PG Concentrations Research Articles

Double layer bacterial nanocellulose - poly(hydroxyoctanoate) film activated by prodigiosin as sustainable, transparent, UV-blocking material

Synthetic materials alternatives are crucial for reaching sustainable development goals and waste reduction. Biomaterials and biomolecules obtained through bacterial fermentation offer a viable solution. Double-layer active UV-blocking material composed of bacterial nanocellulose as an inner layer and poly(hydroxyoctanoic acid) containing prodigiosin as an active compound was produced by layer-by-layer deposition. This study referred the new material consisted of the three components produced in sustainable manner, by bacterial activity: bacterial bio-pigment prodigiosin, bacterial nanocellulose and poly(hydroytoctanoate) - biopolymer obtained by microbial fermentations. Prior the final double layer film was produced, PHO films containing different PG concentrations as a layer in charge of the bioactivity (0.2, 0.5 and 1 wt%) was casted and systematically characterized (FTIR, DSC, XRD, wettability, SEM, transparency, mechanical tests) to optimize their properties. The formulation with the best UV-blocking properties and less toxicity effect tested using MRC5 cells was chosen as an outer layer in double-layer films production. Water contact angle measurements confirmed that hydrophilic – hydrophobic double layer film was obtained with the improved mechanical properties in comparison to the native BNC. Migration test indicated release of PG in all tested media as a consequence of bilayer formulation, while the PG release from PHO in 10 % ethanol was not detected. All findings from the study suggested this activated, UV-blocking material as a candidate with excellent potential in packaging industry.

Continuous glucose monitoring captures glycemic variability in obesity after sleeve gastrectomy: A prospective cohort study.

HbA1c is an insensitive marker for assessing real-time dysglycemia in obesity. This study investigated whether 1-h plasma glucose level (1-h PG) ≥155mg/dL (8.6mmol/L) during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) measurement of glucose variability (GV) better reflected dysglycemia than HbA1c after weight loss from metabolic and bariatric surgery. This was a prospective cohort study of 10 participants with type 2 diabetes compared with 11 participants with non-diabetes undergoing sleeve gastrectomy (SG). At each research visit; before SG, and 6weeks and 6months post-SG, body weight, fasting lipid levels, and PG and insulin concentrations during an OGTT were analyzed. Mean amplitude of glycemic excursions (MAGE), a CGM-derived GV index, was analyzed. The 1-h PG correlated with insulin resistance markers, triglyceride/HDL ratio and triglyceride glucose index in both groups before surgery. At 6months, SG caused 22% weight loss in both groups. Despite a reduction in HbA1c by 3.0±1.3% in the diabetes group (p<0.01), 1-h PG, and MAGE remained elevated, and the oral disposition index, which represents pancreatic β-cell function, remained reduced in the diabetes group when compared to the non-diabetes group. Elevation of GV markers and reduced disposition index following SG-induced weight loss in the diabetes group underscores persistent β-cell dysfunction and the potential residual risk of diabetes complications.

Evaluation of the Association between Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms of Metabolizing Enzymes with the Serum Concentration of Paracetamol and Its Metabolites.

Intravenous paracetamol is a commonly administered analgesic and antipyretic in inpatient settings. Paracetamol is metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes followed by conjugating enzymes to mainly glucuronide but to a lesser extent, sulphate metabolites, and oxidative metabolites. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the CYP enzymes result in modified enzymatic activity. The present study was carried out to evaluate the prevalence of SNPs related to paracetamol metabolism and principal metabolites in critically ill patients, and those with chronic kidney disease. The present study is a cross-sectional study carried out in adults (&gt;21 years) requiring intravenous paracetamol as part of their standard of care. Details regarding their demographics, and renal and liver function tests were collected. Blood was withdrawn for the analysis of paracetamol and their metabolites, and the SNPs of key CYP enzymes. Paracetamol/paracetamol glucuronide (P/PG), paracetamol/paracetamol sulphate (P/PS) and PG/PS were estimated. Acute liver injury (ALI) and renal dysfunction were defined using standard definitions. We observed a significant prevalence of SNPs in CYP1A2*1C, CYP3A4*3, CYP1A2*1K, CYP1A2*6, CYP2D6*10, and CYP2E1*2 amongst the 150 study participants. Those with CYP1A2*6 (CC genotype) were observed with significantly lower PG and PS concentrations, and a higher P/PS ratio; CYP2D6*10 (1/1 genotype) with a significantly lower PG concentration and a higher P/PG ratio; and CYP1A2*1K (CC genotype) was observed with a significantly higher PG/PS ratio. Good predictive accuracies were observed for determining the SNPs with the cut-off concentration of 0.29 μM for PS in determining CYP1A2*1K, 0.39 μM for PG and 0.32 μM for PS in determining CYP1A2*6 genotype, and 0.29 μM for PG in determining the CYP2D6*10 genotype. Patients with renal dysfunction were observed with significantly greater concentrations of paracetamol, PG and P/PS, and PG/PS ratios, with a lower concentration of PS. No significant differences were observed in any of the metabolites or metabolite ratios in patients with ALI. We have elucidated the prevalence of key CYP enzymes involved in acetaminophen metabolism in our population. Alterations in the metabolite concentrations and metabolic ratios were observed with SNPs, and in patients with renal dysfunction. Population toxicokinetic studies elucidating the dose-response relationship are essential to understand the optimized dose in this sub-population.

