LP Group Research Articles

P–631 Embryo euploidy rates following follicular or luteal start ovarian stimulation. A prospective study with repeated ovarian stimulation ovarian stimulation cycles

Abstract Study question Is there any difference in embryo euploidy rates following luteal phase phase (LS) and follicular phase (FS) start ovarian stimulation. Summary answer: The number of euploid blastocysts and embryo euploidy rate are comparable when comparing FS and LS. What is known already Random start ovarian stimulation (starting at any time of the cycle) has been traditionally used in women undergoing urgent fertility preservation for medical reason. Although there is accumulating evidence that in infertile women, LS can result in equivalent number of oocytes and embryos as compared with FS, no study has evaluated the effect of luteal phase start ovarian stimulation on embryo euploidy rates. The current study is the first prospective study designed to evaluate embryo euploidy rates in donors undergoing two identical consecutive ovarian stimulation protocols within a period of 6 months starting either in the (FS), or (LS). Study design, size, duration In a prospective study, conducted between May 2018 and January 2020, 40 oocyte donors underwent two consecutive ovarian stimulation protocols within a period of 6 months with an identical fixed GnRH antagonist protocol starting either in the early follicular (FS), or and luteal menstrual cycle phase (LS). Participants/materials, setting, methods All participants underwent two identical consecutive ovarian stimulation cycles with 150μg corifollitropin alfa followed by 200 IU rFSH in a fixed GnRH antagonist protocol either in the FS or LS. Six MII oocytes from the same oocyte donor, from each stimulation cycle, were allocated to the recipients and were inseminated with the same sperm sample (recipients partner sperm or donor sperm). Embryos were cultivated to blastocyst stage followed by preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A). Main results and the role of chance When comparing FP with LP, the duration of ovarian stimulation was significantly shorter (9.68± 2.09 vs 10.93± 1.55 days), 95% CI [–1.95; –0.55] and a higher total additional dose of daily recFSH was significantly lower (526.14± 338.94 IU vs 726.14± 366.27), 95% CI [–315,12; –84,88] when CPT was administered in the luteal phase. . There were no differences in the hormone values on the triggering day (Estradiol 2137.61±1198.25 pg/ml vs 2362.96±1472.89); 95% CI [–1160.45;709.76]. Overall no differences were observed in the number of oocytes (24.84± 11.200 vs 24.27± 9.08); 95% CI[–2,61; 3.75] and MII oocytes (21.41±10.19 vs 21.59± 8.81), 95%CI [–2.72; 2.35] retrieved between FP and LP cycles in the oocytes donors. Following oocyte allocation and fertilization to the recipients, a total of 245 blastocysts were biopsied (blastocyst formation rate 245/408, 60.05%), 117 in FP group and 128 in LP group. The overall blastocyst euploidy rate was 59.18% . There were no differences in the number of euploid embryos between FS (1.59±1.32) and LS (1.70±1.29), mean difference 0.11, 95%CI [–0.65; 0.46]. Finally, there were no differences in the percentage of euploid embryos per oocytes inseminated between FS [70/287 (24.4%)] and LP [75/278 (24.7%), mean difference –0.027, 95%CI [–0.11; 0.06]. Limitations, reasons for caution The study was performed in oocyte derived from potentially fertile young oocyte donors thus caution is needed when extrapolating the results in oocytes derived from infertile women of older age. Wider implications of the findings: Luteal phase stimulation does not alter embryo euploidy status as compared with follicular phase stimulation and thus it appears that it can be safely used not only in cases of urgent medical fertility preservation but also in patients undergoing ovarian stimulation for IVF/ICSI. Trial registration number Clinical Trials Gov (NCT03555942).

A retrospective cohort study of factors influencing long procedure times in colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection

Objective To evaluate the outcomes and factors influencing colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) with a long procedure time. Materials and methods In this single-center, retrospective study, we included 1,100 patients with 1,199 lesions who underwent colorectal ESD between April 2016 and December 2020. ESD was performed using an advanced system knife for lesions >20 mm. An S-O clip was used as the traction device. The long-time group (LP; procedure time >120 min) and normal-time group (NP; procedure time <120 min) were compared. Results The procedure times were 166.86 and 44.72 min in the LP and NP groups, respectively. The completion rate was higher in the NP group (96.5% vs. 83.5%, p = .001); the completed lesions were resected en bloc. Multivariate analysis revealed 18.8% and 7.8% of submucosal fibrosis in the LP and NP groups, respectively (odds ratio [OR] = 2.410, p = .026). Compared to the NP group, the LP group presented larger maximum lesion sizes and higher rates of R1 resection, and traction device use. Time to introduction of traction device use was longer in the LP than in the NP group (126.05 vs. 21.72 min; p < .001). Fibrosis tends to occur cecal lesions (OR 2.436, p = .011) and laterally spreading tumor–non-granular-pseudo-depressed (LST-NG-PD) (OR 2.6181, p = .001). Conclusions Lesion size and fibrosis were factors associated with a long procedure time in colonic ESD. For fibrotic lesions (LST-NG-PD and cecal lesions), it is necessary to consider early use of traction devices and advisable to plan a strategy for the use of traction devices.

