FR Groups Research Articles

Does physical activity associated with chronic food restriction alleviate anxiety like behaviour, in female mice?

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is an eating disorder characterized by excessive weight loss, persistent food restriction and inappropriate physical activity relative to declining energy balance. The comorbidity with depression and/or anxiety disorders might contribute to the “chronicization” of the disease. We aimed here to question first the link between physical activity and anxiety from a clinical investigation of AN patients (n = 206). Then, using a rodent model mimicking numerous physiological and metabolic alterations commonly seen in AN patients, we examined whether 1) chronic food restriction increased anxiety-like behaviour and 2) physical activity plays a role in regulating anxiety levels. To this end, we exposed young female mice to a chronic food restriction (FR, n = 8) paradigm combined or not with access to a running wheel (FRW, n = 8) for two weeks. The mice were compared to a group of mice fed ad libitum without (AL, n = 6) or with running wheel access (ALW, n = 8). We explored anxiety-like behaviour of all mice in the following tests: hyponeophagia, marble burying, elevated plus maze, open field, and the light and dark box. On the last day, we used a restraint test of 30 min duration and measured their stress reactivity by assaying plasma corticosterone. In the open field and the elevated plus-maze, we found that FRW mice behaved similarly to AL and ALW mice whereas FR mice did not express anxiety-like behaviour. The FRW mice displayed the lowest latency to reach the food in the hyponeophagia test. Regarding stress reactivity, FRW mice exhibited corticosterone reactivity after acute stress that was similar to the control mice, while FR mice did not fully return to basal corticosterone at one hour after the restraint stress. Taken together, these data demonstrate a differential reactivity to acute stress in FR conditions and a beneficial effect of running wheel activity in ALW and FRW conditions. Moreover, we report the absence of a typical anxiety-like behaviour associated with the food restriction (FR and FRW groups). We conclude that this model (FR and FRW mice) did not express typical anxiety-like behaviour, but that physical activity linked to food restriction improved coping strategies in an anxiogenic context.

Consumption of the Artificial Sweetener Acesulfame Potassium throughout Pregnancy Induces Glucose Intolerance and Adipose Tissue Dysfunction in Mice

Sugar-sweetened beverage consumption is associated with metabolic dysfunction. Artificially sweetened beverages (ASBs) are often promoted as an alternative. However, evidence for the safety of ASB consumption during pregnancy is lacking. The effects of sugar-sweetened beverage and ASB consumption during pregnancy in mice were examined, and we hypothesized that both sugar-sweetened beverages and ASBs would impair maternal metabolic function. Pregnant female C57BL/6J mice received control drinking water (CD), high-fructose corn syrup (Fr; 20% kcal intake; 335 mM), or the artificial sweetener acesulfame potassium (AS; 12.5 mM) in their drinking water, from gestational day (GD) 0.5 (n=8/group). Body weights and food and water intakes were assessed every second day, an oral-glucose-tolerance test (OGTT) was performed at GD 16.5, and mice were culled at GD 18.5. RT-PCR was carried out on adipose tissue, liver, and gut. Adipose tissue morphology was assessed using histological methods. In a separate cohort of animals, pregnancy length was assessed. Repeated-measures ANOVA was performed for the OGTT and weight gain data. All other data were analyzed by 1-way ANOVA. Fr and AS significantly impaired glucose tolerance, as demonstrated by OGTT (21% and 24% increase in AUC, respectively; P=0.0006). Fr and AS reduced expression of insulin receptor (39.5% and 33% reduction, respectively; P=0.02) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (45.2% and 47%, respectively; P=0.039), whereas Fr alone reduced expression of protein kinase B (36.9% reduction; P=0.048) and resulted in an increase in adipocyte size and leptin concentrations (40% increase; P=0.03). AS, but not Fr, reduced male fetal weight (16.5% reduction; P=0.04) and female fetal fasting blood glucose concentration at cull (20% reduction; P=0.02) compared with CD. AS significantly reduced the length of pregnancy compared with the CD and Fr groups (1.25 d shorter; P=0.02). Fr and AS consumption were associated with maternal metabolic dysfunction in mice. AS was also associated with reduced fetal growth and fetal hypoglycemia. Therefore, ASBs may not be a beneficial alternative to sugar-sweetened beverages during pregnancy.