Square wave voltammetric study of interaction between 9-acridinyl amino acid derivatives and DNA

Electrochemical oxidation of newly synthesized acridine derivatives (ADs): PG, PA, EG and EA was studied using square wave voltammetry at a glassy carbon electrode. Oxidation occurs as an irreversible process for all ADs. The ADs interaction with DNA was investigated using multi-layer DNA electrochemical biosensor. The shift of dA peak in positive direction indicated that the type of interaction is most likely an intercalation. PG showed the widest range of concentration capable to interact with DNA (1 × 10−7 M − 2.5 × 10−4 M). Analysing logIcomplexIDNA-IcomplexvslogcAD plots, the binding constants were determined. For the lowest PG concentrations, obtained K value close to 106 M−1 refers to strong binding. The values of K for PA may be classified as medium strength, while EG and EA showed low K values. Our results unequivocally showed that the characteristics of association complexes may vary depending on the concentration of the interacting substance. The negative ΔG value for all ADs, (- 21 to - 34 kJ mol−1), confirms the process spontaneity. The best result, indicating the most stable formed complex with DNA adsorbed at the electrode surface, showed PG when present in low concentration, order of 10−7 M. The intercalation of ADs into DNA was supported by molecular docking analysis.

The Effect of Alternating High-Sucrose and Sucrose Free-Diets, and Intermittent One-Day Fasting on the Estrous Cycle and Sex Hormones in Female Rats.

Relationships between diet, sex hormone concentrations, and the estrous cycle are important from the perspective of infertility and estrogen-dependent disease prevention and treatment. Four dietary interventions reflecting modern eating behaviors were explored. The study involved 50 female rats divided into five feeding groups. The impact of the amount of sucrose consumed (9% and 18% of the dietary energy content), alternating high-sucrose and sucrose-free diets, and a high-sucrose diet combined with intermittent one-day fasting on the estrous cycle and sex hormone concentrations in female rats was assessed. Even low amounts of dietary sucrose (9% of the dietary energy content) were found to lead to increased estradiol (E2) concentrations and decreased progesterone (Pg) concentrations. A high-sucrose diet, even when periodically applied, additionally led to a reduced concentration of luteinizing hormone (LH). The largest changes in the hormones tested were observed with one-day fasting coupled with the high-sucrose diet; in addition, the estrous phase was shortened and the estrous cycle was disrupted. The results of this study show that both the amount of dietary sucrose and also its uptake pattern affect the estrous cycle and sex hormone concentrations in female rats.

Morphological, Histological, and Physiological Responses of Female Orange Mud Crab, Scylla olivacea (Herbst, 1796), Fed with Different Dietary Lipid Levels

