Midpoint Research Articles

WEB-RADR project reaches mid-point in the UK

WEB-RADR project reaches mid-point in the UK

Comparison Study of Environmental Impacts between Mid (CML) and End Point (Eco 95) Methods for Babel Lead Acid Battery Production Processes

In this research, quantitative analysis, comparison of the environmental impacts for Iraqi Babel Lead acid battery (capacity of 135 Amps/hr) throughout the production processes is conducted for 2012 year, according to the ISO (14040-14043) series of standards. Two impact assessment methods employed are; Centre of Environmental Studies (CML–midpoint) and (Eco 95-endpoint). Chain Management Life Cycle Analysis [CMLCA] software is used to process and generate the collected data. In CML (mid-point) method four potential environmental impact categories are; [Global Warming Potential (GWP), Acidification, Eutrophication, and Human toxicity], while Eco 95 (endpoint) method evaluates six categories of environmental impact are; [Global Warming Potential (GWP), Acidification, Eutrophication, Heavy metals, Summer, and Winter Smog]. Results generated according to CML method reveal that formation process as the highest contributor to GWP by (26%), Eco 95 declared contribution to the GWP of the same process by (4%). Through CML (mid-point) the assembly process is identified as having the most significant impact on acidification by (50%), while Eco 95 method quantify acidification for the same process by (4%). Human toxicity is allocated by (60%) contribution in the assembly process by CML method, whereas the same process is identified as the most hazardous process of (93%) contribution heavy metals impact is, and winter smog (3%) according to Eco 95 method. Formation process is the highest contributor to Eutrophication according CML method, while Eutiphication is not of concern, according to (Eco 95) for this process. It is concluded that the environmental impacts of Babel battery spread over the production processes and every process have certain environmental impact category (nerveless the quantifying method). Therefore, it is recommended using both methods to expose all the environmental categories, and to control the environmental aspects of the company, also it is recommended to use new technologies for battery production that have less impact on the environment.

PO-25 - FATCAT: an observational cohort study investigating fractal dimension (df) as a biomarker of thrombogenicity in cancer associated thrombosis during chemotherapy for lung cancer

Venous thromboembolism (VTE), comprising deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) are common complications in patients with cancer, affecting up to 18% of patients. VTE risk is increased by surgery and disease progression, whilst chemotherapy further increases risk up to 7-fold compared to patients without cancer. VTE contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality in patients with cancer, and is the second most common cause of death. Lung cancer is well established to be high risk for VTE, with up to a 22-fold increase in VTE risk associated with this malignancy, and 12% incidence in a recent study of patients with lung cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Furthermore, platinum based chemotherapy agents used in treatment of lung cancer are further associated with increased VTE risk. Current risk assessment tools have little value in predicting VTE risk, but prophylactic anticoagulation of patients with cancer increases bleeding incidence and no overall survival benefit. There is therefore a need for a pragmatic test with which assesses coagulation in patients with cancer, and potentially predict VTE risk, leading to personalised management and targeted treatment. We have previously demonstrated that fractal dimension (df) is sensitive to changes in clot microstructure in patients with lung cancer, assessing global coagulation in these patients. Furthermore, df is significantly different in patients with extensive disease (stages 3&4), which conventional laboratory markers failed to identify. Given the increased risk of VTE associated with chemotherapy, FATCAT will aim to assess changes in df in a larger cohort of patients with lung cancer undergoing chemotherapy, quantifying changes in df and relating these to clinical outcome. This is a prospective observational cohort study investigating changes in df in patients with lung cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Patients will have a new diagnosis of cytologically or histologically confirmed lung cancer planned for chemotherapy and no history of previous cancer treatment, any thromboembolic / haemostatic disorders or be on anticoagulation. Following a power calculation, 300 patients will be recruited and followed up for 1 year. df, Doppler ultrasonography and standard coagulation markers will be performed on recruitment, at the mid point, and on completion of chemotherapy in line with standard diagnostic procedures i.e. CT scanning. The primary endpoint of the study will be VTE diagnosis, whilst secondary outcomes will determine the change in df during and after treatment with chemotherapy.

