IL Treatment Research Articles

Superfast, large-scale harvesting of cellulose molecules via ethanol pre-swelling engineering of natural fibers

Cellulose molecules, as the basic unit of biomass cellulose, have demonstrated advancements in versatile engineering and modification of cellulose toward sustainable and promising materials in our low-carbon society. However, harvesting high-quality cellulose molecules from natural cellulosic fibers (CF) remains challenging due to strong hydrogen bonds and unique crystalline structure, which limit solvents (such as ionic liquid, IL) transport and diffusion within CF, making the process energy/time-intensively. Herein, we superfast and sustainably engineer biomass fibers into high-performance cellulose molecules via ethanol pre-swelling of CF followed by IL treatment in the microwave (MW) system. Ethanol-pre-swelled cellulosic fibers (SCF) feature modified morphological and structural distinctions, with improved fiber width, pore size, and specific surface area. The ethanol in the SCF structure is appropriately removed through MW heating and cooling, leaving transport and diffusion pathways of IL within the SCF. Such strategy enables the superfast (140 s) and large-scale (kilogram level) harvesting of cellulose molecules with high molecular weight, resulting in high-performance, versatile cellulose ionogel with a 300 % increase in strength and 1027 % in toughness, monitoring human movement, external pressure, and temperature. Our strategy paves the way for time/energy-effectively, sustainably harvesting high-quality polymer molecules from natural sources beyond cellulose toward versatile and advanced materials.

Optimizing drip fertigation management based on yield, quality, water and fertilizer use efficiency of wine grape in North China

Drip fertigation is an advanced technology combining micro-irrigation with fertilization, which is conducive to deliver water and nutrients to crops or fruit trees synchronously. To optimize drip fertigation scheduling for wine grape in North China, a three-year field experiment was conducted to study the effects of irrigation and fertilization quota on yield, berry quality, water use efficiency (WUE) and partial factor productivity of fertilizer (PFPF). Nine treatments were set up based on the combinations of three irrigation levels and three fertilization rates. The three irrigation levels were 100 % (IH), 80 % (IM) and 60 % (IL) of the designed irrigation quota, i.e., 25, 20 and 15 mm per irrigation event. The three fertilization rates were 100 % (FH), 80 % (FM) and 60 % (FL) of the compound water-soluble fertilizer amount locally recommended, i.e., 630, 504 and 378 kg ha−1 yr−1. Both irrigation and fertilization had a significant effect on yield. Irrigation also significantly affected titratable acid and sugar-acid ratio. Averaged across the years and fertilization rates, compared with IH treatment, IM treatment decreased titratable acid by 3.3 % and increased sugar-acid ratio by 12.2 %; IL treatment decreased titratable acid by 10.7 % and increased sugar-acid ratio by 20.0 %. FM treatment presented the richest anthocyanins and condensed tannins among the three fertilizer rates. IWUE was significantly increased with the decrease of irrigation amounts; WUE and PFPF reached the maximum in IM treatment. The decrease of fertilizer rates significantly increased PFPF but was not beneficial for WUE. Interaction effects between irrigation and fertilization were only significant on PFPF. Assessed by gray relational analysis (GRA), technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) and combinational evaluation method (CEM), the combinational evaluation value (Qi) of IMFM treatment (moderate water and fertilizer, 20 mm per irrigation event combined with 504 kg ha−1 yr−1 compound water-soluble fertilizer) was the highest on the whole, indicating that IMFM treatment was the optimal treatment which could balance yield, quality and water-fertilizer use efficiency. These results may provide a benchmark for wine grape cultivation under drip fertigation in North China and other regions with similar environmental conditions.

Effects of water/ionic liquid ratios on the physicochemical properties of high amylose maize starch-lauric acid complex

This study examined high amylose maize starch (HAMS) treated with different ratios of a water/ionic liquid (IL) mixture and mixed with lauric acid (LA) and heated to form an amylose-lipid complex. IL can destroy the granule structure of starch, which releases more linear starch chains during the subsequent heating process and promotes the complexation reaction between HAMS and LA. Following the IL treatment of starch, HAMS's diffraction intensities, thermal stability and short-range order structure all decreased. The diffraction intensity of HAMS-LA complexes showed the following order: water:IL-4:1 > water:IL-8:1 > water:IL-2:1 > water:IL-11:1 > water:IL-0.5:1 > untreated sample. The creation of the V-type complex, according to a thermogravimetric study, improved the thermal stability of IL-treated HAMS. Results from Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy indicate that when IL-treated HAMS interacted with LA, the degree of short-range order structure of complexes increased. • The formation of HAMS-lipid complex was affected by the ratio of water/AMIMCL. • The moderate concentration of AMIMCL would conductive to inclusion complex production. • AMIMCL pretreatment could improve the complexation ability of HAMS.