Prolonged overnutrition with fructose or fat induces metabolic derangements in rats by disrupting the crosstalk between the hypothalamus and periphery: Possible amelioration with fenofibrate

Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular complications. The crosstalk between the hypothalamus and periphery is vital for regulating food intake and energy homeostasis. However, it is impaired during MetS. The present study aimed to compare the distinct central and peripheral metabolic derangements induced by a high-fructose drink or high-fat diet, as well as the possible intervention by fenofibrate. Rats were divided into five groups: standard chow diet (SCD) group, high-fructose group (FR), high-fat group (HF), FR plus fenofibrate group (FR-F), and HF plus fenofibrate group (HF-F). FR and HF groups showed hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperleptinemia, steatosis, and adipocyte hypertrophy. This was associated with elevated circulating levels of proinflammatory cytokines and free fatty acids (FFAs). The latter mediators are involved in the hypothalamic inflammation and dysregulation of signaling cascades that control food intake and glucose homeostasis. The effects were more pronounced in the HF group than FR group, which were matched with the observed higher levels of plasma FFAs and cytokines. Fenofibrate administration improved not only the peripheral metabolic disturbances, but also the central disturbances associated with insulin resistance induced by FR or HF diet. This study sheds light on the pivotal role of the hypothalamus in diet-induced MetS. Furthermore, the study suggests the utmost importance of developing a standardized model of metabolic syndrome in place of the great diversity between available models, which can induce different effects and negatively impact the validity of prospective studies.

Preservation Methods Influence the Biomechanical Properties of Human Lateral Menisci: An Ex Vivo Comparative Study of 3 Methods.

Background:Three main meniscal preservation methods have been used over the past decade: cryopreservation, freezing, and freezing with gamma irradiation.Hypothesis:All 3 preservation methods will result in similar biomechanical properties as defined by tensile and compression testing.Study Design:Controlled laboratory study.Methods:A total of 24 human lateral menisci were collected from patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty. Inclusion criteria were patients younger than 70 years with primary unilateral (medial) femorotibial knee osteoarthritis. Each meniscus was divided into 2 specimens cross-sectionally. One specimen was systematically cryopreserved and constituted the control (Cy; –140°C), and the other specimen was used for either the simple frozen group (Fr; –80°C) or the frozen+irradiated group (FrI; –80°C + 25-kGy irradiation). Compression and tensile tests were performed to analyze the elasticity modulus (Young modulus) in compression, the elasticity modulus in tension, the tensile force at failure, and the rupture profile of the tensile stress-strain curve.Results:A significant difference in the mean compression elasticity modulus was observed between the Cy and Fr groups (28.86 ± 0.77 vs 37.26 ± 1.08 MPa, respectively; P < .001) and between the Cy and FrI groups (28.86 ± 0.77 vs 45.92 ± 1.09 MPa, respectively; P < .001). A significant difference in the mean tensile elasticity modulus was also observed between the Cy and Fr groups (11.66 ± 0.97 vs 19.97 ± 1.37 MPa, respectively; P = .008) and between the Cy and FrI groups (11.66 ± 0.97 vs 45.25 ± 1.39 MPa, respectively; P < .001). There were no significant differences between the control and study groups in tensile force at failure. The analysis of the stress-strain curve revealed a slow-slope curve with a nonabrupt rupture (ductile material) for the Cy samples versus a clear rupture of the curve for the Fr and FrI samples (more fragile material).Conclusion:Cryopreservation allows for more elastic and less fragile tissue compared with simple freezing or freezing plus irradiation.Clinical Relevance:The study results exhibit the detrimental effect of simple freezing and freezing plus irradiation on human meniscal mechanical properties. If these effects occur in menisci prepared for allograft procedures, important differences could appear in the graft’s mechanical behavior and thus patient outcomes.

Effects of Exercise and Ferulic Acid on Alpha Synuclein and Neuroprotective Heat Shock Protein 70 in An Experimental Model of Parkinsonism Disease.