Assessment of quality of life among children with bronchial asthma and their caregivers at the National Hospital Abuja, Nigeria

Background: The global disease burden associated with bronchial asthma has continued to increase particularly among children. Asthma-related quality of life is a health related assessment of disease impact on patient and care givers. Aim: To determine the perceived quality of life (QOL) among children with bronchial asthma and their caregivers as well as the related factors. Subjects and methods: This was a prospective study of children diagnosed with bronchial asthma and the caregivers attending the Respiratory Clinic of the National hospital Abuja, Nigeria. Using the Paediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (PAQLQ) and the Paediatric Asthma Caregiver’s Quality of Life Questionnaire (PACQLQ) information from the various domains was obtained. The PAQLQ 23 questions assessed the child physical domain (5), emotional (8) and social behaviors (10), and the PACQLQ 13 questions assessed the caregivers’ activity limitation domain (4) and emotional function (9).Mean QOL scores from each domain and overall scores were calculated based on a seven-point scale. A QOL score of 7 was reported as best with no impairment; score one as least and severest impairment; score 4 as mid point in the range from 2-6 of moderate degree impairment. Other information on the demographic biodata and clinical information from child and caregivers was also obtained. Results: Forty-three children and 43 caregivers each were enrolled, from August to December 2014. Patients were aged 7-15years; 25(58.1%) males, 18(41.9%) females; while caregiver’s were males 23(53.5%), females 20(46.5%), age range 21- 48years. 25(58.1%) caregivers were of middle- lower socio-economic status; 20(46.5%) children had persistent asthma, 22(51.2%) well controlled, 21(48.8%) partly controlled. Medication use were; none, 17 (39.5%); long acting beta2 agonist/ inhaled corticosteroids (LABA/ ICS), 13(30.2%); antihistamine, 8 (18.6%); leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA),5(11.6%). Overall mean QOL was 4.89(4.54- 5.24;95% CI) for the children and 4.6 (3.91- 4.82; 95% CI) for caregivers; correlation (R) 0.438 p=0.003. Multiple regression showed that females gender had significant impairment in mean QOL scores in the activity domain (p= 0.022), and those with poor control and severe asthma also had significant impairment in mean QOL (p <0.05). Conclusion: Asthma impacted QOL of both the asthmatic children and caregivers with female gender in the activity domain, severe and not well controlled disease as independent predictors of quality of life. Keywords: Asthma, Paediatrics, Caregivers, QOL, Assessment

Preliminary evaluation of median nerve by high-frequency ultrasound in patients with diabetic polyneuropathy

Objective To explore the feasibility of high-frequency ultrasound detecting median nerve(MN) in type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM) with diabetic peripheral neuropathy(DPN). Methods Forty-two healthy volunteers were included as control group(Group A). Eighty-eight T2DM patients were divided into two groups according to symptoms, signs and electrophysiological results: with DPN (group C, 46 patients) and without DPN (Group B, 42 patients). The width(W), thickness(T) and cross-sectional area(CSA) of MN at 6 points [the wrist crease, pisiform bone, hamate bone, the 6 cm proximal to the wrist crease, the 4 cm proximal to tip of the medial epicondyle(ME) and the midpoint of the humerus] were evaluated.ROC curve was plotted to determine clinical diagnostic value of three lines on six points in diagnosis of DPN. Results ①Comparing with Group A, the width(P<0.05) except for the 4 cm proximal to tip of ME and the midpoint of the humerus, the thickness (P<0.05) except for the 4 cm distal to ME and CSAs of all points were enlarged in DPN patients (P<0.001). The width( P<0.05) at the wrist crease, hamate bone and the midpoint of the humerus, the thickness ( P<0.01) at the wrist crease and pisiform bone, CSAs (P<0.01) of all sites except for the wrist crease were increased in Group B. Comparing Group B with C, the width at the wrist crease, the thickness in the midpoint of the humerus, CSAs except for the 4 cm proximal to ME and the midpoint of the humerus were dramaticlly increased in Group C (P<0.001). ②A diagnostic value comparison: when diagnostic value of W, T and CSA at six points is the most predictive, the sensitivity is 80.4%, 84.8%, 84.8% respectively and specificities are all 54.8%. Diagnostic value of CSA and T is superior to the width. The CSA and T of the hamate bone level were the most predictive of DPN. The corresponding optimal cut-off value was 0.097 cm2, 0.233 cm respectively. Conclusions The backbone and the abnormal changes of different lines of the MN in DPN can be observed by high-frequency ultrasound. The width and thickness of the MN at six points are increased in different degree, but CSAs of all levels can enlarge. When diagnostic value of W, T and CSA at six points is the most predictive for DPN, the sensitivity is superior to specificity respectively. The CSA and T of the hamate bone levelare the most predictive for the evaluation of DPN. Key words: Ultrasonography; Diabetes mellitus, type 2; Diabetic neuropathies; Median nerve