A phase 2, open-label, multicenter study to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of KN046 in combination with chemotherapy in subjects with advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

9060 Background: Dual blockade of PD-1 and CTLA-4 has shown improved overall survival (OS) in combination with a short course of chemotherapy. KN046 is a novel bispecific antibody that blocks both PD-L1 interaction with PD-1/CD80 and CTLA-4 interaction with CD80/CD86. We hypothesized that KN046 could be combined with a full course of chemotherapy and build more durable clinical benefit. Methods: This study enrolled systemic treatment naive, stage IV NSCLC patients (pts). Eligible pts received KN046 plus platinum doublet chemotherapy until progressive disease, unacceptable toxicity, withdrawal of informed consent or death. Efficacy evaluation was performed by investigators per RECIST 1.1. Safety and tolerability were assessed per NCI-CTCAE v5.0. Results: As of the Jan. 19, 2021, 87 pts [Cohort 1 (n = 51), Cohort 2 (n = 36)] have been enrolled with 83 pts having tumor PD-L1 expression data (PD-L1 ≥1%: 55.4%; PD-L1 < 1%: 44.6%). 33.3% pts remained on the study treatment and 66.7% pts discontinued treatment due to disease progression (27.6%), TEAE (13.8%), death (9.2%) and other reasons (16%). The median treatment duration of KN046 was 21 weeks (range: 1.6̃68.7 weeks). Treatment related TEAE (TRAE) occurred in 92% pts. 25.3% pts experienced Grade≥3 TRAE [diarrhoea (5.7%), alanine aminotransferase increased (4.6%), infusion related reaction (3.4%), rash (3.4%), aspartate aminotransferase increased, dermatitis allergic and immune-mediated pneumonitis (2.3%, respectively), anaphylactoid reaction, autoimmune hepatitis, back pain, bilirubin conjugated increased, hypertension, neutrophil count decreased, platelet count decreased, pneumonitis, rash maculo-papular, septic shock and white blood cell count decreased (1.1%, respectively). In 81 efficacy evaluable pts, the overall objective response rate (ORR) was 50.6% (95% CI: 39.3%,61.9%) and disease control rate (DCR) was 87.7% (95% CI: 78.5%-93.9%). The ORR and DCR in pts with non-squamous NSCLC (n = 48) were 45.8% (95% CI: 31.4%, 60.8%) and 89.6% (95% CI: 77.3%, 96.5%). The ORR and DCR in pts with squamous NSCLC (n = 33) were 57.6% (95% CI: 39.2%, 74.5%) and 84.8% (95% CI: 68.1%, 94.9). Progression free survival (PFS) and OS events have occurred in 53% and 18% patients. Median PFS was 5.9 (95%CI: 5.3, 8.7) months. Median OS was not reached. OS rate at 12 and 15 months were both 74.9%. Similar OS curves have been observed in PD-L1 ≥1% and PD-L1 < 1% pts. In PD-L1 ≥1% patients, median PFS was 6.7 months (10.8 months for PD-L1 ≥1% squamous NSCLC pts). Conclusions: KN046 combined with platinum doublet chemotherapy is tolerated and has shown promising clinical benefit as IL treatment for stage IV NSCLC particularly in PD-L1≥1% tumors and squamous histology. Pivotal Phase III trial in advanced unresectable or metastatic squamous NSCLC is currently ongoing. Clinical trial information: NCT04054531.