This study investigated the effects of ferulic acid (FR), muscle exercise (Ex) and combination of them on rotenone (Rot)-induced Parkinson disease (PD) in mice as well as their underlying mechanisms. 56 male C57BL/6 mice were allocated into 8 equal groups, 1) Normal control (CTL), 2) FR (mice received FR at 20 mg/kg/day), 3) Ex (mice received swimming Ex) and 4) Ex + FR (mice received FR and Ex), 5) Rot (mice received Rot 3 mg/Kg i.p. for 70 days), 6) ROT+ FR (mice received Rot + FR at 20 mg/kg/day), 7) ROT+ Ex (mice received Rot + swimming Ex) and 8) ROT+ Ex + FR (mice received Rot + FR and Ex). ROT group showed significant impairment in motor performance and significant reduction in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) density and Hsp70 expression (p< 0.05) with Lewy bodies (alpha synuclein) aggregates in corpus striatum. Also, ROT+FR, ROT+EX and ROT + Ex+ FR groups showed significant improvement in behavioral and biochemical changes, however the effect of FR alone was more potent than Ex alone (p< 0.05) and addition of Ex to FR caused no more significant improvement than FR alone. We concluded that, FR and Ex improved the motor performance in rotenone-induced PD rodent model which might be due to increased Hsp70 expression and TH density in corpus striatum and combination of both did not offer more protection than FR alone.

Evaluation of Bond Strength and Dentinal Tubule Penetration of the Post Luting Cements

Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of residual endodontic sealers on the adhesion of post luting cements. For hence, dentinal tubule penetration and bonding ability of three different self-adhesive resin cements was compared. Panavia SA; Kuraray, Tokyo, Japan. Relyx U200; 3M ESPE, Seefeld, Germany. Maxcem Elite; Kerr, CA, USA Material and Method: 180 mandibular second premolar teeth roots were used. 45 roots which were instrumented and obturated with gutta-percha and AH Plus sealer which were labeled with 0.1% fluorescein dye. Forty-five roots were only instrumented with ProTaper, but left not-filled. The teeth were divided into two main groups: root canal filling FR and no root canal filling NFR . Then, these roots were cemented with three different self-adhesive resin cements.The specimens were divided into 6 groups.Group 1: Filled root FR / Panavia SA Group 2: Not-filled root NFR / Panavia SA; Group 3:FR/RelyX U200Group 4: NFT/RelyX U200Group 5: FR/Maxcem EliteGroup 6: NFR/Maxcem Elite. Before the insertion of the posts, cement was labeled with Rhodamin B. After cementation process of the fiber posts, the specimens were cross sectioned and the slices were submitted to the push-out test and dentin tubule penetration evaluation of the cements using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Results: FR/Maxcem Elite cement group presented the lowest bond strength value to dentin in the cervical third P 0.05 . Conclusion: The NFR groups showed better dentin tubule penetration values than FR groups

Supplementation comprising dietary fish oil with all-trans retinoic acid decreased blood lipids and fat accumulation in C57BL/6J mice

This study aimed to assess the effects of fish oil plus all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) on lipid metabolism and fat accumulation. Forty male C57BL/6J mice were divided into four groups; the FO, SO, FR, and SR groups were provided with fish oil, soybean oil, fish oil with ATRA, and soybean oil with ATRA, respectively. After 16 weeks, the SR and FR groups had significantly lower body weight than the SO and FO groups. Moreover, the FR group had the lowest reproductive white adipose tissue weight, liver triglyceride level, and acetyl-CoA carboxylase activity and the highest acyl-CoA oxidase and catalase activities among all groups. Additionally, fish oil alone also showed significantly improved serum and liver lipid profiles. ATRA in combination with fish oil or soybean oil both had significantly decreased reproductive white adipose tissue and increased expression of liver peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor δ and retinoic acid receptor α. ATRA may inhibit weight gain and fat accumulation, thus preventing obesity.

Low intensity vibration of ankle muscles improves balance in elderly persons at high risk of falling.

In our study we examined postural performance of young healthy persons (HY), elderly healthy persons (HE), and elderly persons at high risk of falling (FR). Anterio-posterior (AP) and medio-lateral (ML) ankle and hip angular deviations, as well as linear displacements of the center of mass (COM) were assessed in persons standing with eyes either open or closed, while none, and 40 and 30 Hz vibrations were applied bilaterally to the ankle muscle gastrocnemius. During quiet standing with eyes open, balance parameters in FR group differed from those in healthy groups. ML ankle and hip angular deviations, as well as COM linear displacements were noticeably larger in FR group. During quiet standing with eyes closed, all balance parameters in participants of all groups had a clear trend to increase. During standing with eyes open, 40 Hz vibration increased all but one balance parameter within HY group, ankle angular deviations in HE group, but none in FR group. In response to 30 Hz vibration, only ankle angular deviations and COM linear displacements increased in HY group. There were no changes in both elderly groups. During standing with eyes closed, 40 and 30 Hz vibrations did not produce consistent changes in balance parameters in HY and HE groups. In FR persons, 40 Hz vibration did not change balance parameters. However, in FR groups, 30 Hz vibration decreased ankle and hip angular deviations, and COM linear displacements. The major result of the study is a finding that low intensity vibration of ankle muscles makes balance better in elderly persons at high risk of falling. This result is clinically relevant because it suggests that applying mild vibration to ankle muscles while standing and walking might benefit elderly persons, improving their postural performance and reducing a risk of unexpected falls.