Effects of Slaughter Positions on Catecholamine, Blood Biochemical and Electroencephalogram Changes in Cattle Restrained Using a Modified Mark IV Box.

Simple SummarySlaughter position plays a crucial role from an animal welfare perspective (fear due to novelty, discomfort, and pain), as it involves handling by workers and restraint methods at abattoirs. In ritual slaughter, it is obligatory to restrain the animal in a prescribed position (lateral or upright), and lateral recumbency in Halal slaughter takes minimum effort in well-equipped abattoirs with trained staff compared to less equipped abattoirs with less trained personnel or, worst of all, outside of abattoirs. Halal slaughter is a technique practiced around the world by Muslims. No studies have been reported comparing upright and lateral positions in Halal slaughter and their impact on cattle blood biochemistry and pain sensation. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate responses in cattle subjected to upright and lateral slaughter positions on EEG and catecholamines. The results revealed that the two positions had different effects on brain activity and blood parameters.The proper slaughter positioning of animals is among the most crucial factors in animal welfare. The lateral position in Halal slaughter is a technique used around the world by Muslims, with a few practicing the upright position. The literature on the effects of slaughter in upright versus lateral positions on pain and stress is scarce. Thus, this study was designed to evaluate the effects of slaughter positions on blood biochemical parameters, plasma catecholamines, and electroencephalographic (EEG) responses. Twenty Brahman crossbred steers were subjected to slaughter in either lateral recumbency (LP) (n = 10) or an upright position (UP) (n = 10). There was a significant increase in adrenaline (p < 0.0001) and noradrenaline (p < 0.05) at T2 compared to T1 in the animals of both groups. A significant difference (p < 0.0001) was observed in the median frequency (MF) and total power (Ptot) of EEG, parameters for pain and stress, between the animals slaughtered in the upright and the lateral position. However, MF and delta waves were significantly higher (p < 0.05) after slaughter in the UP group than in the LP group. The results demonstrate a lesser amount of stress and pain responses among the LP group.

Comparisons of countermovement jump force profiles in youth athletes

The purposes of this study were to determine whether countermovement jump (CMJ) force profiles differ for jumps in which peak force occurred at the low position of the countermovement (LP) compared to jumps in which peak force did not occur at the low position of the countermovement (NLP), and compare relationships among CMJ and isokinetic metrics between groups. Thirty-nine male and female youth athletes between 9- and 17-year-old participated. Participants completed CMJs and isokinetic knee extensions from 60 to 300°·s−1. Ground reaction forces were collected during CMJs to quantify unweighting, braking, propulsive, and performance metrics. Torque and power were quantified during all isokinetic knee extensions. Forty-one percent of participants had LP force profiles, while 59% of participants had NLP force profiles. The LP group had more efficient unweighting and braking phase metrics than the NLP group, while the NLP group had greater isokinetic torque and power, and greater relationships between CMJ and isokinetic metrics, than the LP group. CMJs from the LP group represent more biomechanically efficient jumps than CMJs from the NLP group. Additionally, the NLP group may be more reliant on concentric force production during the CMJ, while the LP group may have more efficient storage and utilization of elastic energy.

Effect of Lipoprotein (a) Levels on Long-term Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients with Myocardial Infarction with Nonobstructive Coronary Arteries