Thermal performance analysis and synergistic effect on co-pyrolysis of coal and sugarcane bagasse blends pretreated by trihexyltetradecylphosphonium chloride

This paper aims to investigate the thermochemical behavior and synergistic effects of low-rank coal, and sugarcane bagasse (SCB) blends after pretreatment by trihexyltetradecylphosphonium chloride ([P66614] [Cl]). Three samples of coal and SCB blends, C75B25, C50B50, and C25B75, in ratios 3:1, 1:1, and 1:3 by weight, respectively, were prepared and pretreated with [P66614] [Cl] at 150 °C for 3 h. Hereafter, they were subjected to thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) under an inert atmosphere at a fixed heating rate of 20 °C. Thermal performance and synergistic effects were evaluated and compared by reactivity, kinetic, and thermodynamic analysis. Ten different models related to four reaction mechanisms were applied to evaluate kinetic and thermodynamic parameters. During pretreatment, [P66614] [Cl] was completely absorbed in blends and individual fuels. TGA results showed that IL treatment altered the thermal profiles of the blends at 350–500 °C. [P66614] [Cl] treatment caused an increase in total weight loss of 7.15%, 2.81%, and 1.62% for C75B25, C50B50, and C25B75, respectively. Peak temperatures for C75B25, C50B50, and C25B75 changed from 356, 365, and 374 °C to 472, 459, and 485 °C, respectively, after IL treatment, indicating thermal stability. The relative mean reactivity (Rm) for C75B25 increased (8.78 to 14.94%min−1°C−1), whereas for C50B50 and C25B75 (16.1 and 20.15%min−1°C−1 to 14.84 and 13.61%min−1°C−1) decreased after [P66614] [Cl] treatment, implying synergistic effects. Among the reaction models, R2 values in excess of 0.80 were obtained for all the samples, with activation energy of C75B25, C50B50, C25B75, C75B25 + [P66614] [Cl], C50B50 + [P66614] [Cl], and C25B75 + [P66614] [Cl] in the range of 12.48–51.17 kJ/mol, 12.53–46.07 kJ/mol, 10.85–45.40 kJ/mol, 8.11–35.50 kJ/mol, 6.9–33.59 kJ/mol, 6.65–41.32 kJ/mol, respectively. Entropy values suggested increased depolymerization of fuel structure due to IL treatment. Low synergy was detected in untreated as compared to IL treated blends. [P66614] [Cl] treatment seemed to have a more significant effect on samples having higher carbon content as compared to SCB. This study could be useful in modeling and designing co-thermochemical conversion processes for coal and SCB blends after low-cost [P66614] [Cl] pretreatment.

PCN339 - SPEAR-BLADDER (STUDY INFORMING TREATMENT PATHWAY DECISION IN BLADDER CANCER): TIMING OF TREATMENT FOLLOWING FIRST-LINE THERAPY IN PATIENTS WITH LOCALLY ADVANCED AND METASTATIC UROTHELIAL CANCER IN THE COMMUNITY ONCOLOGY SETTING IN THE UNITED STATES

The treatment paradigm of locally advanced (LA) and metastatic urothelial cancer (mUC) has been enhanced by the advent of multiple recently approved immuno-oncology (IO) agents. The objective of this study was to describe the timing of treatment in LA or mUC following first-line (1L) therapy with systemic chemotherapy or IO regimens in the US community oncology setting. This was a retrospective, observational cohort study of adult patients with LA or mUC receiving treatment from January 2015 to April 2017 with follow-up through June 2017 using the McKesson Specialty Health/US Oncology Network (USON) iKnowMed electronic health records database. Demographics, clinical characteristics, and treatment patterns were evaluated descriptively. Of 502 eligible LA or mUC patients, 430 initiated 1L treatment with either systemic chemotherapies (n=396) or IO regimens (n=34). The mean age was 72.1 (standard deviation [SD]=11.1) years; 78.4% were male, 87.2% were Caucasian, and 73.5% were current or former smokers. The mean time from primary diagnosis to 1L treatment initiation was 10.2 (SD=36.6) weeks. The mean duration of 1L treatment was 14.8 (SD=13.5) weeks. The majority of 1L-treated patients received platinum-based systemic chemotherapy; the most common of which were carboplatin/gemcitabine (26.5%) and cisplatin/gemcitabine (18.4%). Overall, 35.3% (n=152) of 1L-treated patients within the USON went on to receive 2L treatment; 86.2% of these did so within 6 months and 11.2% between 6 and 12 months of 1L treatment discontinuation. Platinum-containing regimens, known to have poor tolerability and short duration of response, appear to be the most common IL treatment strategies in this real-world study. The early initiation of 2L treatment after completion of platinum-based 1L therapy underscores the considerable unmet need for new therapeutic options, such as recently approved IO agents, which have been shown to be effective in patients previously treated with or unfit for platinum-based chemotherapy.