Stimulatory Effect of Food Restriction on the Steroidogenesis of Aldosterone in Ovariectomized Rats.

Food or calorie restriction (FR or CR) induces several physiological changes including weight loss, metabolic adaptations, mineral and hormonal changes. However, the effects of FR on aldosterone steroidogenesis in zona glomerulosa (ZG) cells have not been elucidated. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the effects of FR on aldosterone secretion and the involved mechanisms in ovariectomized (Ovx) rats. Ovx rats were divided into ad libitum fed (control) and FR groups. The FR rats exhibited decreased body weight, water intake, urine flow, sodium excretion and increased plasma aldosterone in comparison with control rats. FR elevated the basal and angiotensin II-stimulated aldosterone secretion from ZG cells. The conversions of 25-hydroxy-cholesterol to pregnenolone or corticosterone to aldosterone in ZG cells of FR group were greater than that in control group. FR group had a higher protein expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein in ZG cells. However, there was no different protein expression of cytochrome P450 sidechain cleavage enzyme (P450scc) in ZG cells between control and FR groups. In summary, the increased activities of P450scc and aldosterone synthase as well as the protein expression of StAR protein in ZG cells are involved in the effects of FR on aldosterone steroidogenesis in Ovx rats. We also suggest that the increase of aldosterone might be associated with anti-diuresis and antinatriuresis in FR group. These results are helpful for understanding the role of aldosterone in physiological adaptation and renal sodium conservation during FR.

129. Lower Prepulse Inhibition in Clinical High-Risk Group but not in Familial Risk Group for Psychosis Compared to Healthy Controls

Abstract Although lower level of prepulse inhibition (PPI) of startle response is well known in schizophrenia, it is not clear when this begins. The aim of this study is to investigate acoustic PPI in clinical and familial risk of psychosis We studied PPI in a sample of individuals with Ultra High Risk (UHR) for psychosis, a group of familial risk for psychosis and healthy controls (HC). UHR was defined based on CAARMS (n = 25), FR group consist of siblings of patients with schizophrenia (n = 24). We collected clinical data by using BPRS-E, SANS, SAPS, PAS when individuals with UHR were antipsychotic-naive. A cognitive battery containing RVLT, WCST, Stroop, digit-symbol and TMT was applied to all participants. Interval between S1 (20 ms, 86 dB) and S2 (40 ms, 115 dB) was 120 ms, and there was a 70-dB background white noise during the experiment. There was a significant difference in PPI among the 3 groups. Post hoc analysis showed that PPI was lower in UHR group than both FR (z = 2.27, = .02) and HC groups (z = 2.53, = .01), and there was no difference between FR and HC groups. Mean S1 was higher in FR group than UHR group (z = 2.23, = .02). PPI and S1 amplitude were not found correlated with BPRS-E, SANS, SAPS scores, and cognitive test scores. Our findings show that PPI deficits begins before the onset of psychosis, and it is more prominent in those with clinical risk rather than familial risk for psychosis

Movement Demands of Elite Under-20s and Senior International Rugby Union Players.