DTC of reconfigured three level inverter fed IM drives following a leg failure

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to deal the adaptation of a direct torque control (DTC) strategy, originally dedicated to three level three leg inverter fed induction motor (IM) drives, following a leg failure that required the reconfiguration of the inverter from three to two legs. Design/methodology/approach – In case of troubles with one leg of a three level inverter, it is interesting in some applications to keep operating using the two remaining legs. So, after the detection and isolation of the faulty leg, the drive connection should be rearranged with the connection of the motor phase, previously linked to the faulty leg, to the mid point of the DC-bus voltage, leading to a three level two leg inverter topology (also called bridge B8-inverter). Findings – It has been found that the IM drive exhibits better performances under the proposed DTC strategy dedicated to the reconfigured inverter than those yielded by the DTC of the IM drive under healthy operation of the inverter. It has been noticed that the only drawback affecting the reconfigured inverter fed IM drive is the speed range limitation. Research limitations/implications – This work should be extended by an experimental validation of the proposed DTC strategies. Originality/value – The power factor of the reconfigured three level inverter fed IM drive is higher than the one yielded by the three level three leg inverter fed one. This represents a crucial cost benefit.

Estimating the parameters of an inverse Weibull distribution under progressive type-I interval censoring

In this paper, we consider the problem of estimating unknown parameters of an inverse Weibull distribution when it is known that samples are progressive type-I interval censored. We propose an EM algorithm to obtain maximum likelihood estimates and mid point estimates. For comparison purpose Bayes estimates are also obtained under the square error loss function. A simulation study is conducted to access the performance of the proposed estimators and recommendations are made on the basis of simulation results. A real data set is also analyzed in detail for an illustration purpose. Finally, by making use of expected Fisher information matrix various inspection times and optimal censoring schemes are obtained.

Investigation of the distal radial volar cortical angle in Chinese population

Objective To explore the volar cortical angle (VCA) of the distal radius and its variations in Chinese population. Methods CT scans of normal distal radius of 104 adults were obtained from the hospital image archiving system and medical record archiving system. VCA was measured in three different levels on the sagittal plane of the distal radius (the midpoint of scaphoid fossa level, the junction level of lunate fossa and scaphoid fossa, the midpoint of lunate fossa level). The volar cortical angles at these three levels were represented as MSA, SLA, and MLA, respectively. Variations of VCA at all levels, the differences of VCA between men and women, and the correlation between age and VCA were analyzed. Results MSA, SLA, and MLA were (27.4±7.9)°, (36.3±6.3)°, and (39.4±7.2)°, respectively. The differences among VCA at the three levels were significant (P<0.0001). MSA was significantly different between men and women, while there were no significant differences in SLA and MLA between men and women. No correlations between age and MSA, SLA, or MLA was identified. Conclusion VCA gradually increases from the radial to the ulnar side of the distal radial. Current mainstream volar plates for distal radius fixation are poorly aligned with the distal radius in Chinese population. Key words: Radius; Anatomy; Volar plate