The association between elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] and poor outcomes in coronary artery disease (CAD) has been addressed for decades. However, little is known about the prognostic value of Lp(a) in patients with myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA). A total of 1179 patients with MINOCA were enrolled and divided into low, medium, and high Lp(a) groups based on the cut-off value of 10 and 30mg/dL. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), a composite of all-cause death, nonfatal MI, nonfatal stroke, revascularization, and hospitalization for unstable angina or heart failure. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses were performed. Accuracy was defined as area under the curve (AUC) using a receiver-operating characteristic analysis. Patients with higher Lp(a) levels had a significantly higher incidence of MACE (9.5%, 14.6%, 18.5%; p=0.002) during the median follow-up of 41.7 months. The risk of MACE also increased with the rising Lp(a) levels even after multivariate adjustment [low Lp(a) group as reference, medium group: hazard ratio (HR) 1.55, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02-2.40, p=0.047; high group: HR 2.07, 95% CI: 1.32-3.25, p=0.001]. Further, clinically elevated Lp(a) defined as Lp(a) ≥30 mg/dL was closely associated with an increased risk of MACE in overall and in subgroups (all p <0.05). When adding Lp(a) (AUC 0.61) into the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) score (AUC 0.68), the combined model (AUC 0.73) yielded a significant improvement in discrimination for MACE (ΔAUC 0.05, p=0.032). In conclusion, elevated Lp(a) was strongly associated with a poor prognosis in patients with MINOCA. Adding Lp(a) to traditional risk score further improved risk prediction. Our data, for the first time, confirmed the Lp(a) as a residual risk factor for MINOCA.

Nematode parasitism affects lying time and overall activity patterns in lambs following pasture exposure around weaning

We investigated the effects of gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) challenge on activity in first season grazing lambs naturally exposed to two different levels of multispecies GIN infections. Ewes and their twin-born lambs were turned-out to graze in two permanent pasture enclosures naturally contaminated with GIN the previous year, thereby exposing them to overwintering strongyle larvae. Animals in the low parasite exposure group (LP) were dewormed monthly with 0.2 mg ivermectin (Ivomec® vet, oral suspension) per kg body weight, whereas those in high parasite exposure group (HP) were left untreated. At weaning, lambs were allocated to one out of four groups based on weight and sex (HPE, n = 15; HPR, n = 15; LPE, n = 14; LPR, n = 14), in four nearby non-contaminated ley enclosures of similar size. Activity patterns were monitored from day −7, i.e. 7 days pre-weaning, until day 49, i.e. 49 days post-weaning, by fitting all lambs with IceQube sensors (IceRobotics). Body weight was monitored weekly from day −21, whereas faecal samples were investigated at days −21, 7, 35 and 49 for nematode faecal egg counts (EPG) using McMaster-technology and a validated Droplet Digital PCR protocol to determine nematode composition. All statistical analyses were performed in R studio, using mixed models with repeated measures. In the data analyses, weekly recordings was treated as a period, generating a total of eight periods. Average daily lying time had a significant interaction between parasite exposure and period (P = 0.0013), with animals in HP having a 101 ± 31 min shorter daily lying time compared to LP. Motion Index (MI; absolute value of the 3-D acceleration) had a significant interaction between parasite exposure and period (P = 0.0001) with lambs in group HP having a lower average daily MI compared with LP. Both body weight gain and EPG levels were significantly different (P<0.0001) between HP and LP groups during the course of the study. The molecular investigation showed that animals were predominantly infected with Teladorsagia spp., combined with low proportions of Haemonchus spp. In conclusion, this study shows that lying time and Motion Index of lambs around weaning was affected by moderate nematode infections. This indicates that there is a potential use of automated behaviour recordings as a diagnostic tool for detection of nematode parasites in lambs even at moderate infection levels.

Lipoprotein (a), hypertension, and cardiovascular outcomes: a prospective study of patients with stable coronary artery disease.

Although emerging data suggest that circulating lipoprotein (a) [Lp (a)] could predict cardiovascular events (CVEs) in patients with cardiovascular disease, no study is currently available regarding the prognostic linkage of Lp (a) and hypertension in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). This study sought to evaluate the association of Lp (a), hypertension and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with stable CAD. A total of 8668 patients with stable CAD were consecutively enrolled. Baseline Lp (a) concentrations were measured. All subjects were categorized according to Lp (a) levels of <10 (low), 10-30 (medium) and ≥30 mg/dL (high) and were further stratified by hypertension status. They were regularly followed-up for the occurrence of cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and stroke. Over an average of 54.81 ± 18.60 months of follow-up, 584 (6.7%) CVEs occurred. Kaplan-Meier and multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that elevated Lp (a) levels had a significant association with CVEs in hypertensive patients, regardless of the control status of blood pressure, but not in normotensive subjects. Moreover, when analyzed by subgroups according to both Lp (a) category and hypertension status, the risk of CVEs was only significantly elevated in the high Lp (a) plus hypertension group compared with the reference group with low Lp (a) levels and normotension (hazard ratio: 1.80, 95% confidence interval: 1.11-2.91). Elevated Lp (a) was associated with an increased risk of CVEs in stable CAD patients with hypertension. Moreover, the coexistence of high Lp (a) concentrations and hypertension greatly worsened the clinical prognosis in patients with CAD, which may suggest a prognostic correlation between Lp (a) and hypertension.