The main focus of the study was to assess the effect of lipid levels on the reproduction of the female orange mud crab, Scylla olivacea. Four isonitrogenous feed (~420 g/kg) were formulated with different lipid percentages: T 1 = 60 g / kg , T 2 = 80 g / kg , T 3 = 100 g / kg , and T 4 = 120 g / kg . A feeding trial was carried out on 120 matured female mud crabs for 90 days with 30 replicates in each treatment. Based on the morphological, histological, and hormonal analysis of each crab, the performances of each experimental diet were tested. The results of the experiment disclosed positive body weight gain (BWG) and specific growth rate (SGR), with the highest value recorded in crabs that were fed T4 (BWG: 14.43 ± 1.14 g ; SGR: 0.10 ± 0.01 % da y − 1 ). The highest gonado-somatic index (GSI) and hepato-somatic index (HSI) were noted in mud crabs that were fed T4, each with a value of 14.51 ± 1.13 % and 5.23 ± 0.55 % , respectively ( P &lt; 0.05 ). The histological assessment revealed that the highest oocyte diameter was recorded in mud crabs fed T4 ( 192.80 ± 21.93 μm), where the oocyte diameter was correlated with the progesterone (Pg) concentrations in the ovary with r = 0.73 . Evidence also indicated that Pg and estradiol (E2) are important in the ovarian development in S. olivacea and their concentrations were affected by the lipid levels. An overall analysis revealed that 120 g/kg of lipid in the diet contributes to optimal reproductive performance in Scylla olivacea. Yet, a further experiment is expected to be carried out in the future to determine the nutrient-dose response as 120 g/kg lipid may not be the optimum lipid level for reproductive and growth performance in S. olivacea. Moreover, the extrapolation of data from this study can be used as guidelines in feed formulation for developments in future research in adult crustaceans.

Potential use of Indonesian basil (Ocimum basilicum) maceration to increase estradiol and progesterone synthesis and secretion to improve prenatal growth of offspring using female albino rats as an animal model.

Background and Aim:Basil is well known as a medicinal plant that contains high essential oils and antioxidant compounds that have the potential to improve ovarian development. Thus, basil may have the potential to improve the growth and development of the uterus and placenta for optimal prenatal growth of offspring. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Indonesian basil maceration on gonad development of mature female albino rats.Materials and Methods:Fifteen 8-week-old female Sprague-Dawley rats, at the diestrus stage of the estrus cycle, were divided into three different treatment groups: Control group (mineral water), bas-low group (1% of basil maceration), and bas-high group (5% of basil maceration). Basil maceration was dissolved and administered in mineral drinking water, and the treatments were given for 20 days (4 estrus cycles). At the end of the treatment period, serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol, and progesterone (Pg) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The relative weight of the ovary and uterus; diameter and length of uterine cornual; vascularization of uterus; the diameter of uterine glands; the number of primary, secondary, and tertiary de Graaf follicles; the number of corpora luteum; as well as the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the ovary were determined.Results:There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the serum FSH level of rats treated with basil maceration drinking water doses of 1% and 5% compared to the control group. However, serum estradiol and Pg concentrations in the 1% and 5% basil maceration groups were significantly higher (p<0.05) than those of the control group. Furthermore, 1% and 5% basil maceration significantly increased the uterus’s relative weight, diameter, and vascularization. Serum estradiol concentrations contributed to the elevated expression of VEGF compared to Pg.Conclusion:Administration of basil maceration for 20 days before mating could improve follicle growth and development, eventually increasing estradiol synthesis and secretion, thus improving the uterus’s preparation for implantation. This makes basil maceration an attractive candidate in clinical research to enhance the growth and development of the uterus and placenta, which will better support the optimum prenatal growth and development of embryos and fetuses, resulting in superior offspring.

In Vitro Biological Evaluation of a Fabricated Polycaprolactone/Pomegranate Electrospun Scaffold for Bone Regeneration.

Different scaffold biomaterials are being investigated as a solution for bone loss due to disease or trauma. The aim of this study is the fabrication, characterization, and in vitro biological evaluation of a novel polycaprolactone (PCL) nanoscaffold incorporating pomegranate peel extract (PG) for bone regeneration. Using electrospinning, three groups of scaffolds were prepared: the control group PCL and two groups of PCL with PG concentrations (11 and 18 weight %). The antioxidant activity and the total phenolic content (TPC) of the fabricated nanoscaffolds were evaluated, in addition to the porosity and degradation measurement. Cultured osteoblasts derived from rabbit bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were used for the assessment of cell proliferation and attachment on the scaffold’s surface. Scaffolds’ characterization showed uniform nanofibers (NFs) with a fiber diameter range of 149–168 nm. Meanwhile, higher antioxidant activity and TPC of the PG groups were detected. Furthermore, total porosities of 59 and 62% were determined for the PCL–PG scaffolds. An increased degradation rate and significant improvement in cell proliferation and cell attachment were revealed for the PCL–PG fabricated scaffolds. Such incorporation of natural food waste, PG, in PCL NFs offered novel PCL–PG scaffolds as a promising candidate for bone regeneration applications.