Analysis of Unfolding of Apolipoprotein E Offers Insights into Lipid Binding Mechanism

Apolipoprotein E (apoE) is a cholesterol transport protein that plays a critical role in lipid homeostasis. It is composed of a series of amphipathic α-helices: H1-H4 in the N-terminal (NT), and C1-C3 in the C-terminal (CT) domain. In humans, those bearing the APOE e4 allele are at a higher risk for developing heart disease and Alzheimer's disease than those with APOE e3 allele. The goal is to understand isoform specific differences in behavior between apoE3 and apoE4. The objectives are to compare their unfolding behavior at the sub-domain level, and, to determine the order of helix unfolding. Recombinant apoE bearing single Cys at defined locations were generated for labeling with fluorophores. Chemical-induced unfolding was monitored by circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopy. Fluorescence polarization measurements were carried out to determine changes in probe mobility. With apoE3 NT domain, helices H3 and H4 unfold with a significantly lower mid point of denaturation compared to H1 and H2, whereas with the CT domain, helix C3 offers the least resistance to unfolding compared to C1 and C2. Studies with the intact protein suggest a bi-phasic unfolding for apoE3, where the two domains unfold independently, and a cooperative unfolding for apoE4 possibly due to interaction between helices in the NT and CT domains. Taken together, our studies suggest the order of unfolding of helices: C3-C1/C2-H3/H4-H1/H2. We propose that apoE3 follows a similar order of lipid binding, based on the rationale that the ease of unfolding is reflective of the ease of lipid binding, with less structured segments seeking stability by lipid interaction. Our data are significant because understanding isoform-specific differences at the molecular level allows us to obtain insights into the physiological behavior of apoE in lipid metabolism.

Optimal Needle Placement for Extensor Hallucis Longus Muscle: A Cadaveric Study.

ObjectiveTo determine the midpoint (MD) of extensor hallucis longus muscle (EHL) and compare the accuracy of different needle electromyography (EMG) insertion techniques through cadaver dissection.MethodsThirty-eight limbs of 19 cadavers were dissected. The MD of EHL was marked at the middle of the musculotendinous junction and proximal origin of EHL. Three different needle insertion points of EHL were marked following three different textbooks: M1, 3 fingerbreadths above bimalleolar line (BML); M2, junction between the middle and lower third of tibia; M3, 15 cm proximal to the lower border of both malleoli. The distance from BML to MD (BML_MD), and the difference between 3 different points (M1–3) and MD were measured (designated D1, D2, and D3, respectively). The lower leg length (LL) was measured from BML to top of medial condyle of tibia.ResultsThe median value of LL was 34.5 cm and BML_MD was 12.0 cm. The percentage of BML_MD to LL was 35.1%. D1, D2, and D3 were 7.0, 0.9, and 3.0 cm, respectively. D2 was the shortest, meaning needle placement following technique by Lee and DeLisa was closest to the actual midpoint of EHL.ConclusionThe MD of EHL is approximately 12 cm above BML, and about distal 35% of lower leg length. Technique that recommends placing the needle at distal two-thirds of the lower leg (M2) is the most accurate method since the point was closest to muscle belly of EHL.

Variations in the origin of profunda femoris and circumflex femoral arteries: A cadaveric study