The landscape of germline mutations and the relationship with tumor mutation burden in Chinese patients with lung cancer.

10522 Background: Lung cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, ranking the first in the incidence and mortality of malignant tumors in the world and China. Although studies have been reported that genetic susceptibility to lung cancer is associated with certain germline mutations, the relationship between lung cancer risk and inherited genetic factors remains relatively elusive. However, the effect of germline mutation on TMB in lung cancer has not been explored. Herein, DNA genomic profiling was performed through NGS with a 539-gene panel to explore the germline mutations and the relationship with TMB in Chinese patients with lung cancer. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the germline mutations through a comprehensive 539-gene profiling of 3541 Chinese patients with lung cancer. 539-gene panel contained germline mutations in 90 hereditary tumor-associated genes. We screened out the pathogenic and likely pathogenic germline mutations according to the standards and guidelines for the interpretation of sequence variants of The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), and picked out there is no records in Clinvar database and no literature report. TMB of tissue or blood ctDNA in 3541 patients were further analyzed in with pathogenic mutations (P group), with likely pathogenic mutations (LP group), and no germline mutations group (Non-P group). The difference in TMB was analyzed via the Wilcoxon sign test. Results: In 3541 patients with lung cancer, 177 (4.999%) patients were identified harboring pathogenic or likely pathogenic germline mutations, in which 78 P group and 99 LP group, the rest 3364 were Non-P group. The highest prevalence of germline mutation was found in BRCA2 (0.565%), ATM (0.339%), MUTYH (0.282%), and BRCA1 (0.254%). In 177 patients with pathogenic or likely pathogenic germline mutations, 67 mutations were recorded as UNK (unknow) in Clinvar database and no literature report. The media TMB of tissue in P group, LP group and Non-P group were 5.149, 5.535 and 5.547 respectively. The media TMB of blood ctDNA in P group, LP group and Non-P group were 4.257, 3.945 and 4.483 respectively. There was no statistical difference in TMB between P and Non-P groups (tissue p = 0.98; ctDNA p = 0.5). Conclusions: In our study, we firstly identified 67 novel germline mutations and studied on the relationship between germline mutations and TMB in lung cancer, which expanded the understanding of germline mutations.

TP53 and CHEK2 germline mutations in malignant solid tumors.

3119 Background: Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS, OMIM #151623) is an autosomal dominant cancer predisposition syndrome. Typical LFS tumors comprise adrenocortical carcinomas, sarcoma, breast cancer and central nervous system tumors. LFS is also associated with an increased risk of a multitude of other common types of cancer, such as prostate cancer, lung cancer, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, melanoma, etc. TP53 germline mutations are the most common gene with LFS. Germline mutations of CHEK2 have been identified as another predisposing gene and associated with a range of cancer types. However, the pattern of TP53 and CHEK2 germline mutations in malignant tumors remains unknown. Methods: We identified 8535 malignant solid tumors patients without selecting age or family history in a retrospective cohort. Germline mutations were categorized based on ACMG (American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics) guidelines in pathogenicity. The patients were divided into three groups, P group (with pathogenic mutations), LP group (with likely-pathogenic mutations) and Non_P group (neither pathogenic nor likely-pathogenic mutation). Statistical significance was defined as P-value less than 0.05. Results: A total of 461 (461/8535) patients carried TP53 or CHEK2 germline mutations were identified, in which 15 patients with pathogenic mutations and 17 patients with likely-pathogenic mutations. One patient with lung cancer in LP group carried TP53 homozygous mutation ( p. Ser215Ile), and the remaining 31 patients all carried heterozygous mutations. Among these 31 carriers, 16 (51.6%) carried nonsense or missense mutations (10 for nonsense and 6 for missense mutations). 3 patients in the P group carried CHEK2 p. Y139* (one liver cancer patient and two lung cancer patients) were identified. The median age of group P, LP and Non_P was 55 (39 for TP53, 61 for CHEK2), 63 (52 for TP53, 66 for CHEK2) and 59, respectively. Somatic mutation analysis found no significant difference in tumor mutation burden (TMB) among three groups. The SNV/INDEL mutation frequency of LRP1B in the P or LP group was significantly lower than the Non_P group. Conclusions: Our data showed that 0.375% (32/8535) malignant solid tumor patients carried TP53 (16/8535) or CHEK2 (16/8535) germline pathogenic or likely-pathogenic mutations. The relationship between germline mutations and cancer susceptibility will be studied in the future.[Table: see text]