This study compared the movement demands of elite international Under-20 age grade (U20s) and senior international rugby union players during competitive tournament match play. Forty elite professional players from an U20 and 27 elite professional senior players from international performance squads were monitored using 10Hz global positioning systems (GPS) during 15 (U20s) and 8 (senior) international tournament matches during the 2014 and 2015 seasons. Data on distances, velocities, accelerations, decelerations, high metabolic load (HML) distance and efforts, and number of sprints were derived. Data files from players who played over 60 min (n = 258) were separated firstly into Forwards and Backs, and more specifically into six positional groups; FR–Front Row (prop & hooker), SR–Second Row, BR–Back Row (Flankers & No.8), HB–Half Backs (scrum half & outside half), MF–Midfield (centres), B3 –Back Three (wings & full back) for match analysis. Linear mixed models revealed significant differences between U20 and senior teams in both the forwards and backs. In the forwards the seniors covered greater HML distance (736.4 ± 280.3 vs 701.3 ± 198.7m, p = 0.01) and severe decelerations (2.38 ± 2.2 vs 2.28 ± 1.65, p = 0.05) compared to the U20s, but performed less relative HSR (3.1 ± 1.6 vs 3.2 ± 1.5, p < 0.01), moderate (19.4 ± 10.5 vs 23.6 ± 10.5, p = 0.01) and high accelerations (2.2 ± 1.9 vs 4.3 ± 2.7, p < 0.01) and sprint•min-1 (0.11 ± 0.06 vs 0.11 ± 0.05, p < 0.01). Senior backs covered a greater relative distance (73.3 ± 8.1 vs 69.1 ± 7.6 m•min-1, p < 0.01), greater High Metabolic Load (HML) distance (1138.0 ± 233.5 vs 1060.4 ± 218.1m, p < 0.01), HML efforts (112.7 ± 22.2 vs 98.8 ± 21.7, p < 0.01) and heavy decelerations (9.9 ± 4.3 vs 9.5 ± 4.4, p = 0.04) than the U20s backs. However, the U20s backs performed more relative HSR (7.3 ± 2.1 vs 7.2 ± 2.1, p <0.01) and sprint•min-1 (0.26 ± 0.07 vs 0.25 ± 0.07, p < 0.01). Further investigation highlighted differences between the 6 positional groups of the teams. The positional groups that differed the most on the variables measured were the FR and MF groups, with the U20s FR having higher outputs on HSR, moderate & high accelerations, moderate, high & severe decelerations, HML distance, HML efforts, and sprints•min-1. For the MF group the senior players produced greater values for relative distance covered, HSR, moderate decelerations, HML distance and sprint•min-1. The BR position group was most similar with the only differences seen on heavy accelerations (U20s higher) and moderate decelerations (seniors higher). Findings demonstrate that U20s internationals appear to be an adequate ‘stepping stone’ for preparing players for movement characteristics found senior International rugby, however, the current study highlight for the first time that certain positional groups may require more time to be able to match the movement demands required at a higher playing level than others. Conditioning staff must also bear in mind that the U20s players whilst maintaining or improving match movement capabilities may require to gain substantial mass in some positions to match their senior counterparts.

Heat-treated (in single aliquot or batch) colostrum outperforms non-heat-treated colostrum in terms of quality and transfer of immunoglobulin G in neonatal Jersey calves

The objective of this randomized clinical trial was to describe the effect on colostrum characteristics and passive transfer of IgG in neonatal calves when using the Perfect Udder colostrum management system (single-aliquot treatment; Dairy Tech Inc., Greeley, CO) compared with a negative control (fresh refrigerated or fresh frozen colostrum) and a positive control (batch heat-treated colostrum). First-milking Jersey colostrum was pooled to achieve 31 unique batches with a minimum of 22.8L per batch. The batch was then divided into 4 with 3.8L allocated to each treatment group: (1) heat-treated in Perfect Udder bag at 60°C for 60min and then stored at −20°C (PU); (2) heat-treated in a batch pasteurizer (Dairy Tech Inc.) at 60°C for 60min and then stored at −20°C in Perfect Udder bag (DTB; positive control); (3) fresh frozen colostrum stored at −20°C in Perfect Udder bag (FF; negative control); and (4) fresh refrigerated colostrum stored at 4°C in Perfect Udder bag (FR; negative control). Colostrum from all treatments was sampled for analysis of IgG concentration and bacterial culture immediately after batch assembly, after processing, and before feeding. Newborn Jersey calves were randomly assigned to be fed 3.8L of colostrum from 1 of the 4 treatment groups. A prefeeding, 0-h blood sample was collected, calves were fed by esophageal tube within 2h of birth, and then a 24-h postfeeding blood sample was collected. Paired serum samples from 0- and 24-h blood samples were analyzed for IgG concentration (mg/mL) using radial immunodiffusion analysis. The overall mean IgG concentration in colostrum was 77.9g/L and was not affected by treatment. Prefeeding total plate counts (log10 cfu/mL) were significantly different for all 4 treatments and were lower for heat-treated colostrum (PU=4.23, DTB=3.63) compared with fresh colostrum (FF=5.68, FR=6.53). Total coliform counts (log10 cfu/mL) were also significantly different for all 4 treatments and were lower for heat-treated colostrum (PU=0.45, DTB=1.08) compared with fresh colostrum (FF=3.82, FR=4.80). Mean 24-h serum IgG concentrations were significantly higher for calves in the PU (41.0mg/mL) and DTB (40.6mg/mL) groups compared with FF (35.1mg/mL) and FR (35.5mg/mL) groups. Mean apparent efficiency of absorption of IgG was significantly higher for the PU (37%) and DTB (37%) groups compared with the FF (32%) and FR (32%) groups. Calves fed heat-treated colostrum (PU or DTB) experienced significantly improved AEA and serum IgG concentrations.