Introduction: Profunda femoris artery (PFA) normally originates from posterolateral aspect of femoral artery and circumflex arteries arise from profunda femoris artery near its origin. As femoral artery (FA) & PFA are commonly assessed for various procedures for diagnosis and treatment for many diseases, knowledge of its course and branching pattern is very important for clinicians to prevent complications. Methods: The present study was conducted on 38 thighs. The origin, diameter at the point of origin, branching pattern of profunda femoris and circumflex femoral arteries were observed and their distances from mid inguinal point (MIP) was measured and recorded. Results: In 100% cases on both right and left side PFA was arising from FA. The site of origin of PFA was maximally (63.16%) found on posterior surface of FA. The mean distance of origin of PFA was 39.55 mm. In majority of cases, lateral & medial circumflex arteries were originating from PFA i.e. 84.21% and 73.68% respectively and the mean distance from MIP was 52.27 mm and 42.62 mm respectively. The lateral circumflex artery was arising from FA on right side in 22.23% while on left side in 10% cases. The medial circumflex artery was arising directly from FA on right side in 33.33% and on left side in 20% cases. Conclusion: In present study, the most common site of origin of the PFA was from posterior side of FA. The origin of the PFA observed was slightly proximal than noted in other studies. However, the left profunda femoris originates more distally than the right. Lateral & medial circumflex arteries commonly originated from the PFA artery close to its origin. This knowledge is very valuable in preventing injury to these vessels during different procedures. Keywords: Femoral artery, Profunda femoris Artery, Lateral circumflex artery, Medial circumflex artery

Insomnia, Nightmares, and Chronotype as Markers of Risk for Severe Mental Illness: Results from a Student Population.

To group participants according to markers of risk for severe mental illness based on subsyndromal symptoms reported in early adulthood and evaluate attributes of sleep across these risk categories. An online survey of sleep and psychiatric symptomatology (The Oxford Sleep Survey) was administered to students at one United Kingdom university. 1403 students (undergraduate and postgraduate) completed the survey. The median age was 21 (interquartile range = 20-23) and 55.60% were female. The cross-sectional data were used to cluster participants based on dimensional measures of psychiatric symptoms (hallucinations, paranoia, depression, anxiety, and (hypo)mania). High, medium, and low symptom groups were compared across sleep parameters: insomnia symptoms, nightmares, chronotype, and social jet lag. Insomnia symptoms, nightmares frequency, and nightmare-related distress increased in a dose-response manner with higher reported subsyndromal psychiatric symptoms (low, medium, and high). The high-risk group exhibited a later chronotype (mid sleep point for free days) than the medium- or low-risk group. The majority of participants (71.7%) in the high-risk group screened positive for insomnia and the median nightmare frequency was two per 14 days (moderately severe pathology). Insomnia, nightmares, and circadian phase delay are associated with increased subsyndromal psychiatric symptoms in young people. Each is a treatable sleep disorder and might be a target for early intervention to modify the subsequent progression of psychiatric disorder.

A Study on 3-Act Narration of Narrative film : Focusing on plot point, pinch and mid point

A Study on 3-Act Narration of Narrative film : Focusing on plot point, pinch and mid point

A Study on 3-Act Narration of Narrative film : Focusing on plot point, pinch and mid point

A Study on 3-Act Narration of Narrative film : Focusing on plot point, pinch and mid point

Morphometric and radiological assessments of dimensions of Axis in dry vertebrae: A study in Indian population.

Background:The technique of intralaminar screw placement for achieving axis (C2) fixation has been recently described. The purpose of the study was to provide the morphometric and radiological measurements in Indian population and to determine the feasibility of safe translaminar screw placement in this population. To the best of our knowledge there is no study (cadaveric or radiological) done in Indian population to detect suitability of axis bone for laminar screw fixation.Material and Methods:38 dry axis vertebrae from adult South Indian population were subjected to morphometric measurement and CT scan analysis. Height of posterior arch, midlaminar width(bilateral) in upper 1/3rd, middle 1/3rd and lower 1/3rd were measured using high precision Vernier Calipers. Each vertebra was subjected to a spiral CT scan (Philips brilliance 16 slice) thin 0.5 mm slices were taken and reconstruction was done in coronal and sagittal plane. Analysis was done on a CT work station. Using axial slices, sagittal cuts were reconstructed in plane perpendicular to the lamina at the mid laminar point and upper-middle and lower 1/3rd width of the lamina measured. Height of the posterior arch was measured in the sagittal plane. Intralaminar angle was measured bilaterally.Results:Middle 1/3rd lamina was the thickest portion (mean 5.17 mm +/- 1.42 mm). A total of 32 (84.2%) specimen were having midlaminar width in both lamina greater than 4 mm, however only 27 (71%) out of them had spinous process more than 9 mm. CT scan measurement in middle and lower 1/3rd lamina was found to be strongly correlated with the direct measurement.Conclusion:There is high variability in the thickness of the C2 lamina. As compared to western population, the axis bones used in the present study had smaller profiles. Hence the safety margin for translaminar screw insertion is low.