MEDIAL AND LATERAL CROSSED-PINNING VERSUS ONLY LATERAL PINNING IN THE TREATMENT OF SUPRACONDYLAR FRACTURES OF HUMERUS A RETROSPECTIVE COMPARATIVE CLINICAL STUDY

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to compare the clinical and radiological results of cross-pinning technique (CP) and lateral pinning technique (LP) in pediatric patients operated for supracondylar humerus fracture (SHF).MATERIAL AND METHODS: The medical records of patients undergoing operations for an SFH either with crossed-pinning technique or only lateral pining technique between the years 2017 and 2019 at the same institution were retrospectively reviewed. Age, gender, reduction type, Gartland class, duration of surgery, number of pins, postop neuro-vascular status, postoperative initial Baumann’s angle and Baumann’s angle at last follow-up visit, Lateral capitellohumeral angle, pin removal time, follow-up time, Flynn's criteria and complications (revision for fixation failure, infection, nerve palsy. nonunion, avascular necrosis ) were evaluated for all patients.RESULTS: 77 patients were included in the study. Of these, crossed-pinning (CP) technique was performed on 51 patients while only lateral pinning technique (LP) was performed on 26 patients. Among the CP group, 24 of the cross-pinned patients had undergone a medial open reduction. There was no significant difference between the groups ; in terms of the number of pins used, postoperative initial Baumann’s angle and Baumann’s angle at last follow-up visit, Lateral capitellohumeral angle, pin removal time, follow-up time, Flynn's criteria and complications(p&amp;gt;0,005). Nonunion, delayed union or avascular necrosis was not detected in any of the patients. However, the duration of the surgery was shorter in the LP group (p= 0,038). Iatrogenic ulnar nerve palsy was detected in four patients in the CP group and 1 fixation failure was detected in the LP group.CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed that the results of both groups were comparable in terms of functional results. However, ulnar nerve injury was more common in patients undergoing closed reduction and percutaneous crossed-pinning. Although threre was no statistically difference in terms of complications among the groups, only lateral pinning or crossed-pinning with a limited medial open procedure may be safer for treatment of supracondylar humerus fractures.

Photoperiod affects the laying performance of the mountain duck by regulating endocrine hormones and gene expression

Light mainly affects animal reproductive performance through the hypothalamus‐ pituitary‐gonadal axis, but the specific regulating mechanism is not yet clear in duck. To reveal the effects of light on the laying performance of ducks and its possible regulatory mechanisms, Shanma ducks at 52 weeks age were divided into three group treated with different photoperiods of 16 hr (control group), 24 hr (long‐photoperiod group, LP), and 8 hr (short‐photoperiod group, SP). Laying performance, endocrine‐related hormones and gene expression of three groups were compared. The results showed that laying performance was greatest in the LP group; including laying rate, average egg weight and feed‐egg ratio. Compared to the SP group, GnIH plasma concentration was decreased in the LP group, whilst FSH was increased in the LP group. GnIHR gene expression in the pituitary and large yellow follicles were downregulated in the LP group. The expression of Mel‐a in large white follicles, and Mel‐b and Mel‐c in the hypothalamus were also downregulated in the LP group. Altogether these results suggest that extended photoperiods may promote the laying performance of ducks by inhibiting the secretion of GnIH and the expression of GnIHR and melatonin receptor genes.

Protective and therapeutic effects of two novel strains of Lactobacilli on diabetes-associated disorders induced by a high level of fructose.

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder described as insufficient secretion of insulin in the pancreas or the inability of the existing insulin to function properly. It poses a greater risk on human health as it is considered the base of several diseases. Thus, this study was designed to evaluate two novel strains of Lactobacillus in handling pancreas disorders. 50 BALB/c male mice were divided into five groups; (a) feeding on normal diet only as control group, (b) given 21% fructose in drinking water as diabetes group, (c) feeding on Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain Pro2 (MT505335.1) plus 21% fructose as LR group, (d) feeding on Lactobacillus plantarum strain Pro1 (MT505334.1) plus 21% fructose as LP group and (e) mixture of two strains plus 21% fructose as Mix group. The serum content of glucose, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was determined. Pancreases histopathology was examined. Expression of GH, IGF1, and GLP-1 genes was measured in the liver and pancreas by RT-qPCR. Serum content of glucose, ALT, and AST significantly increased in diabetes group, and significantly reduced in (LP) and (Mix) groups compared with control. Pathological changes occurred in the exocrine and endocrine components of the diabetes group pancreas. Besides, islet cells are almost entirely disturbed and acinar cells degenerated. However, in (LP) and (Mix) groups, the pathological changes significantly decreased and became related to the control group. Expression of GH, IGF1, and GLP-1 genes was significantly downregulated in the liver and pancreas of mice given fructose compared with control. Expression of these genes was either significantly upregulated in groups (LP and Mix) or identical to the control group. This study shows that the strain Pro1 (MT505334.1) or a combination of two strains is useful in reducing diabetic risk.