Abstract 1358: Model-based evaluation of pegfilgrastim effects on chemotherapy-induced neutropenia in infants with CNS tumors

Abstract Pegfilgrastim (PG), a pegylated recombinant form of human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), is used to shorten the duration of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia. Previous studies have characterized the neutrophil response to PG exposure in adults, but little information is available for the infant population (&amp;lt;1-year-old). This study aims to develop a pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) model to characterize PG PK, the chemotherapy-induced neutropenia, and the neutrophil response to PG in infants and young children with brain tumors. PG concentration-time data and absolute neutrophil counts (ANC) were obtained from 21 children including 13 infants (median [range] age 0.96 [0.4-2.9] years) with newly diagnosed atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors, enrolled in a phase 2 study (NCT02114229). Patients received multiple cycles of age- and risk-adapted chemotherapy. A single dose of 100 µg/kg PG was given SC 24-48h after the last doses of chemotherapy of each cycle, i.e., cisplatin 75 mg/m2 and high-dose cyclophosphamide (CTX) 1.5 g/m2. A total of 37 PG PK studies were performed for up to 12 days post-dose, and serum PG concentrations were analyzed using a validated ELISA test, with a limit of quantification of 39 pg/mL. The ANC was monitored routinely throughout the cycles. Population PK/PD modeling was performed using Monolix 2019R2. The model included four components: PG PK, neutrophil dynamics, CTX PK, and endogenous G-CSF dynamics. PG data were adequately described with a one-compartment model with linear delayed absorption, and dual linear ANC-dependent and saturable non-specific elimination processes. CTX-induced neutropenia was well captured with a classic myelosuppression model, in which PG and endogenous G-CSF stimulated the neutrophil proliferation and maturation. PG concentrations were inversely correlated with ANC. Median (range) PG AUC0-∞ was 39,917 (7,233-66,410) h·ng/mL, with no significant differences between infants and older children. The ANC profiles exhibited pre-nadir peaks higher than post-nadir peaks, which was captured by the model with the addition of transit compartments to include a delay in the chemotherapy effect. The ANC nadir was reached 7.0±1.1 days post-CTX dose and was below 10 cells/mm3 for 88% of patients. The ANC recovered above 500 cells/mm3 13.4±4.0 days post-CTX dose. PG effects were described using concentration-dependent slopes (mean 0.089 and 0.044 per ng/mL for stimulation of neutrophil proliferation and maturation, respectively). No association was found between patient age and PG effects. Further investigations will be performed to explore the effects of patient covariates, ANC baseline before treatment, and timing of PG administration. As such, the model may be a useful tool for optimization of chemotherapy and PG treatment to minimize the risk of severe neutropenia occurring in infants and young children. Citation Format: Olivia Campagne, Abigail Davis, Santhosh A. Upadhyaya, Clinton F. Stewart. Model-based evaluation of pegfilgrastim effects on chemotherapy-induced neutropenia in infants with CNS tumors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 1358.

Prostaglandin and prostamide concentrations in amniotic fluid of women with spontaneous labor at term with and without clinical chorioamnionitis