Traumatic brain injury result in accelerated fracture healing: A Rat Model

Background: In patients who have sustained a traumatic brain injury with an associated extremity fracture there is often a clinical perception that the rate of new bone formation around the fracture site is increased. In this study, we made a rat model of femoral fracture to investigate the serum factors changes in vivo. We examined the effects serum factors on fracture healing and the molecular signaling pathways that might link these two. Methods and Findings: Thirty-Six female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly allocated into 4 groups; the non-operated control group, traumatic brain injury (TBI) group, bone fracture (Fr) group and the bone fracture/ TBI group (TBI & Fr) (n=9 per group). These animals were sacrificed at 6 weeks after experiments. Volume of callus in fracture was measured weekly with the Perkins volume formula at 2nd week after operation. The radiology imaging was interpreted by two or more senior orthopedic specialists. In vivo chemo taxis assay by serum samples collected at the 1, 3, 7 and 14 days, and 3rd, 4th, 6th week after surgery. Seral NGF, Wnt, RANKL, Dkk-1, ACTH, Leptin titer was measured and analyzed. After 2 weeks operation, the formation of callus was found at the fracture site, callus in TBI & Fr group was slightly higher than Fr group; however, there was no significant difference existed between the TBI & Fr and Fr groups. The ACTH level was significantly elevated in the TBI & Fr group than other groups and attained its peak at 1 week after operation, while the leptin was shown higher levels in Fr groups than TBI and TBI & Fr groups at 2 weeks after operation. The serum insulin level was markedly increased in all experimental groups during 1-3 days after surgery; at the meanwhile, the serum glucose level only significantly increased in the Fx and TBI groups at the 1 and 3 day after operation. The serum of NGF levels in the groups with TBI process (TBI and TBI & Fr groups) was significantly higher than those of the simple fracture group and control group. In the early stage of bone fracture, DKK-1 should be more active than Wnt-3a and NGF; later Wnt-3a and NGF became active to stimulate the osteoblasts for bone formation. After 3 day to 2 week of surgery, the RANKL process was drove to additional bone remodeling in accompany with bone formation. Conclusions: Through this project, the pathogenesis of increased rates of excessive bone healing in the patients with traumatic brain injury will be elucidated for the future study on clinical treatment in both traumatic brain injury and fracture healing. Keywords: Traumatic brain injury, fracture healing,

Tricuspid annular dynamics before and after tricuspid annuloplasty- three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography.

Little is known about the impact of tricuspid annuloplasty (TAP) on annular dynamics. We assessed tricuspid annular dynamics using 3-D transesophageal echocardiography (3D-TEE) before and after TAP with different types of prosthetic ring. 3D-TEE of the tricuspid valve was acquired in 30 patients (TAP with rigid ring [RR], n=8; TAP with flexible ring [FR], n=10; control, n=12). Tricuspid annular dimensions (circumference, area, annular height, anteroposterior [AP], septolateral [SL] diameter) were measured throughout the cardiac cycle. All postoperative tricuspid annular dimension parameters were significantly reduced by TAP, while the AP/SL ratio was significantly increased (before, 0.96±0.16; after, 1.03±0.06; P<0.05). The difference in annular area between diastole and systole was significantly smaller in the TAP groups (11.6%) than in the control (27.9%, P<0.05). Annular height in the FR patients was significantly lower than in the RR group, while the postoperative AP/SL ratio was lower in the RR than the FR and control groups. Change in annular area was not seen in RR patients, while it was seen in the FR and control groups. Annulus motion and shape differ according to the type of prosthetic ring used, although tricuspid regurgitation was well controlled by all types of ring utilized. The present results provide important information for selection of an appropriate prosthetic ring for TAP.