Gestational and Breastfeeding Low-Protein Intake on Blood Pressure, Kidney Structure, and Renal Function in Male Rat Offspring in Adulthood.

Background: Our previous studies demonstrated that maternal protein-restricted (low-protein, LP) 16-week-old offspring had pronounced nephron number reduction and arterial hypertension associated with an unchanged glomerular filtration rate (GFR). An enhanced gomerular area may be related to increased glomerular filtration and overflow, which accounts for glomerular filtration barrier breakdown and early glomerulosclerosis. The effect of protein restriction during gestational and breastfeeding periods is unknown. Method: The functional e-structural kidney evaluation was obtained using lithium and creatinine clearance, kidney morphometry, immunoblotting, and immunostaining analysis in 16 and 24-week-old LP offspring compared to age-matched NP progeny. Results: Low protein rats’ progeny had significantly reduced birth weight, without previous catch-up growth phenomena, in parallel with a decreased adiposity index. Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) glomerular expression was significantly enhanced in the LP group. Also, the LP offspring had a 38% lower nephron number and an increased glomerular volume. They also presented with a higher cardiac index and arterial blood pressure compared with age-matched NP offspring. The LP rats exhibited augmented Na+/K+-ATPase in the proximal segments, and NOS1 immunoreactivity in whole renal tissue was associated with sodium retention in the proximal nephron segments. We also found significantly enhanced collagen content associated with increased TGFβ1 and ZEB1/2 renal immunoreactivity in LP offspring compared with NP offspring. Increased hypertrophy markers in LP podocytes were associated with an amplified IL-6/STAT3 pathway activity. Conclusion: To our knowledge, these are the first data demonstrating renal functional and structural changes in protein restriction during gestation and lactation model of fetal programming. The fetal-programmed adult offspring showed pronounced structural glomerular disorders with an accentuated and advanced fibrosis stage, without a change in the GFR. These findings suggest that the glomerular enhanced TGF-β1 action may induce ZEB1/2 expression that may cause glomeruli epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Besides, decreased nephron number in the LP offspring with preserved glomerular function may be related to protective or even attenuate the activated IL-6/STAT3 pathway.

A Moderate Reduction of Dietary Crude Protein Provide Comparable Growth Performance and Improve Metabolism via Changing Intestinal Microbiota in Sushan Nursery Pigs.

Simple SummaryDietary protein is an important source of amino acids for livestock, while excess protein consumption and an imbalance of amino acids in the diet result in increased feed costs and an increased risk of diarrhea, caused by the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, we investigated whether a diet with a moderate reduction of crude protein levels, supplemented with crystalline amino acids, could alleviate these problems. The results showed that a moderate reduction in the dietary protein level can provide similar growth performance and improve metabolism, due to the improvement of intestinal microbiota, compared with high protein feed in Sushan nursery pigs. These findings present new insights into the role of microorganisms in metabolism, and point to a potential nutrition strategy for indigenous pig production.In this paper, we investigated the effects of a diet with a moderate reduction of dietary crude protein (CP) level, supplemented with five crystalline amino acids (Lys, Met, Thr, Try, and Val), on the growth, metabolism, and fecal microbiota of Sushan nursery pigs. Seventy Sushan nursery pigs with an average body weight of 19.56 ± 0.24 kg were randomly allocated to two experimental dietary treatments: 18% CP (high protein; group HP), and 15% CP (low protein; group LP). We found that the differences in the two diets had no significant effect on the growth performance of Sushan nursery pigs. Nursery pigs on the 15% CP diet showed significantly improved protein, amino acid, and energy utilization. Furthermore, the LP diet cloud optimized the gut microflora composition to some extent. The functional structure of bacterial communities implied improved metabolic capabilities in group LP. Additionally, correlation analysis between fecal microbiota and metabolic profiles confirmed that the increase of beneficial bacterial in the feces was beneficial to the health and metabolism of the nursery pigs. In conclusion, a moderate reduction in the dietary protein level can improve growth and metabolism due to the improvement of intestinal microbiota in Sushan nursery pigs. This finding could provide useful reference data for the application of a different nutrition strategy in indigenous pig production.