ObjectiveProstaglandins (PGs) are considered universal mediators for the process of physiological parturition. This is based on observations that amniotic fluid concentrations of PGs are elevated prior to and during the onset of labor (mostly utilizing immunoassays). Distinguishing PGs from similarly structured molecules (i.e. prostamides; PG-EA) is difficult given the cross-reactivity of available antibodies and the chemical similarity between these compounds. Herein, this limitation was overcome by utilizing mass spectrometry to determine PG and PG-EA concentrations in amniotic fluid of women with spontaneous labor at term and in those with clinical chorioamnionitis (CHAM), the most common infection-related diagnosis made in labor and delivery units worldwide. Study DesignLiquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC MS/MS) was used to determine the PG and PG-EA content in amniotic fluid samples of women with spontaneous labor at term with (n = 14) or without (n = 28) CHAM. Controls included women who delivered at term without labor (n = 10). ResultsPGE2, PGF2α, and 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGF2α (PGFM) were higher in amniotic fluid of women with spontaneous labor at term than in those without labor. PGE2, PGF2α, and PGFM were also higher in amniotic fluid of women with CHAM than in those without labor. However, PGE2-EA and PGF2α-EA were lower in amniotic fluid of women with CHAM than in those without CHAM. The ratios of PGE2 to PGE2-EA and PGF2α to PGF2α-EA were higher in amniotic fluid of women with spontaneous labor at term with or without CHAM than in those without labor; yet, the ratio of PGF2α to PGF2α-EA was greater in women with CHAM than in those without this clinical condition. ConclusionsSpontaneous labor at term with or without CHAM is characterized by elevated amniotic fluid concentrations of prostaglandins (PGE2, PGF2α, and PGFM) but not prostamides. Quantification of these products by LC MS/MSlc==may potentially be of utility in identifying their physiological functions relevant to parturition. SummaryProstaglandins (PGs) are critical for the onset and progression of labor. Structural similarities of PGs and prostamides (PG-EA) prevents their specific identification by immunoassay. We utilized LC MS/MS to determine PG and PG-EA content in amniotic fluid (AF) of women with spontaneous labor at term with or without CHAM and women who delivered at term without labor. Higher aamniotic ffluid PG levels were observed in women with spontaneous labor with and without CHAM compared to women delivering without labor. PG-EA levels in amniotic fluid of women with spontaneous labor and CHAM were lower than in women with spontaneous labor without CHAM but not those without labor. Ratios of PGs to PG-EAs were higher in AF of women with labor and CHAM compared to those without labor. Delineation of these products by LC MS/MS may potentially be of utility in identifying their physiological functions relevant to parturition

SEMICONDUCTOR GAS SENSORS FOR DETECTION OF CHEMICAL WARFARE AGENTS AND TOXIC INDUSTRIAL CHEMICALS

The sensors for detection of toxic and chemical warfare agents (CWA) should be sensitive to low concentrations of gases – considerably lower than ones immediately dangerous to life or health concentrations. The paper shortly discusses classical CWAs and toxic industrial sensors; makes a comparison between nuclear weapons and chemical agents and a toxicity comparison between real gases and simulants. Moreover, the paper analyzes the simulants for testing the sensor devices and semiconductor gas sensor' technique; shows sensitivity change with dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP) gas concentration for sensor made of SnO 2 . The MoO 3 , NiO, Al 2 O 3 , In 2 O 3 , Pt, ZnO and ZrO 2 additives are reported to exhibit enhanced sensitivity to dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP), and Al2O3, In2O3, ZrO 2 and ZnO additives – to exhibit enhanced sensitivity to dipropyleneglycol methylethylene (DPGME). SnO2 devices with ZrO 2 and ZnO additives exhibit high sensitivity to acetonitrile. The sensors made from Co-doped SnO 2 films demonstrate sensitivity to CWAs such as sarin and yperite. We performed the measurements at the operating temperature of 210 ºC, and found that the sensor exposed comparatively greater concentration of target gas (200 ppm sarin and 100 ppm yperite) and the SnO 2 &lt;Co&gt; sensor was sensitive to yperite starting from 25 ppm. Furthermore, the sensitivities to 50 ppm and 12.5 ppm sarin were found. The paper presents the results of our studies on tin oxide/ multiwall carbon nanotube film nanocomposite sensors of PG, dimethylformamide (DMF) and formaldehyde (FA) using hydrothermal synthesis and sol-gel methods. The investigations of response/recovery characteristics in the 50–300 o C operating temperature range reveal that the optimal operating temperature for the PG, DMF and FA vapor sensors, taking into account both high response and acceptable response and recovery times, was 200–220 ºC. A sensor response dependence on gas concentration in all cases was linear. We measured the minimal PG, DMF and FA gas concentrations at which the perceptible signal was registered.