Pediatric Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in an Endemic Region in Turkey: A Retrospective Analysis of 8786 Cases during 1998-2014.

BackgroundCutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a major public health concern in Turkey and Sanliurfa represents the most endemic city in Turkey. Although children are most commonly affected by CL, detailed studies of pediatric CL in Turkey are lacking.Methodology/Principal FindingsIn this report we retrospectively evaluated clinical and epidemiological data of 8786 pediatric CL cases, and how children respond to antimonial therapy. CL was observed most frequently in children between 6–10 years old. Interestingly this group showed shorter duration of disease and smaller lesions compared to 0–5 year and 11–15 year old groups. Females were more affected in all groups. Lesion localization and types varied among groups, with 0–5 year old presenting head/neck and mucosal lesions, and more often suffered from recidivans type, this could be associated to the longest duration of the disease in this group. Eleven-15 year old group showed fewer lesions in the head/neck but more generalized lesions. Evaluation of treatment response revealed that intra-lesional treatment was preferred over intramuscular treatment. However, 0–5 year old received intramuscular treatment more often than the other groups. Furthermore, the majority of 0–5 year old group which received intra-lesional treatment did not received subsequent intra-lesional cycles, as did children in the range of 6–15 years old.Conclusions/SignificanceWe report an increase in pediatric CL patients within the last four years. Analysis of pediatric CL patients by age revealed significant differences in CL progression. The data suggest that children between 0–5 years old responded better than other groups to intralesional treatment, since they received more often a single cycle of IL treatment, although follow up observation is required since they were more prone to develop recidivans. Eleven-15 year old patients comprise the largest percentage of patients receiving two or three cycles of intralesional treatment, suggesting that this group did not respond efficiently to intralesional treatment and highlighting the need for more effective therapeutic strategies against CL.

Ilizarov external fixation or locked intramedullary nailing in diaphyseal tibial fractures: a randomized, prospective study of 58 consecutive patients

The aim of this study was to compare the Ilizarov circular fixator (IL) and locked intramedullary nailing (IM). Patients with isolated tibia shaft fractures were randomly allocated to either the IL (n = 31) or IM (n = 27) method. Conventional radiographs, postoperative pain assessment, self-appraisal scores and complications were evaluated. At the clinical 1-year follow-up, the patients were also evaluated by an independent observer. The minority of patients had open fractures, two and nine patients in the IM and IL groups, respectively. Eight patients in the IM group and four in the IL group sustained major complications (p = 0.107). In the IM group, two patients developed compartment syndrome, one deep infection, one hardware failure, one delayed union, one pseudarthrosis and two had a malunion. In the IL group, two patients developed pseudarthrosis and two had a malunion. Superficial pin-site infections were observed in 16 patients in the IL group. The fractures had healed radiographically at 12 weeks in both groups. At the 1-year follow-up, there were differences in pain (VAS) and satisfaction (VAS) scores in favor of IL treatment (VAS, p = 0.03 and p = 0.02, respectively). There were no differences between the groups with regard to range of motion (ROM) in the knee and ankle joints. The registration of local tenderness and pain revealed that there were 19 patients with anterior knee pain in the IM group and one in the IL group at the 1-year follow-up (p < 0.001). The IL is a safe and reliable alternative to IM for the treatment of tibial shaft fractures, with a low complication rate and good clinical outcome. Both treatments were well tolerated, but at the 1-year follow-up the patients in the IM group had more pain and were less satisfied. Finally, there was a high frequency of anterior knee pain in the IM group.

Electron microscopic observation of montmorillonite swelled by water with the aid of hydrophilic ionic liquid

The morphology and structure of hydrous montmorillonite in different swelling condition have been observed with the aid of hydrophilic ionic liquid (IL; 1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate) using electron microscope. The observation mechanism of hydrous montmorillonite with layer structure using IL was revealed by swelling behavior as measured by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with selected area electron diffraction pattern (SAED). The morphology of hydrous montmorillonite containing a large amount of water was also successfully observed by field emission electron microscope (FE-SEM). In addition, the inductively coupled plasma (ICP) and thermogravimetric – differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA) results showed the ion-exchange behavior of hydrous montmorillonite during the IL treatment. The technique allowed the exact morphology to be observed of hydrated materials with layer structure in civil engineering, cosmetics, medical and agricultural fields.