Central executive network in young people with familial risk for psychosis — The Oulu Brain and Mind Study

ObjectiveThe central executive network controls and manages high-level cognitive functions. Abnormal activation in the central executive network has been related to psychosis and schizophrenia but it is not established how this applies to people with familial risk for psychosis (FR). MethodsWe conducted a resting-state functional MRI (R-fMRI) in 72 (29 males) young adults with a history of psychosis in one or both parents (FR) but without psychosis themselves, and 72 (29 males) similarly healthy control subjects without parental psychosis. Both groups in the Oulu Brain and Mind Study were drawn from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986. Participants were 20–25years old. Parental psychosis was established using the Care Register for Health Care. R-fMRI data pre-processing was conducted using independent component analysis with 30 and 70 components. A dual regression technique was used to detect between-group differences in the central executive network with p<0.05 threshold corrected for multiple comparisons. ResultsFR participants demonstrated statistically significantly lower activity compared to control subjects in the right inferior frontal gyrus, a key area of central executive network corresponding to Brodmann areas 44 and 45, known as Broca's area. The volume of the lower activation area with 30 components was 896mm3 and with 70 components was 1151mm3. ConclusionThe activity of the central executive network differed in the right inferior frontal gyrus between FR and control groups. This suggests that abnormality of the right inferior frontal gyrus may be a central part of vulnerability for psychosis.

Whole Pelvic Irradiation for Patients With Prostate Cancer With a Biochemical Relapse Following Radical Prostatectomy: The Era of Robot-Assisted Minimally Invasive Surgery

DMFS, CSS and OS are summarized in the table below for all three groups when compared to aRT. None of the men in the HR group experienced BC at 5 years. Pairwise comparisons of outcomes between the aRT and FR groups demonstrated no significant differences. Conclusions: Our analysis identified a group of FR men treated with sRT who had outcomes comparable to men treated with aRT. Our risk grouping identified IR and HR groups who may be good candidates for clinical trials that incorporate systemic therapies aimed at improving DMFS, CSS and the efficacy of sRT.

Exogenous melatonin improves growth performance, intestinal microbiota, and morphology in temporarily feed restricted broilers

In birds, exogenous melatonin possesses a wide spectrum of biological effects and can interfere with a wide range of behavioral and physiological processes including growth but the underlying mechanisms under feed restriction conditions have not been well defined. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of melatonin on growth performance, gut health, and some biochemical parameters of broilers subjected to feed restriction. Eleven-day-old male Ross 308 broilers were randomly distributed to 3 dietary treatments with 6 replicates of sixteen chicks each as follows: (1) control (CON); (2) 20% feed restriction (d 11–18; FR); and (3) the same as FR group, but melatonin was supplemented to drinking water (30µg/ml, d 11–35; MFR). All birds had access to feed and water from 18 to 35d of age. At d 35, broilers were sampled for quantification of blood components, intestinal morphology, and microbial counts. Supplementation of melatonin improved feed conversion rate of feed restricted birds (P<0.05). The MFR group had higher plasma growth hormone level as compared with CON (P<0.05). The villus height of duodenum was increased in MFR group as compared with those of CON and FR groups (P<0.05). Melatonin supplementation increased the jejunal villus height of chickens in FR group (P<0.05). Compared to FR group, ileal coliform counts decreased in birds treated with melatonin and CON group (P<0.05 and <0.01, respectively). An increment in ileal Lactobacillus counts was found in MFR group compared to CON (P<0.05). No significant differences were noticed in microbial counts of cecum among treatments. Results revealed that administration of melatonin to chickens seems to improve performance, gut histomorphology, and microbiota under temporarily feed restriction conditions.