Progression of Changes in Vascular Surgery Practices during the Novel Corona Virus SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic

IntroductionThe novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) has spread rapidly since it was identified. We sought to understand its effects on vascular surgery practices stratified by VASCON surgical readiness level and determine how these effects have changed during the course of the pandemic. MethodsAll members of the Vascular and Endovascular Surgery Society were sent electronic surveys questioning the effects of COVID-19 on their practices in the early pandemic in April (EP) and four months later in the pandemic in August (LP) 2020. ResultsResponse rates were 206/731 (28%) in the EP group and 108/731 (15%) in the LP group (P < 0.0001). Most EP respondents reported VASCON levels less than 3 (168/206,82%), indicating increased hospital limitations while 6/108 (6%) in the LP group reported this level (P < 0.0001). The EP group was more likely to report a lower VASCON level (increased resource limitations), and decreased clinic, hospital and emergency room consults. Despite an increase of average cases/week to pre-COVID-19 levels, 46/108 (43%) of LP report continued decreased compensation, with 57% reporting more than 10% decrease. Respondents in the decreased compensation group were more likely to have reported a VASCON level 3 or lower earlier in the pandemic (P = 0.018). 91/108(84%) of LP group have treated COVID-19 patients for thromboembolic events, most commonly acute limb ischemia (76/108) and acute DVT (76/108). While the majority of respondents are no longer delaying the vascular surgery cases, 76/108 (70%) feel that vascular patient care has suffered due to earlier delays, and 36/108 (33%) report a backlog of cases caused by the pandemic. ConclusionsCOVID-19 had a profound effect on vascular surgery practices earlier in the pandemic, resulting in continued detrimental effects on the provision of vascular care as well as compensation received by vascular surgeons.

High vs low trait primary psychopathy in males: Differences in cardiac responses to emotional film clips

IntroductionPrimary psychopathy, although not included in DSM-5, is a personality trait characterized by callousness, unemotionality and a low sensitivity to anxiety and fear. From a psychophysiological standpoint, individuals with this trait exhibit a number of alterations, most notably lower heart rate at rest and lower heart rate variability (HRV).ObjectivesWe investigated the relationship between primary psychopathy and heart rate dynamics in response to emotional stimuli in a healthy community sample. In the high psychopathy participants we expected to find lower HRV and a general lower cardiovascular responsiveness to aversive emotional stimuli.MethodsThe study was carried out on male students with high (HP) and low scores (LP) of primary psychopathy according to Levenson’s LSRP. The stimuli were 15 short movie clips of different emotional content (Erotic, Scenery, Neutral, Compassion and Fear), lasting 2 minutes each and presented during ECG recording. Mean heart rate (HR) and HRV were analyzed.ResultsConcerning HR, a Category by Group interaction revealed that participants in the HP group did not differentiate among emotional movie clips, whereas those in the LP group manifested significant reduced HR to Fear and Scenery compared to the other clips. Concerning HRV, the main Group effect showed in HP participants a lower HRV than LP subjects, irrespective of the film categories.ConclusionsUsing ecological stimuli is considered more effective in evoking spontaneous emotions, and our results point to a clear alteration of emotional cardiovascular response in high primary psychopathy trait individuals selected from a community sample.

Perimenopausal women show modulation of excitatory and inhibitory neuromuscular mechanisms

BackgroundMenopausal transition exposes women to an early decline in muscle force and motor function. Changes in muscle quality and function, especially in lower limbs, are crucial, as they expose individuals to increased risk of falls. To elucidate some of the related neuromuscular mechanisms, we investigated cortical inhibition and peripheral muscle twitch force potentiation in women during the early and late stages of perimenopause.MethodsParticipants were 63 women aged 48–55 years categorized as early (EP, n = 25) or late (LP, n = 38) perimenopausal according to serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels and menstrual diaries. EP women had an irregular menstrual cycle and FSH < 25 IU/L, while LP women had an irregular cycle and > 25 IU/L. We examined motor evoked potential (MEP) and silent period (SP) elicited by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), in the tibialis anterior muscle at 20%, 40%, and 60% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) levels, and twitch force potentiation in plantar flexors.ResultsEP group showed a longer SP duration in 40% MVC condition and larger motor evoked potential amplitude in 20% MVC condition compared to the LP group. No group difference was detected in twitch force potentiation; however, it correlated negatively with FSH levels. Other factors, such as age, height, body mass index, or physical activity did not explain group differences.ConclusionsOur preliminary results indicate subtle modulation in both TMS-induced inhibitory and excitatory mechanisms and twitch force potentiation in women already in the late perimenopausal stage. This suggests that the reduction of estrogens may have an accelerating role in the aging process of neuromuscular control.