Studying allergic inflammation and spirometry over menstrual cycles in well-controlled asthmatic women: Changes in progesterone and estradiol affect neither FENO levels nor lung function

It has been reported that female sex hormones influence on allergic inflammation and ventilation parameters in asthma but conclusions drawn by different researchers are divergent. The aim of our study was to assess the impact of progesterone (Pg) and estradiol (E) on the dynamics of allergic inflammation and spirometry test results in regularly menstruating women with stable allergic asthma. 13 women (28 days menstrual cycle), aged 18–45, taking no hormonal contraceptives, with mild and moderate asthma, without reported exacerbations at the near-ovulation and/or menstruation time, were monitored during two consecutive menstrual cycles. They had 4 visits per cycle (the first day of menstruation was assumed to be day 1 of the cycle; visits were carried out on days: 3–4, 10–11, 13–14 and 23–24). At each visit asthma symptoms, asthma control test (ACT) results, asthma treatment, fractioned nitric oxide (FENO) levels, spirometry test results, Pg and E, levels were analyzed. As a result of the study, no essential variability in FENO values and ventilation parameters' values in the course of menstruation cycle were observed. Negative correlation between FENO values and Pg concentrations was demonstrated (r = 0.27), but no correlation between FENO values and E levels was shown. No relationship between the ACT values and ventilation parameters and the levels of the sex hormones under investigation was detected. We conclude that changing levels of estradiol and progesterone (regardless of the negative correlation of progesterone and FENO values) affect neither the dynamics of allergic inflammation nor pulmonary function in women with stable allergic mild/moderate asthma.

Accuracy of a Flash Glucose Monitoring System in Diabetic Dogs.

BackgroundA novel flash glucose monitoring system (FGMS) (FreeStyle Libre, Abbott, UK) was recently developed for humans. It continuously measures the interstitial glucose (IG) concentrations for 14 days.ObjectivesTo assess the clinical and analytical accuracy of the FGMS in diabetic dogs.AnimalsTen client‐owned diabetic dogs on insulin treatment.MethodsProspective and observational study. The FGMS was placed on the neck for up to 14 days. During the 1st–2nd, 6–7th, and 13–14th days from application, the IG measurements were compared with the plasma (EDTA) glucose (PG) concentrations analyzed by a reference hexokinase based method.ResultsThe application and the use of the FGMS were apparently painless, easy, and well tolerated by all dogs. Mild erythema at the site of the application was found in 5/10 dogs at the end of the wearing period. A good correlation between IG and PG concentrations (rho = 0.94; P < .001) was found. The FGMS was 93, 99, and 99% accurate at low, normal, and high blood glucose concentrations. Mean ± standard deviation difference from the reference method was 2.3 ± 46.8 mg/dL.Conclusion and clinical importanceThe FGMS is easy to use and is accurate for IG glucose measurement in diabetic dogs.

Dietary copper requirement of fingerlingChanna punctatus(Bloch) based on growth, feed conversion, blood parameters and whole body copper concentration

A 12-week feeding trial was conducted to estimate the dietary copper requirement of fingerling Channa punctatus. Six casein−gelatin-based test diets (450 g kg−1 crude protein; 18.81 kJ g−1 gross energy) with graded levels of copper as copper sulphate (3.7, 4.7, 5.7, 6.7, 7.7 and 8.7 mg copper equivalent kg−1 diet) were formulated and fed to triplicate groups of fish (7.25 ± 0.81 cm; 5.21 ± 0.27 g) near to satiation. Fish fed diet with 6.7 mg kg−1 copper had highest absolute weight gain (AWG; 51.63 g fish−1), protein efficiency ratio (PER; 1.42 g fish−1), protein gain (PG; 8.34 g fish−1), haemoglobin (Hb; 9.68 g dL−1), haematocrit (Hct; 31.18%) and RBCs (3.24 × 106 × mm−3). Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was found to be best (1.57) at above level of dietary copper. Whole body copper concentration was found to increase with the increasing levels of dietary copper. Hepatic thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances concentration was found to decrease with increasing dietary concentrations of copper up to 6.7 mg kg−1 beyond which a reverse trend in this parameter was noted. Broken-line regression analysis of AWG, FCR and PG concentrations against varying levels of dietary copper yielded the requirement in the range of 6.66–6.78 mg kg−1. Data generated during this study would be useful in formulating copper-balanced commercial feeds for the intensive culture of this fish.

