in germinal centers, implying a regulatory function of DO in resting B cells. We transfected T2 (T/B hybrid) DR4.DM cells with DO and used index FACS to measure single cell variation in DO:DM ratios. High DO:DM ratios allowed groove occupancy by class II-associated Ii peptides (CLIP), and low DO:DM ratios enabled CLIP removal. 3D structured illumination microscopy revealed DMDO concentrated in LAMP1+ endosomes. Both DM+DO+ and DM−DO− cells express CLIP/DR complexes, but a larger fraction of CLIP/DR localizes to LAMP1+ endosomes in DM+DO+ cells. Using memory and naïve human tonsillar B cells, we saw significant downregulation of DO after cell activation. CLIP/MHCII density relative to free DM (estimated by 1-DO/DM) was generally higher in resting vs. activated B cells, especially in memory cells. This memory B cell phenotype primarily reflected higher intracellular CLIP/MHCII; upon BCR-mediated stimulation, total CLIP/MHCII fell to levels in activated naïve cells. We hypothesized that higher CLIP/MHCII and DO in resting memory B cells sets a threshold for the activation needed to efficiently recruit Tfh and selects for cells with higher affinity BCR. Using antigen stimulation of 2 clonal B cell lines expressing BCRs with different affinities for GAD65, we confirmed that, in this system, BCR affinity correlates with the amount of reduction in total CLIP/MHCII after activation. A positive correlation between BCR affinity and the extent of peptide exchange on MHCII is likely mediated by the effects of BCR affinity on signaling and antigen delivery.