Effect of Different Selection Criteria on Performance, Carcass and Meat Quality of Nellore Young Bulls

This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of selection criteria for post-weaning daily gain (PWDG) and early sexual heifer precocity (PP14) on the performance, carcass traits and meat quality of Nellore bulls. In year one, 50 animals were selected according to their expected progeny differences (EPDs) for PWDG and grouped as high (HG) or low (LG) groups. In year two, 50 animals were selected according to EPD for PP14 and also grouped as high (HP) or low (LP). After slaughter, samples of the longissimus muscle area (LMA) were used to evaluate meat quality. Most of performance traits were not affected by the selection criteria. However, the HG group had higher dressing percentage (p = 0.028), LMA (p = 0.02) and fat trim in the forequarter (p = 0.04) compared to the LG group. The HP group tended to have greater dry matter intake (p = 0.08), LMA (p = 0.05), rump fat (p = 0.04), heavier striploins (p = 0.07), tenderloins (p = 0.09) and briskets (p = 0.08) compared with LP group. In conclusion, the selection based on divergent groups PWDG or PP14 has a small impact on performance, carcass and meat quality traits.

Serum myokine levels after linear and flexible non-linear periodized resistance training in overweight sedentary women

ABSTRACT This study compared the capacity of linear-(LP) and non-linear periodized (NLP) resistance training to improve select myokines and metabolic parameters in overweight sedentary women. An additional purpose was to compare these variables between the overweight and lean women. Fitness- and age-matched overweight women between 28 and 43 years old were randomly allocated to LP (body fat [BF]% = 38.7 ± 2.6, n = 10), NLP (BF% = 39.3 ± 2.4, n = 9) and control (BF% = 39.8 ± 2.6, n = 9) groups. Lean women (BF% = 29.1 ± 2.3, n = 16) matched for age and fitness were also included for baseline comparison. Resistance training programmes (12 weeks, 3 d.wk−1, 9 exercises, 60–90% of 1-repetition maximum [1RM]) were performed with different periodization schemes. Glucose, insulin, interleukin (IL)−7, IL-15, and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)−1 levels were measured at baseline and after training. Overweight subjects had significantly lower IL-15, IGF-1 and higher insulin, glucose, and insulin resistance (homeostasis model assessment, HOMA-IR) than lean subjects at baseline (all, P < .05). IL-15 and VO2max increased significantly after NLP compared with CON, which was accompanied by a significant decrease in HOMA-IR (all, P < .03). Muscular endurance improved significantly in both models after training compared to CON (all, P < .01), but it increased more in NLP than in LP (P = .01). Both training protocols were equally effective at reducing BF% and increasing IGF-1, IL-7, muscle mass and bench press 1RM (P < .01). It appears that LP and NLP are both effective strategies for improving health markers in overweight women, but LP is not as effective as NLP to improve IL-15, HOMA-IR and aerobic capacity. Highlights Overweight women had a significantly lower IL-15 and IGF-1 compared to lean encounters, but no significant difference was noted for maximal strength, aerobic capacity, muscle mass, IL-7 and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio. Twelve weeks of either linear or flexible non-linear periodized resistance training resulted in reduction in BF% and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, and increased IGF-1, IL-7, muscle mass and bench press 1RM, with no difference between the two training protocols. Linear protocol is not as effective as non-linear protocol to improve IL-15, HOMA-IR and aerobic capacity.

Effects of long-term plate fixation with different fixation modes on the radial cortical bone in dogs.

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of long-term locking plate fixation on the cortical bone of the canine radius. Locking compression plates were fixed to the left and right radius in dogs (n = 3). The left radius was fixed with a locking head screw (Locking Plate group, LP). The locking compression plate was compressed periosteally in the right radius using a cortex screw (Compression Plate group, CP). Radial bones from dogs that were euthanized for other purposes were collected as an untreated control group (Control group). After euthanasia at 36 weeks following plate fixation, radial bones were evaluated for bone mineral density and underwent histological analysis. Bone metabolic markers were analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Statistical analyses were performed for comparisons between groups. The LP group showed no significant difference in bone mineral density after plate fixation, whereas the CP group showed significantly lower bone mineral density. Histological analysis indicated that the number of osteoclasts and rate of empty lacunae increased significantly in the CP group relative to the Control and LP groups. qPCR analysis indicated increased expression of inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily member 11 in the CP group, whereas Runt-related transcription factor 2, an osteoblast marker, was similar in all groups. The expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α in the CP group was also increased relative to that in the Control and LP groups. Thus, locking plate fixation is a biologically superior fixation method that does not cause implant-induced osteoporosis in the bone in the long term.