Assessment of ADMA, estradiol, and progesterone in severe preeclampsia

ABSTRACTBackground: Decreased nitrous oxide (NO) levels are crucial factors in severe preeclampsia (sPE), and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is an endogenous inhibitor of NO synthetase. Steroid hormones are closely related to the vascular endothelium. This study determined the levels of and correlations between ADMA, estradiol (E2), and progesterone (Pg) in sPE to investigate the roles of these factors in this disease. Methods: Sixty-two sPE patients (sPE group) were divided into the sPE1 subgroup (28+1–32+0 weeks of pregnancy), the sPE2 subgroup (32+1–36+0 weeks), and the sPE3 subgroup (36+1–40+0 weeks) and 75 normal pregnant women (NC group) were divided into the NC1 subgroup (28+1–32+0 weeks of gestation), the NC2 subgroup (32+1–36+0 weeks), and the NC3 subgroup (36+1–40+0 weeks). Serum and placental ADMA levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and serum E2 and Pg concentrations were determined by the chemilumineseent immunoassay (CLIA). Results: ADMA concentrations in both the placenta and the maternal serum were significantly higher in the sPE group (p < 0.05). Higher ADMA contents were observed in the placenta relative to the maternal serum (p < 0.05). Serum E2 levels were significantly lower in the sPE group (p < 0.05). For Pg, the only significant difference was observed between the sPE1 and NC1 subgroups (p < 0.05). The Pg/E2 ratios in the sPE groups were significantly higher, with a significant high positive correlation between Pg/E2 ratios and serum ADMA levels. Conclusion: Increased serum levels of ADMA in sPE may result from increased secretion from the placenta, and the increased Pg/E2 ratio may play a role in the development of sPE by aggravating ADMA.

Metabolic markers associated with insulin resistance predict type 2 diabetes in Koreans with normal blood pressure or prehypertension.

BackgroundQuestions remain as to the association between essential hypertension and increased incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). The premise of this analysis is that insulin resistance/compensatory hyperinsulinemia is a major predictor of T2DM, and the greater the prevalence of insulin resistance within any population, normotensive or hypertensive, the more likely T2DM will develop. The hypothesis to be tested is that surrogate estimates of insulin resistance will predict incident T2DM to a significant degree in persons with normal blood pressure or prehypertension.MethodsAnalysis of data from a population-based survey of 10, 038 inhabitants of rural and urban areas of Korea, ≥40 years-old, initiated in 2001, with measures of demographic and metabolic characteristics at baseline and 8-years later. Participants were classified as having normal blood pressure or prehypertension, and three simple manifestations of insulin resistance related to the pathophysiology of T2DM used to predict incident T2DM: (1) glycemia (plasma glucose concentration 2-hour after 75 g oral glucose challenge = 2-hour PG); (2) hyperinsulinemia (plasma insulin concentration 2-hour after 75 g oral glucose challenge = 2-hour PI); and (3) dyslipidemia (ratio of fasting plasma triglyceride/high/density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration = TG/HDL-C ratio).ResultsFully adjusted hazard ratios (HR, 95 % CI) for incident T2DM were highest (P < 0.001) in the quartile of individuals with the highest 2-hour PG concentrations, ranging from 5.84 (3.37–10.1) in women with prehypertension to 12.2 (7.12–21.00) in men with normal blood pressure. T2DM also developed to a significantly greater degree in subjects within the highest quartile of TG/HDL-C ratios, with HRs varying from 2.91 (1.63–2.58) in women with prehypertension (P < 0.001) to 1.77 (1.12–2.81, P < 0.05) in men with prehypertension. The least predictive index of insulin resistance was the 2-hour PI concentration. Subjects with normal blood pressure in the highest quartile of 2-hour PI concentrations were significantly associated with incident T2DM, with HRs of 1.5 (1.02–2.20, P = 0.25) and 2.02 (1.35–3.02, P < 0.001), in men and women, respectively. Finally, incidence of T2DM in the highest quartile was somewhat greater in patients with prehypertension, irrespective of predictor.ConclusionsMetabolic variables associated with insulin resistance (glycemia, insulinemia, and dyslipidemia) predict the development of T2DM in patients with either normal blood pressure or prehypertension.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12933-016-0368-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Oceanic Sink and Biogeochemical Controls on the Accumulation of Polychlorinated Dibenzo-p-dioxins, Dibenzofurans, and Biphenyls in Plankton.