In silico exploration of the impact of pasture larvae contamination and anthelmintic treatment on genetic parameter estimates for parasite resistance in grazing sheep

A mathematical model was developed to investigate the impact of level of Teladorsagia circumcincta larval pasture contamination and anthelmintic treatment on genetic parameter estimates for performance and resistance to parasites in sheep. Currently great variability is seen for published correlations between performance and resistance, with estimates appearing to vary with production environment. The model accounted for host genotype and parasitism in a population of lambs, incorporating heritable between-lamb variation in host-parasite interactions, with genetic independence of input growth and immunological variables. An epidemiological module was linked to the host-parasite interaction module via food intake (FI) to create a grazing scenario. The model was run for a population of lambs growing from 2 mo of age, grazing on pasture initially contaminated with 0, 1,000, 3,000, or 5,000 larvae/kg DM, and given either no anthelmintic treatment or drenched at 30-d intervals. The mean population values for FI and empty BW (EBW) decreased with increasing levels of initial larval contamination (IL(0)), with non-drenched lambs having a greater reduction than drenched ones. For non-drenched lambs the maximum mean population values for worm burden (WB) and fecal egg count (FEC) increased and occurred earlier for increasing IL(0), with values being similar for all IL(0) at the end of the simulation. Drenching was predicted to suppress WB and FEC, and cause reduced pasture contamination. The heritability of EBW for non-drenched lambs was predicted to be initially high (0.55) and decreased over time with increasing IL(0), whereas drenched lambs remained high throughout. The heritability of WB and FEC for all lambs was initially low (∼0.05) and increased with time to ∼0.25, with increasing IL(0) leading to this value being reached at faster rates. The genetic correlation between EBW and FEC was initially ∼-0.3. As time progressed the correlation tended towards 0, before becoming negative by the end of the simulation for non-drenched lambs, with increasing IL(0) leading to increasingly negative correlations. For drenched lambs, the correlation remained close to 0. This study highlights the impact of IL(0) and anthelmintic treatment on genetic parameters for resistance. Along with factors affecting performance penalties due to parasitism and time of reporting, the results give plausible causes for variation in genetic parameter estimates previously reported.

In silico exploration of the impact of pasture larvae contamination and anthelmintic treatment on genetic parameter estimates for parasite resistance in grazing sheep1

A mathematical model was developed to investigate the impact of level of Teladorsagia circumcincta larval pasture contamination and anthelmintic treatment on genetic parameter estimates for performance and resistance to parasites in sheep. Currently great variability is seen for published correlations between performance and resistance, with estimates appearing to vary with production environment. The model accounted for host genotype and parasitism in a population of lambs, incorporating heritable between-lamb variation in host-parasite interactions, with genetic independence of input growth and immunological variables. An epidemiological module was linked to the host-parasite interaction module via food intake (FI) to create a grazing scenario. The model was run for a population of lambs growing from 2 mo of age, grazing on pasture initially contaminated with 0, 1,000, 3,000, or 5,000 larvae/kg DM, and given either no anthelmintic treatment or drenched at 30-d intervals. The mean population values for FI and empty BW (EBW) decreased with increasing levels of initial larval contamination (IL(0)), with non-drenched lambs having a greater reduction than drenched ones. For non-drenched lambs the maximum mean population values for worm burden (WB) and fecal egg count (FEC) increased and occurred earlier for increasing IL(0), with values being similar for all IL(0) at the end of the simulation. Drenching was predicted to suppress WB and FEC, and cause reduced pasture contamination. The heritability of EBW for non-drenched lambs was predicted to be initially high (0.55) and decreased over time with increasing IL(0), whereas drenched lambs remained high throughout. The heritability of WB and FEC for all lambs was initially low (∼0.05) and increased with time to ∼0.25, with increasing IL(0) leading to this value being reached at faster rates. The genetic correlation between EBW and FEC was initially ∼-0.3. As time progressed the correlation tended towards 0, before becoming negative by the end of the simulation for non-drenched lambs, with increasing IL(0) leading to increasingly negative correlations. For drenched lambs, the correlation remained close to 0. This study highlights the impact of IL(0) and anthelmintic treatment on genetic parameters for resistance. Along with factors affecting performance penalties due to parasitism and time of reporting, the results give plausible causes for variation in genetic parameter estimates previously reported.