CFD Modelling of a Two Stroke Engine to Predict and Reduce Short Circuit Losses

&lt;div class="section abstract"&gt;&lt;div class="htmlview paragraph"&gt;One of the major reason for lower efficiency and higher unburned hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emission for two stroke engine is short circuit losses during the scavenging process. An attempt has been made in this study to understand and improve this phenomenon. A three dimensional transient CFD model is developed for a loop scavenged, Schnullar type, 70 cc two stroke engine. Three major processes, namely, blow down (expansion); scavenging and compression have been modelled. The model is validated with PIV measurement done in motoring mode. Model is also validated with experimental data for trapping efficiency with Watson method and for in-cylinder pressure during expansion, blow down and intake events. A good correlation is observed between experimental and simulation results. CFD model is used to quantify various parameters, such as, delivery ratio, trapping efficiency, scavenging efficiency, and amount of fresh mass short circuit at different load and speed points. Around 20 to 25% short circuit losses are observed at all the load cases analyzed. The mechanism for this short circuit loss is understood with the help of a passive scalars based visualization method. Two major root causes identified are, port design and exhaust pressure wave dynamics. Three different designs of ports are analyzed. With the best design, the short circuit loss is reduced by 12%. Same design has been tested on a chassis dynamo-meter, that resulted into a reduction of 10% in HC (hydro-carbon) emission in a mass emission test on a drive cycle and 10% to 25% improvement in WOT (wide open throttle) wheel force in mid and higher speed operating points.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;

An Efficient Denoising Algorithm for Detection and Removal of High-Density Impulse Noise from Digital Images

Background/Objectives: Images that are affected by noise should be denoised in order to obtain information from it. In this paper an efficient denoising algorithm based on adaptive and unsymmetric trimmed median filter is proposed which effectively gets rid off the high-density salt and pepper noise. Methods/Stastical Analysis: The proposed algorithm restores the noisy pixel with the trimmed median value when, 0’s and 255’s are found in the neighborhood and also adaptively controls the neighborhood size based on the relative amount of noisy pixels in the selected neighborhood. Many of the existing algorithms do not preserve fine details of the image while removing noise at high noise densities. Results/ Findings: The Proposed Algorithm (PA) is tested against grayscale and color images and it gives an exceptional Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR) and Image Enhancement Factor (IEF) especially at higher noise densities. Conclusion/Application: This algorithm effectively removes high density noise caused by bit error transmission or introduced during the image acquisition stage.Keywords: Image Denoising, Impulse Noise, Median Filter, Mid Point Filter, Salt and Pepper Noise

Mechanisms of diabetic embryopathy and its possible prevention

The calcium sensitizer and PDEIII inhibitor EMD82571 caused exencephaly, micrognathia, agnathia and facial cleft in 58% of fetuses. In pursue of mechanisms and to define adverse outcome pathways pregnant Wistar rats were dosed daily with either EMD82571 (50 or 150 mg/kg/day) or retinoic acid (12 mg/kg/day) on gestational days 6–11 and 6–17, respectively. Hypothesis driven and whole genome microarray experiments were performed with whole embryo, maternal liver, embryonic liver and malformed bone at gestational days 12 and 20. This revealed regulation of genes critically involved in osteogenesis, odontogenesis, differentiation and development and extracellular matrix. Importantly, repression of osteocalcin and members of TGF-β/BMP signaling hampered osteo- and odontogenesis. Furthermore, EMD82571 impaired neurulation by inhibiting mid hinge point formation to cause neural tube defects. Taken collectively, a molecular rationale for the observed teratogenicity induced by EMD82571 is presented that links molecular initiating events with AOPs.