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans (PCDD/Fs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs) were measured in plankton samples from the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans collected during the Malaspina circumnavigation cruise. The concentrations of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs in plankton averaged 14 and 240 pg gdw(-1), respectively, but concentrations were highly variable. The global distribution of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs was not driven by proximity to continents but significantly correlated with plankton biomass, with higher plankton phase PCDD/F and dl-PCB concentrations at lower biomass. These trends are consistent with the interactions between atmospheric deposition, biomass dilution, and settling fluxes of organic matter in the water column (biological pump), as key processes driving POPs plankton phase concentrations in the global oceans. The application of a model of the air-water-plankton diffusive exchange reproduces in part the influence of biomass on plankton phase concentrations and suggests future modeling priorities. The estimated oceanic sink (Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans) due to settling fluxes of organic matter bound PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs is of 400 and 10,500 kg y(-1), respectively. The atmospheric inputs due to gross diffusive absorption and dry deposition are nearly 3 and 10 times larger for PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs, respectively, than the oceanic sink. These observations suggest that the coupling of atmospheric deposition with water column cycling supports and drives the accumulation of dl-PCBs and PCDD/Fs in plankton from the global oligotrophic oceans.

PWE-111 Higher Red Blood Cell Methotrexate Polyglutamates Correlate With Increased Disease Activity, And Are Useful In Assessing Adherence

IntroductionMethotrexate (MTX) is commonly used in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Within red blood cells (RBC), MTX is activated by sequential addition of glutamic acid residues to form polyglutamates...

Sa1256 Combined Immunosuprpession, Corticoids and Menopause Have Significant Influcence on Bone Mineral Density in IBD Patients. A Prospective Study

a mean of 43% of total MTXPG. A linear relationship between dose of MTX and PG1-5 was observed. 12/21(57%) patients were assessed as having active disease. No significant difference in mean MTXPGn concentration was observed between those with active disease and clinical remission. For each MTXPGn, a non-significant trend towards a higher measured concentration was observed in patients with active disease, (table 2). Conclusions: In this study, the largest to date in IBD, measuring RBC MTXPG was useful in assessing adherence to MTX. A trend towards higher PG concentrations was associated with active disease confirming the findings in the only other study in IBD. Whether this is confounded by higher doses being used in patients with more active disease warrants further study in larger, prospective trials.

Sa1255 Higher Red Blood Cell Methotrexate Polyglutamates Correlate With Increased Disease Activity, and Are Useful in Assessing Adherence

Introduction Methotrexate (MTX) is commonly used in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Within red blood cells (RBC), MTX is activated by sequential addition of glutamic acid residues to form polyglutamates (MTXPG 1–5 ). In rheumatoid arthritis, low [MTXPG] has been associated with active disease, whereas other studies have demonstrated an inverse relationship, including the only published data in IBD. The aim of this study was to determine if RBC [MTXPG] reflect clinical response in IBD patients and whether they are useful in assessing adherence. Methods This was a single-centre, retrospective pilot study of 21 IBD patients treated with weekly MTX. RBC MTXPG 1–5 was measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. Clinical status (active disease or remission) was assessed by 2 IBD physicians blinded to [MTXPG], using a combination of prospectively recorded clinical activity indices (Simple Colitis Activity Index, Harvey Bradshaw Index), endoscopy, faecal calprotectin and C reactive protein (CRP). Pearson correlation coefficient, r was calculated to assess the relationship between MTX dose and [MTXPG]. Association between [MTXPG] and clinical response was analysed with unpaired t-test. Results 4/21(22%) patients (3 of whom admitted non-adherence) had undetectable MTXPGs and were excluded from further analysis. MTXPG 2–4 were detected in all adherent patients. PG 3 was the predominant polyglutamate accounting for a mean of 43% of total MTXPG. A linear relationship between dose of MTX and PG 1–5 was observed. 12/21(57%) patients were assessed as having active disease. No significant difference in mean [MTXPG n ] was observed between those with active disease and remission. For each MTXPG n , a non-significant trend towards a higher concentration was observed in patients with active disease. Conclusion In this study, the largest to date in IBD, measuring RBC MTXPG was useful in assessing adherence to MTX. A trend towards higher PG concentrations was associated with active disease confirming the findings in the only other study in IBD. Whether this is confounded by higher doses being used in patients with more active disease warrants further study in larger, prospective trials. Reference Disclosure of Interest None Declared.