Growth, wood chemistry, and fibre length of Norway spruce in a long-term nutrient optimization experiment

The study was performed as part of a nutrient optimization experiment at Asa in southern Sweden. The experiment was established 1987, in a Norway spruce ( Picea abies (L.) Karst.) stand planted in 1975. In the nutrient optimization treatment (IL), all essential macro- and micronutrients were supplied, with irrigation water, every second day during the growing season. In October 2003, nine trees were harvested on both untreated control and IL plots. The IL treatment increased annual ring width during the first years of the experiment by ca. 30% and cumulative cross-sectional area 1.5-fold by the end of the experiment. Tracheid length was, however, not affected by the IL treatment. The nitrogen concentration of wood increased and starch concentration decreased as an effect of the IL treatment, suggesting that carbon was allocated to growth rather than storage. The IL treatment increased lignin concentration of wood by 3.4%. Chemical composition varied at different heights along the stem, but with no apparent trend.

Efficacy of amphotericin B or amphotericin B–intralipid in combination with caspofungin against experimental aspergillosis

Infections caused by Aspergillus species are increasing in importance, especially among immunocompromised hosts. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of combination treatment consisting of the polyene amphotericin B (AMB) or amphotericin B-intralipid admixture (AMB-IL) and the echinocandin caspofungin (CAS) in experimental murine systemic aspergillosis. Inhibition of synthesis of a major component of the fungal cell wall and an effect on the cell membrane, by combining echinocandin and a polyene, may result in a synergistic interaction in vitro and in vivo against Aspergillus fumigatus. ICR mice were immunosuppressed by intraperitoneal (ip) administration of cyclophosphamide (CY). Three days post-CY administration the mice were inoculated intravenously (iv) with A. fumigatus conidia. Infection and treatment were evaluated during an observation period of 30 days in terms of mortality (survival rate and mean survival time) and morbidity (quantitative determination of fungal burden, histopathology, and detection of serum galactomannan). The data showed that combined CAS and AMB or AMB-IL treatment increased the survival of the mice (up to 69.2%) as compared to those treated with each agent alone (44.4, 40.7 and 50%, respectively), and prolonged their mean survival time to 22.5 days. These combinations also resulted in reduction of fungal burden in organs, and decrease in serum galactomannan. The successful results obtained in the experimental animal model of this study may possibly open the way to more effective management of aspergillosis in humans.

Central adaptation to chronic administration of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in rats

Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), a cytokine, has been shown to induce a number of central and neuroendocrine effects. Prolonged treatment with IL-1β is associated with adaptive responses in feeding, body temperature and hormone profiles. The purpose of the present study was to see if these effects are accompanied by changes in hypothalamic norepinephrine (NE) and to compare it with the acute effects of IL-1β. Adult male Sprague–Dawley rats were treated (i.p.) with 5 μg of IL-1β once (acute) or daily for 5 consequent days (chronic). The control animals received an injection of the vehicle for IL-1β (0.1% PBS–BSA). Body weight, food intake, and rectal temperature were monitored daily. At the end of treatment, the animals were sacrificed, and specific areas of the hypothalamus were microdissected and analyzed for NE concentrations. Corticosterone levels were measured in the serum. Both acute and chronic IL-1β treatment produced significant changes in a number of parameters. However, there were marked differences between the two treatment regimens. While acute treatment with IL-1β increased NE concentrations in both the paraventricular nucleus and the median eminence (ME), chronic treatment increased NE concentrations only in the ME. A corresponding increase in serum corticosterone levels was observed with acute IL treatment. Chronic treatment with IL-1β decreased body weight, and produced an initial decrease in food intake which returned to control levels by the fourth day of treatment. Chronic IL treatment also produced an initial increase in body temperature that returned to control levels by day 4. These results indicate that the effects of IL-1β on central and neuroendocrine functions are dependent on the duration of the treatment and that the adaptive responses observed in feeding and body temperature after chronic IL treatment are accompanied by similar responses in brain NE.