A comparative study of 4 Fr versus 6 Fr nasobiliary drainage catheters: A randomized, controlled trial

Despite the benefits of endoscopic nasobiliary drainage (NBD) in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) and nose/throat discomfort can result. We aimed to determine whether the use of a smaller catheter alleviates these complications. A randomized, controlled trial at a tertiary care center compared 4 Fr and 6 Fr NBD catheters; 165 ERCP patients with naïve papillae were randomly assigned to a catheter-size group. The prevalence of PEP was significantly lower in the 4 Fr group (3.7%; 3/82) than in the 6 Fr group (15.7%; 13/83; P = 0.019). No spontaneous catheter displacement occurred within 24 h. Discomfort visual analog scores were 2.6 and 4.3 in the 4 Fr and 6 Fr groups, respectively (P = 0.0048) on procedure day; on the following day, the scores were 2.3 and 3.6 (P = 0.028). Bile output was 16.3 mL/h and 21.4 mL/h in the 4 Fr and 6 Fr groups (P = 0.051). On obstructive jaundice subgroup analysis, bile drainage was 19.2 mL/h and 22.1 mL/h in the 4 Fr and 6 Fr groups (P = 0.40). The 4 Fr group required 5.6 days to reduce bilirubin levels versus 6.1 days in the 6 Fr group (P = 0.51). In patients with naïve papillae, lower rates of PEP and less nose/throat discomfort are associated with the use of 4 Fr NBD catheters. In patients with obstructive jaundice, 4 Fr and 6 Fr catheters are comparable with regard to bile output and bilirubin level reduction.

Precursors of Developmental Dyslexia: An Overview of the Longitudinal Dutch Dyslexia Programme Study

Converging evidence suggests that developmental dyslexia is a neurobiological disorder, characterized by deficits in the auditory, visual, and linguistic domains. In the longitudinal project of the Dutch Dyslexia Programme, 180 children with a familial risk of dyslexia (FR) and a comparison group of 120 children without FR (noFR) were followed from the age of 2 months up to 9 years. Children were assessed on (1) auditory, speech, and visual event-related potentials every half year between 2 and 41 months; (2) expressive and receptive language, motor development, behaviour problems, and home-literacy environment by questionnaires at the age of 2 and 3; (3) speech-language and cognitive development from 47 months onwards; and (4) preliteracy and subskills of reading, and reading development during kindergarten and Grades 2 and 3. With regard to precursors of reading disability, first analyses showed specific differences between FR and noFR children in neurophysiological, cognitive, and early language measures. Once reading tests administered from age 7 to 9 years were available, the children were divided into three groups: FR children with and without dyslexia, and controls. Analyses of the differences between reading groups yielded distinct profiles and developmental trajectories. On early speech and visual processing, and several cognitive measures, performance of the non-dyslexic FR group differed from the dyslexic FR group and controls, indicating continuity of the influence of familial risk. Parental reading and rapid naming skills appeared to indicate their offspring's degree of familial risk. Furthermore, on rapid naming and nonverbal IQ, the non-dyslexic FR group performed similarly to the controls, suggesting protective factors. There are indications of differences between the FR and control groups, irrespective of reading outcome. These results contribute to the distinction between the deficits correlated to dyslexia as a manifest reading disorder and deficits correlated to familial risk only.

Dietary arachidonic acid and docosahexaenoic acid regulate liver fatty acid desaturase (FADS) alternative transcript expression in suckling piglets

Molecular regulation of fatty acid desaturase (Fads) gene expression by dietary arachidonic acid (ARA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) during early post-natal period, when the demand for long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) is very high, has not been well defined. The objective of the current study was to determine regulation of liver Fads1, Fads2 and Fads3 classical (CS) and alternative transcripts (AT) expression by dietary ARA and DHA, within the physiological range present in human breast milk, in suckling piglets. Piglets were fed one of six milk replacer formula diets (formula-reared groups, FR) with varying ARA and DHA content from days 3–28 of age. The ARA/DHA levels of the six formula diets were as follows (% total fatty acid, FA/FA): (A1) 0.1/1.0; (A2) 0.53/1.0; (A3-D3) 0.69/1.0; (A4) 1.1/1.0; (D2) 0.67/0.62; and (D1) 0.66/0.33. The control maternal-reared (MR) group remained with the dam. Fads1 expression was not significantly different between FR and MR groups. Fads2 expression was down-regulated significantly in diets with 1:1 ratio of ARA:DHA, compared to MR. Fads2 AT1 expression was highly correlated to Fads2 expression. Fads3 AT7 was the only Fads3 transcript sensitive to dietary LC-PUFA intake and was up-regulated in the formula diets with lowest ARA and DHA contents compared to MR. Thus, the present study provides evidence that the proportion of dietary ARA:DHA is a significant determinant of Fads2 expression and LC-PUFA metabolism during the early postnatal period. Further, the data suggest that Fads3 AT7 may have functional significance when dietary supply of ARA and DHA are low during early development.