Optimized production of transgenic buffalo embryos and offspring by cytoplasmic zygote injection.

BackgroundCytoplasmic injection of exogenous DNA into zygotes is a promising technique to generate transgenic livestock. However, it is still relatively inefficient and has not yet been demonstrated to work in buffalo. We sought to improve two key technical parameters of the procedure, namely i) how much linear DNA to inject and ii) when to inject it. For this, we introduced a constitutively expressed enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) plasmid into buffalo zygotes.ResultsFirst, we found that the proportion of EGFP-expressing blastocysts derived from zygotes injected with 20 or 50 ng/μL DNA was significantly higher than from those injected with 5 μg/mL. However, 50 ng/μL exogenous DNA compromised blastocyst development compared to non-injected IVF controls. Therefore the highest net yield of EGFP-positive blastocysts was achieved at 20 ng/μL DNA. Second, zygotes injected early (7–8 h post-insemination [hpi]) developed better than those injected at mid (12–13 hpi) or late (18–19 hpi) time points. Blastocysts derived from early injections were also more frequently EGFP-positive. As a consequence, the net yield of EGFP-expressing blastocysts was more than doubled using early vs late injections (16.4 % vs 7.7 %). With respect to blastocyst quality, we found no significant difference in cell numbers of EGFP-positive blastocysts vs non-injected blastocysts. Following embryo transfer of six EGFP-positive blastocysts into four recipient animals, two viable buffalo calves were born. Biopsied ear tissues from both buffalo calves were analyzed for transgene presence and expression by Southern blot, PCR and confocal laser scanning microscopy, respectively. This confirmed that both calves were transgenic.ConclusionsOur cytoplasmic injection protocol improved generation of transgenic embryos and resulted in the first transgenic buffalo calves produced by this method.

Effects of acute exercise on circulating endothelial and progenitor cells in children and adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and healthy controls: a pilot study

BackgroundYouth with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) may be at risk of poor cardiovascular health. Circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and circulating endothelial cells (CECs) are markers of cardiovascular repair and damage, respectively, and respond to exercise. The objectives of this study were to compare resting levels of EPCs and CECs in JIA and controls, and to assess the effects of distinct types of exercise on EPCs and CECs in JIA and controls.MethodsSeven youth with JIA and six controls completed 3 visits. First, aerobic fitness was assessed. Participants then performed either moderate intensity, continuous exercise (MICE) or high intensity, intermittent exercise (HIIE) on separate days. Blood samples were collected at the beginning (REST), mid-point (MID) and end of exercise (POST) for determination of EPCs (CD31+CD34brightCD45dimCD133+) and CECs (CD31brightCD34+CD45−CD133−) by flow cytometry. Between group differences in EPCs and CECs were examined using two-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey’s HSD post hoc, where appropriate. Statistical significance set at p ≤ 0.05.ResultsBoth EPCs and CECs were similar between groups at REST (p = 0.18–0.94). During MICE, EPCs remained unchanged in JIA (p = 0.95) but increased significantly at POST in controls (REST: 0.91 ± 0.55 × 106 cells/L vs. POST: 1.53 ± 0.36 × 106 cells/L, p = 0.04). Compared with controls, lower levels of EPCs were observed in JIA at MID (0.48 ± 0.50 × 106 cells/L vs. 1.10 ± 0.39 × 106 cells/L, p = 0.01) and POST (0.38 ± 0.34 × 106 cells/L vs. 1.53 ± 0.36 × 106 cells/L, p < 0.001) during MICE. No changes were detected in CECs with MICE in JIA and controls (p = 0.69). Neither EPCs nor CECs were modified with HIIE (p = 0.28–0.69).ConclusionYouth with JIA demonstrated a blunted EPC response to MICE when compared with controls. Future work should examine factors that may increase or normalize EPC mobilization in JIA.