Specificity of interleukin–1β-induced changes in monoamine concentrations in hypothalamic nuclei: blockade by interleukin-1 receptor antagonist

The purpose of this study was to examine specificity in the effects of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) on monoamines in various areas of the hypothalamus. Adult male rats were injected i.p. with saline or 2.5 or 5.0 μg of IL-1β or were pretreated with 500 μg of IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) followed 5 min later by 5 μg of IL-1β. The paraventricular nucleus (PVN), arcuate nucleus (AN), median eminence (ME), and medial preoptic area (MPA) were microdissected and analyzed for neurotransmitter concentrations by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (HPLC-EC). In the PVN, IL treatment produced significant increases in the concentrations of norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), DA metabolite dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), serotonin (5-HT), and its metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA). IL-1 treatment increased the concentrations of NE and DA in the AN but only of NE in the ME, and it was without any effect in the MPA. Pretreatment with IL-1ra completely blocked the IL-1 effects. It is concluded that IL-1 induces highly specific changes in monoamine metabolism in the hypothalamus, and the nature of these changes depends on specific hypothalamic nuclei.

Interleukin-1 stimulates luteinizing hormone release during the midfollicular phase in the rhesus monkey: a novel way in which stress may influence the menstrual cycle.

We previously demonstrated an inhibitory effect of an inflammatory/immune-like stress challenge, as simulated by intracerebroventricular interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha) administration, on LH secretion in the ovariectomized rhesus monkey. This was shown to be the result of activation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis by the cytokine. In the present experiments, we have investigated LH and cortisol responses to IL-1 alpha administration in intact monkeys during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. Eleven adult rhesus monkeys, bearing an intraventricular cannula for cytokine administration, were used. Cycle parameters were monitored in the preceding control cycles, during the experimental cycles, as well as in subsequent cycles by daily measurements of estradiol and progesterone concentrations and daily menstruation checks. The experiments were performed according to estradiol concentrations: estradiol, 5-38 pg/mL, group 1, early follicular; and estradiol, 50-64 pg/mL, group 2, midfollicular. The effects of intracerebroventricular saline (30 microL/30 min) or IL-1 alpha (4.2 micrograms/30 min) infusions on LH, FSH, and cortisol were compared. After saline infusion, there was no significant change in LH secretion. No significant acute change in LH occurred after IL-1 alpha administration in group 1 (to 0.98 +/- 0.12 ng/mL by 5 h from a baseline of 0.85 +/- 0.12); however, the length of the follicular phase was significantly prolonged in these early follicular phase animals. IL-1 significantly increased LH release in monkeys during the midfollicular phase (group 2; to 2.45 +/- 0.45 ng/mL by 5 h from a baseline of 0.88 +/- 0.11; P < 0.05 vs. baseline and all other groups). FSH was also increased in the latter group. When the experimental observation period was extended to 18 h after IL or saline treatment in eight monkeys, LH and FSH consistently increased after IL administration in three of four animals (to 4.3 +/- 0.7 ng/mL), and in one animal, a surge-like gonadotropin release occurred, whereas no further changes occurred after saline. IL-1 alpha, but not saline, significantly increased cortisol and progesterone release. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that dependent on estradiol concentrations, an acute inflammatory/immune-like stress challenge can affect the hypothalamo-pituitary-ovarian axis differently, either by stimulating gonadotropin release in the presence of significant estradiol concentrations or by inhibiting follicular maturation when given in the presence of low estradiol levels.

Development of root biomass in an Eucalyptus globulus plantation under different water and nutrient regimes

The distribution along the soil profile of Eucalyptus globulus root biomass was followed in a plantation in central Portugal at 1, 2 and 6 years after planting, using an excavation technique. The experimental design consisted of a control (C) and 3 treatments: application of solid fertilizers twice a year (F), irrigation without the application of fertilizers (I) and irrigation combined with liquid fertilizers (IL). Below- and above-ground biomass decreased as follows: IL>I>F>C. So, water stress limited growth more severely than nutrient stress. The roots rapidly colonized the top soil volume (0–20 cm depth) during the first year after planting. Fine root biomass 6 years after planting was 2.2, 1.8 and 1.6 times higher in IL treatment than it was respectively in control, and in F and I treatments. The distribution of fine roots along the soil profile 6 years after planting was more even in IL compared to the other treatments. However, fine roots in the top soil were more concentrated along the tree rows in the irrigated treatments than in the others. The proportion of below-ground biomass relative to the total tree biomass and the root/shoot ratio were higher in C than in the treatments at early growth stages. This pattern was not so clear 6 years after planting, due to the increased proportion of the tap root relative to total biomass, especially in the IL treatment.

Effects of Genetic Strain and Light Management on the Reproductive Performance of Turkeys

The laying performance of six genetic strains of turkeys, which have been bred and maintained at the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, Wooster, OH, was compared under three laying house lighting regimens over a period of 3 yr. Light Treatment 1 (L1) consisted of 14 h of continuous light (L) and 10 h of dark (D; 14L:10D) throughout the laying period. Treatment 2 (L2) consisted of 14 h of intermittent light (IL, 15 min L and 45 min D/h) followed by 10 h of continuous dark. The IL treatment was started following a period (6 wk) in which the hens were trained to use the trapnests. Thus, during the first 6 wk of their laying period, L2 hens were also provided 14L:10D. Treatment 3 (L3) hens were provided the same program as L1 for the first 14 wk of the laying period. They were then moved to a continuous period of 19L:5D for the remainder of the laying period.All eggs produced were recorded through 180 days after the first egg was laid. Traits studied included: the number of days to first egg after light stimulation; the number of eggs produced through 84, 120, and 180 days after the first egg was laid; the average clutch length; the maximum clutch length; the total days lost to broodiness; the rate of lay; and the effective length of the laying period.Highly significant differences (P ≤ .01) were observed among the strains used for all traits measured. Light treatments showed no significant effects on any trait measured. Thus, from the present studies, the delayed IL program provides an economically attractive management program for environmentally controlled turkey breeder houses. Savings of 75% of the light energy used during approximately 6 mo of the lay period were realized. Economically, the L3 program would be disadvantageous, because electrical usage was increased 35% after the period of daylength increase with no apparent increase in productivity.

Decomposition of litter in fertilized short-rotation forests on a low-humified peat bog

Litter decomposition was studied in short-rotation forest stands on a low-humified peat bog using the litter-bag technique. Leaf and twig litters, mainly from willows and grey alder, were compared with regard to weight and nutrient losses. The study sites included untreated, limed and limed plus fertilized plots. The application of solid fertilizers, containing mainly phosphorus and potassium, once every second year (F treatment), was compared with daily irrigation-fertilization during the growing seasons. The application of liquid fertilizer (IL treatment) included all essential nutrients in balanced proportions. Leaves of Salix schwerinii differed from all other litter types studied in being more senesced and nutrient-poor at litter fall. They therefore contained lower initial amounts of leachable, water-soluble substances and also decomposed much more slowly than the others. Amounts of nitrogen released in “brown” leaves of this species did not fall below the initial level for at least 3 years, owing to large early increases. In all other litters initial nitrogen contents decreased by 19–75%. High initial concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus were generally associated with rapid weight losses and releases of these elements. Potassium was rapidly lost in all litters, while loss rates for magnesium and calcium varied. Twig litter of basket willow, but not of alder, showed a net release of nitrogen during 3 years of decomposition. Most of the water-soluble substances were leached during the first few weeks, while the lignin fraction increased in the leaf litter of both basket willow and grey alder. Losses from the lignin fraction accounted for about 75% of the weight losses from the end of the first year onwards. Although similar in macronutrient composition, grey alder leaves, in general, were degraded much faster than basket willow leaves. Thus, species-specific differences seemed to be the major factor affecting decomposition rate and were superimposed upon other factors. However, soil treatments also affected degradation. Alder leaves, for example, were degraded and lost nitrogen and phosphorus faster in the IL plot than in the F plot. Both alder and willow leaves, produced some years after plant establishment, decomposed more rapidly than leaves from young plants. Nutrient turnover in short-rotation forest stands on sites with low productivity may thus increase rather quickly as site fertility builds up through intensive fertilization and repeated production of nutrient-rich litter.